fewpron pl/ SfyV /E[has homonyms: feu, phew] notmany persons or things.Few of the claims in theadvertisement are true.

fiddleheadn/ SfidFlThed /L? > E + Eone of the young unfurling frondsof certain ferns that are often eatenas greens.Justin refused to try a fiddleheaduntil he saw how much his sisterloved them.

fiercestadj/ Sfi(E)rsDst /L > F > Emarked by the most furiousunrestrained zeal or vehemence.The newspaper editor became themayor’s fiercest critic.

fiestan/ fGSestE /L > Spfestival.The fiesta was held under the stars.

fifthadj/ Sfif(t)th /Ebeing number five in a countableseries.Middle school starts with the fifthgrade in many school systems.

filmscriptn/ SfilmTskript /E + La written text for a motion picture.The actor read every word of thefilmscript before signing a contractto play the leading role.

finaladj/ SfInFl /Lnot to be altered or undone.After making what she thought washer final decision about buying acar, Sheila was bombarded withnew information.

firingadj/ SfI(E)rN /Eof or relating to the operation oroperating parts of a firearm.The firing mechanism on Tsuki’sgun kept jamming.

firmadj/ SfErm /L > F > Esecurely or solidly fixed in place.The gate and its pillars were firm,but at one side the fence had fallenwhen a tree fell on it.

fishgign/ SfishTgig /E[Note: Could be confused withfizgig.] a fish spear having two ormore barbed prongs.Corinne found a rusty fishgig onthe beach.

fishyadj/ SfishG /Eof or relating to a fish.A fishy odor emanated from the bagin the trunk.

fixationn/ fikSsCshEn /L > Ethe conversion of free nitrogen intocombined forms useful as such oras starting materials for fertilizers,explosives, and a variety ofchemicals.Fixation of nitrogen dioxide canoccur in an electric arc fromnitrogen and oxygen in the air.

flaccidadj/ SflaksDd /Lyielding to pressure for want offirmness and stiffness : flabby.Joe looked at his flaccid muscles inthe mirror and vowed to join ahealth club.

flaccidityn/ flakSsidEZG /Lthe quality or state of yielding topressure for want of firmness andstiffness.As George entered his forties, hefound that he had to exerciseregularly to combat muscularflaccidity.

flashbackn/ SflashTbak /E + Ean instance of a literary ortheatrical technique used especiallyin motion pictures and televisionthat involves interruption of thechronological sequence of eventsby interjection of events or scenesof earlier occurrence.The movie used a flashback to showthe early family life of the maincharacter.

flintyadj/ SflintG /Eharsh and unyielding : rigorous andstern.The senator’s flinty character stoodhim in good stead on the financecommittee.

flockn/ SflBk /Ea company of domestic mammals(as sheep or goats) herded together.The Christmas card portrayed ashepherd watching over a flock ofsheep.

floen/ SflP /ON > Norw[has homonym: flow] floating iceformed in a large sheet on thesurface of the sea or other body ofwater.Jagged sections of floe around thetanker suddenly joined, trappingthe vessel in a sea of solid ice.

floodlightn/ SflEdTlIt /E + Eartificial illumination in a broadbeam; also : a source of suchillumination.As the cast came out for a curtaincall, a floodlight brightened thestage.

floran/ SflPrE /Lplant life : plants.The flora of South Carolinaincludes the palmetto, which is asignificant feature of the state’sflag.

flunkv/ SflENk /(D or Norw&Danish + F)?fail.Evan fears that he will flunk hisfinal exam in chemistry.

fluoriden/ SflU(E)TrId /L > ISV + G&F > ISVcfa binary compound of fluorineusually with a more electropositiveelement or radical.Free molecules of fluoride can beformed by electrolysis of anaqueous fluoride solution.

flypapern/ SflITpCpEr /E + Gk > L > F > Epaper coated with a stickysubstance for killing flies.David put the flypaper just outsidethe screen door, hoping to catchinsects before they got into thehouse.

follyn/ SfBlG /F > Ea thoughtless act or irrational idea.His scheme was the despairingfolly of a powerful man who cannotbear to grow old.

footcandlesn pl/ SfUtTkandFlz /E + L > Eunits of illuminance each equal tothe illuminance on a surface that iseverywhere 1 foot from a uniformpoint source of light of one candleand equal to 1 lumen per squarefoot.An office or classroom usuallyrequires about 70 footcandles; bycomparison, direct sunlight at noonis about 1,000 footcandles.

footworkn/ SfUtTwErk /E + Ethe management of the feet and thework done with them, as in dancingor sports.The star of the soccer team takes aballet lesson every week to improvehis footwork.

forelegsn pl/ SfOrTlegz /Eany of the front legs of an insect.In worker bees the hairs of theforelegs are used to brush pollenfrom flowers.

forestryn/ SfOrDstrG /L > F > Ea science of developing, caring for,or cultivating tracts of wooded land: the management of growingtimber.The pulp and paper mill wishes tohire an individual with a master’sdegree in forestry.

forsakenadj/ fE(r)SsCkEn /Eleft desolate or empty.The forsaken town hadtumbleweeds growing on MainStreet and the dust was inches deepin the buildings.

fortnightn/ SfPrtTnIt /Ethe space of 14 days : two weeks.Lewis had hoped to stay at thelodge for a fortnight, but he had toreturn early.

fortyadj/ SfOrZG /Ebeing one more than 39 in number.Mrs. Langdon spent the morning intears the day she turned forty yearsold.

fourscoreadj/ SfP(E)rTskP(E)r /Ebeing 80 in number.Granny declared that she wouldwear purple whenever she sodesired, now that she was fourscoreyears old.

fourteenadj/ fP(E)r(t)StGn /Ebeing one more than 13 in number.Many of the Scripps HowardNational Spelling Bee finalists arefourteen years old.

foxingn/ SfBksiN /Ediscoloration; especially : brownishspots in the paper of old books.Faded print and foxing made theold books in the attic very difficultto read.

freshadj/ Sfresh /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.]disposed to take liberties : saucy,impudent, rude.Mr. Broyles warned Walter not tobe so fresh.

fretv/ Sfret /Ebecome vexed, worried, impatient,or irritated.Many parents fret over the highcost of feeding their families.

friarn/ SfrI(E)r /L > F > E[has homonym: fryer] a member ofa mendicant order.The Mediterranean monk seal is sonamed because its dark brown coatresembles the brown robe of aFranciscan friar.

Fridayn/ SfrI(T)dC /Ethe day following Thursday.Teachers, as well as students, oftencount the days to Friday.

frogn/ SfrOg /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, speller might confusewith homonym frage.] a card gamedeveloped from tarok and popularespecially in Mexico.Pablo and Lucita played a coupleof hands of frog before lunch.

frondsn pl/ SfrBndz /L[has near homonym: frons] fernleaves.The goldfish seem to prefer stayingaway from the waving fronds in thepond.

frustratedadj/ SfrETstrCZDd /Lfilled with a deep chronic sense ofinsecurity, discouragement, anddissatisfaction.Many workers feel frustratedbecause they do not have theopportunity to use their talents intheir jobs.

fulsomelyadv/ SfUlsEmlG /Ecopiously, abundantly.Max was lunching in the cafeteria,devouring a fulsomely garnishedcheeseburger.

fumyadj/ SfyVmG /L > F > Eproducing or full of gaseousemissions that are usually odorousand sometimes noxious.Vera’s eyes started to water fromthe fumy ammonia she was using to

funerealadj/ fyVSnirGEl /Lbefitting or suggesting a funeral :oppressively solemn.Ben and Trish enjoyed their elegantmeal at the posh restaurant, but thepiped-in music was too funereal fortheir mood.

funkn/ SfEnk /L > Fa strong offensive smell.The sailors could barely breathbelow deck because of the funkfrom tobacco smoke.

fusiformadj/ SfyVzETfOrm /L + Lshaped like a spindle : taperingtoward each end.Fusiform rust, a common disease ofloblolly pine trees, causes rod-shaped cankers to develop on thebranches.

gadroonn/ gESdrVn /Fan ornament produced by notchingor carving a rounded molding.Lucy examined the intricategadroon on the entry door.

galaadj/ SgClE /F > Itbelonging to, deserving, or attendedby festivities.The king declared that there wouldbe parades through every city inthe land and a gala carnival ofthree days’ duration.

galopn/ SgalEp /F[has homonym: gallop] a livelydance in duple time performed withsliding steps from side to side andpopular in the 19th century.The galop was introduced intoEngland in 1829 at a ball given bythe king.

gangn/ SgaN /Ea group of persons working underthe same direction or at the sametask.The movie was about an escapefrom prison by a member of a chaingang.

gangstern/ SgaNztE(r) /Ea member of a gang of criminals.The actor won an award for hisportrayal of a Chicago gangster.

garbn/ SgBrb /It or Fstyle of apparel : costume.Mrs. Whatsit appeared in herfamiliar wild garb of shawls andscarves and the old tramp’s coatand hat.

garbologyn/ gBrSbBlEjG /Gmc > F + Gkthe study of modern culturethrough the analysis of what isthrown away as garbage or trash.The city’s landfill known as MountTrashmore will be a treasure troveto future generations of students ofgarbology.

gartern/ SgBrZEr /Celt > F > E[has homonym: guarder] a circularband of elastic with or without afastener worn to hold up a stockingor sock.The bride’s grandmother presentedher with the traditional luckygarter to wear on her wedding day.

gastroenterologyn/ Tga(T)strPTentErSBlEjG /Gkthe study of the stomach and theintestines especially in respect totheir diseases and pathology.It took no expert ingastroenterology to deduce thatJeffrey was suffering from foodpoisoning.

gaussn/ SgaUs /G namethe centimeter-gram-secondelectromagnetic unit of magneticinduction.While looking at the exhibits at thescience fair, Linda learned that thegauss is a unit of measurementassociated with magnetism.

gendern/ SjendE(r) /L > F > Eany of two or more subclasseswithin a grammatical class of alanguage that determine agreementwith and selection of other wordsor grammatical forms.In Latin each noun is consideredmasculine, feminine, or neuter, andevery adjective must change itsform to match the gender of thenoun that it modifies.

genen/ SjGn /Gk > G[has homonym: jean] one of theelements of the germ plasm servingas specific transmitters ofhereditary characters.Blue eyes are caused by a recessivegene.

generatev/ SjenETrCt /Lcause to be : bring into existence.Claude’s speech about patriotismwas actually intended to generatemoney for the Olympic teams.

gentleadj/ SjentFl /Lbenignly gracious or kind inmanner : not harsh or stern : mild.The psychiatrist maintained agentle and patient demeanor whileprobing for the source of theorphan’s paranoia.

gentryn/ SjentrG /L > F > Eupper or ruling class : aristocracy.During the worst days of theFrench Revolution, the gentry allfeared for their lives.

geoden/ SjGTPd /Gka nodule of stone having a cavitylined with crystals or mineralmatter.Jimmy bought a geode for a dollarin Cerillos, New Mexico.

geosynchronousadj/ TjGPSsiNkrEnEs /Gk + Gk + Gkof or relating to an artificialsatellite that travels from west toeast above the equator and at thesame angular velocity as that ofEarth so that the satellite seems toremain in the same place.Satellites that handle telephonecalls and television signals are ingeosynchronous orbits aboveEarth.

Geronimointerj/ jDSrBnETmP /Apache name—used as a battle cry byparatroopers typically at themoment of jumping.Alex’s “Geronimo” trailed off ashe fell toward the earth.

gestaltn/ gESs(h)tBlt /Ga structure of physical, biological,or psychological phenomena sointegrated as to constitute afunctional unit with properties notderivable from its parts insummation.Lieutenant Henry’s manyexperiences as a prisoner of warformed a gestalt from which he maynever recover.

giaourn/ SjaU(E)r /Per > Turkishone outside the Muslim faith :infidel.The coffee house posted a signwarning that no giaour would beadmitted.

gillsn pl/ Sgilz /Scand > Eorgans for obtaining oxygen fromwater.Some water insects breathe bymeans of gills.

gladsomeadj/ SgladTsEm /E + Ecfmade happy : filled with joy.The gladsome audience wildlyapplauded the pianist’sperformance.

glassilyadv/ SglasDlG /Ein a manner resembling orsuggestive of glass.The surface of the lake glassilyreflected the sky.

gleefuladj/ SglGfEl /Eexuberantly or exultantly joyful.The villain turned fiendishly gleefulwhen the hero fell into his trap.

glenn/ Sglen /ScotGael > Ea secluded narrow valley.The hikers pointed to a distant glenand agreed it was a perfect place toset up camp.

glidev/ SglId /Emove smoothly, continuously, andeffortlessly.Larry sharpened his skates to helpthem glide over the ice.

glistenedv/ SglisFnd /Eshined brightly usually byreflection with a sparklingradiance.The beaches glistened with smoothstones and sea foam.

glottologyn/ glBStBlEjG /Gkthe study of human speech in itsvarious aspects (as the structure ofa language including such factorsas phonetics, accent, syntax,semantics, grammar, and therelation between writing andspeech).Glottology is more frequentlyreferred to as “linguistics.”gluhwein

glumadj/ SglEm /Edismal, dreary, or gloomy.After receiving their report cards,more than a few students wenthome glum.

glyceroln/ SglisETrOl /Gk > F > ISVa sweet syrupy alcohol that is usedchiefly as a solvent and plasticizerand as a moistening agent,emollient, and lubricant.The high viscosity of glycerol isrelated to its molecules’ tendencyto become entangled as they slippast one another.

gnatsn pl/ Snats /Evarious small two-winged flies.Hundreds of gnats hovered over thebasket of peaches.

gnosisn/ SnPsDs /Gkthe act or process of cognition orknowing.The most difficult philosopher tofollow was the one who insistedthat human beings inventknowledge and that true gnosis isimpossible.

goodishadj/ SgUdish /Emoderately good.Pedro tasted the goodish whitewine and sighed for his nativeSpain.

googoln/ SgVTgOl /coined wordthe figure 1 followed by 100 zeroesequal to a number that is ten to the100th power.In January 1997, astronomers FredAdams and Gregory Laughlinpredicted that the universe wouldend in a number of years equal toapproximately one googol.

gordianadj/ SgO(r)dGEn /Phrygian nameintricate, complicated.No puzzle was too gordian forEvan.

gospeln/ SgBspEl /Ethe teachings of Jesus and theapostles as a body or system : theChristian faith, revelation, ordispensation.The New Testament describes howthe apostles traveled and preachedthe gospel.

gossipmongern/ SgBsDpTmBNgE(r) /E + Gk > L > Ea person who habitually relates indetail facts, rumors, or behind-the-scenes information of an intimate,personal, or sensational nature.Riley was eager to find out ifrumors about his company’sfinancial troubles were true butwas worried about looking like agossipmonger.

graftv/ Sgraft /E[has homonym: graphed] implantliving tissue so as to form anorganic union.The doctors will graft skin tominimize Luther’s burn scar.

grainn/ SgrCn /L > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a unit ofweight based on the weight of agrain of wheat taken as an averageof the weight of grains from themiddle of the ear and equal to0.0648 gram.Janine wondered what item couldbe so valuable that it was measuredwith a unit as small as a grain.

grapevinen/ SgrCpTvIn /Gmc > F > E + L > F > Ea sidewise waltz step in which onefoot keeps crossing first before andthen behind the other.The grapevine migrated intoballroom dancing from folkdancing.

gravimetricadj/ SgravETmetrik /L + Gkof, involving, or relating tomeasurement by weight.Sarai used gravimetric analysis tohelp identify the unknown chemicalin solution.

gridlockn/ SgridTlBk /E + Ea traffic jam in which anintersection is so completelycongested that no vehicularmovement is possible.Gridlock can present a real dangerto public safety by hinderingemergency vehicles.

grimadj/ Sgrim /Estern or forbidding in action orappearance.Grim security guards werestationed at each door of the bank.

grindingadj/ SgrIndiN /Eexcruciating, agonizing.Obadiah took pain-killers for thegrinding pain of his injury.

gringon/ SgriN(T)gP /L > Spa white foreigner in Spain or LatinAmerica especially when ofEnglish or American origin.Even though he is 100% Spanish,Diego is sometimes called a“gringo” because he has blondehair.

gristn/ Sgrist /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a largequantity : lot.Aunt Bea exclaimed that she hadnever seen “such a grist of washingfor three people.”grog

gruffadj/ SgrEf /Drough or stern in manner, speech,or aspect.Although the teacher had a gruffexterior, she was kind andunderstanding.

grumblingv/ SgrEmb(E)liN /D > Fexpressing dissatisfaction in a lowharsh voice and surly manner.The class started grumbling whenMrs. Griffin announced a pop quiz.

grumpyadj/ SgrEmpG /Emoodily cross : surly, ill-humored.The new cashier was trained inways to deal with grumpycustomers.

guiron/ S(g)wG(T)rP /Taino > Spa percussion instrument of LatinAmerican origin made of a serratedgourd and played by scraping astick along its surface.Mrs. Turner’s fourth grade classgave an all-percussion recital thatfeatured a solo on the guiro.

gustv/ SgEst /ON?blow or move in sudden bursts.Tonya feared the wind would gustso fiercely that it would uproot hernew sapling.

Hadeanadj/ ShCTdGEn /Gk name[has homonym: Haitian] of,relating to, or characteristic of hell.The Hadean temperatures caused arush to purchase fans and airconditioning units.

hafizn/ ShBfDz /Ar[Note: Could be confused withplural form hafis.] a Muslim whoknows the Koran by heart—used asa title of respect.Hafiz Mehmet can quote anappropriate verse from the Koranfor every occasion.

hairhoundn/ Sha(a)(E)rThaUnd /E[Note: Could be confused withhorehound.] a European aromaticmint that has a very bitter taste andis used as a tonic.Dr. Bebak prepared a mixture ofhairhound and camphor.

halalv/ hESlBl /Arslaughter for food according toMuslim law.To halal an animal, the slaughterermust be Muslim and must followspecific rituals.

halfpacen/ ShafTpCs /F&Ea raised floor or dais or a platformor footpace at the top of steps (asfor a throne or an altar).The flower girl approached thehalfpace and curtsied demurely.

haliden/ ShaTlId /Gk + ISVcfa binary compound of a halogenwith a more electropositive elementor radical.By combining with hydrogen, anatom of fluorine forms a hydrogenhalide.

halvev/ Shav /E[has homonym: have] divide intotwo equal parts.Uncle Jimmy used a huge butcherknife to halve the chilledwatermelon.

hamburgern/ ShamTbErgEr /G geog namea sandwich made of a cooked pattyof ground beef in a split round bun.The hamburger is supposed to havefirst been served in the UnitedStates at the St. Louis LouisianaPurchase Exposition in 1904.

handn/ Shand /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.]something resembling a group offingers in appearance, as a bunch of8 to 20 bananas attached togetheron their stem.Mrs. Loveless knew that she wouldnot be able to eat the entire hand ofbananas before she went on herbusiness trip.

handcuffsn pl/ ShandTkEfs /E + Emetal fastenings that can be lockedaround the wrists and are usuallyconnected by a chain or bar.The convicted felon was taken toprison in handcuffs.

handsn pl/ Shan(d)z /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] units ofmeasure, each equal to 4 inches andused especially for the height ofhorses.Any horses other than Arabiansthat are shorter than 14.2 handsare classified as ponies.

handspiken/ Shan(d)zTpIk /D > Ea wooden bar or pole used as alever (as in turning a windlass) oras a support (as for carryingtimber).Satish pushed the handspike withall his might until finally theratchet emitted a satisfying click.

hangnailn/ ShaNTnCl /E[Note: Could be confused withagnail.] a piece of skin from thenail fold hanging loose at the sideor root of a fingernail.Morgan used his hangnail as anexcuse for skipping gym class.

harmonizev/ ShBrmETnIz /Fplay or sing in a combination ofsimultaneous musical notes thatform a chord.The trio, widely renowned for theirability to harmonize, were asked tomake a recording of their songs.

harshadj/ ShBrsh /Scand > Estarkly unpleasant or rigorous :stern.The harsh facts of court delays inour cities lead to many iniquities.

hashn/ Shash /Gmc > Fchopped food; specifically : a dishusually consisting of leftover meatchopped into small pieces, mixedwith potatoes, and browned bybaking or frying.Red flannel hash is made red byadding beets to chopped cornedbeef.

hatfuln/ ShatTfUl /E + Ecfa considerable amount or number.Leslie turned down a hatful ofsuitors before she met Mr. Right.

headilyadv/ ShedFlG /Erashly, headlong.The wheelbarrow ran headily downthe ravine straight into the side ofJoe’s garden shed.

headyadj/ ShedG /Etending to make giddy or light-headed.Aunt Rosa’s heady perfume leftJonas reeling after her hug.

heartsickadj/ ShBrtTsik /E + Every despondent : depressed.Warren was heartsick at thethought of having to sell the familyfarm.

heavenlyadj/ ShevEnlG /Eof or relating to the dwelling placeof the Deity or the place or state ofthe blessed dead.Georgia doesn’t expect payment forher good deeds now—she’s waitingfor her heavenly rewards.

hematiten/ ShemETtIt /Gk > La mineral consisting of ferric oxideand constituting an important ironore that occurs in splendentmetallic-looking rhombohedralcrystals, in massive forms, and inred earthy forms—called also“specular iron.”Dad brought Jill a piece ofhematite from an ore deposit hevisited.

hematochromen/ ShemEZPTkrPm /Gkan orangish or reddish coloringmatter found in various algae (asred snow).Red snow seen in arctic and alpineregions indicates a presence ofalgae that contain hematochrome.

hematologyn/ ThGmEStBlEjG /Gk + Gka branch of biology that deals withthe blood and blood-formingorgans.The research in leukemia providedsynopses of several case studies inhematology.

hemimetabolousadj/ ThemGmDStabElEs /Gk > L + Ecfof or relating to those insectscharacterized by incompletemetamorphosis; especially variousinsects with aquatic larvae.Dragonflies are hemimetabolousinsects.

henryn/ ShenrG /Am namethe practical meter-kilogram-second unit of inductance.The henry is usually abbreviated hor hy and is named for theAmerican physicist Joseph Henry.

heptadn/ ShepTtad /Gka group of seven.A heptad of Charles’s closestfriends roasted him at hisretirement party.

herdn/ ShErd /E[has homonym: heard] a number ofone kind of animal kept togetherunder human care or control.The herd of beefalos grazing in thepasture will be sent to thestockyard next week.

hexapodn/ SheksETpBd /Gkinsect.Chelsea cannot understand why somany of her classmates think that aspider is a hexapod.

hiatusn/ hiSCZEs /Lgap : aperture.A hiatus between theory andpractice caused Abbie unendingfrustration in her job administeringsurveys.

hibernationn/ ThIbE(r)SnCshEn /Lthe act of being inactive ordormant, especially in winter.During brief periods of mild winterweather, some insects may comeout of hibernation.

highwaymann/ ShITwCmEn /E + E + E[Note: Plural form is pronouncedidentically.] a person who robstravelers on a public road.As he approached the stoppedstagecoach, the highwaymandemanded, “Your money or yourlife!”hillcrest

hindmostadj/ ShIn(d)TmPst /E + Efarthest in or toward the rear.Gary always sat in the hindmostpew in church.

hippologyn/ hiSpBlEjG /Gkthe study of the horse.The veterinary student decided thathis concentration would behippology.

histologyn/ hiSstBlEjG /Gka branch of anatomy that deals withthe minute structure of animal andvegetable tissues as discerniblewith the microscope.The primary tissue categories inanimal histology are epithelial,connective, muscle, and nervous.

hitchv/ Shich /Ecatch or fasten by or as if by a hookor a knot.Every house along the historicalstreet still has a post in front forvisitors to hitch their horses to.

hoaryadj/ ShPrG /Egray or white; specifically : gray orwhite with age.Tilting his hoary head to one side,the storyteller began his tale.

hobblev/ ShBbEl /Ewalk with a halting, labored,typically up-and-down movementoften marked by lurching orwobbling.Sarah started to hobble over to gether coat, but Louis fetched it forher.

hogann/ ShPTgBn /Navahoa conical, hexagonal, or octagonaldwelling characteristic of theNavaho made with a doortraditionally facing east andconstructed of logs and stickscovered with mud, sod, or adobe orsometimes of stones.The modern-day hogan is primarilyused not for housing but for familyceremonies and curings.

hoistedv/ ShOistDd /imit > D or Graised into position.By the use of a crane the largestone was hoisted into place.

holyadj/ ShPlG /E[has homonyms: holey, wholly] setapart and dedicated to religiousservice or worship.Jerusalem is a holy city to peopleof at least four different religions:Judaism, Islam, Christianity, andBahaism.

homeworkn/ ShPmTwerk /E + Epreparatory reading or research.Steve had to do quite a bit ofhomework before he could make aneffective presentation on hisassigned topic.

homiciden/ ShBmETsId /La killing of one human being byanother.The autopsy report stated that thewoman’s death was a homicide.

homonuclearadj/ ThPmPSn(y)VklGE(r) /Gk + Lof or relating to a moleculecomposed of like nuclei.All homonuclear diatomicmolecules lack polarity in the bondbetween their atoms.

honeybeen/ ShEnGTbG /Eany of certain social honey-producing bees.Commercially desirable honey isproduced from clover by thedomestic honeybee.

honorableadj/ SBnEr(E)bEl /L > F > Eethical, upright.Steve ran an honorable campaignfor sheriff.

hopelessadj/ ShPplDs /E + Gkcf > Lcfhaving no expectation of good :despairing.After two days of searching for thehikers, the rescue workers startedfeeling hopeless.

hornetn/ ShOrnDt /Eany of the larger social wasps thatare vigorous strong-flying insectswith powerful stings.Amy was afraid that she would getstung by a hornet if she walked tooclose to the nest in the tree.

horsepowern/ ShO(E)rsTpaU(E)r /E + L > F > Ea standard unit of power equal inthe United States to 746 watts.Stan, my hot-rodder friend, likes tobrag about the horsepower of hiscar’s engine.

hostn/ ShPst /L > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word could be confusedwith hosed.] a very large number :a great quantity : multitude,myriad.Becky offered a host of reasons whyshe should be allowed to go to themall with her friends.

huffn/ ShEf /imita fit of anger or pique.The Spelling Bee, who was quiteupset by the whole affair, had flownoff in a huff.

hugeadj/ ShyVj /F > Every large or extensive.The two ships settled to the bottom,each with a huge hole in her side.

humanelyadv/ hyVSmCnlG /Lin a manner marked bycompassion, sympathy, orconsideration for other humanbeings or animals.The veterinarian argued that it isprecisely because animals are nothuman that we must treat themhumanely.

humicadj/ ShyVmik /Lrelating to or derived from theorganic portion of soil.Our tour guide explained thathumic acids in the soil dissolvelimestone and aid in the formationof stalagmites and stalactites incaves.

hyaloidadj/ ShIETlOid /Gkglassy, transparent.The thin hyaloid membraneenvelops the vitreous humor of theeye.

hydratev/ ShITdrCt /Gktake up or combine with water orwith hydrogen and hydroxyl.When Beulah activated the coldpack, she was making theammonium nitrate in it hydrate.

hydrogenatedv/ ShIdrDjDTnCZEd /Gk + Gk + Ecfcombined with hydrogen.Vegetable oils that have beenhydrogenated are used in makingmargarine.

hydroxiden/ hISdrBkTsId /Gkthe univalent negative ionconsisting of one atom of hydrogenand one of oxygen.The alkali metals react with waterto produce hydrogen gas and thecorresponding metal hydroxide.

hygroscopicadj/ ThIgrESskBpik /Gk[Note: Could be confused withhydroscopic.] readily taking up andretaining moisture.Rob was not surprised to read thatglycerol is highly hygroscopic,because he knew that it is used asan emollient and moistening agent.

Hymenopteran pl/ ThImESnBptErE /Gk > Lan extensive order of highlyspecialized insects that includesbees, wasps, and ants.The order Hymenoptera is perhapsthe most beneficial to man of allinsect groups.

hypostasisn/ hISpBstEsDs /Gksomething that settles at the bottomof a fluid : sediment.A harmless-looking hypostasis in asoft drink bottle led to a series ofexpensive lawsuits.

hypotonicadj/ ThI(T)pEStBnik /Gkof a fluid : having a lower osmoticpressure than a fluid used as astandard.To study the contents of red bloodcells, scientists put them into ahypotonic solution that swells andeventually bursts the cells byosmosis.

iambistn/ ISambDst /Gkone who writes verse containing ametrical foot of two syllablesunstressed and stressedrespectively.Willliam Shakespeare is a famousiambist.

Icarianadj/ iSka(a)rGEn /Gk name[has near homonym: acarian]inadequate for or incapable ofbringing about an ambitiousproject.William’s problem-solving methodsare usually Icarian, but this timehis approach provided the perfectsolution.

iceblinkn/ SIsTbliNk /E + Ea yellowish or whitish glare in thesky over an ice field (as in polarregions)—called also “ice sky.”The polar explorers wore specialgoggles to combat the iceblink.

icebonen/ SIsTbPn /(L > D or G + D or G) > Ethe hipbone especially of cattle.Grandpa stopped carving when hisknife hit the icebone.

icingn/ SIsiN /Ea sweet coating for baked goodsusually made from sugar and buttercombined with water, milk, or eggwhite, flavored, often colored, andoften cooked.The lemon icing on Granddad’sbirthday cake nearly melted fromthe heat of all the candles.

idealadj/ ISdG(E)l /L > Fexisting as a perfect example.The ideal gas equation expresses arelationship between the pressure,volume, temperature, and thenumber of moles of an ideal gas.

idesn pl/ SIdz /Lthe 15th day of March, May, July,or October or the 13th day of anyother month in the ancient Romancalendar.Julius Caesar was murdered on theides of March.

idolatrousadj/ ISdBlEtrEs /Gkof or relating to the worship of aphysical object as a god.Muhammad condemned theidolatrous cults, proclaiming thatthere is one God.

idolizev/ SIdFlTIz /Gkgive absolute religious devotionand ultimate trust to something thatis not God.It is worrisome that so many peopleidolize sports figures, rock stars,and millionaires.

ignobleadj/ igSnPbEl /Ldisplaying or characterized bybaseness or meanness : despicable.The senator changed his vote onthe health bill for the ignoblepurpose of protecting his stockinvestments.

illusionistn/ DSlVzhEnDst /Lone (as a magician) who producesdeceptive or misleading effects.The illusionist amazed the audiencewhen he levitated a recliningsubject.

imamn/ DSmBm /Arthe prayer leader of a mosque.The imam at the local Islamiccenter teaches classes on the Koranto teenagers.

immersedadj/ DSmErst /Lcompletely engrossed.Immersed in his readingassignment, Nathan was unawarethat a thunderstorm was ragingoutside.

impatientlyadv/ imSpCshEntlG /L + Lin a manner that is restless or shortof temper especially underirritation, delay, or opposition.The actress waited impatiently inthe wings for her cue to go onstage.

impersonatorn/ DmSpErsFnTCZE(r) /Ecf + L > F > E + Ecfan entertainer who assumes thecharacter of another individual, atype of person, an animal, or aninanimate object.The Elvis impersonator had hishair appropriately styled into apompadour.

inactivityn/ TinakStivEZG /L + Lthe quality or state of being notgiven to action or effort : idleness,sluggishness.Too much inactivity can affectmental as well as physical health.

Incan/ SiNkE /Quechua > Spa Quechuan people in Peru thatestablished hegemony oversurrounding peoples to form anempire from about 1100 until theSpanish conquest in the 1530s; also: a member of such people.The last Inca calmly stared at theSpanish conquistador beforeturning around and vanishing intothe forest.

incapableadj/ inSkCpEbEl /L + L + Llacking capacity, ability, orqualification for the purpose or endin view.The popular author seemedincapable of writing a dull novel.

inchn/ Sinch /L > Ea unit of length equal to 1/36 yard.Michelle came storming in afterher hair appointment, furiousbecause one side of her hair was atleast an inch shorter than the other.

incriminatingv/ DnSkrimETnCZiN /Lfurnishing evidence or proof ofcircumstances tending to show theguilt of someone.Gunpowder burns on the suspect’shand constituted strongincriminating evidence of his guilt.

inertadj/ iSnErt /Lvery slow to move or act : lifeless,sluggish.Peter could not tell if the inerthamster was near death or not.

infarctionn/ DnSfBrkshEn /Lthe producing of an area of tissuedeath (as of the heart) resultingfrom obstruction of bloodcirculation in the area.Angina is usually much less seriousthan myocardial infarction becausein angina there is no death of theheart muscle.

infinityn/ DnSfinEZG /Lan indefinitely great number oramount.Helen was amazed that Waltercould look up at the infinity of starsand point out numerousconstellations.

infractionn/ DnSfrakshEn /La violation by failure to follow,observe, or obey.For a first infraction of the school’sdisciplinary code, a student may besuspended for one day or beassigned four hours in detention.

injunctionn/ DnSjEN(k)shEn /La writ granted by a court of equitywhereby one is required to do or torefrain from doing a specified act.The court issued a temporaryinjunction against the sale of theallegedly forged work of art.

inningn/ SiniN /Ea division of a baseball gameconsisting of a turn at bat for eachteam.Dad wants to leave the game at theend of the eighth inning to avoidthe traffic.

inorganicadj/ TinO(r)Sganik /L + Gk > L[Note: Could be confused withenorganic.] being, containing, orrelating to a chemical substance orsubstances not relating to orderived from living organisms.Clarice uses no inorganicfertilizers in her garden.

insanityn/ DnSsanEZG /Lsuch unsoundness of mind asexcuses one from criminal or civilresponsibility.At his arraignment the defendantpleaded “not guilty by reason ofinsanity.”insider

instarn/ SinTstBr /La stage in the life of an insectbetween two successive molts.In the first instar of whiteflies, theyoung, active, wingless forms areusually called larvae.

insubordinationn/ TinsETbO(r)dFnSCshEn /Ldefiance of authority.Principal Sawyer warned thestudents that any insubordinationto teachers would be dealt withseverely.

intellectualn/ TintFlSekch(ew)El /Lone given to study, reflection, andspeculation especially concerninglarge, profound, or abstract issues.The guidance counselor told thestudent that she should not beafraid to be an intellectual.

intentlyadv/ DnStentlG /L + Ecfin a directed manner marked bystrained or eager attention.Karen was gazing so intently outthe window that she did not realizeher brother had entered the room.

interactiveadj/ TintE(r)Saktiv /L + Lof, relating to, or being a two-wayelectronic communication system(as a telephone or a computer) thatinvolves a user’s orders (as forinformation or merchandise) orresponses (as to a poll).Cody has worked hard to develophis interactive Web site.

interdisciplinaryadj/ TintE(r)SdisEplDTnerG /L + Lcharacterized by participation orcooperation of two or more fieldsof study.Many colleges permit students tocreate interdisciplinary majors.

interlinearadj/ TintE(r)SlinGE(r) /Linserted between rows of written orprinted characters.The book contains the originalLatin text with an interlineartranslation.

intermolecularadj/ TintE(r)mESlekyElEr /L + Lexisting or acting betweenmolecules.The van der Waals equation takesinto account the intermolecularforces exerted on a molecule byneighboring molecules.

interreflectionn/ TintE(r)rDSflekshEn /L + Lreciprocal partial or completereturn of a wave motion (as of lightor sound) from a surface that itencounters into the medium that itoriginally traversed.Interreflection enables light totravel hundreds of miles throughfiber-optic cable.

interrelatev/ TintE(r)rDSlCt /L + Lhave a mutual connection by wayof sympathy especially as markedby community of interest.Karen and Stella interrelate so wellthat each often knows what theother is going to say.

invertv/ DnSvErt /Lundergo a conversion of asubstance showing dextrorotationinto one showing levorotation orvice versa.Dr. Norton pointed on theillustration where the quartzstarted to invert to cristobalite.

invocationn/ TinvESkCshEn /La prayer of entreaty that is usually acall for the divine presence and isoffered at the beginning of ameeting or service of worship.Reverend Billy Graham gave theinvocation at the World Games ofthe Special Olympics.

ionizev/ SIETnIz /Gk > ISVconvert wholly or partly into atomsor groups of atoms that carry apositive or negative electric chargeas a result of having lost or gainedone or more electrons.It takes a certain amount of energyto ionize a given gaseous atom inits ground state and a differentamount to ionize the resulting ion asecond or third time.

irreligiousadj/ TirDSlijEs /L + Llacking emotions, doctrines, orpractices that show reverence for agod or a supreme being : ungodly.Trefger prayed every day that hisirreligious relatives wouldeventually see the light.

isoelectronicadj/ TI(T)sPDTlekStrBnik /Gk > ISVhaving the same number ofnegatively charged constituentelementary particles—used ofatoms or their ions.Comparing the size of ions ofelements in different groups on theperiodic table is meaningful only ifthey are isoelectronic.

isomericadj/ TIsPSmerik /Gk > ISVof, relating to, or exhibiting thephenomenon exhibited by two ormore chemical substancescontaining the same numbers ofatoms of the same elements in thesubstances but differing in thestructural arrangement of theatoms.Two isomeric substances may havedifferent colors, melting points,dipole moments, and chemicalreactivities.

isoseismaladj/ TI(T)sPSsIzmEl /Gk + Gkof, relating to, or marked by equalintensity of earthquake shock.The graph showed the isoseismalzones around the epicenter of theearthquake.

isotopicadj/ TIsPStBpik /Gk > ISVof, relating to, or having therelationship of one of two or morespecies of atoms of the samechemical element that have thesame atomic number but differ inatomic mass or mass number.Hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium,which differ only in number ofneutrons, are three isotopic formsof hydrogen.

Italianateadj/ DStalyEnDt /Gk > L > Ithaving an Italian quality : markedby Italian characteristics orinfluence.The Italianate style of Victorianarchitecture was very popular inthe United States between 1840 and1870.

Jainismn/ SjCTnizEm /Skt > Hindia religion of India characterized bythe belief that while gods controlthe realm of time and matter, nobeing higher than an absolutelyperfect human soul is necessary forthe creation or moral regulation ofthe universe.Jainism—along with Hinduism andBuddhism—is one of the three mostancient of India’s religioustraditions still practiced.

Januaryn/ SjanyETwerG /Lthe first month of the Gregoriancalendar.Three Kings’ Day is the sixth dayof January.

jestern/ SjestE(r) /Efool.The court jester went too far withhis jokes one day and landed in thedungeon.

jicaran/ ShGkErE /Nahuatl > Sp[has near homonym: Jicarilla] acup or bowl made from the fruit ofthe calabash tree.Edward spent some of his free timecarving a jicara.

jitterbugn/ SjiZE(r)TbEg /unknown + unknowna dance in which couples two-step,balance, and twirl in standardizedpatterns or with vigorousacrobatics.Movies set during World War IIoften show people dancing thejitterbug.

jivev/ jIv /unknown[has homonym: gyve] dance to hotjazz.Cecily loves to jive while listeningto her father’s collection of old jazztunes.

joineryn/ SjOinErG /F > Ethe fastening together of pieces ofwood to construct furniture,cabinetry, or other articles.Ronald admired the nearlyseamless joinery on theHepplewhite table at the auctionbut couldn’t afford to bid on it.

jollyadj/ SjBlG /Scand? > F > Efull of high spirits : joyous.The students couldn’t figure outwhy their bus driver was so jolly allthe time.

jornadan/ hO(r)SnBdE /L > OProv > Span arduous usually one-day journeyacross a stretch of desert.The travelers almost perished forlack of water on the grim jornada.

journeycaken/ SjErnGTkCk /E name + ON > E[Note: Could be confused withjohnnycake or jonny cake.] a breadmade of white or yellow cornmealmixed with salt and water or milkand either baked thin in a pan ordropped by spoonfuls onto a hotgreased griddle.Hiram yelled at Mitch for eatingthe last journeycake.

joyfuladj/ SjOifEl /L > F > E + Ecfexperiencing pleasure or delight :happy.Joyful people are said to outlivetheir bilious, whining counterparts.

Judaican pl/ jVSdCDkE /Gk > Lthings Jewish.Rebecca opened a shop devotedentirely to Judaica.

Judaismn/ SjVdCTizEm /Heb > Gk > Lthe total complex of cultural,social, and religious beliefs andpractices of the Jews.Laura decided to convert toJudaism when she married David.

julietn/ SjVlyEt /Shakespearean namea woman’s slipper with a high frontand back and low-cut sides.As Ruth slipped her foot into thejuliet, she felt the sharp point of anearring she thought she had lost.

jumboadj/ SjEm(T)bP /name of a circus elephantbeing a very large specimen of itskind.The jumbo diamonds flashed at theawards ceremony.

Junen/ SjVn /L namethe sixth month of the Gregoriancalendar.Nuptiality usually increasesdramatically in June.

isoseismaladj/ TI(T)sPSsIzmEl /Gk + Gkof, relating to, or marked by equalintensity of earthquake shock.The graph showed the isoseismalzones around the epicenter of theearthquake.

isotopicadj/ TIsPStBpik /Gk > ISVof, relating to, or having therelationship of one of two or morespecies of atoms of the samechemical element that have thesame atomic number but differ inatomic mass or mass number.Hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium,which differ only in number ofneutrons, are three isotopic formsof hydrogen.

Italianateadj/ DStalyEnDt /Gk > L > Ithaving an Italian quality : markedby Italian characteristics orinfluence.The Italianate style of Victorianarchitecture was very popular inthe United States between 1840 and1870.

Jainismn/ SjCTnizEm /Skt > Hindia religion of India characterized bythe belief that while gods controlthe realm of time and matter, nobeing higher than an absolutelyperfect human soul is necessary forthe creation or moral regulation ofthe universe.Jainism—along with Hinduism andBuddhism—is one of the three mostancient of India’s religioustraditions still practiced.

Januaryn/ SjanyETwerG /Lthe first month of the Gregoriancalendar.Three Kings’ Day is the sixth dayof January.

jestern/ SjestE(r) /Efool.The court jester went too far withhis jokes one day and landed in thedungeon.

jicaran/ ShGkErE /Nahuatl > Sp[has near homonym: Jicarilla] acup or bowl made from the fruit ofthe calabash tree.Edward spent some of his free timecarving a jicara.

jitterbugn/ SjiZE(r)TbEg /unknown + unknowna dance in which couples two-step,balance, and twirl in standardizedpatterns or with vigorousacrobatics.Movies set during World War IIoften show people dancing thejitterbug.

knitv/ Snit /E[has homonym: nit] form a fabricor garment by the interlacing of ayarn or yarns in a series ofconnected loops by means of handor machine needles.Scott asked his aunt to knit him aspecial wool sweater with his nameon it.

knottyadj/ SnBZG /E[has homonyms: noddy, naughty]full of difficulties or complications: hard to solve or understand.Felipe had trouble cutting throughthe knotty information presented inthe computer manual.

knowinglyadv/ SnPiNlG /Ewith awareness, deliberateness, orintention.The physician was indicted forknowingly defrauding thegovernment.

koann/ SkPTBn /Jpna paradox used in Zen Buddhism asan instrument of meditation intraining monks to despair of anultimate dependence upon reasonand to force them into suddenintuitive enlightenment.The most widely known koan is thequestion “What is the sound of onehand clapping?”

kolon/ SkP(T)lP /OSlav > Serbo-Croatiana central European folk dance inwhich dancers form a circle andprogress slowly to right and leftwhile one or more solo dancersperform elaborate steps in thecenter.The tourists clapped as Yelenadanced the kolo energetically.

korrigann/ SkOrDTgBn /Bret[has homonym: corrigan as incorrigan pulse] a long-hairednocturnal often malevolent Bretonfairy sorceress.The evil character in the Frenchchildren’s film was a korrigan.

korrigumn/ SkBrDgEm /Kanuria reddish fawn antelope of westernAfrica having black markings.The zoo recently obtained areddish-orange korrigum fromSenegal.

labrumn/ SlCbrEm /Lthe upper or anterior lip of insects.A sand wasp is most easilyrecognized by an elongated,triangular labrum which resemblesa beak.

ladinon/ lESdGTnP /L > Sp[has near homonym: Latino] acunningly vicious horse or steer.One ladino proved to be thedownfall of 17 riders at the rodeo.

laken/ SlCk /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] apurplish red pigment prepared fromlac dye or cochineal.Eva wiped off her lipstick whenTom told her that it contained lakemade from dried female insectbodies.

laman/ SlBmE /Tibetan[has homonym: llama] a priest ormonk of Tibetan Buddhism.The famous lama gave anintroductory talk on dharma at theBuddhist retreat center in Berkeley.

lambertn/ SlambE(r)t /G namethe centimeter-gram-second unit ofbrightness equal to the brightnessof a perfectly diffusing surface thatradiates or reflects 1 lumen persquare centimeter.The lambert is used in calculationsby astronomers, physicists,engineers, and photographers.

lancersn pl/ Slan(t)sE(r)z /Fa set of five square dances each in adifferent meter.In the lancers, the dancers salute inmilitary style.

largeadj/ SlBrj /L > F > Eexceeding most other things of likekind in bulk, capacity, quantity,superficial dimensions, or numberof constituent units.Compared to saddle horses,Belgians and Clydesdales are quitelarge.

Latinon/ lEStGnP /L > Sp[has near homonym: ladino] aperson of Latin American originliving in the United States.Comedian Paul Rodriguez has builthis routine around being a Latino.

layn/ SlC /Scand[has homonym: lei] a simplenarrative poem.A popular historical ballad canproperly be called a lay.

leadenadj/ SledFn /Eoppressively heavy.After hours of trudging through therain, Tibi’s clothes were leadenand her feet ached.

learnv/ SlErn /Egain knowledge or understandingof or skill in by study, instruction,or experience.Joel was determined to learn hismultiplication tables beforeThanksgiving.

leftoversn pl/ SleftTPvE(r)z /E + Efragments of food remaining from ameal.The waiter brought Elbert acontainer for his leftovers.

lepidopterologyn/ TlepETdBptErSBlEjG /Gk > La branch of the science of insectlife dealing with the study ofbutterflies and moths.Dabbling in lepidopterology is ahobby for Ian, who has a fabulousbutterfly collection.

lesseradj/ SlesE(r) /E[has homonym: lessor] smaller :inferior.The lesser rivers and streams didnot have names on the ForestService map.

Letheanadj/ SlGthGEn /Gkof, relating to, or causingforgetfulness.Blake said that the Lethean natureof the novel was to blame for hispoor grade on the literature quiz.

lexicologyn/ TleksESkBlEgG /Gkthe science of the derivation andsignification of words.Jim is working on a graduatedegree in lexicology and has hisheart set on becoming a dictionaryeditor.

liaisev/ lGSCz /L > F > Eestablish communication forpurposes of mutual understanding.The U.S. Treasury agent had toliaise with the local and statepolice in the matter of thesuspected counterfeiters.

ligandn/ SligEnd /La group, ion, or moleculecoordinated to the central atom in acoordination complex.Sphyros explained that a ligand isjust a molecule or ion surroundinga transition metal in a complexmolecule or ion.

limen/ SlIm /Ea caustic highly infusible solid thatconsists essentially of calciumoxide.Sidney learned at the museum thatlime is one of the materialcomponents of glass.

lindyn/ SlindG /U.S. namea jitterbug dance originating inHarlem and later developing manylocal variants.Sean and Miriam danced the lindyat the costume party.

linesmann/ SlInzmEn /E&(L > F) + E[Note: Plural form is pronouncedidentically.] an official who assistsa referee especially in various goaland net games.The chief duty of the head linesmanin football is to mark the yardagegained or lost on each play.

linstockn/ SlinzTtBk /D > Ea pointed forked staff shod withiron at the foot formerly used tohold a lighted match for firingcannon.Captain Braucher waved thelinstock over his head to indicatehe was ready to fire.

lintwhiten/ SlintT(h)wIt /Ea common small Old World finchhaving plumage that varies greatly.In his poem “Claribel” Tennysonwrote: “Her song the lintwhiteswelleth, the clear-voiced mavisdwelleth. . . .”lionize

liquidadj/ SlikwDd /Lbeing extremely fluid without beinggaseous and having a definitevolume without having a definiteshape except such as is temporarilygiven by a container.When air is liquefied, oxygen is thefirst component to become liquid.

listlessadj/ SlistlDs /Echaracterized by lack of inclinationor impetus to exertion : languid,spiritless.People with abnormally low levelsof thyroid hormones are oftenlistless and apathetic.

loafern/ SlPfE(r) /L > Sp > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] timberwolf.Gunter spotted a loafer frolickingin the snow.

lollopedv/ SlBlEpt /imit Eproceeded with a bounding orbobbing motion.The jackrabbit lolloped across thelawn in the twilight.

lepidopterologyn/ TlepETdBptErSBlEjG /Gk > La branch of the science of insectlife dealing with the study ofbutterflies and moths.Dabbling in lepidopterology is ahobby for Ian, who has a fabulousbutterfly collection.

lesseradj/ SlesE(r) /E[has homonym: lessor] smaller :inferior.The lesser rivers and streams didnot have names on the ForestService map.

Letheanadj/ SlGthGEn /Gkof, relating to, or causingforgetfulness.Blake said that the Lethean natureof the novel was to blame for hispoor grade on the literature quiz.

lexicologyn/ TleksESkBlEgG /Gkthe science of the derivation andsignification of words.Jim is working on a graduatedegree in lexicology and has hisheart set on becoming a dictionaryeditor.

liaisev/ lGSCz /L > F > Eestablish communication forpurposes of mutual understanding.The U.S. Treasury agent had toliaise with the local and statepolice in the matter of thesuspected counterfeiters.

ligandn/ SligEnd /La group, ion, or moleculecoordinated to the central atom in acoordination complex.Sphyros explained that a ligand isjust a molecule or ion surroundinga transition metal in a complexmolecule or ion.

limen/ SlIm /Ea caustic highly infusible solid thatconsists essentially of calciumoxide.Sidney learned at the museum thatlime is one of the materialcomponents of glass.

Machn/ SmBk /G name[has homonyms: moch, mock] anumber representing the ratio of thespeed of a body to the speed ofsound in the surroundingatmosphere.The Mach required to reach lowEarth orbit is 25.

macropterousadj/ maSkrBptErEs /Gk + Gkhaving long or large wings—usedof birds or insects.The macropterous bald eagle has awingspan that ranges from six toeight feet.

magnificadj/ magSnifik /L > Fimposing in size.Friedrich painted a magnific hillshooting high above the clouds.

magusn/ SmCgEs /Gk > Lmagician.The magus practiced his shape-changing spells on his apprentice.

majorv/ SmCjE(r) /Lpursue a subject of academic studyas a field of specialization.Like many students, Harold has noidea what subject he would like tomajor in.

makableadj/ SmCkEbEl /E + Ecfcapable of being made.Boris and Natasha argued overhow to establish a makable bridgecontract.

makaran/ SmEkErE /Skta water monster of Hindu religiousmyth that is represented in religiousart as having the body of acrocodile and head of an antelope.A makara is portrayed on one ofthe five types of flags mentioned inBuddhist scripture.

malversationn/ TmalvE(r)SsCshEn /L > Fmisbehavior and especiallycorruption in an office, trust, orcommission.The gubernatorial candidate claimsthat malversation has becomerampant in the presentadministration.

mambon/ mBm(T)bP /Spa complex, staccato, usually fastdance related to the rumba and ofCuban origin.Mr. Varda was the best dancer ofthe mambo in Cleveland in the1950s.

mannishadj/ Smanish /Eresembling or suggesting that of aman.Low-heeled mannish shoescompleted Louise’s outfit.

manslaughtern/ SmanTslOZE(r) /E + Scandthe slaying of a human being;specifically : the unlawful killing ofa human being without express orimplied malice.Because the prosecutor could notprove premeditation, the suspectwas charged with manslaughterinstead of murder.

mantran/ SmantrE /Skta verbal spell, ritualisticincantation, or mystic formula useddevotionally in popular Hinduismand Buddhism.While awaiting rescue from theearthquake, Ravi used a mantra tokeep his mind off the pain.

manyadj/ TmenG /Econsisting of or amounting to alarge but indefinite number : notfew.Many college students flock to thebeaches during spring break.

Marchn/ SmBrch /L name > F > Ethe third month of the Gregoriancalendar.March is typically a windy monthin the United States.

marchpanen/ SmBrchTpCn /Ita shapable confection made ofalmond paste.The marchpane was sculpted into atiny edible castle.

marien/ mESrG /Fan often ornamented raised borderof a plate or flat dish that forms aplane nearly parallel to the bottom.The marie of Valetta’s china wasdecorated with 14-karat gold.

marketfishn/ SmBrkDtTfish /E geog name + E[Note: Could be confused withmargate fish and margot fish.] avariable usually pearl gray fish ofthe tropical western Atlantic.The marketfish is esteemed as afood fish.

marriagen/ Smarij /L > F > Ethe state of being united to a personas husband or wife.In many countries marriage has anumber of legal ramifications forboth parties involved.

mashern/ SmashE(r) /Ea kitchen utensil for crushing foodto a soft, pulpy consistency.Brittany used a masher on thepotatoes before whipping in thebutter and milk.

matchcoatn/ SmachTkPt /Powhatan > Ea mantle or similar loose coveringof fur, feathers, or usually woolencloth formerly extensively worn byNative Americans.Running Fox took his rifle and hismatchcoat and headed out into thenight.

matriciden/ SmatrETsId /Lmurder of a mother by her son ordaughter.In the Greek drama, Orestescommits matricide in revenge forhis mother’s murder of his father.

maxwelln/ SmakTswel /Scot namethe centimeter-gram-secondelectromagnetic unit of magneticflux equal to the flux per squarecentimeter of normal cross sectionin a region where the magneticinduction is 1 gauss.The maxwell is named after JamesClerk Maxwell, who is ranked withSir Isaac Newton and AlbertEinstein for the fundamental natureof his contributions to science.

mayn/ SmC /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] theearly, vigorous part of human life :prime, heyday.The quarterback knew that the endof his may was at hand, so hebegan to think about a secondcareer.

maypolen/ SmCTpPl /L > F > E + L > Ea tall pole in an open place andwreathed with flowers forming acenter for May Day sports.The eighth-grade girls dancedaround the maypole in the school’sspring festival.

mazarn/ mESzBr /Ara Muslim shrine or enshrined tomb.The popular shrine was reputed tobe the mazar of a saint, but none ofthe pilgrims was certain who wasburied there.

meann/ SmGn /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has homonym:mien.] a quantity formed by addingquantities together in any order anddividing by their number.When students average theirgrades, they are calculating thearithmetic mean.

mechanicsn pl/ mDSkaniks /Gka branch of physical science thatdeals with energy and forces andtheir relation to the equilibrium,deformation, or motion of solid,liquid, and gaseous bodies.A scientist in the field of fluidmechanics used a Ping-Pong balland a shop vacuum cleaner todemonstrate the Bernoulli effect.

mediann/ SmGdGEn /La value in an ordered set ofquantities below and above whichfall an equal number of quantitiesor which is the average of the twomiddle values if there is no onemiddle number.The median of the set {8, 10, 14,36} is 12.

memorableadj/ Smem(E)rEbEl /Lworthy of being remembered ornoted.“The Raven” is one of Edgar AllanPoe’s most memorable poems.

mensurationn/ Tmen(t)sESrCshEn /Lthe act, process, art or an instanceof measuring : measurement.The lab tests seemed to runperfectly, but careless mensurationresulted in the need to redoeverything.

mentionn/ SmenchEn /Lthe act or an instance of citing,noting, or calling attention tosomeone or something especially ina brief or casual manner.Harry was disappointed that hisdefensive play did not receive anymention in the newspaper accountof Saturday’s game.

menun/ Sme(T)nyV /L > Fthe dishes served at a meal or themeal itself.The menu for the country musicawards banquet includes friedchicken and apple brown Betty.

mercilessadj/ SmErsGlDs /L > F > E + Ecfcruel, harsh, pitiless.The columnist’s satire turned amerciless spotlight on the academicestablishment.

mercuricadj/ TmErSkyUrik /L > ISVof, relating to, or containing theheavy silver-white poisonousmetallic element that is the onlymetal liquid at ordinarytemperatures—used especially ofcompounds in which this element isbivalent.“Mad hatters” are no myth: Toxicsolutions of mercuric chloride andmercuric nitrate were once used inthe production of felt hats.

merlonn/ SmErlEn /L > It > F[has homonym: merlin] one of thetall intervals between embrasureson a battlement.Sergeant Stammel took coverbehind a merlon as the enemyarchers began to shoot.

merryadj/ SmerG /E[has near homonym: marry] full ofgaiety or high spirits : cheerful.Dozens of movies have been madeabout Robin Hood and his merrymen.

messn/ Smes /L > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.]sufficient quantity (of a specifiedkind of food) for a dish or a meal.Janie went out to the garden andpicked a mess of green beans forsupper.

Messiahn/ mDSsIE /Heb&Aramthe expected king and deliverer ofthe Jews.Messianic Jewish congregationsbelieve that Jesus was the promisedMessiah, but they also observeJewish holidays.

metalloidn/ SmeZFlTOid /Gk? > L > F > E + Gk > ISVcfa nonmetal (as carbon or nitrogen)that can combine with a metal toform an alloy.When asked to name a metalloid,Xerxes gave two examples: siliconand germanium.

metathesisn/ mDStaJEsDs /Gka chemical reaction between twocompounds in which part of thefirst compound becomes unitedwith part of the second and theremainder of the first compoundbecomes united with the remainderof the second.Metathesis between an aqueoussolution of barium chloride and anaqueous solution of sodium sulfateproduces a white precipitate ofbarium sulfate.

metempsychosisn/ TmEZTemTsISkPsDs /Gkthe passing of the soul at death intoanother body either human oranimal.Hinduism and Buddhism are majorreligions that profess belief inmetempsychosis.

meteorologyn/ TmGZGESrBlEjG /Gka science that deals with theatmosphere and its phenomena (asvariations of heat, moisture, orwinds).Sarah was disappointed when shelearned that her favorite weatherforecaster had no formal trainingin meteorology.

metern/ SmGZE(r) /Gk[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.]systematically arranged andmeasured rhythm in verse.Meter in English is by stress ratherthan by length of vowel as inGreek.

methanizev/ SmeJETnIz /ISVconvert (as a mixture of carbonmonoxide and hydrogen) to acolorless odorless flammablegaseous saturated hydrocarbon thatis lighter than air and formsexplosive mixtures with air oroxygen.Dan correctly wrote the chemicalequation illustrating how tomethanize carbon monoxide andhydrogen.

microsecondn/ SmIkrPTsekEnd /Gk + La unit of time equal to 1 millionthof a second.Some writers need five paragraphsto explain an emotion that lastsonly for a microsecond.

microwavev/ SmITkrPTwCv /Gk + Ecook or heat in an oven thatpenetrates food with very shortelectromagnetic waves.The instructions on the jumbopackage of frozen lasagna were tomicrowave the contents for 25minutes.

middlingadj/ SmidliN /Efalling between two extremes.The fugitive was described as aman of middling height, withblonde hair, and wearing a cape.

midwayadv/ SmidTwC /Ein the middle of the distance.The alderman’s proposal wasmidway between revolution andreform.

milen/ SmIl /Ea unit of distance equal to 5,280feet.Sasha thought it terribly unfair thathe had to walk a mile to school.

milliammetern/ TmilGSa(m)TmGZE(r) /L > F + F name + Gk > Fan instrument for measuringelectric currents in milliamperes.The electrical output of aphotoelectric cell is measured witha milliammeter.

milongan/ mDSlONgE /Span Argentine ballroom dance thatpreceded the tango early in the 20thcentury.It is unusual to see anyone dancethe milonga nowadays.

mineralizev/ Smin(E)rETlIz /L + Ecfsupply with minerals or anyinorganic compound.Mary’s science project was aposter explaining how fluorine ionsin toothpaste help to mineralizeteeth and thereby fight decay.

miniseriesn/ SminGTsi(T)rGz /L + La television production of a storypresented in sequential episodes.The novel’s plot was so long andconvoluted that the televisionproducers decided to dramatize itin a six-part miniseries instead of amovie.

minkn/ SmiNk /Eany of several slender-bodiedsemiaquatic carnivorous mammalsthat resemble and are closelyrelated to the weasels.The American mink generally feedson fish, muskrats, rabbits, andbirds.

minnesingern/ SminGTsiNE(r) /Gone of a class of aristocraticGerman lyric poets and musiciansof the 12th to the 14th centuriescharacterized by having love andbeauty as the subject of their songs.The folk tale ended with therevelation that the apprenticeminnesinger was actually the son ofa German prince.

misemphasizev/ TmisSem(p)fETsIz /Ecf + Gkgive a misplaced or wrong stress orrelative importance to.Mona worried that the highlightingin the used textbook wouldmisemphasize the important pointsshe should learn.

misfortunen/ misSfOrchEn /Ecf + L > F > Ean instance of bad luck.What victim of a misfortune has notasked “Why me?”mishitn/ SmisThit /E + ON + Ea poor hit in cricket.David’s first swing was deemed amishit and booed by the crowd.

misinterpretv/ TmisDnStErprDt /Ecf + Lgive an incorrect explanation to :explain wrongly.It would be very hard tomisinterpret the body languageconveyed by the rolling of one’seyes.

mison/ SmG(T)sP /Jpna paste used in preparing soups andother foods that is made bygrinding a mixture of steamed rice,cooked soybeans, and salt andfermenting it in brine.Akira made a light soup of miso,spinach, and tofu.

misorientationn/ TmisTPrGEnStCshEn /Ecf + Lthe act of wrongly or incorrectlydetermining one’s bearings orsettling one’s sense of direction.The pilot’s misorientation led himto believe that the water below himwas the sky.

missionn/ SmishEn /La ministry (as preaching oreducational or medical work)commissioned by a church or someother religious organization for thepurpose of propagating its faith orcarrying on humanitarian work.Most young Mormon men serve atwo-year mission overseas.

missortedv/ mi(s)SsO(E)rZDd /Ecf + Eincorrectly put in a given place orrank according to kind, class, ornature.If the dirty laundry is missorted,some nice clothes could be ruined.

misspeakv/ mi(s)SspGk /Ecf + Eutter words or articulate soundsincorrectly.The president was relieved when hedid not misspeak any words in hisinaugural address.

misstriken/ mi(s)SstrIk /Ecf + Ea coin whose design is off center.The misstrike in the coin collector’sshadow box is extremely valuable.

mistakesn pl/ mDSstCks /ON > Ewrong actions or statementsproceeding from faulty judgment,inadequate knowledge, orinattention : unintentional errors.The princess explained, “You mustnever feel badly about makingmistakes as long as you take thetrouble to learn from them.”mistreat

mixern/ SmiksE(r) /L + Ecfa stationary or portable kitchenutensil equipped with one or morebeaters for mixing, beating,creaming, or whipping a variety offoods.Grace and Harry received a largemixer as a wedding present.

moatn/ SmPt /F > E[has homonym: mote] a deep andwide trench surrounding a castle.The oily, dark waters of the moatswirled as some unknown creaturepassed close to the surface.

mobcapn/ SmBbTkap /D? + L > Ea woman’s indoor cap; especially :a fancy cap made of sheer materialwith a high full crown and oftentied under the chin.The chambermaid, dressed in blackand wearing a mobcap and a whiteapron, brought in the refreshments.

mobstern/ SmBbstE(r) /La member of a criminal gang.The mobster ordered Tony to payhis gambling debts or else.

moden/ SmPd /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has homonym:mowed.] the value that occurs mostfrequently : the most commonvalue.In the set {2, 4, 6, 6, 8} the mode is6.

modestlyadv/ SmBdDstlG /Lwith a moderate opinion of one’sown importance or merits.The firefighter who rescued thechild modestly explained that hewas just doing his job.

molen/ SmPlG /Nahuatl > AmerSp[has homonym: moly] a highlyspiced sauce made principally ofchili and chocolate but containingnumerous other ingredients andserved with meat (as beef orturkey).Maria’s recipe for mole requiresfour different kinds of chilepeppers.

molecularadj/ mESlekyElE(r) /L > Frelating to, connected with,produced by, or consisting of unitsof matter that are the smallestparticles of an element or chemicalcombination of atoms (as acompound) capable of retainingchemical identity with thesubstance in mass.A molecular formula shows theexact number of atoms of eachelement in a molecule.

mollyhawkn/ SmBlGThOk /D > E[Note: Could be confused withmollymawk.] one of several largeoceanic birds (as the fulmar orpetrel).A mollyhawk dove into the waterand plucked out a wriggling fish.

momusn/ SmPmEs /Gk namea carping critic : faultfinder.People might enjoy Molly’scompany more if she were not sucha momus.

monologyn/ mESnBlEjG /Gkthe habit of talking to oneself.Dmitri defended his monology,saying that only if he argued withhimself should it be of concern.

monotheisticadj/ TmBnE(T)thGSistik /Gk + Gkof, relating to, or characterized bythe doctrine or belief that there isbut one God.Zoroastrianism is perhaps theoldest monotheistic religion.

moodyadj/ SmVdG /Esubject to or characterized bydepression or discontent : sullen.The band’s lead singer isnotoriously moody and publicity-shy.

movementn/ SmVvmEnt /L + Ecfthe action of moving : change ofposition.Serena’s jerky movement threw herpartner off balance.

mulctv/ SmElkt /Ldefraud especially of money :swindle.The con artist will mulct Mrs.Crawford of her savings if she fallsfor his story.

mullv/ SmEl /Econsider or talk over the aspects ofat length or at leisure.After he finished the book, Simontried to mull it over, but he keptbeing distracted.

multiplexn/ SmEltETpleks /L + La complex housing several movietheaters.The new multiplex featured a coffeeshop in its lobby for its theaterpatrons.

musicalen/ TmVzDSkal /Fa usually private concert of musictypically comprising a socialentertainment.The governor’s mansion was thesite of a well-attended musicalecelebrating New Year’s Day.

musiciann/ myVSzishEn /L > F > Eone skilled in music.Although she worked at a bank,Shirley always told people she wasa musician when asked what herprofession was.

muskn/ SmEsk /Skt > Per > Gk > L > F > Ea substance that has a penetratingpersistent odor that is obtainedfrom the male musk deer.Musk is used in many perfumes andin medicine as an antispasmodic.

mustardadj/ SmEstE(r)d /L > F > Ea pungent yellow condiment whichis sometimes mixed with water andvinegar and applied to the skin as apoultice for skin irritation.Angelique had been up during thenight making mustard plasters torelieve his colic.

mutchkinn/ SmEchkDn /E[has near homonym: munchkin] aScotch unit of liquid capacity equalto 0.9 pint.Mrs. Calderwood ordered amutchkin of lemon juice from thegrocer.

mycologyn/ mISkBlEjG /Gka branch of the science of plant lifedealing with fungi.Dana’s neighbor has studiedmycology and probably knows thename of the fungus that is killingher flowers.

myologyn/ mISBlEjG /Gka scientific study of muscles.The pediatrician recommended thatRon’s baby brother, who hastrouble swallowing, be taken to aspecialist in orofacial myology.

myriametersn pl/ SmirGETmGZE(r)z /Gk > Fmetric units of length, each equal to10,000 meters.The surveyors calculated that abridge over the narrowest part ofthe lake would shorten the routebetween the towns by severalmyriameters.

nachon/ SnBch(T)P /Spa tortilla chip topped with cheeseand a savory substance (as chilipeppers or refried beans) andbroiled.Stevie grabbed the last nacho offthe platter just as his little brotherreached for it.

namelyadv/ SnCmlG /Ethat is to say : to wit.Yola chalked up another triumph toher growing list; namely, shesecured the biggest account in hercompany’s history.

naseberryn/ SnCzberG /L > Sp > Ethe fruit of the sapodilla tree with arough brownish skin and verysweet brownish pulp.The naseberry is a popular fruitexport of Jamaica.

naturalismn/ Snach(E)rETlizEm /Lthe quality, rendering, orexpression of art or literatureexecuted according to the theorythat art or literature should conformexactly to nature or depict everyappearance of the subject thatcomes to the artist’s attention.Naturalism in plays is oftenexemplified by tough,unsentimental characters, sordidurban settings, and fast-pacedslangy dialogue.

neighborhoodn/ SnCbE(r)ThUd /E + Ea number of people forming aloosely cohesive community withina larger unit.“I’ve been in the neighborhoodonly a short time,” Mrs.Underwood explained.

neotericadj/ TnGESterik /Gk > Lrecent in origin : modern.Richard was a fan of neotericinterior design.

netheradj/ SneLE(r) /Elower, under.Mr. Ward feared that his companywould be ground to powderbetween the upper millstone ofrigidly set price ceilings and thenether millstone of high laborcosts.

neurilityn/ n(y)VSrilEZG /Gk + Ecffthe special properties and functionsof the nerves.When nerve fibers are subjected toinjury, neurility is adverselyaffected.

neurotransmittern/ Tn(y)VrPtran(t)SsmiZE(r) /Gk + L + La chemical substance that transmitsnerve impulses across a synapse.Parkinson’s disease is caused by alack of the neurotransmitterdopamine in the brain.

nextadj/ Snekst /Efollowing that approaching or inprogress.After the June test date, the nextdate for the SAT I is not untilOctober.

nicadn/ SnITkad /Sw? + Gk > La rechargeable dry cell that has anickel cathode and a cadmiumanode.The nicad in Carl’s shaver workedeven after having been left idle forthree years.

nightcapn/ SnItTkap /E + L > Ea cloth cap worn with nightclothes.The cartoon depicted an elderlygentleman in bed, complete withtasseled nightcap, casting a flyacross the room into a large urn.

niln/ Snil /Lnothing, zero.Jill gave up making crafts for saleat fairs because she felt she wasearning absolutely nil.

nilpotentadj/ TnilSpPtFnt /Lequal to zero when raised to somepower.The number zero is nilpotent forevery power except zero.

ninetiesn pl/ SnIntGz /Ethe numbers 90 to 99 inclusive.Jack should make an A in math thisterm because all his test scores arein the high nineties.

nitriten/ SnITtrIt /Gk > ISVa salt or ester of an unstable acidknown only in pale blue solution.In the soil, ammonium from plantsand animals becomes nitrite as partof the nitrogen cycle.

nixn/ Sniks /G[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Wordhas homonyms: knicks, nicks.] acreature originating in Germanfolklore usually having the form ofhalf human and half fish andusually unfriendly to humans.The nix is the Germanic version ofthe water monster we commonlycall a “mermaid.”

nobleadj/ SnPbEl /Lresisting chemical action :chemically inert or inactive.All noble gases, with the exceptionof helium, have completely filledouter subshells and therefore willnot react with other substances.

noisettesn pl/ nwESzets /L > Fsmall rounded morsels of food.The noisettes of lamb are the localFrench restaurant’s specialty of thehouse.

nonagesimaladj/ TnBnESjesEmEl /Lbeing number 90 in a countableseries.The party for the queen mother’snonagesimal birthday paled incomparison with the celebrationhonoring her hundredth birthday.

nonceadj/ SnBn(t)s /Eoccurring, used, or made only onceor for a special occasion.The teacher could not challenge thespelling of the nonce terms Devonsprinkled throughout his report.

nonetn/ nPSnet /L > Ita combination of nine instrumentsor voices; also : a musicalcomposition for such acombination.Four violins, two violas, two cellos,and a double bass made up thenonet.

nonnecessityn/ TnBnnDSsesEZG /Lsomething that is not needed.Gaynor’s suitcase exceeded theweight limit, but she considered nopacked item a nonnecessity.

nonnegotiableadj/ TnBnnDSgPsh(G)EbEl /Lthat is not open to discussion orquestion or dispute.The company’s settlement offer wasnonnegotiable; Cameron was toldto “take it or leave it.”

normalityn/ nO(r)SmalEZG /L > F?of a solution : concentrationexpressed in gram equivalents ofsolute per liter.The normality of a given solutiondepends on its molarity as well asthe reaction that is undergone bythe oxidizing or reducing agent.

normothermian/ TnOrmESthErmGE /L + Gktypical body temperature.For small children, normothermiais often higher than it is in adults.

nornsn pl/ SnO(E)rnz /ONgoddesses presiding over personaldestiny.Occasionally Roberta goes out andbuys something she cannot affordas a gesture of defiance of thenorns.

nosebleedadj/ SnPzTblGd /Ebleeding from the nose.Jim’s severe nosebleed finallystopped after half an hour.

nostrilsn pl/ SnBstrElz /Ethe external openings of the nose ornasal cavity of a vertebrate.The bull’s wide eyes and flarednostrils were signs that he wasunhappy.

notableadj/ SnPZEbEl /Lbeing of much weight, scope, orsignificance : memorable.Despite his many successfulcookbooks, Raoul felt that his mostnotable achievement was winningthe Iron Chef competition.

notev/ SnPt /Lrecord or fix in the mind ormemory.Lorraine was pleased to note thatshe had been given the seat ofhonor at this year’s banquet.

notionn/ SnPshEn /Lthe meaning or context assigned bythe mind to a term.The teacher admitted that hisnotion of Abraham Lincoln’s oraldelivery came more from oldmovies than from history books.

notoriousadj/ nPStPrGEs /Lbeing or constituting somethingcommonly known : well known.Our town is notorious throughoutthe Midwest for noise andpollution.

novellan/ nPSvelE /La story with a compact and pointedplot.“The selection is not a major workof fiction, but as a novella it is agem,,” wrote Newsweek.

nthadj/ Sen(t)th /Enumbered with some unspecified orindefinitely large ordinal number.The computer quietly crunchedthrough the numbers, figuring pi tothe nth decimal.

nutationn/ n(y)VStCshEn /Lan involuntary nodding of the head.When Harold started falling asleepin class, his nutation tipped off theteacher.

nuzzlev/ SnEzEl /Ework with or as if with the nose :root.When the mare would nuzzle intohis neck, Al would give her a patand gently push her away.

nymphaladj/ nim(p)fEl /Gkof, relating to, or being an insect inthe late larval stage ofdevelopment.The spinose ear tick attaches insidean animal’s ear during theparasitic larval and nymphalstages.

obnebulatev/ BbSnebyETlCt /L[Note: Could be confused withobnubilate.] becloud, befog.The early morning haze willobnebulate the mountainscape.

obrotundadj/ TBbrEStEnd /Lnearly spherical but with onediameter slightly exceeding theothers.The obrotund object in the museumcase was an old torpedo.

observev/ EbSzErv /Lconform one’s action or practice to: heed, obey.Anyone who does not observe therules will have to go to detentionhall.

octopodadj/ SBktETpBd /Gkhaving eight feet, limbs, or arms.The octopod robot walked withremarkable smoothness.

octuplicaten/ BkSt(y)VplDkDt /Leight copies all alike—used with in.The documentation had to besubmitted in octuplicate so thateach judge could review itindependently and simultaneously.

oddadj/ Bd /ON > E[has homonym and near homonym:od and awed] being any member ofa sequence of positive integersbeginning with one and countingby twos : not divisible exactly bytwo—opposed to even.Answers to the math problems thatare designated by odd numbers arein the back of the textbook.

oden/ SPd /Gk > L[has homonym: owed] a lyricpoem usually marked by particularexaltation of feeling and style.Every element of the victory odewas designed to praise the athlete.

odorantadj/ SPdErEnt /L > F > Ethat emits a scent.At night, the odorant forests roarwith the dread sound of fiercemonsters.

Olympiann/ PSlimpGEn /Gk geog namea being of lofty detachment orsuperior attainments.Standing beside the Olympian wasa less conspicuous achiever whowas glad for his modest honors.

onceadv/ SwEn(t)s /Eone time and no more.Cathy knows no one who has seenThe Wizard of Oz only once.

opalineadj/ SPpElIn /Skt > Lresembling especially inappearance a mineral that is lessdense than quartz and typicallywith definite and often markediridescent play of colors.The fish’s opaline scales glimmeredsoftly in the aquarium.

operationn/ TBpESrCshEn /Lthe quality or state of beingfunctional—used with in or into.The new factory has been inoperation for a few weeks.

opposev/ ESpPz /L[Note: Could be confused withappose.] place over againstsomething so as to provideresistance, counterbalance, orcontrast.Although Jim’s political beliefsoppose Francine’s, the two are thebest of friends.

ordinaryadj/ SO(r)dFnTerG /Loccurring or encountered in theusual course of events : notuncommon.The artist had a knack for takingordinary objects and turning theminto works of art.

orienteeringn/ TPrGEnSti(E)riN /La cross-country race in which eachparticipant uses a map and compassto navigate between checkpointsalong an unfamiliar course.Orienteering is used by the army asa way to train recruits in outdoorsurvival skills.

orleann/ SOrlGEn /Sp name > L > Fa red or yellowish red dyestuffcontaining bixin prepared from thepulp surrounding the seeds of theannatto tree.Orlean can be used as a foodcoloring.

orologyn/ OSrBlEjG /Gkthe science of mountains.To Gina, a particularly fascinatingaspect of orology is the influencemountains have on precipitation.

orthographyn/ O(r)SthBgrEfG /Gka method of representing thesounds of a language by written orprinted symbols.After their conquest of England, theNorman invaders immediately tookto reforming English orthography.

orthorhombicadj/ TO(r)JESrBmbik /Gkof, relating to, or characterized bythe crystal system characterized bythree unequal axes at right angles.Josquin did not understand thedifference between anorthorhombic and a tetragonalcrystal until he saw an illustrationof the crystal system.

orzon/ SOrd(T)zP /L > Itrice-shaped pasta.Orzo is often cooked, then added tothick Italian soups.

osmoticadj/ BzSmBZik /Gkof, relating to, or having theproperty of the flow or diffusionthat takes place through asemipermeable membrane typicallyseparating either a solvent and asolution or a dilute solution and aconcentrated solution.The large quantity of sugar inhome-preserved jams and jellieshelps to kill bacteria throughosmotic action that shrinks thebacteria cells.

osteogenousadj/ TBstGSBjEnEs /Gk + Gkoriginating in bone.Chemotherapy is used to treatosteogenous cancer.

ouabainn/ wBSbIDn /F? > ISVa very toxic compound obtainedfrom the seeds of an African shrubor tree that is used similarly todigitalis and in Africa as an arrowpoison.After being hit with an arrowsmeared with ouabain, the anteloperan about 50 yards and then fell.

overheadadv/ TovE(r)Shed /Eabove one’s head.The stewardess warned us that thecontents of the compartments mightshift overhead during the flight.

overpoweringadj/ TPvE(r)SpaU(E)riN /E + L > F > Eexercising an irresistible influence :overwhelming.Leslie’s overpowering garlicbreath kept his friends at arm’slength.

overshoen/ SPvE(r)TshV /E + Ea shoe that is worn over another (asfor extra warmth or for protectionfrom wet); especially : a galosh.Karl’s overshoe proved to be toosmall to fit over his new shoe.

overvoltagen/ SPvE(r)TvPltij /E + It name > ISVthe excess potential required for thedischarge of an ion at an electrodeover and above the equilibriumpotential of the electrode.Because the overvoltage requiredto form oxygen is quite high,chlorine is more likely than oxygento form at the anode.

overwhelmedv/ TPvE(r)S(h)welmd /Esubjected to the grip of anoverpowering emotion.Trudy was overwhelmed when shefound out that she had the winninglottery ticket.

oxidizev/ SBksETdIz /Gk > F > ISVcombine with oxygen or with moreoxygen.The sodium hypochlorite in bleachcan oxidize the color-bearingsubstances in stains.

ozonizern/ SPTzPTnIzE(r) /Gk > G + Ecffan apparatus for convertingordinary oxygen into ozone.One type of ozonizer works bypassing a silent electric dischargethrough a current of oxygen or air.

packn/ Spak /G > E[has homonym: pac] a group ofusually wild animals of the samekind congregating in herds, flocks,or schools; specifically : a group ofpredatory animals hunting together.A pack of wild dogs was reportedto have killed sheep on severalfarms in the county.

palberryn/ SpalTb(E)rG /Austral > Ethe edible berry of an Australiantree.The palberry is sometimes referredto as “native currant.”

paloman/ pESlPmE /L > Spany of several sharks used as food.Ling decided to be adventurous andordered the grilled paloma.

pancettan/ (T)panScheZE /L > Itunsmoked bacon used in Italiancuisine.Pancetta is cured with salt ratherthan smoked.

panditn/ SpandDt /Skt > Hindia Brahman expert in Sanskrit and inthe science, laws, and religion ofthe Hindus.The temple’s senior priest was apandit from southern India.

panicv/ Spanik /Gk namebe stricken with a sudden terroroften accompanied by unreasoningor frantic efforts to secure safety.“Get in position and do not panic,”said the teacher calmly when thetornado warning was announced.

Pantagruelismn/ TpantESgrVETlizEm /F namebuffoonery or coarse humor with asatirical purpose : cynical humor.Josh’s cynical humor is tiring toeveryone except those who enjoyPantagruelism.

paraden/ pESrCd /Fa formal public procession : themovement of any body of people orthings marshaled in something likemilitary order.The annual Thanksgiving Dayparade featured many new floatsand balloons.

paradisiacaladj/ TparEdDSsIEkEl /Gkof, relating to, or resemblingparadise.Marjorie’s parents decided tocelebrate their 25th weddinganniversary on a paradisiacaltropical island.

parandrusn/ pESrandrEs /Gka mythical stag being able tochange colors like the chameleon.When Vera learned what aparandrus was, she immediatelythought about the horse who pulledthe carriage in Oz.

parlorn/ SpBrlEr /F > Ea room used primarily forconversation or the reception ofguests.“You are by yourself?” he asked,looking through the doorway intothe parlor.

parryv/ SparG /L > OProv > F[has near homonyms: peri, perry]ward off a weapon or blow bymeans of a defensive action.Lola’s fencing opponent forced herto parry repeatedly, and she lostground quickly.

partwayadv/ SpBrtTwC /L > F > E + Eto some extent.There was a detour because thefreeway was only partway finished.

passeln/ SpasEl /L > F > Ea large number : group.Mr. Jones is considering buying anold school bus so he can take hispassel of grandchildren on a cross-country trip.

Passovern/ SpasTPvEr /L > F > E + Ean annual religious and springagricultural festival of the Jews thatcommemorates the liberation of theHebrews from slavery in Egypt.At Passover, special dishes thatsymbolize various elements of theflight from Egypt are eaten.

pastev/ SpCst /Gk > L > F > E[has homonym: paced] cause toadhere by or as if by means of asoft plastic mixture or composition.“Let’s see if we can paste thedecorations on our masks withoutgetting anything on our clothes,”said the kindergarten teacher.

pasticcion/ paSstG(T)chP /L > Ita musical composition or piece ofwriting (as an opera or play) madeup of selections from differentworks.The orchestra played a pasticcio ofworks from the Romantic period.

pastinan/ pBSstGnE /L > Itvery small bits of pasta usedespecially in soup or broth.Pastina in the shape of little stars isusually served to babies and smallchildren.

pastoralistn/ Spast(E)rETlDst /La breeder of cattle or sheep.Mr. Chambers often dreams ofquitting the urban rat race andbecoming a pastoralist.

patchn/ Spach /It? > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] adomestic fool or jester.Stuart is playing a patch in theschool play.

patriarchallyadv/ TpCtrGSBrkElG /Gk + Ecfin a manner characteristic of orsuggestive of a man regarded asfather or founder (as of a race,science, religion, or class ofpeople).After listening to his advisers, thepresident patriarchally deliveredhis decisions to be carried out.

patriciden/ SpatrETsId /Lone that murders his or her ownfather.The patricide expressed no remorsebefore being sentenced to lifeimprisonment.

pavlovan/ paSvlPvE /Russ namea dessert of Australian and NewZealand origin consisting of ameringue shell topped withwhipped cream and fruit.Pavlova was named for a famousRussian ballerina.

peasantn/ SpezFnt /F > Eone of a chiefly European class thattills the soil as small freelandowners or hired laborers.The painting depicted a peasantworking with a hoe.

peculationn/ TpekyESlCshEn /Lthe act or practice of stealing orappropriating wrongfully to one’sown use especially public moneyentrusted to one’s care :embezzlement.The governor promised to crackdown on the peculation andinefficiency of state administrators.

pedantn/ SpedFnt /L > It > Fone who is uninspired,unimaginative, or narrowlyacademic or who undulyemphasizes minutiae in thepresentation or use of knowledge.Harold got no respect from hiscolleagues on campus, all of whomviewed him as a mere pedant.

pennen/ SpenTC /L > Itshort thick diagonally cut tubularpasta.Penne is a sturdy pasta that is oftenserved with thick, hearty sauces.

pennyroyaln/ SpenGTrOi(y)El /F > Ea European perennial mint withsmall pungently aromatic leaves.The pennyroyal makes a niceground cover and is known to repelflies.

pentalogyn/ penStalEjG /Gk + Gka series of five closely relatedpublished works.Evelyn had read all but one novelin the pentalogy.

peptiden/ SpepTtId /Gk > G > ISV + ISVcfany of a class of amides that arederived from two or more aminoacids by combination of the aminogroup of one acid with the carboxylgroup of another.Two glycine molecules can jointogether to form a peptide and onewater molecule.

perchanceadv/ pE(r)Schan(t)s /L > F > E + L > F > Eperhaps, possibly.David hopes that perchance Fionasaw his calculator in the loungeand picked it up for him.

perchlorinatev/ TpErSklPrETnCt /L + Gk > ISV + L > F + Ecffcombine with the maximumamount of chlorine especially inplace of hydrogen.Mr. Petty helped the studentsperchlorinate the compound safely.

performancen/ pE(r)SfOrmEn(t)s /L > F > Ea public presentation (as of adramatic work).Jennifer bought a ticket to amatinee performance of Giselle.

perfunctorilyadv/ pErSfENkt(E)rElG /Lin a manner characterized byroutine or superficiality.The substitute teacher told the classrather perfunctorily not to run inthe halls.

periaptn/ SperGTapt /Gka charm worn especially as aprotection against disease ormischief : amulet.Tonya’s research revealed that itwas not uncommon for soldiers towear a periapt into battle forprotection.

peristalticadj/ TperESstOltik /Gkof, relating to, resulting from, orbeing successive waves ofinvoluntary contraction passingalong the walls of the intestine orother hollow muscular structureand forcing the contents onward.What grandpa called indigestion,the doctor diagnosed as faultyperistaltic action.

perkyadj/ SpErkG /L > F > Ebriskly self-assured.Perky staffers were on hand togreet the visitors to the theme park.

perlingualadj/ TpErSliNg(yE)wEl /Lthrough or by way of the tongue.Patients in the perlingual treatmentgroup had results comparable tothose who received the medicationintravenously.

peroratev/ SperETrCt /Lspeak at length.Granddad loves to perorate abouthis experiences as a Grand Canyontrail guide.

peston/ Spe(T)stP /L > Ita green spaghetti sauce made ofgreen herbs, garlic, and olive oil.Luigi put some spinach and basilpesto on his spaghetti.

pharmacognosyn/ TfBrmESkBgnEsG /Gka science dealing with thecomposition, production, use, andhistory of drugs of plant and animalorigin.Research in pharmacognosy led tothe use of the heart stimulantdigitalis, which is obtained fromthe foxglove plant.

philobiblistn/ TfilESbiblDst /Gk + Gka lover of books.The philobiblist had stacks of booksthroughout the house, even in thekitchen sink.

philogynousadj/ fDSlBjEnEs /Gk[Note: Base word could beconfused withphilogeny/phylogeny.] fond ofwomen.The philogynous James Bondalways seems to have a beautifulwoman at his side.

philosophyn/ fDSlBs(E)fG /Gka science that comprises logic,ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, andepistemology.Jeff’s study of philosophy enabledhim to make many cogent remarksregarding ethics in the workplace.

phonn/ SfBn /Gk[has homonyms: faun, fawn] theunit of loudness level on a scalebeginning at 0 for the faintestaudible sound and corresponding tothe decibel scale of sound intensity.Jared fervently wished that hisbaby brother would cry at just 1phon.

photn/ SfPt /Gkthe centimeter-gram-second unit ofillumination equal to 1 lumen persquare centimeter and therefore to10,000 luxes or about 929footcandles.In his lab report Richard wasrequired to note how manyfootcandles are in 1 phot.

photolysisn/ fPStBlEsDs /Gkchemical decomposition ordissociation by the action of radiantenergy (as light).High-intensity ultraviolet light hasbeen used to break down fats byphotolysis.

phthisiologyn/ TthizGSBlEjG /Gk[Note: Could be confused withphysiology.] the care, treatment,and study of tuberculosis.The expert in phthisiology reportedthat up to 15 million Americans areestimated to have latenttuberculosis infections.

phyllophagousadj/ fDSlBfEgEs /Gk + Gk + Ecffeeding on leaves.Some farmers use pesticides to ridtheir crops of phyllophagousinsects.

pickpocketn/ SpikTpBkDt /F&E + Gmc > F > Eone who steals money or valuablesthat someone is carrying in his orher pockets or on his or her person.The pickpocket quickly disposed ofhis victim’s wallet after relieving itof the money.

piersn pl/ Spi(E)rz /L > E[has homonym: peers] structuresbuilt out into the water on piles foruse as landing places or pleasureresorts.One of the huge piers at MyrtleBeach was destroyed by thehurricane.

pinatan/ TpGnSyBZE /L > It > Spa decorated container filled withcandies or other gifts and usuallysuspended from the ceiling thatblindfolded children try to breakwith a stick.The best part of Sadie’s birthdayparty was the breaking of thepinata.

pinionv/ SpinyEn /F > E[has homonym and near homonym:pinyon and pinyin] disable orrestrain by binding the arms usuallyto the body.The police officer struggled topinion the suspect and radio forhelp at the same time.

pintn/ SpInt /L > F > Eany of various units of capacityequal to ½ quart.Ben constantly argued that a lunchconsisting of four turkeysandwiches, two apples, and a pintof milk was not enough for agrowing boy.