plank plectridial E plenteous plenteously plesiosaur ...haus.org/richter/2004cwl_infrequent_pp104-153.pdf · 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing

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

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pipettedv/ pISpeZEd /Ftransferred, drawn off, measured,or applied with a small piece ofapparatus which in simplest formconsists of a narrow glass tube intowhich liquid is drawn up by suctionand in which it is retained byclosing the upper end.Dizzy warned her lab studentsnever to use their mouths to applysuction when they pipettedsolutions.

pipkin

pirate

piratical

piscifauna

pistol

pithy

pitta

pituitary

pizza

placket

plaited

planaradj/ SplCnE(r) /L[has homonyms: plainer, planer]lying in one surface defined bythree points.Section 13.4 of Kew’s textbookexplained that a molecule withthree atoms can be either linear orplanar.

plane

plankv/ SplaNk /Ecook and serve on a heavy boardusually with an elaborate garnish.Native Americans of the Northwestused red cedar boards to planksalmon and other fish.

plantable

plantation

plasticate

plastisol

platitudinous

plattern/ SplaZE(r) /F > Ea woman’s low-crowned hat that isdistinctly flat in silhouette.Atop the model’s head was aplatter trimmed with a veil and asilk camellia.

platyopic

play

playgoer

playlet

plazan/ SplBzE /L > Spa public square in a city or town.The summer festival was heldunder the stars in the plaza.

pleading

pleasantry

pleasedadj/ SplGzd /L > F > Eaffected with or manifestingpleasure : contented, gratified.Steve’s parents were extremelypleased that he finally made thehonor roll.

pleat

plectridial

plenteous

plenteously

plesiosaur

plesiosaurus

pliancy

plinth

ploce

plod

plotv/ SplBt /Eplan or contrive.Ogilvie refused to plot against hissister in spite of her treachery.

plugboard

plumbv/ SplEm /E[has homonym: plum] examineminutely and critically.Heraclitus attempted to plumb thedepths of his soul, but never foundits limit.

plumbing

plumicornn/ SplVmETkOrn /Lone of the tufts of lengthenedfeathers on the head of variousowls.Paul’s cat’s hair is so long that itlooks like she has a plumicorn infront of each ear.

plunge

plunger

plural


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plutocracy

plutogoguery

plutomania

plutonianadj/ plVStPnGEn /Gk namegrim and gloomy : harsh andunpleasing.Some people would describe vanGogh’s dark backgrounds as“plutonian.”pluvial

pneumonectomy

poachv/ SpPch /Gmc > F > Ecook in a liquid kept just below theboiling point.The doctor told Betsy that sheshould boil or poach her morningeggs to keep their calorie countdown.

pocketn/ SpBkDt /Gmc > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] anEnglish unit for hops equal to 168pounds.Cedric, the town’s brewmaster, waspanicked to find only 1 pocket ofhops in the storeroom.

pococurante

podn/ SpBd /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has near homonym:pawed.] a number of animals (asseals or whales) closely clusteredtogether : school.A pod of four or five whales wasabout 50 yards starboard.

podsnappery

podunk

poetess

poetry

poignance

poikilotherm

pointedly

pointless

poitrel

poivrade

pokern/ SpPkE(r) /F?one of several card games in whicha player bets that the value of thehand held is greater than the valueof the hands held by the otherplayers.When Billy came home, he wasshocked to find his mother and herfriends playing poker instead ofbridge in the living room.

pokeweed

polarimetricadj/ pPTlarESmetrik /L > ISV + Gk > ISVof or relating to the use of aninstrument that determines theamount of polarization of light orthe proportion of polarized light ina partially polarized ray.Oki told his niece that polarimetricobservations helped him study theinteraction of plane-polarized lightand chiral molecules.

polentan/ pPSlentE /L > Itmush originally made of chestnutmeal but now principally ofcornmeal or sometimes of semolinaor farina.Polenta is cooked very slowly ontop of the stove and can be cut intoslices after it cools.

poler

polestar

polityn/ SpBlEZG /Gkpolitical organization : civil order.Walter claims that any form ofpolity is more efficient, not morallybetter, than none.

pollard

pollee

pollex

pollinate

pollyanna

polon/ SpP(T)lP /Baltia game of Asian origin played byteams of three or four playersmounted on horseback and usingmallets with long flexible handlesto drive a wooden ball down thefield and through goalposts.The morning newspaper carried apicture of Prince Charles playingpolo.

polonium

polskan/ SpPlTskE /Pol > Swa Swedish folk dance derived froma Polish peasant dance.The polska is usually danced tomusic in a minor key.


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polyanthus

polydactylous

polydentateadj/ SpBlGTdenTtCt /Gk + Lattached to the central atom in acoordination complex by two ormore bonds.Shara used a tripolyphosphateatom as an example in her effortsto explain the difference betweenpolydentate ligands and otherligands.

polyethylene

polygenous

polyhedron

polymorphicadj/ TpBlGSmOrfik /Gk + Gkhaving or occurring in severaldistinct forms.The polymorphic wild foxes ofCanada are of the red, smoky, andsilver types.

polymythy

polyphony

polypody

polyptotonn/ TpBlDpStPTtBn /Gkthe rhetorical repetition of a wordin a different case, inflection, orvoice in the same sentence.Tennyson’s “my own heart’s heart,and ownest own” well illustratespolyptoton in English.

pomologyn/ pPSmBlEjG /L + Gkthe science of the cultivation offruits.John became familiar with fungisuch as American brown rot, applerust, and banana freckle in hiscourse in pomology.

ponderv/ SpBndE(r) /L > F > Eweigh in the mind.The setback forced Orson toponder his position.

pone

pongeen/ pBnSjG /China thin soft clothing and curtainfabric of Chinese origin wovenfrom uneven threads of raw silkand possessing a characteristic ecruor tan color.Sap’s grandmother, who lives inChina, sent her some curtains madeof pongee.

pontiffn/ SpBntDf /L > Fa high priest or chief religiousfigure.Pope John Paul I was the Catholicpontiff for only one month.

ponytail

poplin

popovern/ SpBpTPvE(r) /E + Ea quick bread made from a thinbatter of eggs, milk, and flour andsubjected in the first stage ofbaking to such heat that steamexpands it into a hollow shell.While a popover is delicious plain,it can also be served with varioussweet or savory fillings.

porcelainize

porch

pores

porkpien/ SpP(E)rkTpI /L > F > E + Ea hat with a low telescoped crown,flat top, and brim turned up allaround or up in back and down infront.While dancing in his movies, FredAstaire often wore a porkpie.

positionn/ pESzishEn /Lany of the postures of the feet andarms on which all steps andmovements of classical ballet arebased.Mademoiselle Lebrun instructedthe students to assume the firstposition.

positive

positivity

postdoctoraladj/ postSdBkt(E)rEl /L + L[Note: Speller might confusedoctoral with doctorial.] relating to,awarded for, or engaged inadvanced academic or professionalwork after the attainment of adoctor’s degree.It seems that Skye will always be astudent, for now he is immersed inpostdoctoral studies.

postmark


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posttestn/ Spos(t)Ttest /L + L > F > Ean examination given to studentsafter the completion of aninstructional program to measuretheir achievement and theeffectiveness of the program.The teacher was mortified whenhalf of her students failed theposttest.

postulation

potamic

potent

potionn/ SpPshEn /La liquid mixture or dose of amedicine or drug.The princess declared haughtilythat she had no need for a lovepotion.

potoo

potshot

pottery

pottlen/ SpBZFl /Ea liquid or dry measure equal to ½gallon.The recipe in Ryan’s colonialcookbook calls for a pottle ofboiled milk.

pouch

poulterer

poundn/ SpaUnd /Ea unit of mass and weight equal to16 avoirdupois ounces or 7,000grains or 0.45359237 kilogram.Donna’s first job was selling candyby the pound at a bulk food store.

powerhouse

praseodymium

pratincolous

praxis

prayern/ Spra(a)(E)r /L > F > E[Note: Could be confused withpreyer.] a solemn and humbleapproach to a god or gods in wordor thought, usually involvingbeseeching, petition, confession,praise, or thanksgiving.Calvin shut his eyes and said asilent prayer before beginning theexam.

preachv/ SprGch /L > F > Eproclaim the gospel : discoursepublicly on a religious subject orfrom a text of Scripture.Dr. Mason is wont to preach thesame sermon every Easter Sunday.

preacher

precipitous

precrural

preemergentadj/ TprGDSmErjEnt /L + Lused or occurring before seedlingscome forth or rise into viewaboveground.Dramatic success in weed controlhas been achieved withpreemergent herbicides.

preempt

preengagementn/ TprGDnSgCjmEnt /L + F + Ecfa prior obligation.Valerie’s preengagement is acommitment to baby-sit heryounger siblings.

preexistv/ TprGigSzist /Lhave actual or real being before(something).The monuments on Easter Islandpreexist written history.

pregnantadj/ SpregnEnt /Lcontaining unborn young within thebody.The zoo director called a pressconference to announce that bothfemale pandas are pregnant.

prehensible

prehensile

prejudice

prepare

preponderating

preprint

presbytery

preschooler

preshrink

pression

pressure

presybytery

pretend

preternatural

pretext

prettyadj/ SpriZG /Epleasing by delicacy or grace.The pretty little garden on ProspectStreet was tended by Mrs. Walter’sgranddaughter.

prewrap


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prideful

pridianadj/ SpridGEn /Lof or relating to a previous day orto yesterday; also : former.As the bills accumulated, Ginabegan to doubt her plan to restorethe Victorian mansion to its pridianglory.

priggishness

primary

primigenial

primiparous

princess

printing

privateer

probabilism

proclitic

procrastinate

procrastinatingv/ prPSkrastETnCZiN /Lputting off intentionally and usuallyhabitually and for a reason held tobe reprehensible (as laziness,indifference to responsibility).The boss’s motto is that workingleaves no time for brooding orprocrastinating.

prodigality

prodigiously

productn/ SprB(T)dEct /Lthe number or magnitude resultingfrom the multiplication together oftwo or more numbers ormagnitudes.The product of 9 and 7 is 63.

productive

proficiencyn/ prESfishEnsG /Lthe quality or state of being welladvanced in an art, occupation,skill, or a branch of knowledge.Through steady practice the batterattained great proficiency atbunting the ball.

proficiently

profilograph

profiteer

profundity

profusion

prognathous

prohibition

projectionistn/ prESjeksh(E)nDst /Lone who operates a motion-pictureprojector.The skilled projectionist quicklyrepaired the break in the film.

prolegomena

prolegomenous

prolificacy

prolongate

promethium

promovent

promulgator

proneurn/ prPSnEr /Fflatterer, eulogist.Mr. Dirking was a convincingproneur and succeeded inobtaining the most votes.

prontoadv/ SprBn(T)tP /L > Spquickly, promptly.The principal bellowed, “Get inhere, pronto!”pronunciation

proofmark

propagandize

propertyn/ SprBpE(r)ZG /Lany article or object used in a playor motion picture except paintedscenery and actors’ costumes.A large mirror was a stageproperty used in the first act.

prophetic

prophetically

propjet

proponent

proposal

proprietorial

proruption

proscribe

prosthetics

prosthodontist

protasisn/ SprBZEsDs /Gkthe opening lines especially of adrama or narrative poem :introduction.In the protasis a narrator gives thebackground for the first scene ofthe play.

protector


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proteinn/ SprPTtGn /Gk > F + ISVany of a very large class ofnaturally occurring extremelycomplex combinations of aminoacids.The dietician was concerned by theamount of protein in Jenny’s dailydiet.

Protestantn/ SprBZEstEnt /La Christian not of a RomanCatholic or an Eastern church.Mark, a staunch Protestant, felt outof place during mass when thefriends he was visiting rose to takecommunion.

protiumn/ SprPZGEm /Gk + ISVcfthe ordinary light hydrogen isotopeof atomic mass 1.Protium, one of the two stableisotopes of hydrogen, accounts for99.985 percent of the naturallyoccurring hydrogen on Earth.

protoconch

protonatev/ SprPtFnTCt /Gk + Ecfadd a positively chargedelementary particle to.Styro remembers the diagram ofhow to protonate acetic acidmolecules by thinking of ahorizontal Y.

protostele

prototype

protrusileadj/ prPStrVsIl /Lso made that it can be thrust out.Only in slow motion could we seethe frog’s protrusile tongue snatchthe insect.

protuberancen/ prPSt(y)Vb(E)rEn(t)s /Lthe quality or state of being thrustforward or out.The protuberance on the plank ofwood was easily sanded down.

proudadj/ SpraUd /L > F > Ehighly satisfied or pleased : elated.Mike was proud to be a member ofthe municipal police force.

proverbn/ SprBTvErb /La brief epigrammatic saying that isa popular byword.Clark’s favorite proverb is “Allwork and no play makes Jack a dullboy.”provocateur

provocation

prowlern/ SpraUlE(r) /Eone that roams over (an area) in apredatory manner; especially : asneak thief.Police warned residents to stay outof the park at night because therewas a prowler on the loose.

proxemics

proxy

prudish

pryingly

psalmodist

psalter

pseudandry

psilophyton

psittacine

psychodraman/ SsI(T)kPTdrBmE /Gk + Gka usually unrehearsed dramatic playdesigned to afford catharsis andsocial relearning for one or more ofthe participants from whose lifehistory the plot is abstracted.The family members acted out apsychodrama of what went wrongwith their relationships.

psychokinesisn/ TsI(T)kPkDSnGsDs /Gk + Gkthe production or alteration ofmotion by influence of the mindwithout use of physical means.The psychologist told of a gamblerwho claimed he could influence thefall of dice by psychokinesis.

psychorrhagy

psychosomatic

psychosomatics

publicize

puckishness

puddingn/ SpUdiN /Ea usually boiled or bakedsweetened dessert of a soft, spongy,or thick creamy consistency.After Gage had his wisdom teethremoved, he ate only rice puddingand milkshakes for three days.

pudginess

pudibund

pudicity

puerperal

pugilant

pule

puli


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pullet

pullover

pulpit

pulpy

pulsingv/ SpElsiN /L + Ecfmoving in beats or periodic spurts :vibrating with life, sound, or light.Jake’s legs were pulsing with theenergy released as the wavescrashed on the dock under his feet.

pumpn/ SpEmp /unknown[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a lowshoe not fastened on and grippingthe foot chiefly at the toe and heel.Lois hobbled off the dance floorcarrying a pump and its detachedheel.

pumpkinseed

punctilio

punctiliously

punctuate

pungency

punji

puntn/ SpEnt /L > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Also,similar word pont, with similardefinition, exists.] a long narrowflat-bottomed boat with square endsusually propelled with a pole.Peter stretched out in the punt andfloated slowly to the other side ofthe pond.

punter

pupigerous

pupiln/ SpyVpDl /La child or young person in schoolor in the charge of a tutor orinstructor : student.Every year at least one pupil inMiss Simpson’s kindergarten classis already a skilled reader.

puppet

puppetryn/ SpEpDtrG /L > F > Eshows featuring small-scale figuresof human or other living beingsoften constructed with jointedlimbs and moved usually on a smallstage by a rod or by hand frombelow or by strings or wires fromabove.The children’s favoriteentertainment at the fair was thecomical puppetry.

purdah

pureev/ pyVSrC /L > Fboil soft and then rub through asieve.Geneva began to puree vegetablesfor the baby when he was sixmonths old.

purfle

purgatorial

purifyv/ SpyUrETfI /L > F > Ecleanse ceremonially.In Native American religions thesweat lodge is used to purify thebody and heal the spirit.

purity

purloinern/ pE(r)SlOinE(r) /L > F > Ethief.The purloiner was apprehended assoon as he left the store.

purpura

purse

pushover

puttee

pyramidal

pyretic

pyrometallurgicaladj/ TpIrPTmeZFlSErjDkEl /Gk + Gk + Ecffof or relating to the chemicalscience and technology that dealswith the extraction of metals fromtheir ores, refining them, andpreparing them for use and whichdepends on heat action (as roastingand smelting).The forest ranger told Sky thatpyrometallurgical processes are animportant source of sulfur dioxide,a major component of acid rain.

pyrope

pyrostatn/ SpIrETstat /Gk + Gkany of various automatic devicesthat when exposed to anymanifestation of fire actuate amechanism for giving a warning orfor setting in operation a means ofextinguishing the fire.Most commercial fire alarmsnowadays are not manual but areactivated by a pyrostat.

pyrotechnical

python

quadder

quadrifilar


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quadrilingualadj/ TkwBdrESliNg(yE)wEl /Lspeaking or having knowledge offour languages.Mrs. Ramirez works for the StateDepartment as a quadrilingualinterpreter.

quadrivium

quadruple

quadruplet

quaesitum

quaggan/ SkwagE /Bantu? > Afrikaansa now-extinct wild ass of southernAfrica related to the zebras but withstripes on the head, neck, andforebody.The quagga once roamed SouthAfrica in large herds, butoverhunting led to its extinction inthe 1870s.

qualmishly

quantities

quarrier

quartn/ SkwOrt /L > F > Ea U.S. unit of liquid capacity equalto ¼ gallon or 57.75 cubic inches.When the oil light in Kevin’s carcame on, he stopped immediatelyand added a quart of oil.

quashy

quasimodo

quassia

quatenus

quatercentenary

quaternary

quatrain

quayside

quebrada

quelea

quenelles

quersprung

querulential

quickstepn/ SkwikTstep /E + Ea combination of short rapid dancesteps.The competition judges will checkto make sure that the quickstep isperformed precisely in time to themusic.

quidditative

quietly

quietude

quinary

quinquagenary

quinquagesimal

quinquenniallyadv/ kwinSkwenGElG /Levery five years.Marge’s high school class holds areunion quinquennially, and eachtime the intervening five yearsseems shorter and shorter.

quinsy

quintuple

quirk

quisqueite

quisutsch

quitclaim

quite

quittancen/ SkwitFn(t)s /Fthe act of freeing or releasing;specifically : discharge from a debtor an obligation.Joseph offered his cousin anofficial deed of quittance, sayingthat what he had already receivedwas payment enough.

quittor

quiveredv/ SkwivE(r)d /Gmc? > F? E + Ecfshook or moved with slighttremulous motion : trembled.When George talked abouttomorrow’s race, his voicequivered with excitement.

quota

quote

rabbin/ SraTbI /Heb > Gk > Lone acting as the official leader of aJewish congregation andperforming various duties (aspreaching, officiating at weddingsand funerals).Aaron decided to become a rabbi inhis second year at the yeshiva.

rabbitlike

rabbitry

rabulistic

rachion

raciation


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racketn/ SrakDt /imit[has homonyms: rackett, racquet]noisy, disturbing, or objectionabletalk or activity.Sojourner Truth said, “Where thereis so much racket, there must besomething out of kilter.”raclette

racon

raconteuse

radiallyadv/ SrCdGElG /L + Ecfarranged or having parts arrangedlike rays.Father Quinn’s diagram wasradially arranged with his goalsplaced in the center.

radicate

radishes

radium

rafale

railhead

raisins

rake

raki

rallies

ramark

rambla

rampion

ramrod

ramulus

rancio

random

rangette

rangibility

rankadj/ SraNk /Ehaving a heavy offensive smell.There sat Ralph wreathed in smokefrom a rank cigar.

Rankineadj/ SraNkDn /Scot namebeing, according to, or relating toan absolute-temperature scale onwhich the unit of measurementequals a Fahrenheit degree andaccording to which the freezingpoint of water is 491.67 degreesand the boiling point is 671.67degrees.The Rankine degree is only five-ninths of the Kelvin degree, but the0 point of both scales is absolutezero.

rankle

rapidly

rapparee

rappern/ SrapE(r) /F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has homonym:wrapper.] a short flat flexible steelsword made with a handle at eachend and used in English folkdancing.The folk dancing teacher had Maiause a stick instead of a rapper untilher skills improved.

rappini

rapturen/ SrapchEr /LChrist’s raising up of his truechurch and its members to a realmabove Earth where the wholecompany will enjoy celestial blisswith its Lord.A popular book series describes thestruggles of a group of believerswho are left behind after therapture to fight the forces ofdarkness.

rareadj/ Sra(a)(E)r /L > Eunusual, uncommon; specifically :belonging to a small group or class.Argon is classified as a rare gas,according to Larry’s basicchemistry textbook.

rarefied

rarity

rasceta

rasp

raspy

Rastafariann/ TrBstESfBrGEn /Ethopian namean adherent of a religious cult thatteaches the eventual redemption ofblacks and their return to Africaand venerates Haile Selassie as agod.The Rastafarian explained that hisreligion requires that he eat onlynatural and lightly cooked food.

ratio

ratoons

rauwolfia

ravage

ravehook

ravenry


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razee

razorbill

reactantadj/ rGSaktEnt /Lof, relating to, or marked by asubstance that is transforming orchanging chemically.Jayne, knowing the quantities ofeach reactant substance, calculatedhow much product would form.

reactor

readable

real

realisticadj/ TrGESlistik /Ffacing reality squarely : notimpractical or visionary.A realistic review of his prospectsof reaching the summit convincedTed to turn back.

realization

really

reamn/ SrGm /Ar > F > Ea quantity of paper in lots that varyin the number of sheets included.There are normally 500 sheets in aream of copy paper.

reasonv/ SrGzFn /F > Euse the power of thinking so as toarrive at conclusions.George is able to reason brilliantly,but he seldom bothers.

reassert

recalcitrate

recallv/ rDSkOl /Esummon forth a memory of : have arecollection or remembrance of.The photograph album made Tonyrecall many scenes from hischildhood.

receded

recent

recessionaryadj/ rDSseshETnerG /Lof or relating to a period of reducedeconomic activity.A recessionary cycle ischaracterized by a risingunemployment rate, falling profitsand production, falling interestrates, and decelerating inflation.

recidivist

recidivous

reciprocatory

recitalistn/ rDSsIZFlDst /L > F + Ecffone who performs programs ofvocal or instrumental music.The recitalist sang severalromantic arias from variousoperas.

recitative

reckonv/ SrekEn /Econclude on the basis of acalculation or estimation.As near as he can reckon, Mac hasread a million pages in his life.

reclama

recliningadj/ rDSklIniN /Lbending or curving gradually backfrom the perpendicular.The reclining figure in the paintingbore a resemblance to Elmer Fudd.

recoilless

recollectv/ TrekESlekt /Lcall to mind.Fran could not recollect where hehad seen the waiter before.

recollection

recombine

recompense

reconciliation

reconstitutev/ rGSkBnztETt(y)Vt /Lrestore the composition of (as aconcentrated juice) by addingwater.Mitch decided to reconstitute thecanned tomato soup with milkinstead of plain water.

recorder

recoursen/ SrGTkP(E)rs /L > F > Ea turning to someone or somethingin search of help, support,protection, or safety.If you lose your tickets, you have norecourse to obtain replacements.

rectangular

rectigrade

rectilinearly

rectipetality


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recton/ Srek(T)tP /La right-hand page (as of a book)usually carrying an odd pagenumber.The librarian stamped the library’sname on the first recto followingthe copyright page of each newbook.

redhibitionn/ Tred(h)ESbishEn /Lan annulment of the sale of anarticle and return of it to the sellerbecause of some material defect.Dad is convinced that his new caris a lemon and has engaged anattorney who specializes inconsumer transactions andredhibition.

redondilla

redoubt

redoxadj/ SrGTdBks /L + Gk[has near homonym: redux] of orrelating to oxidation-reduction.Juju’s comment that every basicchemistry student knows thatmetathesis is not a redox reactionwas not welcome at the studygroup.

redroot

reeln/ rGl /E[has homonym: real] a lively danceof the Scottish highlanders markedby circular figures and performedwith gliding movements.Several versions of the reelmigrated to the Americas fromScotland.

reelectedv/ TrGDSlekZDd /Lselected (a person) by vote foranother term in office.The candidate himself was notsurprised when he was notreelected.

reenact

reestablishv/ TrGDSstablish /L > F > Eset up, fix, or confirm again.Mrs. Jackson thought that the startof the second semester would be agood time to reestablish the classrules.

reevaluatev/ TrGDSvalyETwCt /L + Lexamine and judge againconcerning the worth, quality,significance, amount, degree, orcondition of.The company asked Chris toreevaluate the project’s potentialfor profit.

reeve

reference

reformatoryn/ rDSfO(r)mETtPrG /La penal institution to whichespecially young or first offendersare committed for training andreformation.For stealing automobiles thejuvenile was sent to a reformatoryuntil he reached the age of 18.

reformist

refract

refreshmentn/ rDSfreshmEnt /F > E + Ecfsomething (as food or drink) thatrestores strength and liveliness.After watching the two-hour movie,Dan decided it was time for somerefreshment.

refrigerativeadj/ rDSfrijETrCZiv /Ltending to cool.The fan had a refrigerative effecton Frank’s overheated body.

refutable

refutatory

regard

regards

regelate

regenerativeadj/ rGSjenETrCZiv /Lof, relating to, marked by, or usinga process of replacing or producinganew.The regenerative stage of aperennial plant’s life cyclegenerally takes place during thewinter months.

regent

regie

regress

regulatory

reimburse


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reincarnationn/ TrGTinTkBrSnCshEn /La fresh embodiment of someone orsomething.The reincarnation of our nation’scolonial capital was initiallyfunded by an endowment made byJohn D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1926.

reiteration

rejectamenta

rejuvenation

relegated

relevancyn/ SrelEvEnsG /Lrelation to the matter at hand.The search engine ranked the Websites according to the relevancy tothe word being searched.

religioso

religious

relishn/ Srelish /F > Ea savory pickled or preserved foodprepared from mixed choppedvegetables or fruits and usuallyserved with meat.Cameron put ketchup, onions, andpickle relish on his hot dog.

relleno

relocate

reluctancy

reluctant

remandv/ rDSmand /Lsend (a person charged with acrime) back into custody by courtorder.The judge decided to remand theprisoner to jail until his appealcould be considered.

remanet

remedyn/ SremEdG /L > AF > Esomething that relieves or cures adisease.Mom’s favorite remedy for a cold ischicken soup and lots of rest.

reminiscencesn pl/ TremESnisFn(t)sDz /Lremembered experiences.The program about the history ofjazz relied on reminiscences ofseveral older musicians.

reminiscently

remise

remissible

remission

remoteness

remount

remove

reneger

rennet

rentable

renunciation

repairv/ rDSpa(a)(E)r /L > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] go to aspecified place for a specifiedpurpose.In his inaugural speech thepresident indicated his desire torepair at once to the post votershad assigned him.

reparationsn pl/ TrepESrCshEnz /Lthe act of making amends, offeringexpiation, or giving satisfaction fora wrong or injury.The judge ordered the cat burglarto make reparations to the victimsof his crimes by standing guardoutside their homes each night.

repeatedadj/ rDSpGZDd /L > F > Erenewed or recurring again andagain : frequent.Mark was taken out of the game forhis repeated fouls.

repent

repentance

repercussive

repetitiously

replica

reportedly

repugnancy

require

requisitorial

reseau

resemblance

residentiary


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resiniferous

resist

respellv/ rGSspell /L > Ecf + Gmc > F > Ename the letters of again, anew, orin another way.Marilyn gave her students a chanceto respell all the misspelled wordsin their essays.

respiratorn/ SrespETrCZE(r) /La device for protecting therespiratory tract.Adam wore a filter respirator whenhe worked in his laboratory.

respire

respondent

ressaulted

restive

resultant

resurgev/ rDSsErj /L[has homonym: reserge] rise again: become resurrected.Byron wonders if negative feelingstoward his brother will resurgewhen his brother comes home fromcollege.

resuscitative

resuscitator

retiary

retool

retort

retraxit

retroactive

retrogressive

retrolental

returnable

revelationn/ TrevESlCshEn /Lan act of revealing orcommunicating divine truth.The humanist view is that religionis a human creation rather than arevelation from a god or gods.

revenuer

reverain

reverent

reversal

reverse

reviler

revisionist

revivified

revivify

revocation

revved

rhabdomancyn/ SrabdETman(t)sG /Gkdivination by rods or wands.Harry Potter tried throwing ahandful of rods on the floor, but hedidn’t know enough aboutrhabdomancy to read the pattern.

rhapsodized

rhea

rhenium

rheometern/ rGSBmEZE(r) /Gk + Gkan instrument for measuring theflow of viscous substances.A rheometer is used for measuringthe flow properties of powders,granules, and wet mixes in the drugand cosmetic industries.

rheophilic

rheumatoid

rhexis

rhinophonian/ TrInESfPnGE /Gk + Gkmarked nasal resonance.The principal’s voice is socharacterized by rhinophonia thathe is called “Mr. Quack” behindhis back.

rhipidate

rhizoidal

rhodochrosite

rhumb

rhynchophora

rhythmization

ribat

ribband

ricern/ SrIsE(r) /Gk > It > F > Ea kitchen utensil designed forpressing cooked soft vegetables oruncooked soft foods through aperforated container so that theresulting product emerges as stringsabout the diameter of a grain ofrice.Jerry pushed all of the cookedturnips through the ricer.

richness


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rickettsial

ridability

ridgepole

ridgeway

ridicule

riflery

rightful

rightless

rigid

rigidity

rigidly

rijsttafel

rimfire

rimur

rinforzando

ringside

rinkafaddan/ SriNkESfBLE /IrGaelan Irish dance resembling theVirginia reel.Brendan loved to step dance, but herefused to even try the rinkafadda.

risible

risque

rivalrous

riverfront

rivulose

roadrunner

roadworthy

robber

robin

roble

robot

rochetn/ SrBchDt /Fa white ecclesiastical garmentresembling a surplice wornespecially by bishops andprivileged prelates.The bishop entered the sanctuarywearing his rochet and miter.

rocky

rodeon/ SrPdGTP /L > Spa public performance that featuresespecially contests in calf ropingand bull riding.Little Mikey was only six, but hetook the blue ribbon for “Tiny TotCalf Roping” at the rodeo.

roe

roentgenology

roey

rogation

roguishness

rollicksome

roman

romaticism

rongeur

roodle

rook

rookien/ SrUkG /(L > F)&Ea new member of or candidate foran athletic team.In 1963 Pete Rose was chosen asthe National League’s Rookie ofthe Year.

rootage

roquelaure

rosace

rosaline

rosaryn/ SrPz(E)rG /La string of beads used in countingprayers.Eugenia’s collection of prayerbeads includes a rosary that wasblessed by the Pope.

rosella

rosemaryn/ SrPzTmerG /L > Ea fragrant shrubby mint that has awarm pungent bitterish taste and isused as a culinary herb and inperfumery.Monique’s mother made her a cupof tea flavored with rosemary.

rosinweed

rostrular

rosyadj/ SrPzG /Gk > L > Ehaving a rose-colored complexion :healthy, blooming.Ally’s rosy appearance belies howsick she feels.

rotameter

rotary

rotorcraft

rottenadj/ SrBtFn /Edecayed, putrid.On at least one day every summer,we put on our work clothes, go outin the garden, and have a good old-fashioned rotten tomato fight.


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roughrider

roughshod

roulade

rousseauism

roustabout

roustabouts

router

routineer

rowann/ SraUEn /Scanda Eurasian tree with pinnate leavesand flat corymbs of small whiteflowers followed by red pomesresembling berries—called also“European mountain ash.”The rowan at the edge of AuntFiona’s garden was damagedduring the ice storm.

royally

rubasse

rubbish

rubbishly

rubellite

rubidium

ruby

rucervine

ruckus

rudd

ruffv/ SrEf /F[has homonym: rough] play atrump card when another suit is led.Alice held so many trump cardsthat she was able to ruff all but twotricks of the bridge hand.

ruffian

rugbyn/ SrEgbG /E namea football game which is playedwith an oval ball by teams of 15players each and in which play iscontinuous.After playing rugby for two hours,Terence was so dirty his mothermade him rinse off outside underthe garden hose.

ruinous

rumbustious

rummage

runesmith

rung

runnelsn pl/ SrEnFlz /Erivulets, streamlets.The earthen dam gave way soonafter runnels of water zigzaggeddown its bank.

runnyadj/ SrEnG /Eexcessively soft and liquid.The dough for the bran muffinsseemed much too runny to Tom.

runway

rupee

rupture

rustler

ruthenium

rutidosis

ryegrass

sabbathn/ SsabEth /Heb > Gk > L > F > Ethe day of rest and solemnassembly observed as sacred toGod by Jews and some Christianchurches on the seventh day of theweek from sunset Friday untilsunset Saturday.Orthodox Jews do not drive or ridein vehicles on the sabbath; if theywant to travel on Saturdays, theymust walk.

sabretache

sabreur

sabulosity

saccharide

sacchariferous

sacque

sacrilege

saddle

saddlebag

saddlebow

sadware

safecrackingn/ SsCfTkrakiN /E + Ethe act or process of breaking into asafe especially by explosives toburglarize it.The robbers’ attempt atsafecracking was abruptly ended bythe alert guard dogs.

safety

sagittate

sailer

sailor


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saintn/ SsCnt /L > F > Eone officially recognized oracknowledged as preeminent forconsecration, holiness, and pietyespecially through canonization byone of the branches of the Christianchurch.Elizabeth Seton, who founded theorder of the Sisters of Charity of St.Joseph, was the first native-bornAmerican to be canonized as asaint.

saintly

salable

salak

salamandroid

salangane

salaried

salience

saliently

salify

salinelle

salinity

salivatev/ SsalETvCt /Lproduce in the mouth an excessiveflow of a secretion that serves tolubricate ingested food.Whenever Alison thinks aboutsushi, she begins to salivate.

salsan/ SsOlsE /L > Sppopular music of Latin Americanorigin that has absorbedcharacteristics of rhythm and blues,jazz, and rock.Salsa has given its name to ageneric style of Latin Americandancing.

saltn/ SsOlt /Eany of a class of compoundstypified by sodium chloride that arederived from acids by replacementof part or all of the acid hydrogenby a metal or radical acting like ametal.Before taking chemistry, Takthought that all salt was the same.

salvage

samarium

sambaln/ SsBmTbBl /Malaya condiment made typically ofpeppers, pickles, grated coconut,salt fish, or fish roe and eatenespecially with curry and rice inand around Indonesia and Malaya.Mindy ate a bowl of rice withvegetables and sambal for lunch.

sampans

samsonite

sanctimoniously

sandals

sander

sandpiper

sandshoen/ SsandTshV /E + Ea shoe (as a sneaker) designed forwear in sandy ground.After a walk on the dunes, Sandrastopped to retie her sandshoe.

sans

sansculotte

sansculottic

sapid

sapiens

saprobic

sapropelic

sapsucker

sarothrum

sashayed

sashless

satanic

satiny

satirically

satisfaction

satrapy

saturable

saturatedadj/ SsachETrCZEd /Lhaving the greatest concentrationthat can remain under givenconditions (as of temperature andpressure) in the presence of thedissolved substance.Raising the temperature of asaturated solution usually makes itno longer saturated because moresolute can be dissolved at thehigher temperature.

saucerless

sauterne

sautoir

savagery

savarin

sawbuck

sawhorse

sawtooth

saxhorn

saxicolous


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scabby

scalar

scalding

scaler

scallions

scallom

scalpriform

scanv/ Sskan /L > Elook through or over hastily.The students asked the teacher ifthey could scan their notes for fiveminutes before the test.

scandalous

scandium

scansorial

scant

scapular

scarab

scarf

scathing

scaup

scazon

scenicadj/ SsGnik /Gkaffording or abounding in attractivescenery.The Grand Canyon is one ofAmerica’s greatest scenicattractions.

scentv/ Ssent /L > F > E[has homonyms: cent, sent] use theolfactory organ in seeking ortracking prey.A hound will jump at theopportunity to scent squirrels andrabbits.

schalstein

scheduled

schismatical

schlich

schnell

schokker

scholasticism

schoolboyish

sciapodous

sciential

scintillator

sciolist

scission

scolopaceous

scoop

scoot

scopious

scorch

scorchingadj/ SskO(E)rchiN /Scand > Eburning or parching with intenseheat.With the temperature a scorching98 degrees, it was simply too hot toplay outdoors.

scoring

scour

scoured

scowl

scrapbook

scrappy

scratchy

screamer

screech

screed

scribbling

scriber

scrimn/ Sskrim /unknowna transparent theater drop or atransparent section in a drop thatappears opaque when a scene infront is lighted and transparentwhen a scene in back is lighted.The play’s dream sequence wasperformed behind a scrim to givethe illusion of unreality.

scrip

scrivello

scrub

scrupulous

scrutineer

scuffle

scum

scup

scuppaug

scurrilousness

scurry


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scutn/ SskEt /unknownthe short erect tail of an animal andespecially a hare or rabbit.Haley found a rabbit’s scut on thebarbed wire fence.

scuttled

seabootn/ SsGTbVt /E + Ea very high waterproof boot usedespecially by sailors and fishermen.The sailor had no sooner taken offone seaboot than he was againsummoned to the deck.

seaborneadj/ SsGTbP(E)rn /Etransported by ship.China agreed to take measures toprevent seaborne wood fromintroducing the pesky wood-eatingbeetle to the United States.

seafarer

seafowl

seapoosen/ SsGTpVs /Algonquian > Ea shallow inlet or tidal stream alongthe Long Island shore.Dirk floated a toy boat in theseapoose.

season

secesssion

secretaries

secretion

sectarian

sectile

sector

securev/ sDSkyU(E)r /Lseize and confine a person : holdfast.The prison rules stated that theguards were to secure allremaining prisoners in the event ofan escape.

securely

security

sedimentary

seditionary

seditious

seedbed

seedy

seer

seething

seicento

seismatical

seismograph

sejant

selector

selion

semanticize

semelfactive

semiarid

semifinal

semilunar

semipermeableadj/ TsemGSpErmGEbEl /L + Lof or constituting a membrane thatis penetrable by some usually smallmolecules (as of water or inorganicsalts) but bars the passage of otherusually larger particles (as proteinmolecules).Usually the size of a moleculedetermines whether it will passthrough a semipermeablemembrane, but other factors arenot well understood.

semiquavern/ SsemGTkwCvE(r) /L + Ea sixteenth note in music.The composer believed that everysemiquaver of her new symphonywas perfect.

senator

senescence

seniority

senseless

sensitive

sensual

sentence

sentimentalizingv/ TsentESmentFlTIziN /L + Ecfflooking upon and imbuing withemotion.Daren made the mistake ofsentimentalizing the politician as apoor abused fellow.

separable

septenarius


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septendecimaladj/ TsepTtenSdesEmEl /Lrelating to the number 17 : basedon the number 17.Rob mistakenly thought that oncehe had lived beyond hisseptendecimal year he could do ashe pleased in his parents’ house.

septicizationn/ TseptEsDSzCshEn /Gk > L + Ecfftreatment of sewage by bacterialaction.Engineers found a way to utilize thegases produced by the septicizationof sewage.

septupletsn pl/ sepStEplDts /La group of seven offspring born atone birth.In November 1997 many people inthe United States becamefascinated with the birth ofseptuplets to a family in Iowa.

sepulture

sequacity

sequestered

seraphically

serena

serfism

serialize

serigraph

serinette

seriosity

sermonn/ SsErmEn /La religious discourse delivered inpublic usually by a clergyman as apart of a worship service.John found the minister’s sermonunusually long and tedious butstruggled to keep his mind on it.

serology

serum

setting

sexton

sextuplet

sfogato

sgabello

sgraffito

shad

shakuhachi

shalloon

shameless

shampoo

shamrock

shandry

shank

shapeliness

sharecropper

shark

sharkskin

sharp

sharpener

sharpshod

sharpshooter

shawln/ SshOl /Pera usually square or oblong piece offabric used especially as a coveringfor the head or shoulders.Alexandra threw a shawl over herhead and ran down the path to thewindmill.

sheafn/ SshGf /E[Note: Could be confused withchief, sheave.] a quantity of arrowssufficient to fill a quiver; also : theallowance of arrows (as 24) allottedto each archer.As a walk-on in the recentlyreleased movie, Jason handedRobin Hood a sheaf of arrows forhis quiver.

sheargrass

shearwater

sheaved

sheepish

sheepskinn/ SshGpTskin /E + ON > Ea document bearing record ofgraduation from or of a degreeconferred by an educationalinstitution.Jesse was so proud of hersheepskin that she framed it andhung it in her den.

sherry

sherryvallies

shigellosis


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shimmeredv/ SshimE(r)d /Eshone with a tremulous or fitfullight : gleamed faintly.As the patterns of moonlightshifted, the frost-covered blades ofgrass shimmered.

shimmyn/ SshimG /F > Ea jazz dance popular after WorldWar I which is characterized by ashaking of the body from theshoulders down.The shimmy enjoyed a briefpopularity among the flappers ofthe 1920s.

shinern/ SshInE(r) /Eblack eye.Sporting a shiner, Clint said, “Youshould see what the other guy lookslike.”shingler

shinglesn pl/ SshiNgElz /L > Ean acute inflammation of thesensory ganglia of spinal andcranial nerves that is associatedwith a vesicular eruption andneuralgic pains.Shingles kept Kyle out of school fortwo weeks.

shinnery

shinplaster

shiny

shipboard

shipshape

shockn/ SshBk /Gmc > Fa state of profound depression ofthe vital processes of the bodycharacterized by pallor, rapid butweak pulse, anxiety, and nausea orvomiting.Severe injuries in an automobileaccident could cause a person to gointo shock.

shogun

shonev/ SshPn /E[has homonym: shown] emittedrays of light : beamed with steadyradiance.Shutters closed for many yearswere thrown open to let thebrilliant sunlight shine where ithadn’t shone in so long.

shoo

shopliftingn/ SshBpTliftiN /E + ON > Ethe stealing of goods on display ina store.Shoplifting becomes a seriousproblem for merchants especiallyaround Christmas time.

shortcaken/ SshOrtTkCk /E + ON > Ea sweet baked dough spread withfruit and served cold.Strawberry shortcake is a delicioussummer treat.

shorteningn/ SshOrtFniN /Ean edible fat used to make bakedgoods flaky or crumbly.A good pie crust can be made withhalf a cup of shortening.

shorthandedadj/ SshO(E)rtThandDd /E + Eshort of the regular or necessarynumber of people.Because the boys felt they had anadvantage over their smalleropponents, they agreed to playbasketball shorthanded.

should

showstoppern/ SshPTstBpE(r) /E + Ean act, song, or performer that winsapplause so prolonged as tointerrupt a performance.The song “Memory” proved to bethe showstopper in the musicalCats.

shrievalty

shrinen/ SshrIn /L > Ean object, structure, or place that isconsidered sacred by a religiousgroup and that serves as the focusof the performance of some ritual.The Western Wall in Jerusalem is aJewish shrine that receives millionsof visitors annually.

shrivel

shrunken

shuba

shufflev/ SshEfEl /Eperform a dance with a dragging,sliding step.As the dance marathon wore on,the tired participants began toshuffle from side to side.

shutter

sial

sialagogue


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sibilance

sibilatory

sibling

sickishadj/ Ssikish /Emaking somewhat ill.A sickish odor filled the hospitalroom.

siestan/ sGSestE /L > Span afternoon nap or rest.Some Latin American countrieshave extra periods of rush hourtraffic as people go home for theirsiesta.

sieving

siglum

signality

signet

signifier

signorina

Sikkimesen pl/ TsikESmGz /Indian geog namenatives or inhabitants of the state ofSikkim in northeastern India.Many Sikkimese believe thatcertain mountains are protectivedeities.

silanen/ SsiTlCn /ISVany of several silicon hydrideshaving the general formulaanalogous to that of hydrocarbonsof the methane series.When exposed to air, some types ofsilane will ignite spontaneously.

silencer

silver

similar

simmerv/ SsimE(r) /imit Estew gently with a bubbling soundbelow or just at the boiling point.The chef explained that the carrotsshould simmer in the broth forseveral minutes before the othervegetables were added.

simoniac

simplicial

sincere

singlen/ SsiNgEl /L > F > Ea one-dollar bill.Maria searched her wallet for asingle to give the cloak roomattendant as a tip.

singlesticker

singletonn/ SsiNgEltEn /L > F > Ea card (as in bridge) that is the onlyone of its suit originally held in ahand.Daphne could see that she wouldhave a difficult time winning thehand, since she held only asingleton of the trump suit.

singsong

sinistrad

sinistration

sinkage

sinologyn/ sISnBlEjG /Chinese? > Ar > Gk > L > F + Gk> Ecf[has homonym: cynology] thestudy of the Chinese especiallywith reference to their language,literature, history, and culture.Kim’s graduate work in sinologyled her to spend a semester atHeidelberg University’s Institute ofChinese Studies.

sinople

sinuate

sinusn/ SsInEs /La cavity in the substance of thebone of the skull that usuallycommunicates with the nostrils andcontains air.Since Pauline has no frontal sinus,she never gets bad sinusheadaches.

siphorhinal

siriasis

sirop

sisal

situation

sizzling

skaten/ SskCt /Gmc > F > Da shoe with a metal runner or a setof wheels fastened to the sole.After a few laps around the rink,Jeff had to tighten up his skate.

skellum

skerrick

sketchy

skiametry


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skiff

skiffle

skiing

skimv/ Sskim /Eread, study, deal with, or examinesuperficially and rapidly;specifically : glance through (as abook) for the chief ideas or the plot.Haley often goes to the bookshopon Saturday mornings to skim thecurrent best sellers.

skimmern/ SskimE(r) /Ea usually straw flat-crowned hatwith a wide straight brim.Dad had a photo of Grandpa at thetrain station waving good-by withhis skimmer.

skin

skinnyadj/ SskinG /Ethin and lacking flesh (as fromemaciation).Barbara described Frank as “askinny little guy with a great senseof humor.”

skintight

skit

skua

skullcapn/ SskElTkap /Scand > E + L > F > Eany of various close-fittingbrimless cloth caps for indoor oroutdoor wear.In a corner of the restaurant sat asolitary bearded man wearing ablack skullcap and reading anewspaper.

skunkn/ SskENk /Algonquianany of various common NewWorld mammals which eject anintensely malodorous secretionwhen startled or attacked.Luckily the skunk has warningcoloration and is easy to recognize.

skunkweedn/ SskENkTwGd /Algonquian + Eany of several offensive-smellingherbs.The skunkweed poked its nosethrough the surface of the swamp.

skydiving

skyjack

skyjackingn/ SskITjakiN /N > E + unknownthe commandeering of an airplanein flight by the threat of violence.By skyjacking a passenger plane,the terrorists intended to force theauthorities to release theirimprisoned leader.

slaked

slandern/ SslandE(r) /L > F > Eutterance of false charges ormisrepresentations which defameand damage reputation.After the heated debate, onecandidate threatened to sue theother for slander because of hisdefamatory remarks.

slangkop

slanguage

slargando

slateadj/ SslCt /F > Eof the color of any of various grayssimilar in color to common roofingslates.The contractor recommends blackshutters and slate shingles for thehouse Karen’s family is building.

slavishly

slick

slickenside

slippern/ SslipE(r) /Ea light low-cut shoe that is easilyslipped on the foot.Fred’s puppy came running intothe room shaking a slipper in hismouth.

slipstream

slither

sloe

sloeberry

slogan

sloop

slough

slovenliness

sluiced

slurp

slurry

slurvian

smallishadj/ SsmOlish /Eslightly below normal size.Mr. Sidgwick bought a smallishturkey for Thanksgiving.


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smallpoxn/ SsmOlTpBks /Ean acute contagious virus diseasecharacterized by high fever andskin eruptions which often result inscar formation.A vaccine is available that willprevent a person from contractingsmallpox.

smatteringn/ SsmaZE(r)iN /imit? > Ean inconsiderable number oramount especially of similar butdistinct individuals or parts :piecemeal collection.After only a smattering of museumgoers showed interest in theexhibit, it was replaced earlier thanoriginally planned.

smileless

smirch

smiris

smoothbore

smuggleable

smugglern/ SsmEg(E)lE(r) /G&Done who imports or exportsanything in violation of thecustoms laws.The smuggler was arrested at theairport when cocaine was found inhis luggage.

snaffle

snaggletooth

snakily

snaren/ Ssna(a)(E)r /ON > Esomething by which one isentangled or involved indifficulties; often : somethingdeceptively attractive.Danny has learned the hard waythat a smile on the face of adishonest salesperson can be asnare.

snazzy

sneakern/ SsnGkE(r) /Ea shoe usually of canvas with apliable rubber sole worn especiallyfor sports or hiking.Chip complained that his mom hadbought him the wrong kind ofsneaker for basketball.

sneern/ Ssni(E)r /G?an expression, remark, or sayingthat manifests derision, disdain, orcontempt.Roberto’s sneer hurt Rachel’sfeelings.

sniffv/ Ssnif /Edraw air audibly up the nose.Klaus is wont to sniff at whateverhe does not like.

sniftern/ SsniftE(r) /Ea large short-stemmed goblet with abowl narrowing toward the top inwhich the aroma of brandy can besavored before drinking.Heather poured a bit of calvadosinto a snifter.

sniperscope

snipsnapsnorum

snitchn/ Ssnich /unknownone who gives incriminatingevidence against someone,especially an associate.A snitch tipped the police as towhere they could find the robberysuspect.

snivelv/ SsnivEl /Espeak or act in a whining, sniffling,tearful, or weakly emotionalmanner.Uncle Ron sternly told Susie not tosnivel when she asked forsomething.

snook

snookern/ SsnUkEr /unknownpool played with 15 red ballshaving a value of 1 each and 6variously colored balls havingvalues of from 2 to 7 respectivelyon which the striker may play onlyafter pocketing a red ball.Morris learned to play snookerduring his junior year abroad at aBritish university.

snooty

snoutn/ SsnaUt /Ethe human nose especially whenlarge or grotesque.Her scarlet eyes stared over hergruesomely fattened snout.


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snowshoen/ SsnPTshV /E + Ea light oval frame that isstrengthened by two crosspiecesstrung with thongs and attached tothe foot and that is used to enable aperson to walk on soft snowwithout sinking.The deeper the snow and theheavier the wearer, the larger thesnowshoe should be.

snuffer

soapbush

sobeit

soberly

sobornost

soccern/ SsBkEr /shortened E forma game with 11 players on a side inwhich the ball is advanced bykicking or by propelling it with anypart of the body except the handsand arms.Worldwide, soccer is probably themost popular team sport.

sockeyen/ SsBTkI /Salish dialect > Ea small but very important Pacificsalmon attaining an average weightof about five pounds and ascendingrivers chiefly from the Columbianorthward to spawn in late summeror fall.Tommy had to fight the sockeye forfive minutes before finally landingit.

socratically

socratism

sodan/ SsPdE /Ar? > L > Itthe hygroscopic crystallineanhydrous normal salt.Soda, one of the constituents ofglass, used to be obtained from theash of sea plants.

soilage

solacement

solate

solderable

soldering

solemnize

solenial

solepiece

solicitudinous

solidadj/ SsBlDd /Lhaving an interior filled withmatter.The stalks of some plants are notsolid.

solidarity

soligenous

soliloquize

solubleadj/ SsBlyEbEl /Lsusceptible of being dissolved in oras if in a fluid.Salt and sugar are soluble in water.

solventn/ SsBlvEnt /La liquid component of a solutionpresent in greater amount than thesolute.“Obviously,” said Dr. Powers,”the best solvent for a material isusually related to its chemicalstructure.”

somatophyte

somatotonia

somnifacient

somnivolency

somnolently

sonen/ SsPn /L > ISV[has homonym: sewn] a subjectiveunit of loudness for a given listenerequal to the loudness of a 1,000-cycle sound that has an intensity 40decibels above the listener’s ownthreshold.The sone is a more practical unit ofloudness than the phon, becausesounds do not appear to increaseproportionately with the number ofphons.

songstern/ SsONztE(r) /Eone that is skilled in song.The songster Cole Porter brought aworldly enthusiasm to Americanmusical comedy stage.

soothsayer

sophrosyne

sopranino

soprano

sorceress

sorites


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soroptimist

sorosis

sostenuto

soteriology

souffle

soulful

soullessadj/ SsPllDs /E + Ecfhaving no manifestation of aspiritual or moral nature.After several years in a city theyfound soulless, Arthur and Sylviabought a dairy farm in Vermont.

soundest

sounding

sourdine

sourwood

soutenu

sovietologist

spade

spadeful

spaghettini

spallation

spanner

sparable

spartanize

spasmodicallyadv/ spazSmBdDk(E)lG /Gkin a sudden violent and temporarymanner.Tupper spasmodically jerked hisleg away from the blow.

spastic

spatha

spatialize

speakerphonen/ SspGkE(r)TfPn /E + Gka combination microphone andloudspeaker device for two-waycommunication by telephone lines.Ruby turned on the speakerphoneso he could tend to the stove andcontinue talking.

special

spectrology

speechifier

speedballn/ SspGdTbOl /E + ON > Ea game resembling soccer butpermitting a ball caught in the air tobe passed with the hands.The fourth grade played speedballat recess.

spelunker

sphenocephaly

spheroidize

sphragistics

sphygmometer

spicieradj/ SspIsGEr /L > F > Ehaving more of a fragrancesuggestive of spices.The new potpourri was muchspicier than the old one.

spicigerous

spikenard

spiling

spilth

spindle

spindrift

spinster

spiracular

spiriform

spiritedadj/ SspirDZDd /Lfull of life or vigor.The spirited debater delivered apersuasive speech.

spitzer

splacknuck

spleen

splendor

splurge

splurgy

spoil

spoilage

spoilsport

spokeshave

spoliator

spoorn/ SspU(E)r /D > Afrikaansa mark, a trail, a scent, a sound, ordroppings left by one that haspassed.Moxie found the spoor of a cat inthe garden.

sporomorph

sporophore

sportswear

spotlight


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sprainv/ SsprCn /unknownweaken by sudden and violenttwisting or wrenching.Unaccustomed to wearing highheels, Sarah might sprain her ankleif she tried to run in them.

spreader

sprig

springbok

spritsail

sprocket

spryness

spurnwater

squails

squalidity

squanderingv/ SskwBnd(E)riN /unknownspending extravagantly orwastefully.The wealthy heir was criticized forsquandering his inheritance at thegambling casinos.

squaren/ Sskwa(a)(E)r /L > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] abuilder’s unit of floor or roof areaequal to 100 square feet.The contractor told the Driscollsthat they would need a square ofroofing material to finish the job.

squat

squatter

squdgy

squeak

squinch

squint

squirearch

staatenbund

stabbing

stability

stabilizer

stachyose

staffage

stagecoach

stagflation

stagiary

staginess

stakeoutn/ SstCkTaUt /E + Ea surveillance maintained by one ormore police officers over an area orperson suspected of criminalactivity.Police set up a stakeout at theintersection where drug dealerswere said to be doing business.

stalactites

stalag

stamenn/ SstCmDn /L[has near homonym: stamin] themale reproductive organ of aflower.When the honeybee touched thestamen, pollen stuck to its legs.

standardn/ SstandE(r)d /F > Ea pole or spear bearing someconspicuous object (as a banner) atthe top formerly used to mark arallying point, to signal, or to serveas an emblem.Before Caesar entered the room, amessenger entered bearing hisstandard.

standingn/ SstandiN /Eposition or condition in society orin a profession.Rumors about the mayor’s expenseaccount have certainly hurt hisstanding in the community.

standstill

staphylococci

staplen/ SstCpEl /Ea small U-shaped wire both ends ofwhich are driven through layers ofthin and easily penetrable material(as paper or paperboard) andusually clinched to hold the layerstogether.Leigh wanted to make a photocopyof the document, but first she had toremove the staple.

stapler

stappn/ Sstap /Am namea unit of force caused byacceleration and equal to 1 G actingon a body for 1 second.Astronauts commonly use the stappwhen referring to the G-forcesendured at takeoff.

starer

starling

startling


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stases

stash

stationn/ SstCshEn /Lthe place or position in whichsomething or someone stands or isassigned to stand or remain; as : apost of duty.Just before the mock fire drill eachmember of the observation teamtook his station.

statolatry

statusn/ SstaZEs /Lposition or rank in relation toothers.Fernando’s status in the companychanged dramatically after hecompleted his degree.

stauroscope

stave

steadfast

steadfastlyadv/ SstedTfastlG /Ein a firmly established manner.The castle steadfastly weatheredthe storms through the ages.

steamv/ SstGm /Ecook by direct exposure to or in avessel surrounded by the vapor ofliquid heated to the boiling point.Some cooks like to steamvegetables in broth rather than inwater for added flavor.

steeln/ SstGl /E[has homonyms: steal, stele]commercial iron that containscarbon in any amount up to about1.7 percent.Changing the carbon content ofsteel greatly affects its malleability.

steely

steeplejackn/ SstGpElTjak /Eone whose work is building orrepairing smokestacks, towers, orsteeples.The steeplejack found a stalk ofcorn growing atop the belfry.

stegosaurian

stelliferous

stellify

stenography

stenophagous

stenosis

steren/ Ssti(E)r /Gk > F[has homonym: steer] a metric unitof volume equal to 1 cubic meter.The stere is the metric counterpartof the cord, which is 128 cubic feetof stacked wood.

stereognosisn/ TsterGBgSnPsDs /Gk + Gkability to perceive or the perceptionof material qualities (as form,weight) of an object by handling orlifting it : tactile recognition.To test his stereognosis after hishead injury, Barry was blindfoldedand handed different shapes to fitinto a form board.

stereopsis

sterlingadj/ SstErliN /Eof full value or first quality :conforming to the highest standard: genuine.The recipient of the Citizen of theYear award was cited for hersterling character and matchlessenergy.

sternum

sternutatorn/ SstErnyETtCZEr /Lan agent that induces a flow ofnasal secretion or causes sneezing.A gaseous sternutator was usedagainst soldiers in World War I.

sternway

stethoscopy

stewv/ Sst(y)V /Gk > L > F > Ecook in a little liquid over a gentlefire without boiling.It is sometimes advisable to stew anolder chicken rather than roast it.

sthenen/ SsthGn /Gk > ISVa meter-kilogram-second absoluteunit of force equal to 1,000newtons or 100 million dynes.Part of Nick’s physics homeworkconsisted of convertingmeasurements from the newton tothe sthene to the dyne.

stichomythian/ TstikESmithGE /Gkdialogue especially of altercation ordispute delivered in alternatinglines (as in classical Greek drama).The argument continued instichomythia until the charactersrealized the futility of suchbickering.


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stickleback

stickler

stickyadj/ SstikG /Ehaving the quality of adhering.The sticky gum would not come offof Ann’s finger.

stiffener

stigma

stigmata

stilbn/ Sstilb /Gk > ISVa centimeter-gram-second unit ofbrightness equal to 1 candle persquare centimeter of cross sectionperpendicular to the rays.The luminous paint on a watch dialusually registers only a tinyfraction of a stilb.

stiletto

stiltn/ Sstilt /Eone of two poles each with a rest orstrap for the foot used to elevate thewearer above the ground inwalking.Waldo had to add the length of thestilt to his leg length to get theproper trouser measurement for hisclown costume.

stimulate

stingray

stinkstonen/ SstiNkTstPn /Ea stone that emits a fetid smell onbeing struck or rubbed owing todecomposition of organic matter.Stinkstone, a variety of limestone,is also called swinestone.

stipple

stipulatev/ SstipyETlCt /Lmake an express demand for someterm in an agreement.Many corporations who allowemployees to telecommute alsostipulate the working hours andequipment to be used.

stitchv/ Sstich /Efasten, join, or close with or as ifwith loops of thread.The brain surgeon was justlyfamous for the speed and skill withwhich she could stitch.

stomachic

stomatitic

stonen/ SstPn /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] anofficial British unit of weight equalto 14 pounds.Elizabeth’s New Year’s resolutionis to lose 1 stone before the arrivalof summer.

stooln/ SstVl /Ea device for sitting usuallyconsisting of a single wooden orupholstered seat without back orarms supported by three or fourlegs or by a central pedestal.The actor playing the court jestersat on a low stool near the king’sthrone.

stopwatch

storis

storyteller

stoutadj/ SstaUt /Gmc > F > Echaracterized by physical or moralbravery : courageous, valiant.The scoutmaster praised Jim,referring to him as “a brave ladwith a stout heart.”stoutly

stovepipen/ SstPvTpIp /G > D > E + Ea very tall silk hat.In honor of Lincoln’s birthday,David, wearing a frock coat,stovepipe, and false beard, recitedthe “Gettysburg Address” for theclass.

stow

straddle

stragglingly

strait

stramineous

straphangers

strawberryn/ SstrOTberG /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a smallmark or bruise that is of a moderatered or purplish red color.The strawberry on Martha’s thighis a birthmark.

strawbreadth

streetscape

streptococcus

stretchableadj/ SstrechEbEl /Ecapable of being extended.The kitten tugged at Alvin’sstretchable sock.


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strictness

stridency

stridulous

stringendo

stripling

stromatolite

strongadj/ SstrON /Ehaving great muscular power.Johnny is as strong as a bull.

strongholdn/ SstrONThPld /Ea fortified place.As the marching soldiers crestedthe hill, the duke’s stronghold cameinto view.

strophe

strophicadj/ SstrBfik /Gkrelating to, containing, orconsisting of a rhythmic systemcomposed of two or more linesrepeated as a unit.The strophic pattern of the poemhelped Miriam memorize it.

structural

stucco

stuccowork

studied

studyv/ SstEdG /Lapply the mind to the acquirementof knowledge.Flora helped her roommate tostudy for her exam.

stuffv/ SstEf /F > Eprepare (meat or vegetables) forcooking or eating by filling orlining with a seasoned mixture.Bella plans to stuff the turkey witha mixture of cornbread, sausage,and onions.

stuffily

stuffyadj/ SstEfG /F > Eoppressive to the breathing.The air in the tunnel leading intothe pyramid was stuffy.

stultify

stummel

stupefacient

stuporn/ Sst(y)VpE(r) /La chiefly mental condition markedby absence of spontaneousmovement, greatly diminishedresponsiveness to stimulation, andusually impaired consciousness.After staying up all night to study,Ellen ended up taking her exam ina stupor.

styliform

stymieing

subconscious

subcontraoctave

subcortex

subculture

subdermal

subduedadj/ sEbSd(y)Vd /Lreduced or lacking in force orintensity.The subdued dog could becomeferocious when threatened.

subereous

subfebrile

subjacentadj/ TsEbSjCsFnt /Llying under or below.The hills and subjacent valleyswere cloaked in the heavy, wetsnow.

subjective

sublease

sublunaryadj/ SsEblVTnerG /Lcharacteristic of or pertinent to thisworld : terrestrial, mundane.One suffragette declared that menhad undertaken the “absolutecontrol of all sublunary matters.”submerge

suborning

subphylum

subplot

subreptary

subreption

subscribe


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subshelln/ SsEbTshel /L > E + Eany of the one or more spacesoccupied by the orbits of a group ofelectrons of approximately equalenergy surrounding the nucleus ofan atom.Fred explained that most elementshave more than one subshell ofelectrons.

substantive

subsume

subtle

subtrahendn/ SsEbtrEThend /La quantity that is to be deductedfrom a minuend in themathematical operation ofsubtraction.In the equation 14 – 8 = 6, 8 is thesubtrahend.

subtuberant

suburbanadj/ sESbErbEn /Lof, relating to, inhabiting, orlocated in the residential area onthe outskirts of any city or largetown.The farm on which George spenthis childhood years has beenswallowed up in suburban sprawl.

succinctness

sucrosen/ SsVTkrPs /F > ISV + L > Ecfa sweet water-soluble sugar thatoccurs naturally in most land plantsespecially in the juices, fruits, androots.Sucrose was the last in a long listof organic substances whosechemical formulas Callie had tomemorize that night.

sudatory

sudorific

sugarloaf

suite

sulcus

sulfofying

sulky

sullenly

summit

summonsn pl/ SsEmEnz /F > Ea warning or citation to appear incourt.As an eyewitness to the robbery,Alicia received a summons to givetestimony in court.

sumon/ SsV(T)mP /Jpna Japanese form of wrestling inwhich a contestant loses the matchif he is forced out of the ring or ifany part of his body except his feettouches the ground.As part of their study of Japaneseculture, the class watched an hourof sumo on ESPN.

sumptuously

sunbonnetn/ SsEnTbBnDt /E + L > F > Ea woman’s bonnet with a wide brimframing the face and usually havinga ruffle at the back to protect theneck from the sun.Meghan was so fair-skinned thatshe never left the house without asunbonnet.

sundownn/ SsEnTdaUn /E + E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a broad-brimmed hat for women.Diane put on a straw sundown andtook a stroll on the gorgeousbeach.

sundry

sunfloweradj/ SsEnTflaU(E)r /E + L > F > Eof or resembling any of variousplants with large yellow-rayedflower heads bearing edible seedsthat yield an edible oil.The brown iris was slashed withyellow, the color of sunflowerhoney.

sunnyadj/ SsEnG /E[has homonym: sonny]characterized by brilliant sunlight.Mo added a sunny porch to theback of her house.

sunstone

sunstroken/ SsEnTstrPk /Eheatstroke caused by directexposure to the Sun.Sharon suffered a sunstroke whenshe ran the marathon in mid-August.

superabundantadj/ TsVpE(r)ESbEndEnt /Lbeing considerably more than issufficient.The cheerleader’s superabundantzeal was a little sickening to Carla.

superannuate


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supercoolv/ SsVpErTkVl /L + Freduce in temperature to below thefreezing point withoutsolidification or crystallization.Tage had to first supercool theliquid and then be careful not tostir it; otherwise, it would quicklysolidify.

superego

superenciphermentn/ TsVpE(r)DnSsIfE(r)mEnt /L + L + Ar > L > F + Ecfconverting into code what alreadyis a cryptogram especially in code.Jason is an ace code breaker andhas recently become interested insuperencipherment.

supererogate

supererogatory

superimposableadj/ TsVpErDmSpPzEbEl /Lcapable of covering or of beingcovered.If a superimposable ion ormolecule is placed over the other,the positions of all the atoms willmatch.

superrationaladj/ TsVpE(r)SrashEnFl /Ltranscending the power of reason.Many novelists address thesuperrational aspects of love intheir works.

supplantv/ sESplant /L > F > Etake the place of : oust from aposition and serve as a substitutefor especially by reason of superiorexcellence or power.Harry’s goal is to supplant thecurrent floor supervisor.

suppletory

supply

suppositional

surchargen/ SsErTchBrj /F > Ea price demanded for a thing orservice in excess of the usual ornormal amount.The overnight delivery service hasa steep surcharge for weekenddelivery.

surcingle

surmisable

surmountableadj/ TsErSmaUntEbEl /F > E + Ecfcapable of being overcome.Quentin is confident that most ofthe problems associated with hislearning disability aresurmountable.

surprising

surrealist

surrogacy

surveil

suspendv/ sESspend /Lhang so as to be free on all sidesexcept at the point of support.Tony will suspend a tennis ballfrom the garage ceiling to help himknow how far he can drive into thegarage.

suspendedadj/ sESspendDd /Lwithheld for a time under specifiedconditions.Because this offense was his first,Mike was given a suspendedsentence instead of a jail term.

suspendersn pl/ sESspendE(r)z /L > F > E + Ecftwo supporting bands of elastic,leather, or cloth worn across theshoulders and fastened at thewaistline to trousers or a skirt.They had worn their coats to town,but they ate in their striped shirtsand suspenders.

suspiration

swampy

swarmn/ SswO(E)rm /Ea great often overwhelming numberusually in motion and especiallymigratory : a dense moving crowdor throng.A swarm of preteen girls and theirparents headed for the entrancedoors of the concert hall.

swarming

swartrutter

swedesn pl/ SswGdz /D > G[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.]rutabagas.The farmer’s shed was filled withbaskets of potatoes, swedes, andturnips.

sweetadj/ SswGt /Epleasing to the smell : fragrant.Kara’s mother loves the sweetsmell of gardenia blossoms.


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swingn/ SswiN /Ejazz dancing in moderate tempowith a peculiar lilting syncopation.Martin urged Rhonda to learn theswing with him.

switch

switchbackn/ SswichTbak /D? + Ea zigzag road or trail in amountainous region.The switchback was so steep thatAmber had to back her truck up thenext leg rather than turn aroundand go forward.

swizzle

syagush

sycophants

sycosis

syllabary

syllabic

syllepsis

symbiotically

symblepharon

sympatry

symptomatic

synanthous

synchnocarpous

synchronistic

synchronizationn/ TsiNkrEnDSzCshEn /Gk + Gk + Ecffthe act or result of makingdialogue, music, or sound effectsexactly simultaneous with theaction shown in a motion picture.The synchronization in earlyforeign movies was sometimesludicrous, with mouths movingwhen no speech was heard.

synchronize

synclastic

syncretize

synodal

synonymical

syntactician

syntality

synusia

systaltic

system

tabasco

tablets

tachyarrhythmia

tachygrapher

tacitlyadv/ StasDtlG /L + Ecfin a manner that is implied orindicated but not actuallyexpressed.The school administration does notenforce the dress code, perhapstacitly acknowledging that it needsto be changed.

tackv/ Stak /Enail, pin, or affix with small sharp-pointed, broad-headed nails.The landlady told Tristan thatalthough hanging large pictureswas not permissible, he could tacka calendar to the wall.

tacker

tactn/ Stakt /L[has homonym: tacked] a keensense of what to do or say in adifficult or delicate situation inorder to maintain good relationswith others or avoid offense :diplomacy.Tact is an inestimable quality in anadministrative assistant.

taffy

tagliarini

tailspin

taintless

talking

talmouse

Talmudn/ StBlTmUd /Hebthe authoritative body of Jewishlaw and tradition developed on thebasis of the scriptural law after theclosing of the Pentateuchal textabout 400 B.C.Benjamin studied Torah andTalmud at the yeshiva.

talmudism

talmudist

talon

talus

tammy


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tangled

tantalum

Taoismn/ StaUTizEm /Chin + Ecfa religion and philosophy of Chinatraditionally founded by Lao-tzu inthe sixth century B.C.Many of the 20 million adherents ofTaoism practice tai chi andChinese herbal medicine.

taperer

tapeworm

taphonomyn/ taSfBnEmG /Gkthe study of the processes (asburial, decay, and preservation) thataffect animal and plant remains asthey become fossils.The archaeology departmentfrequently calls upon a consultantwhose expertise is in taphonomy.

tapissier

tarboosh

targhee

tarry

tartareous

tartarly

tartrazine

tasajillo

taskmaster

tasteful

tastelessadj/ StCstlDs /E + Ecfhaving no flavor.Giorgio, the son of a jeweler, wasamused to hear his chemistryprofessor describe diamonds astasteless.

tatouay

tatters

Taurus

tautness

tautomerism

tawniness

taxidermist

taxidermy

taxonomyn/ takSsBnEmG /Gk + Gkthe study of the general principlesof scientific classification.No one was surprised when thecourse in taxonomy began with adiscussion of Swedish botanist Carlvon Linné and his method ofbinomial nomenclature.

taxophily

tchaviche

teacher

teamn/ StGm /E[has homonym: teem] two or morehorses, oxen, or other draft animalsharnessed to the same vehicle (as acoach, wagon, sled) or to the sameplow or other implement.A team of mules pulled a wagonalong the street of the recreatedgold-mining town.

tearjerkern/ Sti(E)rTjErkE(r) /E + Ean extravagantly pathetic story,play, film, or radio or televisionprogram.The movie turned out to be a two-hankie tearjerker.

teasel

teaspoonn/ StGTspUn /Chin + Ea small commonly silver spoonsuitable for stirring and sipping teaor coffee and having a standardcapacity of 1/3 tablespoon.William realized that he had used atablespoon of yeast instead of ateaspoon, which led to the overflowof bread dough from the oven.

technetium

technocrat

technophobia

tectiform

tectonospheren/ tekStBnETsfi(E)r /Gk + Gkthe zone within Earth in whichcrustal movements originate.The geologist specialized in thestudy of the evolution and structureof Earth’s tectonosphere.

teething

teethless

telautograph

telecast

telegraphy

telencephalon

teleological

telepathically


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telepathy

telestich

tellurian

tellurium

templen/ StempEl /Lan edifice dedicated to the worshipof a deity.The Johnsons admired the statelyarchitecture of the Mormon templeon their trip to Salt Lake City.

tempon/ Stem(T)pP /L > Itrate of motion.The frenzied dance slowed to agentle, lyrical tempo.

temporality

tenace

tenant

tenderfoot

tenderize

tendinitis

tendinous

tenor

tenorless

tenpinsn pl/ StenTpinz /E + Ea bowling game using ten bottle-shaped bowling pins and a largeball and allowing each player tobowl two balls in each of tenframes.Rip van Winkle played tenpins withthe strange little men.

tensely

tensenessn/ Sten(t)snDs /L + Ecfthe quality or state of beingstretched tight.As the starting time for the race gotcloser, Brian’s tenseness increased.

tentiform

tenure

teonanacatl

terbium

teredos

tergiferous

tergiversator

tergiversatory

teriyaki

termolecularadj/ StErmETlekyElEr /L + Lrelating to or formed from threemolecules.Because a termolecular reaction isthe result of the simultaneousencounter of three molecules, veryfew termolecular reactions occur.

tern

terpsichore

terraciform

terrann/ SterEn /LEarth inhabitant.“The terran departed HartuxStation three hours ago at warpspeed,” said Glarg.

terreplein

territoriality

tessellate

tessera

tetanogenic

tetra

tetrachloriden/ StetrETklPrId /Gka compound containing four atomsof chlorine with another element orradical.Carbon tetrachloride is a usefulorganic solvent.

tetradactyl

tetrahedraladj/ StetrEThGdrEl /Gkhaving or made up of four sides.Sid remembered that a tetrahedralmolecule is made up of five atomswith one at the center and the otherfour at each corner.

tetralemman/ TtetrESlemE /Gkan argument analogous to adilemma but presenting fouralternatives in the premises.When Rachel received four equallyattractive invitations to the prom,she decided to draw straws to solvethe tetralemma.

tetramerous

tetrapteron

tetraptych

tetrastoon

tetrazzini

thallium

thalweg

thankless

thawless


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theatricalityn/ thGTatrESkalEZH /Gk + Ecffthe quality or state of having thecharacteristics of a stage play or anactor’s performance.The exaggerated gestures andmovements are part of the actor’stheatricality.

theatrically

theft

theme

thence

theocratic

theologize

theophobian/ TthG(T)PSfPbGE /Gk + Gkdread of the wrath of God.In his theophobia, Brennan wassure that the thunderstorm wasdirected specifically at him.

theoretically

thereupon

thermochemicaladj/ TJErmPSkemDkEl /Gkof, relating to, or obtained by thebranch of chemistry that deals withthe relations existing between heatand chemical reaction or physicalchanges of state.George’s comparison ofthermochemical changes in severalreactions revealed a strikingvariation in enthalpy.

thermocline

thermoduric

thermohydrometern/ TthEr(T)mPhISdrBmEZE(r) /Gkan instrument for measuring thespecific gravity of a liquidcontaining an instrument formeasuring the temperature of theliquid under test.Stan took readings from thethermohydrometer every fiveminutes throughout the experiment.

thermophilic

thermopilen/ SthErmETpIl /Gk + L > F > Ea thermoelectric battery.The thermopile is used in conectionwith a galvanometer for measuringminute quantities of radiant heat.

thermosetadj/ SthErmETset /Gk + Erelatively incapable of softening orfusing when heated.Thermoset plastics are sometimesused in manufacturing industrialmolds.

thermotropism

theta

theurgist

theurgyn/ SthG(T)ErjG /Gkthe art of compelling or persuadinga god or beneficent supernaturalpower to do or refrain from doingsomething: specifically : an occultart in which the operator is held tobe capable of evoking or utilizingthe aid of divine and beneficentspirits.Theurgy is sometimes called “highmagic,” and thaumaturgy, the useof magic for nonreligious purposes,is called “low magic.”thiazide

thigh

thingummy

thirdboroughn/ SthErdTbEr(T)P /Ea former English peace officerespecially of a tithing.Old Mr. Hawkins has been thethirdborough of Warwickshire forthe last two years.

thixotropy

thongn/ SthON /Ea sandal held on the foot by a strapbetween the toes.As Sarah walked down the marblehallway, her every step wassounded by a slapping thong.

thonnier

thoracostomy

thorium

thornyadj/ SthOrnG /Ebeset with trials, vexations,obstacles, or other difficulties.Grading papers is often a thornyproblem for teachers.

those

thousandth

thrasonicaladj/ thrCSsBnDkEl /Roman namebragging, boastful.Cleo’s father asked her not to bethrasonical about her birthdaypresents in front of her brother.

thread


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thrilledv/ Sthrild /Ecaused to have a shivering ortingling sensation : affectedemotionally.Jeff was so thrilled by the new StarWars movie that he got back in lineto see it again.

thripsn pl/ Sthrips /Gk > Lany of some 5,000 species of tinywinged insects of the orderThysanoptera.To survive the cold winters, thripshibernate in hollow plant stems onthe ground.

thrive

throttlebottom

throwaway

thrummed

thrustv/ SthrEst /ON > Epush or drive with physical force.To open the can, Elmer had tothrust a screwdriver through thelid.

thuggee

thulium

thunder

thundering

thurifer

Thursdayn/ SthErz(T)dC /ON > Ethe day following Wednesday.Pizza is served every Thursday inthe school cafeteria.

tickle

tidewaiter

tidology

tidy

tiercen/ Sti(E)rs /L > F > Ea sequence of three playing cards ofthe same suit.Roland’s tierce led with the ace ofhearts and beat Paul’s king, queen,and jack of clubs handily.

tierer

tiger

tigereye

tignon

tikin/ StGkG /Maori&Marquesana Polynesian wood or stone imageset up as a temporary abode orembodiment of a god or othersupernatural power but notworshipped as an idol.The tiki at the entrance to thePolynesian restaurant is genuine.

tilery

timbe

timber

timberline

timbery

timelyadj/ StImlG /Edone or occurring at a suitabletime.A timely downpour quenched thefire.

tin

tinderbox

tintinnabulum

tiponi

tipsy

tiptoedv/ StipTtPd /E + Ewalked or proceeded quietly orcautiously walking on or as ifwalking on the tips or ends of thetoes.The toddler tiptoed slowly towardhis parents with his armsoutstretched.

tiresomely

tiringv/ StI(E)riN /Efatiguing, wearying.Bridget found her job tiring andboring.

tirralirra

tithev/ StIL /Epay or give a tenth part ofespecially for the support of thechurch.The pastor used this Sunday’ssermon time to encourage membersof the congregation to tithe.

title

titoism

titrationn/ tIStrCshEn /F > Ea determination of the reactivecapacity usually of a solution;especially : the analytical processof successively adding measuredamounts of a reagent to a knownvolume of a sample in solutionuntil a desired end point is reached.Mark prepared to do a titration bytransferring 40 milliliters of sodiumhydroxide into a flask.


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tittuppy

titularly

tizzy

tjaele

toadyism

tocusso

toddler

tombolo

tomfoolery

tonality

tonetics

tonne

tonometern/ tPSnBmEZE(r) /Gkan instrument for measuring theexact pitch or vibration rate oftones.In 1833, Scheibler put tonometryon a scientific basis with histonometer.

tonsillitic

tope

topgallant

topiarist

topical

topodeme

topology

toponomastic

toponymic

topos

toreutic

tormentor

torpidity

torridity

torture

totally

touchdownn/ StEchTdaUn /L > F > E + Ethe act of scoring six points in afootball game by being lawfully inpossession of the ball on, above, orbehind an opponent’s goal linewhen the ball is declared dead.Barnaby intercepted the ball andran 89 yards to score the mostmemorable touchdown in hisschool’s history.

touchlinen/ StEchTlIn /L > F > E + E&(L > F)either of the lines between and atright angles to the goal lines thatbound the sides of the field of playin rugby and soccer.The referee ruled that Colin’s foothad come down on the wrong sideof the touchline.

toupee

tournamentn/ StUrnEmEnt /F > Ea trial of skill in which manycontestants compete forchampionship in a series ofelimination contests.Laszlo won first place in the statechess tournament.

towering

townn/ StaUn /Ea compactly settled area usuallylarger than a village but smallerthan a city in population.The town of Oliver Springs wasworst hit by the storm.

towser

toxicant

trabant

tracer

traceried

tractrix

trade

trafficker

tragicomedy

tragus

trajection

tranchet

transadj/ Stran(t)s /L[has homonym: trance] having orcharacterized by various atoms orgroups on opposite sides of themolecule.Heat or irradiation with light canoften change a compound from acis to a trans isomer, although itdoes not change the type or numberof atoms in the compound.

transcription

transenna

transformationn/ TtranzfE(r)SmCshEn /L > Ea physiological change of one thinginto another (as larva into adultthrough metamorphosis).During the pupal stage the larva ofa butterfly undergoes atransformation in which the wingsappear and adult structures aredeveloped.


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transgressionn/ tran(t)sSgreshEn /Lthe infringement or violation of alaw, command, or duty.The union leader claimed that thecompany was guilty of atransgression of the labor contract.

transgressor

transilience

translate

translucence

transmitted

transport

transportedadj/ tranzSpPrZDd /Limpassioned or enraptured bystrong and usually pleasurableemotion.As Tom listened to the chantingmonks, he felt transported andotherworldly.

trapdoor

trapeze

trapezoid

trawl

treasonable

trecentist

treeingv/ StrGiN /Edriving to or up a tree.Strange to say, Jacques and Philiphad a hard time treeing thatsquirrel.

tremor

trenchern/ StrenchE(r) /F > Ea platter or tray for serving food.Ten minutes after entering the inn,the wayfarer was working his waythrough a trencher piled with food.

trepan

trepanation

trephine

trestletree

triadism

trial

triangular

triassic

triceps

trichologyn/ trDSkBlEjG /Gkthe scientific study of hair.Several experts in trichologymanned booths at the cosmetologyfair.

trichotomous

trickledv/ StrikEld /Eran or fell in drops.Water trickled out from the hole inthe jug.

triclinicadj/ trISklinik /Gkhaving or characterized by threeunequal axes intersecting at obliqueangles—used especially of acrystal.Dusty reminded Sam that tricliniccrystals have three unequaldimensions and three unequalangles, none of which is 90degrees.

tricouni

tricycle

triennial

triforium

triglyceride

trilemma

trillionth

trilocular

trilogyn/ StrilEjG /Gka series of three dramas orsometimes three literary or musicalcompositions that although each isin one sense complete have a closemutual relation and form one themeor develop aspects of one basicconcept.The third novel in the trilogy was asequel to the first, but the secondwas a prequel to it.

trimester

trinitrotoluene

trinked

trinket

trinklied

trion/ StrG(T)P /L > It > Fa group or set of three.Ben belongs to a well-known trio ofmusicians that plays for weddingreceptions.

triplicate

triploid

tripodal


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tristfuladj/ StristfEl /L > E + Esad, melancholy.The tristful soldier longed for theday he could return home.

tritonn/ StrItFn /Gk nameone of a class of minor seadivinities or partly human monstersusually represented as having theupper body like that of a humanand the lower body like that of afish : merman.Greek mythology has it that whenthe sea roars, a triton is blowing aconch shell trumpet.

Troadicadj/ trPSadik /Gk geog nameof or relating to ancient Troy.Many remains of the Troadicculture have been excavated nearthe city of Hisarlik in Turkey.

trochophore

trogon

trophogenic

tropicaladj/ StrBpDkEl /Lof, relating to, occurring in, or usedin the region lying between eitherof two parallels of Earth’s latitudethat are approximately 23½ degreesnorth of the equator andapproximately 23½ degrees southof the equator.Diana’s cruise took her to severaltropical islands.

troth

trouble

troublemakern/ StrEbElTmCkE(r) /L > F > E + Ea person who foments strife anddisagreement often for ulteriormotives.The teenaged troublemaker, havingproved to be too difficult for hisparents to handle, was sent to areformatory as a last resort.

troublesomeadj/ StrEbElsEm /L > F > E + Edisturbing, vexatious.Gerald had a troublesome dreamlast night.

troublously

troughing

trout

truffledadj/ StrEfEld /L > OProv > Fcooked, stuffed, or garnished withedible fungi of the genus Tuber.Emilia prepared a delicious truffledrisotto with autumn vegetables.

trulyadv/ StrVlG /Eindeed.Mary is truly the best leader thestudent government association hashad in many years.

trumpv/ StrEmp /L > F > Etake a set of cards with a card of asuit designated by chance or by anauction or declaration that if legallyplayed will win over a card that isnot of this suit.Sighing, Joe laid down his finalcard and waited for Janice totrump the trick with a heart.

truncheons

trunk

tryingadj/ StrIiN /F > AF > Ecausing severe hardship,annoyance, or irritation.The long and trying journeyexhausted Deeka.

tryst

tubercular

tubular

tubulifloral

tubuliflorous

tucket

Tuesdayn/ St(y)Vz(T)dC /Ethe day following Monday.The English meaning of MardiGras is “Fat Tuesday.”

tumblebug

tumor

tumultuary

tun

tunnel

turbinado

turbojet

turboprop

turfman

turkey

turnern/ StErnEr /E[has homonyms: ternar, terner] onethat turns or is used for turning.Matt grabbed a pancake turner andlit out after the cat.


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turnery

turnoutn/ StErnTaUt /E + E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] aposition of the feet in ballet withthe heels back to back.Kristin did many stretchingexercises to improve her turnout.

turnsole

turntablen/ StErnTtCbEl /E + L > F > Ea machine that reproduces speechor music from records.The CD player has replaced theturntable in many homes.

turriculate

turtlen/ StErZFl /imit > L > Etortoise.Jaime fed little bits of hamburger tohis pet turtle.

turtledove

tussock

tutun/ StVTtV /Fa very short projecting skirt wornby a ballet dancer.In the football team’s parody ofSwan Lake, the quarterback wore alarge white tutu.

twainn/ StwCn /Ecouple, pair.The twain of volunteers who madethe fund raiser a success are Mr.Burgess and Ms. Kent.

tweak

twiceadv/ StwIs /Efor a first and second time : on twooccasions.After Reginald wrecked the cartwice, his parents took his drivingprivileges away for three months.

twinadj/ Stwin /Econstituting two similar, closelyassociated, or otherwise pairedpersons, topics, or objects.Ms. Venable purchased newmattresses for the twin beds in theguest room.

twirlv/ StwErl /Scand?revolve rapidly.Janet hoped Gregory wouldn’t tryto twirl her too fast around thedance floor.

twoadj/ StV /E[has homonyms: to, too] being onemore than one in number.Betsy was more well behaved attwo years than she was at three.

tyg

tying

tylosaurus

typewriter

typhonic

typist

typography

typp

tzigane

ubiquity

ufology

ugli

ugliness

uhlan

uletic

ulmaceous

ulpan

ultimo

ultraism

ultramontane

umbelliferous

umbrous

umland

umpiragen/ SEmTpIrij /L > F > Ean act or instance of deciding in thecapacity of one having authority toarbitrate and make a final decision.Daniel Webster declined theumpirage of any state that tried tosettle the validity of laws ofCongress.

umpty

unaccountableadj/ TEnESkaUntEbEl /Ecf + F > Enot answerable or responsible : freefrom control.The students were under themistaken impression that theywould be unaccountable for theiractions at the football game.

unanimously


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unannotatedv/ EnSanETtCZDd /Ecf + Lnot furnished with critical orexplanatory notes.The library’s only copy of the poemwas unannotated, so Ivan searchedthe Internet for expert literarycriticism.

unappeasableadj/ SEnEpGzEbEl /Ecf + L > F > E + Ecfnot capable of being brought to astate of ease or content.The gladiators fought hour afterhour before seeminglyunappeasable spectators.

unbleachedadj/ TEnSblGcht /Enot having the color or stainsremoved from.Mr. Byng was dressed from head totoe in unbleached linen.

uncensoredadj/ TEnSsen(t)sE(r)d /Ecf + Lnot subjected to the system orpractice of altering, deleting, orbanning completely afterexamination.Many parents want to protect theirchildren from uncensoredinformation on the Internet.

uncrystallized

unctuously

uncurl

undercookv/ SEndE(r)TkUk /E + Eheat food insufficiently or less thanthoroughly.Care must be taken not toundercook poultry.

underestimate

underlineation

underneathprep/ TEndE(r)SnGth /Eclose under especially so as to becovered or hidden by.Val found beetles, worms, and acricket underneath the flagstone.

underscore

understand

undeterred

undulating

unearth

unembroidered

unencumbered

unenforceableadj/ TEnDnSfP(E)rsEbEl /Ecf + F + Ecfnot capable of causing to takeeffect.Shasta believes that the statelegislature’s recent education billis unenforceable.

unenviable

unequivocal

unerringlyadv/ TEnSe(E)riNlG /Ecf + L > F > E + Ecffin a faultless manner : withprecision.Almost everyone leaving the theaterfelt that the play had beenunerringly performed.

uneventful

unfasten

unfilial

unfinished

unfulfilledadj/ TEnfUlSfild /Ecf + Enot satisfied.The president promised to respondto the unfulfilled needs of thepeople.

ungenteel

unguerdoned

unhappyadj/ EnShapG /Edejected in spirit : melancholy, sad.Being such an outgoing person,Joan is unhappy when she has noone to talk to.

unicity

unicycle

unifyv/ SyVnETfI /Lmake into a coherent group orwhole.The coach worked hard to unify theplayers on the team.

unimpeachableadj/ TEnDmSpGchEbEl /Ecf + E + L > F > E + Ecfexempt from liability to accusation: blameless.An unimpeachable character is anasset almost every candidate strivesto project.

unimpededadj/ TEnDmSpGdDd /Ecf + Lfree from anything that hampers.Many services are provided onsiteat the plant to ensure that workerproductivity is unimpeded.

unipara

unireme


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unityn/ SyVnEZH /Lthe quality or state of being orconsisting of one : oneness,singleness.Seth quoted Benjamin Franklin’scall for unity: “We must all hangtogether, or assuredly we shallhang separately.”univalentadj/ TyVnESvClEnt /Lcapable usually of combining withonly one atom of another element.Mr. Greenwood said that thehydrogen atom is taken to beunivalent.

unkemptly

unknown

unlaureledadj/ TEnSlOrEld /Ecf + L > F > E + Ecfhaving no acclaim or reward.Philo T. Farnsworth, a pioneeringresearcher in television, wentmainly unlaureled after selling therights to his work.

unlawfuladj/ TEnSlOfEl /Econtrary to or prohibited by abinding custom or practice of acommunity.Everyone hoped for the capture ofthose responsible for the hideousunlawful deed.

unleash

unloveliness

unnameable

unnaturaladj/ TEnSnach(E)rEl /E + Linconsistent with what is expectedor in accordance with ordetermined by nature : strange.Throughout the year, Ryan hasdyed his hair all sorts of unnaturalcolors.

unpaid

unpierceable

unputrefied

unravel

unreadableadj/ TEnSrGdEbEl /Ecf + E + Ecflacking attraction or interest asmaterial for reading : alien or dullin vein or spirit.Two years ago Joy found the novelunreadable, but now she cannot putit down.

unredeemed

unregal

unrelentingadj/ TEnrDSlentiN /E + L > Enot softening, yielding, or swervingin resolution or determination.The chairman was a stern andunrelenting taskmaster.

unruly

unsanguine

unscathed

unsealed

unseizable

unselfish

unshipped

unsportsmanlike

untalented

unupholsteredadj/ TEnEpShPlztE(r)d /E + Enot furnished with or as if withmaterials (as fabric, padding, andsprings) used to make a softcovering especially for a seat.The congregation discussedwhether or not the unupholsteredchurch pews should be providedwith cushions.

unurbaneadj/ TEnTErSbCn /E + Lnot notably polite or finished inmanner : rustic, vulgar.Donald’s unurbane table mannersdisgusted those sitting near him.

unutterableadj/ TEnSEZErEbEl /E + E + Ecfnot capable of being spoken.After repeating the phrase toy boatfive times in quick succession, Joelfound the phrase unutterable.

unvariegated

unvitiated

unvoyageable

unwontedly

upas

upbraidingly

uphilladv/ SEpThil /Eagainst difficulties.Shawna kept working her wayuphill through school.


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upliftedadj/ TEpSlifZDd /E + ON > Eraised in spirits.After a walk along the beach, Patreturned uplifted and refreshed.

uprighteous

uproarn/ SEpTrP(E)r /D > Ea loud usually disorderly noise ofsome duration.An uproar swept the auditoriumwhen Wayne sank a three-pointerat the buzzer.

upsilon

upstage

upstairs

uranology

urbanism

urbanize

urceole

urceus

urgentadj/ SErjEnt /Lcalling for or demanding immediateattention.“Let’s go back,” Calvin said in anurgent voice.

urgrund

urostyle

urushiye

usurer

usurpation

usurpedv/ yVSsErpt /Lseized and held in possession byforce or without right.The senator claimed that theSupreme Court had usurped thepowers of the legislatures.

utilize

vacantlyadv/ SvCkEntlG /Lin a manner characterized byabsence of thought and reflection :idly, inanely.Kevin was staring vacantly out theclassroom window when theteacher asked him if he knew theanswer to the question.

vacherinn/ Tvash(E)Sran /L > Fa dessert consisting of a meringuefilled usually with cream, icecream, or fruit.Muffy bit into a crisp vacherinfilled with sweet chestnut puree.

vacillancy

vagal

vagility

vague

vainlyadv/ SvCnlG /L > Ein a manner that fails to achieve apurpose : unsuccessfully.Firefighters vainly tried to enterthe burning house.

valedictorian

validate

vallate

vallecula

valleys

valvulotomy

vamoose

vamplate

vanaspati

vanillin

vaporizev/ SvCpETrIz /L + Ecfbecome converted to the gaseousstate.The cooling effect of rubbingalcohol on skin is caused by theextraction of heat as the moleculesacquire kinetic energy andvaporize.

vaporous

vaquero

varicella

varices

variegate

variolate

varrio

vasculitis

vase

vasopressor

Vaticanadj/ SvaZDkEn /Lof or relating to the officialresidence of the pope in VaticanCity, Rome, especially assymbolizing the papacy or itspolicies.The Vatican collection of religiousart is the largest in the world.

vaticinate

vaulted


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vaunt

vectored

Vedan/ SvCdE /Sktany of a class of the most ancientsacred writings of the Hindus.The Veda, which is divided intofour parts, was first translated intoEuropean languages in the late18th and early 19th centuries.

veer

veery

vegan

vegetablize

veiled

veiltail

veinless

velveret

vendible

venial

veniremen

venomous

ventiduct

ventriloquial

ventriloquize

ventriloquy

verbicide

verbigerated

verbosely

verdureless

veridically

verism

vermiculatedadj/ vE(r)SmikyETlCZDd /Lwormlike in shape.The old books that we found in thecellar were filled with vermiculatedtunnels.

verneuk

vernier

verriculate

versatility

versiclen/ SvErsDkEl /La brief poem or set of metricallines.When he couldn’t sleep, LordByron often sat up and wrote aversicle or two.

versicoloradj/ SvErsDTkElE(r) /L + Lhaving various hues : variegated.The woman in the long, versicolorsilk skirt turned out to be thehostess.

versification

verson/ SvEr(T)sP /La left-hand page (as of a book)usually carrying an even pagenumber.The first verso of a book oftendisplays its International StandardBook Number.

verticillate

verticity

vesicular

viands

viaticumn/ vISaZDkEm /Lan allowance (as of transportationor supplies and money) fortraveling expenses.Shirley has spent all but $50 of the$500 viaticum her father gave herfor her spring break trip.

vicarial

vicennialadj/ vISsenGEl /Loccurring once every 20 years.The university president recognizedthe vicennial medalists, who fortwo decades had dedicatedthemselves to teaching,scholarship, and service.

viceroy

vichyite

victory

victuals

video

videographyn/ TvidGSBgrEfG /L + Gkthe practice or art of recordingimages with a video camera.The camcorders used invideography allow for morerealism in police drama programs.

viewpoint

vihara

vilification

villa

vinaigrettes

vinegarroon

vinegary

vinic


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viol

viola

violence

violoncellist

viomycin

viraginous

vireo

virescence

virescent

virginal

virtuesn pl/ SvEr(T)chVz /Lcharacteristics, qualities, or traitsknown or felt to be excellent.Patience was not one of Keith’svirtues.

virtuous

virulencen/ Svir(y)ElEn(t)s /Lthe quality or property of beingable to overcome the defensemechanism of the host.Virulence is the capacity of aninfectious agent to damage livingcells.

virusn/ SvIrEs /Lthe causative agent of an infectiousdisease.The Salk vaccine creates immunityto the virus responsible for polio.

visceran pl/ SvisErE /Linternal organs of the body.While on safari, the tourists passeda group of vultures feeding on theviscera of a dead zebra.

viscidity

viscosity

viselike

visionn/ SvizhEn /Lsomething seen otherwise than bythe ordinary sight.Ravi keeps having a vision of agiant bowling ball rolling towardhim.

visitor

visuallyadv/ SvizhElG /Lwith regard to the act or power ofseeing.A Seeing Eye dog is a great help toa visually impaired person.

vitiated

vitiates

vitriol

vituline

vituperatory

vivid

vivificate

vocalisen/ TvPkESlGz /La vocalized melody or passagewithout words.Jazz singing with nonsensesyllables is an improvised form ofvocalise.

vocalist

vocoder

voicecast

voiceprintn/ SvOisTprint /L > F > E + L > F > Ean individually distinctive patternof certain voice characteristics thatis spectrographically produced.Detectives testified that thekidnapper’s voiceprint matchesthat of the defendant.

voidee

volcanic

volen/ vPl /Scandany of various rodents that areclosely related to the lemmings andmuskrats but in general resemblemurid mice or rats and inhabit bothmoist meadows and dry uplands.The vole is a rodent oftenresponsible for crop damage.

volitation

volitional

volitorial

voltammetry

voltigeur

voltmetern/ SvPltTmGZE(r) /It name + Gkan instrument for measuring involts the differences of potentialbetween different points of anelectrical circuit.The voltmeter showed no currentmoving through the wire.

volume


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volumetricadj/ TvBlyESmetrik /L + Gkof or relating to the measurement ofspace occupied or enclosed bycubic units.The expensive volumetric flaskshattered when it slipped fromHorace’s hands.

volumette

voluptuate

voluptuousness

vomitoryn/ SvBmETtPrG /Lan entrance piercing the banks ofseats of a theater or amphitheater.After the game ended, everyvomitory was packed with fansrushing to their cars.

vouvray

vulgarity

vying

wadersn pl/ SwCdE(r)z /E[has near homonym: waiters] highwaterproof boots or a one-piecewaterproof garment usuallyconsisting of pants with attachedboots that are used for wading (aswhen fishing).As Bill and Tom canoed down theriver, they passed a fly-fishermanin waders who didn’t seem toohappy to see them.

waffles

waftage

wager

wake

wallydraigle

wambengern/ SwamTbeNgE(r) /unknowna widely distributed Australianpouched mouse.The tail of the wambenger isdistinctive for its red color.

wampumn/ SwBmpEm /Narragansetbeads made of shells polished andstrung together in strands, belts, orsashes and used by the NorthAmerican Indians as money,ceremonial pledges, and ornaments.Some of the oldest existingwampum represents agreementsbetween Native American tribesand Catholic missionaries and isnow in the Vatican collection.

wampumpeag

wangle

warbonnetn/ SwO(E)rTbBnDt /Gmc > F > E + L > F > Ean American Indian ceremonialheaddress with a featheredextension down the back.The Sioux chief proudly posed forthe cameras in his eagle-featheredwarbonnet.

wardrobe

wares

warhead

warmouth

warpv/ SwO(E)rp /Eturn or twist out of shape.The constant wind began to warpthe entire row of saplings.

warrenn/ SwOrDn /Gmc? > F > Ean area especially of uncultivatedground for the breeding of rabbits;also : a place abounding in rabbits.Some of the rabbits in theoverpopulated warren wentelsewhere to find a place to live.

washout

wassailer

wassails

wastebasket

wastefuladj/ SwCstfEl /E + Ecfexpending something valuable in auseless or extravagant manner.The newly elected mayor suspectedwasteful spending and initiated athorough investigation ofexpenditures.

waster

watern/ SwOZE(r) /Ethe liquid that descends from theclouds as rain.Water pelted the windshield sohard and fast that Etsu pulled off tothe side of the road and waited forit to stop.

waterborne

watermark

watermelon

watery


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wattlen/ SwBZFl /E[has homonym: waddle] afabrication of rods or polesinterwoven with slender branches,withes, or reeds.Wattle is often used for gardenfences in the English countryside.

waveson

waxbill

wayfarer

waywardadj/ SwCwE(r)d /Echaracterized by extremewillfulness and by determination tofollow one’s own capricious,wanton, or depraved inclinations tothe point of being ungovernable.The wayward child insisted ontouching everybody’s food.

wayzgoose

weald

wean

wearyingadj/ SwirGiN /Ethat causes to lose freshness orvirtue or usefulness.Katerina found the congenial cafesmore interesting than the wearyingtense casinos.

weaselly

weatherly

weavev/ SwGv /Ebring together and interrelate so asto form a coherent whole.No one else on the radio can weavea wonderful story from whimsicaltidbits the way Garrison Keillorcan.

webern/ SwebE(r) /G namethe practical meter-kilogram-second unit of magnetic flux equalto that flux which in linking acircuit of one turn produces in it anelectromotive force of 1 volt : 100million maxwells.Sarah’s homework problemrequired her to find the voltage tothe nearest weber.

wedeln

weedery

weeknight

weem

weldv/ Sweld /Eunite or consolidate by heating to aplastic or fluid state the surfaces ofthe parts to be joined and thenallowing them to flow together.As a sculptor, Erica has aworkshop full of equipment to helpher weld large metal sheetstogether.

welder

wenzel

Wesakn/ SwGTsBk /Skt > Sinhalesethe Buddhist New Year festivalcelebrating the birthday of theBuddha at the May full moon.In Sri Lanka, Buddhists dress inwhite and carry baskets of flowersto the monastery to celebrateWesak.

wesselton

whalebone

whangdoodle

whatnot

wheat

wheatear

wheatenn/ ShwGtFn /Ethe color of wheat; specifically : apale yellow or fawn characteristicof certain breeds of dogs.Wheaten, the color of Missy’s soft-coated terrier, sharply contrastswith that of her boyfriend’s blackScottish terrier.

wheatless

wheeled

wheelhorse

whet

whiffn/ Shwif /imitan inhalation of odor, smoke, gas,or vapor.The faintest whiff of cigarettesmoke made Fagan sneeze.

whillikers

whiplash

whippoorwills

whirlicote

whirlybird

whitewash

whither

whitsunday

whizgig

whopper

wight

wiikite

wildebeest


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wily

windbreaksn pl/ SwindTbrCks /E + Erowed or clumped trees or shrubsthat give protection against thewind.The farm presented an orderlyappearance with the fencing andhedging, the windbreaks and sheds,and the symmetrical pasture ponds.

windjammer

windmilln/ SwindTmil /Ea mechanism operated by windmotion acting on oblique vanes orsails radiating from a horizontalshaft.The windmill drew water up fromthe well for the cattle to drink.

windup

wink

winkle

winterfeed

winterim

winterize

wisecrack

witchery

wittol

woen/ SwP /E[has homonyms and nearhomonym: wo, woa, and whoa]distress.Woe to the student who must stay indetention hall with Mrs.McGillicutty.

wolfishly

womanlyadv/ SwUmEnlG /Epossessed of the character orbehavior befitting a grown woman.Mona’s womanly, capable, andmature attitude belies her true age.

womenn pl/ SwimDn /Efemale human beings.Sojourner Truth preached againstthe evils of slavery and for therights of women.

wonderv/ SwEndE(r) /Ebe in a state of rapt or questioningattention.Though no insight ever hit him,Jules was disposed nonetheless towonder at life’s mysteries.

wood

woodchuckn/ SwUdTchEk /Ojibwa or Cree > Ea thickset marmot of thenortheastern United States andCanada with a chiefly grizzledreddish brown color.The world’s most famouswoodchuck is probablyPunxsutawney Phil.

woodcock

woodier

woodkern

woodpecker

woolder

woozy

workaholism

worldwideadj/ SwErldTwId /Eextended or extending throughoutthe entire world.There have been no successfulattempts to build a worldwideempire in history, unless we countmultinational corporations.

worryv/ SwErG /Eafflict with mental distress oragitation : make anxious.Despite her high grades, finalexams always worry Lynettebecause she is a perfectionist.

wort

woven

wretch

wretchednessn/ SrechDdnDs /Ethe quality or state of being deeplyafflicted, dejected, or distressedfrom want, disease, or mentalanguish.The homeless man’s wretchednessbrought Suzanne to tears.

wringstaff

wrinklen/ SriNkEl /Ean innovation in method, technique,or equipment.The newest wrinkle in Internettechnology seems to be wirelesscommunication.

wrist

writhingly


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writingadj/ SrItiN /Eof, relating to, or used in or for theact or art of forming letters on asuitable medium to communicatethe ideas which characters andwords express.Mr. Burrett grabbed a writing padoff his desk before the meeting.

wrongn/ SrON /Ethe state of being mistaken orincorrect.After listening to two skilledlawyers argue a case, it is oftendifficult to tell which side is in thewrong.

wrongful

wurrung

wurst

xebec

xenobiotic

xenoglossy

xenolith

xenophile

xerarch

xerography

xeroplastic

xiphophyllous

xylitol

xystin pl/ SzistI /Gk > Llong open porticoes used especiallyby ancient Greeks or Romans forathletic exercises in wintry orstormy weather.There were xysti at each end of theemperor’s villa, and athletes oftentrained there during the rainyseason.

yagi

yak

yam

yarak

yardmaster

yardsn pl/ SyBrdz /Eunits of length in the United States,each equal to 0.9144 meter.The band marched eight-to-five:eight equal steps for every 5 yards.

yautia

yaw

yawnv/ SyOn /Egape cavernously : present a widegulf or breach.In Rocky Mountain National Parkthere is a dizzying road with valleysthat yawn on either side.

yawweed

Yeatsianadj/ SyCtsGEn /Irish nameof or relating to W.B. Yeats or hispoetic style or influence.Many young poets publish a seriesof Yeatsian poems expressing theromance of history and nature.

yegg

yelper

yeomanette

yesterday

yetin/ SyetG /Tibetanabominable snowman.The mountaineer claimed to havefound his way out of a blizzard byfollowing the huge footprints of ayeti.

yewn/ SyV /E[has homonyms: ewe, you] any ofnumerous ornamental evergreenshrubs and trees having stiff leavesspirally arranged, a fruit consistingof a fleshy covering enclosing ahard seed, and poisonous juice.Wood of the English yew is valuedfor cabinetwork and archery bows.

Yinglishn/ SyiN(g)lish /G + EEnglish marked by numerousborrowings from Yiddish.Max’s grandfather speaks acolorful Yinglish with the youngermembers of his family.

yizkor

yokelish

yucca

yugur

zazenn/ SzBTzen /JpnZen meditation.Sitting in the lotus position, Naomifound she slipped easily into a stateof zazen.

zenana


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Zendon/ SzendP /Jpna place used for Zen meditation.Thom built a spacious Zendobeside his house and went thereevery afternoon.

zestfuladj/ SzestfEl /F + Ecffull of vitality marked by vigor andenthusiasm.Brian’s teacher described him aslighthearted but not insensitive,zestful but not aggressive.

zeta

zinciferous

zinger

Zionistn/ SzIETnDst /Hebrew > L > Ean adherent to or supporter of atheory, plan, or movement forsetting up a Jewish national orreligious community in Palestine.The old Zionist vowed he would nottake his last breath until the Jewishstate was established.

zipper

zither

zoetic

zonule

zoolatry

zoonosis

zoophorus

zoophyte

zooplankter

zooplankton

zootaxy

zooty

Zoroastrianadj/ TzPrESwastrGEn /Av > Gk > Lof or relating to a religion foundedin Persia by the prophet Zoroasterteaching the worship of AhuraMazda as the source of all good.The Zoroastrian scriptures preachthe concepts of the immortal soul,heaven, and hell.

zucchettos

zwetschenwasser

zygote

zymogenic

zymotic

Documents

plank plectridial E plenteous plenteously plesiosaur ...haus.org/richter/2004cwl_infrequent_pp104-153.pdf · 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing