a n. the 1st letter of the English alphabet; an indefinite article; ONE, SOME -- used to indicate an unspecified or unidentified individual <there's a man outside>
aardvark n. a large burrowing ant-eating mammal
aback adv. by surprise <taken aback>
abacus n. pl. -ci or -cuses; an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or grooves
abaft adv. toward or at the stern; AFT; abaft prep. to the rear of
abalone n. a large edible sea mollusk with an ear-shaped shell
abandon v. to give up; FORSAKE, DESERT -- abandonment n.; abandon n. a thorough yielding to natural impulses; ENTHUSIASM, EXUBERANCE
abash v. to destroy the composure of; EMBARRASS -- abashment n.
abate v. to put an end to <abate a nuisance>; to decrease in amount, number, or degree
abatement n. DECREASE; an amount abated; especially a deduction from the full amount of a tax
abatis n. pl. -tis or -tises; a defensive barrier of felled trees with sharpened branches turned outward
abattoir n. SLAUGHTERHOUSE
abbacy n. the office or term of office of an abbot or abbess
abbe n. a member of the French secular clergy -- used as a title
abbess n. the superior of an abbey for women
abbey n. MONASTERY, CONVENT; an abbey church
abbot n. the superior of an abbey for men
abbreviate v. SHORTEN, CURTAIL; especially to reduce to an abbreviation
abbreviation n. the act or result of abbreviating; a shortened form of a word or phrase used for brevity especially in writing
abdicate v. to give up (as a throne) formally -- abdication n.
abdomen n. the cavity in or area of the body between the chest and the pelvis -- abdominal adj.
abduct v. to take away (a person) by force; KIDNAP -- abduction n. -- abductor n.
abeam adv. on a line at right angles to a ship's keel
abecedarian n. one learning the rudiments of something (as the alphabet)
abed adv. (or adj); in bed
aberration n. deviation from normal or usual; DERANGEMENT; failure of a mirror or lens to produce exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image -- aberrant adj.
abet v. abetted; abetting; INCITE, ENCOURAGE; ASSIST -- abettor or abetter n.
abeyance n. a condition of suspended activity
abhor v. -horred; -horring; LOATHE, DETEST -- abhorrence n.
abhorrent adj. LOATHSOME, DETESTABLE
abide v. abode or abided; abiding; DWELL, REMAIN, LAST; BEAR, ENDURE, TOLERATE
ability n. the quality of being able; POWER, SKILL
abject adj. low in spirit or hope; CRINGING -- abjection n. -- abjectly adv. -- abjectness n.
abjure v. to renounce solemnly; RECANT; to abstain from -- abjuration n.
ablate v. to remove or become removed by cutting, erosion, melting, or vaporization -- ablation n.
ablative adj. of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case (as in Latin) expressing typically the relating of separation and source -- ablative n.
ablaze adj. being on fire; BLAZING
able adj. having sufficient power, skill, or resources to accomplish an object; marked by skill or efficiency -- ably adv.
abloom adj. BLOOMING
ablution n. a washing or cleansing of the body
abnegate v. SURRENDER, RELINQUISH; DENY, RENOUNCE -- abnegation n.
abnormal adj. deviating from the normal or average -- abnormality n. -- abnormally adv.
aboard adv. on, onto, or within a conveyance (as a ship); ALONGSIDE; aboard prep. ON, ONTO, WITHIN
abode n. STAY, RESIDENCE; the place where one abides; HOME
abolish v. to do away with; ANNUL -- abolition n.
abolitionist n. one in favor of the abolition of slavery
abominable adj. ODIOUS, LOATHSOME, DETESTABLE
abominate v. LOATHE, DETEST, ABHOR
abomination n. something abominable; DISGUST, LOATHING
aboriginal adj. ORIGINAL, INDIGENOUS, PRIMITIVE
aborigine n. a member of the original race of inhabitants of a region; NATIVE
aborning adv. while being born or produced
abortion n. a premature birth occurring before the fetus can survive; an induced expulsion of a fetus -- abort v. -- abortive adj.
abortionist n. a producer of illegal abortions
abound v. to be plentiful; TEEM; to be fully supplied
about adv. on all sides; AROUND; NEARBY; about prep. on every side of; near to; on the verge of beginning; GOING <he was just about to go>; CONCERNING
above adv. in the sky; in or to heaven; in or to a higher place; higher on the same page or on a preceding page; above prep. in or to a higher place than; OVER <storm clouds above the bay>; superior to <he thought her far above him>; more than
aboveboard adv. (or adj); without concealment or deception; OPENLY
abracadabra n. a magical charm incantation against calamity; JARGON
abrade v. to wear away by rubbing -- abrasion n.
abrasive n. a substance (as emery, pumice, or fine sand) for grinding, smoothing, or polishing
abreast adv. (or adj); side by side; up to a standard or level esp of knowledge
abridge v. to lessen in length or extent; SHORTEN -- abridgment or abridgement n.
abroad adv. (or adj); over a wide area; out of doors; outside one's country
abrogate v. ANNUL, REVOKE -- abrogation n.
abrupt adj. broken or as if broken off; SUDDEN, HASTY; so quick as to seem rude; DISCONNECTED; STEEP -- abruptly adv.
abscess n. a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscound v. to depart secretly and hide oneself
absence n. failure to be present; WANT, LACK; lack of attention
absent adj. not present; LACKING; INATTENTIVE; absent v. to keep (oneself) away
absentee n. one that is absent or absents himself
absenteeism n. chronic absence from work
absentminded adj. unaware of one's surroundings or action; INATTENTIVE -- absentmindedly adv.
absinthe n. a liqueur flavored especially with wormwood and anise
absolute adj. free from imperfection; free from mixture; free from control, restriction, or qualification; lacking grammatical connection with any other word in a sentence <absolute construction>; POSITIVE <absolute proof>; FUNDAMENTAL
absolution n. the act of absolving; especially a remission of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance
absolutism n. the theory that a sovereign should have unlimited power; government by an absolute ruler
absolve v. to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt; ACQUIT; pardon, confess, shrive
absorb v. ASSIMILATE, INCORPORATE; to suck up or take in in the manner of a sponge; to engage (one's attention); ENGROSS; to receive without recoil or echo <a ceiling that absorb sound> -- absorbing adj. -- absorbingly adv.
absorbent adj. able to absorb <absorbent cotton> -- absorbent n.
absorption n. a process of absorbing or being absorbed; concentration of attention -- absorptive adj.
abstain v. to restrain oneself; leave off; refrain, forbear -- abstention n.
abstemious adj. sparing in use of food or drink; TEMPERATE -- abstemiously adv.
abstinence n. voluntary refraining especially from eating certain foods or drinking liquor
abstract adj. considered apart from any specific embodiment; expressing a quality apart from an object <whiteness is an abstract word>
abstraction n. the act of abstracting; the state of being abstracted; an abstract idea; an abstract work of art
abstruse adj. hard to understand; RECONDITE -- abstrusely adv. -- abstruseness n.
absurd adj. RIDICULOUS, UNREASONABLE -- absurdity n. -- absurdly adv.
abundant adj. more than enough; amply sufficient; copious, plentiful -- abundance n. -- abundantly adv.
abuse v. to put to a wrong use; MISUSE; MISTREAT; to blame or scold rudely; REVILE -- abusive adj. -- abusively adv.; abuse n. MISUSE; MISTREATMENT; a corrupt practice; coarse and insulting speech
abut v. abutted; abutting; to touch along a border; border on
abutment n. a structure that supports weight or withstands lateral pressure (as at either end of a bridge or arch)
abuttals n. pl. the boundaries of lands with respect to other contiguous lands or highways by which they are bounded
abyss n. the bottomless pit of old accounts of the universe; an immeasurable depth
acacia n. any of numerous leguminous trees or shrubs with round white or yellow flower clusters
academe n. SCHOOL; academic environment
academic adj. of or relating to schools or colleges; literary or general rather than technical; theoretical rather than practical -- academically adv.
academician n. a member of a society of scholars or artists
academicism n. manner, style, or content conforming to the traditions or rules of a school or an official academy
academy n. a school above the elementary level; especially a private secondary school; a society of scholars, artists, or learned men
acanthus n. an ornamentation (as on a column) representing the leaves of a prickly herb of the Mediterranean region
accede v. to adhere to an agreement; to express approval; to enter upon an office; acquiesce, assent, consent, subscribe
accelerando adv. (or adj); gradually faster -- used as a direction in music
accelerate v. to bring about earlier; to speed up; QUICKEN -- acceleration n. -- accelerator n.
accent n. a distinctive manner of pronunciation <a foreign accent>; prominence given to one syllable of a word especially by stress; a mark (as ', `
accentuate v. ACCENT -- accentuation n.
accept v. to receive or take willingly; to agree to; to acknowledge as binding and promise to pay -- acceptability n. -- acceptable adj.
acceptance n. the act of accepting; the state of being accepted or acceptable; an accepted bill of exchange
acceptation n. the meaning in which a word is generally understood
access n. ATTACK, FIT; APPROACH, ADMITTANCE; a way of approach; ENTRANCE
accessible adj. easy to approach -- accessibility n.
accession n. something added; increase by something added; the act of acceding (as to a throne)
accessory n. something helpful but not essential; a person who though not present abets or assists in the commission of an offense; appurtenance, adjunct, appendage -- accessory adj.
accidence n. the part of grammar that deals with inflections
accident n. something occurring by chance or without intention; CHANCE; a nonessential property
accidental adj. happening unexpectedly or by chance; casual, fortuitous, incidental, adventitious -- accidentally adv.; accidental n. a note (as a sharp or flat) not belonging to the key indicated by the signature of a musical composition
acclaim v. APPLAUD, PRAISE; to welcome or proclaim with applause; extol, laud -- acclaim n.
acclamation n. an overwhelming affirmative vote by shouting or applause rather than by ballot
acclimate v. to accustom to a new climate or new conditions
acclimatize v. ACCLIMATE; to become acclimated -- acclimatization n.
acclivity n. a steep upward slope
accolade n. a recognition of merit; AWARD
accommodate v. to make fit or suitable; ADAPT, ADJUST; HARMONIZE, RECONCILE; to provide with something needed; to hold without crowding
accommodating adj. OBLIGING
accommodation n. something supplied to satisfy a need; the act of accommodating; ADJUSTMENT
accompaniment n. something that accompanies something else; especially subordinate music to support a principal voice or instrument
accompany v. to go or occur along with; ESCORT, ATTEND; to play an accompaniment for -- accompanist n.
accomplice n. an associate in crime
accomplish v. to bring to completion; achieve, effect, fulfill, discharge, execute, perform
accomplished adj. COMPLETED; EXPERT, SKILLED
accomplishment n. COMPLETION; something completed or effected; an acquired excellence or skill; ATTAINMENT
accord v. GRANT, CONCEDE; AGREE, HARMONIZE -- accordant adj.; accord n. AGREEMENT, HARMONY
accordance n. ACCORD; the act of granting
accordingly adv. in accordance; CONSEQUENTLY, SO
accordion n. a portable musical instrument with a bellows, keys, and reeds; accordion adj. folding like the bellows of an accordion <accordion pleats>
accost v. to approach and speak to; ADDRESS
account n. RECKONING; a statement of business transactions; an arrangement with a vendor to supply credit; NARRATIVE, REPORT; WORTH, VALUE; a sum of money deposited in a bank and subject to withdrawal by the depositor -- on account of
accountable adj. ANSWERABLE, RESPONSIBLE; EXPLICABLE -- accountability n.
accountant n. a person skilled in accounting -- accountancy n.
accounting n. the art or system of keeping financial records; an explanation of one's behavior
accouter v. to equip especially for military service -- accouterment or accoutrement n.
accoutre v. to equip especially for military service -- accouterment or accoutrement n.
accredit v. to authorize officially; APPROVE, ENDORSE; CREDIT
accretion n. growth especially by addition from without; a product of accretion
accrue v. to come by way of increase; to be added by regular growth over a period of time -- accrual n.
acculturation n. a process of intercultural borrowing between diverse peoples resulting in new and blended patterns
accumulate v. to heap or pile up; amass, gather, collect -- accumulation n. -- accumulator n.
accuracy n. freedom from mistake; EXACTNESS, PRECISION
accurate adj. free from error; EXACT, PRECISE -- accurately adv. -- accurateness n.
accursed adj. being under a curse; DAMNABLE, EXECRABLE
accurst adj. being under a curse; DAMNABLE, EXECRABLE
accusal n. ACCUSATION
accusative adj. of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case marking the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition -- accusative n.
accuse v. to charge with an offense; BLAME -- accusation n. -- accuser n.
accustom v. FAMILIARIZE, HABITUATE
accustomed adj. USUAL, CUSTOMARY
ace n. a playing card bearing a single large pip in its center; a point (as in tennis) won by a single stroke; a golf score of one stroke on a hole; an aviator who has brought down 5 or more enemy planes; one that excels
acerbity n. SOURNESS, BITTERNESS -- acerb adj.
acetanilide n. a drug used to relieve pain or fever
acetate n. a salt or ester of acetic acid; a fast-drying fabric made of fiber derived from cellulose and acetic acid; a plastic of similar composition used for wrapping film and phonograph records
acetic adj. of, relating to, or producing acetic acid or vinegar
acetone n. a volatile flammable liquid of pleasing odor used as a solvent
acetylene n. a colorless flammable gas used for lighting and as a fuel in welding and soldering
ache v. to suffer a usually dull persistent pain; LONG, YEARN -- ache n.
achieve v. to gain by work or effort; accomplish, fulfill, effect -- achievement n.
achromatic adj. giving an image almost free from colors not in the object <achromatic lens>
acid adj. sour or biting to the taste; sharp or sour in manner; of or relating to an acid -- acidity n.; acid n. a sour substance; a usually water-soluble chemical compound that has a sour taste, reacts with a base to form a salt
acidosis n. an abnormal state of reduced alkalinity of the blood and body tissues
acidulous adj. slightly acid; SOURISH
acknowledge v. to admit as true; to admit the authority of; to express thanks for; to report receipt of; to recognize as valid -- acknowledgment also acknowledgement n.
acme n. the highest point; PEAK
acne n. a skin disorder marked by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and by pimple formation especially on the face
acolyte n. a man or boy who assists the clergyman in a liturgical service
aconite n. any of several blue-flowered or purple-flowered poisonous plants related to the buttercups; a drug obtained from a common Old World aconite
acorn n. the nut of the oak
acoustic adj. of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds; deadening sound <acoustic tile>; operated by or utilizing sound waves -- acoustical adj. -- acoustically adv.
acoustics n. sing or pl. the science dealing with sound; the qualities in a room that make it easy or hard for a person in it to hear distinctly
acquaint v. INFORM, NOTIFY; to make familiar; cause to know
acquaintance n. personal knowledge; a person with whom one is acquainted -- acquaintanceship n.
acquiesce v. to accept a plan or statement without open opposition; consent, agree, assent, accede -- acquiescence n. -- acquiescent adj. -- acquiescently adv.
acquire v. to come into possession of; GET
acquirement n. the act of acquiring; ATTAINMENT, ACCOMPLISHMENT
acquisition n. ACQUIREMENT; something acquired
acquisitive adj. eager to acquire; GREEDY -- acquisitively adv. -- acquisitiveness n.
acquit v. -quitted; -quitting; to pronounce not guilty; to conduct (oneself) usually satisfactorily; BEHAVE -- acquittal n.
acre n. pl: LANDS, ESTATE; a unit of area equal to 4840 square yards
acreage n. area in acres; ACRES
acrid adj. sharp and biting in taste or odor; bitterly irritating; CAUSTIC -- acridity n.
acrimony n. harsh or biting sharpness of language or feeling; ASPERITY -- acrimonious adj.
acrobat n. a performer of gymnastic feats -- acrobatic adj.
acrobatics n. sing or pl. the performances of an acrobat
acronym n. a word (as radar) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term
acrophobia n. abnormal dread of being at a great height
acropolis n. the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city
across adv. to or on the opposite side; so as to be understandable or acceptable; OVER <get the point across>; across prep. to or on the opposite side of <ran across the street> <standing across the street>; on at an angle <slapped him across the face>
acrostic n. a composition usually in verse in which the initial or final letters of the lines taken in order form a word or phrase; a series of words of equal length arranged to read the same horizontally or vertically -- acrostically adv.
act n. a thing done; DEED; STATUTE, DECREE; a main division of a play; an item on a variety program; an instance of insincere behavior; PRETENSE; act v. to perform by action especially on the stage; FEIGN, SIMULATE, PRETEND; to conduct oneself; BEHAVE
acting adj. doing duty temporarily or for another <acting president>
actinic adj. relating to the property of radiant energy (as light) whereby chemical changes are produced (as in a photographic film)
actinium n. a radioactive metallic chemical element
action n. a legal proceeding; the manner or method of performing; ACTIVITY; ACT; pl: CONDUCT; COMBAT, BATTLE; the events of a literary plot; an operating mechanism <action of a gun>; the way it operates <stiff action>
actionable adj. subject to or affording ground for an action or suit at law
activate v. to spur into action; to make active, reactive, or radioactive; to aerate (sewage) to favor the growth of organisms that cause decomposition; to set up (a military unit) formally
active adj. causing action or change; asserting that the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb <active voice>; BRISK, LIVELY; marked by present operation or use -- active n. -- actively adv.
activity n. the quality or state of being active; an occupation in which one is engaged
actor n. one that acts in a play or motion picture -- actress n.
actual adj. really existing; REAL -- actuality n. -- actually adv.
actuary n. an expert who calculates insurance risks and premiums -- actuarial adj.
actuate v. to put into action; to incite to action; MOTIVATE
acuity n. keenness of perception especially visually
acumen n. mental keenness and penetration; discernment, insight
acute adj. SHARP, POINTED; containing less than 90 degrees <acute angle>; sharply perceptive; especially mentally keen; SEVERE <acute distress>; rising rapidly to a peak and then subsiding <acute inflammation>; of, marked by
ad n. ADVERTISEMENT
adage n. an old familiar saying; PROVERB, MAXIM
adagio adv. (or adj); in slow time -- used as a direction in music; adagio n. an adagio movement; a ballet duet or trio displaying feats of lifting and balancing
adamant n. a stone believed to be of impenetrable hardness -- adamantine adj.; adamant adj. INFLEXIBLE, UNYIELDING -- adamantly adv.
adapt v. to make suitable or fit (as for a new use or for different conditions); adjust, accommodate -- adaptability n. -- adaptable adj. -- adaptation n.
add v. to join to something else so as to increase in number or amount; to combine (numbers) into one sum
addendum n. pl. -da; something to be added
adder n. a poisonous European viper or a related snake; any of various harmless North American snakes (as the (puff adder)); adder n. one that adds
addict v. to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or excessively -- addictive adj.; addict n. one who is addicted (as to a drug)
addiction n. the quality or state of being addicted; especially compulsive use of habit-forming drugs
addition n. the act or process of adding; something added; the adding of numbers to obtain their sum; accretion, increment, accession -- additive adj. or n.
additional adj. coming by way of addition; ADDED, EXTRA -- additionally adv.
addle v. to throw into confusion; MUDDLE; to become rotten <addled eggs>
address v. to direct the attention of (oneself); to direct one's remarks to; deliver an address to; to mark directions for delivery on; address n. skillful management; a formal speech; LECTURE
addressee n. one to whom something is addressed
adduce v. to bring forward as an argument, reason, or proof; advance, allege, cite
adenoid n. an enlarged mass of tissue near the opening of the nose into the throat -- usually pl.
adept n. EXPERT; adept adj. highly skilled; EXPERT -- adeptly adv. -- adeptness n.
adequate adj. equal to or sufficient for a specific requirement -- adequacy n. -- adequately adv.
adhere v. to give support; maintain loyalty; to stick fast; CLING -- adherence n. -- adherent adj. or n.
adhesion n. the act or state of adhering; bodily tissues abnormally grown together after inflammation
adhesive adj. tending to adhere; STICKY; prepared for adhering <adhesive tape> -- adhesiveness n.; adhesive n. an adhesive substance
adieu n. pl. adieus or adieux; FAREWELL -- often used interjectionally
adios interj. used to express farewell
adipose adj. of or relating to animal fat; FATTY -- adiposity n.
adjacent adj. situated near or next; adjoining, contiguous, abutting, juxtaposed
adjective n. a word that typically serves as a modifier of a noun -- adjectival adj. -- adjectivally adv.
adjoin v. to be situated next to
adjoining adj. touching or bounding at a point or line
adjourn v. to suspend indefinitely or until a stated time; to transfer a session to another place -- adjournment n.
adjudge v. JUDGE, ADJUDICATE; to hold or pronounce to be; DEEM; to award by judicial decision
adjudicate v. to settle judicially -- adjudication n.
adjunct n. something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it; appendage, appurtenance, accessory
adjure v. to command solemnly; entreat earnestly; beg, beseech, implore -- adjuration n.
adjust v. to bring to agreement; SETTLE; to cause to conform; ADAPT, FIT; REGULATE <adjust a watch> -- adjustable adj. -- adjuster or adjustor n. -- adjustment n.
adjutant n. one who assists; especially an officer who assists a commanding officer by handling correspondence and keeping records
adjuvant adj. serving to aid or contribute; AUXILIARY; adjuvant n. something that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment
adman n. one who writes, solicits, or places advertisements
administer v. MANAGE, SUPERINTEND; to mete out; DISPENSE; to give usually ritually or remedially <administer quinine for malaria>; to perform the office of administrator -- administrable adj. -- administrant n.
administration n. the act or process of administering; MANAGEMENT; the body of persons directing the government of a country; the term of office of an administrative officer or body -- administrative adj.
administrator n. one that administers; especially one who settles an intestate estate
admirable adj. worthy of admiration; EXCELLENT -- admirably adv.
admiral n. a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a fleet admiral
admiralty adj. relating to or having jurisdiction over maritime questions <admiralty law> <admiralty court>
admire v. to regard with high esteem -- admiration n. -- admirer n.
admissible adj. that can be or is worthy to be admitted or allowed; ALLOWABLE <admissible evidence> -- admissibility n. -- admissibly adv.
admission n. the granting of an argument; the acknowledgment of a fact; the act of admitting; the privilege of being admitted; a fee paid for admission
admit v. -mitted; -mitting; to allow to enter; PERMIT, ALLOW; to recognize as genuine or valid -- admittedly adv.
admittance n. permission to enter
admix v. MINGLE, MIX <admix soil and gravel>
admixture n. MIXTURE; something added in mixing
admonish v. to warn gently; reprove with a warning; chide, reproach, rebuke, reprimand -- admonition n. -- admonitory adj.
ado n. bustling excitement; FUSS; TROUBLE
adobe n. sun-dried brick; clay for making such bricks; a structure made of adobe bricks -- adobe adj.
adolescence n. the process or period of growth between childhood and maturity -- adolescent adj. or n.
adopt v. to take (a child of other parents) as one's own child; to take up and practice as one's own; to accept formally and put into effect -- adoption n.
adoptive adj. made or acquired by adoption <adoptive father> -- adoptively adv.
adorable adj. worthy of adoration; extremely charming -- adorably adv.
adore v. WORSHIP; to regard with reverent admiration; to be extremely fond of -- adoration n.
adorn v. to decorate with ornaments; BEAUTIFY -- adornment n.
adrenal adj. of, relating to, or being a pair of endocrine organs (adrenal glands) located near the kidneys that produce several hormones of which one (adrenaline or adrenin) acts on smooth muscle and raises blood pressure
adrift adv. (or adj); afloat without motive power or moorings; without guidance or purpose
adroit adj. dexterous with one's hands; SHREWD, RESOURCEFUL; deft, clever, cunning, ingenious -- adroitly adv. -- adroitness n.
adsorb v. to take up (as molecules of gases) and hold on the surface of a solid or liquid -- adsorption n. -- adsorptive adj.
adulation n. excessive or servile praise; FLATTERY
adult adj. fully developed and mature; adult n. one that is adult; especially a human being after an age (as 21) specified by law
adulterant n. something used to adulterate another thing
adulterate v. to make impure by mixing in a foreign or inferior substance -- adulteration n.
adultery n. sexual unfaithfulness of a married person -- adulterer n. -- adulteress n. -- adulterous adj.
adulthood n. the state or time of being an adult
adumbrate v. to foreshadow vaguely; INTIMATE; to suggest or disclose partially; SHADE, OBSCURE -- adumbration n.
advance v. to bring or move forward; to assist the progress of; to promote in rank; to make earlier in time; PROPOSE; to raise in rate; INCREASE; LEND -- advancement n.; advance n. a forward movement; IMPROVEMENT; a rise especially in price or value
advantage n. superiority of position; BENEFIT, GAIN; the first point won in tennis after deuce -- advantageous adj.
advent n. cap: a penitential season beginning four Sundays before Christmas; ARRIVAL; esp, cap; the coming of Christ
adventitious adj. ACCIDENTAL, INCIDENTAL -- adventitiously adv. -- adventitiousness n.
adventure n. a risky undertaking; a remarkable and exciting experience; a business venture -- adventurous adj.; adventure v. RISK, HAZARD
adventurer n. a person who engages in new and risky undertakings; a person who follows a military career for adventure or profit; a person who tries to advance his fortunes by questionable means -- adventuress n.
adventuresome adj. inclined to take risks; DARING
adverb n. a word that typically serves as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, or another adverb -- adverbial adj. -- adverbially adv.
adversary n. FOE
adversative adj. expressing opposition or adverse circumstance -- adversatively adv.
adverse adj. acting against or in a contrary direction; UNFAVORABLE -- adversely adv.
adversity n. hard times; MISFORTUNE
advert v. REFER
advertise v. INFORM, NOTIFY; to call public attention to especially in order to arouse a desire to purchase -- advertiser n.
advertisement n. the act of advertising; a public notice intended to advertise something
advertising n. the business of preparing advertisements
advice n. recommendation with regard to a course of action; COUNSEL; INFORMATION, REPORT
advisable adj. proper to be done; EXPEDIENT -- advisability n.
advise v. to give advice to; COUNSEL; INFORM, NOTIFY; CONSULT, CONFER -- adviser or advisor n.
advisement n. careful consideration
advisory adj. having or exercising power to advise; containing advice
advocate n. one who pleads another's cause; one who argues or pleads for a cause or proposal -- advocacy n.
adz n. a cutting tool that has a curved blade set at right angles to the handle and is used in shaping wood
adze n. a cutting tool that has a curved blade set at right angles to the handle and is used in shaping wood
aegis n. SHIELD, PROTECTION; PATRONAGE, SPONSORSHIP
aeon n. an indefinitely long time; AGE
aerate v. to supply (blood) with oxygen by respiration; to supply or impregnate with air; to combine or charge with gas -- aeration n.
aerial adj. inhabiting, produced by, or done in the air; AIRY; of or relating to aircraft; aerial n. a radio or television antenna
aerialist n. a performer of feats above the ground especially on a flying trapeze
aerie n. a highly placed nest (as of an eagle)
aero adj. of or relating to aircraft; designated for aerial use
aerobic adj. living or active only in the presence of oxygen <aerobic bacteria> -- aerobe n.
aerodrome n. Brit; AIRFIELD, AIRPORT
aeronaut n. one who operates or travels in an airship or balloon
aeronautics n. a science dealing with the operation of aircraft or with their design and manufacture -- aeronautic or aeronautical adj.
aeroplane n. chiefly British variant of AIRPLANE
aerosol n. a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in a gas; especially a substance (as an insecticide, medicine, or cosmetic) in a liquid sprayed from the valve of a special container
aerospace n. the earth's atmosphere and the space beyond
aery adj. having an aerial quality; ETHEREAL
aesthete n. a person having or affecting sensitivity to beauty especially in art
aesthetic adj. of or relating to aesthetics; ARTISTIC; appreciative of the beautiful -- aesthetically adv.
aesthetics n. a branch of philosophy dealing with beauty and the beautiful
aestivate v. to pass the summer in a state of torpor -- aestivation n.
afar adv. from, at, or to a great distance
affable adj. courteous and agreeable in conversation -- affability n. -- affably adv.
affair n. something that relates to or involves one; CONCERN; a romantic or sexual attachment of limited duration
affect v. to be fond of using or wearing; SIMULATE, ASSUME, PRETEND; affect v. to produce an effect on; INFLUENCE, IMPRESS
affectation n. an attitude or mode of behavior assumed by a person in an effort to impress others
affected adj. pretending to some trait which is not natural; artificially assumed to impress others <affected mannerisms> -- affectedly adv.
affection n. tender attachment; LOVE -- affectionate adj. -- affectionately adv.; affection n. DISEASE, DISORDER <an affection of the brain>
afferent adj. bearing or conducting inward toward a more central part <afferent nerves>
affiance v. BETROTH, ENGAGE
affidavit n. a sworn statement in writing
affiliate v. to associate as a member or branch -- affiliation n.; affiliate n. an affiliated person or organization
affinity n. KINSHIP, RELATIONSHIP; attractive force; ATTRACTION, SYMPATHY
affirm v. CONFIRM, RATIFY; to assert positively; aver, avow, avouch, declare, assert -- affirmation n.
affirmative adj. asserting that the fact is so; POSITIVE; affirmative n. an expression of affirmation or assent; the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate
affix v. ATTACH, FASTEN, ADD; affix n. one or more sounds or letters attached to the beginning or end of a word and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form
afflatus n. divine inspiration
afflict v. to cause pain and distress to; trouble grievously; try, torment, torture -- affliction n.
aft adv. near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft
after adv. AFTERWARD, SUBSEQUENTLY; after prep. behind in place; later than; intent on the seizure, mastery, or achievement of <go after an escaped prisoner> <he's after your job>; after conj. following the time when; after adj. LATER
afterbirth n. structures and membranes expelled from the uterus after the birth of young
aftercare n. the care, nursing, or treatment of a convalescent patient
afterdeck n. the rear half of the deck of a ship
aftereffect n. an effect that follows its cause after some time has passed; a secondary effect coming on after the first or immediate effect has subsided <a medicine with no noticeable aftereffect>
afterglow n. a glow remaining (as in the sky after sunset) where a light has disappeared
afterlife n. an existence after death
aftermath n. a second-growth crop especially of hay; CONSEQUENCES, EFFECTS; sequel, result, outcome
afternoon n. the time between noon and evening
aftertaste n. a sensation (as of flavor) continuing after the stimulus causing it has ended
afterthought n. a later thought; something thought of later
afterward adv. at a later time
afterwards adv. at a later time
again adv. once more; ANEW; on the other hand; FURTHER, MOREOVER; in addition
against prep. directly opposite to; FACING; in opposition to; as defense from; so as to touch or strike <threw him against the wall>; TOUCHING
agape adj. having the mouth open in wonder or surprise; agape n. self-giving loyal concern that freely accepts another and seeks his good
agate n. a striped or clouded quartz; a child's marble of agate or of glass resembling agate
agave n. any of several spiny-leaved plants related to the amaryllis
age n. the length of time during which a being or thing has lived or existed; the time of life at which some particular qualification is achieved; especially MAJORITY; the latter part of life; the quality of being old; a long time; a period in history
aged adj. of advanced age; having attained a specified age <a man aged forty years>
ageless adj. not growing old or showing the effects of age; TIMELESS, ETERNAL <an ageless story>
agency n. one through which something is accomplished; INSTRUMENTALITY; the office or function of an agent; an establishment doing business for another; an administrative division of a government; means, medium
agenda n. a list of things to be done; PROGRAM
agent n. one that acts; MEANS, INSTRUMENT; a person acting or doing business for another; attorney, deputy, proxy
agglomerate v. to gather into a mass; CLUSTER -- agglomeration n.
agglutinate v. to cause to adhere; gather into a group or mass -- agglutination n.
aggrandize v. to make great or greater -- aggrandizement n.
aggravate v. to make more severe; INTENSIFY; IRRITATE -- aggravation n.
aggregate adj. formed by the gathering of units into one mass; aggregate v. to collect into one mass; aggregate n. a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated with one another; the whole amount
aggregation n. the collecting of units or parts into a mass or whole; a group, body, or mass composed of many distinct parts; ASSEMBLAGE
aggression n. an unprovoked attack; the practice of making attacks -- aggressive adj. -- aggressively adv. -- aggressiveness n. -- aggressor n.
aggrieve v. to cause grief to; to inflict injury on; WRONG
aghast adj. struck with amazement or horror
agile adj. able to move quickly and easily; NIMBLE -- agility n.
agitate v. to move with an irregular rapid motion; to stir up; EXCITE; to discuss earnestly; to attempt to arouse public feeling -- agitation n. -- agitator n.
agleam adj. GLEAMING
aglitter adj. GLITTERING
aglow adj. GLOWING
agnostic adj. of or relating to the belief that the existence of any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable -- agnostic n. -- agnosticism n.
ago adj. (or adv); earlier than the present time
agog adj. full of excitement; EAGER
agonize v. to suffer or cause to suffer agony -- agonizingly adv.
agony n. extreme pain of mind or body; suffering, distress
agora n. pl. agorot -- unit of currency
agoraphobia n. abnormal fear of being in open spaces -- agoraphobic adj.
agrarian adj. of or relating to land or its ownership <agrarian reforms>; of or relating to farmers or farming interests
agree v. ADMIT, CONCEDE; to settle by common consent; to express agreement or approval; to be in harmony; to be similar; CORRESPOND; to be fitting or healthful; SUIT <the climate agree with him>
agreeable adj. PLEASING, PLEASANT; ready to consent; SUITABLE -- agreeableness n. -- agreeably adv.
agreement n. harmony of opinion or action; mutual understanding or arrangement; a document containing such an arrangement
agriculture n. FARMING, HUSBANDRY -- agricultural adj. -- agriculturist n.
aground adv. (or adj); with the bottom lodged on the ground; STRANDED
ague n. a fever with recurrent chills and sweating; especially MALARIA
ahead adv. (or adj); in or toward the front; into or for the future <plan ahead>; in or toward a more advantageous position
ahoy interj. used in hailing <ship ahoy>
aid v. to provide with what is useful in achieving an end; ASSIST; aid n. ASSISTANCE; ASSISTANT
aide n. a person who acts as an assistant; especially a military officer assisting a superior
aigrette n. a plume or decorative tuft for the head
ail v. to be the matter with; TROUBLE; to be unwell
aileron n. a movable part of an airplane wing or of an airfoil external to the wing
ailment n. a bodily disorder
aim v. to point (a weapon) toward some object; to direct one's efforts; ASPIRE; to direct to or toward a specified object or goal; aim n. the direction of a weapon; OBJECT, PURPOSE
aimless adj. lacking purpose; RANDOM -- aimlessly adv.
air n. the gaseous mixture surrounding the earth; a light breeze; compressed air <air sprayer>; AIRCRAFT <air patrol>; AVIATION <air safety>; the medium of transmission of radio waves; RADIO, TELEVISION; the outward appearance of a person or thing
airborne adj. supported or transported by air
airbrush n. a device for applying a fine spray (as of paint) by compressed air
aircraft n. a weight-carrying machine (as an airplane, glider, helicopter, or balloon) for navigation of the air
airdrome n. AIRPORT
airdrop n. delivery of cargo or personnel by parachute from an airplane in flight -- air-drop v.
airfield n. the landing field of an airport; AIRPORT
airfoil n. an airplane surface (as a wing or rudder) designed to produce reaction from the air
airlift n. a supply line operated by aircraft -- airlift v.
airliner n. a large passenger airplane operating over an airline
airmail n. the system of transporting mail by airplane; mail transported by air -- airmail v.
airman n. an enlisted man in the air force in one of the four ranks next below a staff sergeant; AVIATOR
airplane n. a fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air that is driven by a propeller or by a rearward jet and supported by the reaction of the air against its wings
airport n. a place maintained for the landing and takeoff of airplanes and for receiving and discharging passengers and cargo
airpost n. AIRMAIL
airship n. an aircraft lighter than air that is borne in the air by a gas-filled container and has an engine, propeller, and rudder
airsick adj. affected with motion sickness associated with flying -- air-sickness n.
airspeed n. the speed of an airplane with relation to the air as distinguished from its speed relative to the earth
airstrip n. a runway without normal airport facilities
airtight adj. so tightly sealed that no air can enter or escape; leaving no opening for attack
airwave n. the medium of radio and television transmission -- usually pl.
airway n. a regular route for airplanes; AIRLINE
airworthy adj. fit or safe for operation in the air <a very airworthy plane> -- airworthiness n.
airy adj. LOFTY; lacking in reality; EMPTY; DELICATE; BREEZY
aisle n. the side of a church nave separated by piers from the nave proper; a passage between sections of seats
ajar adv. (or adj); partly open <the door was ajar>
akimbo adv. (or adj); with hand on hip and elbow turned outward
akin adj. related by blood; similar in kind
alabaster n. a compact fine-textured usually white and translucent gypsum mineral often carved into objects (as vases)
alacrity n. cheerful readiness; BRISKNESS
alarm n. a warning signal; the terror caused by sudden danger; alarm v. to warn of danger; to arouse to a sense of danger; FRIGHTEN
alarmist n. a person who is given to alarming others especially needlessly
albacore n. any of several tunas
albatross n. a large web-footed seabird related to the petrels
albeit conj. even though; ALTHOUGH
albino n. a person or lower animal lacking coloring matter in the skin, hair, and eyes -- albinism n.
album n. a book with blank pages in which to insert photographs, stamps, or autographs; one or more phonograph records or tape recordings carrying a major musical work or a group of related selections
albumen n. the white of an egg; ALBUMIN
albumin n. any of various water-soluble proteins of blood, milk, egg white, and plant and animal tissues
albuminous adj. containing or resembling albumen or albumin
alcalde n. the chief administrative and judicial officer of a Spanish or Spanish-American town
alcazar n. a Spanish fortress or palace
alchemy n. medieval chemistry chiefly concerned with efforts to turn base metals into gold -- alchemical adj. -- alchemist n.
alcohol n. the liquid that is the intoxicating element in fermented and distilled liquors; any of various carbon compounds similar to alcohol; beverages containing alcohol -- alcoholic adj.
alcoholic n. a person addicted to excessive use of alcoholic liquors or affected with alcoholism
alcoholism n. continued excessive and usually uncontrollable use of alcoholic drinks; the abnormal state associated with such use
alcove n. a nook or small recess opening off a larger room; a niche or arched opening (as in a wall)
alder n. a tree or shrub related to the birches and growing in wet areas
alderman n. a member of a city legislative body
ale n. an alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and hops that is usually more bitter than beer
alee adv. (or adj); on or toward the lee
alehouse n. a place where ale is sold to be drunk on the premises
alembic n. an apparatus formerly used in distillation
alert adj. watchful against danger; quick to perceive and act -- alertly adv. -- alertness n.; alert n. a signal given to warn of danger; the period during which an alert is in effect; alert v. WARN
alexandrine n. a line of six iambic feet
alfalfa n. a leguminous plant widely grown for hay and forage
alfresco adv. (or adj); in the open air
alga n. pl. algae; any of a group of lower plants having chlorophyll but no vascular system and including seaweeds and related freshwater plants
algebra n. a branch of mathematics using symbols (as letters) in calculating -- algebraic adj.
alias adv. otherwise called; alias n. an assumed name
alibi n. a plea offered by an accused person of having been elsewhere than at the scene of commission of an offense; a plausible excuse (as for failure or negligence); alibi v. to offer an excuse; to make an excuse for
alien adj. FOREIGN; alien n. a foreign-born resident who has not been naturalized
alienable adj. transferable to the ownership of another <alienable property>
alienate v. to transfer (property) to another; to make hostile where previously friendship had existed; ESTRANGE -- alienation n.
alienist n. PSYCHIATRIST; especially one testifying in legal proceedings
alight v. alighted or alit; alighting; to get down (as from a vehicle); to come to rest from the air; dismount, land, perch; alight adj. lighted up
align also aline v. to bring into line; to array on the side of or against a cause -- alignment also alinement n.
alimentary adj. of, relating to, or functioning in nourishment or nutrition
alimony n. an allowance paid by a man to a woman after her legal separation or divorce from him
alive adj. having life; LIVING; being in force or operation; SENSITIVE; ANIMATED
alkali n. a substance (as carbonate of sodium, carbonate of potassium, or hydroxide of sodium) that has marked basic properties (as an acrid taste and the power to neutralize acids, form salts, and turn red litmus blue)
alkalinize also alkalize v. to make alkaline
alkaloid n. any of various usually basic and bitter organic compounds found especially in seed plants
alkyd n. any of numerous synthetic resins used for protective coatings
all adj. the whole of; the greatest possible; every one of; all adv. WHOLLY; so much <all the better for it>; for each side <the score is two all>; all pron. every one; the whole number <all of you are welcome>; the whole
allay v. to reduce in severity; to put at rest; alleviate, lighten
allege v. to state as a fact without proof; to bring forward as a reason or excuse -- allegation n. -- allegedly adv.
allegiance n. loyalty owed by a citizen to his government; loyalty to a person or cause
allegory n. the expression through symbolic figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human conduct or experience -- allegorical adj.
allegro adv. (or adj); in a brisk lively tempo -- used as a direction in music; allegro n. an allegro movement
alleluia interj. HALLELUJAH
allergen n. something that causes allergy -- allergenic adj.
allergist n. a specialist in allergy
allergy n. exaggerated or abnormal reaction to substances, situations, or physical states harmless to most people; susceptibility -- allergic adj.
alleviate v. to make easier to be endured; lighten, mitigate -- alleviation n.
alley n. a narrow passage between buildings; a place for bowling; especially a hardwood lane
alleyway n. a narrow passageway; a narrow street giving access to the rear of buildings
alliance n. a union to promote common interests; league, coalition, confederacy, federation
allied adj. joined in alliance
alligator n. a large aquatic reptile related to the crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout
alliterate v. to form an alliteration; to arrange so as to make alliteration
alliteration n. the repetition of initial sounds in adjacent words or syllables -- alliterative adj.
allocate v. ALLOT, ASSIGN -- allocation n.
allot v. -lotted; -lotting; to distribute as a share or portion; assign, apportion, allocate -- allotment n.
allow v. to assign as a share <allow time for rest>; to reckon as a deduction; ADMIT, CONCEDE; PERMIT; to make allowance <allow for expansion> -- allowable adj.
allowance n. an allotted share; money given regularly as a bounty; the taking into account of mitigating circumstances or possible contingencies <make allowance for his youth>
alloy n. a substance composed of metals fused together; an admixture of something that debases -- alloy v.
allspice n. the berry of the pimento tree; a spice made from it
allude v. to refer indirectly or by suggestion -- allusion n. -- allusive adj. -- allusively adv. -- allusiveness n.
allure v. to entice by charm or attraction; ATTRACT -- allurement n.
alluvium n. soil material (as clay or gravel) deposited by running water -- alluvial adj.
ally v. to unite in alliance; ally n. a person or state united with another in an alliance
almanac n. a calendar containing astronomical and meteorological data and often a miscellany of other information
almighty adj. having absolute power over all <Almighty God>; relatively unlimited in power
almond n. a small tree related to the peach; the edible nutlike kernel of its fruit
almoner n. an officer who distributes alms
almost adv. only a little less than; NEARLY
alms n. pl. alms; something given freely to relieve the poor
almshouse n. Brit; a privately financed home for the poor
aloe n. any of various succulent mostly African plants related to the lilies; pl: the dried tonic and purgative juice of the leaves of an aloe
aloft adv. high in the air; on or to the higher rigging of a ship
aloha interj. used to express greeting or farewell
alone adj. separated from others; not including anyone or anything else; ONLY; lonely, lonesome, lone, forlorn -- alone adv.
along prep. on or near in a lengthwise direction <walk along the street> <sail along the coast>; at a point on or during <stopped along the way>; along adv. FORWARD, ON; as a companion or associate <bring her along>; all the time <knew it all along>
alongshore adv. (or adj); along the shore or coast
alongside adv. along or by the side; alongside prep. to, along, or at the side of <came alongside the dock> <swimming alongside the dock> <anchored alongside the dock>; WITH <working alongside his colleagues>
aloof adj. removed or distant in interest or feeling; RESERVED -- aloofness n.
aloud adv. using the voice so as to be clearly heard
alp n. a high mountain
alpaca n. a South American mammal related to the llama; its wool or cloth made from this
alpenhorn n. a long wooden horn used by Swiss herdsmen
alpenstock n. a long iron-pointed staff used in mountain climbing
alphabet n. the set of letters used in writing a language arranged in a conventional order
alphabetic adj. of or employing an alphabet; arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet -- alphabetically adv.
alphabetical adj. of or employing an alphabet; arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet -- alphabetically adv.
alphabetize v. to arrange in alphabetic order
alphorn n. a long wooden horn used by Swiss herdsmen
already adv. prior to a specified or implied time; PREVIOUSLY; so soon
also adv. in addition; TOO
altar n. a structure on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship; a table used as a center of ritual
altarpiece n. a work of art to decorate the space above and behind the altar
alter v. to make or become different; CHANGE, MODIFY -- alteration n.
altercation n. a noisy or angry dispute
alternate adj. arranged or succeeding by turns; every other -- alternately adv.; alternate v. to occur or cause to occur by turns -- alternation n.; alternate n. SUBSTITUTE
alternative adj. that may be chosen in place of something else -- alternative n.
although also altho conj. in spite of the fact that; even though
altimeter n. an instrument for measuring altitudes
altitude n. vertical elevation; HEIGHT; angular distance above the horizon
alto n. the lowest female voice; a singer or instrument having the range of such a voice
altogether adv. WHOLLY; on the whole
altruism n. unselfish interest in the welfare of others -- altruist n. -- altruistic adj. -- altruistically adv.
alum n. either of two colorless crystalline compounds cotaining aluminum that have a sweetish-sour taste and are used (as to stop bleeding) in medicine; a colorless aluminum salt used in purifying water and in tanning and dyeing
alumina n. the oxide of aluminum occurring in nature as corundum, emery, and ruby
aluminium n. chiefly Brit; ALUMINUM
aluminum n. a whitish light malleable metal used in articles where lightness and strength are desirable
alumna n. pl. -nae; a woman graduate or former student of a college or school
alumnus n. pl. -ni; a graduate or former student of a college or school
always adv. at all times; FOREVER; without exception
am pres 1st sing of BE
amah n. a female servant typically Chinese; especially NURSE
amain adv. with full force or speed
amalgam n. an alloy of mercury with another metal used in making dental cements and in silvering mirrors; a compound made up of different things
amalgamate v. to unite into one body or organization -- amalgamation n.
amanuensis n. pl. -enses; one employed to write from dictation or to copy what another has written; SECRETARY
amaranth n. an imaginary flower held never to fade; any of various coarse herbs sometimes grown for their showy flowers -- amaranthine adj.
amaryllis n. any of various mostly bulbous herbs with clustdrs of lilylike often bright-colored flowers
amass v. to heap up; ACCUMULATE
amateur n. a person who engages in a pursuit for pleasure and not as a profession; a person who is not expert -- amateurish adj. -- amateurism n.
amatory adj. of or expressing sexual love
amaze v. to overwhelm with wonder; ASTOUND; astonish, surprise -- amazement n. -- amazingly adv.
amazon n. cap: a member of a race of female warriors repeatedly warring with the ancient Greeks of mythology; a tall strong masculine woman -- amazonian adj.
ambassador n. a person accredited to a foreign government as an official representative of his own government -- ambassadorship n.
amber n. a yellowish fossil resin used especially for ornamental objects; the color of this resin
ambergris n. a waxy substance from the sperm whale used in making perfumes
ambidextrous adj. using both hands with equal ease -- ambidextrously adv.
ambience n. a surrounding or pervading atmosphere
ambient adj. SURROUNDING
ambiguous adj. capable of being understood in more than one way -- ambiguity n.
ambition n. eager desire for success, honor, or power
ambitious adj. characterized by ambition -- ambitiously adv.
ambivalence n. simultaneous attraction toward and repulsion from a person, object, or action -- ambivalent adj.
amble v. to go at an amble; SAUNTER; amble n. an easy gait especially of a horse
ambrosia n. the food of the Greek and Roman gods -- ambrosial adj.
ambulance n. a vehicle equipped for carrying the injured or sick
ambulant adj. moving about; AMBULATORY
ambulatory adj. of, relating to, or adapted to walking; able to walk about; ambulatory n. a sheltered place (as a cloister) for walking
ambuscade n. AMBUSH
ambush n. a trap by which concealed persons attack an enemy by surprise -- ambush v.
ameba amebic, variant of AMOEBA, AMOEBIC
ameliorate v. to make or grow better; IMPROVE -- amelioration n.
amen interj. used especially at the end of prayers to express solemn ratification or approval
amidships adv. in or toward the part of a ship midway between the bow and the stern
amidst prep. in or into the middle of; AMONG
amiss adv. FAULTILY; IMPROPERLY; amiss adj. WRONG; out of place
amity n. FRIENDSHIP; especially friendly relations between nations
ammeter n. an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes
ammo n. AMMUNITION
ammonia n. a colorless gaseous compound of nitrogen and hydrogen used in refrigeration and in the making of fertilizers and explosives; a solution (ammonia water) of ammonia in water
ammonite n. any of various ancient flat spiral fossil mollusk shells
ammunition n. projectiles fired from guns; explosive items used in war; material for use in attack or defense
amnesia n. abnormal loss of memory -- amnesiac or amnesic adj. or n.
amnesty n. an act granting a pardon to a group of individuals
amoeba n. pl. -bas or -bae; any of various tiny one-celled animals that lack permanent cell organs and occur especially in water and soil -- amoebic adj.
amok adv. in a murderously frenzied manner
among also amongst prep. in or through the midst of; in the number or class of; in shares to each of; by common action of
amontillado n. a pale dry sherry
amoral adj. neither moral nor immoral; especially being outside the sphere to which moral judgments apply -- amorally adv.
amorous adj. inclined to love; being in love -- amorously adv. -- amorousness n.
amorphous adj. SHAPELESS, FORMLESS; not crystallized
amortize v. to extinguish (as a mortgage) usually by payment on the principal at the time of each periodic interest payment -- amortization n.
amount v. to reach as a total <the bill amount to $10>; to be equivalent; amount n. the total number or quantity; a principal sum plus the interest on it
amour n. a love affair especially when illicit
ampere n. a unit of intensity of electric current equivalent to a steady current produced by one volt applied across a resistance of one ohm -- amperage n.
ampersand n. a character & standing for the word and
amphibian n. an amphibious organism; especially any of a group of animals (as frogs and newts) intermediate between fishes and reptiles; an airplane designed to take off from and land on either land or water
amphibious adj. able to live both on land and in water; adapted for both land and water; made by joint action of land, sea, and air forces invading from the sea; trained for such action <amphibious forces>
amphitheater n. an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats around an arena
amphora n. pl. -rae or -ras; an ancient Greek jar or vase with two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth
amplify v. to expand by extended treatment; to increase (voltage, current, or power) in magnitude or strength (as by the use of a vacuum tube); to make louder -- amplification n. -- amplifier n.
amplitude n. ample extent; FULLNESS; the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) or of an oscillation (as of the alternating current or a radio wave)
ampoule n. a small sealed bulbous glass vessel used to hold a solution for hypodermic injection
ampul n. a small sealed bulbous glass vessel used to hold a solution for hypodermic injection
amputate v. to cut off <amputate a leg> -- amputation n.
amputee n. one who has had a limb amputated
amuck adv. in a murderously frenzied manner
amulet n. an ornament worn as a charm against evil
amuse v. to entertain in a light or playful manner; DIVERT -- amusement n.
an indefinite article; A -- used before words beginning with a vowel sound
anachronism n. the error of placing a person or thing in a period to which he or it does not belong; a person or thing that is chronologically out of place -- anachronistic adj.
anaconda n. a large South American snake that crushes its prey
anadem n. GARLAND, CHAPLET
anaemia variant of ANEMIA
anaerobic adj. living, active, or occurring in the absence of free oxygen
anagram n. a word or phrase made by transposing the letters of another word or phrase
anal adj. of, relating to, or situated near the anus
analgesia n. insensibility to pain -- analgesic adj. or n.
analog n. something that is analogous or similar to something else
analogous adj. similar in one or more respects but not homologous
analogue n. something that is analogous or similar to something else
analogy n. inference that if two or more things agree in some respects they will probably agree in others; a likeness in one or more ways between things otherwise unlike -- analogical adj. -- analogically adv.
analysis n. pl. -yses; separation of a thing into the parts or elements of which it is composed; an examination of a thing to determine its parts or elements; a statement showing the results of such an examination
analyze v. to make an analysis of
anapest n. a metrical foot of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented syllable -- anapestic adj.
anarchism n. the theory that all government is an evil; TERRORISM -- anarchist n. -- anarchistic adj.
anarchy n. a social structure without government or law and order; utter confusion -- anarchic also anarchical adj.
anathema n. a solemn curse; a person or thing accursed; one intensely disliked
anathematize v. to pronounce an anathema against; CURSE
anatomize v. to dissect so as to examine the structure and parts; ANALYZE
anatomy n. a branch of science dealing with the structure of organisms; a separating into parts for detailed study; ANALYSIS, ANATOMIZING -- anatomic or anatomical adj. -- anatomist n.
ancestor n. one from whom an individual is descended -- ancestress n.
ancestry n. line of descent; LINEAGE; ANCESTORS -- ancestral adj.
anchor n. a heavy metal device attached to a boat and so made that when thrown overboard it catches hold of the earth and holds the boat in place; anchor v. to hold or become held in place by or as if by an anchor
anchorage n. a place suitable for ships to anchor
anchorite n. one who lives in seclusion especially for religious reasons -- anchoress n.
anchovy n. a small herringlike fish used especially for sauces and relishes
ancient adj. having existed for many years; belonging to times long past; especially belonging to the period before the Middle Ages; ancient n. an aged person; pl: the peoples of ancient Greece and Rome
and conj. used as a function word to indicate connection or addition especially of items within the same class or type or to join words or phrases of the same grammatical rank or function
andante adv. (or adj); moderately slow -- used as a direction in music; andante n. an andante movement
andiron n. one of a pair of metal supports for firewood in a fireplace
androgen n. a male sex hormone
anecdote n. a brief story of an interesting usually biographical incident
anemia n. a condition in which blood is deficient in quantity, in red cells, or in hemoglobin and which is marked by pallor, weakness, and irregular heart action; lack of vitality -- anemic adj.
anemometer n. an instrument for measuring the force or speed of the wind
anemone n. a small herb related to the buttercups that has showy usually white flowers
anent prep. ABOUT, CONCERNING
anesthesia n. loss of bodily sensation
anesthetic adj. of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia; anesthetic n. an agent (as ether) that produces anesthesia -- anesthetist n. -- anesthetize v.
anew adv. over again; from a new start
angel n. a spiritual being superior to man; an attendant spirit <guardian angel>; a winged figure of human form in art; MESSENGER, HARBINGER; a person held to resemble an angel -- angelic or angelical adj. -- angelically adv.
anger n. a strong feeling of displeasure; wrath, ire, rage, fury, indignation; anger v. to make angry
angina n. a disorder (as of the heart) marked by attacks of intense pain -- anginal adj.
angle n. the figure formed by the meeting of two lines in a point; a sharp projecting corner; a point of view; angle v. to turn, move, or direct at an angle; angle v. to fish with a hook and line -- angler n. -- angling n.
angleworm n. EARTHWORM
anglicize v. to make English (as in habits, speech, character, or outlook); to borrow (a foreign word or phrase) into English without changing form or spelling and sometimes without changing pronunciation -- anglicization n.
anglophile n. one who greatly admires England
anglophobe n. one who is averse to England and things English
angora n. cap: a cat, goat, or rabbit with a long silky coat; yarn or cloth made from the hair of an Angora goat or rabbit
anguish n. extreme pain or distress especially of mind
anguished adj. full of anguish; TORMENTED <an anguished call for help>
angular adj. having one or more angles; sharp-cornered; being thin and bony -- angularity n.
anhydrous adj. free from water
aniline n. an oily poisonous liquid used in making dyes, medicines and explosives
animadvert v. to remark critically; express censure -- animadversion n.
animal n. a living being capable of feeling and voluntary motion; a lower animal as distinguished from man; MAMMAL; animal adj. of, relating to, or derived from animals; of or relating to the physical as distinguished from the mental or spiritual; carnal
animalcule n. a tiny animal usually invisible to the naked eye
animalism n. SENSUALITY
animate adj. having life; animate v. to impart life to; to give spirit and vigor to; to make appear to move <animate a cartoon for motion pictures> -- animated adj.
animation n. LIVELINESS, VIVACITY; an animated cartoon
animism n. attribution of conscious life to nature as a whole or to inanimate objects -- animist n. -- animistic adj.
animosity n. ILL WILL, RESENTMENT
animus n. deep-seated resentment and hostility
anise n. an herb related to the carrot with aromatic seeds (aniseed) used in flavoring
ankh n. a cross having a loop for its upper vertical arm and serving especially in ancient Egypt as an emblem of life
ankle n. the joint or region between the foot and the leg
anklet n. something (as an ornament) worn around the ankle; a short sock reaching slightly above the ankle
annals n. pl. a record of events in chronological order; HISTORY -- annalist n.
anneal v. to soften and toughen (as glass or steel) by subjecting to heat and then cooling
annex v. to attach as an addition; to incorporate (as a territory) within a political domain -- annexation n.; annex n. a subsidiary or supplementary structure <his room is in the annex to the hotel>
annihilate v. to destroy completely; wipe out -- annihilation n.
anniversary n. the annual return of the date of some notable event and especially a wedding
annotate v. to furnish with notes -- annotation n. -- annotator n.
announce v. to make known publicly; to give notice of the arrival or presence of -- announcement n.
announcer n. a person who introduces radio or television programs, reads commercials and news summaries, and gives station identification
annoy v. to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts; VEX; irk, bother, pester, tease, harass -- annoyingly adv.
annoyance n. the act of annoying; the state of being annoyed; NUISANCE
annual adj. covering the period of a year; occurring once a year; YEARLY; completing the life cycle in one growing season <annual plants> -- annually adv.; annual n. a publication appearing once a year; an annual plant
annuitant n. a beneficiary of an annuity
annuity n. an amount payable annually; the right to receive such a payment
annul v. -nulled; -nulling; to make legally void -- annulment n.
annular adj. ring-shaped
annunciate v. ANNOUNCE -- annunciator n. -- annunciatory adj.
annunciation n. the act of announcing; ANNOUNCEMENT; cap: a church feast commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation and celebrated on March 25
anode n. the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell; the negative terminal of a battery; the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube -- anodic adj.
anodyne n. something that relieves pain; a soothing agent
anoint v. to apply oil to especially as a sacred rite; CONSECRATE -- anointment n.
anomalous adj. deviating from a general rule; ABNORMAL
anomaly n. something anomalous; IRREGULARITY
anon adv. archaic; SOON, PRESENTLY
anonymous adj. of unknown or undeclared origin or authorship -- anonymity n. -- anonymously adv.
anopheles n. a mosquito that transmits malaria to man
another adj. any or some other; being one in addition; one more; another pron. an additional one; one more; one that is different from the first or present one
answer n. something spoken or written in return to or satisfying a question; a solution of a problem; answer v. to speak or write in reply to; to be responsible; to be adequate -- answerer n.
answerable adj. liable to be called to give an explanation or satisfaction; RESPONSIBLE; capable of being refuted
ant n. any of various small insects related to the bees and living in communities usually in earth or wood
antacid n. a substance that counteracts acidity
antagonism n. active opposition or hostility; opposition in physiological action -- antagonistic adj.
antagonist n. ADVERSARY, OPPONENT
antagonize v. to provoke the hostility of
antarctic adj. of or relating to the south pole or the region near it
ante n. a poker stake put up by each player before he sees his hand; an amount paid; PRICE; ante v. to put up (an ante); PAY
antebellum adj. existing before a war; especially existing before the U.S. Civil War of 1861-65
antecedent n. a noun, pronoun, phrase, or clause referred to by a personal or relative pronoun; a preceding event or cause; pl: the significant conditions of one's earlier life; pl: ANCESTORS -- antecedent adj.
antechamber n. an outer chamber leading to another room
antechoir n. a space enclosed or reserved for the clergy and choristers at the entrance to a choir
antedate v. to date (a paper) as of an earlier day than that on which the actual writing or signing is done; to precede in time
antediluvian adj. of the period before the biblical flood; ANTIQUATED, OBSOLETE
antelope n. any of various mammals related to the oxen but with smaller lighter bodies and horns that extend upward and backward
antemortem adj. preceding death
antenatal adj. of or relating to an unborn child; occurring during pregnancy
antenna n. pl. usu: -nae one of the long slender paired sensory organs on the head of an arthropod (as an insect or crab); pl. usu: or -nas a metallic device (as a rod or wire) for sending out or receiving radio waves
antepenult n. the 3rd syllable of a word counting from the end -- antepenultimate adj. or n.
anterior adj. located before in place or time; preceding, previous, prior
anteroom n. a room forming the entrance to another and often used as a waiting room
anthem n. a sacred composition usually sung by a church choir; a song or hymn of praise or gladness
anther n. the part of the stamen of a seed plant that contains pollen
anthill n. a mound thrown up by ants or termites in digging their nest
anthology n. a collection of literary selections
anthracite n. a hard glossy coal that burns without much smoke
anthrax n. a destructive bacterial disease of warm-blooded animals (as cattle and sheep)
anthropocentric adj. interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences
anthropoid adj. resembling man; resembling an ape; anthropoid n. any of several large higher apes (as a gorilla)
anthropology n. a science dealing with man and especially his origin, development, and culture -- anthropological adj. -- anthropologist n.
anthropomorphism n. the conception of God or gods as possessing human qualities -- anthropomorphic adj.
anti n. one who is opposed
antibiotic n. a substance produced by an organism (as a fungus or bacteria) that in dilute solution inhibits or kills harmful microorganisms -- antibiotic adj.
antibody n. a bodily substance that specifically counteracts the effects of a disease-producing microorganism
antic n. a ludicrous act; CAPER; antic adj. archaic: GROTESQUE; PLAYFUL
antichrist n. one who denies or opposes Christ; a false Christ
anticipate v. to foresee and provide for beforehand; to look forward to -- anticipation n. -- anticipatory adj.
anticlimax n. an event or statement especially closing a series that is strikingly less important than what has preceded it -- anticlimactic adj.
antidote n. a remedy to counteract the effects of poison
antifreeze n. a substance added to the liquid in an automobile radiator to prevent its freezing
antihistamine n. any of various drugs used in treating allergies and colds
antiknock n. a substance that when added to the fuel of an internal-combustion engine helps to prevent knocking
antilogarithm n. the number corresponding to a given logarithm
antimacassar n. a cover to protect the back or arms of furniture
antimony n. a brittle silvery white metallic chemical element used in alloys
antipasto n. HORS D'OEUVRE
antipathy n. settled aversion or dislike; an object of aversion
antipersonnel adj. designed for use against military personnel <antipersonnel mine>
antiphonal adj. performed by two alternating groups; ANSWERING -- antiphonally adv.
antipodes n. pl. the parts of the earth diametrically opposite -- antipodal adj.
antiquarian adj. of or relating to antiquities; dealing in old or rare books -- antiquarianism n.
antiquary n. a person who collects or studies antiquities
antique adj. belonging to antiquity; OLD-FASHIONED; of a bygone style or period; antique n. an object made in a bygone period
antiquity n. ancient times; great age; pl: relics of ancient times; pl: matters relating to the culture of ancient times
antiseptic adj. killing or checking the growth of germs that cause decay or infection -- antiseptic n. -- antiseptically adv.
antisocial adj. contrary or hostile to the well-being of society <crime is antisocial>; disliking the society of others
antithesis n. pl. -eses; the opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite
antitoxin n. an antibody able to neutralize a particular toxin that is formed when the toxin is introduced into the body and is produced in lower animals for use in treating human diseases (as diphtheria)
antivivisectionist n. a person opposed to vivisection
antler n. the solid usually branched horn of deer -- antlered adj.
antonym n. a word of opposite meaning
antrum n. pl. -tra; the cavity of a hollow organ or a sinus
anus n. the posterior opening of the alimentary canal
anvil n. a heavy iron block on which metal is shaped (as by hammering)
anxiety n. painful uneasiness of mind usually over an anticipated ill
any adj. one chosen at random; of whatever number or quantity; any pron. any one or ones <take any of the books you like>; any amount <any of the money not used is to be returned>; any adv. to any extent or degree; at all <could not walk any farther>
anybody pron. ANYONE
anyhow adv. in any way; NEVERTHELESS; in any case
anymore adv. at the present time
anyone pron. any person
anyplace adv. in any place
anything pron. any thing whatever
anyway adv. ANYHOW
anywhere adv. in or to any place
anywise adv. in any way whatever
aorta n. pl. -tas or -tae; the main artery that carries blood from the heart -- aortic adj.
apace adv. SWIFTLY
apanage variant of APPANAGE
apart adv. separately in place or time; ASIDE; to pieces; ASUNDER
apartheid n. a policy of racial segregation practiced in the Republic of South Africa
apartment n. a room or set of rooms especially occupied as a dwelling; a building divided into individual dwelling units
apathy n. lack of emotion; lack of interest; INDIFFERENCE -- apathetic adj. -- apathetically adv.
ape n. any of the larger tailless primates (as a baboon or gorilla); MONKEY; MIMIC, IMITATOR; a large uncouth person; ape v. IMITATE, MIMIC
apeak adv. (or adj); in a vertical position <oars apeak>
aperitif n. an alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer
aperture n. OPENING, HOLE
apex n. pl. apexes or apices; the highest point; PEAK
aphasia n. loss of power to use or understand speech
aphid n. a small insect that sucks the juices of plants
aphis n. pl. aphides; APHID
aphorism n. a short saying stating a general truth; MAXIM -- aphoristic adj.
aphrodisiac adj. exciting sexual desire -- aphrodisiac n.
apiary n. a place where bees are kept -- apiarist n.
apiece adv. for each one
aplomb n. complete composure or self-assurance; POISE
apocalypse n. a writing prophesying a cataclysm in which evil forces are destroyed -- apocalyptic or apocalyptical adj.
apocryphal adj. of or resembling the Apocrypha; not canonical; SPURIOUS <an apocryphal anecdote> -- apocryphally adv.
apogee n. the point at which an orbiting object is farthest from the body (as the earth or moon) being orbited
apologia n. APOLOGY; especially an argument in support or justification
apologize v. to make an apology; express regret -- apologist n.
apology n. a formal justification; DEFENSE; an expression of regret for a discourteous remark or act
apoplexy n. sudden loss of consciousness caused by rupture or obstruction of an artery of the brain -- apoplectic adj.
aport adv. (or adj); on or toward the left side of a ship
apostasy n. a renunciation or abandonment of a former loyalty (as to a religious faith) -- apostate adj. or n.
apostle n. one of the group composed of Jesus' 12 original disciples and Paul; the first prominent missionary to a region or group; one who initiates or first advocates a great reform -- apostleship n.
apostolic adj. of or relating to an apostle or to the New Testament apostles; of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles; PAPAL
apostrophe n. the rhetorical addressing of an absent person as if present or of an abstract idea or inanimate object as if capable of understanding (as in "O grave, where is thy victory?")
apostrophize v. to address as if present or as if capable of understanding
apothecary n. DRUGGIST
apothegm n. APHORISM, MAXIM
apotheosis n. pl. -oses; DEIFICATION; the perfect example
appall also appal v. -palled; -palling; to overcome with horror; DISMAY
appanage n. provision (as a grant of land) made by a sovereign or legislative body for dependent members of the royal family; a rightful adjunct
apparatus n. pl. -ratus or -ratuses; a set of materials or equipment for a particular use; a complex machine or device; MECHANISM; the organization of a political party or underground movement
apparel n. CLOTHING, DRESS; apparel v. -eled or -elled; -eling; -elling; CLOTHE, DRESS; ADORN
apparent adj. open to view; VISIBLE; EVIDENT, OBVIOUS; appearing as real or true; SEEMING -- apparently adv.
apparition n. a supernatural appearance; GHOST
appeal v. to take steps to have (a case) reheard in a higher court; to plead for help, corroboration, or decision; to arouse a sympathetic response -- appeal n.
appear v. to become visible; to come formally before an authority; SEEM; to become evident; to come before the public
appearance n. the act of appearing; outward aspect; LOOK; PHENOMENON
appease v. to cause to subside; ALLAY; PACIFY, CONCILIATE; especially to buy off by concessions -- appeasement n.
appellant n. one who appeals especially from a judicial decision
appellate adj. having power to review decisions of a lower court
appellation n. NAME, DESIGNATION
appellee n. one against whom an appeal is taken
append v. to attach especially as something additional; AFFIX
appendage n. something appended to a principal or greater thing; accessory, adjunct
appendectomy n. surgical removal of the intestinal appendix
appendicitis n. inflammation of the intestinal appendix
appendix n. pl. -dixes or -dices; supplementary matter added at the end of a book; a small tubular outgrowth from the intestinal cecum
appertain v. to belong as a rightful part or privilege
appetite n. natural desire for satisfying some want or need especially for food; TASTE, PREFERENCE
appetizer n. a food or drink taken just before a meal to stimulate the appetite
appetizing adj. tempting to the appetite -- appetizingly adv.
applaud v. to show approval especially by clapping
applause n. approval publicly expressed (as by clapping)
apple n. a rounded fruit with firm white flesh and a seedy core; a tree related to the roses that bears this fruit
applejack n. a liquor distilled from fermented cider
appliance n. INSTRUMENT, DEVICE; a piece of household equipment (as a stove, toaster, or vacuum cleaner) operated by gas or electricity
applicable adj. capable of being applied; RELEVANT -- applicability n.
applicant n. one who applies -- applicancy n.
application n. the act of applying; assiduous attention; REQUEST; a form used in making a request; something placed or spread on a surface; capacity for use
applicator n. one that applies; especially a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)
applied adj. put to practical use
applique n. a fabric decoration cut out and fastened to a larger piece of material -- applique v.
apply v. to place in contact; put or spread on a surface; to put to practical use; to employ with close attention; to submit a request personally or by letter
appoint v. to fix or set officially <appoint a day for trial>; to name officially <appoint a committee>; to fit out; EQUIP
appointee n. a person appointed
appointive adj. subject to appointment
appointment n. the act of appointing; a nonelective office or position; an arrangement for a meeting; pl: FURNISHINGS, EQUIPMENT
apportion v. to distribute proportionately; ALLOT -- apportionment n.
apposite adj. APPROPRIATE, RELEVANT -- appositely adv. -- appositeness n.
apposition n. a grammatical construction in which a noun or pronoun is followed by another that explains it (as the poet and Burns in "a biography of the poet Burns")
appositive n. the second of a pair of nouns or noun equivalents in apposition -- appositive adj.
appraise v. to set a value on -- appraisal n. -- appraiser n.
appreciable adj. large enough to be recognized and measured -- appreciably adv.
appreciate v. to value justly; to be aware of; to be grateful for; to increase in value -- appreciation n.
appreciative adj. having or showing appreciation
apprehend v. ARREST; to become aware of; to look forward to with dread; UNDERSTAND -- apprehension n.
apprehensive adj. viewing the future with anxiety -- apprehensively adv. -- apprehensiveness n.
apprentice n. a person learning a craft under a skilled worker; BEGINNER -- apprenticeship n.; apprentice v. to bind or set at work as an apprentice
apprise also apprize v. INFORM
approach v. to move nearer to; to take preliminary steps toward -- approach n. -- approachable adj.
approbation n. APPROVAL
appropriate v. to take possession of; to set apart for a particular use; appropriate adj. fitted to a purpose or use; SUITABLE; proper, fit, apt -- appropriately adv. -- appropriateness n.
appropriation n. money set aside by formal action for a specific use
approval n. an act of approving -- on approval; subject to a prospective buyer's acceptance or refusal
approve v. to have or express a favorable opinion of; to accept as satisfactory; RATIFY
approximate adj. nearly correct or exact -- approximately adv.; approximate v. to come near; APPROACH -- approximation n.
appurtenance n. something that belongs to or goes with another thing; accessory, adjunct, appendage -- appurtenant adj.
apricot n. an oval orange-colored fruit resembling the related peach in flavor; the tree bearing it
apron n. a garment tied over the front of the body to protect the clothes; a paved area for parking or handling airplanes
apropos adv. OPPORTUNELY; SUITABLY; apropos adj. being to the point; PERTINENT
apse n. a projecting usually semicircular and vaulted part of a building (as a church)
apt adj. well adapted; SUITABLE; having an habitual tendency; LIKELY; quick to learn -- aptly adv. -- aptness n.
aptitude n. capacity for learning; natural ability; TALENT; APPROPRIATENESS
aquacade n. an elaborate water spectacle consisting of exhibitions of swimming, diving, and acrobatics accompanied by music
aqualung n. an underwater breathing device
aquamarine n. a bluish green gem
aquaplane n. a board towed behind a speeding motorboat and ridden by a person standing on it -- aquaplane v.
aquarium n. pl. -iums or -ia; a container in which living aquatic animals and plants are kept; a place where aquatic animals and plants are kept and shown
aquatic adj. growing or living in or frequenting water; performed in or on water
aqueduct n. a conduit for carrying running water; a structure carrying a canal over a river or hollow; a passage in a bodily part
aqueous adj. WATERY; made of, by, or with water
aquiline adj. of or resembling an eagle; hooked like an eagle's beak <an aquiline nose>
arabesque n. a design of interlacing lines forming figures of flowers, foliage, and sometimes animals
arable adj. fit for or cultivated by plowing; suitable for crops
arbalest n. a medieval crossbow with a steel bow
arbalist n. a medieval crossbow with a steel bow
arbiter n. one having power to decide; JUDGE
arbitrament n. the act of deciding a dispute; the judgment given by an arbitrator
arbitrary adj. determined by will or caprice; selected at random; AUTOCRATIC, DESPOTIC -- arbitrarily adv. -- arbitrariness n.
arbitrate v. to act as arbitrator; to act on as arbitrator; to submit for decision to an arbitrator -- arbitration n.
arbitrator n. one chosen to settle differences between two parties in a controversy
arbor n. a bower formed of or covered with vines or branches
arboreal adj. of, relating to, or resembling a tree; living in trees
arboretum n. pl. -tums or -ta; a place where trees and plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes
arborvitae n. any of various scale-leaved evergreen trees related to the pines
arbutus n. a trailing spring-blossoming plant with fragrant pink or white flowers; its flowers
arc n. a part of a curved line (as of a circle); a sustained luminous discharge of electricity (as between two electrodes)
arcade n. a row of arches with their supporting columns; an arched or covered passageway; especially one lined with shops
arcane adj. SECRET, MYSTERIOUS
arch n. a curved structure spanning an opening (as a door or window); something resembling an arch; ARCHWAY; arch v. to cover with an arch; to form or bend into an arch; arch adj. CHIEF, EMINENT; ROGUISH, MISCHIEVOUS -- archly adv. -- archness n.
archaeology n. the study of past human life as revealed by relics left by ancient peoples -- archaeological adj. -- archaeologist n.
archaic adj. belonging to an earlier time; ANTIQUATED <archaic customs>; having the characteristics of the language of the past and surviving chiefly in specialized uses <archaic words> -- archaically adv.
archangel n. an angel of high rank
archbishop n. a bishop of high rank -- archbishopric n.
archdeacon n. an ecclesiastical dignitary usually ranking below a bishop; an Anglican priest who often supervises the missionary work of a diocese
archdiocese n. the diocese of an archbishop
archduke n. a prince of the imperial family of Austria
archenemy n. a principal enemy
archery n. the art or practice of shooting with bow and arrows -- archer n.
archetype n. the original pattern or model of all things of the same type
archfiend n. a chief fiend; especially SATAN
archiepiscopal adj. of or relating to an archbishop
archimandrite n. a church dignitary in an Eastern church ranking below a bishop
archipelago n. pl. -goes or -gos; a sea dotted with islands; a group of islands
architect n. a person who plans buildings and oversees their construction
architectonic adj. of, relating to, or according with the principles of architecture
architectonics n. sing or pl. structural design
architecture n. the art or science of planning and building structures; method or style of building -- architectural adj.
architrave n. the supporting horizontal member just above the columns in a building in the classical style of architecture
archive n. a place for keeping public records; public records -- usually pl.
archivist n. a person in charge of archives
archon n. a chief magistrate of ancient Athens
archway n. a passageway under an arch; an arch over a passage
arctic adj. of or relating to the north pole or the region near it; FRIGID; arctic n. a rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above
ardent adj. characterized by warmth of feeling; PASSIONATE; FIERY, HOT; GLOWING -- ardently adv.
ardor n. warmth of feeling; ZEAL; burning heat
arduous adj. DIFFICULT, LABORIOUS -- arduously adv. -- arduousness n.
are pres 2nd sing or pres pl. of BE
area n. a flat surface or space; the amount of surface included (as within the lines of a geometric figure); REGION; range or extent of some thing or concept; FIELD <area of experience> <area of foreign policy>
areaway n. a sunken space for giving access, air, and light to a basement
arena n. an enclosed area used for public entertainment; a sphere of activity
argent adj. of or resembling silver; SILVERY
argon n. a colorless odorless gaseous chemical element found in the air and used for filling electric light bulbs
argosy n. a large ship; FLEET
argot n. the language of a particular group or class especially of the underworld
arguable adj. open to argument, dispute, or question
argue v. to give reasons for or against something; DEBATE; to persuade by giving reasons
argument n. a reason offered in proof; discourse intended to persuade; DISCUSSION, DEBATE
argumentation n. the art of formal discussion
argumentative adj. inclined to argue
argyle n. a geometric knitting pattern of varicolored diamonds on a single background color; a sock knit in this pattern
aria n. an accompanied elaborate vocal solo forming part of a larger work
arid adj. DRY, BARREN; having insufficient rainfall to support agriculture -- aridity n.
aright adv. RIGHTLY, CORRECTLY
arise v. arose; arisen; arising; to get up; ORIGINATE; ASCEND; rise, mount, spring, issue
aristocracy n. government by a noble or privileged class; a state so governed; the governing class of an aristocracy; UPPER CLASS -- aristocrat n. -- aristocratic adj.
arithmetic n. mathematics that deals with computations with numbers -- arithmetical adj. -- arithmetician n.
ark n. a boat held to resemble that of Noah at the time of the Deluge; the sacred chest in which the ancient Hebrews kept the tablets of the Law
arm n. a human upper limb; something resembling or corresponding to the human upper limb; POWER, MIGHT <the arm of the law>; arm v. to furnish or equip with weapons; arm n. WEAPON; a branch of the military forces
armada n. a fleet of armed ships
armadillo n. a small burrowing mammal with head and body protected by an armor of bony plates
armament n. military strength; supply of materials for war; the process of preparing for war
armature n. protective covering; the part including the conductors in an electric generator or motor in which the current is induced; the movable part in an electromagnetic device (as an electric bell or a loudspeaker)
armchair n. a chair with supports for the arms
armhole n. an opening for the arm in a garment
armistice n. temporary suspension of hostilities by mutual agreement; TRUCE
armlet n. a band worn around the upper arm
armor n. protective covering -- armored adj.
armorer n. one that makes arms and armor; one that services firearms
armorial adj. of or bearing heraldic arms
armory n. a place where arms are stored; a factory where arms are made
armpit n. the hollow under the junction of the arm and shoulder
armrest n. a support for the arm
army n. a body of men organized for war; the complete military organization of a country for land warfare; a great number; a body of persons organized to advance a cause
arnica n. any of several herbs related to the daisies; a soothing preparation of arnica flowers or roots used on bruises and sprains
aroma n. a usually pleasing odor; FRAGRANCE -- aromatic adj.
around adv. in or along a circuit; on all sides; NEARBY; in various places; in an opposite direction; around prep. ENVELOPING <trees around the house>; along the circuit of <go around the world>; to or on the other side of <around the corner>
arouse v. to awaken from sleep; to stir up; rouse to action -- arousal n.
arpeggio n. a chord whose notes are performed in succession and not simultaneously
arraign v. to call before a court to answer to an indictment; to accuse of wrong or imperfection -- arraignment n.
arrange v. to put in order; to come to an agreement about; SETTLE; to adapt (a musical composition) to voices or instruments other than those for which it was originally written -- arrangement n.
arrant adj. THOROUGHGOING; notoriously bad
arras n. pl. arras; TAPESTRY; a wall hanging or screen of tapestry
array v. to arrange in order; to dress especially in splendid attire; array n. a regular arrangement; rich apparel; an imposing group
arrears n. pl. a state of being behind in the discharge of obligations <three months in arrears>; overdue debts
arrest v. STOP, CHECK; to take into legal custody; arrest n. the act of taking into custody by legal authority
arrival n. the act of arriving; one that arrives
arrive v. to reach a destination; to be near or at hand <the time to go finally arrived>; COME; to attain success
arrogant adj. offensively exaggerating one's own importance -- arrogance n. -- arrogantly adv.
arrogate v. to claim or seize without justification as one's right
arrow n. a missile shot from a bow and usually having a slender shaft, a pointed head, and feathers at the butt; a pointed mark used to indicate direction
arrowhead n. the pointed end of an arrow
arrowroot n. an edible starch from the roots of a tropical American plant
arroyo n. WATERCOURSE; a water-carved gully or channel
arsenal n. a place for making and storing arms and military equipment; STORE, REPERTORY
arsenic n. a solid brittle poisonous chemical element of grayish color and metallic luster whose compounds are used as insecticides and in drug preparations
arson n. the malicious burning of property
art n. skill acquired by experience or study; KNACK; a branch of learning; especially one of the humanities; systematic use of knowledge or skill in making or doing things; the use of skill and imagination in the production of things of beauty
artefact n. a usually simple object (as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification
arterial n. a through street or arterial highway
arteriosclerosis n. a chronic disease in which arterial walls are abnormally thickened and hardened -- arteriosclerotic adj. or n.
artery n. one of the tubular vessels that carry the blood from the heart; a main channel of communication; especially a principal road with through-traffic facilities -- arterial adj.
artful adj. INGENIOUS; CRAFTY -- artfully adv. -- artfulness n.
arthritis n. inflammation of the joints -- arthritic adj. or n.
arthropod n. any of a major group of invertebrate animals comprising those (as insects, spiders, or crabs) with segmented bodies and jointed limbs -- arthropod adj.
artichoke n. a tall herb related to the daisies; its edible flower head
article n. a distinct part of a written document; a nonfictional prose composition forming an independent part of a publication; a word (as an, the) used with a noun to limit or give definiteness to its application; a member of a class of things
articular adj. of or relating to a joint
articulate adj. divided into meaningful parts; INTELLIGIBLE; able to speak; expressing oneself readily and effectively; JOINTED -- articulately adv. -- articulateness n.; articulate v. to utter distinctly; to unite by joints -- articulation n.
artifact n. a usually simple object (as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification
artifice n. TRICK; TRICKERY; an ingenious device; INGENUITY
artificer n. a skilled workman
artificial adj. produced by art rather than nature; made by man to imitate nature; not genuine; FEIGNED -- artificiality n. -- artificially adv. -- artificialness n.
artillery n. large-caliber mounted firearms; ORDNANCE; a branch of the army armed with artillery -- artillerist n.
artisan n. a skilled manual workman
artist n. one who practices an art; especially one who creates objects of beauty; a skilled public performer
artiste n. a skilled public performer
artistic adj. showing taste and skill -- artistically adv.
artistry n. artistic quality or ability
artless adj. lacking art or skill; free from artificiality; NATURAL; free from guile; SINCERE -- artlessly adv. -- artlessness n.
arty adj. showily imitative of art; pretentiously artistic -- artily adv. -- artiness n.
arum n. any of a genus of plants with flowers in a fleshy enclosed spike including many grown for their showy foliage
as conj. in the same amount or degree in which <green as grass>; the same way that <farmed as his father before him had farmed>; WHILE, WHEN <spoke to me as I was leaving>; THOUGH <improbable as it seems, it's true>; SINCE, BECAUSE <as I'm not wanted
asafetida n. an ill-smelling plant gum formerly used in medicine
asafoetida n. an ill-smelling plant gum formerly used in medicine
asbestos also asbestus n. a nonburning grayish mineral that occurs in fibrous form and is used as a fireproof material
ascend v. to move upward; MOUNT, CLIMB; to succeed to; OCCUPY <he ascend the throne>
ascendancy n. controlling influence; DOMINATION
ascendant n. a position of dominant power <radicals were in the ascendant>; ascendant or ascendent adj. moving upward; DOMINANT
ascendency n. controlling influence; DOMINATION
ascendent n. a position of dominant power <radicals were in the ascendant>; ascendant or ascendent adj. moving upward; DOMINANT
ascension n. the act of ascending; cap: the ascending of Christ into heaven commemorated as (ascension day) on the Thursday 40 days after Easter
ascent n. the act of mounting upward; CLIMB; degree of upward slope
ascertain v. to find out; learn by inquiry -- ascertainable adj.
ascetic adj. practicing self-denial especially for religious reasons; AUSTERE -- ascetic n. -- asceticism n.
ascot n. a broad neck scarf that is looped under the chin and sometimes pinned
ascribe v. to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author; ATTRIBUTE -- ascribable adj. -- ascription n.
aseptic adj. free or freed from disease-causing germs
asexual adj. lacking sex; involving no sexual action <an asexual spore>
ash n. a tree related to the olives; its tough elastic wood; ash n. the solid matter left when material is burned; fine mineral particles from a volcano; pl: the remains of the dead human body
ashamed adj. feeling shame; restrained by anticipation of shame <ashamed to say anything> -- ashamedly adv.
ashen adj. of or resembling ashes; especially ash-colored; deadly pale
ashlar n. hewn or squared stone; masonry of such stone
ashore adv. (or adj); on or to the shore
ashy adj. ASHEN
aside adv. to or toward the side; out of the way; AWAY; aside n. an actor's words heard by the audience but supposedly not by other characters on stage
asinine adj. STUPID, FOOLISH -- asininity n.
ask v. to call on for an answer; UTTER <ask a question>; to make a request of <ask him for help>; to make a request for <ask help of him>; to set as a price; INVITE
askance adv. with a side glance; with distrust
askew adv. (or adj); out of line; AWRY
aslant adv. in a slanting direction; aslant prep. over or across in a slanting direction
asleep adv. (or adj); in or into a state of sleep; DEAD; NUMBED; INACTIVE
asp n. a small poisonous African snake
asparagus n. a tall perennial herb related to the lilies; its edible young stalks
aspect n. a position facing a particular direction; APPEARANCE, LOOK; PHASE
aspen n. any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze
asperity n. ROUGHNESS; harshness of temper
aspersion n. the act of calumniating; a calumnious remark
asphalt n. a dark solid or somewhat plastic substance that is found in natural beds or obtained as a residue in petroleum or coal-tar refining and is used in paving streets, in roofing houses, and in paints; asphalt v. to cover or impregnate with asphalt
asphodel n. any of several Old World herbs (as daffodil or narcissus) related to the lilies
asphyxiate v. SUFFOCATE -- asphyxiation n.
aspic n. a savory meat jelly
aspirant n. one who aspires; candidate, applicant
aspiration n. a strong desire to achieve something noble; an object of this desire
aspire v. to have a noble desire or ambition; to rise aloft
aspirin n. a white crystalline drug used to relieve pain and fever
ass n. a long-eared animal smaller than the related horse; DONKEY; a stupid person
assail v. to attack violently -- assailable adj. -- assailant n.
assassin n. a murderer especially for hire or fanatical reasons
assassinate v. to murder by sudden or secret attack -- assassination n.
assault n. a violent attack; an unlawful attempt or offer to do hurt to another -- assault v.
assay v. TRY, ATTEMPT; to subject (as an ore or drug) to an assay; to make a critical estimate of; to prove to be of a particular nature by means of an assay; assay n. a test (as of gold) to determine characteristics (as weight or quality)
assemblage n. a collection of persons or things; GATHERING; the act of assembling
assemble v. to collect into one place; CONGREGATE; to fit together the parts of; to meet together; CONVENE
assembly n. a gathering of persons; MEETING; cap: a legislative body; especially the lower house of a legislature; a signal for troops to assemble; the fitting together of parts (as of a machine)
assemblyman n. a member of a legislative assembly
assent v. CONSENT; AGREE, CONCUR -- assent n.
assert v. to state positively; to maintain against opposition; DEFEND; declare, affirm, protest, avow, claim -- assertive adj. -- assertiveness n.
assertion n. a positive statement
assess v. to fix the rate or amount of; to impose (as a tax) at a specified rate; to evaluate for taxation -- assessment n. -- assessor n.
asset n. pl: the entire property of a person or company that may be used to pay debts; ADVANTAGE, RESOURCE
asseverate v. to assert earnestly -- asseveration n.
assiduous adj. steadily attentive; DILIGENT -- assiduity n. -- assiduously adv. -- assiduousness n.
assign v. to transfer (property) to another; to appoint to a duty; PRESCRIBE <assign a lesson>; FIX, SPECIFY <assign a limit>; ASCRIBE <assign a reason> -- assignable adj.
assignation n. an appointment for a lovers' meeting; the resulting meeting
assignment n. the act of assigning; something assigned; TASK
assimilate v. to take up and absorb as nourishment; to absorb into a cultural tradition; COMPREHEND; to make or become similar -- assimilation n.
assist v. HELP, AID -- assistance n.; assist n. an act of assistance; the act of a player who enables a teammate to make a putout (as in baseball) or score a goal (as in hockey)
assistant n. one who assists; HELPER
assize n. a judicial inquest; pl: the regular sessions of certain superior courts of the various counties of England
associate v. to join in companionship or partnership; to connect in thought; associate n. a fellow worker; PARTNER; COMPANION -- associate adj.
association n. the act of associating; an organization of persons; SOCIETY
associative adj. of, relating to, or involved in association and especially mental association
assonance n. repetition of vowels especially as an alternative to rhyme in verse
assort v. to distribute into like groups; CLASSIFY; HARMONIZE
assorted adj. consisting of various kinds
assortment n. a collection of assorted things or persons
assuage v. to make (as pain or grief) less; EASE; SATISFY; alleviate, relieve, lighten
assume v. to take upon oneself; to pretend to have; to take as granted though not proved
assumption n. the taking up of a person into heaven; cap: a church feast commemorating the Assumption of Mary and celebrated on August 15; a taking upon oneself; PRETENSION; SUPPOSITION
assurance n. PLEDGE; CERTAINTY; INSURANCE; SELF-CONFIDENCE; AUDACITY
assure v. INSURE; to give confidence to; to state confidently to; to make certain the attainment of
assured n. pl. assured or assureds; the beneficiary of an insurance policy
astatine n. an unstable radioactive chemical element
aster n. any of various mostly fall-blooming leafy-stemmed herbs with daisylike purple, white, pink, or yellow flower heads
asterisk n. a character * used as a reference mark or as an indication of the omission of letters or words
astern adv. behind a ship or airplane; in the rear; at or toward the stern of a ship or aircraft; BACKWARD
asteroid n. one of thousands of small planets between Mars and Jupiter with diameters under 500 miles
asthma n. an often allergic disorder marked by difficulty in breathing and a cough -- asthmatic adj. or n.
astigmatism n. a defect in a lens or an eye causing improper focusing
astir adj. being in action; MOVING
astonish v. to strike with sudden wonder; AMAZE -- astonishingly adv. -- astonishment n.
astound v. to fill with bewildered wonder -- astoundingly adv.
astraddle adv. on or above and extending onto both sides; astraddle prep. ASTRIDE
astrakhan n. KARAKUL
astral adj. of or relating to the stars
astray adv. off the right way or route; into error
astride adv. with one leg on each side; with legs apart; astride prep. with one leg on each side of
astringent adj. able or tending to shrink body tissues -- astringency n.; astringent n. an astringent agent or substance
astrolabe n. an instrument for observing the positions of celestial bodies
astrology n. divination based on the supposed influence of the stars upon human events -- astrologer n. -- astrological adj.
astronaut n. a traveler in a spaceship -- astronautical adj. -- astronautics n.
astronomic adj. of or relating to astronomy; extremely large <an astronomical amount of money>
astronomical adj. of or relating to astronomy; extremely large <an astronomical amount of money>
astronomy n. the science of the celestial bodies and of their magnitudes, motions, and constitution -- astronomer n.
astrophysics n. astronomy dealing with the physical and chemical constitution of the celestial bodies -- astrophysicist n.
asunder adv. (or adj); into separate pieces; separated in position
asylum n. a place of refuge; protection given to especially political fugitives; an institution for the care of the needy or afflicted and especially of the insane
asymmetric adj. not symmetrical
asymmetrical adj. not symmetrical
at prep. used to indicate a point in time or space <be here at 3 o'clock> <he is at the hotel>; -- used to indicate a goal <swung at the ball> <laugh at him>; -- used to indicate position or condition <at rest>; -- used to indicate means, cause
atavism n. appearance in an individual of a remotely ancestral character; such an individual or character -- atavistic adj.
ate past or EAT
atelier n. an artist's studio; WORKSHOP
atheist n. one who denies the existence of God -- atheism n. -- atheistic adj.
athenaeum n. a building where books, magazines, and newspapers are kept for use; LIBRARY
atheneum n. a building where books, magazines, and newspapers are kept for use; LIBRARY
athirst adj. THIRSTY; EAGER, LONGING
athlete n. one trained to compete in athletics
athletic adj. of or relating to athletes or athletics; VIGOROUS, ACTIVE; STURDY, MUSCULAR
athletics n. sing or pl. exercises and games requiring physical skill, strength, and endurance
athwart adv. obliquely across; athwart prep. ACROSS; in opposition to
atilt adj. (or adv); TILTED; with lance in hand
atlas n. a book of maps
atmosphere n. the mass of air surrounding the earth; a surrounding influence; pressure of air at sea level used as a unit in physics; a dominant effect -- atmospheric adj.
atoll n. a ring-shaped coral island surrounding a lagoon
atom n. a tiny particle; BIT; the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist alone or in combination
atomic adj. of or relating to atoms, atomic energy, or atomic bombs; extremely small
atomics n. the science of atoms especially when involving atomic energy
atomize v. to subject to atom bomb attack
atomizer n. a device for reducing a liquid to a very fine spray (as for spraying the throat)
atonal adj. characterized by avoidance of traditional musical tonality -- atonality n. -- atonally adv.
atone v. to make amends; EXPIATE
atonement n. RECONCILIATION; especially the reconciliation of God and man through the death of Jesus Christ; reparation for an offense
atop prep. on top of
atrium n. pl. atria or atriums; the central hall of a Roman house; an anatomical cavity or passage; especially one of the parts of the heart that receives blood from the veins -- atrial adj.
atrocious adj. savagely brutal, cruel, or wicked; very bad; ABOMINABLE -- atrociously adv. -- atrociousness n.
atrocity n. ATROCIOUSNESS; an atrocious act or object
atrophy n. decrease in size or wasting away of a bodily part or tissue; atrophy v. to cause or undergo atrophy
atropine n. a poisonous drug from belladonna and related plants used to relieve spasms and to dilate the pupil of the eye
attach v. to seize legally in order to force payment of a debt; to bind by personal ties; FASTEN, CONNECT; to be fastened or connected
attache n. a technical expert on the diplomatic staff of an ambassador
attachment n. legal seizure of property; connection by ties of affection and regard; a device attached to a machine or implement; a connection by which one thing is attached to another
attack v. to set upon with force or words; ASSAIL, ASSAULT; to set to work on; attack n. an offensive action; a fit of sickness
attain v. ACHIEVE, ACCOMPLISH; to arrive at; REACH -- attainability n. -- attainable adj.
attainder n. extinction of the civil rights of a person upon sentence of death or outlawry
attainment n. the act of attaining; something attained; ACCOMPLISHMENT
attaint v. to condemn to loss of civil rights
attar n. a fragrant floral oil
attempt v. to make an effort toward; TRY -- attempt n.
attend v. to look after; TEND; to be present with; ACCOMPANY; to be present at; to pay attention; to apply oneself; to take charge
attendance n. the act or fact of attending; the number of persons present
attendant adj. ACCOMPANYING <attendant circumstances>; attendant n. one that attends another to render a service
attention n. the act or state of applying the mind to an object; CONSIDERATION; an act of courtesy; a position of readiness for further orders assumed on command by a soldier -- attentive adj. -- attentively adv.
attenuate v. to make or become thin; WEAKEN -- attenuation n.
attest v. to certify as genuine by signing as a witness; MANIFEST; TESTIFY -- attestation n.
attic n. the space or room in a building next below the roof
attire v. DRESS, ARRAY; attire n. DRESS, CLOTHES
attitude n. the arrangement of the parts of a body; POSTURE; a mental position or feeling with regard to an object; the position of something in relation to something else
attitudinize v. to assume an affected mental attitude; POSE
attorney n. a legal agent qualified to act for persons in legal proceedings
attract v. to draw to or toward oneself; cause to approach; to draw by emotional or aesthetic appeal; charm, fascinate, allure -- attractive adj. -- attractively adv. -- attractiveness n.
attraction n. the act or power of attracting; especially personal charm; an attractive quality, object, or feature; a force tending to draw particles together
attribute n. an inherent characteristic; QUALITY; a word ascribing a quality; especially ADJECTIVE; attribute v. to explain as to cause or origin <attribute the illness to fatigue>; to regard as a characteristic; ascribe, credit
attributive adj. joined directly to a modified noun without a copulative verb <red in red hair is an attributive adjective> -- attributive n.
attrition n. the act of wearing away as if by rubbing
attune v. to bring into harmony; TUNE
atypical adj. not typical; IRREGULAR
auburn adj. reddish brown -- auburn n.
auction n. public sale of property to the highest bidder; auction v. to sell at auction
auctioneer n. an agent who conducts an auction
auctorial adj. of or relating to an author
audacious adj. DARING, BOLD; INSOLENT -- audaciously adv. -- audaciousness n. -- audacity n.
audible adj. capable of being heard -- audibility n. -- audibly adv.
audience n. a formal interview; an opportunity of being heard; an assembly of listeners or spectators
audio adj. of or relating to frequencies (as of radio waves) corresponding to those of audible sound waves; of or relating to sound or its reproduction and especially high-fidelity reproduction
audiophile n. one who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction
audiovisual adj. of, relating to, or making use of both hearing and sight <audiovisual teaching aids>
audit n. a formal examination and verification of financial accounts; audit v. to make an audit of; to attend (a course) without expecting formal credit
audition n. HEARING; especially a trial performance to appraise an entertainer's merits; audition v. to give an audition to
auditor n. LISTENER; a person who audits
auditorium n. the part of a public building where an audience sits; a hall or building used for public gatherings
auditory adj. of or relating to hearing or the sense or organs of hearing
auger n. a boring tool
aught n. ZERO, CIPHER
augment v. ENLARGE, INCREASE -- augmentation n.
augur n. DIVINER, SOOTHSAYER; augur v. to foretell especially from omens; to give promise of; PRESAGE
augury n. divination from omens; OMEN, PORTENT
august adj. marked by majestic dignity or grandeur -- augustly adv. -- augustness n.
auk n. a stocky black-and-white diving seabird that breeds in arctic regions
auld adj. chiefly Scot; OLD
aunt n. the sister of one's father or mother; the wife of one's uncle
auntie n. variant of AUNT
aura n. a distinctive atmosphere surroundings a given source; a luminous radiation
aural adj. of or relating to the ear or to the sense of hearing
aurar pl. of EYRIR
aureate adj. of a golden color or brilliance; RESPLENDENT, ORNATE
aureole n. HALO, NIMBUS
auricle n. the external ear; an earlike lobe (as of the heart)
auricular adj. AURAL; told privately; known by the sense of hearing; of or relating to an auricle
auriferous adj. gold-bearing
aurora n. pl. -rae or -ras; AURORA BOREALIS; AURORA AUSTRALIS
auspice n. observation in augury; a prophetic sign or omen; pl: kindly patronage and protection
authentic adj. GENUINE, REAL -- authentically adv. -- authenticity n.
authenticate v. to prove genuine -- authentication n.
author n. one that writes or composes a literary work; one that originates or creates -- authoress n.
authoritarian adj. characterized by or favoring the principle of blind obedience to authority; characterized by or favoring concentration of political power in an authority not responsible to the people
authoritative adj. supported by or proceeding from authority; TRUSTWORTHY -- authoritatively adv.
authority n. a citation used in support of a statement or in defense of an action; the source of such a citation; one appealed to as an expert; power to influence thought or behavior; freedom granted; RIGHT; persons in command; especially GOVERNMENT
authorize v. to give legal power to; SANCTION; JUSTIFY -- authorization n.
authorship n. the state of being an author; the origin of a piece of writing
auto n. AUTOMOBILE
autobahn n. a German expressway
autobiography n. the biography of a person narrated by himself -- autobiographer n. -- autobiographical adj.
autochthonous adj. INDIGENOUS, NATIVE
autocracy n. government by one person having unlimited power -- autocrat n. -- autocratic adj. -- autocratically adv.
autograph n. an original manuscript; a person's signature written by hand; autograph v. to write one's signature on
autointoxication n. a state of being poisoned by substances produced within the body
automate v. to operate by automation; to convert to automatic operation
automatic adj. INVOLUNTARY; made so that certain parts act in a desired manner at the proper time; SELF-ACTING -- automatically adv.; automatic n. an automatic device; especially an automatic firearm
automation n. the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically; the state of being operated automatically; automatically controlled operation of an apparatus, process
automatize v. to make automatic -- automatization n.
automaton n. an automatic machine; especially one made to imitate the motions of a person; a creature who acts in a mechanical manner
automobile n. a usually 4-wheeled self-propelling vehicle for passenger transportation on streets and roadways -- automobilist n.
automotive adj. SELF-PROPELLING; of or relating to self-propelling vehicles and especially automobiles and motorcycles
autonomous adj. having the right or power of self-government; INDEPENDENT -- autonomously adv. -- autonomy n.
autopsy n. examination of a dead body usually to determine the cause of death
autumn n. the season between summer and winter -- autumnal adj.
auxiliary adj. providing help; functioning in a subsidiary capacity; accompanying a verb form to express person, number, mood, or tense <auxiliary verbs>; auxiliary n. an auxiliary person, group, or device; an auxiliary verb
auxin n. a plant hormone; especially one stimulating growth in length
avail v. to be of use or advantage; HELP, BENEFIT; avail n. USE <effort was of no avail>
available adj. that may be utilized; ACCESSIBLE -- availability n.
avalanche n. a mass of snow, ice, earth, or rock sliding down a mountainside
avarice n. excessive desire for wealth; GREED -- avaricious adj.
avast v. a nautical command to stop or cease
avatar n. INCARNATION
avaunt adv. archaic; AWAY, HENCE
ave n. an expression of greeting or parting
avenge v. to take vengeance for -- avenger n.
avenue n. PASSAGEWAY; a way of attaining something; a broad street especially when bordered by trees
aver v. averred; averring; to declare positively
average n. MEAN 3 4; a ratio (as a rate per thousand) of successful tries to total tries <batting average of .303>; average adj. equaling or approximating an average; being about midway between extremes; being not out of the ordinary
averment n. AFFIRMATION
averse adj. having an active feeling of dislike or reluctance <averse from publicity> <averse to exercise>
aversion n. a feeling of repugnance for something with a desire to avoid it; something decidedly disliked
avert v. to turn aside or away <avert the eyes>; to ward off; prevent the occurrence of
avian adj. of, relating to, or derived from birds
aviary n. a place where live birds are kept usually for exhibition
aviation n. the operation of heavier-than-air airplanes; aircraft manufacture, development, and design -- aviator n.
aviatrix n. a woman airplane pilot
avid adj. craving eagerly; GREEDY; enthusiastic in pursuit of an interest -- avidity n. -- avidly adv.
avionics n. the production of electrical devices for use in aviation, missilery, and astronautics -- avionic adj.
avitaminosis n. disease resulting from vitamin deficiency -- avitaminotic adj.
avocado n. the soft oily edible fruit of a tropical American tree; this tree
avocation n. a subordinate occupation pursued especially for pleasure; HOBBY
avoid v. to keep away from; SHUN; to prevent the occurrence of; to refrain from -- avoidable adj. -- avoidance n.
avoirdupois n. avoirdupois weight; WEIGHT, HEAVINESS; especially personal weight; avoirdupois adj. of or relating to a system of weights (avoirdupois weights) based on the pound of 16 ounces and the ounce of 16 drams
avouch v. to declare positively; AVER; GUARANTEE
avow v. to declare openly; ACKNOWLEDGE -- avowal n.
avuncular adj. of, relating to, or resembling an uncle
await v. to wait for; EXPECT
awake v. awoke or awaked; awaked; awoke; awoken; awaking; to bring back to consciousness after sleep; wake up; awake adj. not asleep; ALERT
awaken v. AWAKE
award v. to give by judicial decision <award damages>; to give in recognition of merit or achievement <award a prize>; award n. a final decision; JUDGMENT; something awarded; PRIZE
aware adj. having perception or knowledge; CONSCIOUS, INFORMED -- awareness n.
awash adv. (or adj); washed by waves or tide; AFLOAT; FLOODED
away adv. from this or that place <go away>; out of the way <lay away>; in another direction <turn away>; out of existence <fade away>; from one's possession <give away>; without interruption <chatter away>; without hesitation <fire away>
awe n. profound and reverent dread of the supernatural; respectful fear inspired by authority; awe v. to inspire with awe
aweary adj. WEARIED
aweigh adj. just clear of the bottom and hanging perpendicularly <anchors aweigh>
awesome adj. expressive of awe; inspiring awe
awestricken adj. filled with awe
awestruck adj. filled with awe
awful adj. inspiring awe; extremely disagreeable; very great
awfully adv. in an awful manner; EXCEEDINGLY
awhile adv. for a while
awhirl adv. (or adj); in a whirl; WHIRLING
awkward adj. CLUMSY; UNGRACEFUL; difficult to explain; EMBARRASSING; difficult to deal with -- awkwardly adv. -- awkwardness n.
awl n. a pointed instrument for making small holes
awn n. one of the bristles on a spike of grass
awning n. a rooflike cover (as of canvas) extended over or in front of a place as a shelter
awry adv. (or adj); twisted to one side; ASKEW; out of the right course; AMISS
ax n. a chopping or cutting tool with an edged head fitted parallel to a handle
axe n. a chopping or cutting tool with an edged head fitted parallel to a handle
axial adj. of, relating to, or functioning as an axis; situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis
axiom n. a statement generally accepted as true; MAXIM; a proposition regarded as a self-evident truth -- axiomatic adj.
axis n. pl. axes; a real or imaginary straight line passing through a body that actually or supposedly revolves upon it <the earth's axis>; a lengthwise central line or part (as a plant stem) around which parts of a body are symmetrically arranged
axle n. a spindle on which a wheel revolves
axletree n. a fixed bar with bearings at its ends on which wheels (as of a cart) revolve
ayah n. a native nurse or maid in India
aye also ay adv. ALWAYS, EVER; aye also ay adv. YES; aye n. an affirmative vote
azalea n. any of various rhododendrons with funnel-shaped blossoms and usually deciduous leaves
azimuth n. an arc of the horizon measured between a fixed point and the vertical circle passing through the center of an object; horizontal direction
