cab n. a light closed horse-drawn carriage; TAXICAB; the covered compartment for the engineer and operating controls of a locomotive; a similar structure on a truck, tractor, or crane -- cabman n.
cabal n. a secret group of plotters or political conspirators; cabal v. -balled; -balling; to unite in or form a cabal
cabana n. a beach shelter with an open side facing the sea
cabaret n. a restaurant providing liquor and entertainment; the show provided
cabbage n. a vegetable related to the turnip and grown for its dense head of leaves
cabbie n. a driver of a cab
cabby n. a driver of a cab
cabin n. a private room on a ship; a compartment below deck on a small boat for passengers or crew; a small one-story house of simple construction; an airplane compartment for passengers, crew, or cargo
cabinet n. a case or cupboard for holding or displaying articles (as jewels, specimens, or documents); an upright case housing a radio or television receiver; archaic: a private room for consultations; the advisory council of a sovereign, president
cabinetmaker n. a skilled woodworker who makes fine furniture -- cabinetmaking n.
cabinetwork n. the finished work of a cabinetmaker
cable n. a very strong rope, wire, or chain; CABLEGRAM; a bundle of insulated wires to carry electric current; cable v. to telegraph by submarine cable
cablegram n. a message sent by a submarine telegraph cable
caboose n. a car usually at the rear of a freight train for the use of the train crew and railroad workmen
cabriolet n. a light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage; a convertible coupe
cabstand n. a place for cabs to park while waiting for passengers
cacao n. a South American tree whose seeds (cacao beans) are the source of cocoa and chocolate
cache n. a hiding place especially for concealing and preserving provisions; something hidden or stored in a cache; cache v. to place or store in a cache
cachet n. a seal used especially as a mark of official approval; a feature or quality conferring prestige; PRESTIGE; a flour paste capsule for medicine; a design, inscription, or advertisement printed or stamped on mail
cackle n. a sharp broken cry especially of a hen; a laugh suggestive of a hen's cackle; noisy chatter -- cackle v. -- cackler n.
cacophony n. harsh or discordant sound; DISSONANCE -- cacophonous adj.
cactus n. pl. -ti or -tuses; any of a large group of drought-resistant flowering plants with fleshy usually jointed stems and with leaves replaced by scales or prickles
cad n. a person without gentlemanly instincts -- caddish adj. -- caddishly adv. -- caddishness n.
cadaver n. a dead body; CORPSE
cadaverous adj. suggesting a corpse especially in gauntness or pallor; wasted -- cadaverously adv.
caddie n. one that assists a golfer especially by carrying his clubs -- caddie or caddy v.
caddy n. one that assists a golfer especially by carrying his clubs -- caddie or caddy v.
cadence n. the measure or beat of a rhythmical flow (as of sound or motion); RHYTHM -- cadenced adj.
cadenza n. a brilliant sometimes improvised passage usually toward the close of a musical composition
cadet n. a younger son or brother; a student military officer
cadge v. SPONGE, BEG
cadmium n. a grayish metallic chemical element used in protective platings and bearing metals
cadre n. FRAMEWORK; a nucleus especially of trained personnel capable of assuming control and training others
caduceus n. pl. -cei; the staff of a herald; especially a representation of a staff with two entwined snakes and two wings at the top; an insignia bearing a caduceus and symbolizing a physician
caecum variant of CECUM
caesura n. a break in the flow of sound usually in the middle of a line of verse
cafe n. RESTAURANT; BARROOM; CABARET
cafeteria n. a self-service restaurant or lunchroom
caffeine n. a stimulating alkaloid found especially in coffee and tea
caftan n. an ankle-length garment with long sleeves worn in the Levant
cage n. an openwork enclosure for confining an animal; something resembling a cage; cage v. to put or keep in or as if in a cage
cageling n. a caged bird
cagey also cagy adj. wary of being trapped or deceived; SHREWD, CAUTIOUS, CALCULATING -- cagily adv. -- caginess n.
cahoot n. PARTNERSHIP, LEAGUE -- usually pl. <in cahoot with the devil>
cairn n. a heap of stones serving as a memorial or a landmark
caisson n. an ammunition chest mounted on two wheels and joined as a trailer to form an ammunition wagon; a watertight chamber used for carrying on construction under water or as a foundation
caitiff adj. being base, cowardly, or despicable -- caitiff n.
cajole v. to persuade or coax especially with flattery or false promises; WHEEDLE -- cajolement n. -- cajolery n.
cake n. any of various usually small round flat breads; any of various fancy sweetened breads often coated with an icing; a flattened round mass of baked or fried food; a block of compacted matter; CRUST; cake v. to form or harden into a cake; ENCRUST
calabash n. a gourd fruit
calaboose n. dial; JAIL
calamine n. a mixture of oxides of zinc and iron used in lotions and ointments
calamity n. great distress or misfortune; an event causing great harm or loss and affliction; DISASTER -- calamitous adj. -- calamitously adv. -- calamitousness n.
calcareous adj. containing calcium or a calcium compound (as calcium carbonate or lime); resembling calcium carbonate in hardness
calcify v. to make or become calcareous -- calcification n.
calcimine n. a thin water paint for plastering -- calcimine v.
calcine v. to heat to a high temperature but without fusing to drive off volatile matter and often to reduce to powder -- calcination n.
calcium n. a silver-white soft metallic chemical element occurring in combination (as in limestone and bones)
calculate v. to determine by mathematical processes; COMPUTE; to reckon by exercise of practical judgment; ESTIMATE; to design or adapt for a purpose; COUNT, RELY -- calculable adj. -- calculably adv. -- calculative adj. -- calculator n.
calculated adj. undertaken after estimating the probability of success or failure <a calculated risk>
calculating adj. marked by shrewd consideration especially of self-interest; SCHEMING
calculation n. the process or an act of calculating; the result of an act of calculating; studied care in analyzing or planning; CAUTION
calculator n. a device for evaluating mathematical expressions
calculus n. a process or system of usually mathematical reasoning through the use of symbols; especially one dealing with rate of change and integrals of functions
caldron n. a large kettle or boiler
calendar n. an arrangement of time into days, weeks, months, and years; a sheet or folder containing such an arrangement for a period (as a year); an orderly list; SCHEDULE; calendar v. to enter in a calendar
calender v. to press (as cloth or paper) between rollers or plates so as to make smooth or glossy or to thin into sheets; calender n. a machine for calendering
calends n. sing or pl. the first day of the ancient Roman month
calf n. pl. calves; the young of the domestic cow or of some related large mammals (as the whale); leather made from the skin of a calf; the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee
calfskin n. leather made of the skin of a calf
caliber n. the diameter of a projectile; the diameter of the bore of a gun; degree of mental capacity or moral quality; measure of excellence or importance
calibrate v. to measure the caliber of; to determine, correct, or put the measuring marks on <calibrate a thermometer> -- calibration n. -- calibrator n.
calibre n. the diameter of a projectile; the diameter of the bore of a gun; degree of mental capacity or moral quality; measure of excellence or importance
calico n. pl. -coes or -cos; cotton cloth; especially a cheap cotton printed fabric -- calico adj.
calif n. a successor of Muhammad as head of Islam -- used as a title -- caliphate n.
californium n. an artificially prepared radioactive chemical element
caliper n. an instrument with two adjustable legs used to measure the thickness of objects or distances between surfaces -- usually pl. <a pair of caliper>
caliph n. a successor of Muhammad as head of Islam -- used as a title -- caliphate n.
calisthenics n. sing or pl. systematic bodily exercises without apparatus or with light hand apparatus -- calisthenic adj.
calk variant of CAULK
call v. SHOUT, CRY; to utter a characteristic cry; to utter in a loud clear voice; to announce authoritatively; SUMMON; to make a request or demand <call for an investigation>; to get or try to get into communication by telephone
calla n. a plant whose flowers form a fleshy yellow spike surrounded by a lilylike usually white or pink leaf
calligraphy n. beautiful or elegant handwriting; the art of producing such writing; PENMANSHIP -- calligrapher n.
calling n. a strong inner impulse toward a particular vocation; the activity in which one customarily engages as an occupation
calliope n. a musical instrument consisting of a series of whistles played by keys arranged as in an organ
calliper n. an instrument with two adjustable legs used to measure the thickness of objects or distances between surfaces -- usually pl. <a pair of caliper>
callosity n. the quality or state of being callous; CALLUS 1
callous adj. being thickened and usually hardened <callous skin>; hardened in feeling; UNFEELING -- callously adv.; callous v. to make callous
callow adj. lacking adult sophistication; IMMATURE, INEXPERIENCED -- callowness n.
callus n. a callous area on skin or bark; tissue that is coverted into bone in the healing of a bone fracture; callus v. to form a callus
calm n. a period or a condition of freedom from storms, high winds, or turbulent water; complete or almost complete absence of wind; a state of freedom from turmoil or agitation; calm adj. marked by calm; STILL, PLACID
calomel n. a chloride of mercury used especially as a purgative and fungicide
caloric adj. of or relating to heat; of or relating to calories
calorie n. a unit for measuring heat; especially one for measuring the value of foods for producing heat and energy in the human body equivalent to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree centigrade
calorific adj. CALORIC
calorimeter n. an apparatus for measuring quantities of heat
calumet n. an ornamented ceremonial pipe of the American Indians
calumniate v. to accuse falsely and maliciously; SLANDER; defame, malign, libel -- calumniation n. -- calumniator n.
calumny n. false and malicious accusation; SLANDER -- calumnious adj. -- calumniously adv.
calve v. to give birth to a calf
calves pl. of CALF
calypso n. an improvised ballad usually satirizing current events in a rhythmic style originating in the British West Indies
calyx n. the outside usually green or leaflike part of a flower
cam n. a rotating or sliding projection (as on a wheel) for receiving or imparting motion
camaraderie n. friendly feeling and goodwill between comrades
camber n. a slight convexity or arching (as of a road surface) -- camber v.
cambium n. a thin cellular layer between xylem and phloem of most higher plants from which new tissues develop
cambric n. a fine thin white linen fabric or a cotton cloth resembling this
came past tense of COME
camel n. a large hoofed cud-chewing mammal used especially in desert regions of Asia and Africa for carrying burdens and for riding
camelback n. an uncured compound chiefly of reclaimed or synthetic rubber used for retreading or recapping pneumatic tires
camellia also camelia n. any of several shrubs or trees related to the tea plant and grown in warm regions for their showy roselike flowers
camelopard n. GIRAFFE
cameo n. a gem carved in relief; a small medallion with a profiled head in relief
camera n. a closed lightproof box with an aperture through which the image of an object can be recorded on a surface sensitive to light; the part of a television transmitter in which the image to be transmitted is formed -- in camera; PRIVATELY, SECRETLY
camisole n. a short sleeveless undergarment for women
camomile variant of CHAMOMILE
camouflage n. the disguising of military equipment or installations with paint, nets, or foliage; the disguise itself; a deceptive expedient -- camouflage v.
camp n. a place where tents or buildings are erected for usually temporary shelter (as for an army); a collection of tents or other shelters; a body of persons encamped; camp v. to make or occupy a camp; to live in a camp or outdoors -- camper n.
campaign n. a series of military operations forming one distinct stage in a war; a series of activities designed to bring about a particular result <advertising campaign> -- campaign v. -- campaigner n.
campanile n. a usually freestanding bell tower
campanology n. the art of bell ringing -- campanologist n.
camphor n. a gummy volatile fragrant compound obtained from an evergreen Asiatic tree (camphor tree) and used especially in medicine and the chemical industry
camphorate v. to impregnate with camphor <camphorated oil>
camporee n. a gathering of boy scouts or girl scouts from a given geographic area
campstool n. a folding backless seat
campus n. the grounds and buildings of a college or school; a central grassy part of the grounds
camshaft n. a shaft to which a cam is fastened
can v. past could; be able to; may perhaps <can he still be alive>; be permitted by conscience or feeling to <you can hardly blame him>; have permission or liberty to <you can go now>
canaille n. RABBLE, RIFFRAFF
canal n. a tubular passage in the body; DUCT; a channel dug and filled with water (as for passage of boats or irrigation of land)
canalize v. to provide with a canal or make into a like a channel; to provide with an outlet; especially to direct into preferred channels -- canalization n.
canape n. a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory food
canard n. a false or unfounded report or story circulated to deceive the public
canary n. a usually sweet wine similar to Madeira; a usually yellow or greenish finch often kept as a cage bird; a bright yellow
canasta n. rummy played with two full decks of cards plus four jokers
cancan n. a woman's dance of French origin characterized by high kicking
cancel v. -celed or -celled; -celing; -celling; to cross out; DELETE; to destroy the force or validity of; ANNUL; to match in force or effect; OFFSET; to remove (a common divisor) from a numerator and denominator
cancer n. a malignant tumor that tends to spread in the body; a malignant evil that corrodes slowly and fatally -- cancerous adj.
candelabra n. CANDELABRUM
candelabrum n. pl. -bra or -brums; an ornamental branched candlestick or lamp with several lights
candescent adj. glowing or dazzling especially from great heat -- candescence n.
candid adj. FRANK, STRAIGHTFORWARD; relating to the informal recording (as in photography or television) of human subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed -- candidly adv. -- candidness n.
candidacy n. the state of being a candidate
candidate n. one who seeks or is proposed by others for an office, honor, or membership
candidature n. chiefly Brit; CANDIDACY
candied adj. preserved in or encrusted with sugar
candle n. a slender mass of tallow or wax molded around a wick and burned to give light; candle v. to examine (as eggs) by holding between the eye and a light -- candler n.
candlelight n. the light of a candle; any soft artificial light; time for lighting up; DUSK
candlepin n. a slender bowling pin tapering toward top and bottom used in a bowling game (candlepins) with a smaller ball than that used in tenpins
candlestick n. a holder with a socket for a candle
candlewick n. a soft cotton yarn; embroidery made with this yarn usually in tufts
candor n. FRANKNESS, OUTSPOKENNESS
candy n. a confection made from sugar often with flavoring and filling; candy v. to encrust in sugar often by cooking in a syrup; to crystallize into sugar; to make seem attractive; SWEETEN <candied words>
cane n. a slender hollow or pithy stem (as of a reed or bramble); a tall woody grass or reed (as sugarcane); a walking stick; a rod for flogging; cane v. to beat with a cane; to weave or make with cane -- caner n.
canebrake n. a thicket of cane
canine adj. of or relating to dogs or to the natural groups to which they belong; being the pointed tooth next to the incisors; canine n. a canine tooth; DOG
canister n. a small box for holding a dry product (as tea); a shell for close-range artillery fire; a perforated box containing material to absorb or filter a harmful substance in the air
canker n. a spreading sore that eats into tissue -- cankerous adj.
cankerworm n. an insect larva (as a caterpillar) that injures plants
canned adj. preserved in cans or jars; recorded for radio or television reproduction
canner n. one who cans foods
cannery n. a factory for the canning of foods
cannibal n. a human being who eats human flesh; an animal that eats its own kind -- cannibalism n. -- cannibalistic adj.
cannibalize v. to dismantle (a machine) for parts for other machines; to practice cannibalism
cannon n. pl. cannons or cannon; an artillery piece supported on a carriage or mount; a heavy-caliber automatic gun on an airplane; Brit: a carom in billiards
cannonade n. a heavy fire of artillery -- cannonade v.
cannonball n. a usually round solid missile for firing from a cannon; cannonball v. to travel at great speed
cannoneer n. an artilleryman who tends and fires cannon; GUNNER
cannot can not -- cannot but; to be bound to; MUST
canoe n. a small long narrow boat with sharp ends and curved sides that is usually propelled by paddles -- canoe v. -- canoeist n.
canon n. a regulation decreed by a church council; a provision of ecclesiastical law (canon law) canon law; an accepted principle <the canon of good taste>; an official or authoritative list (as of the saints or the books of the Bible)
canonical adj. of, relating to, or conforming to a canon; conforming to a general rule; ORTHODOX; of or relating to a clergyman who is a canon -- canonically adv.
canonicals n. pl. the vestments prescribed by canon for an officiating clergyman
canonize v. to declare an officially recognized saint; GLORIFY, EXALT -- canonization n.
canopy n. an overhanging cover, shelter, or shade -- canopy v.
cant n. an oblique or slanting surface; an inclination from a given line; TILT, SLANT; cant v. to tip or tilt up or over; to pitch to one side; LEAN; SLOPE; cant v. to whine like a beggar; to talk hypocritically
cantabile adv. (or adj); in a singing manner -- used as a direction in music
cantaloupe n. MUSKMELON; especially one with orange flesh and rough skin
cantata n. a choral composition arranged in a somewhat dramatic manner and usually accompanied by organ, piano, or orchestra
canteen n. a store (as in a camp or factory) in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold; a place of recreation and entertainment for servicemen; a flask for water carried by soldiers and travelers
canter n. a horse's 3-beat gait resembling but easier and slower than a gallop -- canter v.
canticle n. SONG; especially any of several liturgical songs taken from the Bible
cantilever n. a projecting beam or structure supported only at one end; either of a pair of such structures projecting toward each other so that when joined they form a bridge
cantle n. the upwardly projecting rear part of a saddle
canto n. one of the major divisions of a long poem
canton n. a small territorial division of a country; especially one of the political divisions of Switzerland -- cantonal adj.; canton v. to divide into cantons; to allot quarters to (as to troops); QUARTER
cantonment n. the quartering of troops; a group of more or less temporary structures for housing troops
cantor n. a synagogue official who sings liturgical music and leads the congregation in prayer
canvas also canvass n. a strong cloth used especially for making tents and sails; a set of sails; a group of tents; a surface prepared to receive oil paint; an oil painting; the floor of a boxing or wrestling ring
canvasback n. a North American wild duck with red head and gray back
canvass also canvas v. to go through (a district) or to go to (persons) to solicit votes or orders for goods or to determine public opinion or sentiment -- canvasser n.
canyon n. a deep valley with high steep slopes
caoutchouc n. RUBBER 3
cap n. a usually tight-fitting covering for the head; something resembling such a covering <bottle cap>; a paper or metal container holding an explosive charge; cap v. capped; capping; to provide or protect with or as if with a cap; to form a cap over
capable adj. having ability, capacity, or power to do something; ABLE, COMPETENT -- capability n. -- capably adv.
capacious adj. able to contain much -- capaciously adv. -- capaciousness n.
capacitate v. to make capable; QUALIFY
capacity n. the ability to contain, receive, or accommodate; extent of space; VOLUME; legal qualification or fitness; ABILITY; position or character assigned or assumed <served in the capacity of manager>
caparison n. an ornamental covering for a horse; TRAPPINGS, ADORNMENT -- caparison v.
cape n. a point of land jutting out into water; cape n. a sleeveless garment hanging from the neck over the shoulders
caper n. the flower bud of a Mediterranean shrub pickled for use as a relish; this shrub; caper v. to leap about in a gay frolicsome way; PRANCE; caper n. a frolicsome leap or spring; a capricious escapade; slang: an illegal escapade
capeskin n. a light flexible leather made from sheepskins
capillarity n. the action by which the surface of a liquid where (as in a slender tube) it is in contact with a solid is raised or lowered depending on the relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of the solid
capillary adj. resembling a hair; especially having a very small bore <capillary tube>; of or relating to capillaries or to capillarity
capital adj. punishable by death <capital offense>; most serious <capital error>; first in importance or position; CHIEF <capital city>; conforming to the series A, B, C rather than a, b, c <capital letters> <capital G>
capitalism n. an economic system characterized by private or corporation ownership of capital goods and by prices, production, and distribution of goods that are determined mainly in a free market
capitalist n. a person who has capital especially invested in business; a person of great wealth; PLUTOCRAT; a believer in capitalism; capitalist or capitalistic adj. owning capital; practicing or advocating capitalism
capitalization n. the act or process of capitalizing; the total amount of money used as capital in a business
capitalize v. to write or print with an initial or in capitals; to convert into or use as capital; to supply capital for; to gain by turning something to advantage; PROFIT <capitalize on another's error>
capitally adv. in a way involving sentence of death; ADMIRABLY, EXCELLENTLY
capitation n. a direct uniform tax levied on each person
capitol n. the building in which a legislature holds its sessions
capitulate v. to surrender especially on conditions agreed upon; to cease resisting; ACQUIESCE; submit, yield, succumb, relent -- capitulation n.
capon n. a castrated male chicken -- caponize v.
capriccio n. an instrumental piece in free form usually lively in tempo and brilliant in style
caprice n. a sudden whim or fancy; an instrumental piece in free form and usually lively tempo -- capricious adj. -- capriciously adv. -- capriciousness n.
capriole n. CAPER; especially an upward leap of a horse without forward motion -- capriole v.
capsize v. UPSET, OVERTURN
capstan n. an upright revolving drum used on ships to lift weights by use of a rope wound around it
capsular adj. of, relating to, or resembling a capsule
capsulate adj. enclosed in a capsule
capsulated adj. enclosed in a capsule
capsule n. an enveloping cover (as of a bodily joint) <a spore capsule>; especially an edible shell enclosing medicine to be swallowed; a dry fruit made of two or more united carpels that splits open when ripe
captain n. a commander of a body of troops; an officer in charge of a ship; a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a rear admiral or a commodore; a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a major
caption n. a heading especially of an article or document; TITLE; a legend accompanying an illustration; a motion-picture subtitle -- caption v.
captious adj. marked by an inclination to find fault; CRITICAL -- captiously adv. -- captiousness n.
captivate v. to attract and hold irresistibly by some special charm or art; FASCINATE, CHARM -- captivation n. -- captivator n.
captive n. a prisoner especially of war; one captivated or controlled; captive adj. made prisoner especially in war; kept within bounds; CONFINED; held under control; of or relating to bondage -- captivity n.
captor n. one that captures
capture n. seizure by force or trickery; one that has been taken; especially a prize ship; capture v. to take captive; WIN, GAIN; to preserve in a relatively permanent form <historic moment captured on film>
car n. a vehicle moved on wheels; the cage of an elevator; the part of a balloon or airship which carries passengers or equipment
carabao n. the water buffalo of the Philippines
carabineer n. a soldier armed with a carbine
carabinier n. a soldier armed with a carbine
caracole n. a half turn to right or left executed by a mounted horse -- caracole v.
carafe n. a water bottle with a flaring lip
caramel n. burnt sugar used for flavoring and coloring; a firm chewy candy
carapace n. a protective case or shell on the back of an animal (as a turtle or crab)
carat variant of KARAT; carat n. a unit of weight for precious stones equal to; milligrams
caravan n. a group of travelers journeying together through desert or hostile regions; a group of vehicles traveling together in a file; VAN
caravansary n. an inn in eastern countries where caravans rest at night; HOTEL, INN
caravanserai n. an inn in eastern countries where caravans rest at night; HOTEL, INN
caravel n. a small 15th and 16th century ship with broad bows, high narrow poop, and lateen sails
caraway n. an aromatic herb related to the carrot with seeds used in seasoning and medicine
carbine n. a short-barreled lightweight rifle
carbohydrate n. any of various compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen including the sugars and starches
carbolated adj. impregnated with carbolic acid
carbon n. a chemical element occurring in nature as the diamond and graphite and forming a constituent of coal, petroleum, and limestone; a piece of carbon paper; a copy made with carbon paper
carbonate n. a salt or ester of carbonic acid; carbonate v. to impregnate with carbon dioxide <a carbonated beverage> -- carbonation n.
carboniferous adj. producing or containing carbon or coal
carboy n. a large specially cushioned cylindrical container for liquids
carbuncle n. a painful inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue that discharges pus from several openings
carburetor n. an apparatus for supplying an internal-combustion engine with vaporized fuel mixed with air in an explosive mixture
carcass n. a dead body; especially one of an animal dressed for food
carcinogen n. an agent causing or inciting cancer -- carcinogenic adj. -- carcinogenicity n.
card v. to comb with a card; cleanse and untangle before spinning -- carder n.; card n. an implement for raising a nap on cloth; a toothed instrument for combing wool, cotton, or flax before spinning; card n. PLAYING CARD
cardboard n. a stiff moderately thick board made of paper
cardiac adj. of, relating to, or located near the heart; of, relating to, or being the part of the stomach into which the esophagus opens
cardigan n. a sweater or jacket usually without a collar and with a full-length opening in the front
cardinal adj. of basic importance; CHIEF, MAIN, PRIMARY; of cardinal red color -- cardinally adv.; cardinal n. an ecclesiastical official of the Roman Catholic Church ranking next below the pope; a bright red
cardinalate n. the office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal; CARDINALS
cardiovascular adj. of or relating to the heart and blood vessels
care n. a heavy sense of responsibility; WORRY, ANXIETY; watchful attention; HEED; CHARGE, SUPERVISION; a person or thing that is an object of anxiety or solicitude; care v. to feel anxiety; to feel interest; to have a liking, fondness, taste
careen v. to cause (as a boat) to lean over on one side; to heel over; to sway from side to side; LURCH
career n. a course of action or events; especially a person's progress in his chosen occupation; an occupation or profession followed as a life's work; career v. to go at top speed especially in a headlong manner
carefree adj. free from care or worry
careful adj. using or taking care; WATCHFUL, VIGILANT; marked by solicitude, caution, or prudence -- carefully adv. -- carefulness n.
careless adj. free from care; UNTROUBLED; UNCONCERNED, INDIFFERENT; not taking care; not showing or receiving care -- carelessly adv. -- carelessness n.
caress n. a tender or loving touch or embrace; caress v. to touch or stroke tenderly or lovingly -- caresser n.
caret n. a mark ^ used to indicate the place where something is to be inserted
caretaker n. one in charge usually as occupant in place of an absent owner; CUSTODIAN; one temporarily fulfilling the functions of an office
careworn adj. showing effects of grief or anxiety
carfare n. passenger fare (as on a streetcar or bus)
cargo n. pl. -goes or -gos; the goods carried in a ship, airplane, or vehicle; FREIGHT
carhop n. one who serves customers at a drive-in restaurant
caribou n. a large North American deer related to the reindeer
caricature n. distorted representation of parts or features to produce a ridiculous effect; a representation especially in literature or art having the qualities of caricature -- caricature v. -- caricaturist n.
caries n. tooth decay
carillon n. a set of bells tuned to the chromatic scale and sounded by hammers controlled by a keyboard
carillonneur n. a carillon player
carload n. a load that fills a car
carminative adj. expelling gas from the alimentary canal
carmine n. a vivid red
carnage n. great destruction of life; SLAUGHTER
carnal adj. of or relating to the body; SENSUAL -- carnality n. -- carnally adv.
carnation n. a cultivated usually double-flowered pink
carnauba n. a Brazilian palm that yields a brittle yellowish wax used especially in polishes; this wax
carnelian n. a hard tough reddish quartz used as a gem
carnival n. a season of merrymaking just before Lent; a boisterous merrymaking; a traveling enterprise offering a variety of amusements; an organized program of entertainment
carnivora n. pl. carnivorous mammals
carnivore n. a flesh-eating animal; especially any of a large group of mammals that feed mostly on flesh and include the dogs, cats, bears, minks, and seals -- carnivorous adj. -- carnivorously adv. -- carnivorousness n.
carol n. a song of joy, praise, or devotion -- carol v.
carom n. a shot in billiards in which the cue ball strikes each of two object balls; a striking and rebounding especially at an angle -- carom v.
carotene n. any of several orange to red pigments formed especially in plants and used as a source of vitamin A
carousal n. CAROUSE
carouse n. a drunken revel -- carouse v. -- carouser n.
carousel variant of CARROUSEL
carp v. to find fault; CAVIL, COMPLAIN -- carper n.; carp n. a long-lived soft-finned freshwater fish of sluggish waters
carpel n. one of the highly modified leaves that together form the ovary of a flower
carpenter n. one who builds or repairs wooden structures -- carpenter v. -- carpentry n.
carpet n. a heavy fabric used especially as a floor covering; carpet v. to cover with or as if with a carpet
carpetbag n. a traveling bag common in the 19th century
carpetbagger n. a Northerner in the South during the reconstruction period seeking private gain by taking advantage of unsettled conditions and political corruption
carpeting n. material for carpets; CARPETS
carport n. an open-sided automobile shelter
carrel n. a table with bookshelves often partitioned or enclosed for individual study in a library
carriage n. conveyance especially of goods; manner of holding or carrying oneself; BEARING; a wheeled vehicle; Brit: a railway passenger coach; a movable part of a machine for supporting some other moving part
carrier n. one that carries something; especially one that spreads germs while remaining well himself; a person or corporation in the transportation business
carrion n. dead and decaying flesh
carrot n. a vegetable widely grown for its elongated orange-red root; this root
carrousel n. MERRY-GO-ROUND
carry v. to move while supporting; TRANSPORT, CONVEY, TAKE; to influence by mental or emotional appeal; to get possession or control of; CAPTURE, WIN; to have or wear upon one's person; to bear within one; INVOLVE, IMPLY
cart n. a 2-wheeled wagon; a small wheeled vehicle; cart v. to convey in or as if in a cart -- carter n.
cartage n. the act of or rate charged for carting
cartel n. a combination of independent business enterprises designed to limit competition; pool, syndicate, monopoly
cartilage n. an elastic tissue composing most of the skeleton of embryonic and very young vertebrates and later mostly turning into bone -- cartilaginous adj.
cartography n. the making of maps -- cartographer n.
carton n. a cardboard box or container
cartoon n. a preparatory sketch (as for a painting); a satirical drawing commenting on public affairs; COMIC STRIP -- cartoon v. -- cartoonist n.
cartridge n. a tube containing a complete charge for a firearm; a container of material for insertion into an apparatus; a phonograph part that translates stylus motion into electrical voltage
cartwheel n. a large coin (as a silver dollar); a lateral handspring with arms and legs extended
carve v. to cut with care or precision; shape by cutting; to cut into pieces or slices; to slice and serve meat at table; to work as a sculptor or engraver -- carver n. -- carving n.
caryatid n. pl. -atids or -atides; a sculptured draped female figure used as an architectural column
casaba n. any of several winter melons with yellow rind and sweet flesh
cascade n. a steep usually small waterfall; something arranged in a series or succession of stages so that each stage derives from or acts upon the product of the preceding; cascade v. to fall, pass, or connect in or as if in a cascade
cascara n. the dried bark of a small Pacific coastal tree used as a laxative; this tree
case n. a particular instance or situation; a convincing argument; an inflectional form especially of a noun or pronoun indicating its grammatical relation to other words; such a relation whether indicated by inflection or not
casein n. a whitish phosphorous-containi protein occurring in milk
casement n. a window sash opening on hinges at the side like a door; a window having such a sash
cash n. ready money; money or its equivalent paid at the time of purchase or delivery; cash v. to pay or obtain cash for <cash a check>
cashew n. a tropical American tree related to the sumac; its edible nut
cashier v. to dismiss from service; especially to dismiss in disgrace; cashier n. a bank official responsible for moneys received and paid out; an employee (as of a store or restaurant) who receives and records payments by customers
cashmere n. fine wool from the undercoat of an Indian goat or a yarn spun of this; a soft twilled fabric originally woven from this yarn
casing n. something that encases
casino n. a building or room for social amusements; especially one used for gambling cassino; a card game
cask n. a barrel-shaped container usually for liquids; the quantity held by such a container
casket n. a small box (as for jewels); COFFIN
casque n. HELMET
cassava n. a tropical spurge whose rootstock yields a nutritious starch from which tapioca is prepared
casserole n. a glass or earthenware dish in which food may be baked and served; a dish cooked and served in a casserole
cassette n. a lightproof container of films or plates for use in a camera
cassia n. a coarse cinnamon bark; any of various East Indian leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees of which several yield senna
cassock n. an ankle-length garment worn by the clergy of certain churches
cast v. cast; casting; THROW, FLING; DIRECT <cast a glance>; to deposit (a ballot) formally; to throw off, out, or away; DISCARD, SHED; COMPUTE; especially add up; to assign the parts of (a play) to actors; to assign to a role or part; MOLD
castanets n. pl. a rhythm instrument consisting of two small ivory or wooden shells held in the hand and clicked in accompaniment with music and dancing
castaway adj. thrown away; REJECTED; cast adrift or ashore as a survivor of a shipwreck -- castaway n.
caste n. one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism; a division of society based upon wealth, inherited rank, or occupation; social position; PRESTIGE; a system of rigid social stratification
castellated adj. having battlements like a castle
caster n. a small container to hold salt or pepper at the table; a small wheel usually free to swivel used to support and move furniture, trucks, and machines
castigate v. to punish, reprove, or criticize severely -- castigation n. -- castigator n.
casting n. something cast in a mold; something cast out or off
castle n. a large fortified building or set of buildings; a large or imposing house; ROOK 3
castled adj. CASTELLATED
castoff n. a cast-off person or thing
castor n. a small container to hold salt or pepper at the table; a small wheel usually free to swivel used to support and move furniture, trucks, and machines
castrate v. to deprive of sex glands and especially testes -- castration n.
casual adj. resulting from or occurring by chance; OCCASIONAL, INCIDENTAL; showing or feeling little concern; OFFHAND, NONCHALANT; designed for informal use <casual clothing> -- casually adv. -- casualness n.
casualty n. serious or fatal accident; DISASTER; a military person lost through death, injury, sickness, or capture or through being missing in action; a person or thing injured, lost, or destroyed
casuistry n. adroit but false or misleading argument or reasoning especially about morals -- casuist n. -- casuistic or casuistical adj.
cat n. a common domestic mammal long kept by man as a pet or for catching rats and mice; any of various animals (as the lion, lynx, or leopard) that are related to the domestic cat; a spiteful woman; CAT-O'-NINE-TAILS
cataclysm n. a violent change or upheaval -- cataclysmic adj.
catacomb n. an underground burial place with galleries and recesses for tombs
catafalque n. an ornamental structure sometimes used in solemn funerals to hold the body
catalepsy n. a trancelike state of suspended animation -- cataleptic adj. or n.
catalog n. LIST, REGISTER; a systematic list of items with descriptive details; a book containing such a list; catalog or catalogue v. to make a catalog of; to enter in a catalog -- cataloger or cataloguer n.
catalogue n. LIST, REGISTER; a systematic list of items with descriptive details; a book containing such a list; catalog or catalogue v. to make a catalog of; to enter in a catalog -- cataloger or cataloguer n.
catalpa n. a broad-leaved tree with showy flowers and long slim pods
catalysis n. the change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction brought about by a substance (catalyst) that is itself unchanged at the end
catamaran n. a raft propelled by paddles or sails; a boat with twin hulls
catamount n. COUGAR; LYNX
catapult n. an ancient military machine for hurling missiles (as stones and arrows); a device for launching an airplane from the deck of a ship -- catapult v.
cataract n. a large waterfall; steep rapids in a river; a cloudiness of the lens of the eye obstructing vision
catarrh n. inflammation of a mucous membrane especially of the nose and throat -- catarrhal adj.
catastrophe n. a sudden calamity; great disaster or misfortune; utter failure; FIASCO -- catastrophic adj.
catbird n. an American songbird with a call like the cry of a cat
catboat n. a sailboat with a single mast set far forward and a single large sail extended by a long boom
catcall n. a sound like the cry of a cat; a noise made to express disapproval (as at a sports event) -- catcall v.
catch v. caught; catching; to capture especially after pursuit; TRAP; to discover especially unexpectedly; SURPRISE, DETECT; to become suddenly aware of; to take hold of; SEIZE, GRASP; SNATCH <catch at a straw>; INTERCEPT; to get entangled
catchall n. something to hold a variety of odds and ends
catcher n. one that catches; especially a player stationed behind home plate in baseball
catchy adj. apt to catch the interest or attention; tending to mislead; TRICKY; FITFUL, IRREGULAR
catechism n. a summary or test (as of religious doctrine) usually in the form of questions and answers -- catechist n. -- catechize v.
catechumen n. a religious convert receiving training before baptism
categorical adj. ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED; of, relating to, or constituting a category -- categorically adv.
categorize v. to put into a category; CLASSIFY
category n. a division used in classification; CLASS, GROUP, KIND
cater v. to provide a supply of food; to supply what is wanted -- caterer n.
catercorner adv. (or adj); in a diagonal or oblique position
catercornered adv. (or adj); in a diagonal or oblique position
caterpillar n. a wormlike often hairy insect especially of a butterfly or moth
caterwaul v. to make the characteristic harsh cry of a rutting cat -- caterwaul n.
catfish n. any of several big-headed gluttonous fishes with fleshy sensory processes around the mouth
catgut n. a tough cord made usually from sheep intestines
cathartic adj. or n. PURGATIVE
cathedral n. the principal church of a diocese
catheter n. a tube for insertion into a bodily passage or cavity especially for drawing off material (as urine)
cathode n. the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell; the positive terminal of a battery; the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube -- cathodic adj.
catholic adj. GENERAL, UNIVERSAL <a man of catholic interests>; cap: of or relating to Catholics and especially Roman Catholics
catholicity n. cap: the character of being in conformity with a Catholic church; liberality of sentiments or views; comprehensive range
catkin n. a long flower cluster (as of a willow) bearing crowded flowers and prominent bracts
catlike adj. resembling a cat; especially STEALTHY
catnap n. a very short light nap -- catnap v.
catnip n. an aromatic mint relished by cats
catsup n. a seasoned sauce of puree consistency usually made of tomatoes
cattail n. a tall reedlike marsh herb with furry brown spikes of tiny flowers
cattle n. pl. cattle; LIVESTOCK; especially domestic bovines (as cows, bulls, or calves) -- cattleman n.
catwalk n. a narrow walk (as along a bridge or around a large machine)
caucus n. a meeting of leaders of a party or faction usually to decide upon policies and candidates -- caucus v.
caudal adj. of, relating to, or located near the tail or the hind end of the body -- caudally adv.
caught past tense of CATCH
cauldron variant of CALDRON
cauliflower n. a vegetable closely related to cabbage and grown for its compact head of undeveloped flowers; this head
caulk v. to make the seams of (a boat) watertight by filling with waterproofing material; to make tight against leakage by a sealing substance <caulk a pipe joint> -- caulker n.
causal adj. expressing or indicating cause; relating to or acting as a cause; showing interaction of cause and effect -- causality n. -- causally adv.
causation n. the act or process of causing; the means by which an effect is produced
cause n. something that brings about a result; especially a person or thing that is the agent of bringing something about; REASON, MOTIVE; a question or matter to be decided; a suit or action in court; CASE
causeway n. a raised way or road across wet ground or water
caustic adj. CORROSIVE; SHARP, INCISIVE <caustic wit> -- caustically adv.; caustic n. a caustic substance
cauterize v. to burn or sear usually to prevent infection or bleeding -- cauterization n.
caution n. a word or act that conveys a warning; prudent forethought to minimize risk; WARINESS; one that arouses astonishment; an extreme or grotesque example; caution v. to advise caution to; WARN
cautionary adj. serving as or offering a caution
cautious adj. marked by or given to caution; CAREFUL, PRUDENT -- cautiously adv. -- cautiousness n.
cavalcade n. a procession of persons on horseback; a procession of vehicles; a dramatic sequence or procession; PARADE, PAGEANT
cavalier n. a mounted soldier; KNIGHT; cap: a Royalist in the time of Charles I of England; a debonair person; GALLANT; cavalier adj. gay and easy in manner; DEBONAIR; DISDAINFUL, HAUGHTY -- cavalierly adv. -- cavalierness n.
cavalry n. troops mounted on horseback or moving in motor vehicles -- cavalryman n.
cave n. a natural underground chamber with an opening to the surface
caveat n. WARNING
caveman n. one who lives in a cave; especially a man of the Stone Age; a man who acts with rough or violent directness especially toward women
cavern n. a hollowed-out space in the earth; especially an underground chamber of large extent -- cavernous adj. -- cavernously adv.
caviar n. the salted roe of a large fish (as sturgeon) used as an appetizer
caviare n. the salted roe of a large fish (as sturgeon) used as an appetizer
cavil v. -iled or -illed; -iling; -illing; to find fault without good reason; make frivolous objections -- cavil n. -- caviler or caviller n.
cavity n. an unfilled space within a mass; a hollow place
cavort v. PRANCE, CAPER
cavy n. GUINEA PIG
caw v. to utter the harsh raucous natural call of the crow or a similar cry -- caw n.
cay n. a small low island or emergent reef of sand or coral; ISLET, KEY
cayuse n. a native range horse of the western U.S.
cease v. to come or bring to an end; STOP
ceaseless adj. being without pause or stop; CONTINUOUS -- ceaselessly adv. -- ceaselessness n.
cecum n. pl. ceca or cecums; the blind pouch at the beginning of the large intestine into one side of which the small intestine opens -- cecal adj.
cedar n. any of various cone-bearing trees noted for their fragrant durable wood; this wood
cede v. to yield or give up especially by treaty; ASSIGN, TRANSFER -- ceder n.
ceiling n. the overhead inside surface of a room; the greatest height at which an airplane can operate efficiently; the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds; an upper prescribed limit <price ceiling>
celandine n. a yellow-flowered herb related to the poppies
celebrate v. to perform (as a sacrament) with appropriate rites; to honor (as a holy day) by solemn ceremonies or by refraining from ordinary business; to observe a notable occasion with festivities; to hold up for public acclaim
celebrated adj. widely known and often referred to; distinguished, renowned, noted, famous, illustrious, notorious
celebrity n. the state of being celebrated; RENOWN; a celebrated person
celerity n. SPEED, RAPIDITY
celery n. an herb related to the carrot and widely grown for crisp edible petioles
celestial adj. of or relating to the sky <a star is a celestial body>; HEAVENLY, DIVINE -- celestially adv.
celibacy n. the state of being unmarried; especially abstention by vow from marriage; CHASTITY
celibate n. one who lives in celibacy -- celibate adj.
cell n. a small room (as in a convent or prison) usually for use of a single person; a small compartment, cavity, or bounded space; a tiny mass of protoplasm that contains a nucleus, is enclosed by a membrane
cellar n. a room or group of rooms below the surface of the ground and usually under a building; a stock of wines
cellaret n. a case or cabinet for a few bottles of wine or liquor
cellarette n. a case or cabinet for a few bottles of wine or liquor
cellist n. one that plays the cello
cello n. a bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola
cellophane n. a thin transparent material made from cellulose and used as a wrapping
cellular adj. of, relating to, or consisting of cells; porous in texture
cellulose n. a complex carbohydrate of the cell walls of plants used especially in making paper or rayon -- cellulosic adj. or n.
celtuce n. a vegetable related to lettuce but grown for its leafstalks that combine flavor of celery and lettuce
cembalo n. pl. -los or -li; HARPSICHORD
cement n. a powder that is produced from a burned mixture chiefly of clay and limestone, that with water forms a paste that hardens into a stonelike mass, and that is used in mortars and concretes; CONCRETE; a binding element or agency
cemetery n. a burial ground; GRAVEYARD
cenobite n. a member of a religious group living together -- cenobitic adj.
cenotaph n. a tomb or a monument erected in honor of a person whose body is elsewhere
censer n. a vessel for burning incense (as in religious ritual)
censor n. one of two early Roman magistrates whose duties included taking the census; an official who inspects printed matter or sometimes motion pictures with power to suppress anything objectionable -- censorial adj.; censor v. to subject to censorship
censorious adj. marked by or given to censure; CRITICAL -- censoriously adv. -- censoriousness n.
censorship n. the office of a Roman censor; the action of a censor especially in stopping the transmission or publication of matter considered objectionable
censure n. the act of blaming or condemning sternly; an official reprimand; censure v. to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy -- censurable adj. -- censurer n.
census n. a periodic governmental count of population; COUNT, TALLY
cent n. a unit of value equal to 100th part of a basic unit in various monetary systems; a coin, token, or note representing one cent -- unit of currency
centaur n. one of a race of creatures in Greek mythology half man and half horse
centavo n. unit of currency
centenarian n. a person who is 100 or more years old
centenary adj. or n. CENTENNIAL
centennial n. a 100th anniversary or its celebration -- centennial adj. -- centennially adv.
center n. the point equally distant or at the average distance from the outside points of a figure or body; the point about which an activity concentrates or from which something originates; a region of concentrated population; a middle part
centerboard n. a retractable keel used especially in sailboats
centerpiece n. an object occupying a central position; especially an adornment in the center of a table
centesimo n. pl. centesimi -- unit of currency; centesimo n. -- unit of currency
centigrade adj. relating to, conforming to, or having a thermometer scale on which the interval between the freezing and boiling points of water is divided into; degrees with 0° representing the freezing point and 100° the boiling point <10° centigrade>
centigram n. a weight of 1/100 gram
centime n. unit of currency
centimeter n. a measure of length equal to 1/100 meter
centimo n. unit of currency
centipede n. a long flat many-legged arthropod
central adj. constituting a center; ESSENTIAL, PRINCIPAL; relating to, at, or near the center; centrally placed and superseding separate units <central heating> -- centrally adv.; central n. a telephone exchange or an operator handling calls there
centralize v. to bring to a central point or under central control -- centralization n. -- centralizer n.
centre chiefly British variant of CENTER
centrifugal adj. proceeding or acting in a direction away from a center or axis; using centrifugal force or acting or separated by it -- centrifugally adv.
centrifuge n. a machine using centrifugal force (as for separating substances of different densities or for removing moisture)
centripetal adj. proceeding or acting in a direction toward a center or axis -- centripetally adv.
centrist n. a member of a center party; one that holds moderate views
centurion n. an officer commanding a Roman century
century n. a subdivision of a Roman legion; a group or sequence of 100 like things; a period of 100 years especially of the Christian era or the preceding period
cephalic adj. of or relating to the head; directed toward or situated on or in or near the head
ceramic n. pl: the art or process of making articles from clay by shaping and hardening by firing; the process of making any product (as earthenware, brick, tile, or glass) from a nonmetallic mineral by firing
ceramicist n. one that engages in ceramics
ceramist n. one that engages in ceramics
cereal n. a grass (as wheat) yielding grain suitable for food; its grain; cereal grain prepared for use as a breakfast food
cerebellum n. a part of the brain that projects over the medulla and is concerned especially with coordination of muscular action and with bodily equilibrium -- cerebellar adj.
cerebrate v. THINK -- cerebration n.
cerebrum n. the enlarged front and upper part of the brain that contains the higher nervous centers -- cerebral adj.
cerecloth n. cloth treated with melted wax or gummy matter and formerly used especially for wrapping a dead body
cerement n. a shroud for the dead
ceremonial adj. of, relating to, or forming a ceremony -- ceremonially adv. -- ceremonialness n.; ceremonial n. a ceremonial act or system; RITUAL, FORM
ceremonious adj. CEREMONIAL; devoted to forms and ceremony; according to formal usage or procedure; marked by ceremony -- ceremoniously adv. -- ceremoniousness n.
ceremony n. a formal act or series of acts prescribed by law, ritual, or convention; a conventional act of politeness; a mere outward form; FORMALITY
cerise n. a moderate red
cerium n. a malleable metallic chemical element
certain adj. FIXED, SETTLED; proved to be true; of a specific but unspecified character <certain people in authority>; DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE; INDISPUTABLE, UNDENIABLE; assured in mind or action -- certainly adv.
certainty n. something that is certain; the quality or state of being certain -- for a certainty; beyond doubt; CERTAINLY
certificate n. a document testifying to the truth of a fact; a document testifying that one has fulfilled certain requirements (as of a course or school); a document evidencing ownership or debt
certification n. the act of certifying; the state of being certified; a certified statement
certify v. VERIFY, CONFIRM; to endorse officially; to guarantee (a bank check) as good by a statement to that effect stamped on its face; to attest officially to the insanity of; attest, witness, accredit, approve, sanction -- certifier n.
certitude n. the state of being or feeling certain; CERTAINTY
cerulean adj. AZURE
cesarean n. surgical incision of the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of offspring -- cesarean or cesarian adj.
cesarian n. surgical incision of the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of offspring -- cesarean or cesarian adj.
cesium n. a silver-white soft ductile chemical element
cessation n. a temporary or final ceasing (as of action); STOP
cession n. a yielding (as of property or rights) to another
cesspool n. an underground pit or tank for receiving household sewage
chafe v. IRRITATE, VEX; FRET; to warm by rubbing especially with the hands; to rub so as to wear away; to make sore by rubbing
chafer n. any of various large beetles
chaff n. debris (as husks) separated from grain in threshing; something light and worthless -- chaffy adj.; chaff n. light jesting talk; BANTER; chaff v. to tease in a good-natured manner
chaffer v. BARGAIN, HAGGLE -- chafferer n.
chaffinch n. a finch with a cheerful song often kept as a cage bird
chagrin n. mental uneasiness or annoyance caused by failure, disappointment, or humiliation; chagrin v. chagrined; chagrining; to cause to feel chagrin
chain n. a flexible series of connected links; pl: BONDS, FETTERS; BONDAGE; a series of things linked together; a chainlike measuring instrument 66 feet long; a unit of measurement equal to 66 feet; train, string, set, sequence, succession
chair n. a seat with four legs and a back for one person; an official seat; an office or position of authority or dignity; CHAIRMAN; a sedan chair; ELECTRIC CHAIR; chair v. to act as chairman of
chairman n. the presiding officer of a meeting or a committee; a carrier of a sedan chair -- chairmanship n.
chaise n. a 2-wheeled carriage with a folding top; a light carriage or pleasure cart
chalcedony n. a translucent pale blue or gray quartz
chalet n. a herdsman's cabin in the Swiss mountains; a building in the style of a Swiss cottage with a wide roof overhang and balconies
chalice n. a drinking cup; especially the eucharistic cup
chalk n. a soft limestone; chalk or chalky material used as a crayon -- chalky adj.; chalk v. to rub or mark with chalk; to record (an account) with or as if with chalk
chalkboard n. BLACKBOARD
challenge v. to halt and demand the countersign of; to take exception to; DISPUTE; to issue an invitation to compete against one especially in single combat; DARE, DEFY -- challenger n.; challenge n. a calling into question; PROTEST
challis also challie n. a lightweight clothing fabric of wool, cotton, or synthetic yarns
cham variant of KHAN
chamber n. ROOM; especially BEDROOM; an enclosed space or compartment; a hall for meetings of a legislative body; pl. chiefly Brit: a set of rooms arranged for business or personal use; a judge's consultation room -- usually pl.
chamberlain n. a high court dignitary (as the chief household officer of a king); a treasurer or receiver of public money (as for a city)
chambermaid n. a maid who takes care of bedrooms
chambray n. a lightweight clothing fabric of white and colored threads
chameleon n. a small lizard whose skin changes color especially according to the surroundings
chamois n. pl. chamois; a small goatlike antelope of Europe and the Caucasus chammy; a soft leather made especially from the skin of the sheep or goat
chamomile n. any of a genus of strong-scented herbs related to the daisy whose flower heads yield a bitter medicinal substance
champ v. to chew noisily; to show impatience of delay or restraint; champ n. CHAMPION
champagne n. a sparkling white wine
champaign n. a stretch of flat open country
champion n. a militant advocate or defender; one that wins first prize or place in a contest; one that is acknowledged to be better than all others; champion v. to protect or fight for as a champion; back, advocate, uphold, support
championship n. the position or title of a champion; a defending as a champion; a contest held to determine a champion
chance n. something that happens without apparent cause; the unpredictable element in existence; LUCK, FORTUNE; OPPORTUNITY; the likelihood of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation; PROBABILITY; RISK; a ticket in a raffle -- chance adj.
chancel n. the part of a church including the altar and choir
chancellery n. the position or office of a chancellor; the building or room housing a chancellor's office; the office or staff of an embassy or consulate
chancellor n. a high state official in various countries; a judge in the equity court in various states of the U.S.; the head of various universities; the chief minister of state in some European countries -- chancellorship n.
chancellory n. the position or office of a chancellor; the building or room housing a chancellor's office; the office or staff of an embassy or consulate
chancery n. any of various courts of equity in the U.S. and Britain; a record office for public or diplomatic archives; a chancellor's court or office; the office of an embassy; a wrestling hold that imprisons the head
chancre n. a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of an infective agent (as of syphilis)
chancy adj. Scot: AUSPICIOUS; RISKY
chandelier n. a branched lighting fixture hanging from a ceiling
chandler n. a dealer in provisions and supplies of a specified kind <ship's chandler> -- chandlery n.
change v. to make or become different; ALTER; to replace with another; EXCHANGE; to give or receive an equivalent sum in notes or coins of usually smaller denominations or of another currency; to put fresh clothes or covering on <change a bed>
changeling n. a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy
channel n. the bed of a stream; the deeper part of a waterway; DUCT, TUBE; PASSAGEWAY; a long narrow depression (as a groove or furrow); STRAIT; a means of passage or transmission
channelize v. CHANNEL -- channelization n.
chanson n. SONG; especially a cabaret song
chant v. SING; especially to sing a chant; to sing or speak in the manner of a chant; to celebrate or praise in song -- chanter n.; chant n. SONG; a repetitive melody in which several words are sung to one tone; especially a liturgical melody
chanteuse n. a female concert or nightclub singer
chantey n. a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work
chanticleer n. COCK 1
chantry n. an endowment for the chanting of masses; a chapel endowed by a chantry
chanty n. a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work
chaos n. the confused unorganized state existing before the creation of distinct forms; complete disorder; confusion, jumble, snarl, muddle -- chaotic adj. -- chaotically adv.
chap n. FELLOW; chap v. chapped; chapping; to dry and crack open usually from wind and cold <chapped lips>; chap n. a jaw with its fleshy covering -- usually pl.
chapbook n. a small book containing ballads, tales, or tracts
chapel n. a private or subordinate place of worship; an assembly at an educational institution usually including devotional exercises; a place of worship used by a Christian group other than the established church
chaperon n. a matron who accompanies young unmarried women in public for propriety; an older person who accompanies young people at a social gathering to ensure proper behavior; chaperon or chaperone v. ESCORT, GUIDE
chaperone n. a matron who accompanies young unmarried women in public for propriety; an older person who accompanies young people at a social gathering to ensure proper behavior; chaperon or chaperone v. ESCORT, GUIDE
chapfallen adj. having the lower jaw hanging loosely; DEJECTED, DEPRESSED
chaplain n. a clergyman officially attached to a special group (as the army); a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as for a club) -- chaplaincy n.
chaplet n. a wreath for the head; a string of beads; NECKLACE -- chapleted adj.
chapman n. Brit; an itinerant dealer; PEDDLER
chaps n. pl. leather leggings resembling trousers without a seat that are worn especially by western ranch hands
chapter n. a main division of a book; a body of canons (as of a cathedral); a local branch of a society or fraternity
char n. any of a genus of small-scaled trouts (as the brook trout of eastern North America); char v. charred; charring; to burn to charcoal; SCORCH; to burn to a cinder; char v. charred; charring; to work as a charwoman
charabanc n. Brit; a sight-seeing motor coach
character n. a graphic symbol (as a letter) used in writing or printing; a distinguishing feature; ATTRIBUTE; the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person or a group; a person marked by conspicuous often peculiar traits
characteristic adj. serving to mark individual character; individual, peculiar, distinctive -- characteristically adv.; characteristic n. a distinguishing trait, quality, or property
characterize v. to describe the character or quality of; to be a quality or feature of; be characteristic of -- characterization n.
charactery n. written letters or symbols
charades n. sing or pl. a guessing game in which contestants act out the syllables of a word to be guessed
charcoal n. a dark porous carbon made by partly burning wood in such a way that little air gets to it during the burning; a piece of fine charcoal used in drawing; a drawing made with charcoal
chard n. a beet lacking the enlarged root but having leaves and stalks often cooked as a vegetable
charge v. to load or fill to capacity; IMPREGNATE; to give an electric charge to; to restore the activity of (a storage battery) by means of an electric current; to impose a task or responsibility on; COMMAND, ORDER; ACCUSE; to rush against
charger n. a large platter; charger n. a device or a workman that charges something; WAR-HORSE
chariot n. a 2-wheeled vehicle of ancient times used in war and in races and processions -- charioteer n.
charismatic adj. having or showing a personal quality of leadership that arouses special popular loyalty or enthusiasm
charitable adj. liberal in giving to the poor; merciful or lenient in judging others; benevolent, philanthropic -- charitableness n. -- charitably adv.
charity n. Christian love for God and men; an act or feeling of generosity; the giving of aid to the poor; ALMS; an institution engaged in relief of the poor; leniency in judging others; mercy, clemency, philanthropy
charlatan n. a person pretending to knowledge or ability that he lacks; QUACK
charm n. an act or expression believed to have magic power; something worn about the person to ward off evil or bring good fortune; AMULET; a trait that fascinates or allures; physical grace or attraction; a small ornament worn on a bracelet or chain
charmer n. one that pleases or fascinates; especially an attractive woman
charming adj. greatly pleasing to the mind or senses; DELIGHTFUL -- charmingly adv.
charnel n. a building or chamber in which bodies or bones are deposited -- charnel adj.
chart n. MAP; a sheet giving information in the form of a table, list, or diagram; GRAPH; chart v. to make a chart of; PLAN
charter n. an official document granting rights or privileges (as to a colony, town, or college) from a sovereign or a governing body; CONSTITUTION; an instrument from a society creating a branch; a mercantile lease of a ship; charter v. to establish
chartreuse n. a usually green or yellow liqueur; a variable color averaging a brilliant yellow green
charwoman n. a woman who does cleaning (as of houses and offices) by the hour or day
chase v. to follow rapidly; PURSUE; HUNT; to seek out <salesman chasing orders>; to cause to depart or flee; drive away; RUSH, HASTEN <chase off to school>; chase n. PURSUIT; HUNTING; QUARRY; a tract of unenclosed land used as a game preserve
chaser n. one that chases; a mild drink taken after hard liquor
chasm n. a narrow steep-walled valley; GORGE
chassis n. a supporting framework (as for the body of an automobile or the parts of a radio set)
chaste adj. innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse; VIRTUOUS, PURE; CELIBATE; pure in thought; MODEST; severe or simple in design -- chastely adv. -- chasteness n.
chasten v. to correct through punishment or suffering; DISCIPLINE; PURIFY -- chastener n.
chastise v. to punish especially bodily (as by whipping) -- chastisement n.
chastity n. the quality or state of being chaste; especially sexual purity
chasuble n. the outer vestment of the celebrant at the Eucharist
chat n. light familiar informal talk -- chat v.
chateau n. pl. chateaus or chateaux; a feudal castle in France; a large country house; a French vineyard estate
chatelaine n. the mistress of a chateau; a clasp or hook worn by women for holding a watch, purse, or bunch of keys
chattel n. an item of tangible property other than real estate; SLAVE, BONDMAN
chatter v. to utter speechlike but meaningless sounds; to talk idly, incessantly, or fast; JABBER, BABBLE; to click repeatedly or uncontrollably <chatter teeth> -- chatter n. -- chatterer n.
chatterbox n. one that talks incessantly
chatty adj. TALKATIVE -- chattily adv. -- chattiness n.
chauffeur n. a person employed to drive an automobile; chauffeur v. to do the work of a chauffeur; to transport in the manner of a chauffeur
chaunt archaic variant of CHANT
chauvinism n. excessive or blind patriotism -- chauvinist n. -- chauvinistic adj. -- chauvinistically adv.
cheap adj. costing little money; INEXPENSIVE; costing little effort to obtain; worth little; SHODDY, TAWDRY; worthy of scorn -- cheap adv. -- cheaply adv. -- cheapness n.
cheapen v. to make or become cheap or cheaper in price or value; to make tawdry or vulgar
cheapskate n. a niggardly person; especially one seeking to avoid his share of costs
cheat n. the act of deceiving; FRAUD, DECEPTION; a means of cheating; a deceitful trick; one that cheats; a dishonest person -- cheater n.; cheat v. to deprive of something through fraud or deceit; to practice fraud or trickery
check n. a sudden stoppage of progress; a sudden pause or break; something that stops or restrains; CURB, RESTRAINT; a standard for testing or evaluation; EXAMINATION, INSPECTION, INVESTIGATION; the act of testing or verifying
checkbook n. a book containing blank checks to be drawn on a bank
checker n. a piece in the game of checkers; checker v. to variegate with different colors or shades; to mark into squares; checker n. one that checks
checkers n. a game for two played on a board (checkerboard) of 64 squares of alternate colors with each player having 12 pieces
checklist n. a list of items that may easily be referred to
checkmate v. to thwart completely; DEFEAT, FRUSTRATE; to attack (an opponent's king) in chess so that escape is impossible -- checkmate n.
checkoff n. the deduction of union dues from a worker's paycheck by the employer
checkpoint n. a point at which vehicular traffic is halted for inspection or clearance
checkroom n. a room for temporary safekeeping of baggage, parcels, or clothing
checkup n. EXAMINATION; especially a general physical examination
cheddar n. a hard-pressed standard factory cheese of smooth texture
cheek n. the fleshy side part of the face; IMPUDENCE, BOLDNESS, AUDACITY
cheekbone n. the bone or bony projection below the eye
cheeky adj. IMPUDENT, SAUCY -- cheekily adv. -- cheekiness n.
cheep v. to utter faint shrill sounds; PEEP -- cheep n.
cheer n. state of mind or heart; SPIRIT; ANIMATION, GAIETY; hospitable entertainment; WELCOME; food and drink for a feast; something that gladdens; a shout of applause or encouragement; cheer v. to give hope or courage to; COMFORT; to make glad
cheerful adj. having or showing good spirits; conducive to good spirits; pleasant and bright -- cheerfully adv. -- cheerfulness n.
cheerleader n. a person who directs organized cheering especially at a sports event
cheerless adj. BLEAK, DISPIRITING -- cheerlessly adv. -- cheerlessness n.
cheese n. the curd of milk usually pressed into cakes and cured for use as food -- cheesy adj.
cheeseburger n. a hamburger with a slice of toasted cheese
cheesecloth n. a lightweight coarse cotton gauze
cheeseparing n. miserly or petty economizing -- cheeseparing adj.
chef n. a male head cook; COOK
chela n. a large pincerlike organ on a limb of a crustacean -- chelate adj.
chemical adj. of or relating to chemistry; acting or operated or produced by chemicals -- chemically adv.; chemical n. a substance obtained by a process involving the use of chemistry; a substance used for producing a chemical effect
chemise n. a woman's one-piece undergarment; a loose straight-hanging dress
chemist n. one trained or engaged in chemistry; Brit: PHARMACIST
chemistry n. a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the changes they undergo; chemical composition or properties <the chemistry of gasoline>
chemotherapy n. the use of chemicals in the treatment or control of disease
chemurgy n. chemistry that deals with industrial utilization of organic raw materials especially from farm products -- chemurgic adj.
chenille n. a wool, cotton, silk, or rayon yarn with protruding pile; a fabric of such yarn
cheque chiefly British variant of CHECK
cherish v. to hold dear; treat with care and affection; to keep deeply in mind (as a memory or purpose)
cheroot n. a cigar cut square at both ends
cherry n. the small fleshy fruit of a tree related to the peaches and plums; a variable color averaging a moderate red
chert n. a rock resembling flint and consisting essentially of fine crystalline quartz or fibrous chalcedony
cherub n. pl. cherubs or cherubim; an angel of the second highest rank; a chubby rosy child
chess n. a game for two played on a board of 64 squares of alternate colors with each player having 16 pieces (chessmen)
chest n. a box, case, or boxlike receptacle for storage or shipping; the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and breastbone
chesterfield n. an overcoat with a velvet collar
chestnut n. the edible nut of a tree related to the beech and oak; this tree; a grayish brown; an old joke or story
chevalier n. a member of one of various orders of knighthood or of merit
cheviot n. a twilled fabric with a rough nap used for coats and suits; a sturdy soft-finished cotton fabric used for shirts
chevron n. a sleeve badge of one or more bars or stripes worn to indicate rank or service (as in the armed forces)
chew v. to crush or grind with the teeth -- chewable adj. -- chewer n.; chew n. an act of chewing; something that is chewed or is suitable for chewing
chewy adj. requiring chewing <chewy candy>
chiao n. pl. chiao -- unit of currency
chiaroscuro n. pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color; the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art
chic n. STYLISHNESS; chic adj. cleverly stylish; SMART; currently fashionable
chicanery n. TRICKERY, DECEPTION
chick n. a young chicken; a young bird
chickadee n. a small grayish American bird with a black cap
chicken n. a common domestic fowl especially when young; its flesh used as food
chickenhearted adj. TIMID, COWARDLY
chickweed n. a low small-leaved weed related to the pinks that has seeds relished by birds
chicory n. an herb related to the thistles and used as a salad; its dried ground root used for flavoring or adulterating coffee
chide v. chid or chided; chid; chidden; chided; chiding; to voice disapproval to; speak out in rebuke or displeasure; reproach, reprove, reprimand, admonish, scold, rebuke
chief n. the leader of a body or organization; HEAD; the principal or most valuable part; chief adj. highest in rank; most eminent or important; principal, main, leading -- chiefly adv.
chieftain n. a chief especially of a band, tribe, or clan -- chieftaincy n. -- chieftainship n.
chiffon n. a sheer fabric especially of silk
chiffonier n. a high narrow chest of drawers
chigger n. a tropical flea that burrows under the skin; a blood-sucking larval mite that irritates the skin
chignon n. a knot of hair worn at the back of the head
chilblain n. a sore or inflamed swelling (as on the feet or hands) caused by cold
child n. pl. children; an unborn or recently born person; a young person between the periods of infancy and youth
childbirth n. the act or process of giving birth to offspring
childhood n. the state or time of being a child
children n. pl. of CHILD <a group of children>
chill v. to make or become cold or chilly; to make cool especially without freezing; to harden the surface of (as metal) by sudden cooling -- chiller n.; chill adj. moderately cold; COLD, RAW; DISTANT, FORMAL <a chill reception>; DEPRESSING, DISPIRITING
chilly adj. noticeably cold; unpleasantly affected by cold; lacking warmth of feeling -- chilliness n.
chimaera n. an imaginary monster made up of incongruous parts; a frightful or foolish fancy
chime n. a set of bells musically tuned; the sound of a set of bells -- usually pl.; a sound suggesting bells; chime v. to make bell-like sounds; to indicate (as the time of day) by chiming; to be or act in accord; be in harmony
chimera n. an imaginary monster made up of incongruous parts; a frightful or foolish fancy
chimerical adj. FANTASTIC, IMAGINARY; inclined to fantastic schemes
chimney n. a passage for smoke that is usually made of bricks, stone, or metal and often rises above the roof of a building; a glass tube around a lamp flame
chimp n. CHIMPANZEE
chimpanzee n. an African manlike ape
chin n. the part of the face below the mouth including the prominence of the lower jaw; chin v. chinned; chinning; to raise (oneself) while hanging by the hands until the chin is level with the support
china n. porcelain ware; domestic pottery in general
chinchilla n. a small South American rodent with soft pearl-gray fur; its fur; a heavy long-napped woolen cloth
chink n. a small crack or fissure; chink v. to fill the chinks of; stop up; chink n. a slight sharp metallic sound; chink v. to make a slight sharp metallic sound
chino n. a usually khaki cotton twill; an article of clothing made of chino -- usually pl.
chintz n. a usually glazed printed cotton cloth
chintzy adj. decorated with or as if with chintz; GAUDY, CHEAP
chip n. a small usually thin and flat piece (as of wood) cut or broken off; a thin crisp morsel of food; a counter used in games (as poker); pl. slang: MONEY; a flaw left after a chip is removed; chip v. chipped; chipping; to cut or break chips from
chipmunk n. a small striped American ground-dwelling squirrel
chipper n. one that chips; chipper adj. LIVELY, CHEERFUL, SPRIGHTLY
chirography n. HANDWRITING, PENMANSHIP -- chirographer n. -- chirographic adj.
chiropody n. professional care and treatment of the human foot -- chiropodist n.
chiropractic n. a system of healing based especially on manipulation of body structures -- chiropractor n.
chirp n. a short sharp sound characteristic of a small bird or cricket -- chirp v.
chisel n. a sharp-edged metal tool used in cutting away and shaping wood, stone, or metal; chisel v. -eled or -elled; -eling; -elling; to work with or as if with a chisel; to obtain by shrewd often unfair methods; CHEAT -- chiseler n.
chit n. CHILD; a pert young woman; chit n. a signed voucher for a small debt (as for food or drink)
chitchat n. casual or trifling conversation
chitlings n. pl. the intestines of hogs especially prepared as food
chitlins n. pl. the intestines of hogs especially prepared as food
chitterlings n. pl. the intestines of hogs especially prepared as food
chivalric adj. relating to chivalry; CHIVALROUS
chivalrous adj. of or relating to chivalry; marked by honor, courtesy, and generosity; marked by especial courtesy to women -- chivalrously adv. -- chivalrousness n.
chivalry n. a body of knights; the system or practices of knighthood; the spirit or character of the ideal knight
chive n. an herb related to the onion that has leaves used for flavoring
chloral n. a white crystalline compound used as a narcotic
chlordane n. a viscous liquid insecticide
chloride n. a compound of chlorine with another element or a radical
chlorinate v. to treat or cause to combine with chlorine or a chlorine-containing compound especially for purifying -- chlorination n.
chlorine n. a chemical element that is a heavy strong-smelling greenish yellow irritating gas used as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant
chloroform n. a colorless heavy fluid with etherlike odor used as a solvent and anesthetic; chloroform v. to treat with chloroform so as to produce anesthesia or death
chlorophyll n. the green coloring matter of plants that functions in photosynthesis
chock n. a wedge for steadying something or for blocking the movement of a wheel -- chock v.
chockablock adj. very full; CROWDED
chocolate n. processed ground and roasted cacao beans; a drink prepared from this; a candy made of or with a coating of chocolate; a dark brown color
choice n. the act of choosing; SELECTION; the power or opportunity of choosing; OPTION; a person or thing selected; the best part; CREAM; a variety offered for selection; choice adj. worthy of being chosen; selected with care; well chosen
choir n. an organized company of singers especially in a church; the part of a church occupied by the singers
choirboy n. a boy member of a church choir
choirmaster n. the director of a choir (as in a church)
choke v. to hinder breathing (as by obstructing the windpipe); STRANGLE; to check the growth or action of; CLOG, OBSTRUCT; to decrease or shut off the air intake of the carburetor of a gasoline engine to make the fuel mixture richer
choler n. tendency toward anger; IRASCIBILITY
cholera n. a disease marked by severe vomiting and dysentery; especially an often fatal epidemic disease (asiatic cholera) chiefly of southeastern Asia
cholesterol n. a physiologically important waxy substance in animal tissues
chon n. pl. chon -- unit of currency
chook n. variant of CHICKEN
choose v. chose; chosen; choosing; to select especially after consideration; to think proper; see fit; PLEASE; DECIDE <chose to go by train> -- chooser n.
choosey adj. very particular in making choices
choosy adj. very particular in making choices
chop v. chopped; chopping; to cut by repeated blows; to cut into small pieces; MINCE; to strike (a ball) with a short quick downward stroke -- chopper n.; chop n. a sharp downward blow or stroke; a small cut of meat often including part of a rib
chophouse n. RESTAURANT
choppy adj. CHANGEABLE, VARIABLE <a choppy wind> -- choppily adv. -- choppiness n.; choppy adj. rough with small waves; JERKY, DISCONNECTED -- choppily adv. -- choppiness n.
chops n. pl. the fleshy covering of the jaws
chopstick n. one of a pair of sticks used in oriental countries for lifting food to the mouth
choral adj. of, relating to, or sung by a choir or chorus or in chorus -- chorally adv.
chorale also choral n. a hymn or psalm sung in church; a hymn tune or a harmonization of a traditional melody; CHORUS, CHOIR
chord n. a combination of tones that blend harmoniously when sounded together; chord n. CORD, STRING; especially a cordlike anatomical structure; a straight line joining two points on a curve
chore n. pl: the daily light work of a household or farm; a routine task or job; a difficult or disagreeable task
chorea n. a nervous disorder marked by spasmodic uncontrolled movements
choreography n. the art of dancing or of arranging dances and especially ballets -- choreographer n.
chorister n. a singer in a choir
chortle v. to laugh or chuckle especially in satisfaction or exultation -- chortle n.
chorus n. an organized company of singers; CHOIR; a group of dancers and usually singers supporting the featured players in a revue; a part of a song repeated at intervals; a composition to be sung by a number of voices in concert; group singing
chosen adj. selected or marked for special favor or privilege <the chosen few>
chow n. a thick-coated straight-legged muscular dog with a blue-black tongue and a short tail curled close to the back
chowchow n. chopped mixed pickles in mustard sauce
chowder n. a thick soup made from seafood and usually containing milk
chrism n. consecrated oil used especially in baptism and confirmation
christen v. BAPTIZE; to name at baptism; to name or dedicate (as a ship) by a ceremony suggestive of baptism -- christening n.
chromatic adj. of or relating to color; proceeding by half steps of the musical scale
chrome n. CHROMIUM; a chromium pigment; plating of a chromium alloy
chromium n. a bluish white hard brittle metallic chemical element used in alloys for lustrous rust-resistant platings in automobiles
chromo n. a colored picture printed from lithographic surfaces
chromosome n. one of the usually elongated bodies in a cell nucleus that contains the genes
chronic adj. marked by long duration or frequent recurrence <a chronic disease>; affected by a chronic condition <a chronic grumbler> -- chronically adv.
chronicle n. HISTORY, NARRATIVE; chronicle v. to record in or as if in a chronicle -- chronicler n.
chronograph n. an instrument for measuring and recording time intervals with accuracy
chronology n. the science that deals with measuring time and dating events; a chronological list or table; arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence -- chronological adj. -- chronologically adv. -- chronologist n.
chronometer n. TIMEPIECE; especially a very accurate timepiece
chrysalis n. an insect pupa quiescent in a firm case
chrysanthemum n. any of a genus of plants related to the daisies including some grown for their showy bloom or for medicinal products or insecticides; a chrysanthemum; bloom
chrysolite n. an olive-green mineral sometimes used as a gem
chub n. a small freshwater fish related to the carp
chubby adj. PLUMP -- chubbiness n.
chuck v. to give a pat or tap; to toss or throw with a short motion of the arms; DISCARD; EJECT; to have done with <chuck his job>; chuck n. a light pat under the chin; TOSS; chuck n. a part of a side of dressed beef
chuckhole n. a hole or rut in a road
chuckle v. to laugh in a quiet hardly audible manner -- chuckle n.
chug n. a dull explosive sound made by or as if by a laboring engine; chug v. chugged; chugging; to move or go with chugs <a locomotive chugging along>
chukka n. a short usually ankle-length leather boot with two pairs of eyelets
chukker n. a playing period of a polo game
chum n. an intimate friend; chum v. chummed; chumming; to room together; to go about with as a friend
chummy adj. INTIMATE, SOCIABLE -- chummily adv. -- chumminess n.
chump n. FOOL, BLOCKHEAD
chunk n. a short thick piece; a sizable amount
chunky adj. STOCKY
church n. a building especially for Christian public worship; the whole body of Christians; DENOMINATION; CONGREGATION; public divine worship
churchgoer n. one that goes to church especially habitually -- churchgoing adj. or n.
churchless adj. not affiliated with a church
churchman n. CLERGYMAN; a member of a church -- churchwoman n.
churchwarden n. WARDEN 5
churchyard n. a yard that belongs to a church and is often used as a burial ground
churl n. a medieval peasant; RUSTIC; a surly fellow; a rude ill-bred person -- churlish adj. -- churlishly adv. -- churlishness n.
churn n. a container in which milk or cream is violently stirred in making butter; churn v. to stir in a churn; to make (butter) by such stirring; to shake around violently
chute n. an inclined surface, trough, or passage down or through which something may pass <a coal chute> <a mail chute>; PARACHUTE
chutney n. a condiment of acid fruits with raisins, dates, and onions
cicada n. a stout large-winged insect related to the true bugs
cicatrix n. pl. cicatrices; a scar resulting from formation and contraction of fibrous tissue in a flesh wound
cicerone n. a guide who conducts sightseers
cider n. juice pressed from fruit (as apples) and used as a beverage, vinegar, or flavoring
cigar n. a roll of tobacco for smoking
cigarette n. a small tube of cut tobacco enclosed in paper for smoking
cinch n. a strong strap for holding a saddle or a pack in place; a sure or an easy thing -- cinch v.
cinchona n. a South American tree; its bitter quinine-containing bark
cincture n. BELT, GIRDLE
cinder n. SLAG; a hot piece of partly burned wood or coal; pl: ASHES
cinema n. a motion-picture theater; MOVIES -- cinematic adj.
cinematograph n. a motion-picture projector, camera, theater, or show
cinematography n. motion-picture photography -- cinematographer n. -- cinematographic adj.
cinnabar n. a red mineral that is the only important ore of mercury
cinnamon n. the aromatic inner bark of a tropical Asiatic tree related to the true laurel that is used as a spice
cipher n. ZERO, NAUGHT; a method of secret writing; CODE; cipher v. to compute arithmetically
circa prep. ABOUT <born circa 1600>
circle n. a closed curve every point of which is equally distant from a point within it; something in the form of a circle; an area of action or influence; CYCLE, ROUND; a group bound by a common tie; circle v. to enclose in a circle
circlet n. a small circle; especially a circular ornament
circuit n. a boundary around an enclosed space; a moving or revolving around (as in an orbit); a regular tour (as by a judge) around an assigned territory; LEAGUE; a chain of theaters; the path of an electric current
circuitous adj. marked by a circular or winding course; ROUNDABOUT, INDIRECT
circuitry n. the plan or the components of an electric circuit
circuity n. INDIRECTION
circular adj. having the form of a circle; ROUND; moving in or around a circle; CIRCUITOUS; sent around to a number of persons <a circular letter> -- circularity n.; circular n. a paper (as an advertising leaflet) intended for wide distribution
circularize v. to send circulars to; to poll by questionnaire
circulate v. to move or cause to move in a circle, circuit, or orbit; to pass from place to place or from person to person -- circulation n. -- circulatory adj.
circumambulate v. to circle on foot especially ritualistically
circumcise v. to cut off the foreskin of -- circumcision n.
circumference n. the perimeter of a circle; the external boundary or surface of a figure or object
circumflex n. a mark (as ^) used chiefly to indicate length, contraction, or a specific vowel quality
circumlocution n. the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
circumnavigate v. to go completely around especially by water -- circumnavigation n.
circumscribe v. to draw a line around; to limit narrowly the range or activity of -- circumscription n.
circumspect adj. careful to consider all circumstances and consequences; PRUDENT -- circumspection n.
circumstance n. a fact or event that must be considered along with another fact or event; pl: surrounding conditions; pl: situation with regard to wealth; CEREMONY <pomp and circumstance>; CHANCE, FATE
circumstantial adj. consisting of or depending on circumstances <circumstantial evidence>; INCIDENTAL; containing full details -- circumstantially adv.
circumvent v. to check or defeat especially by ingenuity or stratagem
circus n. an often tent-covered arena used for shows featuring feats of physical skill and daring, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns; a circus performance; the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of a circus
cirrus n. a filmy white cloud usually of minute ice crystals at high altitudes
cistern n. an often underground artificial tank for storing water
citadel n. a fortress commanding a city; STRONGHOLD
citation n. an official summons to appear (as before a court); QUOTATION; a formal statement of the achievements of a person; a specific reference in a military dispatch to meritorious performance of duty
cite v. to summon to appear before a court; QUOTE; to refer to especially in commendation or praise
citify v. to stamp with or accustom to urban ways
citizen n. an inhabitant of a city or town; a person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it -- citizenship n.
citizenry n. CITIZENS
citron n. the oval lemonlike fruit of an Asiatic citrus tree; a small hard-fleshed watermelon used especially in pickles and preserves
citronella n. a fragrant Asiatic grass that yields an oil used especially as an insect repellent
citrus n. any of a genus of often thorny evergreen trees or shrubs grown in warm regions for their fruits (as the orange, lemon, lime, citron, and grapefruit)
city n. an inhabited place larger or more important than a town; a municipality in the U.S. governed under a charter granted by the state; an incorporated municipal unit of the highest class in Canada
civet n. a yellowish strong-smelling substance obtained from a catlike African mammal (civet cat) and used in making perfumes
civic adj. of or relating to a city, a citizen, citizenship, or civil affairs
civics n. a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens
civil adj. of or relating to citizens or to the state as a political body; of or relating to the general population; not military or ecclesiastical; COURTEOUS, POLITE
civilian n. a person not on active duty in a military, police, or fire-fighting force
civility n. POLITENESS, COURTESY
civilization n. a relatively high level of cultural and technological development; the culture characteristic of a time or place
civilize v. to raise from a primitive state to an advanced and ordered stage of cultural development; REFINE -- civilized adj.
civilly adv. in a civil manner; POLITELY; in terms of civil rights, matters, or law <civilly dead>
clack v. CHATTER, PRATTLE; to make or cause to make a clatter; clack n. rapid continuous talk; CHATTER; a sound of clacking <the clack of a typewriter>
clad adj. CLOTHED, COVERED
claim v. to ask for as one's own; to take as the rightful owner; to call for; REQUIRE; to state as a fact; MAINTAIN; claim n. a demand for something due; a right to something usually in another's possession; an assertion open to challenge
claimant n. a person making a claim
clairvoyant adj. unusually perceptive; having the power of discerning objects not present to the senses -- clairvoyance n. -- clairvoyant n.
clam n. any of numerous bivalve mollusks including many that are edible
clambake n. a party or gathering (as at the seashore) at which food (as clams or potatoes) is cooked usually on heated rocks covered by seaweed
clamber v. to climb awkwardly
clammy adj. being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool -- clamminess n.
clamor n. a noisy shouting; a loud continuous noise; vigorous protest or demand -- clamorous adj.; clamor v. to make a clamor
clamp n. a device for holding things together; clamp v. to fasten with or as if with a clamp
clan n. a group (as in the Scottish Highlands) made up of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor -- clannish adj.
clandestine adj. held in or conducted with secrecy
clang n. a loud metallic ringing sound -- clang v.
clangor n. a resounding clang or medley of clangs
clank n. a sharp brief metallic ringing sound <the clank of chains> -- clank v.
clap v. clapped; clapping; to strike noisily; APPLAUD; clap n. a loud noisy crash <a clap of thunder>; APPLAUSE; clap n. GONORRHEA
clapboard n. a narrow board thicker at one edge than the other used for covering wooden buildings
clapper n. one that makes a clapping sound; especially the tongue of a bell
claptrap n. pretentious nonsense
claque n. a group hired to applaud at a performance
claret n. a dry red table wine
clarify v. to make or become pure or clear -- clarification n.
clarinet n. a single-reed woodwind instrument in the form of a cylindrical tube with moderately flaring end -- clarinetist n.
clarion adj. brilliantly clear <a clarion call to action>
clarity n. CLEARNESS
clash v. to make or cause to make a clash; CONFLICT, COLLIDE; clash n. a noisy usually metallic sound of collision; a hostile encounter; a conflict of opinion
clasp n. a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together; EMBRACE, GRASP <the warm clasp of his hand>; clasp v. to fasten with a clasp; EMBRACE; GRASP
class n. a group of the same general status or nature; social rank; high quality; a course of instruction; the period when such a course is taught; a group of students meeting regularly in a course; a group graduating together
classic adj. serving as a standard of excellence; TRADITIONAL; CLASSICAL; notable especially as the best example; AUTHENTIC; classic n. a work of enduring excellence and especially of ancient Greece or Rome; its author; a traditional event
classical adj. CLASSIC; of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman classics; of or relating to a form or system of first significance before modern times <classical economics>; concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences
classicism n. the principles or style of the literature or art of ancient Greece and Rome; adherence to traditional standards believed to be universally valid -- classicist n.
classified adj. withheld from general circulation for reasons of national security <classified information>
classify v. to arrange in or assign to classes -- classification n.
classmate n. a member of the same class (as in a college)
classroom n. a room (as in a school) in which classes meet
clatter n. a rattling sound <the clatter of dishes> -- clatter v.
clause n. a separate part of an article or document; a group of words having its own subject and predicate but forming only part of a compound or complex sentence
claustrophobia n. abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
clavichord n. an early keyboard instrument in use before the piano
clavicle n. COLLARBONE
clavier n. the keyboard of a musical instrument; an early keyboard instrument
claw n. a sharp usually curved nail on the toe of an animal; a sharp curved process (as on the foot of an insect); CHELA; claw v. to rake, seize, or dig with or as if with claws
clay n. plastic earthy material used in making pottery that consists largely of silicates of aluminum and becomes permanently hardened by firing; finely divided soil consisting largely of such clay; EARTH, MUD; the mortal human body -- clayey adj.
claymore n. a large 2-edged sword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders
clean adj. free from dirt or disease; PURE; HONORABLE; THOROUGH <made a clean sweep>; TRIM <a ship with clean lines>; EVEN; habitually neat -- clean adv. -- cleanly adv. -- cleanness n.; clean v. to make or become clean -- cleaner n.
cleanly adj. careful to keep clean; habitually kept clean -- cleanliness n.
cleanse v. to make clean -- cleanser n.
clear adj. BRIGHT, LUMINOUS; UNTROUBLED, SERENE; CLEAN, PURE; TRANSPARENT; easily heard, seen, or understood; capable of sharp discernment; free from doubt; INNOCENT; free from restriction, obstruction
clearance n. an act or process of clearing; the distance by which one object clears another
clearheaded adj. having a clear understanding; PERCEPTIVE
clearing n. a tract of land cleared of wood; the passage of checks and claims through a clearing house
clearinghouse n. an institution maintained by banks for making an exchange of checks and claims held by each bank against other banks
clearstory n. an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
cleat n. a strip of wood or metal fastened on or projecting from something to give strength, provide a grip, or prevent slipping
cleavage n. a splitting apart; SPLIT
cleave v. cleaved or clove; cleaving; ADHERE, CLING; cleave v. cleaved or cleft or clove; cleaved; cleft; cloven; cleaving; to divide by force; split asunder; DIVIDE <cleave a group into two camps>
cleaver n. a heavy chopping knife used by butchers in cutting meat
clef n. a sign placed on the staff in music to show what pitch is represented by each line and space
cleft n. FISSURE, CRACK
clematis n. a vine related to the buttercups that has showy usually white or purple flowers
clemency n. disposition to be merciful; mildness of weather
clench v. CLINCH; to hold fast; to set or close tightly
clerestory n. an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
clergy n. a body of religious officials authorized to conduct services
clergyman n. a member of the clergy
cleric n. CLERGYMAN
clerical adj. of or relating to the clergy or a clergyman; of or relating to a clerk or office worker
clericalism n. a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy
clerk n. CLERIC; an official responsible for correspondence, records, and accounts; a person employed to perform general office work; a store salesman -- clerkship n.
clever adj. showing skill or resourcefulness; marked by wit or ingenuity -- cleverly adv. -- cleverness n.
clew n. CLUE; a metal loop on a lower corner of a sail to hold ropes; clew v. to haul a sail up or down by ropes through the clews
cliche n. a trite phrase or expression
click n. a slight sharp noise; click v. to make or cause to make a click; to fit or work together smoothly
client n. DEPENDENT; a person who engages the professional services of another; PATRON, CUSTOMER
clientele n. a body of clients and especially customers
cliff n. a high steep face of rock
climate n. the average weather conditions at a place over a period of years -- climatic adj.
climax n. a series of ideas or statements so arranged that they increase in force and power from the first to the last; the last member of such a series; the highest point; CULMINATION -- climactic adj.; climax v. to come or bring to a climax
climb v. to go up or down especially by use of hands and feet; to ascend in growing; to rise to a higher point -- climber n.; climb n. a place where climbing is necessary; the act of climbing; ascent by climbing
clime n. CLIMATE
clinch v. to fasten securely (as by driving a nail through boards and bending its point over); to make final; SETTLE; to hold fast or firmly; clinch n. a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt; an act or instance of clinching in boxing
clincher n. one that clinches; especially a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark
cling v. clung; clinging; to adhere as if glued firmly; to hold or hold on tightly; to have a strong emotional attachment
clinic n. medical instruction featuring the examination and discussion of actual cases; a facility (as of a hospital) for diagnosis and treatment of outpatients
clinical adj. of, relating to, or typical of a clinic; especially involving direct observation of the patient; scientifically detached and dispassionate -- clinically adv.
clink v. to make or cause to make a slight sharp short metallic sound; clink n. a clinking sound
clinker n. stony matter fused by fire (as in a furnace from impurities in coal)
clip v. clipped; clipping; to clasp or fasten with a clip; to block an opponent in football by hitting with the body from behind; clip n. a device that grips, clasps, or hooks; a cartridge holder for a rifle; clip v. clipped; clipping
clipboard n. a small writing board with a spring clip at the top for holding papers
clipper n. an implement for clipping especially the hair or nails -- usually pl.; a fast sailing ship
clipping n. a piece clipped from something (as a newspaper)
clique n. a small exclusive group of people; COTERIE
cloak n. a loose outer garment; something that conceals or covers; cloak v. to cover or hide with a cloak
cloche n. a woman's small helmetlike hat
clock n. a timepiece not intended to be carried on the person; clock v. to time (a person or a performance) by a timing device; to register (as time, distance, rate, or speed) on a recording device; clock n. an ornamental figure on a stocking or sock
clockwise adv. in the direction in which the hands of a clock move
clockwork n. machinery containing a train of wheels of small size
clod n. a lump especially of earth or clay; a dull or insensitive person
clodhopper n. an uncouth rustic; a large heavy shoe
clog n. a weight so attached as to impede motion; a thick-soled shoe; clog v. clogged; clogging; to impede with a clog; HINDER; to obstruct passage through; to become filled with extraneous matter
cloisonne n. a colored decoration made of enamels poured into the divided areas in a design outlined with bent wire or metal strips
cloister n. a monastic establishment; a covered usually colonnaded passage on the side of a court -- cloistral adj.; cloister v. to shut away from the world
clop n. a sound made by or as if by a hoof or wooden shoe against pavement
close v. to bar passage through; SHUT; to suspend the operations (as of a school); END, TERMINATE; to bring together the parts or edges of; to fill up; GRAPPLE <close with the enemy>; to enter into an agreement -- closable adj.; close n. CONCLUSION, END
closefisted adj. STINGY
closemouthed adj. cautious in speaking
closet n. a small room for privacy; a small compartment for household utensils or clothing; WATER CLOSET; closet v. to take into a private room for an interview
closure n. an act of closing; the condition of being closed; something that closes; CLOTURE
clot n. a mass formed by a portion of liquid (as blood or cream) thickening and sticking together -- clot v.
cloth n. a pliable fabric made usually by weaving or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments; TABLECLOTH; distinctive dress of a profession and especially of the clergy; CLERGY
clothe v. clothed or clad; clothing; DRESS; to express by suitably significant language
clothes n. pl. CLOTHING; BEDCLOTHES
clotheshorse n. a frame on which to hang clothes; a conspicuously dressy person
clothespin n. a device (as of wood or plastic) for fastening clothes on a line
clothespress n. a receptacle for clothes
clothier n. a maker or seller of cloth or clothing
clothing n. garments in general
cloture n. the closing or limitation (as by calling for a vote) of debate in a legislative body
cloud n. a visible mass of water or ice particles in the air above the earth's surface; a visible mass of particles (as of dust) in the air; CROWD, SWARM <a cloud of mosquitoes>
cloudburst n. a sudden heavy rainfall
cloudlet n. a small cloud
clout n. a blow especially with the hand; clout v. to hit forcefully
clove past tense of CLEAVE; clove n. the dried flower bud of an East Indian tree used especially as a spice
clover n. any of numerous leguminous herbs with usually 3-parted leaves and dense flower heads
clown n. BOOR; a fool or comedian in an entertainment (as a play or circus) -- clownish adj. -- clownishly adv.
cloy v. to surfeit with an excess of something originally pleasing
club n. a heavy wooden stick or staff used as a weapon; BAT; any of a suit of playing cards marked with a black figure resembling a clover leaf; a group of persons associated for a common purpose; the meeting place of such a group; club v. clubbed
clubfoot n. a misshapen foot twisted out of position from birth -- clubfooted adj.
clubhouse n. a house occupied by a club; locker rooms used by an athletic team
cluck n. the call of a hen especially to her chicks -- cluck v.
clue n. a guide through an intricate procedure or maze; especially a piece of evidence leading to the solution of a problem; clue v. to provide with a clue
clump n. a group of things clustered together; a heavy tramping sound; clump v. to tread clumsily and noisily
clumsy adj. lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace; not tactful or subtle -- clumsily adv. -- clumsiness n.
clung past tense of CLING
cluster n. GROUP, BUNCH; cluster v. to grow or gather in a cluster
clutch v. to grasp with or as if with the hand; clutch n. the claws or a hand in the act of grasping; CONTROL, POWER; a device (as a coupling for connecting two working parts in machinery) for gripping an object; a crucial situation
clutter v. to fill with scattered things that impede movement or reduce efficiency; clutter n. crowded confusion
coach n. a closed 2-door 4-wheeled carriage with an elevated outside front seat for the driver; a railroad passenger car especially for day travel; BUS; an automobile body; a closed 2-door automobile; a private tutor
coachman n. a man whose business is driving a coach or carriage
coadjutor n. ASSISTANT; especially an assistant bishop having the right of succession
coagulant n. something that produces coagulation
coagulate v. CLOT -- coagulation n.
coal n. EMBER; a black solid combustible mineral used as fuel; coal v. to supply with coal; to take in coal
coalesce v. to grow together; FUSE; merge, blend, mingle, mix -- coalescence n.
coalfield n. a region where deposits of coal occur
coalition n. UNION; especially a temporary union for a common purpose -- coalitionist n.
coarse adj. of ordinary or inferior quality; composed of large parts or particles <coarse sand>; ROUGH, HARSH; CRUDE <coarse manners> -- coarsely adv. -- coarseness n.
coarsen v. to make or become coarse
coast n. SEASHORE; a slide down a slope -- coastal adj.; coast v. to sail along the shore; to move (as downhill on a sled or as on a bicycle while not pedaling) without effort -- coaster n.
coastline n. the outline or shape of a coast
coat n. an outer garment for the upper part of the body; an external growth (as of fur or feathers) on an animal; a covering layer <a coat of paint>; coat v. to cover usually with a finishing or protective coat
coating n. COAT, COVERING <a coating of ice>
coauthor n. a joint or associate author
coax v. WHEEDLE; to gain by gentle urging or flattery -- coaxer n.
coaxial adj. having coincident axes; being an electrical cable that consists of a tube of conducting material surrounding a central conductor
cob n. a male swan; CORN COB; a short-legged stocky horse
cobalt n. a tough shiny silver-white magnetic metallic chemical element found with iron and nickel
cobble v. to make or put together roughly or hastily
cobbler n. a mender or maker of shoes; a deep-dish fruit pie with a thick crust
cobblestone n. a naturally rounded stone larger than a pebble and smaller than a boulder
cobra n. a venomous snake of Asia and Africa that when excited expands the skin of the neck into a broad hood
cobweb n. the network spun by a spider; a thread of insect or spider silk; something flimsy or entangling
cocaine n. an addictive drug obtained from the leaves of a South American shrub (coca) and sometimes used as a local anesthetic
cochineal n. a red dye made from the dried bodies of a tropical American insect (cochineal insect)
cochlea n. the usually spiral part of the inner ear that is the seat of the organ of hearing
cock n. the male of a bird and especially of the common domestic fowl; VALVE, FAUCET; LEADER; the hammer of a firearm; the position of the hammer when drawn back ready for firing; cock v. to draw back the hammer of a firearm; to set erect
cockade n. an ornament (as a rosette) worn on the hat as a badge
cockatiel n. a small crested parrot often kept as a cage bird
cockatoo n. a large crested brilliantly colored Australian parrot
cockatrice n. a legendary serpent with a deadly glance
cockcrow n. early morning
cockerel n. a young cock
cockeye n. a squinting eye -- cockeyed adj.
cockfight n. a contest of gamecocks usually heeled with metal spurs
cockle n. any of several weeds found in fields where grain is grown; cockle n. a bivalve mollusk with a heart-shaped shell
cockleshell n. the shell of a cockle; a small shallow boat
cockney n. a native of London and especially of the East End of London; the dialect of a cockney
cockpit n. a pit for cockfights; an open space aft of a decked area from which a small boat is steered; a space in an airplane fuselage for the pilot, pilot and passengers, or pilot and crew
cockroach n. an active nocturnal insect often infesting houses and ships
cocksure adj. CERTAIN; COCKY
cocktail n. an iced drink made of liquor and flavoring ingredients; an appetizer (as tomato juice) served as a first course of a meal
cocky adj. PERT, CONCEITED -- cockily adj. -- cockiness n.
coco n. the coconut palm or its fruit
cocoa n. CACAO; chocolate deprived of some of its fat and powdered; a drink made of this cooked with water or milk
coconut n. a large edible nut produced by a tall tropical palm (coconut palm)
cocoon n. a case which an insect larva forms and in which it passes the pupal stage
cod n. a soft-finned large-mouthed food fish of the North Atlantic
coda n. a closing section in a musical composition that is formally distinct from the main structure
coddle v. to cook slowly in water below the boiling point; PAMPER
code n. a systematic statement of a body of law; a system of principles or rules <moral code>; a system of signals; a system of letters or symbols used (as in secret communication or in a computing machine) with special meanings
codeine n. a narcotic drug obtained from opium and used in cough remedies
codex n. pl. codices; a manuscript book (as of the Scriptures or classics)
codfish n. COD
codger n. an odd or cranky fellow
codicil n. a legal instrument modifying an earlier will
codify v. to arrange in a systematic form -- codification n.
codling n. a young cod; HAKE
coeducation n. the education of male and female students at the same institution -- coeducational adj. -- coeducationally adv.
coefficient n. any of the factors of a product considered in relation to a specific factor; a number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic (as of a substance or device)
coequal adj. equal with another -- coequality n. -- coequally adv.
coerce v. REPRESS; COMPEL; ENFORCE -- coercion n. -- coercive adj.
coeval adj. of the same age -- coeval n.
coexist v. to exist together or at the same time; to live in peace with each other -- coexistence n.
coextensive adj. having the same scope or extent in space or time
coffee n. a drink made from the roasted and ground seeds of a fruit of a tropical shrub or tree; these seeds (coffee beans) or a plant producing them
coffeehouse n. CAFE
coffeepot n. a utensil for preparing or serving coffee
coffer n. a chest or box used especially for valuables
cofferdam n. a watertight enclosure from which water is pumped to expose the bottom of a body of water and permit construction
coffin n. a box or chest for a corpse to be buried in
cog n. a tooth on the rim of a wheel in a machine
cogent adj. having power to compel or constrain; CONVINCING -- cogency n.
cogitate v. THINK, PONDER -- cogitation n.
cognac n. a French brandy
cognate adj. RELATED; especially related by descent from the same ancestral language; of the same or similar nature -- cognate n.
cognition n. the act or process of knowing -- cognitional adj. -- cognitive adj.
cognizance n. apprehension by the mind; AWARENESS; NOTICE, HEED -- cognizant adj.
cognomen n. NAME; especially NICKNAME
cogwheel n. a wheel with cogs on the rim
cohabit v. to live together as husband and wife -- cohabitation n.
coheir n. a joint heir
cohere v. to stick together
coherent adj. having the quality of cohering; logically consistent -- coherence n. -- coherently adv.
cohesion n. a sticking together; a molecular attraction by which the particles of a body are united -- cohesive adj.
cohort n. a group of warriors or followers; COMPANION, ACCOMPLICE
coif n. a close-fitting hat; COIFFURE
coiffeur n. HAIRDRESSER
coiffure n. a manner of arranging the hair
coil v. to wind in a spiral shape; coil n. a series of rings or loops (as of coiled rope, wire, or pipe); RING, LOOP
coin n. a piece of metal issued by government authority as money; coin v. to make (a coin) especially by stamping; MINT; CREATE, INVENT <coin a phrase> -- coiner n.
coinage n. the act or process of coining; COINS
coincide v. to occupy the same place in space; to correspond or agree exactly -- coincidence n.
coincident adj. occupying the same space or time; of similar nature -- coincidental adj.
coitus n. sexual intercourse
coke n. a hard gray porous fuel made by heating soft coal to drive off most of its volatile material
cola n. a carbonated soft drink
colander n. a perforated utensil for draining food
cold adj. having a low or decidedly subnormal temperature; lacking warmth of feeling; suffering or uncomfortable from lack of warmth -- coldly adv. -- coldness n.; cold n. a condition marked by low temperature; cold weather; a chilly feeling
coleslaw n. a salad made of raw cabbage
colic n. sharp sudden abdominal pain
coliseum n. a large structure (as a stadium) especially for athletic contests
collaborate v. to work jointly with others (as in writing a book); to cooperate with an enemy force occupying one's country -- collaboration n. -- collaborator n.
collage n. an artistic composition of fragments (as of printed matter) pasted on a picture surface
collapse v. DISINTEGRATE; to fall in; give way; to shrink together abruptly; to break down physically or mentally; especially to fall helpless or unconscious -- collapsible adj.; collapse n. BREAKDOWN
collar n. a band, strip, or chain worn around the neck or the neckline of a garment; something resembling a collar -- collarless adj.; collar v. to seize by the collar; CAPTURE, GRAB
collarbone n. the bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade
collard n. a stalked smooth-leaved kale -- usually pl.
collate v. to compare (as two texts) carefully and critically
collateral adj. associated but of secondary importance; descended from the same ancestors but not in the same line; PARALLEL; of, relating to, or being collateral used as security; secured by collateral
collation n. a light meal; the act, process, or result of collating
colleague n. an associate especially in a profession
collect n. a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion; collect v. to bring or come together into one body or place; ASSEMBLE; to gather from numerous sources <collect stamps>; to gain control of <collect his thoughts>
collected adj. SELF-POSSESSED, CALM
collective adj. of, relating to, or denoting a group of individuals considered as a whole; formed by collecting; shared or assumed by all members of the group -- collectively adv.; collective n. GROUP; a cooperative unit or organization
collectivism n. a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution
colleen n. an Irish girl
college n. a building used for an educational or religious purpose; an institution of higher learning granting a bachelor's degree; an institution offering instruction especially in a vocational or technical field <barber college>
collegian n. a college student
collegium n. a governing group in which each member has approximately equal power and authority
collide v. to come together with solid impact; CLASH -- collision n.
collie n. a large usually long-haired dog of a breed developed in Scotland for herding sheep
collier n. a coal dealer or coal miner; a ship for carrying coal
colliery n. a coal mine
collocation n. a placing together or side by side; the result of such placing
collodion n. a sticky substance that hardens in the air and is used to cover wounds and coat photographic films
colloid n. a substance in the form of very fine particles that are not visible in an ordinary microscope and that when in solution or suspension do not settle out; such a substance together with the gaseous, liquid
colloquial adj. of, relating to, or characteristic of conversation and especially of familiar and informal conversation
colloquialism n. a colloquial expression
colloquium n. CONFERENCE, SEMINAR
colloquy n. a usually formal conversation or conference
collusion n. secret agreement or cooperation for a fraudulent or deceitful purpose -- collusive adj.
cologne n. a perfumed liquid consisting of alcohol and various aromatic oils
colon n. the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum; colon n. a punctuation mark; used especially to direct attention to following matter (as a list, explanation, or quotation); colon n. pl. colones -- unit of currency
colonel n. a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a brigadier general
colonial adj. of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony; possessing or composed of colonies; of or relating to the original 13 colonies forming the U.S.; colonial n. a member or inhabitant of a colony
colonialism n. control by one power over a dependent area or people; a policy advocating or based on such control
colonist n. COLONIAL; one who takes part in founding a colony
colonize v. to establish a colony in or on; to settle in a colony -- colonization n. -- colonizer n.
colonnade n. a row of columns usually supporting the base of the roof structure
colony n. a body of people sent out by a state to a new territory; the territory inhabited by these people; a localized population of organisms <a colony of bees>; a group with common interests <a writers' colony; the section occupied by such a group
colophon n. an inscription placed at the end of a book with facts relative to its production
color n. a phenomenon of light (as red or blue) or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects; a hue as contrasted with black, white, or gray; APPEARANCE; complexion tint; pl: FLAG
coloration n. use or arrangement of colors
coloratura n. florid ornamentation in vocal music; a soprano specializing in coloratura
colored adj. having color; SLANTED, BIASED; of a race other than the white; especially NEGRO
colorfast adj. having color that does not fade or run -- colorfastness n.
colossal adj. of very great size or degree
colossus n. a gigantic statue; one resembling a colossus especially in size
colour n. British spelling of COLOR
colporteur n. a peddler of religious books
colt n. FOAL; a young male horse, ass, or zebra
columbine n. a plant related to the buttercups that has showy spurred flowers
column n. one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page; a special department (as in a newspaper); a pillar supporting a roof or gallery; something resembling such a column <a column of water>; a long row (as of soldiers) -- columnar adj.
columnist n. one who writes a newspaper column
coma n. a state of deep unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison -- comatose adj.
comb n. a toothed instrument for arranging the hair or for separating and cleaning textile fibers; a fleshy crest on the head of a fowl; HONEYCOMB -- comb v.
combat v. FIGHT, CONTEND; to struggle or work against; OPPOSE -- combat n. -- combatant n. -- combative adj.
comber n. one that combs; a long curling oceanic wave
combination n. the process of combining or being combined; a union or aggregation made by combining; a series of symbols which when dialed by a disk on a lock will open the lock
combine v. to become one; UNITE, JOIN; combine n. COMBINATION; especially one made to secure business or political advantage; a machine that harvests and threshes grain while moving over the field
combings n. pl. loose hairs or fibers removed by a comb
combo n. pl. combos; a small jazz or dance band
combustible adj. apt to catch fire; FLAMMABLE -- combustible n.
combustion n. the process of burning; slow oxidation (as in the animal body)
come v. came; come; coming; APPROACH; ARRIVE; to reach the point of being or getting <come to a boil>; to have a place in a series, calendar, or scale; ORIGINATE, ARISE; to be available; REACH, EXTEND; AMOUNT
comeback n. RETORT; a return to a former position or condition (as of health or prosperity)
comedian n. an actor in comedy; an amusing person
comedienne n. an actress who plays comedy
comedown n. a descent in rank or dignity
comedy n. a light amusing play with a happy ending; a literary work treating a comic theme or written in a comic style
comely adj. good-looking; HANDSOME -- comeliness n.
comestible adj. EDIBLE; comestible n. FOOD -- usually pl.
comet n. a fuzzy heavenly body that often when in the part of its orbit near the sun develops a cloudy tail and that moves in an orbit around the sun in a period from three to thousands of years
comeuppance n. a deserved rebuke or penalty
comfit n. a candied fruit or nut
comfort n. CONSOLATION; freedom from pain, trouble, or anxiety; something that gives such freedom -- comfortless adj.; comfort v. to give strength and hope to; CONSOLE
comfortable adj. providing comfort; more than adequate; feeling at ease; enjoying comfort -- comfortably adv.
comforter n. one that comforts; QUILT
comfy adj. COMFORTABLE
comic adj. relating to comedy; provoking laughter; LUDICROUS; laughable, funny -- comical adj.; comic n. COMEDIAN; a magazine composed of comic strips
coming adj. APPROACHING, NEXT; gaining importance
comity n. friendly civility; COURTESY
comma n. a punctuation mark, used as a mark of separation within the sentence
command v. to direct authoritatively; ORDER; DOMINATE, CONTROL, GOVERN; to overlook from a strategic position; command n. the act of commanding; an order given; ability to control; MASTERY; a body of troops under a commander
commandant n. an officer in command
commandeer v. to seize for military purposes
commander n. LEADER, CHIEF; especially an officer commanding an army or subdivision of an army; a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a captain
commandment n. COMMAND, ORDER; especially any of the Ten Commandments
commando n. pl. -dos or -does; a member of a military unit trained for surprise raids
commemorate v. to call or recall to mind; to serve as a memorial of -- commemoration n.
commemorative adj. intended to commemorate an event <a commemorative postage stamp>
commence v. BEGIN, START
commencement n. the act or time of a beginning; the graduation exercises of a school or college
commend v. to commit to one's care; RECOMMEND; PRAISE -- commendable adj. -- commendation n.
commensurate adj. equal in measure or extent; PROPORTIONATE, CORRESPONDING
comment n. an expression of opinion; an explanatory, illustrative, or critical note or observation; REMARK -- comment v.
commentary n. a systematic series of comments
commentator n. one who comments; especially one who gives talks on news events on radio or television
commerce n. the buying and selling of commodities; TRADE
commercial adj. having to do with commerce; designed for profit or for mass appeal -- commercially adv.; commercial n. an advertisement broadcast on radio or television
commercialism n. a spirit, method, or practice characteristic of business
commercialize v. to treat in a business way especially so as to yield profit
commination n. DENUNCIATION -- comminatory adj.
commingle v. MINGLE, BLEND
commiserate v. to feel or express pity; SYMPATHIZE -- commiseration n.
commissar n. a Communist party official assigned to a military unit to teach and enforce party principles and policy
commissariat n. a system for supplying troops with food; a department headed by a commissar
commissary n. a store for equipment and provisions especially for military personnel
commission n. a warrant granting certain powers and imposing certain duties; authority to act as agent for another; something to be done by an agent; a body of persons charged with performing a duty; the doing of some act; the thing done
commissioner n. a person given a commission; a member of a commission; an official in charge of a department of public service -- commissionership n.
commit v. -mitted; -mitting; to put into charge or trust; ENTRUST <committed the children to the care of a friend>; TRANSFER, CONSIGN; to put in a prison or mental institution; PERPETRATE <commit a crime>
committee n. a body of persons selected to consider and act or report on some matter -- committeeman n.
commode n. a movable washstand with cupboard underneath
commodious adj. comfortably spacious; ROOMY
commodity n. a product of agriculture or mining; an article of commerce
commodore n. a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a rear admiral; an officer commanding a group of merchant ships; the chief officer of a yacht club
common adj. belonging to or serving the community; PUBLIC; shared by a number in a group; widely or generally known, found, or observed; FAMILIAR; ORDINARY, USUAL; not above the average especially in social status; universal, mutual, popular
commonalty n. the common people
commoner n. one of the common people; one having no rank of nobility
commonplace n. something (as a remark) that is ordinary or trite; commonplace adj. not remarkable; ORDINARY
commonweal n. the general welfare; archaic: COMMONWEALTH
commonwealth n. the body of people politically organized into a state; STATE; an association or federation of autonomous states
commotion n. AGITATION; DISTURBANCE, UPRISING
communal adj. relating to a commune or to organization in communes; of or belonging to a community; marked by collective ownership and use of property
commune v. to communicate intimately; consult, negotiate; commune n. the common people; the smallest administrative district in some European countries
communicable adj. capable of being communicated <communicable diseases>
communicant n. a church member entitled to receive Communion; one who communicates; especially INFORMANT
communicate v. TRANSMIT, IMPART; to make known; to receive Communion; to be in communication; JOIN, CONNECT <the rooms communicate>
communication n. an act of transmitting; exchange of information or opinions; MESSAGE; a means of communicating -- communicative adj.
communion n. a sharing of something with others; mutual intercourse; cap: a Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are partaken of as a commemoration of the death of Christ; cap: the act of receiving the sacrament
communique n. an official communication
communism n. social organization in which goods are held in common; a theory of social organization advocating common ownership of means of production and an equal distribution of products of industry
community n. a body of people living in the same place under the same laws; a natural population of plants and animals occupying a common area; society at large; joint ownership; AGREEMENT, CONCORD
commutation n. substitution of one form of payment or penalty for another
commutator n. a device (as on a generator or motor) for changing the direction of electric current
commute v. EXCHANGE; to substitute a less severe penalty for (one more severe); to travel back and forth regularly -- commuter n.
compact adj. SOLID, DENSE; BRIEF, SUCCINCT; filling a small space or area -- compactly adv. -- compactness n.; compact v. to pack together; COMPRESS; compact n. a small case for cosmetics; a small automobile; compact n. AGREEMENT, COVENANT
companion n. an intimate friend or associate; COMRADE; one of a pair of matching things -- companionable adj. -- companionless adj. -- companionship n.; companion n. COMPANIONWAY
companionway n. a ship's stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another
company n. association with others; FELLOWSHIP; COMPANIONS; RETINUE; an association of persons for carrying on a business; a group of musical or dramatic performers; GUESTS; an infantry unit normally commanded by a captain
comparable adj. capable of being compared; parallel, similar, like, alike
comparative adj. of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes increase in quality, quantity, or relation; RELATIVE <a comparative stranger> -- comparatively adv.
compare v. to represent as like something; LIKEN; to examine for likenesses and differences; to inflect or modify (as adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison; compare n. COMPARISON
comparison n. act of comparing; relative estimate; change in the form of an adjective or adverb to show different levels of quality, quantity, or relation
compartment n. a section of an enclosed space; ROOM; a separate division
compartmentalize v. to separate into compartments
compass v. CONTRIVE, PLOT; to bring about; ACHIEVE; to make a circuit of; SURROUND; compass n. BOUNDARY, CIRCUMFERENCE; an enclosed space; RANGE, SCOPE
compassion n. sympathetic feeling; PITY, MERCY -- compassionate adj.
compatible adj. able to exist or act together harmoniously <compatible colors> <compatible drugs>; consonant, congenial, sympathetic -- compatibility n.
compatriot n. a fellow countryman
compeer n. EQUAL, PEER
compel v. to drive or urge with force; CONSTRAIN
compendium n. pl. -diums or -dia; a brief summary of a larger work or a field of knowledge
compensate v. to be equivalent to in value or effect; COUNTERBALANCE; PAY, REMUNERATE; balance, offset, recompense, repay, satisfy -- compensation n. -- compensatory adj.
compete v. CONTEND, VIE
competence n. adequate means for subsistence; FITNESS, ABILITY
competency n. COMPETENCE
competent adj. CAPABLE, FIT, QUALIFIED
competition n. the act of competing; RIVALRY; CONTEST, MATCH -- competitive adj. -- competitively adv.
competitor n. one that competes; especially a rival in selling or buying
compile v. to collect (literary materials) into a volume; to compose out of materials from other documents -- compilation n. -- compiler n.
complacence n. SATISFACTION; especially SELF-SATISFACTION -- complacent adj. -- complacently adv.
complacency n. COMPLACENCE
complain v. to express grief, pain, or discontent; to make a formal accusation -- complainant n.
complaint n. expression of grief or discontent; a bodily ailment or disease; a formal accusation against a person
complaisance n. disposition to please; AFFABILITY -- complaisant adj.
complement n. a quantity needed to make a thing complete; full quantity, number, or amount; an added word by which a predication is made complete -- complementary adj.; complement v. to be complementary to; fill out
complete adj. having no part lacking; ENDED; fully realized; THOROUGH -- completely adv. -- completeness n. -- completion n.; complete v. to make whole or perfect; FINISH, CONCLUDE
complex adj. composed of two or more parts; consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses <complex sentence>; COMPLICATED, INTRICATE -- complexity n.
complexion n. the hue or appearance of the skin especially of the face; general appearance; ASPECT
compliance n. the act of complying to a demand or proposal; a disposition to yield -- compliant adj.
compliancy n. COMPLIANCE
complicate v. to make or become complex or intricate -- complication n.
complicated adj. consisting of parts intricately combined; difficult to analyze, understand, or explain -- complicatedly adv. -- complicatedness n.
complicity n. state of being an accomplice; PARTICIPATION
compliment n. an expression of approval or courtesy; especially a flattering remark; pl: formal greeting; compliment v. to pay a compliment to
complimentary adj. containing or expressing a compliment; given free as a courtesy <complimentary ticket>
comply v. ACQUIESCE, YIELD
component n. a component part; ingredient, element; component adj. serving to form a part of; CONSTITUENT
comport v. AGREE, ACCORD; CONDUCT <comport himself honorably>; behave
comportment n. BEHAVIOR, BEARING
compose v. to form by putting together; FASHION; ADJUST, ARRANGE; CALM, QUIET; to set type for printing; to practice composition <compose music> -- composed adj. -- composedly adv. -- composer n.
composite adj. made up of distinct parts or elements; of, relating to, or being a large group of flowering plants (as the daisy) that bear many small flowers united into compact heads resembling single flowers; blend, compound, mixture
composition n. the act of composing; especially arrangement of elements in artistic form; the art or practice of writing; MAKEUP, CONSTITUTION; COMBINATION; a literary, musical, or artistic product; especially ESSAY; the composing of type
compositor n. one who sets type
compost n. a fertilizing material consisting largely of decayed organic matter
composure n. CALMNESS, SELF-POSSESSION
compote n. fruits cooked in syrup; a bowl (as of glass) usually with a base and stem from which compotes, fruits, nuts, or sweets are served
compound v. COMBINE; to form by combining parts <compound a medicine>; SETTLE <compound a dispute>; to increase (as interest) by an amount that itself increases; to add to; to forbear prosecution of (an offense) in return for some reward
comprehend v. UNDERSTAND; INCLUDE -- comprehensible adj. -- comprehension n. -- comprehensive adj.
compress v. to squeeze together; CONDENSE; constrict, contract, shrink -- compressed adj. -- compression n. -- compressor n.; compress n. a soft often wet or medicated pad used to press upon an injured bodily part
comprise v. INCLUDE, CONTAIN; to be made up of; to make up; CONSTITUTE
compromise n. a settlement of differences reached by mutual concessions; the agreement thus made; compromise v. to settle by compromise; to endanger the reputation of; expose to discredit
comptroller n. an official who audits and supervises expenditures and accounts
compulsion n. COERCION; an irresistible impulse; constraint, force, violence, restraint -- compulsive adj. -- compulsory adj.
compunction n. anxiety arising from guilt; REMORSE
compute v. CALCULATE, RECKON -- computation n.
computer n. an automatic electronic machine for calculating
comrade n. COMPANION, ASSOCIATE -- comradeship n.
con v. conned; conning; STUDY; MEMORIZE; con adv. in opposition; AGAINST; con n. an opposing argument, person, or position; con v. conned; conning; SWINDLE; COAX, CAJOLE
concatenation n. a series connected like links in a chain
concave adj. curved or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl -- concavity n.
conceal v. to place out of sight; HIDE -- concealment n.
concede v. to admit to be true; GRANT, YIELD; allow, accord, award
conceit n. excessively high opinion of oneself, one's appearance, or ability; VANITY; an elaborate or strained metaphor -- conceited adj.
conceive v. to become pregnant; to form an idea of; THINK, IMAGINE -- conceivable adj. -- conceivably adv.
concentrate v. to gather into one body, mass, or force; to make less dilute; to fix one's powers, efforts, or attentions on one thing
concentration n. the act or process of concentrating; the state of being concentrated; especially direction of attention on a single object; the relative content of a component; STRENGTH <the concentration of salt in a solution>
concentric adj. having a common center <concentric circles drawn one within another>; COAXIAL
concept n. THOUGHT, NOTION, IDEA -- conceptual adj.
conception n. the act of conceiving or being conceived; BEGINNING; the power to form ideas or concepts; IDEA, CONCEPT
concern v. to relate to; to be the business of; INVOLVE; ENGAGE, OCCUPY; concern n. AFFAIR, MATTER; INTEREST, ANXIETY; a business organization; business, care, worry
concerned adj. ANXIOUS, TROUBLED
concerning prep. relating to; REGARDING
concernment n. something in which one is concerned; IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE
concert v. to plan together; to act in conjunction or harmony; concert n. agreement in a plan or design; a concerted action; a musical performance by several instruments or voices
concerted adj. mutually agreed on
concertina n. an instrument of the accordion family
concertmaster n. the leader of the first violins and assistant conductor of an orchestra
concerto n. pl. -ti or -tos; a symphonic piece for one or more solo instruments and orchestra
concession n. an act of conceding or yielding; something yielded; ADMISSION, ACKNOWLEDGMENT; a grant by a government of land or of a right to use it; a grant of a portion of premises for some specific purpose -- concessionaire n.
concessive adj. tending toward, expressing, or being a concession
conch n. pl. conchs or conches; a large spiral-shelled marine mollusk
concierge n. an attendant at the entrance of a building especially in France who observes those entering and leaving, handles mail, and acts as a janitor or porter
conciliate v. to win over from a state of hostility; to gain the goodwill of -- conciliation n. -- conciliatory adj.
concise adj. expressing much in few words; TERSE, SUCCINCT -- conciseness n.
conclave n. a private gathering (as of Roman Catholic cardinals); CONVENTION
conclude v. to bring to a close; END; DECIDE, JUDGE; to bring about as a result <conclude an agreement>; close, finish, terminate, complete, gather, infer
conclusion n. the logical consequence of a reasoning process; INFERENCE; TERMINATION, END; OUTCOME, RESULT -- conclusive adj. -- conclusively adv.
concoct v. to prepare by combining diverse ingredients; DEVISE <concoct a scheme> -- concoction n.
concomitant adj. ACCOMPANYING, ATTENDING -- concomitant n.
concord n. AGREEMENT, HARMONY
concordance n. AGREEMENT; an alphabetical index of words in a book or in an author's works with the passages in which they occur
concordant adj. HARMONIOUS, AGREEING
concordat n. AGREEMENT, COVENANT
concourse n. a flocking together of people; GATHERING; an open place where roads meet or crowds may gather
concrescence n. a growing together -- concrescent adj.
concrete adj. united in solid form; naming a real thing or class of things; not abstract; not theoretical; ACTUAL; made of or relating to concrete; specific, particular, special; concrete n. a hard building material made by mixing cement, sand
concretion n. a hard mass especially when formed abnormally in the body
concubine n. a woman who is not legally a wife but lives with a man and has a recognized position in his household -- concubinage n.
concupiscence n. ardent sexual desire; LUST
concur v. -curred; -curring; COINCIDE; to act together; AGREE; unite, combine, cooperate
concurrence n. CONJUNCTION, COINCIDENCE; agreement in action or opinion
concurrent adj. happening or operating at the same time; joint and equal in authority
concussion n. SHOCK, SHAKING; a sharp sudden blow or collision; bodily injury (as to the brain) resulting from a sudden jar
condemn v. to declare to be wrong; to convict of guilt; to sentence judicially; to pronounce unfit for use <condemn a building>; to declare forfeited or taken for public use; denounce, censure, blame, criticize, doom
condense v. to make or become more compact or dense; CONCENTRATE; to change from vapor to liquid; contract, shrink, deflate -- condensation n. -- condenser n.
condescend v. to assume an air of superiority; stoop, deign -- condescendingly adv. -- condescension n.
condiment n. something used to make food savory; especially a pungent seasoning (as pepper)
condition n. something essential to the occurrence of some other thing; pl: state of affairs; CIRCUMSTANCES; state of being; station in life; social rank; state in respect to fitness (as for action or use); especially state of health
conditional adj. containing, implying, or depending upon a condition
condole v. to express sympathetic sorrow -- condolence n.
condominium n. joint sovereignty (as by two or more nations); a politically dependent territory under condominium; individual ownership of a unit in a multi-unit structure (as an apartment)
condone v. to overlook or forgive (an offense) by treating the offender as if he had done nothing wrong; excuse, pardon -- condonation n.
condor n. a very large western American vulture
conduce v. to lead or contribute to a result -- conducive adj.
conduct n. MANAGEMENT, DIRECTION; BEHAVIOR; conduct v. GUIDE, ESCORT; MANAGE, DIRECT; to serve as a channel for; CONVEY, TRANSMIT; BEHAVE, BEAR <conduct himself honorably> -- conduction n.
conductive adj. having the power to conduct (as heat or electricity) -- conductance n. -- conductivity n.
conductor n. one that conducts; a collector of fares in a public conveyance; the leader of a musical ensemble
conduit n. a channel (as a pipe or aqueduct) for conveying fluid; a tube or trough for protecting electric wires or cables
cone n. the scaly fruit of trees of the pine family; a solid figure whose base is a circle and whose sides taper evenly up to an apex; something having a similar shape
coney n. a rabbit or its fur
confabulation n. familiar talk; CHAT; CONFERENCE
confection n. a fancy dish or sweet; CANDY
confectioner n. a maker of or dealer in confections (as candies)
confectionery n. CANDIES; a confectioner's place of business
confederacy n. LEAGUE, ALLIANCE; cap: the 11 southern states that seceded from the U.S. in 1860 and 1861
confederate adj. united in a league; ALLIED; cap: of or relating to the Confederacy; confederate n. ALLY; ACCOMPLICE; cap: an adherent of the Confederacy; confederate v. to unite in a confederacy or a conspiracy
confederation n. act of confederating; ALLIANCE, LEAGUE
confer v. -ferred; -ferring; GRANT, BESTOW; to exchange views; CONSULT -- conferee n.
conference n. an interchange of views; a meeting for this purpose
confess v. to acknowledge or disclose one's misdeed, fault, or sin; to acknowledge one's sins to God or to a priest; to receive the confession of (a penitent); admit, own
confessedly adv. by confession; ADMITTEDLY
confession n. an act of confessing (as in the sacrament of penance); an acknowledgment of guilt; a formal statement of religious beliefs; a religious body having a common creed -- confessional adj.
confessional n. a place where a priest hears confessions
confessor n. one that confesses; a priest who hears confessions
confetti n. bits of colored paper or ribbon for throwing about in celebration
confidant n. one to whom secrets are confided
confide v. to have or show faith; TRUST <confide in a friend>; to tell confidentially <confide a secret>; ENTRUST
confidence n. TRUST, RELIANCE; SELF-ASSURANCE, BOLDNESS; a state of trust or intimacy -- confident adj. -- confidently adv.
confidential adj. SECRET, PRIVATE; enjoying or treated with confidence <confidential clerk> -- confidentially adv.
configuration n. structural arrangement of parts; SHAPE
confine v. to keep within limits; RESTRAIN; IMPRISON; to restrict to a particular place or situation (as from illness or duties) -- confinement n. -- confiner n.
confirm v. to make firm or firmer; RATIFY; VERIFY, CORROBORATE; to administer the rite of confirmation to -- confirmatory adj. -- confirmed adj.
confirmation n. an act of ratifying or corroborating; PROOF; a religious ceremony admitting a person to full membership in a church or synagogue
confiscate v. to take possession of by or as if by public authority -- confiscation n. -- confiscatory adj.
conflagration n. FIRE; especially a large disastrous fire
conflict n. WAR; clash between hostile or opposing elements or ideas; conflict v. to show antagonism or irreconcilability; CLASH
confluence n. the meeting or place of meeting of two or more streams; a flocking together; CROWD -- confluent adj.
conflux n. CONFLUENCE
conform v. to make or be like; AGREE, ACCORD; to obey customs or standards -- conformable adj.
conformance n. CONFORMITY
conformation n. arrangement and congruity of parts; FORM
conformity n. HARMONY, AGREEMENT; COMPLIANCE, OBEDIENCE
confound v. to throw into disorder or confusion; DISMAY; to mix up; CONFUSE; bewilder, puzzle, perplex, mistake
confraternity n. a society devoted to a religious or charitable cause
confrere n. COLLEAGUE, COMRADE
confront v. to face especially in challenge; OPPOSE; to cause to face or meet
confuse v. to make mentally unclear or uncertain; to disturb the composure of; to mix up; JUMBLE; muddle, befuddle, mistake, confound -- confusedly adv.
confusion n. turmoil or uncertainty of mind; DISORDER, JUMBLE
confute v. to overwhelm by argument; REFUTE -- confutation n.
conga n. a Cuban dance of African origin performed by a group usually in single file
congeal v. FREEZE; to make or become hard or thick as if by freezing
congener n. one related to another
congenial adj. KINDRED, SYMPATHETIC; suited to one's taste or nature; AGREEABLE
congenital adj. existing at or dating from birth but usually not hereditary; inborn, innate
congeries n. AGGREGATION, COLLECTION
congest v. to cause excessive fullness of the blood vessels of (as a lung); to obstruct by overcrowding -- congestion n.
conglomerate adj. made up of parts from various sources; densely massed or clustered; conglomerate v. to form into a ball or mass -- conglomeration n.; conglomerate n. a mass formed of fragments from various sources
congratulate v. to express sympathetic pleasure to on account of success or good fortune; FELICITATE -- congratulation n. -- congratulatory adj.
congregate v. ASSEMBLE
congregation n. an assembly of persons met especially for worship; a group that habitually so meets; a company or order of religious persons under a common rule; the act or an instance of congregating
congregational adj. of or relating to a congregation; cap: observing the faith and practice of certain Protestant churches which recognize the independence of each congregation in church matters
congress n. an assembly especially of delegates for discussion and usually action on some question; the body of senators and representatives constituting a nation's legislature -- congressional adj.
congressman n. a member of a congress
congruence n. the quality of according or coinciding; CONGRUITY -- congruent adj.
congruency n. CONGRUENCE
congruity n. correspondence between things; AGREEMENT, HARMONY -- congruous adj.
conic adj. relating to or resembling a cone -- conical adj.
conifer n. a cone-bearing tree or shrub (as a pine) -- coniferous adj.
conjecture n. GUESS, SURMISE -- conjectural adj. -- conjecture v.
conjoin v. to join together; UNITE -- conjoint adj.
conjugal adj. of or relating to marriage; MATRIMONIAL
conjugate adj. united especially in pairs; COUPLED; of kindred origin and meaning <sing and song are conjugate>; conjugate v. INFLECT <conjugate a verb>; to join together; COUPLE
conjugation n. the act of conjugating; the state of being conjugated; a schematic arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb
conjunct adj. JOINED, UNITED
conjunction n. UNION, COMBINATION; occurrence at the same time; a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words
conjunctive adj. CONNECTIVE; CONJUNCT; being or functioning like a conjunction
conjuncture n. CONJUNCTION, UNION; a combination of circumstances or events especially producing a crisis
conjure v. to practice magic; especially to summon (as a devil) by sorcery; to practice sleight of hand; to implore earnestly or solemnly -- conjuration n. -- conjurer or conjuror n.
conk v. to break down; especially STALL <the motor conk out>
connect v. JOIN, LINK; to associate in one's mind -- connector n.
connection n. JUNCTION, UNION; logical relationship; COHERENCE; especially relation of a word to other words in a sentence; BOND, LINK; family relationship; relationship in social affairs or in business; a person related by blood or marriage
connective adj. connecting or functioning in connecting; JOINING; connective n. a word (as a conjunction) that connects words or word groups
conniption n. a fit of rage, hysteria, or alarm
connive v. to pretend ignorance of something one ought to oppose as wrong; to cooperate secretly; give secret aid -- connivance n.
connoisseur n. a critical judge in matters of art or taste
connotation n. a meaning in addition to or apart from the thing explicity named or described by a word
connotative adj. connoting or tending to connote; relating to connotation
connote v. to suggest or mean along with or in addition to the exact explicit meaning; to be associated with as a consequence or concomitant <guilt usually connote suffering>
connubial adj. of or relating to marriage; CONJUGAL
conquer v. to gain by force of arms; WIN; to get the better of; OVERCOME; defeat, subjugate, subdue, overthrow -- conqueror n.
conquest n. an act of conquering; VICTORY; something conquered
conquistador n. pl. -dores or -dors; CONQUEROR; especially a leader in the Spanish conquest of America and especially of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century
consanguinity n. blood relationship -- consanguineous adj.
conscience n. consciousness of the moral right and wrong of one's own acts or motives -- conscienceless adj.
conscientious adj. guided by one's own sense of right and wrong; scrupulous, honorable, honest, upright, just -- conscientiously adv.
conscious adj. AWARE; mentally awake or alert; not asleep or unconscious; known or felt by one's inner self; INTENTIONAL -- consciously adv. -- consciousness n.
conscript v. to enroll by compulsion for military or naval service -- conscript n. -- conscripttion n.
consecrate v. to induct (as a bishop) into an office with a religious rite; to make or declare sacred <consecrate a church>; to devote solemnly to a purpose -- consecration n.
consecutive adj. following in regular order; SUCCESSIVE -- consecutively adv.
consensus agreement in opinion, testimony, or belief; UNANIMITY; collective opinion
consent v. to give assent or approval; consent n. approval or acceptance of something done or proposed by another
consequence n. RESULT; IMPORTANCE; effect, outcome, significance
consequent adj. following as a result or effect -- consequently adv.
consequential adj. having significant consequences; showing self-importance
conservation n. PRESERVATION, PROTECTION; especially planned management of natural resources
conservationist n. one who advocates conservation especially of natural resources
conservatism n. disposition to keep to established ways; opposition to change
conservative adj. PRESERVATIVE; disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions; MODERATE, CAUTIOUS -- conservatively adv.; conservative n. one who adheres to traditional methods or views
conservator n. PROTECTOR, GUARDIAN; one named by a court to protect the interests of an incompetent (as a child)
conservatory n. GREENHOUSE; a place of instruction in one of the fine arts (as music)
conserve v. to keep from losing or wasting; PRESERVE; conserve n. CONFECTION; especially a candied fruit; PRESERVE; especially one prepared from a mixture of fruits
consider v. THINK, PONDER; HEED, REGARD; JUDGE, BELIEVE -- considered adj.
considerable adj. IMPORTANT; large in extent, amount, or degree -- considerably adv.
considerate adj. observant of the rights and feelings of others; thoughtful, attentive
consign v. to deliver formally; ENTRUST, COMMIT; ALLOT; to send (goods) to an agent for sale -- consignee n. -- consignor n.
consignment n. a shipment of goods consigned to an agent
consist v. to be inherent; LIE -- used with in; to be composed or made up <coal consist chiefly of carbon>
consistence n. CONSISTENCY
consistency n. COHESIVENESS, FIRMNESS; agreement or harmony in parts or of different things; UNIFORMITY <consistency of behavior> -- consistent adj. -- consistently adv.
consistory n. a solemn assembly (as of Roman Catholic cardinals)
console v. to soothe the grief of; COMFORT, SOLACE -- consolation n. -- consolatory adj.; console n. the desklike part of an organ at which the organist sits; a panel or cabinet for the controls of an electrical or mechanical device
consolidate v. to unite or become united into one whole; COMBINE; to make firm or secure; to form into a compact mass -- consolidation n.
consomme n. a clear soup that is essentially a well-seasoned meat broth
consonance n. AGREEMENT, HARMONY; repetition of consonants especially as an alternative to rhyme in verse
consonant adj. having consonance, harmony, or agreement; consistent, compatible, congruous, congenial, sympathetic; consonant n. a speech sound (as /p/, /g/, /n/, /l/, /s/
consort n. SPOUSE, MATE; a ship accompanying another for protection; consort v. to keep company; ASSOCIATE; ACCORD, HARMONIZE
consortium n. pl. -tia; an international business or banking agreement or combination
conspectus n. a brief survey or summary; OUTLINE, SYNOPSIS
constellation n. any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
consternation n. amazed dismay and confusion
constipation n. abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually hard dry feces -- constipate v.
constituency n. a body of constituents; an electoral district
constituent adj. COMPONENT; having power to elect; having power to frame or revise a constitution; constituent n. a component part; one entitled to vote for a representative for a district
constitute v. to appoint to an office or duty; to set up; ESTABLISH <constitute a law>; to make up; COMPOSE
constitution n. an established law or custom; the physical makeup of the individual; the structure, composition, or makeup of something <constitution of the sun>; the basic law in a politically organized body
constitutional n. an exercise (as a walk) taken for one's health
constitutionality n. the condition of being in accordance with the consitution of a nation or state
constitutive adj. CONSTITUENT, ESSENTIAL
constrain v. COMPEL, FORCE; CONFINE; RESTRAIN
constraint n. COMPULSION; RESTRAINT; unnaturalness of manner produced by a repression of one's natural feelings; EMBARRASSMENT
constrict v. to draw together; SQUEEZE -- constriction n. -- constrictive adj.
construct v. BUILD, MAKE -- constructor n.
construction n. the art, process, or manner of building; something built; STRUCTURE; INTERPRETATION; syntactical arrangement of words in a sentence -- constructive adj.
constructionist n. one who construes an instrument (as the U.S. Constitution) in a specific way <a strict constructionist>
construe v. to explain the mutual relations of words in a sentence; TRANSLATE; EXPLAIN, INTERPRET
consubstantiation n. the actual substantial presence and combination of the body of Christ with the eucharistic bread and wine
consul n. a chief magistrate of the Roman republic; an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country to care for the commerical interests of citizens of his own country -- consular adj. -- consulate n. -- consulship n.
consult v. to ask the advice or opinion of; CONFER -- consultant n. -- consultation n.
consume v. DESTROY <consumed by fire>; to spend wastefully; to eat up; DEVOUR; to absorb the attention of; ENGROSS -- consumer n.
consummate adj. COMPLETE, PERFECT; finished, accomplished; consummate v. to make complete; FINISH, ACHIEVE -- consummation n.
consumption n. the act of consuming or using up; the use of economic goods; progressive bodily wasting away; TUBERCULOSIS
consumptive adj. DESTRUCTIVE, WASTEFUL; relating to or affected with bodily consumption; consumptive n. a consumptive person
contact n. a touching or meeting of bodies; ASSOCIATION, RELATIONSHIP; CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION; contact v. to come or bring into contact; TOUCH; to get in communication with
contagion n. the passing of disease by contact; a contagious disease; its causative agent; transmission of an influence on the mind or emotions
contagious adj. communicable by contact; relating to contagion or to contagious diseases
contain v. ENCLOSE, INCLUDE; to have within; HOLD; RESTRAIN
container n. RECEPTACLE; especially one for shipment of goods
contaminant n. something that contaminates
contaminate v. to soil, stain, or infect by contact or association -- contamination n.
contemn v. to view or treat with contempt
contemplate v. to view or consider with continued attention; INTEND -- contemplation n. -- contemplative adj.
contemporaneous adj. CONTEMPORARY
contemporary adj. occurring or existing at the same time; being of the same age; marked by characteristics of the present period; MODERN -- contemporary n.
contempt n. the act of despising; the state of mind of one who despises; DISDAIN; DISGRACE; disobedience to or open disrespect of a court or legislative body
contemptuous adj. feeling or expressing contempt -- contemptuously adv.
contend v. to strive against rivals or difficulties; ARGUE, DEBATE; MAINTAIN, CLAIM -- contender n.
content adj. SATISFIED; content v. SATISFY; especially to limit (oneself) in requirements or actions; content n. CONTENTMENT; content n. something contained <content of a room> <content of a bottle>
contented adj. SATISFIED -- contentedly adv. -- contentedness n.
contention n. CONTEST, STRIFE -- contentious adj.
contentment n. ease of mind; SATISFACTION
conterminous adj. having the same or a common boundary -- conterminously adv.
contest v. to engage in strife; FIGHT, STRUGGLE; CHALLENGE, DISPUTE -- contestant n.; contest n. STRUGGLE, FIGHT; COMPETITION
context n. the part of a discourse surrounding a word or group of words that helps to explain the meaning of the word or word group; the circumstances surrounding an act or event
contiguous adj. being in contact; TOUCHING; NEXT, ADJOINING -- contiguity n.
continence n. SELF-RESTRAINT; especially voluntary refraining from sexual intercourse; ability to retain a bodily discharge -- continent adj.
continent n. one of the grand divisions of land on the globe; cap: the continent of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles
continental adj. of or relating to a continent; especially of or relating to the continent of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles; of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S. <Continental Congress>
contingency n. a chance or possible event
contingent adj. liable but not certain to happen; POSSIBLE; happening by chance; not planned; CONDITIONAL; dependent on something that may or may not occur; accidental, casual, incidental
continuance n. a continuing in a state or course of action; DURATION; unbroken succession; adjournment of legal proceedings
continuation n. extension or prolongation of a state or activity; resumption after an interruption; something that carries on after a pause or break
continue v. to remain in a place or condition; ABIDE, STAY; ENDURE, LAST; PERSEVERE; to resume (as a story) after an intermission; EXTEND; to keep (a legal case) on the calendar or undecided
continuity n. the condition of being continuous; something that continues without a break; especially a motion-picture scenario
continuous adj. continuing without interruption; UNBROKEN -- continuously adv.
continuum n. pl. -ua or -uums; something that is the same throughout; something consisting of a series of variations or of a sequence of things in regular order
contort v. to twist out of shape; DEFORM, DISTORT -- contortion n.
contortionist n. an acrobat who puts himself into unusual postures
contour n. OUTLINE <contour of a mountain against the sky>; SHAPE, FORM -- usually pl. <the contour of a statue>
contraband n. goods legally prohibited in trade; smuggled goods
contraception n. intentional prevention of conception -- contraceptive adj. or n.
contract n. a binding agreement; COVENANT; an undertaking to win a specified number of tricks in contract bridge -- contractual adj. -- contractually adv.; contract v. to establish or undertake by contract; CATCH <contract a disease>; SHRINK, LESSEN
contractile adj. able to contract -- contractility n.
contradict v. to state the contrary of; deny the truth of -- contradiction n. -- contradictory adj.
contradistinction n. distinction by contrast <painting in contradistinction to sculpture>
contrail n. streaks of condensed water vapor created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes
contralto n. the lowest female voice; a singer having such a voice
contraption n. CONTRIVANCE, DEVICE
contrapuntal adj. of or relating to counterpoint
contrariety n. the state of being contrary; DISAGREEMENT, INCONSISTENCY
contrariwise adv. on the contrary; NO; OPPOSITELY, CONVERSELY
contrary adj. opposite in nature or position; UNFAVORABLE; COUNTER, OPPOSED; tending to oppose or find fault; PERVERSE -- contrarily adv. -- contrary n. or adv.
contrast n. unlikeness as shown when things are compared; DIFFERENCE; diversity of adjacent parts in color, emotion, tone, or brightness <a photograph with good contrast>; contrast v. to show differences when compared
contravene v. to go or act contrary to <contravene a law>; CONTRADICT <a proposition that is not likely to be contravened>
contretemps n. pl. contretemps; an inopportune embarrassing occurrence
contribute v. to give along with others (as to a fund); supply or furnish a share to; HELP, ASSIST -- contribution n. -- contributor n. -- contributory adj.
contrite adj. PENITENT, REPENTANT -- contrition n.
contrivance n. SCHEME, PLAN; a mechanical device; APPLIANCE
contrive v. PLAN, DEVISE; FRAME, MAKE; to bring about with difficulty; EFFECT -- contriver n.
control v. -trolled; -trolling; to exercise restraining or directing influence over; REGULATE; DOMINATE, RULE; control n. power to direct or regulate; RESERVE, RESTRAINT; a device for regulating a mechanism <the control of an airplane>
controller n. COMPTROLLER; one that controls
controversy n. a clash of opposing views; DISPUTE -- controversial adj.
controvert v. DENY, CONTRADICT -- controvertible adj.
contumacious adj. stubbornly resisting or disobeying authority; rebellious, insubordinate -- contumacy n.
contumelious adj. insolently abusive and humiliating
contumely n. contemptuous treatment; INSULT
contusion n. BRUISE -- contuse v.
conundrum n. RIDDLE
conurbation n. a continuous network of urban communities
convalesce v. to recover health gradually -- convalescence n. -- convalescent adj. or n.
convection n. a circulatory motion in fluids due to warmer portions rising and colder denser portions sinking; the transfer of heat by such motion
convene v. ASSEMBLE, MEET
convenience n. SUITABLENESS; personal comfort; EASE; a labor-saving device; a suitable time
convenient adj. suited to one's comfort or ease; placed near at hand -- conveniently adv.
convent n. a local community or house of a religious order especially of nuns -- conventual adj.
conventicle n. MEETING; especially a secret meeting for worship
convention n. an agreement especially between states on a matter of common concern; MEETING, ASSEMBLY; a body of delegates convened for some purpose; fixed usage; accepted way of acting; a social form sanctioned by general custom
conventional adj. sanctioned by general custom; COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY; formal, ceremonial -- conventionality n.
conventionalize v. to make conventional
converge v. to approach one common center or single point -- convergence or convergency n. -- convergent adj.
conversant adj. having knowledge and experience
conversation n. an informal talking together -- conversational adj.
converse v. to engage in conversation -- converse n.; converse n. CONVERSATION; converse adj. reversed in order or relation -- conversely adv.; converse n. a statement related to another statement by having the parts reversed or interchanged; OPPOSITE
conversion n. a change in nature or form; an experience associated with a decisive adoption of religion; illegal seizure and use of property of another person
convert v. to turn from one belief or party to another; TRANSFORM, CHANGE; MISAPPROPRIATE; EXCHANGE -- converter or convertor n. -- convertible adj.; convert n. one who has undergone religious conversion
convertible n. an automobile with a top that may be lowered or removed
convex adj. curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere or circle -- convexity n.
convey v. CARRY, TRANSPORT; TRANSMIT, TRANSFER -- conveyer or conveyor n.
conveyance n. the act of conveying; VEHICLE; a legal paper transferring ownership of property
convict n. a person convicted of a serious crime; convict v. to prove or find guilty
conviction n. the act of convicting especially in a court; a being convinced; strong belief; positive opinion
convince v. to bring by demonstration or argument to a sure belief -- convincing adj. -- convincingly adv.
convivial adj. enjoying companionship and the pleasures of feasting and drinking; JOVIAL, FESTIVE -- conviviality n. -- convivially adv.
convocation n. a ceremonial assembly (as of clergymen); the act of convoking
convoke v. to call together to a meeting
convoluted adj. folded in curved or tortuous windings; INVOLVED, INTRICATE
convolution n. a winding or coiling together; a tortuous or sinuous structure; especially one of the ridges of the brain
convoy v. to accompany for protection; convoy n. one that convoys; especially a protective escort for ships, persons, or goods
convulse v. to agitate violently
convulsion n. an abnormal and violent involuntary contraction or series of contractions of muscle; a violent disturbance -- convulsive adj. -- convulsively adv.
cony variant of CONEY
coo n. a soft low sound made by doves or pigeons; a sound like this -- coo v.
cook n. one who prepares food for eating; cook v. to prepare food for eating; to subject to heat or fire
cookbook n. a book of cooking directions and recipes
cookery n. the art or practice of cooking
cookie n. a small sweet flat cake
cookout n. an outing at which a meal is cooked and served in the open
cookstove n. a stove for cooking
cooky n. a small sweet flat cake
cool adj. moderately cold; protecting from heat; not excited; CALM; not ardent; indicating dislike; IMPUDENT; stated without exaggeration; chilly, composed, collected, unruffled, nonchalant -- coolly adv. -- coolness n.; cool v. to make or become cool
coolant n. a usually fluid cooling agent
cooler n. REFRIGERATOR; JAIL, PRISON
coolie n. an unskilled laborer in the Far East
coon n. RACCOON
coop n. a small enclosure or building usually for poultry; coop v. to confine in or as if in a coop
cooper n. one who makes or repairs barrels or casks -- cooper v. -- cooperage n.
cooperate v. to act jointly with another or others -- cooperation n. -- cooperator n.
cooperative adj. willing to work with others; of or relating to an association formed to enable its members to buy or sell to better advantage by eliminating middlemen's profits; cooperative n. a cooperative association
coordinate adj. equal in rank or order; of equal rank in a compound sentence <coordinate clause>; joining words or word groups of the same rank; coordinate n. one of a set of numbers used in specifying the location of a point on a surface or in space
coot n. a dark-colored ducklike bird of the rail group
cootie n. a body louse
cop n. POLICEMAN
copartner n. PARTNER
cope n. a long cloaklike ecclesiastical vestment; cope v. to struggle to overcome problems or difficulties
copilot n. an assistant airplane pilot
coping n. the top layer of a wall
copious adj. LAVISH, ABUNDANT -- copiously adv. -- copiousness n.
copper n. a malleable reddish metallic chemical element that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity; something made of cooper; especially PENNY -- coppery adj.
copperas n. a green sulfate of iron used in dyeing and in making inks
copperhead n. a largely coppery brown venomous snake of upland eastern U.S.
coppice n. THICKET
copra n. dried coconut meat yielding coconut oil
copse n. THICKET
copula n. a verb (as be, seem, feel, grow, turn) that links a subject with its predicate -- copulative adj.
copulate v. to engage in sexual intercourse -- copulation n.
copy n. an imitation or reproduction of an original work; PATTERN; material (as manuscript) to be set up for printing; duplicate; copy v. to make a copy of; IMITATE -- copyist n.
copybook n. a book containing copies especially of penmanship for learners to imitate
copyboy n. one that carries copy and runs errands (as in a newspaper office)
copycat n. a sedulous imitator
copydesk n. the desk at which newspaper copy is edited
copyreader n. one who edits and writes headlines for newspaper copy; one who reads and corrects manuscript copy in a publishing house
copyright n. the sole right to reproduce, publish, and sell a literary or artistic work; copyright v. to secure a copyright on
coquet v. -quetted; -quetting; FLIRT -- coquetry n.
coquette v. -quetted; -quetting; FLIRT -- coquetry n.
coracle n. a boat made of hoops covered with horsehide or tarpaulin
coral n. a stony or horny material that forms the skeleton of colonies of tiny sea polyps and includes a red form used in jewelry; a coral-forming polyp or polyp colony; a deep pink color
corbel n. a bracket-shaped architectural member that projects from a wall and supports a weight
cord n. a usually heavy string consisting of several strands woven or twisted together; a long slender anatomical structure (as a tendon or nerve); a cubic measure used especially for firewood and equal to a stack 4x4x8 feet; a rib or ridge on cloth
cordage n. ROPES, CORDS; especially ropes in the rigging of a ship
cordial adj. warmly receptive or welcoming; HEARTFELT, HEARTY -- cordiality n. -- cordially adv.; cordial n. a stimulating medicine or drink; LIQUEUR
cordillera n. a group of mountain ranges
cordoba n. unit of currency
cordon n. an ornamental cord; an encircling line composed of individual units
cordovan n. a soft fine-grained leather
corduroy n. a heavy ribbed fabric; also, pl. trousers of this material
cordwainer n. SHOEMAKER
core n. the central usually inedible part of some fruits (as the apple); an inmost part of something; GIST, ESSENCE; core v. to take out the core of
corespondent n. a person named as guilty of adultery with the defendant in a divorce suit
cork n. the tough elastic bark of a European oak (cork oak) used for stoppers and insulation; a stopper of this; a tissue making up most of the bark of a woody plant -- cork v. -- corky adj.
corkscrew n. a device for drawing corks from bottles
cormorant n. a greedy dark seabird used in the Orient to catch fish
corn n. the seeds of a cereal grass and especially of the chief cereal crop of a region; a cereal grass; MAIZE; sweet corn served as a vegetable; corn v. to salt (as beef) in brine and preservatives
corncob n. the axis on which the kernels of Indian corn are arranged
corncrib n. a crib for storing ears of Indian corn
cornea n. the transparent part of the coat of the eyeball covering the iris and the pupil -- corneal adj.
corner n. the point or angle formed by the meeting of lines, edges, or sides; the place where two streets come together; a quiet secluded place; a position from which retreat or escape is impossible
cornerstone n. a stone forming part of a corner in a wall; especially such a stone laid with special ceremonies; something of basic importance
cornet n. a brass band instrument resembling the trumpet
cornflower n. a pink-, blue-, or white-flowered garden plant related to the daisies
cornice n. the horizontal projecting part crowning the wall of a building
cornmeal n. meal ground from corn
cornstalk n. a stalk of Indian corn
cornstarch n. a starch made from corn and used in cookery as a thickening agent
cornucopia n. a goat's horn shown filled with fruits and grain emblematic of abundance
corny adj. mawkishly old-fashioned or countrified; tiresomely simple or sentimental <corny music>
corolla n. the petals of a flower
corollary n. a deduction from a proposition already proved true; CONSEQUENCE, RESULT
corona n. a colored ring surrounding the sun or moon; especially a shining ring around the sun seen during eclipses
coronach n. DIRGE
coronal n. a circlet for the head
coronary adj. of or relating to the heart or its blood vessels; coronary n. coronary disease
coronation n. the ceremony attending the crowning of a monarch
coroner n. a public official whose chief duty is to investigate the causes of deaths possibly not due to natural causes
coronet n. a small crown indicating rank lower than sovereignty; an ornamental band worn around the temples
corporal adj. BODILY, PHYSICAL <corporal punishment>; corporal n. a noncommissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a sergeant
corporate adj. combined into one body; INCORPORATED; belonging to an incorporated body
corporation n. a political body legally authorized to act as a person; a legal creation authorized to act with the rights and liabilities of a person <a business corporation>
corporeal adj. PHYSICAL, MATERIAL; BODILY
corps n. pl. corps; an organized subdivision of a country's military forces <the Marine Corps>; a group acting under common direction
corpse n. a dead body
corpulence n. excessive fatness -- corpulent adj.
corpulency n. excessive fatness -- corpulent adj.
corpus n. pl. corpora; BODY; especially CORPSE; a body of writings
corpuscle n. a minute particle; a living cell; especially one (as in blood or cartilage) not aggregated into continuous tissues
corral n. an enclosure for confining or capturing animals; an enclosure for defense -- corral v.
correct v. to make right; REPROVE, CHASTISE -- correction n. -- corrective adj.; correct adj. agreeing with fact or truth; conforming to a conventional standard -- correctly adv. -- correctness n.
correlate v. to connect in a systematic way; establish the mutual relations existing between -- correlation n.
correlative adj. reciprocally related; regularly used together (as either and or) -- correlative n.
correspond v. to be in agreement; SUIT, MATCH; to communicate by letter
correspondence n. agreement between particular things; communication by letters; the letters exchanged
correspondent adj. SIMILAR; FITTING, CONFORMING; correspondent n. something that corresponds to some other thing; a person with whom one communicates by letter; a person employed to contribute news regularly from a place
corridor n. a passageway into which compartments or rooms open (as in a hotel or school); a narrow strip of land especially through foreign-held territory
corrigendum n. pl. -da; an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet
corroborate v. to support with evidence; CONFIRM -- corroboration n. -- corroborative adj. -- corroboratory adj.
corrode v. to eat or be eaten away gradually (as by action of rust or of a chemical) -- corrosion n. -- corrosive adj. or n.
corrugate v. to form into wrinkles or ridges and grooves -- corrugated adj. -- corrugation n.
corrupt v. to make evil; DEPRAVE; especially BRIBE; TAINT -- corruptible adj. -- corruption n.; corrupt adj. DEPRAVED, DEBASED
corsage n. the waist of a woman's dress; a bouquet worn or carried by a woman
corsair n. PIRATE; a pirate's ship
corset n. a stiffened undergarment worn by women to give shape to the waist and hips
cortege n. PROCESSION; especially a funeral procession
cortex n. pl. cortices or cortexes; an outer or covering layer of an organism or one of its parts <the kidney cortex> <cortex of a plant stem>; especially the outer layer of gray matter of the brain -- cortical adj.
cortisone n. a steroid adrenal hormone used in treating arthritis
corundum n. a very hard aluminum-containing mineral used as an abrasive or in some crystalline forms as a gem
coruscate v. FLASH, SPARKLE -- coruscation n.
corvette n. a naval sailing ship smaller than a frigate; a lightly armed escort ship smaller than a destroyer
coryza n. an inflammatory disorder of the upper respiratory tract; the common cold
cosignatory n. a joint signer
cosmetic n. an external application intended to beautify the complexion; cosmetic adj. relating to beautifying the physical appearance
cosmetologist n. one who gives beauty treatments (as to skin and hair) -- cosmetology n.
cosmic adj. of or relating to the cosmos; VAST, GRAND
cosmogony n. the origin or creation of the world or universe
cosmology n. a study dealing with the origin and structure of the universe -- cosmological adj.
cosmonaut n. ASTRONAUT
cosmopolitan adj. belonging to all the world; not local; universal -- cosmopolitan n.
cosmos n. UNIVERSE; a tall garden herb related to the daisies
cossack n. a member of a group of frontiersmen of southern Russia organized as cavalry in the czarist army
cost n. the amount paid or asked for a thing; PRICE; the loss or penalty incurred in gaining something; OUTLAY; cost v. cost; costing; to require a specified amount in payment; to cause to pay, suffer, or lose
costly adj. of great cost or value; not cheap; dear, valuable -- costliness n.
costume n. CLOTHES, ATTIRE; a suit or dress characteristic of a period or country -- costumer n. -- costumier n.
cosy variant of COZY
cot n. a small house; COTTAGE; cot n. a small often collapsible bed (as of canvas stretched on a frame)
cote n. a small shed or coop (as for sheep or doves)
coterie n. an intimate often exclusive group of persons with a common interest
coterminal adj. having the same or coincident boundaries
coterminous adj. coextensive in scope or duration
cotillion n. an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners executed under the leadership of one couple at formal balls; a formal ball
cottage n. a small house -- cottager n.
cottar n. a farm laborer occupying a cottage and often a small holding
cotter n. a farm laborer occupying a cottage and often a small holding
cotton n. a soft fibrous usually white substance composed of hairs attached to the seeds of a plant related to the mallow; thread or cloth made of cotton -- cottony adj.
cottonseed n. the seed of the cotton plant yielding a protein-rich meal and a fixed oil (cottonseed oil) used especially in cooking
cottontail n. an American rabbit with a white-tufted tail
cottonwood n. a poplar with cottony hair on its seed
cotyledon n. the first leaf or one of the first pair or whorl of leaves developed by a seed plant
couch v. to lie or place on a couch; to phrase in a certain manner; couch n. a bed or sofa for resting or sleeping
couchant adj. lying down with the head raised <coat of arms with lion couchant>
cougar n. a large tawny wild American cat
cough v. to force air from the lungs with short sharp noises; to expel by coughing -- cough n.
could past tense of CAN -- used as an auxiliary in the past or as a polite or less forceful alternative to can in the present
council n. ASSEMBLY, MEETING; an official body of lawmakers <a city council> -- councillor or councilor n. -- councilman n.
counsel n. ADVICE; deliberation together; a plan of action; LAWYER; counsel v. -seled or -selled; -seling; -selling; ADVISE, RECOMMEND; to consult together
counsellor n. ADVISER; LAWYER
counselor n. ADVISER; LAWYER
count v. to name one by one in order to find the total number; to recite numbers in order; CONSIDER, ESTEEM; RELY <you can count on him>; to be of value or account -- countable adj.; count n. the act of counting; the total obtained by counting
countdown n. an audible backward counting off (as in seconds) to indicate the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)
countenance n. the human face especially as an indicator of mood or character; FAVOR, APPROVAL; countenance v. SANCTION, TOLERATE
counter n. a device used in counting or in games; a level surface (as a board) over which business is transacted, food is served, or work is conducted; counter v. to act in opposition to; OPPOSE, OFFSET; counter adv. in an opposite direction; CONTRARY
counteract v. to lessen the force of; OFFSET <counteract the effect of poison> <counteract an evil influence> -- counteractive adj.
counterattack n. an attack made to oppose an enemy's attack -- counterattack v.
counterbalance n. a weight or influence that balances another; counterbalance v. to oppose with equal weight or influence
counterclaim n. an opposing claim especially in law
counterclockwise adv. (or adj); in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate
counterespionage n. the attempt to discover and defeat enemy espionage
counterfeit v. to copy or imitate in order to deceive; PRETEND, FEIGN -- counterfeiter n.; counterfeit adj. SHAM, SPURIOUS; FORGED; counterfeit n. something made to imitate another thing with a view to defraud; fraud, sham, fake, imposture, deceit
counterintelligence n. organized activities of an intelligence service designed to counter the activities of an enemy's intelligence service
counterman n. one who tends a counter (as in a lunchroom)
countermand v. to withdraw (an order already given) by a contrary order
countermeasure n. an action undertaken to counter another
counteroffensive n. a large-scale military offensive undertaken by a force previously on the defensive
counterpane n. BEDSPREAD
counterpart n. a person or thing very closely like or corresponding to another person or thing
counterpoint n. music in which one melody is accompanied by one or more other melodies all woven into a harmonious whole
counterpoise n. COUNTERBALANCE
counterrevolution n. a revolution opposed to a former revolution
countersign n. a confirmatory signature added to a writing already signed by another person; a secret signal that must be given by a person who wishes to pass a guard; countersign v. to add a confirmatory signature to -- countersignature n.
countersink v. to form a flaring depression around the top of (a hole in wood or metal made to receive a screw or bolt); to sink (a screw or bolt) in such a depression -- countersink n.
countertenor n. a tenor with an unusually high range
counterweight n. COUNTERBALANCE
countess n. the wife or widow of a count or an earl; a woman holding the rank of a count or an earl in her own right
countinghouse n. a building or office for keeping books and conducting business
countless adj. INNUMERABLE
countrified adj. looking or acting like a person from the country; RUSTIC
country n. REGION, DISTRICT; the territory of a nation; FATHERLAND; NATION; rural regions as opposed to towns and cities
countryfied adj. looking or acting like a person from the country; RUSTIC
countryman n. an inhabitant of a certain country; COMPATRIOT; one raised in the country; RUSTIC
countryside n. a rural area or its people
county n. the domain of a count or earl; a territorial division of a country or state for purposes of local government
coup n. a brilliant sudden stroke or stratagem
coupe n. a closed carriage for two persons inside with an outside seat for the driver in front; usu coupe: a 2-door automobile with an enclosed body and separate luggage compartment
couple v. to link together; JOIN, CONNECT, PAIR; couple n. BOND, TIE; PAIR; two persons closely associated; especially a man and a woman married or otherwise paired
couplet n. two successive rhyming lines of verse
coupling n. CONNECTION; a device for connecting two parts or things
coupon n. a certificate attached to a bond showing interest due and designed to be cut off and presented for payment; a certificate given to a purchaser of goods and redeemable in merchandise or cash
courage n. ability to conquer fear or despair; BRAVERY, VALOR -- courageous adj. -- courageously adv.
courier n. one who bears messages or information for the diplomatic or military services; a tourists' guide
course n. PROGRESS, PASSAGE; direction of progress; the ground or path over which something moves; the part of a meal served at one time; an ordered series of acts or proceedings; sequence of events; method of procedure; CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR
courser n. a swift or spirited horse
court n. the residence of a sovereign or similar dignitary; a sovereign and his officials and advisers as a governing power; an assembly of the retinue of a sovereign; an open space enclosed by a building or buildings
courteous adj. marked by respect for others; CIVIL, POLITE -- courteously adv.
courtesan n. PROSTITUTE
courtesy n. courteous behavoir; POLITENESS; a favor courteously performed
courthouse n. a building in a town or city for holding courts of law; a building for housing county offices
courtier n. a person in attendance at a royal court
courtly adj. REFINED, ELEGANT, POLITE; courteous, civil -- courtliness n.
courtroom n. a room in which a court of law is held
courtship n. the act of courting; WOOING
courtyard n. an enclosure attached to a house or palace
cousin n. a child of one's uncle or aunt
cove n. a trough for lights at the upper part of a wall; a small sheltered inlet or bay
coven n. an assembly or band of witches
covenant n. a formal binding agreement; COMPACT -- covenant v.
cover v. to place something over or upon; CLOTHE; to bring or hold within range of a firearm; PROTECT, SHIELD; INCLUDE, COMPRISE; HIDE, CONCEAL; to have as one's field of activity
coverage n. the act or fact of covering; the total group covered; SCOPE
coverall n. a one-piece outer garment worn to protect one's clothes -- usually pl.
coverlet n. BEDSPREAD
covert adj. HIDDEN, SECRET; SHELTERED -- covertly adv.; covert n. a secret or sheltered place; especially a thicket sheltering game; a feather covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird
covet v. to desire enviously; long for -- covetous adj. -- covetousness n.
covey n. a bird with her brood of young; a small flock (as of quail)
cow n. the mature female of cattle or of an animal (as the moose) of which the male is called bull; a domestic bovine animal irrespective of sex or age; cow v. INTIMIDATE, DAUNT, OVERAWE
coward n. one who lacks courage or shows shameful fear or timidity -- coward adj. -- cowardice n. -- cowardly adv. or adj.
cowboy n. one (as a mounted ranch hand) who tends or drives cattle
cower v. to shrink or crouch down from fear or cold; QUAIL
cowhide n. the hide of a cow; leather made from it; a coarse whip of braided rawhide
cowl n. a monk's hood; the top part of the front of the body of an automobile to which the windshield is attached
cowlick n. a turned-up tuft of hair that resists control
cowling n. a usually metal covering over the engine or another part of an airplane
cowpoke n. COWBOY
cowpuncher n. COWBOY
cowslip n. a yellow-flowered swamp plant; a yellow-flowered European primrose
coxcomb n. a conceited silly man; FOP
coxswain n. the steersman of a ship's boat or a racing shell
coy adj. BASHFUL, SHY; especially pretending shyness -- coyly adv. -- coyness n.
coyote n. a small wolf native to western North America
coypu n. a South American aquatic rodent with webbed feet and dorsal mammary glands; NUTRIA 2
cozen v. CHEAT, DEFRAUD -- cozenage n.
cozy adj. SNUG, COMFORTABLE -- cozily adv. -- coziness n.; cozy n. a padded covering for a vessel (as a teapot) to keep the contents hot
crab n. a crustacean with a short broad shell and small abdomen
crack v. to break with a sharp sudden sound; to fail in tone or become harsh <his voice crack>; to break without completely separating into parts; to subject (as a petroleum oil) to heat for breaking down into lighter products (as gasoline)
crackdown n. an act or instance of taking positive disciplinary action <a crackdown on gambling>
cracker n. FIRECRACKER; a dry thin crisp bakery product made of flour and water; cap: a native of Georgia or Florida
crackerjack n. something very excellent -- crackerjack adj.
crackle v. to make small sharp snapping noises; to develop fine cracks in a surface -- crackle n.
crackpot n. an eccentric person
cradle n. a baby's bed or cot; a place of origin and early development; a scythe for mowing grain; cradle v. to place in or as if in a cradle; NURSE, REAR
cradlesong n. LULLABY
craft n. ART, SKILL; an occupation requiring special skill; CUNNING, GUILE; pl. usu: craft a boat especially of small size; AIRCRAFT
craftsman n. a skilled artisan -- cratsmanship n.
crafty adj. CUNNING, DECEITFUL, SUBTLE -- craftiness n.
crag n. a steep rugged cliff or point of rock -- craggy adj.
cram v. crammed; cramming; to eat greedily; stuff with food; to pack in tight; JAM; to study rapidly under pressure for an examination
cramp n. a sudden painful contraction of muscle; sharp abdominal pains; cramp v. to affect with cramp; to restrain from free action; HAMPER; to turn (the front wheels) sharply to the side
cranberry n. the red acid berry of a trailing plant related to the heaths; this plant
crane n. a tall wading bird related to the rails; a machine for lifting and carrying heavy objects; crane v. to stretch one's neck to see better
cranium n. pl. -niums or -nia; SKULL; especially the part enclosing the brain -- cranial adj.
crank n. a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from it; a person with a mental twist especially on some one subject; a bad-tempered person; GROUCH
crankcase n. the housing of a crankshaft
crankshaft n. a shaft turning or driven by a crank
cranky adj. operating uncertainly or imperfectly; IRRITABLE
cranny n. CREVICE, CHINK
crape n. CREPE; especially black crepe used in mourning
craps n. a gambling game played with 2 dice
crapshooter n. a person who plays craps
crash v. to break noisily; SMASH; to bring down an airplane in such a way that it is damaged; crash n. a loud sound (as of things smashing); SMASH; COLLISION; a sudden failure (as of a business); the crashing of an airplane
crass adj. STUPID, GROSS -- crassly adv.
crate n. a container with spaces for ventilation -- crate v.
crater n. the depression around the opening of a volcano; a bowl-shaped depression
cravat n. NECKTIE
crave v. to ask earnestly; BEG; to long for; DESIRE
craven adj. COWARDLY -- craven n.
craving n. an urgent or abnormal desire
crawfish n. CRAYFISH; the spiny lobster
crawl v. to move slowly by drawing the body along the ground; to advance feebly or cautiously; to swarm with or as if with creeping things; to feel as if crawling creatures were swarming over one; crawl n. a very slow pace or advance
crayfish n. a freshwater crustacean like a lobster but smaller
crayon n. a stick of chalk or wax used for writing, drawing, or coloring; a drawing made with such material -- crayon v.
craze v. to make or become insane; craze n. FAD, MANIA
creak v. to make a prolonged squeaking or grating sound -- creak n. -- creaky adj.
cream n. the yellowish fat-rich part of milk; a thick smooth sauce, confection, or cosmetic; the choicest part; a pale yellow color -- creamy adj.; cream v. to prepare with a cream sauce; to beat or blend (butter) into creamy consistency
creamery n. an establishment where butter and cheese are made or milk and cream are prepared for sale
crease n. a mark or line made by or as if by folding -- crease v.
create v. to bring into being; cause to exist; MAKE, PRODUCE -- creative adj.
creation n. the act of creating or producing <creation of the world>; something that is created; all created things; WORLD
creator n. one that creates; MAKER, AUTHOR
creature n. a lower animal; a human being
creche n. a representation of the Nativity scene in the stable at Bethlehem
credence n. BELIEF
credential n. something that gives a basis for credit or confidence
credible adj. TRUSTWORTHY, BELIEVABLE -- credibility n.
credit n. the balance (as in a bank) in a person's favor; time given for payment for goods sold on trust; an accounting entry or payment received; BELIEF, FAITH; financial trustworthiness; ESTEEM; a source of honor or distinction; a unit of academic work
creditable adj. worthy of esteem or praise -- creditably adv.
creditor n. a person to whom money is owed
credo n. CREED
credulous adj. inclined to believe especially on slight evidence -- credulity n.
creed n. a statement of the essential beliefs of a religious faith
creek n. a small inlet; a stream smaller than a river and larger than a brook
creel n. a wickerwork basket especially for carrying fish
creep v. crept; creeping; CRAWL; to grow over a surface like ivy; to feel as though insects were crawling on the skin -- creep n. -- creeper n.
creepy adj. having or producing a nervous shivery fear
cremate v. to reduce (a dead body) to ashes with fire -- cremation n.
crematory n. a furnace for cremating; a structure containing such a furnace
crenelate v. to furnish with battlements -- crenallation n.
crenellate v. to furnish with battlements -- crenallation n.
creosote n. an oily liquid obtained by distillation of coal tar and used in preserving wood
crepe n. a light crinkled fabric of silk, rayon, wool, or cotton
crepuscular adj. of, relating to, or resembling twilight; active in the twilight <crepuscular insects>
crescendo adv. (or adj); increasing in loudness -- used as a direction in music -- crescendo n.
crescent n. the moon at any stage between new moon and first quarter and between last quarter and new moon; something shaped like the figure of the crescent moon with a convex and a concave edge
cress n. any of several salad plants related to the mustards
crest n. a tuft or process on the head of an animal (as a bird); the ridge at the top of a hill or a billow; a heraldic device -- crested adj. -- crestless adj.; crest v. CROWN; to reach the crest of; to rise to a crest <the river crest at eight feet>
crestfallen adj. DISPIRITED, DEJECTED
cretaceous adj. having the nature of or abounding in chalk
cretonne n. a strong unglazed cotton cloth for curtains and upholstery
crevasse n. a deep fissure especially in a glacier; a break in a levee
crevice n. a narrow fissure; CRACK
crew chiefly British past tense of CROW; crew n. a body of men trained to work together for certain purposes; the body of seamen who man a ship; the persons who man an airplane in flight
crib n. a manger for feeding animals; a building or bin for storage (as of grain); a small bedstead for a child; a translation prepared to aid a student in preparing a lesson; crib v. cribbed; cribbing; CONFINE, CRAMP; to put in a crib; STEAL
cribbage n. a card game usually played by 2 players and scored on a board (cribbage board)
crick n. a painful spasm of muscles (as of the neck)
cricket n. a leaping insect noted for the chirping notes of the males; cricket n. a game played with a bat and ball by 2 teams on a field with 2 wickets each defended by a batsman
crier n. one who calls out proclamations and announcements
crime n. a serious offense against the public law
criminal adj. involving or being a crime; relating to crime or its punishment -- criminality n. -- criminally adv.; criminal n. one who has committed a crime
criminology n. the scientific study of crime and criminals -- criminological adj. -- criminologist n.
crimp v. to cause to become crinkled, wavy, or bent <crimp hair> -- crimper n.; crimp n. something (as a curl in hair) produced by or as if by crimping
crimson n. a deep purplish red -- crimson adj.; crimson v. to make or become crimson
cringe v. to shrink in fear; WINCE, COWER, QUAIL
crinkle v. to turn or wind in many short bends or curves; WRINKLE, RIPPLE -- crinkle n. -- crinkly adj.
crinoline n. an open-weave cloth used for stiffening and lining; a full stiff skirt
cripple n. a lame or disabled person; cripple v. to make lame; DISABLE
crisis n. pl. crises; the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever; a decisive or critical moment
crisp adj. CURLY, WAVY; BRITTLE; being sharp and clear; LIVELY, SPARKLING; FIRM, FRESH <crisp lettuce>; FROSTY, SNAPPY; BRACING -- crisp v. -- crisply adv. -- crispness n. -- crispy adj.
crisscross n. a pattern of crossed lines; crisscross v. to mark with crossed lines; to go or pass back and forth; crisscross adv. CONTRARILY, AWRY
criterion n. STANDARD, TEST
critic n. one skilled in judging literary or artistic works; one inclined to find fault or complain
critical adj. inclined to criticize; requiring careful judgment; being a crisis; UNCERTAIN; relating to criticism or critics -- critically adv.
criticism n. the act of criticizing; especially CENSURE; a critical judgment or review; the art of judging expertly works of literature or art
criticize v. to judge as a critic; EVALUATE; to find fault; express criticism; blame, censure, condemn
critique n. a critical estimate or discussion
critter n. dial; CREATURE
croak n. a hoarse harsh cry (as of a frog) -- croak v.
crochet n. needlework done with a single thread and hooked needle -- crochet v.
crock n. a thick earthenware pot or jar
crockery n. EARTHENWARE
crocodile n. a thick-skinned long-bodied reptile of tropical and subtropical waters
crocus n. a low herb related to the irises with brightly colored flowers borne singly in early spring
croissant n. a rich cresent-shaped roll
crone n. a withered old woman
crony n. an intimate companion
crook n. a bent or curved implement; a bent or curved part; BEND, CURVE; SWINDLER, THIEF; crook v. to curve or bend sharply
crooked adj. having a crook; BENT, CURVED; DISHONEST
croon v. to sing in a low soft voice; to sing in half voice -- crooner n.
crop n. a pouch in the throat of many birds and insects where food is received; the handle of a whip; a short riding whip; something that can be harvested; the yield at harvest; crop v. cropped; cropping; to remove the tips of; cut off short
cropland n. land devoted to the production of plant crops
cropper n. a raiser of crops; especially SHARECROPPER
croquet n. a game in which mallets are used to drive wooden balls through a series of wickets set out on a lawn
croquette n. a roll or ball of hashed meat, fish, or vegetables fried in deep fat
crosier n. a staff carried by bishops and abbots
cross n. a structure consisting of an upright beam and a crossbar used especially by the ancient Romans for execution; a figure of the cross on which Christ was crucified used as a Christian symbol; a hybridizing of unlike individuals or strains
crossbar n. a transverse bar or piece
crossbones n. pl. two leg or arm bones placed or depicted crosswise
crossbow n. a medieval weapon consisting of a strong bow mounted crosswise on a stock
crossbreed v. HYBRIDIZE
crosscurrent n. a current running counter to another; a conflicting tendency
crosscut v. to cut or saw crosswise especially of the grain of wood; crosscut adj. made or used for crosscutting; cut across the grain; crosscut n. something that cuts through transversely <a crosscut through the park>
crosshatch v. to mark with a series of parallel lines that cross especially obliquely -- crosshatching n.
crossing n. a point of intersection (as of a street and a railroad track); a place for crossing something (as a street or river)
crosspiece n. a crosswise member (as of a figure or a structure)
crossroad n. a road that crosses a main road or runs between main roads; a place where roads meet -- usually pl.
crosswalk n. a specially marked path for pedestrians crossing a street
crosswise also crossways adv. so as to cross something; ACROSS -- crosswise adj.
crotch n. an angle formed by the parting of two legs, branches, or members
crotchet n. an odd notion; WHIM -- crotchety adj.
crouch v. to stoop over; CRINGE, COWER -- crouch n.
croup n. laryngitis especially of infants marked by a hoarse ringing cough and difficult breathing
croupier n. an employee of a gambling casino who collects and pays bets at a gaming table
crouton n. a small piece of toast
crow n. a large glossy black bird; crow v. crowed; crowing; to make the loud shrill sound characteristic of the rooster; to utter a sound expressive of pleasure; EXULT, GLOAT; BRAG, BOAST; crow n. the cry of the cock
crowbar n. a metal bar usually wedge-shaped at the end for use as a pry or lever
crowd v. to collect in numbers; THRONG; to press close; CRAM, STUFF; crowd n. a large number of people gathered together at random; THRONG
crowfoot n. BUTTERCUP
crown n. GARLAND; the title of champion in a sport; a royal headdress; cap: sovereign power; MONARCH; the top of the head; a British silver coin; something resembling a crown in shape, position, or use; especially a top part (as of a tree or tooth)
crucial adj. DECISIVE; SEVERE, TRYING
crucible n. a container used to hold a substance (as metal or ore) treated under great heat
crucifix n. a representation of Christ on the cross
crucifixion n. the act of crucifying; esp, cap; the execution of Christ on the cross
cruciform adj. cross-shaped
crucify v. to put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross; MORTIFY <crucify the flesh>; TORTURE, PERSECUTE
crude adj. not refined; RAW <crude oil> <crude statistics>; lacking grace, taste, tact, or polish; RUDE -- crudely adv. -- crudity n.
cruel adj. causing pain and suffering to others; MERCILESS -- cruelly adv. -- cruelty n.
cruet n. a glass bottle for oil or vinegar at the table
cruise v. to sail about touching at a series of ports; to travel for enjoyment; to travel about the streets at random; to travel at the most efficient operating speed <the cruising speed of an airplane> -- cruise n.
cruiser n. a fast moderately armored and gunned warship; a motorboat equipped for living aboard; a police car equipped with radio to maintain communication with headquarters
cruller n. a sweet cake made of egg batter fried in deep fat; North & Midland: an unraised doughnut
crumb n. a small fragment (as of bread); crumb v. to break into crumbs; to cover with crumbs
crumble v. to break into small pieces; DISINTEGRATE -- crumbly adj.
crumpet n. a small round cake made of unsweetened batter cooked on a griddle
crumple v. to crush together; RUMPLE; COLLAPSE
crunch v. to chew with a grinding noise; to grind or press with a crushing noise -- crunch n.
crusade n. cap: any of the expeditions in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries undertaken by Christian countries to recover the Holy Land from the Turks; a reforming enterprise undertaken with zeal -- crusade v. -- crusader n.
cruse n. a jar for water or oil
crush v. to squeeze out of shape; HUG, EMBRACE; to grind or pound to small bits; OVERWHELM, SUPPRESS; crush n. an act of crushing; a violent crowding; INFATUATION
crust n. the outside part of bread; a piece of old dry bread; the cover of a pie; a hard surface layer -- crustal adj. -- crusty adj.
crustacean n. any of a large group of mostly aquatic arthropods (as lobsters or crabs) having a firm crustlike shell
crutch n. a supporting device; especially a staff with a cross-piece at the top to fit under the armpit used by lame persons
crux n. a puzzling or difficult problem; a crucial point
cruzeiro n. unit of currency
cry v. to call out; SHOUT; WEEP; to proclaim publicly; to advertise wares by calling out; cry n. a loud outcry; APPEAL, ENTREATY; a fit of weeping; the characteristic sound uttered by an animal
crybaby n. one who cries easily or often
crypt n. a chamber wholly or partly underground
cryptic adj. MYSTERIOUS, ENIGMATIC
cryptogram n. a writing in cipher or code
cryptography n. the enciphering and deciphering of messages in secret code -- cryptographer n.
crystal n. transparent quartz; something resembling crystal (as in transparency); especially a clear glass used for table articles
crystallize v. to assume or cause to assume a crystalline structure or a fixed and definite shape -- crystallization n.
cub n. a young individual of some animals (as a fox, bear, or lion)
cubbyhole n. a snug or confined place (as for hiding); a small closet, cupboard, or compartment for storing things
cube n. a solid having 6 equal square sides; the product obtained by taking a number 3 times as a factor <27 is the cube of 3>; cube v. to raise to the third power <cube 3 to get 27>; to form into a cube; to cut into cubes
cubic adj. having the form of a cube; having three dimensions; being the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit -- cubical adj.
cubicle n. a sleeping compartment partitioned off from a large room; a small partitioned space
cubit n. an ancient measure of length equal to about 18 inches
cuckold n. a man whose wife is unfaithful
cuckoo n. a European bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds for them to hatch
cucumber n. a fleshy fruit related to the gourds and eaten as a vegetable
cud n. food brought up into the mouth by ruminating animals (as cows) from the first stomach to be chewed again
cuddle v. to lie close; SNUGGLE
cudgel n. a short heavy club -- cudgel v.
cue n. words or stage business serving as a signal for an entrance or for the next speaker to speak; HINT; cue n. a tapered rod for striking the balls in billiards
cuff n. a part (as of a sleeve or glove) encircling the wrist; the folded hem of a trouser leg; cuff v. to strike especially with the open hand; SLAP; cuff n. a blow with the hand especially when open
cuisine n. manner of cooking; the food so prepared
culinary adj. relating to cookery
cull v. to pick out from a group; CHOOSE; cull n. something rejected from a group or lot as worthless or inferior
cullender variant of COLANDER
culminate v. to form a summit; rise to the highest point -- culmination n.
culpable adj. deserving blame
culprit n. one accused or guilty of a crime; OFFENDER
cult n. formal religious veneration; a religious system; its adherents; faddish devotion; a group of persons showing such devotion -- cultist n.
cultivate v. to prepare for the raising of crops; to foster the growth of <cultivate vegetables>; REFINE, IMPROVE; ENCOURAGE, FURTHER -- cultivable adj. -- cultivatable adj. -- cultivation n. -- cultivator n.
culture n. TILLAGE, CULTIVATION; the growing of a particular crop <grape culture>; the act of developing by education and training; a stage of advancement in civilization -- cultural adj. -- culturally adv. -- cultured adj.
culvert n. a drain crossing under a road or railroad
cumber v. to weigh down; HAMPER, BURDEN -- cumbersome adj. -- cumbrous adj.
cummerbund n. a broad sash worn as a waistband
cumulative adj. increasing in force or value by successive additions
cumulus n. a massive cloud having a flat base and rounded outlines
cuneiform adj. wedge-shaped; composed of wedge-shaped characters <cuneiform alphabet>
cunning adj. contrived with skill; CRAFTY, SLY; CLEVER; prettily appealing -- cunningly adv.; cunning n. SKILL; CRAFTINESS, SLYNESS
cup n. a small bowl-shaped drinking vessel; the contents of a cup; communion wine; something resembling a cup; a small bowl or hollow -- cupful n.
cupbearer n. one who has the duty of filling and serving cups of wine
cupboard n. a small storage closet
cupcake n. a small cake baked in a cuplike mold
cupid n. a winged naked figure of an infant often with a bow and arrow that represents the god Cupid
cupidity n. excessive desire for money; AVARICE
cupola n. a small structure on top of a roof or building (as to complete a design or to serve as a lookout)
cur n. a mongrel dog
curate n. a clergyman in charge of a parish; a clergyman who assists a rector or vicar -- curacy n.
curative adj. relating to or used in the cure of diseases
curator n. CUSTODIAN; especially one in charge of a place of exhibit (as a museum or zoo)
curb n. a chain or strap on a bit used to check a horse; CHECK, RESTRAINT; a raised stone edging along a paved street; a market for trading in securities not listed on the stock exchange; curb v. to hold in or back; RESTRAIN
curbing n. the material for a curb; CURB
curd n. the thick protein-rich part of coagulated milk
curdle v. to form curds; SPOIL, SOUR
cure n. spiritual care; recovery or relief from disease; a curative agent; REMEDY; a course or period of treatment -- cureless adj.; cure v. to restore to health; HEAL, REMEDY; to process for storage or use <cure bacon>
curfew n. a regulation that specified persons (as children) be off the streets at a set hour of the evening; the sounding of a signal (as a bell) at this hour
curia n. the body of congregations, tribunals, and offices through which the pope governs the Roman Catholic Church
curio n. a small object valued for its rarity or beauty; an unusual or strange thing
curious adj. having a desire to investigate and learn; INQUISITIVE, PRYING; STRANGE, UNUSUAL; ODD, ECCENTRIC -- curiosity n. -- curiously adv.
curl v. to form into ringlets; CURVE, COIL -- curler n.; curl n. a lock of hair that coils; RINGLET; something having a spiral or twisted form -- curly adj.
curlew n. a long-legged brownish bird with a down-curved bill
curlicue n. a fancifully curved or spiral figure
currant n. a small seedless raisin; the acid berry of a shrub related to the gooseberry; this plant
currency n. general use or acceptance; something that is in circulation as a medium of exchange; MONEY
current adj. occurring in or belonging to the present; used as a medium of exchange; generally accepted or practiced; current n. continuous onward movement of a fluid; the swiftest part of a stream
curriculum n. pl. -ula or -ulums; a course of study offered by a school or one of its divisions
curry v. to dress the coat of (a horse) with a metal-toothed comb (currycomb) currycomb; to scrape (leather) until clean; curry n. a powder of blended spices used in cooking; a food seasoned with curry
curse n. a prayer for harm to come upon one; something that is cursed; something that comes as if in response to a curse; SCOURGE; curse v. to call on divine power to send injury upon; BLASPHEME; AFFLICT; execrate, damn, anathematize
cursive adj. written or formed with the strokes of the letters joined together and the angles rounded <cursive handwriting>
cursory adj. hastily and often superficially done; HASTY -- cursorily adv.
curt adj. rudely short or abrupt -- curtly adv.
curtail v. to cut off the end of; SHORTEN -- curtailment n.
curtain n. a hanging screen that can be drawn back especially at a window; the screen between the stage and auditorium of a theater -- curtain v.
curtsey n. a courteous bow made by women chiefly by bending the knees -- curtsy v.
curtsy n. a courteous bow made by women chiefly by bending the knees -- curtsy v.
curvature n. a measure or amount of curving; BEND
curve v. to bend from a straight line or course; curve n. a bending without angles; something curved; a ball thrown so that it swerves from its normal course
curvet n. a prancing leap of a horse -- curvet v.
cushion n. a stuffed bag or case for sitting on or lying against in comfort; the springy pad inside the rim of a billiard table; cushion v. to provide (as a seat) with a cushion; to soften or lessen the force or shock of
cusp n. a pointed end (as of a tooth)
cuspidor n. SPITTOON
custard n. a sweetened mixture of milk and eggs cooked until it is set
custodian n. one who has custody (as of a public building); KEEPER
custody n. immediate care or charge
custom n. habitual course of action; recognized usage; pl: taxes levied on imports; business patronage; custom adj. made to personal order; doing work only on order
customary adj. based on or established by custom <customary rent>; commonly practiced or observed; HABITUAL <customary courtesy> -- customarily adv.
customer n. BUYER, PURCHASER; especially a regular or frequent buyer
customhouse n. the building where customs are paid
cut v. cut; cutting; to penetrate or divide with a sharp edge; CLEAVE, GASH; to experience the growth of (a tooth) through the gum; SHORTEN, REDUCE; to remove by severing or parting; INTERSECT, CROSS; to strike sharply; to divide into parts
cutlery n. edged or cutting tools; especially implements for cutting and eating food -- cutler n.
cutlet n. a slice (as of veal) cut from the leg or ribs
cutoff n. the channel formed when a stream cuts through the neck of an oxbow; SHORTCUT; a device for cutting off
cutter n. a tool or a machine for cutting; a ship's boat for carrying stores and passengers; a small armed powerboat <coast guard cutter>; a light sleigh
cutting n. a piece of a plant able to grow into a new plant
cuttlefish n. a 10-armed mollusk related to the squid with an internal shell (cuttlebone) used in cage-bird feeding
cutup n. one that clowns or acts boisterously
cutworm n. a smooth-bodied moth larva that feeds on plants at night
cyanide n. a very poisonous potassium-containing or sodium-containing substance used especially in electroplating
cyclamen n. an herb related to the primroses and grown for its showy nodding flowers
cycle n. a period of time occupied by a series of events that repeat themselves regularly and in the same order; a recurring round of operations or events; one complete series of changes of value of an alternating current or an electromagnetic wave
cyclist n. one who rides a cycle
cyclometer n. a device which records the revolutions of a wheel and the distance covered
cyclone n. a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure and advances at 20 to 30 miles an hour; TORNADO -- cyclonic adj.
cyclopaedia n. ENCYCLOPEDIA
cyclopedia n. ENCYCLOPEDIA
cyclotron n. a device for giving high speed to charged particles by magnetic and electrical means
cygnet n. a young swan
cylinder n. the solid figure formed by turning a rectangle about one side as an axis; a body of this form; the rotating chamber in a revolver; the piston chamber in an engine -- cylindrical adj.
cymbal n. one of a pair of concave brass plates clashed together to make a ringing sound
cynic n. one who attributes all actions to selfish motives -- cynical adj. -- cynicism n.
cynosure n. a center of attraction
cypress n. a scaly-leaved evergreen tree related to the pines
cyst n. an abnormal closed bodily sac usually containing liquid -- cystic adj.
czar n. the ruler of Russia until 1917; one having great authority -- czarist n. or adj.
