Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency (A-C)

The Spelling Champ

Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with

Moderate Frequency (A-C)

TheSpellingChamp.com Website by Cole Shafer-Ray

Page 1 of 289

aardvark

abactor

abaft

abandon

abandonedlyadv

��2@ON[Q2[�Q�Y4��F > E + Ecfin a manner free from constraint.

It is well to live abandonedly fromtime to time.

abasement

abatis

abbatial

abducent

abductionn

��NO@Q2XÙ2[��L

the action of carrying (a person) offby force.

The abduction of Helen by Parisled to the Trojan War.

abecedarian

abendmusik

aberrance

aberrancy

aberrational

abetting

abhorredv

��2O@U<�2�_Q��L

detested extremely : loathed.

In the 60s many young peopleabhorred the thought of going towar.

abhorrent

abidev

��2@O6Q��E

[Note: The definition provided is

not the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] atone

for : pay for : suffer for.

Dale fears he will have to abidelast night’s eating binge.

Abidjanadj

��@NO2AW/[��Afr geog name

of or relating to Abidjan, capital of

the Ivory Coast from 1934 until1983.

Nell tuned to CNN to get the lateston the Abidjan protest.

abiencen

��@NO42[�a�`��L[has near homonym: adience]

tendency to withdraw from a

stimulus object or situation.Claudia’s painfully shy brothergave a perfect illustration ofabience at the school assembly.

abjoint

ablationn

��N@OY0Ù2[��L

[has near homonym: oblation]lowering of a land surface by wind

erosion or weathering agents.

Warming of polar seas leads toablation of the ice caps.

ablazeadj

��2@OY0g��E + E

radiant with light or bright color.

Soren’s yard was ablaze withlighted Christmas trees.

ablutionsn pl

��2@OYCÙ2[g��L > F > E

the washing of one’s body or part

of it.Carl nodded to Ivar, who wasmaking his morning ablutions atthe pump.

abnegate

abnegationn

��ANO[4@T0Ù2[��L

renunciation or denial.Monasticism involves thedisciplining, limitation, orabnegation of the material aspectsof human life.

abnormaladj

��NO@[<_Z2Y��L

differing from the typical.

In modern society, many peopleconsider it abnormal to live withoute-mail.

aboardadv

��2@O=�2�_Q��E

on or within a ship, railway car, orpassenger vehicle.

Spotting dorsal fins in the distance,Jeff swam back to the sailboat andpulled himself aboard.

abolitionistsn pl

��ANO2@YVÙ2[1à`��L + Ecffadvocates of doing away with

completely; specifically : advocatesof doing away with slavery.

African captives from the slave shipAmistad, aided by Americanabolitionists in a two-year legalbattle, were eventually freed.

abominate

aborted

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abranchiateadj

��0@O_N;X41a��Gk

lacking gills.

Salamanders develop into anabranchiate form as they mature.

abrogate

abrupt

abscission

absentmindedlyadv

��@NO`2[aAZ6[Q1QY4��L > F > E + E + Ecff

in a manner preoccupied to the

point of failure to respond toordinary demands on the attention.

Sal absentmindedly dunked hisdoughnut in his orange juice.

absolute

absolutelyadv

��ANO`2@YCaY4��L

in a manner that is not dependenton anything else.

The tall, rectangular buildingswere absolutely plain: Eachwindow and each entrance wereexactly like every other.

absolutize

absolve

absorbefacient

absorbent

absorption

abstemiously

abstergent

abstract

abstraction

abstrusity

absurd

abundant

abusive

abusively

abustle

abutment

abyss

abyssal

Abyssinianadj

��ANO2@`V[42[��E Afr geog nameof or relating to Ethiopia.

Paul collects Abyssinian tapestry.

academen

��@NX2AQ4Z��Gk > L

environment associated with aschool especially of higher

learning.

Joe is at ease with everyone butprefers the company of those whoare familiar with the halls ofacademe.

academiciann

��ANX2Q1@ZVÙ2[��Gk > Lone (as a professor or student) that

is associated with or a member of

an institution of learning (as auniversity).

Dr. Holtzclaw is the oldestacademician on campus.

academy

acanthusn

��2@XN[�a�aU2`��Gk

[Note: Could be confused withadjective acanthous.] any plant of a

genus of prickly herbs of the

Mediterranean region whose broadleaves are frequently represented in

sculptured architectural ornaments.The column’s capital featuredornamentation representing theleaves of an acanthus.

acarianadj

��2@XN�N�_42[��Gk > L

of, relating to, caused by, or having

the characteristics of a mite or tick.Acarian parasites have saclikebodies unbroken by segments.

accededv

��NX@`4Q2Q��L

[has near homonym: exceeded]expressed approval or gave

consent.

Jan was glad when Mrs. Taftreadily acceded to the proposalthat the two parties attend the eventtogether.

accent

accentuatev

��NX@`R[PU2Ad0a��L

give special attention to :emphasize.

The columns of the Egyptian templeaccentuate its height.

acceptable

acceptably

access

acciaccatura

accipitrine

acclaim

acclimated

acclivitous

accommodation

TheSpellingChamp.com2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

Page 3 of 289

accompanimentn

��2@X2Z]�2�[4Z2[a��L > F > E

an instrumental or vocal part

subordinate to and designed tosupport, amplify, or complement a

principal voice or instrument.

The chant followed a singlemelodic line with no instrumentalaccompaniment.

accompany

accomplish

accordance

accordion

accost

accostable

accostedv

��2@X<à1Q��L

approached and spoke to.Mr. Weston immediately accostedEmma with questions about herhealth.

accouchementn

��ANAXCÙ@Z/:��Flying-in; especially : parturition : a

state attending and consequent to

childbirth.Many insurance companies requirethat hospitals limit the period ofaccouchement to 24 hours.

account

accountantn

��2@XNB[a3[a��F

one skilled in the practice ofclassifying, recording, and

summarizing business and financial

transactions and analyzing,verifying, and reporting the results.

Every April Rhonda vows to hire anaccountant to figure her next year’staxes.

accredited

accretion

accretionaryadj

��2@X_4Ù2A[R_4��L

marked by or involving addition oraccumulation.

The accretionary hypothesis statesthat Earth has gradually grownlarger over time because of theinflux of meteorites and dustparticles from space.

acculturate

acculturationn

��2AX2YPU2@_0Ù2[��L + L + Lcf

a process of continuoustransmission of traits and elements

between diverse peoples, resulting

in new and blended patterns.The Spanish conquest of Mexicowas followed by a period ofacculturation.

accumbentadj

��2@X2ZO2[a��Lleaning or reclining especially at

meals.

Harriet ridiculed her brother’saccumbent posture as he ate a TVdinner.

accuracy

accustomedadj

��2@X2à2ZQ��L > F > E

in the habit or custom : established

in the practice.John was becoming quiteaccustomed to being called “Jack”by his friends.

acedia

acerbic

acetaldehyden

��AN`2G@NYQ2AU6Q��ISV + [Ar > Sp > L + Gk > L > G]

L + L + Gk)

a colorless volatile water-solubleliquid aldehyde of pungent odor

used chiefly in the production of

organic compounds.Acetaldehyde is often used in themanufacture of acetic acid.

acetaminophenn

��2A`4G2@ZV[2S1[��ISV

a crystalline compound used inmedicine instead of aspirin to

relieve pain and fever.

John took acetaminophen to relievehis headache.

aceticadj

��2@`4GVX��L > F

[Note: One of alternate

pronunciations has homonym:ascetic.] relating to or producing a

colorless liquid acid with a pungent

odor constituting the chief acid ofvinegar.

Morris enjoyed teasing his mom byaccusing her of putting acetic acidin his food.

acetonen

��@N`2Aa=[��L > G

a volatile fragrant flammable liquid

made by dehydrogenation ofisopropyl alcohol or by bacterial

fermentation and used chiefly as a

solvent.The simplest ketone is acetone, apleasant-smelling liquid that isused mainly as a solvent fororganic compounds.


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acharyan

��/@PU/_f2��Skt

a Hindu religious teacher : one

versed in the sacred writings of theHindus.

The acharya wrote a book in whichhe offered some innovative insightsinto the Bhagavad-Gita.

achieve

achievement

achievements

Achilleanadj

��ANX2@Y42[��Gk name

[has homonym: achilleine] like

Achilles, hero of Homer’s Iliad (asin strength, invincibility, or moody

and resentful wrath).

Troy’s approach in games is soAchillean that no one wants to playwith him.

achromatic

achy

acidn

��@N`1Q��La compound capable of reacting

with a base to form a salt,

reddening litmus, and evolvinghydrogen on reaction with certain

metals (as iron, zinc, tin).

The formula for every inorganicacid contains one or morehydrogen atoms as well as ananionic group.

acidify

acidosisn

��AN`2@Q=`1`��L + Gk > L

a condition of decreased alkalinityof the blood and tissues.

James was rushed to the emergencyroom, where he learned that he wassuffering from acidosis.

acidulous

aciniformadj

��2@`V[2AS<_Z��L + Ecfshaped like a cluster of grapes.

At the top of each column there wasa crude, aciniform pattern.

acknowledgedv

��VX@[/YVWQ��Econceded to be real or true :

admitted.

“That may be true,” heacknowledged, “but it’s completelyaccurate, and as long as theanswer is right, who cares if thequestion is wrong?”aclinal

acne

acoelousadj

��0@`4Y2`��Ecf + Gk + Ecf

lacking a true stomach or digestive

tract.It is difficult to think of acoelouscreatures like the sponge as beingtruly living creatures.

acoluthic

acotyledonn

��A0AX/G3Y@4G3[��Gk > L > F

a plant without seed leaves.The fern is a typical acotyledon.

acoustic

acoustical

acquaint

acquainted

acquiescedv

��ANXd4@Rà��L > F

accepted or complied tacitly or

passively.Until recently, Scott acquiesced inmost situations involving conflict.

acquire

acrimony

acrobaticadj

��ANX_2@ONGVX��Gk > Fperformed with body contortions or

tossing of one dancer by a partner.

Yasuko and Hiromi easily won thedance contest with their acrobaticversion of the tango.

acrocyanosisn

��ANX_=A`62@[=`1`��Gk

a disorder of the arterioles of theexposed parts of the hands and feet

intensified by exposure to cold and

resulting in bluish mottled skin.Jane had acute acrocyanosis afterbeing stranded on the snowy hikingtrail for hours.

acrolectn

��@NX_2AYRXa��Gk + Gkthe most prestigious language

variety of a community.

The British acrolect is defined bythe speech of the royal family.

acrolectal

acrophobian

��ANX_2@S=O42��Gkabnormal fear of being at a great

height.

Because of his acrophobia, Murraystayed at the bottom while the restof his class went to the top of theEmpire State Building.

across


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acrotarsium

acrylicsn pl

��2@X_VYVX`��(L + Gk + Ecf) > ISVpaints in which the vehicle is a

glasslike thermoplastic.

Judy enjoys going to the art supplystore and shopping for new tubes ofacrylics.

actinium

actinotherapyn

��ANXa2�A�[=@aUR_2]4��Gk > L

application for therapeutic purposes

of the chemically active rays of thespectrum.

Actinotherapy was the treatment ofchoice for Aletta’s malady.

activate

activator

actressy

actualityn

��ANXPU2@dNY2G4��Lthe act or state of existing in fact or

reality.

In actuality, the threateningshadows near the house were onlytrees and shrubs.

actuarial

acuity

acumination

acuteadj

��2@XfCa��L

having a sudden onset, sharp rise,and short course.

Acute appendicitis can be deadly ifnot diagnosed and treatedimmediately.

acuteness

adamant

adaptability

adaptable

addaxn

��@NAQNX`��L

a large light-colored antelope ofnorthern Africa, Arabia, and Syria

that has long spiraling horns.

The addax has a remarkable abilityto find patches of vegetation indesert areas.

addendum

additive

address

addressee

adduce

adductor

adeciduate

adenoiditisn

��ANQ3[A<V@Q6G1`��Gk

inflammation of the enlargedmasses of lymphoid tissue at the

back of the pharynx.

The doctor hoped to treat Kyle’sadenoiditis without resorting tosurgery.

adenoids

adeptly

adherendn

��NQ@UVA_R[Q��Lone of the bodies held to another by

a bonding substance such as glue.

The instructions on the packagesaid to spread a thin layer ofcement on each adherend andclamp them together overnight.

adhesive

adiabaticadj

��ANQ42@ONGVX��Gk

occurring without loss or gain of

heat by the substance concerned.Thermos bottles provide temporaryadiabatic storage of hot or coldbeverages.

adiosinterj

��A/Q5@=`��L > Sp—used to express farewell.

Amid cries of “adios” the happycouple departed for theirhoneymoon trip.

adiposity

adipsia

adjective

adjournmentn

��2@W2_[Z2[a��L > F > E

the act of putting off further

proceedings either indefinitely oruntil a later stated time.

Judge Harcourt refused to grantthe defendant’s request for anadjournment and ordered the trialto continue.

adjudicationn

��2AWCQ1@X0Ù2[��L

a judicial decision or sentence.The lawyer explained thatpreventive detention is actuallyimprisonment without anadjudication of guilt.

adjustable

adjustment

adjutant


Page 6 of 289

admeasurementn

��NQ@ZRgU2�_�Z2[a��L > F > E

dimensions, size.

The canal could handle a ship ofconsiderable admeasurement.

administer

administration

admirable

admiralty

admirern

��NQ@Z6_2�_��Lone that regards with wondering

esteem accompanied by pleasure

and delight.Long an admirer of Picasso’s art,Beth looked forward to attendingan exhibition of his works.

admiringlyadv

��2Q@Z6�2�_V;Y4��L > F + Ecffwith an elevated feeling of

pleasure.

Marcia gazed admiringly at hernewly purchased oil painting.

admissible

admission

admissive

admittance

admonishv

��NQ@Z/[VÙ��L > Fexpress warning or disapproval to

about remissness or error.

Mayor Richards hastened toadmonish the new clerk for herpoor manners on the telephone.

adoben

��2@Q=O4��Copt > Ar > Sp

building material of sun-dried earth

and straw.The hut made of adobe saggedsideways in the middle of the field.

adolesce

adolescentn

��ANQ3Y@R`3[a��L

one that is in the period of life from

puberty to maturity terminatinglegally at the age of majority.

As an adolescent, Mike enjoyedoutdoor activities with the BoyScouts.

adoptable

adopted

adoration

adornment

adrenergicadj

��ANQ_2@[2_WVX��L + Gkactivated by adrenaline.

When her child was threatened,Claire felt adrenergic strengthsurge through her body.

adroit

adscititious

adsorbent

adulation

adulteration

adust

adustiosisn

��2AQ2à4@=`1`��L + Gk

a physiological breakdown of the

rind of citrus fruit causing a reddishdiscoloration—called also “red

blotch.”

All the oranges in the crispersuffered from one stage or anotherof adustiosis.

advancement

advantageouslyadv

��ANQAcN[@a0W2`Y4��L > F > E

in a manner that is favorable,

profitable, beneficial.The most advantageously locatedcities are often on the banks ofrivers.

advectionn

��NQ@cRXÙ2[��Lthe horizontal movement of a mass

of air which causes changes in

temperature or in other physicalproperties of air.

The advection of warm, moist airover a cold surface often causesfog.

advenient

adventitiousadj

��ANQ�A�c2[@aVÙ2`��Lcoming from another source :

added or appended extrinsically

and not sharing original, essential,and intrinsic nature.

Researchers have been comparingthe carcinogenic risks of naturallyoccurring and adventitioussubstances in food.

adverbial

adversarial


Page 7 of 289

adversariesn pl

��@NQc2�_�A`R_4g��L > F > E

ones that contend with, oppose, or

resist.Cynthia’s adversaries in the tennistournament were not easilydefeated.

advisable

advising

aerator

aeroballistics

aerobatics

aerodynamics

aerophobia

aerophonen

��@N�2�_=AS=[��Gk

a wind instrument.A thin plate of birch bark used asan instrument is technicallydescribed as an aerophone with atongue but without a soundboard.

aeroplanktonn

��@N�2�_2A]YN;Xa2[��Gk + Gk

small airborne organisms (as flying

insects).The backyard barbecue was almostspoiled by pesky aeroplankton.

Aesculapianadj

��AR`Xf2@Y0]42[��Gk name

of or belonging to Aesculapius, theGreco-Roman god of medicine, or

the healing art.

The Aesculapian staff is the officialinsignia of the American MedicalAssociation.

affectationn

��ANASRX@a0Ù2[��L

manner of speech or behavior not

natural to one’s actual personalityor capabilities.

Stuart is the sort of man whocultivates his every affectation withloving care.

affeer

affenpinschern

��@NS2[A]V[PU2�_��Ga small dog having a stiff red, gray,

or black coat; pointed ears; and

bushy eyebrows, chin tuft, andmustache.

Erica’s affenpinscher escapedwhen she opened the door.

afferent

affination

affixv

��2@SVX`��L

attach physically, as with nails or

glue.Joanne asked the janitor to affix thebulletin board to the wall of hernew classroom.

affixed

afflictionn

��2@SYVXÙ2[��L

a state of pain, distress, or grief.John Addison wrote that somevirtues are seen only in affliction.

affrightedadj

��N@S_6G1Q��E

seized with sudden and great fearapproaching terror.

The hair of the affrighted catbristled.

afghann

��@NSATN[��Pashto

a blanket or shawl of colored wool,

knitted or crocheted in strips orsquares which are joined by sewing

or crocheting.

Mrs. Campbell knitted a stripedafghan as a housewarming presentfor her new neighbors.

afield

aforesaid

afoul

Afrikaansn

��@NS_1AX/[�a�`��L > D

a language that developed insouthern Africa from 17th-century

Dutch and is one of the official

languages of the Republic of SouthAfrica.

The South African president gavehis inaugural address in Afrikaans.

afterglown

��@NSa2�_�ATY=��E + Ethe light especially in the western

sky after sunset.

Pike’s Peak stood out majestic andbeautiful in the afterglow.

against

agallochn

��2@TNY2X��Dravidian > Gkthe soft resinous wood of an East

Indian tree that is burnt as a

perfume.A small piece of agallochsmoldered outside the Buddhisttemple.


Page 8 of 289

agathismn

��@NT2AaUVg2Z��Gk

the doctrine that all things tend

toward ultimate good.Whereas optimism holds that allthings are now for the best,agathism maintains that somehowthings will be good in the end.

aged

agency

aggrandize

aggrandizingv

��2@T_N[AQ6gV;��L > F

making appear great or greater :

exalting.Aggrandizing himself at everyopportunity, Seth sees no value inhumility.

aggressorn

��2@T_R`2�_��Lone that commits or practices an

offensive action or procedure;

especially : a nation that commitsan unprovoked overt hostile attack.

America is fortunate to be borderedby no nation that desires to be anaggressor.

aggrievedadj

��2@T_4cQ��L > F > E

troubled or distressed in spirit.

When Laurie’s father died, sheasked her aggrieved mother tocome to live with her.

agile

agilityn

��2@WVY2G4��L

quickness and dexterity of

movement.Mrs. Case moved with great agilityfor such an old woman.

agitationn

��ANW2@a0Ù2[��L

the persistent and sustained attempt

to arouse public feeling orinfluence public opinion (as by

appeals, discussions, or

demonstrations).A long agitation for nationalindependence, not a sudden revolt,severed the country’s ties with itsmotherland.

agnomenn

��NT@[=Z2[��L

an additional name or epithet.

Richard gets testy when people usethe agnomen the Lion-Heartedalong with his given name.

agonic

agonizev

��@NT2A[6g��Gk > L > F

endure torture, pain, or anguish.

Before the new pain medicationwas available, Alicia wouldagonize with her migraineheadaches for several days at atime.

agora

agravic

agricultural

agriculture

agrogorod

agronome

agronomistn

��2@T_/[2Z1à��L + Gk

a specialist in the branch of

agriculture that deals with cropproduction and soil management.

Last summer a Russian agronomistvisited Uncle Carl’s farm.

ahem

ahimsan

��2@UVZA`/��Skt

the doctrine of refraining from the

harming of others or the taking oflife.

Mahatma Gandhi went from villageto village trying to restore peace,preaching ahimsa.

aiguille

aiguillette

aiolin

��@6A=Y4��L > Prov

a sauce made of crushed garlic, eggyolks, olive oil, and lemon juice

and sometimes potato.

In the Mediterranean region, aioliis served with fish and potatoes :garlic mayonnaise.

airsickness

airstreamn

��@N�N��2�_Aà_4Z��Gk + E

a current of air : wind; especially :

a high-velocity wind at highaltitude.

Flying in the same direction as anairstream increases an airplane’sairspeed appreciably.

aitchn

��@0PU��L? > F

the letter h.

It is surprising in how many wordsthe aitch is silent.

alarmable

alarmist

alas

alba

album

alcazar


Page 9 of 289

alcogel

alcovesn pl

��@NYAX=cg��Ar > Sp > Frecessed parts (as breakfast nooks)

of rooms.

Silvio found that the alcoves in thelibrary were ideal spots forafternoon naps.

aldehyden

��@NYQ2AU6Q��Ar > Sp > L + Gk > L > G

any of a class of very reactiveorganic compounds that are

intermediate in state of oxidation.

Cinnamic aldehyde is a high molarmass aldehyde that has a pleasantodor and is used in themanufacture of perfumes.

alembicn

��2@YRZOVX��Gk > Ar > L > Fan apparatus usually made of glass

or metal formerly much used in

distillation.The sorcerer used an alembic inconcocting the invisibility potion.

alepidoten

��0@YR]2AQ=a��Gk

a fish without scales.The handsaw fish is a deep-seaalepidote.

aleuronat

algebraic

algebraicallyadv

��ANYW2@O_01X�2�Y4��Ar > L + Ecffin a manner of, relating to,

involving, or according to the laws

of algebra.The area of a rectangle isexpressed algebraically as “areaequals length times width.”

Algerianadj

��NY@WV_42[��African geog name

of, relating to, or characteristic of

Algeria, a country in northwestAfrica.

The Algerian vineyards that wereplanted under the French colonialrule have mostly fallen into ruin.

algometer

alienage

aliphaticadj

��ANY2@SNGVX��Gk

of, relating to, or derived from fat.Alison’s science fair project was astudy of the effectiveness of thealiphatic compounds used in soap.

aliveness

alkalify

alkydn

��@NYX1Q��ISV

any of a large group of

thermoplastic or thermosettingsynthetic resins used chiefly in

making protective coatings

characterized in general by theirgloss, flexibility, and good

weathering properties.

Alkyd is an important ingredient inpaint manufacturing.

allegationn

��ANY1@T0Ù2[��L

the act of asserting positively often

before a court.Patrick’s allegation that hisneighbor started the forest fire wastotally unfounded.

allegeable

allegiant

allegretto

alleviate

alleviationn

��2AY4c4@0Ù2[��L

relief, moderation (as of physical or

mental suffering).Pat was ready to follow anyrecommendation for alleviation ofher back pain.

alleyway

alliedadj

��@NAY6Q��L > F

joined by treaty or compact.The leaders agreed to form anallied army to defend against anyattack on their two countries.

allonymn

��@NY2A[VZ��Gka name that is assumed by an

author but that actually belongs to

another person.For his first novel, Allenconsidered using John Grisham asan allonym.

allotv

��2@Y\a��(Gmc + L) > F > Eassign as a share or portion to a

particular person or thing or for a

particular purpose.When the supervisor made theschedule, she failed to allot eachemployee time for a morning break.

allotment

allotted

allspice

alluren

��2@YB�2�_��L > F + Gmc > Fpower of attraction or fascination.

The allure of possible immortalitydrove the wizard to study the darkside of magic.

alluring


Page 10 of 289

allusionn

��2@YCgU2[��L

[has homonym: illusion] animplied indication or indirect

reference.

Gwen’s essay made much of theauthor’s use of biblical allusion.

allusivelyadv

��2@YC`VcY4��L +Ecf

implicitly, indirectly.

The old parchment mentionedtreasure so allusively that it wasnot clear whether it was referringto something of actual monetaryvalue.

alluvial

alluvium

ally

alogia

aloha

alpestrine

alphabetical

alphanumericaladj

��ANYS2A[�f�C@ZR_1X2Y��Gk + L + Ecffconsisting of both letters and

numbers and often other symbols

as well.Because she used two separatealphanumerical codes, Georgiamade many mistakes.

alpine

alternate

alternativen

��<Y@a2_[2GVc��L

one of a number of things orcourses offered for choice.

One alternative to confusion isproper organization.

alternativity

altigraphn

��@NYa2AT_NS��L + Gkan instrument that measures height

and is equipped with a recording

mechanism.Nora stored the readings of thealtigraph in a folder in herbackpack.

altimeter

altimetry

alto

altocumulusn

��ANY�A�a=@XfCZf2Y2`��L + La fleecy cloud or cloud formation

consisting of large whitish globular

cloudlets with shaded portions.The altocumulus consisted mostlyof small, supercold water droplets.

altricialadj

��NY@a_VÙ2Y��L

having the young hatched in a veryimmature and helpless condition so

as to require care for some time.

Parrots are altricial birds, andtheir mortality rate is often high ifbreeders do not pay close attentionto detail.

alum

aluminotype

aluminous

aluminum

alumnus

alveolaradj

��NY@c42Y2�_��L

articulated with the tip of the

tongue touching or near theteethridge (as the English

consonant sounds \t\, \d\, and \n\).

Constance worked with a speechtherapist to improve herpronunciation of alveolarconsonants.

always

alyssumn

��2@YV`2Z��Gk > L

a plant of a genus of European andAsiatic herbs having small usually

yellow flowers.

Elvira’s flagstone walk wasbordered with sweet alyssum.

amalgamationn

��2AZNYT2@Z0Ù2[��Ar > L > F

the action or process of uniting or

combining into a uniform andindependent whole.

In the 13th century King Edward Ieffected the amalgamation of Waleswith England.

amandineadj

��A/Z2[@Q4[��Gk > L > F

[Note: Could be confused with

almandine and amandin.] preparedor served with almonds.

Gail made salmon with mashedpotatoes and green beansamandine for her dinner party.

amantadine

amaranthn

��@NZ2A_N[�a�aU��Gka dark reddish purple.

Justin wanted to buy a green sofa,but his wife preferred to decoratethe living room in amaranth andbeige.


Page 11 of 289

amaranthine

amaretto

amateurishadj

��ANZ2@a2_VÙ��L > F + Ecf

lacking professional finish.Sandy refused to pay for thewedding photographer’samateurish work.

amathophobia

Amazonn

��@NZ2Ag/[��Gk

one of a race or nation of femalewarriors usually associated with

Scythia or Asia Minor with whom

the ancient Greeks of mythologyrepeatedly warred.

Penthesileia was an Amazon whofought on the side of the Trojans inthe Trojan War and was killed byAchilles.

amazonite

ambassador

ambidexterityn

��ANZAO2QRX@àR_2G4��Lthe quality or state of being capable

of using both hands with equal

ease.The quarterback’s ambidexteritycame in handy on many occasionsduring yesterday’s game.

ambient

ambiguous

ambitious

amblen

��@NZO2Y��Lan easygoing or leisurely walking

movement.If you are in a hurry, you hadbetter not go at an amble.

ambretten

��@NZAO_Ra��F

a French dessert pear having a

musky odor.The featured dessert at Le ChateauRouge was poached ambrette withwhipped cream.

ambulance

ameliorable

amenitiesn pl

��2@ZR[2G4g��L

things that conduce to physical or

material comfort or convenience orto a pleasant and agreeable life.

The timeshare resort’smaintenance fee nearly doubledwith the addition of severalamenities.

amenity

amerce

amercementn

��2@Z2_`Z2[a��F > AF > Ethe infliction of a penalty at the

discretion of the court; also : the

penalty thus imposed.For the officer’s neglect of duty thecourt imposed an amercement oftwo weeks’ pay.

amethystsn pl

��@NZ2aU2à`��Gk > L > F > E[Note: Could be confused with

singular form.] specimens of a clear

purple or bluish violet variety ofcrystallized quartz much used as a

jeweler’s stone.

The jeweler emptied a small bag ofamethysts on a velvet pad, andAnna selected the one she likedbest.

amiablyadv

��@0Z42OY4��L > F

in a friendly, sociable, and

congenial manner.“Hello, students,” Mr. Perry said,and he amiably gave each child ahandshake.

amidol

amigon

��2@Z4�A�T=��L > Sp

friend.Roger has been John’s amigo sincegrade school.

ammoniacaladj

��ANZ2@[62X2Y��Gk > L

of, relating to, containing, orhaving the properties of ammonia.

A strong ammoniacal odoremanated from the laboratory.

ammunition

amnestyn

��@NZ[1à4��Gk

the act of an authority (as agovernment) by which general

pardon of an offense is granted.

The new president granted amnestyto all imprisoned draft evaders.

amontillado

amorphousadj

��2@Z<_S2`��Gkbeing without real or apparent

crystalline form.

Glass is an amorphous solid that insome ways is more like a liquidthan a solid.

amount


Page 12 of 289

amperen

��@NZA]V�2�_��F name

the practical meter-kilogram-

second unit of electric current thatis equivalent to a flow of 1

coulomb per second or to the

steady current produced by 1 voltapplied across a resistance of 1

ohm.

Brian’s calculations show that thecircuit has a current of 1 ampere.

amphichrome

amphitheater

ampleadj

��@NZ]2Y��L

[has near homonyms: ampul,ampule, ampoule] marked by

extensive or more than adequate

size.Wilma enjoyed her walks in thecathedral’s ample gardens.

ampliateadj

��@NZ]Y41a��L

widened, enlarged.Carina prefers the new ampliatesidewalks downtown because thereis plenty of room for herwheelchair.

amplifier

amplify

amplituden

��@NZ]Y2AaCQ��L

the extent of a vibratory movementor of an oscillation.

Titus carefully noted any variationsin the amplitude of the sine waves.

amply

amputee

amyelonic

amylaceous

amyotonian

��A0AZ62@a=[42��Gk

deficiency of muscle tone.

The doctor recommended physicaltherapy for the bedridden patientafflicted with amyotonia.

amyotrophic

anaclastic

anacoluthonn

��AN[2X2@YCAaU/[��Gksyntactical inconsistency or

incoherence within a sentence.

Anacoluthon can make dialoguesound more natural.

anacreonticn

��2A[NX_4@/[aVX��Gk name

a poem in imitation of or in the

manner of Anacreon : a drinkingsong or light lyric.

Mr. Maclean included ananacreontic in the collection ofverse.

anadiplosisn

��AN[2Q1@]Y=`1`��Gk

repetition of a prominent word,

usually the last in a phrase, clause,sentence, or verse, at the beginning

of the next phrase, clause, sentence,

or verse.Anne read the second member ofthe anadiplosis louder than the firstfor emphasis.

anadromousadj

��2@[NQ_2Z2`��Gkof fish : ascending rivers from the

sea at certain seasons for breeding.

The anadromous salmon is awonder of nature.

anagram

anallobar

analogous

analysis

analyzev

��@N[3YA6g��Gk > L + Ecf

weigh or study (various aspects,factors, or elements) in order to

arrive at an answer, result, or

solution.Deanne needed more informationbefore she could analyze the labreport.

anamnesisn

��N[2Z@[4`1`��Gka recalling to mind : reminiscence.

The musical comedy was based onan anamnesis of the author’s dayson a South Pacific island.

Ananiasn

��AN[2@[62`��Christian name

liar.

The little boy who cried “Wolf!” isa famous Ananias.

anaphylaxisn

��AN[2S1@YNX`1`��Gk

hypersensitivity (as to foreign

proteins or drugs) that is marked bya tendency to intense systemic

reaction.

Fortunately, Daphne exhibited nosymptoms of anaphylaxis after shewas stung by a bee.

anaptyxisn

��AN[A2]@aVX`1`��Gk

the insertion of an extra vowel inthe body of a word.

An example of anaptyxis is thepronunciation of the word athleteas “athalete.”anaqua

anarchic

anathematize


Page 13 of 289

anatocismn

��2@[NG2A`Vg2Z��Gk > L

compound interest : the taking of

compound interest.At the seminar the businessstudents discussed simple interest,anatocism, and the basics ofinvesting.

anatomyn

��2@[NG2Z4��Gk

a branch of biology that deals with

the form and structure of animals.The two cadavers delivered to thelab were designated for use by Dr.Wheeler’s class in anatomy.

ancestraladj

��N[@`Rà_2Y��L > Fof or belonging to an ancestor or

ancestors.

Carmen visited Romania to exploreher ancestral heritage.

ancestry

anchorn

��@N;X2�_��Gk > L > Esomething that serves to hold an

object firmly.

Because the day was windy, Sarahbrought a heavy rock to act as ananchor for the picnic cloth.

anchorage

anchored

ancient

ancipital

andiron

andradite

andragogyn

��@N[Q_2AT/W4��Gk + Gk

the art or science of teaching

adults.Mary Lynn’s skill in andragogywas due to her experience as a highschool teacher.

androgynism

androgynousadj

��N[@Q_/W2[2`��Gk + Gk + Ecf

having the characteristics of bothsexes.

This fall’s androgynous fashionsdon’t appeal to Sharon.

androidn

��@N[AQ_<VQ��Gkan automaton of human form.

Rolf was cast as an android in thecollege’s spring production.

anechoicadj

��AN[2@X=VX��Gk

free from echoes andreverberations.

Stereo speakers are tested in ananechoic chamber designed toabsorb all stray sounds.

anemologyn

��AN[2@Z/Y2W4��Gk + Gk

the study of winds.

In his meteorology class Mikelearned how anemology helps toexplain the effects of winds on theweather.

anemometry

anemotropismn

��AN[2@Z/a_2A]Vg2Z��Gk + Gk

an involuntary reaction by an insect

to a current of air in itsenvironment.

An example of anemotropism iswhen flies poise for flight facing thewind.

anent

anfractuous

angelfish

anger

angiitis

angina

anglophilian

��AN;TY=@SVY42��L + Gk

particular unreasoned admiration of

or partiality for England or Englishways.

After one trip abroad, Grace wasseized by anglophilia and moved toLondon.

angora

angrily

angstromsn pl

��@N;ga_2Zg��Sw name

units of wavelength, each equal to a10-billionth of a meter.

Sandy determined that the laser’swavelength measured 5,200angstroms.

anguishedadj

��@N;TdVÙa��L > F > E

produced, affected, or accompanied

by excruciating distress.Charities throughout the countrysent aid to the anguished victims ofthe hurricane.


Page 14 of 289

angwantibon

��N;@�T�d/[a2AO=��Efik

a small lemur of western Africa

having a rather long snout and arudimentary tail.

The angwantibo feeds mainly oncaterpillars.

anhedonian

��AN[U4@Q=[42��Gkincapacity for experiencing

happiness.

Soren’s anhedonia might be theresult of a miserable childhood.

anhinga

aniconic

animadversionn

��AN[2AZNQ@c2_gU2[��L

criticism that is usually adverse andprompted by some degree of

hostility.

The traditionally negative reviewerhad little animadversion in hiscolumn this week.

animadversionsn pl

��AN[2AZNQ@c2_gU2[g��L

censorious remarks or observations.The movie received so manyanimadversions in preliminaryreviews that the producer decidedto revamp it.

animate

animusn

��@N[2Z2`��Lintention or objective.

The promise of free land was theanimus that drove many Americansto move west in the 19th century.

ankylosaurn

��@N;X2Y=A`<�2�_��Gk + Gk

any of a suborder of heavily

armored Cretaceous dinosaurssomewhat resembling immense

horned toads in shape.

The ankylosaur, a herbivore, fed onlow shrubbery.

annals

annates

annelidn

��@N[3Y1Q��L > F > L

any of a phylum of usuallyelongated segmented invertebrate

animals (as earthworms and

leeches) having a body cavity.The earthworm is probably themost familiar example of anannelid.

annexationn

��ANA[RX@`0Ù2[��L > Fthe act of taking possession or

control of.

The annexation of Texas by theUnited States in 1845 was one ofthe causes of the Mexican War.

announcern

��2@[NB[�a�`2�_��L > F > E

a person who introduces televisionor radio programs, makes

commercial announcements, or

gives station identification.The game show contestant waitednervously for the announcer tointroduce her.

annoy

annularityn

��AN[f2@YN_2G4��L > F + Ecf

the state or form of a ring.

Photographs of the solar eclipseshowed the halo-like annularity ofthe Sun’s disk.

anoia

anoint

anorak

anorexic

ansan

��@N[`2��L

part of a celestial body having the

appearance of a handle (as theprojecting part of Saturn’s rings).

Photographs from Voyager 2revealed the planet’s ansa instriking detail.

answerer

antagonistn

��N[@aNT2[1à��Gk + Lthe principal opponent or foil of the

main character in a drama or

narrative.The Joker proved to be a cunningbut overconfident antagonist forBatman.

antebellum

antecedence

antedate

anteing


Page 15 of 289

antennaen pl

��N[@aR[4��L

the paired movable sensory

appendages of the head of certainarthropods.

The bug stopped and wiggled bothof its antennae.

antepenultimateadj

��AN[a1]1@[2Ya2Z1a��Lcoming before the next to last in

any series.

The antepenultimate question in thegame “Who Wants to Be aMillionaire” is worth $250,000.

anthem

anthesisn

��N[@aU4`1`��Gk

the action or period of opening of a

flower.Time-lapse photography can showthe complete anthesis of a rose in afew seconds.

anthophorousadj

��N[@aU/S2_2`��Gkflower-bearing.

Amy selected several anthophorousplants to decorate her office.

anthraciten

��@N[�a�aU_2A`6a��Gk

a hard glossy coal that burns with anearly smokeless flame.

Anthracite was created when softcoal was subjected to the intenseheat and pressure of Earth’s crust.

anthropologistn

��AN[�A��a�aU_2@]/Y2W1à��Gk

a specialist in the study considering

man’s physical character, historicaland present geographical

distribution, racial classification,

group relationships, and culturalhistory.

The anthropologist Margaret Meadspent many years studying PacificIsland societies.

anthropologyn

��AN[�A��a�aU_2@]/Y2W4��Gk

the study considering man’s

physical character, historical andpresent geographical distribution,

racial classification, group

relationships, and cultural history.Jody created a poster thathighlighted Margaret Mead’scontributions to anthropology.

anthropomorphicadj

��AN[�a�aU_2A]=@Z<_SVX��Gkdescribed or thought of as having

human form or attributes :

ascribing human characteristics tononhuman things.

Sterling pretends that his cat hasanthropomorphic powers and oftentalks for her in a tiny, squeakyvoice.

anthropophagousadj

��AN[�a�aU_2@]/S2T2`��Gk + Gk

[Note: Could be confused withnoun anthropophagus.] feeding on

human flesh : man-eating :

cannibal.The class was fascinated by thestory of Christopher Columbus’sencounter with the Caribs, asupposed anthropophagous people.

anthropopsychismn

��AN[�a�aU_2A]=@`6AXVg2Z��Gk + Gk

ascription of a soul like that of

humans to nature or to somethingthat governs natural processes.

A perfect example ofanthropopsychism can be found inan old commercial that claimed,“You can’t fool Mother Nature.”antibiotic

anticipate

anticipation

anticlimaxn

��AN[a4@XY6AZNX`��L + Gk

an event (as the last of a series) that

is strikingly less important thanwhat has preceded it.

After the climactic duel with thevillain, the hero’s wedding came asan anticlimax.

anticoagulantn

��AN[�A�a6X=@NTf2Y2[a��L

a substance (as a drug) that hinders

clotting of blood.The surgeon administered ananticoagulant after the operation.

antidotaladj

��AN[a1@Q=G3Y��Gk

consisting of, suited for, or actingas a remedy able to counteract the

effects of poison.

Vomiting is often the body’santidotal response to the ingestionof spoiled food.

antidote


Page 16 of 289

antigenn

��@N[a1W2[��Gk + Gk

a usually protein or carbohydrate

substance that when introduced intothe body stimulates the production

of an antibody.

Louis Pasteur developed an antigenagainst the much-feared anthraxbacterium.

antihistaminen

��AN[a6@UVà2AZ4[��L + Gk + ISV

any of various compounds used fortreating certain allergic reactions.

Although Rod and Todd are twins,only Rod needs to take anantihistamine during the hay-feverseason.

antineoplastic

antinomyn

��N[@aV[2Z4��Gk


antimony.] a statement or sentimentthat is seemingly contradictory or

opposed to common sense and yet

perhaps true in fact : paradox.The students were asked to write anessay on the following antinomy:The more terrible the prospect ofnuclear war becomes, the lesslikely it is to happen.

antipathiesn pl

��N[@aV]2aU4g��Gk

settled aversions or dislikes.George Washington warned of theconsequences of having permanent,inveterate antipathies againstparticular nations.

antipathy

antiphonaladj

��N[@aVS2[3Y��Gk + Gk

answering or alternating (as in a

musical composition sungalternately by divisions of a choir

or congregation).

The director seated half the choirin the balcony to make the piecewith antiphonal parts even moredramatic.

antiphony

antiquate

antiquated

antiseptics

antithetical

antitussive

anxietiesn pl

��N;@g62G4g��Lstrong concerns about some

imminent developments.

Sally has had enough to worryabout without our adding to heranxieties.

anxiolyticn

��AN;g4=@YVGVX��L + Gk

a drug that relieves an abnormaland overwhelming sense of

apprehension and of fear.

Amy’s doctor prescribed ananxiolytic for her to take when shefelt a panic attack.

anxious

anxiouslyadv

��@N;�X�Ù2`Y4��L

in an apprehensive, worried

manner.Mary anxiously twisted her hairduring the geometry test.

aoristic

aparejon

��AN]2@_0�A�=��L > Sp

a packsaddle of stuffed leather or

canvas.The aparejo has never beenimproved upon as a way to protectan animal from injury whileholding cargo.

apartment

apiculturen

��@0]2AX2YPU2�_��L[has near homonym: aviculture]

beekeeping, especially when

pursued on a large scale.Even though apiculture has beenpracticed for many centuries, beeshave not been domesticated ortamed.

apiece

apishamore

aplastic

apocalypticadj

��2A]/X2@YV]aVX��Gk

predicting or foreboding imminent

disaster or final doom.Apocalyptic prophets are typicallyhostile to reason and science.

apocryph

apocryphan pl

��2@]/X_2S2��Gk > L

quasi-scriptural books of doubtful

authorship and authority.The Sunday school teacher sharedwith her students some stories fromthe Old Testament apocrypha.


Page 17 of 289

Apollonianadj

��AN]2@Y=[42[��Gk

of, relating to, or resembling the

god Apollo, the Greco-Roman godof manly beauty, of poetry and

music, and of the wisdom of

oracles.Reggie’s Apollonian temperamentled him to an admiration ofclassical art and literature.

Apollyonn

��2@]/Yf2[��Biblical name[Note: Might be confused with

Apollonian.] devil.

Like Christian in the bookPilgrim’s Progress, everyoneeventually faces his or her personalApollyon.

apologetic

apologize

apolune

apopempticadj

��AN]2@]RZ�]�aVX��Gk + Gksung or addressed to one departing

: valedictory.

At the end of the ceremony thegraduates filed out of theauditorium to the strains of anapopemptic hymn.

apophysisn

��2@]/S2`1`��Gk + Gka part of a bone (as a vertebra) that

projects outward.

After Tony’s car accident, X raysshowed that the apophysis of one ofhis vertebrae was out of alignment.

apoplectic

apostasy

apostaten

��2@]/Aà0a��Gk > L

one who has renounced or forsaken

his religious faith or given up hismoral allegiance.

The Roman emperor known as“Julian the Apostate” tried toreverse the tide of Christianity inthe Roman empire.

apotheosisn

��2A]/aU4@=`1`��Gk

the raising of a person or thing todivine status.

The emperor Caligula announcedhis own apotheosis to his terrifiedsubjects.

apotheosize

apotropaicadj

��N]2a_2@]0VX��Gk + Ecfdesigned to avert or turn aside evil.

The native costume included apouch of apotropaic herbs wornaround the neck.

appalled

apparent

apparently

appearance

appeasableadj

��2@]4g2O2Y��L > F + Ecfcapable of being brought to a state

of ease or content.

Jeff described his father as beingeasily excitable, but just as easilyappeasable.

appeasedv

��2@]4gQ��L > F > E

caused to subside : allayed.

Carole peeked in Mrs. Hinkle’sgrade book and appeased hercuriosity about the gradedistribution.

appellant

appellateadj

��2@]RY1a��L

[Note: Could be confused withappellant.] having the power to

review and affirm, reverse, or

modify the judgment or decision ofanother tribunal.

The appellate court decided toreverse the lower court’s verdict.

appellationsn pl

��AN]2@Y0Ù2[g��L[has near homonym:

Appalachians] names or titles by

which persons, things, or clans arecalled and known.

Matt has a reputation forbestowing familiar appellationsupon his friends, and for somereason he calls his best friend“Sarge.”appendage

appendicularadj

��AN]1[@QVXf2Y2�_��L

of or relating to a limb or limbs.

Arthritis limited Joan’sappendicular movements.

appendix

appetitost


Page 18 of 289

applausen

��2@]Y<g��L

approval publicly expressed (as by

clapping hands).After the applause subsided, theopera continued.

appleblossom

applicant

application

appliquer

appoggiatura

apportioned

apposite

appraisev

��2@]_0g��F > E

[has homonym: upraise] set a

value on (as goods or land).For insurance purposes, Selina hadan expert appraise her furniture.

appreciate

apprehendv

��AN]_1@UR[Q��L

take (a person) in legal process :

arrest.The police chief ordered theofficers to apprehend the forger.

apprehensible

approximately

appulsen

��2@]2Y`��Lthe apparent very near approach of

one celestial body to another.

Marsha peered through binocularsto see the appulse of Saturn toJupiter.

apraxia

apron

apse

apterous

apterygoteadj

��N]@aR_2AT=a��Gk

of or relating to a subclass of

insects that are presumed never tohave developed wings.

Silverfish, firebrats, and bristletailsare apterygote insects.

apteryxn

��@N]a2�A�_VX`��Gk + Gka flightless New Zealand bird that

is about the size of a domestic

chicken.The eggs of the apteryx, which areas large as one fourth its weight,are incubated by the male.

apyreticadj

��A0A]6@_RGVX��Gkwithout fever.

The pediatrician said that Bobbycould return to school as soon ashe was apyretic.

aquan

��@NXd2��L

a variable color averaging a light

greenish blue.The whiteness of the beach’s sandmade the aqua of the water evenmore striking.

aquamarine

aquarelle

aquarellistn

��ANXd2@_RY1à��L > It > F + Ecf

one who draws or paints in

watercolor, especially transparentwatercolor.

Duncan showed great promise asan aquarellist.

aquiclude

aquosityn

��2@Xd/`2G4��Lthe quality or state of being moist.

Marlene dutifully checked theaquosity of the soil every day withthe test strips the nursery gave her.

arable

arachin

arachnophagousadj

��ANA_NX@[/S2T2`��Gk + Gk

feeding on spiders.Jill’s contribution to the discussionabout arachnophagous creatureswas that there are not enough ofthem.

Aramaicn

��AN_2@Z0VX��Gk

a Semitic language of which

documents are known from as earlyas the 9th century B.C.

Aramaic is the mother of manylanguages in the Middle East andAsia.

araneid

araneiform

araucaria

arbitrarinessn

��A/_O2@a_R_4[1`��L + Ecf

the quality or state of arising from

unrestrained exercise of the will,caprice, or personal preference.

The report indicated that the ghettoresidents had been subjected to thearbitrariness of the authorities.


Page 19 of 289

arbitrationn

��A/_O1@a_0Ù2[��L

the hearing and determination of a

case between parties in controversyby a judge.

They discussed and debated andraved and ranted until they were onthe verge of blows, when it wasdecided to submit the question toarbitration by the princesses.

arbor

arboretum

arbustum

arbutusn

��/_@OfCG2`��La tree of a genus of evergreen

shrubs or trees of southern Europe

and western North America withwhite or pink flowers and many-

seeded scarlet berries.

Evelyn refers to the arbutus in herbackyard as a “strawberry tree.”arcn

��@/_X��La sustained brilliantly luminous

glow formed when a break is made

in an electric circuit.The arc that shot from theelectrical appliance indicated aproblem with its circuitry.

arcade

arcaneadj

��/_@X0[��L

known only to a very few :mysterious.

The scroll was written in an arcanescript that nobody could identify.

archaically

archaism

archetypen

��@/_X2Aa6]��Gk + Gk

the original model, form, or pattern

from which something is made ordevelops.

Diane bragged that her dressdesign was the archetype thatothers had merely copied.

archidiaconal

archimage

architect

architecturaladj

��A/_X2@aRXPU2_2Y��Gk > L

of, resembling, or relating to the art

or practice of designing andbuilding structures, especially

habitable structures.

King Ludwig’s castle in Bavaria isa famous example of architecturalextravagance.

architrave

archive

archives

archivist

archivistic

ardoise

arena

Areopagusn

��AN_4@/]2T2`��Gk

the supreme tribunal of Athens.The general was commanded toappear before the Areopagus, buthe refused.

argalin

��@/_T2Y4��Mongolian

a large wild sheep having immense

horns and widely distributed inmountainous central and eastern

Asia.

The argali may weigh over 300pounds and stand four feet high atthe shoulders.

argentn

��@/_W2[a��L

a metal tincture used in heraldryand conventionally supposed to be

represented by silver but in practice

represented by either silver orwhite.

The earl’s coat of arms featured aroaring lion on a field of argent.

argonautn

��@/_T2A[<a��Gk name + Gkan adventurer or traveler engaged

in a particular quest; specifically :

one of those who went to Californiain 1849 in search of gold.

Another name for an argonaut is“forty-niner.”argue

argyria

arid

aridly

arise

aristocracyn

��AN_1@à/X_2`4��Gk + Gkan upper class usually made up of

an hereditary nobility.

In matters of war and peace theking often sought the advice of thearistocracy.


Page 20 of 289

aristocratn

��2@_Và2AX_Na��Gk + Gk

one who has the bearing and

viewpoint typical of a ruling,privileged, or otherwise superior

class.

After winning the lottery, Francinestarted behaving like an aristocrat.

arithmetic

armigern

��@/_Z1W2_��L[has near homonym: armature]

armor-bearer, squire.

The knight summoned his armigerso he could choose a sword.

armigerous

armoire

arnican

��@/_[VXN��L

the dried flower head of an herbused in a tincture for bruises,

sprains, and swellings.

The herbalist used arnica to make apaste for healing bumps andbruises.

aroliumn

��2@_=Y42Z��L

a padlike lobe projecting betweenthe tarsal claws of many insects.

The grasshopper has a small butwell-developed arolium on its foot.

aromaticadj

��AN_2@ZNGVX��Gk > L > F > Eof, relating to, or characterized by

the presence of at least one benzene

ring.Aromatic amines are used mainlyin the manufacture of dyes.

arrearagen

��2@_V_VW��L > F > E + Ecf

an obligation that has not been on

time or is unfinished, especially :something that remains unpaid and

overdue after previous payment of

a part.Mr. Olson’s medical bills remainedin arrearage until the insuranceclaims were settled.

arrearsn pl

��2@_V�2�_g��L > F > Estate of being behind in the

discharge of duties, obligations, or

responsibilities.Mark’s landlord will evict himbecause he is one year in arrearswith his rent payments.

arriccio

arriero

arrival

arrogate

arsedine

arsine

arsonn

��@/_`3[��L > Fthe willful and malicious burning

of or attempt to burn any building,

structure, or property of another orof one’s own usually with criminal

or fraudulent intent.The investigators determined thatthe fire was the result of arson.

arterial

arteriole

artery

Arthropodan pl

��/_@aU_/]2Q2��Gk

the largest phylum of invertebrate

animals with jointed legs, asegmented body, and an

exoskeleton.

Insects comprise the class Insecta,the largest class of the phylumArthropoda.

articulateadj

��/_@aVXf2Y1a��L

expressing oneself clearly andeffectively.

Articulate even when he was ayoung child, Jack is a good choicefor debate team captain.

artificer

artist

artiste

artistry

arugula

asadon

��2@`/�A�Q=��L > Sp

barbecue.Tina is sure that La Piñata has thebest asado in town.

asarotum

ascendingadj

��2@`R[QV;��L > E + Ecf

mounting up or sloping upward :

rising.The watercolor depicted a countrymanor with a gently ascendingdriveway.

ascensive

ascertain


Page 21 of 289

asceticadj

��2@`RGVX��Gk

refraining from self-indulgence :

self-denying, self-disciplined,austere.

Ricky’s lavish lifestyle contrastssharply with his brother’s asceticexistence.

ascot

ascribe

ashamed

askanceadv

��2@`XN[�a�`��unknown

with a side look : sideways,

obliquely.Juan’s cat has a habit of lookingaskance at a toy for a long whilebefore pouncing on it.

asocial

aspen

asperge

asperitiesn pl

��N@`]R_2G4g��Lrough places.

Only with a microscope couldMichael see asperities on theseemingly smooth leaf.

asperous

aspersions

aspidistra

aspirant

asportation

assailantsn pl

��2@`0Y2[a`��F

ones who encounter or confront in

order to prevail over.Roosevelt warned that assailants ofthe democratic way of life were onthe march, threatening large andsmall nations.

assaultn

��2@`<Ya��L > F > E

a violent attack with physical

means (as blows or weapons).The rock musician was fined $2000for his assault on the photographer.

assemblev

��2@`RZO2Y��L

join together usually in an orderlyway with logical selection or

sequence.

Moira helped Simon assemble the5000-piece puzzle, but it still tookthem a week to finish.

assembly

assertive

assessable

assessed

assign

assimilative

assisin

��2@`4�A�`4��It geog name

embroidery with unworked designsoutlined by a solid background of

cross-stitch.

Elaine purchased an antiqueItalian pillowcase decorated withassisi.

assist

assistant

assure

assurgentadj

��2@`2_W2[a��L

ascending, rising.

In heraldry a human or beast risingout of the sea is said to be“assurgent.”astatine

asterialadj

��N@àV_42Y��L or Gkof or relating to stars.

The movie theater’s ceiling isdotted with an asterial design.

asterisk

asthma

asthmogenic

astoundingadj

��2@àNB[QV;��Ecausing or capable of causing

wonder and surprise in high degree.

The book was hailed as afascinating account of anastounding epoch.

astragal

astragalomancyn

��2@à_NT2Y=AZN[�a�`4��Gk + Gk

divination by means of small bones

or dice.The committee decided to have abooth devoted to astragalomancyrather than the usual palmreadings at the fair.

astringentadj

��2@à_V[W2[a��L > F

having the property of drawing

together the soft organic tissues.Lorelei applied an astringent lotionto her face every night beforebedtime.


Page 22 of 289

astrolaben

��@Nà_2AY0O��Gk > L&F > E

a compact instrument for observing

the positions of the celestial bodies.Before the sextant was developed,the astrolabe was used fornavigation.

astronaut

astrophysicistn

��ANà_2@SVg2`1à��Gk

a specialist in the branch ofastronomy dealing principally with

the physical and chemical natures

of the heavenly bodies and theirorigin and evolution.

Martha plans to be anastrophysicist and work for NASA.

astuciouslyadv

��2@à�f�CÙ2`Y4��L > Fshrewdly, cleverly.

The movie details the methods ofthe detective who astuciously solvesthe murder mystery.

astucity

asunderadv

��2@`2[Q2�_��Einto parts : into different pieces.

The wind was so violent that Justinfeared his tent would be tornasunder.

asymmetricadj

��A0`1@ZRa_VX��Gk

not characterized by due or

balanced proportions.Devon challenged his audience byintentionally making the sculptureasymmetric.

asymptoten

��@N`1Z�]�Aa=a��Gk

a straight line associated with a

curve such that as a point P movesout along the curve, the distance

from the point P to the line

approaches zero.The graph clearly showed anasymptote to the hyperbola.

asyndetonn

��2@`V[Q2Aa/[��Gk

omission of the conjunctions thatordinarily join words or clauses.

Anyone who has taken Latin shouldknow the famous asyndeton inCaesar’s words, “I came, I saw, Iconquered.”atavisticadj

��ANG2@cVàVX��L

marked by recurrence in an

organism or in any of its parts of atrait typical of ancestors more

remote than the parents.

Even though Marie consideredherself a city girl, visiting hergreat-grandparents’ farm ignitedan atavistic desire to dig in the dirt.

atheist

athetize

athodyd

Atlanticadj

��2a@YN[aVX��Gkof, relating to, or found in, on, or

near the Atlantic Ocean.

The hurricane ravaged the Atlanticcoast of Florida.

atolln

��@NAa<Y��Maldive Islands name

a coral reef appearing above the sea

as a low ring-shaped coral island oras a chain of closely spaced coral

islets around a shallow lagoon.

The atoll was formed by a processstarted millions of years ago by anundersea volcano.

atramentn

��@Na_2Z2[a��L

a very dark substance—usuallyused of liquids.

The puff of atrament hid theoctopus from a nearby predator.

atresia

attaboyinterj

��@NG2O<V��E

—used to express encouragement,approval, or admiration.

“Attaboy!” cried Uncle Felix asTed crossed the finish line.

attachableadj

��2@aNPU2O2Y��Gmc + Lcfcapable of being fastened to

something.

Linda’s new cape has anattachable hood for use in the rain.

attacked

attain

attempt

attending

atticismn

��@NG2A`Vg2Z��Gka favoring of or attachment to the

Athenians.

Jacques’s writing was noted for itspronounced atticism.

attorney


Page 23 of 289

attorneysn pl

��2@a2_[4g��F

legal agents qualified to act for

suitors and defendants in legalproceedings.

Under the law, the hospital had toturn over all relevant documents tothe attorneys for the plaintiff.

attractionn

��2@a_NXÙ2[��L


not the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a force

acting between oppositely

electrified bodies or oppositelymagnetized bodies that tends to

draw them together and resist their

separation.Mr. Lee showed the pupils a simplecompass and explained that itworked because of the attractionbetween the compass needle andEarth’s magnetic poles.

atwitter

auburnadj

��@<O2�_�[��L > F

of a moderate brown color that is

redder, lighter, and slightly strongerthan chestnut brown.

Rita Hayworth and Greer Garsonwere famous actresses who hadauburn hair.

auctionv

��@<XÙ2[��L

sell to the highest bidder at a public

sale of property.Georgia wanted to auction all ofthe furniture.

audaceadj

��NB@Q/APU0��L > It

bold, spirited—used as a direction

in music.Angela sang the audace passagewith remarkable verve, and theaudience murmured theirappreciation.

audible

audio

audiometern

��A<Q4@/Z2G2�_��L + Ecf + Gk > Ecf

an instrument used in measuringthe acuity of hearing in the

individual ear for sounds of various

frequencies.At the local schools, students’hearing is tested annually by aspecialist using an audiometer.

auditv

��@<Q1a��Lattend (a course especially in a

college or university) without

working for or expecting to receiveformal credit.

Senior citizens are allowed to auditclasses free of charge at the localcommunity college.

auditor

auditoriumn

��A<Q2@a=_42Z��La room, hall, or entire building

specially designed for stage and

film presentations, concerts,lectures, and audio-visual features

and activities.

A new curtain for the stage of theauditorium was purchased withmoney raised by the students.

augmentedv

��<T@ZR[a1Q��L

increased.

Cheating at Tim’s school hasactually augmented under the newhonor code.

Augustanadj

��<@T2à2[��L name

of, relating to, or characteristic ofthe Roman emperor Augustus

Caesar or his age.

Vergil’s Aeneid is the pinnacle ofAugustan literature.

aulic

aunt

aurifyv

��@<_2AS6��L

turn into gold.Alchemists of long ago tried toaurify stone.

auroral

aurulent

auscultate

auspicate

auspicious

austauschn

��@NBÀaNBÙ��Gan effect of turbulent motion that is

manifested by an exchange of air

and water vapor molecules fromone layer to another.

The meteorologist ran a computersimulation to show atmosphericaustausch.

austerity


Page 24 of 289

Australianadj

��<@à_0Yf2[��L

of or relating to the commonwealth

of Australia.The longest fence in the worldkeeps Australian wild dogs frommarauding the sheep herds ofSoutheast Australia.

Australopithecusn

��<Aà_0�A�Y=@]VaUVX2`��L + Gk

a genus of extinct generalized

anthropoid apes known chieflyfrom skulls from the middle

Pleistocene deposits of southern

Africa.Justine’s heart skipped a beat asshe unearthed the skull of anAustralopithecus.

autecology

auteurn

��=@a2_��F

[has homonym: hauteur] a filmdirector who is the primary creative

force in a motion picture.

The auteur was not very receptiveto the actors’ suggestions.

authoritarianismn

��<AaU/_2@aR_42A[Vg2Z��L + Ecff

a political system that concentrates

power in the hands of a leader or asmall autocratic elite not

constitutionally responsible to the

people.Sergei said that despite all itsdemocratic rhetoric, the systemwas authoritarianism, pure andsimple.

authorship

autisticadj

��<@aVàVX��Gk

of, relating to, or marked by

absorption in self-centeredsubjective mental activity.

Ulrike’s autistic behavior includesfantasies, hallucinations, anddelusions.

autochthon

autograph

automationn

��A<G2@Z0Ù2[��Gk

the state of being operated with aself-regulating mechanism that

performs a required act at a

predetermined point in anoperation.

Automation of the assembly lineincreased productivity at the plant.

automobile

autonomously

autopilot

auxilian

avalvular

avenge

avenue

aversion

avertv

��2@c2_a��L

[has near homonym: evert] preventthe occurrence or unfortunate,

dangerous, and dire effects of.

It is hoped that the peace missionwill avert war.

avgolemonon

��A/cT=@YRZ2�A�[=��Gk

a soup or sauce made of chicken

stock, egg yolks, and lemon juice.Alex ate three bowls of hisgrandmother’s avgolemono afterhis soccer game.

aviary

avidadj

��@Nc1Q��L

craving eagerly : desirous to thepoint of greed.

Behind Mr. Jenkins’s superficialconcern was a gleam of avidcuriosity.

avidity

avifauna

avocation

avogramn

��@Nc2AT_NZ��It name + Gk > ISV

a unit of mass and weight equal to

one gram divided by the Avogadronumber.

Mr. Lufkin explained to the classthat an avogram of any element isequal to the weight of one atom.

avoid

awesome

awful

awkwardadj

��@<Xd2�_�Q��ON > E + E

lacking ease, grace, or deftness of

movement.Something troubled and awkwardin Melinda’s manner made Marystare very hard at her.


Page 25 of 289

axeln

��@NX`2Y��name

[has homonyms: axil, axle] a jump

from the outer forward edge of oneskate with 1½ turns taken in the air

and a return to the outer backward

edge of the other skate.Melanie performed a flawless tripleaxel in practice but fell on thelanding during the tryouts for theice show.

axiomaticadj

��ANX`42@ZNGVX��Gk

of or relating to a proposition,

principle, or rule that has foundgeneral acceptance.

“Everyone has to die and paytaxes” is Mrs. Badger’s favoriteaxiomatic saying.

axlen

��@NX`2Y��E

a spindle that enables a wheel or

pair of wheels to revolve.Mike called a tow truck after therear axle on his car was damagedin a collision.

axolotl

azalean

��2@g0Yf2��Gk

any plant of a genus of shrubs ortrees with deciduous leaves and

funnel-shaped flowers now usually

considered a subgenus ofRhododendron.

Anna grew a magnificent azalea onher balcony.

baalizev

��@O0�2�AY6g��Heb

convert to or influence toward the

worship of Baal or to some otherform of idolatry.

The minister gave a sermonlambasting Wall Street and the bullmarket for trying to baalizeinvestors to the worship ofmammon.

babouchen

��O2@OCÙ��Per > Ar > Fa chiefly oriental slipper made

without heel or quarters.

The babouche on display had amaroon silk upper and colorfulbeadwork.

babuina

bacillaryadj

��@ON`2AYR_4��L

shaped like a rod : consisting of

small rods or rodlike bodies.Roger did not know which bacillaryparasite he was viewing under themicroscope.

backlight

backspace

backstagen

��@ONX@à0W��E + L > F > E

the whole or any part of the area of

a stage that is behind theproscenium; specifically : the

dressing rooms of a theater.

The drama class members weredelighted to be asked if they wantedto tour the backstage.

backstroke

backwoodsy

bacon

bacteria

bactericidal

bactericiden

��ONX@aV_2A`6Q��Gk + Lsomething that destroys bacteria.

Maggie cleans the bathroom with aproduct that contains a bactericide.

bacterin

bacteriologyn

��A�ONXAaV_4@/Y2W4��Gk

a science that deals with the studyof bacteria and with their relations

to medicine, industry, and

agriculture.Mrs. Murry has doctorial degreesin both biology and bacteriology.

bacteriophagicadj

��ONXAaV_42@SNWVX��Gk

of, relating to, or being viruses thatinfect and destroy bacteria.

Around 1910 Frederick Twortdiscovered bacteriophagic viruses,thus laying the foundation formodern virology.

bacteriosis

bacterium

baculiformadj

��@ONXf2Y2AS<_Z��Lshaped like a rod.

The baculiform chromosomeslooked huge under the electronmicroscope.

badgersn pl

��@ONW2�_�g��AF? > E + Ecf

any of certain strong sturdily built

carnivorous mammals.Ivar always said that the badgershad cleaner houses than people,and that when he hired ahousekeeper her name would beMrs. Badger.


2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

Page 26 of 289

bafflement

bafflingadj

��@ONS�2�YV;��Eperplexing, confusing.

Liam tried to explain the problemwith baffling wordy sentences.

baggy

bail

baileyn

��@O0Y4��F > E

[has homonyms: bailee, bailie] the

outer wall of a medieval castle orany of the several walls

surrounding the keep.

When the enemy attacked thecastle, they first tried to scale thebailey with crudely made ladders.

bakery

bakeware

balancen

��@ONY2[�a�`��L > F[Note: The definition provided is

not the one most commonly

associated with this word.] acontrolled state in dancing of

maintaining an erect posture.

Barbara kept her balance perfectlyas she spun around and around.

balderdash

baleen

baleful

balkanizev

��@O<YX2A[6g��geog name + Ecf

break up (as a region) into smaller

ineffectual and frequentlyconflicting units.

The candidate charged heropponent with attempting tobalkanize society by emphasizingethnic tensions.

ballad

balladist

balloonistn

��O2@YC[1à��Gmc > It + Ecf

one that ascends in a balloon (as forexhibition purposes).

The aerial photograph of Leadvillewas taken by a balloonist morethan a hundred years ago.

ballot

ballotade

balmy

balneotherapyn

��AONY[4=@aUR_2]4��L + Gk

the treatment of disease by baths.

In the early 1900s a small town inTennessee was known as theultimate place for balneotherapy.

balsamiferous

balthazar

bamboche

banal

banallyadv

��@O0[3Y4��F

in a trite, uninteresting manner.

After many weeks of campaigning,the tired senator was speakingbanally and rather robotically.

banderillan

��AON[Q2@_4�f�2��Gmc > Sp

a decorated barbed dart that isthrust into the neck or shoulder of

the bull in a bullfight.

The animal rights protestersdisplayed a bloodstainedbanderilla.

banderillero

bandersnatch

bandstand

bandwagon

bangboard

bangtail

banishedv

��@ON[VÙa��Gmc > F > E

required (a person) by authority toleave especially his own country or

the country in which he was

staying.It has been that way since Rhymeand Reason were banished.

bankroll

bankrupt

banner

bannsn pl

��@ON[g��E

[has homonym and near homonym:bans and bands] notice of a

proposed marriage proclaimed in achurch or other place prescribed by

law in order that any person may

announce a known impediment tothe union.

Lord Bainbridge hoped that thethree days required between theposting of the banns and thewedding would be long enough forhis son to reconsider his decision tomarry the cobbler’s daughter.

bantamadj

��@ON[a2Z��Javanese geog name

small : easily handled.

Accustomed to bantam automobilesin Europe, Jacqui regardsAmerican cars as too large andunwieldy.

bantamweight

banter

TheSpellingChamp.com

Page 27 of 289

banzai

baptize

barathrumn

��@ON_2aU_2Z��Gk > L

a bottomless pit or abyss : a placeor state of misery or torment.

The motivational speaker said thather early life was a barathrumwhich she was fortunate to havesurvived.

barbarian

barbel

barbershop

barbet

barbicel

Barbizonadj

��@O/_O2Ag/[��F geog namedepicting landscape and rural genre

subjects from direct observation of

nature and with much attention tothe expression of light and

atmosphere.The exhibit featured works of threeprominent artists of the Barbizonschool of painting.

bardolatry

bareback

barefisted

bariatrics

barium

barley

barleycornsn pl

��@O/_Y4AX<�2�_[g��E


not the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] old

units of length, each equal to the

average length of a grain of barley :the third part of an inch.

Matthew decided to annoy histeacher by measuring his projectresults in barleycorns.

barnyard

barometry

baroness

baroquely

baroscopen

��@ON_2A`X=]��Gk + Gkan apparatus for showing that the

loss of weight of an object in air

equals the weight of the airdisplaced by it.

Stanley put the baroscope besidethe air pump before starting hisexperiment.

barrabora

barrette

barretter

barring

barristern

��@ON_1à2�_��E

a counsel admitted to plead at the

bar and undertake the public trial ofcauses in an English superior court.

Tim’s role of barrister in the schoolplay requires that he don apowdered wig and speak with aBritish accent.

baryon

bascart

baseless

basicity

basirostral

basket

basketball

bass

bassoonist

bastev

��@O0à��Gmc > F > E

[has homonym: based] sew by

hand or machine with long loosestitches in order to hold in place

during fittings or for final stitching.

Lorna’s sister showed her how tobaste the hem of the dress beforeshe tried it on.

bathyaladj

��@ONaU42Y��Gk

of or relating to the deeper parts ofthe ocean, especially those parts

between 100 and 1000 fathoms :

deep-sea.In the bathyal zone photosynthesiscannot occur because light doesn’tpenetrate that deep.

bathybicadj

��O2@aUVOVX��Gk > Lof, relating to, or living in the

deepest parts of the sea.

The ichthyologist spent his careerstudying bathybic fish indigenousto the Cayman Trench.

bathyseismn

��@ONaU1A`6g2Z��Gk + Gk

an earthquake of deep originrecordable the world over.

In Carleen’s story, tidal wavescaused by a bathyseism destroyedeverything within 20 miles ofcoastlines.

bathysmal


Page 28 of 289

bathysphere

battementn

��O.aZ/:��Fan extension of the free foot in any

direction followed by a beat against

the supporting foot.Baryshnikov executed a quickbattement as he entered the stage.

battenv

��@ONa3[��ON

fasten by or as if by means of areinforcing strip.

The captain ordered the crew tobatten down the hatches when thewaves grew higher.

batterien

��@ONG2_4��F

[has homonym: battery] a ballet

movement consisting of beatingtogether the feet or calves of the

legs during a leap.

Jason injured his ankle attemptinga batterie.

battery

battle

battledoren

��@ONG3YAQ=�2�_��L > OProv? > E

a light flat bat or racket that is usedin striking a shuttlecock.

Alfonso dusted off the oldbattledore and went to thebadminton court.

battlesome

batturen

��ON@aB�2�_��F

the alluvial land between a river at

low-water stage and a levee—usedespecially of such land along the

lower Mississippi River.

The government decreed that thebatture could be used only forfarmland because it was prone toseasonal flooding.

baud

Bauhausadj

��@ONBAUNB`��G

of, relating to, or influenced by aschool of design in Weimar in

1919.

The area’s newest ski lodge is amixture of Bauhaus and Danishmodern.

beadlen

��@O4Q3Y��E

[has homonym: beetle] a herald ormessenger especially in the service

of a law court.

The bailiff knows that his job isimportant, even though thetownsfolk refer to him as a beadle.

beadledom

beagle

beard

bearded

beast

beatificadj

��AO42@aVSVX��Lmarked by an appearance of

complete bliss or utter benignity.

The hockey player appearedbeatific as he related how he madethe winning goal.

beatnik

beautify

beaverette

beckon

becloudv

��O1@XYNBQ��E + E

cover over with a cloud : obscure,

mask.The meteorologists expect this frontto becloud the mountains forseveral days.

bedaub

bedizenv

��O1@Q6g3[��D

dress or adorn with gaudy andshowy vulgarity.

Angelina decided to bedizen herselfwith jewelry and scarves and go tothe costume party as afortuneteller.

bedrock

beechnut

beeline

beelzebubn

��O4@RYg2AO2O��Heb

a devil.When the police appeared, thethieves left all their loot behind andran as though a beelzebub wereafter them.

beeper

Beethovenianadj

��AO0Aa=@c4[42[��G name + Ecfof, relating to, or characteristic of

Ludwig van Beethoven or his

musical style or works.The opening movement of Hubert’snew symphony is clearlyBeethovenian in style.

begaud


Page 29 of 289

beginning

behalf

beignetn

��O0[@f0��F[Note: Could be confused with one

pronunciation of plural beignets.]

fritter.As each beignet was dropped in hotoil, there was a loud sizzle and pop.

belabor

belaud

belfry

belladonna

bellicoselyadv

��@ORY1AX=`Y4��L + Ecf

in a warlike, aggressive, combative

manner.Vinny reacts bellicosely to conflictand has been suspended severaltimes for fighting.

bellyache

beloidadj

��@O4AY<VQ��Gk + Ecf

having a shape like that of anarrow.

Whenever the cursor on thecomputer screen reached asignificant word or icon, it becamebeloid.

beneath

benefactor

beneficial

beneficiaryn

��AOR[2@SVÙ4AR_4��L

the person named (as in an

insurance or annuity policy) as theone who is to receive proceeds or

benefits accruing.

Cora named her son as herbeneficiary in her life insurancepolicy.

beneficiatev

��AOR[2@SVÙ4A0a��L > Sp

process (as a raw material) so as toimprove the physical and chemical

properties.

To prepare clay for ceramic uses, itis first necessary to beneficiate it bycrushing and separating outimpurities such as sand and mica.

benefitn

��@OR[2ASVa��L > F > Esomething that guards, aids, or

promotes well-being : advantage.

Advances in genetic engineeringcould enhance the nutritionalbenefit of crops.

benignadj

��O1@[6[��L > F > E

tending to promote or indicative ofhappiness, goodness, or favorable

outcome : wholesome.

Gretchen’s new circle of friends isnot a benign influence on her.

benignly

benthos

benthoscope

benzolize

bequeathedv

��O1@Xd49Q��E

gave or left by formal declaration

so that the thing given passes intothe ownership of the recipient after

the death of the donor.

The childless couple bequeathedtheir property to their favoritecharity.

berate

Berbern

��@O2_O2_��Ar


not the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a branch

of the Afro-Asiatic language family

comprising languages spoken byminorities in North Africa and the

Sahara.

Alex speaks enough Berber to askdirections in rural Morocco.

bereaved

berokn

��O2@_/X��unknowna monkey of southeastern Asia

having a short slender tail which is

held in the shape of the letter Swhen the animal is excited.

The botanist trained the berok tocollect specimens from tall trees.

berserker

beryllium

beseechv

��O1@`4PU��E

address oneself earnestly to.

Margaret put on her most dejectedlook to beseech her father to giveher the car keys.

besiege


Page 30 of 289

besiegedv

��O1@`4WQ��L > F > E

surrounded closely : crowded upon

or around.Of the numerous fans who besiegedthe athlete, Michelle was the onlyone to get his autograph.

besmirch

besottedadj

��O1@`/a1Q��E

characterized by a condition ofblind doting affection.

The Air Force pilot was besottedwith the movie star.

bestiaryn

��@OR`PU4AR_4��La medieval often illustrated work in

verse or prose describing with an

allegorical moralizing commentarythe appearance and habits of real

and fabled animals.

At the Metropolitan Museum, Elilingered in front of a casecontaining a French bestiary thattold a story about a unicorn and adragon.

bestsellerdom

bethesdan

��O1@aURgQ2��Gk biblical geog namea hallowed place : chapel.

Dorcinda attended services at thebethesda.

betrayal

betrothaln

��O1@a_=92Y��E

the act of promising in marriage.The king announced the betrothalof his daughter to the duke.

betwixtprep

��O1@adVXà��E

between.

The fly landed right betwixt Peter’seyes.

bevue

bewail

bewilderingadj

��O1@dVYQ�2�_V;��E + E

causing to lose one’s bearings.The town’s maze of streets wasbewildering even to its owninhabitants.

bey

beziquen

��O1@g4X��F

a card game similar to pinochle thatis played with a pack of 64 cards

and in which the points are made

chiefly by winning tricks.Clyde claimed he was playingbezique with friends the night hisbusiness partner’s house wasrobbed.

bhabar

bhalun

��@O/AYC��Skt > Hindia common bear of India and Sri

Lanka that has long black hair and

very large claws, a white V-shapedmark on the breast, a long snout,

and a very mobile tongue and lips.

The bhalu is also called a slothbear because of its slow-movinghabits.

bialyn

��O4@NY4��Yiddish

a flat roll that has a depressed

center and is usually covered withonion flakes.

A bialy is dense and chewy,somewhat like a bagel.

biathlonn

��O6@NaUAY/[��L > Gka composite athletic contest

consisting of cross-country skiing

and rifle sharpshooting.Justine placed second in thebiathlon at the Olympic trials.

bibliognost

bibliotaphicadj

��AOVOY42@aNSVX��Gk > F

characteristic of one who hides

away or hoards books.Hazel devotes her entire basementto the accommodation of herbibliotaphic desires.

bibulousadj

��@OVOf2Y2`��Linclined to drink especially

intoxicating beverages.

W. C. Fields made a career out ofplaying bibulous characters.

bicker

bickering

bicuspid

bicycle

bidialectalist


Page 31 of 289

bienniallyadv

��O6@R[42Y4��L

every two years.

The air force base biennially hostsan air show of new and oldaircraft.

bierstube

bifara

bifocal

bigamyn

��@OVT2Z4��Gk > L

the statutory offense of enteringinto a ceremonial marriage with

one person while still legally

married to another.Belief that one’s first marriage wasillegal is not acceptable as a validdefense of bigamy.

bigbloom

bighorn

bigot

bigotryn

��@OVT2a_4��F > Eobstinate and unreasoning

attachment to one’s own belief and

opinions with intolerance of beliefsopposed to them.

The school’s InternationalRelations Club strives to increaseawareness of the prevalence ofbigotry.

bilberry

bilboquet

bildungsromann

��@OVYAQB;�X�`_=AZ/[��G

a novel about the usually early

development or spiritual educationof the main character.

Wilson called the bildungsromanan experiment in living for thehero.

bile

biliousadj

��@OVYf2`��Lappearing as though affected by a

liver disorder.

The green of the marble reflectingon their faces made them lookbilious.

biliousness

bilirubinn

��AOVY2@_CO1[��L > F + L + ISV

a reddish yellow crystalline

pigment occurring in bile, blood,urine, and gallstones.

If a newborn is jaundiced becauseof a high level of bilirubin,phototherapy is the commontreatment.

billboard

billet

billingsgaten

��@OVYV;gAT0a��E landmarkcondemnatory language marked by

the coarse or offensive and

scornfully abusive or contentious.The billingsgate in the film wasexcessive and unnecessary, servingonly to give it an R rating.

billowyadj

��@OVY2d4��ON?

characterized by rolling or swelling

surges.The warm sun and billowy breezesdried them as they went.

bindingn

��@O6[QV;��E

the fastening of the sections of abook.

Despite the great age of the book,its binding was still intact.

binturongn

��OV[@aCA_<;��Malay

an Asian prehensile-tailed catlikecarnivorous mammal.

The muscular prehensile tail of thebinturong is used to graspbranches while its forelimbs pullfruiting branches to its mouth.

biodegradable

bioengineering

biological

biology

biophagous

biospeleology

biplane

birch

birchbark

birdien

��@O2_Q4��E[has homonym: birdy] a golf score

of one stroke less than par on a

hole.Eleanor putted well on the 18thhole and got a birdie.

birthright


Page 32 of 289

biscottin pl

��O1@`X/G4��L > It

crisp cookies of Italian origin

flavored usually with anise andfilberts or almonds.

Angela usually has several biscottiwith her morning coffee.

biserial

bishopricn

��@OVÙ2�A�]_VX��Gk

the administrative area under thejurisdiction of a clergyman of the

highest order in Christian churches

usually charged with a functionsuch as the supervision of a

diocese.

Priests throughout the bishopricwere required to attend themeeting.

bismarckn

��@OVgAZ/_X��G name

a raised doughnut shaped like a ballwith filling usually of jelly.

Jelly squirted out the end of thebismarck when Carrie bit into it.

bismuth

bistoury

bitingly

bitt

bitumastic

bituminousadj

��O6@a�f�CZ1[2`��Celt? > L > E

impregnated with, infiltrated by, or

containing soft coal.While doing research for her reporton the Industrial Revolution,Hayley learned of the many usesfor bituminous coal.

blabber

blackbird

blackboard

blackthorn

blamable

blameful

blanching

blandish

blanquillon

��OY/;@X4�A��f�=��Sp

any of several important marine

food fishes (as the ocean whitefishand the tilefish).

It took Hans only ten minutes toland a three-foot blanquillo.

blatancy

blatherer

blazer

blazonry

bleachable

bleachers

bleakness

blende

blepharism

blepharospasmn

��@OYRS2�A�_=A`]Ng2Z��Gk

spasmodic winking from the

involuntary contraction of theorbicular muscle of the eyelids.

Blepharospasm can usually berelieved by injecting small doses ofbotulinum toxin directly into themuscles involved.

blew

blighter

blinder

blinkern

��@OYV;X2�_��E

a device consisting essentially of a

light that can be flashed on and offregularly as a warning (as at a

railway crossing).

Because of the low afternoon sun,Jemmy couldn’t tell if theCadillac’s left-turn blinker was onor not.

blintzes

blitheful

blithely

bloat

blob

blockade

blockbuster

blolly

blondism

bloodcurdling

bloodshed

bloopern

��@OYC]2�_��imit

an embarrassing public blunder.The director shouted “Enough!”when the actor’s blooper evokedlaughter.

blousonn

��@OYNBAg/[��Fa garment (as a dress or blouse)

having a close waistband with

material falling over it in loosefolds.

Serena wore a white blouson andlong black skirt to the audition forHedda Gabler.

blowtorch

bluegill


Page 33 of 289

blunderingadj

��@OY2[Q2�_�V;��E

characterized by or given to

moving unsteadily, confusedly, orblindly : floundering.

The blundering bird flew into thepicture window.

blurredadj

��@OY2_Q��E?smeared with or as if with ink.

The signature was blurred andcouldn’t be read.

blurry

blustering

blusteryadj

��@OY2à�2�_4��G? > E

blowing boisterously : stormy.

The blustery weather forced NASAto divert the returning space shuttleto a new landing site.

blutwurst

boardroom

boastful

bodice

bodingv

��@O=QV;��E

[has near homonym: boating]

giving advance warning of.The winds and dark clouds areboding a heavy storm.

bodkinn

��@O/QX1[��E

a small slender instrument with asharp point for making holes in

cloth and leather and for picking

out bastings.The church spire seemed from agreat distance like a bodkin.

boeotianadj

��O4@=Ù2[��Gk

marked by stupidity and

philistinism : crudely obtuse :loutish.

John’s father adhered to theboeotian mentality that only self-indulgent idlers go to college.

boglet

bogus

bohemian

boing

bollardn

��@O/Y2�_�Q��(ON > E + Gmc > F > E)?a single or double post of metal or

wood fixed on a pier or wharf and

around which mooring lines arethrown.

Kyle fastened the boat’s line to thebollard and stepped out onto thepier.

bolus

bombard

bombardment

bombardon

bombasticadj

��O/Z@ONàVX��Per? > Gk > L > F + Ecfmarked by or given to a pretentious

inflated style of speech or writing.The candidate’s bombasticspeeches did little to gain votes.

bombycine

bonbon

bondieuserie

boned

bonificationn

��AO/[2S1@X0Ù2[��L

betterment of housing conditions

and farming practices in aparticular area.

The Peace Corps engages inbonification in almost everyunderdeveloped country in theworld.

bonusn

��@O=[2`��L

something given or received that isover and above what is expected.

Tomi is off enjoying her year-endbonus, a week on a Caribbeanisland.

bookkeeping

booklore

bookmakern

��@OBXAZ0X2�_��E + E

a printer, binder, or designer ofbooks.

Wendell was no run-of-the-millbookmaker but an accomplishedartist whose works sold forthousands of dollars.

booth

bordereaun

��@O<_Q2A_=��F

[Note: Plural form can be

pronounced identically.] a detailednote or memorandum of account.

The insurance clerk spent half thenight before the audit trying to findthe missing bordereau.

boregat


Page 34 of 289

boroughn

��@O2_�A�=��E

one of the five constituent political

divisions of New York City.Many visitors are surprised to seefarmland in the borough of StatenIsland.

boroughreeve

borrowed

Borsalinon

��AO<_`2@Y4�A�[=��It name

a wide-brimmed soft felt hat for

men.Roberto tilted back his Borsalinoand scratched his forehead,frowning at the shopkeeper.

bosonn

��@O=A`/[��Indian name + E[Note: Could be confused with

boatswain.] a particle (as a photon,

meson, or alpha particle) havingzero spin or an integral number of

quantum units of spin and

conforming to the Bose-Einsteinstatistics.

Researchers in elementary particlephysics are searching for a particleknown as the Higgs boson, which isconnected with the weak nuclearforce.

bosselated

boswellizev

��@O/gd2AY6g��Scot + Ecf

write of in the manner of one whowrites with love for and intimate

knowledge of any subject.

It would be difficult for anyone toboswellize America’s favoritepastime better than Ken Burns didin his documentary Baseball.

botryoidaladj

��AO/a_4@<VQ3Y��Gk

having the form of a bunch of

grapes.Minerals presenting anaggregation of large sections ofsmall globes are called“botryoidal.”bottinen

��O2@a4[��Fa woman’s light boot.

Marguerite waited while thecobbler put a new heel on herbottine.

botulism

bouchonn

��OC@Ù/[��Fa bushing pressed into a bridge or

plate of a timepiece.

The only thing wrong with Adam’spocket watch was a brokenbouchon.

bouffancy

bouffant

bouilli

bouncilyadv

��@ONB[�a�`1Y4��imit E + Ecf

with verve : jauntily, springily.Joyce skipped bouncily through thepark on her way home from school.

bourgade

boutaden

��OC@a/Q��F

an outbreak or burst especially of

temper.When the general received news ofhis losses, he reacted with a violentboutade.

boutique

boweredv

��@ONB�2�_Q��E

formed a shelter or covered place in

a garden with branches of trees orvines twined together.

Bougainvillea bowered the frontporch of the old house.

boxwood

bozzetto

bracemate

brachiation

brachiator

brachiosaurn

��@O_NX4=A`<�2�_��Gk

a dinosaur of the genus

Brachiosaurus of the UpperJurassic having longer forelegs than

hind legs.

The 110-million-year-old fossil isbelieved to be part of a rib of agigantic herbivorous brachiosaur.

bracket

bracteoseadj

��@O_NXa4A=`��L

having numerous or conspicuous

modified leaves from which aflower rises.

Of all bracteose plants, thepoinsettia is probably the mostfamiliar.

bradenhead

braggartn

��@O_NT2�_�a��Ea loud or arrogant boaster.

The braggart exaggerated hisfishing stories so much that no onewould believe him.

braggartism

bragget


Page 35 of 289

Brahmsianadj

��@O_/Zg42[��G name

of or relating to Johannes Brahms

or his musical compositions.Ulla thought she knew the wholeBrahmsian oeuvre, but she couldnot recognize the piece that Mirgaplayed.

braid

braille

braillist

brainchild

brake

brandishingv

��@O_N[QVÙV;��Gmc > F > E

shaking or waving (a weapon)menacingly.

“That’s why I drove him off,” criedthe Humbug, fiercely brandishinghis cane.

brandtite

brashly

bratling

bravadon

��O_2@c/�A�Q=��Sp

showy or demonstrative conduct or

action often characterized bybluster and swagger.

Much of Leo’s arrogance is basedon bravado and cannot besupported by competence.

brawln

��@O_<Y��E

a loud, angry, or disorderly quarrel.

Vincent couldn’t resist joining inthe playground brawl.

breadthn

��@O_RQaU��E

distance from side to side.

The breadth of the church’stransept is 54 feet.

breadwinner

break

bream

breaststroke

breathe

breathing

breathlesslyadv

��@O_RaUY1`Y4��E + Ecff

in a manner bringing about or

marked by being out of breathbecause of fear, suspense, awe, or

other strong emotion.

Ken breathlessly opened the doorto the attic to find that a cat wasresponsible for the yowling sounds.

brecciatedadj

��@O_RPU4A0G1Q��It

marked by sharp fragments of rockembedded in a fine-grained matrix

of clay or sand.

The countertop was made of abeautifully polished slab ofbrecciated stone.

brecciation

breechloader

breezeway

brethrenn pl

��@O_R9�2�_1[��E

ones related or linked by some

common tie or interest (as of sharedrank, profession, membership in a

society, suffering, or labor).

People at the ecumenical serviceagree that they are brethren of thesame principle.

bretonn

��@O_Ra3[��L > F

a woman’s hat made on a basicpattern of round crown and wide

even brim that is curved upward all

around.Before putting on her breton, Emilytrimmed it with a bright red peony.

breviaryn

��@O_4c�f�2_4��L

an ecclesiastical book containingthe daily public or canonical

prayers for the canonical hours.

Kristin opened her breviary to readthe prayer for vespers.

brewery

brickkilnn

��@O_VXAXVY�[��Ea kiln in which bricks are baked or

burned.

Ethan spent the summer operatingthe brickkiln in the colonial village.

bricklayer

brief

brigandage

brilliance

brilliantine


Page 36 of 289

brindisin

��@O_V[Q1�A�g4��G > It

a drinking or toasting song.

The bride and groom were wishedgood health and happiness in atraditional brindisi.

brindle

brisance

brisket

bristle

bristlyadj

��@O_V`�2�Y4��E

consisting of or like short stiff

coarse hair.Trudy pictured her uncle with abristly brown mustache, even afterhe had shaved it off.

brittle

broccoli

brogann

��@O_=T2[��IrGael

a heavy shoe; especially : a coarse

leather work shoe reaching to theankle.

Just after getting out of bed, Caltripped over a brogan and fell onthe sleeping dog.

broguing

brokerage

bromine

bronchospasmn

��@O_/;�A�X=A`]Ng2Z��Gk

constriction of the air passages of

the lung by spasmodic contractionof the bronchial muscles (as in

asthma).In many asthmatics, exercise canprovoke bronchospasm.

brontophobian

��AO_/[a2@S=O42��Gk

abnormal fear of thunder.

As he got older, Xavier graduallyovercame his brontophobia.

brothn

��O_<aU��Eliquid in which meat, fish, cereal

grains, or vegetables have beencooked.

Mother made two quarts of brothfrom the leftover chicken.

brownie

brunizemn

��O_C[2@gRZ��L + Russ

a soil of the prairies developedfrom loess and occurring

extensively in Iowa.

Corn usually thrives in the richbrunizem of Iowa.

brunneousadj

��@O_2[42`��Gmc > L + Ecfdark brown—used chiefly

scientifically.Hatchery officials were worriedabout brunneous spots on the fisheggs.

brusquely

brusqueness

bryophyten

��@O_62AS6a��Gk + Gk

a plant of a division of

nonflowering plants comprising themosses and liverworts.

The botanist said that the earliestland plant was probably abryophyte.

bubblyadj

��@O2O�2�Y4��E

exhibiting almost unrestrainable

enthusiasm or happy emotion :effervescent.

The bubbly tourists spent theevening rehashing the day’ssightseeing trip.

bubonic

buccal

buccinatorsn pl

��@O2X`2A[0G2�_�g��L

thin broad muscles forming thewalls of the cheeks.

As the trumpeter played, hisbuccinators rhythmically expandedand contracted.

budget

buffan

��@OCS2��Ita woman singer of comic roles in

opera.

Lorelei admired the beautiful voiceof the buffa in the MetropolitanOpera production of Cosi FanTutte.

buffet

buffetingn

��@O2S1GV;��F

repeated alteration of theaerodynamic forces acting on any

part of an airplane in flight.

Chuck Yeager’s plane was subjectto severe buffeting as it approachedthe sound barrier.

bufflehorn


Page 37 of 289

Bugakun

��OC@T/�A�XC��Jpn

a stately classical Japanese dance

originally introduced from China.The visiting dance troupeperformed a Bugaku in theemperor’s honor.

bugian

��@O�f�CW�4�2��Algerian geog name > La low candlestick with a short

handle.

Marlo keeps a bugia on her bedsidetable.

bugle

bulbously

bulimic

bulk

bulldozer

bulliform

bullpen

bulwark

bulwarksn pl

��@OBYd2�_�X`��G > D > E

imposing safeguards.Elizabeth fought tirelessly tocounter the opposition of thoseentrenched behind the bulwarks ofcustom and authority.

bumblebeen

��@O2ZO2YAO4��E

any of numerous large robust hairy

yellow-and-black social bees of thegenus Bombus.

The nest of the bumblebee isusually underground.

bumpkinsn pl

��@O2Z�]�X1[g��D > Flemish?

typically awkward blockish and

utterly unsophisticated rustics.With the girls as an audience, theboys were acting like bumpkins.

bungle

bunion

bunkern

��@O2;X2�_��E? > Sca sand trap or embankment with

soil exposed constituting a hazard

on a golf course.Ronnie’s first shot off the tee flew150 yards directly into a bunker.

bunkhouse

bunting

Bunyanesqueadj

��AO2[f2@[R`X��Amer nameof or befitting the tales of Paul

Bunyan; especially : of fantastically

large size.No amount of food can satisfyRaymond’s Bunyanesque appetite.

buoy

burden

burdensomeadj

��@O2_Q3[`2Z��E + Ecfdifficult or distressing to carry or to

bear.

Tia found running the snack bar aburdensome responsibility.

bureau

bureaucratese

burelage

burgeoned

burglar

burglariousadj

��AO2_@TYN�N�_42`��Gmc > L > AF

of or suitable for the use of one

who breaks into a building illegallyespecially with intent to steal.

The prosecutor asked the defendantto explain why he had burglarioustools in his automobile.

burglaryn

��@O2_TY2_4��Gmc > L > AF

the act of breaking into a building

illegally especially with intent tosteal.

More than once Blake committedburglary to get money to pay hisgambling debts.

burgonetn

��@O2_T2[1a��F geog name

a light 16th-century helmet having

cheekpieces and sometimes anosepiece.

The French commander checked tosee that every footsoldier wascarrying a pike and was wearing aburgonet.

burgundyn

��@O2_T2[Q4��F geog name

a variable color averaging a darkgrayish reddish brown that is

redder and duller than mahogany.

The students at the new high schoolvoted for burgundy and gray astheir school colors.

burial

burinist

burladero

burlap

burlesquing


Page 38 of 289

burron

��@O2_�A�=��L > Sp

[has homonyms: borough, burrow]

donkey.The easy pace and sure step of theburro make it a good pack animal.

bushido

bushyadj

��@OBÙ4��E + Ecf

resembling a shrub : thick and

spreading.There was one part of the wallwhere the creeping dark greenleaves were more bushy thanelsewhere.

buskinn

��@O2`X1[��Sp

a strong thick-soled laced foot

covering with a legging reachinghalfway or more to the knee.

Emma found her kitten soundasleep inside her fur-lined buskin.

bustle

bustlingadj

��@O2`�2�YV;��ON > E + Ecf

given to or full of noisy orenergetic activity.

As they strolled along the bustlingand busy avenue, he began.

butane

butterfliesn pl

��@O2G2�_�ASY6g��E

any of several slender-bodieddiurnal insects that have very large

broad wings which are often

strikingly colored and patterned.The formerly quiet field eruptedwith beautiful red butterflies.

buttermilk

butylenen

��@OfCG3YA4[��ISV

any of three isomeric hydrocarbons

of the ethylene series obtainedusually by cracking petroleum.

Because butylene is highlyflammable, it is hazardous to workwith.

Byronicadj

��O6@_/[VX��E name

of, relating to, or having the

characteristics of the poet Byron orhis writings, usually involving

hatred of mankind or distrust of

human nature.His attitude and his smile wereByronic, at once world-weary andcontemptuous.

byssus

cabal

cabalettan

��AXNO2@YRG2��L > OProv > It

the lively conclusion of an aria or

duet.The tenor ended the cabaletta on ahigh C, inspiring the audience torespond with a standing ovation.

cabalist

cabalistic

caballeron

��AXNO2@YR�2��A�_=��L > Sp

knight, cavalier.

For Halloween Kenny dressed as aSpanish caballero and rode hispony from house to house.

cabasa

cabeceran

��AXNO2@`R_2��Sp

the chief city of a province or

district in a Spanish-speakingcountry.

The town of Santiago deCompostela has been the cabeceraof Galicia since medieval times.

cabinetry

cablegram

cabotinagen

��@XNO2a1A[/gU��F name + Fcf

behavior befitting a second-rateactor : theatricality.

To fit the tone of a 19th-centurymelodrama, the actors indulged ina good deal of deliberatecabotinage.

cabretta

cabriolet

cachepot

cacoepy

cactus

cadenza

cadge

caffeinicadj

��XN@S4[VX��Turk > F> G

of or containing caffeine.Cindy relied on the caffeinic effectsof coffee to energize her in themorning.

cahootsn pl

��X2@UCag��F

collusion, connivance.Thelma suspected her brotherswere in cahoots against her, butshe had no proof.


Page 39 of 289

cajoledv

��X2@W=YQ��F

obtained (an object or favor) from

someone by persuading withdeliberate flattery : wheedled.

Sally raves about the time shecajoled a lock of hair from thefootball team captain.

cakewalkn

��@X0XAd<X��ON > E > E

a stage dance developed from

walking steps, especially a high-stepping prance with a backward

tilt.

The cakewalk was originallyperformed in competitions wherethe prize was a cake.

calamitous

calamondin

calando

calceiformadj

��@XNY`42AS<_Z��L

shaped like a slipper.Fictional detective Nero Wolfecultivated certain orchids for thecalceiform lip in their flowers.

calceusn

��@XNY`42`��Lan ancient Roman ankle-length

shoe usually of leather.

The calceus was the preferred shoeof Roman city dwellers.

calderan

��XNY@QR_2��L > Sp

a crater much greater in diameter

than the vent of the volcano withwhich it is associated.

The volcano’s eruption was soviolent that it blew away the cone,leaving a vast caldera.

calefaction

calefactory

caligan

��@XNY1T2��La heavy-soled Roman military shoe

or sandal worn by all ranks up to

and including centurions.The emperor Caligula was namedafter the caliga, which he was fondof wearing as a boy.

callee

calligraphy

calliopean

calomeln

��@XNY2Z2Y��Gk > La white tasteless salt used as a

cathartic, fungicide, and

insecticide.Years ago calomel was aningredient in medicine, but now itis found mostly in insecticides andfungicides.

calorimetern

��AXNY2@_VZ2G2�_��L + Gk > Ecf

any of several apparatuses for

measuring quantities of absorbed orevolved heat or for determining

specific heats.

The calorimeter is designed tominimize heat loss duringmeasurement.

calumniate

calvary

calyxn

��@X0YVX`��Gkthe outer set of floral leaves making

up the external part of the flower.

Once the flower’s petals fell, thegreen calyx seemed much moreattractive.

Cambodiann

��XNZ@O=Q42[��Asian geog name

the language of the Cambodians,

which is of Mon-Khmer origin.Sunita surprised her boss when shevolunteered to learn Cambodianfor his research.

cambric

cameist

camellia

Camembertn

��@XNZ2ZAOR�2�_��F geog namea soft unpressed cheese having a

characteristic odor and flavor

produced by the presence of a bluemold and usually covered with a

feltlike rind inside which the

cheese softens progressivelytoward the center.

Brenda served a ripe Camembertafter the dessert course.

cameral

cameramann

��@XNZ�2�_2AZN[��L + E

[Note: An alternate pronunciationcan be confused with plural form of

word.] an operator of a motion-

picture or television camera.The cameraman said he waswilling to travel anywhere to coverbreaking news stories.

camorra

campaign

campanologistn

��AXNZ]2@[/Y2W1à��L + Gk

maker of bells.

The campanologist beamed withpride every time he heard thecathedral carillon.

campanology


Page 40 of 289

campesinon

��AXNZ]2@`4�A�[=��L > Sp

a native of a Latin-American rural

area; especially : a Latin-AmericanIndian farmer or farm laborer.

The elderly campesino was thevillage’s historian, weatherforecaster, and mediator.

campestral

camphoric

campimetern

��XNZ@]VZ2G2�_��(L + Gk) > ISV

an instrument for testing indirect orperipheral visual perception of

form and color.

When Mrs. Dunn developedcataracts, her doctor used acampimeter to measure visionimpairment.

Canaann

��@X0[2[��Heb > Gka promised land : place of rest,

reward, or fulfillment.

Mrs. Gruber, who will be 100 yearsold on her next birthday, talks oftenof seeing her loved ones again inCanaan.

canal

cancel

cancellation

cancellin pl

��XN[@`RAY6��Lscreens or rails typically of

latticework or stone grating used to

enclose or separate a part of achurch.

From the style of the church’scancelli, the church was built in the16th century.

cancern

��@XN[�a�`2�_��L > E

a malignant tumor of potentially

unlimited growth.Chemotherapy proved quiteeffective in treating Kristin’scancer.

candidate

candidlyadv

��@XN[Q1QY4��F&L

in a disinterested, fair, or justmanner.

Fiona candidly admitted to havingtaken the money but refused toadmit she had acted wrongfully.

candle

candlelightn

��@XN[Q3YAY6a��L > E + Ethe light of a candle.

C. J. sat by candlelight in his studyand thought about the last eightyears of his life.

canepin

canister

cannibals

cannonball

canonicity

canorous

cantabankn

��@XN[a2AON;X��Gmc > L > It

a singer from benches or platforms

: a ballad singer.The cantabank strolling throughthe streets of the amusement parkwas not an employee, though hegave that impression to hisonlookers.

cantabileadv

��X/[@a/O1AY0��L > It

in a singing manner :

melodiously—often used as adirection in music.

The second movement’s mostmemorable theme wasappropriately played cantabile.

canticlen

��@XN[a1X2Y��L

song, poem, hymn.

Scott left church humming thecanticle “Nunc Dimittis.”cantillatev

��@XN[a3YA0a��L

recite with musical usuallyimprovised tones (as in synagogues

and highly liturgical churches) :chant.

The congregation knelt as the choirbegan to cantillate the 23rd Psalm.

cantinan

��XN[@a4[2��It > Sp

a small barroom : saloon.In the very first Star Wars movie, ascene set in a cantina featuresmany interesting aliens.

cantlen

��@XN[a3Y��F > E[has near homonym: candle] the

upwardly projecting rear part of a

saddle.Only the cantle prevented the riderfrom falling out of the saddle whenthe warhorse reared.


Page 41 of 289

cantonn

��@XN[a3[��L > Prov > F


not the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] any one

of the spaces in the four corners of

a heraldic field.Each canton of the coat of armswas a different color.

caparisoned

capeadorn

��X.]0.@9<_��Sp

a bullfighter’s aide who uses a cape

to distract or excite the bull.As the capeador teased the bull atthe other end of the stadium,Manuela had time to recover fromher fall.

capern

��@X0]2�_��L > It

a capricious or madcap escapade :

prank, antic.Roberto’s little caper resulted in athree-day suspension from school.

capered

capitol

capitulationn

��X2A]VPU2@Y0Ù2[��Lthe act or agreement of one that

surrenders to an enemy upon

stipulated terms.The capitulation of the army tookplace on the battlefield at noon.

capitulum

capoten

��X2@]=a��F

a small Victorian bonnet with tie

strings and varied trimmings.Martha trimmed her capote withcolorful embroideries for festiveoccasions.

capriccion

��X2@]_4�A�PU=��It

an instrumental piece in free form

usually lively in tempo and brilliantin style.

When feeling depressed, Kate playsa recording of a capriccio to lifther spirits.

capricesn pl

��X2@]_4`1g��L > It > F

sudden impulsive apparently

unmotivated changes of mind.Ms. Lawrence understands thecaprices of children and thus has ahigh tolerance for their whims.

capriole

capsheafn

��@XN]AÙ4S��L > E + E

the crowning point : acme, climax.Ingrid thought the stranger’s insultto his benefactor was the capsheafof folly.

captain

caption

captious

capture

carambolan

��AXN_2Z@O=Y2��Marathi > Pg

[Note: Could be confused withcarambole.] a green to yellow

usually somewhat acid fruit that is

much used in Chinese cookery :star fruit.

The slices of carambola on the fruittray disappeared rapidly as theguests passed by the food table.

carapacen

��@XN_2A]0`��Sp > F

a bony or chitinous case or shield

covering the back or part of theback of an animal (as the upper

shell of a turtle, the shell of an

armadillo, or the shell of a crab).Glenda saw an armadillo carapacefor the first time when her familywent to Florida on vacation.

caravel

carbine

carbon

carbunclen

��@X/_AO2;X2Y��L > F > Ea painful local inflammation of the

skin and deeper tissues, usually

accompanied by fever.Dr. Morton applied a topicalantibiotic to the carbuncle onJason’s neck.

carcajoun

��@X/_X2AWC��Alqonquian > Fa northern North American

carnivorous mammal that is

blackish with a light brown band oneach side of the body and that is

noted especially for its strength :

wolverine.Over soft, deep snow the large feetof the carcajou enable it to catchits reindeer prey.

carcinogenicadj

��AX/_`3[�A�=@WR[VX��Gk + Gkproducing or tending to produce

cancer.

Thorald pointed out to his daughterSam that thousands of naturallyoccurring chemicals havecarcinogenic effects.

cardiogram


Page 42 of 289

carditisn

��X/_@Q6G1`��L

inflammation of the heart muscle.

Carditis is one of themanifestations of rheumatic fever.

careenv

��X2@_4[��L > It > Fcause (a boat) to lean over on one

side (as on a beach) making theother side accessible for repairs

below the waterline.

The crew decided to haul the boatonto the beach and careen it so thatthey could repair the hull.

career

carefreeadj

��@XR�2�_AS_4��E + E

having no worries : happy.

Grandpa reminisced about the daysof his youth, when he was playfuland carefree.

careless

caress

caret

cargadorn

��@X/_T2AQ<�2�_��Sp

one who works at or who isresponsible for the loading or

unloading of a ship in port.

Tina had her picture taken with aburly cargador at the wharf.

Caribbeanadj

��X2@_VO42[��Arawak > Sp + Ecf

of, relating to, or characteristic of

the eastern and southern WestIndies.

Whenever Ellie thinks aboutCaribbean music, she hears in herhead the brilliant sound of steeldrums.

caribe

caricaturedv

��@XN_1X2APUB�2�_Q��L > Itrepresented in exaggeration by

means of deliberate simplification

and often ludicrous distortion ofparts or characteristics.

Those who inaugurated themovement for women’senfranchisement were initiallycensured and caricatured by thepress.

cariesn pl

��@XN�2�_4g��L[has homonym: carries] tooth

decay.

Daily flossing and brushing helpkeep caries at bay.

carinationn

��AXN_2@[0Ù2[��L

the quality or state of being shaped

like the keel or prow of a ship.The architect created a whimsicalseaside building with a definitecarination at the front.

cariocan

��AXN_4@=X2��Tupi > Pg[has near homonym: karaoke] the

samba adapted to ballroom

dancing.The carioca is a very lively dancethat originated in Brazil.

cariogenicadj

��AXN�N�_4=@WR[VX��L > Gk

conducive to the development oftooth decay.

The combination of saliva withfood is the first step in digestion;unfortunately, it is also verycariogenic.

caritativeadj

��@XN_2Aa0GVc��L

charitable in nature or tendency.

After the fire, the caritativeimpulses of utter strangers restoredJosh’s faith in humanity.

carmagnolen

��AX/_Z2[@f=Y��It geog name > F

a street dance in a meanderingcourse to the tune of a lively song

popular at the time of the first

French Revolution.Christine and Jean-Paul dancedthe carmagnole at the street fair inMarseilles.

carminen

��@X/_AZ6[��(L + Ar) > L > Fa vivid red pigment used as a

biological stain and as a coloring in

foods, drugs, and cosmetics.Yolanda’s father snidely remarkedthat her lipstick contained a littletoo much carmine.

carnauba

carol

Carolingianadj

��AXN_2@YV[W�4�2[��Gk > G > L

of or relating to a Frankish family

that was founded about A.D. 613and including among its members

the rulers of France from 751 to

987, of Italy from 774 to 961, andof Germany from 752 to 911.

Charles the Fat, a Carolingianmonarch, ruled in Italy until A.D.887.

carom

carpentry

carpet

carpetbagger


Page 43 of 289

carrosserien

��X._<`_4��L > It > F

the carriage body of an automobile.

A display in the transportationmuseum showed how thecarrosserie of an early Model TFord was made.

cartographersn pl

��X/_@a/T_2S2_g��Gk > Lindividuals who make maps.

The package contains severalbrochures and a city map, whichwas carefully drawn by mastercartographers and is current.

cartridge

cartwheel

cartwright

caseinn

��@X0A`4[��L > F

[Note: Could be confused withcasing.] the principal protein of

cheese.

Arlene saved the companythousands of dollars by loweringthe proportion of casein used in itsmozzarella.

cashmerette

casket

casquen

��@XN`X��Sp&F

[has homonym: cask] a piece of

armor for the head : a helmet ormilitary headpiece of any kind.

The museum acquired a 15th-century casque for its medievalarmor display.

cassation

cassette

cassideous

Cassiopeianadj

��AXN`42@]4�f�2[��Gk name > L + Ecf

of or relating to the constellation

Cassiopeia.Dr. Giddings insisted that he hadnever heard of a Cassiopeianmeteor shower.

cassockn

��@XN`2X��Per > Fa long close-fitting garment

reaching to the feet that is worn by

the clergy of certain churches oftenduring divine service and by

choristers and vergers.

The acolyte’s mother gasped as hereyes traveled from her child’scassock to his basketball shoes.

cassolette

castellann

��@XNà2Y2[��L > F > E

a governor or warden of a castle or

fort.Richard played the part of thecastellan during the medieval fair.

castellate

castellated

castle

cataclasm

catacombsn pl

��@XNG2AX=Zg��Gk > L > It > F

a subterranean cemetery consisting

of galleries or passages with siderecesses for tombs.

Our visit to Rome included a tourof the catacombs.

catafalquen

��@XNG2ASNYX��L > It

an ornamental sometimes very

elaborate structure used in manychurches in solemn funerals for the

lying in state of the body.

Many mourners stood in line towalk by and touch the velvet-draped catafalque.

catalinetan

��AXNG3Y2@[RG2��Gk > L > Sp

any of several angelfishes.A catalineta can grow up to twofeet in length.

catalysisn

��X2@aNY2`1`��Gk

the change in the rate of a chemicalreaction brought about by often

small amounts of a substance that is

unchanged chemically at the end ofthe reaction.

Enzymes speed up many chemicalreactions in the body throughcatalysis.

catamnesisn

��AXNGNZ@[4`1`��Gk

the follow-up medical history of a

patient.Once the patient’s catamnesis wascomplete, the records were placedin long-term file storage.

cataplexy

catarrhal

catastrophic

catbird

catchpenny

catchword


Page 44 of 289

catechisticadj

��AXNG2@XVàVX��Gk > L

of or relating to a teacher of moral

and religious doctrine or to thematerial taught by such a teacher.

After a period of catechisticinstruction, Greg was ready to bereceived as a full member of thechurch.

catenan

��X2@a4[2��L

a connected series of related things.While at camp, Lorna and Beatricemade up a catena of funny songsabout their bunkmates.

catheter

cauliclen

��@X<Y1X2Y��L

a rudimentary stem; specifically :the stem of an embryo or young

seedling.

After planting the corn seed, thebiology class eventually was ableto observe the development of thecaulicle, from which the first rootsgrew.

caulicolousadj

��X<@YVX2Y2`��L

growing on the stems of other

plants.During our hike Mom pointed outthe caulicolous fungi on the trees.

cauliflorous

caulome

causable

causative

cautious

cavity

caxon

cayennen

��X6@R[��French Guiana geog name

a very hot and pungent powder

made by drying and grinding thewhole fruits or the seeds of several

hot peppers.

Paolo’s chili was too mild, so hesprinkled some cayenne on it.

ceaselessly

cebell

cedar

celebratev

��@`RY2AO_0a��L

demonstrate grateful and happy

satisfaction in (as an anniversary orevent) by engaging in festivities,

merrymaking, or other similar

deviation from accustomed routine.About 100 friends and relativesattended the party to celebrateMom and Dad’s 50th weddinganniversary.

celebratoryadj

��@`RY2O_2Aa=_4��L

used or intended for use in

celebrating a solemn or festiveoccasion.

The champions were feted at acelebratory dinner at which thetrophies were presented.

celerity

celestan

��`1@YRà2��L > F[Note: Could be confused with

celeste.] a keyboard instrument

having an action like that of a pianowith hammers that strike steel

plates suspended above wooden

resonance boxes and producing atone similar to that of a

glockenspiel.For the talent competition Trishperformed a medley of Gershwintunes on the celesta.

celestina

cellar

cellblock

celluloidn

��@`RYf2AY<VQ��trademark

motion-picture film.

The celluloid used for the movieweighed about 300 pounds.

Celsiusadj

��@`RY`42`��Sw name

relating to, conforming to, or

having the internationalthermometric scale on which 0 is

the freezing point and 100 is the

boiling point of water.Normal human body temperature is37 degrees Celsius.

cembalist

cementitious

cenoten

��`1@[=G4��Maya > Spa deep sinkhole especially in

Central America and the Yucatán

peninsula having a pool at thebottom fed by the water table;

especially : such a natural well into

which sacrificial offerings werethrown in Mayan ceremonies.

Kirsty went cavern diving in acenote during her vacation on theYucatán peninsula.

censern

��@`R[�a�`2�_��L > F > E

a vessel for burning incense.

The bell rings, the censer swings,and chants fill the air in the chapelon Sunday.

censorship

censure

centrally


Page 45 of 289

centuple

centurionn

��`R[@a�f�B_42[��Lan officer commanding 100 men.

Divisions called “cohorts” in theancient Roman army weresubdivided into groups of 100soldiers, each of which wascommanded by a centurion.

cephalicadj

��`1@SNYVX��Gkof or relating to the head.

The cephalic veins in the arm areso called because it was oncebelieved that they were related tocertain ailments of the head.

Cerbereanadj

��`2�_�@OV_42[��Gk name > L

of, relating to, or like a watchdog.Dobie is the best Cerbereancreature one could hope to have.

cerberusn

��@`2_O�2�_2`��Gk > L

watchdog, gatekeeper, custodian.As school treasurer, Tony refers tohimself as the cerberus of theschool’s coffers.

cercin pl

��@`2_A`6��Gk > L

paired appendages believed to besensory situated at the tip of the

abdomen in many insects.The cerci on some insects are alsomodified limbs.

cerebellumn

��A`R_2@ORY2Z��L

a large lower back part of the brain

that is concerned especially withthe coordination of muscles and the

maintenance of equilibrium.

Sheila’s vertigo results fromdamage to her cerebellum.

cerebral

cerebratev

��@`R_2AO_0a��L + Ecfuse the mind : think.

Sharon went to the library so thatshe could cerebrate withoutinterruptions from her brothers.

cerebriform

ceremonious

ceremoniouslyadv

��A`R_2@Z=[42`Y4��Etruscan? > L

in an elaborate or punctiliousmanner.

Paul reached inside his coatpocket, drew out a small velvet box,and handed it ceremoniously to hisgirlfriend.

ceremony

ceriman

certain

certificate

certitude

cervine

cession

cetaceann

��`4@a0Ù2[��Gk > L

any of an order of aquatic mostly

marine mammals including thewhales, dolphins, porpoises, and

related forms that have a tapered

nearly hairless body, paddle-shapedforelimbs, no hind limbs, and a

flattened tail.

Moby Dick is the most famouscetacean in American literature.

chablis

chafe

chairborneadj

��@PUR�2�_AO<�2�_[��Gk > L > F > E + E

assigned to a desk job : not servingin the field or in combat—used

originally and especially of military

officers.After three years of beingchairborne, Sandy decided toresign from the Marines.

chaise

chalcedonyx

chaldronn

��@PU<YQ_2[��F

a unit of measure for coal equal to

36 bushels or 25½ hundredweight.Before 1963 in Great Britain,people were accustomed toordering coal by the chaldron.

chalet

chalkography

challenging

chamade

chameleon


Page 46 of 289

chameleonicadj

��X2AZ4Y4@/[VX��Gk > L > F > E

like a chameleon in changeability;

assuming varying hues.The military hopes to developchameleonic suits so soldiers canblend in with differentbackgrounds.

championadj

��@PUNZ]42[��Gmc > L > F > E

acknowledged as supreme over

contestants or rivals.Scott is the champion golfer in hisage group at his country club.

chanceman

chanceryn

��@PUN[�a�`�2�_4��L > F > E

a record office for the collection,

arrangement, and safekeeping ofpublic archives and ecclesiastical,

legal, or diplomatic proceedings.

The diocese requires that eachpastor submit a financial report tothe chancery at least once a year.

chandler

chandleryn

��@PUN[QY2_4��L > F > E + Ecf

a place where candles are kept.

The altar boy spent the afternoonreorganizing the chandlery.

changan

��@PUN;T2��Sp

a large brown mole cricket.

The changa is a destructive pest tocrops.

changer

chanoyun

��APU/[=@fC��Jpn

an elaborate Japanese tea

ceremony.Mariko performed the chanoyu forher guests with serene grace.

chaperonage

chapiter

chaplain

chapter

characin

charade

charadesn pl

��Ù2@_0Qg��Prov > F

a game in which a group is dividedinto two sides each alternately

devising words represented in

riddling verse or by pictures ordramatic action to be guessed by

the other.

The dinner party wascomplemented by a most animatedevening of charades.

charcuterien

��A�Ù/_AXCG2@_4��L > F

a delicatessen in Francespecializing in dressed meats and

meat dishes (as cold cuts and

sausages).Loraine stopped at the charcuterieand bought a smoked chicken forsupper.

chard

chardonnay

charisman

��X2@_VgZ2��Gk

a personal magic of leadership

arousing special popular loyalty orenthusiasm for a public figure.

John F. Kennedy is often named asa leader with charisma.

charismaticadj

��AXN_1g@ZNGVX��Gkof or relating to the religious

movement that emphasizes the

extraordinary power (as of healing)given a Christian by the Holy

Spirit.

The charismatic movement inAmerican religion began in theearly 1960s, when a Californiaminister announced to hiscongregation that he had beengiven the gift of tongues.

charitable

charitarian

Charlestonn

��@PU/_Yga2[��US geog namea ballroom dance in which the

knees are twisted in and out and the

heels are swung sharply outward oneach step.

Jana has an old photograph of hergreat-grandmother doing theCharleston.

Charybdisn

��X2@_VOQ1`��Gk > L

a destructive peril—usually used as

the alternative to Scylla.Whether to tell the truth or to lie issometimes a choice between Scyllaand Charybdis.

chasten


Page 47 of 289

chastisev

��@PUNAà6g��L > F > E

censure severely in an attempt to

correct or improve.Ms. Stanton protested a form ofgovernment that she believed gavea man the power to chastise andimprison his wife.

chastisementn

��PUN@à6gZ2[a��L > F > E

punishment.

Hazel’s mother required her tospend an hour in her room aschastisement for disobeying.

chatelainen

��@ÙNG3YA0[��L > F

[has homonym: chatelain] anornamental chain or clasp usually

worn at a woman’s waist to which

trinkets, keys, a purse, or otherarticles are attached.

Melissa has an antique chatelainethat her great-grandmother used tohold her needle case, magnifyingglass, and a small pair of scissors.

chaton

chatterboxn

��@PUNG2�_�AO/X`��E

one who talks incessantly and idly.

Before the party, Alex had no ideathat Serena was such a chatterbox.

chatteringv

��@PUNG2�_�V;��imit > E

uttering rapidly succeeding sounds

somewhat like language butinarticulate and indistinct.

The squirrel was chatteringfuriously at the magpies who hadstolen its food.

chauffeuse

chechian

��@Ù0ÙAf/��Per geog name > Maghribi > F

a cylindrical brimless cap of Arab

origin often having a tassel on thecrown.

When Gordon arrived in Morocco,he was greeted by a tour guidewearing a red chechia.

checkered

cheddar

cheerfuladj

��@PUV_S2Y��G? > L? > F > E

full of good spirits arising from acarefree attitude and a bright lively

disposition.

Linda appeared relaxed andcheerful as she began skating forthe judges.

chefn

��@ÙRS��L > F > E

one skilled in food preparation whohas charge of the kitchen and

kitchen personnel in a large

establishment (as a hotel orrestaurant).

Before he became a famoustelevision personality, EmerilLagasse was a chef at several finerestaurants.

chekan

��@PU0�A�X/��Russ

secret police (as of the formerU.S.S.R.) having virtually

unrestrained power over life and

death.The dissidents were detained andtortured for months by the cheka.

chelan

��@X4Y2��Gk

a pincerlike organ or claw borne by

certain of the limbs of Crustaceaand Arachnida.

Rush cracked open the lobster’schela and feasted on the meatinside.

chemical

chemise

chemisetten

��AÙRZ4@gRa��F

a woman’s vestlike outergarment orundergarment.

For his wife’s birthday present, Tedbought a silk chemisetteembroidered with roses.

chemosphere

chemurgy

cherries

cherubic

chervil

chestn

��@PURà��E

the part of the body enclosed by theribs and breastbone.

Herman has a mole right in themiddle of his chest.

chevalet

chevaline

chevonn

��@ÙRc2[��F + F > E

the flesh of the goat used as food.

To many inhabitants of the tropics,chevon is as palatable as mutton.

chevron

chewy


Page 48 of 289

chiack

chiaroscuristn

��AXf/_2@`X�f�B_1à��L > Itan artist who uses the arrangement

or treatment of the light and dark

parts in a pictorial work of art.The chiaroscurist deftly conveyedthe mood in black and white.

chiaroscuro

chiasmusn

��X6@NgZ2`��Gk

the inversion of the order of

syntactical elements in the secondof two juxtaposed and syntactically

parallel phrases or clauses.

Chiasmus is frequent in Greek andLatin poetry.

chic

chickaree

chief

chifforobe

chilblain

childishly

chiliast

chiliasticadj

��AXVY4@NàVX��Gk + Ecffrelating to belief in the millennium

of Christian prophecy.Leonard listened with interest tothe fiery chiliastic sermon of thestreet preacher.

chinoiserien

��AÙ4[Ad/g�2�@_4��F

a style in art (as in decoration)reflecting or felt to reflect Chinese

artistic motifs.Chinoiserie was popular in 18th-century English furniture design.

chippendaleadj

��@PUV]2[AQ0Y��E name

relating to a style of 18th century

furniture.Mrs. Davis planned to bid on thechippendale chair at the auction.

chipperadj

��@PUV]2�_��E

being in high spirits : cheerful,sprightly.

Kyle has good reason to bechipper: His real estate business isthriving.

chirognomyn

��X6@_/T[2Z4��Gkthe art or practice of reading a

person’s character or aptitudes andespecially his past and possible

future from the general character

and shape of his hands and fingersand the lines, Mounts, and marks

on the palms.

Heather read a pamphlet onchirognomy in preparation for herrole as a palm reader at the fallfestival.

chiromancer

chiromegalyn

��AX6_2@ZRT2Y4��Gk

abnormal increase in the size of thehands.

The distraught parents called thepediatrician with the claim thattheir daughter had a case ofchiromegaly.

chiroplastyn

��@X6_2A]YNà4��Gk > L

plastic surgery of the hand.Zeke was not looking forward toundergoing chiroplasty.

chiropodyn

��X2@_/]2Q4��Gk

the care and treatment of the human

foot in health and disease.Dr. Griffin was the onlypractitioner of chiropody in thetown.

chiropractorn

��@X6_2A]_NXa2_��Gk + Gk + Ecfa practitioner of a system of healing

based upon the theory that disease

results from a lack of normal nervefunction and employing treatment

by scientific manipulation and

specific adjustment of bodystructures (as the spinal column).

Joanne scheduled a visit to thechiropractor after a flare-up of herback pain.

chirp

chirr

chistka

chitinn

��@X6a3[��Gk > F

[has homonym: chiton] a tough

horny substance that makes up thebulk of the insect cuticle.

Chitin serves as a protection for aninsect.

chloasman

��XY=@NgZ2��Gka skin discoloration marked by

yellowish brown pigmented

patches or spots—called also “liverspots.”

Because conforming is important tosmall children, they have troubleignoring things like chloasma.

chlore

chlorinator


Page 49 of 289

chloroformn

��@XY=_2AS<_Z��(Gk + L) > F

a colorless volatile heavy toxic

liquid of ethereal odor and sweetishtaste used chiefly as a solvent and

especially formerly as a general

anesthetic.The comedian explained that hisnew perfume was made from asecret mixture of lanolin andchloroform.

chlorosisn

��XY2@_=`1`��Gk

a diseased condition in chlorophyll-

bearing plants manifested as theyellowing or blanching of the

normally green parts due to causes

other than the absence of light (asattacks of parasites or mineral

deficiencies).

The philodendron in Cathy’skitchen exhibits an advanced stageof chlorosis.

chocolatyadj

��@PU/XY1G4��Nahuatl > Sp + Ecf

made of or like chocolate.Simon enjoys the chocolaty flavorof his chicken mole.

chogset

choice

cholangitis

chondral

chopinen

��PU=@]4[��Sp > F

a woman’s shoe of the 16th and

17th centuries having a high oftenstiltlike sole to increase stature and

protect the feet from mud and dirt.

While the chopine elevated a lady’sstature, it often led to her downfall.

chord

chore

choreographv

��@X<_42AT_NS��Gk > F

compose dance movements and

patterns (as for a ballet).The famous dancer askedBalanchine to choreograph aspecial ballet for her.

choreuticadj

��X2@_CGVX��Gkof or belonging to a chorus.

There are many choreutic parts inthe ballet The Nutcracker.

choriamb

chorinen

��@X<_A4[��Gk

a young woman who sings ordances in the chorus of a theatrical

production.

Lisa has the part of a chorine in themusical Funny Girl.

chose

chouetten

��ÙC@Ra��Fa method of scoring by which more

than two persons can participate in

a two-handed game (asbackgammon), one player

accepting the bets of all other

players on the result of a gamebetween himself or herself and one

other active player.

Bob and Jill used a chouette toinclude Carla and James in theirgame.

chrismatoryn

��@X_VgZ2Aa=_4��Gk > L > E

a vessel or a place in whichconsecrated oil is kept.

The museum’s collection ofreligious relics included a 500-year-old chrismatory.

chromatinn

��@X_=Z2a1[��Gk > ISV > G

the part of a cell nucleus that stains

intensely with basic dyes.The microbiologist stained thebacteria cells with various dyes toshow the chromatin.

chromatosisn

��AX_=Z2@a=`1`��Gkpigmentation; specifically : deposit

of pigment in a normally

unpigmented area or excessivepigmentation in a normally

pigmented area.

The condition called “liver spots”is one kind of chromatosis.

chrome

chromometern

��X_=@Z/Z2G2�_��Gkan apparatus for comparing the

color of a substance with a standard

especially to determine the degreeof purity or percentage of a

constituent.

The chromometer indicated that thegold was not pure enough for usein electronics.

chromophobe

chromospheren

��@X_=Z2A`SV�2�_��Gk + Gk

the lower part of the atmosphere of

the Sun that is thousands of milesthick and is composed

predominantly of hydrogen gas.

The Sun’s rosy color is amanifestation of the chromosphere.

chronicler

chronographn

��@X_/[2AT_NS��Gkan instrument for measuring time.

The chronograph in Dr. Jekyll’slab needs calibrating.


Page 50 of 289

\chronologizev

��X_2@[/Y2AW6g��Gk

arrange (as events or documents) in

order of time.As a history assignment, Mrs.Griffin had the studentschronologize the events leading upto the Revolutionary War.

chrysoberyl

chrysochlorousadj

��AX_V`2@XY=_2`��Gk[has near homonym:

Chrysochloris] of the color golden

green.The chrysochlorous case suspendedfrom the twig is the pupal stage ofthe monarch butterfly.

chrysography

chub

chubby

chuckle

chulo

chummage

chumming

chylocaulousadj

��AX6Y2@X<Y2`��Gk > G + Ecf

having fleshy or succulent stems.Many desert plants arechylocaulous.

cicatrize

cichlid

ciconine

cilian pl

��@`VY42��L

[has near homonyms: coelia and

sillier] hairlike processes found onmany cells that are capable of

vibratory movement and that serve

as organs of locomotion.The bacterium’s cilia fluttered as itcame into view under themicroscope.

ciliaryadj

��@`VY4AR_4��L + Ecfof or relating to minute hairlike

processes found on many cells.

Careful inspection revealed themicrobe’s movement was ciliary,not flagellary, in nature.

cimetidine

Cimmerianadj

��`1@ZV_42[��Gk

[has near homonym: Sumerian]

marked by intensity of darkness orgloom : stygian.

Gina’s parents became concernedwhen she wanted her room to havea Cimmerian appearance.

cincturedv

��@`V;�X�PU2�_�Q��L

girded, encircled.

The valley, cinctured withmountains, is home to about 25families who lead a lifestylereminiscent of yesteryear.

cinderellan

��A`V[Q2@_RY2��fairy tale nameone suddenly lifted often

fortuitously from obscurity and

neglect to honor and significance.After its football team won the statechampionship in a huge upset,Fremont High became the schooldistrict’s cinderella.

cinemathequen

��A`V[1Z2@aRX��Gk > F


cinematic.] a small movie theaterspecializing in avant-garde films.

The local cinematheque wasshowing a new French film lastweek.

cinephilen

��@`V[1AS6Y��Gk > F

[has homonym: sinophile] a

devotee of motion pictures.The cinephile had mixed reactionsto the latest Star Wars movie.

cinquain

cinquen

��@`V;X��L > F > E

[has homonym: sink] five;

especially : the number five in diceor cards.

The highest card that Lou held wasonly a cinque of diamonds.

circaprep

��@`2_X2��Labout, around.

The children enjoyed seeing thephotographs of their grandparentstaken circa 1940.

circline

circumflex

circumlunaradj

��A`2_X2Z@YC[2�_��L + L

revolving about or surrounding theMoon.

Sailors say a circumlunar haloforetells rainy weather.


Page 51 of 289

circumnavigatev

��A`2_X2Z@[Nc2AT0a��L

go or travel completely around (as

the Earth) especially by water.Magellan was the first explorer tocircumnavigate the globe.

circus

circusianan pl

��A`2_X2`4@/[2��L

materials or objects relating to

circuses or circus life.Maya’s collection of circusianafetched a surprisingly high price atauction.

cirquen

��@`2_X��L > Fa deep steep-walled basin high on a

mountain usually shaped like half a

bowl and often containing a smalllake, caused especially by glacial

erosion, and usually forming the

blunt head of a valley.Justine climbed down the cirqueand set up camp.

cirrocumulus

cirrus

cispontine

cissoid

civicsn pl

��@`VcVX`��L

study of the workings of the

national and local governmentespecially as the subject of a

secondary school course suited as

training for citizenship.Advanced students in Tim’s schoolusually select the course in civics tofulfill the ninth grade historyrequirement.

civil

civilian

civilityn

��`1@cVY2G4��L > F > E

the state of being advanced in

social culture.Jubril’s civility in accepting thepoliceman’s apology for mistakenlytackling him was remarkable.

clairaudient

clairsentiencen

��AXYN�N�_@`R[PU�4�2[�a�`��L > F > E

perception of what is not normallyperceptible.

Gert attributed her uncanny abilityto tell when her mother was cominghome to clairsentience.

clambaken

��@XYNZAO0X��E + E

a social gathering where food is

prepared and eaten outdoors;specifically : a seashore outing

where edible mollusks and fish are

cooked by dry heat (as on heatedrocks covered by seaweed).

The children liked vacationing atthe seashore, where they swamevery day and had a clambakeevery night.

clamberv

��@XYNZ�O�2�_��E

move by or as if by catching holdwith the hands and feet.

Simone watched her brotherclamber up an incline as a warthogchased him.

clammy

clamorous

clampn

��@XYNZ]��D? > E

any of various instruments or

appliances having parts broughttogether as by a screw for holding

or compressing something.

The toymaker used a clamp to holdthe two halves of the yo-yo togetherwhile the glue dried.

clandestinelyadv

��XYN[@QRà1[Y4��L

in a manner marked by, held in, orconducted with secrecy and

concealment.

The outlawed political group hadto meet clandestinely in members’houses to avoid detection by thesecret police.

clangorous

clapboard

clarain

clarificationn

��AXYN_2S1@X0Ù2[��Lthe act or process of explaining

clearly.

Bill’s request for clarification ofthe test instructions was a familiarstalling tactic.

clarityn

��@XYN_2G4��L

the distinctness of shape, outline, orsound.

The voice had the warmth of awoodwind, the clarity of a trumpet,and the mystery of an English horn.

clarkeite


Page 52 of 289

classicistn

��@XYN`V`1à��L

one learned in the works of

literature of ancient Greece orRome : a classical scholar.

During the interview the publisherasked Kathy if she were aclassicist.

classicistic

classificationn

��AXYN`2S1@X0Ù2[��L > Fa system for the arrangement of

books or other literary material

according to subject or form.The librarian used a chart toillustrate the decimal classificationof books to the third-gradestudents.

clavecinn

��@XYNc2`1[��L > F

harpsichord.

One of Henry’s jobs at thehistorical museum is to play periodpieces on a clavecin that belongedto Thomas Jefferson.

clavilux

clavis

claymore

cleanser

cleat

cleavability

clergyn

��@XY2_W4��F > Ea body of religious officials

prepared and authorized to conduct

religious services and attend toother religious duties.

Abby sought comfort and counselfrom a member of the clergy.

clergymann

��@XY2_W1Z2[��F > E + E

a member of those duly ordained to

the service of God in the Christianchurch.

Sabrina resented the fact that shewas often called a clergyman.

clerical

clerihewn

��@XYR_1AUfC��E name

a light verse quatrain in linesusually of varying length, rhyming

aabb, and making a statement

usually concerning a person whosename typically supplies the initial

rhyme.

The disc jockey composed ahumorous clerihew for each of thepresidential candidates.

client

climactic

climb

climber

clinical

clinometer

cliometrics

clipboard

clipping

cliquism

clobber

clochard

clockwork

cloddiness

cloddish

cloth

clothes

cloudburstn

��@XYNBQAO2_à��E + E

a sudden copious rainfall as if a

whole cloud had been precipitatedat once.

Following the spectacularcloudburst, the stream overflowedand flooded the roadway.

clovenadj

��@XY=c2[��E

divided or split especially to a

certain depth.According to folklore, the devilcannot appear without his clovenfeet.

clover

cloverleafn

��@XY=c2�_�AY4S��E + E

an interchange between two majorhighways that allows traffic to

change from one to the other

without requiring any left turns orcrossings.

The construction of the cloverleafat I-295 and Cooper Road isscheduled for completion inAugust.

cloying

clozeadj

��@XY=g��L > F > E

[has homonyms: clothes, close] of,

relating to, or being a test ofreading comprehension that

involves having the person being

tested supply words which havebeen systematically deleted from

the text.

Madame DeFarge told the first-year French class that their finalexam would consist mainly of clozeexercises.

coadunate


Page 53 of 289

coagulabilityn

��AX=NTf2Y2@OVY2G4��L

the quality or state of being capable

of gathering together or forminginto a mass or group.

Increased viscosity of the bloodcoupled with increasedcoagulability multiplies the risk ofa stroke.

coagulum

coaptation

coarseadj

��@X=�2�_`��E[has homonym: course] roughly or

crudely formed.

Modern coarse imitations lack theoriginal fineness of authenticNavajo rugs.

coarsely

coatin

��X2@d/G4��Tupi > Pg

a mammal of tropical America that

is related to the raccoon but with alonger body and tail and a long

flexible snout.

When foraging, the coati oftenclimbs trees for fruit.

coaxation

cobaltn

��@X=AO<Ya��L > Ga hard magnetic silver-white

metallic element.

Cobalt is essential as a traceelement in animal and plantnutrition.

cobblern

��@X/OY2�_��E

a repairer or maker of shoes.Milt’s great-grandfather was acobbler in Bavaria.

cobblestone

cocainize

cochlea

cockpit

cockroachn

��@X/AX_=PU��Spany of an order (Blattaria) of

insects with long antennae and a

flat, soft body.The cockroach is one example of ahighly adaptable insect which canbe found all over the world.

cocksure

coctile

coda

coden

codger

codify

coefficient

coercibleadj

��X=@2_`2O2Y��L + Ecfcapable of being restrained,

controlled, or dominated.

Previously coercible, James haslearned to ignore the threats of theclass bullies.

coffeepot

coffer

cogency

cognosce

cognoscenti

coiffure

coincide

cokery

colander

colcannonn

��X2Y@XN[2[��IrGaelpotatoes and cabbage or other

greens boiled and mashed together.

Deirdre’s mother serves a differentmeat every night of the week, butthe side dish is always colcannon.

colectivo

coleopterist

coleopterousadj

��AX=Y4A@/]a2_2`��Gk + Ecfof or relating to a beetle.

Coleopterous insects usually havebiting mouthparts and hard frontwings that cover the membranoushind wings.

coleslaw

colicky

collaborate

collapse

collar

collarbone

collards

collation

collectanea

collector

collegiateadj

��X2@Y4W�4�1a��L

relevant to the life of collegestudents often on the nonacademic

side.

Students who participate in majorcollegiate sports usually have beenoutstanding high school athletes.

colliculate


Page 54 of 289

collide

colligatev

��@X/Y1AT0a��L[has near homonym: collocate]

bind, unite, or group together often

according to a subsuming principle.The lawyer attempted to colligateinstances of the employer’s unfairtreatment of the workers.

colligation

collimate

collocatev

��@X/Y2AX0a��L

[has near homonym: colligate] set

or arrange in a place or position;especially : set side by side.

The plan is to collocate the twosatellite signal receivers to makedata analysis easier.

colloquialism

colloquiumn

��X2@Y=Xd42Z��La conference; specifically : a

seminar that several lecturers take

turns in leading.Professor Dunnock participated ina colloquium on “The Role of theMass Media in a DemocraticSociety.”collunariumn

��AX/Y2@[N�N�_42Z��La medicated solution for instillation

into the nostrils as a wash or spray

or as drops.Steve knew that the collunariumwould aid his stuffy nose, yet herefused to use it.

collutoriumn

��AX/Y2@a=_42Z��L

mouthwash.

Every few minutes the dentalhygienist offered her patient acollutorium.

colobusn

��@X/Y2O2`��Gk > L

any of a genus of slender long-tailed African monkeys.

In the colobus the thumb is eitherabsent or greatly reduced in size.

colonial

colonnadedadj

��AX/Y2@[0Q1Q��L > It > F

having a series of columns placedat regular intervals.

The colonnaded royal palace wasthe city’s shining architecturaljewel.

colonyn

��@X/Y2[4��L > F > Ea group of persons united by a

common characteristic or interestliving in a limited section

surrounded by others not so united.

Members of the colonyoccasionally left the compound topurchase food, medicine, and fuel.

colored

colorfast

colorimetern

��AX2Y2@_VZ2G2�_��L + Gkan instrument for determining and

specifying colors by reference to

other colors and giving results notindependent of abnormalities in the

observer’s color vision.

A colorimeter and aspectrophotometer are actuallyquite different, although they bothmeasure colors.

coloristic

colorlessadj

��@X2Y2�_�Y1`��L + Ecftransparent and not distinguished

by any hue.

Gary was able to list severalcolorless gases without muchthought: nitrogen, carbon dioxide,carbon monoxide, and oxygen.

colossally

colossus

colt

colugon

��X2@YCT=��Malay?either of two arboreal nocturnal

mammals that are about the size of

a cat and that have a broad fold ofskin extending from the neck to the

tail on each side that forms a

parachute used in making longsailing leaps.

The colugo lives in the rain forestand feeds on the leaves, buds,shoots, and flowers of trees.

comandancian

��AX/Z2[@QN[PU�4�2��Sp

a province or district under military

control.Soldiers patrolled the streetsenforcing the curfew in thecomandancia.

combination

combustv

��X2Z@O2à��L

cause to undergo any chemicalprocess accompanied by the

evolution of light and heat, being

typically a vigorous union ofsubstances with oxygen.

Sue’s assignment was to combusthydrogen and estimate the resultingchange in enthalpy.


Page 55 of 289

combustible

comediann

��X2@Z4Q42[��Gk > F[has homonym: comedienne] an

actor who plays in dramas of light

or amusing character and typicallywith a happy ending.

The comedian in the movie wasplayed by an actor who was betterknown for his dramatic roles.

comedy

comestiblesn pl

��X2@ZRà2O2Yg��Litems suitable to be eaten.

A wide variety of comestibles wason display at the gourmet shop.

comic

comity

commandeer

commemorationn

��X2AZRZ2@_0Ù2[��Lsomething that calls to

remembrance (as by speech, statue,

or ceremony).The city council voted to have aparade in commemoration of thecity’s 150th anniversary.

commemorative

commensaladj

��@X2@ZR[�a�`2Y��L

of or relating to those whohabitually eat together.

Having pizza on Friday night is acommensal tradition among Carrieand her friends.

comminatory

comminutionn

��AX/Z2@[�f�CÙ2[��L

gradual lessening by the removal of

small particles at a time : wearingaway.

Frost promotes the comminution ofstone to small particles.

commiserative

commissariat

commissionern

��X2@ZVÙ�2�[2�_��L

the officer in charge of a

department or bureau of the publicservice.

The police commissioner awardedthe officer a medal for his heroicrescue of a child.

commissure

commit

committaln

��X2@ZVG3Y��L

the consignment or sentencing toconfinement (as in a prison or

mental hospital).

After hearing all the testimony, thejudge decided that committal to apsychiatric hospital would beappropriate for the defendant.

committee

commodiously

commodities

commodity

commodore

communardn

��@X/Zf2A[/_Q��F

an adherent of a principle or system

of organization in which the majorsocial or political units are local

self-governing communities.

A communard is an individual whowishes for an extreme developmentof local government.

communique

commutator

comoid

compactadj

��X2Z@]NXa��L > E

suggesting firmness, soundness,and a degree of strength.

The bulldog’s compact framecontrasts sharply with thegreyhound’s lanky build.

companionship

companyn

��@X2Z]�2�[4��L > F > Ean organization of performers.

The Dance Theater of Harlem is afamous modern dance company.

comparability

comparison

compass

compathy

compensation

compensatory


Page 56 of 289

competitiveadj

��X2Z@]RG2GVc��L

of or relating to a contest between

rivals.The competitive spirit of the twomusicians rings loud and clearwhen they play the tune “DuelingBanjos.”

complacency

complaintn

��X2Z@]Y0[a��F > Ethe act or action of expressing

protest, censure, or resentment.

The employees’ major complaintwas that their work hours were notflexible enough.

complaisant

complementaryadj

��AX/Z]Y2@ZR[a2_4��L

[has homonym: complimentary]

supplementing and beingsupplemented in return.

Susan and Stuart’s complementarytalents of artistry and businessacumen made their boutique asuccess.

complexadj

��X/Z@]YRX`��L

having many varied interrelatedparts, patterns, or elements and

consequently hard to understand.

Caroline brought an unbelievablycomplex camera on the trip andwas forever changing lenses.

complexus

compliance

complicatedadj

��@X/Z]Y2AX0G1Q��L + Ecf

complex : not simple to fabricate or

comprehend.Mary’s piano teacher assigned hera complicated piece and asked herto master the first page before thenext lesson.

complicityn

��X2Z@]YV`2G4��L

association or participation in or as

if in guilt.The complicity between the twothieves goes back to their earlyshoplifting escapades.

compliment

comply

composite

composition

compost

composure

compotator

compoundn

��@X/ZA]NB[Q��L > F > E

a large fenced or walled-in area (asin a prison or detention camp).

POWs wandered around thecompound, hoping and praying forrescue.

comprehensive

compressedadj

��X2Z@]_Rà��L > E + Ecfcondensed : reduced in volume by

pressure.

Carolyn filled her scuba tanks withcompressed air.

comprimario

compromise

compulsionn

��X2Z@]2YÙ2[��L

a driving by force, power, pressure,

or necessity.Jake was acting under compulsion,not on his own free will.

computable

concealment

conceitedadj

��X2[@`4G1Q��E + Ecfentertaining an excessively or

unjustifiably high opinion of

oneself.Dennis is so conceited that hewould rather have stones thrown athim than not be noticed.

conceitednessn

��X2[@`4G2Q[1`��Ethe quality or state of entertaining

an excessively or unjustifiably high

opinion of oneself.The diva had trouble with herfellow singers because of herboundless conceitedness.

conceivev

��X2[@`4c��L > F > Eform in the mind.

Alec tried to conceive a solution tohis problem but couldn’t think ofanything.

concentus

conceptual

conceptualizev

��X2[@`R]PU2�d2�AY6g��L

form a thought, idea, or notion of.Nowadays it is difficult toconceptualize a world withouttelephones.

concert


Page 57 of 289

concetto

conche

conchoidal

conchology

concise

conclaven

��@X/[AXY0c��L > F > E

the body of cardinals especiallywhen considered in respect to their

electoral function.

A puff of white smoke signified thatthe conclave had elected the newpope.

concludev

��X2[@XYCQ��L > E

reach a final determination orjudgment about.

The numbers forced Nina toconclude that she should close upshop.

concur

condensationn

��AX/[AQR[@`0Ù2[��Ltransition of a substance from the

vapor to the liquid phase.

Raindrops are formed by thecondensation of water vapor ontospecks of dust.

condensev

��X2[@QR[�a�`��L

undergo transition from the vaporto the liquid phase.

When molecules condense, theylose some of their kinetic energy.

condensed

condescendent

condolencesn pl

��X2[@Q=Y2[�a�`1g��L > F

expressions of sympathy with

another in sorrow or grief.At the funeral, Rafael offered hiscondolences to the Martinez family.

condominium

conduct

conelrad

confectioner

confer

conference

conferredv

��X2[@S2_Q��L

held conversation on important,difficult, or complex matters :

consulted, deliberated.

The referees conferred for a fewminutes and then rendered adecision that was unpopular withthe home team.

confessv

��X2[@SR`��L > F > Eacknowledge (one’s sins)

especially to God or a priest in

order to receive forgiveness.In the Hitchcock movie I Confess, afrightened murderer is moved toconfess his sin to a priest, whocannot break the sanctity of theconfessional.

confession

confide

confidencen

��@X/[S2Q2[�a�`��L

a relation or state of trust between

persons who confide in each other.When the entire class knew of hercrush on Wes, Emily regrettedhaving taken Jane into herconfidence.

confident

configure

confined

confirmable

confiscatory

conflict

confreren

��X=:@S_R�2�_��L > F > E

colleague : a fellow worker (as in a

profession or in a field of study).Fran’s study is so specialized thatthe nearest confrere in her field ishalfway across the country.

congelationn

��AX/[W2@Y0Ù2[��Lthe action or process of alteration

(as by freezing) from a fluid to a

solid or semisolid state.Ice is the result of the congelationof water.

congelative

congelifract

congenialityn

��X2[AW4[4@NY2G4��Laffinity of spirit or temperament :

mutual agreeableness.

Captain Schreiner fostered a spiritof congeniality between the officersand the enlisted men.


Page 58 of 289

congestionn

��X2[@WR`�U�PU2[��L > F

clogging.

Byron decided to be tested forallergies after years of sufferingwith nasal congestion.

conglutinantadj

��X2[@TYCa3[2[a��L

causing to adhere.Used chewing gum was theconglutinant substance that heldthe papers together.

congratulationsn pl

��X2[AT_NPU2@Y0Ù2[g��L

expressions of sympatheticpleasure.

In a 1783 address to Congress,General George Washingtonoffered his congratulations on thedeparture of British troops fromAmerican soil.

congregationn

��AX/;T_1@T0Ù2[��L > F > Ean assembly of persons : gathering;

especially : an assembly of personsmet for the worship of God and for

religious instruction.

The pastor asked the congregationto support the upcoming blooddrive.

conical

conjecturev

��X2[@WRXPU2�_��L > F > E

form opinions concerning on

grounds confessedly insufficientfor certain conclusions.

His fellow workers would oftenconjecture playfully about thecause of Lou’s frequent tardiness.

conjugateadj

��@X/[W1T1a��L

yoked or joined together especially

in pairs : acting as if joined.In mathematics and physics,problems usually have conjugatesolutions.

conjugation

conjunctionn

��X2[@W2;�X�Ù2[��L

a configuration in which twocelestial bodies have their least

apparent separation.

Some New Age doomsayers predicta calamity when Earth and Marscome into conjunction.

conjunctivitisn

��X2[AW2;�X�a2@c6G1`��L

inflammation of the mucousmembrane that lines the inner

surface of the eyelids.

In common parlance, conjunctivitisis known as “pinkeye.”conjurev

��@X/[W2_��Linvent, contrive.

Tony will rely on Jason to conjureup a reason for both of them toleave class early.

conjury

connectiveadj

��X2@[RXaVc��Ltending to join, fasten, or link

together, usually by means of

something intervening.Ducks have a connective membraneon their feet that enables them toswim very quickly.

conniptionn

��X2@[V]Ù2[��unknown

a fit of rage, hysteria, or alarm.

Dad had a conniption when hediscovered that someone had stolenthe radio from his car.

connive

connotationsn pl

��AX/[2@a0Ù2[g��L

things implied or suggested by a

word or sometimes by a thing :implications.

Calling Carl’s behavior juvenilehad negative connotations for him.

consanguineousadj

��AX/[`N;@TdV[42`��Ldescended from the same person

(as a father) or the same ancestor.

Although Ron and Bill havedifferent mothers, they have thesame father, and are thereforeconsanguineous.

consentn

��X2[@`R[a��Lcompliance or approval especially

of what is done or proposed by

another : permission.The group assembled to protestagainst a form of governmentexisting without the consent of thegoverned.

consequentlyadv

��@X/[�a�`1AXdR[aY4��L

as a result.

The verbs founder and flounder areoften confused and consequentlymisused.


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considerv

��X2[@`VQ2�_��L > F > E

think about with a degree of care or

caution.Had Vince taken time to considerthe consequences of his behavior,he would have acted differently.

consideration

consigned

consilientadj

��X2[@`VYf2[a��L

in accord with a set of inductive

laws of distinct derivation.The biologist Edward O. Wilsonargues that natural sciences andsocial sciences are consilient in thestudy of human evolution.

consist

consistency

consolation

consolatoryadj

��X2[@`=Y2Aa=_4��L

designed or intended to bring

comfort and solace.The fireman offered a fewconsolatory remarks beforerescuing Ann’s kitten from the tree.

consolidate

consolidator

consonant

consortn

��@X/[A`<_a��Lone that shares the company of

another, as a wife or husband.

The queen attended the festivalwith her consort, Prince Reginald.

conspirator

conspirators

consternationn

��AX/[ga2�_�@[0Ù2[��L

grievous exasperation or

distraction.The two, father and son, stared ateach other in consternation, andneither knew what to do.

constituencyn

��X2[g@aVPU2d2[`4��L > Fa body of citizens or voters that is

entitled to elect a representative to

a legislature or other public body.The representative asked hisconstituency for opinions on theissue.

constrictor

consul

consume

contagionn

��X2[@a0W2[��Lthe process by which disease is

transmitted from one person to

another by direct or indirect means.Frequent hand washing has beenfound to be effective in disruptingthe contagion of the common cold.

contagiosity

containing

contaminant

contemplated

contemporary

contemptuous

contemptuously

contention

contentious

context

continent

contingency

continual

contortionn

��X2[@a<_Ù2[��L

a twisting into abnormal orgrotesque shape.

When the demon appeared onstage, the hero assumed a positionof painful contortion.

contradict

contradictory

contrapposto

contrecoup

contrivev

��X2[@a_6c��L > F > Edevise, plan, plot.

Nona tried to contrive a validexcuse for her absence but finallyadmitted she had overslept.

controlled

controversial

contumelious

contumelyn

��X2[@a�f�CZ2Y4��L > F > E

the suffering of insult : humiliation.

Dan’s ability to ignore insults gavehim an endless capacity for bearingcontumely.

conundrum

convalescev

��AX/[c2@YR`��L

recover health and strength

gradually after sickness orweakness.

Mrs. Davis is going to convalesceat her son’s house.

conventionally


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converge

convince

convolutedadj

��AX/[c2@YCG1Q��L

complicated and involved.Stuart’s convoluted blackjacksystem is so difficult as to beuseless.

convulsivelyadv

��X2[@c2Y`1cY4��Lin a manner producing or

accompanied by an unnatural,

violent, and involuntary contractionor series of contractions of the

muscles.

As Edna listened to the details ofher son’s accident, she droppedinto a chair and sobbedconvulsively.

coolant

coopern

��@XC]2�_��D or G > E

a maker or repairer of woodencasks or tubs.

Ned watched a cooper makingbarrels at Sturbridge Village.

coparcenern

��X=@]/_`2[2_��L + L > Fa joint heir.

In accordance with the will, eachcoparcener is to receive an equalamount from the sale of theparents’ property.

copolymer

coppice

copyistn

��@X/]41à��L > F

one who is employed to make

copies.Four hundred years ago, one mighthave had to hire a copyist in orderto obtain sheet music.

coquettish

coquillage

coquillen

��X=@XVY��F

a shell-like dish in which food is

served.Emily baked the scallops in acoquille.

coraladj

��@X<_2Y��Gk > L > F > E

[has homonym: choral] of a strongpink color that has a hint of dark

yellow.

The seashell, coral when wet, wasalmost white after it dried.

coralene

cordage

cordate

cordial

cordovann

��@X<�_�Q2c2[��Sp geog namea variable color averaging a dark

grayish red.

The cordovan of Kathy’s pursedoes not match the cordovan of herpenny loafers.

coreopsisn

��AX=_4@/]`1`��Gk + Gk

a plant of a genus of herbs which

have showy flower heads withbracts in two distinct series of eight

each.

The name coreopsis means “bug-appearance” and refers to the bug-like shape of the plant’s seed.

cornerstone

cornhusking

corolla

coronan

��X2@_=[2��L

something suggesting a crown.Perhaps the lampshade’s goldcolor and frilly edges made Roaldimagine that it was a corona.

coronaladj

��X2@_=[2Y��L[has homonym: coronel] of or

relating to a corona or crown.

The king had to swear a coronaloath which required his assent tothe laws passed in parliament.

coronationn

��AX<_2@[0Ù2[��L

the ceremony of investing asovereign or consort with the royal

crown.

The prince and his consort rode totheir coronation in a gildedcarriage.

corporal

corporeity


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Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency (A-C)