2004cwl Frequent Pp178-237

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently
languescent lapideous larigo

adj adj n
/ laNSgwesFnt / / lESpidGEs / / SlBrDTgP /
L L Sp
becoming listless or fatigued. of the nature of stone. a ring at each end of the cinch of a
The languescent ballerina Lapideous concretions that form in western saddle through which the
struggled through the final scene. the bladder or kidneys can cause straps pass.
extreme pain. When Lynn investigated her loose
languid saddle, she found that a larigo had
adj lapillus broken.
/ SlaNwDd /
L>F larcenous larithmics
sluggish in character or disposition. n pl
In India Mary had always felt hot larceny / lESriLmiks /
and too languid to care much about n Gk
anything. / SlBrs(F)nG / the scientific study of the
L>F>E quantitative aspects of population.
languor the unlawful taking and carrying In accordance with a principle of
away of personal property without larithmics, the emigration from the
languorous the consent of its lawful possessor. country was offset by an increased
When Tina first saw Victor’s art rate of population growth.
languorously collection, she suspected him of
adv larceny. larmoyant
/ SlaN(g)(E)rEslG / adj
L + Ecff larghetto / lBrSmOiEnt /
in a manner characterized by adv L>F
listless indolence or sluggishness. / lBrSgeZ(T)P / given to tears or weeping : tearful.
After returning from work, Cora It Even Jorge, who is not usually
reclined languorously on the sofa. in a somewhat slow manner—used larmoyant, had to wipe his eyes
as a direction in music. during the eulogy.
laniary In the second movement, which is
adj played larghetto, Beethoven larrigan
/ SlCnGTerG / unfolds one melodic idea after n
L another. / SlarDgEn /
adapted for tearing. unknown
Laniary teeth are common in most largitional an oil-tanned moccasin with legs
carnivores. adj that is used especially by loggers
/ lBrSjishEnFl / and trappers.
lanolated L + Ecf The statue of Paul Bunyan depicted
adj of or relating to a gift or gratuity. him with an ax over his shoulder
/ SlanFlTCZDd / The seed money for the new and a hole in one larrigan.
L > ISV + Ecff museum consists entirely of
containing wool grease refined for largitional funds. larva
use in ointments and cosmetics. n
Agnes used lanolated cream to lariat / SlBrvE /
treat her dry, rough skin. n L
/ SlarGEt / the immature, wingless, and often
lantern L > Sp vermiform feeding form of an
n a long light but strong rope used insect which has hatched from the
/ SlantErn / with a running noose for catching insect egg.
Gk > L > F > E livestock. The caterpillar is the larva of the
a portable lamp. Jonathan watched in fascination as butterfly.
The red light in the distance came the cowboy demonstrated his skill
from a lantern that hung from the with the lariat.
last car of the train.
lapidary
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laryngitic lathe laudatory
adj n adj
/ TlarDnSjiZik / / SlCL / / SlOdETtPrG /
Gk E L
affected with an inflammation of a machine in which work is rotated of, relating to, or containing praise.
the upper part of the trachea about a horizontal axis and shaped Seth made sure everyone saw his
containing the vocal cords. by a fixed cutting tool while being laudatory telegram from the dean.
After a long day of pitching his held in a chuck.
merchandise, the salesman Chloe donned her safety glasses laughable
returned home exhausted and before switching on the lathe. adj
laryngitic. / SlafEbEl /
laticiferous E + Ecf
laryngitis adj comical, absurd.
/ TlaZESsif(E)rEs / Marlene wore antique finery which
larynx Gk? > L + Ecff would have been laughable on any
n containing, bearing, or secreting other woman.
/ SlariN(k)s / latex.
Gk > L Some laticiferous tropical vines are laughter
the modified upper part of the good sources of rubber.
respiratory passage of air-breathing launder
vertebrates bounded above by the latitude
glottis and continuous below with launderer
the trachea. latitudinous n
The vocal cords are situated within adj / SlOndErE(r) /
the larynx. / TlaZEStVdFnEs / L>F>E
L one who washes and irons clothing.
laser having breadth especially of Gina took her blouse to the
n thought or interpretation. launderer for cleaning.
/ SlCzE(r) / Poetry is a latitudinous category,
English acronym ranging from the moralistic to the laureation
a device that utilizes the natural nihilistic. n
oscillations of atoms or molecules / TlOrGSCshEn /
between energy levels for latkes L
generating coherent an act of crowning with or as if
electromagnetic radiation. lattice with a wreath of leaves as a mark
The surgeon used a laser to make n of honor or achievement.
the incision. / SlaZDs / At her laureation the recipient of
Gmc? > F > E the honorary degree paid tribute to
lassitude a framework or structure of wood her college professors.
n or metal made by crossing laths or
/ SlasETtVd / other thin strips so as to form a laurel
L network. n
a condition of weariness or debility The window has a lattice, but that / SlOrEl /
: fatigue. did not stop Renton from getting L
Lassitude is a symptom of many through it. [has homonym: loral] foliage used
tropical diseases. by the ancient Greeks to crown
laud victors in the Pythian games.
latensify v The ancient statue of an unknown
/ SlOd / athlete bore a carefully carved
laterigrade L wreath of laurel.
adj sing the praises of.
/ SlaZErETgrCd / The proud parents would laud their
L+L child’s slightest accomplishment.
running sidewise or characterized
by such running.
The laterigrade movements of the
crab delighted the children on the
beach.
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lavash lebkuchen legerdemain
n n n
/ SlBTvBsh / / SlCpTkVKEn / / TlejE(r)dESmCn /
Armenian G F
a large thin crisp unleavened wafer a Christmas cookie usually made skill and dexterity in the
with a rough surface caused by air with honey, brown sugar, almonds, performance of juggling or
bubbles during baking. candied fruit peel, and spices. conjuring tricks.
Phil served lavash with goat Bart slipped a lebkuchen to the The performer’s legerdemain
cheese. schnauzer. included making a coworker
disappear from an enclosure.
lavatory lecithin
n n legerity
/ SlavETtPrG / / SlesEthDn / n
L Gk / lDSjerEZG /
a room with conveniences for a substance that is obtained in the L>F
washing the hands and face and manufacture of soybean oil and that mental or physical agility and
usually with one or more toilets. is used in foods (as margarine, quickness.
All of the soap dispensers in the chocolate, bakery products). The gymnast performed on the
lavatory were empty. Lecithin is used in the production balance beam with remarkable
of caramel to make it smoother. legerity.
lavender
lectern leggieramente
layette n
/ SlektE(r)n / legibility
league L
n a desk or stand with a sloping top legible
/ SlGg / and usually a ledge at the bottom of
Gaulish > L > E the slope designed to support a legislate
[Note: The definition provided is book or script in a convenient
not the one most commonly position for a reader standing legislatorial
associated with this word.] an before it. adj
English unit of distance of about 3 Miguel clutched the lectern in an / TlejDslEStPrGEl /
miles. attempt to conceal his nervousness. L + Ecf
Long car rides seem shorter if you having the power or performing the
figure them by the league instead of lectionary function of making laws.
by the mile. Unfinished legislatorial duties kept
lectotype Congress in session past its normal
leaky adjournment date.
lederhosen
leasable n pl legislature
/ SlCdE(r)ThPzFn / n
lease G / SlejDTslCchE(r) /
knee-length leather trousers worn L + Ecf
leatherine especially in Bavaria. an organized body of persons
All the men who volunteered to having the authority to make laws.
leaven work at Oktoberfest were asked to Ellen served as a page for the
n wear lederhosen. legislature last year.
/ SlevEn /
L>F>E legacy legitimacy
[has homonym and near n
homonyms: levin and eleven, / SlegEsG / leguminous
levan] a substance (as yeast) acting L>F>E adj
or used to produce fermentation in money or property given to / lDSgyVmEnEs /
a dough or a liquid. someone by direction of a will. L
Nina neglected to add the leaven Tim opened a small business with of, resembling, or consisting of
that causes the bread dough to rise. the legacy from his father. peas or other vegetables.
The only leguminous food that
Mandy likes is peas.
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leisurable lenient leporiform
adj adj
/ SlGzh(E)rEbEl / leoncito / SlepErETfOrm /
L>F>E n L+E
proceeding deliberately without / TlCEnSsG(T)tP / resembling a hare or rabbit in form.
haste. Sp For Easter, Mom decorates the
The bikers made a leisurable tour a lion monkey; any of several windows with leporiform figures
of the campus. South American marmosets. bearing baskets of eggs.
The leoncito has a mane of fur
leisure around its head like a lion. leprosy
n
lemming leonine / SleprEsG /
n adj Gk > L
/ SlemiN / / SlGETnIn / a progressive infectious disease that
ON > Norw L affects the skin and nerves and
any of several small rodents of resembling or suggesting that of a causes lumps, ulcers, white scaly
circumpolar distribution. lion. patches, deformities, and eventual
The legend of suicide by drowning Portraits of Beethoven and Einstein loss of sensation.
associated with the lemming is always depict them with leonine Even though approximately 270
fascinating but probably untrue. hairstyles. cases of leprosy are diagnosed in
the United States each year,
lemniscate leopard effective medications have made
n the existence of leper colonies
lemonade / SlepE(r)d / unnecessary.
Gk > L > F > E
lemur a large strong cat of southern Asia leptocercal
n and Africa that is adept at climbing adj
/ SlGmE(r) / and is usually tawny or buff with / TleptESsErkEl /
L black spots. Gk + Gk
any of numerous arboreal chiefly The so-called “black panther” is tapering off to a long slender
nocturnal mammals formerly actually a black-coated form of the point—used of the tail of a fish.
widespread but now largely leopard. The scuba diver showed Jane his
confined to Madagascar that are scar from a wound he received
related to the monkeys. leopardess when whipped by the leptocercal
The lemur is lower on the tail of a stingray.
evolutionary scale and less leotard
intelligent than the monkey. n lesion
/ SlGETtBrd / n
length F name / SlGzhEn /
n a close-fitting garment for the torso L>F>E
/ SleN(k)th / that is worn for practice or [has near homonym: legion] an
E performance by dancers and abnormal change in structure of an
the longer of the two straight-line acrobats. organ or part due to injury or
dimensions of a surface or plane or In modern dance, performers often disease.
the longest of the three straight-line wear a very simple leotard. Sarah had Dr. Kendall treat the
dimensions of a solid : extent from lesion on her shin.
end to end. lepidopterist
Marsha and her father frequently n lethal
argue over the length of her skirts. / TlepESdBptErDst / adj
Gk / SlGJEl /
leniency a specialist in the study of L
n butterflies and moths. of, relating to, or causing death.
/ SlGnGEnsG / Judy was well on her way to The lethal fire spread through the
L becoming a lepidopterist; she Riggs Building rapidly.
the quality or state of being tolerant already had her own butterfly net.
or merciful.
At his sentencing the convicted
felon expressed remorse and
pleaded for leniency.
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lethargic levanter levy
adj n v
/ lDSthBrjik / / lDSvantE(r) / / SlevG /
Gk > L > F L > F > E + Ecf F>E
slow-moving, sluggish. a strong easterly Mediterranean impose or collect by legal process
Rhea’s dry throat and lethargic wind. or by authority.
disposition warned her that a cold When the levanter hits the Rock of The political candidate promised to
was coming. Gibraltar, it soars up 1,400 feet, levy no new taxes if he were
and its vapor becomes a dense elected.
lethargy white cloud.
n lexicography
/ SlethE(r)jG / levee
Gk n lexicon
the quality or state of being lazy or / SlevG / n
indifferent : lassitude, apathy. L>F / SleksETkBn /
The hot, humid air of the tropics [has homonym: levy] an Gk
spreads a feeling of lethargy over embankment built alongside a body the vocabulary of a subject or of an
everyone. of water to prevent flooding of occupational group.
nearby land. The lexicon of computer
letteret The city plans to construct a levee programmers is slowly becoming
to prevent flooding from the river. part of everyday language.
lettuce
n level liability
/ SleZDs /
L>F>E leverage liable
a common garden vegetable with
succulent leaves that are often used leveret liaison
in salads. n
Rosemarie prefers romaine lettuce / Slev(E)rDt / libel
for her salads. L>F>E
a wild rabbit in its first year. liberalism
leucitite Jimmy’s pet rabbit is a leveret that n
his dad caught while cutting hay. / Slib(E)rETlizEm /
leucoryx L + Ecf
n leviathan a political philosophy based on the
/ SlVkE(T)riks / adj belief in freedom for the individual
Gk / lDSvIEthEn / and on the belief of governmental
a large chiefly pale brownish Heb > L > E guarantees of human rights and
antelope of North Africa. of enormous size. civil liberties.
The horns of the leucoryx are The ore was hauled away in Alex believes that persons attracted
evenly curved backwards. leviathan trucks. to liberalism are often more
compassionate than practical.
levade levity
n n liberalize
/ lESvBd / / SlevEZG /
F>G L librarian
a show-ring movement in which a excessive or unseemly frivolity : n
horse raises the forequarters, brings lack of fitting seriousness. / lISbrerGEn /
the hindquarters under him, and The minister’s levity during the L
balances with haunches deeply bent eulogy was inappropriate. one whose vocation is working
and forelegs drawn up. with collections of books,
When a horse’s body is at a less- manuscripts, or other literary
than-45-degree angle with the materials kept for study or reading.
ground, the movement is called a Juan asked the librarian for the key
“levade.” to the rare-book cabinet.
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library licit lieutenant
n adj n
/ SlITbrerG / / SlisDt / / lVStenEnt /
L L L>F>E
a room or section of a building or a not forbidden by law : lawful. a military officer in the army, navy,
building itself given over to books, Even licit drugs can be dangerous air force, or marine corps.
manuscripts, or other literary and if not used as directed by a At the end of the novel, the young
sometimes artistic materials usually physician. naval hero was finally promoted to
kept in some convenient order for lieutenant.
use but not for sale. lidocaine
Stella owns many books and plans ligament
to convert a spare bedroom to a liege n
library. adj / SligEmEnt /
/ SlGj / L
libretto L>F>E something that ties or unites one
n having the right to feudal thing or part to another.
/ lDSbre(T)ZP / allegiance and service. International law is considered by
L The serf bowed low before his liege some to be the ligament of
the text of a work (as an opera) for lord. mankind.
the musical theater.
Michelle bought a dual-language lien ligature
edition of the libretto of Tosca for a n
quarter at a garage sale. lienholder / SligEchE(r) /
n L>F>E
licensable / SlGnThPldEr / something that is used to bind;
L>F+E specifically : a thread, wire, or
licentiate one having a valid mortgage. other material used in surgery.
n When she returned from vacation, Dr. Adams removed the ligature
/ lISsenchGDt / Iris was mortified to find a stack of that had held the vein closed during
L letters from her lienholder. the operation.
an academic degree ranking below
that of a doctor given by some lieu lightning
European institutions of higher n adj
education. / SlV / / SlItniN /
After two years’ study, Reverend L>F E
Pease received a licentiate in [has homonym: loo] place, stead. [has near homonym: lightening]
canon law. Miss Woodhouse had many moving with or having the speed
acquaintances, but not one among and suddenness of lightning.
lichen them could be accepted in lieu of The lightning rapidity of Mr.
n her best friend Miss Taylor for even Julia’s jargon and wit is a tool of
/ SlIkDn / half a day. his trade as an auctioneer.
Gk > L
[has homonym: liken] any of lieutenancy ligneous
numerous complex plants that are n adj
made up of an alga and a fungus / lVStenEnsG / / SlignGEs /
growing in symbiotic association L>F>E L
on various solid surfaces (as rocks the term of a commissioned officer of or resembling wood.
or the bark of trees). in the army, air force, or marine Mr. Hart described the plant as a
Sean used a mixture of green paint corps ranking below a captain. perennial herb with a ligneous
and sawdust to simulate lichen on During his lieutenancy, Lionel crown.
his model train layout. served in Guam.
lichenified
lichenophagous
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ligniperdous limerick limpid
adj n adj
/ TlignESpErdEs / / Slim(E)rik / / SlimpDd /
L+L Irish geog name L
destructive to wood. a light verse form of five anapestic completely free from cloudiness or
The house had to be inspected for lines. other obstacles to the passage of
any ligniperdous insects before it Noel composed a funny limerick light.
could be sold. about his teacher. Mary got an eerie feeling when she
looked into the limpid blue eyes of
lilac limitrophe the Siberian Husky.
adj
liliaceous / SlimETtrPf / linctus
adj L + Gk
/ TlilGSCshEs / situated on a border or frontier : lineament
L adjacent, neighboring.
of, relating to, or resembling any of The geography teacher asked the linear
numerous erect perennial leafy- class to name all the countries that adj
stemmed bulbous herbs. are limitrophe to Russia. / SlinGE(r) /
Deb’s curtain material has a L
colorful liliaceous pattern. limn involving a single dimension : not
v square or cubic.
lilliputian / Slim / The micrometer caliper is an
adj L>F>E instrument for making precise
/ TlilDSpyVshEn / [has homonym: limb] outline in linear measurements of dimensions
imaginary geog name + Ecf clear sharp detail : delineate. such as diameters, thicknesses, and
extremely small. The object of the video game is to lengths.
The lilliputian furniture and fire when the periscope sights limn
fixtures in the dollhouse astounded the tanker. linen
and delighted the museum visitors.
limnology lingerie
limb n
n / limSnBlEjG / linguist
/ Slim / L + Gk n
E the scientific study of physical, / SliNgwDst /
[Note: The definition provided is chemical, meteorological, and L
not the one most commonly biological conditions in fresh a student of or expert in languages.
associated with this word. In waters especially of ponds and The famous linguist described how
addition, word has homonym: lakes. many tribal languages are
limn.] the outer edge of the An expert in limnology testified that becoming extinct.
apparent disk of a celestial body or pollution is reducing the fish
a portion of the edge. population in Crystal Lake. linguistically
Teresa spied a crater directly on
the Moon’s limb. limousine liniment
n n
limbiferous / SlimETzGn / / SlinEmEnt /
adj F geog name L>E
/ limSbif(E)rEs / a small bus (as for transporting a liquid or semiliquid alcoholic,
L+L passengers to and from an airport). oily, or saponaceous preparation
having a border or margin. Mrs. Waldrupe was disappointed for application to the skin with
Mr. Lovejoy told his pupils that that her airport limousine was a friction.
they would be expected to use ramshackle van. Winona delicately rubbed liniment
limbiferous paper for all their over her sore shoulder.
assignments.
limby
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linoleum literate litigator
n adj n
/ lDSnPlGEm / / SliZErDt / / SliZETgCZE(r) /
L L L
a floor covering made by laying on able to read and write. one that prosecutes or defends by
a cloth backing a mixture of The government’s goal for all adult pleadings, evidence, and debate in
solidified linseed oil and various citizens to be literate in 20 years a court.
solid particles and usually needs a strategic plan. The cough drop manufacturer hired
pigments. a famous litigator to appear in its
The pattern in Sheena’s kitchen literati new commercial.
linoleum resembles inlaid pebbles. n pl
/ TliZESrBZG / litigiousness
liquefaction L&It n
n the educated class : intelligentsia. / lDStijEsnDs /
/ TlikwDSfakshEn / The New York literati gathered at L
L the book-signing party. the quality or state of being prone
the process of making or becoming to engage in lawsuits.
liquid : conversion of a solid into a literature An increase in lawsuits can be
liquid by heat or of a gas into a attributed in part to the growing
liquid by cold or pressure. lithesome litigiousness of American society.
Much earthquake damage results adj
from the liquefaction of soil on / SlILsEm / litmus
which buildings stand. E+E n
characterized by agile grace. / SlitmEs /
liquefiable Denise’s lithesome performance in Scand
adj her audition won her a place in the a coloring matter that turns red in
/ TlikwDSfIEbEl / Royal Ballet. acid solutions and blue in alkaline
L solutions and is obtained from
capable of being reduced to a liquid lithification several lichens.
state. n Chris will use litmus to test for
Many familiar solid materials are / TlithEfDSkCshEn / acidity in the chemical solution.
easily liquefiable by heating. Gk + L
the conversion of unconsolidated litotes
liquescent sediments into solid rock. n
adj Ben’s science project explained / SlIZETtGz /
/ liSkwesFnt / how limestone is formed by Gk
L lithification. understatement in which an
being, becoming, or tending to affirmative is expressed by a
become liquid : melting. lithochromy negative of the contrary (as in
When a giant asteroid hits the n “He’s not a bad ball player”).
ground, it is transformed into a / SlithETkrPmG / Rupert loved to use the litotes “not
liquescent mass that becomes a Gk bad” to convey high praise.
fireball. the art of painting on stone.
Arthur’s work in lithochromy litterateur
liqueur earned him a commission to paint a
scene on the museum’s slate wall. litterbug
liquidate
lithograph littoral
lisle adj
lithoid / SliZErEl /
lisse adj L
/ SliTthOid / [has homonym: literal] of, relating
litany Gk to, or being near a shore, especially
resembling a stone. of the sea.
The lava eventually solidified into Eduardo finally realized his dream
lithoid masses. when he established a littoral
nature preserve.
litigation
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liturgical lobotomy lodging
adj n n
/ lDStErjDkEl / / lPSbBZEmG / / SlBjiN /
Gk > L Gk E
of, relating to, or having the incision into the brain to sever a place to live : dwelling.
characteristics of ceremonial or nerve fibers for the relief of certain After a fire destroyed their home,
ritualistic worship. mental disorders and tension. the family depended on relatives
The priest donned his liturgical Lobotomy is no longer the for temporary lodging.
vestments before the mass. preferred treatment in cases of
extreme psychosis. logarithm
liturgy n
n lobscouse / SlOgETriLEm /
/ SliZE(r)jG / n Gk
Gk / SlBbTskaUs / the exponent that indicates the
a rite or series of rites, observances, unknown power to which a number must be
or procedures prescribed for public a sailor’s dish prepared by stewing raised to produce a given number.
worship in the Christian church in or baking bits of meat with When the math teacher said that 4
accordance with authorized or vegetables, hardtack, and other is the logarithm of 16 to the base 2,
standard form. ingredients. only half the class understood what
Since the Second Vatican Council, After Fritz returned from his she was saying.
the use of the vernacular language, fishing trip, he ordered a hearty
rather than Latin, has become portion of lobscouse for dinner. logarithmic
widespread in Catholic liturgy.
locale loggia
livelihood n n
/ lPSkal / / SlBj(G)E /
liveried L>F F > It
a place or locality especially when [has near homonym: logia] a
livid viewed in relation to a particular roofed open gallery or arcade in the
adj event or characteristic. side of a building especially when
/ SlivDd / Evan’s doctor told him he needed facing upon an open court.
L>F to live in a drier locale, so he An airy second-floor loggia ran
discolored by or as if by bruising : moved to Tucson. around three sides of the tiny
black-and-blue. courtyard.
The bicycle accident left a large location
livid patch on Violet’s arm. logician
lochetic
llama adj logion
n / lPSkGZik / n
/ SlBmE / Gk / SlPjGTBn /
Quechua > Sp lying in wait for prey—used Gk
[has homonym: lama] any of a especially of insects. a usually short pointed saying or
genus of wild or domesticated cud- Josh claimed that the ants in the observation especially of a
chewing mammals of South nest next to his porch must be religious teacher.
America related to the camels but lochetic, because they always The guru’s devotees treasured
smaller and without a hump. seemed to know when he was every logion that he uttered.
The llama thrives in the Alpine barefoot.
grasslands of Bolivia, Peru, Chile, logistics
and Argentina. locomotion n pl
/ lPSjistiks /
loam locust Gk
n military science in its planning and
loathsome / SlPkEst / handling and implementation of
L>E personnel, equipment, and
a grasshopper that frequently facilities.
travels in swarms. Juan has been interested in
Cooper placed the captured locust logistics since he first played with
in a mason jar. toy soldiers.
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logogriph \longiloquence lovat
n
/ SlOgETgrif / longitudinal loveliness
Gk n
[has near homonym: logograph] a loquacious / SlEvlGnDs /
word puzzle. adj E
Katrina spent the afternoon / lPSkwCshEs / the state of being beautiful.
constructing a logogriph for her L Colette was awestruck by the
little brother. given to excessive talking : loveliness of the stained-glass
garrulous. windows.
logomachy Bryn’s loquacious sister was quite
n a hit at the rehearsal party. loxocosm
/ lPSgBmEkG / n
Gk loquacity / SlBksETkBzEm /
a dispute over or about words. Gk
Behind the legislature’s logomachy lorgnette a device to show how the
about what makes a Great Lake n inclination of Earth’s axis causes
“great” lay political and economic / lO(r)nSyet / the day’s length to vary from
motives. F season to season.
a pair of eyeglasses or opera John constructed a loxocosm for
logorrhea glasses with a handle. the science fair.
n Lorgnette in one hand and hankie
/ TlOgESrGE / in the other, Mrs. Vandergriff lozenge
Gk looked just like the opera-goers n
pathologically excessive and often portrayed in cartoons. / SlBzFnj /
incoherent talkativeness. F
The patient’s logorrhea was loricate a small diamond-shaped medicated
indicative of deep emotional n candy.
problems. / SlOrEkDt / Mother gave Rick a cherry-flavored
L lozenge for his sore throat.
loiter an animal having a hard protective
case or shell. luau
lonely The armadillo is a well-known n
adj loricate, as is the alligator. / SlVTaU /
/ SlPnlG / Hawaiian
E + Ecf lorikeet a feast with Hawaiian food and
being without company. n usually Hawaiian entertainment.
Allie took a picture of a lonely / SlOrDTkGt / Sabrina wore a grass skirt to the
fisherman on the pier. Malay + Sp&F luau.
any of numerous small arboreal
longanimity parrots that are found in Australasia lucernal
n and that feed largely upon the adj
/ TlBNgESnimEZG / nectar of flowers. / TlVSsErnFl /
L Ginger has a pet lorikeet that rides L + Ecf
a disposition to bear injuries on her shoulder. of or relating to a lamp.
patiently : forbearance. A slide projector is a lucernal
Murphy’s Law strikes often in lounge device for displaying images on a
George’s project, but his screen.
longanimity will help him weather loupe
all setbacks. n lucid
/ SlVp / adj
longevity Gmc > F / SlVsDd /
n [has homonyms: loop and loup] L
/ lBnSjevEZG / small magnifying glass used by penetrated with light : translucent.
L jewelers and watchmakers. The otters romped and played in
a long duration of individual life. At his jewelry store Arlo always the lucid stream.
Mr. Wade’s longevity was wears a loupe on a chain around
remarkable, considering he had his neck. lucidity
been sickly as a child.
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lucrative lumen luncheonette
n n
luculent / SlVmDn / / TlEnchESnet /
adj L E + Fcf
/ SlVkyElEnt / a unit of luminous flux equal to the a place where light lunches are
L light emitted in a unit solid angle sold.
transparently clear in thought or by a uniform point source of one After playing racquetball, Jaime
expression. candle. stopped at the luncheonette for a
The audience was pleasantly The lumen is used in calculations sandwich.
amazed at the luculent commentary regarding artificial lighting.
on the state of the economy. lunge
luminaire v
ludicrous n / SlEnj /
adj / TlVmESna(a)(E)r / F
/ SlVdEkrEs / L>F make a forceful forward
L a complete lighting unit including movement.
meriting derisive laughter or scorn : lamp, shade, reflector, fixture, and Every few seconds the swordsman
absurd. other accessories. would lunge at his opponent.
The jury was instructed to A luminaire was built into each
disregard the ludicrous remarks cubicle in the office. lunule
made by the defendant.
luminary luscious
luftmensch n adj
n / SlVmETnerG / / SlEshEs /
/ SlUftTmench / L E
G > Yiddish one that is an inspiration to others : having a delicious taste or smell.
an impractical contemplative one who has achieved success in The waiter pointed to cakes and
person having no definite trade, his or her chosen field. pastries, each more luscious than
business, or income : dreamer. Although a luminary in the field, the last, as he told us about them.
Every large family seems to have at Peter was reluctant to weigh in
least one luftmensch among its with his opinion about the ethics of lustrous
members. cloning. adj
/ SlEstrEs /
lugubrious luminosity L > It > F + Ecf
adj n having a gloss or shine : gleaming.
/ lESgVbrGEs / / TlVmESnBsEZG / When dining out, Marcia always
L>E L wears some lustrous jewelry.
expressive of, marked by, or giving the quantity of radiation emitted by
rise to grief or sorrow. a star or other celestial source lute
The funeral director spoke in usually expressed in terms of the n
lugubrious tones as she explained Sun’s intensity. / SlVt /
the arrangements. The comet’s luminosity was so Ar > OProv > F > E
great that it could be seen during [has homonym: loot] a stringed
lullaby the day. musical instrument of Oriental
n origin that has a large pear-shaped
/ SlElETbI / luminous body.
E adj The court minstrel strummed his
a soothing refrain; especially : a / SlVmEnEs / lute thoughtfully, deciding which
song used to quiet children or lull L song to play next.
them to sleep. emitting or seeming to emit a
The baby was asleep before Mary steady suffused light that is luthier
finished singing the lullaby. reflected or produced from within. n
During the movie Stan periodically / SlVZGE(r) /
checked the time on the luminous Ar > OProv > F
dial of his watch. a maker of stringed instruments.
The luthier gave Dolores a choice
luncheon of inlay patterns for her new guitar.
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lux lynx macaroni
n n n
/ SlEks / / SliN(k)s / / TmakESrPnG /
L Gk It
[has homonyms: lucks, luxe] a unit [has homonym: links] any of an alimentary pasta composed
of illumination equal to the direct several wildcats with relatively chiefly of semolina dried in the
illumination on a surface that is long legs, a short stubby tail, form of slender tubes or small
everywhere 1 meter from a uniform mottled coat, and often tufted ears. fancy shapes.
point source of one candle. The lynx lives in cold northern Lucy’s favorite pasta dish is
Paul’s new video camera is latitudes, where its favorite prey is macaroni and cheese.
designed to operate in a light the snowshoe hare.
intensity of only 1 lux. macaroon
lyonnaise n
luxate adj / TmakESrVn /
/ SlIETnCz / It > F
luxuriant F geog name a small cake composed chiefly of
prepared or seasoned with onions the white of eggs, sugar, and
luxurious and sometimes parsley. ground almonds or almond paste or
adj Ricardo ordered lyonnaise potatoes coconut.
/ TlEgSzhUrGEs / as an elegant alternative to french Cheryl placed a fresh macaroon on
L fries. each saucer before serving the
characterized by wealth or rich coffee.
abundance. lyre
The price of the car with the macaw
luxurious interior astounded even lyrically
wealthy customers. maceral
macadam n
luxury n / SmasETral /
/ mESkadEm / L?
lycanthrope British name a fragment of plant debris in coal.
n broken stone used in roadway Penny examined the maceral under
/ SlIkEnTthrPp / paving. a microscope.
Gk Depending on the climate, some
a person transformed temporarily roads are best made of macadam macerate
or permanently into a wolf or and others, of asphalt.
capable of assuming a wolf’s form. Machiavellian
The zoologist contends that the macaque adj
myth of the lycanthrope is one of n / TmakGESvelGEn /
the reasons wolves are so / mESkak / It name
maligned. Pg > F of or relating to Machiavelli or his
any of numerous short-tailed Old political theory that any means
lyceum World monkeys chiefly of southern however lawless or unscrupulous
Asia and the East Indies. can justifiably be used in achieving
lycopene The islanders trained a macaque to political power.
perform several routines for public The Machiavellian politician was
lymphatic entertainment. accused of wheeling and dealing,
adj backstabbing, and creating fall
/ limSfaZik / macarize guys and cover-ups.
Gk > L v
conveying a pale fluid that bathes / SmakETrIz /
the tissues of an organism. Gk
The lymphatic system is vital in pronounce happy or blessed :
removing harmful bacteria from felicitate, laud.
tissues. After the wedding ceremony
various friends will give speeches
to macarize the happy couple.
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machicolation madarosis maestro
n n n
/ mETchikESlCshEn / / TmadESrPsDs / / SmI(T)strP /
F>L+L Gk > L L > It
an opening on a parapet of a loss of the eyelashes or of the hair a master or teacher of an art (as
battlement for the purpose of of the eyebrows. music).
dropping missiles upon assailants Dorothy suffered from madarosis The award-winning singer gave
attacking from below. during chemotherapy, but her tribute to her maestro at the
Whenever a castle gets stormed in eyelashes eventually grew back conservatory.
the movies, the defenders are even thicker than before.
shown pouring boiling oil through maffick
a machicolation onto the enemy madeleine
attacking the gates. n magazine
/ SmadFlDn /
machination F name magenta
a small rich cake baked in a tin n
machinator shaped like a shell. / mESjentE /
Knut skipped the main course and It geog name
mackerel went right to the madeleine. a deep purplish red; specifically :
one of the subtractive primary
mackinaw mademoiselle colors.
n n The visual afterimage of magenta is
/ SmakETnO / / TmadEmwESzel / green.
Amer geog name F
a short usually double-breasted and an unmarried French woman. maggoty
belted coat or jacket of heavy Robert is smitten by a young
fabric. mademoiselle he met during his magisterial
“No guts, no glory!” exclaimed the trip to Paris. adj
skier in a plaid mackinaw as he / SmajETstirGEl /
pushed off down the slope. madrigal L
n of, relating to, or having the
macle / SmadrDgEl / characteristics of a master or
L > It > E teacher : authoritative.
macrame a polyphonic part-song originating Jubril’s magisterial air served him
n in the 14th century. well with everyone but his
/ SmakrETmC / At the coronation feast the daughter.
Ar > Turk > It or F haunting madrigal brought tears to
a coarse lace or decorative fringe the eyes of the new king. magistracy
made by knotting threads or cords n
in a geometrical pattern. madrilene / SmajEstrEsG /
Penny prefers to use soft yarn in L
her macrame. maelstrom the office of a public official
n entrusted with administration of the
macrocosm / SmClztrEm / laws : magisterial power and
D dignity.
Madagascar a powerful water current that The dissenters were persecuted by
adj usually moves in a circular the state for refusing to accept the
/ TmadESgaskE(r) / direction with extreme rapidity. authority of the magistracy.
African geog name A memorable scene from the movie
of or from Madagascar, an island in Fantasia features the sorcerer’s
the Indian Ocean. apprentice caught in a maelstrom.
Lemurs, cute large-eyed furry
monkey-like animals, are the best
known Madagascar fauna.
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magnanimity mahout majordomo
n n n
/ TmagnESnimEZG / / mEShaUt / / TmCjE(r)SdP(T)mP /
L Skt > Hindi L > It > Sp
a nobility of feeling that is superior a keeper and driver of an elephant. [has near homonym: mayordomo]
to meanness, pettiness, or jealousy The mahout trained his elephant to a head steward or palace official.
and that disdains revenge or move logs. Jeeves has been majordomo of
retaliation. Huntington Castle for the last 30
The philosopher praised the mai years.
victor’s magnanimity in allowing n
the captives to return home. / SmI / majority
Jpn n
magnanimous [has homonym: my] a slow / mESjOrEZG /
adj Japanese folk or theater dance L
/ TmagSnanEmEs / featuring hand gestures. a number greater than half of a
L Midori is an expert in all forms of total.
showing or suggesting nobility of Japanese dance, but her favorite is A runoff is necessary because none
feeling and generosity of mind. the mai. of the candidates captured a
Simone’s magnanimous attitude majority of the votes in the
toward the homeless wasn’t shared maillot primary.
by her sister. n
/ maSyP / majuscule
magnetic F adj
adj [has near homonym: mayo] a / SmajETskyVl /
/ magSneZik / woman’s one-piece usually L>F
Gk geog name strapless bathing suit. written in large letters (as capitals).
possessing the ability or power to Becky thought that the maillot was Dr. Jenkins could see immediately
attract. out of fashion until she saw several that the majuscule scripts of the
Even as a child, Julie’s magnetic in the catalog. two letters were identical and
personality charmed everyone who deduced that the same scribe had
spoke to her. maimed written both.
adj
magnetizable / SmCmd / malachite
Gmc > F > E n
magnificat crippled, mutilated. / SmalETkIt /
The maimed dog was taken to the Gk > L > E
magnificent animal hospital for treatment. a mineral consisting of a green
carbonate of copper that is an ore
mahatma maintenance of copper and is used to make
n n ornamental objects.
/ mEShBtmE / / SmCnt(E)nEn(t)s / Pierre bought a piece of malachite
Skt F at the museum of natural history.
a person held worthy of reverence the labor of keeping something (as
for high-mindedness, wisdom, and buildings or equipment) in a state maladive
selflessness. of repair or efficiency : upkeep.
Raoul trekked for three days to seek Excellent maintenance preserved maladroit
the advice of the mahatma. the original gingerbread trim on
the Victorian house. malady
mahogany n
n maize / SmalEdG /
/ mEShBgEnG / n L>F>E
unknown / SmCz / a disease, distemper, disorder, or
the durable yellowish brown to Taino > Sp indisposition of the body
reddish brown wood of a West [has homonym: maze] Indian corn. proceeding from impaired or
Indian tree that is widely used for Gina enjoys hearing the story of defective functions.
cabinetwork and fine finish work. how the native Americans taught In the 14th century, the malady
Kate’s bedroom furniture is made the Pilgrims to grow maize. known as The Black Death swept
of solid mahogany. across Europe, leaving about 25
million people dead.
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malaguena malefactor malleable
n n adj
/ TmalESgCnyE / / SmalETfaktE(r) / / SmalGEbEl /
Sp geog name L L>F>E
a Spanish couple dance similar to a one who commits an offense capable of being extended or
fandango. against the law. shaped by beating with a hammer
Juan and Carmela danced the The state’s correctional program or by the pressure of rollers.
malaguena with extroardinary was designed to rehabilitate as well Because tin is malleable at
grace and emotional excitement. as punish the malefactor. ordinary temperatures, it has been
used to make many household
malapropism maleficent implements.
n
/ SmalETprBTpizEm / malice malleolus
F > E theater name n n
a blundering use of a word that / SmalDs / / mESlGElEs /
sounds somewhat like the one L>F>E L
intended but is ludicrously wrong revengeful or unfriendly feelings : [has somewhat near homonym:
in the context. ill will, enmity. malleus] the rounded lateral
No matter how careful he tries to In spite of all he has had to put up projection on each bone of the leg
be, Sherman usually utters at least with from his classmates, Joel at the ankle.
one malapropism in every bears them no malice. When Marcie realized that her
campaign speech. brother was about to reveal her
malign secret, she kicked him on the
malaria malleolus.
n malignant
/ mESlerGE / adj mallet
L > It + Gk > L > It / mESlignEnt / n
a disease caused by sporozoan L / SmalDt /
parasites in the red blood cells, evil in nature or influence or effect. F>E
transmitted by the bite of The dark clammy coldness a tool with a large head for striking
anopheline mosquitoes, and surrounded her like a malignant a surface without marring it.
characterized by periodic attacks of beast of prey. Ray used a rubber mallet to put the
chills and fevers. wheel cover back in place after he
During the construction of the malingerer changed the flat tire.
Panama Canal many workers n
succumbed to malaria. / mESliNgerE(r) / malloseismic
Gmc? > F adj
malaxage one who pretends to be ill or / TmalPSsIzmik /
n otherwise physically or mentally Gk
/ SmCTlaksij / incapacitated so as to avoid duty or of, relating to, or being a region
Gk > L > F work. subject to frequent destructive
the act or process of softening a Jamie Farr’s character on the earthquakes.
material (as clay) by moistening television series M*A*S*H was an Chris refuses to move to any of the
and working it. entertaining malingerer. malloseismic areas of California.
After the malaxage the clay was
ready for molding on the potter’s mallard malocclusion
wheel. n n
/ SmalE(r)d / / malESklVzhEn /
malediction F>E L
n a common wild duck of the an abnormality in the fitting
/ TmalESdikshEn / northern hemisphere. together of upper and lower teeth or
L When Timmy fed the ducks at the dentures.
curse, execration. marina, he gave his last piece of Hector wore braces on his teeth to
The villain’s last words were a bread to the mallard. correct a malocclusion.
malediction on the entire royal
family.
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malodorous mandible mangonel
adj n n
/ malSPdErEs / / SmandEbEl / / SmaNgETnel /
L+L L Gk > L > F > E
having a bad odor : rank, fetid, any of various invertebrate a military engine formerly used for
stinking. mouthparts serving to hold or bite throwing missiles.
Evelina smelled the malodorous into food materials. With a sharp twang the mangonel
skunk from 500 yards away. Most insects use the mandible for hurled a boulder at the castle gate.
crushing their food.
mammoth manicotti
adj mandolinist n pl
/ SmamEth / / TmanDSkBZG /
Yakut? > Russ manducatory L > It
gigantic. adj tubular pasta shells stuffed with
Clarence specialized in growing / SmanjDkETtPrG / ricotta.
mammoth vegetables and held L The caterer filled the chafing dish
several records for his specimens. relating to, employed in, or adapted with manicotti.
for chewing.
manacle Mr. Rollins brought a live lobster manifesto
to our biology class so that we n
managerial could observe its manducatory / TmanESfe(T)stP /
adj processes. L > It
/ TmanESjirGEl / a public declaration of intentions,
L > It + Ecf manganese motives, or views.
of, relating to, or characteristic of a n The Unabomber’s rambling
person who conducts, directs, or / SmaNgETnGz / manifesto appeared in a number of
supervises something. Gk > L > It newspapers nationwide.
The classified ads included a notice a grayish white metallic element
for a managerial position at the that is ordinarily hard and brittle, manipulator
steel wool factory. resembles iron but is not magnetic,
and is used chiefly in making steel. manna
mandate Manganese nodules, which cover n
n vast stretches of ocean floor, are / SmanE /
/ SmanTdCt / composed mostly of manganese but Heb > Gk > L > E
L also contain iron, nickel, copper, [has near homonym: mana]
a formal order from a superior and cobalt. something of value that falls one’s
court or official to an inferior one. way : windfall.
The clerk delivered the written mange Children swarmed the parade route
mandate to the lower court judge collecting the manna of treats
by hand. mangle tossed from the float.
v
mandatory / SmaNgEl / manoptoscope
adj F > AF > E
/ SmandETtPrG / [has homonym: mangel] cut, mansard
L bruise, or hack with repeated blows
containing, constituting, or relating or strokes. mansuetude
to an authoritative command, order, As an act of vengeance, Scott n
or injunction. vowed that he would mangle Sara’s / Sman(t)swETtVd /
Several states are instituting a prize-winning painting. L
mandatory work program for the quality or state of being gentle :
employable welfare recipients. meekness.
Gary remembered his mother as
having the sensitivity and
mansuetude of a saint.
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manumit marcescent marine
v adj adj
/ SmanyETmit / / mBrSsesFnt / / mESrGn /
L L L
set free; especially : release from of a plant part : withering without of or relating to the sea.
slavery. falling off. Marine iguanas live on the shores
The tobacco farmer had agreed to Autumn’s first cold snap left many of the Galapagos Islands and eat
manumit his one slave just before marcescent leaves in its wake. seaweed.
the Civil War began.
marchioness marionette
manuscript n n
/ SmBrsh(E)nDs / / Tma(a)rGESnet /
maraca L F
n a woman who holds in her own a puppet moved by strings or by
/ mESrBkE / right the rank of marquess. hand (as in a puppet show).
Tupi > Pg Once a month the workers on the A marionette of Jay Leno was the
a dried gourd or rattle containing estate brought their disputes before hit of the show.
dried seeds or pebbles that has a the marchioness to be resolved.
handle and is used as a percussion maritime
instrument often in pairs. mare adj
The band’s percussionist n / SmarETtIm /
accentuated the rhythm with a / SmB(T)rC / E name
maraca. L of or relating to navigation or
[has near homonym: moray] one of commerce on the sea.
maraschino several dark areas of considerable After Bob graduates, he plans to
n extent on the surface of either the join the Navy to study maritime
/ TmarESskGTnP / Moon or Mars. law.
It The Sea of Tranquility is perhaps
a sweet liqueur that is used as a the best-known mare on the Moon. marjoram
cocktail ingredient and in n
preserving cherries. margaritaceous / SmBrTjErEm /
Even though she’s a grown woman, adj L>F>E
Evelyn sometimes likes to make / TmBrgErEStCshEs / any of various usually fragrant and
herself a Shirley Temple with clear Gk > L > F > E aromatic mints that include several
soda and maraschino. having a satiny iridescence like that forms used as seasoning in
of pearl or mother-of-pearl : pearly. cookery.
maraud The tabletops at the diner have a Vance likes to add marjoram and
margaritaceous finish. cream cheese to his scrambled
marauding eggs.
v mariachi
/ mESrOdiN / n marmalade
F / TmBrGSBchG / n
roaming about and making F > Sp / SmBrmeTlCd /
irregular sudden small-scale a group of Mexican folk musicians Gk > L > Pg
attacks, raids, or incursions for the usually consisting of singers, a soft clear translucent jelly holding
sake of obtaining loot. guitarists, and a violinist. in suspension pieces or slices of
Outlaws were marauding in areas On weekends the mariachi fruit and fruit rind.
where the law was not well entertained diners at the Mexican Mom’s homemade marmalade on
established. restaurant. toast is always a great treat for
breakfast.
marble maricolous
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marmoset martial marzipan
n adj n
/ SmBrmETset / / SmBrshEl / / SmBrtsETpBn /
F>E L Ar > It > G
any of numerous small soft-furred [has homonyms: marshal, a confection made of crushed
South and Central American marshall] belonging or relating to almonds or almond paste, sugar,
monkeys with claws instead of an army or to military life. and egg whites that is often shaped
nails on all the digits except the Patrick Henry believed that the into various forms (as fruit or
great toe. only purpose of England’s martial animals).
The chisel-like incisors of the array in the colonies and their Marlene filled the candy dish with
marmoset are used for gouging seaports could be to force the marzipan.
trees to obtain gums and saps. colonists into submission.
mascara
marotte martinet
n n masonry
/ mESrBt / / SmBrtFnTet /
F name + Fcf F name masquerade
a pet idea or notion. one who lays stress on a rigid n
Katrina’s marotte is that she is adherence to the details of forms / TmaskESrCd /
really too good for life as a and methods. It > F
bookkeeper and should be a A true-born martinet never thinks a social gathering of persons
company vice-president. he is at all severe. wearing covers on their faces and
often fantastic costumes especially
marplot martinetish to impersonate characters from
adj history or legend.
marriageable / TmBrtFnSeZish / Todd and Sheila wore Conehead
F name + Ecf costumes to the masquerade.
marshmallow like or characteristic of a person
n who lays stress on a rigid massacre
/ SmBrshTmelP / adherence to the details of forms n
E and methods. / SmasDkE(r) /
a confection made from corn syrup, Though all the students disliked F
sugar, albumen, and gelatin, beaten Mr. Wall’s martinetish attitude, the act or instance of killing a
to a light creamy consistency, and most of them thought he was an considerable number of human
usually rolled in powdered sugar excellent teacher. beings or animals.
when partly dry. The massacre of buffalo is a
Burt toasted a marshmallow and martyr regrettable part of the history of the
put it between layers of graham n West.
crackers and chocolate squares. / SmBrZEr /
Gk massage
marsupial one who voluntarily suffers death
n as the penalty of witnessing to and masseter
/ mBrSsVpGEl / refusing to renounce his or her n
Avestan? > Gk > L religion or a tenet, principle, or / mESsGZE(r) /
any of an order of mammals having practice belonging to it. Gk > L
a pouch for carrying the young and St. Stephen, who was stoned to a large muscle that raises the lower
including kangaroos, wombats, death, is believed to have been the jaw and assists in chewing.
bandicoots, and opossums. first Christian martyr. Tracy argued that she was trying to
The common stereotype of a strengthen her masseter, but Mr.
marsupial is a female kangaroo martyrology Gold made her throw out her
with a large young one in her n chewing gum anyway.
pouch. / TmBrZESrBlEjG /
Gk
an official catalog of martyrs and
saints of the Roman Catholic
Church.
Keith bought an old martyrology at
the rummage sale.
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masseuse matelote mattock
n n n
/ maSsE(r)z / / SmaZFlTPt / / SmaZEk /
Ar > F + Fcf F L>E
a woman who practices massage a sauce made of wine, onions, a tool that combines features of an
and physiotherapy. seasonings, and fish stock. ax, adze, and pick and is used for
Delia spent an hour with the club’s Even though it is served with fish, a digging and chopping.
masseuse working out the kinks in matelote often contains red wine. It took Mark three hours of hard
her back. work with a mattock and shovel to
mathematician dig up the tree stump.
massif
n mathematics mattress
/ maSsGf / n pl
F / TmathESmaZiks / maturescent
a block of Earth’s crust bounded by Gk
faults or flexures and displaced as a a science that deals with the matutinal
unit without internal change. relationship and symbolism of
In the late 13th century a roadway numbers and magnitudes and that matutine
was opened over the St. Gotthard includes quantitative operations adj
massif in Switzerland. and the solution of quantitative / SmachETtIn /
problems. L
mastiff Jill’s favorite subject in school is of a star : rising in or just before the
n mathematics. dawn.
/ SmastDf / For centuries those who live
L>F>E matinee outdoors have used matutine stars
a very large powerful deep-chested n as a kind of alarm clock.
smooth-coated dog of a very old / TmatFnSC /
breed used chiefly as a watchdog L>F maudlin
and guard dog. a performance of a production (as a adj
A big brown mastiff stood play, opera, film) or the / SmOdlDn /
motionless behind the gate. presentation of a concert or Biblical Gk name > L > F > E
sometimes the holding of some tearfully or weakly emotional :
mastodon other event in the afternoon or effusively sentimental.
n occasionally in the morning or at Brian allowed himself to become
/ SmastETdBn / midnight. maudlin only on St. Patrick’s Day.
L The English class attended a
someone or something of gigantic matinee of Our Town at the local maudlinism
size or unusually large size : giant. playhouse.
Mrs. Campbell’s automobile mausoleum
collection ranges from a tiny two- matriarch
seater to an antique mastodon. mauve
matriarchal n
mastoiditis / SmOv /
n matriculant L>F
/ TmaTstOiSdIZDs / a strong purple with a bluish cast.
Gk > L matriculation Karen has tired of her bedroom of
inflammation of the process of the mauve and blue.
temporal bone behind the ear. matrimony
Amy’s doctor treated her n maverick
mastoiditis immediately so that it / SmatrETmPnG / n
wouldn’t cause any permanent L+L / Smav(E)rik /
hearing damage. the union of man and woman as Amer name
husband and wife : marriage. a member of any group who refuses
matelot The Las Vegas chapel specialized to conform and who takes an
in instant matrimony. unorthodox stand.
The rest of the teachers considered
matrix Ms. Thorne to be a maverick
because she invited her students to
call her by her first name.
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mawkish mealymouthed mediate
adj v
mawkishly / SmGlGTmaULd / / SmGdGTCt /
adv E+E L
/ SmOkishlG / tending to cloak thoughts, ideas, or interpose between parties in order
ON > E intents by the use of obscure or to reconcile them or to interpret
in a cloying or sickly sentimental devious language. them to each other.
manner. All of Judy’s friends saw through The envoy attempted to mediate
During a mawkishly romantic her mealymouthed explanation. between the warring factions.
scene in the movie, Ted got up to
get some popcorn. meandrous medicinal
adj
maxim / mGSandrEs / medicine
n Gk geog name n
/ SmaksDm / winding, flexuous, rambling. / SmedEsDn /
L Over thousands of years the river L
a saying of proverbial nature. had cut a meandrous channel the science and art dealing with the
“The early bird gets the worm” is through the plain. maintenance of health and the
Toni’s favorite maxim. prevention, alleviation, or cure of
measles disease.
mayhem n pl Campbell knows that she would
n / SmGzElz / like to one day pursue a career in
/ SmCThem / E the field of medicine.
AF > E a contagious disease characterized
willful and permanent crippling, by red spots. medicolegal
mutilation, or disfigurement of any Most doctors recommend that
part of another’s body. children be vaccinated against mediocre
The victim was so badly disfigured measles, mumps, and rubella. adj
that the assailant was charged with / TmGdGSPkE(r) /
felony mayhem. measurable L
of but a moderate or low degree of
mayonnaise mecometer quality.
n Jill’s grades were mediocre until
/ SmCETnCz / medallion she started wearing glasses.
geog name? > F n
a semisolid dressing made by / mDSdalyEn / Mediterranean
emulsifying a mixture of raw eggs L > It > F adj
or egg yolks, vegetable oil, and a large medal (as for a memorial / TmedEtESrCnGEn /
vinegar or lemon juice usually purpose). L
together with salt and condiments. Charise bought a World War II of, relating to, characteristic of, or
Helga wouldn’t eat a roast beef medallion on eBay. situated near the Mediterranean
sandwich without mayonnaise. Sea.
medallionist The Mediterranean island of Malta
mayoralty has been the location for the
n meddlesome filming of several movies.
/ SmCErEltG / adj
L>F>E / SmedFlsEm / medulla
the term of office as the chief L>F>E n
executive or nominal head of a city officiously intrusive. / mDSdElE /
or borough. Her landlady’s meddlesome L
His opponent’s television manner annoyed Hatty so much a posterior portion of the brain.
commercial made the point that that she moved out. The medulla governs various
Henry Vermillion had involuntary vital functions such as
accomplished little during his respiration.
mayoralty.
meemies
meadow
meerschaum
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megacephalic melba mellow
n adj
megalomaniac / SmelbE / / Sme(T)lP /
n Australian name E
/ TmegElOSmCnGTak / fruit served with ice cream, [has homonym: melo] relaxed and
Gk raspberry sauce, and whipped at ease : pleasantly convivial.
one affected with or exhibiting an cream. The after-dinner crowd enjoyed
excessive enthusiasm for doing The peach melba was served in a listening to the mellow, laid-back
great or grandiose things. crystal goblet. singer.
The candidate decried his opponent
as a publicity-seeking melee melodrama
megalomaniac. n n
/ SmC(T)lC / / SmelETdrBmE /
megalopolis F Gk > L > F
n [has homonyms: Malay, mele] a a play characterized by extravagant
/ TmegESlBpElDs / fight or contest between individuals theatricality, subordination of
Gk mingled in a confused mass : a characterization to plot, and
a very large city. confused struggle. predominance of physical action.
Without community growth The soccer match turned into a George was put off by the opera’s
guidelines, a moderately sized city melee after angry fans stormed the melodrama but was enthralled by
could become a megalopolis like field. the beauty of the music.
Los Angeles in just a few decades.
melitensis melophonic
megaphone adj
/ TmelESten(t)sDs / memoir
megaseism L geog name n
n of, derived from, or caused by a / SmemTwBr /
/ SmegETsIzEm / particular bacterium of the genus L>F
Gk + Gk Brucella. a history or narrative composed
a violent earthquake. Clyde’s melitensis fever was from or stressing personal
A nuclear bomb can have effects reduced by antibiotics. experience and acquaintance with
far worse than those of a the events, scenes, or persons
megaseism. mellifluous described.
adj The memoir of Burton Smith was
megohmmeter / meSliflEwEs / published last year.
n L
/ SmeTgPmTmGZE(r) / sweetly flowing : smooth, honeyed. memorabilia
Gk + G name + Gk The soprano’s mellifluous voice n pl
an instrument for the measurement lulled Frank to sleep. / TmemErESbilGE /
of large electrical resistances. L
Professor Allen designed a mellisonant things remarkable and worthy of
laboratory session to acquaint adj remembrance or record.
students with the use of the / meSlisFnEnt / The memorabilia in the hall of fame
megohmmeter. L+L traced the history of basketball
pleasing to the ear. from its beginning in 1891.
melancholia Tonia’s mellisonant voice never
failed to put her little sister to memoriter
melancholy sleep. adv
adj / mDSmOrETte(E)r /
/ SmelEnTkBlG / mellophone L
Gk > L > F > E by or from memory : by heart.
depressed in spirits : mournful. Much to her surprise, Sue was able
The melancholy chirp of a cricket to recite the soliloquy that 20 years
was the only sign of life near him. ago she had learned memoriter.
memory
menace
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menagerie meningitis mentor
n n n
/ mDSnaj(E)rG / / TmenDnSjIZDs / / SmenTtO(E)r /
F Gk > L Gk name
a collection of wild or foreign a disease in which microorganisms teacher, tutor, coach.
animals in cages or enclosures. cause inflammation of the After Helen won the spelling
The eccentric billionaire’s membranes that envelop the brain competition, she said that her
menagerie includes two pandas and and spinal cord. mother was her mentor.
a white rhino. Trudy had meningitis when she was
seven. mephitis
mendacious n
meniscus / mDSfIZDs /
mendicancy n OScan > L
n / mDSniskEs / a noxious, pestilential, or foul
/ SmendDkEnsG / Gk > L exhalation from the earth.
L the curved upper surface of a liquid Ivy suspected she was approaching
the practice or act of begging. column. the geyser when she smelled a
Panhandlers became so aggressive Because mercury sticks to itself strong mephitis.
in the city that its voters demanded better than to other substances, its
legal enactments against meniscus is convex, or rounded mercantilism
mendicancy. upward. n
/ SmErkEnTtGTlizEm /
mendicant menorah L > It > F + Ecf
n n devotion to commercial enterprise.
/ SmendDkEnt / / mESnPrE / The turn of the century saw a boom
L Heb in mercantilism.
one who begs; especially : one who a candelabrum with nine
lives by begging. candlesticks used in the celebration mercenarily
The mendicant on the street corner of Hanukkah. adv
once had a high-paying job. Stuart put the candles in the / TmErsFnSerElG /
menorah just before the ceremony. L + Ecff
menehune in a manner showing conspicuous
n mentality lust for money.
/ TmenEShVnG / n Being mercenarily inclined, Joel
Hawaiian / menStalEZG / refused to work for just the
a small mythical Polynesian being L minimum wage.
living in the mountains and intellectual power or capacity :
working at night as a stone builder. learning ability. mercenary
The Hawaiian folklorist told the The mentality of dolphins is greater adj
tale of a stone temple built than that of sharks. / SmErsFnTerG /
overnight by a menehune. L
menthol showing conspicuous lust for
menial n money : based on or marked by
adj / SmenTthOl / greed.
/ SmGnGEl / L>G No one in the family knows where
L>E an alcohol that occurs naturally in Antonio gets his mercenary
of, relating to, or being work not peppermint oil and Japanese mint tendencies.
requiring special skill or not calling oil and can be made synthetically.
into play the higher intellectual Menthol is used in medicines to mercurial
powers and often regarded as relieve pain, itching, and nasal adj
lacking dignity, status, or interest. congestion. / TmErSkyUrGEl /
Viewed by some office workers as a L
menial task, making coffee can be characterized by rapid and
quite an art. unpredictable changeableness or by
quick-wittedness : sprightly,
temperamental, volatile.
Christopher’s mercurial twists of
temperament were a trial to his
mother.
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merely merotomize metallurgist
adv v n
/ Smi(E)rlG / / mESrBZETmIz / / SmeZFlTErjDst /
L > E + Ecf Gk + Ecf Gk
no more than : barely, only. divide into parts. a specialist in the study of the
Joseph was merely pretending to be In tomorrow’s biology class Jan structure and properties of metals.
asleep. will merotomize a frog to study its Theobald hired a metallurgist to
anatomy. evaluate the ore deposits on his
merganser ranch.
n merriment
/ mErSgan(t)sEr / metamorphosis
L meshummad n
any of various fish-eating diving / TmeZESmO(r)fEsDs /
ducks with a slender bill and mesmerize Gk > L
usually a crested head. change of physical form or
Many people consider the red- mesoscale substance that takes place during an
breasted merganser one of the most adj insect’s life as it matures.
beautiful ducks. / SmezPTskCl / Complete metamorphosis is
Gk > L + ON > E characteristic of beetles, butterflies
meridian of or relating to a meteorological and moths, flies, and wasps.
n phenomenon approximately 1 to
/ mDSridGEn / 100 kilometers in horizontal extent. metaphor
F>E Unlike a blizzard, which can n
a great circle of the celestial sphere blanket a dozen states for days, / SmeZETfO(E)r /
passing through its poles and the mesoscale weather covers only a Gk
zenith of a given place. small area and passes through an implied comparison in contrast
The apparent solar day is quickly. to the explicit comparison of the
measured by the interval of time simile.
between two successive passages of mesoseismal The poet used the image of a
the Sun across the observer’s adj drifting boat as a metaphor for the
celestial meridian. / TmezPSsIzmEl / troubled soul.
Gk
meringue of or relating to the center of an metaphrast
n area of earthquake disturbance. n
/ mESraN / The town in the mesoseismal area / SmeZETfrast /
F suffered the most damage from the Gk
[has near homonym: marang] a earthquake. translator; specifically : one who
mixture of beaten egg whites and turns verse into a different meter or
powdered sugar baked at low metachrosis prose into verse.
temperature and used as a topping n In translating the epic poem, Elliott
(as on pies and puddings). / TmeZESkrPsDs / consulted a well-known
Thelma scraped the meringue off Gk metaphrast.
her pie. the power of some animals (as
many fishes and reptiles) to change metastasize
mermaid color voluntarily by the expansion v
n of special pigment cells. / mDStastETsIz /
/ SmErTmCd / Metachrosis helps octopi blend Gk
E with their environments to avoid spread, as a disease-producing
a fabled marine creature having the being easy prey. agent, from the original site of
upper body of a woman and the disease to another part of the body.
lower body of a fish. metagnomy The oncology professor pointed on
As they sailed closer to what they the diagram to where the cancer
thought was the end of the world, metallurgical cells would metastasize next.
the sailors kept expecting to see a
mermaid.
mermithergate
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meteoroidal meuniere micrograph
adj n
/ TmGZGESrOidFl / meuse / SmIkrETgraf /
Gk + Ecf Gk + Gk
of or relating to meteors in orbit mezzanine a graphic reproduction of the image
around the Sun. n of an object formed by a
The many craters on the Moon are / SmezFnTGn / microscope.
the result of meteoroidal L > It > F The biology teacher showed the
bombardment. the lowest balcony in a theater. class a micrograph of a plant cell.
Melinda says that she enjoys the
methodical view from the mezzanine better micrurgy
than the view from the orchestra. n
meticulosity / SmI(T)krErjG /
n miasma Gk > ISV
/ mDTtikyESlBsEZG / n the practice of using minute tools in
L + Ecf / mISazmE / a magnified field.
the quality or state of being Gk > L Lorraine’s excellence at micrurgy
extremely painstaking in the [Note: Could be confused with helped her greatly with her model
consideration or treatment of miasm.] a vaporous exhalation (as making.
details. of a marshy region or of rotting
The gallery visitor marveled at the matter) formerly believed to midgetism
artist’s meticulosity in depicting contain a substance causing n
details so realistically. disease. / SmijDZTizEm /
Eloise couldn’t wait to escape from E + Ecf
metonymy the miasma that had settled over the state of being an unusually
n the entire swamp. small creature or thing.
/ mDStBnEmG / In the art of bonsai, midgetism is
Gk Micawber highly valued.
a figure of speech that consists in n
using the name of one thing for that / mDSkObE(r) / midinette
of something else with which it is E literary name n
associated (as in “spent the evening [has near homonym: macabre] an / TmidFnSet /
reading Shakespeare”). improvident person who lives in F
The metonymy “threads” for expectation of an upturn in his a Parisian shopgirl.
clothes has recently come back into fortunes. In the novel, Marie was a midinette
popular slang. Jenny was careful not to live like a who worked as a seamstress during
Micawber just because she the 1890s.
metoposcopy expected to receive a fellowship.
n midriff
/ TmeZESpBskEpG / microcosm n
Gk n / SmiTdrif /
the art of reading character or / SmIkrETkBzEm / E
telling fortunes from the markings Gk the midregion of the human torso;
of the forehead. a miniature universe. especially : its external ventral
Gerald has a high, bumpy forehead Kate could spend hours watching aspect.
that would provide a truly the microcosm of her ant farm. According to the dress code, any
interesting study in metoposcopy. student coming to school with an
microfiche exposed midriff will be sent home.
metronome n
n / SmIkrPTfGsh / mien
/ SmetrETnPm / F n
Gk a sheet of film containing several / SmGn /
an instrument that emits an audible rows of photographic records on a L>F>E
repetitive tap regulated to mark reduced scale that are enlarged for [has homonym: mean] the air or
rhythm (as for music or marching). reading or viewing. bearing of a person.
Martina used a metronome to Norma examined a microfiche of Fame and fortune did not alter
hypnotize her cat. old newspaper pages while doing Cindy’s humble mien.
research at the library.
mettwurst
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mignonette millennium minacious
n n adj
/ TminyESnet / / mDSlenGEm / / mDSnCshEs /
F L L
an annual plant native to North a period of 1,000 years. of a menacing or threatening
Africa that has long racemes of In his “Four Freedoms” speech, character.
fragrant yellow or greenish white Franklin D. Roosevelt stressed that Though the butler seemed
flowers. his vision was not that of a distant minacious, he was not the culprit.
Lord Bateman sent seeds of millennium.
mignonette to England in 1742 and minaret
called it mignonette, although it millinery
was not known by that name in minatory
France at the time. millionaire adj
/ SminETtPrG /
migraine mimeograph L
n v having a menacing quality :
/ SmITgrCn / / SmimGETgraf / expressive of or conveying a threat.
Gk > L > F Gk + Gk In a minatory tone, Mrs. Sampson
a condition marked by recurrent copy with a duplicator that consists asked the boys what they planned
severe headache often with nausea of a frame in which the stencil is to do about her broken window.
and vomiting. stretched and an inking roller for
Karen’s doctor found out that her pressing ink through the porous minestrone
migraine was due to a food allergy. lines of the stencil onto paper. n
Kerry was puzzled when her / TminESstrPnG /
mikado grandmother talked of how she L > It
n used to mimeograph her boss’s a rich thick vegetable soup with
/ mESkB(T)dP / company memos. dried beans, macaroni, vermicelli,
Jpn or similar ingredients sometimes
an emperor of Japan. mimic topped with grated cheese.
The Mikado is one of Gilbert and v Steve crumbled oyster crackers into
Sullivan’s best-loved operettas. / Smimik / his minestrone.
Gk > L
milacre copy or imitate very closely miniascape
especially in external n
milchig characteristics (as voice, gesture, or / SminGETskCp /
adj manner). L > It > L
/ SmilKik / Christie has learned to mimic a dish garden made with dry or
G > Yiddish Grandma so well on the telephone other plant materials that do not
made of or derived from milk or that she can fool the whole family. require water.
dairy products. A miniascape makes an interesting
The dairy association posted on its mimicry host or hostess gift.
web site several menus for milchig
meals. mimosa miniature
n adj
mildewed / mDSmPsE / / Smin(G)ETchU(E)r /
L L > It
militancy a tree or shrub that is native to being or represented on a small
tropical and warm regions and that scale.
militia has usually bipinnate leaves and The miniature productions of
n globular heads of small pink or architects’ dream houses were all
/ mDSlishE / white flowers. made out of children’s building
L Deanna planted a mimosa in the blocks.
a reserve unit of the armed forces. front yard.
Captain Weston’s military career miniaturize
began when he entered his county’s
militia.
millennialism
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minimization mirador mischief
n n n
/ TminEmDSzCshEn / / SmirETdP(E)r / / Smis(h)chDf /
L + Ecff L > Catal > Sp F>E
the action or process of reducing to a turret or a bay window or action or conduct that annoys or
the smallest possible number, enclosed balcony designed to irritates without causing or
degree, or extent. command an extensive outlook— meaning to cause serious harm.
The credit counselor told Shanika used chiefly of Spanish Hearing the puppy’s thumping and
that the first step should be the architecture. barking, Erica went to investigate
minimization of her interest The castle’s mirador offered a the mischief he was creating.
payments. commanding view of the sea.
mischievous
minor mirage
n miscible
/ SmInE(r) / Miranda adj
L adj / SmisEbEl /
[has homonym: miner] a person / mDSrandE / L
under full age or majority : one American name [Note: Pronouncer should provide
who has not attained the age at of, relating to, or being the legal definition of this word.] capable of
which full civil rights are accorded. rights of an arrested person to have being mixed in any ratio without
Because Randy is a minor, the an attorney and to remain silent so separation of two phases—used
airline will not allow him to take as to avoid self-incrimination. especially of fluids.
the red-eye flight unaccompanied. At the time of arrest, each person Oil and kerosene are miscible, but
must be advised of his Miranda carbon tetrachloride and water are
minstrel rights. not.
minuend mirrored miscreant

n v n
/ SminyETwend / / SmirE(r)d / / SmiskrHEnt /
L L > F > E + Ecf L>F>E
a quantity in mathematics from reflected. one who behaves criminally or
which another quantity is to be The moonlight was mirrored in the viciously.
subtracted. smooth surface of the pond. Some miscreant dumped a bucket
In the equation 7 – 5 = 2, 7 is the of paint in Herb’s convertible.
minuend. misanthropic
adj misdemeanor
minuscular / TmisFnSthrBpik / n
adj Gk + Ecf / TmisdDSmGnE(r) /
/ mDSnEskyElE(r) / marked by a hatred or contempt for E+L>F>E
L humankind. a crime less than a felony.
very small in size or importance. The moral corruption the The trespasser was arrested and
A minuscular speck of dirt on policeman witnessed caused him to charged with a misdemeanor.
Alison’s frock was enough to become a misanthropic cynic.
infuriate her. miserable
miscellanea adj
minutia n pl / Smiz(E)rEbEl /
/ TmisESlCnGE / L
mirabelle L marked by extreme discomfort or
n a collection of assorted objects. unhappiness.
/ SmirETbel / Among the miscellanea on Ernie’s The refugees struggled for survival
F bookshelf were five textbooks on in the miserable mountainside
the fruit of a small hardy European world history and a complete set of encampment.
plum tree used especially for the works of Shakespeare.
preserves and for making a liqueur. misericordia
Joey ate a stewed mirabelle as he miscellaneous
helped his grandmother make jam. misfeasance
miscellany
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misnomer misshapen misuse
n adj v
/ mDSsnPmE(r) / / mis(h)shCpEn / / misSyVz /
L>F>E E Ecf + L > F > E
an incorrect designation or term. having an ugly or deformed shape. employ for a wrong or improper
The name “Greenland” is a The misshapen pumpkin made a purpose.
misnomer because an icecap covers fierce-looking jack-o’-lantern. Employees who misuse their
most of the island. Internet connection at work will be
missile fired.
misogynistic n
adj / SmisEl / mitigate
/ mDTsBjESnistik / L v
Gk [has homonym: missal] a weapon / SmiZETgCt /
relating to or given to a hatred of or other object thrown or projected. L
women. Ichabod endeavored to dodge the make less severe, cruel, intense,
The soprano complained that only horrible missile, but too late. painful.
a critic with misogynistic cruelty The general interceded to mitigate
could have written the review. missionary the soldier’s punishment.
misogyny mistassini mitigative

n adj
misoneism / TmistESsGnG / / SmiZETgCZiv /
n Canadian geog name L
/ TmisESnGTizEm / a dwarf primrose of northern and tending to make less severe :
Gk + Gk alpine America. alleviating.
a hatred or intolerance of Ava saw a mistassini growing in a Mariko’s herbal tea had a
something new or changed. rock crevice. mitigative effect on Raga’s
Because of his mom’s misoneism, headache.
Brian still does not have a mistigris
computer in his home. n mitochondrion
/ SmistGTgris / n
misopedist F / TmIZESkBndrGEn /
n a joker or blank card that the holder Gk + Gk
/ TmisESpGdDst / can play as any card. any of various round or long
L + Ecf Darryl won the hand using a cellular organelles that are found
one who hates children. mistigris and three queens for four outside the nucleus, produce energy
W. C. Fields was a famed of a kind. for the cell through cellular
misopedist. respiration, and are rich in fats,
mistletoe proteins, and enzymes.
misprision n Gabrielle easily found the
n / SmisElTtP / mitochondrion in the image
/ mDSsprizhEn / E projected by the electron
L>F>E any of various American plants of microscope.
the active or passive concealment the genus Phoradendron that grow
of treason or felony from the on deciduous trees. mitrailleuse
prosecuting authorities by one not Lance earned extra Christmas
guilty of those crimes. money selling mistletoe at the mall. mittimus
Congressman Walters was charged n
with misprision of felony in the mistral / SmiZEmEs /
election fraud. n L
/ SmistrEl / a warrant committing the person
L > OProv > F specified to prison.
a violent cold dry northerly wind of In this state no person can be
the Mediterranean provinces of committed to a correctional facility
France. without a mittimus from a judge.
In Provence, the mistral sometimes
dries out the vines and grapes. mixology
mneme
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mnemonic mohair momentum
n n
mnestic / SmPTha(a)(E)r / / mPSmentEm /
adj Ar > It > E L
/ Snestik / any of various fabrics or yarns a property of a moving body that
Gk made wholly or in part of the hair determines the length of time
of or relating to memory or the of the Angora goat. required to bring it to rest when
persistent effect of past experience For her birthday Linda got a under the action of a constant force
of the individual. matching scarf and sweater, both or moment.
Granny spends much of her time made of mohair. The snowball gained momentum as
reminiscing and performing other it rolled down the hill.
mnestic activities. moiety
n monadnock
mocha / SmOiEZG / n
n L>F>E / mESnadTnBk /
/ SmPkE / a share paid by the government to New Hampshire geog name
Arabian geog name an informer out of duties and a hill or mountain of resistant rock
a flavoring made of a strong coffee penalties collected because of the surmounting an eroded plain.
infusion or of a mixture of cocoa or individual’s help. The familiar shape of the
chocolate with coffee. The whistleblower received a monadnock was a landmark for
Samantha detected a hint of mocha moiety of the large fine imposed travelers.
in her hot chocolate. upon his employer for supplying
faulty engine parts to the military. monarch
moderate
adj molasses monastery
/ SmBd(E)rDt / n n
L>E / mESlasDz / / SmBnETsterG /
neither small nor large. L > Pg G>L>E
Sally’s room was of moderate size, the thick dark to light brown syrup a house of religious retirement or of
but her sister’s was quite small. that is separated from raw sugar in seclusion from the world for
sugar manufacture. persons under religious vows.
modicum Mollie always adds molasses to Last fall Stan attended a retreat at
n beans before baking them. a monastery near Bardstown,
/ SmBdEkEm / Kentucky.
L>F molecule
a small portion : a limited quantity monetarily
or amount. molecules adv
Bernie displayed not even a / TmBnESterElG /
modicum of modesty as he bragged molinary L + Ecf
about his hole in one. adj with respect to money.
/ SmBlETnerG / Bud said he wasn’t broke, just
modificative L monetarily deficient.
adj of or relating to a mill or the
/ SmBdEfETkCZiv / process of grinding. monetary
L + Ecf Elsworth’s firm specializes in the adj
serving to make minor changes in manufacture of molinary / SmBnETterG /
the form or structure of. equipment. L
To thicken the runny sauce, Hester of or relating to money or to the
used flour as the modificative mollify instrumentalities and organizations
ingredient. by which money is supplied to the
momentousness economy.
modiste n So many Americans are active
/ mPSmentEsnDs / investors that even a slight change
L>F>E in interest rates can have serious
the quality or state of being very monetary repercussions.
important.
An orchestra fanfare accentuated
the momentousness of the occasion.
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mongoose mononucleosis montage
n n n
/ SmBNTgVs / / TmBnPTn(y)VklGSPsDs / / mBnStBzh /
Dravidian? > Prakrit > Hindi Gk + L F
an agile keen-sighted grizzled an acute infectious disease an impressionistic sequence of
brown and black mammal of India associated with Epstein-Barr virus images introduced into a film or
that is about the size of a ferret and and characterized by fever, television program to develop a
feeds on snakes and rodents. swelling of the lymph nodes, and single theme, suggest a state of
The mongoose is an active, bold an increase in the number of mind, or bridge a time lapse.
predator. lymphocytes in the blood. The program’s opening credit
Morgan had to spend several weeks sequence is a montage of white
mongrel in bed after contracting beaches, swaying palm trees,
n mononucleosis. racing boats, and attractive sun
/ SmBNgrEl / worshipers.
E monopoly
an animal or plant resulting from moppet
the interbreeding of two or more monotonous
breeds or strains. adj moraine
Jeff’s dog is a friendly mongrel / mESnBtFnEs / n
named Mutt. Gk / mESrCn /
having no change or variety : F
monocle wearisomely uniform. an accumulation of earth and stones
n The lecturer’s monotonous tone put carried and finally deposited by a
/ SmBnDkEl / half the audience to sleep. glacier.
L A push moraine is carried ahead of
[has homonyms: monacal, monotony an advancing glacier, whereas a
monachal] an eyeglass for one eye. lateral moraine is deposited at the
The villain wore a tuxedo, a top monsoon side of a glacier as it moves.
hat, and a monocle. n
/ mBnSsVn / morass
monocoque Ar > Pg > D
a periodic wind especially in the moratorium
monolith Indian Ocean and in southern Asia. n
n The monsoon brought / TmOrEStPrGEm /
/ SmBnFlTith / thunderstorms that blanketed the L
Gk city with a dust cloud and then a suspension of activity : a
something resembling a single flooding rains. temporary ban on the use or
great stone. production of something.
Sir Larry is considered a pillar of monstrosity Environmentalists demanded a
strength by his friends and a n moratorium on the mining
hulking obstinate monolith by his / mBnzStrBsEZG / operation until its potential effects
enemies. L on the ecosystem could be
an object of terrifying size or force evaluated.
monomachy or complexity.
The atom bomb is the greatest morbid
monomaniacal monstrosity of the 20th century. adj
adj / SmOrbDd /
/ TmBnFmESnIEkEl / monstrous L
Gk + Gk + Ecf adj abnormally susceptible to or
relating to, characterized by, or / SmBnztrEs / characterized by gloomy or
affected with such concentration on L>F>E unwholesome feelings.
a single object or idea as to suggest having extraordinary and often The inventor was haunted by a
mental derangement. overwhelming size : unusually and morbid sense of guilt about the
Stuart’s obsession with racing cars unpleasantly huge. possible harmful effects of her
seems almost monomaniacal to his The tourists in South America were invention.
friends. terrified and sickened by the
monstrous flying cockroach.
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morbidezza morion mortar
n n n
/ TmO(r)bESdetsE / / SmPrGEn / / SmOrZEr /
L > It F L>F>E
an extreme delicacy and softness. a visorless high-crested helmet of something that binds or holds
The piano music had a certain Spanish origin worn by foot together.
morbidezza that required a delicate soldiers in the 16th and 17th Sam watched as the bricklayer
touch. centuries. expertly set the bricks into the
The conquistador was pictured hardening mortar.
morceau wearing a morion, with the brim
n forming high peaks at the front and mortarboard
/ mOrSsP / back. n
F / SmOrZErTbP(E)rd /
[Note: Could be confused with mormorando L>F>E+E
more so. Also, plural of word can adj an academic cap consisting of a
be similarly pronounced.] a short / TmO(r)mESrBn(T)dP / closely fitting headpiece with a
literary or musical piece. L > It broad flat projecting square top.
Natasha entertained the partygoers in a murmuring manner—used as a Lamont adjusted his mortarboard
with a lively morceau on the violin. direction in music. as he joined the procession to begin
At first Ralph thought his CD the commencement program.
mordacious player was broken, but then he
realized he was listening to a mortgage
mordancy mormorando passage. n
n / SmOrgij /
/ SmO(r)dFnsG / morose L>F>E
L>F adj a binding obligation.
a biting and caustic quality of style. / mESrPs / Sarah found a signed copy of the
The mordancy of the candidate’s L mortgage in Richard’s desk.
comments made her opponent marked by or expressive of gloom.
wince. The basketball team was morose mortuary
after losing in the state finals. adj
mores / SmO(r)chETwerG /
n pl Morpheus L
/ SmO(T)rCz / n of or relating to the burial of the
L / SmOrfGEs / dead.
[has homonym: morays] the fixed Gk Professor Habib is an expert in
customs or folkways of a particular something that induces or prolongs ancient mortuary rituals.
group which are morally binding sleep.
upon all members of the group and Tim cannot recall exactly what mosaic
necessary to its welfare and Morpheus caused Rip van Winkle
preservation. to sleep for 20 years. mosaicist
Some religious groups have n
developed a society of their own mortal / mPSzCEsDst /
with distinct and strict mores. adj L > It > F > E
/ SmOrZFl / a designer who creates surface
morigeration L decoration by inlaying small pieces
n destructive to life : causing or of variously colored material.
/ mETrijESrCshEn / capable of causing death. An expert mosaicist decorated the
L The diver’s cage would protect him altar of the new church.
servile obedience : obsequiousness. from receiving a mortal wound
The judge expected morigeration from a shark. mosque
from everyone in the courtroom. n
/ SmBsk /
Ar > Sp > It > F
an Islamic place of public religious
worship.
Visitors were required to remove
their shoes before entering the
mosque.
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mosquito mountebank mucilaginous
n n adj
/ mESskGZ(T)P / / SmaUntETbaNk / / TmyVsESlajEnEs /
L > Sp It L
any of numerous two-winged flies an entertainer (as a juggler or relating to or resembling a liquid
that have a rather narrow abdomen magician) employed by a quack to adhesive of low bonding strength.
and usually a long slender rigid attract a crowd. Billy’s mother told him to wash the
proboscis with which they puncture The charlatan used a mountebank mucilaginous remains of his peanut
the skin of animals to suck the to entice crowds into the tent. butter and jelly sandwich from his
blood. face and hands.
Dr. Walter Reed proved that the mourn
yellow fever virus is carried by the mufti
mosquito. moussaka n
n / SmEftG /
mosquitoey / mVSsBkE / Ar
Turkish > Gk civilian dress when worn by one in
mostaccioli a dish of ground meat (as lamb) military service.
n and sliced eggplant or potatoes The general ambled down the street
/ TmOstBtSchPlG / often topped with a seasoned sauce. unrecognized in mufti.
It Dimitrio’s restaurant serves the
a pasta in the form of a short tube best moussaka in the area. mugient
with oblique ends. adj
It was the usual banquet fare: mousse / SmyVjGEnt /
mostaccioli and roast beef. n L
/ SmVs / making a lowing sound : bellowing.
motley L>F In mid-April the mugient herds of
adj [has homonym: moose] a frothy cattle are turned out to pasture.
/ SmBtlG / dessert; especially : a dessert of
E sweetened and flavored whipped mugwump
composed of a haphazard and cream, or thin cream and gelatin, n
incongruous mixture of frozen without stirring. / SmETgwEmp /
heterogeneous elements. Michael ordered chocolate Natick
Each guest drew a gift from the hazelnut mousse for dessert, but one who is undecided or neutral (as
motley assortment in the grab bag. Vera ordered just coffee. in politics) often as a result of an
inability to make up one’s mind.
moulage mousseline William is too much a mugwump to
n ever realize his ambition to hold
/ mVSlBzh / mozambique elective office.
F
an impression (as of a tire mark or mozzarella mugwumpery
tooth print) made for use as n
evidence in a criminal / TmBtsESrelE / mulberry
investigation. It n
At the scene of the crime, detectives a moist white rubbery unsalted / SmElTberG /
were able to make a moulage of the cheese. Gk > L > F > E
tire marks left by the criminal’s Mozzarella is used in many Italian a tree or shrub that bears a fruit
car. foods. resembling a raspberry.
The Nelsons planted a mulberry in
mountain mucedine their backyard.
n
/ SmaUntFn / mucilage mulch
L>F
[Note: The definition provided is
not the one most commonly
associated with this word.] a vast
number or quantity : pile, slew.
Mrs. Johnson assigned her students
a mountain of homework that was
due the day after the holiday break.
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muliebral multitudinous murarium
adj adj n
/ TmyVlGSebrEl / / TmEltEStVdEnDs / / myVSra(a)rGEm /
L + Ecf L + Ecf L
of, relating to, or characteristic of existing in great numbers. a place for rearing mice or rats
women. Multitudinous varieties of under controlled conditions.
The artist captured the essence of wildflowers grow on Sand Research at the murarium resulted
muliebral beauty in his portrait of Mountain. in the initial claim that saccharine
Venus. consumption causes cancer.
mummery
mulligan n murenger
n / SmEmErG / n
/ SmElDgEn / F / SmyUrEnjE(r) /
E name a performance given by actors in a L>F>E
a free shot sometimes awarded a pantomime. one in charge of the wall of a town
golfer in nontournament play when Costumed actors performed a and its repairs.
the preceding shot has been poorly comic mummery in the school When city walls served as
played. auditorium. fortresses, the murenger was
Gordy took a mulligan after hitting responsible for the security of the
a “worm burner” on the first tee. mumps citizens.
n pl
mullion / SmEmps / murmur
imit v
multifarious an acute contagious viral disease / SmErmEr /
adj marked by fever and swelling of L
/ TmEltESfa(a)rGEs / the parotid gland. utter or give forth in low or
L Russell sympathized with his indistinct sounds or words.
having multiplicity : having great brother who was suffering with Mrs. Chambers reminded Dylan
diversity or variety. mumps, but couldn’t help but laugh not to murmur his introduction.
The multifarious activities at the at his swollen face.
Hands-On Museum make it a place murrain
that everyone can enjoy. municipal
adj musciform
multiplication / myVSnisEpEl / adj
n L / SmEsETfOrm /
/ TmEltEplDSkCshEn / of or relating to a primarily urban L
L political unit (as a town or city). resembling moss.
a mathematical operation Real estate taxes are set by the Rosa’s new hat has a musciform
commonly indicated by ab that municipal government. texture.
repeats b as many times as there are
units in a. municipally muscle
The fourth grade class was
learning the process of munificence musculature
multiplication of whole numbers. n n
/ myVSnifEsEn(t)s / / SmEskyElETchU(E)r /
multipotent L L
a giving or bestowing with the muscles of an animal that are
multitude extraordinary liberality : lavish related to each other and function
n generosity. together.
/ SmEltETtVd / Hazel’s uncle, known widely for his Dissection of the frog revealed its
L munificence, hosted an elaborate underlying musculature.
a great number : host. dinner for her bat mitzvah.
A multitude of reporters besieged
the plaintiff as she left the
courtroom.
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muse mutable myelitis
v adj n
/ SmyVz / / SmyVZEbEl / / TmIESlIZDs /
L>F>E L Gk > L
[has homonyms: meuse, mews] prone or liable to change. inflammation of the spinal cord or
become absorbed in thought. The weather in the foothills was of the bone marrow.
When he was a boy, Howard used extremely mutable due to the Myelitis is usually a result of a
to sit on the porch and muse on nearby mountains. viral infection such as
what he would do with his life. mononucleosis or mumps.
mutafacient
museum adj myelopathy
n / TmyVZESfCshEnt / n
/ myVSzGEm / L + L + Ecf / TmIESlBpEthG /
Gk > L capable of inducing a biological Gk
an institution devoted to the change in hereditary material. a disease or disorder of the spinal
procurement, care, study, and Botanists make use of mutafacient cord or the bone marrow.
display of objects of lasting interest chemicals to develop new strains of After the accident Ursula’s dog had
or value. plants. to be treated for myelopathy.
The National Air and Space
Museum is one of the components mutinous mynheer
of the Smithsonian Institution. n
mutton / mInShe(E)r /
muskmelon n D
n / SmEtFn / mister—used as a polite address to
/ SmEskTmelEn / Celt > F > E a Dutch gentleman.
Skt > Per > Gk > L > F > E + Gk > the flesh of a sheep that is used for The owner of the village bank was
L food. addressed as Mynheer Grauer.
the usually sweet odorous edible Ingrid purchased some mutton and
melon that is the fruit of a trailing pork chops from the butcher. myocarditis
or climbing Asiatic herbaceous n
vine. muumuu / TmIETkBrSdIZDs /
The muskmelon was one of the n Gk > L
foods that Columbus introduced to / SmVTmV / inflammation of the middle
the New World. Hawaiian muscular layer of the heart wall.
a loose dress with gay colors and A severe case of myocarditis could
muslin patterns, worn chiefly in Hawaii. result in heart failure.
n Pandora bought a red flowered
/ SmEzlDn / muumuu during her trip to Maui. myopia
Iraq geog name > Ar > It > F n
[has near homonym: Muslim] a myasthenia / mISPpGE /
plainwoven cotton fabric that is n Gk
used bleached or unbleached for / TmIEsSthGnGE / nearsightedness.
sheeting, embroidery, or other Gk > L Kyle’s myopia was first apparent
purposes. muscular debility. when he had trouble reading what
The simple look of tab curtains Keith was informed that his was on the chalkboard at school.
made of unbleached muslin is myasthenia was brought on by
perfect for Barbara’s den. overexertion and would disappear myriads
with rest. n pl
mussitation / SmirGEdz /
n mycophagous Gk
/ TmEsEStCshEn / adj immense numbers.
L / mISkBfDgEs / The plain was covered with
movement of the lips as if in Gk myriads of insects swarming and
speech but without accompanying feeding on fungi. devouring all the vegetation.
sound. Because they are mycophagous,
The cameras picked up the ladybugs are good for gardens.
speller’s mussitation as she
pondered the word.
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myringitis mystique naiad
n n n
/ TmirEnSjIZDs / / miSstGk / / SnCEd /
Gk > L Gk > L > F Gk
inflammation of the tympanic the special esoteric skill or one of the nymphs believed by the
membrane. mysterious faculty essential in a ancient Greeks and Romans to live
Dr. Croke explained that Amy’s calling or activity. in and give life to lakes, rivers,
myringitis was caused by a The mystique of computer springs, and fountains.
bacterial infection in her ear. programming is completely foreign Glenda came upon a statue of a
to Jacqueline. naiad by the lake.
myrmecologist
n mythologem naiant
/ TmErmESkBlEjDst /
Gk mythomania nainsook
a specialist in the scientific study of n
ants. nabob / SnCnTsUk /
The myrmecologist told the n Skt > Hindi
reporter that his interest in ants / SnCTbBb / a soft lightweight cotton fabric in
began when he had been given an Ar > Hindi plain weave and various finishes
ant farm at the age of seven. man of great wealth. that is used especially for clothing
The Hollywood nabob rarely and curtains.
myrmecology traveled without his personal chef, Janet’s new summer blouse is made
n secretary, and masseur. of nainsook.
/ TmErmESkBlEjG /
Gk nacelle naology
a scientific study of ants. n n
Receiving an ant farm for / nESsel / / nCSBlEjG /
Christmas was the beginning of L>F Gk
Art’s interest in myrmecology. an enclosed shelter on an aircraft a study of sacred edifices.
for an engine or sometimes for the With her background in
myrmidon crew. architecture and naology, Shauna
n The cramped, stifling nacelle gave is just the right person to help
/ SmErmETdBn / Rico an attack of claustrophobia. restore the old cathedral.
Gk
a follower or subordinate who Naderism napalm
unquestioningly or pitilessly n v
executes orders : hireling. / SnCdETrizEm / / SnCTpBm /
Although the mayor always speaks American name Iranian > Gk > L + L > F
civilly to everyone, his myrmidon named after consumer advocate attack with bombs made with a
can be ruthless in criticizing Ralph Nader, the promotion of highly flammable jellied fuel
opponents. consumer interests especially by composed of gasoline and a
public outcry against dangerous or mixture of aluminum soaps as a
myrrh defective goods. thickener.
n The policy of Naderism is named The decision to napalm enemy
/ SmEr / for an outspoken consumer territory had more ramifications
Semitic > Gk > L > E advocate. than the intended destruction of
a yellow to reddish brown aromatic vegetation.
bitter gum resin that is obtained nadir
from various trees of East Africa n naprapathy
and Arabia. / SnCdE(r) / n
In medieval Europe myrrh was rare Ar > F > E / nESprapEthG /
and precious. the point of the celestial sphere that Czech + Gk > E
is directly opposite the zenith and a therapeutic system of drugless
mysticity vertically downward from the treatment by manipulation of the
observer. ligaments and connective tissues.
There was no way for Amos to see Norma relied on naprapathy to
the Moon, since it was at the nadir. relieve her pain after she sprained
her back.
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narcissus narrow nasturtium
n adj n
/ nBrSsisEs / / Sna(T)rP / / nESstErshEm /
Gk > L E L
any plant of the genus Narcissus of not possessing usual or expected any of several herbs having showy
which the flowers have a short width. variously colored spurred flowers.
corona and are usually borne The sidewalk was too narrow for The nasturtium will add color to a
separately. the three friends to walk side by drab landscape design.
The common daffodil is a type of side.
narcissus. natal
narthex
narcoleptic n natator
adj / SnBrTtheks /
/ TnBrkESleptik / Semitic? > Gk natatorium
Gk a vestibule leading to the nave of a n
of, relating to, or affected with a church. / TnCZEStPrGEm /
transient compulsive tendency to The bridal party lined up in the L
attacks of deep sleep usually of narthex and waited for the cue to a place for swimming; especially :
unknown causes. proceed down the church’s center an indoor swimming pool.
Steve becomes narcoleptic aisle. William Randolph Hearst built an
whenever he is under great stress. ostentatious natatorium at his
nasal California mansion.
narcoticism adj
n / SnCzEl / naupathia
/ nBrSkBZETsizEm / L n
Gk of or relating to the nose. / nOSpathGE /
addiction to habit-forming drugs. Juno’s nasal inflammation caused Gk
The police sergeant lectured considerable discomfort and made seasickness.
Zakia’s class about the dangers of it hard for her to breathe. Several spells of naupathia made
narcoticism. Joni’s cruise an experience she
nascency hopes never to repeat.
naricorn n
n / SnasFnsG / nausea
/ Sna(a)rETkOrn / L n
L the condition or process of being / SnOshE /
the horny covering protecting the born or of beginning to exist. Gk > L
nostrils of albatrosses and some The nascency of the novel as a a feeling of discomfort in the
other birds. literary form can be traced to 18th- stomach usually associated with an
The naricorn is an irregularly century England. urge to vomit.
convoluted little scroll, very thin A bout of nausea kept Denise from
and delicate in texture. nascent enjoying the ferry ride.
adj
narrate / SnCsFnt / nauseate
v L
/ SnaTrCt / undergoing the process of being nauseous
L born : beginning to exist. adj
tell or recite the happenings of (a The Boston Tea Party revealed / SnOshEs /
story). nascent revolutionary tendencies L
Jacob volunteered to narrate the among the American colonists. causing a sensation of discomfort
slide show. in the stomach and an urge to
nastaliq vomit.
narrative The smell emanating from the
adj swamp was nauseous.
/ SnarEZiv /
L nautical
having the form of a story.
A ballad is a poem that has several
distinct characteristics, including a
strong narrative element.
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nautilus nectarine nemesis
n n n
/ SnOZFlEs / / SnektETrGn / / SnemEsDs /
Gk > L Gk > L+Ecf Gk
any of several cephalopod mollusks a peach that has a smooth-skinned a formidable and usually victorious
of the southern Pacific and Indian fruit. rival or opponent.
oceans that produce a spiral Jason prefers a nectarine to a The Tigers were defeated by the
chambered shell. common peach. first-rate pitching of their old
Frank keeps a polished shell of a nemesis.
nautilus in his bookcase. nefarious
adj nemoral
nebula / nDSfa(a)rGEs / adj
n L / Snem(E)rEl /
/ SnebyElE / heinously or impiously wicked : L
L detestable. of, relating to, or inhabiting a wood
any of many immense bodies of The murderer's crimes were or grove.
highly rarified gas or dust in considered so nefarious that he was Doris collected a basketful of
interstellar space. sentenced to life imprisonment nemoral mushrooms.
The astronomer identified the without parole.
Horsehead Nebula on the chart. nenuphar
negative n
nebulous / SnenyETfBr /
adj neglect Skt > Per > Ar > L
/ SnebyElEs / water lily; especially : Egyptian
L negligent lotus.
vaguely defined, poorly grasped, or The nenuphar is a common motif in
dimly realized. negotiable Egyptian art.
Melissa’s nebulous fears about the adj
future interfered with her / nDSgPsh(G)EbEl / neolalia
enjoyment of the present. L n
that can be converted into cash or / TnGPSlClGE /
necessary the equivalent value. Gk
Leah wondered if the old bills she speech especially of a psychotic
necklace found in the trunk were still that includes words that are new
negotiable. and meaningless to the hearer.
neckwear The doctor recorded the patient’s
n negotiate neolalia for further study.
/ SnekTwa(a)r /
E negotiator neologism
articles of clothing worn about the n
neck. negus / nGSBlETjizEm /
Greta thinks warm neckwear is the Gk > F
key to avoiding a cold. neigh a new word, usage, or expression.
Nelson encountered a neologism in
necromancy nematocyst almost every paragraph of the
n n computer article.
/ SnekrETman(t)sG / / nDSmaZETsist /
Gk > L > F > E Gk + Gk neomenia
the art or practice of magically one of the minute stinging organs
conjuring up the souls of the dead. of coelenterates (as corals, sea neon
Abraham Lincoln was interested in anemones, and jellyfishes) used in adj
necromancy, and his wife held catching prey. / SnGTBn /
séances in the White House. Each nematocyst of the jellyfish Gk
contains a spiral-coiled thread of, relating to, or resembling the
nectar tipped with a toxin-bearing barb reddish glow of neon lamps.
that can be ejected into the skin. Even though Tim was wearing neon
swimming trunks, his mom had
trouble spotting him on the
crowded beach.
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neonatology nephelometer nettlesome
n n adj
/ TnGPnCStBlEjG / / TnefESlBmEZE(r) / / SneZFlsEm /
Gk + L + Gk G+G E+E
a branch of medicine concerned an instrument for measuring causing vexation : irritating.
with the care, development, and cloudiness. The city’s traffic situation was
diseases of newborn infants. The nephelometer has been proved nettlesome to the visitors from the
Jackie hopes to specialize in either useful in detecting and measuring small town.
pediatrics or neonatology. air pollution.
neuralgia
neophyte nephew n
n / n(y)VSraljE /
/ SnGETfIt / nephology Gk
Gk an acute paroxysmal pain radiating
a new convert; especially : a nephoscope along the course of one or more
convert to the Christian faith in the n nerves usually without
early church. / SnefETskPp / demonstrable changes in the nerve
In just three years St. Cyprian of Gk structure.
Carthage went from being a an instrument for observing the Garret’s neuralgia was so painful
neophyte to being the bishop of direction of motion and velocity of that he sought relief from a
Carthage. clouds. chiropractor.
Mr. Tadeusz explained to his new
neossology assistant how the nephoscope neurasthenic
n worked. adj
/ TnGTBSsBlEjG / / Tn(y)UrasSthenik /
Gk nephrectomy Gk
the study of young birds. n affected with a syndrome
The student of neossology was / nDSfrektETmG / characterized by easy fatigability,
thrilled to receive a baby parrot for Gk by worrying and depression, and
his birthday. the surgical removal of a kidney. often by headache and digestive
Barry’s kidney was so diseased that and circulatory problems.
nepenthe his physician recommended a The neurasthenic patient
n nephrectomy. complained of being bored,
/ nDSpen(t)thG / neglected, and depressed.
Gk nepotism
something capable of causing n neurokyme
oblivion of grief and suffering. / SnepETtizEm /
The old man sought respite and L > It > F neurological
nepenthe from bad memories. favoritism shown to relatives (as by adj
giving them positions because of / Tn(y)UrESlBjDkEl /
nephalism their relationship rather than on Gk
n their merits). of or relating to the scientific study
/ SnefETlizEm / Most employees resent nepotism of the nervous system.
Gk because it reduces motivation for Dr. Will is a specialist in the
total abstinence from alcoholic advancement via hard work. treatment of neurological
beverages. disorders.
In Muslim countries nephalism is a nescience
way of life for many people. neuropathy
nescient n
nephelognosy adj / n(y)VSrBpEthG /
n / Snesh(G)Ent / Gk > ISV
/ TnefESlBgnEsG / L an abnormal and usually
Gk + Gk exhibiting or characterized by lack degenerative state of the nervous
scientific observation of clouds. of knowledge or system or nerves.
Satellite photos of cloud formations awareness : ignorant. Neuropathy can lead to numbness
and movements have been a great George’s nescient response to the and weakness of the hands, feet, or
aid in the field of nephelognosy. question about the plot limbs.
demonstrated that he had not read
the book. neurotic
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neuston nicety nidificate
n v
neutercane / SnIsEZG / / SnidEfDTkCt /
n F>E L
/ Sn(y)VZe(r)TkCn / a dainty, delicate, or elegant thing build a nest.
L + Taino > Sp or feature. While recuperating, Jan watched
a subtropical cyclone that is usually Dad considered a meal at a posh the robin gather bits of string and
less than 100 miles in diameter and restaurant to be a nicety of good small twigs to nidificate in the
that draws energy from sources living. maple tree outside the bedroom
common to both the hurricane and window.
the frontal cyclone. niche
The weather bureau is tracking the n nidifugous
neutercane to see if it develops into / Snich / adj
a hurricane. L>F / nISdifyEgEs /
a place suitable for the capabilities L
neutral or merits of a person. leaving the nest soon after
Wendy felt she had found her niche hatching.
neutralize at school in the student government Because they are relatively highly
v association. developed when they hatch, ducks
/ Sn(y)VtrETlIz / and chickens are nidifugous.
L + Ecf nickelodeon
make chemically neither acid nor n nidor
base. / TnikESlPdGEn / n
Scientists used nitric acid to G? > Sw + F > G / SnITdO(E)r /
neutralize the magnesium a theater affording a motion-picture L
hydroxide that had formed on the exhibition or a variety show for an [Note: Alternate pronunciation has
space capsule tape when it came in admission price of five cents. homonym: niter/nitre.] a strong
contact with seawater. The silent movies at the smell : reek.
nickelodeon were usually enhanced The nidor of the hot grease warned
newel by piano music. Della that she should lower the
temperature.
newspaporial nicotinism
n nidorous
nexus / SnikETtGTnizEm / adj
n F name + cff / SnIdErEs /
/ SneksEs / the effect of the excessive use of L
L tobacco. smelling of or like burning or
a connected group or series. Patients who suffer from nicotinism decaying animal matter.
A nexus of events led to the exhibit lung and heart problems. The sailors were repulsed by the
overthrow of the government and nidorous bilge water.
the exile of the king. nictitant
niece
Nicaraguan nidicolous
adj adj niello
/ TnikESrBgwEn / / nISdikElEs / n
Central American geog name L / nGSe(T)lP /
of or relating to the country of living in a nest; especially : sharing L > It
Nicaragua in Central America. the nest of another kind of animal. any of several alloys of sulphur
Much Nicaraguan coffee is Many insects are nidicolous, with silver, copper, or lead having a
exported to the United States. sharing the nests of birds who deep black color.
sometimes eat their larvae. After cutting a design in the silver
jewelry box, Phillip filled in the
design with niello.
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Nietzschean nimiety nitrogen
adj n n
/ SnGchGEn / / niSmIEZG / / SnItrDjDn /
G name L Gk
of or relating to the German excess, redundancy. a colorless tasteless odorless
philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Usually Caleb’s writing is concise, element that as a diatomic gas is
Nietzsche. but his most recent essay is a relatively inert and constitutes 78
Norman characterized John’s glowing example of nimiety. percent of the atmosphere by
views as juvenile Nietzschean volume and occurs as a constituent
nonsense. nimious of all living tissues.
adj Lightning causes the oxidation of
niggardly / SnimGEs / nitrogen to nitric oxide, which is
adj L rained out as nitrate.
/ SnigE(r)dlG / [Note: Could be confused with
Scand > E niveous.] excessive, extravagant. niveau
characterized by a reluctance to Oscar, who could barely afford to n
part with money : tightfisted. rent a costume for the masked / nGSvP /
The wealthy banker was best charity ball, found the whole thing F
known for his niggardly spending oppressively nimious. [Note: Plural form is pronounced
habits. similarly.] a level (as of existence
nineteenth or achievement) especially in a
nightingale progression.
n ninetieth Ben’s tennis class is at the
/ SnItFnTgCl / intermediate niveau.
E nippy
a thrush common in Great Britain adj niveous
that is noted for the sweet song of / SnipG / adj
the male often heard at night during E / SnivGEs /
the breeding season. chilly, chilling. L
Haley was awakened by a The nippy breeze reddened Ryan’s of, relating to, or resembling snow.
nightingale singing outside her cheeks. The niveous landscape looked most
bedroom window. inviting to the cross-country skiers.
nisei
nightmare n nobiliary
n / SnGTsC / adj
/ SnItTma(a)(E)r / Jpn / nPSbilGTerG /
E a son or daughter of Japanese L > F > E + Ecf
a frightening dream accompanied immigrant parents who is born and of or relating to the nobility.
by anxiety or terror. educated in the United States. By threat of force the king quelled
Cara’s nightmare was caused by Tomoko is the only nisei in her the nobiliary squabbles.
the ghost stories told around the family; all her siblings were born
campfire. in Japan. nobly
nihilism nitidity nocent

n n
/ SnIETlizEm / / niStidEZG / nociceptor
L + Ecf L + Ecf n
a viewpoint that all traditional the quality or state of being bright, / SnPsGTseptE(r) /
values and beliefs are unfounded glossy, or lustrous. L
and that all existence is The moon’s nitidity helps owls find a part of the body that transmits to
consequently senseless and useless. their prey. the central nervous system
The rock star's lyrics were injurious or painful stimuli.
criticized for advocating a bleak The spicy salsa activated each
nihilism. nociceptor on Michelle’s tongue,
bringing her to tears.
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nocive nomenclature nonchalance
adj n n
/ SnPsiv / / SnPmEnTklCchE(r) / / TnBnshESlBn(t)s /
L L F
harmful, injurious. the collective names given to or a display or air of jaunty unconcern
The laboratory assistant wore a borne by places in a particular or indifference.
mask to protect himself from nocive region or area. Sarah reacted with nonchalance
fumes. The nomenclature of Boston streets when her neighbors complained
confused Ling when she first about her unruly dog.
noctivagant arrived.
adj nonchalant
/ nBkStivDgEnt / nominal
L adj noncommittal
going about in the night : night- / SnBmEnFl / adj
wandering. L / TnBnkESmiZFl /
The bat, being a noctivagant of, relating to, or being a word that L
mammal, has inspired many is otherwise characteristically an taking no clear position or giving
legends. adjective or adverb but that takes a no clear indication of attitude,
noun construction in a given feeling, or point of view.
nocturnal context. Lacy’s tone was friendly but
adj A good example of a nominal word noncommittal.
/ nBkStErnFl / is good in “the good die young.”
L>F nominee nondescript
active at night. n adj
Some zoos have special habitats for / TnBmESnG / / TnBndDSskript /
nocturnal animals. L + Ecf L
a person named or proposed for an lacking distinguishing
nocuous office, duty, or position. characteristics.
The president’s nominee for the Because he was utterly
nodosity Supreme Court had to be approved nondescript, Virgil was the perfect
n by a Senate committee. infiltrator.
/ nPSdBsEZG /
L nomological nonmetal
a protuberance or swelling.
Ardis felt a slight nodosity on the nonage nonpareil
cat’s back. n adj
/ SnBnij / / TnBnpESrel /
nodule F>E L>F
a period of youth, childhood, or having no equal : peerless.
noegenesis infancy. Tom’s lack of common sense
The pieces that Mozart wrote in his overshadowed his nonpareil
noisome nonage demonstrate an intellect.
adj understanding of music that few
/ SnOisEm / adults ever attain. nonplus
E v
offensive to the senses : noxious, nonagenarian / nBnSplEs /
harmful, unwholesome, destructive. n L
A noisome odor emanated from the / TnBnEjESnerGEn / cause to be at a loss as to what to
plastics factory. L + Ecf say, think, or do.
a person who is 90 or more and less Vince’s aggressive interviewing
than 100 years old. technique tends to nonplus
Ernestus bragged that he was the inexperienced candidates.
only nonagenarian at the rock
concert. nonsense
Page 217 of 349

nonuple nostrum novice
adj n n
/ SnBTn(y)VpEl / / SnBstrEm / / SnBvDs /
L>F L L>F>E
consisting of nine : being nine a remedy or medicine of secret [Note: The definition provided is
times as great or as many. composition recommended by its not the one most commonly
There was a nonuple increase in preparer but usually lacking general associated with this word.] one who
the rate of traffic citations after the repute or acceptance. has entered a religious house for a
new regulations went into effect. Mr. Sherwood insists that his trial period.
nostrum will cure warts within a The film The Nun’s Story stars
noology week. Audrey Hepburn as a young novice
n who eventually becomes a nurse in
/ nPSBlEjG / notabilia Africa.
Gk
the study of mind : the science of notarize noxious
phenomena regarded as purely adj
mental in origin. notoriety / SnBkshEs /
Ahmet found that his interests in n L
philosophy and psychology / TnPZESrIEZG / harmful or destructive to man or to
converged in the field of noology. L other organisms.
the condition of being an object of Emma is studying the noxious
noontide wide or general attention, interest, effects of gasoline fumes.
and comment for something
normocyte reprehensible or scandalous. noxiously
A red convertible enhanced
nosocomial Thurmon’s notoriety. noyade
adj
/ TnBsESkPmGEl / nougat nuance
L n n
originating or taking place in a / SnVgEt / / Sn(y)VTBn(t)s /
hospital. L > Prov > F L>F
Since implementing its new a confection of nuts or fruit pieces minute variation : delicate
disinfection protocol, the hospital in a sugar paste. gradation : subtle distinction.
has seen a 40 percent drop in Lynn’s boyfriend gave her a box of The music critic took notes on
nosocomial infections. chocolates filled with hazelnut every nuance of the performance.
nougat.
nostalgia nubbin
n noumenal
/ nESstalj(G)a / adj nubilous
Gk > L / SnVmEnEl / adj
homesickness. Gk / Sn(y)VbElEs /
Theo was overcome with nostalgia of or relating to an object of purely L
at the sight of a McDonald's in rational apprehension as opposed to cloudy, foggy, misty.
Istanbul. an object of perception. Trade wind clouds are constantly
Philosophy deals with noumenal piling up in nubilous traffic jams.
nostril concepts, while science deals with
n phenomenal concepts. nuchal
/ SnBstrEl / adj
E novemdecillion / Sn(y)VkEl /
either of the outer openings of the Ar > L + Ecf
nose. novercal of or relating to the nape, the back
In some cultures, a pierced nostril adj part of the neck.
adorned with a ring is considered / nESvErkEl / Midge’s new necklace gave her a
attractive. L nuchal rash.
of, relating to, or characteristic of a
stepmother.
Helene’s novercal relationship with
her husband’s children is close and
loving.
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nuciform nullification nuncio
adj n n
/ Sn(y)VsETfOrm / / TnElEfDSkCshEn / / SnEn(t)sGTP /
L L L
like a nut in shape. the act of depriving of legal or a top-ranking diplomatic envoy of
Preston gave Anna a box of binding force or validity. the pope accredited to a civil
nuciform chocolate candies. Louis XIV’s accession to the throne government.
was ushered in by the nullification The papal nuncio worked with the
nuclear of his father’s will. governor’s office to prepare for the
pope’s tour of the region.
nugacious nullifidian
adj n nuncupation
/ n(y)VSgCshEs / / TnElESfidGEn / n
L L / TnEnkyESpCshEn /
trifling, trivial. a person of no faith or religion. L
Arguments about who sits in the The nullifidian decided to start a an oral will.
front seat seem nugacious to many magazine devoted to the theory and While the sailor was ill aboard
adults. practice of secular humanism. ship, he made a nuncupation in
which he bequeathed his property
nugacity numb to his mother.
nugatory numerology nuncupative

adj adj
/ Sn(y)VgETtPrG / numinous / SnENkyETpCZiv /
L adj L
having little or no consequence : / Sn(y)VmEnEs / stated verbally : oral—used chiefly
worthless. L + Ecf of a will.
The prize Jeff won at the carnival dedicated to or hallowed by The terms of Grandpa’s
was just a nugatory plastic trinket. association with a deity : sacred. nuncupative will were not contested
A soft light seemed to glow from by the family.
nugget the numinous vessel on the altar.
n nuptiality
/ SnEgDt / numismatist n
unknown n / TnEpshGSalEZG /
a lump; especially : a lump of gold. / n(y)VSmizmEZDst / L
Adrian kept a gold nugget as a L the marriage rate.
good-luck charm. a specialist in the study of coins : a Nuptiality usually increases
coin collector. dramatically in June.
nuisance When Emery wanted to know the
n value of a coin, he showed it to his nurture
/ Sn(y)VsFn(t)s / neighbor, who was a numismatist.
L > F > Ar > E nurturer
something that is disagreeable or nummary
troublesome : annoyance. nutrient
The barking dogs in Jeff’s numnah
backyard were a nuisance he could nutrition
not ignore. nunchaku
n nutritiously
nullibicity / nVnSchBk(T)V / adv
n Jpn dialect / n(y)VStrishEslG /
/ TnElESbisEZG / a weapon of Japanese origin made L + Ecf
L + Ecf of two hardwood sticks joined at in a manner that promotes growth
the quality or state of being their ends by a short length of and development.
nowhere. rawhide, cord, or chain. Judging from the kinds of foods
Natalie accused the state of putting Eli insists that a nunchaku with a that George likes, it is not going to
freedom and basic rights into Bruce Lee image would make his be easy to get him to eat
nullibicity. martial arts paraphernalia nutritiously.
complete.
Page 219 of 349

nyala obdurate obfuscatory
n adj adj
/ SnyBlE / / SBbd(y)ErDt / / BbSfEskETtPrG /
Tsonga&Venda L L
an antelope of southeastern Africa resistant to persuasion or softening tending to make difficult of
with vertical white stripes on the influences : unyielding. comprehension or interpretation.
sides of the body and with shaggy Fritz is maintaining an obdurate Oleg found the obfuscatory
hair along the male underside. opposition to the new highway language in his apartment lease
The nyala thrives in the heaths and bypass. infuriating.
forests of the Ethiopian highlands.
obedient obituary
nyctalopia adj
n / PSbGdGEnt / objective
/ TniktESlPpGE / L>F>E n
Gk submissive to the restraint, control, / EbSjektiv /
a defect of vision characterized by or command of authority. L
reduced visual capacity in faint The toddler was not very obedient a lens or system of lenses that
light or at night. and even seemed to enjoy being forms an image of the object in the
Nyctalopia may be corrected by defiant. focal plane of an eyepiece (as in a
vitamin therapy. telescope).
obeisance The light-gathering power of a
nymph n telescope is a function of the
/ PSbCsFn(t)s / diameter of its objective.
nystagmus L>F>E
n an attitude of respect : deference, objicient
/ nDSstagmEs / homage. n
Gk Josh demonstrated his obeisance / EbSjishEnt /
a rapid involuntary oscillation of for the famous professor by writing L
the eyeballs occurring normally down her every word. one who opposes something with
with dizziness during and after words or argument.
bodily rotation or abnormally after obeisant The bill became a law despite the
injuries. adj protests of a very influential
Bart suffered from nystagmus for / PSbCsFnt / objicient.
several days following the boxing F
match. servile, obsequious. objurgation
By the third course, the waiter’s
oakenshaw obeisant behavior was starting to objurgatory
get on Tara’s nerves. adj
oakum / EbSjErgETtPrG /
obelisk L
oarlock n expressing sharp reprimand.
/ SBbETlisk / The mayor sent an objurgatory
oasis Gk letter to the negligent department
n an upright four-sided monolithic head.
/ PSCsDs / pillar that tapers as it rises and
Hamitic? > Gk > L terminates in a pyramid. obligation
a small isolated fertile area that is The Washington Monument is a n
surrounded by general barrenness world-famous obelisk. / TBblESgCshEn /
and typically marked by trees or L
other greenery and that has a water obese something that one is bound to do :
supply. an imperative duty.
The caravan rested for two days at obesity Because of Carra’s past assistance,
the oasis. Craig felt an obligation to return
obfuscate the favor.
obligatory
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oblique obreptitious obstetrician
adj adj n
/ ESblGk / / TBTbrepStishEs / / TBbzTteStrishEn /
L L L
neither perpendicular nor parallel : done or obtained by trickery or by a physician or veterinarian
having a slanting direction or concealing the truth. specializing in birth and its
position. The undercover agent passed the antecedents and sequels.
All triangles have at least one obreptitious information to his The obstetrician often relied more
oblique side. superiors. on instincts and old-fashioned
psychology than he did on his
obliquity obrogate medical expertise.
n
/ ESblikwEZG / obsecration obstetrics
E > F > L + Ecf n
the angle between the planes of / TBbsESkrCshEn / obstinate
Earth’s equator and orbit. L adj
Seasonal changes in temperature a supplicatory prayer mentioning in / SBbztEnDt /
are due to the obliquity of Earth’s its appeal things or events held to L
orbital path. be sacred. pertinaciously adhering to an
“Through thy victory over death, O opinion, purpose, or course.
obliterative Lord, deliver us” is an obsecration. Franklin has missed at least two
promotions because he is so
oblivion obsequious obstinate about doing things his
adj own way.
obliviscence / EbSsGkwGEs /
n L>E obstreperous
/ TBblESvisFn(t)s / meanly or servilely attentive. adj
L Marshall tends to be obsequious / EbzStrep(E)rEs /
[Note: Could be confused with toward Mrs. Kirby. L
oblivescence.] forgetfulness. stubbornly defiant : resisting
Serious obliviscence in older obsessive control or restraint often with a
people may be a symptom of show of noisy disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease. obsolescence The noisy diner was asked to leave
but became obstreperous and had
obloquy obsolescent to be escorted out of the restaurant.
n adj
/ SBblEkwG / / TBbsESlesFnt / obtenebrate
L L v
a strongly and often intemperately falling into disuse especially as / BbStenETbrCt /
condemnatory utterance. unable to compete with something L
Mr. Willett recited the names of the more recent. darken by or as if by shadowing.
pranksters with uncharacteristic Many linguists believe that the As the storm approaches, dark
obloquy. relative pronoun whom is clouds obtenebrate the valley.
obsolescent except when it follows
obmutescence a preposition. obtrusive
n
/ TBbmyEStesFn(t)s / obsolete obtundent
L adj
a becoming or keeping silent. obstacle / BbStEndEnt /
To ensure the press’s obmutescence n L
regarding the case, the judge / SBbz(T)tikEl / blunting irritation or lessening pain.
issued a gag order. L Aspirin is used for its obtundent as
something that hinders progress : well as its antipyretic qualities.
obnounce hindrance.
Carrie believes there is no obstacle obviate
she cannot overcome in her quest
to become an Olympian.
Page 221 of 349

obvious occlusion ochlocratic
adj n adj
/ SBbvGEs / / ESklVzhEn / / TBklESkraZik /
L L Gk
readily and easily perceived by the the front formed by a cold front of or relating to mob rule.
sensibilities or mind. overtaking a warm front and lifting Pure ochlocratic government
“We’re moving!” Harold shouted, the warm air above Earth’s surface. would pay no heed to minority
which was a fact that had already As the advancing cold air met the voices.
become obvious to everyone. warm front, a cold occlusion
developed that caused the ochlophobia
ocarina temperature to drop. n
n / TBklESfPbGE /
/ TBkESrGnE / occult Gk
L > It morbid fear of crowds.
a simple wind instrument or toy of occultation Alice never attended rock concerts
the flute class having a mouthpiece n because of her ochlophobia.
and fingerholes. / TB(T)kElStCshEn /
Professor Miller unearthed a four- L>E ochlophobist
hole ocarina used by the ancient the shutting off of the light of a
Mayas. celestial body by the intervention octane
of some other celestial body.
occasion A solar eclipse is the occultation of octave
the Sun by the Moon. n
occasionally / SBktDv /
adv occurrence L>E
/ ESkCzhEnFlG / a musical interval embracing eight
L occurring diatonic degrees.
now and then : here and there. Tricia explained the concept of an
The Spelling Bee replied, “Years ocellus octave to her music class at school.
ago I was just an ordinary bee n
minding my own business, smelling / PSselEs / octavo
flowers all day, and occasionally L
picking up part-time work in one of usually three simple eyes in octogenarian
people’s bonnets.” an insect located in a triangle
occipital between the compound eyes. octopus
adj A single ocellus can do no more
/ BkSsipEZFl / than detect light, but more than one oculauditory
L grouped together can produce an
of or relating to the back part of the image of the surrounding area. oculogyric
head of a vertebrate or an insect. adj
In the accident Mr. Stein’s occipital ocelot / TBkyElPSjIrik /
bone was fractured. n L + Gk > L
/ SPsETlBt / relating to or involving circular
occision Nahuatl > F movements of the eyeballs.
n a medium-sized American wildcat The silent movie comedian
/ BkSsizhEn / ranging from Texas to Patagonia specialized in oculogyric close-ups.
L and having a tawny yellow or
an act or instance of slaughtering. grayish coat that is dotted and oculus
Ecologists are protesting the striped with black. n
wholesale occision of sea turtles The ocelot appears in Aztec stone / SBkyElEs /
within national boundaries. carvings. L
an architectural part resembling or
occlude suggestive of an eye.
In the west end of Norman
churches there is often an oculus.
oddment
odious
Page 222 of 349

odium ogre oleaginous
n adj
odograph / SPgE(r) / / TPlGSajEnEs /
n L>F Gk > L > F
/ SPdETgraf / a hideous giant represented in fairy characterized by smooth
Gk tales and folklore as feeding on courteousness or sickly
an instrument for automatically human beings : monster. sentimentality.
plotting the course and distance Jason wrote a tale about an ogre Grandpa was too smart to be taken
traveled by a vehicle. who lived under a bridge and in by oleaginous salesmen.
Now that Carlos has a car feasted on every tenth person who
equipped with a Global Positioning crossed. oleander
System receiver, an odograph is the n
logical next step. ohm / SPlGTandE(r) /
n L
odontoloxia / SPm / an ornamental evergreen shrub that
n G name has narrow leaves and clusters of
/ PTdBntESlBksGE / [has homonyms: aum, om] the fragrant white to red flowers.
Gk practical meter-kilogram-second The sweet aroma of the oleander
irregularity of the teeth. unit of electric resistance that is wafted through the window.
Odontoloxia can usually be equal to the resistance of a circuit
corrected with braces. in which a potential difference of 1 oleiculture
volt produces a current of 1
odyssey ampere. olericulture
n Michael was confused by the Greek n
/ SBdEsG / symbol for omega in his textbook / SBlErETkElchE(r) /
Gk until he realized that it was the L + Ecf + L
a long wandering or series of abbreviation for an ohm. a branch of horticulture that deals
adventurous journeys. with the production, storage,
When he talks about his odyssey, oilcloth processing, and marketing of
André means the summer he spent n vegetables.
working his way across Europe. / SOilTklOth / As a college subject, olericulture is
Gk > L > F > E + E generally divided into market
oeuvre cotton cloth coated with a dull or gardening and truck farming.
n glossy finish made of oil, clay, and
/ SHv(rF) / colored pigment to make the cloth olfactory
L>F waterproof. adj
a substantial body of work A kitchen stove, a table covered / BlSfakt(E)rG /
constituting the lifework of a with oilcloth and two chairs could L
writer, an artist, or a composer. be seen from the doorway. of, relating to, or connected with
The poet won the award not for any the sense of smell.
particular work, but for his oeuvre. ointment Humans have relatively weak
olfactory abilities compared to
officiousness okapi many other animals.
n
ogive / PSkBpG / oligarchic
n African name adj
/ SPTjIv / an African animal that is related to / TBlESgBrkik /
L? > F? > E the giraffe but has a relatively short Gk
a diagonal arch or rib across a neck and solid reddish coat with of, relating to, characteristic of, or
Gothic vault. black and cream rings on its legs. supporting a group or organization
The middle of a Gothic vault, In Zaire the meat of the okapi is a that is controlled by a privileged
where each ogive cuts across the favorite food of the Pygmies. few.
others, is called the key and is often A society dominated by large-scale
in the form of a rose. oligarchic organizations eventually
develops an oligarchic political
ogle regime.
Page 223 of 349

oligarchy ombudsman omnibus
n n adj
/ SBlETgBrkG / / SBmTbUdzmEn / / SBmnDTbEs /
Gk + Gk Sw L
government by the few. [Note: Plural form is pronounced of, relating to, or providing for
Over the years, the tiny state’s identically.] one that investigates many things or classes at once :
government eroded from a complaints (as from students or containing or including many
democracy to an oligarchy. customers), reports findings, and items.
helps to achieve equitable Ursula purchased an omnibus
oligophrenia settlements. edition of Shakespeare’s works,
n The college hired a special which was bound in leather.
/ TBlDgPSfrGnGE / ombudsman to investigate
Gk widespread charges of unfair omnifarious
mental deficiency. grading practices. adj
Although afflicted with / TBmnDSfa(a)rGEs /
oligophrenia, Cynthia was capable omega L
of taking care of herself in her of all varieties, forms, or kinds.
home. ominous The natural history museum has an
adj omnifarious collection of animal
ombrometer / SBmEnEs / bones.
n L
/ BmSbrBmEZE(r) / indicative of future misfortune or omnigenous
Gk + Gk calamity : causing anxiety and fear.
an instrument for measuring the For an instant there was an omnilegent
quantity of precipitation that falls at ominous stillness, quieter and more adj
a given place and time. silent than ever before, as if even / BmSnilEjEnt /
Precipitation in the area was the air was holding its breath. L
studied by collecting data from reading or having read everything :
radar scans and an ombrometer. omissible characterized by encyclopedic
reading.
ombrophilous omission The omnilegent student was a
adj n valued member of the academic
/ BmSbrBfElEs / / PSmishEn / team.
Gk L
capable of withstanding or thriving the act of failing to insert, include, omnipotence
in the presence of much rain. or name. n
After three days of rain, Kathy Katie refused to believe that Joe’s / BmSnipEZEn(t)s /
hoped that her garden plants were omission of her name on the guest L
ombrophilous. list was accidental. almighty or unlimited power.
With an attitude of omnipotence,
ombrophobous omitted the government presumed that it
adj v could take any land it wanted.
/ BmSbrBfEbEs / / PSmiZDd /
Gk L omnipotent
incapable of withstanding long- left out.
continued rain. Harry Nebuchadnezzar Schwartz omniscience
Ombrophobous plants would perish usually omitted his middle name
in a Seattle garden. when he filled out forms. omniscient
adj
/ BmSnishEnt /
L
having infinite awareness,
understanding, and insight :
knowing all things.
In most monotheistic religions, God
is understood to be both omniscient
and all-powerful.
omnivorous
Page 224 of 349

onomastics onychosis
onager n pl n
n / TBnESmastiks / / TBnESkPsDs /
/ SBnEjE(r) / Gk Gk
Gk > L > E the science or study of the origins [has near homonym: onchoses] a
an Asian wild ass that usually has a and forms of proper names of disease of the nails.
broad dorsal stripe. persons or places. Even though he had only a mild
Although the onager looks like a A book on onomastics explained onychosis, Eric was not allowed to
donkey, it runs as swiftly as a that the name Donald is a Scottish work in the lab.
horse. Gaelic word meaning “world
ruler.” onyx
oncogeny onomatope adj
n n / SBniks /
/ BNSkBjEnG / / SBnEmETtPp / Gk
Gk > L Gk of the color jet black.
the process of tumor formation. a word formed in imitation of The teacher told the schoolchildren
Certain plant extracts have been natural sounds. that space looks onyx from the
shown to inhibit oncogeny. Tim found the onomatope kaboom shuttle.
in today’s comic strip.
oncology oometer
n onomatopoeia n
/ TBNSkBlEjG / / PSBmEZE(r) /
Gk onslaught Gk + Gk
the study of tumors. n an instrument for measuring eggs.
Ed is focusing on oncology in his / SOnTslOt / Mr. Horton uses an oometer to
medical studies and is particularly D>E determine which eggs go in which
interested in pancreatic cancer. an especially fierce attack. cartons.
The Britons were unable to
oneiric withstand the onslaught of the oophagous
Saxons. adj
onerous / TPSBfEgEs /
adj ontogeny Gk
/ SBnErEs / n living or feeding on eggs—used of
L>F>E / BnStBjEnG / insects or reptiles.
that involves, imposes, or Gk + Gk Oophagous insects help control the
constitutes much oppressive or the biological development or bug population.
irksome work, effort, difficulty, or course of development of an
responsibility. individual organism. opacity
Ron grudgingly completed the The role of brain ontogeny in n
onerous task of cutting and Alzheimer’s disease requires that / PSpasEZG /
stacking the firewood. an autopsy be performed to obtain L>F
a definitive diagnosis. the quality or state of a body that
oniomania renders it impervious to the rays of
onus light : lack of transparency or
onion n translucency.
/ SPnEs / The envelope’s opacity made it
onionskin L impossible for Garnet to see if
burden. there was a check inside.
onlooker Caring for her six children was an
onus for the young widow. opah
opalescence
n
/ TPpESlesFn(t)s /
Skt > L + Lcf
the quality or state of reflecting an
iridescent light.
The moonstone’s opalescence gave
it a pearly luster.
Page 225 of 349

opalescent ophthalmologist opportuneness
n
opaque / TBfTthalSmBlEjDst / opposite
adj Gk n
/ PSpCk / a physician that specializes in the / SBpEzDt /
L study and treatment of defects and L
impervious to the rays of visible diseases of the eye. the person occupying the position
light : not transparent or Monica goes to the ophthalmologist across from one’s own in square
translucent. once a year because she has a dancing.
The Dornans hung an opaque family history of glaucoma. Daniel’s opposite in the square
window shade in their son’s dance is a better dancer than he.
nursery. ophthalmology
opposition
opeidoscope opiate n
n / TBpESzishEn /
/ PSpIdETskPp / opine L
Gk v a configuration in which one
an instrument using light rays, a / PSpIn / celestial body is opposite another in
flexible membrane, and a mirror to L>F the sky.
exhibit the vibratory motions state as an opinion. The Moon, when full, is said to be
caused by sounds. There are some things humans in opposition to the Sun.
Mr. Peterson used a simple think they know, and some that they
opeidoscope to compare the sounds merely opine. opprobrious
of musical instruments. adj
opodeldoc / ESprPbrGEs /
operatable L>F>E
adj opossum conveying or intending to convey
/ SBpETrCZEbEl / n disgrace.
L + Ecf / ESpBsEm / The principal denounced the
fit, possible, or desirable to use. Algonquian vandals in opprobrious terms.
Renata hoped that her car would be [Note: Could be confused with
operatable after the collision. possum.] an omnivorous largely opprobrium
nocturnal and arboreal mammal
operettist that has a prehensile tail and an oppugn
abdominal pouch to which the v
ophelimity young are transferred at birth. / ESpyVn /
Arnold caught the opossum eating L
ophicleide the cat’s food. challenge the accuracy, propriety,
probity, or other quality of.
ophiolatry oppidan The newspaper had a tendency to
n adj oppugn the actions of Congress in
/ TBfGSBlEtrG / / SBpEdEn / its editorials.
Gk L
the worship of or the attribution of of or relating to a town or to town optimistic
divine or sacred nature to snakes. as opposed to country. adj
Before the rise of monotheism, The painter sold his oppidan scenes / TBptESmistik /
ophiolatry in one form or another of market day on the sidewalk, L > F + Ecff
was nearly universal among earning just enough to live on. anticipating the best.
ancient peoples. Jackie remained optimistic about
opportune winning the national spelling bee.
ophthalmic adj
/ TBpE(r)StVn / option
L>F>E
fit, suitable, or convenient for a
given purpose.
We could not have chosen a more
opportune spot for a picnic than the
shore of Lake Walcott.
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opulent orchestra orfevrerie
adj n n
/ SBpyElEnt / / SO(r)kDstrE / / OrfevrESrG /
L Gk F
exhibiting or characterized by a large group of players of musical goldsmith's or jeweler’s work :
wealth or affluence. instruments including typically jewelry.
Leather wall covering is one strings, woodwinds, brasses, and Dave carefully looked over the
feature of the room’s opulent percussion organized especially for orfevrerie, trying to decide what his
décor. performing one of the larger forms wife would like for her birthday.
of concert music or for
opusculum accompanying an oratorio or other organ
n dramatic work.
/ PSpEskyElEm / The orchestra dazzled the audience oriel
L with its performance of n
a minor work (as of literature). Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. / SPrGEl /
Although critics regarded Jerome’s L? > F > E
first novel as an opusculum, it has orchid [has homonym and near homonym:
steadily risen on the best-seller n oriole and aureole] a large bay
lists. / SOrkDd / window of semihexagonal or
Gk > L semisquare plan projecting from
oracle a distinctive and often brightly the face of a wall and supported by
colored tropical flower with three a corbel or bracket.
orally petals. Megan set her chair in the
Many varieties of the orchid can be pleasantly sunny oriel and sat
orator found in Hawaii. down to read.
n
/ SOrEZE(r) / orchidaceous orifice
L adj n
one distinguished for skill and / TOrkDSdCshEs / / SOrEfDs /
power in public speaking. Gk > L + Ecf L>F
Daniel Webster was an eminent expressing or characterized by a the mouth or opening of something.
19th-century orator. showy or ostentatious quality. Each sprinkler head had an orifice
Today’s journalists generally of one-half inch.
orbital eschew orchidaceous writing.
n oriflamme
/ SO(r)bEZFl / ordeal
L origami
a solution of the Schröedinger ordination n
wave equation describing a n / TOrESgBmG /
possible mode of motion of a single / TO(r)dFnSCshEn / Jpn
electron in an atom or molecule. L the art or process of Japanese paper
There is theoretically no outer limit the act or state of being admitted folding.
to the orbital of an electron. into the Christian ministry. After only a few hours of studying
At her ordination Heather origami, Veronica was creating
orchard delivered a sermon on the 23rd paper cranes by the dozen.
n Psalm.
/ SOrchErd / original
L+E ordnance
a plantation or enclosure containing n oriole
fruit trees, nut-bearing trees, or / SOrdnEn(t)s /
sugar maples. F orison
In the orchard were bare fruit trees [has homonym and near homonym: n
growing in the winter-browned ordinance and ordonnance] military / SOrEsEn /
grass. supplies including weapons, L>F>E
ammunition, and combat vehicles. prayer.
As quartermaster, Sergeant Russo The pastor designated time in the
was responsible for all of the service for a silent orison for the
ordnance on the base. hostages.
Page 227 of 349

ormolu orphanage oryx
n n
/ SO(r)mETlV / orpiment / SPriks /
F n Gk > L
brass made to imitate gold and used / SO(r)pEmEnt / any of a genus of large heavily
in mounts for furniture and for L>F>E built African and Arabian antelopes
other decorative purposes. an orange to yellow mineral that have a light-colored coat with
The large mirror’s frame was consisting of arsenic trisulfide and dark conspicuous markings
decorated with ormolu. used in fireworks and as a pigment. especially on the face.
Orpiment is used to produce yellow The adaptations of the Arabian
ornithopter pigment for painting. oryx to the desert include its
predominantly white coat to reflect
ornithotomy orrery heat and its splayed hooves for
n n walking on sand.
/ TO(r)nESthBZEmG / / SOrErG /
Gk E name oscillating
the anatomy or dissection of birds. an apparatus that illustrates the
Through ornithotomy Derrick relative positions and motions of oscillation
learned how a bird's bones are bodies in the solar system. n
interconnected. Sheila fashioned a crude orrery out / TBsESlCshEn /
of coat hangers and Styrofoam. L
orofacial a swinging or moving backward
adj orthodox and forward like a pendulum.
/ TPrESfCshEl / adj Engineers specified that slots be
L / SO(r)thETdBks / constructed in the deck of the
of or relating to the mouth and face. Gk + Gk bridge to reduce oscillation.
Roseanne underwent plastic marked by conformity to doctrines
surgery to correct orofacial or practices especially in religion oscillatory
abnormalities. that are held as right or true by adj
some authority, standard, or / SBsElETtPrG /
orogeny tradition. L
n In orthodox Jewish synagogues, characterized by the action of
/ OSrBjEnG / men and women are seated swinging or moving backward and
Gk separately. forward like a pendulum.
the process of mountain making The oscillatory motion of the
especially by folding of Earth’s orthoepy airplane caused Deborah to
crust. n become airsick.
Mrs. Scott was demonstrating / SO(r)thETwepG /
orogeny when she used a piece of Gk > L oscilloscope
carpet to show how mountains the study of the pronunciation of a n
form. language. / ESsilETskPp /
Differences between the English L + Gk > L
orotund spoken in the United States and an instrument in which the
adj that spoken in England is a topic of variations in a fluctuating electrical
/ SOrETtEnd / orthoepy familiar to many linguists. quantity appear as a visible wave
L form on the fluorescent screen of a
unduly full and strong in delivery orthogonal cathode-ray tube.
or style : pompous, bombastic. The technician used an
The more nervous Jeff gets while orthographize oscilloscope to help him pinpoint
giving a speech, the more orotund the problem.
his delivery becomes.
oscitation
orphan
n
/ SOrfEn /
Gk > L
a child without parents.
Oliver Twist is a famous fictional
orphan.
Page 228 of 349

osculatory ostentatious otitis
adj adj n
/ SBskyElETtPrG / / TBstEnStCshEs / / PStIZDs /
L L Gk > L
of, relating to, or characterized by for the purpose of attracting inflammation of the ear.
kissing. attention : pretentious. Jeff’s earache was diagnosed as a
Julie had no idea Shaun was Mrs. Howell’s purchase of a symptom of otitis of the middle ear.
talking about kissing when he diamond-studded collar for her
asked if she would help him refine poodle was one of her many otolaryngology
his osculatory skill. ostentatious extravagances. n
/ TPZETlarDnSgBlEjG /
osmosis ostentatiously G
n a branch of medicine that deals
/ BzSmPsDs / osteoclasis with the ear, nose, and throat and
Gk their disorders and diseases.
the flow or diffusion that takes osteoporosis When Hazel’s sore throat persisted,
place through a semipermeable n her family physician recommended
membrane typically separating / TBstGPpESrPsDs / an appointment with a specialist in
either a solvent and a solution or a Gk + L otolaryngology.
dilute solution and a concentrated a condition characterized by
solution. decrease in bone mass with otomycosis
An experiment using red dye gave a decreased density and enlargement n
dramatic demonstration of osmosis. of bone spaces producing porosity / TPZETmISkPsDs /
and fragility. Gk
osprey Diane’s doctor recommended disease of the ear produced by the
n increasing her calcium intake to growth of fungi in the external
/ SBsprG / prevent osteoporosis. auditory canal.
L>F>E Jane’s otomycosis proved resistant
a large hawk that is a dark brown ostracism to treatment.
color above and mostly pure white
below and feeds on fish that it ostracize otter
captures by hovering and diving. n
Because of its preferred diet, the ostrich / SBZE(r) /
osprey is also called a “fish hawk.” E
ossicle otacoustic [has homonym: odder] any of
n adj various largely aquatic carnivorous
/ SBsDkEl / / TPZESkVstik / mammals that are related to the
L Gk weasels and minks and usually
any of certain small bones. assisting the sense of hearing. have webbed and clawed feet and
The sports doctor told Nate that an Mrs. Jordan fashioned a piece of dark brown fur.
ossicle in his left ear had been cardboard into an otacoustic horn. The sea otter places a stone on its
damaged by the blow from his chest and uses it as an anvil on
opponent. otalgia which to open mussels and clams.
n
ossuary / PStalj(G)E / ottoman
Gk n
ostensible pain in the ear : earache. / SBZEmEn /
adj Otalgia is more common in Turk name > It > F
/ BSsten(t)sEbEl / children than in adults. an overstuffed footstool.
L Andrew spilled orange juice all
professing genuineness and otherwise over the ottoman.
sincerity but often concealing the adv
real aspects behind a plausible / SELE(r)TwIz /
facade. E
Mr. Elton’s ostensible reason for in a different way or manner :
stopping by was to ask whether Mr. differently.
Woodhouse’s party could be made Bret told us to always back up our
up in the evening without him. work; otherwise, we would be
sorry.
Page 229 of 349

oubliette oviparous oxymoron
n adj n
/ TVblGSet / / PSvipErEs / / TBksDSmPrTBn /
L>F L Gk
a dungeon with an opening only at producing eggs that develop and a combination for epigrammatic
the top and often a concealed pit hatch outside the maternal body. effect of contradictory or
below the floor. The platypus is an oviparous incongruous words.
Every medieval French castle mammal. Dexter feels that the phrase jumbo
Karen visited on the tour had an shrimp is an oxymoron.
oubliette. ovoid
oyez
ourselves oxbow v
/ PSyC /
outlet oxen F
—used by criers of courts as a
outrageous oxidation command to secure silence and
adj attention before a proclamation.
/ TaUtSrCjEs / oximeter “Oyez, oyez, oyez!” yelled the crier
F as the judge entered the courtroom.
extravagant, fantastic. oxlip
The sophomores created an oyster
outrageous float for the oxydactyl n
homecoming parade. adj / SOistE(r) /
/ TBksDSdaktFl / Gk > L > F > E
ouzo Gk + Gk a marine bivalve mollusk found
having slender tapered digits. along seacoasts or in the mouths of
ovation The glove was made for a delicate, rivers.
oxydactyl hand. Dad would not eat an oyster.
overbearance
oxygen ozonic
overcast n
adj / SBksDjDn / ozonosphere
/ SPvE(r)Tkast / Gk > F
E a nonmetallic element that is pabulum
clouded over. normally a colorless odorless n
On a gloomy overcast muggy tasteless nonflammable gas, is the / SpabyElEm /
Minnesota summer day, the circus most abundant of the elements on L
came to town. Earth, and occurs in air and water, rudimentary or sentimental writing.
in most common rocks and The famous poet’s early works
overcompensate minerals, and in a great variety of were pure pabulum.
organic compounds.
override Oxygen is the second most pachinko
abundant element in Earth’s n
overriding atmosphere. / pESchiN(T)kP /
Jpn
overt oxylophyte a Japanese gambling device
n resembling a pinball machine but
overweening / BkSsilETfIt / with automatic payoff as in a slot
adj Gk machine.
/ TPvE(r)SwGniN / a plant that prefers or is restricted Since the 1950s, playing pachinko
E to an acid soil. has been a favorite pastime among
unduly confident. Sphagnum moss, which grows in the youth of Japan.
Elaine's overweening pretensions bogs, is a common oxylophyte.
fell flat when it was revealed that
she could not even speak French.
Page 230 of 349

pachyderm pageant paladin
n n
/ SpakDTdErm / pageanteer / SpalEdFn /
Gk > F n L > It > F
one of a group of thick-skinned / TpajEnSti(E)r / a champion of a medieval prince : a
mammals (as an elephant or L + Ecf legendary hero.
rhinoceros). an actor or other performer in a A medieval prince could be
When the circus came to town, it spectacle. challenged to a duel, but his
usually featured at least one The pageanteer startled Benji by paladin would do the actual
pachyderm. leaping onto the table. fighting.
pacificator pageantry palatable

n adj
pacifist / SpajEntrG / / SpalDZEbEl /
L>E Etruscan? > L > E + Ecf
pacifistically colorful, rich, or splendid display. agreeable to the palate or taste :
adv Rachel could not wait to see the savory.
/ TpasESfistDk(E)lG / pageantry of the medieval festival. Mom poured cheese over the
L>F>E spinach to make it more palatable.
in a manner characterized by pagination
opposition to violence as a means palatial
of settling disputes. pagoda
Randall approached his angry n palatially
neighbor pacifistically. / pESgPdE / adv
Skt > Pg / pESlCshElG /
paddock a Far Eastern structure resembling L + Ecff
a tower that is often richly in a manner suitable for a palace.
padishah decorated and typically has The new hotel was palatially
n projecting roofs that curve upward surrounded by high stone walls
/ SpBdETshB / between each story and that is with elaborate bronze gates.
Per erected usually as a temple or
a powerful important personage : memorial. palatinate
mogul. The tour guide claimed that 1000 n
George Lucas is a padishah of pounds of gold went into the / pESlatFnDt /
motion picture epics. decoration of the ornate pagoda. L
the province or territory of a
paella paisley European nobleman.
n adj Prince Vlad bowed, saying “I offer
/ pESelE / / SpCzlG / you the hospitality of my
L > F > Catal Scottish geog name palatinate.”
a saffron-flavored stew containing printed with an elaborate design palaver
rice, chicken, seafood, and various consisting typically of curved n
vegetables. abstract figures. / pESlavE(r) /
Paella can be an expensive dish to Mrs. Whatsit untied a blue and Gk > L > Pg
prepare because saffron threads green paisley scarf. profuse, idle, or worthless talk :
are so costly. chatter.
pajamas Dean left when the seminar
pagan n discussion degenerated into
adj / pESjBmEz / palaver.
/ SpCgEn / Hindi
L loose clothing designed for palazzo
of, relating to, or having the sleeping and relaxation.
characteristics of followers of a Danielle received some flannel
polytheistic religion (as in ancient pajamas for Christmas.
Rome).
New Age spirituality has given rise palace
to a number of organized pagan
groups.
Page 231 of 349

paleontology pallbearer palooka
n n n
/ TpClGTBnStBlEjG / / SpOlTberE(r) / / pESlVkE /
Gk > F L > E+E unknown
a science that deals with the life of an attendant at a funeral who helps an inexperienced or incompetent
past geological periods, is based on carry the coffin. boxer.
the study of fossil remains of plants Each pallbearer wore a carnation The boxing manager told his
and animals, and gives information in his lapel. fighter to box like a palooka for
especially about the chronology of one round, then come out swinging
the history of Earth. pallescent hard.
Theo traces his interest in
paleontology back to his discovery pallesthesia palouser
of fossils in his yard when he was a
young boy. palliate palpability
v
palilalia / SpalGTCt / palpable
n L adj
/ TpalESlClGE / moderate the intensity of : lessen. / SpalpEbEl /
Gk > L For many prisoners, books palliate L
a speech defect marked by the boredom of isolation from easily perceptible by the mind :
abnormal repetition of syllables, society. obvious, manifest.
words, or phrases. The injustice of the situation was
Palilalia is a symptom of some palliative palpable to even the least fair-
mental disorders. minded individual present.
pallor
palimpsest n palpebral
n / SpalE(r) / adj
/ SpalDm(p)Tsest / L / SpalpEbrEl /
Gk abnormal paleness. L
a parchment, tablet, or other The pallor of Julian’s stage [has near homonym: palpable] of,
portion of writing material that has makeup gave his girlfriend a fright. relating to, or located on or near the
been used twice or three times after eyelids.
the earlier writing has been erased. palmyra Mike’s palpebral spasms were
Special equipment will help n alleviated when he was treated with
determine whether the old / palSmIrE / a muscle relaxant.
parchment Colin found is a L > Pg
palimpsest. a tall fan palm that is native to palpitant
Africa but widely cultivated in adj
palindrome India. / SpalpEZEnt /
n The palmyra made a stately L
/ SpalDnTdrPm / addition to Ramu’s garden. trembling, quivering, throbbing.
Gk Darryl jabbed his fork into the
a word, verse, or sentence that palometa palpitant pudding.
reads the same backward or n
forward. / TpalESmeZE / palpitation
Ada struggled to contrive a L n
palindrome centered around her any of various butterfishes (as the / TpalpEStCshEn /
own name. California pompano). L
The fish dealer readily identified an abnormally rapid beating of the
palladium Chet’s greenish, slippery-coated heart when excited by violent
n catch as a palometa. exertion, strong emotion, or
/ pESlCdGEm / disease.
Gk > L Ron could feel the palpitation in his
something that affords effectual chest as he approached Marie to
protection or security. ask her out on a date.
Many consider the Second
Amendment to be the palladium of
democracy.
Page 232 of 349

paludal panbroil panickiness
adj v n
/ pESlVdFl / / SpanTbrOil / / SpanDkGnDs /
L L>F>E Gk > E
of, relating to, or made up of cook food in a skillet with little or the quality or state characterized by
marshes. no fat. or resulting from sudden
The map shows a boardwalk trail The recipe called for one to overpowering fright.
through the paludal areas. panbroil the chicken along with the In her panickiness in calling for an
vegetables. ambulance, Gretchen forgot to give
palustrine the street address.
adj pancreatitis
/ pESlEstrDn / n panoramic
L / TpaNkrGEStIZDs /
living or thriving in a marshy Gk > L pantisocracy
environment. inflammation of the gland that n
The alligator is an excellent produces insulin. / TpantESsBkrEsG /
palustrine hunter. The physician recommended Gk
immediate surgery for Gordon’s a utopian community in which all
palynology acute pancreatitis. rule equally.
The romantic poets dreamed of
pamphlet pandiculation establishing a pantisocracy
n wherein everyone would share in
pamphleteer / panTdikyESlCshEn / the governing of the community.
n L
/ Tpam(p)flDSti(E)r / a stretching and stiffening pantomime
Gk > L name + Ecf especially of the trunk and n
a writer of pamphlets attacking extremities (as when fatigued and / SpantETmIm /
something or urging a cause. drowsy or after waking from sleep). Gk > L
Thomas Paine made a name for A cat usually extends its claws a dramatic performance using no
himself in colonial America as a during pandiculation. dialogue.
pamphleteer. The sixth-grade class put on a
panegyric pantomime of the story “Androcles
panacea n and the Lion.”
/ TpanESjirik / papacy
panacean Gk > L
adj an oration or writing expressing paparazzi
/ TpanESsGEn / praise. n pl
Gk > L + Ecf Walt Whitman composed a famous / TpBpESrBtsG /
having the properties of a remedy panegyric on the occasion of It name
for all ills and difficulties. Abraham Lincoln’s death. free-lance photographers who
Advertisements for the new pain aggressively pursue celebrities in
medicine suggest that it has panelist order to take candid photographs.
panacean qualities. Many people still blame the
panettone paparazzi for their apparent role in
panache n the death of Princess Diana.
n / TpBnEStPnG /
/ pESnash / L > It papeterie
L > It > F a usually yeast-leavened holiday
dash or flamboyance in style or bread containing raisins and paprika
action. candied fruit peels. n
The novel’s great strength is the Tad received a panettone in the / pESprGkE /
splendidly depicted panache of the mail from his Italian grandmother. Gk > Serb > Hung
protagonist. a condiment consisting of the dried
finely ground pods of various
panary cultivated sweet peppers.
Paprika has been a prized export of
Hungary for centuries.
papyrus
Page 233 of 349

parable paradox paralysis
n n n
/ SparEbEl / / SparETdBks / / pESralEsDs /
L Gk Gk
a usually short fictitious story that a statement or sentiment that is a state of powerlessness or
illustrates a moral attitude or a seemingly contradictory or opposed inactivity.
religious principle. to common sense and yet perhaps A sort of paralysis overcame the
Ella’s Sunday school teacher began true in fact. frightened child.
every class with a parable. The homework assignment was to
write an essay on the following paramedic
parabolize paradox: “To guarantee freedom
of religion, the government must be paramount
parabulia free from religion.” adj
n / SparETmaUnt /
/ TparESbyVlGE / paraffinic L > F > AF
Gk > L adj superior to all others (as in power,
abnormality or perversion of / TparESfinik / position, or importance).
willpower. L>G Victor holds the paramount seat on
One critic called Nietzschean of, relating to, or characterized by the library’s board of directors.
philosophy “a celebration of paraffin hydrocarbons or paraffin
parabulia.” wax. paranoia
parachute The new pesticide contains a highly n
refined paraffinic oil. / TparESnOi(y)E /
paraclete Gk
n paragraph a tendency on the part of
/ SparETklGt / individuals or of groups toward
Gk parallax suspiciousness and distrustfulness
[Note: Could be confused with n of others that is based not on
parrakeet.] one called to aid or / SparETlaks / objective reality.
support : an advocate. Gk > F Paranoia of government
The popular senator was hailed as the apparent displacement or the eavesdropping caused members of
a paraclete of civil rights. difference in apparent direction of the militia to encrypt their
an object as seen from two different communications.
paradigm points not on a straight line with
n the object. paraparesis
/ SparETdIm / Sujata carefully allowed for the n
Gk parallax when framing the picture / TparEpESrGsDs /
an outstandingly clear or typical in her viewfinder. Gk
example or pattern. partial paralysis affecting the lower
The paradigm of sin and salvation parallel limbs.
underlies much of 17th-century adj Kent’s paraparesis was caused by
English poetry. / SparETlel / a skateboarding accident.
Gk
paradise extending in the same direction and parapet
everywhere equidistant. n
parador The parallel lines of the railroad / SparEpDt /
tracks tipped off analysts to the L > It
location of the munitions plant. a rampart raised upon or above the
main wall in a permanent
paralogize fortification.
v The princess walked along the
/ pESralDTjIz / parapet every evening at dusk,
Gk watching for the return of her
reason falsely : draw conclusions beloved.
not warranted by the premises.
Although James tends to
paralogize, he is so eloquent that
his listeners often overlook his
faulty reasoning.
Page 234 of 349

paraph parasol parishioners
n n n pl
/ SparEf / / SparETsOl / / pESrish(E)nE(r)z /
Gk > L L > It > F Gk > L > F > E + Ecf
a flourish at the end of a signature a lightweight umbrella used as a the members of a local church
sometimes used as a sort of rude sunshade. community.
safeguard against forgery. Georgina decided to splurge on an The parishioners held a meeting
Delia always signs her name with antique parasol even though she and decided to build a new
an elaborate paraph ending in a knew she’d never actually use it. gymnasium for the school.
smiley face.
parboil parity
paraphernalia v n
n pl / SpBrTbOil / / SparEZG /
/ TparEfE(r)SnClyE / L>F>E L
Gk > L cook briefly in simmering liquid as [has homonym: parody] the quality
articles of equipment. a preliminary or incomplete or state of being equal : close
Mark lugged all his photographic cooking procedure. equivalence or resemblance.
paraphernalia to every spelling It is advisable to parboil dense American automobile
bee. vegetables like carrots before stir- manufacturers believe they have
frying them with other vegetables. achieved parity with their foreign
paraphrasable competitors.
adj parcel
/ SparETfrCzEbEl / parkin
Gk + Ecf pare
capable of being restated in another parlance
form usually for clearer and fuller parenthesize n
exposition. / SpBrlEn(t)s /
The teacher asked the students if parfait F
the meaning of the poem was n idiom, phraseology.
paraphrasable. / pBrSfC / In educational parlance the new
L>F high school is a “magnet school.”
paraplegic a cold dessert consisting of parley
adj alternating layers of fruit, syrup, ice n
/ TparESplGjik / cream, and whipped cream. / SpBrlG /
Gk Following a light lunch, Carmen L>F
affected with paralysis of the lower ordered a parfait of tropical fruits. [has homonym: parlay]
half of the body including both legs conversation, discussion.
due to disease or injury to the pariah Mr. Elton and Harriet had a very
spinal cord. n interesting parley about what could
With much determination, effort, / pESrIE / be done and should be done.
and training, the paraplegic patient Tamil
learned how to take care of himself a person despised or rejected by parliament
at home. society : outcast.
The candidate became a pariah to parochial
parasite his party, and many members adj
refused to be seen with him. / pESrPkGEl /
parasitic L > F > AF > E
adj parietal of or relating to a church parish.
/ TparESsiZik / adj Five of Susan’s friends attended
Gk > L / pESrIEZFl / parochial schools.
living in or on another organism. L>F
Dogs are susceptible to parasitic of, relating to, or located in the parodist
organisms such as fleas and upper posterior part of the head.
heartworms. The X ray revealed no damage to
Hernando’s parietal bone.
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parody parrhesia partridge
n n n
/ SparEdG / / paSrGzh(G)E / / SpBrtrij /
Gk Gk L>F>E
[has homonym: parity] a writing in [Note: Could be confused with any of several game birds
which the language and style of an Parisian.] boldness or freedom of belonging to the same subfamily as
author or work is closely imitated speech. the bobwhite.
for comic effect or in ridicule. When Bill was in elementary A partridge fluttered out of the tall
The Battle of the Frogs and the school, his parrhesia earned him grass and startled Katrina.
Mice is a Hellenistic parody of the many stints of standing in the
Iliad. corner. parturition
n
paroemia parsec / TpBrZESrishEn /
n n L
/ pESrGmGE / / SpBrTsek / the action or process of giving birth
Gk > L Gk + L to offspring.
a rhetorical proverb. a unit of measure for interstellar In some cultures, women return to
Coach Morgan’s favorite paroemia space equal to a distance of 3.26 manual labor within hours of
is “A rolling stone gathers no light-years or to 19.2 trillion miles. parturition.
moss.” Porgy estimated the distance
paroxysm between the stars to be one parsec. parvenuism
n n
/ SparEkTsizEm / parsimony / SpBrvETn(y)VTizEm /
Gk L > F + Ecf
a sudden, violent, and parsnip the behavior of one who makes
uncontrollable action or occurrence n great pretensions because of
of emotion. / SpBrsnip / acquired wealth.
When Jeff unknowingly sat on the L>F>E The parvenuism of the steel and
whoopie cushion, Al burst into a a biennial plant with yellow railroad barons caused them to
paroxysm of laughter. flowers and a long, thick, sweet, build some of the most amazing
white root used as a vegetable. private homes in the United States.
paroxysmal Jake yanked a parsnip from his
adj garden. pasigraphy
/ TparEkSsizmEl /
Gk > L > F parterre pasimology
marked or accompanied by sudden n n
attacks or spasms (as of a disease). / pBrSte(E)r / / TpasESmBlEjG /
Mike’s whooping cough was L>F Gk? + Gk + Gk
treated with antibiotics in its early the part of the floor of a theater the study of gestures as a means of
paroxysmal stage. behind the orchestra. communication.
For the season premiere, the seats Native American sign language is
parquet in the parterre were reserved for one means of communication
n the stockholder of the opera studied in pasimology.
/ pBrSkC / company.
F pasqueflower
a patterned flooring. parthenogenesis
Terry had expensive parquet n pasquinade
installed in the foyer. / TpBrthEnPSjenEsDs / n
Gk / TpaskwESnCd /
reproduction that involves It > F
development of a gamete without a lampoon or satire usually having
fertilization. a political significance.
Parthenogenesis occurs commonly The president’s misadventure
among some stick insect species. quickly became the subject of an
editorial pasquinade.
passementerie
passenger
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passerine pathogeny patriciate
adj n n
/ SpasErDn / / pESthBjEnG / / pEStrishGDt /
L Gk L
of or relating to the largest order of the origination and development of a class of high-ranking nobles or
birds including more than half of a disease. aristocrats.
all living birds and consisting Much research has been done on As members of the New York
chiefly of songbirds of perching the factors involved in the patriciate, Donald and his wife kept
habits. pathogeny of muscular dystrophy. a high social profile and lived
Mr. Perrault, an avid birder, told extravagantly.
us that passerine birds have a pathos
maximum life-span of about ten n patrikin
years in the wild. / SpCTthBs /
Gk patriot
pasteurization an element in experience or in n
artistic representation evoking pity / SpCtrGEt /
pasteurize or compassion. Gk > L > F
v The actress was highly praised for a person who loves his country and
/ Spas(h)chETrIz / the pathos she evoked in her death defends and promotes its interests.
F name + Ecf scene. The foreign spy convinced others
subject to heating long enough to that he was a flag-waving patriot.
kill disease-causing patois
microorganisms. n patroness
Dairies pasteurize milk before / SpaTtwB / n
delivering it to stores. F / SpCtrEnDs /
a dialect other than the standard or L
pastiche literary dialect. a woman who provides for or
n Parisians considered the French promotes the interests of a protégé.
/ paSstGsh / spoken in the English court to be a Emma was soon left in peace, not
It > F patois. forced to be the very active
a usually incongruous medley of patroness of Jane Fairfax.
different styles and materials : patriarch
hodgepodge. n patronymic
Jordan considers the design for the / SpCtrGTBrk /
new library a pretentious pastiche. Gk patulous
a man regarded as father or founder adj
pasture (as of a race, science, religion, or / SpachElEs /
n class of people). L
/ Spas(h)chE(r) / In many religious circles Adam is spreading widely from a center.
L>F>E considered to be the patriarch of The old apple tree had many
land that is used for the grazing of the human race. patulous branches.
animals.
Every morning the cows returned patrician patzer
to the grassy pasture. adj n
/ pEStrishEn / / SpBtsE(r) /
patache L G
of, relating to, or characteristic of an inept chess player.
patella gentle or noble birth or of breeding When Drew won the chess game so
n and cultivation. easily, he jokingly called his
/ pEStelE / Escorting Cassie to her debutante opponent a “patzer.”
L ball is a patrician experience Rob paucispiral
kneecap. will never forget.
Shelby bumped her patella against paucity
the bottom of the desk when she n
stood up too quickly. / SpOsEZG /
L
a small number : fewness.
The choir suffered from a paucity
of male voices.
Page 237 of 349

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

languescent lapideous larigo

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minuend mirrored miscreant

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misogyny mistassini mitigative

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nihilism nitidity nocent

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nugatory numerology nuncupative

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pacificator pageantry palatable

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