2004cwl Frequent Pp298-349

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

n n n
/ SskErmish / / SslapTstik / / TslEmSgElyEn /
F>E G imit + E unknown + (L > F > E)?
a minor dispute or contest between comedy that depends for its effect a meat stew.
opposing parties. on fast, boisterous, and zany The sailors protested when they
Winston hopes that his skirmish physical activity and horseplay were served yet another meal of
with the neighbors over his dog often accompanied by broad rowdy slumgullion.
does not foreshadow a lengthy verbal humor.
feud. The Three Stooges were famous for smectic
their slapstick.
skirret smoggy
n sleazily adj
/ SskirDt / / SsmBgG /
Ar? > F > E sledgehammer (E + Scand?) > E
an Asiatic herb cultivated in characterized by or abounding in a
Europe for its sweet edible sleuth fog made heavier and darker by
tuberous roots. v smoke and chemical fumes.
After foraging for an hour, Yang / SslVth / The smoggy atmosphere of Los
happened on a skirret, the roots of ON > E Angeles aggravated Frank’s
which he would boil and eat. act as a detective or investigator : allergies.
search for information or facts.
skittish There are several game programs smorgasbord
that teach children how to sleuth n
skoal out facts and figures on the / SsmOrgEsTbOrd /
Internet. Sw
skookum a luncheon or supper buffet
adj slobberhannes offering a variety of foods and
/ SskVkEm / dishes.
Chinook sloganeer Nita’s smorgasbord included
marked by excellent quality : first- n turkey and smoked salmon.
rate. / TslPgESni(E)r /
Liz felt sure that the pail of Gaelic snagrel
blueberries would make a skookum a coiner or user of brief striking n
pie. phrases in advertising or / SsnagrDl /
promotion. unknown
slalom Without the sloganeer, most an herb of the genus Aristolochia of
n commercials would probably be the eastern United States.
/ SslBlEm / deadly dull. Snagrel is also called Virginia
Norw snakeroot.
skiing in a zigzag or wavy course slovenly
between upright obstacles. adj snood
Tully did the slalom down the / SslEvEnlG / n
moutainside. G or Flemish / SsnVd /
negligent of neatness and order E
slanderous especially in dress or person. a net or fabric bag for confining a
He that is born under Capricorn woman’s hair pinned or tied on at
slantindicular shall incline to the slovenly. the back of the head.
adj Kathryn auditioned for a part in the
/ TslantFnSdikyElE(r) / sluice Noel Coward play wearing a tea-
E+L>F>E n length gown and snood from the
somewhat oblique. / SslVs / 1930s.
The main staircase of the new L>F>E
library rises at a slantindicular a body of water pent up behind a
angle to the facade. floodgate.
Ellen crossed the sluice in a canoe.
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soavemente solder soliloquy
adv v n
/ sPTBvCSmentC / / SsBdE(r) / / sESlilEkwG /
L > It L>F>E L
with sweetness or smoothness : in a [has homonym: sodder] unite or a discourse made by one in solitude
gentle manner—used as a direction make whole by means of a melted to oneself.
in music. metallic alloy. At the talent contest Angelo stepped
The serenade was played Jennifer’s science class learned into the spotlight and recited
soavemente by the strings. how to solder wires so they could Hamlet’s famous soliloquy “To be
experiment with electrical circuits. or not to be, . . .”
sociable solipsism
adj soldier n
/ SsPshEbEl / / SsPlDpTsizEm /
L solecism L
enjoying companionship. extreme indulgence of and concern
The dolphin is one of the most solecistic with the self at the expense of
sociable creatures known to man. adj social relationships especially as
/ TsBlESsistik / expressed in a failure of artistic
sodality Gk > L communication.
relating to, constituting, or Critics accused the popular actor
sojourner involving an ungrammatical of solipsism.
n combination of words in a
/ SsPTjErnE(r) / sentence. solitaire
F>E Careful writers shun as solecistic n
one that stays as a temporary the use of the word like as a / SsBlETta(E)r /
resident. conjunction. L
Even though he had lived there for a card game designed for one
five years, Russell knew he was solfatara person to play alone.
regarded as a sojourner by the n Shelley often relaxes by playing
neighbors. / TsBlfEStBrE / solitaire after everyone else has
L > It gone to bed.
solace a volcanic area or vent that yields
v sulfur gases and hot vapors and soliterraneous
/ SsBlDs / represents a late stage of volcanic adj
L activity. / TsPlEtESrCnGEs /
[has near homonym: solus] Harry noticed a rotten-egg odor L
console. coming from a solfatara on the of or relating to Earth and the Sun.
When Janie learned she had failed north side of the previously inactive Scientists attribute the recent
her swimming exam, she decided to volcano. drought to soliterraneous causes.
solace herself by going out to a
movie. solferino solivagant
adj
solatium solicitous / sPSlivEgEnt /
n adj L
/ sPSlCshGEm / / sESlisEZEs / marked by solitary wandering.
L L During his first semester in college,
something that alleviates or manifesting or expressing concern. Gerry took frequent solivagant
compensates for suffering or loss; Dr. Turner is especially solicitous walks around the campus.
especially : an additional allowance toward his older patients.
(as for injured feelings). solleret
The government offered a solatium n
to the families of those killed in the / TsBlESret /
terrorist bombing. L>F
a flexible steel shoe forming part of
a medieval suit of armor.
The curator explained that the
cumbersome solleret had to be
removed to allow the knight to fight
on foot.
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solmization somnambulant sophomore
adj n
solon / sBmSnambyElEnt / / SsBf(E)TmP(E)r /
n L+L Gk
/ SsPlEn / walking or addicted to walking a student in his second year or with
Gk name while asleep. second-year standing at a college.
a wise and skillful lawgiver or Sheila could remember nothing of As a sophomore, Jason was
statesman. her somnambulant activities when expected to find a one-semester
Judge Kantz is revered throughout she was told of them the next internship in his major subject.
the county as a solon. morning.
soporific
solstice somniloquist adj
n / TsBpESrifik /
/ SsBlztDs / somnolence L>F
L>F>E causing or tending to cause sleep.
one of two points on the ecliptic at sonorous The students valiantly attempted to
which its distance from the celestial adj fight off the soporific effects of the
equator is greatest and which is / SsBnErEs / lecture.
reached by the Sun each year about L
June 22nd and December 23rd. characterized by full or loud sound sorbet
The North Pole is tilted directly often with clear or rich tone, n
toward the Sun at the summer marked volume, or easy audibility. / SsOrbDt /
solstice. Alex’s sonorous voice made him Turkish > It > F
the clear choice to perform the [Note: Could be confused with
solstitial reading. sherbet.] a frozen dessert made
adj with a mixture of fruits.
/ sBlzStishEl / soothsaying Wylie ate sorbet between courses to
L cleanse his palate.
of or relating to the two points on sophisticate
the ecliptic at which its distance v sorcerer
from the celestial equator is / sESfistETkCt / n
greatest and which is reached by Gk > L / SsO(r)s(E)rE(r) /
the Sun each year about June 22nd alter deceptively: adulterate. L>F
and December 23rd. Lanny feared that someone would magician.
Ancient myths about the eternal sophisticate the survey results. Traveling alone in the dark, the
battle between light and dark are sorcerer saw no harm in conjuring
tied to equinoctial and solstitial sophistry up a lamp for his convenience.
moments in the year. n
/ SsBfDstrG / sorcery
solvolysis Gk > F
reasoning that is superficially sorghum
sombrero plausible but actually fallacious. n
n Larry’s masterful but irresponsible / SsOrgEm /
/ sEmSbre(T)rP / sophistry easily convinced naïve L? > It
Sp listeners. syrup produced by evaporating the
a high-crowned hat of felt or straw juice from stems of certain tropical
with a very wide brim worn Sophoclean grasses.
especially in the Southwest and in adj Rachel likes sorghum on her
Mexico. / TsBfESklGEn / oatmeal.
Maria was dressed quite Gk name
expensively, with leather boots of, relating to, or characteristic of
covering her legs and a dark the Athenian tragic poet Sophocles
sombrero poised levelly on her or his dramas.
head. Finding a new Sophoclean
fragment in the museum’s papyri
was Gunther’s claim to fame.
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sorrel souterrain spatiotemporal
n adj
/ SsOrEl / southpaw / TspCshG(T)PStemp(E)rEl /
Gmc > F > E n L
[has homonyms: saurel, soral, / SsaUthTpO / having the quality of something
sorel] a light bright chestnut horse E+F>E that is at once extended and
often with white mane and tail. left-hander; specifically : a left- enduring.
Ken promised to take good care of handed baseball pitcher. The philosopher pointed out that
the sorrel his dad had bought for Some fans think Babe Ruth was the two things cannot coexist in one
him. best southpaw ever to play major spatiotemporal point.
league baseball.
sortie spatterdock
souvenir
sortileger n spatula
n / TsVvESni(E)r / n
/ SsO(r)ZFlijE(r) / L>F / SspachElE /
L something that serves as a L
one that tells fortunes; especially : a reminder : memento, remembrance. a flat thin flexible dull-edged
person who for payment predicts Moira kept a seashell as a souvenir usually metal implement used
what are claimed to be future of her trip to the ocean. especially for spreading or mixing
events or influences in the life of soft substances, scooping, or
another. spacious lifting.
The sortileger predicted a radical With batter on his face and a
change in Frank’s lifestyle. spacistor spatula in his fist, Casey smiled for
n his mom and her camera.
soubise / SspCTsistE(r) /
n L species
/ sVSbGz / a high-frequency semiconductor n pl
F geog name amplifying device. / SspG(T)shGz /
a white or brown sauce containing The spacistor has replaced the L
onions or onion puree. transistor because of its greater a category of biological
A sauceboat of soubise ability to amplify electrical energy. classification ranking immediately
accompanied the roast. below a genus or subgenus.
spaghetti The housefly belongs to the genus
soubresaut n Musca and the species domestica.
n / spESgeZG /
/ TsVbrESsP / It speciesism
L>F a pasta made in solid strings of n
a ballet jump from and a landing on small diameter but larger than / SspG(T)s(h)GTzizEm /
both feet in closed position. vermicelli. L + Ecf
Keith demonstrated his lack of The specialty of the restaurant was prejudice or discrimination based
ballet prowess with an awkward spaghetti with meat sauce. on species; especially :
soubresaut. discrimination against animals.
spandex Some animal rights activists go so
soubrette far as to claim that swatting a fly is
spangle an act of speciesism.
sourdough n
/ SspaNgEl / specimen
sousaphone Scand > E n
n a small object that brightly reflects / SspesEmDn /
/ SsVzETfPn / light. L
Amer name + Gk > E The packrat ran out into the road a particular single item, part,
a large circular tuba having a to pick up the glittering spangle. aspect, or incident that is typical
flaring adjustable bell. and indicative of the nature,
The band director was looking for spaniel character, or quality of others in the
someone who could play the same class or group.
sousaphone. At the museum Ken and Allison saw
an excellent specimen of a moon
soutane rock.
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specious sphagnum spinescent
adj n adj
/ SspGshEs / / SsfagnEm / / spISnesFnt /
L Gk > L L
superficially fair, just, or correct, any plant of a large genus of tapering to a sharp rigid point.
but not so in reality. atypical mosses that grow only in The fish Homer caught had two
Only after the candidate was very wet acid areas where their spinescent fins.
elected was the actual truth of her accumulated remains become
specious claims exposed. compacted with other plant debris spinet
to form peat. n
spectral A large patch of sphagnum grew in / SspinDt /
adj the bog by the police station. L > It
/ SspektrEl / a compactly built upright piano of
L spherical reduced height and usually reduced
of, like, or relating to a adj keyboard suitable for limited space.
disembodied spirit, apparition, or / SsfirDkEl / Percival didn’t have room for a
ghost. Gk > L + Ecf full-size piano in his studio
Galloping toward him was a like a sphere : globular. apartment, so he bought a spinet.
spectral rider on horseback. Linda suspected that the spherical
rock she found was a geode. spinnaker
spectrum n
n spheterize / SspinDkE(r) /
/ SspektrEm / v unknown
L / SsfeZETrIz / a large triangular sail set on a long
a series of images formed when a Gk light pole and used when running
beam of light is subjected to take for one’s own : appropriate. before the wind.
dispersion. The invading army proceeded to The spinnaker on Diane’s boat is
The specialty store carried a spheterize the villagers’ private cardinal red.
spectrum of ties to suit any man’s property.
taste. spiracle
sphinx n
speleologist n / SspirEkEl /
n / SsfiN(k)s / L
/ TspGlGSBlEjDst / Gk > L one of the breathing pores found on
Gk > L > ISV a monster in Greek mythology the thorax and abdomen of an
a specialist in the scientific study or having typically a lion’s body, insect.
systematic exploration of caves. wings, and the head and bust of a The muscular valve of a spiracle
Dale’s work as a speleologist takes woman. opens only to allow the uptake of
him to spectacular natural features According to Greek legend, the oxygen and the escape of carbon
around the world. sphinx of Thebes would pose a dioxide.
riddle to a passerby and then kill
speleothem that person if he or she could not spiritual
n answer it.
/ SspGlGETthem / splendent
Gk > L > ISV + Gk spiedino
a cave deposit or formation. n splenectomize
Receding waters have left a / TspGESdG(T)nP /
speleothem of carbonate on the Gmc > F > It splenetic
cavern floor. a dish of meat rolled around a adj
filling or minced and formed into / splDSneZik /
spelunking balls, then usually batter-dipped Gk > L
n and cooked on a skewer. marked by morose bad temper,
/ spDSlENkiN / The chef grilled a spiedino of beef sullen malevolence, or spiteful,
E on a charcoal grill. peevish anger.
the hobby or practice of exploring The splenetic critic gave the
caves. musical a scathing review.
Spelunking is a popular activity in
eastern Kentucky. spoliation
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spondylitis sporran squelch
n n v
/ TspBndESlIZDs / / SspBrEn / / Sskwelch /
Gk > L ScotGael imit
inflammation of the vertebrae. a large pouch of skin with the hair move with water or mud in one’s
Jewel’s back pain was caused by or fur on that is worn in front of the shoes and produce a sucking or
spondylitis. kilt by Highlanders in full dress and splashing sound.
used as a purse. After playing in mud puddles all the
spongicolous Angus picked up a quarter and put way home, Frances tried to squelch
it in his sporran. quietly to her room without getting
sponson caught by her mother.
springerle
spontaneity n squirrel
n / Ss(h)priNErlE / n
/ TspBntESnGEZG / G / SskwEr(E)l /
L a thick hard cookie usually flavored Gk > L > F > E
the quality or state of being with anise and impressed with a any of various widely distributed
unconstrained or impulsive. relief design and traditionally eaten small to medium-sized rodents that
Brian has always liked to stick to a at Christmas in German-speaking have a bushy tail and long strong
schedule, but lately he has shown countries. hind limbs.
more spontaneity than usual. Klaus broke his tooth on a stale On the trunk of the tree, a brown
springerle. squirrel was clinging and watching
spontaneous the boy below.
adj spur
/ spBnStCnGEs / stabilimeter
L spurious
proceeding from natural feeling or stable
native tendency without external squadron
constraint. staccato
His employee’s spontaneous squalid adj
obedience made Tim’s job adj / stESkBZ(T)P /
pleasant. / SskwBlDd / F > It
L marked by short clear-cut playing
spoonerism marked by filthiness and or singing of tones or chords.
n degradation usually from neglect. Marcia’s piano teacher told her to
/ SspVnETrizEm / The squalid tenement building was practice the etude’s staccato
E name condemned and scheduled for passage several minutes each day.
a transposition of usually initial demolition.
sounds of two or more words that stagnant
generally creates a comic effect. squaliform adj
Vivian was afraid that she would adj / SstagnEnt /
utter a spoonerism in her / SskwClETfOrm / L
recitation. L>E having undergone physical changes
resembling a shark or dogfish in while standing; especially :
sporadically form. impaired in flavor, odor, or texture
While scuba diving, Mike by such changes.
sporogenous encountered a group of curious Josh stood still in disbelief after
adj squaliform fish. Kevin pushed him into the stagnant
/ spESrBjEnEs / water of the ditch.
Gk > L squeamish
producing or adapted to the adj stalactite
production of minute unicellular / SskwGmish / n
reproductive bodies. AF > E / stESlakTtIt /
The botany class studied the inclined to become nauseated : Gk
development of the fern’s queasy. a deposit of calcium carbonate
sporogenous tissue. Pat is squeamish when it comes to resembling an icicle hanging from
rides at the fair. the roof or sides of a cavern.
It takes hundreds of years for a
stalactite to form.
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stalagmite stanniferous stationery
n adj n
/ stESlagTmIt / / staSnif(E)rEs / / SstCshETnerG /
Gk Celt > L L>F>E
a deposit of crystalline calcium containing tin. [has homonym: stationary]
carbonate more or less like an In Spain, Italy, and the Middle East materials (as paper, pens, pencils,
inverted stalactite formed on the pottery is sometimes covered with a ink, blankbooks, ledgers, and
floor of a cave. white stanniferous glaze as a base cards) for writing or typing.
A gigantic stalagmite blocked the for other decoration. Claudia complained that just
spelunker’s path. before the beginning of every
stannous school year the office stationery
stalwart adj began to disappear.
adj / SstanEs /
/ SstOlwE(r)t / L statistician
E of, relating to, or containing tin— n
brave, valiant, resolute. used especially of compounds in / TstaZDSstishEn /
The new musical comedy is based which this element is bivalent. L>G
on the story of Robin Hood and his In geology class Syadi was one versed in or engaged in
stalwart companions. surprised to learn that cassiterite, compiling masses of numerical
the principal ore of tin, is not data.
stamina considered stannous. Jamie’s career as a statistician
n began with following baseball
/ SstamEnE / stanzaical scores.
L adj
strength or courage of conviction : / TstanSzCikEl / statistics
staying power. L > It n pl
The elderly senator doubted that he relating to or consisting of groups / stEStistiks /
had the stamina to last through of lines arranged together in a L
another election campaign. recurring pattern of metrical a science dealing with the
lengths and usually a sequence of collection, analysis, interpretation,
stamnos rhymes. and presentation of masses of
Kerri prefers poetry with a more numerical data.
stampede stanzaical form. Our state has lost some of its voting
n clout because of statistics reported
/ stamSpGd / stapes by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Gmc > Sp
a wild headlong rush or flight of a statically statuesque
number of animals usually due to adv adj
fright. / SstaZDk(E)lG / / TstachESwesk /
The lightning strike caused a cattle Gk > L L > F > E + F > Ecf
stampede. in stable or unchanging terms. having a massive dignity or
Alan's problem was that he always impressiveness : majestic.
stanchion viewed problems statically. A statuesque sculpture stood in the
n town square.
/ SstanchEn / stationary
L>F adj steadily
an upright bar, post, prop, brace, or / SstCshETnerG /
support. L stearic
When Oliver lost control of his car, [has homonym: stationery] fixed in
it swerved and hit a traffic-light a place, position, course, or mode. steatogenous
stanchion. The clerk calmly remained in a
stationary position. steeple
stegosaur
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steinkern stertorous stifle
n adj v
/ Ss(h)tInTkern / / SstErZErEs / / SstIfEl /
G L F>E
a fossil consisting of a stony mass characterized by a harsh snoring or kill by smothering : asphyxiate.
that entered a hollow natural object gasping sound. Smoke can stifle a person in a short
(as a bivalve shell) in the form of While asleep in his easy chair, period of time.
mud or sediment, was consolidated, Uncle Max would give a start every
and remained as a cast after few minutes, briefly awakened by stimulus
dissolution of the mold. his own stertorous breathing.
For show-and-tell, Rose brought in stipend
a steinkern she had found at the stethoscope n
beach. n / SstITpend /
/ SstethETskPp / L
stellar Gk > F a fixed sum of money typically
adj an instrument used for the detection modest in amount that is paid
/ SstelE(r) / and study of sounds within the periodically in compensation for
L body. services.
of, relating to, or derived from the Heard through a stethoscope, the The university gave Professor
stars. rumbling of the stomach can sound Barrett a stipend for his lecture
Rapid stellar rotation can modify like a storm at sea. series.
the structure of a star’s
atmosphere. stevedore stirrup
n
stenographer / SstGvETdP(E)r / stochastic
n L > Sp adj
/ stDSnBgrEfE(r) / one who works at or is responsible / stESkastik /
Gk + Gk for the loading or unloading of a Gk
one who is employed chiefly to ship in port. lacking or seeming to lack a regular
take and transcribe dictation. The stevedore returned to the ship plan, purpose, or pattern.
Sergeant Fitzpatrick called in a after dining at his favorite dockside Vince programmed the computer to
stenographer to record the restaurant. create a stochastic series of
suspect’s confession. numbers.
stewardess
stentorophonic n stoically
/ Sst(y)VE(r)dDs /
steppe E stolkjaerre
n a woman who attends to the needs
/ Sstep / of passengers (as on an airplane, stollen
Russ ship, or train). n
[has homonym: step] one of the When addressed as stewardess, / Ss(h)tPlEn /
vast tracts in southeastern Europe Emily requested that she be called G
or Asia that are usually level and a flight attendant. [has homonym: stolen] a sweet
without forests. yeast bread containing fruits and
The tourists explored the steppe in sthenic nuts, usually made in a long oval
search of exotic wildlife. adj loaf.
/ Ssthenik / Henrietta found a recipe for stollen
stereotype Gk in her German cookbook.
marked by excessive vitality or
sternutation nervous energy. strabismus
n Fido’s sthenic symptoms finally n
/ TstErnyEStCshEn / subsided. / strESbizmEs /
L Gk > L
the act, fact, or noise of sneezing. inability of one eye to attain
Pat’s sternutation was so frequent binocular vision with the other
and loud that his office mate asked because of imbalance of the
to be transferred to another extrinsic eye muscles.
department. Corrective surgery was performed
to remedy Herman’s strabismus.
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straiten strephosymbolia strident
v n adj
/ SstrCtFn / / Tstre(T)fPTsimSbPlGE / / SstrIdFnt /
L>F>E Gk L
[has homonym: straighten] cause reversal or transposition of phrases, marked by insistent, discordant,
to suffer or ebb by reason of words, or letters or of any symbols harsh, shrill, or grating noise or
insufficient funds : reduce (as especially in reading. sound.
oneself) to poverty. Because of his strephosymbolia, Mary-Ellen’s fingernails produced
With the generous university grant, Ryan was diagnosed as having a a strident sound as she drew them
Joanne’s family would not have to learning disorder. across the blackboard.
straiten itself to provide the
education she desired. strepitous strigil
adj n
strangulate / SstrepEZEs / / SstrijDl /
v L L
/ SstraNgyETlCt / characterized or accompanied by an instrument usually of metal or
L much noise. ivory used by the ancient Greeks
compress the windpipe of until The playoff game was a strepitous and Romans for scraping the skin
death results from stoppage of event. especially after athletic exercises.
respiration. Damocles appreciated receiving a
Many nonvenomous snakes streptomycin strigil personalized with his
strangulate their prey. n initials.
/ TstreptPSmIsFn /
stratagem Gk stringent
n an antibiotic organic base active adj
/ SstraZDjDm / against many bacteria and used / SstrinjEnt /
Gk especially in the treatment of L
a cleverly contrived trick or scheme infections (as tuberculosis) by marked by rigor, strictness, or
for gaining an end. gram-negative bacteria. severity.
Barb was disappointed that her Streptomycin was the first drug to Stringent regulations have helped
mother saw through her stratagem prove effective against curb environmental pollution.
for staying out past curfew. tuberculosis.
stroganoff
strategist streusel adj
/ SstrOgETnOf /
strathspey streuselkuchen Russ name
n n sliced thin and cooked in a sauce of
/ SstrathTspC / / SstrVsElTkVkEn / meat stock, sour cream, onion, and
Scot geog name G condiments.
a Scottish dance similar to but coffee cake that is baked with a Erica prepared beef stroganoff for
slower than the reel. topping of a crumbly mixture of the mayor’s visit.
The highland fling is one example butter, sugar, and flour and
of a dance in the manner of the sometimes nuts and spices. strongylid
strathspey. Mrs. Messer, our neighbor, always
bakes her family a streuselkuchen strophulus
stratocirrus for the holidays. n
n / SstrBfyElEs /
/ TstraZPSsirEs / stricture Gk
L n a rash in infants popularly
a low dense fairly uniform cloud / SstrikchE(r) / associated with teething distress.
formation. L The pediatrician prescribed an
The meteorologist predicted a an abnormal narrowing of a tubular ointment for our baby’s strophulus.
heavy cover of stratocirrus for the organ : constriction.
weekend. The stricture of Lucy’s throat was
caused by an allergic reaction to a
strength bee sting.
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strudel stupendous subaqueous
n adj adj
/ Ss(h)trVdFl / / st(y)VSpendEs / / TsEbSCkwGEs /
G L L
a sheet of paper-thin dough rolled of amazing size or greatness. being or found under water or
up with any of various fillings and The construction of Khufu’s beneath the surface of water.
baked. pyramid was a stupendous Bartley rented a glass-bottomed
The flight attendant served the accomplishment for the ancient boat to get a better look at the
coach passengers a light breakfast Egyptians. subaqueous fauna.
of coffee, juice, and strudel.
sturgeon subbasement
strychnine
n stygian subboreal
/ SstrikTnIn / adj adj
Gk / Sstij(G)En / / sEbSbPrGEl /
a very poisonous bitter crystalline Gk name L
alkaloid obtained from various characteristic of death. very cold : approaching the frigid.
plants. A black robe, a papier-mâché Hope grew up in Florida and finds
Strychnine is a popular poison in sickle, and some grayish makeup it very difficult to live in what she
murder mystery novels. completed Sean’s stygian calls the “subboreal climate” of
Halloween costume. Minnesota.
stubborn
stylebook subfulgent
studious adj
adj styptic / TsEbSfUljEnt /
/ Sst(y)VdGEs / adj L
L / Sstiptik / moderately lustrous.
of, relating to, or concerned with Gk The silver platter in Mary’s antique
the application of the mental tending to arrest bleeding. shop was battered but still had a
faculties to the acquisition of Kenneth had to apply a styptic subfulgent gleam.
knowledge. agent to his chin where he cut
Pam is the most studious pupil in himself while shaving. subfuscous
Mr. Ramsey’s class.
suable subjugate
stultiloquence v
n suasible / SsEbjETgCt /
/ TstElStilEkwEn(t)s / adj L
L+L / SswCsEbEl / bring under the yoke of power or
senseless or silly talk : babble. L dominion.
Myra soon broke her vow never to capable of being induced into some The love of acquisition and
resort to stultiloquence when mental position : easily brought to conquest are powers of destruction
communicating with her baby. belief, certainty, or conviction. when used to subjugate one person
When it comes to trying new foods, to another.
stupefy Ming is the least suasible member
v of her family. submersible
/ Sst(y)VpETfI / adj
L suavity / sEbSmErsEbEl /
blunt or deaden the faculties of L + Ecf
perception and understanding of. subaltern capable of functioning under water.
Bright headlights will often stupefy adj The earliest designs for
a deer and cause it to stand / sESbOltE(r)n / submersible vehicles date to
motionless in the path of an L antiquity.
oncoming vehicle. inferior in status or quality :
subordinate.
Julia is disappointed with her
subaltern role in the school play.
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suborn substitute succotash
v n n
/ sESbO(E)rn / / SsEbztETtVt / / SsEkETtash /
L>F L Algonquian
induce (as a person) by a person who takes the place of or a mixture of lima beans or shell
underhanded means to do some acts for another. beans and kernels of corn cooked
improper or unlawful thing. When Donald fouled out of the together.
The sting operation exposed Mr. basketball game, the coach decided Even though Thelma likes both
Underwood’s attempts to suborn to send in a substitute who had corn and lima beans, she isn’t fond
the city treasurer. been warming the bench for weeks. of succotash.
subrident subterfuge succulence

adj n
/ TsESbrIdFnt / / SsEbtE(r)TfyVj / succulent
L L adj
wearing or offered with a smile. deception by trickery or stratagem / SsEkyElEnt /
Eilene’s subrident answer belied to conceal, escape, avoid, or evade. L
the furious feelings she had toward George’s experience in subterfuge full of juice : juicy.
the questioner. is mostly in cryptography. Perry wiped his mouth with his
sleeve after he bit into the succulent
subscriber subterranean peach.
subservient subtleness succumb

adj n v
/ (T)sEbSsErvHEnt / / SsEZFlnDs / / sESkEm /
L L > F > E + Ecf L
subordinate. the quality or state of being delicate yield and cease to resist or contend
In ancient Rome, wives were or elusive. before a superior strength,
legally subservient. The subtleness of the almond overpowering appeal or desire, or
custard eluded Mr. Denson. inexorable force.
subsidiary Joanie found it impossible not to
adj succedent succumb to her drowsiness.
/ (T)sEbSsidGTerG /
L successor succumbence
of secondary importance or
prominence. succinct sudadero
Marge’s role was subsidiary, but adj n
her first-rate performance stole the / sEkSsiN(k)t / / TsVdESde(T)rP /
show. L L > Sp
marked by brief and compact a broad piece (as of leather)
subsistence expression or by lack of attached to a stirrup strap to protect
n unnecessary words and details. a rider’s leg from sweat.
/ sEbSsistEn(t)s / Sandy’s succinct answers do not Before mounting his horse, the
L satisfy those who question him. cowboy checked to see that each
a mode of obtaining the necessities sudadero was properly attached.
of life : livelihood. succorance
Mr. Ellis preaches to his students n suddenness
that a good education goes far to / SsEkE(r)rEn(t)s /
ensure a respectable subsistence. L>F>E sudoriferous
dependence. adj
Harold took measures to reduce his / TsVdESrif(E)rEs /
succorance on nasal decongestants. L
producing or conveying sweat.
Cycling and running are
sudoriferous forms of exercise.
suede
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uerte suffrutescent sultanate
n adj n
/ Sswer(T)tC / / TsETfrVStesFnt / / SsEltFnDt /
L > Sp L Ar > F
a skilled movement or pass in a having a base that is somewhat a state or country governed by a
bullfight. woody and does not die down each sultan.
The crowd cheered as the toreador year—used of a plant or stem. Arhat’s ancestors ruled a small
demonstrated a dangerous suerte. Eunice prunes her suffrutescent sultanate on the Arabian
shrubs in the fall. Peninsula.
suffice
v suffumigate sultriness
/ sESfIs / v n
L / sESfyVmETgCt / / SsEltrGnDs /
be enough : meet or satisfy a need. L E
One teaspoonful of salt will suffice apply smoke, vapor, or gas to from the quality or state of being
for the stew. below, as to treat (as a house or oppressively hot and humid.
room) with a gas for the purpose of Marge’s air-conditioned car
sufficiently disinfecting or of destroying pests. provided welcome relief from
adv Clayton joked that his downstairs July’s sultriness.
/ sESfishEntlG / neighbor was trying to suffumigate
L + Ecf him with his incessant grilling on summarily
in a manner marked by quantity, his deck.
scope, power, or quality to meet summary
with the demands, wants, or needs suffuse
of a situation. v sumpter
The number of books printed / sESfyVz / n
sufficiently filled the back orders. L / SsEm(p)tEr /
spread over or through in the L>F>E
sufflaminate manner of fluid or light. a saddlebag.
v The fixtures were intended to Grandpa’s sumpter is embossed
/ sESflamETnCt / suffuse the patio in warm light. with his initials.
L
obstruct, impede. suggestible sumptuous
Because Tim said not having a adj
computer would sufflaminate his suitable / SsEm(p)chEwEs /
progress, his parents relented and L
bought him one. sukiyaki involving large outlay or expense :
n costly, lavish.
suffocate / TsVkGS(y)BkG / Our grandparents treated the
v Jpn whole family to a sumptuous
/ SsEfETkCt / meat, soybean curd, onions, brunch on Saturday.
L bamboo shoots, and other
die from being unable to breathe. vegetables cooked in soy sauce, sundae
It was so hot and stuffy in the sake, and sugar.
classroom that Mark thought he Joyce watched with fascination as superannuated
would suffocate. the Japanese cook prepared adj
sukiyaki right at the table. / TsVpESranyETwCZDd /
suffrage L
n sulkily rated no longer fully or passably
/ SsEfrij / adv efficient in one’s job because of
L>F / SsElkDlG / age : incapacitated or disqualified
the right or power to participate in E? for active duty by advanced age.
electing public officials and in a moodily silent manner. The superannuated file clerk held
adopting or rejecting legislation in When asked to explain why he had little hope of finding a job in the
a representative form of been fighting, Tim looked sulkily near future.
government. down at the floor.
The 19th Amendment to the
Constitution gives women suffrage.
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supercilious supersonic suretyship
adj adj n
/ TsVpE(r)SsilGEs / / TsVpE(r)SsBnik / / SshUr(E)ZGTship /
L L L > E + Ecf
arrogantly superior : haughty, moving or capable of moving at the obligation of a person to answer
disdainful. speeds from one to five times the for the debt, default, or failure in
The supercilious senior ignored the speed of sound in air. duty of another.
first-year student. Myrna says that when she grows When Sally’s father co-signed her
up, she wants to fly supersonic first automobile loan, he accepted
superficies aircraft. the suretyship that it represented.
superfluous superstitious surfactant

adj adj n
/ sVSpErflEwEs / / TsVpE(r)SstishEs / / TsErSfaktEnt /
L L>F>E L
exceeding what is sufficient, having or based on a belief, a substance useful for its cleansing,
necessary, normal, or desirable. conception, act, or practice wetting, dispersing, or similar
Alex’s teacher told him to eliminate resulting from ignorance, powers.
superfluous words from his essay. unreasoning fear of the unknown, The surfactant in a detergent
or a false conception of causation. lowers the water’s surface tension,
superintendent The bridge became more than ever enabling faster wetting of the fabric
n an object of superstitious awe. being washed.
/ TsVp(E)rDnStendEnt /
L supination surfeit
one who has the oversight and n n
charge of a place, institution, / TsVpESnCshEn / / SsErfDt /
department, organization, or L L>F>E
operation with the power of a rotation of the hand and radius an overabundant supply, yield, or
direction. around the ulna so that the palm is amount of something : excess.
Frustrated residents petitioned the turned up. The reviewer commented that the
superintendent to improve the Supination aggravated Henri’s novel was burdened with a surfeit
building’s electrical service. tennis elbow. of details.
supernatural supine surgeon

adj adj
/ TsVpE(r)Snach(E)rEl / / sESpIn / surly
L L adj
attributable to or liable to be lying on the back or with the face / SsErlG /
attributed to the action or presence upward. E
of a ghost, spirit, or other invisible Greg’s dog stayed supine while ill-natured, abrupt, and rude :
agent. getting her belly rubbed. churlishly cross.
The book was filled with tales of Marie complained to the manager
supernatural occurrences. suppedaneum about the surly, uncooperative
clerk.
supernumerary supplicate
n v surplus
/ TsVpE(r)Sn(y)VmETrerG / / SsEplETkCt /
L L surrealism
an actor employed to play a walk- ask earnestly and humbly of. n
on (as in a mob scene or spectacle). The defendant’s only hope was to / sESrGETlizEm /
The casting director wanted a supplicate the court for mercy. F
supernumerary to play one of the the principles, ideals, or practice of
bank’s customers. surcease producing fantastic or incongruous
imagery in art or literature by
means of unnatural juxtapositions
and combinations.
David Lynch is a modern master of
cinematic surrealism.
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surreptitious susceptible suzerain
adj adj n
/ TsErDpStishEs / / sESseptEbEl / / SsVzErDn /
L L F
done, made, or acquired in secret or easily influenced or affected a superior lord to whom allegiance
by stealth. through some trait. is due : a feudal lord.
Denise was embarrassed when her People who smoke are very The suzerain gave the vassal the
surreptitious note to Steve was susceptible to chronic bronchitis use of his land and agreed to
intercepted by the teacher. and emphysema. protect him when necessary.
surrey suspicion suzerainty

n
surrogate / sESspishEn / Svengali
n L n
/ SsErETgCt / mistrust, doubt. / sfenSgBlG /
L President Kennedy called for Brit literary name
something that replaces or cooperation with our adversaries to one who attempts usually with evil
substitutes for another. “push back the jungle of intentions to persuade or force
In formulating new laws, the suspicion” and allow the another to do his bidding.
legislature acts as a surrogate for preservation of peace. Many fans thought that the rock
the entire population. star’s wife was a Svengali who
suspirious engineered the group’s breakup.
surtout
n sustain swallow
/ TsErStV /
L>F+L>F sustenance sweltering
a man’s fitted coat or overcoat; n adj
especially : frock coat. / SsEstEnEn(t)s / / SsweltEriN /
Gerald rented a surtout to complete L>F E
his Abraham Lincoln costume for something that gives support, oppressively hot : causing or
the party. endurance, or strength. marked by excessive sweating or
Tyrone drew sustenance from the faintness.
surveillance letters his girlfriend wrote him Despite the sweltering heat,
n while he was overseas. thousands of people lined the
/ sE(r)SvClEn(t)s / streets to watch the Fourth of July
L>F susurrant parade.
close watch kept over one or more
persons (as to detect movements or susurration swill
activities). n
The suspects in the bombing / TsVsESrCshEn / swindleable
investigation were kept under L adj
police surveillance. a whispering sound : murmur. / Sswind(F)lEbEl /
A mild susurration could be heard G + Ecf
surviving in the study hall despite the capable of being deprived of
adj teacher’s “no talking” mandate. money or property by fraud or
/ sE(r)SvIviN / deceit.
L>F suture The circus owner maintained that
remaining alive or in existence. v the majority of people are gullible
Uncle Leonard is the oldest / SsVchE(r) / and swindleable.
surviving graduate of Milburn L&F
College. unite the parts of by using a strand swineherd
or fiber. n
The doctor estimated that it would / SswInThErd /
take about 45 minutes to suture the E
gash in Tim’s leg. a person who looks after hogs.
Ian loathed his job as a swineherd.
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swivel syllogism symphony
v n n
/ SswivEl / / SsilETjizEm / / Ssim(p)fEnG /
E Gk Gk + Gk
turn or pivot freely. a brief form of argument that an elaborate instrumental
Frank chose an office chair that consists of two statements and a composition usually in sonata form
could swivel and tilt. conclusion that must be true if for full orchestra.
these two statements are true. The concert program featured a
sybaritic The following argument is a symphony by Gustav Mahler.
adj syllogism: All lawbreakers deserve
/ TsibESriZik / punishment. This person is a symposiarch
Gk geog name lawbreaker. Therefore, this person
marked by or given to luxury or deserves punishment. synchroneity
voluptuous living. n
The duke’s sybaritic bathroom had syllogize / TsiNkrEnSnGEZG /
marble sinks with gold fixtures, v Gk + Ecf
floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and a / SsilETjIz / the state of happening, existing, or
whirlpool bath. GK > L > E arising at the same time.
deduce something by analysis of a The fireworks display was a
sybaritically formal argument that consists of a spectacle of synchroneity.
adv major premise, a minor premise,
/ TsibESriZDk(E)lG / and a conclusion. syncopation
Gk > L > E To teach logical thinking, Mr. n
in a luxurious or voluptuous Canby had the class syllogize the / TsiNkESpCshEn /
manner. philosopher’s argument. Gk > L
Dana reclined sybaritically on the a temporary displacement or
velvet sofa. sylph shifting of the regular metrical
n accent in a musical composition.
sycamine / Ssilf / Syncopation is typical of much
unknown > L Eastern European folk dance
sychnocarpous a slender woman or girl of light and music.
adj graceful carriage.
/ TsiknESkBrpEs / One sylph after another joined the syncope
Gk + Gk > L > E growing circle of ballerinas on the n
able to produce fruit repeatedly. stage. / SsiNkE(T)pG /
The apple and pear are Gk
sychnocarpous trees. symballophone a partial or complete temporary
suspension of respiration and
sycophant symbiosis circulation : faint, swoon.
n Unexplained dizziness and syncope
syllable / TsimbGSPsDs / occasionally occur on arrival at
Gk + Gk high altitude.
syllabus the intimate living together of two
n dissimilar organisms in any of syndicate
/ SsilETbEs / various mutually beneficial n
Gk > L relationships. / SsindDkDt /
a compendium or summary outline Some insects depend on symbiosis L
of a discourse, course of study, or with bacteria to supplement a loose association of racketeers in
examination requirements. otherwise nutrient-poor diets. control of organized crime.
After reading the syllabus for the The police have spent years trying
seminar, Brad realized he had symbol to get evidence to convict the head
made a terrible mistake by of the local crime syndicate.
enrolling. symmetry
symminct
sympathy
Page 312 of 349

synecdoche syringe tachometer
n n n
/ sDSnekdE(T)kG / / sDSrinj / / taSkBmEZE(r) /
Gk Gk > L > E Gk
a figure of speech by which a part a device used to inject fluids into or a device for indicating the speed of
is put for the whole or vice versa. withdraw them from the body or its rotation.
Fifty sail is a synecdoche for fifty cavities. By watching the tachometer, Mr.
ships. Cameron let the toddler use an old Henderson was able to keep the
ear syringe as a bathtub toy. engine running above 3000 rpm.
synod
n syzygy tachygraphy
/ SsinEd / n n
Gk > L > E / SsizEjG / / taSkigrEfG /
an ecclesiastical council : a formal Gk Gk > F
meeting to consult and decide on the nearly straight-line the art or practice of rapid writing.
church matters. configuration of three celestial Professor Jespersen lectures so
Karl is an active participant in the bodies in a gravitational system. quickly that students who practice
regional Presbyterian synod. Tides are highest when the Sun, tachygraphy have an advantage.
Moon, and Earth are in syzygy.
synopsis taciturn
n tabby adj
/ sDSnBpsDs / / StasETtErn /
Gk tabernacle L>F
a brief orderly outline affording a n habitually silent : temperamentally
general view. / StabE(r)TnakEl / disinclined or reluctant to talk or
Marvin read a plot synopsis before L>F>E converse.
he saw Macbeth. a meetinghouse with a large Mrs. Gibbons found it challenging
assembly hall. to draw the taciturn boy into class
synoptophore The town meeting will be held at discussions.
n the tabernacle.
/ sDSnBptETfP(E)r / taciturnity
Gk tabetisol n
an instrument for diagnosing n / TtasEStErnEZG /
imbalance of eye muscles. / tESbeZETsOl / L
The ophthalmologist prescribed eye L + Ecf the quality or state of being
exercises to correct the muscular unfrozen ground above, within, or disinclined or reluctant to talk or
imbalance detected by the below the permanently frozen converse.
synoptophore. ground. Gene and Leo’s taciturnity about
Arctic wildflowers are able to the cause of the scuffle resulted in a
syntax survive in areas of tabetisol. trip to the principal’s office.
synthesis tableau tackline

n n
/ Ssin(t)thEsDs / / StaTblP / tactful
Gk F
composition or combination of [Note: Plural form can be tactician
parts or elements so as to form a pronounced similarly.] a static
whole. depiction usually presented on a tadpole
Language arts is a synthesis of stage with participants in
reading, writing, speaking, and appropriate costume. tagraggery
listening skills. The final scene is a tableau in
which the family is gathered at the
gravesite.
tabloidism
tabulable
Page 313 of 349

taiga Talmudic tantalize
n adj v
/ StIgE / / talSm(y)Vdik / / StantFlTIz /
Turkish > Russ Heb Gk name
[has near homonym: tiger] of, relating to, or characteristic of tease or torment by presenting
swampy coniferous forest of the authoritative body of Jewish something to the view and exciting
Siberia beginning where the tundra law and custom developed on the desire but continually frustrating
ends. basis of the scriptural law. the expectations by keeping it out
Olga’s great-grandfather was born The novel was full of Talmudic of reach.
in a cabin on the edge of the taiga lore. Philip used a rod and reel to
and grew up playing among spruce tantalize the kitten with a toy mouse
and fir trees. taloned tied to the fishing line.
tailgate tamale tantamount

n adj
takkanah / tESmBlG / / StantETmaUnt /
Nahuatl > Sp L > F > AF > E
talcum ground meat seasoned with chili or equivalent in value, significance, or
other filling, rolled up in cornmeal effect.
talebearer dough, wrapped in corn husks, and Because of inflation, Jamie’s
steamed. meager raise was tantamount to a
talipes Rosita ordered a tamale, two tacos, pay reduction.
n and a burrito from the street
/ StalETpGz / vendor. tantivy
L adv
a congenital deformity of the foot tamarack / tanStivG /
in which the forepart is twisted into unknown
one of several directions : clubfoot. tambourine in a headlong dash.
Gordon’s talipes was so severe that Patsy ran tantivy toward second
surgery was needed to adjust the tamburello base after the bunt.
tendons and bones of his foot.
tandem tapestry
talisman n
n tangerine / StapDstrG /
/ StalDsmEn / n Gk > F > E + Ecf
Gk > Ar > It > Sp > F / TtanjESrGn / a heavy handwoven textile for
an object thought to act as a charm Moroccan geog name hangings, curtains, and upholstery.
to avert evil and bring good a variable color ranging from Teresa admired the vivid colors of
fortune. moderate reddish orange to vivid or the tapestry hanging in the
Vern showed us his rabbit’s foot, strong orange. corridor.
which he claimed was an effective To Petra, the most beautiful color
talisman. of mum is tangerine. taphephobia
n
talkathon tangible / TtafGSfPbGE /
adj Gk
tallow / StanjEbEl / fear of being buried alive.
n L After reading Edgar Allan Poe’s
/ Sta(T)lP / capable of being touched. “The Cask of Amontillado,” Mr.
E The black darkness of the night Gallo developed a bad case of
the rendered fat of cattle and sheep seemed to have a tangible quality. taphephobia.
that is used chiefly in making soap,
glycerol, margarine, candles, and tangy
lubricants. adj
Inside of her little tent, the fortune / StaNG /
teller began to shuffle her cards by Scand > E + Ecf
the light of a candle made from having a particularly pungent odor.
tallow. The burning pile of old tires will
leave the air tangy for several days.
tallowy
Page 314 of 349

tapir tarpaulin tattersall
n n n
/ StCpE(r) / / tBrSpOlDn / / StaZE(r)TsOl /
Tupi E+E E name
[has homonym: taper] any of a a piece of material (as durable a fabric having a pattern of colored
genus of chiefly nocturnal hoofed plastic) used for protecting exposed lines forming squares of solid
mammals of tropical America and objects or areas. background.
Myanmar to Sumatra that have the When rain began during the second Jeanne bought a blue-and-white
snout and upper lip prolonged into inning of the baseball game, the tattersall to make into a skirt.
a short flexible proboscis. ground crew rolled out the
The tapir is both a browser and a tarpaulin to protect the field. tattletale
grazer, feeding on leaves, twigs, n
and fruits, as well as on grasses. tarragon / StaZFlTtCl /
n D+E
tarantula / StarETgBn / one that blabs or tells secrets.
n Ar > L > F Erica’s official title is “social
/ tESranch(E)lE / a small European perennial reporter,” but Will considers her a
It geog name wormwood grown for its aromatic plain old tattletale.
any of a family of large hairy foliage that is used in cooking.
spiders that are capable of biting Paul planted tarragon in his herb taught
but are not significantly poisonous garden.
to humans. taunt
Alexander’s friend tried in vain to tartar v
convince him to get a pet tarantula. n / StOnt /
/ StBrZEr / F? > E
tardigrade L reproach in a mocking or insulting
adj [has homonym and near manner : jeer at.
/ StBrdETgrCd / homonyms: tarter and tartare, Spectators on the sidewalk began
L Tatar] an incrustation on the teeth to taunt the suspect as he exited the
moving or stepping slowly. consisting of salivary secretion, van.
The sloth is a well-known food residue, and various salts.
tardigrade animal. The hygienist carefully removed the tauntingly
tartar from Rekha’s teeth.
tariff taupe
n tassel n
/ StarDf / / StPp /
Ar > It tatami L>F
the duty or rate of duty imposed by n [has homonym: tope] a light
a government on imported or / tEStBmG / brownish gray.
exported goods. Jpn It took some time, but Pam finally
A high tariff protects the home a straw matting used as a floor matched the taupe of her dress to a
industries from foreign covering in a Japanese home. pair of shoes.
competition. The Japanese restaurant had a
special room in which patrons tauromachy
tarmac could sit on a tatami while dining. n
n / tOSrBmEkG /
/ StBrTmak / tatterdemalion Gk + Gk
(E + Brit name) > trademark adj the art or practice of bullfighting.
a road, apron, or runway made of / TtaZE(r)dDSmClyEn / The toreador is well known for his
asphalt. Scand > E + unknown slow, dignified style of tauromachy.
Neil’s suitcase fell out of the ragged or disreputable in dress or
airplane and its contents spilled out appearance. taut
onto the tarmac. No one would have guessed that the
tatterdemalion fellow is a
millionaire.
Page 315 of 349

tautology telegnosis temperate
n n adj
/ tOStBlEjG / / TtelESnPsDs / / Stemp(E)rDt /
Gk Gk + Gk L>E
an instance of needless or knowledge of distant happenings having a moderate climate.
meaningless repetition in close obtained by occult or unknown All of the United States, except for
succession of an idea, statement, or means : clairvoyance. Hawaii and parts of Alaska and
word. The psychic claimed to have Florida, lies within the temperate
The phrase a beginner who has just telegnosis of events happening on zone.
started is a tautology. the other side of the Atlantic.
tempest
tautophony telephone
n n tempestuous
/ tOStBfEnG / / StelETfPn / adj
Gk Gk + Gk / temSpes(h)chEwEs /
repetition of the same sound. a device for reproducing sounds, L
The insistent tautophony of Josh’s especially articulate speech, at a of, involving, or resembling a
alarm clock finally woke him up. distance. furious storm.
Ginger’s parents asked her to limit The tempestuous action of wind
tawdrily her time on the telephone to three and waves imperiled the ships.
adv 15-minute conversations per night.
/ StOdrDlG / tempura
name > E telesis n
in a cheap and gaudy manner. n / TtempESrB /
The tawdrily dressed actress signed / StelEsDs / Jpn
autographs outside her hotel. Gk [has near homonym: tempera]
progress intelligently planned and fritters of seafood and vegetables
tawdry directed. fried in deep fat.
The mayor revealed the city The waiter brought a small dish of
taxation council’s ten-year plan for telesis vegetable tempura as an appetizer.
at the press conference.
tazza tenacious
telltale adj
technetronic / tDSnCshEs /
temerarious L>E
technical adj holding fast or tending to hold fast.
/ TtemESra(a)rGEs / Marjorie is tenacious in her belief
tedious L that her cousin was abducted by
rashly or presumptuously daring : aliens and replaced by an impostor.
tektite reckless.
Mrs. Jasper punished Tim for his tenacity
telamon temerarious behavior by n
n withholding certain privileges. / tDSnasEZG /
/ StelETmBn / L
Gk > L temerity the quality or state of holding fast :
a male figure used as a supporting n determination, firmness,
column or pilaster. / tESmerEZG / persistence.
While in Athens, Anita had her L Randy’s tenacity often made him
picture taken beside a telamon. unreasonable or foolhardy seem stubborn.
contempt of danger or opposition.
telecine The private with the temerity to
speak up against the sergeant’s
bullying was assigned to KP
indefinitely.
temperament
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tenaculum tenebrosity tension
n n
/ tDSnakyElEm / / TtenESbrBsEZG / tentacle
L L n
a slender sharp-pointed hook darkness. / StentDkEl /
attached to a handle and used Nocturnal animals moved silently L
mainly in surgery for seizing and through the tenebrosity of the one of the arms of a cephalopod.
holding parts (as arteries). forest. In the horror movie the giant
Connie slipped the tenaculum octopus tried to grab the heroine
under the patient’s carotid artery. tenement with a long tentacle.
tendency tenet tentative

n n
/ StendEnsG / / StenDt / tentatively
L L adv
a proneness to or readiness for a [has near homonym: tenant] a / StentEZDvlG /
particular kind of thought or action. principle, dogma, belief, or L
Tom’s tendency to say exactly what doctrine generally held to be true; in a hesitant or uncertain manner.
he feels has gotten him into trouble especially : one held in common by Janna smiled tentatively, not
several times. members of a group or profession. knowing if she should show her
The basic tenet of Central High’s happiness.
tenderloin Key Club is that community service
benefits everyone. tenuous
tendon adj
n tennis / StenyEwEs /
/ StendEn / n L
L / StenDs / having little substance or strength :
a tough cord of specialized fibrous L > AF > E flimsy, weak.
connective tissue that unites a [has homonym: tenace] a typically The prosecutor’s case was so
muscle with some other part and outdoor game that is played with tenuous that the judge dismissed
transmits the force which the rackets and a light elastic ball by the charge against the defendant.
muscle exerts. two players or pairs of players on a
The team doctor said that Larry’s level court divided by a low net. tepid
Achilles tendon was inflamed and Jeannine is so eager to learn to adj
that he shouldn’t run in Saturday’s play tennis that she is willing to / StepDd /
race. pay for lessons out of her L
allowance. marked by an absence of
tendresse enthusiasm or conviction.
n tenon The debate drew a tepid response
/ tBMdres / n from the audience.
F / StenEn /
tender feeling : fondness. L>F>E teratism
Sarah portrayed the sister who, in a projecting member in a piece of n
maidenly fashion, conceals her wood or other material for insertion / SterETtizEm /
tendresse for the hero. into a mortise to make a joint. Gk + Ecf
Curtis used his jigsaw to cut a fascination with monsters.
tenebrific tenon on each board of the box he Monster movies appeal to the
adj was making. teratism of the viewing public.
/ TtenESbrifik /
L + Ecf + L > Ecf tensible teratogenic
causing gloom or darkness. adj adj
Tenebrific rain clouds / Sten(t)sEbEl / / TterEtPSjenik /
overshadowed the entire region. L Gk
capable of being extended. tending to cause developmental
The old rubber band was not very malformations.
tensible. Sylvia carefully avoided any
potentially teratogenic drugs
tensile during her pregnancy.
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teratological tergiversation terrarium
adj n n
/ TterEtESlBjDkEl / / TtErjD(T)vErSsCshEn / / tESrerGEm /
Gk L L
relating to abnormality of organic evasion of straightforward action or a fully enclosed wholly or
growth or structure. clear-cut statement of position. predominantly glass container for
Because of his several deformities, The ambassador explained that in the indoor cultivation of moisture-
the so-called “elephant man” was diplomacy there is sometimes loving plants.
the subject of teratological study. defensible tergiversation in Mosses and other small woodland
communication. plants thrive in a terrarium.
teratology
n termagancy terrazzo
/ TterEStBlEjG / n n
Gk / StErmEgEnsG / / tESrBt(T)sP /
the study of malformations, E name OProv > It
monstrosities, or serious deviations habitual bad temper : scolding a mosaic flooring made by
from the normal type in growing disposition. embedding small pieces of marble
organisms. Lillian’s abusive termagancy or granite in freshly placed mortar
Because of his several deformities, alienated her husband and and after hardening grinding and
the so-called “elephant man” is children. polishing the surface.
often featured in textbooks for The contractor explained that if
courses in teratology. termitarium Travis wanted a hard, shiny floor
at a reasonable price, terrazzo was
tercentenary terrace an excellent option.
n n
/ TtErsenStenErG / / SterDs / terrestrial
L L > OProv > F
a 300th anniversary or its a colonnaded porch or promenade. terrible
celebration. The marketplace consisted of a row adj
Next year Possumville will of shops along a terrace. / SterEbEl /
celebrate the tercentenary of its L>F>E
founding. terraceous requiring extreme effort or
adj fortitude.
terdiurnal / TteSrCshEs / Donating blood may be a terrible
adj L ordeal for those people who do not
/ TtErdISErnFl / made of earth : earthen. like needles.
L Bulldozers hurriedly built up a
occurring three times per day. terraceous dam to prevent further terricolous
The meteorologist set his flooding. adj
instrument to take terdiurnal / teSrikElEs /
measurements of the air pressure. terrapin L+L
n living on or in or growing from the
tergiversate / SterEpDn / land.
v Algonquian The heath was rich in terricolous
/ StErjDvErTsCt / any of various North American lichens.
L turtles living in fresh or brackish
evade straightforward action or water. terrific
clearcut statement of position. Murray awoke from his lakeside adj
While political leaders tergiversate, nap to find a terrapin sunning on / tESrifik /
petty tyrants are taking over the the blanket. L
country. of an extraordinary nature :
terraqueous astounding, tremendous.
adj Terrific, serrated outcrops of bare
/ terSCkwGEs / rock stood on either side of the lush
L valley.
consisting of land and water.
Global pollution threatens Earth’s
terraqueous environment.
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terrigenous tetracycline theodicy
adj n
/ tESrijEnEs / textuary / thGSBdEsG /
L Gk > F
formed by the erosive action of thalassic an area of philosophy that treats of
rivers, tides, and currents—used of adj the nature and government of God
an ocean bottom. / thESlasik / and the destiny of the soul.
At the brink of the continental shelf, Gk One hotly contested question in
terrigenous deposits build up and of or relating to the sea or ocean. theodicy is whether the existence of
are swept away. Some thalassic currents travel for evil precludes the existence of an
thousands of miles. omnipotent and perfect God.
tertiary
thanatophobia theodolite
tessitura n n
n / TthanEtESfPbGE / / thGSBdFlTIt /
/ TtesEStUrE / Gk Ar? > L > E
L > It fear of death. a surveyor’s instrument for
the general range of a melody or Michael had such a strong belief in measuring horizontal and vertical
voice part; specifically : the part of an afterlife that he was not troubled angles.
the register in which most of the by thanatophobia. The theodolite invented by Digges
tones of a melody or voice part lie. in the 16th century consisted of a
Soprano parts in Bellini’s operas thaumatology horizontal graduated circular plate
call for a very high tessitura. n with an index bearing sights.
/ TthOmEStBlEjG /
testaceous Gk theosophize
adj doctrine, discussion, or study of the
/ teSstCshEs / performing of miracles. therapeutant
L Although he had never successfully n
having a shell. performed any miracles, the young / TtherESpyVtFnt /
The oyster is a testaceous marine priest was nonetheless an expert in Gk > E
animal. thaumatology. a healing or curative agent or
medicine.
testimony thaumaturgy The diseased elm trees were
n n sprayed with a chemical
/ StestETmPnG / / SthOmETtErjG / therapeutant.
L Gk > L > F
a solemn declaration usually made the performance of miracles. therapeutic
orally by a witness under oath in The sacred writings of many adj
response to interrogation by a religions contain stories of / TtherESpyVZik /
lawyer or authorized public thaumaturgy. Gk
official. of or relating to the treatment of
According to Victoria’s testimony, theatrical disease or disorders by remedial
she had just returned from vacation adj agents or methods.
when she discovered that the statue / thGSatrDkEl / Changes in diet can have a
was missing. Gk therapeutic effect on obesity,
marked by extravagant display or hypertension, peptic ulcer, and
tetanus exhibitionism : showy, spectacular. osteoporosis.
n The performer took a theatrical
/ StetFnEs / bow, but the audience’s applause therblig
Gk was lukewarm. n
an acute infectious disease / SthEr(T)blig /
characterized by tonic spasm of theftproof anagram of Amer name
voluntary muscles and especially of one of the manual, visual, or mental
the jaw muscles. theocracy elements into which an industrial
Puncture wounds are dangerous manual operation may be analyzed
because they allow the bacteria in time and motion study.
that cause tetanus to enter the The supervisor’s goal was to
body. eliminate one therblig at each
station in the assembly line.
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theretofore thesmothete thorax
adv n n
/ SLerZETfP(E)r / / SthezmETthGt / / SthPrTaks /
E Gk Gk > L > E
up to that time : until then. lawgiver, legislator. the portion of an insect body that is
The public parks committee created Joseph has in his office a marble the middle of the three chief
a playground where theretofore bust of a famous Athenian divisions.
there had been a weedy vacant lot. thesmothete. The thorax of an insect consists of
three segments, each having a pair
therianthropic thespian of legs.
adj n
/ TthirGTanSthrBpik / / SthespGEn / thoroughbred
Gk + Gk Gk name n
combining human and animal form. an actor. / SthErETbred /
The falcon-headed Horus was a Fiona became stagestruck at an E
therianthropic god of ancient early age and was determined to purebred or pedigreed animal.
Egypt. become a thespian. Alex’s thoroughbred comes from a
line of Kentucky Derby winners.
thermometer thirsty
n thoroughfare
/ thE(r)SmBmEZEr / thistle
Gk + Gk n threaten
an instrument for determining / SthisEl /
temperature. E threnody
The thermometer that takes a a plant with prickly leaves having a n
temperature reading from one’s ear head with white, purple, pink, or / SthrenEdG /
is now used widely. yellow flowers. Gk
Dean plucked a thistle from the a song, poem, composition, or
thermostat lawn of the middle school. speech of lamentation especially
n for someone dead or something
/ SthErmETstat / tholepin regarded as dead.
Gk + Gk Asked to write a threnody for
an automatic device for regulating thoracic English class, Libby composed a
temperature (as by controlling the adj song about the death of a robin.
supply of gas or electricity to a / JESrasik /
heating apparatus). Gk threshold
The repair person found that our of, relating to, located within, or n
heating problem was caused by a involving the part of the body of / SthreshT(h)Pld /
defective thermostat. humans and other mammals located E
between the neck and the abdomen. place or point of entering or
thesaurus The thoracic nerve controls the beginning : entrance, outset.
n muscles in the walls of the thorax. Now at the threshold of adulthood,
/ thDSsOrEs / James wonders if he will miss the
Gk > L thoracodynia carefree days of his previous years.
a book containing a store of words n
or of information about a particular / TthPrEkESdinGE / thrombosis
field or set of concepts; specifically Gk n
: a dictionary of synonyms. pain in the chest. / thrBmSbPsDs /
Caleb’s paper read as if he had When Grandpa complained of Gk
consulted a thesaurus frequently thoracodynia, Dolly immediately the formation or presence of a
while writing it. took him to the hospital. blood clot within a blood vessel.
The severe pain in Greg’s leg was
found to have been caused by a
thrombosis in one of the veins.
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throstle tibia tilapia
n n n
/ SthrBsEl / / StibGE / / tDSlCpGE /
E L L
a largely olive-brown Old World the fourth joint counting from the any of a genus of African
perching bird noted for its song. base of the leg of an insect that lies freshwater food fishes that
While on a walking tour in London, between the femur and tarsus. resemble the American sunfishes.
Madeline spotted a throstle in a A cricket’s ear is located on the Some American fish farms have
sycamore tree. tibia of its foreleg. been raising tilapia for stocking in
ponds and lakes.
thule tichorrhine
n tilde
thumb / StIkETrIn / n
Gk > L / StildE /
thurible an extinct two-horned woolly L > Sp
n rhinoceros. a mark ~ placed especially over the
/ Sth(y)UrEbEl / The remains of a tichorrhine were letter n to denote the /ny/ sound or
Gk > L > F > E found frozen in the ice of Siberia over vowels to indicate nasality.
a vessel used in religious services with the flesh and hair well Marcia could not find the tilde on
for burning incense. preserved. the computer keyboard.
When a thurible is used in the
procession, the odor of incense tickicidal tilth
suffuses the church. adj
/ TtikESsIdFl / timorous
thylacine E + L + Ecf
n destroying or controlling any of timorously
/ SthIlETsIn / several wingless parasitic insects. adv
Gk > L The exterminator used a tickicidal / Stim(E)rEslG /
a now-extinct somewhat doglike agent to eliminate the pests. L
carnivorous marsupial that in a manner showing fear or
formerly inhabited Tasmania— tickled apprehension.
called also “Tasmanian wolf.” v Pam timorously responded to her
The female thylacine had a / StikEld / name and said that she had not
rearward-opening pouch in which E finished her book report.
two to four young were carried. excited or stirred up agreeably.
The young actor was tickled to be tinctorial
thyme offered the leading role in his next
n movie. tincture
/ StIm / n
Gk tightrope / StiN(k)chE(r) /
[has homonym: time] a common L
garden herb used in seasoning and tilak hue, tint.
formerly in medicine. n The main difference between
The chicken recipe called for a / StilEk / American and Irish glass is in
teaspoon of dried thyme. Skt tincture.
an ornamental spot worn on the
thymiaterion forehead chiefly by Hindus as a tinnient
n sectarian mark. adj
/ TthImGEStirGEn / After three months of travel Lana / StinGEnt /
Gk returned home clad in a sari and L
a vessel used by the ancient Greeks wearing a tilak. having a clear or ringing quality.
for burning incense. Grandmother’s old silver knives
Cecil found a bronze thymiaterion made a tinnient sound in the sink as
in an antique shop. we rinsed them after Thanksgiving
dinner.
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tinnitus tobacco toggery
n n
/ tDSnIZEs / / tESba(T)kP / tome
L Taino > Sp n
a ringing, roaring, or hissing in the the leaves of a plant of the genus / StPm /
ears that is purely subjective. Nicotiana prepared and processed Gk
It’s hard to understand how for use in smoking or chewing or as a volume forming part of a larger
annoying tinnitus is unless you snuff. work.
have experienced it yourself. At an early age, Amy vowed never Fiona bought an old copy of The
to use tobacco. Messages of the Presidents that
tinselry was missing the first tome.
toboggan
tintinnabulation n tongue
/ tESbBgEn /
tirade Algonquian tonitruous
n a long flat-bottomed light sled adj
/ StIrCd / made of thin boards curved up at / tESnitrEwEs /
F one end with usually low handrails L + Ecf
a protracted speech usually marked at the sides and used for coasting thundering, fulminating.
by abusive language. on snow or ice. The tonitruous artillery guns had
The grumpy woman screamed a Bart’s new toboggan is the fastest been shelling the enemy positions
tirade of protest whenever children one on the hill. for several hours.
made joyful noises outside her
window. tobogganer tonsillectomy
n
tiralee / tESbBgEnEr / tonsillitis
n Algonquian > F n
/ TtirESlG / one that coasts on a long flat- / TtBn(t)sESlIZDs /
imit bottomed light sled. L
[has homonym: tearily] a On hitting the unexpected bump, inflammation of the tonsils.
succession of musical notes (as in a the tobogganer was thrown off his Dr. Graham treated Erica’s
bugle call). sled. tonsillitis with antibiotics.
Daniel managed a tiralee on the
saxophone, but there was no tobogganing tonsillotome
recognizable melody.
toccata tonsorial
titian n
n / tESkBZE / tonsure
/ StishEn / It n
Ital name a brilliant musical composition / StBnchE(r) /
one having hair that is brownish usually for pipe organ or L>E
orange. harpischord, in free fantasia style, the shaven crown or patch worn by
Mr. Rodman decided that he would and usually with many equal-timed monks or various clerics.
be a titian for awhile. notes in rapid movement. The actor who played Brother
Jamila sat down at the church Cadfael had a hairpiece to cover
tmesis organ and played a fast Bach his tonsure when he was off
toccata. camera.
toastmaster
n tocsin
/ StPstTmastE(r) / n
E+L > F > E / StBksDn /
one that presides (as at a banquet) L > OProv > F
and introduces the after-dinner [has homonym: toxin] an alarm
speakers. bell or the ringing of a bell for the
Eric will serve as toastmaster at the purpose of alarm.
Golden Lamp banquet. In the event of a natural disaster or
a civil alert, the fire stations would
set off a tocsin that could be heard
for two miles in any direction.
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tontine toreador tortoni
n n n
/ StBnTtGn / / StOrGETdO(E)r / / tO(r)StPnG /
It name > F L > Sp It name
a financial arrangement whereby bullfighter. an ice cream made of heavy cream,
the participants share benefits The toreador posed for the crowd minced almonds, chopped
equally on such terms that when in his suit of lights. maraschino cherries, or other
one dies or defaults the others flavorings.
equally share the portion until all toroidal Tortoni is definitely not the dessert
but one remains to own the adj for someone on a low-fat, low-
entirety. / tPrSOidFl / calorie diet.
In the days before a central bank or L
common currency, villagers often doughnut-shaped. totality
used a tontine to share ownership For the life of her, Bridget couldn’t n
of property. identify the toroidal object she / tPStalEZG /
found in her purse. L
toolach the phase of an eclipse during
torpor which it is total : state of total
toothache eclipse.
n torrential An eerie silence crept over the
/ StVthTCk / crowd as the eclipse reached
E torrentially totality.
pain in one of the teeth. adv
Nelson thought an abscess might be / tOSrenchElG / totemism
the cause of his toothache. L n
in a manner resembling a rushing / StPZETmizEm /
topaz stream of water. Ojibwa + Ecf
n Patricia wept torrentially when she belief in kinship with or a mystical
/ StPTpaz / found out about her pet dog’s relationship between a group or
Gk > L > F > E injury. individual and an emblematic plant,
a usually yellow, reddish, or pink animal, or other object.
transparent mineral used as a gem. tortellini Powerful animals are common
Leslie received a yellow topaz for n objects of totemism.
her birthday. / TtO(r)ZFlSGnG /
L > It toucan
topiary noodle dough cut in rounds, filled
n with savory fillings, and boiled. tourelle
/ StPpGTerG / Vic’s favorite Italian meal was
Gk > L + Lcf tortellini stuffed with meat and touristry
the practice or art of training, cheese.
cutting, and trimming trees or tournedos
shrubs into odd or ornamental tortilla n
shapes. n / TtUrnESdP /
Edward Scissorhands was skilled in / tO(r)StG(y)E / L>F
topiary. Sp a small fillet of beef usually cut
a round thin unleavened cake from the tip of the tenderloin.
topography usually eaten hot with a savory Diane usually prepares a tournedos
n topping or filling. in wine sauce with mushrooms.
/ tESpBgrEfG / Theron covered his tortilla with
Gk beans and cheese. towhee
the art or practice of graphic
delineation in detail usually on tortoise
maps or charts of selected natural n
and man-made features of a region / StOrZEs /
especially in a way to show their F? > E
relative positions and elevations. any of a family of terrestrial turtles.
Identifying the enemy’s rocket sites The park ranger told the children
will require an expert in that a tortoise takes five hours to
topography. walk just one mile.
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toxicosis trafficking transducer
n v n
/ TtBksESkPsDs / / StrafikiN / / tran(t)sSd(y)VsE(r) /
Gk It > F L + Ecf
a pathological condition caused by engaging in commercial activity. a device actuated by power from
the action of a poison or toxin. The townspeople were shocked one system and supplying power in
The chihuahua exhibited no when they learned that Mr. Bailey the same or any other form to a
symptoms of toxicosis after eating had been trafficking in drugs. second system.
the soap. A common transducer is a
tragedian microphone, which converts sound
toxophilite waves into electrical signals.
n tragedienne
/ tBkSsBfETlIt / n transference
Gk + Gk + Ecf / trETjGdGSen / n
one fond of or expert at archery. F / tranzSfErEn(t)s /
The legendary toxophilite William [Note: Could be confused with L
Tell successfully shot an apple from tradegian.] an actress who an act, process, or instance of
the head of his own son. specializes in tragic roles. carrying or taking something from
On Thursday night, Ms Siddons, one person or place to another.
toxophily the granddaughter of the Ralph’s dad was in charge of the
tragedienne, made her first transference of fish from the fishery
trachea appearance. to the lake being restocked.
tracheostomy tragedy transience

n n
/ TtrCkGSBstEmG / trajectory / StranzGEnts /
Gk + Gk L
the surgical formation of an tralatitious [has homonym: transients] the
opening into the trachea through quality or state of passing through
the skin. trammel or by only briefly.
When Chris developed throat The photographer is able to
cancer, a tracheostomy had to be tramontana capture transience by being ready
performed to facilitate his n to click the shutter at the crucial
breathing. / TtrB(T)mPnStBnE / moment.
L > It
tracheotomy the north wind; especially : a dry transient
cold strong northerly wind of the
tractable west coast of Italy. transit
adj Each winter the tramontana n
/ StraktEbEl / swoops piercingly through the / Stran(t)sDt /
L streets of Rome. L
capable of being easily led, taught, the passage of a smaller body
or controlled. transcend across the disk of a larger (as of
Maybe Fatima’s work would Venus or Mercury across the Sun’s
improve if she were more tractable. transcendental disk).
adj Barrie used sensitive equipment to
tractile / TtranTsenSdentFl / photograph the transit of Venus.
adj L
/ StraktFl / extending or being beyond the translucent
L > Ecf limits of ordinary experience.
capable of being drawn out in Edward’s transcendental transmissible
length. meditation guru also instructs him adj
With laboratory equipment, Dr. in yoga. / tran(t)SsmisEbEl /
Abrams was able to extend the L
tractile material to a great length. capable of being sent or conveyed
to another person or place.
Poison ivy is transmissible through
the air to those who are very
sensitive to it.
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transmit treacherous treatise
adj n
transmogrify / Strech(E)rEs / / StrGZDs /
v F>E F? > AF > E
/ tran(t)SsmBgrETfI / characterized by usually hidden a writing that provides in a
unknown dangers, hazards, or perils. systematic matter and for an
change or alter in form, Throughout the winter, frigid expository or argumentative
appearance, or structure often with temperatures and the damp sea air purpose a methodical discussion of
grotesque or humorous effect. cause treacherous black ice to form the facts and principles involved
Buford set out to transmogrify the on streets. and conclusions reached.
hearse into a hot rod. Victor’s treatise on international
treachery relations was well received by his
trattoria colleagues.
n treacly
/ TtrBZESrGE / adj treble
F > It / StrGk(E)lG / adj
an eating house : restaurant. Gk > F > L > E / StrebEl /
It seems to Fran that any trattoria heavily sweet and cloying. F>E
located next to the golf course fails, Sarah’s treacly voice warned her threefold.
regardless of the cuisine. mother that a big request was Whatever might be their motive or
forthcoming. motives—whether single, double,
traulism or treble—their actions were
treadmill unjustified.
trauma n
n / StredTmil / trefoil
/ StraUmE / E+E n
Gk a device operated by walking on an / StrGTfOil /
an injury or wound caused by the endless belt for the purpose of L>F>E
application of external force or exercise. any of the common clovers.
violence. Walking on a treadmill in his The hunter came upon several
The football player suffered the apartment was convenient, but Sam rabbits feeding on a patch of
trauma of a broken leg. preferred to get his exercise trefoil.
outside, weather permitting.
traumatize treillage
treason
traumatropism n trekked
n / StrGzFn /
/ trOSmatrETpizEm / L>F>E trellis
Gk the offense of attempting by overt
a modification of the orientation of acts to overthrow the government trellised
an organ (as a plant root) as a result of the state to which the offender
of wounding. owes allegiance or to kill or tremendous
Traumatropism of the roots does personally injure the sovereign or adj
not usually affect plant growth. the sovereign’s family. / trDSmendEs /
All persons involved in the L
traversed attempted coup were charged with astonishing by reason of extreme
v treason. size, power, greatness, or
/ trESvErst / excellence.
L>F>E treasure Computers have had a tremendous
moved to and fro over or along. impact on modern business
Zane serenely traversed the frozen practices.
pond.
travesty
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tremulous trianon trichogenous
adj n adj
/ StremyElEs / / StrGETnBn / / TtrDSkBjEnEs /
L F architecture Gk
quivering, shaking. a small elegant villa. producing hair.
Uncle Edgar’s tremulous Albert wrote his latest thriller in a Trichogenous cells produce the tiny
handwriting is one sign of his rented trianon on the Riviera. hairs on insect bodies and limbs.
Parkinson’s disease.
tribunal trichotomy
trenchant n n
/ trISbyVnFl / / trISkBZETmG /
trenchantly L Gk
adv a court or forum of justice. a system divided or divisible into
/ StrenchEntlG / The people have wisely provided, in three constituents or elements.
F>E the constitution itself, a tribunal for Golda’s civics teacher explained
in a sharply perceptive manner. settling questions of constitutional how the United States government
The commentator trenchantly law. is a trichotomy, divided into the
analyzed the pros and cons of legislative, judicial, and executive
legalized gambling. tributary branches.
n
trepidation / StribyETterG / trickle
L
trespass a stream feeding a larger stream or trigonometry
v a lake. n
/ StrespEs / The Ohio River is a tributary of the / TtrigESnBmEtrG /
F>E Mississippi River. Gk
make an unwarranted or uninvited a branch of mathematics dealing
incursion. tricenary with the relations holding among
The rock salt from farmer Brown’s adj the sides and angles of triangles
shotgun taught Wally a painful / StrIsFnTerG / and among closely related
lesson: Don’t trespass. L magnitudes and especially with
having or lasting 30 days. methods of deducing from given
tressed Cameron never can remember parts other required parts.
which months are tricenary. Rachel enjoyed her course in
trey trigonometry much more than she
n tricephalous enjoys her calculus class.
/ StrC / adj
L>F>E / trISsefElEs / trihedral
[has homonym: tray] the side of a Gk
die or domino that has three spots. having or depicted with three trillion
If Ian draws either a trey or an ace heads.
from the boneyard, he believes he Orpheus managed to lull the Trinity
will win the game of dominoes. tricephalous watchdog to sleep by n
playing his lyre. / StrinEZG /
triage L>F>E
n trichinosis the union of three persons or
/ trGSBzh / n personified concepts (as the Father,
F / TtrikESnPsDs / the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in one
the sorting of and allocation of Gk godhead so that all the three are
treatment to patients and especially infestation with or disease caused one God as to substance but three
battle and disaster victims by certain nematode worms persons or concepts as to
according to a system of priorities contracted by eating raw or individuality.
designed to maximize the number undercooked infested food and The Catholic Church once
of survivors. especially pork. excommunicated believers in the
Once the system of triage was Madeline cooked the pork chops false Trinity of God, Mary, and
implemented, medics were better well so there would be no danger of Jesus.
able to decide which soldiers trichinosis.
should receive immediate tripelennamine
treatment.
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tripod trochanter trophallaxis
n n
triquetra / trPSkantE(r) / / TtrBfESlaksDs /
n Gk > L Gk > L
/ trISkwGtrE / the second segment counting from exchange of food between
L the base of the leg of an insect. organisms (as the social insects).
a triangle-shaped figure or A trochanter is one of the five parts Bees, ants, and wasps practice
decoration. of an insect’s leg. trophallaxis.
Murray stenciled a leafy triquetra
in each corner of the kitchen trocheameter tropicopolitan
ceiling. n adj
/ TtrBkGSamEZE(r) / / TtrBpEkPSpBlEtFn /
triskelion Gk? + Gk > E Gk
n an instrument used to count the inhabiting all countries near the
/ trISskelGEn / revolutions of a wheel. equator.
Gk According to the trocheameter Today the coconut palm is a
a figure composed of three usually attached to one of the wagon tropicopolitan species.
curved or bent branches radiating wheels, the wagon train had
from a center. traveled 30 miles. tropophilous
A triskelion has been the emblem of adj
the Isle of Man since the 13th trochiline / trPSpBfElEs /
century, when the Vikings were Gk + Gk
ousted. trodden thriving in an environment that
v undergoes marked periodic changes
triste / StrBdFn / (as in temperature, soil moisture, or
adj E available light).
/ StrGst / walked or trampled upon Deciduous trees of the temperate
L>F>E something. regions are examples of
sad, dismal, dull, depressing. The cattle had trodden over the tropophilous plants.
A triste quartet could be heard field, flattening the tall grass and
from the window. weeds. trough
n
triturate troglodyte / StrOf /
n E
triumph / StrBglETdIt / [Note: The definition provided is
Gk > L not the one most commonly
triumphal a member of a primitive people associated with this word.] an
dwelling in caves or pits. elongated area of low barometric
triumvirate While spelunking, Zan and Patrick pressure usually with a minimum
n stumbled on the bones of a pressure at each end and between
/ trISEmvErDt / troglodyte. two areas of higher pressure.
L Eric listened to the weather
a group, party, or association of troglodytic forecaster explain how the local
three. weather was being influenced by
Vince, Steve, and Phil jokingly troika the trough that was present.
refer to themselves as the “terrible n
triumvirate.” / StrOikE / trousseau
trivet Russ n
n a group of three. / StrV(T)sP /
/ StrivDt / Astrology, yoga, and poetry are the F
L>E troika of humanities that most [Note: Plural form can be
a usually ornamental metal stand interest Bryce. pronounced similarly.] the personal
with short feet especially for use possessions of a bride usually
under a hot dish at a table. including clothes, accessories, and
A brass trivet featuring the local household linens and wares.
college’s insignia is the best-selling Felicity kept her trousseau in a
item in the gift shop. hope chest at the foot of her bed.
trochaic trove
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trowel tuberculosis tumulus
n n
truculent / tETbErkyESlPsDs / / St(y)VmyElEs /
adj L L
/ StrEkyElEnt / a communicable disease caused by [has homonym: tumulous] an
L the tubercle bacillus and artificial hillock or mound (as over
feeling or evincing savage ferocity characterized by toxic symptoms or a grave).
: fierce. allergic manifestations which in In the center of the cemetery is a
Hunger makes the tiger a truculent humans primarily affect the lungs. large tumulus where one of the
hunter. The antibiotic drug streptomycin town’s founders is buried.
has been successfully used to treat
trumpet tuberculosis. tundra
n
truncated tufaceous / StEndrE /
adj adj Finno-Ugric > Russ
/ StrENTkCZDd / / t(y)VSfCshEs / a treeless plain characteristic of
L Osco-Umbrian > L > It arctic and subarctic regions with a
abbreviated by or as if by lopping. of or resembling a rock composed permanently frozen subsoil.
Cindy’s cat has a truncated tail. of the finer kinds of volcanic Do reindeer graze on the moss of
debris. the tundra?
truncheon Many buildings in Italy were tungsten
constructed of tufaceous rock. n
trunnioned / StENstDn /
adj tuffet Sw
/ StrEnyEnd / n a gray-white high-melting hard
F / StEfDt / metallic element that is used in the
having a pin or pivot usually Gmc? > F? > E pure form chiefly for electrical
mounted on bearings for rotating or a low seat : stool. purposes (as for filaments for
tilting. Katie stood on the tuffet to reach incandescent lamps).
Dave attached a trunnioned the book on the top shelf. The filament in many light bulbs is
compass to the deck of his sailboat. a thin wire of tungsten.
tularemia
truttaceous n turban
adj / TtVlESrGmGE / n
/ TtrEStCshEs / Calif geog name + Lcf / StErbEn /
L a bacterial disease of rodents, man, Per > Turk > F
of, relating to, or resembling a and some domestic animals. a headdress worn chiefly in
trout. Jerry’s temperature reached a countries of the eastern
Truttaceous fish are highly dangerously high level during his Mediterranean and southern Asia
esteemed as sport fish because of bout with tularemia. especially by Muslims and made of
their spiritedness. a cap around which is wound a
tulle long cloth.
trypanosome A camel driver wearing a blue
tumefaction turban asked Rebecca if she would
tsetse like a short ride.
tumultuous
tsunami adj turbid
n / t(y)VSmElch(E)wEs /
/ (t)sVSnBmG / L turbine
Jpn full of commotion and uproar : n
a great sea wave produced by boisterous. / StErbDn /
submarine earth movements or As the basketball star entered, he L>F
volcanic eruption. received tumultuous applause from [has homonym: turban] a rotary
The dock workers were alerted in his schoolmates. engine.
time to evacuate the harbor area The plane could not take off until
before the tsunami hit. the damaged turbine was repaired.
turbot
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turbulence turpentine tutelary
n n adj
/ StErbyElEn(t)s / / StErpEnTtIn / / St(y)VZFlTerG /
L Gk > L > F > E L
highly irregular atmospheric any of various oleoresins that are having the guardianship or charge
motion characterized by rapid derived from coniferous trees and of protecting a person or a thing.
changes in wind speed and are obtained in crude form as The young princesses were
direction and the presence of up yellowish viscous exudates of surrounded by tutelary employees.
and down currents. characteristic odor and taste from
The captain warned the plane’s incisions in the tree trunks and that tutoyer
passengers to brace themselves for usually thicken and solidify in the
a patch of turbulence. air. tuyere
The most common use of turpentine n
turgescence is in paint and lacquer thinners. / tVSye(E)r /
F
turgescent turpitude a nozzle through which an air blast
n is delivered to a forge.
turgid / StErpETtVd / Dan checked the tuyere for an
L obstruction.
turmoil inherent baseness or vileness of
n principle, words, or actions : tweezers
/ StErTmOil / depravity. n pl
unknown Sean accused Amitab of moral / StwGzE(r)z /
an utterly confused, extremely turpitude for teasing the cat. F>E
agitated, or tumultuous state or any of various small pincer-shaped
condition. turret tools used for plucking, holding, or
Jacob experienced unrelenting n manipulating.
turmoil after his parents informed / StErDt / The jeweler used a pair of fine
him that the family might move. F>E tweezers to extract the broken
a little tower. spring from inside Jeff’s pocket
turnstile The princess escaped from the watch.
n turret by sliding down a rope of
/ StErnTstI(E)l / knotted bedsheets. twelfth
E+E
a post with four arms pivoted on turricular twinkle
the top set in a gateway to regulate adj v
or monitor passage. / TtESrikyElE(r) / / StwiNkEl /
Contrary to the prominently posted L E
warning sign, Calvin hopped over shaped like or resembling a tower. shine with a flickering, sparkling,
the turnstile. Shauna’s birthday cake was or intermittent light.
turricular and decorated to look Atmospheric conditions affect how
turnverein like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. a star will twinkle in the night sky.
turophile turriferous tycoon

n
/ St(y)UrETfIl / tutania tympanum
Gk n
a gourmet of cheese : a cheese tutelage / StimpEnEm /
fancier. n Gk > L
The turophile warned us not to be / St(y)VZFlij / a thin tense membrane covering an
beguiled by the low cost of inferior L organ of hearing (as in the leg of an
processed cheese. instruction; especially : individual insect).
instruction accompanied by close The tympanum, which is sometimes
personal attention and a conscious hidden beneath the base of an
attempt at guidance. insect’s wing cover, is activated by
Evan made astounding progress the pressure of sound waves.
under the tutelage of his new
trumpet teacher.
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typhlology tyranny ultimatum
n n n
/ tiSflBlEjG / / StirEnG / / TEltESmCZEm /
Gk L>F>E L
the scientific study of blindness, its absolute government in which a final proposition, condition, or
causes, effects, and control. power is vested in a single ruler. demand; especially : one whose
Researchers in typhlology have The tyranny of many medieval rejection will end negotiations and
found that certain nutritional kingdoms was eventually cause a resort to force or other
deficiencies can result in the supplanted by democracy. direct action.
clouding and softening of the If the striking workers refused its
cornea. ubiquitous ultimatum, the company threatened
adj to close the factory permanently.
typhoon / yVSbikwEZEs /
n L ultraviolet
/ tISfVn / existing or being everywhere at the adj
Gk&Chinese same time : omnipresent. / TEltrESvIElDt /
a tropical cyclone occurring in the The drum is a ubiquitous L+L>F>E
region of the Philippines or the instrument in world music. situated beyond the visible
China Sea. spectrum at the violet end and
A typhoon of unimaginable fury udometer having a wavelength shorter than
swung across the coastal plains of n visible light and longer than X rays.
Bangladesh, swallowing up villages / yVSdBmEZE(r) / Arthur purchased sunglasses that
and sweeping away food crops. L + Gk provide some protection against
an instrument for measuring the ultraviolet radiation.
typify quantity of precipitation that falls at
v a given place and time. ululant
/ StipDTfI / The local television station asked
L + Ecf Karen to put a udometer in her ululation
embody the essential or salient backyard. n
characteristics of. / TElyESlCshEn /
Dickens’s characters typify the udomograph L
Victorian era. a loud mournful usually protracted
uglify and rhythmical sound : howl.
typothetae An ululation from deep in the
ulcerous woods gave Jesse goosebumps.
tyrannical
adj ullage umbilical
/ tDSranDkEl / adj
Gk ulotrichous / TEmSbilDkEl /
exhibiting imperious and usually adj L
oppressive exercise of absolute / yVSlBtrDkEs / attached by or as if by a cord
power : despotic. Gk + Gk arising at the navel that connects a
Patrick Henry spoke fervently having woolly or crisp hair. fetus with the placenta.
about the urgent need to arrest the The ulotrichous aborigines crafted Important medical research is
tyrannical hands of the British wide-toothed combs for their hair. being done with stem cells obtained
ministry and Parliament. from umbilical cords.
ulterior
tyrannize adj umbra
/ TElStirGE(r) / n
tyrannous L / SEmbrE /
not apparent : hidden. L
When Sherman volunteered to walk a shaded area : darkness.
the dog, his ulterior motive was to Trent saw something flicker in the
escape the boring conversation in umbra beneath the side porch.
the house.
ultimacy
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umbrage unanimous unctuosity
n adj
/ SEmbrij / / yVSnanEmEs / unctuous
L>F>E L
displeasure, resentment, being of one mind : agreeing in underrate
annoyance. opinion, design, or determination.
Hatred between nations disposes The advice given the candidate by underread
each more readily to offer insult those in his confidence was
and injury and lay hold of slight unanimous. undisciplinable
causes of umbrage.
unau undulance
umbrageous n
adj / yVSnO / undulate
/ TEmSbrCjEs / Tupi > F v
L>F>E a two-toed sloth of Central and / SEnjETlCt /
providing protection from heat and South America. L
light : shady. The unau seldom descends to the form or move in waves.
Sherwood Forest was the ground because its slow movements Terry stood on the shore and
umbrageous domain of the make it easy prey for jaguars and watched the ocean undulate in the
legendary Robin Hood and his other predators. moonlight.
outlaw band.
unciferous undulation
umbrella adj
/ TEnSsif(E)rEs / unencrypted
umlaut L
n bearing a hook or hooklike unexceptionable
/ SUmTlaUt / structure. adj
G Weaving and other fiber arts / TEnikSsepsh(E)nEbEl /
a diacritical mark composed of two involve the use of several Ecf + L
adjacent dots placed especially over unciferous tools. not open or liable to objection,
a German vowel to indicate a criticism, or reproach :
vowel shift. uncinate unimpeachable.
Gary never knew how to pronounce adj Mr. Weston was a man of
words with an umlaut until he / SEn(t)sEnDt / unexceptionable character, easy
studied German. L fortune, suitable age, and pleasant
bent at the tip like a hook. manners.
umpire Using a magnifying glass, Chad
n was able to examine the insect’s unfeigned
/ SEmTpI(E)r / uncinate antennae.
L>F>E unforgettable
one having authority to arbitrate unconscionable
and make a final decision, as an adj unfurl
official in a sport who rules on the / TEnSkBnch(E)nEbEl / v
plays. Ecf + L + Ecf / TEnSfErl /
The coach vehemently objected not guided or controlled by an Ecf + L > F
when the umpire ejected the player internal sense of right or wrong : release or open out from a rolled-up
for unsportsmanlike conduct. unscrupulous. state.
The governor was denounced for Kendra embroidered her school’s
unabridged his unconscionable indifference to motto on the new flag she will
the plight of the homeless. unfurl during tomorrow’s
unaccompanied assembly.
uncouth
adj unguent
/ TEnSkVth /
Ecf + E
lacking in polish and grace.
Last night we watched a movie
about turning an uncouth high
school student into a princess.
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unguligrade unisonous untenantable
adj adj
/ SENgyElETgrCd / universally / EnStenEntEbEl /
L Ecf + L + Lcf
walking on hoofs. unparalleled [Note: Could be confused with
Unguligrade mammals include untenable.] incapable of being
horses, cows, swine, camels, deer, unprecedented occupied or lived in.
elephants, rhinoceroses, and tapirs. adj The hurricane left thousands of
/ EnSpresEdentDd / homes untenantable.
unhygienic Ecf + L + Ecff
new, unexampled. unveiled
unicameral Last year the city experienced an
unprecedented expansion in unyielding
unicorn population and industry. adj
n / TEnSyGldiN /
/ SyVnETkOrn / unpredictable Ecf + E
L>F>E adj refusing to give way : resolute,
a fabulous animal possibly based / TEnprGSdiktEbEl / obstinate.
on faulty old descriptions of the Ecf + L Jake’s unyielding opposition to the
rhinoceros and generally depicted not to be foretold. proposed surprise party is
with the body and head of a horse, The raging forest fire was difficult becoming tiresome.
the hind legs of a stag, the tail of a to contain because of the
lion, and in the middle of the unpredictable weather patterns of upbraid
forehead a single long straight that area.
horn. upeygan
Sarah has a poster of a beautiful unprincipled n
white unicorn on her wall. adj / VSpCgEn /
/ TEnSprin(t)sEpEld / Shona
unilateral E+L a black rhinoceros.
lacking or exhibiting a lack of a The front horn of the upeygan can
unintelligible moral code of conduct. reach a length of over 30 inches.
adj The detective described the arsonist
/ TEnDnStelEjEbEl / as “unprincipled and upheaval
Ecf + E + L conscienceless.”
difficult to comprehend. unpronounceable upholstery
Dave readily admitted that he
found the article unintelligible. unrequited uppity
adj adj
unique / TEnrDSkwIZDd / / SEpEZG /
adj Ecf + L > E E + Ecf
/ yVSnGk / not returned in kind. marked by airs of superiority.
L Several passages in the novel were Nicole forgave Amanda for her
being without a like or equal : devoted to Harriet’s unrequited uppity behavior at the party.
single in kind or excellence : love for Mr. Elton.
unequaled. upright
The class agreed that Martin unscrupulous adj
Luther King Jr. had a unique adj / SEpTrIt /
impact on civil rights in the 20th / TEnSskrVpyElEs / E
century. E+L standing up straight on the feet or
unprincipled. on one end.
unison Desmond was not so unscrupulous When Mom’s old upright vacuum
adj as to betray his comrades. cleaner finally broke down, she
/ SyVnEsEn / went out and bought a new canister
L>F unsullied model.
identical in musical pitch.
The choir was well trained in uproarious
unison singing; every member
could hit the same note perfectly.
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urbanity usher usurper
n n n
/ TErSbanEZG / / SEshE(r) / / yVSsErpEr /
L L>F>E L
the quality or state of evincing the one who escorts persons to seats at one that infringes or encroaches
polish and suavity characteristic of an assemblage (as in a theater, upon the rights or property of
social life in larger cities. church, or hall). another.
Melissa’s easy urbanity belied her The usher informed the latecomers By the end of his term, the mayor
discomfort at the pie-eating that they would not be seated until had become known as a usurper of
contest. the end of the first act. authority.
urbiculture ustion usury

n n
/ SErbETkElchEr / / SEs(h)chEn / utensil
L L>F
the practices and problems peculiar the action of burning. utilitarian
to cities. Finding the paper too thick to tear adj
The congressman proposed a new or cut easily, Richard resorted to / (T)yVTtilESterGEn /
federal department of urbiculture ustion to destroy it without a trace. L>F>E
to deal with the problems of city characterized by or aiming at
dwellers. ustulation usefulness as distinguished from
n beauty or ornament.
urceolate / TEs(h)chESlCshEn / Dean chose a utilitarian briefcase
adj L over the fancy leather model.
/ SErTsGElDt / the action of burning or searing.
L By ustulation the metallurgist utility
shaped like an urn. separated the sulfur from the ore.
At the end of the drive stood a pair utilizable
of urceolate boxwoods. usufruct adj
n / SyVZFlTIzEbEl /
urchin / SyVzETfrEkt / L>F>E
L capable of being made use of.
urgency the right to use or enjoy something. It took three months, but eventually
The homeowners in Eleanor’s Leon was able to convert the
ursine neighborhood have a usufruct to a prototype into a utilizable product.
adj large fenced park.
/ SErTsIn / utterance
L usurious n
[has near homonym: hircine] of, adj / SEZErEn(t)s /
relating to, or characteristic of a / yVSzhUrGEs / F>E
bear. L + Ecf something that is spoken.
Some children are particularly involving or taking illegal or Smoke and clamor accompanied
fascinated by ursine hibernation. exorbitant interest for the use of every utterance of the Great Oz.
money.
urticant The officers of the bank were uxorial
adj charged with usurious practices. adj
/ SErZDkEnt / / TEkSsPrGEl /
L usurpative L>E
producing itching or stinging. adj of, relating to, or having the
Strawberry nettles are notorious / yVSsErpEZiv / characteristics of a wife.
for their urticant effect on human L The new bride’s conduct defied
skin. characterized by or constituting the Mrs. Ketchum’s notions of proper
unauthorized arbitrary assumption uxorial behavior.
and exercise of power especially as
infringing on others’ rights. uxorious
The king banished the prince for
his traitorous usurpative acts. vacation
vacationland
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vacatur vacuous valedictory
n adj n
/ vCSkCZEr / / SvakyEwEs / / TvalESdikt(E)rG /
L L L
an order of court making void a emptied of or lacking content (as of a speech or farewell usually given
legal proceeding. air or gas). at the commencement exercises of
The court issued a vacatur when it Vacuous spaces within the a school or college.
found that the defendant’s rights meteorite made it easy to split in Alice’s valedictory at graduation
had not been upheld. half. brought the entire senior class to
its feet.
vaccary vacuum
n valet
/ SvakErG / vagabond
L adj valetudinarian
a place where cows or cattle are / SvagETbBnd / n
kept : dairy farm. L>F>E / TvalETtVdFnSerGEn /
The teacher plans to take her moving from place to place without L
students to a vaccary during their a fixed home. a person of a weak or sickly
study of the dairy food group. Orson wanted to buy a motor home constitution; especially : one whose
and lead a vagabond life, but chief concern is his invalidism.
vaccinate Eileen refused to sell their house. Grandpa hopes that he will never
v be a valetudinarian.
/ SvaksETnCt / vagary
L>F n valiant
administer a preparation of / SvCgErG /
microorganisms in order to produce L valiantly
or increase immunity to a particular a whimsical, fanciful, or adv
disease. extravagant idea or notion. / SvalyEntlG /
Doctors no longer vaccinate George’s idea that he would be L>F>E
American children against spending his spring break in Paris in a brave or bold manner :
smallpox, as that disease was was sheer vagary. courageously.
eradicated during the 1970s. Deidre tried valiantly to swim the
vagrancy English Channel.
vaccine n
/ SvCgrEnsG / validity
vaccinoid L? n
the state or offense of being a / vESlidEZG /
vacillate person who has no established L
v residence and wanders idly from the quality or state of being well
/ SvasETlCt / place to place without lawful or grounded or justifiable.
L visible means of support. Some people question the validity
waver in mind, will, or feeling : To clear the downtown area of of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
hesitate in choice of opinions or homeless people, the mayor
courses. instructed the police to arrest them valley
Theresa must allow more time to for vagrancy.
choose what she will wear if she valorous
cannot stop her tendency to vaguely adj
vacillate. / SvalErEs /
vainness L
vacuity brave, courageous.
Carrie’s valorous behavior during
the flood earned her a medal.
valve
vampire
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vandalism variation vaudeville
n n n
/ SvandFTlizEm / / TverGSCshEn / / SvOd(E)vDl /
L>E L F geog name
willful or malicious destruction or a solo dance in ballet. a stage entertainment especially
defacement of things of beauty or Erik choreographed a variation to popular in the early decades of the
of public or private property. be performed by the stars of his 20th century that consisted of
The boys who knocked over the ballet company. various unrelated acts following
gravestones were eventually caught one another in succession and that
and charged with vandalism. varicelliform might include performing animals,
adj acrobats, comedians, dancers,
vandalize / TvarESselETfOrm / singers, or magicians.
v L+L Some of the stars of vaudeville went
/ SvandFTlIz / resembling chicken pox. on to become movie actors.
Gk > L > F A virus was responsible for Lloyd’s
destroy or deface property, usually varicelliform rash. vaudevillian
with malicious intent. n
The gang planned to vandalize the varicose / vOdSvilyEn /
tombstones at the cemetery with adj F geog name&L
spray paint on Halloween. / SvarETkPs / a writer or performer of stage
L entertainments especially popular
vanguard abnormally swollen or dilated. in theaters in the early decades of
Extreme cases of varicose veins the 20th century.
vanilla can require surgical treatment. In his days as a vaudevillian, Mr.
n Kramer was a comedian’s sidekick.
/ vESnilE / variegated
L > Sp adj vault
a flavoring extract made by soaking / Sver(G)ETgCZDd /
comminuted vanilla pods in a L vaward
mixture of water and grain alcohol. marked with different colors or n
The chef specified that real vanilla tints in spots, streaks, or stripes. / SvaUT(w)Ord /
be used when making the cake. A shady corner of the garden was F>E
brightened by a clump of the foremost part : forefront.
vanquish variegated coleus plants. The vaward of the column stopped
to allow stragglers to catch up.
vapidity variolous
veal
vaporetto vasodilator
n vealskin
vargueno / TvC(T)zPSdITlCZE(r) /
L vegetable
variable an agent (as a parasympathetic
n nerve fiber or a drug) that induces vegetarian
/ SverGEbEl / or initiates widening of the lumen adj
L of blood vessels. / TvejESterGEn /
[Note: The definition provided is Red wine contains tyramine, a L > E + Ecf
not the one most commonly vasodilator that can cause flushing consisting wholly of edible plants.
associated with this word.] a star and headaches. After spending two years in Japan,
whose brightness changes in more Annabelle followed a vegetarian
or less regular periods. vassal diet.
Clement spent six months tracking n
changes in the variable. / SvasEl /
Celt > L > F > E
a feudal tenant.
The lord of the estate rewarded the
vassal for years of faithful service.
vaticinator
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vehemence velocity venerable
n n adj
/ SvGEmEn(t)s / / vDSlBsEZG / / SvenEr(E)bEl /
L>F L>F L
the quality or state of being quickness of motion : swiftness, deserving to be regarded with
expressive of strong emotion or speed. profound respect and affection.
conviction. George estimated the velocity of The venerable teacher’s retirement
Norm’s impetuosity and vehemence the wind at 22 miles per hour. saddened students who had hoped
of temper made him his own worst to benefit from her instruction.
enemy. velodrome
n vengeance
vehicle / SvGlETdrPm / n
L > F + Gk > F / SvenjEn(t)s /
vein a building containing a track L>F>E
designed for cycling. infliction of punishment in return
velitation The university’s new velodrome for an injury or offense.
n was funded by an alumnus who was The defeated team howled with
/ TvelEStCshEn / an ardent bicyclist. rage and fury and swore bloody
L vengeance.
[Note: Could be confused with vendaval
vellication.] a dispute or slight n venireman
contest : skirmish. / TvendESval /
Police used every means to keep F > Sp venison
the velitation from exploding into a an autumnal thundersquall on the n
riot. coast of Mexico. / SvenEsEn /
A recent vendaval damaged the L>F>E
velleity banana grove. the flesh of a deer.
n Mandy roasted a leg of venison
/ vESlGEZG / vendetta with prunes and chestnuts.
L n
a slight wish : a faint desire. / venSdeZE / venom
Mr. and Mrs. Newton found that L > It n
the hotel staff had anticipated their a prolonged feud marked by bitter / SvenEm /
every velleity. hostility. L>F>E
Chloe’s all-night party exacerbated poisonous matter normally secreted
vellication the vendetta with her neighbor. by some animals (as snakes,
n scorpions, or bees).
/ TvelESkCshEn / veneer The snake’s venom paralyzed its
L n prey.
the act of twitching or of causing to / vDSni(E)r /
twitch. G ventilate
While dissecting a frog in biology a thin sheet of wood cut or sawed v
class, Sam noticed vellication of the from a log and adapted for / SventFlTCt /
legs. adherence to a smooth surface (as L
of wood). cause fresh air to circulate through
vellum The maple veneer really spruced up and contaminated air to be
n the old pine table. simultaneously withdrawn from.
/ SvelEm / To ventilate her kitchen, Margo set
F>E veneniferous a fan in the doorway and opened
a thin calfskin specially prepared as adj the windows.
a surface for writing. / TvenESnif(E)rEs /
Sanford carefully turned the rare L + Ecf
vellum over to see if there was any bearing or transmitting poison and
writing on the back. especially a natural venom.
Ellen couldn’t believe that anyone
velocious would want to work with
veneniferous snakes for a living.
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ventriloquist verbena verdolaga
n n n
/ venStrilETkwDst / / vE(r)SbGnE / / TvErdESlBgE /
L L L > Ar > Sp
one who is skilled in the art of any of numerous garden plants that an annual herb with fleshy leaves.
speaking in such a manner that the are widely cultivated for their Latin American cooks use
voice appears to come from some showy spikes of white, pink, red, or verdolaga in soups and salads.
source other than the vocal organs blue flowers which are borne in
of the speaker. profusion over a long season. verdure
A ventriloquist entertained at Marcy noticed tiny flower buds on n
Rebecca’s birthday party. her verbena in early April and / SvErjEr /
anxiously awaited its full bloom. F>E
venue [has homonym: verger] fresh and
n verbigerate green growing vegetation.
/ Sven(T)yV / v Joe walked back into the soft thick
L>F / (T)vErSbijETrCt / verdure of the hills and tramped
a place designated to be the scene L until he was tired.
of a gathering, such as for a sports repeat a word or sentence endlessly
event. and meaninglessly. verglas
The Georgia Dome in Atlanta was The psychiatrist explained that n
the venue for Super Bowl XXXIV. some schizophrenic patients often / verSglB /
verbigerate. F
veracious a thin film of ice on rock.
adj verbomania On her way to the stream for some
/ vDSrCshEs / n fresh water, Connie slipped on the
L + Ecf / TvErbESmCnGE / nearly invisible verglas.
[has homonym: voracious] L + Gk
observant of the truth : habitually excessive use of or obsession with verisimilitude
speaking the truth. words. n
It was up to the jury to decide Frances was accused of / TverEsDSmilETtVd /
which of the two witnesses was the verbomania by her classmates, who L+L
more veracious. didn’t understand why she liked to the quality or state of having the
study spelling. appearance of truth.
veracity The artist’s scrupulous attention to
n verboten detail provided an impressive
/ vDSrasEZG / adj degree of verisimilitude.
L / vE(r)SbPtFn /
devotion to the truth : truthfulness. G verjuice
The prosecutor questioned the forbidden; especially : prohibited n
veracity of the witness. by dictate. / SvErTjVs /
Speaking English in the German F>E
verbally language-immersion program is the sour juice of crab apples or
adv verboten. other unripe fruit.
/ SvErbElG / Scrooge was the kind of person
L + Ecff verdant who looked as though he drank
in a manner involving the use of verjuice every morning.
words rather than action or verdigris
performance. n vermeil
Johann couldn’t describe the shape / SvErdETgrGs /
verbally, so he drew it. L>F>E vermicelli
a green or greenish blue poisonous n
verbatim pigment obtained by the action of / TvErmESselG /
adv acetic acid on copper. L > It
/ vE(r)SbCZDm / The verdigris on the church steeple alimentary paste made in long thin
L has aged beautifully. solid strings smaller in diameter
word for word : in the same words. than spaghetti.
Marcelle can recite the entire The restaurant’s five-way chili
Gettysburg Address verbatim. started with a base of vermicelli.
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vermiculate vertex vespertine
adj n adj
/ vE(r)SmikyElDt / / SvErTteks / / SvespE(r)TtIn /
L L L
wormlike in shape. the point on the limb of a celestial setting with or just after the Sun.
When Tom’s two-year-old brother body nearest the zenith. Venus is the most prominent
tried to draw something, he could The tiny dark spot near the Moon’s vespertine planet.
manage only a few vermiculate vertex is a huge crater.
lines. vessel
vertical
vernacular adj vestibule
adj / SvErZDkEl / n
/ vE(r)SnakyElEr / L>F / SvestETbyVl /
L perpendicular to the plane of the L>F
belonging to or being a language or horizon or to a primary axis : a passage, hall, or chamber
dialect developed in and spoken upright. between the outer door and the
and used by the people of a Blythe preferred the fabric with interior of a building.
particular place, region, or country broad vertical stripes. The elevators were located at the
in a form considered nonstandard. end of the vestibule.
Mr. Hillis could not understand the vertiginate
vernacular language of the v vestige
rappers. / TvErStijETnCt / n
L / Svestij /
vernal whirl dizzily around : twirl. L>F
adj Young children love to vertiginate a remaining bit that constitutes a
/ SvErnFl / until they fall down. memorial or trace of something
L formerly present.
of, relating to, or characteristic of vertiginous Dmitri thought he detected a
the spring. vestige of natural gas odor in the
Cherry trees produce some of the vertigo kitchen.
prettiest vernal blossoms. n
/ SvErZDTgP / veterinary
vernissage L
a disordered state in which the vexation
verricule individual or the individual’s
surroundings seem to whirl dizzily. vexatious
versatile The constant rocking of the boat adj
adj produced feelings of vertigo and / vekSsCshEs /
/ SvErsEZFl / nausea in many of the passengers. L
L causing or likely to cause mental
[Note: The definition provided is vesicant suffering.
not the one most commonly n A lame carriage horse threw
associated with this word.] marked / SvesDkEnt / everything into sad uncertainty and
by a tendency to change : L+E created a situation Emma found
fluctuating readily. an agent (as a drug or a plant most vexatious.
Tricia’s versatile temperament substance) that induces blistering.
made it impossible to predict her Brittany wore thick gloves in order vexillology
reactions. to avoid contact with the vesicant.
viable
vertebrate vespacide
adj n vibraphone
/ SvErZEbrDt / / SvespETsId /
L L vibrato
having a spinal column. one that kills wasps.
Vertebrate animals include fishes, Mindy waved the can of vespacide
reptiles, birds, and mammals. threateningly at the nest of yellow
jackets.
vespertilian
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vicarage vicontiel vignette
n adj
/ SvikErij / / vISkBntGEl / vilayet
L>E F > AF
the house of a priest of a parish. of or relating to a viscount or vilify
About a quarter of a mile down the sheriff. v
road rose the vicarage, an old and Robin Hood was wanted by the / SvilETfI /
not very good house. vicontiel authorities of several L
counties. utter slanderous and abusive
vicegerency statements against : defame.
victorious Wouldn’t it be refreshing if the
vicegerent candidates vying for the office did
n viduity not vilify each other?
/ vIsSjirEnt / n vilipend
L / vDSd(y)VEZG / v
an administrative deputy appointed L / SvilETpend /
to perform functions of a king or widowhood. L
magistrate. Wendy’s first husband was killed in speak of slightingly or
The emperor claimed that he was the Gulf War, but her viduity ended disparagingly : depreciate.
ruling as God’s vicegerent. when she remarried in 1994. The candidate decided to vilipend
her opponent instead of discussing
vicereine vigentennial the issues.
adj
vichyssoise / TvIjenStenGEl / villain
n L n
/ TvishGSswBz / occurring once every 20 years : / SvilDn /
F geog name relating to a 20th anniversary. L>F>E
a soup made of pureed leeks and The store celebrated its [has homonyms: villein, villan]
potatoes and usually served cold. vigentennial anniversary with a big one who deliberately plots and does
When vichyssoise is well made, it’s sale. serious harm to others.
heavenly; when it’s badly made, The police were seeking the villain
it’s inedible. vigesimal who conned several senior citizens
out of their savings.
vicinage vigilance
villainous
viciously vigilante
adv n villainy
/ SvishEslG / / TvijESlantG /
L>F>E L > Sp vinaceous
in a manner marked by violence or a member of a volunteer committee adj
ferocity. organized to protect an interest, / vISnCshEs /
The puppy attempted to shake the especially to suppress and punish L
old sock viciously. crime. of the color wine red.
The cowboy movie was about a The vinaceous liquid in the three-
vicissitude rancher who became a vigilante foot-high bottle at the restaurant is
n and joined in the search for a not really wine.
/ vDSsisETtVd / criminal.
L vinaigrette
an accident of fortune : a shift of vigneron n
luck. n / TvinESgret /
By the vicissitude of winning the / TvGnyESrPn / F
lottery, Helen was able to buy the F a sauce made typically of vinegar,
dream house she always wanted. one who cultivates a vineyard and oil, onions, parsley, and herbs.
makes wine from the grapes. The salad was dressed with a
The American vigneron was tomato-flavored vinaigrette.
delighted that the French judges
chose his wine as being among the vincible
world’s best.
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vinculum violin virulent
n n adj
/ SviNkyElEm / / TvIESlin / / Svir(y)ElEnt /
L OProv > It L
a unifying bond. a bowed stringed instrument having characterized by rapid course,
Their mutual love of dolls is the four strings, a shallow body, a severity, and malignancy—used
vinculum between Delia and fingerboard without frets, and a especially of a disease or infection.
Christine, who are otherwise very curved bridge. The virulent strain of flu spread
different. Reuben demonstrated his technical rapidly through the community.
virtuosity on the violin when he
vindicate auditioned for the string ensemble. visage
v
/ SvindETkCt / violoncello visceroptosis
L n n
free from any question of error, / TvIElEnSche(T)lP / / TvisErBpStPsDs /
dishonor, guilt, or negligence. It L + Gk
Oliver felt the judge’s decision the bass member of the violin downward displacement of the
would vindicate him completely. family that is tuned an octave abdominal organs.
below the viola and held vertically The growth of the tumor had
vinegar on the floor between the player’s caused visceroptosis.
n knees while in a sitting position.
/ SvinigE(r) / The violoncello played plaintively viscount
L>F>E in the prelude to the last act of the n
a sour liquid used as a condiment opera. / SvITkaUnt /
or a preservative that is obtained by L>F>E
acetic fermentation of dilute virago a noble ranking below an earl and
alcoholic liquids (as fermented n above a baron.
cider, malt beer, or wine) and is / vDSrBTgP / The viscount had no children and
often seasoned especially with L was becoming desperate to have an
herbs. [has near homonym: vorago] a heir.
Pete used a special aged balsamic loud overbearing woman.
vinegar in the salad dressing. The manager at the Department of viscous
Motor Vehicles was, unfortunately, adj
vineyard a virago. / SviskEs /
n L
/ SvinyE(r)d / viridescent [Note: Could be confused with
E adj viscose.] having the physical
a field of grapevines. / TvirESdesFnt / property of a fluid or semifluid that
While touring a Napa Valley L enables it to develop a certain
winery, Jamie wandered through greenish. amount of shearing stress
the vineyard. Gideon removed the viridescent dependent upon the velocity of
scum from the bottom of the horse flow and then to offer continued
vintner trough and added fresh water. resistance to the flow.
n Joe was surprised to learn that
/ SvintnE(r) / virtue glass is viscous, as evidenced by
L>F>E the fact that a windowpane, over
a person who sells wine : a wine virtuoso time, becomes thicker at its lower
merchant. n edge and thinner at its upper edge.
The vintner assured Babette that / TvErchESwP(T)sP /
the wine she was considering L > It visibility
would go well with veal. one who excels in the technique of n
an art; especially : a musical / TvizESbilEZG /
violated performer. L
The virtuoso took 12 curtain calls, the degree or extent to which
setting a new record for the concert something is capable of being seen.
hall. The captain announced that
visibility was approximately five
miles.
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vitiate vivace volatile
v adv adj
/ SvishGTCt / / vGSvB(T)chC / / SvBlEZFl /
L L > It L>F
make incomplete, faulty, or in a brisk spirited manner—used as easily passing off by evaporation.
defective : injure the substance or a direction in music. The fact that gasoline is highly
quality of. To her teacher’s frustration, volatile produces an advantage in
Freddie argued that Clark’s poor Marcie plays every piece as if it starting engines.
acting abilities would vitiate the were marked vivace.
school play. volition
vivacity n
vitreous / vPSlishEn /
adj vixenish L
/ SvitrGEs / adj the act of willing or choosing : the
L / SviksEnish / act of deciding.
of, relating to, derived from, or E The notary public asked Nigel to
consisting of glass. resembling a shrewish ill-tempered state that he was signing the
The huge vitreous wall of woman. contract of his own volition.
skyscrapers reflected the mountains Elena could become vixenish when
and the sunset. she felt slighted. volubility
n
vitrescible vizierial / TvBlyESbilEZG /
adj L
/ vDStresEbEl / vocabulary talkativeness.
L The cheerful volubility at Mrs.
of a kind that can be changed into vocation King’s luncheon is largely due to
glass or a glassy substance by heat n the fact that she is a great hostess.
and fusion. / vPSkCshEn /
The ceramics shop owner used only L voracious
the most vitrescible materials in his [Note: The definition provided is
work. not the one most commonly vorago
associated with this word.] a n
vitrine summons from God to an / vESrCTgP /
n individual to undertake the L
/ vDStrGn / obligations and perform the duties [has near homonym: virago] an
L>F of a particular task or function in engulfing chasm : abyss.
a glass showcase for display (as of life. Before he knew it, Beck had
fine wares or specimens). The parents of Thomas Aquinas crossed the bridge over the vorago.
Allegra has a large vitrine that entreated him to abandon his
houses her collection of porcelain religious vocation and return vorlage
figurines. home. n
/ SfPrTlBgE /
vitriolic vociferate G
adj the position of a skier leaning
/ TvitrGSBlik / vociferous forward from the ankles usually
L>F>E adj without lifting the heels from the
marked by a caustic biting quality. / vPSsif(E)rEs / skis.
Howard had to be reprimanded for L The object of the vorlage is to keep
his vitriolic outbursts against the marked by or given to ready the body of the skier perpendicular
referees and opposing players. vehement insistent outcry. to the slope.
A vociferous couple in the back row
vituperative ruined our evening at the poetry vorspiel
adj reading.
/ (T)vIStVpETrCZiv /
L vogue
containing or characterized by
wordy abuse. volante
Josh’s dad gave him a vituperative
lecture after the accident.
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vortex vulture wallaby
n n n
/ SvOrTteks / / SvElchE(r) / / SwBlEbG /
L L>E Australian name
a rapidly spinning current of water. any of various large raptorial birds any of various small or medium-
The toy sailboat got caught in the related to the hawks, eagles, and sized kangaroos.
vortex and spun wildly as the falcons but having weaker claws The wallaby usually feeds in the
bathtub drained. and a usually naked head and that safety of dusk or darkness.
subsist chiefly or entirely on the
vowel decaying flesh of dead animals. wallet
The turkey vulture rarely gets
voyage credit for its help in removing walleyed
n unfortunate opossums and skunks adj
/ SvOi(i)j / from our roadways. / SwOTlId /
L>E E
an act or instance of traveling : waffle having very light gray or whitish
excursion, tour. n eyes.
Bill and Gail went on a sea voyage / SwBfEl / The Appaloosa foaled a walleyed
for their honeymoon. D filly last spring.
a crisp cake made of pancake batter
vulgar baked in a specialized appliance. wallop
adj For breakfast, Mary ordered a v
/ SvElgE(r) / waffle topped with blueberry / SwBlEp /
L compote. F
lacking in cultivation, perception, gain a decisive victory over : beat
or taste. waggish by a wide margin : trounce.
Harriet vowed that she would not Coach Garrett predicts that the
visit Mr. Martin’s wife if he wagonload Cougars will soundly wallop the
married an ignorant vulgar Buccaneers.
woman. waif
waltz
vulnerable wainscot n
adj n / SwOlts /
/ SvElnEr(E)bEl / / SwCnzkEt / G
L D>E a moderately fast dance in three-
capable of being wounded : the lower three or four feet of an quarter time with a strong accent on
defenseless against injury. interior wall when finished the first beat of the measure and
Maggie’s sensitive nature made her differently from the remainder of characterized by one step per beat.
vulnerable to cross remarks. the wall (as with wood panels, tile, When the band started playing a
or marble slabs). waltz, Marilyn hoped that someone
vulnerary Michelle chose a striped wallpaper would ask her to dance.
adj for the wainscot in the dining room.
/ SvElnETrerG / wander
L wainwright
promoting the healing of wounds : wanderlust
curative. waldmeister n
There was a section in the old n / SwBndE(r)TlEst /
medical book about vulnerary / SwOldTmIstE(r) / G
herbs. G+L>G strong or unconquerable longing
a small European sweet-scented for or impulse toward traveling.
vulpine herb. Cayte’s wanderlust caused her to
The Germans use waldmeister to postpone college so that she could
flavor May wine. tour Europe.
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wantonness wasabi wearisome
n n adj
/ SwOntFn(n)Ds / / SwBsEbG / / SwirGsEm /
E Jpn E
the quality or state of being without an Asiatic herb whose greenish root tiresome, tedious.
check or limitation. is grated and eaten with fish or Gondolph found hearing accounts
The wantonness of comfort other food. of other people’s dreams
Georgetta experienced as a young In Japan, Pam had raw fish wearisome.
child caused her to become a seasoned with wasabi, which tasted
spoiled brat. like horseradish. weasel
n
wapiti washtrough / SwGzEl /
n E
/ SwBpEZG / wasp any of various small slender active
Algonquian n carnivorous mammals that are
a North American deer similar to / SwBsp / mostly reddish brown with white or
the European red deer but E yellowish underparts and in
considerably larger. any of numerous winged northern forms turn white in winter.
The older male wapiti is often hymenopterous insects that have In the snow the white fur of the
hunted for its antlers. well-developed wings and biting weasel camouflages it against
mouthparts, and a more or less attacks by hawks or owls.
warden formidable sting.
n The well-known yellow jacket is a weather
/ SwOrdFn / wasp with a hurtful sting.
Gmc > F > E webelos
an official in charge of the wasteweir n
operation of a prison. n / SwGbETlPz /
The warden recommended that the / SwCstTwi(E)r / E acronym
disruptive prisoner be denied L>F>E+E a Cub Scout of the fifth rank who is
parole. a notch in a levee or other barrier at least 10½ years old and is
across a stream for the escape of preparing for entrance into Boy
warehouse superfluous water. Scouts.
A wasteweir was constructed in the Noah spent his second year as a
warison dam to prevent flooding along the webelos working on his fitness,
banks of the stream. geologist, and handyman activity
warmonger badges.
wastrel
warmth n weddellite
/ SwCstrEl /
warrior L>F>E wedge
n something rejected or discarded as
/ SwOryEr / useless or imperfect. weevil
E Hardly any item is wastrel to the n
a human engaged or experienced in ardent recycler. / SwGvEl /
warfare and especially in primitive E
warfare or the close combat typical watercress any of numerous snout beetles in
of ancient or medieval times. n which the head is elongated and
The warrior attended a council / SwOZE(r)Tkres / usually curved downward to form a
before battle in the morning. E snout bearing the jaws at the tip.
a white-flowered plant growing in The boll weevil is a serious pest to
water with leaves that are used in the cotton crop in North America.
salads.
Jesse added some watercress and
carrots to the tossed salad.
waxen
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weigh wharfinger whilom
v n adj
/ SwC / / S(h)wO(r)fEnjE(r) / / ShwIlEm /
E E E
[has homonym: way] evaluate : a person or company operating a having been at an earlier time :
ponder. marine terminal with facilities for former.
Mrs. Avery asked Sam to weigh the the berthing of ships and the Mother frowned when Edgar said
potential consequences of his loading, unloading, and storage of the food was probably too hot to
decision. goods. eat, a whilom excuse for being late
The wharfinger keeps a parrot in for lunch.
weir his office.
n whimper
/ Swi(E)r / wheedle v
E v / ShwimpE(r) /
[has homonyms: weer, we're] a / ShwGdFl / imit
fence or enclosure set in a stream to unknown make a low whining plaintive or
catch fish. get or take something from by broken sound.
Bored by fishing, the boys set up a using soft words or flattery. Laura’s dog starts to whimper
weir and went off to play Ginger’s attempt to wheedle ten whenever he wants to be fed.
basketball. dollars out of her father was
unsuccessful. whimsical
weird adj
adj wheelbarrow / ShwimzDkEl /
/ Swi(E)rd / unknown
E wheelwright resulting from or determined by
[has homonym: weired] curious in n sudden unpredictable impulses.
nature or appearance : of strange or / S(h)wGlTrIt / Ichabod became the object of
extraordinary character. E whimsical persecution to Brom and
Most episodes of The X-Files begin a person whose occupation is to his gang of rough riders.
with a weird or puzzling event. make or repair circular frames of
metal, wood, or other hard material. whimsicality
welfare In the days of the horse and buggy,
the wheelwright had an essential whininess
welfarism job to do. n
n / ShwInGnDs /
/ SwelTfa(a)TrizEm / whelk E
E + Ecf the quality or state of complaining
the complex of policies, attitudes, whelp or lamenting with or as if with a
and beliefs associated with a n prolonged high-pitched sound.
welfare state. / Shwelp / Allen’s habitual whininess when
Free health care was touted as one E asked to do something he didn’t
of the benefits of welfarism. one of the young of various like annoyed both his teacher and
carnivorous mammals. his classmates.
welkin Wendy was delighted when the eyes
n of the cocker spaniel whelp finally whinyard
/ SwelkDn / opened.
E whippersnapper
the celestial regions as the abode of wherewithal
God or the gods : the heavens. n whippet
The hymn that begins “Hark! The / S(h)we(E)rwDTLOl /
herald angels sing” was originally E+E+E
written as “Hark how all the welkin financial resources : money.
rings.” Everyone was surprised that Jake
wellaway had the wherewithal to buy a
sailboat.
welterweight
wherry
wharf
whetstone
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whippoorwill whistleable wickiup
n adj n
/ S(h)wipE(r)Twil / / ShwisElEbEl / / SwikGTEp /
imit E + Ecf Sac, Fox, & Kickapoo
a nocturnal bird of the eastern capable of being whistled. a hut used by Native Americans
United States and Canada that is Rufus could botch up even the most that is typically elliptical in form
seldom seen although its call is whistleable tune. and has a rough frame covered by
often heard at nightfall or just reed mats or grass.
before dawn. whodunit As they constructed the wickiup, the
At camp Nick recorded the call of a n campers were careful to leave a
whippoorwill. / hVSdEnDt / hole in the top for campfire smoke
E to escape.
whirligig a detective story or a mystery story
n presented as a novel, a play, or a widget
/ ShwErlETgig / motion picture. n
E The whodunit proved to be the most / SwijDt /
a child’s toy having a whirling or popular play at the summer theater. E
spinning motion. an unnamed article considered for
Sandy bought a whirligig at the wholesale purposes of hypothetical example
dime store. adv as the typical product of a
/ ShPlTsCl / company.
whirlwind E On Trudy’s graph, each star
n in a manner of, relating to, or represents one widget.
/ ShwErlTwind / engaged in the sale of goods or
Scand > E + E commodities in quantity for resale. width
a small rotating windstorm of Juliana purchased several store
limited extent. fixtures wholesale. wince
A whirlwind is sometimes called a
“dust devil.” wholesome winsome
whisk adj adj
n / ShPlsEm / / Swin(t)sEm /
/ Shwisk / E E
Scand > E promoting health of body : health- pleasant because of cheer, childlike
a small usually wire kitchen giving. nature, and open candor.
implement used for hand beating of Ellie sometimes ate junk food The little tyke’s winsome smile won
food (as eggs, cream, or potatoes). rather than the wholesome lunch him many friends.
Rose used a whisk to beat the egg her mother had made for her.
whites into a stiff froth. wintriness
whorlywort
whisperer n wirrah
n / ShwO(E)rlGTwErt /
/ ShwispErE(r) / E wiseacre
E a tall perennial herb—called also
one that speaks softly with the aim “Culver’s root.” wisent
of preserving secrecy. Darnell bought a hand-colored n
Reverend Loomis scanned the engraving of a whorlywort at the / SvGTzent /
congregation in vain, searching for auction. G
the whisperer. a European bison.
whortleberry The advance of European
whist n civilization drove the wisent to the
n / ShwErtFlTberG / brink of extinction; it survived
/ Shwist / E mainly by breeding in zoos.
imit E a sweet edible European blueberry.
a four-player card game from The unripe whortleberry was too
which bridge evolved. sour for Vernon to eat.
In learning to play whist, Carole
found it helpful to make a chart of
its similarities to bridge.
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withernam woebegone wreckage
n adj n
/ SwiLE(r)TnBm / / SwPbGTgOn / / Srekij /
E>F>E E Scand > AF > E
the action of taking by way of exhibiting a condition of suffering, something that has been reduced to
reprisal : a second or reciprocal sorrow, or misery. a ruinous state by
distress of other goods in lieu of The teacher looked up at 20 violence : the remains of a wreck.
goods taken by a first distress. woebegone faces staring at the Cleaning up the wreckage from the
Jeff discouraged Larry from going essay question. tornado would take money as well
through with the planned as time.
withernam by saying “Two wrongs woebegoneness
don’t make a right.” wren
witloof wok
n n wrestle
/ SwitTlPf / / SwBk / v
D Chin / SresEl /
chicory; also : its crown of foliage [has near homonym: walk] a bowl- E
as a salad green. shaped cooking utensil used [has near homonym: rustle]
Emily decided to vary her salad by especially in the preparation of contend by grappling with and
using witloof instead of lettuce. Chinese food. striving to trip or throw down an
Lydia received an electric wok as a opponent.
witticism housewarming gift. Inspired by the championship
n match they saw on television,
/ SwiZETsizEm / wolveboon Bobby and Alan began to wrestle
E on the living room floor.
a clever or amusing expression. womp
The careful use of a witticism in wretched
Kevin’s speech helped hold the wondrous adj
attention of his listeners. / SrechDd /
worrisome E
wizardry squalid, dismal, foul.
n wraith After the flood, the whole
/ SwizE(r)drG / n neighborhood looked wretched.
E / SrCth /
magic skill : sorcery, witchcraft. unknown wriggle
Merlin practiced his wizardry at an apparition of the exact likeness v
the court of King Arthur. of a living person seen usually just / SrigEl /
before that person’s death. G? > E
wizen The wraith of a person shortly to move the body or a bodily part to
die is a firm article in the creed of and fro with short writhing motions
wobbulator Scottish superstition. like a worm.
n Zakia was startled when she saw a
/ SwBbyETlCZE(r) / wrangler snake wriggle through the tall
G + Ecf grass.
a testing device for radio sets in wrasse
which the frequency is varied writhe
periodically and automatically over wreak v
a predetermined range. / SrIL /
The primary function of a wreath E
wobbulator is broadcast receiver n move or proceed with twists and
testing. / SrGJ / turns.
E Silently, we watched a seven-foot
a coronet, band, or fillet of boa constrictor writhe through the
intertwined flowers or leaves worn trees.
or bestowed as a mark of honor or
victory or symbol of esteem.
The figure on the vase wearing a
laurel wreath is identified as
Apollo.
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wunderkind xerocolous xylophone
n adj n
/ SvUndE(r)Tkint / / zDSrBkElEs / / SzIlETfPn /
G Gk > L + L + Ecf Gk + Gk
a child prodigy : one who succeeds thriving in a relatively dry a musical instrument consisting of
in a competitive or highly difficult environment. a series of wooden bars graduated
field or profession at an early age. The xerocolous plants of the desert in length and sounded by striking
Mozart, a famous wunderkind, generally have roots that penetrate with two small wooden hammers.
wrote complicated sonatas at the deeply into the soil to obtain Many African musical instruments
age of five. moisture. are variations of the xylophone.
xanthic xerosis xylophonist

adj n
/ Szan(t)thik / / zDSrPsDs / xylotomy
Gk Gk
of a flower : colored with some tint abnormal dryness of the skin. xystus
of yellow. Xerosis can be an indication of an
The forsythia rivals the daffodil for underlying health problem. yacht
being the loveliest xanthic bloom in
Cynthia’s garden. xerostomia yachtsman
n n
xanthism / TzirESstPmGE / / SyBtsmEn /
Gk G>D+E
xanthoma abnormal dryness of the mouth due [Note: Plural form is pronounced
n to insufficient secretions. identically.] a person who owns or
/ zanSthPmE / Xerostomia was one of the drug’s sails a boat used for pleasure, as for
Gk side effects. racing or cruising.
a condition that is marked by the Mike fancied himself a true
development (as on the eyelids, xylem yachtsman after one week at sea.
neck, or back) of irregular yellow n
patches or nodules. / SzIlDm / yammer
High cholesterol or triglyceride Gk
levels can be factors in causing a complex tissue in the vascular yannigan
xanthoma. system of higher plants.
The xylem of a tree functions Yarborough
xenocentric chiefly in conduction of sap but n
also performs a structural and / SyBr(T)bErE /
xenogamy storage role. E name
n a hand in bridge or whist
/ zDSnBgEmG / xyloglyphy containing no card higher than a
Gk nine.
fertilization by cross-pollination; xylograph Gene was not sure how to signal to
especially : cross-pollination n his bridge partner that he held a
between flowers on different / SzIlETgraf / Yarborough.
plants. Gk
Xenogamy may occur by wind or by an engraving on wood. yardage
bees carrying pollen from plant to A Chinese xylograph of a bull
plant while feeding on nectar. decorated the restaurant wall. yarrow
xenophobia xylography yawl
xylophagous yearn
xylophilous
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yeast yoga zaibatsu
n n n pl
/ SyGst / / SyPgE / / zISbBt(T)sV /
E Skt Jpn
a substance used in baking and the union of the individual self with the the powerful financial and
fermentation of alcoholic beverages universal spirit. industrial conglomerates of Japan.
: leaven. The teacher explained that through Keiko intended that her electronics
The sourdough bread recipe called years of mental and physical company become one of the
for two packages of yeast. exercise, she had been able to zaibatsu.
attain a complete yoga.
yeasty zapateado
yokel n
yenta n / TzBpEtGSB(T)dP /
n / SyPkEl / Sp
/ SyentE / imit E a rhythmic stamping or tapping
Yiddish an unpolished, naïve, or gullible step characteristic of Spanish
one that meddles. inhabitant of a rural area or of a dancing.
Evelyn’s children laughingly refer small town. Juliana needs practice in
to her as a yenta when she tries to The pool hustler disguised himself zapateado before she can take
set them up on blind dates. as a yokel to lure unsuspecting advanced flamenco classes.
victims.
yeoman zeal
yore n
yeomanry n / SzGl /
n / SyP(E)r / Gk > L > E
/ SyPmEnrG / E impassioned eagerness.
E [has homonym: your] time past Russell entered into his new job
the whole body of small farmers and especially long since past. with great zeal.
who cultivate their own land; Adam’s favorite books contain
specifically : the body of small stories about knights of yore. zealot
landed proprietors of the middle
class. youngster zealous
Among the legal privileges of the
yeomanry was the right to serve as youthfully zebra
a juror.
yowl zeitgeber
yewberry n
ytterbium / StsItTgCbEr /
yield G
v yttrium an environmental agent or event
/ SyGld / n that provides the stimulus for
E / SitrGEm / setting or resetting the biological
agree to accept or comply with Sw geog name clock of an organism.
something : exhibit willingness a trivalent metallic element usually Frederick used a zeitgeber
rather than opposition. included among the rare-earth consisting of his bedroom lamp
Sarah looks forward to the day metals. hooked to a timer prior to his trip
when she will not have to yield to Yttrium is one of the elements used and was able to avoid severe jetlag.
her parents’ wishes. in making lasers.
zenith
ylem yule n
/ SzGnDth /
yuletide Ar > Sp > L > F > E
the point of culmination : peak,
zaguan summit.
Winning the Faculty Award was the
zenith of Stephanie’s college
career.
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zephyr zodiacal zwieback
n adj n
/ SzefE(r) / / zPSdIEkEl / / SswGTbak /
Gk Gk G
a soft warm breeze from the west. of, relating to, or within the zodiac. a usually sweetened bread enriched
The gentle zephyr was not sufficient Jessica has a pendant in the shape with eggs that is first prepared and
to keep Renee’s kite airborne. of Pisces, her zodiacal symbol. baked and then sliced and toasted
until dry and crisp.
zeppelin zoning Liza placed a slice of zwieback on
n the baby’s tray.
/ Szep(E)lDn / zoological
G name zygosis
a rigid airship. zoophilist
Olga’s dream was to ride in a n zymology
zeppelin one day. / zPSBfElDst /
Gk + Gk + Ecf
zeugma a lover of animals; especially : a
n person concerned with the rights of
/ SzVgmE / lower animals and their protection
Gk from abuse.
the use of a word in the same The noted zoophilist explained how
construction with two adjacent deforestation is endangering
words in the context with only one several species of mammals and
of which it is appropriate in sense. birds.
The statement “John upset the
table and his mother” is, one would zootechny
hope, a zeugma.
zucchetto
zigzaggedness n
n / zVSkeZ(T)P /
/ zigSzagDdnDs / L > It
G? > F + Ecff a small round skullcap worn by
the quality or state of having short Roman Catholic ecclesiastics in
sharp turns or angles. colors that vary according to the
An aerial photograph revealed the rank of the wearer.
zigzaggedness of the mountain In public appearances, the pope
road. usually wears a white cassock and
zucchetto.
zircon
n zucchini
/ SzErTkBn / n
It > F > G / zVSkGnG /
a mineral occurring in brown or It
grayish square prisms or sometimes a slender green summer squash.
in transparent forms which are used Tim picked a large zucchini from
as gems. his garden.
The zircon in Wendy’s ring looks
very much like a diamond. zugzwang
n
zoanthropy / StsVkTtsfBN /
G
zodiac the necessity of moving in chess
when it is to one’s disadvantage.
Valerie forced the grandmaster into
zugzwang.
Page 349 of 349

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

skirmish slapstick slumgullion

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subrident subterfuge succulence

subservient subtleness succumb

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superfluous superstitious surfactant

supernatural supine surgeon

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surrey suspicion suzerainty

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synthesis tableau tackline

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tailgate tamale tantamount

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tendency tenet tentative

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tracheostomy tragedy transience

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turophile turriferous tycoon

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urbiculture ustion usury

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xanthic xerosis xylophonist

xenophobia xylography yawl