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Page 61 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
coulombs courser coverlet
n pl n n
/ SkVTlBmz / / SkPrsEr / / SkEvE(r)lDt /
F name F>E L>F>E
units of electric charge equal to the [has homonym: coarser] a swift or a bedspread sometimes quilted or
quantity of electricity transferred spirited horse : war-horse. of heavy material.
by a current of one ampere in one The foaming courser threw his Kasey drew the coverlet up to her
second. rider headlong to the ground. neck to seek relief in the drafty
An ordinary flashlight battery room.
delivers a current that provides a courtesy
total charge flow of approximately covert
5,000 coulombs. courtier
n covet
council / SkPrZGEr /
F>E covetous
counselee a gentleman attendant of a
sovereign’s residence or covinous
counterfeiter establishment.
n Travis will perform the part of the cowardly
/ SkaUntE(r)TfiZE(r) / king’s courtier in the play.
L>F>E cowed
one that forges or makes fraudulent courtliness v
imitations of current money. / SkaUd /
Special paper, ink, and watermarks courtly E
are used for making currency to adj intimidated with threats, show of
foil the counterfeiter. / SkPrtlG / strength, or impressiveness :
L>F>E dispirited into inactivity or
counterinsurgency marked by highbred polish, submission.
stateliness, and ceremony. The cowed convicts did not dare to
counterpoise Lord Darnley removed his antagonize the vengeful guards.
feathered hat and addressed the
counterspy queen with a courtly bow. cowhide
crackleware
cracknel
Page 62 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
cradled cravat crestfallen
n adj
craftiness / krESvat / / SkrestTfOlEn /
G or Serbo-Croatian > F L>F>E+E
craftsman a band or scarf of fine cloth worn marked by a sense of personal
around the neck : necktie. defeat : dispirited, dejected.
crag The flamboyant poet showed up for Margaret was crestfallen when she
n the interview wearing a cravat over got only a C on her essay.
/ Skrag / a tie-dyed T-shirt.
Celt > E cretify
a rough broken cliff or projecting crayon
point of rock. cretin
A favorite children’s movie begins creaking
and ends with the king of beasts crevice
standing on a crag, overlooking his creamery n
kingdom. / SkrevDs /
credence L>F>E
crambo a narrow opening of some depth
creditable caused especially by a split.
cranberry The hiker’s compass fell into a
creditor crevice in the rock and will
cranially probably never be seen again.
credo
cranioscopy n crew
n / SkrG(T)dP /
/ TkrCnGSBskEpG / L cricket
Gk > L + Gk > L a confession of faith said or sung in n
observations on or examination of Christian liturgies. / SkrikDt /
the human skull. Bach’s B Minor Mass contains a F imit
The team’s physician advised a famous credo. any of certain leaping insects that
cranioscopy for the batter who had are also noted for the chirping notes
been beaned by a wild pitch. creedmore produced by the males.
The male cricket produces sound
cranium creepage by rubbing together parts of the
n n fore wings.
/ SkrCnGEm / / SkrGpij /
Gk > L E crickety
the part of the skull that encloses the slow spreading or movement of
the brain. a substance. criminal
The carelessly tossed book The creepage of rust across the
encountered Zelda’s cranium with bumper betrayed the car’s age. criminologist
a thud. n
crenature / TkrimESnBlEjDst /
crassitude L
crepitate one that specializes in the scientific
crater study of crime as a social
n crept phenomenon, of criminal
/ SkrCZE(r) / v investigation, of criminals, and of
Gk / Skrept / penal treatment.
any of thousands of formations on E Nicole asked her guidance
the lunar surface ranging in size entered stealthily and secretly. counselor if she needed an
from small pocks less than a mile Mary crept softly across the room advanced degree to be a
in diameter to walled plains nearly to look. criminologist.
150 miles across.
Buzz set down the lunar lander just crinal
beyond the rim of a huge crater.
crinet
cratered
Page 63 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
cringing crocodilian croupon
adj adj
/ SkrinjiN / / TkrBkESdilGEn / crowd
E Gk > L n
that shrinks in fear or servility. false, insincere. / SkraUd /
Cringing at the sight of the bear in Claire’s crocodilian grief over the E
the distance, the children gathered death of her brother’s pet snake did a large number of persons
their courage and backed slowly not fool anyone. especially when collected into a
toward their car. somewhat compact body without
crocuses order : throng.
crinkle n pl The crowd on the football field
/ SkrPkEsDz / chanted, “We’re number one!”
crinkly Semitic > Gk > L crucially
bulbs, plants, or flowers of the
criollo genus Crocus. cruciform
n Crocuses were peeking through the adj
/ krGSPl(y)P / snow in the Goulds’ yard. / SkrVsETfOrm /
Sp L + Ecf
[Note: Could be confused with crooked forming or arranged in a cross.
feminine form criolla.] a person of The cruciform blossom of the
pure Spanish descent born in croquembouche dogwood has inspired a well-
Spanish America. n known legend.
The anthropologist noted in her / krOkBMbVsh /
report that only one criollo F cruciverbalist
answered her genealogical survey. a cone-shaped stack of cream puffs n
coated with caramelized sugar. / TkrVsESvErbElDst /
crispation A croquembouche is a traditional L
n type of French wedding cake. a person skillful in creating or
/ kriSspCshEn / solving crossword puzzles.
L + Ecf crossbow Angela was named Cruciverbalist
the act or process of curling : the n of the Month by her crossword
state of being curled. / SkrOsTbP / club.
Al pointed out the crispation of the E
leaves on the infested plant. a weapon having a short bow cruel
mounted crosswise that fires an adj
crisscross arrow lying in a groove in the / SkrVEl /
stock. L>F>E
criterion The crossbow was a particular [has homonym: crewel] stern,
favorite of the weaponsmaster. rigorous, and grim.
crith The cruel reality is that Justin will
n crosswind be expelled for his wrongdoing
/ Skrith / n regardless of how remorseful he is.
Gk / SkrOsTwind /
the weight of a liter of hydrogen at ON or Old Ir > E + E cruelly
0 degrees Celsius and 760 a wind blowing in any direction not
millimeters pressure (0.08987 parallel to a course. cruise
gram). A strong crosswind made it difficult
As a unit of mass, the crith was a for Carla to land her Cessna 150. crumpet
precursor to the mole. n
crotalic / SkrEmpDt /
crocheted E?
crotalid a small round cake made of rich
crocheter adj unsweetened batter cooked on a
/ SkrPZFlDd / griddle and usually served split and
crocodile Gk > L toasted.
typical of a pit viper. Pierre thinks no English crumpet
Crotalid venom, while not usually can hold a candle to a delicious
fatal, can cause severe discomfort. French croissant.
Page 64 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
crushable cubit culpability
n
crutch / SkyVbDt / culver
L
cryogenics any of various ancient units of culvert
length based on the length of the n
cryonics forearm from the elbow to the tip / SkElvE(r)t /
n pl of the middle finger and usually unknown
/ krISBniks / equal to about 18 inches. a transverse waterway (as under a
Gk Helen couldn’t understand why road, railroad, or canal).
the practice of freezing a dead more things weren’t measured by Gina’s cat ran from the dog and
diseased human being in hopes of the cubit, since it was a readily hid in the culvert for several hours.
restoring life at some future time available measure.
when a cure for the disease has culvertage
been developed. cubomancy
The premise of Rudolph’s movie cumulocirrus
script involved an experiment in cucumber n
cryonics gone awry. / TkyUmyE(T)lPSsirEs /
cuerda L
crypt n a small billowy cloud form found at
/ SkwerdE / high altitudes and characterized by
cryptanalysis Gk > L > Sp a white delicacy.
n a Puerto Rican unit of land measure Denny’s plane flew through a
/ TkriptESnalEsDs / equal to 0.97 acre. cumulocirrus that looked just like
Gk Raul farmed a small patch of cotton candy.
the theory of solving writing that is land—less than a cuerda—during
in cipher or code : the art of the off season. cuneate
devising methods for such solving. adj
Through cryptanalysis the Allies cuisine / SkyVnGTCt /
were able to decode the enemy’s n L
secret messages. / kwDSzGn / shaped like a wedge : narrowly
L>F triangular with the acute angle
cryptogenic manner of preparing food : style of toward the base.
cooking. The forest floor was a strange mix
cryptophyte Jackie traveled to Lyons to take a of pine needles and cuneate leaves.
two-week course in French cuisine.
crystallize cunette
culicide
ctetology n cunning
/ SkyVlETsId /
cub L cupcake
n a substance that destroys
/ SkEb / mosquitoes. cupola
unknown The town’s inhabitants were
a young person; especially : an advised to stay indoors for two curarize
awkward or ill-mannered boy. hours after the culicide was
Mr. Downes called every student sprayed. curassow
that passed through his classroom
a “young cub.” culicidologist curettage
cubature
culottes curia
n pl
/ Sk(y)VTlBts /
F
a garment having a divided skirt.
When bell-bottom jeans came back
into style, Janine was afraid that
culottes would, too.
Page 65 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
curie cutigeral cymbal
n adj n
/ SkyUrG / / kyVStijErEl / / SsimbEl /
F name L+L Gk > L > F > E
a unit of radioactivity equal to 37 bearing skin. [has homonym: symbol] a large
billion disintegrations per second. Starbuck was limping because of concave brass plate producing a
While studying nuclear the infection in the cutigeral cavity brilliant clashing tone of indefinite
engineering, Melissa learned to use of his left front hoof. pitch.
the curie to quantify radioactive The percussionist grimaced after he
decay. cutlery struck the cymbal at the wrong
time.
curiosity cyanide
n n cymbalist
/ TkyUrGSBsEZG / / SsIETnId /
L Gk + ISVcf cymbiform
a desire to know. a compound of cyanogen usually adj
The locked box aroused immense with a more electropositive element / SsimbDTfOrm /
curiosity in Maxine. or radical. Gk > L + Lcf
Ions of cyanide are extremely toxic boat-shaped.
curmudgeonly because they bind almost While discussing the skeletal
irreversibly with cytochrome system, Mr. Gray called the
curricle oxidase, a key enzyme in metabolic students’ attention to a small
processes. cymbiform bone in the wrist.
cursorial
adj cyanophilous cynical
/ TkErSsPrGEl /
L cyclamate cynicism
having limbs adapted to running. n
Horses, zebras, and other members cyclometer / SsinDTsizEm /
of the genus Equus are cursorial n Gk
mammals. / sISklBmEZE(r) / the quality or state of being prone
Gk + Gk to faultfinding.
curtail a contrivance for recording the Tom's cynicism has become
v revolutions of a wheel and often tiresome to all his friends.
/ TkErStCl / used for registering distance
L>F>E traversed by a wheeled vehicle. cynodont
shorten in duration or scope : Just for fun, Chris attached a
abridge, reduce. cyclometer to his daughter’s cyrillic
The students were warned their tricycle. adj
grades would be affected if they / sDSrilik /
didn’t curtail their extracurricular cyclorama Slavic name
activities. n constituting or written in the
/ TsIklESrBmE / alphabet used for Russian and
cushioned Gk + Gk many other Slavic languages.
v a curved curtain or wall used as a Sven puzzled over the cyrillic
/ SkUshEnd / background of a stage set to writing on the Moscow subway
L>F>E suggest unlimited space. station sign.
provided or equipped with a pad or The cyclorama provided the
pads. illusion of being in a huge cytologist
Gil and Terry cushioned the hard ballroom.
wooden train seats with their coats. cytolysis
cyclothymia n
cuticolor / sIStBlEsDs /
Gk
the dissolution or disintegration of
cells.
The researchers experimented with
various chemicals to bring about
the cytolysis of tumor cells.
Page 66 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
cytoplasm Daltonism Daphnean
n adj
dabbing / SdOltFnTizEm / / SdafnGEn /
E name Gk
dabblingly red-green color blindness, named shy, bashful.
after John Dalton, who first Sally’s Daphnean personality
dactyl detailed a description of color causes her to look away from the
blindness from which he and his camera whenever her picture is
dactylic brother suffered. being taken.
adj Danny’s parents didn’t realize that
/ dakStilik / he suffered from Daltonism until he dapperling
Gk attended pre-school.
of or consisting of a metrical foot darcy
of three syllables, the first being damascened n
stressed and the last two being adj / SdBrsG /
unstressed. / SdamETsGnd / F name
Homer’s two epics are written in Syrian geog name > Gk > L a unit of porous permeability in
dactylic meter. decorated with inlaid work of physics.
precious metals. Geologists use the darcy as a
dactylion Francine admired the delicate measure of how easily water will
n scrollwork on the damascened permeate a given type of rock.
/ dakStilGTBn / chest in the Museum of Decorative
Gk Arts. daresay
the tip of the middle finger.
As Ruth was restitching a seam, she dampproof Darjeeling
ran the sewing machine needle n
through the dactylion of her left damson / dBrSjGliN /
hand. Beng geog name
danceable high quality tea grown especially in
daft adj northern India.
/ Sdan(t)sEbEl / Anthony's mother always
dagger L? > F > E + Ecf purchased her Darjeeling from an
suitable for dancing. importer in Chicago.
daguerreotypes When a danceable song began
n pl playing, Lars asked Anita if she darken
/ dESgerETtIps / knew how to waltz.
F name + Gk > F darkle
photographs produced on a silver dandruff v
plate or silver-covered copper / SdBrkEl /
plate. dandruffy E
Ike treasured the daguerreotypes of grow dark : fade into darkness.
his great grandparents. dank Agnes watched the last bright-
colored daylight darkle slowly
dailiness dansant against the hills.
n
dainty / dBMsBM / darkness
L? > F n
dairy an informal or small dance. / SdBrknDs /
Sally’s friends held a dansant in E
Dallas her honor before her departure for the absence in whole or in part of
adj China. light.
/ SdalEs / Mia fumbled in the darkness of the
Am geog name cave to replace the failing
of or from the city of Dallas, Texas. flashlight batteries with new ones.
Sue could not find a winter parka
in any of the Dallas stores. darnel
Page 67 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
dasyure dazzlement debtor
n n
/ SdasGTyU(E)r / / SdazElmEnt / deburr
Gk > L ON > E
an arboreal carnivorous marsupial the action of impressing or exciting decadal
of Australia and Tasmania that admiration by being brilliant and
somewhat resembles a weasel. splendid. decadence
The spotted-tailed dasyure is The dazzlement of the Paris fashion n
commonly known in Australia as show left Suzette speechless and / SdekEdEn(t)s /
the tiger cat. wide-eyed. L
[has homonym: decadents] the
dative deadline quality or state of being marked by
adj decay or decline (as from an earlier
/ SdCZiv / deaeration condition of excellence or vitality).
L n The family mansion’s decadence is
of chemical bonds : formed by / TdGa(E)SrCshEn / an embarrassment to Clarissa.
contribution of a pair of electrons L + Gk > L
by one atom. the act or process of removing air decahydrate
Although the properties of a dative or gas (as oxygen) from something.
bond do not differ from those of a The packaging company reduces decalage
normal covalent bond, in which the volume of powders by
each atom contributes an electron, deaeration before they are put into decalcomania
the distinction is useful for keeping bags. n
track of valence electrons. / (T)dGTkalkESmCnGE /
dealkalize L > F + Gk > L > F
daubster the art or process of transferring
deathin pictures and designs typically from
daughter specially prepared paper to china,
deathwatch glass, or marble and permanently
daven fixing them thereto.
v debauch Most tourist centers use
/ SdBvEn / decalcomania to turn cheap china
Yiddish debellatio and glass into expensive souvenirs.
recite the prescribed prayers in the n
daily and festival Jewish liturgies. / TdCbESlBZGTP / decamerous
Shmuel watched his father daven L adj
and tried to copy him exactly. complete subjugation of a / dDSkamErEs /
belligerent nation usually involving Gk + Gk
davenport loss of sovereignty. having ten parts or divisions—
The Punic Wars ended with the usually used of a flower.
davit Roman debellatio of Carthage. Nelson chose only decamerous
flowers for his girlfriend’s bouquet.
dawn debellation
v decapitation
/ SdOn / debilitate
E decathlon
begin to grow light in the morning. debilitated n
Every night Delia thanked God for v / dDSkathTlBn /
her good fortune and prayed that / dDSbilETtCZDd / Gk
she be able to watch the next day L a ten-event athletic contest.
dawn. impaired the strength of : The motivational speaker Bruce
weakened, enfeebled. Jenner is famous for having won a
dawned Disease had so debilitated Kate’s gold medal in the 1976 Olympic
sister that she required constant Games decathlon.
daze care in a nursing home.
deceased
debouchure
decency
debt
Page 68 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
decennary decrement deem
n n v
/ dDSsenErG / / SdekrEmEnt / / SdGm /
L L E
period of ten years. the act or process of gradually [has homonym: deme] come to
Peace was finally restored after a becoming less : decrease. view, judge, or classify after some
decennary of unrest. The game warden explained that a consideration.
deer herd suffers no decrement if Robert was frustrated that his
decent the legal hunting take is not trainer did not deem him ready for
permitted to exceed 20 percent of the fight.
deciare the total herd.
deerstalker
deciliter decrepit n
n / Sdi(E)rTstOkE(r) /
/ SdesETlGZE(r) / decrepitude E+E
L > F + Gk > L > F n a close-fitting cap with a visor at
a metric unit of capacity equal to / dDSkrepETt(y)Vd / the front and the back and with
1/10 liter. L>F earflaps that may be tied up or
At fashionable Paris boutiques, a state of decay, ruin, or down.
some brands of perfume are sold by dilapidation. Sherlock Holmes without his
the deciliter. Far from falling into decrepitude, deerstalker and pipe? Seems
the town was on a spree of building sacrilegious, doesn’t it?
deciphering construction. deet
deducible
Page 69 of 289
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
deference dehydration deltohedron
n
/ Sdef(E)rEn(t)s / deixis deluginous
L n
a yielding of judgment or / SdIksDs / delusory
preference out of respect for the Gk
position, wish, or known opinion of the specifying action of some delved
another. words (as definite articles and v
Special hunting and fishing rights demonstrative pronouns). / Sdelvd /
are given to Alaskan natives in An example of deixis is the word E
deference to their tribal traditions. there in the sentence “I left the car dug into : explored by or as if by
over there.” digging.
defiantly dejectedly As an amateur archaeologist,
adv adv Vernon delved into many creek
/ dDSfIEntlG / / dDSjektEdlG / beds for artifacts.
L>F L
in a bold, insolent, or unafraid in a depressed manner : sadly. demagogy
manner. “It seems to me that almost
Though she had been grounded, everything is a waste of time,” he demantoid
Vera defiantly rode to the bowling remarked one day as he walked
alley on her bicycle. dejectedly home from school. demarche
n
deflagrate delaine / dCSmBrsh /
n F
deflationary / dDSlCn / course of action : maneuver.
L>F With his approval ratings
deflead a lightweight dress fabric of wool plummeting, the leader wondered
or wool and cotton. what demarche would be the most
deflocculate Sarah chose to make her sundress effective.
out of a floral print delaine.
defoliant demerit
delator
defunct demesmerize
adj deliberate
/ dDSfEN(k)t / v demiurge
L / dDSlibETrCt / n
having finished the course of life or L / SdemGTErj /
existence : dead, deceased, extinct. ponder or think about with Gk > L
The advent of the pocket calculator measured careful consideration. something (as an institution, idea,
made the mechanical adding Speed chess rewards the player or individual) conceived as an
machine defunct. who needs little time to deliberate. autonomous creative force or
decisive power.
degerminate delicate It is surprising how many people
tend to regard a computer as a
deglaciation delineation demiurge.
n n
/ TdGTglCs(h)GSCshEn / / dDSlinGSCshEn / demonstration
L L
the process whereby a glacier or ice accurate and precise graphic
sheet shrinks to disappearance. representation as distinguished
The deglaciation period at the end from that which is careless or
of the Ice Age lasted for several sketchy as to details.
years. The architect presented Ruth and
Bob with a delineation of the house
degrade plan.
degustator deliquesces
dehumidify delirium
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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
demotic denigration depravity
adj n n
/ dDSmBZik / / TdenDSgrCshEn / / dDSpravEZG /
Gk L L>F>E
of, belonging to, or connected with a sullying of reputation or the quality or state of being marked
the form of Modern Greek that is character. by debasement, corruption,
based on colloquial use. The candidate’s denigration of her perversion, or deterioration.
Everyone in Callista’s ancestral opponent backfired in the election. The young man spent his college
village spoke demotic Greek except years making a concentrated study
the priest, who usually spoke a denigratory of depravity.
more classical form of the
language. denim depreciate
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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
derisively dervish desertification
n n
derivation / SdErvish / / dDTzErZEfDSkCshEn /
Per > Turk L
dermabrasion a Muslim monk who performs the process of becoming arid land
certain devotional exercises such as or desert.
dermal concerted movements leading to a Environmentalists warn that
adj trance or ecstasy. significant portions of the United
/ SdErmEl / The dancing dervish moved from States could undergo
Gk side to side as he chanted his desertification if there is a marked
of or relating to skin, especially to prayers. climate change.
the dermis : cutaneous.
Various reptiles have small bones desacralize desiccant
or concretions within their skin v n
called “dermal ossicles.” / dGSsCkrETlIz / / SdesDkEnt /
dermatoglyphics L L
divest ceremonially of supernatural a drying agent (as sulfuric acid,
dermatology qualities or a taboo and render silica gel).
n nonsacred. The desiccant packed with Vern’s
/ TdErmEStBlEjG / The reformers wanted to camera lens bears the warning
Gk + Gk desacralize much of the church’s “Do Not Eat.”
a branch of science that is traditional liturgy. desideratum
concerned with the skin, its n
structure, functions, and diseases. descending / dDTsidESrBZEm /
The cosmetics company employed adj L
only individuals knowledgeable in / TdDSsendiN / something that is sought for or
dermatology to assist in its L + L + Ecf aimed at.
laboratory. moving or directed downward. A traditional Roman desideratum
The principal listed the amounts was “a sound mind in a sound
dermatophyte contributed by the classes in body.”
n descending order. designate
/ (T)dErSmaZETfIt /
Gk + Gk descriptive desinence
a fungus parasitic upon the skin or
skin derivatives (as hair or nails) of descry desipient
humans or lower animals.
The skin disease ringworm is desecration desirous
caused by a dermatophyte. n
/ TdesDSkrCshEn / desperately
derogation L adv
n the act or an instance of violating / Sdesp(E)rDtlG /
/ TderESgCshEn / the sanctity of something by L
L diverting from sacred purpose, by with an intensified or all-out last-
disparagement : detriment. contaminating, or by defiling. ditch effort in refusing to give up a
While the word childlike is usually Congress debated a bill to ban the struggle or purpose.
used in a favorable sense, the word desecration of the American flag. Firefighters tried desperately to
childish is usually used in rescue every person in the burning
derogation. desert house.
derogative
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2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency
despondent desultor devastavit
adj
/ dDSspBndEnt / detach developer
L
discouraged, dejected, or détente devious
depressed.
Elizabeth tried earnestly to keep deteriorable devise
her ailing brother from becoming v
despondent. determinant / dDSvIz /
L>F>E
despondently determine formulate by thought : contrive,
adv v invent.
/ dDSspBndEntlG / / dDStErmDn / It is possible to devise motors much
L L>F>E smaller than the head of a pin with
in an extremely discouraged, come to a decision about by microtechnology.
dejected, or depressed manner. investigation or reasoning.
After he was laid off, Larry Ross’s attempts to determine who devoid
despondently searched the “Help his parents are were stymied by a
Wanted” section of the classified fire that burned all the records. devoir
ads.
deters devour
despot v
/ dDStErz / devouring
despotic L v
turns aside, discourages, or / dESvaU(E)riN /
dessert prevents from acting by fear or L>F>E
consideration of dangerous eating up with greediness :
dessertspoonful circumstances. consuming ravenously.
n Nothing deters a good man from The squirrels are devouring the
/ dDSzErtTspVnfUl / doing what is honorable. seeds meant for the birds.
L>F+E
a unit of measure equal to about 2½ detestable dewdrop
fluidrams. adj n
Paige’s secret recipe calls for a / dDStestEbEl / / Sd(y)UTdrBp /
dessertspoonful of almond extract. L E+E
very odious : deserving abhorrence. a drop of moisture condensed upon
destination Manners that are passable in youth a cool surface, especially at night.
n are detestable in later age. The bird put his tiny head on one
/ TdestESnCshEn / side and looked up at him with his
L detract soft bright eye which was like a
a place which is set for the end of a black dewdrop.
journey or to which something is detrimental
sent. adj dewfall
The newest game show gives / TdetrESmentFl / n
amateur travelers an itinerary L + Ecf / Sd(y)VTfOl /
every day but no sense of their final harmful, damaging. E+E
destination. There is little doubt that smoking is the amount of moisture deposited
detrimental to one’s health. as dew during one period.
destitute The dewfall quickly evaporated as
adj deuterogamy the Sun rose.
/ SdestETtVt / n
L / Td(y)VZESrBgEmG / dextral
lacking possessions and resources; Gk adj
especially : lacking the necessaries a legal second marriage after the / SdekstrEl /
of life. termination of a first marriage. L
The tornado left many families After Gordon’s wife passed away, right-handed.
absolutely destitute. he expressed his opinion that a Little Lucas kept trying to use
deuterogamy was out of the dextral scissors with his left hand
destitution question. but was always frustrated.
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diabolical diastrophe dichondra
n n
diacritic / dISastrEfG / / dISkBndrE /
Gk Gk
diacritical a deformation of Earth’s crust. a chiefly tropical perennial herb
Part of Anita’s master’s thesis in with tiny leaves and flowers that is
diadromous geology deals with the different commonly used as a ground cover
causes of diastrophe. in the southern United States.
diagnosis Mr. Dupree doesn’t like to mow, so
n diatessaron he planted his yard with dichondra
/ TdIDgSnPsDs / n instead of grass.
Gk / dIEStesErEn /
investigation or analysis of the Gk dichotomous
cause or nature of a condition, the interval of a fourth in ancient
situation, or problem. Greek music. Dickensian
After the doctor’s grim diagnosis, While practicing with her high adj
Harvey’s family went looking for a school choir for the Classics / diSken(t)sGEn /
second opinion. Festival, Louise had problems E name
singing the diatessaron in her solo characteristic of or having the
diagrammatic correctly. qualities of the writings of Charles
adj Dickens with respect to humor and
/ TdIEgrESmaZik / diathermy pathos in the portrayal of character
Gk types.
being or relating to a drawing that diatom The Dickensian slums of London
shows arrangement and relations n were perfectly portrayed in the
(as of parts to a whole, origins and / SdIETtBm / television movie.
development, chronological Gk
fluctuations). any of the unicellular or colonial dictator
A family tree is a diagrammatic algae having a silicified cell wall
representation of the various that persists as a skeleton after diction
relationships in a family. death and forming a large part of
the plankton of both fresh and salt dictum
dialectic water.
Griff examined the diatom through dieffenbachia
dialectician the microscope and drew a quick
sketch of it in his lab notebook. diener
diamond
diatomaceous dieseling
dianoia
diatonic dieter
diapasons
diazepam difference
diaper n
/ dISazETpam / differentiable
diaphoresis ISV + unknown
n a synthetic tranquilizer used differentials
/ TdIEfESrGsDs / especially to relieve anxiety and
Gk tension and as a muscle relaxant. differentiate
perspiration. The patient’s seizure subsided after v
Dr. Grady explained that Simon’s treatment with diazepam. / TdifESrenchGTCt /
diaphoresis was one of the L
symptoms of his high blood dicey express the specific difference of.
pressure. The order of red and yellow stripes
helps differentiate deadly coral
diastole snakes from benign species.
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diffraction digit dimmer
n n
/ dDSfrakshEn / diglossia / SdimE(r) /
L E
a modification which light dignified a device for causing an electric
undergoes in passing by the edges light to burn less brightly.
of opaque bodies or through narrow digoneutic Sara turned the dimmer down and
slits in which the rays appear to be lit the candles in the dining room.
deflected and produce fringes of digression
parallel light and dark or colored n dimorphism
bands. / dISgreshEn / n
One consequence of diffraction is L / dISmOrTfizEm /
that sharp shadows are not the act of turning aside from the Gk
produced. main subject of attention in a difference (as of form, color, size)
discourse or literary work. between two individuals or kinds of
diffractometer Lou felt that they were wandering individuals that might be expected
n from the point, and that in to be similar or identical.
/ TdiTfrakStBmEZE(r) / digression Alexandra might Screech owls exhibit color
L + Ecf + Gk unnerve him. dimorphism, being either gray or
an instrument for measuring the reddish.
diameters of small particles in a dihedral
microscope field by means of the adj dined
diffraction rings which appear to / dIShGdrEl /
surround them. Gk + Gk dingbat
Lance used a diffractometer to having or formed by two plane
measure particles collected in the faces. dingo
air filter. The dihedral angles in a cube n
measure 90 degrees. / SdiN(T)gP /
diffuser Australian name
n dijudicate a wild dog of Australia.
/ dDSfyVzE(r) / v Many Australian farmers erect high
L / dISjVdDkCt / fences to protect their sheep
a device to distribute the light from L against the dingo.
a concentrated source uniformly. make a judicial decision.
To replace the burnt-out bulb, Judge Flanders will dijudicate in dingy
Adam had to remove the diffuser the civil case between Victoria and adj
from the light. her insurance company. / SdinjG /
unknown
diffusion dilatancy dirty, soiled, discolored.
n The bird flapped its dingy wings
/ dDSfyVzhEn / dilate and flew off in a cascade of dust
L and dirt and fuzz.
spreading, dispersion. dilated
Dr. Packman is investigating the v diocesan
effect of temperature on the / SdITlCZEd /
diffusion of light in various L dioscuric
crystals. expanded or became wide. adj
Slowly the pupils of Joan’s eyes / dIESskyUrik /
digest dilated until they were back to Gk
v normal. twin.
/ dISjest / The dioscuric children greatly
L dilatorily enjoyed switching identities to
[Note: The definition provided is annoy their teachers.
not the one most commonly diluvial
associated with this word.] diphthongize
appropriate or assimilate mentally.
The teacher told James that she
found it difficult to digest the main
idea of his recent essay.
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diphyllous disappearance discombobulate
adj n v
/ dISfilEs / / TdisESpirEn(t)s / / TdiskEmSbBb(y)ElCt /
Gk L L + unknown
having two leaves. removal from sight : vanishing. upset, confuse, or disconcert.
In her description of the flower, the With the disappearance of the Changing the rules just before the
botanist noted that its calyx was snow, the sleds and skates were game was bound to discombobulate
diphyllous. replaced with bicycles. the team.
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discursively disillusion disquietude
adv v n
/ dDSskErsDvlG / / disDSlVzhEn / / dEsSkwIDTtVd /
L L L > Ecf + L + L > Ecf
in a manner passing from one topic deprive of hopes previously held : lack of peace or tranquillity :
to another. disenchant. anxiety.
In her book on modern art Rosalind If you believe that you’ll win the Groans and disquietude followed
discusses the various movements lottery, why should I disillusion Mr. Collins’s announcement of a
discursively. you? pop quiz.
disinherit
discuss disrupt
disinterred
discussion v dissect
n / TdisinStE(r)d /
/ dDSskEshEn / L dissecting
L dug out of the ground : taken out of v
a consideration of a question in a place of burial. / dDSsektiN /
open usually informal debate. The body of the victim was L
A lively discussion followed Ms. disinterred after a long legal battle cutting into parts or sections.
Poole’s speech. with the next of kin. The science kit was equipped with a
knife for dissecting.
disease dismayed
v dissension
disematism / dDSsmCd /
(L + Gmc) > F > E dissentious
disembark upset, perturbed, alarmed.
v Many veteran teachers were disservice
/ TdisDmSbBrk / dismayed to learn that they had to
F pass a test in order to continue to disseverance
go ashore out of a ship or boat : teach in public schools.
leave a ship. dissevered
“Please hold the railing as you dispel v
disembark,” Simi cautioned the v / dDSsevE(r)d /
passengers. / dDSspel / L
L disunited.
disgruntle clear away : cause to disperse or If the group dissevered, it could not
disappear. hope to win the campaign.
disgusting Dr. McKellar’s explanation of the
surgical procedure did not dispel dissidence
disheartening his patient’s fear. n
adj / SdisEdEn(t)s /
/ dEsShBrtFniN / dispensary L
Lcf > Ecf + E + Ecff [has homonym: dissidents]
inducing discouragement or disperse difference of opinion :
dejection. disagreement.
Wally’s attempts to learn ice- dispersed The tyrannical dictator did not
skating were disheartening. v tolerate any political dissidence.
/ dDSspErst /
dishevel L dissimulate
caused to break up and go in v
dishonest different ways. / dESsimyETlCt /
The high wind dispersed the seeds L
in the milkweed pods throughout hide under a false appearance with
the neighborhood. intent to deceive.
In the preface to his autobiography,
disposed the author said that he refused to
dissimulate the facts of his life.
dissipate
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dissipative distichous distraught
adj adj
dissociate / SdistDkEs / / dDSstrOt /
Gk L>E
dissolute divided into two distinct segments. beset with doubt or mental conflict
adj The entomology student was : deeply troubled.
/ SdisETlVt / puzzled over insects with distichous For four days distraught friends
L antennae. and relatives waited for news of the
unrestrained or lawless in conduct. lost skiers.
The board deplored the dissolute distilland
behavior of one of its members. distressing
distillery v
dissolution / dDSstresiN /
n distinct L>F>E
/ TdisESlVshEn / adj subjecting to great strain or
L / dDSstiN(k)t / difficulties.
[has near homonym: disillusion] L>F>E Ulrich had a distressing day at the
termination or destruction by capable of being easily perceived. office.
breaking down, disrupting, or As the dense fog lifted, the
dispersing. mountains again became distinct. distributary
King Henry VIII ordered the
dissolution of the monasteries in distinctive disturbance
England primarily to obtain their adj
wealth. / dDSstiN(k)tiv / disturbed
L adj
dissonance characteristic, peculiar : special. / dDSstErbd /
The distinctive odor of natural gas L>F>E
dissonantly comes from an additive designed to deprived of mental or emotional
adv make leaks easier to detect. peace : upset, agitated.
/ SdisEnEntlG / The movie’s villain was a brilliant
L distinctly but emotionally disturbed scientist.
in a manner marked by a mingling
of discordant sounds. distingue disunify
When the table was overturned, the
plates and silverware crashed distinguishable ditch
dissonantly to the floor. adj
/ dESstiNwishEbEl / dithering
dissuasion L
recognizable as separate : dittography
distal discernible.
adj King snakes and coral snakes are diurnation
/ SdistFl / distinguishable by the order of
L their red, yellow, and black stripes. diuturnal
located away from the center of the adj
body. distractible / TdIyVStErnFl /
The professor asked the students to adj L
identify the distal and proximal / dDSstraktEbEl / of long continuance : lasting.
ends of several bones. L In geologic time, the Paleozoic Era
having one’s attention readily was relatively diuturnal.
distemper diverted.
n The highly distractible student was divan
/ dDsStempE(r) / diagnosed as having attention
L deficit disorder. divergence
a highly contagious virus disease of
some animals.
The sick animals had distemper
and were given medicine by the
veterinarian.
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divers doab dolefully
pron pl
/ SdIvE(r)z / doable dollarwise
L
[Note: The definition provided is docible dollhouse
not the one most commonly
associated with this word. In docile dolmen
addition, word has near homonym: n
diverse.] an indefinite number more docket / SdPlmEn /
than one (as of persons or objects). L > Bret > F
Divers of the enemy were captured. dockization [has homonym: dolman] a
prehistoric monument consisting of
diversion doctorate two or more upright stones
supporting a horizontal stone slab
diverticulum doctrine found especially in Britain and
n France and thought to be a tomb.
/ TdIvE(r)StikyElEm / dodderer Connor made a model of a dolmen
L enclosed by a stone circle as part
an abnormal pouch or sac opening doddery of his English history project.
from a hollow organ (as the
intestines or bladder). dodecarchy dolomite
The examination began rather n n
casually, but at the first sight of a / SdPdETkBrkG / / SdPlETmIt /
diverticulum the doctor became Gk F name
much more serious. a ruling body of 12. a limestone or marble rich in
The rebels overthrew the magnesium carbonate.
divertimento dodecarchy and established an Geologists suspected a deposit of
n independent kingdom. dolomite lay just beneath the next
/ dDTvErZESmen(T)tP / rock layer.
L > F > It dodecuplet
an instrumental musical doloroso
composition having from four to dodgery
ten movements that is written as a dolt
chamber work. doeskin
The conductor chose a divertimento domesticate
by Mozart for the evening’s doffed
performance. v dominate
/ SdBft /
diverting E dominigene
v lifted the hat.
/ dDSvErZiN / When he reached the car, the figure dominion
L + Ecf doffed his cap.
turning or drawing (as the mind or donation
attention) from one concern to dogged
another : distracting. donee
The program on television was doily
diverting Vera’s attention from her donkey
homework. doldrum
donnybook
divide doldrums
n pl doohickey
dividend / SdPldrEmz /
E? doombook
divination a spell of listlessness or
despondency : blues. doorjamb
divvy Siobhan, who lives in Alaska,
explained that she often doornail
dizzyingly experiences the doldrums in the
winter. dopester
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dormer doughtily downdraft
adv n
dormice / daUZDlG / / SdaUnTdraft /
E E+E
dormitory in a manner marked by fearless a downward current of air.
resolution and by stoutness in A strong downdraft sent the
dormouse contest or struggle. airplane into a sudden steep
The district attorney doughtily descent.
dorsal persevered in his efforts to bring
adj the crime bosses to justice. downpour
/ SdOrsEl / n
L dour / SdaUnTpP(E)r /
belonging to or situated near or on adj E+E
the back of an animal. / SdaU(E)r / a pouring or streaming downward;
From the scar near the salmon’s L especially : a heavy rain.
dorsal fin, Ako knew it had been [has homonyms: doer, dower] The town’s sewage system was
attacked by a lamprey. marked by gloomy silence or ill unable to handle the tremendous
humor : sullen. downpour.
dorsiferous The usually dour senator was
advised to smile more if he wanted downright
dote to get reelected.
downtrodden
dottiness dourness
doze
doublet dovetail
n n dragonfly
/ SdEblDt / / SdEvTtCl /
L>F>E E+E dragoon
a quilted undergarment reinforced something (as a flaring tenon, v
by rings of mail and worn under tongue, or machine part) felt to / drESgVn /
armor. resemble a dove’s tail in shape; F
The knight’s life was saved by the especially : dovetail joint. compel or attempt to compel into
doublet he had reluctantly worn. The cabinetmaker taught his submission by violent measures :
apprentice to use a dovetail to join harass, persecute.
doubletone the pieces of wood. Gerald’s so-called friends tried to
dragoon him into quitting school,
doubloon dovetailed but he would have none of it.
adj
doubloons / SdEvTtCld / drakelet
n pl E+E
/ TdESblVnz / joined with or as if with a flaring dramatize
L > Sp tenon or tongue. v
old gold coins of Spain and Spanish Norm Abram showed the TV / SdramETtIz /
America worth 16 pieces of eight. audience the carefully dovetailed Gk
“Hang it, Pew, we’ve got the joints on the sideboard. exhibit graphically in such a
doubloons!” grumbled one pirate manner as to show forth qualities,
to the other. dowdily attributes, or aspects likely to be
overlooked.
dough downcast To dramatize the plight of Third
adj World children, the charity
/ SdaUnTkast / executives decided to film their
E + ON > E commercial in a squalid back alley.
low in spirit : depressed, dejected.
After striking out, the downcast dramaturge
batter returned to the bench.
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drams Drosophila dryad
n pl n n
/ Sdramz / / drPSsBfElE / / SdrITad /
Gk > L&F > E Gk > L Gk > L
avoirdupois units, each equal to a genus of small two-winged flies one of the minor divinities of
27.343 grains. that have been used extensively in nature in Greek and Roman
The doctor prescribed 2 drams of experiments to study basic mythology that are represented as
the medicine to be taken three times mechanisms of inheritance. beautiful maidens dwelling in the
a day. The fruit fly is of the genus forests.
Drosophila. Sally likes to sit in her tree house
drapery and pretend that she is a dryad.
drown
drastically dryness
drowsily
drawer adv dual
/ SdraUzDlG / adj
drawl E? + Ecf / Sd(y)VEl /
in a sleepy manner. L
drawloom Ali drowsily took the message for [has homonym: duel] consisting of
his roommate but forgot to give it two parts or elements : twofold.
drearily to him. Mark practiced whistling until he
was able to consistently produce a
drippage druid dual tone.
n
drizzle / SdrVDd / dualistic
n Gaulish > L
/ SdrizEl / a member of a priesthood in ancient dubious
E Gaul, Britain, and Ireland whose
a fine misty rain; specifically : a members are said to have studied dubiously
light rain of very small drops. the natural sciences and later adv
The rain increased suddenly, appeared in legends as magicians / Sd(y)VbGEslG /
pounding hollowly against the and wizards. L + Ecf
umbrella, then just as suddenly The tour guide speculated that in a manner expressive of doubt,
faded back to a drizzle. Stonehenge had been built by a hesitation, or suspicion.
lone druid seeking immortality. “Are you sure the shot won’t
drogher hurt?” Sarah dubiously asked the
druidism doctor.
droll
adj drumlin dubonnet
/ SdrPl / n
D>F / SdrEmlDn / ducal
having a whimsical, humorous, or IrGael + E adj
odd character. an elongate or oval hill of glacial / Sd(y)VkEl /
Steve says things so droll his drift. L>F
parents can’t respond for laughing. Last summer the cousins built a of, belonging to, or befitting a duke
bonfire atop the drumlin on or dukedom.
drolly Granddad’s farm. The ducal palace stood in the
middle of a beautiful garden.
dromic drunkard
adj ductility
/ SdrBmik / n
Gk / TdEkStilEZG /
of, relating to, or in the form of a L>F
racecourse. the quality or state of being capable
Many Eastern churches exhibit the of being drawn out into wire.
dromic form. The ductility of platinum is such
that it has been drawn into a wire
dromond less than two thousandths of an
inch in diameter.
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duenna dunderfunk dutiful
n
/ d(y)VSenE / dundrearies duumvirate
L > Sp n pl n
an elderly woman serving as / TdEnSdrirGz / / d(y)VSEmvErDt /
governess and companion to the E name L
younger ladies in a Spanish or a long flowing side whiskers. two people associated in high
Portuguese family. Dundrearies were a popular office or position.
The governor’s daughter was never adornment of men in the latter half The rebellion’s leader and the
allowed to leave the house without of the 19th century. army colonel formed a powerful
her duenna. duumvirate that controlled all
duodenary traffic to and from the capital.
dugong adj
n / Td(y)VESdenErG / dwindled
/ SdVTgBN / L v
Malay&Tagalog > L containing 12. / SdwindFld /
an aquatic herbivorous mammal The radical new government E
that has a two-lobed tail and in the planned to hold its elections on a became steadily less : diminished
male upper incisors altered into duodenary cycle of years. in size, amount, or quality.
short tusks, is related to the Above them the trees of the
manatee, and inhabits warm coastal duologue mountain dwindled, and then
regions. vegetation ceased entirely.
The dugong grazes on green algae duopsony
and sea grasses and is able to dyeing
remain submerged for up to 10 dupes
minutes. n pl dynamic
/ Sd(y)Vps / adj
dulcimer F / dISnamik /
puppets or tools especially of a Gk
dulcinea powerful person or idea. forceful, energetic.
n In his “Four Freedoms” speech, The soccer team praised their
/ TdElsESnGE / Franklin D. Roosevelt warned dynamic coach for his untiring
L > Sp name about the presence of secret agents efforts.
sweetheart. and their dupes.
Wesley called his girlfriend his dynamo
“dulcinea” because it sounded duplicate n
more romantic. adj / SdInETmP /
/ Sd(y)VplDkDt / Gk
dulosis L a direct-current generator.
n [Note: The definition provided is The old car had a dynamo powered
/ d(y)VSlPsDs / not the one most commonly by the front tire.
Gk > L associated with this word.] of,
enslavement by an insect that relating to, or being a card game in dyne
captures and rears the larvae or which all players play identical n
pupae of another species. hands in order to allow a / SdIn /
Some ants practice dulosis in order comparison of scores. Gk > F
to enlarge their army of workers. Joe and Lisa spent the weekend at [has homonym: dine] the unit of
a duplicate bridge tournament. force in the centimeter-gram-
duly second system equal to the force
duplicator that would give a free mass of 1
duncical gram an acceleration of 1
adj dusky centimeter per second per second.
/ SdEn(t)sDkEl / adj Mr. Hill tried to give examples
Scottish name + Ecff / SdEskG / illustrating the force of 1 dyne, but
stupid. E the students were still confused.
Warren’s patience ran out when he somewhat dark in color.
had to walk his neighbor’s duncical Dustin described the bird’s dysarthria
dog. plumage as a dusky brown tinged
with yellow. dyscrasia
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dysesthesia eavesdropper echelette
n
dysgraphia Ebenezer / TeshESlet /
n L>F
dyslexiac / TebESnGzE(r) / a reflection grating made by ruling
Heb parallel V-shaped grooves in a
dysphagia a commemoration of divine polished metal plate so that light is
n assistance. reflected from the corresponding
/ dDSsfCj(G)E / The city swimming pool is a faces of successive grooves.
Gk + Gk millionaire’s Ebenezer, celebrating If cut properly, an echelette can
difficulty in swallowing. his recovery from a childhood bout reflect almost as much light as a
Doug experienced dry mouth and of polio. mirror.
dysphagia as adverse reactions to
the medication he was taking. eburnean echeveria
adj
dysprosium / DSbErnGEn / echidna
L n
dystrophy resembling ivory in color. / DSkidnE /
n Charlie pleaded with his dentist to Gk
/ SdistrEfG / improve the appearance of his a spiny-coated toothless burrowing
Gk eburnean teeth. egg-laying mammal of Australia
any of several neuromuscular having a tapering snout and long
disorders. ecce tongue for eating ants.
Shayna was diagnosed with interj To frustrate its enemies, an echidna
muscular dystrophy the summer / Se(T)chC / may roll itself into a ball and dig
before she began elementary L straight down in loose soil.
school. interjection used to call attention
often to one persecuted unjustly. echinacea
eagerness At the end of his speech the defense n
attorney screamed “Ecce” and / TekESnCshGE /
earnestly pointed at his client. Gk
adv the dried rhizome, roots, or other
/ SErnDstlG / eccyclema parts of any of three composite
E herbs used in folk medicine and
with intent and serious manner. ecdysis some patent medicines especially
Gerald performed his job so for a supposed beneficial effect on
earnestly that his co-workers ecdysone the immune system.
teased him by asking if he thought n Some people take echinacea to
he was saving the world. / SekdDTsPn / prevent colds and flu.
Gk
earring any of several arthropod hormones echinate
that in insects trigger molting and adj
ease metamorphosis. / DSkInEt /
The insecticide Mary uses in her Gk > L
easel garden inhibits ecdysone, the [Note: Could be confused with
hormone that enables some insects noun echinite.] densely covered
easelback to metamorphose. with stiff bristles or spines : prickly
like a hedgehog.
easily echard Not many animals interfere with
adv n the echinate porcupine.
/ SGz(D)lG / / SeTkBrd /
E Gk
without difficulty, discomfort, or the soil water that is unavailable to
reluctance : readily. plant organisms.
Thomas easily solved the first set of The echard forms a part of the total
math problems, but the second set moisture content of the soil.
required great effort.
easterly
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echinus ectoparasite eeriness
n n n
/ DSkInEs / / SektPTparETsIt / / SirGnDs /
Gk Gk E
the rounded molding forming the a parasite that lives on the exterior the quality or state of being unusual
bell of the Greek Doric capital of a of its host. or unnatural to such a degree as to
column. The flea is a common ectoparasite inspire fear.
The tour guide pointed out the on dogs and cats. The abandoned mansion’s eeriness
echinus of the capital to Nancy’s sent a shiver down Joachim’s
group. eczema spine.
economy
ecstasiate
ecstatically
ectocranial
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Egyptian eland electorate
adj n n
/ DSjipshEn / / SGlEnd / / DSlekt(E)rDt /
Gk > L Lithuanian > G > D > Afrikaans L
of or relating to Egypt, its either of two large African a body of people entitled to vote.
inhabitants, or its language. antelopes of which both male and The electorate favored allowing the
The pyramids at Giza are huge female have short spirally twisted independent candidate to
spectacular monuments of Egyptian horns. participate in the presidential
Old Kingdom architecture. In some areas of Africa the eland debates.
has been domesticated for use as a
eigenvalue draft animal on farms. electrify
n
/ SIgEnTvalyV / elaphine electroencephalograph
G+L>F>E n
any of the permissible values of a elapse / DTlektrPDnSsefElEgraf /
parameter in the solution of a Gk > L
differential equation satisfying elastique an apparatus for detecting and
specified conditions. recording brain waves.
Nina spent an hour finding the final elated The technicians installed the new
eigenvalue that satisfied the adj electroencephalograph at the
assigned physics problem. / DSlCZDd / hospital.
L
eighth elevated in spirit : excited electroluminescence
especially with pride. n
einkanter The scientist was elated on hearing / DTlekTtrPSlVmESnesFn(t)s /
n that he would be awarded the Gk + L + Lcf
/ SInTkBntE(r) / Nobel Prize. an emission of light resulting from
G a high-frequency discharge through
a stone with a single sharp edge elaterid a gas or from application of an
worn by wind-driven sand. n alternating current to a layer of
Joseph cut his knee on a large / DSlaZErDd / phosphor.
einkanter at the beach. Gk > L Stan was surprised to find that his
click beetle. friend knew what
eisegesis Sandy was surprised to hear a electroluminescence is.
n clicking noise when the elaterid
/ TIsESjGsDs / flipped itself to an upright position. electrolyte
Gk n
the interpretation of a text (as of the elbowroom / DSlektrETlIt /
Bible) by reading into it one’s own Gk
ideas. elder a substance (as an acid, base, or
The biblical scholar noted that salt) that when dissolved in a
eisegesis is often unavoidable elderly suitable solvent (as water) or when
because our lives have a strong adj fused becomes an ionic conductor.
impact on how we learn. / SeldE(r)lG / The veterinarian recommended that
E + Ecf Mo use the product Pedialyte to get
elaborative rather advanced in years. an electrolyte or two into Daisy, his
adj An elderly lady lived in a huge old sick chimp.
/ DSlabETrCZiv / house on the edge of town and
L never came out except for food and electron
tending to expand something in church.
detail. electroretinograph
Each topical heading was followed electioneer n
by elaborative paragraphs giving / DTlektrPSretFnETgraf /
details. Gk + L + Gk
an instrument for recording
electrical activity in the retina.
The security device in the sci-fi film
involved an electroretinograph, but
the details were vague.
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elegance elongate emaciation
n
elegiac eloquent / DTmCshGSCshEn /
adj adj L
/ TelDSjIEk / / SelEkwEnt / the state of being made lean by
Gk L impairment (as from hunger).
consisting of two dactylic adept at skilled easy pleasing Disease was the major cause of the
hexameter lines the second of communication of a thought, idea, emaciation of the children in the
which is often felt to be or feeling. African village.
pentameter. A gifted toastmaster is not only
Gonda could not figure out how to eloquent but also entertaining. email
scan the elegiac couplet. n
eloquently / CSmI /
elegy F
n elucubrate a moderate bluish green to greenish
/ SelEjG / blue.
Gk > L elude Email, also called “bleu Louise,”
a poem expressing sorrow or is a common color of enamel used
lamentation. elusive in cloisonné.
The English poet Thomas Gray
wrote perhaps the most famous eluvium emanatory
elegy. n
/ GSlVvGEm / emancipatory
element L
rock debris produced by embarrassing
elenchus weathering.
After many years the wind and embergoose
elevation water made eluvium of the n
n limestone. / SembE(r)TgVs /
/ TelESvCshEn / Norw&E + E
L elysium common loon.
the angular distance of a celestial n The embergoose is a large fish-
object above the horizon. / DSliz(h)GEm / eating aquatic bird that spends
Simon measured the Moon’s Gk > L most of its time in open water.
elevation with a protractor, a the dwelling place of happy souls
straw, a string, and a washer. after death as conceived by the embezzled
ancient Greeks and Romans. v
elevator Greek tales about the afterlife seem / DmSbezEld /
to focus more on Hades than on F > AF > E
elevon elysium. appropriated fraudulently to one’s
own use (as property entrusted to
elicit elytra one’s care).
n pl The bank employee embezzled
elicitation / SelETtrE / hundreds of thousands of dollars
Gk > L before the authorities discovered
elicitor the thickened sclerotized anterior the crime.
wings in beetles and some other
eligibility insects that protect and cover the emblema
posterior wings.
elocutionary At least 250,000 species of insects emboss
have hardened wing covers called
eloge “elytra.”
n
/ CSlPzh /
Gk > L > F
a panegyrical funeral oration.
Mourners wept at the rabbi’s
moving eloge.
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embosser emmetropia encaustic
n n n
/ DmSbBsE(r) / / TemDStrPpGE / / DnSkOstik /
F Gk > NL Gk
a punch used for striking metal on the normal refractive condition of a paint mixed with melted beeswax
the reverse side to raise the relief. the eye in which with and after application fixed by heat.
Mandy used an embosser to form a accommodation relaxed parallel Encaustic gave Gerard’s painting
design on a thin piece of copper rays of light are brought accurately an appealing texture.
sheeting. to a focus upon the retina.
There are new kinds of laser enceinte
embracing surgery that bring the eyes of n
v nearsighted people back to a state / BMSsant /
/ DmSbrCsiN / of emmetropia. L>F
F a line of fortification enclosing a
encircling, enclosing, emotion castle or town.
encompassing. The attacking army used artillery
Calvin flung his arms out wide, as emperor to breach the town’s enceinte.
though he were embracing Meg
and her mother—the whole house. emphasize encephalon
n
embroidered empiricism / DnSsefETlBn /
v Gk
/ DmSbrOidE(r)d / employed the vertebrate brain.
F > E + Ecf The encephalon is divided into the
ornamented with needlework. emptiness hindbrain, the midbrain, and the
Grandma embroidered the forebrain.
tablecloth with a floral motif. empyreal
enchanted
embryogenesis emulator v
n / DnSchantEd /
/ TembrGPSjenEsDs / emulsify L>F>E
Gk + Gk v influenced by or as if by charms
the formation and development of / DSmElsETfI / and incantation : bewitched.
the animal organism in the early L The dominant spirit that has
stages of growth and convert into a mixture of two haunted and enchanted this region
differentiation. incompletely miscible liquids. is a figure on horseback.
During early embryogenesis cells Monika used a hand mixer to
differentiate to form various types emulsify the eggs and oil for her encincture
of tissue. special salad dressing.
encipherment
emersal enamelware
encoignure
eminence enatic
adj encolure
emit / GSnaZik /
v L + Ecf encomiastic
/ GSmit / descended from the same mother : adj
L related on the mother’s side. / DnTkPmGSastik /
throw or give off or out (as light, George and Isabel are enatic Gk
heat, gases, or charged particles). cousins. of, belonging to, or bestowing
“Neon” signs are actually made praise.
with neon, krypton, and argon, The opera’s composer wrote an
which emit different colors of light. encomiastic letter to the conductor
commending his performance.
encompass
encourage
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encouraged endoradiosonde enkindle
n v
encroaching / TenTdPSrCdGPTsBnd / / DnSkindFl /
v Gk + L + F L + ON > E
/ DnSkrPchiN / a microelectronic device introduced set on fire.
Scand > F > E + Ecf into the body to record Light concentrated by a magnifying
entering by gradual steps or by physiological data. glass will enkindle dry grass or
stealth into the possessions or Dr. Lennon warned Tonya not to paper.
rights of another. use a portable telephone while her
Mr. Bickett’s garden was endoradiosonde was in place. enlivened
encroaching on his neighbor’s v
lawn year by year. endotracheal / DnSlIvEnd /
adj L>F>E+E
enculturate / TendPStrCkGEl / made sprightly, gay, or cheerful.
v Gk The dancers were immediately
/ DnSkElchErCt / placed within or passed inside of enlivened by the swing music.
L the windpipe.
modify or condition by the process The physician had to insert an ennoble
by which an individual learns the endotracheal tube to help the v
traditional content of a culture and patient breathe. / DSnPbEl /
assimilates its practices and values. L>F>E
The Romans intended to endurance elevate in degree or excellence.
enculturate the vanquished people n Thad is living proof that spending
as quickly as possible. / DnSd(y)UrEn(t)s / time with virtuous people can
L>F ennoble those of lesser character.
endear an instance of long-suffering (as
hardship or tribulation). enoptromancy
endearment On his sad face was an expression
of suffering and endurance. enormous
endive adj
enemy / DSnO(r)mEs /
endocardial L + Ecf
adj energumen [Note: Speller should not confuse
/ TendPSkBrdGEl / with obsolete form enormious.]
Gk + Gk enforceable marked by extraordinarily great
situated within the heart. adj size, amount, number, degree,
With a stethoscope the physician / DnSfP(E)rsEbEl / scope, intensity, or significance.
listened for endocardial murmurs. F>E The documentary depicted the
capable of being enforced. enormous task of building the
endocrinopathy A law must be enforceable if it is to Panama Canal.
have any effect.
endogenous enraptured
adj enfranchise v
/ enSdBjEnEs / / DnSrapchE(r)d /
Gk + Gk engagement L
arising from internal structural or filled with delight : gratified
functional causes. engagingly completely.
Rhythmic biological behavior As Timmy entered the room, he was
governed by an endogenous clock engine enraptured by the sight of the tree
is widespread in the animal and the many presents.
kingdom. engorge
enshroud
engross
enjoin
enjoyable
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ensteel entrapment envision
v n v
/ DnzStG(E)l / / DnStrapmEnt / / DnSvizhEn /
E F L+L
make hard and strong. the luring by an officer of the law have a mental picture of especially
Mr. Simpson explained that one of a person into the commission of in advance of realization.
step in making silver jewelry is to a crime in order that the person When she was a child, Calinda
hammer the metal well to ensteel it. may be prosecuted for the offense. would often envision her life as a
The jury felt that the evidence famous writer or painter.
ensuant indicated police entrapment, so
they acquitted the defendant. envoy
entelechy n
entrechat / SenTvOi /
enthalpy n F
n / TBntrESshB / any person delegated to represent
/ SenTJalpG / L > It > F one sovereign or government in its
Gk a leap during which a ballet dancer relations with another.
a thermodynamic quantity that is repeatedly crosses the legs. The Enterprise conveyed the envoy
the sum of the internal energy of a The audience watched in to the peace conference without
body and the product of its volume fascination as Nureyev performed a incident.
multiplied by the pressure—called seemingly effortless entrechat.
also “heat content.” eohippus
To help determine the change in entrée n
enthalpy, Gruen carefully specified / TGPShipEs /
the physical states of all the entrepreneurial Gk + Gk
reactants and products. an animal or fossil of a genus of
entresol small primitive 4-toed horses of the
enthusiasm Lower Eocene of the western
entropy United States.
enthusiast n Modern horses are descended from
/ SentrEpG / the eohippus.
enthusiastic Gk
adj the ultimate state reached in the eolith
/ DnTth(y)VzGSastik / degradation of the matter and
Gk energy of the universe. epaxial
having an ardent, receptive, The laws of physics state that all adj
responsive temperament. things tend toward entropy. / eSpaksGEl /
Myron’s enthusiastic nature Gk
infected the rest of the students. enumerated located above or on the dorsal side
v of a straight line with respect to
enticement / DSn(y)VmETrCZDd / which a body, figure, or system of
L points is either radially or
entirely related one after another : listed. bilaterally symmetrical.
When the waiter had enumerated The epaxial muscles along the
entirety the dessert choices, making a single human spine are relatively large.
selection was difficult.
entomb epenthesis
enunciatively n
entrammel / DSpen(t)thEsDs /
envious Gk
the insertion of a letter in a word to
environ make the spelling conform to the
pronunciation.
environment The word nymel became nimble by
epenthesis.
epergne
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epexegesis epidemiologist epipelagic
n n adj
/ TeTpeksESjGsDs / / TepETdGmGSBlEjDst / / TepDpDSlajik /
Gk + Gk Gk Gk
an explanation following a word or a specialist in the science that deals of or relating to the part of the
larger part of a text that limits its with the incidence, distribution, and oceanic zone into which enough
application or clarifies its meaning. control of disease in a population. light for photosynthesis penetrates.
An epexegesis is often set off from The epidemiologist strongly Creatures living below the
the rest of a sentence by commas or recommended that all children be epipelagic zone are often blind.
parentheses. inoculated with the chicken pox
vaccine. epiphanic
ephelis adj
epiglottis / TepESfanik /
ephemerally n Gk
/ TepESglBZDs / of or having the character of a
ephemerid Gk sudden manifestation or perception
n the fold of tissue that covers the of the essential nature or meaning
/ DSfem(E)rDd / airway during the act of of something.
Gk swallowing. Oliver had the epiphanic
a mayfly. Breathing opens the epiglottis and realization that his cat had gained
An ephemerid has membranous allows free passage of air to the weight because she was about to
wings that fold flat over the back. lungs. have kittens.
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epistemic equational eraser
adj
/ TepESstGmik / equerry erasion
Gk n
of, having the character of, or / SekwErG / eremic
relating to knowledge or knowing L&F adj
as a type of experience. an officer of princes or nobles / DSrGmik /
Sol thought the self-evidence of it charged with the care of their Gk
all was epistemic justification horses. of or relating to deserts or sandy
enough for his belief that the world The royal equerry had his men regions.
existed. prepare the horses for the fox hunt. Georgia O’Keeffe painted several
famous eremic landscapes.
epistolography equestrian
n adj eremitic
/ DTpistESlBgrEfG / / DSkwestrGEn /
Gk L + Ecf erg
the art or practice of writing [has near homonym: equestrienne] n
epistles : letter writing. of, relating to, or featuring / SErg /
The widespread use of e-mail has horseback riding. Gk
revived a form of epistolography. The artist was best known for his an absolute centimeter-gram-
equestrian paintings. second unit of work representing
epithelium the work done by a force of 1 dyne
n equidistant acting through a displacement of 1
/ TepESthGlGEm / adj centimeter in the direction of the
Gk + Gk / TGkwDSdistEnt / force.
a cellular animal tissue consisting L Dr. Young planned to introduce the
of one or more layers of cells that being of the same measure apart. erg in his next physics lesson.
serves to enclose and protect the The neighborhood grocery and
other parts of the body. video stores are equidistant from ergonomist
Humans have about 26 million Josh’s home. n
sensory cells per square inch of / (T)ErSgBnEmDst /
olfactory epithelium. equipollence Gk
n a specialist in biotechnology.
epollicate / TGkwESpBlEn(t)s / David ordered a desk chair
L+L specially designed by an
epopt the quality or state of being equal ergonomist to prevent discomfort
n in force, power, or validity. from prolonged sitting.
/ SeTpBpt / One form of paradox consists in the
Gk apparent equipollence of two ergophobia
one instructed in a secret system. propositions, one of which is the
Because Ivan was an inexperienced negation of the other. eriometer
investor, he treated his stockbroker
like an epopt. equipollent eristic
adj
epos equitation / DSristik /
n Gk
/ SeTpBs / equivocal characterized by disputatious often
Gk subtle and specious reasoning.
a body of poetry expressing the equivocation The debater used eristic double-
tradition of a people. n talk to impress the judges.
The ancient epos survived in later / DTkwivESkCshEn /
literature. L erode
the act or an instance of making a
epsilon statement that deviates from or erose
misconstrues the truth.
equalize Felicity knew that equivocation
about the matter would keep her
equatable out of trouble, but she was
forthright in her response.
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erosion erythropsia escheator
n n
/ DSrPzhEn / / TerESthrBpsGE / esclavage
L Gk
land destruction and simultaneous a visual disturbance in which all escolar
removal of particles (as of soil) by objects appear reddish.
running water, waves and currents, Cyrus erroneously thought that the esculent
moving ice, or wind. expression “seeing the world
In some hilly areas terraces are through rose-colored glasses” had escutcheon
built to protect soils from erosion. something to do with erythropsia.
esne
errant escabeche n
n / SeznG /
erroneously / TeskESbCchC / E
adv Ar > Sp a laborer or man of the lower
/ DSrPnGEslG / fish or chicken fried in oil then classes among the Anglo-Saxons.
L>E marinated in a spicy sauce and While working in the fields, the
in a manner deviating from what is served cold. esne dreamed of marrying the
true, correct, right, or wise. Elena’s recipe for escabeche came master’s daughter and living in the
The noun phenomena is sometimes from her mother’s favorite Spanish manor house.
used erroneously with a singular cookbook.
verb. espousal
escalate n
error / DSspaUzEl /
escapade L>F>E
eruciform a taking up or adopting as a cause
adj escapement or belief.
/ DSrVsETfOrm / n The senator’s espousal of a
L / DSskCpmEnt / national health program has not
of an insect larva : having a soft L>F wavered during his three terms.
cylindrical body with a distinct the device in a timepiece which
head and usually short thoracic legs controls the motion of the train of esquamulose
: caterpillarlike. wheelwork.
Fred knew that the eruciform larva The use of an escapement in clocks esquisse
would spin a cocoon from which a dates back to the 14th century.
butterfly would emerge. essay
escarole
erythema n essayist
n / SeskETrPl / n
/ TerESthGmE / L > It > F / SeTsCDst /
Gk > L an annual or biennial herb widely L>F
abnormal redness of the skin due to cultivated as a salad plant. a writer of analytic, interpretative,
capillary congestion (as in Helga tossed a salad of escarole, or critical literary compositions.
inflammation). mushrooms, and tomatoes. As an essayist, Emerson can hardly
A small area of erythema on the be surpassed.
back of Hillary’s hand demarcated escharotic
the burn. essential
eschatological
erythrocyte estafette
eschatology
erythrophobia n
n / TeskEStBlEjG /
/ DTrithrESfPbGE / Gk
Gk a study or science dealing with the
fear of blushing. ultimate destiny or purpose of
Marvin’s erythrophobia is so humanity and the world.
severe that speaking in public is Min’s doctoral thesis in philosophy
torture for him. addresses the development of
eschatology among Asian cultures.
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estate Eucharist eugenics
n n n pl
/ DSstCt / / SyVk(E)rDst / / yVSjeniks /
F>E Gk Gk + Gk
the aggregate of property or a central rite in many Christian a science that deals with the
liabilities of all kinds that a person churches in which bread and wine improvement of hereditary qualities
leaves for disposal at his or her are consecrated by the officiating in a series of generations of a race
death. member of the clergy and or breed.
The estate of the deceased consumed as symbols for the Using eugenics to create a
billionaire has been tied up in realization of a spiritual union super20race of human beings is a
lawsuits for over 12 years. between Christ and communicant common theme in science fiction.
or as the body and blood of Christ.
estimate The Eucharist is considered by eulogistic
v most Christian churches to be the
/ SestETmCt / central act of the worship service. euonym
L
judge the value of. eucharistic euphemize
Arthur asked a real estate adj
appraiser to estimate the house. / TyVkESristik / euphenics
Gk > L n pl
estrange manifesting or expressing praise / yVSfeniks /
and thanksgiving. Gk + Gk
etching Bianca composed a eucharistic a science that deals with the
poem for the festival. biological improvement of human
ethereal beings after birth.
eucrasia Many people believe that euphenics
ethics n will be as common as dentistry in
/ yVSkrCzh(G)E / the next century.
ethnocentric Gk + Gk
a normal state of health : physical euphonious
ethylene well-being. adj
n To the ancient Greeks, eucrasia / yVSfPnGEs /
/ SethETlGn / resulted from the appropriate Gk
Gk > ISV balance of the four humors: blood, [Note: Could be confused with
a colorless flammable gas found in yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. euphonous.] pleasing in sound.
coal gas or obtained from Allison is noted for her euphonious
petroleum hydrocarbons and used eudiometer voice and clear enunciation.
to ripen fruits or as an anesthetic. n
When ethylene is polymerized, the / TyVdGSBmEZE(r) / euphonium
product is polyethylene, a plastic Gk n
material used for making an instrument for the volumetric / yVSfPnGEm /
containers. measurement and analysis of gases Gk + Ecf
that involves the explosion of one a tenor tuba similar in shape, pitch,
etymological of the components of the mixture and range to the baritone but with a
adj by the passage of an electric spark. larger bore, a mellower tone
/ TeZEmESlBjDkEl / Rodney managed to set the quality, and often a double bell.
Gk chemistry lab on fire because he Rocky’s mom made him practice
belonging to, based on, or in accord did not understand how to use the his euphonium in the barn.
with the history often including the eudiometer.
prehistory of a linguistic form (as a euphony
word or morpheme).
The etymological meaning of the euphoria
word hippopotamus is “river
horse.”
etymologicon
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euphuism evangel ewe
n n
/ SyVfyETwizEm / / DSvanjEl / ewer
Gk > E name Gk
[has near homonym: euphemism] a doctrine regarded as having exacerbation
artificial and excessive elegance of special grace, sanction, or efficacy. n
language : high-flown diction. Elizabeth Cady Stanton called for a / igTzasE(r)SbCshEn /
Eli’s penchant for euphuism is kept new evangel of womanhood to exalt L
in check by his English teacher, Dr. purity, virtue, and morality. the act of making more violent,
Holquist. bitter, or severe.
evangelist Vigorous exercise can lead to acute
eupraxia exacerbation of asthmatic
evaporation symptoms.
Euripidean n
adj / DTvapESrCshEn / exaggeration
/ yETripESdGEn / L n
Gk name the change by which any substance / igTzajESrCshEn /
of, relating to, or characteristic of is converted from a liquid state into L
the Greek playwright Euripides or and carried off in vapor. the act of enlarging beyond bounds
his tragedies. The Mediterranean Sea loses much or the truth : overstatement.
In Euripidean tragedy, the chorus water through evaporation, leaving Uncle Joe’s description of the fish
provides charming interludes of behind extra-salty water that sinks he caught was a gross
song and dance. to the bottom. exaggeration.
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exasperate exclusive exemplum
adj
exasperated / ikSsklVsiv / exempt
adj L
/ igSzaspETrCZEd / barring from participation : exequies
L snobbishly aloof. n pl
irritated or annoyed especially to The exclusive dog show allowed / SeksEkwGz /
the point of injudicious action. only registered dogs to participate. L>F>E
The movie star became so funeral rites or ceremonies.
exasperated with the excogitate The late king’s exequies were
photographers that he hurled his v solemnized with great pomp.
shoe at them. / ekSskBjETtCt /
L exergue
excavation examine mentally with
thoroughness and care so as to exfoliative
excavator obtain thorough grasp and adj
n comprehension of. / ekSsfPlGTCZiv /
/ SekskETvCZE(r) / Lindsay tried to excogitate the L
L topic thoroughly and outline his causing or characterized by the
a worker who digs out material or thoughts. peeling of the outer layer of the
digs cavities (as in quarrying or for skin.
building construction). excrescency Phil’s rash was diagnosed as
The excavator gasped when the exfoliative dermatitis.
side of the pit gave way to reveal a excrescential
dark chamber. exhalation
excruciating n
exceed adj / Teks(h)ESlCshEn /
v / ikSskrVshGTCtiN / L>F>E
/ ikSsGd / L something that is given off or that
L>F>E very intense : extreme. rises in the form of gas, fumes, or
[Note: Alternate pron has near An excruciating toothache kept steam.
homonym: accede.] go beyond a Marcel from enjoying the camping The wind carried a foul exhalation
limit set by (as an authority or trip. from the nearby marsh to the
privilege). Ackrill’s house.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit execrable
in the construction zone will be adj exhaust
fined a minimum of 200 dollars. / SeksDkrEbEl / n
L / igSzOst /
excel deserving to be declared evil or L
detestable. an arrangement (as of fans) for
exception For his execrable cruelty to the withdrawing undesirable fumes,
n victim, the assailant was given the dusts, or odors from an enclosure
/ ikSsepshEn / maximum prison sentence. (as a factory room or a kitchen).
L The safety inspector told Sharon
the act of excluding or omitting. executive that the greasy residue on the
The librarian made an exception kitchen exhaust was a fire hazard.
and permitted Sandy to take a exegesis
reference book out of the library. exhausting
exegetical adj
excerpt adj / igSzOstiN /
/ TeksESjeZDkEl / L
excipient Gk depriving wholly of strength,
relating to critical interpretation of patience, or resources.
a text or portion of Scripture. Robert’s exhausting exercise
The theologian was praised for his routine left him not only very tired
exegetical commentaries on the Old but also very hungry.
Testament.
exemplify
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exhibited exostosis expiration
v n n
/ igSzibDZDd / / TekTsBSstPsDs / / TekspESrCshEn /
L Gk L>E
presented to view : showed, a spur or bony outgrowth from a the action or process of releasing
displayed. bone or the root of a tooth. air through the nose or the mouth.
Elizabeth Ellen brought her The exostosis on Bertha’s big toe Mrs. Burnet’s expiration was
decorated cake into the room and had to be surgically removed. strained after her operation.
exhibited it quite proudly.
expectant expired
exhilarated adj
v / ikSspektEnt / explanation
/ igSzilETrCZDd / L
L characterized by anticipation : explement
made cheerful : enlivened. waiting.
The sailor felt exhilarated as his The expectant crowd outside the expletive
boat headed into the wind. palace gates had been in place
since before dawn. explicit
exhume
v expedient explore
/ igSzVm / v
L expediently / ikSsplP(E)r /
dig out of the ground : take out of a adv L
place of burial. / ikSspGdGEntlG / search through or into.
No matter where the bone is L “Dr. Craven had indeed begun to
buried, the dog will be able to in a manner characterized by wonder if it might not be wise to
exhume it. suitability, practicality, and send some one out to explore the
efficiency. garden paths.”
exigencies It is the responsibility of the explosible
n pl customer service representative to
/ SeksEjEnsGz / handle all complaints expediently. exponentially
L adv
requirements in a particular expedite / TekspESnenchElG /
situation. L
The Supreme Court supported the expel in a manner indicating variation in
theory of presidential power to which one variable factor depends
meet national exigencies. experiential upon another variable factor,
adj characterized by an extremely rapid
existence / ikTspirGSenchEl / increase (as in size or extent).
L For the past decade, sales of video
exogenous derived from, based on, or relating games have been growing
adj to experience : empirical. exponentially.
/ ekSsBjEnEs / Although based on experiential
Gk + Gk procedures and findings, many expound
originating from or due to external great scientific discoveries involve v
causes. a degree of intuition and luck. / ikSspaUnd /
The politician argued that the labor L>F>E
strife in his city was exogenous in experiment make a statement : present a view :
nature. comment.
expertise The interviewer asked Shana to
exonumia n expound on the new park proposal.
/ TekTspErStGz /
exorcism L expression
specialized skill or technical
knowledge in a particular field.
Jonathan’s expertise in database
management netted him an
excellent job.
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expropriate exterminated extraordinaire
v v adj
/ ekSsprPprGTCt / / ikSstErmETnCZDd / / ikTstrO(r)dFnSe(E)r /
L L L>F
take out of the possession of gotten rid of. markedly exceptional.
another : transfer (the property of The Grubes have exterminated the The Iowa Department of Education
another) to one’s own possession. rats in the cellar with rat poison. honored Mrs. Ledgerwood, a math
Roy was startled to find that the teacher extraordinaire.
government had the right to extirpation
expropriate his land if he didn’t n extrasensory
pay taxes. / TekstE(r)SpCshEn / adj
L / TekstrESsen(t)s(E)rG /
expurgate the act of destroying totally : L
v extermination. residing beyond or outside the
/ SekspE(r)TgCt / Expanding settlements have ordinary senses.
L resulted in the extirpation of vast Reading someone else’s thoughts is
cleanse of something morally forests. an example of extrasensory
harmful, offensive, or erroneous. perception.
Before publishing the manuscript extortion
the editors will expurgate it of any n extremity
slanderous material. / ikSstO(E)rshEn / n
L / ikSstremEZG /
expurgatory [has homonym: extorsion] the act L>F>E
or practice of obtaining something an outlying or terminal part,
exscind from an unwilling or reluctant section, or point.
person by physical force, The state’s westernmost extremity
extension intimidation, or the abuse of legal is nothing but flat open prairie.
n or official authority.
/ ikSstenchEn / The gang leaders were arrested for extrinsic
L their extortion of money from local adj
a dance movement in which the leg merchants. / ekSstrinzik /
is extended at an angle to the body. L
Lily’s teacher told her she would extra of or relating to the outside of.
have to work on her extension until n The nondescript extrinsic
it was perfect. / SekstrE / appearance of the old building
L belied the architectural wonders
extent an additional worker hired for a within.
motion picture or stage production
extenuate to augment the number of people in extrorse
v a crowd or group scene. adj
/ ikSstenyETwCt / When he was in China, Mark was / SekTstrOrs /
L an extra in a film requiring a L
lessen or try to lessen the real or crowd of Western Europeans. turned away from the axis of
apparent seriousness of (as a crime, growth.
offense, or fault) or extent of by extradition When the anther of a flower turns
making partial excuses. n away from the pistils and toward
No excuse can extenuate Kevin’s / TekstrESdishEn / the petals, it is said to be
trying to pass off Adam’s work as F+L “extrorse.”
his own. the surrender of an alleged criminal exude
usually under the provisions of a v
extenuations treaty or statute by one authority / igSzVd /
n pl (as a state) to another having L
/ ikTstenyESwCshEnz / jurisdiction to try the charge. undergo diffusion : emanate.
L Mrs. Thorpe was arrested in Sweet odors exude from the shrubs
acts of partial justification. Arkansas but is fighting extradition around Myra’s patio.
Jason’s letter of apology conveyed to Missouri, where she allegedly
many extenuations that were assaulted a sales manager.
comforting to Julia.
extrados
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exultant factual fairway
adj
/ igSzEltEnt / faculty faja
L n
filled with extreme joy. facundity / SfB(T)hB /
The racer was exultant when she n L > Catal > Sp
crossed the finish line first. / faSkEndEZG / a wide bright sash worn around the
L waist.
exultantly [Note: Could be confused with Don Roberto wore his lucky faja
adv fecundity.] eloquence. every time he ran with the bulls.
/ igSzEltFntlG / Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is a
L shining example of facundity. falciform
in a manner filled with extreme joy. adj
She laughed exultantly when her fadeaway / SfalsETfOrm /
practical joke worked and her L
brother was covered in paint. faena having the shape of a scythe or
n sickle.
exuviate / fBSCnE / Roderick drew a somber night
v L > Catal > Sp scene dominated by a falciform
/ igSzVvGTCt / the series of final passes by the moon.
L matador with sword and muleta
molt. leading to the kill. falconry
When a snake begins to exuviate, it Many members of the audience left n
rolls over several times to loosen the bullfight hastily when the / SfalkEnrG /
the skin covering its head. matador began the faena. Gmc? > L > F > E
the art of training falcons to pursue
eyebrow failure and to attack wild fowl or game.
n The king’s oldest servant was a
eyewitness / SfClyE(r) / master of falconry.
n F
/ SISwitnDs / lack of satisfactory performance or falling
E+E effect.
one that sees or has seen an The candidate’s failure to address falsifier
occurrence or an object with his or the people’s complaints resulted in
her own eyes and so is able to give his losing the election. falter
a firsthand report on it. v
An eyewitness gave the detective a fain / SfOltE(r) /
helpful description of the robber. adv Scand? > E
/ SfCn / [has homonym: faulter] speak
fabaceous E brokenly or weakly : hesitate,
[has homonym: feign] happily, stammer.
fable joyfully : with glad preference. Stefan recited seven verses of the
The feisty cat would fain have poem before he began to falter.
fabric chased the dog from his yard.
familiarity
fabulist fainness
n familiarization
/ SfabyElDst / fainthearted
L famine
[Note: Could be confused with faintly
fabulous.] a creator or writer of adv fanciest
fables, especially those that carry a / SfCntlG /
moral lesson. F>E fanciness
Aesop is frequently called slightly, indistinctly.
“history’s greatest fabulist.” There was a low fire glowing fancywork
facetiously faintly on the hearth.
fanfare
factor fairground
fanged
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fanglement fascist fate
adj n
fantasque / SfashDst / / SfCt /
L > It L
fantasticality of or relating to any program for [has homonym: fete] ultimate lot
setting up a centralized autocratic or disposition : final outcome.
fantastically national regime with severely Hans Van Ripper now began to feel
adv nationalistic policies, exercising some uneasiness about the fate of
/ fanStastDk(E)lG / regimentation of industry, poor Ichabod.
Gk > L > F > E + Ecff commerce, and finance, rigid
unbelievably, extremely. censorship, and forcible fatuously
Lillian wore her fantastically suppression of opposition. adv
expensive diamond necklace to the Fascist ideology shares with / SfachEwEslG /
governor’s ball. liberalism an opposition to big L
business, trade unions, and the in a foolish, stupid, absurd, or silly
farce socialist state. manner.
The clown performed fatuously to
farcicality fascistization the children’s delight.
feathery
febrile
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February fenster ferriferous
n n adj
/ SfebrETwerG / / SfenztE(r) / / fESrif(E)rEs /
L L>G L
the second month of the Gregorian an erosional opening down through containing iron.
calendar. overthrust rock exposing the Hematite and magnetite are
Kevin’s car quit for good in underlying rock. ferriferous minerals.
February. Gabe took a long hike in the
national park to find the large ferrotype
feculent fenster mentioned in his guidebook. n
/ SferETtIp /
federation feodary L + Gk
a positive photograph made by a
feeble ferity collodion process on a thin iron
n plate and having a darkened
fei / SferEZG / surface.
L A 19th-century ferrotype depicting
felicitations [has homonym: ferrety] the state of Supreme Court Justice Levi
being undomesticated : wildness. Woodbury sold at auction for
feline Even after several years in a zoo, $24,000.
the lion occasionally displayed its
felinity ferity. ferrumination
femur ferocity
ferried
feuilleton fidgetiness
feverish
finial
flamboyant flavid
flamethrower flavorless
frontier
glean
gleanings
goad
guise
guitarist