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1000 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
misogamy n
Hatred of marriage
misogyny n
Hatred of women
misplace v
To put into a wrong place
misrepresent v
To give a wrong impression
misrule v
To misgovern
missal n
The book containing the service for the celebration of mass
missile n
Any object, especially a weapon, thrown or intended to be thrown
missive n
A message in writing
mistrust v
To regard with suspicion or jealousy
misty adj
Lacking clearness
misunderstand v
To Take in a wrong sense
misuse v
To maltreat
mite n
A very small amount, portion, or particle
miter n
The junction of two bodies at an equally divided angle
mitigate v
To make milder or more endurable
mnemonics n
A system of principles and formulas designed to assist the recollection in certain instances
moat n
A ditch on the outside of a fortress wall
mobocracy n
Lawless control of public affairs by the mob or populace
moccasin n
A foot-covering made of soft leather or buckskin
mockery n
Ridicule
moderation n
Temperance
moderator n
The presiding officer of a meeting
modernity n
The state or character of being modern
modernize v
To make characteristic of the present or of recent times
modification n
A change
modify v
To make somewhat different
modish adj
Fashionable
modulate v
To vary in tone, inflection, pitch or other quality of sound
mollify v
To soothe
molt v
To cast off, as hair, feathers, etc
momentary adj
Lasting but a short time
momentous adj
Very significant
momentum n
An impetus
monarchy n
Government by a single, sovereign ruler
monastery n
A dwelling-place occupied in common by persons under religious vows of seclusion
monetary adj
Financial
mongrel n
The progeny resulting from the crossing of different breeds or varieties
monition n
Friendly counsel given by way of warning and implying caution or reproof
monitory n
Admonition or warning
monocracy n
Government by a single person
monogamy n
The habit of pairing, or having but one mate
monogram n
A character consisting of two or more letters interwoven into one, usually initials of a name
monograph n
A treatise discussing a single subject or branch of a subject
monolith n
Any structure or sculpture in stone formed of a single piece
monologue n
A story or drama told or performed by one person
monomania n
The unreasonable pursuit of one idea
monopoly n
The control of a thing, as a commodity, to enable a person to raise its price
monosyllable n
A word of one syllable
monotone n
The sameness or monotony of utterance
monotonous adj
Unchanging and tedious
monotony n
A lack of variety
monsieur n
A French title of respect, equivalent to Mr. and sir
monstrosity n
Anything unnaturally huge or distorted
moonbeam n
A ray of moonlight
morale n
A state of mind with reference to confidence, courage, zeal, and the like
moralist n
A writer on ethics
morality n
Virtue
moralize v
To render virtuous
moratorium n
An emergency legislation authorizing a government suspend some action temporarily
morbid adj
Caused by or denoting a diseased or unsound condition of body or mind
mordacious adj
Biting or giving to biting
mordant adj
Biting
moribund adj
On the point of dying
morose adj
Gloomy
morphology n
the science of organic forms
motley adj
Composed of heterogeneous or inharmonious elements
motto n
An expressive word or pithy sentence enunciating some guiding rule of life, or faith
mountaineer n
One who travels among or climbs mountains for pleasure or exercise
mountainous adj
Full of or abounding in mountains
mouthful n
As much as can be or is usually put into the or exercise
muddle v
To confuse or becloud, especially with or as with drink
muffle v
To deaden the sound of, as by wraps
mulatto n
The offspring of a white person and a black person
muleteer n
A mule-driver
multiform adj
Having many shapes, or appearances
multiplicity n
the condition of being manifold or very various
mundane adj
Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or celestial
municipal adj
Of or pertaining to a town or city, or to its corporate or local government
municipality n
A district enjoying municipal government
munificence n
A giving characterized by generous motives and extraordinary liberality
munificent adj
Extraordinarily generous
muster n
An assemblage or review of troops for parade or inspection, or for numbering off
mutation n
The act or process of change
mutilate v
To disfigure
mutiny n
Rebellion against lawful or constituted authority
myriad n
A vast indefinite number
mystic n
One who professes direct divine illumination, or relies upon meditation to acquire truth
mystification n
The act of artfully perplexing
myth n
A fictitious narrative presented as historical, but without any basis of fact
mythology n
The whole body of legends cherished by a race concerning gods and heroes
nameless adj
Having no fame or reputation
naphtha n
A light, colorless, volatile, inflammable oil used as a solvent, as in manufacture of paints
Narcissus n
The son of the Athenian river-god Cephisus, fabled to have fallen in love with his reflection
narrate v
To tell a story
narration n
The act of recounting the particulars of an event in the order of time or occurrence
narrative n
An orderly continuous account of the successive particulars of an event
narrator n
One who narrates anything
narrow-minded adj
Characterized by illiberal views or sentiments
nasal adj
Pertaining to the nose
natal adj
Pertaining to one's birth
nationality n
A connection with a particular nation
naturally adv
According to the usual order of things
nausea n
An affection of the stomach producing dizziness and usually an impulse to vomit
nauseate v
To cause to loathe
nauseous adj
Loathsome
nautical adj
Pertaining to ships, seamen, or navigation
naval adj
Pertaining to ships
navel n
The depression on the abdomen where the umbilical cord of the fetus was attached
navigable adj
Capable of commercial navigation
navigate v
To traverse by ship
nebula n
A gaseous body of unorganized stellar substance
necessary adj
Indispensably requisite or absolutely needed to accomplish a desired result
necessitate v
To render indispensable
necessity n
That which is indispensably requisite to an end desired
necrology n
A list of persons who have died in a certain place or time
necromancer n
One who practices the art of foretelling the future by means of communication with the dead
necropolis n
A city of the dead
necrosis n
the death of part of the body
nectar n
Any especially sweet and delicious drink
nectarine n
A variety of the peach
needlework n
Embroidery
needy adj
Being in need, want, or poverty
nefarious adj
Wicked in the extreme
negate v
To deny
negation n
The act of denying or of asserting the falsity of a proposition
neglectful adj
Exhibiting or indicating omission
negligee n
A loose gown worn by women
negligence n
Omission of that which ought to be done
negligent adj
Apt to omit what ought to be done
negligible adj
Transferable by assignment, endorsement, or delivery
negotiable v
To bargain with others for an agreement, as for a treaty or transfer of property
Nemesis n
A goddess; divinity of chastisement and vengeance
neocracy n
Government administered by new or untried persons
neo-Darwinsim n
Darwinism as modified and extended by more recent students
neo-Latin n
Modernized Latin
neopaganism n
A new or revived paganism
Neolithic adj
Pertaining to the later stone age
neology n
The coining or using of new words or new meanings of words
neophyte adj
Having the character of a beginner
nestle v
To adjust cozily in snug quarters
nestling adj
Recently hatched
nettle v
To excite sensations of uneasiness or displeasure in
network n
Anything that presents a system of cross- lines
neural adj
Pertaining to the nerves or nervous system
neurology n
The science of the nervous system
neuter adj
Neither masculine nor feminine
neutral adj
Belonging to or under control of neither of two contestants
nevertheless conj
Notwithstanding
Newtonian adj
Of or pertaining to Sir Isaac Newton, the English philosopher
niggardly adj
Stingy
nihilist n
An advocate of the doctrine that nothing either exists or can be known
nil n
Nothing
nimble adj
Light and quick in motion or action
nit n
The egg of a louse or some other insect
nocturnal adj
Of or pertaining to the night
noiseless adj
Silent
noisome adj
Very offensive, particularly to the sense of smell
noisy adj
Clamorous
nomad adj
Having no fixed abode
nomic adj
Usual or customary
nominal adj
Trivial
nominate v
To designate as a candidate for any office
nomination n
The act or ceremony of naming a man or woman for office
nominee n
One who receives a nomination
non-existent n
That which does not exist
non-resident adj
Not residing within a given jurisdiction
nonchalance n
A state of mind indicating lack of interest
non-combatant n
One attached to the army or navy, but having duties other than that of fighting
nondescript adj
Indescribable
nonentity n
A person or thing of little or no account
nonpareil n
One who or that which is of unequaled excellence
norm n
A model
normalcy n
The state of being normal
Norman adj
Of or peculiar to Normandy, in northern France
nostrum n
Any scheme or recipe of a charlatan character
noticeable adj
Perceptible
notorious adj
Unfavorably known to the general public
novellette n
A short novel
novice n
A beginner in any business or occupation
nowadays adv
In the present time or age
nowhere adv
In no place or state
noxious adj
Hurtful
nuance n
A slight degree of difference in anything perceptible to the sense of the mind
nucleus n
A central point or part about which matter is aggregated
nude adj
Naked
nugatory adj
Having no power or force
nuisance n
That which annoys, vexes, or irritates
numeration n
The act or art of reading or naming numbers
numerical adj
Of or pertaining to number
nunnery n
A convent for nuns
nuptial adj
Of or pertaining to marriage, especially to the marriage ceremony
nurture n
The process of fostering or promoting growth
nutriment n
That which nourishes
nutritive adj
Having nutritious properties
oaken adj
Made of or from oak
oakum n
Hemp-fiber obtained by untwisting and picking out loosely the yarns of old hemp rope
obdurate adj
Impassive to feelings of humanity or pity
obelisk n
A square shaft with pyramidal top, usually monumental or commemorative
obese adj
Exceedingly fat
obesity n
Excessive fatness
obituary adj
A published notice of a death
objective adj
Grasping and representing facts as they are
objector n
One who objects, as to a proposition, measure, or ruling
obligate v
To hold to the fulfillment of duty
obligatory adj
Binding in law or conscience
oblique adj
Slanting; said of lines
obliterate v
To cause to disappear
oblivion n
The state of having passed out of the memory or of being utterly forgotten
oblong adj
Longer than broad: applied most commonly to rectangular objects considerably elongated
obnoxious adj
Detestable
obsequies n
Funeral rites
obsequious adj
Showing a servile readiness to fall in with the wishes or will of another
observance n
A traditional form or customary act
observant adj
Quick to notice
observatory n
A building designed for systematic astronomical observations
obsolescence n
The condition or process of gradually falling into disuse
obsolescent adj
Passing out of use, as a word
obsolete adj
No longer practiced or accepted
obstetrician n
A practitioner of midwifery
obstetrics n
The branch of medical science concerned with the treatment and care of women during pregnancy
obstinacy n
Stubborn adherence to opinion, arising from conceit or the desire to have one's own way
obstreperous adj
Boisterous
obstruct v
To fill with impediments so as to prevent passage, either wholly or in part
obstruction n
Hindrance
obtrude v
To be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence
obtrusive adj
Tending to be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence
obvert v
To turn the front or principal side of (a thing) toward any person or object
obviate v
To clear away or provide for, as an objection or difficulty
occasion n
An important event or celebration
Occident n
The countries lying west of Asia and the Turkish dominions
occlude v
To absorb, as a gas by a metal
occult adj
Existing but not immediately perceptible
occupant n
A tenant in possession of property, as distinguished from the actual owner
occurrence n
A happening
octagon n
A figure with eight sides and eight angles
octave n
A note at this interval above or below any other, considered in relation to that other
octavo n
A book, or collection of paper in which the sheets are so folded as to make eight leaves
octogenarian adj
A person of between eighty and ninety years
ocular adj
Of or pertaining to the eye
oculist n
One versed or skilled in treating diseases of the eye
oddity n
An eccentricity
ode n
The form of lyric poetry anciently intended to be sung
odious adj
Hateful
odium n
A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of dislike and disgust
odoriferous adj
Having or diffusing an odor or scent, especially an agreeable one
odorous adj
Having an odor, especially a fragrant one
off adj
Farther or more distant
offhand adv
Without preparation
officiate v
To act as an officer or leader
officious adj
Intermeddling with what is not one's concern
offshoot n
Something that branches off from the parent stock
ogre n
A demon or monster that was supposed to devour human beings
ointment n
A fatty preparation with a butter-like consistency in which a medicinal substance exists
olfactory adj
of or pertaining to the sense of smell
olive-branch n
A branch of the olive-tree, as an emblem of peace
ominous adj
Portentous
omission n
Exclusion
omnipotence n
Unlimited and universal power
Omnipotent adj
Possessed of unlimited and universal power
omniscience n
Unlimited or infinite knowledge
omniscient adj
Characterized by unlimited or infinite knowledge
omnivorous adj
Eating or living upon food of all kinds indiscriminately
onerous adj
Burdensome or oppressive
onrush n
Onset
onset n
An assault, especially of troops, upon an enemy or fortification
onslaught n
A violent onset
onus n
A burden or responsibility
opalescence n
The property of combined refraction and reflection of light, resulting in smoky tints
opaque adj
Impervious to light
operate v
To put in action and supervise the working of
operative adj
Active
operator n
One who works with or controls some machine or scientific apparatus
operetta n
A humorous play in dialogue and music, of more than one act
opinion n
A conclusion or judgment held with confidence, but falling short of positive knowledge
opponent n
One who supports the opposite side in a debate, discussion, struggle, or sport
opportune adj
Especially fit as occurring, said, or done at the right moment
opportunist n
One who takes advantage of circumstances to gain his ends
opportunity n
Favorable or advantageous chance or opening
opposite adj
Radically different or contrary in action or movement
opprobrium n
The state of being scornfully reproached or accused of evil
optic n
Pertaining to the eye or vision
optician n
One who makes or deals in optical instruments or eye-glasses
optics n
The science that treats of light and vision, and all that is connected with sight
optimism n
The view that everything in nature and the history of mankind is ordered for the best
option n
The right, power, or liberty of choosing
optometry n
Measurement of the powers of vision
opulence n
Affluence
opulent adj
Wealthy
oral adj
Uttered through the mouth
orate v
To deliver an elaborate or formal public speech
oration n
An elaborate or formal public speech
orator n
One who delivers an elaborate or formal speech
oratorio n
A composition for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, generally taken from the Scriptures
oratory n
The art of public speaking
ordeal n
Anything that severely tests courage, strength, patience, conscience, etc
ordinal n
That form of the numeral that shows the order of anything in a series, as first, second, third
ordination n
A consecration to the ministry
ordnance n
A general name for all kinds of weapons and their appliances used in war
orgies n
Wild or wanton revelry
origin n
The beginning of that which becomes or is made to be
original adj
Not copied nor produced by imitation
originate v
To cause or constitute the beginning or first stage of the existence of
ornate adj
Ornamented to a marked degree
orthodox adj
Holding the commonly accepted faith
orthodoxy n
Acceptance of the common faith
orthogonal adj
Having or determined by right angles
orthopedic adj
Relating to the correcting or preventing of deformity
orthopedist n
One who practices the correcting or preventing of deformity
oscillate v
To swing back and forth
osculate v
To kiss
ossify v
to convert into bone
ostentation n
A display dictated by vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery
ostracism n
Exclusion from intercourse or favor, as in society or politics
ostracize v
To exclude from public or private favor
ought v
To be under moral obligation to be or do
oust v
To eject
out-and-out adv
Genuinely
outbreak n
A sudden and violent breaking forth, as of something that has been pent up or restrained
outburst n
A violent issue, especially of passion in an individual
outcast n
One rejected and despised, especially socially
outcry n
A vehement or loud cry or clamor
outdo v
To surpass
outlandish adj
Of barbarous, uncouth, and unfamiliar aspect or action
outlast v
To last longer than
outlaw n
A habitual lawbreaker
outlive v
To continue to exist after
out-of-the-way adj
Remotely situated
outpost n
A detachment of troops stationed at a distance from the main body to guard against surprise
outrage n
A gross infringement of morality or decency
outrageous adj
Shocking in conduct
outreach v
To reach or go beyond
outride v
To ride faster than
outrigger n
A part built or arranged to project beyond a natural outline for support
outright adv
Entirely
outskirt n
A border region
outstretch v
To extend
outstrip v
To go beyond
outweigh v
To surpass in importance or excellence
overdo v
To overtax the strength of
overdose n
An excessive dose, usually so large a dose of a medicine that its effect is toxic
overeat v
To eat to excess
overhang n
A portion of a structure which projects or hangs over
overleap v
To leap beyond
overlord n
One who holds supremacy over another
overpass v
To pass across or over, as a river
overpay v
To pay or reward in excess
overpower v
To gain supremacy or victory over by superior power
overproduction n
Excessive production
overreach v
To stretch out too far
overrun v
To infest or ravage
oversee v
To superintend
overseer n
A supervisor
overshadow v
To cast into the shade or render insignificant by comparison
overstride v
To step beyond
overthrow v
To vanquish an established ruler or government
overtone n
A harmonic
overture n
An instrumental prelude to an opera, oratorio, or ballet
overweight n
Preponderance
pacify v
To bring into a peaceful state
packet n
A bundle, as of letters
pact n
A covenant
pagan n
A worshiper of false gods
pageant n
A dramatic representation, especially a spectacular one
palate n
The roof of the mouth
palatial adj
Magnificent
paleontology n
The branch of biology that treats of ancient life and fossil organisms
palette n
A thin tablet, with a hole for the thumb, upon which artists lay their colors for painting
palinode n
A retraction
pall v
To make dull by satiety
palliate v
To cause to appear less guilty
pallid adj
Of a pale or wan appearance
palpable n
perceptible by feeling or touch
palsy n
Paralysis
paly adj
Lacking color or brilliancy
pamphlet n
A brief treatise or essay, usually on a subject of current interest
pamphleteer v
To compose or issue pamphlets, especially controversial ones
panacea n
A remedy or medicine proposed for or professing to cure all diseases
Pan-American adj
Including or pertaining to the whole of America, both North and South
pandemic adj
Affecting a whole people or all classes, as a disease
pandemonium n
A fiendish or riotous uproar
panegyric n
A formal and elaborate eulogy, written or spoken, of a person or of an act
panel n
A rectangular piece set in or as in a frame
panic n
A sudden, unreasonable, overpowering fear
panoply n
A full set of armor
panorama n
A series of large pictures representing a continuous scene
pantheism n
The worship of nature for itself or its beauty
Pantheon n
A circular temple at Rome with a fine Corinthian portico and a great domed roof
pantomime n
Sign-language
pantoscope n
A very wide-angled photographic lens
papacy n
The official head of the Roman Catholic Church
papyrus n
The writing-paper of the ancient Egyptians, and later of the Romans
parable n
A brief narrative founded on real scenes or events usually with a moral
paradox n
A statement or doctrine seemingly in contradiction to the received belief
paragon n
A model of excellence
parallel v
To cause to correspond or lie in the same direction and equidistant in all parts
parallelism n
Essential likeness
paralysis n
Loss of the power of contractility in the voluntary or involuntary muscles
paralyze v
To deprive of the power to act
paramount adj
Supreme in authority
paramour n
One who is unlawfully and immorally a lover or a mistress
paraphernalia n
Miscellaneous articles of equipment or adornment
paraphrase v
Translate freely
pare v
To cut, shave, or remove (the outside) from anything
parentage n
The relation of parent to child, of the producer to the produced, or of cause to effect
Pariah n
A member of a degraded class; a social outcast
parish n
The ecclesiastical district in charge of a pastor
Parisian adj
Of or pertaining to the city of Paris
parity n
Equality, as of condition or rank
parlance n
Mode of speech
parley v
To converse in
parliament n
A legislative body
parlor n
A room for reception of callers or entertainment of guests
parody v
To render ludicrous by imitating the language of
paronymous adj
Derived from the same root or primitive word
paroxysm n
A sudden outburst of any kind of activity
parricide n
The murder of a parent
parse v
To describe, as a sentence, by separating it into its elements and describing each word
parsimonious adj
Unduly sparing in the use or expenditure of money
partible adj
Separable
participant n
One having a share or part
participate v
To receive or have a part or share of
partition n
That which separates anything into distinct parts
partisan adj
Characterized by or exhibiting undue or unreasoning devotion to a party
passible adj
Capable of feeling of suffering
passive adj
Unresponsive
pastoral adj
Having the spirit or sentiment of rural life
paternal adj
Fatherly
paternity n
Fatherhood
pathos n
The quality in any form of representation that rouses emotion or sympathy
patriarch n
The chief of a tribe or race who rules by paternal right
patrician adj
Of senatorial or noble rank
patrimony n
An inheritance from an ancestor, especially from one's father
patriotism n
Love and devotion to one's country
patronize v
To exercise an arrogant condescension toward
patronymic adj
Formed after one's father's name
patter v
To mumble something over and over
paucity n
Fewness
pauper n
One without means of support
pauperism n
Dependence on charity
pavilion n
An open structure for temporary shelter
payee n
A person to whom money has been or is to be paid
peaceable adj
Tranquil
peaceful adj
Tranquil
peccable adj
Capable of sinning
peccadillo n
A small breach of propriety or principle
peccant adj
Guilty
pectoral adj
Pertaining to the breast or thorax
pecuniary adj
Consisting of money
pedagogics n
The science and art of teaching
pedagogue n
A schoolmaster
pedagogy n
The science and art of teaching
pedal n
A lever for the foot usually applied only to musical instruments, cycles, and other machines
pedant n
A scholar who makes needless and inopportune display of his learning
peddle v
To go about with a small stock of goods to sell
pedestal n
A base or support as for a column, statue, or vase
pedestrian n
One who journeys on foot
pediatrics n
The department of medical science that relates to the treatment of diseases of childhood
pedigree n
One's line of ancestors
peddler n
One who travels from house to house with an assortment of goods for retail
peerage n
The nobility
peerless adj
Of unequaled excellence or worth
peevish adj
Petulant
pellucid adj
Translucent
penalty n
The consequences that follow the transgression of natural or divine law
penance n
Punishment to which one voluntarily submits or subjects himself as an expression of penitence
penchant n
A bias in favor of something
pendant n
Anything that hangs from something else, either for ornament or for use
pendulous adj
Hanging, especially so as to swing by an attached end or part
pendulum n
A weight hung on a rod, serving by its oscillation to regulate the rate of a clock
penetrable adj
That may be pierced by physical, moral, or intellectual force
penetrate v
To enter or force a way into the interior parts of
penetration n
Discernment
peninsular adj
Pertaining to a piece of land almost surrounded by water
penitence n
Sorrow for sin with desire to amend and to atone
penitential adj
Pertaining to sorrow for sin with desire to amend and to atone
pennant n
A small flag
pension n
A periodical allowance to an individual on account of past service done by him/her
pentagram n
A figure having five points or lobes
pentavalent adj
Quinqeuvalent
pentad n
The number five
pentagon n
A figure, especially, with five angles and five sides
pentahedron n
A solid bounded by five plane faces
pentameter n
In prosody, a line of verse containing five units or feet
pentathlon n
The contest of five associated exercises in the great games and the same contestants
penultimate adj
A syllable or member of a series that is last but one
penurious adj
Excessively sparing in the use of money
penury n
Indigence
perambulate v
To walk about
perceive v
To have knowledge of, or receive impressions concerning, through the medium of the body senses
perceptible adj
Cognizable
perception n
Knowledge through the senses of the existence and properties of matter or the external world
percipience n
The act of perceiving
percipient n
One who or that which perceives
percolate v
To filter
percolator n
A filter
percussion n
The sharp striking of one body against another
peremptory adj
Precluding question or appeal
perennial adj
Continuing though the year or through many years
perfectible adj
Capable of being made perfect
perfidy n
Treachery
perforate v
To make a hole or holes through
perform v
To accomplish
perfumery n
The preparation of perfumes
perfunctory adj
Half-hearted
perhaps adv
Possibly
perigee n
The point in the orbit of the moon when it is nearest the earth
periodicity n
The habit or characteristic of recurrence at regular intervals
peripatetic adj
Walking about
perjure v
To swear falsely to
perjury n
A solemn assertion of a falsity
permanence n
A continuance in the same state, or without any change that destroys the essential form or nature
permanent adj
Durable
permeate v
To pervade
permissible adj
That may be allowed
permutation n
Reciprocal change, different ordering of same items
pernicious adj
Tending to kill or hurt
perpendicular adj
Straight up and down
perpetrator n
The doer of a wrong or a criminal act
perpetuate v
To preserve from extinction or oblivion
perquisite n
Any profit from service beyond the amount fixed as salary or wages
persecution n
Harsh or malignant oppression
perseverance n
A persistence in purpose and effort
persevere v
To continue striving in spite of discouragements
persiflage n
Banter
persist v
To continue steadfast against opposition
persistence n
A fixed adherence to a resolve, course of conduct, or the like
personage n
A man or woman as an individual, especially one of rank or high station
personal adj
Not general or public
personality n
The attributes, taken collectively, that make up the character and nature of an individual
personnel n
The force of persons collectively employed in some service
perspective n
The relative importance of facts or matters from any special point of view
perspicacious adj
Astute
perspicacity n
Acuteness or discernment
perspicuous adj
Lucid
perspiration n
Sweat
perspire v
To excrete through the pores of the skin
persuade v
To win the mind of by argument, eloquence, evidence, or reflection
persuadable adj
capable of influencing to action by entreaty, statement, or anything that moves the feelings
pertinacious adj
Persistent or unyielding
pertinacity n
Unyielding adherence
pertinent adj
Relevant
perturb v
To disturb greatly
perturbation n
Mental excitement or confusion
perusal n
The act of reading carefully or thoughtfully
pervade v
To pass or spread through every part
pervasion n
The state of spreading through every part
pervasive adj
Thoroughly penetrating or permeating
perverse adj
Unreasonable
perversion n
Diversion from the true meaning or proper purpose
perversity n
Wickedness
pervert n
One who has forsaken a doctrine regarded as true for one esteemed false
pervious adj
Admitting the entrance or passage of another substance
pestilence n
A raging epidemic
pestilent adj
Having a malign influence or effect
pestilential adj
having the nature of or breeding pestilence
peter v
To fail or lose power, efficiency, or value
petrify v
To convert into a substance of stony hardness and character
petulance n
The character or condition of being impatient, capricious or petulant
petulant adj
Displaying impatience
pharmacopoeia n
A book containing the formulas and methods of preparation of medicines for the use of druggists
pharmacy n
The art or business of compounding and dispensing medicines
phenomenal adj
Extraordinary or marvelous
phenomenon n
Any unusual occurrence
philander v
To play at courtship with a woman
philanthropic adj
Benevolent
philanthropist n
One who endeavors to help his fellow men
philanthropy n
Active humanitarianism
philately n
The study and collection of stamps
philharmonic adj
Fond of music
philogynist n
One who is fond of women
philologist n
An expert in linguistics
philology n
The study of language in connection with history and literature
philosophize v
To seek ultimate causes and principles
philosophy n
The general principles, laws, or causes that furnish the rational explanation of anything
phlegmatic adj
Not easily roused to feeling or action
phonetic adj
Representing articulate sounds or speech
phonic adj
Pertaining to the nature of sound
phonogram n
A graphic character symbolizing an articulate sound
phonology n
The science of human vocal sounds
phosphorescence n
The property of emitting light
photoelectric adj
Pertaining to the combined action of light and electricity
photometer n
Any instrument for measuring the intensity of light or comparing the intensity of two lights
photometry n
The art of measuring the intensity of light
physicist n
A specialist in the science that treats of the phenomena associated with matter and energy
physics n
The science that treats of the phenomena associated with matter and energy
physiocracy n
The doctrine that land and its products are the only true wealth
physiognomy n
The external appearance merely
physiography n
Description of nature
physiology n
The science of organic functions
physique n
The physical structure or organization of a person
picayune adj
Of small value
piccolo n
A small flute
piece n
A loose or separated part, as distinguished from the whole or the mass
piecemeal adv
Gradually
pillage n
Open robbery, as in war
pillory n
A wooden framework in which an offender is fastened to boards and is exposed to public scorn
pincers n
An instrument having two lever-handles and two jaws working on a pivot
pinchers n
An instrument having two jaws working on a pivot
pinnacle n
A high or topmost point, as a mountain-peak
pioneer n
One among the first to explore a country
pious adj
Religious
pique v
To excite a slight degree of anger in
piteous adj
Compassionate
pitiable adj
Contemptible
pitiful adj
Wretched
pitiless adj
Hard-hearted
pittance n
Any small portion or meager allowance
placate v
To bring from a state of angry or hostile feeling to one of patience or friendliness
placid adj
Serene
plagiarism n
The stealing of passages from the writings of another and publishing them as one's own
planisphere n
A polar projection of the heavens on a chart
plasticity n
The property of some substances through which the form of the mass can readily be changed
platitude n
A written or spoken statement that is flat, dull, or commonplace
plaudit n
An expression of applause
plausible adj
Seeming likely to be true, though open to doubt
playful adj
Frolicsome
playwright n
A maker of plays for the stage
plea n
An argument to obtain some desired action
pleasant adj
Agreeable
pleasurable adj
Affording gratification
plebeian adj
Common
pledgee n
The person to whom anything is pledged
pledgeor n
One who gives a pledge
plenary adj
Entire
plenipotentiary n
A person fully empowered to transact any business
plenitude n
Abundance
plenteous adj
Abundant
plumb n
A weight suspended by a line to test the verticality of something
plummet n
A piece of lead for making soundings, adjusting walls to the vertical
pluperfect adj
Expressing past time or action prior to some other past time or action
plural adj
Containing or consisting of more than one
plurality n
A majority
plutocracy n
A wealthy class in a political community who control the government by means of their money
pneumatic adj
Pertaining to or consisting of air or gas
poesy n
Poetry
poetaster n
An inferior poet
poetic adj
Pertaining to poetry
poetics n
The rules and principles of poetry
poignancy n
Severity or acuteness, especially of pain or grief
poignant adj
Severely painful or acute to the spirit
poise n
Equilibrium
polar adj
Pertaining to the poles of a sphere, especially of the earth
polemics n
The art of controversy or disputation
pollen n
The fine dust-like grains or powder formed within the anther of a flowering plant
pollute v
To contaminate
polyarchy n
Government by several or many persons of what- ever class
polycracy n
The rule of many
polygamy n
the fact or condition of having more than one wife or husband at once
polyglot adj
Speaking several tongues
polygon n
A figure having many angles
polyhedron n
A solid bounded by plane faces, especially by more than four
polysyllable adj
Having several syllables, especially more than three syllables
polytechnic adj
Pertaining to, embracing, or practicing many arts
polytheism n
The doctrine or belief that there are more gods than one
pommel v
To beat with something thick or bulky
pomposity n
The quality of being marked by an assumed stateliness and impressiveness of manner
pompous adj
Marked by an assumed stateliness and impressiveness of manner
ponder v
To meditate or reflect upon
ponderous adj
Unusually weighty or forcible
pontiff n
The Pope
populace n
The common people
populous adj
Containing many inhabitants, especially in proportion to the territory
portend v
To indicate as being about to happen, especially by previous signs
portent n
Anything that indicates what is to happen
portfolio n
A portable case for holding writing-materials, drawings, etc
posit v
To present in an orderly manner
position n
The manner in which a thing is placed
positive adj
Free from doubt or hesitation
posse n
A force of men
possess v
To own
possession n
The having, holding, or detention of property in one's power or command
possessive adj
Pertaining to the having, holding, or detention of property in one's power or command
possessor n
One who owns, enjoys, or controls anything, as property
possible adj
Being not beyond the reach of power natural, moral, or supernatural
postdate v
To make the date of any writing later than the real date
posterior n
The hinder part
postgraduate adj
Pertaining to studies that are pursued after receiving a degree
postscript n
Something added to a letter after the writer's signature
potency n
Power
potent adj
Physically powerful
potentate n
One possessed of great power or sway
potential n
Anything that may be possible
potion n
A dose of liquid medicine
powerless adj
Impotent
practicable adj
Feasible
prate v
To talk about vainly or foolishly
prattle v
To utter in simple or childish talk
preamble n
A statement introductory to and explanatory of what follows
precarious adj
Perilous
precaution n
A provision made in advance for some possible emergency or danger
precede v
To happen first
precedence n
Priority in place, time, or rank
precedent n
An instance that may serve as a guide or basis for a rule
precedential adj
Of the nature of an instance that may serve as a guide or basis for a rule
precession n
The act of going forward
precipice n
A high and very steep or approximately vertical cliff
precipitant adj
Moving onward quickly and heedlessly
precipitate v
To force forward prematurely
precise adj
Exact
precision n
Accuracy of limitation, definition, or adjustment
preclude v
To prevent
precocious adj
Having the mental faculties prematurely developed
precursor n
A forerunner or herald
predatory adj
Prone to pillaging
predecessor n
An incumbent of a given office previous to another
predicament n
A difficult, trying situation or plight
predicate v
To state as belonging to something
predict v
To foretell
prediction n
A prophecy
predominance n
Ascendancy or preponderance
predominant adj
Superior in power, influence, effectiveness, number, or degree
predominate v
To be chief in importance, quantity, or degree
preeminence n
Special eminence
preempt v
To secure the right of preference in the purchase of public land
preemption n
The right or act of purchasing before others
preengage v
To preoccupy
preestablish v
To settle or arrange beforehand
preexist v
To exist at a period or in a state earlier than something else
preexistence n
Existence antecedent to something
preface n
A brief explanation or address to the reader, at the beginning of a book
prefatory adj
Pertaining to a brief explanation to the reader at the beginning of a book
prefer v
To hold in higher estimation
preferable adj
More desirable than others
preference n
An object of favor or choice
preferential adj
Possessing, giving, or constituting preference or priority
preferment n
Preference
prefix v
To attach at the beginning
prehensible adj
Capable of being grasped
prehensile adj
Adapted for grasping or holding
prehension n
The act of laying hold of or grasping
prejudice n
A judgment or opinion formed without due examination of the facts
prelacy n
A system of church government
prelate n
One of a higher order of clergy having direct authority over other clergy
prelude n
An introductory or opening performance
premature adj
Coming too soon
premier adj
First in rank or position
premise n
A judgment as a conclusion
premonition n
Foreboding
preoccupation n
The state of having the mind, attention, or inclination preoccupied
preoccupy v
To fill the mind of a person to the exclusion of other subjects
preordain v
To foreordain
preparation n
An act or proceeding designed to bring about some event
preparatory adj
Having to do with what is preliminary
preponderant adj
Prevalent
preponderate v
To exceed in influence or power
prepossession n
A preconceived liking
preposterous adj
Utterly ridiculous or absurd
prerogative adj
Having superior rank or precedence
presage v
To foretell
prescience n
Knowledge of events before they take place
prescient adj
Foreknowing
prescript adj
Prescribed as a rule or model
prescriptible adj
Derived from authoritative direction
prescription n
An authoritative direction
presentient adj
Perceiving or feeling beforehand
presentiment n
Foreboding
presentment n
Semblance
preservation n
Conservation
presumption n
That which may be logically assumed to be true until disproved
presumptuous adj
Assuming too much
pretension n
A bold or presumptuous assertion
pretentious adj
Marked by pretense, conceit, or display
preternatural adj
Extraordinary
pretext n
A fictitious reason or motive
prevalence n
Frequency
prevalent adj
Of wide extent or frequent occurrence
prevaricate v
To use ambiguous or evasive language for the purpose of deceiving or diverting attention
prevention n
Thwarting
prickle v
To puncture slightly with fine, sharp points
priggish adj
Conceited
prim adj
Stiffly proper
prima adj
First
primer n
An elementary reading-book for children
primeval adj
Belonging to the first ages
primitive adj
Pertaining to the beginning or early times
principal adj
Most important
principality n
The territory of a reigning prince
principle n
A general truth or proposition
priory n
A monastic house
pristine adj
Primitive
privateer n
A vessel owned and officered by private persons, but carrying on maritime war
privilege n
A right or immunity not enjoyed by all, or that may be enjoyed only under special conditions
privity n
Knowledge shared with another or others regarding a private matter
privy adj
Participating with another or others in the knowledge of a secret transaction
probate adj
Relating to making proof, as of a will
probation n
Any proceeding designed to ascertain or test character, qualification, or the like
probe v
To search through and through
probity n
Virtue or integrity tested and confirmed
procedure n
A manner or method of acting
proceed v
To renew motion or action, as after rest or interruption
proclamation n
Any announcement made in a public manner
procrastinate v
To put off till tomorrow or till a future time
procrastination n
Delay
proctor n
An agent acting for another
prodigal n
One wasteful or extravagant, especially in the use of money or property
prodigious adj
Immense
prodigy n
A person or thing of very remarkable gifts or qualities
productive adj
Yielding in abundance
profession n
Any calling or occupation involving special mental or other special disciplines
professor n
A public teacher of the highest grade in a university or college
proffer v
To offer to another for acceptance
proficiency n
An advanced state of acquirement, as in some knowledge, art, or science
proficient adj
Possessing ample and ready knowledge or of skill in any art, science, or industry
profile n
An outline or contour
profiteer n
One who profits
profligacy n
Shameless viciousness
profligate adj
Abandoned to vice
profuse adj
Produced or displayed in overabundance
progeny n
Offspring
progression n
A moving forward or proceeding in course
prohibition n
A decree or an order forbidding something
prohibitionist n
One who favors the prohibition by law of the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages
prohibitory adj
Involving or equivalent to prohibition, especially of the sale of alcoholic beverages
projection n
A prominence
proletarian n
A person of the lowest or poorest class
prolific adj
Producing offspring or fruit
prolix adj
Verbose
prologue n
A prefatory statement or explanation to a poem, discourse, or performance
prolong v
To extend in time or duration
promenade v
To walk for amusement or exercise
prominence n
The quality of being noticeable or distinguished
prominent adj
Conspicuous in position, character, or importance
promiscuous adj
Brought together without order, distinction, or design (for sex)
promissory adj
Expressing an engagement to pay
promontory n
A high point of land extending outward from the coastline into the sea
promoter n
A furtherer, forwarder, or encourager
promulgate v
To proclaim
propaganda n
Any institution or systematic scheme for propagating a doctrine or system
propagate v
To spread abroad or from person to person
propel v
To drive or urge forward
propellant adj
Propelling
propeller n
One who or that which propels
prophecy n
Any prediction or foretelling
prophesy v
To predict or foretell, especially under divine inspiration and guidance
propitious adj
Kindly disposed
proportionate adj
Being in proportion
propriety n
Accordance with recognized usage, custom, or principles
propulsion n
A driving onward or forward
prosaic adj
Unimaginative
proscenium n
That part of the stage between the curtain and the orchestra
proscribe v
To reject, as a teaching or a practice, with condemnation or denunciation
proscription n
Any act of condemnation and rejection from favor and privilege
proselyte n
One who has been won over from one religious belief to another
prosody n
The science of poetical forms
prospector n
One who makes exploration, search, or examination, especially for minerals
prospectus n
A paper or pamphlet containing information of a proposed undertaking
prostrate adj
Lying prone, or with the head to the ground
protagonist n
A leader in any enterprise or contest
protection n
Preservation from harm, danger, annoyance, or any other evil
protective adj
Sheltering
protector n
A defender
protege n
One specially cared for and favored by another usually older person
Protestant n
A Christian who denies the authority of the Pope and holds the right of special judgment
protomartyr n
The earliest victim in any cause
protocol n
A declaration or memorandum of agreement less solemn and formal than a treaty
protoplasm n
The substance that forms the principal portion of an animal or vegetable cell
prototype n
A work, original in character, afterward imitated in form or spirit
protract v
To prolong
protrude v
To push out or thrust forth
protrusion n
The act of protruding
protuberance n
Something that swells out from a surrounding surface
protuberant adj
Bulging
protuberate v
To swell or bulge beyond the surrounding surface
proverb n
A brief, pithy saying, condensing in witty or striking form the wisdom of experience
provident adj
Anticipating and making ready for future wants or emergencies
providential adj
Effected by divine guidance
provincial adj
Uncultured in thought and manner
proviso n
A clause in a contract, will, etc., by which its operation is rendered conditional
provocation n
An action or mode of conduct that excites resentment
prowess n
Strength, skill, and intrepidity in battle
proximately adv
Immediately
proxy n
A person who is empowered by another to represent him or her in a given matter
prudence n
Caution
prudential adj
Proceeding or marked by caution
prudery n
An undue display of modesty or delicacy
prurient adj
Inclined to lascivious thoughts and desires
pseudapostle n
A pretended or false apostle
pseudonym n
A fictitious name, especially when assumed by a writer
pseudonymity n
The state or character of using a fictitious name
psychiatry n
The branch of medicine that relates to mental disease
psychic adj
Pertaining to the mind or soul
psychopathic adj
Morally irresponsible
psychotherapy n
The treatment of mental disease
pudgy adj
Small and fat
puerile adj
Childish
pugnacious adj
Quarrelsome
puissant adj
Possessing strength
pulmonary adj
Pertaining to the lungs
punctilious adj
Strictly observant of the rules or forms prescribed by law or custom
punctual adj
Observant and exact in points of time
pungent adj
Affecting the sense of smell
pungency n
The quality of affecting the sense of smell
punitive adj
Pertaining to punishment
pupilage n
The state or period of being a student
purgatory n
An intermediate state where souls are made fit for paradise or heaven by expiatory suffering
purl v
To cause to whirl, as in an eddy
purloin v
To steal
purport n
Intent
purveyor n
one who supplies
pusillanimous adj
Without spirit or bravery
putrescent adj
Undergoing decomposition of animal or vegetable matter accompanied by fetid odors
pyre n
A heap of combustibles arranged for burning a dead body
pyromania n
An insane propensity to set things on fire
pyrotechnic adj
Pertaining to fireworks or their manufacture
pyx n
A vessel or casket, usually of precious metal, in which the host is preserved
quackery n
Charlatanry
quadrate v
To divide into quarters
quadruple v
To multiply by four
qualification n
A requisite for an employment, position, right, or privilege
qualify v
To endow or furnish with requisite ability, character, knowledge, skill, or possessions
qualm n
A fit of nausea
quandary n
A puzzling predicament
quantity n
Magnitude
quarantine n
The enforced isolation of any person or place infected with contagious disease
quarrelsome adj
Irascible
quarter n
One of four equal parts into which anything is or may be divided
quarterly adj
Occurring or made at intervals of three months
quartet n
A composition for four voices or four instruments
quarto n
An eight-page newspaper of any size
quay n
A wharf or artificial landing-place on the shore of a harbor or projecting into it
querulous adj
Habitually complaining
query v
To make inquiry
queue n
A file of persons waiting in order of their arrival, as for admittance
quibble n
An utterly trivial distinction or objection
quiescence n
Quiet
quiescent adj
Being in a state of repose or inaction
quiet adj
Making no noise
quietus n
A silencing, suppressing, or ending
quintessence n
The most essential part of anything
quintet n
Musical composition arranged for five voices or instruments
quite adv
Fully
Quixotic adj
Chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree
rabid adj
Affected with rabies or hydrophobia
racy adj
Exciting or exhilarating to the mind
radiance n
Brilliant or sparkling luster
radiate v
To extend in all directions, as from a source or focus
radical n
One who holds extreme views or advocates extreme measures
radix n
That from or on which something is developed
raillery n
Good-humored satire
ramify v
To divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions
ramose adj
Branch-like
rampant adj
Growing, climbing, or running without check or restraint
rampart n
A bulwark or construction to oppose assault or hostile entry
rancor n
Malice
rankle v
To produce irritation or festering
rapacious adj
Disposed to seize by violence or by unlawful or greedy methods
rapid adj
Having great speed
rapine n
The act of seizing and carrying off property by superior force, as in war
rapt adj
Enraptured
raptorial adj
Seizing and devouring living prey
ration v
To provide with a fixed allowance or portion, especially of food
rationalism n
The formation of opinions by relying upon reason alone, independently of authority
raucous adj
Harsh
ravage v
To lay waste by pillage, rapine, devouring, or other destructive methods
ravenous adj
Furiously voracious or hungry
ravine n
A deep gorge or hollow, especially one worn by a stream or flow of water
reaction n
Tendency towards a former, or opposite state of things, as after reform, revolution, or inflation
reactionary adj
Pertaining to, of the nature of, causing, or favoring reaction
readily adv
Without objection or reluctance
readjust v
To put in order after disarrangement
ready adj
In a state of preparedness for any given purpose or occasion
realism n
The principle and practice of depicting persons and scenes as they are believed really to exist
rearrange v
To arrange again or in a different order
reassure v
To give new confidence
rebellious adj
Insubordinate
rebuff n
A peremptory or unexpected rejection of advances or approaches
rebuild v
To build again or anew
rebut v
To oppose by argument or a sufficient answer
recant v
To withdraw formally one's belief (in something previously believed or maintained)
recapitulate v
To repeat again the principal points of
recapture v
To capture again
recede v
To move back or away
receivable adj
Capable of being or fit to be received - often money
receptive adj
Having the capacity, quality, or ability of receiving, as truths or impressions
recessive adj
Having a tendency to go back
recidivist n
A confirmed criminal
reciprocal adj
Mutually interchangeable or convertible
reciprocate v
To give and take mutually
reciprocity n
Equal mutual rights and benefits granted and enjoyed
recitation n
The act of reciting or repeating, especially in public and from memory
reck v
To have a care or thought for
reckless adj
Foolishly headless of danger
reclaim v
To demand or to obtain the return or restoration of
recline v
To cause to assume a leaning or recumbent attitude or position
recluse n
One who lives in retirement or seclusion
reclusory n
A hermitage
recognizance n
An acknowledgment entered into before a court with condition to do some particular act
recognize v
To recall the identity of (a person or thing)
recoil v
To start back as in dismay, loathing, or dread
recollect v
To recall the knowledge of
reconcilable adj
Capable of being adjusted or harmonized
reconnoiter v
To make a preliminary examination of for military, surveying, or geological purposes
reconsider v
To review with care, especially with a view to a reversal of previous action
reconstruct v
To rebuild
recourse n
Resort to or application for help in exigency or trouble
recover v
To regain
recreant n
A cowardly or faithless person
recreate v
To refresh after labor
recrudescence n
The state of becoming raw or sore again
recrudescent adj
Becoming raw or sore again