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1000 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
misogamy n
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Hatred of marriage
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misogyny n
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Hatred of women
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misplace v
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To put into a wrong place
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misrepresent v
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To give a wrong impression
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misrule v
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To misgovern
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missal n
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The book containing the service for the celebration of mass
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missile n
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Any object, especially a weapon, thrown or intended to be thrown
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missive n
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A message in writing
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mistrust v
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To regard with suspicion or jealousy
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misty adj
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Lacking clearness
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misunderstand v
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To Take in a wrong sense
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misuse v
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To maltreat
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mite n
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A very small amount, portion, or particle
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miter n
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The junction of two bodies at an equally divided angle
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mitigate v
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To make milder or more endurable
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mnemonics n
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A system of principles and formulas designed to assist the recollection in certain instances
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moat n
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A ditch on the outside of a fortress wall
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mobocracy n
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Lawless control of public affairs by the mob or populace
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moccasin n
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A foot-covering made of soft leather or buckskin
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mockery n
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Ridicule
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moderation n
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Temperance
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moderator n
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The presiding officer of a meeting
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modernity n
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The state or character of being modern
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modernize v
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To make characteristic of the present or of recent times
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modification n
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A change
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modify v
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To make somewhat different
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modish adj
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Fashionable
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modulate v
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To vary in tone, inflection, pitch or other quality of sound
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mollify v
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To soothe
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molt v
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To cast off, as hair, feathers, etc
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momentary adj
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Lasting but a short time
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momentous adj
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Very significant
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momentum n
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An impetus
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monarchy n
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Government by a single, sovereign ruler
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monastery n
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A dwelling-place occupied in common by persons under religious vows of seclusion
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monetary adj
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Financial
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mongrel n
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The progeny resulting from the crossing of different breeds or varieties
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monition n
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Friendly counsel given by way of warning and implying caution or reproof
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monitory n
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Admonition or warning
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monocracy n
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Government by a single person
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monogamy n
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The habit of pairing, or having but one mate
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monogram n
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A character consisting of two or more letters interwoven into one, usually initials of a name
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monograph n
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A treatise discussing a single subject or branch of a subject
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monolith n
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Any structure or sculpture in stone formed of a single piece
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monologue n
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A story or drama told or performed by one person
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monomania n
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The unreasonable pursuit of one idea
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monopoly n
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The control of a thing, as a commodity, to enable a person to raise its price
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monosyllable n
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A word of one syllable
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monotone n
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The sameness or monotony of utterance
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monotonous adj
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Unchanging and tedious
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monotony n
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A lack of variety
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monsieur n
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A French title of respect, equivalent to Mr. and sir
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monstrosity n
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Anything unnaturally huge or distorted
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moonbeam n
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A ray of moonlight
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morale n
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A state of mind with reference to confidence, courage, zeal, and the like
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moralist n
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A writer on ethics
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morality n
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Virtue
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moralize v
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To render virtuous
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moratorium n
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An emergency legislation authorizing a government suspend some action temporarily
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morbid adj
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Caused by or denoting a diseased or unsound condition of body or mind
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mordacious adj
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Biting or giving to biting
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mordant adj
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Biting
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moribund adj
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On the point of dying
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morose adj
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Gloomy
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morphology n
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the science of organic forms
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motley adj
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Composed of heterogeneous or inharmonious elements
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motto n
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An expressive word or pithy sentence enunciating some guiding rule of life, or faith
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mountaineer n
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One who travels among or climbs mountains for pleasure or exercise
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mountainous adj
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Full of or abounding in mountains
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mouthful n
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As much as can be or is usually put into the or exercise
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muddle v
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To confuse or becloud, especially with or as with drink
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muffle v
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To deaden the sound of, as by wraps
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mulatto n
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The offspring of a white person and a black person
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muleteer n
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A mule-driver
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multiform adj
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Having many shapes, or appearances
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multiplicity n
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the condition of being manifold or very various
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mundane adj
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Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or celestial
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municipal adj
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Of or pertaining to a town or city, or to its corporate or local government
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municipality n
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A district enjoying municipal government
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munificence n
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A giving characterized by generous motives and extraordinary liberality
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munificent adj
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Extraordinarily generous
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muster n
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An assemblage or review of troops for parade or inspection, or for numbering off
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mutation n
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The act or process of change
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mutilate v
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To disfigure
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mutiny n
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Rebellion against lawful or constituted authority
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myriad n
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A vast indefinite number
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mystic n
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One who professes direct divine illumination, or relies upon meditation to acquire truth
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mystification n
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The act of artfully perplexing
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myth n
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A fictitious narrative presented as historical, but without any basis of fact
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mythology n
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The whole body of legends cherished by a race concerning gods and heroes
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nameless adj
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Having no fame or reputation
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naphtha n
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A light, colorless, volatile, inflammable oil used as a solvent, as in manufacture of paints
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Narcissus n
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The son of the Athenian river-god Cephisus, fabled to have fallen in love with his reflection
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narrate v
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To tell a story
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narration n
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The act of recounting the particulars of an event in the order of time or occurrence
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narrative n
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An orderly continuous account of the successive particulars of an event
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narrator n
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One who narrates anything
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narrow-minded adj
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Characterized by illiberal views or sentiments
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nasal adj
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Pertaining to the nose
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natal adj
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Pertaining to one's birth
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nationality n
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A connection with a particular nation
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naturally adv
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According to the usual order of things
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nausea n
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An affection of the stomach producing dizziness and usually an impulse to vomit
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nauseate v
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To cause to loathe
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nauseous adj
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Loathsome
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nautical adj
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Pertaining to ships, seamen, or navigation
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naval adj
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Pertaining to ships
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navel n
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The depression on the abdomen where the umbilical cord of the fetus was attached
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navigable adj
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Capable of commercial navigation
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navigate v
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To traverse by ship
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nebula n
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A gaseous body of unorganized stellar substance
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necessary adj
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Indispensably requisite or absolutely needed to accomplish a desired result
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necessitate v
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To render indispensable
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necessity n
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That which is indispensably requisite to an end desired
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necrology n
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A list of persons who have died in a certain place or time
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necromancer n
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One who practices the art of foretelling the future by means of communication with the dead
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necropolis n
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A city of the dead
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necrosis n
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the death of part of the body
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nectar n
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Any especially sweet and delicious drink
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nectarine n
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A variety of the peach
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needlework n
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Embroidery
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needy adj
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Being in need, want, or poverty
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nefarious adj
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Wicked in the extreme
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negate v
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To deny
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negation n
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The act of denying or of asserting the falsity of a proposition
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neglectful adj
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Exhibiting or indicating omission
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negligee n
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A loose gown worn by women
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negligence n
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Omission of that which ought to be done
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negligent adj
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Apt to omit what ought to be done
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negligible adj
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Transferable by assignment, endorsement, or delivery
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negotiable v
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To bargain with others for an agreement, as for a treaty or transfer of property
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Nemesis n
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A goddess; divinity of chastisement and vengeance
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neocracy n
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Government administered by new or untried persons
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neo-Darwinsim n
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Darwinism as modified and extended by more recent students
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neo-Latin n
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Modernized Latin
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neopaganism n
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A new or revived paganism
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Neolithic adj
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Pertaining to the later stone age
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neology n
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The coining or using of new words or new meanings of words
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neophyte adj
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Having the character of a beginner
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nestle v
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To adjust cozily in snug quarters
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nestling adj
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Recently hatched
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nettle v
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To excite sensations of uneasiness or displeasure in
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network n
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Anything that presents a system of cross- lines
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neural adj
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Pertaining to the nerves or nervous system
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neurology n
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The science of the nervous system
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neuter adj
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Neither masculine nor feminine
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neutral adj
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Belonging to or under control of neither of two contestants
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nevertheless conj
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Notwithstanding
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Newtonian adj
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Of or pertaining to Sir Isaac Newton, the English philosopher
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niggardly adj
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Stingy
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nihilist n
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An advocate of the doctrine that nothing either exists or can be known
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nil n
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Nothing
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nimble adj
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Light and quick in motion or action
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nit n
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The egg of a louse or some other insect
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nocturnal adj
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Of or pertaining to the night
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noiseless adj
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Silent
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noisome adj
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Very offensive, particularly to the sense of smell
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noisy adj
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Clamorous
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nomad adj
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Having no fixed abode
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nomic adj
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Usual or customary
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nominal adj
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Trivial
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nominate v
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To designate as a candidate for any office
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nomination n
|
The act or ceremony of naming a man or woman for office
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nominee n
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One who receives a nomination
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non-existent n
|
That which does not exist
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non-resident adj
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Not residing within a given jurisdiction
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nonchalance n
|
A state of mind indicating lack of interest
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non-combatant n
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One attached to the army or navy, but having duties other than that of fighting
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nondescript adj
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Indescribable
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nonentity n
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A person or thing of little or no account
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nonpareil n
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One who or that which is of unequaled excellence
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norm n
|
A model
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normalcy n
|
The state of being normal
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Norman adj
|
Of or peculiar to Normandy, in northern France
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nostrum n
|
Any scheme or recipe of a charlatan character
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noticeable adj
|
Perceptible
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notorious adj
|
Unfavorably known to the general public
|
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novellette n
|
A short novel
|
|
novice n
|
A beginner in any business or occupation
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nowadays adv
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In the present time or age
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nowhere adv
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In no place or state
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noxious adj
|
Hurtful
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nuance n
|
A slight degree of difference in anything perceptible to the sense of the mind
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nucleus n
|
A central point or part about which matter is aggregated
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nude adj
|
Naked
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nugatory adj
|
Having no power or force
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nuisance n
|
That which annoys, vexes, or irritates
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numeration n
|
The act or art of reading or naming numbers
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numerical adj
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Of or pertaining to number
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nunnery n
|
A convent for nuns
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nuptial adj
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Of or pertaining to marriage, especially to the marriage ceremony
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nurture n
|
The process of fostering or promoting growth
|
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nutriment n
|
That which nourishes
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nutritive adj
|
Having nutritious properties
|
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oaken adj
|
Made of or from oak
|
|
oakum n
|
Hemp-fiber obtained by untwisting and picking out loosely the yarns of old hemp rope
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obdurate adj
|
Impassive to feelings of humanity or pity
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obelisk n
|
A square shaft with pyramidal top, usually monumental or commemorative
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|
obese adj
|
Exceedingly fat
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obesity n
|
Excessive fatness
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obituary adj
|
A published notice of a death
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objective adj
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Grasping and representing facts as they are
|
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objector n
|
One who objects, as to a proposition, measure, or ruling
|
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obligate v
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To hold to the fulfillment of duty
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obligatory adj
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Binding in law or conscience
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oblique adj
|
Slanting; said of lines
|
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obliterate v
|
To cause to disappear
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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
|
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obnoxious adj
|
Detestable
|
|
obsequies n
|
Funeral rites
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obsequious adj
|
Showing a servile readiness to fall in with the wishes or will of another
|
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observance n
|
A traditional form or customary act
|
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observant adj
|
Quick to notice
|
|
observatory n
|
A building designed for systematic astronomical observations
|
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obsolescence n
|
The condition or process of gradually falling into disuse
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obsolescent adj
|
Passing out of use, as a word
|
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obsolete adj
|
No longer practiced or accepted
|
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obstetrician n
|
A practitioner of midwifery
|
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obstetrics n
|
The branch of medical science concerned with the treatment and care of women during pregnancy
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obstinacy n
|
Stubborn adherence to opinion, arising from conceit or the desire to have one's own way
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obstreperous adj
|
Boisterous
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obstruct v
|
To fill with impediments so as to prevent passage, either wholly or in part
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obstruction n
|
Hindrance
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obtrude v
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To be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence
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obtrusive adj
|
Tending to be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence
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obvert v
|
To turn the front or principal side of (a thing) toward any person or object
|
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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
|
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occlude v
|
To absorb, as a gas by a metal
|
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occult adj
|
Existing but not immediately perceptible
|
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occupant n
|
A tenant in possession of property, as distinguished from the actual owner
|
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occurrence n
|
A happening
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octagon n
|
A figure with eight sides and eight angles
|
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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
|
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octogenarian adj
|
A person of between eighty and ninety years
|
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ocular adj
|
Of or pertaining to the eye
|
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oculist n
|
One versed or skilled in treating diseases of the eye
|
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oddity n
|
An eccentricity
|
|
ode n
|
The form of lyric poetry anciently intended to be sung
|
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odious adj
|
Hateful
|
|
odium n
|
A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of dislike and disgust
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odoriferous adj
|
Having or diffusing an odor or scent, especially an agreeable one
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odorous adj
|
Having an odor, especially a fragrant one
|
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off adj
|
Farther or more distant
|
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offhand adv
|
Without preparation
|
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officiate v
|
To act as an officer or leader
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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
|