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295 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
pabulum
bland or insipid intellectual fare, entertainment, etc.; pap.
pace
w/ due respect to (someone or an opinion), used to express polite disagreement or contradiction: "history, pace some theorists, is not dead"
pacific
peaceful in character or intent
padrone
a patron or master, in particular: a Mafia boss, an employer (esp one who exploits immigrant workers), or (in Italy) the proprietor of a hotel.
paean
a song of praise or triumph; a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise
palate
roof of mouth

person's taste or liking

taste or flavor of wine or beer
palaver
prolonged and idle discussion

a parley or improvised conference between two sides.

(v)-talk unnecessarily at length
palimpsest
a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing.
palindrome
a word, phrase ,or sequence that reads the same backward as forward: "nurses run"
palingenesis
(biology) the exact reproduction of ancestral characteristics during the developmental stages of a particular organism

rebirth of regeneration
palliate
make a disease or its symptoms less severe or unpleasant w/o removing the cause

allay or moderate fears / suspicions

disguise the seriousness or gravity of an offense
palpate
examine a part of the body by touch, esp for medical purposes
palpitate
(of the heart) beat rapidly, strongly , or irregularly

shake; tremble
palsy
paralysis, esp. that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors

condition of helplessness
palter
equivocate or prevaricate in action or speech

trifle w/
paludal
(of a plant, animal, or soil) living or occurring in a marshy habitat
panacea
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
panache
flamboyant confidence

tuft or plume of feathers, espas a headdress or on a helmet
pandect
a complete body of the laws of a country

the Pandects: a compendium in 50 books of the Roman civil law made by order of Justinian in the 6th C. CE
pandemic
(of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world

an outbreak of such a disease
pander
(n) a person who assists the baser urges or evil designs of others
panegyric
a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something
panoply
a complete or impressive collection of things

splendid display

a complete set of arms or suit of armor
pantheism
a doctrine that identifies God w/ the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God

worship that admits or tolerates all gods
papist
derogatory term for a Roman Catholic

another term for papalist, a supporter of the papcy, esp an advocate of papl supremacy
parable
a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, such as those told by Jesus in the Gospels
parachronism
an error in chronology, esp by assigning too late a date
paragon
a perfect diamond of 100 carats or more
parallax
the effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions, e.g. through the viewfinder and the lens of a camera
paralogism
a piece of illogical or fallacious reasoning, esp. one that appears superficially logical or that the reasoner believes to be logical
paramour
a lover, esp. the illicit partner of a married person
parapet
a low, protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.
paraphilia
(psychiatry) condition characterized by abnormal sexual desires, typically involving extreme or dangerous activities.
parataxis
the placing of clauses or phrases one after another, w/o words to indicate coordination or subordination, as in "Tell me, how are you?" (as opposed to Hypotaxis, the subordination of one clause to another.).
parens patiae
the gov't, or any other authority, regarded as the legal protector of citizens unable to protet themselves.

the principle that political authority carries w/ it the responsibility for such protection.
parietal
of, relating to, attached to, or denoting the wall of the body or of a body cavity or hollow structure
(think: parietal lobe)

relating to residence in a college or university dorm and esp. to visits from members of the opposite sex: "parietal rules"

denoting prehistoric art found on rock walls
parimutuel
(often as adj.) a form of betting in which those backing the first three places (called win, place, and show) divide the losers' stakes (less the operator's commission)

a booth for placing bets under such a system
parlance
a particular way of speaking or using words, esp a way common to those with a particular job or interest
parlay
turn an initial stake or winnings from a previous bet into (a greater amount) by gambling

transform into something more valuable
parious
full of danger or uncertainty; precarious
Parnassian
relating to poetry; poetic

of or relating to a group of French poets of the late 19th C who emphasized strictness of farm, named from the anthology Le Parnasse contemporain (1866)
parochial
of or relating to a church parish

school operated by a church

having a limited or narrow outlook or scope
paronomasia
a play on words; a pun
paronym
a word that is a derivative of another and has a related meaning: "wisdom" is a paronym of "wise"

a word formed by adaptation of a foreign word: "preface" is a paronym of Latin "prefatio"
parquet
flooring composed of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern

the ground floor of a theater or auditorium
parricide
killing of ap arent or other near relative
parse
analyze (a sentence) into its component parts and describe their syntactic roles. (V)
parsimonious
unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal.
participle
a word formed from a verb (e.g. going, gone, being, been) and used as an adjective (e.g. working woman, burned toast) or a noun (e.g. good breeding). In English, participles are also used to make compound verb forms (e.g. is going, has been)
parturient
of woman or female mammal: about to give birth; in labor
parvenu
a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity.
paschal
of or relating to Easter/Passover.
pas de deux
(plural is the same) a dance for two people, typically a man and a woman

a relation between two ppl that requires finesse or close coperation.
pasquinade
a satire or lampoon, originally one displayed or delivered publicly in a public place.
passe
no longer fashionable

(esp. of a woman) past one's prime
passerine
adj.: of, relating to, or denoting birds of a large order distinguished by feet that are adapted for perching, incl. all songbirds.

perching bird
passim
(of allusions or references in a published work) to be found at various places throughout the text.
pastiche
an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period.

an artistic work consisting of a medley of pieces taken from various sources.
pastorale
a slow instrumental composition, usually with drone notes in the bass

a simple musical play w/ a rural subject
pathogen
a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease
pathological
involving, caused by, or of the nature of a physical or mental disease
pathology
science of the causes and effects of diseases, esp. the branch of medicine that deals w/ the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.

mental, social, or linguisstic abnormality or malfunction
pathos
a quality that evokes pity or sadness
patina
a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period

gloss or sheen on wooden furniture produced by age and polishing

an impression or appearance of something, esp. one deemed to be misleading
patisserie
a shopw where pastires and cakes are sold

cakes and pastries collectively "French patisserie"
patois
(p. same) the dialect of the common ppl of a region, differing in various respects from the standard language of the rest of the country.

jargon or informal speech used by a particular social group
patriate
transfer control over (a constitution) from a mother country to its former dependency
patrician
an aristocrat or nobleman

member of a noble family or class in ancient Rome
patrimony
property inherited from one's father or male ancestor

heritage
patronymic
a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor, typically by the addition of a prefix or suffix: e.g. "Johnson, O'Brien, Ivanovich"
patroon
a person given land and granted certain manorial privileges under the fromer Dutch gov'ts of New York and New Jersey.
patulous
(esp. of the branches of a tree) spreading
paucity
scarcity
pave
"pava" a setting of precious stones placed so closely together that no metal shows

a paved street, road, or path.
payola
the practice of bribing someone to use his or her influence or position to promote a particular product or interest
peccadillo
a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin.
peccant
having committed a fault or sin; offending

diseased or causing disease
peckish
hungry
peculate
embezzle or steal (money, esp public funds)
pedant
a person who is excessively concerned w/ minor details and rules or w/ displaying academic learning.
pedicular
of, relating to, or infested w/ lice
pedology
soil science
peignoir
a woman's light dressing gown or negligee
pejorative
expressing contempt or disapproval
pelagian
inhabiting the open sea; an inhabitant of the open sea.
pelf
money, esp when gained in a dishonest or dishonorable way
pellucid
translucent, clear

very lucid in style or meaning; easily understood.

(of music or other sound) clear and pure in tone
pendant
an artistic, literary, or musical composition intended to match or complement another
pendent
hanging down or overhanging

undecided

esp of a sentence: incomplete; not having a finitive verb
peneplain
a more or less lvl land surface produced by erosion over a long period, undisturbed by crustal movement
penetralia
the innermost parts of a building, a secret or hidden place
penology
the study of the punishment of crime and of prison mgmnt.
pensee
"pensay" a thought or reflection put into literary form; an aphorism
pensile
hanging down; pendulous
pentacle
a talisman or magical object, typically disk-shaped and inscribed w/ a pentagram or other figure, and used as a symbol of the element of earth.
penultimate
second to last in a series of things.
penumbra
the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object

any area of partial shade
penury
extreme poverty; destitution
peon
a Latin-American day laborer or unskilled farm worker

a person who does menial work; a drudge
peptic
relating to digestion, esp in the stomach.
peradventure
perhaps

uncertainty or doubt as to whether something is the case
perambulate
walk or travel through or around (a place or area) esp for pleasure and leisure.

walk about.
percept
an object of perception; something that is perceived
percipient
adj. having a good understanding; perceptive
percolate
filter gradually through a porous surface or substance

(of info) spread gradually thru an area or group of ppl

be or become full of lively activity or excitement
perdition
in Christian theology, a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unpenitent person passes after death.

utter ruin or destruction.
perdurable
enduring continuously; imperishable
perdure
remain in existence throughout a substantial period of time; endure
pere
N used after a surname to distinguish a father from a son of the same name. "Alexandre Dumas pere"
peregrinate
travel or wander around from place to place
peremptory
insisting on immediate attention or obedience, esp. in a brusquely imperious way.

not open to legal appeal or challenge; final.
perfervid
intense and impassioned
perfidious
deceitful and untrustworthy; capable of treachery
perforce
used to express necessity or inevitability: "amateurs, perforce, have to settle for less"
perfuse
permeate or suffuse (something) w/ a liquid, color, quality, etc.
perigee
the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the earth.
peripatetic
traveling from place to place, esp. working or based in various places for relatively short periods.

Peripatetic: of or belonging to the philosophical school of Aristotle.
periphrasis
the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing.

an indirect and circumlocutory phrase.

the use of separate words to express a grammatical relationship that is otherwise expressed by inflection, e.g., "did go" as opposed to "went" and "more intelligent" as opposed to "smarter".
peristyle
a row of columns surrounding a space w/in a building such as a courtyard or internal garden or edging a veranda or porch.

an architectural space such as a courtyard or porh that is surrounded or edged by such columns.
perlocution
an act of speaking or writing that has an action as its aim but that in itself does not effect or constitute the action, for example persuading or convincing.
pernicious
having a harmful effect, esp. in a gradual or subtle way.
perorate
speak at length

sum up and conclude a speech.
peroration
the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience.
perquisite
perks
perseverate
repeat or prolong an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased.
persiflage
light mockery or banter
persnickety
placing too much emphasis on trivial or minor details; fussy

requiring a particularly precise or careful approach.
persona non grata
an unacceptable or unwelcome person.
perspicuous
(of an acc't or representation) clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid.

(of a person) able to give an acc't or express an idea clearly.
pertinacious
holding firmly to an opinion or a course of action.
peruse
READ CAREFULLY AND AT LENGTH. (NOT skim)
pervious
allowing water to pass through; permeable
petard
a small bomb made of a metal or wooden box filled w/ powder, used to blast down a door or to make a hole in a wall.

a kind of firework that explodes w/ a sharp report.
petroglyph
a rock carving or drawing, esp. a prehistoric one.
pettifog
quibble about petty points

practice legal deception or trickery
petulant
(of a person or personal manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
phalanx
group of ppl or things of a similar type forming a compact body or brought together for a common purpose.

(ancient Greece) a body of Macedonian infantry drawn up in close order w/ shields touching and long spears overlapping.
phantasmagoria
a sequence of real or imaginary images like that seen in a dream.
Pharisee
member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observanceof the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity.

a self-righteous person; a hypocrite.
pharmacopeia
a book, esp. an official publication, containing a list of medicinal drugs w/ their effects and directions for their use

a stock of medicinal drugs.
Pharos
a lighthouse, often considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World, erected by Ptolemy II (308 BC-246 BC), off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt.

pharos: a lighthouse or a beacon to guide sailors.
philander
(V) (of a man) readily or frequently enter into casual sexual relationships w/ women.
philately
the collection and study of postage stamps
philippic
a bitter attack or denunciation, esp. a verbal one
philistine
a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them.
philology
branch of knowledge that deals w the structure, historical development, and relationships of a language or languages.

literary or classical scholarship.
philter
a drink supposed to excite sexual love in the drinker.
phlegm
(in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humors, believed to be associated w/ a calm, stolid, or apathetic temperament

calmness of temperament
plegmatic
having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.
phoneme
any of the perceptually distinct units of sound in a specified language that distinguish one word from another, for example: P, B, D, and T in the English words Pad, Pat, Bad, and Bat.
phonics
a method of teaching ppl to read by correlating sounds w/ letters or groups of letters in an alphabetic writing system.
phonology
the branch of linquistics that deals w/ systems of sounds, esp. in a particular language.
phrenology
the detailed study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities, popular in the 19th but largely discredited by the early 20th cent.
phylactery
a small leather box containing Hebrew texts, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep that law.
phylogeny
the branch of biology that deals w/ phylogenesis (evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms, or of a particular feature of an organism)
phylum
(in linguistics) a group of languages related to each other less closely than those forming a family, esp. one in which the relationships are disputed or unclear.
pianoforte
piano
piazza
a public square or marketplace, esp. in an Italian town

the veranda of a house
picaresque
of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing w/ the adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero.

this style of fiction.
picayune
petty; worthless;

(N) a small coin of little value, esp. a 5-cent piece.

an insignificant person or thing.
piebald
(of a horse) having irregular patches of 2 colors, typically black and white.
pied
having 2 or more diff't colors: "pied dogs from the Pyrenees"
piedmont
a gentle slope leading from th base of mountains to a region of flat land.
pieta
a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms.
pilaster
a rectangular column, esp. one projecting from a wall.
pilous
covered w/ long soft hairs
pinion
the outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers

a bird's wing as used in flight

tie or hold the arms or legs of (someone)
pinnate
(esp. of an invertebrate animal) having branches, tentacles, etc., on each side of an axis.
piquant
having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor

pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind
pique
a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, esp. to one's pride.
piscatorial
of or concerning fishermen or fishing. "piska-torial"
pisciculture
the controlled breeding and rearing of fish. "pisi-culture"
piscine
of or concerning fish
pistil
the female organs of a flower, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary.
pithy
(of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive.
pixilated
crazy, confused, whimsical
plaintive
sad-sounding
plangent
(of a sound) loud, reverberating, and often melancholy
plantar
of or relating to the sole of the foot
plantigrade
(of a mammal) walking on the soles of the feet, like a human or a bear
plat
a plot of land

a map or plan of an area of land showing actual or proposed features
platitude
a remark or statement, esp. one w/ a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.

the quality of being dull, ordinary, or trite.
platonic
confined to words, theories, or ideals, and not leading to practical action.
plaudits
plural N. : praise; applause from audience.
plebiscite
the direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public question suchas a change in the constitution.
plectrum
guitar pick
pleiad
an outstanding group of seven ppl or things.
plenary
not deficient in any respect; full; unqualified; absolute

(of a meeting) to be attended by all participants at a conference or assembly, who otherwise meet in smaller groups.
plenipotentiary
a person, esp. a diplomat, invested w/ the full power of independent action on behalf of his or her gov't, typically in a foreign country.

(of power) absolute
plenum
an assembly of all the members of a group or committee
pleonasm
the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning (e.g. see with one's eyes), either as a fault of style or for emphasis.
plexus
an intricate network or weblike formation
plight
pledge or promise solemnly;

"to be plighted to"--be engaged to be married to.
plinth
heavy base supporting a statue or vase.
plosive
denoting a consonant that is produced by stopping the airflow using the lips, teeth, or palate, followed by a sudden release of air.

(in English: T, K, and P, as well as D, G, and B)
pluperfect
more than perfect
plutocracy
gov't by the wealthy

an elite or ruling class of ppl whose power derives from their wealth.
pluvial
relating to or characterized by rainfall.

a period marked by increased rainfall.
pneumatic
containing or operated by air or gas under pressure

(of a woman) large-breasted

of or relating to the spirit
poesy
the art of composition of poetry
poetaster
a person who writes inferior poetry
poignant
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

keenly felt

sharp or pungent in taste or smell
polecat
skunk

detested or immoral person
polemic
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute
politesse
formal politeness or etiquette
politick
(of a person) prudent and sagacious
polonaise
a slow dance of Polish origin in triple tim, consisting chiefly of an intricate march or procesion

a piece of music for this dance or its rhythm
poltergeist
a ghost or other supernatural being supposedly responsible for physical disturbances such as loud noises and objects flying.
poltroon
utter coward
polygraph
lie detector
polymath
a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning
polynomial
consisting of several terms
polysynthetic
denoting or relating to a language characterized by complex words consisting of several morphemes, in which a single word may function as a whole sentence. Many American Indian languages are polysynthetic.
polyvalent
having many diff't functions, forms, or facets: "as emotion, love is polyvalent"
pontificate
express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic
popinjay
a vain or conceited person, esp. one who dresses or behaves extravagantly
porcine
of, affecting, or resembling a pig or pigs
portentous
of or like a portent

done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress
portmanteau
a lg trunk or suitcase, typically made of stiff leather and opening into 2 equal parts

(as adj.) consisting of or combining two or more separable aspects or qualities.
portmanteau word
a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of 2 others, for example "motel" (from 'motor' and 'hotel') or "brunch".
positivism
a philosophical system that holds that every rationally justifiable assertion can be scientifically verified or is capable of logical or mathematical proof, and that therefore rejects metaphysics and theism.

the theory that laws are to be understood as social rules, valid because they are enacted by authority or derive logically from existing decisions, and that ideal or moral considerations (i.e. that a rule is unjust) should not limit the scope or operation of the law.

the state or quality of being positive
postern
a back or side entrance
posthaste
w/ great speed or immediacy
post hoc
occurring or done after the event

referring to the logical fallacy "post hoc, ergo propter hoc" = "after this, therefore because of this".
postmodernism
general distrust of grand theories and ideologies as well as aproblematical relationship w/ any notion of "Art".
postmortem
an analysis or discussion of an event held soon after it has occurred, esp. in order to determine why it was a failure.

happening after death
postpositive
(of a word) placed after or as a suffix on the word that it relates to.
postprandial
during or relating to the period after dinner or lunch.

(in medicine) occurring after a meal.
postulant
a candidate, esp. one seeking admission into a religious order.
potable
safe to drink
potage
thick soup
potation
a drink

2) the action of drinking something

3) a drinking bout
potentate
a monarch or ruler, esp. an autocratic one.
potentiate
increase the power, effect, or likelihoood of something (esp. a drug or physciological reaction)
practicum
a practical section of a course of study
prandial
during or relating to dinner or lunch.
prate
talk foolishly or at tedious length about something.
pratfall
a fall on one's buttocks

2) a stupid and humiliating action
praxis
practice, as distinguished from theory
precatory
of, relating to, or expressing a wish or request.
preceptor
a teacher or instructor
precipitate
(of an event or situation) occurring suddenly or abruptly
precipitous
sudden and dramatic

2) (of an action) done suddenly and w/o careful consideration
precis
(plural same) a summary or abstract of a text or speech. "pra'sei"
predacious
(of animals) predatory
predicate
the part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and statin something about the subject (e.g. 'went home' in John went home)

2) (in logic) something that is affirmed or denied concerning an argument of a proposition.

3) affirm (something) about the subject of a sentence or an argument of proposition
prefect
1) chief officer, magistrate, or regional governor in certain countries
prehensile
capable of grasping
prelate
a bishop or other high ecclesiastical dignitary
premier
of earliest creation: "the premier issue of the quarterly."
premierE
first performance of a musical/theatrical work or first showing of a movie.
*note spelling: has E on end.
preposition
a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, as in "the man ON the platform," "she arrived AFTER dinner," "what did you do it FOR?"
prepossessing
(often w/ negative con.) attractive or appealing in appearance
prepuce
1) technical term for the male foreskin

2) the fold of the skin surrounding the clitoris
Pre-Raphaelite
a member of a group of English 19th century artists, who consciously sought to emulate the simplicty and sincerity of the work of Italian artists from before the time of Raphael (1483-1520) (esp. w/ the women they frequently used as models, w/ long, thick, wavy auburn hair, pale skin, and a fey demeanor)
presage
(of an event) be a sign or warning that something (bad) will happen

2) a feeling of presentiment or foreboding: "he had a strong presage that he had only a very short time to live"
prescind
leave out of consideration

2) cut off or separate from something "his is an idea completely prescinded from all of the others."
presidium
a standing executive committee in a communist country

2) Presidium - the committee of this type in the former USSR, which functioned as the legislative authority when the Supreme Soviet was not sitting
prestidigitation
magic tricks performed as entertainment
preternatural
beyond what is normal or natural
prevaricate
speak or act in an evasive way
priapic
of, relating to, or resembling a phallus;

2) of or relating to male sexuality and sexual activity

3) having a persistently erect penis.
prig
a self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others
prima donna
the cheif female singer in an opera or opera company;

2) a very temperamental person with an inflated view of their own talent or importance
prima facie
(in law) based on the first impression; accepted as correct utnil proved otherwise
primeval
of the earliest ages in the history of the world

2) of feelings or actions- based on primitve instinct, raw and elementary
primogeniture
the state of being the firstborn child
privateer
an armed ship owned and officered by private individuals holding a gov't commission and authorized for use in war, esp. in the capture of enemy merchant shipping
privation
a state in which things that are essential for well-being such as food and warmth are scarce or lacking.

2) the loss or absence of a quality or attribute that is normally present: "cold is the privation of heat."
privity
a relation between two parties that is recognized by law, e.g. blood, lease, or service
prix fixe
"pre feks" a meal consisting of several courses, served at a fixed price.
probity
the quality of having strong moral principles, honesty, and decency.
proclivity
a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing
prodigal
spending money freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant, on a lavish scale

2) "prodigal son" a person who leaves home and behaves in such a way, but later makes a repentant turn
prodigious
1) remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

2) unnatural or abnormal
proem
a preface or preamble to a book or speech
pro forma
as a matter of form or politeness

2) denoting a standard document or form, esp. an invoice sent in advance of or w/ good supplied
profuse
(of a person) lavish; extravagant
progenitive
having the quality of producing offspring; having reproductive power
progenitor
ancestor/parent

2) a person who originates an artistic, political, intellectual, etc. movement
prognosis
the likely course of a disease or ailment;

2) a forecast of the likely course of a disease or ailment (or situation)
prole
a member of the working class; a worker; working class
prolegomenon
a critical or discursive introduction to a book
prolepsis
1) the anticipation and answering of possible objections in rhetorical speech.

2) the representation of a thing as existing before it actually does or did so, as in "he was a dead man when he entered"
prolix
(of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy
prolusion
a preliminary action or event; a prelude.

2) a preliminary essay or article
promissory
(in law) conveying or implying a promise

2) indicative of something to come; full of promise
promontory
a point of high land that juts out into the sea or a large lake; a headland

2) a prominence or protuberance on an organ or other structure of the body
pronate
put or hold (a hand, foot, or limb) with the palm or sole turned downward. The opposite of supinate.
propaedeutic
(of an area of study) serving as a preliminary instruction or as an introduction to further study.
propinquity
the state of being close to someone or something; proximity

2) close kinship
propitiate
win or regain the favor of a god, spirit, or person, by doing something that pleases them.

=> propitious
propitious
giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable;

2) favorably disposed toward someone
propound
put forward an idea/theory/point-of-view for consideration by others
proscenium
the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain.