sophrosyne: a healthy state of mind, characterized by self-control, moderation, and a deep awareness of one's true self, and resulting in true happiness vorfreude: the joyful, intense anticipation that comes from imagining future pleasures numinous: describbing an experience that makes you fearful yet fascinating, awed yet attracted . the powerful, personal feeling of being overwhelmed and inspired nemophilist: a haunter of the woods; one who loves the forest and its beauty and solitude sillage: the scent that lingers in the air, the trail left in water, the impression made in space after something or someone has been and gone; the trace of someone's perfume erlebnisse: the experiences, positive or negative, that we feel most deeply, and through which we truly live; not mere experiences, but Experiences koyaanisqatsi: nature out of balance; a way of life so unbalanced that you need a new way meliorism: the belief that the world gets better; the belief that humans can improve the world fernweh: an ache for distant places; the craving for travel ostranenie: encouraging people to see common things as strange, wild, or unfamiliar; defamiliarizing what is known in order to know it differently or more deeply smultronställe: a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness mamihlapinatapai: a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other would initiate something they both desire but which neither wants to begin rasasvada: the taste of bliss in the absence of all thoughts acatalepsy: the impossibility of comprehending the universe; the belief that human knowledge can never have true certainty weltanschauung: world view, personal philosophy; world sorrow, sadness at the world's woes hiraeth: a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past nefelibata: literally, .cloud-walker.; one who lives in the clouds of their own imagination or dreams, or one who does not obey the conventions of society, literature, or art. firgun: the act of sharing in or even contributing to someone else's pleasure or fortune, with a purely generous heart and without jealousy; or of sharing credit fairly metanoia: the journey of changing one's mind, heart, self, or way of life orenda: a mystical force present in all people that empowers them to affect the world, or to effect change in their own lives sehnsucht: .the inconsolable longing in the human heart for we know not what.; a yearning for a far, familiar, non-earthly land one can identify as one's home tsundoku: buying books and not reading them; letting books pile up unread on shelves or floors or nightstands gezellig: cozy, nice, inviting, pleasant, comfortable; connoting time spent with loved ones or togetherness after a long separation cafuné: running your fingers through your lover's hair Litost (Czech): a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one's own misery Pena ajena (Mexican Spanish): The embarrassment you feel watching someone else's humiliation Schadenfreude (German): the pleasure derived from someone else's pain Age-otori (Japanese): To look worse after a haircut Arigata-meiwaku (Japanese): An act someone does for you that you didn.t want to have them do and tried to avoid having them do, but they went ahead anyway, determined to do you a favor, and then things went wrong and caused you a lot of trouble, yet in the end social conventions required you to express gratitude Backpfeifengesicht (German): A face badly in need of a fist Bakku-shan (Japanese): A beautiful girl. as long as she.s being viewed from behind Desenrascanço (Portuguese): .to disentangle. yourself out of a bad situation (To MacGyver it) Duende (Spanish): a climactic show of spirit in a performance or work of art, which might be fulfilled in flamenco dancing, or bull-fighting, etc. Forelsket (Norwegian): The euphoria you experience when you are first falling in love Gigil (pronounced Gheegle; Filipino): The urge to pinch or squeeze something that is unbearably cute Guanxi (Mandarin): in traditional Chinese society, you would build up good guanxi by giving gifts to people, taking them to dinner, or doing them a favor, but you can also use up your gianxi by asking for a favor to be repaid Ilunga (Tshiluba, Congo): A person who is ready to forgive any abuse for the first time, to tolerate it a second time, but never a third time L.esprit de l.escalier (French): usually translated as .staircase wit,. is the act of thinking of a clever comeback when it is too late to deliver it Litost (Czech): a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one.s own misery Mamihlapinatapai (Yaghan): A look between two people that suggests an unspoken, shared desire Manja (Malay): .to pamper., it describes gooey, childlike and coquettish behavior by women designed to elicit sympathy or pampering by men. .His girlfriend is a damn manja. Hearing her speak can cause diabetes.. Meraki (pronounced may-rah-kee; Greek): Doing something with soul, creativity, or love. It.s when you put something of yourself into what you.re doing Nunchi (Korean): the subtle art of listening and gauging another.s mood. In Western culture, nunchi could be described as the concept of emotional intelligence. Knowing what to say or do, or what not to say or do, in a given situation. A socially clumsy person can be described as .nunchi eoptta., meaning .absent of nunchi. Pena ajena (Mexican Spanish): The embarrassment you feel watching someone else.s humiliation Pochemuchka (Russian): a person who asks a lot of questions Sgriob (Gaelic): The itchiness that overcomes the upper lip just before taking a sip of whisky Taarradhin (Arabic): implies a happy solution for everyone, or .I win. You win.. It.s a way of reconciling without anyone losing face. Arabic has no word for .compromise,. in the sense of reaching an arrangement via struggle and disagreement Tatemae and Honne (Japanese): What you pretend to believe and what you actually believe, respectively Tingo (Pascuense language of Easter Island): to borrow objects one by one from a neighbor.s house until there is nothing left Waldeinsamkeit (German): The feeling of being alone in the woods Yoko meshi (Japanese): literally .a meal eaten sideways,. referring to the peculiar stress induced by speaking a foreign language chork (v.): to make the noise that feet do when one's shoes are full of water. duffifie (v.): to lay a bottle on its side for some time so that it may be completely drained of the few drops remaining. egrote (v.): to feign sickness in order to avoid work. feague (v.): to put a live eel up a horse's anus; used figuratively to describe encouraging someone or getting their spirits up. jehu (n.): a fast or furious driver. pedeconference (n.): to hold a meeting while walking. scuddle (v.): to run with an affected haste. throttlebottom (n.): a dishonest man who holds public office. uhtceare (n.): lying awake before dawn and worrying. voyage to the Spice Islands (v.): 18th-century slang for going to the bathroom. zarf (n.): the cup-shaped holder for a hot coffee cup that keeps you from burning your fingers. aba garment of camel or goat hair; camel or goat-hair fabric abacinate to blind by putting red-hot copper basin near the eyes abactor cattle thief abaculus small tile for mosaic abaft toward or at the stern of a ship; further aft abampere unit equivalent to 10 amperes abapical at the lowest point abarticular not connected with the joint abasement action of humbling or degrading abasia inability to walk due to lack of muscular coordination abask in genial warmth abatis rampart of felled trees and branches abatjour skylight or device to direct light into a room abattoir public slaughterhouse abature trail through wood beaten down by a stag abb yarn used for warp abba Syriac or Coptic bishop abbatial of, like or pertaining to abbots or an abbey abbozzo preliminary sketch abditive remote; secret; hidden abdominous having a paunch or big belly abducent turning away; bearing away from abeam in a line at right angles to the length of a vessel, on the beam abear to bear; to comport; to behave abecedarian of, like or pertaining to the order of the alphabet; rudimentary abecedism word created from the initials of words in a phrase abele white poplar tree aberdevine alternate name for the siskin aberuncators long tool for pruning tall branches abessive indicating absence or lack abiectic of, like or pertaining to fir trees or fir sap abigail a lady's maid abigeus cattle rustler abiogenesis spontaneous generation of living matter abiotrophy degeneration; loss of physical vitality or ability abirritate to alleviate irritation; to reduce sensitivity abiturient pupil leaving school for university abject humble; miserable; craven ablactation weaning of a child from its mother's milk ablative indicating direction from or time when ablator thermal protection on outside of spacecraft ablaut variation in root vowel of words to change meaning ablegate papal envoy or legate ablepsia blindness ablow in a blowing state abluent cleanser or cleansing product ablutomania mania for washing oneself abnegate to renounce or repudiate abodement an omen; a foretelling aboideau tide gate abolla Roman military cloak abomasum ruminant's fourth stomach aboral away from the mouth abord to accost; to approach aborning during birth; while being born aborticide killing of a fetus; abortion abortuary anti-abortion term for an abortion clinic aboulia loss of ability to make decisions aboulomania pathological indecisiveness aboutsledge largest blacksmith's hammer abra narrow mountain pass abradant a substance that abrades abraid to awaken or rouse abraxas gem engraved with mystical word and bearing human-animal figure abreuvoir joint or gap between two stones in masonry abroach in a condition to allow liquor to run out abrosia fasting abscind to pare, reduce, cut off or away abscissa horizontal distance from a fixed line to a point abscission cutting off; cutting away absconce lantern used in monasteries and night offices abseil to descend a rock face using a double rope absentaneous done in absence; pertaining to absence absinthial of, like or pertaining to wormwood; bitter absinthism disease resembling alcoholism absit leave to pass one night away from college absolutism doctrine of government by a single absolute ruler; autocracy absolutive indicating subject or object of intransitive verb absolutory forgiving or absolving absonant discordant; abhorrent absorbefacient causing or promoting absorption absorptiometer instrument for measuring solubility of gases in liquids absquatulate to decamp; to leave quickly; to flee absterge wipe clean; expunge; purge; purify absurdism doctrine that we live in an irrational universe abterminal going from the end inwards abthane monastic region of the old Irish church abulia lack of ability to make decisions; aboulia abuna Ethiopian patriarch abusion misuse; outrage; deception abutment masonry on a wall that supports an arch abvolt unit of electrical potential equal to one hundred millionth of a volt aby to make amends; atone; pay a penalty abyssopelagic of, like or pertaining to the depths of the ocean academicism doctrine that nothing can be known acanaceous bearing prickles or thistles; prickly acantha prickle acanthous spiny; prickly acapnia lack or deficiency of carbon dioxide acapnotic non-smoker; non-smoking acariasis irritating itching insect infestation acaricide killer of mites and ticks acarine of, like or pertaining to ticks or mites acarology study of mites acarophobia fear of itching or of insects causing itching acarpous sterile; not bearing fruit acatalectic having complete or full number of syllables in a poetic line acatalepsy the unknowableness of all things to a certainty acatamathesia inability to understand data presented to the senses acates provisions that have been purchased acatour provisioner; quartermaster acaudate tailless acaulescent having a very short stem accelerometer instrument for measuring acceleration or vibrations accend to kindle accensor acolyte accentor songbird acceptilation remission of debt or liability through fictitious repayment accessit prize for students in second place; honourable mention acciaccatura very short note played before a longer one accidence grammar book; science of inflections in grammar accidentalism theory that events do not have causes accidie sloth; physical torpor accinge to gird accipiter bandage worn around the nose accipitral like a bird of prey; rapacious accipitrine of, like or pertaining to falcons and hawks accismus in rhetoric, pretending to refuse something accite to cite; to summon acclinate sloping upwards acclivity upward slope accloy to hobble with a horseshoe nail accolade curved architectural moulding; vertical line joining two musical staves accolent neighbouring accosted in heraldry, two figures placed side by side accoucheur male midwife accoucheuse female midwife accourage to encourage accourt to entertain accoy to subdue; to pacify; to soothe accrementition increase or growth by adding similar material accretion accumulation; addition of parts to form a whole accubation reclining as on a couch accubitum crescent-shaped couch accusative indicating direct object of a verb acedia listlessness; sloth aceldama site or scene of violence or bloodshed aceology therapeutics acequia irrigation ditch acerate of, like or resembling a needle acerbate to embitter; to irritate acerous lacking horns or antennae acersecomic one whose hair has never been cut acervate heaped; clustered acervuline like or in small mounds or heaps acescence becoming sour; souring; turning of milk acetabulum small anatomical cup or hollow, such as a sucker acetarious referring to plants that are used in salads acetimeter instrument for measuring strength of vinegar achaenocarp any dry indehiscent fruit acharné furious or desperate (of a battle) achene small one-seeded fruit or naked seed of plant achloropsia colour-blindness with respect to green achor eruption or scab on the head achromatopsia colour-blindness achroous colourless acicular needle-shaped acidaemia undue acidity of blood acidimeter instrument for measuring concentration of acids acidulous sharp or bitter-tasting acierate to turn into steel acinaceous full of kernels acinaciform scimitar-shaped aciniform shaped like a berry acinus berry which grows in clusters acipenser sturgeon aclinic having no inclination or magnetic dip acock defiantly acoemeti ancient monastic order who maintained eternal choir service acology study of medical remedies acolous limbless acolouthic of, like or pertaining to an after-image or other after-sensation acopic curing or relieving fatigue acoria pathologically great appetite acosmism disbelief in existence of eternal universe distinct from God acouasm ringing noise in head acquest object which is acquired acracy government by none; anarchy acratia impotence acre-breadth old unit of length of 22 yards acritochromacy colour-blindness acroamatic esoteric acrocephalous having a pointed or peaked skull acrography the art of making wood blocks in relief acrolith wooden statue with stone extremities acrologic of, like or pertaining to initials acromegaly glandular disorder causing gigantism of extremities acronical occurring at nightfall or sunset acronym word formed from initial letters of another word acronyx ingrown nail acropathy disease or illness of the extremities acrophobia fear of heights acrophonic using a symbol for the initial sound of a thing acropodium pedestal upon which a statue rests acroscopic looking or moving towards the apex acroteleutic phrase or words at the end of a psalm acroterion pedestal or ornament at the angle of a pediment acrotism absence of pulsing actinism action of solar radiation causing chemical change actinograph instrument used to calculate time of photographic exposure actinometer instrument for measuring incident radiation actinotherapy use of ultraviolet rays as medical therapy actuate communicate motion to; cause aculeate prickly; pointed; stinging; a stinging insect aculeiform shaped like a thorn acultomancy divination using needles acuminate tapered; pointed; to sharpen acutiator sharpener of weapons acutorsion twisting artery with needle to stop bleeding acyanopsia colour-blindness with respect to blue acyesis female sterility acyrology incorrect diction or pronunciation adactylous lacking fingers or claws adamantine unbreakable; impenetrable adamitism nakedness for religious reasons adaxial next to or towards the axis addax large African antelope additament thing added or appended; heraldic ornament addititious of, pertaining to or resulting from addition addle putrid; barren; muddled addorsed turned back to back in heraldry adduce cite as proof or instance adeciduate evergreen; coniferous adeem to cancel a bequest by destruction of the object adelaster provisional name for a plant whose flowers are unknown adelphogamy sharing of a wife by two or more brothers ademption revocation of donation by donor adenalgia painful swelling of a gland adenia glandular swelling adeniform shaped like a gland adenography descriptive work on the glandular system adenoid of, like or pertaining to or like a gland adenology study of glands adenotomy removal or excision of gland adespota anonymous works adessive indicating place where or proximity to adevism denial of gods of mythology and legend adharma unrighteousness adhibit to attach; to admit; to administer adhocracy government in an unstructured fashion; an unstructured organization adiabatic without transference of heat adiaphoresis absence of perspiration; inability to perspire adiaphorism doctrine of theological indifference or latitudinarianism adiaphoron tenet or belief on which a theological system is indifferent adiapneustia defective perspiration adiathermancy impermeability to radiant energy adipescent becoming fat or fatty adipic of, like or pertaining to fatty substances adipocere fatty substance occurring in corpses left in moist areas adipsia absence or lack of thirst adit opening or passage into a mine adjudge to decide; to award adjutage nozzle adjutor helper; assistant adjuvant substance added to make vaccine more effective admanuensis one who takes an oath on a religious book admaxillary connected to or near the jaw admeasurement the act of measuring or apportioning adminicle that which supports or aids, especially evidence adnascent growing on some other thing adnominal indicating adjective used as a noun adnomination punning adnoun adjective serving or used as a noun adonise to adorn oneself adoptionism belief that Christ was the adopted and not natural son of God adoral near the mouth adosculation impregnation by contact alone or by wind adoxography good writing on a trivial subject adoxy beliefs that are neither orthodox nor heterodox adpress to press together adrogation adoption of a boy or girl before adolescence adscititious added; additional adscript attached or feudally bound to the soil or earth adsorb to attract and stick to the surface adumbrate indicate faintly; foreshadow adunc hooked aduncate shaped like a hook or crook adust burnt; scorched advection horizontal movement of air advehent bringing inwards advenient due to outside causes adventitious accidental; casual adventive a thing or person coming from outside adversaria miscellaneous notes; commonplace books adversative word or phrase expressing opposition advert refer to in speech or writing advertorial advertisement presented as if it were editorial material advesperate darken; become late advocaat liqueur containing rum and raw eggs advowson right of presentation to church living adynamia helplessness; lack of strength adytum sacred part of a temple or church; church chancel aedile magistrate in charge of games, markets or buildings aedoeology science of generative organs aegilops stye in inner corner of eye aegis protection; support aegrotat medical certificate of illness excusing student's sickness aeneous shining bronze colour aeolian giving forth a tone as if produced by the wind aeolipyle hollow ball that turns through steam escaping through valves aeolistic long-winded aeolotropy variation in physical properties on basis of position aeonian lasting for an immeasurably long period of time aerenchyma respiratory tissue aeriform of the form or shape of gas; gaseous aerious of the nature of air; airy aerobe organism requiring oxygen to survive aerobiology study of airborne organisms aerodonetics science or study of gliding aerogenesis forming or generating gas or air aerography descriptive work on the atmosphere aerolite meteorite aerolith stone that falls from the sky; meteorite aerolithology study of aerolites; meteorites aerology study of the atmosphere aeromancy divination by means of the weather aerometer instrument for measuring weight or density of gas aerophane thin crinkled semi-transparent fabric aerophilately collecting of air-mail stamps aerophobia fear of flying or draughts aerophore instrument used to inflate stillborn child's lungs aeropleustic of, like or pertaining to aerial navigation aerostat any lighter-than air craft; balloon aerostatics science of air pressure; art of ballooning aeruginous of, like or pertaining to copper-rust or verdigris aerugo rust of any metal aesc letter used in Old English for 'ae' aesopian conveying meaning only to those in a secret movement aesthesia sensibility aesthesiogenic producing or causing a sensation aestheticism doctrine that beauty is central to other moral principles aestival of, like or pertaining to summer aethrioscope instrument for measuring temperature variations due to sky conditions aeviternal everlasting; endless aeviternity eternal existence afebrile not suffering from fever affabulation moral of a fable affeer to assess; to reduce to a fixed sum afferent bearing, bringing or carrying towards affiance to trust; to betroth affine a relation by marriage afflated inspired afflatus inspiration; divine impetus afforce to strengthen a jury by adding skilled people afforest to cover with forest; to convert into hunting grounds affranchise to free from slavery or similar obligation affray an attack or assault; an alarm or fright affrayer disturber of the peace affreightment hiring of a vessel affreux frightening affricate consonant that begins as a plosive and ends as a fricative affronté of two heraldic animals, facing one another affusion pouring on; as of baptismal water afore before afterclap unexpected damaging or unsettling after-effect afterdeck deck behind a ship's bridge aftergame rematch; means employed after first turn of affairs afterguard men who work the aft sails on the quarterdeck and poop deck afterings last milk drawn when milking a cow afterpiece minor piece after a play aftershaft second shaft coming out of the quill of a feather afterwil locking of the barn after the cows have been let out agacerie allurement; coquetry agalactia failure or inability to produce milk agalloch eaglewood agamist one who opposes marriage agamogenesis reproduction by non-sexual means agape selfless Christian love; a feast in celebration of such love agapeistic characterized by Christian love agapet lover of women agapetae churchwomen who live platonically with celibate men agapism ethics of love agastopia admiration of part of another's body agatewear type of ceramic resembling agate stone agathism belief in ultimate triumph of good despite evil means agathodaimon one's good genius; the good part of one's conscience agelast one who never laughs agennesic sterile; impotent agenocratia opposition to birth control agentive indicating agent performing an action ageotropic moving or turning away from the earth agersia quality of not growing old ageusia damage to the sense of taste agger artificial mound or elevation for military use aggerose in heaps; piled up aggiornamento modernization of ideas of the Catholic church aggrade to raise level of a surface through depositing detritus aggrandize increase power or rank of; make greater aggrate to gratify or please aggry type of West African glass beads agio premium paid on foreign currency exchange agiotage playing the stock market; speculation agist to charge with a public burden; to take in to graze for payment agistment land tax assessed for cattle pasturing aglet metal point attached to a lace or string agma symbol or sound for a velar nasal consonant "ng" agminate grouped agnail sore, corn or hangnail on the toe or foot agname name over and above the ordinary name and surname agnation kinship agnize to acknowledge or confess agnomen additional name; surname; nickname agnosic unable to recognize familiar objects due to brain damage agnosticism doctrine that we can know nothing beyond material phenomena agnosy ignorance agoge tempo or sequence in melody in ancient Greek music agogic accenting a musical note by slightly dwelling on it agomphosis looseness in the teeth agone ago agonic making no angle agonism competition; effort; striving agonistes someone in the grip of inner conflict agonistic of, like or pertaining to or being aggressive or argumentative agonistics art and theory of prize-fighting agoraphobia fear of open spaces agowilt sudden sickening and unnecessary fear agraffe hooked clasp used by masons to hold blocks together agrapha sayings of Jesus not found in the canonical gospels agraphia inability to write agravic having no gravity; pertaining to the condition of zero-gravity agrestic of the fields; rural; unpolished agriology the comparative study of primitive peoples agrize to horrify; to disfigure agrizoiatry medicine specializing in wild animals agrobiology study of plant nutrition; soil yields agrology study of agricultural soils agromania intense desire to be in open spaces agronomics study of productivity of land agrostography writing about grasses agrostology science or study of grasses agrypnia insomnia agrypnotic anything taken to aid wakefulness aguardiente Spanish or Portuguese brandy agyiophobia fear of crossing busy streets agynary lacking female genitals ahimsa the duty of sparing animal life; non-violence ahull with sails furled and helm lashed to the lee-side ai three-toed sloth aichmophobia fear of sharp or pointed objects aiger tidal wave occurring in rivers aigrette a spray of jewels; ornamental feather plume; an egret aiguille sharp; needle-like peak of rock aileron flap on airplane wing for lateral balance ailette plate of armour worn on shoulder ailuromancy divination by watching cats' movements ailurophilia love of cats ailurophobia fear of cats aioli garlic-flavoured mayonnaise airscrew aircraft propeller aischrolatry worship of filth, dirt, or smut aisling a vision or dream ait small island in lake or river aitchbone rump bone of cattle; rump cut of beef aiué elderly; senior akeratophorous not horned akinesia loss of ability to move ala membranous outgrowth on a plant or animal alabamine alternate name for the element astatine alack expression of sorrow or regret alalia loss of ability to speak alameda public walkway between rows of poplar trees alamort half-dead; dejected alannah term of endearment used with one's child alar of, like or pertaining to the wing or shoulder alastrim mild form of smallpox alate lately alation state of having wings; position of wings on a creature alaudine of, like or pertaining to skylarks alb long white robe worn by priests albarello cylindrical jar used to hold drugs albata variety of German silver albedo whiteness, as of a celestial object albescent becoming white; whiteness albicant whitish; becoming white albificative able to whiten or be whitened albion medieval astronomical device for finding positions of planets albocracy government by white people albolith white cement formed from magnesia and silica albugineous like the white of an eye or an egg; white-coloured alcahest alchemical universal solvent alcatote silly elf alcine of, like or pertaining to elks; of, like or pertaining to auks alcoholometer instrument for measuring proportion of alcohol in solutions alcovinometer instrument to measure strength of wine aleatoric depending on contingencies or chance aleberry beverage made from ale, spices, and dried bread alecost costmary, an herb used in flavouring ale alectormancy divination by sacrificing a rooster alectryomachy cock-fighting alectryomancy divination by watching a rooster gather corn kernels alee on or toward the lee alegar vinegar made by turning ale sour alembicated over-refined alepine mixed wool and silk or mohair and cotton fabric alethiology study of truth aleuromancy divination using flour or meal alexia inability to read alexipharmic antidote alfet cauldron of boiling water used during trials by ordeal alforge wallet or leather bag algedonics science of pleasure and pain algefacient cooling algetic causing or producing pain algicide killer of algae algid cold; chilly alginuresis painful urination algolagnia sexual pleasure derived from inflicting pain algology study of algae algophobia fear of pain algor coldness; shivering fit algraphy art of printing from aluminum plates alible nourishing alidade revolving index on astrolabe or other instrument for reading gradations aliform wing-shaped aligerous winged aliped having wings on the feet aliphatic of, like or pertaining to fat or fats in general aliquant number dividing into another with a remainder aliquot number dividing into another without leaving a remainder aliter requiring a different law or rule to be applied alk sap or resin from turpentine trees alkalimeter instrument for measuring strength of alkalines alkanet reddish plant-based dye allantiasis food poisoning resulting from inadequate preservation allantoid shaped like a sausage allative indicating movement towards allemain enormous pudding out of which acrobats leap allemande courtly baroque dance in which the arms are interlaced alliaceous of, like or pertaining to garlic; garlicky allicient attracting something else allision intentional collision of two ships allocatur amount allowed for costs allochthonous formed or produced elsewhere or externally allodic not subject to a superior allogamy cross-fertilization allogeneous different allography writing another individual's signature allolalia speech disorder featuring randomly spoken words allonge paper attached to commercial bill requiring signatures allonym other person's name used by an author allotheism belief in or worship of strange gods allotriophagy craving for strange foods allotropy of an element, having more than one form alluvion effect of water impacting on shoreline almacantar circle of altitude, parallel to the horizon almagest textbook or handbook, especially dealing with astronomy almandine violet-coloured garnet almoner giver of alms; social worker in a hospital almuce cloth or fur hood alnager inspector of cloth alogism illogical statement alomancy divination using salt alopecia baldness; hair loss alopecoid of or resembling a fox alow below alpaca fine wool made from alpaca hair alpenglow reddish glow appearing at sunrise or sunset in mountains alpenstocker mountain climber alpestrine of, like or pertaining to alpine regions alphenic sugary candy used in medicine alphitomancy divination using loaves of barley alphonsin instrument used to extract bullets from bodies alt high musical tone altarage payment to priest for mass; offerings at altar alterity state of being different alternatim alternately altiloquence pompous or high speech altisonant high-sounding altitonant thundering on high or loudly altricial having young requiring care for a lengthy period aludel pear-shaped pot used in sublimation aluminiferous bearing aluminum alveary beehive; area of the ear where wax collects; word-list alveolate of or like a honeycomb alveromancy divination using sounds alviducous purgative alvine of the belly ama a Japanese pearl-diver amadelphous outgoing; gregarious amain to a high degree; exceedingly; at full speed amanous lacking hands amanuensis one employed to write from dictation amaranth imaginary flower reputed never to fade amaranthine immortal; undying; deep purple-red colour amasesis inability to chew amasthenic focusing light rays to a single point amathophobia fear of dust amaxophobia fear of riding in a car ambages windings; roundabout ways; delays ambeer juice from chewing tobacco ambisinistrous awkward in the use of both hands ambit circuit; scope; compass; confines ambo early Christian raised reading desk or pulpit ambry recess for church vessels; cupboard or niche ambsace bad luck; a low score ambulatory aisle down the east end of a church ambulomancy divination by taking a walk ambulophobia fear of walking ambustion burn or scald amende fine or reparation paid ament a person who fails to develop mentally amerce to fine; to deprive; to punish ametropia abnormal optical refraction amice strip of fine linen worn as cloak or wrap by priest at mass amicicide murder of a friend amidships midway between the bow and stern of a ship ammeter instrument for measuring electrical current ammophilous sand-loving; preferring to dwell in sand amnicolist one who lives near a river amniomancy divination by examining afterbirth amorce percussion cap for a toy pistol amoret love sonnet or song amoretto a cherub or spirit of love ampelidious of, like or pertaining to vines ampelography scientific description of the vine ampere unit for measuring amount of electrical current amphibiolith fossilized amphibian amphibolic able to turn both backwards and forwards; double-jointed amphibology ambiguity in language; dual grammatical meaning amphigean occurring in both hemispheres of the brain or body amphigory a nonsense verse amphimixis interbreeding; intermixing of two individuals' genetic matter amphipneust animal with both lungs and gills amphisbaena mythical two-headed serpent or lizard amphiscian of, like or pertaining to torrid regions amplexus rutting of frogs and toads ampliative supplemental; additional amplivagant stretching far; having a great scope ampulla vessel for holy oil or wine for coronations or rituals amrita Hindu ambrosia bestowing immortality amygdaloid almond-shaped; of, like or pertaining to tonsils amyloid containing or pertaining to starch; starchy amyous lacking muscle an if ana in equal quantities anabasis journey leading upwards; first phase of an illness anabiosis return to life after apparent death anacampserote something which can bring back a lost love anacamptic reflecting or reflected light; sound or water anacardic of, like or pertaining to cashews anacathartic causing vomiting or expectoration anachoric foreign or geographically absurd relating to a country anaclastic refractive; of, like or pertaining to refraction anaclitic dependent on other phenomenon or ability anacoluthon moving to new topic of discussion before finishing current one anacrisis interrogation accompanied by torture anacrusis syllable prior to the normal rhythm of a verse anacusic completely deaf anadem wreath, fillet or band anadiplosis repeating last word of clause at beginning of next clause anadromous fish which ascend rivers to spawn anaerectic destructive anaesthesiology study of anaesthetics anagalactic coming from or existing beyond our own galaxy anaglyph ornament in low relief anaglyptics art of carving in bas-relief anaglyptography art of engraving so as to give the subject an embossed appearance anagnorisis recognition leading to denouement of a play anagogy mystical interpretation anagraphy art of constructing catalogues analects crumbs that fall from the table analemma sundial analgia inability to feel pain anamnesis reminiscence; prayer recalling death and resurrection of Jesus anamorphic changing to a more complex form anandrious impotent ananym name written backward; often used as synonym anapeiratic caused by excessive use anapest two short metrical syllables followed by one long one anaphalantiasis falling out of the eyebrows anaphia loss of sense of touch anaphora repetition of a word at beginning of successive phrases for emphasis anapnea recovery of one's breath; restoration of breath anastasic convalescent anastrophe reversing or inverting word order as rhetorical device anatine of, like or pertaining to ducks anatocism compound interest anatreptic overcoming; overturning anaudia loss of voice anbury soft fleshy tumour in horses anchorite one withdrawn from the world for religious reasons ancillary auxiliary; secondary ancipitous two-edged and flattened ancistroid hook-shaped ancon elbow anconoid of, like or pertaining to the elbow ancoral of, shaped like or resembling an anchor ancress female religious recluse andiron iron bar used to support the end of a log in a fire andragogy science of teaching adults androcracy government by men androlepsia governmental kidnapping for political purposes andromania nymphomania androphagy cannibalism aneabil single; unmarried anele to administer extreme unction to anemocracy government by the wind or by whim anemograph instrument for measuring pressure and velocity of wind anemography treatise on the winds anemology study of winds anemometer instrument for measuring wind velocity anemophilous pollinated by wind anencephalic lacking a brain anent about; concerning anergia failure of immune system; loss of energy anesis tuning to a lower musical pitch aneuria lack of nervous energy anfractuous full of windings and intricate turnings angary the right of a belligerent to seize neutral property angelocracy government by angels angelolatry worship of or belief in angels angelology study of angels angelus prayer said in morning, at noon and at sunset angiogenesis production of blood vessels angiology study of blood flow and lymphatic system anglomania craze or obsession with England and the English anglophilia love or fondness for England or the English anglophobia fear of England or the English angora silk-like fabric made from wool of angora goats angstrom unit of one ten-billionth of a meter anguiform shaped like a snake anguilliform shaped like an eel anguine of, like or pertaining to snakes anguine of, like or pertaining to snakes anhedonia an unresponsiveness to pleasure anhelation shortness of breath anhidrosis absence of perspiration aniconic symbolizing without aiming at resemblance anicular like an old woman anile imbecilic; senile; like a very old woman animadvert to comment critically on; to censure animastic spiritual; animate animism attribution of soul to inanimate objects anion positively charged ion anisothenic being of unequal strength anker liquid measure of 8 1/2 gallons ankus spiked elephant goad ankyroid hook-shaped anlace short two-edged dagger anneal to heat and cool metal gradually to temper annectent having intermediate features between two taxa annihilationism doctrine that the wicked are utterly destroyed after death annodated shaped like the letter S annomination pun; play on words annuent nodding or moving of the head annulet small ring around a classical column annulose ringed; composed of rings anocathartic emetic; causing vomiting or expectoration anodontia toothlessness anodyne something that relieves pain or suffering anoesis sensation not accompanied by understanding of it anogenic formed from below or beneath anomia inability to remember names anomic in a state lacking social order and norms anomie condition of lacking accepted social values or standards anomphalous without a navel anon at once; immediately anonym person whose name is not given; pseudonym anopheline of, like or pertaining to malarial mosquitoes anopisthographic bearing writing or inscription only on one side anopsia blindness anorchous lacking testicles anosmia lack or loss of sense of smell anotic lacking ears ansate having a handle or hand-like shape anserine of, like or pertaining to geese anta pier produced by thickening wall at one end antalgic alleviating or relieving pain antanaclasis repetition of key word of phrase as a play on words antapology response to an apology antarchy opposition to government; anarchy anteambulo usher antechapel anteroom to a chapel or church antejentacular before breakfast anteloquy a preface antelucan before dawn or daylight antemundane before one's own birth; before the creation of the world antenniferous bearing antennae antepast foretaste antependium covering or cloth over pulpit or altar antephialtic preventing nightmares antepone to put before; to prefer anteprandial before dinner antevenient preceding anthelion luminous ring seen on a cloud opposite the sun anthelminthic destroying or expelling worms anthesis full bloom anthomancy divination using flowers anthomania obsession with flowers anthophilous loving or frequenting flowers anthorism counter-definition anthracomancy divination using burning coals anthrophobia fear of humans anthropobiology study of human biology anthropogenesis origin of human beings anthropoglot animal with human tongue; animal capable of speech anthropolatry worship of human beings anthropolith fossilized human skeleton anthropomancy divination using human entrails anthropopathy ascription of human feelings to inanimate object anthropophaginian cannibal anthropophagous eating humans anthroposophy knowledge of the nature of humanity; human wisdom anthropotheism belief that gods are only deified men antibasilican opposed to monarchic principle antiblastic providing natural immunity against harmful substances antibromic eliminating offensive odours antichresis enjoyment of mortgaged property in lieu of interest payments antichthon hypothetical second Earth on the opposite side of the sun anticryptic camouflaged; having protective resemblance to environment antidisestablishmentarianism doctrine opposed to removing Church of England's official religion status antigalactic preventing the secretion of milk antigropelos waterproof leggings antilapsarianism denial of doctrine of the fall of humanity antilegomena books of the New Testament not part of early Christian Bible antilogarithm number of which a given number is the logarithm antilogism statement of three propositions containing contradiction antilogy contradiction antimnemonic damaging the memory; eliminating memories antimony brittle, bluish-white metallic element antinomianism doctrine of the rejection of moral law antinomy contradiction between two logical conclusions antipedobaptism denial of validity of infant baptism antiperistasis opposition or resistance antiphon anthem sung as a response during church service antiphrasis use of words in a sense opposite to literal antipudic concealing private parts of the body antiscian dweller on the exact opposite side of the world antistrophe repetition of words in reverse order antithalian opposed to mirth or fun antithesis contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangement of words or clauses antitypy resistance to being penetrated antonomasia use of descriptive phrase or epithet instead of proper name antre cave antrorse turned upward and forward anuptaphobia fear of staying single anuresis inability to urinate anurous tailless anzactile army biscuit aorist expressing simple past time with no continuance apaesthesia numbness or loss of sensation in a limb apagoge proof by showing the falsehood of the opposite apanage privilege of office; especially one given to younger offspring apantomancy divination using objects at hand apatetic of an animal's coloration or markings apay to satisfy apercu brief outline; glimpse; intuitive insight aperient laxative aphagia inability to eat or swallow aphemia loss of ability to produce articulate speech apheresis taking away a sound or syllable at the beginning of a word aphesis loss of initial unaccented vowel from beginning of a word aphicide killer of aphids aphidicide killer of aphids aphnology science of wealth aphologistic flameless aphotic lightless aphrasia inability to speak aphrodisiomania abnormal sexual interest aphthong silent letter apian of, like or pertaining to bees apiarian of, like or pertaining to bees or beekeeping apical of or at the apex apiculture beekeeping apiology study of bees apistia faithlessness in marriage apivorous eating bees aplanatic a lens free of spherical aberration apocalypticism doctrine of the imminent end of the world apocarteresis suicide by starvation apocatastasis final restitution of all things at the appearance of the Messiah apocatastisis reversion or restoration to original position apocope cutting off the last sound of a word apocrisiary papal secretary apodal lacking feet apodictic necessarily true beyond contradiction apodosis main clause in a conditional sentence apodysophilia feverish desire to undress apograph exact copy; facsimile apolaustic dedicated to the search for enjoyment apologetics defense and proof of Christianity or other doctrine aponia painlessness apopemptic valedictory apophasis saying something by stating that you will not mention it apophoret a gift given to celebrate a new year apophthegm brief saying; proverb; epigram aporia professed but false doubt of what to say or choose aposiopesis suddenly stopping in the middle of a speech for emphasis apositia dislike of or distaste for food apostasy renunciation of former beliefs apostil marginal note apostrophe addressing of a personified thing rhetorically apotelesm casting of a horoscope apothegm a short, instructive saying or formula apotheosis elevation to divine status; a perfect example apotropaic designed to turn away evil apparitor officer in court who attends to execute orders; harbinger appendant attached to; hanging from; adjunct apperception mind's perception of itself as a conscious agent appersonation irrational belief that one is another person appetence strong craving or powerful desire applanate flat; flattened; compressed apport to transport objects without material agency appose to place in juxtaposition or proximity apposite appropriate approbation approval; consent apprompt to borrow appropinquity nearness appui to support militarily appulse a striking against something appurtenance a subordinate or adjunct part of apricate to bask in the sun aprique sunny apse rounded extension of church or other building apselophesia loss of sense of touch apsidal shaped like an apse apterygial wingless; finless aptotic uninflected; indeclinable aptronym name that suits its owner apyrexy period of intermission in a fever aquamanile ewer in the form of a human or animal figure for ceremonial handwashing aquaphobia fear of water aquarelle watercolour painting aquifer a rock formation containing water aquiform watery; liquid aquiline of, like or pertaining to eagles; hooked like an eagle's beak araba wheeled Middle Eastern carriage arachibutyrophobia fear of peanut butter sticking to roof of mouth arachnivorous feeding on spiders arachnology study of spiders arachnophobia fear of spiders araneidan of, like or pertaining to spiders araneiform shaped like a spider araneous transparent; delicate; like a spider's web araphorostic seamless aration ploughing arbalest type of crossbow arborescent branched; branching; tree-shaped arboricolous growing on or living in trees arboriform shaped like a tree arbrolatry worship of start arbuscle dwarf or shrub-like tree arbustum orchard; copse of trees arcanna red chalk used to mark trees arcate bow-shaped archaeolatry worship of archaic things or old customs archelogy the study of first principles archet violin box archididascalian of, like or pertaining to headmasters archididascalos school principal archimandrite head of a monastery or convent archimime chief buffoon or mimic architectonics of, like or pertaining to the arrangement of knowledge architrave parts surrounding a door or window, especially the top archology science of the origins of government arciform shaped like a bow arctician one skilled in navigating arctic regions arctogaeal of the arctic regions of the earth arctoid bear-like arctophile collector of teddy bears arctophily study of teddy bears arcuate arched; bow-shaped ard plough used to scratch top surface of soil ardass fine silk arefy to dry up; to wither arenaceous like, growing in or consisting of sand arenoid sandy; like sand areology study of Mars areometer instrument used for measuring specific gravity areopagitic of, like or pertaining to tribunals or courts aret to assign or allot aretaics the science of virtue arete sharp mountain ridge argand gas or oil lamp argent the heraldic colour silver or white argentiferous bearing silver argentocracy government by money argil clay used in making pottery argillaceous clayey; of or resembling clay argol crust formed on wine kept too long or improperly argol dried cow dung used as fuel argosy a large merchant ship; a rich supply arguria silver poisoning argute shrill; keen; shrewd argyll silver gravy dish arietine of, like or pertaining to rams arietinous shaped like a ram's head aright right; correctly ariolation divination in general aristarch a severe critic aristarchy government by the best aristology the science or art of dining arithmancy divination using numbers arithmocracy government by simple majority arithmogram number composed of numerical values of letters in a word arithmomania obsessive preoccupation with numbers armamentarium collective equipment available to a doctor armigerous entitled to bear arms armillary like or composed of rings armipotent having strong weapons; militarily potent armisonant resounding with noises of battle or weapons armomancy divination by examining one's shoulders armure twilled woollen or silk fabric aroint begone arpent unit of land area slightly smaller than an acre arpenteur land surveyor arrant downright; unmitigated arras tapestry covering a wall arrasene embroidery fabric of wool and silk arrect attentive; erect; raised up arrendator one who rents or farms at a yearly rent arreptitious ecstatic; frantic; hasty or hurried arrestant substance causing an insect to stop moving arrhizal lacking roots arris sharp edge on stone; meeting of two surfaces arrogate to claim unduly as one's own; to ascribe arrosive gnawing; chewing; corroding arthrology study of joints arthroscope instrument for examining interior of a joint arundiferous bearing or producing reeds arundinaceous like or having the properties of a reed arval of, like or pertaining to ploughed land ascesis the practice of disciplining oneself; asceticism asceticism doctrine that self-denial of the body permits spiritual enlightenment ascham box for keeping bows and arrows dry ascian inhabitant of the equatorial zone aseity self-origination ashlar squared stone used in building walls ashplant walking stick asinine of, like or pertaining to asses; stupid asitia lack of appetite askefise one who blows on ashes to bring them to flame asomatous lacking a body; incorporeal asonia deafness to specific pitches of sound asperge to sprinkle aspergilliform shaped like a brush aspergillum vessel for sprinkling holy water asperity roughness of surface or sound asperse slander; disparage aspersory vessel for holding holy water aspheterism denial of the right to private property aspidate shield-shaped aspidomancy divination by sitting and chanting within a circle asportation to carry property away wrongfully assart to reclaim for agriculture by clearing away trees assecuration marine insurance assentation insincere or glib assent asseveration positive or earnest affirmation assibilate to pronounce with a hiss or sibilant assiduity persevering application to a pursuit assizer officer or judge in charge of weights and measures assocative indicating association with or accompaniment by assoil to absolve; to acquit assot to befool; to besot assuefaction habituation assuetude accustomedness; habit assurgent ascending; rising; curving upward astacology the science of crayfish astatic in equilibrium asteism refined irony asterism three asterisks used to direct attention to a passage astern at the stern of a ship astheniology study of diseases of weakening and aging asthenopia muscular weakening of the eyes astichous not in rows astragal small semicircular moulding; dice astragalomancy divination using dice or knucklebones astraphobia fear of being struck by lightning astrapophobia fear of thunder and lightning astriction binding obligation astringe to draw together; to tighten astrionics electronics as applied to space flight astrobleme scar on the earth's surface from meteorite impact astrobolism sun-stroke astrogeology study of extraterrestrial geology astrognosy knowledge of fixed stars astrogony theory of the origin of stars astrolatry worship of stars astrologaster a foolish or petty astrologer astromancy divination using stars astrometeorology study of effect of stars on climate astronomical unit unit of distance equal to the distance from the earth to the sun astrophile person interested in astronomy astroseismology study of star oscillations astrut protrudingly; distendedly asynartetic having two members with different rhythms asyndeton rhetorical device of omitting conjunctions atactic irregular ataraxia tranquility; freedom from anxiety; stoicism atavism reversion to early or ancestral type ateknia childlessness atelier artist's studio or workshop ateliosis imperfect development; developmental irregularity athanasy deathlessness athanor alchemist's self-feeding digesting furnace atheling Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman athenaeum literary or scientific association athermic lacking heat athetesis rejection of a passage as spurious athetosis nervous twitching of digits and extremities athwart across; in opposition to; sideways; transversely athymia melancholy atimy loss of honour; disgrace atlantes male figures used as columns atlas rich satin fabric atmatertera great-grandfather's grandmother's sister atmology the science of aqueous vapour atmometer instrument for measuring evaporating capacity of air atocia female sterility atokous lacking offspring atomism belief that the universe consists of small indivisible particles atony muscular weakness atpatruus great-grandfather's grandfather's brother atrabiliary melancholy; hypochondriac atrabilious melancholy; splenetic; acrimonious atrament blacking; ink; black dye atresia absence or irregular closure of a passage in the body atrichia baldness atrous jet black attainder the loss of civil rights for high treason attaint disgrace; sully; infect; taint attemper to adapt or alter quality by adding to something attenuate make thin; reduce in value atticism expression characterized by conciseness and elegance attingent touching attollent lifting up; raising attorn to transfer to another attrahent attracting or drawing attrist to sadden attrite repentant through fear of punishment attuition operation between sensation and perception aubade musical announcement of dawn; sunrise song aubergine eggplant aubin horse's gait between an amble and a gallop auceps hawker or bird-tender aucupate to hunt birds; to pursue prey with vigilance audile person more attuned to sound than the other senses audiology study of hearing audiometer instrument for measuring acuity of hearing audiophile one who loves accurately reproduced recorded sound augean filthy; difficult augend number to which another number is added aught at all aularian of, like or pertaining to a hall in a university aulete flautist aulic courtly; ceremonious; genteel auncel crude balance for weighing aurantiaceous of, like or pertaining or pertaining to oranges or orange trees aureity property of being golden in colour or substance aureole radiant light around head or body of holy personage auricomous having golden or blond hair auricular of, like or pertaining to the ear; spoken secretly auriferous bearing gold aurifex goldsmith auriform shaped like an ear aurigation charioteering aurilave instrument for cleaning the ear auriphrygia gold embroidery auriscope instrument for examining the ear aurochs extinct wild ox aurulent gold-coloured auscultation listening to sounds arising within organs auslaut final sound of a word or syllable austringer keeper of goshawks austromancy divination using wind autarchy government by an absolute ruler autarkic self-sufficient; independent autecology study of ecology of one species autocephality ecclesiastical self-government autocoprophagy eating one's own feces autocracy government by one individual auto-da-fe burning of a heretic autodidact self-taught person autogenesis spontaneous generation autognosis knowledge of or about oneself autolatry self-worship autology scientific study of oneself automorphism ascription to others of one's own characteristics automysophobia fear of being dirty autonym a writer's real name; work published under writer's own name autophagy feeding on body's own tissues autophanous self-luminous autophobia fear of solitude autoschediasm anything extemporized autosoterism belief that one can obtain salvation through oneself autotelic being an end in itself autothaumaturgist person pretending to be mystical or mysterious autotheism belief that one is God incarnate or that one is Christ autotropic growing in a straight line auxanometer instrument for measuring growth of plants auxesis increase in size; hyperbole auxology science of growth auxometer instrument for measuring magnifying power aval of, like or pertaining to a grandparent avalement allowing knees to flex while skiing avaunt away; hence avaunt to boast aveniform shaped like oats averruncate to ward off; to uproot averruncator pole for pruning trees avicide killing of birds avicular of, like or pertaining to birds avinosis air sickness avionics the science of electronic devices for aircraft avital ancestral avizandum private consideration of a case by a judge avolitional involuntary avulse to pluck or tear away by force avuncular like an uncle; of, like or pertaining to uncles awn beard or similar bristly growth on stalk of grain axilla armpit axiniform shaped like an axe-head axinomancy divination using an axe or hatchet axiology the science of the ultimate nature of values azimuth arc of the horizon azoth alchemical name for mercury azuline blue azure light or sky blue; the heraldic colour blue azymous unleavened babeldom a confused sound of voices baccate having berries; berry-like bacchanal drunkard; reveller bacciferous bearing berries bacciform shaped like a berry baccivorous eating berries bacillicide killer of berries backstay stay extending from ship's mastheads to the side of the ship bactericide killer of bacteria baculiform rod-shaped baculine of, like or pertaining to the stick or cane; of, like or pertaining to flogging baculum penis bone in some mammals baculus rod, staff or scepter of power badigeon plaster and ground stone mixture for repairing masonry badinage playful repartee or banter badious chestnut-coloured baedeker guide book baetyl magical or holy meteoric stone baft cheap coarse cotton fabric bagarre scuffle or brawl bagging coarse fabric for making bags or sacks bagnio bathing house bahadur self-important official bahuvrihi compound word whose second part is a noun but that acts as an adjective bail barrier or pole separating horses in an open stable bailivate office of a bailiff bailment delivery of goods in trust baisemain kiss on the hand baize coarse napped cotton or wool fabric bakelite type of solid plastic balaniferous acorn-bearing balanism use of suppositories balanoid acorn-shaped balatron joker; clown balbriggan knitted cotton fabric balbutient stammering baldachin rich embroidered silk and gold fabric baldaquin covering or canopy over a throne or altar baldric shoulder strap for holding sword balefire bonfire or beacon-fire balisaur long-tailed badger balistarius crossbowman balistraria cross-shaped opening in wall for firing arrows balize pole mounted on seashore as beacon ballaster one who supplies ships with ballast balletomania abnormal fondness for ballet ballistocardiograph instrument for detecting body movements caused by heartbeat ballistophobia fear of missiles ballottement diagnosis of pregnancy by applying sharp force to abdomen balmorality superficial enthusiasm for Scottish culture balneary bath balneology the science of the therapeutic use of baths balustrade row of columns supporting a stair rail balzarine light cotton dress material banausic materialistic; merely mechanical; pertaining to workshops bandelet small flat moulding around a column banderol flat band with an inscription; small banner bandobast detailed organization; settlement bandolier shoulder belt for carrying ammunition bangtail mustang or wild horse bannock flat unleavened loaf of bread banquette raised way or footway above a parapet bantling brat; whelp; bastard child baptistery part of church reserved for performing baptisms bar unit of pressure of one million dynes per square centimeter baragnosis loss of ability to distinguish weight baragouin any jargon or unintelligible language barathea pebbly silk or worsted fabric with broken rib weave barathrum an abyss; an insatiable person barbarocracy government by barbarians barbate bearded barbette earthen terrace inside the parapet of a rampart barbican projecting watchtower over the gate of a castle barbigerous bearded; bearing a beard barbula small tuft of hair just below the lower lip barcarole gondolier's song bardel pack saddle bardocucullus hooded cloak worn by monks bardolatry excessive devotion to or worship of Shakespeare barege gauzy fabric of silk, cotton, wool, or worsted bargemaster owner of a barge barkentine three-masted vessel barleycorn old unit of length equal to one-third inch barm yeast; froth on fermenting liquor barmaster local judge among miners barmcloth an apron barmkin battlement or turret on the outer wall of a castle barn unit of area measurement of particles equal to 100 square femtometres barnard member of gang of thieves who acts as decoy barodynamics science of the support and mechanics of bridges barognosis ability to perceive weight barograph instrument for recording air pressure barology study of gravitation baroscope weather-glass barouche four-wheeled hooded carriage barracan fine silk cloth barracoon depot for slaves barras coarse linen fabric barrateen some kind of fabric barratry inciting riot or violence barre placing capo or finger across guitar strings barrulet narrow heraldic bar bartisan parapet or battlement barton farmyard baryecoia deafness; hardness of hearing baryphonic having difficulty speaking bascule apparatus of which one end rises as the other sinks basial of, like or pertaining to kissing basiation kissing basilica Roman Catholic church given special privileges basilicon kind of ointment bassinet light, conical helmet bastinade to beat with a stick or baton, especially on the feet bastion tower at the corner of a fortification bastle fortified house with vaulted ground floor bathmism directive evolutionary force batholith large mass of intruded igneous rock bathophobia fear of falling from a high place bathos appearance of the commonplace in elevated matter bathykolpian deep-bosomed bathymeter instrument for recording contours of deep oceans bathyorographical of, like or pertaining to depth underwater or elevation above sea level bathypelagic found in the depths of the sea bathysmal of, like or pertaining to the depths of the ocean bathythermograph instrument for recording water temperature as compared to depth batik method of dyeing fabric by covering certain sections with wax batiste fine soft sheer fabric of plain weave batology the study of brambles batophobia fear of heights or being close to tall buildings batrachian of, like or pertaining to frogs or toads batrachivorous frog-eating batrachophobia fear of frogs and toads batraquomancy divination using frogs batten timber used to fasten down a door or hatch battledore bat used to strike shuttlecock; game played with such a bat battology futile, futile repetition in speech or writing battue indiscriminate slaughter; driving game towards slaughter baud unit of data transmission speed of one signal event per second bausond having white spots on the forehead bavardage chattering; prattle bavian insignificant or unskilled poet bavin a bundle of brushwood bayadere fabric with horizontal stripes in strongly contrasting colours bdellism use of leeches for blood-letting bdelloid of, like or pertaining to leeches bdellotomy act of cutting a leech to increase its suction beadle church caretaker or usher beadle mace-bearing official of an institution beadsman monk or almoner who prays for benefactor beata beatified woman Beatlemania obsession with the Beatles beatster fish net repairer beatus beatified man beaupers linen fabric used for flags beaver hinged face guard on a helmet beblubbered disfigured from weeping bechic relieving coughs becket large hook or bracket used to hold tackle or spars beckets rope handles bedaggle to soil by dragging along the wet ground bedswerver unfaithful spouse bee hardwood on either side of bowsprit through which forestays are reeved beele double-pointed miner's pick beerocracy government by brewers or brewing interests beeskep straw beehive beestings the first milk drawn from a cow after calving beforetime formerly behoof a benefit resulting from some course of action bel unit of noise intensity equal to ten decibels belay to secure a rope by winding on a pin or cleat belcher coloured; spotted neckerchief beldam an old woman; a hag; an ancestress belemnoid shaped like a dart belike most likely; probably bellarmine large jug with rounded belly and narrow neck bellcote ornamental structure to hold one or two large bells bellecism inclination towards violence; hawkishness belleter bell-founder belliferous bringing war belling deer's mating call bellipotent militarily powerful bellonion mechanical instrument combining trumpets and drums bellwether one who takes the lead; indicator of trends beloid shaped like an arrow belomancy divination by means of arrows belonephilia sexual obsession with sharp objects belonephobia fear of pins and needles belonoid shaped like a needle belvedere raised covered terrace or pavilion belvedere raised turret or lantern on the top of a house bema raised part of an Eastern church containing the altar benedict a newly married man who has long been a bachelor benefactive indicating for whom or which benefic kindly; benign; beneficent benefice ecclesiastical office to which revenue is attached beneficiate to treat ores to remove impurities benet exorcist bengaline crosswise ribbed fabric benthic of, like or pertaining to the depths of the ocean benthos flora and fauna of the ocean floor berceau covered walk berceuse lullaby bergamask country dance berge spy glass or telescope berlin four-wheeled covered carriage berline crude winter sled berm narrow shelf or ledge at the top or bottom of a slope bersatrix baby-sitter besom curler's broom bestiarian individual opposed to vivisection bestiocracy rule by beasts bethel a place of worship for seamen; nonconformist chapel betimes in short time; speedily bêtise foolish act or situation betwixt between bewray to reveal; to betray; to divulge bezel oblique side or face of a cut gem bezesteen Eastern marketplace bezique card game played with two decks of cards bezoar stony material found in ruminants' stomachs bialate two-winged biarchy government by two people; diarchy bibacious overly fond of drinking bibelot trinket; miniature book of elegant design bibitory of, like or pertaining or pertaining to drinking biblioclasm destruction of books or the Bible bibliogenesis production of books bibliognost well-read individual; person with wide knowledge of books biblioklept book-thief bibliolatry worship of the Bible or other books bibliology study of books bibliomancy divination by opening a book at random bibliomania craze for books or reading bibliopegist bookbinder bibliophagist one who devours books, literally or figuratively bibliophily love or fondness for books or reading bibliophobia fear of books bibliopoesy making of books bibliopolist bookseller bibliopoly bookselling bibliotaph one who hoards or hides books bibliotics study of documents to determine authenticity bibulous addicted to alcohol bicapitate two-headed bickern anvil pointed at both ends bicollateral having two identical sides bicorn having two horns or points biddery metal alloy inlaid with silver and/or gold bidenticulate having two teeth biduous lasting two days bienséance something appropriate or proper bifarious organized in two rows bifid divided in two by a deep split bifilar having two threads bigential consisting of two races, genera, or subspecies biggin a building bight a wide bay; a bend or coil in a rope bijugate having heads on both sides of a coin bilbo iron bar used to shackle prisoners' feet bilge lower point of inner hull of a ship bilious ill-tempered; very unpleasant billingsgate coarsely abusive language billon base metal, alloy of copper, tin or silver bilocation ability to be in two places at once biloquist one capable of speaking with two distinct voices bimetallism currency exchange on both the gold and silver standards binarchy government by two people; diarchy binate doubled; coupled binaural of, pertaining to or heard by both ears bindle blanket roll binnacle case in which a ship's compass is kept binotonous consisting or comprised of two musical tones biobibliography annotated biographical bibliography biocenosis state of association of creatures in a certain region biocentric having life as main principle biocide killing living material bioecology study of interaction of life in the environment biogenesis theory that all life is derived from living matter alone biognosy general study or theory of life biolith rock formed by living creatures biometrics study of biological measurement bionergy vital essence or force bionomics study of organisms interacting in their environments biopic film telling the life-story of a celebrity biotaxy classification of living organisms biotope region of uniform environment and types of organisms bipennate two-winged biramous forked; with two branches bireme rowed ship or galley with two banks of oars biretta square three-ridged cap worn by Catholic clergy birl to make a log spin by walking on it birostrate double-beaked bis twice; in two places biserial in two rows or columns bismer shame; disgrace; scorn bisociation association of an object with two or more ideas bisontine of, like or pertaining to bison bistoury narrow surgical knife bistre pigment with brownish colour derived from soot bisulcate cloven-footed; cleft in two bitheism belief in two gods bitts posts mounted on a ship for fastening ropes biune combining two entities into one biverbal of, like or pertaining to two words; having a double sense bivious offering a choice; splitting between two directions blackguard a menial helper blackguard to vituperate; to portray as a scoundrel blackmaster undertaker blague humbug; pretentious nonsense blain a boil or blister blandiloquence complimentary speech; flattery blandish to flatter and coax; to cajole blarney skilful flattery blastogenesis reproduction by budding blattnerphone instrument used to record sound on magnetic tape blattoid of, like or pertaining to cockroaches blauwbok extinct bluish-coloured antelope of southern Africa blazon heraldic arms painted on knight's shield or surcoat blench to shrink or flinch blendling hybrid blendure mixing blennoid of or resembling mucus blennophobia fear of slime blepharal of, like or pertaining to eyelids bletcherous having an ugly design bletherskate a garrulous talker of nonsense bletonism alleged ability to find an underground water supply blewit type of edible toadstool blissom subject to or having strong sexual desires bloomery factory where iron bars are manufactured bloviate to write or speak windily blucher leather half-boot bluepeter blue flag with white square in centre used as ship's signal bluestocking early feminist; educated or literary woman blunge to mix clay with water blype piece of skin that peels off after a sunburn boanerges skilled orator with powerful voice boatswain ship's crewmember in charge of equipment and maintenance bobeche circular wax catcher that fits over a candle bobstay rope used on ships to steady the bowsprit bocking smoked herring bodach old man; churl; goblin or spectre bodement prediction or prophecy bodewash cow dung bodge piece of poor or clumsy workmanship bodkin small tool for pricking holes; small dagger boeotian stupid; dull boethetic helpful, curative bogan quiet tributary or backwater boggart spectre; bugbear; goblin bolar of, like or pertaining to clay bolection moulding around a panel bolero Spanish dance with sudden pauses and sharp turns bolide large meteor that bursts; a fireball bollard short post on a wharf or ship to which ropes are tied bolometer instrument for measuring radiant energy or infrared light bolthead straight-necked distillation vessel or flask boltrope strong rope stitched to edges of a sail bolus rounded mass boman well dressed criminal bombaster one who stuffs or pads things bombastry bombastic language or composition bombazine twilled silk and worsted fabric bombé bulging outwards bombic of, like or pertaining to silkworms bombilate to hum, buzz or drone bombosity the buttocks bombous convex; rounded bombycine of, like or pertaining to silk or cotton bombylious humming or buzzing bonasus bison bonbonnière small box used for sweetmeats bonce large marble used in games bonification paying of bonus or reward boniform having the form of good bonify to improve or ameliorate boning estimating straightness by looking along a row of poles bonism the doctrine that the world is good but not perfect bonzery Buddhist monastery bonzoline artificial ivory-like substance used to make billiard balls boodle counterfeit money; funds obtained by corruption boopic ox-eyed borage rough-stemmed herb used in salads borasco violent wind squall borato thin fabric borborology filthy talk borborygmus rumbling noise in the intestines bordar tenant who holds land at his lord's pleasure bordereau detailed bill or invoice bordure border surrounding a heraldic shield bore tidal flow of water up estuaries borné limited; narrow-minded borsella instrument for shaping glass vessels bort diamond fragments or dust borzoi wolf-hound boscage thick foliage; woodland boschveldt bush country; wilderness bosket thicket; plantation bosky covered with trees or shrubs bossa-nova Brazilian dance similar to samba bosselated knobby boston waltz-like dance bosun boatswain bot larva of a botfly that infests horses botanomancy divination using burning branches or plants botryoidal like a bunch of grapes bottine small boot bottomry using the ship as collateral to finance a sea voyage bottony having three buds like a trefoil bouclé fabric of uneven looped yarn bouillotte card game resembling poker bouleuterion meeting-place; assembly hall bouleversement overturning; reversal; ruin boult to sift through cloth; to examine by sifting boun to prepare; to dress; to set out bourasque tempest bourdon drone bass of a bagpipe or organ bourrée French baroque dance with quick rhythm boustrophedon writing alternating left-right then right-left boutade sudden outburst bovicide slaughter of cattle; one who kills cattle boviform cow-shaped bower anchor carried at bow of a ship bowery seedy or run-down district of a city bowline rope used to keep weather edge of a sail taut bowsprit spar that extends at bows of a ship boyau communication trench boyg a problem difficult to get to grips with brabble to squabble or quarrel braccate having feathered legs or feet bracciale bracket or socket mounted on a wall brach female hunting hound brachet whelp; brat; bitch hound brachiation act of swinging by one's arms from place to place brachiferous bearing or having branches or arms brachiotomy amputation of an arm brachycatalectic lacking two syllables from end of a line of verse brachycerous having horns or antennae clipped or removed brachydactylous having short or stubby fingers brachymetropia short-sightedness brachyology laconic, abbreviated or interrupted speech brachypodous short-legged brachypterous short-winged brackish saltish; very salty brackle to break bread or cake into pieces bracteate thin beaten plate of gold or silver bradawl small boring tool bradyseism slow up-and-down movement of the earth's crust brail leather strap to bind a hawk's wing brails ropes on edge of sail for hauling up braird to appear above ground (of crops) branchial of, like or pertaining to gills branchiferous having or bearing gills branchiform gill-shaped brandling striped earthworm used as fishing bait brank to prance; toss the head; to strut bransle an old French follow-the-leader dance brasero a place where criminals and heretics are burned brash collection of broken pieces of rock or ice brassage difference between cost of minting coin and its value brassard badge worn on the arm; piece of armour for the arm brattice fixed tower of wood on a castle wall brattice partition in mine shaft used to support walls and roof braxy disease of sheep causing fits brayer instrument for spreading ink in printing bream to clean a ship's bottom by burning off seaweed breastsummer beam supporting front of a building; bressummer breccia geological formation of angular fragments of rock breedbate someone looking for an argument brehon judge or magistrate in ancient Ireland breloque an ornament attached to a watch breme fierce; cruel; keen bressummer beam supporting a wall over an opening bretasche partition to control ventilation in a mine breve mark over letter to indicate a short vowel sound brevet commission enabling officer to take higher rank breviary book containing daily church service breviate a brief compendium; a lawyer's brief brevicaudate short-tailed breviloquence short-windedness; tendency towards brevity in speech breviped short-legged creature brevipennate having short wings briarean many-handed bricole harness for humans to pull heavy loads bridewell house of corrections; jail bridgewater anything undesirable or worthless bridoon light military bridle brigandine leather armour with metal scales brigantine two-masted ship brigue to intrigue brilliantine light lustrous cotton and worsted fabric brilliantine perfumed oil for making hair glossy brindled marked with streaks or spots brio enthusiastic vigour brisure part of a parapet breaking from the general direction britska open four-wheeled carriage broadcloth dense twilled wool or worsted fabric brobdingnagian immense brocade rich silk fabric with raised patterns brocard elementary law or principle; canon; axiom; maxim broch luminous ring around the moon broché with raised pattern brochette skewer for holding food steady while cooking brocken two-year-old stag brockfaced having a white mark on the face or snout brodequin light boot worn inside heavier boots broderie embroidery pattern brogan strong and tough working shoe broma food; aliment bromatology study of food bromidrosis strong-smelling sweat bromopnea bad breath bronchos temporary loss of voice; laryngitis bronchoscope instrument for examining the windpipe brontology scientific study of thunder brontomancy divination using thunder brontophobia fear of thunder and lightning brouette small two-wheeled carriage brougham one-horse closed carriage bruit something rumoured widely; to report or spread rumour brumal of, like or pertaining to winter brumous foggy; wintry brunneous dark brown bruxism habitual grinding of the teeth bruxomania compulsion for grinding teeth bryology the study of mosses and liverworts bubaline of, like or pertaining to buffalo or antelopes bubonalgia painful inflammation of the groin buccal of, like or pertaining to the mouth or cheek buccan metal frame on which meat is dried and/or roasted buccina Roman curved trumpet buccinal shaped or sounding like a trumpet buccula double chin bucentaur legendary half-man and half-ox buck-and-wing solo tap dance with many leg flings and leaps buckram stiff-finished cotton or linen used for linings of garments bucoliast writer of pastoral poems bucolic of, like or pertaining to the tending of cattle; rustic; rural buddle sloping container for washing ore bufoniform shaped like a toad bufotenine hallucinogen found in certain tropical toads buhl inlaying of precious material onto furniture bulbiferous bearing bulbs bulgur cooked broken wheat bulimy extreme hunger bulla round seal attached to a papal bull bullace wild plum bullantic capitalized and ornamented, as letters used on papal bulls bullary collection of papal bulls bullate having a blistered or puckered appearance bulliform shaped like a blister or boil bullionism belief in the importance of metallic currency in economics bullition the act of boiling bullock an ox or castrated bull bullyrag to assault with abusive language; to badger bulse a small bag for diamonds or gold dust bulwark the side of a ship above the deck bumboat small boat used in harbours to carry provisions bumicky cement mixed with stone chips used in masonry bummel stroll; leisurely journey bump coarse cotton fabric bumpkin spar projecting from stern of ship bumptious offensively conceited or self-assertive buncombe speech-making intended for the mass media bunt middle of sail, fish-net or cloth when slack bunting light loosely woven fabric used for flags buntline rope attached to middle of square sail to haul it up to the yard burdet cotton fabric burgage tenure in socage for a yearly rent burganet light helmet with nose and cheek protection burgee small ship's flag used for identification or signalling burgensic of, like or pertaining to a borough or its citizens burgrave commander of a German town or castle burke to suppress quietly; to bypass or avoid burlap coarse plain-woven jute or hemp fabric burnet dark brown; dark woollen cloth burrel coarse russet cloth burrole an eavesdropper burrstone type of rock used to make millstones bursal of, like or pertaining to a state's revenues bursary treasury of a monastery or college burse square cloth case to carry the corporal during Communion service bursiculate resembling a small pouch bursiform shaped like a pouch or purse buskin tragedy as a dramatic genre buss rude or playful kiss buteonine of, like or pertaining to buzzards butt unit of volume equal to two hogsheads or 126 gallons buttery storeroom for provisions and liquors butyraceous resembling, producing or having the qualities of butter butyric of, like or pertaining to butter byre a cow barn byrnie coat of mail or breastplate byssaceous delicately filamentous byssiferous having tufts or threads byssine silky; soft; having many threads byssoid fibrous; cottony soft byssus mummy-wrapping fabric bywoner agricultural labourer caballine of, like or pertaining to or suited to a horse cabas woman's work basket or handbag cable heavy rope or chain for mooring a ship caboched heraldic animal shown in full face with no neck or body cabochon highly polished convex gem caboose kitchen on the deck of a ship cabotage shipping and sailing between points in the same country cabré flying upside down with tail down cabrie a pronghorn cabriole curved furniture leg ending in a ball; exuberant dance or caper cabriolet two-wheeled carriage cacaesthesia morbid sensation cachaemic having diseased or poisoned blood cachalot sperm whale cachepot ornamental container used to conceal a flowerpot cachet a seal of approval; a mark of prestige cachexic having an unhealthy physical or mental state cachinnate to laugh loudly and inappropriately cacidrosis smelly sweat cacodemomania pathological belief that one is inhabited by an evil spirit cacodoxy bad doctrine or wrong opinion cacoepy poor or wrong pronunciation cacoethes insatiable desire or mania; bad habit cacogen antisocial person cacogenics study of racial degeneration cacography bad handwriting or spelling cacolet military mule litter cacology bad choice of words or faulty pronunciation caconym wrongly derived name cacotopia a state in which everything is as bad as it can be cacuminal retroflex, pertaining to a point, crown, top or peak cadastre record of ownership and value of property caddis worsted yarn cadge to beg or sponge from another cadilesker chief judge in the Turkish empire cadrans instrument by which a gem is adjusted while being cut caducary passing or expiring due to lapse or forfeit caduceator herald; messenger caducity being of a transitory or impermanent nature caecity blindness caenogenesis process of growth in individual not common in its species caesaropapism control of the church by a secular ruler caesious bluish or greyish green caespitose growing in clusters or tufts caesura natural breathing space in a line of verse cafard depression; the blues cagamosis unhappy marriage cairngorm yellow-brown quartz caisson vehicle or chest for holding ammunition caitiff base; cowardly; despicable cakewalk prancing stage dance with backward tilt calamanco satin twilled woollen fabric calamist piper; one who plays using a reed calamus quill or reed used as a pen calando slowing with gradually lowering volume calash light low-wheeled carriage with folding top calathiform cup-shaped calathus fruit basket carried on the head calcar furnace or oven for annealing calcariferous having or bearing spurs calcariform spur-shaped calceate to shoe calceiform shaped like a slipper calciferous bearing lime calciform pebble-shaped calcifuge plant that will not tolerate limy soil calcimine to whitewash calcine to burn so as to drive out water and carbon dioxide calcivorous feeding on or living in limestone calcographer one who draws with crayons or pastels calefacient warming; anything that warms calefactory a monastery sitting room calender machine with rollers which presses paper or cloth calenture tropical fever due to heat exposure calescence increase in heat calico plain white cotton calicular like a chalice or cup caliginous misty; dark; dim; obscure caliology study of bird's nests calipace turtle's carapace calix cup; chalice calk pointed piece on a horseshoe to prevent slipping callant boy; fellow calligram design using the letters of a word callipygous having beautiful buttocks callisteia awards given for beauty callithump boisterous and noisy parade callow unfledged; inexperienced calodemon good or beneficial spirit calorifacient producing or generating heat calorifics study of heat calorimeter instrument for measuring absorbed or evolved heat calotte Roman Catholic skullcap calque word or expression introduced into a language by literally translating it calumet ornamented ceremonial pipe calumniate to slander; misrepresent; besmirch calumny vile misrepresentation calvary experience of intense mental suffering calver to prepare fish while alive or freshly caught calvities baldness calvous bald calycine of, like or pertaining to a cup or calyx calyx outer covering of a flower camaca fine silk fabric camaïeu monotonous or uninteresting play or literary work caman shinty stick camarilla secret society of favourites of the king camber slight arch or convexity to a beam or deck of a ship cambist person skilled in the science of financial exchange cambistry science of international exchange cambium soft tissue found in trees cambresine fine linen fabric cambric fine thin white cotton or linen fabric cameline of, like or pertaining to camels camelious jocular term describing camel's hump camelopard giraffe camelot newspaper vendor camelry troops mounted on camels cameralism mercantilism designed to increase a ruler's power camerated divided into separate chambers cameriere waiter or valet camerlengo papal treasurer camisade night attack camisole straitjacket used for unruly prisoners camlet strong waterproof silk or wool fabric camorra group united for nefarious or traitorous ends camouflet mine used to destroy underground enemy emplacement campaniform bell-shaped campanile freestanding bell tower on church property campanology the art of bell ringing campanulate shaped like a bell campestral of, like or pertaining to the country; pertaining to level ground camsteary perverse; unruly canaille riffraff; proletarian; the mob; rabble canaliculate grooved or channelled lengthwise canard false rumour; hoax canary lively Renaissance courtly dance cancellarial of, like or pertaining to a chancellor cancellous having a porous structure cancerophobia fear of cancer cancriform shaped like a crab cancrine of, like or pertaining to crabs; palindromic cancrine palindromic cancrizans moving backwards; repeating a musical theme backwards candela unit of luminous intensity candent heated to whiteness candescent glowing hotly canephor sculpted figure carrying a basket on the head canescent hoary; tending to become white or grey caneva fancy woollen fabric made to resemble canvas cang wooden yoke hung around a criminal's neck canicular of, like or pertaining to the dog star canities whiteness of the hair cannel bevel on the edge of a chisel cannelure groove or fluting cannikin small can or drinking vessel cannonade an attack with heavy artillery cannonarchy government by superior firepower or by cannons cannular hollow or tube-shaped canoness woman living in a community under a religious rule canonicate the rank or office of a cannon canophilia love or fondness for dogs canopus vase for holding dead individual's inner organs canorous musical; singing; resonant canque Chinese cotton fabric cantabank strolling singer; second-rate musician cantative of, like or pertaining to singing cantatrice female singer canter person who makes hypocritical or affected statements canterbury stand with divisions for holding books or music canthus angle between eyelids at the corner of the eye canticle short holy song or sung prayer cantillate to chant or intone cantle corner, edge or slice of anything canton dexter chief region of a heraldic field cantonment small military town cantorial located on the north side of the choir in a church canzone instrumental work that is melodious or song-like caparison ornamented covering for a horse capeline surgical bandage for the stump of amputated limb; small iron skullcap capelocracy government by shopkeepers capias writ authorizing the arrest of a person capillaceous hairlike capilotade stewed meat dish capistrate hooded capitalism doctrine that private ownership and free markets should govern economies capitation numbering of individuals; head tax capitulary of, like or pertaining to a chapter of an organization caple a horse capnomancy divination by means of smoke caponier covered passage across a moat or ditch capreolate having or resembling tentacles capric having a goatlike smell; of, like or pertaining to goats caprifoliaceous of, like or pertaining to the honeysuckle plant capriform goatlike caprine of, like or pertaining to goats capriole leap and kick performed by a trained horse capripede satyr capstan upright device for winding in heavy ropes or cables captation attempt to obtain applause or recognition captious peevish; ready to take offence or find fault capuchin pointed hooded cloak worn by friars caracole spiral staircase; a half turn by a trained horse caravanserai inn or rest station for caravans carbasus lint or gauze carboniferous bearing carbon carboy large green bottle encased in wicker carbuncle architectural monstrosity or eyesore; red precious stone carcanet ornamental necklace, collar or headband carcelage prison fees carceral of, like or pertaining to prisons carcinology study of crabs and other crustaceans cardialgia heartburn cardimelech supposed vital force causing heart to work cardinal deep scarlet red colour cardinalitial of, like or pertaining to church cardinals cardiognost one who knows the workings of the heart cardiograph instrument for recording movements of the heart cardioid heart-shaped cardophagus donkey; something that eats thistles careen to turn a ship on its side in order to clean or repair it caret mark (^) used to note an omission carfax place where four roads meet; intersection of roads at center of a town carferal compound of carbon, iron and aluminum caricology study of sedges caricous of, like or pertaining to figs carinated shaped like the prow or keel of a ship cariniform keel-shaped carioca variation of the samba cariogenic causing dental cavities cariole light open carriage carious of, like or pertaining to dental cavities; decayed caritative generous; charitable caritive indicating lack of something carking imposing great hardship or strain carminative expelling, causing or relieving flatulence carnaptious bad-tempered; cantankerous carnassial specially adapted for eating flesh carneous fleshy; flesh-coloured; like or pertaining to flesh carnet customs or other permit; book of coupons carniferous bearing flesh; fleshy carnifex executioner carnification conversion into flesh carnificial of, like or pertaining to butchers or executioners carnificine place of execution; office of the executioner carnose fleshy; of or like flesh caroche stately carriage used on ceremonial occasions carpal of, like or pertaining to the wrist carphology fitful plucking movements as in delirium carpogenous producing or bearing fruit carpology study of fruit carpophagous fruit-eating carrack galleon carriwitchet a quip or quibble; a pun; a conundrum carronade short and light maritime cannon cartiliginous like or composed of cartilage cartomancy telling fortunes using playing cards cartophily the hobby of collecting cigarette cards cartouche oval- or scroll-shaped ornamentation on monument or tomb cartulary keeper of monastic records carucate as much land as a team of oxen ploughs in a season caruncle any fleshy growth on the body caryatid column shaped like female figure cascabel part behind the base-ring of a cannon caschrom spade with bent handle for tilling soil casefy to become or make cheese-like casemate bombproof chamber or armored compartment caseous cheese-like casern barrack or billet for soldiers cashmere soft twilled fabric made of fine goat's wool cashmerette soft imitation of cashmere casque helmet cassation annulment; overthrow of legal decision cassideous helmet-shaped cassimere closely woven twilled cloth of fine wool cassock close-fitting ankle-length clergyman's garment castaneous chestnut-coloured castellan governor of castle or fortification castellar of, like or pertaining to a castle castellated having battlements or turrets castophrenia belief that one's thoughts are being stolen castory brown colour; brown dye derived from beaver pelts castral of or belonging to the camp castrametation the art of designing a camp casualism the belief that chance governs all things casuistry plausible but flawed moral reasoning catabaptism belief in the wrongness of infant baptism catabasis the decline of a disease in a population catachresis incorrect usage of a word catachthonian underground; subterranean cataclasm disruption; breaking down catacoustics science of echoes or reflected sounds catadioptric employing both reflection and refraction of light catadromous migrating from fresh to salt water to spawn catafalque temporary tomb used in funerals and processions catalactic of, like or pertaining to exchange catalactics science of commercial exchange catalectic incomplete; missing final syllable catamite boy kept for homosexual purposes catamount any wild large species of cat catapedamania obsession with jumping from high places cataphract suit of mail; soldier in full armour; armoured ship cataphysical unnatural cataplasm plaster or poultice cataplexy condition feigning death used by animals catarolysis letting off steam by cursing catarrhine of, like or pertaining to Old World Monkeys catasta scaffold or stage for torture or selling slaves catastaltic astringent catastasis part of drama where action is at its height catastrophism belief in rapid geological and biological change catchpole constable; sheriff's officer catechectics the art of teaching by question and answer catechumen one undergoing instruction prior to conversion to Christianity catena series, chain or sequence catenarian of, like or pertaining to chains catenate to connect as in or by a chain catenular chain-like cateran a Scottish military irregular or brigand cathead projection near the bow of a ship to which anchor is secured cathedra chair or throne of office for a bishop or other high official cathetometer instrument for measuring short vertical distances cathexis investment of emotional energy in a thought or idea cathisma short hymn used as response cathisophobia fear of sitting catholicon cure-all; panacea catholicos primate of Armenian or Nestorian church catogenic formed from above catoptric of, like or pertaining to reflection or reflected light catoptromancy divination by examining mirror placed underwater caudal of, like or pertaining to the tail caudiform tail-like; tail-shaped caudle warm drink given to the sick caul net or similar covering for the head; afterbirth cauliform shaped like or resembling a stem cauligenous originating on the stem of a plant caulotaxy disposition and location of branches on a stem cauponate to engage in questionable trade for the sake of gain causative indicating causation by causerie chat or gossip; short and informal essay causidical of, like or pertaining to those who plead legal cases causimancy divination by means of fire cautelous treacherous; cunning; wily; cautious cavatina short operatic air cavernicolous cave-dwelling cavernulous full of small cavities or holes cavesson noseband for a horse cavicorn hollow-horned cavil to raise trivial and frivolous objections cebocephalic having a head shaped like a monkey's cecils minced meat made into balls and fried cecity blindness cecutiency a tendency toward blindness cedrate citron ceilometer instrument for measuring height of cloud ceiling above earth celadon pale green; pale green glazed pottery celation concealment celeste sky blue celidography descriptions of markings on the sun, a planet or moon cella inner chamber of a classical temple cellarer monastery official in charge of provisions cellaret case or drawer for holding wine bottles celliferous bearing cells celluliferous bearing little cells celsitude loftiness celt prehistoric bevelled-edge axe celtuce lettuce with an edible stalk cementatory having the quality of binding or uniting firmly cementum hard tissue covering roots of teeth cenacle room where the Last Supper was eaten cenacle meeting or dining room; group with common interests cenatory of, like or pertaining to supper cendal silk fabric resembling taffeta ceneromancy divination using ashes cenobite monk; member of religious group cenoby monastery or convent cenophobia fear of empty spaces cenote deep natural well censer vessel for burning incense in religious rituals centesimal counting or counted by hundreds or hundredths centner old unit of weight equal to about 110 pounds cento patchwork composition; collection of short quotations centrobaric of, like or pertaining to the centre of gravity centuple hundred-fold cep brown edible mushroom cepaceous smelling or tasting of garlic or onion cephalate having a head cephaligation placing of major organs and bodily functions in the head cephalonomancy divination by boiling an ass head cephalophore decapitated saint depicted with head tucked under arm cephalopod creature with tentacles or limbs attached to head cepivorous onion-eating ceraceous resembling wax ceramography historical description of types of pottery cerated covered with wax ceratoid shaped like a horn; horny ceraunograph instrument for recording thunder and lightning ceraunomancy divination using thunderbolts ceraunoscopy divination using lightning cerberic vigilant; dragon-like; like Cerberus cercopithecan of, like or pertaining to long-tailed monkeys cercus tail-like appendage cerebration unconscious action of the brain cerements clothes placed on a deceased individual cerge large wax candle burned before the altar ceriferous producing wax cernuous drooping or hanging cerography writing or printing on plates spread with wax ceromancy divination by means of wax drippings ceroscopy divination using wax certes in truth; certainly cerulean sky-blue; dark blue; sea-green cerumen ear wax ceruminiferous bearing or yielding ear wax cervelat smoked pork sausage cervicorn branching like antlers cervine of, pertaining to or resembling deer, elk or moose cervisial of, like or pertaining or pertaining to beer cesious bluish-grey cespitous composed of or resembling turf cessionary someone to which something is ceded cetacean type of aquatic mammal, including whales and dolphins cete collective name for a group of badgers ceticide killing of whales and other cetaceans cetology study of whales and dolphins cevesaile ornamental corner of a coat chabouk horse-whip chaconne Spanish baroque dance in triple time chad bits of paper punched out of paper tape or cards chaetiferous bearing bristles; bristly chaetophorous in need of a shave chaffer to bargain or haggle chain unit of length equal to 22 yards chaise light open carriage for one or two people chalastic laxative chalcography the art of engraving on copper or brass chalcotriptics art of taking rubbings from ornamental brasses chaldron old unit of dry volume equal to between 32 and 72 bushels challis soft lightweight silk, wool or cotton fabric chambranle decoration around a door frame or fireplace chambray lightweight fabric with coloured warp and white filling chambré wine kept at room temperature chamfer to channel or make furrows upon; to bevel chamfrain piece of leather to protect a war horse's face chamois cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather champaign level countryside or plain champerty illegal contract to finance a lawsuit for a percentage fee chancel part of church containing altar and seats for choir chancery church office dealing with legal matters and archives chandelle sharp upward turn in aviation chantage blackmail to prevent exposure of scandalous facts chanter part of bagpipes on which the melody is played chanticleer a rooster chantry chapel or altar built for prayers for its benefactor's soul chaology the study of chaos or chaos theory chaomancy divination by examining phenomena of the air chapbook small independently produced popular book chaplet circlet or wreath for the head; short string of prayer beads chaptalize to add extra sugar to wine to raise alcohol content charabanc open tourist coach characterology study of development of character charientism expression of an unpleasant thing in an agreeable manner; euphemism charivari cacophonous mock-serenade performed for wedding chark to burn wood to charcoal Charleston fast-paced 1920s dance characterized by energetic kicking charmante silk fabric with a crepe back charmeuse soft and satiny silk fabric charmeuse soft satiny material charnel room where corpses are placed charpie shredded lint used to dress wounds chartaceous papery charterhouse Carthusian monastic building chartreuse yellow-green colour chary discreetly cautious or sparing chasmogamy opening of a flower in order to be fertilized chasmophile lover of nooks and crannies chasmophilous fond of nooks, crevices and crannies chasseur hunter; liveried hotel attendant chasuble sleeveless ecclesiastical garment chatelaine ring attached to belt for carrying keys chatelaine female castle owner, manager or caretaker chaton setting or stone of a finger-ring chatoyant with a changing lustre; iridescent chauffer small furnace chaussures general name for boots and shoes; footwear chawdron entrails cheiloplasty plastic surgery on the lip cheiloproclitic attracted to lips cheliferous bearing pincers or claws cheliform shaped like a pincer chelonian of, like or pertaining to tortoises or turtles chenille velvety silk, wool or cotton fabric with protruding pile chernozem black earth typically found in cool grassland climates chersonese peninsula chesil gravel chessel cheese-mould chevalet bridge of a stringed instrument chevaline horse meat chevaster double bandage for supporting chin in case of broken jaw chevelure nebulous part of a comet cheverel soft; flexible kidskin leather chevet east end of a church cheville unnecessary word used to extend line of verse cheviot coarse heavy plain or twilled wool or worsted chevisance resource; achievement; gain chevon goat flesh chevrotain small deer-like mammal chiaroscuro juxtaposition of light and shade in artwork or literature chiasmus contrast by parallelism in reverse order chicanery clever but misleading talk; deception chiffon sheer silk fabric chiffonier chest of drawers chignon knot or roll of hair worn at the back of the head chilgoza edible pine seed chiliad one thousand chiliahedron one-thousand sided solid figure chiliarchy government by one thousand people chiliasm belief that Jesus will reign on Earth for a thousand years chiliastic millenarian chiliomb sacrifice of one thousand animals chilopod multi-legged insect chimere loose sleeveless robes worn by Anglican bishops chimerical imaginary; fanciful chiminage toll paid for going through a forest chinamania obsession with collecting china chine the intersection of the middle and sides of a boat chine backbone and adjoining flesh of an animal chino strong twilled cotton cloth chintz glazed printed cotton fabric chionablepsia snow blindness chiral of, like or pertaining to the hand or handedness chirality chemical property of structural handedness chirapsia massage chirk cheer chirm collective term for goldfinches chirocosmetics beautifying the hands; art of manicure chirocracy government by physical force chirognomy divination by studying the hands chirograph written or signed document chirography study of handwriting or penmanship chirogymnast finger exercise machine for pianists chirology study of the hands chiromancy divination by means of palmistry chironomy gesticulation or mime chiropody medical science of feet chiropractic treatment of disorders of the locomotor system and spinal column chiropterophilous pollinated or frequented by bats chirosophy knowledge of palm-reading chirospasm writer's cramp chirotony election by a show of hands chlamydate having a mantle or hood chlamys horseman's loose cloak chlorochrous green-coloured chlorometer instrument for measuring amount of chlorine in a solution choanoid shaped like a funnel chock metal casting with curved arms for passing ropes for mooring ship cholelithiasis production of gall stones choliamb verse with an iambus in the fifth place and a spondee in the sixth cholic of, like or pertaining to bile choller double chin chololith gall stone chômage work stoppage or slump chondrogenesis production of cartilage chondroid like or resembling cartilage choragus leader of a choir or organizer of musical festivals chordee painful, downward-curving erection of the penis choreomania dancing mania or frenzy chorepiscopal of, like or pertaining to an early local bishop choreutic of, like or pertaining to a chorus chorisis multiplication of parts by branching or splitting chorizont one who disputes identity of authorship chorographer one who maps or describes a region chorology science of the geographic description of anything chorometry land surveying chouse to cheat; to swindle chrematistic of, like or pertaining to the pursuit of wealth or to business chrematistics the study of wealth; political economy chrematophobia fear of money chreotechnics useful or practical trades or arts chrestomathic of, like or pertaining to useful knowledge chrestomathy anthology of passages used in learning languages chrism consecrated or holy oil chrismation sacrament of baptism in Eastern churches chrismatory vessel for holding holy oil chrisom white robe put on newly baptised child chrisomalis the loser who wrote this damn list Christolatry worship of Christ christophany appearance of Christ to men chromatism presence of abnormal coloration chromatocracy government by rulers of a particular skin colour chromatograph instrument for performing chromatographic separations chromatoptometer instrument measuring eyes' sensitivity to colour chromophilous staining easily chronobiology study of biological rhythms chronogram inscription whose letters form a Roman numeral date chronograph instrument for recording the moment of an event chronomancy divination by means of time chronopher electrical instrument for transmitting time signals chronoscope instrument for measuring very short time intervals chronostichon chronogrammatic line or stanza chronosynchronicity presentation of all stages of a person's life in a single piece of art chryselephantine inlaid with gold and ivory chrysoaristocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy chrysochlorous greenish-gold chrysocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy chrysography writing in gold or silver letters chrysology study of precious metals chrysophilist gold-lover chrysopoetics transmutation of substances into gold chrystocrene rock formation resembling glacier chthonian of, like or pertaining to the earth or the underworld chthonophagia eating dirt churching church ceremony given to women after childbirth churchism devotion to church rules over religious precepts chyle milky fluid secreted into blood by small intestine chyliferous bearing chyle chyme partially digested food chymiferous bearing chyme chypre mixture of resins used in making perfume cibarious of, like or pertaining to food; useful for food cibation taking food; feeding cibophobia fear of or distaste for food ciborium freestanding canopy to cover altar; vessel for holding eucharistic bread cicatrization scarification; production of marks upon cicerone guide; tour guide cicisbeo male companion of a married woman ciconine of, like or pertaining to storks cienega marsh or swamp cilice haircloth shirt worn as penance cillosis spasm or twitch in the upper eyelid cimelia treasures in storage cimeliarch church vestry or treasury cimex bedbug cimicide substance used to kill bed-bugs cimier crest of helmet; removable heraldic device or favour of courtly love cincture to gird or surround; belt worn around ecclesiastical vestment cineast one who takes artistic interest in motion pictures cinerarium container for cremated ashes cinerary of, like or pertaining to ashes cinerious ashen; ash-grey cingular shaped like a girdle or ring cingulum girdle or girdle-like structure; priest's belt cinnabar red crystalline mercuric sulfide pigment; deep red or scarlet colour cinque-pace lively medieval dance with five steps ciplinarian one who teaches disorder cipolin white marble streaked with green cippus small column used to mark burial location cippus the stocks circa about; around circadian occurring every 24 hours circinate ring-shaped; rolled inwards; spiralling circiter about; around circuity motion in a roundabout course circumambagious roundabout in speech circumambient going round about; encompassing circumaviate to fly around circumbendibus a roundabout way or expression circumcrescent growing around; above or over circumduct to cause to revolve around an imaginary axis circumforaneous wandering about as from market to market circumforentor surveyor's instrument used to measure angles circumfulgent shining about or around circumfuse to pour around or about circumincession the reciprocal existence of three parts of the Trinity in each other circumjacent bordering on every side circumlittoral around or near the shore circumpose to place around circumvallate to surround with a rampart or fortification circumvolution anything winding or sinuous cire fabric with a glazed finish cirrate having tendrils cirriped barnacle or other parasitic crustacean ciselure the art of chasing metal cismarine on this or the near side of the ocean cismontane on this or the near side of the mountains cispontine on this or the near side of a bridge cist tomb consisting of stone chest covered with stone slabs cisvestism wearing strange or inappropriate clothes cithara ancient Greek musical instrument like a lyre citigrade moving quickly citreous lemon-coloured; lemony citrine dark greenish-yellow cittosis abnormal desire for strange foods cladistics taxonomic theory distinguishing by common ancestor cladogenesis origin and evolution as if branching from common ancestor cladoptosis annual shedding of twigs and branches cladose branching; branched clamancy urgency clamant loud; insistent; urgent clangor loud ringing noise or clang claque group of hired applauders or sycophants clarence four-wheeled carriage clarigate to declare war formally classis a group; governing body of Reformed churches clastic able to be disassembled into its component parts clathrate shaped like a net or lattice clathrose marked with latticed lines or grooves claudent closing; ending; confining claudication limpness; cramp-like pain claustral cloistral; secluded; narrow-minded claustration the act of shutting in a cloister claustrophobia fear of closed spaces clavate club-shaped claver gossip claviature keyboard clavichord old keyboard stringed instrument claviform in the shape of a club clavigerous club-bearing clavigerous keeping keys clavis key; glossary; index; legend cledonism circumlocution used to avoid speaking unlucky words cleg horse-fly cleidomancy divination using keys cleithral completely roofed over clem to starve clepe to name; to call clepsydra instrument which measures time by trickling water clerestory upper storey of a church; windows near the roof of a building clerihew jingle summing up person's life in two couplets clerisy scholars and educated people as a class cleromancy divination using dice cleronomy inheritance clevis U-shaped fastener with pin used to close the open end clew corner of sail with hole to attach ropes clicket a latch clientage the whole number of one's clients climacophobia fear of falling down stairs climacteric critical time in a person's life; any critical turning point climatarchic presiding over a climate or region of the earth clinamen inclination; bias; prejudice clinkstone type of igneous rock that rings when struck clinology study of aging or individual decline after maturity clinomania excessive desire to stay in bed clinometer instrument used to measure slopes and elevations clinophilia passion for beds clinophobia fear of staying in bed clinquant tinselly; glittering cliometrics the application of statistics in economic history clithridiate shaped like a keyhole clitter to make a shrill rattling noise clivose hilly; steep cloaca sewer; toilet; cesspool of moral filth clochard tramp; vagrant; hobo cloison partition; dividing band clonic spasmodic; occasional; irregular cloque fabric with an embossed design cloture means of ending legislative debate clou main point of interest; dominant idea clough ravine; trench; gully clove old weight of seven to ten pounds for wool or cheese clowder collective term for cats clupeoid like or resembling a herring clypeate shaped like a buckler clysmian of, like or pertaining to or caused by flood clyster enema cnemial of, like, or pertaining to the tibia (shin-bone) cnemis shin bone cnicnode point where tangents form a cone of the second order cnidarian of, like, or pertaining to invertebrates such as jellyfish and anemones coacervate to heap; to cause to mass together coadjument mutual assistance coadjutor bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and having the right of succession coadunate to unite; to combine coagment to join or cement together coalize to bring into coalition coaming raised edge around ship's hatches to keep water out coaptation joining or fitting together coarctation constriction cobaltiferous bearing cobalt coburg thin single-twilled worsted fabric with cotton or silk cocarde emblem on airplane's wing indicating its nationality cocciferous bearing or yielding berries coccineous bright red cochlear anything spiral-shaped; twisted spirally cockalorum boastful and self-important person cockamamie ridiculous; incredible cocker to pamper; to indulge cocket official shipping seal; customs clearance form cockloft small room just under the roof cockshy object of criticism or ridicule cocotte prostitute; a flirt or tease coctile baked; hardened by fire codicil supplement to a will codicology study of manuscripts codling unripe apple codon mouth of a trumpet or bell codswallop something utterly senseless; nonsense coehorn small mortar for throwing grenades coeliac of, like or pertaining to the abdomen coelom body cavity; abdomen coemption purchase of the entire supply of a commodity coenaculous fond of dining; relishing food; especially suppers coenaesthesis sensation coercimeter instrument for measuring coercive force coetaneous of the same age; coeval coeval of the same length of time; having the same duration cofferdam narrow vacant space between two bulkheads of a ship coffle gang of slaves tied together coffret small coffer; presentation box cog single-masted, square-sailed ship with raised stern cogent convincing; compelling coggage paper cogitabund meditative; engaged in deep thought cognomen family name cohibit to restrain cohobate to redistill cohyponym word which is one of multiple hyponyms of another word coign angle; viewpoint coinstantaneous simultaneous; at the same time col depression or pass in a mountain range colation filtration coleopterology study of beetles and weevils coliform resembling or shaped like a sieve collectanea collection of passages; miscellany collectic adhesive; sticky collectivism doctrine of communal control of means of production colleger mortar-board collegialism theory that church is independent from the state colliform shaped like or resembling a neck colligation bringing or binding together; conjunction collimation making parallel; adjusting to put into line colliquation the process of melting or wasting away collocation the placing of things together collogue to converse confidentially; to conspire with colloid jelly-like colloquy speaking together; mutual discourse colluctation strife; opposition collutory mouthwash colluvies accumulated filth; foul discharge collyrium eye lotion or ointment colonnade row of evenly spaced column or trees colonoscope instrument for viewing the colon colophon publisher's emblem or inscription in a book colorimeter instrument for measuring and determining color colostrum mother's first milk colporteur peddler of religious tracts and books colposcope instrument for viewing the neck of the uterus colubriform shaped like a snake colubrine like a snake; cunning; of, like or pertaining to snakes columbaceous of, like or pertaining to doves or pigeons columbarium a structure of vaults lined with recesses columbine of or like a dove; dove-coloured columella fleshy part of nose that separates nostrils colure celestial circle that intersects another at the poles colytic restraining; preventative comate hairy comburent burning; causing combustion comburivorous consuming by fire comedogenic causing blackheads comephorous bearing or having hair; hairy cometology study of comets comiphorous tufted comitative indicating accompaniment comitatus band of warriors who escort a prince; a county or shire comity courteousness; civility commatic divided into short lines; divided with commas commination threatening; denunciation comminute to reduce or break into minute particles commis assistant; deputy; apprentice commissure joint; joining surface commonalty common people; the general populace commonition warning; cautioning commorant resident of an institution commorient dying together commove to excite; to put into motion; to disturb comose having tufts of hair; tufted; hairy compaginate to join; to connect companionway stairs from upper deck of ship to lower deck compaternity spiritual relationship between child's parents and godparents compeer one who is equal in rank; a companion compellation the act of addressing someone compellative indicating address or appellation; vocative compendious concise but comprehensive comper one who habitually enters many competitions compital of, like or pertaining to crossroads complaisant wishing to please others; obliging complanate level complect to embrace; to interweave complicant overlapping compline prayer service held just before bedtime complot to plot or conspire comport a dish with a stemmed base for serving desserts compossible possible in coexistence with something else compotation an act of carousing in company comprecation prayer meeting compunction regret; remorse compurgation clearing an accused person by means of oaths compusion wrinkling one's face comstockery censorship of lewd and salacious material conation mental effort towards a goal, desire, purpose conative of, like or pertaining to purposeful action or desire conatus a natural impulse or tendency concameration vaulting concelebrate to jointly recite the canon of the Eucharist in unison with others concent a harmony or concord of sounds or voices conceptualism theory that universal truths exist as mental concepts concetto ingenious expression; witticism conchiferous bearing a shell conchiform shaped like a shell conchology study of shells conchomancy divination using shells conchyliferous bearing a shell conciliabule secret meeting of conspirators concinnity harmony; congruity; elegance concipient conceiving concision schism; separation; division conclamation a shout of many voices together concolorate having the same colour on both sides concomitant accompanying concordat agreement between the pope and a secular government concresce to grow together; coalesce concrew to grow together concubitant of a suitable age for marriage concupiscence strong desire, appetite or lust condign well-deserved; fitting; appropriate confabulate to chat; to invent past experiences confelicitous taking pleasure in others' happiness conferva green algae that floats on surface of stagnant water confirmand candidate for religious confirmation confiteor prayer of confession of sins conflate blend or fuse together conformative indicating resemblance; similative confute to disprove or overcome through argument congee permission to depart; dismissal; discharge congelation act of freezing something into a solid state congener something of the same kind or nature congeries aggregation; collection congiary gift distributed amongst the people or soldiers conglobate shaped like a small ball or globe conglobe to gather together into a globe or round mass conglutinate to glue or join together coniaker coin counterfeiter coniferous bearing cones conification making conical or pyramidal in shape connate congenitally or firmly united connubial of, like or pertaining to marriage connumerate to count together consectary deduction; conclusion or corollary; consequent consecution logical sequence or progression of an argument consenescence state of general decay consentaneous accordant or agreeable; consistent consentient unanimous; of one accord consilience concurrence; coincidence consilient having common inferences drawn from different premises consistory a solemn assembly or council; a church tribunal consociate to ally or associate conspecies different species that are part of the same genus conspectus comprehensive survey; synopsis; summary conspue to despise; to abhor; to loathe conspurcation defilement constate to assert constative capable of being true or false constellate to cluster; to compel by stellar influence constringe to draw together; to cause to contract or shrink constructivism belief that knowledge and reality do not have an objective value constuprate to ravish consuetude custom; familiarity consuetudinary book of customs, traditions and principles consultor advisor to a Catholic bishop contabescent wasting away; atrophied conteck strife contect to cover or overlay contemn to despise or scorn contemnor one found guilty of contempt of court contemper to blend together; to adapt contenement property necessary to maintain one's station contesseration forming a union by breaking a tablet as token conticent silent contignation joining together of timber contline space between casks or strands of rope contorniate having a groove around the edge contorno contour or outline contractile having the power or property of contracting contradistinguish to distinguish by contrasting qualities contrahent a contracting party contrail condensation trail contranatant swimming upstream contraplex having messages passing both ways simultaneously contraposition opposition; contrast contrariant opposed or acting contrary to; one who is opposed to something contraterrene opposite in character to earthly or terrestrial contravallation fortification built around besieged place contredanse folk dance in which two lines of couples face each other contretemps embarrassing occurrence; mishap contrist to sadden contriturate to pulverize contubernal living together in the same tent; cohabiting contumacious stubborn; obstinate; opposing lawful authority contumely insolence; a scornful insult contumulation lying in the same tomb as another conurbation city surrounded by many urban areas convenances what is suitable or proper; the required proprieties conventicle secret or illegal church assembly convicinity neighbourhood convolve to roll together copacetic very satisfactory; fine coparcenary joint heirship or ownership cophosis deafness coprolalia pathological use of obscene language coprolith ball of hardened feces coprology study of pornography copromania obsession with feces coprophagous eating feces coprophemia obscene language coprophilia abnormal love or fondness for feces coprostatis constipation copyhold land tenure dependent on will of the lord of the manor coquelicot brilliant red; poppy red coquillage shell-like decoration coracoid shaped like a crow's beak coralliferous bearing coral coralligenous producing coral coram in the presence of; before corban offering to God in fulfilment of a vow corbeau blackish green corbeil basket filled with earth used as a missile corbel bracket or projection from the face of a wall corbiculate like a small basket cordage ropes in the rigging of a ship cordate heart-shaped cordiform heart-shaped cordovan soft goatskin leather cordwainer shoemaker corf miner's basket, trolley or wagon coriaceous having a leathery appearance; consisting, of, like or pertaining to leather corium skin layer corm swollen subterranean part of a stem cornet military rank of horn-bearer or standard-bearer cornice moulding at the junction of ceiling and walls corniculate horn-shaped; horned cornific producing or forming horns corniform shaped like a horn cornigerous horned cornuted cuckolded cornuto cuckolder coronach funeral dirge coronagraph instrument for viewing the corona of the sun coronoid shaped like a beak corpocracy government by corporate bureaucrats corporal white cloth on which Communion bread and wine are placed corposant St. Elmo's fire or similar electrical discharge corrade to wear away through the action of loose solids correption shortening in pronunciation corrigendum something which requires correction corrivate to cause to flow together corrody right of lord to demand free lodging from vassal corsetier corset maker cortege train of attendants; procession cortinate like a cobweb coruscate to sparkle; to throw off flashes of light corvette highly manoeuvrable armed escort ship corviform shaped like a crow corvine crow-like; of, like or pertaining to crows or ravens corybantic wildly excited; frenzied coryphaeus spokesman; leader of a chorus coscinomancy divination using a sieve and a pair of shears cosher to live on dependents cosmarchy rulership over the entire world, esp. by the devil cosmetology study of cosmetics cosmism belief that the cosmos is a self-existing whole cosmocrat ruler of the world cosmogenic produced by interaction of cosmic rays with earth's surface cosmogony theory of the origin of the universe cosmolatry worship of the world cosmoplastic moulding or shaping the universe cosmorama a view of different parts of the world cosmosophy knowledge of the cosmos cosmotellurian of, like or pertaining to both heaven and earth cosmotheism the belief that identifies God with the cosmos cosset to fondle or pamper costal of, like or pertaining to the ribs costellate ribbed costive affected with or causing constipation coteau uplands; higher ground of a region cotehardie medieval long close-fitting garment with tight sleeves coterie a social or literary circle cothurnal of, like or pertaining to tragedy coticular of, like or pertaining to whetstones cotillion elaborate ballroom dance with frequent changes of partner cotquean man who does women's work cottar medieval peasant inhabiting a cottage cottonocracy government by those involved in the cotton trade cotyliform disc-shaped with a raised rim couchant in heraldry, an animal lying on its belly with head lifted couchee evening reception coulée steep and dry gully couloir gully coulombmeter instrument for measuring electric charge coulometer instrument measuring amount of substance released in electrolysis coulter iron cutter in front of a ploughshare countenance approve of; condone; encourage counterblast a defiant pronouncement or denunciation counterfoil part of ticket or cheque retained by giver countermand to revoke an order by a contrary order counterphobic seeking out situation that is feared counterscarp narrow earth band on the outer wall of a defensive ditch coupe four-wheeled closed horse-drawn carriage courante quick Italian baroque dance involving running steps courgette zucchini couvade symptoms of pregnancy suffered by the father couveuse incubator for babies covinous fraudulent cowcat person whose function is to occupy space coxalgia hip pain coxcomb foolishly vain or conceited man cozen to coax or deceive by trickery crachoir spittoon crackjaw hard to pronounce crambo game in which rhyme must be found for given word cramoisy crimson crampon boot-spike for rock and ice climbing craniometer instrument for measuring the skull crapehanger pessimist crapulent physically ill through overeating or overdrinking craquelure fine cracking that appears in old paintings crash coarse drapery and towelling fabric crasis blending; melding two vowels into a diphthong crassilingual having a thick tongue crassitude state of being coarse, gross or crass crateriform cup-shaped cratometer instrument for measuring power of magnification creancer guardian or mentor creant creating; formative creatic of, like or pertaining to flesh creatophagous carnivorous; flesh-eating crebrous frequent credal of, like or pertaining to a creed credence small table for holding sacred vessels credenda things to be believed credenza credence table or shelf; a sideboard credo concise statement of doctrine; section of Mass followed by offertory cremaillere zigzag line of fortification cremaster muscle by which the testicles are suspended cremnophobia fear of cliffs and precipices crenate scalloped crenel open space on a parapet used for launching projectiles at enemies crenellated notched; having battlements crenitic of, like or pertaining to mineral springs creophagous flesh-eating; carnivorous crepance sore on a horse's hind ankle-joint crepe light crinkled fabric crepehanger pessimist; gloomy person crepitate to crackle; to snap; to rattle crepitus fart crepon heavy crepe fabric with lengthwise crinkles crepuscular of, like or pertaining to twilight crescive growing; increasing crescograph instrument for measuring the growth of plants cresset iron basket for burning oil to provide light cretaceous of or resembling chalk; of a whitish colour cretify to change into calcium or lime; to fossilize cretonne heavy cotton or linen cloth crewel fine worsted yarn used in tapestry criant garish; discordantly coloured cribble to decorate wood or metal with small dots or punctures cribration sifting cribriform shaped like a sieve cribrous perforated or punctured like a sieve cricoid ring-shaped criminogenic causing crime criminology study of crime; criminals crin horsehair fabric crinal of or related to the hair cringle loop at corner of sail to which a line is attached crinigerous hairy crinoline stiff flax or cotton fabric criophore sculpture of a man carrying a ram crista ridge or fold resembling a crest crithomancy divination by strewing meal over sacrifices criticaster inferior or petty critic critomancy divination using viands and cakes croceate saffron-coloured croche knob at top of a deer's horn cromlech prehistoric stone circle cromnyomancy divination using onions croquinole curling of one's hair with curling iron crosier pastoral staff or crook held by bishop or abbot crosslet small cross with crossed arms used as heraldic bearing crosstrees horizontal crosspieces at a masthead used to support ship's mast crotal small spherical bell crotaline of, like or pertaining to rattlesnakes croze groove in the staves of a cask crubeen term for pig's feet as food cruciferous bearing a cross cruciform cross-shaped cruentation leaking or oozing of blood from dead body cruet vessel used in religious ceremonies, especially to hold the Eucharist cruive pen or sty for animals crumenal a purse crupper strap of saddle that passes beneath horse's tail; armour for horse's flanks crural of or belonging to the leg cruset goldsmith's crucible crwth Welsh six-stringed instrument played with a bow cryobiology study of life under cold conditions cryometer instrument for measuring low temperatures cryoscope instrument for determining freezing points of substances cryptadia things to be kept hidden cryptaesthetic of, like or pertaining to supranormal perception cryptarchy secret rulership cryptodynamic having secret or hidden power cryptogenic of unknown origin cryptonym secret name cryptotype an implicit and specific rule of language use cryptous of, like or pertaining to crypts crystallogenesis production of crystals crystallomancy divination by means of clear objects crystalomancy divination using a crystal globe cteniform comb-shaped ctetology study of the inheritance of acquired characteristics cubation act of lying down or reclining cubica fine unglazed fabric resembling shalloon cubiform shaped like a cube cubomancy divination by throwing dice cuculine of, like or pertaining to cuckoos cucullate hooded; hood-shaped cucumiform cucumber-shaped cucurbit chemical vessel used in a still or alembic cucurbitaceous of, like or pertaining to gourds cuddy right of a lord to entertainment from a tenant culet flat back or base of a gemstone culiciform like or resembling a mosquito culicino mark left on a tablecloth by a wet glass cullet waste glass which is melted into new objects cullion mean or base person; rascal culm stem of grass or sedge culmen highest point culmiferous bearing coal-dust cultch flooring of an oyster-bed; rubbish cultriform knife-shaped cultus religious ritual; a cult culver dove or pigeon culverin lightweight, portal, long-barrelled cannon culvertage degradation of a peasant to the position of serf cumbent lying down; reclining cumuliform shaped like a heap cumulose containing or consisting of small heaps cunabula cradle cunctation delay; procrastination cuneate wedge-shaped cuneiform shaped like a wedge cuniculous full of holes and tunnels; full of rabbits cupel goldsmith's vessel for assaying metal cupola spherical vault or concave ceiling cupriferous bearing copper cupulate of, like or pertaining to a cup; cup-shaped cupuliferous bearing cupules curate assistant to a parish priest curette instrument for scraping sides of body cavities curia papal court and its officials curie unit of radioactive decay and intensity curiology picture-writing curiosa pornographic books curmurring rumbling or flatulent sound curricle two-wheeled open carriage currycomb metal comb used to groom horses cursorial used in walking or running curtal short; abbreviated; curtailed; early form of the bassoon curtate shortened; short curtilage court or field attached to a dwelling curule of high authority curvet to leap; to frisk curvicaudate having a curvy tail cusec unit of liquid flow equal to one cubic foot per second cuspidor a spittoon custos guardian, custodian or keeper, especially of convents or monasteries custrel attendant to a knight; a knave cutaneous of or related to the skin cuvette shallow dish for holding liquids cwm valley or glen cyaneous sky blue cyanogenesis production of cyanide cyanometer instrument for measuring blueness of the sky or ocean cyanotype blueprint cyathiform shaped like a cup cybernate to control by means of a computer cyberphobia fear of computers cyclograph instrument for describing arcs of circles without compasses cyclolith stone circle cyclometer instrument for measuring revolutions of a wheel cyclophoria squint due to weakness in the eye muscles cyclosis circulation cyclostyle device for making multiple copies of written text cyesis pregnancy cyesolagnia sexual attraction to pregnant women cylix shallow cup with long stem cyllosis congenital physical deformity cymaphen telephone receiver cymbiform shaped like a boat cymograph instrument for tracing the outline of mouldings cymometer instrument for measuring frequency of electrical waves cymophanous opalescent; having a wavy or floating light cymotrichous wavy-haired cynanthropy pathological belief that one is a dog cynartomachy bear-baiting using dogs cynegetic of or related to hunting cynoclept one who steals dogs cynography writing or treatise on dogs cynoid dog-like; canine cynolatry worship of dogs cynology scientific study of dogs cynomorphic pertaining to a dog's viewpoint cynophilist one who loves dogs cynophobia fear of dogs cynosure anything that attracts attention; object of interest cyphonism use of pillorying as punishment cypress silk or cotton gauze fabric, usually black cyprian lewd woman; prostitute cyprinoid of, like or pertaining to carp cypseline of, like or pertaining to swifts cyrenaic adherent of doctrine that pleasure is ultimate goal cystolith calcium carbonate that masses in cell wall of some plants cystoscope instrument for examining the bladder cytheromania nymphomania cytogenesis formation of cells cytology study of living cells cytometer instrument for counting cells czardas Hungarian dance that increases in speed dacnomania obsession with killing dacoitage robbery by gang or mob dacryops wateriness of the eyes dactylioglyph engraver of rings or of gems dactyliology study of rings dactyliomancy divination by means of a finger dactylogram fingerprint dactylography the study of fingerprints dactyloid like or resembling a finger dactylology study of sign language dactylomancy divination using rings dactylomegaly condition of having abnormally large digits dactylonomy counting using the fingers and toes dactyloscopy comparing fingerprints for purpose of identification dado large wooden moulding along bottom of wall daedal formed with art; displaying inventive skill daedalist aviator; pilot dag dirty tatted tuft of sheep's wool dal a dried legume, such as lentils, beans or peas dalmatic ecclesiastical robe or other outer vestment dalton unit of atomic mass damascene decorate or engrave metal with wavy lines and patterns damask fine lustrous fabric with flat patterns and a satin weave damine having antlers like a fallow deer dammar hard resin used in making varnish damnification causation of injury or loss damoiseau male form of damsel; a young man not yet dubbed a knight dancetté deeply indented danism lending money on usury dap to dip gently into water; to fish with a surface fly dapatical lavish; sumptuous; costly daphnomancy divination using a laurel dapifer one who brings meat to the table dapocaginous mean-spirited; heartless darbies handcuffs darby large trowel for levelling concrete or plaster darcy unit of permeability of rock to various substances darkle to grow or make dark darraign to vindicate; to justify or prove dash non-specific very small unit of measurement used in cooking dashpot shock absorber dasyphyllous having crowded, thick or woolly leaves dasypoedes types of birds having downy-feathered young dasyure flesh-eating marsupial datary papal officer who registers and dates bulls and edicts dation act of giving, conferring or donating dative indicating indirect object of a verb davenport small ornamental writing desk; large sofa davit device for hoisting and lowering a boat daw simpleton; bird of the crow family deaconing act of putting best looking goods on top of pile deadeye rounded wooden block with hole used to set up ship's stays deadhouse mortuary deadstock farm equipment deadwood timbers built into ends of ship when too narrow to permit framing dealate insect divested of its wings dealbation whitening; bleaching deambulatory place for walking around or about in dearticulate to disjoint deasil sunwise motion debarrass to disembarrass; disentangle; free debel to conquer in war debellate to conquer or overcome through battle debouch to issue or emerge; to flow from a confined place debouchure mouth of a river or strait debridement the removal of foreign matter from a wound decadarchy government by ten individuals; decarchy decadist author who writes works in ten parts decalcomania process of transferring a design onto a surface using specially prepared paper decalescence point in heating metal where it appears to cool decalogist exponent of rules such as the Ten Commandments decalvant removing hair; depilatory decamerous having parts in tens decanal located on south side of the choir in a church decanal of, like or pertaining to a dean or deacon decantate to chant or say repeatedly decarchy government by ten individuals decare 1000 square metres decarnate denied or deprived of physical bodily form decastich ten-line poem decatise to uncurl through the use of steam or moisture decaudate to cut off the tail of decelerometer instrument for measuring deceleration decennoval of, like or pertaining to the number nineteen decession departure decimestrial lasting ten months deckle ragged edge of paper declassé below one's social class declinometer instrument for measuring magnetic declination declivity place that slopes downwards; inclination downwards decoct to prepare or extract by boiling; to devise decollate to behead; to disorganize decomplex repeatedly compound decorticate to remove the bark, husk or peel of decoupage the application of paper cutouts to wood surfaces decrassify to make less crass or boorish decrement a gradual decrease in quantity or quality decrepitate to crackle; to roast so as to cause to crackle decrescent becoming gradually less decretal papal decree deciding a point of church law decretal of, like or pertaining to a decree decrudescence diminution or reduction of a disease decuman principle; large; primary decumbent lying down; reclining on the ground decumbiture the time spent by an invalid in bed decurrent extending or running downwards decurtate to curtail, shorten or abbreviate decussate to divide in the form of an X; to cross or intersect dedans spectators at a court tennis match dedition surrender; capitulation deek look at; see deemster judge on the Isle of Man defalcate to embezzle money held on trust defeasible that may be annulled defenestration throwing a person or object out a window deferrise to remove iron from defervescence abatement of heat; coolness; decrease of fever defilade to arrange fortifications against frontal attack defiliation depriving a parent of a child definiens word or words used in a dictionary definition deflexure deviation deflocculate to break down into small pieces defluent running down; decurrent defluvium falling of hair dégagé at rest; untroubled; at ease deglutinate to unglue or unstick deglutition the power or act of swallowing degression gradual decrease; reduction in taxes dégringolade rapid decline or decay; downfall degustation eating in a series of small portions dehisce to gape; to burst open dehort to dissuade deicide destruction or killing of a god deictic directly demonstrating something or some proposition deiform appearing like or shaped like a god deiparous bearing a god deipnosophy learned dinner-conversation deipotent having godlike power deism belief in God but rejection of religion deixis relating to time and place of a linguistic utterance delactation weaning delaine light fabric of wool or mixed wool and cotton delaminate to split into layers delate to pass on; to charge with a crime delative indicating motion downward delectus anthology of useful passages or quotations delenda things to be deleted or destroyed deleterious harmful to body or mind delf drain; ditch; excavation delibate to sip deligation bandaging delignate to remove wood from; to deprive of wood deliquesce to melt into liquid by absorbing moisture deliration madness; aberration delirifacient producing or creating delirium delitescent latent delope to fire one's gun into the air in a duel delphically enigmatically; obscurely delphine pertaining to the Dauphin of France delphinine of, like or pertaining to dolphins deltiology the collection and study of picture postcards deltoid shaped like a delta or triangle delubrum a font, a temple or shrine having a font demagogue political agitator appealing to popular prejudices démarche decisive course of action taken in diplomacy demarchy government by the people; popular government demegoric of, like or pertaining to demagogues or demagogic speech démenti official denial or refusal demephitise to purify air demerge to immerse; to plunge demersal subaqueous; living underwater; sinking to the bottom demesne feudal manor-house with adjacent lands demicastor beaver pelt of poor quality; beaver fur mixed with another type of fur demigration change of abode demijohn large bottle having a wicker case demisang half-breed; hybrid demiurge creative spirit or entity demogenic of, like or pertaining to membership by citizenship rather than kinship demology study of human behaviour demonarchy government by a demon demonetise to deprive of monetary value; to withdraw from circulation demonocracy government by demons or evil forces demonolatry worship of or devotion to demons demonology study of demons demonomancy divination using demons demonomania pathological belief that one is possessed by demons demonosopher one who is inspired by a demon or devil demotic of, like or pertaining to the common people demulcent emulsifier; something soothing demurrage delay of vessel's departure or loading with cargo denary one of ten; tenfold; of, like or pertaining to group of ten dendriform shaped like a tree dendritiform branched dendrochronology study of tree rings dendroid tree-like; resembling a tree dendrolatry worship of trees dendrology study of trees dendrometer instrument for measuring trees dendrophilous fond of trees denehole vertical shaft having chambers at the base denier unit of yarn fineness dennet light two-wheeled carriage densimeter instrument for measuring closeness of grain of a substance densitometer instrument for measuring optical or photographic density dentagra toothache dentellated having small notches or teeth dentelle lace; lacework denticle small toothlike structure dentiform shaped like a tooth dentigerous toothed; bearing teeth dentiloquy speaking with clenched teeth dentine ivory-like material making up teeth dentiologist one who speaks with closed teeth dentirostral with notched beak deobstruent something that removes an obstacle deodate a gift to or from God deonerate to disburden deontic of or relating to duty or obligation deontology the theory or study of moral obligation deoppilate to free from obstruction deordination abnormality or irregularity deorsumversion turning downwards deosculate to kiss affectionately depascent eating depaysé out of one's element or natural environment depeculation embezzlement of public funds deponent having a passive form but active meaning depotentiate to deprive or divest of power deprehend to catch; to seize depurate to purify deracinate to root up deray to go wild; to derange deric of, like or pertaining to the skin dermatoglyphics the study of skin patterns and fingerprints dermatoid like or resembling skin dermatology study of skin dermographia condition where writing on skin causes red mark to form derodidymus two-headed beast derrick hoisting mechanism using a boom and a central post desacralise to deprive or remove sacred qualities descrive to describe desideratum something which is greatly desired desiderium longing or yearning desinent terminal; ending desipient playing the fool; trifling desmology study of ligaments désobligeante carriage for one passenger despoliation despoiling; despoilment despotocracy government by despots or tyrants despumate to throw off impurities in foam; to skim; to remove scum desquamate to scale or flake off desudation extreme sweating desuetude state of disuse desultory jumping from one thing to another; rambling; unplanned detersion the act of cleaning detinue wrongful seizure of property; action to recover it detort to untwist; to twist the other way détraqué a person who is deranged detritus waste or debris detrude to thrust downward or outward detumescence diminution of swelling deuteragonist a person who serves as a foil to another deuterogamy second marriage after the death of the first wife deuteropathy second illness in addition to an initial one deuteroscopy second view or meaning; second sight devall to sink; to decline devisee one to whom property is bequeathed in a will devoir what is due; duty dewlap turkey's wattle; flap of skin under the throat dexiotropic turning to the right dexter relating to the right side of a heraldic shield dextroduction shifting the eyes from left to right dextrogyratory turning to the right diable unglazed earthenware casserole diablerie magic; sorcery; mischief diabolocracy government by the Devil diabology study of devils diabrotic corrosive diacatholicon panacea diachoretic laxative diaclastic refractory diaconal of, like or pertaining to a deacon diaconicon sacristy for sacred vessels in Orthodox churches diacope deep wound or incision diacoustic of, like or pertaining to the refraction of sound diacritic making a distinction; aiding a diagnosis or evaluation diactinal having two pointed ends diadermic of, like or pertaining to the puncturing of the skin diadrom course or passing; vibration diagenesis production of rock out of sediment diaglyph figure etched or engraved in surface of gem or stone; intaglio diagometer instrument for measuring electrical conductivity diagraph instrument for enlarging or projecting drawings diagraphics art of making diagrams or drawings dialectology study of dialects diallage device in which many arguments brought upon one point diallelus circular argument diamanté glittering; decoration using glitter diamantiferous bearing diamonds dianoetic capable of, like or pertaining to thought diaphanometer instrument for measuring the transparency of air diaphanous transparent; translucent diaphone low-pitched fog signal consisting of two tones diaphoresis artificially induced sweat diapyesis release or discharge of pus diarchy government by two people diaskeuast reviser; interpolator diaspora dispersion diastema space between teeth diastomatic moving through the pores diastrophe upheaval or drastic modification of the earth's crust diasyrm rhetorical device of condemning through faint praise diatessaron medicine of four ingredients diathermic permeable to or able to conduct radiant heat diathesis particular condition of body or mind; predisposing factor dibble pointed tool for making holes for seeds or plants dicacity raillery; banter dicaeology defending oneself in argument by claiming justification dicephalous two-headed dicephalus conjoined twins with two heads dicerous two-horned; having two antennae dichogamous having males and females maturing at different rates dichord musical instrument with two strings dichroscope instrument for examining crystals for dichroism didact a person given to lecturing or moralizing didapper someone who disappears and bobs up again didascalic didactic; pertaining to education or teaching diddicoy itinerant tinker or scrap-dealer didelphine of, like or pertaining to opossums didelphous marsupial or pouched mammal didine of, like or pertaining to dodos didymous twin; twinned; growing in pairs diectasis extending line of verse by adding extra syllable diegesis the narration of facts diesis double dagger sign diestrus period of sexual inactivity diffarreation Roman form of divorce differentia property which distinguishes one from another diffident overly shy or modest diffinity lack of similarity or affinity diffluent readily flowing away diffract to break up into segments or portions diffractometer instrument for determining structure of crystal through light diffraction diffrangible capable of being diffracted or separated diffugient dispersing; diffusing dight disposed, adorned, clothed digitate having or resembling fingers digitiform shaped like a finger digitigrade walking on the toes alone digitorium silent piano for practicing digladiate to fight with swords; to fence digonal figure such that a half-turn gives the same figure digoneutic double brooded digraph two letters expressing a single sound dijudicate to judge; to decide dilacerate to rend or tear asunder dilaniate to tear to pieces dilatometer instrument for measuring expansion dilatory slow; given to delay or procrastination dilettante dabbler or lover of fine arts dilogical ambiguous; having two meanings dilogy intentional ambiguousness diluent diluting diluvial of, like or pertaining to floods; especially mythical ones dimerous consisting of two parts dimidiate divided into halves dimissory sending away or giving leave to depart; dismissing dimity sheer and stout white cotton dinanderie bronze-coloured metal alloy used for decorative vessels dinarchy government by two people; diarchy dinic of, like or pertaining to vertigo or dizziness dinomania mania for dancing dioecious having male and female sexual organs in different individuals diogenic cynical dionym name containing two parts or terms dioptometer instrument for measuring focus or refraction of the eyes dioptre unit of measurement of power of lens or eye dioptric transparent dioptrics study of light refraction diorism distinction; definition diorthosis a critical revision of a text; any correction or adjustment diotic affecting both ears diphyletic descended from two distinct ancestral groups diphyodont having second set of teeth that replaces the first diphysitism belief in the dual nature of Christ dipleidoscope instrument for measuring moment when an object passes a meridian diplocephalus two-headed monster diplogenesis doubling of ordinarily single organ or part diplograph instrument for writing two lines of text at once diplomatics science of deciphering ancient writings and texts diplomatology study of diplomats diplopia double vision dipnoous having both lungs and gills dippydro person who often changes mind diprionidian serrated on both sides dipsetic causing to be thirsty dipsomania abnormal craving for alcohol dipsosis pathological great thirst diptote noun taking two grammatical cases only diptych pair of pictures on hinged panels; register of bishops and saints diremption separation into two; disjunction dirigent guiding dirigible able to be directed dirigism state control in economic and social spheres diriment condition of legal nullification disafforest to clear of forest; to disforest disagio fee charged for exchanging foreign or depreciated currency disbosom to make known; to reveal discalced without shoes; barefoot; a religious order wearing no shoes discarnate disembodied; separated from the body discept to dispute; to debate discerptible able to be separated disciform round or oval in shape discigerous bearing a disc or discus discinct ungirded discission open incision or cut discobolus discus thrower discomania obsession for disco music discombobulate to disconcert; to upset discommodious inconvenient discophile one who loves and studies sound recordings discophoran of, like or pertaining to jellyfishes discountenance to abash; to discourage disculpate to free from blame disembogue to discharge or eject into the sea disembrangle to free from dispute diseuse female orator or reciter of verse disgarnish to despoil disgeneric being of a different genus disgregation separation; scattering disillude to free from illusion disimmure to liberate; to release from walls disinure to render unfamiliar disjection scattering or dispersion disomus monster with two bodies disorbed deprived of authority or sovereignty dispendious extravagant; expensive dispiteous pitiless; malicious dispone to set in order; dispose disponge to sprinkle or discharge as if from a sponge disport to play about, frolic or gambol dispread to spread in different ways dispurvey to deprive of provisions disquisition carefully argued examination of a topic disseize to seize or deprive of property wrongfully dissentient one who dissents; dissenter dissepiment partition or separation of tissue dissilient springing apart; bursting open with force dissimulate to pretend; to feign; to fake dissolute of loose morals; debauched distaff of, like or pertaining to the female branch of a family or women's work distichous in or having two rows distraint seizure of goods distrait distracted; inattentive distributary branch of river that flows away from the main stream distributive indicating separate members of a group, one at a time dit poem; words of a song ditheism belief in two equal gods, one good and one evil ditheletism doctrine that Christ had two wills dithyrambic passionate; ecstatic; frenzied ditokous producing two at a birth or in a clutch ditrichotomous divided into either two or three parts dittography unintentional repetition of letters in print dittology double reading or interpretation diurnation hibernating or sleeping during daylight diutiurnal lasting long divagate to digress; wander about divaricate to divide into two branches divellent drawing apart; pulling apart in pieces diversiloquent speaking in different ways; speaking on different subjects diverticulum blind passage or tunnel divisim separately divulsion act of pulling or rendering apart or away dixit individual's uncorroborated statement dizen to dress up; to dress gaudily dobbin workhorse dobhash interpreter docimasy scrutiny; assaying; application of tests docimology the art of assaying doctiloquent speaking learnedly doddered decayed with loss of branches dodecafid divisible into twelve parts or regions dodecarchy government by twelve people dodger shield against rain or spray on a ship's bridge dodoism stupid remark dogcart light two-wheeled carriage with seats back-to-back dogwatch a short, evening period of watch duty on a ship doit a trifle or minor thing dol unit for measuring intensity of pain dolabrate of, like or pertaining to axes or hatchets dolabriform resembling a hatchet or cleaver dolee one who receives a government benefit, especially unemployment benefits dolent mourning; doleful dolichocephalic long-headed dolichopodous having long feet dolioform shaped like a barrel dolmen prehistoric structure or tomb of unhewn stones doloriferous bearing grief or pain dolorific causing great sadness or sorrow dolose having evil or malicious intent domal of, like or pertaining to a house or dome domett plain cotton-wool blend dompteuse female animal trainer donary thing given for a sacred purpose donative benefice presented to church without reference to bishop donné basic assumption or axiom; basic principle of an artwork donnism self-importance donnybrook an uproarious brawl dontopedalogy putting one's foot in one's mouth doomster judge; pessimist dop copper cup for holding a diamond while cutting it doppio double meter Renaissance dance step doramania obsession with owning furs dormer gabled window dormition falling asleep; death dornick stout linen doromania obsession with giving gifts dorsiventral having differentiated opposite faces or surfaces doryphorus sculpture of a spear-bearer dos-a-dos carriage where passengers seated back to back dosimeter instrument for measuring dose of radiation dosimetry measurement of doses of drugs dosiology the study of doses dossal ornamental cloth hung behind and above an altar dossil plug; spigot; wad of lint for wiping a wound dotation endowment or donation douanier customs official doublette copy of own artwork made by an artist doucet savory tart baked in sweet dough douceur gentleness or sweetness; a subtly offered bribe doulocracy government by slaves dowlas coarse linen downhaul rope for holding down or hauling down a sail or spar doxastic of, like or pertaining to opinion doxographer compiler of opinions of philosophers doxology hymn or verse of praise to God drabbet coarse linen drabble to besmear; bedraggle draconiform shaped like a dragon draconites jewel supposedly found inside a dragon's head draffish worthless drageoir box for holding sweetmeats dragoman interpreter dragonism unremitting watchfulness dragonnade persecution by military means dragoon to compel by military bullying; to compel by force drail iron bow of a plough; heavy fishhook dramaturgy art of producing and staging dramatic works drap-de-Berry old woollen cloth drapetomania intense desire to run away from home dreadnought heavy woollen cloth dreamery a place favourable to dreams dree to endure or withstand dreikanter three-faced pebble worn by wind drepaniform shaped like a sickle drepanoid like a sickle drill durable twilled cotton dripstone stone projection used to dispose of rainwater dririmancy divination by observing dripping blood droguet ribbed woollen dress fabric drogulus entity whose existence is unverifiable due to lack of physical effects drollery drollness; comic show; jest dromestoners persons who remove stones from temporary airfields dromic of, like or pertaining to a racecourse dromomania compulsive longing for travel dromometer instrument for measuring speed dromond large single-sailed ship powered by rowers dromophobia fear of crossing streets droskhy low four-wheeled open carriage drosometer instrument for measuring dew drugget coarse durable wool fabric drumlin long hill formed by glacial retreat drung narrow road or path to a pasture drupaceous of, like or pertaining to drupes or stone-fruits druxy having decayed spots concealed by healthy wood drygulch to murder by pushing off a cliff drysalter seller of dry goods and chemicals duarchy government by two people; diarchy dubiety doubtfulness dubitate to doubt; to hesitate dubitative mood signifying doubt or incertitude ducape plain-woven stout silk fabric ducdame meaningless refrain duck durable closely woven cotton fabric ductia vigorous stamping dance dudgeon resentment; offended resignation duende power to attract through personal charm duenna governess; chaperone duffel fabric of thick, low-quality woolen cloth dulcian a small early bassoon dulcifluous flowing sweetly dulciloquy a soft manner of speaking dulia inferior veneration of saints and angels in comparison with God dulocracy government by slaves; doulocracy dulosis slavery practiced by animals; especially ants dumose bushy dump obsolete English dance in 4/4 time duncical stupid; dim-witted dungaree heavy coarse durable twilled cotton, usually coloured duniwassal a Scottish gentleman dunnage wood laid in hold to keep cargo dry and safe duodenary of, like or pertaining to the number twelve duomachy duel or fight between two people dupion coarse silk duramen heartwood durative continuing; not completed; undergoing transformation dure to last; to endure durity hardness durometer instrument for measuring hardness of substances duroy coarse woollen duteous devoted to duty; obedient duumvirate governing council or body of two individuals duvetyn smooth lustrous velvety fabric dwale stupefying drink dwile floorcloth or mop dyarchy government by two people; diarchy dynamogenesis production of increased nerve activity dynamograph instrument for recording mechanical forces dynamometer instrument for measuring mechanical force dyne unit of force to accelerate 1 gram to 1 cm per second per second dyogram ship's chart indicating compass deflection due to ship's iron dysaesthesia loss of sensation dysania having a hard time waking up in the morning dysbulia loss of willpower dyschroa discoloration of the skin dyschromatopic colour-blind dysgenesis sterility in hybrid creatures dysgenics the study of racial degeneration dyslogia inability to express ideas due to mental incompetence dyslogistic conveying censure; opprobrious dysmorphophobia fear of physical deformities dysphagia pathological difficulty in swallowing dysphemism replacement of an inoffensive by an offensive word dysphonia physical abnormality causing speech impediment dysphoria uneasiness; restlessness; general depression dystectic not easily fused dysteleology study of purposeless organs dysteleology doctrine of purposelessness dystocia difficult childbirth dystopia place where all is as bad as possible eagre sudden rise of tide in a river earing line for fastening corner of a sail to the gaff or yard earwig a small insect; to bias; to pester with demands; to eavesdrop easement rights held over another's land eau-de-nil pale green colour ebberman one who fishes under bridges ebeneous like or resembling ebony éboulement falling in of wall of a fort; landslide ebriection mental breakdown from too much drinking ébrillade jerking of horse's rein when it does not turn ebrious tending towards excessive drinking ebullioscope instrument for measuring boiling point of liquids ebullition boiling over; agitation; outbreak eburnean of or like ivory; ivory-coloured ecardinate without hinges ecarlate fine woollen cloth, usually dyed scarlet ecaudate tailless ecbatic grammatical construction indicating result without intention ecbole digression ecbolic assisting childbirth; aiding abortion eccaleobion incubator ecchymosis black-and-blue spot ecclesiarchy government by clerics or ecclesiastical authorities ecclesiastry affairs of the church ecclesiolatry excessive devotion to church tradition and form ecclesiology study of church affairs eccoprotic laxative; mildly cathartic; purgative eccrinology study of excretion ecdemic not endemic; of foreign origin ecdemomania abnormal compulsion for wandering ecdysiast striptease performer ecesis the establishment of a plant or animal in a new habitat echard water in the soil not available to plants echinate like a hedgehog; prickly echinuliform resembling small spines echoism the formation of imitative words echolalia echo-like repetition of another's words echopraxia echo-like repetition of another's actions eclaircise to clear up éclaircissement clarification; enlightenment eclat to make notorious éclat publicity; dazzling effect; brilliance; applause eclegme ancient syrupy medicine that is licked off a spoon eclipsareon astronomical toy used to show phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses eclipsis omission of sounds or words in speech ecliptic imaginary circle which the sun follows from Earth perspective eclogue pastoral or rustic poem eclosion emergence, as from a larva or egg, or of an era or movement ecmnesia loss of memory of the events of a specific period ecocide destruction of the environment economacy position of controller of ecclesiastical affairs ecophene range of phenotypes produced by a genotype in a given environment ecophobia fear of home écorché a human figure portrayed stripped of the skin ecphasis explicit declaration or interpretation ecphonensis exclamation ecphrasis plain interpretation of a thing ecthlipsis omitting one or more sounds in pronouncing a word ectobatic carrying or leading towards the outside ectogenesis variation in response to outside conditions ectopia displacement of internal organs in the body ectype reproduction or copy ectypography etching in relief écuelle two-handled soup or porridge bowl ecydisis shedding or moulting of the skin edacious voracious; gluttonous; pertaining to eating edapha organisms living in soil edaphic of, like or pertaining to the soil edaphology study of soils edentate toothless; without teeth; pertaining to aardvarks and sloths edulcorate to sweeten; to rid of soluble particles by washing eellogofusciouhipoppokunurious good effable capable of being expressed efferent carrying outward or away effete weak or worn-out; degenerate effigurate having a definite shape effleurage stroking movement in massage effluvium invisible emanation; offensive exhalation or smell effodient burrowing effulge to shine out; to beam effusiometer instrument for comparing molecular weights of gases eft again; afterwards eft newt eftsoons soon after egad mild oath egency need egestion the removal of materials from the body egoism doctrine that the pursuit of self-interest is the highest good egotheism identification of oneself with God Egyptology study of ancient Egypt eidetic vivid mental image or memory eidograph instrument for copying drawings eidolism belief in ghosts eidolon image, phantom or apparition; confusing reflected image eigne first born eikonology metaphor eirenarch officer in charge of keeping the public peace; justice of the peace eirenicon peace-making message, proposition for peace eirenics theological doctrine of religious unification eirenism peaceful state of mind eisegesis faulty interpretation or explanation of text eisel sour wine resembling vinegar ejectamenta material ejected from a volcano eke in addition; also; likewise ekistics study of human settlement ekka small one-horse carriage ekphrasis description of a work of art as rhetorical exercise élan impetuosity; dash or style; brilliancy or vivacity elance to throw as a lance elaphine of, like or belonging to a red deer; of, of, like or pertaining to red deer elapid of, like or pertaining to cobras elative indicating movement out of or away from elatrometer instrument for measuring gaseous pressure elchee ambassador eldritch horrifying; arcane; strange electrocardiograph instrument for recording unusual electrical fluctuations of the heart electrochemistry study of relations between electricity and chemicals electrodynamometer instrument for measuring electrical current electroencephalograph instrument for measuring the brain's electrical impulses electrogenesis production of electricity electrograph instrument for recording electrical potential electrology study of electricity electrometer instrument for measuring electrical potential electromyograph instrument for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders electrophile substance having an affinity for electrons or negative charge electroretinograph instrument for measuring electrical activity in the retina electroscope instrument for detecting electrical charges in the body electrostatics study of static electricity electuary medicine mixed with honey or syrup eleemosynary of, like or pertaining to charity or giving alms; dependent on charity elenchus refutation; sophism elenctic of, like or pertaining to argument; cross-examination or refuting elephant large unit of paper measurement equal to 28 by 23 inches elephantine of, like or pertaining to elephants eleutherian freedom-giving eleutheromania manic desire for freedom eleutherophobia fear of freedom elflock lock of tangled hair elide omit; ignore; suppress or abridge ell old unit of length equal to 45 inches ellipsograph instrument for describing ellipses elocation removal from someone's control; alienation éloge funeral oration; panegyric eloign to convey to a distance; to remove elsin shoemaker's awl elumbated made weak in the loins elution purification or separation by washing elutriate to separate by washing into finer portions elydoric painted with both oil and watercolour elytriferous having or bearing hardened forewings em unit of measuring width of typeface where width of letters equals height emacity itch to be buying email type of dark ink emarcid wilted; limp embale to enclose; to bind in; to make into a bale embar to shut in; to hinder; to put under embargo embase to lower; to debase embayment bay emberlucock to confuse; to bewilder emblements growing crops embonpoint stout; plump or full in figure; corpulent embouchement opening of a passage or tunnel embower to place in a bower; to shelter with trees embracery attempt to influence a jury corruptly embrangle to confuse or perplex embrasure recess of a door or window embrocate to moisten and rub with a lotion embryogenesis production of an embryo embryoniform shaped like an embryo emendation correction; usually of a text emergicenter urban clinic offering emergency outpatient services emesis the act of vomiting emetology study of vomiting émeute a popular rising or uproar emicate to sparkle emiction the discharging of urine emissile able to be emitted or pushed out emmenagogue drug aiding menstrual flow emmenology the study of menstruation emmet ant emmetropia correct refraction of light by the eyes emmew to confine or mew up emollient softening; making supple emolument payment; profit arising from employment emonomancy divination using demons emotivism theory that moral statements are inherently biased empaestic of, like or pertaining to the art of embossing empanoply to clothe in full armor empasm deodorant powder empennage airplane's tail unit empery wide dominion; empire emphractic stopping the pores of the skin emphyteusis perpetual but conditional lease of property empiecement an insertion in a garment empleomania mania for holding public office emporeutic of, like or pertaining to trade empressment show of affection or eagerness emprise adventurous undertaking emption the act of buying; purchase emptysis spitting up of blood empyreal of, like or pertaining to heaven; sublime; skyward emulge to milk or drain out emunctory conveying waste; pertaining to nose-blowing enallage the exchange of one grammatical case for another enantiodromia process when a thing is replaced by its opposite enantiomorph object which is the mirror image of another enantiopathy allopathy; sympathy with one's opposite enantiosis ironic expression of idea by refuting its contrary enation outgrowth; extension encaenia anniversary festival of renewal of an institution encaustic having the colours burned in enceinte pregnant encephalograph instrument for recording brain images encephaloid like or resembling a brain enchiridion book carried in the hand for reference, esp. for music or theology enchorial belonging to or used in a country; domestic encolpion reliquary; cross worn on the breast encomiast person who utters encomiums; praiser encomic having closely curled hair encomium glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise encraty self-control encyclical letter sent by the pope to multiple bishops endarchy centralised government endeictic showing, exhibiting or demonstrating endeixis an indication endemiology study of local diseases endlong lengthwise endocrinology study of glands endogenous having no external cause endophagy cannibalism within a tribe; eating away from within endoscope instrument for visualizing interior of a hollow organ endosmometer instrument for measuring osmosis into a solution endysis growth of new feathers, hair or skin energumen individual inhabited by an evil spirit enervate to weaken enfilade series arranged as if threaded on a string engastration stuffing of one bird inside another engastrimyth ventriloquist engouement excessive infatuation engrailment ring of dots around edge of a coin engram lasting effect on memory engrenage series of decisions leading towards unspoken goal enigmatography composition of riddles or enigmas enigmatology study of enigmas enjambment continuation of the sense of a verse without pause enjoin to command; to order; to prohibit by injunction ennead any group of nine objects enneagon polygon with nine sides ennomic lawful; legal enoptromancy divination using mirrors enosimania pathological belief that one has sinned enosis union; unification enounce to enunciate; to proclaim enow enough ensanguine to cover with blood ensiform resembling or possessing characteristics of a sword ensign large naval flag ensilage storage of green fodder in silos entablature wall that rests on top of columns entasis swelling on vertical columns to counteract optical illusion of concavity entelechy perfect realization of ultimate goal or reason for existence enteral of, pertaining to or within the intestine enthalpy heat per unit mass entheomania abnormal belief that one is divinely inspired enthetic introduced from outside the body entify to treat as or cause to become a separate entity entitative regarded as a distinct entity without regard to context entomical of, like or pertaining to insects entomology study of insects entomophagous eating insects entomophilous adapted for pollination by insects entoptic within the eyeball; visibility of objects in the eye entozoology study of parasites that live inside larger organisms entremets edible pastry sculpture served between main courses entrepot a warehouse, particularly for international trade entresol mezzanine entropion inversion of the edge of the eyelid entryism doctrine of joining a group to change its policies enuresis uncontrollable urination enzone to engirdle or surround with a zone or belt enzymology study of enzymes eoan of, like or pertaining to dawn eolation geological effects of the wind éolienne fine silk and wool eolith stone naturally formed but thought to be manufactured eonism adoption by a male of female dress and manner eosophobia fear of dawn eozoic containing early evidence of animals epact excess of the calendar month over the lunar month epaenetic eulogistic epagoge induction epagomenal intercalary; inserted between others epanadiplosis sentence which begins and ends with same word epanalepsis repetition epanodos recapitulation of chief points in a discourse after digression epanorthosis retraction of statement in order to intensify it eparchy diocese of an Eastern church epedaphic of, like or pertaining to atmospheric conditions epeirogenesis building continents by moving of earth's crust epenthesis insertion of extra sound into a word epeolatry worship of words epergne branched ornamental centrepiece epexegesis addition of words to make the sense more clear ephebiatrics branch of medicine dealing with adolescence ephectic tending to reserve judgement ephelis freckle or mole ephemeris table giving location of celestial body at different specific times ephemeromorph life form that cannot be classified as animal or vegetable ephemeron creature that lives for only one day ephestian domestic ephidrosis profuse perspiration ephod Jewish priestly vestment epibole device of beginning several clauses with same word epicede funeral ode epicedial of, like or pertaining to dirges or elegies epicene having one form or characteristics of either sex epicheirema syllogism confirmed by an incidental proposition epichoric belonging or pertaining to a rural area epiclesis calling on the Holy Spirit to consecrate the Eucharist epicrisis critical appreciation for literature epideictic done for show or display epidemiology study of diseases; epidemics epidiascope instrument for projecting images of objects epidiascope magic lantern used for opaque and translucent objects epigamic attractive to the other sex epigeal living near or in the ground epigenesis theory of embryonic development epigeous growing or living on or above the ground epigon descendant or successor epigone inferior follower or imitator of a distinguished original epilate to remove hair from epileptology study of epilepsy epimyth moral of a story or work of literature epinician celebrating a triumph epinikion ode in honour of a victor or winner epinosic unhealthy; unwelcome epipastic dusting powder used in medicine epiphenomenalism doctrine that mental processes are epiphenomena of brain activity epiphonema exclamation, finishing phrase or reflection epiphora watering of the eyes epipolism fluorescence episcope instrument for projecting images of opaque objects episcopicide killing of bishops episcopolatry worship of bishops episemon badge or characteristic device; one of three extra Greek numeral-letters epistatic suppressing some factor epistaxis nose bleeding epistemology study of grounds of knowledge epistemology theory of a method or grounds of knowledge epistolary of, like or pertaining to letters epistoler reader of the epistle in Anglican service epistolography letter-writing epistrophe ending of successive clauses with the same word epitasis part of a play where the action is developed epithalamion song or poem composed for weddings epithesis addition of one or more letters to a word epithymetic of, like or pertaining to desire epitimesis adverse criticism epitoga wide academic gown with bell sleeves epitonic subjected to excessive strain; overstrained epitrachelion stole of an Orthodox priest or bishop epitrope ironic permission epizeuxis immediate repetition of a word for emphasis epizoic dwelling upon an animal epomania craze for writing epics eponym personal name from which another name is derived epopee epic poem; saga epopoean befitting an epic poet epopoeist one who writes epic poetry epopt one who is initiated into mysteries epos epic poem éprouvette instrument for testing strength of gunpowder epulary of, like or pertaining to banquets epulation feasting epulotic substance encouraging growth of scar tissue epuration purification or purging equable smooth; without wide variations equanimity evenness of mind or temper; calmness equative indicating likeness or identity equatorium computational instrument for planetary astronomy equilibrist tightrope walker equine of, like or pertaining to horses equiparate to regard or treat as equal equiparent having a level or mutual relationship equipluve line drawn through locations having same annual rainfall equipoise equilibrium; counterbalancing thing equipollent having equal power or force equiponderate to be equal in weight; to balance equison horse groom; jockey equitation horseback riding equivorous consuming horseflesh eradiate to shoot out like a ray of light ere before erean made of copper or brass erelong before long; soon eremic of or belonging to deserts eremite hermit; religious recluse eremology study of deserts eremophyte plant that lives in desert biome erethism abnormal irritability erewhile until now erg unit of work measuring force of one dyne applied over one centimeter ergasia love of work; workaholism ergasiomania excessive desire to work; ergomania ergasiophobia fear of work ergative indicating subject of a transitive verb ergatocracy government by the workers or the working class ergo therefore; hence ergograph instrument for measuring and recording muscular work ergology study of effects of work on humans ergomania excessive desire to work; workaholism ergometer instrument for measuring work performed ergonomics study of people at work ergophile one who loves work ergophobia fear of work ergotise to wrangle eriometer instrument for measuring very small diameters eristic of, like or pertaining to controversy or argument erogenesis induction of sexual desire; production of arousal eromancy divination using water vessels erotetic engaging in or pertaining to rhetorical questioning erotogenic producing erotic desire or sexual gratification erotology erotic description in literature erotomania abnormally powerful sex drive erotopathy pathological sexual desire erotophobia fear of sex errhine something which causes sneezing or for nasal ingestion erubescent growing red; blushing eruciform like or resembling a caterpillar eructate to belch out; to emit lava erumpent bursting out; bursting forth erythema redness of the skin erythraean reddish colour erythrochroism excessive or pathological redness of the hair erythrophobia fear of red lights or of blushing erythropsia condition of seeing all colour as red esbat meeting of a witches' coven escadrille squadron of aircraft; flotilla escalade crossing moat or scaling wall using ladders escalier staircase escapology study of freeing oneself from constraints escargatoire place where snails are reared escharotic caustic eschatocol concluding clause or section of a charter eschatology doctrine of life and afterlife eschatology study of death; final matters eschaton end of the world; end time escheatment forfeiture of property to state for lack of heir esclandre notoriety; unpleasantness escritoire writing-desk esculent eatable; fit for consumption escutcheon part of ship's stern where name is displayed escutcheon shield on which coat of arms is represented esemplastic unifying; moulding diverse ideas into one esemplasy the unifying power of imagination esker ridge of sandy soil esotropic squinting espalier lattice on which trees are trained across espiègle roguish; frolicsome; mischievous essive indicating a temporary state of being essoin giving of an excuse for not appearing in court essorant soaring estacade dike of stakes in a river against an enemy estafette military courier or express estaminet small bar or cafe estampie vigorous rhythmic Provençal stamping dance estiferous producing heat estival of, like or pertaining to summer estoppage preventing someone from alleging a fact due to prior denial estrade low platform or dais estrapade horse's attempt to throw its rider estreat to consult court records in order to enable prosecution estuosity heated state or condition esurient hungry; greedy; starving etamine light open-mesh cotton or worsted eternalism the belief that matter has existed eternally etesian periodic; winds blowing at certain seasons eth old English letter for voiced 'th' sound etheromania craving for ether ethmoid of or like a sieve ethnarchy government over an ethnic group ethnocracy government by an ethnic group or race ethnogenesis origin of an ethnic group ethnogeny study of origins of races or ethnic groups ethnomania obsessive devotion to one's own people ethnomethodology study of everyday communication ethnomusicology study of comparative musical systems ethology study of natural or biological character ethonomics study of economic and ethical principles of a society etiolate to become pale; to make pale by depriving of light etiology the science of causes; especially of disease étui case for holding sewing articles etymology study of origins of words etymon true origin of a word etypical unconformable to type euchology prayer book eucrasy state of fitness and physical well-being eudaemonism ethical belief that happiness equals morality eudaemony happiness or well-being eudiaphoresis normal perspiration eudiometer instrument for measuring air purity euhemerism explanation of mythology as growing out of history eulogomania obsessive craze for eulogies eumoiriety happiness due to state of innocence and purity eunomia state of being well governed euonym a pleasing or beautiful name euonymous appropriately named eupathy state of contentment eupeptic of, like or pertaining to good digestion; cheerful euphobia fear of good news euphonism custom of using pleasing sounding words euphonym euphonious synonym euphuism high-flown and affected style of writing eupraxia correct or orthodox action eupsychics proper education to induce human progress euripus arm of the sea with strong currents Europhile one who loves Europe eurythermic tolerating a wide variation in temperature eurythmics system of rhythmic and harmonious movement eustacy changes in world shoreline by changes in sea level eustatic remaining at same altitude despite geological activity eusuchian of, like or pertaining to alligators and crocodiles eutaxy good order eutechnics improvement in condition of humanity through natural forces eutexia the property of being easily melted euthenics science concerned with improving living conditions eutony pleasantness of the sound of a word eutrapely wit, ease and urbanity of conversation eutropic turning to face the sun evagation wandering; digression evaginate to remove from a sheath; without a sheath evanescent tending to vanish like vapour evanish to vanish; to die away evanition vanishing; dying away evaporimeter instrument for measuring rate of evaporation evection attraction of the moon to the sun causing change in its orbit eventration protrusion of an organ from the abdomen eversion turning inside out or outwards evince indicate or exhibit evirate to castrate; to make weak eviscerate disembowel eviternal eternal évolué primitive person educated in modern ways evulgate to divulge; to publish evulse to pluck out exactor one who exacts; extortioner; claimer of rights exallotriote foreign exanimate lifeless; spiritless; depressed exarate containing grooves or furrows exarch viceroy; rank below patriarch in Eastern church exarchy government by bishops exaugurate to desanctify; to deprive of sacred status excalation omission of one of a series or sequence excarnate to remove flesh from exclaustration return to public upon release from vows exclave part of a country surrounded by foreign soil excogitate to discover by thinking out or reasoning excoriate censure severely; strip the hide off of excorticate to strip the bark off of excrementitial of, like or pertaining to excrement excresence outgrowth; projection; tumour excubant on guard excursive constituting a digression exeat permission from bishop for clergyman to work elsewhere exeat formal leave of absence; permission to be absent execrate to denounce or place under a curse executancy technique in music exedra semicircular bench beside episcopal throne; outdoor bench or recess exegetic explanatory, especially of Scripture exemplum short story or anecdote with a moral exenterate to disembowel exequy funeral rites; procession exercitation putting into practice; exercise exergue reverse of coin where date is contained exgorgitation vomited material exheredate to disinherit exigible liable to be exacted exiguous scanty; slender; sparse exility slenderness or smallness; refinement eximious excellent or distinguished existentialism doctrine of individual human responsibility in an unfathomable universe exlex outside the law exobiology study of extraterrestrial life exocentric of a linguistic compound, having a different grammatical function than its parts exoculate blind; eyeless exode farce or afterpiece exodist one who goes out; emigrant exodontia extraction of teeth exodromy stabilizing movement of exchange exogenous having an external origin exonym name for a town or country in a foreign language exopathic due to external forces or causes exophagy cannibalism outside one's own group exorable capable of being moved or influenced exordium beginning or introduction to a composition exosculate to kiss fervently or heartily exoteric intelligible to the uninitiated; commonplace exotropia outward squint expatiate to wander freely; to write about in great detail expeditate to deprive of the ball of the foot or the claws expergefacient awakening; arousing experientialism doctrine that knowledge comes from experience expiate to make amends for wrong expiscate to find out by strict examination explement complement exponible able to be explained expostulate to remonstrate; to discuss or reason with exprobate to reproach; to upbraid expromission relieving another person's debt by taking it upon oneself expugn to take by storm; to overcome expurgate to purify or revise; to censor exsanguinous without blood exscind to cut off; to uproot exsect to cut out exsert to protrude exsiccate to dry up exspuition spitting exstrophy turning an organ inside out exsuccous lacking sap exsufflate to blow away; to exorcise extensometer instrument for measuring deformation in object due to forces applied exterritority exemption from local regulations extispicy divination using entrails extramundane beyond the known universe extravasate to let out of the proper vessels; to flow out extrorse turned outward extrospection examination of matters external to oneself exungulation paring of the nails exuviate to cast off or shed eyas unfledged falcon or other bird of prey eyelet small hole in fabric to allow passage of a cord; cotton fabric with small holes eyeservice work done while the boss is watching eyne eyes eyot small island in a lake or river fabaceous bean-like fabiform shaped like a bean fabulist one who invents fables faburden harmony in thirds and sixths face-cord unit of wood measurement equal to a stack four by eight feet in volume facetiae term for books of inappropriate or lewd nature facia nameplate or sign above shop facinorous atrociously wicked factious turbulent; given to faction; seditious factitious produced by humans or artificial forces factitive signifying making or causing something to be factive indicating causation factotum lackey; person employed to do various jobs facture workmanship; the products of making facula unusually bright spot on sun's surface facultative optional; incidental; conferring privilege facundity eloquence fagin an adult who instructs others in crime fagottist bassoon player faience glazed coloured earthware faille shiny closely woven silk, cotton or rayon fabric fain happy; inclined; pleased fainéant puppet ruler; do-nothing; idle person fairlead ring through which rope is led to change its direction without friction falcade motion of a horse throwing itself on its haunches falcate resembling a sickle falciform shaped like a sickle falconine of, like or pertaining to falcons or hawks falderal nonsense; meaningless refrain of a song faldstool desk from which the Litany is read at church service fallibilism the doctrine that empirical knowledge is uncertain falsidical conveying a meaning that is false famicide one who destroys another's reputation; slanderer familic pertaining to a family; domestic familism the tendency of a family to cohere as a group familistery house for communal living famulus private secretary or attendant fanal lighthouse or beacon fandango lively Spanish dance performed by a couple fane flag or banner; weather-cock fane temple fanfaron an empty boaster fanfaronade grandiose trumpet blast fanion cloth worn on priest's arm and used for handling holy vessels fanion small flag used in surveying fantassin infantry soldier fantasticate to fantasize over something fantigue anxiety or irritation fantod a state of irritability or tension; an emotional fit farad unit measuring electrical capacitance farandine silk and wool cloth farandole lively Provençal dance in which men and women hold hands farctate full; stuffed fardage wood placed in bottom of ship to keep cargo dry fardel anything cumbersome or irksome farinaceous mealy; consisting of cereals farinose resembling or yielding flour farouche wild; unpolished farraginous disordered; jumbled; miscellaneous farrago confused mass of objects or people; disordered mixture farrier one who shoes horses or cares for horses farris female blacksmith farrow to give birth to piglets farruca Spanish gypsy dance with sudden tempo and mood changes fasces bundle of rods with an axe used to symbolise authority fascia board over a shop-front fascicle bundle; division of book published in parts fascine bundle of brushwood used to fill ditches fasti record or register fastigiate pointed; conical fastigium roof; peak; gable fastuous haughty; ostentatious fatalism doctrine that events are fixed and humans are powerless fathometer instrument for measuring underwater depth using sound fatidical prophetic; having the power to foretell the future fatuous silly; purposeless fauteuil enclosed seat in theatre favela slum area faveolate honeycombed faviform shaped like a honeycomb favonian of, like or pertaining to the west wind; mild and favourable feague to whip; to perplex feak lock of hair featous shapely; well-made; handsome; neat febricant causing fever febricity feverishness febrifuge something which reduces fever fecalith stony heap or mass of feces feckless feeble; helpless; futile; ineffectual feculent covered with filth; filthy felicide killing of a cat felicificative tending to make happy feliform having a catlike form or shape fell barren or rocky hill or moor felloe circular rim of a wheel felsenmeer flat arctic area covered with angular boulders femerall outlet for smoke in a roof femicide killing of a woman fenestella recess in church wall for storing communion vessels fenestral of, like or pertaining to windows feracious fruitful; fecund feretory shrine for relics during a procession or for a funeral bier feria weekday of a church calendar on which no holiday falls ferial of, like or pertaining to holidays ferity state of savagery or barbarism fermi unit of length equal to one quadrillionth of a metre ferriferous bearing iron ferronière jewel held on the forehead by a chain ferruginous of the colour of rust; impregnated with iron ferrule band on the end of a stick for reinforcing it ferula flat piece of wood ferulaceous like a cane or reed ferule cane or rod used for punishment fescennine marked by the use of vulgarity or obscene language fess broad horizontal bar across heraldic field festilogy treatise on ecclesiastical festivals festinate to accelerate; to quicken fetial heraldic; ambassadorial feticide killing of a fetus fetlock tuft of hair immediately above horse's hoof fettling loose material thrown on furnace hearth for protection feuilleton critical article at the bottom of a newspaper page fiacre hackney coach; cab fiberscope instrument using fiberoptics to examine inaccessible areas fibriform shaped like a fibre fibrilliform shaped like a small fibre fibula brooch in the shape of a safety pin ficiform shaped like a fig fictile capable of being moulded; of, like or pertaining to pottery fictor sculptor; one who makes images from clay fid conical wooden pin used to splice strands of rope fiddley iron framework around hatchway opening fideism doctrine that knowledge depends on faith over reason fidicinal of, like or pertaining to stringed musical instruments fiduciary held in trust; depending on trust fie expression of disgust or disapproval figuline of, like or pertaining to earthenware figurant ballet dancer who dances only in groups figuration the act of giving figure or form figurehead ornament or (usually female) bust attached to the bow of a ship filaceous composed of threads filatory machine for forming or spinning threads filature drawing out of threads filemot dead-leaf colour; dull brown filibeg kilt filicide killing of one's own child filiciform shaped like a fern or frond filiferous thread-bearing filiform shaped like a thread filiopietistic marked by excessive veneration of ancestors filipendulous hanging by or strung on a thread fillister groove in window pane into which glass is set filose threadlike; having a threadlike end filoselle coarse floss silk fimbriate fringed; having a narrow border fimetic of, like or pertaining to dung fimicolous living in dung finalism belief that an end has or can be reached fingent moulding; shaping finial decoration on the top of a gable or spire finical excessively precise in trivial matters fipple plug in the mouthpiece of a wind instrument firkin old unit of capacity equal to one quarter of a barrel firkin small keg fissicostate having divided ribs fissilingual with forked or cloven tongue fissility ability to be split fissiparous tending to break up into parts fissiped animal with separated toes fistula long narrow passage or duct fistuliform shaped like a pipe fitch brush made from hair of polecat fixity fixed state; stability; permanence flabellation the act of fanning flabelliform shaped like a fan flacon scent-bottle flagellantism the practice of whipping oneself or another flagelliferous bearing a whip or flagellum flagelliform shaped like a whip flagellomania abnormal enthusiasm for flogging flageolet small flute or recorder with two thumb holes flagitate to entreat or importune flagitious grossly wicked; guilty of heinous crimes flagstaff flag pole at stern of a ship flambeau flaming torch flamen pagan priest flammeous flame-coloured flammiferous producing flame flammulated ruddy flammulation flamelike marking flammule little flame flânerie idling; strolling about aimlessly flapdoodle gross flattery; nonsense flaught snowflake flaughter to flutter or flicker; to strip or skin flavescent yellowish or turning yellow fleam surgical instrument flèche narrow wooden spire on church roof fleer to mock; to jeer; to make faces in contempt flench to cut up the blubber of; to flay fleshling a sensualist fleuret ornament resembling a small flower flews drooping or pendulous lips flexion a bend; a fold flexuose full of windings and turnings; undulating flibbertigibbet gossipy or flighty person flinty unyielding; stern flivver cheap car or airplane floatant agent causing flotation floccilation fitful plucking at the bedclothes floccinaucinihilipilification setting at little or no value floccose woolly flocculate to collect or mass together in tufts or masses floricide killing or killer of flowers floricomous crowned or topped with flowers floriferous bearing flowers floriform shaped like a flower florilegium anthology of writings, especially of church fathers florimania craze for flowers floriscope instrument for inspecting flowers floristry the art of cultivating and selling flowers florisugent sucking honey from flowers floromancy belief that flowers have feelings floruit dates of a person's birth and death flounce to move impatiently or abruptly flowmeter instrument for measuring properties of flowing liquids fluke part of an anchor that fastens in the ground flumen right to direct excess rain water to neighbour's yard fluminous having many rivers or streams flummery anything insipid; empty compliment; humbug fluorimeter instrument for measuring fluorescence fluoroscope instrument using x-rays to examine internal structure of opaque object fluvialist one stressing the role of rivers in explanation fluviology study of watercourses fluxional variable; inconstant flype to strip back; to turn partially inside out flysch sandstone deposit focimeter instrument for measuring focal length of a lens fodient of, like or pertaining to digging foehn dry wind that blows down from mountaintops foeticide killing a fetus foetiferous bearing or carrying a fetus fogram antiquated foin to thrust with a sword or spear foinery fencing; swordplay foison plenty; plentiful yield foliaceous bearing leaves; leaf-like foliate to cover with leaf metal; to number the leaves of foliferous bearing leaves foliform shaped like a leaf foliophagous eating leaves; eating folios of books folkloristics study of folklore and fables fontinal growing near springs fooliaminy collective term for fools foolocracy government by fools foothot hastily; immediately; on the spot footlambert unit of luminance of a surface emitting one lumen per square foot footle to waste time; to act foolishly footling inept; trivial foraminate to pierce foraminated perforated or pierced with small holes foraminiferous bearing foramina foraneous of, like or pertaining to forums forby past; near forcipate of, like or pertaining to forceps forcipiform shaped like forceps fore at an earlier time or period forebitt post for fastening cables at a ship's foremast forecabin cabin in fore part of ship forecastle short raised deck at fore end of ship; fore of ship under main deck forecome to come early; to come before forefoot foremost end of ship's keel forel parchment for covering books foremast mast nearest the bow of a ship foresail lowest sail set on the foremast of square-rigged ship foreshots first liquid to come out of a still forestay stay leading from the foremast to the bow of a ship forfaiting export finance where debts on goods are transacted forfend to ward off or avert forfex a pair of scissors or pincers forficate forked; like scissors forficulate like scissors forinsecal foreign; alien; extrinsic forisfamiliate to emancipate from parental authority formant anything that limits, determines or defines formate to join or fly in a formation formic of, like or pertaining to ants formicate resembling an ant formication sensation like ants crawling on the skin formicide substance that kills ants formicine of, like or pertaining to ants formivorous eating ants fornicate vaulted or arched forsooth in truth; indeed forswink to exhaust by labour fortalice fortress; small outwork of a fortification forthwith immediately fortuitism belief in evolution by chance variation foss ditch, moat, trench or canal fossarian clergyman moonlighting as a gravedigger fossick to search by turning over earth or rock fossiliferous bearing fossils fossor grave-digger fossorial adapted for digging fossulate grooved; pitted foudroyant thundering; dazzling fougade piece of improvised artillery foulard soft lightweight plain-woven or twilled silk fabric foulé light woollen fulled cloth foumart polecat fourchette anything forked fourgon baggage-wagon foursquare forthright fouter to mess about with aimlessly fovea depression or pit foveate pitted foveiform shaped like a depression or pit fractionalism the state of consisting of discrete units fractious irritable; peevish fragor a crash francomania craze or obsession with France and the French Francophile one who loves France or the French Francophobia fear of France or the French frangible easily broken frankalmoign land tenure requiring religious obligations on part of tenant frantling mating call of a peacock frap to draw a sail tight with ropes or cables frazil ground-ice; ice in small spikes in streams freeboard distance between waterline and main deck of a ship freestone building stone difficult to split into layers fremescent growling or muttering fremitus vibration; rumbling frescade a cool walk; cool or shady place fresnel unit of optical frequency equal to one terahertz fretum strait friable easily crumbled or pulverized fricandeau thick slice of veal or similar meat frieze rough heavy woollen cloth frigiferous bearing or bringing cold frigolabile susceptible to the cold frigorific causing cold; freezing fringillaceous of, like or pertaining to finches fringilliform resembling a finch fringilline of, like or pertaining to finches frisson shiver; shudder; thrill frist delay or respite, as for debt repayment frit material from which glass is made frith peace; sanctuary fritiniency the noise of insects frogmarch to carry an uncooperative drunkard or prisoner frondescence the formation of leaves frondiferous bearing or producing fronds frondose having or like leaves frontal cloth hanging over front of altar frontogenesis creation of a weather front by meeting of air currents frostwork delicate figures and patterns in which frost forms on surfaces frottage rubbing, especially for sexual gratification froward turned away; self-willed; unreasonable; perverse; adverse frowst to luxuriate in hot stuffiness and stupefaction fructiferous bearing fruit fructivorous feeding on fruit fructuary person enjoying the fruits of anything fructuation coming to fruit or bearing of fruit fructuous fruitful frugiferous bearing fruit frugivorous eating fruit frumentaceous resembling wheat or other grain frumentarious of, like or pertaining to corn frutescent like or resembling a shrub fruticose shrubby fub to put off; to fob fucivorous eating seaweed fucoid shaped like seaweed fuero code or body of laws; a constitution fug hot; close; smoky state of atmosphere fugacious inclined to run away or flee fuji plain spun silk fabric fulcible capable of being propped up fulciform shaped like or resembling a prop fulcrate supported with fulcrums fulgent shining; bright fulgid flashing fulgorous flashing fulgour splendour fulgural of, like or pertaining to lightning fulgurate to flash like lightning fulgurous resembling lightning fuliginous sooty; dusky fuligo soot fuliguline of, like or pertaining to sea ducks fullonical of, like or pertaining or belonging to a fuller fulminate express loudly; explode violently fulmineous of, like or pertaining to thunder and lightning fulsome nauseatingly affectionate, admiring or praiseful fulvous dull yellow; tawny fumage hearth-tax fumarole hole emitting gases in a volcanic region fumatorium a place for smoking fumet the scent of game when high fumiduct smoke vent; smokestack fumosity condition of fuming; an exhalation funambulism tightrope walking; show of mental agility functionalism doctrine emphasising utility and function fundiform shaped like a sling fundus the bottom of anything funebral of, like or pertaining to a funeral funest deadly; lamentable fungible interchangeable fungiform shaped like a fungus fungous of or like fungus; soft; spongy funicular of, like or pertaining to a string or cable funipendulous hanging by a rope or cord furacious thievish furcate forked furciferous bearing a fork furciferous bearing a forked appendage; rascally furcular shaped like a fork furfur dandruff or scurf furfuraceous branny; scaly furibund raging; furious furnicular hanging from a rope or cable furuncular of, like or pertaining to boils furunculoid like a boil fusain fine charcoal used in drawing fuscous brown; tawny; dingy fusee spindle in a watch on which the chain is wound fusiform shaped like a spindle fusillation death by shooting fustian coarse twilled cotton fustian pretentious writing or speech fustigate to cudgel fustilarian a term of abuse futtock rib of a ship futurition future existence; time to come futurology study of future gabardine closely woven cotton or wool twill gabbart barge gabble to chatter or talk inarticulately gabbro granular igneous rock gabelle a salt tax gabion wicker or wire basket of earth or rock gablock spur attached to the heel of a fighting cock gad to wander about idly or in pursuit of pleasure gadarene headlong; precipitate gadoid of, resembling or pertaining to the cod gadroon embossed decoration or fluting on silverware gadzookery the use of archaisms in literature gadzooks mild oath gaff spar on which head of fore-and-aft sail is extended gaff-topsail triangular topsail with its foot extended upon the gaff gage token of defiance or challenge; thing deposited as pledge of performance gal unit of acceleration of one centimeter per second per second galactic of, like or pertaining to or obtained from milk galactoid like or resembling milk; milky galactometer instrument for measuring specific gravity of milk galactophagist milk drinker galactophorous bearing or carrying milk galanty shadow play galatea striped cotton galeanthropy belief that one is a cat galeated shaped like a helmet galeiform shaped like a helmet galère group of undesirable people; unpleasant situation galericulate topped by a hat-like covering galilee porch in front of church galimatias nonsense; confused mixture of unrelated things gallet to fill in mortar joints with small pebbles galliard sprightly Renaissance and Baroque dance galliard brisk; gallant; lively gallimaufry a mixture of different things; hodge-podge gallinaceous of or resembling pheasants and other domestic birds gallionic uncaring; indifferent galliot small galley gallipot small medicine jar gallize to bring wine to standard proportions gallomania craze or obsession with France and the French galloon lace trim or binding material Gallophile one who loves France or the French gallophobia fear of France or the French galop lively double-time dance galvanometer instrument for measuring electrical current galvanoscope instrument for detecting presence and direction of electric current gambado bound or spring of a horse; fantastic movement gambeson ancient leather or quilted coat worn as armour gambrel crooked stick used by butchers for hanging carcasses gambrel horse's hock gambrel roof having a pentagonal gable gambroon twilled worsted and cloth gametogenesis formation of gametes gamic sexual; sexually produced gamidolatry worship of marriage gamin street urchin; precocious imp gaminesque playful; impish; boyish gamma unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla gammadion figure comprised of capital gammas; swastika gammicism inability or hardship in pronouncing letters 'g' and 'k' gammon to feign an action; perpetrate a hoax on gamogenesis sexual reproduction gamomania obsession with issuing odd marriage proposals gamophagia destruction of one gamete by another gamophobia fear of marriage gangue worthless rock in which valuable metals occur gangway either of the sides of the upper deck of a ship ganister flint-like rock used to surface roads ganoid having shiny smooth scales ganosis reduction in shininess of marble gantline rope used in single-block hoist gantry shelving for barrels; shelf where drinks are displayed gaposis gap in a row of buttons or snaps gar mild oath garboard plank on a ship's bottom next to the keel garbology study of garbage garçonniere bachelor apartment gardyloo warning cry gargarize to gargle garner granary; store of anything garnetiferous bearing garnets garret room just under the roof of a house; attic gasconade to brag or boast gasconism boastfulness gasiform of the form or shape of gas gasometer instrument for holding and measuring gases gastriloquist ventriloquist gastroenterology study of stomach; intestines gastrolatry gluttony; excessive love of food gastrolith stone ingested by an animal to aid in digestion gastrology good eating; cookery gastromancy divination by sounds from the belly gastronomy study of fine dining gastropod mollusks including snails; slugs; whelks gastroscope instrument for examining interior of the stomach gastrosopher a person skilled in matters of eating gat opening or strait between two sandbanks gatefold oversized page in a book gaucherie awkward or socially unacceptable remark gaud trick or practical joke gauffer to make pleats or ripples in material gauleiter overbearing wielder of petty authority gault heavy clay used for bricks gaumless stupid; witless; vacant gaur wild ox gauss unit of magnetic flux density equal to 1/10000 tesla gavage force-feeding of poultry gavelkind land inheritance by all sons in equal portion gavotte moderate tempo French peasant dance gawdelpus helpless person gazar silk organza fabric geal of, like or pertaining or pertaining to the earth gegenschein glow of zodiacal light seen opposite the sun geist spirit; intellectual inclination geitonogamy pollination of a flower by another flower on the same plant gelasin dimple in the cheek that appears when one smiles gelastic of, like or pertaining to or provoking laughter gelation solidification by cooling gelid extremely cold gelogenic tending to produce laughter geloscopy fortune-telling by means of laughter gemel twinned; occurring in pairs gemelliparous having given birth to twins gement groaning, lamenting geminate to double; to arrange in pairs geminiform paired; double gemma bud from which a new plant can grow gemmate to deck with gems gemmation budding gemmeous of, like or pertaining to gems; like a gem gemmiferous bearing gems gemmology study of gems and jewels genappe smooth worsted yarn genarch head of a family or clan generalate the office of a general genesic of, like or pertaining to procreation or the genitals genesiology study of reproduction and heredity genethliacon birthday ode genethlialogy the art of casting horoscopes genetrix mother; female ancestor geniculate bent like a knee; jointed geniophobia fear of chins genitive indicating possession, origin or relation genoa large jib that overlaps the mainsail genophobia fear of sex genouillère jointed knee-piece of armour gentilitian belonging to a race or clan gentrification movement of middle class to working class area geocarpy the production or ripening of fruit underground geocentrism belief that Earth is the centre of the universe geochemistry study of chemistry of the earth's crust geochronology study of measuring geological time geocyclic of, like or pertaining to the rotation and revolution of the Earth geodesy earth measurement on a large scale geofact rock chipped naturally that looks like an artifact geogenous growing on the ground geogeny science of the formation of the earth's crust geognosy knowledge of the general structure of the earth geogony study of formation of the earth geogony theory of the formation of the earth geoid figure of the earth geolatry earth-worship geology study of earth's crust geomancy divination by casting earth onto a surface geomorphogeny study of the origins of land forms geophagy practice of feeding on soil; dirt-eating geophilous living in or near the ground geophone device for detecting sound waves underground geophyte plant that grows in the earth geoponic agricultural geoponics study of agriculture georgette thin silk georgic of, like or pertaining to agricultural or rustic affairs; rural; agrarian geoscopy examination or analysis of soil geoselenic of, like or pertaining to both the Earth and the moon geostrophic of, like or pertaining to deflection due to effects of Earth's rotation geotaxis response of an organism to gravity geotechnics study of increasing habitability of the earth geothermometer instrument for measuring subterranean temperatures gerascophobia fear of growing old geratology study of decadence and decay gerdoying imitation sound of a crash gerendum something that is to be done gerent one that rules or manages german of one's parents' siblings Germanophilia love or fondness for Germany or the Germans germicide substance that kills germs gerocomy study of old age geromorphism appearing to be older than one's actual age gerontocracy government by the aged gerontogenous of, like or pertaining to the Old World gerontology study of the elderly; aging gerontophilia sexual attraction towards the elderly gerrymander to divide electoral districts for one's own political gain gesso plaster of Paris used in painting gestatorial of, like or pertaining to carrying gestic of, like or pertaining to gestures geta wooden-soled Japanese shoe gewgaw toy; trifling object; bauble ghawazi Egyptian dancing girls giaour one who does not follow the Islamic faith; unbeliever gib wedge-shaped piece of metal that holds another in place gibbet gallows gibbous hump-backed; humped; swollen gibus hat worn to the opera gid brain disease suffered by sheep gig light two-wheeled one-horse carriage giganticide killing of a giant gigantology study of giants gigantology giant-lore gigantomachy war of giants against the gods gigot leg of mutton gigue lively Baroque dance in triple time gilbert unit of magnetomotive force gilderoy proud person gilliver wallflower gimbals arrangement of rings allowing free motion of supported object gimcrack trick; trivial mechanism gimmal ring that can be divided into two or three rings gingham striped cotton cloth ginglymus joint that permits movement in one plane only ginnel narrow alley between high buildings ginnery place where cotton is ginned girandole branched chandelier or similar structure girasol fire-opal that glows like fire in certain light glabrous hairless; smooth glaciology study of ice ages and glaciation glacis a gentle slope in fortification gladiate shaped like a sword glair egg white used as medium for binding paint glaireous slimy; viscous glandiferous bearing acorns or nuts glandiform gland-shaped; acorn-shaped glanduliferous bearing glands glareous gravelly; growing on gravel glaucous sea-green; greyish-blue glebe church land granted to clergyman glebe sod; the soil glebous earthy; full of clods gleed hot coal; burning ember gleek a trick or joke gleet mucus discharge from the urethra glenoid slightly cupped; socket-shaped gliriform resembling a rodent glirine rodent-like; of, like or pertaining to rodents glissade moving on snow without skis gloaming period between sunset and full night; dusk globuliferous bearing globules glochidiate bristled; barbed glomerate packed or bunched together glossa the tongue glossographer writer of short explanatory notes or glosses glossoid like a tongue glossology study of language; study of the tongue glossophagine eating using the tongue glottogonic of, like or pertaining to the origins of language glozing flattery; deceit gluconeogenesis production of glucose from non-carbohydrates glumiferous bearing glumes glutinous gluey; sticky glutition swallowing glycogenesis production of glycogen glyptic of, like or pertaining to carving or gem-engraving glyptography the art of engraving on gems glyptology study of gem engravings gnathal of, like or pertaining to the jaws gnathion tip of the chin gnathonic flattering gnomic signifying general truth; pertaining to aphorisms or proverbs gnomology collection of aphorisms, proverbs and short poems gnomon upright rod of a sundial gnomonics the art of measuring time using sundials gnosiology study of knowledge; philosophy of knowledge gnosis knowledge; especially spiritual gnosticism belief that freedom derives solely from knowledge gnotobiology study of life in germ-free conditions goatish lustful; foolish godet triangular piece of cloth inserted in a skirt goetic of, like or pertaining to black magic goitrous affected by or pertaining to goitre goldenrod dark golden yellow goliard wandering student goliardy riotous or lustful behaviour goluptious delightful; luscious gomphiasis looseness of the teeth gomphosis growth of teeth into the bone cavity gonalgia knee pain gonfalon ensign with streamers hung from a horizontal bar gonfalonier standard-bearer goniometer instrument for measuring angles between faces gonoph pickpocket; thief gorget piece of armour for the throat gorgoneion representation of the gorgon's head gorgonize to turn into stone; to paralyze with one's gaze gormandism gluttony gormless dull or unintelligent gorsedd assembly for granting awards to Welsh bards gorsoon boy-servant gossypine cottony gouache opaque watercolour paint gowk a cuckoo; a fool grabble search with the hand; grope graben a rift valley gracility slenderness gradatim step by step gradgrind one who regulates things by means of statistics gradin a rising tier of seats in a theatre gradiometer instrument for measuring gradient of a physical quantity gradual part of mass between epistle and gospel gradualism belief that things proceed by degrees Graecomania obsession with Greece and the Greeks grafology divination by studying writing grain unit of weight equal to 1/7000 of a pound graip pitchfork; dungfork grallatory of, like or pertaining to wading birds gramary magic; enchantment gramercy expression of gratitude or surprise gramineous of, like or pertaining to grass; grassy graminivorous feeding on grass or cereals graminology study of grasses grammalogue word represented by a single sign; logogram grammaticaster a piddling grammarian grammatolatry worship of letters and words grammatology study of systems of writing grandeval of great age; ancient grandiloquent bombastic grandinous full of hail; consisting of hail grandisonant pompous-sounding grangerize to cut plates out of many books to illustrate one granivorous feeding on seeds granuliferous bearing granules grapheme a letter of the alphabet graphemics study of systems of representing speech in writing grapholagnia obsession with obscene pictures graphology study of handwriting graphomania obsession with writing graphophobia fear of writing graphospasm writer's cramp grapnel small anchor used for dragging or grappling graptomancy divination by studying handwriting grassing bleaching by exposure on grass graticulation division of design into squares when scaling gratis without charge; for free grattoir scraper made of flint gratulatory congratulatory grauncher clumsy and incompetent mechanic graupel frozen rain or snowflakes gravamen grievance; grounds of legal complaint graveolent rank-smelling; fetid gravid pregnant gravimeter instrument for measuring variations in gravitational fields gravimetrical of, like or pertaining to measuring by weight gray unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation equal to 100 rads greave armour for the shin greaves tallow waste gregal of, like or pertaining to a flock gregatim in flocks greige of a grey-beige colour gremial intimate; pertaining to the lap or bosom grenadine thin silk gressorial adapted for walking gricer train-spotter or railway enthusiast gridelin violet-grey griffade sudden seizure with the claws grillage framework of timber grilse salmon first returning to the river from the sea grimgribber learned gibberish; legal jargon grimoire magician's book for summoning spirits grinagog one who is constantly grinning gripulous grasping; greedy grisaille style of painting in grey tints griseous pearl-grey or blue-grey; grizzled grith sanctuary; asylum grithbreach breach of the peace grobianism slovenly boorishness groggery low public-house grognard old or veteran soldier grogram coarse loosely woven silk fabric gromatic of, like or pertaining to surveys or surveying gromatics science of surveying grosgrain heavy close-woven corded silk grough deep gully in peat moor area groundage a charge on a ship in port groundling person of inferior taste; commoner groundprox altitude warning system in aircraft groundsel lowest timber of a structure groupuscule small clique or faction grout to root or grub with the snout growlery a retreat for times of ill humour groyne wooden breakwater grufted dirty; begrimed gruine of, like or pertaining to cranes or similar birds grum morose; surly grumous clotted; lumpy guaniferous bearing dung guardant of a heraldic animal turned to side with head facing the viewer guarish to heal gudgeon metal pin or bearing connecting rudder to a boat gudgeon a person easily cheated guerdon reward; recompense guéridon small ornate table or stand guérite chair with raised back forming a hood guichet ticket window or similar small opening guidon pennant with rounded outer edge guignol something intended to horrify people guilloche to decorate with intersecting curved lines guimpe wide cloth covering neck and shoulders worn by nuns guipure lace having no ground or mesh gules heraldic name for the colour red gulix kind of fine linen gullery place where gulls breed gulosity gluttony; greed gulpin credulous person; simpleton gummiferous bearing gum gummosity gumminess gumnivorous feeding on tree saps gunarchy government by women; gynarchy gunnage number of guns carried on a warship gunwale upper edge of the side of a ship gurgitate to bubble; to boil gurgitation surging gurlet pickaxe with one pointed and one bladed end guttate spotted; having drops or droplike markings guttatim drop by drop guttation release of drops of moisture guttiferous exuding drops guttiform shaped like a drop gutturotetany spasm in the throat causing stutter guyot flat-topped underwater mountain gybe to swing a sail from one side to another gyle fermenting vat for beer gymnasiarch the head of a gymnasium gymnasiarchy government over a school or academy gymnasiast a pupil in a gymnasium gymnobiblism belief that the Bible can be presented to unlearned without commentary gymnophobia fear of nudity gymnosophy deep contemplation performed while naked gynaecide killing of women gynaecocracy government by women; gynarchy gynaecology study of women's physiology gynaecomania abnormal sexual obsession with women gynandroid hermaphroditic; being of or resembling both sexes gynarchy government by women gynics knowledge of women gyniolatry deep respect or devotion for women gynocentric focused on or concerned with women gynocracy government by women; gynarchy gynotikolobomassophile one who nibbles on women's earlobes gypsiferous bearing gypsum gyrograph instrument for counting a wheel's revolutions gyroidal spiral; rotatory gyromancy divination by falling from dizziness gyron triangular heraldic charge gyrose having a folded surface; marked with wavy lines gyrostatics the study of rotating bodies gyrus convoluted ridge between two grooves gyve to fetter; to shackle habanera slow and seductive Cuban dance habergeon sleeveless mail coat habilable capable of being clothed habilatory of, like or pertaining to clothes or dressing habile dexterous; adroit habiliment attire habilitate to equip or finance; to qualify habromania insanity featuring cheerful delusions hachure shading or lines showing a slope on a map hackle comb for flax or hemp hackney four-wheeled two-horse carriage hadal parts of the ocean below 6000 metres hadeharia constant use of the word "hell" haecceity aspect of existence on which individuality depends haemal of, like or pertaining to blood haemataulics study of movement of blood through blood vessels haemathermal warm-blooded haematic blood-coloured haematogenesis production of blood haemophilia hereditary disease causing excessive bleeding hagiarchy government by saints or holy persons hagiocracy government by holy men hagiolatry worship or reverence for saints hagiology study of saints hagiomania mania for sainthood hagioscope opening in wall to enable viewing of altar hakenkreuz swastika halation blurring in a photograph due to light reflection halcyonine of, like or pertaining to kingfishers halfpace landing or broad step halibiotic of, like or pertaining to the entirety of life under the sea halieutic of, like or pertaining to fishing halieutics study of fishing haligraphy treatise on salt halitosis bad breath halitous vaporous halitus vapour; breath hallux big toe halolimnic of, like or pertaining to sea creatures who spend time in fresh water halomancy divination using salt halophilous tolerant of salt or salt-water halyard rope or tackle for hoisting and lowering sails hamarchy government by a cooperative body of parts hamartia flaw in a character leading to his downfall hamartiology study of sin hamartiology section of theology dealing with sin hamate hooked hamble to mutilate a dog by cutting of the balls of its feet hambo Swedish folk dance in three-four time hame curved projection attached to the collar of a draft horse hamiform shaped like a hook hamose hooked hamshackle to fetter; to restrain hamular like a small hook hamulate tipped with a small hook hamulus a small hook or hook-like process hanap chalice used in communion whose cover is a second chalice hanaster one who paid the entrance fee for Oxford's medieval merchant's guild handfast a firm grip; a contract handlist list without detail handsel inaugural gift; first installment or payment handspike bar used as a lever hank series of rings or clips for attaching a jib or staysail to a stay hansom light two-wheeled cab hapax word which occurs only once hapaxanthous flowering only once haplography omission of words or lines in recopying text haplology omission of a doubled or similar sound or syllable in a word haptic of, like or pertaining to the sense of touch haptometer instrument measuring sensitivity to touch haptotropic curving in response to touch haqueton stuffed jacket worn under mail hardihood boldness; audacity hardparts skeletal parts of an organism harengiform shaped like a herring hariolate to divine; to foretell hark to pay close attention; to listen harl barb of feather used to make artificial fishing fly harmonics study of musical acoustics harmoniphone keyboard instrument with reeds harmonograph instrument drawing curves representing vibrations harmonometer instrument measuring harmonic relations of sounds harn coarse linen harpagon harpoon harridan sharp-tongued; scolding woman harrier medium-sized scenting dog for hunting hares harry to plunder; to ravage; to destroy haruspication divination by inspecting animal entrails haslock wool on sheep's throat and neck haslot cooked animal entrails hassock kneeling cushion in a church hastate spear-shaped hatchment coat of arms of a deceased person hauberk long chain mail coat haulm stems of plants or straw collectively haurient rising as if to breathe haussmannize to open out; to rebuild haustellum sucking proboscis or sucking end haustorial having a sucking proboscis haut high; haughty hauteur haughtiness; arrogance havelock white cover for a military cap haversack bag worn over the shoulder for carrying provisions havier castrated deer hawkshaw detective hawse distance between ship's bow and its anchor hawsehole hole for ship's cable hawser large rope for mooring or towing a ship haycock conical pile of hay in a field haysel hay season headborough petty constable headland cape; point; promontory headsail sail set forward of the foremast of a ship headstock device for supporting end or head of a member heapstead buildings and places around a mine shaft hearsecloth cloth lain over coffin during funeral heartsome exhilarating; merry hebamic of, like or pertaining to the socratic method hebdomadally every week hebenon anything with poisonous juices hebephrenia form of dementia occurring at puberty hebetate to make dull or obtuse hebetic of, like or pertaining to puberty hebetude stupidity hecatarchy government by one hundred people; hecatontarchy hecatomb large sacrifice or slaughter; killing of one hundred animals or people hecatontarchy government by one hundred people hector to intimidate by bluster, pomp or arrogance heddle series of vertical cords to receive warp-thread hederaceous of, like or pertaining to ivy hederated crowned with a wreath of ivy hederiferous ivy-bearing hederiform shaped like ivy hednon wedding present hedonics part of ethics or psychology dealing with pleasure hedonism belief that pleasure is the highest good heeler a worker for a local politician or political party hegemony leadership of one state within a confederacy hegumene head of a nunnery hekistotherm plant which can grow in very cold environments helcoid ulcerous helcology study of ulcers heliac solar; coincident with that of the sun helicograph instrument for drawing spirals on a plane helicoid screw-shaped; like a coil helicon bass tuba helicosophy geometry that deals with spirals helictite twisted; branching stalactite heliofugal moving away from the sun heliograph instrument for measuring intensity of sunlight heliolatry sun worship heliology science of the sun heliometer instrument for measuring apparent diameter of the sun heliophilous preferring or attracted to the sunlight heliophobia fear of sunlight heliosciophyte plant that thrives in sun better than shade helioscope instrument for observing sun without injury to the eyes helioseismology study of sun's interior by observing its surface oscillations heliosis exposure to the sun; sunburn heliotaxis response of an organism to the sun's rays heliotrope purplish hue; purplish-flowered plant; ancient sundial; signalling mirror heliotropism movement of plants towards sunlight helix screw-shaped coil Hellenomania obsession with Greece and the Greeks; Graecomania hellkite kite of infernal breed; extremely cruel person helm ship's steering wheel helminth worm helminthiasis infestation with worms helminthoid worm-shaped helminthology study of worms helobious living in marshes or moors helotage the state of helots or being enslaved helotry class of slaves helve handle of an axe or similar tool hemacytometer instrument for counting blood cells hematology study of blood hematomancy divination using blood hemeralopia day-blindness; vision requiring dim light hemerology calendar hemialgia pain in one side of the body alone hemianopsia blindness in one eye hemiolic based on the ratio of 3 to 2 hemiplegic paralyzed on one side only hemistich half a verse line hemitery congenital deformity hendecagon eleven-sided figure hendecarchy government by eleven people hendiadys expression of adjective and noun as two adjectives henism doctrine that there is only one kind of existence henotheism belief in one tribal god, but not as the only god henotic tending to unify or reconcile; promoting harmony henry unit of electrical inductance hent to grasp; to seize heortology study of religious feasts hepatic of, like or pertaining to or acting upon the liver hepatology study of liver hepatoscopy divination by examining animal livers hephaestic of, like or pertaining to iron-working and blacksmiths heptamerous having parts in sevens heptarchy government by seven people hepteris ship with seven rows of oars herbarium collection of preserved plants and herbs herbescent growing like an herb herborize to gather or tend herbs herbose abounding with herbs hercogamy prevention of self-pollination in plants herdic low-hung carriage with back entrance hereditament property that may pass on to an heir heresiarch leader of a heretical movement heresiology study of heresies hereticaster a petty or contemptible heretic hereticate to denounce as heretical hereticide killing of heretics heretofore until now heriot payment to feudal lord upon death of tenant farmer hérissé bristled herisson swinging beam bearing iron spikes herm head or bust of Hermes with a big wang on a square base hermeneutic of, like or pertaining to the interpretation of passages hermetic of, like or pertaining to sorcery or alchemy heroarchy government by heroes heroon temple to a hero; temple-shaped tomb herpetic creeping herpetiform resembling or shaped like a reptile herpetoid of, like or pertaining to snakes herpetology study of reptiles and amphibians herpetophobia fear of snakes herringbone twilled fabric woven in rows of parallel sloping lines hesternal of, like or pertaining to yesterday hesternopothia yearning for yesterday or earlier times hesychastic keeping silence; soothing or quieting hetaera paramour; prostitute; concubine hetaerocracy government by paramours hetairism concubinage; system of communal marriage heterarchy government by a foreign ruler heterism variation heterochrony divergence from normal time sequence heteroclitous irregularly inflected heterodymus conjoined twins with two heads and torsos but one pair of legs heterodyne interference due to different wave frequencies heteroecious parasitism upon several hosts heteroepy irregular or non-standard pronunciation heterogenesis spontaneous or alternate generation heterology differences due to different origin heteronomous subject to different or foreign laws heteronym word having same spelling but different sound and meaning heteropathy excessive sensitivity heterophemy accidental use of word different from that meant heteroscian dweller of a temperate zone heterotaxis anomalous arrangement of body parts heterothermal taking the temperature of the surroundings heterotrichosis having hair of varied or mixed colours heterotropic squinting heuristic helping to discover by trial and error hexactinal having six rays hexaemeron period of six days of creation hexamerous having six parts hexametromania mania for writing in hexameter hexastichal having six lines or rows hexeris galley with six rows of oars heyday expression of elation or wonder hiant gaping hibernaculum winter retreat hibernal of, like or pertaining to winter hidation measuring or assessing land by hides hide old unit of land area equal to 120 acres hidrotic causing or exuding sweat hiemal of, like or pertaining to winter hieratical priestly; bound by religious convention hierocracy government by priests or religious ministers hierodule temple slave hierogram sacred or hieroglyphic symbol hierography description of sacred things hierolatry worship of saints or sacred things hierology science of sacred matters hieromachy fight or quarrel between priests hieromancy divination by studying objects offered in sacrifice hieromania pathological religious visions or delusions hieromonach monk who also serves as a priest hieropathic pertaining to a strong love of the clergy hierophant one who shows or reveals sacred things hierophobia fear of sacred things hieroscopy divination using entrails hierurgy sacred performance highbinder a scheming or corrupt politician hight named; called; to command or call hilasmic propitiatory himation loose outer garment worn by ancient Greeks hindermate companion who is a hindrance hindforemost with the back part in the front place hinnable able to neigh or whinny hiplings with the hips foremost hipparchy rule or control of horses hipped melancholy; peevish; offended hippiatric of, like or pertaining to the treatment of horses' diseases hippiatrics study of diseases of horses hippic of, like or pertaining to horses hippocras medieval hot spiced wine hippocrepian horseshoe-shaped hippocrepiform shaped like a horseshoe hippodamist horse-tamer hippoid equine; of, like or pertaining to horses hippology the study of horses hippomancy divination using horses hippomania obsession with horses hippometer instrument to measure height of horses hippomobile horse-drawn vehicle hippophagy feeding on horses hippophile lover of horses hippophobe hater of horses hircine goat-like; having a goatish smell; of, like or pertaining to smelly goats hircismus stinky armpits hircosity goatishness hirrient roughly trilled hirsute having or covered with coarse shaggy hair hirsuties hairiness hirudine of, like or pertaining to leeches hirudinean of, like or pertaining to leeches hirundine of, like or pertaining to swallows hispid rough with or covered with strong hairs or bristles hist expression used to attract attention histogenesis the formation or differentiation of tissues histology study of the tissues of organisms histopathology study of changes in tissue due to disease historicism belief that all phenomena are historically determined historiography study of writing history historiology study of history histrionic of, like or pertaining to the stage or actors hither to this place hithermost nearest on this side hitherside the nearest side hoary pale silver-grey colour; grey with age hobbish clownish hobbledehoy awkward; gawky youth hobnail thick and strong nail for shoeing horses hobohemia community of hoboes hod V-shaped trough for carrying bricks or mortar on the shoulders hodden coarse undyed woollen cloth hodiernal of, like or pertaining to the present day hodometry measurement of distance of a sea voyage hodoscope instrument for tracing paths of ionizing particles hoggaster young sheep, hog, or boar hogget one-year-old sheep or colt hoggin sifted gravel hogmanay gift or cake made on New Year's Eve hogshead unit of capacity equal to 63 gallons holderbat clamp fixed around sides of pipe holism belief that fundamental universal principle is creation of wholes holland coarse plain-woven cotton or linen holm island in a river holobaptism belief in baptism with total immersion in water holobenthic passing entire life in the deep ocean holocryptic inscrutable; undecipherable holograph text written entirely in its author's handwriting holophrase single word expressing sentence or phrase holoptic having the eyes meeting in front holosteric totally solid holt woody hill or grove holystone sandstone material used to scrape ships' decks homaloidal of the nature of a plane; flat; plane-shaped homarine of, like or pertaining to lobsters homeomerous composed of similar parts homeoteleuton the use or occurrence of similar endings homichlophobia fear of fog homiletical of, like or pertaining to homilies homiletics the art of preaching homiliary book of sermons hominiform shaped like a human hommock ridge in an ice field homnivorous eating humans homocentric having the same central or focal point homochiral identically shaped homodont having teeth all alike homograph words spelled the same but of different meaning homoiousia similarity but not identicality in substance homolegomena books of the Bible used in early Christianity homologate to confirm; to agree; to ratify homomerous possessing similar parts or components homonym words having the same sound but different meanings homoousia identicality in substance homophile one who prefers the company of the same sex; a homosexual homophobia fear of homosexuals homophyly resemblance due to common ancestry homoplasty resemblance due to convergent evolution homotaxic arranged in a similar manner honorificabilitudinity honourableness hoplarchy government by the military hoplite a heavily armed Greek foot soldier hoplology the study of weapons hoplomachy fighting while heavily armoured hopple to restrain by tying the feet together hopsack rough-surfaced loose fabric hora circle dance horal of, like or pertaining to hours; hourly horary of, like or pertaining to an hour; continuing for an hour; hourly hordeaceous of, like or pertaining to barley hordeiform shaped like a barleycorn horme goal-directed or purposive behaviour hornbook rudimentary treatise hornito low oven hornpipe lively British folk dance hornwork cuckoldry horography art of constructing sundials or clocks horology science of time measurement horometry time measurement horrent bristling horrescent expressing or showing horror horripilation process causing goose-bumps horrisonant dreadful-sounding hortatory giving exhortation or advice hortensial of, like or pertaining to gardens hortulan of, like or pertaining to gardens hospitate to greet; to welcome hospitium hospice hotchpot aggregation of property prior to equal division among heirs houghmagandy fornication houndstooth fabric with an irregular checked pattern hourd timber gallery on summit of castle tower housal belonging to the house housel the eucharist; the act of taking the eucharist howbeit although howdah seat with a canopy erected on an elephant's back hoy large one-decked boat hoyden tomboy huckaback absorbent cotton or linen used for towels huggery the action of hugging huitain group of eight lines of verse hula sinuous Polynesian dance with rhythmic hip movements hulchy swollen humanism belief that human interests and mind are paramount humanitarianism doctrine that the highest moral obligation is to improve human welfare humect to moisten; to cause to become moist humectation moisture humgruffin terrible person humicubation act of lying on the ground penitently humify to moisten hummock pile or ridge of ice humoral of, like or pertaining to body fluid humpenscrump crude musical instrument like a hurdy-gurdy hustle lively disco dance derived from swing elements with a plus-like pattern hwyl emotional state capable of arousing intense eloquence hyacinthine of a blue or purple colour hyaline glassy, of or like glass, transparent hyalography engraving upon glass hyaloid of, like or pertaining to glass hyalopterous having glassy or transparent wings hydatoid watery hydragogue removing water or serum hydrargyrism mercury poisoning hydric of, like or pertaining to an abundance of moisture hydriotaphia burial in an urn hydrobiology study of aquatic organisms hydrodynamics study of movement in liquids hydrogenic caused or formed by water hydrogeology study of ground water hydrognosy historical account of water surfaces of the earth hydrography study of investigating bodies of water hydrokinetics study of motion of fluids hydrology study of water resources hydromancy divination using water hydromania irrational craving for water hydrometeorology study of atmospheric moisture hydrometer instrument for measuring specific gravity of liquids hydropathy study of treating diseases with water hydropathy treating diseases with water hydrophanous becoming transparent when placed in water hydrophilous loving or preferring water hydrophobia fear of water hydropic dropsical; thirsty hydroscope instrument for viewing under water hydroscopist one who divines sources of fresh water hydrospace regions beneath the oceans' surface hydrotaxis movement towards or away from water hydrotimeter instrument for measuring water hardness hyetal rainy; of, like or pertaining to rainfall hyetograph instrument for recording rainfall hyetology science of rainfall hyetometer instrument for measuring rainfall hyetometrograph instrument for recording rainfall hygeian of, like or pertaining to health; healthy hygeiolatry excessive devotion to health hygiastics science of health and hygiene hygiology hygienics; study of cleanliness hygric of, like or pertaining to water or moisture hygrograph instrument for recording variations in atmospheric humidity hygrology study of humidity hygrometer instrument for measuring air moisture hygrometry science of humidity hygrophilous preferring or living where there is an abundance of moisture hygroscope instrument for displaying changes in air humidity hygrostat machine for regulating humidity of air hylactic barking; in a barking manner hylarchic ruling over matter hyle matter hylicism materialism hylobatine of, like or pertaining to gibbons hylogenesis the origin of matter hylomania excessive tendency towards materialism hylomorphism belief that matter is cause of the universe hylopathism belief in ability of matter to affect the spiritual world hylophagous eating wood hylotheism belief that the universe is purely material hylotomous wood-cutting hylozoism doctrine that all matter is endowed with life hymeneal of, like or pertaining to marriage hymnal collection of church hymns hymnody hymns collectively; hymn-singing hymnography study of writing hymns hymnology study of hymns hyoid having a "U" shape hypactic purgative hypaethral roofless; open to the sky hypalgesia diminished susceptibility to pain hypallage figure in which relations between words are changed hypaspist shield-bearing elite soldier hyperacusis abnormally good sense of hearing hyperalgia extreme sensitivity to pain hyperanarchy condition of extreme anarchy hyperaphia extraordinarily keen sense of touch hyperarchy excessive government hyperbaton rhetorical device in which word order is reversed hyperbole impression by extravagant exaggeration hyperborean an inhabitant of the extreme north hyperbulia excessive zeal for action or activity hypercatalectic having an extra syllable on the end of a line of verse hypercathexis manic desire for a particular object hyperdulia veneration of the Virgin Mary above saints and angels hyperemesis excessive vomiting hypergamy marriage of a man to a woman of lower status hyperhidrosis excessive sweating hypermania severe mania hypermetropia long-sightedness hypernym word representing a class of words or things hyperope far-sighted person hyperosmia very keen sense of smell hyperphagia eating too much hyperpyrexia excessive body temperature hypertrichologist person who treats unsightly facial hair hyphaeresis omission of sound or letter from a word hypnagogic sleep-inducing; pertaining to drowsiness or sleep hypnoetic of, like or pertaining to unconscious logical thought hypnogeny production of the hypnotic state hypnoid like sleep or hypnosis hypnology study of sleep; study of hypnosis hypnomancy divination using sleep hypnomogia insomnia hypnopompic of, like or pertaining to period between sleep and wakefulness hypnosophy knowledge of phenomena relating to sleep hypobole anticipating and refuting objections to an argument hypobulic weak-willed; lacking willpower hypocaust space under floor for heating by hot air hypocorism pet-name; diminutive or abbreviated name hypodynamia loss of strength hypogeal underground hypogeiody surveying underground hypogeum underground chamber hypogeusia diminished sense of taste hypolimnion colder and deeper layer of water in a lake hypomania minor mania hypometropia shortsightedness hyponychial underneath fingernail or toenail hyponym term which is a member of a larger class hypophrenia weakness of mental facilities hypostasis basis; foundation; essence hypostrophe return to primary argument after digression hypostyle pillar hypotaxis dependent construction hypothecary of, like or pertaining to mortgages hypothecate to mortgage; to place as security hypotrichosis hairlessness hypotyposis vivid description of a scene hypsiloid shaped like the Greek letter upsilon hypsography science of measuring heights hypsometer instrument for measuring height of trees through triangulation hypsophobia fear of high places hypural situated beneath the tail hyrax shrew hysteresis lagging of an effect behind its cause hysterogenic causing hysteria hysteroid like or resembling a womb hysteromania nymphomania hystricine of, like or pertaining to porcupines iamatology study of remedies iamb poetic foot consisting of short then a long syllable ianthine violet-coloured iatraliptic relating to the curing of diseases by means of unguents iatramelia medical negligence iatrarchy government by physicians iatrochemistry application of chemistry to medical theory iatrogenic induced inadvertently by medical treatment iatrology treatise or text on medical topics iatromathematics archaic practice of medicine in conjunction with astrology iatrophobia fear of going to the doctor ibidem in the same place iceblink glare in the sky caused by light reflected off ice ichneumous parasitical ichneutic of, like or pertaining to a tracker or tracking ichnite fossilized footprint ichnogram footprint ichnography art of drawing ground plans ichnology science of fossilized footprints ichnomancy divination using footprints ichthyic of, resembling or pertaining to fish ichthyoid fishlike ichthyolatry the worship of fish ichthyology study of fish ichthyomancy divination by inspecting fish entrails ichthyomorphic shaped like a fish ichthyophagous fish-eating ichthyopolist fish seller iconoclasm attacking of established beliefs iconography study of drawing symbols iconolagny sexual stimulation from pictures or statues iconolatry image-worship iconology study of icons; symbols iconomachy opposition to the worship of images or icons iconomancy divination using icons iconomania obsession with icons or portraits iconomatic using pictures to represent sounds of words iconometer instrument for finding size of object by measuring its image iconophilism a taste for pictures and symbols iconoplast one who makes images or icons iconostasis screen or partition in Eastern churches with tiers of icons icterical of, like or pertaining to or suffering from jaundice icterine yellowish or marked with yellow icterine of, like or pertaining to orioles and related birds icteritious jaundiced; yellow ictus stress in poetry or verse idempotent quantity which does not change when squared ideogenous being of mental origin ideogeny study of origins of ideas ideogram symbol that stands for a concept rather than a word ideophone word that is spoken but not written ideopraxist one who is impelled to carry out an idea idiochromatic having unique or distinctive coloration idiocrasis intrinsic peculiarity or unique feature idioglossia private language developed between children idiograph private mark; trademark idiolect distinctive individual form of speech idiologism personal speech peculiarity idiomology study of idiom, jargon or dialect idiomorphic having a unique or distinct form idiopathic disease particular to an individual idiophone percussion instrument made of naturally resonant material idiorhythmic self-regulating idiothermous warm-blooded idioticon vocabulary of a particular district idolomancy divination using idols idolomania obsession or devotion to idols idolothyte sacrifice presented to an idol idolum mental image; logical fallacy idoneous suitable; appropriate ifsoever if ever ignavia laziness; laxity ignescent capable of emitting sparks; of a volatile mood ignicolist fire-worshipper ignify to burn ignipotent presiding over fire ignivomous vomiting or spewing forth fire ignoscency forgiveness ignotism mistake due to ignorance ilastical propitiatory; expiatory iliac of, like or pertaining to the loins ilicic of, like or pertaining to holly ilke kind or nature illapse to glide in illaqueate to ensnare illation the act of inferring from premises illative indicating movement into or toward illaudable not praiseworthy illeist one who refers to oneself in the third person illimitable limitlessly infinite illinition act of rubbing against or on illiquation the melting of one thing into another illision the act of striking against something illocution an act which is performed by speaking words illude to trick illuminism belief in an inward spiritual light illusionism belief that the external world is philosophy illutation mud bath illuvium material dissolved in water and deposited in layers imagism doctrine of use of precise images with unrestricted subject imago idealized mental image of a person imbibition the absorption of a liquid by a solid or gel imbreviate to enroll imbricate to lay overlapping one another imbroglio confusing or disturbing situation; confused mass or heap imbrue to wet or moisten imbrute to degrade to the state of a brute imburse to put in a purse; to pay immanation flowing in immanent inherent; permanently pervading the universe immanentism belief in an immanent or permanent god immarcescible unfading; imperishable immaterialism the doctrine that there is no material substance immeability state of being impassable or impermeable immerge to immerse; to dip into water immeritous undeserving imminution lessening; decreasing immiseration progressive impoverishment or degradation immission insertion; infusion immix to commingle immoralism rejection of morality immortelle everlasting dried flower immunifacient causing immunity immunogenetics study of genetic characteristics of immunity immunogenic producing an immune response immunopathology study of immunity to disease immure to imprison; to shut in impacable not able to be quieted or appeased impanate embodied in bread imparidigitate having an odd number of fingers on each limb imparlance delay in pleading for amicable adjustment impaste to lay paint or colours thickly on impavid fearless; undaunted impecunious without money; penniless impedimenta things that impede; baggage impedimentary hindering; obstructing impennate featherless; wingless imperscriptible not recorded; unwritten imperseverant lacking the power to perceive impest to infest with plague or pestilence impetrate to obtain by entreaty, request or prayer impignorate to pledge, pawn or mortgage impleach to intertwine impletion filling; fullness; fulfilment implex not simple; involved; complicated implodent an implosive sound implumous without feathers imponent that which imposes an obligation importune to press or urge with repeated requests impostume abscess imprecate to call down by prayer; to curse; to invoke evil on imprescriptible inalienable imprest a loan or advance of money imprimatur licence to print a book imprimis in the first place imprimitive not primitive impropriate to appropriate for private use improvident lacking foresight; thoughtless impudicity shamelessness impugn to oppose; to attack by words or arguments imputation attribution of fault to imsonic onomatopoetic inaniloquent prone to foolish or empty babbling inanition emptiness; starvation inappetent lacking desire or appetite inapt unfit or unqualified inaurate gilded; golden inbeing inherence; inherent existence inboard inside the line of a ship's bulwarks or hull incalescent growing warm incanous covered with soft white hair incardination acceptance by a diocese of clergyman from another diocese incarnadine carnation-coloured; blood-red incatenation harnessing; chaining together incede to advance majestically incendivity the power of causing ignition incentivize to be given an incentive incept to take into the body; ingest inceptive marking the beginning or formation inchoate undeveloped; just begun incipient beginning; in an early stage incivism neglect of duty as a citizen inclinometer instrument for measuring inclination to the horizontal of an axis incommiscible unable to be mixed or intermingled incommode to cause trouble or inconvenience to incommutable that cannot be commuted or exchanged incompossible incapable of coexisting inconcinnity lack of congruousness or proportion incondite not well put together; poorly constructed inconscient unconscious; abstracted incoronate crowned incorpse to incorporate incrassate to thicken increscent waxing incubus nightmare; burden inculcate implant in by persistent urging inculpate to blame; to incriminate incult uncultivated; coarse incunabulist one who collects early books incunabulum early printed book; early version of a thing incuse impressed or stamped upon indagate to search out; to investigate indehiscent not opening when mature indicia indicating marks or symptoms indifferentism the belief that all religions are equally valid indigence poverty; state of being needy indign unworthy; disgraceful; unseemly indigo deep blue-violet colour; a blue-violet dye indiscerptible not able to be separated indite to compose individualism belief that individual interests and rights are paramount indoles inherent disposition induciae peace treaty or armistice indue to supply; to endow indulgence former Catholic pardon granted for remission of punishment for sins indult special temporary dispensation granted by the Catholic church indumentum total body covering of hair, fur or feathers indurate to make hard, callous or unfeeling induviae withered leaves which persist on plants indwell to exist within as a guiding force ineluctable against which it is useless to struggle inescatory of, like or pertaining to baiting; adapted to bait inesculent inedible inessive indicating location within ineunt entering inexpiable that which cannot be expiated or atoned for inexpugnable not able to be attacked or captured infandous unmentionable infantocracy government by an infant infarction tissue dying due to lack of blood flow infaust unlucky; ill-omened infelicitous inappropriate in application or expression inferiae offerings to the spirits of the dead inficete not facetious; rudely jesting inflorescence process of producing flowers; flowering infomania excessive devotion to accumulating facts infra below; later in a text infrangible not able to be broken or violated infructuous not fruitful infumate smoky; blackened infundibuliform having the form or shape of a funnel or cone infuscate clouded or tinged with brown; obscured; cloudy brown colour ingannation deception ingate inlet for molten metal in founding ingeminate to reiterate; to redouble ingerence intrusion; interference ingle a fire in a room; a fireplace inglenook alcove by a large open fire ingluvies a crop or craw of birds ingravescent becoming more severe ingression pronounced with inhalation rather than exhalation inguinal of, like or pertaining to the groin ingurgitate to swallow; to guzzle inhaust to drink in inhere be inherent inhumation burial; act of depositing in the ground inhumist referring to a society that burns its dead inimical hostile; harmful iniquity wickedness; gross injustice inkhorn portable case for ink inkhornism pedantic word or expression inlagation pardoning of an outlaw inlapidate to petrify inly inwardly; thoroughly innitency state of leaning or resting upon something innominate having no name innoxious harmless inoperculate without an operculum or lid inopinate not thought of; unexpected inosculate to join together with ducts or openings; to blend or combine inquiline living with another; dwelling in another creature's lair inquinate to corrupt or defile inquirendo authority to inquire into something inquisiturient eager to act as an inquisitor inquorate not making up a quorum inscenation staging; setting inscient having little or no knowledge insculp to engrave, to cut or carve from something insectifuge insect repellent insectivorous eating insects insectology study of insects insessorial adapted for perching insidiate to conspire against; to betray insipience lack of wisdom; stupidity insolate to treat by exposure to the sun's rays insouciance indifference; apathy insouciant lighthearted and unconcerned inspan to bring or force into service inspissate to thicken or condense instauration restoration; renewal institorial of, like or pertaining to an agent or factor instructive indicating means whereby instrumental indicating means by which instrumentalism doctrine that ideas are instruments of action insufflate to disseminate by blowing; to breathe upon insulse lacking wit; dull; stupid; insipid intaglio a figure engraved into a gem or another substance integument an external covering or coating intellection act of thinking; exercise of the intellect intellectualism belief that all knowledge is derived from reason intemerate pure; undefiled intempestive unseasonable; untimely; inopportune intenerate to make tender; to soften intenible not capable of holding or retaining interactionism belief that mind and body act on each other interamnian between two rivers intercalary interpolated; inserted between other things intercalation interpolation; insertion between others interciliary between the eyebrows intercipient intercepting interclude to block; to enclose; to cut off intercolline lying between hills intercostal between the ribs intercrural within or pertaining to the area between the legs interdigitate to interlock in the manner of locked fingers interdine to eat together interfenestration spacing of windows interferometer instrument for analysing spectra of light interfluve area between two rivers that flow in the same direction intergrade to merge or shade by means of intermediate steps interim meanwhile interjacent intervening; situated between two things interjaculate to ejaculate in interruption interlaminate to insert between layers interlocutor one who converses; interpreter; participant in conversation interlucation thinning of a forest to let some light in interlunation dark time between old moon and new intermure to wall in internecine causing (mutual) destruction internuncio messenger between two parties; low-ranking papal legate interosculant possessing attributes common to different groups interpellation question raised during the course of debate interpilaster space between two pilasters interpunction insertion of punctuation marks in writing interramification interweaving of branches interrex one who rules during an interregnum; regent interscribe to write between intersidereal between stars interstitial of, like or pertaining to the space between things intertesselation complex interrelationship intertie short timber binding together upright posts intertrigo skin rash due to friction of two moist surfaces intervallum between the ramparts intervolve to roll up or entwine with one another intinction administering communion by dipping bread into wine intitule to endow or furnish with a title intorted twisted inwards; involved intrados undersurface of an arch or vault intrant entering; penetrating introessive indicating motion into introit psalm or hymn sung at beginning of church service intromit to introduce; to admit; to insert introrse turned or facing inward introspectionism doctrine that knowledge of mind must derive from introspection intuitionism belief that the perception of truth is by intuition intumesce to enlarge; to swell; to bubble intussusception movement of one part of a thing into another inumbrate to cast a shadow upon; to shade inunction anointing, smearing or rubbing with ointment inurbanity lack of manners or deportment; incivility inusitation disuse; disrepair inustion burning in; cauterization invaginate to sheathe; to draw in; to enfold inveigh to make an attack in speech or writing inveigle to entice; to wheedle invenit invented it inverecund shameless; unabashed inveterate long-established; confirmed invictive insurmountable; undefeatable invidious likely to excite indignation against the performer invination presence of Christ's blood in sanctified wine inviscate to entrap with sticky material invitatory psalm or anthem sung before prayer during church service invultuation the making of an image for use in witchcraft ipseity selfhood; state of being oneself iracund inclined to become angry iracundulous somewhat inclined to become angry irascent becoming enraged or angry irenic conducive to or working towards peace irenology the study of peace iridian having or suggestive of the colours of a rainbow iridic of, like or pertaining to the iris of the eye iridize to make iridescent iridology study of iris iriscope instrument for exhibiting the prismatic colours irradicate to fix firmly irrecusable that cannot be rejected irredentism advocating restoration of territory to a nation irrefragable that cannot be refuted; unanswerable irrefrangible incapable of refraction irremeable which cannot be returned; irrevocable irriguous watered; wet; irrigating irrision the act of laughing at another irrisory mocking; derisive irroration watering a plant with discharge of a sick person irruption breaking or bursting in isabelline greyish yellow isabnormal line connecting points of equal deviation from mean temperature isacoustic line connecting points of equal acoustic quality isagoge academic introduction to a subject isagogic introductory isallobar line connecting points of equal change in barometric pressure isanemone line connecting points on map having same wind velocity isapostolic equal to or contemporary with the apostles isatis Arctic fox ischaemia lack of blood in a part of the body due to an obstruction ischiatic of or pertaining to the ischium or hip ischiorrhogic of an iambic line, having spondees in the second, fourth or sixth place ischuretic diuretic ischuria retention of urine iseidomal line connecting points of equal visibility of a spectacle isentropic line connecting points of equal entropy ishan prehistoric Iraqi mound ishies hip-joints ising meat sausage isinglass firm semitransparent substance used to make jellies islandic of or pertaining to an island islesman inhabitant of a group of islands islomania craze or obsession for islands ismatic addicted to "isms" or faddish theories isness the fact of being; essence isobar line connecting points of same atmospheric pressure isobase line connecting points of equal land upheaval isobath line connecting points of equal underwater depth isobathytherm line connecting points of equal temperature and depth underground isobront line connecting points of simultaneous storm development isocephaly arrangement of figures in art so that their heads are at the same height isochar line connecting points of similar distinguishing characteristics of plant life isochasm line connecting points of equal frequency of aurorae isocheim line connecting points of same average winter temperature isochlor line connecting points of equal chlorine concentration isochor line connecting points of varying conditions under constant volume isochrone line connecting points of equal time difference or simultaneous occurrence isochronous having the same duration; recurring at equal intervals isochroous having a uniform colour isoclinal line connecting points of same magnetic dip isocracy equal political power isocryme line connecting points of equal winter temperature isodiabatic having equal transmission of heat isodose line connecting points that receive equal doses of radiation isodynamic line connecting points of equal magnetic intensity isoflor line connecting points of equal number of plant species isogam line connecting points of equal acceleration due to gravity isogen line connecting points of equal birthrates isogeny sameness or similarity of origin isogeotherm line connecting points of equal subterranean temperature isogloss line connecting points of similar regional dialect isoglossal having similar speech patterns or language isogonal line connecting points of equal magnetic declination isogonal having equal angles isograd line connecting points of similar conditions during geological metamorphism isogram line connecting points on a map having some similar feature isograph line connecting points of same linguistic usage in some respect isohaline line connecting points of equal salinity isohalsine line connecting points of equal ocean salinity isohel line connecting points of equal sunlight isohyet line connecting points of equal rainfall isokeraunic line connecting points of equal occurrence of thunderstorms isolex line connecting points of same vocabulary usage isoline line connecting points on a map having some similar feature isomagnetic line connecting points of equal magnetic induction isometric line connecting points of equal variations of pressure isomorph line connecting points of same linguistic morphological forms isonephelic line connecting points of equal cloud cover isonomy equal law; rights or privileges isonym word having the same derivation or form as another isopach line connecting points of equal thickness of geological strata isophene line connecting points of the same phenotype or seasonal variation isophote line connecting points of equal light intensity from a given source isopiestic line connecting points of equal pressure but varying temperature and volume isopiptesis line connecting points of same arrival date of migratory species isopleth line connecting points of equal aspect of climate isopolity reciprocity of rights of citizenship in two communities isopor line connecting points of equal annual change in magnetic field isopsephic equal in number isopycnic line connecting points of equal density isorithm line connecting points of equal population density isorropic of equal value isoseismal line connecting points of same earthquake intensity isostasy condition of equilibrium in the earth's crust isostere line connecting points of equal specific volume of a substance isotac line joining points where the ice melts at the same time of year isotach line connecting points of the same wind speed isothere line connecting points of equal summer temperature isotherm line connecting points of equal temperature isothermobath line connecting points of equal temperature at a given ocean depth isotherombrose line connecting points of equal ratio of summer rainfall to annual rainfall isotropic having the same properties in every direction isovol line connecting points of equal ratio of fixed to volatile carbon in coal issles sparks; embers issuant issuing from; in heraldry, emerging from the bottom of a chief ist one who holds to an 'ism' isthmian living on or situated on an isthmus isthmoid resembling an isthmus istle coarse tough Central American fibre used to make cords and nets itacism pronunciation of the Greek letter eta as 'ee' itai-itai disease caused by cadmium poisoning and resulting in back pain Italiot person of Greek descent dwelling in ancient Italy Italomania obsession with Italy or Italians item likewise; also iter circuit; path; road or line of travel iterant repeating; echoing iteration repetition iterum again; afresh; anew ithomiid tropical South American butterfly ithyphallic indecent; immoral itinerarian traveller itinerarily in the course of wandering ition the action of going itis bodily condition or disease iulan of the first growth of the beard iulus millipede ivi Tahitian chestnut tree ivoride imitation ivory ivorine white and smooth like ivory ivorist one who carves ivory professionally ivresse drunkenness iwis surely; certainly ixia South African beautiful flowering plant ixiodic of, like or pertaining to ticks ixora tropical evergreen shrub with white flowers izard goatlike antelope found in the Pyrenees izzard archaic name for the letter Z izzat public esteem; honour jabberwock nonsense, gibberish jabot lace frill worn on shirt or dress front jacent lying flat; sluggish jacinthe orange colour jack medieval leather coat worn as armour jack ship's flag flown from jack-staff at bow of vessel jackanapes impudent child; conceited fellow jack-block pulley system for raising topgallant masts jack-cross-tree single iron cross-tree at head of a topgallant mast jackstaff short staff at ship's bow from which the jack is hoisted jackstay iron or wooden bar running along yard of ship to which sails fastened jackyard spar used to spread the foot of a gaff-topsail jacobin extremist or radical in politics jaconet stout cotton cloth jacquard intricately-woven variegated fabric; loom for making jacquard jactancy boastfulness, vainglory jactation throwing; boasting jactitation a tossing, twitching or jerking of the body; a false claim jaculation the act of throwing or hurling jaculiferous having arrow-like prickles jade pitiful horse; a nag jaggery coarse and dark sugar jalouse to suspect; to be jealous of jalousie outside shutter with slats jambeau armour worn on the legs jambiya curved dagger with two edges jampan an Indian sedan chair janiform having two faces janitrix a female janitor janizary a follower or supporter janker long pole on wheels for transporting logs jannock outspoken; honest; outgoing jansky unit of strength of radio wave emission japan glossy black varnish or lacquer japanophilia love or admiration for Japan or the Japanese jardinière container for displaying flowers jargonelle early pear jargoon brilliant pale or colourless zircon jark seal or insignia on a counterfeit document jarta term of endearment jaseran fine chain mail jacket jaspe cotton or rayon cloth with shaded effect jasperated mottled; streaked with various colours jaunce to prance; to cause a horse to prance jawhole cesspool; sewer entrance jazzetry poetry read to jazz accompaniment jebel hill or mountain jecoral of, like or pertaining to the liver jectigation wagging, tremulous movement jejunator one who fasts jejune lacking interest or significance; dull or insipid; dry; empty jellygraph old device for copying that used a plate of jelly jemadar an Indian police or customs officer jemmy burglar's short crowbar jennet small Spanish horse jenneting early type of apple jentacular of, like or pertaining to breakfast jeofail official or legal acknowledgement of a mistake jeremiad prolonged complaint; angry or cautionary harangue; lamentation jerkinhead truncated gable with a lipped roof jeroboam large bottle for holding equivalent of 6 ordinary wine bottles jerque to search for smuggled goods jersey plain weft-knitted fabric of wool, cotton, nylon or silk jess ringed strap tied to leg of falcon or hawk jessamy yellow like a jasmine jessant in heraldry, overlying jesserant splinted armour jesuitical cunning; quibbling jesuitocracy government by Jesuits jetavator control surface for deflecting rocket exhaust jeton stamped metal token used in card-playing or reckoning accounts jettatura the evil eye jib small triangular sail extending from the head of the foremast jibboom spar forming an extension of the bowsprit jibe to change a ship's course to make the boom shift sides jiffy unit of time used in computing equal to 1/100 second; any small unit of time jigamaree a thingamajig; a cunning manoeuvre jiggermast aftermost mast of a four-masted ship jiggumbob a thingamabob; a gadget; a whatsit; a gewgaw jimswinger a frock coat jink to move quickly with sudden turns and shifts jinker light horse-drawn passenger carriage jitney small passenger vehicle jitterbug jazz dance featuring vigorous acrobatic feats jive fast dance done to jazz or swing music jnana knowledge obtained through meditation jobation tedious scolding jobbernowl a blockish or stupid head jobbery the conduct of public business for private gain jocko a chimpanzee jockteleg large clasp knife jocose merry; characterized by joking jocoserious half in jest; half serious joculator professional jester or minstrel joggle tooth or pin to prevent surfaces from slipping joinder legal uniting or joining jointure property granted to wife for use after husband's death joist beam supporting boards of a floor or laths of a ceiling jolley guide for fixing a pottery mould for plates jollyboat small boat kept hoisted at ship's stern jolterhead clumsy oaf; blockhead jongleur wandering minstrel jordan a chamberpot jorum large bowl containing drinks joss luck, fate jota fast Spanish folk dance in triple time jougs iron collar attached to post and put around neck as punishment jounce to bump or jolt jovialist a convivial person jow to ring a bell; a stroke of a bell juba dance with clapping and leg slapping performed by Southern blacks jubate maned; having or possessing a mane jubbah long loose outer garment worn by Muslims jube ornamental choir-screen jubilarian one who celebrates a jubilee, especially a priest, monk, or nun jubilate the third Sunday after Easter jud mass of coal ready for final removal judder strong vibration in an aircraft judicature power of dispensing justice by trial judogi jacket and trousers worn by practitioner of judo jug sound of the nightingale jugate side by side; in pairs; overlapping juggins a simpleton juglandaceous of, like or pertaining to walnuts jugulate to cut the throat of julep sweetened and often medicated drink jumar mountaineering clip that grips rope when weight is applied jumart impossible mythical offspring of a cow and donkey jumbal thin crisp sweet cake jumboism admiration for large things jumelle paired or twinned article; opera-glasses jumentous like a horse juncaceous of, like or pertaining to rushes juntocracy government by a junta jupon sleeveless jacket worn beneath a hauberk jural of, like or pertaining to the law juramentum oath jurant taking an oath; one who takes an oath jurat memorandum at end of affidavit showing to whom it was sworn juratory of, like or pertaining to an oath jure by law jurimetrics application of scientific methods to legal problems jurisconsult legal expert jurymast mast erected on ship in place of one lost jus law; legal right jussive expressing a command justiciar administrator of justice; supreme judge jutty projecting part of a wall juvenal a youth; young bird's plumage juvenescent becoming youthful juvenilia works of one's youth; early works of an artist or author juxtapositive indicating juxtaposition kainotophobia fear of change kaiserin wife of a kaiser kakidrosis body odour kakistocracy government by the worst kakorrhaphiophobia fear of failure kalamkari fabric coloured by repeated dyeing kaleidophone instrument for demonstrating sound waves by lines of light kalology study of beauty kalon beauty that is more than skin deep kalpis a water jar kalyptra veil worn by Greek women kame steep irregular ridge kamelaukion tall cylindrical hat worn by Orthodox priests kamerad to surrender kamik knee-length sealskin boot kaneh Hebrew measure of 6 cubits kantar Turkish unit of weight equal to approximately 100 pounds kantele Finnish zither kantikoy to dance as an act of worship kapnography means of producing designs on smoked glass surfaces karabiner steel link with clip on side used in mountaineering karezza prolonged sex avoiding orgasm karrozzin Maltese horse-drawn carriage karst rough limestone country with underground drainage karyokinesis division of cell nucleus karyology study of cell nuclei karyotype appearance, number and arrangements of chromosomes kasha porridge or gruel-like dish made from crushed buckwheat katabasis going down; military retreat katabothron underground water-channel katathermometer instrument for measuring the cooling power of air katharometer instrument measuring changes in composition of gases kathenotheism polytheism in which each god is considered single and supreme katzenjammer hangover; uproar; clamour kausia Macedonian felt hat with broad brim kava narcotic drink prepared from Polynesian plant kazachoc Slavic fast dance in which dancer squats and kicks out legs alternately kazatzka Slavic folk dance performed by a couple keb ewe that gives birth to stillborn lamb kebbie a shepherd's crook keck to retch; to feel disgust keckle to protect by binding with rope ked wingless fly that feeds on livestock kedge small anchor to keep a ship steady keelhaul to punish by dragging under keel of ship keelson lengthwise wooden or steel beam in ship for bearing stress keeve a large tub kef state of dreamy or drug-induced repose keffel a horse; a nag keister burglar's tool kit keloid hard scar tissue which grows over injured skin kelpie mischievous water spirit kelt coarse fabric made of black and white wool kemb to comb kemp coarse, rough strand of wool kennebecker knapsack kenodoxy the love or study of vain-glory kenophobia fear of empty spaces kenosis Christ's rejection of his divine side upon assuming human form kenotism doctrine that Christ rid himself of divinity in becoming human kenspeckle easily recognizable or distinguishable kent-bugle an obsolete keybugle kente hand-woven African silk fabric kentledge pig-iron used as ballast in ship's hold kep to catch an approaching object or falling liquid kephalonomancy divination using a baked ass's head kerasine horny; made of horn keratogenic causing growth of horn, skin or hair keratometer instrument for measuring curvature of the cornea keraunograph instrument for recording distant thunderstorms keraunoscopia divination using thunder kerf cut, notch or groove; quantity of something cut at the same time kermes brilliant red colour; a red dye derived from insects kermesse cycle race held in an urban area kermis indoor charity fair kern Irish foot-soldier kern part of typeface letter that sticks out beyond its body kern to granulate kersey coarse woollen cloth kerseymere twilled fine wool kerygma preaching of the Christian gospel kerygmatic of, like or pertaining to preaching the Gospel ket carrion; matted wool ketch small two-masted sailing vessel ketjak traditional Balinese dance accompanied by male chorus kettlestitch stitch made at head and tail of section of book to connect sections kex dry hollow plant stalk keybugle bugle with keys keyline outline showing shape and position of an illustration keystone to double the wholesale price for retail khaddar homespun cotton cloth khor a dry watercourse; a ravine kibble the bucket of a well kibble to grind cereal coarsely kibe chapped area of skin kickie-wickie a wife kickshaws a trinket; a cheap, worthless article kidder a forestaller; a huckster kiddle stake-fence set in stream for catching fish kidlet a very little kid kidology study of kidding kier bleaching vat kif drug like marijuana smoked in North Africa kilderkin old unit of capacity equal to 1/2 barrel or 18 gallons kilfud-yoking a fireside disputation killas clay slate killcow a bully; a swaggerer killcrop greedy insatiable baby; a changeling killock small anchor kilobase unit of measure of length of nucleic acid chain equal to 1000 base pairs kinchin a child kincob embroidered silk with gold and silver threads kindergraph photograph of a child kinderspiel a children's cantata or play kine cows kinematics study of motion kinescope cathode ray tube for a television kinesics study of gestural communication kinetheodolite theodolite used in tracking missiles and satellites kinetics study of forces producing or changing motion kinetogenic causing movement kinetoscope instrument for producing curves by combination of circular movements kingpost perpendicular beam in frame of roof kinkle a slight kink kip skin of a young animal kip unit of weight equivalent to 1000 pounds kippage state of displeasure or anger kir drink of black currant syrup and white wine kirking first attendance of a couple at church after marriage kirpan small sword or dagger worn by Sikhs kirsch liqueur made from the wild cherry kirtle man's or woman's tunic or coat kish solid graphite that separates from pig-iron kismet fate; destiny kissel thickened fruit purée dessert kistvaen tomb covered with stone slabs kit a small pocket violin kith knowledge; one's native land; one's friends kitthoge left-handed; awkward klangfarbe tone-colour; timbre klaxon loud mechanical horn klendusic able to withstand disease due to protective mechanism kleptocracy government by thieves klopemania kleptomania knackish cunning; crafty knag knot in wood knarred gnarled; knotty knickerbockers loose breeches gathered in at the knee knick-knackatory collection of knick-knacks knickpoint discontinuity in river profile due to intersection of new erosion curve knissomancy divination using burning incense knitch bundle of wood tied together knobber a stag in its second year knop loop or tuft in yarn knosp unopened bud of a flower; ornament shaped like a bud knout to flog; to scourge knubble to beat with the fists knur knob or knot in wood knurl small excrescence or protuberance; to make knurls on koan nonsensical question given to Buddhist students for contemplation kobold spirit of the mines kohl eye-shadow; mascara kohlrabi variety of cabbage koine dialect that spreads to become common language of a region kolo Central European folk dance having a ring of dancers komatik sled with wooden runners konimeter instrument measuring amount of dust in air koniology study of atmospheric pollutants and dust koniscope instrument for measuring dust in air kop bank of terracing at a football field kora musical instrument similar to a harp kore ancient Greek statue of a draped maiden koto obnoxious-sounding Japanese stringed instrument kouros statue of a nude male kraken legendary sea monster krasis addition of water to sacramental wine kraurosis shrivelling of the skin kreatophagia eating of raw meat kremlin a Russian citadel kreng whale carcass after blubber is removed kriegspiel war-game used to teach strategy krimmer tightly curled grey or black lamb's wool kritarchy government by judges krobylos tuft of hair on the top of the head krummhorn ancient double-reed wind instrument krypsis doctrine that Christ secretly exercised divine powers ktenology science of putting people to death kumiss fermented mare's milk kummel cumin-flavoured liqueur kurgan prehistoric burial mound kurtosis relative degree of sharpness of peak of distribution curve kuru brain disease transmitted by cannibalism kvass Eastern European rye beer kwashiorkor tropical disease of infants due to protein deficiency kyle narrow strait kylin Chinese mythical animal kyllosis club foot kyloe small long-haired cattle kymatology study of wave motion kymograph instrument for recording fluid pressure kyphorrhinos humped nose kyphosis hunchbacked condition kyrie religious petition for mercy kyrielle string of short lines in stanzas all ending with the same word kyriolexy the use of literal expressions labarum moral standard; ecclesiastical banner bearing Christ's monogram labefactation a weakening decay; overthrow labeorphily collection and study of beer bottle labels labidometer instrument for measuring size of the head of a fetus labile adaptable; unstable lability plasticity; openness to change or breakdown labiomancy lip reading labret lip ornament labrose thick-lipped labtebricole living in holes lac dark red transparent resin used to make shellac laccolith mass of igneous rock intruded between two sedimentary beds lacertiform shaped like a lizard lacertilian of, like or pertaining to lizards laches negligence or undue delay in fulfilling legal duty lachrymatory narrow-necked bottle or vase lachrymiform shaped like a tear lachrymogenic causing tears or weeping lachrymose shedding tears laciniate cut into narrow lobes; slashed; fringed laciniform shaped like a fringe lacis network lackaday expression of regret or deprecation laconicum sauna lactarium dairy farm or milking operation lacteous milky lactescent secreting milk lactiferous milk-bearing lactifluous flowing with milk lactogenic producing milk lactometer instrument for testing relative density of milk lactoscope instrument for measuring purity or richness of milk lacuna a blank space or missing part lacunar sunken panel or coffer in a ceiling lacuscular of, like or pertaining to pools lacustrine of, like or pertaining to lakes ladronism banditry; robbery laeotropic turning to the left laevoduction movement leftwards lagan cargo jettisoned from ship but marked by buoys for recovery lagan wreckage or goods at the bottom of the sea lagena flask lageniform shaped like a flask lagerphone percussion instrument with bottlecaps loosely nailed to pole lagniappe gratuity lagostoma harelip lagotic having ears like a hare's laic of, like or pertaining to lay people rather than clergy laicisation process of returning a clergyman to lay status laicism doctrine of opposition to clergy and priests lairwite fine given to married women for adultery laitance milky deposit on top of fresh concrete lallation childish speech; mispronunciation of speech sounds lambdoid shaped like the letter lambda (^) or "L" lambent moving about as if touching lightly; flickering; glowing lambert unit of brightness of light lambitive taken by licking up with the tongue lambrequin drapery over a window or doorway; veil over a helmet lamé fabric in which metallic threads are interwoven lamella thin plate or layer lamelliform shaped like a plate or layer lamiaceous minty; of, like or pertaining to the mint plant lamina thin plate or layer laminary of, like or pertaining to thin plates or layer lamister fugitive lammergeier giant vulture-like bird of prey lampad lamp, candlestick or torch lampadedromy torch-race lampadephore torchbearer lampadomancy divination by flame lampion decorated oil lamp lamprophony speaking in loud and clear tones lampyridine of, like or pertaining or pertaining to glow-worms or fireflies lanai private balcony in a hotel room lanameter instrument for measuring quality of wool lanate woolly lanceolate shaped like a lance-head lanciform shaped like a lance lancinate to lacerate; to pierce lancination sharp; shooting pain landau horse-drawn carriage with folding top landocracy government by the propertied class; timocracy langlauf cross-country skiing or running langley unit of solar radiation languescent growing languid languet tongue-like object or part languor listlessness; weariness laniary of teeth or claws designed for tearing (canine teeth) laniferous wool-bearing lanigerous bearing wool lanuginose downy; covered with fine soft hair lanyard rope or line for fastening something in a ship lanyard cord for hanging a knife or whistle around the neck Laodicean lukewarm; half-hearted lapactic purgative laparoscope instrument for viewing interior of peritoneal cavity lapicide stonecutter lapidarian of, like or pertaining to stones; inscribed on stones lapidary gem-cutter lapidate to pelt with stones; to kill by stoning lapideous stony lapidescent becoming stone; petrifying lapifidication petrifaction lapilliform shaped like a small stone lapillus small stone ejected by volcanic eruption lappaceous prickly lappet fold or flap on a garment or headdress worn by priest laquearia panelled ceiling lar local god of a house larboard left side of a ship lardaceous of, like or pertaining to lard lares local Roman gods largifical ample; bountiful largiloquent talkative; full of words largition giving of largess larine of, like or pertaining to gulls larithmics study of population statistics laroid of, like or pertaining to gulls larrigan high oil-tanned leather boot or moccasin larrup to flog or thrash larvicide killing of larvae larviparous giving birth to larvae larvivorous feeding on larvae laryngology study of larynx laryngoscope instrument for examining interior of the larynx lasher weir lassitude state of being tired or weary lastage room for stowing goods in a ship lasting sturdy cotton or worsted cloth latebricole living in holes lateen triangular sail rigged on ship's spar laterigrade running or moving sideways lateritious brick-red latescent becoming latent laticiferous containing or conveying latex latidentate having broad teeth latifundia great landed estates latinitaster a petty scholar of Latin latipennate having broad wings latitant lurking; lying in wait; hibernating latitat writ based on supposition that person is in hiding latitudinarian one having tolerant or free religious views latitudinarianism doctrine of broad liberality in religious belief and conduct latitudinous broad or wide interpretation lative indicating motion up to or as far as latrant barking latration the act of yelping or barking latria highest degree of veneration, assigned to God over saints latrocinate to engage in highway robbery latten metal in thin plates latticinio glass having white veins laudanum an opium preparation lauds prayer service held at dawn following matins lauriferous bearing laurels lautenclavicymbel lute harpsichord with gut strings lautitious sumptuous lavabo ceremony in which priest washes his hands; basin for the ceremony lavadero place for washing gold ore lavaliere jeweled pendant worn round the neck; pendant microphone lavatory wash-basin for washing bodies of newly dead; room where lavabo kept laveer to sail against the wind laver large vessel for washing, especially for ritual purification lavic of, like or pertaining to lava lavolta lively bouncy dance for two persons lavra group of recluses' cells lawn fine sheer plain-woven cotton or linen laxism belief that an unlikely opinion may be safely followed layette baby's complete set of clothing laystall place for depositing dung or rubbish lazar leper or person with similar pestilential disease lazaret space in ship between decks used for storage lazaretto hospital for lepers lea arable land left fallow or used for pasture lecanomancy divination using water in a basin or pool lecanoscopy staring at pool of water as means of self-hypnosis lecithal having a yolk lectern desk or stand from which church lessons are read lection reading; lesson read in church lectisternium sacrifice where images of gods placed on couches and offered food lectrice female reader in church lectual requiring bed rest or confinement to bed leeboard wood or metal planes attached to hull to prevent leeway leech a vertical edge of a square sail legalism belief that salvation depends on strict adherence to the law legatine of, like or pertaining to a legate legerity lightness; nimbleness legist person knowledgeable about the law leguleian like a lawyer; underhanded and legalistic leiotrichous straight-haired leister three-pronged spear or trident used for fishing leman a lover, sweetheart or paramour lemma preliminary proposition, theme, argument or headword lemures spirits of the dead lemurine of, like or pertaining to lemurs lenify to mitigate or assuage lenitive soothing; laxative; mitigating lenity mildness; clemency leno open-woven fabric lentic associated with standing water lentiform shaped like a lens lentiginose minutely dotted; freckled lentigo freckle lentitude lethargy; slowness lentor sluggishness; viscidity leonine of, like or pertaining to lions leonine of or like a lion; rhyming last two or three syllables in a line leontiasis form of leprosy in which the face becomes wrinkly and somewhat lion-like leopon crossbreed between a leopard and a lion lepadoid resembling a barnacle lepid pleasant; charming; amusing lepidine composed of scales lepidopterology study of butterflies and moths lepidopterous having four wings, such as a moth or butterfly leporiform resembling or shaped like a hare leporine of, like or pertaining to the hare leprology study of leprosy leprosarium hospital for lepers leprose scaly; scurfy leptochrous abnormally thick-skinned leptometer instrument for measuring oil viscosity leptosome person with a slight or slender build lethe oblivion; forgetfulness lethiferous causing death; carrying or bearing death lethologica inability to remember the right word lethonomia tendency to forget names leucochroic white or pale-coloured leucomelanous having dark hair and eyes but fair skin leucous albino; having fair or pale hair or complexion levant to run away from a debt leveret a hare in its first year; a mistress levigate to smooth; to grind to a fine powder; to polish; to lighten levin lightning levirate custom of compulsory marriage with brother's widow lexer law student lexicology study of words and their meanings lexigram sign which represents a word lexigraphy art of definition of words lexigraphy system of writing in which each sign represents a word lexiphanic bombastic; sesquipedalian; using many long words lexis way in which a piece of writing is expressed in words ley mystical straight line between features of landscape liard grey; dapple-grey lias fossil-bearing limestone libaniferous yielding or bearing incense libanomancy divination by watching incense smoke libanotophorous producing incense libeccio southwest wind libellant one who brings a charge of libel liber phloem or fibre from tree liberticide destruction of liberty libertinage debauchery libidinist lewd person libken place to sleep in librate to oscillate; to be poised libration apparent oscillation of moon's visible surface libriform shaped like a book lichenology study of lichens lickerish lecherous; lusty; greedy lictor ancient Roman magistrate's attendant lido bathing beach; open-air swimming pool lief soon; gladly lienal of, like or pertaining to the spleen lientery discharge of partially digested food ligation the act of binding; the state of being bound ligger horizontal timber of a scaffolding lighter large open boat used in loading and unloading ships lighterage cargo carried by or fee for carrying cargo by lighter ligneous woody; wooden ligniform of the form or shape of wood lignify to make woody; to turn into wood ligniperdous destructive of wood lignite woody coal lignivorous feeding on wood ligulate resembling or shaped like a strap ligyrophobia fear of loud noises limaciform slug-like limacine of, like or pertaining to slugs limacology study of slugs limation polishing or smoothing; correction of astronomical errors limax slug limbate possessing a border limbus border limes border limicoline living on a shore; of, like or pertaining to wading birds limicolous living in mud limitrophe near the frontier or border limivorous eating mud limn to portray, paint or delineate limner painter of portraits limnetic living in fresh water; pertaining to fresh water limnobiology study of freshwater ecosystems limnology study of bodies of fresh water limnophilous living in ponds or marshes limoniad meadow nymph limophoitos insanity due to lack of food limosis abnormally ravenous appetite limous muddy; slimy limpid clear; transparent linaceous of, like or pertaining to flax linchpin person or thing vital to an organization lincrusta thick embossed wallpaper lindy hop lively dance closely resembling the jitterbug and famous for its aerials lineament distinctive feature or characteristic lineolate marked with fine lines lingual of, like or pertaining to language, speech or the tongue linguiform shaped like a tongue linonophobia fear of string linsey coarse linen and wool blend linsey-woolsey thin coarse fabric of wool and linen lintel horizontal beam supporting the load above a door lioncelle small lion used as a bearing lionism lion-like appearance symptomatic of leprosy lipogram piece of writing in which a certain letter is excluded lipography accidental omission of letter or syllable in wrting lipomatosis obesity lipothymy swoon lippitude soreness of the eyes lipsanographer one who writes about relics lipsanotheca container for relics liquate to melt; to subject to liquation liquescent becoming liquid liquifacient liquifying agent liquifaction the act of liquefying something liripipe long tail of a graduate's hood; a part or lesson committed to memory lissome lithe; nimble; flexible lissotrichous smooth-haired litany prayer of supplication in responsive style literatim letter for letter literation representation of sounds by letters literator dabbler in learning literose spuriously or affectedly literary lithochromy painting upon stone lithoclast stone breaker; tool for breaking rocks lithodomous living in burrows in rocks lithogenous rock-building lithoglyph engraving on stone litholatry stone-worship lithology study of rocks lithomancy divination by stones or meteorites lithophagous stone-swallowing; rock-boring; eating rock lithophilous living among stones lithophyte plant that grows on rock litotes understatement by affirming using negation of the contrary littoral of, like or pertaining to the shore of a body of water liturate spotted liturgician one who studies or recites church rituals liturgiology study of liturgical forms and church rituals liturgist leader in public worship livedo pathological blueness of skin lixiviation leaching loan-word word borrowed from another language lobar of, like or pertaining to a lobe lobate having a lobe or lobes lobcock bumpkin, boor or lout lobular shaped like a lobe locanda lodging-house; inn locative indicating location or place where locellate divided into small compartments locellus small compartment of a cell lochetic waiting in ambush lochlet little loch lockram coarse linen lockstep method of marching in tight formation locomobile self-propelling machine; early automobile loculate having loculi loculus small compartment or recess for holding an urn locum clergyman temporarily replacing regular priest locuplete well-stored locutory room for conversation loden heavy waterproof woollen fabric lodesman pilot loess deposit of rich and fertile soil logan rocking-stone loganamnosis mania for trying to recall forgotten words logarithmancy divination by means of algorithms loggia covered open arcade logia collection of sayings logicaster a petty logician logocracy government of words logodaedalus artificer in words logodaedaly verbal legerdemain logogogue one who issues laws or rules regarding words logogram single sign standing for word or phrase logogriph riddle in which word is found from other words' letters logomachy contention about words or in words logomancy divination using words logomania pathological loquacity logopedics speech therapy logophile a lover of words logorrhea excessive flow of words; uncontrollable garrulity logos divine rational principle logotype body of text with frequently occurring word or syllable loimic of, like or pertaining to plagues loimology study of plagues and epidemics lollop to bound about wildly longanimity forbearance; patience longe rope used in training horses longeron longitudinal membrane of an airplane longiloquence long-winded language longiniquity remoteness longueur period of dullness or tedium loranthaceous of, like or pertaining to the mistletoe lordolatry worship of nobility lordosis convex curvature of the spine loreal located in the area between the eyes and the nose or snout lorette courtesan lorgnette eyeglasses with a handle lorgnon an eyeglass loricate armoured with plates or scales; to coat or armour protectively lorimer saddlemaker losel worthless fellow; scamp lotic associated with or living in running water lotophagous feeding on lotuses; indolent; lazy; dreamy louche squinting; ambiguous; shady louchettes spectacles used to reduce glare and prevent squinting loupe jeweller's magnifying glass worn on the eye-socket lour to look sullen or threatening louvre sloping slat placed across an opening lovat grey-green; blue-green loxodograph device used to record ship's travels loxodrome line on the globe equally oblique to all meridians loxodromy study of sailing along rhumb-lines loxophthalmus squint loxotic distorted; oblique lubricious slippery; lewd lubricity greasiness; wiliness lubritorium service station lucarne dormer window lucent shining; bright lucernal of, like or pertaining to lamps luciferous light-bringing; light-giving luciform like light lucifugous shunning or avoiding light lucigen lamp burning oil mixed with air in a spray lucimeter instrument for measuring light intensity luciphyllous light-absorbing or consuming lucre sordid gain; riches lucriferous lucrative; yielding profit lucripetous eager for gain luctation struggle lucubration study protracted late into the night luculent bright; clear; convincing ludibry contempt; derision ludibund playful ludic spontaneously and aimlessly playful ludicrism burlesque luff windward side of a ship; forward edge of fore-and-aft sail lugsail four-sided sail bent to an obliquely hanging yard lugubrious mournful; dismal lumbriciform shaped like a worm; worm-like lumbricine of, like or pertaining to earthworms lumen unit of luminous flux luminiferous bearing or bringing light luminist artist who uses the effects of light; impressionist lunarist one who believes that the moon affects the weather lunate crescent-shaped lunation lunar month; interval between successive new moons lunette crescent-shaped space where a vault meets a wall lunisolar pertaining jointly to the moon and sun lunistice time when moon is farthest north or south each month lunula Bronze Age crescent necklace; white part of fingernail base lunulate shaped like a small crescent lupanarian of, like or pertaining to a brothel lupicide killing of a wolf lupiform shaped like a wolf lupine of, like or pertaining to wolves lupulic of, like or pertaining to hops lurdan lazy and dull individual lurid red-yellow; yellow-brown lusory playful lustrate to purify by sacrifice lustration ritual washing; ablution lustring glossy silk lustrum period of five years; periodic purification of Roman empire lutaceous of, like or pertaining to or comprised of mud lutarious inhabiting mud lutchet fitting on ship's deck to allow mast to pivot to pass under bridges luteolous yellowish luteous golden-yellow lutescent yellowish lutestring plain glossy silk luthier maker of stringed instruments lutose covered with mud or clay; muddy lutrine of, like or pertaining to otters lutulent thick; muddy lux unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square meter luxate to displace or dislocate luxation dislocation of an anatomical part luxmeter instrument for measuring illumination luxuriant overabundant in growth lycanthropy mythical ability of humans to turn into wolves; werewolfism lyceum school of philosophical instruction lychgate roofed gate of a churchyard lychnobite one who works at night and sleeps in the day lychnoscope low side window Lydian effeminate; luxurious lygophilia love of darkness lygophobia fear of darkness lyncean lynx-like; sharp-sighted lyophile easily dispersed in a suitable medium lyophilization freeze-drying lypemania extreme pathological mournfulness lyrate lyre-shaped lyrichord kind of obsolete harpsichord lyricon electronic wind instrument like a large obverse flute lysarden old wind instrument like a cornett or serpent lysigenic caused by the breaking down of cells lysimeter instrument for measuring percolation of water through soil lysis disintegration; destruction lyssophobia abnormal fear of hydrophobia lyterian indicating the end of a disease lythcoop auction of household goods mabble to wrap up mabsoot happy macadamize to cover a road with small broken stones macarism a beatitude; taking pleasure in another's joy macarize to declare to be happy or blessed macaronic muddled or mixed-up macerate to steep or soak; to break up; to emaciate macerator a person who fasts and becomes emaciated machair low-lying sandy beach machairodont sabre-toothed machicolation space between corbels in a parapet machinule tool used by surveyors to obtain right angle macies atrophy macilent lean; excessively thin mackinaw heavy napped and felted wool cloth mackintosh lightweight rubberized waterproof cotton macon smoked salted mutton macrobian long-lived macrobiote long-lived organism macrocephalic having an abnormally large head macrocephalous having a large head macrocosm large and complex structure considered as a whole macrography viewing an object with the naked eye macrology much talk with little to say; redundancy; pleonasm macromancy divination using large objects macromania delusion that objects are larger than natural size macrophobia fear of prolonged waiting macropodine of, like or pertaining to kangaroos macropterous having large wings or fins macroscian one with a long shadow; one who inhabits polar regions macrotous big-eared macrural having a long tail mactation killing or slaughter of a sacrificial victim macular spotted; patchy maculation the act of spotting or staining maculomancy divination using spots maculose spotted madapollam fine cotton cloth madarosis loss of eyelashes or eyebrows madder red dye made from brazil wood; a reddish or red-orange colour madefy to moisten or make wet maderization wine becoming rusty in colour and flat in taste madescent growing damp madid wet; dank madoline vegetable slicer with adjustable blade madras fine plain-woven cotton or silk maelid apple-nymph maenadic furious; bacchanalian maffick to celebrate exuberantly and boisterously magadis ancient bridged stringed instrument maggotorium place where maggots are bred for sale to fishers magianism teachings or philosophy of the magi magirics art of cookery magisterial in the manner of a teacher or magistrate magisterium teaching function of the Catholic church magistral of, like or pertaining to a master or teacher magnality wonderful or great thing magnanerie art of raising silkworms magnetics study of magnetism magnetograph instrument for recording measurements of magnetic fields magnetometer instrument for measuring intensity of magnetic fields magneton unit of the quantized magnetic moment of a particle magnicaudate having a long tail magnificat canticle in praise of the Virgin Mary magniloquent speaking in a grand or pompous style magpiety garrulousness mahout one who rides or drives elephants maidan open plain; open space near a town maieutic bringing out latent thoughts; socratic maieutics midwifery maillot tights worn by a ballet dancer mainmast sailing ship's principal mast mainour stolen goods discovered on thief mainpernor one who gives mainprise mainprise surety for the appearance of a prisoner at trial mainsail principal sail on a ship's mainmast mainsheet rope by which mainsail is trimmed and secured mainstay stay that extends from the main-top to the foot of the foremast majolica elaborate glazed Italian pottery malabathrum dried leaf used in ancient times to make perfumed ointments malacissation act of making soft or supple malacoid made of a soft or fleshy substance malacology study of molluscs malacophilous pollinated by snails malacophonous soft-voiced malagma emollient plaster malaguena Spanish dance performed by a couple, similar to the fandango malapert bold; forward; saucy malapropism misapplication of words without mispronunciation malar of, like or pertaining to the cheek malariology study of malaria malaxage softening of clay by kneading it malaxate to soften by kneading, rubbing or mixing with a liquid malchus short cutting sword maledicent cursing malefic doing mischief; producing evil malfeasance evil-doing; illegal activities malgré in spite of maliferous harmful; unhealthy malinger to feign sickness in order to avoid duty or work malism the belief that the world is evil malison a curse malleation hammering; a hammer-mark or dent malleiform shaped like a hammer mallophagous eating wool or fleece malloseismic suffering from frequent and severe earthquakes malm calcareous loam used in making brick malmsey sweet perfumed wine maltha thick mineral pitch maltster one who makes or deals in malt malvaceous of, like or pertaining to the mallow family of plants malversation corruption in office; corrupt administration; misconduct mambo Cuban ballroom dance resembling the rumba or cha-cha mamelle rounded hill mamelon rounded hill or protuberance mammalogy study of mammals mammer to stammer; to waver; to be undecided mammetry idolatry; idols collectively mammiferous having breasts mammiform shaped like a breast mammila nipple mammiliform shaped like a nipple mammock scrap or shred; a broken piece mammogenic promoting growth of the milk glands mammon riches; the wealthy; the upper classes mammonism devotion to pursuit of wealth mammose shaped like a breast mammothrept spoiled child mamzer illegitimate child manal of, like or pertaining to the hand mancipation legal transfer by actual or symbolic sale manciple steward of a college or monastery; purveyor mandament command; order mandamus writ instructing that an action should be performed mandarism government with a large bureaucracy mandative of, like or pertaining to commands or leadership mandibuliform shaped like a mandible or jaw-bone mandorla oval panel containing a work of art; elliptical halo around holy person mandrel axle of a circular saw mandriarch founder or leader of a monastic order manducate to chew or eat mandylion loose outer garment worn over armour manège the art of horsemanship manganiferous bearing manganese mangonel medieval war engine for throwing stones manicate having a woolly growth that can be peeled off manicism left-handedness maniform having the shape of a hand maniple clerical vestment worn on the left arm manometer instrument for measuring pressure of a liquid or gas manqué having had unfulfilled ambition; failing to achieve expectation manrope rope used as a handrail on a ship mansionary residence; mansions mansuetude meekness; tameness; sweetness of temper mansworn perjured mantelletta knee-length sleeveless garment worn by Catholic cardinals and bishops mantic of, like or pertaining to divination; prophetic; divinely inspired mantissa decimal part of logarithm mantology fortune-telling manubrial shaped like a handle manubrium any handle-like structure manuduction careful guidance; leading by hand manumission emancipation; freedom from slavery manurance cultivation manustupration masturbation mappemond map of the world maquette small model of something to be made on a larger scale maquis guerrilla resistance force marabout thin downy silk maraging process by which alloy is slowly cooled in the air marah bitterness; something bitter marasmus wasting away of the body; emaciation due to malnutrition marc refuse from winemaking marcella cotton or linen in twill weave marcescent withering without falling off marchpane old name for marzipan marcidity state of great leanness marcottage propagation of trees by stripping ring of bark and covering with moss maremma marsh; miasma margaric pearl-like margaritiferous pearl-bearing margaritomancy divination using pearls maricolous living in the sea mariculture cultivation of aquatic flora and fauna marigenous produced by or in the sea marigraph instrument for recording tide levels Mariolatry worship of the virgin mother Mariology study of the Virgin Mary maritage right of feudal lord to arrange marriages of vassals mariticide killing or killer of one's husband maritodespotism ruthless domination by a husband marivaudage preciosity in literary style or expression marl clay used as fertilizer marline small rope wound about larger rope to keep it from fraying marmarosis conversion of limestone into marble marmoreal of or like marble marocain ribbed crepe fabric marquetry furniture inlaid with multicoloured wood, ivory, or metal marquisette sheer meshed cloth marrano Jew converted to Christianity to avoid persecution marry expression of surprised agreement martello circular fort for coastal defence martext ignorant preacher martinet a strict disciplinarian; one who adheres to rules martingale lower stay of rope used to sustain strain of the forestays martingale strap between horse's forelegs to keep its head down martlet heraldic representation of a bird without feet martyrium shrine erected in memory of a martyr martyrolatry excessive devotion to martyrs martyrology study of martyrs marver marble or iron slab on which molten glass is rolled mascaron grotesque face on a door-knocker maschalephidrosis massive sweating of the armpits mascle diamond-shaped plate or scale mascon concentration of dense mass beneath the moon's surface maskirovka use of deception or camouflage as military stratagem masseter muscle used to move the lower jaw masterate degree or title of a master masticate to chew; to knead mechanically mastigophorous bearing a whip mastoid like a nipple or teat mastology study of mammals matachin Spanish ritualised sword-dance or battle dance matelassé having a quilted ornamentation; fabric with raised pattern as if quilted materialism belief that matter is the only extant substance materteral of or resembling an aunt mathemancy divination by counting mathematicaster minor or inferior mathematician mathesis mental discipline; learning or wisdom matinal of, like or pertaining to the morning matins prayer service held in early morning hours matrass long-necked chemical flask matrical of, like or pertaining to a womb or a matrix matricular of, like or pertaining to a register matriherital of, like or pertaining to inheritance along the female line matriotism love for country or other institution when regarded as a mother matripotestal of, like or pertaining to the power of mothers matroclinic more like the mother than the father matryoshka Russian hollow wooden doll mattery purulent mattock pickaxe for loosening soil mattoid person on borderline between sanity and insanity maturescent becoming mature matutinal of, like or pertaining to the morning; happening early in the day matutolypea getting up on the wrong side of the bed maudlin tearfully sentimental maugre in spite of maugre in spite of; notwithstanding maulstick stick used by painters to steady the hand maunder to grumble; to drivel; to mutter maundy custom of sovereign washing feet of poor or giving alms mavrodaphne sweet dark red Greek wine maxillary of, like or pertaining to a jaw maximalism uncompromising adherence to extreme demands maxixe Brazilian ballroom dance resembling the two-step maxwell unit of magnetic flux maya illusion; the world of phenomena mayhap perhaps mazarine rich blue or reddish-blue colour mazer hardwood drinking bowl mazology mammalogy; study of mammals mazopathia any disease of the placenta mazurka Polish folk dance in moderate triple measure mazut petroleum residue after distillation mazy dizzy; confused; labyrinthine; convoluted mazzard wild sweet cherry mazzebah ancient Jewish sacred stone pillar mbalax West African popular music mbaqanga jazz-influenced southern African popular music style meable easily penetrable meatus opening of a passage or canal mecate old Mexican measure of about one-tenth of an acre mechanism belief that life is explainable by mechanical forces mechanolatry worship of machines mechanomorphic having the form of a machine mecometer instrument for measuring length meconium first feces of a newborn child meconology study of or treatise concerning opium meconomancy divination using sleep meconophagist consumer of opium or heroin mediagenic able to present a good image in the media medianic of, like or pertaining to spiritualists, mediums or prophets medicament externally applied curative treatment medicaster quack; charlatan meditabund absorbed in meditation medius the middle finger medullary consisting of or resembling marrow or pith medusiform resembling a jellyfish meedless undeserving; unrewarded meet fitting; proper megacerine extinct giant deer megachiropteran of, like or pertaining to fruit bats megalith large rough stone used as a monument megameter instrument for determining longitude by observing stars megaprosopous having a large face megascope instrument for projecting an enlarged image megascopic visible to the naked eye megathermic surviving only in tropical climates megistotherm plant requiring very high temperatures megrim dizziness; migraine; low spirits mehari camel used for racing meiosis understatement of size or importance for rhetorical effect mekometer range-finder mel honey melalgia pain in the limbs melanic black; very dark melaniferous containing or bearing melanin melano abnormally dark person or animal melanochroic dark-skinned melasma dark patch of skin meldometer instrument for measuring melting points of substances meleagrine of, like or pertaining to turkeys melic to be sung; lyric melichrous having a honey-like colour meline canary-yellow meliorism the belief the world tends to become better meliphagous feeding upon honey melisma tune; melodic embellishment; ornamentation melismatic florid in melody melittology study of bees mellaginous of, like or pertaining to or resembling honey melliferous producing or forming honey mellification honey-making mellisonant sweet-sounding mellivorous honey-eating melologue recitation with musical accompaniment melomania craze for music melopepon any of various kinds of squash melopoeia composition of music melton strong and smooth heavy woollen cloth membral of, like or pertaining to the limbs rather than the trunk memoriter from memory; by heart menald speckled; spotted menarche first menstruation mendacity insincerity; inclination to tell falsehoods mendicant member of impoverished religious order mendiloquence artful lying menisciform shaped like a crescent meniscus crescent-shaped object; concave lens menology register or calendar of saints' days mensal of, like or pertaining to the dinner-table; monthly menstruum solvent used in the preparation of drugs mensuration measuring to find the dimensions of things mental of, like or pertaining to the chin mentalism belief that the world can be explained as aspect of the mind mentatiferous telepathic mentation thought; cogitation; cognition menticide reduction of mind by psychological pressure mentum the chin mephitic foul-smelling meracious pure; unmixed mercedary pertaining to the giving or receiving of wages mercer dealer in small wares or textiles mercurial volatile; fluctuating merdivorous dung-eating merdurinous composed of urine and feces merengue Caribbean ballroom dance in which feet are frequently dragged mereology study of part-whole relationships meretricious of, like or pertaining to prostitution; superficially attractive but lacking value merino soft wool of the merino sheep; any soft merino-like wool or wool and cotton cloth merism rhetorical device of contrasting two parts of a whole meristic divided into parts or segments meritocracy government by the meritorious merkin pubic wig merlon narrow wall in battlement between embrasures merocracy government by a part of the citizenry merogenesis segmentation meromorphic fractional meronym word whose relation to another is a part to the whole meropia partial blindness mersion dipping; as in baptism merycism rumination mésalliance unsuitable marriage meseems it seems to me mesial middle mesic adapted to life with a moderate supply of moisture mesnalty feudal estate mesochroic having skin colour intermediate between light and dark mesocracy government by the middle classes mesology ecology mesotherm plant living only in moderate climates mesquin mean; ungracious messaline soft lightweight silk with a satin weave messianism belief in a single messiah or saviour messuage house with land and auxiliary buildings metabasis transition; transfer metabiosis reliance of an organism on another for environment metachronism an error of dating an event too late metachrosis ability of animals to change colour metage official weighing of goods; charge for such weighing metagnomy divination metagnostic incomprehensible; beyond understanding metagraphy transliteration metagrobolize to mystify; to puzzle out metalepsis metonymy of a double or indirect kind metalliferous bearing metal metallogenic metal occurring as an ore as opposed to in rocks metallogeny study of the origin and distribution of metal deposits metallography study of the structure and constitution of metals metallurgy study of alloying and treating metals metameric of, like or pertaining to serial division or segmentation of body metanalysis incorrect placement of 'n' at start of word following a nindefinite article metanoia repentance; fundamental change in character metanomen metaphorical name metaphony umlaut; change in vöwel sound due to nearby consonant metaphrase turning of prose into verse or vice versa metaphrast one who produces a metaphrase metaphysics study of principles of nature and thought metaphysis change in form; metamorphosis metaplasm alteration in spelling of a word metapolitics study of politics in theory or abstract metapsychology study of nature of the mind metastasis removal from one place to another metasthenic having strong haunches or hindquarters metastrophe mutual exchange metathesis transposition of sounds or letters of a word métayage system of agricultural labour with share of produce as wages metempirical beyond the scope of knowledge metempsychosis passing of soul after death into another body metemptosis omission of day from calendar to correct lunar calendar metensomatosis movement of soul into new body before or after death meteorism abdominal cramps and swelling due to flatulence meteoritics the study of meteors meteorograph instrument recording a variety of meteorological observations meteoromancy divination by studying meteors methanometer instrument for detecting presence of methane metheglin mead; honey ale methinks I believe; I think methomania morbid craving for alcohol methysis drunkenness métier profession, occupation, calling or business metonymy figurative use of word to name an attribute of its subject metope front, forehead or frontal surface metopic of, like or pertaining to the forehead metopomancy divination using the forehead or face metoposcopy fortune-telling or judgement of character by the lines of the forehead metrics study of versification metrocracy government by mothers or women; matriarchy metrology science of weights and measures metromania insatiable desire for writing verse metronymy system of naming after the mother's or female line metrophobia fear of poetry metropolitan archbishop holding authority over other bishops meuse space through which animal track passes mew to shed, moult or change mewling crying feebly mezzotint method of copper engraving with even gradation of tones mho unit of electrical conductance miasma foul vapours from rotting matter; unwholesome air micaceous consisting of or made of mica micrander dwarf male plant microanatomy study of microscopic tissues microbarograph instrument for recording minute changes in atmospheric pressure microbiology study of microscopic organisms microcalorimeter instrument for measuring tiny quantities of heat microcephalic having a very small head microclimatology study of local climates micrograph instrument used to write on a very small scale microlith very small stone tool micrology study or discussion of trivialities micromancy divination using small objects micromania pathological self-deprecation or belief that one is very small micrometer instrument for measuring very small distances micronometer instrument for measuring short periods of time micropalaeontology study of microscopic fossils microphagous feeding on small creatures or plants microphyllous having small leaves microphytology study of very small plant life micropodal having extremely small feet micropolis small city micropsia disease causing objects to appear smaller than actual size micropyle microscopic orifice microscopy study of minute objects microseismograph instrument for recording small or distant earthquakes microseismometer instrument for measuring small or distant earthquakes microsomatous having a small body microtome instrument used to cut very small sections of something micrurgy dissection under magnification or under a microscope micturition the act of urinating mida larva of the bean-fly midinette shop-girl midlenting custom of giving gifts to parents on mid-Lent Sunday mien air or look; manner mignon small and dainty migraineur one who suffers from migraines mil unit of 1/1000 inch used for measuring thickness of wire mileometer instrument for recording distance travelled in miles miliary like or concerning millet seeds militaster soldier without skill or ability milleflori glassware made of coloured rods embedded in clear glass millenarianism belief that an ideal society will be produced in the near future millesimal thousandth; consisting of thousandth parts milliad millennium; period of a thousand years milliammeter instrument for recording very small electrical currents millionocracy government by millionaires millocracy government by mill owners milquetoast very timid; unassertive person milt fish spawn milvine of, like or pertaining to kites and similar birds mim prim, demure mimature mimicry mimetic imitative; of, like or pertaining to mimicry mimography written representation of signs minacious threatening minargent alloy of copper, silver and aluminum minatory threatening minauderie display of affectation mineralogy study of minerals miniaceous colour of reddish lead miniate to decorate with rubrics; to illuminate a manuscript miniaturist one who paints miniature pictures minify to diminish, in appearance or reality minim unit of liquid volume equal to 1/480 fluid ounces minimifidian having the smallest possible degree of faith minimism inclination to reduce a dogma to the least possible minimuscular tiny minium vermilion; red lead miniver ermine in winter coat; ermine or squirrel fur minnesinger medieval troubadour or poet minster church associated with a monastery minuend number from which another is to be subtracted minuet slow and stately Baroque dance in 3/4 time minutious paying undue attention to minutiae miosis abnormal contraction of the pupil of the eye miothermic of, like or pertaining to temperature conditions of the present day mirabilia wonders mirabiliary miracle worker mirador belvedere or watchtower; architectural feature with good view mird to meddle mirific wonder-working; marvellous mirliton reed pipe misacceptation misinterpretation misandry hatred of men misaunter misadventure or mishap misbeseem to be unsuited or unsuitable to miscegene person of mixed racial heritage miscellanarian writer of miscellanies misericord ledge in church to lean against while standing; forgiveness or mercy misfeasance doing of a lawful act in a wrongful manner mislight to lead astray by a light misocapnic hating tobacco or its smoke misoclere one who hates the clergy misogallic hating France or the French misology hatred of reason or knowledge misoneism hatred of novelty misopaedia hatred of children misosophy hatred of knowledge or wisdom misotheism hatred of God or deities misprise to scorn; to slight; to undervalue misprision mistake; overlooking of a crime of another missal book containing complete service for mass mistetch bad habit mistigris variation of poker where blank card can have any value misyoke to yoke or marry unsuitably miter high headdress worn by bishop or archbishop mithridate antidote to poison mithridatism immunity to poison by taking increasingly large doses miticide agent which kills mites mitogenic causing cell division mitrailleur machine-gunner mitrate shaped like a mitre or bonnet mitriform mitre-shaped mittimus warrant granted for sending a charged person to jail mixen dunghill mixotrophic combining different modes of nutrition mizmaze labyrinth; bewilderment mizzen three-masted vessel; aft sail of such a vessel mizzenmast mast aft or next aft of the mainmast in a ship mizzle to rain in small drops mnemon unit of memory, largely hypothetical mnemonist one from whose memory nothing is erased mnemotechny system for improving memory mnesic of, like or pertaining to memory mobocracy government by mobs or crowds mockado inferior quality woollen fabric modalism belief in unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit modena crimson modillion ornamental bracket under Corinthian or other column modish fashionable; stylish modiste a maker or seller of fashionable dresses and hats modius cylindrical headdress of the gods modulus number leaving same remainder when divided into two others mofette volcanic opening in the earth emitting carbon dioxide mofussil provincial; rural mogadore ribbed silk used in making neckties mogigraphia writing only with difficulty mogilalia speaking only with difficulty mohair fabric made from silky hair of angora goats moilsome laborious moineau small flat bastion that protects fortification when being built moire watered silk moiré watered appearance on cloth or metal moirologist mourner for hire molariform shaped like a molar molendinar of, like or pertaining to a mill or miller molendinary mill moleskin heavy durable cotton molimen great effort, especially in performing natural functions molinary of, like or pertaining to mills or grinding molinology study of mills and milling mollescent softening mollipilose downy; soft; having soft plumage mollities softness; softening mollitious luxurious; sensuous molluscicide killing of mollusks mollycoddle an effeminate man molochize to sacrifice molossus verse foot of three long syllables molybdosis lead poisoning momentaneous momentary; instantaneous momilogy study of mummies Momus satirist; critic mon Japanese family crest monachise to cause to become a monk monachism monasticism monadism theory that there exist ultimate units of being monandry marriage to only one man at a time monanthous having only a single flower monaxial having only one axis mondain worldly; fashionable; such a person monepic comprising only one word or single-word sentences monergism theory that the Holy Spirit alone can act moneyocracy government by the monied classes mongery trafficking or marketing, especially in discreditable ways monial a nun moniliform shaped like a string of beads monism belief that all things can be placed in one category monition caution; warning monitory letter containing a warning monkery monks in general; monasticism; behaviour of monks monoblepsia colour-blindness for all but one colour monocarpic producing fruit only once monocerous having only one horn monochord musical instrument having only one string monochroic of one colour monochromasy complete colour-blindness monochronic contemporaneous monocracy government by one individual monoculture growing of one agricultural crop only monoculus one-eyed person monodont one-tusked monodrama one-man show; play having only one actor monody mournful ode or poem performed by a single mourner monoecious having both male and female reproductive organs monogenesis origin of offspring from identical parent monogoneutic having only a single brood or litter monogony asexual reproduction monoideism obsession or fixation on a single idea or thought monolatry worship of one god without excluding belief in others monoliteral comprising only one letter monolith large single stone in form of monument, obelisk or column monology habit of offering soliloquies or monologues monomachy single combat; a duel monomania abnormal obsession with a single thought or idea monomorphic having only one form monoousian having the same substance monophagous feeding on only one type of food monophobia fear of being alone monophylletic derived from common ancestry or parentage monophysitism belief that Christ was primarily divine but in human form monopode one-footed person with foot large enough to be a sunshade monopolylogue dramatic work in which one actor plays many roles monopsony case of only one buyer for products of several sellers monopsychism belief that individuals have a single eternal soul monopteron circular temple with one ring of columns monoptote word with one form for all cases; indeclinable noun monorhyme series of lines all rhyming together monoschemic having the same metrical pattern throughout monostichous in one line; in one row monostrophe poem in which all stanzas share an identical structure monostylar consisting of a single shaft monosy separation of parts normally fused monotheism belief in only one God monotheletism belief that Christ had only one will monothelious polyandrous monotroch wheelbarrow monoxylon canoe made from one log monstrance vessel used to expose the Eucharist montane mountainous; mountain-dwelling montant vertical member in panelling or framing montero huntsman montgolfier balloon using fire for propulsion monticle a little hill monticolous mountain-dwelling montiform shaped like a mountain montre visible pipes of an organ monture mounting, setting or frame mooncalf false conception or fleshy mass in the womb moonraker topmost sail of a ship, above the skyscraper moorlog deposit of decayed woody material under a marsh moot meeting; gathering; meeting-hall mopsical short-sighted moquette thick piled fabric used in upholstery and carpeting mor humus layer formed by slow decomposition in acidic soil mora delay morassic of, like or pertaining to a morass morbidezza an extreme delicacy and softness morbiferous disease-bringing morbilli measles morbilliform like or resembling measles morbus disease morcellate to divide into small portions mordacious given to biting; biting in quality mordant biting; caustic; incisive; corrosive mordent rapidly alternating a tone with one half-tone lower; reverse trill moreen stout corded wool or cotton morel dark-coloured horse; blackish colour moresco a Moorish dance or morris-dance morgan unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome morganatic of, like or pertaining to a marriage between those of unequal rank morganise to secretly do away with morgen unit of land area slightly more than two acres morgue haughtiness; arrogance moria folly morient dying moriform shaped like a mulberry morigeration deferential behaviour morigerous obsequious or deferent morion open helmet without visor morioplasty restoration of lost parts of the body morkin animal that has died by accident morling sheep dead from disease; its wool mormal inflamed sore morne dismal; gloomy; sombre morology nonsense morosis pathological feeble-mindedness morosophy foolish pretence of wisdom morphallaxis regeneration in a changed form morphean of, like or pertaining to dreams morphew skin eruption morphinomania habitual craving or desire for morphine morphogenesis origin or development of a body part or organ morphology study of forms and the development of structures morphometry measurement of form or shape morphonomy laws governing biological morphology morphotic of, like or pertaining to formation or development morris vigorous English dance performed by costumed men morro rounded hill or headland morsal of, like or pertaining to the cutting edge of a knife morse walrus morsitation act of biting or gnawing morsure a bite mortalism belief that the soul is mortal mortiferous death-bringing; fatal mortise hole or recess made in wood to receive a tenon mortmain restrictive influence of the past on the present moschate having a musky odour moschiferous producing musk moslings thin strips taken off when dressing skins motable constantly moving motatory continually moving motiferous conveying motion motile capable of moving spontaneously as a whole motograph old telegraph or telephone receiver motrix female motor motte artificial mound upon which a castle is built mottle to variegate blotchily moucharaby projecting latticed window mouchard police spy mouillé sounded in a liquid manner; palatized mouldwarp mole moulin shaft in a glacier caused by water running down a crack moulinet machine for bending a crossbow mountenance amount; distance mournival set of four things mousseline fine sheer fabric mousseline very fine glassware mouton sheepskin processed to look like the fur of another animal movent moving; capable of causing motion mow to make a grimace moya volcanic mud mozzetta short cape with ornamental hood worn by Catholic prelates mucago mucus; mucilage mucedinous mouldy; mildewy muchity great size or bulk mucid mouldy; musty muciferous conveying or secreting mucus mucilage any sticky substance mucivorous feeding on plant juices mucopurulent of mucus and pus mucorrhoea discharge of mucus mucronate terminating in a sharp point mucrone stiff sharp point forming an abrupt end mucroniform like, having or resembling a sharp point muculent like mucus muffineer dish for keeping muffins hot mugient bellowing; braying mugwump one who is neutral politically mulciberian of, like or pertaining to metalworking mulct to swindle; to obtain by fraud mulctuary punishable by a fine muleteer mule-driver muliebrile womanly; feminine muliebrity womanhood mulism obstinate quirk or habit mull soft fine sheer cotton or silk fabric mull to moisten leather to make it more supple muller flat heavy stone or iron pulverizing tool mullet five-pointed star in heraldry; ridiculous hairstyle mulley hornless mulligrubs a despondent or ill-tempered mood mullion upright division between window panes mullock waste earth or rock from a mine mulm organic sediment at bottom of an aquarium mulse boiled wine with honey multanimous having a many-sided mind multarticulate many-jointed multeity manifoldness; very great numerousness multicapitate many-headed multicipital many-headed multifarious having great diversity; manifold multifid having many divisions multiflorous many-flowered multilocation appearance in many places simultaneously multiloculate many-chambered multiloquent talkative; garrulous multiparous having given birth to multiple children multiplicative indicating repetition or augmentation multipotent having the power to do many things multiscience knowledge of many things multisonant producing many or very loud sounds multisulcate many-furrowed multitarian having many forms but one central essence multivious leading in many directions; offering many different paths multivocal having many meanings multivolent having several differing opinions; disagreeing multivoltine having several broods in one season multure fee for grinding grain mumpsimus view stubbornly held even when shown to be wrong mundificative a cleansing or purifying medicine mundify to cleanse; to purify; to heal mundungus foul-smelling tobacco mungo waste produced in a woollen-mill munificence magnificent liberality in giving munify to fortify muniment means of defence; record fortifying or proving a claim munting vertical framing piece between door panels muonium positively-charged muon attached to an electron murage tax for the upkeep of walls murally by means of walls; on or from a wall murcous having the thumb cut off murdrum killing of a human being in a secret manner murenger official in charge of ensuring city walls are repaired muriated pickled; preserved muriatic briny muricate rough or warty with sharp points muriform resembling a mouse or rat murine of, like or pertaining to mice and rats muriphobia fear of mice murrain epidemic or plague affecting livestock murrhine clear glassware containing pieces of coloured glass musal of, like or pertaining to poetry or the Muses muscariform shaped like a brush muscicapine of, like or pertaining to flycatchers and related birds muscicide substance for killing flies muscid of, like or pertaining to house-flies muscoid of, like or pertaining to mosses; moss-like muscology the study of mosses museology the study of museums musicaster a mediocre musician muslin plain-woven fine cotton musomania obsession with music musrol nose-band of a bridle mussitate to mutter mussitation murmuring; grumbling mustelid otters, badgers and weasels musteline of, like or pertaining to weasels, martens and badgers mutagenesis origin or induction of mutation mutative indicating a change of place or state mutchkin old unit of liquid measurement equal to 3/4 of an imperial pint mutic lacking normal defensive parts or organs mutivity tendency to alter mutualism belief in mutual dependence of society and the individual mvule kind of African tree like a mulberry; hard wood of that tree myasthenia muscular weakness or debility mycetism fungus poisoning mycology study of funguses mycophagous eating fungus mycosis disease due to the growth of a fungus mycteric of, like or pertaining to the nostrils mycterism sneering mydriasis morbid dilatation of the pupil of the eye myelic of, like or pertaining to the spinal cord myogenic having a muscular origin myograph instrument for recording muscular contractions myology study of muscles myomancy divination from the movements of mice myophobia fear of mice myosis excessive contraction of the pupil of the eye myoxine of, like or pertaining to dormice myriacanthous having many prickles myriadth being a one-ten-thousandth part of a whole myriarchy government by ten thousand individuals myringa eardrum myringoscope instrument for viewing the eardrum myriorama picture consisting of many interchangeable parts myristicivorous feeding upon nutmegs myrmecoid antlike myrmecology study of ants myrmecophagid of, like or pertaining to anteaters myrmecophagous feeding on ants myrmecophilous having a symbiotic relationship with ants myrmicine of, like or pertaining to ants myrmidon follower; hireling; mercenary myropologist one who sells perfume mysophobia fear of contamination or dirt mystacial having a mustache-like stripe mystagogical of, like or pertaining to religious ritual initiation mysteriosophy system of knowledge concerning secrets and mysteries mythoclast destroyer of myths mythogenesis origin of myths mythography descriptive study or representation of myths mythomania lying or exaggerating to an abnormal extent mythopoeic giving rise to myths nacarat bright orange-red nacelle structure on wing of airplane containing engine nacket snack; light lunch nacre mother-of-pearl nacreous of or resembling mother-of-pearl naevus birthmark naiant swimming horizontally nail old measure of two and a quarter inches nainsook fine cotton fabric naissant nascent, rising or coming forth nanism the condition of being dwarfed or being a dwarf nanization artificial dwarfing nankeen buff-coloured; durable buff-coloured cotton nanocephalous having an extremely small head naology study of church or temple architecture naos temple; inner cell of a temple napaea nymph that inhabits wooded dells napiform shaped like a turnip nappe sheet of water flowing over a weir napper one who naps cloth after it is fulled narcohypnia numbness experienced upon awakening narcolepsy pathological drowsiness narcomancy divination using sleep narcomania uncontrollable craving for narcotics narcose experiencing a hallucinogenic stupor nares the nostrils narial of, like or pertaining to the nostrils naricorn horny termination of a bird's nostril nariform shaped like the nostrils narquois mocking; malicious narthex small entrance or porch to a church nary not a one; not at all nasard organ mutation stop nascent immature; in process of birth nasicornous having a horn on the nose nasology study of the nose nasute keen-scented; critically discriminating; having a big nose nasutiform shaped like a nose natable able to float; able to be sailed natalitial of, like or pertaining to a birthday natation swimming natatorium swimming-pool nates the buttocks natheless nevertheless; notwithstanding natiform shaped like buttocks nativism belief that the mind possesses inborn thoughts natricine of, like or pertaining to water-snakes natron sodium bicarbonate natuary hospital maternity ward naturalism belief that the world can be explained in terms of natural forces naturism communal nudism naumachy mock sea-battle naupathia sea sickness nauseant producing nausea nautics art of navigation navalism cult of naval supremacy or seapower navarchy rulership over the seas nave largest part of church where congregation sits navette pointed oval shape; jewel cut in this shape navicular boat-shaped naviform boat-shaped naze headland or cape neanic of, like or pertaining to the adolescent period; young neap tidal period of least difference between high and low tides neatherd cowherd nebbich colourless; inconsequential person nebulaphobia fear of fog nebulize to reduce to spray necessarianism theory that actions are determined by prior history; fatalism necrogenic deriving from dead animals necrographer obituary writer necrolatry worship of the dead necrologue obituary necrology obituary list necromania sexual obsession with dead bodies; necrophilia necrophagous feeding on the dead necrophobia fear of corpses necropsy post-mortem examination necrotic undergoing death of part of the body nectareal of or like nectar nectariferous producing nectar nectarivorous feeding on nectar nectopod limb used for swimming necyomancy divination by summoning Satan needlecord thinly ribbed cotton needledom the world of sewing needs of necessity; necessarily nef ornamental stand in shape of ship for holding salt or cutlery nefandous abominable; despicable negrophile one who is sympathetic towards black people negrophobia fear of blacks nekton assemblage of swimming organisms in a body of water nemaline of or like a thread nematology the study of nematodes nembutsu Buddhist invocation chanted to achieve enlightenment nemophilist one who loves the woods nemoral of a wood or grove nemoricolous living in forests or groves nemorous wooded neoblastic of, like or pertaining to new growth neocracy government by new or inexperienced rulers neogenesis producing regeneration of tissue neolagnium puberty neolatry worship of novelty neomenia period of the new moon neomorphic developed suddenly and not inherited neonate newly born child neonaticide killing or killer of a newborn infant neonatology study of newborn babies neonomianism theory that the gospel abrogates earlier moral codes neophile one who loves novelty and trends neophobe one who fears change or novelty neophobia fear of novelty neophrastic of, like or pertaining to neologisms neorama view of interior of building neossology study of nestling birds neoteric of recent origin; modern neoterism introduction of new things, especially words neovitalism theory that total material explanation is impossible nepenthe something, such as a drink, capable of making one forget suffering neper unit for expressing ratio of two currents or voltages nephalism total abstinence from alcoholic drinks nepheligenous discharging smoke in clouds nephelognosy observation of clouds nepheloid cloudy nephelometer instrument for measuring cloudiness nephelometry measurement of cloudiness of liquids nephogram photograph of clouds nephograph instrument for photographing clouds nephology study of clouds nephoscope instrument for observing direction and velocity of clouds nephric of, like or pertaining to the kidneys nephroid kidney-shaped nephrolith kidney stone nephrology study of the kidneys nepionic of, like or pertaining to the embryonic period of development nepotal of, like or pertaining to one's nephew nepotation riotous behaviour; profligacy neritic belonging to the shallow waters near land nervine quieting; soothing nervous excitement nervure vein of a leaf nescience lack of knowledge; ignorance nesh soft; delicate; tender nesiote living on an island nestitherapy medical treatment by reducing food intake neuralgiform like or shaped like a nerve neurergic of, like or pertaining to the function or action of the nerves neurism "nerve-force" acting on evolution neurobiology study of anatomy of the nervous system neurogenesis production or generation of nerves neuroid like a nerve neuropath one who believes in nervous origin of most diseases neuropsychology study of relation between brain and behaviour neurypnology study of hypnotism neuston minute organisms floating or swimming on water's surface neutrosophy study of the origin and nature of philosophical neutralities névé granular snow; field of granular snow nevus birthmark newel upright column in middle of circular staircase; post at end of stairs nexus a bond; a linked group niaiserie simplicity; foolishness niccolic made of, like or pertaining to nickel nickeliferous bearing nickel nicotian of, like or pertaining to tobacco nictate to wink or blink nidamental nest-forming nidatory of, like or pertaining to nests niddering one who shows shameful fear or timidity nidicolous reared in a nest; sharing a nest nidificate to construct a nest nidifugous leaving the nest soon after hatching nidify to build a nest nidology study of nests nidor strong smell or fume of animal cooking nidulation nest-building nidus place where something originates or develops; nest niello ornamenting metal by placing black compound in engravings nieve hand or fist niff an unpleasant smell nigh nearly; almost nightpiece work of art describing a night scene nigrescence blackness; dark colouring or pigmentation nigricant of a blackish colour nigrine black nigrities exceptionally dark coloration nigroglobulate to blackball nigrosine blackish coal-tar colour dye nihilism denial of all reality; extreme scepticism nihility nothingness; a mere nothing nill to refuse; to be unwilling nim to steal; to pilfer nimbose cloudy nimiety excess nimonic of alloys used in high-temperature work ninon silk voile or other thin fabric nippitatum exceptionally good and strong ale nipter ecclesiastical ceremony of washing the feet niramiai period of stamping and glaring to cow sumo opponent nisus effort; striving; impulse nitency brightness; lustrousness nitency effort; impulse; tendency nithing infamous person; abject coward; traitor nitid bright; shining; merry nitriary artificial bed of animal matter used to produce nitre nitrometer instrument for measuring nitrogen and its compounds nitrophilous flourishing in or preferring locations with abundant nitrogen nivellate to level or plane niveous snowy; white nivial growing among snow nobiliary of, like or pertaining to nobility nobilitate to ennoble nocent hurtful; guilty; harmful nociceptive sensitive to pain; causing pain noctambulation sleep-walking noctidiurnal comprising one day and one night noctiflorous flowering at night noctilucent phosphorescent; glowing in the dark noctivagant wandering in the night noctuary record of one night's thoughts nocuous hurtful; noxious nodality knottedness; state of being nodal nodated knotted noddy plain two-wheeled horse-drawn cart noddypeak fool; imbecile nodose having knots or nodules; knotty nodosity knottiness; a knotty swelling nodus a knotty point; difficulty; complication noegenesis production of knowledge noesis intellectual activity; purely intellectual perception noetics laws or rules of logic noils short pieces of fibre separated from longer ones by combing noisette small piece of lamb cut off the bone and rolled nolition adverse action of will; unwillingness nomancy divination by examining letters of name nomenclator lexicon; word-list; one who assigns names nomiatrist lawyer specializing in medical cases nomic customary; conventional nominalism doctrine that naming of things defines reality nominative indicating subject of a verb nomism view that moral conduct consists in observance of laws nomistic based on law or a sacred book nomocracy government based on legal system; rule of law nomogeny origin of life according to natural law nomographer a writer of laws nomology the science of the laws; especially of the mind nomothetical giving laws; legislative nonage legal infancy; minority; time of immaturity nones prayer service held at 3 p.m. nonpareil thing of unequalled excellence; paragon nonparous not having given birth nonpathogenic not causing disease noogenesis evolution of the mind noology science of the intellect noometry mind-measurement noosphere sum of human intellectual activities nootropics cognitive enhancers; mind drugs normalism state of being normal norsel short piece of line for fastening fishing nets and hooks nosebag food bag hung over a horse's head nosegay bouquet of fragrant flowers nosism use of royal "we"; assumption of role of group mouthpiece nosocomial of, like or pertaining to a hospital nosocomium hospital nosography description of diseases nosology study of diseases nosomania delusion of suffering from a disease nosophobia fear of disease nostology study of senility nostomania abnormal desire to go back to familiar places nostopathy fear of returning to familiar places nostrification acceptance of foreign university degrees on par with native nostrum secret or quack medicine notabilia notable sayings; things worthy of notice notalgia back pain notandum something to be specially noted or observed notaphily collecting of bank-notes and cheques notarikon making words from letters taken from throughout a sentence nothingarian person who has no particular belief nothous spurious; bastard notitia roll, list or register notonectal swimming on the back noumenalism belief in existence of noumena noumenon object whose reality defined by reason rather than perception nous pure intellect or reason novalia lands newly brought under cultivation novantique both new and old through repair or imitation novation substitution of a new obligation for an existing one novena series of Catholic church services held on nine successive days novenary of, like or pertaining to the number nine novendial festival lasting nine days novercal of, like or pertaining to a stepmother novercaphobia fear of one's stepmother novity innovation; newness nowise not at all noxal of, like or pertaining to wrongful injury by object or animal of another noyade execution by drowning nubecula a cloudiness nubiferous cloud-bringing nubiform cloudlike nubigenous cloud-born nubilate to obscure nubilous cloudy nucal of, like or pertaining to nuts nucha the nape of the neck nuchal of, like or pertaining to the nape of the neck nuciferous nut-bearing nuciform shaped like a nut nucivorous nut-eating nucule a nutlet nudation the act of making bare nugacious unimportant; trifling; trivial nugatory inconsequential; inoperative; futile; trifling nullibicity state of being nowhere nullibilism denial that the soul exists in space nullifidian having no faith; one who is faithless nulliparous having not borne children nullity the state of being null or void nulliverse universe devoid of any plan or organizing principle numen presiding deity numenism belief in local deities or spirits numinous of, like or pertaining to a deity; suffused with religious awe numismatics study of coins nummamorous money-loving nummary of, like or pertaining to coins or money nummet light meal or luncheon nummiform shaped like a coin numquid an inquisitive person nunciative bearing messages nuncio one who brings tidings; high-ranking papal legate nuncius messenger nuncupate to utter as a vow; to declare verbally nuncupative oral; designative nundinal of, like or pertaining to a fair or market nundination trading; mercantile commerce nunnation addition of a final n in the declension of nouns nupson simpleton; fool nuptiality marriage-rate nuque nape of the neck nutant nodding; drooping nutarian person who believes that nuts are the best kind of food nutation fluctuation or nodding in movement of earth's pole nutrication nourishment nutrice nurse nutricial of, like or pertaining to nurses nychthemeral of, like or pertaining to a nychthemeron or 24-hour period nychthemeron a full night and a day; 24 hours nyctalopia night-blindness nyctanthous flowering at night nyctograph device for recording ideas at night or when not fully awake nyctophobia fear of the night or darkness nymphean of, like or pertaining to a nymph nympholepsy emotional frenzy, as that inspired in men by nymphs nymphology study of nymphs oakum old ropes untwisted for caulking the seams of ships oakus wallet; pocket billfold oast kiln to dry hops or malt obambulate to wander about obdormition numbness in a limb caused by pressure on a nerve obduracy stubbornness; persistence obedible docile; capable of obedience obedientiary someone subject to obedience obeism practice of West African magic obeliscolychny lighthouse obelize to condemn as spurious, doubtful, or corrupt obelus sign used to mark questionable or corrupt text passages obeophone mechanical keyboard instrument used to imitate other instruments obequitate to ride about obfuscate to obscure; to darken; to confuse obganiate to irritate someone by constantly repeating oneself obi broad sash worn with a kimono obit religious office for a dead person obitual of, like or pertaining to obituaries objectivism doctrine that all reality is objective objicient objector objuration the act of binding by oath; a solemn charge objurgate to chide; to scold; to rebuke oblate layman living in a religious community under modified rule oblate flattened at opposite sides or poles oblation act of offering; a sacrifice; anything offered in worship oblectation enjoyment; pleasure obliquation obliqueness oblivescence forgetfulness; forgetting oblocutor one who denies or disputes obloquy censure; calumny; slander; disgrace obluctation resistance; opposition obmutescent speechless; persistently silent obnixely earnestly; strenuously obnubilate to becloud; to obscure obolary extremely poor obreption seeking to obtain a gift by false premises obrogate to alter the law by passing a new law obrotund round but flattened on top and bottom obscurantism policy of withholding knowledge from the public obsecrate to beseech; to implore obsequent flowing in opposite direction to original slope of land obsequies funeral obsequious servilely ingratiating; fawning obsidional of, like or pertaining to a siege obsign to seal or confirm obsolagnium waning sexual desire due to age obstetrics study of midwifery obstreperous noisy; unruly obstriction obligation obtend to put forward or allege obtenebrate to cast a shadow over obtest to call to witness; to adjure; to protest; to beseech obtruncate to cut or lop off the head of obtund to blunt or dull; to deaden obtundent dulling obturate to stop up; to seal up obumbrate to overshadow obvallate walled in; sealed up obvention any incidental occurrence or advantage obvert to turn; to alter obvolute overlapping; twisted obvolvent enwrapping; curved downward or inward ocarina egg-shaped flute-like wind instrument occamy alloy imitating gold or silver occipital of, like or pertaining to the back of the head occlusion closing of an opening, passage or cavity occultation concealing of one heavenly body by another ocellated eyelike and ringed; having an eyelike spot or spots ocellus small eye or eye-like coloured spot ochlesis sickness resulting from overcrowded living conditions ochlocracy government by mobs ochlophobia fear of crowds ochre yellowish or yellow-brown colour ochroleucous yellowish white ocracy government ocreate wearing boots or leggings octactinal having eight rays or points octad set of eight things octamerous having parts in eights octan recurring every eight days octapla multi-lingual book in eight texts octarchy government by eight people octarius pint octastich poem of eight lines octingentenary eight hundredth anniversary of an event octonary of, like or pertaining to or consisting of eight things; grouped in eights octonocular having eight eyes octothorp the sign "#" octroi trading privilege, monopoly or concession granted to a town oculate having eyes oculiform shaped like an eye oculus round window, especially over main door in church od mild oath odalisque female slave in a harem odditorium place for displaying oddities odeum a usually small theatre or concert hall odible worthy of hatred odium hatred; offensiveness; blame odograph odometer; instrument for measuring distance travelled odology science of the hypothetical mystical force of od odontalgia toothache odonterism chattering of the teeth odontist dentist odontogeny origin and development of teeth odontograph instrument for obtaining curves for gear-teeth odontoid tooth-like odontology study of teeth odontoloxia irregularity of the teeth odontomancy divination using teeth odophone scale of odours odoriferous emitting a usually pleasant smell odorimetry measurement of strength and persistence of odours odorivector substance producing an odour oecist founder of a colony oecodomic of, like or pertaining to architecture oeillade an ogle; a glance or wink oenology study of wines oenomancy divination by studying appearance of wine oenomania obsession or craze for wine oenometer instrument for measuring alcoholic strength of wine oenophile one who is fond of or loves wine oenophobia fear or hatred of wine oenopoetic of, like or pertaining to wine-making oersted unit of magnetic field strength oestrogenic producing female sex hormones officialism excessive devotion to routine or position officinal belonging to or used in a shop officious volunteering one's services too eagerly ogdoad set of eight ogee S-shaped ogive graph representing cumulative frequency ohmmeter instrument for measuring electrical resistance oikology science of housekeeping oikonisus desire to start a family oinomancy divination using wine olamic of or belonging to a vast period or eon oleaginous oily, fawning or sycophantic olecranon funny bone oleic of, like or pertaining to or derived from oil oleiferous producing oil olent having a smell; fragrant oleograph print in oil-colours to imitate an oil painting oleometer instrument for measuring amount of oil in a substance oleraceous of the nature of a pot-herb; for kitchen use; edible olericulture growing of herbs and vegetables olfactible able to be smelled olfactology study of the sense of smell olfactometer instrument measuring intensity of odour of a substance olid rank-smelling oligarchy government by the few oligochrome work of art using few colours oligodynamic of, like or pertaining to the effect of small quantities oligogenics birth control oligomania obsession with a few thoughts or ideas oligophrenia feeble-mindedness oligopoly market situation of few sellers of a service oligopsony market situation of few buyers of a service oligosyllable word of few syllables olio miscellany; potpourri olitory of, like or pertaining to kitchen vegetables olivaceous olive-coloured olivary olive-shaped olivaster having an olive complexion olivet artificial pearl olivetta container used to hold olives oliviform shaped like an olive ollamh learned man in ancient Ireland ololygmancy fortune-telling by the howling of dogs ombré shadowy; shaded; dusky ombrology study of rain ombrometer rain-gauge ombrophilous tolerant of large amounts of rainfall ombrophobia fear of rain omegoid shaped like a horseshoe or omega ommateum compound eye omneity state of being all; allness omniana about all sorts of things omnicompetent legally competent in all matters omnifarious of all kinds omniferous bearing everything omnify to make large or universal omnigatherum miscellaneous assemblage or collection omnigenous of all kinds omniparity general equality omnism belief in all religions omophagy eating of raw flesh as a ritual observance omoplatoscopy divination by observing cracks in burning scapulae omphalism centralization in government omphaloid navel-like omphalomancy divination from the knots in the umbilical cord omphalopsychite one who meditates by gazing at the navel omphalos the navel; a boss; a centre omphaloskepsis navel-gazing onager military engine for throwing great stones onanism masturbation; self-gratification oncogenesis producing cancerous tumours oncology study of tumours oncometer instrument measuring change in size of internal organs oncosimeter instrument measuring variations in density of molten metal oncostman mine worker paid by the day ondograph instrument measuring change in wave formations of electricity ondoyant wavy oneiric of, like or pertaining to dreams oneirocriticism dream interpretation oneirodynia nightmare oneirology study of dreams oneiromancy divination by dreams one-step ballroom dance marked by quick walking steps oniomania mania for making purchases oniscoid like a woodlouse onocrotal old term for the pelican onolatry worship of asses or donkeys onomamania mania for names onomancy divination using a donkey or ass onomancy divination using proper names onomasiology study of nomenclature onomastic of, like or pertaining to a name or signature onomasticon dictionary of proper names onomastics study of proper names onomatomania irresistible desire to repeat certain words onomatophobia fear of hearing a certain word onomatous bearing the author's name ontal of, like or pertaining to reality or existence ontocyclic returning to an infantile state or character in old age ontogenesis origin and development of a single individual organism ontography description of reality, essence or being ontological based upon being or existence ontology science of pure being; the nature of things ontosophy knowledge of being or existence onychocryptosis ingrowing toenail onychoid like a fingernail onychomancy divination by the fingernails onychophagist nail-biter onychophorous bearing nails or claws onychotillomania compulsive picking at the fingernails onymancy divination by the fingernails onymatic of, like or pertaining to names onymous bearing the author's name onymy scientific nomenclature onyxis ingrown nail oogenesis production of eggs or ova ooidal egg-shaped oology study of eggs oomancy divination using eggs oometer instrument for measuring eggs oophoron ovary oose furry dust that gathers under beds ootocous producing eggs; oviparous opacimeter instrument for measuring opacity opacular somewhat opaque opalescence milky iridescence opalotype photograph taken on a milky opal glass plate opeidoscope instrument for illustrating sound by means of light operculum cover or lid; lid-like organ or covering operose laborious; tedious ophelimity ability to please sexually; ability to satisfy ophiasis baldness in wavy bands ophic of, like or pertaining to serpents ophicleide keyed bass brass musical instrument ophidian of or like a snake ophidiarium snake-house ophidiomancy divination using snakes ophidiophobia fear of snakes ophiolatry worship of snakes ophiology study of snakes ophiomancy divination by watching snakes ophiomormous snakelike ophiomorphic shaped like a snake ophiophagous eating snakes ophiophilist snake-lover ophism snake-worship ophiuran brittle star ophthalmometer instrument for measuring the eye ophthalmophobia fear of being stared at ophthalmoscope instrument for viewing the interior of the eye opificer artificer opinable capable of being thought opiniaster one who obstinately holds to an opinion opinicus mythic heraldic winged beast with lion's body, eagle's head, camel's tail opinionator one who holds or gives an opinion opiomania craving for opium opisometer instrument for measuring curved lines opisthenar the back of the hand opisthograph manuscript or slab inscribed on both back and front opisthosomal of, like or pertaining to posteriors opodeldoc soapy liniment oppidan urban oppignorate to pawn oppilate to block up; to stop up oppositive indicating opposition or location opposite to opprobrium disgrace; bad reputation oppugn to attack by argument; to oppose; to call in question opsigamy one who marries late in life opsimath one who learns late in life opsiometer instrument for testing vision opsomania abnormal love for one kind of food opsonium anything eaten with bread as a relish optative mood expressing a desire or wish optics study of light optimate of the nobility or aristocracy optogram image fixed on the retina optology study of sight optometer instrument for testing vision optophobia fear of opening one's eyes optophone device transforming light into sound opuscule little work or composition or before or heraldic colour gold or yellow orad toward the mouth oragious stormy oralism instruction of the deaf through speech rather than sign language orangery building for growing orange trees in a cool climate orant representation of praying figure in early art orarian coastal; a coast-dweller orarion deacon's stole in Orthodox church orarium book of private devotions orarium handkerchief; scarf attached to bishop's staff oratiuncle short oration oratory small chapel for private prayer; lectern for prayer orbific creating the world orchesis act of dancing or rhythmical moving of the body orchesography notation of dance movements by means of diagrams orchidaceous exceptionally beautiful; gaudy; ostentatious orchidology study of orchids orchidomania abnormal obsession with orchids orchidometer instrument for measuring the size of the testicles ord point of a weapon; a beginning ordalian of, like or pertaining to an ordeal ordinal book containing religious rites, especially for ordination ordinant one who ordains ordinate in rows or columns ordo calendar with list of services for each day of the year ordonnance proper coordination of figures in a picture ordure loathsome dirt or refuse; something morally degrading oread mountain nymph orectic of, like or pertaining to appetite or desires oremus Roman Catholic liturgical prayer orey-eyed expressing anger through the eyes orf viral infection of sheep orfèvrerie goldsmith's work organdie fine translucent cotton organicism conception of life or society as an organism organistrum early musical instrument resembling the hurdy-gurdy organity an organized whole organogenesis origin or development of living organs organoleptic dealing with testing effects of a substance on senses organon method of investigation; logical technique or system organonomy laws of organic life organza transparent thin silk or nylon orgulous proud; haughty orichalc gold-coloured alloy; brass oriel small room or recess with a polygonal bay window oriflamme banner of red silk split into several points oriform shaped like a mouth orillion semicircular projection on a bastion to protect flanks orismology technical definition or terminology orison prayer orleans interwoven cotton and worsted orlop lowest deck in a ship having four or more decks ormolu something expensive looking; gold-plated metal ornithic of, like or pertaining to birds ornithoid bird-like ornithology study of birds ornithomancy divination by observing flight of birds ornithon aviary ornithophilous pollinated by birds ornithophobia fear of birds ornithopter bird-like archaic flying machine ornithoscopy bird watching orobathymetric of, like or pertaining to map showing submerged heights and sea depths orogen mountain pass orogenesis mountain-building orography description of mountains oroide alloy used to imitate gold orology study of mountains orotund marked by fullness and clarity of sound; pompous orphanotrophism care and support of orphans orphrey gold or other rich embroidery on clerical robes orpiment yellow arsenic compound used as pigment orrery clockwork model of the solar system ort scrap of food; morsel orthian high-pitched orthobiosis correct or moral living orthodromics great-circle sailing; sailing by most direct route orthoepy study of correct pronunciation orthogenesis directional evolution of organisms orthognathism state of having straight jaws orthographer correct speller orthography study of spelling orthography correct spelling orthology correct use of words orthopraxis correct practice in religion orthopter ornithopter; flying machine with moving wings orthopterology study of cockroaches orthostichous arranged in vertical rows orthotomic cutting at right angles orthotonic taking an accent in some but not all positions orthotropism vertical growth oryctognosy mineralogy oryctology mineralogy or paleontology oryctomancy divination using excavated objects oryzivorous rice-eating oscheal of, like or pertaining to the scrotum oscillograph instrument for recording alternating current wave forms oscillometer instrument for measuring ship's rollings oscilloscope instrument for detecting electrical fluctuations oscinine of, like or pertaining to song-birds oscitancy yawning; sleepiness; stupidity oscitate to yawn oscular of, like or pertaining to the mouth or to kissing osculate to kiss osculatory carved tablet kissed by priest during celebration of mass osmatic having olfactory organs osmesis act of smelling osmics scientific study of smells osmidrosis emission of ill-smelling sweat osmol unit of osmotic pressure osmology study of smells and olfactory processes osmometer instrument for measuring osmotic pressure osnaburg coarse linen or cotton osophy belief or doctrine osphresiology study of the sense of smell osphresis sense of smell ossein the organic basis of bone ossia alternatively; rather (in music) ossicle little bone or bone-like plate ossiferous bearing bones ossifrage osprey ossify to change into bone; to become callous or conventional ossivorous feeding on bones ossomancy divination using bones ossuary a depository for the bones of the dead osteal of, like or pertaining to, or comprised of bone ostensory container for holding consecrated Communion wafers ostent appearance; manifestation osteoclasis surgical breaking of a bone osteogenesis production or formation of bone osteography description of bones osteoid bony; bone-like osteology study of bones osteomancy divination using bones osteometry measurement of bones or skeleton osteophone device used to allow deaf to hear sounds through the cranium osteophyte abnormal bony outgrowth ostiary doorkeeper ostiolate having an opening ostiole a small opening ostium mouth-like opening ostler person who takes care of horses at an inn and/or sells oats ostracean of, like or pertaining to oysters ostraceous of, like or pertaining to oysters ostreiform shaped like an oyster ostreoid oyster-like ostreophagous oyster-eating ostrichism habit or policy of refusing to face unpleasant facts otacoustic aiding hearing otalgia earache otarine of, like or pertaining to seals otic of, like or pertaining to the ear otiose superfluous; redundant; futile; useless; functionless; idle otolith calcium concretion in inside of vertebrate's ear to aid in equilibrium otology study of the ear otorhinolaryngology study of ear, nose and throat otoscope instrument for examining the ear otosis mishearing of speech ottoman heavy clothing fabric with crosswise ribs ounce medium to large-sized great cat oundy wavy ouranomancy divination using the heavens ouroboros snake eating own tail symbolizing totality or completion oustiti lock-opening tool outage amount of commodity lost in transport and storage outcross to breed individuals of different strains of a species outfling sharp retort or gibe outhaul rope used to haul a sail taut along a spar outjet projection outmantle to exceed in dress or ornament outmaster to overcome in a contest for mastery outrance the utmost extremity; the bitter end outré beyond what is proper; extravagant outremer area beyond the sea; overseas outrigger spar extended from side of ship to help secure mast outroop auction ouzel blackbird; a dark-haired person ovarious consisting of eggs overcrow to crow or triumph over overflush superfluity overhaile to overtake; to overpower overlock to oversew a hem or fabric edge to prevent fraying overmantel ornamental structure set on a mantel-shelf overpoise weight sufficient to weigh another down overrack to overstrain overset to upset; to disorder overslaugh exemption from duty in turn when otherwise employed ovibovine of, like or pertaining to musk-oxen ovicide killing insect eggs ovicide sheep-killing oviferous egg-carrying oviform like a sheep oviform shaped like an oval or egg ovigerous bearing eggs ovil sheep-fold ovine of, like or pertaining to sheep oviparous producing offspring through laying eggs ovivorous eating eggs ovivorous eating sheep ovopyriform having a shape between a pear and an egg ovoviviparous producing eggs which are hatched in parent's body ovuliferous bearing ovules owlery place frequented by owls owling smuggling wool or sheep oxford soft durable plain-woven cotton oxter to take under the arm; to support by taking the arm oxyacaesthesia extreme sharpness of senses oxyacanthous having sharp thorns oxyblepsia extremely keen sight oxygeusia extremely keen sense of taste oxymoron figure of speech combining contradictory terms oxyphonia sharpness or shrillness of voice oxytocic drug that hastens the process of childbirth oxytone word bearing acute accent on last syllable ozoniferous bearing ozone ozostomia bad breath pabouche a slipper pabulous of, like or pertaining to nourishment pabulum food; provender; nourishment pacable able to be appeased; willing to forgive pace contrary to the opinion of; in respectful disagreement with pachydermia elephantiasis pachyglossal thick-tongued pachymeter instrument for measuring small thicknesses pachynsis thickening paciferous peace-bringing pacificate to give peace to pactolian like or having golden-hued sands padella shallow dish of fat with a wick used in illuminations padrone innkeeper; employer padronism system of obtaining labour through employment agents paduasoy corded silk paean song of thanksgiving paedarchy government by children paedobaptism doctrine of infant baptism paedocracy government by children; paedarchy paedogenesis reproduction by an infant or larval organism paedology study of children paedonymic name taken from one's child paedophage eater of children paedophilia abnormal love or sexual attraction for children paedophobia fear of children; fear of dolls paedotrophy art of rearing children paginal of, like or pertaining to pages or pagination pagophagia eating trays of ice to help offset iron deficiency paideutic educational method or theory paidonosology study of children's diseases; pediatrics paillette a spangle pais people from whom a jury is drawn paisley soft wool fabric with ornamental pattern paizogony necking; love-play palabra a word; talk palaceous spade-shaped palaeoanthropology study of early humans palaeobiology study of fossil plants and animals palaeoclimatology study of ancient climates palaeogaea the Old World as a biological region palaeolimnology study of ancient fish palaeolimnology study of ancient lakes palaeopedology study of early soils palaeophile antiquarian palaeosophy ancient learning or thought palaestra wrestling school; gymnasium palaetiology application of principles of causation to past events palafitte prehistoric lake dwelling palamate having webbed feet palanquin light litter for one passenger palatine having royal authority over a region palative pleasing to the taste or to the palate palatography recording position of tongue against hard palate during speech palaver to talk profusely or idly paleaceous chaffy; like or resembling chaff paleobotany study of ancient plants paleo-osteology study of ancient bones paletot loose overcoat palette small plate covering the armpit joint in a suit of armour palewise (of heraldic charges) oriented vertically palfrenier groom palfrey riding horse, especially one for a lady palification the act of strengthening with stakes paliform shaped like a stake palilalia disorder characterized by rapid repetition of words palillogy repetition of a word or word or phrase palimbacchius metrical foot of two long and one short syllable palimpsest manuscript or paper that is erased and then written over palingenesis new birth; reincarnation; second creation palingman seller of fish or eels palinode poem in which earlier thoughts or feelings are retracted palinola compulsive repetition of an act until it is perfect palinspastic showing geological formations of an area as they existed in the past palisade fence of stakes used for defensive purposes pall covering cloth laid upon Communion chalice palladian of, like or pertaining to wisdom or learning pallasethesia sense of vibration pallescent turning pale palliament white robe or gown palliasse straw mattress palliate to ease with out curing; to extenuate pallid pale; wan pallium white woollen band symbolising archbishop's authority pallograph instrument measuring ship's vibration palmar of, like or pertaining to the palm palmarian pre-eminent palmary principal; meritorious palmate hand-shaped palmiped web-footed palpebral of, like or pertaining to the eyelid palpebration winking palter to trifle in talk; to use trickery; to equivocate paltripolitan term of scorn applied to city-dwellers or urban life paludal of, like or pertaining to marshes; marshy; malarial paludicolous growing in marshes; marsh-dwelling paludism marsh fever; malaria paludose marshy; living in marshes palynology study of pollen palzogony love-play; foreplay pam card game in which jack of club has highest value pampiniform like a tendril panaceist believer in panaceas panaesthesia totality of perception; general awareness panaesthetism theory that consciousness may inhere generally in matter panarchy universal rule or dominion panary of, like or pertaining to bread; bread store panatella long; thin cigar panchion coarse earthenware pan panchreston panacea pancosmism theory that the material universe is all that exists pancratic excelling all round in athletics or accomplishments pancyclopaedic encyclopaedic pandation warping pandect treatise covering the whole of a subject pandemian vulgar; sensual pandemic universal; affecting majority of people in a region pandemonism worship of spirits dwelling in all forms of nature pandiculation the act of stretching and yawning panduriform fiddle-shaped panegoism solipsism panegyric elaborate and poetic compliment; eulogy; laudation panegyricon collection of sermons for Orthodox church festivals panegyry grand assembly; religious festival paneity the state of being bread panentheism belief that world is part but not all of God's being pangamy random or unrestricted mating pangeometry extension of geometry to more than three dimensions Panglossian overly optimistic pangram sentence containing all the letters of the alphabet panhygrous moist in all parts panification conversion into bread panivorous bread-eating panjandrum imaginary potentate of great power and self-importance panmixia cessation of the influence of natural selection panmnesia belief that all mental impressions are stored in memory pannage food picked up by swine in woods; right to pasture swine panne heavy lustrous silk or rayon with waxy feel pannicle thin sheet-like vestment pannier provision-basket; basket carried over one's back pannikin small metal cup pannose like felt pannychis all-night vigil in preparation for Orthodox church feast panomphaean all-oracular panophobia melancholia marked by groundless fears panoptic all-embracing; viewing all aspects panopticon prison where all inmates can be watched from one point panpharmacon universal remedy panplain flat area consisting of several joined floodplains panpsychism theory that all nature has a psychic side panpygoptosis shortness of the legs pansexualism theory that all thought derived from sexual instinct pansophy universal knowledge panspermatism belief in origin of life from extraterrestrial germs pantagamy universal bachelorhood; free love pantagruelian marked by extravagant and coarse satire pantarchy government by all the people; world government pantechnicon receptacle holding many miscellaneous objects pantheism belief that the universe is God; belief in many gods pantisocracy government by all equally pantler officer in a household in charge of bread pantochronometer combined sundial and compass pantoglot speaker of all languages pantograph instrument for copying drawing to a different scale pantograph apparatus connecting streetcar to overhead wires pantology system of universal knowledge pantomnesia remembrance of everything ever learned pantomorphic taking on all shapes pantophagy omnivorousness pantophobia fear of everything pantopragmatic meddling in everybody's business pantoscope panoramic camera pantosophy universal knowledge; pansophy panurgic good at all kinds of tasks panzoism belief that humans and animals share vital life energy paparchy government by the pope papaverous of, like or pertaining to poppies papeterie packaged fancy stationery; stationery-case papilionaceous of, like or pertaining to butterflies papilla nipple-like projection papilliferous bearing papillae papilliform nipple-shaped papillose having nipples or papillae pappus downy beginnings of a beard papren stone passing through a wall from face to face papulation the development of papillae or pimples papule pimple papuliferous pimply; bearing or pertaining to pimples papyraceous like paper; papery papyrocracy government by newspapers or literature papyrology study of paper papyrotamia manufacture of paper flowers parabasis speech where the chorus advances and addresses audience parabiosis physical union of two embryos or organisms parablepsis false vision; oversight parabolanus layman who tends the sick parabolaster a parabola of a higher degree paraboliform shaped like a parabola parabolist teller of parables paracentral situated near the centre parachronism representation of something as being newer than it is paraclete advocate or intercessor; the Holy Spirit acting in such a role paracme decline; period following the zenith or acme paracoita female sexual partner paracoitus male sexual partner paracrostic poem whose initial letters reproduce its first verse paracusis disordered hearing paradisiacal suggestive of a place or state of perfect bliss parados earthworks defending against a rear attack paradoxology holding or maintaining paradoxes paradromic adjacent; side by side paraenesis exhortation paraesthesia tingling sensation on the skin parage high birth or rank; equality of birth or status paragenesis formation of minerals as a joined mass paragnosia misunderstanding paragnosis skill in matters immune to scientific investigation paragoge addition of a sound to end of word paragram play on words in which letters are changed paragraphia writing of different letters and words than intended parakinesis production of movement of objects by a spiritualist paralalia abnormality of speech sounds paralipomenon thing left out; added in supplement paralipsis fixing attention on subject by pretending to neglect it parallax seeming change of object position due to observer moving parallelepiped solid figure with each face a parallelogram parallelism belief that matter and mind don't interact but relate paralogise to reason falsely paralogism false reasoning paramatta worsted and cotton blend paramedian near the middle line parament rich decoration, hanging or robe paramnesia abnormality of memory; inability to remember meaning of word paranatellon a star that rises at the same time as another star paranym euphemism; word whose meaning altered to conceal evasion paranymph one who solicits for another; best man or bridesmaid paraph flourish under one's signature paraphasia disorder in which one word substituted for another paraphilia any abnormal sexual attraction paraphonia alteration of the voice; as at puberty paraphrast one who paraphrases paraphraxis inability to perform purposive movements properly parapraxis blunder; error; mistake parapsychology study of unexplained mental phenomena pararthria incoherence paraselene mock moon; bright patch on a lunar halo parasigmatism inability to pronounce the sound 's' parasitaster a mean or sorry parasite parasiticide killing of parasites parastatal indirectly controlled by the state parastatic of, like or pertaining to protective mimicry of animals parasuicide harmful act appearing to be an attempt at suicide parasynesis corruption of forms of words parasynthesis derivation of words using hyphenated compounds parataxis organization of clauses without connectives parathesis apposition; compounding of words without change paratonic arresting growth paravail inferior; lowest; of least account paravane device used to cut underwater cables paravant in front; first; beforehand paravent wind screen parbreak to vomit parbuckle sling made by wrapping both ends of rope around object parcel partly parcenary co-heirship parciloquy laconic speech parclose railing in church enclosing altar, chapel or tomb pardie mild oath; certainly or truly pardine of, like or pertaining to leopards pardine of or related to leopards pardoner one who raises money for religious works by selling indulgences paregmenon repetition of a word or its cognates in a series of words paregoric soothing; lessening pain parembole insertion of something related to the subject into a phrase parentalia feasts or rites in memory of deceased parents parentelic related by blood parenticide killing or killer of one's parents parergon work undertaken in addition to one's employment pareschatology doctrine dealing with matters after death but before the end of the world paresis omission of an element from a word pareunia coitus parfay by my faith; verily parfleche dried buffalo skin parget to plaster over; to cover with ornamental plasterwork parhelion halo-like light seen in sky opposite the sun paribuntal fine straw used to make hats parietal of a wall or walls, especially anatomical walls parietals school rules regarding inter-gender contact parine of, like or pertaining to titmouses parison lump of glass before it is moulded into its final shape paristhimion tonsil parisyllabic having the same number of syllables in all forms parity condition or fact of having born children parlous full of danger or risk Parnassian poetic parnel mistress or concubine of a priest; harlot parochial local; confined to one region parodinia difficult childbirth paroemia proverb; adage paroemiographer writer of proverbs paroemiology study of proverbs paromoeon alliteration paromology concession of opponent's point to strengthen one's own point paronomasia play on words; punning paronym word from same root or having same sound as another parorexia desire to eat strange foods parotic near or adjacent to the ear parous bearing or having borne offspring parousia second coming of Christ parousiamania obsession with the second coming of Christ paroxysm fit of passion; laughter; coughing; sudden violent action paroxytone having an acute accent on the next to last syllable parquet floor-covering of fitted wooden blocks parr young salmon parrel band by which a yard is fastened to a mast parrhesia boldness of speech parricide killing of parent or close relative parse to describe a word fully in terms of classification parsonarchy government by parsons parterre pit of a theatre parthenian of, like or pertaining to virgins parthenogenesis reproduction by a virgin or by means of an unfertilized egg parthenolatry worship of the Virgin Mary parthenology study of virgins parthophobia fear of virgins partible that may be divided up or parted partim in part partitive indicating a part of a larger whole partocracy government by a single unopposed political party parturition the act of giving birth parure a set of ornaments or jewels parvanimity smallness of mind parvenu one suddenly risen to wealth without great social rank parvipotent having little power parvis enclosed space at the front of a church parviscient having little knowledge pascual growing on land used for grazing; of, like or pertaining to pastures paseo leisurely stroll; march of bullfighters into arena pashmina fine goat's wool fabric used for making shawls pasigraphy a system of universal ideographic writing paso-doble quick Spanish one-step dance pasquilant lampooner pasquin to lampoon pasquinade to lampoon; a lampoon passacaglia slow solemn Italian or Spanish dance passade motion of horse to and fro over ground in dressage passalorynchite one who takes a religious vow of silence passant heraldic animal depicted walking passement decorative trimming of beads or braid passepied Breton dance resembling a quick minuet passerine of, like or pertaining to sparrows passible susceptible to or capable of suffering or of feeling passim everywhere; dispersedly passimeter instrument for issuing automatic tickets passivate to coat metal with oxides to protect from corrosion passulate to dry grapes passus section of a poem or story pastance pastime pastern rope, strap or chain used to tie horse by its leg pastiche medley, composed from different sources; imitative work pastille small cone of charcoal burned as incense pastose painted thickly pastourelle medieval poem between knight and shepherdess patagium wing-membrane of flying mammal pataphysics the science of imaginary solutions patation act of drinking patavinity provincialism; dialectal term patefaction disclosure; opening; manifestation patelliform shaped like a saucer or kneecap paten plate; metal disk used to hold Communion bread pateriform saucer-shaped pathic passive; a passive subject pathogenesis causation or production of disease pathognomic indicative of a specific disease pathomania moral insanity pathophobia fear of disease pathopoeia excitation of passion by rhetoric or poetry patible capable of suffering or being acted on; passible patibulary of, like or pertaining to the gallows patibulate to execute by hanging patina film or surface that forms on surface of metal or wood patination formation of a film on copper from exposure patrial of, like or pertaining to one's native land patrimony inheritance from father or ancestors patriolatry excessive devotion or worship of one's native country patroclinous having inherited paternal characteristics patrology study of early Christianity patronym name derived from father's name patroon captain of a ship; coxswain of a longboat patruity degree of relationship of paternal uncle patte narrow band keeping a belt or sash in its place patten wooden shoe; clog; base of a pillar patulous spreading; wide-spreading; open pauciloquent of few words; speaking little pauldron shoulder-plate of suit of armour paulopast just finished or past paulopost just after pavage charge for paving streets pavane stately English Renaissance court dance pavé setting of jewellery with stones close together pavid timid pavior one who lays down paving stones pavis shield for the entire body pavonated peacock-blue pavonian of, like or pertaining to peacocks pavonine of, like or pertaining to peacocks pax tablet decorated with sacred figure and kissed by participants in mass paxillose resembling a small stake paynimry heathendom paysage landscape paysagist painter of landscapes peatary region, bog or moor covered with peat peavey lumberman's spiked and hooked lever peccable liable to sin peccadillo a slight offense or sin peccaminous sinful peccancy sinfulness; transgression peccavi admission of sin or guilt peck unit of dry measure equal to 8 quarts pecorous full of cows pectinal of a comb; comb-like pectination comb-like structure pectineal of the pubic bone pectiniform shaped like a comb pectize to congeal; to cause to set pectoriloquy sound of patient's voice as heard through stethoscope pecudiculture rearing of cattle peculation embezzlement peculium private property; especially when given by father to son pecuniary of, like or pertaining to money; consisting of money ped naturally formed mass or aggregate of soil pedagogics study of teaching pedagoguery schoolmastering; teaching pedalian of, like or pertaining to the foot or to metrical feet pedaneous going on foot; pedestrian; of lowly or petty standing pedantocracy government by pedants or strict rule-bound scholars pedary of, like or pertaining to walking or feet pedate footed; having feet; like a foot pederasty anal intercourse between a man and a boy pedetentous proceeding slowly pedicel stalk of an animal organ pedicle bony protrusion of the skull from which an antler grows pedicular of, like or pertaining to lice pediculophobia fear of lice pediculous lousy pediform shaped like a foot pedigerous having or bearing feet pediluvium foot bath pedimanous having feet shaped like hands pediment triangular structure crowning front of a Greek building pedipulate to work or knead with the feet pedological of, like or pertaining to soils pedology study of soils pedomancy divination by examining the soles of the feet pedometer instrument for measuring distance travelled on foot peduncle stem or stalk of a flower pegamoid artificial leather pegomancy divination by springs or fountains peignoir woman's dressing-gown peirameter instrument measuring resistance of road surfaces to wheel movement peirastic experimental; tentative peise weight; burden; load pejorate to worsen; to depreciate pejorism severe pessimism pekin fine soft silk pelage animal's coat of hair or wool pelagic oceanic; inhabiting or carried out in the deep sea pelargic of, like or pertaining to storks pelasgic nomadic pelatast ancient Greek shield-bearing soldier pelecoid shaped like a hatchet; a hatchet-shaped geometrical figure pelerine woman's fur cape pelisse fur-lined or fur garment pelitic composed of fine sediment pellate to divide; to separate pellicle thin skin or film pellicule thin diaphanous fabric pellucid completely clear; transparent pelma sole of foot pelmatogram footprint pelmet fringe or valance for hiding a curtain rod peloid mud or other semi-solid medium used in baths pelology study of mud pelotherapy treatment by mud baths peltastiform shield-shaped peltiferous bearing a shield peltry skins of animals with the fur on them pelurious furry; hairy pelviform basin-shaped pelvimeter instrument for measuring the pelvis pembroke small four-legged table with hinged flaps pemphigus skin condition characterized by watery boils on the body penacute having an acute accent on the penultimate syllable; paroxytone penanggalan female vampire of Malay mythology penannular in the form of an almost complete ring penates household gods of a Roman family pencilliform paintbrush-shaped pendeloque drop pendant pendent hanging; drooping; dangling pendicle pendant, dependency or appendage pendular of, like or pertaining to a pendulum penduline building a pendulous nest pendulograph curve representing combination of musical sounds penecontemporaneous of geological processes occurring immediately after deposition penectomy surgical removal of the penis penelopize to create work as an excuse to deter suitors peneplain land worn down by denudation to almost be a plain penetralia inmost parts of a building or temple; innermost secrets penetrometer instrument for measuring firmness or consistency of substances penial of, like or pertaining to the penis pennaceous featherlike pennate winged; feathered penniferous bearing feathers penniform feather-shaped pennyweight unit of troy weight equal to 24 grains penology study of crime and punishment pensile hanging; suspended; overhanging pensum task; school imposition pentad set of five things pentagamist person who has or has had five spouses pentalogy state of being in five parts pentamerous having five parts or members pentapolis alliance of five cities pentarchy government by five individuals pentateuch the first five books of the Old Testament pentheraphobia fear or hatred of one's mother-in-law pentimento revealing of part of a painting beneath a newer one penury destitution; poverty peotillomania abnormal compulsion for pulling on the penis peotomy surgical removal of the penis per through; according to; by means or agency of peracute very sharp or violent; very acute peradventure perhaps; possibly; by adventure; by chance peragrate to travel over or through percale closely woven lightweight cloth percaline glossy lightweight cotton percheron dappled cart horse percipient perceiving; observant; perceptive percoct well-cooked; overdone percurrent running through the whole length percutaneous done or applied through the skin percutient striking or having the power to strike; percussive perdicine of, like or pertaining to partridges perdricide killer of partridges perduellion treason perdure to endure over a period of time peregal fully equal peregrination journey, especially on foot or to a foreign country peregrinity foreignness; outlandishness perennate to live perennially; to survive from season to season perequitate to ride through on horseback perfectibilian believer in the perfectibility of mankind perfectibilism doctrine that humans capable of becoming perfect perfectionism doctrine that moral perfection constitutes the highest value perfervid very fervid; ardent; eager perficient effectual; actually achieving a result perfuse to pour or diffuse through or over pergameneous like or resembling parchment pergola arched framework for climbing plants periaster point in orbit of a body in which it is nearest to a specified star peribolos precinct; enclosing wall of a precinct pericentral surrounding a centre or central body periclinal sloping downwards in all directions from a point periclitate to endanger; to jeopardise pericope an excerpt or passage read during religious services periculous dangerous periegesis description in the manner of a tour; journey through periodontics study of gums perioeci individuals living at same latitude on opposite sides of earth periotic around the ear peripatetic wandering about; itinerant peripetia sudden change of fortune periphrasis circumlocution; round-about expression periplus a voyage or trip around something peripteral having a row of columns on every side periscian person living inside the polar circle perispomenon having a circumflex accent on the final syllable perissology verbiage; pleonasm perissosyllabic having an additional syllable perissotomist knife-happy surgeon peristalith ancient stone circle peristeronic of, like or pertaining to pigeons peristerophily pigeon-collecting peristrephic moving round; revolving; rotatory peristyle range of columns around a building or courtyard peritectic in the state between solid and liquid; melting periwinkle a bluish or azure colour; a plant with bluish flowers perlaceous pearly perlative indicating movement through or across perliginous producing pearls perlocution effect produced when a particular word is uttered perlustrate to traverse and inspect carefully permeameter instrument for measuring permeability pernicious destructive; ruinous; fatal pernoctate to pass the night in vigil or prayer pernor one who takes or receives peroral through the mouth perorate to speak grandiosely or grandiloquently peroration lengthy part of speech; especially a conclusion perpend to weigh in the mind; to consider carefully perpilocutionist one who speaks through his hat perron raised platform or terrace at an entrance door perruquier wigmaker perscrutation thorough search perse dark blue or bluish-grey; cloth of such a colour perseity independent existence perseverate to repeat an action continually or habitually persiennes outside shutters with movable slats persiflage banter; flippancy; idle chatter personalia personal details, possessions or stories personalism doctrine that humans possess spiritual freedom personalty personal belongings and property perspicacious clear-minded; astute; perceptive perspicuous easily understood; clearly expressed perstringe to constrain; to touch on; to censure pertinacity quality of holding unyieldingly to a position pertuse punched; pierced; slit pertussis whooping cough peruke a frilly wig perulate scaly; having scaled skin pervicacious very obstinate pervigilium night vigil pervious permeable; penetrable pessary suppository inserted into the vagina pessimal least favourable pessimum point at which any condition is least favourable pessomancy divination using pebbles pestiferous bringing plague or pestilence pestology science of pests petaliferous bearing petals petary peat-bog petaurist flying phalanger petcock valve for draining condensed steam from engine cylinders petrary contrivance for hurling stones petrean of, like or pertaining to or made of rock petrichor pleasant smell accompanying the first rain after a dry spell petricolous living in or near rocks petrissage massage by longitudinal rubbing and lateral squeezing petrogenesis formation or development of rocks petroleous containing or rich in petroleum petroliferous bearing petroleum petrology study of rocks petrophilous living on or thriving in rocky areas petrous stony pettifogger a lawyer given to underhanded tactics pettitoes pigs' feet as food petulcous butting like a ram pewfellow one who occupies the same pew as another pexity roughness of the nap of cloth phacochoerine of, like or pertaining to warthogs phacoid lens-shaped phacometer instrument for measuring lenses phaeic dusky phaeism duskiness phaeton open four-wheeled carriage phagomania excessive desire for food or eating phagophobia fear of eating phakic (of an eye) having a crystalline lens phalacrosis baldness phalanstery dwelling of a communal group or phalanx of individuals phallephoric carrying the penis phallic of, pertaining to or resembling a penis phallocracy government by men phallocrat one who assumes the naturality of male dominance phaneromania habit of biting one's nails phanerosis act or process of becoming visible phanic visible; obvious phanopoeia visual imagery in poetry phaometer old instrument for measuring light intensity pharisaic hypocritical pharmacognosy study of drugs of animal and plant origin pharmacology study of drugs pharmacomania abnormal obsession with trying drugs pharmacometer instrument for measuring drugs pharmacopolist drug-seller; pharmacist; apothecary pharology study of lighthouses pharos lighthouse or beacon pharyngology study of the throat pharyngoscope instrument for inspecting the pharynx phassachate lead-coloured agate phatic using speech for social reasons or to communicate feelings phellem cork phelloid cork-like phelloplastic a model in cork phememe smallest possible linguistic unit phemic of, like or pertaining to speech phenakistoscope early cinematograph in which figures are viewed through a slit phenetic of, like or pertaining to classification by phenotype phengite bright and beautiful kind of alabaster phengophobia fear of daylight phenogenesis origin of racial groups phenology study of organisms as affected by climate phenomenalism belief that phenomena are the only realities phenomenology study of phenomena pheon the barbed head of a dart or arrow in heraldry pheretrer keeper of a shrine phialiform saucer-shaped phialine resembling a phial philalethist lover of truth philately study of postage stamps philematology the act or study of kissing philematophobe one who dislikes kissing philhippic loving or admiring horses philippic speech or writing full of bitter condemnation philistine materialistic in outlook; uncultured phillumeny collecting of matchbox labels philocaly love of beauty philodemic fond of commoners or the lower classes philodox one who loves his own opinions; dogmatic person philogyny love of women philologaster petty or contemptible philologist philology study of ancient texts; historical linguistics philomath lover of learning philomelian of, like or pertaining to nightingales philonoist one who seeks knowledge philopornist lover of prostitutes philoprogenitive of, like or pertaining to instinctive love for offspring philosophaster amateur or superficial philosopher philosophocracy government by philosophers philotechnical devoted to the arts philotherianism love of animals philoxenia hospitality phimosis inability to retract the prepuce of the penis phlebography description or examination of a vein phlebotomy blood-letting phlegmatic of a calm; unexcitable disposition phlogiston nonexistent principle of flammability inherent in matter phlogogenetic causing inflamation phocine of, like or pertaining to seals phocomelia having limbs like a seal's flippers phoeniceous bright scarlet-red colour phoenicopter flamingo pholidosis arrangement of scales, as in fish and reptiles phon unit of loudness of sound as heard by listeners phonascus person who maintains rhythm in church choir phonasthenia weakness of voice phonation production of vocal sound phonautograph instrument for recording sound vibrations phonendoscope device which amplifies small sounds phonesis production of speech sounds phoniatrics study and correction of speech defects phonomania pathological tendency to murder phonometer instrument for measuring sound levels phonophobia fear of noise or of speaking aloud phonophorous transmitting sound waves phorometer instrument used to correct abnormalities in eye muscles phosphene light seen when the eyeball is pressed phossy caused by phosphorus photaesthesia sense of vision photic light-giving; sensitive to light; penetrated by light photism illusory vision of light photobiology study of effects of light on organisms photodromy motion towards light photoglyph photographic engraving photogyric turning towards light photolysis disintegration resulting from exposure to radiation photomania pathological desire for light photometer instrument for measuring light intensity photon unit of brightness of light as received at the retina photophile organism loving or thriving in light photophilous preferring or thriving in lighted conditions photophobia fear of light photophobia irrational fear or dislike of light photophygous avoiding or disliking light photopia vision in bright light photopolarimeter instrument for measuring intensity and polarization of reflected light photopsia appearance of light flashes due to retinal irritation photosphere region of space lit by the sun phototachometer instrument for measuring the speed of light phototaxis growth or movement determined by light phototelegraph instrument for transmitting drawings telegraphically phototonus sensitivity to light phraseology study of phrases phratry clan or tribe phreatic of, like or pertaining to underground water supplying or wells phrenesis delirium; frenzy phrenic of or near the midriff phrenology study of bumps on the head phrontistery a thinking-place; place for study phthartic deadly; destructive phthirophagous lice-eating phthongal of, pertaining to, or consisting of a sound; vocalized phthongometer instrument measuring intensity of vowel sounds phugoid of, like or pertaining to the longitudinal stability of aircraft phycology study of algae and seaweeds phygogalactic halting milk production phylactic defending against disease phylarchy government by a specific class or tribe phyle division of the people of a state into local clans phylliform shaped like a leaf phylline leaf-like phyllomancy divination using leaves or tea leaves phyllomania excessive or abnormal production of leaves phyllophagous leaf-eating phyllophorous leafy; bearing or having leaves phylogenesis origin and history of a species' evolution physagogue substance causing flatulence physicalism belief that all phenomena reducible to verifiable assertions physiocracy government according to natural laws or principles physiognomancy divination by studying the face physiognomy general appearance of anything, especially the face physiolatry nature-worship physiologus work containing descriptions of animals; a bestiary physiophilosophy system of knowledge concerning principles of natural history physiosophy assumption of knowledge of nature physitheism attribution of physical form and attributes to deities physiurgic due to natural causes phytivorous feeding on plants phytogenesis origin and development of plants phytogenic derived from plants phytoid plant-like phytology study of plants; botany phytomania obsession with collecting plants phytophilous fond of plants phytosophy knowledge of plants piacular expiatory; atrociously bad pibcorn old Welsh instrument like a hornpipe pibroch piece of music for bagpipe pica craving to eat dust picamar bitter oily liquid obtained from tar picaresque of, like or pertaining or pertaining to rogues or roguish behaviour picaroon person who lives by his or her wits; rogue or scoundrel picayune five-cent-piece or other coin of little value piceous like pitch; inflammable; reddish black piciform of the form or shape of a woodpecker piciform of the nature of or resembling pitch picine of, like or pertaining to woodpeckers pickery petty theft under Scottish law picksome particular; picky pickthank sycophant; flatterer picot loop in an ornamental edging; raised knot in embroidery piebald of an animal, consisting of two or more colours pied variegated; of various colours piedroit square pillar attached to wall, lacking both base and capital piend a salient angle pierage fee paid for use of a pier pieta representation of Virgin Mary with dead Christ across her knees pietism unquestioning or dogmatic religious devotion piezometer instrument for measuring pressure or compressibility piggin small pail or bowl made of staves and hoops pight to pitch pigmentocracy government by those of one skin colour pignorate to give or take in pledge or pawn pigsconce blockhead pilaster square column partially embedded in a wall pilch fur or wool outergarment; rug laid over saddle pilcrow paragraph-mark pile upside-down wedge at an acute angle on a coat of arms pileated cap-shaped; crested; capped pileiform shaped like an umbrella pileum top of a bird's head pileus umbrella-shaped portion of a mushroom pilgarlick poor wretch; self-pitying person piliferous bearing or growing hair piliform shaped like hair pillion light pillow or saddle for a woman rider pilliwinks torture instrument for crushing fingers pillory wooden frame with holes for head and hands used as punishment pilose having scattered soft or moderately stiff hairs pilule little pill piment spiced sweetened wine pinacotheca picture-gallery pinafore loose protective garment worn over a dress pinchbeck cheap copper and zinc alloy; spurious or trashy pinder one who impounds cattle pineal shaped like a pine-cone pinetum collection or plantation of pine trees pingo cone-shaped mound with ice core pinguefy to become or make fat or greasy; to make rich pinguid fat pinion small wheel with teeth pinion wing; last joint of a wing; outermost flight feather pinnace small vessel with oars and sails pinnate shaped like a feather pinniped seals, walruses, and other such sea mammals pintle bolt or pin on which something turns, as a hinge piolet ice-axe pipe unit of liquid capacity equal to two hogsheads pipistrelle small reddish-brown bat pipkin small pot piqué stiff durable corded fabric of cotton, rayon or silk piscary the right of fishing; a fishing pond piscatology study of fishes piscatorial of, like or pertaining to fishing or fishers piscicapturist fisherman piscifauna fish life of an area pisciform shaped like a fish piscina basin set in wall of church to drain away ceremonial water piscine of, like or pertaining to fish piscivorous fish-eating pisiform shaped like a pea pismire an ant; something or someone insignificant pismirism hoarding of small or insignificant things pisteology science or study of faith pistiology doctrine concerning faith pistology branch of theology concerned with faith pitchometer instrument for measuring angles of ship's propeller blades piteous arousing or deserving pity pityroid bran-like pixilated bemused; bewildered; intoxicated pizzle bull's penis used as instrument of punishment by flogging placage covering of walls with thin marble slabs or with plaster placee investor who is sold shares by private placement placentiform cake-shaped placentigerous bearing a placenta placentophagy eating of the placenta placet vote of assent in a governing body placitum decision of a court or an assembly placket opening in a skirt or shirt for a pocket placoid plate-like; having plate-like scales plafond decorated ceiling plagate marked with a streak or streaks plage fashionable beach plagiary one who plagiarises plagium the crime of kidnapping plainstones flagstone side-pavement of a street planation making level planchet blank metal disc to be stamped as a coin planchette board or similar tool used in interpreting spirit messages planetesimal of, like or pertaining to asteroids or similar tiny celestial bodies planetic erring; erratic planetogeny theory of the origin of planets planetolatry worship of the planets planetology study of planets plangency resonance; noisiness plangent deep or loud sounding plangorous mournful planigraph instrument for copying drawings at a different scale planimeter instrument for measuring area of plane figures planipennate having flat; broad wings planish to polish; to flatten planisphere sphere projected onto a plane; map of the heavens planity the quality of being plane plankwise in the manner or direction of a plank planography cartography planomania abnormal desire to wander and disobey social norms planster petty or poor planner plantar of, like or pertaining to the sole of the foot plantigrade walking fully on the soles of the feet plantivorous plant-eating plantocracy government by plantation owners plapper to make sounds with the lips plash dash of water plashy full of pools or puddles; marshy or boggy plasmophagous consuming plasma plastron fencer's padded breast-shield; steel breastplate worn under hauberk plataleiform spoonbilled; of the shape of a spoonbill platband flat molding that exceeds its projection; fillet between column's flutings plateasm broad speech; talking with the mouth open too wide platilla fine white linen platiniferous bearing platinum platitude commonplace or trite remark made as if it were important platitudinarian one who utters platitudes platometer instrument for measuring area; planimeter platten to flatten into a plate or sheet platurous flat-tailed platypodia flat-footedness platypussary building or pen where platypuses are kept platysma broad sheet of muscle in the neck plauditory issuing enthusiastic approval or applause plaustral of, like or pertaining to a wagon playa basin which becomes a shallow lake after heavy rainfall pleach to intertwine the branches of pleasance pleasure; enjoyment; complaisance plebania mother-church having authority over several local churches plebeian of the common people or vulgar classes plebification making something vulgar or plebeian plebiscitarism principle or practice of using plebiscites plectile woven or plaited plectrum pick for stringed instruments pledget wad of cotton or lint used to dress a wound plegometer instrument for measuring the strength of a blow pleiomery condition of having more than the normal number pleiomorphy occurrence of several distinct stages in the life cycle of an organism plemyrameter instrument for measuring variations in water level plenary full; entire; complete; absolute; unqualified plenicorn having solid horns (as a deer) pleniloquence excessive talking; fullness of speech plenilunar of, like or pertaining to the full moon plenilune full moon plenipotence absolute power plenitude fullness; completeness; abundance; sufficiency plenum space completely filled with matter pleochroic displaying different colours when seen from different directions pleonasm redundancy; use of more words than necessary pleonectic greedy; covetous pleonexia greed; avarice pleroma fullness; abundance plerophory full conviction plethysmograph instrument for measuring change in body part size due to blood flow pleurotropous laterally flattened plexiform shaped like a network plexure network; web; interweaving plexus network plicated folded fanwise; pleated plication the act of folding plimsoll rubber-soled canvas shoe plinth rectangular base of column or pedestal pliofilm thin waterproof transparent sheet used for packaging pliothermic of, like or pertaining to periods of above-average temperatures plissé fabric with puckered finish ploce repetition of word in more expressive sense for emphasis plodge to trudge through anything in which the feet sink plosion release of breath after consonant plousiocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy plumassier worker in feathers; feather-seller plumbago graphite plumbeous leaden; lead-coloured plumbiferous bearing or yielding lead plumbism lead poisoning plumbless incapable of being sounded plumeopicean of tar and feathers plumigerous plumaged plumiped having feathered feet plumulate downy pluralism belief that reality consists of several kinds or entities plurennial lasting or surviving many years pluriliteral of more than three letters plurinominal having more than one name pluriparous giving birth to multiple young in a single birth pluripresence presence in multiple places at one time pluriserial in several rows plutarchy government by the wealthy; plutocracy plutocracy government by the wealthy plutolatry worship of wealth plutology political economy; study of wealth plutomania mania for money pluton mass of rock solidified under earth's surface plutonic of volcanic or deep origin plutonomy economics pluvial floor-length open-fronted ecclesiastical garment pluviograph self-registering rain gauge pluviometer rain-meter pluviose rainy pneometer instrument that measures respiration pneumatics study of mechanics of gases pneumatographer one who receives and writes spirit messages pneumatolith stone in the lung pneumatology theory of the existence of spirits pneumatomachy denial of the divinity of the Holy Ghost pneumatometer instrument for measuring quantity of air breathed pneumatomorphic like a spirit pneumatophany appearance of a spirit; especially the Holy Ghost pneumatophilosophy philosophy of spirits or the spirit world pneumatophony sound caused by a ghost or spirit pneumatosis presence of gas in the body pneumograph instrument for measuring and recording respiration pnyx ancient Athenian place of assembly poaceous of, like or pertaining or pertaining to grass pochette pocket notecase or wallet pochoir manual colour stencilling onto a printed illustration pocillator cup-bearer pococurante uninterested; indifferent; nonchalant; apathetic poculation drinking of alcoholic beverages poculent fit for drinking poculiform cup-shaped podagra gout podagrous gouty podalic of, like or pertaining to feet podex rump; anal region podiatry study and treatment of disorders of the foot; chiropody podiform shaped like a pod podobromhydrosis smelly feet podocarp stalk that bears the fruit of a plant podology study of the feet podoscaph pedalled boat; canoe-shaped float attached to feet for walking on water podzol acidic soil with ash-like subsurface layer poecilomere part of an animal's body where colour variations first appear poecilonym synonym; one of a variety of names for a thing poêlée broth or stock poephagous eating grass or herbs; herbivorous poetaster petty poet; writer of contemptible verses poetolatry worship of poets poetomachia contest or quarrel among poets pogamoggan wooden club with iron or stone piece on end, used by Indians pogoniasis excessive growth of beard pogonip dense fog of suspended ice particles pogonology book or treatise on beards pogonophile one who loves beards pogonophobia fear of beards pogonotomy shaving pogonotrophy growing of a beard pogrom organized massacre poiesis creation poikilitic mottled poikilothermic cold-blooded poimenic pastoral pointel sharp instrument pointillism use of separate dots of pure colour rather than blends poise unit of viscosity of liquids poitrel armour for a horse's breast poivrade pepper sauce pokerish causing terror; uncanny polacca stately Polish dance; polonaise polarchy government by many people; polyarchy polarimeter instrument for measuring polarised light polariscope instrument for detecting polarized light polder piece of low-lying reclaimed land pole unit of area equal to a square rod polemarch ancient Greek military and civil officer polemic controversial discussion or attack polemology study of war polemomania mania for war polemoscope telescope with angled mirrors for seeing over walls or around corners poleyn piece of armour for the knee policeocracy government by police policlinic outpatient department of hospital poliorcectic of, like or pertaining to siegecraft or besiegement poliosis premature graying of the hair politicaster petty politician politicomania mania for politics polkamania craze for polka dancing pollarchy government by the multitude or a mob; ochlocracy pollard tree having the whole crown cut off pollent strong pollex the thumb pollicitation promise; especially one not yet accepted polliniferous bearing pollen pollinigerous pollen-bearing pollyanna one who is naively optimistic polonaise stately Polish dance of moderate tempo poltophagy prolonged chewing of food poltroon craven; cowardly polverine glass-makers' potash polyacoustic amplifying sounds polyaemia plethora polyarchy government by many people polychotomy division into many parts polychrest thing or medicine useful in many ways polycracy government by many rulers; polyarchy polydemic native to several countries polydipsia abnormal thirst polyergic having many functions polyethnic consisting of or derived from many races or ethnicities polygenesis theory that humans derived from many separate origins polygenous of multiple origin or composition polygoneutic having several broods in each season polyhidrosis excessive perspiration polyhistor person of exceptionally broad knowledge polylemma argument forcing choice between contradictory statements polylith prehistoric monument consisting of many stones polymania mania affecting several different mental faculties polymath person possessing knowledge of many subjects polymicrian compressed into a very small space polymythy use of multiple plots in a single story polynesic in multiple separate locations polynia open water amid sea ice polyommatous having many eyes polyonym name consisting of several words polyopia multiple vision polyphagous eating many types of food polypharmacy treatment with many medicines polyphiloprogenitive very fertile; very imaginative polyphloisbic loud-roaring polyphyletic descending from more than one original type polypnea rapid breathing polypod many-legged animal polypragmatist busybody polypsychic having several souls polysarcous obese polysemant word with many meanings polystachious having many spikes polystichous arranged in many rows polystomatous having many mouths polystyle building having many columns polysyllogism series of syllogisms where each is basis for next polysyndeton rhetorical device of repeating conjunction for emphasis polythalamous having many chambers polytheism belief in multiple deities polytocous producing many or several at a birth pomace crushed apples for cider-making pomaceous of, like or pertaining to or consisting of apples pomade ointment for the hair pomander ball of perfumes pomiculture growing of fruit pomiferous bearing apples pomiform shaped like an apple pomoerium open space around a town within the walls pomology study of fruit-growing ponceau poppy red ponderation weighing or weighing up pone card player on dealer's right responsible for cutting cards ponent western ponerology theological doctrine of wickedness or evil pongee thin soft fabric woven from raw silk poniard small dagger pontage toll paid on bridges; tax for repairing bridges pontifice bridge-work; a bridge pontist bridge builder pontlevis drawbridge poodle coarsely looped or nubby fabric poop enclosed structure at stern of ship above main deck poophyte meadow plant popinjay conceited person popjoy to amuse oneself poplin corded woven silk and worsted popliteal of, like or pertaining to the back of the knee popocracy government by populists popple to flow tumblingly; to heave choppily poppyhead raised ornament on top of upright end of seats in churches poral of, like or pertaining to pores porbeagle shark with a pointed snout porcellanous resembling porcelain porcine of, like or pertaining to pigs; swinish porculation fattening or feeding of swine porge to make meat kosher by removing veins and sinews from hindquarters poriferous having pores poriform having the form of a pore poriomania abnormal compulsion to wander porism geometrical expression of possibility of multiple solutions porlocking irksome intrusion or interruption pornbroker one who deals in pornography pornerastic lecherous; bawdy; lewd pornocracy government by harlots pornogenarian dirty old man pornolagnia desire for prostitutes pornomania obsession with pornography pornotopia perfect setting for the antics of pornography porogamy fertilization of seed plants poromeric permeable to water vapour porometer instrument for measuring degree of porosity poroplastic both porous and plastic poroscope instrument for investigating porosity porosis knitting together of broken bones porphyrogenitic of royal birth porphyrogeniture accession of 1st son born after father's accession porphyrous purple porphyry beautiful and valuable purplish stone porraceous leek-green porrect to stretch forth; to present porriginous suffering from a scalp disease that causes baldness porringer small dish for soup or porridge portatile portable portesse portable breviary portfire prepared paper cylinder used to fire rockets and fireworks portière curtain hung over door of a room portmanteau word formed by blending two existing words portreeve mayor posigrade auxiliary rocket on a spacecraft positivism doctrine that that which is not observable is not knowable posnet small cooking pot with feet and handle posology science of quantity or dosage possessive indicating possession; genitive case posset milk curdled with alcohol used as remedy postament frame; pedestal postcenal after dinner postcibal after a meal postconnubial after marriage postdiluvian after the great Flood postern back door or gate; small private door postexilic after exile postface concluding note added to end of written work postiche excessively and inappropriately added to a finished work posticous posterior; outward; extrorse postil marginal note; commentary postilion someone who guides posthorses postjacent posterior; behind postliminary subsequent postliminy right of returned exiles to resume former status postlude closing piece of music at end of church service postmundane after the end of the world postprandial after dinner postscenium part of stage behind the scenery postulant candidate for a religious order postulator official who presents case for canonization or beatification potable fit to drink; drinkable potager garden laid out in a decorative way potamic of, like or pertaining to rivers potamology study of rivers potation the activity of drinking potatory related to excessive drinking potentiate to use drugs in combination to increase their power potentiometer instrument for measuring electromotive forces pother choking smoke or dust; fuss; commotion potichomania craze for imitating Oriental porcelain potomania abnormal desire to drink alcohol potometer instrument measuring rate at which plants absorb water potshop small public house potter to busy oneself with trifling tasks pottle unit of liquid measurement of two quarts, or one-half gallon pottle small conical fruit basket poudrin small ice crystals poulard fattened or spayed hen poulp octopus poult young fowl pounce fine powder spread on writing paper to keep ink from running poundage charge for keeping stray cattle poundal unit of force that accelerates 1 pound to 1 foot / second / second pourboire tip; gratuity pourparler discussion prior to negotiation poussin chicken raised for eating at around six weeks old powellisation means of preserving timber practive practical; concerned with practice praedial of, like or pertaining to or connected with the land or farming praepostor prefect of a school pragmatica royal edict that has the force of law pragmatism doctrine emphasizing practical value of philosophy prairillon small prairie pralltriller rapid musical trill prandial of, like or pertaining to dinner prasinous leek-green colour pratal growing in meadows prate to talk foolishly or sententiously; to tattle pratincolous inhabiting meadows or fields pravity wickedness; depravity praxeology study of practical or efficient activity; science of efficient action praxinoscope early cinematograph using series of moving drawings praxis customary practice or conduct preadamic before Adam preagonal immediately preceding death throes preallable previous; preliminary; preceding preaudience right to be heard before another prebend stipend or salary paid to clergyman prebendal of, like or pertaining to stipends issued by a church precative supplicating; expressing entreaty precatory of the nature of or expressing a wish or recommendation precentor leader of the singing of a church choir preceptive concerning rules of conduct, laws or precepts preciation evaluation of the value or price of a thing précieuse woman affecting a fastidious over-refinement precipitinogenic causing precipitation precisian overly precise person; formalist precissive separating; defining; exact precognosce to take a precognition of preconcert to settle beforehand preconize to proclaim; to summon publicly predacean predatory animal predacious living by prey; predatory predella platform for altar; portable altar or decoration upon it predestinarianism belief that what ever is to happen is already fixed predevote foreordained predicant preaching; predicating predicative indicating the predicate prefatorial serving as preface or opening remarks prefigure to imagine beforehand; to foreshadow prefulgent extremely bright pregustation foretaste prehensor something that grasps or seizes prelacy episcopal church government prelapsarian belonging to the time before man's original sin prelate bishop or abbot of superior rank prelation preferment; promotion; eminence prelect to lecture prelibation foretaste; offering of first fruits prelusive of the nature of a prelude; introductory premiate to give a prize or premium for premonish to warn beforehand premorse ending abruptly as if bitten off premotion divine impulse determining the will premove to incite or prompt to action premundane period before the creation of the earth prenarial of, like or pertaining to or in front of the nostrils prepense premeditated; intentional prepollence predominance prepone to reschedule for an earlier time prepossess to bias or prejudice favourably; to impress prepotent potent in a very high degree preputial of, like or pertaining to the foreskin prerupt broken off; steep; abrupt presbycousis hardness of hearing during old age presbyophrenia female senility marked by loss of memory presbyte old man presbytery part of church reserved for officiating clergy prescind to cut off; cut short; separate prescious prescient prescriptivism belief that moral edicts are merely orders with no truth value preseminal before the onset of puberty; before fertility presenium period of life preceding old age presentient prescient; having a premonition presentoir ornamental shallow tray or cup presidial of, like or pertaining to a garrison presidial presidential pressible able to be pressed prest to loan prestigiator conjurer prestriction blindness; blindfolding preterist lover of the past preterite signifying past time or a completed action preterition the act of passing over or omission pretermit to pass by; to omit; to leave undone prevenancy courteous anticipation of others' wishes prevenient antecedent; preceding; anticipatory prevernal blossoming or foliating early prevision foresight; foreknowledge prevoyant having foresight Priapean of, like or pertaining to male reproductive power; phallic priapism constant erection; licentiousness; lewdness pricket spike or antler used as a candlestick pridian of, like or pertaining to yesterday prie-dieu prayer stool or kneeling bench in a church prill nodule of metal obtained after assaying primage fee paid to loaders for loading ship primatology study of primates prime prayer service held at 6 a.m. primigenial first or earliest formed or produced primiparous having borne only one child primitiae first fruits primitial of, like or pertaining to first fruits; primeval primitivism doctrine that a simple and natural life is morally best primo in the first place primogenous of, like or pertaining to the earliest or first developmental stage primrose pale yellow princeps first; especially first edition of a book priscan ancient; of early times prisoptometer instrument for measuring degree of astigmatism prithee expression of wish or request privatism attitude of avoiding involvement in outside interests privative indicating absence, deprivation or negation privity privacy; secrecy; secret or confidential conversation pro in favour of; for proairesis the act of choosing probabiliorism belief that when in doubt one must choose most likely answer probabilism belief that knowledge is always probable but never absolute proband one with a certain feature by which descendants analyzed probang flexible rod put down throat to clear obstacle probit unit of measurement of statistical probability proboscidate having a proboscis or long snout probosciform shaped like a long nose probouleutic for preliminary deliberation procacity petulance; insolence procatalectic lacking the unaccented part of first foot of a line of verse procathedral parish church serving as a cathedral proceleusmatic inciting; encouraging; exhorting procellous stormy procephalic of, like or pertaining to the front of the head procerity tallness prochronism assigning a date to an event earlier than actual procidence prolapse; falling forward or downward procinct preparedness proclisis pronunciation of word dependent on following word proclivitous steep procoelous cupped in front procrustean seeking to enforce uniformity procrypsis protective coloration proctal of, like or pertaining to the anus or rectum proctology study of rectum proctor disciplinary officer at a college or university proctoscope instrument for examining the rectum procumbent lying or leaning forward; prone procuratory authorization to act for another procursive running forward procyonine of, like or pertaining to raccoons proditor traitor prodrome initial symptom of a disease; introductory treatise proeguminal predisposing; preceding proem preface proemial introductory; prefatory proemptosis addition of extra day to lunar calendar every 300 years proethnic of, like or pertaining to primitive races profectitious derived from a parent or ancestor profligate debauched; rashly extravagant profluent exuberant; abundant profulgent shining out; radiant progeria second childhood; disease of premature aging prognathic having a jaw that projects forward projacient jutting forward projicient communicating between an organism and its environment prolate having flattened sides due to lengthwise elongation prolation utterance prolative indicating motion alongside or means of motion prolegomenon introductory study or treatise prolepsis anticipation; device where objections are anticipated proleptical prehistoric proleptics prognosis prolicide killing of offspring; killing of the human race proligerous bearing offspring prolix long-winded; garrulous; dwelling too long on particulars prolocutor spokesman; speaker of the House of Lords prolusion preliminary performance, activity or display promachos champion or defender; tutelary god promptuary repository; reference book of facts promulgate make known; disseminate pronaos vestibule in front of a temple pronasale tip of the nose pronation turning hand and forearm so that palm faces downward pronograde walking with body parallel to ground prooemium preface propadeuctic a preliminary study; preliminary proper elements of Christian mass that are variable prophetocracy government by a prophet propine to pledge in drinking; to present or offer propinquity closeness propitiate to render favourable; to appease proplasm preliminary model or mould propolis resin of tree buds collected by bees proprioception sense of muscular position propugnation defence prore prow; ship proreption creeping attack or secretive advance of troops prorogue to discontinue meetings of a group without dissolving it prorrhesis preface prosateur one who writes prose for a living proscenium part of the stage in front of the curtain prosector one who dissects bodies in anatomical lectures proseuche place of prayer; oratory prosilient outstanding; conspicuous; jumping forth prosit toast to good health prosodemic contagious; infectious prosodic of, like or pertaining to versification prosody study of versification prosopic of, like or pertaining to the face prosopography biographical sketch; description of person prosopopeia personification; representation of absent person as speaking prospice look forward prostyle building having columns only in the front prosy prosaic; tedious prosyllogism syllogism whose conclusion forms premise of another protactic prefatory; preliminarily explanatory protanopia colour-blindness with respect to red protasis conditional clause of a conditional sentence protasis introductory or explanatory portion of a play protean variable; versatile; assuming different forms protension duration protensive extensive in time or length protervity peevishness; petulance; perversity; wantonness protestation avowal or solemn declaration prothalamion song or poem celebrating a coming marriage prothonotary chief registrar of a court; keeper of canonisation records protistology study of protists protocolist registrar or clerk protogenic formed at the beginning protogenist inventor protolithic from the earliest Stone Age protomorphic primordial; primitive protopathy first or direct experience protoplast original ancestor; first-formed person or thing prototrophic feeding directly on uncombined elements protreptic exhorting; encouraging; didactic; doctrinal provand allowance of food; provisions provection transfer of last letter of one word to first of next proveditor purveyor of supplies or goods provenance source; origin provenient issuing forth providore steward; quartermaster provine to propagate by layering proxemics study of man's need for personal space proxenete procurer; marriage broker proximo of next month proxysm close or near relationship pruinose having a frosted look; bearing whitish dust prunella strong and heavy silk or wool pruniferous bearing plums prunt moulded glass ornament attached to a larger glass object prurient stemming from the indulgence of lewd ideas; lascivious prurigo irritating skin disease causing itching pruritus itching of the skin psalligraphy the art of paper-cutting to make pictures psalmodist singer of psalms psalmody act of singing psalms in church services psaltery ancient stringed musical instrument psammite fine-grained rock psammophile sand-loving plant psammous sandy psellism defect in articulation or pronunciation psephitic of, like or pertaining to pebbles psephocracy government resulting from election by ballot psephology study of election results and voting trends psephomancy divination by drawing lots or markers at random pseudacusis mistaken or false hearing pseudaesthesia imaginary feeling or sensation pseudandry assumption of man's proper name by a woman pseudaposematic imitating the coloration of a dangerous animal pseudepigrapha apocrypha; non-canonical books of the Bible pseudepigraphy assignment of false authors to books pseudepiscopy existence or rule of a spurious bishop pseudoautochiria murder disguised as suicide pseudoblepsis imaginary or false vision; hallucination pseudochromaesthesia mental association of sounds with colours pseudochronism error in dating pseudodox false doctrine or opinion pseudography unsatisfactory spelling pseudogyny adoption of woman's name by a man pseudolalia incoherence of speech pseudolatry false worship pseudologia lying in speech or writing pseudologue pathological liar pseudology art or science of lying pseudomania irrational predilection for lying pseudomorph false or abnormal physical form pseudophonia suicide disguised as murder pseudopsia optical illusion pseudoptics study of optical illusions pseudosmia false perception of odours pseudosopher one who pretends to hold knowledge or wisdom pseudosophy pretension to wisdom psilanthropism denial of Christ's divinity psilosis loss of hair psilosophy shallow philosophy; limited knowledge psilothrum substance causing loss of hair psithurism whispering noise; sound of leaves moving in the wind psittacine of, like or pertaining to macaws, parakeets or parrots psittacine of or like parrots psittacism parrot-like repetition of speech psoas loin muscle psomophagy swallowing food without thorough chewing psophometer instrument measuring audible interference of electrical current psychaesthesia sensation in relation to feeling or thought psychagogic attractive; encouraging psychagogue conductor of souls to the underworld psychalgia mental pain or distress psychiasis healing of the soul or psyche psychism belief in universal soul psychobiology study of biology of the mind psychodynamic concerning psychological motives and causation psychofugal proceeding outward from a mental state psychogenesis origin and development of the mind psychogenetics study of internal or mental states psychognosy study of mentality, personality or character psychogony development of the mind or soul psychogram writing supposedly produced under influence of spirits psychograph instrument that supposedly records spirit messages psychomachy conflict between the body and the soul psychomancy divination by means of spirits psychometry measurement of intelligence and psychological attributes psychomorphism doctrine that inanimate objects have human mentality psychopannychism belief souls sleep from death to resurrection psychopathology study of mental illness psychophysics study of link between mental and physical processes psychorrhagy separation of the soul from the body psychosomatic of a physical disorder, having a psychological cause psychosophy doctrine or theory of the soul psychotaxis alteration of mental outlook to satisfy the personality psychotheism doctrine that God is a purely spiritual entity psychroaesthesia sensation of cold in part of body that is actually warm psychrolusia bathing in cold water psychrometer instrument for measuring air moisture or temperature psychrometer instrument for measuring dryness of the atmosphere psychrophilic thriving in cold temperatures psychrophobia fear of the cold psychurgy mental function, operation or energy ptarmic substance that causes sneezing pteric of, like or pertaining to the wing or the shoulder pteridology study of ferns pteridomania passion for ferns pterography treatise or description of feathers pteronophobia fear of being tickled by feathers pteropine of, like or pertaining to flying foxes pterospermous having winged seeds pterygium abnormal mass of tissue obstructing vision in the eye pterygoid like a wing pteryla patch or clump of feathers on a bird pterylology study of distribution of feathers on birds ptilosis plumage or mode of feathering; plumage ptochocracy government by beggars or paupers; wholesale pauperization ptochogony production of beggars; pauperization ptosis drooping of the upper eyelid ptyalagogue substance that promotes salivation ptyalism excessive flow of saliva pubarche first appearance of pubic hair puberulent feebly or minutely pubescent; covered with minute down pubigerous hairy; bearing or growing hair puccoon blood-root; dark red colour puce brownish-purple; purplish-pink pucelage virginity pucelle maid; virgin puckery astringent; tending to wrinkle pudendum external female reproductive organs pudibund shamefaced; prudish pudicity modesty pudor sense of shame puericulture child-rearing puerperal of, like or pertaining to childbirth pug ground clay mixed with water pugil small handful; pinch pugioniform dagger-shaped puisne inferior in rank; later; junior puissant powerful; mighty pulchritude beauty pule to pipe; to whimper or whine pulicide flea-killer pulicine of, like or pertaining to fleas pulicoid like a flea pullastrine of, like or pertaining to pigeons pullet young hen pullulate to swarm; to teem; to breed freely; to sprout pulmonic of, like or pertaining to the lungs pulpitum gigantic stone screen separating cathedral choir from the nave pulsimeter instrument for measuring the pulse pultaceous macerated and softened; like porridge; pulpy pulverous dusty or powder pulverulent dusty-looking; readily crumbling; powdery pulvil perfumed powder pulvillar cushion-like pulvilli pads between claws of an insect's foot pulvilliform shaped like a cushion pulvinated cushion-like; bulging; pillowy punalua marriage of brothers of one family to sisters of another puncheon tool for punching or stamping punctal like a point punctate dotted; pitted punctatim point for point punctiform shaped like a point punctilio minor detail or point of conduct punctilious scrupulous and exact punctulate bearing small spots or dots punctule minute dot, pit or aperture pundigrion play on words; pun punditocracy government by political pundits pundonor point of honour puniceous bright or purplish red punk decayed wood punk dry decayed wood used for tinder punnet small shallow fruit basket pupate to pass through a chrysalis stage pupigerous bearing a puparium pupillarity the state of being a pupil purblind nearly blind purfle to ornament the edge of with embroidery purificator cloth used to wipe Eucharist chalice puriform like pus purlicue curl or flourish in writing; summary of speeches purlieu a person's usual haunts; neighbourhood purline supporting timber stretching across rafters purloin to steal; to filch purpresture encroachment on public property purpure heraldic colour purple purpureal purple purser ship's officer in charge of finances and passengers pursuivant follower or attendant purulence the quality of being filled with pus pushful energetically or aggressively enterprising pusillanimous lacking firmness; cowardly; having a weak character pustule pimple containing pus; lump or wart putanism lewdness in women; prostitution putative supposed; reputed putcher wire trap for catching salmon puteal wall round the top of a well putid decayed; fetid putlock cross-piece in a scaffolding putois brush for painting pottery putrefaction rotting putrilage products or remnants of decay putto plump naked winged boy in artwork puture foresters' claim of subsistence within bounds of forest puy small volcanic cone pycnometer instrument for measuring specific gravity or density pycnomorphous compact; dense pycnosis thickening pycnostyle having closely spaced columns pygal belonging to the rump end; pertaining to the rump pygia pain in the rump pygmachy boxing; fighting with clubs pyknic characterized by short squat stature pyknometer instrument for measuring specific gravities pyogenic pus-forming pyoid purulent; pus-like pyranometer instrument measuring solar radiation from the sky's whole hemisphere pyrene fruit-stone pyretic of, pertaining to or for the cure of fevers pyretology study of fevers pyrexia fever pyrexical feverish pyrgeometer instrument for measuring radiation from earth pyrgoidal tower-shaped pyrgology study of towers pyrheliometer instrument for measuring heating effect of sun pyriform shaped like a pear pyritiferous bearing pyrite pyroballogy study of artillery pyroclastics ash and other material released by volcano pyrogenation subjection to heat pyrogenous produced by or producing heat or fever pyrognomic easily made incandescent pyrography study of woodburning pyrography poker-work pyrokinesis ability to start fires using mind alone pyrolatry fire-worship pyromachy use of fire in combat pyromancy divination using fire pyrometer instrument for measuring very high temperatures pyrophanous becoming transparent when heated pyrophobia fear of fire pyrophorus substance that spontaneously combusts pyroscope instrument for measuring intensity of radiant heat pyrosis heartburn pyrosophy knowledge of the properties of fire pyrrhic of, like or pertaining to the dance or to the foot pyrrhonism total or radical skepticism pyrrhotism state of being red-haired pyrrhous reddish; ruddy pyrrhuline of, like or pertaining to bullfinches pysmatic questioning; interrogatory pythogenic produced by filth; causing dirt or decay pythonic like an oracle or a python pythonism possession by an oracular spirit pyx box or vessel in which coins or consecrated Eucharist are kept pyxis little box or casket for jewels or toiletries qanat underground tunnel for carrying irrigation water qasida Arabic or Persian elegiac poem qat leaves chewed or brewed in tea as a stimulant qigong system of Chinese meditational exercises qintar Albanian unit of currency qiviut wool of the undercoat of a musk-ox qoph a Hebrew letter qua in the capacity of quab to throb; to quiver quab something unfinished or immature; unfledged bird quackle to choke; to suffocate quacksalver one who falsely pretends to knowledge of medicine quad unit of energy equal to one quadrillion British thermal units quadra square frame; plinth quadrable capable of being expressed in a finite number of algebraic terms quadragenarian a person between 40 and 49 years of age quadragesimal of, like or pertaining to Lent; lasting forty days quadragesimarian one who observes Lent quadragintesimal forty-fold; having forty parts quadral in four parts quadraphonic produced by a sound system that employs four signal sources quadrat small square block used as a space in printing quadrate to make square; to make to agree quadratrix a curve by which a circle may be squared quadratura wall or ceiling painted with arches and columns in strong perspective quadrel square block of brick quadrennial lasting four years; occurring once every four years quadrennium period of four years quadrifid split into four quadrifoliate having four leaves quadriga two-wheeled carriage drawn by four horses quadrigeminal in four similar or equal parts quadrigenarious comprising four hundred quadrille square dance for four couples; card game for four people quadrilocular having four compartments quadrimium four-year-old wine; best or oldest wine quadripole device having one pair of output terminals and one pair of input terminals quadrireme ancient ship with four sets of oars quadrivial leading in four directions; concerning a four-way junction quadrivium four branches of mathematics in medieval education quadrivoltine having four litters in a single year quadroon old term for a person of one-quarter black ancestry quadrumanous of the primates other than man quadrupedation stamping with four feet quaedam disparaging term for a woman quaere to introduce a question or issue quaeritur the question is asked quaesitum something sought for; the true value quaestionary religious pardoner quaestor ancient magistrate; a medieval pardoner quaestuary money-making; money-seeking; in business only for profit quagga extinct African wild ass like the zebra quagma hypothetical matter made up of quarks and gluons quagswag to shake to and fro quahog type of edible clam quain angle; wedge-like corner quale quality or property of something; abstract virtue or quality qualificator one who prepares ecclesiastical cases for trial qualimeter apparatus for measuring penetrating power of X-ray beams qually of wine, cloudy or turbid qualtagh first person encountered after leaving home on a special day quamoclit tropical climbing plant with brilliant flowers quango a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization quangocracy rule of quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations quannet flat file used like a plane quant punting or jumping pole with a flat end quantile any of a set of equal fractions of a given population quantimeter apparatus for measuring quantity of X-rays quantivalence chemical valence; ability of atoms to hold other atoms in combination quantometer instrument for measuring proportions of elements in metallic samples quantophrenia obsessive reliance on statistics and mathematical results quantulate to calculate the magnitude of quantulum small quantity quantuplicity relative magnitude of a quantity quaquadrate a sixteenth power quaquaversal facing or bending all ways quarender dark red apple quaresimal Lenten; having the meagreness of Lenten meals quarion candle quark soft cheese made from skim milk quarkonium meson formed of a quark and an anti-quark quarl large curved brick or tile used to support melting pot quarred soured; clotted quarrelet small square quarrenden variety of apple quarrion Australian parrot like the cockatiel quartan a fever recurring every third day quartation mixing one part gold with three parts silver prior to purifying it quarter unit of weight equal to 28 pounds quarterdeck part of ship's deck set aside by captain for ceremonial functions quartering sailing nearly before the wind quarterland ancient land division on the Isle of Man quarterlight small triangular ventilation window in a car quartern one quarter of various measures quartic a curve or equation of the fourth degree quartinvariant an invariant of the fourth degree quartodeciman early Christian who celebrated Easter on Passover even if not a Sunday quartziferous bearing quartz quasi as if; seemingly; in a manner quasquicentennial one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary quassation act of shaking or being shaken quassia tropical tree whose bark is used to make a bitter medicinal product quat a pimple; an insignificant person quatch a word; a sound quatenus in the capacity of; in so far as quatern arranged in fours quaternion any set of four things; quotient of two vectors expressed quadrinomially quaternitarian one who believes that God consists of four parts quaternity fourness; any group of four things quatint engraving using nitric acid quatorzain piece of verse having fourteen lines; a sonnet quatrain stanza of four lines of verse quatrayle great-great-great grandfather quatrefoil four-petalled flower; design or ornament with four flowers or leaves quatridual lasting for four days quattrocentism style of art of the fifteenth century in Italy quattrocento the fifteenth century; Italian art and architecture of that period quatuorvirate a body of four men quaviver fish otherwise known as the sea-dragon or dragonet quawk black-crowned night heron queach a thicket quean lewd woman; hussy; woman of bad character queem protected from the wind queenite a queen's partisan queenright of a colony of social insects, having a queen quelch to squelch quelea an African weaver-bird quellio a Spanish ruff quena vertical bamboo flute used in the Andes quenelle poached meat dumpling quenouille concerning the training of trees into cone-like shape quercetum plantation of oak trees quercine of, like or pertaining to oak trees quercitron yellowish pigment derived from bark of a variety of oak querencia part of a bullfighting arena where the bull makes his stand querent one who asks a question querical of the nature of queries querimonious full of complaints querimony complaint querist inquirer querken to stifle; to suffocate querl to twist; to curl quern stone mill worked by hand querquedule pin-tail duck; a teal quersprung in skiing, a jump-turn at right angles querulist one who complains querulous complaining; peevish quesited sought for; asked about questmonger one whose occupation is to conduct inquests quetsch dark-skinned oval plum; liqueur made from such plums quetzal gold and green bird with long tail feathers quevée in heraldry, having a tail queyock heifer quich to stir; to move quicken mountain ash tree quickhatch wolverine quicklime calcium oxide quickset formed of living plants arranged in place quicksilver old name for mercury quickstep fast march-like dance quicquidlibet whatever one pleases; anything whatsoever quid a cut or wad or something chewable quidam a certain person; somebody quiddany jelly or thick syrup made from sweetened quince juice quidditative quirky; eccentric quiddity unique essence; eccentricity quiddle a fastidious person quidnunc busybody; one keenly interested in gossip quidsworth able to be bought for one pound quietation the action of quieting a person or persons quietism doctrine of enlightenment through mental tranquility quietus discharge from life; extinction; death; silencing quiff puff or gust of wind quiff tuft of hair brushed away from the forehead; oiled lock of hair quillaia South American tree whose bark is used to make soap quillet subtle point in argument; a quibble quilling strip or ribbon gathered into flutings quillon arm of the cross-guard of a sword handle quinary based on the number five quince orange-coloured, pear-shaped fruit quincunx five things with four at corners and one in middle quincurion leader of five men quindecagon plane figure having fifteen sides quindecasyllabic having fifteen syllables quingentenary five-hundredth anniversary quiniferous yielding quinine quinimetry measurement of amount of quinine in bark quinism pathological state resulting from excessive use of quinine quinnat the king salmon quinnet wedge quinology study of quinine quinquagenarian person between the ages of 50 and 59 quinquagesimal belonging to a set of fifty quinquefarious arranged in five rows quinquennium period of five years quinquiplicate to multiply by five quinsy old disease like tonsilitis quintain post for tilting with turning cross-piece quintal unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms quinternion set of five sheets of paper quintessence the most essential part or embodiment of something quintic of the fifth order or degree quinton five-stringed tenor viol quintroon old term for someone who is of 1/16 black descent quipu knotted cords used as Inca mnemonic device quire unit of 24 sheets of paper quire twenty-four sheets of paper of the same size and quality quirister a chorister quiritary in accordance with Roman civil law quiritian a Roman citizen quirt short-handled riding whip quisby an idler; suspicious or odd quisling one who aids the enemy; a puppet leader supported by foreign power quisquilious made of rubbish quitch a kind of wild grass quitclaim deed relinquishing a claim, such as a mining title quiteron superconducting device similar to a transistor quitrent small nominal rent paid to commute feudal service quittance release from a debt or obligation; a document expressing such a release quitter pus; suppurating discharge quixotic extravagantly and romantically chivalrous; idealistic quoad with respect to; as regards quod prison quoddamodotative existing in a certain manner quodlibet philosophical argument of disputation; humorous medley quodlibetificate to quibble with quoin a wedge; salient angle of a building; cornerstone quoit heavy flat ring thrown over pin in a game like horseshoes quokka short-tailed wallaby quoll native cat-like marsupial of Australia quomodocunquize to make money in any way possible quondam former; sometime; formerly quorate having or being a quorum quotatious tending to quote; given to quoting quotennial yearly quotha expression of surprise or contempt quotidian everyday; commonplace quotiety number; numerical relationship quotition a division regarded as a repeated subtraction quotum a number considered in its proportion to a larger number quotuple what multiple quoz absurd person or thing raad electric catfish rabanna raffia fabric of Madagascar rabbet groove cut to receive an edge rabble device for stirring molten iron in a furnace Rabelaisian coarsely hilarious rabic of, like or pertaining to rabies racemation cluster or bundle of grapes or any other thing raceme central stem with flowers on small stalks racemiferous bearing clusters or bunches rach dog that hunts by scent rachidian of or concerning the spine rachiometer instrument for measuring the spine rachis spine or axis of a feather; the spinal cord rachitogenic causing rickets raciology study of racial differences rackrent excessive rent racloir scraper used by early hominids raconteur teller of anecdotes radappertization treatment of food with ionizing radiation to kill bacteria radarscope instrument for detecting radar signals raddle flexible rod used to make hurdles or fences raddle red ochre used to make marks radicated rooted; established radiciform like a root radicivorous eating roots radicle rootlike organ or part radicolous living on roots radiesthesia sensitivity to radiation from any source radiogenic produced by radioactive disintegration radiogoniometer instrument for finding direction through radio signals radiology study of X-rays and their medical applications radiometeorograph instrument for measuring atmospheric conditions at high altitude radiometer instrument measuring radiation energy radioscope instrument for viewing objects using X-rays radiosonde radio transmitter in balloon used to gather weather data radix root; root-number or numerical base; root word or stem radular coarse; scraping; raspy raduliform like a rasp or file rafale burst of artillery in quick rounds raffish disreputable; vulgar ragabash idle worthless fellow raglan having sleeves going all the way to the neck ragmatical wild; ill-behaved raguly in heraldry, having short alternating projections and depressions railophone telephone installed in a train raisonneur person in a play or book embodying author's viewpoint rake the inclination of a mast or another part of a ship ramage boughs of a tree ramate branched rameal of, like or pertaining to branches ramellose having small branches ramentum chaffy scale on plants ramie strong lustrous fabric resembling linen or silk ramiferous bearing branches ramiform branching; shaped like branches rampallion scoundrel; villain rampant heraldic animal portrayed on its hind legs rampick dead tree or tree decayed at top ramuliferous bearing small branches ramulus small branch ramus branch of anything ranarian froggy ranarium place where frogs are kept rancelman local constable or law officer in Orkney and Shetland rancescent becoming rancid rand border; edge; margin randan uproar; din; riotous conduct randem with three horses in single file rangiferine of, like or pertaining to or like reindeer raniform frog-like ranine of, like or pertaining to or like frogs ranivorous eating frogs rantipole wild; disorderly rantize to sprinkle with water during baptism ranunculaceous of, like or pertaining to buttercups raploch coarse undyed woollen cloth rappel call to arms by the beating of a drum rapprochement establishment of or state of cordial relations raptorial predacious; of, like or pertaining to a bird of prey raptus trance; rapture; seizure rarissima extremely rare books ras headland raschel light loosely kitted cloth rasophore lowest rank of Greek Orthodox monk rasorial scraping the ground for food raster pattern of parallel lines or grid used in certain scanning devices rasure act of scraping; erasure; obliteration rataplan drumming sound ratemeter instrument for measuring counting rate of electronic counters rath prehistoric hill fort rathe quick; early; eager ratheripe early ripe raticide substance or person who kills rats ratihabition ratification ratiné rough bulky plain-woven fabric ratiocinate to reason or argue logically rationalism belief that reason is the fundamental source of knowledge ratite of, like or pertaining to flightless birds ratline small rope forming a rung of a rope ladder on a ship ratten to practise sabotage against ravanastron ancient Hindu stringed instrument played with a bow ravelin detached work with two embankments realism doctrine that objects of cognition are real reast to become rancid rebarbative repellent; repulsive rebatement abatement; reduction; discount rebec medieval musical instrument like a mandolin or viol reboant marked by reverberation; resounding rebullition act of boiling up or effervescing rebus picture puzzle representing a word recadency relapsing; falling back recalesce to display again a state of glowing heat recaption reprisal; taking back that which is unlawfully obtained recense to revise critically recept idea or imaged formed by repeated similar perceptions receptacular serving as a receptacle recherché carefully chosen, rare or exotic recidivism habit of relapsing into crime recipiangle old instrument with two arms used for measuring angles reciprocornous having horns that turn backward and then forward recision cutting back; rescinding récit solo part for voice or instrument; narrative tale reckling smallest or weakest of a litter réclame art or practice by which publicity or notoriety is secured reclinate bent down or back recoct to cook again; to concoct; to improvise recondite out of the way; little known recreant craven; false; apostate recrement waste; dross; secretion that is reabsorbed; excess matter recriminate to charge one's accuser recrudescence a resurgence after a period of abatement rectalgia pain in the butt rectigrade moving in a straight line rectiserial in vertical ranks rectitudinous manifesting overly obvious moral correctness recto front side of a bookleaf; on the front rectrix quill feathers of a bird's tail recumbent reclining; lying comfortably recure to cure; to heal; to bring back to health recusant one who refuses to attend Catholic church services; nonconformist redact to edit; work into shape; to frame redan field fortification with two parapets meeting at an angle redargue to refute; to confute reddendum reserving clause in a lease rede to counsel or advise redhibition return of defective product and cancellation of sale redintegrate to make whole again; to restore redivivus resuscitated; come to life again redolent fragrant; smelling of; suggestive of redoubt rough and temporary fortification redoubtable formidable; valiant redound recoil back on; make contribution for own benefit redshort brittle at red-heat reductionism belief that complex phenomena are reducible to simple ones reduit inner fortified retreat for a garrison reef to reduce area of a sail by rolling or folding part of it reel lively dance of the Scottish Highlands reeve to pass a rope through a ring refection refreshment or relief; a meal refectory dining-hall of a monastery or other institution refel to refute; to disprove; to confute reflation increase in amount of economic activity and spending reflectometer instrument for measuring reflectance of radiant energy reflet iridescent or metallic lustre reflexology study of reflexes refluent flowing back; ebbing; tidal reflux an ebb; boiling using a condenser to avoid liquid loss refocillate to refresh; to cherish refractometer instrument measuring refraction of light refractory unruly; unmanageable; perverse; obstinate refrangible that may be refracted refringency refractivity refugium area that has retained earlier geographic conditions refulgent casting a flood of light; radiant; beaming regal a small portable organ regalism doctrine of the monarch's supremacy in church affairs regardant in profile and looking to the rear regelation freezing together again reginal of, like or pertaining to a queen régisseur stage manager; director; manager regius royal reglementation regulation reglet strip for spacing between lines in printing regnal of a reign regolith layer of loose rock overlaying solid rock regorge to disgorge; to regurgitate regrate to buy and sell again in or near the same market regrede to retrograde regreet to exchange greetings reguerdon to reward regula rule of a religious order regulus impure metal; intermediate product in ore smelting reinfund to flow in again rejectamenta refuse; excrement rejoinder sharp and clever answer relâche relaxation; rest; no performance relative indicating relation or a prepositional object relict left behind; surviving reliction recession of sea leaving bare land religate to tie together; to restrain reliquary a small box or shrine used to hold relics reliquiae remains relucent reflecting; shining relume to light or light up again remanent a remainder; a remnant remanet postponed case or parliamentary bill remeant returning; coming back remex quill feather of a bird's wing remiform oar-shaped remigate to row remittitur act of sending case from appellate court back to trial court remonstrate to protest; to expostulate remontant flowering more than once per season remora delay; obstacle remuant restless; fidgety remueur person who turns the bottles in wine-making renal of, like or pertaining to the kidneys renascent coming into renewed life or vitality rencounter chance meeting; encounter; casual combat reniform shaped like a kidney renitent resistant; reluctant; recalcitrant renverse to reverse; to upset rep plain-woven fabric with crosswise ribs repetend figures, words, notes or numbers that are repeated repine to feel or express discontent or dejection replevin repossession of stolen goods pending outcome of lawsuit repository side altar in Catholic church repoussé raised in relief by hammering from behind or within reprehend to rebuke representamen the product of representation representationalism doctrine that ideas rather than external objects are basis of knowledge reprobate reprehensible or immoral person reprography reproduction of graphic or typeset material reptant creeping; crawling reptation act of squirming along a smooth-walled narrow passage repugn to fight against; to oppose repunit number consisting of two or more identical integers requiem lament or mass for the dead requiescat prayer for the dead requital act of payment in return; repayment; vengeance reredos screen behind altar reremouse bat rescript answer of pope or emperor to any legal question; edict or decree réseau network of lines used in star photographs resection cutting away a part of; especially the end resiant resident resile to recoil; to rebound; to draw back from a position resiniferous bearing resin resipiscence recognition of error; change to better frame of mind resistentialism humorous theory that inanimate objects display malice towards humans resofincular resembling a wire hanger resorb to absorb back; to reabsorb respirometer instrument for measuring and studying respiration respondentia loan on ship's cargo payable on safe arrival responsory set of responses sung or said after liturgical reading restiform shaped like a cord resupine lying on the back ret to expose to moisture; to soak; to soften by soaking retable shelf or ornamental setting for panels behind an altar rete network or net; stylized star-map of an astrolabe retiary of nets; using nets as a weapon; catching insects in webs reticella old Venetian lace-like fabric reticello glass formed with decorative network of fine glass threads reticle set of intersecting wires used to facilitate accurate observations reticular of, like or pertaining to nets; intricate reticulate divide or be divided into a network reticule small woven lady's handbag reticulose of the nature of a network retiform shaped like a net retinaculum connecting band; means of retention retinise to read mechanically by sight alone retinoid like resin retinoscope instrument for measuring and viewing the retina retiracy seclusion; enough to retire on retorse bent backwards retrad backwards retrahent drawing back retral at or toward the rear retree slightly damaged paper retrenchment cutting down on; reduction in amount of retrocede to move back; to cede back; to grant back retrochoir space in choir behind high altar retrocognition extrasensory knowledge of past events retrograde moving or directed backwards; degenerating; inverse retrogress backward movement; degeneration retroject to throw backwards retromancy divination by looking over one's shoulder retromingent urinating rearwards retromorphosis change for the worse retronym new name as modification of older term used alone retrophilia love of things of the past retropulsion pushing backwards retrorse turned back or downward retroussé turned up; especially of the nose retrovert to turn back revalescent convalescent revalorize to give new value to; to restore value of currency revanche revenge; policy directed towards recovery of territory revehent carrying back revendicate to make formal claim to; to try to retrieve lost goods revers any part of a garment which is turned back revest reinstate; reinvest revet to face with masonry revetment retaining wall revie to stake more than an opponent has proposed on revirescent growing young or strong again reviviscent reviving revolute rolled back at the edges rhabdoid rodlike rhabdology knowledge or learning concerning divining rods rhabdology art of calculating using numbering rods rhabdomancy divination using a rod or stick rhabdos magic wand rhadamanthine like a stern judge rhaebosis curvature; bandiness rhagades small fissures or chaps on the skin rhamphoid hooked beak shaped rhapsodomancy divination by opening works of poetry at random rhathymia personality factor leading to optimism and cheerfulness rheid substance that flows viscously when below its melting point rhema word; verb rhematic of words or verbs; forming a word or words rheme speech element that expresses an idea rheology science of the deformation or flow of matter rheometer instrument that measures current rheophile living or thriving in running water rheostat instrument for measuring electric resistance rheotaxis direction of movement by water rheotropism change in orientation or location of an organism due to running water rhetoricaster petty rhetorician rheum watery discharge from eyes and nose rheumatology study of rheumatism rhexis rupture of a blood-vessel rhigosis sensation of cold; ability to feel cold rhinal of, like or pertaining to the nose rhinocerial very heavy; of or like a rhinoceros rhinocerotic of, like or pertaining to the rhinoceros rhinogenous deriving from the nose rhinology study of the nose rhinoscope instrument for examining the nose rhinotillexomania compulsive nose picking rhipidate fan-shaped rhizic of the root of an equation rhizogenic producing or growing roots rhizoid root-like rhizome root-like stalk or stem of a plant rhizophagous root-eating rhizophilous growing or thriving on or near roots rhochrematics science of inventory management and the movement of products rhodopsin visual purple rhomboid shaped like a parallelogram rhombos bull-roarer rhonchial of, like or pertaining to snoring rhonchisonant making a snorting or snoring noise rhopalic having each word one syllable longer than that before rhopography painting in still life rhotacism excessive or incorrect pronunciation of the letter "r" rhumb compass point rhynchodont having a toothed beak rhyparography genre or still-life pictures of sordid subjects rhypophagy eating filth rhysimeter instrument for measuring speed of current or watercraft rhythmometer instrument for measuring speed of rhythms rhytidectomy wrinkle-removing operation rhyton drinking cup with hole in the point to drink by ria normal drowned valley; long wide creek riant laughing; merry ribibe an old crone, past the age of sexual attractiveness rictal of the gape; of the corner of the mouth rictus gaping mouth; orifice rideau ridge or mound of earth used for defense ridel altar curtain rident laughing or smiling radiantly; beaming ridgeling half-castrated animal ridibund easily moved to laughter ridotto social gathering with music and dancing riem rawhide thong rifacimento recasting of a literary or musical work riffler small file with curved ends used in woodworking rigadoon lively Baroque period dance rigescent becoming numb or stiff rigidulous somewhat stiff rillet small brook or stream rillmark marking produced by water running down a bank or beach rima narrow fissure rimiform having a long furrow rimose full of chinks; covered with cracks rimple to wrinkle rindle small watercourse ringent gaping rinkomania obsession with skating riometer instrument for measuring absorbed cosmic radio waves riparian of or inhabiting a riverbank; a riverside inhabitant ripienist supplementary instrumentalist ripieno supplementary or reinforcing music ripple toothed tool for removing seeds from flax or hemp risible laughable risorgimento revival; rebirth risorial of, like or pertaining to or causing laughter risus a laugh; a grin ritornel short instrumental prelude or interlude in opera rittmaster captain of a troop of horse rivage shore; bank rivel to shrivel; to shrink rivulation irregular marks of colour rivulose marked with winding and haphazard lines riziform shaped like a grain of rice roach curved cut in edge of sail for preventing chafing roadster light carriage roband piece of yarn used to fasten a sail to a spar robinet ancient light cannon roborant strengthening drug or tonic roborate to strengthen; to corroborate roborean strong; like an oak robur hard-wooded oak roc enormous legendary Arabian bird rocaille artificial rockwork or similar ornament roche rock or cliff; a rocky height rochet surplice-like vestment of a bishop or abbot rockaway light four-wheeled carriage with fixed top and open sides rodenticide killing of rodents rodomontade bluster; boasting; bragging speech roentgen unit of x-radiation or gamma radiation rogation asking or supplication, especially in an ecclesiastical sense rogatory asking for the intervention of a foreign court in examining a witness rollick exuberant jollity; to frolic gaily rolly truck; trolley rom a gypsy man romage tumult romal handkerchief or headcloth; silk or cotton fabric rondeau poem of thirteen lines rondure gracefully rounded curvature rood cross or crucifix at entrance to church chancel rood old unit of land area equal to 1/4 acre roodge to push or lift with effort rookery state of confusion roorback defamatory falsehood published for political effect roric dewy roriferous producing or bearing dew rorulent dew-covered rosarian rose-fancier rosarium rose garden roscid dewy roseaceous of the rose family; roselike roseate resembling a rose; overly optimistic rosette knot or radiating loops of ribbon concentrically arranged rosin resin applied to bows for stringed instruments rosmarine mythical walrus-like sea animal that feeds on dew rosorial rodentine rostel small beak or similar outgrowth rostelliform shaped like a small beak rostrum spike on prow of warship for ramming rostrum platform for public speaking; conductor's dais rota roster rotameter old instrument for measuring length of curved lines rotameter instrument consisting of glass tube with free float for measuring liquid flow rotiferous bearing rotifers rotocracy government by those who control rotten boroughs rotograph photograph made by laying negative on sensitive paper rotula kneecap rotundate rounded off; orbicular roturier plebeian roué man devoted to life of pleasure; rake roulade melodic embellishment sung to one syllable rounce handle for moving carriage on hand printing press rounceval a large, boisterous woman; a mannish woman; a lesbian round dance in a ring roundel anything circular; circle; disc; ring-dance roundelay song with a refrain roup poultry disease roussette fruit-bat rowel small; spiked wheel on a spur rowen second mowing of grass in the same season; aftermath rowlock contrivance serving as a fulcrum for an oar royal small sail on royal mast just above topgallant sail rubedinous ruddy rubefaction reddening rubefy to redden rubescent growing red; blushing rubican of a horse, black or red with flecks of white rubicund ruddy rubiginous rusty-coloured rubious ruby red; rusty rubor redness of body part due to excess blood rubricality ceremony rubricate to mark in red; to fix like a ritual ruche frill of lace or other material ruction disturbance; uproar ruderal growing in wasteland or among rubbish ruelle space between bed and wall rufescent inclining to redness rufous reddish or brownish-red rugate wrinkled rugine surgeon's scraping instrument rugous wrinkled; covered with sunken lines rugulous having small wrinkles ruiniform having the form or appearance of ruins rulley flat four-wheeled wagon for carrying goods rullion a rawhide shoe rumbustious boisterous rumchunder fine silk rumfustian hot alcoholic drink made from rum and various spices rummer large drinking-glass runagate fugitive; vagabond runcation action of weeding runcinate having irregular saw-toothed divisions rundale system of holding land in single detached pieces rundle rung of a ladder rundlet old liquid measure equal to about 15 gallons runnel little brook runology study of runes rupellary rocky rupestrian composed of rock; inscribed on rock rupicaprine of, like or pertaining to chamoises rupicoline rock-dwelling ruptile easily breakable ruridecanal concerning a rural dean and his jurisdiction rurigenous living or born in the country rushlight a type of candle dipped in grease russel ribbed cotton and wool russet reddish brown russet coarse homespun cloth Russophile one who admires Russia or the Russians Russophobia fear of Russia or Russians rusticate to send into the country; to banish to rural areas rusticity rustic manner; simplicity; rudeness ruth pity; remorse; sorrow rutherford unit of radioactive decay equal to 1 million disintegrations per second ruthful piteous; sorrowful rutidosis wrinkling rutilant shining; glowing ruddily rya colourful Scandinavian knotted-pile rug sabaton foot-covering as part of suit of armour sabbatarian one who keeps the sabbath strictly sabbulonarium gravel pit sabelline sable fur sabin unit of acoustic absorption of one square foot of a perfect absorber sable black; dark; of a black colour in heraldry sabliere sand pit sabot wooden shoe; clog sabot attachment to guide projectile through bore of firearm sabretache satchel suspended from cavalry officer's belt sabulous sandy; gritty; growing in sandy places saburration application of hot sand as medical treatment saccade sharp lateral movement of the eye as it changes fixation saccadic jerky; twitching sacchariferous bearing sugar saccharimeter instrument for measuring amount of sugar in a solution sacciferous bearing a sac or sacs sacciform shaped like a sac saccular sac-like sacculiform shaped like a small sac sacerdotal priestly; pertaining to priestly interests sacerdotalism belief that priests are necessary mediators between God and mankind sachet small plastic envelope holding liquid or cream sack dry white wine or sherry from Spain sackbut early wind instrument resembling the trombone sacralgia pain in the sacrum sacralized prepared to be used in sacred ceremonies sacramentarianism belief that sacraments have unusual properties sacrarium place where sacred objects are kept sacring hallowing; consecration sacristan church official in charge of vessels and the sacristy sacristy room in church where sacred objects are kept sadogue fat; easy-going person saeculum astronomical or geological age saffron orange-yellow sagathy light blend of silk and cotton or wool sagene fishing-net; network sageship state or quality of being a sage saggar clay box in which pottery is packed for baking saginate to fatten animals sagittal shaped like an arrow sagittary centaur; archer sagittiform shaped like an arrowhead sal a salt salacious indecently erotic; lecherous salamandroid like a salamander; able to withstand fire salariat salary-earning class collectively saliferous salt-bearing salify to impregnate with salt saliniform like salt salinometer instrument for measuring amount of salt in a solution salmagundi stew of many mixed ingredients; a medley or miscellany salpiform shaped like a barrel salpinx Fallopian tube salsa fast Latin American jazz-influenced dance salse mud volcano salsipotent ruling the salt seas salsitude saltiness; brackishness salsuginous salty; brackish; growing in salty soil saltant leaping; dancing saltarello lively Italian dance saltation jumping or leaping; abrupt variation saltationism punctuation in evolution saltativeness ability to jump saltern salt-works saltigrade progressing by leaps saltire X-shaped cross saltus breach of continuity; jump to a conclusion salubrious favourable to or promoting well-being salutary producing good effects; beneficial salutiferous conducive to health or well-being salvific having the purpose or intention of saving samara propeller-like winged fruit samarra flame-decorated cassock worn by those condemned by the Inquisition samel underburnt samite rich and heavy silk, sometimes interwoven with gold or silver sanable able to be healed sanative healing sanatory producing health sanbenito yellow or black sackcloth garment worn by heretics prior to execution sanctanimity holiness of mind sangfroid coolness; composure sanguiferous bearing blood sanguine optimistic; having a bright complexion sanguineous bloody; of, like or pertaining to blood; blood-red sanguinolent containing blood; bloodthirsty sanguisugent blood-sucking sanguivorous blood-drinking sanies watery foul discharge from wounds or sores sansculotte strong republican; democrat or violent revolutionary sapid having a perceptible or decided taste; savoury; agreeable sapience discernment; judgement sapiential providing wisdom saponaceous soapy; soaplike saponifiable able to be converted into soap saponify to convert into soap sapor property of substance of taste; flavour saporine of, like or pertaining to the sense of taste Sapphism homosexuality in women saprobic characterized by decaying organic matter saprodontia tooth decay saprogenous growing on decaying material; causing putrefaction saprophagous feeding on decaying material saprophyte plant living on dead or decaying matter saprostomous having foul breath sapsago hard green Swiss cheese sapwood soft tissue beneath bark of tree sarabande stately Spanish Baroque court dance sarangousty waterproof stucco sarcoid flesh-like sarcoline flesh-coloured sarcology study of fleshy parts of the body sarcophagous feeding on flesh; carnivorous sarcophilous fond of flesh sarcotic promoting growth of flesh sarcous of flesh or muscle sard deep orange chalcedony sarment long weak twig sarmentum vine, long twig or runner sarrusophone double-reeded musical instrument resembling the bassoon sarsenet fine and soft silk; soft or gentle sartorial of, like or pertaining to a tailor or tailored clothes sastruga long parallel ridges of snow that form on windy plains satanology study of devil satanophany an appearance of the devil satanophobia fear of the devil satara ribbed lustred wool sateen glossy cotton or wool satinet thin silk satin or imitation thereof satisdation provision of security satisfice to aim for or achieve that which will suffice sative cultivated saturnalian riotously merry saturnine of a gloomy or surly disposition; sardonic saturnism lead poisoning satyrism uncontrolled licentiousness satyromania abnormally great male sexual desire; satyriasis saurophagous eating lizards sauterelle mason's tool for making angles sautoir long necklace or pendant saw saying or proverb sawder to flatter saxatile rock-dwelling saxicavous rock-boring saxicolous living in or among rocks saxifragous breaking stone saxigenous growing in rocks saxony fine soft woollen fabric say delicate woollen fabric scaberulous somewhat scabrous or rough scabious of, like or pertaining to scabies or scabs scabrous having scaly or rough surface; risqué or obscene scacchic of, like or pertaining to chess scaffmaster steward scagliola stone-like plasterwork for interior decoration scalariform shaped like a ladder scalary formed with steps or rungs scallion onion with a slim bulb; leek scallom rod with thin or spliced end used to form base or frame of baskets scalpeliform shaped like a scalpel scalpriform shaped like a chisel scalpture art of engraving on metal or stone scamander to take a winding course; to meander scambling haphazard meal scammony plant root used as strong purgative scandent climbing scanderoon homing pigeon scansorial climbing; adapted for climbing scantling dimensions of a cross-section of timber; a small amount scapegrace scoundrel; incorrigible man or boy scaphion kind of sundial scaphism execution by deserting honey-covered person in the sun scaphoid boat-shaped scapiform shaped like a stalk scapigerous having a scape scapple to work smoothly, without smoothing to a finish scapular badge of monastic order worn on the shoulders scapulomancy divination by examining burnt shoulder blade scarabaean of, like or pertaining to scarabs scaramouch ruffian; scoundrel scarfskin surface skin scarify to scratch or scar scarious thin and tough scarlatina scarlet fever scarlet fine cloth scarp to make steep scarpetti climbing shoes with hemp soles scarpines instrument of torture for the feet scatch a stilt scatebrous flowing or bubbling out; abounding with springs scatology study of excrement or obscene literature scatomancy divination by studying excrement scatophagous dung-eating scatoscopy divination by studying excrement; scatomancy scattery dispersed; sparse scaturient flowing out; gushing scaturiginous abounding with springs scauper semicircular gouging chisel scavage refuse scavenged from the roads scavager officer in charge of keeping streets clean scazon limping verse scelerat villain scelestic wicked; villainous scelotyrbe disease causing hesitation in walking scenography representation of an object in perspective scepsis philosophic doubt schadenfreude malicious pleasure in others' misfortunes schediasm impromptu action; an extemporized work schematomancy divination using the human form schematonics art of using gesture to express tones schesis deriding opponent's argument by referring to his way of thought schetic of a disease, not deeply rooted in the body schiller bronze lustre schistous formed of schist schizogenesis reproduction by division schizotrichia splitting of hair schiztic of, like or pertaining to or marked by splitting schoenabatic of, like or pertaining to rope walking schola church choir led by a cantor scholarch head of a school scholasticate preparatory college for those intending to enter Catholic order scholiast commentator; writer of marginal notes scholion annotation to an argument written in margin schorl tourmaline schottische old polka-like round dance schryari old and very loud double-reed wind instrument schwärmerei sentimental enthusiasm; wild devotion schwerpunkt point where main effort of a military attack is directed sciagraphy art of shading scialytic dispelling shadows sciaphobia fear of shadows sciapodous having large feet sciatheric of, like or pertaining to measurement of time by shadows sciatic of, like or pertaining to the hip scible that which is knowable scientaster petty scientist scientism belief that the methods of science are universally applicable scilicet to wit; namely scincoid of or resembling a skink scintilla hint; trace; spark scintillant sparkling scintillescent twinkling scintillometer instrument measuring scintillation of star scintilloscope instrument for measuring gamma rays emitted by a radioactive body sciolism superficial pretensions to knowledge sciomancy divination using ghosts sciophilous thriving in or loving shady conditions scioptic of, like or pertaining to formation of images in darkrooms sciosophy system of knowledge without basis in science scissel metal clippings; scrap metal scissile able to be cut; readily splitting scission cutting; division; splitting scissure a cleft; a splitting; fissure; rupture sciurine of, like or pertaining to squirrels sciuroid of, like or pertaining to squirrels or chipmunks sciuroid shaped like a squirrel's tail sclerodermous hard-skinned scleroid hard; hardened sclerometer instrument measuring hardness scobiform like sawdust scoliograptic marked by oblique lines scoliometer instrument measuring curvature scolopacine of, like or pertaining to snipes sconce small protective fortification or earthwork scop Anglo-Saxon poet and harpist scopate brush-like scopic visual scopophilia obtaining sexual pleasure from seeing things scopophobia fear of being looked at scoptophobia fear of being looked at scopula little tuft of hairs scopulate brush-like scorbutic of or suffering from scurvy scoria dross or slag from metal-smelting; slag-like mass of lava scorify to reduce to slag scorpioid scorpion-like; curved at the end scortation fornication scotograph instrument for writing without seeing scotoma dizziness with headache and impairment of vision Scotophilia admiration for Scotland or the Scots scotophobia fear of the dark scotopia vision in dim light or darkness scotoscope instrument for detecting objects in darkness scranch to crunch scrannel thin; meagre; squeaking scree sloping mass of loose rock at base of a cliff screed lengthy discourse; informal piece of writing scribable capable of being written upon scribacious given to writing scribbleomania obsession with scribbling scride to crawl on all fours scrim durable plain-woven cotton fabric scrimshank to evade work or duty scrimure fencer scriniary keeper of archives; archivist scripophily collection of bond and share certificates scriptorium writing room; room used by monastic scribes scriptory by, in or pertaining to writing scripturient having a violent desire to write scrivello elephant's tusk scrobiculate pitted scrobiculus small depression or pit scrotiform shaped like a pouch scrow a scroll; writings scrumpy strong apple cider as made in western England scruple unit of weight used by apothecaries equal to 1/24 of an ounce scrutator close examiner scruto stage trap door scud to sail swiftly before a gale scullion mean; contemptible person scumble softening a painting using a dry brush scuncheon inner part of a door jamb or window frame scupper hole allowing water to drain from ship's deck scurriour scout scutage tax on a knight's fee scutal of, like or pertaining to shields scutch to beat out impurities from flax or wool scutellate shaped like a platter scutellation arrangement of scales or plates on an animal's body scutiform shaped like a shield scutiger squire scutigerous bearing a shield or scales scuttlebutt cask of drinking water aboard a ship; rumour, idle gossip scuttlebutt cask with hole in it used for holding drinking water on a ship scuttles portholes on a ship scyphiform shaped like a cup scytodepsic of, like or pertaining to tanning leather seacock bold sea rover seahog porpoise sealine the sea horizon sebaceous of or like tallow sebastomania religious insanity sebiferous bearing fatty matter secateurs pruning-shears secco painting on dry plaster secern to discriminate or distinguish; to secrete secodont having cutting teeth secque lightweight clog secreta products of secretion secretagogue substance inducing or stimulating secretion secretaire writing desk secretum private seal sectile capable of being cut easily with a knife secund on one side only secundine afterbirth secundogeniture custom where second-oldest child inherits property secundum according to securiform shaped like an axe securigerous bearing an axe secus otherwise sedent seated sederunt sitting of a court; gathering; long discussion sedigitated six-fingered sedilia stone seats for clergy in wall of chancel sedimentology study of sediment sedulous assiduous; diligent seel to sew up the eyelids of; to blindfold seersucker light puckered cotton or linen fabric seg stud or metal plate in sole of a shoe to prevent wear segnity sluggishness; slothfulness segregant having a genotype derived from segregation seguidilla Spanish folk dance seicento style of art in Italy in the seventeenth century seiche periodic side-to-side fluctuation of body of water seine large vertical fishing net seisin freehold possession of land in a feudal system seismicity degree of vulnerability to earthquakes seismograph instrument for recording earthquakes seismology study of earthquakes seismometer instrument for measuring earthquake intensity seismoscope instrument for detecting earthquakes seismotherapy medical therapy using vibrations seismotic causing earthquakes seity self; selfhood; personal identity sejant sitting (especially of a heraldic animal) sejugate to separate sejunction separation; disjunction sejungible able to be disjoined selachian of, like or pertaining to sharks or rays selcouth strange; unfamiliar; marvellous selenic of, like or pertaining to the moon selenocentric relating to the moon as a centre; as seen from the centre of the moon selenodesy study of the shape and features of the moon selenography description of the moon's surface selenolatry worship of the moon selenology study of the moon selenomancy divination by studying the moon selenoscope instrument for viewing the moon self-determinism doctrine that the actions of a self are determined by itself sellate having a saddle selliform shaped like a saddle selvage differently finished edging of cloth semanteme word expressing an idea, such as a noun semantics study of meaning semantology science of meanings of words semasiology study of meaning; semantics sematic serving for recognition, attraction or warning sematography writing in signs rather than letters semelincident occurring only once in the same individual semelparous reproducing only once in its lifetime semese half-eaten semestral half-yearly semic of, like or pertaining to a sign or signs semilunate shaped like a half-moon seminative producing growth seminiferous seed-bearing seminivorous seed-eating seminule small seed or spore semiography description of signs or symptoms semiology study of signs and signals semiotics study of signs and symbols semioviparous bringing forth young in incomplete developmental state semiquote single quotation mark ( ` or ' ) semitaur mythical half-man; half-bull semiterete half-cylindrical semolina hard grains of wheat that resist grinding semon sub-element of a grammatical unit of meaning semovedly separately sempect extremely elderly Benedictine monk semper always sempervirent evergreen; always fresh sempiternal of never-ending duration; eternal sempiternum durable wool sempster one who sews senary involving or based on six; having a numerical base of six sendal thin silk or linen senectitude old age senectuous very old senescent growing old senicide killing of old men sennet musical fanfare sennit plaited straw or rope senocular having six eyes sensationalism belief that ideas originate solely in sensation sensibilia whatever may be perceived by the senses sensifacient producing or converting into sensation sensiferous conveying sensation sensile sentient; capable of affecting the senses sensitometer instrument for measuring sensitivity of photographic material sententia opinion; aphorism sententious full of meaning; aphoristic; tending to moralize sepal division of the calyx of a flower separatrix solidus; separating line sepelible that may be buried sepelition burial sephiroth ten essences of God emanated into the physical world sepia fine brown sepian inky sepicolous dwelling in hedges sepiment hedge; fence; barrier sepometer instrument for measuring septic matter in the air seposit to set aside; to give up sept division of a tribe; clan septarchy government by seven rulers; heptarchy septate partitioned; having a septum septemfid split into seven septemfluous in seven streams septenary in seven portions; grouped in seven; of base seven septentrional northern; of, like or pertaining to the north septiferous having barriers septiform shaped like a partition septimal of, like or pertaining to or based on the number seven septimanal weekly septum division; partition; barrier sepulchral funereal; gloomy; dismal sepulchre receptacle in an altar for holding religious relics sepultre interment sequacious ready to follow a leader or authority; compliant sequela after-effect of any trauma; consequence or result sequestrate to confiscate; to set income aside to meet claims serac pillar of glacial ice seraglio harem seral of, like or pertaining to the development of ecological communities seraphic serene; blissful; angelic sere threadbare; withered serein fine tropical rain falling from cloudless night sky serge strong twilled worsted seriate in rows seriatim in succession; one after another seric silken sericeous silky; covered with soft silky hairs sericterium silk spinning glands sericulture breeding of silkworms serific silk-producing serigraphy silk-screening serimeter instrument for testing quality of silk seriocomic partly serious and partly humorous serment oath sermocination making of speeches or sermons sermuncle short sermon serology study of serums seron crate or hamper serotinous flowering late serous of, like or pertaining to serum; watery serpentcleide musical instrument like an ophicleide with a wooden body serpenticide killing or killer of a snake serpentiferous bearing a snake; abounding in snakes serpentise to wind; to cause to wind serpentry serpents collectively serpette pruning knife serpigo ringworm serpivolant mythical flying serpent serratic like a saw serratiform saw-shaped; serriform serried close-set; packed together without gaps serriform saw-shaped serrurerie wrought iron work sertule scientific collection of plants servilism system of slavery or serfdom servitor one who serves; clerk or assistant; adherent sesquialter in a ratio of three to two sesquiduplicate having a ratio of five to two sesquipedalian tending to use long or cumbersome words sesquiplicate of or as the square roots of cubes sesquitertial having a ratio of four to three sessile stalkless, sedentary, fixed or stationary seta bristle or bristle-like organ setaceous having the form of a bristle; bristly setiferous bearing bristles setiform shaped like a bristle setigerous bearing bristles setline fishing line suspended between buoys seton thread passed under skin acting as channel for discharge setose bristly settee long seat with a back setulous covered with small bristles severalty separateness; separate ownership of property severy compartment of vaulted ceiling sevum tallow sexenary six-fold sexology study of sexual behaviour sext prayer service held at noon sexton church caretaker or bellringer sferics study of storms using electronic detectors sgraffito scratching surface of pottery to reveal different colour shabrack saddle cloth shag dance where participants hop energetically shagreen green dyed untanned leather shail to shamble; to stumble shake unit of one hundred millionth of a second used to measure nuclear processes shalloon light twilled wool or worsted shallop light river boat with sail and oars shallot onion with garlic-flavoured bulbs shambles a butcher's shop; a street or district for butchers shambolic chaotic shambrough heraldic depiction of a boat or ship shammel platform of boards for shovelling unrefined ore upon shandry light cart on springs shantung plain rough silk or cotton sharkskin smooth durable wool or worsted fabric shaugh thicket shawm double-reeded wind instrument sheading administrative division on the Isle of Man shearling one-year-old sheep sheer fore-and-aft curvature of a ship from bow to stern shenango a casually employed dock worker shend to destroy; to ruin; to disgrace; to corrupt shend to disgrace; to shame; to reproach sheol hell; place where the dead live a shadowy existence shetland lightweight loosely twisted wool fabric shide piece of wood split off from a timber shimmy jazz dance featuring rapid shaking of the body shindle wooden roofing tile; shingle shivaree noisy mock serenade for newlyweds shoddy woollen fabric made from rags shofar ram's horn trumpet used in Jewish ceremonies shopocracy government by shopkeepers shrieval of, like or pertaining to a sheriff shrive to hear a confession from and give absolution shroff to test money to detect impurities shrouds ropes supporting the mast of a ship shuftiscope instrument used to explore interior of dysentery case shunamitism rejuvenation of an old man by a young woman sial outer part of the earth's surface sialic of, like or pertaining to saliva sialogogue anything that stimulates flow of saliva sialoquent spitting greatly while speaking siamese to join pipes in a way suggestive of Siamese twins siblicide killing or killer of a sibling sibylline prophetic; oracular sic thus sicarian murderer; assassin siccaneous dry; arid siccar sure; certain; firm siccative drying; a drying agent siccimeter instrument for measuring liquid evaporation sicilienne ribbed silk sidelight coloured lights on side of a ship under way at night sidelight lamp or light above or at the side of a door sideral sent from the stars; omenous or evil siderate to blast or strike sideration use of green manure sidereal of, like or pertaining to the stars siderism belief that the stars influence human affairs siderization addition of iron to alloy siderognost instrument measuring magnetic intensity siderography art of engraving on steel sideromancy divination using stars; divination by burning straws sideroscope instrument using magnets to detect presence of iron siderose like or containing iron siderurgy metallurgy of iron and steel sideslip oblique offshoot siege seat or throne siemens unit of electrical conductance equivalent to one ampere per volt siffilate to whistle siffleur professional whistler sightworthy worth looking at sigillary of, like or pertaining to a seal sigillate sealed; with seal-like impressions sigillative tending to form scars sigillography study of seals sigillum seal of the confession sigla abbreviations, symbols and signs sigmate shaped like an S or a sigma sigmoid S-shaped sigmoidoscope instrument for examining the interior of the rectum and sigmoid colon signary system of symbols; alphabet signate distinct; distinguished significs science of meaning silage any green crop stored for use as animal fodder silentiary any official who calls for silence silenus tipsy person silesia thin twilled cotton or linen silicicolous growing in silicate or sandy soil siliciferous bearing or containing silica silkaline soft light cotton fabric resembling silk sillograph one who writes satires sillometer instrument measuring speed of ship silva assemblage of trees in a region silverskin fine skin of a coffee bean silvicide substance that kills trees silvicolous living in woods silvics study of tree's life silviculture growing of trees simian of, like or pertaining to apes similative indicating similarity to similiter in a similar manner similize to liken; to compare simillimum remedy chosen for symptoms it emulates simity state of being pug-nosed simnel sweet fruit cake covered with marzipan and eaten at Easter simoniac one who practices simony simony buying or selling of ecclesiastical offices simous having a flat; upturned nose simplex figure with minimum number of vertices simpliciter simply; not relatively; unconditionally simplism affected simplicity; oversimplification simpliste simplistic; naïve simular counterfeit; feigned simultanagnosia inability to experience perceptions as components of a whole sinal of, like or pertaining to the sinuses sinapise to sprinkle; to powder sinciput the forehead sindon fine linen sindonology study of the shroud of Turin sine without sinecure ecclesiastical office or other job requiring little work singillatim singly singspiel semi-dramatic play in dialogue and song singult a sob singultous hiccuping; suffering from hiccups sinister of or on the left side of a heraldic shield sinistrad towards the left sinistration moving to the left sinistromanual left-handed sinistrorse rising spirally and turning from right to left Sinology study of China Sinophile one who admires China or the Chinese sinopia preparatory drawing for a fresco; reddish-brown colour sinter deposit from hot springs; iron dross sinuate having a wavy edge or margin; winding; sinuous sipe to percolate or ooze through siphonic of, like or pertaining to a siphon siphoniform shaped like a siphon siphonogamous reproducing by seeds sipidity savour; flavour sippet morsel of bread to be eaten with soup sirenize to bewitch, allure or enchant siriasis sunstroke sisal fibre used for making rope siserary a scolding; a blow siskin small finch-like songbird sisyphean laborious, endless and futile sith since sitiomania morbid aversion to food sitiophobia fear of food sitology dietetics sitophobia fear of food or eating situative indicating comparison of two things situla a holy bucket situs position; normal position of an organ in the body skald ancient Scandinavian bard skaw low cape or headland skean dagger skeg part of ship connecting the keel with the bottom of the rudderpost skelder to beg; to swindle; to cheat skeletogenous producing a skeleton skelic of, like or pertaining to the skeleton skellum villain; rascal; scoundrel skep straw beehive skerry small rocky island skeuomorph retained but no longer functional stylistic feature skewbald bearing patches of white and some other colour skiagram shadow picture or photograph skiagraphy telling time by sundial skiamachy sham fight; shadow boxing skiascope instrument for measuring eye's refraction from movement of shadows skintle to separate and rotate half-dry bricks to permit drying to complete skippet flat box for protecting documents skive to pare or split leather skoptsy self-castration skothending rhyme in which final consonant is same but preceding vowel differs skysail sail above the royal sail skyscraper triangular sail on a ship above the royal slade little valley or dell slangwhang to assail with violent or abusive language slantindicular slanting; oblique slate dull dark blue-grey slatternly slovenly slavocracy government by slave-owners Slavophile one who admires the Slavs sleathy slovenly sleech slimy mud; a mudflat sley weaver's reed slickenside smooth; polished rock surface produced by friction slipe skip or sledge slipway ramp sloping into water for supporting a ship sloyd Swedish system of teaching manual skills through woodcarving slug unit of gravitational mass of approximately 32.174 pounds slugabed one who spends much time in bed due to laziness slumberous inviting or causing slumber slummock to move slowly and awkwardly slurvian speech characterized by slurring slype covered passage between walls, or between transept and chapterhouse smallage wild celery smalt deep blue smalto piece of coloured glass used in mosaic smaragdine emerald green smectic purifying; cleansing smeddum fine powder; spirit smegmatic like soap; cleansing smeuse hole in a hedge or wall snaffle jointed bit for horses snallygaster mythical monster of Maryland snaste burnt part of a candle wick snath curved handle or shaft of a scythe sneap to nip; pinch; put down; repress; snub snell quick; keen; sharp snell short line used to attach fish-hook to main fishing line snift to sniff; to blow out steam snipocracy leading members of the tailoring profession snobocracy government by snobs snood ornamental hair band or hair net snooperscope instrument for viewing infrared radiation snotty naval midshipman snye natural channel bypassing rapids or body of river soboliferous bearing shoots or suckers sobriquet nickname socage feudal land tenure by fixed service sociable four-wheeled open carriage with side-seats sociative indicating association with the subject sociobiology study of biological basis of human behaviour sociocracy government by society as a whole sociogenesis origin of human societies socius member; associate; companion socle moulded member at base of pedestal sodality a fellowship or fraternity soffit ornamented underside of a stair or archway soigné well-groomed; sleek soilure stain; pollution solacious giving solace solander box in the form of a book solarimeter instrument for measuring solar radiation solarise to expose to sunlight solarism excessive use of solar myths in explaining mythology solation liquefaction of a gel solatium compensation given as solace for suffering or loss soldatesque soldierlike solecism a grammatical mistake; a breach of etiquette soleiform slipper-shaped solemnsides excessively solemn or serious solenoid cylindrical wire coil acting as a magnet when charged solfatara volcanic vent emitting only gases solferino purplish red solidary marked by solidarity; joint and several solidum large moulding along base of a pedestal solidus stroke, oblique or slash "/" solifidianism doctrine that faith alone will ensure salvation soliform sun-like; resembling the sun soligenous produced by the sun soliloquacious prone to giving soliloquies solipsism theory that self-existence is the only certainty solisequious following the course of the sun soliterraneous of, like or pertaining to the joint effect of the sun and earth solivagant wandering alone solive joist or beam of secondary importance sollevation insurrection solmisate to sing; to set to musical notation solonist wise man solum ground; soil; piece of ground solus alone solvolysis decomposition of dissolved substance somatasthenia weakness of the body somatism materialism somatogenic caused from within the body or by the cells of the body somatognosis diagnosis of bodily conditions somatology science of the properties of matter somatopsychic concerning a person's bodily self-image somatotrophic promoting growth of the body somedeal somewhat somewhither to some place; somewhere sommelier butler; wine steward somnambulate to walk in one's sleep somnial of, like or pertaining to dreams somniate to dream somnifacient sleep-inducing somniferous bearing sleep somniloquence talking in one's sleep somnipathy sleep produced by hypnotism or mesmerism somnolence sleepiness; drowsiness somnolescent half-asleep somnorific causing sleep; soporific sonance sound; a sounding of an instrument sondage trial bore or excavation; sounding out of opinion sondation sounding of the earth by boring sone unit of loudness on a scale based on subjective or perceived loudness soniferous producing sound sonification act of producing sound sonograph instrument for recording and analysing sound sonorescent emitting sound under influence of radiation sooth truth; reality; in truth soothfast truthful; honest; faithful soothly in truth; truly sophianic of, like or pertaining to wisdom sophic full of wisdom; learned sophiology science of ideas sophism deceptive but plausible intellectualism sophomania delusion that one is incredibly intelligent sophomoric bombastic sophrosyne soundness of mind; self-control; moderation sopite to dull; lull; put to sleep; put an end to sopitive causing sleep soporiferous bearing sleep soporific tending to produce sleep soporose sleepy sorbefacient promoting absorption sorbile able to be sipped or drunk sord flock of mallard sordor refuse; foul matter soricident having teeth like a shrew's soricine of, like or pertaining to shrews soricine shrewlike; of, like or pertaining to shrews sorites string of statements where end of one is subject of next soroche mountain sickness sororal of, like or pertaining to sisters sororicide killing of one's own sister sorosis women's club sorrel reddish-brown; light chestnut sortation sorting out sortilege divination by drawing lots sortition casting of lots; assignment by casting of lots soterial of, like or pertaining to salvation soteriology study of theological salvation sottisier collection of jokes, quotes, or ridiculous remarks sottoportico covered passage or alley under the overhanging first floor of a building soubrette coquettish and intriguing maid; such a role in drama sough drain; sewer; adit sough to sigh or murmur as the wind does sounder herd of pigs; young boar soupçon hardly perceptible quantity; dash soutache narrow braid used for trimming soutane priest's cassock souteneur prostitute's pimp or bully souterrain underground chamber; earth-house sovenance remembrance; memory spadassin swordsman; fighter spadiceous chestnut-coloured spadiceous shaped like a palm branch spadix fleshy spike of flowers spado castrated or impotent person or animal spagyric alchemical spagyrist alchemist spall to splinter or split; to chip spanandry extreme scarcity of males in a biological population spancel to hobble spandrel space between curve of an arch and mouldings spandrel design in corner of postage stamp spaniolate to hispanicize spanker sail on the mast nearest the stern of a square-rigged ship spansule time-release capsule spar any ship's mast, boom, yard, or gaff sparable small headless shoemakers' nail sparagmos ritualized tearing apart of a person prior to rebirth or renewal sparge to sprinkle with moisture spargefication act of sprinkling or scattering spargosis swelling sparsim here and there sparver canopy for a bed spasmatomancy divination by twitching or convulsions of the body spatchcock to insert into a text too hurriedly or inappropriately spatialism doctrine that matter has only spatial, temporal and causal properties spatiate to ramble; to saunter spatilomancy divination by means of feces spatiography scientific description of outer space spatiotemporal of, like or pertaining to time and space spattee protective outer stocking spatulate shaped like a spatula spavin hard bony tumour on a horse's leg spavined lame; broken down; decrepit specie coined money speciocide destruction of an entire species specious apparently good but not actually so; superficially plausible spectrofluorimeter instrument for measuring and recording fluorescence spectra spectrograph instrument for viewing a spectrum spectroheliograph instrument for taking pictures of the sun spectroheliokinematograph camera for taking pictures of the sun spectrohelioscope instrument for viewing solar disc in light of a single wavelength spectrology study of ghosts spectrometer instrument measuring wavelengths of light of a spectrum spectrophobia fear of looking in a mirror spectrophotometer instrument for measuring speed of different parts of light spectrum spectroscope instrument for forming spectra by dispersing rays of light spectroscopy study of spectra specular mirrorlike; by reflection; visual speculum mirror; reflector; coloured patch on a bird's wing speed prosperity; success spelaeothem depositional features found in caves spelean cave-dwelling speleology study and exploration of caves speleothem structure in a cave formed by deposition of minerals in water spelter zinc speluncar of, like or pertaining to caves speos ancient Egyptian cave temple spermatic of, like or pertaining to sperm spermatogenesis producing sperm spermatorrhoea frequent and involuntary ejaculation spermiogenesis producing sperm spermologer one who gathers seeds spermology study of seeds spermophile member of family of seed-loving rodents spetch piece of undressed leather used in making glue sphacelate to cause or affect with gangrene or mortification sphacelated necrosed; dark and shrunken sphagnicolous living in peat moss sphagnology study of peat moss sphairistic tennis-playing sphecoid wasp-like sphenic wedge-like sphenogram cuneiform character sphenoid wedge-shaped spheristerion place for exercise in ball-play spheromancy divination using a crystal ball spherometer instrument measuring curvature spheterize to make one's own; to appropriate sphingal of, like or pertaining to sphinxes sphragistic of, like or pertaining to seals and signets sphragistics study of seals and signets sphygmic of, like or pertaining to the pulse or heartbeat sphygmodic pulsating sphygmograph instrument for recording pulse sphygmology study of the pulse sphygmomanometer instrument for measuring arterial blood pressure sphygmometer instrument for measuring arterial blood pressure sphygmophone instrument for hearing the pulse sphygmoscope instrument for making arterial pulsations visible sphygmus the pulse sphyrelaton metalwork done with hammers spicaceous shaped like a spike spicate spiked; spikelike spicigerous bearing spikes spicula prickle or splinter spider light high-wheeled carriage spiflicate to destroy; to quell; to confound spikenard sweetly scented ointment spile device for tapping sap from maple trees spiloma birthmark; nevus spinescent developing spines; developing into a spine spiniferous bearing spines spiniform like a thorn or spine spinigerous bearing spines spinnaker large triangular sail opposite the mainsail spinnbar capable of being drawn into strands spinneret silk-spinning organ of an insect or spider spinney copse or small clump of trees spinosity thorniness spinthariscope instrument for visually detecting alpha particles spintherism seeing of sparks before the eyes spintrian of, like or pertaining to orgies or male sexual deviance spinulate furnished with small spines spinuliferous bearing spinules spiracle breathing hole; orifice; vent spiraculate having air-holes spiraliform shaped like a spiral spiralism advancement through a spirally structured career spirate voiceless spiration act of breathing spiritualism belief that nothing is real except the soul or spirit spirketting inside planking between ports and waterways of a ship spirograph instrument recording movements of breathing spirometer instrument measuring lung capacity spirulate spirally arranged spissated thickened spissitude density splanchnic visceral; intestinal splanchnology study of the entrails or viscera splat thin strip forming upright middle part of the back of a chair splenetic marked by bad temper or spite; melancholy splenial splint-like splenic of, like or pertaining to the spleen spleniculus small detached part of the spleen splenitive fiery; ill-tempered splenium surgical bandage spodium bone charcoal; powder obtained from calcination of substances spodogenous caused by waste matter spodomancy divination by means of ashes spokeshave plane or knife used to round spokes spoliate to despoil; to plunder spoliative serving to take away or diminish spondulicks available money; funds spondyle vertebra spongology study of sponges sponsal spousal sponsalia espousals sponsion act of becoming surety for another sponson platform jutting from ship's deck for gun or wheel sporicide killing of spores sporiferous bearing spores sporogenesis reproduction by means of spores sporran ornamental pouch worn in front of kilt sportulary relying on charity or the generosity of patrons sporulation formation or production of spores sprachgefühl innate feel for essential character of a language sprag bar inserted to stop a wheel spraints otters' dung sprauncy smart; dapper spreagh cattle raid; foray sprent sprinkled springald active young man; youth springe snare with noose and spring sprit spar crossing a fore-and-aft sail diagonally spritsail sail extended by a sprit spuddle to work feebly or ineffectively; to perform shallow agricultural ploughing spumescent foamy; frothing spumid frothy; foamy spurcidical foul-mouthed; speaking dishonestly or foully spurcitious foul; filthy; obscene spuria spurious works spurion any hypothetical subatomic particle used to facilitate calculations spurrier one who makes spurs sputative habitually spitting sputum matter spat out squab fat; clumsy; unfledged; newly hatched squadrism control of government by armed squadrons of loyalists squaliform shaped like a shark squaloid of, like or pertaining to sharks squamate scaly squamation scaliness squamiform shaped like a scale squamoid like a scale squandermania irrational propensity for spending money wastefully squarrose having scales sticking out at right angles squarson clergyman who is also a land-holding squire squarsonocracy government by landholding clergymen squassation form of torture involving hanging weights and shaking or whipping victim squatterarchy government by squatters; squattocracy squattocracy government by squatters squill sea-onion squinancy quinsy squinch arch across the corner of a room squintifego squinting greatly squirage the landed gentry squirearchy government by squires squirocracy government by squires; squirearchy stabile stationary stack old unit of measure for firewood equal to 108 cubic feet stactometer pipette with hollow bulb for counting drops staddle support for a haystack stadial of, like or pertaining to a stage stadiometer instrument for measuring the length of a curved line staffage decorative accessories or additions to work of art stagiary law student stagmometer instrument for measuring number of drops in volume of liquid stagnicolous living in stagnant water stalactiform shaped like a stalactite or icicle stalagmometer instrument for measuring surface tension by drops stallenger keeper of a stall staminiferous bearing stamens stammel coarse woollen fabric, usually dyed red; bright red colour stampomania obsession with stamp-collecting stanchion upright beam, bar or support standpipe vertical pipe for conveying gas or water to a higher level stang stake; pole stanhope light open one-seated carriage stanjant heraldic animal in profile with head towards the viewer stannary tin-mining district stanniferous bearing tin stapediform shaped like a stirrup staphyline like a bunch of grapes staphylorrhaphy surgical closure of a cleft palate starbolins sailors of the starboard watch starets Eastern Orthodox spiritual advisor starveling starving, weak, hungry or pining person stasiarch ringleader in sedition stasimorphy structural modification by arrested development stasiology study of political parties statant heraldic animal standing in profile with all feet on the ground statics study of bodies and forces in equilibrium statim immediately; at once stative indicating a state rather than an action statocracy government by the state alone, without ecclesiastical influence statolatry worship of the state statolith small calcareous stone used by invertebrates to maintain equilibrium statoscope instrument for measuring small changes in atmospheric pressure statuary of, pertaining to or suitable for sculpture statuminate to support; to prop up statuvolism mesmerism; hypnotism staurolatry worship of the cross or crucifix stauroscope instrument for studying structure of crystals with polarised light stay large rope used to support a mast staysail fore-and-aft sail hoisted on a stay steading range of building surrounding a farmhouse stearin hard fat steatite soapstone steatogenous producing fat steatopygous fat-buttocked steatorrhoea excretion of fat through the bowels steen to line with stone steeve to set a ship's bowsprit at an upward inclination steeve angle of elevation in relation to the horizontal steganograph cryptogram steganographer cryptographer; one who works with ciphers stegmonth period of recuperation after childbirth stegnosis constipation stegophilist one who climbs buildings for sport stellate star-shaped; starry stelliferous having many stars stelliform shaped like a star stellify to set among the stars stellion lizard with starry spots stellular star-like; having star-like spots stelography practice of writing inscriptions on columns or pillars stemma scroll; garland; pedigree; family tree stemmatology study of relationships between texts stemson supporting timber of a ship stenometer instrument for measuring distances stenopaeic with a narrow opening stenosis narrowing of an orifice stenotopic able to tolerate only small environmental changes stentor loud-voiced person stentorian extremely loud stephane diadem or coronet worn by soldiers or statues of ancient deities stepney spare wheel stercomancy fortune-telling by studying seeds in dung stercoraceous of, like or pertaining to feces stercoranism belief that the consecrated Eucharist is digested and evacuated stercorate to shit stercoricolous living in dung or filth stercovorous feeding on dung or excrement stereobate substructure; foundation; basement stereochromy colourful wall painting stereognosis ability to perceive the weight and form of an object stereometer instrument for measuring specific gravity stereometry measurement of volumes of solid figures stereophony reproduction of sound stereopsis stereoscopic or three-dimensional vision stereoscope instrument for viewing special three-dimensional photographs stereotaxis reaction of organism to contact with a solid body stereotomy cutting of stone or other solid materials steric of, like or pertaining to the organization of atoms in a molecule stern back part of a ship sternpost main member at stern of a ship extending from keel to deck sternutation sneezing sternway movement of a ship backwards sterquilinian of, like or pertaining to a dunghill stertorous with a snoring sound stet to restore after marking for deletion stethometer instrument measuring chest expansion during breathing stevedorage fee levied for loading and unloading cargo stevedore dock worker who loads and unloads ships steven outcry; loud call sthenia strength sthenic strong; robust; morbidly active stibadium semicircular couch stibial of, like or pertaining to antimony stibialism antimony poisoning sticharion vestment like an alb worn by Orthodox priests sticheron short hymn stichology metrical theory stichomancy divination by picking passages from books at random stichometry numbering or counting lines in books or documents stichomythia dialogue in alternate lines stiction frictional force occurring when surfaces set together stifle joint above the hock of a horse stigmatic giving infamy, stigma or reproach, marked or branded stigmatiferous bearing stigma stigmatophilia obsession with tattooing or branding stillage frame or stand for keeping things off the floor stillatim drop by drop stillatitious issuing in drops; falling in drops stillatory still; distillery stillicide drip; eavesdrop stillion cask stand stilp to walk with stilts or crutches stipe a stalk stipiform shaped like a stalk stirious shaped like an icicle stirk yearling ox or cow; pasture for yearlings stirpiculture selective breeding stirps branch of a family; pedigree stithy blacksmith's forge or anvil stiver thing of little or no value stochastic of, like or pertaining to a sequence of random events stockinette soft elastic cotton fabric stodge to cram, stuff or gorge with food stoichiology science of elements of animal tissues stoichiometry measurement of proportions of chemical reactions stoicism belief in indifference to pleasure or pain stokehold ship's furnace chamber stole narrow ecclesiastical vestment or scarf stolisomancy divination by observing how one dresses oneself stolon runner or shoot from base of a plant stoloniferous bearing or having runners stomacher armour for the chest; covering or ornament for the chest area stomachous resentful; haughty; spirited stomatiferous having an orifice or mouth stomatolalia speech produced with clogged nostrils stomatology study of the mouth stomp jazz dance featuring heavy stamping of the feet stonk a heavy concentration of artillery fire stope steplike excavation in mining storge natural or parental affection storiate to decorate with historical designs storiated decorated with elaborate ornamental designs storiology study of folk tales stoss side of a hill facing upstream stotious drunk stoup vessel for holding holy water stover fodder strabismometer instrument measuring degree of squinting strabismus squint strabometer instrument for measuring strabismus in the eyes strabotomy surgical removal of a squint stradometrical of, like or pertaining to the measurement of streets and roads strahl flow of beams of electrons from the sun to earth strait strict; rigorous; constricted strake continuous band of plates on side of a ship strake trough for washing ore stramineous strawy; light; worthless; straw-coloured strapontin folding seat in a theatre strappado form of torture in which victim is left dangling from a rope strass paste for making false gems stratarchy rulership over an army strathspey reel-like Scottish dance of moderate tempo straticulate composed of parallel strata stratiform layered; forming a layer stratigraphy study of geological layers or strata stratocracy military rule or despotism stratography art of leading an army stratonic of an army or armies stratous in layers strepent noisy strephosymbolia visual disorder where letters are mirror image strepitant loud; noisy; clamorous strepor noise; clamour strepsis twisting stretcher brick placed lengthwise in masonry striated striped; with fine lines strickle tool used to sharpen a scythe; template stridor harsh shrill sound stridulate to make a chirping or scraping sound stridulous squeaky striga flute of a column strigate bristled; streaked strigiform shaped like an owl strigil scraper used to clean the skin after bathing strigilation scraping strigine owl-like; of, like or pertaining to owls strobic like a spinning top; appearing to spin stroboscope instrument for studying motion using flashes of light strombuliferous bearing spirally coiled organs strombuliform shaped like a spinning top; spirally twisted strophosis twist; turn strumpetocracy government by strumpets struthiform ostrich-like struthious of, like or pertaining to ostriches stulm adit; draining-shaft stultiloquence foolish or senseless talk stummel bowl and adjacent part of a pipe stunsail light auxiliary sail to the side of principal sails stupe medicated cloth used to treat fever stupefacient narcotic; stupefying stupent astounded; dumbfounded stuprate to ravish; to violate; to rape stupulose downy stygian having a gloomy or foreboding aspect; murky styliferous bearing a bristle styliform shaped like a bristle stylite monk who spends much time on tops of pillars stylobate continuous pedestal supporting a row of columns stylogalmaic of, like or pertaining to figures serving as columns or pillars stylography mode of writing or engraving with a pen stylometer instrument for measuring columns stylometry studying literature by means of statistical analysis styptic drawing together; astringent stythe choke-damp suable that may be sued suasion persuasion suaveolent fragrant subact to work up; to subdue subaerial in open air subalary beneath the wings subaltern ranked quantitatively but not qualitatively subaltern subordinate subarrhation mode of betrothal where gift given by man to woman subboreal very cold subdolous crafty subduct to withdraw; to take away subduple in the ratio of one to two subduplicate expressed by a square root suberous of, like or having the appearance of cork; pertaining to cork subessive indicating location under or below subfocal of which one is only dimly aware subfusc dusky; sombre subhastation sale by public auction subindicate to hind subinfeudate to grant to another land held by another feudal lord subintelligitur implication understood though not stated subitaneous sudden; hasty; hastily made subitize to perceive number of items in a group without counting subito at once; immediately subjacent underlying subjectivism doctrine that all knowledge is subjective subjoin to add at the end or afterwards sublate to deny; to contradict; to resolve a contradiction sublative indicating movement towards the top of sublineation act of underlining sublunary under the moon; of this world; earthly; terrestrial subluxation state of being almost dislocated subnascent growing up from beneath subniveal under snow subnubilar under clouds suborn to bribe or procure to commit an unlawful act subreptary adapted to crawling subreption misrepresentation; false deduction subrident smiling subrogate to substitute subsecive remaining over; spare subserve to be useful to; to promote subsidiarity state of being subsidiary; secondary importance subsolar beneath the sun; between the tropics substantialism belief that there is a real existence underlying phenomena substractor detractor substratose imperfectly stratified substruct to build beneath; to lay as a foundation subsultive moving by leaps and starts; twitching subsultus convulsive movement subtend to be opposite to or to extend under subternatural less than natural subtopia suburbs of a city subtrist somewhat sad subtrude to push in stealthily subturbary beneath turf subulate awl-shaped subungual beneath a nail or hoof suburbicarian of, like or pertaining to suburbs subvention granting of money in aid succedaneous serving as a substitute succedaneum substitute; remedy succentor bass soloist in a choir succenturiate to supply what is lacking; to supplement succiduous ready to fall; in the process of falling; tottering succiferous bearing or producing sap succinctorium band or scarf worn from the Pope's girdle succinic of, pertaining to or derived from amber succiniferous bearing or producing amber succise appearing to have the lower part cut off succorrhoea excessive secretion succour to aid in distress succubus female devil who seduces men and copulates with them in their sleep succursal subsidiary; branch or subsidiary establishment succus juice extracted from plant succuss to shake up sucrier table vessel for sugar suctorial designed for sucking or adhering sudarium cloth for wiping away sweat sudation sweating sudatory inducing sweat sudd mass of floating weed blocking the Nile River sudiform shaped like a stake sudor sweat sudoral sweaty sudoriferous inducing or secreting sweat sudorific causing sweat sudoriparous secreting sweat sudorous sweaty suede light beige suffibulum veil worn by vestal virgins prior to their sacrifice suffisance sufficiency; satisfaction; enjoyment sufflaminate to check; to obstruct; to block sufflate to inflate suffragan assistant bishop suffrutescent having a woody base sugent designed for sucking sugillate to beat until black and blue suicidology study of suicide suidian of, like or pertaining to pigs suilline of, like or pertaining to hogs suilline like a pig; of, like or pertaining to pigs suine mixture of margarine and lard suint dried sheep perspiration sulcal of a sulcus; grooved; furrowed sulcalize to furrow sulcate with grooves or furrows sulciform having the shape of a groove sulcus groove, furrow or fissure sulky light two-wheeled, one-person horse-drawn carriage sullage filth; refuse; sewage; scum; silt sulphorous of, like or pertaining to hellfire; infernal; blasphemous sulphureous bright yellow summa comprehensive treatise summate to add together sumpsimus correct expression that replaces popular but wrong one sumpter pack horse; beast of burden sumptuary of, like or pertaining to expense or extravagance sundog bright spot or halo appearing on either side of sun; parhelion supellex furnishings; apparatus for an experiment superannuate to discharge as being too old supercalender to give a high polish to supercargo ship's official in charge of business affairs supercherie deception; hoax; fraud superciliary of, on or near the eyebrow supercilious disdainfully superior; overbearing supercrescent parasitic supererogation doing more than needed to complete a task superessive indicating location upon or on top of superfetate to conceive during pregnancy superfetation superabundant production or accumulation superficies surface layer; surface with length and width only superfuse to pour over superhumeral ecclesiastical garment worn over the shoulders superincumbent resting on top; overlying; overhanging superinduce to bring as addition superjacent lying above superlunary otherworldly; above the moon supernal on high; celestial; exalted supernatant floating on the surface supernumerary above the stated, usual or necessary number superscribe to write at the top or at the head supersensible beyond physical perception; spiritual supersolid magnitude of more than three dimensions supervenient extraneous, additional or unexpected supeter armour for the feet supinate to lie on one's back; to make to lie on the back supine lying flat on the back suppalpation coaxing; wheedling suppedaneum support under foot of crucified person suppletion addition; supplement suppliant supplicating; entreating suppositious conjectural; hypothetical suppurate to discharge pus supra above; earlier in a text supraliminal conscious supralunar beyond the moon; very lofty surah soft twilled silk or rayon sural of, like or pertaining to the calf of the leg surbate to bruise from walking; to make footsore surcease to stop or cease surcingle girth or strap for holding saddle to animal's back surculation pruning; cutting off shoots to propagate them surculigerous producing suckers surculose having or producing suckers surd irrational number surd deaf; senseless surdimutism state of being both deaf and dumb surdomute deaf-mute suretyship responsibility assumed by one person on another's behalf surexcitation excessive excitedness surfactant substance which reduces surface tension surfeit excess; state of being full surficial of, like or pertaining to the surface of the earth surnominal of, like or pertaining to surnames surplice loose-fitting ankle length overgarment worn by clerics surquedry arrogance surrey light four-wheeled carriage with two seats suscept host of a parasite suscipient recipient of a sacrament suscitate to excite; to rouse suspercollate to hang suspiration sighing sussultatory characterized by large up-and-down vibrations sustentacular supporting sustentative sustaining susurrate to whisper susurrus murmuring; whisper; rustling sutile accomplished by stitching or sewing sutler one who sells liquor or provisions to soldiers sutor cobbler sutorian of, like or pertaining to cobbling or sewing svedberg unit of time used to measure sedimentation velocity swag looping hanging down bit of fabric over a window or door swage groove; grooved shaping tool swale marshy hollow or depression; meadow swallet place where water disappears underground swansdown heavy napped cotton flannel swanskin soft napped fabric resembling flannel swape beam with which water is raised to irrigation ditches sward a portion of land covered with grass swarf grit from an axle; stone or metal filings swasivious agreeably persuasive sweven vision seen in sleep; a dream swingometer instrument for measuring swing in votes during an election swink to toil; to labour swipple striking part of a flail swissing ordinary calendering of cloth swith instantly; quickly swive to enjoy conjugal intimacy with a female personage; to fuck a chick swoopstake in an indiscriminate manner sybaritic devoted to luxury sybil female prophet; hag; witch sybilline like an oracle or prophet; mysterious sybotic of, like or pertaining to a swineherd sycomancy divination using fig leaves sycosis inflammation of the hair follicles or beard syllabatim syllable by syllable syllabub anything frothy or insubstantial syllepsis figure where word related to two others differently syllogism argument in which two premises lead to a logical conclusion sylph airy female spirit or fairy-creature; slim girl sylvatic belonging to or found in woods sylvestral of, like or pertaining to trees sylviculture forestry symblepharon adhesion of the eyelid to the eyeball symbolaeography drawing up of legal documents symbolatry undue worship of symbols symbology study of symbols symmachy fighting jointly against a common enemy symmetrophobia fear of symmetry symmography string art sympatric occupying the same regions but not interbreeding symphilism the state of being in a symbiotic relationship symphily living together for mutual benefit symphonia old name for the hurdy-gurdy or other musical instruments symphoric accident-prone sympiesometer instrument for measuring pressure of a current symploce repetition of word at start of one and end of next clause symposiarch leader of a conference symposiast participant at a conference symptomatology study of symptoms of illness symptosis emaciation synaeresis running together of vowels into a diphthong synaesthesia confusion of one sensation with another synaesthesis harmony of differing impulses from a work of art synallagmatic mutually or reciprocally obligatory; bilateral synaloepha contraction of two syllables into one by omitting a vowel synanthy growing together of two flowers synaphea metrical continuity between verses in a system synaposematism warning coloration common to many species in region synarchy joint sovereignty synartesis close junction synastry comparison of horoscopes of two or more people synaxarion account of a saint's life syncategorematic meaningless or unable to form a term without other words synchoresis concession made for the sake of more effective retort synchroscope instrument for detecting whether two moving parts are synchronized synchysis confusion of meaning due to unusual arrangement synclastic curved in all directions towards a single point syncline downward fold in geology syncope omission of a sound from middle of a word syncrasy combination syncretism combination of different religious beliefs syndactylic with digits joined together syndetic connective syndeton phrase whose parts are joined by a conjunction syndicalism doctrine of direct worker control of capital syndyasmian marked by a loose temporary pair-bonding or one-night stand synecdoche part used to refer to whole or vice versa synecdochial broadened or narrowed in interpretation synechiology continuity or union of all things synechthry cohabitation of hostile species synecology study of ecological communities synectics study of processes of invention synedrion judicial assembly syneidesis conscience as passing judgement on past acts synergism belief that human will and divine spirit cooperate in salvation synergy combined action of two or more forces synesis syntax having regard to meaning rather than form syngamy free interbreeding between organisms syngenesis sexual reproduction syngraph writing or contract signed by both or all parties synizesis movement of one part causing movement in another part synod ecclesiastical assembly or council synodical of, like or pertaining to conjunction synoeciosis rhetorical figure of coupling opposites synoecism uniting of several towns under a single capital city synoecize to unite in one community or city-state synoecy association of species with benefit to one species only synonymicon thesaurus synoptic of or giving a synopsis or summary synorthographic spelled in the same way synsemantic of a word, having no meaning outside a specific context syntagm organized body, system or group syntectic having the quality of melting or dissolving synteresis conscience as guide to action; intuitive moral knowledge syntexis liquefaction; melting; wasting synthronus joint throne for an Orthodox bishop and his presbyters syntomy brevity; conciseness syntrierarch an ancient Greek citizen charged with equipping a trireme syphilology study of syphilis syphilomania pathological belief that one is afflicted with syphilis syphilophobia fear of syphilis syringadenous of, like or pertaining to sweat glands syrinx rock-cut tunnel; pan pipes syrt quicksand syrtic of, like or pertaining to quicksand syssitia ancient Greek custom of eating chief meal together in public systaltic alternately contracting and dilating; pulsating systatic bringing together systematology study of systems systyle having columns separated by a distance of twice their thickness syzygy alignment of three or more celestial bodies tabacosis tobacco poisoning tabanid blood-sucking insect; gad-fly tabaret striped watered silk and satin fabric tabatière snuff-box tabby plain-woven silk taffeta fabric tabefaction wasting away; emaciation tabellary auditor; carrier of letters tabellion scrivener tabernacle ornamental container for storing Communion bread and wine tabernacular of, like or pertaining to a tabernacle tabescent wasting; shrivelling tabific wasting; consumptive; producing tabes tabinet silk and wool watered fabric tablature mental image or picture; plate-like surface or object tablier apron; part of dress resembling an apron tabloidese language typical of tabloid journalism tabor light medieval drum buckled onto the player's chest tabouret low stool; embroidery frame tacenda things not to be mentioned tacent silent tach link tacheometer instrument for rapidly measuring survey points on a map tachism painting by smearing or splattering tachistoscope instrument for rapidly showing images on a screen to test perception tachograph instrument for recording speed of rotation tachometer instrument for measuring speed of rotation tachygraphy shorthand tachymetry measurement of speed tachyphrasia abnormally rapid or voluble speech tachyscope early cinematograph taction contact; touch tactometer instrument measuring sense of touch tactual of, like or pertaining to or derived from the sense of touch taenia band; tapeworm; fillet taeniacide killing of tapeworms taeniate like a ribbon or tapeworm taenioid of a ribbon-like shape taffeta thin glossy silk taffrail rail round the stern of a ship tagmeme analysis of arrangement of spoken elements tain tin foil used as backing for mirror; thin tin plate talalgia pain in heel or ankle talar ankle-length robe talaric of, like or pertaining to or reaching the ankles taligrade walking on the outer side of the foot talionic retributive; like for like taliped one with a club-foot tallage feudal tax of a lord on tenants; any tax or toll talliate to impose a tax talpa mole or similar mark on the body talus rock detritus or debris at the base of a slope tambour sloping buttress or fortification tamin thin glazed worsted tamis thin wool tampion protective plug placed in mouth of gun or cannon tanacles pincer-like instruments of torture tandem two-seated carriage with horses harnessed in series tangoreceptor sensory receptor responding to touch tanistry succession by previously elected relative tanquam a person fit for college education tantalus locked case used to hold wine bottles tanti worthwhile tantième share of profits or royalties tantivy at full gallop; headlong taperer one who bears a taper during a religious procession taphephobia fear of being buried alive taphrogenesis vertical movement of the earth's crust tapinosis use of degrading or diminutive diction regarding a topic tapotement use of light taps in massage tappit crested tarantas four-wheeled carriage mounted on poles tarantella fast violent Italian folk dance tarantism irresistible urge to dance tarassis hysteria suffered by a man tardigrade slow-paced tardiloquous slow in speech tarlatan thin sheer stiff cotton tarradiddle lie; falsehood; nonsense; fib tarriance act of tarrying or delaying; procrastination tarrish of the quality or consistency of tar tartarology beliefs about hell or the underworld taseometer instrument for measuring stress in a structure tasimeter instrument for measuring changes in pressure tasse one of a series of armour plates that go around the hips like a skirt tastevin wine taster tatonnement experimentation; trial and error tatou armadillo tatterdemalion tattered; ragged; scarecrow-like taupe brownish-grey taurean of, like or pertaining to a bull tauricide killing or killer of a bull tauricornous having horns like a bull's tauriform having the form of a bull taurine of, like or pertaining to bulls taurine bull-like; of a bull tauromachy bullfighting tauromorphous bull-shaped tautochronous lasting the same amount of time tautological repetition of an idea implied in a statement tautomerism possession of more than one structure by a substance tautonym taxonomic name in which genus and species are the same tautophony repetition of the same sound taw to prepare skins by soaking, salting, stretching and paring taws thong used for punishment taxaceous of, like or pertaining to yew trees taxeme a basic unit of systems of classification taximeter instrument for measuring fee for hired vehicle taxis movement of a whole organism tazza cup with saucer-shaped bowl on a pedestal teasel brush with hooked bits used in napping cloth technocracy government by technical experts technography description of arts and crafts technolithic of, like or pertaining to stone tools technomania craze for technology technonomy laws of industrial arts technophile one who is fond of technology technophobia fear of technology technopole place where high-technology industries located tecnology teaching of children tectiform shaped like a roof tectonic of, like or pertaining to building; structural tectonics science of structure of objects, buildings and landforms tectorial covering tectosphere part of the earth that moves during plate tectonic activity tectrix small feather of a bird's wing ted to spread grass for drying tediferous bearing a torch teen injury; grief teg a sheep in its second year; the fleece of such a sheep tegestology study and collecting of beer mats tegmen covering or shell tegmental of, like or pertaining to coverings or outer shells tegminal covering; protecting tegula tile tegular of, like or overlapping like tiles or slates tegulated composed of plates overlapping like tiles tegument natural covering of an animal or plant body teichopsia visual blurring and colours associated with migraines teichoscopy observation from the perspective of a wall teinoscope prism telescope teknonymy the naming of the parent from the child telaesthesia perception of events or objects not actually present or near telamon a column carved in the shape of a human male telarian creature that spins a web telary web-spinning telautograph telegraph that reproduces writing done with a pen or pencil telega four-wheeled springless wagon telegnosis knowledge of events taking place far away; clairvoyance telegony influence of previous mate on offspring of current one telematics transmission of computerized data over long distances telemeter instrument for measuring strain or distance from observer telenergy application of spirit energy at a distance teleology study of final causes; analysis in terms of purpose teleonomy characteristic of being governed by an overall purpose teleorganic vital telergy physical force at work in telepathy teleseism tremor due to a very distant earthquake telesis making use of natural or social processes for a goal telespectroscope instrument for analysing radiation omitted by distant bodies telestereoscope instrument for viewing distant objects stereoscopically telesthesia abnormal impression of objects beyond the senses telestic of, like or pertaining to the mysteries telestich poem where final letters of each line spell a word teletactor instrument that allows deaf people to feel sound vibrations telic expressing purpose; purposive; signifying intention tellograph signalling apparatus like a semaphore system tellural of, like or pertaining to the earth tellurian terrestrial tellurometer instrument using microwaves to measure distance telmatology study of swamps telodynamic of, like or pertaining to transmission of power to a distance telos aim; purpose; ultimate end teloteropathy telepathy between living persons telpherage system of cargo conveyance using electric motor and cable telson last segment of a crustacean temenos place dedicated to a god; sacred precinct temerarious rashly or presumptuously daring tempera painting using white of egg instead of oil temperative having a moderating influence tempestive timely; seasonable temporal indicating time when temporaneous lasting only a short while tempore in the time of temporise to delay; to procrastinate temulence intoxication tenaculum pincers tenaille outwork in main ditch of a fortification tendentious designed to advance a cause tenderometer instrument for measuring tenderness of fruits and vegetables tenebrific producing darkness tenebrose dark; gloomy tenendum clause in a deed defining land tenure tenne heraldic designation for orange-brown colour tenon projecting part of joint for inserting into mortise tensimeter instrument for measuring vapour pressure tensiometer instrument for measuring tension tentamen experiment; attempt tentation experiment by trial and error tentiginous lust-provoking tentigo priapism; morbid lasciviousness tenue bearing; carriage; manner of dress tepefaction making or becoming tepid tephra ash and debris ejected by volcano tephrochronology dating of volcanic eruptions by studying layers of ash tephromancy divination by ashes tephrosis incineration tepor state of being tepid or lukewarm teramorphous of abnormal or monstrous form teratism monster, malformed person or animal teratogenic producing monsters or abnormal growth teratoid monstrous teratology study of monsters, freaks, abnormal growths or malformations terce prayer service held at 9 a.m. tercel male hawk tercet group of three rhyming lines terdiurnal three times per day terebrate to bore into; to pierce terete smooth and cylindrical or tapering tergal of, like or pertaining to the back tergiversation equivocation termagant an overbearing or nagging woman terminative indicating motion up to or time until terminism doctrine that there is a time limit for repentance ternary in threes; having three components; having three as a base terotechnology use of various skills to extend life of equipment terpsichorean of, like or pertaining to dancing terraceous earthen terracotta reddish-brown terramara kind of earthy fertiliser terraneous of, like or pertaining to the earth terraqueous amphibious; consisting of land and water terrazzo flooring of chips of marble terrella magnetic model of the earth terremotive seismic terrene of the earth; earthly; worldly; mundane terreplein top of a rampart where guns are mounted terret swivel-ring; ring for fastening chain to terricolous living in or on the soil terrier register or roll of rents from an estate terrigenous produced on land; produced by the land terriginous earth-born; derived from the land terrine earthenware jar or dish terry piled fabric consisting of uncut loops tersive cleansing; detersive terzain stanza of three lines tesla unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter tessaraglot speaking four languages tessellate to form into or adorn with mosaic tessellation fitting together exactly; leaving no spaces tessera small token or ticket; block of stone used in mosaic; password tesseract figure of a cube within a cube tesserarian of, like or pertaining to dice games tesseratomy division into four parts testaceous of or having a hard shell; brick-red testamur certificate of having passed an examination tester piece of armour for the head; headgear for a horse tester canopy over a bed, pulpit or altar testicond having the testes concealed within the body testudinal of, like or pertaining to tortoises or tortoise-shell testudo wheeled shelter used for protection from above attacks tetanigenous causing tetanus tetchy irritable tetrachotomous divided into fours tetrachromatic concerning theory that there are four primary colours tetradarchy government by four people; tetrarchy tetragrammaton sacred word or acronym of four letters tetrakishexahedron cube with pyramid erected on each face tetralemma quandary with four alternatives tetramerous having four parts tetramorph artistic representation of the four evangelists in one figure tetrapod quadruped tetrapolis group of four cities tetrapteran having four wings tetraptych hinged painting in four parts tetrarchy government by four people teuthology study of cephalopods Teutomania obsession with Teutonic or German things tewel a chimney; the rectum or anus of a horse textology study of the production of texts textorial of, like or pertaining to weaving textrine of, like or pertaining to weaving textuary a person having extensive biblical knowledge thalassian marine; type of sea turtle thalassiarchy sovereignty of the seas; thalassocracy thalassic marine; of seas; of inland seas thalassocracy sovereignty of the seas thalassography science of the sea thalassometer instrument for measuring tides thalassophilous living in or fond of the sea thalassophobia fear of the sea thalassotherapy medical treatment using baths in sea water thalerophagous feeding on fresh vegetable matter thalposis sensation of warmth thalweg middle of navigable waterway used as boundary line thanatism belief that the soul dies with the body thanatognomonic indicating or characteristic of death thanatography narrative of a death thanatoid apparently dead; deathly; deadly thanatology study of death and its customs thanatomania belief that one has been affected by death magic, and resulting illness thanatophobia fear of death thanatopsis view of or reflection upon death thanatosis gangrene; necrosis; state imitating death thanatousia funeral rites thaumatogeny doctrine of the miraculous origin of life thaumatography description of natural wonders thaumatolatry worship of miracles or wonders thaumatology study of miracles thaumatrope gadged showing persistence of visual impressions using spinning disk thaumaturgy performing of miracles theandric divine and human at the same time theanthropic simultaneously human and divine theanthroposophy system of belief concerning Christ as god and man thearchy rule by a god or gods; body of divine rulers theatrocracy goverment by gathered assemblies of citizens theatromania craze for going to plays theca sheath; capsule thecate having a sheath theftuous thievish thegosis tooth-grinding in order to sharpen teeth theiform of the form of tea theism belief in the existence of God without special revelation thelematic of, like or pertaining to will or volition; voluntary thelemic allowing people to do as they wish thelemite libertine thelitis inflammation of the nipple thelytoky parthenogenetic production of females only theocentrism belief that God is central fact of existence theocracy government by priests or by religious law theocrasy mixture of religions; fitting other religions into own theodicy defense of goodness in view of the existence of evil theodidact student of God; one who is taught by God theodolite surveying instrument for measuring angles theody hymn in praise of God theogamy marriage of gods theogonic accounting for the origin or presence of gods theolepsy seizure or possession by a god theologaster petty or shallow theologian theologoumenon theological statement as opposed to divine one theomachy war amongst or against the gods theomancy divination by means of oracles theomania belief that one is a god theomastix punisher of mortals sent by God; such a punishment theometry measurement or estimation of God theomicrist one who belittles God theonomy government or rule by God theopantism belief that God is the only reality theopathy emotional experience brought on by religious belief theophagy sacramental consumption of a god theophany manifestation or appearance of a god to people theophilanthropism love of both God and humanity theophile one who loves or is loved by God theophobia fear of God theophorous having the name of a god; derived from a god's name theopneustic divinely inspired theopsychism belief that the soul is of a divine nature theorbo double-necked lute theosophy immediate divine illumination or wisdom theotechny use of the gods as primary moving force in a poem or play theotherapy faith healing theotokos title given to the Virgin Mary as bearer of God therblig unit of work for quantifying industrial operations thereinto into that or it thereoid bestial; savage thereology therapeutics thereon thereupon therewith thereupon; forthwith therewithal besides theriac antidote to venomous bites theriacal of, like or pertaining to antidotes therianthropic combining human and animal forms theriatrics veterinary medicine theriodic malignant theriogenology study of animals' reproductive systems theriolatry animal-worship theriomorph animal form in art theriomorphosis transformation into a beast therm unit of quantity of heat equal to 100,000 British thermal units thermaesthesia sensitivity to heat or cold thermantidote apparatus for cooling air thermic of, like or pertaining to heat thermogenesis production of heat thermograph instrument for recording changes in temperature thermokinematics study of motion of heat thermolabile easily decomposed by heat thermology study of heat thermolysis decomposition caused by heat thermometrograph instrument for recording changes in temperature thermonous of, like or pertaining to stimulation by heat thermophilous preferring or thriving in high temperatures thermopile instrument measuring minute changes in temperature thermoplagia sunstroke thermoscope instrument indicating change in temperature thermotaxis movement influenced or controlled by heat thermotropism growth of organism influenced by heat theroid of, like or pertaining to a beast or wild animal therology study of wild mammals thersitical scurrilous; violent in manner of speech thesial of, like or pertaining to a thesis thesmothete law-giver thetic positively asserting; bearing the thesis; prescribed theurgy magic or miracles by the agency of good spirits thewe pillory for women that keeps the legs together thiasus group of worshippers gathered to dance in praise of gods thigmotaxis movement of plant towards or away from an object thigmotropism turning of an object in response to touch thionic of, like or pertaining to or containing sulphur thirdborough petty constable of a township thirdendeal old liquid measure of three pints; one-third of anything thither to that place thixotropy temporary reduction in viscosity when shaken or stirred thlipsis constriction; compression thnetopsychism belief that the soul dies with the body, to be reborn on day of judgement thole to endure; to suffer thole pin in the side of a boat to keep oar in place tholobate circular substructure on which a dome rests tholoid dome-shaped lava extrusion plugging the vent of a volcano tholus round building; dome; cupola thooid like a wolf thoracoscope instrument for viewing the thorax and chest wall thoughtography supposed technique for transferring mental images onto photographs thrasonic boastful; bragging thremmatology science of breeding domestic animals and plants threnetic mournful threnodic mournful threnody ode or song of lamentation; lament; dirge threpsology science of nutrition threptic of, like or pertaining to the rearing of young thrioboly divination using pebbles thro through throat-pit depression between collarbones where they meet the breastbone thrombus blood clot thronal of, like or pertaining to a throne thropple throat or windpipe of an animal throstle machine for drawing, twisting and winding fibres throttlebottom harmless incompetent holding public office thrum loose thread or fringe of a garment or cloth thumomancy divination by means of one's own soul thurible censer thurifer altar boy who bears censer thuriferous incense-bearing thurl cow's hip-joint thyestean cannibalistic thymiatechny use of perfumes for medicinal purposes thymiaterion ancient Greek censer thymogenic due to emotion thymoleptic psychologically energizing thymopathy mental disorder thyrsus staff wreathed with ivy tiara three-tiered crown worn by or carried in front of the pope tibicinate to play on a pipe tichorrhine woolly rhinoceros tick cover of a mattress or pillow ticking strong linen or cotton fabric used for mattress and pillow cases tidology study of tides tiffany transparent silk-like gauzy fabric tigerism swagger tigrine of, like or pertaining to tigers tilbury light open two-wheeled carriage tiller handle or lever for turning a ship's rudder tilleul pale yellowish-green tilth agricultural work tiltmeter instrument for measuring tilting of earth's surface timarchy government by the propertied class; timocracy timbal kettle drum timberhead top end of ship's timber used above the gunwale timbrology study of postage stamps timbromania craze for stamp collecting timbrophily love or fondness for stamps; stamp-collecting timbrous resonant; sonorous timenoguy rope stretched from place to place in a ship timeous in good time; seasonable timocracy government by the propertied class timoneer helmsman timwhisky light carriage for one or two people, pulled by one or two horses tinchel circle of men who encircle a deer tinction act of dyeing tinctorial of, like or pertaining to dyeing; giving colour tinctumutation change of colour tincture a heraldic colour or metal tingent adding colour; having the ability to tinge tinnient ringing; resonant tinnitus ringing sound in the head tintinnabulate to ring; to tinkle tintinnabulum percussion instrument of many bells in succession tippet long black scarf worn by Anglican clergy tiqueur one who suffers from tics tirailleur skirmisher; sharpshooter tirasse pedal-coupler in an organ tiretaine wool cloth mixed with cotton or linen tiro recruit; novice; beginner tirocinium early training; first experience; group of recruits tiromancy divination using cheese tisane infusion of herbs or flowers tisicky wheezy; asthmatic titaniferous bearing titanium titanism spirit of revolt or defiance against social conventions titanomachy war of the Titans against the gods titian red-gold or reddish-brown titivate dress up; spruce up titrimetry measuring by titration tittup to prance mincingly; to walk in an affected manner titubate to stagger; to stumble titulus inscription on or over something tmema segment or section tmesis separation of word into parts by an intervening word toadstone stone thought to grow inside a toad and have magic powers tobaccophile one who loves tobacco tocodynamometer instrument for measuring uterine contractions during childbirth tocology obstetrics; midwifery tocophobia fear of pregnancy or childbirth tocsin alarm bell; sounding of an alarm bell tod old unit of weight of wool equal to 28 pounds toft a small hill tog unit of measurement for insulation properties of fabric togated wearing a toga; dignified toile plain or simple twilled fabric toison lamb's wool tolerationism doctrine of toleration of religious differences tolsester duty of ale due to one's lord for the privilege of brewing tolutation act of pacing or ambling tolypeutine of, like or pertaining to armadillos toman myriad; ten thousand tombac cheap gold-coloured alloy of zinc and copper tombic holding that the Egyptian pyramids were intended as tombs tombola lottery in which each entrant must win a prize tomentose bearing thickly matted hair or fur tomiparous of organic matter, multiplying by division tomium cutting edge of a bird's bill tomograph instrument for viewing section of an object using X-rays tomography scan to obtain detailed image of solid structure tomomania irrational predilection for performing surgery ton unit of cooling power equal to 12,000 BTU per hour tonant thundering tondo circular painting or relief carving tonetic of, like or pertaining to tonal pronunciation or languages tonetics study of pronunciation tonga light two-wheeled carriage tonish modish; fashionable tonitrophobia fear of thunder tonitruone musical instrument that imitates sound of thunder tonitruous thundering tonlet set of overlapping strips on armour skirt tonneau rear extension of body of car tonometer instrument measuring pitch of musical tones tonsorial of, like or pertaining to a barber or a barber's work tonsure shaving of small area on the crown of head of a priest or monk tontine annuity scheme where benefits increase as members die tonus normal elasticity of healthy muscle at rest topaesthesia determining place by sense of touch toparch ruler of a district topaz dark yellow topgallant mast or sail above the topmast and below the royal mast tophaceous gritty topiary clipping of trees into imitative or fantastic shapes toplofty high and mighty; haughty topmast ship's mast above the lower mast topology study of places and their natural features topomancy divination using landforms toponomastic of, like or pertaining to place names toponym place name derived from geographical feature toponymics study of place-names topophilia great love or affection for a particular place topophobia stage fright; fear of performing; fear of certain places topophone instrument to determine direction and distance of a fog-horn topotype specimen collected in the same locality as an original topsail ship's sail above the lowermost sail toran arched gateway or garland of flowers torchier floor lamp with bowl for reflecting light upwards torchon duster or dishcloth; coarse lace or paper torcula wine press torcular tourniquet tordion Renaissance dance similar to but slower than a galliard tore surface described by rotation of conic section about a line toreumatography description of ancient metal sculpture toreutics study of artistic work in metal toreutics artistic work in metal by chasing and embossing torfaceous growing in mosses or bogs tormentum ancient siege engine tornote having blunt extremities toroid shaped like a doughnut or anchor-ring torose swelling; bulging; knobby; muscular torpedinous numbing; having the quality of a torpedo torpefy to make numb or torpid; to paralyze torpescence becoming numb or torpid torpid numb; lethargic; having lost the power to act torpillage electric shock therapy torpor numbness; inactivity; dullness torporific causing dullness or numbness torquated wearing a collar or chain; formed like a torque torr unit of pressure equal to 1/760 of standard atmospheric pressure torrefy to scorch or parch; to dry or roast with heat torrentine of, like or pertaining to a torrent; having the character of a torrent torsade ornament on a hat like a twisted cord; any twisted cord torsel plate in a brick wall to support the end of a beam torsibility capability of being twisted torsiograph instrument for recording torsional vibrations on an object torsive twisted spirally torticollis stiff neck tortile wreathed; twisted; coiled tortious committing a wrongful deed torulose with small swellings at intervals torus rounded swelling; lowest moulding of a column torvity grimness; fierceness torvous stern tosticated fuddled; perplexed tot bone or other object retrieved from garbage pile totemism belief that a group has a special kinship with an object or animal tother the other totient number of numbers less than and prime to a given number totipotent capable of differentiation totitive number less than and prime to another tourbillon swirl; vortex; whirlwind tournure contour; characteristic turn of line; grace or poise tovarish comrade tow bundle of untwisted natural fibres toxicogenic producing or produced by poisons toxicomania morbid craving for poisons toxicophagous eating poison toxicophobia fear of poisoning toxiferous producing or bearing poison toxiphagous poison-eating toxiphobia fear of poison or being poisoned toxophilite lover of archery; an archer; of, like or pertaining to archery toxophily love of archery; archery; study of archery toze to tease out; card; comb; draw out; elicit trabeate built of horizontal beams rather than arches trabecula small bar or rod trabeculated transversely barred tracasserie turmoil trachelate having a neck trachyphonia roughness of voice tractate treatise; tract tractile ductile; able to be drawn out traditive traditional traduce to defame; to slander traductive transmitted tragedian writer or actor of tragedy tragelaph mythical crossbreed of a goat and stag tragomaschalia smelly armpits tragus prominent bump in front of opening of the ear trahison treachery; treason traject crossing; ferry; transference tralatition metaphor tralatitious traditional; transmitted; handed on; metaphorical tralineate to deviate tramble to wash tin-ore by agitation in a trough trammel device used to hold pots and pans over a fire trammel net used to catch fish or birds trammel to hamper or restrain trammel tool used for drawing ellipses tramontane beyond the mountains; foreign; uncivilized tranation act of swimming over or across trancey creating a trance-like effect; hypnotic tranche slice or block of money or shares tranchet Neolithic flint chisel tranect ferry trangam showy or worthless article transcalent pervious to or allowing the passage of heat transcendentalism theory that emphasizes that which transcends perception transenna screen enclosing a shrine transept part of a church off to one side of main structure transfluent flowing across tranship to transfer from one ship to another transhumant passing from winter to summer pastures transilient leaping or passing across transire ship's customs warrant for clearing goods translative indicating process of change or movement through translunary beyond the moon; spiritual transmarine across or beyond the sea transmigrationism belief that soul passes into other body at death transmissometer instrument for measuring transmission of light through a fluid transom transverse timbers attached to ship's sternpost transom structure dividing a window horizontally; horizontal bar transpicuous transparent; easily seen through or understood transpontine from the other side of the river; melodramatic transubstantiation miraculous changing of bread and wine into body and blood of Christ transude to ooze out; to exude through the pores transumption transcription; transference; translation transuranic denoting heavy radioactive artificial chemical elements transverberate to pierce transvolation flying higher than normal trap light one-horse carriage with springs trapezium quadrilateral having only one pair of parallel sides trapunto kind of quilting in which only the design is padded traulism stammering traumatology study of wounds and their effects traumatropism alteration in direction of growth of a plant due to a wound trautonium electronic musical instrument like a theramin trave crossbeam or space between crossbeams travelator moving footpath for pedestrians treacle dark; syrupy molasses trebuchet medieval siege engine for launching stones trechometer instrument for determining distance travelled; odometer treenail long wooden pin used to fix planks of ship to the timbers trefoil three-lobed architectural ornament tregetour juggler; trickster; deceiver treillage trellis-work; a trellis trellis structure of cross-barred or lattice-work trema an orifice; a dieresis tremallose gelatinous tremendum feeling of overwhelming awe associated with religious experience tremissis late Roman and early Byzantine gold coin tremogram irregularity in a person's handwriting tremograph instrument for recording involuntary muscular motion tremolist one who employs tremolo tremolo vibrating effect of certain musical instruments or the singing voice tremulous trembling; quivering trenchant incisive; terse; vigorous trencher edible plate and platter made of bread trendle flat rounded baker's vessel trental commemoratory service held thirty days after burial trepan obsolete instrument for cutting open the skull trepanation cutting open the skull tresayle great-great grandfather tressilate to quiver tressure narrow band around a heraldic shield trews close-fitting trousers with tartan pattern triage selection for patients most likely to survive trialism doctrine that humans have three separate essences (body, soul, spirit) triarchy government by three people triatic rope joining adjacent mastheads tribade female homosexual; lesbian tribadism lesbian intercourse in the missionary position tribble horizontal frame with wires for drying paper tribology study of friction and wear between surfaces triboluminescence emission of light caused by friction tribometer instrument measuring friction tribuloid yielding prickly fruit tribunitial of, like or pertaining to a tribune tributorian of, like or pertaining to tribute or payment trice to haul in and lash secure a sail with a small rope tricephalous having three heads trichoclasis brittleness of hair trichogenous producing hair trichoic having or exhibiting three colours trichoid hair-like trichology study of hair and its disorders trichoschisis splitting of hair trichosis arrangement, distribution or disorder of hair trichotillomania neurosis where patient pulls out own hair trichotomy division into three parts or categories tricoaster combination of three-speed gear and coaster brake on a cycle tricolette silk or rayon knitted fabric tricorn three-horned; three-cornered tricot plain knitted silk or woollen fabric tricotee lively old dance tricotine double-twilled worsted fabric tridominium threefold rule triduan lasting three days triduum period of three days of prayer preceding Roman Catholic feasts trierarchy obligation of fitting out ships trieteric occurring in alternate years trifarious facing three ways triforium gallery or arcade over an aisle; gallery over nave and choir trifurcate to divide into three forks trig stone placed under a wheel to keep it from rolling trigamy state of being married to three spouses triglyph architectural ornament of tablet bearing two V-shaped channels trigonal having three angles trigonometer instrument for solving triangles trigraph combination of three letters for one sound trihoral happening every three hours trilaminar having three layers trilemma quandary having three choices trilith stone monument of two upright and one transverse slab trimacular having three spots or marks trimerous having the parts in threes trin triplet trinacriform three-pronged trindle thin piece of wood which holds book spine while trimmed tringoid of, like or pertaining to sandpipers trinoctial lasting three nights trionym name consisting of three words triphibious taking place on land, in water and in air triphthong three vowel sounds pronounced as one triplopia triple vision trippet part of machine which strikes another part regularly tripsis pulverization; shampooing; massage triptote used in three cases only triptych hinged painting with three panels tripudiate to dance for joy; to exult; to stamp triquetra triangular-shaped object trireme ancient ship with three banks of oars triskaidekaphobia fear of the number thirteen triskelion figure of three radiating curves or legs trismus lockjaw tristachyous three-spiked tristichous having or in three rows tristiloquy mournful manner of speech tristisonous mournful-sounding trisulcate having three ridges or forks tritanopia inability to distinguish the colour blue tritarchy government by three people; triarchy tritavia four-greats grandmother tritavus four-greats grandfather tritheism belief that the members of the Trinity are separate gods tritheocracy government by three gods tritical trite; common triticeous wheat-like triticism trite remark triturate to rub or grind into a fine powder triumphalism belief in the superiority of one particular religious creed triune trinity; three in one trivet tripod for a pot; metal plate to raise food from heat trivirgate having three linear marks troat to bellow like a roaring buck trochal wheel-like; circular trocheameter instrument counting wheel's revolutions trochiferous bearing a wheel or wheel-like organ trochiform shaped like a spinning-top trochilic of, like or pertaining to rotatory motion trochilidine of, like or pertaining to hummingbirds trochiline of, like or pertaining to hummingbirds trochiscus medicated tablet or lozenge trochlear like a pulley trochoid curve traced by a fixed point in plane of a circle trochomancy divination by studying wheel tracks troglodytic cave-dwelling troglodytine of, like or pertaining to wrens troika carriage drawn by three horses troilism sexual activity between three people trommel revolving sieve for cleaning or sizing minerals tromometer instrument for measuring slight earthquake shocks tronc collection of gratuities to be divided out later trophallaxis mutual exchange of nutriment in symbiosis trophism nutrition trophobiosis exchange of nutriment in symbiotic relationship trophology study of nutrition trophotropism direction of growth by nutritional factors tropic like a keel tropism a tendency to react to stimuli in a specific manner tropological characterized by tropes or figures of speech tropology figurative language; moral interpretation of the Bible tropometer instrument measuring rotation tropophilous flourishing in seasonal extremes of climate tropophyte plant adapted to alterations of moisture and drought trottoir pavement trousseau clothes collected by a bride for her marriage trouvaille a fortunate find trover legal action brought to recover goods from wrongful owner trucage faking of works of art trucidation slaughter truckle to submit; to cringe truculent belligerent; cruel; pugnacious; defiant; aggressive trullization act of plastering with a trowel trumeau piece of wall or pillar between two openings truncheon broken spear; broken or cut piece trunnion a pin or pivot on which something can be rotated trutinate to weigh using a balance; to evaluate mentally truttaceous of, like or pertaining to trout tryma nut-like fruit trypanocide killing of trypanosomes trysail ship's sail bent to a gaff and hoisted on a lower mast tsiganology study of gypsies tsiology treatise on tea tuant of writing, keen or trenchant tuberiferous bearing tubers tuberiform shaped like a lump or protuberance tuberous having tubers; knobbed tubicinate to blow a trumpet tubicolous inhabiting a tube tubicornous hollow-horned tubifacient constructing a tube tubiform shaped like a tube tubulate to form into a tube; to provide with a tube tubulure tubular opening tuck part of ship where ends of lower planks meet under the stern tucket flourish on a trumpet tufa rock made of fine volcanic detritus tufthunter toady tuille armour plate hanging below the tasses tuism theory that individuals have a second or other self tuism apostrophe; reference to or regard to a second person tuitive giving instruction; acquired by instruction tulchan calf's skin set beside a cow to make her give milk freely tulipomania obsession with tulips tulle sheer and delicate thin silk tumbrel old instrument of punishment like a pillory tumefacient causing swelling tumefy to swell tumescent tending to swell tumid inflated; falsely sublime; bombastic tumorigenic producing tumours tum-tum dog-cart tumular consisting of a mound or tumulus tumultuary chaotic; haphazard tumulus barrow-mound; mound of earth over a grave tund to beat; to thump tunicate covered with layers tunicle short ecclesiastical vestment worn by bishop or subdeacon tup ram; pile-driver; striking face of steam hammer or jackhammer turbary right to take peat from another's ground turbidimeter instrument for measuring turbidity of liquids turbinate shaped like a top or inverted cone turdiform like a thrush turdine of, like or pertaining to thrushes turdine of, like or pertaining to thrushes turgent swollen turgescence act or process of swelling; swollenness turgid swollen; inflated turgometer instrument for measuring turgidity turncock valve for regulating water flow turnery art of turning in a lathe turnspit person who turns a roasting spit turnverein athletic club turophile cheese lover turquoise blue-green turrical of, like or pertaining to a tower or turret; like a turret turriferous bearing towers turriform shaped like a tower turtleback structure over ship's bows or stern tussah brownish silk fabric tussicular of, like or pertaining to coughs tussock a compact tuft of grass or sedge tutelary having the guardianship of a thing tutiorism doctrine that one should take the safer moral course tutulus conical Roman headdress twain two twee affectedly dainty; sentimentally sweet twiforked bifurcate twingle to wriggle; to twist twink to blink; to twinkle twinter two-year-old domestic animal twire to peep; to leer twixt between twizzle to swirl; to spin two-step ballroom dance with two main steps twyer nozzle for a blast of air tychism theory that accepts role of pure chance tye inclined trough for washing ore tyloma callus tympaniform drum-like; shaped like a drum tympanum space within an arch; arched recess at entrance of cathedral tympany swelling with pride or with pregnancy typhlograph instrument to help the blind write clearly typhlology study of blindness and the blind typhlophile one who is kind to the blind typhogenic causing fever typhomania delirious state resulting from typhus fever typhonic having the character of a whirlwind or tornado typographia matter pertaining to printing or printers typography art of printing or using type typology study of types of things typomania craze for printing one's lucubrations typothetae master printers collectively typtology theory concerning rappings by spirits or ghosts tyrannicide killing or killer of a tyrant tyriasis elephantiasis tyroid resembling cheese; cheesy tyroma cheese-like matter tyromancy divination using cheese uakari short-tailed, long-haired monkey uberous yielding an abundance of milk; abounding uberty fruitfulness; abundant productiveness ubication condition of being in a certain location ubiety location; state of being in a definite place ubique everywhere ubiquitarianism belief that Christ is everywhere ubity place or locality ucalegon neighbour whose house is on fire udal form of land tenure in Orkney and Shetland islands udometer instrument for measuring rainfall ufology study of alien spacecraft ughten morning twilight ukase edict; proclamation by an autocratic government ulatrophy atrophy of the gums ulcuscle a small ulcer uletic of, like or pertaining to the gums uliginous slimy; oozy; swampy; growing in swampy places ullage quantity by which vessel is under full capacity ullagone cry of lamentation; funeral lament ulmaceous of or like elms uloid like a scar ulosis formation of a scar ulotrichous having woolly hair ultimo of last month ultimogeniture inheritance by the last son ultion revenge; vengeance ultracrepidate to criticize beyond sphere of one's knowledge ultradian of physiological cycles longer than an hour and shorter than a day ultrafidian going beyond faith ultrageous violently extreme ultraism holding extreme opinions on a subject ultramarine deep blue ultramicroscope instrument for viewing extremely small objects ultramontane south of the Alps; supporting the Pope ultroneous spontaneous; voluntary umbel mass of flowers springing from a single center umbelliferous bearing umbels umber brownish red umbilical of, like or pertaining to the navel; related on the mother's side umbiliciform shaped like a navel umbo central knob or boss of a shield umbraculiform shaped like an umbrella umbraculum umbrella or umbrella-like structure umbrage shade; foliage; offence umbratic shadowy; providing shade umbratilous shadowy; shaded; indoor; secluded umbriferous giving or bearing shade umbril visor on helmet to protect the eyes from light umbrose shade-giving; dusky unalist priest holding one benefice unaneled without extreme unction unasinous being equally stupid unberufen exclamation to avert ill luck following boasting unbosom to pour out; to tell freely uncate hooked uncial of, like or pertaining to an inch or an ounce unciform shaped like a hook unconsentaneous not in agreement unction anointing as right of consecration or healing; warmth of address unctuous slimy; oily; greasy; offensively suave and smug undate wavy undecennial happening every eleven years undeify to deprive of the nature of a god underbreath subdued voice; rumour underbridge bridge carrying a road or railway undercroft crypt or vault under a church undern light midday meal underwit inferior wit; half-wit undight to take off; to doff; to undo undine female water spirit undinism psychological obsession with urine and urination undulationism theory that light consists of waves uneath difficult; distressing; hard; scarce ungual of a claw, hoof, or talon; clawed unguentary of, like or pertaining to unguents; one who makes or sells unguents unguiculate clawed unguiform shaped like a claw unguinous oily; fatty unguligrade walking on hoofs unhouseled not having received the Eucharist shortly before death unicity uniqueness; oneness unifarious arranged in a single row or series unifilar having only one thread or wire unigeniture state or fact of being the only begotten unigenous of the same origin, kind or sort unipara woman having given birth only once uniparous producing only one offspring at birth unipotent powerful in one direction only unisonous in unison or agreement unition conjunction universalism belief in universal salvation univocal unmistakeable; unequivocal univocalic having only one vowel; written passage using only one vowel univoltine having one brood a year univorous living on only one host or source of food unleal unfaithful unreeve to withdraw a rope from an opening unseel to unsew the eyes of unsinew to take the strength from unstercorated not manured untimeous untimely untreasure to despoil unwithdrawing liberal; lavish upaithric roofless; open to the sky upas poisonous or harmful institution or influence upbuilding development; edification upcast upward throw; material thrown up upher rough pole made of fir and used in scaffolding uprist rising; uprising upspeak to begin to speak upstay to sustain uranic of the palate uraniferous bearing uranium uraniscus roof of the mouth uranism male homosexuality uranography descriptive astronomy and mapping uranology study of the heavens; astronomy uranomancy divination by studying the heavens uranomania obsession with the idea of divinity uranometry measurement of distances between heavenly bodies uranophobia fear of heaven uranoplasty plastic surgery on the hard palate uranoscopy star-watching uraster starfish urbacity excessive pride in one's city urbanist expert in urban planning urbanology study of cities urbarial founded on a register of landed property urbicide destruction of a city urbicolous dwelling in cities urbiculture cultivation or development of urban life urceiform shaped like a pitcher urceolate shaped like a pitcher urceus single-handled jug or pitcher urdé pointed; having points urdee of a heraldic device, pointed or broken into parallel pointed projections ure use; custom uredo burning feeling in the skin urenology study of rust molds urent burning; stinging uresis urination urethroscope instrument for viewing the interior of the urethra uretic of, like or pertaining to urine urimancy divination by observing urine urinator diver uriniferous bearing urine urinometer instrument for measuring specific gravity of urine urkingdom taxonomic group of organisms larger than a kingdom urman swampy pine forest urogenous producing or produced in urine urolith small stone in the urinary tract urology study of urine; urinary tract uropoietic secreting or excreting urine uropygium rump of a bird urosthenic having a tail designed for propulsion ursal fur seal ursicide killing or killer of a bear ursiform having the shape or appearance of a bear ursine of, like or pertaining to bears urtext earliest version of a text; original unmodified version urticaceous of, like or pertaining to nettles urticant stinging; irritating urticate to sting; to flog with nettles usageaster self-appointed and conservative language usage expert usance habit; custom ushabti figurine of deceased person placed in Egyptian tomb usitative signifying a usual act ustion action of burning or searing ustulation burning; roasting usucaption acquisition of property by long usage and enjoyment usufruct the right to use and enjoy something usward toward us utile profitable; useful utilitarianism belief that utility of actions determines moral value utinam earnest wish or desire utraquist person speaking two or both of two languages utricide one who stabs an inflated skin vessel instead of killing someone utricle small cavity or sac utriculiform shaped like a small cavity or sac utriform shaped like a leather bottle or flask uvala irregular depression in a karst terrain uvelloid resembling a small cluster of grapes uvid moist; wet uxorial of, like or pertaining to a wife uxoricide killing of one's own wife uxorious excessively fond of one's wife vaccary dairy or cow pasture vaccimulgence cow milking vaccine of, like or pertaining to cows; preparation conferring immunity to disease vacillate fluctuate in opinion or resolution vadelect servant; serving-man vade-mecum ready reference manual regularly carried about vadimony bond or pledge given before a judge vadose of, like or pertaining to underground water above the water table vafrous cunning; sly vagient crying like a baby vagile having the ability to move about vagility ability to succeed in the struggle for existence vaginate sheathed; having a sheath vagitus baby's cry or wail vainglory idle boastfulness vair blue-grey squirrel fur; heraldic representation of blue and white rows valance drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table or canopy valence linen helmet-cover for armour valenki warm Russian felt boots valetudinarian of, like or pertaining to ill-health; anxious about health valgus club-footed; bow-legged vallate having a raised rim or rampart vallation ridge or bank of earth used as fortification vallecula groove or furrow vallum rampart; wall of earth thrown up from a ditch valorise to set a fixed arbitrary price valuta comparative value of a currency vandola stringed lute-like Spanish instrument vaniloquence vain or foolish talk vaporimeter instrument for measuring vapour pressure vapulate to flog; to be flogged vapulatory of, like or pertaining to flogging vara unit of linear measure of between 33 and 43 inches varec seaweed; kelp varia miscellany varicella chicken pox variegated diverse and varied; having multi-coloured patches varietal of, like or pertaining to a variety varietist unorthodox person variform of various forms variola smallpox variometer instrument for measuring magnetic declination variorum including the notes of earlier scholars or editors varsovienne polka-like Polish dance varus pigeon-toed vascular of, like or pertaining to fluid-carrying vessels vasculature arrangement of blood vessels vasculiform shaped like a small vase or flowerpot vasculum botanist's collecting case vasiferous bearing a vessel or vas vasiform shaped like a duct or vase vastate to make immune vastidity vastness; a vast extent vatic prophetic; oracular; inspired vaticide killing or killer of a prophet vaticinate prophesy; predict vauclusian of a spring in which water is expelled by artesian pressure vavasour feudal noble who is both a liege and a vassal vectigal of, like or pertaining to the paying of tribute or rent vectitation act of carrying or conveying vedette mounted sentry stationed to watch for enemy veduta panoramic view of a town vegete vigorous vegetivorous eating vegetables veilleuse shaded night-lamp velamentous of, like or pertaining to or like a membrane or sail velarium awning over an auditorium velate having a veil; veiled velation act of veiling; secrecy veliferous bearing a sail or membrane velitation skirmish velivolant flying with sails velleity lowest degree of volition; slight wish vellicate to twitch; to tickle or pinch velociman hand-propelled tricycle velocimeter instrument for measuring velocity velocious with great speed velocipede swift-footed; swift-footed person; old-fashioned bicycle velometer instrument for measuring speed of air velour piled velvety cotton veloutine velvety corded wool velutinous velvety; having a downy covering velvetine cotton with silk pile venal of a type that may be bribed venatic of, like or pertaining to hunting venation arrangement of veins on a leaf or an insect's wing venator huntsman; hunter vendange grape harvest vendible capable of being sold vendicate to claim for oneself venditation offering for sale vendition sale venefic acting by poison or potions or by sorcery venenation poisoning venencia instrument used to sample sherry from a cask veneniferous carrying poison venepuncture puncturing of a vein venereology study of venereal disease venerer gamekeeper; hunter venerous lustful venery pursuit of sexual gratification; hunting; pursuit of game venesect to open a vein for blood-letting venial pardonable; excusable venigenous containing veins of metal or quartz venireman juror venography injecting radioactive material into veins for medical examination venose veiny; veined venous of, like or pertaining to veins ventage finger-hole; small hole ventana window ventiduct ventilating pipe or passage ventifact stone polished by wind-blown sand ventorious characterized by venturesomeness ventose windy; flatulent; puffed up with conceit ventral of, like or pertaining to the underside or the belly ventricumbent lying on one's front or one's belly ventriduct to turn towards the belly ventripotent with great capacity or appetite for food venule small vein veracious truthful; exact verbalism undue attention to words alone verbatim word for word verberate to beat verbicide destroying the meaning of a word verbid non-finite part of a verb verbigeration morbid and purposeless repetition of certain words verbile one whose mental processes are stimulated by words verbomania craze for words verderer officer in charge of royal forests verdigris greenish copper coating verdure greenness; health and vigour verecund modest; shy verger church usher and attendant vergiform shaped like a rod verglas film of ice on rock veridical veracious; genuine; truthful veridicous truthful verily truly; certainly; confidently verism artistic preference of the everyday to the legendary verjuice sour juice of unripe fruit vermeil bright red; scarlet; vermilion vermeology study of worms vermian like a worm vermicide killing of worms vermicular of, like or pertaining to worms vermiculous wormy vermiform shaped like a worm vermifugal expelling worms vermigerous bearing, containing or infested with worms vermigrade creeping like a worm vermilion bright red vermivorous eating worms vernal of, like or pertaining to spring vernalize to make springlike; to freshen vernicle cloth with image of Christ's face impressed upon it vernicose brightly polished or varnished vernissage varnishing-day vernition varnishing verricule tuft of hairs or bristles verruca wart verruciform shaped like a wart; wartlike verrucose warty versability aptness to be turned around versal ornamental letter at beginning of section versant general slope of a mountain versicle short verse in church service normally followed by response versicoloured diversely or changeably coloured versicular of or in verse versiform changing in form verst unit of distance equal to approximately 2/3 of a mile versus against; in contrast to versute crafty; wily vert the heraldic colour green verticil whorl verticillated whorled verticity power of turning vertiginous of, like or pertaining to vertigo; dizzy; giddy vervel ring for a hawk's jess vervelle decorated connector between helmet and mail of suit of armour vesical of, like or pertaining to the bladder vesicant blistering vesicate to blister vespacide substance or person who kills wasps vespal of, like or pertaining to wasps vespers prayer service held in early evening vespertinal of, like or pertaining to the evening vespiary wasp's nest vespine of, like or pertaining to hornets or wasps vespoid wasp-like vesta wax-stemmed match vestiary robing-room; cloakroom; of, like or pertaining to clothes vestibule entrance-hall vestiture clothes; covering; coat vestry priest's dressing room vesturer keeper of vestments vesuvian smoker's slow-burning match vesuviate to erupt; to burst with heat vetanda forbidden things vetitive having the power to veto vettura carriage, cab or car vexillary standard-bearer; pertaining to regimental colours or flags vexillology study of flags viaggiatory traveling frequently viameter instrument for measuring revolutions of a wheel viatecture construction of roads and bridges viatical of, like or pertaining to roads or travel viaticum money or provisions for journey; Eucharist for a dying person viator traveller; wayfarer vibraslap modern percussion instrument with rod and ball vibratile capable of vibratory motion vibrissa tactile bristle such as cat's whisker; bristly hair vibrograph instrument for recording vibrations vibrometer instrument for measuring vibrations vibronic of or caused by electronic vibration vicarial of, like or pertaining to a vicar or delegate vice in place of; rather than vicegerent acting in place of another; having delegated authority vicegod hostile appellation applied to the Pope vicenary based on the number twenty vicennial occurring every twenty years vicereine wife of a viceroy vicinage neighbourhood; residents in a neighbourhood vicinal neighboring; local victimology study of victims victoria light open two-seated four-wheeled carriage victualler one who operates a pub or eatery vicuna fabric made from wool of the vicuna, a small ruminant videlicet to wit; namely videndum thing to be seen videtur it seems vidimus attested copy; inspection of accounts viduage widowhood; widows collectively viduity widowhood viduous widowed; empty vigesimal based on the number twenty vigia danger warning on a chart vigneron vine-grower vigorish percentage of gambler's winnings taken by bookkeeper vigoro team sport combining cricket and baseball vilipend to despise; to make light of; to disparage mockingly villanelle poem consisting of five tercets and a quatrain villar of, like or pertaining to a manor or village villatic rural; of, like or pertaining to a villa villeggiatura a stay in the country villiform of the form or shape of velvet villose velvety villus soft velvety hair or fur vimen long thin branch or twig vimineous with long flexible shoots vinaceous wine-coloured vinal of or due to wine vincible that may be overcome vincular connective vindemial of, like or pertaining to the vintage vindemiate to gather grapes or other fruit vineatic of, like or pertaining to vines vinew to make or become mouldy vinewed mouldy; musty vinification process of fermenting wine vinolent addicted to wine vinology scientific study of vines and winemaking vinous deep red; burgundy vinous like wine; pertaining to wine; wine-coloured violaceous violet-coloured violatic flying about viperiform shaped like a snake or viper viperine of, like or pertaining to vipers viperous of, like, or pertaining to vipers; treacherous; venomous viraginous suggestive of a loud overbearing woman virago manlike or heroic woman virason sea breeze virelay old French poem with refrain and unusual rhyming scheme virescent becoming green or greenish; of a greenish colour virgal composed of twigs virgate old unit of land area usually equal to 30 acres or 1/4 hide virgate rodlike; twiggy virgule slanting line; solidus; "/" viricide killing of viruses; killing of men or of husbands virid green viridarium Roman garden viridian chrome green viridigenous producing greenness viridity greenness; freshness virilescence development of male character in the female virilia male reproductive organs viripotent fit for a husband; marriageable virology study of viruses virose poisonous; foul virucide killing of viruses viruliferous bearing or containing a virus vis force; power visagist expert in facial make-up visard mask or visor vis-a-vis light carriage with seats facing one another visceral of the organs of the body viscid semi-fluid; sticky; glutinous; viscous viscometer instrument for measuring viscosity visibilia things that are seen visile of, like or pertaining to sight; learning easily by sight visiogenic suitable for transmission by television visitador official visitor or inspector visive of, like or pertaining to sight; visual; able to see or be seen visometer instrument for measuring focal length of the eye vitalism the doctrine that there is a vital force behind life vitative concerned with the preservation of life vitellary bright yellow vitelligenous producing yolk vitellus yolk of an egg vitiate impair quality of; make invalid; spoil; make impure viticetum plantation of vines; vineyard viticolous living on vines viticulture vine-growing vitiferous bearing vines vitilitigation vexatious wrangling vitrage thin curtain for windows or glazed doors vitrail stained glass vitrescent tending to become glass vitrescible able to be turned into glass vitrics glassy materials; glassware; study of glassware vitrifaction process of converting into glass vitrifacture glassblowing vitriform of the form or shape of glass vitrine glass display case vitriolic caustic or hostile vitta band or stripe of colour on an animal or plant vittate striped lengthwise vitular of, like or pertaining to a calf or to calving vituline of, like or pertaining to calves or veal vituperation abuse; rejection vivandière female camp follower who supplies provisions vivarium artificial enclosure for keeping live animals vivat long live vivency vitality viverrine of, like or pertaining to civets and mongoose viverrine of, like or pertaining to the civet vivers food; eatables viviparous producing live young vivisepulture practice of burying people alive vizard mask vocabularian of, like or pertaining to vocabulary vocative indicating calling or personal address vocicultural of, like or pertaining to voice training vociferant clamorous vociferate to cry out with a loud voice; to bawl vocoid vowel-like voicespondence correspondence by means of recorded oral messages voided of a heraldic charge, having the inner part cut away voile soft fine sheer fabric voiturier driver of a carriage or coach voivode leader of an army; provincial governor volable nimble-witted volacious apt or fit to fly volage giddy; flighty; fickle volant flying; able to fly; of a heraldic bird, with wings extended volar of, like or pertaining to the palm or the sole; of, like or pertaining to flight volary aviary volation ability to fly volcanology study of volcanoes volens consenting to a course of action which requires risk volery place for aircraft repair volet short veil worn at the back of the head volitant flying; flitting; fluttering; moving about volitation flying; flight volitient willing volitive of, like or pertaining to the will volitive expressing desire or permission volitorial able to fly volplane to glide through the air volta old leaping dance voltameter instrument for measuring electrical current indirectly voltigeur lightly armed skirmisher voltinism breeding rhythm; brood frequency voltmeter instrument for measuring electrical potential voluble fluent in speech; too fluent or glib volucrine of, like or pertaining to birds; bird-like volumenometer instrument for measuring volume of a solid volumeter instrument for measuring volume of a liquid or gas voluminal of, like or pertaining to volume or cubic capacity voluntarism belief that the will dominates the intellect voluptuary sensualist; person fond of luxury volupty sexual pleasure volutation action of rolling; turning; wallowing voluted in spiral form volution revolving movement; convolution; whorl volvelle instrument like an astrolabe used by doctors for astrology vomiturition violent retching voraginous of, like or pertaining to a whirlpool; voracious vorago gulf; chasm; abyss vorant devouring vorpal keen; deadly vortical of, like or pertaining to a vortex; whirling vorticist painter who expresses complexity of machinery through art vorticity amount of vortical motion in a fluid vortoscope device using mirrors to produce abstract photographs votation action of voting votive given by vow; consisting of a vow or wish voussoir wedge-like stone forming part of an arch vraisemblance verisimilitude vug small cavity in a rock vulcanology study of volcanoes vulgo commonly; popularly vulgus the common people; schoolboy Latin composition vulnerary healing wounds vulnerate to wound vulnerose wounded vulpecular of, like or pertaining to a young fox vulpicide killing of a fox vulpine of, like or pertaining to foxes; cunning vulsella forceps with toothed blades vulturine rapacious; of, like or pertaining to a vulture vulvar of, like or pertaining to or resembling the vulva vulviform shaped like an oval or a vulva wack old name for decomposed basalt wadmal thick coarse wool waftage transportation through water or air wafture act of waving or wafting wagonette carriage with one crosswise seat in front, two seats in back wagtail an obsequious person; a harlot wainage team and implements needed for cultivation of land wainscot to line with boards or panels; fine oak panelling wair timber of six feet in length and one foot in width waits musicians employed to play on ceremonial occasions wakerife wakeful; indisposed to sleep waldflute organ flute stop of 4 feet in length waldgrave old German title of nobility waldhorn French valveless hunting horn wale to choose; the act of choosing walleteer one who carries a wallet wallfish snail wallflower yellowish-red wallydrag feeble or worthless person or animal walm to spout; to boil up walty inclined to tip over or lean wamble churning of the stomach; wobbling or rolling motion wame the womb or belly; a protuberant hollow part wamus cardigan or jacket buttoned at neck and wrists wanchancy unlucky; uncanny wang the cheek; a molar wanhope despair wanigan pay office in a lumber camp wanion ill luck; misfortune wankle unstable or unsteady wantage deficiency; shortage wanze to decrease; to waste away wapenshaw periodic gathering to evaluate readiness of men for combat wapentake archaic sub-division of certain counties waqf charitable donation for Islamic religious purposes warble small tumour suffered by horses under the saddle area wardcorn payment of corn in place of military service warden kind of pear used in cooking wardmote meeting of a ward or a court of a ward wardroom quarters for ship's officers warison wealth; reward; punishment warrantise the act of guaranteeing or warranting; an assurance warray to make war on warren heart-shaped hoe warrener keeper of a warren of rabbits wase small bundle of hay or straw for resting one's head washball ball of toilet soap washboard broad thin plank along ship's gunwale to keep out sea water washery location where industrial washing takes place washeteria laundromat or launderette washi thin Japanese paper used to make kites and lanterns washland area periodically flooded by river wasm an outdated policy, doctrine or theory wassail toast to someone's health; to go caroling or carousing; spiced ale wasserman man-shaped sea monster wastel sweet flaky bread made with fine flour and butter wastelot unused lot of land in a built-up area waster wooden sword used for practicing fencing wastive liable to waste watchet pale blue watchglass small dish used for holding small amounts of a solution watching fully afloat waterage fee paid for travelling on water waterish resembling or filled with water; insipid or diluted waterman boatman or ferryman waterwork piece of fabric painted to resemble a tapestry wattmeter instrument for measuring electrical power waulk to full cloth waulker cloth fuller wavemeter instrument for measuring wavelengths waveson goods floating on the sea after a shipwreck waxcloth oilcloth; linoleum wayboard thin geological seam separating larger strata waygone exhausted from long travels wayment lamentation; grief waywiser instrument for measuring distance travelled wayzgoose annual employees' dinner or outing wear to turn a ship's stern to windward to alter its course wearish tasteless; savourless weasand the gullet or windpipe weatherboard weather side of a ship weatherly able to sail close to the wind with little leeway weatherometer instrument for measuring weather-resisting properties of paint webcast live broadcast transmitted on the World Wide Web weber unit of magnetic flux equal to 100 million maxwells webster a female weaver webwheel wheel in which spokes, rim and centre made from one piece of material wedeln skiing in a swiveling motion with skis close together weed garment or outfit worn during mourning weedicide something that kills weeds weedy dressed in widow's mourning clothes weftage texture wegotism excessive use of the pronoun 'we' in speech or writing weighage fee paid for weighing goods weirdward bordering upon the supernatural weld yellow dye; plant from which it is extracted welk to twist about welkin the vault of the sky; firmament; heaven wellaway expression of sorrow or lamentation; alas welter to be in a state of turmoil or chaos wen enormously congested city wergild fine paid by family of murderer to family of murder victim wertfrei without value judgement; neutral westing space or distance westward wether castrated ram wey old measure for dry goods usually equal to 40 bushels whang a leather thong; a thick slice whangam an imaginary animal wharfinger keeper or owner of a wharf whatabouts things with which one is occupied wheal a Cornish mine wheaten the golden colour of ripe wheat wheelhouse shelter where ship's steering wheel kept wheep sound made by a steel weapon when drawn from a sheath wheeple to whistle feebly whelky knobby; rounded whelve to cover with an upside down vessel whemmle to overturn; to throw into a state of disorder whenas when whencesoever from whatsoever place or source whereagainst against which whereinsoever in whatsoever respect or place whereinto into which; into what whereof of what whereon on what whereout out of which wherethrough through which; through the agency of whereuntil to what wherewith with what wherret a blow on the ear or side of the head wherry light shallow boat; barge whey off-white whichsoever every one that whicker to neigh; to bleat whiff to fish with hand line towed behind a boat whiffet paltry person; little dog whiffler official who clears way for a procession whifflery levity; trifling whift a slight puff or blast whiggarchy government by Whigs whilom formerly; once; former whin gorse; furze whinger dirk or short sword whinstone hard and compact rock whinyard short sword whipcat tailor whipcord fabric with bold twill used for making dresses whipjack whining beggar who pretends to be a sailor whippet a small tank whippletree crosspiece of a carriage to which harnesses attached whippy pliant; supple whipsaw narrow saw for cutting timber lengthwise whipstaff vertical lever controlling ship's rudder whipstall airplane stall causing nose to whip forward and down whirret to give a sharp blow to whiskerando a whiskered person whiskerine beard-growing contest whiss to hiss or whistle whistler mythical bird whose whistle is fatal to the listener whitecoat white-furred seal pup whither to what place whithersoever to any place whatsoever whitherward toward what or which place whitleather leather dressed with alum whitlow abscess around a fingernail whitster bleacher of cloth and clothing whittawer one who makes saddles or harnesses whittle a woollen shawl or blanket whodunitry genre of writing poor mystery novels wholestitch weaving stitch that fills in a pattern whoreson bastard; whore's son; term of contempt whosoever every one who wicket small door forming part of larger door of a church or castle widdershins counterclockwise widgeon freshwater duck widget any small manufactured object wieldless unmanageable wigan stiff plain-woven cotton wight a supernatural man-like being wight nimble; strong; courageous wilder to cause to stray wilding that which grows without cultivation williwaw sudden squall, tumult or disturbance willowish of the colour of willow leaves wimble instrument for boring holes; gimlet; auger wimple cloth covering for head and neck worn by nuns wincey plain or twilled cotton windbound hindered from sailing by contrary winds windcheater windproof jacket windgall puffy swelling around a horse's joints windlass winch used to raise a ship's anchor windlass circuitous movement; indirect action windle appliance for winding yarn windlestraw anything light or insubstantial; feeble person windrose diagram showing yearly wind strengths for a locality windrow hay raked together into a line windthrow the blowing over of trees by the wind winglet a small wing winkler one who extracts or forces something out little by little winterbourne intermittent spring of water winterim short winter term at a private school designed for personal study winterkill to kill by exposure to cold winze small ventilating shaft between two levels of a mine wippen part of piano hammer raised when note played wirble to whirl; to turn round and round wiredraw to reduce fluid pressure by passing it through a small orifice wirewove very fine quality of writing paper wis to know, to believe wiseacre someone who unduly assumes air of superior wisdom wiseling one who pretends to be wise wisent European bison wisket a basket wist to know wistly longingly; earnestly witchknot knot in hair supposedly tied by witches witeless without fault; blameless witenagemot early English national council withal besides; therewith; nevertheless; with withe elastic tool handle to save the hand from shock of blows withe partition between chimney flues witherling withered or decrepit person; an adversary withy flexible; wiry and agile; willow witling one who utters markedly feeble witticisms witticaster a petty or inferior wit wittol one who knows wife's faithlessness and submits to it witwanton to engage in irreverent wit wive to take for a wife; to marry a woman wivern mythical two-legged winged monster woad broad-leafed plant yielding blue dye woggle ring of leather or plastic used to thread neckerchief wold open tract of country womanthrope a hater of women womby hollow; capacious wondermonger one who promises miracles wonderwork prodigy; miracle; thaumaturgy wone a dwelling-place; custom or habit woning state of dwelling; dwelling-place wontless unaccustomed wood mad; insane; wild woodmeal sawdust and other wood waste used as industrial filler woodreeve overseer of a wood woodshedding spontaneous barbershop singing woodwose wild man of the woods, used in heraldry as supporter; satyr or faun woofits an unwell feeling; depression woolage untidy hair woolbird sheep woold to wind a rope or chain around woolfell skin with the wool still on it woolpack cirrocumulus cloud; a bale or bundle of wool woolsack large wool-filled scarlet sack for the Lord Chancellor woolsey cotton and wool blend woolward with wool next to the skin as punishment woonerf road in a residential district which uses various measures to calm traffic woopie well-off older person worcester fine wool wordbound unable to find expression in words wordbreak point of division in a word that runs onto the next line wordish verbose workerist one who supports worker's rights workshy hating or avoiding work; lazy worksome industrious worldling a person engrossed in concerns of the present world wormcast spiral heap of earth left by burrowing worm wormery place where worms are bred wormil lump in the skin of an animal's back wormwood something bitter, galling, or grievous worricow scarecrow; hobgoblin; frightening-looking person worsement deterioration or deprecation of property without the owner's consent worsification the composition of bad poetry wort any herb or vegetable wort infusion of malt before fermentation wortle perforated plate through which wire drawn to make thinner woubit a small and shabby person woundless harmless woundy causing wounds; characterized by wounds woundy excessively; extremely wrack seaweed or wreckage cast up on shore wrackful destructive wranglership position of being a wrangler at Cambridge University wrawl to caterwaul wreakless unpunished wretchock smallest or weakest of a brood wrick to twist; to sprain; to strain wright maker; repairer wristlet wristband; small strap worn around the wrist writative characterized by an inclination to write writhled wrinkled; shriveled wrongous unjust; wrongful wroth wrathful; in commotion; stormy wrox to decay; to rot wuffler agricultural machine for turning and fluffing bales of hay wurley a nest; an aboriginal hut wurst large sausage wurzel kind of beet wuthering blowing strongly with a roaring sound wye a Y-branching pipe or railroad track arrangement wyn old English rune having value 'w' wynd narrow street or lane wyrd the personification of fate or destiny xanthareel yellow eel formerly used in medicinal foods xanthic yellow; yellowish xanthippe ill-tempered woman xanthocarpous having yellow fruit xanthochroia yellowness of the skin xanthochroic having yellow skin xanthocomic yellow-haired xanthocyanopsy form of colour-blindness in which only blue and yellow can be distinguished xanthoderm yellow-skinned person xanthodont one with yellow teeth xanthoma disease characterized by yellow patches on the skin xanthometer instrument for measuring colour of sea or lake water xanthophyll substance causing yellow colour of autumn leaves xanthopsia a visual condition where things appear yellow xanthospermous having yellow seeds xanthous yellow or red-haired xebec small three-masted pirate ship xeme fork-tailed gull xenagogue guide; someone who conducts strangers xenial of or concerning hospitality towards guests xenium gift made to a guest or ambassador; any compulsory gift xenobiotic indicating a substance or item foreign to the body xenocracy government by a body of foreigners xenodiagnosis diagnosis of disease by allowing laboratory-bred diseases to affect material xenodocheionology love of hotels xenodochial hospitable; kindly to strangers xenodochium building for the reception of strangers xenogamy cross-fertilization xenogeneic of a disease, derived from an individual of a different species xenogenesis generation of offspring entirely unlike the parent xenogenous due to an outside cause xenoglossia person's knowledge of a language never studied xenolalia person's knowledge of a language never studied xenolith fragment of extraneous rock embedded in magma or another rock xenomancy divination using strangers xenomania inordinate attachment to foreign things xenomenia menstruation from abnormal orifices xenomorphic having a form not its own xenophilia love of foreigners xenophobia fear of foreigners xenops a small tropical rainforest bird xenurine species of armadillo xeransis drying up xerarch growing in dry places xerasia abnormal dryness of the hair xeric dry; lacking in moisture xerocopy photocopy xerodermia abnormal dryness of the skin xerography photocopying xerophagy eating of dry food; fast of dry food in the week preceding Easter xerophily adaptation to very dry conditions xerophobous unable to survive drought xerophthalmia dryness and soreness of the eyes xerophytic able to withstand drought xeroradiography process for taking permanent pictures of X-ray images xerosis abnormal dryness of body parts xerostomia excessive dryness of the mouth xerothermic dry and hot xerotic dry xerotripsis dry friction xesturgy process of polishing xilinous of, like or pertaining to cotton xiphias swordfish xiphoid sword-shaped xiphopagus conjoined twins joined by a band of flesh on the torso xiphophyllous having sword-shaped leaves xiphosuran horseshoe crab xoanon primitive wooden statue overlaid with ivory and gold xography photographic process for producing three-dimensional images xu former monetary unit of Vietnam xylan gelatinous compound found in wood xylary of, like or pertaining to xylem xylem woody portion of a plant xylocarp hard and woody fruit xylogenous growing on wood xyloglyphy wood-carving xylography art of engraving on wood xyloid woody; ligneous xylology study of wood xylomancy divination by examining wood found in one's path xylometer instrument measuring specific gravity of wood xylophagous wood-eating xylophilous fond of wood; living in or on wood xylophory wood-carrying xylopolist one who sells wood xylopyrography engraving designs on wood with hot poker xylorimba combination of xylophone and marimba xylotherapy use of certain sorts of wood in treating disease xylotomous wood-cutting; wood-boring xylotypographic printed from wooden blocks xystarch ancient Greek officer in charge of gymnastic exercises xyster surgeon's instrument for scraping bones xyston short pike used by Greek heavy cavalry xystus covered walkway for exercises yabba large Jamaican earthenware or wooden vessel yabby small edible freshwater crayfish yachty relating to yachts yad rod used by readers of the Torah as a pointer for following text yaff to bark like a snarling dog yaffingale green woodpecker yag synthetic diamond made of yttrium aluminum garnet yager nineteenth-century rifle yahrzeit Jewish remembrance of the first anniversary of someone's death yair tidal enclosure for catching fish yajna Hindu sacrificial rite yakhdan box used for carrying ice on back of pack animal yakow animal crossbred from male yak and domestic cow yale mythical animal resembling tusked horse with elephant's tail and used in heraldry yam posting-house along a road yantra geometrical diagram designed as a meditation aid yapness hunger yapok an amphibious opossum of South America yapp limp leather binding in which cover overlaps edges of book yarak of a hawk, in good condition for hunting yarborough hand of cards containing no card above nine yardage charge for use of a yard yardang ridge formed by wind erosion parallel to prevailing winds yardarm either end of the yard of a square-rigged ship yarder donkey-engine used in logging yardland unit of land area equal to 30 acres yare marked by quickness and agility; nimble; prepared; easily handled yarling wailing; howling yarmulke skullcap worn by Orthodox Jewish men yarnwindle tool for winding yarn into a ball yarpha peatbog; sandy or fibrous peat yarrow flowering herb growing in moist areas; milfoil yashiki residence of a feudal Japanese nobleman yashmak double Muslim veil leaving only eyes uncovered yataghan long curved knife or sabre yate species of eucalyptus tree with strong wood yautia root crop of the West Indies like a yam yaw to move unsteadily side to side; to rotate about a vertical axis yawl ship's small boat; sailboat carrying mainsail and one or more jibs yawny prone to yawning; characterized by yawning yealing person of the same age yean to give birth to a lamb or kid yeanling lamb; kid yeasty full of restless energy or creativity; insubstantial yede to go yegg a burglar of safes yelek outer garment worn by Turkish women yellow to bellow; to yelp yellowback cheap sensational novel yelm a straight bundle of straw used for thatching yelt a young sow yeomanette old term for a female yeoman in the American naval reserve yerk to draw tight; to bind yeuk to itch yex to hiccup, belch or spit yikker to utter sharp little cries yird to bury ylem in alchemy, substance from which the elements developed yogh letter in Middle English representing y or 'hh' sound yogibogeybox materials used by a spiritualist yoicks expression of surprise or excitement yomp to carry heavy equipment over difficult terrain yon yonder yonderly mentally or emotionally distant; absent-minded yoni symbol representing female genitals yordim emigrants who leave Israel younker a young person yowie a little ewe yperite mustard gas ypsiliform shaped like an upsilon yrneh unit of reciprocal inductance yttriferous bearing yttrium yu precious jade yuft Russia leather yuke to itch zabaglione frothy custard zabernism misuse of military authority; bullying zabra small Spanish sailing vessel zabuton flat Japanese cushion for kneeling or sitting zaffre impure cobalt oxide zaftig having a full; rounded figure zaitech investment in financial markets by a company in order to boost profits zakuska hors d'oeuvre; snack zalambdodont having molar teeth with V-shaped ridges zamacueca Chilean dance where partners move around each other zamarra sheepskin jacket zambomba Spanish percussion instrument zambra Spanish dance zampogna Italian bagpipe zampone stuffed pigs' trotter sausage zander a variety of European perch zanella mixed twilled umbrella fabric zanjero supervisor of irrigation canals zanyism buffoonery zanze African musical instrument like castanets zapata flowing, drooping moustache zapateado Latin-American dance with rhythmic tapping of the feet zappy lively; entertaining zarf ornamental holder for hot coffee cup zari Indian gold and silver brocade zariba square fence of thorn-bushes; fortified camp zarzuela traditional Spanish vaudeville show; fish and shellfish stew zatch female genitalia zayat Burmese public meeting-hall or house of worship zazzy flashy; stylish zebrine of, like or pertaining to zebras zebrinny offspring of male horse and female zebra zebroid like or resembling a zebra zebrule hybrid offspring of male zebra and female horse zebu ox with hump and dewlap zedoary aromatic root resembling ginger zegedine silver drinking-cup zeitgeber rhythmically occurring event that cues organisms' biological rhythms zek inmate of prison labour camp zel form of Oriental cymbal zelator sister in a convent in charge of checking on conduct of other nuns zelatrix older nun in charge of disciplining younger nuns zelophobia irrational or fear of jealousy zelotic of the nature of a zealot zelotypia jealousy; excessive zeal in carrying out a project zeme Caribbean idol or totem zemindar in colonial India, an indigenous revenue collector or landholder zemirah Hebrew religious song sung at Sabbath meals zemni blind mole-rat zenana system of segregating women away from men in harems zendalet large black woollen shawl worn over the head or shoulders zendik heretic; magician zendo hall for Zen Buddhist meditation zenocentric measured with reference to the planet Jupiter zenography study of the planet Jupiter zenzic square of a number zenzizenzizenzic eighth power of a number zephyr lightweight wool or worsted fabric; the west wind zeppole a variety of doughnut zeroable able to be omitted from a sentence without any loss of meaning zeta small room or closet in a church zetetic proceeding by inquiry; a search or investigation zeugma use of a word to modify two or more words in different ways zeugmatography imaging using nuclear magnetic resonance to study soft tissue zeze stringed instrument resembling a zither zho cross between a yak and a cow ziamet large ancient Turkish fiefdom zibeline soft piled wool zibeline of, like or pertaining to the sable zibib colourless alcoholic drink made from raisins ziganka Russian country dance ziggurat Mesopotamian step pyramid zill finger cymbals used in belly dancing zimocca bath-sponge zincic of, pertaining to or containing zinc zinciferous bearing zinc zincography process of engraving or etching on zinc zineb white powder used as fungicide zingaro gypsy zingiber ginger zinke old wind instrument resembling the cornet zinkiferous bearing zinc zinnia brightly coloured annual flower zinnober chrome green ziraleet expression of joy among Arab women zirconic of or pertaining to zirconium zitella young girl; maiden zither musical instrument with strings laid over horizontal board ziti pasta shaped like large macaroni zizel chipmunk zizyphus spiny fruit-bearing shrub zizz sparkle; vim zoanthropy delusion that one is an animal zoarium supporting structure for a polyp colony zodiographer one who writes about animals zoetic living; vital zoetrope slotted rotating cylinder producing primitive animation zograscope optical device for viewing stereoscopic images zoiatrics veterinary surgery zoic of, like or pertaining to animals; containing evidence of life zoilism carping and unjust criticism zoism doctrine that life originates from a single vital principle zollverein customs union zolotnik old Russian unit of weight equal to 1/6 of an ounce zomotherapy medical treatment using raw meat zona girdle or belt; patch or band zonal of or like a zone; arranged in zones zonarious of or pertaining to a girdle or purse zonary of or like a zone; arranged in zones zonelet a little zone zonoid like a zone zonule small zone zonulet a small belt or girdle zonure small South African lizard zooarchaeology study of animal remains of archaeological sites zoocentric centred on the animal world zoocephalic animal-headed zoochemistry chemistry of animals zoochorous of seeds or spores spread by animals zoochory spread of plant seeds or spores by animals zooculture domestication of animals zoocytium a hollow vessel zoodikers an exclamation zoodynamics dynamics of animal bodies zoogamy sexual reproduction of animals zoogenic produced from animals zoogeography study of geographic distribution of animals zoogeology study of fossil animal remains zoogonous giving birth to live offspring zoograft tissue from an animal grafted to a human zoography the painting or description of animals zoogyroscope device for depicting the movement of animals through rotating images zooid asexually produced organism resembling an animal zoolatry excessive devotion to animals or pets zoolite fossil animal zoomagnetism animal magnetism zoomancy divination by observing animals zoomania insane fondness for animals zoometry measurement of animals zoomimetic imitating an animal or part of an animal zoomorphic having the form or shape of an animal zoomorphism conception of a god or man in animal form zoon organism regarded as a complete animal zoonic of, like or pertaining to or derived from animals zoonomy animal physiology zoonosis disease of animals which can be transmitted to humans zoonosology study of animal diseases zoopathology study of animal diseases zoopery experimentation on animals zoophagy eating animals zoophilia loving or caring for animals; bestiality zoophily loving or caring for animals; bestiality zoophobia fear of animals zoophorus continuous frieze depicting humans and animals zoophysics physics of animal bodies zoophysiology study of physiology of animals zoophyte plant-like animal such as coral zoophytology study of plant-like animals zoopraxiscope device for depicting the movement of animals through rotating images zooscopy hallucination that one is seeing animals zoosemiotics study of animal communication zoosophy knowledge or learning concerning animals zootaxy science of classifying animals zootechnics science of breeding animals zoothapsis premature burial zootheism attribution of divine qualities to animals zootherapy veterinary therapeutics zootomy dissection of animals; comparative anatomy zootoxin poison derived from animal zootrophy feeding or tending of animals zootype animal serving as a type; figure of an animal used to represent a deity zopissa combination of wax and pitch used for medicinal purposes zoppa syncopated; limping (in music) zoppetto medieval Italian limping hop dance zori Japanese thonged sandals zorino euphemism for skunk fur zoster a girdle zosteriform shaped like a girdle zosterops small tropical bird with a ring of white feathers around the eyes zouk Caribbean disco dance and corresponding type of fast rhythmic music zounds mild oath zoysia perennial subtropical grass zubrowka vodka flavoured with sweet-grass zucca gourd zucchetto round skullcap worn by Catholic clergy to indicate rank zuche tree stump zufolo small flute used to train songbirds zug waterproof leather used for boots zugtrompete slide trumpet zugzwang chess blockade zule in heraldry, a chess rook zumbador South American hummingbird zumbooruk small cannon carried on the back of a camel zuppa fish soup zurla Yugoslavian shawm zurna Turkish bagpipe or shawm zwieback sweet toasted biscuit zwischenzug chess move made to play for time zwitterion ion carrying both a positive and negative charge zydeco Louisiana Creole dance music zygal formed like the letter H; of, like or pertaining to a yoke or union zygnomic legally supported constraint on human freedom zygodactylic having two toes in front and two behind zygology science of joining and fastening zygoma bony arch on the side of the skull zygomorphic bilaterally symmetrical zygon connecting bar zygopleural bilaterally symmetrical zygosis conjugation zymic of, like or pertaining to fermentation zymite priest using leavened bread during communion zymogenic causing fermentation zymology science of fermentation zymometer instrument for measuring fermentation zymosimeter instrument for measuring fermentation zymosis fermentation zymotechnics the art of fermentation zymotic of, like or pertaining to fermentation zymurgy branch of chemistry dealing with brewing and distilling zythum ancient Egyptian beer zyzzyva South American weevil