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Oxford Dictionary Difficult More JThe than 10,000 words you really need to kno^ Clear and concise definitions make
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Oxford Dictionary Difficult More
JThe
than 10,000 words you really need
to
kno^
Clear and concise definitions make learning even the
mOst
difficult
words easy
Distinguishes between closely related and easily
confused words
Usage notes help users avoid
common mistakes
Valuable study aid for standardized tests
World's Most Trusted Dictionaries
The Oxford Dictionary of
Difficult Words
WITHDRAW No longer the property of tf Boston Public
LitM-ary.
Sale of this material benefits the
tjrai
The Oxford Dictionary of
Difficult Words Edited by Archie Hobson
OXPORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
OXPORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
New York Oxford Auckland Bangkok Cape Town Chennai
Buenos Aires Delhi
Kolkata
Mexico City
Hong Kong Istanbul Kuala Lumpur Madrid Mumbai Nairobi Sao Taipei
Tokyo
Dar
Salaam
es
Karachi
Melbourne Shanghai
Paulo
Toronto
The Oxford Dictionary
of Difficult Words is based on the American Dictionary, published in the United States © Oxford University Press 2001
New Oxford in
2001.
by Oxford University Press, Inc., 2001 Oxford University Press paperback, 2004 198 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016
First published First issued as an
www.oup.com www.askoxford.com Oxford All rights reserved.
No
is
a registered
trademark of Oxford University Press.
part of this publication
may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Oxford University Press.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
is
available
ISBN-13 978-0-19-514673-8;978-0-l 9-517328-4
ISBN 0-19-514673-5;0-19-517328-7
(pbk.)
(pbk.)
This book includes some words that are, or are asserted to be, proprietary names or trademarks.
Their inclusion does not imply that they have acquired for
legal
purposes a nonproprietary or
legal status. In cases where word is used as a proprietary name or trademark, this is indicated by the designation trademark, but no judgment concerning the legal status of such words
general significance, or the editor has
is
any other judgment implied concerning their
some evidence
that a
is
made
or implied thereby.
3 5 7 9 8 6 4
Printed in the United States of America
Contents Preface
How to Use the
vi
Oxford Dictionary of Difficult V^rds
Staff
Key
ix
to the Pronunciations
x
Oxford Dictionary of Difficult Words
Appendix How Words Are Built: Prefixes, and Combining Forms
vii
Suffixes,
1-472
475
Preface Everyday words we know as well as we know our own names, and we use them as naturally as breathing. But what about those thousands of other words that we can't quite commit to memory but that come up all the time in reading, in meetings, or in the classroom? Words like lucubrate ('discourse learnedly in writing'), demesne ('land attached to a manor'), and cynosure ('a person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration') hover on the margins of our vocabularies. We run across such words from time to time, and when we do we may not know quite what they mean, or we simply draw a blank. The Oxford Dictionary of Difficult Words presents the words we really need to know, without the added burden of those we never look up. The definitions are concise and clear, and are enhanced by sentences and phrases that show the word, or a certain sense of it, used in context. Usage notes are there to help make your use of words more precise and powerful. This dictionary will help you understand words outside your everyday "working" vocabulary, words that are too learned, specialized, or highbrow for day-to-day usage. Abundant cross references help distinguish words that are related ('deism' and 'theism') or opposite ('esoteric' and 'exoteric'). The Oxford Dictionary of Difficult Words is a handy reference that can be carried with you to enhance your reading and learning experience wherever you go.
—
How to Use the Oxford Dictionary of Difficult Words The
"entry
map" below
explains the different parts of an entry. Pronunciation set off with
Syllabification
vertical lines
Bold facemain entry
|
Parts of speech in italic |
-iMit*er*ate |i(l)'lit3rit| 'adj. unable to read or write: his parents were illiterate. Cf. INNU-'
.Cross references in
SMALL CAPITALS
MERATE.
Grammar
^[with
information insquare brackets [ ]
Subsenses
-
signaled by
submodifier] ignorant in a particular subor activity: the extent to which voters are politically illiterate. uncultured or poorly educated: an ignorant, illiterate Town Council. (esp. of a piece of writing) showing a lack of education, esp. an inability to read or write well. • n. a person who is unable to read or
ject
write.
-phrases: functionally
Phrases section
_ illiterate lacking
•Examples in
italic
Phrases in
bold face
the literacy necessary for coping with most jobs and many everyday situations. -derivatives: il»Ut»er»a»cy |-3se| n. il» lit«er*ate»ly adv. il»lit«er»ate»ness n.
Derivatives section
Derivatives in
bold face
Main
entries
Main
and other boldface forms
entries appear in boldface type, as
do
inflected forms, idioms
and
phrases, and derivatives. The words phrases and derivatives introduce those
elements. ification
Main
entries
and
derivatives of
two or more
syllables
show
syllab-
with centered dots.
Parts of speech
Each new part of speech
is
introduced by a small centered dot.
Senses and subsenses follows the part of speech and any grambefore a verb definition). If there are two or more main senses for a word, these are numbered in boldface. Closely related subsenses of each main sense are introduced by a solid black box. In the
The main
sense of each
matical information
word
(e.g., [trans.]
main sense of "unable to read or write" is followed by several related senses, including "ignorant in a particular subject or activity" and "uncultured or poorly educated." entry for illiterate above, the
viii
Hovy to Use
Example sentences Example sentences
are
shown
in the
example
common
in italic typeface; certain
sions appear in bold italic typeface within examples (e.g., the rebels were given
expres-
"immunity from"
immunity from prosecution)
Cross references Cross references to main entries appear in small
capitals.
the entry illiterate seen previously, a cross reference tals to
is
For example,
in
given in small capi-
the entry for innumerate.
Usage notes Usage notes appear
in boxes after the entry to
which they
refer:
laMer
I'laetarl 'adj. [attrib] 1 situated or occurring nearer to the end of something than to the beginning: the latter half of 1989. belonging to the final stages of something, esp. of a person's life: heart disease dogged his latter years. recent: the project has had low cash flows in latter years. 2 (the latter) denoting xhe second or second mentioned of two people or things: the Russians could advance into either Germany or Austria they chose the
—
latter option.
usage:
Latter means 'the secondmentioned of two.' Its use to mean 'the lastmentioned of three or more' is common, but is considered incorrect by some because latter means 'later' rather than 'latest.' Last or last-mentioned is preferred where three or more things are involved.
Appendix
A
handy appendix at the back of the book features a list of prefixes, sufand combining forms with a brief gloss of each form's meaning and examples of words in which it appears.
fixes,
Staff
Managing Editor: Senior Editor: Editors:
Elizabeth
Archie
J.
Jewell
Hobson
Suzanne Stone Burke Orin Hargraves Christine Lindberg
Ramona
Michaelis
Susan Norton Pronunciation Editors:
John Bollard Linda Costa Sharon Goldstein Ellen Johnson
Rima McKinzey Editorial AssistantProofreaders:
Data Entry:
Karen Fisher Meredith Brosnan Alan Hartley Adrienne Makowski Susan Sigalas Teresa Ouellette Kimberly Roberts
Key
to the Pronunciations
how
This dictionary uses a simple respelling system to show nounced, using the following symbols:
fashion
as in
hat
a
as in
day da
a
as in
lot
b
as in
big |big|
CH
as in
church CHarcH
d
as in
dog dog
e
as in
e
as in feet
er
as in air |er|,care |ker|
3
as in
se
hset
1
rate
,
1
1
lat
1
, 1
rat
|
father
, 1
men men fet
1
bet
|
receive
, 1
about a'bowt
1
'kaere |
prey pra
,
|
|
'pikcnar
|
'barn.yard
|
|
|
|
ferry
,
|
'fere
|
|
ri'sev
|
|
soda
,
1
pCloUIl
bet
|
{
|
barnyard
,
|
picture
,
|
|
,
|
|
bed bed
, 1
carry
,
|
maid mad
, |
'faiHar
|
1
1
'faesnan
|
entries are pro-
'soda
|
mother I'maxHarl,
|,
PtJIo^JIII 1
f
as in free Ifrel
CT
6
as in ytsi
11
as in
1
gei
yuiiu as in niiilH
rrilH gnu
1
1
as in
lime
ir
as in
ear
j
as in
Is
as in as in
tim
1
ir
1
lap
iasp
, 1
1
m
as in
1
1
,
as in
honor
as in
sing
0
as in
go go
,
6
as in
law
oi
as in
boy
00
as in
wood
1
,
1
16
1
1
J
|
,
1 1
'\17imin wiiiiin
1
{
oir
dam
|
pirs |
seiar
{
thought noisy
,
|
craoie
, |
d^em
maiden
anger
,
1
pieri#e
,
|
Kraai
|
'madn|
|
'aeNGgar |
|
xHot
|
lore
, |
'noize
|
|
|
lor |
|
oo
as in
ow
as in
wood football 'foot.bol sure food food music 'myoozik mouse mows coward 'koward
P
as in
put
r
as in
run
,
1
,
1
i
ran
|
|
poot|,cap
1
|
|
,
1
, 1
fur
sHOOrj
,
|
|
1
1
|
|
|
1
|
1
promote pra'mot
boi
1
|
'anarj,
|
siNG
1
|
cellar
|
n
1
lictV
Tigni |nt|,guiue |giG|,nire |nir|
main man
NG
Ul
ItafI
eyy eg
I
ufnmon wuiiidi
}
1
uccr
J 1
zi5>L
Udiaw
)
1
touch
Iffraefl
ig 1
11 liissettted fixtm Oic *t\wnTy \^disscntinsi'» then- avir ^^niy j .of^r.V [as adi l
disscrtn
variance with those previously, commonly, or Jtssftit /r\yrti :hts otticiallv held: :hcnDissent"* refusal to accept the docan established or orthodox church;
(.also
ot"
noncv>nt"ori'nitv.
.::ss:f^.!:eJ
di'sensvKmt . in opposition to a maionty or otVicial opinion: Jiss^ri-
resources:
n.
a
person
ot"licial opinion. dis»ser«ta»tion
who opposes
a maiorit\- or
physics"* loss
sion into heat.
,
•
,
^
.
,
.'.
a
:.
.
.
1-
:
djs*sim»U»late
di'sinu^lat . [trans conceal or disguise ^.one's thoughts, feelmg^^, or chanicterV ,i CiHinny c^-nrh-ftum icho Jisstrnnlaics his iiyahh ^c•^^^.•''; '..Cv'/ /^»/Anvf>[intrans.] ttotv that they r>»cv no lon^t^cr ncid to JissimnJati. I'll" Ki VA 11 V I" s dis»siin»ii*la*tion -,simyvi ]
.
.
•
,
:
dis*sim»u»la»tor
'laSHv^n
dis»si»pate
'dis,->,pat
.
r.
1
-.Ultor
,0";f .V.'c- J:ss:pa:son of pa:>it funtes.
[mtrans.]
disperse
vJiolly dissipate J.
[trans]
cause
(,a
feeling or other iiitangible thing"* to disappear
or disperse: he a'anted to dissif^ate his an^c^''2 [trans.] squander or fritter away i^money, energy, or resoua-es"*: he had dissipated his entttv fornine.
(usu.
be
sc^se-
.
r.
t,used esp.
[tr,ins
m
]
ab-
ciati'ti ftXiTTt their social context.
vdissoeiate oneself from^ declare that one not connected with or a supporter of vsomeone or something"*: he tooic paitss to dis-
is
sociate himself ftvnt relictous rad:ca^s.
[mtrans.]
or disconnected: the n\cton dissociate fi\itTt the country. ^usu. be dissoeiated"* ^in psychiatry"* split otY i^a component of mental activity"* to act as an independent part of niental life. 2 ^usu. be dissociated"* (,in chemistry"* cause (,a molecule"* to split into separate smaller atoms, ions, or
molecules, esp. reversibly: these co>Kf\'unds are dissociated hy solar txtdtation :o y.e'.d atoms of [intrans.]
dissipated"* ^i" physics"* cause
molecule^
^'•"'f
undergo
this
pre>cess. s
I
dis'so«ci*a»tive
:
-
.lti\
.
sn,i-
Sivl adi.
centious;
'diSv3,lo»Ot
i
a
dissolute,
.
adj.
hw m moi-als; li-
drunken,
distrputable
n\cue. l^v
RlVA
ri\
I-
s
dis»so»
dis»so'lute*ly
:
lute»ness ';. dis»so»lu»tion
,dis,i'U\\«vH,in
•
'i.
1
the clos-
ing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or otlicial body: the dissolution of their Henry 1 7// declan\i the abbey's dismarriasx solution in l>40. or being the action or process of dissoK dissolved: mineraL< susceptsHe to d:ssohit:ot;. breaking down; disintegration; decomposideath. tion: the dissoiunon of the flesh. I
mg
2 debauched
dissipation:
li\-ing;
an advanced
state of dissoli4tion.
dis'solve
.v. 1 [mtrans] (,ofasolid">
di'/iilvi
become incorporated
>t.
or scatter: chi clouJ of stnokc JissipatcJ, vof a feeling or other intangible thing"* disappear or be dispelled: the i\>^^vr»; shc'J uit for
him had
of energy, esp. by its com-erscattering or dispersion: the
dis»so»ci»ate di'sosncat; 1 disconnect or separate
dis»SO»lute disor tasium
lone essay on a particular subieet, esp. one written as a reqvnrement tor the Doctor of Philoso•, ':ritis: phy degree: hi hjJ JiVhmil Ji^si't uiiu^n Of; K. ., ,j .issscuia long discourse: lion on her family's An-t- iV Ini^irui. \\nFR A r1 dis»ser»ta»tion»al -SH,->nl s 1
dissipatimt of the ixnmtry's tniti-
f)i«f
eraJ icealth.
DKRIVATIV •
cehavior.
dis»si»pa»tion dis,VpasH,Mi . 1 a dissolute manner of living; immoderation and laxity: a deseen: into drunkenness a>td sexual dtssif\nion. 2 squandering of money, energj-, or
chlorine.
dis«sen»tient
cmrs.
-,pai,ir
become separated
'vWc.v
separate trom an established or orthodox church because ot" doctrinal disaceenient. • ti. the expression or holding ot opinions at
trines
dis»si»pa»tive -,pativ jj.-. ^'^Ij^^^^ dis*si»pat*er"
s:
stract contexts"*: opinions should not hi disso-
nirtf: adj. (earthier, earthiest) resembling or suggestive of earth or soil: an earthy smell. (of a person) direct and uninhibited; hearty: the storefront is given over to a young, earthy (of humor) somewhat coarse or crude: an earthy story that shocked some listencrowd. ers.
derivatives: earth»i»ly adv. earth»i»ness n.
144
east east and
est I
•
(usu. the east) (in
n.
I
geography
of the world or of a specified country, region, or town: a facpolitics) the eastern part
tory in the east of the city. (usu. the East) the regions or countries ly-
ing to the east of Europe, esp. China, Japan,
and
India:
the
mysterious East.
The Near
East, originally Balkan states of SE Europe, is now generally regarded as including the countries of Asia between the Mediterranean and India. The Middle East, in Asia and Africa, includes the Arabian Pen-
SW
SW
N
and stretches
insula
to Pakistan.
The Far
East includes China, Japan, and other Asian countries.
(usu.
E
the East) the former
communist states of eastern Europe. derivatives: east»ern, East»ern adj. ebb eb • n. (usu. the ebb) the movement of the tide out to sea: / knew the tide would be on the ebb [as adj.] the ebb tide. • v. [intrans.] (of tidewater) move away from the land; recede: I
I
\
the tide began to ebb.
emotion or
(of an
quality) gradually lessen enthusiasm was ebbing away.
my
or reduce:
phrases:
at a low ebb in a poor state: the country was at a low ebb due to the recent war. ebb and flow a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth. eb*on 'ebsn • n. dark brown or black; ebony: [as adj.] the dark shadows of the mountains gave the river an ebon hue. |
I
e*buMient
i'bOOlyant;
i'balysnti
|
•
adj.
bubbling over with enthusiasm or excitement; exuberant: she sounded ebullient and happy. 2 (of liquid or other matter) boiling or 1
agitated as
if
boiling: misted
and ebullient
derivatives: e«bul«lience
n.
seas.
e»bul«lient»
by position in battle or by func2 a formation of troops, ships, aircraft, or vehicles in parallel rows with the end of each row projecting farther than the one in front. • v. [trans.] arrange in an echelon formation: [as n.] (echeloning) ferentiated
tion: the rear echelon.
the echeloning of equipment. ech*0*la»li»a |,eko'lale3| • n. meaningless repetition of another person's spoken words as a symptom of psychiatric disorder. repetition of speech by a child learning to talk.
echt
ekt I
•
ec»cen»tric |ik'sentrik| » adj. 1 (of a person or personal behavior) unconventional or odd: a whimsical, sometimes eccentric style of dressing. 2 (of a thing) not placed centrally or not having its axis or other part placed centrally.
(of a circle) not centered on the same point (of an orbit) not circular. • n. as another. 1 a person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behavior: he enjoys a colorful reputation as an engaging eccentric. 2 a disc or wheel mounted eccentrically on a revolving shaft in order to transform rotation into backward-and-forward motion, e.g., a cam in an internal combustion engine. derivatives: ec»cen»tri»cal»ly adv. ec» cen»tric»i»ty n.
ec*cle*si*as*ti*cal (also li.kleze'aestikall ecclesial, ecclesiastic) • adj. of or relating to the Christian Church or its clergy: the ecclesiastical hierarchy.
derivatives: ec»cle»si»as»ti«caWy ec*dys*l*ast
|
ek'dezesst
•
adv. a striptease
w.
adj.
I
authentic and typical: the
film 's opening was an echt pop snob event. • adv. [as submodifier] authentically and typically: such echt-American writers as Hawthorne and Cooper and Mark Twain.
e*clair*cisse*ment |a,klerses'mant| »n. an enlightening explanation of something, typically someone's conduct, that has been hitherto inexplicable. e*clat |a'kla| • n. brilliant display or effect: s/ze came into prominence briefly but with eclat. social distinction or conspicuous success: such action bestows more eclat upon a warrior than success by other means. ecHec»tiC |i'klektik| • adj. 1 deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources: her musical tastes are eclectic. 2 (Eclectic) of, denoting, or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who did not belong to or found any recognized school of thought but selected such doctrines as they wished from various schools. • n. a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. derivatives: ec«lec»ti«cal»ly adv. ec«lec»
ti'cism
i'klekti,siz3m
n.
an
:
architect
I
I
known for
ly adv.
his eclecticism.
• w. an obscuring of the light i' klips from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination: an eclipse of
e*clipse
|
|
the sun.
a loss of significance, power, or prominence person or thing: the elec-
in relation to another
marked
the eclipse of the party's right (often be eclipsed) (of a celestial body) obscure the light from or to (another celestial body): as the last piece of the sun tion result
wing.
.
V. [trans.]
was eclipsed by the moon. obscure or block out (light): a sea of blue sky deprive (someviolently eclipsed by showers. one or something) of significance, power, or prominence: health care has eclipsed the environment as the main issue.
ecHogue
'ek,16g; 'ek,lag|
•
n.
a short
poem,
|
esp. a pastoral dialogue.
e*col*0*gy li'kabjel »n. the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
I
derivatives: ec»o»logM«cal
performer.
derivatives: ec*dys»i*asm ech»e»lon
econometrics
n.
'esHa.lan • n. 1 a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society: the !
.eks'lajskal
adj.
.eks'lajskal; |
ec»o»logM»cal«ly adv. e»
I
col»o«gist li'kabjisti
n.
|
upper echelons of the business world. [often with adj.] a part of a military force dif-
e*COn*0»met*rics |i,kan3'metriks| » plural n. [treated as sing.] the branch of economics concerned with the use of mathematical
i
economic
145
methods (esp. statistics) in describing economic systems. derivatives: e»con»o»met«ric adj. e»con» o»met»ri»cal adj. e»con»o»me»tri»cian n. e»con»o»met*rist iikanama'triSHsn I
I
i.kana'metrast I
n. I
ec»0»nom*lc |,ek9'namik;
,ek3-|
adj.
*
of or
economics or the economy:
relating to
the
species of great government's economic policy economic importance. (of a subject) considered in relation to trade, industry, and the creation of wealth: economic \
history.
USAGE Economic means
'concerning ec-
onomies': He's rebuilding a
solid
:
economic
base for the country's future. Economical is commonly used to mean 'thrifty; avoiding waste': Small cars should be inexpensive to buy
and economical
to run.
effect abnormal place or position. . n. an ectopic pregnancy, in which a fetus develops outside the
womb,
typically in a Fallopian tube.
ec*tO*plasm
'ekt3,pl2ez3m| ' n. 1 the viscous, clear outer layer of the material in some cells (e.g., in the amoeba). 2 a supernatural viscous substance that is supposed to exude from the body of a medium during a spiritualistic trance and form the material for the manifestation of spirits. |
derivatives: ec»to«plas*mic
.ekts'plaez|
mik| adj. ec»U*men*i*cal
'.ekya'menikall • adj. repreof different Christian
|
number
senting a churches.
promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches: ecumenical dialogue.
derivatives: ec»u»men»i»cal»ly adv. ec»U*me«nism 'eky3m9,niz3m; e'kyOOma |
ec»0»nom*i*cal ,ek9'namik3l; .eka'namikal • adj. giving good value or service in relation to the amount of money, time, or effort spent: a small, economical car. (of a person or lifestyle) careful not to waste money or resources. using no more of something than is necessary: this chassis is economical in metal and therefore light in weight. justified in terms of profitability: many organizations must become larger if they are to remain economic.
e*COn*0*mism
i'kana.mizam
• |
n.
belief in
|
the primacy of economic causes or factors. e«con*0*my li'kaname] . «. (pi. -ies) 1 the wealth and resources of a country or region, esp. in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services. a particular system or stage of an economy: the less-developed a free-market economy economies. 2 careful management of available resources: effects on heat distribution and fuel economy. sparing or careful use of something: economy (usu. economies) a financial savof words. ing: there were many economies to be made by giving up our offices in Manhattan. (also economy class) the cheapest class of air or rail travel: we flew economy. • adj. [attrib.] (of a product) offering the best value for the money: [in comb.] an economy pack. designed to be economical to use: an econ\
omy car. ec*0*sys*tem 'eko,sist3m; 'eko-| • n. a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. ec*ru 'ekroo • n. the light fawn color of |
|
I
unbleached linen. ec»Sta»sy 'ekstase
n.
(pi.
-ies)
1
I
an over-
whelming
feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement. 2 an emotional or religious frenzy or trancelike state, originally one involving an experience of mystic self-transcendence. ec»tO*morph 'ekt3,m6rf • n. a person with a lean and delicate body build. Cf. endo|
|
morph; mesomorph. derivatives: ec»to»mor»phic fik adj. ec»to»morph»y n. ek'tapik
• |
adj. (in
the principle or aim of promotamong the world's Christian
n.
ing unity churches.
e*da*ciOUS i'daSHss
. |
adj. of, relating to,
medicine) in an
or
i
given to eating. voracious; greedy. derivatives: e«dac«i»ty 'dassade
la'daessde;
e
n.
|
li'dema] (Brit, also oedema) »n. a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body. Also called dropsy. derivatives: e»dem*a»tous la'demsdssi
e*de*ma
adj.
ed«i«fice
|
'edsfis
a building, esp. a large,
• |
imposing one. a complex system of
beliefs: the concepts on which the edifice of capitalism was built. . v. ed»i*fy 'eds.fi (-ies, -ied) [trans.] instruct or improve (someone) morally or intel|
|
lectually.
e*duce
|i'd(y)oos| 'V. [trans.] bring out or develop (sometiiing latent or potential): out of love obedience
is
to be educed.
infer (something) tion
from data: more informa-
can be educed from these
statistics.
derivatives: e»ducM»ble
e'd(y)oos3b3l;
|
e«duc»tion i'dakSHanI n. Ed*ward*i*an ed'wordean; -'war- • adj. of, relating to, or characteristic of the reign (1901-10) of Edward VII of England: the Edwardian era a fine Edwardian house. • n. a person who lived during this period. 'd(y)oos-|
adj.
|
1
|
\
ee»rie
|'ire|
»
adj.
(eerier, eeriest) strange
frightening: an eerie green glow in the sky. derivatives: ee»ri»ly adv. [as submodifler] it
and
ee»ri»ness
eerily quiet.
eMace
n.
erase (a mark) from a surface; cause (something) to disappear: with time, the words are effaced by the frost and his anger was effaced when he stepped the rain i'fas
|
»v.
|
[trans.]
\
open air. (efface oneself) make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous. into the
derivatives: ef»face»ment .ekta'mor|
I
1
• I
was •
|
ec»top*ic
,niz3m
|
|
eMect
i'fekt I
• I
n.
a change that is a result of an action or other cause:
n. 1
or consequence the lethal effects of hard drugs.
146
effective
used to refer to the state of being or becoming operative: they succeeded in putting their strategies into effect. the extent to which something succeeds or is operative: wind power can be used to great effect. [with adj.] a physical phenomenon, typically named after its discoverer: the Doppler effect. an impression produced in the mind of a person: gentle music can have a soothing effect. 2 [often in pi.] (effects) the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play, movie, or broadcast: the production relied too much on spectacular ef-
derivatives: ef»fer«vesce cence n.
eWete and
(special
effects)
created
illusions
for
movies and television by props, camerawork, computer graphics, etc. 3 (effects) personal belongings: the insurance covers personal effects. • V. [trans.] (often be effected) cause (something) to happen; bring about: budget cuts that were quietly effected over four years.
usage: For effect
the differences in use between affect, see usage at affect.
and
eWeC'tlve
|i'fektiv|
producing
*adi.
a desired or
successful in
1
intended
result: effec-
environmental problems. (esp. of a law or policy) operative; in force: the agreements will be effective from November. 2 [attrib.] fulfilling a specified function in fact, though not formally acknowledged as such: the companies were under effective governtive solutions to
|i'fet|
fe*al*ty sal's
n. literary
term
adv.
for a fairy.
I
|
'felte
sworn
• |
n.
a feudal tenant's or vas-
loyalty to a lord: they
to the Earl rather than the King.
owed fealty
172
feasible
allegiance or fidelity to any authority: The unions have lost their ability to command fealty
from the Democratic party. fea»si*ble 'fezabsl • adj. possible to do easily or conveniently: it is not feasible to put most finds from excavations on public display. likely; probable: the most feasible explanation. DERIVATIVES fea»si»bly |-Z3ble| adv. |
|
:
usage: The primary meaning of feasible 'capable of being done, effected.' There is need to use feasible to mean 'likely' or 'probable' when those words can do the job. There are cases, however, in which a careful writer finds that the sense of likelihood or probability (as with an explanation or theory) is more naturally or idiomatically expressed with feasible than with possible or probable. They've settled on the Libertarians as their only feasible ally. is
rarely a
feminize
feint |fant| » n. a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, esp. in boxing or fencing: a brief feint at the opponent's face.
a
mock attack or movement in warfare, made
in order to distract or deceive
make
an enemy.
a deceptive or distracting
typically during a fight: he feinted
a punch and slipping
• v.
movement, left,
drawing
it.
feist»y 'fiste • adj. (feistier, feistiest) having or showing exuberance and strong determination: a feisty, outspoken, streetwise teenI
I
ager.
touchy and aggressive: got a
bit feisty
as
reporters continued their questions.
derivatives:
feisfi'ly feist«i»ness 'fistenis n. fe«lic*i«tate fa'liss.tat . v.
[trans.]
i
|
late: the
adv.
|'fist3le|
|
|
congratu-
award winner was felicitated by
the cul-
tural association.
feb*ri*fuge 'febra.fyooj used to reduce fever.
• |
a
w.
medicine
|
derivatives: fe»brif»u»gal
|
,f9br3'f(y)oo-
gsll adj.
fe*brlle
|'feb,ril;
'fe,bril|
showing the symptoms of a
»
having or a febrile ill-
adj.
fever:
fe*lic*i*tOUS Ifa'lisatasI . adj. well chosen or suited to the circumstances: a felicitous phrase. pleasing and fortunate: the view was the room 's only felicitous feature. derivatives: fe»lic»i»tous»ly adv. fe»lic»i»
tous'ness
having or showing a great deal of nervous excitement or energy: a febrile imagination.
derivatives:
fe»bril»i»ty
|fe'bribte|
n.
fe*cal feksl (Brit, faecal) • adj. consisting of or pertaining to waste matter (feces, Brit. faeces) discharged from the bowels after I
I
food has been digested. feck*less 'feklas • adj. (of a person) lacking |
I
in efficiency or vitality: a feckless
mama's
boy.
unthinking and irresponsible: the feckless exploitation of the world's natural resources.
derivatives: ness
feck»less»ly adv. feck»less»
n.
|
|
its felicities of language. fe«line 'fe.lin . adj. of, relating to, or affecting cats or other members of the cat family: feline leukemia. catlike, esp. in beauty or slyness: feline elegance feline in her grace » n. a cat or other member of the cat family. derivatives fe»linM«ty |fe'lin3te| n. fell /fel/ • adj. of terrible evil or ferocity; deadly: sorcerers use spells to achieve their fell ends. |
|
:
fec*U»lent 'fekysbnt • adj. of or containing dirt, sediment, or waste matter: their feet were forever slipping on feculent bog. derivatives: fec»u»lence |-l3ns| n. |
|
fe«cund
n.
• n. (pi. -ies) 1 fs'lisate intense happiness: domestic felicity. 2 the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts: speech which pleased by its felicity. a particularly effective feature of a work of literature or art: the King James version, with
fe«lic*i*ty
ness.
'feksnd; 'fe- • adj. producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile: a lush and fecund garden a fecund imagination. (of a woman or women) capable of becoming pregnant and giving birth. derivatives: fe»cun«di«ty jfe'ksndate; fi 1
|
phrases: in
one
(or at)
fell
swoop
all at
one time: seeking to topple the government in one fell
swoop.
feMa*ti*0 |f3'laSH(e),o| of a man's penis.
n.
»
derivatives: feWa»tor
oral stimulation
|'fel,apr| n.
I
the establishment of 20 federated states in Min• adj. of or relating to such an arrangement: federate armies. Cf. CONFEDERATE.
danao.
derivatives: fed»er»a»tive
|
'feda.rativ;
-r3|tiv| adj.
by
|
fan
|
• v.
[trans.]
pretend to be affected
(a feeling, state, or injury): she feigned nerv-
ousness.
invent (a story or excuse). indulge in pretense.
archaic cliaic
'febne • n. (pi. -ies) a crime, typically one involving violence, regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor and typi|
|
punished by imprisonment for at least A felon is one who has committed an aca felony: he pleaded guilty to six felonies cally
'ksn-l n.
fed*er»ate . rfed3,rati [intrans.] (of a number of states or organizations) form a single centralized unit, within which each keeps some internal autonomy. [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (federated) form (states or organizations) into such a centralized unit:
feign
fel*0*ny
[intrans.] ar-
one
year.
\
cusation of felony
[as adj.] \
felony assault. Cf.
misdemeanor.
derivatives: fe*lo»ni»ous
adj.
fem*l*nism 'fem3,niz3m • n. the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. |
I
' n. fem*i»nist 'femsnist a person who advocates or supports feminism. • adj. of, relating to, or supporting feminism: feminist |
\
literature.
fem*i*nize |'fem3,niz| »v. [trans.] make (something) more characteristic of or associated with women: as office roles changed, clerical work was increasingly feminized.
fenestration
173
derivatives: fem»i»m»za»tion |
'zaSH3n|
,fem3ni
n.
fen*eS«tra*tion |
.fens'strasHan |
(in ar-
fetish
derivatives: fer*ven«cy |-V3nse| n. fer* vent'ly adv. fer*vid 'farvid • adj. intensely enthusiastic or passionate, esp. to an excessive degree: an |
I
chitecture) the design and arrangement of windows in a building. feng Shul 'fsNO 'snwe; -SHwa . n. (in Chi|
i
nese thought) a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (chi), and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account when siting and designing buildings and their surroundings and fur-
GEOMANCY.
nishings. Cf.
of an animal) in a wild state after escape from captivity or domestication: a feral cat. resembling or pertaining to a wild animal: a
fe»ral
'firal; 'feral
|
|
.
adj. (esp.
expression offervid devotion. Cf. perfervid. burning, hot, or glowing.
DERI VAT I v E s fer»vid«ly adv. fer*VOr 'farvar (Brit.fervour) . n. intense and passionate feeling: he talked with all the fervor of a new convert. :
|
|
intense heat. fes*tal 'festal . adj. of, like, or relating to a celebration or festival: he appeared in festal arI
I
ray.
DERIVATIVES: fes»taWy fes*ter
'festar
|
. V.
|'festale| adv.
[intrans.]
I
sore)
become
(of a
tropical sore that festered badly
feral snarl.
wound
or
septic; suppurate: I developed a [as
adj.]
(fes-
\
fer*ment
• v. far'ment 1 [intrans.] (of a substance) undergo fermentation, the conversion of carbohydrates, esp. sugars, to alcohol and carbon dioxide by the action of enzymes. [trans.] cause the fermentation of (a substance). 2 [trans.] incite or stir up (trouble or disorder): the politicians and warlords who are fermenting this chaos. Cf. foment. [intrans.] (of a negative feeling or memory) fester and develop into something worse: it had been fermenting in my subconscious for a while. ' n. ^ agitation and excitement among a group of people, typically concerning major change and leading to trouble or violence: Germany at this time was in a state of religious \
I
ferment.
derivatives: fer»ment»a»ble tabsl
adj.
fer*men«ta*tion
Ifsr'men-
|
'ferssi
adj. (chiefly
•
fensive to the senses: a gully full of trash that (of a negative feeling or a problem) become worse or more intense, esp. through long-term neglect or indifference:
festered in the sun.
anger that festers and grows in the heart. (of a person) undergo physical and mental deterioration in isolated inactivity: / might be festering in jail now. fes»tive 'festiv| • adj. of or relating to a festival: parties are held and festive food is served. cheerful and jovially celebratory: the somber atmosphere has given way to a festive mood. |
DERIVATIVES: ness n. fes»tOOn
of metals) con-
taining or consisting of iron. fer»rule 'feral] • n. a ring or cap, typically a metal one, that strengthens the end of a handle, stick, or tube and prevents it from splitting or wearing. a metal band strengthening or forming a |
|
'fartl
• |
adj.
fes'toon I
•
n.
(of soil or land) produc-
ing or capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops: fields along the fertile flood plains of the river similarly productive in social, intellectual,
fes'tive*
adv.
a chain or garland of
I
hung in
a curve as
a decoration. a carved or molded ornament representing • v. [trans.] (often be fessuch a garland. tooned with) adorn (a place) with chains,
garlands, or other decorations: the classroom was festooned with balloons and streamers. fete fat; fet (also fete) . n. a celebration or |
I
festival.
joint.
fer*tile
fes»tive»ly
flowers, leaves, or ribbons,
n.
I
fer*rous
tering) a festering abscess. (of food or garbage) become rotten and of-
festival.
A fete champetre is a rural, outdoor A fete galante is a representation of
this in art. • v. [trans.] (usu. be feted) honor or entertain (someone) lavishly: she was an instant celebrity, feted by the media. fe«ti*cide 'feta,sid| • n. destruction or abortion of a fetus. fet»id 'fetid (Brit, also foetid) . adj. smelling extremely unpleasant: the fetid water of the marsh. DERIVATIVES: fet'id'ly adv. fet'id'ness n. an inanimate object worfet^ish 'fetiSH • shiped for its supposed magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a |
etc. fields: Germany in the 1920s and 30s was fertile ground for such ideas. (of a seed or egg) capable of becoming a new (of a person, animal, or plant) individual. able to conceive young or produce seed: Karen carefully calculated the period when she (of a person's mind or imagwas most fertile. ination) producing many new and inventive (of a situation or subject) ideas with ease.
being
new
fruitful
and productive
in generating
ideas: a series of fertile debates within the (in physics,
social sciences.
able to neutrons. rial)
become
derivatives
fissile
of nuclear mateby the capture of
fer»tilM«ty jfar'tibtel n. • adj. having or displaying a passionate intensity: a fervent disciple of tax
fer*vent
|
:
'fsrvant
|
reform.
burning, hot, or glowing.
I
I
I
I
spirit.
which one has an excesand irrational commitment: he had a fetish for writing more opinions each year than a form of sexual desire in any other justice. which gratification is linked to an abnormal a course of action to
sive
degree to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc.: Victorian men developed fetishes focusing on feet, shoes, and boots.
derivatives: fet-ishnsm ish'ist
n.
fetnsh'is'tic
|-,izam|
,feti'sHistik |
n.
fef
adj. |
174
fetter
feWer
'fetarl
•
(usu. fetters) a chain or
n.
|
manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles: he lay bound with of iron.
fetters
check on someone's freedom to typically one considered un-
or overly restrictive: the fetters of discipline • v. [trans.] restrain with chains or manacles, typically around the ankles: [as adj.] (fettered) a ragged and fettered prisoner. (often be fettered) restrict or restrain (someone) in an unfair or undesirable fashion: he was not fettered by tradition. fet*tle 'fed • n. condition: the team is in fine fair
and caution.
I
fettle.
fe*tUS 'feps foetus) • n.
nontechnical use) also (pi. fetuses) an unborn or unhatched offspring of a mammal, in particular an unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception. Cf. embryo. feud fyood • «. a state of prolonged mutual hostility, typically between two families or communities, characterized by murderous assaults in revenge for a previous injuries: the incident rekindled a long-term feud between two (Brit,
I
(in
I
I
I
ethnic groups.
prolonged and
a
bitter quarrel or dispute:
one of the most volatile feuds that currently rock the scientific community. • v. [intrans.] take part in such a quarrel or violent conflict: Hoover
feuded with the CIA for decades. derivatives: feudist n. a person who takes part in a feud.
feu*dal
adj. according to, resem|'fyl ;-iv. iiiiii' iil .n
.
.1
1
IM M IMll.lll.MI-,
llv
1,1-
,
|
MM
il
often '.pollen
i>.
,
,ih
,|i
l|(
>l
I
1
'CVV
I
f;
aw;iy
.
M
i
vviili
l.iw,
j
n
, >
'..mmI.I, Imi ii
>
1
1
iii)'
n. (Harlequin) |
a
mute character
in traditional
pantomime.
harmonic
202
masked and dressed
diamond-
heath
patterned costume. a stock comic character in Italian commedia • adj. in deWarte. a mischievous buffoon.
Jewish sect in Palestine in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC that opposed Hellenizing influences on their faith and supported the Maccabean revolt. 2 an adherent of Hasidism.
varied colors; variegated.
derivatives: Ha»sidnc
typically
in a
har*mon*ic |har'manik| * adj. 1 of, relating to, or characterized by musical harmony: a harmonic sequence. (in music) relating to or denoting a harmonic or harmonics. 2 (in mathematics) of or basic four-chord
harmonic progression.
relating to a
of or relating to component frequencies of a complex oscillation or wave. (in astrology) using or produced by the application of a harmonic: harmonic charts. • n. 1 (in music) an overtone accompanying a fundamental tone at a fixed interval, produced by vibration of a string, column of air, etc., in an exact fraction of its length. a note produced on a musical instrument as an overtone, e.g., by lightly touching a string while sounding it. 2 (in physics) a component frequency of an oscillation or wave. (in astrology) a division of the zodiacal circle by a specified number, used in the interpretation of a birth chart. DERI VAT I V E s har»mon»i»cal»ly -ik(9)le (in physics)
:
|
|
adv.
har*mo*ni*um
har'moneam
keyboard instrument in which the notes are produced by air driven through metal reeds by foot-operated bellows. harp harp . V. [intrans ] talk or write persistently and tediously on a particular topic: guys I
|
•
|
a
n.
I
who are constantly harping on the war. har^py 'harpe . n. (pi. -ies) (in Greek & Roman mythology) a rapacious monster described as having a woman's head and body and a bird's wings and claws or depicted as a bird of prey with a woman's face. a grasping, unscrupulous woman. I
i
har«ri*dan
• «. 'haeridn; 'heridn a strict, bossy, or belligerent old woman: a bullying old harridan. har»rl*eri • n. a hound of a breed used for |
|
hunting hares. a cross-country runner. har*ri*er2 . n. a long-winged, slender-bodied bird of prey (genus circus) with low quartering flight. har»ry 'haere; 'here • v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] persistently carry out attacks on (an enemy or |
|
an enemy's
territory).
persistently harass: he bought the house for [as adj.] Jenny, whom he harries into marriage \
(harried) harried reporters are frequently forced to invent what they cannot find out. derivatives: har»ri»er n.
har«um-scar*um
|
heram
skeram
. |
adj.
reckless; impetuous: she shall be frightened out
of her wits by your harum-scarum ways. • n. such a person. • adv. in a harum-scarum
manner: the tables were scattered harum-scarum around a small room. Ha*sid iKHa'sed; 'KHasid; 'hasid| (also Chasid, Chassid, or Hassid) • n. (pi Hasidim ,KHase'dem; KHasedim; ha 'sedim ) 1 a member of a strictly orthodox |
|
|KHa'sedik; has-
edik| adj.
has*SOCk
'hsesski
.
«. 1
pad-
a thick, firmly
|
ded cushion,
in particular:
a footstool. a cushion for kneeling on in church. 2 a firm clump of grass or matted vegetation in marshy or boggy ground. . adj. haugh*ty hote (haughtier hodear haughtiest) arrogantly superior and disdainful: a look of haughty disdain a haughty aristocrat. |
|
|
|
,
\
derivatives:
haugh»ti4y
|-t3le|
adv.
haugh»ti»ness n. haute bour*geoi«sie |,ot boozHwa'zel »n. (the haute bourgeoisie) [treated as sing, or pi.] the upper middle class. haute COU*ture |,ot ,koo'tOOr| »n. the designing and making of high-quality fashionable clothes by leading fashion houses, esp. to order.
fashion houses that engage in such work. clothes of this kind. haute CUi«sjne ,ot ,kw3'zen . n. the preparation and cooking of high-quality food following the style of traditional French cuisine. food produced in such a way. • n. haughtiness of manhau'teur ho'tar |
|
|
|
ner; disdainflil pride.
haut monde o 'moNd; o 'mand • n. (the haut monde) fashionable society. Cf. beau MONDE, DEMIMONDE. haut-re*lief ,o ri'lef • n. another term for |
|
|
|
sculptural high relief (see relief). a sculpture or carving in high relief. hav*er*sack 'haevarisaekl • «. a small, sturdy bag carried on the back or over the shoulder, used esp. by soldiers and hikers. head*y 'hede • adj. (headier, headiest) 1 (of liquor) potent; intoxicating: several bottles of heady local wine. having a strong or exhilarating effect: the heady days of the birth of the women 's movement a heady, exotic perfume. 2 impetuous; vio|
|
|
I
lent; passionate;
derivatives: head»i»ness
headstrong. head»i«ly |'hedl-e|
adv.
n.
hear*say |'hir,sa| »n. information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor: according to hearBob was about to be promoted. (in law) the report of another person's words by a witness, usually disallowed as evidence in court, primarily because it is not susceptible to cross-examination: everything they had told him would have been ruled out as hearsay [as adj.] hearsay evidence. heath hexH • «. 1 an area of open uncultivated land, esp. in Britain, with characteristic vegetation of heather, gorse, and coarse say,
\
|
|
grasses.
vegetation dominated by dwarf shrubs of the heath family: [as adj.] heath vegetation. 2 a dwarf shrub (Erica and related genera) with small leathery leaves and small pink or pur-
heathen
203
bell-shaped flowers, characteristic of heathland and moorland. DERI VAT V E s heath-y adj. heath»en 'hemsn . n. a person who does not belong to a widely held religion (esp. one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do: bringing Christianpie
I
:
|
|
ity to the
a follower of a polytheistic religion.
(the
collectively, esp.
who did not worship an unenlightened person; a person regarded as lacking culture or moral (in biblical use) those
God of Israel.
principles.
of or relating to heathens:
adj.
•
'hedn,iz3mi • n. the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence. the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest |
good and proper aim of human
derivatives: he»don»ist ',hedn'istik|
unenlightened or uncivilized.
derivatives: heath»en»dom |-d3m| n. - ,niz3m adj. heath»en»ism
heath«en*ish
|
|
n.
adj.
\
i
|
|
recurrent fever typically accompanying
larly
tuberculosis, with flushed cheeks and hot, dry skin. • n. a hectic fever or flush. a patient suffering from such a fever.
derivatives:
hec»ti»cal«ly |-tik(3)le| adv.
hec*tor 'hektarl
•
(someone) him into taking (hectoring) a brusque,
v. [trans.]
|
talk to
in a bullying way: she hectored violin lessons.
|
[as
adj.]
hectoring manner.
|
heed*less
'hedlis adj. showing a reckless lack of care or attention: "Elaine!" she shouted, |
|
heedless of attracting unwanted attention
his
\
heedless impetuosity.
derivatives: less'ness
heed»less»ly
adv.
heed*
n. i
hs'jemane; 'hej3,mone
• |
n.
leadership or dominance, esp. by one country or social group over others: Germany was united under Prussian hegemony after 1871. DERI VAT V e s he»gem»o»nist n. He*gi*ra Ihs'jirs; 'hejsraj (also Hejira or Hijra)
•
:
Muhammad's
n.
departure from
Mecca to Medina in ad 622, prompted by the opposition of the merchants of Mecca and marking the consolidation of the first Muslim community. the Muslim era reckoned from this date: the second century of the Hcgira. Muslim dates are computed in the year of the Hegira: a Koran dated 586 ah. (hegira) an exodus or migration.
hei*nous
• adj. (of a person or 'hanas wrongful act, esp. a crime) utterly odious or wicked: a battery of heinous crimes. derivatives: hei«nous»ly adv. hei«nous* ness n. heir ap*par*ent . n. (pi heirs apparent ,e(3)rz a'perant] ) an heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir. An heir presumptive may have his or her claim thus set aside. a person who is most likely to succeed to the place of another: he was once considered heir |
|
I
apparent to the chairman. • adj. having the hel*i*cal 'helikal; 'heshape or form of a helix; spiral: helical mole1
|
'hekt(3)r-
iNGlel adv. hej
•
|
derivatives: hec»tor»ing«ly
hedge
n.
adv.
|
I
heav*y wa*ter n. water in which the hydrogen in the molecules is partly or wholly replaced by the isotope deuterium, used esp. as a moderator in nuclear reactors. heb»dom*a*dal Iheb'damadlj 'adj. weekly (used esp. of organizations that meet weekly): hebdomadal clubs hebdomadal journals. heb*e*tude 'heb3,t(y)ood| . n. the state of being dull or lethargic. hec'tare |'hek,teri (abbr.: ha) » n. a metric unit of square measure, equal to 100 ares (2.471 acres or 10,000 square meters). derivatives: hec»tar»age 'hektarij n. hec»tic I'hektikI 'adj. 1 full of incessant or frantic activity: a hectic business schedule. 2 relating to, affected by, or denoting a regu.
life.
he»don»is»tic he»don«is»ti«cal«ly ,he-
I
he*gem*0*ny
heathen gods.
set
he*don*ism
dn'istik(^)le
heathens.
heathen) heathen people the
helix
cules. • |
n.
|
a contract entered into or as-
held as a protection against possible finan-
cial loss: inflation hedges such as real estate and gold [as adj.] a hedge fund. a word or phrase used to allow for additional possibilities or to avoid overprecise commitment, for example, etc. , often., usually, or sometimes. • V. [ti'ans.] 1 limit or qualify (something) by conditions or exceptions: experts usually hedge their predictions, just in case. [intrans.] avoid making a definite decision, statement, or commitment: she hedged around the one question she wanted to ask. 2 protect (one's investment or an investor) against loss by making balancing or compensating contracts or transactions: the company hedged its investment position on the futures market.
derivatives: heH'caWy
adv.
|-ik(9)le|
he*li*0*cen*tric ,hele3'sentrik| . adj. having or representing the sun as the center, as in the accepted astronomical model of the solar sys|
I
phrases: hedge one's bets avoid committing oneself when faced with a difficult choice.
DERI VAT V E s hedg»er I
:
n.
tem. (in astronomy) measured from or considered in relation to the center of the sun: heli-
ocentric distance.
derivatives:
he«li»o»cen«tri»cal»ly
|-tri-
k(3)le| adv.
he»lix 'heliks • n. (pi. helices 'heb.sez ) an object having a three-dimensional shape like that of a wire wound uniformly in a single layer around a cylinder or cone, as in a cork|
|
|
I
screw or spiral staircase. (in geometry) a curve on drical surface that
a conical or cylin-
would become
a straight
were unrolled into a plane. an extended spiral chain of atoms in a protein, nucleic acid, or other polymeric mole(in architecture) a spiral ornament. cule. the rim of the external human ear. line if the surface
204
Hellenistic
HeHen»is*tic ,heb'nistik| * adj. of or relating to Greek history, language, and culture from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony by Octavian in 3 1 bc. During this period Greek culture flourished, spreading through the Mediterranean and into the Near East and Asia and centering on Alexandria in Egypt and Pergamum in Turkey.
heretic armorial bearings or other heraldic symbols.
|
hel*Ot 'hebt • «. a member of a class of serfs in ancient Sparta, intermediate in status beI
tween
I
slaves
and
citizens.
a serf or slave. |
'heb,tij
ot'ism -,tiz3m n. hel«ot»ry helve helv • n. the handle of |
|
n.
'hebtre
|
hel* |
n.
I
derivatives: her»aldMst her*ba*ce0US (h)3r'baSH3s|
a
weapon
or
,heme,deme
'seme,kwav3r n. a musical note with the time value of half a demisemiquaver; a sixtynote. fourth I
Hem*ing*way*esque
'hemiNGg,waesk| • adj. in the syle or tradition of Ernest (Miller) Hemingway (1899-1961), US novelist, short-story writer, and journalist, noted for the terseness of his writing and for his concern witli manliness and vigor.
hem*or*rhage
|
'hem(3)rij
(Brit |
|
haemor-
rhage) • n. an escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, esp. when profuse. a damaging loss of valuable people or resources suffered by an organization, group, or country: a hemorrhage of highly qualified teachers. • V. [intrans.] (of a person) suffer a hemorrhage: he had begun hemorrhaging in the night.
amounts in seemingly uncontrollable manner: the busiexpend (money)
was hemorrhaging
in large
cash.
'hem(3),roid| (Brit haemorrhoid) • n. (usu. hemorrhoids) a swollen vein or group of veins in the region of the anus. Also (collectively) called piles. derivatives: hem»or»rhoi»dal ,hem(3)
hem»or*rhoid
|
|
'roidl
adj. I
hen»di*a»dys
hen'dlsdas • n. (in rhetoric) the expression of a single idea by two words |
|
connected with "and,"
when one could be used
and warm, modify the other,
e.g., nice
to
as in nicely warm. hen»0«the»ism 'henoTHe,iz3m; ,heno'THe-| • n. adherence to one particular god out of several, esp. by a family, tribe, or other group. |
her*ald
|
*
adj.
of,
i
her*bar»i*um (h)3r'bere3m . n. (pi. herbaria -'beres ) a systematically arranged |
'herald
• |
1
n.
an
I
|
collection of dried plants. a
|
»
ness
n.
denoting, or relating to herbs (in the botanical sense), especially plants not forming a woody stem but dying down to the root each year. herb*al '(h)3rb3l| • adj. relating to or made from herbs, esp. those used in cooking and medicine: herbal remedies. • n. a book that describes herbs and their culinary and me-
I
I
hem»i«dem»l*sem»i*qua»ver
a
I'hersldistl
|
tool.
[trans.]
and heraldry
dicinal properties.
derivatives: hel»ot«age I
colorful ceremony: all the pomp
provided a splendid pageant.
official
formerly
employed to oversee state ceremony, precedence, and the use of armorial bearings, and
make proclamations,
room
or building housing such a collec-
a box, cabinet, or other receptacle in
tion.
which dried plants are herb*i»cide that
is
|
kept.
'(h)3rb3,sidi
.
and
is
toxic to plants
n.
I
:
Her*CU*le*an •
adj.
a substance
used to destroy
unwanted vegetation. DERI VAT v E s herb«i»ci»dal
adj.
hsr'kyoolesn requiring great strength or effort: a Her.harkys'lean;
|
|
culean task. (of a person) muscular and strong. he*red*i*tar*i«an |h3,redi'terer3n| » adj. of or relating to the theory that heredity is the primary influence on human behavior, intelligence, or other characteristics. • n. an advocate of such a view.
derivatives: he»red»i»tar»i»an»ism 3m| n.
|
- .iz-
he«red*i*tar*y |h3'redi,tere| » adj. (of a title, office, or right) conferred by or based on inheritance: members of the Polish aristocracy had hereditary right to elect the king. [attrib.] (of a person) holding a position by inheritance: / am the hereditary chief of the Pis(of a characteristic or discataway people. ease) determined by genetic factors and therefore able to be passed on from parents to their offspring or descendants: cystic fibrosis is our most common fatal hereditary disease. Cf. congenital. of or relating to inheritance: a form of hereditary succession and dy(of a nastic rule became standard practice. mathematical set) defined such that every elmember ement that has a given relation to a of the set is also a member of the set. derivatives: he»red»i»tarM»ly |h3,redi adv. he»redn«tar«i»ness |h3,redi 'terslel 'terenis
|
n.
her*e*sy
|
'hersse
• |
n.
(pi.
-ies)
belief or
carry ceremonial messages, and oversee tournaments. 2 a person or thing viewed as a sign that something
opinion contrary to orthodox religious (esp. Christian) doctrine: Huss was burned for heresy the doctrine was denounced as a heresy by
is about to happen: they considered the first primroses as the herald of spring. • v. [trans.] be a sign that (something) is about to happen: the speech heralded a change in policy. (usu. be heralded) acclaim: the band has been heralded as the industrial supergroup of
the pope.
to
the '90s. • n. 'hersldre the system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described, and regulated.
her*ald«ry
|
I
I
opinion profoundly
at
odds with what
erally accepted: the politician's heresies
is genbecame
the conventional wisdom of the day. her*e*tic 'her3,tiki • n. a person beheving in or practicing religious heresy. a person holding an opinion at odds with what is generally accepted. derivatives he»ret»i»cal lha'retikall adj. he»retn«cal«ly |h3'retikle| adv. |
:
.
|
205
heritable her«it»a«ble
|
'heritsbal
.
adj.
I
able
to
be
inherited, in particular:
(of a characteristic) transmissible from par(of real property) capable ent to offspring. of being inherited by heirs-at-law (heirs by right of blood)
derivatives:
hernt»a»bil»i»ty
,herip |
herMt»a»bly |-ble| adv. • w. a squared stone pillar with a carved head on top (typically of the god Hermes), used in ancient Greece as a boundary marker or a signpost. 'biltel n.
herm harm |
|
|
sex organs or other sexual characteristics, either abnormally or (in the case of some organisms) as the natural condition. a plant having stamens and pistils in the same flower. a person or thing combining opposite qualities or characteristics. • adj. of or denoting a person, animal, or plant of this kind: hermaphrodite creatures in classical sculpture.
derivatives: her«maph»ro«ditnc ,masfr3',ditik|
jhar
her»maph»ro»dit»i»cal adj. her»maph»ro»dit»
adj.
har'imaefra'iditiksl I
ism
har'maefradiitizam n. ,h3rm3'n(y)ootik| » adj. concerning interpretation, esp. of the Bible or literary texts. • n. a method or theory of inI
I
her«me»neu»tic
|
terpretation. adj.
her»me»neu»ti»cal«ly
|
-tisksl
adv. (of a seal or airtight: a hermetic seal -tik(3)le
|
|
lhar'metiki 'adj.
1
closure) complete and that ensures perfect waterproofing. insulated or protected from outside influences: a hermetic society. 2 (also Hermetic) of or relating to an ancient occult tradition
encompassing alchemy, astrology, and theosophy. esoteric; cryptic: obscure
and hermetic poems.
derivatives: her»metM»caWy adv.
kle; -ik(3)le I
iSizam
|
Ihar'meti-
her»met»i»cism lhar'meti
n.
|
akal
adj. !
I
her»pe»tol»o»gist
-jist
n.
|
|
Hes*sian boot
mercenary soldier from the German state of Hesse, esp. one who fought for the British during the American •
n.
a
Revolution. a military hireling; mercenary.
het*er*0*Clite or irregular. •
»adj. abnormal an abnormal thing or per-
'hetara.kllt
|
|
n.
son.
an irregularly declined word,
esp. a
Greek or
Latin noun.
derivatives: het«er»o»clitnc
,het3r9'kli|
tiki adj.
het*er*0*dOX 'hetara.daks • adj. not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards |
|
or beliefs: heterodox views.
DERI VAT V E s het»er»o«dox»y I
:
het*er*0*ge*ne*OUS
n.
. adj. .hepra'jeneas diverse in character or content: a large and |
I
heterogeneous collection. (in chemistry) of or denoting a process involving substances in different phases (in mathematics) (solid, liquid, or gaseous) incommensurable through being of different kinds, degrees, or dimensions.
derivatives: het»er«o»ge»ne»i»ty 3te
n.
l-ja'ne-
het»er»o»ge»ne»ous»ly adv. het»er»o»
I
ge»ne»ous«ness
n.
usage: The correct spelling is heterogeneous but a fairly common misspelling is heterogenous. The reason for the error probably relates to the pronunciation, which, in rapid speech, often leaves out the extra e. (The word heterogenous, used in specialized medical and biological senses,
means
'originating outside the organism,' is a different word, altered from
but that
her*mit 'harmit . w. a person living in solitude as a religious discipline. any person living in solitude or seeking to do |
I
so.
derivatives: her»mitMC her«mit*age
'harmstij » a hermit, esp. when small \
a
major
|h3r'mitik| adj.
n. ^
|
Hermitage)
the dwelling of
and remote. 2 (the
art
museum
in
St.
Petersburg, Russia, containing among its collections those begun by Catherine the Great. 3 (the Hermitage) estate near Nashville, Tennessee, the former home of U.S. Presi-
dent Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). her»ni*a 'hsmea • n. (pi. hernias or herniae -ne,e ) a condition in which part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it (often involving the intestine at a weak point in the abdominal wall). A hiatus (or hiatal) hernia involves part of the stomach protruding through the esophagus and against the diaphragm. In an inguinal hernia, part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal |
|
adj.
her»pe*tol*0*gy .harps'tabje 'U. the branch of zoology concerned with reptiles and amphibians. derivatives: her»pe»to»logM»cal |-t9'laj-
.
derivatives: her»me»neu«ti»cal
her»meHc
cus (navel).
derivatives: her»ni«al
I
her»maph*ro»dite hsr'maefradit . a person or animal having both male and female
]
heuristic wall in the groin area. An umbilical hernia involves protrusion in the area of the umbili-
|
|
heterogeneous.)
het«er*0»nym 'het3r3,nim »n. ^ each of two or more words that are spelled identically but have different sounds and meanings, such as tear meaning "rip" and tear meaning "liquid from the eye." Cf. homonym, homophone. 2 each of two or more words that are \
|
used to refer to the identical thing in different geographical areas of a speech community, such as submarine sandwich, hoagie, and grinder. 3 each of two words having the same meaning but derived from unrelated sources, for example preface and foreword. Cf. paronym.
derivatives: hefer»o»nymMc 'nimiki
smas
adj.
hefer»on»ymous
.hetars |
.heta'ran|
adj. I
heu»ris*tic |hyoo'ristik| . adj. enabling a person to discover or learn something for himself or herself: a "hands-on" or interactive heuristic approach to learning. (in computing) proceeding to a solution by
hew trial
hippocampus
206
and error or by rules
that are only loosely
defined. • n. a heuristic process or method. (heuristics) [usu. treated as sing.] the study and use of heuristic techniques. derivatives: heu»ris*ti»cal»ly |-ik(3)lei adv. hew hyoo . V. (past part, hewn hyoon or hewed) 1 [trans.] chop or cut (something, esp. wood) with an ax, pick, or other tool: hauling |
I
I
|
and hewing timber. (usu. be hewn) make or shape (something) by cutting or chopping a material such as wood or stone: a seat hewn out of a fallen tree trunk. 2 [intrans.] (hew to) conform or adhere to: some artists took photographs that hewed to more traditional ideas of art.
hex»a«gram
|
'heks3,grsem
a
«.
• |
figure
lines, in particular:
a star-shaped figure formed by two intersecting equilateral triangles. any of a set of sixty-four figures made up of parallel whole or broken lines, occurring in the ancient Chinese / Ching.
hi*a*tus |hi'at3s| • n. (pi. hiatuses) [usu. in sing ] a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process: there was a brief hiatus in the war with
hi»er»ar»chic ,hi(^)'ra^hi»er»ar»chi»za»tion ,hi(3),rarki 'zaSHsnl n. hi»er»ar»chize |-|kiz| v. hi«er«OC»ra*cy ,hi(3)'rakr3se| »n. (pi. -ies) kik|
prosody and grammar) a break between two vowels coming together but not in the same syllable, as in the ear and cooperate. (in
DERIVATIVES
:
hi»a»tal i-'apl| adj.
|
i
rule
by
priests.
a ruling body composed of priests. derivatives: hi»er»o«crat»ic
|
|
state.
(of a person) remain inactive or indoors for an extended period: pilots who have been
hibernating during the winter months get their
hi»ber»na»tion .hibar'naSH3n| n. hi»ber»na*tor |-,nat3r| n. Hi»ber«ni»an Ihl'bsmeanl »adj. of or concerning Ireland (now chiefly used in names): the Royal Hibernian Academy. • n. a native of Ireland (now chiefly used in names): the Ancient Order of Hibernians. hi*dal*go hi'dalgo • n. (pi. -os) (in Spanishspeaking regions) a gentleman. hi*dro«sis |hi'dros3s; hi-| . «. (in medicine) :
. n. hi*er*0*glyph 'hi(3)r3,glif a stylized picture of an object representing a word, syllable, or sound, as found in ancient Egyptian |
|
and other writing systems. hl»er*0*glyph*ic ,hi(3)r3'glifik| . n. (hieroglyphics) writing consisting of hieroglyphs. enigmatic or incomprehensible symbols or writing: tattered notebooks filled with hieroglyphics.
|
sweating.
(esp. in art) stylized,
symbolic, or enigmatic
in effect.
derivatives: hi«er»o«glyph«i»cal er»o*glyph»i»cal«ly -ik(3)le adv.
adj.
hi*
|
|
|'hi|brow| »adj. scholarly or rarhad a mostly highbrow
efied in taste: their art
following. • n. a person of this type. high*fa*lu«tin ,hif9'l(5&tn (also highfaluting -'lOOtiNG ) . adj. (esp. of speech, writing, or ideas) pompous or pretentious: you don 't want any highfalutin jargon. High Mass • n. (in the Roman Catholic Church) formerly, a mass with full ceremonial, including music and incense and typically having the assistance of a deacon and |
i
|
hi*lar*i*ty
ment,
esp.
|
ha'lerite
• |
n.
extreme amuse-
when expressed by laughter:
credulous expression
was
his in-
the cause of much hilar-
boisterous merriment: the noisy hilarity of the streets.
hin*ter»land (also hinterhintar.lasndl lands) • n. the often uncharted areas beyond a coastal district or a river's banks: early settlers were driven from the coastal areas into the |
hinterland.
derivatives: hi»drotnc
|hi'dratik;
hi-|
adj.
hi«er*ar*chi*cal ,hi(3)'rarkik3l » adj. of the nature of a hierarchy; arranged in order of rank: the hierarchical bureaucracy of local govenment. D E R va it v s hi»er»ar«chi»cal*ly adv. |
|
I
illegible
of or written in hiero-
adj.
•
glyphs.
|
|
I-;
hi«er*ar*chy
,hi(3)r3
subdeacon.
gliders out again. I
|
'krsetiki adj.
I
hi»ber*nate 'hibar.nat . v. [intrans.] (of an animal or plant) spend the winter in a dor-
DERI VAT V E s
|
adj.
high*brow
France.
:
'hi(3),rarke
. |
n. (pi.
-ies) a sys-
|
tem or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. (the hierarchy) the upper echelons of a hierarchical system; those in authority: the magazine was read quite widely even by some of the hierarchy. an arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness: a taxonomic hierarchy of phyla, classes,
derivatives:
|
formed of straight
mant
or Episcopal church; the religious authorities. (in Christian theology) the traditional system of orders of angels and other heavenly beings.
orders, families,
genera,
and
species.
(the hierarchy) the clergy of the Catholic
an area surrounding a town or port and served by it: a city had grown prosperous by the remote exploiting its western hinterland. an areas of a region: the mountain hinterland. area lying beyond what is visible or known: in the hinterland of his mind these things rose, dark and ominous. hip-hop • n. a style of popular music of African-American and Hispanic origin, featuring rap with an electronic backing. a subculture defined by its adherence to this music, graffiti art, and characteristic styles in clothing and dance, esp. break danciiig. • adj. of or relating to hip-hop music or subculture. hip*po*cam*pus .hipo'kaempasl • «. (pi hippocampi |-'kacm,pi; -'kaem,pe|) the elongated ridges on the floor of each lateral ventricle of the brain, thought to be the cen|
hippodrome
207
of emotion, memory, and the autonomic nervous system. hip«po«drome 'hipa.drom . n. 1 an arena used for equestrian or other sporting events. 2 (in ancient Greece or Rome) a course for chariot or horse races. hir»cine 'hsr.sin; -san ' adj. of or resemter
blmg
a goat.
:
person employed to undertake menial work, esp. on a casual
hi reeling
'hlrhNC
.
a
basis.
'h3r,soot; har'soot; 'hir,soot
hir«SlJte
having rough or shaggy hair; hairy:
•
adj.
their hir-
sute chests.
DERIVATIVES: his«to«ri»og»ra»pher rafar adj.
derivatives: hir«sute»ness
Latin American descent.
derivatives: His»pann»cize
'hi'spasni
V.
usage: In
US, Hispanic
the
is
the stan-
dard accepted term when referring to Spanish-speaking people Uving in the US. Other, more specific, terms such as Latino and Chicano are also used where occasion demands. See also usage at Chicano. his«tor»ic hi'stonk; -'star- • adj. 1 famous or important in history, or potentially so: zee are standing on a historic site a time of historic change. of or concerning histor>'; of the past: eruptions in historic times. 2 (of a tense) used in the narration of past events, esp. Latin and Greek imperfect and pluperfect.
USAGE In general, historic means 'notable in histor\', significant in history,' as in a Supreme Court decision, a battlefield, or a great discovery. Historical means 'relating
his*tri*on*ic .histre'anik . overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style: a histrionic outburst.
of or concerning actors or acting: histrionic (in psychiatrv') denoting a personality- disorder marked by shallow, volatile emotions and attention-seeking behavior. • n. 1 (histrionics) exaggerated dramatic behavior designed to attract attention: discussions around the issue have been based as much in talents.
histrionics as in history.
dramatic performance; theater. 2 an actor.
derivatives: -ik(a)le
:
his»tri»on»i»cal«ly
adv.
hoar hor
. adj. gra\ish white; gray or grayhaired with age. • n. hoarfirost (a cr\-stalline water-vapor deposit formed in clear, still
freezing weaather
hoard hord
•
n.
on vegetation,
to history or past events,' as in an historical society or document.To write historic instead of historical may imply a greater signifi-
cance than is warranted: an historical lecmay simply tell about something that happened, whereas an historic lecture would in some way change the course of human events. It would be correct to say, Professor Suarez's historical lecture on the Old ture
Southicest zvas given at the historic mission church. Note also that both of these words,
preceded by a, are now often used with an: a historic moment, an historic moment. traditionally
historiksl; -'star-
•
adj.
of or
concerning past events: the historical background to such studies. belonging to the past, not the present:/amoi/5 historical figures. (esp. of a novel or movie) (of the study of a subjea) set in the past. based on an analysis of its development over
concerning
histor\';
Danvinians, biogeography be-
a period: for the
came a
historical science.
his*tor*i*cism
hi'stori.sizam; i
valued objects, typically one that is secret or carefully guarded: he came back to rescue his little
hoard of gold.
an ancient store of coins or other valuable artifacts: a hoard of Romano-British bronzes. an amassed store of useful information or facts, retained for future use: a
•
n.
hoard of se-
information about the vjork. • v. [trans.] amass (money or valued objects) and hide or store away: thousands of antiques hoarded by a compulsive collector. accumulate a supply of (something) in a time of scarcity" many of the boat people had reserv^e in the mind for fuhoarded rations. ture use: [as adj.] (hoarded) a year's worth of cret
hoarded resentments and grudges.
derivatives: hoard»er n. usage: The words hoard and horde have some similarities in meaning and are pronounced the same; so they are therefore sometimes confused. A hoard is 'a secret stock or store of something,' as in a hoard of treasure, while a horde is a disparaging word for 'a large group of people,' as in hordes offans descended on the stage, or, in an old cliche, the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan. hoar*frost 'h6r,fi:6st; -,fi:ast . n. a grayishwhite crystalline deposit of fi-ozen water vapor formed in clear still weather on vegetation, fences, etc. • adj. (hoarier, hoariest) 'hore grayish-white: hoary cobwebs. (of a person) having gray or white hair; aged:
hoar*y 1
-star-
etc.).
a stock or store of money or
:
his»tor»i«cal
-'ag-
his»to*ri»o»graph»ic -a'greefik his»to«ri»o»graphn«cal -a'graefikal n.
adj.
n.
His*pan«iC hi'spanik • aii/'. of or relating to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, esp. those of Latin America. of or relating to Spanish-speaking people or their culture, esp. in the US. • n. a Spanishspeaking person living in the US, esp. one of
,S1Z
hoary
the theory that social and cultural phenomena are determined by history. the belief that historical events are governed by laws. 2 the tendency to regard historical development as the most basic aspect of human existence. 3 (in artistic and architectural contexts) excessive regard for past styles. D E R I VAT I v E s his»tor«i»cist n. his»tO«ri»og«ra«phy hi, store 'agrafe; -star-! • n. the study of historical writing. the writing of historv*. 1
\
hoax
hoar*i*ness
hoax hoks
n.
n. a humorous or malicious deception: they recognized the plan as a hoax [as • v. adj.] he was accused of making hoax calls. [trans.] deceive with a hoax. I
•
I
\
DERI VAT V E s hoax'cr n. hob*ble*de*hoy 'hab9lde,hoi| • n. a clumsy or awkward youth. • adj. awkward or clumsy: I
:
|
his
hobbledehoy hands.
hodge*podge
rhaj,paj| (Brit, hotchpotch) conflised mixture: a hodgepodge of modern furniture and antiques. hoi pol*loi 'hoi pa.loi • plural n. (usu. the hoi polloi) the masses; the common people: avoid mixing with the hoi polloi. • n.
homage
208
a hoary old fellow with a face of white stubble. [attrib.] used in names of animals and plants covered with whitish fur or short hairs, e.g., hoary bat, hoary cress. 2 old and trite: that hoary notion that bigger is better. derivatives: hoar»i»ly I'horalel adv.
[in sing.] a
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I
1 Hoi is the Greek word for the, and the phrase hoi polloi means 'the many.'
usage:
Ttiis has led
some
traditionalists to insist
hoi polloi should not be used in Engwith the, since that would be to state the word the twice. Such arguments miss the that lish
point: once established in English, expressions such as hoi polloi are treated as a fixed unit and are subjea to the rules and conventions of English. Evidence shows that use
with the has now become an accepted part of standard English usage. 2 Hoi polloi is sometimes used incorrectly to mean 'upper class,' i.e., the exact opposite of its normal meaning. It seems likely that the confusion arose by association with the similar-sounding but otherwise unrelated word hoity-toity. hoi»ty-toi»ty 'hoite 'toite . adj. 1 haughty; snobbish: hoity-toity models. 2 frolicsome. Hoharc*tic |hararktik;ho'lark-;-'artik| 'adj. of, relating to, or denoting a zoogeographical region comprising the Nearctic and Palearctic regions combined (i.e. all the cold and temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere). The two continents have been linked intermittently by the Bering land bridge, and the faunas are closely related. [as n.] (the Holarctic) the Holarctic region. hoHi«ness 'holenis • n. the state of being holy: a life of holiness and total devotion to God. (His/Your Holiness) a title given to the pope, Orthodox patriarchs, and the Dalai Lama, or used in addressing them. hoHism 'hol.izsm • n. the theory that parts of a whole are in intimate interconnection, such that they cannot exist independently of the whole, or cannot be understood without reference to the whole, which is thus regarded as greater than the sum of its parts. Holism is often applied to mental states, language, and ecology. Cf. atomism. (in medicine) the treating of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease. |
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derivatives:
ho*list adj.
&
n.
hO«liS*tic |ho'listik| ' adj. (in philosophy) characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. (in medicine) characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease. derivatives: ho»lis»ti»cal«ly |-ik(9)le| adv.
hol*0*caust I'hab.kost; 'hob-| • n. 1 destruction or slaughter on a mass scale, esp. caused by fire or nuclear war: a nuclear holothe threat of imminent holocaust. (the Holocaust) the mass murder of Jews under the German Nazi regime during the period 1941-45. More than 6 million European Jews, as well as members of other persecuted groups, such as gypsies and
caust
I
homosexuals, were murdered, most at concentration camps. 2 a Jewish sacrificial offering that is burned completely on an altar. Hol*0*cene 'hab.sen; 'hob- . adj. (in geology) of, relating to, or denoting the present epoch, which is the second epoch in the Qua1
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ternary period and followed the Pleistocene. Also called recent. [as n.] (the Holocene) the Holocene epoch or the system of deposits laid down during this time.
The Holocene epoch
has lasted from about 10,000 years ago to the present day. It covers the period since the ice retreated after the last glaciation and is sometimes regarded as just another interglacial period.
hol*0*gram
'hab.graem; 'hob- • «. a threedimensional image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser or other coherent light source. a photograph of an interference pattern that, when suitably illuminated, produces a threedimensional image. hol*0*graph 'hab,graef; 'hob- • «. a manuscript handwritten by the person named as its author: [as adj.] a holograph letter by Abraham 1
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1
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Lincoln.
hol*og*ra*phy
ho'lagrafe |
the study or
. I
production of holograms.
derivatives: graph«ic
hol»o»graph
v.
,hab'graefik; ,hob-
adj.
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hol»o« hol»o«
1
graphM'caWy .hab'graefikle; ,hob- adv. ho*loph«ra*sis Ihs'lafrssisI • «. the expression of a whole phrase in a single word, for example howdy for how do you do. the learning of linguistic elements as whole chunks by very young children acquiring their first language, for example it's all gone learned as allgone. Cf polysynthetic. 'hab,fraz; derivatives: hol»o»phrase .hab'fraestik; hol«o«phras»tic 'hobn. 1
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hob-
adj. 1
hom*age
'(h)amij
• |
n.
special
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publicly: they paid the local boy who became president
spect
shown
honor or
homage \
doing
homage
to
a masterly
work written in homage to Beethoven. formal public acknowledgment of feudal legiance:
re-
to his personal
al-
lord.
homely home»ly 'homle |
adj.
• |
(homelier, homeli-
(of a person) unattractive in appearance. 2 Brit, (of a place or surroundings) simple but cozy and comfortable, as in one's own home; homey: a modern hotel with a homely atest)
homonym
209
1
mosphere.
unsophisticated and unpretentious: homely pleasures.
derivatives: home»li»ness n. ho*me*op»a»thy ,home'ap3THe |
homoeopathy)
also
(Brit,
n.
healthy person would produce disease. Cf. allopathy,
symptoms of
'psexHik
|
.homea
ho«me»o»path»i»cal*ly
adj.
•Superfamily Hominoidea: families Hominidae (hominids) and Pongidae. • adj. of or relating to primates of this group; hominid or pongid. hO»mo*e*rot*ic ,homo-i'ratik| • adf concerning or arousing sexual desire centered on a person of the same sex: homoerotic images.
derivatives: ho»mo«e»rotn»cism Z3m|
I
,ho|
adv. I
. «. (pi. .homes' stasis ho*me*o»sta*sis homeostases) the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, esp. as maintained by |
j-.si-
n.
ho*mo«ge»ne*OUS
derivatives: ho«me»o»path»ic me3'paETHik(3)le
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a system of nonscientific medicine in which disease is treated by minute doses of natural substances that in a .
hom»i»nid |'ham3,nid| * n. a primate of a family (Hominidae) that includes humans and their fossil ancestors. hom*i*noid 'ham3,noid| • n. a primate of a group that includes humans, their fossil ancestors, and the great apes.
.homa'jeneas 'adj. of the same kind; alike: timbermen prefer to deal with homogeneous woods. consisting of parts all of the same kind: culturally speaking the farmers constitute an exi
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physiological processes. |-'staetik|
adj.
derivatives:
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Odyssey) ascribed to him. of Bronze Age Greece as described in these poems: the mists of the Homeric age. epic and large-scale: we will have to exert a Homeric ef-
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kind,'
n.
1
Homogeneous,
1 a house, esp. 'hom,sted| • a farmhouse, and outbuildings. 2 an area of land (in 19th-century U.S. history usually 1 60 acres) granted to a settler as a home. Urban homesteading is the practice, under a federal program, of taking over and rehabilitating housing in poverty-stricken city areas, agreeing to live there for a certain period of |
derivatives: home»stead»er steadying
n.
home*
n.
hom*i*cide 'hama.sld; 'homs- . w. the killing of one person by another: he was charged 1
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with homicide two thirds of homicides in the county were drug-related. Justifiable homicide incurs neither blame nor criminal liability because it is commited in the execution of one's duties. Other kinds include excusable homicide, brought about in self-defense or by accident, and various grades of criminal \
homicide
including
murder
and
man-
slaughter.
(often Homicide) the police department that deals with such killings: a man from Homicide. a killer; a murderer. hom»l»let»ic .hama'letiki » adj. of the nature of or characteristic of a homily: homiletic literature. • n. (homiletics) the art of preaching or writing sermons: the teaching of homiletics. hom*i*ly 'hamale • n. (pi. -ies) a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruc|
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sermon.
her homily about the need for patience.
derivatives homn«list :
|-ist|
n.
|h9'maj3,mz|
^v.
[trans.]
subject (milk) to a process in which the fat droplets are emulsified and the cream does not separate: [as adj.] (homogenized) homogenized milk. (in biology) prepare a suspension of cell constituents from (tissue) by physical treatment in a liquid. 2 make uniform or similar. derivatives: ho»mog«e»ni»za»tion |h3 1
n.
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hom»0»graph
ho»mog»e»niz»er
n.
. n. 'hama.graef; 'homaeach of two or more words spelled the same but not necessarily pronounced the same and having different meanings and origins (e.g., bow 'arrow-firing weapon' and bow 'front of a 1
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ship').
derivatives: hom»o«graphMC 'graefik;
'ihoma-
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'
.hams
adj. 1
havho*mol*0»gous |ho'mabg3s;h3-| ing the same relation, relative position, or . ac//'.
structure, in particular: (of organs) similar in position, structure, and evolutionary origin but not necessarily in
function: a seal's flipper is homologous with (of chrothe human arm. Cf. analogous. mosomes) pairing at meiosis and having the same structural features and pattern of genes. (of a series of chemical compounds) having the same functional group but differing in
composition by a fixed group of atoms. • n. each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling
hom*0*nym 'ham3,nim
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(e.g., to, too,
a tedious moralizing discourse: she delivered
same
the
specialized biological term homogenous, 'having a common descent.' Homogenous should be left to the biologists and geneticists. See also usage at heterogeneous.
.majani'zaSHsn
time.
'of
adv.
should not be confused with the more
ho»mog*e»nize
fort.
home*Stead
mathemat-
all
ho»mo»ge»ne»ous»ly ho»mo»ge»ne»ous»ness n. .hama-
usage:
Ho*mer»ic ho'merik| • adj. of or in the style of Homer or the epic poems (the Iliad and the
(in
of the same degree. ho»mo»ge»ne»i»ty ,hom9j3
containing terms
'neite;
derivatives: ho»me»o»stat»ic
tion; a
tremely homogeneous group. ics)
and
two); a
homophone.
each of two or more words having the same spelling but different meanings and origins (e.g., pole 'a piece of wood' and pole 'place on
homophobia
210
the earth's surface'); a homograph. (in biology) a Latin name that is identical to that of a different organism, the newer of the two
names being invalid. DERI VAT V E s hom»o»nymnc I
,hom9
:
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hortatory high status, politeness, or respect: he will be able to put the honorific after his name: licenciado, "college graduate." derivatives: hon»orMf»i»cal»ly |ik(3)le| adv.
ho»mon»y»mous Iho'mansho»mon»y*my |ho'man3me| n.
ho»no«ris cau*sa |a'n6ros 'koza; 'kows3| • adv. (esp. of a degree awarded without ex-
ho»mo*pho«bi«a .homaTobea • n. an extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people. derivatives: hoTno«phobe 'horns, fob n. ho«mo»pho»bic |-'fobik| adj.
amination) as a mark of esteem: the artist has been awarded the degree honoris causa. hoOSe»gow 'hooS|gow| • n. informal a jail: the
'nimik|
mss]
adj.
adj.
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i
ho*mo*phone
'hama.fon; 'homa- • n. each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling, e.g., new and knew. each of a set of symbols denoting the same sound or group of sounds. 1
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ho*mo*phon*ic (in
1
.hamsTanik; ,hom3- • adj. music) characterized by the movement 1
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of accompanying parts
same rhythm as the melody. Cf. polyphonic. 2 another term for HOMOPHONOUS. derivatives: ho»mo»phon«i«cal»ly |-ikin the
',hom3',fan3k(3)le
(3)le;
I
adv.
hO*moph*0»nouS
Iho'mafanss; hs-l 'adj. (of a word or words) having the same pronunciation as another or others but different meaning, origin, or spelling. derivatives: ho«moph»o»ny |-'maf3ne| n.
hon»cho
'hanCHo informal . n. (pi. -os) a leader or manager; the person in charge: the company's head honcho. • v. (-oes, -oed) [trans.] be in charge of (a project or situation): the task at hand was to honcho an eighteenwheeler
I
I
to St. Louis.
hone hon I
• V.
sharpen with a whet-
[trans.]
I
stone. (usu.
be honed) make sharper or more
cused or
efficient: their appetites were
fresh air
and
one used
to
exercise.
*
n.
fo-
honed by whetstone, esp.
a.
made.
hon*ky
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rariums
or honoraria -'rerea ) a payment given for professional services that are rendered traditionally, or officially, without charge. hon*or*ar*y I'ans.rerel » adj. 1 conferred as an honor, without the usual requirements or functions: an honorary doctorate. (of a person) holding such a title or position: an honorary member of the club. 2 Brit, (of an office or its holder) unpaid: Honorary Secretary |
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of the Association.
hon*or*if*lc .ana'rifik • adj. given as a mark of respect: an honorific awardfor military valor. (of an office or position) given as a mark of respect, but having few or no duties: the post is merely honorific. denoting a form of address showing high status, politeness, or re|
•
n.
an
ished by next year.
usage: The
traditional sense of
hope-
manner,' has been used since 1593. The first recorded use of hopefully as a sentence adverb, meaning 'it is to be hoped that' (as in hopefully, we'll see you tomorrow), appears in 1702 the Magnalia Christi Americana, written by the Massachusetts theologian and writer Cotton Mather (1663-1728). This second use is now much commoner than the first use. The use as a sentence adverb, however, is widely held to be incorrect. It is not only hopefully that has the power to annoy, but the use of sentence adverbs in general fully, 'in a hopeful
{frankly, honestly, regrettably, seriously), a
construction foimd in EngUsh since at least the 1600s, but more common in recent decades. Attentive ears are particularly bothered when the sentence that follows does not match the promise of the introductory adverb, as when "Frankly" is followed not by honesty but by a self-serving "spin" or twist. Follett's Modern American Usage points out that in sentence adverbs the point of view is obscured: "they fail to tell us who does the hoping, the sorrowing, or the being thankful."
horde hord |
• |
a large
m. 1
he was surrounded by
'haNOke; 'hawNGke • n. (pi. -ies) a derogatory term used by black people for a white person or for white people collectively. hon»0»raH»um .ana reream] . n. (pi hono-
spect:
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sharpen razors.
the fine-grained stone of which whetstones are
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oV Loney in the hoosegow. hope»ful»ly 'hopfsle . adv. 1 in a hopeful manner: he rode on hopefully. 2 [sentence adverb] it is to be hoped that: hopefully it should be finsheriff got
i
honorific
a title or
title
for addressing women.
word implying or expressing
group of people:
a horde of tormenting
relatives.
an army or tribe of nomadic warriors: Tartar 2 (in anthropology) a loosely knit small social group typically consisting of about five families. hordes.
usage: The words hoard and horde quite distinct; see usage at hoard.
are
. the study and ha'rabje measurement of time. the art of making clocks and watches. derivatives: ho»rol»o«ger |-j3r| n. hor»
ho»rol*0*gy
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adj. hor«o»log»i«cal ho«rol»o»gist |-jist| n. hors d'oeuvre |6r 'darvl -n. (pi. same or hors d'oeuvres 'darv; 'dsrvz]) a small savory dish, typically one served as an appetizer at the beginning of a meal. horse lat*i*tudes • plural n. a belt of calm air and sea occurring in both the northern and southern hemispheres between the trade
o»log»ic
,h6r3'lajik|
I
.hora'lajikal
I
adj.
I
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winds and the hor*ta«tO»ry
westerlies.
'horta.tore |
• |
adj.
tending or
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horticulture tatory messages
the central
bank
n.
relied
on hor-
and voluntary compliance.
derivatives: hor»ta»tion hor»ta»tive
'hortstiv
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hu»mane *n. the art
or practice of garden cultivation and manage-
ment.
(h)yoo'man . adj. 1 having or showing compassion or benevolence: regula|
hor»ti»cul«tur»al ,h6rt3 hor»ti»cul»tur»al»ist .horts '.kalCHaraUstl n. hor»ti»cul»tur»ist ,h6rt3' 'kalcHaral
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adj.
j
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j
ikslCHsristI n.
hOS*pice
'haspis I
a
• I
home providing care
for the sick, esp. the terminally
a lodging for travelers, esp. ligious order.
re-
host
• n. (usu. the Host) (in Christianity) the bread consecrated in the Eucharist: the eleva-
tion of the Host. • n. hOS*tel 'hastl an establishment that provides cheap food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as students, workers, or travelers, esp. those on foot or bicycle. an inn providing accommodation. hos*tel*ry 'hastlre . n. (pi. -ies) older term for an inn (providing lodging and entertainment). hos*tile wit«ness • n. (in law) a witness who is antagonistic to the party calling him or her and, if the court permits, may be crossI
I
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examined by hos*tler
employed
.
n.
a person
to look after the horses of people
staying at an inn. a person employed to service vehicles or other machinery when it is not in use. ho*te*lier ,6terya; ho'telysri • n. a person who owns or manages a hotel. hoy*den 'hoidn • ?z. a boisterous girl. DERI VAT I V E s hoy»den»ish adj. hu*bris (h)yoobris • n. excessive pride or self-confidence. (in Greek tragedy) excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis. derivatives: hu»bris»tic (h)yoo'bristik |
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adj.
huck^Ster
'hakstarl
.
n.
|
a
person
who
sells
small items, either door-to-door or from a stall or small store. a mercenary person eager to make a profit out of anything. a publicity agent or advertising cop3writer, esp. for radio or television. Cf. flacrI . V. [trans.] promote or sell (something, typically a product of questionable .
value).
bargain; haggle.
derivatives: huck»sternsm
hue and cry
•
n.
a
-izsm n. loud clamor or public out|
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cry.
a loud cry calling for the pursuit and capture of a criminal. In former English law, the cry had to be raised by the inhabitants of a hundred (a subdivision of a county or shire) in which a robbery had been committed, if they were not to become liable for the damages suffered by the victim. Hu*gue*not 'hyoog3,nat| • n. a French Protestant of the 16th-17th centuries. Largely Calvinist, the Huguenots suffered severe per|
minimum
the
humane discipline. derivatives: hu«mane«ly adv. hu»mane« n.
hu*man*ism
'(h)yoom9,niz3m| * n. an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems. (often Humanism) a Renaissance cultural movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought. (among some contemporary writers) a system of thought criticized as being centered on the notion of the rational, autonomous self and ignoring the unintegrated and conditioned nature of |
the individual.
that party.
'(h)asl9r| (also ostler)
|
humane
treatment of animals. of pain: humane methods of killing. 2 (of a branch of learning) intended to have a civilizing or refining effect on people: the center emphasizes economics as a
ness
ill.
one run by a
I
tions ensuring the
inflicting
derivatives:
[intrans.]
and many thousands emigrated from
France.
adj.
'h6rt3,k3lCH3r|
|
secution at the hands of the Catholic majority,
,h6r'tasH3n
|
hor»ti«CuHure
humbug
211
aiming to exhort:
derivatives: hu«manMst n. ,(h)yoom3'nistik man»isnic |
man»is»ti»cal»ly
|
,
&
adj. adj.
|
(h)yoom3
'
hu» hu»
nistik(9) le |
adv.
(h)yoo,maen3'tere3n hu»man*i*tar«l*an • adj. concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare: groups sending humanitarian aid a humanitarian organization. • n. a person who seeks to promote human welfare; a |
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I
philanthropist.
derivatives: - ,niz3m I
hu»man»i»tar«i»an«ism
n. i
usage: Sentences such as this is the worst humanitarian disaster this country has seen are a loose use of the adjective humanitarian to mean 'human.' This use is quite common, is
esp. in "live reports"
on
television,
not generally considered good
hu*man*i*ty
but
style.
• n. (pi. -ies) (h)yoo'maenite the human race; human beings collectively: appalling crimes against humanity. the fact or condition of being human; human nature: a few moments when Soviets and Canadians shared their common humanity. 2 humaneness; benevolence: he praised them for their standards of humanity, care, and dignity. 3 (humanities) learning or literature concerned with human culture, esp. literature, history, art, music, and philosophy: a curriculum based on the humanities. hu*man*oid '(h)yoom3,noid| 'adj. having an appearance or character resembling that of a human. • n. (esp. in science fiction) a being resembling a human in its shape. hum*bug 'ham, bag • w. deceptive or false talk or behavior: the manufacturer's claims are |
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1
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sheer
humbug.
humectant
212
a hvpocrite: voM see what a humbug I am. v. (humbugged, humbugging) [trans] dehumbug his humble neighbors was •
ceive; trick: to
not
sources) economically; conserve: the need husband his remaining strength.
derivatives: hus*band«er |
act like a fraud or
sham.
derivatives: hum»bug«ger»y
|-,b3g(3)rel
n.
to
n.
hus*band*man 'hazbandman -men) a person who cultivates
difficult.
[intrans.]
hydroelectric
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(pi. •n. the land; a
farmer.
hus*band*ry 'hazbandre . «. 1 the care, cultivation, and breeding of crops and animals: crop husbandry. 2 management and |
I
hu*mec«tant
(h)yoo'mekt3nt . adj. retaining or preserving moisture. • n. a substance, esp. a skin lotion or a food additive, used to reduce the loss of moisture. hu*mid '(h)yoomid • adj. marked by a relatively high level of water vapor in the atmosphere: a hot and humid day. I
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conservation of resources.
hus*sar |ha'zar| . n. (in the 15th century) Hungarian light horseman.
a
I
derivatives: hu»midn»ty
n.
hu«mid»ly
a soldier in a light cavalry regiment in various European armies that had adopted a dress uniform modeled on that of the Hun-
garian hussars.
adv.
hu*mld*i«ty
(h)yoo'midite . n. (pi. -ies) the state or qualit\' of being humid. a quantitv' representing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere or a gas: the temperature is seventy-seven, the humidity in the low thirties. atmospheric moisture. (relative humidity) the amount of water vapor present in the air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. hu»mil*l*ty (h)yoo'milite » n. a modest or low view of one's own importance; humble|
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ness.
hum*mock
i
'hamaki
•
n.
a hillock, knoll, or
'hi.brid ' n. a thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture: the final text is a hybrid of the stage play and the
hy*brid
film.
(in biology) the offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties, such as a mule (a hybrid of a donkey and a horse): a hybrid of wheat and rye. a person of
mixed racial or cultural origin. a word formed from elements taken from different languages, for example television (tele- from Greek, vision from Latin). • adj. of mixed character; composed of mixed parts: Mexico's hybrid culture.
mound. a
bred as
hump or ridge
mock)
in
an
(also
ice field.
ham-
piece of forested ground rising above a marsh or plain. a
derivatives: hum»mock«y
hu*mor
\
|
adj.
a
hybrid from different species or
varieties: a hybrid variety
DER n.
I
N
\
hybrid offspring.
AT V e s hy'bridnsm 'hibra.dizam I
:
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hy«brid»i»ty |hi'bridite|
|
n.
Hy»dra 'hidra 1 (in Greek mythology) a many-headed snake whose heads grew again |
I
'(h)yoom3r| (Brit.humour) . «. 1 the amusing or comic, esp. as expressed in literature or speech: his tales are full of humor. the ability to perceive or express humor or to appreciate a joke: their inimitable brand of humor she has a great sense of humor. 2 a mood or state of mind: her good humor vanished the clash hadn't improved his hu|
quality of being
\
\
mor
were cut off, killed by Hercules. [as n.j (hydra) a thing that is hard to overcome or resist because of its pervasive or enduring quality or its many aspects. hy*drate • n. 'hi, drat a compound, typically a crystalline one, in which water molecules are chemically bound to another compound or an element. • v. [trans.] cause to absorb as they
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water.
an inclination or whim. 3 (also cardinal humor) (in medieval theory) each of the four chief fluids of the body (blood, phlegm, yellow bile (choler), and black bile (melancholy)) that were thought to determine a person's physical and mental qualities by the relative proportions in which they were present. • V. [trans.] comply with the wishes of (someone) in order to keep them content, however unreasonable such wishes might be: she was always humoring him to prevent trou-
combine chemically with water molecules: [as
adj.]
(hydrated) hydrated
silicate crystals.
derivatives: hydrat«a«ble
hydra*
adj.
hy«dra»tor |-tar| n. tion |hi'drasHan| hy»drau«lic |hi'dr61ik| »adj. 1 denoting, relating to, or operated by a liquid moving in a confined space under pressure: hydraulic fluid hydraulic lifting gear. 2 of or relating to the science of hydraulics. 3 (of cement) hardenI
ing under water.
derivatives: hy»drau«li»cal»ly
|-ik(a)le|
adv.
ble.
adapt or accommodate oneself to (some-
hy*drau*lics
derivatives: hu»mor«less
adj.
hu»mor»less«ness
less'ly adv.
hu*mor*esque
hu*mor»
n.
,(h)yoom9'resk| n. a short, of music. Cf. c.-^price. |'(h)yoom3s| » n. the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms. hus*band 'hazband • v. [trans.] use (re.
!
lively piece
hu*mus
|
|
|
hi'droliks
|
•
plural
n.
1
[usu.
the branch of science and technology concerned with the conveyance of liquids through pipes and channels, esp. as a source of mechanical force or control. 2 hydraulic" systems, mechanisms, or forces. treated as
thing).
sing
]
hy*dro*e*lec*trlc ',hidroa'lektrik| * adj. relating to or denoting the generation of electricity using flowing water (topically from a reservoir held behind a dam or other barrier) to drive a turbine that powers a generator. !
213
hydrofoil DERI VAT IVES: hy»dro»e»lec»tricn»ty 'trisite
is
fitted
|
-slek
n.
|
hy»dro*foil
'hidra.foil |
.
|
whose hull
a boat
«.
underneath with shaped vanes
(foils)
the hull clear of the water to increase the boat's speed. another term for foiU the shaped vane used by such a boat. hy*drog»ra*phy hi'dragrafe • n. the science of surveying and charting bodies of water, that
lift
I
|
such as seas, lakes, and
rivers.
tex.
hy*per«bo»le
• n. hi'psrbale exaggerated statements or claims, typically not meant to be taken literally. |
|
derivatives: hyper»boM»cal
|-f3r|
n.
hy»
adj.
|
|
!
|
|
|
dro»graph»i»cal ihidrs'graefikal adj. hy dro»graph»i»cal»ly ,hidr3'gr2efik(9)le adv. hy»drol»0*gy Ihi'drabjel »n. the branch of science concerned with the properties of the |
.hipsr'ba-
|
hy»per»bol»i*caMy ,hip3r'bal- ,liz3m ik(3)le adv. hy«per«bo»lism n. hy*per*SOn*ic ,hip9r'sanik| * adj. 1 relating adj.
I
|
|
|
|
its
cone with a plane at a smaller angle with its axis than the side of the cone. (in mathematics) the pair of such curves formed by the intersection of a plane with two equal cones on opposites of the same ver-
likal
derivatives: hy«drog»ra«pher hy»dro»graphMC ihidra'graefik
earth's water, esp.
hypostasis
movement in relation to
land.
to or attaining speeds of more than five times
the speed of sound (Mach 5). 2 relating to sound frequencies above about a thousand million hertz.
derivatives: hy»per»son»i»caWy
|
-ik(3)-
adv.
le I
derivatives: hy»dro»logMC adj.
hy»dro»log»i«cal
ly
,hidr3'lajik(3)le
|
I
|-jist|
,hidr3'lajik| |
hy»dro»log»i»cal» adv. hy»drol»o»gist
adj.
hy*per*space 'hip3r,spas| more than three dimensions. (in
space
*n.
|
of
science fiction) a notional space-time in which it is possible to travel
continuum
n.
hy»drop*a*thy Ihi'drapaXHel the treatment of illness through the use of water, either internally or through external means such as steam baths (not now a part of orthodox medicine). DERI VAT V E s hy»dro»path»ic ,hidr3 I
:
|
'pseTHikj
hy»drop»a»thist
adj.
|-THist|
n.
faster
than
light.
derivatives: hy 'per 'spa'tial
|,hip3r'spa-
SH3l| adj.
hy»per*ten«sion .hlpar'tenSHsn mally high blood pressure.
. |
abnor-
n.
|
a state of great psychological stress.
hy*per*ven*tHate
,hip3r'vend,at|
^v.
[in-
|
hy*dro*pho*bi*a
.hidra'fobes . n. extreme or irrational fear of water, esp. as a symptom of rabies in humans. |
|
rabies, esp. in humans. hy*dro*plane 'hidra.plani . w. 1 a light fast motorboat designed to skim over the surface |
of water. 2 a finlike attachment that enables a moving submarine to rise or fall in the water. 3 a seaplane. * v.^ (also, aquaplane) (of a vehicle or its tires) slide uncontrollably on the wet surface of a road: a motorist whose car hydroplaned and crashed into a tree. 2 (of a boat) skim over the surface of water with its hull hfted.
hy*dro*pon*ics [treated as
. plural .hidra'paniks n. the process of growing plants |
|
sing.]
added
in sand, gravel, or liquid, with
ents but without
-,panik(3)le
hy«men
|
adj.
hy»dro»
. n. a membrane that parthe opening of the vagina and
'himsn
tially closes
whose presence
|
is
traditionally taken to
be a
derivatives: hy»men*al
I'himanll adj. adj. of or con-
• ,him3'ne3l cerning marriage. hype hip informal • n. extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion: she relied on hype and headlines to build up interest in her music. a deception carried out for the sake of pubI
licity.
|
|
I
•
V.
[trans.]
quick to hype
its
parbab]
hyp*na*gog*ic hypnogogic) .
.hipns'gajik;
|
(also
-'go-|
|
of or relating to the state
adj.
immediately before
falling asleep.
hy»po»Chon»drl»a .hipa'kandrea normal anxiety about one's health, an unwarranted fear that one has
n.
ab-
esp.
with
•
|
a serious
derivatives: hypo»chon»dri»ac po»chon»dri»a*cal hy»po*gly*ce»mi*a
n.
hy»
adj.
(Brit, .hipogli'semea deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream. The opposite of hypergly•
|
|
n.
cemia. derivatives: hy«po»gly»ce»mic |-'semik| adj.
sons of the Trinity, as contrasted with the
)
|
|-,ven-
tl'asHsnl n.
intersection of a
n.
*
hyperbolae -bale open curve formed by the
las or
overblown: hyperventilated prose.
a symmetrical
promote or publicize
(a
products.
Ihi
style;
derivatives: hy«per»ven»ti*la«tion
• n. (pi. hl'pastasis hy«pos*ta*siS hypostases |-,sez|) 1 (in medicine) the accumulation of fluid or blood in the lower parts of the body or organs under the influence of gravity, as occurs in cases of poor circulation or after death. 2 (in philosophy) an underlying reality or substance, as opposed to attributes or that which lacks substance. (in Christian theology) each of the three per-
product or idea) intensively, often exaggerating its importance or benefits: an industry
hy«per*bO*la
don't start hyperventilating until I
hypoglycaemia)
m.ark of virginity.
hy«me*ne*al
now
[as adj.] explain the rest of the conditions. (hyperventilated) inflated or pretentious in
disease.
adv.
|
|
tated:
|
soil.
derivatives: hy»dro»ponMC pon»i«cal»ly
nutri-
breathe at an abnormally rapid rate, so increasing the rate of loss of carbon dioxide: she started to hyperventilate under stress. [trans.] (usu. be hyperventilated) cause to breathe in such a way: the patients were hyper[intrans.] become ventilated for two minutes. unnecessarily or exaggeratedly excited or agitrans.]
(pi
hyperbo-
|
|
hypothermia
214
unity of the Godhead. [in sing.] the single person of Christ, as contrasted with his dual human and divine nature. * n. hy*po*ther*mi*a .hipa xHermea the condition of having an abnormally low body temperature, typically one that is dangerously low. The opposite of hyperthermia. hy*poth»e»sis hi paxHssis . n. (pi. hypotheses |-,sez|) a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation: professional astronomers attacked him for popularizing an unconfirmed hypothesis. (in philosophy) a proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of |
|
|
its
|
truth.
ideate proposition of the logical form ifp then q. • n. (usu. hypotheticals) a hypothetical proposition or statement: Finn talked in hypotheticals, tossing what-if scenarios to Rosen.
derivatives: hy»po»thefi»caWy I
hys*te*ri«a Ihi'sterea; -'stiresi • n. exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, esp. among a group of people: the mass
.hipa'THetikal
. |
adj.
of,
|
that
hysteria
week
now
before
regarded
whose symp-
into
physical
symptoms (somatizaemo-
tion), selective amnesia, shallow volatile
and overdramatic or attention-seeking behavior. The term has a controversial history as it was formerly regarded as a disease tions,
merely hypothetical at this juncture. supposed but not necessarily real or true: a hypothetical cure. denoting or containing a
specific to
is
the
toms include conversion of psychological
based on, or serving as a hypothesis: that option
characterizes
Christmas. a psychological disorder (not as a single definite condition) stress
hy*po*thet*i«cal
|-ik(3)-
adv. [sentence adverb] hypothetically, varying interpretations of the term are possible.
le
women.
li l*am*bi (also iambus) • n. a metrical foot consisting of one short or unstressed followed by one long or stressed syllable. DERI VAT I v E s i»am»bic adj. i*chor 'i.korl • n. (in Greek mythology) the fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the :
I
gods.
any bloodlike fluid: tomatoes drooled ichor a watery, fetid disfrom their broken skins. charge from a wound. DERIVATIVES i«chor»ous I'lkarasl adj. ich*thy»0l*0*gy ,ikTHe'abje| . n. the branch of zoology that deals with fishes. derivatives: ich«thy«o«logM«cal |-3'laji:
i»COn*0*Clast |i'kan3,kla£st| » n. 1 a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions. 2 a destroyer of images used in religious worship, in particular:
supporter of the 8th- and 9th-century in the Byzantine Church that sought to abolish the veneration of icons and other religious images. a Puritan of the 1 6th a
movement
or 17 th century.
derivatives: adj.
'klaestikl
'klaestik(3)le
i»con»o»clas»tic li.kana i«con«o»clas»ti*cal»ly |i,kan3
adv.
|
|
kall adj. ich«thy»ol»o»gist i-jist| n.
l»COn
'i,kan|
•
n. (also,
in religious use,
ikon)
I
a painting of Christ or another holy figure,
on wood, ven-
typically in a traditional style
erated and used as an aid to devotion in the Byzantine and other Eastern Churches. a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol of something: this iron-jawed icon a symbol or graphic of American manhood. representation on a video display terminal of a computer program, option, or window, esp. (in one of several for selection. Cf. glyph. linguistics) a sign whose form directly reflects the thing it signifies, for example, die word snarl pronounced in a snarling way. i*COn*ic ii'kaniki • adj. of, relating to, or of the nature of an icon: language is not in general
an
i«conM»caWy
adv. i»co»nic»i»ty
|-ik(3)le|
n. (esp.
.ika'nisite |
guistics).
I
I
I
I
ism.
derivatives: i»de»aWst |i,de*(3)'Iistik|
adj.
n. i»de»aWs«tic i»de»alMS»ti»caWy |i
,de(3)'listik(3)le| adv.
iconic sign system.
(of a classical Greek statue) depicting a victorious athlete in a conventional style.
derivatives:
ic*tus 'iktas • n. (pi. same or ictuses) 1 (in prose or poetry) a rhythmical or metrical stress. 2 (in medicine) a stroke or seizure. id id » n. (in Freudian psychology) the part of the mind in which innate instinctive impulses and primary processes are manifest. Cf. EGO and superego. i*de*al*ism |i'de(3),liz3m| . 1 the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, esp. unrealistically: the idealism of youth. Cf. realism. (in art or literature) the representation of things in ideal or idealized form. Cf. realism. 2 any of various philosophical systems in which the objects of knowledge are held to be in some way dependent on the activity of mind. Cf. realism; conceptualism; nominal-
i
in lin-
. v. [trans.] [often as adj.] i«de*ate 'ide,at (ideated) form an idea of; imagine or conceive: the arc whose ideated center is a nodal |
|
point in the composition. [intrans.] form ideas; think.
.
ideogram
|
215
derivatives: i»de»a»tion
n.
jd*e*o*gram 'ides.grasm; 'idea- (also ideograph) . n. a written character symbolizing 1
|
the idea of a thing without indicating the sounds used to say it, e.g., numerals and Chinese characters. i»de*0»logue ride3,16g; -,lag; 'ides- » n. an adherent of an ideology, esp. one who is uncompromising and dogmatic: a Nazi ideo1
logue.
i*de»0l*0»gy ,ide'abje; ,ide- . n. 1 (pi. -ies) a system of ideas and ideals, esp. one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy: the ideology of republicanism. the ideas and manner of thinking characteristic of a group, social class, or individual: a 1
|
\\k
id*i*Otro»plc • adj. relating to or characterized by introspection. id*i»Ot sa«vant . n. (pi. idiot savants or idiots savants pronunc. same) a person who is
considered to be mentally handicapped but displays brilliance in a specific area, esp. one involving memory. i*dol*a*try |i'dabtre| • n. worship of idols.
extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone: we must not allow our idolatry of art to obscure issues of political significance.
derivatives: i»dolater i«dyll
(also
'idl I
idyl)
n. •
n.
I
idolatrous adj. an extremely
happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable
archaic visionary speculation, esp. of an unrealistic or idealistic nature. 2 archaic the science of ideas; the study of their origin and nature.
one: the rural idyll remains strongly evocative in most industrialized societies. a short description in verse or prose of a picturesque scene or incident, esp. in rustic life.
derivatives: i»de»o«logM»cal
derivatives:
critique of bourgeois ideology.
i«de»o»logn»cal»ly de»ol«o«gist -jist n. adj.
|
|-3'lajik3l|
-3'lajik(3)le
|
adv.
i«
dyl'lize
ig*ne*OUS
|
!
idz
.
plural
n.
I
(in the ancient
Roman
calendar) a day falling roughly in the middle of each month (the 1 5th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th of other months) from which other dates were calculated. Cf. NONES, CALENDS. id*i*0»graph*ic .ides' grsefikl of or » adj. relating to the study or discovery of particular scientific facts and processes, as distinct from general laws. id*i»om 'ideam » n. ^ a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from the meaning of the individual words (e.g., rain cats and dogs, see the |
|
I
solidified
igneous activity. . n. (pi. ig*nis fat*U*US 'ignas 'faeCHawas ignes fatui 'ignez 'faeCHa,wi ) a phosphofloating night rescent light seen hovering or at on marshy ground, thought to result from the (Also called combustion of natural gases. |
|
|
|
will-o'-the-vv^isp)
something deceptive or deluding. ig«no*ble ig'nobal • adj. (ignobler, ignoblest) 1 not honorable in character or purpose: ignoble feelings of intense jealousy. 2 of |
|
humble
form of expression natural to a language, person, or group of people: a feeling for phrase and idiom. the dialect of a people or part of a country: the idiom ofNewYork City. 2 a characteristic mode of expression in music or art:
the
a neo-Impressionist idiom. id*i*0*mat*ic ,ide3'mastik| 'adj. 1 using, containing, or denoting expressions that are natural to a native speaker: idiomatic dialogue. 2 appropriate to the style of art or music associated with a particular period, individual, or group: a short Bach piece containing idiomatic
from
PHic; sedimentary. relating to or involving volcanic processes:
light).
a
n. i«
I'igneasI 'adj. (of rock) having lava or magma. Cf. metamor-
I
ides
i»dyl»lic adj. i»dyl«list
v.
origin or social status: igttoble
derivatives: ig»no»bilM»ty n.
tillers
of
soil.
ig»no«bly
|
-ble
ig»no*min*i*OUS
|
,igno'bilite |
adv.
,igna'mineas • adj. deserving or causing public disgrace or shame: ignominious defeat. I
|
derivatives: ig»no«niinn«ous»ly
ac/?;.
ig»
|
motifs.
derivatives: idM»o»matM»caWy
|-ik(3)-
adv.
le I
id*i«0*path»ic .idea'paeXHikl 'adj. relating to or denoting any disease or condition that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is |
no«min»i«ous»ness n. 'igna,mine; ig«no»min*y
ig'namine
. |
n.
|
shame or
public
disgrace: the ignominy of be-
ing imprisoned.
il»e»um 'ileam' • n. (pi. ilea 'ilea ) the third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the cecum. Ileitis is inflammation of the ileum. |
|
|
I
derivatives: I
il»e«ac
i-,£ek|
adj.
il«e»al
-all adj.
il*i*um
'ileam
• |
n.
(pi.
ilia
|
'ilea |
)
the large
I
broad bone forming the upper part of each
unknown. . n. id*i*0*syn*cra»sy .ides'siNOkrase (pi. -ies) (usu. idiosyncrasies) a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual: one of his little idiosyncrasies was always having to be in the car first. |
a distinctive or peculiar feature or charac-
of a place or thing: the idiosyncrasies an abnormal physical of the prison system. reaction by an individual to a food or
teristic
drug.
derivatives: id»i»o»syn»cra»tic
half of the pelvis.
I
adj.
ilk ' n. [in sing.] a type of people or things similar to those already referred to: the veiled suggestions that reporters of his ilk seem to be so good at fascists, racists, and others of that ilk.
ilk
I
I
I
In modern use, ilk is used in phrases such as of his ilk, of that ilk, to mean 'type' or 'sort.' The use arose out of a misunderstanding of the earlier, Scottish use in the phrase of that ilk, where it means 'of
usage:
|
216
illegal
same name or place.' For this reason, some traditionalists regard the modern use the
as incorrect. It
is,
current use and
however, the only common now part of standard Eng-
is
immaculate derivatives: lu»so»ri»ness
im*ag*ism
|
il»Iu«so»ri«ly |-rale| adv.
il»
n.
'imajizam
• |
a
n.
early 20th-century English
movement
in
and American po-
etry that sought clarity of expression through the use of precise images. The movement
lish.
il*le*gai
|i(l) 'legal]
•
adj.
contrary to or for-
bidden by law, esp. criminal law: illegal drugs. • n. an illegal immigrant. derivatives: a»le»gaW»ty ,i(l)li'ga£lite n. (pi. -ies) il»le»gaWy adv. IHic*lt |i(l)'lisit| •adj. forbidden by law, rules, or custom: illicit sex. DERI VAT V E s U'lic'it'ly adv. il«licnt«ness |
I
:
n.
unable to read parents were illiterate. Cf. INNU'adj.
il*lit*er*ate |i(l)'lit3rit|
or write:
his
MERATE. [with submodifier] ignorant in a particular subject or activity: the extent to which voters are politically illiterate. uncultured or poorly educated: an ignorant, illiterate Town Council. (esp. of a piece of writing) showing a lack of education, esp. an inability to read or write well. • n. a person who is unable to read or write.
phrases: functionally
illiterate lacking the literacy necessary for coping with most jobs and many everyday situations.
derivatives:
il»lit«er«a»cy |-3se|
er»ate»ly adv. il»lit«er»ate»ness
n. il»lit»
derived in part from the aesthetic philosophy of T. E. Hulme and involved Ezra Pound, James Joyce, Amy Lowell, and others. derivatives: im»ag«ist n. im»ag«is»tic ,ima'jistik| adj. I
i*ma*go |i'mago; i'ma-| • n. (pi. imagos, imagoes, or imagines -ga.nez ) 1 the final and fully developed adult stage of an insect, |
typically winged. Cf. larva; metamorphosis; PUPA. 2 an unconscious, idealized mental image of someone, esp. a parent, ttiat influences a person's behavior. i*mam i'mam • n. the person who leads prayers in a mosque. (Imam) a title of various Muslim leaders, esp. of one succeeding Muhammad as leader of Shiite Islam. D e R I V AT I V E s i»mam«ate |-,mat| n. im»be*cile 'imbasal; -,sil • 1 n. a stupid person. 2 formerly, a classification for an adult with the mental age of a young child. • adj. [attrib.] stupid; idiotic: try not to make imbecile remarks. |
|
:
|
|
derivatives: im»be»cilMC adj.
n.
|
im»be»cilM»ty
,imba'silik| |
.imba'silite
|
-ies).
n. (pi.
|
IHo*CU*tion ,il3'kyoosH3n| * n. an action performed by saying or writing something, I
ordering, warning, or promising. derivatives: il»lo»cu»tion»ar»y |-,nere|
im*bibe |im'bib|
'V.
[trans.]
they were imbibing far too
e.g.,
[intrans.] I
having imbibed
drink (alcohol):
many pitchers
of beer
too freely, he fell over.
absorb or assimilate (ideas or knowledge): which you imbibed in your youth. (esp. of seeds) absorb (water) the Bolshevist propaganda
adj.
il*lu»mi»na*ti i,loom3'nate . plural n. people claiming to possess special enlightenment or knowledge of something: some mysterious |
I
standard known only
to the illuminati
of the or-
ganization.
into ultramicroscopic spaces or pores.
(seeds) in water in order to absorb
derivatives: im»bib«er
n.
place
it.
im»bi»bi»tion
,imba'biSHan n. im*bri«cate rimbri,kat| •v. [usu. as adj.] (imbricated) arrange (scales, sepals, plates, |
I
(illuminati) a sect of 16th-century Spanish heretics who claimed special religious enlightenment. (Illuminati) a Bavarian secret society founded in 1776, organized like the Freemasons. Cf. Gnostic,
derivatives: il»lu»mi«nism |i'loom3,nizam n. il»lu»mi»nist i'loomanist n. |
i
I
iMu*sion |i'loozH3n| . n. a false idea or belief: he had no illusions about the trouble she was in. a deceptive
appearance or impression:
the
il-
lusion offamily togetherness. a thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or inter-
preted by the senses: Zollner's illusion makes parallel lines seem to diverge by placing them on a zigzag-striped background. Cf. allusion; delusion. phrases: be under the illusion that believe mistakenly that: the world is under the illusion that the original painting still hangs in the Winter Palace, be under no illusion (or illusions) be fully aware of the true state of
cated triangular plates. [intrans.] [usu. as adj.] (imbricating) overlap: a coating of imbricating scales. • adj. (of scales, sepals, plates, etc.)
having adjacent edges
overlapping.
derivatives: 'kaSHanI
im«bri«ca«tion
,imbri |
n.
im'brolyo . n. (pi. -os) an extremely confused, complicated, or embar-
im*bro*gliO
|
I
rassing situation: the Watergate imbroglio.
im*brue im'broo (also embrue em- \) » v. (imbrues, imbrued, imbruing) [trans.] stain (something, esp. one's hands or sword): |
i
|
they were unwilling to imbrue their hands in his blood.
im*bue im'byoo . V. (imbues, imbued, imbuing) [trans (often be imbued with) inI
|
]
permeate with a feeling or quality: he was imbued with a deep Christian piety. spire or
affairs.
derivatives: illusionary
il*lu*sion*al
|-ZH3nl|
adj.
im«mac*uHate
adj.
il*lu*SO*ry i'loosare; -zare . adj. based on illusion; not real: she knew the safety of her room |
was
they overlap like shingles: these molds have spherical bodies composed of imbrietc.) so that
illusory.
i
|i'm£ekyalit|
'adj. (esp. of a
person or clothes) perfectly clean, neat, or tidy: an immaculate white suit. free from flaws or mistakes; perfect: an
immanent
217
(in tJie Roman immaculate safety record. (in botony Catholic Church) free from sin. and zoology) uniformly colored without spots or other marks.
derivatives: im»mac»u»la»cy im»mac»u«late»ly ness n.
adv.
|-bse|
n.
im»mac»u»late«
I'imansntI • adj. existing or operating within; inherent: the protection of liberties is immanent in constitutional arrangements.
(of God) permanently pervading and sustaining the universe. Often contrasted with
derivatives: im«ma«nence nen»cy n. im»ma»nentnsm im»ma»nent»ist
n.
n.
|-tist|
usage: See usage
im»ma»
n.
|-,tiz3mi
at
eminent.
im*ma»te*ri»al ,i(m)m3'tire3li * adj. 1 unimportant under the circumstances: so long as the band kept the beat, what they played was im|
material.
not consequential: the evidence, while adds nothing to the case, and may be
derivatives: im»ma»te»ri»aln»ty |
adj. resistant to a
owing
ticular infection or toxin
par-
to the pres-
ence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells: they were naturally immune to protected or exempt, esp. from an obligation or the effects of something: they are immune from legal action. Cf. exe.mpt. [predic] not affected or influenced by something: no one is immune to his immense charm. [attrib.] of or relating to
immunity:
the body's
za'tion
immune system. v. im*mu»ni»
n.
im»mu«ni*ty i'myoonite • n. (pi. -ies) the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells: im!
|
munity
to typhoid seems
have increased
to
spontaneously.
protection or exemption from something, an obligation or penalty: the rebels were given immunity from prosecution. offiesp.
excluded as immaterial. 2 spiritual, rather than physical: we have immaterial souls. 'aelite
at a.moral.
»
derivatives: im»mu»nize
TRANSCENDENT.
(in law)
usage: See usage
im»mune li'myoom
hepatitis B.
im*ma«nent
relevant,
impale
n.
-,tire |
im»ma»te»ri«al»ly adv.
granted exemption from legal proceed(immunity to) lack of susceptibility, esp. to something unwelcome or harmful: products must have an adequate level of immucially
ings.
nity to interference.
usage: Immaterial and irrelevant are familiar in legal, esp. courtroom, use. Immaterial means 'unimportant because not adding anything to the point.' Irrelevant, a much more common word, means 'beside the point; not speaking to the point.' Courts have long since ceased to demand precise distinctions, and e\idence is often objected to with the blanket formula "immaterial, irrelevant, and incompetent ('offered by a witness who is not qualified to offer it')."
im*mure mured)
•v.
|i'my(50r|
[trans.]
(usu.
be im-
enclose or confine (someone) forcibly: her brother was immured in a lunatic asylum.
derivatives: immuration
ment
im»mure«
n.
n.
im»mu*ta*ble
|
i'myoopbal
» |
adj.
unchang-
ing over time or unable to be changed: an immutable fact. derivatives: im»mu»ta«biln»ty [i,myoo-ble adv. ts'bilite n. im»mu»ta«bly im*pact • n. 'im.paekt the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with ani
|
i
i
I
other: bullets that expand on impact.
im*me«mo»ri*al
. adj. ,i(m)m3'm6re3l originating in the distant past; very old: an immemorial custom. |
i
derivatives: im»me»mo»ri»al»ly adv. im»mi»grate 'imi,grat • v. [intrans.] come to live permanently in a foreign country: the |
|
Mennonites immigrated
to
Canada
western
in
the 1870s.
usage: See usage
at e.migr.'^te.
the effect or influence of one person, thing, or action, on another: the measures have had a significant impact on unemployment. » v. \mi 'p£ekt| 1 [intrans.] come into forcible contact with another object: the shell impacted twenty yards away. [trans.] come into forcible contact with: an asteroid impacted the earth some 60 million years have a strong effect: high interest rates ago. have impacted on retail spending [trans.] the move is not expected to impact the company's employees. 2 [trans.] press firmly: the animals'feet do not impact and damage the soil as cozvs' hooz'es do. \
im*mi*nent I'imsnantI pen: they were away.
in
*adj.
about to hap-
imminent danger of being swept
derivatives: im»mi»nence
im»mi»
n.
usage The phrasal verb impact on, :
nent«ly adv.
usage: See usage
im*moHate
|
'ims.lati
at e.minent. .
v.
[trans.]
or offer
kill
by burning. derivatives: im»mo»la»tion .ims'laSHanl n. im»mo»la»tor |-,lapr| n. im*mor*al |i(m) 'moral; -'maral] » adj. not conforming to accepted standards of morality: an immoral and unzvinnable war. as a sacrifice, esp.
|
derivatives: im»mo*raln»ty ite;
,im6-|
n.
(pi.
-ies)
|
lima'rsel-
im»mor»al»ly
adv.
as in
always impacts on the bottom line, has been in the language since the 1960s. xVlany people disapprove of it despite its relative frequency, sa\ing that make an impact on or other equivalent wordings
when produce
is lost, it
should be used instead.
im*pair [im'peri age (esp. a
.
human
r.
[trans.]
weaken or dam-
faculty or function): drug
use that impairs job performance.
im*pale im'pal
|
• v.
[trans.] 1
pierce or trans-
|
fix
with a sharp instrument:
his
head was
218
impalpable impaled on a pike and exhibited for all
to see.
2 display (a coat of arms) side by side with another on the same shield, separated by a vertical line: [as adj.] (impaled) the impaled arms of her husband and her father. (of a coat of arms) adjoin (another coat of arms) in this way. derivatives: im»pale«ment n. im«pal»er n.
im«pal»pa»ble im'paelpsbal . adf unable to be felt by touch: an impalpable ghost. Cf. im|
|
material. not easily comprehended: something so impalpable as personhood.
derivatives: im«pal»pa»bilM«ty 'bilite
n. I
im»pal»pa»bly
im*par*tial
|
im'parSHal
|
-ble .
l-.paslps
adv.
|
treating
adj.
I
and
all
Imperious
im*pede |im'ped| (someone or them; hinder:
delay or prevent by obstructing can
impede breathing.
drance or obstruction serious
impediment
in
to
»
n.
a hin-
doing something: a
scientific progress.
speech impediment)
a defect in a person's speech, such as a lisp or stammer. derivatives: im»pedM«men»tal |-,ped3 'mentl adj.
(also
|
usage: See usage
at
impedance.
im*ped*l*men*ta lim.peds'mental • plural n. equipment for an activity or expedition, esp. when considered as bulky or an encumbrance.
im«pel
pendent and impartial advice. derivatives: im»par»ti»alM»ty |-,parSHe 'aelite n. im»par»tial»ly adv.
[trans.]
|
[trans.]
im*ped*i*ment lim'pedamanti
just: inde-
parties equally; not partial; fair
'V.
something)
the sap causes swelling that
(impelled, impelling) (someone) to do something: financial difficulties impelled him to desperate measures [with obj. and infinitive] a I
im'pel
• V.
I
drive, force, or urge
\
im*passe 'im.paes; im'paes • n. a situation in which no progress is possible, esp. because \
lack
of equality
|
of disagreement; a deadlock: the current political impasse.
im*pas«sioned
. adj. im'paeSHand filled with or showing great emotion: she made an impassioned plea for help. im»pas*Sive |im'paesiv| » adj. not feeling or showing emotion: impassive passersby ignore |
I
the performers.
derivatives: im»pas»sive»ly pas«sive»ness
n.
adv.
im» .imps
im»pas»siv*i»ty |
'sivitel n.
im*peach
|
im'pecH
|
[trans.]
. v.
call
into
question the integrity or validity of (a practice or action): there is no basis to Searle's motion to impeach the verdict. charge (the holder of a public office) with misconduct: Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were both impeached, but neither was Brit, convicted on any charge. charge with treason or another crime against the state.
derivatives: im»peach«a»ble peach'ment n. im*pec*ca*ble lim'peksbsll
adj.
im»
»adj. (of behav-
performance, or appearance) in accordance with the highest standards of propriety;
ior,
faultless: a
man
of impeccable character. Theology not liable to sin.
derivatives: im»pec*ca»bil»i»ty
l-.peka
im»pec»ca»bly -ble adv. • adj. im*pe*CU*nl«OUS .imps'kyooneas having little or no money: a humble and impe'bilite
n.
|
|
I
|
|
cunious family.
impelled the
oppressed
drive forward; propel: vital energies impel him in unforeseen directions. im*pend im'pend • V. [intrans.] [usu. as adj.] (impending) be about to happen: my im|
I
pending departure. (of something bad) loom: danger of collision impends.
im*per*a*tive lim'perativl . adj. 1 of vital importance; crucial: immediate action was imper[with clause] it is imperative that standards be maintained. 2 giving an authoritative command; peremptory: the bell pealed again, a final imperative call. grammar denoting the mood of a verb that expresses a command or exhortation, as come in 1 an essential or urgent thing: come here! • free movement of labor was an economic imperaative
I
tive.
making something neccame about through a finana thing felt as an obligation:
a factor or influence essary: the change cial imperative.
the moral imperative of aiding Third World development. 2 a verb or phrase in the imperative
mood. (the imperative) the imperative mood. im»per»a»ti»val |-,per3 'tivsl adj. im»per»a»tive»ly adv. im»per«a« tive»ness n.
derivatives: I
im»per*cep»ti»ble .impsr'septabsll 'adj. impossible to perceive: his head moved in an |
almost imperceptible nod. DERI VAT I v E s im»per»cep*ti«bilM*ty :
derivatives: im»pe»cu»ni«os»i«ty -,kyoone'asitel n. im»pe»cu»ni»ous«ness n. Im*ped*ance im'pedns • n. the effective resistance of an electric circuit or component to alternating current, arising from the combined effects of ohmic resistance and reac|
|
|
tance.
usage: Impedance is a specialized electrical term, while impediment is an everyday term meaning
hindrance or obstruction,' e.g., interpreting his handwriting was an impediment to getting business done. 'a
to
fight.
|
sep-
,
im»per»cep»ti»bly |-ble| adv. im*pe*ri*al*ism |im'pire3|liz3m| • n. a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force (or, by extension, through other forms of power). rule by an emperor. DERIVATIVES: im»pe»ri«alMst n. im«pe»ri« aHs'tic -ipirea'listiki adj. im»pe»ri»alMS« ts'bilitel n.
I
ti'caWy -,pire3'listik(3)le adv. im«pe»ri»OUS im'pireas • adj. assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering: his imperious de|
|
|
|
mands.
impermeable
219
derivatives: im»pe«ri»ous«ly pe»ri»ous»ness
im»
adv.
n.
Im»per»me*a*ble
im'parmeabsl |
»adj. not
|
allowing fluid to pass dirough: an impermeable membrane. Cf. impervious. not liable to be affected by pain or distress; not susceptible or not perturbable: women who appear impermeable to pain. DERI VAT I V e s im»per»me»a»biln»ty - psr:
|
,
mea'bilitel
|
|
tinent to a particular matter; irrelevant: talk of "rhetoric" and "strategy" is impertinent to this process. :
im»per»vi»OUS
im»per»
n.
im'parvess adj. not allowing anything to pass through: an impervious layer of basaltic clay. Cf. impermeable. .
|
I
(impervious
to) unable to
be
af-
fected by: he worked on, apparently impervious to the heat.
derivatives: im«per»vi»ous»ly per»vi»ous»ness
adv.
im»
|
|
but controlled flow of water. 'wasite n. im»pet»u»ous»ly adv. im»pet»u» ous*ness n. im*pe*tUS 'impitas . n. the force or energy with which a body moves: hit the booster coil |
|
I
before the flywheel loses all
impetus. Cf.
its
mo-
mentum. quickly: the
provided the original
of the 1860s
crisis
impetus for
the settle-
ments.
im«pinge im'pinj
|
•
(impinging)
v.
|
[intrans.]
have an effect or impact, esp. a negative one: Nora was determined that the tragedy would
impinge as little as possible on
Constance's
life.
advance over an area belonging to someone or something else; encroach: the site impinges on a conservation area. (im-
pinge on/upon) come
into forcible contact
with; strike: the gases impinge on the surface of the liquid.
derivatives:
im«pinge»ment
n.
im»
ping»er n. im*plac*a*ble im'plsekabal . adj. unable to be placated: he was an implacable enemy of |
I
Ted's.
relentless; unstoppable: the implacable advance of the enemy. derivatives: im»plac»a«bil»i»ty |-,pl£ek3
im»plac»a»bly |-ble| adv. im*plau*Si*ble im'plozsbsl »adj. (of an argument or statement) not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince: a blatantly implausible claim your suggested solution n.
|
|
I
harmful one): a chemical implicated
inal or
derivatives: im»plau»si*biln»ty n.
in
ozone depletion. involve (something) in a necessary way: cable franchise activities plainly
Amendment interests. 2 convey meaning or intention) indirectly through what one says, rather than stating it explicitly; implicate First
coffee would keep her implicated that she didn't want
imply: by saying that
Mary
awake, any.
•
a thing implied.
n.
derivatives: im»pli»ca»tive
'impli,kakh im»pli»ca»tive»ly adv. . im*pli*ca*tion ,impli'kaSH3n 1 the conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated: the implication is that no one person at the bank is responsible. a likely consequence of something: a victory that had important political implications. 2 the action or state of being involved in something: our implication in the problems. derivatives: im«pli»ca»tion»al |-SH3nl| im'plikativl
|
adj.
|
|
im*plic*it |im'phsit| » adj. 1 implied though not plainly expressed: comments seen as implicit criticism
of the
policies.
(implicit in)
[predic]
essentially
or very
connected with; always to be found in: the values implicit in the school ethos. 2 with no qualification or question; absolute: an implicit faith in God. 3 (of a mathematical function) not expressed directly in terms of independent variables. derivatives: im»plicMfly adv. im»plic» n.
im'plod • v. collapse or cause to collapse violently inward: [intrans.] the windows on both sides of the room imploded [trans.] these forces would implode the pellet to a density 1 00 times higher than that of lead. [intrans.] suffer sudden economic or political collapse: can any amount of aid save the repub-
im*ploCle
im»plau»si»bly
|
-ble
|
adv.
|-,pl6z3
|
|
\
lic
from imploding?
DERIVATIVES im»plo»sion :
plo'sive
|-ZH3n|
n.
im»
|-siv| adj.
|im'pl6r| •v. beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something: he "Please don't implored her to change her mind talk that way," Ellen implored. [trans.] beg earnestly for: / implore mercy.
im*plore
\
derivatives: im»plor»ing»ly
adv.
-ied) [trans.] strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated): salesmen who use jargon to imply superior knowledge [with clause] the report implies that two million
Im»ply
|im'pli|
'V.
(-ies,
|
may be lost. (of a fact or occurrence) suggest (something) as a logical consequence: the predicted traffic increase implied more roads and more air
jobs
pollution.
infer do not mean the same thing and should not be used interchangeably: see usage at infer.
usage Imply and :
implausible.
I
(an action or process, esp. a crim-
sibility for
it«ness
makes something happen or
the force that
'bilite
show
closely
derivatives: im»pet»u«osn»ty |-,peCH3
is
1
[trans.]
adj.
n.
im*pet*U*OUS im'peCHawas • adj. acting or done quickly and without thought or care: her friend was headstrong and impetuous. moving forcefully or rapidly: an impetuous
happen more
^v.
(someone) to be involved in a crime: police claims implicated him in many more killings. (be implicated in) bear some of the respon-
tiv;
D e R I VAT I V E s im«per»ti»nence ti»nent«ly adv.
'bilitel
im*pli*cate I'impli.katl
(a
n.
• adj. 1 not im*per»ti«nent im'partn-ant showing proper respect; rude: an impertinent question. Cf. insolent, irreverent. 2 not per-
[predic]
imply
220
impolitic im*poW*tlc
im'pali.tik I
I
prudence; unwise:
sess or display itic to
pay
•adj. failing to posit
was impol-
the slightest tribute to the enemy.
derivatives: im«pol»i»tic»ly
adv.
sion: importunate creditors.
por»tu»ni«ty
,imp6r't(y)oonite
|
|
high heels his impractical romanticism. (of a person) not skilled or interested in practical matters: Paul was impractical and dreamy. 2 impossible to do; impracticable. tical
lm*por»tU»nate |im'p6rCH3nit| . adj. persistent, esp. to the point of annoyance or intru-
derivatives: im«por»tu«nate»ly
imprimatur
im»prac»ti«cal im'praektikal • adj. 1 (of an object or course of action) not adapted for use or action; not sensible or realistic: imprac-
adv. n.
|
im» (pi.
\
derivatives: im»prac»ti«cal»i»ty ti'kselite
-ik(3)le |
|
adv.
-ies).
im*por*tune
,imp6r't(y)oon; im'p6rCH3n| ask (someone) pressingly and persistently for or to do something: if he were alive now, I should importune him with my questions. approach (someone) to offer one's services • V.
|-,praek-
im»prac»ti»cal»ly
n.
|
|
|
[trans.]
Im*pre*cate |'impri,kat|
,impri'ka|
SHan
im«pre«ca«tor
n.
n.
im»pre»ca»to»ry
I
'imprik3,t6re
ceive others.
someone or
something.
I
|
|
utter (a
[trans.]
derivatives: im»pre»ca»tion
as a prostitute.
inn*post 'im.post • n. a tax or similar compulsory payment. im*pos*tlire lim'pasCHari • n. an instance of pretending to be someone else in order to de-
'V.
curse) or invoke (evil) against
adj. |
im«preg*na*ble
im'pregnsbsl . adj. (of a unable to be captured or broken into: an impregnable wall of solid sandstone the companies are impregnable to take|
|
fortified position)
\
overs.
im*po*tent
adj. 1 unable to take 'impatnti was an impotent anger. 2 (of a man) abnormally unable to achieve a sexual erection. (of a male animal) unable to copulate. derivatives: im»po»tence n. im»po»ten« cy n. im»po»tent»ly adv. im*pound im'pownd • V. [trans.] 1 seize and take legal custody of (something, esp. a vehicle, goods, or documents) because of an in•
|
unable to be defeated or destroyed; unasSimpson would have
effective action; helpless or powerless: he
sailable: the case against
seized with
been almost impregnable.
|
derivatives: im»preg»na»biln»ty - pregn. im«preg»na«bly -ble adv. im«preg*nate im'preg,nat 'v. [trans.] |
,
na'bilite
|
|
|
|
|
make
1
(a
woman
or female animal) preg-
nant.
I
fringement of a law or regulation: vehicles parked in the zone will be impounded. 2 shut up (domestic animals) in a pound or enclosure. (of a dam) hold back or confme (water): the dam impounds the Feather River.
derivatives: im»pound»a»ble pound»er n. im»pound«ment n.
adj.
im»
and impoverish their people [as adj.] (impoverished) impoverished peasant farm-
investment
\
ers.
exhaust the strength, vitality, or natural ferwas impoverished by overplanting [as adj.] (impoverished) an impoverished and debased language. tility of: the soil I
derivatives: im»pov»ernsh»ment
n.
im»prac»ti«ca»ble im'praektikabal • adj. (of a course of action) impossible in practice to do or carry out: it was impracticable to widen the road here an impracticable suggestion. im»prac»ti«ca»bil»i»ty derivatives: n. im»prac«ti»ca»bly -iPraektika'bilite |
|
\
I
|-ble| adv.
usage: Impracticable and impractical sometimes confused. Impracticable to carry out' and is normally used of a specific procedure or course of action, as in poor visibility made the task difficult, even impracticable. Impractical, on the other hand, tends to be used in more are
means 'impossible
general senses, often to mean simply 'unreaUstic' or 'not sensible,' as in in windy weather an umbrella is impractical. Impractical may be used in describing a person, but not
impracticable.
female
reproductive
or
cell
or saturate (something) with a substance: wood that had been impregnated with preservative.
imbue with
feelings or qualities:
an atmo-
sphere impregnated with tension.
derivatives: im«preg»na»tion
impreg
, |
'naSHan n. im*pre*sa*ri*0 ,impr3'sare,o; -'ser-| • n. (pi. -os) a person who organizes and often |
im*pov*er*ish |im'pav(3)riSH| ^v. [trans.] make (a person or area) poor: they discourage
I
(a
fertilize
ovum). 2 (usu. be impregnated with) soak
|
finances concerts, plays, or operas. formerly, the manager of a musical, theatrical, or operatic company. im*press • v. [trans.] force (someone) to serve in an army or navy: a number of Poles, impressed into the German army. commandeer (goods or equipment) for public
service.
DERI VAT V e s im»press»ment I
:
lm*pres*sion*ism style or
movement
n.
im'preSH3,niz3m |
.
n.
a
I
in painting originating in
in the 1860s, characterized by a concern with depicting the visual impression of the moment, esp. in terms of the shifting effect of light and color. a literary or artistic style that seeks to capture a feeling or experience rather than to Music a style of achieve accurate depiction. composition (associated esp. with Debussy) in which clarity of structure and theme is subordinate to harmonic effects, characteristically using the whole-tone scale. Cf. expres-
France
sionism.
Im»pri«ma*tur .impra'mapr; -'mapri • n. an official license granted by the Roman Cathohc Church to print an ecclesiastical or |
religious book. [in sing.] a
person's acceptance or guarantee
imprint
221
of a good standard: the original LP enjoyed the imprimatur of the composer. im»print »v. |im'print| 1 [trans.] (usu. be imprinted) impress or stamp (a mark or outhne) on a surface or body: tire marks were imprinted in the snow. make an impression or mark on (somethat
something
is
imprinted with
thing): clothes
the logos of
fix (an idea) firmly in someone's mind: he would always have this ghastly image imprinted on his mind. 2 [intrans.] (imprint on) Zoology (of a young animal) come to recognize (another animal, person, or thing) as a parent or other object of habitual trust. • n. 'imprint 1 a mark made by pressing something on to a softer substance so that its outline is reproduced: the signet ring left its imprint in the sealing wax. a lasting impression or effect: years in the
sports teams.
|
I
inanimate nent: he could have strangled this impudent upstart impudent remarks from the children. Cf. I
insolent.
derivatives: im«pu»dence
im«pu»
n.
dent'ly adv. im*pugn im'pyoon . V. [trans.] dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or |
I
motive); call into question: the father does not impugn her capacity as a good mother defendant's lawyer impugned this testimony. \
derivatives:
pugn»ment
im»pugn»a»ble
n.
im*pul*sive jim'palsivl 'adj. 1 acting or done without advance planning or thought: they had married as impulsive teenagers perhaps he's regretting his impulsive offer. 2 (in physics) acting as an impulse: impulsive forces. derivatives: im»pul»sive»ly adv. im»pul» \
sive»ness
n.
im»pul»siv»i»ty
.impal'sivite |
had
2 a printer's or publisher's name, address, and other details in a book or other printed item. colonies
left
their imprint.
brand name under which books are pubname of a former pubhshing house that is now part of a larger a
lished, typically the
group.
im*promp«tu |im'pram(p),t(y)oo| 'adj. & adv. done without being planned, organized, adj.] an impromptu press conhe spoke impromptu. • n. (pi. impromptus) a short piece of instrumental music, esp. a solo, that is reminiscent of an improvisation. im»pro»pri*e*ty .impra'pnite . n. (pi. -ies) a failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty; improper behavior or character: she was scandalized at the impropriety of the question there are no demonstrable diplomatic improprieties.
or rehearsed: [as
ference
I
[as adv.]
|
|
\
. adj. im*prov»i*dent im'pravidant not having or showing foresight; spendthrift or |
I
thoughtless: improvident havior. Cf. PROVIDENT.
and
undisciplined be-
derivatives: im»prov»i»dence
n.
im»
prov»i»dent»ly adv.
im*pro»vise rimpr3,viz| ^v. [trans.] create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation: the ability to improvise operatic arias in any given style [intrans.] he was improvising over guitar chords. Cf. AD LIB. produce or make (something) from whatever is available: / improvised a costume for myself out of an old blue dress [as adj.] (improvised) we camped out, sleeping on improvised \
\
beds.
derivatives: ,pravi'zaSH3n|
n.
im»provn»sa«tion |im im»provM«sa»tion»al |im
iPravi'zaSHanl adj. im»prov»i»sa*to«ri»al im,praviz3't6re3l adj. im»pro»vi»sa»to»ry |
I
|
im«pro«vis»er n. im«pru*dent im'proodnt • adj. not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash: it would be imprudent to leave your coat behind. I
im'praviz3,t6re
adj.
|
|
I
derivatives: im»pru»dence
n.
im»pru»
dent'ly adv.
im»pu»dent 'impy3d(9)nt| 'adj. not showing due respect for another person; imperti|
im«
adj.
|
n.
im»pu*ni*ty |im'pyoonite| » n. exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action: the impunity enjoyed by military officers
protesters |
burned flags on the streets with seeming impunity. . V. im*pute [trans.] represent im'pyoot (something, esp. something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possessed by someI
I
one; attribute: the crimes imputed to Richard. assign (a value) to something by inference from the economic value of the products or processes to which it contributes: [as adj.]
(imputed)
recovering the initial outlay plus
ascribe a moral quality or virtue of a similar quality in another: Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us.
imputed
interest.
attribute to
someone by
derivatives: im»put»a»ble
im»pu»
adj.
taction
limpya'taSHsn n. in«ad»vert«ent .inad'vsrtntl 'adj. not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning: inadvertent spread of species through I
I
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trade.
(of a mistake) made through lack of care: an inadvertent omission.
derivatives: in«ad»vert»ence
n.
in»ad»
in»ad»vert»enfly adv. in»al*len*a»ble lin'alesnsball . adj. unable to be taken away from or given away by tlie possessor; not alienable: freedom of thought, the vert»en»cy
n.
most inalienable of all human rights. derivatives: in»alMen»a*biln»ty
|-, alc-
ana 'bilite n. in»al»ien«a»bly -ble adv. in»am«0*ra*ta in.aema'rata . n. a person's female lover. The male is inamorato. in*ane i'nan • adj. without sense or meaning; silly; stupid: don constantly badger people |
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with inane questions. adv. in»ane»ness in»anM»ty |i'naenite| n. (pi. -ies) in*an*i*mate in'senamit . adj. not alive, esp. not in the manner of animals and humans:
derivatives: in»ane»ly n.
.
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I
inanimate objects
like stones.
showing no sign of life; lifeless: he was completely inanimate and it was difficult to tell if he was breathing. derivatives: in»an»i»mate«ly adv.
222
inarticulate in»ar«tlc«U»late
,inar'tiky3lit|
adj. 1
.
|
sent (a deity or spirit) in human form: the idea that God incarnates himself in man. put (an idea or other abstract concept) into concrete form: a desire to make things that will incarnate their personality. (of a person) be the living embodiment of (a quality): the woman who incarnates the suffering of all her
unable
to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly:
he was inarticulate with abashment and regret. not clearly expressed or pronounced: inarticulate complaints of inadequate remuneration.
having no distinct meaning; unintelligible:
and down
lurching up
uttering inarticulate cries.
not expressed; unspoken: inarticulate resentment. 2 without joints or articulations. derivatives: in«ar«tic»u»la»cy |-bse| n. in»ar»tic»u»late«ly
adv.
incident
people.
in*cen*di*ar»y
in'sende,ere . adj. (of a device or attack) designed to cause fires: incen-
diary bombs
in»ar»tic»u*late»
I
ness n. in*aus*pi*cious ,in6'spiSH9s| »adj. not conducive to success; unpromising: an inaus-
device.
derivatives: in»aus»pi»cious»ly
a person
adv. in*
aus«pi»cious»ness n. in»born 'in'bdrn • adj. existing from birth: an inborn defect in breathing capacity. natural to a person or animal: people think doctors have inborn compassion. in*bred 'in, bred • adj. 1 produced by the I
interbreeding of closely related individuals (inbreeding): a classic inbred English aristocrat. 2 existing in a person, animal, or plant from birth; congenital: inbred disease resistance in crops.
cam»er»a chambers of
adv.
•
in private, esp.
in the
by the accusations. in*cen*tive in'sentiv| • «. a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something: give farmers an incentive to improve their land. a payment or concession to stimulate greater output or investment: tax incentives for investing in depressed areas [as adj.] incentive pay|
\
.inkan'dessnti »adj. emitting light as a result of being heated: plumes of incandescent liquid rock. (of an electric light) containing a filament that glows white-hot when heated by a current passed through it. of outstanding and exciting quality; brilliant: an incandescent performance. derivatives: in»can»des»cence n. in* |
can«des»cent«ly adv. in»can»ta*tion linkaen'taSHsn]
n.
•
a series of
|
as a
magic
ments.
derivatives: incentivize
sider the motion in camera.
words said
starts fires, esp. in a military
a person
Z3m| n. in*cense |in'sens| •v. [trans.] (usu. be incensed) make very angry: she was incensed
a judge: the court retired to con-
in»can*des*cent
who
who stirs up conflict. derivatives: in«cen»di«a«rism |-de9,ricontext.
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in
raid.
tending to stir up conflict: incendiary rhetovery exciting: an incendiary live performer. . n. (pi. -ies) an incendiary bomb or
picious beginning Cf. auspicious,
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an incendiary
ric.
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spell or
charm: an
v. incentivization n. in*cep*tion in'sepsHsn . n. [in sing.] the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity: she has been on the board since its inception two years ago. In»cer»ti*tude in's3rti,t(y)ood . w. a state of uncertainty or hesitation: some schools broke down under the stresses of policy incertitude. |
I
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in«ces*sant lin'sessntj ^adj. (of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption: the incessant beat of the music.
in-
in»ca«pacM»tant |-'psesin»ca»pacM»ta»tion -.paesi'tasHsn
derivatives: in«ces»san»cy n. in«ces» sant'ly adv. in»ces»sant»ness n. 'in,sest| • n. sexual relations between people classed as being too closely related to marry each other. the crime of having sexual intercourse with a parent, child, sibling, or grandchild. in*ces*tll*OUS in'sesCHawss • adj. 1 involving or guilty of incest: the child of an incestuous relationship. 2 (of human relations generally) excessively close and resistant to outside
in»car»cer»ate |in'kars3,rat| 'V. [trans.] (usu. be incarcerated) put in jail or prison: many
influence: the incestuous nature of literary journalism. derivatives: in»ces»tu»ous»ly adv. in«
cantation to raise the dead.
the use of such words: there was no magic in such incantation incantations of old slogans. \
derivatives: ,t6re
in»can»ta»to»ry
l-'ksenta
adj. I
. v. in*ca*pac«i*tate ,ink3'paesi,tat [trans.] prevent from functioning in a normal way: he was incapacitated by a heart attack. deprive (someone) of their legal capacity. |
I
derivatives: 3tnt| n.
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?i.
are incarcerated for property offenses.
confine (someone) in a particular place: he spent a long evening incarcerated in his study. derivatives: in»car»cer»a»tion |-,kars3 'raSHsnl n. in«car»cer»a»tor |-,rat3r| n. in«car«nate |in'karnit;-,nat| * adf [often postpositive] (esp. of a deity or spirit) embodied in flesh; in human form: Krishna incarnate he chose to be incarnate as a man. [postpositive] represented in the ultimate or most extreme form: here is capitalism incarnate. . V. -,nat [trans.] 1 embody or repre\
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nicest
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ces»tu»ous«ness n. ln*cho*ate • adj. in'ko-it; -at just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimen\
|
a still inchoate democracy. confused or incoherent: inchoate political protest. (of an offense, such as incitement or tary:
conspiracy) anticipating a further criminal act.
derivatives: in«cho»ate»ly adv. in»cho« ate»ness n. in*ci»dent I'insidsntI • «. 1 an event or occurrence: several amusing incidents.
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223
incidental a violent event,
something: when an ion beam is incident on a surface. of or relating to incidence: the incident angle. |
.insi'dentl
• |
adj.
accompa-
1
nying but not a major part of something:
in-
cidental expenses. else: the incidental catch of dolphins
in the pursuit of tuna.
happen
to) liable to
2
(incidental
[predic]
as a
consequence of (an
activity): the ordinary risks incidental to
man's job. tal detail,
•
n.
(often incivilities) an impolite or offensive
comment. in«clem*ent
lin'klemsml » adj. (of the weather) unpleasantly stormy, cold, or wet; not clement.
derivatives: in»clem»en«cy in*COg*nl«tO
|
n.
-ies)
(pi.
,inkag'neto; in'kagni,to|
•
.
adj.
&
adv. (of a person) having one's true identity concealed: [as adj.] in order to observe you
have
to be incognito \
nito.
•
n.
(pi.
[as adv.] operating incog-
-os) an assumed or false iden-
tity.
in*CO*her»ent
.inko'hirsnt;
|
(of spoken
,iNG-
-'her-;
language) expressed in an incomprehensible or confusing way; not coherent; unclear: he screamed •
adj.
1
or written
some incoherent threat. (of a person) unable to speak intelligibly. (of an ideology, policy, or system) internally inconsistent; illogical: the film is ideologically incoherent. 2 (of light or electromagnetic
waves) having no definite or stable phase relationship.
occurring by chance in connection with
something
incorporate
such as a fracas or assault: one
person was stabbed in the incident. a hostile clash between forces of rival countries. (incident of) a case or instance of something happening: a single incident of rudeness does not support a finding of contemptuous conduct. the occurrence of dangerous or exciting things: a distinct the winter passed without incident. piece of action in a play or a poem. 2 (in law) a privilege, burden, or right attaching to an • adj. office, estate, or other holding. 1 [predic] (incident to) liable to happen because of; resulting from: the changes incident to economic development. (in law) attaching to: the costs properly incident to a suit for foreclosure or redemption. 2 (esp. of light or other radiation) falling on or striking
in»ci»den*tal
1
expense, event,
a fire-
an inciden-
(usu. incidentals)
etc.: meals, taxis,
and
other incidentals.
derivatives: in»co»her»ence her«en«cy
n.
in»COm*mu*ni*ca»dO •
&
adj.
in»co»
n.
-ies) in«co»her»ent»ly adv.
(pi.
,ink3,myooni'kado
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I
adv. not able, wanting, or allowed to
communicate with other people: they were and detained incommunicado trying
separated
|
arrange a few days incommunicado. in»COm»pat*i*ble linksm paepbal; ,iNG-| • adj. (of two things) so opposed in character as to be incapable of existing together; not compatible: cleverness and femininity were seen to
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derivatives: incidentally in»cip*l*ent
lin'sipesnti
*
adv. in
adj.
an
initial
beginning to happen or develop: could incipient anger building up\ an incipient
stage; feel
black eye.
(of a person) developing into a specified type
or role: we seemed more
like friends
than incipi-
ent lovers.
derivatives: in»cipn«ence en»cy
n.
n.
in»cipM»
in*cip«i»ent»ly adv.
in*cise |in'siz| 'V. [trans.] (usu. be incised) mark or decorate (an object or surface) with a cut or a series of cuts: a button incised with the letter G.
cut (a
(of two people) unable to live together har[predic] (incompatible with) moniously. (of one thing or person) not consistent or able to coexist with (another): long hours are (of simply incompatible with family life. equipment, machinery, computer programs, etc.) not capable of being used in combination.
derivatives: in«com»patM»bilM»ty l-.paeta'bilite n. in«com»pafi»bly -ble adv. in»COn»gru»OUS in'kaNCgrawas . adf not
into a surface: figures incised on upright stones. cut (skin or flesh) with a surgical instrument: the wound was incised and drained.
in»ci»sive |in'sisiv| * adj. (of a person or mental process) intelligently analytical and clear-thinking: she was an incisive critic. (of an account) accurate and sharply focused: the songs offer incisive pictures of Ameri-
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harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. ,ink3n derivatives: in»con»grun»ty in
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'grooite; ,iNGkaNG-| n.
(pi.
-ies)
in»con»gru»
ous'ly adv. in'kantsnant; -'kanm-3nt| ln*COn*ti»nent . adj. 1 having no or insufficient voluntary control over urination or defecation. 2 lack|
ing self-restraint; uncontrolled: the incontinent
can ways.
derivatives:
in»ci»sive»ly
adv.
in»ci»
hysteria of the fans.
derivatives: in«con»ti»nence
n.
In*cite |in'sit| » V. [trans.] encourage or stir up (violent or unlawfial behavior): the offense of inciting racial hatred.
urge or persuade (someone) to act in a violent or unlawftil way: he incited loyal subjects to rebellion.
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-ble I
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in»ci»ta»tion ,insi'tasH3n n. in«cit»er n. in«ci*vil»i»ty .insiVilite . n. (pi. -ies) rude or unsociable speech or behavior; lack of civility or politeness.
in«cite»ment
in»con«
n.
ti»nent«ly adv. iUikantravartsbal in«COn*tro*vert*i»ble • adj. not able to be denied or disputed; not possible to controvert: incontrovertible proof. derivatives: in»con»tro»vert»i»bil»i»ty in»con»tro*vert*i«bly n. -.varp'bilite
derivatives: n.
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mark or decoration)
sive»ness
as incompatible.
adv. I
[trans.] |in'k6rp3,rat| in»COr*po»rate »v. 1 put or take in (something) as part of a whole; include: he has incorporated in his territoproposals a large number of measures |
224
incorporeal ries
had been incorporated into
that
the Jap-
anese Empire. contain or include (something) as part of a whole: the guide incorporates all the recent changes in legislation. combine (ingredients) into one substance: add the cheeses and butter and process briefly to incorporate them. 2 (often be incorporated) constitute (a company, city, or other organization) as a legal corporation.
»
|-'k6rp(9)rit| 1 (also
adj.
incorpo-
indelible change in a variable quantity or function. Cf. decrement. DERI VAT v E s in»cre«men»tal .iNGkra
tive
I
:
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'mentl;,in-| adj.
'mentl-e; ,in-
1
in»cre»men«taWy
|
.iNGkra
adv.
in»crim*l*nate
|in'krim3,nat|
make (someone) appear
»v.
[trans.]
crime or the guilt of
guilty of a
wrongdoing; strongly imply (someone): he refused to answer questions
in or-
der not to incriminate himself [as adj.] (incriminating) incriminating evidence. \
rated) (of a
formed into
company
or other organization)
a legal corporation.
2 having
a
bodily form; embodied.
'nasH3n|
derivatives: in»cor»po«ra»tion |-,k6rp3 'raSHsnl n. in*cor»po»ra«tor |-,rat3r| n. . adj. in*COr»po*re*al .inkor'poreal not composed of matter; having no material existence: millions believe in a supreme but incorporeal being they call God. Cf. immaterial. (in law) having no physical existence: incor|
i
poreal hereditaments such as rights of way. derivatives: in»cor»po*re*alM«ty |-,p6re 'selite n. in»cor»po»re»al«ly adv. in»cor»po« re«i«ty |-p9'reite| n. in*COr»ri»gl»ble in'korijsbal • adj. (of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed: she's an incor• n. rigible flirt. a person of this type. Cf. I
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recalcitrant, refractory, in«cor»ri»gi»bil»i»ty -,k6riin»cor»ri»gi»bly adv. [as submodifier] the incorrigibly macho character of newsgathering operations. in*cred«i*ble in'kredsbal . adj. 1 impossible to believe: an almost incredible tale of triumph and tragedy. 2 difficult to believe; extraordinary: the noise from the crowd was in|
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n.
|
I
credible.
amazingly good or beautiful: she looked so
in -
credible.
derivatives: in»cred»i»ban«ty 'bilitel
|-,kred3
adjective incredible
means
'unbelievable' or 'not convincing' and can be applied to a situation, statement, policy, or threat to a person, e.g., I find this testimony
Incredulous means
—
'disinclined
the opposite of creduto believe; skeptical' lous, gullible and is usually applied to a person's attitude, e.g.. You shouldn't be surprised
—
that I'm incredulous after all your
lies.
in«cre»du«li»ty .inkrs' d(y) oolite *n. the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something: he stared down the street in incredu|
|
lity.
in*cred*U*IOUS in'krejabs . adj. (of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something: an incredulous gasp. derivatives: in»cred»u»lous«ly adv. in* cred»u»lous»ness n. in*cre*ment 'iNokrsmant • n. an increase or addition, esp. one of a series on a fixed scale: the inmates' pay can escalate in fivecent increments to a maximum of 90 cents an I
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hour.
'inkys.bat; 'iNG-
• v.
1
(of a
[trans.]
|
on (eggs) in order to keep them warm and bring them to hatching. bird)
sit
(esp. in a laboratory)
embryos,
teria,
keep (eggs, cells, bactemperature
etc.) at a suitable
so that they develop: the samples were incubated at 80°C for 3 minutes. (be incubating something) have an infectious disease developing inside one before symptoms appear: the possibility that she was incubating syphilis. [intrans.] develop slowly without outward or perceptible signs: unfortunately the bug incubates for
around
three years.
derivatives: in»cu»ba»tion
n.
in»cu»ba»
in*CU*bus 'iNGkysbas; 'in-| • «. (pi incubi - ,bi ) a male demon believed to have sexual I
I
I
intercourse with sleeping women. a cause of distress or anxiety: debt is a big incubus in developing countries. Cf. SUCCUBUS.
in*CUl*cate
in'ksl.kat; 'inksl-
1
. V.
on such a scale. mathematics) a small positive or nega-
[trans.]
in-
|
(an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction: the failures of the churches to inculcate a sense of moral responsibility. teach (someone) an attitude, idea, or habit still
by such instruction: they will you with a respect for culture. SHsnl
in»cul«ca»tive
n.
try to
inculcate
|
.inkarka-
in»cul»ca«tor
adj.
|-,kat3r| n.
in*CUl*pate in'ksl.pat; 'inksl- . v. [trans.] accuse or blame. incriminate: someone placed the pistol in your room in order to inculpate you. Cf. exculpate, derivatives: in«cul»pa»tion linkal'paSHsn n. in»cul»pa»to»ry in'k3lp3,t6re adj. in»cum«bent lin'kambanti * adj. 1 [predic] (incumbent on/upon) necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility: it is incumbent on all decent people to concentrate on destroying this evil. 2 [attrib.] (of an official or regime) currently holding office: the incumbent president 1
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had been
defeated.
denoting a company having a relatively greater franchise or share of a market: powerful incumbent airlines. • n. the holder of an office or post. in«de«fat»i»ga*ble .inds'fEetigabal . adj. (of a person or personal efforts) persisting tire|
|
lessly:
an
indefatigable defender of human rights.
derivatives: in»de«fafi»ga«bil»i«ty
|-,faet-
in»de»fafi«ga»bly |-ble| adv. in'debbsl . adj. (of ink or a in*del*i*ble pen) making marks that cannot be removed. igs' bilitel
a regular increase in salary (in
|-,krim3
|-n3,t6re|
adj.
in*CU*bate
derivatives: in»cul«ca»tion
n.
usage: The
incredible.
in«crimn»na»to»ry
n.
tive adj.
derivatives: ja'bilite
derivatives: in»crim»i»na»tion
n.
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225
indelicate
not able to be forgotten or removed: the story made an indelible impression on me.
derivatives: in»deW»biln»ty ite|
n.
in»deH»bly
in*del*i*cate
showing
how
'adj. having or understanding or
|in'delikit|
a lack of sensitive
tact: forgive
|-,del3'bil-
|-ble| adv.
me asking an
indelicate question, but
old are you?
an
slightly indecent:
earthy, often indelicate
derivatives: in«deH«ca»cy
i-k3se|
n. (pi.
-ies) in»del»i»cate»ly adv.
in»dem»nl»fy in'demns.fi • V. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] compensate (someone) for harm or loss: the amount of insurance that may be carried to indemnify the owner in the event of a loss. secure (someone) against anticipated loss or I
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a clause
against
to
indemnify the landlord
third-party claims.
derivatives: |
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of cash. security against or exemption from legal liability or anticipated loss: a deed of indemnity even warranties and indemnities do not provide complete protection. a sum of money paid as compensation, esp. a sum exacted by a victor in war as one condition of peace. in*den*ture |in'denCH3r| . n. a formal legal agreement, contract, or document, in partic\
ular:
formerly, a deed of contract of which copies were made for the contracting parties with the edges indented for identification. a formal list, certificate, or inventory. an agreement binding an apprentice to a master: the 30 apprentices have received their indentures on completion of their training. the fact of being bound to service by such an agreement: men in their first year after indenture to the Com-
pany.
•
V.
(usu.
[trans.]
|
3ni'zaSH3n|
an*ness
be indentured
to)
bind (someone) by an indenture as an apprentice or laborer.
derivatives: in»den«ture»ship
|-,SHip|
n.
.indi'tsrmsnit . adj. not established: the date of indeterminate. |
|
known, or
certain,
manufacture is left doubtful; vague:
the ending rendered the
story incomplete, or at least indeterminate.
(of
a judicial sentence) such that the convicted person's conduct determines the date of release. (of a quantity in mathematics) having no definite or definable value. (of a medical condition) from which a diagnosis of the underlying cause cannot be made: indeterminate colitis. (of a plant shoot) not having all the axes terminating in a flower bud and so producing a shoot of indefinite
length.
derivatives: in»de»ter»mi«na»cy -nase |
n. in»de«ter»mi»nate»ly adv. in»de«ter»mi« nate«ness n.
In*di*an 'indean • adj. 1 of or relating to the indigenous peoples of America. 2 of or relat|
|
|-,niz| v.
,inde-
In»di«
n.
'native of Amerbefore the arrival of Europeans,' is objected to by many who now favor Native American. There are others (including many members of these ethnic groups), however, who see nothing wrong with Indian or American Indian, which are longestablished terms, althougli the preference where possible is to refer to specific peoples, as Apache, Mohawk,, and so on. The terms ica
Amerind and Amerindian, once proposed and anthropology, but have never gained widespread use. Newer alternatives, not widely used or established, include First tics
Nation
(esp. in Canada) and the more generic aboriginal peoples. It should be noted that Indian is held by many not to in-
clude some American groups, for example, prehistoric groups like the Anasazi, and the modern Aleut and Inuit. further consideration is that Indian also (and in some contexts primarily) refers to inhabitants of India
A
or their descendants, who may be referred to as "Asian Indians" to prevent misunderstanding. See also usage at Native American.
in*dic»a*tive |in'dik3tiv| »adj. 1 serving as a sign or indication of something: having recurrent dreams is not necessarily indicative of any psychological problem. 2 denoting a mood of verbs expressing simple statement of a fact. Cf. SUBJUNCTIVE. • n. a verb in the indicative
mood. (the indicative) the indicative mood. in»dic»a»tive»ly adv. in»di»Ci*a |in'diSH(e)3| » plural n. signs, indications, or distinguishing marks: learned foot-
derivatives:
notes and other indicia of scholarship. in*dict in'dit . V. [trans.] (usu. be indicted) formally accuse or charge (someone) with a serious crime: his former manager was inIn American law, indictdicted for fraud. ments are issued by a grand jury. Cf. arI
in»de»ter*mi*nate
In*di»anMze
n.
as alternatives to Indian, are used in linguis-
in«dem*ni»fi«ca»tion n. in»dem»ni»fi»er n.
-idemnafi'kaSHan in*dem*ni*ty in'demnite • n. (p!. -ies) security or protection against a loss or other financial burden: no indemnity will be given for loss I
derivatives: In»di»ann»za»tion
usage: Indian, meaning
sense of humor.
liability:
Indigenous ing to India or to the subcontinent comprising India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. • n. 1 an American Indian. 2 a native or national of India, or a person of Indian descent.
I
\
raign.
derivatives: indictability adf indictor, in«dict»ee dict»er n. indictment n.
n.
indictable
,indi'te
|
n.
in*
|
. adj. 1 having in'dif(3)r9nt particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned: she seemed indifferent rather than angry indifferent to foreign affairs. 2 neither good nor bad; mediocre: attempts to distinguish between good, bad, and indifferent
in»diMer*ent
|
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no
\
work. not especially good; fairly bad: several indifferent watercolors.
derivatives:
in»dif»fer»ent»ly adv. in'dijanss • adj. originating or occurring naturally in a particular place;
in«dig*e*nous
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226
indigent native: the indigenous peoples of Siberia
cori-
|
ander is indigenous to southern Europe. Cf. ABORIGINAL. derivatives: in«dig*e»nous»ly adv. in*
dig«e»nous»ness
induction (esp.
derivatives: in«do»lence
|
sible to
|
ly adv.
,indig'naSH3n |
annoyance provoked by what
anger or perceived as
. I
is
n.
injustice or unfair treatment: the letter filled
Lucy with indignation. in*dig«ni*ty in'dignite . n. (pi. -ies) treatment or circumstances that cause one to feel shame or to lose one's dignity: the indignity of needing financial help he was subjected to all |
I
\
manner of indignities. in*dis»cre»tion ,indi'skresH3n| . n. behavior or speech that displays a lack of prudence or |
good judgment; indiscreet talk or actions: he knew himself all too prone to indiscretion sex\
ual indiscretions.
in*dis*crim«i*nate
.indi'skrimsnit
. |
adj.
|
random or without careful judgment: terrorist gunmen engaged in indiscriminate killat
ing.
(of a person) not using or exercising discrimwas indiscriminate with her affec-
ination: she tions.
derivatives: in»dis»crimn»nate»ly adv. in«dis»crim»i»nate»ness n. in»dis»crim»i» na*tion -,skrim3'naSH3n n. in»dis*pen*sa*ble .indi'spensabali » adj. unable to be dispensed with or done without; absolutely necessary: he made himself indis|
|
in'damitabal . adj. imposdefeat: a woman of indomi|
|
subdue or
table spirit.
derivatives: in»dom»i»ta»bil»i«ty |-,damip' bilite
in»dlg«na*tlon
in»do»lent»
n.
ly adv.
ln*dom»i»ta»ble
n.
in»dl»gent 'indijsnt • adj. lacking the necessities of life; poor; needy. • n. a needy person. derivatives: in«di»gence n. in»di»gent»
done
of an ulcer) slow to develop, progress,
or heal; persistent.
in»dom»i»ta»ble»ness
n.
|
dom»i»ta»bly
|
-ble
n.
in*
adv.
|
in«dU«bl»ta»ble |in'd(y)oobit3b3l| *adj. impossible to doubt; unquestionable: an indubitable truth.
derivatives: in»du»bi«ta»bly [sentence adverb]
under
i-ble|
adv.
indubitably, liberalism parades
many guises.
in*duce in'd(y)6os . V. [trans.] 1 [with obj. and infinitive] succeed in persuading or influencing (someone) to do something: the pick|
ets
induced
I
many
about or give
to stay away. 2 bring none of these measures
workers
rise to:
induced a change of policy. produce (an electric charge or current or a magnetic state) by proximity to an already charged object (induction). [usu. as adj.] (induced) cause (radioactivity) by bombardment with radiation. 3 bring on (childbirth or abortion) artificially, typically by the use of drugs. bring on childbirth in (a pregnant woman) in this way. bring on the birth of (a baby) in this way. 4 derive by inductive reasoning.
derivatives: in«duc»er
n.
in«ducM*ble
adj.
|
pensable to the parish priest. DERI VAT v E s in»dis»pen»sa»bil*i«ty I
:
n. in«dis»pen«sa»ble»ness in»dis»pen»sa»bly -ble adv.
-,spens3'bilite I
I
n.
|
in*dite |in'dit| »v.
|
[trans.]
write;
compose:
/ze
wondrous tale of Our Lord. in»di»vid«u*ate .inda'vijs.wati 'V. [trans.] distinguish from others of the same kind; single out: it is easy to individuate and enumerate indites the
i
the significant elements.
in*duct lin'daktl
• v.
[trans.]
admit (someone)
formally to a position or organization: each worker, ifformally inducted into the Mafia, is known as a "soldier." formally introduce (a member of the clergy) into possession of a benefice. enlist (some(induct someone) for military service. one in/into) introduce someone to (a difficult or obscure subject): my master inducted me into the skills of magic.
derivatives: in*duc»tee l.indak'tel n. in»duc«tion in'dsksHsn . «. 1 the action or process of inducting someone to a position or organization: the league's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. [usu. as adj.] a formal introduction to a new formal job or position: an induction course. entry into military service. 2 the process or action of bringing about or giving rise to something: isolation, starvation, and other forms of stress induction. |
I
derivatives: 'waSHsn
in»di»vid»u»a»tion
|-,vij3
n. I
in»di»vis*l»ble .indaVizabsIl • adj. unable to be divided or separated: privilege was indivis|
ible
from
responsibility.
number) unable
(of a
number
other
to be divided by anexactly without leaving a re-
mainder.
derivatives:
in»di»vis»i»bil»i»ty |-,viz3 in*di»vis»i»bly -ble adv. . V. in«d0C«tri»nate in'daktra.nat [trans.] teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs uncritically: broadcasting was a vehicle 'bilite
n.
|
i
I
I
|
for indoctrinating the masses. teach or instruct (someone): he indoctrinated
them
in systematic theology.
derivatives: in»doc«tri»na»tion
i-,dak-
in»doc«tri»na»tor |-,nat3r| n. in»doc»tri»na»to»ry -n3,t6re adj. in»do*lent I'indslantI 'adj. 1 wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy. 2 (of a disease condition) causing little or no pain. tra'nasHanl
n.
|
the process of bringing on childbirth or abortion by artificial means, typically by the use of drugs. 3 (in logic) the inference of a general law from particular instances. Cf. de-
duction. (induction of) the production of (facts) to (also matheprove a general statement. matical induction) a means of proving a theorem by showing that if it is true of any particular case,
it
is
true of the next case in a
|
and then showing that it is indeed true in one particular case. 4 (in physics) the production of an electric or magnetic state by the series,
|
227
indulge
proximity (without contact) of an electrified or magnetized body. the production of an electric current in a conductor by varying the magnetic field applied to the conductor. 5 the stage of the working cycle of an internal combustion engine in which the fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinders.
in*dulge
|
in'dalj
|
• v.
[intrans.]
(indulge in)
allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of: we indulged in a hot fudge sundae. become involved in (an activity, typically one that is undesirable or disapproved of): I don't allow oneself to enjoy indulge in idle gossip. a particular pleasure, esp. that of alcohol: / [trans.] satonly indulge on special occasions. isfy or yield freely to (a desire or interest): she was able to indulge a growing passion for literature. [trans.] allow (someone) to enjoy a desired pleasure: / spent time indulging myself with secret feasts.
DERI VAT I v E s indulgent adj. in«dulg»er n. in*du*rate 'ind(y)3,rat| *v. [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (indurated) harden; solidify: a bed of indurated clay a heart indurated from years of :
infamous
than," or < "less than." a symbolic expression of the fact that two quantities are not equal. in*eq*ui*ty in'ekwite . n. (pi. -ies) lack of fairness or justice: inequities in school financing ln*ert li'nsrti 'adj. lacking the ability or strength to move: she lay inert in her bed. lacking vigor: an inert political system. |
i
_
chemically inactive:
derivatives:
inert ingredients.
in«ert»ly adv. in»ert»ness
n.
tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged: the bureaucratic inertia of government. 2 a property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, unless that state is changed by an exter-
In»er*tia
li'narSHa]
.
w.
a
1
nal force. [with adj.] resistance to change in some other physical property: the thermal inertia of the oceans will delay the full rise in temperature for a
few decades.
derivatives: inertial
in»er»tia»less
adj.
i
\
struggle.
derivatives: in»du»ra»tion |ind(y)^'raSH^ni n. in»du»ra»tive |-,rativ| adj. In*e*bri*ate . y. !i'nebre,at| [trans.] [often as adj.] (inebriated) make drunk; intoxicate. • n. |-bre-it| a drunkard. • a(i/'. drunk; intox-
adj.
in»es»ti»ma»ble
• adj. in'estamabal too great to calculate: a treasure of inestimable |
I
value.
|
icated.
derivatives: in«e»bri«a«tion SHsn
|i,nebre'a-
in»e»bri»e»ty ,ini'bri-ite n. in*ef*fa*ble in'efabsl • adj. too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words: the ineffable beauty of the Everglades. n.
|
|
I
i
|-ble| adv.
|
|
inevitable.
I
not to be uttered: the
ineffable
Hebrew name
that gentiles write as Jehovah.
d e r vat V e s I
derivatives: in»es»ti»ma»bly
• adj. in'evipbal certain to in»ev*i*ta»ble happen; unavoidable: war was inevitable. seen that it is so frequently experienced or completely predictable: the inevitable letter from the bank. • n. (the inevitable) a situation that is unavoidable: trying to hold off the
I
:
in»ef»fa»bil»i»ty
|
-efa'bilite
|
fective president.
derivatives:
in»ef»fec»tive»ly adv. in«ef»
fec»tive*ness n. in»ef«fec«tu*al ,ini'fekcH9W3l| 'adj. not producing any or the desired effect: an ineffectual campaign. (of a person) lacking the ability or qualities to cope with a role or situation: she was neglectful and ineffectual as a parent. DERI VAT I V e s in»ef»fec»tu»al«i»ty -fekCH3'wa£lite n. in»ef»fec»tu»al»ly adv. in«ef» fec»tu»al»ness n. In*ept |i'nept| 'adj. having or showing no skill; clumsy: the inept handling of the threat.
n.
|
|
DERIVATIVES: in*eptM»tude
|
|
|
I
march of new
|
-ti,t(y)ood
n. in«ept»ly adv. in»ept»ness n. in»e*qual»i»ty ,ini'kwalite| . n. (pi. -ies) difference in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality: social inequality the widen|
\
ing inequalities in income. lack of smoothness or regularity in a surface: the inequality of the ground hindered their footing. (in mathematics) the relation between two expressions that are not equal, employing a sign such as "not equal to," > "greater
technology.
(of a person) impossible to persuade by request or entreaty: the doctors were inexorable, and there was nothing to be done. derivatives: in»ex»o»ra«biW»ty |-,eks3r3 -ble adv. 'bilite n. in«ex»o»ra»bly |
|
:
|-,evit3
in»ev«i«ta»bly -ble adv. [sentence adverb] inevitably, she turned her experiences into a book. in«ex*0*ra*ble in'eksarabal ' adj. impossible to stop or prevent: the seemingly inexorable 'bilite
|
|
in»ef»fa»bly |-ble| adv. in*ef*fec*tive ,ini'fektiv . adj. not producing any or the desired effect: a weak and inefn.
|
derivatives: in»evM»ta«bilM»ty
i
I
.inek'splikabsl; in'ekspliIn«ex*pli*ca*ble kabsl • adj. unable to be explained or accounted for: for some inexplicable reason her mind went completely blank. |
I
derivatives: iSpliks'bilite
n.
'inek in»ex»pli»ca»bil»i»ty in»ex«pli»ca»bly |-ble| adv. |
I
pumps
[sentence adverb] inexplicably, the
malfunction. in'faebbal in*fal*li»ble
started
to
incapable of
adj.
• |
i
making mistakes or being wrong: not
doctors are
infallible.
always effective: infallible cures. Catholic Church) credited with papal infallibility, the doctrine (promulgated in 1870) that in specified circumstances the Pope is incapable of error in pro-
never
failing;
(in the
Roman
nouncing dogma: infallible the
derivatives: ble»ness
n.
in»fa*mous
an
for
encyclical
to
be
pope must speak ex cathedra. in»fal«li»bil»i«ty
in»fal»li»bly |
'infamas
• I
|
-ble
adj.
|
n.
in»fal»li»
adv.
well
known
for
.
228
infantilism some bad
quality or deed: an infamous war criminal. Cf. notorious. shamefully wicked; abominable: the medical council disqualified him for infamous misconduct. (in former times, of a person) deprived of all or some citizens' rights as a consequence of conviction for a serious
derivatives: in»fa»mous»ly my -me n. (pi. -ies)
adv.
in«fa»
.
|
I
in»fan*tiHsm
I'infsnd.izam;
in'faen-|
.
n.
childish behavior. (in psychology) the persistence of infantile characteristics or behavior in adult life. . n. in*farc*tion in'farksHsn the obstruction of the blood supply to an organ or region of tissue, typically by a thrombus or embolus, causing local death of the tissue. in*fec*tious in'feksHas . adj. (of a disease or disease-causing organism) liable to be transmitted to people, organisms, etc., through the environment. |
|
|
I
spread infection: the dogs may still be likely to spread or influence othinfectious. liable to
manner: her enthusiasm
ers in a rapid
infec-
is
tious.
DERI VAT I v E s tious*ness n.
:
in»fec«tious«ly adv. in*fec»
usage: On
the differences in meaning between infectious and contagious, see usage at CONTAGIOUS. . adj. ln»fe»liC»i»tOUS .infa'lisips 1 unhappy or unfortunate. 2 not appropriate: his I
|
illustration
is
singularly infelicitous.
derivatives: lin'fsri
in«fe»lic«i»tous»ly adv. •v.
(inferred,
inferring)
deduce or conclude (information) from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements: [with clause] from these facts we can infer that crime has been [trans.]
increasing.
I
in»fer»a«ble
(also
infer-
.infs'renCHsle |
|
adv.
in«fer»nal
|
in'farnl
• |
adj. 1 of, relating to,
or
characteristic of hell or the underworld: the the infernal heat of the forge. infernal regions 2 [attrib.] irritating and tiresome (used for emphasis) 3;om 're an infernal nuisance. \
:
in»fer»nal»ly adv.
• n. a person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own: [as plural n.] (the infidel) they wanted to secure the Holy Places from the infidel. • adj. adhering to a religion other than one's own: the infidel
in*fi*del
I'infsdl; -|del|
foe. . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the ,infi'delite action or state of being unfaithfiil to a spouse or other sexual partner: her infidelity continued I ought not to have tolerated after her marriage his many infidelities. 2 unbelief in a particular
in«fi*del«i«ty
i
i
\
religion, esp. Christianity.
in*fiHrate
'infil,trat; in Til-
1
. v.
en-
[trans.] 1
|
ter or gain access to (an organization, place,
and gradually,
etc.) surreptitiously
esp. in or-
der to acquire secret information. permeate or become a part of (something) in this way: computing has infiltrated most professions now. (of a tumor, cells, etc.) spread into or invade (a tissue or organ). 2 (of a liquid) permeate (something) by filtration: virtually no water infiltrates deserts such as the Sahara. introduce (a liquid) into something in this way: lignocaine was infiltrated into the wound. • n. an infiltrating biochemical substance or a number of infiltrating cells.
derivatives: SH3n|
n.
in«fil«tra»tion in«fil»tra»tor |-,trapr|
in*fi*nite
'infanit]
.infil'tra|
n.
adj. 1 limitless
•
or endless
|
in space, extent, or size; impossible to
ure or calculate: the infinite
derivatives: rable)
in»fer»en»tiaWy
adj.
derivatives:
crime.
in»fer
infirmity CHsl
infinite
number of stars
meas-
mercy of God
the
\
in the universe.
amount or degree: he bathed the (in mathematics) with infinite care. greater than any assignable quantity or countable number. (of a mathematical series) able to be continued indefmitely. 2 (in grammar) another term for nonfinite, 'not limited by tense, person, or number.' Cf. finite. . n. (the infinite) a space or quantity very great in
wound
adj.
usage: There is a distinction in meaning between infer and imply. In the sentence the speaker implied that the general had been a traitor, implied means that something in the speaker's words suggested that this man was a traitor (though nothing so explicit was actually stated). However, in we inferred from his words that the general had been a traitor, inferred means that something in the speaker's words enabled the listeners to deduce that the man was a traitor. The two words infer and imply can describe the same event, but from diifferent angles. Mistakes occur when infer is used to mean imply, as in are you inferring that I'm a liar? (instead of are you implying that I'm a liar?)
that
is
infinite.
(the Infinite) God.
derivatives: fier]
the
pay
is
in»fi»nite»ly adv. [as submodi-
infinitely better.
in»fin*i*tes»i»mal
,infini'tes(3)m9l
|
|
soning. the process of reaching such a conclusion: his emphasis on order and health, and by infer-
ence cleanliness. derivatives:
in»fer»en»tial
|
.infs'ren-
. |
adj.
|
extremely small: an infinitesimal pause. • n. an indefinitely small quantity; a value approaching zero.
derivatives:
in»fin*i»tes»i«mal»ly adv.
usa'ge: Although • n. in»fer»ence 'inf(3)r9ns a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and rea-
in«fi»nite»ness
n.
monly assumed
long word
this
to refer to large
is
com-
numbers,
infinitesimal describes only very small
size.
While there may be an infinite number of grains of sand on the beach, a single grain may be said to be infinitesimal. in»f lr»mi»ty
|
in'farmite
. I
n. (pi.
-ies) the state
229
in flagrante delicto
or an aspect of physical or mental weakness: the infirmities of old age. In fla*gran«te de«lic*to |,in fla'granta da 'likto; fla'grsente (also in flagrante) . adv. in the very act of wrongdoing, esp. in an act of sexual misconduct: he had been caught in |
ingenuous
In*fran*gi«ble
in'fraenjabal |
»adj. |
unbreak-
able.
unable to be infringed; inviolable.
derivatives:
in«fran«gi»bil«i»ty |-,fraEnj3
in»fran«gi»bly -ble adv. ln»fra*Struc»ture 'infra.strakcHarl 'bilite
n.
|
I
|
. n. the basic physical structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterI
flagrante with Joe's wife. In*flam*ma*ble in'flaemabsl . adj. easily set on fire: inflammable and poisonous gases. likely to provoke strong feelings. D E R V AT V E s in»flam»ma»bil»i«ty - flsems'bilite n. in»flam»ma«ble»ness n. in •flam* |
I
I
I
:
prise.
The underlying
,
|
structure of a system or or-
ganization.
I
ma»bly
derivatives: in»fra»struc»tur»al
|-ble| adv.
.infra |
usage: Both inflammable and flammable mean 'easily set on fire.' The opposite is nonflammable Where there is a danger that inflammable could be understood to mean its opposite, that is, 'not easily set on fire,' flammable should be used to avoid confusion. Inflammable is usually used fig.
uratively or in nontechnical contexts (inflammable temper).
'strakCHaral
adj. !
In»frlnge
|in'frinj|
|
in'flaSHan
1
.
|
inflated: the inflation of a balloon
the gross in-
\
flation of salaries. (in some theories of
cosmology) a very brief exponential expansion of the universe postulated to have interrupted the standard linear expansion shortly after the big bang. 2 (in economics) a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money: policies
aimed at
controlling inflation
flation rates. Cf.
\
[as
high in-
adj.]
deflation; stagflation,
derivatives: inflationary tion'ism -.nizam
|
n.
in»fla»
adj.
in»fla»tion«ist
|
n.
&
|
-nist
1
ln«flec»tlon |in'fleksH3n| (chiefly Brit, also Inflexion) • 1 a change in the form of a word (typically the ending) to express a grammatical function or attribute such as tense, mood, person, number, case, and gender.
the process or practice of inflecting words. 2 the modulation of intonation or pitch in the
and without
inflection
\
the variety of his vocal inflections.
the variation of the pitch of a musical note. 3 a change of curvature from convex to concave at a particular point on a curve. derivatives: in»flec»tion«al |-SH9nl| adj. in»flec»tion«al«ly |-SH3nl-e| adv. in»flec» tion'less adj. In*f lo»res«cence ,infl6'res3ns; -fla- . the complete flowerhead of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers. the arrangement of the flowers on a plant. the process of flowering. ln*form*er lin'formarl • n. 2l person who informs on another person to the pohce or other authority. ln*frac«tlon in'frsekSHan • a violation or infringement of a law, agreement, or set of 1
|
|
|
rules.
derivatives: in»frac»tor In*fra dig ing.
•
adj. [predic]
and
I
oppression.
quality) in someone or something: he did his best to infuse good humor into his voice. allow (a liquid) to flow into a patient, instill (a
vein, etc.: saline
2 soak
was infused into
the aorta.
(tea, herbs, etc.) in liquid to extract the
flavor or healing properties: infuse the dried flowers in boiling water. [intrans.] (of tea, herbs, etc.) be soaked in this way: allow the mixture to infuse for 15 minutes. Cf. SUFFUSE. derivatives: in»fus»er n. ln»fu»slon in'fyooZHan * n. ^ a drink, remedy, or extract prepared by soaking the leaves of a plant or herb in liquid. the process of preparing such a drink, remedy, or extract. 2 the introduction of a new element or quality into something: an infusion \
|
adj.
voice: she spoke slowly
actively break
[trans.]
er n. In*fuse in'fyooz . V. [trans.] 1 fill; pervade: her work is infused with an anger born ofpain I
the action of inflating something or the condition of being
ln»fla»tlon
*v.
the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.): making an unauthorized copy would infringe copyright. act so as to limit or undermine (something); encroach on: his legal rights were being infringed [intrans.] / wouldn 't infringe on his privacy. derivatives: in»fringe«ment n. in»£ring»
|-t3r| n.
beneath one; demean-
I
of youthful talent. the slow injection of a substance into a vein or tissue. ln*gen*lous in'jenyas • adf (of a person) clever, original, and inventive: he was inge|
|
nious enough to overcome the limited budget. (of a machine or idea) cleverly and originally
devised and well suited to
purpose. adv. in»gen»
its
derivatives: in»genMous»ly ious*ness
n.
usage Ingenious and ingenuous :
are of-
confused. Ingenious means 'clever, skillful, or resourceful,' (an ingenious device)^ while ingenuous means 'artless' or 'firank,' (charmed by the ingenuous honesty of the child.) ten
• «. an inno'aenja,noo; 'anZHcent or unsophisticated young woman. an actress who a part of this type in a play.
In*ge»nue
i
|
plays such a part. in*ge«nu»l*ty ,inja'n(y)ooite • n. the quality of being clever, original, and inventive. I
|
in*gen»U*OUS |in'jenyawas| * adj. (of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting.
derivatives: in»gen»u*ous»ly gen»u»ous»ness
n.
adv.
in*
|
230
inglorious
in»glo*ri«ous in'gloreas • adj. (of an action or situation) causing shame or a loss of honor: the events are inglorious and culminate |
|
not famous or renowned. derivatives: in«glo»ri»ous»ly adv. in» glo»ri«ous«ness n. in*grate 'in,grat • n. an ungrateful person. |
|
ungrateful. In*gra»ti*ate |in'graSHe,at| *v. (ingratiate oneself) bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please: a social climber who had tried to ingratiate herself xvith the city gentry. derivatives: in»gra»ti»a»tion |-,grasHe 'asH3n| n. ingratiatory at//. in*her*ent in'hirant; -'her- • adj. existing in something as a permanent, essential, or charadj.
1
|
acteristic attribute:
has
any form of mountaineering
inherent dangers
its
in all folk tales. Cf.
\
the symbolism inherent
immanent.
the
|
president's
inherent foreign
affairs
\
in«iq«ui»tous»ly
derivatives: in»her«ence
in»her»ent«
n.
. V. in hibit (inhibited, inliibiting) [trans.] hinder, restrain, or prevent (an action or process): cold inhibits plant growth. prevent or prohibit someone from doing something: the rule inhibited some retirees
in*hib*it
|
I
make
working.
(someone)
self-
conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way: his mother's strictures would always inhibit him. (chiefly of a drug or other substance) slow down or prevent (a process, reaction, or function) or reduce the activity of (an enzyme or other agent). (in ecclesiastical law) forbid (a member of the clergy) to exercise clerical functions. derivatives: in«hib»i»tive |-div| adj. in*
hibM»to»ry
|
- ,t6re
adj. |
in«hl«bi»tlon ,in(h)i'biSH3n| . n. a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way. a psychological restraint on the direct expression of an instinct. the action of inhibiting, restricting, or hindering a process. the slowing or prevention of a process, reaction, or function by a particular substance. in*hu*man |in'(h)yoom3n| 'adj. 1 lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy; cruel and barbaric. 2 not human in nature or character. |
derivatives: in«hu»man»ly adv. in*hu*mane ,in(h)yoo'man| » adj. without |
compassion
for
misery or suffering; cruel.
derivatives: in»hu»mane»ly
adv.
in«im»i»cal li'nimikall 'adj. tending to obstruct or harm: actions inimical to our interests.
unfriendly; hostile: an inimical alien power.
derivatives: in»imn»cal«ly
|-ik(3)le| adv.
so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique: the inimitable ambience of the Vanguard.
in»im*i*ta*ble
|
i'nimitabal
•
|
adj.
derivatives: in»im»i»ta»biM»ty n. I
adj.
in»iq»ui»
n.
[trans.] 1 cause (a process or action) to begin: he proposes to initiate discussions on planning procedures. 2 admit (someone) into a secret or obscure society or group, typically with a ritual: she had been formally initiated into the movement. [as plural n.] (the initiated) a small group of people who share obscure knowledge: he flies over an airway marker beacon, known as a fix"
|i'nisHe,at|
to the initiated.
(initiate
someone
in/into)
introduce someone to a particular activity or skill, esp. a difficult or obscure one: they were initiated into the mysteries of mathematics.
who has been
a person
n.
•
an orga-
initiated into
of the Shiva
cult.
derivatives:
inM»ti»a»tion inn»ti»a«to»ry |-3,t6re|
n.
in»i«ti«a«tive |i'nisH(e)3tiv|
«.
.
1
|
i
,
nisHe a'
adj.
the ability
to take the first step independently, or to lead:
ly adv.
'bilite
|-wit3s|
adv.
|-wit3sle|
tous*ness |-wit3sn3s| in*i*ti*ate *v.
SH3n|
power.
from
|
nization or activity, typically recently: initiates
vested in (someone) as a legal right or privilege:
in«iq*ui*ty i'nikwite . n. (pi. -ies) immoral or grossly unfair behavior: a den of iniquity iniquities committed on our own doorstep.
derivatives: in*iq*ui*tous
in ostracism.
•
medias res
in
in»im»i»ta»bly
|
-ble
|
|i,nimit3
adv.
your initiative, imagination, and common 2 [in sing.] the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do: we have use
sense.
and allowed our opponents to 3 an act or strategy intended improve a situation; approach to something: a new initia-
lost the initiative
dictate the subject.
to resolve a difficulty or a fresh
tive against crime.
a proposal made by one nation to another in an attempt to improve relations: diplomatic initiatives to end the war. 4 the right of citizens
outside the legislature to originate legislation. a piece of legislation proposed in this way. Cf. referendum. authorin*junc*tion in'j3NG(k)SH3n »n. itative warning or order. a judicial order that restrains (enjoins) a person from beginning or continuing an action that threatens or invades the legal right of another, or an order that compels a person to carry out a certain act, e.g., to make restitution to an injured party. derivatives: in»junc»tive -'j3NG(k)tiv \
|
|
adj.
in*ju*ri*OUS in'jooress adj. causing or likely to cause damage or harm. (of language) maliciously insulting; libelous. derivatives: in»ju»ri»ous»ly adv. in«ju« .
|
ri»ous»ness
I
n.
• «. a slight knowledge or suspicion; a hint: the records give us an inkling of how people saw the world. in lO'CO pa»ren*tis in ,loko pa'rentis . adv. adj. (of a teacher or other adult responsible for- children) in the place of a parent: [as adv.] he zuas used to acting in loco parentis. in*ly 'inle • adv. inwardly: inly stung with anger and disdain.
ink*ling
|
'iNCkliNC
|
|
I
&
|
I
me*di»as res
'medeas 'res; 'made, as middle of a narrative; without preamble: having begun his story in
in •
|
in
|
adv. into or in the
medias
res,
he then interrupts
it.
innate
231
into or in the midst of things.
in*nate
|
i'nat
• |
inborn; present at birth;
adj.
natural: her innate capacity for organization. originating in the mind naturally rather than as a result of experience.
derivatives: in»nate»ly ness n. in»noc»U*OUS
in»nate»
adv.
derivatives:
• adj. not harmwas an innocuous question. in»noc»u»ous«ly adv. in*
noc»u»ous«ness
n.
i'nakyswss
|
ful or offensive:
|
it
•
adj. (of a
product,
new methods; advanced
idea, etc.) featuring
innovative designs
original:
innovative
\
unemployed people. (of a person) introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking: an innovative thinker. in*nu*en*do ,iny3'wendo| ' n. (pi. -oes or -os) an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one: she's
ways
pressed until the early 1 9th century. derivatives: in»qui«si»tion«al |-SH3nl| adj.
in*road 'in, rod • n. 1 [usu. in pi ] progress; an advance: make inroads in reducing |
|
in»no*va*tive |'in3,vativ|
and
insinuate 542 the papal Inquisition was reinstituied to combat Protestantism, eventually becoming an organ of papal government. The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478 and directed originally against converts from Judaism and Islam, later also against Protestants, and noted for its severity, was not sup1
to help
spending.
an instance of something being affected, encroached on, or destroyed by something
inroads had now been made into cash reserves. 2 a hostile attack; a
else: serious
my
pitiful
raid.
|
always making sly innuendoes a torrent of innuendo, gossip, lies, and half-truths. Cf insinu|
.
ate.
In*nu»mer«ate i'n(y)oom3rit . adj. without a basic knowledge of mathematics and arithmetic. • n. a person lacking such knowledge. |
|
Cf. illiterate.
derivatives: in»nu»mer»a»cy
|-r3se|
n.
in*OC»U*late |i'naky3,lat| » v. [trans.] treat (a person or animal) with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease. A substance effecting this is an inoculum or inoculant: he inoculated his tenants against smallpox. Cf. VACCINATE. introduce (an infective agent) into an organism: it can be inoculated into laboratory animals. introduce (cells or organisms) into a culture medium. derivatives: in»oc»u»la»ble l-labal] adj. in»oc»u»la»tion i,naky3'laSH3n n. in»oc»u» la»tor |-,latar| n. in*op*por*tune ,inap3r't(y)oon • adj. occurring at an inconvenient time; not appropriate: he spoke up at an inopportune moment. derivatives: in»op»por»tune»ly adv. in« |
i
|
op«por»tune«ness
I
n.
jn*or*di*nate 'n6rdn-it • adj. unusually or disproportionately large; excessive: inordinate |
|
amount of time.
derivatives: in»or»di»nate»ly adv. an in*quest |'ia,kwest; modifier]
[as sub-
inordinately expensive business. 'iNG-|
•
n.
a judicial in-
quiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident, such as a death: the coroner's inquest. in*qui*e«tude |in'kwi3,t(y)ood| *n. physical or mental restlessness or disturbance. Cf. disquiet. in»qui»Si»tion ,inkwi'ziSH3n; ,iNG-| . n. 1 a period of prolonged and intensive questioning or investigation: she relented in her deter|
mined inquisition and offered help. in former times, a judicial or official inquiry. the verdict or finding of an official inquiry. 2 (the Inquisition) an ecclesiastical tribunal established by Pope Gregory IX c. 1232 for the suppression of heresy.
It
was
active chiefly
northern Italy and southern France, becoming notorious for the use of torture. In in
in*sa*tia*ble in'saSHsbal . adj. (of an appetite or desire) impossible to satisfy: an insatiable hunger for success. (of a person) having an insatiable appetite or |
|
desire for something, esp. sex. derivatives: in»sa»tia«bil»i»ty |-,saSH3 'bilitel n. in»sa»tia»bly |-ble| adv. in*sa*ti*ate |in'saSHe-it| » adj. never satisfied: your strong desire is insatiate.
derivatives: insatiety n. insatiately adv. in»SCru*ta»ble lin'skrootsbsll 'adj. impossible to understand or interpret: her inscrutable handwriting.
derivatives: in»scru»ta»biln*ty ta'bilite
|
n.
in«scru«ta»bly
in*sen*sate
|
-ble
|
|
- ,skroo-
adv.
• adj. lacking in 'sen, sat; -sit physical sensation: a patient who was permanently unconscious and insensate. lacking sympathy or compassion; unfeeling. completely lacking sense or reason: insen|
I
sate jabbering.
derivatives: in»sen«sate»ly
adv. in»sen» sate»ness n. in*sen*si*ble lin'sensabsll 'adj. 1 [usu. as complement] without one's mental faculties, typically a result of violence or intoxication; unconscious: insensible with drink. (esp. of a body or bodily extremity) numb; without feeling: the horny and insensible tip of the beak. 2 [predic] (insensible of7to) una-
ware
of; indifferent to: they slept on, insensible
to the
headlight beams.
without emotion; callous. 3 too small or gradual to be perceived; inappreciable: varying by insensible degrees. derivatives: in«sen»si»bilM»ty n. in«sen» si'bly
-ble
adv.
|
I
in*sen»ti«ent |in'senSH(e)3nt| 'adj. incapable of feeling or understanding things; inanimate: it's arrogant to presume animals to be insentient.
derivatives: in»sen»ti»ence
n.
adf proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. full of wiles or plots; treacherous; crafty: tangible proof of an insidious alliance. derivatives: in»sid»i»ous»ly adv. in»sid» i»ous»ness n. in»sin»U*ate |in'siny9,wat| 'V. [trans.] 1 suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible)
in*sid«i*OUS
|
in'sidess
.
I
|
232
insipid
an indirect and unpleasant way: [with
in
he rvas insinuating that she slept her way 2 (insinuate oneself into) maneuver oneself into (a position of favor or office) by subtle manipulation: she seemed to be taking over, insinuating herself into the family. [with obj. and adverbial of direction] slide (oneself or a thing) slowly and smoothly into a position: the bugs insinuate themselves between one's clause]
to the top.
skin
and
clothes.
derivatives: in»sin*u«at»ing»ly sin»u»a»tive
in»sin»u»a»tion
adj.
u»a»tor |-,wat3r|
adv. in*
in»sin»
n.
n.
In»sip»id jin'sipidl 'adj. lacking flavor: mw^5 of insipid coffee. lacking vigor or interest: many artists continued to churn out insipid, shallow works.
derivatives: in«si«pidM«ty n.
,ins3'pidite |
imsip»id»ly adv. in»sip«id»ness
in Si*tu
,in
'sitoo; 'se-
•
1
adv.
I
original place: [as
have been situ
n.
adj.
in
its
mosaics and frescoes [as adj.] a collection of in
adv.]
left in situ
pumping
&
\
engines.
in position: [as
adv.]
her guests were
all in situ.
in*SO*lent 'insabnt • adj. showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect: the insolent tone |
I
of his voice. n.
in»so»lent»ly
in*SOl*U*ble in'salysbal . adj. 1 impossible to solve. 2 (of a substance) incapable of being dissolved: insoluble in water. derivatives: in»sol»u»biW«ty |-,saly3 'bilitel n. in»sol»u»bilMze |-,liz| v. in«sol«u* bly |-ble| adv. in»SOl»vent |in'salv3nt| 'adj. unable to pay debts owed: the company became insolvent. |
|
relating to insolvency: insolvent liquidation.
an insolvent person.
D E R VAT V E s in»sol»ven»cy n. in»SOm»ni»a lin'samnesi *n. habitual I
I
:
sleep-
lessness; inability to sleep.
DERIVATIVES: in»som»ni»ac
|-ne,a£k| n.
&
adj.
in*sou*ci*ance •
n.
in'sooseans; laeNsoo'syaNs casual lack of concern; indifference. |
derivatives: in*sou*ci*ant
tificate from
I
a professional
institution.
an organization providing residential care for people with special needs: an institution for the severely handicapped. an established official organization or company having an important role in the life or economy of a cotmtry, such as a bank, church, or legislature: the institutions of democratic ist
institutions.
government
2 an established
capital\
law, practice,
or custom: the institution of marriage. a well-established and familiar person, custom, or object: the event soon became something of a national institution. 3 the action of instituting something: a delay in the institution of proceedings.
in*SUb«or«di*nate ,ins3'b6rdn-it . adj. defiant Of authority; disobedient to superiors or tlieir orders: an insubordinate attitude. derivatives: in»sub«or»di»nate«ly adv. in»sub«or»di»na»tion -.bordn'aSHan n. |
|
|
|
in*suf*flate 'ins3,flat . v. [trans.] 1 blow (air, gas, or powder) into a cavity of the body. blow something into (a part of the body) in this way. 2 blow or breathe on (someone, as
adj.
someone
to
do something, men to refuse
thing bad: instigating
in»sou»
esp.
some-
allegiance to
the civil powers.
derivatives:
in»sti»ga«tion
n.
in»sti»ga«
|-,gat3r| n.
in*sti*tute 'insti,t(y)oot • n. [usu. in names] 1 a society or organization having a particular object or common factor, esp. a scientific, educational, or social one: a research institute. 2 (usu. institutes) a commentary, treatise, or summary of principles, esp. concerning law. • V. [trans.] 1 set in motion or establish (something, esp. a program, system, or inquiry) the award was instituted in 1900. begin (legal proceedings) in a court. 2 (often be instituted) appoint (someone) to a posi|
I
:
at
baptism) to symbolize spiritual influence.
derivatives:
in«suf«fla»tion
i
linsa'fla-
SHsnl n. in*SU*lar 'ins(y)9l9r| » adj. 1 ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience: a stubbornly insular farming people. lacking contact with other people: people living restricted and sometimes insular existences. 2 of, relating to, or from an island: the move|
ment of goods of insular origin. (of climate) equable because of the influence of the sea. 3 Anatomy of or relating to a region of the brain at tlie base of the cerebrum (the insula).
\
tor
|
|
ci»ant»ly adv. in»Sti*gate I'insti.gatl »v. [trans.] bring about or initiate (an action or event): they instigated instigating legal proceedings. a reign of terror (instigate someone to do something) incite
in*Sti*tu»tion ,insti't(y)oosH3n . n. 1 a society or organization founded for a religious, educational, social, or similar purpose: a cer-
|
adv.
n.
\
|
derivatives: in»so»lence
•
insure instituted to the priesthood [with complement] a testator who has instituted his daughter heir. tion, esp. as a cleric: his sons were
derivatives:
in»su»lar«i»ty ,ins(y)^'laerin»su»lar«ly adv. in*SU*per*a*ble in'soop(3)r3b3l • adj. (of a difficulty or obstacle) impossible to overite; -'ler-
|
n.
i
|
|
come: insuperable financial problems.
derivatives: in«su»per»a«bilM»ty
|-,soo-
in»su»per»a»bly |-ble| adv. in*sure |in'sH00r| »v. [trans.] arrange for compensation in the event of damage to or loss of (property), or injury to or the death of (someone), in exchange for regular advance payments to a company or government agency: the table should be insured for $2,500\ the company had insured itself against a fall of the dollar [intrans.] businesses can insure against exchange rate fluctuap(3)r3'bilite
n.
I
\
tions.
provide insurance coverage with respect to: up to insure the risks of a group (insure someone against) of companies. secure or protect someone against (a possible contingency): by appeasing Celia they might in-
subsidiaries set
sure
themselves against further misfortune
\
233
insurgent [intrans.]
such changes could insure against fur-
ther violence and unrest. derivatives: in»sur»a»bilM»ty 'bilite
in»sur«a»ble
n.
adj.
|-,SH(50r3
in»sur»er
integument sary to be complete: the first integral recording of the ten Mahler symphonies. 2 of or denoted by a positive or negative number, or zero (an integer).
n.
I
usage: There
considerable overlap between the meaning and use of insure and ensure. In both American and British English, the primary meaning of insure is the commercial sense of providing financial compensation in the event of damage to property; ensure is not used at all in this sense. For the more general senses, ensure is more likely to be used, but insure and ensure are often interchangeable, particularly in American English, e.g., bail is posted to insure that the defendant appears for trial; the system is run to ensure that a good quality of service is maintained.
in*SUr«gent
is
lin'sarjanti *adj.
[attrib.]
rising in
active revolt: alleged links with insurgent groups.
of or relating to rebels: a attacks.
•
series of insurgent (usu. insurgents) a rebel or rev-
n.
olutionary.
derivatives: gen'cy
in»sur»gence
-ies)
n. (pi.
in»sur»
n.
.
in«SUr*rec*tion ,ins3'rekSH9n| » n. a violent uprising against an authority or government. derivatives: in»sur»rec»tion»ar»y |-|nere| adj. in»sur»rec«tion»ist |-nist| n. & adj. in*ta*glio in'taelyo; -'tal- • n. (pi. -os) a design incised or engraved into a material: the dies bore a design in intaglio. a gem with an incised design. any printing process in which the type or design is etched or engraved, such as photogravure or drypoint. . V. (-oes, -oed) [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (intaglioed) engrave or represent by an engraving: a carved box with little intaglioed pineapples on it. in*tan*gi*ble in'taenjsbal . adj. unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical pres|
1
|
|
|
ence. difficult or impossible to define or imderstand; vague and abstract. (of an asset or benefit) not constituting or represented by a physical object and of a value not precisely measurable: intangible business property like trademarks and patents. • n. (usu. intangibles) an intangible thing. derivatives: in»tan«gi»bil»i»ty |-,taenj3 'bilite n. in»tan»gi»bly i-ble| adv. in«tar«si«a in'tarses . n. [often as adj.] 1 a method of knitting with a number of colors, in which a separate length or ball of yarn is used for each area of color. 2 an elaborate I
|
I
form of marquetry using as practiced in
similar inlaid
in*te*gral
•
1
work
adj. \
make
wood,
inlays in
5th-century
esp.
Italy.
in stone, metal, or glass.
'intigr3l;in'teg-
1
1
necessary
whole complete; essential or fundamental: sports are an integral part of the
to
a
school's curriculum
systematic training should be integral to library management. \
[attrib.] included as part of the whole rather than supplied separately: the unit comes com-
plete with integral
pump and
having or containing
all
heater.
[attrib.]
parts that are neces-
involving only integers, esp. as coefficients of a function.
derivatives:
in»te«gral»i»ty ,inti'graelin»te»gral»ly adv. in*te«grate . l'inti,grat| [trans.] 1 combine (one thing) with another so that they become a whole: transportation planning should be integrated ivith energy policy. combine (two things) so that they become a whole: the problem of integrating the two approaches. [intrans.] (of a thing) combine with another to form a whole: the stone will blend with the environment and integrate into the landscape. 2 bring into equal participation in or membership of society or an institution or body: integrating children with special needs into neighborhood schools. [intrans.] come into equal participation in or membership of society or an institution or body: she was anxious to integrate well into her husband's family. 3 end segregation (a school, neighborhood, etc.) esp. racially: there was a national campaign under way to integrate the lunch counters. DERI VAT IVES: in«te»gra»bil»i»ty .intigrs 'bilite -grabal adj. in«te» n. in»te«gra»ble gra»tive |-,grativ| adj. . n. 1 the acin*te*gra»tion .inti'graSHsn tion or process of integrating: economic and |
ite
n.
I
|
I
|
|
|
|
political integration
\
integration of individual
countries into trading blocs.
the intermixing of people or groups previously segregated. 2 Mathematics the finding of an integral or integrals: integration of an ordimathematical intenary differential equation grations. 3 the coordination of processes in the nervous system, including diverse sensory information and motor impulses: visuomotor integration. (in Freudian psychology) the process by \
which whole
well-balanced psyche becomes ego organizes the
a
as the developing
the state that results from this or that treatment seeks to create or restore by countering the fragmenting effect of defense id.
mechanisms.
DERIVATIVES
in»te»gra»tion»ist |-nist| n. . n. 1 the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprighmess: he is known to be a man of integrity. 2 the state of being whole and undivided: upholding territorial integrity and
in*teg*ri*ty
:
in'tegrite
|
I
national sovereignty. the condition of being unified, unimpaired, or sound in construction: questions about the internal conbuilding's structural integrity. sistency or lack of corruption in electronic data: [as
adj.]
integrity checking.
in»teg*U»ment lin'tegysmant]
»
n.
a
tough
outer protective layer, esp. that of an animal or plant.
derivatives: in»teg«u»men»tal
|-,tegy9
adf in»teg»u»men»ta»ry 'mentarel adj.
j-.tegya
'mentll
234
intellect in»tel«lect
'intl.ekt
|
. |
n.
the faculty of rea-
soning and understanding objectively, esp. with regard to abstract or academic matters. the understanding or mental powers of a particular person: her keen intellect. an intelligent or intellectual person.
in»teMec»tlon
,ind'ekSH3n| »n. the action or process of understanding, as opposed to imagination. DERIVATIVES in»tel»lec»tive |-tiv| adj. in*teMec»tU*al ,ind'ekCH3W3l| •adj. of or relating to the intellect: children need intellec-
interdict 2 [usu. in combination] (typically business and economics) concentrating on
tensive farming.
in
making much use of a specified thing: computer-intensive methods. 3 Grammar (of an adjective, adverb, or particle) expressing intensity; giving force or emphasis. • n. an inor
tensive
adjective,
|
:
|
tual stimulation.
appealing to or requiring use of the intellect: movie zvasn 't very intellectual. possessing a highly developed intellect. • n. a person possessing a highly developed intellect. a person whose interests and pursuits tend the
toward the analytical, rational, philosophical, aesthetic, etc., as contrasted with what are generally perceived to be the interests of 'average' people.
derivatives: in»teWec»tu»aW»ty CHa'waelite
n.
|
in»tel»lec*tu»al*ly adv. ,ind'ekcH3W3,lizi
in*teHec»tu»aHze [trans.]
2
|-3,lek-
I
-,ekcH3W3h'zaSH3n
|
an
derivatives: in»ten»sive»ly sive«ness
adv. in»ten»
n.
(interred, interring) place (a corpse) in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites: he was interred with the military honors due to
in»ter
[trans.]
'V.
in' tar]
|
(usu.
be interred)
him.
DERI VAT IVES: in»ter»ment
usage
n.
Interment, which means 'burial,' should not be confused with internment, which means 'imprisonment.' :
• adv. among in*ter a*li*a 'intar alea; alea other things: the study includes, inter alia, computers, aircraft, and pharmaceuticals. Cf. INTER |
|
in*ter*ca*lar*y
|in'tarka,lere;
,intar'k£elare |
think intellectually: people who intellectualize about fashion. derivatives: in«tel»lec»tu«al»i»za»tion talk, write, or
[intrans.]
or particle;
SE.
'V.
|
give an intellectual character to.
1
adverb,
intensifier.
day or a month) inserted in the calendar to harmonize it with the solar year, e.g., February 29 in leap years. of the nature of an insertion: elaborate inter•
adj. (of a
calary notes
n.
in*tel«li«gence in'telijans • n. (in government) the collection of information of military or political value: the chief of military intelligence [as adj.] the intelligence department. people employed in this, regarded collectively: British intelligence has been able to secure numerous local informers. information collected in this way. information in general; news. |
|
|
|
dar.
ture and political influence. jn»tem*per*ate in'temp(3)rit • adj. having or showing a lack of self-control; immoder|
|
ate: intemperate outbursts concerning global conspiracies.
given to or characterized by excessive indulgence, esp. in alcohol: an intemperate social occasion.
2 (usu. be intercalated) insert (some-
thing)
I
in*teHi*gent*si*a |in,teli'jentse9| »n. (usu. the intelligentsia) [treated as sing, or pi.] intellectuals or highly educated people as a group, esp. when regarded as possessing cul-
and footnotes.
In»ter»ca»late in'tarka,lat . v. [trans.] 1 interpolate (an intercalary period) in a calen-
between
layers
a
in
crystal
lattice,
geological formation, or other structure. derivatives: in»ter»ca»la»tion |-,tarka 'lasHanI
n.
in*ter*cede ,intar'sed| [intrans.] • v. intervene on behalf of another: / begged him to intercede |
for Theresa but he never did a thing.
derivatives: in«ter»ced«er n. in»ter»ces» sion n. in*ter*ces*sion ,intar'seSHan! . n. the action of intervening on behalf of another: through the intercession of friends, I was able to obtain her a sinecure. the action of saying a prayer on behalf of another person: prayers of intercession. derivatives: in»ter»ces*sor intar sesar n. in«ter»ces»so»ry |-'sesare| adj. an authoritative In»ter*dlct • n. 'intar, dikt prohibition: an interdict against marriage of |
|
'
,
|
|
\
derivatives in«tem»per»ance :
in»tem«per»ate«ly
ness
adv.
|-r3ns| n.
in»tem»per»ate»
n.
*n. (in grammar) an adverb used to give force or emphasis, for example really in my feet are really cold. in»ten»slon in'tensHan . «. 1 (in logic) the internal content of a concept. Often contrasted with extension 'the range of a term or concept as measured by the objects it denotes or contains.' 2 resolution or determination. derivatives: in»ten»sion»al -SHsnl adj. in«ten»sion»aWy |-SH3nl-e| adv. in»ten*sive in'tensiv . adj. 1 (of agriculture) aiming to achieve the highest possible level of production within a limited area, esp. by using chemical and technological aids: inin«ten»si«fi*er
|in'tens3,fi3r|
\
those of close kin. (in the Catholic
Roman Church) a sentence barring a person, or esp. a place, from ecclesiastical functions and privileges: a papal in,intar'dikt| [trans.] 1 prohibit or terdict. *v. forbid (something): society will never interdict I
I
|
|
|
|
sex.
(interdict someone from) prohibit someone from (doing something): / have not been interdicted from consuming alcoholic beverages. 2 intercept and prevent the movement of (a prohibited commodity' or person): the police established roadblocks for interdicting drugs.
impede (an enemy force), esp. by aerial lines of communication or sup-
bombing of ply.
235
interface derivatives: in»ter«dic»tion
|
.intsr'dik-
SH3n| n. 1 a point where in*ter«face 'intar.fas • tw'O systems, subjects, organizations, etc., meet and interact: the interface between accountancy and the law. a surface forming a common boundary between two portions of matter or space, for example between two immiscible liquids: the surface tension of a liquid at its air/liquid interface. 2 a device or program enabling a user to communicate with a computer. a device or program for cormecting two items of hardware or software so that they can be operated jointly or communicate with each other. • v. [intrans.] (interface with) 1 interact with (another system, person, organization, etc.): his goal is to get people interfacing with each other. 2 connect with (another computer or piece of equipment) by an inter|
|
face.
usage: The word interface is relatively new, having been in the language (as a noun) since the 1 880s. However, in the 1 960s it became widespread in computer use and, by analog^', began to enjoy a vogue as both a noim and a verb in all sorts of other spheres. Traditionalists object to it on the grounds that there are plenty of other words that are more exact and sound less like "vogue jargon."The verb interface is best restricted to technical references to
computer systems,
interpose
in*ter*mez*ZO
mezzi
.intar'metso . n. (pi. inter|-'metse| or intermezzos) a short |
I
connecting instrumental movement era or other musical work.
in
an op-
a similar piece performed independently. a short piece for a solo instrument. a light dramatic, musical, or other performance inserted between the acts of a play. in*ter«mi*na*ble in'tarmanabal . adj. endless (often used hyperbohcally): interminable |
1
discussions.
DERI VAT v e s in»ter»mi«na»bil»i»ty I
:
msns'bilite
n.
|
ter»mi«na»bly in*ter«mit*tent at
irregular
|
in»ter»mi»na»ble»ness
-,t3rn.
,int3r'mitnt
|
adj. occurring continuous or
• |
not
intervals;
steady: intermittent rain.
derivatives: in»ter»mit»tence mit»ten»cy
n.
in«ter«
in»ter»mit»tent«ly adv. In*tern • n. 'in, tarn a recent medical graduate receiving supervised training in a hospital and acting as an assistant physician or surgeon. a student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, at a trade or occupation in order to gain work experience: the garden's summer interns. • v. in 'tarn 1 [trans.] confine (someone) as a prisoner, esp. for political or military reasons. 2 [intrans.] serve as an intern. derivatives: in»tern»ment n. (in sense 1 of the verb). n.
I
\
\
|
in*ter«naHze
|in't3rnl,iz| »v.
[trans.]
1
make
(attitudes or behavior) part of one's nature
etc.
in*ter«fer*on ,int3r'fir,an| » n. a protein released by animal cells, usually in response to the entry of a virus, that has the property of inhibiting virus replication. in*ter*im 'intaram] • n. the intervening time; the meantime: in the interim I'll just keep my fingers crossed. • adj. in or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary: an interim arrangement. relating to less than a full year's business ac|
in*
|-ble| adv.
by
learning or unconscious assimilation. acquire knowledge of (the rules of a language). 2 incorporate (costs) as part of a pricing structure, esp. social costs resulting from the manufacture and use of a product. Cf. exTERN.-UJZE.
|
tivity:
an interim divideyid
\
interim profit.
. in*ter»jec»tion .intar'jeksHan an abrupt remark, made esp. as an aside or interruption. an exclamation, esp. as a part of speech, e.g., ah! or dear me! or oh, man! derivatives: in»ter«jec»tion»al |-SH3nl| |
I
rnl-i'zaSHan
|in,t3-
n. I
In»ter»ne«cine •
adj.
.intar'nesen; -'nesen; -sin| destructive to both sides in a conflict: |
history of internecine zvarfarc. of or relating to conflict within a group or or-
the region
's
ganization: the party shrank from further internecine strife. in*tern»ist |in'tarnist; 'intar-| • n. a specialist in internal medicine. in»ter*po«late |in'tarpa,lat| 'V. [trans.] insert (something) between fixed points: illustrations were interpolated in the text.
adj.
in*ter*lard
(interlard something with) intersperse or embellish speech or writing with different material: a i
.intar'lard
. V.
[trans
I
]
compendium of advertisements and
reviews,
interlarded with gossip.
in»teHoc*U»tor .intsr'lakyaprl . w. a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversa|
tion.
derivatives: in«ter«lo»cu»tion SHan
derivatives: in»ter»naln»za*tion
j-b'k>'oo-
n.
i
|
I
in«ter»lop»er
'intsr.lopar; ,int3r'lop3r| |
person
who becomes
situation
.
n.
a
involved in a place or is not wanted or
where he or she
considered to belong. derivatives: in»ter»lope tar'lopl
insert (words) in a book or other text, esp. in order to give a false impression as to its date. make such insertions in (a book or text). ininterject (a remark) in a conversation. sert (an intermediate value or term) into a series of numbers by estimating or calculating it from surrounding known values. derivatives: in»ter»po»la»tion i-,tarpa 'laSHanI n. in«ter»po«la»tive |-,lativ| adj. in»ter»pose ,intar'poz . v. 1 [trans.] place or insert between one thing and another: he
V.
|
'intar.lop; ,in-
interposed himself between
the child
and the
top of the stairs. 2 [intrans.] intervene between parties: [with infinitive] the legislature interposed
amusements. say (words) as an interruption:
to suppress these [trans.]
if I
may
|
236
interregnum interpose a personal
remark
exercise or advance (a veto or objection) so as to interfere: the
memo
here.
[trans.]
interposes no objection to
is-
suing a discharge.
derivatives: in«ter«pos»a»ble adj. pos»er n. in»ter*reg*num
in»ter»
ina period (pi.
i
terregnums when normal government
)
|
|
suspended, esp.
is
between successive reigns or regimes.
Interregnum) the period
in English
history from the execution of Charles I in 1 649 to the Restoration of Charles II in 1 660. an interval or pause: the interregnum between the discovery of radioactivity and its detailed un-
Cf. CHORD.
derivatives:
in»ter»val»lic
.intarVaehk |
adj.
in»ter«vene |,int3r'ven| »v. [intrans.] 1 come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events: he intervened in the dispute [with
their forces intervened to halt the
infinitive]
I
attack.
(of an event or circumstance) occur as a desomething being done: Christmas intervened and the investigation was suspended. interrupt verbally. interpose in lay or obstacle to
derstanding. . v. in»ter»ro*gate in'tera.gat [trans.] ask questions of (someone, esp. a suspect or a prisoner) closely, aggressively, or formally. obtain data from (a computer file, database, storage device, or terminal). (of an electronic device) transmit a signal to (another device, esp. one on a vehicle) to obtain a response giving information about identity, condition, etc. derivatives: interrogation n. in»ter»ro» ga»tor |-,gapr| n. . adj. in«ter»rog*a*to»ry .ints' rags, tore conveying the force of a question; question|
|
|
|
ing: the guard
sounds. two sounds of different pitch played simultaneously (a harmonic interval) or in succession (a melodic interval) .
,int3r'regn3m| or interregna -ns
(the
intractable ing 3-0 at the interval. 3 a space between two things; a gap. the difference in pitch between two musical
moved away with an
interrogatory
• n. (pi. -ies) a written question that is formally put to one party in a legal case by another party and that must be answered: interrogatories must be filed by 5 p. m. Tuesday. in*ter se I'intsr 'se; 'sa| 'adv. between or among themselves: agreements entered into by all the shareholders inter se. Cf inter alia.
stare.
.
In*ter»sperse .intsr'spars v. [trans.] (often be interspersed) scatter among or between .
|
2 [usu. as adj.] (intervening) occur in time between events: to occupy the intervening months she took a job in a hospital. be situated between things: they heard the sound of distant gunfire, muffled by the intervena lawsuit as a third party.
ing
trees.
derivatives: in»ter»ven»er n. in»ter»ven» ient
|-'veny3nt|
nsrl n. in*tes*tate
having
adj.
in«ter»ve»nor
in'testat; -tit
not
[predic]
adj.
. |
|-'ve-
|
made
a will before
one
dies: he died in-
testate. [attrib.] of or relating to a person who dies without having made a will: intestate heirs. • a person who has died without having
made a will. derivatives:
in»tes»ta«cy |-t3se|
n.
. V. [trans.] imply or 'inta.mat hint: [with clause] he intimated that he might not
in*ti*mate
|
I
|
other things; place here and there: interspersed between tragic stories are a few songs supplying comic relief. diversify (a thing or things) with other things at intervals: a patchwork of open fields interspersed with pine woods. derivatives: in»ter»sper»sion |-'sp3r-
ZH3n|
|
.inta'ma-
SH3n| n. in»tlm*i»date |in'timi,dat| »v, frighten or overawe (someone), esp. in order to make him or her do what one wants: he tries to intimidate his rivals [as adj.] (intimidating) the \
intimidating defense lawyer.
n.
• n. in»ter*stice in'tarstis (usu. interstices) an intervening space, esp. a very small one: sunshine filtered through the interstices of the arching trees. |
|
in*ter«Sti*tial
.intar'stiSHal |
ing, or
be able to continue. state or make known. derivatives: in»ti«ma»tion
occupying
.
adj. of,
form-
I
interstices: the interstitial
space.
(of minute animals) living in the spaces between individual sand grains in the soil or aquatic sediments: the interstitial fauna of ma-
tim»i»da»tion tor |-,dat3r|
n.
adv. in*
in»tim»i«da« in»tim»i»da»to»ry -da
|-'dasH3n|
n.
|
it6re| adj.
in*tO*na*tion .inta'naSHsn; -to- . n. 1 the manner of utterance of the tones of the voice in speaking; accent: she spoke English with a 1
|
German
intonation.
the action of intoning or reciting in a singing voice. 2 accuracy of pitch in playing or singing: poor woodwind intonation at the opening. 3 the opening phrase of a plainsong melody.
rine sands.
derivatives: in»ter»sti»tiaMy
derivatives: in»tim»i»dat»ing»ly
adv.
in*ter*val 'intarval «. 1 an intervening time or space: after his departure, there was an interval of many years without any meetings the intervals between meals were very short. 2 a •
|
I
derivatives: in»to»na«tion»al in*tone
|
in 'ton
• |
\
pause; a break in activity: an interval of mourning. Brit, an intermission separating parts of a theatrical or musical performance. Brit, a break between the parts of an athletic contest: lead-
|-SH3nl|
adj.
little rise
and
fall
v. [trans.] say or recite with of the pitch of the voice: he
intoned a prayer.
DERI VAT v e s in»ton»er I
:
n.
• adj. hard to in'traektabal in*trac«ta»ble control or deal with: intractable economic prob|
lems.
|
237
intransigent
(of a person) difficult; stubborn. Cf. recal-
citrant. n.
quiet intro-
spection can be extremely valuable.
derivatives: 'bilite
Inuit mental and emotional processes:
in»trac»ta»bil«i»ty |-,traekt3 n. in«trac»ta»
in»trac»ta»ble»ness
I
bly |-ble| adv. in»tran*si*gent
D E R VAT V E s in*tro»spec»tive I
I
-'spektiv
:
|
|
|
i
• adj. unchange one's views or to agree about something. • n. an intransigent
in'traensijant; -zi-
1
|
willing or refusing to
person.
derivatives:
in«tran»si»gence n. in* in»tran»si»gent«ly adv.
tran»si»gen«cy
n.
in»tran*si*tlve in'trsensitiv; -zi- . adj. (of a verb or a sense or use of a verb) not taking a 1
|
direct object, e.g., look in look at the sky.ThQ opposite of transitive. • n. an intransitive
|
verted
derivatives:
in»tran»si»tive»ly adv.
tran»si»tiv»i»ty
-,traensi'tivite; -zi-
1
in»
adj.
in»tu»it
in't(y)oo-it|
• v.
work out by
instinct: / intuited his real iden-
tity.
derivatives: in»tuMt»a»ble
n.
understand
[trans.]
I
or
verb.
|
|
in»tro»spec»tive»ly -'spektavle adv. in»tro»spec»tive»ness - spektivnis n. in*tro*vert ^n. 'intra, vart| a shy, reticent, and typically self-centered person. a person predominantly concerned with his or her own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things, [as adj.] introvert tendencies. Cf. EXTROVERT. DERIVATIVES: in«tro«ver»sion |-,varZHan| n. in«tro»ver»sive |-,varsiv| adj. introadj.
adj.
|
in*tra»pre«neur
manager within novative
.intrsprs'nsr; -'nO&r|
.
n.
a
|
|
company who promotes
a
in-
development and mar-
product
keting.
derivatives: in»tra»pre»neu»ri»al
|-e9l|
adj.
in»tra»ve»nous
.intrsVenss (abbr.: IV) or taking place within, or administered into, a vein or veins: an intravenous drip. DERI VAT I V E s in»tra»ve»nous»ly adv. • adj. in*trep*id in'trepid fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect): our intrepid reporter. •
adj.
in*tU»i*tion ,int(y)oo'iSHan| . n. the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning: we shall allow intuition to guide us. a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning: your insights and intuitions as a native speaker are sought. derivatives: in»tu»i»tion«al |-'iSHanl| adj. in»tun»tion»aWy |-'isHanl-e| adv. in*tu*i*tive |in't(y)ooitiv| •adj. using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive: / had an
|
|
existing
:
I
|
derivatives: in»tre»pidM»ty
.intra'pid-
intuitive conviction that there
sound
in
was something un-
him.
|
ite
n. I
in»trep»id»ly adv. in»trep»id»ness
n.
in»tri*cate 'intrikit • adj. very complicated or detailed: an intricate network of canals. derivatives: in«tri»cate»ly adv. in*trigue ^v. |in'treg| (intrigues, intrigued, intriguing) 1 [trans.] arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate: / was intrigued by your question [as adj.] (intriguing) the food is an intriguing combination of German and French. 2 [intrans.] make secret plans to do something illicit or detrimental to someone: |
|
\
intriguing for their own gains. • n. 'in|treg| 1 the secret planning of something illicit or \
detrimental to someone: a nest of intrigue. a secret love affair. 2 a mysterious or fascinating quality: within the region's borders is a
and
wealth of interest
intrigue.
derivatives: in»tri»guer ly adv. in»trin*sic
in'trinzik; -sik
• |
in»tri»guing«
n.
adj.
i
naturally; essential: access to the arts
belonging is intrin-
sic to a high quality of life. (of a muscle) contained wholly within the or-
gan on which
acts. Cf. extrinsic,
it
derivatives:
in»trin»si»cal»ly
|-ik(3)le|
adv.
in«tro*jec*tion
intra 'jeksnsn
,
«.
. |
|
the un-
conscious adoption of the ideas or attitudes of others.
DERIVATIVES
:
in«tro»ject |-'jekt|
in»tro»mis*sion
misnanl
v.
the action or process of inserting the penis into the vagina in sexual intercourse. in»tro»spec*tion .intra 'speksnanl » n. the examination or observation of one's own .intra
|
|
*
n.
(chiefly of computer software) easy to use (of a person) possessing and understand.
intuition, esp. to a notable or
she
is
unusual degree:
truly intuitive.
derivatives: in»tun»tive»ly tive»ness
adv. in»tu»i«
n.
in«tu*mesce
|
,int(y)oo'mes
.
V.
[intrans.]
I
bubble up. derivatives: in»tu»mes«cence ans n. in«tu»mes»cent adj. swell or
|
'mes-
I
ln»U«it
'in(y)oo-it|
•
n.
1
(pi.
same or
-its) a
I
member of an
indigenous people of northern Canada and parts of Greenland and Alaska. 2 the family of languages of this people, one of the three branches of the Eskimo-Aleut language family. It is also known as Inupiaq (from inuk 'person' + piaq 'genuine') or, esp. its speakers, as Inuktitut. • adj. of or relating to the Inuit or their language.
to
usage: The
peoples inhabiting the regions
from northwestern Canada to western Greenland speak Inuit languages (Inuit in Canada, Greenlandic in Greenland) and call themselves Inuit, not Eskimo, and Inuit now has official status in Canada. By analogy Inuit is also used in the US, usually an attempt to be politically correct, as a general s>Tionym for Eskimo. This, however, is inaccurate because there are no Inuit in Alaska and Inuit therefore cannot include people from Alaska (who speak Inupiaq (from inuk 'person' + piaq 'genu-
in
ine'), which is closely related to Inuit, or Yupik, which is also spoken in Siberia).
238
inundate
Since neither Inupiaq nor Yupik is in comusage, only Eskimo includes all of these peoples and their languages.
mon US
in*un*date I'inan.datl .•y. [trans.] (usu.be inundated) cover with water; flood: the islands
may be the first to be inundated as sea lev-
involuntary
(of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change: her inveterate optimism. derivatives in«vet»er»a»cy |-r3se| n. in* vet»er«ate«ly adv. in*vid*i*OUS in'videss • adj. (of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others: she'd put herself in an :
|
|
els rise.
invidious position.
overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with: zve've been inundated with
(of a comparison or distinction) unfairly discriminating; unjust: it seems invidious to make special mention of one aspect of his work. derivatives: \n»\\d»\»o\xs»\y adv. in*vid»
complaints.
derivatives: SH3n| In*ure
in»un»da»tion
|
.inan'da-
i»ous»ness
n.
enure) 'v. [trans.] (usu. be inured to) accustom (someone) to something, esp. something unpleasant: these |i'n(y)(50r|
(also
in U*ter*0
|
'yoopro
in
• I
adv.
&
adj.
[trans.]
in a
make
1
|
|
tive. [intrans.] In*veigh |in'va| »v. (inveigh against) speak or write about (something) with great hostility: Marx inveighed against the
of the property-owning classes. in'vagal . v. [with obj.
persuade (someone) to means of deception or flattery: zue cannot inveigle him into putting pen to paper. (inveigle oneself or one's way into) gain entrance to (a place) by using such methods. bial]
|
|
|
ble rule
Cf. CAJOLE.
|
of chastity.
derivatives:
in*vi»o»la»bil»i»ty
|-,vi3l9
in»vi»o»la»bly |-ble| adv. in»vi*0*late inVlsht . adj. free or safe from injury or violation: an international memorial that must remain inviolate. derivatives: in«vi»o»la»cy |-bsei n. in* vi»o»late»ly adv. in vi*tro in 've.tro • adj. & adv. (of processes or reactions) taking place in a test tube, culture dish, or elsewhere outside a living organism: [as adj.] in vitro fertilization. in vi*VO in 'vevol • adv. & adj. (of biological processes) taking place in a living organism. The opposite of in vitro. in»vo*ca»tion .inva'kasHsnl the action of invoking something or someone for assistance or as an authority: the invocation of new 'bilite
n.
I
|
|
|
I
I
|
disciplines
and adverdo something by
|
|
|-,vins3
in»vin»ci»bly -ble adv. in*vi*0*la*b!e inVisbbal • adj. never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored: an inviolan.
I
(an argument, statement, or theory) unsound or erroneous: these errors invalidate the entire thesis. 2 deprive (an official document or procedure) of legal efficacy because of contravention of a regulation or law. derivatives: in»val«i«da»tion |-,vaeli 'dasHanI n. in»valn»da»tor |-,dat3r| n. in*val*U*a*ble inVselyawabal • adj. beyond valuation; extremely useful; indispensable. derivatives: in»val«u»a«ble«ness n. in» val»u»a»bly |-blei adv. in*vec*tive |in'vektiv| • n. insulting, abusive, or highly critical language: a stream of invec-
evils
I
rior.
'bilite
n.
woman's uterus; before birth. ln*vaW*date |in'vaEh,dat| »v.
in»vei*gle
|
derivatives: in»vin»ci»bilM»ty
children have been inured to violence.
derivatives: in»ure«ment
n.
in»vin*ci*ble inVinsabal • adj. too powerful to be defeated or overcome: an invincible war-
the
and
methodologies.
summoning of a
deity or the supernatuinvocation of the ancient mystical powers. incantation used for this. (in the
ral:
an
Christian Church) a form of words such as "In the name of the Father" introducing a prayer, sermon, etc. DERI VAT I v e s in«voc»a»tive adj. in«voc»a» :
derivatives: in«vei»gle»nient
to»ry iin'vaka.torel
n.
in»ver»te»brate lin'vsrtabrit; -,brat| n. an animal lacking a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusk, annelid, coelenterate, etc. The .
invertebrates constitute an artificial division of the animal kingdom, comprising 95 percent of animal species and about 30 different phyla. • adj. of, relating to, or belonging to this division of animals. irresolute; spineless: so invertebrate
is
today's
Congress regarding foreign policy responsibilities. in»ves»tl»ture inVesti.CHOOr; -CH3r| » n. 1 the action of formally investing a person with honors or rank: the investiture of bishops. a ceremony at which honors or rank are formally conferred on a particular person. 2 the action of clothing or robing. a thing that clothes or covers. in*vet»er»ate in'vetsrit • adj. [attrib.] having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change: an |
|
inveterate gambler.
|
adj.
in*VOke |in'vok| »v. [trans.] cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument: the antiquated defense of insanity
is
rarely invoked
today.
on
(a deity or spirit) in prayer, as a witcall earnestly or for inspiration. for: she invoked his help against this attack. summon (a spirit) by charms or incancall
ness,
give rise to; evoke: explain the accause cident without invoking his wrath. (a computational procedure) to be carried tation.
out.
derivatives: in«vok»er n. in*VOl»un*tar*y in'vabn.tere . adj. 1 done without conscious control: she gave an involuntary shudder. (esp. of muscles or nerves) concerned in bodily processes that are not under the control of the will. caused unintentionally, esp. |
through
negligence:
I
involuntary
homicide.
239
involute 2 done against someone's
will;
compulsory: a
policy of involuntary repatriation.
derivatives: in»voI»un»tarn»ly 'tersle;
ness
-'vabn.ter-
|in,val3n
in«vol«un»tar«i«
adv.
1
irony.
n.
•adj. 1 involved; in*VO*lute |'inv3,loot| entangled; intricate: the art novel has grown increasingly involute. 2 curled spirally. (of a shell) having the whorls wound closely around the axis. (of a leaf or the cap of a fungus) rolled inward at the edges. . in*VO»lu»tion .inva'looSHan 1 the shrinkage of an organ in old age or when inactive, e.g., of the uterus after childbirth. 2 a mathematical function, transformation, or operator that is equal to its inverse. 3 the process of involving or complicating, or the state of being involved or complicated: peri|
|
ods of artistic involution.
derivatives:
in»vo»lu«tion»al |-SH3nli in»vo»lu»tion»ar»y -,nere adj. • adf in»vul*ner»a»ble in'v3ln9r3b3l impossible to harm or damage. derivatives: in»vul»ner»a»bil»i»ty |-|V3lnsrs'bilite n. in«vul»ner»a»bly -ble adv. i*0*ta |i'ot3| . n. [in sing.] [usu. with negative] an extremely small amount: nothing she said seemed to make an iota of difference. ip*se Clix*it 'ipse 'diksit • n. a dogmatic and unproven statement. ip»SO fac*tO 'ipso 'faekto • adv. by that very fact or act: the enemy of one's enemy may be ipso facto a friend. • adj. i»ras»ci*ble i'raesabsl (of a person) adj.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I
|
I
made
angry. characterized by or arising from anger: their rebukes got progressively more irascible. derivatives: i»ras»ci»bil»i»ty i,raes3'bilite n. i»ras»ci»bly -ble adv. i*rate I'rat • adj. feeling or characterized by great anger: a barrage of irate letters. derivatives: i»rate»ly atft;. i«rate«ness n. i*ren»lc I'renik; i're(also eirenic) . adj. aiming or aimed at peace. Cf. pacific. • n. (irenics) a part of Christian theology concerned with reconciling different denominations and sects. derivatives: i»renn»cal adj. i»ren»i«cal» ly |-ik(3)le| adv. i»renM»cism |-ni,siz3m| n. easily
irrefrangible pression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect: "Don't go overboard with the gratitude," he rejoined with
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1
a state of affairs or liberately contrary to
an event that seems dewhat one expects and is
often amusing as a result. (also dramatic or tragic irony) a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character. Cf. Socratic irony, derivatives: ironist n.
lr*0»quol*an 'ir3,kwoi3n| . w. a language family of eastern North America, including the languages of the Five Nations (Iroquos Confederacy), Tuscarora, Huron, Wyandot, and Cherokee. With the exception of Cheroi
members are extinct or nearly so. of or relating to the Iroquois people or the Iroquoian language family. lr»0*quoiS 'ir3,kwoi| • n. (pi. same) 1 a member of a former confederacy of North American Indian peoples originally comprising the kee, •
all its
adj.
|
Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca peoples (known as the Five Nations), and later including also the Tuscarora (thus forming the Six Nations). 2 any of the Iroquoian languages. • adj. of or relating to the Iroquois or their languages.
ima*di*ate
|i'rade,at| 'V.
(often
1
[trans.]
down through stained and friends.
sunlight streamed
active
ac/y.
ir»ra«di»a»tor |-,apr|
ir*ra*t!On»al
|
i'raeSHsnl
. |
adj. 1
ir«ra»di»
n.
n.
not logical or
reasonable.
not endowed with the power of reason. 2 (of number, quantity, or expression) not expressible as a ratio of two integers, and having an infinite and nonrecurring expansion when expressed as a decimal. Examples of ira
rational
numbers
are the
number
tt and the an irrational
derivatives: ir»ra»tion»alM»ty
derivatives: ir»i»des»cence
'naelitel
,iri'des3nt|
|
'adj.
n.
ir»i»des»
cent'ly adv. irk*SOme 'arksami • adj. tending to irritate (irk), esp. because repeated; tiresome. |
derivatives: irk»some»ly ness
{•ron*iC |i'ranik|
by
adv.
irk'some*
n.
irony: his
• a(i/'.
using or characterized
mouth curved
into
an
ironic smile
an ironic commentator. happening in a way opposite to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this: [with clause] it was ironic I
that
now
that everybody
had high-powered
they spent all their time sitting in
DERI VAT I V E s i»ron»i»cal i»ro*ny I'lrsne; 'iarnel * n. :
cars,
traffic.
adj. (pi.
-ies) the ex-
glass,
irradiating the faces offamily
derivatives: ir»ra»di«a»tion
showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.
Ir»i«des*cent
be
irradiated) expose to radiation. expose (food) to gamma rays (electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength than xrays) to kill microorganisms. 2 illuminate (something) by or as if by shining light on it:
square root of
2.
•
n. IVIathematics
number. n.
ir»ra»tion»aWze
|-,iz|
|i,r£eSH3 v.
ir«ra«
tion«al*ly adv. • adj. not ,iri'd(y)oos3b3l ir«re»duc»i«ble able to be reduced or simplified. not able to be brought to a certain form or condition: the imagery remains irreducible to |
|
textual structures.
derivatives: -,d(y)oos3'bilite
ir»re»duc»i«bil»i»ty n.
ir«re«ducM«bly
|-ble|
I
I
adv.
ir«ref*ra«ga«ble li'refrsgabsll ^adj. notable to be refuted or disproved; indisputable. derivatives: ir«ref»ra»ga»bly -ble adv. ir«re*fran»gi»ble .irs'frEenjabslI ^adj. (of a rule) inviolable: an irrefrangible law of country |
l
etiquette.
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.
240
irregardless lr*re*gard»less
.iri'gardbs
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.
& adv.
adj.
|
(of a river or stream) supply (land) with waapply a continuous flow of water or liquid medication to (an organ or wound) DERI VAT I V E s ir«ri«ga«ble -gabsl adj. ir» ri»ga»tion .iri'gasHsn n. ir»ri»ga»tor
re-
gardless.
ter.
usage:
Irregardless, with
illogical
its
negative prefix, is widely heard, perhaps arising under the influence of such perfectly cor-
forms as irrespective. Irregardless is avoided by careful users of English. Use regardless to mean 'without regard or consideration for' or 'nevertheless': / go walking rect
every day regardless of season or weather.
ir«reg»U»lar li'regyabri 'adj. 1 [attrib.] (of troops) not belonging to regular or established army units. 2 (of a verb or other word) having inflections that do not conform to the usual rules. • n. (usu. irregulars) a member of a military force not under the control of a legitimate or ruling government. DERI VAT I v E s ir»reg»u»lar»ly adv. ir«rel»e»vant i'relsvant . adj. not connected with or relevant to something. :
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|
derivatives: ir»rel*e«vance van»cy
n.
(pi.
n.
ir»rel»e»
-ies) ir«rel«e»vant»ly adv.
usage: See usage ir*re*li*giOUS
at immaterial.
,ira'lijas
. |
indifferent or
adj.
|
an
hostile to religion:
irreligious world.
derivatives:
ir»re«li»gion |-'lij3n| n. ir» re»li«gious»ly adv. ir»re»li»gious»ness n. ir*rep»a»ra*ble ir'rep(3)r3b3l . adj. (of an injury or loss) impossible to rectify or repair: irreparable damage to the heart and lungs. derivatives: ir •rep'a'ra'bil'i'ty i |
|
|
,rep(9)r3'bilite
n. I
ir»rep»a»ra»bly
|-ble|
adv.
Ir»re*press«i«ble .ira'pressbal »adj. not able to be repressed, controlled, or restrained: a great shout of irrepressible laughter. |
ir»re»press»i»bil»i»ty - presir»re«press«i«bly -ble adv. ir*res*0*lute |i(r)'rez3,loot| »adj. showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain: she stood irreso|
n.
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,
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ir«res«o»lute«ly adv. ir»res» ir»res»o*lu»tion |-,rez9'loo-
o»lute»ness n. SH9n| n. ir«re»spec«tive ,iri'spektiv| »adj. [predic] (irrespective of) not taking (something) into account; regardless of: child benefit is paid irrespective of income levels. DERI VAT I V E s ir«re«spec»tive»ly adv. jr*rev*er*ent |i'rev(3)r3nt| »adj. showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously. DERI VAT I V E s ir»rev»er»ence n. ir»rev»er» en*tial i,rev9'rensH3l adj. ir»rev«er»ent»ly |
:
:
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|-,gat3r| n. _
i*so*bar 'is3,bar • «. 1 Meteorology a line on a map connecting points having the same atmospheric pressure at a given time or on average over a given period. (in physics) a curve or formula representing a physical system at constant pressure. 2 each of two or more isotopes of different elements, with the same atomic weight. derivatives: i»so»barnc .isa'baerik; |
I
|
-'bar-; -'ber-
adj. 1
l»SO»met«ric ,is3'metrik| 'adj. 1 of or having equal dimensions. 2 of, relating to, or denoting muscular action in which tension is developed without contraction of the muscle. denoting a form of exercise (isometrics) in which muscles are strenthened by acting in equal opposition to each other. 3 (in technical or architectural drawing) incorporating a method of showing projection or perspective in which the three principal dimensions are represented by three axes 120° apart. DERI VAT I V E s i»so»met»ri»cal»ly -ik(3) le |
:
|
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adv.
i»so»mor*phlc
phous
I
-fas
,is3'm6rfik|
(also
|
adj.
) • I
isomor-
corresponding or similar
form and relations. having the same crystalline form. derivatives: i»so»mor»phism in
|-,fiz3m|
n.
^n. the equilibrium earth's crust, which behaves as if it consists of blocks floating on the underlying mantle, rising if material (such as an ice cap) is removed and sink-
i«SOS*ta*sy
ing
if
|i'sast3se|
between parts of the
that exists
material
deposited.
is
i»so»stat»ic
,is3'sta£tik| adj. |
i«SO*tope 'isa.top • n. each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form of an element. DERIVATIVES i«so»topnc l.isa'tapiki adj. I
I
:
i»so»top»i»cal»ly
,is9'tapik(3)le
|
adv. i»sot«
|
o«py
'is3,tope; I'satape
|
n.
I
'e(s),sa| » n. (pi. same) a Japanese immigrant to North America. Cf. nisei and san-
is*sei
I
SEI.
|
adv.
isth*mus 'ismas • n. (pi. isdimuses) a narrow strip of land with water on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of |
I
ir*re*vers*i*bie .irsVarsabal . adj. not able to be undone or altered; not reversible. derivatives: ir«re»vers»i«bil«i»ty -|V3rs3 |
I
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ir«re»versM»bly |-ble| adv. ir*rev*0*ca*ble .i'revakabsll 'adj. not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final. derivatives: ir»rev»o»ca»biW»ty li.revaks'bilitel n. ir»rev»o»ca»bly |-ble| adv. ir*ri*gate I'irigati 'V. [trans ] supply water to (land or crops) to help growth, typically by means of channels. 'bilitel
|
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derivatives:
lute outside his door.
derivatives:
:
|
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derivatives: a'bilite
iterate
n.
|
land. (pl."istiimi I
-mi
|
)
(in
anatomy)
a
narrow
or-
gan, passage, or piece of tissue connecting
two
larger parts.
it»er*ate 'its, rat repeatedly.
|
• v.
[trans.]
perform or utter
|
make repeated use of a mathematicomputational procedure, applying it each time to the result of the previous appli[intrans.]
cal or
|
241
iteration cation;
perform
iteration.
Mathematics a
n.
•
quantity arrived at by iteration. it«er»a»tion .ip'raSHsn . w. the repetition of a process or utterance. repetition of a mathematical or computational procedure applied to the result of a previous application, typically as a means of obtaining successively closer approximaa new tions to the solution of a problem. version of a piece of computer hardware or |
|
software. it»er»a»tive
'it9,rativ;-r3tiv|
|
adj. relating to
*
or involving iteration, esp. of a mathematical or computational process. denoting a grammatical rule that can be ap-
another term for frequenplied repeatedly. tative, in grammar. DERI VAT I V E s it»er»a»tive»ly adv. i»tin»er»ant I'tinarant; i'tin- • adj. traveling :
japan
i*tln«er«ar»y |i'tin3,rere; i'tin- . n. (pi. -ies) a planned route or journey. a travel document recording these. 1
• possessive adj. belonging to or assoits ciated with a thing previously mentioned or easily identified: turn the camera on its side. belonging to or associated with a child or an-
its
I
I
imal of unspecified sex: a baby
in
its
mother's
womb.
usage:
Its is the possessive form of it (the dog licked its paw), while it's is the contraction of it is (Look, it's a dog licking its paw) or it has (It's been licking its paw). The apostrophe in it's never denotes a possessive. The confusion is at least partly understandable since other possessive forms (singular nouns) do take an apostrophe + s, as in the girl's bike; the president's smile.
1
|
from place person
to place: itinerant traders.
who
from place to
travels
derivatives: tin»er»an»cy
n.
•
a
n.
place.
i«tin»er»a»cy |-r3se| i*tin»er»ant*ly adv.
n.
i»
i*VO»ry tOW*er • n. a state of privileged seclusion or separation from the facts and practicalities of the real world: the ivory tower ofacademia.
Jj jab*ber»WOCk*y
'jabar.wake . n. (pi. -ies) invented or meaningless language; nonsense. • adj. meaningless; nonsensical. • w. jack*al 'jaeksl a slender, long-legged wild dog that feeds on carrion, game, and fruit and often hunts cooperatively, found in Africa and southern Asia. I
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I
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a person who acts like a jackal, esp. one who serves or does subordinate preparatory work or drudgery for another.
jack*a*napes
'jaeka.naps • n. 1 an impertinent person. 2 a tame monkey. jack*ieg 'j£ek,leg » n. an incompetent, unskillful, or dishonest person: [as adj.] a jackleg carpenter. A person employed to break a |
I
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strike: jackleg laborers. Cf. scab.
Jac*0*be»an
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political radical.
2 a Dominican
friar.
derivatives: Jac»o«bin»ic adj.
Jac»o»bin«i»cal
o'binMsm
|-,niz3m|
jseka'binik |
.jseks'binikal |
adj. |
n.
|
lands, Jacobites made attempts to regain the throne in 1689-90, 1715, 1719, and 1745-6, finally being defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. derivatives: Jac»o»bitM»cal jaeka'bitikal adj. Jac»o»bit«ism -bit.izam n. jac*quard |'j£e,kard; ja'kardj * n. an apparatus with perforated cards, fitted to a loom to facilitate the weaving of figured and bro|
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caded
fabrics.
made on a loom with such a device, with an intricate variegated pattern. jad*eci jadid . adj. tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something: meals to tempt the most jaded appetites. DERI VAT I V E s jad»ed«ly adv. jad*ed*ness n. jal*OU*sie |'j£el3,se| • «. a blind or shutter made of a row of angled slats. a fabric
jEeks'besn • a^f/'. of or relating to the reign (1406-37) of James I of England: a Jacobean mansion. (of furniture) in the style prevalent during the reign of James I, esp. being the color of dark oak. • n. a person who lived during this period. Jac»0*bin 'jaekaban » n. ^ a. member of a democratic club established in Paris in 1789. The Jacobins were the most radical and ruthless of the political groups formed in the wake of the French Revolution, and in association with Maximilien Robespierre they instituted the Terror of 1793-4.
an extreme
Jac*0*bite 'j£ek3,bit| • n. a supporter of the deposed James II and his descendants in their claim to the British throne after the Revolution of 1688. Drawing most of their support from Catholic clans of the Scottish High-
Jac«
I
I
:
Ja*nus
» n. an ancient Italian deity, 'janas guardian of doorways and gates and protector of the state in time of war. He is usually represented with two faces, so that he looks both forward and backward. • adj. (also jan US-faced) having a dual function, purpose, attitude, etc.: a Janus aspect. I
i
hypocritical; two-faced. Ija'psenj * n. a hard, dark, enamellike varnish containing asphalt, used to give a
ja*pan
black gloss to metal objects.
242
jape
a kind of varnish in which pigments are ground, typically used to imitate lacquer on wood. articles made in a Japanese style, esp. when decorated with lacquer or enamellike varnish. • v. (japanned, japanning) [trans ] cover (something) with a hard black varnish: [as adj.] (japanned) a japa.nned tin tray.
jape jap I
•
w.
I
a practical joke: the childish jape
bomb
of depositing a stink [intrans.]
say or
in her locker.
do something
in jest or
• v.
mock-
ery: children japing at policemen.
DKRIVATIVES: jap«er»y jar*gon
'jargan
•
i'jap(3)re| n. special words or expres-
n.
I
|
sions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand: legal jargon. a form of language regarded as barbarous, debased, or hybrid. derivatives: jar«gon«is»tic Jargs'nis|
jar'gon'ize
tik| adj.
jaun*dice
|-,niz| v.
a medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the pigment bilirubin and typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive breakdown of red blood cells. bitterness, resentment, or envy. jaun*diced 'j6ndist| • adj. having or affected by jaundice, in particular unnaturally yellow in complexion. affected by bitterness, resentment, or envy: they looked on politicians with a jaundiced eye. jaun*ty 'jonte • adj. (-ier, -iest) having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and selfconfident manner: there was no mistaking that jaunty walk. DERI VAT IVES jaun«ti»ly |-t3le| adv. jaun* 'jondis
•
|
w.
|
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:
ti»ness
n.
'jebs • adj. feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages: he grew jealous of her success. feeling or showing suspicion of someone's unfaithfulness in a relationship: a jealous boyfiercely protective or vigilant of one's friend. rights or possessions: Howard is still a little jealous of his authority they kept a jealous eye
jeal*OUS
I
I
jihad
ing from being on trial for a criminal offense. Cf. DOUBLE JEOPARDY. DERI VA T v E s jeopardize v. jer*e*ml*ad Jers'miad • n. a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of I
I
woes. Jes*U*it 'jeZHawit; 'jez(y)3-| . n. a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests founded by St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, and others in 1 534, to do missionary work. The order was zealous in opposing the Reformation. jet»sam 'jetsam • n. unwanted material or goods that have been thrown overboard from I
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and washed ashore,
a ship
esp. material that
has been discarded to lighten a vessel in distress. Cf. flotsam; Lagan. jet*ti*SOn 'jetisan; -zan • v. [trans.] throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship: six bombers jettisoned their loads in the sea. abandon or discard (someone or something that is no longer wanted): he's ready to jettison his politics. • n. the action of jettisoning some|
|
thing. . n. jeu d'es*prit ,ZHa da'spre; ,ZHoe (pi. jeux d'esprit pronunc. same) a lighthearted |
|
display of wit and cleverness, esp. in a
work
of literature.
Jew
joo
•
I
a
n.
I
member
Judaism and who
is
of the people and
community whose
cultural
gion
traditional reli-
trace their origins
through the ancient Hebrew people of
Abraham. Jew*ry 'joore
Israel
to
. |
n.
|
tively.
or
2
a historical
(pi. -ies) 1 Jews collecJewish quarter in a town
city.
» n. (Jl. 9th century Je*ze*bei jeza,bel; -bal BC), a Phoenician princess, traditionally the |
|
'
great-aunt of Dido and in the Bible the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. She was denounced by Elijah for introducing the worship of Baal into Israel (1 Kings 16:31, 21:5-15, 2 Kings 9:30-7). [as n.] (a Jezebel) a shameless or immoral
woman. jib'
jib I
\
over their interests. (of God) demanding faithfulness and exclusive worship. DERI VAT V E s jeal»ous»ly adv. je*june |ji'joon| * adj. 1 naive, simplistic,
:
|
n. ^ (in sailing)
»
a triangular sail set
I
DERI VAT v E s je'june'ly adv. je»june»ness
forward of the forwardmost mast. 2 the projecting arm of a crane. jib2 . V. (jibbed, jibbing) [intrans.] (of an animal, esp. a horse) stop and refuse to go on: he jibbed at the final fence. (of a person) be unwilling to do or accept something: he jibs at paying large bills. DERI VAT v E s jib'ber n. • n. & V. variant spelling of gibe. jibe' jib
n.
jlbe2
I
and
:
superficial: their entirely predictable
and
usually jejune opinions. 2 (of ideas or writ-
and uninteresting:
ings) dry
poem seems
the
rather jejune.
I
I
:
(of jelly or a similar substance) set or become firmer: the stew is jelling. (of a project or idea) take a definite shape; begin to work well: everything seemed to jell for
jell
jel
I
• V.
[intrans.]
I
the magazine.
ne sais quo!
|
|
ity
• n. jeop*ard»y 'jeparde danger of loss, harm, or failure: Michael's job was not in jeopardy. (in law) danger (of imprisonment, etc.) aris|
:
I
(Brit, gybe) . v. [intrans.] (in sailing) change course by swinging a fore-and-aft sail across a following wind: they jibed, and headed
closer to shore.
boom) across the wind ] swing (a sail or such a way. (of a sail or boom) swing or be swung across the wind: [as adj.] (jibing) the skipper was hit by a jibing boom. • n. an act or instance of jibing. jibe^ . V. [intrans.] be in accord; agree: the verdict does not jibe with the medical evidence. ji*had ji'hadi • n. a holy war undertaken by [trans
in
,zh3 na sa 'kwa • «. a qualthat cannot be described or named easily: that je ne sais quoi that makes a professional.
je
I
I
I
Muslims
against unbelievers.
.
jingoism
243
a single-minded or obsessive campaign: the quest for greater sales became a jihad. jin*go*ism 'jiNCgo.izam • n. extreme patriotism, esp. in the form of aggressive or war|
|
derivatives: jin»goMst
jin«goMS»tic
n.
back fought with
1
(alsodjinn orjinni |ji'ne;'jine|)« w. (pi. same or jinns) (in Arabian and Muslim mythology) an intelligent spirit of lower rank than angels, able to appear in human and animal forms and to possess humans. jive jiv • n. 1 a lively style of dance popular esp. in the 1940s and 1950s, performed to swing music or rock and roll. swing music. 2 (also jive talk) a form of slang associated with black American jazz musicians. a thing, esp. talk, that is deceptive or worthless: a single image says more than any amount of blather and jive. • v. 1 [intrans.] perform the jive or a similar dance to popular music. 2 [trans.] taunt or sneer at: Willy kept jiving him |jin|
that.
left.
talk nonsense: he wasn't jiving about
[intrans.]
deceitful or worthless: jive talk. v E s )iv*er n. jiv«ey adj.
adj.
•
DERI VAT jo*COSe
derivatives: jo«vi»aH»ty
friendly:
,jove'£elite
|
n.
|
ju*bi*lee I'jooba.le; jooba'Iel » n. a special anniversary of an event, esp. one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity: [as adj.]
jubilee celebrations.
I
:
jo'kos I
adj. playful
• I
or humorous: a
Jewish history) a year of emancipation and restoration, observed every fifty years. (in full Jubilee Year) a period of remission from the penal consequences of sin, granted by the Roman Catholic Church under certain conditions for a year, usually at intervals of twenty-five years. • adj. [postpositive] (of desserts) flambe: cherries jubilee. ju*di«ca»ture 'joodika.CHOOr; -.kaCHarl » n. the administration of justice. (the judicature) judges collectively; the ju(in
|
diciary.
derivatives: ju»di«ca»to»ry
a judicial system. ju»di»cial»ly adv.
into the allegations
DERI VAT V E s
jo»cose»ly adv. jo»cose» ness n. jo»cos»i»ty |-'kasite| n. (pi. -ies). jOC*U*lar 'jakyabri • adj. fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful: she sounded in a jocular mood his voice was jocuI
\
lar.
derivatives: joc»u»larM»ty
jakyaiaerite; |
joc»u»lar»ly adv.
n.
1
joC*und
• adj. 'jakand; 'jocheerful lighthearted: a jocund wedding party. 1
I
derivatives: jo»cun»di»ty
and
Ijo'kanditel
I
Do not confuse with judicious, which means 'prudent, reasonable': getting off the highway the minute you felt tired was a judicious choice. Judiciary, usually a noun and sometimes an adjective, refers to the judicial branch of government, the court system, or judges collectively.
judicial system; judicial robes. it
joo'diSHe,ere;-'diSH3re| » n. (pi. the judiciary) the judicial
|
I
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I
lity.
the quality of being cheerful: he was full of false jollity. 'jassl [trans.] push, elbow, or V. against (someone) roughly, typically in a crowd: he was jostled in the subway and had his pocket picked. [intrans.] people jostled .
I
I
bump
|
against [intrans.]
us.
(jostle for)
struggle or
compete
forcefully for: a jumble of images jostled for attention.
the action of jostling.
• n.
jour»ney*man trained worker
'jamemsn • n. (pi. -men) a is employed by someone |
|
who
else.
a worker or professional athlete who is reliable but not outstanding: [as adj.] a journeyman infielder.
jowst . V. [intrans.] [often as n.] (jousting) (of a medieval knight) engage in a sporting contest in which two opponents on horseback fight with lances. I
I
(usu.
-ies)
I
joS'tle
\
usage: Judicial means 'relating to judgment and the administration of justice': the
ju*di*Ci*ar»y
joie de Vi»vre ,ZHwa da 'vevra . n. exuberant enjoyment of life. join*der 'joindar • n. (esp. in law) the action of bringing parties together; union. jol*li»ty 'jalite • n. (pi. -ies) lively and cheerful activity or celebration: a night of riotous jol|
:
n.
-ies) joc«und»ly adv. |
|-k3,t6re| adj.
ju*di*cial Ijoo'disnalj » adj. of, by, or appropriate to a law court or judge: a judicial inquiry
derivatives:
joust
and
jo»vi»al*ly adv.
jocose allusion.
(pi.
n.
I
I
until Jimmy
-'ler-
lances.
jO*vi*al 'joveal • adj. cheerful she was in a jovial mood. I
,jiNGgo'istik| adj.
I
compete closely for superiority: the guerrillas joustedfor supremacy. • n. a medieval sporting contest in which two opponents on horse-
derivatives: joust»er
like foreign policy.
Jinn
jugular
authorities of a country; judges collectively.
usage: See usage
at judicial.
joo'disHas • adj. having, showdone with good judgment or sense: the efficient and judicious use of pesticides.
ju*di*CiOUS
I
I
ing, or
derivatives: ju»di»cious»ly
adv.
ju»di»
cious*ness n. ju*do 'joodo • n. a sport of unarmed combat derived from jujitsu and intended to train the body and mind. It involves using holds and leverage to unbalance the opponent. derivatives: ju'donst |-ist| n. a huge, powerjug*ger*naut 'jagar.not . ful, and overwhelming force or institution: a I
I
|
i
juggernaut of secular and commercial culture. jug*U*lar I'jagyabr] * adj. 1 of the neck or throat. 2 (of fish's pelvic fins) located in front of the pectoral fins. • n. short for jugular vein, which conveys blood from the face and scalp (external jugular vein) or from the face, neck, and brain (internal jugular vein) phrases: go for the jugular be aggressive or unrestrained in making an attack: once stock prices started to drop, the corporate raiders decided to go for the jugular.
244
jujitsu juojit*SU I
SU)
•
joo'jitsool
(also jiujitsu or jujut-
a Japanese system of
n.
unarmed com-
bat and physical training. 'j3NG(k)cH9r| . w. a particular point in events or time: it is difficult to say at this juncture whether this recovery can be sus-
junc*ture
|
tained.
juxtapose
ju»ror 'joorar; -or • w. a member of a jury. Cf. JURIST. a person taking an oath, esp. one of alle|
I
giance.
jus*sive
'jssivl
I
.
jun*ket
I
'jsNGkitl
•
«.
1
sweetened
a dish of
and flavored curds of milk, often served with 2 an extravagant trip or celebration, in particular one enjoyed by a government official at public expense. • v. (junketed, junketing) [intrans.] [often as n.] (junketing) attend or go on such a trip or celebration. fruit.
DERIVATIVES jun»ke»teer
,j3NGki'tir|
:
n.
|
'hOOnta; 'jsntsi • n. 1 a military or pogroup that rules a country after taking power by force: the right-wing military junta. 2 a deliberative or administrative council in Spain or Portugal. jun*tO 'janto • n. (pi. -os) a political or economic grouping or faction, esp. in 1 7th- and 18th-century Britain and America: the Essex
jun*ta
I
litical
I
Junto.
I
DERIVATIVES: 'kaSHsnl
to
|
joOris'dikSHanI . n. the offilegal decisions and judg-
make
ments: federal courts had no jurisdiction over the case the District of Columbia was placed under the jurisdiction of Congress. the extent of this power: the claim will be zvithin the jurisdiction of the military police. a system of law courts; a judicature. the territory or sphere of activity over which the legal authority of a court or other institution \
extends.
|
ju»ve»nes*cence
Jastafi
joova'nesans •n. the period of being young. derivatives: ju»ve»nes»cent adj. ju*ve»nilei 'joovs.ml; -vanl . adj. of, for, or |
|
state or
|
|
young people:
relating to
juvenile entertain-
ment. childish;
immature:
she's bored with
my juve-
of or denoting a theatrical or film role representing a young person: the romantic juvenile lead. of or relating to young birds or other animals. • n. a young person. a person below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible (18 in most nile conversation.
countries): a
courts.
[as
adj.]
juvenile justice, juvenile
young bird or other animal.
ju»ris»dic»tion»al |-SH3nl|
adj.
ju*ris*pru*dence ,j(50ris'proodns . n. the theory or philosophy of law. a legal system: American jurisprudence. DERI VAT I V E s ju»ris*pru»dent adj. & n. ju» |
|
:
ris»pru»den»tial 'joorist
• I
|
-proo'denCHsl adj. an expert in or writer on |
n.
I
derivatives:
ju»ve»nil»i«ty
n.
ju*ve»niH*a joova'nilea » plural n. works produced by an author or artist while still |
|
young.
ju»ve«niHze I'joovanl.izl keep young or youthftil;
ment
»v.
[trans.]
make
or
arrest the develop-
of.
(juvenilized) (of an insect or part of one) having a juvenile appearance or physiology; showing arrested or reversed developadj.]
ment. jux*ta*pose
'jaksta.poz;
,j3kst3'po7
1
. v.
|
place or deal with close together; as for contrasting effect: black-and-white photos of slums were starkly juxtaposed with color [trans.]
images.
derivatives: jux»ta»po«si»tion jakstapa
law.
|
a lawyer or a judge.
DERIVATIVES:
an
actor who plays juvenile roles. ju*ve*nile2 Joovs'nilite • «. 1 youthfulness; juvenile manner, quality, or character. 2 (pi. -Ies) a juvenile characteristic, act, or idea. 3 young people collectively.
[as
derivatives:
I
jus»ti»fi»ca»tion
n.
|
power
ju*rist
a verb)
I
ju*ris*dic*tion cial
form of
(of a
jus*ti»fy 'j3st9,fi . V. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] (in printing) adjust (a line of type or piece of text) so that the print fills a space evenly or forms a straight edge at the margin. I
a place where things join: the plane crashed at the juncture of two mountains. the set of features in speech that enable a hearer to detect a word or phrase boundary, e.g., distinguishing I scream from ice cream.
adj.
command.
expressing a
'ziSHanI
ju»ris«tic I
jOO'ristikI adj.
jux»ta«po»si»tion«al
n.
'ziSHanll adj.
jakstapa |
|
|
Kk Kab*ba*lah 'kaebsb; ka'ba- (also Kabbala, Cabala, Cabbala, or Qabalah) • n. the an1
|
cient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible, first transmitted orally and using esoteric methods (including ciphers). It reached the height of its influence in the later Middle Ages and remains significant in
Hasidism.
derivatives: Kab»ba»lism Kab»ba«list
n.
|-list|
n.
'kaebs.lizsm |
Kab»ba»lis»tic
ikaeba'hstiki adj.
kar«a»0»ke
|,kaere'oke; ,ker-| . n. a form of entertainment, offered typically by bars and clubs, in which people take turns singing popular songs into a microphone over prere-
corded backing kar*at
tracks.
'kgerat; 'ker|
(chiefly Brit, 1
also carat)
.
n.
measure of the purity of gold, pure gold being 24 karats: an ounce of 21 -carat gold. kar»ma I'karmal • n. (in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed a
I
ka*bu*kl ks'booke . w. a form of traditional Japanese drama with highly stylized song, mime, and dance, now performed only by male actors, using exaggerated gestures and body movements to express emotions, and including historical plays, domestic dramas, and dance pieces.
kaMee*klatsch
'kafe,klacH; -,klaeCH; 'k6fe| |
at which cofserved. talking or gossip at such gatherings. KaWlr 'kaefarl . n. chiefly S. African an insulting and contemptuous term for a black African. kaMi«yeh |k3'fe(y)3| (also kefflyeh) »n. a Bedouin Arab's kerchief worn as a headdress. kaf^lr 'kaefsr • n. a person who is not a Mus•
n.
fee
as deciding his or her fate in future exis-
I
I
an informal social gathering
is
tences.
destiny or fate, following as effect from cause. derivatives: kar»inic |-mik| adj. kar* mi»cal»ly -mik(3)le adv. . n. karst karst landscape underlain by limestone that has been eroded by dissolution, producing ridges, towers, fissures, sinkholes, and other characteristic landforms: [as it was strange country, adj.] karst topography broken into hummocks and karsts and mesas. |
|
I
I
\
I
|
I
lim (formerly used by Muslims).
Kaf*ka*esque
|,kafk3'esk| •adj. characterisor reminiscent of the oppressive or nightmarish qualities of the fictional world of tic
Franz Kafka (1883-1924). ka»hu«na ka'hoona . n. (in Hawaii) a wise man or shaman. an important person; the person in charge. |
I
very large wave. n. the German emperor, the emperor of Austria, or the head of the Holy Roman Empire: [as title] Kaiser Wilhelm. derivatives: kai»ser*ship |-SHip| n. Ka*ma Su*tra I'kams 'sootral an ancient Sanskrit treatise on the art of love and sexual technique. ka*mi*ka*ze |,kami'kaze| •n. (in World War II) a Japanese aircraft loaded with explosives and making a deliberate suicidal crash on an (in surfing) a
kai*ser
enemy
'klzar
|
•
|
target.
the pilot of such an aircraft. • adj. [attrib.] of or relating to such an attack or pilot. reckless or potentially self-destructive: he made a kamikaze run across three lanes of traffic.
ka*nak*a
ks'naks . w. a native of Hawaii. formerly, a Pacific Islander employed as an indentured laborer in Australia, esp. in the sugar and cotton plantations of Queensland. |
|
kan*ga*roo court . n. an unofficial court held by a group of people in order to try someone regarded, esp. without good evidence, as guilty of a crime or misdemeanor. any unfair or irregular court. ka*put ks'pOOt; ka- . adj. [predic] broken and useless; no longer working or effective. 1
I
derivatives:
kars»tic
kars»tif»i»c action
|'karstik|
,karst3fi'kaSH3n
adj. |
n.
|
kars»ti»fy |'karst3,fi| v. (-ies, -ied) kat*a*bat*lc ,kaep'b£etik| »adj. (of a wind) caused by local downward motion of cool air. The opposite (upward, warm) movement is .
|
called anabatic.
keel*haul 'kel,h61| . v. [trans.] punish (someone) by dragging him or her through the water under the keel of a ship, either across the width or from bow to stern. punish or reprimand severely. 'keratin »n. a fibrous protein ker«a«tm forming the main structural constituent of |
|
|
hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.
derivatives: ke»ratn»nous
|
ka'raetn-as
adj.
ker*mes 'kermez
. w. 1 a red dye used, esp. formerly, for coloring fabrics and manu|
I
scripts.
the dried bodies of a female scale insect, to yield this dye. 2 (oak kermes) the scale insect (kermes illicis) that is used for this dye, forming berrylike galls on
which are crushed
the kermes oak. ker«mls 'karmis towns and villages |
I
.
a
summer
fair
held in
in the Netherlands. a fair or carnival, esp. one held to raise money for a charity. kerni |k9rn| 'V. [trans.] 1 [usu. as n.] (kern-
ing) adjust the spacing between (letters or characters) in a piece of text to be printed. make (letters) overlap. 2 design (metal type) with a projecting part beyond the body or shank. • n. the part of a metal type projecting beyond its body or shank. kern2 (also kerne) . n. 1 a light-armed Irish foot soldier. 2 a peasant; a rustic. a rwo-masted, fore-and-aftkeCH • rigged sailboat with a mizzenmast stepped
ketch
|
I
246
key
forward of the rudder and smaller than the foremast.
key
•
a low-lying island or reef, esp. in the
n.
Caribbean. Cf. cay.
Keynesian
&
|
economy through money and taxes. derivatives: KeynesM'anMsm
'kanzea
|
n.
key»note 'ke,not| a prevailing tone or central theme, typically one set or introduced at the start of a conference: individuality was [as adj.] he delivered the keynote of the nineties the keynote address at the launch. 2 (in music) the note on which a key is based. DERI VAT I V E s key»not«er n. key*Stone |'ke,ston| a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together. [usu. in sing.] the central principle or part of •
«. 1
|
\
:
a
system,
policy,
etc.,
on which
all
else
depends: cooperation remains the keystone of the government's security policy. khan kan • «. a title given to rulers and officials in central Asia, Afghanistan, and certain other Muslim countries. any of the successors of Genghis Khan (1 162-1227), supreme rulers of the Turkish, Tartar, and Mongol peoples and emperors of China in the Middle Ages. |
|
derivatives: khan»ate kib*butz
ki'bOOts
. |
n.
|'kanat|
.boot'sem
) I
a
communal
n. |
ki
settlement in Israel,
typically a farm. 'kibits I
[intrans.]
. V. I
look on and offer
unwelcome
advice, esp. at a card game. speak informally; chat: she kibitzed with
DERI VAT V E s kib»itz»er :
n.
decisively: he put the kibosh on the deal.
kln»dred 'kindrid • n. [treated as pi.] one's family and relations. relationship by blood: ties of kindred. • adj. |
I
[attrib.]
similar in kind; related: books on kin-
subjects.
ki»ne*SlCS
ka'nesiks; -ziks * plural n. [usu. treated as sing.) the study of the way in which certain body movements and gestures serve as a form of nonverbal communication. [usu. treated as pi.] certain body movements and gestures regarded in such a way. ki*ne»si*0l»0»gy Ika.nese'abje; -ze-| * n. the study of the mechanics of body movements. derivatives: ki»ne»si*o»log*i»cal |-se9 'lajikal adj. ki»ne»si»ol»o»gist -jist n. kin*es«the«sia ,kin3s'THezH3| (Brit, kinaesthesia) • n. awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs (proprioceptors) in the |
|
|
|
|
|
muscles and
joints.
derivatives:
kin»es»thet»ic
|-'THetik|
adj.
ki*net»ic ka'netik • adj. of, relating to, or resulting from motion. |
|
|-ik(3)le|
'ke,ask| • n. a small open-fronted hut or cubicle from which newspapers, refreshI
ments,
tickets, etc., are sold.
telephone kiosk) Brit, a telephone booth. (in Turkey and Iran) a light open pavilion or summerhouse. kis»met I'kizmit; -,met| • n. destiny; fate: (usu.
what chance did I stand against kismet? kltch*en cab*i*net . n. a group of unofficial advisers to the holder of an elected office (esp. the president) who are considered to be unduly influential. kite kit . V. [trans.] write or use (a check, bill, or receipt) fraudulently. kith kiTH . n. (in phrase kith and kin or kith or kin) one's friends, acquaintances, and relations: a widow without kith or kin. kitsch kicH . n. art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way: the lava lamp is an example of sixties I
I
I
I
I
I
[as adj.] kitsch decor.
kitsch I
derivatives: kitsch*i*ness
n.
kitsch*y
adj.
klatch
klaCH; klaeCH (also klatsch) • n. a sogathering, esp. for food and conversation. |
I
cial
Cf. KAFFEEKLATSCH. klep*tO*ma*ni»a .klepta'manea; -'manyal
urge to steal, typically without regard for need or profit. derivatives: klep»to»ma»ni«ac |-'mane •
n.
a recurrent
.aekl
n.
& adj.
klutz kbts ish person.
• \
a clumsy,
n.
I
|
|
ki*bosh Ika'baSH; 'ki,baSH| • n. (in phrase put the kibosh on) put an end to; dispose of
dred
ki*OSk
derivatives: knave nav • n.
friends. I
derivatives: ki«net«i»caWy
|
kibbutzim
(pi
I
kib*itz
depending on movement
adv.
'kanzeani • adj. n. of or pertaining to the English economist John Maynard Keyes (1883-1946) or his economic theories, esp. regarding state control of the
,nizam|
knickerbocker (of a work of art) for its effect.
awkward, or
fool-
klutz»i»ness n. klutz»y adj. a dishonest or unscrupulous
man.
^
another term for jack in cards.
derivatives: knav»er«y |-V3re| n. (pi. -ies) knavish adj. knav»ish»ly adv. knav* .
ish*ness
n.
knee-jerk • n. a sudden involuntary reflex kick caused by a blow on the tendon just below the knee. • adj. [attrib.] (of a response) automatic and unthinking: a knee-jerk reaction. (of a person) responding in this way: kneejerk conservatives.
nel . n. the sound of a bell, esp. when rung solemnly for a death or funeral. used with reference to an announcement, event, or sound that is regarded as a solemn warning of the end of something: the decision
knell
I
I
probably toll the knell for the facility. • v. (of a bell) ring solemnly, esp. for a death or funeral. [trans.] proclaim (something) by or as if by a will
[intrans.]
knell.
»n. knick»er«bOCk«er nikar.bakarl 1 (knickerbockers) loose-fitting trousers gathered at the knee or calf. 2 (Knickerbocker) a New Yorker. |
a in
descendant of the original Dutch
New York.
settlers
|
247
knockoff derivatives: knick»er»bock«ered knock*off 'nak,6f copy or imitation, I
(also I
adj.
knock-off) . n. a an expensive or knockoff merchan-
esp. of
designer product: [as
adj.]
ku*dos
I
'k(y)oo,dos; -,doz; -,das| • n. praise for an achievement.
and honor received
dise.
knurl
nsrl I
knob or around the edge of
a small projecting
n.
. I
ridge, esp. in a series
something.
USAGE: Kudos comes from Greek and means
Despite appearances, it is not form. This means that there is no singular form kudo and that use as a plural, as in the following sentence, is, strictly, incorrect: he received many kudos for his work (correct use is he received much ku'glory.'
a plural
derivatives: knurled adj. kO*sher 'koSHsr • adj. (of food, |
|
in
lachrymal (the Kremlin) the citadel in Moscow. the Russian or (formerly) Soviet government housed within this citadel.
which food
or premises
sold, cooked, or eaten) satis-
is
fying the requirements of Jewish law: a kosher kitchen.
dos
(of a person) observing Jewish food laws. genuine and legitimate: do you really think this deal is kosher? • v. [trans.] prepare (food)
according to the requirements of Jewish law. give (something) the appearance of being legitimate: see them scramble to kosher illegal evidence.
phrases: keep (or eat) kosher observe the Jewish food regulations (kashruth). kow*tOW I'kow'towl 'V. [intrans.] kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of Chinese custom. act in an excessively subservient manner: she didn 't have to koiutow to a boss. • n. an act of kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead in such a way. DERI VAT I V E s kow»tow»er n. krem*lin |'kremlin| • w. a citadel within a Russian town. :
.
ku*lak sia
.).
.
|koo'l£ek; -'lak|
wealthy enough to
a peasant in
n.
•
Rus-
own a farm and hire
la-
bor. Emerging after the emancipation of serfs in the 19th century, the kulaks resisted
(1920s-30s) Stalin's forced collectivization,
and millions were arrested, exiled, or killed. kvetch k(3)veCH; kfeCH . n. a person who complains a great deal. |
I
• v. a complaint. kvetching, already!
Kwan*zaa
I
'kwanza
complain: stop
[intrans.]
(also |
Kwanza) . n. a many African
secular festival observed by
Americans from December 26
January
to
as a celebration of their cultural heritage
1
and
traditional values.
kwash«i*or»kor ,kwaSHe'6rk6r; -karj * n. a form of malnutrition caused by protein deficiency in the diet, typically affecting young |
children in the tropics.
LI la*bl*a
'labes I
•
plural
anatomy) the
n. (in
I
in-
ner and outer folds of the vulva, at either side of the vagina. . adj. 1 of or relating to the Ia*bl*al 'labeal |
I
lips.
(of the surface of a tooth) adjacent to the (in
lips.
zoology) of, resembling, or serving labium (fused mouth-
as a lip, liplike part, or
part of an insect). 2 (of a consonant) requiring complete or partial closure of the lips (e.g., p, b,f, V, m, w), or (of a vowel) requiring rounded lips (e.g., oo in moon). • n. a labial
sound. |-,liz|
(in
v.
sense 2). la»bi»al»ly adv. 'la,bil;-b3l| I
•
adj. 1 liable to err
or
sin.
2 liable to change; easily altered. of or characterized by emotions that are easily aroused or freely expressed, and that tend to alter quickly and spontaneously; emotionally unstable. (in chemistry) easily broken
down
secret
chambers.
an intricate and confusing arrangement: a labyrinth of conflicting laws and regulations. 2 a complex structure in the inner ear that contains the organs of hearing and balance. consists of bony cavities (the bony labyrinth) filled with fluid and lined with sensiIt
tive
membranes
(the
membranous
laby-
rinth).
derivatives: lab»y»rin»thi«an
.laebs'rin|
.laebs'rin lab»y»rin»thine ,THen; -'rinTHin; -'rinjHin adj. Iac*er*ate 'l£ES3,rat| • v. [trans.] tear or deeply cut (something, esp. flesh or skin): the point had lacerated his neck [as adj.] (lacerated) his
THgan]
adj.
|
|
derivatives: la»bi»aWze Ia*blle
maze: a labyrinth of passages and
or displaced.
derivatives: la»biln»ty
|
la'bibte;
b-
1
n.
Iab*y»rinth ri£eb(3),rinTH| . «. 1 a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a
|
\
lacerated hands.
(of feelings or emotions)
wound
derivatives: lac»er»a»tion
or injure.
,l£es3'raSH3n |
n.
Lach*e*sls |'laek3sis| in Greek mythology, one of the three Fates, who measures the length of the thread of
life.
(also lacrimal or leekramal Iach*ry»mal lacrymal) • adj. 1 connected with weeping or tears. 2 (usu. lacrimal) concerned with the |
i
lachrymose
248
secretion of tears: lacrimal
(usu.
n.
•
cells.
lacrimal or lacrimal bone) a small bone forming part of the eye socket. * adj. lach*ry*mose 'laekrs.mos; -,moz| tearful or given to weeping: she was pink-eyed and lachrymose. |
inducing tears; sad: a lachrymose
children's
classic.
DERI VAT V E s lach»ry«mose»ly ry«mosM»ty ,laekr3'mas9te n. I
:
adv. lach*
|
:
|
who is
a person
coral reef.
the enclosed water of an atoll. a small freshwater lake near a larger lake or river. an artificial pool for the treatment of effluent or to accommodate an overspill from surface drains during heavy rain.
derivatives: la^goomal 'laik I
Iack*a*dai*si*cal .Iseka'dazikal] . adj. lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy. DERI VAT I V E s lack»a»dai»si»caWy adv. Iack»ey 'laeke • n. (pi. -eys) a servant, esp. a liveried footman or manservant. |
la*goon |b'goOn| • n. a stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a low sandbank or
Ia*ic
|
|
lament
obsequiously willing to obey
or serve another person or group of people. . V. Cf. SYCOPHANT. (also lacquey) (-eys, -eyed) [trans.] behave servilely to; wait upon as a lackey.
|-'goonl| adj.
of or pertaining to a layper-
adj.
• I
son or the laity; nonclerical; lay. • n. a layperson; a noncleric. DERI VAT I V E s la*i*cal -ikal adj. la»i»cal» ly |-(3)le| adv. laird lerd . n. (in Scotland) a person who :
|
|
j
I
owns a large estate. DERIVATIVES: laird'ship
|-,SHip| n.
. n. absence of restraint; unconstrained freedom. • w. a policy Iais*sez-falre ,lesa 'fer; ,leza or attitude of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering. abstention by governments from interfering in the workings of the free market: [as adj.]
Iais*sez-al*ler
,lesa a'la; ,leza
|
|
|
|
lacklustre) • adj. lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring: no excuses were made for the lackluster performance. (of the hair or the eyes) not shining; dull. la*COn*lc |b'kanik| 'adj. (of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words: the laconic reply suggested a lack of inter-
iack*ius*ter
riaek,bst9r|)
Brit
est in the topic.
D E R V AT V E s la»con»i»caWy la»conM»cism b'kans.sizam nism 'lacks, nizsm n. I
I
|-(3)le| adv.
:
lac»o»
n.
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I
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adj.
lac*to»veg»e»tar*i»an •
'lEekto.vejs'teresn |
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who abstains from eating meat but who eats dairy products. An
a person
n.
and eggs, ovolactovegetarian
derivatives: lais*ser-faire*ism
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'fer
,iz3m| n.
(the laity) lay people, as distinct from the clergy. ordinary people, as distinct from professionals or experts. Ia*ma 'lamai • n. 1 an honorific title applied to a spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, whether a reincarnate lama (such as the Dalai Lama) or one who has earned the title in life. 2 a Tibetan or Mongolian Buddhist monk. Ia»i«ty
'laate
.
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[usu. treated as
n.
I
pi.]
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lac*ta*tion Isek'tasHsn . «. the secretion of milk by the mammary glands. the suckling of young; the period of milk secretion normally following childbirth. DERIVATIVES: lac»ta»tion»al |-'taSH3nl| |
laissez-faire capitalism.
also eats eggs.
la«CU*na |l3'k(y)oon3| . n. (pi. lacunae |-ni; -ne or lacunas) an unfilled space or interI
gap: the journal has filled a lacuna in MidEastern studies. a missing portion in a book or manuscript. (in anatomy) a cavity or depression, esp. in
'lama, sere • n. (pi. -ies) a monastery of lamas. Iam*baste |laem'bast; -'baest| (also lambast -'baest )"^« V. [trans.] beat or thrash soundly; criticize (someone or something) harshly. Iam*bent I'laembaml * adf (of light or fire) glowing, gleaming, or flickering with a soft radiance: the magical, lambent light of the
Ia*ma*ser*y
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I
I
val; a
north.
dle
(of wit, humor, etc.) lightly brilliant: a touch of the lambent bitterness that sometimes surfaced in him. derivatives: lam»ben»cy |-banse| n.
bone.
derivatives: la»cu»nal b'k(y)oonl adj. b'k(y)oon3re lac»u»nar»y 'laekys.nere; adj. la»cu»nate |-,nat;-nit; 'l£eky3,nat| adj. la*cu«nose 'lEekya.nos; -,noz adj. la»CUS»trine b'kastrin . adj. of, relating to, or associated with lakes: lacustrial vegetation. lade lad . v. (past part, laden 'ladn ) [trans.] |
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lam«bent»ly adv. Ia*me lae'ma; la-
• n. fabric with interwoven gold or silver threads. • adj. (of fabric or a garment) having such threads. Ia*ment b'ment . w. a passionate expression of grief or sorrow: a song full of lament and 1
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sorrow.
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load (a ship or other vessel). ship (goods) as cargo. [Intrans.] (of a ship) take on cargo.
Iag*gard 'Isegard • n. a person who makes slow progress and falls behind others: there was no time for laggards. • adj. slower than \
a song, piece of music, or
such emotions. disappointment;
poem
expressing
an expression of regret or a complaint: there were con-
stant laments about
work
conditions.
• v.
[trans.]
(lament for/over) express
one's
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desired or expected: a
bell to
summon
laggard
children to school.
derivatives: lag»gard»ly gard*ness Ia*gnlappe
&
adj.
adv. lag*
n.
.lasn'yaep; iaen.yaep
• |
|
thing given as a bonus or extra
gift.
n.
some-
mourn
(a person's loss or death).
[intrans.]
express regret or disappointment over something considered unreasonable, or unfair: unsatisfactory, [trans.] she lamented the lack of bookstores in the later direct speech] town [with Jefferson lamented, "Heaven remained silent." grief passionately about.
I
249
lamina derivatives: 'tasHan
lam*en*ta*tion la«ment»er n.
n. I
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,laem3n
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derivatives: lamn»nal adj. lamn«nar adj. lamM»nose -,nos; -,noz adj. |
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Iam*i*nate v. 'laema.nat [trans.] [often as adj.] (laminated) overlay (a flat surface, esp. paper) with a layer of plastic or some other .
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protective material. manufacture by placing layer on layer. split beat or roll (metal) into layers or leaves. into thin plates. • n. -nit; -,nat a laminated structure or material, esp. one made of layers fixed together to form a hard, flat, or flexible material. • adj. -nit; -,nat in the form of a |
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lamina or laminae. derivatives: lam»i*na»ble l-nsbal] adj. lam«i»na«tion ,laem3'naSH3n n. lam»i»na» tor |-,nat9r| n. lam*poon Isem'poon • V. [trans.] publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm. » n. a. speech or text criticizing someone or something in this way: a lampoon of student life. |
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derivatives: lam»poon»er
n.
lam»poon»
and
lean; lanky.
|
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just the tension in the rigging of a sailing ves-
Cf. halyard. cord passed around the neck, shoulder, or wrist for holding a knife, whistle, or similar object. a cord attached to a breech mechanism for firing a gun. La*od*i*ce*an lla.ada'seani 'adj. lukewarm or halfhearted, esp. with respect to religion or politics. • n. a person with such an attisel.
a
tude.
lap»a»ros*CO»py
.lEepa'raskapej
•
n.
(pi.
|
which a fiberoptic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen or to perform minor surgery. -ies) a surgical procedure in
derivatives: lap»a»ro»scope ,skop ik|
n. I
lap»a»ro»scop»ic
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lap»a»ro«scopM»caWy
adj.
'laep(3)r3
,l£ep(3)r3'skap-
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,laep(3)r3 |
'skapik(3)le| adv.
Iap»i*dar*y
'l£ep3,dere
•
(of language)
adj.
I
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engraved on or suitable for engraving on stone and therefore elegant and concise: a lapidary statement intended to grace his own gravestone.
ist l-ist| n.
twoedged surgical knife or blade with a sharp point. 2 a lancet arch or window (high and narrow, with an acutely pointed head). [as adj.] shaped like a lancet arch: a lancet |'laensit|
a small, broad,
1
•
clock.
of or relating to stone and gems and the work involved in engraving, cutting, or polishing. • n. (pi. -ies) a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems. the art of cutting, polishing, or engraving gems. Iar*ce*ny 'lars(9)ne . n. (pi. -ies) theft of personal property. Under various statutes, it may be defined as grand larceny (of items above a specified dollar value) or petty larceny (of items of lesser value). derivatives: lar«ce«nist |-nist| n. lar» |
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derivatives: lan»cet»ed
|-tid| adj.
Ian*guid 'leeNOgwid • adj. 1 (of a person, manner, or gesture) displaying or having a |
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disinclination for physical exertion or effort;
slow and relaxed: they turned with languid movements from back to front so as to tan evenly. (of an occasion or period of time) pleasantly lazy and peaceful: languid days in the Italian sun.
tall
adv. lank«ness n. • n. Ian*yard 'lanyard a rope threaded through a pair of wooden blocks, used to ad-
I
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Ian*cet
(of a person)
derivatives: lank*ly
'laemana • n. (pi. laminae -,ne; -,ni ) a thin layer, plate, or scale of sedimentary rock, organic tissue, or other material.
Iam*i»na
lascivious
2 weak or
faint
from
illness or fatigue.
derivatives: lan»guid»ly
adv. lan»guid» ness n. Ian*guish 'IseNOgwisH . v. [intrans.] 1 (of a person or other living thing) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble: dormant plants |
ce»nous
|-n3s| adj.
Iar*es ria,rez;
'lerez|
*
household worshiped
plural
gods of the
n.
Rome.
in ancient
Cf.
PENATES.
phrases: lares and penates Iar*gesse
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lar'znes; -'jes
(also |
money
generosity in bestowing
the home.
largess)
.
n.
upon
or gifts
|
may appear to be languishing. fail to make progress or be successful: many Japanese works still languish unrecognized in Europe. pine with love or grief: she still languished after Richard. assume or display a sentimentally tender or melancholy expression or tone: when a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes. 2 be forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation: has been languishing in a Mexican jail since 1 974. derivatives: lan»guish»er n. lan*guish* ing»ly adv. lan*guor 'laeNG(g)3r . w. 1 the state or feeling, often pleasant, of tiredness or inertia. 2 an oppressive stillness of the air: |
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derivatives: 'laeNGarasI adj.
'laeNGsrssle
lan»guor»ous lan»guor»ous«ly
|-g(3)r3s; |-g(3)r9sle;
adv. I
lank
I
lasNGk
straight.
• I
adj.
(of hair) long, limp,
and
others.
money
or gifts given generously.
&
• adv. adj. (as a musical direction) in a slow tempo and dignified in style. . n. (often Largo) (pi. -os) a passage, movement, or composition marked to be per-
lar*go
'largo
formed Iar»va
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in this way. 'larval
.
(pi.
larvae
|
-ve; -,vi
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)
the
immature form of an insect, esp. one that differs greatly from the adult and forms the stage between egg and pupa, e.g., a caterpillar or grub. Cf. nymph. an immature form of other animals that unactive
dergo some metamorphosis,
derivatives: lar»val cide
e.g., a
|-v3l|
adj.
tadpole. lar»vi»
|-,sid| n.
las*civ*i*OUS b'siveas • adj. (of a person, manner, or gesture) feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire: he gave her a lascivious wink. |
derivatives: civ»i»ous»ness
I
las»civ»i»ous«ly n.
adv.
las*
250
lassitude las*si«tude
. n. 'l£es3,t(y)ood a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy. Ia*ten*cy ,latn 'se see latent period. Ia*tent |'latnt| 'adj. (of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed: discovering her latent talent for diplomacy. (of a plant bud, resting stage, etc.) lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation. (of a disease) in which the usual symptoms are not yet manifest. (of a microorganism, esp. a virus) present in the body without causing disease, but capable of doing so at a later stage or when transmitted to another body. derivatives: la«tent»ly adv. Ia«tent pe*rl«od . n. 1 Medicine (also latency period) the period between infection with a virus or other microorganism and the onset of symptoms, or between exposure to radiation and the appearance of a cancer. 2 Physiology (also latency) the delay between the receipt of a stimulus by a sensory nerve and the I
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response to
it.
'Isetsral; 'lEetral
.
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adj. of, at,
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ter
through
its
acceptable contrast: a film with a latitude that is
outstanding.
derivatives: latM«tu«di»nal dn-9l; -'t(y)oodn3l
adj.
I
,laet3',t(y)oo|
latM»tu*di«nal»ly
|laet3't(y)oodn-3le; -'t(y)
n.
a
pow-
a scene or state of confused
and violent station was a
movement or upheaval: the train maelstrom of crowds a maelstrom of violence \
recrimination.
mae*nad
ancient Greece) god of wine, traditionally associated with divine possession and frenzied rites. derivatives: mae*nad*ic |me'naedik|
'me,naed
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•
n. (in
adj.
ma»es*tO»SO mi'stoso;
-'stozo
|
• I
& adj.
adv.
musical direction) in a majestic manner. • «. (pi. -os) a movement or passage marked to be performed in this way. (esp. as a
maes*tro 'mistro • n. (pi. maestri -stre or maestros) a distinguished musician, esp. |
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a
conductor of classical music.
any sphere: a movie maestro. Ma*fi*a 'mafea . n. (the Mafia) [treated as sing, or pi.] an organized international body of criminals, operating originally in Sicily and now esp. in Italy and the US and having a complex and ruthless behavioral code. (usu. mafia) any similar group using extora great or distinguished figure in
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ternational tennis mafia.
'magi; -ji; -ge (the Magi) the "wise the East who brought gifts to the infant Jesus (Matt. 2:1), said in later tradition to be kings named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Ma«gi
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men" from
mag«is»te»ri«al .maejs'stireal . adj. 1 having or showing great authority: a magisterial pronouncement. domineering; dictatorial: he dropped his somei
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what magisterial style of questioning. 2 relating conducted by a magistrate. (of a person) holding the office of a magis-
to or
derivatives: mag»is»te«ri»al»ly
Mag*na Car*ta
adv.
.maegns 'kartal a charter of liberty and political rights obtained from King John of England by his rebellious barons at Runnymede in 1215, which came to be seen as the seminal document of Eng|
lish constitutional practice.
any similar document of rights: a Magna Carta for alternative broadcasters. • adj. mag*nan*i*mous maeg'naenamas very generous or forgiving, esp. toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself. derivatives: mag»na«nim»i«ty .maegna 'nimste n. mag»nann»mous«ly adv. mag*nate 'maeg,nat; 'maegnati • n. a wealthy and influential person, esp. in business: a media magnate. mag*ne*tO mseg'neto • n. (pi. -os) a small electric generator containing a permanent magnet and used to provided high-voltage pulses, esp. (formerly) in the ignition systems of internal combustion engines. |maeg'nibkw3nt| 'adj. mag*nil*0*quent using high-flown or bombastic language. |
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n.
mag*
nil»o*quent»ly adv. mag»ni»tude 'maegna.tood . w. 1 the great size or extent of something: they may feel discouraged at the magnitude of the task before |
i
them.
I
a female follower of Bacchus, the
|
lar field,
derivatives: mag»nil»o»quence
erful whirlpool in the sea or a river.
and
and other criminal methods. (usu. mafia) a closed group of people in a particuhaving a controlling influence: the in-
tion
trate.
derivatives: mac«ro»cos»mic
ik|
magnum opus
262
macrobiotic
great importance: events of tragic magnitude. size: electorates of less than average magnitude. a numerical quantity or value: the magnitudes of all the economic variables could be determined. An order of magnitude is a difference between two quantities expressed as a power of ten. 3 the degree of brightness of a star. The magnitude of an astronomical object is now reckoned as the negative logarithm of the brightness; a decrease of one magnitude (e.g., from magnitude 3 to magnitude 2) represents an increase in brightness of 2.512
2
times: the class into which a star falls by virtue of a difference of one on a scale its brightness. of brightness, treated as a unit of measure-
ment.
mag*num 0*pus
'msegnam 'opas . n. (pi. or magna opera 'maegna 'opara; 'apara|) a large and important
magnum opuses
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i
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maharaja
263
work of
art, music, or literature, esp. one regarded as the most important work of an
or writer. Cf. chef-d'ceuvri;. ,mah3'raj3; -'razHs (also maharajah) • n. an Indian prince ranking higher than a rajah, esp. one wo ruled a Native State before independence (1947). ma*ha*ri*shi .maha'resne; ms'haraSHel » n. a great Hindu sage or spiritual leader. ma*hat*ma |m3'hatm3;-'ha£tm3| • «. (in the artist
ma*ha»ra»]a
|
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Indian subcontinent) a person regarded with reverence or loving respect; a holy person or sage.
(the
Mahatma) Mahatma (Mohandas
K.)
Gandhi (1869-1948), Indian nationalist and spiritual leader. (in some forms of theosophy) a person in India or Tibet said to have supernatural powers. Ma»ha»ya*na Lmahs yansl (also Mahayana Buddhism) • n. one of the two major traditions of Buddhism, now practiced in a variety of forms esp. in China, Tibet, Japan, and Korea. The tradition emerged around the 1st century ad and is typically concerned with altruistically oriented spiritual practice as embodied in the ideal of the bodhisattva. Cf.
Theravada. ma*ieu*tic ma'yootik|
* adj. of or denoting Socratic mode of inquiry, which aims to bring a person's latent ideas into clear consciousness, 'plural n. (maieutics) [treated as sing.] the maieutic method. maihiot mi'o . n. (pi. pronunc. same) 1 a pair of tights worn for dancing or gymnastics. a woman's tight-fitting one-piece swimsuit. 2 a jersey or top, esp. one worn in sports such |
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as cycling.
maim
|
mam
• V.
[trans.]
I
wound
or injure
(someone) so that part of the body is permanently damaged: 100,000 soldiers were killed or maimed. ma»iol*i*ca Imi'abka] • n. fine earthenware with colored decoration on an opaque white tin glaze, originating in Italy during the Renaissance. Cf. majolica.
maHred'h6*tel
.matrsdo'tel; ,metr3 (also l.matrs 'de; ,mat3r|) » n. (pi. maitres d'hotel pronunc. same or maitre d's) the person in a restaurant who oversees the serving staff, and who typically handles reser|
|
maitre
d'
vations.
the manager of a hotel. ma*jol*i*ca Ims'jalika] •
n.
a
kind of earthen-
ware made in imitation of Italian maiolica, esp. in England during the 1 9th century.
ma*jor-dO»mo
legally
.majar 'domo • n. (pi. -os) the chief steward of a large household. ma»jor*i*ty ma'jorste; -'jar- . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the greater number: in the majority of cases all will go smoothly [as adj.] it was a ma|
I
1
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\
jority decision.
the number by which votes for one candidate in an election are more than those for all other candidates combined. Brit, the number by which the votes for one party or candidate exceed those of the next in rank. a party or group receiving the greater number of votes. 2 the age when a person is
considered a
most con3 the rank or office of
full adult, in
texts either 18 or 21. a major.
usage:
majority
speaking,
Strictly
1
should be used with countable nouns to mean 'the greater number,' as in the majority of cases. Use with uncountable nouns to
mean
'the greatest part,' as in I spent the
ma-
day reading or she ate the majority of the meah although common in informal contexts, is not considered good standard
jority of the
English. 2 Majority means more than half: Fifty-one out of 100 is a majority. A plurality is the largest number among three or more: IfAnne received
50
los received
votes,
Barry
received 30, and Carreceived a plurality,
Anne
20, then
and no candidate won a majority; ifAnne got 35 votes, Barry 14, and Carlos 51, then Carlos won both the plurality and the majority. ma*jus*CUle
i
'maejas.kyooll
•
letters are usually the
same
large letter-
n.
which
ing, either capital or uncial, in
all
the
height.
a large letter. Cf. minuscule,
derivatives: ma»jus»cu»lar brl
tlie
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malefactor
Ima'jaskya-
adj.
mal*a*droit
,masb'droit bungling; clumsy. |
•
adj. ineffective
derivatives: mal«a«droit»ly droit'ness
mal»a*dy
or
I
adv.
mal«a«
n.
'maelsde • n. (pi. -ies) a disease or the nation's ailment: an incurable malady |
I
\
maladies.
ma*iaise
ma'laz; -'lez . a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify: a society a general afflicted by a deep cultural malaise |
I
\
air of malaise.
mal»a*pert
.mseb'psrti » adj. boldly disreperson of higher standing. • n. an impudent person. |
spectfiil to a
mal*a*prop
'maeb.prap |
malaprop-
(also i
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect, as in, for example, "dance a flamingo'' (instead of flamenco).
ism)
.
n.
mal»ap*ro*pos
,mael,aepr3'po| » adv. in an inopportune or awkward manner; inappropriately. • adj. inopportune; inappropriate: these terms applied to him seem to me malapropos. • n. (pi. same) something inappropriately said or done.
mal*COn*tent •
n.
a
person
|
.maelkan'tem; 'mselkan.tent |
|
who
is
dissatisfied
and rebel-
• adj. dissatisfied and complaining or making trouble. derivatives: mal»con»tent»ed adj.
lious.
mal»e*dic*tion ,mgeb'diksH3n . n. a magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil; a curse. Cf. benedici
i
tion.
derivatives:
mal«e»dic«tive |-'diktiv| mal»e»dic»to»ry |-'dikt3re| adj. mal»e*fac»tor 'maeb,faekt3r| * n. a person who commits a crime or some other wrong. derivatives: mal*e»fac»tion ,m£eb'f£ekSH3n| n. adj.
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V
264
malefic
ma«lef«ic |m3'lefik| 'adj. causing or capable of causing harm or destruction, esp. by supernatural means. relating to the planets Saturn and Mars, traditionally considered by astrologists to have an unfavorable influence.
derivatives: ma»lefM»cence
|-'lef3S3ns|
ma»lefM»cent |-'lef3S3nt| adj. maHev*0»lent Ima'levabntI * adj. having or showing a wish to do evil to others: malevo71.
some malevolent force of nature. Cf. BENEVOLENT. derivatives: nia»lev»o»lence n. ma»lev*
lent eyes
\
o»lent»ly adv.
mal»fea»sance esp.
official
mal«ver«sa*tion
. n. .maelvsr'sasHan corrupt behavior in a position of trust, esp. in public office: ineptitude and malversation were major factors in the trouncing of the party 's can-
didates.
mam»mon
'mseman
|
wrongdoing,
derivatives
it
affects his or
mam»monMst man*a*cle
|-'feznt| n.
&
|
Mammon)
(also
a
|
:
mam»monMsm |-,ist|
|
the intention or desire / bear no malice toward any•
I
n.
body. (in law) wrongful intention, esp. as increasing the guilt of certain offenses. Malice aforethought is the intention to kill or harm that is held to distinguish murder from other
unlawful
n.
'masnikal
|
•
(usu.
n.
manacles)
metal band, chain, or shackle for fastening
keeping prisoners in manacles.
be manacled)
the practice of •
v.
[trans.]
(usu.
person or a part of the body) with manacles: his hands were manfetter (a
acled behind his back.
ma*na*na man'yana
• adv. in the indefinite future (used to indicate procrastination): the ready maiiana. exhibition will be |
man*da*ia
killing.
ma*lign ma'lm
|-,iz9m|
n.
someone's hands or ankles:
adj.
mal*ice 'maebs to do evil; ill will:
. n.
wealth regarded as an evil influence or false object of worship and devotion. It was taken by medieval writers as the name of the devil of covetousness, and revived in this sense by John Milton.
n.
:
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• |
her public duties. D e R at I v E s mal»fea»sant I
treatment, esp. by a medical practitioner, lawyer, or public official: victims of medical malpractice.
when
mael'fezns
|
by a public
mandible
I
'maendab; 'man-l • n. a geometrepresenting the universe in Hindu |
nature or effect: malevolent: she had a strong and malign influ-
ric figure
ence.
(of a disease) malignant. Cf. benign. • v. [trans.] speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner: don 't you dare malign her in
(in Jungian psychology) such a symbol in a dream, representing the dreamer's search for completeness and self-unity. derivatives: man*da*lic maen'daelik;
my presence.
,m3n-|
|
•
|
adj. evil in
derivatives: ma»lign»er
n. ma»lig»ni»ty ma»lign»ly adv. ma»lig»nan»cy ma'lignanse . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the state or presence of a malignant tumor; cancer: in the biopsy, evidence of malignancy was found. a form of cancer: difa cancerous growth. fuse malignancies such as leukemia. 2 the quality of being malign or malevolent: her eyes
-'lignate
|
n.
I
I
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sparkled with renewed malignancy. »adj. ease) very virulent or infectious.
ma«lig*nant Ima'lignantI (of a
1
(of a dis-
tumor) tending to invade normal
tissue
or to recur after removal; cancerous. Cf. benign. 2 characterized by intense ill will; malevolent: in the hands of malignant fate.
derivatives: ma»lig«nant»ly adv. ma*iin«ger Ima'liNOgsrl . v. [intrans.] exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or work. Cf. GOLD brick,
derivatives: ma»lin»ger»er n. maMe*a*ble rmael(y)3b3l; 'maelea-l
adj.
to be malleable.
Anna was
,maele9-|
n.
shaken
Cf. ductile; tensile,
derivatives: mal»le»a»bilM»ty s'bilate;
|,mael(y)-
mal»le»a»bly
|-ble|
msen'damas * n. a judicial writ issued as a command to an inferior court or ordering a person to perform a public or statutory duty: a writ of mandamus.
man*da»rin
mal*0*dor*OUS
|
masl'odaras
• |
adj.
smelling
very unpleasant.
mal*prac*tice Imael'praektasl
|
|
\
maendarsn
.
«. 1
I
(Mandarin)
the standard literary and official form of Chinese based on the Beijing dialect, spoken by over 730 million people: [as adj.] Mandarin Chinese. 2 an official in any of the nine top grades of the former imperial Chinese civil service. [as adj.] (esp. of clothing) characteristic or supposedly characteristic of such officials: a porcelain decored-buttoned mandarin cap. rated with Chinese figures dressed as mandarins. a powerful official or senior bureaucrat, esp. one perceived as reactionary and secretive: State Department mandarins.
derivatives: man«da»rin»ate n. man* da»rin»ism n. man*da»tO»ry 'mEenda.tore • adj. required by law or rules; compulsory: wearing helmets was made mandatory for cyclists. of or conveying a command: he did not want |
derivatives: man»da»to«ri»ly
• n. improper, or negligent professional activity or
|-,t6r3le|
adv.
man*di*ble
'msendsbsl n. the jaw or a jawbone, esp. the lower jawbone in mammals
and
adv.
illegal,
man«da*mus
the guidelines to be mandatory.
without breaking or cracking. enough
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adj.
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(of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape easily influenced; pliable:
and Buddhist symbolism.
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•
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fishes.
either of the upper and lower parts of a bird's beak. either half of the crushing organ in an arthropod's mouthparts. Cf. .maxilla derivatives: man«dib»u«lar |maen'dib-
.
manege ysbri
adj.
265 man»dib»u»late
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maen'diby9,lat |
adj.
ma*nege
• n. mse'neZH; maan arena, school, or enclosed area in which horses and riders are trained. horsethe movements of a trained horse. |
i
manship.
ma»neu*ver Ima'noovarj (Brit, manoeuvre) • 1 a movement or series of moves requir/?.
ing skill and care: spectacular jumps and other daring maneuvers. a carefully planned scheme or action, esp. one involving deception: shady financial maneuvers. the fact or process of taking such action: the economic policy provided no room for maneuver. 2 (maneuvers) a large-scale military exercise of troops, warships, and other forces: the Russian vessel was on ma-
neuvers. • V. (maneuvered, maneuver1 perform or cause to perform a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care: [intrans.] the truck was unable to maneuver [with obj. and comfortably in the narrow street adverbial of direction] I'm maneuvering a loaded tray around the floor. 2 [with obj. and adverbial] carefully guide or manipulate (someone or something) in order to achieve an end: they were maneuvering him into a betrayal of his
ing)
\
countryman. [intrans.]
achieve an end: [as n.] (maneuvering) two decades of political maneuvering.
derivatives: ma«neu»ver»er |
'mane,£ek|
•
n. a
n.
person exhibiting
extreme symptoms of wild behavior, esp. when violent and dangerous: a homicidal maniac. adj.] an obsessive enthusiast: a gambling a former technical designation for a person suffering from mental disturbance characterized by great excitement, delusions, or overactivity (mania)
[with
maniac.
derivatives:
ma*ni*a*cal Ima'msksll ma»ni»a»cal«ly m3'ni3k(3)le adv. Man*i*chae*ism 'mana.keizaml (alsoManicheism) • n. a dualistic religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in Persia in the 3rd century by Manes (c.216-c.276).The system was based on a supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness. It spread widely in the Roman Empire and in Asia, and survived in Chinese Turkestan until the 1 3th century. adj.
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religious or philosophical dualism.
man»i*festi 'maen3,fest • adj. clear or obvious to the eye or mind: the system's manifest |
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display or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate: Ray manifested signs of severe depres-
failings.
• v.
[trans.]
sion.
(often be manifested in) be evidence of; prove: bad industrial relations are often manifested in disputes
ailment)
and
strikes.
[intrans.]
become apparent through
(of an
the ap-
pearance of symptoms: a disorder that usually manifests in middle age. [intrans.] (of a ghost or
spirit)
form of a
hensive details of a ship and its cargo and other contents, passengers, and crew for the use of customs officers. a list of passengers or cargo in an aircraft. a list of the cars forming a freight train. • v. [trans.] record in such a manifest: every passenger is manifested at the point of departure. man*i«fes*ta*tlon .maenafa'staSHan; -,fes 'tasHan » n. an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, esp. a theory or an abstract idea: the first obvious manifestations of global warming. the action or fact of showing something in such a way: the manifestation of anxiety over the upcoming exams. a symptom or sign of an ailment: a characteristic manifestation of Lyme disease. a version or incarnation of something or someone: Purity and Innocence and |
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Young Love in all their gentle manifestations. an appearance of a ghost or spirit. man«i*fes*tO .maena'festo • n. (pi. -os) a |
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public declaration of policy and aims, esp. one issued before an election by a political party or candidate. man»i*fold 'm£ena,fold • adj. many and various: the implications of this decision were man|
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ifold.
carefully manipulate a situation to
ma*ni*ac
manipulate
derivatives: man»i»fest»ly adv. man*i*fest2 . n. a document giving compre-
appear: one deity manifested in the bird.
having many different forms or elements: the appeal of the crusade was manifold. • n. 1 [often with adj.] a pipe or chamber branching into several openings: the pipeline manifold. (in an internal combustion engine) the part conveying air and fuel from the carburetor to each cylinder, or that leading from the cylinders to the exhaust pipe: the exhaust manifold. 2 something with many different parts or forms, in particular: (in mathematics) a collection of points forming a certain kind of set, such as those of a topologically closed surface or an ana(in log of this in three or more dimensions. Kantian philosophy) the sum of the particulars furnished by sense before they have been imified by the synthesis of the understanding.
derivatives: manM«fold»ly fold*ness
adv.
man«i»
n.
msenikan (also mannikin) . n. man«l»kin 1 a person who is very small, esp. one not otherwise abnormal or deformed. 2 a jointed model of the human body, used in anatomy or as an artist's lay figure. |
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usage: See usage
at
mannequin.
[trans.] 'V. ma*nip*U*late |ma'nipya,lat| 1 handle or control (a tool, mechanism, etc.), typically in a skillful manner: he manipulated
the dials of the alter, edit, or
set.
move (text or data) on a comexamine or treat (a part of the body) by feeling or moving it with the hand: a sysputer.
tem of healing based on manipulating the ligaments of the spine. 2 control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously: the masses were deceived and manipulated by a tiny group.
—
.
alter (data) or present (statistics) so as to
DERI VAT V E s ma«nip»u»la«bil»i«ty I
:
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-,nip-
ma»nip»u»la»ble l-laball adj. ma»nip»u»lat»a«ble |-,lat9b3l| adj. ma»nip*
yab'bilatel
n.
u»la»tion m3,nipy3'laSH3n n. ma«nip»u« la»tor -,lat3rj n. ma«nip»u»la»to»ry j-b I
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ma'nipyabtiv;
-,lativ|
characterized by unscrupulous control of a situation or person: she u^as sly, selfish, and manipulative. 2 of or relating to manipulation of an object or part of the body: a manipulative skill. adj.
battle.
the exhilaration of the
adv. in the
•
manner of
hand-to-hand combat or a duel: they want to settle this mano a mano. • n. (pi. -os) an intense fight or contest between two adversaries; a duel: a real courtroom mano-a-mano.
man«or
maenari
!
.
n.
manor house)
(also
a
house with lands; the principal house of a landed estate. (esp. formerly in England and Wales) a unit large country
adj.
ma*nip»U«la*tive •
hand-to-hand:
tition)
mano-a-mano
mislead.
,t6re
maraud
266
manipulative
1
derivatives: ma«nip«u»la»tive»ly ma»nip»u»la«tive«ness n.
man«na 'm^na
adv.
. n. (in the Bible) the substance miraculously supplied as food to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exod. 16). an unexpected or gratuitous benefit: the cakes were manna from heaven. (in Christian contexts) spiritual nourishment, esp. the Eucharist. man»ne*quin 'msenikanj • n. a dummy used to display clothes in a store window. a young woman or man employed to show clothes to customers. [
usage: Mannequin occurs about five times more firequently than either of its relatives manakin, manikin, and mannikin. The source for all three words is the Middle Dutch mannekijn (modem Dutch man-
of land, originally a feudal lordship, consisting of a lord's demesne and lands rented to tenants. (formerly in North America) an estate or district leased to tenants, esp. one granted by royal charter in a British colony or by the Dutch governors of what is now New York. DERI \ AT v E s ma»no»ri»al ms'noreal adj. man*que imaNG'ka] » adj. [postpositive] having failed to become what one might have been; unfulfilled: a poet manque. man*sard msen, sard; -sard • «. (also mansard roof) a roof that has four sloping sides, each of which becomes steeper halfway I
:
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down. apartment under
a story or
mansard
a
roof.
another term for gambrel.
Brit,
man*slaugh«ter
maen.slotar . n. the crime of kiUing a human being without malice aforethought, or otherwise in circumstances not amounting to murder: the defendant was convicted of manslaughter. man«sue*tude 'maEnswi,tood; meen'sooa-l !
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neken)
man,'
'little
Mannequin same Dutch
'httle doll.'
the French spelling from the source. One of its French meanis
from about 1830, is 'a young woman hired to model clothes' (even though the word means 'little man'). This sense ings, dating
—
current, but rare in English first appears in 1902. The far more common sense of 'a life-size jointed figure or dummy used for displaving clothes' is first recorded in 1939. Manikin has had the sense 'little man' (often contemptuous) since the mid 16th century. It occurs as a term of abuse in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (spelled manakin). Manikin's sense of 'an artist's lay figure' also dates from the mid 16th century (first recorded with the Dutch spelling Manstill
neken)
unfortunate that manakin and mannikin refer to birds of two different families. It is
For the bird names manakin spelling, dating firom the
is
the earlier century.
mid 18th
has a variant spelling, manikin, identical with manikin. Mannikin dates fi-om about 1875 and is merely a variant spelling of manikin. The more remote history of these bird names is obscure: manakin may come from the Portuguese manaquim 'mannikin,' a variant of manequim 'mannequin'; or It
mannikin may come
directly from the source of the Portuguese words, the Middle Dutch mannekijn.
•
n.
meekness; gentleness.
man»tic
'msentik • adj. of or relating to divination or prophecy. I
man«tra 'msemra; 'man-i Hinduism and Buddhism) '
•
a
w.
(originally in
word or sound
repeated to aid concentration in meditation. a Vedic (early Hindu) hymn. a statement or slogan repeated frequently: the environmentalist mantra that energy is too cheap. DERI VAT V E s mau'tric -trik adj. man»U»mit .maenya'mitl • v. (manumitI
:
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ted,
manumitting)
[trans.]
release fi-om slav-
ery; set free. man»u»mis»sion miman*u»mit»ter n. Mao*ism 'mow.izam • n. the communist doctrines of Mao Zedong (1893-1976) as
derivatives:
SHan
!
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!
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formerly practiced in China, having as a central idea permanent revolution and stressing the importance of the peasantry, of smallscale industry, and of agricultural collec-
tivization.
derivatives Maonst :
ma*qui»la»do»ra
l
l'mowist| n.&adj. .msekib'dora » n. a fac\
Mexico run by a foreign company (typically, American) and exporting its prod(t3,pically, assembled from parts ucts imported into Mexico) to the country of that company. ma*raud ma'rod . v. [intrans.] [often as adj.] (marauding) roam in search of things to tory in
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people to attack: marauding gangs of
steal or looters.
ma*no a ma*no ,,mano mano-a-mano)
•
adj.
(of
a
'manoj
(also
combat or compe-
'
n.
[trans.]
raid
and plunder
(a place).
derivatives: ma»raud»er
n.
marchioness
267
mar*chion*ess 'marSH(3)n3s or widow of a marquess.
. «.
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a
the wife
right.
mare's nest
«. 1
•
a
complex and
difficult sit-
uation; a muddle; this dispute has become a mare's nest. 2 an illusory discovery: the mare's nest of perfect safety. |
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the author's identity.
mar*gin«al*ize 'marjsna.liz . v. [trans.] treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant |
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or peripheral: attempting
who
disagree
[as
to
marginalize those
(marginalized) mem-
adj.]
\
bers of
derivatives: mar»gin»al»i»za»tion jsnab'zasHan n. mar»l»CUl«ture 'maeri.kalCHarl vation of fish or other marine
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,mar-
.
the cultifor food.
n.
]
life
derivatives: marM»cul»tur»al
adj.
mar*
i»ciil»tur»ist n.
Mar*i»ol*a*try ,mere'abtre worship of the Virgin Mary.
. |
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• \
n. a
I
from a
n.
idolatrous
make of car, as distinct
model. see letter of marque.
specific
marque^ • mar*quee
n.
I
\
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and suckled
in a pouch on the mothof or relating to this order. mar*tial 'marSHal • adj. of or appropriate to war; warlike: martial bravery.
carried
er's belly.
•
adj.
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mar*ti*net |,martn'et| narian, esp. in the
I
|mar'ke| • n. 1 a rooflike projection over the entrance to a theater, hotel, or other building. [as adj.] leading; preeminent: a marquee player. 2 a large tent used for social or commercial functions.
mar»shal»
n.
ship - ,SHip n. mar»SU*pi»al mar'soopeal • n. a mammal of an order (Marsupialia) whose members are born incompletely developed and are typically
derivatives: mar»tial»ly
marginalized cultural groups.
marque' mark
derivatives: mar»shal«er I
.marja'nalea • plural n. marginal notes: among the marginalia are clues to
mar*gi*na*ll»a
marshaled into position. [trans.] correctly poor arrange (rolling stock). [trans.] guide or direct the movement of (an aircraft) on the ground at an airport. 2 (in heraldry) combine (coats of arms), typically to indicate marriage, descent, or the bearing of office. sition
woman holding the rank of marquess in her
own
masturbate
armed
adv. a strict discipli-
n.
»
forces.
mar*tyr 'martsri » n. a person who is killed because of his or her religious or other behefs. a person who displays or exaggerates discomfort or distress to obtain sympathy or ad|
miration: she played the martyr. (martyr to) a constant sufferer from (an ailment): I'm a martyr to migraines/ • v. [trans.] (usu. be martyred) kill (someone) because of his or her beliefs: she was martyred for her faith. cause great pain or distress to: there was no need to martyr themselves again.
derivatives: mar«tyr«i*za«tion pra'zaSHsnl
mar«tyr»ize
n.
mar»tyr»dom n. Marx*ism 'mark,siz3m
, |
mar-
|'mart3,riz|
v.
• n. the political and economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, later developed by their followers to form the basis for the theory and prac|
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mar*quess
man
'markwss • n. a British nobleranking above an earl and below a duke. |
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Cf. marquis.
mar«que*try markatre (also marqueterie or marquetery) • n. inlaid work made from |
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small pieces of variously colored wood or other materials, used chiefly for the decoration of furniture. mar*quis mar'ke; 'markwss • n. (in some European countries) a nobleman ranking above a count and below a duke. Cf. marquess. mar*quise |mar'kez| » n.^ the wife or widow of a marquis. Cf. marchioness. a woman holding the rank of marquis in her own right. 2 a finger ring set with a pointed oval gem or cluster of gems. 3 archaic term for marquee (sense 2) 4 a chilled dessert similar to a chocolate mousse. mar*shal I'marSHslI • «. 1 an officer of the highest rank in the armed forces of some countries, including France. a high-ranking officer of state. 2 a federal or municipal law officer. the head of a police department. the head of a fire department. 3 an official responsible for supervising public events, esp. sports events or parades. • v. (marshaled, marshaling; chiefly Brit, marshalled, marshalling) [trans.] 1 arrange or assemble (esp. a group of people, such as soldiers) in order: the general marshaled his troops he paused for a moment, as if marshaling his thoughts. [with obj. and adverbial of direction] guide or usher (someone) ceremoniously: guests were |
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.
\
tice
of
communism.
Central to Marxist theory is an explanation of social change in terms of economic factors, according to which the means of production provide the economic base, which influences or determines the political and ideological superstructure. Marx and Engels predicted the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat and the eventual attainment of a classless communist society.
derivatives: Marxnst 'marks3st| n. & adj. maesk • n. a form of amateur dramatic entertainment, popular among the nobility in 16th- and 17th-century England, which consisted of dancing and acting performed by masked players. |
masque
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I
a masked ball. derivatives mas«quer :
mas*sif
|mae'sef|
mountains,
esp.
I'maesksrl
n.
compact group of one that is separate from •
«.
a
other groups, mast • n. the fruit of beech, oak, chestnut, and other forest trees, esp. as food for pigs and wild animals.
mas*ti*cate
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'maesti,kat
* |
V.
[trans.]
chew
(food).
derivatives: mas«ti»ca»tion .maesti'kaSHsnl n. mas*ti»ca«tor |-,kapr| n. mas»ti« ca»to»ry 'mEestiks.tore adj. |
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mas*tur»bate mulate one's
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'msst3r,bat| »v.
[intrans.]
sti-
own genitals for sexual pleasure.
.
mate
maven
268
[trans.]
stimulate the genitals of (someone) to
derivatives: mat*ri*cid*al
,maetr9'sidl; |
them sexual pleasure. derivatives: mas«tur»ba»tion
,ma-|
give
, |
maestsr
'baSHsnl n. mas»tur»ba»tor |-,bat3r| n. mas»tur»ba»to»ry |-b3,t6rei adj. ma»te 'ma,ta (also yerba mate) . n. 1 (also mate tea or Paraguay tea) an infusion of the leaves of a South American shrub {Ilex paraguariensis), which is high in caffeine and bit|
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adj.
ma«tric«U*late ma'trikya.lat »v. 1 [intrans.] be enrolled at a college or university: he \
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matriculated at Yale. [trans.] admit (a student) to membership of a college or university. 2 [trans.] record (a coat
of arms) in an official register. has been matriculated.
.
ter.
derivatives: ma»tric»u»lant
the leaves of this shrub. 2 the South American shrub of the holly family that produces these leaves.
u»la»tion
ma»ter*fa»mll»i»as tsr-l
*
n.
,mat9rz- ) household. 1
.maprfs'miless; ,ma-
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matresfamilias the female head of
,ma,tras-;
(pi.
|
a family or
1 a tenIms'tirea.lizsml dency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual, aesthetic, or cultural values. a way of life based on material interests. 2 the
philosophical doctrine that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications.
the doctrine that consciousness and will are due wholly to material agency. See also ideausm; mentalism.
derivatives: ma»te»ri»alMSt ma«te»ri«alMS«tic
n.
m3,tire3'listik |
&
adj.
adj.
ma«
|
te»ri»al»is»ti»cal«ly
-tik(3)le
|
adv.
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ma«te»ri»el |m3,tire'el| (also materiel) . «. military materials and equipment: moving material along muddy roads was a challenge. ma«ter*nal ma'taml • adj. of or relating to a mother, esp. during pregnancy or shortly afmaternal care. ter childbirth: maternal age [attrib.] related through the mother's side of the family: my maternal grandfather. denoting feelings associated with or typical of a mother; motherly: maternal instincts. |
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DERIVATIVES ma»ter»naWsm :
ma»ter»nalMst
|
adj.
-ist |
mSitarnl'istikl adj. I
|-,iz3m|
n.
ma»ter«nal»is»tic
ma'tevnahly
adv.
'mastnz * n. a service of morning prayer in various churches, esp. the Anglican (Episcopal) Church. a service of the Western Christian Church, originally said (or chanted) at or after midnight, but historically often held with lauds on the previous evening. ma*tri»arch 'matre.ark » n. a woman who is the head of a family or tribe. an older woman who is powerful within a family or organization: a domineering matri-
mat»ins
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\
\
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arch.
derivatives: ma»tri«ar*chal ksl
,matre'ar|
adj. I
ma«tri*ar»Chy rmatre,arke| . n. (pi. -ies) a system of society or government ruled by a
woman
or women. a form of social organization in which descent and relationship are reckoned through the female line. the state of being an older, powerful woman in a family or group. mat»ri*cide 'msetrs.sid; 'ma- . n. the killing of one's mother: a man suspected of matricide. a person who kills his or her mother. 1
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ma»tric»
n.
m3,triky3'lasH3n n. mat*rHin»e»al .matra' lineal; ma- 'adj. of or based on kinship with the mother or the feI
I
,
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male
1
line.
derivatives:
mat»ri»lin»e»al»ly adv. mat»ri»lin»e»al»i»ty n. ma*trix 'matriks • n. (pi. matrices 'matrs ,sez| or matrixes 'matriksiz ) 1 an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure: free choices become the matrix of human life. a mass of fine-grained rock in which gems, crystals, or fossils are embedded. the substance between living cells or in which biological structures are embedded. the tissue from which a tooth, hair, feather, nail, etc. arises. fine material: the matrix of gravel paths is hoed regularly. 2 a mold in which something, such as printing type or a phonograph record, is cast or shaped. 3 a rectangular array of numerical quantities or expressions in rows and columns that is treated as a |
ma*te*ri*aHsm
person
a
n.
who
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single entity and manipulated according to particular mathematical rules. an organizational structure in which two or more lines of command, responsibility, or communication may run through the same individual. ma»tron 'matrsn » n. A a married woman, esp. a dignified and sober middle-aged one. a female prison officer. 2 a woman in charge |
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of domestic and medical arrangements boarding school or other establishment.
at a
derivatives: ma»tron»hood |-,h00d| n. ma*tron»ly adj. (in sense 1 only) maet (also matt or mat) . adj. (of a matte color, paint, or surface) dull and flat, without 1
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I
a shine: matte black. • «. 1 a matte color, paint, or finish: the varnishes are available in
and matte. 2 a sheet of cardboard placed on the back of a picture, either as a mount or to form a border around the pic-
gloss, satin,
ture.
• V.
(matted, matting) [trans.] (often give a matte appearance to
be matted)
(something). a mask used to obscure part of an film and allow another image to be substituted, combining the two.
matte^ . n. image in a
maud*lin
1
'modlin
. |
adj.
tearfully sentimental, often
self-pityingly or
through drunk-
a maudenness: the drink made her maudlin lin ballad. Cf. mawkish. mau*SO*le*um l.moza'leam; ,m6s3-| . n. (pi. mausolea |-'le3| or mausoleums) a building, esp. a large and stately one, housing a tomb or tombs. ma»ven 'mavan . n. [often with adj.] an expert or connoisseur: fashion mavens. \
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maverick
269
mav»er*ick 'maev(3)rik| . n. 1 an unorthodox or independent-minded person: a free|
thinking maverick. a person who refuses to
conform to a particular party or group: the maverick Connecticut Republican. 2 an unbranded calf or yearling. •
unorthodox: a maverick
adj.
detective
\
a
maverick approach to school financing. 'mokiSH • adj. sentimental in a feeble or sickly way: a mawkish poem. having a faint sickly flavor: the mawkish smell
mawk*ish
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(of a person) wander at random: kids meandered in and out. [intrans.] (of a speaker or text) proceed aimlessly or with little purpose:
a
meanwinding curve
stylish offbeat thriller that occasionally
ders.
•
meanders)
(usu.
n.
a
or bend of a river or road: the river flows in sweeping meanders. [in sing.] a circuitous journey, esp. an aimless one: a leisurely meander around the twisting coastline road. an ornamental pattern of winding or interlocking lines, e.g., in a mosaic.
of beer.
derivatives: mawk»ish»ly
mawk*
adv.
ish»ness n. max*il*la msk'sib . n. (pi. maxillae - sile; -'sil,i ) the jaw or jawbone, specifically the upper jaw in most vertebrates. In humans it also forms part of the nose and eye socket. (in many arthropods) each of a pair of mouthparts used in chewing. Cf. mandible. max*im 'maeksim . n. a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct: the maxim that actions speak louder |
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than words.
ma*ya
mediate
|
'maya
'mis;
• |
n.
the supernatural
power wielded by Hindu gods and demons to produce illusions. the power by which the universe becomes the illusion or appearance of the
manifest.
phenomenal world.
may»hem
'ma, hem • n. violent or damaging disorder; chaos: complete mayhem broke |
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me»di*a
'medea * n. ^ plural form of medium. 2 (usu. the media) [treated as sing, or pi.] the main means of mass communication (esp. television, radio, newspapers, and sometimes the Internet) regarded collectively: [as adj.] the campaign won media atten|
\
tion.
usage: The word media comes from the Latin plural of medium. The traditional view
is that it should therefore be treated as a plural noun in all its senses in English and be used with a plural rather than a singular
verb: the media have not follozved the reports (rather than 'has'). In practice, in the sense 'television, radio, the press,
and the Internet
behaves as a collective noun (like stafif or clergy, for example), which means that it is now acceptable in standard English for it to take either a singular or a colleaively,'
it
plural verb.
out.
a former designation for the crime of maliciously injuring or maiming someone, originally so as to render the victim defenseless. ma*2el tOV 'mazsl ,t6v; ,t6f| • exclam. a Jewish phrase expressing congratulations or |
wishing someone good luck. me*a CUl*pa ,ma3 'k00l,p3; -,pa • n. an acknowledgment of one's fault or error: [as exclam.] "Well, whose fault was that?" "Mea |
I
culpa!" Frank said. • n. 1 the quotient of the sum of several quantities and their number; an average: acid output was calculated by taking the mean of all three samples. An arithmetic mean is calculated by adding a set of numerical values together and dividing them by the number of terms in the set. A geometric mean is the central number in a geometric progression
mean
(e.g. 9 in 3, 9, 27), also calculable as the nth root of a product of n numbers. the term or one of the terms midway between the first and last terms of a progression. 2 a condition, quality, or course of action equally removed from two opposite (usually unsatisfactory) extremes: the mean between two extremes. • adj. [attrib.] 1 (of a quantity) calculated as a mean; average: by 1 989, the mean age at marriage stood at 24. 8 for women and 26. 9 for men. 2 equally far from two extremes: hope is the mean virtue between despair and presumption. me*an*der Ime'eendsrl ' V. (of a river or road) follow a winding course: a river that meandered gently through a meadow [as adj.] (meandering) a meandering lane. \
me*di*a*cy
|
'medease
• |
n.
the quality of be-
ing mediate.
me«dl»al
|
'medeal
. |
adf situated in the mid-
dle, in particular:
situated near the median plane of the body or the midline of an organ. The opposite of LATERAL. (of a spcech sound) in the middle of a word. (esp. of a vowel) pronounced in the middle of the mouth; central.
DERI VAT v E s me«di«al»ly adv. me*di»an 'medean . adj. [attrib.] I
:
|
1
denoting
I
or relating to a value or quantity lying at the midpoint of a range of observed values or quantities, such that there is an equal probability of a value falling above or below it: the median duration of this treatment was four months. denoting the middle term of a series arranged in order of magnitude, or (if there is no middle term) the average of the middle two terms. For example, the median number of the series 55, 62, 76, 85, 93 is 76; of the series 23, 27, 29, 32 it is 28. 2 situated in the middle, esp. of the body: the median part of the sternum. * n. ^ the median value of a range of values: acreages ranged from one to fifty-two with a median of twenty-four 2 (also median Strip) the strip of land between the lanes of opposing traffic on a divided highway. 3 a straight line drawn from any vertex of a triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side.
DERIVATIVES: me»di«an»ly adv. rmede,at| 1 [intrans.] intervene me*di*ate • between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation: Wilson z;.
mediocre attempted
end
to
270
mediate between
the powers to
the war.
intervene in (a dispute) to bring about [trans.] bring about (an an agreement. agreement or solution) by intervening in a [trans.]
mediate a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Cf. arbitrate. 2 [trans.] bring about (a result such as a physiological effect): the right hemisphere plays an important role in mediating tactile perception of direction. be a means of conveying: this important ministry of mediating the power of the word. form dispute:
efforts to
mediate gender divisions. » adj. I'medestI connected indirectly through another person or thing; involving an intermediate agency: public law institutions are a type of mediate state ada connecting link between: structures that
ministration.
derivatives: me»di»ate«ly
|'mede3tle|
me»di»a»tion .mede'asHan n. me»di» a»tor n. me«di»a»to»ry I'mede.aprl adv.
|
|
1
'medea.tore
extremes of
John
is
another quality; average:
size or
six feet tall, of
medium
build
of only
adj.
.
|
mod-
erate quality; not very good: a mediocre actor.
derivatives: me»di»oc»ri»ty
n.
:
num-
the
bering mediocrity of radio music neither candidate is more than a mediocrity. me»di»o»cre»ly adv. \
med*i*tate
I'meda.tatI 'V. [intrans.] focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. (meditate on/upon) think deeply or carefully about (something): he went off to meditate [trans.] plan mentally; conon the new idea.
had suffered severely, and
sider: they
meditate
they began
|
I
I
|
|
•
adj.
derivatives: medn»ta«tor .meda'tasHan
|-,tat3r| n.
the action
. |
|
or practice of meditating: a life of meditation. a written or spoken discourse expressing
considered thoughts on a subject: ters
are intense
his later let-
meditations on man 's
exploi-
tation of his fellows.
me*di*um dea
I
or
|
'medesm
•
n.
media
(pi.
I
mediums 'medesmz
)
|
1
|
|
'me-
an agency
means of doing something: using the latest technology as a forjob creation their primitive valuables acted as a of exor
medium
\
medium
change. a means
by which something
is
communi-
cated or expressed: here the Welsh language is the medium of instruction. 2 the intervening
substance through which impressions are conveyed to the senses or a force acts on objects at a distance: radio communication needs no physical medium between the two stations the medium between the cylinders is a vacuum. the substance in which an organism lives or is cultured: grow bacteria in a nutrient-rich medium. 3 a liquid (e.g., oil or water) with which pigments are mixed to make paint. the material or form used by an artist, com\
poser, or writer:
mixed;
motley: a medley range of vague and variable impressions. • v. (past and past part, -eyed or -ied) [trans.] make a medley of; intermix. me*duMa ob*long«a*ta a.bloNG gapl . «. the continuation of the spinal cord within the skull, forming the lowest and most primitive part of the brain and containing control centers for the heart and lungs. Me*du*sa m3'd(y)oos3; -za the only mortal gorgon of Greek mythology, whom Perseus Idlled by cutting off her head. (also medusa) a terrifying or ugly woman, meed med • «. a deserved share or reward: he must extract from her some meed of approba|
|
|
|
|
tion.
retreat.
med*i*ta*tion
medium-
(of cooked meat) halfway between rare and well-done: / wanted my burger to be medium. derivatives: me»di»umMsm |-,miz3m| n. (in sense 4). me»di»umMs«tic ,mede9 'mistiki adj. (in sense 4). me«di«um»ship - ,SHip n. (in sense 4). med*ley 'medle . n. (pi. -eys) a varied mixture of people or things; a miscellany: a medley offlavors. a collection of songs or other musical items performed as a continuous piece: a medley of Fats Waller songs. a swimming race in which contestants swim sections in different strokes, either individually or in relay teams: the 4.00-meter individual medley.
adj.
\
length hair.
|
me*di*0*cre .mede'okarl
to
Megillah between two extremes; a reasonable balance: you have to strike a happy medium between looking like royalty and looking like a housewife. • adj. about halfway between two state
oil
medium for glazing. 4
paint (pi.
is
the
most popular
mediums)
a
person
claiming to be in contact with the spirits of the dead and to communicate between the dead and the living. 5 the middle quality or
meet • adj. suitable; fit; meet for great events.
proper:
derivatives: meet»ly
adv.
it is
a theater
meet»ness
n.
meg*a»lith 'meg9,liTH • n. a large stone that forms a prehistoric monument (e.g., a menhir) or part of one (e.g., a stone circle or dolmen). meg*aHith»ic ,meg3'liTHik| »adj. of, relating to, or denoting prehistoric monuments |
|
|
made
of or containing megaliths.
(often Megalithic) of, relating to, or denoting prehistoric cultures characterized by the massive erection of megalithic monuments.
or monolithic: since June, the committee has be-
come
megalithic.
meg*a*lo»ma*ni*a
.megalo'maneal
|
•
n.
ob-
session with the exercise of power, esp. in the domination of others. delusion about one's own power or importance (typically as a symptom of psychiatric disorder); delusions of grandeur.
derivatives: meg«a»lo*manMC
l-'masn-
ik[ adj.
meg*a»lop*0*lis .mega lapalasl » n. a very large, heavily populated city or urban complex. Cf. conurbation; metroplex; metro|
politan AREA. Me*gil*lah ma'gib
one of five books of the Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Ruth, Esther) that are appointed to be read on cer|
|
Hebrew
scriptures (the
megrim tain Jewish notable days, esp. the
Book of
Esther, read at the festival of Purim. n.]
(also
its
entirety,
|
|
confused mass of people:
meHonate
the melee always
streets.
'melea.rati
|
another term for
• v.
ameliorate.
derivatives: meWo«ra»tion SH3n|
n.
mel»io»ra»tive
|
.melea'ra'melep.rativ adj.
»n. (pi. meioses |-'o ,sez ) 1 a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell, as in the production of sex cells. Cf. mitosis. 2 another
mei*0*sis
|mi'os9s|
I
for litotes.
derivatives: mei»otMC |mi'atik| adj. mei»ot«i«caWy |-ik(3)le| adv. mel«an*Cho*ll*a .mebn'koleal » n. deep |
sadness or gloom; melancholy: rain slithered down the windows, encouraging a creeping melancholia.
|
|
mel*io*rism 'melea.rizsml * n. the belief that the world can be made better by human |
effort. Cf.
optimism.
derivatives: meWo»rist
graine.
term
a
thronging the
the whole megillah) something esp. a complicated set of arrangements or a long-winded story. me*grim 'megrim . «. 1 (megrims) depression; low spirits: /re5/z air and exercise, she generally found, could banish most megrims. 2 a whim or fancy. 3 old-fashioned term for mi[as
in
memento mori
271
io«ris»tic
.melea'ristik
n.
&
mel*
adj.
adj.
|
|
meHiMu*OUS
Ims'liflawasI •adj. (of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear: the voice was mellifluous and smooth.
derivatives: meMif»lu»ous*ly
adv.
mel»
lif»lu»ous»ness n. me«lod*ic |m9'ladik| . adj. of, having, or producing melody: melodic and rhythmic patterns. pleasant-sounding; melodious: his voice was deep and melodic.
derivatives: me«lod«i»caWy |-(3)le| adv. me*IO*di»OUS ma'lodess . adj. of, produc|
I
formerly, a mental condition marked by persistent depression and ill-founded fears.
derivatives: mel«an»cho»li»ac £ek
n. I
|-'kole-
& adj. |
of the four bodily humors (fluids) formerly taken to be the foundation of character. • adj. sad, gloomy, or depressed: the dog has a melancholy expression. causing or expressing sadness; depressing: the study makes melancholy reading.
derivatives: mel»an«chol«ic
, |
mel»an»choln«cal»ly
adj.
having a pleasant tune; tuneful:
mebn
'
ka-
.mebn'kal-
the
me-
lodious chant of the monks.
pleasant-sounding: a melodious
voice.
derivatives: me»lo»di»ous»ly
mel»an»chol*y 'mebn.kalel a deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness. another term for melancholia (as a mental condition). another term for black bile, one
lik|
ing, or
lo»di»ous»ness
mel*0*dra*ma
adv.
me*
n.
'meb, drams
i
•
a sensa-
n. ^
I
tional dramatic piece with exaggerated char-
acters
and exciting events intended
to appeal
to the emotions.
language, the genre of drama of this type. behavior, or events that resemble drama of this kind: what little is known of his early life is cloaked in melodrama. 2 a play interspersed with songs and orchestral music accompanying the action, popular from the 17th to 19th cent.
|
derivatives: mel»o«dram»a«tist
3k(3)le| adv.
melange
melange)
»n. a mixture; a medley: a melange of tender vegeta(also
ima'lanji
and herbs. mel*a*nln 'melanin • n. a dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals. It is responsible for tanning of skin exposed to sunbles
|
I
light.
mel*a*nism 'meb,niz3m . n. unusual darkening of body tissues caused by excessive production of melanin, esp. as a form of color |
I
derivatives: me»lannc mel»a»nis»tic |
I
meld
|
|m3'l£enik|
,meb'nistik| adj. blend; combine:
*v.
adj.
|
melded modern
science ivith traditional art
[intrans.] \
the nylon
shrivel and meld together. • n. a thing formed by merging or blending: a meld of many contributions. meld^ . V. [trans.] (in rummy, canasta, and other card games) lay down or declare (a combination of cards) in order to score points: my opponent melded four kings. » n. a completed set or run of cards in any of these bristles
games. I'ma.la; ma'lal (also melee) . a confused fight, skirmish, or scuffle: several people were hurt in the melee.
,meb ,meb
v.
mem'brane 'mem, bran
. |
n.
a pliable sheet-
|
boundary, partition in an organism. like structure acting as a
lining, or
a thin pliable sheet or skin of various kinds: membrane to pre-
the concrete should include a
(in biology) a microvent water seepage. scopic double layer of lipids and proteins that bounds cells and organelles and forms struc-
tures within cells.
bra 'naSH3s| as;
, |
mem-
mem»bra*ne»ous jmem mem»bra»nous 'membran-
adj.
'braneasi adj. [trans.]
Australia's winemakers have
me*lee
|
mel»o»dram»a»tize
n.
derivatives: mem«bra»na«ceous
variation in animals.
me!d>
'dramatist! 'dram3,tiz|
mem'branas
meme mem
|
adj. I
• n. an element of a culture or system of behavior that may be considered |
\
by passing from one individual by nongenetic means, esp. imita-
to replicate to another tion.
me»me«tic
derivatives: ma- adj.
|me'metik;
1
me*men*tO ma'men,to
. n. (pi. -OS or -oes) an object kept as a reminder or souvenir of a person or event: you can purchase a memento of your visit. me«men»tO mo»rl ma'men,to 'more . n. (pi. same) an object serving as a warning or reminder of death, such as a skull. |
I
|
|
1
menage
272
a trois
me*nage a trois Ima'nazH a 't(r)wa; ma-l . n. (pi. menages a troispronunc. same) an arin which three people share a sexual relationship, typically a domestic situation involving a married couple and the lover
rangement
of one of them.
men*da*CiOUS
|
.
|
adj.
derivatives: men«da»cious«ly adv. men* da*cious*ness n. men*dac»i*ty men'daesite
(p!.
|
|
-ies)
•
unmen-
n.
truthfulness: a politician notorious for his dacity the mendacities of advertising. 1
'mendiksnt
|
derivatives: men»tor»ship me*phit*ic
|m9'fitik| (also
|-,SHip|
mephitical)
n.
adf (esp. of a gas or vapor) foul-smelling; nox.
ious.
men'daSHss
not telling the truth; lying: mendacious propaganda.
men*dl*cant
meridian employees or students. . v. [trans.] to advise or train (someone, esp. a younger colleague).
•
adj.
I
given to
mer*can*tile
'm3rk3n,tel;
|
relating to trade or
-,til
. |
of or
adj.
commerce; commercial:
the shift of wealth to the mercantile classes.
of or relating to mercantihsm. • n. old term we walked to the local mer-
for a general store: cantile.
mer»can*til»ism
msrksmi.lizam; -,te-; -,ti-
|
•
n.
belief in the benefits of profitable trading;
begging.
commercialism.
of, belonging to, or denoting one of the religious orders that originally relied solely on alms: a mendicant friar. . n. a beggar. a member of a mendicant order.
the economic theory, developed in the late 18th cent., that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism.
DERIVATIVES men»di»can»cy |-k3nse| n. men*hir 'men,hir • n. a tall upright stone of :
|
|
a kind erected in prehistoric times in western
Europe. me*ni*al
»adj.
• n. a person with a menial job. a domestic servant. derivatives: me»ni«al»ly adv. me«nor»ah ma'nora . n. (the Menorah) a sacred candleholder with seven branches used in the Temple in Jerusalem, originally that made by the craftsman Bezalel and placed in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle (Exod. 37:17-24). a candleholder used in Jewish worship, esp. one with eight branches and a central socket i
at
I
Hanukkah.
mensch
|'menCH|
•
n.
(p!.
menschen
'menCHan or mensches) a person, esp. a man, of integrity and honor. men*Stru«ate 'menstra.wat; 'men, strati »v. [intrans.] (of a woman) discharge blood and other material from the lining of the uterus |
I
|
as part of the menstrual cycle (ovulation, or
the usually monthly release of a reproductive egg or eggs [ovum or ova], followed by menstruation, which accompanies the elimination of an unfertilized egg from the system). men*SU*ral 'menssral; 'menCHsral; • adj. of or involving measuring: mensural investiga|
|
tions.
(in
|
-,ti-|
(of work) not lacking prestige: me-
I'menesll
requiring much skill and nial factory jobs. [attrib.] (of a servant) domestic.
used
derivatives: mer»can»tilMst n. & adj. mer»can»tilns»tic .markanti'listik; -,te-;
music) involving notes of definite dura-
and usually a regular meter. derivatives: men»sur»a«ble
adj.
mer*ce»nar«y
'm3rs9,nere • adj. (of a person or personal behavior) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics: nothing but a mercenary dealmaker. • n. (pi. -ies) a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. a person primarily concerned with material reward at the expense of ethics: the sport's most infamous mercenary.
derivatives: mer»ce»nar«i»ly
adj.
men*
su»ra«tion n. men»tal»i«ty men'taelite . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the characteristic attitude of mind or way of thinking of a person or group: the yuppie mentality of the eighties. 2 the capacity for intelligent thought. men*tor 'men, tor; -t3r| • n. an experienced |
I
|
and trusted, usu. older, adviser: he was her friend and mentor until his death in 1915. an experienced person in a company, college, or school who trains and counsels new
adv.
mer*
ce»nar«i»ness n. mer«CU*ri*al |m3r,ky(50re9l| . adj. 1 (of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind: his mercurial temperament. (of a person) sprightly; lively. 2 of or containing the element mercury. • n. (usu. mercurials) a drug or other compound containing mercury.
derivatives:
mer»cu»ri»alM«ty
Imar
mer«cu»ri»al«ly adv. mere • «. a lake, pond, or arm of the sea; often appearing in place names. mer«e*tri»ciOUS mera'triSHas . adj. 1 apparently attractive but having in reality no ,ky(50re'aEl3de
|
n.
|
I
value or integrity: meretricious souvenirs for the tourist trade. 2 of, relating to, or characteristic of a prostitute.
derivatives: mer»e«tri«cious»ly adv. mer»e»tri»cious»ness n. me*rid»i*an |ma'ridean| • n. 1 a circle of constant longitude passing through a given place on the
tion
|
|
earth's
surface
and the
terrestrial
poles.
meridian) (in astronomy) a through the celestial poles and
(also celestial circle passing
on the earth's sur2 (in acupuncture and Chinese medicine) each of a set of pathways in the body along which vital energy is said to flow. There are twelve such pathways associated with spethe zenith of a given place face.
organs. • adj. [attrib ] relating to or situated at a meridian: the meridian moon. of noon. of the period of greatest splendor, cific
vigor, etc.
273
meritocracy mer«l»tOC»ra*cy
.mers'takrase |
n.
.
-ies)
(pi.
I
government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability. a society governed by such people or in which such people hold power. a ruling or influential class of educated or skilled people.
derivatives: merM»to»crat crat'ic
mer»i»to«
n.
. n. 'mer9,nim a term that denotes part of something but that is used to refer to the whole of it, e.g., heads when used to mean people in some of the best heads in government have considered the issue. Cf. METONYMY. |
I
derivatives: mer»on»y»mous on»y»my ma'raname n.
mer*
adj.
|
|
me*sa
inspired by hope or belief in a messiah: the messianic expectations of that time. fervent or passionate: a messianic zeal to reform the pracof politics.
tice
derivatives:
'mass] • n. a flat-topped hill or plateau with steep sides, found in landscapes with horizontal strata; a tableland. Cf. butte. |
me*sal»li*ance .maza'lians; .ma.zael'yaNs • n. a marriage with a person thought to be |
|
unsuitable or of a lower social position.
mes*ca»line 'meskalin; -,len • a hallucinogenic and intoxicating compound present in mescal buttons from the peyote cactus. me»shu*ga ma'sHOOgs (also meshugga or meshugah) • adj. (of a person) mad; idiotic:
mes»si»a«nism
|
'mesea
,niz3m; ma'sia- n. mes*ti*ZO |me'stezo| 1
. n. (pi. -os) (feminine Latin America) a man of mixed race, esp. the offspring of European (primarily Spanish) and native parents. Cf. Metis. me*tab*0*lism ma'taeba.lizam » n. the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
mestiza)
,mer3t3'kr£etik| adj. |
mer»0»nym
metaphor
(in
|
|
Tv/o kinds of metabolism are often distinguished: constructive metabolism (formerly called anabolism), the synthesis of the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that form tissue and store energy, and destructive metabolism (formerly called catabolism), the breakdown of complex substances and the consequent production of energy and waste matter.
|
|
|
|
a miracle meshuga.
either
is
taking place, or we're
all
derivatives: me»shug«ge«ner adj. me*Shu*gaas maSHCOg'as • n. mad
or idi-
method
in this
|
|
otic ideas or behavior: there's
'mezm3,riz3m
the therapeutic system of Austrian physician F. A. |
met«a»bol»i»cal»ly
adj.
•
n.
|
'mep'balik|
,met3'balik(3)le |
|
adv.
met«a*fic*tion 'meta.fikSHsn n. fiction in which the author self-consciously alludes to the artificiality or literariness of a work by parodying or departing from novelistic conventions (esp. naturalism) and traditional .
|
I
narrative teclaniques.
derivatives:
man's meshugaas.
mes*mer*ism
derivatives: met»a»boWc
met»a»fic»tion»al
met*a*lan*guage 'met9,laeNG(g)wij form of language or set of terms used
|
|
Mesmer (1734-1815), which was in the
influential
development of hypnotism. hypnotism.
(in general use)
derivatives: mes»merMst |-ist| n. mes*mer*iZ8 'mezm3,riz • v. [trans.] (often be mesmerized) hold the attention of |
|
(someone) to the exclusion of all else or so as to transfix: she was mesmerized by the blue eyes
own (mesmerizing) a mesmerizing stare.
that stared so intently into her
[as
adj.]
\
hypnotize (someone).
|
marked by metamorphosis:
mer»iz»ing»ly adv.
phic as Jekyll to Hyde.
|
|
men
. |
adj.
(in law)
intermediate;
intervening: mesne process.
. «. a for the
description or analysis of another language. (in logic) a system of propositions about propositions. met»a*mor*phic meta'morfikl »adj. 1 denoting rocks or minerals that have undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies, e.g., in the folding of strata or the nearby intrusion of igneous rocks. of or relating to such rocks or changes affecting them: metamorphic hardening. 2 of or
derivatives: mes»mer«i»za»tion ,mezmars'zaSHanl n. mes»mer»iz»er n. mes*
mesne
.mep
|
'fikSHanlj adj.
I
calm
the shift from
dead
winds was as metamor-
to hurricane-force
derivatives: met»a»mor»phism n. ,mep'm6rf9S9S met»a*mor*pho»siS
|
•
n.
|
mes*0*morph
|
'mez3,m6rf; 'me-
1
•
a per-
n.
son with a compact and muscular body build. Cf. ectomorph;
endomorph. derivatives: mes«o»mor»phic |
,mez3
'morfik; ,me-| adj.
(pi.
metamorphoses
Ims'slsl »n. 1 (the Messiah) the deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.
or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. Cf. imago, larva, a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means: his metamorphosis from presidential candidate to talk-show
Jesus regarded by Christians as the Messiah of the Hebrew prophecies and the savior of humankind. 2 a leader or savior of a particular group or cause: to Germany, Hitler was more a messiah than a political leader.
met»a*noi»a
derivatives: mes»si*ah»ship
met*a*phor
,mese'aenik| |
an insect
PUPA.
Mes»Si»ah promised
mes*si*an*ic
|-f3,sezi) (in
•
|-,SHip|
adj. (also
n.
Mes-
sianic) of or relating to the Messiah: the messianic role of Jesus.
host.
way of life
• n. change in one's from penitence or spiri-
.meta'nois |
resulting
I
tual conversion. 'met3,f6r; -far
. n. a figure or of speech or writing in which a word or an object or action to phrase is applied to which it is not literally applicable: "/ had
style
|
I
274
metaphysical
fallen through the trapdoor of depression," said Mark, who was fond of theatrical metaphors the \
poetry depends on suggestion and metaphor. a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, esp. something abstract: the amounts of money being lost by the company were enough to make it a metaphor for an industry that was teetering. Cf. simile,
derivatives: met*a»phornc
'mep'fdr-
|
met»a«phor«i«cal ,met3'f6rik3l met»a»phor»i»cal»ly imet3'f6rik(3)le adj.
ikl
|
adj.
|
|
|
adv.
met*a*phys*i*cal
of or relating to metaphysics: the essentially metaphysical question of the nature of the mind. based on abstract (typically, excessively abstract) reasoning: an empiricist rather than a metaphysical view of law. transcending physical matter or the laws of nature: Good and Evil are inextricably linked in a metaphysical battle across space and time. 2 of or characteristic of the English poets of the 1 7th century whose work exhibited subtlety of thought and complex imagery (the metaphysical poets). . n. (the Metaphysicals) the metaphysical 'meta'fizikal
|
adj. 1
.
|
poets.
derivatives: met«a»physM»caWy
|-ik(9)-
adv.
le|
met*a»phys*ics
'met3,fiziks|
|
»
plural
n.
the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space. abstract theory or talk with no basis in reality: his concept of society as an organic entity is, [usu. treated as
sing.]
for market liberals, sim.ply metaphysics.
derivatives: met»a»physi»cian SHsnj
l-fs'zi-
ms'taestasss • n. (pi. metastases -|Sez ) the development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a priI
|
I
I
site
of a cancer. , |
meta
'
stst-
ik adj. me»tas»ta»size v. me»tath*e*sis ma'taexHssss . n. (pi. metatheses |-,sez|) 1 the transposition of sounds or letters in a word, esp. one occurring in the development of a language over time. 2 (also metathesis reaction) a chemical reaction in which two compounds exchange ions, typically with precipitation of an I
i
I
|-'ko-
me*ter I'meprl
(Brit, metre) *n. the fundamental unit of length in the metric system, equal to 100 centimeters or approximately 39.37 inches.
( meters) a race over a specified number of meters: he placed third in the 1,000
meters.
derivatives: me»ter«age me«thod*i*cal
|-ij|
n.
ms'iHadiksl . adj. done according to a systematic or established form of procedure: a methodical approach to the evaluation of computer systems. (of a person) orderly or systematic in thought or behavior. DERI VAT I V E s me»thod»ic adj. me«thodn» |
|
:
caWy
|-ik(3)le| adv.
'mexHadast • n. a member of a Christian Protestant denomination originating in the 18th-century evangelistic movement of Charles and John Wesley and George Whitefield.
l\/leth*od*ist
|
|
The Methodist Church grew
out of a religious society established within the Church of England, fi-om which it formally separated in 1791. It is particularly strong in the US and now constitutes one of the largest Protestant denominations worldwide, with more than 30 million members. Methodism has a strong tradition of missionary work and concern with social welfare, and emphasizes the believer's personal relationship with God.
derivatives: me«tath»e»size thet'ic ,mep'THetik| ,met3THetik3l adj.
adj.
I
I
v.
met*a»
met*a«thet»i»cal
|
I
met] »v.
[trans]
(mete something
out) dispense or allot (justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment): he denounced the maltreatment meted out to minorities.
measure
use)
biblical
measure ye mete,
• adj. of or relating to Methodists or Methodism: a Methodist chapel. derivatives: Meth«odnsm |-,diz3m| n. Meth»odns»tic ,meTH3'distik| adj. Meth* odns»ti»cal .meXHa'distikal adj. |
meth»od»ol*o*gy
.meTHa'dabjel • w. (pi. -ies) a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity: a methodology for
it
shall be
out:
with what
measured
to
you
|
investigating the concept of focal points in research methodology and practice.
courses
\
derivatives: meth»od»o»log»i»cal |-d3 'lajiksl adj. meth»od»o»logM»caWy da'laj|
I
adv.
ik(3)le|
meth»od»ol«o»gist
|-'dabjist|
n.
me»tiC*U*IOUS
insoluble product.
(in
|-'kat-
|-'kat-
sist| n.
|
derivatives: met»a»stat«ic
mete^
derivatives: me»tem«psy»chot«ic ik| adj. me»tem»psy»chot»i«cal»ly ik(3)le| adv. me»tem»psy»cho»sist
|
growth of this type.
a
)
I
n.
me*tas*ta*sis
mary
metis the supposed transmigration at death of the soul of a human being or animal into a new body of the same or a different species. -sez
I
|
ms'tikyabs
• |
adj.
showing
great attention to detail; very careful and precise: he had always been so meticulous about his appearance. derivatives: me«tic»u«lous«ly adv. me*
tic»u«lous»ness n. me'tya; 'me,tya • n. a trade, profession, or occupation: those who work honestly at
meatier
|
i
their metier.
one is good at: was grand opera. an outstanding or advantageous character-
an occupation or
activity that
she decided that her real metier
again. . n. (usu. metes and bounds) a boundary or boundary stone. me»tem*psy*cho*sis ,met3m,si'kos3s; ma
mete^
|
,temsi'kos9S
» I
n.
(pi.
metempsychoses
istic: subtlety is
not his metier. Cf. forte'.
me»tls |ma'tes| (also Metis) > n. (pi. same) (esp. in western Canada) a person of mixed
metonymy
microcosm
275
American Indian and Euro-American ancestry, in particular one of a group of such peo-
situation in a spirited
ple who in the 19th century constituted the so-called Metis nation in the areas around
phrases: be on one's mettle be ready
Red and Saskatchewan
the
rivers.
«
adj.
denoting or relating to such people.
me*ton»y*my ma'tansme • n. (pi. -ies) the substitution of the name of an attribute or ad|
|
junct for that of the thing meant, for example suit for business executive, or the track for horse racing. Cf. meronym.
derivatives: met»o»nym n. met«o»nym» ,met3'nimik| adj. met»o»nymM»cal
ic
I
,met3'nimik3l I
adj.
I
I
,met3'nimik(3)le
|
met»o»nym»i»cal»ly
adv.
and
resilient
way: the
their true mettle in the second half.
or forced to prove one's ability to cope well with
demanding situation. derivatives: met»tle»some j-samj adj. mews myooz . n. (pi. same) a row or street a
I
I
of houses or apartments that have been converted from stables or built to look like for-
mer
stables.
group of stables, typically with rooms above, built around a yard or along an alley. me*zu*zah Ima'zoozal (alsomezuza) . n. (pi. a
or mezuzasor mezuzot ma or mezuzoth ms'zODz.ot ) a parchment inscribed with religious texts and attached in a case to the doorpost of a Jewish house as a sign of faith. a small case containing such a parchment, sometimes used as a personal item: she wore a mezuzah around her neck. mez*za*nine |'mez3,nen; |mez9'nen| • a low story between two others in a building, typically between the ground and second
mezuzahs
|
'zOOz,ot|
|
|
met*rici |'metrik| » adj. 1 of or based on the meter as a unit of length; relating to the metric system: all measurements are given in metric form. using the metric system: we should have gone metric years ago. 2 (in mathematics and physics) relating to or denoting a metric. • n. 1 a system or standard of measurement. (in mathematics and physics) a binary function of a topological space that gives, for any two points of the space, a value equal to the distance between them, or to a value treated as analogous to distance for the purpose of analysis. 2 metric units, or the metric system: it's
team showed
easier to
met»ric2
work
poetic meter. the meter of a
in metric.
composed
in a
(metrics) [treated as
sing.]
relating to or
adj.
.
n.
»
the lowest balcony of a theater, cinema, staetc., or the front rows of the balcony. • adj. [attrib.] relating to or denoting unsecured, higher-yielding loans that are subordinate to bank loans and secured loans but rank
dium,
above equity.
mez*ZO
I
'metso; 'medzo
mezzo-soprano)
poem.
• n. nfiet*ro*nome 'metra.nom a device used by musicians (esp. pianists) that marks time at a selected rate by giving a regular tick. derivatives: met»ro»nom«ic metra 'namik adj. he appeared at my door with metronomic regularly. met«ro»nom«i*cal»ly |
I
,
|
:
|
,metr3'namik(3)le adv. 'metra.pleks • n. a very large metropolitan area, esp. one that is an aggregation of two or more cities. {the Metroplex) popular name for the Dallas-Fortli Worth area. Cf. conurbation; megalopolis; metropolitan area. me»trop«0»liS ma 'trap (a) bs . n. the capital or chief city of a country or region. a very large and densely populated industrial |
I
met*ro*plex
floors.
|
|
|
|
and commercial city. met*ro»poH»tan .metra'pabtnl
»
adj. 1 of,
n.
(pi.
-os) (also
mez»ZO*tint I'metso.tint; 'medzo- . n. a print made from an engraved copper or steel plate on which the surface has been partially roughened, for shading, and partially scraped smooth, giving light areas. The technique was much used in the 17th, 18th, and 1
early 19th centuries for the reproduction of
paintings.
the technique or process of in this way.
• v.
making pictures
engrave
[trans.]
(a picture) in
mezzotint.
derivatives: mez»zo»tint»er n. mi«as*ma ml'aezms; me- • n. (pi. miasmas 1
|
or miasmata -mats ) a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor: a miasma of |
|
• |
female singer with a voice pitched between soprano and contralto. a singing voice of this type, or a part written for one. • adv. half, moderately. a
|
colony or dependency: metropolitan Spain. 3 of, relating to, or denoting a metropolitan
hung around him like marsh gas. an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or emanates from something: a miasma of despair rose from the black work-
or his see: a metropolitan bishop.
shops.
relating to, or denoting a metropolis. 2 of, relating to, or denoting the parent state of a
•
w.
1
a
bishop having authority over the bishops of a province, in particular (in
many Orthodox
Churches) one ranking above archbishop and below patriarch. 2 an inhabitant of a metropolis: the sophisticated metropolitan. Cf. cosmopolitan.
derivatives: me»tro»pol»i»tan»ate 3tn,at
n. I
tannsm cal
|
|-'pal-
(only of the noun). met»ro»pol»i«
-,pabtn,iz9m
|
n.
met»ro»po»litM»
(only of the noun). meWIe 'metl • «. a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding -pa'litikal
I
adj.
|
|
|
stale alcohol
derivatives: mi»as»mal adj. mi»as«mat» ,mi3z'm£etik| adj. mi»as»mic |-mik| adj.
ic
I
mi»as«mic»al«ly |mik(3)le| adv. mi«crobe |'mi,krob| * n. a microorganism, esp. a bacterium causing disease or fermentation. Cf. PATHOGEN, vector, derivatives: mi»cro«bi*al |mi'krobe3l| adj. mi»cro»bic |mi'krobik| adj.
microcosm 'mikr3,kaz3m| (also microcosmos) • n. a community, place, or situation |
regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of some-
microeconomics much
thing
276
larger: Berlin
a microcosm of
is
Germany.
militia
derivatives: mif»fy
adj.
mi*graine 'mi, gran • «. a recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision: such severe migraines |
|
humankind regarded as the epitome of the universe. Cf. macrocosm, derivatives: mi»cro»cos»mic .mikra 'kazmiki adj. mi»cro«cos»mi»caWy |-'kaz|
mik(3)le| adv.
mi*cro*ec*0*nom*ics
,mikro,ek3'namiks; sing.] the part of economics concerned with single factors and the effects of individual decisions. Cf. macro|
-,ek3-| 'plural n. [treated as
economics.
derivatives: mi«cro»ec»o»nom*ic adj. mi*cro»man»age ,mikro'maenij| *v. [trans.] |
control every part, however small, of (an enterprise or activity): unable to delegate, he went on micromanaging.
derivatives:
mi»cro«man»age»ment mi«cro»man»ag»er n.
that she could not work.
derivatives: mi«grain»ous |-,gran3s| adj. mi*grate 'mi,grat| • v. [intrans.] (of an animal, typically a bird or fish) move from one region |
or habitat to another, esp. regularly according autumn arrives, the birds mi-
to the seasons: as grate south.
move from one
(of a person)
area or country
to settle in another, esp. in search of work: rural populations
have
move from one to another:
cells
migrated to urban
areas.
something
specific part of
that can form pigment migrate
heap.
beneath the skin. (in computing) change or cause to change from using one system to another: we're planning to migrate from a standalone to a networked environment. [trans.] transfer (programs or hardware) from one system to another. derivatives: mi«gra*tion |mi'grasH3n|
(also kitchen midden) a prehistoric refuse heap associated with a site of human habita-
n. mi«gra»tion«al gra'tor |-,grat3r|
I
'maenijmanti
mic*tu*rate
n.
'mikcH3,rat|
|
[intrans.]
derivatives: mic*tu»ri«tion SHsnl
urinate.
,mikCH3'ri|
n.
mid^den
|
'midn
|
• «.
a dunghill or refuse
tion, often a focus of scientific study.
mid*dle*brow i'midl'browl
system of thought) demanding or involving only a moderate degree of intellectual application, typically as a result of not deviating from convention: middlebrow fiction, • n. a person only a step above mass appeal. who is capable of or enjoys only a moderate degree of intellectual effort. Mid*dle EngHish • n. the English language from c. 1150 to c. 1470, reflecting the postconquest (post- 1066) influence of Norman French on Old English. mid*get 'mijit • n. an extremely or unusually small person, usu. one with normal proportions. Cf. DWARF, manikin. • adj. [attrib.] very small: a midget submarine. literature or a
|
|
mid*Ship*man 'mid.smpmsn; mid'snip-i • n. (pi. -men) a cadet in the US Navy or stu|
dent at the US Naval Academy. a rank of officer in the (British) Royal Navy, above naval cadet and below sublieutenant. mid*wife 'mid.wlf • n. (pi. -wives) a person |
|
woman)
(typically a
trained to assist
women
in childbirth.
childbirth.
derivatives: mid»wife»ry
|
mid'wif(3)re;
-'wif(3)re| n.
men . w. a person's look or manner, one of a particular kind indicating char|
I
acter or mood: he has a cautious, academic mien her mien was somber. Cf countenance. miff |mif| . V. [trans.] (usu. be miflfed) put out .
\
of humor; offend; annoy: she was miffed at not being invited. fit
'migra
adj. I
mik'veh •
mikvs (also mikva or mikvah) mikvehs or mikvahs or mikvoth mek'vot or mikvot mek'vot or mikvos n.
|
|
(pi.
|
i
|
|
a bath in which certain Jewish ritual purifications are performed. the action of taking such a bath. mi*la*dy ma'lade; mi- . n. (pi. -ies) used, formerly or humorously, to address or refer to a noblewoman or great lady: / went off to milady's boudoir. • «• (plmi*lieu Imil'yoo; -'y3(r) milieux |miryoo(z); -'y3(r)(z)| or milieus mil -V9z; -vos
)
I
I
1
|
I
|
an environment, esp. a person's social environment: he grew up in a 'yoo(z); -'y9(r)(z)|)
military milieu.
mil*i»tant 'mibtsnt • adj. combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods: an uprising by militant Islamic fundamentalists. » n. a person who is active in this way. |
|
derivatives: milM«tan»cy
|-t3nse|
n.
mil*i»tant»ly adv. mil*i«ta*rism 'mibts.rizam . n. the belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. DERI VAT I V E s mil»i»ta*rist n. & adj. mil»i« :
bring into being: revolutions midwifed by new technologies of communication.
or
|
|
some-
thing into being or assists its development: he survived to be one of the midwives of the Reformation. • V. [trans.] assist (a woman) during
esp.
mi*
adj. |
mi»gra»to»ry
|
a person or thing that helps to bring
mien
tore
,
'adj. (of art or
mi'graSHsnl
i
n.
of pique.
•
n.
slightly
a petty quarrel
ta«ris«tic
.milsta'ristik |
adj. |
|'mib,tat| *v. [intrans.] (militate against) (of a fact or circumstance) be a powerful or conclusive factor in preventing:
mil*i*tate
these
fundamental
differences
will
militate
against the two communities coming together.
usage: The
verbs militate and mitigate
are often confused. See
usage
at .mitigate.
ms'liSHs . «. a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency.
mi»ll*tia
|
|
.
milksop
277
a military force that engages in rebel or terrorist activities, typically in opposition to a
army. all able-bodied civilians eligible by law for military service. milk*SOp 'milk, sap » n. a person who is indecisive and lacks courage. Cf. milquetoast. mil*le*nar*i»an .mib'nerean . adj. relating to or believing in the idea that Christ will return to earth and reign for one thousand years, as suggested in Rev. 20:1-5. believing in the imminence or inevitability of a golden age of peace, justice, and prosperity: denoting a religious or millenarian Marxists. political group seeking solutions to present crises through rapid and radical transformation of politics and society. • n. a person who believes in the Christian doctrine of the millennium. derivatives: mil»le»nar»i»an»ism n. mil* le»nar«y n. and adj. regvilar
\
I
i
|
mil«len»ni»um ma'leneam . n. (pi. millennia -63 or millenniums) a period of a thousand years, esp. when calculated from |
|
1
ministration
mi*me*sis
|
ma'mesis; mi-
n.
.
1
imitation, in
particular:
representation or imitation of the real world and literature. the deliberate imitation of the behavior of one group of people by another as a factor in social change. another term for mimicry. in art
mi«met*ic Ima'metikI
»
mimetic patterns in
conmimesis:
adj. relating to,
stituting, or habitually practicing butterflies.
derivatives: mi»metM«cal»ly
|-ik(3)le|
adv.
mim»ic*ry 'mimakre • n. (pi. -ies) the action or art of imitating someone or something, |
|
typically in order to entertain or ridicule: the
word was spoken with gently teasing mimicry mimicry of the techniques of realist writers. the close external resemblance of an animal or plant (or part of one) to another animal, plant, or inanimate object, typically as an evolved characteristic that haas survival \
value.
I
the traditional date of the birth of Christ. an anniversary of a thousand years: the millennium of the city of Warsaw. (the millennium) the point at which one period of a thousand years ends and another begins. (the millennium) the prophesied thousand-year reign of Christ at the end of the age (Rev. 20:1-5). (the millennium) a Utopian period of good government, great happiness, and prosperity.
derivatives: mil«len»ni»al mil»len»ni»al»ism
|-e3l|
adj.
n.
usage: The spelling of millennium is less one remembers that it comes ultimately from two Latin words containing double letters: mille, 'thousand,' and difficult if
mi*na*cioUS
|
ma'naSHas
menacing;
adj.
• |
threatening. min*a*ret |,min3'ret| • n. a slender tower, typically part of a mosque, with a balcony
from which
muezzin
a
calls
Muslims
to
prayer.
derivatives: min»a»ret»ed adj. min*a»tO*ry 'mins.tore; 'mi-| • adj. expressing or conveying a threat: he is unlikely to be |
deterred by minatory finger-wagging.
mince
mins
|
• |
[Intrans.]
v.
walk with an
af-
fected delicacy or fastidiousness, typically with short quick steps: there were plenty of secretaries
mincing about.
derivatives: minc«er
n. minc*xn^»\y adv. (mingier, mingiest) and stingy: you've been mingy with the
min»gy
mean
|
'minje
adj.
.
|
sunscreen.
awnum,'year.'
unexpectedly or undesirably small: a mingy mll*li»ner 'mibnar • or sells women's hats. |
|
n. a
person
toast)
•
n. a
rmilk,tost|
person
who
is
(also
Milque-
timid or submis-
milksop.
mime mim
• \
i
suggesting
n.^ the theatrical technique of
action,
character,
or
emotion
without words, using only gesture, expres-
and movement. a theatrical performance or part of a perfor-
sion,
mance using such
a technique. an action or intended to convey the idea of another action or an idea or feeling: she performed a brief mime of someone fencing. a practitioner of mime or a performer in a mime. 2 (in ancient Greece and Rome) a simple farcical drama including mimicry. • v. [trans.] use gesture and movement without set of actions
words in the acting of (a play or role) convey an impression of (an idea or feeling) by gesture and movement, without using words; mimic (an action or set of actions) in this way: he stands up and mimes throwing a spear.
derivatives: mim*er
n.
I'minjalel
adv.
. 1 minama.lizam a trend in sculpture and painting that arose in the 1950s and used simple, typically massive, forms. 2 an avant-garde movement in music characterized by the repetition of very short phrases that change gradually, producing a
min*i*mal*ism
n.
a soppy, milquetoast composer. Cf.
sive: [as adj.]
kitchenette tucked in the corner
derivatives: ming'i'ly
derivatives: mil»li»ner»y miique*toast
who makes
hypnotic
|
|
effect.
derivatives: minn»mal«ist
adj.
and
n.
'minyan . w. a follower or underling of a powerful person, esp. a servile or unimportant one. Cf. lackey, sycophant. • adj. .mina'stireal 1 of or mln*is*te»ri*al relating to a minister of religion. 2 of or relat-
min»ion
|
|
|
|
ing to a government minister or ministers: ministerial officials. 3 acting as an agent, instrument, or means in achieving a purpose: those uses of conversation which are ministerial |
to intellectual culture.
of or relating to delegate authority: ministerial acts.
derivatives: min»is»te»ri»al«ly
adv.
.mina'strasnanl »n. (usu. ministrations) the provision of assistance or care: a kitchen made spotless by the ministrations of a cleaning lady.
min*is*tra»tion
|
|
278
Minotaur
the services of a minister of religion or of a the action of administering a Christian sacrament. derivatives: minMS*trant 'minastrsnt religious institution.
|
min«is»tra»tive adj. Min»0*taur rmin9,t6r; 'mi-| (in Greek mythology) a creature who was half man and half bull, the offspring of Pasiphae and a bull with which she fell in love. Confined in Crete in a labyrinth made by Daedalus and n.
fed
on human
flesh,
it
was eventually
slain
by Theseus. min*Strel 'minstral • «. a medieval singer or musician, esp. one who (in the tradition of minstrelsy) sang or recited lyric or heroic poetry to a musical accompaniment for the |
|
nobility.
a member of a band of entertainers with blackened faces who (typically, in a minstrel show) perform songs and music ostensibly of
misconceive to squirm in a mire of new allegations. a wetland area or ecosystem based on peat. • v. [trans.] (usu. be mired) cause to become stuck in mud: sometimes a heavy truck gets
mired down. (mire someone/something someone or something economy
World War
mirth
|
mired
is
in
in)
involve
in (difficulties): the longest recession since
its
II.
marra
amusement,
n.
•
|
expressed in laughter:
esp.
his six-foot frame
as
shook
with mirth.
DERI VAT IVES: mirth'ful
|
-fal
mirth*
adj.
|
ful'ly l-falel adv.
mis*an*thrope I'misan.THrop; 'mizi (also misanthropist mis'aenxnrapist ) • «. a person who dislikes people and avoids human |
|
society.
derivatives: mis»an«throp»ic
, |
misan
'THrapikl adj. mis»an»throp«i»cal ,mis3n 'THrapiksl adj. mis»an»throp«i»cal«ly ,mis3n'THrapik(3)le adv. mis«an»thro»py |
black American origin. 'min3,skyool; mi*nus*CUle
|
min'as.kydol extremely small; tiny: a minuscule frag|
•
adj. 1
|
so small as to be negligible or insufficient: the risk of infection was believed to be minuscule. 2 of or in lowercase letters, as distinct from capitals or uncials. of or in a small cursive script of the Roman alphabet, developed in the 7th century ad. n.
minuscule
derivatives: mi«nus»cu»lar Ima'naskysadj.
usage: The
correct spelling is minuscule rather than miniscule. The latter is a common error, which has arisen by analogy with
other words beginning with mini-, where the meaning is similarly 'very small.'
mi*nute
|
ml'n(y)oot;
ma-
1
•
adj.
(minutest)
extremely small: a minute fraction of an inch. so small as to verge on insignificance: he will have no more than a minute chance of exercising (of an inquiry or invessignificant influence. tigation, or an account of one) taking the smallest points into consideration; precise and meticulous: a minute examination of the islands.
derivatives: mi»nute»ly ness
|
,mis,aEpri'hensH3n
|
a mistaken belief
about or interpretation of something: she must have been laboring under the misapprehension that I was in •
n.
charge.
derivatives: mis»ap»pre»hen»sive
|
'
hen-
siv| adj.
mis*be*got*ten
script.
a small or lowercase letter. Cf. majuscule,
br|
n.
mis*ap*pre*hen»sion
ment of cloth.
•
|
I
adv.
mi»nute»
n.
mi»nu*ti»ae m3'n(y)oosHe,e; -SHe,i| (also minutia |-SHe,3; -SH3|) » plural n. the small, precise, or trivial details of something: the
l.misba'gami »adj. badly conceived, designed, or planned: a misbegotten journey to Indianapolis. contemptible (used as a term of abuse): you misbegotten hound! (of a child) illegitimate. mis*car«riage 'mis,kerij; -.kaerijl . «. 1 the expulsion of a fetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently, esp. spontaneously or as the result of accident: his wife had a miscarriage some pregnancies result in miscarriage. Cf. stillbirth. 2 an unsuccessful outcome of something planned: the mis|
\
carriage of the project. |mis'kere|
mis»car»ry
'V. (-ies, -ied) (of a pregnant woman) have a misconceived, she miscarried at carriage: Wendy but [trans.] an ultrasound scan showed four months. that she had miscarried her baby. 2 (of something planned) fail to attain an intended or expected outcome: such a rash crime, and one [intrans.] 1
\
so very likely to miscarry!
|
minutiae of everyday
minx miNGks
•
I
I
w.
woman.
:
min*yan I
• n. (pi. 'minyan .minya'nem ) a quorum of ten |
I
|
fail
to reach
its
intended destina-
mis*ceg*e*na*tion
life.
an impudent, cunning, or
boldly flirtatious girl or young DERI VAT I V E s minx*ish adj.
(of a letter) tion.
minyanim men over the
age of 1 3 required for traditional Jewish public worship. a meeting of Jews for public worship, mire 'mir • n. a stretch of swampy or boggy ground. soft and slushy mud or dirt. a situation or state of difficulty, distress, or embarrassment |
ja-
1
*
n.
|mi,sej3'nasH9n; .misathe interbreeding of people consid-
ered to be of different races. mis*ci*ble |'misabal| *adj. (of liquids) forming a homogeneous mixture when combined: is miscible with glycerol. derivatives: mis»ci»bilM»ty
sorbitol
.misa'bil|
ate| n.
mis*COn*ceive to
,miskan'sev| »v.
[trans.]
fail
|
understand correctly: she was frustrated by
I
from which
it is
hard to extricate oneself:
left
professors
who
consistently
misconceived her
essays.
(usu. be misconceived) judge or plan badly, typically on the basis of faulty under-
)
misconstrue
mnemonic
279
standing: criticism of the trade surplus in Washington is misconceived [as adj.] (misconceived) misconceived notions about gypsies. \
derivatives: mis«con»ceiv«er
mis*
n.
of a missionary or a religious mission: missionary work they have lost the missionary zeal they once had. tic
I
mis»sive
'misiv| . n. a letter, esp. a long or one: he hastily banged out electronic mis|
con»cep»tion
official
n.
mis»COn»Strue ,misk3n'strooi * V. (misconstrues, misconstrued, misconstru|
interpret (something, esp. a person's words or actions) wrongly: my advice was deliberately misconstrued.
ing)
(trans.]
-
derivatives: mis»con»struc«tion strakSHsn n. mis*cre*ant 'miskresnti • n. a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the |
'
I
|
law.
a heretic.
or in a
•
way
(of a person) behaving badly
adj.
that breaks a law or rule: her mis-
creant husband. heretical.
nils«de*mean*or
demeanour)
|
(Brit misminor wrongdoing: the
'misdi,men3r| a
n.
•
defenseman can expect a lengthy suspension for his latest misdemeanor. a crime regarded in the US (and formerly in the UK) as less serious than a felony, and typically punishable by fine or by imprisonment (usu. in a jail) for less than one year. mis en scene ,mez ,aN 'sen • n. [usu. in sing.] the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play. the setting or surroundings of an event or ac|
|
tion.
mis»giv*ing |mis'giviNG| • n. (usu. misgivings) a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something: misgivings about the way the campaign
is
being run
\
a sense of misgiving at the
prospect of retirement.
mis*no*mer Imis'nomsrI • n. a wrong or inaccurate name or designation: "horseshoe
—
is a misnomer crustaceans at all.
crab" a
these creatures are not
wrong or inaccurate use of a name or term:
to call this
"neighborhood policing" would be a
sives.
mis»tri*al
'mis,trl(a)l| •n. a trial rendered through an error in the proceedings. an inconclusive trial, such as one in which the jury cannot agree on a verdict. mi*ter |'mitar| (Brit, mitre) * n. 1 a tall hat worn by bishops and senior abbots as a sym|
invalid
bol of office, tapering to a point at front and back with a deep cleft between. a hat formerly worn by a Jewish high priest. a headband worn by women in ancient Greece. 2 (also miter joint) a joint made between two pieces of wood or other material cut at 45° angles to form an angle of 90°. a diagonal seam of two pieces of fabric that
meet at a corner joining. means of a miter. mit*i»gate
'mita,gat
. |
• v.
v. [trans.]
|
vere, serious, or painful: he
[trans.]
join
by
make less se-
wanted
to mitigate
misery in the world. lessen the gravity of (an offense or mistake): [as adj.] (mitigating) he would have faced a prison sentence but for mitigating circum-
stances.
derivatives: mit»i»ga»ble |-gibal| adj. mit»i»ga»tion n. mit»i«ga»tive adj. mit»i« ga»tor |-,gatar| n. mitM»ga»to»ry |-ga,t6re| adj.
usage: The
verbs mitigate and militate do not have the same meaning although the similarity of the forms has led to them being often confused. Mitigate means 'make
(something bad) less severe,' as in he wanted mitigate misery in the world, while militate is nearly always used in constructions with against to mean 'be a powerful factor to
in preventing,' as in these disagreements will
militate against
the two communities
coming
together.
misnomer.
mi«SOg*a*my ma'sagame |
•
n.
I
the hatred of
derivatives: mi»sog»a»mist |-mist| n. ml«SOg»y»ny Ima'sajsnel »n. the hatred of women by men: she felt she was struggling against thinly disguised misogyny.
derivatives: mi«sog»y»nist sog»y»nis«tic
adj.
mi«sog»y»nous
|
mi*
-nas
|
adj.
the year.
|
|
is
forcibly
propelled at a target, either by hand or from
mechanical weapon.
weapon
self-propelled or directed by remote control, carrying a conventional or nuclear explosive. mis«sion*ar*y 'misHa,nere| . n. (pi. -ies) a person sent on a rehgious mission, esp. one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country. • adj. of, relating to, or characteristhat
is
|
|
derivatives: mi»tot»ic |mi'tatik| adj. mix»Ol*0*gist |mik'salajist| • n. a person who is skilled at mixing cocktails and other drinks. a bartender.
derivatives: mix»ol»o»gy |-aje| n. miz»zen 'mizan (also mizen) . n. 1 (also mizzenmast) the mast immediately behind |
any book of prayers. mis*sile 'misal • n. an object that
a
j
I
MEIOSIS. adj.
mis*sal |'misal| » n. a book containing the texts used in the Catholic Mass throughout
a
mi«tO*sis mi'tosas . n. (pi. mitoses -sez a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth. Cf. I
marriage.
I
a ship's mainmast. 2 (also mizzensail) the lowest sail on a mizzenmast. mne»mon«iC na'manik • a device such as |
I
a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in remembering something. • adj. aiding or designed to aid the memory: a mne-
monic device. of or relating to the power of memory.
derivatives: mne«monM»caWy adv.
le I
|-ik(a)-
280
mobile
mo*bile I'mobal; -,bel; -,bil| » adj. able to move or be moved freely or easily: he has a major weight problem and is not very mobile \
highly mobile international capital.
(of the face or
its
features) indicating feelings
with fluid and expressive movements: her mobile features working overtime to register shock and disapproval. (of a store, library, or other
accommodated
service)
in a vehicle so as to
around and serve various places. (of a military or police unit) equipped and prepared to move quickly to any place it is needed: mobile army combat units. able or willing to move easily or freely between occutravel
pations, places of residence, or social classes: an increasingly mobile and polarized society. • n. 'mo,bel 1 a decorative structure that is suspended so as to turn freely in the air. mod*al 'modi • adj. 1 of or relating to mode or form as opposed to substance. 2 (in grammar) of or denoting the mood of a verb. relating to a verb that expresses the mood of an accompanying infinitive (a modal verb). 3 (in statistics) of or relating to a mode; occurring most frequently in a sample or population. 4 of or denoting music using |
I
i
qualification, or which involves the affirmation of possibility, impossibility, necessity, or contingency. • n. a modal word or construction.
derivatives: mod»aWy
mo»daW»ty modal
Imo'dasbtel
quality: the
adv.
I'modl-el .
w.
(pi.
-ies)
harmony had a touch of mode in which some-
modality. 2 a particular
thing exists or is experienced or expressed. a particular method or procedure: questions concerning the modalities of troop withdrawals. a particular form of sensory perception: the visual and auditory modalities. mode mod • n. 1 a way or manner in which sometlaing occurs or is experienced, expressed, or done: his preferred mode of travel was a kayak differences between language modes, namely speech and writing. an option allowing a change in the method of operation of a computer or other electronic device: a camcorder in automatic mode. any of the distinct kinds or patterns of vibration of an oscillating system. the character of a modal proposition in logic (whether necessary, contingent, possible, or impossible). another term for grammatical or logical mood. 2 a fashion or I
or disparagingly denoting an
facetiously
ultramodern
style.
mod»em»ism
'madar.nizsm
|
• |
modern
n.
character or quality of thought, expression, or technique: when he waxes philosophical, he comes across as a strange mix of nostalgia and modernism. a style or movement in the arts that aims to break with classical and traditional forms. a
movement beliefs in
toward modifying traditional accordance with modern ideas, esp.
Roman Catholic Church in the 19th and early 20th centuries. DERI VAT I V E s mod»ern»ist n. in the
late
:
mod*i*CUm
|
'madiksm; 'mod-
•
1
n.
[in sing.]
a small quantity of a particular thing, esp. something considered desirable or valuable: his statement had more than a modicum of truth.
I
melodies or harmonies based on modes other than the ordinary major and minor scales. 5 (of a logical proposition) in which the predicate is affirmed of the subject with some
1
moiety
I
\
style in clothes, art, literature, etc.:
in
the
mode for activewear took hold. 3 the value that occurs most frequently in a given set of statistical data. Cf. median. 4 a set of musical notes forming a scale and from which melodies and harmonies are Seventies, the
constructed. mo'derne ima'dern; ma-| » adj. of or relating to a popularization of the art deco style marked by bright colors and geometric shapes.
mo»diSte
mo'dest ner or dressmaker.
•
|
mod*U*late
n.
I
rmaj3,lat|
a fashionable milli»v.
[trans.]
exert a
modifying or controlling influence on:
the
modulate private business 's cash
state attempts to
flow.
vary the strength, tone, or pitch of (one's we all modulate our voice by hearing it. alter the amplitude or frequency of (an electromagnetic wave or other oscillation) in accordance with the variations of a second signal, typically one of a lower frequency: radio waves are modulated to carry the analog in[intrans.] (in music) formation of the voice. change from one key to another: the first half of the melody, modulating from E minor to G. [intrans.] (modulate into) change from one form or condition into (another): ideals and opinions are not modulated into authoritavoice)
:
tive journalese.
derivatives: SH3n|
n.
mod*uie
mod»u«la«tion mod»u»la»tor |-,lat3r| n.
.majs'la|
'majool • n. each of a set of standardized parts or independent units that can be used to construct a more complex structure, such as an item of furniture or a build|
|
ing.
[usu. with adj.] an independent selfcontained unit of a spacecraft. (in computing) any of a number of distinct but interrelated units from which a program may be built
up or
into
which
be analyzed. mo*dus op»e»ran*dl -,di|
•
,di
[usu. in
I
)
n.
(pi.
complex
a
I
may
'modss .apa raende; 'mo,de; 'mo
modi operandi sing.]
activity
a particular
|
way or method
of doing something, esp. one that is characteristic or well-established: the volunteers were instructed to buy specific systems using our usual modus operandi anonymously and with cash. the way something operates or works. Abbreviation: or m.o. mo*gul 'mogal • n. an important or powerful person, esp. in the motion picture or me-
—
MO
i
I
dia industry.
'moiate • n. (pi. -ies) each of two parts into which a thing is or can be divided. each of two social or ritual groups into which a people is divided, esp. among Australian
moi*e*ty
|
|
moire
Aboriginals and some American Indians. a a distinct part or portion, esp. a lesser share. part of a large molecule: the enzyme removes the sulfate moiety.
moire |m6'ra; mwa-; mwar|
moire
(also
mwa'ra; mo- ) • w. silk fabric that has been subjected to heat and pressure rollers after weaving to give it a rippled appearance. • adj. 1
I
(of silk) having a rippled, lustrous finish. denoting or showing a pattern of irregular wavy lines like that of such silk, produced by
the superposition at a slight angle of two sets of closely spaced lines. mold*er 'moldsri (Brit, moulder) . v. [intrans.] [often as adj.] (moldering) slowly decay or disintegrate, esp. because of neglect: there was a mushroomy smell of disuse and moldering books / couldn't permit someone of your abilities to molder away in a backwater. • n. mol*e*CUle 'mab,kyool a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical |
I
\
|
DERI VAT I v E s mo«lec»u»lar :
adj.
tions to mollify local conservationists.
[as
|
adj.]
removal of riders to the bill had a mollifying effect on critics. reduce the severity of (something); soften. derivatives: mol»li«fi»ca»tion mabfa 'kaSHan n. mol»li»fi»er n. mol*ly*COd*dle 'male, kadi . v. [trans.] treat (someone) very indulgently or protectively. • n. an effeminate or ineffectual man or boy; a milksop. ,
|
|
|
molt
(Brit, I
I
moult)
.
v.
(of an
[intrans.]
adult birds were already molting into their winter shades of gray [trans.] the snake molts its skin. (of hair or feathers) fall out to make way for \
new growth:
the last of his juvenile plumage
molted.
a loss of
had plumage, skin, or hair, as a regular feature of an animal's life n.
'moltn . adj. (esp. of materials with a high melting point, such as metal and glass) |
liquefied
|
by
heat.
mo*men*tOUS mo'men(t)3s; ma'-
. adj. (of a decision, event, or change) of great importance or significance, esp. in its bearing on the future: a period of momentous changes in EastWest relations. 1
|
derivatives: mo«men«tous»ly men»tous»ness n. mo»men«tum mo'mentsm; ma|
adv.
1
•
n.
mo» (pi.
momenta
or momentums) 1 the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity. 2 the impetus gained by a moving object: the vehicle gained momentum as the road dipped. the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events: the investigation gathered spring.
or a single
cell.
derivatives: mo*nad*ic jmo'naedik; ma- adf mon*ad*ism |-,iz3m| n. (in phi1
losophy).
mo*nad*nock
|m9'naed,nak| » n. an isolated or ridge of erosion-resistant rock rising above a peneplain. mo*nas»tic Ima'nasstikI 'adj. of or relating to monks, nuns, or others living under religious vows, or the buildings in which they live: a monastic order. resembling or suggestive of monks or their way of life, esp. in being austere, solitary, or celibate: a monastic student bedroom. • n. a monk or other follower of a monastic rule. hill
derivatives: mo»nas»ti»caWy
|-ik(9)le|
1
.
n.
the theory or practice of controlling the supply of money as the chief method of stabilizing the economy.
derivatives: mon»e»ta»rist mon»e»tar»is»tic
n.
&
adj.
adj.
mon*e*tize |'mana,tiz| 'V. [trans.] convert into or express in the form of currency: must we monetize everything, even relaxation? [usu. as adj.] (monetized) adapt (a society) to the use of money: a fully monetized society. Cf. demonetize. DERI VAT I v E s mon»e»ti«za»tion .manada 'zasHan; ,mana,ti'zaSHan n. l\/lon*gol*Oid 'maNGga,loid . adj. 1 of or relating to the broad and now somewhat dated division of humankind including the indigenous peoples of eastern Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic region of North America. 2 (mongoloid) (older and now considered offensive) affected with Down :
]
|
syndrome.
•
I
n.
physical type. 2
1
a
person of a Mongoloid a person with Down
offensive
syndrome.
cycle.
mohten
1646-1716) an indivisible and hence ultimately simple entity, such as an atom or a person. a name formerly used for a singlecelled organism, esp. a flagellate protozoan,
|
animal) shed old feathers, hair, or skin, or an old shell, to make way for a new growth: the
esp.
\
|
|
I
•
» n. 'mo,naed a single unit; the one. Cf. dyad; triad. (in the philosophy of Gottfried Leibniz,
number
adv.
mol»li*fy 'mab,fi| • V. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] appease the anger or anxiety of (someone): nature reserves were set up around the power sta-
I
mon*ad
mo»nas»ti»cism |-t3,siz3m| n. mon*e»ta*rism 'manata.rizam; 'man-
reaction.
molt
Mongoloid
281
momentum in the
usage:
1 The terms Mongoloid, Negroid, Caucasoid, and Australoid were introduced by 19th-century anthropologists attempting to classify human racial types, but today they are recognized as having lim-
ited
validity
as
scientific
categories.
Al-
though occasionally used when making broad generalizations about the world's populations, in most modern contexts they are potentially offensive, esp. when used of indi-
names of specific peoples or nationalities should be used wherever possible. 2 The term mongol, or Mongoloid, was viduals. Instead, the
adopted in the late 1 9th century to refer to a person with Down syndrome, owing to the similarity of some of the physical symptoms of the disorder with the normal facial characteristics of eastern Asian people. In mod-
V
moniker
monumental
282
ern English this use is now considered offensive. It has been replaced in scientific as well as in most general contexts by the term Down syndrome (first recorded in the early 1960$).
mon»oHith
|'manl-iTH| • n. 1 a large single upright block of stone, esp. one shaped into or serving as a pillar or monument. Cf. dol-
men; MENHIR. a very large
and characterless building:
the
72-story monolith overlooking the waterfront.
mon«l«ker
manikarl (also monicker)
i
.
n.
a
name
or nickname. D K R v.-^T V E s mon«i»kered I
I
mon*ism
:
adj.
'man.izam; 'mo,niz3m| • n. a theory or doctrine that denies the existence of a distinction or duality in some sphere, such as that between matter and mind, or God and the world. the doctrine that only one supreme being |
PLURAUSM.
exists. Cf.
derivatives: mon*ist tic I
&
n.
adj.
momis*
man'istik; mo'nistiki adj.
|
bishop.
mon»0»chro«mat«ic ,man9kro'm£etik|
»adj.
|
containing or using only one color: monochromatic light. lacking in variety; monotonous: her typically monochromatic acting style.
mon»o«chro«mat»i»cal«ly
|-ik(3)le| adv.
is
• n. an airwhich the chassis
'mana.kok; -|kak|
i
craft or vehicle structure in
integral with the body.
mon*0*CUl*ture
I
derivatives: mon«o»cul»tur»al 'kalCHaral
|
,man3
adj. |
'manadel • n. (pi. -ies) 1 an ode sung by a single actor in a Greek tragedy. 2 a poem lamenting a person's death. 3 music with only one melodic line, esp. an early Baroque style with one singer and continuo accompaniment. D E R at v E s mo'nod'ic |m9'nadik| adj. I
|
I
mon*o*dist
:
|
• I
n.
the practice
or state of being married to one person at a time. the practice or state of having a sexual relationship with only one partner. (in zoology) the habit of having only one mate at a time. Cf. big.-uiy; polygamy,
derivatives: mo»nog«a»mist |-mist| n. mo»nog»a»mous -m3S adj. mo»nog»a» |
mous'ly |-m3sle| adv. mon»0»graph 'mana.graef
• n. a detailed written study of a smgle specialized subject or an aspect of it: a series of monographs on music • v. in late medieval and Renaissance cities. [trans.] write a monograph on; treat in a mon|
l
ograph.
derivatives: mo»nog«ra»pher Ima'nagrsfarl n.
|
derivatives: mon»o»ma»ni«ac |-'mane ,aek| n. 8i adj. mon»o*ma«ni«a«cal l-ma'niadj.
mo*nop*0*ly Ima'napalel
* n. (pi. -ies) the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service: his likely motive was to protect his regional monopoly on furs. Horizontal monopoly is the control of all business at a certain level of production in a particular market or industry. Vertical monopoly is control of at least one business at each level of production in a market or industry. [usu. with negative] the exclusive possession, control, or exercise of something: men don't have a monopoly on unrequited love. a company or group having exclusive control over a commodity or service: areas where cable companies operate as monopolies. a commodity or service controlled in this way: electricity, gas, and water were considered to be natural monopolies. mo»not»0*ny ms'natn-e • n. lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine: |
you can become
resigned to the
monotony of
captivity.
sameness of pitch or tone in a sound or utterance: depression flattens the voice almost to monotony.
mons
pu*bis
'manz 'pyoobasi
|
»
n.
(pi.
montes pubis)
the rounded mass of fatty tissue lying over the joint of the pubic
bones, in
and
women
typically
also called the
mons
more prominent veneris ('Venus's
mount').
|-dist| n.
mo*nog*a»my ma'nagame
|
• n. exaggerated or obsessive enthusiasm for or preoccupation with one thing.
|
'mana.kalCHarl * n. the cultivation of a single crop in a given area.
mon*0»dy
monolith.
I
|
mon*0*COque
Communist
mon*0*ma»nl*a .mana'manesi
3k3l
mo*ni*tion Ima'niSHanI • n. a warning of impending danger. a formal notice from a bishop or ecclesiastical court admonishing a person not to do something specified. • adj. mon»i»tO»ry 'man3,t6re giving or serving as a warning: the monitory wail of an air-raid siren. • n. (pi. -ies) (in church use) a letter of admonition from the pope or a
derivatives:
sunk in water, e.g., of a dock. 2 a large and impersonal political, corporate, or social structure regarded as intractably indivisible and uniform: states struggling to break away from the a large block of concrete
in the building
mo»nog«ra«phist ms'nagrafist |
|
n.
man'tazn; mon-; moN- . «. the process or technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous whole. a sequence of film resulting ft-om this: a dazzling montage of the movie's central banquet scene. the technique of producing a new composite whole from fragments of pictures, text, or music: the play often verged on montage.
mon*tage
1
|
mon»u»men»tal
.manya'mentl • adj. great importance, extent, or size: it's been a monumental effort. (of a work of art) great in ambition and |
|
in
scope: the ballet came across as one of MacMilof or serving as lan 's most monumental ivorks. a
monument:
monumental
additional details are found in
inscriptions.
mooch
283
derivatives: mon«u»men»taWsm n. mon*u»men»taW«ty .manya.men'taebte |
|
mon»u»men»tal»ly
|-'mentl-e| adv. [trans.] ask for or obtain (something) without paying for it: a bunch ofyourfriends will show up, mooching food n.
mooch mdoCH
»v.
\
^
I
[intrans.] Vm mooching off you all the time. 2 [intrans ] (mooch around/about) loiter in a bored or hstless manner: he didn 't want them mooching around all day. • n. (also moocher) a beggar or scrounger: Frank was a mooch who got everything from his dad. 1
mood mood
. 1 Grammar a category of verb use, typically expressing fact (indicative mood), command (imperative mood), quesI
I
tion (interrogative mood), wish (optative mood), or conditionality (subjunctive
mood). a form or
set of
command, wish,
presses fact,
or conditional-
2 Logic any of the valid forms into which each of the figures of a categorical syllogism ity.
occur.
moon moon
\
* V.
^
I
move
[no
obj.,
with
adverbial]
be-
and aimless manner: lying in bed eating candy, mooning around. act in a dreamily infatuated manner: Tim 's mooning over her like a schoolboy. 2 [trans] expose one's buttocks to (someone) in order to insult or amuse them: Dan whipped around, bent over, and mooned the crowd. moon*y 'moone • adj. (moonier, mooniest) (of a person) dreamy and unaware of one's surroundings, for example because one have or
in a listless
|
I
is
in love: she's not drunk, but
same moony way
\
little
still
girls
smiling in the
go moony over
horses.
moot moot
• adj. subject to debate, dispute, or uncertainty, and typically not admitting of a final decision: whether the temperature rise was mainly due to the greenhouse effect was a I
individual's ambitions
may
get out of step with
moral code.
holding or manifesting high principles for proper conduct: he is a caring, efficient, moral man. derived from or based on ethical principles or a sense of these: the moral obligation of society to do something about the inner city's problems. [attrib.] examining the nature of ethics and the foundations of good and bad character and conduct: moral philosophers. » n. ^ a lesson, esp. one concerning what is right or prudent, that can be derived from a story, a piece of information, or an experience: the moral of this story was that one must see the beauty in what one has. 2 (morals) a person's standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable to do: the corruption of public the general
morals.
forms of a verb in an inflected language such as French, Latin, or Greek, serving to indicate whether it ex-
may
morbid
I
moot point. having no practical significance, typically because the subject is too uncertain to allow a decision: it is moot whether this phrase should be treated as metaphor or not. no longer relevant, typically because of a change of circumstances: what it's worth is moot because it's no longer for sale.
•
v.
[trans.]
(usu.
be mooted)
question or topic) for discussion; suggest (an idea or possibility): Sylvia needed a raise (a
vacation, and a trip to Ireland had been mooted. • n. 1 Brit, an assembly held for debate, esp. in Anglo-Saxon and medieval times.
a regular gathering of people having a cominterest. 2 (also moot court) a mock trial set up to examine a hypothetical case as an academic exercise. mor*al 'moral; 'mar- • adf concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character: the moral dimensions of medical intervention a moral judgment.
mon
1
|
I
concerned with or adhering to the code of interpersonal behavior that is considered right or acceptable in a particular society: an
standards of behavior that are considered
good or acceptable: they believe addicts have no morals and cannot be trusted. » n. mor*ahist 'morabst a person who teaches or promotes morality. |
\
a person given to moralizing. a person who behaves in a morally commendable way.
derivatives: mor»aWs»tic .mors'listik] adj. mor»aWs»ti»caWy ,m6r9'listik(3)le |
|
|
adv.
mor*al*l2e [often as
|
'm6r3,liz;
'mar-
1
»
v.
[intrans.]
(moralizing) comment on
n.]
is-
sues of right and wrong, typically with an unfounded air of superiority: the selfrighteous moralizing of his aunt was ringing in his ears. [trans.]
interpret or explain as giving lessons
on good and bad character and conduct: mythographers normally moralize Narcissus as the man who wastes himself in pursuing worldly goods. [trans.] reform the character and conduct of: he endeavored to moralize an immoral society.
derivatives: mor«aW»za«tion
|
.morab
'zaSHan; ,mar- n. mor«al»iz»er n. mor»al» iz»ing»ly adv. mo«rass ma'raes; mo- . w. an area of muddy or boggy ground. a complicated or confused situation: lost in a 1
1
|
morass of lies and explanations. mor»a»tO*ri«um .mors'toream; ,mar-
1
.
n.
|
(pi.
moratoriums ,m6r3't6re3mz ormor|
|
atoria -ea ) a postponement or temporary prohibition of an activity: an indefinite moratorium on the use of drift nets. a legal authorization to debtors to postthe period of this postpone payment. |
|
ponement. 'morbsd . adj. 1 characterized by or appealing to an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects, esp. death and disease: a morbid fascina-
mor*bid
|
I
tion with the horrors of warfare. 2 of the nature of or indicative of disease: the treatment of mor-
bid obesity.
derivatives: mor»bid«i»ty |m6r'bid3te| n. 1 the quality or conditioning of being diseased or ill. 2 prevalence of disease, esp. in a given area. mor»bid*ly adv. mor»bid»ness
n.
1
mordacious
284
mor*da*ciOUS |m6r'dasH3si
adj.
*
denot-
1
ing or using biting sarcasm or invective. 2 (of a person or animal) given to biting.
derivatives: mor»da»ci»ty n. mor*dant |'m6rdnt| *adj. (esp. of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting: a mordant sense of humor. • n. a sub-
combines with fixes
it
an inorganic oxide, that dye or stain and thereby
typically
stance,
a
in a material.
an adhesive compound for fixing gold leaf. a corrosive liquid used to etch the lines on a printing plate. • v. [trans.] impregnate or treat (a fabric) with a mordant.
mor»dan»cy
derivatives: mor»dant»ly
|-dnse|
n.
adv.
mor*dent 'm6rdnt|
•
a musical
n.
|
consisting of a note with the above it in the tinguished as
ornament
rapid alternation of a written note immediately below or scale (sometimes further dis-
upper mordent.
ally refers to the
mones
i'moriazi 'plural n. the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a
community: an offense against social mores. mor»i«bund 'mora, band; 'mar- • adj. (of 1
|
a
point of death. (of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor: the moribund farm property marat the
ket.
derivatives:
mor»i»bumdi»ty
'bsndste; ,mar-| n. |'m6r,an| .
mo»ron
n.
, |
mora
a stupid person.
a formerly used classification fo an adult with a mental age of between 8 and 12. derivatives: mo«ronMC ms'ranik; mom3'ranik(3)le; mo-j adj. mo»ron»i»cal»ly |
|
adv.
morph
• V. change or cause to change smoothly from one image to another by small gradual steps using computer animation techniques: 3-D objects can be morphed into other objects you see her face morphing into the creature's face. • n. an image that has been \
processed in this way. an instance of changing an image in this way. mor*pheme 'm6r,fem » n. a meaningful morphological unit of a language that cannot be ftirther divided (e.g., the three units in, come, -ing, forming incoming). a morphological element considered with \
|
respect to its functional relations in a linguissystem.
tic
derivatives: mor»phe*mic mowr'fekh mik adj. mor*phe»mi»cal»ly mor |
|
I
'femik(3)le
|
adv.
mor»phol»0»gy mor'fabje |
.
n. (pi.
I
-ies) the
study of the forms of things, in particular: the branch of biology that deals with the form of living organisms, and with relationships between their structures. the study of the forms of words. derivatives: mor»pho«log»ic .morfa |
mor»pho»log»i*cal .morfs'lajikal adj. mor«pho«log«i»cal«ly .morfa'lajik(3)le adv. mor»phol»o»gist -jist n. adj.
'lajiki
|
I
j
|
I
mort*gage
. n. the charging of property by a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt (esp. one incurred by the purchase of the property), on the condition that it shall be returned on payment of the debt within a certain period. a deed effecting such a transaction. a loan obtained through the conveyance of property as security: / put down a hundred thousand in cash and look out a mortgage for the • v. rest. [trans.] (often be mortgaged) convey (a property) to a creditor as security on a loan: the estate was mortgaged up to the |
'morgij
|
real (or personal)
hilt.
expose to future risk or constraint for the sake of immediate advantage: some people worry that selling offfederal assets mortgages the country's future.
derivatives: mort»gage»a»ble adj. mort*ga*gee .morgs'je • n. the lender !
|
lower mordent and upper mordent). The term inverted mordent usu-
person)
mosaic
|
in a
mortgage, typically a bank.
mort*ga*gor borrower owner.
,m6rgi',)6r; 'morgijarl
|
»
n.
the
mortgage, typically a home-
in a
mor»ti*fy rmorta.fil ^v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] 1 (often be mortified) cause (someone) to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated: [with
and
obj.
she
infinitive]
wrinkles in the mirror
[as
was mortified to see adj.] (mortifying)
\
he refused
accept this mortifying disgrace.
to
2 subdue (the body or its needs and desires) by self-denial or discipline: return to heaven by mortifying the flesh. 3 [intrans.] (of flesh) be affected by gangrene or necrosis: the cut in Henry's arm had mortified. DERI VAT V E s mor»ti»fi«ca»tion .mortsfs I
:
|
mor»ti«£y»ing«ly adv. mor*tise 'mortss (also mortice) . n. a hole or recess cut into a part, designed to receive a corresponding projection (a tenon) on another part so as to join or lock the parts to'kaSHsn
n.
|
|
|
. V. [with obj. and adverbial] join securely by using a mortise and tenon. [trans.] [often as adj.] (mortised) cut a mortise in or through: the mortised ports.
gether.
derivatives: mor«tis»er n. mo«sa*ic |mo'za-ik| • «. 1 a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of hard material, such as stone, tile, or glass: the mosaic shows the baptism of Christ [as adj.] a mosaic floor. decorative work of this kind: the walls and a vaults are decorated by marble and mosaic. colorful and variegated pattern: the bird's I
plumage was a mosaic of slate-gray, blue, and brown. a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole: a mosaic of competing interests. an arrangement of photosensitive elements in a television camera. 2 an individual (esp. an animal) composed of cells of two genetically different types. 3 (also mosaic disease) a viral disease that results in leaf variegation in tobacco, corn, sugar cane, and other plants. . V. (mosaicked, mosaicking) [trans.] decorate with a mosaic: [as adj.] (mosaicked) the mosaicked swimming pool. combine (distinct or disparate elements) to
mossback
285
form
a picture or pattern: the digital data were combined, or mosaicked, to delineate counties. derivatives: mo»sa»i*cist mo'zaasist n. m0SS*back 'm6s,ba£k| • n. an old-fashioned or extremely conservative person. |
|
muliebrity in former times, a person medicines in public places.
DERiVAiiVES:
|
derivatives: moss*backed adj. mote mot • n. a tiny piece of something: I
the
I
mote of dust. Cf. iota. PHRASEs:a mote in someone's eye tiniest
person that
in a
is
less serious
n.
than one in
a decorative
I
I
a motley crew of discontents [usu. in sing.] an incongruous mixture: a motley of interacting interest groups. 2 the multicolored costume of a jester: life-size mannequins in full motley. mot»tle 'matl . V. [trans.] (usu. be mottled) mark with spots or smears of color: the cow's acter; disparate:
and zealots.
•
I
n. 1
I
coat was light red mottled with white
\
[as
adj.]
(mottled) a bird with mottled brown plumage. • n. an irregular arrangement of spots or patches of color: the ship was a mottle of khaki
and
black.
white marble with mottlings of black
I
and
gray.
mot^to
|
and used in medicines and an adhesive solution; gum, glue. DERIVATIVES: mu«ci»lag»i»nous .myoosa
roots, seeds, etc.,
adhesives. '
lee j anas
adj.
muck*rak*ing rmak.rakiNGl . n. the action of searching out and publicizing scandalous information about famous people, sometimes in an underhanded way: her candidacy was threatened by her opponent's muckraking as [adj.] a muckraking journalist.
DERIVATIVES: muck*rake muck»rak»er |-,rak3r| n.
mu*COUS
'mato • n. (pi. -oes or -os) a short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the behefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution: the school motto, "Serve and obey" he soon adopted the motto "work hard and play hard." a phrase that recurs throughout a musical work and has some symbolic significance. moue moo . n. a pouting expression used to I
I
|-,rak|
j
v.
'myookas adj. relating to, producing, covered with, or of the nature of •
|
I
mucus.
DERIVATIVES mu»cosM«ty
.myoo'kasate
:
i
|
n.
mu*CUS
'myookas
I
• |
w.
a slimy substance,
mucous membranes and glands
secreted by
for lubrication, protection, etc. a
gummy
substance found in plants; muci-
lage.
mu*ez*zin
|m(y)oo'ezan; 'mooazan| • n. a Muslims to prayer from the
man who
calls
minaret of
a
mosque.
muHii
'mafte • n. (pi. muftis) a Muslim legal expert who is empowered to give rulings on religious matters. muf*t|2 . n. plain clothes worn by a person who wears a uniform for his or her job, such as a soldier or police officer: / was an officer in |
I
mufti.
mug*wump rmag,wamp|
»n. a person who remains aloof or independent, esp. from
party politics. a Republican who in 1884 refused to support James G. Blaine, the Republican nomi-
nee for president. DERI VAT V E s mug»wump»er«y n. mu*lat*tO |m(y)(3f)'lato; -'laetol • n. (pi. -oes or -os) a person of mixed white and black ancestry, esp. a person with one white and one black parent. • adj. relating to or denoting a mulatto or mulattoes. Cf. quadroon. I
mottling) a spot or patch forming part of such an arrangement: the mottles on a (also
trout
|
|
notes producing a single impression; a brief melodic or rhythmic formula out of which longer passages are developed: the motif in the second violin is submerged by the first violin's countermelody. an ornament of lace, braid, etc., sewn separately on a garment. a distinctive sequence in a protein or DNA, having a three-dimensional structure that allows binding interactions to occur. mo*tile 'motl; 'mo, til • adj. 1 (of cells) capable of motion: highly motile sperm cells. 2 of, relating to, or characterized by bodily responses that involve muscular rather than audiovisual sensations. DERIVATIVES: mo'tilM'ty |mo'tibte| n. mot juste ,mo ZHyst . n. (pi. mots justes pronunc. same) the exact, appropriate word. motHey |'matle| 'adj. (motlier, motliest) incongruously varied in appearance or charI
'makse • n. force of character, determination, or nerve: when you've got moxie, you need the clothes to match. mu*Ci*lage 'myoos(3)lij • n. a viscous secretion or bodily fluid. a polysaccharide substance extracted as a viscous or gelatinous solution from plant
|
design or
pattern: T-shirts featuring spiral motifs. a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition: the nautical a short succession of motif of his latest novel.
I
moX'ie
mounne»bank«er»y
n. I
|
companied. Cf. MADRIGAL. .
-ibaeNGkare
sold patent
|
a fault
someone else who is being critical. mo*tet |mo'tet| • n. a short piece of sacred choral music, typically polyphonic and unacmo*tif |mo'tef|
I
who
:
USAGE: This term ered offensive and
is is
now
usually consid-
rarely seen except in
historical contexts.
\
I
I
convey annoyance or
moue
distaste: she
made a
at the suggestion that she clean the house.
moun*te*bank 'mownti,b8eNGk| • a person who deceives others, esp. in order to trick them out of their money; a charlatan. |
mulct |malkt| (someone) by dared propose
»v.
[trans.]
extract
money from
fine or taxation: no to
government
mulct the taxpayer for such a
purpose.
(mulct someone of) defraud (someone) of (money or possessions): he mulcted Shelly of $75,000. • n. a fine or compulsory payment. mu*li«eb»ri»ty ,myoole'ebrate • n. womanly |
|
qualities;
womanhood.
286
mull mul|i
• V. [trans.] think about (a fact, proposal, or request) deeply and at length: she began to mull over the various possibilities.
mul|2
. V.
[usu. as
[trans.]
adj.]
warm
(mulled)
wine, beer, or cider) and add spices and sweetening to it: a tankard of mulled ale. muhlion 'malysnl • n. a vertical bar between the panes of glass in a window. Cf. transom, (a beverage, esp.
|
derivatives: mul*lioned mul*ti*dis*ci*pli*nar*y im3l,ti-|
*
adj.
.mslti'disapli'nere; |
combining or involving sev-
adj.
academic disciplines or professional specializations in an approach to a topic or eral
problem.
muster
mum»mer»y
'mamsre
|
• |
n.
-ies) a per-
(pi.
mummers (masked
formance by
actors in a
mime
show). ridiculous ceremonial, esp. of a religious nature: that's all it is, mere mummery.
mun*dane .man'dan
• |
lacking inter-
adj. 1
|
a way out of a mundane existence. 2 of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one: according to Shinto doctrine, spirits of the dead can act upon the mundane world. est or excitement; dull: seeking
derivatives: mun»dane»ly adv. mum n. mun»dan»i»ty |-'dan3te| n.
dane*ness (pi.
-ies)
.
• adj. myOO'nifssant; mysof money) larger or more generous than is usual or necessary: a munif-
mu»nlf*i*cent
1
|
. adj. mul*ti*far*i*OUS .malti'fereas many and of various types: multifarious activities. having many varied parts or aspects: a vast |
|
and
mul»ti»far»i»ous»ly mul«ti»far»i»ous»ness n. I
adv.
:
muHHat*er»al .malti'laepral upon or participated in by three |
*
agreed
adj.
or
more
par-
the governments of different co\mmultilateral nuclear disarmament. having members or contributors from several groups, esp. several different countries: multilateral aid agencies. Cf. bilateral, unilateral. ties, esp.
\
derivatives: mul»tHat»er»alMsm zam n. mul»ti»lat»er»al*ist -list adj. |
I
|
|-,li-
&
n.
mul»ti»lat»er»al»ly adv. I
system.
derivatives muMi»plex»er :
(also mul*ti»
plex'Or) n. mid»ti*plexn»ty n. mul*ti«task*ing .mslti'txskiNC; ,m3l,ti-| . w. the simultaneous execution of more than one |
program or task by
a single
mu*ni»ment niments)
|
kept in an archive. mu*ni«tion myOO'niSHsn; my9-| 'plural n. (munitions) military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and stores: reserves of nuclear, chemical, and conventional munitions |
\
a munitions expert [as adj.] munitions factories. • v. [trans.] supply with munitions. [as
adj.]
\
derivatives: mu»ni»tion»er mur*rain
n.
'msrsn • n. 1 any of various indiseases affecting cattle or other animals. 2 a plague, epidemic, or crop |
|
blight.
|myooz| » n. (in Greek and Roman mythology) each of nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who pre-
Muse
side over the arts
and
sciences.
woman, or a force personified as a woman, who is the source of inspiration for a (muse)
a
creative artist.
The Muses
are generally listed as Calliope
(epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (flute
playing and lyric poetry), Terpsichore (choral dancing and song), Erato (lyre playing and lyric poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Thalia (comedy and light verse), Polyhymnia (hymns, and later mime), and Urania (astronomy). I
and talking on the telephone. mul»ti»task
|
'm3lti,taesk;
'm3l,ti-| V.
mul«ti«va*lent .mslti'vabnt; .msl.ti- . adj. 1 having or susceptible to many applications, interpretations, meanings, or values: visually complex and multivalent work. 2 (of an antigen or antibody) having several sites at which attachment to an antibody or antigen can occur: a multivalent antiserum. Cf. polyvalent. 3 (in chemistry) another term for polyvalent. derivatives: mul»ti»va»lence n. mul»ti« va»len»cy n. Brit. 1
|
• n. (usu. murecord, esp. one
'myoonamanti
document or
a
muse myooz
Simultaneously undertaking two or more activities, such as eating while watching tele-
derivatives:
mu»iiif«
computer pro-
cessor.
vision
n.
fectious
mul*ti*plex 'mslti.pleks . adj. consisting of many elements in a complex relationship: multiplex ties of work and friendship. involving simultaneous transmission of several messages along a single channel of communication. (of a movie theater) having several separate screens within one building. • w. 1 a system or signal involving simultaneous transmission of several messages along a single channel of communication. 2 a movie theater with several separate screens. • v. [trans.] incorporate into a multiplex signal or |
derivatives: mu»nifM»cence i»cent«ly adv.
|
Xxics: multilateral negotiations
icent gesture.
(of a person) very generous.
multifarious organization.
DERI VAT v E s
sum
(of a gift or
•
V.
be absorbed in
[intrans.]
I
thought: he was
musing on
the problems he
faced.
(muse on) gaze thoughtfully stance or period of reflection.
at.
•
n.
an
derivatives: mus'ing'ly adv. must! • n. grape juice before or during
in-
fer-
mentation.
must2
.
n.
a
musty
state;
dampness or mold:
a pervasive smell of must.
must3
(also musth) . n. the frenzied state of certain male animals, esp. elephants or camels, that is associated with the season: a big old bull elephant in must. Cf. rut. • adj. (of a male elephant or camel) in such a state.
mus»ter
I'mastar]
'V.
[trans.]
1
assemble
musty
287
(troops), esp. for inspection or in preparation for battle.
[no obj., with adverbial] (of troops) come together in this way: the cavalrymen mustered be[no obj., with adverbial side the other regiments. of place] (of a group of people) gather together: reporters mustered outside her house. 2 collect or assemble (a number or amount): they could not muster a majority. summon up (a particular feeling, attitude, or response): he replied with as much dignity as he could muster. • n. a formal gathering of troops, esp. for inspection, display, or exercise.
phrases: pass muster be accepted
as adequate or satisfactory: a treaty that might pass
muster with the voters. mus»ty 'maste • adj. (mustier, mustiest) having a stale, moldy, or damp smell: a dark musty library filled with old books. |
myopic
mu*tHate
|'myOotl,ati -v. [trans.] (usu. be mutilated) inflict a violent and disfiguring injury on: the leg was badly mutilated [as adj.] |
(mutilated) mutilated
bodies.
inflict serious damage on: the 14th-century church had been partly mutilated in the 18th century. render imperfect by removing or se-
damaging
verely the
They couldn't suppress it almost beyond rec-
a part:
book but they mutilated
ognition.
derivatives: mu»ti»la»tion
myootl amu»ti»la*tor l-,atar| n. mu*ti*nous 'myootn-as • adj. (of a soldier or sailor) refusing to obey the orders of a suSHan|
,
'
|
n.
|
|
perior. willful or disobedient: the junior members seemed mutinous, but adhered to party policy in the end.
I
having a
stale taste: the beer tasted sour, thin,
and musty. when I read
lacking originality or interest: it
again, the play seemed musty.
derivatives: mus«ti«ly mus»ti»ness n. mu*ta*ble I'myootsball
adv.
I'msstalel 'adj.
liable
change: the mutable nature offashion. inconstant in one's affections: j'owr/z
and mutable. DERI VAT V E s mu»ta»biln»ty ate n. mu«ta»bly adv. mu*ta»gen 'myoopjan »n. an
to
said to
.myoots'bil-
:
|
I
i
agent, such
I
as radiation or a chemical substance, that
causes genetic mutation.
DERIVATIVES: muna»gen»e»sis 'jenasasi
n.
mu»ta»gen»ic
|
|
,myoot3
,myoot3'jenik |
adj.
mu»ta»tion |myoo'taSH3n| . n. 1 the action or process of undergoing change (mutating): the mutation of ethnic politics into nationalist
went through several
his first novel
politics I
mutations. 2 the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may
be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in
DNA,
mu*ti*ny
'myootn-e |
or the deletion, insertion, or re-
arrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes. a distinct form resulting from such a change. 3 uniform change of a sound when it occurs
an open
\
I
I
speak, typically as a result of congenital deafness or brain damage. (in full elective mutism) unwillingness or refusal to speak, arising from psychological causes such as depression or trauma. the mu*tu*al*ism 'myooCHawa,lizam . doctrine that mutual dependence is necessary to social well-being. symbiosis that is beneficial to both organisms involved. |
|
derivatives: mu«tu»aWst
&
n.
mu«
adj.
,myooCHawa'listik| adj. mu»tu» al»is»ti»caWy |myooCHawa'listik(a)le adv.
tu*aWs»tic
I
|
|
muz»zy
'maze • adj. (muzzier, muzziest) vmable to think clearly; confused: she was shivering and her head felt muzzy from sleep. not thought out clearly; vague: society's muzzy notion of tolerance. 2 (of a person's eyes or a visual image) blurred: a slightly muzzy |
I
1
picture.
(of a sound) indistinct: the bass and drums even on CD, appallingly muzzy. derivatives: muz»zi»ly |'mazale| adv. are,
muz»zi«ness my»COl*0*gy
word.
my*Ol*0*gy |
adv.
(pL -ies)
mutiny by those manning the weapons could trigwar mutiny at sea. • v. (-ies, -ied) [intrans.] refuse to obey the orders of a person in authority. • «. 'my6ot,izam inability to
ger a global
adjacent to another, in particular: (in Germanic languages) the process by which the quality' of a vowel was altered in certain phonetic contexts. (in Celtic languages) change of an initial consonant in a word caused (historically) by the preceding
derivatives: mu»ta»tion»al -SHanl adj. mu«ta«tion»al«ly |-SH9nl-e| adv. mu»ta*
n.
• I
rebellion against the proper authorities, esp. by soldiers or sailors against their officers: a
muWsm is
be fickle
I
derivatives: mu»ti«nous*ly
n.
|mi'kalaje|
»
n.
the scientific
study of fiingi.
derivatives: my«co»log*i»cal kal|
myco»log»i»cal»ly adv. my»col«o«gist -jist
,mika'laji|
,mika'laji-
adj.
k(a)le
|
|
n.
|
I
the study of the structure, arrangement, and action of musmi'alaje
.
|
«.
|
|
mu»ta*tis mu*tan*dis
cles.
derivatives: myo»log*i»cal
tive I'myootativl adj.
m(y)6o'tat3s m(y)oo 'tandas; -'tatas; -'taendas • adv. (used when comparing two or more cases or situations) making necessary alterations of detail while not affecting the main point at issue: what is true of undergraduate teaching in England is equally true, mutatis mutandis, of American graduate schools. |
|
kal
adj.
my»ol»o»gist
-jist
|
.mia'laji|
n.
|
I
my»op*ic |mi'apik| 'adj. (of a person or their eyes) affected by nearsighted (myopia). lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight: a myopic attitude toward public spending.
derivatives: adv.
my»opM«cal»ly
|-ik(a)le|
288
myriad myr*i«ad
'miread • n. 1 a countless or extremely great number: networks connecting a |
I
myriad of computers. 2
(chiefly in classical
history) a unit of ten thousand. less or
• adj. countextremely great in number: the myriad
of the city. having countless or very many elements or aspects: the myriad music scene.
lights
usage: Myriad, derived from a Greek word meaning 'ten thousand,' is best used as an adjective (not as a noun)
in the sense of
'countless' or 'innumerable,' in reference to
a great but indefinite number. It should not in the plural or take the preposition of {myriad opporiunities, not myriads of oppor-
be used
tunities).
mythology concerned with the soul or the spirit, rather than with material things: the beliefs of a more mystical age.
derivatives :mys»ti«caWy |-ik(3)le| adv. mys»tl»clsm 'mist3,siz3m » n. 1 belief that union with or absorption into God or the |
|
absolute, or the spiritual apprehension of knowledge inaccessible to the intellect, may be attained through contemplation and selfsurrender. 2 belief characterized by selfdelusion or dreamy confusion of thought, esp. when based on the assumption of occult qualities or mysterious agencies. mys»tique mis'tek » n. a fascinating aura of |
\
mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or something: the West is lately rethinking its cowboy mystique the tiger has a mystique that man has always respected and revered. an air of secrecy surrounding a particular activity or subject that makes it impressive or baffling to those without specialized knowledge: eliminating the mystique normally associated with computers. Cf. demystify. \
mys*ta*gogue propounder
|'mist3,gag| *n. a teacher or of mystical doctrines.
derivatives: mys»ta»gogM»cal ta»go«gy
adj.
mys*
|-,goje| n.
mys*ter*y
'mist (a) re
|
thing that
.
n.
(pi.
I
difficult or
is
-ies) 1
some-
impossible to un-
derstand or explain: the mysteries of outer hoping that the inquest would solve the
space
I
myth mixH
• ?7. 1 a traditional story, esp. one concerning the early history of a people or I
I
some
phenome-
mystery.
explaining
the condition or quality of being secret, strange, or difficult to explain: much of her past is shrouded in mystery. a person or thing
non, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Cf. legend. such stories collectively: the heroes of Greek myth. 2 a widely held but false belief or idea: he wants to dispel the myth that sea kayaking is there is a popular too risky or too strenuous myth that corporations are big people with lots of
whose identity or nature is puzzling or unknown: "He's a bit of a mystery," said Nina |
[as
a mystery
adj.]
guest.
2 a novel, play, or
movie dealing with a puzzling crime, esp. a murder. 3 (mysteries) the secret rites of Greek and Roman pagan religion, or of any ancient or tribal religion, to which only initiates are admitted.
the practices,
skills,
or lore peculiar to a par-
and regarded as bafwithout specialized knowledge:
ticular trade or activity fling to those
mysteries of analytical psychology. the Christian Eucharist. 4 a religious belief based on divine revelation, esp. one regarded as beyond human understanding: the mystery of the
Christ.
an incident in the
life
of Jesus or of a saint as Roman Catholic
a focus of devotion in the
each of those commemorated during recitation of successive decades of the
Church,
esp.
\
money. a misrepresentation of the truth: attacking the party's irresponsible myths about privatization. a fictitious or imaginary person or thing. an exaggerated or idealized conception of a person or thing: the book is a scholarly study of the Kennedy myth. myth*ic I'mixHikl •adj. of, relating to, or
resembling myth: we explain
spiritual forces in
mythic language. exaggerated or idealized: a national hero of mythic proportions. fictitious: a mythic land of plenty.
myth*i*cal
|
'miTHiksl
characteristic of
Denmark's
• |
adj.
myths or
occurring in or
folk tales: one of
greatest mythical heroes.
idealized, esp. with reference to the past: a
rosary.
mys*tic 'mistiki • n. a person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain |
unity with or absorption into God or the absolute, or who believes in the spiritual apprehension of truths that are beyond the intellect. . adj. another term for mystical. mys»ti*cal 'mistikall . adj. 1 of or relating to mystics or religious mysticism: the mystical ex|
mythical age of contentment and social order. fictitious: a mythical customer whose name appears in brochures.
derivatives myth»i«cal»ly |-ik(9)le| adv. myth»l»ci2e |'miTH3,siz| »v. [trans.] turn into myth; interpret mythically. :
derivatives: myth*i»cism myth'i'cist
or symbolic; transcending human understanding: the mystical body of Christ. of or relating to ancient religious mysteries or other occult or esoteric spiritually
allegorical
mystical practices of the Pythagoreans.
of hidden or esoteric meaning: a geometric figure of mystical significance. 2 inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination: the mystical forces of nature.
|-,siz3m|
n.
|-sist| n.
ma'THabje . n. (pi. -ies) 1 a collection of myths, esp. one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition:
my*thol*0*gy
perience.
rites: the
natural or social
|
i
the god of wisdom and success in mythology. a set of stories or beliefs about a particular
Ganesa was
Hindu
person, institution, or situation, esp. when exaggerated or fictitious: in popular mythology, truckers are kings of the road. 2 the study of myths.
mythomania
289
derivatives: my»thol»o«ger i-jarl n. myth'-o'logMc ,miTH3'lajik| adj. mjth«o« logn'cal .miTHa'lajikal adj. myth»o»logM» ,miTH3'lajik(3)Ie cal'ly adv. my»thol»o» |
I
|
|
I
gist
n.
|-jist|
nationalize
myth»0»ma»ni»a .miTHa'maneal . n. an abnormai or pathological tendency to exagger|
ate or tell
lies.
derivatives: myth«o»ma«ni»ac |-'mane ,aek|
&
w.
adj.
myth»o«mane
n.
Nn na*bob 'nabab
•
|
|
ernor under the
n. a Muslim official or govMogul empire (16th- 19th
cents.) in India.
extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of own talents and a craving for admira-
one's
as characterizing a personality type. psychoanalysis) self-centeredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects, either in very young babies or as a feature of mental disorder. Cf. autism derivatives: nar»cis»sist |'nars3S3st| n. nar«cis«sis«tic '.narss'sistik adj. nar«cis» tion,
person of conspicuous wealth or high status. a person who returned from India to Europe with a fortune during the period (late 1 8th-early 20th cent.) of European, esp. Brita
ish, colonization.
na*cre I'nakarl
•
n.
mother-of-pearl.
(in
|
|
derivatives: na»cre»ous
|-kre3s| adj.
sis«ti«caWy ',nars3'sist3k(3)le adv. nar»CO»lep»sy 'narka.lepse . w. a pathological condition characterized by an extreme tendency to fall asleep whenever in relaxing surroundings. derivatives: nar»co»lep«tic .narka'lep|
|
na*dir 'nadar; 'nadir] n. [in sing.] the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organiza•
|
had reached the nadir of their despair. the point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer. The opposite of zenith. nai*ad 'naaed; -3d; ni- • n. (pi. naiads or naiades 3,dez ) 1 (also Naiad) (in classical mythology) a water nymph said to inhabit a river, spring, or waterfall. 2 the aquatic larva or nymph of a dragonfly, mayfly, or stonefly. 3 a submerged aquatic plant, genus Najas, tion: they
1
|
i
tik
i
1
|
with narrow leaves and minute flowers. •Genus Najas, family Najadaceae. na*if |ni'ef| (also naf) • adj. naive or ingenuous. • n. a naive or ingenuous person. na*ive ni'ev| (also nave) • adj. (of a person or action) showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment: the rather naive young man |
had been
totally misled.
(of a person) natural and unaffected; innocent: Andy had a sweet, naive look when he
of or denoting art produced in a straightforward style that deliberately rejects sophisticated artistic techniques and has a bold directness resembling a child's work, typically in bright colors with little or no per-
smiled.
spective.
derivatives: naMve»ly
adv. na»ive»ness
I
adj. !
&
nar«CO*sis
n.
of stupor, drowsiness, or unconsciousness produced by drugs. (nitrogen narcosis) a drowsy state induced by breathing air under pressure, e.g., in deep-sea diving. nar»COt*ic |nar'katik| » n. a drug or other substance affecting mood or behavior and sold for nonmedical purposes, esp. an illegal one. (in medicine) a drug that relieves pain and induces drowsiness, stupor, or insensibility. . adj. relating to or denoting narcotics or their effects or use: the substance has a mild narcotic |
nar'kosis
•
I
effect.
derivatives: nar»cotM»caWy
na«ive»te |
,ni,ev(3)'ta; ni'ev(3),ta|
(also
na-
|-tik(3)le|
nar»co»tism 'nark3,tiz3m n. nas*cent 'nassnt; 'naessnt • adj. (esp. of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of fuadv.
|
|
|
|
ture potential: the nascent space industry. (in chemistry, chiefly of hydrogen) freshly generated in a reactive form.
derivatives: nas»cence
n.
a state
na*tion»al*ism
nas«cen»cy
n.
'naeSHana.lizam
• |
n.
n.
feeling,
|
lack of experience, the administration's
principles, or efforts devoted to one's nation. an extreme form of this, esp. marked by a
innocence or unsophistication: they took ad-
feeling of superiority over other countries. advocacy of political independence for a
Yvete,
Brit,
naivety)
.
n.
wisdom, or judgment: naivete in foreign policy.
vantage of his naivete and deep pockets. 'nam,sak • n. a. person or thing that has the same name as another: Hugh
name*sake
\
|
Capet paved the way for his son and namesake to be crowned king of France. I've been
my
appearance.
na»tion»
al»is»tic adj. na»tion«al»is»ti»cal»ly adv. • v. [trans.] 'naesHans.liz na«tion*al»ize |
|
excessive or
centuries church designs were further national-
'narsa.sizsm j
erotic interest in oneself
nationalism. 7i.
and one's physical
18th-century ancestor and name-
sake.
nar*cis*sism
derivatives: na»tion«aWst
major branch of industry or commerce) from private to state ownership or control. 2 make distinctively national; give a national character to: in the 13th and 14th
\
researching
particular country: Palestinian
. I
n.
1
transfer (a
ized.
3
[usu. as
adj.]
(nationalized) natural-
Native American
290 now a
Neanderthal gion where
,nae-
not indigenous: native and naturalized species dandelions quickly became naturalized in America.
Na»tive A»mer»l»can . n. a member of any of the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
establish (a cultivated plant) in a natural situation: this species of crocus naturalizes itself very easily. [intrans.] (of a cultivated plant)
ize
foreigner): he
(a
is
nationalized
Frenchman. SHsnsli'zaSHan
na*tion«al«iz«er
n.
|
|
n.
become
of or relating to these peoples.
adj.
Native American is now an accepted term in many contexts. The term American Indian is also used, by many American Indians themselves, among others. See usage at American Indian.
usage:
established in a natural situation: where they can naturalize. 3 regard as or cause to appear natural: although women do more child care than men, feminists should beware of naturalizing that these perennials should be planted
fact.
phenomenon)
explain (a
na*tiv*ism
is
\
derivatives: na»tion«aW«za»tion
•
it
the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants: a deep vein of xenophobia and nativism. 2 a return to or emphasis on traditional or local customs, in opposition to outside influences. 3 the theory or doctrine that concepts, mental capacities, and mental structures are innate rather than acquired or learned. derivatives: na»tivMst n. adj. na»tiv« |
'nati,viz9m|
»
n.
1
as natural rather
than supernatural. derivatives: na»t»ura»l»iz»ation
, |
nse-
9th-
CHsrali'zaSHan n. nat»u»ral se*lec»tion . n. the biological process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin and is now believed to be the main process that brings about evolution. na*tur*ism 'naCH3,riz3m . w. 1 the practice of wearing no clothes in a vacation camp or for other leisure activities; nudism. 2 the worship of nature or natural objects. derivatives: na»tur«ist n. & adj. nau*se*a 'nozea; -ZH3 . «. a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit. feelings of loathing; revulsion: his graphic account induced a feeling of nausea. nau*se*ate I'noze.at; - ZHe,at| • v. [trans.] make (someone) feel sick; affect with nausea: the thought of food nauseated her\ [as adj.]
century artistic and literary movement, influenced by contemporary ideas of science and society, that rejected the idealization of experience and adopted an objective and of-
(nauseating) the stench became nauseating. fill (someone) with revulsion; disgust: / was nauseated by the vicious comment. derivatives: nau»se«atnng«ly adv.
ten uncompromisingly realistic approach to art. Notable figures include the novelist Emile Zola (1840-1902) and the painter
usage:
Theodore Rousseau (1812-1867).
ing 'causing nausea.' Today, however, the use of nauseous to mean 'affected with nausea' is so common that it is generally considered to be standard.
&
is'tic
'naepr]
• V.
[intrans.]
|
talk casually, esp.
about unimportant matters; chatter: they nattered away for hours. • n. [in sing.] a casual
and
leisurely conversation.
derivatives: nat»ter«er nat»U»ral»ism
1
|
n.
'naeCHars.lizam
• |
n. 1
(in art
|
and
literature) a style
tation based
I
|
,nati'vistik| adj. I
naWer
|
and theory of represen-
on the accurate depiction of de-
tail.
The name "Naturalism" was given to a
1
2 a philosophical viewpoint according to which everything arises from natural proper-
and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted. (in moral philosophy) the theory that ethical statements can be derived from nonethical ones. religion, esp. deism, based on reason rather than on divine revelation. (Also called natural religion)
a distinction has traditionally been drawn between nauseated, meaning 'affected with nausea,' and nauseous, mean-
ties
.
nat»ur»aMze
I'naeCHars.lizI *v.
[trans.] 1
(of-
ten beAjecome naturalized) admit (a foreigner) to the citizenship of a country: he was born in Germany and had never been naturalized [as adj.] (naturalized) a naturalized US citizen born in Germany. [intrans.] (of a foreigner) be admitted to the citizenship of a country: the opportunity to naturalize as American. alter (an adopted foreign word) so that it conforms more closely to the phonology or orthography of the adopting language: the stoccafisso of Liguria was naturalized in Nice as stocoficada. I
2 (a
(naturalized) establish plant or animal) so that it lives wild in a re-
[trans.]
[usu. as
adj.]
nau«seous
'noSHss; -zhss; -eas • adj. 1 affected with nausea; inclined to vomit: a rancid odor that made him nauseous. 2 causing nausea; offensive to the taste or smell: a nau|
|
seous smell of decay. disgusting, repellent, or offensive: this nauseous account of a bloody case.
derivatives:
nau»seous»ly adv. nau» seous'ness n. nave nav • n. the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation. In traditional Western churches it is rectangular, separated from the chancel by a step or rail, and from adjacent aisles by pillars. ne na . adj. originally called; born (used before the name by which a man was originally known) Al Kelly, ne Kabish. Ne»an»der»thal ne'sendarrHol • n. (also Neanderthal man) an extinct species of human {Homo neanderthalensis) that was widely |
I
|
I
:
1
|
neap
291
in ice-age Europe between 120,000-35,000 years ago, with a receding forehead and prominent brow ridges. Neanderthals are now usually regarded as a separate species from //. sapiens and probably at the end of a different evolutionary
distributed c.
line.
an uncivilized, unintelligent, or uncouth per-
man.
son, esp. a tinct
human
adj.
of or relating to this ex-
uncouth: your
uncivilized, unintelligent, or
attitude to
women
is
Neander-
|
'lajiksll adj.
nec»ro*man*cy 'nekrs.maense • n. the supposed practice of communicating with the |
neap nep
• |
n.
eral.
nec»ro»man»tic
(usu.
|
neap
tide) a tide just
moon
the least difference between high and low water. • v. (be neaped) (of a boat) be kept aground or in harbor by a neap is
tide.
(of a tide) tend toward or reach the highest point of a neap tide. neb*bish nebiSH (also nebbich) . n. a person, esp. a man, who is regarded as pitifrilly ineffectual, timid, or submissive; a nobody; a [intrans.]
|
|
nonentity:
[as
50
adj.]
zvhere's
your nebbish
brother?
derivatives: neb«bish«y adj. neb*U*la 'nebyab . n. (pi. nebulae -le or nebulas) 1 a cloud of gas and dust in outer space, visible in the night sky either as an indistinct bright patch or as a dark silhouette against other luminous matter. (in general use) any indistinct bright area in the night sky, e.g., a distant galaxy. 2 (in medicine) a clouded spot on the cornea causing |
|
|
|
defective vision. Cf. cataract.
nec*ro*phil*i*a
|-S3r|
n.
adj. |
.nekra'filea
.
«.
I
esp. erotic attraction
a
morbid
toward corpses.
sexual intercourse with a corpse.
derivatives: nec»ro»phile
rnekr3,fil| n.
nec»ro»philn»ac
nec»ro»phil«
ic
n.
ne»crophn»lism
adj.
|-filik|
|-'file,aEk|
Ine'krafa
ne»crophn»list ne'krafalist n, ne*crop*0»lis Ine'krapalisI • n. a cemetery, esp. a large one belonging to an ancient city. ne*cro*sis ne'krosis • the death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of the blood supply. ,liz9m|
n.
|
|
|
I
derivatives: ne«crot«ic i-'kratik| adj. nee na • adj. originally called; born (used esp. in adding a woman's maiden name after |
|
her married name):
Mary
Toogood, nee John-
son.
ni'feress • adj. (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal: the nefarious activities of the organized-crime syndi-
ne*far*i*OUS
|
I
cates.
derivatives: ne»farn»ous«ly adv. ne»far» i»ous»ness
ne*gate
|
n.
na'gat
• |
v.
[trans.]
1
nullify;
make
ineffective: alcohol negates the effects of the drug.
neb»U»lar 'nebysbr • adj. of, relating to, or denoting a nebula or nebulae: a vast nebular |
|
cloud.
neb»U»lous
.nekra'maentik |
|
after the first or third quarters of the
there
I
dead, esp. in order to predict the future. witchcraft, sorcery, or black magic in gen-
and
thal.
when
ne«crol«0«gy |ne'krabje| . w. (pi. -ies) 1 an obituary notice. 2 a list of deaths. derivatives: ne»cro»logn»cal .nekra
derivatives: nec«ro»man«cer
species.
man)
of a
(esp.
•
negative
'nebysbs • adj. in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy: a giant nebulous glow. (of a concept or idea) unclear, vague, or ill|
2 make
(a clause, sentence, or proposition) negative in meaning. 3 deny the existence of (something): negating the political nature of ed-
ucation.
|
defined: nebulous concepts like quality of
life.
another term for nebular, derivatives: neb»u»losM«ty .nebya'lasite n. neb»u»lous»ly adv. neb»u»lous«ness |
I
n.
ne*ces*si*tar*i*an Ina.sess'tereanl »n. & adj. (in philosophy) another term for determinist (see determinism). Cf. ubertarian. derivatives: ne»ces»si«tar«i»an«ism - ni,
|
Z3m| n. ne*ces*si*tOUS
Ina'sesitssI
'adj. (of a per-
son) lacking the necessities of
life;
needy.
ne*ces*si*ty Ina'sesstel »n. (pi. -ies) 1 the fact of being required or indispensable: the necessity of providing parent guidance the necessity for law and order. unavoidability: the necessity of growing old. a state of things or circumstances enforcing a certain course: created more by necessity than design. 2 an indispensable thing: a good book is a necessity when traveling. 3 (in philosophy) the principle according to which something must be so, by virtue either of logic or of nat\
ural law. a condition that cannot be otherwise, or a statement asserting this.
ne«ga*t{on
na'gaSHsn . w. 1 the contradiction or denial of something: there should be confirmation or negation of the findings. (in grammar) denial of the truth of a clause or sentence, typically involving the use of a negative word (e.g., not, no, never) or a word or affix with negative force (e.g., nothing, non-). (in logic) a proposition whose assertion specifically denies the truth of another is, briefly, "not proposition: the negation of A." (in mathematics) inversion: these formulas and their negations. 2 the absence or opposite of something actual or positive: evil is not |
|
—
—
A
merely the negation of goodness. |'neg3,t6re| adf neg*a*tive 'negativl • adj. 1 consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the
derivatives: neg»a»toTy |
presence of distinguishing features. (of a statement or decision) expressing or implying denial, disagreement, or refusal: (of the that, I take it, was a negative answer. results of a test or experiment) indicating that a certain substance is not present or a certain condition does not exist: 50 far all the patients [in combination] (of have tested negative for TB. a person or their blood) not having a specified substance or condition: HIV-negative. (of a person, attitude, or situation) not
negativism
292
optimistic; harmful or
unwelcome:
tax was having a negative
effect
new
the
on car sales
not
\
news is negative. denoting a complete lack of something: they were described as havall the
ing negative vulnerability to water entry.
(of a
neoclassicism insignificant: the additional costs were negligible.
derivatives:
neg»li«gi»bilM»ty .negbja neg»li»gi»bly |-ble| adv. ne*go*ti*a*ble ns'goSHsbal . adj. open to discussion or modification: the price was not 'bilitel
|
n.
|
|
word, clause, or proposition) expressing denegation, or refutation; stating or asserting that something is not the case. Contrasted
nial,
negotiable.
with ajfirmative and interrogative 2 (of a quantity) less than zero; to be subtracted from oth-
(of a document) able to be transferred or assigned to the legal ownership of another person. (of an obstacle or pathway) able to be traversed; passable: such walkways must be
ers or
from
zero.
denoting a direction of decrease or reversal: the industry suffered negative growth in 1992. 3 of, containing, producing, or denoting the kind of electric charge carried by electrons. 4 (of a photographic image) showing light and shade or colors reversed from those of the original. 5 (in astrology) relating to or denoting any of the earth or water signs, considered passive in nature. • w. 1 a word or statement that expresses denial, disagreement, or refusal: she replied in the negative. (often the negative) a bad, unwelcome, or unpleasant quality, characteristic, or aspect of a situation or person: confidence will not be instilled by harping solely on the negative the bus trip and the positive media have not had time to turn his significant negatives around. (in grammar) a word, affix, or phrase expressing negation. (in logic) another term for negation. 2 a photographic image made on film or specially prepared glass that shows the light and shade or color values reversed from the original, and from which positive prints can be made. 3 a result of a test or experiment indicating that a certain substance is not present or a certain condition does not exist: the percentage offalse negatives generated by the cancer test was of great concern. 4 the part of an \
is at a lower electrical pothan another part designated as having zero electrical potential. 5 a number less than zero. • exclam. no (usually used in a military context): "Any snags, Captain?" "Negative, she's running like clockwork." • v. [trans.] 1 reject; refuse to accept; veto: the bill was negatived by 130 votes to 129. disprove; contradict: the insurer's main arguments were negatived by Lawrence. 2 render ineffective; neutralize: should criminal law allow consent to negative what would otherwise be a crime? derivatives: neg»a*tive»ly adv. neg»a* tive»ness n. neg»a*tivn»ty .negs'tivite n. neg*a*tiv»ism 'negativ.izsm . n. the practice of being or tendency to be negative or
electric circuit that
and negotiable for all users. derivatives: ne»go»ti»a»biln»ty accessible
|n9,go-
SH3'bilite| n.
ne»gri*tude (also Negritude) . n. the quality or fact of being of black African origin. the affirmation or consciousness of the value of black or African culture, heritage, and identity: Negritude helped to guide Senegal into independence with pride. Ne*gro 'negro • n. (pi. -oes) a member of a dark-skinned group of peoples originally native to Africa south of the Sahara. • adj. of or relating to such people. I
|
usage: The word Negro was adopted from Spanish and Portuguese and first recorded from the mid 16th century. It remained the standard term throughout the 17 th- 19th centuries and was used by such prominent black American campaigners as W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T.Washington in the early 20th century. Since the Black Power movement of the 1960s, however, when the term black was favored as the term to express racial pride, Negro (together with related words such as the feminine Negress) has dropped out of favor and now seems out of date or even offensive in both American and British English. Cf. African American,
BLACK.
tential
|
|
|
I
skeptical in attitude while failing to offer positive
suggestions or views.
derivatives: neg»a»tivMst
n.
&
adj.
neg»
'negroid • adj. of or relating to the division of humankind represented by the indigenous peoples of central and southern I
|
Africa.
usage: The term Negroid belongs to
'negbjans • n. failure to take proper care in doing something: some of these accidents are due to negligence. (in law) failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another. Cf. contributory; malpractice. neg*ii*gi*ble 'neglijabsl • adj. so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; |
a set
19th-century of terms introduced by anthropologists attempting to categorize human races. Such terms are associated with outdated notions of racial types, and so are now potentially offensive and best avoided.
See also Mongoloid.
nem*e»sis
|
'nemssis
•
n.
(pi.
I
nemeses
one's nemesis) the inescapable or implacable agent of someone's or something's downfall: the balance beam proved to be the team 's nemesis. a downfall caused by such an agent: one risks |-,sez|) (usu.
nemesis by uttering such words.
a»tiv»is»tic adj.
neg*li*gence
Ne*groid
(often
esis) retributive justice: Nemesis
is
Nem-
notoriously
|
|
|
slow.
ne*0*clas*si*cism
,neo'kl£esi,siz3m|
*
n.
|
the revival of a classical style or treatment in art, literature, architecture, or music.
As an
aesthetic
nated in
Rome
and
artistic style this origi-
in the
mid- 18th century,
293
neocolonialism
combining a reaction against the late baroque and rococo with a new interest in antiquity. In music, the term refers to a return by composers of the early 20th century to the forms and styles of the 17 th and 18th centuries, as a reaction against
1
9th-century
or
order,
religious
priest.
ne*0*ter*ic |,ne3'terik| » adj. recent; new; modern: another effort by the White House to display its neoteric wizardry went awry. * n. a modern person; a person who advocates new
ne plus uWra
derivatives: ne»o»clas*si»cal
&
n.
adj.
ne»o«
'ODltra
adj. |
I
I'ne
,pbs
co»lo»ni*al*ist
n.
&
more
schools of thought. conservative views.
n.
•
radical or liberal
a person with neo-
derivatives: ne»o»con»serv»a»tism
|-ti-
zamj n. ne«o-lm«pres*sion«ism (also Neo-lmpresSionism) • n. a late 19th-century movement in French painting that sought to improve on Impressionism through a systematic approach to form and color, particularly using technique. The movement's leading figures included Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, and Camille Pissarro.
pointillist
derivatives: ne«o-Im»pres»sionMst
adj.
. (also nereid) (in Greek Ne*re*id 'nireid mythology) any of the sea nymphs, daughters of Nereus. They include Thetis, mother of |
|
:
Achilles.
nerve*less
implements prevailed.
• |
adj. 1
Grant's nerveless fingers. (of literary or artistic style) diffuse or insipid: Wilde and his art have been described as "nerveless and effeminate." 2 not nervous; confident: with nerveless panache.
derivatives: nerve«less»Iy less»ness
ne*ol*0*gism
|ne'ab,jiz3m| » n. a newly coined word or expression. the coining or use of new words. DERI VAT I V E s ne»o»log»i»cal adj. ne»ol»o« gist |-jist| n. ne»ol»o»gize |-,jiz| v. ne*0*na*tal ,neo'natl • adj. of or relating to :
|
|
newborn children. derivatives: ne»o»na»tol«o»gist
nerv*y 'narve • adj. (nervier, nerviest) 1 bold or impudent: it was nervy of Billy to tell him how to play. 2 chiefly Brit, easily agitated or alarmed; nervous: he was nervy and on edge. 3 sinewy or strong. |
|
ness n. neS'Clent
an infant
'nes.nat
• |
|
|-natal-
a
newborn
than four weeks old. 'nea.fit • «. a person who
n.
child.
less
ne*0*phyte
|
|
is
new
to a subject, skill, or belief: four-day cooking classes are offered to neophytes and experts.
new
:
|
-ale
|
adv. nerv»i«
'neSH(e)3nt • adj. lacking knowledge; ignorant: a product of nescient minds. I
|
derivatives: nescnence n. 'nemar • adj. lower in
neth»er ballast
|
position: the
|
is
suspended from
nether end.
its
derivatives: neth»er«most net*tle
|
'netl
• |
v.
|-,most| adj.
or annoy
irritate
[trans.]
convert to a religion.
ority.
net*tle*SOme 'netlsam . adf causing annoyance or difficulty: complicated and nettle-
a novice in
|
|
some regional neu*rai*gia
disputes.
n(y){50'raelj3
1
•
n.
intense, typi-
|
cally intermittent pain
along the course of a
nerve, esp. in the head or face.
derivatives: neu«ral»gic |-jik| adj. neur*as*the»nl»a ,n(y)(50r3s'THene3| . n. an ill-defined medical condition characterized by lassitude, fatigue, headache, and irritability, associated chiefly with emotional disturb|
ance.
derivatives: neur«as»thennc adj.
ne»o»na»tol»o»gy |-na'tal9je|
ne*0*nate
nerve*
adv.
n.
:
In the Neolithic period farm animals were first domesticated, and agriculture was introduced. It began in the Near East by the 8th millennium bc and spread to northern Europe by the 4th millennium bc.
n.
lacking vigor or
(someone) / was nettled by her tone of superi-
[as n.] (the Neolithic) the Neolithic period. (Also called New Stone Age.)
a
'narvlis
|
feeling; inert or lifeless: the knife dropped from
|
3)ist|
|
I
ne*0*lib*er*al .neo'libarall * adj. relating to or denoting a modified form of liberalism tending to favor free-market capitalism. • n. a person holding such views. DERI VAT I V E s ne»o»lib»er»al»ism n. Ne»0*lith*iC ,ne3'liTHik| . adj. of, relating to, or denoting the later part of the Stone Age, when ground or polished stone weapons and
nep«o»tis»tic
I
DERI VAT V E s nerv«i»ly
n.
n.
,nep3'tistik| adj.
|
point, in contrast to
I
derivatives: nep»o»tist
adj.
ne*o*con*serv*a«tive .neokan'ssrvativl • adj. of or relating to an approach to politics, literary criticism, theology, history, or any other branch of thought, that represents a return to a modified form of a traditional view-
.ploos
ample of its plus ultra of trombonists. nep*0*tlsm 'nep3,tiz3m • n. the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, esp. by giving them jobs. |
other pressures to control or influence other countries, esp. former dependencies. derivatives: ne«o»co»lo»ni»al adj. ne»o»
'na
'sltra;
the perfect or most extreme exkind; the ultimate: he was the ne
n.
. I
ne*0*C0*l0*ni*ai*ism ,neok3'lone3,liz3m • n. the use of economic, political, cultural, or
&
newly ordained
a
ideas.
romanticism.
clas»si»cist
neuritis a
&
|-'THenik|
n.
. n. (in medicine) of a peripheral nerve or nerves, usually causing pain and loss of
neu*ri»tis
|n(y)0C»'ritis|
inflammation
function. (in general use) neuropathy (disease or dysfunction of one or more such nerves, typically
causing numbness and weakness).
derivatives neu«ritMC :
|-'ritik|
adj.
7
neurology
294
neu*rol»0«gy n(y)00'rabje . n. the branch of medicine or biology that deals with the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system. |
|
derivatives: neu»ro»log«i«cal neu»ro»log»i«cal»ly adv. neu»rol«o»gist -jist n. ksl
l-ra'laji-
-r3'lajik(3)le
adj.
I
|
|
- ,sez I
n(y)(5C)'rosis |
•
n.
(pi.
I
a relatively mild
) I
mental
neuroses
illness that is
|
neu»traWz»er n. ne*VUS 'nevas (Brit, naevus) . n. (pi. nevi -,vi ) a birthmark or a mole on the skin, esp. a birthmark in the form of a raised red patch.
.
sis.
nontechnical use) excessive and
irra-
n.
|
I
I
not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality. Cf psycho(in
(an acidic or alkaline substance) chemically neutral. disarm (a bomb or similar weapon). (euphemistically) kill or destroy, esp. in a covert or military operation: agents sent out to neutralize the opposition leader. derivatives: neu«traW»za»tion ,n(y)ootrali'zaSHsnl
|
|
neu»ro*SiS
nihilism make
I
New Age
• n. a broad movement characterby alternative approaches to traditional Western culture, with an interest in spirituality, mysticism, holism, and environmentalism: [as adj.] a New Age center.
ized
tional anxiety or obsession: apprehension over
derivatives:
mounting debt has become a
adj.
collective neurosis in
new*speak
the business world.
neu»ter 'n(y)oot3r| • adj. 1 of or denoting a gender of nouns in some languages, typically contrasting with masculine and feminine or common: it is a neuter word in Greek. 2 (of an animal) lacking developed sexual organs, or having had them removed. (of a plant or flower) having neither functional pistils nor functional stamens. (of a person) apparently having no sexual characteristics; asexual. • n. 1 a neuter word. (the neuter) the neuter gender. 2 a nonfertile caste of social insect, esp. a worker bee or |
ant.
a castrated or spayed domestic animal.
person istics.
a
who • V.
animal):
|
appears to lack sexual character[trans.] castrate or spay (a domestic [as adj.] (neutered) a neutered tom-
cat.
render ineffective; deprive of vigor or force: disarmament negotiations that will neuter their military power.
neu*tral 'n(y)ootr3l • adj. 1 not helping or supporting either of two opposing sides, esp. countries at war; impartial: during World War |
i
Portugal was neutral. belonging to an impartial party, country, or unbiased; disingroup: on neutral ground. terested: neutral, expert scientific advice. 2 havII,
ing
no strongly marked or
positive characteror features: the tone was neutral, devoid of sentiment a fairly neutral background will make any small splash of color stand out. Chemistry neither acid nor alkaline; having a pH of about 7. electrically neither positive nor negative. • n. 1 an impartial and uninvolved country or person: he acted as a neutral between the parties Sweden and its fellow neuistics
|
\
trals.
an unbiased person. 2 a neutral color or shade, esp. light gray or beige. 3 a disengaged position of gears in which the engine is disconnected from the driven parts: she slipped the gear into neutral. 4 an electrically neutral point, terminal, conductor, or wire. derivatives: neu»traW»ty |n(y)oo 'traelite n. neu«tral»ly adv. neu*tral*ize 'n(y)ootr3,liz| . v. [trans.] render (something) ineffective or harmless by applying an opposite force or effect: impatience at his frailty began to neutralize her fear. |
|
|
New
Ag»er
'n(y)oo,spek|
n.
•
New Ag«ey
n.
ambiguous
euphemistic language used chiefly in propaganda.
political
New«tO*ni*an |n(y)oo'tone3n| •adj. relating to or arising from the work of Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), esp. in physics and optics. formulated or behaving according to the principles of classical physics. nex*US 'neksas • n. (pi. same or |
I
nexuses) a
connection or series of connections linking
two or more things: the nexus between industry and political power. a connected group or series: a nexus of ideas. the central and most important point or place: the nexus of all this activity was the college campus. ni*ce»ty 'nisite • n. (pi. -ies) (usu. niceties) a fine detail or distinction, esp. one regarded as intricate and fussy: absorbed in the niceties of Greek and Latin. accuracy or precision: she prided herself on her nicety ofpronunciation. a minor aspect of polite social behavior; a detail of etiquette: we were brought up to observe the niceties. phrases: to a nicety precisely. nic»ti»tate 'nik,titat (also nictate) • v. [intrans.] blink; wink. nig*gard*ly 'nigardle • adj. not generous; stingy: serving out fodder with a niggardly hand. meager; scanty: their share is a niggardly 2. percent. • adv. in a stingy or meager manner. derivatives: nig»gard»li»ness n. |
|
I
|
|
|
usage: This word, along with
its
noun
form niggard, should be used only with caution. Although the noun has been used since the fourteenth century, in recent years,
because of the similarity in sound of these words and the highly inflammatory racial epithet nigger, confusion or offense can result.
nig*gling irritating
troublesome or but persistent way:
'nig(3)liNG| 'adj.
|
in
a
slight
gripped by a niggling feeling of premonition niggling aches
\
and pains.
trifling or petty: he
picked up on the most nig-
gling, tedious details.
ni*hlWsm
'ni3,liz3m; 'ne- . w. the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless. (in philosophy) extreme skepticism main1
|
295
nil
taining that nothing in the world has a real existence. the doctrine of an extreme Russian revolutionary party c. 1900, which found nothing to approve of in the established social order. derivatives: ni»hilMst n. ni»ha«is»tic .nis'listik; ,ne3adj. • n. zero, esp. as a score in certain nil nil games: they beat us three-nil. • adj. nonexistent: his chances for survival were slim, almost nil. nim*bus 'nimbas • n. (pi. nimbi -,bi or nimbuses) 1 a luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint. a light, aura, color, etc., that surrounds someone or something. 2 a large gray rain cloud: [as adj.] nimbus clouds. nlm*rod 'nimrad| • n. a skillful hunter. nir*va»na nsr'vans; nir- • n. (in Buddhism) a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and samsara. It represents the final goal of Buddhism. (in Hinduism) liberation of the soul from the effects of karma and from bodily existence. a state of perfect happiness; an ideal or idyllic place. Hollywood's dearest dream of smalltown nirvana. ni»sei ne'sa; 'nesa (also Nisei) • n. (pL same or niseis) a person born in the US or Canada 1
I
I
I
!
|
|
nominal derivatives: noc»tur»nal«ly
noc*turne
|
I
painting of a night scene.
noc*U*OUS
• adj. 'nakyoowas noxious, harmful, or poisonous. no*dus 'nodas • n. (pi, nodi -di ) a problem, difficulty, or complication. no*et*ic no'etik . adj. of or relating to men-
1
|
|
|
whose parents were immigrants from Japan. Cf.
ISSEI, SANSEI.
(of a legal dehaving validity only after certain specified conditions are met: a decree nisi. niv*e*OUS 'nivess • adj. snowy or resembling snow.
ni*si
'nisi
i
adj.
.
[postpositive]
I
cree, order, or rule) taking effect or
|
I
no*ble
nobsll . adj. (nobler, noblest) 1 belonging to a hereditary class with high social or pohtical status; aristocratic: the Duchess of Kent and other noble ladies. 2 having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals: the promotion of human rights was a noble aspiration. of imposing or magnificent size or appearI
ance: the building with its noble arches and massive granite columns. of excellent or superior quality. • n. 1 (esp. in former times) a person of noble rank or birth. 2 a former English
gold coin.
derivatives: no»ble»ness
n.
no-bly -ble
|
|
|
I
or the intellect. No or No) •
tal activity
Noh no I
(also I
n.
traditional Jap-
anese masked drama with dance and song, evolved from Shinto rites. noi'SOme 'noisam • adj. having an extremely offensive smell: noisome vapors from |
I
smoldering waste. disagreeable; unpleasant: involved in noisome scandals. harmfial; noxious.
derivatives: noi»some»ness
n.
no*lo COn*ten*de*re .noloksn'tendarel . n. (also nolo) (in law) a plea by which a defend|
ant in a criminal prosecution accepts conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered
but does not admit guilt. 'no,maEd • n. a member of a people having no permanent abode, and who
no*mad
|
I
travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock. a person who does not stay long in the same place; a wanderer. • adj. relating to or characteristic of nomads. derivatives no«madMC |no'maedik| adj. :
no»mad»i»caWy
no'maedikle adv. no« 'nomae,diz3m n. nom de guerre ,nam da 'ger| • n. (pi. noms de guerre pronunc. same) an assumed name under which a person engages in combat or
mad*ism
|
|
|
|
|
some other
activity or enterprise,
nom de plume
|,nam da 'ploom| • n. (pi. same) a name under which a person write; a pen name. no*men»cla«ture 'noman,klaCHar| »n. the devising or choosing of names for things, esp. in a science or other discipline: the Linnaean
noms de plume pronunc. |
system of binomial nomenclature. the body or system of such names in a particular field: the nomenclature of chemical compounds. the term or terms applied to someone or something: "customers" was preferred to the original nomenclature "passengers." noDERI VAT I V E s no«men»cla»tur»al man 'klaCHaral adj. nom*i*nal 'naminal • adj. 1 (of a role or status) existing in name only: Thailand retained nominal independence under Japanese occupa,
|
|
|
no*blesse no'bles
xhe nobility. no'bles o 'blezHi the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged; (the idea |
phrases:
»
\
n.
noblesse
oblige
|
that) privilege entails responsibility: there
was
being a celebrity a certain element of noblesse
oblige.
noc*tam*bu*[ist
nak'taembyslist
. |
w.
a
|
sleepwalker.
derivatives: nocnam*bu»lism
|-,liz3m|
n.
noc*tur*nal
|
nak'tarnal
• |
adj.
done, occur-
ring, or active at night: most owls are nocturnal.
|
I
:
|
adv.
to
|
I
i
|
adv.
'naktarn . «. 1 a short musical composition of a romantic or dreamy character suggestive of night, typically for piano. 2 a
Cf. diurnal, crepuscular.
|
I
tion.
(in or consisting of names. headed by, or having the function of a noun. 2 (of a price or amount of money) very small; far below the real value or cost: some firms charge only a nominal fee for the service. 3 (of a quantity or dimension, esp. of manufactured articles) stated or expressed but not necessarily corresponding exactly to the real value: legislation allowed variation around the nominal weight (that printed on each packet). of, relating to,
grammar)
relating to,
nominalism
* n. 'namina.lizaml The philosophical doctrine that universals or general ideas are mere names without any corresponding reality, and that only particular
nom«i«nal*ism
|
objects exist; properties, numbers, and sets are thought of as merely features of the way of considering the things that exist. Important in medieval scholastic thought, nominalism is associated particularly with William of Occam (ca 1 285-? 1349). Cf. realism,
derivatives: nomn»nal»ist nalMS'tic
|
norm
296
economics, of a rate or other figure) expressed in terms of a certain amount, without making allowance for changes in real value over time: the nominal exchange rate. 4 (chiefly in the context of space travel) functioning normally or acceptably. derivatives: nom»i»nal»ly adv. (in
n.
nom»i»
derivatives: non»con»form»ism Z3m|
existing: asserting the nonentity of evil.
nones nonz • plural n. 1 in the ancient Roman calendar, the ninth day before the ides |
|
by inclusive reckoning, i.e., the 7th day of March, May, July, and October, or the 5th of other months. 2 (also none) a service of the Western Christian church, traditionally said (or chanted) at the ninth hour of the day (3 p.m.)
none*such
'n3n,s3CH| (also |
a person or thing that
nonsuch)
.
n.
regarded as perfect
is
or unparalleled.
non»fea«sance
.namsna'listiki adj.
l-.mi-
n.
non»en*ti»ty |nan'entite| » n. (pi. -ies) 1 a person or thing with no special or interesting qualities; an unimportant person or thing: a political nonentity. 2 the quality or state of not
|
nan'fezans
•
failure to
n.
I
nom*i*na*tive I'namanativl adj. 1 relating to or denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives (as in Latin and other inflected languages) used for the subject of a verb. Cf. SUBJECTIVE. 2 |-,nativ| of or appointed by nomination as distinct from election. • n. a word in the nominative case. (the nominative) the nominative case.
perform an act that is required by law. Cf. malfeasance. • adj. non»pa*reil .nanpa'rel having no
non*age
and confuse (someone) so much that they are unsure how to react: Diane was nonplussed by such an odd question. » n. a state of being surprised and confused in this way. • n. non*re*sis*tance .nanri'zistsns the practice or principle of not resisting author-
»
|
'nanij; 'no-
•
1
n. [in sing.]
the period
of immaturity or youth,
nonce nans |
• I
adj. (of a
word or expression)
coined for or used on one occasion: a nonce usage.
|
I
match or equal; unrivaled: he is a
nonpareil sto-
a film critic nonpareil. • n. an unrivaled or matchless person or thing. ryteller
[postpositive]
I
non*plus nan'pbs
|
[trans
(usu.
]
(nonplussed, nonbe nonplussed) sur-
• v.
I
plussing) prise
|
|
phrases: for the nonce
for the present;
temporarily: the room had been converted for the nonce into a nursery. non*cha*lant .nanSHs'lam • adj. (of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm: she gave a nonchalant |
|
shrug.
derivatives: non*cha*lance
n.
non»cha»
lant'ly adv.
non*com*mis»sioned .
adj. (of an officer in
|
the
.nanks'misHsnd
armed
dinavia,
forces) rank-
not holding a commision. derivatives: non»com n. informal miliofficer,
term for a noncommissioned officer. non»COm»mit*tal .nanka'mitl *adj. (of a person or a person's behavior or manner) tary
|
not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action: her tone was noncommittal, and her face gave nothing away.
derivatives:
non«com»mit»tal»ly adv. ,nan 'kampas 'men-
non COm*pos men»tls tis (also non compos) I
|
•
adj.
not sane or in
one's right mind.
non*COn*form«lst .nanksn'formisti . n. 1 a person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices. 2 (Nonconformist) a member of a Protestant church in England that dissents from the established Anglican Church. • adj. 1 of or characterized by behavior or views that do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices. 2 (Nonconformist) of or relating to Nonconformists or their principles and practices. |
ment. Nor*dic
|
ing below warrant officer, as sergeant or petty
|
even when it is unjustly exercised. the practice or principle of not employing force to resist authority, even when it is exercised violently. non se*qui*tur |,nan 'sekwipri • n. a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or stateity,
|
'nordik • adj. of or relating to ScanFinland, Iceland, and the Faroe |
Islands.
relating to or denoting a physical type of northern European peoples characterized by stature, a bony frame, light coloring, and relating to or dolichocephalic head. denoting the disciplines of cross-country skiing or ski jumping, as distinguished fi-om Alpine, or downhill, skiing. • n. a native of Scandinavia, Finland, or Iceland. norm norm • n. 1 (the norm) something that is usual, typical, or standard: this system has been the norm in Germany for decades. (usu. norms) a standard or pattern, esp. of social behavior, that is typical or expected of a group: the norms of good behavior in the civil service. a required standard; a level to be complied with or reached: [with adj.] the 7% pay norm had been breached again. 2 (in mathematics) the product of a complex number and its conjugate, equal to the sum of the squares of its real and imaginary components, or the positive square root of this tall
a
|
I
sum. an analogous quantity used to represent the magnitude of a vector.
|
normative nor«ma»tive
297
'normstiv . adj. establishing, relating to, or deriving from a standard or norm, esp. of behavior. |
|
derivatives: nor»ma»tive»ly adv. nor* ma«tive»ness n. no*SOl*0*gy no'sabje . n. the branch of |
I
medical science dealing with the
classifica-
tion of diseases.
derivatives: nos»o»log»i»cal
.nasa'laji|
no»sol»o*gist |-jist| n. nos*tal*gia |na'staelj3;n3-| • n. a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. the evocation of these feelings or tendencies, esp. in commercialized form: an evening of TV ksll adj.
nostalgia.
derivatives: nos»tal«gic tal»gi»cal«ly
|-jik|
adj.
nos«
nos*tal*gist
adv.
|-jik(9)le|
n.
|-jist|
nos*trum
'nastrsm
|
• |
n.
a medicine, esp.
one that is not considered effective, prepared by an unqualified person, e.g., a quack. a pet scheme or favorite remedy, esp. one for
some
bringing about
social or political re-
form or improvement. no*tion*al 'nosnanal • adj. 1 existing only in theory or as a suggestion or idea: notional |
|
budgets for community health services. existing only in the imagination. 2 (in lin-
denoting or relating to an approach
guistics)
grammar
dependent on the definition of terminology (e.g., "a verb is an action word") as opposed to identification of structures and processes. 3 (in language teaching) denoting or relating to a syllabus that aims to develop communicative competence. to
that
is
derivatives: no»tion«al»ly no«tO»ri»OUS
|
adv. na'toress; no'toreas
.
adj. fa-
or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed: Los Angeles is notorious for its smog a notorious drinker and womanizer. Cf. infamous derivatives: no»to»ri«e»ty ,not3'ri3te I
|
• n. 'noom3,nan (pi. nouKantian philosophy) a thing as it is in itself, as distinct from a thing as it is knowable by the senses through phenomenal
mena
|
-na
|
)
|
I
(in
attributes.
derivatives nou»me»nal |-n3l| adj. nous noos; nows • n. ^ (in philosophy) :
\
I
mind or
intellect.
2
chiefly Brit,
common
the sense;
practical intelligence.
nou*veau riche 'noovo 'reSH . n. [treated as pL] (usu. the nouveau riche) people who |
|
literary forms.
nov*e|2 . adj. new or unusual in an interesting way: he hit on a novel idea to solve his financial problems.
derivatives: nov»el»ly no*vel*la
no'veb
|
adv. nov»el«ty
n.
a short novel or long
n.
» \
short story.
nov*el*ty 'navalte . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the quality of being new, original, or unusual: the novelty of being a married woman wore off. a new or unfamiliar thing or experience: in 1914 air travel was still a novelty. [as adj.] denoting something intended to be amusing as a result of its new or unusual quality: a novelty teapot. 2 a small and inexpensive toy or ornament: he bought chocolate novelties to decorate the Christmas tree. no*ve*na no'vena • n. (in the Roman Catholic Church) a form of worship consisting of special prayers or services on nine successive |
|
|
I
days.
nov*lce
'navas
I
perienced in a
|
•
a person new to or inexor situation: he was a com-
n.
field
plete novice in foreign affairs.
a
who
person
has entered a religious order
and is under probation, before taking vows. an animal, esp. a racehorse, that has not yet won a major prize or reached a level of performance to qualify for important events. no*vl«ti»ate no'visH(e)at; na- (also noviciate) • n. the period or state of being a novice, 1
|
have recently acquired wealth, typically those perceived as ostentatious or lacking in good taste. • adj. of, relating to, or characteristic of such people: nouveau-riche social climbers.
nox*ious
|
a novice,
'nakSHas • adj. harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant: they were overcome by the noxious fumes. |
I
derivatives: nox»ious»ly
adv.
nox*ious«
n.
no*yade |nwa'yad|
•
n.
an execution carried
out by drowning.
nth enxH . adj. (in mathematics) denoting an unspecified member of a series of numbers or enumerated items: systematic sampling by taking every nth name from the list. (in general use) denoting an unspecified I
I
item or instance in a series, typically the last or latest in a long series: for the nth time that day they were forced to repeat the whole story. phrases: to the nth degree to the utmost: the gullibility of the electorate was tested to the nth degree by such promises.
nu*ance
'n(y)oo,ans|
.
n.
a subtle difference
|
shade of meaning, expression, or sound: nuances of facial expression and body lan-
in or the
nou*velle cui*sine nooVel kwi'zen . a modern style of cooking that avoids rich, heavy foods and emphasizes the freshness of the ingredients and the presentation of the
housing religious novices.
a place
esp. in a religious order.
ness
no*to»ri»ous»ly adv.
nou*me»non
character and action with some degree of realism: the novels of Jane Austen. a book containing such a narrative: she was reading a paperback novel. (the novel) the literary genre represented or exemplified by such works: the novel is the most adaptable of all
esp. in a religious order. |
mous
n.
nubile
guage.
.
V.
[trans.]
be nuanced)
(usu.
give
I
nov*e|i
• ^z. a fictitious prose narralength, typically representing
'naval I
of
to: the effect
of the music
is
book
nuanced by
the social situation of listeners.
nu*bile
'n(y)oo,bil; -bal |
• |
adf (of a
young woman) sexually mature;
dishes. tive
nuances
girl
or
suitable for
marriage.
I
(of a girl or
young woman) sexually
attrac-
298
nucleic acid
he employed a procession of nubile young
tive:
derivatives: nu»bil»i»ty
n(y)oo'bilite
|
|
n.
nu*cle*ic ac*id ]n(y)6o'kle-ik| »n. a complex organic substance present in living cells, or RNA, whose molecules consist esp. of many nucleotides (compounds) linked in a long chain. nu*cle*US rn(y)ookle3s| » n. (pi. nuclei |-kle ) the central and most important part of an ,1 object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth: the nucleus of a
DNA
1
film-producing industry. (in physics) the positively charged central
core of an atom, containing most of its mass. (in biology) a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a sin-
rounded structure bounded by membrane, containing the genetic gle
a
double
material.
astronomy) the soHd part of the head of a comet. (in anatomy) a discrete mass of gray matter in the central nervous system. (in
|
nul»li»fy
make
secretaries.
nud*nik
nutation
'n(5t)d,nik|
(also
nudnick)
.
«.
a
pestering, nagging, or irritating person; a bore. . adj. nu«ga*tO*ry 'n(y)oog3,t6re of no value or importance: a nugatory and pointless |
I'nsb.fil
legally null
were unwilling
useless; futile.
nui*sance
'n(y)oos3ns • n. a person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or |
|
annoyance. (in law)
|
|
I
zero. (in
mathematics, of a
set or matrix)
no elements, or only zeros
having
elements. lacking distinctive qualities; having no positive substance or content: his curiously null life.
a
»
n.
which
no
combine
(in electronics)
of no signal. a direction in electromagnetic radiation is
detected or emitted. ics)
as
a zero.
dummy letter in a cipher.
a condition
[trans.]
make of no use or value; cancel out: insulin can block the release of the hormone and thereby nullify the effects of training.
derivatives: nul»li»ty
nul«li»fi»er
'nslite
.
n.
(pi.
I
I
thing that
n.
-ies) 1
an act or
legally void: the contract
is
is
a nul-
lity.
the state of being legally void; invahdity, esp. of a marriage. 2 a thing of no importance or worth. nothingness.
nu*men 'n(y)oom3n |
.
n.
(pi.
I
numina -ma|
the spirit or divine power presiding over a thing or place. nu»mer«ate 'n(y)oom(3)r3ti *adj. having a good basic knowledge of arithmetic; able to
ns
)
I
|
understand and work with numbers.
derivatives: nu»mer«a«cy n. nu*mer*0l*0«gy ,n(y)oom3'rabje . the branch of knowledge that deals with the occult significance of numbers. derivatives: nu«mer»o»logn«cal |-r3 I
|
'lajikall adj.
nu*mi*n0US
nu»mer»ol»o»gist 'n(y)oom3n3S • I
|
|-jist|
adj.
n.
having a
strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of a divinity (numen): the strange, numinous beauty of this ancient landmark. nu*mis*mat*ics ,n(y)oom9z'maetiks;-m9s-| 'plural n. [usu. treated as sing.] the study or collection of coins, paper currency, and medals. derivatives: nu»mis»ma»tist |n(y)do |
nuisance)
an unlawful interference with the use and enjoyment of a person's land, which may become the subject of a lawsuit. (also public nuisance) an act that interferes with the rights of the public generally, which may be prosecuted as a crime. nuit blanche ,nwe blaNSH . n. (pi nuits blanches pronunc. same) a sleepless night. null nsl . adj. 1 [predic] having no legal or binding force; invalid: the establishment of a new interim government was declared null and void. 2 having or associated with the value (also private
I
(-ies, -ied)
and void; invalidate: judges nullify government deci-
sions.
|
observation.
to
* v.
• v.
(a signal)
[trans.]
(in electron-
with another in order
to create a null; cancel out.
nuH[»fi*ca*tion
|
.nsbfa'kasHsnl
US history)
n.
.1
(in
the refusal of a state to allow federal law to be enforced within its boundaries. 2 (also jury nullification) the refusal of a jury to convict a defendant, disregarding its own findings of fact or the judge's instructions regarding the law. . w. nul*li*f id*i*an .nab'fidean a person having no faith or religious belief. • adj. having no faith or religious belief. |
I
'mizmatist; -'mis- n. 'nanse.o; 'nOOn- . n. (pi. -os) (in the Roman Cathohc Church) a papal ambassador to a foreign court or government. nun*CU»pa*tive 'nsNGkys.pativl * adj. (of a will or testament) declared orally as opposed to in writing, esp. by a mortally wounded soldier or sailor. nur*ture I'nsrCHarl 'V. [trans.] care for and encourage the growth or development of: nurturing her brood my father nurtured my love 1
nun*ci»0
1
|
|
\
of art. cherish (a hope, belief, or ambition): for a long time she had nurtured the dream of buying a shop. • n. the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something: the nurture of ethics
and
integrity.
upbringing, education, and environment, esp as contrasted with inborn characteristics (nature) as an influence on or determinant of personality.
derivatives nur»tur»er :
n.
|n(y)oo'tasH3n| • «. a periodic variation in the inclination of the axis of a rotating object. (in astronomy) a periodic oscillation of the earth's axis that causes the precession of the poles to follow a wavy rather than a circular path. (in botany) the circular swaying movement of the tip of a growing shoot.
nu«ta»tion
299
nutrient
nu»tri»ent 'n(y)ootre3nt| . n. a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life: fish is a source of many important nutrients, including
objective an
|
protein, vitamins,
and
minerals
leaf
|
mold and
'n(y)ootr9m3nt| nourishes; sustenance.
•
that
n.
|
derivatives: nu*tri»men»tal
which
,n(y)ootr3
.nikts'lopeal
the inability
n.
•
!
dim
light or at night. (Also called
night blindness.)
nymph nimf |
• |
n. 1
a mythological spirit of
nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting rivers, woods, or other locations.
form of an as
it
|
'nimf, Ilk! adj. |
nim'feam
phaea - 'fes ) a grotto to a nymph or nymphs. |
nynfiph*et
|
nim'fet; 'nimfit
young woman. 2 an immature change greatly
insect that does not
grows, e.g., a dragonfly, mayfly, or locust.
nym*phO*ma*ni*a
|
•
|
n.
nym-
(pi.
or shrine dedicated
|
an
. |
and sexually mature young
nyc»ta*IO*pi*a
a beautiful
|
I
|
'mentll adj. to see in
derivatives: nymph»al I'nimfall adj. nym»phe»an 'nimfean adj. nymph«like
nym*phae»um
other soil nutrients.
nu»tri*ment
made to resemble the aquatic of an insect, used in fishing.
artificial fly
nymph
attractive
girl.
iHimfa'manea
•
un-
n.
i
controllable or excessive sexual desire in a
woman. derivatives: nym«pho»ma«ni»ac ne, £ek|
&
n.
-ma'niaksl I
adj.
|
-'ma-
nym»phom can override the cut-out by releasing the switch. be more important than: this plan • n. overrides all other considerations. 'ovsr ,rid 1 a device for suspending an automatic function on a machine. the action or process of suspending an automatic function. 2 an excess or increase on a budget, salary, or cost. islature's ability to override
\
I
a
commission paid
made by
adj.
it is
in space requires
manager on
to a
sales
a subordinate or representative.
3 a
cancellation of a decision by exertion of authority or winning of votes: the House vote in favor of the bill was 10 votes short of the number needed for an override. • v. [trans.] 0«ver»shad*OW .ovar'sHaedo |
|
tower above and cast a shadow over. cast a
gloom
over: tragedy overshadows his
story. appear much more prominent or important tiian: his competitive nature often overshadows the other qualities. (often be overshadowed) be more impressive or successful than (another person). O'vert lo'vart; 'ovsrti » adj. done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden: an overt act of aggression. derivatives: o«vert»ly adv. o»vert»ness n.
0*ver*tone
'ovarjon
. |
«.
1
a musical tone
|
harmonic series above a fundamental note, and may be heard with it. that
is
a part of the
(in physics) a component of any oscillation whose frequency is an integral multiple of the
fundamental frequency. 2 (often overtones) a subtle or subsidiary quality, implication, or
connotation: the decision
may have
political
overtones.
I
nel costs.
contract (work) out: you may choose to outthis function to another company or do
source it
0»ver»ture
'ov3r,CH(50r; -,CH3r|
0*ver»arch»ing
.ovar'arCHiNCl 'adj. |
[attrib.]
n. 1
an
in-
bate.
(usu. overtures)
yourself.
.
|
troduction to something more substantial: the talks were no more than an overture to a long de-
made
to
an approach or proposal
someone with the aim of opening
.
overweening
309
negotiations or establishing a relationship. 2 an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, suite, play, oratorio, or other extended
composition.
an independent orchestral composition in one movement. 0*ver*ween*ing 'ovar'weniNC . adj. showing excessive confidence or pride: overweening |
|
ambition. D E R I VAT I V E s
o»ver»ween»ing»ly adv.
:
0*ver*wrought
'ova 'rot • adj. 1 in a state of nervous excitement or anxiety. 2 (of a piece of writing or a work of art) too elaborate or complicated in design or construction. 0*vine 'o,vin • adj. of, relating to, or resem|
|
|
|
bling sheep.
0»vip*a«r0US lo'viparas] »adj. (of a bird, etc.) producing young by means of eggs that are hatched after they have been laid by the parent. Cf. viviparous and ovoviviparous. derivatives: ©•vi'parM'ty |-'paerite; -'per-
0*V0*vi*vip*a*r0US o,vovi'vip(3)r9s • adj. (of an animal) producing young by means of eggs that are hatched within the body of the parent, as in some snakes. Cf. oviparous and |
|
VIVIPAROUS.
derivatives: o»vo«vi«vi»par«i«ty 'paerite; -'per-
|-,viv9
n.
1
OV»u»late 'ovya.lat; 'av-| » v. [intrans.] discharge ova (seeovuM) or ovules (the structure I
gamete and becomes the seed) from the
in a flowering plant that contains after fertilization
ovary.
derivatives: ov»u«la»tion -'laSHsnl
female reproductive cell, esp. of a human or other animal, that can divide to give rise to an embryo usually only after fertilization by a
male cell. OX*ide |'ak,sid| • n. (in chemistry) a binary compound of oxygen with another element or group: iron oxide. OX*i*dize 'aksi|diz| • V. combine or become combined chemically with oxygen. cover (metal) with a coating of oxide; rust. (in chemistry) undergo or cause to undergo a reaction in which electrons are lost to another species. derivatives: ox*i*dant n. ox«i»diz»a»ble adj. ox»i»di»za»tion .aksidi'zaSHsn n. ox«i« diz«er n. OX*y*mo*ron ,aks3'm6r,an| • n. a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g., faith un|
|
|
|
him falsely
faithful kept
true)
derivatives: ox«y»mo»ronnc l-ma'ranik| adj.
n.
1
pacify
n.
,ovy3'lasH9n; |
ov»u»la»to»ry |-b,t6re|
0»vum 'ovam I
•
n.
(pi.
I
ova
|
'ova
) |
a
adj.
0*zone
'o,zon • «. a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). (also ozone layer) a layer in the earth's stratosphere at an altitude of about 6.2 miles (10 km) containing a high concentration of ozone, which absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth from the sun. fresh invigorating air, esp. that blowing onto the shore from the sea. I
I
DERIVATIVES o'zonMC :
|o'zanik| adj.
mature
Pp Pab*lum
I
psebbm
.
(also
n.
I
bland or insipid intellectual ment, etc.; pap.
(Pablum)
pabulum)
fare, entertain-
trademark a soft breakfast cereal for
infants.
pace to
'pa.se; 'pa,CHa • prep, with due respect (someone or an opinion), used to express |
1
polite disagreement or contradiction: narra-
pace some theorists, is not dead. 'paeka.darm • n. a very large with thick skin, esp. an elephant,
tive history,
pach*y*derm
|
mammal
Pa»Clf»iC Rim the countries and regions bordering the Pacific Ocean, esp. the small nations of eastern Asia. pac*i*fism 'paesa.fizam . n. the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable under any circumstances, and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means. the refusal to participate in war or military service because of such a belief. derivatives: pac»i«fist n. & adj. pac'i* |
|
I
rhinoceros, or hippopotamus. a thick-skinned person; someone relatively insensitive to taunts, criticism, or the like.
DERIVATIVES: pach»y«der»mal ,paek3 'darmal adj. pach»y»der*ma*tous ,pa£k9 'darmspsi adj. pach»y»derm»ous adj. |
|
fis'tic
,paes3'fistik| adj. I
. V. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] 'paes3,fi quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of: he I pacified the had to pacify angry spectators.
pac»i»fy
I
I
\
baby by singing. bring peace to
(a
country or warring fac-
j
pach«y«der«mic .paeka'dsrmikl adj. pa»Cif*lc Ipa'sifikI . adj. peaceftil in character or intent: a pacific gesture.
tions), esp.
by the use or threatened use of
military force: the general pacified northern
|
DERIVATIVES: pa»cifn»caWy
|-(3)le| adv.
Italy.
derivatives:
pa«ci»fi«er
to»ry |p3'sifik3,t6re|
adj.
n.
pa«cif»i«ca«
|
padre pa*dre
310
'padra n. father; the title of a priest or chaplain in some regions. a chaplain in any of the armed forces. pa*dro»ne Ips'drona; ps'dronel • n. (pi. padrones) a patron or master, in particular: an employer, esp. one who a Mafia boss. exploits immigrant workers. (in Italy) the proprietor of a hotel. pae*an 'pean • w. a song of praise or tri•
|
I
|
|
umph.
pallid the range of colors or shapes available to the user. ics)
pal*imp*sest
pa*gan
room
manu-
a
on which
make
for later writing.
something reused or altered but
bearing
still
form. pal»imp»ses»tic
visible traces of its earlier
derivatives:
|
,
paelimp
• n. pal*in*clrome 'paelin.drom a word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same back|
|
ward
world
'dramiki
|
|
religions.
a non-Christian. an adherent of neopaganism, a modern religious movement that seeks to incorporate beliefs or ritual practices firom traditions outside the main world religions, esp. those of pre-Christian Europe and North America. • adj. of or relating to such people or beliefs: a pagan god.
derivatives: pa*gan*ish ism |-,niz3m| n. pa»gannze
adj.
pa*gan*
|
renowned
a knight
the chief.
heroism and chiv-
for
madam
or nurses run.
mist|
pal»in»drom»ic .paelin pa»lin«dro«mist Ips'lindrs-
adj.
|
n.
pal*in*gen*e*sis ,paelin'jen3sis \^n.^ Biology the exact reproduction of ancestral characteristics during the developmental stages of a particular organism. 2 rebirth or regenera|
tion.
derivatives: pal«in»ge«netMC
|
ipaelinja
'netiki adj.
,paeb'sad . n. a fence of wooden stakes or iron railings fixed in the ground, forming an enclosure or defense. a strong pointed wooden stake fixed deeply in the ground with others in a close row, used (palisades) a line of high as a defense. |
I
Roman Empire) was
as forward, e.g.,
derivatives:
pai*i*sade
|-,niz| v.
pal*a*din 'paebdin • n. any of the twelve peers of Charlemagne's court, of whom the Count Palatine (a high official of the Holy
alry.
I
• V. [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (palisaded) enclose or provide (a building or place) with a
cliffs.
. adj. pal*at*a*ble 'psebtabal (of food or drink) pleasant to taste: a very palatable local I
|
(of an action or proposal) acceptable or satisfactory: a device that made increased taxation
more palatable.
derivatives: 'bibtel
pal»at«a»bilM«ty .paebts pal»at»a»bly |-ble| adv. 'paebtl . adj. of or relating to the
n.
|
pal*a*tal palate: a palatal |
I
lesion.
• w. 1 the roof of the mouth, 'pselit separating the cavities of the nose and the mouth in vertebrates. 2 a person's appreciation of taste and flavor, esp. when sophisticated and discriminating: a fine range of drink
pal*ate
|
|
for sophisticated palates. a person's taste or liking: the suggestions
may
not suit everyone's palate. taste or flavor of wine or beer: a wine with a zingy, peachy palate.
pa*la*tial Ips'lasHal] 'adj. resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid: her pala-
apartment
in Chicago.
derivatives: pa»lav«er
and
pa»la»tial»ly adv. • n. prolonged an hour of aimless pa-
Ipa'laevar; -'lav-|
idle discussion:
laver.
a parley or improvised conference sides.
length:
pahsade. pol • n. 1 a cloth spread over a coffm, hearse, or tomb. a dark cloud or covering of smoke, dust, or similar matter: a pall of black smoke hung over the quarry. something regarded as enveloping a situation with an air of gloom, heaviness, or fear: the attacks have cast a pall of terror over the villages. 2 an ecclesiastical pallium. pal|2 . V. [intrans ] become less appealing or interesting through familiarity: the novelty of the
palp
red wine.
it's
pal*ette
• v.
[intrans.]
on palavering. • «. a thin board or slab on lays and mixes colors.
'paelit
which an
between
talk unnecessarily at
too hot to go
quiet
I
I
palled.
life
• «. 1 a portable platform on which goods can be moved, stacked, and stored, esp. with the aid of a forklift. 2 a flat wooden blade with a handle, used to shape clay or plaster. 3 an artist's palette. 4 a projection on a machine part, serving to change the mode of motion of a wheel.
pal*let
paMi*ate
I'paele.atl
artist
the range of colors used by a particular artor in a particular picture: / choose a palette the range or variety of natural, earthy colors. of tonal or instrumental color in a musical piece: he commands the sort of tonal palette that this music needs. (in computer graph-
»v.
make
[trans.]
(a dis-
ease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause: treatment works by palliating symptoms. allay or moderate (fears or suspicions): this palliated the suspicions aroused by German disguise the seriousness or gravity of unity. (an offense): there is no way to palliate his dirty deed.
D£RIVATIVEs: n.
pal»li«a»tion
pal»li»a«tive
I
|
ist
n.
the original writing has been effaced to
'pagan • n. a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main
two
• |
'sestiki adj.
a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise: his books are paeans to combat.
tial
'paelimp,sest |
script or piece of writing material
-, I
n.
and
adj.
|
ipaele'aSHan pal»li»a»tor
atari n.
pal*lid
'peelid
• |
adj. (of a
person's face) pale,
I
because of poor health. feeble or insipid: an utterly pallid and charm-
typically
less character.
derivatives: n.
pal»Iid»ly adv. pal»lid»ness
|
pallium paHi»um
'pseleaml * n. (pi pallia 'pseleai or palliums) 1 a woolen vestment conferred by the pope on an archbishop, consisting of a narrow, circular band placed around the shoulders with a short lappet hanging from front and back. 2 a man's large rectangular cloak, esp. as worn by Greek philosophical and religious teachers in antiquity. pal*lor I'pasbrl . n. [in sing.] an unhealthy pale appearance. . adj. pal*pa*ble 'paelpabsl able to be touched or felt: the palpable bump at the bridge I
I
usage: On
the difference between pansee usat epidemic.
demic, endemic, and epidemic,
age
pan*de»mo*ni*um
of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense be almost touched or felt: a palpable sense
(esp.
|
• )i.
roar.
pan*der
|
'paendar
[intrans.] (pander to) immoral or distasteful
. v.
|
gratify or indulge (an
desire, need, or habit or a desire,
etc.):
groups.
.
person
n.
a
person with such a
candidates pander
interest
to
pimp.
who
baser urges or evil designs of others: the lowest panders of a venal a
of the nose.
.psenda'moneam
|
wild and noisy disorder or confusion; up-
I
|
as to
papacy
311
assists the
press.
clear to the mind or plain to see: to of loss. talk of victory in the circumstances is palpable
Pan*dO*ra'S box
nonsense.
unwise interference in something. pan»e«gyr»ic ,pa£n3'jirik| »n. a pubHc speech or published text in praise of someone or something: Vera's panegyric on friendship.
derivatives: pal*pa»biW»ty
,paelp3'bil|
n.
|
|
I
|
I
purposes. |
n.
|
pal*pi«tate 'paelpi,tat . V. [intrans.] [often as adj.] (palpitating) (of the heart) beat rapidly, strongly, or irregularly: a palpitating |
I
heart.
shake; tremble: palpitating with
terror.
derivatives: pal»pi»ta»tion
n.
pal*sy 'poize • n. (pi. -ies) paralysis, esp. that which is accompanied by involuntary I
I
tremors: a condition of incapacity or helplessness. • V. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] (often be palsied) affect with paralysis and involuntary tremors: the muscles on her face are palsied [as adj.] (palsied) a palsied hand. pahter I'poltsrI »v. [intrans.] 1 equivocate or prevaricate in action or speech. 2 (palter with) trifle with: this great work should not be \
paltered with.
derivatives: pal»ter«er
n.
(paltrier, paltriest) (of an amoiant) small or meager: a paltry 'poltre
•
|
adj.
|
$33. petty; trivial: naval glory struck him as paltry.
derivatives pal'trimess :
|-trenis| n.
. adj. pa«lu»dal pa'loodl; 'paelyadl (of a plant, animal, or soil) living or occurring in a |
I
marshy habitat. pan*a»ce»a .psens'ses • n. a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases. derivatives: pan»a»ce«an |-'se3n| adj. |
|
pa*nache
ps'naeSH; -'naSH . 1 flamboyant confidence of style or manner: he entertained with panache. 2 a tuft or plume of feathers, esp. as a headdress or on a helmet. pan*dect 'paen,dekt| • n. a complete body of the laws of a country. |
|
|
(usu. the
compendium in 50 Roman civil law made by order
Pandects)
books of the
a
of Justinian in the 6th century.
derivatives: pamdectnst
pan»e»gyr»i»caWy pan*0»ply 'psensple '
paen'dektist
\
|
-'jirik(3)Ie
n.
|
a
|-'jirik3l|
adv.
|
complete or im-
pressive collection of things: a deliciously inventive panoply of insults. a splendid display: all the panoply of Western religious liturgy. a complete set of arms or suit
of armor.
derivatives: pan«o«plied pan*the*ism 'paenTHe,iz3m| |
|-pled| adf » n. ^ a doc-
God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God. 2 worship that admits or tolerates all gods. derivatives: pan«the»ist n. pan»the«is» tic ipaenTHe'istikj adj. pan«the«is»ti«cal adj. pan«the«is«ti«cal»ly iPeenTHe'istikal trine that identifies
I
I
I
,paenTHe'istik(3)le
|
adv.
I
pan*the*on
'pseniHe.an; -XHeani • n. all the gods of a people or religion collectively: the deities of the Hindu and Shinto pantheons. (esp. in ancient Greece and Rome) a temple a building in dedicated to all the gods. which the distinguished dead of a nation are a group of particularly buried or honored. respected, famous, or important people: the |
pantheon of the all-time greats. 'psent3,mim| • n. 1 a dramatic entertainment, originating in Roman mime, in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music. an absurdly exaggerated piece of behavior: a he made a pantomime of checking his watch. ridiculous or confused situation or event: the Brit, theatpantomime. 2 a drive to town was a rical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nur-
pan»tO«mime
|
sery story, usually produced around Christmas. • V. [trans.] express or represent (something) by extravagant and exaggerated mime: the clown candidates pantomimed different emotions.
|
n.
pan*dem*ic |paen'demik|
as the result of
derivatives: pan»e«gyr»i»cal adj.
derivatives: pal»pa»tion pael'paSHan
pal*try
a process that generates
n.
|
pal«pa»bly -ble adv. pal*pate 'pael,pat • V. [trans.] examine (a part of the body) by touch, esp. for medical ite
•
many complicated problems
paenta derivatives: pan«to«mim*ic 'mimiki adf pan«to«mimnst n. pa»pa*cy 'papsse • n. (pi. -ies) (usu. the papacy) the office or authority of the pope. |
»
adj. (of a disease)
prevalent over a whole country or the world. • n. an outbreak of such a disease.
|
|
,
312
papal
the tenure of office of a pope: during the pa-
pacy of Pope John. pa*pal 'papal • adj. of or relating to I
I
a
pope
DERI VAT V E s pa»pal»ly zi
-se I
)
I
.papa'ratso
•
n.
|
(pi.
|
(usu.
paparaz-
paparazzi) a freelance pho-
tographer who pursues celebrities to get photographs of them. pa*pier ma*Che .papar ma'sHa . «. a moldable mixture of paper and glue, or paper, flour, and water, that becomes hard when dry: George made a crocodile out of papier mdche. [as adj.] a papier-mache tree. pa*pist 'papist • n. derogatory term for a |
|
|
I
Roman
i
another term for papalist, a supporter of the papacy, esp. an advocate of papal supremacy. • adj. of, relating to, or associated with the Roman Catholic Church. derivatives: pa»pism |'pa,piz9m| n. pa* pis«ti«cal ps'pistaksl adj. pa»pist»ry 'pa|
I
pistrel n.
par*a*bie
• n. a simple story used moral or spiritual lesson, such as those told by Jesus in the Gospels. pa*rab*0»la Ips'rEebsbl *n. (pi. parabolas
'paersbsl
|
|
to illustrate a
pa'raebabz or parabolae -le ) a symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side. The path of a projectile under the influence of gravity follows a curve of this shape. derivatives: par«a«bol«ic adj. par«a»bol» |
|
|
I
i'cal'ly adv.
pa*rach*ro*nism |pe'r2Ekr3,niz3m| an error in chronology, esp. by assigning too late a date. Cf. anachronism. par*a*digm 'paer3,dim • ;t. 1 a typical example or pattern of something; a model: there is a new paradigm for public art in this country. a worldview underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific sub|
|
ject: the discovery
came
of universal gravitation be-
paradigm of successful science. 2 a set of linguistic items that form mutually exclusive choices in particular syntactic roles: English determiners form a paradigm: we can say "a book" or "his book" but not "a his book." (in the traditional grammar of Latin, Greek, and other inflected languages) a table of all the inflected forms of a particular verb, noun, the
or adjective, serving as a model for other words of the same conjugation or declension.
derivatives: par«a«dig«mat»ic par*a*d0X
'paera,daks |
• |
n.
adj.
a statement or
proposition that, despite apparently sound reasoning fi-om acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory: a potentially serious conflict between quantum mechanics
and
par*a*gon
|
'paera.gan; -ganj
the general theory of relativity
known
as
•
n.
par»a«
a person or
thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality: it would have taken a paragon
of virtue
not to feel viciously jealous.
a person or thing
lence: your cook
viewed as a model of excel-
a paragon. a perfect diaof 100 carats or more. • n. par*a*le*gal .paers'legal a person trained in subsidiary legal matters but not is
mond
|
|
fully qualified as a lawyer, typically
in a law firm.
Catholic.
I
adj.
dox»i»cal«ly adv.
adv.
:
pa*pa*raz*ZO
son, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities: a fascinating ecological paradox.
derivatives: par»a»dox»i»cal
or to the papacy. I
parameter
adj.
•
employed
of or relating to auxiliary
aspects of the law. par*al*lax 'paera.lseks » n. the effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions, e.g., through the viewfinder and the lens of a camera. the angular amount of this in a particular case, esp. that of a star viewed from different points in the earth's orbit. derivatives: par»al»lac»tic .paers'laek|
|
|
tikl adj.
par*al*lel*ism 'pseralel.izam . n. the state of being parallel or of corresponding in some way. the use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc. the use of parallel processing in computer systems. |
|
DERI vat V e s I
'istiki
:
par«al»lel*is»tic |
ipaeralel
adj.
pa*ral*0*gism Ipa'raeb.jizaml
•
n.
a piece of
illogical or fallacious reasoning, esp.
one that
appears superficially logical or that the reasoner believes to be logical. derivatives: pa»ral»o*gist n. pa*ram»e»ter Ipa'rsmitarl • «. a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation: the transmission will not let you downshift unless your speed is within the lower gear's parameters. a numerical quantity
whose value is selected and in rela-
for the particular circumstances
which other variable quantities may be expressed. a numerical characteristic of a population, as distinct from a statistic of a (in general use) a limit or boundsample. ary that defines the scope of a particular process or activity. tion to
usage: Until recently, use of the word parameter was confined to mathematics and related technical fields. Since around the century, however, it has been used in nontechnical fields as a technical-
mid 20th
the information paradox.
soxmding word for
a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true: in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it. a situation, per-
in they set the parameters of the debate. This use, probably influenced by the word perimeter, has been criticized for being a
'a limit
or boimdary,' as
weakening of the technical sense. writers will leave
Carefiil
parameter to specialists in
313
paramilitary
mathematics, computer science, and other
As a loose synonym
technical disciplines. limit,
boundary, guideline, framework,
it
for
is
a
vogue word that blurs more than it clarifies. Perimeter is a different word, meaning 'border, outer boundary, or the length of such a boundary.'
parietal d E R VA V h s par»a»phras»a«ble adj. par* a«phras»er par»a»phra«sis n. par«a»phras« I
tic
I
I
I
:
ipaers'fraestikl adj.
par*a*ple*gi*a ,pa2r3'plej(e)3| »n. paralysis of the legs and lower body, typically caused by spinal injury or disease. Cf. quad|
RIPLEGIA
derivatives: par»a»ple»gic par»a»mil»i»tar»y
,pa£r3'mib,tere adj. (of an unofficial force) organized similarly to a drug cartels their paramilitary force: the and military allies. • n. (pi. -ies) a member of an unofficial paramilitary organization.
par*a*mour the
illicit
|
»
|
'paer3,m(50r|
.
n.
a lover, esp.
1
ipsera'noia
mental condi-
n. a
• I
by delusions of persecu-
tion characterized
unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically worked into an organized system. It may be an aspect of chronic personality disorder, of drug abuse, or of a serious condition such as schizophrenia in which the person loses touch with reality. suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification: global paranoia about hackers and viruses. tion,
derivatives:
par»a»noi»ac l-'noiaek; -'noi-ik| adj. Sen. par»a»noi»a»cal»ly j-'noiik(3)le adv. par»a»no»ic -'noi-ik adj. par* a»no«i»cal»ly -'noi-ik(3)le adv. par«a» |
I
|
|
|
noid adj. par*a*nor»mal
ipasra'normal
• |
adj.
denot-
understanding: a mystic's paranormal powers [as n.] (the paranormal) an investigator of the paranormal. scientific
|
derivatives: par«a«nor»mal»ly adv. par»a»pet 'paerspit . w. a low, protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balI
|
cony. a protective wall or earth defense along the top of a trench or other place of concealment for troops.
derivatives: par»a»pet«ed adj. par*a*pher«naHla ,paer3f3(r)'naly3| esp. the activity:
I
-.siks'lajikal
&
I
activities. |-'file,£ek|
n.
par«a*phrase 'paera.fi-azi 'V. [trans.] express the meaning of (the writer or speaker or something written or spoken) using different words, esp. to achieve greater clarity: you can |
either quote or
paraphrase literary
texts.
•
n.
paraphrasis prons) a rewording of something written or spoken by someone (also
else. Cf.
periphrasis
*
n.
par»a«psy»cho»logM»cal par»a»psy»chol»o»gist
I
par«a«tax*is .paera'taeksas • n. the placing of clauses or phrases one after another, without words to indicate coordination or subordination, as in Tell me, how are you? Contrasted with hypotaxis, the subordination of |
|
to another.
DERIVATIVES
par»a»tac»tic |-'taektik| adj. par»a»tac»ti»cal«ly -'taektik(3)le adv. pa*rens pa«tri*ae .peranz 'paetri-e . «. the government, or any other authority, regarded as the legal protector of citizens unable to protect themselves. the principle that political authority carries with it the responsibility for such protection. :
i
|
|
I
panen*the»sis |p3'renTH9,sis| • n. (pi. parentheses |-sez|) a word, clause, or sentence inserted as an explanation or afterthought into a passage that is grammatically complete without it, in writing usually marked off by curved brackets, dashes, or
parentheses) one or both of a pair of () used to include such a word, clause,
an interlude or interval: the months of coalition government were a la-
or sentence. three
trappings associated with a particular institution or activity that are regarded as superfluous: the rituals and paraphernalia of government. par*a*phil*i*a .paers'filea • n. (in psychiatry) a condition characterized by abnormal sexual desires, typically involving extreme or
adj.
|
:
\
drug paraphernalia.
derivatives: par»a»philM*ac
kabje
n. |
(usu.
dangerous
.pserasi
benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. Cf. EPIPHYTE a person who habitually relies on or exploits others and gives nothing in return. DERI VAT I V E s par»a»sit»ic adj. par«a»sit»i» cal adj. par»a»sit»i«cal»ly adv.
marks
|
|
par*a*site 'paera.slt . an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and
equipment needed for a particular drills, saws, and other paraphernalia
pi.]
adj. I
|-jist|
miscellaneous articles,
or
sing,
&
commas.
.
|
[treated as
adj.
the study of mental phenomena that are excluded from or inexplicable by orthodox scientific psychology (such as hypnosis, telepathy, clairvoyance, etc.).
one clause |
ing events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of
normal
par»a»psy»chol«o*gy
derivatives:
partner of a married person.
par«a*noi*a
|-jik|
n.
|
mentable political parenthesis. derivatives: par»en»thet»i»cal adj. par* en»thet»i«cal«ly adv. pa»ri*ah pa'na • «. 1 an outcast: they were treated as social pariahs. 2 in former times, a member of a low caste or of no caste in south|
|
ern India. pa*ri*e*tal ipa'riatall * adj. 1 of, relating to, attached to, or denoting the wall of the body or of a body cavity or hollow structure. of the parietal lobe of the brain: the parietal cortex. 2 relating to residence in a college or university dormitory and esp. to visits from members of the opposite sex: parietal rules. 3 denoting prehistoric art found on rock walls. . «. 1 a parietal structure, esp. the parietal bone, forming the central side and upper back part of each side of the skull. 2 (pari-
314
parimutuel etals) dormitory rules governing visits members of the opposite sex.
par*i-mu*tu*el parimutuel) .
.paera
'myooCHawal (also as adj.] a form of bet-
parse genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.
an imitation or a version of something that
|
|
[often
n.
from
which those backing the first three places (called win, place, and show) divide the losers' stakes (less the operator's commisting in
sion): pari-mutuel betting.
a booth for placing bets under such a system. par*i*ty 'paerite * n. ^ the state or condition of being equal, esp. regarding status or pay: parity of income between farmworkers and those
short of the real thing; a travesty: he seems like a parody of a world leader. • v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] produce a humorously exaggerated imitation of (a writer, artist, or genre): his specialty was parodying schoolgirl falls far
fiction.
mimic humorously:
\
|
in industrial occupations.
the value of one currency in terms of another at an established exchange rate. a system of providing farmers with consistent purchasing power by regulating prices of farm products, usually with government price supports. 2 (of a number) the fact of being even or odd. (in computing) a function whose being even (or odd) provides a check on a set of binary values: [as
parity
adj.]
bits.
'parbns • «. a particular way of speaking or using words, esp. a way common to those with a particular job or interest: med-
par*lance
|
he parodied his friend's
voice.
derivatives: pa»rodnc
jpa'radiki
adj.
par»o»dist i-dist| n. pa*role pa'rol • «. 1 the release of a prisoner temporarily (for a special purpose) or permanently before the completion of a sentence, on the promise of good behavior: he committed a burglary while on parole. The period in which such an agreement is effective. a promise or undertaking given by a prisoner of war not to escape or, if released, to return to custody under stated conditions. 2 The password used by a military officer or inspector of the guard. Cf. countersign. . v, |
|
|
months.
ical parlance.
par*lay
-le
'par, la;
|
something into) turn an
(parlay stake or win-
[trans.]
. v.
|
initial
nings from a previous bet into (a greater amount) by gambling: it involved parlaying a small bankroll into big winnings. transform into (something greater or more valuable): he parlayed an inheritance into an empire. • n. a cumulative series of bets in which winnings accruing from each transaction are used as a stake for a further bet.
par*ley
'parle
• |
n. (pi.
|
-eys) a conference be-
tween opposing sides in a dispute, esp. a discussion of terms for an armistice. • v. (-eys, -eyed) [intrans.] hold a conference with the opposing side to discuss terms: they disagreed over whether to parley with the enemy. par*IOUS 'parlss • adj. full of danger or unI
I
certainty; precarious: the parlous state of the economy. • adv. greatly or excessively: she is
parlous handsome. adv. par»lous»
|
par'naesean
.
adj. 1 relating
I
group
of French poets of the late 1 9th century who emphasized strictness of form, named from the anthology Le Parnasse contemporain (1866). • n. a member of this group of
French poets. pa*ro*chi*al Ipa'rokeall 'adj. of or relating to a church parish: the parochial church coun-
|-,ro'le| n.
par*0»no»ma*sia .paerano'mazHal »n. a play on words; a pun. par*0«nym 'paeranim • w. a word that is a derivative of another and has a related meaning: "wisdom " is a paronym of "wise." a word formed by adaptation of a foreign word: "preface" is a paronym of Latin "prefatio." Cf. heteronym. derivatives: par»o»nym«ic ,p£era 'nimiki adj. pa»ron»y«mous |pa'ranamas| adj. pa«ron»y»my |pa'raname| n. par*OX»ysm 'pserak,sizam| • n. a sudden at|
|
i
I
|
tack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity: a paroxysm of weeping a paroxysm of violence. a sudden recurrence or attack of a disease; a sudden worsening of symptoms. I
derivatives: par»ox»ys»mal
.paerak'siz|
adj.
par*quet par ka
» |
n. 1
parquet floor-
(also
|
ing) flooring
to poetry; poetic. 2 of or relating to a
composed of wooden blocks
arranged in a geometric pattern. 2 the ground floor of a theater or auditorium. par*quet*ry 'parkitre . n. inlaid
work of blocks of various woods arranged in a geometric pattern, esp. for flooring or furniture. par*ri*Cide 'pera,sid; 'psera- . w. the killing of a parent or other near relative. |
|
1
|
a person who commits parricide. derivatives: par»ri«cid*al
,pera'sidl; |
,paera-i adj.
cil.
denoting a school operated by a church, distinct from a public school or secular private school.
parse pars • v. [trans.] analyze (a sentence) into its component parts and describe their |
i
syntactic roles.
having a limited or narrow outlook or scope.
derivatives: pa«ro»chi»al«ism n.
derivatives: pa»rol»ee
mall
derivatives: par»lous»ly ness n. Par*nas*si*an
(usu. be paroled) release (a prisoner) parole: he was paroled after serving nine
[trans.]
on
pa»ro«chi*aW»ty
|
-,roke'£elite
|
|-,iz3m| n.
pa»ro*
chi»al»ly adv. par*0»dy 'paerade • n. (pi. -ies) an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or |
|
(in computing) analyze (captured or typed input) into logical components, typically in order to test conformability to a logical grammar or interpret instructions. examine or analyze minutely: he has always been quick to parse his own problems in public. • n. an act of
.
parsimonious
315
or the result obtained by parsing
computer
input.
par*si*mo*ni»OUS .parsa'moneas • adj. unwilling to spend money or use resources; |
|
or frugal: so parsimonious she only bought dented canned goods. stingy
derivatives: par«si»mo»ni»ous»ly adv. par*si»mo»ni»ous«ness n. • n. 'pars3,mone extreme par*si*mo*ny unwillingness to spend money or use |
|
resources: a great tradition of public design has been shattered by government parsimony. phrases: principle (or law) of parsi-
mony
the scientific principle that things are usually connected or behave in the simplest or most economical way, esp. with reference to alternative evolutionary pathways. par«the«no*gen*e»sis .parraano'jenasis |
•
n.
|
ovum
reproduction fi-om an
without
fer-
normal process in some and lower plants. derivatives: par«the»no»ge«netMC |-j3
tilization, esp. as a
invertebrates 'netiki
par»the»no»ge»netn»cal«ly
adj.
l-ja
'netik(9)le| adv.
par*tial
*parSH3l
• |
adj.
existing only in
1
|
part; incomplete: a question to which
we have
only partial answers. 2 favoring one side in a dispute above the other; biased: a distorted and partial view of the situation.
(partial to) having a liking
[predic]
know I'm partial to bacon and eggs. ponent of harmonic:
»
n.
for:
an overtone or
a musical sound;
the upper partials of the string.
derivatives: par»ti»aH»ty
n.
par»tial»ly
par*
adv. [as submodifier] a partially open door,
tial*ness
you
com-
a
n.
usage: In
some
the sense 'to
extent, not
partly to partially: The piece was written partly in poetry; What we decide will depend partly on the amount of the contract. (Also, in certain contexts, the use of partly could prevent ambiprefer
traditionalists
entirely,'
because partial can also mean 'biased, taking sides'; something written partially in poetry could be interpreted as biased verse.) The form partial, however, appears in many guity:
phrases as the adjectival form of part: parpartial denture, partial paralysis,
tial blindness,
partial payment, partial shade, partial vacuum,
Partially is therefore widely used, with the same sense as partly: partially blind in one eye. etc.
par»ti*ci«ple
from used
verb
a
as
|
'parts, sipal
• |
word formed and working woman,
n.
a
(e.g., going, gone, being, been)
an adjective
(e.g.,
burned toast) or a noun (e.g., good breeding). In English, participles are also used to make compound verb forms (e.g., is going, has been)
derivatives: 'sipeal
adj. I
par»ti«cip«i»al par»ti«cip»i»al»ly
.parts
sible
amount: he
I
1
a
mathematics) a
(in
hypothetical object having mass but
2
ical size.
word that and is not
no physminor function has comparatively little meaning grammar)
(in
a
inflected, in particular:
any of the class of words such as used with verbs to make phrasal verbs. (in ancient Greek) any of the class of words such as de and ge, used for contrast and emphasis. (in English)
in,
up,
over,
off,
par*tic*U*late Ipar'tikyslit; -,lat| »adj. of, relating to, or in the form of minute separate particles: particulate pollution.
•
n.
(particu-
lates) matter in such a form. • «. par»ti»san 'partszsn 1 a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person. 2 a mem|
|
ber of an armed group formed to fight secretly against an occupying force, in particular one operating in enemy-occupied Yugoslavia, Italy, and parts of eastern Europe in World War II. • adj. prejudiced, or expressing prejudice, in favor of a particular cause: newspapers have become increasingly partisan.
derivatives: par»ti»san«ship |-,SHip| n. par*tu*ri»ent |par't(y)00re3nt| »adj. (of a woman or female mammal) about to give birth; in labor. • n. a parturient woman. par*tU«ri*tlon ,parCH(50'riSH3n| » n. the action of giving birth to young; childbirth. par»ve»nu 'parv3,n(y)oo . n. a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity: the social inexperience of a parvenu. • adj. having recently achieved, or associated with someone who has recently achieved wealth, influence, or celebrity despite obscure origins: he concealed the details of his parvenu lifestyle. Cf. nouveau riche pas*Chal 'paesksl . adj. 1 of or relating to Easter. 2 of or relating to the Jewish Passover. |
|
i
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I
pas*chal lamb *n. Passover. 2 Christ.
pas de deux
^
a
lamb
sacrificed at
,pa ds 'dCOl . n. (pi. same) a dance for two people, typically a man and a |
woman. a relationship between two people requires finesse or close cooperation.
pas*quin*ade
tliat
,paeskw3'nad » n. a satire or one displayed or delivered publicly in a public place. pas*se Ipse'sal » adj. [predic] no longer fashthe ionable; out of date: miniskirts are passe
lampoon,
\
|
originally
—
best skirts are knee-length.
woman)
past one's prime. 'psssrin; -,rin . adj. of, relating to, or denoting birds of a large order distinguished by feet that are adapted for perching, including all songbirds. • n. a passerine (esp.
of a
pas»ser*ine
|
,
parts
|
|
bird; a perching bird. 'psesim • adv. (of allusions or references in a published work) to be found at
pas*Sim
par*ti*Cle 'partiksl . «. of matter: tiny particles
agrees without hearing the
least particle of evidence.
|
'sipeslel adv. |
Passion other, e.g., electrons, neutrinos, photons, and alpha particles. [with negative] the least pos-
minute portion
of dust.
subatomic or elementary particle) any of numerous subatomic constituents of (also
the physical world that interact with each
I
|
various places throughout the text. . n. (the Passion) in 'paesHsn Christianity, the suffering and death of Jesus. any of the Gospels. a narrative of this from
Pas*sion
I
|
|
316
passive
a musical setting of any of these narratives: Bach 's St. Matthew Passion. pas*Sive 'paesiv . adj. (in grammar) denoting or relating to a voice of verbs in which the subject undergoes the |
I
action of the verb (e.g., they were killed as opposed to he killed them). The opposite of active. • n. a passive form of a verb. (the passive) the passive voice.
derivatives: pas«sive*ly
patriarch
-,t3rnristik| adj. pa»ter»nal« is*ti»caWy -,t3rnristik(3)le adv. • n. pa«ter*nos*ter 'pat3r,nast9r; 'paepr-
ter»nal«is*tic
|
|
|
1
|
(in the
Roman
Catholic Church) the Lord's
Prayer, esp. in Latin.
any of a number of special beads occurring at regular intervals in a rosary, indicating that
the Lord's Prayer is to be recited. pa*thet*ic Ipa'THetikI » adj. 1 arousing
pity,
pas»sive«
esp. through vulnerability or sadness: she looked so pathetic that I bent down to comfort her.
'paes,ov3r| • n. the major Jewish spring festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, lasting seven or eight days from the 15th day of Nisan; pesach.
miserably inadequate: their test scores in Chemistry were pathetic. 2 relating to the emo-
ness Pass*0*ver n.
pas»siv»i»ty
adv.
pae'sivite
|
n.
|
|
another term for paschal lamb. pas*tiche |p£e'steSH;pa-| • n. an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period: the operetta is a pastiche of 18th century
styles.
tions.
derivatives: pa»thetM»cal»ly |-(3)le| adv. path*0»gen 'paeTH3,jen| . n. a bacterium, vi|
rus, or other
microorganism that can cause
disease.
derivatives: path*o«genMc
,paeTH3'jen-
i
path»o«ge»nic»i»ty ,paeTH9j9'nisite n. pa»thog»e»nous ps'THajenss adj. path»o«log»l»cal .paeTHa'lajiksl (also pathologic) • adj. involving, caused by, or of the nature of a physical or mental disease. compulsive; obsessive: a pathological gambler. DERI VAT I v E s path»o»log»i»cal»ly adv. pa»thol*0*gy ps'THalaje • n. the science of the causes and effects of diseases, esp. the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. pathological features considered collectively; the typical behavior of a disease: the pathology of Huntington 's disease. a pathological condition: the dominant pathology is multiple sclerosis. mental, social, or linguistic abnormality or malfunction: the city's inability to cope with the pathology of a burgeoning unik
adj.
I
|
|
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an artistic work consisting of a medley of pieces taken from various sources. a confused mixture or jumble: his speech is a pastiche offalse starts and unfinished sentences. • v. [trans.] imitate the style of (an artist or work): Gauguin took himself to a Pacific island andpastiched the primitive art he found there. pas*tO*ral 'paestsrsl; paes'toral • adj. 1 (esp. of land or a farm) used for or related to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle: scattered pastoral farms society was then essentially pas|
|
\
toral.
associated with country life: the view was pastoral, with rolling fields and grazing sheep. (of a work of art) portraying or evoking country life, typically in a romanticized or idealized form: decorated with pastorals featuring beautiful shepherdesses. 2 (in the Christian Church) concerning or appropriate to the giving of spiritual guidance: pa^rora/ and doctrinal issues clergy doing pastoral work. • «. a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life: the story, though a pastoral, has an I
actual connection with the
of agricultural
life
labor.
derivatives: pas»to»ralMsm 'paestara.lizam n. pas»tor*al»ist n. pas»to»ral«ly adv. |
I
pas»tO*rale .passts'ral; -'rael . n. (pi. pastorales or pastoral! ,paest3'rale ) 1 a slow instrumental composition, usually with drone notes in the bass. 2 a simple musical play with a rural subject. pat*ent • adj. 'patnt; 'pact- easily recognizai
i
|
|
\
1
ble; obvious: she smiled with patent insincerity.
derivatives: pafent»ly
|
'paetntle; 'pa-|
adv.
pa»ter»fa»mil«i*as
|
.patarfa'mileas; ,pa-
(pi. patresfamilias ,pat rezfa-; ,pamale head of a family or household. |
1
)
.
n.
the
&
|
:
|
|
derclass.
derivatives: pa»thol»o»gist pa*th0S
I
'pajHas; -,th6s
• \
n.
|-jist|
n.
a quality that
evokes pity or sadness. pat*i*na ipa'tena] • n. a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period. a gloss or sheen on wooden furniture proan acquired duced by age and polishing. change in the appearance of a surface: plankton added a golden patina to the shallow, slowly moving water. an impression or appearance of something, esp. one deemed to be misleading: the wedding ring gave her a patina of respectability.
derivatives: pafi»nat»ed patM«na»tion
|
'p£etn,atid
,paetn'asH3n n. . «. pa«tis«se*rie pa'tisare a shop where pastries and cakes are sold. pastries and cakes collectively: French patisadj.
|
|
|
I
serie.
adj.
'pae,twa; 'pa- • n. (pi. same) the diaof the common people of a region, differing in various respects from the standard language of the rest of the country. the jargon or informal speech used by a particular social group: the patois of inner-city
pa't*OiS
Ipa'taml.izaml »n. the policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in their supposed best interest: the arrogance and paternalism that underlies cradle-tograve employment contracts. n.
|
1
pa*ter*naHsm
derivatives: pa»ter»nalMst
|
pa*
I
i
lect
kids.
pa*tri*arch 'patre,ark| . «. 1 the male head of a family or tribe. Cf. paterfamilias. |
|
317
patriarchy a
man who is the oldest or most venerable of
a group: Hollywood's reigning patriarch.
a
man who
behaves in a commanding manner. person or thing that is regarded as the founder of something: the patriarch of all spin doctors. 2 any of those biblical figures regarded as fathers of the human race, esp. a
Abraham,
and Jacob, their forefathers, or the sons of Jacob. 3 the title of a most senior Orthodox or Catholic bishop. Isaac,
pa«trl«arch«y 'patre,arke • n. (pi. -ies) a system of society or government in which the father or eldest male is head of the family and descent is traced through the male line. a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. a society or community organized in this way. pa»tri*ate |'patre,at| ' V. [trans.] transfer control over (a constitution) from a mother country to its former dependency: the Canadian government moved to patriate the constitution from Great Britain. pa*tri*cian Ips'triSHsnl • n. an aristocrat or |
|
nobleman. a
member of a long-established wealthy fama member of a noble family or class in
ancient
by the addition of a prefix or sufJohnson, O'Brien, Ivanovich. pa»troon ps'troon « «. a person given land and granted certain manorial privileges under the former Dutch governments of New tor, typically fix, e.g.,
|
|
New Jersey.
York and
derivatives: pa»troon»ship . adj. pat«U»IOUS 'paecHabs branches of a tree) spreading. |
I
n.
of the
(esp.
derivatives: pat»u»lous»ly adv. pat»u» lousiness n. pau*ci*ty 'posite . n. [in sing.] the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity: a paucity of |
|
information.
pa*vane pa'van |
(also |
pavan)
•
a stately
n.
slow dance, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and performed in elaborate clothing.
a piece of music for this dance. pa'va; pae- . n. 1 a setting of precious stones placed so closely together that no
pa*ve
1
I
metal shows: a street, road,
solid
diamond pave. 2
a
paved
or path.
Pav»lov»i«an Ipsev'lovean; -'lav-| adj. of or relating to classical conditioning as described by Ivan R Pavlov ( 1 849- 1 936), Russian physiologist, esp. to the conditioned reflex, shown in his experiment in which a dog ('Pavlov's dog') could be trained to salivate at the sound of a bell it associated with food. pay*0*la Ipa'olal »n. the practice of bribing someone to use his or her influence or position to promote a particular product or interest: if a record company spends enough money on payola, it can make any record a hit. pec*ca»diMo ,peka'dilo • n. (pi. -oes or -os) a small, relatively unimportant offense .
ily.
teristic
pedagogic
Rome. • adj. belonging to or characof the aristocracy: a proud, patrician
face.
belonging to or characteristic of a longestablished and wealthy family. belonging to the nobility of ancient Rome. pat*ri*cide 'paEtr3,sid| . n. the killing of one's father. a person who kills his or her father. |
derivatives: pafri»cid»al
.psetra'sidl |
pat»ri»lin»e*al |
,paetr3' lineal
.
adj. of, relat-
I
ing to, or based on relationship to the father or descent through the male line: the inheritance of land was patrilineal. Cf matrilineal • n. pat*rl*mo*ny 'paetr3,mone (pi. -ies) property inherited from one's father or male ancestor. heritage: our cultural patrimony. the estate or property belonging by ancient endowment or right to a church or other institution. .
|
|
derivatives:
pat«ri»mo»ni»al paetra 'moneall adj. pa*tron*ize 'patr3,niz; 'pae- * v. ^ [often as adj.] (patronizing) treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority: "She's a good-hearted girl" he said in a patronizing voice she was determined not to be put down or patronized. 2 frequent (a store, theater, restaurant, or other establishment) as a customer: restaurants remaining open in the evening were well patronized. give encouragement and financial support to (a person, esp. an artist, or a cause): local churches and voluntary organizations were patronized by the family. |
,
\
|
I
derivatives: pa»tronn»za»tion 'zaSHsn; ,pae- n. pa»tron»iz»er iz»ing«ly - ,niziNGle adv. 1
|
n.
.patrsni
or sin.
pec*cant 'pekant|
.
|
adf
1
having committed
a fault or sin; offending. 2 diseased or causing disease. derivatives: pec»can»cy I'pekansel n. peck*ish 'pekiSH . adj. hungry: we were both feeling a bit peckish and there was nothing |
|
to eat.
'pektaral • adj. of or relating to the breast or chest: pectoral development. worn on the chest: a pectoral shield. • n. (usu. pectorals) The four large muscles that cover the fi-ont of the ribcage. (pectorals) the fins of a fish that correspond an orto the forelimbs of other vertebrates.
pec»tO»ral
|
|
namental breastplate, esp. one worn by ish high priest. pec*U»late 'pekya.lat
!
• v.
[trans.]
a Jew-
embezzle
|
or steal (money, esp. public ftmds).
derivatives:
.pekya pec»u»la«tion pec»u»la»tor |-,lapr| n. • adj. of, relatpe»CU»ni«ar*y pa'kyoone.ere ing to, or consisting of money: he admitted obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception. 'laSHsnl
I
n.
|
|
Cf. FISCAL.
derivatives: pe»cu»ni»ar«i«ly |p3,kyoone
|
pa»tron«
|
pat»ro*nym*ic .paetra'nimikl » n. a name derived from the name of a father or ances|
|
|
adj.
'erale
|
adv.
,peda'gajik| » adj. of or relating to teaching: they show great pedagogic skills. of or characteristic of a pedagogue.
ped*a*gog*ic
|
pedagogue
318
derivatives: ped«a»gogM»cal adj. ped»a« gog»i«caWy |-(3)le| adv. ped*a*gogue I'peda.gagl • «. a teacher, esp. a strict or pedantic one.
ped*a*go*gy 'ped3,gaje;-,goje| n. (pi. -ies) the method and practice of teaching, esp. as .
|
an academic subject or theoretical concept. derivatives: ped»a«gog«ics ,ped3'gaj|
iks| n.
penal 2 a person of the same age,
status, or ability
as another specified person: he has incurred
much
criticism
make
or
from
his
academic peers. • v. or of the same
become equal with
rank.
phrases: without peer unequaled; valed: he
is
unri-
a goalkeeper without peer.
derivatives: peer«less adj. (in sense 2). peer*age 'pirij . n. the title and rank of peer |
i
ped*ant
|
'pednt
• |
«. a
person
who
is
exces-
concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning. derivatives: pe»dan»tic adj. pe»dan»ti« cal'ly adv. ped»ant»ry -tre n. ped»er»as»ty 'ped3,raeste • n. sexual activity involving a man and a boy. derivatives: ped»er»ast n. a man who sively
|
|
|
|
,ped9
. n. pa'destrean a person road or in a developed area. • adj. lacking inspiration or excitement; dull: disenchantment with their pedestrian lives. derivatives: pe«des»tri«an»ly adv. pe»dic»u»lar ps'dikysbri (also pediculous) • adj. of, relating to, or infested with lice. derivatives: pe»dic«u«lo»sis Ipa.dikys |
I
a
i
'los3s| n.
ped*l*ment 'pedamsnt • n. the triangular upper part of tlie front of a building in classical style, typically surmounting a portico of |
I
columns. a similar feature
surmounting
a door,
win-
front, or other part of a building in an-
other style. a broad, gently sloping expanse of rock debris extending outward from the foot of a mountain slope, esp. in a desert. Cf. talus.
derivatives: pedn»men»tal tl adj. ped»i*ment»ed pe»dol*0*gy pa'dabje
|
.peds'men-
adj.
I
the branch of science that deals with the formation, nature, and classification of soil; soil science. derivatives: ped»o»logM»cal .pedsiaji|
.
«.
I
|
pe»dol»o»gist |-jist| n. pe*dom*e«ter Ipa'damipr] ' n. an instrument for estimating the distance traveled on foot by recording the number of steps taken. kall adj.
pe»do»phlle
'ped3,fil |
a person, esp. a
(Brit i
man, who
is
paedophile)
.
n.
sexually attracted
derivatives: pe«do»philM»a
n.
pe»do»
phil*ic adj. •
«. 1
a
member of the nobility in Britain
or Ireland, comprising the ranks of duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.
In the British peerage, earldoms and baronetcies were the earliest to be conferred; dukes were created from 1337, marquesses from the end of the 14th century, and viscounts from 1440. Such peerages are hereditary, although since 1958 there have also been nonhereditary life peerages. Peers are entitled to a seat in the House of Lords and exemption from jury service; they are debarred from election to the House of Com-
mons.
[trans.] (usu. be peeved) anhe was peeved at being left out of
. v.
|
|
noy;
irritate:
the cabinet [as adj.] (peeved) a somewhat peeved tone. • n. a cause of annoyance: his pet peeve is not having answers for questions from players.
peev*ish 'peviSH • adj. by unimportant things: fretful and peevish. |
easily irritated, esp.
|
all this
querulous: a peevish, whining
derivatives: peev»ish»ly ness n. peign*oir |,pan'war|
»n.
makes Steve
voice.
adv.
peevish*
woman's
a
light
dressing gown or negligee. pe*jo*ra*tive Ipa'jorativ; 'peja.rativl * adj. expressing contempt or disapproval: "permissiveness " is used almost universally as a pejorative term. • n. a word expressing contempt or disapproval.
derivatives: pe«jo»ra»tive»ly pe*la*gi*an
adv.
pa'lajean • adj. inhabiting the open sea. • n. an inhabitant of the open sea. pe*lag*ic pa'laejik • adj. of or relating to the |
|
|
open
I
sea.
(chiefly of fish) inhabiting the upper layers of the open sea. pelf pelf • n. money, esp. when gained in a dishonest or dishonorable way. • adv. pell-mell 'pel 'mel in a confused, rushed, or disorderly manner: the contents were thrown pell-mell. • adj. recklessly hasty or disorganized; headlong: the pell-mell development of Europe. • n. [in sing.] a state of affairs or collection of things characterized by haste or confusion: the pell-mell of ascending gables I
I
|
and
to children.
peer
peeve pev
\
adj.
pe*des*tri*an walking along
dow,
tory.
I
indulges in pederasty. ped»er»as»tic 'raestiki
or peeress: he was given a peerage. (the peerage) peers as a class; those holding a hereditary or honorary title: elevated to the peerage. a book containing a list of peers and peeresses, with their genealogy and his-
I
roof tiles.
• adj. pa'loosid translucent; pel*lu*cid clear: mountains reflected in the pellucid waters. very lucid in style or meaning; easily under(of music or other stood: pellucid prose. sound) clear and pure in tone: a pellucid I
I
singing tone.
derivatives: peWu'cid'i'ty cid*ness
n.
n.
peWu*
pel«lu»cid»ly adv.
pem*mi*can
and and other ingredients, originally made by North American Indians and later adapted by Arc|
'pemiksn
.
|
n.
dried
pounded meat mixed with melted
tic
fat
explorers.
pe*nal
'penal . adj. of, relating to, or prescribing the punishment of offenders under legal system: the used or designated as a place of punishment: |
I
j
;
penance
319
(of an act or offense) a penal institution. punishable by law. derivatives: pe»nal»ly adv. pen^ance 'penans • «. 1 voluntary selfpunishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong: he |
|
had done
public
penance for
words. 2 a Christian
sacrament
those hasty
which
in
a
member
of the Church confesses sins to a priest and is given absolution. a religious observance or other duty required of a person by a priest as part of this sacrament to indicate repentance. • v. [trans.] impose a penance on: a hair shirt to penance him for his folly in offending. Cf. penitent pe*na*tes Ipa'natez; -'na-| • plural n. household gods worshiped in conjunction with Vesta and the lares by the ancient Romans.
pen*chant
|
'penCHsnt
• |
[usu. in
n.
sing.]
a
strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something: a penchant for adopting stray dogs. pend*ant 'pendant • «. 1 a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck. a necklace with such a piece of jewelry. a light designed to hang from the ceiling. the part of a pocket watch by which it is suspended. 2 an artistic, literary, or musical composition intended to match or complement another: the triptych's pendant will occupy the corresponding wall. • adj. hanging downward; pendent: pendant flowers on frail |
I
stems.
pend^ent
1
'pendant
•
adj.
I
1
hanging down
or overhanging: pendent lichens. 2 undecided; pending: the use ofjurisdiction to decide pendent claims. 3 (esp. of a sentence) incomplete; not
having a
finite verb.
derivatives: pen»den»cy n. pend*ing pendiNG • adj. awaiting decision |
|
or settlement: nine cases were still pending. (of a patent) having provisional status, and protected by law for one year, until a full patent is obtained. about to happen; imminent: the pending disaster. • prep, until (something) happens or takes place: they were released on bail pending an appeal. pen*du*l0US i'penjabs; 'pendy9-| 'adj. hanging down loosely: pendulous branches. DERI VAT I v E s pen»du»lous»ly adv. • n. pen*du*lum 'penjalam; 'pendyaa weight hung firom a fixed point so that it can swing freely backward and forward, esp. a rod with a weight at the end that regulates the mechanism of a clock. used to refer to the tendency of a situation or state of affairs to oscillate regularly between one extreme and another: the pendulum offashion. :
\
|
derivatives: pen»du*lar
|-lar| adj.
.
pe*ne*plain rpena,plan| •
n.
a
(also peneplane) more or less level land surface produced
by erosion over crustal
a
long period, undisturbed by
movement.
pen«e»tra*li*a ,peni'tralea| ' plural n. the innermost parts of a building; a secret or hid|
den
place.
penultimate
pe*nile
|
'penal; -nil
|
•
adj
[attrib.]
of, relating
or affecting the penis.
to,
pen»i*tent 'penitnt| • adj. feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant: • n. a person who repents his or her |
wrongdoings and (in the Christian Church) seeks forgiveness from God. derivatives: penM»tence n. penn»tent» sins or
ly adv.
pen*i*ten*tia«ry
|
,pena'tenSHare|
.
w.
(pi.
-ies) 1 a prison for people convicted of serious
Roman
crimes. 2 (in the
Catholic Church) a
charged with certain aspects of the administration of the sacrament of penance. an office in the papal court forming a tribunal for deciding on questions relating to penpriest
ance, dispensations, and absolution. 'penan • n. a long triangular or swallow-tailed flag, esp. as the military ensign of lancer regiments.
pen*non
|
I
derivatives: pen«noned
adj.
pe«nol«0*gy Ipe'nalajei . n. the study of the punishment of crime and of prison management.
derivatives: pe»no»log»i»cal kal
adj. I
pen«see
pe«nol»o»gist
-jist
|
|
.pena'laji-
n.
|
,pan'sa • n. a thought or reflection put into literary form; an aphorism. pen*sile 'pen,sil; -sil| 'adj. hanging down; pendulous: pensile nests. pen*slve 'pensiv • adj. engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought: a pensive mood. derivatives: pen«sive»ly adv. pen»sive» |
|
|
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ness n. pen»ta*Cle
I
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'pentakall • n. a talisman or disk-shaped typically
object,
ical
magand
inscribed with a pentagram or other figure, and used as a symbol of the element of earth. . «. a five'penta.grsem pen*ta*gram |
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pointed star that is formed by drawing a continuous line in five straight segments, often used as a mystic and magical symbol. . n. another 'pen,taeNGgal pen*tan*gle I
|
term for pentagram. Pen»ta*teuch 'penta,t(y)ook| the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Traditionally ascribed to Moses, it is now held by scholars to be a compilation from texts of the 9th to 5th centuries bc. Cf. |
To RAH. derivatives: Pen»ta»teuch«al
|-,t(y)ookh
kal| adj.
,penta'k6stl; -'kastll » adf of or relating to the Christian festival commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples (the Pentecost). 2 of, relating to, or denoting any of a number of Christian
Pen»te*COS*tal
|
1
sects
and individuals emphasizing baptism
in
the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and exorcism. . n. a member of a Pentecostal sect.
derivatives: Pen»te«cos»talMsm
am
n.
Pen»te»cos»tal»ist
|
-ist |
adf
|-,iz-
&
n.
I
pe*nul*ti»mate |pe'naltamit| *adj. [attrib.] second to last in a series of things: the penultimate chapter of the book.
1
penumbra
320
pe*num*bra Ipe'nsmbrsI • n. (pi. penumbrae -,bre; -,bri or penumbras) the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast |
|
by an opaque object. the shadow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing a partial eclipse. the dark outer part of a sunspot, surrounding the dark core. any area of partial shade. less
derivatives: pe»num«bral pen*U*ry
'penyare
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•
|
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-brail
adj.
extreme poverty;
n.
destitution.
DERI VAT V E s pe»nu»ri»ous adj. pe«on 'pe,an; 'pean • «. 1 a Latin- American I
:
|
I
day laborer or unskilled farm worker. a debtor held in servitude by a creditor, esp. formerly in the southern US and Mexico. a person who does menial work; a drudge: 2 (in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia) someone of low rank. derivatives: pe«on»age I'peanijI n. pep*tic 'peptik . adj. of or relating to digestion, esp. that which takes place in the stomI
i
ach.
per»ad*ven*ture •
|
.psrsd'vencHsr;
,per-
adv. perhaps: peradventure I'm not as wealthy
as he
•
is.
uncertainty or doubt as to is the case: that shows be-
n.
whether something
yond peradventure
the strength of the econ-
omy.
per*am*bu*late ps'rsembya.lat -v. [trans.] walk or travel through or around (a place or area), esp. for pleasure and in a leisurely way: |
|
she perambulated the square.
walk from place to place; walk about: he grew weary of perambulating over rough [intrans.]
countryside.
derivatives: ,ra£mby3'lasH3n -b, tore I
I
per«am»bu»la«tion |p3 n. per«am»bu»la»to»ry
adj. I
per«cen*tile Ipar'sen.till each of the 100 equal groups into which a population can be divided according to the distribution of values of a statistical variable. per»cept 'psrsept • w. an object of percepi
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somediing that is perceived. a mental concept that is developed as a consequence of the process of perception. per*chance par'cnaens • adv. by some tion;
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chance; perhaps. per*cip*i*ent Ipsr'sipesntI »adj. (of a person) having a good understanding; perceptive. • n. (esp. in philosophy or with reference to psychic phenomena) a person who is able to perceive things.
derivatives: per»cip«i»ence n. per«cipM» ent'ly adv.
per*CO*late
'parks, lat| i
»v.
(of a liquid or
gas) filter gradually through a porous surface or substance: the water percolating through the soil may leach out minerals. (of information or an idea or feeling) spread gradually through an area or group of people: this idea soon percolated into the Christian
Church. be or become full of lively activity or excitement: the night was percolating with an expectant energy.
derivatives: per»co«la»tion SH3n|
n.
|
.parks'la-
perfectionism
per*di*tlon Ipsr'diSHanI • «. (in Christian theology) a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unpenitent person passes after death. utter ruin or destruction. per*dur*a*ble |p3r'd(y)(5t)r3b3l| 'adj. enduring continuously; imperishable. derivatives: per»dur»a«bil»i»ty - d (y) 00,
|
ra'bilitel n.
per*dure
per»dur«a»bly
|p3r'd(y)(50r| »v.
|-ble| adv. [intrans.]
remain
in
existence throughout a substantial period of time; endure: bell music has perdured in Venice throughout five centuries.
derivatives: per«dur»aiice
|
'
d (y) (SOrans
n.
pere per
|
•
n.
|
used
after a
surname
to distin-
guish a father from a son of the same name: Alexandre Dumas pere. Cf. fils. per*e*gri*nate 'perigra.nat *v. [no obj., with adverbial] travel or wander around from place to place. D E R I VAT I V E s per«e»gri»na»tion .perigra 'naSH3n| n. per»e»gri»na«tor |-,nat3r| n. per*emp*tO*ry Ipa'remptarel » adj. (esp. of a person's manner or actions) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, esp. in a brusquely imperious way: "Just do it!" came the peremptory reply. not open to legal appeal or challenge; final. |
|
:
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derivatives: per»emp»to»ri»ly adv.
per«emp«to»ri«ness
usage:
|-t3r9le|
|-renis| n.
Peremptory and preemptive
can be confijsed, as both involve stopping something, A peremptory act or statement is absolute; it cannot be denied: He issued a peremptory order. A preemptive action is one taken before an adversary can act: Preemptive air strikes stopped the enemy from launching the new warship.
per»en*ni»al
Ipa'renesll 'adj. lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring: his perennial distrust of the media. (of a plant) living for several years: cow pars(esp. ley is perennial. Cf ANNUAL, biennial. of a problem or difficult situation) continually occurring: perennial manifestations of ur[attrib.] (of a person) apparently ban crisis. permanently engaged in a specified role or (of a way of life: he's a perennial student. stream or spring) flowing throughout the year. • n. a perennial plant. derivatives: per»en»ni»al»ly adv. pe*re*Stroi*ka .pers'stroiksi (in the former Soviet Union) the policy or practice of restructuring or reforming the economic and .
|
proposed by Leonid Brezhnev in 1979 and actively promoted by Mildiail Gorbachev, perestroika originally referred to increased automation and labor ef-
political system. First
but came to entail greater awareness of economic markets and the ending of central planning. per»fec*tion»ism par'fekSHs.nizsm . n. refusal to accept any standard short of perfecficiency,
|
I
tion.
|
a philosophical doctrine holding that reli-
perfervid
321
peristalsis
gious, moral, social, or political perfection is attainable, esp. the theory that human moral or spiritual perfection should be or has been
a rhetorical period. 4 denoting a sentence that creates anticipation or suspense by end-
attained.
several clauses.
derivatives: per«fec»tionMst
n.
&
adj.
|
I
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per«fi»
\
I
\
appendix.
row of small holes
in (paper) so that torn off easily. • adj. 'psrfsrit; -,rat| perforated: a perforate shell. derivatives: per»fo»ra»tion n. per»fo» ra'tor |-,rapr| n. per»force par'fors • adv. used to express necessity or inevitability: amateurs, perforce, have to settle for less. per»for»ma«tive psr'formativ . adj. relating to or denoting an utterance by means of which the speaker performs a particular act (e.g., / bet, I apologize). • n. a performative verb, sentence, or utterance. per»f unc*tO«ry psr'faNGktsre . adj. (of an action or gesture) carried out with a miniof effort or reflection: the investigation was merely perfunctory. derivatives: per«>func»to»ri»ly |-'f3NGk-
may be
a part
\
|
|
|
|
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I
mum
tsrale
adv. per»func»to»ri«ness
1
per*fuse Ipsr'fyoozl suffuse
'V.
[trans.]
|
-renis
|
n.
permeate or
(something) with a liquid, color,
quality, etc.: Glaser perfused the yellow light
with white
\
such expression
is
perfused by rhet-
oric.
supply (an organ, tissue, or body) with a blood or a blood substitute, by circulating it through blood vessels or other
fluid, typically
natural channels.
derivatives: per»fu«sion |-ZH9n| n. per* fu'sionMst |-ZH3nist| n. per»i*gee 'persje • w. the point in the orbit |
|
moon
or a satellite at which it is nearest to the earth. The opposite of apogee. pe*rim*e*ter |ps'rimit3r| • «. the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure. the length of such a line: the rectangle has a perimeter of 30 cm. the outermost parts or boundary of an area, concept, or object: the perimeter of the garden my presence on the perimeter of his life. a defended boundary of a military position or base. Cf. periphery. See of the
one containing
pe»ri»od*l»cal ,pire'adik3l • w. a magazine or newspaper pubhshed at regular intervals. • adj. [attrib.] occurring or appearing at intervals; occasional: she took periodical gulps of her |
tea.
(of a magazine or newspaper) published at regular intervals: a periodical newsletter.
\
usage at parameter. derivatives: pern»met»ric
|
adv.
per«i*pa*tet*ic .perips'tetiki »adj. 1 traveling from place to place, esp. working or based in various places for relatively short periods: the peripatetic nature of military life. 2 (Peripatetic) of or belonging to the philosophical school or Aristotle (384-322 bc); Aris|
per»fo*rate • v. 'parfa.rat [trans.] pierce and make a hole or holes in: worms had perforated the pages [as adj.] (perforated) a perforated a
clause, esp.
derivatives: pe»ri«od»i»caWy
ious lover.
derivatives: per»fid»i»ous»ly adv. dy n.
make
main
its
|
per»fec»tionMS»tic -,feksH3n'istik| adj. per*fer*vid par'fsrvid • adj. intense and impassioned. derivatives: per»fer»vid«ly adv. per*fid*i*OUS par'fideas . adj. deceitful and untrustworthy; capable of treachery: a perfid|
ing with
jpera'met-
rikj adj.
pe*ri*od*ic |,pire'adik| 'adj. 1 appearing or occurring at intervals: the periodic visits she made to herfather. 2 relating to the periodic table of elements or the pattern of chemical properties that underlies it. 3 of or relating to
totelian.
•
n.
1
a
person
who
from
travels
place to place. 2 (Peripatetic) an Aristotehan philosopher. derivatives: per»i»pa»tet»i»cal*ly |-ik(3)le adv. per»i»pa»tetM»cism |-'teti,siI
Z3m|
n.
pe*riph*er*al Ipa'rifarall . a^'. of, relating to, or situated on die edge or periphery of something: the peripheral areas of Europe.
of secondary or minor importance; marginal: she will see their problems as
peripheral
(of a device) able to be and used with a computer, although not an integral part of it. near the surface of the body, with special reference to the circulation and nervous system: lymphocytes from peripheral blood. * n. a device connected or connectable to a computer.
to her own. attached to
[attrib.]
derivatives: pe»riph»er»aW»ty
|-'r£el-
pe»riph»er»aW»za«tion Ipa.rifarali 'zaSHsnl n. pe»riph»er»alMze |-,iz| v. pe»
ite|
n.
riph»er»al»ly adv.
peniph*er»y
Ips'rifsrel • n. (pi. -ies) the outer limits or edge of an area or object: new
buildings
on the periphery of
the hospital
site.
a marginal or secondary position in, or part or aspect of, a group, subject, or sphere of activity: a shift in power from the center to the periphery. Cf. perimeter
pe»riph*ra*sis Ipa'rifrasisl . w. (pi. periphrases - ,sez ) the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing. an indirect and circumlocutory phrase. the use of separate words to express a grammatical relationship that is otherwise expressed by inflection, e.g., did go as opposed to went and more intelligent as opposed to smarter. Cf. paraphrase ,per3'frastik| 'adj. (of per«i*phras»tic speech or writing) indirect and circumlocuI
i
|
tory: the periphrastic nature of legal syntax. (of a case or tense) formed by a combination
of words rather than by inflection (such as did go and of the people rather than went and the people's).
derivatives: per»i»phras»ti»cal»ly
|
-(a)-
adv.
le I
. w. .pera'stolsis the involper»i*Stal*siS untary constriction and relaxation of the |
I
|
322
peristyle
muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wavelike movements that push the contents of the canal along.
DERI VAT V E s I
cluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience. per*pe*trate 'parpa,trat| »v. [trans.] carry out or commit (a harmful, illegal, or immoral |
per«i«stal»tic
:
perquisite
|
-'stoltik
adj. |
per«i«stal»ti»caWy -'st61tik(3)le adv. per»l*Style 'peri, still • «. a row of columns surrounding a space within a building such as a courtyard or internal garden or edging a veranda or porch. an architectural space such as a courtyard or porch that is surrounded or edged by such |
|
action)
:
a crime has been perpetrated against a
sovereign state.
j
columns. per*jure parjar
|
• V.
|
fully tell a lie
(perjure oneself)
when giving evidence to
commit perjury. derivatives: per»jur»er
will-
a court;
n.
per»pe»tra»tion ,parpa per»pe»tra»tor |-,tratar| n.
n.
I
usage: To perpetrate something is to commit it: The gang perpetrated outrages against several citizens. To perpetuate something is to cause it to continue or to keep happening: The stories only serve to perpetuate the legend that the house
is
haunted.
per«pet*U«al par'pecnawal . adj. 1 never ending or changing: deep caves in perpetual |
|
|
|
adj.
'traSHanj
j
per»ju»ry 'parjare • n. (pi. -ies) (in law) the offense of willfully telling an untruth after having taken an oath or affirmation, in court or in a formal hering, etc. the action or an act of taking a vow one does not intend to keep. derivatives: per«ju«ri«ous par'jOOreas
perjuriously adv.
peHo«CU*tion
derivatives:
,parb'kyooSHan| » n. an act of speaking or writing that has an action as its aim but that in itself does not effect or constitute the action, for example persuading or convincing. Cf. illocution. derivatives: per«lo»cu*tion«ar»y -,nere |
|
darkness. [attrib.] denoting a position, job, or trophy held for life rather than a limited period, or the person holding it: perpetual secretary of the society. (of an investment) having no fixed maturity date; irredeemable: a perpetual bond. 2 occurring repeatedly; so frequent as to seem endless and uninterrupted: their perpet-
ual money worries. (of a plant) blooming or fruiting several times in one season: he grows perpetual carna• n. tions. a perpetual plant, esp. a hybrid rose.
|
derivatives: per«pefu»al«ly
adj.
per»ma«frost
. n. 'parma, frost; -,frast a thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, occurring chiefly in polar regions. per*me»a*ble 'parmeabal • adj. (of a material or membrane) allowing liquids or gases to pass through it: a frog's skin is permeable to water. per*me*ate |'parme,at| »v. [trans.] spread throughout (something); pervade: the aroma of soup permeated the air [intrans.] his personality has begun to permeate through the whole |
|
|
|
\
adv.
• v. parpecHa,wat [trans.] make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue
per»pet«u»ate
|
|
indefinitely: the
law perpetuated the
interests
of
the ruling class.
preserve (something valued) from oblivion or extinction: how did these first humans survive to perpetuate the species? derivatives: per»pet»u»ance |-wans| n.
per»pet«u»a»tion patipeCHa'waSHan per«pet«u»a«tor !-,watari n.
|
n.
!
usage: See usage
at
perpetrate.
organization.
derivatives: per»me»a«tion SHan|
|
.parme'a-
n.
per»mu»ta»tion ,parmy(50'taSHan| . n. a way, esp. one of several possible variations, in which a set or number of things can be !
ahead permutations of what he must
ordered or arranged: to fifty different
his thoughts raced
do.
the action of changing the arrangement, esp. the linear order, of a set of numbers or other items.
derivatives: per»mu»ta»tion»al SHanall
|-'ta-
adj.
per*ni*cious
per*pe«tu*i*ty ,parpi't(y)ooite . n. (pi. -ies) 1 a thing that lasts forever or for an indefinite period, in particular: a bond or other security with no fixed matu|
rity date.
I
(in law) a restriction
making an
estate inahenable perpetually or for a period
beyond certain
an estate limits fixed by law. so restricted. 2 the state or quality of lasting forever: he did not believe in the perpetuity of military rule.
PHRASEs:in(or for) perpetuity forever: Bonapartes were banished from France
the
in perpe-
tuity.
having a harmfial effect, esp. in a gradual or subtle way: pernicious media. the influences of the mass derivatives: per«ni»cious«ly adv. per* ni»cious»ness n. per«o*rate I'pera.ratl »v. [intrans.] speak at length: in private he would perorate against his |par'niSHas|
'adj.
colleague.
sum up and conclude
a speech: the recapituwhich she perorates. per«0»ra»tion ,pera'raSHan| . n. the conlation with
I
per«plex«i«ty
par'pleksite
. |
n.
(pi.
-ies)
|
thing
with or understand somecomplicated or unaccountable: she
paused
in perplexity.
inability to deal
(usu. perplexities) a complicated or baffling situation, aspect, or thing: the perplexities of international relations. per*qui*site I'parkwazit] . n. (also, informally perk) a benefit incidental to a particu-
or position. a thing regarded as a special right or privi-
lar job
.
persecute
323
lege enjoyed as a result of one's position: the wife of a president has all the perquisites of star-
a thing that has served its primary use then given to a subordinate or employee as a custom.ary right.
dom.
and
is
usage: Perquisite and prerequisite
are sometimes confused. Perquisite usually means 'an extra allowance or privilege' {he had all the perquisites of a movie star). Prerequisite means 'something required as a con-
was one of the
dition' (passing the examination prerequisites for
a teaching position)
per»se»CUte 'p3rs3,kyoot| »v. [trans.] (often be persecuted) subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, esp. because of their race or political or religious beliefs: Jews who had been persecuted by the regime. harass or annoy (someone) persistently: Hilda was persecuted by some of the other girls. derivatives: per»se»cu»tion .parss'kyooSH3n| n. per»se»cu»tor |-,kyoopr| n. per* |
pervasive thing
nonhuman)
|
-ky(30,t6re
adj. |
usage: Prosecute means 'to take legal action against': they prosecuted him for trespassing. Persecute means 'to take hostile, generally nonlegal or illegal, action against': they persecuted him for his religious views. pensev*er»ate
psr'sevs.rat
|
• v.
[intrans.]
re-
poem, the oak
trees
are
represent or embody (a quality, concept, or thing) in a physical form: he fairly
personified.
personifies trustworthiness.
DERI VAT V E s per»son«i»fi»ca»tion n. per* son«i«fi«er |-,fi(3)rl n. per*spi*ca*cious ,p9rspi'kasH3s| . adj. having a ready insight into and understanding of things: it offers quite a few facts to the perspicaI
:
|
cious reporter.
DERI VAT I V E s per»spi»ca»cious»ly adv. per»spi»cac»i*ty |-'kaesite| n. per*spic*U«OUS Ipar'spikyoowasI » adj. (of an account or representation) clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid: it provides simpler and more perspicuous explanations than its rivals. (of a person) able to give an account or express an idea clearly. :
derivatives: 'kyooite
per«spi»cun»ty per»spic»u«ous»ly adv.
n.
|
|
se»cu»to»ry
in the
:
|
.parspi
part • adj. (of a girl or young woman) sexually attractive because lively or saucy: a pert Belgian actress.
pert
I
I
(of a bodily feature or garment) attractive because neat and jaunty: she had a pert nose and deep blue eyes. (of a young person or his or her speech or behavior) impudent: no need to be pert, miss. another term for peart 'lively, cheerful.'
|
peat or prolong an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased. derivatives: per»sev«er»a»tion |p3r,sev3 'raSH9n|
derivatives: pert»ly adv. pert»ness n. per*ti*na*ci0US .psrm'aSHas . adj. holding firmly to an opinion or a course of action: he worked with a pertinacious resistance to inter|
|
ruptions.
n.
per«si*flage 'parsa.flazH . n. light mockery or banter. per*snlck»et«y ipsr'snikatel • adj. placing too much emphasis on trivial or minor |
|
derivatives:
per»ti»na»cious»ly adv. per»ti«nac»i»ty per»ti»na»cious*ness n. -'sesite
|
n.
I
snickety about her food.
'psrtn-snt . adj. relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite: very pertinent questions not pertinent to the inves-
requiring a particularly precise or careful approach: the film is persnickety and difficult to
derivatives: per»ti«nence
use.
cy
details; fussy: persnickety gardeners
\
she's per-
|
others: her public persona. a role or character
adopted by an author or
'psrsanij » n. a person (often used to express his or her significance, importance, or elevated status): it was no less a per\
|
sonage than the bishop. a character in a play or other work.
per*son»al*ty |
'psrssnalte
|
.
n.
The opposite of realty. per*SO*na non gra«ta Ipar'sona nan 'grap| n. (pi. personae non gratae psr'sone nan •
|
an unacceptable or unwelcome person: from now on, these scandal-seeking journalists can consider themselves personae non gratae. )
|
per*son»i»fy
|p9r'san3,fi| ^v. (-ies, -ied) represent (a quality or concept) by a figure in human form: public pageants and dramas in which virtues and vices were personified. (usu. be personified) attribute a personal nature or human characteristics to (some[trans.]
n.
n.
per«ti»nen»
per»ti»nent»ly adv.
per*turb
par'tsrb
• |
v.
[trans.]
(often
1
be
|
perturbed) make (someone) anxious or unsettled: they were perturbed
by her capricious be-
2 subject (a system, moving object, or process) to an influence tending to alter its normal or regular state or path: nudear weapons used to perturb the orbit of asteroids. derivatives: per»turb»a»ble adj. per* tur»ba»tion n. per«tur»ba«tive 'partar.bativ;p3r't3rb3tiv| adj. (sense 2) per«turb«ing» |
ly adv.
personal
property.
'grate
tigation.
havior.
an actor.
per*SOn«age
|
|
\
per*SO*na Ipar'sonsI »n. (pi. personas or personae -'sone ) the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by i
per»ti*nent
Ips'roozl »v. [trans.] read thoroughly or carefully. examine carefully or at length.
pe«ruse
derivatives: pe»rus»er n. pe»rus»al n. usage: The verb peruse means 'read thoroughly and carefully.' It is sometimes mistakenly taken to mean 'read through quickly; glance over,' as in later documents will be perused rather than analyzed thoroughly.
per*va»slve
par'vasiv |
. I
unwelcome influence or
adj.
(esp.
of an
physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a
324
perverse group of people: ageism entrenched in our
pervasive
is
adv. per«va»
an epileptic seizure of this kind. pet«ri*fy
n.
'petra.fi
(-ies, -ied)
. v.
|
|
per*verse
grand
sciousness without loss of posture. Cf.
MAL.
society.
derivatives: per»va»sive»ly sive»ness
and
phallic
• adj. par'vars (of a person or personal actions) showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences: Kate's perverse decision not |
i
[trans.]
make (someone) so frightened as to be unable to move or think: his icy quietness pet1
contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice: in two general elections the outcome was quite perverse. (of a verdict) against the weight of evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law. sexually perverted. derivatives: per»verse»ly adv. per* verse»ness n. per»ver»si»ty -'varsite n. (pi.
(petrified) the petrified 2 change (organic matter) into stony material by encrusting or replacing its original substance with a calcareous or other mineral deposit. [intrans.] (of organic matter) become converted into stony material in such a way. deprive or become deprived of vitality or the capacity for change: [trans.] death merely petrifies things for those who go on living [intrans.] the inner life of the communist parties pet-
-ies)
rified.
to cooperate.
|
|
.
per»ver»sion parVsrZHan . M. the alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corrupI
|
what was
tion of
intended: perversion of
first
the law.
rified her\
[as
adj.]
child clung to her mother.
|
derivatives: pet»ri«fac*tion caption
n.
pet»ri»fi«
n.
pet»ro»glyph
'petra.glif • n. a rock carving or drawing, esp. a prehistoric one. » v. pet*ti*fog 'pete, fog; 'pete, fag (pettifogged, pettifogging) [intrans.] quibble about petty points. practice legal deception or trickery. derivatives: pet»ti»fog*ger»y ,pete'f6|
|
|
I
sexual behavior or desire that
is
considered
abnormal or unacceptable. per*vert
(somemeaning, or distortion or corruption of what was par'vsrt
. v.
[trans.]
\
from
thing)
state to a first
alter
I
original course,
its
intended: charged with conspiring
to per-
vert the course ofjustice.
little
s lead (someone) away from what
consid• n. ered right, natural, or acceptable. 'parvsrt a person whose sexual behavior is regarded as abnormal and unacceptable. is
|
I
derivatives: per»vert»er per»vi*OUS
n.
'parveas • adj. (of a substance) allowing water to pass through; permeable: pervious rocks. |
|
derivatives: per»vi»ous»ness pes*si*mism 'pes3,miz3m . n. I
|
n.
a
tendency
to see the worst aspect of things or believe
that the worst will happen; a lack of confidence in the future.
hope or
(in philosophy) a belief that evil will ultimately prevail over good. derivatives: pes»si»mist n. pe*tard pi'tard • n. a small bomb made of a metal or wooden box filled with powder, used |
to blast
I
down
a
door or to make a hole
in a
wall.
a kind of firework that explodes with a sharp report.
phrases: hoist with
(or by) one's
tard have one's plans others backfire pet*lt I
'pete
• I
own pe-
to cause trouble for
on one. adj. (of a
les-
|
'pete
boOr'zHwa; pa'te
|
of or characteristic of the lower middle class (the petit bourgeoisie), esp. with reference to a perceived conventionalism and conservatism: the frail facade of petit bourgeois • n. respectability. (pi. petits bourgeois pronunc. same) a member of the lower middle class, esp. when perceived as conventional •
adj.
and conservative. pe*tlt mal 'pete 'mal • n. a mild form of epilepsy characterized by brief spells of uncon|
n.
|
adf (pettier, pettiest) 1 of importance; trivial: the petty divisions of 'pete
I
•
I
party politics. (of behavior) characterized by an undue concern for trivial matters, esp. in a smallminded or spiteful way: he was prone to petty revenge on friends and family. 2 [attrib.] of secondary or lesser importance, rank, or scale; minor: a petty official. (of a crime) of lesser importance (usu. in terms of money involved, as defmed by statute): petty larceny.
derivatives
pet»ti»ly |'petale| adv. pet* 'petenas n. pet*U*iant |'pecHalant| » adj. (of a person or personal manner) childishly sulky or badtempered: he was moody and petulant a petulant shake of the head.
ti'ness
:
|
|
|
derivatives: pet»u»lance
n.
pet»u»lant«
ly adv.
pe*yo*te
• «. pa'yote a small, soft, bluegreen, spineless cactus {Lophophora williamsit), native to Mexico and the southern US. |
|
Also called mescal. a hallucinogenic drug prepared from cactus, containing mescaline.
pha*lanx crime) petty; of
ser importance: petit larceny.
peHt bour*geois
|
gare; ,pete'fagare
pet*ty
|
'falaeNcks;
'fael-
1
.
«.
1
(pi.
this
pha-
lanxes) a group of people or things of a similar type forming a compact body or brought together for a common purpose: headed past the phalanx of waiting reporters. a body of troops or police officers, standing or moving in close formation: six hundred (in marchers set off, led by a phalanx of police. ancient Greece) a body of Macedonian infantry drawn up in close order with shields touching and long spears overlapping. 2 (pi. phalanges |fa'laenjez; fa'laenjez|) a bone of the finger or toe.
|
phaHic
I'faelikj
-adf
of,
relating
to,
or
phallus
phloem
325
resembling a phallus or erect penis: a phallic
derivatives: phe«no«typMC phe»no«typM«cal
symbol.
adj.
of or denoting the genital phase in the Freudian view of psychosexual development,
phe«no»typ«i»cal«ly
,fen3'tipik| |
.fena'tipikal
adj.
|
DERI VAT V E s phal'li'caMy adv. • n. (pi. phalli phalHus faebs phalluses) a penis, esp. when erect I
:
|
faeli
|
|
or
I
(typically
used with reference to male potency or dominance).
an image or representation of an erect penis,
derivatives: phal»li»cism 'faelizam
|
|-,siz3m|
n.
n.
|
• n. a figment of the imagination; an illusion or apparition. an illusory likeness of something: every phantasm of a hope was quickly nullified. |
'fsentaszsm
|
derivatives: phan«tas«mal |fsen'taezfaen't£ezmik| adj. adj. phan»tas»mic
mall
|
phan«tas»ma*go»rl»a fsen.taezms'gorea . n. a sequence of real or imaginary images like that seen in a dream: a phantasmagoria of horror and mystery. derivatives: phan»tas»ma»gor»ic |-g6rik adj. phan»tas»ma»gor»i»cal goriksl adj. Phar*i*see 'fser3,se » n. a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to |
I
I
|
|
\
|
superior sanctity. a self-righteous person; a hypocrite.
Pharn^sanc
derivatives: adj.
Phar»i»saM*cal
|
.fsers'saikl
ifaers'saikal
|
adj. |
Pharn»sa»ism |-sa,iz3m| n. phar»ma*CO*poe»ia .farmska'pes pharmacopeia) • n. a book, esp. an |
Ifa'laendsr] • v. [intrans.] (of a readily or frequently enter into casual sexual relationships with women.
official
|
good
to
|
causes. Ifa'laeriTHrapel
the de-
n.
»
promote the welfare of others, expressed esp. by the generous donation of money to good causes. to
sire
a charity.
derivatives: phil»an«throp»ic lan»thro»pism |-piz3m| pize -piz V.
adj. phi* phi»lan»thro»
n.
I
I
phi«lat»e*ly
|
fa'lsetl-e
. |
the collection
w.
study of postage stamps. DERI VAT V E s phil'a'teWc I
.fib'telik
:
phil«a»teM»caWy lat»e»list
fs'laetl-ist
adj. |
,fib'telik(3)le
|
|
I
phHip*pic
|
and
adv. phi*
n. I
n. a bitter attack or denunciation, esp. a verbal one. Phil*is«tine |'fib,sten; 'fib,stin| • n. 1 a member of a non-Semitic people of southern Palestine in ancient times, who came into conflict with the Israelites during the 12th and 11th centuries bc. 2 (usu. Philistine) a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them: [as adj.] a philistine govern-
Ifa'lipikI
»
derivatives: phiWs»tin»ish tinnsm 'fibste,niz3m; fa'lista-
adj. 1
phil»is»
n.
|
their use.
a stock of medicinal drugs. 'feros a lighthouse, often considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, |
derivatives: phi»lan»der»er n. phi*lan*thro*pist fa leeniHrapist . n. a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, esp. by the generous donation of money
ment. (also
|
pubHcation, containing a list of medicinal drugs with their effects and directions for
Pha*ros
adv.
|
phHan*der
phHan*thro*py
typically symbolizing fertility or potency.
phal«lism
|
man)
esp. in males.
phan*tasm
|
,fen3'tipik(9)le
|
erected by Ptolemy II (308-246 bc) in c.280 BC on the island of Pharos, off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. [as n.] (pharos) a lighthouse or a beacon to guide sailors.
phi*log*y*nist fs'lajsnist • n. a person who likes or admires women. derivatives: phi»log»y«ny |-'laj3ne| n. phi«lol»0»gy ifs'labjel »n. the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, and relationships of a language or languages. \
|
literary or classical scholarship.
derivatives:
phil»o»lo»gi»an
|fib'lo|
.fib'lajikal adj. jean n. phil«o«log»i«cal phil»o«log»i«cal»ly ,fib'lajik(3)le adv. phi* lol'O'gist n. phihter 'filtar (Brit, philtre) . n. a drink supposed to excite sexual love in the drinker. phlegm flem . n. the thick substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, esp. when produced in excessive or abnormal quantities, e.g., when someone is suffering from a cold. (in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humors, believed to be associated with a calm, stolid, or apathetic tem|
|
|
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phe*nom*e»non f3'nam3,nan; -nan
• |
n.
(pi.
|
phenomena
fs'namans ) 1 a fact or situaobserved to exist or happen, esp. one whose cause or explanation is in ques|
|
tion that
is
tion: glaciers are unique
and
interesting natural
phenomena. a remarkable person, thing, or event. 2 (in philosophy) the object of a person's percep-
what the senses or the mind notice. usage: The word phenomenon comes
tion;
from Greek, and its plural form is phenomena, as in these phenomena are not fully understood. It is a mistake to treat phenomena as if it were a singular form, as in this is a strange
phenomena.
|
|
|
|
perament.
calmness of temperament.
DERI VAT V E s phlegm'y I
:
adj.
phleg«mat«ic |fleg'm£etik| ^adf (of a person) having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.
phe*no*type
|
'fens, tip
• |
n.
(in biology) the
set of observable characteristics
of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
derivatives: phleg»matn»cal»ly
|-3k(3)-
adv.
le I
phlo*em
'flo,em| • n. the vascular tissue in plants that conducts sugars and other metaI
.
326
phlogiston bolic products
downward from the leaves. Cf
XYLEM. phlO*gis*ton |flo'jistan; -tan » n. a substance supposed by 1 8th-century chemists to exist in all combustible bodies, and to be released in combustion. pho*bi*a 'fobes » n. an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something: he had I
I
a
I
phobia about
being under water
a snake
\
phobia.
derivatives: pho»bic
|'fobik|
&
adj.
n.
pho*neme
|'fonem| • n. any of the perceptually distinct units of sound in a specified language that distinguish one word from another, for example p, b, d, and t in the English words pad, pat, bad, and bat.
derivatives: pho»ne»mic Ifs'nemik; adj. pho»ne«mics Ifa'nemiks; fo-| n.
fo-i
branch of phonemes.
with
that
linguistics
the
deals
pho»to»syn»thetM«cal»ly
'THetik(3)le
adv.
|-,sin
i
phre»nol*0*gy
fre'nabje
|
.
the detailed
n.
I
study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities, popular in the 19th but largely discredited by the early 20th cent.. derivatives: phre«no»log«i»cal .frens 'lajikall adj. phre»nol»o»gist |-jist| n. phy«lac*ter»y Ifi'lsektsrel • w. (pi. -ies) a small leather box containing Hebrew texts, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law. phy»log»e»ny .fi'lajsne . n. the branch of biology that deals with phylogenesis (the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms, or of a particular feature of an organism). derivatives: phy«lo«ge»net»ic adj. phy* lo'genMc ,fiib'jenik| aci;. phy»lo*gen»i«cal« |
|
|
I
sounds with letters or groups of letan alphabetic writing system. pho*noho*gy fs'nabje; fo- • n. the branch relating ters in
1
|
of linguistics that deals with systems of sounds, esp. in a particular language. the system of relationships among the speech sounds that constitute the fundamental components of a language.
derivatives: pho«no«logn»cal
|
ifons'laj-
pho»no«logM«cal»ly .fona'lajik(9)le| adv. pho«nol»o«gist |-3jist| n. adj.
I
|
phos*phones»cence
,fasf3'res3ns!
.
w.
|
emitted by a substance without combustion or perceptible heat: the stones overhead gleamed with phosphorescence. (in physics) the emission of radiation in a similar manner to fluorescence but on a longer timescale, so that emission continues light
after excitation ceases.
derivatives: phos«pho»res»cent pho»tO«gen*ic
'THetikI adj.
|
phon*ics 'faniks • plural n. [treated as sing.] a method of teaching people to read by cor-
ikal
pianissimo other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct. derivatives: pho«to«syn«thet»ic |-,sin
adj.
of a person) looking attractive in photographs or on film. 2 (of an organism or tissue) producing or emitting light. derivatives: pho»to»gen»i»cal»ly |-(3)le| |
',fot3'jenik| 'adj. 1 (esp.
I
ly
I
ifib'jenikle
adv.
|
phy*lum 'fibm
. n. (pi. phyla 'fib ) (in zoology) a principal taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom. (in linguistics) a group of languages related to each other less closely than those forming a family, esp. one in which the relationships are disputed or unclear. |
I
|
I
phys*ics i'fiziksl * plural n. [treated as sing.] the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished fi-om that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. the physical properties and phenomena of something: the physics of plasmas.
derivatives: physn»cist n. phys*i*og»no»my ,fize'a(g)n3me|
»
n.
(pi.
|
-ies) a person's facial features or expression,
'foto'reajizsmi » n. 1 detailed and unidealized representation in art, esp. of banal, mundane, or sordid aspects of life. 2 detailed visual representation, like that
when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin. the supposed art of judging character from the general form or facial characteristics. appearance of something: the physiognomy of
obtained in a photograph, in a nonphotographic medium such as animation, painting, or computer graphics.
derivatives: phys»i»og«nom«ic 'namiki adj. physM»og»nomn»cal
adv.
esp.
pho*tO*re*aHsm
|
derivatives: pho«to»re*aWst pho»to»re»al«is»tic
n.
&
adj.
the landscape.
'namikal
,fize9
|
,fize3'namik(3)le
|-istik| adj.
.fizes |
|
phys«i»og»nom»i«cal«ly
adj. |
adv.
I
pho»tO«sen»si»tive ,fot3'sensitiv| *adj. having a chemical, electrical, or other response to light: photosensitive cells photosen|
\
sitive drugs.
derivatives: pho»to»sen»si»tiv»i*ty
i
-
,
sen-
pho»to«sen«si»tize v. 1 initiate (a chemical change) by absorbing light energy sa'tivite
|
n.
and transferring
it
to a reactant.
2 make pho-
tosensitive.
phO*tO«syn*the*sis ,foto'sinTH3sis| . n. the process by which green plants and some |
. the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts. the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions: the physiology of the brain. derivatives: phys«i»o»log»ic .fizes'laj.fizes'lajikal phys»i»o«logM»cal ik| adj. ,fize3'lajik(3)le adj. phys»i»o»log»i»cal«ly adv. phys»i*ol»o»gist |-jist| n. pi*a*niS«Si*mo ,pe3'nisi,me| 'adv. & adj. (esp. as a musical direction) very soft or
phys»i»0l«0*gy
,fize'abje
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
j
|
327
pianoforte softly.
•
n.
|-,mi|) a
pianissimos or pianissimi passage marked to be performed (pi.
very softly. pi«an»0*forte |pe',asno'f6rta; pe'aeno,f6rt • n. formal term for a piano. pi«az*za Ipe'atsa; pe'aezal • n. 1 |pe'ats3| a public square or marketplace, esp. in an Italian town. 2 pe'aezs the veranda of a house. pic»a*resque .pika'reski • adj. of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero. • n. this style of fiction. |
I
pious member
of a group of EngPuritans fleeing religious persecution
(usu. Pilgrim) a lish
who
sailed in the Mayflower and founded the colony of Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. a person who travels on long journeys. a person whose life is compared to a journey. • V. (pilgrimed, pilgriming) [no obj., with adverbial of direction] archaic travel or wander like a pilgrim.
|
pic»a»yune less.
a small coin of
n.
«
|,piki'yoon|
»adj. petty; little
worth-
value, esp. a 5-
cent piece.
an insignificant person or thing. pic*tur*esque ,pikcH3'resk| 'adj. visually |
attractive, esp. in a quaint or pretty style: the
picturesque covered bridges of New England. (of language) unusual and vivid: picturesque speech.
derivatives: pic«tur»esque»ly adv. pic* tur»esque»ness n. pidg*in 'pijen • n. [often as adj.] a grammatically simplified form of a language, used for communication between people not sharing a common language. Pidgins have a limited vocabulary, some elements of which are taken from local languages, and are not native languages, but arise out of language contact between speakers of other languages. Cf. Creole. pie*bald 'pi, bold • adj. (of a horse) having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white. • n. a piebald horse or other animal. Cf. skewbald pied pid • adj. having two or more different colors: pied dogs from the Pyrenees. pied*mont 'pedmant • n. a gentle slope leading from the base of mountains to a re|
|
|
|
I
I
|
|
gion of flat land. (the Piedmont) a
hilly region of the eastern the Appalachians and the coastal plain. a region of Italy, in the foothills of the Alps. pie*ta ipea'ta (often Pieta) • n. a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms. • n. pi*e*tism 'pii,tiz9m pious sentiment, esp. of an exaggerated or affected nature. (usu. Pietism) a 1 7th-century movement for the revival of piety in the Lutheran
US, between
NW
I
|
|
|
Church.
derivatives: pil»grimMze pilHage
'pilij
[trans.]
• v.
|
|
pi»e«tis»tic
n.
,pi3 |
'tistiki adf pi»e»tis»ti»cal ,pi3'tistik3l adj. pi»e»tis»ti«caMy ,pi3'tistik(3)le adv. pi»e*ty 'piate . n. (pi. -ies) the quality of being religious or reverent: acts ofpiety and char|
rob
(a place)
using
I
:
. n. (pi. pil*lo»ry 'pibre -ies) in former times, a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which an offender was imprisoned and exposed to public abuse. The stocks were similar, but with holes for hands and feet, not for the head. • v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] put (someone) in the I
I
pillory. figurative attack or ridicule publicly: he found himself pilloried by members of his own party.
piHose
'pilos I
I
(also pilous)
.
adj.
covered
with long soft hairs.
derivatives: pi«los«i»ty pince-nez 'paens.na; 'pins i
|pi'lasite| n. •
n.
[treated as
I
or pi.] a pair of eyeglasses with a nose clip instead of earpieces. pin*ion • n. the outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers. sing,
a bird's
wing as used
in flight.
• v.
[trans.] 1 tie
or hold the arms or legs of (someone): he pinioned the limbs of his opponents. bind (the arms or legs) of someone. 2 cut off the pinion of (a wing or bird) to prevent flight. . n. a high, pointed 'pinaksl piece of rock. a small pointed tower built as an ornament the most successful point; the on a roof. culmination: he had reached the pinnacle of his career. • v. [trans.] set on or as if on a pinnacle: a rustic cross was pinnacled upon the
pin*na*Cle
|
|
makeshift altar. form the culminating point or example of.
derivatives: pin»na«cled adf . adf (of a compound 'pinat; -it having leaflets arranged on either side of the stem, typically in pairs opposite each I
leaf)
|
|
|
(ar-
steal (something) using violence, esp. in wartime: artworks pillaged from churches and museums. • n. the action of pillaging a place or property, esp. in wartime. DERI VAT v E s piWag'cr n.
|
pi»e»tist
v.
violence, esp. in wartime.
pin»nate
derivatives:
|-,miz|
chaic).
|
I
other. (esp. of an invertebrate animal) having branches, tentacles, etc., on each side of an axis.
ity.
the quality of being dutiful: filial piety. a belief or point of view that is accepted with unthinking conventional reverence: the accepted pieties of our time. pi*[as*ter Ipa'laestarl » n. a rectangular column, esp. one projecting from a wall.
derivatives: pi»las«tered adj. pil*grim 'pilgram . «. a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons. |
I
derivatives: pin*nat»ed
adj.
pin»na»tion pi'naSHsn pi«OUS 'pi3s • adj. devoutly adv.
|
pin»nate«ly
n.
|
religious.
I
I
hypocritical display of virtue: [attrlb.] there 'II be no pious words said over her. (of a hope) sincere but unlikely to be fulfilled. (of a deception) with good or religious dutiintentions, whether professed or real. ful or loyal, esp. toward one's parents.
making
a
)
|
328
piquant derivatives: pi»ous»ly
adv.
pi*ous*ness
n.
plague derivatives: pit»i»a«ble»ness
bly -able plx*e*late I
pi*quant •
'pekant; -kant| (also piquante) having a pleasantly sharp taste or appe-
adj.
I
tizing flavor.
pleasantly stimulating or exciting to
the
mind.
derivatives: pi»quan»cy
|-k3nse|
pi»
n.
quant«ly adv. pique pek . w. a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, esp. to one's pride: he left in a fit of pique. • v. (piques peks piqued pekt piquing 'pekiNG 1 [trans.] stimulate (interest or curiosity) you have piqued my curiosity about the man. 2 (be piqued) feel irritated or resentful. pir*OU»ette |,pirOD'wet| • «. an act of spinning on one foot, typically with the raised foot touching the knee of the supporting leg. a movement performed in advanced dressage and classical riding, in which the horse makes a circle by pivoting on a hind leg while cantering. • v. [intrans.] perform a pirouette. pis»ca»tO*ri*al .piska'toresl • adj. of or concerning fishermen or fishing. pis*ci*CUl*ture 'pisi,k3lCH3r| . n. the controlled breeding and rearing of fish. Cf. aquaculture; MARICUUrURE. I
I
,
I
|
,
|
|
|
|
|
|
derivatives: CHarall CHsristl
pis»ci»cul«tur«al pis«ci»cul»tur»ist
adj.
ipisi'kal|
.pisi'kalj
(also pixeilate or pixdivide (an electronic image) into pixels, typically for display or storage in a digital format. display an image of (someone or something) on television as a small number of large pixels, typically in order to disguise someone's ilate)
• V.
piksa.lat
|
|
[trans.]
identity.
|
|
|
|
fish.
pis*til
• n. the female organs of a comprising the stigma, style, and
'pistl I
flower,
I
ovary.
pit*e*OUS
'piteas
• |
deserving or arous-
adj.
I
ing pity.
derivatives: pit»e«ous»ly
adv. pit»e«ous»
|
.piksa'lasHsn
n.
pix*i*lat*ed I'piksa.latidl (Brit, also pixillated) • adj. crazy; confused; whimsical.
derivatives: pixM»la»tion
n.
pix*i*la*tion .piksa lasnan (Brit, also pixillation) • 1 a technique used in film whereby the movements of real people are made to appear like artificial animations. 2 the state of being crazy or confused (pixilated) 3 variant spelling of pixelation (see pixelate). |
|
pla*cate 'plakat . v. [trans.] make (someone) less angry or hostile: they attempted to placate |
|
the students with promises.
derivatives: pla»cat»er
n. pla»cat»ing»ly pb'kadiNGle adv. pla*ca*tion Ipla'kaSH3n| n. pla»ca»to»ry |-k3,t6re; 'plaek3-| I
I
adj.
pla«ce*bo jpb'sebol • n. (pi. -os) a harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more than for any physiological
effect: [as
adj.]
pla-
cebo drugs. a substance that has no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs. a measure designed merely to calm or please someone. plac*id 'plaesid • adj. (of a person or animal) not easily upset or excited: this horse has |
I
a placid nature. (esp. of a place or stretch of water) calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity. derivatives: pla»cidM»ty Ipb'siditel n. plac»id»ly adv. pla*gia*rlze rplaj3,riz| ^v. [trans.] take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it
own. copy from (someone) in such a way. derivatives: pla*gia*rism n. pla»gia» off as one's
n.
pith pixH • ?7. 1 soft or spongy tissue in plants or animals, in particular: spongy white tissue lining the rind of an orange, lemon, and other citrus fruits. the spongy cellular tissue in the stems and branches of many higher plants. spinal marrow. 2 the essence of something: the pith and core of socialism. 3 forceful and concise expression: he writes with a combination of pith and exactitude. • v. [trans.] 1 remove the pith from. 2 pierce or sever the spinal cord of (an animal) so as to kill or immobilize it. DERI VAT I V E s pith*less adj. pith»y 'piTHe . adj. (pithier, pithiest) (of language or style) concise and forcefully exI
derivatives: pix»e»la»tion
for the psychological benefit to the patient
n.
piS*Ci*na pi'sens; -'sina • n. (pi. piscinas or piscinae |-'sene; -'sinej) 1 a stone basin near the altar in Catholic and pre-Reformation Christian churches for draining water used in the Mass. 2 (in ancient Roman architecture) a pool or pond for bathing or swimming. pis*cine 'pisen; 'pisin • adj. of or concern-
ness
pit»i»a»
adv. I
I
:
ing
n.
I
:
I
I
pressive.
DERIVATIVES: pith»i»ness
|
pit»i*a»ble
pith»i»ly
-enis
|
adv.
•
adj.
I
arousing pity. contemptibly poor or small.
deserving
or
n.
|
|
\
plague of restaurants. tion
n.
'piteabal |
|'piTH9le|
pla»gia»riz«er n. • n. a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium, typically with the formation of buboes (swollen inflamed lymph nodes in the groin or armpit), thus bubonic plague) and sometimes infection of the lungs (pneumonic plague): an outbreak ofplague they died of the plague. a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and kills many people. Cf. epidemic; pandemic. an unusually large number of insects or animals infesting a place and causing damage: a [in sing.] a thing causing plague of fleas. trouble or irritation: staff theft is usually the rist
plague plag
regarded
plagues of Egypt.
as
a widespread afflic-
divine [in sing.]
punishment: the used as a curse or
an expression of despair or disgust: a plague • v. (plagues, plagued. all their houses!
on
) |
plainsong plaguing)
329
cause continual trouble or distress to: the problems that plagued the company has been plagued by ill health. pester or harass (someone) continually: was [trans
]
I
plaguing her with questions. • n. plain*SOng 'plan, song; -saNC unaccompanied church music sung in unison in medieval modes and in free rhythm corresponding to the accentuation of the words, which are taken fi-om the liturgy. plain*tive 'plantiv| • adj. sounding sad and |
|
|
mournful: a plaintive cry. derivatives: plam»tive»ly adv. tive*ness n.
plan*gent
'plaenjant |
•
plain*
(of a sound)
adj.
I
and often melancholy. derivatives: plan»gen»cy n. plan»gent« loud, reverberating, ly adv. |
|
|
a
human
I
or a bear.
't(y)oodn,iz
v.
|
't(y)oodn-3s
plat»i»tu»di»nize plat»i»tu«di«nous
plaeti |
,
|
,
plaeti
adj. I
Pla»ton*lc Ipb'tanikI » adj. of or associated with the Greek philosopher Plato (427-347 Bc) or his ideas. (platonic) (of love or friendship) intimate and affectionate but not sexual. (platonic) confined to words, theories, or ideals, and not leading to practical action. derivatives: pla«ton«i»cal»ly |-(3)lel
|
•
n.
I
|
1
commem-
fixed to a wall or other surface in
oration of a person or event. 2 a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria proliferate. Cf. TARTAR. 3 (in medicine) a small, distinct, typically raised patch or region resulting from local damage or deposition of material, such as a fatty deposit on an artery wall in atherosclerosis ('hardening of the arteries') or a site of localized damage of brain tissue in
Alzheimer's disease. (in microbiology) a clear area in a cell culture caused by the inhibition of growth or destruction of cells by an agent such as a virus. 'plaezma (also plasm 'plaezsm n. 1 the colorless fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk, in which corpuscles or fat globules |
plau*ditS 'pl6dits| • plural n. praise: the network has received plaudits for its sports coverage. the applause of an audience: the plaudits for the winner died down. plau*si*ble 'plozabsl • adj. (of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable: a plausible explanation it seems plausible |
an ornamental tablet, of metal, porcelain, or wood, that is
plaek |
typically
plas*ma
tude.
derivatives:
adv.
plan*tar 'plaentsr . adj. of or relating to the sole of the foot: plantar warts. . adj. plan*ti*grade 'plaenti.grad (of a mammal) walking on the soles of the feet, like
plaque
plead has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful: she began uttering liberal platitudes. Cf. bromide. the quality of being dull, ordinary, or trite: educators willing to violate the bounds of plati-
|
I
|
•
are suspended. this substance taken from donors or donated blood for administering in transfusions. 2 an
ionized gas consisting of positive ions and
\
that one of two things may happen. (of a person) skilled at producing persuasive
arguments, esp. ones intended to deceive: a plausible
liar.
derivatives: plau«si»biln»ty
.ploza'bil|
plau»si»bly |-3ble| adv. plea pie • «. 1 a request made in an urgent and emotional manner: she made a dramatic plea for disarmament. a claim that a circumstance means that one should not be blamed for or should not be forced to do something: her plea of a headache was not entirely false. 2 (in law) a formal statement by or on behalf of a defendant or prisoner, stating guilt or innocence in response to a charge, offering an allegation of fact, or claiming that a point of law should apply: he changed his plea to not guilty. plead pled • V. (past and past part, pleaded or pled pled ) 1 [reporting verb] make an emoite|
n. I
I
I
I
I
|
pleaded with
free electrons in proportions resulting in little
tional appeal:
or no overall electric charge, typically at low pressures (as in the upper atmosphere and in fluorescent lamps) or at very high temperatures (as in stars and nuclear fusion reactors). an analogous substance consisting of mobile charged particles (such as a molten salt or the electrons within a metal). 3 a dark green, translucent variety of quartz used in mosaic and for other decorative purposes. 4 (also called cytoplasm) the material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus. Cf. protoplasm.
Carol to come home again [with direct speech] [with infinitive] Anne "Don't go," she pleaded pleaded to go with her. 2 [trans.] present and argue for (a position), esp. in court or in another public context: using cheap melodrama to plead the case for three prisoners. [intrans.] address a court as an advocate on be[no obj., with complement] state half of a party. formally in court whether one is guilty or not guilty of the offense with which one is charged: he pleaded guilty to the drug charge. invoke (a reason or a point of law) as an accusation or defense: on trial for attempted muroffer or present der, she pleaded self-defense. as an excuse for doing or not doing something: he pleaded family commitments as a rea-
derivatives: plas*mat«ic adj.
plas*mic |-mik|
plat
|
plaez'maetik
adj.
. n. a plot of land. or plan of an area of land showing actual or proposed features. • v. [trans.] plan out or make a map of (an area of land, esp. a proposed site for construction): the town was plated in 1815. plat*i«tude 'plaeti,t(y)ood » n. a remark or statement, esp. one with a moral content, that
pl£et
I
a
I
map
\
|
they
[intrans.]
\
\
son for not attending.
derivatives: plead»er
n.
plead»ing»ly
adv.
usage:
In a court of law a person can
plead guilty or plead not guilty
(see also
||
330
plebeian
pluralism
NOLO contendere). The phrase plead inno-
dance: the farm boasts a plenitude of animals
cent, although commonly found in general use, is not a technical legal term. Note that one pleads guilty to (not of) an offense, and
and
may be found guilty ple*be*ian
pH'bean |
a
of an offense. n.
• i
ple^num 'plenam; 'plenam • n. 1 an assembly of all the members of a group or commit|
(in ancient
Rome)
a member of the lower social classes. adj. of or belonging to the commoners of ancient •
Rome. of or belonging to the lower social classes. lacking in refinement: he is a man of plebe-
2 (in physics) a space completely filled with matter, or the whole of space so regarded. ple*0»nasm 'plea.naezam • n. the use of more words than are necessary to convey tee.
|
|
meaning
pleb*i*SCite 'pleb3,sit . n. 1 the direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public question such as a change in the constitution. (in Roman history) a law enacted by the plebeians' assembly. derivatives: ple»bis»ci»tar»y Ipb'bisi |
,terei adj.
adj.
'plektrsm |
•
n. (pi.
I
-trs
plectrums
or
a thin flat piece of plastic, tor-
) |
.plea'naestik |
,ple3'naestik(3)le |
|
adv.
pleth*0«ra plexHsra . n. (a plethora of) an excess of (something): a plethora of com|
|
and subcommittees.
mittees
an excess of a bodily fluid, particularly blood. derivatives: ple»thor»ic 'pleTHsrik; pb
held by or worn on the fingers and used to pluck the strings of a musical instrument
such as a guitar. the corresponding mechanical part that plucks the strings of an instrument such as a harpsichord. ple*iad 'plead • w. an outstanding group of seven people or things. Pleis*tO*cene 'plist3,sen| 'adj. (in geology) of, relating to, or denoting the first epoch of the Quaternary period, between the Pliocene and Holocene epochs. [as n.] (the Pleistocene) the Pleistocene epoch or the system of deposits laid down durI
|
|
it.
epoch
Pleistocene
lasted
from
1,640,000 to about 10,000 years ago. It was marked by great fluctuations in temperature that caused the ice ages, with glacial periods followed by warmer interglacial periods. Several extinct forms of human, leading up to modern humans, appeared during this epoch.
ple*na*ry 'plenare • adj. 1 not deficient in any respect; full; unqualified; absolute: cru|
'THorikI adj. plex*US 'pleksas
• n. (pi. same or plexuses) network of nerves or vessels in the body. an intricate network or weblike formation. derivatives: plex»i»form 'pleks3,f6rm
I
a
|
adj.
plight' IplitI " n. a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation: the plight of children living in poverty.
plight^
• V.
(be plighted to) be engaged to be married to.
plinTH • «. a heavy base supporting a statue or vase. the lower square slab at the base of a column. plO*sive 'plosiv • adj. denoting a consonant that is produced by stopping the airflow using plinth
I
I
I
I
the lips, teeth, or palate, followed by a sudden release of air. • n. a plosive speech soimd. The basic plosives in English are t, k, and p (voiceless) and d, g, and b (voiced).
derivatives: plo»sion n. plu*per*fect ,ploo'perfikt| » adj. & n. (in grammar) another term for past perfect, denoting an action completed before some past point of time specified or implied, formed in English by had and the past participle, as in by three o'clock we had finished most |
saders were offered a plenary indulgence by the
of the recount. perfect daughter
otherwise meet in smaller groups: a plenary
brother for her.
European Parliament. • n. a meeting or session of this type. plen*i»po*ten*ti»ar»y .plenaps'tensHe.ere; • n. (pi. -ies) a person, esp. a -a'tensHare diplomat, invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of his or her government, typically in a foreign country. • adj. having full power to take independent action: [postpositive] he represented the Japanese government in Seoul as minister plenipotentisession of the
|
|
ary.
(of power) absolute. plen»i*tude 'pleni,t(y)ood|
*
n.
an abun-
pledge or promise solemnly
[trans.]
(one's faith or loyalty).
pope. 2 (of a meeting) to be attended by all participants at a conference or assembly, who
|
|
I
toiseshell, or other slightly flexible material
The
ple»o»nas«ti»cal»ly
|
plec»trum
ing
with one's eyes), either as a
fault of style or for emphasis.
|
|
(e.g., see
derivatives: ple»o»nas»tic
tastes.
plectra
or complete: the
full
plenitude of the pope's powers. |
commoner.
ian
birds.
the condition of being
[as adj.]
more than and
perfect: they have one plu-
are expecting
an
ideal
little
plu*ral*ism 'pl00r3,liz3m • «. 1 a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., |
|
coexist.
a form of society in which the members of minority groups maintain their independent cultural traditions. a political theory or system of power-sharing among a number of political parties. a theory or system of devolution and autonomy for individual bodies in (in preference to monolithic state control. philosophy) a theory or system that recogprinciple. the 2 nizes more than one ultimate
331
plurality more than one
practice of holding
church benefice
|-bst|
plu»ral»is*tic |-'hstik| adj. cal'ly |-'Iist3k(3)le| adv.
plu*raM»ty
plCJO'raehte
• |
n.
&
n.
adj.
I
'poaze; -se
|
•
-ies)
1
poetry.
n.
the
mark plurality.
number of people
or things: a plurality of critical approaches. 2 the number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority: he won with a plurality of slightly over 46%; of the vote. the number by which this exceeds the number of votes cast for the candidate who placed second. 3 another term for plurausm (sense 2).
|
position in a particular country, region, or group: the Ne7v York State poet laureate the poet laureate of young America. poign*ant 'poinyant . adj. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret: a poignant reminder of the passing of time. keenly felt: the sensation of being back at home was most poignant in the winter. sharp or pungent in taste or smell. \
|
I
derivatives: poign*ance
n.
poign«an»cy
-yanse n. poign»ant»ly -yantle adv. » n. poin*til*lism 'pwasNte,yizam a technique of neo-Impressionist painting using tiny dots of various pure colors, which become blended in the viewer's eye. |
|
I
usage: On the difference between plurality and majority, see usage at majority. plu*tOC*ra*cy
iploo'takrssel
*n.
-ies)
(pi.
government by the wealthy. a country or society governed in this way. an elite or ruling class of people whose power derives from their wealth.
derivatives:
plu»to«cratMC
,plood3 |
adj.
'kraetiki
plu»to»crat»i«cal»ly
,ploot3
who
writes inferior poetry.
po«et lau*re*ate loreat . n. (p! poets laureate) a poet appointed to, or regarded unofficially as holding, an honorary representative |
(pi.
being plural: some languages
extra syllable to
[in sing.] a large
po*e*sy
the art or composition of poetry. po*et*as*ter 'poat.aestarl • «. a person |
plu»ralMS»ti»
|
fact or state of
add an
office or
at a time.
derivatives: plu»ralMst
polarity
|
|
|
derivatives: 'pointl-ist| 1
.pwaeNte'yest;
poin»til»list |
&
n.
adj.
poin»til»list«ic
ipwaeNte'yistik; ,pointristik| adj.
poise poiz
• n. 1 graceful and elegant bearing in a person: poise and good deportment can I
I
be cultivated.
|
'krsetiklel adv.
usage: See usage
at
aristocracy.
plu*vi*al 'plooveal . adj. relating to or characterized by rainfall. • n. a period marked by increased rainfall. pneu»mat*ic |n(y)oo'maetik| 'adj. 1 containing or operated by air or gas under pressure: it's easier to work on cars if you've got a |
I
pneumatic lift. (chiefly of cavities in the bones of birds) con-
composure and dignity of manner: at least he had a moment to think, to recover his poise. 2 balance; equilibrium. • v. be or cause to be balanced or suspended: [intrans.] he poised mo[trans.] the world was poised tionless on his toes between peace and war. (be poised) (of a person or organization) be ready to do something: [with infinitive] teachers \
are poised to resume their attack on government tests.
poHar
'polar I
*
adj.
1
of or relating to the
I
(of certain body parts, esp. a woman's breasts) large, as if inflated: she's the one with the pneumatic lips and breasts. (of a woman) having large breasts. 2 of or relating to the spirit. • n. (usu. pneumatics) an item
North or South
of pneumatic equipment.
(in biology) of or the poles of a sphere. relating to the poles of a cell, organ, or part. 2 having electrical or magnetic polarity. (of a liquid, esp. a solvent) consisting of mol(of a solid) ecules with a dipole moment. ionic. 3 directly opposite in character or tendency: depression and its polar opposite, mania. . n. 1 (in geometry) the straight line joining the two points at which tangents ft-om a fixed point touch a conic section. 2 a variable binary star that emits strongly polarized light, one component being a strongly magnetic
taining
air.
derivatives: pneu«matn«cal»ly |n(y)oo 'maEtik(3)le I
adv. |n(y)oom3'tis3te n. |
pneu«ma»tic»i»ty
|
pneu»mo*nia ya
•
n.
I
n(y)oo'mone3; n(y)oo'monlung inflammation caused by bacte|
or viral infection, in which the air sacs
rial
fill
may become solid. Inflammamay affect botli lungs (double pneumo-
with pus and tion
pneumonia). derivatives: pneu»mon»ic n (y) oo man-
nia) or only one (single
|
'
ik| adj.
po»di»a*try
Ipa'distrel *n. the treatment of the feet and their ailments. derivatives: po»di»a»trist |-tr3st| n. po«di*um 'podeami • n. (pi. podiums or podia -dea ) a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience, as when making a speech or conducting an or-
Pole: the polar regions. (of an animal or plant) living in the north or of or relating to the south polar region.
poles of a celestial body. celestial pole.
(in
of or relating to a
geometry) of or relating to
white dwarf. po«lar*i*ty Ipa'lerate; po-| » n. (pi. -ies) the property of having poles or being polar: it exhibits polarity when presented to a magnetic
I
I
chestra. a lectern. a continuous projecting base or pedestal under a building. a raised platform surrounding the arena in an ancient amphitheater.
needle.
I
the relative orientation of poles; the direction of a magnetic or electric field: the magjietic field peaks in strength immediately after switching pothe state of having two opposite or larity. contradictory tendencies, opinions, or zsthe pecis: the polarity between male and female cold war's neat polarities can hardly be carried \
.
332
polarize
the tendency of living organisms or parts and posterior (or uppermost and lowermost) ends, or to grow or orient in a particular direction. po*lar*ize |'pob,riz| . v. 1 [trans.] (in physics) restrict the vibrations of (a transverse wave, esp. light) wholly or partially to one direction: [as adj.] (polarizing) a polarizing microscope. 2 [trans.] cause (something) to acquire polarity: the electrode is polarized in aqueous solution. 3 divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs: [intrans.] the cultural sphere has polarized into two competing ideological positions [trans.] Vietnam polarized political opinon.
to develop with distinct anterior
I
polyphonic a piece of
music
rhythm. pol«ter*geist
dance or
for this
in its
. w. 'poltsr.gist a ghost or other supernatural being supposedly responsible for physical disturbances such as loud noises and objects flying. pol*troon pal'troon • «. an utter coward. |
|
|
I
derivatives pol»troon»er«y :
|
-'troonare |
pol»troon»ish adj. pol*y*clirome |'pali,krom| • adj. painted, printed, or decorated in several colors. • n. n.
varied coloring. a work of art in several colors, esp. a statue. • V. [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (polychromed) execute or decorate (a work of art) in several colors.
ion.
derivatives: iriza'bibte
za»tion pole*cat
n.
|
po»lar»iz»a»bil«i»ty ,pob po»lar»iz»a«ble adj. po»lar«i» i
iPobrs'zaSHsn
|
'pol,kaet I
n.
• I
|
n.
po»lar«iz»er
n.
a weasellike Eurasian
mammal
po»lyg*a*my Ips'ligsmel • n. the practice or custom of having more than one wife (polygyny) or husband (polyandry) at the same time.
with mainly dark brown fur and a darker mask across the eyes, noted for its fetid
(in zoology) a pattern of mating in which an animal has more than one mate of the oppo-
smell.
site sex.
another term for skunk. moral person.
a detested or im-
po»lem»ic Ipa'lemik] . n. a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something: a polemic against the cultural relativism of the a writer offeminist polemic. (usu. polemics) the art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute: the history of science has become embroiled in religious polemics. • adj. of the nature of controversy; controversial; polemical. derivatives: po»lem«i»cal adj. po'leitiM* cist Ipa'lemasastI n. po»lemM»cize ips sixties
I
'lem3,siz|
V.
poH'tesse
,pab'tes
|
• I
n.
formal politeness
or etiquette. 'pab,tik|
•
adj. (of
I
stances: [with
my
to express
/ did not think
infinitive]
it
politic
(of a person) prudent
and
sagacious. • v. (politicked, politicking) [in[often as n.] (politicking) engage in po-
trans.]
news of this unseemly politicking invariably leaks into the press.
litical activity:
derivatives:
pol»i»tic«ly adv. (rare) po»llt«i»clze |p3'lit3,siz| 'V. [trans.] [often as
(politicized) cause (an activity or event) political in character: art was becoming politicized attempts to politicize America's curricula. make (someone) politically aware, esp. by persuading him or her of the truth of views considered radical: we successfully politicized a generation of women. [intrans.] engage in or adj.]
become
\
talk
about
(of a book) having the text translated into several languages: polyglot
politics.
derivatives: 'zasH3n| n. pol*i»ty 'pabte
po»lit»i»ci»za»tion Ipa.litssi
• n. (pi. -ies) a form or process of civil government or constitution. an organized society; a state as a political en|
and
bilingual tech-
who knows and is able to use several languages. derivatives: pol»y»glot»ism -,glat,iz3m nical dictionaries.
•
n.
a person
|
|
n.
pol»y*graph
'paH,graef
• |
machine
a
n.
|
designed to detect and record changes in physiological characteristics, such as a person's pulse and breathing rates, used esp. as a lie detector.
out with a machine
of this type.
derivatives: pol»y»graph»ic fikl
|
ipali'grse-
adf
pol*y«math
reservations.
(also politick)
to
several languages: a polyglot diplomat.
a lie-detector test carried
an action) seeming sensible and judicious under the circum-
pol*i*tic
derivatives: po»lyg»a»tnist |-mist| n. po»lyg»a»mous adj. pol*y*glot |'pali,glat| » adj. knowing or using
» n. 'pah,m£eTH a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning. pol«y»mathMC ,pah D E R I VAT I v E s \
|
:
|
'msexHikl adj. po»lym«a»thy 'pali.maeXHe n.
Ips'limsTHe;
I
pol*y*mer
'pabmsr
• w. a substance that has a molecular structure built up chiefly or completely from a large number of similar
units
|
bonded
I
together, e.g.,
many
synthetic
organic materials used as plastics and resins. DERIVATIVES: pol»y»mer»ic |,pab'merik| adj.
pol»y«no«mi*al
|
.pab'nomeal
• |
adj. consist-
ing of several terms.
mathematics) of, relating to, or denoting polynomial or polynomials. • n. (in mathematics) an expression of more than two algebraic terms, esp. the sum of several terms that contain different powers of the same varia(in
a
ble(s).
I
tity.
Latin
(in biology) a
name
with more than
two parts. pol*y*phon«ic ,pali'fanik| » adj. producing many sounds simultaneously; many-voiced: a |
pol»0*naise |
,pab'naz;,po-|
•
n.
a slow
dance
of Polish origin in triple time, consisting chiefly of an intricate march or procession.
64-voice polyphonic sound module. (esp. of vocal music) in two or
more
parts,
333
polysynthetic
melody of its own; contrapun(of a musical instrutal. Cf. HOMOPHONic. ment) capable of producing more than one each having
note
a
at a time.
DERI VAT V E s pol»y»phonM»cal»ly I
le|
-ik(3)-
:
|
adv.
portico
Catholic Church) the office of pope or bishop. the period of such an office: Pope Gregory VIII enjoyed only a ten-week pontificate. derivatives: pon»tif»i»ca»tor |-,kat9r| n. pop*in*jay 'papsnja . «. a vain or conceited person, esp. one who dresses or behaves extravagantly. pop*U*list 'papyabst • n. a member or adherent of a political party seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people. a person who holds, or who is concerned with, the views of ordinary people. (Populist) a member of the Populist Party, a political party formed in 1891 that advocated the interests of labor and farmers, free coinage of silver, a graduated income tax, and government control of monopolies. • adj. of or relating to a populist or popuHsts: a populist |
|
• adj. ,palisin'THetik| pol*y*syn*thet*ic denoting or relating to a language characterized by complex words consisting of several |
which a single word may a whole sentence. Many Ameri-
morphemes,
in
function as can Indian languages are polysynthetic.
pol»y»un*sat*U»rat*ed ,pale3n'saeCH3,ratid • adj. (of an organic compound, esp. a fat or oil molecule) containing several double or triple bonds between carbon atoms and therefore capable of further reaction. Polyunsaturated fats, which are usually of plant origin, are regarded as healthier in the diet than I
|
saturated
leader.
fats.
pol*y*va*lent ,pali'vabnt| •adj. (in chemistry) having a valence of three or more. (in medicine) having the property of counteracting several related poisons or affording immunity against different strains of a microorganism. (of an antigen or antibody) having several sites at which attachment to an antibody or antigen can occur). (Also called multivalent) having many different functions, forms, or facets: as emotion, love is poly|
.
valent.
DERI VAT v E s pol»y»va«lence I
:
pomp*OUS 'pampas
\
•
n.
adj. affectedly
I
and
ir-
ass
characterized by pomp or splendor: there were many processions and other pompous shows. DERI VAT I v E s pom»pos»i»ty pam'passte :
|
|
pomp«ous»ly adv. pomp»ous»ness n. • adj. pon*der*OUS 'pandsrss slow and n.
I
|
clumsy because of great weight: her footsteps were heavy and ponderous. dull, laborious, or excessively solemn: Liz could hardly restrain herselffrom finishing all his
ponderous sentences.
pon»der»osM»ty panda pon»der»ous«ly adv. pon»der» |
n.
ous*ness pon*tiff
,
pantaf
sovereign or su-
(also I
preme
.
1 (in the RoCatholic Church) of or relating to the pope: a pontifical commission. 2 characterized by a pompous and superior air of infallibility. • n. (in the Roman Catholic Church) an office book of the Western Church containing rites to be performed by the pope or bishops. (pontificals) the vestments and insignia of a bishop, cardinal, or abbot: a bishop in full |
|
man
pontificals.
derivatives: pon»tifn»caWy
|-ik(3)le|
adv.
pon*tif»i*cate . |pan'tifi,kat| [intrans.] 1 (in the Roman Catholic Church) officiate as bishop, esp. at Mass. 2 express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic: pontificating about art and history. • n. -kat (also Pontificate) (in the Roman I
n.
|
|
features.
por*ta*men»tO
tamentos slide
,p6rt3'men,t6
1
n.
•
por-
(pi.
|
portamenti
or
from one note
|
-'mente
)
1
|
a
to another, esp. in singing
bowed string instrument. technique or style. 2 piano playing in a manner intermediate between legato and staccato: [as adj.] a portamento style. por«tent 'p6r|tent| . 1 a sign or warning that something, esp. something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen: they believed or playing a this as a
that wild birds in the house were portents of death JFK's political debut was a portent of the fame I
come. future significance: an omen of grave portent for the tribe. 2 an exceptional or wonderful person or thing: what portent can be greater than a pious notary? por»ten»tOUS pdr'tentas • adj. of or like a portent: the envelope with its portentous conto
|
|
done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress: the author's portentous
derivatives: por»ten»tous»ly ten»tous»ness
pontiff) n. the pope. pon*tif»i«cal pan'tifikal . adj.
I
|-,liz3m|
moralizings.
n.
I
pop»u»lism
I
tents.
derivatives: 'ras3te|
derivatives:
pop»u»lis*tic ipapya'listiki adj. . adj. por*Cine 'por.sm of, affecting, or resembling a pig or pigs: his flushed, porcine
|
solemn, or self-important: a who pretends he knows everything.
ritatingly grand,
pompous
|
I
port«fO*li*0
por*
adv.
n.
|p6rt'f6le,o|
»
n.
(pi.
-os)
large, thin, flat case for loose sheets of
1
a
paper
such as drawings or maps. a set of pieces of creative work collected by to display their skills, esp. to a po-
someone
a varied set of phoemployer. tographs of a model or actor intended to be shown to a potential employer. 2 a range of investments held by a person or organization: better returns on its investment portfolio. a range of products or services offered by an organization, esp. when considered as a business asset: an unrivaled portfolio of quality brands. 3 the position and duties of a minister of state or a member of a cabinet: he took on the Foreign Affairs portfolio. por»ti*CO |'p6rti,ko| • n. (pi. -oes or -os) a structure consisting of a roof supported by tential
)
portmanteau
334
columns
at regular intervals, attached as a porch to a building.
port*man*teau |p6rt'maento|
manteaus
.
w.
typically
port-
(pi
-toz or portmanteaux -toz trunk or suitcase, typically made of stiff leather and opening into two equal parts. [as adj.] consisting of or combining two or more separable aspects or qualities: a portmanteau movie composed of excerpts from his most famous films. port*man*teau word . n. a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two others, for example motel (from 'motor' and hotel') or brunch (from 'breakfast' and |
I
I
|
a large
'lunch').
po*seur
Ipo'zsrI • n. (also poser) a person poses for effect or adopts an affected style or demeanor. posh paSH • adj. elegant or stylishly luxurious: a posh Ensenada hotel. chiefly Brit, typical of or belonging to the upper class of society: she had a posh accent. • adv. Brit, in an upper-class way: trying to talk posh. • n. Brit, tlie quality or state of being elegant, stylish, or upper-class: we finally bought a color TV, which seemed the height of posh.
who
I
I
derivatives: posh»ly
adv.
posh*ness
n.
I
'pazit
• v.
I
perfectible
human
(posited,
nature \
posited that the world economy its
own
[with clause] he is a system with
particular equilibrium.
(posit something on) base something on the truth of (a particular assumption): these plots are posited on a false premise about women 's nature as inferior. 2 [with obj. and adverbial] put in position; place: the professor posits Cohen in his second category of poets. • n. (in philosophy) a statement that is made on the assumption that it will prove to be true.
pos*i*tive 'pazativ; 'paztiv • adj. 1 consisting in or characterized by the presence or possession of features or qualities rather than their absence. (of a statement or decision) expressing or implying affirmation, agreement, or permission: the company received a positive response (of the results of a test or exfrom investors. periment) indicating the presence of some|
I
thing: three players
cocaine use.
who had
tested positive for
constructive in intention or at-
titude: there needs to be a positive approach to
young offenders.
showing optimism and con-
fidence: / hope you will be feeling very positive about your chances of success. showing pleasing progress, gain, or improvement: the election result will have a positive effect because it will restore people's confidence. 2 with no possibility
of doubt; clear and definite: he made a positive identification of a glossy ibis. convinced or confident in one's opinion; certain: "You are sure it was the same man?" "Pos[with clause] /
itive!" I
am positive
that he
is
4 (of a photographic image) showing lights and shades or colors true to the original. 5 (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a quality in its basic, primary degree. Contrasted with comparative and superlative 6 dealing only with matters of fact and experience; not speculative or theoretical. Cf. positivism (sense 1). 7 (of a quantity) greater than zero. 8 (in astrology) of, relating to, or denoting any of the air or fire signs, considered active in nature. • n. 1 a good, affirmative, or constructive quality or attribute: take your weaknesses and translate them into positives to manage your way out of recession, accentuate the positive. 2 a photographic image showing lights and shades or colors true to the original, esp. one printed from a negative. 3 a result of a test or experiment indicating the presence of something: let us look at the distribution of those positives. 4 the part of an electric circuit that is at a higher electrical potential than another point designated as having zero electrical potential. 5 an adjective or adverb in the positive degree. 6 a number greater than zero. derivatives: pos»i»tive»ness n. pos»i»tiv» electrons.
I
i»ty
ipaza'tivate
|
n.
I
positing) 1 [trans.] assume as a fact; put forward as a basis of argument: the Confucian view posits a
pos*it
posterior
not
coming back. [attrib.] downright; complete (used for emphasis): it's a positive delight to see you. 3 of, containing, producing, or denoting an electric charge opposite to that carried by
pos*i»tive law . n. law created by a legislature, court, or other human institution and which can take whatever form the authors want. pos*i*tiv*ism 'pazstiv.izam; 'paztiv- • n. 1 a philosophical system that holds that every ra1
|
tionally justifiable assertion cally verified or
is
can be
scientifi-
capable of logical or math-
ematical proof, and that therefore rejects metaphysics and theism.
humanistic religious system founded on 2 the theory that laws are to be understood as social rules, valid because they are enacted by authority or derive logically firom existing decisions, and that ideal or moral a
this.
considerations
a rule
(e.g., that
is
unjust)
should not limit the scope or operation of the law. 3 the state or quality of being positive: in this age of illogical positivism, no one wants to sound negative. derivatives: posM»tivMst n. & adj. pos«i» tivns'tic
caWy
ipazap'vistiki adj. pos»i»tiv»is«ti» adv. 'pase • n. z body of men, typically I
,paz3t3'vistik(3)le I
pos*se
|
\
I
armed, summoned by a
sheriff to enforce the
law.
(also tas
)
posse comitatus the
I
body of men
sheriff could
summon
,kami'tat3s; -ta|
whom
the
to enforce the law.
a
county
in a
group of people who have a
common charac-
occupation, or purpose: he pompously a around a posse of medical students. gang of youths involved in (usually drugteristic,
led
related) crime. pos*te*ri*or Ipa'stirear; po-| » adj. 1 farther back in position; of or nearer the rear or hind end, esp. of the body or a part of it: the posterior part of the gut a basal body situated just posterior to the nucleus. The opposite of an\
terior.
relating to or denoting presentation of a fe-
|
335
posterity
tus in which the rear or caudal end is nearest the cervix and emerges first at birth: a posterior labor. 2 coming after in time or order; later: a date posterior to the first Reform Bill. • n. a person's buttocks. derivatives: pos»te»ri»or«i»ty |pa,stire 'orate; po- n. pos»te»ri»or»ly adv. pos»ter«i»ty pa'sterste . n. all ftature generations of people: the victims' names are recorded 1
I
|
for posterity. [in sing.] the descendants of a person: offered
Abraham a
posterity like the stars of
'postam; 'pas-
1
•
a
«.
|
entrance: [as
adj.]
back or side
a small postern door.
post*haste 'post'hast adv. with great speed or immediacy: she would go posthaste to .
|
|
England.
postponed for some time [with prethe judge postponed sentencing a former government spokesman for fraud. Cf. to be
\
sent participle]
adjourn.
derivatives: post»pon»a«ble pone»ment n. post»pon»er n.
adj.
post*
post*pos«i*tive .post'pazativ] » adj. (of a word) placed after or as a suffix on the word tliat it relates to. • n. a postpositive word. d E R vat V E s post»pos»i»tive»ly adv. post»pran*di»al post'prsendeal . adj. during or relating to the period after dinner or lunch: we were jolted from our postprandial tor|
I
:
I
|
por.
(in medicine) occurring after a meal. pos*tu*lant 'pascHabnt . a candidate, esp. one seeking admission into a religious |
I
order.
post hoc 'post 'hak| • adj. & adv. occurring or done after the event: a post hoc justification I
for the changes.
referring to the logical fallacy post hoc, 'after this, therefore be-
ergo propter hoc cause of
had
1
God
heaven.
pos*tern
potent
this':
a rank example of post hoc rea-
soning.
post*hu*mous I'pascHsmss; mas • adj. occurring, awarded,
past'(h)yooor appearing after the death of the originator: he was awarded a posthumous Distinguished Service Medal a posthumous collection of her articles. (of a child) born after the death of its father. I
\
derivatives: post»hu»mous«ly adv. post*mod»ern*ism Ipost'madar.nizaml a late 20th-century style
and concept
pos*tu*late*
V. 'pascH3,lat| [trans.] 1 suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief: his theory postulated a rotatory movement for hurricanes [with clause] he postulated that the environmentalists might have a case. 2 (in ecclesiastical law) nominate or I
\
(someone) to an
elect
ecclesiastical office
subject to the sanction of a higher authority. • n. 'pasCHalat a thing suggested or assumed as true as the basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief: perhaps the postulate of |
I
Babylonian influence on Greek astronomy
is
incorrect. •
n.
in the
and criticism that represents a departure from modernism and has at its heart a general distrust of grand theories and ideologies as well as a problematical relationship with any notion of "art." arts, architecture,
Typical features include a deliberate mixing of different artistic styles and media, the selfconscious use of earlier styles and conventions, and often the incorporation of images relating to the consimierism and mass communication of late 20th-century postindustrial society.
an assumption used ical
as a basis for
mathemat-
reasoning.
derivatives: pos»tu«la»tion SHanj n. po«ta*bie
'popbal I
.
adj.
.pasCHs'la|
safe
to
drink;
I
drinkable: there
is
no supply of potable water
available.
derivatives: po»ta»ba»i«ty
|
ipop'bibte
n.
postage |p6'taZH|
»n. thick soup.
po»ta»tion Ipo'tasHsnl • n. a drink. the action of drinking something, esp. alco(often hol: / intend to abstain from potation. potations) a drinking bout: the dreadful potations of his youth.
derivatives: post»mod«ern mod»ern»ist I
n.
ipostma'darnate
& |
adj.
adj.
post*
post»mod»er»ni»ty
n.
post*mor»tem |post'm6rtam| • n. (also postmortem examination) an examination of a body to determine the cause of death. Cf. autopsy.
an analysis or discussion of an event held soon after it has occurred, esp. in order to determine why it was a failure: an election postmortem on why the party lost. • adj. [attrib.] of or relating to a postmortem: a postmortem report.
happening
after death:
postmortem changes
in
body [as adv.] assessment of morphology in nerves taken postmortem. the
\
post*par*tum Ipost'partamI
»
adj.
following
childbirth or the birth of young. post*pone Ipost'pon] »v. [trans.] cause or arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled: the visit
'potnse . n. (pi. -ies) 1 power or influence: a myth of enormous potency. the strength of an intoxicant, as measured by the amount needed to produce a certain response: the unexpected potency of the rum punch. (in homeopathy) the number of times a remedy has been diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously), taken as a measure of the strength of the effect it will produce: she was given a low potency twice daily. (in genetics) the extent of the contribution of an allele toward the production of a phe(in biology) a capacnotypic characteristic. ity in embryonic tissue for developing into a particular specialized tissue or organ. 2 a male's ability to achieve an erection or to reach orgasm: medications that diminish sexual
po*ten*cy
|
|
potency.
'potnti • adj. 1 having great power, influence, or effect: thrones were potent symbols of authority a potent drug a potent argument.
po*tent
I
|
\
.
336
potentate
2 (of a male) able to achieve an erection or to reach an orgasm. derivatives: po»tence n. po»tent»ly adv. po*ten*tate |'potn,tat| .n. a monarch or ruler, esp. an autocratic one. po*ten*tial pa'tencnal . n. (in physics) the quantity determining the energy of mass in a gravitational field or of charge in an electric |
|
precarious
ing with language in use and the contexts in it is used. prag*ma«tism 'prsegma.tizsm • n. 1 a pragmatic attitude or policy: ideology was tempered with pragmatism. 2 (in philosophy) an approach that assesses the truth or meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of
which
|
|
their practical application.
derivatives: prag»ma»tist
field.
po*ten*ti*ate |p9'tenCHe,at| *v. [trans.] increase the power, effect, or likelihood of (something, esp. a drug or physiological reaction): the glucose will potentiate intestinal ab-
sorption of sodium.
pot»pour»ri ,pop3're;pop00're| • n. (pi. potpourris) a mixture of dried petals and spices placed in a bowl or small sack to perfume |
clothing or a room.
n.
prag*ma*
,pr£egm3'tistik| adj.
tis'tic I
pran*di*al
'praendeal
• |
adj.
during or
[attrib.]
|
relating to dinner or lunch. (in medicine) during or relating to the eating of food. prate prat . v. [intrans.] talk foolishly or at tedious length about something. DERI VAT I V E s prat'cr n. (rare) • n. a fall on one's butprat*fall 'praet.fol tocks (prat): he took a pratfall into the sand. a stupid and humiliating action: the first po|
|
:
|
|
a mixture of things, esp. a musical or literary
medley: a potpourri of tunes from Gilbert and Sullivan.
litical pratfalls
poui*tice
'poltas
• \
n.
I
a soft, moist
mass of
praMIe
of the
'praetl
|
. v.
new
administration. talk at length in
[intrans.]
|
material, typically of plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and in-
prattle
flammation and kept
foolish or inconsequential talk: do
• V.
[trans.]
in place with a cloth.
apply a poultice
to:
he poulticed the
wound. prac*ti*ca*ble 'praektiksbal . adj. able to be done or put into practice successfully: the measures will be put into effect as soon as is rea|
a foolish or inconsequential way: she began to
on
about her
visit to the dentist.
•
n.
you intend
keep up this childish prank? derivatives: prat'tler 'praetbr; to
'praetl-
|
3r| n.
I
sonably practicable. able to be used; useful: signal processing can let you transform a signal into a practicable form.
derivatives: prac»ti»ca»ba»i»ty
|
.prask-
tiks'bibtel n. prac»ti»ca»bly |-ble| adv. prac*ti*cal I'prsektikall 'adj. 1 of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas: there are two obvious practical applications of the re-
• prax*is 'prseksas guished from theory: |
n.
practice, as distin-
|
ory
and
praxis of
the divorce between the-
Marxism
that ensued under
Stalinism.
accepted practice or custom.
pre»am»ble
'pre,£emb3l • «. a preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction: he could tell that what she said was by way of a preamble I gave him the bad news without pream|
|
I
ble.
(in law) the introductory part of a statute, constitution, deed, etc., stating its purpose,
The preamble
search.
aims, and justification.
(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; fea-
technically part of a law, but may be considered in determining the enactors' intent.
sible: neither
of these strategies is practical for suitable for a particular
smaller businesses.
purpose: a practical, stylish kitchen. (of a person) sensible and realistic in approaching a situation or problem: I'm not unfeeling, just trying to be practical. (of a person) skilled at
manual
tasks: Steve 'II fix
it
—
he's quite practi-
2 so nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual: it was a practical certainty that he would quickly spend more money. prac*ti*cum 'prasktikam • n. (pi. practical.
|
derivatives: byabrl
pre»am»bu«lar
is
not
Ipre'eem-
adj.
Pre*cam*bri*an
-kam-| Ipre'kaembrean; • adj. of, relating to, or denoting the earliest geologic eon, preceding the Cambrian period and the Phanerozoic eon. It is also called the Cryptozoic ('period of hidden life'), as its rocks contain few signs of organic maner. [as n.] (the Precambrian) the Precambrian eon or the system of rocks deposited during it.
|
cums)
a practical section of a course of
study.
prag*mat»ic |praeg'maetik| • adj. dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations: a pragmatic approach to politics.
relating to philosophical or political
tism.
(in linguistics)
pragma-
of or relating to prag-
matics.
derivatives: prag»mat«i«cal»ly lei
|-ik(3)-
The Precambrian extended
fi-om the origin of the earth (believed to have been about million years ago) to about 570 mil4,600 lion years ago, representing nearly ninety percent of geological time.The oldest known Precambrian rocks are about 3,800 million years old, and the earliest living organisms date firom the latter part of the eon. The Precambrian is now replaced in formal stratigraphic schemes by the Archean, Proterozoic, and (in some schemes) Priscoan eons.
adv.
prag*mat*iCS Ipraeg'maediksl * plural n. [usu. treated as sing.] the branch of linguistics deal-
pre»caH«OUS
Ipri'kereasI
*
adj.
1
not se-
curely held or in position; dangerously likely
precatory
337
fall or collapse: a precarious ladder. 2 dependent on chance; uncertain: she made a precar-
to
ious living by writing.
preconscious cause (drops of moisture or particles of dust) be deposited from the atmosphere or from a vapor or suspension. » adj. pri'sipatat done, made, or acting suddenly or without careful consideration: / must apologize for my to
|
|
derivatives: pre»carn»ous»ly
adv. pre*
car»i»ous»ness n. prec»a*tO»ry 'preks.tore . adj. of, relating to, or expressing a wish or request. (in a will) expressing a wish or intention of the testator: a trust can be left in precatory |
I
—
their actions were precipitate. (of an event or situation) occurring suddenly or abruptly: a precipitate decline in cultural lit-
staff
eracy.
•
n.
prec»e*dence
• n. 'presadans; pri'sedns the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in importance, order, or rank: his desire for power soon took precedence over any |
|
other consideration.
family marred the coronation. prec*e*dent • n. 'pressdsnt an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar I
\
circumstances: there are precedents for using interactive media in training, 'adj. Ipre'sednt; 'prssadsnt preceding in time, order, or importance: a precedent occurrence. pre*cept 'pre, sept • n. 1 a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought: moral precepts. 2 a writ or warrant. derivatives: pre»cep»tive |pri'septiv| adj. |
|
|
pre*cep*tor
|
derivatives:
'pre,sept3r; pri'septsr]
•
a
n.
from
pre»cip»i»ta»ble
'toreal; 'pre-
adj. 1
|pri,sep
pre«cep«tor»ship -,SHip |
|
n.
pre»cinct
|
'pre,siNGkt|
•
n.
1
a district of a
town as defined for police purposes. precinct house) the police station situated in such a subdivision. an electoral district of a city or town served by a single polling place. 2 (usu. precincts) the area within the walls or perceived boundaries of a city or
(also
particular building or place: all strata of society live within these precincts beyond the \
precincts of my
own family, I am
quite inhibited.
an enclosed or clearly defined area of ground around a cathedral, church, or college. prec*i«plce |
'presspas
• I
n.
a very steep rock
face or cliff, typically a tall one. a dangerous or hazardous situation: the country was teetering on the precipice of anarchy.
pre*cip*i*tate [trans.] |pri'sip3,tat| 1 cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely: the incident precipitated a political crisis. [with obj. and adverbial of direction] cause to move suddenly and with force: suddenly the ladder broke, precipitating them down into a heap. (precipitate someone/something into) send someone or something suddenly into a particular state or condition: they were precipitated into a conflict for which they were quite
2 (usu. be precipitated)
(in
chemistry) cause (a substance) to deposited in solid form from a solution.
be
unprepared.
Ipri'sip-
pri'sipstatle |
adv. prccip'i'tate'ness
|
pri'sipatatnas
|
n.
|
usage: The adjectives precipitate and precipitous are sometimes confused. Premeans 'sudden,
decision; precipitate flight
hasty': a precipitate by the fugitive. Pre-
cipitous means 'steep': the precipitous slope of the moutain; a precipitous decline in stock prices. pre*cip*i*tOUS Ipri'sipatssI *adj. ously high or steep: the precipitous North Pacific coast.
1
danger-
cliffs
of the
(of a change to a worse situation or condisudden and dramatic: a precipitous decline in exports. 2 (of an action) done suddenly and without careful consideration: precipitous
tion)
intervention.
derivatives: pre»cip»i«tous»ly
adv. pre* cip»i*tous»ness n. pre*Cis Ipra'se; 'prase • n. (pi. same) a summary or abstract of a text or speech. • v. (precises pra'sez; 'prasez , precised |pra |
|
|
teacher or instructor. derivatives: pre»cep»to»ri»al
a solution.
ataball adj. pre«cipM«tate»ly
cipitate
the order to be ceremonially observed by people of different rank, according to an acknowledged or legally determined system: quarrels over precedence among the Bonaparte
chemistry)
Ipri'sipatat; -3,tat| (in
a substance precipitated
words.
'sed; 'prasedl, precising Ipra'seiNO; 'praseiNG|) [trans.] make a precis of (a text or speech).
pre«clude |pri'klood| ^v. [trans.] from happening; make impossible: nature of his work precluded
(preclude something:
official recognition.
someone from)
or condition) prevent
(of a situation
someone from doing
his difficulties preclude
leading a normal
pre»clu»sive
him from
life.
derivatives: pre*clu*sion n.
prevent the secret
|-'klooZH3n|
-'kloosiv; -ziv
|
pre*CO*cious |pri'koSH3s|
•
adj. |
adj.
(of a child)
having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual: he was a precocious, solitary boy.
(of behavior or ability) indicative of such development: a precocious talent for mathematics. (of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual.
derivatives: pre»co»cious»ly ac/z;. pre»co* cious»ness n. pre*coc»i»ty |pri'kas9te| n. pre«COg*nl»tion .prekag'nisHsn . n. foreknowledge of an event, esp. foreknowledge of a paranormal kind. derivatives: pre»cog«ni«tive Ipre'kagnaI
|
tiv| adj.
pre-Co»lum*bi*an Ika'bmbeanI 'adj. of or relating to the history and cultures of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492.
pre*COn»SCious pre'kanCHas
. adj. (in psychoanalysis) of or associated with a part of the mind below the level of immediate conscious awareness, from which memories and i
i
|
precursor
338
emotions that have not been repressed can be
and values
thai are on a precon(one's/the preconscious) the part of the mind in which preconscious thoughts or memories reside. D H R VAT V H s pre»con»scious«ness n. pre»CUr*SOr 'pre,k3rs3r; pri'kar- • ». a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner: a three-stringed pre-
recalled: beliefs
scious level.
n.
•
I
I
:
|
|
cursor of
the violin
[as
adj.]
preeursor
cells.
\
(in biochemistry) a substance from which another is formed, esp. by metabolic reaction:
pepsinogen
is
the inactive precursor of pepsin.
pre*da*cious |pri'dasH3s| (also predaceous) . adj. (of an animal) predatory: predacious insects.
derivatives: pre*da*cious*ness dacn»ty
pri'daesste
n.
pre*
n.
|
|
pred»a«tO»ry 'preda.tore adj. relating to or denoting an animal or animals preying nat.
|
urally
on
I
others: predatory birds.
|
|
tion.
I
'pred3,kat
• V.
[trans.] 1 |
I
affirm (some-
thing) about the subject of a sentence or an argument of proposition: a word that prediaggression is cates something about its subject |
predicated of those zvho act aggressively. 2 (predicate something on/upon) found or base something on: the theory of structure on which later chemistry zvas predicated. derivatives: pred*i«ca»tion .preda'ka|
SH3n
n. I
pre»dl»lec»tion .predl'eksHan; ,predl-| . n. a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something: my predilection for Asian food. pre*em»i*nent Ipre'emansntI » adj. surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way: the world's preeminent expert on Australian va|
rietal wines.
derivatives: pre»emM«nence pre»empt |pre'empt| »v. [trans 1 ]
n.
take action
in order to prevent (an anticipated event)
from happening; forestall: the government preempted a coup attempt. act in advance of (someone) in order to prevent him or her from doing something: it looked as if she \i ask him more, but Parr preempted her. (of a broadcast) interrupt or replace (a scheduled program) the violence preempted regular programming. 2 acquire or :
appropriate (something) in advance: many tables were already preempted by family parties. •
a preemptive bid.
n. Bridge
derivatives: pre»emp»tion n. pre«emp» tive adj. pre*emp»tor -tar n. |
|
pref»ace 'prefas • «. an introduction to a book, typically stating its subject, scope, or aims. Cf. foreword. i
|
the introduction or preliminary part of a (in the Christian Church) the introduction to the central part of the Eucharist, historically forming the first part of the canon or prayer of consecration. • v. [trans.] provide (a book) with a preface: the book is prefaced by a brief remembrance of Faulkner. (preface something withAjy) introduce or begin (a speech or event) with or by doing something: it is important to preface the debate with a general comment. derivatives: pref»a«to«ry 'prefajore
speech or event.
|
seeking to exploit or oppress others: a life destroyed by predatory biographers and muckraking journalists. derivatives: pred»a*to»ri«ly ,pred3't6rale adv. pred»a»to»ri»ness n. pre»des»ti»na*tion |pre,dest3'nasH3n| . ». (as a doctrine in Christian theology) the divine foreordaining of all that will happen, esp. with regard to the salvation of some and not others. It has been particularly associated with the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo and of Calvin. pred»i*cate • n. 'predikat the part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and stating something about the subject (e.g., went home in John zvent home): [as adj.] predicate adjective. (in logic) something that is affirmed or denied concerning an argument of a proposi\
prelude
adj.
'pre.fekt • w. 1 a chief officer, magor regional governor in certain coun-
pre»fect istrate,
|
|
tries: the prefect
of police. a senior magistrate or governor in the ancient Roman world: Aviti4s was prefect of Gaul 439. 2 in some, esp. British, schools, from a senior student authorized to enforce disci-
AD
pline.
derivatives: pre»fec»tor«al
Ipre'fektar-
pre«fec»to»ri«al .prc.fek'toreal adj. pre»fec»ture 'pre,fekCH3r . n. a district under the government of a prefect. the official resa prefect's office or tenure. idence or headquarters of a prefect. DERiVAriVEs: pre»fec»tur«al Ipre'fekCHarall adj. 3l| adj.
|
|
|
i
pre*hen*sile Ipre'hensal; -,sil| -adf (chiefly of an animal's limb or tail) capable of grasping.
derivatives: pre»hen»siH«ty
pre, hen |
'sibtel n.
prel*ate
'prebt
|
|
• ^^.
a
bishop or other high
ecclesiastical dignitary.
derivatives: pre«la«cy 'la:tik|
adj.
pre»lat«i»cal
pre»latMC
n.
pri'lsetikal |
ipri adj.
|
pre«lit»er»ate IprC'litarat] -adj. of, relating to, or denoting a society or culture that has not developed the use of writing. (of a child) at a stage of development before acquiring literacy; pertaining to this stage. • ;/. a preliterate person. prel*ude 'prel,(y)(50d; 'pra,l(y)oOd • n. 1 an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important: education cannot simply be a prelude to a career. 2 an introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, the first movement of a suite, or a piece preceding a fugue. a short piece of music of a similar style, esp. the introductory part of a for the piano. poem or other literary work. • v. [trans ] serve as a prelude or introduction to: the bombardment preluded an all-out final attack. pri'l(5Dde9l; derivatives: pre»lu»di»al |
I
|
pra-| adj.
.
premeditate
339
pre*med»i*tate
pri'meda.tat;
|
[usu. as
[trans]
pre-
. v.
1
(premeditated) think
adj.]
out or plan (an action, esp. a crime) beforehand: premeditated murder. derivatives: pre«med»i»ta»tion |-,med3
|
presbyopia
pre*pos*sess*ing
|
,
preps 'zcsing
i
»adj. [of-
ten with negative] attractive or appealing in appearance: he was not a prepossessing sight.
DERIVATIVES: pre»pos»ses»sion |-'zesH3n| n. pre*pos*ter*OUS pri'past(9)r3s . adj. con|
|
'tasHsnl
pre»mler |pre'm(y)ir; 'premear; 'pre,mir| • adj. [attrib.] first in importance, order, or position; leading: Germany's premier rock band. of earliest creation: the premier issue of the quarterly. » n. a prime minister or other head of government. (in Australia and Canada) the chief minister of a government of a state or province. pre«miere Ipre'myer; -'mir| . n. the first performance of a musical or theatrical work or the first showing of a movie. • v. [trans.] give the first performance of: his first stage play was premiered at the Arena stage.. [intrans.] (of a musical or theatrical work or a film) have its first performance: the show premiered in New York this week.
pre»mo»ni»tion
.prema'niSHan; ,prem-
1
•
n.
|
something is about to happen, esp. something unpleasant: he had a premonition of imminent disaster. DERI VAT v E s pre»monM»to»ry pre'mans a strong feeling that
I
:
|
,t6re
adj. I
pre*pon«der»ance
pri'pandsrsns . «. the quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance: the preponderance of |
|
women among older people. DERI VAT V E s pre»pon«der«ant I
:
apparent disadvantage.
prep*0*Si»tion .preps'ziSHsnl • n. a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, as in "the man on the platform," "she arrived after dinner," |
it
|
-SHsnl-e
|-SH3nl| |
by the 1 7th-century poet and dramatist John Dryden, that it is incorrect to put a preposition at the end of a sentence, as in where do you come from? or she's not a vjriter I've ever come across. The rule was formulated on the basis that, since in Latin a preposition cannot come after the word it governs or is linked with, the same should be true in English. The problem is that English is not like Latin in this respect, and in many cases (particularly in questions and with phrasal verbs) the attempt to
soimding
produces results.
mously objected
\
|
rounding the
clitoris.
derivatives: pre»pu»tial
pre'pyooSHsl |
adj.
Pre-Raph»a*el*ite
I'raefea.lit; -rafe-; -'rafe-|
member
of a group of English 1 9thincluding Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and D. Gabriel Rossetti, who consciously sought to emulate the simphcity and sincerity of the work of Italian artists from before the time of Raphael (1483-1520). . adj. of or relating to the Pre.
n.
a
century
artists,
Raphaelites. of a style or appearance associated with the later pre-Raphaelites or esp. with the women they frequently used as models, with long, thick, wavy auburn hair, pale skin, and a fey
,iz3m|
|
-,lit
n.
pre*req*ul»slte pre'rekwazat . «. a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist: sponsorship is not a prerequisite for any of our courses. • adj. required as a prior condition: the student must have the prerequisite skills. |
|
usage
See usage
:
at perquisite.
pri'ragstiv;
pa 'rag-
» \
n.
a
move
the prep-
awkward, unnaturalWinston Churchill fa-
to the rule, saying 'This
up
is
zvith which I ivill not put' In standard English the placing of a preposition at the end of a sentence is widely accepted provided the use sounds natural and the meaning is clear. the sort of English
right or privilege exclusive to a particular in-
dividual or class: owning an automobile was still
adv.
a traditional view, first set
is
forth
osition
(in medicine) before a main meal: urine testing results in the preprandial state. pre*puce 'pre,pyoos • n. ^ technical term for the male foreskin. 2 the fold of skin sur-
|
prep»o»si»tion»al»ly :
taken before dinner: a preprandial glass of sherry.
pre»rog»a»tlve
/or?"
DERIVATIVES: prep»o»si»tion»al
USAGE There
derivatives: pre»pos»ter»ous»ly adv. pre* pos«ter«ous»ness n. pre*pran»di«al Ipre'praendesll ' adj. doriQ or
derivatives: Pre-Raph»a»el»it»ism
|
|
"what did you do
sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous: a preposterous suggestion.
demeanor. adj.
pre*pon*der*ate pri' panda, rat *v. [intrans.] be greater in number, influence, or importance: the advantages preponderate over this
adj.
common
trary to reason or
n.
the prerogative of the rich.
a faculty or property distinguishing a person it's not a female prerogative to feel inse-
or class: cure.
(also royal
prerogative) the right of
which in British law is theoretically subject to no restriction. pres*age 'presij; pri'saj • v. [trans.] (of an event) be a sign or warning that (something, typically something bad) will happen: the outcome of the game presaged the coming year. (of a person) predict. • n. a sign or warning that something, typically something bad, will happen; an omen or portent: the fever was a a sovereign,
|
|
somber presage of his final illness. a feeling of presentiment or foreboding: he had a strong presage that he had only a very short time to
live.
derivatives: pres»ag«er pres»by*0*pl»a
n. (archaic)
,prezbe'ope3;
,pres-|
•
n.
|
farsightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye.
derivatives: pres»by»opMC
|-'apik|
adf
340
presbyter pres«by«ter
'prczboior; 'pres- • n. an elder or minister of the early f^hristian CJhurch.
(m presbytenan churches; an
elder.
(in
pretentious scribe scribe
scrihc n.
Iprez'bipr-
1
n. a
•
fc)rm of J-'njtestant C'hurch gov-
ernment in which the C>hurch is administered locally by the minister with a group of elected elders oi equal rank, and regionally and nati(jnally by representative courts of ministers and ciders. Prcsbytcrianjsm was f/cncva in 1541 und' belief that
the
'Nirlv
jt
bet
HJI'
'
ii
T'-'y ii.
•J
ten
i
in
m
]n
th':
L;jii'
}r(}scrihed
pre«scrip^ive
tended
tuary.
scient'ly adv.
»
adj.
of or
1
enforcement of
these guidelines are not in-
right of way.
by
long-standing
custom
or
IJI-.IMVA ivhs: pre»scrip«tive»ly adv. pre* scrip»tive»nes8 n. pre*scrip»tiv»ism I
-'skripto.vizsm n.
&
n.
pre«scrip»tiv«ist
-vist
ad).
pre«sid»i«um praesidium;
pri'sideam; pri-; -'zid- falso n. a standing executive committee in a communist country. f Presidium; the committee of this type in the former USSR, which functioned as the legislative authority when the Supreme So-
was
viet
i
1
•
n(jt sitting.
pre8*ti»dig»i*ta*tlon
magic
tricks I
,prest3,dij3'ta.sH3n
performed
:
n.
.
as entertainment.
ivi:s: pres«ti»digM»tate -'dija.taisr
v.
pres»
n.
j
pre«sump«tive pri'zamptiv . adj. of the nature of a presumption; presumed in the ab|
sence of further information: a presumptive
di-
]
many vexing issues. cut off or separate from something: his an idea entirely prescinded from all of the oth-
scinded from J
ers.
pre»scrlbe jpri'sknbl
»v.
cal practitioner; advise
(trans
and
]
f (if
a
medi-
authc)rize the use
medicine or treatment;
for scjmeone,
esp. in writing: Dr. (ireene prescribed maf^nesulfate
\
fa
:
'adj.
person or personal behavior; failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appnjpriate: / hope I won 't be considered presumptuous if I offer some advice. (of
'd
derivatives: pre»sump*tu«ous»ly adv. pre»sump»tu*ous»ness n. fBrit, prepre«tense 'pre, tens; pri'tensi tence; • n. 1 an attempt to make something that
is
not the case appear true:
his
anger
is
of feelings, attitudes, or intenwithout any pretense the practice of inventing imagat politeness. inary situations in play: before the age of two, affected children start to engage in pretense. and ostentatious speech and behavior. 2 fpretense to; a claim, esp. a false or ambitious cjne: he was quick to disclaim any pretense
J
is
often prescribed as
state authoritatively or as
a rule that fan action or
procedure; should be
carried out: rules prescribing^ five acts for a play are purely arbitrary (as adj.] f prescribed; t/oing things in the prescribed manner. D F R I VAT r v E s pre*scrib»er n. \
:
scribe do
I
substance or action; as some-
a universal remedy.
:
I
pre«SUmp*tU«OUS prrzDmpCHf3w;3S
masked by the pretense that all is well they have finally abandoned their secrecy and pretense.
objs
thing beneficial: marriage
s.'sot-.
another term for FRiisuMPTUof the law. ocs. I; R VA'i v h s pre«sump»tive«ly adv.
he was prescribed a
(with two
course of antibiotics.
recommend
law; giving grounds for the inference of
fin
a fact or of the appropriate interpretation
!•;
pre«scind |pri'sind| • v. [intrans Cprescind from; leave out of consideration: we have pre-
i.
:
rumhlmf^
agnosis.
pre«SCient 'presnCepnt; 'pre-| « adj. having or showing knowledge of events before they take place: a prescient vjarning. DHRiVATi VHS: prc'science l-ans! n. pre*
stum
m
to be prescriptive.
OERIVA
of fa
for.;.
attempting to imp(jse rules of ccjrrect usage on the users of a language: a prescriptive grammar hook. Often contrasted with descriptive. 2 (of a right, title, or institution; having become legally established or accepted by long usage or the passage of time: a prescriptive
ti»dig«i«ta»tor
is
i'r';-
uuijKjruu:;.
rJic
pn'skriptiv
method:
represented by such a body of elders and ministers. 2 the house of a Roman Catholic parish priest. 3 the eastern part of a church chancel beyond the choir; the sancdistrict
(trans.
r, a
relating to the imposition or a rule or
tions of a district. a
araihio!:
,-iderjin or lorhid.' as
established
.'.-tliLiiai.
.
presLvihed
Jof inr
///;
ifi
a-,
.';;';r;'-,
usage.
with whici
pres«by*ter»y
pro-
medical
:
r'
;
J.
in^ the landj.
(
•;.!:
f'
.han
'
'
1
'.
ifiiroduced
fir.t r
'
prez'biia,rat;
pres-j n. pres»by»teTi»al .prezbD'tireol; ,pres- adj. pres»by»ter»ship -,snip n. Pre8»by*te«ri»an«ism ,prezb:>'tire:),niz:)m; ,prcs-
rr
nm^i:.
'
priest.
3l;pre8-| adj. pres»byt«er«ate
much com
.iU'l
pre',cni;tiorj''jr
episcopal churches) a minister of the second order, under the authority of a bishop; a
derivatives: pres»byfer»al
is a
The
verbs prescribe and pro-
n(jt
have the same meaning. Pre-
j
a false display
tions: he asked
me questwns
to superiority.
pre*ten*tlou8 |pri'tencH3s| » adj. attempting t(j impress by affecting greater importance.
preternatural talent,
341
culture, etc., than
actually pos-
is
sessed: a pretentious literary device.
derivatives: pre»ten»tious»ly
adv. pre*
ten*tious*ness n. pre*ter»nat«U*ral ,pret3r'naeCH(3)r3l . adj. beyond what is normal or natural: autumn |
I
had arrived with preternatural speed. pre»ter»nat»u»ral«ism derivatives: -'n£eCH(9)r3,liz3m
n.
|
pre«ter»nat»u»ral*ly
I
principal relating to an early stage in development;
primeval: primal hunting societies. (in psychology) of, relating to, or denoting the needs, fears, or behavior that are postulated to form the origins of emotional life: he preys on people 's primal fears.
DERI VAT V e s pri»mal»ly I
:
pri*matei
adv.
'pri.mat; primat]
• n. (in Christianity) the chief bishop or archbishop of a !
province.
adv.
reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the
pre*text
'pre.tekst
|
•
a
w.
I
had the perfect pretext for making their move. p H R A s E s on (or under) the pretext giving real reason: the rebels
:
the specified reason as one's justification: the police raided Grand River on the pretext of looking for moonshiners. pre*vail |pri'val| *v. [intrans.] prove more
powerful than opposing forces; be victorious: it is hard for logic to prevail over emotion. be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current: an atmosphere of crisis prevails [as adj.] (prevailing) the prevailing political culture. (prevail on/upon) persuade (someone) to do something: she was prevailed upon to sing. derivatives: pre»vail»ing«ly adv. prev*a»lent 'prevabnt • adj. widespread in \
|
I
a particular area at a particular time: the
ills
prevalent in society.
predominant; powerful.
derivatives: prev»a«lence
n.
previa*
»v.
[intrans.]
derivatives: pre*varn»ca»tion
|pri,ver3
|
pri»ma»tial
|pri'masHaI|
adj.
'pri.mat • «. a mammal of an order (Primates) that includes the lemurs, bush
pri»mate2
|
|
babies, tarsiers, marmosets, monkeys, apes, and humans. They are distinguished by having hands, handlike feet, and forward-facing eyes, and, with the exception of humans, are typically agile tree-dwellers.
pri«me»val pri meval (Brit, also primaeval) • adj. of the earliest ages in the history of the |
|
world: mile after mile of primeval forest. (of feelings or actions) based on primitive instinct; raw and elementary: a primeval desire. derivatives: pri»me« val»ly adv. prim*i*tiv»ism 'primativ,izam| . n. 1 a belief in the value of what is simple and unsophisticated, expressed as a philosophy of life or through art or literature. 2 unsophisticated behavior that is unaffected by objective reasoning. derivatives: prim»i»tiv»ist n. & adj. pri«mo*gen»i«ture ,primo'jena,CHar; -,CH(5Dr| • n. the state of being the firstborn |
|
lent'ly adv.
pre*var»i»cate pri'vera.kat speak or act in an evasive way.
derivatives:
child.
|
'kaSHsnt pri*ap*ic •
pre»varn»ca»tor
n.
Ipri'sepik; -apik|
adj. of, relating to,
|-,kat3r| n.
(also
priapean)
or resembling a phallus:
priapic carvings.
penis. |
'pri9,piz3m
|
.
n.
persistent
and
painfiil erection of the penis,
prig prig . a self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others. derivatives: prig»ger«y I'prigare] n. prig'gish adj. prig»gish»ly adv. prig»gish» I
derivatives: pri«mo»genn*tal
I
ness n. pri*ma don»na
|
|
company. a very temperamental person with an inflated view of their own talent or importance. derivatives: pri«ma don*na-ish |-isH| adj.
pri*ma fa»ci*e prima |
primordial oceans. (esp. of a state or quality) basic and funda(of mental: the primordial needs of the masses. a cell, part, or tissue) in the earliest stage of
development.
derivatives:
|
rent.
of first imortance; essential; fundamental: for me, writing is a pri-
mal
urge.
pri»mor»di»al»i»ty
'primal
•
adj.
,pri |
,m6rde'aElate n. pri»mor«di»al*ly adv. prin*ci*pal 'prinsapal . adj. [attrib.] 1 first in order of importance; main: the country's principal cities. 2 (of money) denoting an original sum invested or lent: the principal amount of your investment. • n. 1 the person with the highest authority or most important position in an organization, institution, or group. |
I
the head of a school, college, or other educathe leading performer in the leading a concert, play, ballet, or opera. player in each section of an orchestra. 2 a sum of money lent or invested on which interest is paid.
\
|
[
tional institution.
'fasna; 'faSHe; 'faSHe.e
• adj. & adv. (in law) based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise: [as adj.] a prima facie case of professional misconduct [as adv.] the original lessee prima facie remains liable for the payment of the
pri*mal
|
|
.prima 'dans; iprema • n. the chief female singer in an opera or opera
|-'jenatl|
adj. pri«mo»gen»i»tar»y -'jena,tere pri*mor*di«al |pri'm6rdeal| »adj. existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval: the adj.
of or relating to male sexuality and sexual activity. (of a male) having a persistently erect
pri»a»pism
(also riglit of primogeniture) the right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, esp. the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.
3 a person for
whom another acts
as
an
agent or representative. (in law) the person directly responsible for a each of the combatants in a duel crime.
I
(who
are supported
by
seconds).
derivatives: prin«ci»pal»ship
|-,SHipi n.
|
342
prior
usage: Principal means 'most important' or 'person in charge': my principal reason for coming tonight;
means
the high school principal. It also
sum': the principal would be
'a capital
repaid in five years. Principle
means
'rule,
basis for conduct': Her principles kept herfrom stealing despite her poverty.
proboscis
such as that of blood, lease, or service: the parties no longer have privity with each other. priv»y 'prive . adj. [predic] (privy to) sharing in the knowledge of (something secret or private): he was no longer privy to her innermost |
I
thoughts.
hidden; secret: a privy place. • n. (pi. -ies) 1 a located in a small shed outside a house or other building; outhouse. 2 (in law) a person having a part or interest in any action, matter, or thing. derivatives: privM'ly |'priv3le| adv. • w. a meal conprix fixe 'pre 'feks; 'fiks sisting of several courses, served at a fixed toilet
'pn(3)r| • n. a man who is head of a house or group of houses of certain religious
pri*or
I
orders, in particular: the man next in rank below an abbot. head of a house of friars.
derivatives: pri*or»ate
the
|
|
I'priaratI n. pri»
or»ship -, snip n. . «. pri«or*ess 'pnaras a woman who is head of a house of certain orders of nuns. the woman next in rank below an abbess. I
I
prl*0*ry 'pnare • n. (pi. -ies) a small monastery or nunnery that is governed by a prior or prioress. pris*tine 'pris,ten; pri'sten • adj. in its original condition; unspoiled: pristine copies of an early magazine. clean and fresh as if new; spotless. derivatives: pris«tine»ly adv. pri*va*teer |,pnv3'tir| an armed ship |
|
|
|
owned and
by private individuals
officered
holding a government commission and authorized for use in war, esp. in the capture of enemy merchant shipping. (also
privateersman)
crew member of such a as a pirate. ties
• v.
[intrans.]
a
commander
or
ship, often regarded engage in the activi-
of a privateer.
derivatives: pri«va»teer»ing pri»va*tion
|
pri'vasnan
• |
«.
which
\
at the front.
the loss or absence of a quality or attribute that is normally present: cold is the privation of heat.
priv*i*lege 'priv(3)lij . a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people: education is a right, not a privilege he has been accustomed to wealth and privilege. something regarded as a rare opportunity and bringing particular pleasure: / have the |
|
\
privilege of awarding you this grant.
(also abparhamentary context) the right to say or write something without the risk of incurring punishment or legal
solute privilege)
(in a
action for defamation. the right of a lawyer or official to refuse to divulge confidential information: the doctor-patient privilege. a grant to an individual, corporation, or place of special rights or immunities, esp. in the form of a franchise or monopoly. • v. [trans.] grant a privilege or privileges to: English inheritance law privileged the eldest son.
(usu.
be privileged from) exempt (some-
one) from a liability or obligation to which others are subject. priv*i»ty 'privite . n. (pi. -ies) a relation between two parties that is recognized by law. |
I
pro»ac*tive |pro'aektiv|
»
(of a person,
adj.
policy, or action) creating or controlling a sit-
uation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened: be proactive in identifying and preventing potential problems.
derivatives: pro»ac»tion n.
pro'sekSHsn pro»ac»tive»ly adv. pro»ac»tiv«i»ty ,pro |
|
,aek'tiv3te
|
n.
prob«a*bl«lis«tic .prababa'listikl . a^/;". based on or adapted to a theory of probability; subject to or involving chance variation: the main approaches are either rule-based or probabilistic. derivatives: prob»a«bi»lism 'prababs |
|
,liz3m| n.
pro*bate
• n. the official proving 'pro, bat (establishing genuineness and validity) of a will: the will was in probate [as adj.] a probate |
|
\
court.
a verified copy of a will with a certificate as to the executors. • v. [trans.] establish the validity of (a will). pro*ba*tion pro'basHan • n. (in law) the release of an offender from actual or potential detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision: / went to court and was
handed
n.
a state in
things that are essential for well-being such as food and warmth are scarce or lacking: years the privations of of rationing and privation life
price.
I
|
|
|
put on probation. the process or period of testing or observing the character or abilities of a person in a cer-
new employee: for an period of probation, your manager will closely monitor your progress. tain role, for example, a initial
derivatives: pro»ba»tion»ar»y
|-,nerel
adj.
pro»bi»ty 'probite| • n. the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and de|
cency.
prob»lem«at*ic
.prabb'maetikl > adj. constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty: the situation was problematic for teachers. • n. a thing that constitutes a problem or difficulty: |
the problematics of artificial intelligence. prob»lem«atM»cal adj. derivatives:
prob»lem«at*i»cal»ly
-ik(3)le
|
adv.
i
• n. (pi. pro»bos»cis pra'basas; -'baskss proboscises, proboscides -'basa.dez or probosces -'basez ) the nose of a mammal, esp. when it is long and mobile, such as the trunk of an elephant or the snout of a tapir. (in many insects) an elongated sucking mouthpart that is typically tubular and flexi(in some worms) an extensible tubular ble. |
|
,
|
|
|
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sucking organ.
procedure pro»ce»dure official
343
an established or way of doing something: the police are Iprs'sejarl
now reviewing
n.
»
procedures
rules of procedure.
\
formal steps to be taken in a lemode of conducting judicial precedings, as distinguished from the law (in law) the
gal action; the
involved. a series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner: the standard procedure for informing new employees about conditions of work. a surgical operation: the procedure is |-j3r3l|
adj.
• |
n.
(pi.
|
-ies) [often with
a person, esp. a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities: a pianist who was a child prodigy. an impressive or outstanding example of a particular quahty: Germany seemed a prodigy of industrial discipline. an amazing or unusual thing, esp. one out of the ordinary course of nature: omens and prodigies abound in Livy's work.
pro»em
'pro, em;
|
-3m|
a preface or pre-
n.
•
book or speech. derivatives: pro*e*mi*al to a
Ipro'emeal;
-'ameali adj.
pro*ces*sion*al Iprs'sesHsnll * adj. of, for, or used in a religious or ceremonial proces* n. a book containing litanies and hymns for use in religious processions. a hymn or other musical composition sung or played during a procession. pro*Cliv«i*ty ipro'klivate; prs-l » n. (pi. -ies) a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing: a proclivity for hard work. pro*cras«ti*nate prs'krssta.nat; pro-i »v. [intrans.] delay or postpone action; put off doing something: it won 't be this price for long, so
sion: a processional cross.
|
don 't procrastinate. derivatives: pro«cras*ti»na»tion [pra ikrassts'naSHsn; pro- n. pro»cras*ti»na«tor i-,napr; pro-| n. pro»cras»ti»na»to»ry |-n3 1
,t6re
'pradaje
adj.]
amble
carried out under general anesthesia.
derivatives: pro»ce»dur«al pro«ce*dur»aWy l-jsrslel adv.
pro forma
prod«i»gy
pro*fane prs'fan; proor devoted to that which
not relating sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious: a talk that tackadj. 1
•
1
|
is
and profane. (of a person) not initiated into religious rites or any esoteric knowledge: he was an agnostic, a profane man. 2 (of a person or personal behavior) not respectful of orthodox religious practice; irreverent. led topics both sacred
(of language)
blasphemous or obscene.
• v.
(something sacred) with irreverence or disrespect: it was a serious matter to [trans.]
treat
profane a tomb. DERI VAT I v E s prof»a«na«tion .prafa'naSHsn; ipro-| n. pro»fane»ly adv. pro'fane* :
|
ness
n.
pro»fan*er
pro»fan»i»ty
n.
prs'fsenate; pro-
.
1
n.
(pi.
-ies)
|
blasphemous language: an
outburst of profan-
ity
adj. I
pro*cre»ate I'prokre.atl *v. [intrans.] (of people or animals) produce young; reproduce: species that procreate
by copulation.
derivatives: pro»cre»ant
|-kre3nt|
adj.
|
|
.
derivatives: pro»cur»a»ble cure«ment n. pro»cur»er n. prod*i*gal
'pradigsl
adj.
• |
pro*
adj.
1
|
spending
money
or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully ext.ravagant: prodigal habits die hard. 2 having or giving something on a lavish scale: the dessert was prodigal with whipped cream. • n. a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way. (also prodigal son or daughter) a person
who
leaves home and behaves in such a way, but later makes a repentant return. DERI VAT I V E s prod«i»galM»ty .prada :
|
'gaebtel
n.
prod»i*gaWy
pro*di*gioUS
pra'dijss
|
• |
'pradig(3)le adj.
1
|
|
adv.
remarkably
or impressively great in extent, size, or deconsumed a prodigious amount of fuel. 2 unnatural or abnormal: rumors of prodigious happenings, such as monstrous births. gree: the stove
derivatives: pro«di«gious»ly di*gious»ness
n.
irrev-
erent behavior.
,prokre'asH9n n. pro»cre» active |-,ativ| adj. pro«cre«a»tor |-,at3r| n. pro»CUre Iprs'kyOOr; pro-| • f [trans.] 1 obtain (something), esp. with care or effort: food procured for the rebels. obtain (someone) as a prostitute for another person: he was charged with procuring a minor. 2 [with obj. and infinitive] (in law) persuade or cause (someone) to do something: he procured his wife to sign the agreement.
pro»cre»a»tion
obscene or vulgar language. irreligious or a swear word; an oath.
adv.
pro*
proWer
'prafsr
[trans.]
hold out (some-
I
|
thing) to
. V.
someone
for acceptance; offer: he
proffered his resignation.
•
n.
an offer or pro-
posal.
pra'fiSHant • adj. competent or doing or using something: / was proficient at my job she felt reasonably proficient in Italian. • n. a person who is proficient: he became a proficient in Latin and Greek. derivatives: pro»fi»cien»cy n. pro»fi«
pro»fi«cient
I
|
skilled in
\
cient'ly adv. prof*it»eer |,praf3'tir| *v. [intrans.] make or seek to make an excessive or unfair profit, esp. illegally or in a black market: [as n.] (profiteering) war profiteering. • n. a person
who
profiteers.
• adj. reck'prafligat; -b.gat prof»li»gate lessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources: profligate consumers of energy. given to vice or indulgence; hcentious; dissolute: he succumbed to drink and a profligate lifestyle. • n. a licentious, dissolute person. derivatives: prof»li»ga«cy |'praflig3se| n. prof»li»gate*ly adv. pro for*ma pro 'forms • adv. as a matter of form or politeness: he nodded to him pro forma. . adj. done or produced as a matter of form: i
|
|
|
pro forma
reports.
denoting a standard document or form, esp. an invoice sent in advance of or [attrib.] (of a financial with goods supplied. statement) showing potential or expected [attrib.]
a
344
profundity income, costs, lation to
uation. financial statement of such a type. * n. pro»fun*di*ty pra'fandste (pi. -ies) deep insight; great depth of knowledge or |
|
thought. great depth or intensity of a state, quality, or emotion: the profundity of her misery. a state-
idea that shows great knowledge or
insight.
pro*fuse Ipra'fyoos; pro-| • adj. (esp. of something offered or discharged) exuberantly plentiful; abundant: / offered
my profuse
apologies.
profuse in hospitality. derivatives: pro»fuse»ly n.
or parent: the progenitors of many of Scotland's leading noble families. a person who originates an artistic, political, or intellectual
movement:
the progenitor of
modern jazz.
prog*e*ny
pro*le»gom»e*non n.
'prajane |
•
n.
[treated as
sing,
or
I
descendant or the descendants of a per-
|
|
I
tion. [trans.]
prophesy: the economists were prog-
nosticating financial Armageddon.
iprols'gams.nan; -nan
I
a critical
or discursive introduction to a book. |-n3s|
adj.
pro*lep*sis Ipro'lepsssi
•
|-,sez|) 1 the anticipation
(pi. prolepses and answering of
n.
possible objections in rhetorical speech. anticipation: in the first of the novella's three parts Marlow gives a prolepsis of the climax. 2 the representation of a thing as existing before it actually does or did so, as in he was a dead man when he entered.
derivatives: pro»lep»tic |-'leptik| adj. pro»lep«ti»cal»ly -'leptik(3)le adv. proHe«tar*i»at .prob'terestj • [treated as sing, or pi.] workers or working-class people, regarded collectively (often used with reference to Marxism): the growth of the industrial proletariat.
the lowest class of citizens in ancient
DERI VAT V E s pro«le*tar»i»an I
:
|-,ka-
prog»nos»ti«ca*to«ry |-k3,t6re|
adj.
pro*hib»i«tive |pr3'hibitiv;pro-| 'adj. 1 (of price or charge) excessively high; diflficult or impossible to pay: the costs were prohibitive prohibitive interest rates. 2 (esp. of a law or rule) forbidding or restricting something:
Rome.
adj.
pro*lif»er*ate |pr3'lif3,rat| 'V. [intrans.] crease rapidly in numbers; multiply: science-fiction
magazines that proliferated
inthe
in the
1920s.
(of a cell, structure, or organism) reproduce rapidly: the Mediterranean faces
an
ecological
seaweed continues to proliferate at present rate. [trans.] cause (cells, tissue,
disaster if the
structures, etc.) to reproduce rapidly: electromagnetic radiation can only proliferate cancers
already present.
derivatives: prog«nos»ti«ca»tor n.
|
prolegomena l-'gamansi)
derivatives: pro»le«gom»e»nous
its
prog*nos»ti»cate |prag'nast3,kat| *v. foretell or
(pi.
|
son, animal, or plant; offspring: the progeny of mixed marriages. prog»no*sis prag'nosas • n. (pi. prognoses -,sez ) the likely course of a disease or ailment: the disease has a poor prognosis. Cf. diagnosis. a forecast of the likely course of a disease or ailment: it is very difficult to make an accurate prognosis. a forecast of the likely outcome of a situation: gloomy prognoses about overpopula-
t3r|
\
I
|
|-,jen3
'toreall adj.
I
|pro,kere
'atik! adj.
|
derivatives: pro»genn»to»ri»al
a
derivatives: pro«kar»y»ot»ic
pro*late |'pro,lat| 'adj. (in geometry, of a spheroid) lengthened in the direction of a polar diameter. prole prol ' n. a member of the working class; a worker. • adj. working-class: prole sol-
•
adv. pro»fuse« pro«fu»sion n. pro*gen*i*tive Iprs'jenativ; pro-| 'adj. having the quality of producing offspring; having reproductive power. pro»gen*l*tor Ipra'jenspr; pro-| » n. a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor
pi ]
pro»kar*y*ote |pro'kere,ot| (also procaryOte) » n. a microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles, including the bacteria and cyanobacteria. Cf. EUKARYOTE.
diers.
(of a person) lavish; extravagant: they are
ness
impelled with great force.
assets, or liabilities, esp. in re-
some planned or expected act or sit• n. a standard document or form or
ment or
prolific
[trans.]
produce (something)
in large or increasing quantities: the promise of new technology proliferating options on every
hand
derivatives: adj.
pro«lif»er»a»tive pro»lif»er»a«tor |-,rat3r| n.
|-,rativ|
\
prohibitive legislation.
(of a
condition or situation)
preventing
someone from doing something: a wind force 5
is
over
prohibitive.
derivatives: pro»hibn»tive»ly
adv.
pro*
hib»i»tive»ness n. pro*jec«tile Ipra'jektl; -,til| . n. a missile designed to be fired from a rocket or gun. an object propelled through the air, esp. one
thrown as a weapon: they tried to shield Johnson from the projectiles that were being thrown. • adj. [attrib.] of or relating to such a missile or object: a projectile weapon.
proHiWc
Ipra'lifikI
'adj. 1 (of a plant, ani-
mal, or person) producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring: in captivity, tigers are prolific breeders.
(of an artist, author, or composer) producing many works: he was a prolific composer of operas-. (of a sports player) doing or assisting in much scoring: a prolific home-run hitter. 2 present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful: mahogany was once prolific in the tropical forests.
(of a river, area, or season of the year) characterized by plentiful wildlife or produce: the and lakes of Franklin County.
prolific rivers
derivatives: pro»lifM»ca»cy
|-ik3se|
n.
345
prolix pro»lif»i»cal»ly
adv.
|-ik(3)le|
pro»lif«ic«
propitious
pro*pae«deu*tic ,propi'd(y)ootik| ^adj. (of an area of study) serving as a preliminary instruction or as an introduction to further |
ness n. proHix
pro'liks • adj. (of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy: he found the narrative prolix and |
I
discursive.
derivatives:
pro«lix»i»ty
|-'liks3te|
n.
pro»lix»ly adv.
proHu*sion
pro'looZHsn
• |
n.
a preliminary
|
action or event; a prelude. a preliminary essay or article.
pro*mis*CU*OUS Iprs'miskyawasI
'adj. 1 (of sexual relationships, esp. transient ones: she's a wild, promiscuous
many
a person) having
girl.
(of sexual behavior or a society) characterized by such relationships: they ran wild, indulging in promiscuous sex and experimenting with drugs. 2 demonstrating or implying an undiscriminating or unselective approach; indiscriminate or casual: the city fathers were promiscuous with their honors.
consisting of a wide range of different things: Americans are free to pick and choose from a pro-
miscuous array of values and behavior.
derivatives:
prom»is*cu»i»ty
pr3,mis'kyoo-
'skyooate;
1
|
.prama
promns»cu»
n.
ous'ly adv. prom*is»cu»ous»ness n. prom»is*SO*ry 'pram3,s6re • adj. (in law) |
|
conveying or implying a promise: promissory words.
study.
derivatives: pro»pae»deu«ti»cal
ing houseplants from cuttings. [intrans.] (of a plant, animal, etc.) reproduce in such a way. cause (something) to increase in number or amount: errors propa-
gated during the process. 2 spread and promote (an idea, theory, knowledge, etc.) widely: the French propagated the idea that the English were violent and gluttonous drunkards. 3 [with obj. and adverbial of direction] transmit (motion, light, sound, etc.) in a particular direction or through a medium: electromagnetic effects can be propagated at a finite velocity only through material substances [as adj.] (propagated) a propagated electrical \
signal. [intrans.] (of motion, light, sound, etc.) be transmitted or travel in such a way: a hydraulic fracture is generally expected to propagate in a
vertical plane.
derivatives: prop»a»ga»tion prapa gaSHsnl n. prop»a»ga»tive i-,gativ| adj. prop* a»ga«tor |-,gat3r| n. pro»pel»lant pra'pebnt • n. a thing or substance that causes something to move or be driven forward or outward, in particular: |
|
indicative of something to come; full of promise: the glow of evening is promissory of the days to come. prom*on»tO»ry 'pram3n,t6re • n. (pi. -ies) a point of high land that juts out into the sea or a large lake; a headland: a rocky promontory. a prominence or protuberance on an organ or other structure in the body. prom*ul*gate 'pram9l,gat; pro'mal-l » v. [trans.] promote or make widely known (an idea or cause) these objectives have to be promulgated within the organization. put (a law or decree) into effect by official proclamation: in 1852, the new constitution was |
I
|
:
promulgated.
DERI VAT V E s I
:
prom»ul«ga»tion ,pram3l n. prom»ul»ga»tor -,ga-
adj.
prop*a*gate I'prapa.gatl »v. [trans.] 1 breed specimens of (a plant, animal, etc.) by natural processes from the parent stock: propagat-
'
,
I
an inert fluid, liquefied under pressure, in which the active contents of an aerosol are dispersed. an explosive that fires bullets from a firearm. a substance used as a reagent in a rocket engine to provide thrust. pra'pensste . n. (pi. -ies) an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way: a propensity for violence
pro»pen»si»ty
I
|
\
[with infinitive] their innate propensity one another.
to
attack
'adj. in.profs' laektik| pro»phy«lac»tlc tended to prevent disease: prophylactic measures. • n. a medicine or course of action used to prevent disease: / took malaria prophylac|
|
'gaSHan; ,prom3l-
1
tics.
|
pr| n. pro*nate 'pro,nat| . v. [trans.] put or hold (a hand, foot, or limb) with the palm or sole turned downward: [as adj.] (pronated) a |
pronated foot.
The
derivatives:
opposite of supinate. pro«na«tion |pro'naSH3n|
pro«na»tor n. . adj. prone pron 1 [predic] (prone to/prone to do something) likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something, typically something regrettable or unwelcome: years of logging had left the mounn.
|
|
he is prone to jump to 2 lying flat, esp. face downward or on the stomach: / was lying prone on a foam mattress a prone position. denoting the position of the forearm with the palm of the hand facing downward. 3 with a tains prone to mudslides
\
conclusions.
|
downward slope or direction. derivatives: prone*ness n.
a condom. derivatives: pro»phylac»ti»cal«ly
|-ik-
(9)le| adv. • n. action profs 'leeksas pro«phy«lax*is taken to prevent disease, esp. by specified |
|
,
means or against a specified disease: the prophylaxis of angina pectoris. pro*pin*qui*ty Ipra'piNCkwatel • «. 1 the state of being close to someone or something; proximity: he was afraid propinquity might lead
him
into temptation.
2 close kinship.
pro*pl»ti»ate |pr9'pisHe,at| ' V. [trans.] win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them: propitiating the gods with sacrifices. derivatives: pro»pi»ti»a»tion n. pro»pi» ti»a»tor |-,apr| n. pro»pi»ti«a»to«ry |-'piSHe3,t6re| adj.
pro*pi*tious
Ipra'piSHasI
indicating a
good chance of
»
giving or adj. success; favora-
proponent
346
ble: the timing Jar such
a meeting seemed propi-
tious.
favorably disposed toward someone: there moments in which she did not seem propi-
vjere
tious.
m:R VA'f ivEs: pro»pi*tious»ly adv. pro* pi»tious*ness n. pro*po»nent pra'ponant • w. a person who ;
I
adv(jcates a theory, proposal, or project.
pro*pound ward
''an
pr^'pownd
ftrans]
• V.
prospectus prosceniums
or proscenia -nea ; the part of a theater stage in frfjnt cjf the curtain. Talso proscenium arch; an arch framing the opening between the stage and the auditorium in some theaters. the stage of an ancient theater.
pro*SCrjbe pro'sknb . v. [trans ] forbid, esp. by law: strikes remained proscribed in the armed l
forces.
denounce or condemn:
put for-
idea, theory, or point of view; for
consideration by others: he propounded the idea of a "social monarchy.'' DFtRivA'r ivi-.s: pro»pound»er n. pro«pri»e^ar»y ,prr;3'pri3,tere: • adj. of or relating to an owner or ownership: the company has a proprietary right to the property. Cof a product; marketed under and protected by a registered trade name: proprietary behaving as if one were the brands of soap. owner of someone or something: he looked about htm with a proprietary air. • n. an owner; proprietor. a grantee or
certain practices that
Church proscribed, such as polygyny. outlaw (^someone;. derivatives: pro»scrip»tion |-'skrip-'skriptivi pro*scrip»tive SHsn n. adj. the Catholic
'
pro'scrip'ti ve»ly VS/\',h
/
v
Proscribe
:
meaning
(io'j^ nor have the same prescribe: sec usage at I'KH-
as
Sf.FJBl..
pros*e«CUte
'prasi.kyoot
'V. [trans]
1 insti-
tute legal proceedings against ( a person or or-
ganization ; they were prosecuted for obstructing :
the highvjay.
owner of a colony who has been granted, as an individual or as part of a group, the full rights of self-government: the early
institute legal proceedings in respect of Ta claim or offense): this was a case worth prose-
proprietaries of Maryland.
[intrans] fof a lawyer; ccmbecause of his age. duct the case against the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit: Mr. Ryan will be prosecuting this morning. 2 continue with (z course of action; with a view to its completion: the government 's ability to prosecute the war. carry on fa trade or pursuit): waiting for permission to prosecute my craft. n E k VA T v E s pros*e»cut»a»bIe adj.
pro«prl»e^
prr;3'pri3te
state or quality of
* I
n.
-ies) the
rpl.
conforming
to
conven-
tional standards of behavior or morals: always
behaved with the utmost propriety. Cproprieties; the details or rules of behavior conventionally considered to be correct: she's a great one for the proprieties. the condition of being right, appropriate, or fitting: they questioned the propriety of certain investments made by the unvnship. pro«prl»0«cep^ive .proprea'septiv] »adj. relating to stimuli that are produced and peri
ceived within an organism, esp. those connected with the position and movement of the bf)dy.
DKRiVATivf.
pro»pri»o»cep»tion |-'sepSiion n. pro»pri»o«cep«tive»ly adv. pro* pri»o»cep*tor n. pro-rate pro'rat; 'prO,rat| »v. [trans.] Cusu.be prorated; allocate, distribute, or assess pro',
:
!
portionally: bonuses are prorated over the
a player's contract. VA7 V f. s pro'ranion ij f, /
[
:
pro»rogue
ip''r;p'rog!
-rogued, -roguing;
•
[trans]
|
life
prO'ra.S'H3n
|
of n.
f-rogues,
v.
discontinue a
session of fa parliament or other legislative assembly; without dissolving it: James prorogued this Parliament, never to call another one. [intrans
ued
]
(of such an assembly; be discontinway: the House was all set to pro-
in this
rogue. I
I
:
|
diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty: prosaic language.
commonplace; unromantic:
prosaic concerns.
pro»saH«cal«ly |-ik(a)Ie| adv. pro»sa»ic*nes8 n. pro»sce«nl»um ipr^'sCne^m; pro-| . n. rpl i>t:H
fVA
[intrans
]
\
I
I
the
company
didn't prosecute
:
pros*e«lyte
'
'prasp,llti
•
n. a
person
from one opinion,
c(jnverted
who
religion,
has or
party to another, esp. recently. a Gentile who has converted to Judaism. • v. another term for hkosei.yhze. derivatives: pros»e»Iyt»ism |-b,tiz3ml n.
pros»e«lyHze rprasab.tizl vert or attempt to convert
'V.
[trans]
con-
(someone) from
one religion, belief, or opinion to another: the program did have a tremendous evangelical effect, proselytizing
many
[\v\r^ns,.\
proselytizing
I
("proselytizing; no amount of proselytizing was going to change their minds. advocate or promote (a belief or course of
for
converts
[as
\
n
]
action).
D R vat V R s pro8»e»lyt*iz»er n. pros«0«dy 'prasnde . n. the patterns of rhythm and sound used in poetry. i:
I
I
:
|
!
the theory or study of these patterns, or the the patterns of stress rules governing them. and intonation in a language: early English prosodies.
D R VAT v H s pro»ro»ga»tion ,pror3'gasnan n. pro»sa»ic |pro'zaik| • ad], having the style or F',
cuting
I
I
vi: s
:
DER*IVATIVRS -zadiki I
pro»8od»ic
:
or pro»sod»i»cal
'prassdist; 'praz-
i
adj.
Iprp'sadik;
pros»o»dist
n.
pro«Spec*tU8 prn'spekt^s • n. Tpl prospectuses; a printed document that advertises or describes a school, commercial enterprise, i
1
forthcoming book, etc., in order to attract or inform clients, members, buyers, or investors.
|
347
prostate
pros*tate 'pras,tat (also prostate gland) • n. a gland surrounding the neck of the bladder in male mammals and releasing a fluid component of semen. |
|
DERIVATIVES
pros»tat»ic
:
pra'staetik |
adj. |
pros*the»sis pras'xHesis • n. (pi. prostheses) 1 an artificial body part, such as a leg, a heart, or a breast implant. 2 (also prothesis) I
|
the addition of a letter or syllable at the be-
ginning of a word, as in Spanish escribo derived from Latin scribo.
DERI VATIVES pros»thetnc :
|-'THetik| adj.
pros»thetM»cal»ly -'THetik(9)le adv. pros»trate . a^f/'. I'pras.tratl lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward. Cf. PRONE, SUPINE. [predic] completely overcome or helpless, esp. with distress or exhaustion: his wife was (in botany) growing prostrate tvith shock. along the ground. • v. [trans.] (prostrate oneself) throw oneself flat on the ground so as to be lying face downward, esp. in reverence or submission: she prostrated herself on the |
|
bare floor.
be prostrated)
(of distress, exhausreduce (someone) to extreme physical weakness: she was prostrated by a mi(often
tion, or illness)
graine.
derivatives: pros»tra»tion Ipra'straSH3n| n. pro*tag»0*nist Ipro'taeganist; pro-| • the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.
the
main figure or one of the most prominent
figures in a real situation: in this colonial struggle, the
main protagonists were Great Britain and an advocate or champion of a par-
France.
ticular cause or idea: a strenuous protagonist of the new agricultural policy.
protract
tege) . n. a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person: he was an aide and protege of the former Tennessee senator. pro*tein 'pro, ten; 'protean . n. any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds that have large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms, esp. as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, collagen, etc., and as enzymes |
|
and antibodies. such substances
component: a
collectively, esp. as a dietary
diet high in protein.
derivatives: pro»tein»a»ceous
,pro,te |
'naSH9s; ,protn'aSH3s
adj. |
pro 'tem . adv. & adj. for the time being: [as adv.] a printer that Marisa could use pro tem [as adj.] a pro tem committee [as postpositive adj.] the president pro tem of the Senate. pro»tO*COl 'prop,k61; -,kal . 1 the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions: prarocol forbids the prince from making any public statement in his defense. the accepted or established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation: what is the protocol for intoducing guest speakers? (in computing) a set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data electronically between devices. 2 the
pro tern
i
|
\
\
|
I
original draft of a diplomatic
document,
esp.
of the terms of a treaty agreed to in conference and signed by the parties. an amendment or addition to a treaty or convention. 3 a formal or official record of scientific experimental observations. a procedure for carrying out a scientific experiment or a course of medical treatment. pro*tO*plasm 'prot3,pl£ez3m| • n. the translucent material comprising the living part of a cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles. |
usage: The
sense of protagonist, as originally used in cormection with ancient Greek drama, is 'the main character in a play.' In the early 20th century a new sense arose meaning 'a supporter of a cause,' as in first
a strenuous protagonist of the new agricultural policy. Thh new sense probably arose by analogy with antagonist, the pro- in protagonist being interpreted as meaning 'in favor of.' In fact, the prot- in protagonist derives from ihe Greek root meaning 'first.' Protagonist is best used in its original dramatic, theatrical sense, not as a synonjnn for supporter or proponent. Further, because of its basic meaning of 'leading character,' such usage as the play's half-dozen protagonists were well cast blurs the word's distinctiveness (equivalent to "too many chefs in the kitchen"); characters, instead of protagonists, would be more accurate and more widely tinderstood.
pro*te*an
'protean; pro'tesnj » adj. tending or able to change frequently or easily: the ameba 's protean shape. |
able to do many different things; versatile. derivatives pro»te»anMsm i-,niz3m| n. :
pro*te*ge |
'prots.zHa; .prota'zna
|
(also pro-
derivatives:
pro»to»plas»mic
,
|
prop
'plaezmikl adj.
pro»tO*type
'prop, tip
n.
. |
a first or prelim-
|
model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied: a prototype of a new weapon. a typical example of something: the prototype the archetypal examof all careerists is Judas. inary
ple of a class of living organisms, astronomical objects, or other items: these objects are the prototypes of a category of rapidly spinning neua building, vehicle, or other
tron stars.
ob-
as a pattern for a full-scale [trans.] make a prototype of (a
ject that acts
model.
•
V.
product).
derivatives: pro»to»typ»al adj.
pro»to»typ«ic
prots tipal '
|
,
,prop'tipik| adj. pro»to« |
adj. pro«to«typM« iprop'tipikal ,prop'tipik(3)le adv. pro«tract pra'traekt; pro- • v. [trans.] 1 ex-
typM»cal
caWy
|
I
|
I
1
|
tend or prolong: he had certainly protracted the process. 2 extend a part of the body. 3 draw (a plan, etc.) to scale.
derivatives: pro»trac»tile tion
pra'traekSHan; proI
1
n.
adj.
pro»trac»
1
348
protractor pro»trac*tor
ment
|
'pro.traektarl
.
1
n.
an instru-
measuring angles,
typically in the semicircle marked with degrees along the curved edge. 2 (also protractor muscle) a muscle serving to extend a part of the body. pro*trude pra'trOOd; pro- • v. [no obj., with adverbial of direction] extend beyond or above a surface: something like a fin protruded from the for
form of a
flat
1
|
water.
body
part) to
—
ther's province.
pro*vin*cial praVincHal 'adj. 1 of or concerning a province of a country or empire:
derivatives: pro»tru»sion
|-'troOZH3n;
pro»tru»sive |-'tr(5osiv; -ziv| adj. pro«tU»ber»ant pr3't(y)(50b(3)r9nt; pro• adj. bulging or swelling out; protruding: his n.
1
|
provincial elections.
this.
pro-
fauna, or physical characteristics: the inacces(in of underwater igneous provinces. certain Christian churches) a district under an archbishop or a metropolitan. an historic territory outside Italy under a Roman governor. 2 (one's province) an area of special knowledge, interest, or responsibility: she knew little about wine that had been her fasibility
|
(of an animal) cause (a
[trans.]
do
provost
|
protuberant eyes. D E R I v A r I v E s pro»tu»ber«ance :
n.
pro»tu»
ber»ant»ly adv.
prov»e*nance
'pravsnans . n. the place of origin or earliest known history of something: an orange rug of Iranian provenance. the beginning of something's existence; |
I
something's origin: they try to understand the whole universe, its provenance and fate. a record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or qual-
of or pertaining to a style of architecture or furniture in fashion in the provinces of various European countries: French Provincial furnishing. 2 of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country: scenes of violence were reported in provincial towns. unsophisticated or narrow-minded, esp. when considered as typical of such regions. • «. 1 an inhabitant of a province of a country or empire. 2 an inhabitant of the regions outside the capital city of a country, esp. when regarded as unsophisticated or narrowminded. 3 (in the Christian Church) the head or chief of a province or of a religious order in a province.
derivatives: pro«vin«ci»alM»ty
ity.
prov*en*der I'pravsndarl
*
food.
n.
|
|
•
another
n.
I
|
|
pro*ver»bi»al pra'varbeal . adj. (of a word or phrase) referred to in a proverb or idiom: Fm going to stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. well known, esp. so as to be stereotypical: the Welsh people, whose hospitality is proverbial. derivatives: pro»ver»bi»alM»ty |-,v3rbe 'aebte n. pro«ver»bi«al»ly adv. |
|
|
• n. 'pravadans; -,dens the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power: they found their trust in divine providence to be a source of comfort. (Providence) God or nature as providing such care: / live out my life as Providence decrees. timely preparation for future eventualities: it was considered a duty to encourage providence. proV»l*dent 'pravadant; -,dent • adj. making or indicative of timely preparation for the future: she had learned to be provident. |
area.
|
|
|
derivatives: provi»dent»ly
adv.
prov*i*den*tial .prava'denCHal . adj. 1 occurring at a favorable time; opportune: thanks to that providential snowstorm, the attack had been repulsed. 2 involving divine foresight or intervention: God's providential care for each of us. |
|
derivatives: provn»den»tial»ly
adv.
'pravins « n. 1 a principal admindivision of certain countries or empires: the province of Manitoba.
prov«ince
n.
|
|
animal fodder.
pro*ve*ni*ence pra'vinyans term for provenance.
prov*i»dence
|pr9,vin-
pro»vin»cial«i»za«tion pra .vinCHala'zasHan n. pro»vin«cial«ly adv. . n. pro*vin*cial*ism pra VinCHa.lizam 1 the way of life or mode of thought characteristic of the regions outside the capital city of a country, esp. when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded. narrow-mindedness, insularity, or lack of sophistication: the myopic provincialism of their ideas. 2 concern for one's own area or region at the expense of national or supranational unity. 3 a word or phrase peculiar to a local CHe'aslate
|
|
istrative
(the provinces) the whole of a country outside the capital, esp. when regarded as lacking in sophistication or culture: / made my way home to the dreary provinces by train. an area of the world with respect to its flora.
derivatives: pro»vin»ci»alMst n. & adj. pro*vi*sion*al pra'vizHanl »adj. arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later: a provisional government a |
|
\
provisional construction permit.
(of a postage stamp) put into circulation temporarily, usually owing to the unavailability of the definitive issue. pro*vi*SO pra'vizo • n. (pi. -os) a condition attached to an agreement: he left his unborn grandchild a trust fund with the proviso that he be named after the old man. |
I
derivatives: pro»vi»so»ry adj. pro*VOC*a»tive |pra'vakativ| • adj. causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, esp. dehberatcly: a provocative article
|
his pro-
vocative remarks on race.
arousing sexual desire or interest, esp. deliberately.
derivatives: pro»voc«a«tive»ly voc»a»tive»ness
prO'VOSt
'pro.vOst I
adv.
pro*
n. .
n. 1
a senior
adminis-
I
trative officer in certain colleges
and univer-
sities.
the head of certain university colleges, Oxford or Cambridge, and public schools. 2 the head of a chapter in a cathedral. Brit,
esp. at
proxemics
349
the head of a Christian community.
derivatives: pro'vosfship |prak'semiks| prox*e»mics
pse»phol»0*gy
|-,SHip| n. •
plural
psychobiology
n.
seTabje . n. the statistical study of elections and trends in voting. derivatives: pse«pho»log»i»cal .sefa'lajadj. ikall pse»pho»log»i«cal»ly |-ik(3)le| adv. pse»phol»o*gist |-jist| n. |
|
|
the branch of knowledge that deals with the amount of space that people feel it necessary to set between themselves [treated as
sing.]
pseud*e*pig*ra*pha .sooda'pigrafal » plural n. spurious or pseudonymous writings, |
and
others.
DERI VAT V E s prox»e«mic I
esp. Jewish writings ascribed to various bibli-
adj.
:
prox*i*mal
'prakssmal . adj. situated nearer to the center of the body or the point of attachment: the proximal end of the forearm. relating to or denoting an area close to a center of a geological process such as sedimentation or volcanism. |
i
derivatives: prox»i«mal»ly prox*i»mate
adv.
'praksamat • adj. 1 (esp. of a cause of something) closest in relationship; immediate: that storm was the proximate cause |
I
of damage to the system. closest in space or time: the failure of the proximate military power to lend assistance. 2 nearly accurate; approximate: he would try to change her speech into proximate ladylikeness.
DERI VAT IVES: prox«i«mate*ly adv. prox»i» ma^tion .praksa'masHan n. |
i
prox*im*i»ty Iprak'simatel
*
n.
nearness in
cal patriarchs and prophets but composed within approximately 200 years of the birth of Christ.
derivatives: pseud»e«pigTa»phal pseud»e»pi»graphnc ,sood,epi'graefik| |
adj. adj.
pseu*do»nym
|'soodn-im| • «. a fictitious name, esp. one used by an author. derivatives: pseu»do«nymM»ty ,soodn |
'imate
|
n.
psy*Che
n. the human soul, mind, or never really fathom the female psy-
'sike
|
spirit: / will
•
|
che.
psy»Che«deHc
|
,sika'delik| »adj. relating to
or denoting drugs (esp. LSD) hallucinations and apparent consciousness. relating to or denoting a style originating in the mid-1960s,
that produce expansion of
of rock music characterized
space, time, or relationship: do not operate microphones in close proximity to television sets.
by musical experimentation and drug-related lyrics. denoting or having an intense, vivid
prox»i«mo 'praks3,mo • adj. [postpositive] of next month: he must be in San Francisco on 1st
color or a swirling abstract pattern: a psychedelic T-shirt. • n. a psychedelic drug.
|
|
derivatives: psyche«deW»cal»ly
proximo.
prox»y
'prakse I
.
n.
(pi.
-ies)
1
i
the authority
someone else, esp. in voting: they by proxy. a person authorized to act on behalf of another. a document authorizing a person to vote on another's behalf. 2 a figure that can to represent
may
register to vote
be used to represent the value of something
US
in a calculation: the use of a wealth measure as a proxy for the true worldwide measure. • n. a person who is or claims shocked by matters relating to sex
prude prood I
to be easily
I
or nudity.
DERIVATIVES: prud»er*y I'proodarel n. prud'ish adj. prud»ish»ly adv. prud»ish» ness n. pru*dent 'proodnt • adj. acting with or showing care and thought for the future: a prudent money manager. derivatives: pru»dence n. pru»dent»ly |
|
|-ik(a)-
adv.
psy»chi»a»try sa'kiatre; si- . w. the study and treatment of mental illness, emotional 1
|
disturbance, and abnormal behavior. 'sikik| • adj. 1 relating to or denoting faculties or phenomena that are apparently inexplicable by natural laws, esp. involving telepathy or clairvoyance: psychic powers. (of a person) appearing or considered to have powers of telepathy or clairvoyance: / could sense it / must be psychic. 2 of or relating to the soul or mind: he dulled his psychic • n. a person considered or pain with gin. claiming to have psychic powers; a medium. (psychics) [treated as sing, or pi.] the study of psychic phenomena.
psy*chic
I
—
derivatives: psy»chi»cal |'sikikal| adj. (usu. in sense 1). psy«chi»caWy 'sikik(a)le |
adv.
psychism
psy»cho*ac»tive
|'si,kizam|
n.
,siko'aektiv|
(in
|
sense
1).
^adj. (chiefly
|
of a drug) affecting the mind.
adv.
pru*den*tial |proo'denCH3l| »adj. involving or showing care and forethought, typically in business: the prudential manager takes time for employee training.
derivatives: pru»den»tial»ly adv. pru*ri*ent 'prOOresnt • adj. having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual mat|
|
ters.
derivatives: pru»ri»ence
n. pru»ri»en» pru»ri«ent»ly adv. psaHer |'s61t3r| . n. (the psalter or the Psaher) the biblical Book of Psalms. psaWer»y 'soltarel • n. (pi. -ies) an ancient and medieval musical instrument like a dulcimer but played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum.
cy
le|
n.
psy»cho»a»nal»y*sis ,sikoa'naelasas • «. a system of psychological theory and therapy that aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind by techniques such as dream interpretation and free association. siko derivatives: psy 'cho'an'a'lyze psy»cho»an*a»lyse) v. psy (Brit. 'aenl,iz| ,siko,a;nritik| adj. psy* cho»an»a»lyt«ic I
|
,
|
|
,siko,aenritikal adj. cho»an»a*lyt»i«cal psy'cho-an'a-lytM'cal'ly ,siko,£enritik(a)|
|
|
|
adv.
le I
psy*chO*bi*Ol»0»gy ,siko,bi'alaje| » n. ttie branch of science that deals with the biolog|
psychodrama ical
350 and mental phe-
of behavior
basis
nomena. derivatives: psy«cho»bi»o«log»i»cal
-|bi-
|
psy»cho»bi»ol»o»gist |-jist| n. psy*cho*dra*ma ,siko 'drams; -'draemsl • n. 1 a form of psychotherapy in which patients act out events from their past. 2 a play, movie, or novel in which psychological elements are the main interest. the genre to which such works belong. a'lajakall adj.
|
derivatives: psy»cho»dra«mat»ic
|-dr3
psy*cho*gen»lc
,siko'jenik|
having a
adj.
|
psychological origin or cause rather than a physical one. psy*chol*o*gy si'kabje . n. the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, esp. those affecting behavior in a given con|
|
text. [in sing.] the mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group: the psychology of Americans in the 1920s. [in sing.] the mental and emotional factors governing a situation
or activity: the psychology of interpersonal rela-
|
pu*bes*cent Ipyoo'besantI
.sika'metriks |
*
plural
n.
i
[treated as sing.] the science of measuring mental capacities and processes. derivatives: psy»chom»e»tri»cian |-m3
adj.
1
relating
approaching the
age of puberty. 2 (in botany and zoology) covered with short soft hair; downy. • n. a person at or approaching the age of puberty. pu*bic I'pyoobikl » adj. [attrib.] of or relating to the pubes or pubis: pubic hair. puce pyoos • adj. of a dark red or purplebrown color. . n. a dark red or purple-brown I
I
pu*den*dum IpyOO'dendamI • n. (pi pudenda l-'dendal) (often pudenda) a per-
psy»chom«e«try si'kamatre |
• |
the sup-
w. 1
posed ability to discover facts about an event or person by touching inanimate objects associated with them. 2 another term for psyCHOMETRICS. DERIVATIVES psy»chom«e»trist |-trist| n. psy*ChO»path 'siks.pseTH • «. a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior. Cf. socio:
|
|
path.
derivatives:
psy»cho»path*ic psy»cho»path»i«caMy
adj.
'p£eTHik(3)le
,sik3 |
.sika |
|
I
ple.
(in
Spanish-speaking regions) a town or
psychoses |-,sez|) a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that |
lost
is
si'kosas
•
|
n.
with external
(pi.
Cf. neu-
reality.
rosis.
vil-
2 (Pueblo) (pi. same or -os) a member of any of various American Indian peoples, including the Hopi, occupying pueblo settlements chiefly in New Mexico and Arizona. • adj. (Pueblo) of, relating to, or denoting the Pueblo or their culture. lage.
I
psy*cho*sis
|-'dend3l| adj.
'pyoodik adj. puebHo 'pweblo; poo'eb-| • n. (pi. -os) 1 an American Indian settlement of the southwestern US, esp. one consisting of multistoried adobe houses built by the Pueblo peoi
pu*er*ile
adv.
woman's.
son's external genitals, esp. a
derivatives: pu*den*dal pu*dic
'triSHsnl n.
contact
*
to or denoting a person at or
color.
tionships.
psy»cho»met*rics
'paeTHikI
|
I
'maetikl adj. •
puissant
denoting or relating to the discredited theory that the earth is the stationary center of the universe, with the planets moving in epicyclic orbits within surrounding concentric spheres. Cf. Copernican system. pto»maine 'to,man; to'man| • n. old name for any of a group of amine compounds of unpleasant taste and odor formed in putrefying animal and vegetable matter and formerly thought to cause food poisoning. pu*bes 'pyoobez • n. 1 (pi. same) the lower part of the abdomen at the front of the pelvis, covered with hair from puberty. 2 (pi. of pubis) either of two bones that form the lower and anterior part of the pelvis.
. adj. childyou're making puerile
'py(30(3)r3l; 'pyOOr.il |
and
ishly silly
trivial:
I
excuses.
derivatives:
pu»er»ile«ly adv. pu»er»ilM» ty |pyOD(3)'ribte| n. (pi. -ies) pu*er*pe«ri»um .pyooar'piream • w. the period of about six weeks after childbirth during which the mother's reproductive organs return to their original nonpregnant condi|
|
DERI VAT V E s psy'cho'tic I
:
adj.
psy«chot«i»
cal'ly adv.
psy*cho«SO*maHc
.sikosa'msetikl » adj. (of a physical illness or other condition) caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress. of or relating to the interaction of mind and |
body.
derivatives:
psy«cho»so»mat»i»cal»ly
|-ik(3)le| adv.
derivatives: pu»er»per»al 9l|
|
|
derivatives:
psy»cho»ther»a«peu»tic psy*cho»ther«a»pist
|-,THer3'pyootik| -'XHerapist n.
adj.
'pyoojahst fessional one.
.siks'tropik; -'trapik|
*
adj.
i
relating to or denoting drugs that affect a per-
son's mental state.
•
n.
Ptohe»ma«ic sys*tem
a .
drug of this kind. (in astronomy)
n.
• |
n.
a boxer, esp. a pro-
I
derivatives: pu»gi»lism I
|-,liz3m| n.
pu»
ipyoojs'listiki adj.
pug*na*ciOUS
pag'nasHas . adj. eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. having the appearance of a willing fighter: the set of her pugnacious jaw. |
|
derivatives: pug«na«cious»ly nacn»ty
|
I
Ipyoo'srpar-
adj.
pu*gi*list
gi'lis'tic
psy*cho»ther«a»py .siko'iHerape . n. the treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means.
psy*ChO*tro*plC
tion.
|
,p3g'naes3te
|
adv.
pug*
n.
pu*is«sant I'pwisant; 'pwesant; 'pyoo9S9nt| • adj. having great power or influence.
derivatives: puns-sance ly adv.
n.
puns«sanf
|
pulchritude pul*chri*tude
351 'p3lkr9,t(y)ood
|
beauty.
. n.
|
derivatives: pul»chri»tu»di«nous
|
,p^l-
k^^'t(y)oodn-^s adj. pule pyool . V. [intrans.] [often as adj.] (puling) cry querulously or weakly: she's no pulI
I
I
I
I
family.
be very crowded; be
of
ftill
life
and
activity:
the towers of our pullulating megalopolis. ,p3ly3'laderivatives: puWu»la«tion |
. adj. 'pOOlma.nere; 'palof or relating to the lungs: pulmonary 1
|
blood flow.
expand and contract with strong regular movements:
pul*sate
»v.
'pal, sat
I
[intrans.]
I
blood vessels pulsate. [often as adj.] (pulsating) produce a regular throbbing sensation or sound: a pulsating headache. [usu. as adj.] (pulsating) be very exciting: victory in a pulsating semifinal.
derivatives: pul»sa»tion
.pal'sasHsn n. pul»sa»tile adj. pul»sa»tor |-,sapr| n. pul*
sa»to»ry
-S3,t6re
|
|
adj. |
|
punc*tiH*0
n. -os) a fine or pett>' point of conduct or procedure. .paNOk'tileas • adj. showing great attention to detail or correct behavior: he was punctilious in providing every amenity for
,p3NGk'tile,o
•
(pi.
|
I
punc»tihi»OUS
|
|
his guests.
derivatives:
punc»til»i»ous»ly adv. punc»til«i»ous»ness n. pun*dit 'pandit • «. 1 an expert in a partic|
I
ular subject or field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public: a globe-trotting financial pundit. 2 (also pandit) a Hindu scholar; a wise man.
derivatives: pumdifry sense
|-tre|
(in
n.
'psnjsnt • adj. having a sharply strong taste or smell: the pungent smell offrying onions. |
|
(of comment, criticism, or humor) having a sharp and caustic quality.
derivatives: pun»gen»cy
j'panjansel
n.
pun»gent»ly adv. pu»ni*tive I'pyoonstivl •adj. inflicting or in-
tended
as punishment: he called for punitive measures against the regime. (of a tax or other charge) extremely high: a
punitive interest rate of 31.3%.
derivatives: 'pyoonsdivle
pu*ny
pu»ni«tive»ly
'par |
pur*dah i'pardal . n. the custom under which women in certain Muslim and Hindu
room or behind a curtain, or dress in all-enveloping clothes, in order to stay out of the sight of men or strangers. the state of living in such a place or dressing in this way: she
was supposed
to be
purdah
in
upstairs.
pur*ga»tive
'pargstiv
. |
adj.
|
strongly laxa-
having the effect of ridding someone of feelings or memories: the purgative
unwanted
action of language. • n. a laxative. a thing that rids someone of unwanted feel-
ings or memories: confrontation would be a purgative.
purge
parj
|
• v.
[trans.]
rid
|
(someone) of an
unwanted feeling, memory, or condition, typically giving a
sense of cathartic release: She
was now purged of the haunted her.
terrible guilt that
had
remove (an unwanted feeling, memory, or condition) in such a way. remove (a group of people considered undesirable) from an organization or place, typically in an abrupt or violent manner: he purged all but 26 of the central committee members. remove someone from (an organization or place) in such a way: an opportunity to purge the party of unsatis(in law) atone for or wipe factory members. out (a charge of contempt of court). physicompletely. (something) cally remove [intrans.] [often as n.] (purging) evacuate one's bowels, esp. as a result of taking a laxative. • n. an abrupt or violent removal of a group of people from an organization or place: a purge of the ruling class.
|
I
dren.
in quality,
amount, or
derivatives: pu»ni«ly pu«ni«ness
purg«er
n.
n.
. a member of a Pu»ri»tan 'pyOOratn group of English Protestants of the late 1 6th and 1 7th centuries who regarded the Reformation of the Church of England under Elizabeth as incomplete and sought to simplify and regulate forms of worship. Cf. pilgrim. (puritan) a person with censorious moral beliefs, esp. about pleasure and sex. • adj. of or relating to the Puritans. (puritan) having or displaying censorious moral beliefs, esp. about pleasure and sex. |
|
|-,iz3m| (also
pu»ri»tan»ism) n. pu»ri»tan«i»cal .pyOOra'taenikal . adj. practicing or affecting strict religious or moral be|
|
havior.
size.
|'pyoonl-e|
adv.
derivatives: pu»ri»tann»cal»ly
-ik(3)le i
adv.
n.
pu*pa I'pyoopsI
.
n.
(pi.
pupae
|-,pe;-,pi|)
an insect in its inactive immature form between larva and adult, e.g., a chrysahs. DERI VAT V e s pu*pal adj. pur*blind 'par.blind • adj. having impaired I
derivatives: pur«ga»tion
derivatives: Pu*ri»tanMsm
adv. pu«ni«tive»ness n.
|
• adj. 'pyoone (punier, puniest) small and weak: skeletal, white-faced, puny chil-
poor
pur*blind*ness
:
n.
a laxative.
1).
pun«gent
I
I
,blin(d)nis|
tive in effect.
n.
pul*mo»nar*y [attrib.]
slow or unable to understand; dim-witted.
DERI VAT V E s
societies live in a separate
ing infant.
pul*lu*late 'palya.lat . V. [intrans.] [often as adj.] (pullulating) breed or spread so as to become extremely common: the pullulating
SHsnl
purloin
:
|
or defective vision.
|
(pi. purlieus or n. 'p3rl(y)oo purlieux -l(y)oo(z) ) the area near or surpurlieus of the middle-class rounding a place:
pur*lieu
•
|
|
|
|
the Bronx.
a person's usual haunts. Ipar'loinI » v.
pur*loin
[trans.]
steal
(some-
352
purport managed
thing): he must have
purloin a copy
to
DERI VAT V E s pur»loin»er I
n.
:
psr'port [with infinitive] appear or claim to be or do something, esp. falsely; profess: she is not the democrat she purports to 'p3r,p6rt the meaning or substance be. • n. of something, typically a document or speech: / do not understand the purport of your • V.
I
I
|
I
remarks.
the purpose of a person or thing.
derivatives: pur»port»ed ed'ly
I
par'portadle
pur«port»
adj.
adv. I
pur«pos»ive a purposive
• adj. havpurpose: teaching
'psrpasiv; psr'po-
|
done with
ing, serving, or is
a
1
pos»ive»ness n. pur»SUi»vant 'p3rs(w)iv3nt
adv.
pur»
a follower
adj.
consisting
or attendant.
pu*ru*lent
• |
or discharging pus. pur*vey Ipar'val » V. [trans.] provide or supply (food, drink, or other goods) as one's business.
derivatives pur»vey«or :
|-'va3r| n.
'p3r,vyoo . n. [in sing.] the scope of the influence or concerns of something: such a case might be within the purview of the legislation. Cf. jurisdiction. a range of experience or thought: little information was likely to come within the purview of |
I
women. I
pas
•
\
n.
Southeast Asia. (pygmy) a very small person, animal, or thing. (pygmy) [usu. with adj.] an insignificant person, esp. one who is deficient in a particular respect: he regarded them as intellectual pigmies.
•
adj.
[attrib.]
of, relating to,
or
denoting the Pygmies: centuries-old Pygmy chants from central Africa. (pygmy) (of a person or thing) very small. (pygmy) used in names of animals and plants that are much smaller than more typical kinds, e.g., pygmy hippopotamus, pyg-
my water lily. 'mean py*lon
'pigmean; pig
|
adj. I
that
is
• n. an upright structure 'pi, Ian; -bn used for support or navigation, in par|
ticular:
'py(5t)r(y)3bnt |
of, containing,
pur*view
of certain peoples of very short equatorial Africa and parts of
in
I
w.
• |
|
opaque
member
derivatives: pyg»me»an
activity.
derivatives: pur»posnve»ly
pus
a
stature
of the key.
pur*port
pyrrhic
thick yellowish or greenish
a.
produced in infected tissue, consisting of dead white blood cells and bacteria with tissue debris and serum. pu*sil*lan*i*mous .pyoosa laensmas • adj. showing a lack of courage or determination; liquid
|
|
timid.
(also electricity pylon) a tall towerlike structure used for carrying electricity cables high above the ground. a pillarlike structure on the wing of an aircraft used for carrying an engine, weapon, fuel tank, or other load. a tower or post marking a path for light aircraft, cars, or other vehicles, esp. in racing. a monumental gateway to an ancient Egyptian
temple formed by two truncated pyramidal towers.
pyr«a*mid
'pira.mid • n. an organization or system that is structured with fewer people or things at each level as one approaches the top: the social pyramid. a system of financial growth achieved by a small initial investment, with subsequent investments being funded by using unrealized profits as collateral. • v. [trans.] heap or stack in the shape of a pyramid: debt was pyramided on top of unrealistic |
|
debt.
derivatives: pu«sil«la»nimM»ty
|-b'ni-
mate n. pu»sil«lan»i»mous«ly adv. pus*tule 'pssCHool; 'p3st(y)ool . w. a small bhster or pimple on the skin containing pus. a small raised spot or rounded swelling, esp. one on a plant resulting from fungal infec|
|
I
achieve a substantial return on (money or property) after making a small initial invest-
ment.
derivatives: py»ramM»dal .pira'midl
mid'i'cal
caWy
tion.
derivatives:
pus»tu»lar
|
'pasCHabr;
Ipa'rsemadl;
py«ram»i»dal«ly adv. pyr«a»
adj. |
.pira'midikal |
pyr«a»midM»
adj. |
,pira'midik(a)le
|
adv.
.
I
py*ro*ma*ni*a
,piro'manea
. |
w.
an obses-
|
sive desire to set fire to things.
'p3Sty3-| adj.
pu*ta»tive 'pyootativ . adj. [attrib.] generally considered or reputed to be: the putative father of a boy of two. derivatives: pu«ta«tive«ly adv. pu*tre»fy *v. (-ies, -ied) rpyootr3,fi| [intrans.] (of a body or other organic matter) decay or rot and produce a fetid smell. DERI VAT I V e s pu»tre»fac»tion n. I
i
:
pu»tres*cent Ipyoo'tresantI
undergo-
derivatives: ,aek| n.
py»ro»ma»ni»ac |-'mane py«ro«ma»ni»a«cal |-ma'makal| adj.
py»ro«manMC
|-'maenik| adj. ,pira'tekniks
py*ro*tech*nics
.
plural n. a
I
|
fireworks display. [usu. with
adj.]
a brilliant
performance or dis-
play, esp. of a specified skill: he thrilled his au-
dience with vocal pyrotechnics.
[treated as
making or displaying
ing the process of decay; rotting: the odor of
the art of works.
putrescent flesh.
derivatives: py«ro»tech»ni»cal
»
adj.
derivatives: pu»tres»cence n. putsch pOOCH • w. a violent attempt to overI
I
throw a government. Pyg*nny 'pigme (also Pigmy) |
|
sing.]
ro»tech«nist
pymhic
n.
(pi.
-ies)
py»
n.
|'pirik|
(also pyrrhic)
won
*
adj.
[attrib.]
too great a cost to have been worthwhile for the victor. (of a victory)
.
adj.
fire-
at
Qq QED
abbr.
.
qua kwa I
See quod erat demonstrandum.
general excellence of standard or level: a
capacity of; as being:
masterpiece for connoisseurs of quality [as adj.] a wide choice of quality beers. high social standing: commanding the admiration of people [treated as pi.] people of high soof quality. cial standing: he's dazed at being called on to
conj. in t±ie
. I
\
the role of the teacher
qua
quad*rant 'kwadrsnti
•
teacher.
each of four quar-
n.
|
ters of a circle.
each of four parts of a plane, sphere, space, or
body divided by two
lines or planes at right
angles: the right upper quadrant of the kidney. an instrument used for taking angular mea-
astronomy and navgraduated quarter circle and a sighting mechanism. a frame fixed to the head of a ship's rudder, to which the steering mechanism is attached. a panel with slots through which a lever is surements of altitude
in
igation, typically consisting of a
moved to
orient or otherwise control a
mech-
anism.
derivatives: quad*ran*tal
|kwa'draen-
quad*rille
kwa'dril; k(w)3-
|
1
a square
•
dance performed typically by four couples and containing five figures, each of which is a complete dance in itself. a piece of music for this dance. each of four groups of riders taking part in a tournament or carousel, distinguished by a special cos-
tume or
a riding display. quad*ri*ple«gi*a ,kwadr3'plej(e)3| ralysis of all four limbs; tetraplegia. colors.
.
i
derivatives: quad«ri»ple»gic adj.
&
n.
pa-
|kwa'droon|
(esp. in
n.
•
19th-
|
|
rain turned the building
site into
a quagmire.
an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation: a legal quagmire. quail • V. [intrans.] feel or show fear or apprehension: she quailed at his heartless words.
quale 'kwale
• n. (pi. qualia 'kwalea ) (usu. qualia) (in philosophy) a quality or property as perceived or experienced by a person. qual*i*ta*tive 'kwab.tativ . adj. relating to, measuring, or measured by the quality of something rather than its quantity: a qualitative change in the schedule. (of an adjective) describing the quality of something in size, appearance, value, etc. |
|
|
|
|
|
adjectives can be submodified
by words
and have comparative and superforms,unlike classifying adjectives like American, which describe the class something belongs to. derivatives: qual»i»ta»tive»ly adv. qual*i*ty 'kwabte| . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something: an improvement in product quality people today] enjoy a better quality of as very
lative
|
life.
an uneasy about
trolling the press.
a momentary faint or sick feeling. DERI VAT v E s qualitiMsh adj. quan*da*ry 'kwand(3)re . n. (pi. I
:
|
-ies)
a
i
state of perplexity or uncertainty over
what to
in a
quan-
do
in a difficult situation:
Kate
is
a difficult situation; a practical
dilemma: a le-
gal quandary.
whose parents are a mulatto and a white person and who is therefore one-quarter black by descent. qLiag*mire 'kw£eg,mir • a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot: torrential
\
n.
»
one's own conduct; a misgiving: military regimes generally have no qualms about con-
|-'plejik|
cent. Louisiana) a person
Such
|kwa(l)m; kw6(l)m|
feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, esp.
dary.
n.
quadroon
such
the plant's aphrodisiac qualities. the distinguishing characteristic or characteristics of a speech sound. (in music) another term for timbre. (in logic) the property of a proposition of being affirmative or negative. (in astrology) any of three properties (cardinal, fixed, or mutable), representing types of movement, that a zodiacal sign can possess. I
qualm
adj.
(t)l|
speak before quality. 2 a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something: he shows strong leadership qualities
quan«tl»ta»tive 'kwant3,tativ| »adj. relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality: quantitative |
analysis.
denoting or relating to verse whose meter is based on the length of syllables, as in Latin, as
opposed
to the stress, as in English. adv.
derivatives: quan»ti»ta»tive»ly
quan»tl«ty I'kwantate] * n. (pi. -ies) 1 the amount or number of a material or immaterial thing not usually estimated by spatial
measurement:
the quantity
and
quality of the
note down the sizes, colfruit can be controlled ors, and quantities that you require. \
(in logic) the property of a proposition of being universal or particular. a certain, usually specified, amount or number of something: a small quantity offood \
if taken in large quantities, the
drug can
result in
(often quantities) a considerliver failure. able number or amount of something: she was able to drink quantities of beer without degener-
many people like to buy in 2 the perceived length of a vowel sound or syllable. 3 (in mathematics and physics) a value or component that may be expressed in numbers. the figure or symbol representing this. quan*tum I'kwantamI • n. (pi. quanta ating into giggles
\
quantity.
'kwanta ) 1 (in physics) a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents. I
|
quantum leap
354
an analogous discrete amount of any other physical quantity, such as momentum or electric charge. 2 a required or allowed amount, esp. an amount of money legally payable in damages. a share or portion: each man has only a quan-
tum of compassion.
quan*tum leap •
n.
|
sudden
advance: a quantum leap
large increase or
in the quality of wines. •
plural n.
[treated
branch of mechanics that deals with the mathematical description of the motion and interaction of subatomic (in physics) the
sing.]
incorporating the concepts of quantization of energy, wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, and the corresponparticles,
dence principle.
derivatives: quan*tum-me*chan*i*cal adj.
quan*tum me»ru»it •
n.
[usu. as
money
adj.]
.kwantsm
|
(in law) a
merswit
reasonable
sum
|
ulated in a legally enforceable contract. 'kw6r3n,ten| *n. a state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed: many animals die in quaran|
tine.
any comparable period, instance, or
state of
isolation or detention, esp. a blockade.
impose such isolation on
• v.
person, animal, or place); put in quarantine. » quark |kwark| n. (in physics) any of a number of subatomic particles carrying a fractional electric charge, postulated as building blocks of larger subatomic parti[trans.]
(a
Quarks have not been
directly observed, but theoretical predictions based on their existence have been confirmed experimentally. cles.
quar*ry
•
n.
(pi.
-ies)
an animal pursued by a
hunter, hound, predatory
The Quaternary began about 1,640,000 years ago and is still current. Humans and other mammals evolved into their present forms and were strongly affected by the ice ages of the Pleistocene.
of
be paid for services rendered or work done when the amount due is not stipto
quar*an*tine
|
|
a
quan*tum me»chan»ics as
quell
put an end to; suppress: a hospital executive quashed rumors that nursing staff will lose jobs. qua*si 'kwa.zi; 'kwaze| • adv. that is to say; as it were (introducing an explanation, esp. of etymology): The Earl ofWilbraham (quasi wild boar ham). quat»er»nar*y 'kwatsr.nere . adj. 1 fourth in order or rank; belonging to the fourth order. 2 (Quaternary) of, relating to, or denoting the most recent geologic period in the Cenozoic era, following the Tertiary period and comprising the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. • n. (the Quaternary) the Quaternary period or the system of deposits laid down during it.
mammal, or bird of
prey.
quat«tro«cen»tO ,kwatro'CHento| • n. (the quattrocentro) the 1 5 th century as a period |
of Italian art or architecture.
qua*ver I'kwavsrj
^v. [intrans.] (of a person's voice) shake or tremble in speaking, typically
through nervousness or emotion. • w. 1 a shake or tremble in a person's voice. 2 (in music) another term for eighth note derivatives: qua»ver»ing»ly adv. qua* ver»y adj. quean kwen • n. old term for an impudent or badly behaved girl or woman. |
|
a prostitute.
queen kwen |
dependent position by (also
the female ruler of an inone who inherits the
right of birth.
queen consort)
a king's wife.
a
woman
or thing regarded as excellent or outstanding of its kind: the queen of romance Venice: Queen of the Adriatic. novelists a woman or girl chosen to hold the most important position in a festival or event: football \
and homecoming queens. 2 a reproducfemale in a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, etc. 3 informal a male homosexual, typically one regarded as ostentatiously effemistars
tive
a thing or
person that
is
chased or sought:
crossed the border in pursuit of their quarry.
quar*ter*deck 'kw6rt3r,dek| . n. the part of a ship's upper deck near the stern, tradition-
nate.
reserved for officers. Cf. forecastle. the officers of a ship or the navy. quar*tile 'kw6r,til; 'kwortl • n. each of four equal groups into which a population can be divided according to the distribution of values of a particular variable. each of the three values of the random variable that divide a population into four such groups. qua*sar |'kwa,zar| »n. a massive and extremely remote celestial object, emitting exceptionally large amounts of energy and typically having a starlike image in a telescope. It has been suggested that quasars contain massive black holes and may represent a stage in the evolution of some galaxies.
compound
|
ally
|
quash
n. 1
• |
state, esp.
I
kwosn; kwaSH . v. [trans.] reject as by legal procedure: the monetary award was quashed on appeal. |
invalid, esp.
|
[with
used as part of a figurative person obsessed, typically
modifier]
for a
sexually, with a specified appetite.
queen'
A
'drag
a professional female impersonator
is
or a male homosexual transvestite; a 'leather
queen' • V.
is
have in toward.
male homosexual leather fetishist. (queen it over) (of a woman) bean unpleasant and superior way
a
[trans.]
derivatives: queen«like quell kwel I
queen*dom
adj.
queen»ship
. V.
[trans.]
I
|
|-d3m| - ,SHip
put an end to
lion or other disorder), typically
|
n.
n.
(a rebel-
by the use of
force: extra police were called to quell the disturb-
ance.
subdue or silence someone: Connor quelled him with a look. suppress (a feeling, esp. an unpleasant one): he spoke up again to quell any
among the youngsters. DERI VAT V E s quell«er n.
panic
I
:
355
querist que*rist
|'kwirist| •n. a person questions; a questioner.
who
asks
u»lous»ness n. 1 chiefly Brit, a line or sekyoo • quence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed. 2 (in computing) a list of data items, commands, etc., stored so as to be retrievable in a definite order, usually the order of insertion. 3 a plait of hair worn at the back. • v. (queues, |
|
queued, queuing or queueing)
1
[intrans
]
take one's place in a queue: in the war they had queued for food [with infinitive] companies are queuing up to move to the bay.
chiefly Brit,
\
2
[trans.]
computing) arrange
(in
in a queue.
quid*di*ty 'kwidste • n. (pi. -ies) the inherent nature or essence of someone or some|
|
thing. a distinctive feature; a peculiarity.
quid*nunc
'kwid,n3NGk|
|
and gossipy person, quid pro quo 'kwid
•
an inquisitive
n.
,pro 'kwo|
-os) a favor or advantage granted in return for something: the pardon was a quid pro quo for |
.
n.
(pi.
kwe'esnt; kwi- • adj. in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy. derivatives: qui»es»cence n. qui«es» cent'ly adv. qui*e*tUS • n. kwistss (pi. quietuses) death or something that causes death, 1
|
|
|
regarded as a release from life. something that has a calming or soothing
kwin'tesans • the most example of a quality or class: the secretary isthe quintessence of po|
|
perfect or typical litical
mouth
or eye-
in
I
I
:
|
|
renunciation or relinquishing of a claim. (quitclaim deed) a deed that passes to the grantee only the rights the grantor holds, without any warranty as to their validity. . v. [trans.] renounce or relinquish a claim: Aikins quiclaimed his interest in the three parcels of real estate.
,ke 'vev| • n. (in phrase on the qui vive) on the alert or lookout: on the qui vive
qui vive
|
for fascism.
quix*Ot*iC |kwik'satik| unrealistic
alistic;
perhaps quixotic
•
adj.
exceedingly ide-
and impractical: a
vast
and
project.
derivatives: quix»ofi«caWy quix«o«tism
!-ik(3)le|
quix»o» try 'kwiksatre n. quiz*zi*cal 'kwizakal • adj. (of a person's expression or behavior) indicating mild or amused puzzlement: she gave me a quizzical adv.
]
'kwiks9,tiz9m
n.
|
|
I
|
I
look.
causing mild amusement because of its oddness or strangeness. derivatives: quiz»zi«cal»i»ty kwizi 'ksebte n. quiz»zi»cal»ly adv. quiz»zi»cal« ,
|
|
quod
n.
e»rat
de»mon»stran»dum kwad |
erat
ideman'strandami (abbr.: QED) • used to convey that a fact or situation demonstrates the truth of one's theory or claim, esp. to mark the conclusion of a formal (mathematical, logical) proof. quod*li*bet 'kwadb,bet| 'n. 1 a topic for or exercise in philosophical or theological discussion. 2 a lighthearted medley of wellknown tunes. |
ef-
fect.
quin*tes»sence
or twist (one's
such a way. D E R VAT V E s quirk«ish adj. quit*claim 'kwit.klam . n. (in law) a formal
ness
their help in releasing hostages.
qul»es*cent
move
[trans.]
brow)
quer«U*lous rkwer(y)3bs| 'adj. complaining in a petulant or whining manner: she became querulous and demanding. derivatives: quer«u»lous»ly adv. quer*
queue
quota
professionalism.
derivatives: quod»li»be»tar»i»an bba'tereanl n. quoin k(w)oin wall or building.
1
•
|
|
,kwad-
an external angle of a
|
the aspect of something regarded as the intrinsic and central constituent of its character: we were all brought up to believe that advertising is the quintessence of marketing. a refined essence or extract of a substance.
and medieval philosophy) a substance in addition to the four elements, thought to compose the heavenly bodies and to be latent in all things. quire kwir • n. four sheets of paper or parchment folded to form eight leaves, as in medieval manuscripts. any collection of leaves one within another in a manuscript or book. "25 (formerly 24) sheets of paper; one twentieth of a ream. quiric kwsrk • n. 1 a peculiar behavioral habit: his distaste for travel is an endearing (in classical
fifth
|
|
|
|
quirk.
a strange chance occurrence: a quirk of fate
had led her to Dallas that day. a sudden twist, turn, or curve: wry humor put a slight quirk in his mouth. 2 (in architecture) an acute hollow between convex or other moldings. • v. [intrans.] (of a person's mouth or eyebrow)
move
or twist suddenly, esp. to express sur-
prise or
amusement.
(also quoin stone) any of the stones or bricks forming such an angle; a cornerstone. 2 (in printing) a wedge or expanding mechanical device used for locking a letterpress form into a chase (metal frame). 3 a wedge for raising the level of a gun barrel or for
from rolling. • v. [trans.] 1 provide with quoins or corners. 2 (in printing) lock up (a form) with a quoin. keeping
it
(a wall)
quon*dam
|
'kwandsm; -,d£em|
'adj.
[attrib.]
that once was; former: quondam dissidents its quondam popularjoined the establishment |
ity
quo»rum 'kworsm • n. (pi. quorums) the minimum number of members of an assem|
|
bly, legislative body, or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid, quota 'kwop • «. a limited or fixed number or amount of people or things, in particular: a limited quantity of a particular product I
I
under official controls can be produced, exported, or imported: the country may be exceeding its OPEC quota of 1.1 million barrels a fixed share of something that of oil per day that
356
quotidian
a person or group is entitled to take or receive a total: the salmon quota. a person's share of something that must be done: a quota arrests. fixed minimum a or maximum of number of a particular group of people allowed to do something, as immigrants to enter a country, workers to undertake a job, or students to enroll for a course: they demanded a quota for women on the committee. (in a system of proportional representation) the minimum number of votes required to elect a candidate. a person's share of a
from
rab*bi
|'raeb,i|
n.
•
(pi.
rabbis)
a
person appointed as
a
a Jewish studies or
who
scholar or teacher, esp. one teaches Jewish law.
rab»bin»ate
|
'raebsnst;
1
|
ings.
derivatives: rab»bin«ic |-ik| adj. rab* binM'cal'ly |-ik(3)le| adv. rab*id 'raebad; 'ra- • adj. 1 having or proceeding from an extreme or fanatical support of or belief in something: a rabid feminist. 2 (of an animal) affected with the viral disease ra1
1
bies.
of or connected with rabies.
derivatives: rabndn»ty 1
rack
n.
r£ek
. I
n. 1
a
n.
framework, typically with
bars, hooks, or pegs, for holding or storing things: a spice rack a magazine rack. an overhead shelf on a bus, train, or plane for rails,
|
stowing luggage. a vertically barred frame or wagon for holding animal fodder: a hay rack. a lift used for elevating and repairing motor vehicles. a set of antlers. a bed. 2 a cogged or toothed bar or rail engaging with a wheel or pinion, or using pegs to adjust the position of something: a steering rack. 3 (the rack) an instrument of torture consisting of a frame on which the victim was stretched by turning rollers to which the wrists and ankles were tied. • v. [trans.] 1 (also wrack) (often be racked) cause extreme physical or mental pain to; subject to extreme stress: he was racked with guilt. torture (someone) on the rack. 2 [with obj. and adverbial of place] place in or on a rack: the shoes were racked neatly beneath the dresses. [trans.] put (pool balls) in a rack. 3 raise (rent) above a fair or normal amount. phrases: go to rack (or wrack) and ruin gradually deteriorate in condition because of neglect: clothes)
quo*tid*i*an Ikwo'tideanI adj. [attrib.j of or occurring every day; daily: the quotidian traffic.
ordinary or everyday, esp. when mundane: is mired in quotidian details. quo*tient 'kwoSHsnt • w. 1 (in mathematics) a result obtained by dividing one quantity by another. 2 [usu. with adj.] a degree or amount of a specified quality or characterishis story
|
tic: their
der,
rack
make
|
cynicism quotient.
wrack) one's brains
(or
a great effort to think
(or brain) of or remember
rack something up
accumulate or achieve something, typically a score or amount: Jais racking up record trade surpluses with the
pan
into disrepair, off the rack (of ready-made rather than made to orfall
usage:
The
between the complicated. The sense of rack 'a frame-
relationship
forms rack and wrack
most common noun work for holding and
is
storing things'
is al-
ways spelled rack, never wrack. Wrack is often used where rack should be used, as in the senses denoting 'stretch, twist, torture, oppress, strain, stress,' as from the instru-
ment of torture. Wrack is associated with wreckage, ruin, destruction. Nerve-wracking, means
'nerve-stretching'; nerveincorrect, would mean 'nervedestroying.' In British English the common correct,
Ira'bidate; rae-;
rab«id»ly adv. rab»id»ness
I
triple
*
United States.
-,nat| n.
rab*bin*i*cal ra'binikal; rae- . adj. [attrib.] of or relating to rabbis or to Jewish law or teach-
ra-
particular thing, quality, or attribute: a quota of charm.
something.
Jewish religious
leader.
derivatives:
radiation
wracking,
usually spelled rack and ruin; here a variant spelling of wrack (Old English wrcec), 'damage, destruction, disasessentially ter' (from which we get wreck two words for the same thing. The more common American spelling is wrack and ruin; both are correct.
phrase
rack
is
is
—
rack*et»eer |,raek3'tir| »n. a person who engages in dishonest and fraudulent business dealings, often involving extortion or forms of violence. • v. practice fraud, extortion, and other acts of a racketeer. DERI VAT I V e s rack«et»eer«ing n. :
rac*on*teur ,raek,an't3r; -9n-| (fern, raconteuse ,raek,a't3(r)z \) » n. a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way. |
I
ra»di»a»tion ,rade'aSH3n| *n. 1 (in physics) the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, esp. high-energy particles that cause ionization. the energy transmitted in this way. 2 divergence out from a central point, in particular evolution from an ancestral animal or plant group into a variety of new forms. derivatives: ra»di»a»tion»aI i-'asH3nl| |
adj.
ra»di»a«tion»aWy |-'aSH3nl-e| adv.
radiograph
357
. n. ra*di*0*graph 'radeo,gr£ef an image produced on a sensitive plate or film by X|
|
gamma
rays,
and
rays, or similar radiation,
used in medical examination. • v. produce a radiograph of (something). derivatives: ra»di»og»ra»pher ,rade'ag.radeo'graefik rafarl n. ra»di»o»graph«ic typically [trans.]
|
|
adj.
ra»di»o«graph»i»cal»ly
|
-ik(9)le
adv.
|
|
ra»di»og»ra»phy ,rade' agrafe n. ra*di*Oi*0*gy ,rade'abje| »n. the science dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation, esp. the use of such radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. |
|
|
derivatives: ra»di«o»log»ic
,rade3'lajik| |
',rade3'lajik3l ra»di»o»logM»cal ra»di»o»logM«cal»ly ,rade3'lajik(3)le adj.
adj.
|
|
adv.
|
|
ra»di»ol»o»gist
ra*di«om*e*ter
ment
|-jist|
•
an instru-
n.
for detecting, demonstrating, or
mea-
suring the intensity or force of radiation. derivatives: ra»di»o»met»ric |-3'metrik| adj. ra«di«o»met«ri«cal»ly |-3'met-
ra»di»om»e»try -tre n. ra*di*OS*CO*py .rada'askspe • n. the examination by X-rays or similar radiation of rik(3)le
adv.
|
|
|
objects
opaque
|
I
ra»di»o»scop»ic
|
.rades
unconventional and slightly disreputable, esp. in an attractive 'raefiSH
|
•
adj.
his raffish air.
derivatives:
raflfMsh'ly adv. raffMsh* ness n. ra*gout rge'goo • n. a highly seasoned dish of meat cut into small pieces and stewed with \
|
vegetables. • V.
I
days of the Raj. (raj) (in India) rule; government. ra»jah 'raja; 'razH3 (also raja) . n. an Indian king or prince. rake • n. a fashionable or wealthy man of dissolute or promiscuous habits. rak*ishi 'rakisH| • adj. having or displaying a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance: derivatives: rak»ish»ly adv. rak'ish* last
|
1
|
ness
n.
rak»ish2
.
of a boat or car) trim and with streamlined angles and
adj. (esp.
curves. rale ral; |
rattling
• n. rael (usu. rales) an abnormal sound heard when examining un|
healthy lungs with a stethoscope.
Ram*a*dan 'rama.dan; 'raema.daen • n. the ninth month of the Muslim year, during |
|
which
strict fasting is
observed from sunrise
to sunset. |
.rsemafa'kaSHan
. |
n.
(usu.
ramifications) a consequence of an action
when complex
or unwelcome:
legal ramifications.
I
manner:
rail
I
d'etre
n.
.
or event, esp.
'skapiki adj.
raff*ish
institution
is public service broadcasting. (usu. the Raj) the former (before 1947) British sovereignty in India: the
raj
ram»i»f i*ca*tion
to light.
derivatives:
whose raison
Raj
fast-looking,
n.
.rade'amitsrl
|
rancor one or something's existence: an
• v.
[intrans
]
[trans.]
make
a ragout of.
com-
or protest strongly and persistently about: he railed at human fickleness. derivatives: rail«er n. |'rabre|
»
n.
good-humored
teas-
ing.
raihroad
|'ral,rod|
*n. (Brit,
and Canadian
made of along which passenger and freight trains run: [as adj.] a railroad line. 2 a system of such tracks with the trains, organization, and personnel required for its working: • v. 1 [trans.] press (someone) into doing something by rushing or coercion: she hesitated, unwilling to be railroaded into a decision. cause (a measure) to be passed or approved quickly by applying pressure: the bill had been railroaded through the House. send (someone) to prison without a fair trial or by means of false evidence. 2 [intrans.] [usu. as n.] (railroading) travel or work on the railrailway)
1
a track or set of tracks
steel rails
roads.
rai»nnent 'ramanti • n. cloxhing: ladies clothed in raiment bedecked with jewels. rai*SOn d'e*tat . n. ra'zoN da'ta (pi. raisons d'etat |ra'z6N(z) |) a purely political reason for action on the part of a ruler or government, esp. where a departure from openness, justice, or honesty is involved. rai*son d'e*tre |ra'z6N 'detr(3) »n. (pi. raisons d'etre ra'z6n(z) pronunc. same) the most important reason or purpose for some|
|
|
|
|
|
derivatives: ramM'fy v. ram»pa*geous raem'pajas |
(rail against/at/about)
plain
rail»ler*y
a subdivision of a complex structure or process perceived as comparable to a tree's branches: an extended family with its ramificathe action or tions of neighboring in-laws. state of ramifying or being ramified. •
adj.
boister-
I
ously or violently uncontrollable. ramp*ant 'raempant] • adj. 1 (esp. of something unwelcome or unpleasant) flourishing or spreading unchecked: political violence was rampant. (of a person or activity) violent or unrestrained in action or performance: rampant sex. (of a plant) lush in growth; luxuriant. 2 [usu. postpositive] (in heraldry, of an animal) represented standing on one hind foot with its forefeet in the air (typically in profile, facing the dexter (right) side, with right hind foot and tail raised, unless otherwise specified): two gold lions rampant. 3 (of an arch) springing from a level of support at one height and resting on the other support at a |
higher
level.
derivatives: ramp»an*cy ramp»ant»ly ran*che*ria
adv. .raenCHs'rea
.
n.
|-p3nse| (in
n.
Spanish
I
|
America and the western US, esp. California) a small Native American settlement. ran*che»ro |r£en'CHero| . n. (pi. -os) a person who farms or works on a ranch, esp. in the southwestern US and Mexico. • adj. (of foods containing smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale. derivatives ran»cid»i»ty rsen'sidate n. ran*COr 'rsNGkarl (Brit, rancour) . n. bitterness or resentfulness, esp. when longstanding: he spoke without rancor.
ran*cid fat
or
|
'raensid
|
oil)
:
|
|
|
358
rankle derivatives:
ran«cor»ous
|-r9s|
adj.
ran»cor»ous»ly -k(3)r3sle adv. ran*kle 'rseNokal . v. [intrans.] 1 (of a wound or sore) continue to be painful; fester. 2 (of a comment, event, or fact) cause annoyance or resentment that persists: the casual manner of |
|
|
|
his dismissal
still
annoy or
|
irritate
|
religion.
phrases: rant and rave shout and complain angrily
and
at length.
derivatives: rant»er rant'ing'ly rap talk
adv.
(rapped, rapping) 1 [intrans.] or chat in an easy and familiar manner: rsep
I
• V.
I
we could be here all night rapping about the finer points of spiritualism. 2 [intrans.] perform rap music. . n. 1 a type of popular music of black
which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over a prerecorded, typically electronic instrumental backing. a piece of music performed in this style, or the words themselves. Cf. hip-hop. 2 informal a talk or discussion, esp. a lengthy or impromptu one: dropping in after work for a rap over a beer [as adj.] a rap session. 3 [usu. with adj.] informal a criminal charge, esp. of a specified kind: he's just been acquitted on a murder origin in
|
rap.
a
person or thing's reputation, typically a
bad one:
there's
no reason why drag queens
should get a bad rap.
be acquitted of a crime, take the rap be punished or blamed, esp. for something that is not one's fault or for which othfor or
informal
ers are equally responsible.
rs'paSHas
adj.
• |
aggressively
|
greedy or grasping: rapacious landlords. derivatives: ra»pa»cious»ly adv. ra»pa» cious»ness n. ra»pacM»ty rs'paesste n. I'rapearl
•
a thin, light, sharp-
w.
pointed sword used for thrusting. [as adj.] (esp. of speech or intelligence) quick
and
rae'por; ra-
1
•
«.
a close
]
little
rapport between them.
• n. rap»por*teiir ,rae,p6r't3r| a person appointed by an organization to report on the rapporproceedings of its meetings: the |
UN
teur.
rap*proche»ment
,raep,roSH'maN; -,r6sH-| an establishment or resumption of harmonious rela•
n. (esp.
|
oxygen than usual. esoterically distant from the lives and concerns of ordinary people: debates about the nature of knowledge can seem very rarefied. Ras*ta*far*i*an .raests'feresnl »adj. of or relating to a religious movement of Jamaican origin holding that blacks are the chosen people, that Emperor Haile Selassie (d. 1975) of Ethiopia was the Messiah, and that black people will eventually return to their Africa. . n. a member of the Rastafarian religious
movement. derivatives: Rasna»far«i»anMsm
|
I
is
seeing or hearing:
|
-'fer-
es, niz3m| n.
ratch'et 'rseCHit • n. a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a pawl, cog, or tooth engages, allowing \
|
one direction only. wheel that has such a
in
a bar or
situation or process that
Andrew
looked
at her, rapt.
indicating or characterized by such a state of fascination: they listened with rapt attention.
with an intense and pleasurable emo-
is
set of teeth. a perceived to be
deteriorating or changing steadily in a series
of irreversible steps: the best way to reverse the ratchet of socialism. • v. (ratcheted, ratcheting) [trans.] operate by means of a ratchet. (ratchet something up/down) cause
something to
rise (or fall) as a step in
perceived
as
process: the
Bank
est rates
again.
steady
a
and
what
is
irreversible
of Japan ratcheted up intermake a sound like a
[intrans.]
ratchet.
Rathaus
tions.
what one
|
|
in international relations)
rap*SCal*lion Irsep'skaelysnl • n. a mischievous person. rapt raept • adj. 1 completely fascinated by
filled
;
and harmo-
nious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well: there
was
(of a limb or other organ) adapted for seizing prey. derivatives: rap»to»ri«al«ly adv. rap*ture I'raepCHsrl • n. 1 a feeling of intense pleasure or joy: Leonora listened with rapture. (raptures) expressions of intense pleasure or enthusiasm about something: the critics went into raptures about her acting. 2 (the Rapture) (according to some millenarian teaching) the transporting of believers to heaven at the second coming of Christ. • v. [trans.] (usu. be raptured) (according to some millenarian teaching) transport (a believer) from earth to heaven at the second coming of Christ. ra*ra a*vis l.rera 'avis; .rara 'awis| * n. (pi. rarae aves) another term for rare bird. an exceptional person or thing; a rarity. rar*e*fied 'rera.fid (also rarified) . adj. (of air, esp. that at high altitudes) containing less
motion
incisive: rapier wit.
rap'port
tory.
i
|
ra*pi*er
Iraep'toresll » adj. (of a bird or other animal) living by seizing prey; preda-
|
phrases: beat the rap escape punishment
ra*pa*cious
|
rap*tO*ri*al
rankles.
(someone). rant raent • v. [intrans.] speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way. • n. z spell of ranting; a tirade: his rants against organized [trans.]
rathskellar
2 having been carried away bodily or transported to heaven: he was rapt on high. derivatives: rapt'ly adv. rapt*ness n. rap»tor 'raeptarl • n. a bird of prey, e.g., an eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl. tion; enraptured.
|
-,hoiz9r I
) I
hows town hall
rat,
a
|
.
n.
in a
(pi
Rathauser
German-speaking
country. raiH; rseTH . adj. (of a person or personal actions) prompt and eager. (of flowers or fruit) blooming or ripening early in the year. raths*kel»ler 'rat,skebr; 'raet-; 'rsTH- * n. a beer hall or restaurant in a basement.
rathe
|
I
\
|
359
ratify raH*fy
|'raet3,fi| ^v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid. DERI VAT IVES: rafi»fi»a»ble 'r£et3,fi3bDl .raepfa'kasHan n. rat* adj. ratM»fi»ca»tion |
|
|
|
i»fi»er n.
reactive damaging or destructive effects of something: his face had withstood the ravages of time.
acts of destruction: the ravages committed by man. D e r I vat I V e s rav«ag«er n. rav«el 'raeval . v. (raveled, raveling Brit, :
|
ra*tio I'raSHo; 'raSHe,o| n. 1 quantitative relation between *
-os) the
(pi.
two amounts showing the number of times one value con-
;
|
ravelled, ravelling) [trans 1 (ravel something out) untangle or unravel something: ]
Davy had finished
raveling out his herring net \
contained within the other: the ratio of men 's jobs to women 's is 8 to 1. relative the value of silver and gold in bimetallic system of currency. 2 (in full, ratio decidendi pi. rationes) (in law) the principle forming the basis of a judicial decision. tains or
is
ra*ti*OC«i*nate
,raete'os3,nat;
,r£eSHe-|
»
v.
mind. 2 confuse or compHcate (a question or situation). • n. a tangle, cluster, or knot: a lovely yellow ravel of sunflowers. rav*en 'raevsn] . V. [intrans.] (of a wild animal) sleep raveled out the tangles of his
|
hunt
for prey.
[trans.]
|
form judgments by
[intrans.]
a process of logic;
devour voraciously.
derivatives: rav*en»ing rav*en*OUS
reason.
'rgevanss
|
•
adj.
extremely hun-
adj.
I
derivatives: 'nasH3n| -'as-
1
n.
ra«ti»ocM»na»tion
ra»ti»oc»i«na»tor
|
|-,os3
-'osa.napr;
|
|
—
number. derivatives: ra»tion»aH»ty a rational
n.
hunger or need) very
(of
great; voracious.
derivatives: rav»en»ous»ly
n.
ra»tion*al 'rseSHanl; 'rseSHnal . adj. 1 based on or in accordance with reason or logic: I'm sure there '5 a perfectly rational explanation. (of a person) able to think clearly, sensibly, and logically: Andrea's upset she's not being very rational. endowed with the capacity to reason: man is a rational being. 2 (in mathematics, of a number, quantity, or expression) expressible, or containing quantities that are expressible, as a ratio of whole numbers. When expressed as a decimal, a rational number has a finite or recurring expansion. •
gry.
stel n. ra»tion»al»ly
|
ous'ness rav*ish off
iraeSHs'ngel|
'reeviSH
|
(someone) by
• v.
seize
[trans.] 1
and carry
force.
(of a man) force (a woman or girl) to have sexual intercourse against her will. 2 (often be ravished) fill (someone) with intense delight; enrapture. DERI VAT V E s rav»ish»er n. rav«ish»ment I
:
n.
rav»ish»ing
• adj. exciting de'raeviSHiNC entrancing: she looked ravishing. DERI VAT I V E s rav*ish»ing»ly adv. raze raz • v. [trans.] (usu. be razed) completely destroy (a building, town, or other |
|
light;
:
|
'reeSHanl-e; 'raeSHnale
|
adv. rav»en»
n.
|
site): |
ra*tlon»ale .raeSHs'nael • n. a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or a particular belief: explained the rationale behind \
|
shift in policy
\
the
market reacted by falling a
further 3.1%.
the change.
ra«tion*al»ism
'raeSHsnl.izam;
'raeSHn3,li-
|
zam
|re'aekt| » v. [intrans.] respond or behave in a particular way in response to something: Iraq reacted angrily to Jordan's
re*act
adv.
(react against) respond with
hostility,
op-
and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or
position, or a contrary course of action to:
emotional response. the theory that reason rather than experience is the foundation of certainty in knowledge. the practice of treating reason as the
physiological effects after ingesting, breathing, or touching a substance: many babies reinteract and unact to soy-based formulas. dergo a chemical or physical change: the sulfur in the coal reacts voith the limestone during
n.
»
\
a belief or theory that opinions
ultimate authority in religion. derivatives: ra»tion»alMst is'tic
n.
ra»tion»al» adj. ra»
,raeSH3nristik; .raeSHna'listik
I
|
tion»alMS»ti»cal»ly
,raESH3nristik(3)le; ,raE|
SHn3'listik(3)le
adv. I
they reacted against the time.
re»ac*tance nonresistive
'raeSHanl.iz;
|
'raesHn3,liz|
»
1
process, or industry) more efficient by reorganizing it in such a way as to dispense with unnecessary personnel or equipment. derivatives: ra*tion»al»i»za»tion raeSHanl-a'zasHan; ,raesHn3b-| n. ra»tion«alMz« ,
|
er
n.
rav»age
• v. 'raevij [trans.] cause severe and extensive damage to: fears that a war could ravage their country. • n. (ravages) the severely |
|
from adverse
[trans.] (in chemistry) cause (a substance) to undergo such a change by (of interacting with another substance. stock prices) fall after rising.
v.
[trans.]
art music of their
suffer
combustion.
attempt to explain or justify (one's own or another's behavior or attitude) with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate. 2 Brit, make (a company,
ra*tion*al»ize
elite
(of a person)
AC
|
re'sektsns
. |
n.
(in physics) the
component of impedance
circuit, arising
from the
in
an
effect of induc-
tance or capacitance or both and causing the current to be out of phase with the electromotive force causing it. re»ac»tion*ar*y |re'seksH3,nere| 'adj. (of a person or a set of views) opposing political or social liberalization or reform. • n. (pi. -ies) a person who holds such views. re»ac*tive |re'aektiv| 'adj. showing a re-
sponse to a stimulus: pupils are reactive to light. acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it: a merely reactive ap-
)
360
reagent
having a tendency to react chemishowing an immune response to a
proach. cally.
(of a disease or illness) caused by a reaction to something: reactive arthritis. (in physics) of or relating to reactance: a reactive load. re*a*gent Ire'ajsntI • w. a substance or mixture for use in chemical analysis or other reactions. (in earlier use) a substance used to test for the presence of another substance by means of the reaction it produced: this compound is a very sensitive reagent for copper. re*aMsm 're9,liz3m; 'ri3-| . n. 1 the attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly. 2 the quality or fact of representing a person, thing, or situation accurately or in a way that is true to life: the earthy realism of Raimu's specific antigen.
|
characters.
and literature) the movement or style of representing familiar things as they actually are. 3 (in philosophy) the doctrine that universals or abstract concepts have an objective or absolute existence. the doctrine that matter as the object of perception has real existence and is neither reducible to universal mind or spirit nor dependent on a perceiving agent. Cf. idealism. (in art
DERIVATIVES re«aWst
|
:
realm realm
|
\
relm
a
• |
'realist
kingdom:
|
the defense of the realm. domain of activity or interest: the
realm of applied chemistry] it is beyond the realms of possibility. a primary biogeographical division of the earth's surface. re*al*po»li»tik |ra'al,p6h,tek| »n. a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations,
power
|
ice
a legally registered serv-
're(3)lte
• |
n. (in
|
law) a person's real
property (land or immovables on or in the land). Cf. PERSONALTY. re»ap»por*tion ,re3'p6rsH3n| »v. [trans.] assign or distribute (something, as representation in a legislature) again or in a different way. |
derivatives: re»ap»por»tion»ment reave rev
n.
. v. (past and past part, reft reft carry out raids in order to plunder. rob (a person or place) of something by force. [trans.] steal (something). |
|
|
|
[intrans.] [trans.]
derivatives: reaver re*bar»ba«tlve tive
and
n.
ra'barbstiv . adj. unattracobjectionable: rebarbative modern |
|
buildings.
re*bate 're, bat • «. a partial refund to someone who has paid too much money for taxes, |
|
rent, or a utility.
derivatives: re»bafa»ble 'bat-
sum
money
of
pay back
're,bat9b3l;
|
ri
adj. 1
re*bel»lion Iri'belyanI • n. an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention: an act of teenage rebellion.
re*bus 'rebas • n. (pi. rebuses) a puzzle in which words are represented by combinations of pictures and individual letters; for instance, apex might be represented by a picture of an ape followed by a letter X. |
re*but
|
*v. (rebutted, rebutting) claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false: he had to rebut charges of Iri'bstI
1
[trans.]
acting for the convenience of his political friends. (a person or attack).
2 drive back or repel
derivatives: re*but»ta»ble adj. re»buWal ri'batl • a refutation or |
|
contra-
diction.
re*cal*cl*trant Iri'kaelsstrantI 'adj. having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline: a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds.
•
n.
a.
person with such an
at-
titude. n.
re»cal»
ci'trant'ly adv. ri'kaent • V. [intrans.] say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, esp. one considered heretical: heretics were burned if
re*cant
|
I
they would not recant
Galileo
[trans.] \
was forced
to recant his assertion that the earth orbited the
sun.
derivatives: re»canna«tion SHsn
re»cant»er
n. i
summarize and
i
ire.ksen'ta-
n.
,rek3'picH3,lat|
»v.
[trans.]
|
state again the
he began to recapitulate his
of:
main points
argument with
care.
repeat (an evolutionary or other process) during development and growth. derivatives: re»ca»pit«u»la»to»ry -b, to|
re
adj. |
ri'sed • v. [intrans.] go or move back or further away from a previous position: the
re*cede
mark.
re*al«ty
a
[trans.]
I
re*ca*pit*U*late
politics.
real prop*er*ty • n. property consisting of land or buildings; realty. re*al*tor 're(9)lt9r; -,t6r; 're(9)bt3r| » n. a person who acts as an agent for the sale and purchase of buildings and land; a real estate agent.
usage: Realtor is
on
due. »v. 're, bat; ri'bat| (such a sum of money).
derivatives: re»cal»ci»trance
n.
the peers of the
a field or
specifically,
recession a deduction or discount
|
flood waters
down
|
had receded
\
his footsteps receded
the corridor.
(of a quality, feeling, or possibility) gradually diminish: the prospects of an early end to the war receded. (of a man's hair) cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead: his dark hair was was receding a little [as adj.] (reced(of a man) begin to ing) a receding hairline. go bald in such a way: Fred was receding a bit. \
[usu. as adj.] (receding) (of a facial feature) (reslope backward: a slightly receding chin. firom (an undertaking, promise, or agreement). a revised edire»cen»slon |ri'senCH3n| tion of a text; an act of making a revised edition of a text. 1 a period of re*ces*sion |ri'sesH9n| temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced.
cede from) withdraw
recessive
361
2 the action of receding; motion away from an observer. derivatives: re»ces*sion»ar»y |-,nere| adj.
re*Ces*Sive |ri'sesiv| 'adj. 1 relating to or denoting heritable characteristics controlled by genes that are expressed in offspring only when inherited from both parents, i.e., when not masked by a dominant characteristic inherited from one parent. Cf. dominant. 2 undergoing an economic recession: the recessive housing market. 3 (in phonetics, of the stress on a word or phrase) tending to fall on the
first syllable.
•
a recessive trait or gene.
derivatives: re«ces«sive«ly sive«nessn. re»ces»sivM»ty
re»cher»Che
adv. re»ces»
,re,ses'iv3te
n.
|
|
• adj. ra.SHer'SHa rs'SHer.SHa rare, exotic, or obscure: terms a bit recherche for the average reader. re*cid*i*vist Iri'sidavistj • n. a convicted criminal who commits further crimes, esp. |
|
repeatedly; repeat offender. • adj. denoting such a person: recidivist addict prisoners. derivatives: re»cid»i»vism |-,viz3m| n. re»cid»i»vis»tic ri,sid3'vistik adj. re»cip*ro*cal ri'siprsksl . adj. 1 given, felt, or done in return: she was hoping for some reciprocal gesture. 2 (of an agreement or obligation) bearing on or binding each of two parties equally: the treaty is a bilateral commitment with reciprocal rights and duties. (of a pronoun or verb) expressing mutual action or relationship. 3 (of a course or bearing) differing from a given course or bearing by 180 degrees. 4 (of a mathematical quantity or function) related to another so that their product is one. • w. 1 a mathematical expression or function so related to another that their product is one; the quantity obtained by dividing the number one by a given quantity. 2 a pronoun or verb expressing mutual action or relationship, e.g., each |
|
|
|
other, fight.
derivatives: re»cip»ro»calM»ty 'kaebtel
n.
re«cip»ro»caWy
re»cip»ro*cate
spond
Iri'sipra.katI
|ri,sipr3
|-ik(3)le|
adv.
'V. 1
[trans.]
re-
by making
a
corresponding one:
the favor was reciprocated perhaps I was expected to reciprocate with some remark of my own. experience the same (love, liking, or affec[intrans.]
I
someone
person does for him was not reciprocated. 2 [intrans.] [usu. as adj.] (reciprocating) (of a part of a machine) move backward and forward in a straight line: a as that
oneself; requite: her passion for
reciprocating blade. |ri,sipr3
'kaSHanI n. re»cip»ro»ca«tor |-,kat3r| n. rec*l*ta*tive ,res(3)t3'tev| . n. musical declamation of the kind usual in the narrative and dialogue parts of opera and oratorio, sung in the rhythm of ordinary speech with many words on the same note. rec*luse 'r3k,loos; ri'kloos; 'r3k,looz| • n. a |
|
who
life.
and tends to favoring a solitary
lives a solitary life
avoid other people.
re»clu»sive
|
ri'kloozHan
|
n.
adj.
re*COg*ni«zance Iri'kagnszsns; -'kanazansi • n. (in law) a bond by which a person undertakes before a court or magistrate to observe some condition, esp. to appear when summoned: he was released on his own recogni-
zance.
rec*om*pense I'rekam.pensl make amends to (someone) for
* v.
[trans.]
loss or
harm
suffered; compensate: offenders should recompense their victims he was recompensed for the \
wasted time. pay or reward (someone) for effort or work: he was handsomely recompensed. make amends to or reward someone for (loss, harm, or effort): he thought his loyalty had been inadequately recompensed. punish or reward (someone) appropriately for an action. . n. compensation or reward given for loss or harm suffered or effort made: substantial damages were paid in recompense. restitution made or punishment inflicted for a wrong or injury. rec*on»cile rrek3n,sil| 'V. [trans.] (often be reconciled) restore friendly relations between: she wanted to be reconciled with her the news reconciled us. father cause to coexist in harmony; make or show make (one account) conto be compatible. sistent with another, esp. by allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed: it \
is
not necessary to reconcile the cost accounts to settle (a disagree-
the financial accounts.
ment): advice on how to reconcile the conflict. (reconcile someone to) make someone accept (a disagreeable or unwelcome thing): he could not reconcile himself to his mother's
ill-
ness.
derivatives: rec»on*cil»a»biln«ty an.sib'bibte
n.
rec»on»cil»a»ble
I
rec»on»cile»ment
'sibball cil»er n. rec»on»cilM»a«tion adj.
SHsn ,
,rek3n,sile'a-
.rekan'silea |
I
tore
|
.rekan |
rec»on»
|
rec»on»cil*i»a»to*ry
n.
n.
irek-
adj.
rec»on»dite 'rekan.dit; ri'kan- . adj. (of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse: 1
|
the
book
is
full of recondite information.
re»COn»nais*sance
ri'kanazans; -sans • n. military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features: an ex[as cellent aircraft for low-level reconnaissance |
I
|
adj.]
reconnaissance missions.
preliminary surveying or research: conducting client reconnaissance. DERI VAT I V E s re»con»noi»ter v. .rekan'straksHanl re»COn*Struc»tion :
»
n.
|
derivatives: re»cip»ro»ca»tion
person
:
I
to (a gesture or action)
tion) for
reconstruction derivatives re»clu»sion
•
adj.
the action or process of reconstructing or being reconstructed: the economic reconstruction [as adj.] reconstruction work. of Russia a thing that has been rebuilt after being damaged or destroyed: comparison between the I
an impresand the reconstruction. model, or reenactment of a past event formed from the available evidence: a reconstruction of the accident would be staged to try to (the Reconstruction) discover the cause. the period 1865-77, following the Civil War, original
sion,
|
362
recoup
recusant
during which the states of the Confederacy were controlled by federal government, and during which social legislation, including the granting of new rights to African-Americans, was introduced.
rec»tO 'rekto (pi. -os) a right-hand page of an open book, or the front of a loose doc-
derivatives: re«con»struc»tion»al adj. re»con»struc»tion»ar»y adj. re»con»struc» tionMst n., adj. re*COUp Iri'koopI *v. [trans.] regain (something lost) rains have helped recoup water lev-
charge of a parish. (in the Roman Catholic Church) a priest in charge of a church or of a religious institution. (in the Church of England) the incumbent of a parish where all tithes formerly passed to the incumbent. Cf. vicar. 2 the head of certain universities, colleges, and
:
els.
regain
(money spent or
subsequent profits:
through
lost), esp.
companies are keen to rereimburse or compencoup their investment. sate (someone) for money spent or lost. (in law) deduct or keep back (part of a sum due). regain (lost physical or mental resources): [intrans.] he's she needed to recoup her strength oil
\
recouping from the
trial.
DERI VAT IVES: re»coup»a»ble adj. re»coup»
ment
n.
re*COurse
|'re,k6rs; ri'korsi
•
a
[in sing.]
n.
source of help in a difficult situation: surgery
may
be the only recourse.
(recourse to) the use of someone or something as a source of help in a difficult situation: a means of solving disputes without recourse to courts of law. the legal right to demand compensation or payment: the bank
has recourse against
the exporter for losses
incurred.
confessing oneself to be vanquished; cowardly. 2 unI'rekreant]
»
adj.
faithful to a belief; apostate. a
person
who
1
1
•
a coward.
unfaithful to a belief; an
is
apostate.
DERIVATIVES:
rec»re»an«cy
|-3nse|
I'rektar]
Church)
»
n.
member
a
1 (in the Episcopal of the clergy who has
schools.
derivatives rec»tor»ate rek'toresl I
adj. |
rec»to»
|-r3t| n.
:
ri»al
rec»tor»ship
|
- ,SHip |
n.
rec»tO*ry house. 2
|
'rektsre
.
n. 1
(pi.
I
-ies) a rector's
the benefice of a rector. re*cum»bent Iri'kambantI *adj. (esp. of a person or human figure) lying down: recumbent statues. denoting a bicycle designed to be ridden lying almost flat on one's back. (of a plant) growing close to the ground: recumbent Brit,
shrubs.
derivatives: re»cum»ben»cy bent'ly adv. re*CU»per«ate |ri'koop3,rat|
.
n.
v. 1
re»cum»
[intrans.]
re-
cover from illness or exertion: recuperating from a wound. 2 [trans.] recover or regain (something lost or taken) they will seek to recuperate the investment returns.
derivatives: re»cu»per»a»ble
l-psrabal]
adj.
(recurred, recurring) » v. occur again, periodically or repeatedly: the symptoms recurred [as adj.] (recurring) a recurring theme. (of a thought, image, or memory) come back to one's mind: Steve's words kept recurring to him. (recur to) go back to (something) in thought or speech: the book remained a favor-
re*cur
Iri'ksrI
n.
\
never recriminate, never return evil for
evil.
DERIVATIVES: re»crimM»na»tion re*cru*desce
n.
re*
re»crim»i»na»to»ry adj. ,rekroo'des • v. [intrans.] break
crim»i»na«tive
adj.
|
re*CUr«rent Iri'ksrsntI »adj.
derivatives: re»cru»des»cence re»cru«des»cenl |-'des3nt|
rec*tl«fy
|'rekt3,fi|
'
desns
adj.
-ied)
(-ies,
'V.
|
[trans.]
put (something) right; correct: mistakes made now cannot be rectified later efforts to rec1
\
tify the situation.
[usu. as
adj.]
ite and she constantly recurred to derivatives: re»cur«rence
it.
Iri'ksransI n.
|
out again; recur.
(rectified) purify or refine (a
substance), esp. by repeated distillation: add 10 cc of rectified alcohol. 2 convert (alternating electrical current) to direct current: [as adj.] (rectified) rectified power systems. 3 find a straight line equal in length to (a curve).
AC
derivatives:
rec«ti»fi»a«ble adj. rec»ti»fi» caption .rektsfi'kaSHan n. rec»tl»lin»e»ar .rekta linear] (also rectilineal -esl ) • adj. contained by, consisting of, or moving in a straight line or lines: a rectilinear waveform. |
|
|
I
rec*tor
[intrans.]
rec*re*ant*ly adv. r6*crim«i*nate |ri'krim9,nat| »v. [intrans.] make counteraccusations: his party would
n.
ument. Cf. verso.
:
rec*re*ant
2
|
I
• n.
I
derivatives:
rec»ti»lin*e»ar»i»ty |-,line 'erite n. rec»ti»lin»e«ar»ly adv. rec»ti»tude 'rekt3,t(y)ood . n. morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness: a |
|
model of rectitude.
I
1
occurring of-
ten or repeatedly, esp. (of a disease or symptom) recurring after apparent cure or remission: a recurrent fever. 2 (of a nerve or blood vessel) turning back so as to reverse direction.
derivatives: re»cur»rent«ly adv. re*cur*sive |ri'k3rsiv| » adj. characterized by recurrence or repetition, in particular: relating to or involving the repeated application of a rule, definition, or procedure to sucrelating to or involving a
cessive results.
computer program or routine of which
a part requires the application of the whole, so that its explicit interpretation requires in general many successive executions. DERI VAT I V E s re»cur»sive»ly adv. :
re*curve
Ire'karvl
»v.
[intrans.]
bend back-
adj.] (recurved) large recurved tusks. archery) a bow that curves forward at the ends, which straighten out under tension when the bow is drawn. DERIVATIVES re»cur»va»ture |-v3CH3r| n. . w. 'rekyazant; ri'kyoozant a rec»li*sant
ward: [as .
n. (in
:
|
|
recuse
363
who
refuses to submit to an authority or to comply with a regulation.
person
derivatives: rec»u«sance
rec»u«san«
n.
reduce derivatives: re»di»rec»tion n.
red»i»vi«VUS
.redaVivas; -'vevas • adj. [postlife; reborn: a sort of |
|
cy |-Z3nse| n. re»CUSe ri'kyooz
positive]
challenge (a judge, prosecutor, or juror) as unqualified to perform legal duties because of a possible conflict of interest or lack of impartiality: a motion to recuse the prosecutor. (recuse oneself) (of a judge) excuse oneself from a case because of a possible conflict of interest or lack of impartiality. DERIVATIVES re»cus»al |-Z3l| n. re»cJact |ri'daekt| » v. [trans.] edit (text) for publication. |
•
[trans.]
V.
I
:
derivatives: re»dac»tor |-t3r| n. re«deem |ri'dem| .f. [trans.] 1 compensate bad aspects of (something): a disappointing debate redeemed only by an outstanding speech\ [as adj.] (redeeming) the splendid views are the one redeeming feature of for the faults or
the center.
that
com-
pensates for poor past performance or behavior: they redeemed themselves in the playoffs by pushing the Red Wings to a seventh game. (of a person) atone or make amends for (error or evil): the thief on the cross who by a single act redeemed a life of evil. save (someone) from sin, error, or evil: he was a sinner, redeemed by the grace of God. 2 gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment: his best suit had been redeemed from the pawnbrokers. repay (a stock, bond, or other instrument) at the maturity date. exchange (a coupon, voucher, or trading stamp) for merchandise, a discount, or money. pay the necessary money to clear (a debt) owners were unable to redeem their mortgages. exchange (paper money) for gold or silver. fulfill or carry out (a pledge or promise): the party prepared to re:
deem the pledges of the past three years. buy the freedom of. derivatives: re»deem»a»ble adj. re*demp»tion |ri'dempSH3n| . n. 1 the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or
evil:
God's plans for the redemption of his
world.
thing that saves someone from ermarginalization by Hollywood proved to be his redemption. 2 the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. the action of buying one's freedom. [in sing.] a
ror or
evil: his
red*in»te*grate ri'dints.grat . v. [trans.] restore (something) to a state of wholeness, unity, or perfection. derivatives: red»in»te»gra»tion |ri, dints 'graSHanI n. rednn»te»gra»tive i-,grativ| |
|
adj.
re»di»rect
. v. .reda'rekt; ,re,di'rekt [trans.] direct (something) to a new or different place |
|
or purpose: get the post office to redirect your mail resources were redirected to a major project. . n. (inlaw) (also redirect examination) examination of a witness a second time by the party who introduced him or her, following cross-examination. I
brought back to
Poe redivivus.
red*neck
|
'red, nek
. |
n.
a working-
offensive
class white person, esp. a poHtically reaction-
ary one from a rural area.
red*0*lent 'redl-ant . adj. 1 [predic] (redolent o0with) strongly reminiscent or suggestive of (something): names redolent of history |
I
and
tradition.
strongly smelling of something: the church was old, dark, and redolent of incense. 2 fragrant or sweet-smelling: a rich, inky, redolent wine.
derivatives: red«o»lence
n.
red»o«lent»
ly adv.
re'dsbsl • v. [trans.] make much intense, or more numerous: we will redouble our efforts to reform agricultural
re*dou*ble greater,
|
|
more
policy.
become
[intrans.]
(redeem oneself) do something
|-'rekSH3n|
numerous:
greater or
more
intense or
pressure to solve the problem has
[intrans.] (in bridge) double a bid already doubled by an opponent. • n. (in bridge) a call that doubles a bid already doubled by an opponent. re*dOUbt ri'dowt » n. a temporary or supplementary fortification, typically square or polygonal and witliout flanking defenses. an entrenched stronghold or refuge. re*dOUbt*a»ble ri'dowpbal . adj. (of a person) formidable, esp. as an opponent: he was a redoubtable debater.
redoubled.
|
\
|
|
derivatives: re»doubfa»bly |-ble| re*dound |ri'downd| *v. [intrans.] 1
adv.
(reto) contribute greatly to (a person's credit or honor): his latest diplomatic effort inll
dound
redound to
his credit.
2 (redound upon) come his sin redound
back upon; rebound on: may upon his head! re*dress ri'dres; 're,dres • v. |
[trans.]
remedy
|
or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation): the power to redress the grievances of our citizens.
set upright again:
some ambitious
architect be-
ing called to redress a leaning wall. • n. remedy or compensation for a wrong or grievance: those seeking redress for an infringement of rights.
derivatives: dress«al
|
-al
|
n.
re»dress»a»ble re»dress»er n.
adj.
re*
. V. [trans.] 1 (in cooking) sauce or other liquid) so that it becomes thicker and more concentrated. 2 (in older military use) conquer (a place), in particular besiege and capture (a town or fortress). 3 (in photography) make (a negative or print) less dense. 4 articulate (a speech sound) in a way requiring less muscular effort. In vowels, this gives rise to a more cen-
re*duce boil
|ri'd(y)oos|
(a
tral articulatory position. 5 (reduce something to) change a substance to (a different
more basic form): it is difficult to understand how lava could have been reduced to dust. present a problem or subject in (a simplified or
form): he reduces unimaginable statistics to manageable proportions. convert a fraction to (the form with the lowest terms). 6 (in chem-
.
redundant
364
cause to combine chemically with hydrogen. undergo or cause to undergo a reaction in which electrons are gained from another substance or molecule. Cf. oxidize. 7 restore (a dislocated part) to its proper position by manipulation or surgery. remedy (a dislocation) in such a way. istry)
derivatives: re»duc»er
no more work available: eight permanent made redundant. derivatives: re»dun»dan»cy n. re«dun» is
staff were
dant'ly adv. adj.
• |
[postpositive]
|
rev
|
town
lage or
n.
. |
council. district in
(past
• v.
|
reeved through
and
Anglo-Saxon
past part,
rove
|
|
the chain.
fasten (a rope or block) in this way. re*feC»tion |ri'fekSH3n| • n. refreshment food or drink.
|
|
|
|
|
the process of referring a political question to the electorate for this purpose.
ref»er»ent 'ref(3)r3nt| . «. the thing that a word or phrase denotes or stands for: "the Morning StarBand "the Evening Star" have the |
referent (the planet Venus) |
ri'flektiv
. |
adj. 1
providing a re-
flection; capable of reflecting light or other
radiation: reflective glass reflective clothing. produced by reflection: a colorful reflective 2 relating or characterized glow. to by deep \
thought; thoughtful: a
quiet, reflective, astute
man.
DERI VAT V E s I
tive«ness
:
re»flec«tive»ly adv. re»flec«
n.
an action that is performed without conscious thought as a response to a stimulus: a newborn baby is
re»flex
're,fleks|
»
the window lit his face. performed without con-
from
adj. 1 (of an action)
scious thought as an automatic response to a stimulus: sneezing is a reflex action. 2 (of an angle) exceeding 180°. (of light) reflected. bent or turned back(of a thought) directed or turned back upon the mind itself; introspective. derivatives: re»flex«ly 're,fleksle; ri 'flekslel adv. re*flex«ive |ri'fleksiv| . adf 1 denoting a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause in which it is used, e.g., myself, them-
ward.
|
(of a verb or clause) having a reflexive proas its object, e.g., wash oneself. 2 (of an action) performed as a reflex, without con-
scious thought: at concerts like this one, standing ovations have become reflexive. 3 (in logic,
of a relation) always holding between a term and itself. 4 (of a method or theory in the social sciences) taking account of itself or of the effect of the personality or presence of the researcher on what is being investigated. • n. a reflexive word or form, esp. a pro-
derivatives: re»flexMve»ly ive»ness
n.
re»flex»iv»i»ty
adv. re»flex«
ri,flek'siv3te; ,re |
flek-l n.
re»flex»0l*0*gy ,reflek'sabje . n. 1 a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body. 2 the scientific study of reflex action as it affects be|
|
havior.
derivatives:
re»flex»ol»o»gist
|-jist|
n.
(usu. in sense 1).
cision. Cf. INITIATIVE.
same
light: the reflex
ear-
a reflected source
noun.
by
a meal, esp. a light one. the eating of partly digested fecal pellets, as practiced by rabbits. • n. re»fec»to»ry ri'fekt(3)re (pi. -ies) a room used for communal meals, esp. in an educational or religious institution. ref»er*en*dum .refa'rendsmi •n. (pi referendums or referenda -da ) a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct de-
re*f lec*tive
•
noun
rov [trans.] (in nautical use) thread (a rope or rod) through a ring or other aperture, esp. in a block: one end of the new rope was |
of
stage of a language.
Canadian the president of a vil-
town or
England. reeve2 rev or reeved)
lier
selves.
a local official, in particular the chief magistrate of a
word formed by development from an
more than
'80s were
just the '50s redux. 1
of economics.
reflex
a
redundant church. (of words or data) able to be omitted without loss of meaning or function. (in engineering, of a component) not strictly necessary to functioning but included in case of Brit, (of a perfailure in another component. son) no longer in employment because there
reeve
of the body to stimulation of a corresponding point on the feet, hands, or head: [as adj.] reflex points. 2 a thing that is determined by and reproduces the essential features or qualities of something else: politics was no more than a
n.
re*dun*dant Iri'dsndantI » adj. no longer needed or useful; superfluous: a new use for a
re»dux re'dsks; 're'daks brought back; revived: the
refractory actions, esp. quickly: he was saved by his superb (in reflexology) a response in a part reflexes.
n. A
|
equipped with basic reflexes. (reflexes) a person's ability to perform such
re*flux I're.flaksl • w. (in chemistry) the process of boiling a liquid so that any vapor is liquefied and returned to the stock. the flowing back of a liquid, esp. that of a fluid in the body. • v. [intrans.] (in chemistry) boil or cause to boil in circumstances such that the vapor returns to the stock of liquid
condensing. with adverbial of direction] (of a liquid, esp. a bodily fluid) flow back. • v. [trans.] (usu. be re»f rapt ri'fraekt refracted) (of water, air, or glass) make (a ray of light) change direction when it enters at an angle: the rays of light are refracted by the after
[no
obj.,
|
|
material of the lens. measure the focusing characteristics of (an eye) or of the eyes of (someone).
derivatives: re»frac»tion n. re«frac*tO»ry riTrsektare . adj. 1 stubborn or unmanageable: a refractory pony. 2 resist|
I
365
reft
ant to a process or stimulus: some granules are refractory to secretory stimuli. (of a person, illness, or diseased tissue) not yielding to treatment: healing of previously re(of a person or animal) resistfractory ulcers. (of a substance) resistant ant to infection. to heat; hard to melt or fuse. • n. (pi. -ies) a substance that is resistant to heat. DERI VAT I V E s re«£rac»to*ri»ness n. reft reft past and past participle of reave. re»ful*gent ri'fOOljsnt; -'faljsnt . adj. shining brightly: refulgent blue eyes. derivatives: re»ful»gence n. re»ful» :
I
I
I
|
gent'ly adv. re*fur«bish ri'fsrbisH . v. [trans] (usu. be and redecorate refurbished) renovate (something, esp. a building). DERI VAT I V e s re»fur»bish»ment n. re*fute |ri'fyoot| 'V. [trans.] prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove: these claims have not been convincingly |
|
:
refuted.
prove that (someone) is wrong. deny or contradict (a statement or accusation): a
spokesman
totally refuted the allegation
of bias. derivatives: re«fut»a»ble adj. re»fut»al n. (rare) ref»u«ta»tion -'fyootl .refyOO'taSHan n. re»fut»er n. I
I
|
I
usage: Refute and repudiate are sometimes confused. To refute is to actually prove something or someone to be false or erroneous {attempts to refute Einstein's theory), whereas to repudiate is 'to reject as baseless, disown, refuse to acknowledge.' One could repudiate by silently turning one's back; to refute would require disproving by argument. In the second half of the 20th century, a more general sense developed from the core one, meaning simply 'deny,' as in / absolutely refute the charges
made
against me. Traditionalists object to the
second use on the grounds that
it is
an unac-
ceptable degradation of the language.
regolith the
Kremlin or the regalia of Russian czardom it has
are now displayed in the Kremlin), but no other singular form.
r8»gat»ta • n. ri'gata; ri'g£et3 a sporting event consisting of a series of boat or yacht 1
|
races.
re*gen*cy
'rejanse
n. (pi.
• |
|
-ies) the office or
period of government by a regent. a commission acting as regent. (the Regency) the particular period of a regency, esp. (in Britain) from 1811 to 1820 and (in France) from 1715 to 1723. 'adj. (Regency) relating to or denoting British architecture, clothing, and furniture of the Regency or, more widely, of the late 18th and early 1 9th centuries. Regency style was contemporary with the Empire style and shares many of its features: elaborate and ornate, it
generally neoclassical, with a generous borrowing of Greek and Egyptian motifs. re*gen*er*ate . z;. Iri'jena.rat] [trans.] (of a living organism) regrow (new tissue) to reis
place lost or injured tissue: a crab in the process of regenerating a claw. [intrans.] (of an organ or tissue) regrow. bring into renewed existence; generate again. bring new and more vigorous life to (an area or institution), esp. in economic terms; revive: regenerating the inner cities. (esp. in Christian use) give a new and higher spiritual nature to. 'adj. Iri'jenaratI reformed or reborn, esp. in a spiritual or moral sense.
derivatives: re»gen»er»a»tor
|-,rat3r| n.
person appointed to administer a country because the monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated. 2 a member of the governing body of a university or other academic institution. . adf [postposi-
re*gent
tive]
'rejant
|
•
|
a
n. ^
acting as regent for a monarch: the queen
regent of Portugal.
reg*i*cide
'rej3,sid|
n.
•
the action of killing
|
a king.
re*ga!e ri'gal • (someone) with |
v.
colorful
entertain or amuse he regaled her with a
[trans.]
|
talk:
account of that afternoon's meeting.
(someone) with food or drink: he was regaled with excellent home cooklavishly
supply
ing re«ga*li*a n'galya • plural n. [treated as sing, or pL] the emblems or insignia of royalty, esp. the crown, scepter, and other ornaments used at a coronation. the distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status: a Bishop in full regalia. distinctive, elaborate clothing: young men, a few in |
gang
|
regalia.
usage: The word regalia comes from Latin and is, technically speaking, the plural of regalis. However, in the way the word is used in English today it behaves as a collective noun, similar to words like staff or gov-
ernment. This means
that it can be used with either a singular or plural verb {the re-
galia of Russian czardom
is
now
displayed in
who
a person
kills
or takes part in killing a
king.
derivatives:
reg»i»cid«al |,rej3'sidl!
re»gime ra'zHem;
(also
ri1
|
regime)
.
adj.
n. 1
a
government, esp. an authoritarian one. 2 a system or planned way of doing things, esp. one imposed from above: detention centers with a very tough physical regime. a coordinated program for the promotion or restoration of health; a regimen: a lowthe conditions under calorie, low-fat regime. which a scientific or industrial process occurs. • 1 a pre'rejaman; 'rezHscribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health. 2 a system of government. re*gis»seur |,razHe'sar| *n. a person who stages a theatrical production, esp. a ballet. reg*nant 'regnant 'adj. 1 [often postpositive] reigning; ruling: a queen regnant. 2 currently having the greatest influence; dominant: the
reg*i*men
1
|
|
|
regnant belief reg*0»lith 'rega.liTH |
. I
n.
the layer of uncon-
1.
366
regretful
solidated solid material covering the bedrock of a planet. re-greWul ri'gretfsl • adj. feeling or showing regret.
relief
someone
suffering from a disease) suffer deterioration after a period of improvement.
(relapse into) return to
|
|
derivatives: re»gret»ful»ness
worse I
re«gret*ta»ble ri'gretabal . adj. (of conduct or an event) giving rise to regret; undesirable; |
|
unwelcome. re*ha*biH*tate ,re(h)3'bib,tat| 'V. [trans.] restore (someone) to health or normal life by training and therapy after imprisonment, ad|
diction, or illness. restore (someone) to former privileges or reputation after a period of critical or official disfavor: with the fall of the government many return former dissidents were rehabilitated. (something, esp. an environmental feature) to its former condition. derivatives: re»ha»bilM»ta»tion |-,bib 'tasH3n| n. re«ha»bilM»ta»tive |-,tativ| adj. . v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] make re»l»fy 're3,fi (something abstract) more concrete or real; convert (a concept) mentally into a thing: |
|
these instincts are, in
humans,
reified as verbal
constructs.
derivatives: ren»fi»ca»tion SHsnj
re»ifM»ca»to»ry
n.
ireafa'ka-
|
re'if3k3,t6re; ra|
adj.
re«im*burse ,reim'b3rs| . v. [trans.] (often be reimbursed) repay (a person who has spent or lost money): the investors should be reim|
bursed for their
losses.
:
derivatives: re«im«burs»a«ble im«burse»ment n.
adj.
re*
|
something from the
past: the latest reincarna-
tion of the hippie look.
re*it*er*ate |re'it3,rat| •v. say something again or a number or times, typically for emphasis or clarity. derivatives: re«it»er»a»tion re ita ra,
|
'
SHanl n. rent»er»a»tive -,rativ; -rativ adj. re*join ri'join • V. [reporting verb] say something in answer to a remark, typically rudely or in a discouraging manner: Jog said he longed for soft towels, to which Sue rejoined that he was a big baby. re*join»der Iri'joindsrI a reply, esp. a sharp or witty one. re»ju«ve»nate |ri'joov3,nat| ^v. [trans.] make (someone or something) look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively: a bid to rejuvenate the town center] [as adj.] (rejuvenating) the reju|
|
I
effects adj.]
of therapeutic
clay.
(rejuvenated) restore
(a river
or stream) to a condition characteristic of a younger landscape.
derivatives: re«ju»ve»na»tion 'naSH3n|
re*lapse
n.
|
're
someone's state of a temporary improvement: he suf-
health after
fered a relapse of schizophrenia after a car crash.
derivatives: re»laps»er
|ri'laeps3r;
're
.laepsarl n.
rel»a*tive hu»mid*i*ty . n. the amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. rel»a*tiv«ism 'relap.vizam . w. the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. DERI VAT I V e s rel»a»tiv»ist n. rel*a*tiv*i*ty .reb'tivate . n. 1 the absence of standards of absolute and universal application: moral relativity. 2 the dependence of various physical phenomena on relative motion of the observer and the observed objects, esp. regarding the nature and behavior of light, space, time, and gravity. rel*e«gate rrel3,gat| »v. [trans.] consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position: they aim to prevent women from being relegated to a secondary role. DERI VAT I V E s rel»e«ga»tion .reb'gasHan |
|
:
|
|
:
|
|
n.
re»lent ri'lent • V. [intrans.] abandon or mitigate a harsh intention or cruel treatment: she was going to refuse his request, but relented. (esp. of bad weather) become less severe or intense: by evening the rain relented. rel»e»vant 'rebvsnti • adj. closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand: the candidate 's experience is relevant to the job. (in law) bearing on the matter at issue; per|
re*in«car»na*tlon ,re,in,kar'nasH3n| • n. the rebirth of a soul in a new body. a person or animal in whom a particular soul is believed to have been reborn: he is said to be a reincarnation of the Hindu godVishnu. Cf AVATAR. a new version or close match of
[often as
or a
I
bursed.
venating
n.
|
repay (a sum of money that has been spent or lost) thousands of dollars that are not reim-
|
•
a deterioration in
(laeps
n.
(a less active
state): he relapsed into silence.
|ri,joov3
re»ju«ve»na»tor |-,nat3r|
Iri'laeps;
're,laeps|
* v.
n.
[intrans.]
(of
tinent.
derivatives: rel»e»vance -vanse
n.
rel»e»van»cy
rel»e»vant»ly adv. rel*ic 'reliki • n. an object surviving from an earlier time, esp. one of historical or sentiI
|
n.
I
mental
interest.
body or belongings kept as an object of reverence. an object, custom, or belief that has survived from an earlier time but is now outmoded: individualized computer programming and time-sharing would become expensive relics. (relics) all that is left of something: relics of a lost civilization. rel'ict 'relikt • n. 1 a thing that has survived from an earlier period or in a primitive form. an animal or plant that has survived while others of its group have become extinct, e.g., the coelacanth or ginkgo. a species or community that formerly had a wider distribution but now survives in only a few localities. 2 a widow. re*llef |ri'lef| . n. (in art) the state of being clearly visible or obvious due to being accentuated in some way: the setting sun throws the snow-covered peaks into relief. a method of molding, carving, or stamping in which the design stands out from the sura part of a deceased holy person's
|
I
1
367
religiose
face, to a greater (high relief) or lesser (bas-
a piece of sculpture in relief.
relief) extent.
by an
a representation of relief given
rangement of
line or color or shading.
ar(in
physical geography) difference in height from the surrounding terrain. PHR.ASEs: in relief carved, molded, or stamped so as to stand out from the surface. re«ll*gi*OSe |ri'lije,os| •adj. excessively religious.
derivatives:
re»li»gi»osn»ty
|
ri,lije'as3-
te| n.
re*li*giOUS
ri'lijas
• |
adj. 1
believing in
|
and
worshiping a superhuman controlling power or powers, esp. a personal God or gods. (of a belief or practice) forming part of someone's thought about or worship of a divine being: has strong religious convictions. of or relating to the worship of or a doctrine concerning a divine being or beings: religious music. belonging or relating to a monastic order or other group of people who are united by their practice of religion. treated or
regarded with a devotion and scrupulousness appropriate to worship: 7 //a^;*? a religious aver• n. (pi. same) a person bound by monastic vows. DERiv.ATi VES re»li»gious»ly adv. re«li» gious'ness n. re*lin*quish |ri'liNGkwiSH| ^v. [trans.] voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up: he relin-
sion to reading manuals.
:
quished his
title.
derivatives: re»lin»quish«ment reHiq*ui»ae mains.
Ira'likwe.i; -we,e|
(in geolog>')
»
n. n.
re-
plants.
rel*ish
I'reliSHl
»
1
n.
drank the wine with
great enjoyment: she
for
or pleasurable
add flavor. chopped sweet pickles used as such ment. 3 an appetizing flavor.
a condi-
I
magnetism) remaining after the magnetizing field has been removed. (of
DERI VAT v E s rem«a»nence n. re*me«di*al [ri'medeall 'adj. giving or intended as a remedy or cure: remedial surgery. pro\dded or intended for students who are experiencing learning difficulties: remedial edI
:
ucation.
D E R \' AT v E s re»me«di»al*ly adv. rem*e*dy 'remade . n. (pi. -ies) 1 I
I
:
|
i
a
medi-
cine or treatment for a disease or injury: herbal remedies for aches and pains. a means of counteracting or eliminating something undesirable: shopping became a remedy for personal problems. a means of legal reparation: the doctrine took away their only remedy against merchants zvho refused to honor their contracts. 2 the margin within which coins as minted may differ from the standard fineness and weight. • v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] set right (an undesirable situation): by the time a problem becomes patently obvious, it may be almost too late to remedy it. derivatives: re»me»di»a»ble Iri'medeabal adj. rem»e»di«less adj. rem*i»nis*cence .rema'nisansl • //. a story told about a past event remembered by the narrator: his reminiscences of his early days in Washington. the enjoyable recollection of past events: his |
made me
smile in reminiscence.
niscences) a collection
in literary
(remiform of
and experiences that someone remembers. a characteristic of one thing reminding or suggestive of another: his first incidents
works are too full of reminiscences of earlier poetry.
a distinctive taste or tinge: the relish of wine. an attractive quality. • v. [trans.] 1 enjoy
greatly: relishing his
|
sidual.
story
relish.
anticipation of something: an assigrmient for which I had little relish. 2 a condiment eaten with plain food to liking
is
!
plural
remains of animals or
fossil
Renaissance
adjourned: I had a seventeen-year-old son remanded to a drug-addiction program. return (a case) to a lower court for reconsideration: the Supreme Court vacated the opinion and remanded the matter back to the California court. • n. a committal to custody. rem*a»nent 'remanant • adj. remaining; rea trial
moment of glory.
be pleased by or about: I don \ relish the long ride. 2 make pleasant to the taste; add relish to.
derivatives: rem»i»nisce cent adj. re*mon»strate
|ri'man,strat;
v.
remM»nis»
'reman-
1
•
v.
make a forcefully reproachful protest: he turned angrily to remonstrate with [with direct speech] "You don mean Tommy [intrans.]
't
\
re»maln*der
|ri
mandar]
ber, or quantity that
.
rz.
is left
mushrooms for garnish and a part that is still to come:
1
a part,
num-
over: leave a
few
'strasHan;
the remainder of the
|-strativ|
the number that is left over in a division in which one quantity' does not exactly divide another: 23 divided by 3 is 7, remainder
copy of a book left unsold when dehas fallen. 2 (in law) an interest in an estate that becomes effective in possession only when a prior interest (devised at the same time) ends. . v. [trans.] (often be remaindered) dispose of (a book left unsold) at a reduced price: titles are being remaindered increasingly quickly to save on overheads. re*mand |ri'm£end| • v. [trans.] (inlaw) place (a defendant) on bail or in custody, esp. when 2.
a
derivatives: re»mon»stra»tion |ri,man
slice the remaitider.
year.
mand
that," she remonstrated.
,
re»mon»stra»tive remanre»mon»stra«tor |-,stratar; j
adj.
'reman-
re*mu»ner*ate pay (someone)
|ri'myoona,rat| for services
»v.
[trans.]
rendered or work
done: they should be remunerated fairly for
their
work.
DERI VAT v E s I
re«mu»ner»a»tive
:
-rativ; |
-,rativ| adj.
Ren*ais»sance |'rena,sans; -,zans| the revival of European art and literature under the influence of classical models in the centuries. the culture
and
st>'le
developed during
1
4th- 1 6th
of art and architecture [as n.] (a renais-
this era.
368
renal
sance) a revival of or renewed interest in something: rail travel is enjoying a renaissance. re»nal
|
'renl
of or relating to the kid-
adj.
• |
neys.
re*nas*cent
becoming
Iri'naesam;
-'nasanti
»
adj.
active or popular again: renascent
fascism.
ren»e»gade 'reni,gad • «. a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, |
|
or set of principles. in a rebeliiously
bodyguard.
having abandoned one's religious
beliefs: a
renegade monk.
re*nege
|ri'neg;-'nig|
» V.
[intrans.]
go back on
a promise, imdertaking, or contract: the administration
had reneged on
another term for revoke
election promises.
card games).
(in
renovmce or abandon (someone or
[trans.]
something).
|
|
|
I
the curdling of milk. re*nounce |ri'nowns| . v. [trans.] formally declare one's abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession): Isabella offered to renounce her son 's claim to the French crown. refuse to recognize or abide by any longer: these agreements were renounced after the fall of the regime. declare that one will no longer engage in or support: they renounced the armed struggle. reject and stop using or consuming: he renounced drugs and alcohol completely. [intrans.] (in law) refuse or resign a right or position, esp. one as an heir or trustee: there will be forms enabling the allottee to renounce. derivatives: re»nounce»a«ble adj. re*
nounce»ment
re»nounc»er
n.
»v.
I'rena.vatl
n.
restore
[trans.]
good
old, esp. a building) to a
state of repair.
refresh; reinvigorate: a
little
warm
ment renovated him for a short time. derivatives: ren»o»va»tion 'vaSHanI n. ren»o»va»tor |-,vat3r|
nourish-
|
.rena
fame: authors of great renown.
derivatives: re»nowned raN'tya
» \
n.
|
adj.
a person living
on
in-
come from property
or investments. . n. re»nun*ci*a*tion ri.nanse'aSHan the formal renouncing or rejection of something, typically a belief, claim, or course of action: a renunciation of violence.
document expressing renunciation. derivatives: re»nun«ci»ant Iri'nsnsea legal
n. I
&
down to avoid the cost of reparation. derivatives: re»par«a»tive |ri'per3tiv| rep*ar«tee
.repar'te; ,rep,ar'te;-'ta|
•
n.
|
con-
versation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies. re*pa*trl»ate |re'patre,at; re'pse-l * v. [trans.] send (someone) back to his or her own country: the government sought to repatriate thousands of Albanian refugees. send or bring (money) back to one's own country: foreign firms would be permitted to repatriate all profits.
•
a person
n.
who has been
repatriated.
derivatives: re*pa»tri«a«tion
,re,patre |
n.
1
re*peal ri'pel • v. [trans.] revoke or annul (a law or congressional act): the legislation was repealed five months later. . n. the action of revoking or armulling a law or congressional |
|
act: the
House voted
in
favor of repeal.
derivatives: re»peal«a»ble adj. re*pe*chage ,rep3'sHazH| (also repeChage) • n. (in rowing and other sports) a |
contest in which the runners-up in the eliminating heats compete for a place in the final. re*pel*lent ri'pebnt (also repellant) . adj. 1 [often in combination] able to repel a particular thing; impervious to a particular substance: water-repellent nylon. 2 causing disgust or distaste: the idea of eating snails was repellent to her. • n. 1 a substance that dissuades particular insects or other pests from approaching or settling: a flea repellent. 2 a substance used to treat something, esp. fabric or stone, so as to make it impervious to water: treat brick with a silicone water repellent. |
|
derivatives: re»peWence cy n. re*pel»lent»ly adv.
n.
re»peWen»
usage: Repellent and repulsive
are very close in meaning, but the latter, perhaps beexpress stronger cause of its sound, is felt to feeling.
re*per*CUS*sion .repsr'kaSHsn; ,rep-| * n. 1 (usu. repercussions) an unintended consequence occurring some time after an event or action, esp. an unwelcome one: the move would have grave repercussions for the entire region. 2 the recoil of something after impact. 3 an echo or reverberation.
derivatives: adj.
re»per»cus»sive
|-'k3siv|
"
I
|
ant
(reparations) the compensation for war a defeated state. 2 the action of repairing something: the old hall was pulled
|
n.
re*nown |ri'nown| • n. the condition of being known or talked about by many people;
ren»tier
make financial repara-
damage paid by
'aSHan; ,re,pae-
derivatives: re»neg»er n. ren*net 'renit • n. curdled milk from the stomach of an unweaned calf, containing rennin and used in curdling milk for cheese. any preparation containing rennin. ren*nln 'renin • n. an enzyme secreted into the stomach of unweaned mammals causing
ren»o*vate (something
convicted offender to tion to his victim.
adj.
who behaves
unconventional marmer. a person who abandons religion; an apostate. • adj. having treacherously changed allegiance: a renegade a person
repertoire paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged: the courts required a
rep*er^Oire
|
'rep3(r),twar|
•
plays, dances, or pieces that a
«.
a stock of or a
company
peiiformer knows or is prepared to perform. the whole body of items that are regularly
performed:
the
mainstream concert repertoire. behavior that a
a stock of skills or types of
adj.
rep«a*ra»tion .repa'rasHsn . «. 1 the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by |
|
person habitually uses: stares,
and dismissive
his repertoire
gestures.
of threats,
369
repertory rep«er*tO*ry 1
|
'rep3(r),t6re|
-ies)
(pi.
the performance of various plays, operas, or by a company at regular short inter-
ballets
adj.] a repertory actor. repertory theaters regarded collectively. a repertory company. 2 another term for repertoire. a repository or collection, esp. of information or retrievable examples. rep»er«to»ri»al ,rep3(r) DERI VAT I v E s
vals: [as
:
|
'toresl
adj. I
re*pine
ri'pin
• v.
|
or express
feel
[intrans.]
|
discontent;
complain.
fret;
re»plen*ish
ri'plenisH |
(some-
[trans.] fill
thing) up again: he replenished Justin's glass with mineral water. restore (a stock or supply of something) to
the former level or condition:
all creatures
need
sleep to replenish their energies.
derivatives: re«plen»ish»er ish*ment n.
re»plen»
n.
re*plete |ri'plet| 'adj. [predic] filled or v^^ellsupplied with something: sensational popular fiction, replete with adultery and sudden death.
very full of or sated by food: / went out into sun-drenched streets again, replete and
the
relaxed.
derivatives: re»ple»tion re*plev*in
ri'plevan
• |
n.
|
|ri'pleSH3n|
n.
may be provisionrestored to their owner pending the outcome of an action to determine the rights of the parties concerned. an action arising from such a process. rep»li*ca I'replikal • «. an exact copy or model of something, esp. one on a smaller ally
a replica of the Empire State Building. a duplicate of an original artistic work. rep*li»cate • v. 'repli,kat [trans.] make an exact copy of; reproduce: it might be impractical to replicate eastern culture in the west. scale:
I
(replicate itself) (of genetic material or a organism) reproduce or give rise to a copy of itself: interleukin-16 prevents the virus living
[intrans.]
an enzyme that
HIV needs in order to replicate.
repeat (a sci-
from
replicating itself \
entific
experiment or
trial)
to obtain a consis-
tent result, 'adj. |'reph,kit| [attrib.] of the nature of a copy: a replicate Earth. of the nature of a repetition of a scientific ex-
periment or trial: surements.
•
the variation of replicate
'repli,kit|
n.
1
I
mea-
a close or exact
copy; a replica. a repetition of an experimental test or procedure. 2 a musical tone one or more octaves above or below the given tone.
derivatives:
rep»li»ca»bil»i»ty
,
replika
|
'bibte
rep»li«ca»ble rep»li»ca«tive adj. n.
I
|
'replikabsl
re»port»age
adj. |
. n. ra'portij; ,rep6r'taZH the reporting of news, for the press and the broadcast media: extensive reportage of elec|
|
tions.
book or other text, adopts a journalistic style.
factual presentation in a esp.
when
re*pose tivity,
|
this
ri'poz
. |
n.
thing on/in) tresses
to:
on
lay
bosom.
his friendly
he halted
to repose his
[trans.]
wayworn
derivatives: re»pose»ful pose'fuWy |-f3le| adv. re*p0US*se r3,poo'sa |
|-f3l|
re«
adj.
into (raised) relief
verse side.
•
n.
adj.
(of metalwork) from the reornamental metalwork fash•
|
hammered ioned in
give rest
soldiers.
this way.
rep«re»hend ,repri'hend| 'V. [trans.] find fault with; blame or reprimand: a recklessness |
that cannot be too severely reprehended.
derivatives:
rep»re»hen»sion |-'henCH3n| n. repne»sen»ta»tion ,repri,zen'taSH3n; -z3n-| |
proce-
(in law) a
dure whereby seized goods
|
[trans.] (repose somesomething to rest in or on (something): I'll go to him, and repose our dis-
the four-poster bed.
v.
. |
representative the rest given by sleep: in repose her face looked relaxed. a state of peace: the repose of the soul of the dead man. composure: he had lost none of his grace or his repose. (in art) harmonious arrangement of colors and forms, providing a restful visual effect. angle of repose the greatest angle between to planes that is consistent with stability. • v. [no obj., with adverbial of place] be lying, situated, or kept in a particular place: the diamond now reposes in the Louvre. lie down in rest: how sweetly he would repose in
temporary
rest
from ac-
excitement, or exertion, esp. sleep or
the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented: asylum-seekers should be guaranteed good legal advice and representation. 2 the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way or as being of a certain nature: the representation of women in newspapers. the depiction of someone or something in a picture or other work of art: Picasso is striving a for some absolute representation of reality. thing, esp. a picture or model, that depicts a likeness or reproduction of someone or something: a striking representation of a vase of (in some theories of perception) a flowers. mental state or concept regarded as corresponding to a thing perceived. 3 (representations) formal statements made to a higher authority, esp. so as to communicate an opinion or register a protest: certain church groups are making strong representations to the govern•
n. 1
ment. a statement or allegation: relying on a representation that the tapes were genuine. 'adj. ,repri'zent3tiv| rep*re*sen»ta*tive i
1
typical of a class, group, or
body of opinion:
by most Harvard undergraduates. containing typical examples of many or all types: a representative sample ofyoung people in the South. 2 (of a legislative or deliberative assembly) consisting of people chosen to act and speak on behalf of a wider group. (of a government or political system) based on representation of the people by such these courses are representative of those taken
deputies: free elections and representative democracy. Cf. direct. 3 serving as a portrayal or symbol of something: the show would be
more representative of how women
really are.
370
repress
repulse
(of art) representational: the bust involves a high degree of representative abstraction. 4 (in philosophy) of or relating to mental representation. • w. 1 a person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others, in partic-
pression of disapproval or disappointment: he gave her a look of reproach. (a reproach to) a thing that makes the failings of someone or something else more apparent: his elegance is a living reproach to our
ular:
slovenly habits.
an agent of a firm
who
travels to potential
products. an employee of a travel company who looks after the needs of its vacationing clients. a person chosen or elected to speak and act on behalf of others in a legislative assembly or deliberative body. a delegate who attends a conference, negotiations, legal hearing, etc., so as to represent the interests of another person or group. a person who takes the place of another on a ceremonial or official occasion. 2 an example of a class or growp: fossil representatives of lamclients to sell
preys
and
its
hagfishes.
adj.
re»
re«proach»ing»ly adv. rep»ro»bate 'repra.batl • n. an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately) you old reprobate, you! (in Christian theology, esp. in Calvinism) a sinner who is not of the elect and is predestined to damnation. • adj. unprincipled (often used as a humorous or affectionate reproach): a long-missed old reprobate drinking n. |
:
comrade.
Calvinism) predestined to damnation. express or feel disapproval of: his neighbors reprobated his method of proceeding. derivatives: rep»ro»ba»tion .repra'baSH3n| n. (in
• V.
derivatives: rep«re»sent»a»tive«ly adv. rep»re»sent»a»tive»ness n. re*press ri'pres • V. [trans.] subdue (someone or something) by force: the uprisings were |
derivatives: re«proach»a»ble proach»er
[trans.]
|
I
repressed. Cf. oppress, suppress.
restrain or prevent (the expression of a feel-
re*prove |ri'proov| *v. [trans.] reprimand or censure someone: he was reproved for obscenity [with direct speech] "Don 't be childish, Kate," he reproved mildly [as adj.] (reproving) a I
hold back
thought, feeling, or desire) within oneself so that it becomes or remains unconscious: the thought that he had killed his brother was so terrible that he repressed it. inhibit the natural development or selfexpression of (someone or something): too much bureaucracy represses creativity. (in biology) prevent the transcription of (a gene). ing)
.
(a
derivatives: re»press»er n. re«pressM» ble -abal adj. re*pres»sion ri'preSHsn n. re»pres»sive adj. re»prieve |ri'prev| *v. [trans.] cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, esp. |
I
|
|
someone condemned to death). abandon or postpone plans to close or put an end to (something): the threatened mines could be reprieved.
n.
»
postpone-
a cancellation or
ment of a punishment. a
temporary escape from an undesirable
fate
or unpleasant situation. » n. 'repra.msend a rebuke, esp. an official one. • v. [trans.] rebuke (someone), esp. officially: officials were dismissed or reprimanded for poor work. re*pris*al ri'pnzal » n. an act of retaliation:
rep«ri*mand
\
derivatives: re»proof
^z. re»prov«a*ble re»prov»er n. re»prov«ing«ly adv. re*pub*li*can ri'pabliksn . adj. (of a form of government, constitution, etc.) belonging
adj.
|
I
or characteristic of a republic. advocating or supporting republican government: the republican movement. • w. 1 a person advocating or supporting republican government. 2 (Republican) a member or supporter of the Republican Party; one who advocates or supports Republican positions, e.g. reduction of federal action in economic to,
matters.
derivatives: re»pub»li»can«ism
|-,niz3m|
n.
re*pu*di»ate |ri'pyoode,at| »v. [trans.] refuse to accept or be associated with: she has repudiated policies associated with previous party leaders.
|
|
|
the threat of reprisal.
the forcible seizure of a foreign subject or their goods as an act of retaliation. re*prise |ri'prez| • n. a repeated passage in music. a repetition or further performance of something: many Syrians fear a reprise of the showdown 12 years ago. • v. [trans.] repeat (a piece of music or a performance). re«proach |ri'procH| 'V. [trans.] address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment: critics of the administration
\
reproving glance.
reproached
ure to tackle the
the president for his fail-
[with
deficit.
direct
speech]
\
"You know that
isn
't
true," he reproached her.
(reproach someone with) accuse someone of: his wife reproached him with cowardice. censure or rebuke (an offense).
•
n.
the ex-
deny the truth or validity of:
the minister repu-
of human rights abuses. refuse to fulfill or discharge (an agreement, obligation, or debt). derivatives: re«pu»di«a»tion |ri,pyoode 'asH3n| n. re«pu»di»a»tor I-, atari n. re»pug*nant Iri'pagnantI » adj. 1 extremely diated
allegations
distasteful; unacceptable.
nant
2
[predic]
(repug-
to) in conflict with; incompatible with:
a bylaw must not be repugnant to state law. given to stubborn resistance.
derivatives: re»pug»nance nant'ly adv. re*pulse ri'pals
n.
re«pug»
• v. [trans.] 1 drive back (an attack or attacking enemy) by force: rioters tried to storm government buildings but were repulsed by police. fail to welcome (friendly advances or the |
|
person making them); rebuff: she
left,
feeling
refuse to hurt because she had been repulsed. accept (an offer): his bid for the company was repulsed. 2 (usu. be repulsed) cause (some-
371
repulsion one) to
and aversion:
feel intense distaste
audiences at early screenings of the film were repulsed by its brutality. • n. the action of driving back an attacking force or of being
driven back: the repulse of the invaders. to friendly response discouraging a advances: her evasion of his plan had been another repulse.
re*puhsion
Iri'palSHsnl »n. 1 a feeling of intense distaste or disgust: people talk about the case with a mixture offascination and repulsion. 2 (in physics) a force under the influence of
which objects tend to move away from each other, e.g., through having the same magnetic polarity or electric charge.
derivatives: re»pul»sive re^puhsive
arousing in-
1
tense distaste or disgust: a repulsive smell. lacking friendliness or sympathy. 2 of or repulsion between physical relating to
sive»ness
adv. re»pul»
n.
usage: Repulsive and repellent
are very close in meaning, but the former, perhaps
because of
sovmd,
its
to
felt
is
express
stronger feeling.
'repyapball » adj. having a good reputation: a reputable company. DERIVATIVES rep»u»ta»bly |-ble| adv. rep*U»ta»tion .repys'tasHan • n. the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something: his reputation was tarnished by allegations that he had taken bribes. a widespread belief that someone or something has a particular habit or characteristic: his knowledge of his subject earned him a repu-
rep*U*ta«ble
|
:
|
an
tation as
re»pute
I
expert.
req»ui»site«ly adv. req»ui»si»tion .rekwa'zisHan » n. an official order laying claim to the use of property or \
|
materials.
a formal written demand that some duty should be performed or something be put into operation. the appropriation of goods, esp. for military or public use.
• v. [trans.] deuse or supply of, esp. by official order and for military or public use. demand the performance or occurrence of: one of the investors has requisitioned a special
mand the
DERI VAT V E s req»ui»si»tion»er n. re*quite |ri'kwit| *v. [trans.] make appropriI
:
ate return for (a favor or service); reward: they are quick to requite a kindness. retaliate for (an injury or wrong). return a favor to (someone) to win enough respond to (love or afto requite my friends. fection); return: she did not requite his love. derivatives: re»quit»al |-'kwitl| n. re*SCind |ri'sind| • v. [trans.] revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement): the gov:
ernment eventually rescinded the directive. derivatives: re«scind»a«ble adj. re»scis« sion n.
re*seau ra'zo ri- • n. (pi. reseaux -'zoz ) a network or grid. a plain net ground used in lacemaking. a reference marking pattern on a photograph, a spy or used in astronomy and surveying. intelligence network, esp. in the French resis1
|
|
|
tance
movement during the German occupaWar II.
tion in World
• V. re«sect [trans.] [often as adj.] ri'sekt (resected) cut out (tissue or part of an or|
I
the opinion generally held of someone or something; the state of being generally regarded in a particular way: pollution could bring the authority's name into ri'pyoot
.
n.
I
|
repute.
gan).
DERI vat IVES re»sec»tion |ri'sekSH3n| n. re»sec»tion»al ri'sekSHanl adj. res»er*va»tion ,rez3r'vasH3n| . n. 1 the action of reserving something: the reservation of positions for non-Americans. an arrangement whereby something, esp. a seat or room, is booked or reserved for a an area of land set aside particular person. for occupation by North American Indians or Australian Aboriginals. In Canada called (in law) a right or interest rea reserve. tained in an estate being conveyed. 2 a qualification to an expression of agreement or approval; a doubt: some generals voiced reservations about air strikes. I say this without res:
|
|
|
the state of being highly thought of; fame: chefs of international repute. • v. (be reputed) be generally said or believed to do something or to have particular characteristics: he was
reputed to have a fabulous house. [usu. as adj.] (reputed) be generally said or believed to exist or be of a particular type, despite not being so: this area gave the lie to the reputed flatness of the country. [usu. as adj.]
(reputed) be widely known and well thought of: intensive training
with reputed coaches. adv.
DERI VAT V E s re»put«ed»ly I
:
req*ui*em
I'rekweam;
quiem mass)
'ra-|
•
n.
(also
re-
Roman
Catholic Church) a mass for the repose of the souls of the dead. a musical composition setting parts of such a mass, or of a similar character. an act or token of remembrance: he designed the epic as a requiem for his wife. req»ui*site 'rekwazati • adj. made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations: (esp. in the
|
the application will not be processed until the requisite fee
life.
DERIVATIVES:
avenge or
objects.
derivatives: re»pul»sive*ly
bad
ful
meeting.
adj.
'adj.
|ri'p9lsiv|
reside achievement of a specified end: she believed privacy to be a requisite for a peace-
for the
is
paid.
•
n. a
thing that
is
necessary
ervation.
re^side |ri'zid| ^v. [no obj., with adverbial of place] have one's permanent home in a particular place: people who work in the city actually reside in neighboring towns.
be situated:
the paintings
now
reside
on the
walls of a restaurant. (of power or a right) belong by right to a person or body: legislative
(of a qualpowers reside in the stata assembly. ity) be present or inherent in something: the meaning of an utterance does not wholly reside in the semantic meaning.
372
residence res*i*dence
resistance
a
writer, etc., for a repeat of a play, television
person's house, esp. a large and impressive one. the official house of a government minister or other public and official figure. the fact of living in a particular place: Rome was his main place of residence. Cf. domicile. phrases: ( in residence) a person with a particular occupation (esp. an artist or writer) paid to work in a college or other in-
show, etc. a portion of rocky or high ground remaining after erosion. the resale value of a new car or other item at a specified time after purchase, expressed as a percentage of its purchase price.
'rez(3)d3ns; 'rez3,dens
• |
n.
|
stitution.
res*l*den*cy
'rez(3)d3nse; 'rez9, dense . n. the fact of living in a place: a government ruling confirmed the returning refugees' |
|
(pi.
-ies)
1
right to residency.
a residential post held by a writer, musician, or artist, typically for teaching purposes. 2 formerly, the official residence of the British governor general's representative or other government agent, esp. at the court of an In-
dian
state.
a group or organization of intelligence agents in a foreign country. 3 a period of specialized medical training in a hospital; the position of a resident.
res*i*dent 'rez(3)d3nt; 'rez3,dent . n. 1 a person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis. Cf. citizen. a bird, butterfly, or other animal of a species that does not migrate. a person who boards at a boarding school or college. formerly, a British government agent in any semi-independent state, esp. the governor general's agent at the court of an Indian state. 2 a medical graduate engaged in specialized practice under supervision in a hos|
|
pital.
Cf. INTERN.
•
adj. living
somewhere on
long-term basis: she has been resident in Brazil for a long time. having quarters on the premises of one's work: resident farm workers. attached to and working regularly for a particular institution: a
the film studio needed a resident historian.
(of
nonmigratory; remaining in an area throughout the year. (of a computer program, file, etc.) immediately available in computer memory, rather than having to be loaded from elsea bird, butterfly, or other animal)
where.
derivatives: resM»dent»ship
|-,SHip|
n.
(historical).
re*Sld*U*al ri'zijswsl • adj. remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone: the withdrawal of residual occupying forces. (of a quantity) left after other things have been subtracted: residual income after tax and mortgage payments. (of a physical state or property) remaining after the removal of or present in the absence of a causative agent: residual stenosis. (of an experimental or arithmetical error) not accounted for or eliminated. (of a soil or other deposit) formed in situ by weathering. • n. a quantity remaining after other things have been subtracted or allowed for. a difference between a value measured in a scientific experiment and the theoretical or true value. a royalty paid to a performer, |
|
derivatives:
re»sid»u»al»ly
|-(3)w3le|
adv.
res*i*due 'rez3,d(y)oo • n. a small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used. (in law) the part of an estate that is left after the payment of charges, debts, and bequests. a substance that remains after a process such as combustion or evaporation. re»sid*U*um Iri'zijawamI » n. (pi. residua -3W9 ) a substance or thing that remains or is left behind, in particular, a chemical res|
|
1
I
idue. re*Sil*ient
ri'zilysnt • adj. (of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being |
I
compressed. (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions: the most infections. derivatives: re«sil*ience n. re»sil»ien»cy
fish are resilient to
n.
re»sil»ient«ly adv.
res*in 'rezani . n. a sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants (notably fir and |
pine).
synthetic resin) a solid or liquid synused as the basis of plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other products. • V. (resined, resining) [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (resined) rub or treat with resin: resined (also
thetic organic poljmier
canvas.
derivatives: res»in»ous re*sist*ance
|
ri'zistans
• |
I'rezanasl adj. the refusal to
n. 1
accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument: she put up no resistance to being led away. (in psychoanalysis) opposition, frequently unconscious, to the emergence of repressed memories or desires. armed or violent opposition: government forces were unable to crush guerrilla-style resis(also resistance. Cf. NONRESisTANCE. tance movement) [in sing.] a secret organization resisting authority, esp. in an (the Resistance) the occupied country.
undergroimd movement formed in France during World War II to fight the German occupying forces and the Vichy government. the impeding, slow(Also called maquis.) ing, or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another: air resistance would need to be reduced by streamlining. 2 the ability not to be affected by something, esp. adversely: some of us have a lower
resistance to cold than
others.
lack of sensitivity or vunerability to a drug, insecticide, etc., esp. as a result of continued exposure or genetic change. 3 the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy
373
resolute By Ohm's law
dissipation.
resistance (measequal to the voltage divided
ured in ohms) is by the current.
component
a resistor or other circuit
that
opposes the passage of an electric current. phrases: the line (or path) of least resistance an option avoiding difficulty or unpleasanmess; the easiest course of action. DERI VAT IVES: re«sist«ant adj., n. res*0«lute 'rez3,loot; -bt • adj. admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. |
I
derivatives: res«o«lute«ly lute*ness n. res*0*lu*tion
adv.
res»o«
.rezs'looSHsnl . n. 1 a firm decision to do or not to do something. a formal expression of opinion or intention |
agreed on by a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting, typically after taking a vote: the conference passed two resolutions.
the
quality of being determined or resolute: they handled the last missions of the war with resolution. 2 the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter: the peaceful resolution of all disputes.
(in
music) the passing of a discord into a
concord during the course of changing harmony. (in medicine) the disappearance of inflammation, or of any symptom or condition. 3 (in chemistry) the process of reducing or separating something into constituent parts or components. (in physics) the replacing of a single force or other vector quantity by two or more jointly equivalent to it. the conversion of something abstract into another form. (in prosody) the substitution of two short syllables for one long one. 4 the smallest interval measurable by a scientific (esp. optical) instru-
ment; tlie resolving power. the degree of detail visible
in a
photographic
or television image.
re*SOlve
|ri'zalv;-'z61v|
»
v. 1
[trans.]
settle
or
find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter) the firm aims to resolve problems within 30 days. :
medicine) cause
symptom
or condition) to disperse, subside, or heal: endoscopic biliary drainage can rapidly resolve jaundice. [intrans.] (of a symptom or condition) disperse, subside, or heal: symptoms resolved after a median of four weeks. [intrans.] (of a musical discord) lead into a concord during the course of harmonic change. [trans.] Music cause (a discord) to pass into a concord. 2 [intrans.] decide firmly on a course of action: [with infinitive] she resolved to call Dana as soon as she got home. [with clause] (of a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting) make a decision by a formal vote: the committee resolved that teachers should make their recommendations without knowledge of test scores [with infinitive] [trans.]
(in
(a
\
the conference resolved to support an alliance. 3 separate or cause to be separated into constituent parts or components. [trans ] (resolve something into) reduce a subject, statement, etc., by mental analysis into (separate elements or a more elementary
respite form) the :
ability to resolve facts into their legal
[intrans.] (of something seen at a distance) turn into a different form when seen more clearly: the orange glow resolved itself into four lanterns. [trans.] (of optical or photographic equipment) separate or distinguish between (closely adjacent objects): Hubble was able to resolve six variable stars in [trans.] separately distinguish (peaks M31. in a graph or spectrum). [trans.] (in physics) analyze (a force or velocity) into components acting in particular directions. • n. firm de-
categories.
termination to do something: she received information that strengthened her resolve she intended to stick to her initial resolve. a formal resolution by a legislative body or public meeting. derivatives: re»solv*a»bil»i»ty |ri,zalv3 'bibte; -'z61v9-| n. re»solv»a»ble adj. re« solv«er n. \
res*0*nant
I'rezanantI
*
adj.
(of
sound)
deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring. of, relating to, or bringing about resonance in a circuit, atom, or other object. (of a room, musical instrument, or hollow body) tending to reinforce or prolong sounds, esp.
by synchronous vibration. (of a color) enhancing or enriching another color or colors by contrast. [predic] (resonant with) (of a place) filled or resounding with (the alpine valleys resonant with the sound of church bells. having the abil-
sound of something):
to evoke or suggest enduring images, memories, or emotions: the prints are resoity
nant with traditions of Russian folk derivatives: res»o»nant*ly adv.
art.
res*0*nate |'rezn,at| *v. [intrans.] produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound: the sound of the siren resonated across the harbor.
evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions: the words resonate with so many (of an idea or action) different meanings. meet with someone's agreement: the judge's ruling resonated
produce
among many
electrical
or
of the women. mechanical resoat 16 MHz.
nance: the crystal resonates res«pi»ra»tion .resps'rasHan . «. the action of breathing: opiates affect respiration. a process in living organa single breath. isms involving the production of energy, typically with the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide from the oxidation of complex organic substances. re*spire |ri'spir| 'V. [intrans.] breathe; inhale or exhale. (of a plant) carry out respiration, esp. at night when photosynthesis has ceased. res*pite 'respst; ri'spit • n. a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or un|
|
|
|
pleasant. a short delay permitted before an unpleasant obligation is met or a punishment is carried out. • V. [trans.] postpone (a sentence, obligation, etc.): the execution was only respited a few
months. grant a delay or extension of time to; reprieve from death or execution.
374
resplendent
re»splend«ent ri'splcndont . tn//. attractive anJ impressive tliri>ugh being riclily colorful or suiiipluous: .v//t' iuas resplendent in a sea|
|
f^rccri dress.
m-RiVATiVHs: splead»en»cy re*spond*ent
re*splend*ence
n.
re*
rc«splcnd«ent«ly adv. • ri'spiindont 1 a defendlawsuit, esp. one in an appeals or di-
ant in a
|
retaliate under control.
deprivation or restriction of personal liberty or freedom of movement. a device that limits or prevents freedom of movement: car safety restraints. 2 unemotional, dispassionate, or moderate behavior; self-control: he urged the protestors to e.xereise restraint.
|
vorce case. the party in a lawsuit or trial who responds to a motion, defends a prior outctinie against an appeal, etc. 2 a person who replies to something, esp. one supplying information for a survey or questionnaire or responding to an advertisement. • iidj. lattrib.) 1 in the position of defendant in a lawsuit: llic rcspondcnf dcfciuhint. 2 replying to something, esp. a survey or questionnaire: fhi- n spotidcnr firtns in the .v/l"an animal) sessile. a posi(ii>n) si((ing; sea(ed.
IM KIN A ri\
i
sed-cn»tar»i»ly
s:
adv. scd«en»tJir»i-iicss
ov political sect.
sec»tion«al«ism
|
|
|-,ter,ile|
|
'r.
-ics) a
(pi.
|
a religii>us
seedy
sed*a*tive 'sed.itiv • adj. promoting calm or inducing sleep: the seeds have a .sedative effect. • ;/. a drug taken for its calming or sleepinducing effect. sed»en*tar»y |'sedn,tere| 'adj. (of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive. (of work or a way of life) characterized by
|
Sender
n.
'sndor • n. a Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner lor the first night or first two nights i>f Passover. sed»i»ment 'sed.^mont • //. matter that set|
|
|
|
the bt>ttom of a liquid; dregs. C'.f. s. parliculaio matter that is carried by water or wind and deposited on the surface of the land or the seabed, and may in time become consolidated inii> rt>ck. • [intrans settle as sediment. (trans (of a liquid) deposit a sediment. detles to
.i
i
i
l
]
DNA
posit (something) as a sediment: the
by centrifui^ation
sediniciitcd
tvas
[as
adj.]
\
(scdinicnted) sednnented waste.
m-
R
1
\'
A
r
v
1
mon'in.sn.m
i'
s
:
scd*i»nien»ti»»tion
,sed.">|
//. I
sed»l»men»ta»ry
|
.sedo'mentore
|
'adj. of or
relating to sediment.
(of rock) that has formed from sediment deposited by water or air. C^f icNi^oi's; mi: AMOKVWIC. se*di»tion |si'disn.in| • //. conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. l
|
sec*U*lar
|
denoting atti or other things that have no
'seky.->Uir|
tildes, activities,
' iidj.
1
religious or spiritual basis: sccuUiv
hnlhlitii:s |
2 (of C christian clergy) not subject to or bound by religi(,nis rule; not belonging to or living in a monastic or other iMder. 3 (t>f an economic lluctuatiiMi or (rend) occurring or persisting over an indefinitely long period: rfure is evidence that the slump is • n. a secular priest. not eychcal hut secular. i> K \' A r \' s scc»u«lar»ism -,ri/om n. sec»u»lar»isl -rist //. scc»u«lar»i»ty ,seky.^'heritO; -'let- //. sec»u»lar»i«za«tion .sekyol.iri'/.asti.tn /;. scc»u»lar«ize |-|rl/| v. see* u»lar»ly adr. se*dan |si'dicn| . u. 1 (also sedan chair) an enclosed chair for conveying i>ne person, car ried between horizontal poles by two porters. 2 an automobile for four or more people. CA'. scciihir iiionil f/u-orv.
!•
I
I'
1
:
|
|
|
|
|
I
se*duce
|si'd(y)oos|
(someone)
.
attract
(trans.]
to a belief or into a course of ac-
tion that is inadvisable or foolhardy: they should not be seduced into thinking; that their success ruled out the possibility of a rcLipsc. entice into sexual activity, "attract powerfully: the tneloily seduces the ear with fcwfv;/ strini; torus.
IH'
KIVA
ri\
i:s
:
se»duc»tion
adj.
sed*U*IOUS
se»duc»er
se*duc*i*blc
n.
» adj. 'sej.il.->s (of a person or slnnving dedication and diligence: n'litchcil himself ivith the most sedulous I
I
action) //(•
|
|
|si'dat| » adj. calm, dignified, and unhurried: in the old days, business was carried on at a more sedate pace.
se«date>
quiet
and rather
dull: sedate suhiirhan donics-
ticit)'.
i->FRtVAriv»-.s:
ness
se»date-'
them
se*datc*ly
adv.
scdaic*
N. .
v.
(trans.]
calm (someone) or make
sleep by administering a sedative drug: she ivas heavily sedarcil.
care.
ni Ki\ A
1
ivi s:
se«du»li»ty
|
so'joolitc
scd»u»lous»ly adv. scd«u»lous»ncss
i
u.
//.
• u. (in some (.'.hristian chvirches) the place in which a cathedral church stands, identified as the seat of authority of a bishop or archbishop. (alsi\ the Holy See) tlie otlice or jurisdiction of the po|ie; papacy. seed*y rsod(>| 'adj. (seedier, seediest) 1 sordid and disreputable: /;;.s seedy a ffair icith a soft-porn starlet. " shabby and squalid: an increasini^ly seedy and dilapidated pn^pertv. 2 unwell: .s7/c- felt weak and
see
.seedy.
i>i:kivai ivi s:
seed»i»ncss
seed'i'ly
|'sedl-e|
adv.
)
seemly seemHy
395 |'semle|
»
adj.
conforming
1
to
accepted notions of propriety or good taste; decorous: / felt it was not seemly to observe too closely. 2 pleasing and attractive; handsome. derivatives: seem»li»ness n. seer 'sear; sir| » n. 1 a person of supposed supernatural insight who sees visions of the |
future.
an expert
nomic or
who
provides forecasts of the eco-
have grown gloomier about prospects for growth. 2 [usu. in combination] a person who sees something specified:
political future: our seers
a seer of the future |
cook (food) by boiling it in a liquid: and seethed in cauldrons. (of a or the sea) foam as if it were boiling; be
[trans.)
cut into joints river
turbulent: the gray ocean seethed. [intrans.] (of a person) be filled with intense but unexpressed anger: inwardly he was seething at the slight to his authority. (of a place) be
crowded with people or things moving about was
in a rapid or hectic way: the entire cellar
seething ivith with life. [as
spiders adj.]
I
the village
\
seethed
(seething) the seething
seg*men*tal seg'men(t)l
•
|
composed
adj. 1
|
of separate parts or sections. 2 denoting or of the form of an arch the curved part of which forms a shallow arc of a circle, less than a semicircle.
seg»men»tal»i»za«tion - men (t) li zasHan n. seg«men»tal»ize |-,iz| V. seg»men»tal»ly ac/u ,
'
|
I
seg»re»gate segregated) each other;
'segri.gat
• v.
|
[trans.]
(usu.
|
be
set apart from the rest or from isolate or divide: handicapped
people should not be segregated from the rest of
separate or divide (people, activities, or institutions) along racial, sexual, or religious lines: blacks were segregated in churches, schools,
and colleges
[as adj.] (segregated) segregated education systems. [intrans.] (in genetics, of pairs of alleles) be separated at meiosis and \
transmitted gametes.
independently
via
fishermen then seine the weir. catch (fish) with a seine: they seine whitefish and salmon.
derivatives: sein»er seis*mlc
seg»re»ga»tive |-,gativ|
se*gue
I'segwa; 'sa-|
separate
l-gabsll adj.
adj.
(segues, segued
'V.
segueing 'segwa-iNG; 'sa(in music and film) move without interruption from one song, 'segwad; 'sa[no obj., with I
1
,
|
1
adverbial]
melody, or scene to another: allowing one song segue into the next.
make an uninterrupted and seemingly natural transition.
•
n.
an uninterrupted
from one subject to another,
and
its
tholog>-) each of a number of women or \\-inged creatures whose singing lured unwary sailors onto
absolutely necessary: grammar is the sine qua non of language teaching. sin*ew 'sinyoo • n. a piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament. (usu. sinews) the parts of a structure, system, or thing that give it strength or bind it together: the sinez^s of government. • v. [trans.] [usu. as adj.] (sinewed) strengthen wixh or as if with sinews: the sinea-ed shape of his back.
a woman who is considered to be alluring or fascinating but also dangerous in some way. ^ si»roc»co ss'rako (also scirocco SHs'rako; S9- ) • n. (pi. -os) a hot wind, often dusty or rainy, blowing from North Africa across
is
derivatives: sin*ew*less ew»y -we adj.
-lis;
adj.
sin*
Sln*fo*ni*a ,sinl'3'ne3 • n. a s\Tnphony. (in the 17th and 18th centuries) an orchestral piece used as an introduction, interlude, or posdude to an opera, oratorio, cantata, or suite. a small s\-mphony orchestra. Sin»fo*niet»ta . n. .sinfsn'yep a short or simple s\Tnphony. a small s>-mphony orchestra. sing»spiel 'sixG,spel • n. (pi. singspiele -b ) a form of German light opera, t3,-pically with spoken dialogue, popular esp. in the late 1 8th century. Sin*is»ter 'sinistsr^ * adj. 1 giving the impression that something harmful or e\-il is happening or will happen: there ivas something sinister about that murmuring voice.
rocks.
the Mediterranean to southern Europe. Sis»y»phe*an ,sis3'fe?n • adj. (of a task)
such that it can never be completed. . n. ,siCH3'waSH?,niz3m Sit»U»a«tion»ism the theory that human beha\-ior is determined by surrounding circumstances rather than by personal qualities. derivatives: sifu«a»tion»ist n. & adj. si'tUS 'sips; 'se- • n. situation or position, esp. the normal position of an organ or other part of a liWng thing. the place to which, for purposes of legal jurisdiction or taxation, a propert\- belongs.
skold; skald (also scald) . n. (in ancient Scandinavia) a composer and reciter of poems honoring heroes and their deeds.
skald
derivativ es: skald»ic skein
skan
•
n.
a length
-ik
adj.
of thread or yam,
loosely coiled and knoned. a tangled or complicated arrangement, state, a or situation: the skeins of her long hair a flock of wild geese or swans skein of lies. in flight, topically in a \ -shaped formation.
404
skeptic Skep*tic 'skeptiki (Brit, sceptic) son inclined to question or doubt
n. 1
.
I
all
a per-
accepted
slapstick 2
[trans.]
draw
who doubts
a person
the truth of Christianity and other religions; an agnostic or nonbeliever. 2 an ancient or modern philosopher who denies the possibility of knowledge, or even rational belief, in some sphere.
The
leading ancient skeptic was Pyrrho, whose followers at the Academy vigorously opposed Stoicism. Modern skeptics have held diverse views: the most extreme have doubted whether any knowledge at all of the external world is possible (see solipsism), while others have questioned the existence of objects beyond our experience of them.
(bait) jerkily across the surface
of the water as a technique in fishing.
SklMish
opinions.
'adj.
I'skitiSHi
my
dictable; playful:
and unpreand immature
lively
skittish
mother. (esp. of a horse)
derivatives: ness skoal
nervous; inclined to shy. skit»tish»ly adv. skiftish*
n.
skol (also skol) . exclam. used to express friendly feelings toward one's companions before drinking. skul*dug*ger*y Iskal'dagarel (also skullduggery) . n. underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; trickery: a firm that investigates comI
I
mercial skulduggery.
skulk
*v.
Iskalkl
keep out of sight, cowardly motive: door like a spy!
[intrans.]
typically with a sinister or
derivatives: skep«ti»cal cism 'skept3,siz3m n.
skep»ti»
adj.
don 't skulk outside [with
|
the
move
adverbial of direction]
I
skew
neither parallel nor at right angles to a specified or implied line; askew; crooked: his hat looked slightly skew a I
skyoo
adj. 1
•
I
\
skew angle.
most of
furtively: he spent
around
stealthily or
time skulking
shirk duty.
in the corridors.
DERI VAT v E s skulk*er n. sky*hook ski, hook (also sky hook or skyhook) . «. 1 an imaginary or fanciful device I
:
|
(of a statistical distribution) not symmetri2 (of a pair of lines) neither parallel nor
his
|
cal.
by which something could be suspended
intersecting.
the
(of a curve) not lying in a plane. • n. an oblique angle; a slant. a bias toward one particular group or subject: the paper had a working-class skew. the
not being statistically symmetrical. [no obj., with adverbial] suddenly change direction or position: the car had skewed across
a false hope, or a premise or argument which has no logical grounds. 2 a small flanened hook, with an eye for attaching a rope, fixed temporarily into a rock face while climbing. 3 a very high-arcing hook shot in basketball. 4 a helicopter equipped with a steel line and hook for hoisting and transporting heavy
the track.
objects.
state of • V.
twist or turn or cause to
around
in his saddle
do
[trans.]
this:
his leg
\
in
and pushed
he skewed
was skewed
against the other one.
[trans.]
make biased
or distorted in a way that is regarded as inaccurate, unfair, or misleading: the curriculum is skewed toward the practical subjects.
[trans
]
cause (a
statistical distribu-
DERI VAT v E s skcw'ncss n. Skew*bald |'syoo,b61d| * adj. I
:
(of an animal) with irregular patches of white and another color (properly not black). Cf. piebald. • n. a skewbald animal, esp. a horse, skid row 'ro • n. a run-down part of a town frequented by vagrants, alcoholics, and drug |
|
unfortunate or difficult situation: / don 't want to end up on skid row. • w. Skin*flint 'skin, flint a person who spends as little money as possible; a miser. a desperately
|
|
game
•
a rigged
n.
gambling game;
a
swindle. . n. 'skin,hed a young person with close-cropped hair, often perceived as
Skin*head
|
|
aggressive, violent,
skin-pop
• V.
narcotic) vein).
work or
•
[trans.]
and
racist.
inject (a drug, typically a
under the skin (rather than into
n.
a
an under-the-skin injection of a
drug, typically a narcotic. DERI VAT v E s skin-pop'pcr n. SkiMer 'skitar| . V. [intrans.] 1 [no I
:
|
verbial of direction]
move
effort.
lightly
obj.,
with
ad-
and quickly or
hurriedly: the girls skittered up the stairs her mind skittered back to that day at the office. \
who
a person
evades military service. a 1990s) of a subculture characterized by apathy and aimlessness. slag slseg • «. 1 stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore. similar material produced by a volcano; scoria. 2 Brit, a promiscuous woman. • v. (slagged, slagging) [intrans.] [usu. as n.] (slagging) produce deposits of slag. derivatives: slag»gy adj. (slag«gi»er,
young person
(esp. in the
I
slag»gi«est) . v. [trans.] slak (one's thirst): slake your onade. .
slake
addicts.
skin
this apparatus attached to a helicopter. Slack*er I'slaekarl • n. a person who avoids
I
be asymmetrical.
tion) to
in
air.
quench or
|
I
thirst
satisfy (desires): restaurants
satisfy
with some lem-
worked to slake
the
Italian obsession with food.
Slan*der
'slaendarl • n. the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation: he is suing the TV network for slander. Cf libel, defamation. a false and malicious spoken statement: I've had just about all I can stomach ofyour slanders. |
.
• V.
make
[trans.]
false
and damaging
state-
ments about (someone): they were accused of slandering the head of state.
derivatives: slan»der»er n. slan»der» ous -ras adj. slan»der»ous»ly -rasle adv. slap*Stick 'sla£p,stiki • n. comedy based on deliberately clumsy actions and humorously |
I
|
|
I
embarrassing events: [as
adj.]
slapstick
humor.
405
slattern
of two flexible pieces of joined together at one end, used by
a device consisting
wood
clowns and
in
pantomime
to
produce
a
loud
sSaWern I'slaetarnI » n. a dirty, untidy woman. derivatives: slat»tern»li»ness n. slaf adj.
'slavisHi • adj. relating to or characof a slave, typically by behaving in a servile or submissive way: he noted the slavish, feudal respect they had for her. showing no attempt at originality, constructive interpretation, or development: a slavish adherence to protocol. derivatives: slav»ish»ly adv. slav»ish» i
teristic
ness n. Slea*zy 1
Slink*y
'sliNCke . adj. (slinkier, slinkiest) graceful and sinuous in movement, line, or figure: a slinky black evening dress. |
|
derivatives: slinkM*ly
slapping noise.
tern»ly Slav*ish
slough
slink*i*ness
I'sliNCkalel
adv.
n.
Slip'page 'slipij • n. the action or process of something slipping or subsiding; the amount or extent of this: $16 million has been spent on cracks and slippage. failure to meet a standard or deadline: the extent of this: slippage on any job will entail slip|
|
page on the overall project.
Slip*shod |'slip,SHad| » adj. (typically of a person or method of work) characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization: he d caused many problems with his slipshod management.
(sleazier, sleaziest) (of a person or situation) sordid, corrupt, |'sleze|
'adj.
(of shoes)
worn down
slip'Stream
at the heel.
» n. a current of air or water driven back by a revolving propeller or jet engine. the partial vacuum created in the wake of a moving vehicle, often used by other vehicles in a race to assist in passing. an assisting force regarded as drawing something along
'slip,strem
\
|
or immoral. (of a place) squalid and seedy: a sleazy allnight cafe. 2 (of textiles and clothing) flimsy. derivatives: sleaze n. slea»zi»ly 'slezale adv. slea*zi*ness n. sledge slej • a vehicle on runners for conveying loads or passengers esp. over snow or ice, often pulled by draft animals. British term for sled. • v. [with obj., with adverbial of direction] carry (a load or passengers) |
I
|
|
on
a sledge: the task of sledging lifeboats across tundra.
sleight
the use of dexterity or cunning, esp. so as to deceive: except by sleight |
slit
•
|
n.
two positions cannot be harmonized. dexterity, typically in performing tricks: a nifty bit of sleight of hand got the ashtray into the correct position. skillful deception: this is financial
of logic,
the
phrases: sleight of hand manual
of hand of the worst
sleight
sort.
sleuth
slooTH . n. a detective. . v. [intrans.] [often as n.] (sleuthing) carry out a search or investigation in the manner of a detective: scientists began their genetic sleuthing for honey mushrooms four years ago. [trans.] investigate (someone or something). Slewi sloo (also slue) . v. 1 [no obj., with adverbial of direction] (of a vehicle or person) turn or slide violently or uncontrollably in a particular direction: the Chevy slewed from side to I
I
I
I
side in the snow.
turn or slide (something, esp. a vehisuch a way: he managed to slew the aircraft around before it settled on the runway. 2 [intrans.] (of an electronic device) undergo slewing. • n. [in sing.] a violent or uncontrollable sliding movement: / was assaulted by the [trans.]
cle) in
thump and Siew2 . n. a
slew of the van. large number or quantity of some-
thing: he asked me a slevo of questions. slink sliNGk . V. (past and past part, slunk |sbNGk|) [no obj., with adverbial of direction] move smoothly and quietly with gliding steps, in a stealthy or sensuous manner: the I
I
fox came slinking through the woods. come or go unobtrusively or furtively:
behind something booms, the
rest
slipstream.
•
v.
US
the
economy
pulled along in the (esp. in auto racing)
[intrans.]
is
follow closely behind another vehicle, traveling in its slipstream and awaiting an opportunity to pass; draft. [trans
(someone), them; draft (another
travel in the slipstream of
]
esp. in order to overtake
vehicle).
[no obj., with adverbial of over a surface with a twisting or oscillating motion: I spied an adder slithering away. slide or slip unsteadily on a loose or slippery surface: we slithered down a snowy mountain
slith*er
'sliiH9r|
. v.
|
move smoothly
direction]
track.
•
a
[in sing.]
n.
manner: a snakelike
derivatives:
movement
in
such a
slither across the grass.
slith»er»y adf
sloe-eyed . adj. having attractive dark, cally almond-shaped eyes. sloth
I
sIoth; slaTH; sloiH
work or make an
. |
n. 1
typi-
reluctance to
effort; laziness: he should
overcome his natural sloth and complacency. 2 any of several slow-moving tropical American mammals that hang upside down from the branches of trees using their long limbs
and hooked
claws.
derivatives:
sloth'ful
adv. sloth»ful*ness slough slow; sloo I
adj.
sloth'fuWy
n.
I
•
«.
a piece of soft
miry
I
ground; swamp. a situation characterized by lack of progress or activity: the economic slough of the interwar years. a muddy side channel or inlet. DERI VAT I V E s slough«y adf slough^ Isbfl » V. [trans ] (of an animal, esp. a snake, or a person) cast off or shed (an old skin or dead skin): a snake sloughs off its old he is concerned to slough off the counskin try's bad environmental image. :
I
all his
have slunk off. • n. [in sing.] an act of moving in this way: she moved with a
be shed.
sensuous slink.
soil
so-called friends
when
else:
of the world
[intrans.]
(slough
drop off; (slough away/down) (of
off) (of dead skin)
[intrans.]
or rock) collapse or slide into a hole or
406
sloven
depression. • n. the dropping off of dead tissue from living flesh: the drugs can cause blistering and slough. derivatives: slough»y adj. SlOV*en 'sbvan . «. a person who ually messy or careless.
is
habit-
I
I
SlOV*en*ly I'sbvanle; 'sla-| •adj. (esp. of a person or personal appearance) messy and dirty: he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance.
person or action) careless; exces-
(esp. of a
'sbgard
son.
derivatives: slug»gard«li«ness gard'ly adj. sluice sloos
\
I
^n.^
n.
slug*
(also sluice gate) a slid-
ing gate or other device for controlling the flow of water, esp. one in a lock gate. (also
sluiceway) an
artificial
water channel
for carrying off overflow or surplus water. (in gold mining) a channel or trough constructed with grooves into which a current of is directed in order to separate gold from the sand or gravel containing it. 2 an act of rinsing or showering with water: a sluice with cold water. • v. [trans.] wash or rinse freely with a stream or shower of water: she sluiced herface in cold water crews sluiced down the
water
\
decks of their ship.
[no obj., with adverbial of direction] (of water) pour, flow, or shower freely: the waves sluiced over them.
smarm*y
• adj. 'smarme (smarmier, smarmiest) ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is perceived as insincere or exces-
sive:
|
I
a smarmy, unctuous
smat*ter*ing
|-m3le|
adv.
|
smaetsriNG
|
a slight superficial
smeg*ma 'smegma
someone or something: she was so smitten with the boy. • n. a heavy blow or stroke with a weapon or the hand. n.
(pi. -ies) a blacksmith's workshop; a forge. a blacksmith. smol*der 'smoldar| . v. [intrans.] burn slowly with smoke but no flame: the bonfire still smol-
I'smixHei
n.
•
|
dered.
show or feel barely suppressed anger, hatred, or another powerful emotion: Anna smol-
dered with
indignation
\
[as
adj.]
(smolder-
ing) he met her smoldering eyes. exist in a suppressed or concealed state: the controversy smoldered on for several years [as adj.] (smoldering) smoldering rage. • n. smoke coming from a fire that is burning slowly without a flame: the last acrid smolder of his cigarette. \
derivatives: smol«der»ing»ly
adv. give a smothered or half-suppressed laugh; snigger. (of a horse) whirmy. • n. a smothered laugh; a snigger.
snick*er
|'snikar| 'V.
[intrans.]
a whinny.
derivatives: snick«er»ing*ly adv. snide snld • adj. 1 derogatory or mocking |
|
in a sneering, usu. indirect
about
my
way: snide remarks
mother.
2
snide divorce lawyer.
and underhanded: a
chiefly Brit,
counterfeit; in-
Rolex watches. • n. an unpleasant or underhanded person or remark. derivatives: snide»ly adv. snide*ness n. ferior: snide
(also smatter) knowledge of a language or subject: Edward had only a smattering of Spanish. a small amount of something: a smattering of snow. n.
•
disease) attack or affect severely: various peohad been smitten with untimely summer (be smitten) be strongly attracted to flu. ple
(of a person) devious
reply.
derivatives: smarmM»ly smarm»i»ness n.
blow: he smites the water with his sword. defeat or conquer (a people or land): he may smite our enemies. (usu. be smitten) (esp. of
smith*y
n.
a lazy, sluggish per-
n.
• |
;
:
derivatives: slov«en»li»ness i
smite |smit| »v. (past smote |smot| past part, smitten I'smitnl) [trans.] strike with a firm
derivatives smit»er
sively casual: slovenly speech.
Slug«gard
snivel
• «. a sebaceous secretion in the folds of the skin, esp. under a man's foreskin. • V. smelt smelt [trans.] [often as n.] (smelting) extract (metal) from its ore by a process involving heating and melting: tin |
snide«y
adj.
sniWer
|'sniftar|
a footed glass that
n.
•
is
wide at the bottom and tapers to the top, used for brandy and other drinks. a small quantity of an alcoholic drink: care to
|
I
me for a
snifter?
'snigar|
n.
•
|
suppressed laugh.
•
V.
a
smothered or halfgive such a
[intrans.]
I
smelting.
extract a metal
smirch
join
snig*ger
|
from
smarCH
.
(ore) in this way.
V.
[trans.]
I
make (some-
thing) dirty; soil: the window was smirched by heat and smoke. discredit (a person or reputation); taint: lam not accustomed to having my honor smirched. • n. a dirty mark or stain. a blot on someone's character; a flaw, smirk smark] • V. [intrans.] smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way: Dr. AH
laugh: the boys at school were sure to snigger at him behind his back [with direct speech] "Doesn 't he look like a fool?" they sniggered. \
derivatives: snig«ger»er n. snig»ger» ing'ly adv. snit snit • w. a fit of irritation; a sulk: the ambassador and delegation had withdrawn in a I
I
snit.
sniv»el 'snival| • V. (sniveled, sniveling; [intrans.] cry and Brit, snivelled, snivelling) sniffle: Kate started to snivel, looking sad and |
stunned.
|
smirked silly
smug, conceited, or Gloria pursed her mouth in a self-
in triumph.
smile:
•
«.
a
satisfied smirk.
derivatives: 1
-kale
I
adv.
smirk«er n. smirk'i'ly smirk»ing»ly adv. smirk»y adj.
complain in a whining or tearful way: he shouldn 'r snivel about his punishment [as adj.] (sniveling) you sniveling little brat! • n. a slight sniff indicating suppressed emotion or crying: the boy's torrent of howls weakened to a \
snivel.
|
snooty
407
derivatives: sniv«el»er
sniv»elnng»ly
n.
solarium
. «. 'soSHa.lit a person who is known in fashionable society and is fond of social activities and entertainment. S0*ci«0*bi*0l*0*gy ,soseo,bi'al3je| . «. the scientific study of the biological (esp. ecological and evolutionary) aspects of social behavior in animals and humans. derivatives: so»ci»o»bi»o»logn»cal -,bi3
SO*cial*ite
|
|
well
adv.
snoot»y
'snoote . adj. (snootier, snootiest) showing disapproval or contempt toward others, esp. those considered to belong to a lower social class: snooty neighbors. I
I
derivatives: snoot«i»ness
snoWy
snootM«ly
adv.
-tale] I
n.
|
(snottier, snottiest) 1 full of or covered with nasal mucus (snot): a snotty nose. 2 having or showing a superior or conceited attitude: a snotty letter. derivatives: snot»ti»ly |-t3le| adv. snof ti»ness n. 'snate
|
adj.
•
|
lajiksll
so»ci»o»bi»o»log»i»cal»ly |-,bi3 adv. so»ci»o»bi«ol»o»gist |-jist|
adj.
I
snuWIe
I'snsfall 'V.
breathe noisily
[intrans.]
SO«Ci*om»e»try ,sose'am3tre . n. the quantitative study and measurement of relationships within a group of people. derivatives: so«ci»o»met»ric ,soseo 'metriki adj. so»ci»o»met»ri»caWy ,soseo |
i
|
through the nose due to a cold or crying: Alice was weeping quietly, snuffling a little. (esp. of an animal) make repeated sniffing sounds as though smelling at something: the collie snuffled around his boots [as n.] (snuf\
fling) she heard a strange, persistent snuffling. • n. a sniff or sniffing sound: a silence broken
only by the faint snuffles of the dogs.
derivatives: snuf»fler SO*bri*e*ty
'lajik(3)le| n.
n.
|
adv. so»ci»om»e»trist
'metrik(3)le
|-trist|
I
n.
SO*ci*0*path
'soseo,p£eTH • a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience. derivatives: so»ci»o«path»ic ,soseo 'psexHikl adf so»ci»op»a»thy ,sose'ap3THe |
I
|
snuf»fly
adj.
|
|
ss'bnate; so- • the state of being sober: the price of beer compelled me to maintain a certain level of sobriety. the quality of being staid or solemn. 1
|
SO*bri*quet I'sobra.ka; -,keti (also soubriquet) « n. a person's nickname. SO*cial |'soSH3l| 'adj. 1 [attrib.] of or relating to society or its organization: alcoholism is recognized as a major social problem traditional Japanese social structure. of or relating to rank and status in society: a \
n.
So*crat*ic i*ro*ny » n. a pose of ignorance assumed in order to entice others into making statements that can then be challenged. SO»dal*f*ty |so'd£elite| . n. (pi. -ies) a confraternity or association, esp. a Roman Catholic religious guild or brotherhood. fraternity; friendship.
SOd*den
|'sadn| 'adj. saturated with liquid, soaked through: his clothes were
esp. water;
sodden.
having drunk an excessive
recent analysis of social class in Mexico her mother is a lady of the highest social standing.
amount of
needing companionship and therefore best suited to living in communities: we are social
whiskey-sodden criminal. (something) with water.
[in
\
relating to or
beings as well as individuals.
designed for activities in which people meet each other for pleasure: Guy led a full social life. 2 (of birds) gregarious; breeding or nesting in colonies. (of insects) living together in organized
combination]
a particular alcoholic drink: a • v.
derivatives: sod«den»ly ness
[trans.]
adv.
saturate
sod«den»
n.
SOd*om»y
sexual intercourse I'sadsmel • involving anal or oral copulation.
derivatives: sod»om»ite 'sad3,miz
n.
sod»om«ize
v.
|
I
communities, typically with different castes, as ants, bees, wasps, and termites do. (of
SOWit
mammals)
or overhanging eaves. SOi-di*sant ,swa de'zan(t) • adf self-sryled; so-called: a soi-disant novelist. SOi*gne swan'ya • adj. (fern, soignee pronunc. same) dressed very elegantly; well groomed: she was dark, petite, and soignee. SOi*ree |swa'ra| • n. an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music. SO'journ 'sojarn » n. a temporary stay: her sojourn in Rome. • v. [no obj., with adverbial of
living together in groups, typi-
system with complex communication. n. an informal social gathering, esp. one organized by the members of a particular club or group: a church cally in a hierarchical •
social.
derivatives: so»ci»alM»ty .soSHe'Eebde n. so'ciaWy |'soSH3le| adv. families who are |
:
socially disadvantaged.
SO*cial*ism
'soSH3,liz3m| • n. apolitical and economic theory of social organization tJiat advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. policy or practice based on this theory. (in |
Marxist theory) a transitional social state between the overthrow of capitalism and the realization of communism.
derivatives: so*ciaHst is«tic I
I
&
so'cial* ,soSH3'listik| adj. so»cial»is»ti»cal«ly
,sosH3'listik(3)le
|
adv.
n.
adj.
.
'safiti
the underside of an archi-
n.
I
tectural structure, such as an arch, a balcony,
|
|
|
I
\
|
place]
stay
somewhere temporarily:
she
had
sojourned once in Egypt.
derivatives: so»journ»er SOl«ace
'salis
n.
•
n.
comfort or consolation in
I
I
a time of distress or sadness: she sought solace in her religion. • v. [trans.] give solace to. SO»lar«l»um sa'leream; so- • n. (pi. solarior solaria -rea ) a room fitted with ex|
|
ums
|
|
tensive areas of glass to admit sunlight. a
room equipped with sunlamps
or tanning
)
408
solar plexus beds that can be used to acquire an
artificial
suntan.
SO*lar plex*US
'pleksas
|
» \
complex of
a
n.
ganglia and radiating nerves of the sympathetic system at the pit of the stomach. the area of the body near the base of the sternum: she felt as if someone had punched her in the solar plexus.
SOl*dier
*v. [intrans.] serve as a sol(soldiering) soldiering was what
I'soljsrI
dier: [as
n.]
the colonel understood.
(soldier on) carry on doggedly; persevere: Gary wasn't enjoying this, but he soldiered on. work more slowly than one's capacity; loaf or malinger: is ing on the job?
SOl*e*cism
the reason
it
you 've been
'sala.sizsm; 'so-|
•
a
n.
|
soldier-
grammat-
mistake in speech or writing. a breach of good manners; a piece of incor-
ical
derivatives:
sol»e»cis»tic
.sab'sistik; |
SO»lem»ni»ty
|
sa'lemnite
.
n.
-ies) the
(pi.
I
state or quality of being serious
were laid
and dignified:
with great solemnity. (usu. solemnities) a formal, dignified rite ritual or ceremony: the of the church was observed in all its solemnities. SOl*em*nize 'sabm,niz| • v. [trans.] duly perform (a ceremony, esp. that of marriage). his ashes
to rest
|
mark with a formal ceremony. sol»em»ni»za»tion derivatives: ,sabmni'zaSH3n
|
i
|
|
Roman Empire. SO*lil*0*quy sa'libkwe . n. (pi. -ies) an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, esp. by a character in a play. a part of a play involving such an act. |
|
derivatives:
so»lil»o»quist so«lil»o»quize |-,kwiz| v. |
'salip,sizam|
theory that the self is
all
n.
•
|-kwist|
n.
the view or
that can be
• V. (solicited, soliciting) sa'lisit ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone: he called a meeting to solicit their I
I
[trans.]
views.
ask (someone) for something: historians and are solicited for opinions by the auction houses. [intrans.] accost someone and offer one's or someone else's services as a prostitute: [as n.] (soliciting) although prostitution critics
itself an offense, soliciting
was.
derivatives: so«licM»ta»tion
|s3,lis3'ta-
n.
known
to
n.
solMp«sis»tic
soHp»sis»ti»caWy
,salip'sistik| adj. I
.salip
|
adv.
'sistik(3)le I
SOl*mi*za*tion salmi 'zasHan; sola system of associating each note of a musical scale with a syllable, esp. to teach singing. ,
1
|
SO*lon man.
'sobn; 'sO|lan
I
a legislator, esp. a
|
a sage; a wise states-
member
of Congress.
So'lomic adj. two times in the year, the summer solstice (about June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere) and the winter solstice (about Dec. 22), when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marked by the longest and shortderivatives: So«lo«ni«an 'solstis
n.
.
I
I
a
SOr»tl»legG
I'sordl-iil
telling the t'utuix'
drawn
at
a porsvMi
(.sorties, sortioil,
who
passage ot
dolonsivo
a
tVvMii
. n.
from
the practice ot tore
a card vm other item a
coUeciion
practices siM tilogo. ,sast,VniV>io
Music
.
.n/?.
(.of a
be played in a sustained or pn>longed manner. • n. (.pi, -OS"* a passage to be played in a siistaitied and prolonged nuisic'i to
manner •
r;.
the theo
a
1
very
soven'iii:^!.
(.of a nation or state) laltrib dent and determining its own I
ilenioenitu
repiiHte.
fully
indepen-
alTairs:
ij
sot'et^
(.of atTairs)
|attiili.|
subject to a specified state's coiiirol without
outside interference:
eritieistn (i\ts seen js in-
terference tn (.VmmijV so'ivtYii:n a/fitirs.
(attnb,]
possessing royal power and status: our most |altitlr| \ery goi>d or soi'erei^n loni the Kitit:. elVective: »i soverctjun ri'ttwiiy for jll ills. pertaining to tho sovereign or state Soverunless !>
1
u
1
government from lawsuits
a
chovisos to waive immunity.
il
\ ,\ r
I
\' (•
s
:
sov»cr«cign»ly
SOV*er^ign*ty 'sav(.o)r,inte| supreme pvnver or authority.
luk'. »
|
n.
(.pi.
-ies)
the authority of a state to govern itself or annatiotutl
state:
go\orning state. SO'Vl^et 'sOvCit;
"a
so-i'eiYiii:nry.
self-
' n. ^ an elected local, -,et or naticinal council in the former Soviet I'nion. a revolutionary council of workers or peasants in Russia before 1017.2 (.Soviet) a citizen of the former Soviet Ihiion. • jJi. (,Sov\eV oi' or cv>ncerning the former Soviet \
district,
Ihuon: the So'i'tet h\iJer. n K \ A \ s So»vi»cl«i»za»tion !•
1
1
!•
1
:
So»vi«ct«i7.c
'/asu.mi
|-,tt/.
|
.sOveiti
\-. i
moisten by sprinIspiinl • r. [trans khng, esp. with water brewing. • the action of sprinkling or splashing. a sprav of hot water, esp, water sprinkled over malt when brewing, (> ! K \ \ \ s spiirg-cr spar*ing 'speriNv; • ,;.//. moderate; econom|
m
1
1
1-
1
:
i
ical:
physicuins aJi'iseJ
.\/>iiri^/,c
use of the otnt-
nient. 1
porlv>rmaiu 0 in this manner so«te»ri»ol»o»gy s.->,tire'al,iie logical dv>ctrine of sah ation.
sing
sotipi,on ofnius-
I
sparge
attack.
randv>m from
SOS»te»nu«to
out
sor-
.j
>/.
|
i
SO«rO»ral
|in
n.
•
mintoil for commemorative purposes. • uiij. possessing supremo or ultimate power: in nioJern JcmocniciiS the people's n'ill is in theory
other t
(in sing,] a
. 'sav(.,-)'lr.->n 1 a supreme monarch, 2 a former Hritish gold com worth one pound sterling, now only
'
JiJ.
Ki\ A ri\
n.
nilor, osp, a
dirtv or squalid: housitii; conJinons urtv soi^ IM'
•
tiirJ.
eign imniunily
SOrKAXlNO.
sordid
|stV>p'soN|
small quantity of something:
-os) iho lunh-
{[^\
est ot tho
iOtnf\Ku
wind in moaning,
the
bite . a short extract Irom a rocoiilod interview, chosen for its pungency Ol appropriateness,
SOV*er^ign
St^ponfu- cftcct.
//.;./ .j
tin-
tn liit\v pji
f.v
a
(.ol
this tvpe,
soup'pon
.j./v
soporif-
nu Ju iru- ttuuL- her sopotodioiisly bonnn or niouoionous: i» //-
sloopv ot vlrowsv:
|
make
etc.)
sound of
iiulucc drowsjiioss or sloop:
ivi
|intrans
v.
•
sea,
tlie
whistling, or rushing sound.
l\i>on:
S(.
soph»o»iiioi-i»caI»Iy
:
|s,if;sow|
trees,
sound
,sap.Vi itik|
I
cn>us'itfiulin^ i/ic
minor female role maid
that of a pert
or
w.n.
.\('/>//(>»;('r/i'
l-d'RlVA
a
//.
sophonu>io
villcno
t.
ptctoimous or uuonilo:
SOp»0«rlHc
ol,
..».//.
|
lo. Ol (.hiuactoristic ot" a
n'l;iiii\).:
sou'brette |sOO'bret| • in a comedy, typically scr\ ant.
ilcctMviiin.
tit
spasmodic
410
sophistry
>
1
K
1
\
A
1
1
ness M.Spar»tan
\
s
:
spar«inff«ly
spartni
»
jJi.
spar»inji»
of or relating to
Sparta in ancient Ciieece. -rCx^
(.also spartan^ showing the mditVerence to comfort or luxviry traditionally associated
vo*ce I'siitct 'vociiel •.uk\ &. Oiii. (.of singing or a spoken ixMuark"* a quiet voice, as if not to be vwerheard: [as adv "Ir u\>n'r l\-
with ancient Sparta: Spartlice
swindle or exorbitantly overcharge (someone): an elaborate fraud that stuttg a batik for thousands. . Stint stint [trans [often with negative] supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (,sometliing) >7i>frij_C'* n\->ni hasn't been past part,
c.
stig-ma-tlze I'stigmojlzl . r. [trans] 1 (usu. be stigmatized) describe or regard as wor-
desrirute.
inal: /itv blackniailers
rhey ^vere snared in a
syringes.
Ster*ling
stoke
Ri\ A ri\
I
s
;
sto»ehas»ti*eal»ly
l-ik(v->)lei
adv i'stCt-ik| • n. 1 a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing his or her feelings or complaining. 2 (Stole) a member of the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism, which was characterized by aus-
stO'ic
tere ethical doctrines.
•
adj. 1 (also
stoical)
enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or coniplavmng. 2 ^.Stoic'> of or belonging to the Stoics or their school of phiU^sophv. Stoke stok • r. [trans add coal or other solid fuel to (a fire, furnace, or boiler). encourage or incite (a stn^ng emotion or tendency): his compi^sutv had the effect of stok[often as adj.] (stoked) excite ing her anger or thrill: when they told me I f:\i.v on the team, [intrans consume a large was stoked. 1 ]
I
]
418
stolid
quantity of food or drink to give one energy: Carol was at the coffee machine, stoking up for the day. •
I
adj. (of a
'
I
Stra*bis*mus
i
strs'bizmss
•
n.
abnormal
alignment of the eyes; the condition of having a squint.
DERIVATIVES stra»bis»mic :
strat I
.
«.
j-mikj adj.
(also straits) a
1
I
narrow
passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water: [in place names] the Strait of Gibraltar. 2 (straits) used in reference to a situation characterized by a specified degree of trouble or difficulty: the economy is in dire straits a crippling disease could leave anyone in serious financial straits. • adj. (of a place) of \
limited spatial capacity; narrow or cramped: the road was so strait that a handful of men might have defended it. close, strict, or rigorous: my captivity was strait as ever.
derivatives:
strait«ly adv. strait»ness
n.
Strap»pa»do Istra'pado; -'pa-| * n. (pi. -os) (usu. the strappado) a form of punishment or torture in which the victim was secured to a rope and made to fall from a height almost to the ground before being stopped with an abrupt jerk. the instrument used for inflicting ishment or torture.
I
(stratified)
adj.]
construction (-ies, -ied)
. V.
[trans.]
form or arrange into
socially stratified cities
have begun to arrange or classify:
residues
the
[intrans.]
stratify.
stratifying patients
into
place (seeds) close together in layers in moist sand or peat to preserve them or to help them germinate. [intrans.] (of seeds) be germinated by this well-defined risk groups.
method.
derivatives: 'kaSH3n|
strat«i»fi»ca»tion
,
straetafi
|
n.
stra»tig*ra»phy stra'tigrsfe . «. the branch of geology concerned with the order and relative position of strata and their relationship to the geological time scale. the analysis of the order and position of layers of archaeological remains. the structure |
i
of a particular set of strata.
derivatives: stra»tig»ra»pher stratn'graphnc
1
i»graph»i»cal .straep'graefikal • stra«toc»ra»cy stra'takrase
adj.
|
|
|
n.
|
government by military
-ies)
(pi.
forces.
government.
a military
Stra*tum
n.
j-farl
,straet9'gr£efiki adj. strat*
I'stratam;
'strata; 'strae-
)
1
|
'strae-|
•
n.
(pi.
strata
a layer or a series of layers
of rock in the ground: a stratum offlint. a thin layer within any structure: thin strata of air 2 a level or class to which people are assigned according to their social status, education, or income: members of other social strata.
(in statistics) a
group into which members of sam-
a population are divided in stratified pling.
usage: this
pun-
Strat»a*gem 'str^tsjam • a plan or scheme, esp. one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end: a series of devious strata|
|
gems. skill in
[usu. as
'straep.fi
|
\
'stalid
Strait
Strat*i»fy strata:
person) calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation. derivatives: sto«lidM»ty Ists'liditej n. stol'id'ly adv. stol»id»ness n. Stoup stoop • a basin for holy water, esp. on the wall near the door of a Roman Catholic church for worshipers to dip their fingers in before crossing themselves. a flagon or beaker for drink. Stol*id
strict
devising such plans or schemes; cun-
In Latin, the word stratum is singular and its plural form is strata. In English, this distinction is maintained. It is therefore incorrect to use strata as a singular or to create the form stratas as the plural: a series of overlying strata, not a series of overlying stratas, and a new stratum was uncovered, not a new strata was uncovered.
ning.
Stra*te*gic
jstra'tajikl
»adj. relating to the
identification of long-term or overall aims
and to
and the means of achieving company should take strategic actions
interests
them:
the
cope with fundamental changes in the environstrategic planning for the organization is
ment
I
the responsibility of top m.anagement.
planned to serve a parpurpose or advantage: alarms are posi-
carefully designed or ticular
tioned at strategic points around the prison. relating to the gaining of overall or long-
term military advantage: New Orleans was of strategic importance a hazard to our strategic and commercial interests. (of human or ma\
resources) essential in fighting a war: the strategic forces on Russian territory. (of bombing or weapons) done or for use against industrial areas and communication centers of enemy territory as a long-term military objective: strategic nuclear missiles. derivatives: stra»te»gi»cal adj. stra»te» gi'cal'ly -ik(3)le adv. [as submodifier] a strategically placed mirror terial
|
I
Stream of con«scious*ness
n.
.
a person's
thoughts and conscious reactions to events, perceived as a continuous flow. The term was introduced by William James in his Principles of Psychology (1890). a
literary
st\'le
which
in
a
character's
thoughts, feelings, and reactions are depicted in a continuous flow uninterrupted by objective description or conventional dialogue. Stri*a 'stria . n. (pi. striae 'stri-e ) a linear mark, slight ridge, or groove on a surface, often one of a number of similar parallel feaI
\
|
I
tures.
any of a number of longitudinal collections of nerve fibers in the brain. Stri*ate technical * adj. |'stn,at| marked with striae: the striate cortex.
• v.
[trans.]
[usu. as
mark with striae: striated bark. derivatives: stri»a»tion jstri'aSHanI n. adj.]
(striated)
Strict COn»Struc»tion
.
n.
a literal interpreta-
tion of a statute or document (e.g., the Constitution) by a court.
derivatives:
US
strict con«struc»tion»ist
n.
419
stricture
Stylus
StuHtr^ u>_
1
st^'.r;
i
.
:
stultifying
'
"i'cf
--.evi
c^ ..-^-
:
-
;
;
-
remark; or
rEs:vA7:\ ts: stricmired Stn*dent
.
oi-
r
N
•
\-ie\v.
styoc^f.
e-
«^ iiimif «» Jnff^ km.
..u-vTt-
^cv-;
other
.
:o:
terr.-.
>
.
dc:?'*
an-
cMer mwii
jitri»\lc-nr«ly
•
1^ t s.
:
\
A r IV E s :
crucii^
stridor
a harsh \Tbnitmg nois>e wiieii breathing, caused by obstruction of the windpipe or larstrii^.ltti -n frtrans.] \,of an inmale cricket or grasshopper'^ make shnll sound by rubbing the legs, wings, v>r
stridnj*late sect, esp, a
other parts of the bvxly tv*gether. ;^ V K \ A : ,.\£*\ r s strid«u«lant -bnt •:. strid»u«la»tion sm-v^ UsHx^n stridni* .
.
:
hi'toTv
tore
jJ.'-
Strin»gent srrinv^r.t requirements.
,of rec.'.lanons,
. ..\f-
-
•
.
-v-.se*
and exacnnc
*|L
U»
stii *pc * ftK.ttoo
st^ ' v^>^n? »er surpeH^-nag *pe »fif ' iif * t> Afe. [as s^EncdKisr) j .or-
^KkSH^xi
a
hh^'
iff df ah«r ^t«««t$ «iuf
A\
.^
OERiVATiVtS striHien»cy stri*dor
-ted'
thmk or
to
er-
^
~
^-tes,
make ^someooe" unable
s.'
J ttwwMw foroefu'.
stsir^d
.
s,^'pe«fy rrcscr.nng a pv>int ot
srul»ti« fi «cjmion
y s
V
.
-
'
:
n.
sm pe *
' fi
[in sr^] a state o* sto>Wps?r • near-unconsciousness or ins>ensibiht>- «
Stlf^xy"
5?
E KIVA rI\ E s
;
sru*por*ous
Sturm und Drang •
««.
a Iiterarv ar.d
-rss
derivatives: strin'cen»c>
struT^ent*
•
ly jJtv
draw
amsnc mv^\^meut
m *.rer-
mai\y ;n the late I Sth oenu:r>\ mfluenoed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and charactenjed by the expre^ivMi of emotiv»naI unre»st and a ntlect^on of neoclassical literary nv>nus. Stut»tef st^sj^sr . a [rrsrs.) talk wnthcomtin-
ued mwluntary
repetition ot sounsis^ es|v incv>nsonants: tak- sT^iU «ms stmt fn^:. Cf. SFAMMEK[trans.] utter such a w^y: se sivles t\>und the wvi^s in particular literary genres and of individual writers. vvr st>^ -,U stil.?s sty*lus VP* *t>"W • luscs^ 1 a harvi ^viijt. typicall\- of diauKMid ov a phvnivvgraph Si3.)
m
giww m
tor re^piWuction. a similar point ptwiucmg such a ivvvi\ling sound. 2 an ancient
when
implement. ».vnsistuig of
a small
|fl^H>\'-picalh- widi a flail or by the al
acnor. o: a revol\Tng z'.s:
.
mechanism: wwii'in'iT
sr jnd zhrcsh
-
ccfrn
w liu satmefrnxess
[as n ] «,threshxng' r'srm zaaHaen stmned ihe j[fumocm's zh^cs'mng. 2 \-ariant spdikig of ^rash the sense of \-iolent movement\ thrill^ THnfce . ai; thriftier, thriftiest 1 vof a person or beha%ior' usmg money and other resources carefuDy and not wstefully. 2 ^of Irv-estock or plants' strong and healthy.
prospverous.
DERIVATIVES; thriftn»hi»ness
-ie
thrifc
.i-r:.
n.
throes THtoz •phcral n. intense or \-iolent pam and struggle, esp. accomp»anying birth, death, or great change; he comidlsej death throes.
throm»bo^is THram'bosis boses
-
sez
'
local
•
n.
m
hzs
throm-
coagulanon or clotting of
m a part of die arculaton- system. congesnon m general.
the biood
r E R N AT \ E s throm^botnc - batik oi-. thwart THu-6n • :. [rais] prevent ^ someone' from accomphshmg something: he nnvr :
:
:
did srr\zhzK£ ic inzi^ar: his idihcr
she
z:>as
thxvarted in her dcszre w punish ihcm. oppose ya plan, attempt, or ambition') successfully: zhe gcKiemmen: hud been able 10 cpposinon Uadcrr ic fc^m: nezi pjrncs. . n. a structural crosspiece forming a seat for a rower in a boat. • prep. &. ait zhz:>j^ M.' jTurmpis
from one side prap]
b\-
to another side of; across: [as
J pink-nnged cloud spread z'm:>ar: zhe
thmoc«ra^ properr*-
2
Mc
tik . a habitual spasmodic contraction of the muscles, most often in the face. a characteristic or recurrent beha\ioral trait; idios}T»crasy; one ofnn- ncs as a z^Tirerr. . TL til*de tild? placed over an accent Spamsh n when pronounced 'n ^as in senor'^ or Portuguese a or 0 when nasahzed ^as in Sao Paub^, or ox-er a ^'owel in phonetic transcripnon, mdicatmg nasalizanon. a similar s>Tnbol used mathemancs to mdicate similariPi-, and logic to mdicate ne-
P
m m
gation. taemb^jr; 'tiKbr? • n. the character or quality of a musical sound or TOice as dis-
m
• n.
-ies
^pl
*
1
which possession of
required in order to hold ofBce.
is
form of govemmen:
a
intensity:
t^'makr^se
government
fonr. o:
m
which
rulers are
motivated by ambinor. or love of honor.
DERiv.\T]VEs
:
nm?
timo*crarnc
kra-t-
ai;".
tilT>*or*OUS 'tim?rps • adj.. showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence: a timorous voice. derivatives: fii'Wi owi'lj mda tixn*or*
ousmess
n.
tincHure 'tiNG*>"^CH9r . made by dissolving a drug
medicine 2 a slight trace of something: she could not keep a tincture ofbinerness our ofher voice. 3 (m heraldry any of the com-entiooal ookn vscd a
1
m
alcohol.
m
'
coats of arms. • : >e tindwedQ flavored, or imbued wnh a ^g^K .
be tioged,
—
Anktir^ i|0Uabf>'
wets
>
of
WKUatd with foBKt sa'-
casm.
tirmiHtus
bu22mg
ti'ni-
'tinit?s;
tirKinmabnHsKion •
•:,
3
•
ringing
n.
or
m the ears.
r-T-png or
nnt?,nacbya'lasB3o
rmkhng sound.
tH^de
• n. li rad. tirad a kng, angn speech of cntiasm or accusation: a made of
abuse.
tithe STH • n. one tenth of aimual produce or earmngs. formerly taken as a tax for the suppon of the churci and clergy. (,in certam relipous denominations' a tenth of an mdj%"idual"s mcome pledged to the [m snz] a tenth of a si>ecified thing: church. he hadn ': said a tithe of zhe prjriau:d ne^ hair.
^titi>'ate
shcn-e.
tirmbre
titular
from as piRii and
tinct
ik
THrede
threadiest'
0
.
oneselT make oneself look
attrac-
nve.
derivatives:
titn*\'a*tion
,tit?\-asH3n
TL
titnHar tiCH^l^r • a^,. 1 holding or consntunng a purely formal posinon or tide without any real authority: zhe queen is nndar head of the Church of England. [attrib.] \s>i a cleric^ nominally appomted to sen-e a diocese, abbey, or other foundation no fact havexistence, and D>-picaIly longer another capaaty. 2 denotmg ing authonr.a i>erson or thing fr\:>m whom or which the name of an artistic work or similar is taken: the tx>rk 5 timLiT song.
m
m
m
|
tmesis [attrib
439
denoting any of the parish churches in
]
Rome
which cardinals appointed and from which to
are
formally
their titles are
derived: the priests of the titular churches. ta'mesis • n. (pi. tmeses) the separation of parts of a compound word by an intervening word or words, heard mainly in informal speech (e.g., a whole nother story; shove it back any-old-where in the pile).
tme*sis
tOC*sin
|
|
'taksan
» |
n.
an alarm
bell or signal.
I
an early version of a finished
twal in cheap material so that design can be tested and perfected. 2 a the translucent linen or cotton fabric, used for
toile
n. 1
•
I
I
garment made up
making
clothes.
tol»er»ance
the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with: the tolerance of corruption an advocate of religious tol'tal(3)r9ns
.
|
n.
1
|
I
erance.
the capacity to endure continued subjection to something, esp. a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction: the desert camel shows the greatest tolerance to dehydration species were grouped according to pollution tolerance various species of diatoms display different tolerances to acid. diminution in the body's response to a drug after continued use. 2 an allowable amount of variation of a specified quantity, esp. in the dimensions of a machine or part: 250 parts in his cars were made to tolerances of one thousandth of an inch. tome tom • «. a book, esp. a large, heavy, scholarly one: a weighty tome. ton*al 'tonl • adj. of or relating to the tone of music, color, or writing: his ear for tonal \
\
I
I
I
color
I
poem
the I
's
tonal lapses.
of or relating to music written using conventional keys and harmony. (of a language) expressing semantic differences by varying the intonation given to words or syllables of a similar sound. D E R VAT I V E s ton»al»ly adv. ton*lc I'tanikI • n. 1 a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being. something with an invigorating effect: being needed is a tonic for someone at my age. 2 the first note in a scale that, in conventional harmony, provides the keynote of a piece of music. . adj. 1 givmg a feeling of vigor or wellbeing; invigorating. 2 relating to or denoting the first degree of a musical scale. 3 (in phonetics) denoting or relating to the syllable within a tone group that has greatest prominence, because it carries the main change of pitch. 4 relating to or restoring normal tone to muscles or other organs. relating to, denoting, or producing continuous muscular contraction. I
:
derivatives: ton«i«caWy ton*SO*ri»al
|
tan'soresl
« |
adj.
|-ik(3)le|
adv.
of or relating
to hairdressing.
ton*Sure 'tansHarl . n. a part of a monk's or priest's head left bare on top by shaving off |
the hair. [in sing.]
an act of shaving the top of a monk's
torpid or priest's head as a preparation for entering a religious order.
v.
.
[trans.]
[often as
adj.]
(tonsured) shave the hair on the crown of. ton*tine 'tan, ten; tan'teni • «. an annuity shared by subscribers to a loan or common |
fund, the shares increasing as subscribers die until the last survivor enjoys the whole in-
come.
tOOth*SOme
I'tooXHsaml *adj. (of food) temptingly tasty: a toothsome morsel. (of a person) good-looking; attractive. derivatives: tooth»some»ly adv. tooth*
some*ness n. tope top . V. [intrans.] drink alcohol cess, esp. on a regular basis. derivatives: top»er n. I
I
to ex-
tO*pl»ar*y 'tope, ere . n. (pi. -ies) the art or practice of clipping shrubs or trees into ornamental shapes. shrubs or trees clipped into ornamental shapes in such a way: a cottage surrounded by |
|
topiary.
derivatives: to«pi»arn»an
.tope'erean to»pi»a»rist |-3rist| n. to*pog*ra«phy ta'pagrsfe • n. the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area: the topography of the island. a detailed description or representation on a map of such features. the distribution of parts or features on the surface of or within an organ or organism. |
adj.
|
|
derivatives to«pog»ra»pher :
|-f3r|
n.
ta'pabje • n. ^ (in mathematics) the study of geometric properties and spatial relations unaffected by the continuous change of shape or size of figures. a family of open subsets of an abstract space such that the union and the intersection of any two of them are members of the family, and that includes the space itself and the empty set. 2 the way in which constituent parts are interrelated or arranged: the topology of a computer network.
tO»pol*0»gy
\
I
derivatives: top»o«logn»cal top»o«log»i»caWy
kall adj.
adv. to»pol»o»gist
-jist
|
.tapa'laji|
,tap3'lajik(3)le |
|
n.
|
'tapa.nim . n. a place name, esp. one derived from a topographical feature. DERI vat V e s top»o«nym»ic adj.
top»0»nym
|
|
I
tor
tor I
.
:
a
w.
hill
or rocky peak.
I
' n. (usu. the t6'ra| Judaism) the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures (the Pen-
To*rah Torah)
'to-;
I'tora;
(in
tateuch). a scroll containing this. tO*reu*tiCS ta'rootiks • plural n. [treated as sing.] the art of making designs in relief or in|
taglio, esp.
I
by chasing, carving, and emboss-
ing in metal. DERI VAT I v e s
tOTeu'tic
:
adj.
mentally or physically inactive; lethargic: we sat around in a torpid
tor*pid
'torpid
I
•
adj.
I
state.
(of an animal) dormant, esp. during hibernation. derivatives: tor»pid»i«ty |t6r'piditei n.
tor»pid»ly adv.
)
440
torpor
tor*por I'torparl « a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy: they veered between apathetic torpor
torque
|
tork
• |
and «.
hysterical fanaticism.
a twisting force that tends
to cause rotation.
v.
•
twisting force to torqued the hip joint.
a
[trans.] apply torque or (an object): he gently
derivatives: tor«quey tor»rid
'torad; 'tar-|
|
•
adj.
adj.
very hot and dry:
of passionate or highly charged emotions arising from sexual love: a torrid love affair. full of difficulty or tribulation: Wall Street is in for a torrid time in the next few weeks. derivatives: tor»ridM»ty |t3'ridite| n. tor«rid«ly adv. tor«slon 't6rSH3n . n. the action of twisting or the state of being twisted, esp. of one end of an object relative to the other. (in mathematics) the extent to which a curve departs from being planar. derivatives: tor«sion»al |-SH3nl| adj. tor»sion»al»ly |-SH3nl-e| adv. tor*sion*less full
I
adj.
tor«SO 'torso . n. (pi. torsos or torsi -se the trunk of the human body. the trunk of a statue without, or considered independently of, the head and limbs. an |
I
I
|
unfinished or mutilated thing, esp. a work of art or literature: the Requiem torso was preceded by the cantata. tort tort • n. (in law) a wrongful act or an infringement of a right (other than one acquired under contract), not a crime but leading to legal liability and giving cause for I
I
a lawsuit.
derivatives: tor«tious adj. tort»fea»sor n. a person who commits a tort, torte
tort I
n.
.
(pi.
I
'tortn
) I
I
tortes or German torten
a sweet cake or tart.
tor*tu*OUS I'torCHawasI
and
turns: the route
excessively lengthy
is
*
adj.
remote
full
and
of twists
tortuous.
and complex: a
n.
|
.torCHa' was-
-ies) tor*tu»ous»ly adv. tor»tu»
(pi.
ferent core meanings.
Tortuous means
'full
of twists and turns' or 'devious; circuitous,' e.g.. Both paths were tortuous and strewn zoith boulders. Torturous is derived from torture
and means
'involving torture; excruciating,'
e.g., / found the concert torturous
because of the
volume. TortMTous should be reserved for agonized suffering; it is not a fancy word for 'painful' or 'discomforting.' music's
tor»tur»OUS I'torcnarssl 'adj. characterized by, involving, or causing extreme pain or suffering: a torturous eight loeeks of boot camp. derivatives: tor»tur»ous»ly adv. 'tore I
• I
n.
(pi.
-ies) 1 an
American
col-
who supported the British side during the Revolutionary War. Cf. loyalist. 2 (in the UK) a member or supporter of the Conseronist
vative Party. a
member
of the English political party
|-,iz3m|
n.
and
centralized
and requires com-
dictatorial
plete subservience to the state: a totalitarian regime. • n. a person advocating or acting as
part of such a system of government.
derivatives: to»tal»i»tar«i»anMsm Z3m| n. tO'tem 'totam mal believed by I
• //.
I
|-,ni-
a natural object or ani-
a particular society to
spiritual significance
and adopted by
emblem. derivatives: to«tem»ic to»tem»ism |-,miz3m|
it
|to'temik| n.
have an
as
adj.
to»tem»ist
-mist n. to»tem«is«tic .tCda'mistiki adj. |towt| » V. 1 [trans.] attempt to sell (something), typically by pestering people in an aggressive or bold manner: Stephen zvas I
I
|
\ouV
touting his wares.
(often
be touted) attempt
to persuade peo-
(someone or something): headquarters facility was touted as the best
ple of the merits of the
in the country.
Brit,
scalp (a ticket). 2
[intrans.]
offer racing tips for a share of any resulting winnings. [trans.] chiefly Brit, observe the movements and condition of (a racehorse in training) in order to gain information to be used when betting. • «. 1 a person sohciting customers or business, typically in an aggressive or bold manner.
a person
them
resell
who buys tickets
an event to 2 a person for a share of any for
at a profit; a scalper.
offers racing tips
resulting winnings.
DERI VAT V E s tout»er I
:
n.
tout) used before the name of a city to refer to its high society or people of importance: le tout Washington adored him. . adv. immeditout de suite ,toOt 'swet ately; at once: she left tout de suite. • tOWn*ship 'town.SHip «. 1 a division of a
tout^
n.
usage: Tortuous and torturous have dif-
Tony
voters.
to»taH»tar»i*an |to,tab'tere3n| »adj. of or relating to a system of government that is
who
derivatives: tor»tu«osM«ty ous*ness
bers of the English, later British, parliamentary party supporting the established religious and political order until the emergence of the Conservative Party in the 1830s. Cf. Whig.. » adj. of or relating to the British Conservative Party or its supporters: Tory
Brit,
tortuous
argument. ite|
opposing the exclusion of James II from the succession. It remained the name for mem-
derivatives: To«ryism
the torrid heat of the afternoon.
I
toxic
too
I
.
adj. (often le
I
|
|
|
I
county with some corporate powers (sometimes also called a town). a district six miles square. 2 (in South Africa) a suburb or city of predominantly black occupation, formerly officially desig-
nated for black occupation by apartheid legislation. 3 a manor or parish as a territorial division. a small
town or village forming part of a
large
parish.
tOX*ic I'taksikl * adj. poisonous: the dumping alcohol is toxic to several organs. of toxic waste of or relating to poison: toxic hazards. caused by poison: toxic liver injury. • n. (toxics) poisonous substances. \
toxicology
441
derivatives:
tox»i»cal»ly |-sik(3)le| adv.
toxMC»i»ty tak'sisite n. tOX«i»COl»0»gy ,taksi'kabje . n. the branch of science concerned with the nature, effects, i
and detection of poisons.
derivatives: toxM»co»log«ic
-ka'lajik
tox»i»co»logn«cal -ka'lajikal adj. tox* i«co»log»i»caWy -k3'lajik(3)le adv. tox»i» adj.
|
i
col»o»gist -jist n. • «. tOX»in 'taksin an antigenic poison or venom of plant or animal origin, esp. one produced by or derived from microorganisms and causing disease when present at low concentration in the body. • «. 1 an area of indefinite extract traekt tent, typically a large one: large tracts of natu^
ral forest.
an indefinitely large extent of something:
the
vast tracts of time. 2 a major passage in the body, large bundle of nerve fibers, or other
continuous elongated anatomical structure or region: the digestive tract. tract^ . n. a short treatise in pamphlet form, typically on a religious or political subject. tract^ • n. (in. the Roman Catholic Church) an anthem of scriptural verses formerly replacing the alleluia in certain penitential and re-
quiem Masses. trac*ta*ble 'traektabal • adj. (of a person or animal) easy to control or influence: tractable
traditional Elgarians.
(of jazz; in the style of
the early 20th century.
derivatives:
tra»di«tion»al»ly adv.
tra*duce tr3'd(y)o0s ^v. [trans ] speak badly of or tell lies about (someone; so as to dam:
age their reputation.
derivatives: tra»duce»ment er n. trag»e*dy
'traejide
.
|
n.
(pi.
n.
-ies)
tra»duc»
^n
litera-
ture and the arts) a play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, esp.
one concerning the downfall of the main (originally powerful or important; character.
dramatic genre represented by such
the
plays: Greek tragedy.
trag*ic
'traejik •adj. causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow: the shooting was a tragic accident.
suffering extreme
or sorrow: the tether. of or relating to tragedy in a literary work. In classic tragedy, the hero's ha^martia, or tragic flaw, brings about his or her tragic fall. The. audience may be aware of the tragic irony in the hero's wonds or actions, although the fatal significance in unknown to the character himself or herself. D E R vat v E s tragn'cal adj. trag»i»cal«ly distress
tragic parents reached the
I
I
|-ik.'3;le
end of their
:
adv.
trag*i»COm»e^y
.traejs'kamide
.
n.
rpi.
-ies; a play or novel containing elements of
dogs.
(of a situation or problem) easy to deal with:
make the mathematics tractable. derivatives: trac»ta«bil»i«ty .traekts trying to 'bilite
n.
trac»ta»bly
-ble
adv.
tra*di*tion tra'disnan . «. 1 the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way: every shade of color is fixed by tradition and governed by religious laws. a long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way: Japan 's unique cultural traditions. [in sing ] an artistic or literary method or style established by an artist, writer, or movement, and subsequently followed by others: visionary works in the tradition of William Blake. 2 (in theology; a doctrine beheved to have divine authority' though not in the scriptures, in particular: (in Christianity) doctrine not explicit in the Bible but held to derive from the oral teaching of Jesus ana the Apostles. (in Judaism; an ordinance of the oral law not in the Torah but held to have been given by God to Moses. (in Islam; a saying or act ascribed to the Prophet but not recorded in the
Koran.
derivatives: adj.
tranquil
tra»di»tion»ar«y -,nere tra»di»tion»ist -nist n. tra»di»tion»
less adj. tra»di*tion»al tra'disHanl » adj. existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established: the traditional festivities of the church year. produced, done, or used in accordance with tradition: a traditional fish soup. habitually done, used, or found: the traditional drinks in the clubhouse. (of a person or group) adhering to tradition, or to a particular tradition:
both comedy and tragedy. such works as a genre. derivatives: trag«i»com»ic adj.
trag»i»com»i»caWy
-'kamiki
-'kamiki'3;le
adv.
tra»jec*to«ry trs'jektare . «. (pi. -ies; 1 the path described by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces. 2 Cin geometry; a curve or surface cutting a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.
tram*mel
traemal
restriction or
.
^usu.
n. 1
impediment
to
trammels)
someone's
a
free-
dom
of action: we will forge our own future, free trammels of materialism. 2 ' also trammel net; a dragnet consisting of three layers of netting, designed so that a fish entering through one of the large-meshed outer sections will push part of the finer-meshed central section through the large meshes on the further side, forming a pocket in which the
from
fish
the
is
^trammeled, tramv. trammelled, trammelling;
trapped.
meling;
Brit
•
[trans deprive of freedom of action: those trammeled by convention than himself
less
]
tra»mon»tane tra'man.tan; 'traeman (also transmontane; • adj. traveling to, situated on, coming from (as, a wind), or living on the other side of mountains. (esp. from the Italian point of %-iew) foreign; barbarous. • n. a person who lives on the other side of mountains (used in particular by Italians to refer to people beyond the Alps). trgeNOkwal . adj. firee from distran^quil turbance; calm: her tranquil gaze the sea was tranquil.
derivatives: tran»qutl»i«ty ite
(alsotran»quil»li*ty,
n.
traeSG'kwil-
tran»quil«ly
oJt'.
442
transcend
tran*scend itra;n'scnd| * v. |trans.) be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a
was an
this
surpass
fa
conceptual
issue transcending
field or division): party politics.
person or an achievement).
* adj. tran»scend«ent traen'sendontl beyond or above the range of normal or merely |
physical human experience: the search for a transcendent level of knowledge. surpassing the ordinary; exceptional: the conductor was described as a "transcendent genius."
God)
(of
from and not sub-
existing apart
ject to the limitations
of the material uni-
Often contrasied with immankni (in philosophy) higher than or not included in any of Aristotle's ten categories. (in Kantian philosophy) not realizable in
verse.
.
scholastic
experience. D F K VA V E s I
I
i
tran»scend»ence |
tran*
n.
I
iiERiVATivEs: tran*scen*den*talnze V. tran»scen»den»tal«ly adv.
tran»scen»den*taHsm '
n.
|
|-,iz|
idealis-
philosophical and social movement that developed in New [England around 1836 in reaction to rationalism. Influenced by romanticism, Platonistn, and Kantian philosophy, it taught that divinity pervades all nature and humanity, and its members held socially protic
2 a system developed by Immanuel Kant, based on the idea that, in order to understand the nature of reality, one must first examine and analyze the reasoning gressive
views.
process that gf)verns the nature of experience. Di RiVA rivi s: tran»scen«den»tal»ist (also Tran»scen»den»tal»lst) n. & adj. * v. tran*scribe ira:n'skrib [trans.] put (thoughts, speech, or data) into written or printed form: each interview was taped and 1
|
I
.s
i
'skriptiv
transliterate (foreign characters) or write or
type out (shorthand, notes, or other abbreviated forms) into ordinary characters or full sentences. arrange (a piece of music) for a different instrument, voice, or group of these: his largest early zvork
was transcribed for
or-
synthesize (a nucleic acid, typically IWA) using an existing nucleic acid, typically DNA, as a template, so that the genetic information in the latter is copied. \^ V K VA r V E s tran»scrib«er n. • n. tran*script 'trfcn.skript a written or printed version of material originally pregan.
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:
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:
,
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adj.
|
tran»SCrip*tjon
• n. a writtraen skrip.snan ten or printed representation of something. the action or process of transcribing some'
|
|
thing: the funding covers transcription of nearly illegible photocopies. an arrangement of a
piece of music for a different instrument, voice, or number of these: a transcription for voice and sound or
a
lute.
form
in
which
speech
a
character is represented. the process by which genetic information represented by a sequence of nucleotides is copied into newly synthesized molecules of RNA, with the serving as a template. D E R VATI V K s tran»scrip«tion»al -SHanI adj. tran»scrip»tion»al»ly -SH3nl-e adv. tran«scrip»tion«ist -nist n. tran»sept 'traen, sept • n. (in a cross-shaped church) either of the two parts forming the arms of the cross shape, projecting at right angles from the nave: the north transept. derivatives: tran*sep»tal traen 'septi a foreign
I
:
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sented in another medium.
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1
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adj.
trans»fig»u»ra«tion a
tra'ns.figyo'rasHan
i
. |
w.
complete change of form or appearance
into a light
more
the
beautiful or spiritual state: in this
junk undergoes a transfiguration;
it
(the Transfiguration) Christ's appearance in radiant glory to three of his disciples (Matthew 7:2, Mark 9:2 3, Luke 9:28 36). 1
the church festival
held on August
commemorating
this,
6.
trans*fig*ure traens'figyarl 'V. [trans.] (usu. be transfigured) transform into something |
more beautiful or elevated: the world is made luminous and is transfigured. trans-fix |tra;ns'fiks| » v. [trans 1 (usu. be transfixed) cause (someone) to become motionless with horror, wonder, or astonishment: he was transfixed by the pain in her face she stared at him, transfixed. 2 pierce with a sharp implement or weapon: a field mouse transfixed by the curved talons of an ozvl. trans«fix»ion |-'fiksH3n| n. i)E. Ri VA 11 VEs ]
I
:
trans*fuse
tracns'fyoozl "V.
[trans.]
1
trans-
|
fer (bl(K)d or
transcribed.
I
!•:
RNA
shines.
,tran,sen'dentl,iz-
(Transcendentalism) an
^
DNA
DNA
ad].
1 of or relating to a spiritual or nonphysical realm: the transcendental importance of each person 5 soul. (in Kantian philosophy) presupposed in and necessary to experience; a priori. relating to or denoting! ranscendentalism. 2 (of a number, e.g., e or tt) real but not a root of an algebraic equation with rational roots. (of a function) not capable of being produced by the algebraical operations of addition, multiplication, and involution, or the inverse operations.
\
DNA
DNA
:
scend»en»cy n. tran«scend»ent»Iy adv. . tran«SCen»den»tal ,tra;nsen'dentl
om
transient biochemistry) a length of RNA or that has been transcribed respectively from a or template. an official record of a student's work, showing courses taken and grades achieved. n R VA r v h tran»scrip»ti ve traen (in
its
components) from one per-
son or animal to another. inject (liquid) into a blood vessel to replace lost fluid. 2 cause (something or someone) to be permeated or infused by something: transfused by a radiance of joy. tran'Sient 'tra:nsH;5nt; -ZHant; -zeanti * adf lasting only for a short time; impermanent: a |
transient cold
spell.
staying or working in a place for only a short time: the transient nature of the labor force in • «. catering. 1 a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time. 2 a momentary variation in current, voltage, or
frequency.
443
transition DERI VAT IVES: tran*sience
n.
tran»sien»cy
n. tran»sient»ly adv. tran*Sl»tion trsen'zisHan • n. the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another: students in transition from one program to another] a transition to multiparty democracy. a passage in a piece of writing that smoothly connects two topics or sections to each other. |
I
music) a momentary modulation from one key to another. (in physics) a change of an atom, nucleus, electron, etc., from one quantum state to another, with emission or absorption of radiation. (in
derivatives: tran»si»tion»al
|
-SHanl
adj. |
tran»si*tion«a»ry -,nere adj. tran«Si*tive 'traensitiv; 'traenz-| » adj. 1 (of a verb or a sense or use of a verb) able to take a direct object (expressed or implied), e.g., sazv in he saw the donkey. 2 (of a relationin logic and mathematics) such that, if it applies between successive members of a sequence, it must also apply between any two members taken in order. For instance, if A is larger than B, and B is larger than C, then A is larger than •
a transitive verb.
n.
derivatives: tive»ness
n.
tran»si»tive»ly adv. tran»si» tran»si»tiv»i»ty .traensa'tivite; |
trans»lit«er«a»tion trsens traenz-l n. trans»lit«er«a»tor
.lip'raSHan; |-,rat3r| n.
trans*lu*cent
|traEns'l(5f)snt;
traenz-|
'adj.
(of a substance) allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semitransparent: fry until the onions become translucent. Cf. OPAQUE.
derivatives: trans»lu»cence
n.
cen«cy n. trans»lu»cent»ly adv. trans«mi*grate |tr£ens'mi,grat;
trans*lu*
traenz-|
» V.
(of the soul) pass into a different body after death. 2 migrate. D e R I VAT I V e s trans«mi»gra»tion ,traens ,mi'graSH3n; ,trsenzn. trans«mi»gra»tor [intrans
]
1
:
i
1
|-,grat3r| n.
!
\
|
C.
transparent derivatives:
trans«mi»gra»to»ry
l-gr3,t6re|
adj.
trans*mog«ri«fy traens'magra.fi;
traenz-
|
1
. v.
(often be transmogrified) transform, esp. in a surprising or magi(-ies, -ied)
cal
manner:
[trans.]
the
cucumbers
luere transmogrified
into pickles.
derivatives:
trans»mog»ri»fi»ca»tion
|-,magr9fi'kasH3ni n. • v. trans»mute traens'myoot; traenzchange in form, nature, or substance: [trans ] the raw material of his experience was trans1
l
muted into stories
[intrans.]
the discovery that
\
elements can transmute by radioactivity.
-Z3-| n.
tran*si*tO*ry
permanent:
'traensi.tore; 'traenzi-
1
transitory
periods
adj. not medieval
•
i
of
greatness.
derivatives: tran»si»to«ri«ly tran»si»to»ri«ness n. transHate
Itrsens'lat;
traenz-i
|
-rale
|
adv.
[trans.] subject (base metals) to alchemical transmutation: the quest to transmute lead into gold. derivatives: trans»mut»a«bil»i»ty I
[trans.]
* v.
1 express the sense of (words or text) in another language: the German original has been translated into English. [intrans ] be expressed or be capable of being expressed in another language: Shiatsu literally translates as "finger pressure." (translate something into/translate into) convert or be converted into (another form or medium): [trans.] few of Shakespeare's other works have
-imyoots'bilite
mut»er n. tran*SOm
|
trans»mut»a»ble
n.
|
trans»mut»a»tive
|
-'myootativ
'trsensam
. |
forming the stern of a
«.
the
flat
adj.
trans*
adj. |
surface
vessel.
a horizontal beam reinforcing the stern of a a strengthening crossbar, in particular one set above a window or door. Cf. mulLION. short for transom zvindoiv, a window set above the transom of a door or larger win-
vessel.
dow;
e.g., a fanlight.
phrases: over the transom offered
been translated into ballets. 2 move from one place or condition to another: she had been translatedfrom familiar surroundings to a foreign
without prior agreement; unsolicited: the editors receive about ten manuscripts a week over the
court.
transom.
move
(a
charge. place.
bishop) to another see or pastoral remove (a saint's relics) to another
convey (someone, typically still alive) to heaven. convert (a sequence of nucleotides in messenger RNA) to an amino-acid sequence in a protein or polypeptide during synthesis. 3 (in physics) cause (a body) to move so that all its parts
m
the same direction, without rotation or change of shape. transform (a geometric figure) in an analogous way. derivatives: trans»lat»a»bil»i»ty .trsens .lata'bibde; .trsenzn. trans»lat«a«ble adj. trans«lit»er»ate Itrsens'lip.rat; trsenz-l * v. [trans.] (usu. be transliterated) write or print (a letter or word) using the closest corresponding letters of a different alphabet or language: names from Russian transliterated travel
derivatives: tran»somed trans*par*ent Itran'spersnt;
or sent
adj.
-'spaer-j
»
adj.
(of a material or article) allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen: transparent blue water. Cf. trans-
lucent. easy to perceive or detect: residents will see through any transparent attempt to buy their votes the meaning of the paragraph is by no having thoughts, feelmeans transparent. ings, or motives that are easily perceived: you d be no good at poker you 're too transpar(in physics) transmitting heat or other ent. I
—
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1
into the roman alphabet.
(of electromagnetic rays without distortion. a computing process or interface) functioning without the user being aware of its pres-
ence.
derivatives: trans»par»en»cy par»ent*ly adv. feeble argument.
[as submodifier]
n.
trans*
a transparently
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tran*spire |traen'spir| . ^;. [intrans.] 1 occur; happen: I'm going to find out exactly what tranprove to be the case: as
it
transpired, he
was
[with clause] (usu. it transpires) (of a secret or something unknown) come to be known; be revealed: Lennon, it transpired, had been under FBI surveillance for some time. 2 (of a plant or leaf) give off water vapor through the stomata. right.
derivatives: tran«spi»ra»tion SHsnj
n.
l-sps'ra-
sense 2).
(in
trans»port
take or carry (people or goods) from one place to another by means of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship: the bulk of freight traffic was transported by traens'port
. v.
\
[trans.]
|
truck.
cause (someone) to feel that he or she is in another place or time: for a moment she was transported to a warm summer garden on the night of a ball. (usu. be transported) overwhelm (someone) with a strong emotion, esp. she
send
was transported with
(a convict)
pleasure.
to a penal colony.
•
n.
system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place by means of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship: many possess their own forms of transport air transport. the action of transporting something or the state of being transported: the transport of 'traens,p6rt
|
a
1
I
\
crude
in clothes appropriate to the opposite sex; a cross-dresser. Cf. transsex-
ual.
spired.
joy:
from dressing
a large vehicle, ship, or aircraft
oil.
used to carry troops or stores.
was transported
a convict
who
to a penal colony. 2 (usu.
transports) an overwhelmingly strong emotion: art can send people into transports of delight.
trans«pose |traens'poz| 'V. [trans.] 1 cause (two or more things) to change places with each other:
the captions describing the two state
flowers were accidentally transposed.
2 transfer
to a different place or context: the problems of civilization are transposed into a rustic setting.
derivatives trans'ves'tism |-,tiz3m| n. trans»ves»ti»tism |-ti,tiz3m| n. trau»ma 'trowma; 'tro- • n. (pi. traumas or traumata l-mapl) a deeply distressing or :
1
|
disturbing experience: they were reluctant to talk about the traumas of the revolution. emotional shock following a stressful event or a physical injury, which may be associated with physical shock and sometimes leads to long-term neurosis. physical injury. trau»maWc Itra'msetik; trow-; tr6-| 'adj. emotionally disturbing or distressing: she was going through a traumatic divorce. relating to or causing psychological trauma. relating to or denoting physical injury.
derivatives: trau«mafi»cal*ly adv.
trau»ma»tize
|
-ik(3)le
v.
tra*vail Itrs'val; 'traev,al| *n. (also travails) painful or laborious effort: advice for those who
wish to save great sorrow and travail. labor pains: a woman in travail. • v. engage in painful or laborious effort. (of a woman) be in labor.
trav*erse
[intrans.]
tra'vars • v. [trans.] 1 travel across or through: he traversed the forest. extend across or through: a moving catwalk that traversed a vast, cavernous space. [no obj., with adverbial of direction] cross a hill or mountain by means of a series of sideways move|
|
ments: / often use this route, eventually traversing around the headwall. ski diagonally across (a slope), with only a slight descent. consider or discuss the whole extent of (a subject): he would traverse a number of subjects and disciplines. 2 [with obj. and adverbial of direction] move (something) back and forth or sideways: a probe is traversed along the tunnel. turn (a large gun or other device on a pivot) to face a different direction.
[intrans.]
(of
adj. trans* pos'al -'spozsl n. trans»pos«er n. trans*sex«U*al |trsen(s)'sekSH3W3l| . n. a person born with the physical characteristics of one sex who emotionally and psychologically indentifies with the opposite sex. a person who has undergone surgery and hormone treatment in order to acquire the
such a gun or device) be turned in this way. 3 (in law) deny (an allegation) in pleading. oppose or thwart (a plan). • n. 1 an act of traversing something. a sideways movement, or a series of such movements, across a rock face from one line of ascent or descent to another. a place where a movement of this type is necessary: a narrow traverse made lethal by snow and ice. a movement following a diagonal course made by a skier descending a slope. a zigzag course followed by a ship because winds or currents prevent it from sailing directly toward its destination. 2 a part of a structure that extends or is fixed across something. a gallery extending from side to side of a church or other building. 3 a mechanism enabling a large gun to be turned to face a dif-
physical characteristics of the opposite sex. Cf. transvestite. . adj. of or relating to such a person.
ferent direction. the sideways movement of a part in a machine. 4 a single line of survey, usually plot-
derivatives:
ted from compass bearings and chained or paced distances between angular points. a tract surveyed in this way. 5 a pair of rightangled bends incorporated in a military
write or play (music) in a different key from the original: the basses are transposed doivn an octave. transfer (a mathematical term), with its sign changed, to the other side of an equation. change into a new form: he transposed a gaffe by the mayor into a publicrelations advantage. • n. (in mathematics) a matrix obtained from a given matrix by interchanging each row and the corresponding
column.
derivatives: trans»pos»a»ble I
I
|-,liz3ml 'waelite
|
n.
trans»sex»u»alMsm
trans»sex»u»alM»ty
|-,sekSH3
n.
trans*ves*tite |traens'ves,tit; tr£enz-| » n. a person, typically a man, who derives pleasure
trench to avoid enfilading
fire.
•
adj.
(of a
to be along the rod. derivatives: tra»vers»a»ble adj. tra* vers»al -sal n. tra*vers»er n. trav»es»ty 'trseviste • n. (pi. -ies) a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something: the absurdly lenient sentence is a trav* V. [trans.] (-ies, -ied) esty of justice. represent in such a way: Michael has betrayed the family by travestying them in his plays. treach»er»y 'trecnare • n. (pi. -ies) betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature: his resigthe nation was perceived as an act of treachery
allowing
rod)
curtain
opened and closed by |
the
sliding
curtain
it
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treachery of language.
trea*cle
'trekal
|
.
n.
British
I
term
for molas-
ses.
cloying sentimentality or flattery: enough of let's get back to business. derivatives: trea«cly rtrek(3)le| adj. trea»tlse 'tretis . «. a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject: a comprehensive treatise on electricity and mag-
—
this treacle
|
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trem«U*lous
'tremyabs • adj. shaking or quivering slightly: Barbara's voice was tremutimid; nervous: he gave a tremulous smile. adv. trem*
derivatives: trem«u«lous»ly u»lous»ness n. trench*ant 'trencnant
or occurring three times: the treble damages. • predeterminer three times as much or as many: the tip was at least treble what she would normally have given. • n. a threefold quantity or thing, multiplied
was awarded
in particular: (in show jumping) a fence consisting of three elements. a crochet stitch made with three loops of wool on the hook at a time. a drink of liquor of three times the standard measure. • pron. a number or amount that is three times as large as a contrasting or usual number or amount: by virtue of having paid treble, he had a double room to himself. • v. m.ake or become three times as large or numerous: [trans.] rents were trebled [intrans.] his salary has \
trebled.
tre*ble2 . n. a high-pitched voice, esp. a boy's singing voice. a boy or girl with such a singing voice. a part written for a high voice or an instrument of a high pitch. [as adj.] denoting a relatively high-pitched member of a family of similar instruments: a treble viol. (also treble bell) the smallest and highest-pitched bell of a set. the high-frequency output of an audio system or radio, corresponding to the treble in music. tre»cen»tO tra'CHento • n. (the trecento) the 1 4th century as a period of Italian art, architecture, or literature. trek trek • n. a long arduous journey, esp. one made on foot: a trek to the South Pole. • v. (trekked, trekking) [no obj., with adverbial of direction] go on a long arduous journey, typically on foot: we trekked through the jungle. |
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I
DERI VAT V e s trek'ker I
.
|
adj. 1
I
vigorous or
incisive in expression or style: she heard their
trenchant voices. 2 (of a weapon or tool) having a sharp edge: a trenchant blade. derivatives: trench»an»cy |-CHanse| n. (in sense 1). trench»ant»ly adv. (in sense 1). trep*i*da*tion ,trepi'daSHan . «. 1 a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen: the men set off in fear and trepidation. |
I
2 trembling motion. tres tra • adv. (usually with reference to a fashionable quality) very: tres macho, tres chic. tri*ad 'tri,sed • n. 1 a group or set of three connected people or things: the triad of mediI
I
|
|
Cf.
tes care.
and exercise are monad; dyad.
necessary in diabe-
chord of three musical notes, consisting of and fifth above it. a Welsh form of literary composition with an arrangement of subjects or statements in groups of three. 2 (also Triad) a secret society originating in China, typically involved in a
a given note with the third
treble hooks.
I
|
|
lous.
cation, diet,
netism.
tre»blei I'trebal] » adj. [attrib.] consisting of three parts; threefold: the fish were caught with
plaintiff
a tremble or quaver in a person's
of unease. voice.
:
n.
trem*or 'tremar ' n. an involuntary quivering movement: a disorder that causes tremors and muscle rigidity. (also earth tremor) a slight earthquake. a sudden feeling of fear or excitement: a tremor |
I
organized crime. a member of such a society.
derivatives:
tri»ad»ic Itri'aedikl adj. (in sense 1). tri*age |tre'azH; 'tre,aZH| • n. 1 the action of sorting according to quality. 2 (in medical use) the assignment of degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses to decide the order of treatment of a large number of patients or casualties. • v. [trans.] assign degrees of urgency to (wounded or ill patients). trib*al»ism 'tnba.lizam . n. the state or fact of being organized in a tribe or tribes. the behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one's own tribe or social group: the tribalism of British soccer fans. * n. ,tribya'laSHan| (usu. trib»U»la*tion tribulations) a cause of great trouble or suf|
I
|
fering: the tribulations of being a megastar. a state of great trouble or suffering.
(also tribune of the 'tribyoon| . people) an official in ancient Rome chosen by the plebeians to protect their interests.
trib»unei
|
(also military tribune) a
Roman
legionary
popular leader; a champion of the used in names of newspapers: the
a
officer.
people.
Chicago Tribune.
derivatives: trib«u»nate 'byoonit; -,nat|
|
'tribyanit; tri
trib»une»ship
n.
|-,SHip| n.
trlb»une2 . w. 1 an apse in a basilica. 2 a dais or rostrum, esp. in a church. a raised area or gallery with seats, esp. in a church. trib*Ute 'tribyoot . 1 an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration: the video is a tribute to the musicals of the '40s a symposium organized to pay tribute to Darwin. |
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446
trickle-down
something resulting from something else and indicating its worth: his victory in the championship was a tribute to his persistence. 2 payment made periodically by one [in
sing.]
of dependence: the king had at his disposal plunder and tribute amassed through warfare. 3 a proportion of ore or its equivalent, paid to a miner for his work, or to the owner or lessor of a mine. trick*le-down • adj. (of an economic system) in which the poorest gradually benefit as a result of the increasing wealth of the richest. tri*en*ni*al Itri'enesll •adj. recurring every state or ruler to another, esp. as a sign
three years: the triennial meeting of the association.
lasting for or relating to a period of three years.
Trotskyism tance or value: we fill our days with meaningless trivia adj.] trivia games are popular in our family. DERI VAT I V e s triv»i»al adj. triv»i»al«i»ty n. I
:
triv»i»al»ly adv. • n. triv*i*um 'trivesm an introductory course at a medieval university involving the study of grammar, rhetoric, and logic. tro*chee 'troke • n. a prosodic foot consisting of one long or stressed syllable followed by one short or unstressed syllable. DERI VAT I V E s tro»cha«ic adj. trog*lo*dyte 'tragb.dit • n. (esp. in prehis|
I
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:
|
|
person who lived in a cave. a person who is regarded as be-
toric times) a
a hermit. ing deliberately ignorant or old-fashioned.
derivatives: trog»lo»dytMC
derivatives:
tri«en*ni«al»ly adv.
a
trifling
DERI VAT V E s
|
I
'trif(9)liNG
. |
adj.
|
trivial:
unimportant or
sum.
tri»£ling»ly adv. . n. tril«0*gy 'tribje (pi. -ies) a group of three related novels, plays, films, operas, or I
.tragb'di|
trog»lo»dyt»ism |-di,tiz3m| n. • w. troi*ka 'troika 1 a Russian vehicle pulled by a team of three horses abreast. a team of three horses for such a vehicle. 2 a group of three people working together, esp. in an administrative or managerial capacity. adj.
tikl
tri*fling
\
:
|
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trol*lop 'trabp ' n. 2i woman perceived as sexually disreputable or promiscuous. \
I
albums. ancient Greece) a series of three tragedies performed one after the other. a group or series of three related things: a trilogy of cases reflected this development. tri»mes*ter tn'mestsr; 'tri.mes- • n. a period of three months, esp. as a division of the duration of pregnancy. each of the three terms in an academic year. derivatives: tri»mes»tral Itri'mestrsl! adj. tri»mes«tri»al tri'mestrea adj. • adj. tri*par*tite tn'par.tit consisting of three parts: a tripartite classification. shared by or involving three parties: a tripartite coalition government. derivatives: tri»par»tite»ly adv. tri»par» (in
1
|
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ti'tion
,tripar'tiSH3n
|
n.
I
or second stomach or other ruminant used as food. 2 nonsense; rubbish: you do talk tripe some-
tripe of a
trip
\
the
^
» n.
i
first
cow
times.
tris*kai*dek*a*pho*bi*a .triski.deks'fobes; • n. extreme superstition regarding .trisks-
trompe
I'oeil
|
|
I'oeils pronunc.
as
• n. ,tr6mp 'loi (pi. trompe same) visual illusion in art, esp.
used to trick the eye into perceiving a
painted detail as a three-dimensional object. a painting or design intended to create such
an illusion. trope trop
• n. a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression: he used the twoAmericas trope to explain how a nation free and democratic at home could act wantonly abroad. a conventional idea or phrase: her suspicion of ambiguity was more a trope than a fact. • v. I
[intrans.]
I
create a trope.
troph»lc
'trofik; 'traf- • adj. of or relating to feeding and nutrition. (of a hormone or its effect) stimulating the activity of another endocrine gland. tro*pism 'tro,piz3m • n. the turning of all or part of an organism in a particular direction in response to an external stimulus, such as 1
I
I
|
sunlight.
|
1
the number thirteen. trl»um»vi»rate Itn'smvarit; -,rat| * n. 1 (in ancient Rome) a group of three men (triumvers) holding power, in particular (the First Triumvirate) the unofficial coalition of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in 60 bc and (the Second Triumvirate) a coalition
formed by Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian in 43 BC. a group of three powerful or notable people or things existing in relation to each other: a triumvirate of three former executive vice presi2 the office of triumvir in ancient
dents.
Rome. tri*une in
• adj. consisting of three with reference to the Trinthe triune Godhead. |
'tn,(y)oon
I
one (used
ity):
esp.
derivatives: (pi.
-ies)
triv*i*a
|
tri»u*ni»ty
|
tri'yoonite
|
n.
.
'trivea
• |
plural n. details, considera-
tions, or pieces of information of little
impor-
trop*0*sphere
'traps, sfir; 'tro-| . n. the lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the earth's surface to a height of about 6-10 Ion (the lower boundary of the stratosphere).
derivatives:
|
trop»o«spher«ic
'sfirik; -'sferik; ,tro-|
troth
I
troTH; troTH
when pledged
in a
. |
,trap3 |
adj. n.
faith or loyalty
1
solemn agreement or un-
dertaking: a token of troth. 2 truth. phrases: pledge (or plight) one's troth make a solemn pledge of commitment or loyalty, esp. in marriage. Trot»sky*ism 'tratske.izam • the political or economic principles of Leon Trotsky, esp. the theory that socialism should be established throughout the world by continuing revolution. Trotskyism has generally included elements of anarchism and syndicalism, but the term has come to be used indiscriminately to describe a great many forms of radical socialism. |
|
.
|
447
troubadour derivatives: Trot»sky»ist sky»ite
-,it
|
n.
|
&
n.
&
adj.
Trot*
adj.
'troobs.dor; -,d(5t)r| . n. a trou*ba*dOUr French medieval lyric poet composing and |
singing in Provencal in the 11 th to 1 3th centuries, esp. on the theme of courtly love. a poet who writes verse to music. troup»er 'troopar • n. an actor or other en|
I
tertainer, typically
one with long experience group of traveling
(originally with a troupe., a
entertainers)
and uncomplaining person: a real
a reliable
trouper. truck*le •
Ma concealed her troubles. [intrans.]
v.
submit or behave obse-
quiously: she despised her husband, who truckled to her. derivatives: truck'ler |'tr3k(3)br| n. truc*U*lent 'trakysbnt • adj. eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant: his days of truculent defiance were over. |
|
derivatives:
truc»u»lence
n.
truc»u«
lent'ly adv. tru*ism |'troo,iz3m| • «. a statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting: the oft-repeated truism that you get what
you pay for.
tool
a soft, fine silk, cotton, or nylon material like net, used for making veils .
n.
I
I
and dresses. tu«mes»cent t(y)oo'mes3nt or becoming swollen, esp. as |
.
swollen
adj.
I
a response to
sexual arousal. (esp. of language or literary style) pompous or pretentious; tumid: his prose is tumescent, full of orotund language.
derivatives: tu»mes»cence cent'ly adv. tu*mid 't(y)oomid
• |
(esp.
adj.
I
of a part of
the body) swollen: a tumid belly. (esp. of language or literary style) or bombastic: tumid oratory.
derivatives: tu»mid»i»ty
tu»mes»
n.
pompous
t(y)oo'midite tu»niid»ly adv. tU»mul*tU«OUS |t(y)oo'm3lCH3W3s;t3-| 'adj. making a loud, confused noise; uproarious: tumultuous applause. excited, conflised, or disorderly: a tumultuous crowd a tumultuous personal life. derivatives: tu*mul»tu»ous»ly adv. tu» |
n.
I
mul»tu»ous«ness n. tu»mu»lus 't(y)oomy9,l3s|
*
n.
tumuli
(pi.
I
an ancient burial mound; a barrow, tun tan • w. 1 a large beer or wine cask. a brewer's fermenting vat. 2 an imperial measure of capacity, equal to 4 hogsheads. • V. (tunned, tunning) [trans.] store (wine or |-,li|)
(in logic) a
beyond what
proposition that states nothing is implied by any of its terms.
derivatives: trump«er*y
tru»is»tic
|troo'istik|
adj.
'trampare archaic • n. (pi. -ies) attractive articles of little value or use. practices or beliefs that are superficially or visually appealing but have little real value or worth. • adj. showy but worthless: trumpery I
|
jewelry.
I
I
other alcoholic drinks) in a tun.
tun*dra
|
'tandra
lets us dupe ourselves. trun*cate »v. rtr3NG,kat| [trans.] [often as (truncated) shorten (something) by adj.J
cutting off the top or the end: a truncated cone discussion was truncated by the arrival shape of tea. • adj. (of a leaf, feather, or other part) ending abruptly as if cut off across the base or tip. I
derivatives:
trun»ca»tion
.iraNG'ka|
n.
a vast,
• |
flat,
treeless
Arc-
region of Europe, Asia, and North America in which the subsoil is permanently frozen. tur*bid 'tarbid • adj. (of a hquid) cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter: the tic
I
delusive or shallow: that trumpery hope which
SHan
turgescent
tulle
|
turbid estuary.
characterized by or producing confusion or obscurity of thought, feeling, etc; unclear: a turbid piece of cinema verite.
derivatives: tur»bidM»ty
|t3r'bidite|
tur»bid»ly adv. tur»bid»ness
n.
n.
USAGE Turbid is used of a liquid or color to mean 'muddy, not clear,' or of literary :
mean
style, etc., to
'confused,' for example,
and Turgid means
language of
the turbid utterances
tzvisted
'tranCHsnl . n. chiefly Brit, a short, thick stick carried as a weapon by a police of-
Carlyle.
'swollen, inflated,
ficer.
means 'pompous, bombastic': Communica-
I
trun*cheon
|
baton acting as a symbol of au-
a staff or thority.
enlarged.' >XTien
used of
literary
style
it
tions from headquarters were largely turgid exercises in self-congratulation.
trust»ee jtra'ste] . n. (in law) an individual person or member of a board given control or powers of administration of property in trust with a legal obligation to administer it solely for the purposes specified. Cf fiduciary. a state made responsible for tlie government of an area by the United Nations. derivatives: trust»ee»ship |-,SHip| n. tryst trist • «. a private, romantic rendezvous between lovers: a moonlight tryst. • v. [intrans.] keep a rendezvous of this kind: [as n.] (trysting) a trysting place. DERI VA T V E s trys'tcr n. tsar, etc. • n. variant spelling of czar, etc. tSU»na*mi (t)soo'name . n. (pi. same or tsunamis) a long high sea wave caused by an earthquake or other disturbance. I
I
I
:
|
|
tur*bine 'tar, bin; -bin • n. a machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor, typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid. tur«bu*lence 'tarbyabns • n. violent or unsteady movement of air or water, or of some |
I
|
|
other fluid: the plane shuddered as
it
entered
some turbulence. conflict; confusion: a time of political turbulence.
derivatives: tur»bu»lent
adj.
tur»bu»
lent«ly adv.
tur»ges*cent tar'jesant . adj. becoming or seeming swollen or distended. DERI VAT V E s tur»ges»cence n. |
I
I
:
448
turgid
tur*gid 'tarjid • adj. swollen and distended or congested: a turgid and fast-moving river. (of language or style) tediously pompous or bombastic: some turgid verses on the death of |
a
I
Prince Albert.
derivatives: tur»gidM»ty
|t3r'jidite|
n.
tur»gid»ly adv.
usage: On the differences in use between tux^d and turbid, see usage at turbid. tur«pl»tude 't3rpi,t(y)ood| . n. the quality of being disgraceful; depravity; wickedness: acts of moral turpitude. tU*te*lage 't(y)ootlij . n. protection of or authority over someone or something; guardianship: the organizations remained under firm government tutelage. |
|
|
instruction; tuition: he felt privileged to be
un-
der the tutelage of an
experienced actor. tu«te*lar»y rt(y)ootl,ere| (also tutelar |-3r|) • adj. serving as a protector, guardian, or patron: the tutelary spirits of these regions. of or relating to protection or a guardian: the state maintained a tutelary relation with the security police.
tweed«y
ukase
(tweedier, tweediest) (of a garment) made of tweed cloth: a tweedy suit. (of a person) habitually wearing tweed clothes: a stout, tweedy woman. of a refined, traditional, upscale character: the tweedy world of books. derivatives: tweed'i'ly |-dile| adv. tweed»i«ness n. ty*chism 'ti,kiz3m| • n. (in philosophy) the doctrine that account must be taken of the element of chance in reasoning or explanation of the universe. ty*COOn |ti'koon| » n. a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry: a newspaper 'twede
|
•
|
adj.
membrane
adapted a
covering the hearing organ on
body of some
the leg or
drum. 2
sometimes producing sound.
insects,
(as in cicadas) for
architecture)
(in
a
vertical
recessed triangular space forming the center of a pediment, typically decorated. a similar space over a door between the lintel and the arch.
ty«pol*0*gy ti'palsje . n. (pi. -ies) 1 a classification according to general type, esp. in ar|
i
chaeology, psychology, or the social sciences: a typology of Anasazi pottery. study or analysis using such classification. 2 the study and interpretation of types and symbols, originally esp. in the Bible.
derivatives:
typo»log«i»cal
ty*ran*ni»cide
,
tips
I
ty»pol»o»gist
'lajikall adj.
|-jist|
n.
|t3'raeni,sid| »n. the killing
of
a tyrant.
the killer of a tyrant.
derivatives:
ty«ran»ni«cid»al
|t3,raeni
adj.
'sidl I
tyr*an*ny
'tirane
|
n. (pi.
• |
-ies) cruel
government or rule: managed to escape Nazi tyranny
pressive
and opwho
refugees \
the
removal
of the regime may be the end of a tyranny. a nation under such cruel and oppressive
government.
and
rages
cruel, unreasonable, or arbi-
power or
trary use of
tyranny
his
control: she resented his \
the tyranny of the nine-
day his father's tyrannies. (esp. in ancient Greece) rule by one who has absolute power without legal right. DERIVATIVES tyr«an»nous |-n3s| adj. tyr* an»nous»ly -nssle adv. to-five
I
:
|
|
|
ty*rant
»n. a cruel
I'tirsntI
ruler: the tyrant
and oppressive
was deposed by popular demon-
strations.
a
person exercising power or control in a
cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary way: her fa-
was a tyrant and a bully. (esp. in ancient Greece) a ruler who seized power without le-
tycoon.
ther
derivatives: ty«coon»er»y
tym*pa*num 'timpsnam • n. (pi. tympanums or tympana |-n9|) 1 the tympanic membrane or eardrum. |
gal right.
I
ty*ro 'tiro or novice. I
(also tiro)
•
n. (pi.
I
-os) a beginner
Uu U*ber»mensch
|
'oob3r,men(t)SH|
»n.
Ubermenschen 'oob3r,men(t)SH3n ideal superior man of the future who |
rise
) |
(pi.
the
could above conventional Christian morality to
and impose his own values, originally described by Fredrich Nietzsche in Thus Spake Zarathustra (1883-85). Also called superman and overman. create
U»bi»e»ty lyoo'bistel • n. poetic/literary the condition of being in a definite place. U»biq»ui»tar«i*an yoo.bikwa'terean . w. a person, typically a Lutheran, who believes |
|
that Christ •
is
present everywhere at all times. or believing in such a doc-
adj. relating to
trine.
derivatives: u»biq»ui»tarM»anMsm Z3m| n.
|
-
,
ni-
U*biq*ui*tOUS lyoo'bikwatasi » adj. present, appearing, or found everywhere: his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family cowboy \
hats are ubiquitous
among
the singers.
derivatives: u»biq«ui»tous»ly adv. u» biq»ui»tous»ness n. u»biq»ui»ty |-W3te| n. U*kase iyoo'kas; -'kaz| . «. an edict of the
)
449
ukiyo-e
Russian government: Czar Alexander I issued his famous ukase decreeing the North Pacific Coast Russian territory. an arbitrary command: defying the publisher in the very building from which he had issued his
underprivileged derivatives: um«bra«geous
|
.am'brajss |
adj.
um*brif*er»ous
i
,3m'brif(3)r3s|
»adf
po-
providing shade. un*as*SUm*ing ,3n3'soomiNG| •adj. not pretentious or arrogant; modest: he was an unassuming and kindly man. etic/literary
|
ukase.
U*ki«yo-e .ookeyo '(y)a| n. a school of Japanese art depicting subjects from everyday life, dominant in the 17th-19th centuries in »
|
paintings and woodblock
uHage
the amount by which a container short of being full. loss of liquid by evaporation or leakage. 'alij
w.
.
|
|
falls
uMe*ri*or Isl'tirearl » adj. existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden: could there be an ulterior motive behind immediate or present;
com-
ing in the future: ulterior pay promised
to the
beyond what
is
mariners. 'sltamit] • adj. being or happening at the end of a process; final: their ultimate
aim was
|
kind: the ultimate accolade. basic or fundamental: the ultimate constituents of anything that exists are atoms. (in physics) denoting
maximum
possible strength or resistance beyond which an object breaks. • n. 1 (the ultimate) the best achievable or imaginable of its kind: the ultimate in decorative luxury. 2 a final or fundamental fact or principle.
derivatives: ul»ti»ma»cy |-m3se| .
n.
(pi.
ul»ti»mate»ly adv. .alts'
1
|
|
|
demand
or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a
breakdown
in
relations:
the
Council ultimatum demanding drawal from Kuwait a "Marry timatum. \
uHi*mo
UN
Security with-
Iraq's
me
or else" ul-
(abbr.: ult. or ulto) . adj. of last month: the 3rd ultimo. Used in formal letters. Cf. instant; proximo. uWra»mon*tane .sltra.man'tan; -'man, tan • adj. 1 advocating supreme papal authority in matters of faith and discipline. 2 situated on the other side of the Alps from the point of view of the speaker. » n. a person advocating supreme papal authority.
'alta.mo
I
|
[postpositive]
|
n. I
ul*tra»mon»ta»nist
|
'
man-
|
limit of human hearing.
derivatives: ul»tra«son»i»caWy le|
adj. 1
of or written
un*con*scion*a*ble •
adj.
|
able conduct of his son. unreasonably excessive:
had
,3n'kansH(3)n3b3l| the unconscion-
not right or reasonable:
have
shareholders
wait an unconscionable time for the facts
to
to be established.
derivatives: un»con»scion»a»bly
|-ble|
adv.
un*COn*SCious
,Dn'kanSH3s| *n. (the |
conscious) the part of the mind that
un-
inacbut that is
to the conscious mind behavior and emotions. 1 the action of unc*tion '3NG(k)SH3n| . anointing someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or as a symbol of investiture as affects
|
a
monarch.
the oil or ointment so used. 2 treatment with a medicinal oil or ointment. an ointment: mercury in the form of unctions. 3 a manner of expression arising or apparently arising
tended to
from deep emotion,
flatter:
he spoke the
esp. as in-
last
two words
with exaggerated unction.
|-ik(3)-
ul*u*late I'alya.lat; 'y6ol-| • v. [intrans.] howl or wail as an expression of strong emotion, typically grief; make a high wavering sound with the voice and tongue: women were ululating as the body was laid out. derivatives: ul»u»lant |-bnt| adj. ul»u» la'tion ,3ly9'laSH3n; ,yool-| n um*brage 'ambrij • n. 1 offense or annoyance: she took umbrage at his remarks. 2 shade or shadow, esp. as cast by trees. 1
|
UnC*tU*OUS
-SH3W3S;
'3NG(k)CH3W3S; i
(of a person) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily: he seemed anxious to please but not in an unctuous way. 2 (chiefly of minerals) having a greasy or
-CH3S
soapy
I
.
adj.
1
feel.
ous*ness n. un*der*class
|
'andsr.klaesl
•
ac/v.
n.
unc»tu»
the lowest
country or communit>', consisting of the poor and unemployed. un*der»mine |,3nd3r'mm; 'andsr.mini • v. [trans.] erode the base or foundation of (mass of rock). B dig or excavate beneath (a building or fortisocial stratum in a
adv.
|
or script.
cial letter
derivatives: unc»tu»ous»ly
n.
uHra»SOn*ic ,3ltr3'sanik| • adj. of or involving sound waves with a frequency above the upper
»
I
derivatives: ul»tra»mon»ta»nism t3,niz9m
'ansnal; -sesll
|
majuscule script with rounded unjoined letters that is found in European manuscripts of the 4th-8th centuries and from which modern capital letters are derived. 2 of or relating to an inch or an ounce. • n. an un-
cessible
matam; -'mat- • n. (pi. ultimatums or ultimata -'mata; -'map
Ul*ti*ma*tum a final
un*ci*al
a manuscript in uncial script.
being the best or most extreme example of
-ies)
un»
l.an'kanel 'adj. (uncannier, uncanniest) strange or mysterious, esp. in an unsettling way: an uncanny feeling that he was being watched. derivatives: un»can»ni«ly |-'kaen3l-e| adv. un*can*ni»ness n.
to force his resignation.
its
the
adv.
n.
in a
his request?
uWI»mate
derivatives: un»as»sumMng»ly as»sum«ing»ness
un*can«ny
prints.
fication) so as to
make
it
collapse.
damage
or weaken (someone or something), esp. gradually or insidiously: this could undermine years of hard work.
derivatives: un»der»min»er n. un*der*priv*Meged ,3nd3r'priv(3)lijd| 'adj. (of a person) not enjoying the same standard |
— 450
undertone
unique denoting an alliance with potentially harm-
of living or rights as the majority of people in
un*der*tone I'andsr.tonl . n. muted tone of sound or color: ing in undertones
subdued or
a
they were talka pallid undertone to her
\
tanned skin. an underlying quality or feeling: the sexual undertones of most advertising. un«der*whelm ,3nd3r'(h)welm| 'V. [trans.] (usu. be underwhelmed) fail to impress or make a positive impact on (someone); disappoint: American voters seem underwhelmed by |
the choices for president.
un*dine
.sn'den; 'an, den • «. a female spirit as inhabiting water. |
|
nymph imagined
or
un*du*late
»v.
move with
a
I'anja.lat;
'andys-l
[intrans.]
smooth wavelike motion:
body undulated
to the
her
thumping rhythm of
the
music. [usu.
(undulating) have a wavy form or
adj.]
outline: delightful views over undulating countryside.
•
(esp. of a leaf) hav-
-lit; -|lat|
adj. I
wavy surface or edge. derivatives: un»du»late»ly ing a
1
thing) in the ground by digging. discover (something hidden, lost, or kept secret) by investigation or searching: they have done all they can to unearth the truth. un»earth»ly |,3n'3rTHle| »adj. 1 urmatural or mysterious, esp. in a disturbing way: unearthly quiet. 2 unreasonably early or inconvenient: a job that involves getting up at an un-
I
|
|
derivatives: u»ni»formn»tarM»an
n.
|
|
U*ni»lat»er*al .yoona'lsepral; -'Isetral . adj. 1 (of an action or decision) performed by or affecting only one person, group, or country involved in a particular situation, without the agreement of another or the others: unilateral nuclear disarmament. 2 relating to, occurring on, or affecting only one side of an organ or structure, or of the body. derivatives: u»ni»lat»er»al»ly adv. un*in*l*ti*at*ed ,3n3'nisHe,atid| » adj. without special knowledge or experience: [as plural n.] (the uninitiated) the discussion wasn 'r easy |
to
follow for the uninitiated.
. adj. being the only one of kind; unlike anything else: the situation was unique in modern politics original and unique
!
|
\
violence.
derivatives: un«e»quiv«o»caWy adv. un«e»quiv»o«cal»ness
|-ik(3)-
n.
I
adj.
•
I
its
un*e»qulv*0*cal .ani'kwivakal . adj. leaving no doubt; unambiguous: an unequivocal answer he was unequivocal in condemning the
.an'ganlel
(of a person or
movement) awkward; clumsy: an ungainly
\
designs.
particularly remarkable, special, or unusual: a unique opportunity to see the spectacular Bol[predic] (unique to) belonging shoi Ballet. or connected to (one particular person, group, or place) a style of architecture unique to Portugal. • n. a unique person or thing. :
derivatives: u»nique»ly
walk.
derivatives: un»gain«li»ness
ness
n.
,3n'glood| • adj. not or no longer cohesive: grease particles come unglued from the plate. it was only a matter of time before the whole operation came unglued. (of a person or state of mind) confused and emotionally strained: it had been a long day, and tempers were becoming unglued. un*guent I'aNOgwantl • n. a soft greasy or viscous substance used as an ointment or for lubrication.
un*glLied
i
or
\
un«gu*late I'sNGgyalat;
-,lat|
»
n.
a
hoofed
mammal. un«hinge
»v.
|,3n'hinj|
(unhinged)
[trans.]
[usu. as
adj.]
make
(someone) mentally unbalanced: / thought she must be unhinged by grief
deprive of stability or
fixity;
throw into
dis-
order.
un*ho*ly l.an'holel
»
adj.
&
U*ni*form»i»ty .yoons'formate . n. (pi. -ies) the quality or state of being uniform: an attempt to impose administrative uniformity. lack of variety or diversity; sameness; monotony.
|
derivatives: un»earth«li»ness
|
adj.
n.
U*nique yoo'nek
earthly hour.
stuck
|
|
adv.
|
un*gain*ly
an unholy racket. derivatives: un«ho»li»ness n. U*ni«cam»er»al ,yoon3'ksem(3)r3l . adj. (of a legislative body) having a single legislative chamber. u»ni*form»l»tar»i»an»ism ,yoon3,f6rm3'tere3,niz3m • n. the theory that changes in the earth's crust during geological history have resulted from the action of continuous and uniform processes. Cf. catastrophism.
|
|-litle|
un«du»la»tion ,3nj3'laSH3n; ,3ndy3-| n. un» du»la»to»ry ranjals.tore; 'andya- adj. un*earth l.an'arrHl 'V. [trans.] find (some-
le
between two or more parties that are not natural allies: an unholy alliance between economic and political power. awful; dreadful (used for emphasis): she was making ful implications
a society.
(unholier, unhol-
iest) sinful; wicked.
not holy; unconsecrated: an unholy marriage.
adv.
u»nique»
n.
usage:
There is a set of adjectives including unique, complete, equal, infinite, and perfect whose core meaning embraces an absolute concept and which therefore, according to a traditional argument, cannot be modified by adverbs such as really, quite, or very. For example, since the core meaning of unique (fi-om Latin 'one') is 'being only one of its kind,' it is logically impossible, the argument goes, to submodify it: it either is 'unique' or it is not, and there are no stages in between. In practice the situation in the language is more complex than this.Words like unique have a core sense but they often also have a secondary, less precise (nonabsolute) sense of 'very remarkable or unusual,' as in a really unique opportunity. It is advisable, however, to use unique sparingly and not to modify it with
—
very, quite, really, etc.
Unitarian
451
U*ni*tar»i»an |
.yoona'teresn
esp. a Christian,
and a
who
person,
a
n.
• |
asserts the unity of God
rejects the doctrine of the Trinity.
member
of a church or reUgious body
maintaining this behef and typically rejecting formal dogma in favor of a rationalist and inclusivist approach to belief. • adj. of or relating to the Unitarians.
derivatives: U»ni»tar«i»an»ism
-
|
,
nizsm
|
unstring son) having an untidy or disheveled appearance: they were unwashed and unkempt.
derivatives: kempt»ness n.
[intrans.]
adj. of, affectU»ni*ver*sal .yoona'varsal ing, or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to |
|
all
cases: universal adult suffrage
the incidents
\
caused universal concern. denoting a logical proposition in which something is asserted of all of a class. denoting or reContrasted with particular. lating to a grammatical rule, set of rules, or other linguistic feature that is found in all (of a tool or machine) adjustalanguages. ble to or appropriate for all requirements; not restricted to a single purpose or position. • n. a person or thing having universal effect, currency, or application, in particular:
(in logic) a universal proposition.
(in phi-
losophy) a term or concept of general application. (in philosophy) a nature or essence signified by a general term. a universal grammatical rule or linguistic feature.
derivatives: u»ni»ver»saW»ty
|-V3r'sael-
3te n. u»ni«ver»sal*ly adv. U»ni»ver*sal»ist .yoona'varsslist . 1 (in Christian theology) a person who believes that all humankind will eventually be saved. (usu. Universalist) a member of an organized body of Christians who hold such beliefs. 2 a person advocating loyalty to and concern for others without regard to national or other allegiances. • adj. 1 (in Christian theology) of or relating to universalists. 2 universal in scope or character. I
|
I
derivatives: u»ni»ver»saWsm
|-,liz3m|
u»ni«ver»sal»is«tic -,v3rs3'listik| adj. U*ni»verse 'yoona.vars • n. (the universe) all existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. The universe is believed to be at least 1 0 billion light years in diameter and contains a vast number of galaxies; it has, according to current theory, been expanding since its creation in the big bang about 1 3 billion years ago. a particular sphere of activity, interest, or experience: the front parlor was the hub of her unin.
|
|
i
verse.
U*ni*ver»si»ty .yoons'varsate . n. (pi. -ies) an educational institution designed for instruction, examination, or both, of students in many branches of advanced learning, conferring degrees in various faculties, and often |
|
embodying [in names]
colleges
and
similar institutions:
Oxford University
California [as adj.] university professor. the members of \
the University of the university buildings a \
\
this
collectively.
grounds and buildings of such an
un*kempt
|
,3n'kem(p)t
• I
the
institution.
adj. (esp.
of a per-
un«
adv.
un*lim*ber |,3n'limb3r| »v. [trans.] detach (a gun) from its limber (carraige) so that it can be used. unpack or unfasten (something) ready for use: we had to unlimber some of the gear.
n. •
un»kempt«ly
un«man
get ready for some activity. |,3n'maen| » V. (unmanned,
manning)
un-
deprive of qualities traditionally associated with men, such as selfcontrol or courage: awaiting a sentence will
unman
[trans.]
the stoutest heart.
un*mit*i*gat*ed
.an'mits.gatidl *adj.
|
[attrib.]
absolute; unqualified: the tour had been an unmitigated disaster. DERI VAT v e s un»mit»i»gat»ed«ly adv. un«nerve |,3n'n3rv| »v. [trans.] make (someI
:
courage or confidence: [as adj.] (unnerving) an unnerving experience. DERIVATIVES: un»nerv»ing»ly adv. un*prec*e*dent»ed an press, dantad] »adj. never done or known before: the government one)
lose
,
|
took the unprecedented step of releasing confidential correspondence.
derivatives: un»prec»e»dent»ed»ly un»rav*el
unraveling [trans.]
1
;
Brit,
undo
adv.
(unraveled, unravelled, unravelling) »v.
|,3n'r£ev3l|
(twisted, knitted, or
woven
threads). (of twisted, knitted, or woven become undone: part of the crew neck had unraveled. unwind (something wrapped [intrans.]
threads)
around another object): he unraveled the cellophane from a small cigar 2 investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling): they were attempting to unravel the cause of death. [intrans.] begin to fail or collapse: his painstaking diplomacy of the last eight months could quickly unravel.
un»re»quit»ed
,3nri'kwitid| 'adj. (of a feel|
ing, esp. love) not returned or rewarded. derivatives: un»re»quit«ed»ly adv.
re»quit»ed»ness
un»ruHy
un»
n.
- adf (unrulier, unruland disruptive and not ame-
|,3n'roole|
iest) disorderly
nable to discipline or control: complaints about unruly behavior. (of hair) difficult to keep neat and tidy. derivatives: un»ru»li»ness n.
un*sa*vor*y
,3n'sav(3)re!
(Brit,
unsavoury)
|
disagreeable to taste, smell, or look at. disagreeable and unpleasant because morally disreputable: an unsavory reputation. •
adj.
derivatives: un»sa»vorn»ly un»sa«vor»i»ness
|-r3le|
adv.
n.
un*SCathed |,3n'skaiHd|
»adj. [predic] with-
out suffering any injury, damage, or harm: / all those perils unscathed. l.an'semle] 'adj. (of behavior or actions) not proper or appropriate: an unseemly squabble.
came through
un*seem«ly
derivatives: un»seem»li»ness n. un*string |,3n'striNG| 'V. (past and unstrung
|-'str9NG|)
[trans.]
1
past part,
[usu. as
adj.]
untouchable
452
(unstrung) (of a person) unnerve: a mind unstrung by
loneliness.
un*tOUCh*a*ble
.an'tacHsball »adj. 1 not able or allowing to be touched or affected: the receptionist looked gorgeous and untoucha|
ble.
unable to be matched or rivaled: we took the medal behind the untouchable US team. 2 of or belonging to the lowest-caste Hindu group or the people outside the caste system. • n. a member of the lowest-caste Hindu group or a person outside the caste system. Contact with untouchables is traditionally held to defile members of higher castes. derivatives: un»touch»a»ba»i»ty - taCHa silver
|
'bilitel
,
n.
uxorious
up*Stage
&
or toward the back of a theater stage: [as adv.] Hamlet turns to face upstage [as adj.] an upstage exit. [as adj.] superior; aloof. • v. [trans.] divert attention from (someone) toward oneself; outshine: they were totally upstaged by two newcomers in the film. (of an actor) move toward the back of a stage to make (another actor) face away from the audience. . w. u»ra*nog*ra*phy .yoora'nagrafe the ,3p'staj
adv.
•
|
|
adj. at
\
|
|
branch
of astronomy concerned describing and mapping the stars.
with
derivatives: u»ra»nog»ra»pher |-f3r| n. u»ra»no»graphnc l-na'grasfikj adj. ur*bane .ar'bani • adj. (of a person, esp. a man) suave, courteous, and refined in man|
usage: In senses relating to the traditional Hindu caste system, the term untouchable and the social restrictions accompanying it were declared illegal in the constitution of India in 1949 and of Pakistan in 1953. The official term today is scheduled caste. un*tO*ward .sn'tord; -t(3)'w6rd| 'adj. unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient: both tried to behave as if nothing untoward had happened untoward jokes and racial remarks. derivatives: un»to»ward»ly adv. un»to» ward'ness n. |
\
|,3n'trid| ^adj. 1 not yet tested to discover quality or reliability; inexperienced: he chose two untried actors for leading roles. 2 (of an accused person) not yet subjected to a trial in court. un*wield*y |,9n'welde| 'adj. (unwieldier, unwieldiest) difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight: the first mechanical clocks were large and unwieldy. (of a system or bureaucracy) too big or badly organized to function efficiently.
un*tried
derivatives: un»wield«i»ly
|-'weld3le|
adv. un»wield»i»ness n. un*wit*ting |,3n'witiNG| 'adj. (of a person) not aware of the full facts: an unwitting accomplice.
not done on purpose; vmintentional: we are anxious
unwitting mistakes
to rectify the
made
in
derivatives: un»wit»ting4y
adv. [sentence
adverb] quite unwittingly you played right into
hands that
night.
un«wit»ting»ness
my
n.
.ap'brad . V. [trans.] find fault with (someone); scold: he was upbraidedfor his slovenly appearance. up»mar*ket l.ap'markit; '3p,mar-| (also upmarket) • adj. adv. of or toward the more expensive end of the market; upscale. . adj. up*pish 'apiSH arrogantly self|
I
&
I
I
derivatives: up»pish»ly ness
adv.
up»pish«
:
|
|
I
I
ing version of a text, to which later versions
can be compared. ur»ti»cate |'arta,kat| 'V. [intrans.] cause a stinging or prickling sensation like that given by a nettle: [as adj.] (urticating) the urticating hairs.
derivatives: ur»ti«ca»tion
,arta'kasHan| |
n.
U*SUrp yoo'sarp • v. [trans.] take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force: |
I
Richard usurped the throne. take the place of (someone in a position of illegally: supplant: the Hanoverian dy[intrans.] nasty had usurped the Stuarts. (usurp onyupon) encroach or infringe upon (someone's rights): the Church had usurped upon the domain of the state. derivatives: u«sur»pa»tion ,yoosar 'pasHan n. u»surp»er n.
power)
|
|
'yooZH(a)re • n. the action or practice of lending money at excessive rates of interest, variously defined in criminal laws. |
I
interest at
such
rates.
derivatives: u»sur»rer
n.
u»su»ri«ous
adj.
U'tile
'yootl; yoo.til I
I
'adj. advantageous.
U»to»pi»a lyoo'topeal
imagined place or everything
is
(also Utopia)
,
n. an which
perfect.
derivatives: U»to»pi»an adj.
•
state of things in (also
u«to»pi«
n.
UX»0*rl»al
|,ak's6real;
ag'z6r-|
'
adf of or
relating to a wife.
n.
the final or I'ap.SHatI eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events: the upshot of the meeting was that he was on the next plane to
New York.
I
an)
assertive.
up»shot
DERI VAT V E s ur»bane»ly adv. ur*chin |'9rCHin| 1 a mischievous young child, esp. one who is poorly or raggedly dressed. Cf. gamine. old term for a goblin. 2 short for sea urchin, a marine echinoderm. ur*sine 'ar.sin; -,sen • adj. of, relating to, or resembling bears. ur*text |'00r,tekst| (pi. urtexte 'n. -.teksta ) an original or the earliest surviv-
U*SU*ry
the past.
up*braid
ner.
'
n.
[in sing.]
UX«0*ri*OUS |,ak's6reas; ,ag'z6r-| 'adj. having or showing an excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife.
DERI VAT V E s ux»o»ri»ous«ly adv. ux»o»ri» I
ous*ness
n.
:
11
Vv vac»cl»nate
'vaeksa.natl
1
treat with
[trans.]
. V.
a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease: all the children were vaccinated against diphtheria. Cf. inoculate, vaekss derivatives: vac«ci»na»tion ,
|
vac»ci»na»tor |-,napr| n. vac*Cine |vaek'sen| • n. a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease: there is no vaccine 'nasH3n|
n.
against HIV infection. a program designed to detect computer viruses, and prevent them from operating.
derivatives: vac»ci«nate tion
v.
vac»ci»na»
n.
vac*il*late
'vaes3,Iat|
• v.
[intrans.]
|
alternate or
waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive: / had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism.
derivatives:
vac»il»la«tion .vaess'lavac»il»la»tor |-,lapr| n. • having or vac*U*OUS 'vaekyawas adj. showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless: a vacuous smile vacuous slogans.
SHsnl
|
n.
|
I
\
empty.
derivatives va»cu»i»ty
vae'kyooate; va-
:
blown from route. to,
•
adj.
usual range or migratory
its
characteristic of, relating
[attrib.]
or living the
life
of a vagrant: vagrant beg-
gars.
moving from place to place; wandering: vagrant whales. moving or occurring unpredictably; inconstant: the vagrant heart of my mother.
DERI VAT I v E s va»gran»cy -granse :
|
n.
|
va»
grant'ly adv. • V. [trans.] take off or lower (one's hat or crown) as a token of respect or submis-
vail (val| sion.
[intrans.] take off one's hat or otherwise show respect or submission to someone. vain»glO»ry 'van,gl6re; ,van'gl6re • n. inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity. I
|
DERIVATIVES: vain«glo»ri»ous vain»glo»ri»ous«ly adv. vain»glo»ri»ous»ness
reas le I
nas
,van'gl6|
,van'gl6reas-
adj.
|
|
.van'gloreas|
n. I
val*ance
'vgelans; 'valans w. a length of decorative drapery attached to the canopy or frame of a bed in order to screen the structure or the space beneath it. a length of decorative drapery hung above a window to screen the curtain fittings. a dust •
|
|
ruffle.
|
n.
vac»u»ous»ly adv. vac»u»ous»ness
vac*U*um
n.
'vEek.yoom; -y3(w3)m n. (pi. vacuums or vacua -yaws ) 1 a space entirely devoid of matter. a space or container from which the air has been completely or partly removed. [usu. in sing.] a gap left by the loss, death, or departure of someone or something formerly playing a significant part in a situation or activity: the political vacuum left by the death of Lincoln. I
|
|
2
(pi.
•
|
vacuums) a vacuum cleaner. • v. [trans.] vacuum cleaner: the room needs to
clean with a
be vacuumed.
DERIVATIVES: val-anccd
adj.
valei |val| •n. a valley (used in place names or as a poetic term): the Vale ofAvoca. phrases: vale of tears the world regarded as a scene of trouble or sorrow. vale2 'vala archaic • exclam. farewell. • n. a written or spoken farewell. . n. ,v£ela,dik't6rean a val*e*dic*tO*ri*an student, typically having the highest academic achievements of the class, who delivers the valedictory at a graduation ceremony. Cf. salutatorian at salutatory. val»e»dic*tO»ry ,v£ela'dikt(a)re| •adj. serving as a farewell: a valedictory wave. • n. (pi. I
I
I
|
|
phrases: in a vacuum (of an activity or a problem to be considered) isolated from the context normal to it and in which it can best be understood or assessed. va*de me»cum ,vade 'maksm; ,vade 'me|
-ies) a farewell address. (in chemistry) the va*lence 'valans • combining power of an element, esp. as meas|
|
ured by the number of hydrogen atoms
it
can
handbook or guide that is kept constantly at hand for consultation. vag*a*bond 'vaeg3,band • n. a person who
displace or combine with: carbon always has a valence of 4. [as adj.] relating to or denoting electrons
home
involved in or available for chemical bond formation: molecules ivith unpaired valence (in linguistics) the number of electrons. grammatical elements with which a particular word, esp. a verb, combines in a sentence.
•
n.
a
|
|
wanders from place to place without or job. a rascal; a rogue. tled
home.
• V.
adj.
•
[intrans.]
a
having no setwander about as or
[attrib.]
like a vagabond. va*gar*y I'vagsrel »n. (pi. -ies) (usu. vagaries) an unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior: the vagaries
of the weather. va*grant 'vagrant • n. a person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging. a wanderer. a bird that has strayed or been |
|
val*e*tu»di*nar«i*an .
n.
a
person
who
is
,vaEla,t(y)oodn'erean
|
|
unduly anxious about
their health. a person suffering
from poor health. • adj. showing undue concern about one's health. suffering from poor health.
derivatives: |-inizam|
n.
val«e»tu»di»nar»i«aii»ism
454
Valhalla Val*haHa
Scandinavian mythology) a hall in which heroes killed in battle were believed to feast with Odin for |
vael'haeb; val'habl
(in
eternity.
a place or sphere assigned to a person or thing worthy of special honor. paradise. vaH*date |'vael3,dat| »v. [trans.] check or prove the validity or accuracy of (something): these estimates have been validated by periodic surveys.
demonstrate or support the truth or value
of:
a healthy family a child's feelings are validated. make or declare legally valid. DERI VAT V E s vaH»da«tion ,vaeb'dain
I
SH9n
:
|
'vaebr I
(Brit.valour)
|
.
n.
great courage
in the face of danger, esp. in battle: acts of valor.
|-9r3s| adj.
duction or distribution. IvaempI » n. ^ the upper front part of a boot or shoe. 2 (in jazz and popular music) a short, simple introductory passage, usually repeated several times until otherwise instructed. » v. ^ [intrans.] repeat a short, simple passage of music: the band was vamping gently behind his busy lead guitar. 2 [trans.] attach a new upper to (a boot or shoe).
vamp>
(vamp something up)
repair or improve something: the production values have been
vamped .
up.
a
n.
woman who
tion to exploit
men.
• v.
uses sexual attrac[trans
]
blatantly set
out to attract: she had not vamped him like some wicked Jezebel. DERI VAT v e s vamp«ish adj. vamp*ish«ly I
adv.
sumed
is asto vary or be capable of varying in
(in computing) a data item that may on more than one value during or between programs. short for variable star, a star whose brightness changes, either regu-
value.
take
(variables) the region
or irregularly.
larly
of
light, variable
winds and the
winds between the trade
westerlies, esp. in the southern
hemisphere. te
n. I
var»i»a»ble»ness
:
vamp»y
adj.
Van»dyke beard • n. a neat pointed beard. van*guard 'vaen.gard • n. a group of people leading the way in new developments or |
I
ideas: the experimental spirit of the modernist
vanguard. a position at the forefront of new developments or ideas: the prototype was in the vanguard of technical development. the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force.
derivatives: guard*ist n. vap*id 'vaepad
van»guard«ism •
|
n.
van*
offering nothing that
adj.
I
is
stimulating or challenging: tuneful but vapid musical comedies.
derivativi-s: va»pidM«ty
|vae'pid3te|
n.
vap»id»ly adv. var»i»a»ble 'veresbal • adj. 1 not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change: the quality of hospital food is highly variable awards can be for variable amounts. (of (of a wind) tending to change direction. a quantity) able to assume different numerical values. (of a species) liable to deviate from the typical color or form, or to occur in different colors or forms. 2 able to be changed or adapted: the drill has variable speed. |
|
\
n.
.verea'bib|
var»i»a»bly
|
-ble
|
adv.
var»i*ance 'veresns • n. the fact or quality of being different, divergent, or inconsistent: her light tone was at variance with her sud|
derivatives: vaI«or»ous
val*ue-add*ed tax (abbr.: VAT) . n. a tax on the amount by which the value of an article has been increased at each stage of its pro-
vamp2
ful predictions. a quantity that during a calculation
derivatives: var»i*a«bilM»ty
n. I
vai*or
variety (of a gear) designed to give varying ratios or speeds. • n. an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change: there are too many variables involved to make any meaning-
|
den trembling. the state or fact of disagreeing or quarreling: they were at variance with all their previous allies. (in law) a discrepancy between two statements or documents. an official dispensation from a rule or regulation, typically a building regulation. a quantity equal to the square of the standard deviation. (in accounting) the difference between expected and actual costs, profits, output, etc., in a statistical analysis.
var*i*COSe |'v£er3,k0s; 'ver-| » adj. [atlrib.] affected by a condition causing the tortuous enlargement lengthening of veins, most often in the legs: varicose veins.
derivatives: var«i«cosed
adj.
var«i«cos»
.vasr^'kasate; ,ver-| n.
i»ty I
var»i»e»gat»ed
'ver(e)3,gatid . adj. exhibiting different colors, esp. as irregular patches or streaks: variegated yellow bricks. (of a plant or foliage) having or consisting of leaves that are edged or patterned in a second marked by color, esp. white as well as green. variety: his variegated and amusing observa|
|
tions.
derivatives: 'gasHan
var»i»e»ga»tion
,ver(e)3 |
n. I
• adj. (of a wine or 1 or belonging to a single specified variety of grape. 2 of, relating to, characteristic of, or forming a variety: varietal names. • n. a varietal wine. D R v A r V E s va»ri»e»tal»ly adv. va«ri«e«ty |vo'rbte| . n. (pi. -ies) 1 the quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity, sameness, or monotony: it 's the variety that makes my job so enjoy-
va»ri»e»tal
grape)
I-:
I
|v3'ri3tl|
made from
I
:
able.
(a variety of) a number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality: the center offers a thing that difa variety of leisure activities. fers in some way from others of the same general class or sort; a type: fifty varieties of fresh and frozen pasta. a form of television or theater entertainment consisting of a series of different types of acts, such as singing, danc-
455
varlet and comedy: [as taxonomic category
a variety show. 2 a that ranks below subspecies (where present) or species, its members differing from others of the same subspecies or species in minor but permanent or heritable characteristics. Varieties are more often recognized in botany, in which they are designated in the style Apium graveolens var. ing,
adj.]
dulce.
a a cultivated form of a plant. See cultivar. plant or animal that varies in some trivial respect from its immediate parent or type. var»let 'varbt • w. a man or boy acting as an attendant or servant. an unprincipled rogue or a knight's page. |
I
rascal.
ni-RiVA riVHs: var»let«ry |-btre| n. var*mint 'varmant • «. a troublesome wild |
I
animal, esp. a fox. a
esp.
a child. |
Vasskysbrl
.
adj. of, relating to,
affecting, or consisting of a vessel or vessels, esp. those that carry blood: vascular disease
\
the vascular system.
relating to or denoting the plant tissues (xy-
lem and phloem) that conduct water, and nutrients in flowering plants, ferns, and their relatives.
DFR
VA'i'
I
I
VEs
'laerate; -'ler-
vas»cu»larM»ty
:
,vaeskyo |
n.
1
vas»ec»tO»my va'sektame; vae-| . n. (pi. -ies) the surgical cutting and sealing of part of |
each vas deferens (the duct that conveys a male's sperm from the testicle to the urethra), typically as a means of sterilization.
DKRi VAT VHS I
vas*sai
va«sec»to«mize |-,miz| v. • a holder of land by feu-
:
'v£es3l I
I
dal tenure
on conditions of homage and
alle-
giance. a
person or country
to another: [as
in a subordinate position a vassal state of the Chinese
adj.]
empire. I
I
s
F.
:
vat*ic I'vaetikl
what
vas*sal*age adj.
»
happen
will
-slij
describing or predicting
in the future: vatic utter-
I
I
tic»i»na»tioii
[intrans.]
foretell
:
|
-.tisa'nasHan
|-,nat3r|
-anl
|
adj. |
va«
va»tic«i«na» va«tic«i«na»to»ry -ana
n.
|
n.
|
adj. I
vaunt
,vekt.-)r3'zasHon
(in sense
v.
|
1
|
I
I
1
:
|
|
I
size.
veg*e»ta«tive
. adj. 1 (in biology) or denoting reproduction or propagation achieved by asexual means, either naturally (budding, rhizomes, runners, bulbs, etc.) or artificially (grafting, layering, a vegeor taking cuttings): vegetative spores
'veja.tativ
|
|
of, relating to,
of, relating to, or concerned with growth rather than sexual reproduction: environmental factors trigger the switch from vegetative to flo-
|
|
tore
|-,rlz|
tative replicating phase.
n.
|
ances.
,
n. vec« of the noun). Ve*da 'vada; 'veda • n. [treated as sing, or pi.] the most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in early Sanskrit and containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of Vedic religion. I) i; R VAT v E s Ve»dic adj. ve*dette v^^'det • 1 a mounted sentry positioned beyond an army's outposts to observe the movements of the enemy. 2 a leading star of stage, screen, or television. veg»an Vegan; 'vejsn • w. a person who does not eat or use animal products: [as adj.] a vegan diet. veg»e»tal I'vejstll *adj. 1 of or relating to plants: a vegetal aroma. characterized by the faculty of growth but not of sensation or reason. veg»e»tate |'vejo,tat| 'V. [intrans.] 1 live or spend a period of time in a dull, inactive, unchallenging way: he'd sit in front of the television set and vegetate. 2 (of a plant or seed) grow; sprout. [trans.] cause plants to grow in or cover (a place). 3 (of an abnormal growth) increase in |
tor«ize
|
va*tic*i*nate vs'tisa.nat . v. the future. D F R VAT v E s va»tic»i»nal
tor
I
I
vec*torM«za»tion
\
D R VAT V i>
i
|
troublesome and mischievous person,
vas*CU*lar
velleity ing insect or tick, that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another. (in genetics) a bacteriophage or plasmid that transfers genetic material mto a cell, as from one bacterium to another. . v. [with ob), and adverbial of direction] (often be vectored) direct (an aircraft in flight) to a desired point. DFRiVA IVFS: vec»to»ri«al Ivek'torealj adj. (in sense 1 of the noun). vec»to»ri«al*ly vek'toreale adv. (in sense 1 of the noun).
I
vont; vant
|
• v.
[trans.]
[usu. as
adj.]
(vaunted) boast about or praise (something), esp. excessively: the
information superhighway.
»
derivatives: vaunt»er
much vaunted n. n.
a boast.
vaunt«ing»ly
adv.
vec*tor
ral development. 2 of or relating to vegetation or plant life: diverse vegetative types. 3 (in medicine, of a person) alive but comatose and without apparent brain activity or responsiveness. In a persistent vegetative state, a patient is kept alive by such means as artifi-
cial respiration.
D E R VA iT v ta»tive«ness I
• I
«. 1
a quantity having di-
rection as well as magnitude, esp. as determining the position of one point in space relative to another. Cf. scaij>iR. a matrix with one row or one column. a
course to be taken by an aircraft. [as adj.] (in computing) denoting a type of graphical representation using lines to construct the outlines of objects. 2 an organism, typically a bit-
s
:
veg«e«ta«tive»ly adv. veg»e«
n.
ve»he*ment Vesmsntl
•
adj.
showing strong
|
feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense: her
voice
'vektsr I
I-;
was low but vehement
derivatives: ment'ly adv.
\
vehement criticism. ve«he» n.
ve»he»mence
vel*le»i«ty va'leade; ve- • n. (pi. -ies) a wish or inclination not strong enough to lead to action: the notion intrigued me, but remained a 1
|
velleity.
the least degree of volition, unaccompanied effort or advance toward action or re-
by any
alization.
1
456
vellum vel*lum
I
parchment made from the skin of a calf. 2 smooth
'vebm
originally
|
• n.
1 fine
writing paper imitating vellum. ve*IOC*i*ty Iva'lasatel . n. (pi. -ies) the speed of something in a given direction: the velocities of the emitted particles. (in general use) speed: the tank shot backward at
an
incredible velocity.
ve*lo«drome 'veb,drom;
'vela-
•
1
a cycle-
«.
|
racing track, typically with steeply banked curves. a stadium containing such a track.
ve»lu*ti*nous with soft fine ve*nal 'venl |
|v3i(50tn-3s|
covered
*adj.
hairs. adj.
•
|
showing or motivated by
why should these venal politicians care how they are rated? their generosity had been at least partly venal. derivatives: ve»naW»ty ve'naebte; vasusceptibility to bribery:
\
verbalize
ven«er»ate rven3,rat| •v. [trans] (often be venerated) regard with great respect; revere: Mother Teresa is venerated as a saint. DERI VAT V E s ven«er»a»tion .vena 'rasHsnl n. ven»er»a»tor |-,rat3r| n. ve»ne»re*al va'nireal • adj. of or relating to I
:
|
|
I
sexual desire or sexual intercourse. of or relating to venereal disease. D R VAT V E s ve«ne»re»aMy adv. ven»er*y' I'venarel »n. sexual indulgence. ven»er»y2 . n. hunting. ve»ni»al 'veneal; Venyal . adj. (in Christian theology) denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. (of a fault or offense) slight and pardonable. DERI VAT V E s ve«ni»aH»ty .vene'aebte n. ve»ni»al»ly adv. I-:
I
I
:
|
I
I
:
|
usage: See usage
|
venal.
at
|
n.
ven*om*OUS
ve»nal»ly adv.
usage: Venal and venial are sometimes confused. Venal means 'corrupt, able to be bribed, or involving bribery,' for example, Local customs officials are notoriously venal, and smuggling thrives. Venial is used among Christians to describe a certain type of sin and means 'pardonable, excusable, not mortal,' for example. Purgatory, to Catholics, was
an intermediate stage in which those who had committed venial sins might earn their way into heaven.
imal.
derivatives: ve«na»tion«al
|
-SHsnl
adj. |
ven*det*ta |ven'det3| • w. a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family.
prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone: he has accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him. a
ve»neer
|v3'nir| • n. a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material.
wood used to make plywood. [in an attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings: her veneer of composure cracked a lit. V. [trans.] (usu. as adj.] (veneered) cover tle. (something) with a decorative layer of fine a layer of
sing.]
wood. cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance. . adj. ven»er»a»ble Venarsbal; 'venraaccorded a great deal of respect, esp. because of age, wisdom, or character: a venerable statesman. (in the Anglican Church) a title given to an archdeacon. (in the Roman Catholic Church) a title given to a deceased person who has attained a certain degree of sanctity but has not been fully beatified or canonized. DERI VAT I v E s ven«er»a»bilM»ty venara 1
|
:
,
|
'bibtel
bly
n.
ven«er«a»ble»ness
|-ble| adv.
n.
ven»er«a«
'venamas
• |
adj.
(of animals,
esp. snakes, or their parts) secreting
venom;
capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting. (of a person or personal behavior) full of malice or spite: she replied with a venomous glance.
DERIVATIVES: ven»om»ous»ly adv. ven« om»ous«ness n. ve*nous 'venas • adj. of or relating to a vein |
|
of or relating to the dark red, oxygen-poor blood in the veins and pulmoor the veins.
nary
ve»na»tion |ve'nasH3n| • «. the arrangement of veins in a leaf or in an insect's wing. the system of venous blood vessels in an an-
|
artery.
derivatives: ve»nosM»ty
|vi'nas3te|
n.
ve»nous»ly adv. ven*tral 'ventral adj. of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal or plant; abdominal: a ventral nerve cord the ventral part of the head. Cf. dorsal, derivatives: ven«tral»ly adv. .
|
I
\
ven»ue
'ven.yOO • n. the place where something happens, esp. an organized event such as a concert, conference, or sports event: the river could soon be the venue for a powerboat world championship event. (in law) the county or district within which a criminal or civil case must be heard. ve*ra»clous iva'rasHasI » adj. speaking or representing the truth: the veracious child admitted her misbehavior. derivatives: ve«ra»cious»ly adv. ve»ra* |
I
cious*ness
n.
ve*rac»i*ty Iva'raesatel • n. conformity to facts; accuracy: officials expressed doubts concerning the veracity of the story. habitual truthfulness: voters should be concerned about his veracity and character. • n. ver*bal*ism 'varba.lizam concentration on forms of expression rather than con|
|
tent.
.
a verbal expression.
excessive or
of language. D R vat v E s ver«bal»ist I-
I
I
:
n.
empty use
ver«bal»is»tic
,varba'listik| adj. I
ver*baH2e
|'varba,liz|
»v. 1
[trans.]
express
(ideas or feelings) in words, esp. by speaking out loud: they are unable to verbalize their real feelings. 2 [intrans.] speak, esp. at excessive length and with little real content: the dangers
verbatim
457 make
of verbalizing about art. 3 [trans.] esp. a noun) into a verb.
derivatives: ver»balMz»a»ble balM»za»tion
,v3rb3b'zaSH3n;
|
(a
word,
adj.
-,li'za-
ver* 1
n.
ver»bal»iz»er n. ver«ba»tim Ivar'bataml ^adv. & adj. in exactly the same words as were used originally: [as adv.] subjects were instructed to recall the passage verbatim [as adj.] your quotations must be \
'varbe-ij
• |
speech or writing
n.
|
that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions. diction; wording; verbal expression.
ver*bOSe var'bos • in more words than |
adj.
using or expressed
i
are needed: much academic language is obscure and verbose. derivatives: ver«bose»ly adv. ver»bos«i»
ty |-'bas9te|
n.
ver*bO*ten far'botn; vsr- . adj. forbidden, esp. by an authority. • adj. ver*dant 'vardnt (of countryside) 1
|
|
|
green with grass or other rich vegetation. of the bright green color of lush grass: a deep, verdant green.
derivatives: ver»dan»cy
|'v3rdn-se|
n.
ver«dant*ly adv. ver»di*gris 'V3rd3,gres; -,gris; -,gre • n. a bright bluish-green encrustation or patina formed on copper or brass by atmospheric oxidation, consisting of basic copper carbonate. ver*dure 'vsrjsr • n. lush green vegetation. the fresh green color of such vegetation. a condition of freshness. |
|
|
|
derivatives: ver»dured adj. ver*dur»ous l-jarasi adj.
verge varj down to the
• |
an edge or border: they came
n.
|
verge of the lake. extreme limit beyond which
something specified will happen: / was on the verge of tears. Brit, a grass edging such as that by the side of a road or path. an edge of tiles projecting over a gable. • v. [intrans.] (verge on) approach (something) closely; be close or similar to (something): despair verging on the suicidal.
ve*rid*i*cal va'ridiksl . adj. truthful. coinciding with reality: such memories are not |
I
necessarily veridical.
derivatives:
ve»ridn»cal»i«ty |-,rid3 ve*rid«i»cal»ly -ik(3)le adv. ver*i»fy 'ver3,fi . v. (-ies, -ied) [trans.] (often be verified) make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified: his conclusions have been verified by later experiments [with clause] "Can you verify that n.
|
|
|
|
|
\
guns are licensed?" (in law) swear to or support
the
(a
statement) by
affidavit.
derivatives: vern»fi»a»ble .vera'fi-
adj. 1
|
ver»i»fi«a»bly |
:
ist
'verist
& adj.
n.
|
some
l-'simabr]
|
|
|
ism and naturahsm. ver«i»ty 'verste • n. (pi. -ies) a true principle or belief, esp. one of fundamental importance: the eternal verities. 1
|
truth: irrefutable, objective verity.
ver«nac»U«lar vsr'nakyabr . w. 1 (usu. the vernacular) the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular coun|
I
try or region: he wrote in the vernacular to reach
a larger audience. [with adj.] the terminology used by people belonging to a specified group or engaging in a specialized activity: gardening vernacular. 2 architecture concerned with domestic and functional rather than monumental buildings: buildings in which Gothic merged into farmhouse vernacular. • adj. 1 (of language) spoken as one's mother tongue; not learned or imposed as a second language. (of speech or written works) using such a language: vernacular literature. 2 (of architecture) concerned with domestic and functional rather than monumental buildings.
derivatives: ver«nac»u»larnsm |-,rizam n. ver«nac»u»lar»i»ty -.naekys'laerste; |
I
-'ler-|
n.
ver«nac»u»larnze
nac»u»lar»ly adv. veronal 'varnl • adj. |
|
of, in,
|-,riz|
v.
ver*
or appropriate to
spring: the vernal freshness of the land. derivatives: ver»nal»ly adv. ver»sa»tile 'varsstl • adj. 1 able to adapt or |
|
be adapted to many different functions or he was activities: a versatile sewing machine \
enough to play 2 changeable; inconstant. versatile
derivatives:
either
position.
ver*sa»tile»ly adv. ver«sa*
iVsrss'tibte
til«i»ty
|
n.
I
ver«SO 'varso • n. (pi. -os) 1 a left-hand page of an open book, or the back of a loose document. Cf. RECTO. 2 the reverse of something I
I
such as a coin or painting. an aniver»te»brate 'vsrtabrat; -,brat . mal of a large group (Subphylum Vertebrata, phylum Chordata: seven classes.) distinguished by the possession of a backbone or |
|
column, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and fishes. Cf. inverte-
spinal
verisimilitude.
derivatives: verM«sim»i»lar
:
reptiles,
|
|
|
|
'ver3,fi9ble;
1
detail gives the novel
'varapbsl . adj. [attrib.] used as an intensifier, often to qualify a metaphor: the early 1970s witnessed a veritable price explosion. DERI VAT I V e s ver»i»ta»bly -ble adv. • ve»ri*te ,veri'ta a genre of film, television, and radio programs emphasizing real-
'vera.fisbal;
adv. vern»fi»er n. iVera'fiver*i»si»mil*l«tude ,ver3S3'mib,t(y)ood| • n. the appearance of being true or real: the
adj.
1
ver*i*ta»ble
ver*bi*age
'kaebte
va'rizmo; ve- . n. realism in the arts, esp. with reference to late 1 9th-century Italian opera. this genre of opera, as composed principally by Puccini, Mascagni, and Leoncavallo. ve*ris*tic iva'ristiki * adj. (of art or literature) extremely or strictly naturalistic. derivatives verMsm |'ver,iz3m| n. ver* |
I
verbatim.
an
vertex
ve*ris*mo
of or relating to the vertebrates. * n. (pi. vertices |-t3,sez| or vertexes) 1 the highest point; the top or brate.
vertex
•
adj.
i'v3r,teks|
apex. the crown of the head. 2 each angular point of a polygon, polyhedron, or other figure.
458
vertiginous
meeting point of two lines that form an angle. the point at which an axis meets a a
curve or surface. ver»tig»i»nous Ivar'tijanssI * adj. causing vertigo, esp. by being extremely high or steep: relating to or atYected
by
vertigo.
ver»tig«i»nous»ly adv. • ver*ti»go 'vortogO a sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height, or caused by disease affecting the inner ear or the vestibular nerve; giddiness. verve v^rv • n. vigor and spirit or entliusiasm: Kollo sings with supreme verve and Jlexi1-
I
A
\
1"
1
V
1-:
s
:
|
|
|
|
hilirv.
ve«si»cle
|
'vesik^l
n.
. |
a fluid- or air-filled
cavity or sac, in particular: a small fluid-filled bladder, sac, cyst, or vac-
uole within the human or animal body. an air-filled swelling in a plant, esp. a seaweed. a small cavity in volcanic rock, produced by (in medicine) a small blister gas bubbles. full of clear fluid. DiiRivA rivHS ve«sic»u«lar vs'sikyabri vs'sikya.latid adj. ve* adj. ve»sic»u»lat»ed sic«u»la»tion v3,siky3'lasH3n ves*pers Vesp^rz] • «. a service of evening prayer in the Divine Office of the Western Christian Church (sometimes said earlier in the day). a service of evening prayer in other churches. :
|
|
|
|
|
|
ves»per«tlne
I'vespar.tm; -,ten| »adj. of, relatmg to, occurring, or active in the evening. (of a flower) opening in the evening.
(of an animal) active in the evening. Cf. crePUSCUIj\R. ves*pine 'ves,pm; -pin| » adj. of or relating to wasps. vest vest . u 1 [trans.] (usu. be vested in) confer or bestow (power, authority, property, etc.) on someone: executive pozver is vested in |
I
I
the President.
be vested with)
give (someone) the lepower, property, etc.: the socialists came to be vested with the power of legislation. [intrans.] (vest in) (of power, property, etc.) (usu.
gal right to
come
other, in particular:
the central cavity of the labyrinth of the inthe part of the mouth outside the teeth. the space in the vulva into which both the urethra and vagina open. n R v A r v s ves«tib«u»lar adj. ves«ti»
ner ear.
verrigitwus drops to the valleys helotu.
n R
veto an enclosed entrance compartment in a railroad car. 2 (in anatomy) a chamber or channel communicating with or opening into an-
into the possession of: the bankrupt's
1-:
I
1
buled
i-:
ves*tige
• 'vestij a trace of something disappearing or no longer exists: the last vestiges of colonialism. [usu. with negative] the smallest amount (used to emphasize the absence of something): he waited patiently, but without a vestige of sympathy. a part or organ of an organism that has become reduced or functionless in the course of evolution. ves»tig«i»al |ve'stij(e)3l| *adj. forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable: he felt a vestigial flicker of anger from last night. (of an organ or part of the body) degenerate, rudimentary, or atrophied, having become functionless in the course of evolution: the vestigial wings of kiivis are entirely hidden. n R VAT V E s ves»tig«i«al«ly adv. vest»ment 'ves(t)m9nt * n. (usu. vestments) a chasuble or other robe worn by the clergy or choristers during religious ser-
that
!•
|
|
is
I
I
:
|
|
vices.
a garment, esp. ves*try 'vestre
|
|
|
|
«.
(pi.
official robe.
-ies) a
:
alty,
or trustworthiness: each applicant will be
vetted by police.
ve*tO
I
'veto
•
n.
(pi.
I
-oes) a constitutional
made by may exercise
right to reject a decision or proposal
provision, [as
I
ceremonial or •
I
I
ments.
I
|
thing) proposals for vetting large takeover bids. (often be vetted) Brit, investigate (someone) thoroughly, esp. in order to ensure that they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loy-
a
dress (someone): the Speaker vested him with a rich purple robe. ves»tal 'vestl • adj. of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta: a vestal temple. chaste; pure. « n. a vestal virgin, one of the virgin priestesses of the goddess Vesta, vowed to chastity, who had the duty of keeping the sacred fire burning on the goddess's altar. a chaste woman, esp. a nun. ves»tl*ar»y 'veste.ere • adj. of or relating to clothes or dress. • n. (pi. -ies) a room or building in a monastery or other large establishment in which clothes are kept. . «. ves*ti*bule 'vesta, bycWl 1 an antechamber, hall, or lobby next to the outer door of a building.
a
room of, or building attached to a church, used as an office and for changing into vestments. a meeting of parishioners, originally in a vesa try, for the conduct of parochial business. body of such parishioners. vet vet • V. (vetted, vetting) [trans.] make a careful and critical examination of (some|
property vests in his trustee. 2 [intrans.] (of a chorister or member of the clergy) put on vest[trans.]
:
adj.
law-making body:
the president
his veto if the final bill contains the controversial adj.] veto power. A pocket veto exercised by an executive who refuses to sign a bill near the end of a legislative session, allowing a period during which it must be signed in order to take effect to lapse, with the now out-of-session legislature unable to override an actual veto. A line-item veto is the power.to reject part of a bill, esp. a particular provision of a finance measure. such a rejection. a prohibition: his veto on our drinking after the meal was annoying. • v. (-oes, -oed) [trans.] exercise a veto against (a decision or proposal made by a law-making body): the president vetoed the bill. refuse to accept or allow: the film star often has a right to veto the pictures used for publicity.
is
derivatives: ve*to«er
n.
459
vexillology vex»ll*lol»0»gy of flags.
,veks3'labje
|
n.
. |
the study
derivatives: kal
vex»il»lo»log»i»cal vex»il»lol»o»gist -jist n.
adj.
|-b'laji-
fortune.
|
|
I
vilify vicissitudes) a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant: her husband's sharp vicissitudes of
capable of working successfully; feasible: the proposed investment
things: the vicissitude of the seasons.
was economically
derivatives: vi«cis»si»tu»di»nous
Vl*a»ble
'viabsl
viable.
(of (of a seed or spore) able to germinate. a plant, animal, or cell) capable of surviving or living successfully, esp. under particular environmental conditions. (of a fetus or unborn child) able to live after birth.
derivatives: vi»a»ba»i»ty vi»a»bly
-ble
|
.via'bilate
|
n.
|
n.
a long bridgelike
structure, typically a series of arches, carrying a road or railroad across a valley or other
low ground. Cf. aqueduct. Vic*ar 'viksr . n. (in the Church of England) an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layman. (in other Anglican Churches) a member of (in the the clergy deputizing for another. Roman Catholic Church) a representative or deputy of a bishop. (in the Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel. a cleric or choir member appointed to sing certain parts of a cathedral service. DERIVATIVES vic»ar»ship |-,SHip| n. vl*car»i*OUS jvi'keress; V3-| •adj. experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person: / could glean vicarious pleasure from the struggles of my imaginary film friends. acting or done for another: a vicarious atonement. of or pertaining to the performance by one organ of the functions normally dis|
|
:
charged by another.
DERIVATIVES: vi»car»i»ous»ly
adv. vi«car»
i*ous*ness n. vice^roy 'vis,roi • n. 1 a ruler exercising authority in a colony on behalf of a sovereign. DERIVATIVES vice»roy»al ,vis'roi-3l adj. vice»roy»ship |-,SHip| n. vic*l»nage 'visanij • n. another term for vi|
|
:
|
|
|
|
cinity.
Vlc*l*nal
'visanl
|
I
•
adj.
neighboring; adja-
cent.
chemistry) relating to or denoting sub-
stituents attached to adjacent
atoms
in a ring
or chain.
vi*ci0US
|
derivatives: vic«timM«za»tion
.viktama 'zasHsn n. vic«tim*iz»er n. vict*ual 'vitl dated • n. (victuals; sometimes in informal contexts, vittles) food or proviI
•
• adj. 1 deliberately cruel 'visHss or violent: a vicious assault. (of an animal) wild and dangerous to people. serious or dangerous: a vicious flu bug. immoral: every soul on earth, virtuous or vicious, shall perish. 2 (of language or a line of reasoning) imperfect; defective. derivatives: vi»cious»ly adv. vi»cious» I
I
ness n. vi*cious cir»cle (also vicious cycle) . n. 1 a sequence of reciprocal cause and effect in which two or more elements intensify and aggravate each other, leading inexorably to a worsening of the situation. 2 (in logic) a definition or statement that begs the question.
vi*cis*si*tude
lv3'sis3,t(y)ood|
|-,sis3
't(y)oOdn-3s; -'t(y)(5odn3s adj. vlc«tlm*ize l'vikt9,miz| » V. [trans ] single (someone) out for cruel or unjust treatment: scam artists who victimize senior citizens. |
I
adv.
|
Vl»a»duct I'via.dsktl
(in
alternation between opposite or contrasting
adj.
•
I
I
.
w.
(usu.
I
sions, typically as prepared for
consumption.
(victualed, victualing ; Brit, victualled, victualling) [trans.] provide with food or other stores: the ship wasn't even properly vict•
V.
ualed. [intrans.] obtain or lay in food or other stores: a voyage of such length, that no ship could vict-
ual for.
[intrans.]
me
eat: victual with
next Sat-
urday.
vi*de
'vede; 've,da; 'vide
|
• v.
[with
obj.,
in im-
I
see; consult (used as
perative]
an instruction in
a text to refer the reader to a specified pas-
sage, book, author, etc., for fuller or further information): vide note 6 on p. 225. vl*de*li*cet va'deb.set; -sat; -'dab.keti |
•
adv.
more formal term
for viz.
vie vi • v. (vying) [intrans.] compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something: rival mobs vying for control of the liquor I
I
business.
vig»i*lance 'vijabns • n. the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. derivatives: vigM«lant adj. vig»i»lant»ly |
|
adv.
vig*i*lan*te .vija'lsente • n. a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority, typically because the legal agencies are thought to be inadequate. |
I
derivatives: vign»lan»tism |-,tiz3m| n. vi*gnette |vin'yet| *n. 1 a brief evocative description, account, or episode. 2 a small illustration or portrait photograph that fades into its background without a definite border. a small ornamental design filling a space in a book or carving, typically based on fohage. . V. [trans.] portray (someone) in the style of a vignette.
produce (a photograph) in the style of a vignette by softening or shading away the edges of the subject.
derivatives: vi'gneftist vig*or
'vigar |
(Brit,
vigour)
|-'yetist| .
n.
1
n.
physical
I
strength and good health. effort, energy, and enthusiasm: they set about strong, healthy the new task with vigor. growth of a plant. 2 (in law) legal or binding force; validity.
derivatives: vig«or»less
I'vigarbsl
adj.
speak or write about in an abusively disparaging 'vib.fi
Vil«l«fy
I
. V.
(-ies, -ied)
[trans.]
I
marmer: he has been
vilified in the press.
460
villein
derivatives: vilM»G»ca«tion SHan
,vibfi'ka-
I
whom
in return for land.
derivatives: vil«lein»age n. vim vim • n. energy; enthusiasm: I
I
in his youth
he was full of vim and vigor. vin»di*cate rvind3,kat| •v. [trans.] clear (someone) of blame or suspicion: hospital staff were vindicated by the inquest. show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified: more sober views were vindicated by events.
derivatives: vin«di«ca*ble
l-kaball
adj.
vin«di»ca»tion .vinda'kasHsn n. vin»di» ca»tor |-,kat3rj n. vin»di«ca«to»ry j-ka |
|
,
tore
adj.
personalized.
derivatives:
vin»dic«tive«ly adv. vin« dic»tive»ness n. vln*i*CUl*ture 'vins.kalcHsrI . n. the cultivation of grapevines for winemaking. derivatives: vin»i»cul»tur»al .vina'ksl|
|
CH(3)r3l|
vinM«cul»turMst
adj.
|
iVina'kal-
n.
vi*nous
'vinss • adj. of, resembling, or associated with wine: a vinous smell. fond of or influenced by drinking wine: his |
I
vinous companion. of the reddish color of wine. derivatives: vi»nos»i»ty |vi'nas3te| n. vi» nous»ly adv. • n. a musical instrument of the vi»ol 'vial Renaissance and baroque periods, typically I
I
six-stringed, held vertically
bow. Vl*per
and played with
a
'vlpar • n. 1 a venomous snake (famViperidae) with large hinged fangs, typically having a broad head and stout body, with dark patterns on a lighter background. a spiteful or treacherous person. 2 a smoker of marijuana or opium; a heroin addict. I
I
ily
derivatives: vi»perMne adj.
vi«per«ish
adj.
|
'vip3,rin; -rin|
vi»per»ous
|
'vip(3)r3s
|
adj.
vi*ra»go Iva'rago; -'ra-| « n. (pi. -os or -oes) a domineering, violent, or bad-tempered
woman. a woman of masculine strength or spirit; a female warrior. vi»res»cent Iva'resant; vi-| 'adj. greenish. derivatives: vi«res»cence n. vi«res»
cent'ly adv. • «. vir*gln 'varjan a person, typically a woman, who has never had sexual intercourse. a naive, innocent, or inexperienced person, esp. in a particular context: a political virgin. (the Virgin) the mother of Jesus; the Virgin Mary. a woman who has taken a vow to remain a virgin. (the Virgin) the zodiacal sign or constellation Virgo. a female insect that produces eggs without being fertilized. |
|
being, relating to, or appropri-
[attrib.]
ate for a virgin: his virgin bride. Cf. celibate;
CHASTE. 2 not yet touched, used or exploited: acres of virgin forests virgin snow. (of clay) not yet fired. (of wool) |
not yet, or only once, spun or woven. (of olive oil) obtained from the first pressing of olives. (of metal) made from ore by smelting. vir*gule 'var.gyool • «. a slanting or upright line used esp. in medieval manuscripts to mark a caesura, or as a puntuation mark |
|
comma.
equivilent to a
vir*i»des»cent
,vira'desant
adj.
. |
|
becoming green. DERI VAT IVES: virM'des'cence
greenish
or
vi*rid*i*ty |va'ridate|
n.
the qualor state of being green; verdancy. figurative innocence; freshness; inexperience. • adj. vir»ile 'viral (of a man) having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive. having or characterized by strength and energy: a strong, virile performance of the symphony. •
n. poetic/literary
ity
|
I
Vin»dic»tlve |vin'diktiv| 'adj. having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge: the criticism was both vindictive and
CHaristI
adj. 1
|
vil»i»G»er n. 'vibn; -,an| • n. (in medieval England) a feudal tenant entirely subject to a lord or manor to he paid dues and services n.
I
vlHeIn
virtuoso •
|
DERIVATIVES:
vi»ril»i»ty |va'rilate| n.
,var'too (also vertu) . n. 1 knowledge of or expertise in the fine arts. curios or objets d'art collectively. 2 the good qualities inherent in a person or thing. vir*tu*al 'varcnawal • adj. almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition: the virtual absence of
vir«tu
I
|
|
|
border controls. (in computing) not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so: a virtual computer See also virtual reality.
which produced backward. (in
(in optics) relating to the points at
rays
would meet
if
physics) denoting particles or interactions with extremely short lifetimes and (owing to the uncertainty principle) indefinitely great energies, postulated as intermediates in some
processes.
derivatives: vir«tu«alM»ty
|
,varCHa'wael-
ate| n.
vlr*tu*al
re*al*i*ty
.
n.
computer-
the
generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. • n. vir»tlJe 'varCH/~iJ/^ct^}
-thrill/I yttriYri't^ir
apo-
away from; separate
apocrypha, apocarpous
aqua-
of or relating to water
aquaculture, aquamarine
arch-
chief; principal
archbishop, arch-fiend
archaeo-, archeo-
ancient; prehistoric
archaeology
arterio-
of or relating to the arteries
arteriosclerosis
arthro-, arthr-
of or relating to joints
arthroscope, arthritis
astro-
of stars or space
astronomy, astrophysics
audio-, audi-
of or relating to hearing or sound
audiovisual, audible
spontaneous
auto-, aut-
self;
baro-, bar-, -baric
of or relating to pressure
barometer, hyperbaric
bathy-, batho-
of or relating to depth
bathyscaphe
bi-
two; twice; every two; lasting
biathlon, biannual, bicentennial,
two
biennium
autonomous, automatic
biblio-
of or relating to books
bio-
of or relating to
-biosis, -biotir
denoting or relating to a mode of life
symbiosis, antibiotic
brachy-, -brach
short
brachy cephalic, amphibrach
broncho-, bronch-
of or relating to
caco-, cac-, kak-
bad or worst
cacophony, kakistocracy
calli-, cal-
good, beautiful
callipygean, calisthenics
carcino-
of or relating to cancer
carcinogenic
cardio-, cardi-, -cardia
of or relating to the heart
cardiogram, tachycardia
cata-, cat-, kata-
down (ward); wrongly
air
bibliophile, bibliography
biology,
life
passages
or badly; completely; against
biohazard
bronchial
,
bronchopneumonia
catadromous, katabatic, catachresis, cataclysm, catapult
-cele, -coele
swelling; hernia
meningocele
centi-
one hundredth; hundred
centiliter,
-cephalic, -cephalous,
of or elating to the head;
brachycephalic, cephalometry,
cephalo-
-headed
hydrocephalous
centipede
476
Prefixes, Suffixes,
and Combining Forms
Combining Form
Meaning
cerato-, cerat-
see kerato-
Example (s)
cerebro-, cerebr-
of or relating to the brain
cheiro-
see chiro-
chemi-, chemico-, chemo-
of or relating to drugs or chemicals
chemotherapy
cerebrospinal
chiro-, cheiro-
of the hand or hands
chiropody, chiromancy
chlor-, chloro-
green; of or relating to chlorine
chloracne, chloroquine
chromato-, chromat-,
color; of colors
chromatic, chromosome
chrono-, chron-
of or relating to time
chronometer, chronic
chrys-, chryso-
of or relating to gold
chrysanthemum
-cide, -cidal
of killing or a
cine-
of or relating to film
cinematic
circum-
around; about
circumpolar, circumlocution
clado-, clad-
of or relating to a branch or
cladogram,
chromo-
regicide, homicide, suicidal
killer
cladistics
branching -clinic
denoting, or relating to a slope
-coele
see -cele
clin-, -clinal, -cline,
contra-
of,
against or opposite; below or
clinometer, geosyncline
contraband, contrabass
beyond
copro-
of or relating to dung or feces
coprophagous, coprophilia
cortico-, cortic-
of or relating to a cortex
corticosteroid
cosmo-, cosm-
of or relating to the world or universe
cosmography
-cracy
denoting a form of govern-
autocracy, democracy
ment or
rule
cranio-, crani-
of or relating to the skull
-crat
denoting a
or supporter of a form of government or rule
plutocrat, technocrat
-cratic
of or relating to a form of government or rule
bureaucratic, theocratic
cryo-
of or involving cold
cyosurgery, cryogenics
crypto-, crypt-
concealed; secret
cryptogram, crypto-fascist
cupr-, cupro-
of or relating to copper
cupronickel
cyano-, cyan-
of or relating to blue or dark blue
cyanosis
cyber-
of or relating to electronic
cyberspace, cybernaut
member
craniotomy
communications
cyno-
of or relating to dogs
cysto-, cyst-
of or relating to the bladder
cystotomy
-cyte, cyt-
denoting a mature
lymphocyte
cyto-
of a
deca-, dec-
ten
decahedron, decalogue
deci-
tenth
deciliter
demi-
half; inferior or partial
demitasse, demigod
dendro-, dendron
denoting or relating to a tree
dendrology, rhododendron
cell
or trees
cell
or cells
cynodont
cytology, cytoplasm
Prefixes, Suffixes,
Combining Form
and Combining Forms
477
Meaning
Example (s)
dermato, dermat-
of or relating to the skin
dermatitis
dextro-
on or
dextrorotatory
di-
twice;
dia-, di-
through or across; apart
dorsi-, dorso-
of, to,
-drome
denoting a place tor running or racing; running or proceeding a certain way
hippodrome, palindrome
dys-
bad; difficult
dyspepsia, dyslexia, dysfunctional
eco-
relating to ecology
ecosystem, eco-terrorism
6CtO~
outer; external
-ectomy
denoting removal of
-emia, -hemia, -aemia,
septicemia, leukemia
-haemia
denoting presence of a substance in the blood
encephalo-, encephal-
of or relating to the brain
encephalopathy
endo-, end-
internal; within
endoderm, endogenous
entero-, enter-
of or relating to the intestine
enterovirus, enteritis
upon; above; in addition
epitaph, eptcotyl, epiphenomenon
erythro-, erythr-
red
erythrocyte, erythromycin
ethno-
of or relating to a people or nation
ethnocentric, ethnology
eu~
good; well; easily
eupeptic,
eury-
denoting a wide variety or
eurytopic
exo-
outside
exobiology, exoskeleton, exoteric
-facient
producing a specified action
abortifacient
to the right
two
dichromatic, dioxide
or on the back
diameter, diakinesis dorsiventral
ectoderm, ectoplasm a part
appendectomy compare -otomy
euphemism, euphony
or state
-faction
denoting a specified action
liquefaction, satisfaction
or state
-ferous, -iferous
having, bearing, or containing pestiferous, Carboniferous
ferro-, fen*-
containing iron
-fic, -fication
making
fluvio-
of or relating to a river or
ferroconcrete, ferromagnetic terrific, simplification
fluvioglacial
rivers
-fuge
expelling or dispelling
vermifuge, centrifuge
-fy
make
satisfy, mollify
Gallo-
French
Gallo-German
-gamous, -gamy
of or relating to marriage or reproduction
exogamous, heterogamy
gastr-, gastro-
of or relating to the stomach
gastrectomy, gastroenteritis
-gate
denoting an actual or alleged scandal (suggestive of
Irangate, Travelgate
-gen
denoting a substance producing or produced
-genie
producing, produced, or
carcinogenic, iatrogenic.
suited to
photogenic
producing; inducing; origina-
erogenous, endogenous
"V('atergate")
-genous
allergen, cultigen
ting in
-geny
denoting a mode of production
orogeny, phylogeny
478
Prefixes, Suffixes,
and Combining Forms
Combining Form
Meaning
Example (s)
geo-, ge-
of or relating to the earth
geochemistry, geomorphic
geront-, geronto-, gero-, ger-
of or relating to old age
gerontocracy, geriatrics
glyco-, glyc-
of, relating to,
or producing
glycogenesis, glycoside
sugar
-gon
having a certain number of
hexagon, pentagon
angles
-gony
denoting a kind of origin or reproduction
cosmogony
-gram
denoting something written or recorded
cryptogram, telegram
-graph
denoting something written or drawn; denoting a recording instrument
autograph, seismograph
-grapher
denoting a person concerned with a subject
geographer
-graphic
of a subject or study
demographic, oceanographic
-graphy
denoting a science or technique, a style, or a kind of
geography, radiography, calligraphy, hagiography
writing
gymno-, gymn-
naked
gyneco-
of or relating to
-gynous, -gyne
having female organs
epigynous
gyro-
of or relating to rotation
gyroscope, gyrostabilizer
haemato-, haemo-
see hemo-
-haemia
see -emia
hagio-, hagi-
of or relating to saints or
gymnosperm, gymnasium
women
gynecology
hagiography
saintliness
halo-, hal-
of or relating to salinity or halogens
halophile
helio-
of or relating to the svm
heliocentric, heliometer
hemato-, haemato-,
of or relating to blood
hematoma
hemi-
half
hemisphere, hemistich
-hemia
see -emia
hemo-
see hemato-
hepato-, hepat-
of or relating to the
hepta-
seven
hetero-, heter-
different; diverse
heterosexual, heterogeneous
hexa-, hex-
six
hexagon, hexagram
hiero-, hier-
sacred; holy
hierophant, hieroglyphic
histo-, hist-
of or relating to organic tissue
histochemistry, histocompatibility
holo-, hol-
whole; complete
holocaust, holistic
homo-, hom-
same; relating to homosexual
homogeneous, homoerotic
hemo-
liver
hepatomegaly, hepatitis heptagon, heptathlon
love
homeo-
similar
homeopathy
hydr-, hydro-
of or relating to water; of accumulation of fluid
hydraulic, hydroelectric,
hyper-
over or beyond; exceeding;
hyperborean, hypersonic,
excessively
hyperactive
relating to sleep or hypnosis
hypnagogic, hypnotherapy
hypno-, hypn-
hydrocephalus
Prefixes, Suffixes,
and Combining Forms
Combining Form
Meaning
Example (s)
hypo-, hyp-
below or lower
hypodermic, hypoglycemia,
iatro-, -iatry, -iatric
of or relating to doctors or medical treatment
iatrogenic, psychiatry
ichthyo-, ichthy-
of or relating to fish
ichthyosaur
icono~) icon-
of or relating to images or icons
iconology, iconoclast
ideo-
of or relating to an idea or
ideology, ideograph
479
hypesthesia
form idio-
distinct; private; personal
idiotype, idiopathic
infra-
below or under
infraorder, infrastructure
inter-
between or among; mutually
intercollegiate, interdependent
intra-
on the
intro-
into or inwards
introversion, intromission
-ism
denoting an action, result, or quality; denoting a system or
baptism, exorcism, barbarism. feminism, Americanism,
inside or within
intrados, intramural
alcoholism arity in language;
denoting a
condition iso-
equal
kak-
see caco-
kerato-, kerat-, cerato-, cerat-
of or relating to horny tissue or the cornea
keratin, keratotomy
kilo-
one thousand
kilometer
kineto-, kinet-, -kinesis
of or relating to
labio-
of or relating to the
lacto-, lact-
of or relating to milk, lactic acid, or lactose
lactovegetarian, lactobacillus
-later
denoting a worshiper
idolater
-latry
denoting a kind of worship
lepto-, lept-
small;
leuko-, leuk-, leuco-
white
ligni-, ligno-, lign-
of or relating to
lipo-, lip-
relating to fat or lipids
isobar, isosceles, isomer
movement lips
narrow
ClCllULUl^
kinetoscope, kinetics, hyperkinesis
labiodental
idolatry,
Mariolatry
leptocephalic
leukemia, leukocyte
yjl
wood
ICictLlll^ LU dLUIlC)
lignify, lignocellulose
liposuction, lipoprotein Jithn^rm-hh hnthnlith hthntntfiv
-lite
a kidney stone, or a mineral
sodalite
-log, -logue
denoting a discourse or compilation
dialogue, catalog, monologue
denoting a person skilled or involved in a branch of study or art
logo-
of or relating to words
logomachy
-logue, -log
denoting discourse or compilation of a type
catalog, dialogue
-logy, -ology, -logical, -logic
denoting or relating to a sub- psychology, eulogy, ject of study or type of speech philological or language
-lysis, lyso-, lys-
denoting disintegration or decomposition
hydrolysis, hemolysis, autolysis
-Ij^c, -lyte
corresponding to nouns ending in -lysis
hydrolytic
trilogy.
480
Prefixes, Suffixes,
and Combining Forms
Combining Form macro-, macr-
Meaning
Example (s)
long; large
macroevolution, macromolecule,
mal-
unpleasantly; badly; improperly; not
-mancy, -mantic
denoting or relating to
macroeconomics malodorous, malfunction, malpractice, maladroit divi-
geomancy, necromantic
nation by a specified means
mega-
very large; by a factor of one million
megalith, megadeath
megalo-, megal-
abnormally large or great
-meister
skilled or
melano-, melan-
black or dark
mero-
partly; partial
-merous
having a specified
meso-, mes-
middle; intermediate
meso-America, mesomorph
meta-, met-
denoting a change; denoting position behind, after, or beyond; denoting something of a higher or second order
metamorphosis, metacarpus,
measuring; having a particu-
thermometer, hexameter
prominent
in a
megaloblast, megalopolis schlockmeister, gagmeister
specified activity
melanoma, melanism
meronym
number of
pentamerous
(biological) parts
-meter, -metric, -metrical
lar
-metry
metalanguage
measure
denoting procedures and systems involving measure-
calorimetry, geometry
ment micro-, micr-
small; reduced;
mim-
a thousand (chiefly denoting
one millionth
micromini, microprocessor,
microfarad
a factor of
milligram, millipede
one thousandth)
mis-
wrongly; badly; unsuitably
misapply, mismanage,
-monger
dealer or trader; promoter of
fishmonger, warmonger
-morph, -morphic, -morphism, morpho-
having, denoting, or relating to a specified form or character
endomorph, mesomorphic,
-mycin
in
names of antibiotics derived firom fungi
streptomycin
myco-
relating to fimgi
mycology
myo-, my-
of or relating to muscles
myocardium, myalgia
nano-
very small; denoting a factor of 10-9
nanoplankton, nanosecond
narco-
of a state of insensibility; of narcotic drugs or drug traffic
narcolepsy, narcoterrorism
naso-
of or relating to the nose
nasogastric
necro-
relating to a corpse or death
necromancy, necrophilia
neo-
new; a new or revived form
neonate, neoconservative
neuro-, neur-
relating to nerves or the
neuroanatomy, neurohormone
some
misname
activity or feeling
morphological
nervous system
-nomy
an area of knowledge or the laws governing it
astronomy, gastronomy
odonto-, -odon, -odont
relating to a tooth or teeth;
odontology, odontophore,
having teeth of a particular
mastodon
type
Prefixes, Suffixes,
and Combining Forms
Combining Form
Meaning
Example (s)
-oid
denoting resemblance
asteroid, rhomboid, factoid
oleo-, ole-
relating to or containing oil
oleomargarine, oleaginous
oligo-, olig-
having or involving few
oligopoly, oligarchy
-ology
see -logy
-oma
denoting tumors or growths
carcinoma
onco-
of or relating to tumors or cancer
oncology
-ont, ont-
denoting or relating to an schizont, ontology individual or cell of a specified type
onto-, ont-
of or relating to existence
ontology
-onym, -onymous, -onymic
denoting or relating to names
acronym, synonymous, patronymic
oo-
of or denoting an egg or
-opia
denoting a visual disorder
-opsy
denoting an examination
biopsy
ornitho-, ornith-
relating to or like a bird or
ornithology, ornithopter
ovum
oocyte
myopia, presbyopia
birds
oro-
of or relating to mountains
orogeny
ortho-, orth-
straight; correct
orthodontics, orthodox
osteo-, oste-
of or relating to the bones
osteoporosis, osteopathy
oto-, ot-
of or relating to the ears
otolaryngology, otoscope
ovi-, ovo-
of or relating to eggs or ova
oviparous
oxy-, ox-
denoting sharpness; having oxygen
oxymoron, oxyacetylene
paedo-
see pedo-
paleo-, palaeo-
older or ancient
Paleolithic, paleoclimatology
pan-
all-inclusive
pan-African, pansexual,
panto-
all;
para-, par-
beside or adjacent to;
pantheistic
pantograph, pantomime
universal
parathyroid, paramilitary
analogous to
para-
protecting or warding off
parasol, parachute
-parous
bearing offspring or repro-
multiparous, viviparous
ducing in a specified manner
-path
practitioner of curative treat-
homeopath, psychopath
ment; sufferer from a disease
patho-
relating to disease
pathogenesis, pathology
-pathy
denoting feelings; denoting
sympathy, neuropathy, hydropathy
disorder; relating to curative
treatment
-pede, -pedal
denoting or relating to feet
centipede, bipedal
pedo-, ped-, paedo-
of or relating to a child or children
pediatric, pedophile
pedo-
of or relating to
pedogenic
soil
or
soil
types
penta-
five;
per-
through or
having
five all
over;
pentagram, pentadactyl pervade, perfect, pervert
completely; to destruction or ill
peri-
effect
round or about; nearest
pericardium, perihelion
481
482
Prefixes, Suffixes,
V^^l&lLrllllll^ M
and Combining Forms
Ill
petro-, petr-
of or relating to rock; relating to
petrography, petrochemical
petroleum
-phagous, -phage
feeding on a particular food
coprophagous, bacteriophage
-phagy
denoting eating of a particular food
anthropophagy
-phasia
denoting a type of speech
aphasia
disorder
pheno-, phen-, -phane
derived from benzene;
phenobarbiiol, phenotype
philo-, phil-, -phile
denoting a liking for a
philosopher, philanthrope,
specific thing
bibliophile
-phil
having a chemical
-philia, -phily
denoting (esp. abnormal) fondness or inclination
pedophilia, spasmophilia
-phobe
having a fear or dislike of
homophobe, xenophobe
acidophil
affinity
something
-phobia
extreme or irrational fear or
arachnophobia, photophobia
dislike
-phone
denoting a sound instrument; HpnntincT n ^r^palcpr specific
nYi on nhrkn— jLfll\Jll^ JL/llwlltJ^
saxophone, francophone
(^f ^
language
*nhrtn\/ ClCilULlll^ all a^CllL
UCalCl
KJl
lonophore, semaphore
photo-, phot-
relating to light; relating to
phren-, -phrenia, -phrenic
of or relating to the mind
phrenology, schizophrenia
phyllo-, phyll-, -phyllous
of or relating to a leaf or
phyllotaxis
photosensitive, photojournalism
photography
leaves
phylophysio-, phys-
of or relating to a race, tribe, or species
phylogeny
relating to nature; relating to
physiocrat, physiotherapy
^iiy oiuiugy
-pnytc organism
phyto-
of or relating to plants
phytogc og vuphy
-plasty, -plast, -plastic
molding, grafting, or
rhinoplasty
LSJl llld.Ll\Jll
pleo-, pleio-, plio-
more
pneumato-
of or containing VKJ
pleonasm, Pliocene air; relating
pneumatophore, pneumatology
LllC opil IL
nr
r\f KJL yjL
r^^latino" IV^ldLlil^
to LvJ
liincTQ tViP LXi^ ILXli^d
or VJl
to the presence of air or gas
-pod, -pode, -podous, pod- of or
like a foot
tripod,
podagra
poly-
many, much
polyandry, polychrome
pre-, prae-
before
precede, precocious, pre-adolescent
proto-, prot-
original; primitive; first or
prototype, protozoan, protogalaxy
anterior
pseudo-, pseud-
purported or
false;
resem-
psycho-
relating to the
psychology
mind
pseudoscience,
pseudohallucination
bling or imitating
or
psychometrics, psychobabble
Prefixes, Suffixes, Combining Form
and Combining Forms
Meaning
483
Example (s) wings
ptero-, -pter
relating to or having
pyro-, pyr-
of or relating to fire; denoting a mineral or compound formed or affected by heat or having a fiery color
pyromania, pyrophosphate
apparently but not really;
quasi-scientific, quasicrystalline
quasi-
pterosaur, helicopter
partly or almost
denoting radio waves or broadcasting; connected with
radio-, radi-
radiogram, radiogenic, radio-carpal
radioactivity; belonging to
the radius
denoting backward or reciprocal action; denoting location behind
retrogression, retrosternal
rhino-
of or relating to the nose
rhinoplastic
-rrhea, -rrhoea, rheo-
discharge, flow
diarrhea, logorrhea, rheostat
rhodo-, rhod-
roselike, rosy
rhodocrosite, rhododendron
sapro-, sapr-
relating to putrefaction or
saprogenic, saprophyte
decay sarco-, sarc-
of or relating to flesh
sarcoma, sarcophagus
schizo-, schiz-
divided or split; relating to schizophrenia
schizocarp, schizotype
sclero-, -scler-
hard, hardened, or hardening
scleroderma, arteriosclerosis
-sect, -section
of cutting or dividing
bisect, vivisection
semi-
half; twice; partly
semicircle,
semiannual,
semiconscious
sero-
relating to a serous
serum; involving
serotype, serositis
membrane
sesqui-
denoting one and a half
Sino-
Chinese, Chinese and
Sino-Soviet, Sinologist
relating to society; relating
socioeconomic, sociolinguistics
sesquicentenary
to sociology
of or relating to the
human
somatotype
body
-some
denoting a part of the body or of a cell
chromosome
somn-
of or relating to sleep
somnolent, somniferous
sono-
of or relating to sound
sonogram
spiro-
spiral or in a spiral
spirochete
spiro-
relating to breathing
spirometer
-stasis, -static
slowing
-Stat
denoting instruments, etc., maintaining a controlled state
rheostat,
steno-
narrow
stenography, stenosis
stereo-
stereography, stereophonic of solid forms with three dimensions; of three-dimensional
down
or stopping
hemostasis
hemostat
effect
of or relating to layers or
strati-, strat-
stratigraphy
strata
sub- (sue-, suf-, super-, sur-
etc.)
lower; somewhat; secondary;
subalpine, subordinate,
supporting
subconscious, sublet, subvention
above or beyond; to a great
superstructure, superabundant,
degree; extra large; of a higher kind
supercontinent, superfamily
484
Prefixes, Suffixes,
and Combining Forms
Combining Form
Meaning
Example (s)
supra-
above; beyond
suprarenal, supranational
sur-
see super-
syn-, sym-, syl-
united; acting or considered
synthesis,
sympathy, syllogism
together
tacho-, tachy-
relating to speed; rapid
tachometer; tachycardia
tauto-
LUULULU^y
taxo-, taxi-, tax-
of or relating to grouping or arranging
taxonomy
tele-, tel-
of or at a distance; operating over a distance; relating to television; done over the telephone
telekinesis, telemeter, televangelist.
tetra-
four, having four
tetragram
theo-, the-
relating to
thermo-, -therm, -thermy
relating to heat
thermodynamics
-tome
denoting an instrument for cutting; denoting a section or fragment
microtome, myotome
cutting
episiotomy
Ul Ur IClaLlllg LU piaCCb Ui
topography, topology
toxi-, toxico-, toxo-, -toxic
of or relating to poisons
toxicology
trans-
across or beyond;
-tomy lopo-,
mp—
God
or to deities
on or
to
the other side; through;
telemarketing
theocentric, theistic
transcontinental, transalpine. transonic, transform, transcendent
going beyond -trix
woman
denoting a
man would -trophic
(where a be denoted -tor)
relating to nutrition; relating
to
executrix, dominatrix
oligotrophic,
gonadotropic
maintenance or regulation
-tropic, trop-
turning toward; affecting; maintaining or regulating
heliotropic, psychotropic
ultra-
beyond; extreme
ultramontane, ultraconservative
ur-
primitive, original, or earliest
urtext
urano-, uran-
relating to the heavens;
uranography, uraninite
relating to
uranium
who works
-urgy, -urge
of work; one
-uria
designating that a substance is present in the urine, esp. in excess
phenylketonuria
uro-
of or relating to urine or the urinary organs
urogenital
of or relating to vessels, esp.
vasodilation
vaso-, vas-
thaumaturgy, demiurge
blood vessels
worm
vermi-
relating to or like a
-vorous, -vore
feeding on
carnivorous, omnivore
xeno-, xen-
relating to foreigners; other
xenophobia, xenograft
vermiform
or different
xero-, xer-
drv
xylo-, xyl-
of or relating to
zoo-
of animals; relating to animal
xeroderma, xeriscaping
wood
xylophagous, xylophone
zoogeography
life
zygo-
relating to joining or pairing
zygodactyl
%8i4iiidian
Street
.
^
1 .
Reference
A Handy Reference Tool Focusing on
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Most
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need.
^
A portable reference, it features more than 10,000 entries
that focus exclusively
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that,
while outside most people's
working vocabulary, are often encountered in literature, in technical writings such as computing or medical terminolog}; and in such diverse subject areas as law, philosophy and art. Special attention
is
given to easily confused or closely related words.
I
Usage notes are provided to ensure that readers know how to^ words into their vocabularies for more precision and power in speech and writing.
integrate these
Drawing on Oxford's exclusive 200 -miUion- word database of contemporary English, this handy volume helps us with the words that lie just outside our vocabulary, words we w^on't find in other portable dictionaries.
"From explanations of closely
related, often
confused words
jisage notes, the Oxford Dictionary ofDifficult Words
important guidelines."
Cover design by Kathleen M. Lynch
OXPORD \
UNIVERSITY PRESS www.oup.com
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