solemn solmizate somatotonic adj ... - Bent Sound...

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

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solemnadj/ SsBlEm /Lmarked by full realization andacceptance of all that is involved.Donald looked solemn as heapologized to the class.

solemnly

solenoglyph

solenoidn/ SsPlETnOid /Gka coil of wire commonly in theform of a long cylinder that carriesa current.It took a long time to trace thepower failure to a faulty solenoid.

soleprint

solfeggio

solicit

solicituden/ sESlisETtVd /Luneasiness of mind due to fear.Having few wants, he had littlecause for solicitude.

solipsistn/ SsPlDpsDst /L + Lan adherent or advocate of anextreme version of subjectiveidealism.To Traci, the sculptor was nothingmore than an affected solipsist,pawning off junk as art.

solitaryadj/ SsBlETterG /Lsingle, individual, sole.The road raced ahead in a series ofgentle curves that began to lookfamiliar, and off in the distance asolitary tollbooth appeared.

solmizatev/ SsBlmETzCt /L > Fsing using a set of syllables todenote the tones of a musical scale.In the musical The Sound of Music,Maria composes a song called “DoRe Mi” to teach her young pupilsto solmizate.

soloistn/ SsPlEwDst /L > It + Ecfone who performs with no partneror associate.Charles is an occasional soloist inhis school’s modern danceperformances.

Solomonicadj/ TsBlESmBnik /Heb namemarked by notable wisdom,reasonableness, or discretionespecially under tryingcircumstances.Naeem’s Solomonic solution to aworkplace disagreement earnedhim a reputation as a peacemaker.

solution

solvev/ SsBlv /L > Efind an answer, solution, orexplanation for.The algebra teacher asked herclass to solve five word problems,but only one student got a perfectscore.

solvencyn/ SsBlvEnsG /Lthe quality or state of being able topay all legal debts.After Jack’s financial setbacks, hedeterminedly struggled back tosolvency.

somatotonicadj/ sESmaZETtIp /Gkexhibiting a pattern ofaggressiveness, love of physicalactivity, vigor, and alertness.With his somatotonic personality,Brian gets more done before ninein the morning than most peopleget done all day.

somatotypen/ SsPmEZETtIp /Gkbody type : physique.Considering Phil’s thin, slightbuild, the physician classified hissomatotype as ectomorphic.

sombran/ SsBmbrE /L > Spthe shady side or section of abullfight arena.Richard was glad he had a seat inthe sombra.

sommeliern/ TsOmElSyC /L > Prov > Fa waiter in a restaurant who hascharge of wines and their service.The sommelier at L’Escoffier isfamous for his knowledge of rareand unusual European wines.

somniferousadj/ sBmSnif(E)rEs /Ltending to induce sleep.For most of July the city baked insomniferous heat.

somnipathyn/ sBmSnipEthG /Labnormal or disordered sleep (as ina hypnotic state).Sleeping with open eyes is normalfor Aaron, not some sort ofsomnipathy.


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somnolentadj/ SsBmnElEnt /Ltending to induce drowsiness orsleepiness.Jeff could feel his eyelids gettingheavier as he listened to thesomnolent sermon.

sonable

sonata

sonnetn/ SsBnDt /L > OPa fixed verse form of Italian originconsisting of 14 lines.Thomas remembered memorizingin high school a sonnet aboutTriton and a wreathed horn.

sonobuoyn/ SsBnETbVi /L + Gmc > F > Ea float equipped with a hydrophonefor detecting underwater soundsand an automatic radio transmitterfor transmitting the sounds.The airman dropped a sonobuoyover the submarine’s last knownlocation.

sontag

sophomoricadj/ TsBf(E)SmPrik /Gkexhibiting a firm and oftenaggressive conviction ofknowledge and wisdom and beingunaware of limitations and lack ofmaturity.Cora’s sophomoric analysisirritated the other board members.

sorbefacient

sorbitol

sordid

sorehead

sorelyadv/ SsP(E)rlG /Eseverely, violently.Mongo was sorely vexed whenfaced with criticism.

soricine

sororaladj/ sESrPrEl /L + Ecfof, relating to, or being in therelationship of a sister.Due to their strong sororal bond,Melanie and Lynette are aware ofeach other’s emotions, even thoughthey live in different parts of thecountry.

sororate

sorrow

sorrowfuladj/ SsBrPfEl /Efull of or characterized byuneasiness or anguish due to loss(as of something loved or familiar).The author described his mother asa sorrowful, pathetic soul, plaguedby bad luck.

sortilege

soterialadj/ sPStirGEl /Gkof or relating to salvation.After the offertory the choir sang asoterial hymn.

soul

soundproof

soupcon

source

sourlyadv/ SsaU(E)rlG /Ein an unpleasant distasteful manner.Lee sourly puckered up his mouthand walked away.

sovereign

sowback

soybean

sozzle

spaceport

spadiceousadj/ spCSdishEs /Gk > Lof a bright clear brown or achestnut color.Madeline found a spadiceousfeather, which she thought wasfrom a hawk.

spanspek

spar

spareribsn pl/ Sspa(a)(r)Tribz /G > Ea cut of pork ribs and breastboneseparated from the bacon strip.Today’s featured items in thecafeteria are spareribs and peachpie.

sparkler

sparring

sparrow

spasm

spasmolysis

spasmolytic


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spasmsn pl/ SspazEmz /Gk > L > F > Esudden violent and temporaryactivities : bursts.The spasms of pain Terry isexperiencing are caused by aspinal injury.

spasticity

spathe

spatiography

spearheadn/ Sspi(E)rThed /E + Ethe sharp, pointed tip of a long, thinhurling weapon.Ada found an ancient spearheadnear the riverbank.

specialize

specie

specificadj/ spDSsifik /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] beingany of various arbitrary physicalconstants and especially onerelating a quantitative attribute tounit mass, volume, or area.Specific gravity is defined as theratio between the weight of asubstance and the weight of anequal volume of water at 4 degreesCelsius.

specificityn/ TspesESfisEZG /L + Ecffthe quality or state of being freefrom ambiguity.Mr. Spence values specificity in hisstudents’ essays.

speciosity

speckled

spectaclesn pl/ SspektDkEls /Lglasses that are supported by theears.The pair of spectacles in theantique shop were very small withround lenses and gold frames.

spectacularadj/ spekStakyElEr /Lof, relating to, or constituting aremarkable or noteworthy sight.The fireworks launched from theriver barge displayed a spectacularscene for the thousands watching.

spectrometern/ spekStrBmEZE(r) /L + Gkan instrument designed for theexamination and measurement ofchemical compounds.The mass spectrometer is used tosort atoms and moleculesaccording to their atomic masses.

spectroscope

speculatev/ SspekyETlCt /Lponder a subject in its differentaspects, relations, and implications.Despite all his efforts to speculateas to the outcome of his venture,Art was not at all prepared forwhat happened.

speculative

specus

speiss

speleologyn/ TspGlGSBlEjG /Gk + gkthe scientific study or systematicexploration of caves.Dale’s research in speleology takeshim to spectacular natural featuresaround the world.

spellbinder

spencern/ Sspen(t)sE(r) /E namea woman’s fitted jacket of waistlength or shorter.Miss Bates got her bonnet andspencer on and was ready to comeoutside.

Spencerianadj/ spenSsirGEn /American nameof, relating to, or characteristic of aform of slanting handwritingdeveloped by Americancalligrapher Platt Rogers Spencer.The documents in the attic trunkwere written in Spencerian script.

spendthriftn/ Sspen(d)Tthrift /E + ON > Eone that spends or uses wastefullyor improvidently.The legislator resented being calleda spendthrift at the public trough.

sphere

sphericityn/ sfDSrisEZG /Gkthe quality or state of beingspherical : roundness; especially :the degree of perfection of thesurface of a sphere.By circumnavigating Earth,Magellan confirmed Earth’ssphericity.

spherometern/ sfDSrBmEZE(r) /Gkan instrument for measuring thecurvature of a spherical object.The invention of the spherometersubstituted the sense of sight forthat of touch in the measurement ofcurved objects.


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sphingineadj/ SsfinTjIn /Gkresembling a sphinx.The writer described the MonaLisa’s enigmatic look as“sphingine.”sphragisticadj/ sfrESjistik /Gkrelating to seals and signets.The author discussed andillustrated the successive styles ofEnglish sphragistic art.

sphygmicadj/ Ssfigmik /Gkof or relating to the circulatorypulse.An instrument measured thepatient’s sphygmic changes duringthe operation.

sphygmomanometern/ Tsfig(T)mPmESnBmEZE(r) /Gkan instrument for measuring bloodpressure and especially arterialblood pressure.The nurse-practitioner checkedSiggie’s blood pressure with asphygmomanometer.

spiccatoadj/ spDSkBZ(T)P /Itperformed with springing bow—used as a direction in music forstringed instruments.The cellist excelled in playing thespiccato passages of the movement.

spiculiferousadj/ TspikyESlif(E)rEs /L + L + Lbearing small fleshy points orappendages.The shape of the sponge ismaintained by its spiculiferousskeleton.

spideryadj/ SspIdErG /Eresembling or suggesting a spiderweb; especially : composed of finethreads or lines in a weblikearrangement.The spidery lines on Joan’s leg arebroken capillaries.

spikiness

spinoseadj/ SspITnPs /Lfull of spines : armed with spines.The spinose porcupine has little tofear from most predators.

spintherism

spirit

spirographn/ SspIrETgraf /L + Gkan instrument for recordingrespiratory movements commonlyconsisting of a spirometer togetherwith a suitable recording device.Dr. Martinez scanned thespirograph for any irregularitiesbefore making his diagnosis.

spirogyran/ TspIrESjIrE /L > Gk > Lany plant of a genus of freshwatergreen algae forming slimy massesin still water and slow streams.The shallow pool was completelycovered with spirogyra.

spirulate

spite

spiteful

spittoon

spitz

splanchnic

splanchnologyn/ splaNkSnBlEjG /Gka branch of anatomy concernedwith the internal organs of thebody.Professor Adams supplemented hislectures in splanchnology withgraphic slides of the spleen, liver,and intestines.

splendiferous

splenomegalyn/ TsplGnESmegElG /Gkenlargement of the spleen.Patients affected with malariagenerally exhibit splenomegaly.

splicev/ SsplIs /Dunite two ropes or two parts of onerope by sticking or tucking thestrands of one rope or part betweenor around each other.Barton knew how to splice the oldrope to the new one so skillfullythat the join could hardly be seen.

splintered

splotchy

spoiler

spondeanadj/ spBnSdGEn /Gk + Ecfhaving, consisting of, orcharacterized by metrical feet oftwo long or stressed syllables.Poets occasionally use spondeanfeet to break or slow down thepredominant rhythm of a poem.

spondyliticadj/ TspBndESliZik /Gkaffected with inflammation of thevertebrae.The spondylitic patient was treatedwith anti-inflammatory drugs.


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sponge

sponsor

spoof

spoofery

sporadicadj/ spESraZik /Gkoccurring occasionally, singly, or inscattered instances.Mr. Gifford warned Katie thatcompleting her homework couldnot be a sporadic activity if shewanted to pass the class.

sporadicity

sprawlingv/ SsprOliN /Elying or sitting with arms and legsstretched out carelessly orawkwardly.The bucking of the horse sent thecowboy sprawling on the ground.

sprightly

sprinklingn/ SspriNk(E)liN /Ea limited quantity or amount : aslight portion : modicum.Portia complained that she hadreceived only a sprinkling ofoutstanding instruction in her firstyear of college.

spritzer

sprucen/ SsprVs /F > Ea variable color averaging a darkgrayish green.Mrs. Kim says that for herChristmas dinner tablecloth, theperfect shade of green to go withred napkins is spruce.

spunky

spurrier

spy

squabash

squabble

squallyadj/ SskwOlG /Scand?marked by sudden violent windsoften accompanied by rain or snow.When the weather became squally,the fishing boats headed back toport.

squalor

squamaceous

squamuloseadj/ SskwamyETlPs /Lcovered with minute scales.Squamulose lichens cover theseaside rocks.

squandermanian/ TskwBndE(r)SmCnGE /unknown + Gk > Lthe practice of spending moneyextravagantly especially by agovernment.The mayoral candidate promised tohalt the city’s squandermania ifelected.

squawker

squawking

squdgev/ SskwEj /imit?ooze.Stacia drove slowly along themuddy road, worried that the mudwould squdge into every crevice ofthe car.

squeakern/ SskwGkE(r) /Ea contest won by a narrow margin.The Raiders triumphed over theRams in a 7-6 squeaker.

squealer

squeeze

squeg

squelcher

squibberyn/ SskwibErG /unknownthe utterance or composition ofshort, humorous, satiric, orlampooning writing or speech.The opponents exchangedsquibbery as if throwing darts ateach other.

squidgy

squigglen/ SskwigEl /(imit? + E) > Ea short wavy twist orline : curl.David made a long squiggle on hispaper while he daydreamed.

squiren/ SskwI(E)r /L > F > Ea shield bearer or armor bearer of aknight.During a lull in the battle, eachknight’s squire came forward withfood, water, and replacementweapons.

squirm

stabilization


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staden/ SstCd /Gk > L > E[has homonyms: staid, stayed] anyof various ancient Greek units oflength equal to 600 Greek feet.The footrace in the ancientOlympic Games at Olympia wasexactly a stade in length.

stadimeter

stadiumn/ SstCdGEm /Gk > L > F > Ea large usually unroofed structurewith tiers of seats for spectators andenclosing a field usually for sportsevents.The new sports stadium will benamed after a large corporationthanks to a big contribution tocover construction costs.

stadthouse

stagecraftn/ SstCjTkraft /L > F > E + Ethe art or practice of effectivemanagement of theatrical devicesor techniques.The critic praised the opera notonly for the singing but also for itseffective stagecraft.

stagehandn/ SstCjThand /L > F > E + Ea stage worker who handlesscenery and properties.The stagehand tripped and fell witha loud thud during theperformance.

stagestruck

staggered

stagnicolous

stagnum

staidadj/ SstCd /L > F > E[has homonyms: stade, stayed]sober, grave, sedate.Scrooge was a stingy, staidcurmudgeon.

staircase

stakemaster

stalematen/ SstClTmCt /F > AF > E + F > Ea drawing position in chess inwhich only the king can move andalthough not in check can moveonly into check.Sasha and Vanya played to astalemate in the Moscow city chesschampionship.

stalenessn/ SstClTnDs /Ethe quality or state of being alteredin quality through the action ofnatural processes.The bread’s staleness did not stophungry Herbie from eating it.

stallionn/ SstalyEn /Gmc > F > Ea mature male of any equinemammal.The zoo has one zebra stallion andthree mares.

staminiferous

stammeringly

standardization

standpatter

stannary

staphylococcus

staphyloman/ TstafESlPmE /Gka protrusion of the cornea or scleraof the mammalian eye.The ophthalmologist surgicallyremoved the staphyloma in Stella’sleft eye.

starboardn/ SstBrbErd /Ethe right side of a ship or airplanelooking forward.The tour guide pointed to starboardwhen porpoises began leaping inthe water.

stargazer

starryadj/ SstBrG /Eabounding with stars.Noel marveled at how much morestarry the sky appeared when hewas away from the city.

startlev/ SstBrZFl /Emove or jump suddenly as insurprise, fear, or alarm.Some babies startle easily.

starvation

static

stationarily

statuaryn/ SstachETwerG /La branch of sculpture dealing withthree-dimensional figures.In her study of ancient Greekstatuary, Hillary was surprised tolearn that figures had often beenbrightly painted.

statue

statute


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statutorily

staurolatryn/ stOSrBlEtrG /Gkworship of the cross or crucifix.After the missionaries left, manynatives turned what they hadlearned into a primitive form ofstaurolatry.

staypak

stealthily

stealthy

steamrollern/ SstGmTrPlE(r) /Ea steam-driven road roller.The cartoon character wasflattened by a huge steamroller.

steedn/ SstGd /Ehorse.The slow-moving steed could not becoaxed or forced to move anyfaster.

steeplechasen/ SstGpElTchCs /E + L > F > Ea horse race across country andover barriers ridden by a number ofparticipants.Bonnie won the steeplechasehandily.

steerage

steeved

stein

stenchn/ Sstench /Ea malodorous smell.Georgette attributed her nausea tothe stench emanating from thechemical factory.

stencilization

stenecious

stentorianadj/ stenStPrGEn /Gk name + Ecfextremely loud : capable ofpowerful utterance or sound.Herman’s stentorian boom boxannoyed everyone on the bus.

stephanotisn/ TstefESnPZDs /Gkany plant of a genus of Old Worldtropical woody vines with fragrantwhite flowers.Madagascar jasmine is astephanotis that is used as anornamental in warm regions and ingreenhouses.

stereophonicadj/ TsterGESfBnik /Gk + Gkgiving, relating to, or constituting athree-dimensional effect ofperspective attained or experiencedthrough hearing.Most television sets now areequipped with stereophonicspeakers.

stereotomistn/ TsterGSBZEmDst /Gka practitioner of the art ofstonecutting.A stereotomist will carve agargoyle for the new library.

stereotomy

sterilantn/ SsterElEnt /La sterilizing agent; especially : anherbicide designed to completelyeliminate a kind of plant and tohave a rather persistent residualeffect in the soil.A sterilant was sprayed on thebrick walk to prevent the growth ofweeds.

sterlet

sternadj/ SstErn /Ehaving a serious and strict manner.Darryl always looks more sternwhen he wears glasses.

sternocostal

sternutatory

stetv/ Sstet /Lannotate with the word stet orotherwise mark to nullify aprevious order to delete or omit.Every time Harry tried to get rid ofpart of a dictionary entry, the chiefeditor would stet the deletion.

steward

stichicadj/ Sstikik /Gkof, relating to, or consisting of linesthat are rhythmic units : arranged ordivided by lines : serial insuccession or recurrence.Ancient Greek dramatists usedstichic form for spoken dialogues.

stichometry

stickum


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stiflingadj/ SstIf(E)liN /F > Eproducing suffocation orrepression.The stifling smell of cigar smokekilled Ashley’s appetite.

stigmatism

stigmatization

stilen/ SstI(E)l /Esteps or rungs to assist a personover a fence while remaining abarrier for livestock.Gigi had trouble getting over thestile into the field.

stillatitious

stimulogenous

stingy

stipiform

stipule

stirpiculture

stoatn/ SstPt /Eermine; broadly : any of variousweasels that have a black-tippedtail—used especially of the animalwhen in the brown summer coat.The stoat was closing in on therabbit, which seemed unaware ofthe danger.

stochasticallyadv/ stESkastDk(E)lG /Gkin a random manner.The company’s quality controlinvolved testing its productsstochastically.

stockaden/ stBSkCd /(Gmc + L) > Span enclosure usually surrounded bybarbed wire in which prisoners arekept.The insubordinate soldier was sentto the stockade for the rest of hisenlistment.

stockholders

stodgily

stoic

stolidity

stomach

stomachern/ SstEmDkE(r) /Gkthe center front section of a waistor underwaist or a usually heavilyembroidered or jeweled separatepiece for the center front of abodice.If Jane but sends her aunt thepattern of a stomacher or knits apair of garters for hergrandmother, one hears of nothingelse for a month.

stomatology

stoneware

stoogen/ SstVj /unknowna subordinate participant in a comicact or dialogue whose function is tocarry on repartee in such manner asto enable a principal comedian tomake humorous remarks or appearin a humorous light.In the western, Smiley played thesheriff’s naïve stooge.

storagen/ SstPrij /L > F > Espace for collecting as a reservedsupply.When we designed the new garage,extra space was allotted forgeneral storage.

storyless

stowaway

straight

straightedge

strategizev/ SstraZETjIz /Gkdevise a plan.The board met to strategize forexpanding the company’s foreignmarkets.

strategyn/ SstraZDjG /Gka careful plan or method.At halftime the coach outlined anew defensive strategy.

straticulate

stratification

stratifiedv/ SstraZETfId /Lformed, deposited, or arranged inlayers.Mike pointed out the stratifiedsedimentary rock formationsrevealed by erosion.

stratocracy


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stratocumulusn/ TstraZPSkyVmyElEs /Lstratified cumulus consisting oflarge balls or rolls of dark cloudwhich often cover the whole skyespecially in winter.The satellite picture revealed alarge deck of stratocumulus off thecoast of California.

stratoseadj/ SstrCTtPs /Larranged in layers.The stratose limestone was quitevisible where the hillside had beencut during highway construction.

stratosphere

streamline

stremmatograph

strengthen

strenuosity

strenuousadj/ SstrenyEwEs /Larduous, rigorous.Paul relaxed after a strenuousday’s work.

stretchv/ Sstrech /Eextend in length.Sam got up to stretch his legs andget a snack.

stretchy

strewnv/ SstrVn /Espread by scattering.Yellow seed-cucumbers werestrewn about the dry garden patch.

striatedadj/ SstrITCZDd /Lmarked with threadlike lines ornarrow bands.Marcus found an interestingstriated rock lying in the drycreekbed.

stridulatedv/ SstrijETlCZDd /Lmade a shrill often vibrating noise.The locusts stridulated so loudlythat the campers could hardly heareach other without raising theirvoices.

stridulatoryadj/ SstrijElETtPrG /L + Ecffused in the act of producing a shrilloften vibrating noise.Most crickets tune up theirstridulatory organs at abouttwilight and keep them going allnight.

strisciando

strobe

stromuhr

strongylosisn/ TstrBnjESlPsDs /Gkinfestation with or disease causedby any of a family of parasiticroundworms.An outbreak of strongylosis causedthe deaths of thousands of gamebirds.

strontium

struck

structure

struggle

struggling

strychninism

stubblen/ SstEbEl /L > F > Ea short growth of beard.The unusual appearance of stubbleon Bob’s face must mean he’strying to grow a beard.

stubbornly

stuccoed

studentn/ Sst(y)VdFnt /Lone devoted to learning, as oneenrolled in a class or course in aschool, college, or university.No student at Andrew’s school had100 percent attendance last year.

stulm

stumble

stupan/ Sst(y)VpE /Skta hemispherical or cylindricalmound or tower artificiallyconstructed of earth, brick, orstone, surmounted by a spire orumbrella, and containing a relicchamber.The stupa was said to contain arelic of the Buddha.

stupulose

sturnine

style

stymiev/ SstImG /Eblock, check, thwart.Brock’s negative attitude willstymie his ability to maximize hispotential.

stymied

stypticity


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styrene

suaveadj/ SswBv /Lsmoothly affable or polite thoughoften without deep interest orsincerity.José had a suave way of treatinghis guests.

subclavate

subclavianadj/ TsEbSklCvGEn /Llocated under the collarbone.Leonard has a small subclavianscar from a long-ago skateboardaccident.

subimagon/ TsEbDSmC(T)gP /La stage in the development of someinsects between the nymph and theadult in which the insect is able tofly but becomes mature only after afurther molt.The mayfly subimago flies from thesurface of the water to somesheltered resting place nearby,where it will shed its skin andemerge as an adult.

subitoadv/ SsVbGZ(T)P /L > Itimmediately, suddenly—used as adirection in music.It was the desire of the composer—not the director—to play thepassage subito forte.

subjectable

sublimationn/ TsEblESmCshEn /Lthe action or process of passingfrom the solid to the vapor state bythe action of heat.Steamy dry ice is an excellentexample of the process ofsublimation.

sublimev/ sESblIm /L > F > Epass directly from the solid to thevapor state.Causing naphthalene to sublimerids it of impurities.

subliminal

sublittoral

submarine

submit

subordinateadj/ sESbOrd(F)nDt /Lholding a lower or inferior position.The soldier was ordered to spendthree hours digging a ditch to helphim learn that he was subordinateto the leader.

subornationn/ (T)sETbO(r)SnCshEn /Lthe crime of procuring a person tocommit perjury.The mobster was arrested andcharged with subornation of a keywitness.

subrogatev/ SsEbrPTgCt /Lput in the place of another :substitute.In an act of financial selflessness,Louis decided to subrogate hisassets for his brother’s debt.

subsatellite

subsequentadj/ SsEbsDkwEnt /L > Efollowing in time : coming or beinglater than something else.The earthquake and subsequentaftershocks devastated the city.

subserviencen/ (T)sEbSsErvGEn(t)s /L[Note: Could be confused withplural noun subservients.]excessive willingness to submit tothe control or demands of another.The columnist chided theCongressmen for theirsubservience to wealthy and well-organized lobbies.

subsidedv/ sEbSsIdEd /Llet oneself settle down : eased,sank.After barking at the stranger forseveral minutes, the dog subsidednext to Julio.

subsidiaries

subsidizev/ SsEbsETdIz /L > E + Ecfaid or promote (as a privateenterprise) with public money.The fact that taxpayers subsidizesome tobacco growers continues toirritate many nonsmokers.

subsidy

subsonic

substantiable

substantial


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substantiatev/ sEbzStanchGTCt /Lprove, confirm, verify.The suspect was unable tosubstantiate his whereabouts at thetime of the crime.

substitution

subterete

subtlety

suburb

subversion

succade

succedaneumn/ TsEksESdCnGEm /Lone that comes next after orreplaces another in an office,position, or role.If the president and the vice-president of the United States diewhile in office, the Speaker of theHouse of Representatives is theirsuccedaneum.

succeed

succeedingv/ sEkSsGdiN /L + Ecffollowing after another especiallyin a natural, prescribed, ornecessary order.The senior class built a trail on themountain behind the school toenable succeeding students toappreciate the flora.

success

succinctlyadv/ sEkSsiN(k)tlG /L + Ecfwith concise and precise brevity.The English teacher stressed theimportance of expressing ideasclearly and succinctly.

succor

succory

succussatoryadj/ sESkEsETtPrG /L > Echaracterized by up-and-downvibrations of short amplitude—used of an earthquake.Fortunately, the earthquake’ssuccussatory movements causedonly minor damage to thebuildings.

succussion

suctionn/ SsEkshEn /Lthe act or process of exerting aforce upon a body by means ofreduced air pressure over part of itssurface.To demonstrate suction, Alan useda drinking straw to lift a piece ofpaper.

suffragetten/ TsEfrDSjet /L + F > Ecfa woman who militantly advocatesgiving women the right to vote.Sheldon’s great-aunt was a famousEnglish suffragette who was finallyable to vote at the age of seventy-two.

suffusive

suicidology

suint

suitcase

suitor

sullenadj/ SsElEn /L > F > Eill-humoredly unsociable :gloomily or resentfully silent.When her name was called, Judylooked up in sullen resentment.

sultana

Sumatranadj/ sESmBtrEn /geog nameof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe island of Sumatra.The Sumatran rhinoceros isbecoming rare in Malaysia.

sumi

summa

sunbown/ SsEnTbP /E + Ean arch resembling a rainbow.A sunbow was clearly visiblethrough the mist at Niagara Falls.

sunglon/ SsUNSlP /Chin geog name[has near homonym: sunglow] agreen Chinese tea characterized bylarge loosely rolled leaves.The monks offered their visitor acup of sunglo.

sunshinyadj/ SsEnTshInG /E + Ebright with or as if with the rays ofthe Sun.Because Saturday was such asunshiny day, Mom spent most ofher time gardening.

superbadj/ sVSpErb /Lstately, lordly.The statue of the king conveyed hissuperb demeanor well.

supercentrifuge

supercilium


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supererogationn/ TsVpETrerESgCshEn /Lthe act or process or an instance ofperforming more than necessary tocomplete an undertaking.The teacher asked for a three-pageessay on insects, but in a burst ofsupererogation, Duane wrote sixpages.

superfluity

superjacent

superlativeadj/ sESpErlEZiv /Lmost eminent of its kind : havingno peers.Austin’s superlative skill as aviolinist makes him the clear choicefor concertmaster.

supernaculum

supernaladj/ sVSpErnFl /Lof a heavenly or spiritual character.Fran’s essay defends her belief thathumankind will never penetrate thesupernal wisdom by which Godgoverns the universe.

supernovan/ TsVpE(r)SnPvE /Lone of the rarely observed novaoutbursts in which the maximumintrinsic luminosity may reach 100million times that of the Sun.The supernova of 1054 was brightenough to be seen during the day.

supersede

supersessiveadj/ TsVpErSsesiv /Ltending to take the place of orcause to be supplanted.Jimmy is afraid the new baby willprove supersessive in his parents’affections.

superstitionn/ TsVpE(r)SstishEn /La fixed irrational idea : a notionmaintained in spite of evidence tothe contrary.Harvey believes in the superstitionthat breaking a mirror brings sevenyears of bad luck.

supervene

supervenientadj/ TsVpE(r)SvGnyEnt /Lcoming or occurring as somethingadditional, extraneous, orunexpected.A corporation’s lawyers must keepabreast of all supervenient changesin corporate laws.

supervise

supineness

supplanter

suppleadj/ SsEpEl /Lcharacterized by ease in bending orother actions.Ballet and other forms of dancingmake their participants moresupple.

supplement

suppliantlyadv/ SsEplGEntlG /L > F > Ein a humble imploring manner.The servant suppliantly entreatedhis employer to forgive hisnegligence.

supposition

suppressv/ sESpres /Lput down or out of existence by oras if by authority, force, orpressure.Despite much effort, Martha couldnot suppress her hiccups.

suppuration

supralapsarian

supremacyn/ sESpremEsG /Lfinal authority or power.Americans are wasting their breathif they question the supremacy ofthe Constitution.

surette

surface

surmisev/ sE(r)SmIz /L > F > Eform a notion of on slight proof :guess, suppose.It was not hard to surmise fromPedro’s evasive answer that he hadnot completed the report.

surmountedv/ sErSmaUntDd /F > Estood at the top of : remained onthe top of.A steeple surmounted the church.

surname


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surpassv/ sErSpas /Fbecome better, greater, or strongerthan.Jay’s semester grades will surpasseven his parents’ high expectations.

surplice

surprise

surrender

surrenderedv/ sESrendE(r)d /Fgave or delivered up possession ofupon compulsion or demand.Clem surrendered his weaponwithout a fight.

surreptitiously

survey

surveyorn/ TsErSvCEr /F > Eone whose occupation is findingand representing the contours,measurements, and position of apart of Earth’s surface.In preparation for the Olympicgames, a surveyor measured all thetracks and marked out theindividual areas for each event.

survival

susceptibility

suspense

suspiciouslyadv/ sESspishEslG /Lin a manner arousing or intendingto arouse distrust : questionably.Conrad’s story soundedsuspiciously like one his olderbrother had written two years ago.

sussultatoryadj/ sESsEltETtPrG /L > Itcharacterized by up-and-downvibrations of large amplitude—used of an earthquake.The sussultatory patterns on theseismograph warned everyone thatArizona was about to becomebeachfront property.

sustentacular

svabite

swaddle

swaggerv/ SswagE(r) /Scandconduct oneself in an arrogantmanner.Dave seemed to swagger slightly ashe got up from his final exam.

Swahilin/ swBShGlG /Ara Bantu language of East Africa.Swahili was originally spoken inZaire and is now a trade languagein much of East Africa and theCongo.

swartback

swarthy

swashbuckler

swather

sweater

sweatshop

swelter

swervev/ SswErv /Emove from a straight line or course.The driver had to swerve to avoidhitting the dog.

swidden

swindlern/ Sswind(F)lE(r) /Gone that deprives a person ofmoney or property by fraud ordeceit.The swindler was arrested after hesold an undercover policeman afake Rolex watch for $500.

syllabify

sylvestrian

sympathetic

sympatheticallyadv/ TsimpEStheZDk(E)lG /Gk + Ecffin a manner marked bycompassion, kind friendly feeling,and sensitivity to others’ emotions.Roald wrote sympathetically of themigrant workers’ plight.

symphily

symphonetten/ Tsim(p)fESnet /Gk > L > F + Ecfa symphony orchestra reduced inpersonnel and typically playingensemble and salon music inaddition to the standard orchestralliterature.The symphonette was just the rightsize to play the baroque pieces.

symphonious

symphysis

symptomsn pl/ Ssim(p)tEmz /Gksubjective evidence of disease.Headaches and fevers aresymptoms of many differentdiseases.


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synchronismn/ SsiNkrETnizEm /Gk > L + Ecfconcurrence of acts, events, ordevelopments in time :simultaneousness.Motion-picture cameras aredevised to ensure goodsynchronism between sound andpicture.

synchroscopen/ SsiNkrETskPp /Gka device for showing whether twomoving parts are moving in timewith each other or for giving anindication of their relative phase.The rotary synchroscope is used toparallel two alternators.

synchrotronn/ SsiNkrETtrBn /Gkan apparatus for imparting veryhigh speeds to charged particles (aselectrons, protons) by means of acombination of a high-frequencyelectric field and a low-frequencymagnetic field.The high-energy radiation from asynchrotron has been used in theattack on viruses.

syncopated

syncreticadj/ sinSkreZik /Gkcharacterized or brought about bythe reconciliation or union ofconflicting (as religious) beliefs.Voodoo is a syncretic religion thatdeveloped in Haiti with influencesfrom many parts of Africa.

syncretismn/ SsiNkrETtizEm /Gkflagrant compromise in religion orphilosophy : eclecticism that isillogical or leads to inconsistency :uncritical acceptance of conflictingor divergent beliefs or principles.Alice mistook her church’secumenical ideas for syncretism.

syncytium

syndicator

syndrome

synergizev/ SsinErTjIz /Gkexhibit cooperative action such thatthe total effect of discrete agenciesis greater than the sum of the twoor more effects takenindependently.The pharmacist explained that amuscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory could synergize toreduce Arnold’s shoulder painmore effectively.

synergy

synonymyn/ sDSnBnEmG /Gkthe quality or fact of being alike ornearly alike in meaning.The words destroy, annihilate,demolish, and wreck are related bysynonymy.

synopticadj/ sDSnBptik /Gkrelating to or displayingatmospheric and weatherconditions as they existsimultaneously over a broad area.Synoptic meteorologists studyinformation on air pressure,temperature, humidity, and windvelocity in preparing weatherforecasts.

synovialadj/ sDSnPvGEl /Gk > Lsecreting a transparent viscidlubricating fluid.Healthy synovial tissue providesnutrients to surfaces of the body’sjoints and ensures that thesesurfaces are lubricated.

synovitis

synthesizev/ SsinJETsIz /Gk + Gk + Ecfproduce a chemical compound bythe union of elements or simplercompounds or by the degradationof a complex compound especiallyby laboratory or industrial methods.Fritz Haber developed a process tosynthesize ammonia usingatmospheric nitrogen.

synthesizer

syntheticadj/ sinStheZik /Gkproduced by artificial processes :man-made.To reduce calories, the sugarcontent of some foods is replacedby synthetic sweeteners.

synthetically

syntrophismn/ SsintrETfizEm /Gkmutual dependence for thesatisfaction of nutritional needs.The two bacterial strains exhibitsyntrophism, with each strainsynthesizing the growth factorneeded by the other.

syrinx


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syrphidn/ SsErfDd /Gk > La fly of the family Syrphidae :syrphus fly.The syrphid is also known as the“flowerfly” because it is so activein pollinating flowers.

syssarcosisn/ TsisBrSkPsDs /Gkthe junction of two or more bonesby means of attached muscles.The dentist explained that therewas an abnormality in the way thesyssarcosis of Thomas’s jawfunctioned.

systematicadj/ TsistDSmaZik /Gkmarked by or manifesting methodor orderly procedure.Maria’s systematic approach todrawing stunts her creativity.

systematician

systole

tabardn/ StabE(r)d /F > Ea tunic with or without shortsleeves worn by a knight over hisarmor and emblazoned with hisarms.At the Renaissance Fair, the knightwearing the white tabard won thejousting contest.

tabletop

tacan

tachistoscopen/ tESkistETskPp /Gk + Gkan apparatus for the brief exposureof visual stimuli that is used in thestudy of learning, attention, andperception.The teacher used a tachistoscope toencourage the students to readfaster.

tachycardian/ TtakDSkBrdGE /Gkrelatively rapid heart actionwhether physiological orpathological.Cardiologists have successfullyused electrical shocks to treatsevere ventricular tachycardia.

tachymetry

tachyonn/ StakGTBn /Gka hypothetical particle held totravel faster than light.The tachyon plays a large role inscience fiction stories that involvetime travel.

tachytely

tacit

Taciteanadj/ TtasEStGEn /L nameof or relating to the Romanhistorian Tacitus or resembling hisstyle of writing.The biting Tacitean brevity of theSenator’s speech had more impactthan the rambling casual style ofhis opponent.

tackle

tacky

taco

tactical

tactility

taction

taeniate

taffeta

tagliatellen/ TtBlyBStel(T)C /L > Itpasta in the shape of noodles.Last night’s dinner was a simpletagliatelle with pesto.

tahinin/ tEShG(T)nG /Ara smooth paste made from sesameseeds.Joyce made a dip with tahini forher guests to eat with crackers andvegetables.

taiaha

tailleur

tailory

taint

taipan

talapoinn/ StalETpOin /Mon > Pg > Fa western African monkey that isgreenish above and whitish beneathwith a black face and yellowishwhiskers.The talapoin is one of the smallestof all African monkeys, weighingonly about three pounds.

talarian pl/ tESla(a)rGE /Lwinged shoes fastened to the anklesand chiefly used as an attribute ofthe god Hermes or Mercury ofclassical mythology.The talaria symbolize the speedwith which Hermes acts as themessenger of the gods.


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talc

talckyadj/ StalkG /Ar > L > F + Ecfof, relating to, or containing talc.Benedict noticed that the rocksscattered on the path had a talckyappearance.

talentn/ StalEnt /Gk > L > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] any ofseveral ancient units of weight, as aBabylonian unit equal to 3,600shekels.The talent, probably of Babylonianorigin, was the basic unit of weightamong the ancient Hebrews.

taligrade

talipotn/ StalETpBt /Skt > Benga showy fan palm bearing a crownof gigantic fan-shaped leaves thatare used as umbrellas and fans andwhen cut into strips as a substitutefor writing paper.The illustrator’s beautiful collagesmade of talipot earned the book theCaldecott Medal.

talkfest

tallagen/ Stalij /Ea toll or fee paid by a feudal tenantto his lord.The farm family paid their annualtallage to their lord in fresh fruitand vegetables.

tallyho

talonsn pl/ StalEnz /L > F > Ethe claws of a bird of prey.The eagle’s beak and talons areindeed a formidable sight.

tamarinn/ StamErDn /Galibi > F[has near homonym: tamarind] anyof numerous small chiefly SouthAmerican monkeys that are relatedto the marmosets and have silkyfur, a long tail, and lower canineteeth that are longer than theincisors.When put on the defense, the liontamarin raises its golden mane.

tamarindn/ StamErDnd /Indian geog name > Ar > Pg&Spthe fruit of a widely cultivatedtropical tree that has seeds that arecooked and also ground into meal.After dinner, Ravi offered hisvisitors some sweets made fromtamarind.

tamariskn/ StamErDsk /L > Ea shrub or tree having tiny narrowleaves and masses of minuteflowers.Since its importation, tamarisk hasbecome the dominant plant alongstreambeds in many western states.

tambouriens

tambourinn/ StambErDn /Per > Ar > F[has near homonym: tambourine] alively old Provençal danceoriginally accompanied by a longnarrow drum.Madeleine, a student of dancehistory, taught herself thetambourin from an old book.

Tammanyismn/ StamEnGTizEm /Amer namethe principle or practice of seekingmunicipal political control throughcorruption and bossism.Tammanyism was rife in New YorkCity politics in the 1870s.

tamper

tanager

tanbark

tandooriadj/ tBnSdU(E)rG /Hindicooked in a cylindrical clay orearthenware oven over charcoal.Meera made tandoori chicken andvegetables for Sanjay’s birthdaydinner.

tangemonn/ tanSjemEn /geog name + Ar > L > F > Ethe fruit of a hybrid between thetangerine and the lemon.At the farmers’ market Paulinebought a pint of strawberries, atangemon, and a papaya to make afruit salad.

tangent

tangentialadj/ tanSjenchEl /Lacting on or lying on a line thattouches something at only onepoint.Sharif wrote the equation on a linetangential to the circle.

tangentially

tangibility


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tanglev/ StaNgEl /Scand > Einvolve so as to hamper, obstruct,or embarrass.Corinna found herself more andmore involved in a bureaucraticand administrative tangle.

tangon/ StaN(T)gP /African > Spa ballroom dance of Spanish-American origin in three-quartertime characterized by posturing,frequent pointing positions, and agreat variety of steps.Ned and Naomi learned theArgentine tango while in college.

tangoreceptor

tankard

tannin

tanning

tapia

tapiocan/ TtapGSPkE /Tupi > Pg&Spa preparation of cassava starchprocessed into granular, flake,pellet, or flour form and used as athickening agent in liquid foods, aspudding, soups, or juicy pies.Sam’s recipe for blueberry pie callsfor two tablespoons of quick-cooking tapioca.

tappable

tappet

taraxein

tardily

tarogato

tarot

tarpon

tarriance

tarsiern/ StBrsGTC /L > Fany of a family of small chieflynocturnal and arboreal carnivorousprimates of the Malay Archipelagothat have large round eyes, longlegs, and a long nearly hairless tail.Its large eyes and acute hearingenable the tarsier to find its prey atnight.

tarsusn/ StBrsEs /Gk > Lthe part of the vertebrate's footbetween the metatarsus and the leg: ankle.When the orthopedist said Joannehad a medial fracture of the tarsus,he meant that she had a brokenankle.

Tasmanianadj/ tazSmCnGEn /Pacific geog nameof or belonging to the southernPacific island of Tasmania.The Tasmanian wolf is a marsupialanimal that used to live in Australiaas well as Tasmania.

tattle

tautologous

tavern

tawnyadj/ StOnG /Eof a brownish orange to light browncolor.In the well-known children’s story,the tawny scrawny lion loves carrotstew.

taxeme

taxiway

taxonomicallyadv/ TtaksESnBmDk(E)lG /Gk > F + Ecffwith regard to the principles ofscientific classification.On the biology final the studentswere shown photographs of fivecommon plants and animals andwere asked to identify themtaxonomically.

taxonomist

teachableadj/ StGchEbEl /Ecapable of being taught.Socrates had no doubt that virtuewas teachable if he could onlyfigure out what it was.

teak

tealn/ StGl /E[has homonyms: teel, til] avariable color averaging a darkgreenish blue.In the mid ’90s teal was a popularcolor for new motor vehicles.

teammate

tearstain

technicalityn/ TteknESkalEZG /Gk + Ecfa detail that has meaning only forthe specialist.Because of a legal technicality, amistrial was declared and thedefendant had to be retried for theoffense.

technician

tectonics

tectorial

tediously


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teemedv/ StGmd /E[has homonym: teamed] abounded.The fort, which teemed withhistoric interest before the areaflooded, will eventually bereconstructed.

teeter

teetotal

teetotum

tegumentary

teknonymyn/ tekSnBnEmG /Gk + Gkthe custom of naming the parentafter the child.Some cultures employ teknonymy,while in the United States childrenare often named for their parents.

teledun/ StelETdV /Malaya small carnivorous mammal of themountains of Java and Sumatraresembling the badger and like theskunk secreting an offensive fluidwhich it can expel a short distance.A teledu infected the region of awhole village with its offensiveodor.

telefacsimile

telegenic

telegram

telegrammic

telegraphic

telemarkn/ StelETmBrk /Norw geog namea turn in which the ski that is to beon the outside of the turn isadvanced considerably ahead of theother ski and then turned inward ata steadily widening angle until theactual turn.Jason, still a novice skier, marveledat the beautiful form of Astrid’stelemark.

teleologyn/ telGSBlEjG /Gk + Gkthe use of design, purpose, or utilityas an explanation of any naturalphenomenon.The theory of evolution reliesheavily on teleology.

telepathicadj/ TtelESpathik /Gk + Gkof or relating to apparentcommunication from one mind toanother other than through thechannels of sense.The twins seemed to have some sortof telepathic mode ofcommunication.

telepathist

telescopen/ StelETskPp /Gkan optical instrument for viewingdistant objects by means of therefraction of light rays through alens.Through the telescope Jorgewatched the lunar eclipse.

televangelistn/ TtelDSva(a)njElDst /Gka preacher who conducts regularlytelevised religious programs.The prominent televangelist liked torecall his days as an itinerantrevival preacher.

televisionn/ StelETvizhEn /Gk + La medium of communicationwhereby images and sounds arebroadcast to receiving sets.If it weren’t for television, Jackwouldn’t know what was going onin the world.

telosn/ StGTlBs /Gkan ultimate end or object.Finding the Holy Grail was thetelos of Sir Galahad’s quest.

telyn

tempehn/ StemTpC /Javan Asian food prepared byfermenting soybeans.Lauren suggested that Celiacrumble some tempeh in theenchilada casserole for some extraprotein.

temperamentaladj/ Ttemp(E)rESmentFl /Lmarked by excessive sensitivity andsudden impulsive and oftenexplosive changes of mood.When the temperamental playerdisputed the umpire’s call, he wasejected from the game.

temperance


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temperaturen/ StempE(r)TchU(E)r /Ldegree of hotness or coldnessmeasured on one of severalarbitrary scales based on someobservable phenomenon (as theexpansion of mercury).In Washington, D.C., the averagetemperature ranges from about 30degrees in winter to about 86degrees in summer.

temporaladj/ Stemp(E)rEl /Lof or relating to time as opposed toeternity.Temporal matters concerned Mr.Poke much more thanphilosophical questions about hissoul.

temporarily

temporary

tempt

temptation

tenancy

tendriln/ StendrEl /L? > Fa portion or the whole of a leaf orstem that is modified into a slenderspirally coiling sensitive organserving to attach a plant.The tendril of the grapevinewrapped itself so tightly around thegate’s lock that it was difficult toopen the gate.

tenduadj/ tBMdX /L > Fextended in a taut manner, as a legin ballet.Jordan did a series of leg exercisesin a tendu position.

tenebrismn/ StenETbrizEm /L + Ea style of painting typicallyassociated with the painterCaravaggio that submerges most ofthe forms depicted in shadow butdramatically illuminates theremaining forms by a beam oflight.The photographer created aphotographic sort of tenebrism.

tenebrous

tentacledadj/ StentDkEld /Lhaving elongate flexible simple orbranched processes that are borneby animals chiefly on the head orabout the mouth.All tentacled animals fascinateKevin, but jellyfish are his favorite.

tentativenessn/ StentEZivnDs /Lthe quality or state of beinguncertain or hesitant.The immense importance of thegame accounted for much of theplayers’ tentativeness andoverdeliberateness.

tenuity

tephra

tepidity

tereteadj/ tESrGt /Lapproximately cylindrical butusually tapering at one or bothends.Chi Ming looked up from the seabottom and saw the terete form of abarracuda silhouetted against theSun.

termagant

terminal

terminate

termiten/ StErTmIt /Lany of numerous pale-colored, soft-bodied, small to medium-sizedsocial insects with a highlydeveloped caste system of the orderIsoptera.A termite has two pairs ofmembranous wings nearly equal insize.

ternaryadj/ StErnErG /L[has homonyms: ternery, turnery]containing, consisting of, orrelating to three different parts (aselements, atoms, radicals, orcomponents).Dave listed sulfuric acid, whichconsists of hydrogen, sulfur, andoxygen, as an example of a ternaryacid.

terpsichoreanadj/ TtErpTsikESrGEn /Gkof or relating to dancing orchoreography.Geoffrey is interested in theterpsichorean arts and wants tomajor in dance when he goes tocollege.

terreneadj/ teSrGn /L[has homonym: terrine] of orrelating to this world or life :mundane.The missionary feels that all thisattention is out of place for such aterrene creature as himself.

terrestrially

terrier

territory


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terrorn/ SterE(r) /La state of intense fright orapprehension : stark fear.Franklin D. Roosevelt warned,“The only thing we have to fear isfear itself—nameless, unreasoning,unjustified terror which paralyzesneeded efforts to convert retreatinto advance.”terrorism

terroristn/ SterErDst /L > Fan advocate or practitioner of terroras a means of coercion.When the former terrorist came topower, he immediately denouncedthe use of terror as a political tool.

terse

tertian

tessaraglot

tessellation

tesseractn/ StesETrakt /Gk + Gkthe four-dimensional analogue of acube.“Going beyond the fourthdimension to the fifth dimensionwould be a tesseract,” explainedMrs. Whatsit.

testament

testatorn/ SteTstCZE(r) /La person who leaves a will ortestament in force at his death.When the wishes of the testatorwere made known, the local publiclibrary was a half million dollarsricher.

testifyv/ StestETfI /Lmake a solemn declaration underoath for the purpose of establishinga fact (as in a court).A psychiatrist was called on totestify regarding the mental state ofthe defendant.

testyadj/ StestG /L > F > E[has homonym: testee] easilyannoyed : irritable.The mayor became quite testy whenasked about his private financialdealings.

tethern/ SteLE(r) /Scand? > Esomething (as a rope or chain) bywhich an animal is fastened so thatit can range or feed only within theradius allowed.Joan used Rover’s leash as a tetherto tie him to the bike rack beforeshe went into the supermarket.

tetherballn/ SteLEr(T)bOl /Scand? + ON > Ea game which is played with a ballsuspended by a string from anupright pole and in which theobject of each contestant is to wrapthe string around the pole bystriking the ball in a directionopposite to the other.Paula was injured playingtetherball when she wasaccidentally struck by the ball.

tetragrammatonn/ TtetrESgramEtEn /Gkthe Hebrew word of four lettersconstituting a name of God usuallytransliterated as YHWH or YHVH.Out of reverence or for fear ofdesecration, some pious Jews donot pronounce or write thetetragrammaton.

tetraploid

tetrapodousadj/ teStrapEdEs /Gk + Gkhaving four feet or walkingappendages.Tetrapodous animals are usuallyreferred to as “quadrupeds.”textile

thalassocratn/ JESlasETkrat /Gkone who has maritime supremacy.In Twenty Thousand LeaguesUnder the Sea, Captain Nemo isthe perfect thalassocrat.

thallophyten/ SthalETfIt /Gk + Gkany plant of a primary division ofthe plant kingdom including thealgae and fungi.A fungus is a non-chlorophyll-bearing thallophyte.

thalpotic

thanatologyn/ TJanEStBlEjG /Gkthe description or study of thephenomena of somatic death.Thanatology is concerned with thenotion of death as popularlyperceived.

thatch

thatching

theatrocracy

thelygenic


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theologastern/ thGSBlETgastE(r) /Gk + Lcfa shallow theologian; especially :one who pretends to possess greatknowledge relating to thepresentation of the traditionaldoctrines of a religion or religiousgroup.The bishop warned his flock tobeware of the theologaster whowould subvert the word of God withhis vain imaginings.

theologyn/ thGSBlEjG /Gkthe study of God and his relation tohumans and the world.Though Max is not personallyreligious, she is fascinated bytheology.

theomachyn/ thGSBmEkG /Gk + Gka battle or strife among the gods.In the Iliad and the Odyssey,Homer relates many instances oftheomachy in which humans arethe unfortunate victims.

theorbon/ thGSOr(T)bP /Turkish > Slovenian > Itan obsolete 17th century musicalinstrument like a lute but havingtwo necks.The young bard played a madrigalon the theorbo.

theorem

theoreticiann/ TthGErEStishEn /Gkone who formulates theories (as toaccount for perceived phenomena).Dr. Freud’s work as a theoreticianin psychoanalysis earned him aninternational reputation.

theorizev/ SthGETrIz /Gkspeculate or generalize from facts.Dr. Ahmad tried to theorize anexplanation for his data.

theory

theosophy

thereminn/ StherEmDn /Russ namea purely melodic instrument of theelectronic family typically playedby moving the right hand betweentwo projecting electrodes with theleft hand controlling dynamics andarticulation.Paula was asked to play hertheremin at the electronic musicfestival.

theriatricsn pl/ TthirGSatriks /Gkthe science of veterinary medicine.Joanna bewildered all her friendswhen she said that her father, aveterinarian, is a specialist intheriatrics.

theriomorphicadj/ TthirGESmOrfik /Gkhaving an animal form.Lydia’s boutique displayedtheriomorphic creamers in theforms of a cow and a hippo.

theriomorphism

thermn/ SthErm /Gk100,000 British thermal units.Gas utilities frequently use thetherm as a measure of gasconsumption.

thermaln/ SthErmEl /Gk > La rising body of warm air.Steve watched a couple of red-tailed hawks soaring upward in athermal.

thermoammeter

thermolabile

thermolysisn/ (T)thErSmBlEsDs /Gk + Gkthe dissipation of heat from theliving body.Thermolysis is accomplished byevaporation, excretion, andradiation.

thermophilousadj/ (T)thErSmBfElEs /Gk + Gkof, relating to, or being an organismgrowing at a high temperature.Thermophilous bacteria canflourish at temperatures exceeding140 degrees Fahrenheit.

thermos

therophyten/ SJirETfIt /Gkan annual plant that overwinters asa seed.Because a therophyte can endureunfavorable conditions as a seed, itcan survive in deserts.

thersitical

thew

thickener

thief


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thieveryn/ SthGv(E)rG /Ethe act, practice, or an instance ofstealing.Videocameras were installedthroughout the warehouse toprevent thievery by the workers.

thieves

thievish

thighbone

thigmoreceptor

thimble

thimbleful

thionic

thirtieth

thixotropicadj/ TthiksEStrBpik /Gk + Gkof, relating to, or exhibiting theproperty of a gel that becomes fluidwhen shaken or stirred and settlesagain to a gel when leftundisturbed.Mayonnaise is an example of athixotropic fluid.

tholobate

Thomismn/ StPTmizEm /It namea theological theory deriving fromthe Italian theologian ThomasAquinas.Thomism teaches that philosophyand theology have separate spheresthat reach conclusions that supporteach other.

thooid

thoroughadj/ SthEr(T)P /Emarked by sound systematicattention to all aspects and details.A thorough music practice sessionfor Keith usually takes about anhour.

thoughtful

thrasonic

threadiness

thremmatologyn/ TthremEStBlEjG /Gkthe science of breeding animals andplants under domestication.The dog breeder’s bookshelfcontained several textbooks onthremmatology.

threpticadj/ Sthreptik /Gkof or relating to the feeding orrearing of offspring especiallyamong ants or other social insects.Although ants share many physicaland social traits, distinct varietiesdiffer in their colonizing andthreptic methods.

thriceadv/ SthrIs /Ethree times.Harold does his exercise regimenthrice weekly.

throbbedv/ SthrBbd /imit? > Epulsated or vibrated in a rhythmicmanner.The school bus driver’s templesthrobbed after he had been drivingnoisy children for two hours.

throesn pl/ SthrPz /E[has homonym: throws] acondition of struggle, anguish,disorder, or confusion characteristicof a transitional period (as theactive phase of creation of somenew thing).In the throes of a search for a newsuperintendent, the school boardignored major problems thatdeserved its attention.

thrombolytic

thrombophlebitis

throttle

thrush

thuggery

thumbscrewn/ SthEmTskrV /E + L > F > Ea screw whose head is flattened atthe side so that the screw may beturned by the thumb and forefinger.Lois tightened the last thumbscrewon her new computer desk.

thunderclapn/ SthEndErTklap /E + Ea sudden crash of thunder.The thunderclap sent Momscurrying about the house to closewindows.

thurificationn/ Tth(y)UrEfDSkCshEn /Gk > L > F > Ethe act, process, or an instance ofcensing.Prayers were offered and athurification was performed aroundthe body of the deceased.

thurm


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thwartedv/ SthwO(E)rZDd /ON > Eopposed successfully.The dog was not easily thwartedwhen it attempted to go into thehouse with Brian.

Thyesteanadj/ thISestGEn /Gk namecannibal.The 1992 film about a Thyesteandoctor known as “Hannibal theCannibal” won five AcademyAwards.

thymus

thyroiditisn/ TthITrOiSdIZDs /Gk + Lcfinflammation of the endocrinegland which produces a hormoneaffecting growth, development, andmetabolic rate.Dr. Dowd explained that Gary’sthyroiditis was caused by hishaving the mumps.

tiara

ticketer

ticklenburg

tidal

tiddledies

tiersn pl/ Sti(E)rz /F[has homonym: tears] rows, ranks,or layers of articles; especially :rows arranged one above another.The top two tiers of Gina’s weddingcake got smashed in transport tothe reception.

tiffin

tige

tigerish

tight

tightenv/ StItFn /Scand > E[has homonym: titan] fix moresecurely in place.Lisa tried to tighten the cap on thesoda bottle so that it wouldn’t leakinside the cooler.

tightwad

tignum

till

tillage

tilleuln/ tDSyEl /L > Fa pale greenish yellow.The tinge of tilleul on Carla’s faceconvinced her mother that shereally was sick.

timbalen/ StimbEl /F[has homonyms: timbal, tymbal] acreamy mixture (as of chicken,lobster, cheese, or fish) cooked in adrum-shaped mold or in individualmolds or cups.After the salad dishes were cleared,Max served a curried chickentimbale.

timbrel

timeliness

timid

timocracy

timoneer

tinamou

tincturedv/ StiN(k)chE(r)d /Ltinted or stained with a color.Kirsten picked a blossom tincturedwith deep blue.

tingev/ Stinj /L > Ecolor with a slight shade or stain :tint.Seeing the rainbow tinge the sandybeach is Lauren’s most vividmemory of her vacation.

tiniestadj/ StInGDst /Emost small or diminutive.Mrs. Yost said, “Whatever we learnhas a purpose and whatever we doaffects everything and everyoneelse, if even in the tiniest way.”tintinnabularyadj/ TtintESnabyETlerG /L + Ecfof, relating to, or characterized bybells or their sounds.The bell ringers gave atintinnabulary rendition of “WinterWonderland.”tippee

tippetn/ StipDt /Ea shoulder cape of fur or cloth oftenwith hanging ends.Mrs. Weston begged Jane to put onher tippet so that she would notcatch cold.

tiqueurn/ tGSkEr /Fone subject to a convulsive motionof some muscles, especially of theface.Mary had become a tiqueur, with aconstant twitch near her eye.

tiredness


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tiresomeadj/ StI(E)rsEm /E + Ecfpossessing a quality that bores orannoys : irritatingly tedious.The lecturer went into so manydetails that listening to him wastiresome.

tissuey

titann/ StItFn /Gk[has homonym: tighten] one thatstands out among others of a groupespecially for greatness of statureor achievement.Frank Lloyd Wright was and is atitan in furniture design andarchitecture.

titanicadj/ tIStanik /Gkcolossal, gigantic.World War II brought politicalchange on a titanic scale toEurope.

titanism

tithableadj/ StILEbEl /Esubject or liable to payment oftithes.The church asked for a tenth ofeach parishioner’s tithableproperty.

titillate

titubant

titular

tivolin/ StivElG /It geog namea game resembling bagatelle andplayed on a special oblong board ortable.June and Monty learned to playtivoli on their aunt’s antique gametable.

toadstool

toehold

tofun/ StP(T)fV /Jpnbean curd.Charmagne ordered Thai ricenoodles with tofu.

togglen/ StBgEl /unknowna wood or metal pin inserted in anautical knot to make it moresecure or easier to slip.Noah pulled the toggle to loosenthe knot in the anchor rope.

toilen/ StwBl /L > Fan upholstery and drapery fabric.When their new couch arrived,Martin and Linda were horrified tofind that it was upholstered in aflowery toile instead of plain bluedenim.

toilsomeadj/ StOilsEm /F > AF > E + Emarked by or full of effort.Tula set herself the toilsome job ofcleaning the garage.

tolerable

tolerate

tollgate

toluenen/ StBlyETwGn /ISVa liquid aromatic hydrocarbon thatis used as a solvent, in organicsynthesis, and as an antiknockagent in gasoline.Toluene is used as a raw materialfor organic compounds such asTNT and some dyes andpharmaceuticals.

tomahawk

tomatillon/ TtPmEStG(T)(y)P /Nahuatl > Spany of several solanaceous plantswith fruits resembling smalltomatoes.The television chef explained thatthe tomatillo is rich in vitamins Aand C.

tomato

tomboyish

tombstonesn pl/ StVmTstPnz /Gk > L > AF > E + Einscribed stones placed overgraves.Vandals had removed tombstonesas a Halloween prank.

tonette

tongawalla

tongs

tonicn/ StBnik /Gksomething that invigorates,restores, refreshes, or stimulates.A glorious sunrise can work as atonic and uplift downcast spirits.

tonnage

tonneau

tonsils


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topepo

topogaphize

toquen/ StPk /Sp > F[has homonym: toke] a woman’ssmall brimless hat made in any ofvarious soft close-fitting shapes.Margo buttoned her jacket andadjusted her blue velvet toque infront of the mirror.

toquilla

toreron/ tESre(T)rP /L > Spa bullfighter.Pepe dreamed of being a famoustorero like his uncle Luis.

toreuticsn pl/ tESrVZiks /Gkthe art or process of working inmetal especially by embossing orengraving.Archaeological artifacts attest tothe ancient Celts’ excellence intoreutics.

torii

tormentedadj/ StOrTmentDd /Ldistressed.The tormented hypochondriacfinally decided to seek help from apsychotherapist.

tormentiln/ StO(r)mEnTtil /L > E[Note: Could be confused withtormentilla.] a yellow-floweredEurasian herb with a root thatcontains an astringent and is usedsometimes in tanning and dyeing.The hillside was ablaze with thebright color of tormentil.

tornadon/ tOrSnC(T)dP /L > Spa violent destructive whirling windaccompanied by a funnel-shapedcloud that progresses in a narrowpath over the land.In a few moments of unforgettableterror, a tornado roared into theTexas town, killing three peopleand destroying about 300 houses.

torpedo

torpidadj/ StOrpDd /Lsluggish in functioning or acting.Eric’s parents told him that toomany hours watching televisionwould make his mind torpid.

torporificadj/ TtO(r)pESrifik /Lproducing mental or spiritualsluggishness or apathy.Ben’s allergy medicine had atorporific effect, robbing him ofenergy.

torque

Torquemadan/ TtO(r)k(w)ESmBdE /Spone who harasses in a manner toinjure, grieve, or afflict usuallybecause of some difference ofoutlook or opinion : oppressor.The new police chief has beendescribed as a ruthlessTorquemada.

torquemetern/ StO(r)kTmGZE(r) /L > F + Gkan instrument to measure or recorda force that produces or tends toproduce rotation or torsion.A torquemeter is used to measurethe power delivered by airplanepropellers, jet engines, and otherrotating machinery.

torrn/ StO(E)r /It name[has homonyms: tor, tore] a unit ofpressure equal to 1/760 of anatmosphere and very nearly equalto the pressure of a column ofmercury 1 millimeter high at 0degrees Celsius and standardgravity.Jill learned that 1 torr is anextremely small amount ofpressure.

torrenticole

torronen/ tESrPnG /L > Sp > Ita candy made of honey andalmonds.For the holidays the catalog offersa variety of Italian confections,including panettone and torrone.

torsion

torten/ StOrZE /L > It? > G[has homonym and near homonym:torta and tort] a cake or pastrymade of many eggs, sugar, andoften grated nuts or dry breadcrumbs in place of flour and bakedin a large flat form, beingsometimes filled with jam andusually covered with a rich frostingLuke baked a chocolate torte forhis sister’s birthday.

torus

totalitarianadj/ (T)tPTtalESterGEn /L + Ecffof or relating to centralized controlby an autocratic leader orhierarchy.Totalitarian theory and practiceare solidly opposed to anyinstitutional division of power.


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totemn/ StPZEm /Ojibwa[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a darkreddish orange—called also “Marsred.”Jessica’s fiery personality perhapsexplains why she wants to paint herroom totem.

totipalmate

totipotencyn/ tPStipEZEnsG /L + Lability to generate or regenerate awhole organism from a part.Certain cells from tadpoles havebeen shown to have developmentaltotipotency.

totteredv/ StBZE(r)d /Estaggered, wobbled.“Don’t look down,” advised Miloas the bug tottered upward onunsteady legs.

toucanetn/ StVkETnet /Tupi > Pg > Fany of several small South andCentral American toucanspredominantly green in color.While visiting her cousin in CostaRica, Carla enjoyed the company ofher pet toucanet.

toughadj/ StEf /E[has homonym: tuff] extremelydifficult to cope with orcomprehend.The questions on the final examwere so tough that only the well-prepared students got a passinggrade.

tourlourou

tourniquet

towhead

townsite

toxicity

toxicologyn/ TtBksESkBlEjG /Gka science that deals with poisonsand their effect on living organismsand with the clinical, industrial,legal, or other problems involved.Dr. Krause quickly consulted histextbook on toxicology to find theantidote.

toxoid

trabeatedadj/ StrCbGTCZDd /Ldesigned or constructed ofhorizontal beams or lintels.A trabeated structural form gives abuilding a solid, boxy shape.

tracheitisn/ TtrCkGSIZDs /Gkinflammation of the main trunk ofthe system of tubes by which airpasses to and from the lungs invertebrates.Because of the singer’s tracheitis,many of her concerts had to becanceled.

tracheolen/ StrCkGTPl /Gk > Lone of the minute delicate endingsof a branched air-conveying tubuleof an insect.In the respiratory system of insects,oxygen diffuses through thetracheole to enter the body cells.

trachodonn/ StrakETdBn /Gk + Gka dinosaur of a genus comprisinglarge duck-billed dinosaurs of theUpper Cretaceous that have a broadspatulate snout.The trachodon had several hundredblunt teeth and fed on twigs, seeds,fruits, and pine needles.

traction

tractor

tradal

trademark

tradition

traffic

tragicadj/ Strajik /Gkdisastrous, fearful.It is hard to conceive of the tragicsignificance of the atomic bomb’svery existence.

tragopan

trainable

traineaun/ trCSnP /Fsledge, sleigh.During the winter, guests at thelodge are met at the station by along, horse-drawn traineau.

trait

traitor

traitorous

tramontane

trample

tranquil

tranquillo


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transaction

transcalent

transceiver

transcript

transcutaneousadj/ TtranzkyVStCnGEs /Lpassing or entering through theskin.Transcutaneous electrical nervestimulation was used to relieveKim’s chronic back pain.

transept

transfer

transfixedv/ tranzSfikst /Laffixed, fastened, or heldmotionless by or as if by piercingespecially with an absorbingemotion or interest.They were all transfixed by theTrivium’s soothing voice.

transform

transhumancen/ tranzShyVmEn(t)s /L > Sp > F[has homonym: transhumants]seasonal movement of livestockand especially sheep betweenmountain and lowland pastures.Transhumance remains anessential pastoral activity in manysheep-raising areas.

transilient

transistorn/ tranSzistE(r) /La tiny electronic device thatamplifies, oscillates, or switchesthe flow of current.If the transistor had not beeninvented, today’s handheldelectronic devices would not exist.

transistorize

transitoryadj/ StranzETtPrG /Lmarked by the quality of passingaway : evanescent, transient.Last week’s homily emphasized thetransitory nature of materialwealth.

transliterate

translucentlyadv/ tran(t)SslVsFntlG /L + Ecfin a manner permitting the passageof light and diffusing it so thatobjects beyond cannot be clearlydistinguished.The frosted glass in the window letthe sunlight in translucently.

transmittaln/ tran(t)SsmiZFl /Lan act, process, or instance ofgiving or conveying (a disease orinfection) to another person ororganism.Washing one’s hands is an effectivemethod of preventing thetransmittal of germs.

transparency

transparentadj/ tranzSpa(a)rEnt /Lhaving the property of transmittinglight so that bodies lying beyondare entirely visible.Because the protective book coverwas transparent, the colorful bookjacket could be seen through it.

transpicuous

transpierce

transportee

transposableadj/ tranzSpPzEbEl /Lcapable of being interchanged.In the early 1950s geneticistsdiscovered that transposable genesmay change their position on thechromosome.

transposition

transtrachealadj/ tranzStrCkGEl /L + Gkextending or effected through thetrachea or windpipe.Oxygen had to be supplied to thepatient through a transtrachealtube.

transversal

trapezoidal

trapunton/ trESpVn(T)tP /La decorative quilted fabric design inhigh relief.The oldest coverlet in the museum’scollection features a centralmedallion worked in trapunto andembroidery.

traumaticadj/ trOSmaZik /Gkof, relating to, or resulting from aninjury or wound to the human bodycaused by the application ofexternal force or violence.It took Marsha years to get overher traumatic experience with therevolving door.

travail

traveler


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traversev/ trESvErs /Lgo or travel across or over.The minivan will traverse themiddle of the state during thetornado watch.

treaclen/ StrGkEl /Gk > L > F > Ea blend of molasses, sugar, andcorn syrup used as a table syrup.Put a small amount of treacle or abit of sugar on your porridge.

tread

treadlen/ StredFl /Ea swiveling or lever device pressedby the foot to drive a machine.Janna set a basket of magazines onthe antique sewing machine’streadle.

treasurable

treasurer

treaty

trebly

trellises

tremble

tremblingv/ Stremb(E)liN /L > F > Equaking with or as if with fear orother emotion.She found him trembling fromfright in a corner with a gun ineach hand.

tremellose

tremolon/ StremETlP /L > Ita perceptible rapid variation ofpitch in the voice especially insinging.Tremolo in vocal music and vibratoin instrumental music are similarsound effects.

trenchancy

trepakn/ trESpBk /Russa fiery Ukrainian folk danceperformed by men and featuring anextension of the legs alternatelyfrom a squatting position.Olga’s favorite characters in TheNutcracker are the Cossacks whodance the trepak.

trephone

trespassing

trevally

triacetate

triannulate

triaxial

tribologyn/ trISbBlEjG /Gka study that deals with the design,friction, wear, and lubrication ofinteracting surfaces in relativemotion to each other (as in bearingsor gears).After getting an undergraduatedegree in mechanical engineering,Jeff studied for a master’s degreein tribology.

triceratopsn/ trISserETtBps /Gkany animal or fossil of the hugeherbivorous dinosaurs having askull with two large horns abovethe eyes, a median horn on thenose, and a great bony hood ortransverse crest over the neck.Of all Angela’s stuffed dinosaurs,the triceratops is her favorite.

trichologist

trichotillomanian/ TtrikETtilESmCnGE /Gk + Gk + Gkabnormal desire to pull out one’shair.Susan has been diagnosed withtrichotillomania, which explainsher lack of eyebrows and eyelashes.

trichotomizedv/ trISkBZETmIzd /Gkdivided into three parts, elements,or classes.Sigmund Freud trichotomized themind into id, ego, and superego.

tricolette

tricolor

tricot

tricuspid

tridactylousadj/ trISdaktDlEs /Gkhaving three fingers or toes.The museum exhibit included thefossilized footprint of a tridactylousdinosaur.


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tridentaladj/ trISdentFl /Lhaving the form of a three-prongedscepter or spear serving in classicalmythology as the attribute orsymbol of a sea god.It is easy to see that Paul’stridental prop is actually amodified pitchfork.

triduum

trifectan/ trISfektE /L + La betting pool in which the bettormust pick the first, second, andthird finishers in a specified race orcontest in the correct order.Grandmother liked to bet thetrifecta on her weekly visit to theracetrack.

trifid

trifle

trifling

trifurcatev/ StrIfErTkCt /Lfork or divide into three branches.Under consideration is a proposalto trifurcate the small nation intoHindu, Muslim, and Buddhistsections.

trigger

triglyceridesn pl/ trISglisETrIdz /Gk + Gk + Ecfesters formed from glycerol byreacting all three of its hydroxygroups with fatty acids.Triglycerides, researchers say,significantly contribute to theprogression of coronary arterydisease.

trijugate

trillado

trimaran

tripartiteadj/ trISpBrTtIt /Lconsisting of three parts ordivisions.In Mr. Baker’s tripartite system ofevaluation, one number representsclassroom participation, onenumber represents homeworkeffort, and one number representsgrades.

triphibian

triphibious

triphthong

triptych

triskaidekaphobian/ TtriTskITdekESfPbGE /Gkfear of the number 13.Because of his triskaidekaphobia,Alton called the front desk andasked to be moved from Room1313.

trismus

tritor

triumphantadj/ trISEm(p)fEnt /L > F > Econquering, victorious.The triumphant general was givena parade in his honor.

triumvir

trivial

trochee

trochingn/ StrPTkiN /F > E[has homonym with regional label:troking] a small point of a stag’santler.During mating-season fights, it iscommon for a troching or two tobreak off of a stag’s antler.

trochlea

troglobiont

trombone

tromometern/ TtrPSmBmEZE(r) /Gk + Gkan instrument for measuring ordetecting minute earth tremors.George’s new security system isbased on a tromometer that candetect footfalls anywhere in thebuilding.

trophobiosisn/ TtrBfPTbISPsDs /Gka relation in which an organism ofone kind aids and protects anorganism of another kind in returnfor some food product.The entomologist described therelation between some ants andaphids from whom they obtainsweet secretions as “trophobiosis.”trophy

tropismn/ StrPTpizEm /Gkan innate tendency to react in adefinite manner to stimuli.Any type of tropism involvesturning toward or away from astimulus.


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tropospheren/ StrPpETsfi(E)r /Gkthe portion of the mass of airaround Earth that extends outwardabout seven to ten miles fromEarth’s surface.The temperature of the tropospheredecreases with altitude.

trotteur

trottoir

troupe

truancy

truant

trudgedv/ StrEjd /unknownmarched on foot wearily.Omar picked up his youngest boyand trudged off down the road, theother three children trotting afterhim.

trumpeter

truncaladj/ StrENkEl /L[has near homonym: truckle] of orrelating to the trunk of the body.The paramedics examined Rob fortruncal bruises, but his only injurywas a broken finger.

truncheonedadj/ StrEnchEnd /L > F > Ehaving a nightstick.The truncheoned officer saw noneed to carry a handgun whilewalking his beat.

trunnion

trussv/ StrEs /L? > F > E[has near homonym: trust] arrangefor cooking by binding the wings orlegs of (as fowl) close to the body.The woman on the Thanksgivingturkey hotline told Kay how to trussa turkey properly so that thestuffing wouldn’t leak out duringroasting.

trypanosomiasisn/ trDSpanEsPSmIEsDs /Gk > Lan infectious disease spread bycertain bloodsucking insects.American trypanosomiasis occursprimarily in the Central and SouthAmerican tropics.

tuba

tubercle

tuberculate

tubifacient

tuft

tuition

tumbler

tumbleweed

tumefacient

tumefy

tumidadj/ St(y)VmDd /Lmarked by swelling.Mark had a badly infected tumidleg.

tumming

tumorigenic

tumult

tunicn/ St(y)Vnik /Sem > La simple slip-on garment made withor without sleeves and usuallyknee-length or longer, belted at thewaist, and worn as an under orouter garment.The prince’s tunic wasembroidered with his coat of arms.

turbidity

turbulent

tureen

turnbucklen/ StErnTbEkEl /E + L > F > Ea right-and-left screw link used fortightening a rod or stay.Each of the tension wires thatsupported the old tree had aturnbuckle to allow adjustments.

turnip

turquoise

tussle

tutorial

tuxedo

tweezer

twign/ Stwig /Ea small shoot or branch usuallywithout its leaves.Dicken could tell when anunpromising bough or twig stillhad green life in it.

twinkling


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twinklyadj/ StwiNk(E)lG /Ebeaming with lively feeling.Beth was quite fond of her twinklygrandpa, who was always readywith a good joke.

twistern/ StwistE(r) /Ea tornado, waterspout, sandcolumn, or dust whirl in which therotatory ascending movement of acolumn of air is especiallyapparent.By the time people see or hear anapproaching twister, they have justa few minutes to find shelter.

twistiness

twitterv/ StwiZE(r) /Eutter the successive chirping notesof a bird.The parakeets fill the petstore withsong when they twitter.

twoling

tychism

tydie

type

typeface

typical

typographical

tyrantn/ StIrEnt /Gkone who by unfair or unreasonabledemands or rigorous exploitationimposes burdens and hardships onthose under his or her control.The Latin teacher, a bitter tyrant,gave his students a huge homeworkassignment over the holiday break.

ulcer

uliginousadj/ yVSlijEnEs /Lgrowing in wet or swampy ground.Quentin is making a study ofuliginous mosses.

ullaged

ulmin

ulna

ultimate

ultimogenituren/ TEltEmPSjenETchU(E)r /La system of inheritance by whichthe youngest son or sometimesdaughter or collateral heir succeedsto the estate.Mr. Case, deciding that his father’sadherence to ultimogeniture wasunfair, planned to divide the familyfarm equally among his siblingsand himself.

ultrafiche

ultralight

ultramarinen/ TEltrEmESrGn /La vivid blue.The ultramarine of Billy’s eyes isenhanced by tinted contact lenses.

ululate

Ulysseanadj/ yVSlisGEn /Gk nameof, relating to, or resemblingUlysses, the hero of Homer’sOdyssey.James Joyce’s Ulysses describes asingle day in the life of hisUlyssean hero, Leopold Bloom.

umbellulone

umbern/ SEmbE(r) /La brown earthen material highlyvalued by artists as a permanentpigment.When umber is ground, washed,and dried, it is called “rawumber.”unaccommodating

unachieved

unadulteratedadj/ TEnESdEltETrCZEd /Ecf + Lpure, unmixed, uncorrupted.Children reared in poverty cannotexperience the unadulteratedhappiness of childhood that theydeserve.

unanimity

unappreciativeadj/ EnESprGshEZiv /E + Lnot having or showing sensitiveawareness of worth or aestheticvalue.Tara thought her brother wasunappreciative of the help she gavehim.

unasked

unassimilable

unatonable

unbowdlerized

unbudgeableadj/ TEnSbEjEbEl /Ecf + L > Fincapable of being moved orshifted.The poem exemplifies the author’sunbudgeable belief in humangoodness.

uncanny

unceremoniously


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unceremoniousnessn/ TEnTserESmPnGEsnDs /Ecf + Etruscan? > L + Ecfstate of being informal.Memories of the disagreementbegan to fade, and soon Mr.Knightley conducted himself withthe unceremoniousness of perfectamity.

unchangeableadj/ TEnSchCnjEbEl /E + F > Enot capable of being changed :immutable.Mr. Jowett denied that age makeshabits unchangeable.

uncial

uncinusn/ TEnSsInEs /La small hooklike structure orprocess.An uncinus is one of a set ofstructures that the mollusk uses totear up its food and draw it into itsmouth.

uncivilly

uncle

uncompliant

uncomplimentaryadj/ EnkBmplESmentErG /Ecf + L > Edegrading, derogatory.Betsy felt sure that her new haircutwould elicit many uncomplimentaryremarks.

unconcerned

unconscionablyadv/ TEnSkBnch(E)nEblG /Lin a manner not guided orcontrolled by conscience.Nathan behaved so unconscionablyin elementary school that hisjuvenile delinquency surprises noone.

unconscious

uncooperativeadj/ EnkPSBpErEZiv /Ecf + Lnot marked by willingness andability to work with others in acommon effort.Mr. Jenkins sighed, “Do you enjoybeing the most belligerent,uncooperative child in school?”uncoquettish

unctionn/ SEN(k)shEn /Lthe anointing of the sick with oilthat is a religious rite of healing.The Catholic sacrament of extremeunction can be given by a priest toany baptized person who hasreached the age of reason.

undecagon

undecided

undecipherable

undergrowth

underlier

underling

underratedv/ TEndE(r)SrCZDd /Ecf + Lundervalued.The students soon learned that theyhad underrated the intelligence oftheir teacher.

understudyn/ SEndE(r)TstEdG /E + Lone who stands prepared to actanother’s part or take over the workor duties of another.While the leading lady was ill, herunderstudy performed admirably inher role.

undine

undiscernedadj/ TEndDSsErnd /Ecf + Lunseen.Many circumstances had passedundiscerned, but the two latestoccurrences were witnessed byseveral individuals.

undisguisable

unequally

unequivocally

unexpugnable

unfastidious

unfathomableadj/ TEnSfaLEmEbEl /Eincomprehensible, inscrutable.Maggie’s poker face wascompletely unfathomable.

unfavorableadj/ TEnSfCvEr(E)bEl /E + L > Eopposed, contrary.Willa decided the time wasunfavorable for her to tell hermother the news.

unfirmamented


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unforeseeableadj/ TEnfPrSsHEbEl /Eincapable of being foreseen,foretold, or anticipated.The problem was made worse by anumber of unforeseeablecomplications.

ungregarious

ungrudgingly

unguiferate

ungulaten/ SENgyElDt /La hoofed typically herbivorousquadruped mammal (as a cow,camel, horse, pig, or elephant).The elephant is the largest ungulatein existence.

uniaxialadj/ TyVnGSaksGEl /Lhaving but one axis.Uniaxial orientation takes placeduring the drawing of a filament.

unicellular

unideaed

uniformity

unilaterallyadv/ TyVnESlaZErElG /L + L + Ecffin a one-sided manner.The dictator unilaterallyproclaimed the action a breach ofinternational law and an act ofwar.

uninterrupted

unionize

uniquity

Unitariann/ TVnESterGEn /La Christian who believes that thedeity exists only in one person.Horace’s father was a Unitarian,and his mother was agnostic.

unite

univalveadj/ SyVnETvalv /Lhaving or consisting in one valve.The aquatic univalve will usuallyattach its eggs to leaves or sticks.

universality

universen/ SyVnETvErs /Lthe entire celestial cosmos.Many a philosopher has ponderedthe question “Are we alone in theuniverse?”university

univocal

unkemptadj/ TEnSkempt /Edeficient in order or neatness ofperson : disheveled.Janice feared that she would lookunkempt after her six-hour flight.

unknowable

unlute

unmanacle

unmerciful

unmitigableadj/ EnSmiZDgEbEl /Ecf + Lnot causing to make less severe,violent, cruel, intense, painful.The traffic jam caused unmitigableanger and frustration in Mr.Nelson.

unmitigated

unnecessarilyadv/ TEnTneseSserElG /Ecf + Lnot in such a way that it cannot beotherwise : to a needless degree.The taxi ride was unnecessarilylong because the driver did notknow the best route to take.

unneighborly

unnervev/ EnSnErv /E + Ldeprive of courage and physicalstrength : cause to become weakand ineffective especially fromfear.Only after the rush of adrenalinewore off did the horrible accidentunnerve the paramedic.

unobtrusivelyadv/ TEnEbStrVsDvlG /E + Lin a manner that is not blatant,immodest, or overly aggressive.The Italian film had Englishsubtitles placed unobtrusively nearthe bottom of the frame.

unoccupied

unparallelable

unpersuadableadj/ TEnpE(r)SswCdEbEl /Lnot capable of being induced byargument, entreaty, orexpostulation into some mentalposition : adamant.Both the Mr. Knightleys were asunpersuadable on that matter asEmma.

unperturbed

unpropitious

unpropitiously


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unregenerateadj/ TEnrGSjen(E)rDt /E + Lobstinate, stubborn.Orrin’s unregenerate refusal toadmit he was wrong angered hiswife.

unrehearsed

unreliable

unremittingadj/ TEnrDSmitiN /E + Lconstant, incessant.Doug was a careful andunremitting student of politicalthought.

unremunerative

unresolved

unscarred

unseasonableadj/ TEnSsGz(F)nEbEl /Ecf + L > F > E + Lcf > Ecfnot usual or normal and usuallyundesirable for the season of theyear.An unseasonable cold snap proveddeadly to many of Kate’s roses.

unsentimentaladj/ TEnTsentESmentFl /E + Lnot characterized or dominated byexcessive emotion.Jerome tried to be unsentimental inhis assessment of the situation.

unsepulchered

unshunnable

unsympatheticadj/ TEnTsimpEStheZik /E + Gknot exhibiting readycomprehension of others’ mentalstates : unresponsive.Aaron found Mrs. Schubert totallyunsympathetic to his ordeal.

untenableadj/ EnStenEbEl /E + Lnot able to be defended ormaintained.Arlen found himself in an untenableposition when his boss asked him tolie to the auditors.

untimelyadj/ TEnStImlG /Eoccurring at an inopportune time.Slim’s untimely arrival interruptedthe ceremony.

untraceableadj/ TEnStrCsEbEl /Ecf + F > E + Ecfnot capable of being tracked down.The armored car was robbed of $2million in untraceable bills.

untrammeled

unvaccinatedadj/ EnSvaksETnCZEd /Ecf + Lnot being inoculated with a vaccinein order to produce immunity.The injured, unvaccinated horsewas given a tetanus antitoxin shot.

unwarrantable

unweariable

unwritten

upbeatadj/ SEpTbGt /E + Emarked by optimism : cheerful,happy.The students came away from thepep rally in an upbeat mood.

updraftn/ SEpTdraft /E + Ean upward movement of air orother gas.A storm’s life and power aredetermined by the middleatmospheric winds around thecentral updraft.

upheavev/ TEpShGv /Elift or raise, usually with greatforce.The engineer used dynamite toupheave the boulder.

upholsterern/ (T)EpShPlzt(E)rE(r) /Eone whose occupation is thecovering of furniture with paddingand fabric.The upholsterer nearly faintedwhen he ripped open the lumpycushion and found it stuffed withrolls of dollar bills.

uppityness

uprighteously

uraeusn/ yESrGEs /Gk > L[has homonym and near homonym:ureas and urias] a stylizedrepresentation of the sacred aspappearing on the headdress ofancient rulers especially just overthe forehead and serving as asymbol of sovereignty.Robin admired the large goldenuraeus on the pharaoh’s crown.


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uranium

uranography

uranometry

urban

urbane

urn

ursiform

urticaria

usage

usance

usufructuaryn/ TyVzESfrEkchETwerG /Lone having the use or enjoyment ofsomething.Although he leased his farm to alarge corporation, Silas remainedthe usufructuary of the woodedsections.

usurp

utileadj/ SyVZFl /L[has homonym: util] practical,useful.Metals such as copper and tin areparticularly utile in manufacturing.

utmost

utopia

utricle

utterable

uvala

uveitisn/ TyVvGSIZDs /L + Ecfinflammation of the portion of theeye composed of the iris and ciliarybody together with the choroidcoat.Uveitis in horses is sometimescalled “moon blindness.”uvula

uvularadj/ SyVvyElE(r) /L[Note: Could be confused withuvula.] of or relating to the pendentfleshy lobe in the posterior borderof the soft palate; specifically :produced with the aid of this lobe.Try as she might, Joanie could notproduce a uvular trill.

uxoriciden/ TEkSsPrETsId /L + Lthe murder of a wife by herhusband.The police suspected the missingwoman was a victim of uxoricide.

uxoriously

vacancy

vacant

vacillant

vacillatoryadj/ SvasElETtPrG /Lcharacterized by changeableness orindecisiveness.Lacking a strong leader, thecommittee tended to be vacillatoryin regard to budget cuts.

vacuole

vacuometer

vagabondsn pl/ SvagETbBndz /L > F > Eindividuals who wander about fromplace to place.Jill and Jenny enjoyed beingvagabonds in Europe the summerafter they graduated from highschool.

vagarious

vagileadj/ SvajEl /Lfree to move about.Vagile organisms are inherentlydifficult to observe, which makesstudy of their interactionschallenging.

vaguenessn/ SvCgnDs /L > F + Ecfthe quality or state of lackingexpression.Roy’s little eyes began to shine,and they lost their vagueness.

vain

vainglorious

vairn/ Sva(a)(E)r /L > F > Ea heraldic pattern of interlockingshield-shaped panes.Rosalind had a difficult time tryingto paint the vair of her family’scoat of arms.

valencen/ SvClEn(t)s /Lthe degree of combining power ofany element or radical.Iron has a variable valence: two inferrous chloride and three in ferricchloride.

valetudinary

valid


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valisen/ vESlGs /It > Ftraveling bag.Mrs. McDonald asked the flightattendant to put her valise in theoverhead bin.

valorization

valuableadj/ SvalyEbEl /L > F > Epossessing monetary worth in useor exchange.After quitting her job, Brenda solda few valuable articles and took atrip to Australia.

valuta

van

vanadiumn/ vESnCdGEm /ON goddessa gray or white malleable ductilepolyvalent metallic element that isresistant to air, seawater, alkalies,and reducing acids excepthydrofluoric acid.Vanadium is often used as a dye inceramics and pottery.

vanen/ SvCn /E[has homonyms: vain, vein] amovable device attached to a spire,mast, or other elevated object forshowing the direction of the wind.Atop the barn is a metal weathervane in the form of a rooster.

vanilleryn/ vESnilErG /L > Sp > Fa plantation of vanilla.Juan Aguiar owns a large vanillerynorth of Guatemala City.

vanishing

vanity

vapidadj/ SvapDd /Llacking flavor, zest, animation, orspirit : uninteresting.The couple sat through the vapidmovie simply because they hadpaid good money to see it.

vaporn/ SvCpE(r) /Ldiffused matter floating suspendedin air and impairing itstransparency.The vapor of exhaust hung thick inthe air near the truckstop.

vaporizer

varietal

variety

varioliformadj/ TverGSBlETfOrm /L + Ecfresembling smallpox.When the relief worker saw therefugee’s varioliform lesions, shesuspected an experiment in germwarfare had taken place.

variometer

variorum

various

variscite

varletn/ SvBrlDt /Fa low fellow : a base unprincipledperson.Some varlet put his parking ticketon Claudia’s car.

varsity

vary

vascular

vasculaturen/ SvaskyElETchU(E)r /Lthe disposition or arrangement ofblood vessels in an organ or part.In the biology lab, students areinvestigating the vasculature of afetal pig.

vasoconstrictor

vassalagen/ SvasElij /L > F > Ea position of subordination orsubmission (as to a political poweror a detrimental influence).After unifying China, Kublai Khansent envoys to neighboringkingdoms, obliging them to acceptvassalage.

vastituden/ SvastETtVd /Limmensity.The vastitude of the proposal heldhim spellbound.

vaticinaladj/ vEStisFnFl /Lof, relating to, or containingprophecy.Will just laughed at hisgrandmother’s vaticinal utterances,for none of her predictions evercame true.

vaticinationn/ vETtisFnSCshEn /Lsomething foretold : prediction.The doomsayer’s woefulvaticination fell on deaf ears.

vauntedadj/ SvOntEd /L > Eboasted about : praised to the skies.Jess was looking forward to thevaunted Hawaiian sunshine, but itrained throughout his vacation.


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vectorn/ SvektE(r) /La course or compass direction,especially of an airplane.The pilot received the vector forlanding from the control tower.

Vedicadj/ SvCdik /Sktof or relating to the most ancientsacred writings of the Hindus.Ivy took a class in Vedic Sanskrit inher first year of graduate school.

veeringv/ Svi(E)riN /D or G > Eturning, shifting.The sharks began veering abruptlywhen the diver pulled the dead fishfrom her bag.

vega

vehement

veiln/ SvCl /L > F > E[has homonym: vale] a length ofcloth worn by women as a coveringfor the head and shoulders andoften especially in Easterncountries for the face.After arriving at the church, thebride frantically announced thatshe had forgotten her veil.

veined

velvet

velveteenn/ TvelvEStGn /L > F > E + Ecfa clothing fabric usually of cottonin twill or plain weaves made witha short close weft pile in imitationof velvet.Jenny can’t wait to wear herholiday dress made of dark greenvelveteen.

venality

venatic

venatorialadj/ TvenEStPrGEl /Lof, relating to, or used in hunting.As the duck-hunting season begins,Jake can be counted on to retellaccounts of his past venatorialsuccesses.

vendue

venenate

veniren/ vDSnIrG /Lan entire panel which is drawn forjury duty and from which a jury isto be selected.On reporting for jury duty, Astridwas directed to join the venire incourtroom 17.

vent

ventilation

ventrallyadv/ SventrElG /Lon, near, or in the direction of thebelly.The aquarium fish was striped bothventrally and dorsally.

ventriclen/ SventrDSkEl /Lone of the chambers of the heartwhich receives blood from acorresponding atrium and fromwhich blood is forced into thearteries.The heart patient’s right ventricleis the source of his trouble.

ventricular

ventripotent

venturen/ SvenchE(r) /Ean undertaking involving chance,risk, or danger.“My heart was beating finely whenwe two set forth in the cold nightupon this dangerous venture,” heconfided.

verbalize

verbiage

verbigeration

verbose

verbosity

verdigrisedv/ SvErdETgrGsd /L > F > Ecovered or coated with a green orbluish deposit especially of coppercarbonates formed on copper,brass, or bronze surfaces.Five years of weatheringverdigrised the roof over the baywindow from the color of a shinynew penny.

verein

veridicaladj/ vDSridDkEl /Lconforming to the truth : truthful.The therapist tried to help thepatient distinguish veridicalperceptions from illusory ones.

veridicality

verify

vermicular

vermiformadj/ SvErmETfOrm /Lwormlike.Some insect larvae are vermiform.

vermilion


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vermin

verminousadj/ SvErmEnEs /Linfested by small animals (as lice,bedbugs, mice) that tend to occur ingreat numbers, are difficult tocontrol, and are offensive as well asinjurious.Mayor Skopek promised todemolish the verminous abandonedbuildings.

vernacularizev/ vE(r)SnakyElETrIz /Lrender into or express in a nativelanguage or dialect of a country,region, or person.Vera’s attempt to vernacularize thedialog in her novel is requiringmore research than she hadanticipated.

verruca

version

versusprep/ SvErsEs /L[has near homonym: verses]against.The landmark court case “Brownversus Board of Education ofTopeka” paved the way for schooldesegregation.

verticiln/ SvErZETsil /La circle or whorl of similar bodyparts (as flowers about a point onan axis).A verticil of flowers grew at the tipof the plant’s stem.

verve

vespetro

vestan/ SvestE /L namea short wooden match.Robin removed a vesta from thevintage match safe and struck it onthe grated exterior.

vestigial

Vesuvianadj/ vDSsVvGEn /L geog namemarked by uncertainty or suddenoutbursts : furious.Gerald’s cardiologist advised himto control his Vesuvian rage lest hejeopardize his health.

veteran

veteransn pl/ SveZErEnz /Lones skilled through length ofservice.The supervisors depended on theveterans to help the novices on theassembly line.

veterinariann/ TveZErESnerGEn /Lone skilled in treating diseases andinjuries of animals.The veterinarian removed a largesplinter from Misty’s paw.

vettura

vexillaryn/ SveksETlerG /Lstandard-bearer.If the appointed vexillary fell inbattle, it was the duty of the nearestsoldier to rescue the standard.

viabilityn/ TvIESbilEZG /Lthe ability to live, grow, anddevelop.The viability of the crop was inquestion after the severe hailstorm.

viaduct

vial

viandn/ SvIEnd /L > F > Ean article of food.The pantry was so full that therewasn’t room for a single viandmore.

vibrantadj/ SvIbrEnt /Lpulsating with life, vigor, oractivity.The nurse had a vibrant personalitythat could cheer even the mostdespondent patient.

vibrissa

vicar

vicarious

vicariouslyadv/ vISka(a)rGEslG /Lin a manner experienced or realizedthrough imaginative or sympatheticparticipation in the experience ofanother.Erin loves to read travel magazinesso that she can vicariously enjoytrips to exotic lands.

vicinal

vicinity

vicious


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vicissitudesn pl/ vESsisETtVdz /Lfluctuations in condition (as ofwealth, prosperity, or happiness).One could not have imagined theextreme vicissitudes the GreatDepression brought our nation’spopulace.

videlicet

vidimusn/ SvidEmEs /Lan attested copy of a document.In purely legalistic terms, anotarized document could be calleda “vidimus.”vigan/ SvGgE /Spone of the heavy rafters that isoften a log and that supports theroof in the native Indian andSpanish colonial architecture of theSouthwest.At least one termite-infested vigawas responsible for the roof'scollapse.

vigiln/ SvijDl /La religious service on the morningof the day before a holy day.Deborah enjoyed the ChristmasEve vigil as a respite from herhectic family life.

vigilantadj/ SvijElEnt /Lalertly or watchfully awake;especially : alert or watchful todiscover and avoid danger.The teachers on bus duty were notvery vigilant at their posts,choosing instead to socialize witheach other.

vigintillion

vigorishn/ SvigErish /Russ > Yiddish?a charge taken (as by a bookie orgambling house) on bets.David won $500 at the races buthad to pay his bookie a vigorish of$50.

vigorous

vigorouslyadv/ Svig(E)rEslG /L > F > Ein a manner full of physical ormental strength or active force.Jesse vigorously objected to thereferendum.

vilely

villager

villanellen/ TvilESnel /It > Fa chiefly French poem havingtypically five tercets and a quatrain.One of the most striking aspects ofthe villanelle is its rhyme scheme.

vimineousadj/ vDSminGEs /Lof or producing long slender twigsor shoots.Ryan’s backyard is shaded by ahuge vimineous willow tree.

vindaloon/ SvindETlV /Pg > Indo-Pg > Konkania curried meat dish made withgarlic and wine or vinegar.Sweet chutney is a deliciouscounterpoint to spicy vindaloo.

vindictive

vintage

violaceousadj/ TvIESlCshEs /Lof the color violet.The prism cast a violaceous bandacross Sally’s face.

violate

violentlyadv/ SvIElEntlG /L > F > Ein a manner characterized byextreme force.The hail beat violently against thespring flowers.

violet

virement

virent

virgulen/ SvErTgyVl /L > Fa short, usually slanting stroke ormark used in medievalmanuscripts.In modern times a virgule is oftenused to divide a date into month,day, and year.

viridityn/ vDSridEZG /Lthe quality or state of being green :the color of grass or foliage.Zoysia grass is known for its lackof viridity in cool months.

virility

virtual

virulentlyadv/ Svir(y)ElEntlG /L + Ecfin a manner full of bitter malicioushatred.The campaign turned virulentlyhostile as the candidates exchangednasty personal insults.


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visceral

viscidadj/ SvisDd /Lhaving an adhesive quality : gluey,sticky.Katie gazed in fascination at thesteaming vat of viscid sap, whichwould soon be maple syrup.

visen/ SvIs /F[has homonym: vice] any ofvarious tools having two jaws forholding work that close usually bya screw, lever, or cam.Keith put the copper bar in a viseand hammered the end of it into thedesired shape.

visible

Visigothicadj/ TvizESgBthik /Gmc > Lof or relating to the westerndivision of the Germanic peopleswho invaded the Roman empirebeginning in the fourth century andwho later established kingdomsbetween the Loire and Gibraltar.Herve found several Visigothicartifacts while hiking in thePyrenees.

visualizev/ SvizhETlIz /L + E + Ecfsee a mental image of.Arthur could still visualize theaccident down to the smallestdetail.

vitally

vitellusn/ vIStelEs /Lthe yolk of egg.In an egg, a ropelike structurecalled a “chalaza” helps anchorthe vitellus and protect it fromdamage while allowing it to turneasily.

viticetumn/ TviZESsGZEm /La growth or plantation of vines,especially grapevines.Mr. Sampson owns the largestviticetum in the county.

viticulturen/ SviZETkElchE(r) /Lthe cultivation of grapes.Whitney has always been interestedin viticulture; even as a child shehad two grapevines that she grewherself.

vitrailed

viuva

vivaciousadj/ vDSvCshEs /Llively in temper or conduct :sprightly.The vivacious teenager thoughtnothing of chatting for hours on thetelephone.

viviparousadj/ vISvip(E)rEs /Lproducing living young instead ofeggs from within the body in themanner of nearly all mammals,many reptiles, and a few fishes.Some species of the eelpout layeggs, while others are viviparous.

vivisection

vivisepulture

vocalizev/ SvPkETlIz /Gk > L > F > Eutter, speak, sing.Teresa had to relearn how tovocalize some sounds whilerecovering from a head injury.

vocational

voeu

voile

voladorn/ TvPlESdO(E)r /L > Sp[has near homonym: voladora] anyof various flying fishes.Sammy was proud to have caught avolador on his first day of fishing.

volary

volatilizev/ SvBlEZFlTIz /L > F > Ecause to pass off into vapor.Sampson said it would be easy tovolatilize the acid by heat.

volcanon/ vBlSkC(T)nP /La vent in Earth’s crust from whichmolten or hot rock and steam issue.Is that volcano in Hawaii stillactive?volleyv/ SvBlG /L > Fpropel (an object of play) while inthe air and before touching theground.Cesar won his tennis match bystaying close enough to the net tovolley hard.

volleyball

voltage

voltolization


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voluble

volucrineadj/ SvBlyETkrIn /Lof or relating to birds.The adoption program at the zooraised more money for thevolucrine residents than for anyother group of animals.

voluminousadj/ vESlVmEnEs /Lbulky, large, swelling.Sam’s chin sank into a billow of hisvoluminous shirt front.

voluntary

volunteeredv/ TvBlEnSti(E)rd /L > Fentered into or offered oneself forany service of one’s own free willwithout solicitation or compulsion :offered.Milo thought for just a moment andthen resolutely volunteered to go.

voluptuous

volutation

vorticity

votaryn/ SvPZErG /La devout or zealous worshiper.It is said that there are elevensteps, or grades, that lead a Jainistfrom householder to votary tomonkhood.

votiveadj/ SvPZiv /Lundertaken or performed infulfillment of a vow.This year Sue made her votivepilgrimage to the estate of herfavorite performer.

vouchsafe

voussoir

vowellessadj/ SvaU(E)llDs /L > F > E + Ecf[Note: Could be confused withfoulest.] having only consonants.Winifred amazed her friends byworking a vowelless crosswordpuzzle in less than an hour.

vulcanization

wafflestompern/ SwBfElTstBmpE(r) /D + Ea hiking boot with a thick rubbersole with ridges patterned toincrease traction.The typical wafflestomper has asuede upper reaching to the ankleand is lighter than many otherboots.

waftv/ SwBft /D or G > Ebear along on or as if on a buoyantmedium.As the aroma of coffee started towaft into the room, Mory woke up.

wafturen/ SwBfchE(r) /D or G > E + Ecfa wavelike motion : waft,beckoning.The wafture of the stadium crowdgave Ebenezer a thrill.

waggeryn/ SwagErG /Emischievous merriment.The twins delighted in waggery.

Wagnerianadj/ vBgSnirGEn /G namebelonging to, characteristic of, orsuggestive of the operas of theGerman composer RichardWagner.Star Trek Klingon opera is evenmore somber than Wagnerianopera.

wahine

wail

wailingv/ SwCliN /Scand > Eexpressing sorrow audibly.The wailing cries of the relativesfilled the cemetery.

waistband

waiter

waitress

waivern/ SwCvE(r) /F[has homonym: waver] the act ofintentionally relinquishing orabandoning a known right, claim,or privilege.The attorney explained to her clienthow a waiver of a jury trial couldbe to his advantage.

waldhorn

walepiece

walkathon

wallboard


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walleyen/ SwOTlI /ON > Ea large vigorous freshwater foodand sport fish that has largeprominent eyes.The walleye put up a good fight butnevertheless ended up as dinner forthe fisherman.

wallow

walnut

wanev/ SwCn /E[has homonym: wain] diminish inphase or intensity—used of theMoon and other satellites andinferior planets.Mercury will begin to wane onJune 23rd.

wantwit

wapentake

warble

warbler

wardwite

ware

warilyadv/ Swa(a)rDlG /Ecautiously.The toddler approached the puppywarily.

warlockn/ SwOrTlBk /Eone given to black magic.The warlock shrieked in rage as thepaladin shattered his amulet.

warrantn/ SwOrEnt /Gmc > F > Ea writ issued by a magistrateauthorizing an officer to make anarrest, a seizure, or a search or todo other acts incident to theadministration of justice.Police officers, armed with asearch warrant, entered thesuspect’s apartment and seized thestolen computers.

warrantee

warrantyn/ SwOrEntG /F > E[has homonym: warrantee] ausually written guarantee of theintegrity of a product specifyingthat the maker will for a period oftime be responsible for the repair orreplacement of defective parts.Celeste angrily waved the warrantyfor her refrigerator under therepairman’s nose.

waryadj/ Swa(a)rG /Emarked by keen caution, cunning,and watchful prudence in detectingand escaping danger.The negotiator’s subtle diplomacyand wary tactics were the result ofyears of experience.

washin

waspish

wassail

wassailry

waterbailage

waterfowl

waterspoutn/ SwOZErTspaUt /E + Ea slender funnel-shaped or tubularcolumn of rapidly rotating cloud-filled wind on the surface of anocean or lake.The photograph is an aerial view ofa waterspout about 2000 feet high.

waterwheeln/ SwOZE(r)ThwGl /E + Ea hubbed circular frame mountedvertically on an axle and made torotate by direct action of a liquid.The gristmill operator opened thegate in the sluice, and thewaterwheel creaked and groanedas it began to turn.

waterzooin/ SwOZErTzVG /D > Flema stew of chicken or seafood andvegetables in a seasoned stockthickened with cream and eggyolks.Glen ordered the waterzooi simplybecause it was the most unusualitem on the menu.

watteaun/ wBStP /F name[Note: Plural form is pronouncedidentically.] a hat having a shallowcrown and a wide brim turned up atthe back to hold flower trimmings.Betty celebrated the coming ofspring by wearing her strawwatteau delicately decorated withpink and red roses.


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wattsn pl/ SwBts /Scot name[has homonym: what’s] absolutemeter-kilogram-second units ofpower, each equal to 1 absolutejoule per second : units of power1/746 horsepower each.Tom’s smile was so bright thatphotographers began to call it the“smile of a thousand watts.”wavelet

waviness

waybill

waywiser

weakling

wealthy

weapon

weaponry

wear

weatherize

Websterianadj/ webzStirGEn /American nameof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe lexicographer Noah Webster orhis dictionary.Jack’s Websterian skill at definingand familiarity with word originsmade him an ideal editor.

wedelv/ SvCdFl /G[has near homonym: fatal] skidownhill by moving the rear of theskis from side to side making aseries of short quick turns whilefollowing the fall line.The ski instructor watched asUrsula began to wedel confidentlydown the steep slope.

Wednesdayn/ Swenz(T)dC /Ethe day following Tuesday.Most schoolchildren look forwardto Wednesday as the day when theschool week is half over.

weighbridge

weighhouse

weight

weimaranern/ SvImETrBnE(r) /G geog namea German breed of large gray,short-haired sporting dogs withpendulous ears and cropped tail.The trembling and excessiveshyness of the weimaraner may besigns of overbreeding.

wejack

weka

Wellingtonn/ SweliNtEn /Brit namea leather boot having a loose topwith the front usually comingabove the knee.The Wellington was introduced intothe British army by the Duke ofWellington to replace the jackboot.

weltpolitik

wentletrap

westerliesn pl/ SwestE(r)lGz /Ewinds blowing from the west.Groves of tall trees had beenplanted to comb the meanness outof California’s prevailingwesterlies.

westward

whally

whammy

wheelchair

wheeze

wheezedv/ ShwGzd /Scand > Ebreathed with difficulty with ausually audible sibilant or whistlingsound.“Too much too quickly, too muchtoo quickly,” wheezed the out-of-shape gentleman, between gulps.

whelkedadj/ Shwelkt /Eformed like the twisted shell ofnumerous marine mollusks :convoluted.The antelope had whelked hornsthat curved inward.

whencesoever

whereas

whereupon

whetherconj/ S(h)weLE(r) /E[has homonyms: weather,wether]—used as a function wordfollowed usually by correlative oror by or whether to indicatealternative conditions orpossibilities.Jill cannot decide whether or notshe would like to go to the prom.

whew

whey

wheyey

whichever

whiffet

whiffle

while


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whinchat

whinny

whirlpool

whiskery

whiteoutn/ ShwItTaUt /E + Ea surface weather condition in anarctic area in which no object castsa shadow, the horizon cannot beseen, and only dark objects arediscernible.When the blizzard thickened to awhiteout, motorists pulled off theroad and waited until visibilityreturned.

whitewashedv/ ShwItTwOsht /Ewashed, treated, or covered with awhite liquid composition.Breanna and Logan whitewashedthe fence together.

whitherward

whitster

whittle

wholehearted

wholly

whorl

whosoever

whump

wickawee

wickedness

wicketn/ SwikDt /Gmc > F > E[has near homonym: wicked] theperiod of play in cricket from thecommencement of a batter’sinnings to his or her dismissal.Edward scored five runs during thefourth wicket of the Etonchampionship.

widespreadadj/ SwIdTspred /Egenerally prevalent.The widespread Dutch Elm Diseasehas all but eliminated the old elmtrees in our town.

wield

wienerwurstn/ SwGnE(r)TwErst /GVienna sausage.Blaine decided that it was thewienerwurst, not the 14 pickles,that had caused his indigestion.

wiesenbodenn/ SvGzFnTbPdFn /Gany of an intrazonal group of darkbrown to black meadow soils richin organic matter.The sedge grass thrived in thewiesenboden.

wigan

wigwam

wilco

wildfowl

wile

wilesn pl/ SwIlz /E[has homonym: whiles] tricks orstratagems intended to ensnare ordeceive.George Washington believed thatnations must ultimately depend onthemselves alone and warnedagainst “the insidious wiles offoreign influence.”wiliness

wiliwili

willetn/ SwilDt /imita large shore bird of the snipefamily of the eastern and Gulfcoasts and the central parts ofNorth America.The willet feeds near the mud flatsin the summer.

willies

willow

willowware

wimble

wincedv/ Swin(t)st /Gmc > F > Eshrank back involuntarily.Waldo winced at the Sun’s glare.

winceyette

windblown


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windchilln/ SwindTchil /E + Ea still-air temperature with thesame cooling effect on exposedhuman flesh as a givencombination of temperature andwind speed.Winds ripped the air at 60 miles anhour, and the windchill dropped to50 degrees below zero.

winddog

windlass

windowpane

wingspan

winnableadj/ SwinEbEl /Eable to be won.The coach knew that the game waswinnable, but he watched his teamthrow it away.

winnowv/ Swi(T)nP /Etreat so that the result is free ofunwanted or baser components.The superintendent spent all daytrying to winnow the immensenumber of applications for directorof special education.

wistfuladj/ SwistfEl /Efull of timorous longing orunfulfilled desire : melancholy.Glenn grew wistful as hereminisced about his boyhoodfriends.

witan

witchcraft

witchingadj/ SwichiN /Eof, relating to, or suitable forsorcery or supernaturaloccurrences.Tension grew as the clock nearedthe witching hour of midnight.

withdrawal

withhold

withholding

witticize

wizardn/ SwizE(r)d /Emagician.The wizard vowed to use hispowers to help the townspeople.

wizened

wizzled

woadn/ SwPd /Ea blue dye prepared especiallyformerly from the leaves of a plantof the same name and containingindigo as its essential constituent.The ancient Picts of England wereknown to use woad to make bodypaint.

wokas

wolfsbane

wombatn/ SwBmTbat /Australian nameany of several stocky Australianmarsupials resembling small bears.The wombat lives in burrows,which it digs with its strongforeclaws.

wonderful

woodburytype

woodsyadj/ SwUdzG /Eof, relating to, characteristic of,suggestive of, or of the nature ofwoods.The Girl Scout Handbook tells us to“look for trillium and violets inwoodsy, shady spots.”woold

woolliness

wootz

wordle

workaholicn/ TwErkEShOlik /E + Ar > Sp > L + Ecfa compulsive worker.Beth is a workaholic who hasn’ttaken a vacation in over six years.

worrywart

worshipv/ SwErshDp /Ehonor or reverence as a divinebeing or supernatural power :venerate.Joe found a Web page for peoplewho worship Athena, the ancientGreek goddess of wisdom.

worstedn/ SwErstDd /E geog nameany of various closely wovenfabrics made from smooth yarnspun from long combed fibers, usedespecially for suits and tailoredgarments.The salesman brought out a jacketmade from woolen worsted forBrandon to try on.

worthwhile


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woundedadj/ SwVndDd /Einjured, hurt by, or suffering froman injury to the body consisting ofa laceration or a breaking of theskin.Tommy nursed his wounded armcarefully.

wranglev/ SraNgEl /Eengage in argument, dispute, orcontroversy.No matter what the topic is, theMacNeil brothers all love towrangle.

wrathful

wreck

wrenchv/ Srench /Etwist violently to one side or out ofline, shape, or position.The sudden noise caused Merl towrench his head around.

wrenched

wresting

wrestling

wrinkly

wristband

writn/ Srit /Ea written order held to constitute asymbol of the power and authorityof the issuer.President Kennedy pledged tosupport the United Nations and to“enlarge the area in which its writmay run.”

writhedv/ SrILd /Emoved or proceeded with twistsand turns.A banner writhed in the wind as thestorm approached.

writhen

wrote

wrought

wry

wryly

wryneck

wrytail

Xanadun/ SzanETdV /E poetic namean idyllic, exotic, or luxuriousplace.Kerry told her friends that Bali wasjust the Xanadu she had hoped for.

xanthomelanous

xanthophyll

xanthosis

xenialadj/ SzGnGEl /Gk + Ecfof, relating to, or constitutinghospitality or relations betweenhost and guest and especiallyamong the ancient Greeks betweenpersons of different cities.Gene is good at all the xenialniceties, offering his guests foodand rest as soon as they arrive.

xenomania

xenon

xenophobicadj/ TzenESfPbik /Gk + Gkof, relating to, or characterized byfear and hatred of what is foreignand especially of people of foreignorigin.Roger’s xenophobic personalitymade him unfit for the PeaceCorps.

xeroderma

xerophobousadj/ zDSrBfEbEs /Gk + Gkhaving little capacity to resistdrought—used of a plant.Knowing how forgetful she can be,Rachel avoided buying anyxerophobous plants.

xerophyte

xiphoidadj/ SzITfOid /Gkshaped like a sword.“The sword plant is so named forits xiphoid leaves,” Simon told thebotany students.

xoanon

xylary

xylographern/ zISlBgrEfE(r) /Gk + Gkone that practices or is skilled inartistic wood carving.The Chinese xylographer exhibitedprintings of Buddhist scripture thathe had made from woodcuts.

xyloidadj/ SzITlOid /Gkhaving the qualities or nature ofwood.Twigs and xyloid plants were usedfor toothbrushes many years ago.


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xylologyn/ zISlBlEjG /Gk + Gka branch of dendrology dealingwith the gross and the minutestructure of wood.In xylology, students learn toidentify different woods and todistinguish real wood fromimitations.

yacca

yakitorin/ TyBkiStOrG /Jpnbite-sized marinated pieces ofchicken, beef, or seafood grilled onsmall bamboo skewers.Mrs. Saito brought an appetizer ofchicken yakitori to the Japaneseclass’s end-of-year banquet.

yamen

yardangn/ SyBrTdBN /Turkisha sharp-crested ridge carved bywind erosion.A yardang marked the boundarybetween the sand dunes and thesurrounding hillside.

yardarmn/ SyBrdTBrm /E + Eeither end of a long spar setperpendicularly on a mast tosupport and spread a square sail.The custom of the Royal Navy is tofly the Union Jack from theyardarm when a court martial istaking place aboard.

yardbird

yardstick

yarmouth

yawmetern/ SyOTmGZE(r) /unknown + Gkan instrument for measuring theangle of yaw of an airplane.The pilot was sure her yawmeterwas malfunctioning.

yaws

yeanling

yearlingn/ Syi(E)rliN /Eone that is a year old; especially :an animal one year old or in thesecond year of its age.Although its small size made Kenthink the rabbit was a yearling, itwas actually closer to three yearsold.

yearnful

yearning

yellow

yelp

Yiddishkeitn/ SyidishTkIt /GJewish way of life.Rabbi Cohen answered questionsfrom the Hebrew school pupilsabout the fundamental values ofYiddishkeit.

yieldable

yielding

yippee

yogism

yoke

yolk

youthful

yperite

zanily

zaniness

zany

zanyism

zarzuelan/ zBrzSwClE /Spa Spanish opera having spokendialogue and usually a comicsubject.Linda and Jaime attended anamusing zarzuela on their trip toBarcelona.

zealless

zealotryn/ SzelEtrG /Gkfanatical devotion.Terrorists typically justify theirviolence as acts of zealotry.

zebraic

zebroid

zebun/ SzGTbyV /Tibetan > Fan Asiatic ox marked by a humpbehind the neck and used primarilyfor draft or riding.Yasmin used to ride on her family’szebu when she was small, but nowshe milks it every morning instead.

zeitgeistn/ StsItTgIst /Gthe spirit of the time : the generalintellectual and moral state or thetrend of culture and tastecharacteristic of an era.The fact that speed is part of ourzeitgeist is one explanation for thepopularity of e-mail.

zelkova

zephyrous


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zero

zerography

zest

zeteticadj/ zDSteZik /Gkproceeding by inquiry.The class government has its ownzetetic justice system.

zigzag

zigzagged

zigzaggedly

zigzaggeryn/ SzigTzagErG /G > Fa course having sharp turns orangles.The zigzaggery of the stitches is anattractive feature of the afghan.

zilchn/ Szilch /unknownzero, nil.Eliza told Kevin that the chance ofhis becoming her sweetheart waszilch.

zillionairen/ SzilyETna(a)(E)r /E > L > It > Fone whose wealth is of unspecifiedmillions (as of dollars, pounds, orfrancs).Nancy wants to start a softwarecompany and be a zillionaire, justlike Bill Gates.

zinc

zincography

zinfandel

zinnia

zirconium

zitin/ SzGZG /Itmedium-sized tubular pasta.The waiter announced thatTuesday’s special was ziti intomato sauce with eggplant andmushrooms.

zocalo

zoic

zoismn/ SzPTizEm /Gkbelief in animal powers andinfluences.Many Native American tribespractice zoism.

Zolaesqueadj/ TzPlESesk /F nameof, relating to, or suggestive ofEmile Zola or his writings.The editor accepted two of Sophie’sshort stories for publication in theliterary magazine, declaring themZolaesque.

zombiism

zonation

zondan/ SzPndE /Spa hot enervating north wind thatsweeps down from the Andes overthe Argentine pampas.The zonda brings hot spells ofmany days’ duration whentemperatures can exceed 100degrees.

zoogenic

zoologyn/ zPSBlEjG /Gka branch of the science of lifeconcerned with the animal kingdomand its members.It is surprising that Gretchen, ananimal lover, dreads her studies inzoology.

zoom

zoomorphicadj/ TzPESmOrfik /Gk > Lhaving an animal form that oftenconforms to a style of expressionthat is extreme in character, nottrue to the appearance of nature.The Mayan ruins included altarscarved with zoomorphic figures.

zoophagous

zorin/ SzPrG /Jpna flat thonged sandal usually madeof straw, cloth, leather, or rubber.While running on the pier, Terrycaught his zori between two planksand pulled out the thong.

zouave

zumboorukn/ zEmSbVTrEk /Per > Ara small cannon mounted on aswivel; especially : one fired from arest on the back of a camel.The desert nomads were proud oftheir marksmanship with thezumbooruk.

zwingern/ StsfiNE(r) /Ga fortress protecting a city.The assailing army was unable tobreach the zwinger.

zygodactylous


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zygoneure

zymoscopen/ SzImETskPp /Gk > ISVan apparatus for determining thefermenting power of yeast bymeasuring the amount of carbondioxide evolved from a givenquantity of sugar.The brewer used a zymoscope toassess the yeast varieties.

zymosis

zymurgyn/ SzITmErjG /Gka branch of applied chemistry thatdeals with fermentation processes.The chemist had performed manyexperiments in zymurgy beforetaking the job at the brewery.

zythum

solemn solmizate somatotonic adj ... - Bent Sound...

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