biennial n. A plant that produces leaves and roots the first year and flowers and fruit the

second.

bier n. A horizontal framework with two handles at each end for carrying a corpse to the

grave.

bigamist n. One who has two spouses at the same time.

bigamy n. The crime of marrying any other person while having a legal spouse living.

bight n. A slightly receding bay between headlands, formed by a long curve of a coast-line.

bilateral adj. Two-sided.

bilingual adj. Speaking two languages.

biograph n. A bibliographical sketch or notice.

biography n. A written account of one's life, actions, and character.

biology n. The science of life or living organisms.

biped n. An animal having two feet.

birthright n. A privilege or possession into which one is born.

bitterness n. Acridity, as to the taste.

blase adj. Sated with pleasure.

blaspheme v. To indulge in profane oaths.

blatant adj. Noisily or offensively loud or clamorous.

blaze n. A vivid glowing flame.

blazon v. To make widely or generally known.

bleak adj. Desolate.

blemish n. A mark that mars beauty.

blithe adj. Joyous.

blithesome adj. Cheerful.

blockade n. The shutting up of a town, a frontier, or a line of coast by hostile forces.

boatswain n. A subordinate officer of a vessel, who has general charge of the rigging,

anchors, etc.

bodice n. A women's ornamental corset-shaped laced waist.

bodily adj. Corporeal.

boisterous adj. Unchecked merriment or animal spirits.

bole n. The trunk or body of a tree.

bolero n. A Spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by caste nets

and singing.

boll n. A round pod or seed-capsule, as a flax or cotton.

bolster v. To support, as something wrong.

bomb n. A hollow projectile containing an explosive material.

bombard v. To assail with any missile or with abusive speech.

bombardier n. An artillery man who has charge of mortars, bombs, and shells.

bombast n. Inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects.

boorish adj. Rude.

bore v. To weary by tediousness or dullness.

borough n. An incorporated village or town.

bosom n. The breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being, especially of a

woman.

botanical adj. Connected with the study or cultivation of plants.

botanize v. To study plant-life.

botany n. The science that treats of plants.

bountiful adj. Showing abundance.

Bowdlerize v. To expurgate in editing (a literary composition) by omitting words or

passages.

bowler n. In cricket, the player who delivers the ball.

boycott v. To place the products or merchandise of under a ban.

brae n. Hillside.

braggart n. A vain boaster.

brandish v. To wave, shake, or flourish triumphantly or defiantly, as a sword or spear.

bravado n. An aggressive display of boldness.

bravo interj. Well done.

bray n. A loud harsh sound, as the cry of an ass or the blast of a horn.

braze v. To make of or ornament with brass.

brazier n. An open pan or basin for holding live coals.

breach n. The violation of official duty, lawful right, or a legal obligation.

breaker n. One who trains horses, dogs, etc.

breech n. The buttocks.

brethren n. pl. Members of a brotherhood, gild, profession, association, or the like.

brevity n. Shortness of duration.

bric-a-brac n. Objects of curiosity or for decoration.

bridle n. The head-harness of a horse consisting of a head-stall, a bit, and the reins.

brigade n. A body of troops consisting of two or more regiments.

brigadier n. General officer who commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a

major-general.

brigand n. One who lives by robbery and plunder.

brimstone n. Sulfur.

brine n. Water saturated with salt.

bristle n. One of the coarse, stiff hairs of swine: used in brush-making, etc.

Britannia n. The United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Briticism n. A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great Britain or the British.

brittle adj. Fragile.

broach v. To mention, for the first time.

broadcast adj. Disseminated far and wide.

brogan n. A coarse, heavy shoe.

brogue n. Any dialectic pronunciation of English, especially that of the Irish people.

brokerage n. The business of making sales and purchases for a commission; a broker.

bromine n. A dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor.

bronchitis n. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

bronchus n. Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs.

brooch n. An article of jewelry fastened by a hinged pin and hook on the underside.

brotherhood n. Spiritual or social fellowship or solidarity.

browbeat v. To overwhelm, or attempt to do so, by stern, haughty, or rude address or manner.

brusque adj. Somewhat rough or rude in manner or speech.

buffoon n. A clown.

buffoonery n. Low drollery, coarse jokes, etc.

bulbous adj. Of, or pertaining to, or like a bulb.

bullock n. An ox.

bulrush n. Any one of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water.

bulwark n. Anything that gives security or defense.

bumper n. A cup or glass filled to the brim, especially one to be drunk as a toast or

health.

bumptious adj. Full of offensive and aggressive self-conceit.

bungle v. To execute clumsily.

buoyancy n. Power or tendency to float on or in a liquid or gas.

buoyant adj. Having the power or tendency to float or keep afloat.

bureau n. A chest of drawers for clothing, etc.

bureaucracy n. Government by departments of men transacting particular branches of public

business.

burgess n. In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland or

Virginia.

burgher n. An inhabitant, citizen or freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town.

burnish v. To make brilliant or shining.

bursar n. A treasurer.

bustle v. To hurry.

butt v. To strike with or as with the head, or horns.

butte n. A conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated.

buttress n. Any support or prop.

by-law n. A rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or the like.

cabal n. A number of persons secretly united for effecting by intrigue some private purpose.

cabalism n. Superstitious devotion to one's religion.

cabinet n. The body of men constituting the official advisors of the executive head of a

nation.

cacophony n. A disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones.

cadaverous adj. Resembling a corpse.

cadence n. Rhythmical or measured flow or movement, as in poetry or the time and pace of

marching troops.

cadenza n. An embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or

instrument.

caitiff adj. Cowardly.

cajole v. To impose on or dupe by flattering speech.

cajolery n. Delusive speech.

calculable adj. That may be estimated by reckoning.

calculus n. A concretion formed in various parts of the body resembling a pebble in

hardness.

callosity n. The state of being hard and insensible.

callow adj. Without experience of the world.

calorie n. Amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree

centigrade.

calumny n. Slander.

Calvary n. The place where Christ was crucified.

Calvinism n. The system of doctrine taught by John Calvin.

Calvinize v. To teach or imbue with the doctrines of Calvinism.

came n. A leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in stained-glass windows.

cameo n. Any small engraved or carved work in relief.

campaign n. A complete series of connected military operations.

Canaanite n. A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of Canaan, or

western Palestine.

canary adj. Of a bright but delicate yellow.

candid adj. Straightforward.

candor n. The quality of frankness or outspokenness.

canine adj. Characteristic of a dog.

canon n. Any rule or law.

cant v. To talk in a singsong, preaching tone with affected solemnity.

cantata n. A choral composition.

canto n. One of the divisions of an extended poem.

cantonment n. The part of the town or district in which the troops are quartered.

capacious adj. Roomy.

capillary n. A minute vessel having walls composed of a single layer of cells.

capitulate v. To surrender or stipulate terms.

caprice n. A whim.

caption n. A heading, as of a chapter, section, document, etc.

captious adj. Hypercritical.

captivate v. To fascinate, as by excellence. eloquence, or beauty.

carcass n. The dead body of an animal.

cardiac adj. Pertaining to the heart.

cardinal adj. Of prime or special importance.

caret n. A sign (^) placed below a line, indicating where omitted words, etc., should be

inserted.

caricature n. a picture or description in which natural characteristics are exaggerated or

distorted.

carnage n. Massacre.

carnal adj. Sensual.

carnivorous adj. Eating or living on flesh.

carouse v. To drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner.

carrion n. Dead and putrefying flesh.

cartilage n. An elastic animal tissue of firm consistence.

cartridge n. A charge for a firearm, or for blasting.

caste n. The division of society on artificial grounds.

castigate v. To punish.

casual adj. Accidental, by chance.

casualty n. A fatal or serious accident or disaster.

cataclysm n. Any overwhelming flood of water.

cataract n. Opacity of the lens of the eye resulting in complete or partial blindness.

catastrophe n. Any great and sudden misfortune or calamity.

cathode n. The negative pole or electrode of a galvanic battery.

Catholicism n. The system, doctrine, and practice of the Roman Catholic Church.

catholicity n. Universal prevalence or acceptance.

cat-o-nine-tails n. An instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for

flogging in the army and navy.

caucus n. A private meeting of members of a political party to select candidates.

causal adj. Indicating or expressing a cause.

caustic adj. Sarcastic and severe.

cauterize v. To burn or sear as with a heated iron.

cede v. To pass title to.

censor n. An official examiner of manuscripts empowered to prohibit their publication.

censorious adj. Judging severely or harshly.

census n. An official numbering of the people of a country or district.

centenary adj. Pertaining to a hundred years or a period of a hundred years.

centiliter n. A hundredth of a liter.

centimeter n. A length of one hundredth of a meter.

centurion n. A captain of a company of one hundred infantry in the ancient Roman army.

cereal adj. Pertaining to edible grain or farinaceous seeds.

ceremonial adj. Characterized by outward form or ceremony.

ceremonious adj. Observant of ritual.

cessation n. Discontinuance, as of action or motion.

cession n. Surrender, as of possessions or rights.

chagrin n. Keen vexation, annoyance, or mortification, as at one's failures or errors.

chameleon adj. Changeable in appearance.

chancery n. A court of equity, as distinguished from a common-law court.

chaos n. Any condition of which the elements or parts are in utter disorder and confusion.

characteristic n. A distinctive feature.

characterize v. To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities.

charlatan n. A quack.

chasm n. A yawning hollow, as in the earth's surface.

chasten v. To purify by affliction.

chastise v. To subject to punitive measures.

chastity n. Sexual or moral purity.

chateau n. A castle or manor-house.

chattel n. Any article of personal property.

check v. To hold back.

chiffon n. A very thin gauze used for trimmings, evening dress, etc.

chivalry n. The knightly system of feudal times with its code, usages and practices.

cholera n. An acute epidemic disease.

choleric adj. Easily provoked to anger.

choral adj. Pertaining to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir.

Christ n. A title of Jesus

christen v. To name in baptism.

Christendom n. That part of the world where Christianity is generally professed.

chromatic adj. Belonging, relating to, or abounding in color.

chronology n. The science that treats of computation of time or of investigation and

arrangement of events.

chronometer n. A portable timekeeper of the highest attainable precision.

cipher v. To calculate arithmetically.

circulate v. To disseminate.

circumference n. The boundary-line of a circle.

circumlocution n. Indirect or roundabout expression.

circumnavigate v. To sail quite around.

circumscribe v. To confine within bounds.

circumspect adj. Showing watchfulness, caution, or careful consideration.

citadel n. Any strong fortress.

cite v. To refer to specifically.

claimant n. One who makes a claim or demand, as of right.

clairvoyance n. Intuitive sagacity or perception.

clamorous adj. Urgent in complaint or demand.

clan n. A tribe.

clandestine adj. Surreptitious.

clangor n. Clanking or a ringing, as of arms, chains, or bells; clamor.

clarify v. To render intelligible.

clarion n. A small shrill trumpet or bugle.

classify v. To arrange in a class or classes on the basis of observed resemblance’s and

differences.

clearance n. A certificate from the proper authorities that a vessel has complied with the

law and may sail.

clemency n. Mercy.

clement adj. Compassionate.

close-hauled adj. Having the sails set for sailing as close to the wind as possible.

clothier n. One who makes or sells cloth or clothing.

clumsy adj. Awkward of movement.

coagulate v. To change into a clot or a jelly, as by heat, by chemical action, or by a

ferment.

coagulant adj. Producing coagulation.

coalescence n. The act or process of coming together so as to form one body, combination, or

product.

coalition n. Combination in a body or mass.

coddle v. To treat as a baby or an invalid.

codicil n. A supplement adding to, revoking, or explaining in the body of a will.

coerce v. To force.

coercion n. Forcible constraint or restraint, moral or physical.

coercive adj. Serving or tending to force.

cogent adj. Appealing strongly to the reason or conscience.

cognate adj. Akin.

cognizant adj. Taking notice.

cohere v. To stick together.

cohesion n. Consistency.

cohesive adj. Having the property of consistency.

coincide v. To correspond.

coincidence n. A circumstance so agreeing with another: often implying accident.

coincident adj. Taking place at the same time.

collaborate v. To labor or cooperate with another or others, especially in literary or

scientific pursuits.

collapse v. To cause to shrink, fall in, or fail.

collapsible adj. That may or can collapse.

colleague n. An associate in professional employment.

collective adj. Consisting of a number of persons or objects considered as gathered into a

mass, or sum.

collector n. One who makes a collection, as of objects of art, books, or the like.

collegian n. A college student.

collide v. To meet and strike violently.

collier n. One who works in a coal-mine.

collision n. Violent contact.

colloquial adj. Pertaining or peculiar to common speech as distinguished from literary.

colloquialism n. Form of speech used only or chiefly in conversation.

colloquy n. Conversation.

collusion n. A secret agreement for a wrongful purpose.

colossus n. Any strikingly great person or object.

comely adj. Handsome.

comestible adj. Fit to be eaten.

comical adj. Funny.

commemorate v. To serve as a remembrance of.

commentary n. A series of illustrative or explanatory notes on any important work.

commingle v. To blend.

commissariat n. The department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water

and daily needs.

commission v. To empower.

commitment n. The act or process of entrusting or consigning for safe-keeping.

committal n. The act, fact, or result of committing, or the state of being

commodity n. Something that is bought and sold.

commotion n. A disturbance or violent agitation.

commute v. To put something, especially something less severe, in place of.

comparable adj. Fit to be compared.

comparative adj. Relative.

comparison n. Examination of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or

unlikeness.

compensate v. To remunerate.

competence n. Adequate qualification or capacity.

competent adj. Qualified.

competitive adj. characterized by rivalry.

competitor n. A rival.

complacence n. Satisfaction with one's acts or surroundings.

complacent adj. Pleased or satisfied with oneself.

complaisance n. Politeness.

complaisant adj. Agreeable.

complement v. To make complete.

complex adj. Complicated.

compliant adj. Yielding.

complicate v. To make complex, difficult, or hard to deal with.

complication n. An intermingling or combination of things or parts, especially in a

perplexing manner.

complicity n. Participation or partnership, as in wrong-doing or with a wrong-doer.

compliment v. To address or gratify with expressions of delicate praise.

component n. A constituent element or part.

comport v. To conduct or behave (oneself).

composure n. Calmness.

comprehensible adj. Intelligible.

comprehension n. Ability to know.

comprehensive adj. Large in scope or content.

compress v. To press together or into smaller space.

compressible adj. Capable of being pressed into smaller compass.

compression n. Constraint, as by force or authority.

comprise v. To consist of.

compulsion n. Coercion.

compulsory adj. Forced.

compunction n. Remorseful feeling.

compute v. To ascertain by mathematical calculation.

concede v. To surrender.

conceit n. Self-flattering opinion.

conceive v. To form an idea, mental image or thought of.

concerto n. A musical composition.

concession n. Anything granted or yielded, or admitted in response to a demand, petition, or

claim.

conciliate v. To obtain the friendship of.

conciliatory adj. Tending to reconcile.

conclusive adj. Sufficient to convince or decide.

concord n. Harmony.

concordance n. Harmony.

concur v. To agree.

concurrence n. Agreement.

concurrent adj. Occurring or acting together.

concussion n. A violent shock to some organ by a fall or a sudden blow.

condensation n. The act or process of making dense or denser.

condense v. To abridge.

condescend v. To come down voluntarily to equal terms with inferiors.

condolence n. Expression of sympathy with a person in pain, sorrow, or misfortune.

conduce v. To bring about.

conducive adj. Contributing to an end.

conductible adj. Capable of being conducted or transmitted.

conduit n. A means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway for a

fluid.

confectionery n. The candy collectively that a confectioner makes or sells, as candy.

confederacy n. A number of states or persons in compact or league with each other, as for

mutual aid.

confederate n. One who is united with others in a league, compact, or agreement.

confer v. To bestow.

conferee n. A person with whom another confers.

confessor n. A spiritual advisor.

confidant n. One to whom secrets are entrusted.

confide v. To reveal in trust or confidence.

confidence n. The state or feeling of trust in or reliance upon another.

confident adj. Assured.

confinement n. Restriction within limits or boundaries.

confiscate v. To appropriate (private property) as forfeited to the public use or treasury.

conflagration n. A great fire, as of many buildings, a forest, or the like.

confluence n. The place where streams meet.

confluent n. A stream that unites with another.

conformance n. The act or state or conforming.

conformable adj. Harmonious.

conformation n. General structure, form, or outline.

conformity n. Correspondence in form, manner, or use.

confront v. To encounter, as difficulties or obstacles.

congeal v. To coagulate.

congenial adj. Having kindred character or tastes.

congest v. To collect into a mass.

congregate v. To bring together into a crowd.

coniferous adj. Cone-bearing trees.

conjecture n. A guess.

conjoin v. To unite.

conjugal adj. Pertaining to marriage, marital rights, or married persons.

conjugate adj. Joined together in pairs.

conjugation n. The state or condition of being joined together.

conjunction n. The state of being joined together, or the things so joined.

connive v. To be in collusion.

connoisseur n. A critical judge of art, especially one with thorough knowledge and sound

judgment of art.

connote v. To mean; signify.

connubial adj. Pertaining to marriage or matrimony.

conquer v. To overcome by force.

consanguineous adj. Descended from the same parent or ancestor.

conscience n. The faculty in man by which he distinguishes between right and wrong in

character and conduct.

conscientious adj. Governed by moral standard.

conscious adj. Aware that one lives, feels, and thinks.

conscript v. To force into military service.

consecrate v. To set apart as sacred.

consecutive adj. Following in uninterrupted succession.

consensus n. A collective unanimous opinion of a number of persons.

conservatism n. Tendency to adhere to the existing order of things.

conservative adj. Adhering to the existing order of things.

conservatory n. An institution for instruction and training in music and declamation.

consign v. To entrust.

consignee n. A person to whom goods or other property has been entrusted.

consignor n. One who entrusts.

consistency n. A state of permanence.

console v. To comfort.

consolidate v. To combine into one body or system.

consonance n. The state or quality of being in accord with.

consonant adj. Being in agreement or harmony with.

consort n. A companion or associate.

conspicuous adj. Clearly visible.

conspirator n. One who agrees with others to cooperate in accomplishing some unlawful

purpose.

conspire v. To plot.

constable n. An officer whose duty is to maintain the peace.

constellation n. An arbitrary assemblage or group of stars.

consternation n. Panic.

constituency n. The inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body.

constituent n. One who has the right to vote at an election.

constrict v. To bind.

consul n. An officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to represent his

country.

consulate n. The place in which a consul transacts official business.

consummate v. To bring to completion.

consumption n. Gradual destruction, as by burning, eating, etc., or by using up, wearing

out, etc.

consumptive adj. Designed for gradual destruction.

contagion n. The communication of disease from person to person.

contagious adj. Transmitting disease.

contaminate v. To pollute.

contemplate v. To consider thoughtfully.

contemporaneous adj. Living, occurring, or existing at the same time.

contemporary adj. Living or existing at the same time.

contemptible adj. Worthy of scorn or disdain.

contemptuous adj. Disdainful.

contender n. One who exerts oneself in opposition or rivalry.

contiguity n. Proximity.

contiguous adj. Touching or joining at the edge or boundary.

continence n. Self-restraint with respect to desires, appetites, and passion.

contingency n. Possibility of happening.

contingent adj. Not predictable.

continuance n. Permanence.

continuation n. Prolongation.

continuity n. Uninterrupted connection in space, time, operation, or development.

continuous adj. Connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of

sequence.

contort v. To twist into a misshapen form.

contraband n. Trade forbidden by law or treaty.

contradiction n. The assertion of the opposite of that which has been said.

contradictory adj. Inconsistent with itself.

contraposition n. A placing opposite.

contravene v. To prevent or obstruct the operation of.

contribution n. The act of giving for a common purpose.

contributor n. One who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose.

contrite adj. Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin.

contrivance n. The act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a

special purpose.

contrive v. To manage or carry through by some device or scheme.

control v. To exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence over.

controller n. One who or that which regulates or directs.

contumacious adj. Rebellious.

contumacy n. Contemptuous disregard of the requirements of rightful authority.

contuse v. To bruise by a blow, either with or without the breaking of the skin.

contusion n. A bruise.

convalesce v. To recover after a sickness.

convalescence n. The state of progressive restoration to health and strength after the

cessation of disease.

convalescent adj. Recovering health after sickness.

convene v. To summon or cause to assemble.

convenience n. Fitness, as of time or place.

converge v. To cause to incline and approach nearer together.

convergent adj. Tending to one point.

conversant adj. Thoroughly informed.

conversion n. Change from one state or position to another, or from one form to another.

convertible adj. Interchangeable.

convex adj. Curving like the segment of the globe or of the surface of a circle.

conveyance n. That by which anything is transported.

convivial adj. Devoted to feasting, or to good-fellowship in eating or drinking.

convolution n. A winding motion.

convolve v. To move with a circling or winding motion.

convoy n. A protecting force accompanying property in course of transportation.

convulse v. To cause spasms in.

convulsion n. A violent and abnormal muscular contraction of the body.

copious adj. Plenteous.

coquette n. A flirt.

cornice n. An ornamental molding running round the walls of a room close to the ceiling.

cornucopia n. The horn of plenty, symbolizing peace and prosperity.

corollary n. A proposition following so obviously from another that it requires little

demonstration.

coronation n. The act or ceremony of crowning a monarch.

coronet n. Inferior crown denoting, according to its form, various degrees of noble rank

less than sovereign.

corporal adj. Belonging or relating to the body as opposed to the mind.

corporate adj. Belonging to a corporation.

corporeal adj. Of a material nature; physical.

corps n. A number or body of persons in some way associated or acting together.

corpse n. A dead body.

corpulent adj. Obese.

corpuscle n. A minute particle of matter.

correlate v. To put in some relation of connection or correspondence.

correlative adj. Mutually involving or implying one another.

corrigible adj. Capable of reformation.

corroborate v. To strengthen, as proof or conviction.

corroboration n. Confirmation.

corrode v. To ruin or destroy little by little.

corrosion n. Gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration.

corrosive n. That which causes gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration.

corruptible adj. Open to bribery.

corruption n. Loss of purity or integrity.

cosmetic adj. Pertaining to the art of beautifying, especially the complexion.

cosmic adj. Pertaining to the universe.

cosmogony n. A doctrine of creation or of the origin of the universe.

cosmography n. The science that describes the universe, including astronomy, geography, and

geology.

cosmology n. The general science of the universe.

cosmopolitan adj. Common to all the world.

cosmopolitanism n. A cosmopolitan character.

cosmos n. The world or universe considered as a system, perfect in order and arrangement.

counter-claim n. A cross-demand alleged by a defendant in his favor against the plaintiff.

counteract v. To act in opposition to.

counterbalance v. To oppose with an equal force.

countercharge v. To accuse in return.

counterfeit adj. Made to resemble something else.

counterpart n. Something taken with another for the completion of either.

countervail v. To offset.

counting-house n. A house or office used for transacting business, bookkeeping,

correspondence, etc.

countryman n. A rustic.

courageous adj. Brave.

course n. Line of motion or direction.

courser n. A fleet and spirited horse.

courtesy n. Politeness originating in kindness and exercised habitually.

covenant n. An agreement entered into by two or more persons or parties.

covert adj. Concealed, especially for an evil purpose.

covey n. A flock of quails or partridges.

cower v. To crouch down tremblingly, as through fear or shame.

coxswain n. One who steers a rowboat, or one who has charge of a ship's boat and its crew

under an officer.

crag n. A rugged, rocky projection on a cliff or ledge.

cranium n. The skull of an animal, especially that part enclosing the brain.

crass adj. Coarse or thick in nature or structure, as opposed to thin or fine.

craving n. A vehement desire.

creak n. A sharp, harsh, squeaking sound.

creamery n. A butter-making establishment.

creamy adj. Resembling or containing cream.

credence n. Belief.

credible adj. Believable.

credulous adj. Easily deceived.

creed n. A formal summary of fundamental points of religious belief.

crematory adj. A place for cremating dead bodies.

crevasse n. A deep crack or fissure in the ice of a glacier.

crevice n. A small fissure, as between two contiguous surfaces.

criterion n. A standard by which to determine the correctness of a judgment or conclusion.

critique n. A criticism or critical review.

crockery n. Earthenware made from baked clay.

crucible n. A trying and purifying test or agency.

crusade n. Any concerted movement, vigorously prosecuted, in behalf of an idea or principle.

crustacean adj. Pertaining to a division of arthropods, containing lobsters, crabs,

crawfish, etc.

crustaceous adj. Having a crust-like shell.

cryptogram n. Anything written in characters that are secret or so arranged as to have

hidden meaning.

crystallize v. To bring together or give fixed shape to.

cudgel n. A short thick stick used as a club.

culinary adj. Of or pertaining to cooking or the kitchen.

cull v. To pick or sort out from the rest.

culpable adj. Guilty.

culprit n. A guilty person.

culvert n. Any artificial covered channel for the passage of water through a bank or under a

road, canal.

cupidity n. Avarice.

curable adj. Capable of being remedied or corrected.

curator n. A person having charge as of a library or museum.

curio n. A piece of bric-a-brac.

cursive adj. Writing in which the letters are joined together.

cursory adj. Rapid and superficial.

curt adj. Concise, compressed, and abrupt in act or expression.

curtail v. To cut off or cut short.

curtsy n. A downward movement of the body by bending the knees.

cycloid adj. Like a circle.

cygnet n. A young swan.

cynical adj. Exhibiting moral skepticism.

cynicism n. Contempt for the opinions of others and of what others value.

cynosure n. That to which general interest or attention is directed.

daring adj. Brave.

darkling adv. Blindly.

Darwinism n. The doctrine that natural selection has been the prime cause of evolution of

higher forms.

dastard n. A base coward.

datum n. A premise, starting-point, or given fact.

dauntless adj. Fearless.

day-man n. A day-laborer.

dead-heat n. A race in which two or more competitors come out even, and there is no winner.

dearth n. Scarcity, as of something customary, essential ,or desirable.

death's-head n. A human skull as a symbol of death.

debase v. To lower in character or virtue.

debatable adj. Subject to contention or dispute.

debonair adj. Having gentle or courteous bearing or manner.

debut n. A first appearance in society or on the stage.

decagon n. A figure with ten sides and ten angles.

decagram n. A weight of 10 grams.

decaliter n. A liquid and dry measure of 10 liters.

decalogue n. The ten commandments.

Decameron n. A volume consisting of ten parts or books.

decameter n. A length of ten meters.

decamp v. To leave suddenly or unexpectedly.

decapitate v. To behead.

decapod adj. Ten-footed or ten-armed.

decasyllable n. A line of ten syllables.

deceit n. Falsehood.

deceitful adj. Fraudulent.

deceive v. To mislead by or as by falsehood.

decency n. Moral fitness.

decent adj. Characterized by propriety of conduct, speech, manners, or dress.

deciduous adj. Falling off at maturity as petals after flowering, fruit when ripe, etc.

decimal adj. Founded on the number 10.

decimate v. To destroy a measurable or large proportion of.

decipher v. To find out the true words or meaning of, as something hardly legible.

decisive ad. Conclusive.

declamation n. A speech recited or intended for recitation from memory in public.

declamatory adj. A full and formal style of utterance.

declarative adj. Containing a formal, positive, or explicit statement or affirmation.

declension n. The change of endings in nouns and adj. to express their different relations

of gender.

decorate v. To embellish.

decorous adj. Suitable for the occasion or circumstances.

decoy n. Anything that allures, or is intended to allures into danger or temptation.

decrepit adj. Enfeebled, as by old age or some chronic infirmity.

dedication n. The voluntary consecration or relinquishment of something to an end or cause.

deduce v. To derive or draw as a conclusion by reasoning from given premises or principles.

deface v. To mar or disfigure the face or external surface of.

defalcate v. To cut off or take away, as a part of something.

defamation n. Malicious and groundless injury done to the reputation or good name of

another.

defame v. To slander.

default n. The neglect or omission of a legal requirement.

defendant n. A person against whom a suit is brought.

defensible adj. Capable of being maintained or justified.

defensive adj. Carried on in resistance to aggression.

defer v. To delay or put off to some other time.

deference n. Respectful submission or yielding, as to another's opinion, wishes, or

judgment.

defiant adj. Characterized by bold or insolent opposition.

deficiency n. Lack or insufficiency.

deficient adj. Not having an adequate or proper supply or amount.

definite adj. Having an exact signification or positive meaning.

deflect v. To cause to turn aside or downward.

deforest v. To clear of forests.

deform v. To disfigure.

deformity n. A disfigurement.

defraud v. To deprive of something dishonestly.

defray v. To make payment for.

degeneracy n. A becoming worse.

degenerate v. To become worse or inferior.

degradation n. Diminution, as of strength or magnitude.

degrade v. To take away honors or position from.

dehydrate v. To deprive of water.

deify v. To regard or worship as a god.

deign v. To deem worthy of notice or account.

deist n. One who believes in God, but denies supernatural revelation.

deity n. A god, goddess, or divine person.

deject v. To dishearten.

dejection n. Melancholy.

delectable adj. Delightful to the taste or to the senses.

delectation n. Delight.

deleterious adj. Hurtful, morally or physically.

delicacy n. That which is agreeable to a fine taste.

delineate v. To represent by sketch or diagram.

deliquesce v. To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption of moisture from the

air.

delirious adj. Raving.

delude v. To mislead the mind or judgment of.

deluge v. To overwhelm with a flood of water.

delusion n. Mistaken conviction, especially when more or less enduring.

demagnetize v. To deprive (a magnet) of magnetism.

demagogue n. An unprincipled politician.

demeanor n. Deportment.

demented adj. Insane.

demerit n. A mark for failure or bad conduct.

demise n. Death.

demobilize v. To disband, as troops.

demolish v. To annihilate.

demonstrable adj. Capable of positive proof.

demonstrate v. To prove indubitably.

demonstrative adj. Inclined to strong exhibition or expression of feeling or thoughts.

demonstrator n. One who proves in a convincing and conclusive manner.

demulcent n. Any application soothing to an irritable surface

demurrage n. the detention of a vessel beyond the specified time of sailing.

dendroid adj. Like a tree.

dendrology n. The natural history of trees.

denizen n. Inhabitant.

denominate v. To give a name or epithet to.

denomination n. A body of Christians united by a common faith and form of worship and

discipline.

denominator n. Part of a fraction which expresses the number of equal parts into which the

unit is divided.

denote v. To designate by word or mark.

denouement n. That part of a play or story in which the mystery is cleared up.

denounce v. To point out or publicly accuse as deserving of punishment, censure, or odium.

dentifrice n. Any preparation used for cleaning the teeth.

denude v. To strip the covering from.

denunciation n. The act of declaring an action or person worthy of reprobation or

punishment.

deplete v. To reduce or lessen, as by use, exhaustion, or waste.

deplorable adj. Contemptible.

deplore v. To regard with grief or sorrow.

deponent adj. Laying down.

depopulate v. To remove the inhabitants from.

deport v. To take or send away forcibly, as to a penal colony.

deportment n. Demeanor.

deposition n. Testimony legally taken on interrogatories and reduced to writing, for use as

evidence in court.

depositor n. One who makes a deposit, or has an amount deposited.

depository n. A place where anything is kept in safety.

deprave v. To render bad, especially morally bad.

deprecate v. To express disapproval or regret for, with hope for the opposite.

depreciate v. To lessen the worth of.

depreciation n. A lowering in value or an underrating in worth.

depress v. To press down.

depression n. A falling of the spirits.

depth n. Deepness.

derelict adj. Neglectful of obligation.

deride v. To ridicule.

derisible adj. Open to ridicule.

derision n. Ridicule.

derivation n. That process by which a word is traced from its original root or primitive

form and meaning.

derivative adj. Coming or acquired from some origin.

derive v. To deduce, as from a premise.

dermatology n. The branch of medical science which relates to the skin and its diseases.

derrick n. An apparatus for hoisting and swinging great weights.

descendant n. One who is descended lineally from another, as a child, grandchild, etc.

descendent adj. Proceeding downward.

descent n. The act of moving or going downward.

descry v. To discern.

desert v. To abandon without regard to the welfare of the abandoned

desiccant n. Any remedy which, when applied externally, dries up or absorbs moisture, as

that of wounds.

designate v. To select or appoint, as by authority.

desist v. To cease from action.

desistance n. Cessation.

despair n. Utter hopelessness and despondency.

desperado n. One without regard for law or life.

desperate adj. Resorted to in a last extremity, or as if prompted by utter despair.

despicable adj. Contemptible.

despite prep. In spite of.

despond v. To lose spirit, courage, or hope.

despondent adj. Disheartened.

despot n. An absolute and irresponsible monarch.

despotism n. Any severe and strict rule in which the judgment of the governed has little or

no part.

destitute adj. Poverty-stricken.

desultory adj. Not connected with what precedes.

deter v. To frighten away.

deteriorate v. To grow worse.

determinate adj. Definitely limited or fixed.

determination n. The act of deciding.

deterrent adj. Hindering from action through fear.

detest v. To dislike or hate with intensity.

detract v. To take away in such manner as to lessen value or estimation.

detriment n. Something that causes damage, depreciation, or loss.

detrude v. To push down forcibly.

deviate v. To take a different course.

devilry n. Malicious mischief.

deviltry n. Wanton and malicious mischief.

devious adj. Out of the common or regular track.

devise v. To invent.

devout adj. Religious.

dexterity n. Readiness, precision, efficiency, and ease in any physical activity or in any

mechanical work.

diabolic adj. Characteristic of the devil.

diacritical adj. Marking a difference.

diagnose v. To distinguish, as a disease, by its characteristic phenomena.

diagnosis n. Determination of the distinctive nature of a disease.

dialect n. Forms of speech collectively that are peculiar to the people of a particular

district.

dialectician n. A logician.

dialogue n. A formal conversation in which two or more take part.

diaphanous adj. Transparent.

diatomic adj. Containing only two atoms.

diatribe n. A bitter or malicious criticism.

dictum n. A positive utterance.

didactic adj. Pertaining to teaching.

difference n. Dissimilarity in any respect.

differentia n. Any essential characteristic of a species by reason of which it differs from

other species.

differential adj. Distinctive.

differentiate v. To acquire a distinct and separate character.

diffidence n. Self-distrust.

diffident adj. Affected or possessed with self-distrust.

diffusible adj. Spreading rapidly through the system and acting quickly.

diffusion n. Dispersion.

dignitary n. One who holds high rank.

digraph n. A union of two characters representing a single sound.

digress v. To turn aside from the main subject and for a time dwell on some incidental

matter.

dilapidated pa. Fallen into decay or partial ruin.

dilate v. To enlarge in all directions.

dilatory adj. Tending to cause delay.

dilemma n. A situation in which a choice between opposing modes of conduct is necessary.

dilettante n. A superficial amateur.

diligence n. Careful and persevering effort to accomplish what is undertaken.

dilute v. To make more fluid or less concentrated by admixture with something.

diminution n. Reduction.

dimly adv. Obscurely.

diphthong n. The sound produced by combining two vowels in to a single syllable or running

together the sounds.

diplomacy n. Tact, shrewdness, or skill in conducting any kind of negotiations or in social

matters.

diplomat n. A representative of one sovereign state at the capital or court of another.

diplomatic adj. Characterized by special tact in negotiations.

diplomatist n. One remarkable for tact and shrewd management.

disagree v. To be opposite in opinion.

disallow v. To withhold permission or sanction.

disappear v. To cease to exist, either actually or for the time being.

disappoint v. To fail to fulfill the expectation, hope, wish, or desire of.

disapprove v. To regard with blame.

disarm v. To deprive of weapons.

disarrange v. To throw out of order.

disavow v. To disclaim responsibility for.

disavowal n. Denial.

disbeliever n. One who refuses to believe.

disburden v. To disencumber.

disburse v. To pay out or expend, as money from a fund. discard v. To reject.

discernible adj. Perceivable.

disciple n. One who believes the teaching of another, or who adopts and follows some

doctrine.

disciplinary adj. Having the nature of systematic training or subjection to authority.

discipline v. To train to obedience.

disclaim v. To disavow any claim to, connection with, or responsibility to.

discolor v. To stain.

discomfit v. To put to confusion.

discomfort n. The state of being positively uncomfortable.

disconnect v. To undo or dissolve the connection or association of.

disconsolate adj. Grief-stricken.

discontinuance n. Interruption or intermission.

discord n. Absence of harmoniousness.

discountenance v. To look upon with disfavor.

discover v. To get first sight or knowledge of, as something previously unknown or

unperceived.

discredit v. To injure the reputation of.

discreet adj. Judicious.

discrepant adj. Opposite.

discriminate v. To draw a distinction.

discursive adj. Passing from one subject to another.

discussion n. Debate.

disenfranchise v. To deprive of any right privilege or power

disengage v. To become detached.

disfavor n. Disregard.

disfigure v. To impair or injure the beauty, symmetry, or appearance of.

dishabille n. Undress or negligent attire.

dishonest adj. Untrustworthy.

disillusion v. To disenchant.

disinfect v. To remove or destroy the poison of infectious or contagious diseases.

disinfectant n. A substance used to destroy the germs of infectious diseases.

disinherit v. To deprive of an inheritance.

disinterested adj. Impartial.

disjunctive adj. Helping or serving to disconnect or separate.

dislocate v. To put out of proper place or order.

dismissal n. Displacement by authority from an office or an employment.

dismount v. To throw down, push off, or otherwise remove from a horse or the like.

disobedience n. Neglect or refusal to comply with an authoritative injunction.

disobedient adj. Neglecting or refusing to obey.

disown v. To refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as connected with oneself.

disparage v. To regard or speak of slightingly.

disparity n. Inequality.

dispel v. To drive away by or as by scattering in different directions.

dispensation n. That which is bestowed on or appointed to one from a higher power.

displace v. To put out of the proper or accustomed place.

dispossess v. To deprive of actual occupancy, especially of real estate.

disputation n. Verbal controversy.

disqualify v. To debar.

disquiet v. To deprive of peace or tranquillity. disregard v. To take no notice of.

disreputable adj. Dishonorable or disgraceful.

disrepute n. A bad name or character.

disrobe v. To unclothe.

disrupt v. To burst or break asunder.

dissatisfy v. To displease.

dissect v. To cut apart or to pieces.

dissection n. The act or operation of cutting in pieces, specifically of a plant or an

animal.

dissemble v. To hide by pretending something different.

disseminate v. To sow or scatter abroad, as seed is sown.

dissension n. Angry or violent difference of opinion.

dissent n. Disagreement.

dissentient n. One who disagrees.

dissentious adj. Contentious.

dissertation n. Thesis.

disservice n. An ill turn.

dissever v. To divide.

dissimilar adj. Different.

dissipate v. To disperse or disappear.

dissipation n. The state of being dispersed or scattered.

dissolute adj. Lewd.

dissolution n. A breaking up of a union of persons.

dissolve v. To liquefy or soften, as by heat or moisture.

dissonance n. Discord.

dissonant adj. Harsh or disagreeable in sound.

dissuade v. To change the purpose or alter the plans of by persuasion, counsel, or pleading.

dissuasion n. The act of changing the purpose of or altering the plans of through

persuasion, or pleading.

disyllable n. A word of two syllables.

distemper n. A disease or malady.

distend v. To stretch out or expand in every direction.

distensible adj. Capable of being stretched out or expanded in every direction.

distention n. Expansion.

distill v. To extract or produce by vaporization and condensation.

distillation n. Separation of the more volatile parts of a substance from those less

volatile.

distiller n. One occupied in the business of distilling alcoholic liquors.

distinction n. A note or designation of honor, officially recognizing superiority or success

in studies.

distort v. To twist into an unnatural or irregular form.

distrain v. To subject a person to distress.

distrainor n. One who subjects a person to distress.

distraught adj. Bewildered.

distrust n. Lack of confidence in the power, wisdom, or good intent of any person.

disunion n. Separation of relations or interests.

diurnal adj. Daily.

divagation n. Digression.

divergent adj. Tending in different directions.

diverse adj. Capable of various forms.

diversion n. Pastime.

diversity n. Dissimilitude.

divert v. To turn from the accustomed course or a line of action already established.

divertible adj. Able to be turned from the accustomed course or a line of action already

established.

divest v. To strip, specifically of clothes, ornaments, or accouterments or disinvestment.

divination n. The pretended forecast of future events or discovery of what is lost or

hidden.

divinity n. The quality or character of being godlike.

divisible adj. Capable of being separated into parts.

divisor n. That by which a number or quantity is divided.

divulge v. To tell or make known, as something previously private or secret.

divulgence n. A divulging.

docile adj. Easy to manage.

docket n. The registry of judgments of a court.

doe n. The female of the deer.

dogma n. A statement of religious faith or duty formulated by a body claiming authority.

dogmatic adj. Making statements without argument or evidence.

dogmatize v. To make positive assertions without supporting them by argument or evidence.

doleful adj. Melancholy.

dolesome adj. Melancholy.

dolor n. Lamentation.

dolorous adj. Expressing or causing sorrow or pain.

domain n. A sphere or field of action or interest.

domesticity n. Life in or fondness for one's home and family.

domicile n. The place where one lives.

dominance n. Ascendancy.

dominant adj. Conspicuously prominent.

dominate v. To influence controllingly.

domination n. Control by the exercise of power or constituted authority.

domineer v. To rule with insolence or unnecessary annoyance.

donate v. To bestow as a gift, especially for a worthy cause.

donator n. One who makes a donation or present.

donee n. A person to whom a donation is made.

donor n. One who makes a donation or present.

dormant adj. Being in a state of or resembling sleep.

doublet n. One of a pair of like things.

doubly adv. In twofold degree or extent.

dowry n. The property which a wife brings to her husband in marriage.

drachma n. A modern and an ancient Greek coin.

dragnet n. A net to be drawn along the bottom of the water.

dragoon n. In the British army, a cavalryman.

drainage n. The means of draining collectively, as a system of conduits, trenches, pipes,

etc.

dramatist n. One who writes plays.

dramatize v. To relate or represent in a dramatic or theatrical manner.

drastic adj. Acting vigorously.

drought n. Dry weather, especially when so long continued as to cause vegetation to wither.

drowsy adj. Heavy with sleepiness.

drudgery n. Hard and constant work in any menial or dull occupation.

dubious adj. Doubtful.

duckling n. A young duck.

ductile adj. Capable of being drawn out, as into wire or a thread.

duet n. A composition for two voices or instruments.

dun v. To make a demand or repeated demands on for payment.

duplex adj. Having two parts.

duplicity n. Double-dealing.

durance n. Confinement.

duration n. The period of time during which anything lasts.

duteous adj. Showing submission to natural superiors.

dutiable adj. Subject to a duty, especially a customs duty.

dutiful adj. Obedient.

dwindle v. To diminish or become less.

dyne n. The force which, applied to a mass of one gram for 1 second, would give it a

velocity of 1 cm/s.

earnest adj. Ardent in spirit and speech.

earthenware n. Anything made of clay and baked in a kiln or dried in the sun.

eatable adj. Edible.

ebullient adj. Showing enthusiasm or exhilaration of feeling.

eccentric adj. Peculiar.

eccentricity n. Idiosyncrasy.

eclipse n. The obstruction of a heavenly body by its entering into the shadow of another

body.

economize v. To spend sparingly.

ecstasy n. Rapturous excitement or exaltation.

ecstatic adj. Enraptured.

edible adj. Suitable to be eaten.

edict n. That which is uttered or proclaimed by authority as a rule of action.

edify v. To build up, or strengthen, especially in morals or religion.

editorial n. An article in a periodical written by the editor and published as an official

argument.

educe v. To draw out.

efface v. To obliterate.

effect n. A consequence.

effective adj. Fit for a destined purpose.

effectual adj. Efficient.

effeminacy n. Womanishness.

effeminate adj. Having womanish traits or qualities.

effervesce v. To bubble up.

effervescent adj. Giving off bubbles of gas.

effete adj. Exhausted, as having performed its functions.

efficacious adj. Effective.

efficacy n. The power to produce an intended effect as shown in the production of it.

efficiency n. The state of possessing adequate skill or knowledge for the performance of a

duty.

efficient adj. Having and exercising the power to produce effects or results.

efflorescence n. The state of being flowery, or a flowery appearance.

efflorescent adj. Opening in flower.

effluvium n. A noxious or ill-smelling exhalation from decaying or putrefying matter.

effrontery n. Unblushing impudence.

effulgence n. Splendor.

effuse v. To pour forth.

effusion n. an outpouring.

egoism n. The theory that places man's chief good in the completeness of self.

egoist n. One who advocates or practices egoism.

egotism n. Self-conceit.

egotist n. One given to self-mention or who is constantly telling of his own views and

experiences.

egregious adj. Extreme.

egress n. Any place of exit.

eject v. To expel.

elapse v. To quietly terminate: said of time.

elasticity n. That property of matter by which a body tends to return to a former shape

after being changed.

electrolysis n. The process of decomposing a chemical compound by the passage of an electric

current.

electrotype n. A metallic copy of any surface, as a coin.

elegy n. A lyric poem lamenting the dead.

element n. A component or essential part.

elicit v. To educe or extract gradually or without violence.

eligible adj. Qualified for selection.

eliminate v. To separate and cast aside.

Elizabethan adj. Relating to Elizabeth, queen of England, or to her era.

elocution n. The art of correct intonation, inflection, and gesture in public speaking or

reading.

eloquent adj. Having the ability to express emotion or feeling in lofty and impassioned

speech.

elucidate v. To bring out more clearly the facts concerning.

elude v. To evade the search or pursuit of by dexterity or artifice.

elusion n. Evasion.

emaciate v. To waste away in flesh.

emanate v. To flow forth or proceed, as from some source.

emancipate v. To release from bondage.

embargo n. Authoritative stoppage of foreign commerce or of any special trade.

embark v. To make a beginning in some occupation or scheme.

embarrass v. To render flustered or agitated.

embellish v. To make beautiful or elegant by adding attractive or ornamental features.

embezzle v. To misappropriate secretly.

emblazon v. To set forth publicly or in glowing terms.

emblem n. A symbol.

embody v. To express, formulate, or exemplify in a concrete, compact or visible form.

embolden v. To give courage to.

embolism n. An obstruction or plugging up of an artery or other blood-vessel.

embroil v. To involve in dissension or strife.

emerge v. To come into view or into existence.

emergence n. A coming into view.

emergent adj. Coming into view.

emeritus adj. Retired from active service but retained to an honorary position.

emigrant n. One who moves from one place to settle in another.

emigrate v. To go from one country, state, or region for the purpose of settling or residing

in another.

eminence n. An elevated position with respect to rank, place, character, condition, etc.

eminent adj. High in station, merit, or esteem.

emit v. To send or give out.

emphasis n. Any special impressiveness added to an utterance or act, or stress laid upon

some word.

emphasize v. To articulate or enunciate with special impressiveness upon a word, or a group

of words.

emphatic adj. Spoken with any special impressiveness laid upon an act, word, or set of

words.

employee n. One who works for wages or a salary.

employer n. One who uses or engages the services of other persons for pay.

emporium n. A bazaar or shop.

empower v. To delegate authority to.

emulate v. To imitate with intent to equal or surpass.

enact v. To make into law, as by legislative act.

enamor v. To inspire with ardent love.

encamp v. To pitch tents for a resting-place.

encomium n. A formal or discriminating expression of praise.

encompass v. To encircle.

encore n. The call for a repetition, as of some part of a play or performance.

encourage v. To inspire with courage, hope, or strength of mind.

encroach v. To invade partially or insidiously and appropriate the possessions of another.

encumber v. To impede with obstacles.

encyclical adj. Intended for general circulation.

encyclopedia n. A work containing information on subjects, or exhaustive of one subject.

endanger v. To expose to peril.

endear v. To cause to be loved.

endemic adj. Peculiar to some specified country or people.

endue v. To endow with some quality, gift, or grace, usually spiritual.

endurable adj. Tolerable.