Words appearing frequently 2004 Pp119-177

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently

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fidelityn/ fDSdelEZG /Lthe quality or state of being faithfulor loyal (as to a person, cause,party, or nation).When taking the oath of office, thepresident pledged fidelity to theConstitution.

fiduciaryadj/ fDSd(y)VshGTerG /Lof, having to do with, or involvinga confidence or trust.Zoe acted in a fiduciary capacityduring the lease negotiations.

fiefdomn/ SfGfdEm /F + Ean area over which one exercisescontrol.The managers fiefdom consisted oftwo departments and the companynewsletter.

fiendish

fierce

fieryadj/ SfI(E)rG /Eof the color of fire : red.Kevin knew that a photographwould not portray the fiery sunsetin its full splendor.

filamentn/ SfilEmEnt /L > Fa fine conductor that is renderedincandescent by the passage of anelectric current.Beulah could see that the filamentwas broken, so she replaced thebulb.

filassen/ fDSlas /L > Fa vegetable fiber prepared formanufacture.At the mill, sisal plants areprocessed into filasse.

filialadj/ SfilGEl /Lbefitting a child in relation to his orher parents.During adolescence, many childrenfeel uncomfortable demonstratingfilial love in public.

filibustern/ SfilEbEstE(r) /F > Spthe use of extreme delaying tactics(as speaking merely to consumetime) in an attempt to preventaction by the majority in adeliberative assembly.The Senate effectively killed the billwith a filibuster.

filoselle

finance

financiern/ TfinEnSsi(E)r /Fa large-scale investor.Marvs uncle, a Boston financier,works one day a week in a soupkitchen.

finesse

finessingv/ fDSnesiN /L > Fbringing about or managing byadroit manipulation.Vigor and resolution, notmaneuvering and finessing, wereneeded to get the St. Bernard intothe car.

fingent

finger

finialedadj/ SfinGEld /L > F > Eprovided with a capping ornament.The lampposts and street signswere elaborately finialed with ironpineapples.

finiteadj/ SfITnIt /L > Ehaving clear limits.Phoebes creativity was bound by afinite set of resources.

firkinn/ SfErkDn /D > Ea British unit of weight for butterequal to 56 pounds.Lord Nelson wrote, I beg that youwill send us the following articles:50 pounds loaf sugar, 1 firkin ofgood butter, and 2 pounds of blackpepper.firmamentn/ SfErmEmEnt /L > Ethe vault or arch of the sky :heavens.Carmen looked to the firmamentfor a sign, but none wasforthcoming.

firnificationn/ TfirnEfDSkCshEn /G + L > Ethe process whereby snow becomespartially compacted and forms thesurface part of the upper end of aglacier.Solid ice is the end product offirnification.

fiscaladj/ SfiskEl /F > Spof or relating to financial matters.Several of the presidents advisorson fiscal policy are participating inthe symposium.


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fissileadj/ SfisEl /Lcapable of being split, cleft, ordivided in the direction of the grainor along natural planes of cleavage.The fissile quality of cedar makes itan excellent material forboxmaking.

fission

fissiparousadj/ fiSsipErEs /L + Ltending to break up into parts or todisintegrate : divisive, factional.Strong leadership is needed to keepthe fissiparous tendencies of thepolitical party in check.

fissuren/ SfishE(r) /L[has homonym: fisher] a narrowopening, chasm, or crack of somelength and considerable depthusually occurring from somebreaking, rending, or parting.A fissure ran through Irenesbackyard after the earthquake.

fisticuffsn pl/ SfistDTkEfs /E + Ea fight with the fists : boxing.The two campers friendly rivalryended in a round of mock fisticuffs.

fixturen/ SfikschE(r) /Lsomething that is attached as apermanent appendage or structuralpart; specifically : an electriclighting device usually ornamentaland permanently mounted in place.Mel attached a light fixture to theside of his house for protectionagainst burglars.

flagellumn/ flESjelEm /La long tapering projection that isthe primary organ of motion ofmany algae and bacteria.The bacterium whipped itsflagellum furiously.

flageolet

flagitious

flagitiouslyadv/ flESjishEslG /L > Ein a grossly wicked manner.The criminal was sentenced to tenyears imprisonment for hisflagitiously cruel assault.

flagonn/ SflagEn /Gmc? > L > F > E[has near homonym: flacon] alarge usually metal or potteryvessel with handle and spout andoften a lid used to hold liquid.The knights passed around a flagonof ale before riding off to battle.

flail

flambeaun/ SflamTbP /Fa flaming torch usually made bycombining thick wicks saturatedwith a quick-burning substance (aspitch).A procession of skiers zigzaggeddown the slope, each of thembearing a flambeau.

flamboyantlyadv/ flamSbOi(y)EntlG /Fin a showy and unrestrainedmanner.At the pep rally the studentsflamboyantly demonstrated theirsupport for the football team.

flamencon/ flESmeN(T)kP /D > Sp[has near homonym: flamingo] avigorous rhythmic dance of theAndalusian Gypsies.The dancer entertained the patronsat the Spanish restaurant with arousing flamenco.

flamingon/ flESmiN(T)gP /L > OProv > Sp > Pg[has near homonym: flamenco]any of several aquatic birds thathave remarkably long legs andneck, webbed feet, and usuallyrosy-white plumage.Tom and his buddies placed a giantplastic pink flamingo on the roof ofthe school.

flammableadj/ SflamEbEl /Lcapable of being easily ignited andof burning with extreme rapidity.Both gasoline and kerosene areflammable, but gasoline is moreexplosive.

flammeousadj/ SflamGEs /Lconsisting of or resembling thecolor of flame.Flammeous maple leaves carpetedthe lawn of the inn.

flammiferousadj/ flaSmif(E)rEs /L + Ecfproducing flame or bright withflame.The flammiferous volcano was anawesome spectacle to behold.

flaneur


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flangen/ Sflanj /F? > Ea rim or edge projecting at rightangles to provide a means ofattachment to another part.The plumber pointed out a chippedflange that had caused the leak.

flanneladj/ SflanFl /W > Ea napped cotton fabric of softyarns.The sleeves of his plaid flannelshirt were rolled back to the elbow.

flannelette

flauntingv/ SflOntiN /Scand?seeking to attract attentionespecially by appearing or actingbrash and brazen.During the party Terry seemed tobe flaunting his ability to playpiano.

flautinon/ flaUStG(T)nP /Ita small flute : piccolo.Harriet plays many windinstruments, but she especiallyenjoys playing flautino in abaroque music group.

flaxen

fleabanen/ SflGTbCn /E + Eany of various plants of the familyCompositae that are supposed todrive away fleas.A young rabbit was hidden under aclump of fleabane.

fleeciness

fleetn/ SflGt /Ea number of warships under asingle command : a naval force.Naval Intelligence learned thatterrorists were noting informationabout the movement of the fleet.

flexibility

flexuosity

flexuren/ SflekshE(r) /Lthe slight bending of anastronomical observing instrumentcaused by the weight of its parts.Emily reinforced her telescope withstrips of titanium to minimizeflexure.

flibbertigibbetn/ SflibE(r)ZGTjibDt /Ea light-minded or silly restlessperson.Mrs. French proved far less of aflibbertigibbet than the world tookher to be.

flimflammer

flippantadj/ SflipEnt /imit? + Ecftreating or tending to treat withunsuitable levity that which isserious or to which respect is due.The principal chastised Clyde andhis friends for their flippantbehavior during the memorialservice.

flocculent

flokatin/ flPSkBtG /Gka hand-woven Greek wool rug witha thick shaggy pile.Katina loves to hear the story ofhow her grandparents came to theUnited States with all theirpossessions wrapped in one flokati.

floppetyadj/ SflBpEZG /E imitsoft and flexible.Moira purchased her floppetystraw hat during a visit to KeyWest.

floridadj/ SflOrDd /L[has near homonym: fluoride]flushed or tinged with red : ruddy.Marshas face was florid when shefinished her five-mile run.

floriferousadj/ flPSrif(E)rEs /L + Ecfbearing flowers; especially :blooming freely.Begonias are floriferous even in theshade.

florilegiumn/ TflPrESlGjGEm /La volume or collection of briefextracts or writings : anthology.Frank pulled a tattered florilegiumfrom the shelf.

florisugentadj/ TflPrESsVjEnt /L + Lsucking nectar from flowers.The honeysuckle attracted theflorisugent hummingbird.

floruit


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floscularadj/ SflBskyElE(r) /Lcomposed of florets.A daisy bears floscular flowerheads.

flotillan/ flPStilE /ON > F > Spa small fleet or a fleet of smallwatercraft.The Boy Scouts launched a flotillaof toy sailboats across the lake.

flotsamn/ SflBtsEm /F > AFwreckage of a ship or its cargofound floating on the sea.Flotsam is part of wreckage,whereas jetsam has beendeliberately cast overboard.

flourish

fluctuantadj/ SflEkchEwEnt /Lmoving like a wave : varying andunstable.The fluctuant beam from Amysflashlight resulted from weakbatteries.

flue

flummeryn/ SflEm(E)rG /Wporridge made of flour or meal.Hulbert made flummery for dessert.

fluorescentadj/ flU(E)SresFnt /L > F + L > Ecf[has homonym: florescent]emitting electromagnetic radiationespecially in the form of visiblelight.The fluorescent bulb above Garyscubicle thrummed noisily.

fluoridationn/ TflUrESdCshEn /L + Ecffthe adding of a binary compound offluorine to drinking water.Fluoridation has been proven todeter tooth decay.

fluorocarbonn/ SflU(E)rPTkBrbEn /L + Lany of a class of chemically inertcompounds (as tetrafluoroethylene)composed entirely of carbon andfluorine and used chiefly aslubricants and in making resins andplastics.Fluorocarbon is used to make thenonstick coatings for pots andpans.

fluvialadj/ SflVvGEl /Lof or relating to rivers.A lawyer specializing in fluvial lawtold Emmett that he could claimpossession of the newly formedisland in the Rum River.

fluxionn/ SflEkshEn /Lthe action of flowing.The fluxion of many liquids slowsin cold weather.

foddern/ SfBdE(r) /Esomething (as hay, vegetables,corn) fed to domestic animals.Field corn makes good fodder.

fogginessn/ SfOgGnDs /Scand? + Ecffthe quality or state of being coveredor enveloped with vapor condensedto fine particles of water suspendedin the lower atmosphere.Severe fogginess was blamed forthe ten-car pileup on theexpressway.

foiblen/ SfOibEl /Fa minor flaw or shortcoming inpersonal character or behavior :failing, weakness.Kevins tendency to procrastinateis a foible he claims he will one daycorrect.

foistv/ SfOist /Dforce another to accept especiallyby stealth or deceit.Brent knew that Karen would foistanother kitten upon him if hewasnt careful.

foliaceous

foliagen/ SfPl(G)ij /F&Lthe mass of leaves of a plant asproduced in nature : leafage.Tourists who come to see fallfoliage at its peak are sometimesreferred to as leaf peepers.foliiformadj/ SfPlGETfOrm /Fhaving the shape of a leaf.In October, Rhoda and Lamardecorated the classroom windowswith foliiform cutouts.


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folliculitisn/ fETlikyESlIZDs /Linflammation of one or more smallcavities in the skin.An ingrown hair on Bos cheekresulted in folliculitis.

folliculose

fomentation

fontinaladj/ SfBntFnEl /Lgrowing in or near springs.Cottonwoods are well-knownfontinal trees throughout theAmerican Southwest.

foragev/ SfOrij /Gmc > F > Ewander or rove in search of food.The survivors of the airplane crashon the remote mountainsidedecided to forage in groups ofthree.

foraminateadj/ fESramETnCt /Lperforated.Sid examined the foraminate leafunder a microscope.

forayn/ SfOTrC /F > Ea raid or brief invasion.Captain McMaster led his troopson a foray into the village.

forbearance

forceps

forecastern/ SfPrTkastE(r) /Eone who predicts weatherconditions on the basis ofcorrelated meteorologicalobservations.When the forecaster predictedfreezing rain, the highwaydepartment loaded up its truckswith sand and salt.

foreclosable

foreignness

forensic

forensicsn pl/ fESren(t)siks /Lthe art or study of argumentativediscourse.Taras performance in her class inforensics practically guaranteedher a spot on the debate club team.

foreordain

forestallment

forfeitv/ SfOrfDt /L > F > Elose or lose the right to by someerror, fault, offense, or crime.Individuals who are convicted of afelony forfeit their right to vote.

forfeiture

forgeable

forgeryn/ SfPrj(E)rG /L > F > Ean act of falsely or fraudulentlymaking or altering a document.Lorna is charged with two countsof check forgery.

forgotten

forlornadj/ fE(r)SlO(E)rn /Esad and lonely especially by reasonof emptiness or abandonment.The forlorn widow was mostappreciative of the party herneighbors held to honor herbirthday.

formaldehyden/ fOrmSaldEThId /L + Ar > Sp > L + L + Gkan aqueous solution that is usedchiefly as a disinfectant andpreservative.The medical laboratory containedspecimens preserved informaldehyde.

formicaryn/ SfOrmETkerG /Lan ant hill or ant nest.Junior made the mistake of sittingon a formicary of red ants.

formicivorousadj/ TfOrmESsiv(E)rEs /L + Ecf + L + Ecffeeding on ants.Formicivorous woodpeckers spendmuch of their time on the groundlooking for ants.

formidableadj/ SfO(r)mDdEbEl /L > Etending to inspire awe or wonderusually by reason of notable size,quantity, superiority, or excellence.Though the competition wasformidable, Bernie was confidenthe would emerge victorious.

forsoothadv/ fE(r)SsVth /Ein truth : certainly.Forsooth, the queen was the mostbeautiful woman in the world.


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forsythian/ fE(r)SsithGE /Brit nameany plant of a small genus ofornamental shrubs that have brightyellow flowers which appear beforethe leaves in early spring.The gardener planted forsythiaalong the entire outer edge of theyard.

fortemente

fortieth

fortissimoadj/ fO(r)StisETmo /L > Itvery loudused as a direction inmusic.When playing the fortissimopassage of her lesson, Suzannebanged so loudly on the piano thatthe neighbors dog began to bark.

fortituden/ SfO(r)ZETtVd /L > Ethe strength or firmness of mindthat enables a person to encounterdanger with coolness and courage.John Kennedy displayedexceptional fortitude after hispatrol boat was attacked duringWorld War II.

fortuitousadj/ fO(r)StVEZEs /Loccurring by chance withoutevident causal need or relation orwithout deliberate intention.Their meeting was fortuitous, butDan and Mattie believed that theyhad been destined to be together.

fortunate

fossil

fossilizev/ SfBsETlIz /L > ISVturn (as remains of organisms frompast geologic eras) into amineralized form in Earths crust.Since not all plant materialsfossilize equally well, some plantswill be preserved and others willvanish in the course of time.

fossorialadj/ fBSsPrGEl /Ladapted to digging.Gophers are fossorial rodentshaving strong claws on theirforelimbs.

foudroyant

fougasse

fouladj/ SfaUl /Eoffensive to the senses : rotten.The spoiled contents of therefrigerator created an extremelyfoul odor.

foulard

foundation

foundryn/ SfaUndrG /Fa building or establishment wheremetal or glass casting is carried on.The students saw molten metalbeing poured into engine blockmolds at the foundry.

fracas

fraction

fragile

fragrant

frailty

franchise

franchiseen/ TfranchISzG /L > F + Ecfone who is granted a right tooperate a unit in a chain of businessestablishments.The franchisee agreed to pay thefranchisor an initial fee and apercentage of gross sales.

frangibleadj/ SfranjEbEl /Lcapable of being broken :breakable, brittle, fragile.Road signs are designed to befrangible so that they wontseverely damage cars that hit them.

frankincensen/ SfraNkDnTsen(t)s /Ea gum resin containing volatile oil.Aunt Ruby likes to burnfrankincense at Christmastime.

fraternal

fraudn/ SfrOd /L > F > Edeceit, trickery; especially :misrepresentation intended toinduce another to part withsomething of value or to surrendera legal right.Joel is suing his former managerfor fraud and breach of contract.

fraudulentadj/ SfrOjElEnt /Lcharacterized by or based ontrickery or deceit especially wheninvolving misrepresentation.The manufacturer was chargedwith fraudulent advertising.


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fraughtadj/ SfrOt /OFris? > G > D > Eburdened or menaced with.The work of the firefighter isfraught with danger.

freckles

freight

fremitus

freneticallyadv/ frDSneZDk(E)lG /Gk > L > F > Ein a frenzied, hectic manner.Four dancers moved freneticallyaround the stage.

frescaden/ fresSkCd /Gmc > OProv > Fa cool walk : shady place.The landscape architectssuggestion of a long frescade undera grape arbor thrilled her client.

frescon/ SfresTkP /Gmc > Itthe art of painting on freshly spreadmoist lime plaster with pigmentssuspended in a water vehicle.Fresco is a demanding techniquebecause the image cannot bechanged after the plaster dries.

fresneln/ frCSnel /F namea unit of frequency equal to 1trillion cycles per second.A rarely used multiple of the hertzis the fresnel, which was named forthe French scientist Augustin JeanFresnel.

Freudianadj/ SfrOidGEn /Austrian name + Ecfof, relating to, or according withthe theories of Austrian neurologistSigmund Freud and his system ofpsychoanalysis.A Freudian slip of the tongue mayreveal the speakers deep-seatedconcerns and reasons for action.

friableadj/ SfrIEbEl /L > Feasily crumbled, pulverized, orreduced to powder.The sand sculpture was so friablethat it crumbled in Carls handswhen he tried to pick it up.

fricasseen/ SfrikETsG /Fa stew of meat or other foods inlight or brown gravy.Mrs. Delaney prefers to make herfricassee with chicken.

friedadj/ SfrId /L > F > Ecooked in hot fat.Miltons favorite meal is friedcatfish and cornbread.

friend

friendliness

frieze

frigorificadj/ TfrigESrifik /Lcausing cold.Michael was curious about how thefrigorific device for wine bottlescould possibly work.

frissonn/ frGSsPM /L > Fshudder, quiver, chill; especially : apleasurable sensation of fright orgloom : thrill.Amy suddenly awakened from anightmare and felt a frisson ofterror.

fritillaryn/ SfriZFlTerG /Lany of numerous butterflies thatusually are orange with black spotson the upper side of both wings andhave silvery spots on the undersideof the hind wings.As Cora was tending her garden,she observed a crab spidercapturing a fritillary on a flower.

frittatan/ frGStBZE /L > Itan unfolded omelet oftencontaining chopped vegetables ormeats.Tonys frittata was filled withseasoned asparagus tips.

frivolityn/ frDSvBlEZG /L > Fthe quality or state of being notserious : playfulness.The Mardi Gras celebration wasmarked by boisterousness andfrivolity.

frivolousadj/ Sfriv(E)lEs /L > Eof little weight or importance.Mr. Peterson offered only frivolousremarks at the hearing.

frolic

frolicking


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frolicsomeadj/ SfrBlikTsEm /L + Ecffull of gaiety and mirth : playful.Each year the Kentucky Derbyattracts horse lovers who enjoy thefrolicsome festivities associatedwith the race.

frondeurn/ frPMdQQr /L? > Frebel, malcontent, dissident.The mayors denouncementreferred to Jules as a frondeur.frontiersmann/ TfrEnSti(E)rzmEn /F > Ea man living at the edge of knowncivilization.Daniel Boone was a famousKentucky frontiersman of the 18thcentury.

frontispiecen/ SfrEntDTspGs /L > Fan illustration preceding andusually facing the title page of abook or magazine.Morgan was hired to draw theschool yearbooks frontispiece.

frontonn/ SfrBnTtBn /L > It > Fa court or building for the game ofjai alai.The fronton looked bigger ontelevision than in actuality.

froufroun/ SfrVTfrV /F imitabundant or excessiveornamentation (as ruffles, beading,flowers) in womens clothing.The slippers covered with froufrouhad to be for looks only.

frugaladj/ SfrVgEl /Leconomical in the use orexpenditure of resources.The Golden Fleece Award wasstarted by Senator WilliamProxmire, who advocated a morefrugal government.

fruitionn/ frVSishEn /L > F > Ethe state of being real,accomplished, or complete.The new civic center came tofruition after many years planningand labor.

fruticetumn/ TfrVZESsGZEm /La collection of shrubs grown forornament or study.At the botanical garden, thearboretum and fruticetum werecombined under one roof.

fruticose

fuchsia

fudge

fughettan/ f(y)VSgeZE /Ita short or condensed musical piecein which one or two melodicthemes are repeated bysuccessively entering voices.The Vienna Boys Choir performeda fughetta in their concert at St.Pauls Cathedral.

fugitive

fugue

fuguistn/ SfyVgDst /L > Itone who composes or performsfugues.As a fuguist, Johann SebastianBach has never been excelled.

fulcrumn/ SfUlkrEm /Lprop, support; specifically : thesupport about which a lever turns.Using the edge of his plate for afulcrum, Danny put peas on hisfork and catapulted them across thecafeteria.

fulgurantadj/ SfUlg(y)ErEnt /Lflashing like lightning : dazzling.Emilys fulgurant diamond broochattracted many eyes at the dinnerparty.

fuliginousadj/ fyVSlijEnEs /Lhaving the color of soot : dark,dusky.Smoke-belching factories cast afuliginous cloud over the entirecity.

fulminatev/ SfUlmEnCt /Lissue or send forth censures orinvectives menacingly orauthoritatively.The neighbors habit of mowing thelawn early every Sunday morningcaused Dad to fulminate under hisbreath.

fulsomeadj/ SfUlsEm /Eoffensive to the senses : disgusting.The fulsome odor of a skunk drovethe campers out of their tent.


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fulvousadj/ SfUlvEs /Ldull brownish yellow.When Mr. Browns soybean fieldturned fulvous, he knew it was timeto harvest.

fumigate

funambulistn/ fyVSnambyElDst /Lan acrobat who performs feats on arope extended through the air atsome height.A hush came over the crowd as thefunambulist balanced himself onone foot.

funeraln/ SfyVn(E)rEl /L > Ethe observances held in honor of oron behalf of one who has died.Bonnie wanted dancing at herfuneral, so she arranged for a bandbefore she died.

fungiciden/ SfEnjETsId /Lan agent that destroys a group oflower plants including molds, rusts,mildews, mushrooms, and yeasts.A fungicide was sprayed on theapple trees to protect the fruit.

funicularadj/ fyVSnikyElE(r) /Ldependent on the tension of a cordor cable.Too nervous to take the funiculartramway, Selena chose to drive tothe top of the mountain.

furfuraceousadj/ TfErf(y)ESrCshEs /Lconsisting of or covered with flakyparticles : scaly, scurfy.The dermatologist recommended adandruff-removing shampoo totreat Lindas furfuraceous scalp.

furibund

furloughn/ SfEr(T)lP /Da leave of absence granted to agovernmental or institutionalemployee (as a soldier, civilservant, or missionary).While on furlough last year, theLees raised $10,000 for the dentalclinic.

furniture

furtiveadj/ SfErZiv /Ldone by stealth : secret.Wendys furtive attempt to sneak acookie was interrupted by theappearance of her little brother.

fuselagen/ SfyVsETlBzh /Fthe central body portion of anairplane designed to accommodatethe crew and the passengers orcargo.Leslie pointed out the bulbousfuselage of a Boeing 747 on thetarmac.

fusilladen/ SfyVsETlCd /Fa number of shots firedsimultaneously or in rapidsuccession especially with smallarms : volley.The first rank of infantrymen fireda fusillade, sank to their knees, andwaited for the second rank to fireover their heads.

fusionn/ SfyVzhEn /La merging of diverse elements intoa unified whole.The spicy pasta dish Fran orderedwas a fusion of Italian and Thaicuisine.

fustiann/ SfEschEn /L > F > Epretentious writing or speech : aninflated style : bombast.The literary journal refused to printHermans overwrought fustian.

futilitarianadj/ (T)fyVTtilESterGEn /Lexhibiting or based on an attitudeof uselessness.The futilitarian worker doesnt tryto improve his status because hecant see any chance of success.

gabbron/ Sga(T)brP /L? > Ita rock of a family of granularigneous rocks.An outcropping of gabbro showedthrough the soil.

gabionn/ SgCbGEn /L > It > Fa hollow cylinder of wickerwork orstrap iron like a basket without abottom that is filled with stones andis sunk in water to form thefoundation of a dam or similarstructure.With the availability of pouredcement, the gabion becameoutmoded.

gadabout

gadgeteer


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gagglen/ SgagEl /Ea flock of geese especially when onthe water.The largest goose in the gaggle wassoon to play an important role inthe holiday dinner.

gainsayv/ SgCnTsC /Espeak against : contradict.The ruling of the umpire allowedno one to gainsay his decision.

gait

gaiter

galacticadj/ gESlaktik /Gk > Lextremely great : huge.Ralph was overwhelmed by thestores galactic profusion ofmerchandise.

galaxy

Galbraithianadj/ galSbrCthGEn /American nameof or relating to the economictheories of John Kenneth Galbraith.The speaker at the symposiumclaimed that Galbraithian theorieson limited growth were not sound.

galette

gallantry

galleonn/ SgalGEn /F > Sp[has homonyms and nearhomonym: gallein, Gallian andGalium] a heavily built chieflysquare-rigged sailing ship of the15th to early 18th centuries.Traci built a model of a Spanishgalleon out of matchsticks for herhistory project.

galleryn/ Sgal(E)rG /geog name > L > Fa platform projecting from one ormore interior walls (as of a theater)for additional accommodation (asof a part of an audience); especially: the highest of such platforms in atheater commonly having thecheapest seats.For the operas openingperformance there wasnt a vacantseat in the entire gallery.

gallimaufryn/ TgalESmOfrG /Fmedley, mixture, hodgepodge,jumble.Ever since her around-the-worldtrip, Lindsey uses a gallimaufry offoreign phrases when she speaks.

galling

gallinulen/ SgalETn(y)Vl /Lany of several aquatic birds thatresemble a small domestic hen ingeneral proportions and carriage.Mitch found an injured gallinule inthe rushes near Pearsons dock.

gallipot

gallonn/ SgalEn /F > Ea unit of liquid capacity equal to231 cubic inches.Long-term blood donors tally theirdonations by the gallon.

galloonn/ gESlVn /Fa narrow ornamental fabric usedespecially for trimming clothes orupholstery.Instead of the more common lace,Ling chose a white galloon for thetrim on her wedding dress.

gallop

gallopingadj/ SgalEpiN /Fmarked by a bounding and fastnatural three-beat gait of a horse.A galloping horse splashed throughthe waves on Sunset Beach.

gallyware

galoreadj/ gESlP(E)r /IrGaelabundant, plentiful, profuse.Edie found bargains galore at theflea market.

galoshn/ gESlBsh /F > Ea high overshoe designed to protectthe shoe in wet weather or in wetareas and usually made with arubber or water-repellent fabric.The galosh was the first type offootwear to employ a zipperfastener.

galvanizev/ SgalvETnIz /It name > Fstimulate as if by the application ofan electric current.The enemy attack served togalvanize the government intoimmediate action.

gambadon/ gamSbC(T)dP /Ita long boot or legging attached toeach side of a saddle to protect theriders feet and legs from the wet orcold.Preparing for a ride in the rain, thehorseman attached a gambado toeach stirrup strap.

gambit

gamble


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gambolv/ SgambEl /GK > L > OProv > F[has homonym: gamble] bound orspring as in dancing or play.Susan watched the fawns gambol inthe field.

gamopetalousadj/ TgamESpeZFlEs /Gkhaving the corolla composed ofunited petals.The flowers of the huckleberry,bluebell, and foxglove aregamopetalous.

gamutn/ SgamEt /Gk > Lan entire range from one extreme toanother.The gamut of fall fashions includedmicro-miniskirts as well as ankle-length dresses.

ganglionn/ SgaNglGEn /Gk > La mass of nerve tissue containingnerve cells.Each insect ganglion controlscertain activities and is more orless independent of the others.

gangrenen/ SgaNTgrGn /Gk > Llocal death of soft tissues (as fromdisease, injury, or infection)resulting from loss of blood supply.The soldier knew that if gangreneset in, his wounded leg would needto be amputated.

garage

gardenesqueadj/ TgBrdFnSesk /Gmc > F > E + Ecfresembling or relating to a plot ofland devoted to the growing ofherbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables.Rosita turned her balcony into agardenesque area with vines andpotted plants.

garderoben/ SgBrTdrPb /F > Ea wardrobe or its contents.The seamstress hung the completedgown in the garderobe.

gargantuanadj/ gBrSganch(Ew)En /F nameof tremendous size or volume.The seemingly gargantuan gorillain the movie was really a four-foot-high computerized model.

garish

garlionn/ SgBrlyEn /E + L > F > Ea hybrid vegetable resulting from across between garlic and onion.Shannon uses garlion in herspaghetti sauce.

garnisheev/ TgBrnDSshG /Gmc > F > E + Ecftake by legal writ the wages orother property of a debtor.Norton was afraid the court wouldgarnishee his entire salary to payhis back taxes.

garrison

garrulityn/ gESrVlEZG /Lthe quality or state of beingtalkative or long-winded.Paul talks so much that his teachercalls him a geyser of garrulity.

garrulousadj/ SgarElEs /Lgiven to conversation : loquacious,talkative.The old colonel turned quitegarrulous when talking of war.

gasconadev/ TgaskESnCd /F nameboast or bluster especially toexcess.Mr. Clay could gasconade at suchlength that his listeners becamebored.

gaseousadj/ SgasGEs /Lhaving the form of or being a fluid(as air) that has neither independentshape nor volume but tends toexpand indefinitely.The energy required to completelyseparate one mole of a solid ioniccompound into gaseous ions iscalled lattice energy.

gasification

gastric

gastriloquistn/ gaSstrilEkwDst /Gk + Lventriloquist.Lanny hired a gastriloquist toentertain at Betsys birthday party.

gastronomical


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gastronomyn/ gaSstrBnEmG /Gk > Fthe art or science of good eating :epicurism.Chef Bernie specializes in Frenchgastronomy.

gaucheadj/ SgPsh /Gmc > Flacking in social graces or ease,tact, and familiarity with politeusage.Gertrude was embarrassed by hercousins gauche behavior at thechristening.

gaucherien/ SgPshETrG /Gmc > Fa tactless or awkward action; often: a bit of social or literary crudity.Daphnes mom told her that usingones dinner napkin as ahandkerchief is an unforgivablegaucherie.

gaufretten/ gOSfret /Fa wafer of crisply fried potato cutto resemble a small waffle.At the summer festival the Frenchrestaurant featured gaufrette.

gauleitern/ SgaUTlIZE(r) /Ga political functionary occupying asubordinate but important positionin a totalitarian regime.The memoirs of the gauleitercontained little of historicalimportance.

gauze

gazellen/ gESzel /Ar > Fany of numerous small graceful andswift African and Asian antelopesnoted for the luster and softexpression of their eyes.The fawn and white coloration ofthe gazelle serves to minimizedetection by predators.

gazetteern/ TgazESti(E)r /Venetian dialect > It > Fa geographical dictionary in whichnames and descriptions of placesare usually given in alphabeticalorder.Chandra consulted her gazetteer tofind the capital of Sri Lanka.

gazpachon/ gASspA(T)chP /Spa soup made of uncooked choppedtomatoes, cucumbers, peppers,onion, garlic with vinegar, oil, andcondiments, and served cold.The restaurant was famous for itsgazpacho.

gegenscheinn/ SgCgEnTshIn /Ga faint elliptical nebulous lightabout 20 degrees across on theecliptic and opposite the Sun.The gegenschein is lost in the lightof the Milky Way in the summerand winter.

gelatigenous

gelatinousadj/ jESlatFnEs /L > It > F + Ecfresembling gelatin or jellyespecially in appearance andconsistency.Troy stepped on a gelatinous massof frog eggs.

gendarme

n/ SzhBnTdBrm /Fa continental European policeofficer; especially : a French policeofficer.The gendarme asked the victim fora description of the mugger.

genealogyn/ TjGnGSBlEjG /Gka study of family ancestral linesand the methods of investigation ofthem.Many Americans interested ingenealogy eventually come to theNational Archives in Washington,D.C., to do research.

generaladj/ Sjen(E)rEl /Lapplicable or relevant to the wholerather than to a limited part, group,or section.The spring thaw began in one ortwo areas, but soon there was ageneral change in temperaturethroughout the country.

generalissimo

generosity

genesis

genethliacal

genialadj/ SjGnyEl /Lmarked by sympatheticcheerfulness, warmth, andfriendliness.Kims goal was to make the clubmembers more genial and lesscliquish.

geniohyoid

genitive


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genituren/ SjenETchU(E)r /Lnativity, birth.The geniture of the prince was anevent of national importance.

genociden/ SjenETsId /Gk + Lthe use of deliberate systematicmeasures calculated to bring aboutthe extermination of a racial,political, or cultural group.What stands between civilizationand genocide is the respect for therights and lives of all humanbeings.

genren/ SzhB(M)nrE /L > Fa category of artistic compositioncharacterized by a particular style,form, or content.Most of the directors work hasbeen in the genre of science fiction.

genteeladj/ jenStGl /L > Ffree from vulgarity or rudeness :marked by delicacy of manner.Despite his genteel manner,Senator Smith could be a ruthlessopponent.

gentian

gentilitialadj/ TjentESlishEl /L + Ecfrelating or peculiar to a people or afamily.In 1917 the gentilitial name ofBritains royal family was changedto Windsor.

gentility

genuflectv/ SjenyETflekt /Ltouch the knee to the floor orground especially in worship.Amy asked the tour guide ifeveryone had to genuflect uponentering the cathedral.

geochronyn/ jGSBkrEnG /Gka system of time divisions used ingeology.In geochrony, time is divided intoeras, periods, and epochs.

geodesyn/ jGSBdEsG /Gka branch of applied mathematicsused to determine the exactpositions and areas of largeportions of Earths surface andalso the gravitational field of Earth.An expert in geodesy, Dr. Buckdetermined the variation in gravitybetween the highest and lowestpoints of Earths exposed surface.

geognosyn/ jGSBgnEsG /Gk + Gka branch of geology that deals withthe materials of Earth and itsgeneral exterior and interiorconstitution.Hildas research in geognosyinvolved classifying several kindsof minerals and recording theirdistribution throughout the world.

geographyn/ jGSBgrEfG /Gkthe descriptive science that dealswith the surface of Earth and itsfeatures.Chelsea was surprised by howmuch she learned about geographyin her history class.

geometric

geosynclinen/ TjG(T)PSsinTklIn /Gka great downward flexure of Earth'scrust.A deep layer of sediment hasaccumulated in the geosyncline.

geraniumn/ jESrCnGEm /Gk > Lany of a widely distributed genus ofplants having regular usually white,pink, or purple flowers.For decoration, Anita placed apotted geranium at the side of thefront door.

geriatricsn pl/ TjerGSatriks /Gk + Ea branch of medicine that dealswith the problems and diseases ofold age and aging people.Maries expertise in geriatricsmade her well qualified to work inthe citys Department of Aging.

germaneadj/ jE(r)SmCn /L > F > Ehaving a close relationship :appropriate, pertinent.Judge Beacon ruled that theplaintiffs past record was notgermane to the current case.

germiciden/ SjErmETsId /L > Fan agent that destroys germs (asdisease germs).Mouthwash is a commongermicide.


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germinaladj/ SjErmEnFl /L > Fbeing in the earliest stage ofdevelopment.Jonathans social studies class isstudying the germinal politicalideas underlying our democraticgovernment.

gerontocracy

gerrymanderv/ SjerGTmandE(r) /American name + Gk > Ldivide (an area) into political unitsso as to give special advantages toone group.The governor vetoed the bill thatwould gerrymander a county infavor of his opponent.

gerundn/ SjerEnd /Lthe English verbal noun ending in -ing.In the sentence Swimming isClaudias favorite activity, theword swimming is a gerund.

gestapon/ gDSstB(T)pP /G acronyma secret-police organization thatoperates especially against personssuspected of treason or sedition andemploys means held to beunderhanded and terrorist.In the novel, morality becamenothing more than subservience tothe dictates of the ruthless gestapo.

gesticulatev/ jeSstikyETlCt /Lmake gestures or motions of thebody or limbs especially whenspeaking.The way public figures gesticulatewhile talking is often fodder forcomedians.

gesturen/ Sjes(h)chE(r) /La movement usually of the body orlimbs that symbolizes oremphasizes an idea, sentiment, orattitude.When Alex made the winningtouchdown, Coach Miller swunghis hands up in the air as a gestureof victory.

gesundheitinterj/ gESzUntThIt /Gused to wish good healthespecially to one who has justsneezed.Gesundheit echoed throughoutthe school when Mr. Brownsneezed during an intercomannouncement.

ghastliness

ghastlyadj/ SgastlG /Egiving rise to terror : frightening.The gnarled trees appeared ghastlyin the moonlight.

ghetto

ghoul

ghoulishadj/ SgVlish /Arof, resembling, or suggestive of anevil being held to rob graves andfeed on corpses.Tricia favors rather ghoulish nailcolors like green and black.

giallolino

giantesqueadj/ TjIEntSesk /Gk > L > F > E + Fcfhaving the characteristics of a giant: immense.A giantesque Snoopy balloon wasthe highlight of the parade.

gibberish

gibbousadj/ SjibEs /L > F > Eseen with more than half but not allof the apparent disk of a moon or aplanet illuminated.Vladimir and Sonya took a longromantic walk under the gibbousMoon.

giblehn/ SgiblE /Ara hot desert wind of northernAfrica.The gibleh brought huge clouds ofpowdery sand that covered theroads.

gigantesque

giganticadj/ jISgantik /Gkgreater in size than the usual orexpected.The American flag flying over theservice station is so gigantic that itcan be seen from a mile away.

gigotn/ SjigEt /F[has homonym: jigget] a leg (as oflamb or mutton) especially whencooked.Marie praised the chef for cookingthe gigot with exactly the righttouch of garlic.

gimmick


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gimmickyadj/ SgimDkG /unknown + Ecfhaving or being like a new andingenious device, scheme, or ideawith a novel or unconventionaltwist.The advertisement displayedgimmicky gizmos, such as awristwatch that played NotreDames fight song.

gingerbreadn/ SjinjE(r)Tbred /F > Ea cake made with molasses,flavored with ginger, and often cutin shapes and frosted.Pam entertained the children byhelping them bake and decorategingerbread.

ginghamn/ SgiNEm /Malaya fabric in plain weave made insolid colors, checks, plaids, andstripes.Betsy made curtains of bluegingham for her kitchen.

gingivitisn/ TjinjESvIZDs /Linflammation of the gums.To prevent gingivitis Beth has herteeth cleaned regularly.

ginglymusn/ SjiNglDmEs /Gka hinge joint admitting of motion inone plane only.In health class Jerry learned thatthe humerus and the ulna areconnected by a ginglymus.

giraffen/ jESraf /Ar > Ita large fleet African ruminantmammal that is the tallest of livingquadrupeds and has a very longneck and a short coat with darkblotches separated by pale lines.Each giraffe has a unique patternof coat markings that distinguishesit from all other giraffes.

girandolen/ SjirEnTdPl /L > It > Fa mirror having attached candleholders.The girandole over Petes mantel isa replica of one in a Loire Valleychateau.

girth

gizzardn/ SgizE(r)d /Iranian? > L > F > Ethe muscular enlargement of thealimentary canal of birds thatserves to grind the food, itsmuscular action being commonlyassisted by gravel swallowed by thebird.Aunt Lenas favorite part of thechicken is the gizzard.

glabrescent

glabrousadj/ SglCbrEs /Lhaving an epidermal covering thatis totally or relatively devoid ofhairs or down.Mr. Franklin showed the firstgraders that reptiles, unlikemammals, are completely glabrous.

glacialadj/ SglCshEl /Lextremely cold, frigid, freezing.A glacial wind withered the rosesovernight.

glaciern/ SglCshE(r) /L > F[has near homonym: glazier] alarge body of ice moving slowlydown a slope or valley or spreadingoutward on a land surface.The iceberg that sank Titanic hadprobably broken off from a glacieron Greenland.

glaciology

glaconn/ glaSsPM /Fa piece of sea ice ranging in sizefrom a small fragment to a floe ofmedium dimensions.At least one seagull was perched onevery glacon in the bay.

gladiatorn/ SgladGTCZE(r) /Celt > La person engaged in a fight to thedeath as public entertainment forancient Romans.The victorious gladiator wascheered by the excited crowd in theColiseum.

glasnostn/ SglBsTnPst /Russa policy permitting public discourseand expression of opinion ondomestic issues formerly forbiddento discussion especially in theformer Soviet Union.Glasnost spawned a profusion ofnew political and literary journalsin Moscow.

glasphalt


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glaucoman/ glOSkPmE /Gk > La disease of the eye marked byincreased pressure within theeyeball that damages the optic diskand results in gradual loss of visionand ultimate blindness.Ophthalmologists routinely test forglaucoma as part of their eyeexaminations.

glaucousadj/ SglOkEs /Gk[has homonym: Glaucus] of a paleyellow green color.The antique glass beads had aglaucous color that matchedPamelas dress exactly.

glaziern/ SglCzhE(r) /E[has near homonyms: glacier,glazer] one whose work is cuttingand setting glass.Mom called a glazier who agreedto repair our broken window onThursday.

glimmerv/ SglimE(r) /Eemit feeble or intermittent rays oflight.From Table Top Mountain, thecouple watched the city lightsglimmer in the cool clear eveningair.

glimpsen/ Sglim(p)s /Ea brief fleeting look : a momentaryor incomplete view.From the taxi the passengerscaught a glimpse of the JeffersonMemorial.

glioman/ glISPmE /Gka tumor arising from the tissuewhich supports the essentialelements of nervous tissue.An examination by our veterinarianrevealed that the problems our dogwas having were caused by aglioma.

glissadev/ glDSsBd /Fmove along smoothly andeffortlessly : glide.Kris watched the skaters glissadeover the frozen pond.

glissandon/ glDSsBn(T)dP /F + Ita rapid series of consecutive notesplayed on a piano, harp, or othersimilar instrument by sliding one ormore fingers across adjacent keysor strings.Joachim diligently practiced theglissando at the end of the firstmovement.

glisteningv/ SglisFniN /Eshining brightly usually byreflection with a sparklingradiance.Clarabelle watched the raindropsglistening in the moonlight.

globularadj/ SglBbyElE(r) /Lround like a ball : spherical.A globular lamp hung from thecenter of the ceiling in Gretchensdining room.

globule

glockenspieln/ SglBkEnTs(h)pGl /Celt > Ga percussion musical instrumentconsisting of a series of graduatedmetal bars tuned to the chromaticscale and played with twohammers.The glockenspiel tinkled to life asits player joined in a rendition ofBeethovens Ode to Joy.

gloggn/ SglUg /Swa Swedish hot punch made from asweetened highly spiced mixture ofwines, almonds, raisins, andusually orange peel.Each evening a bowl of hot gloggawaited the returning skiers.

glomerulus

glossary

glottogonicadj/ TglBZPSgBnik /Gkof or relating to the origin oflanguage.Three Russian linguists lectured ontheir glottogonic research.

glowwormn/ SglPTwErm /E + Eany of various luminous insectswith wings rudimentary or lacking.Kyle scooped up the glowworm andput it in his collection jar.

gloxinian/ glBkSsinGE /G namea greenhouse herb having largeflowers with a turbinate calyx andirregular bell-shaped corolla;especially : a Brazilian herb that isthe source of many horticulturalvarieties.Charlenas gloxinia bears brightpink, trumpetlike flowers in earlysummer.


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glucosen/ SglVTkPs /Gk > Fthe sweet colorless sugar thatoccurs especially in plant saps andfruits and normally in blood.Glucose is formed from water andcarbon dioxide by photosynthesis.

gluttonouslyadv/ SglEt(F)nEslG /L > F > Ein a manner marked by excess ineating and drinking especiallywhen habitual.After eating gluttonously, Jack tooka short nap on the couch.

glycogen

gnocchin pl/ SnBkG /Gmc? > Itdumplings of a pasta often madewith cheese or riced potato andserved with a sauce.Celeste ladled a cream sauce overthe gnocchi before serving them.

gnome

gnomicadj/ SnPmik /Gk[has homonym: nomic]characterized by or expressive ofmoralistic wisdom especiallyconcerning human condition orconduct.The calendar contained 12 NormanRockwell illustrations, eachaccompanied by a gnomicsentiment.

gnomon

gnotobioticadj/ TnPZE(T)bISBZik /Gkof, relating to, living in, or being acontrolled environment containingone or a few kinds of organisms.A good example of a plannedgnotobiotic environment is theinternational space station.

goalien/ SgPlG /Ea player who defends the goal invarious games.Jake rifled off shot after shot ongoal, but the goalie was too good.

goateen/ (T)gPStG /Ea small trim pointed or tufted beardon a mans chin.Sally wanted to know why shecouldnt have a goatee when shegrew up.

gobemouchen/ (T)gPbSmVsh /F + L > Fa credulous person; especially : onewho believes everything heard.Jacks brothers are always makingup fantastic stories to tell himbecause he is such a gobemouche.

goldenrodn/ SgPldEnTrBd /E + Ea yellow flower with long stalkswith small clusters of petals.Many people are allergic to thegoldenrod.

golemn/ SgPlEm /Heb > Yiddishan artificial figure constructed torepresent a human being andendowed with life.Some people believe that MaryShelley based her story ofFrankenstein on the ancient Jewishtradition of the golem.

gondola

gondolier

gonfalonn/ SgBnfETlBn /F > It[Note: Could be confused withsynonym gonfanon.] a flag thathangs from a crosspiece or frame.As a distinguished alumnus, Walterwas asked to carry the gonfalon ofthe College of Arts and Sciences atthe graduation ceremony.

gongorismn/ SgBNgETrizEm /Sp namean excessively involved, ornate,and artificial style of writing.In his later years, the poet lapsedinto gongorism.

goosander

gorgeousadj/ SgOrjEs /F > Echaracterized by brilliance ormagnificence of any kind.The parade floats were gorgeouswith their array of flowers.

gorgetn/ SgOrjDt /Fa specially colored patch on thethroat.The woodpecker sported a broadblack gorget and beautiful red andwhite plumage.


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gorgonizev/ SgO(r)gETnIz /Gk namestupefy, petrify.The glare of Mrs. McGillicutty hasthe potential to gorgonize even themost arrogant student.

Gorgonzolan/ TgO(r)gEnSzPlE /It geog namea blue cheese usually made ofcows milk.Kendra crumbled some Gorgonzolaon a piece of bread and toasted it.

gorillan/ gESrilE /Gk > L[has homonym: guerrilla] ananthropoid ape of the forest regionof equatorial West Africa.The behavior of the gorilla hasbeen extensively studied byanthropologists and zoologists.

gorsen/ SgO(E)rs /Ea spiny evergreen shrub : juniper.Taryn went hiking in an area ofEngland that is just miles and milesof wild land covered with heatherand gorse.

gory

goslingn/ SgBzliN /Ea young goose.Judy rescued a stray gosling fromMrs. Porters cat.

gossamern/ SgBsEmE(r) /Ea fine filmy substance consisting offragments or strands of cobweboften seen floating in air in calmclear weather or caught on grass orbushes.The dew and gossamer had driedfrom the grass by midmorning.

gossipn/ SgBsDp /Erumor, report, tattle, or behind-the-scenes information especially of anintimate or personal nature.Turn a deaf ear to gossip,advised Mrs. Dunbar.

gougen/ SgaUj /Celt > L > F > Ea chisel for scooping or cuttingholes, channels, or grooves (as inwood or stone).Adrian used a gouge to incise aleaf pattern on the bench.

gouramin/ gVSrBmG /Malayany of several small brightlycolored Asian fishes often kept inthe tropical aquarium.Jonathan bought a colorfulgourami for his new aquarium.

gourd

gourmetn/ TgU(E)rSmC /Fa connoisseur in eating anddrinking.At the market the gourmet chose hisingredients with the greatest ofcare.

goutn/ SgaUt /L > F > Ea metabolic disease marked by apainful inflammation of the fibrousand ligamentous parts of the joints.Poor old John is bedridden with therheumatic gout in his joints.

governessn/ SgEvE(r)nDs /Gk > L > F > Ea woman entrusted with the careand supervision of a child or youngperson; especially : a femaleteacher employed in a privatehousehold.Alice plans to enroll in a coursethat will enable her to be a certifiedgoverness.

gracile

gracilityn/ graSsilEZG /Lthe quality of being pleasing inmovement.Davids youthful gracility was oneof his chief assets as a dancer.

grackle

gradient

graffiti

grallatorialadj/ TgralEStPrGEl /Lof or belonging to the wading birds.The horned screamer is a SouthAmerican grallatorial bird with along projection on its forehead anda shrill cry.

gramineousadj/ grESminGEs /L[has near homonym: graminous]resembling or relating to a grass.The vast plain is an excellenthabitat for gramineous plants.


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grammarn/ SgramE(r) /Gk > L > F > Ea branch of linguistic study thatdeals with the classes of words,their means of indicating relation toeach other, and their functions inthe sentence as employed accordingto established usage.Mrs. Cates makes sure that herstudents can define the eight partsof speech before she progresses toother aspects of grammar.

grammariann/ grESmerGEn /Gk > L > F > Ea specialist in the study of what isto be preferred and what avoided inthe inflections and syntax oflanguage.The grammarian in Johnny cringesevery time he hears someone ask,Where at?

grammatically

gramophilen/ SgramETfIl /Gka lover and protector of oldphonograph records.Earl became a real gramophileafter inheriting his uncles recordcollection.

grandeurn/ SgranjE(r) /L > Fpersonal greatness characterizedchiefly by dignity of character,largeness of spirit, or significantscope of accomplishment.After Katherine Grahams death,many magazines ran featurearticles describing her grandeur inthe world of newspapers.

grandiloquencen/ granSdilEkwEn(t)s /Lthe use of lofty words or phrases :bombast.Professor Simons grandiloquencefailed to impress Robbie.

grandioseadj/ SgrandGTPs /L > It > Fimpressive because of uncommonlargeness, scope, effect, grandeur,or majesty.Cleo didnt want to listen to all ofNicolettes grandiose ideas for theparty.

grangerizev/ SgrCnjETrIz /E name + Ecfillustrate (as a book) by insertingmaterial (as photographs orengravings) collected from othersources.To complete her family memoirs,Miriam will have to grangerize thebook using her great-auntsscrapbooks and artwork.

granophyre

granule

graphospasm

grapnel

graticulen/ SgraZDTkyVl /Lthe network of lines of latitude andlongitude upon which a map isdrawn.Jeff plotted a graticule before hebegan to draw his map of theislands.

gratinatev/ SgratFnTCt /F > Ecfcook with a covering of butteredcrumbs or grated cheese until acrust or crisp surface forms.Mom decided to gratinate themacaroni for lunch.

gratuitous

graupeln/ SgraUpEl /Slav? > Ggranular snow pellets.Peter calls graupel tapioca snowbecause of its shape and color.

gravel

graveolentadj/ grESvGElEnt /Lhaving a rank smell.Elaine quickly disposed of therotten, graveolent egg.

gravitatev/ SgravETtCt /Lmove casually but inexorably asthough under an external force.Ellen tends to grativate toward theshoe store in any mall.

graziosoadv/ TgrBtsGSP(T)sP /L > Itgraceful, smooth, or elegant instyleused as a direction in music.Several of Mozarts piano sonatasinclude pieces that are playedgrazioso.

greffiern/ SgrefGTC /L > Fregistrar, recorder.The office of the greffier is linedwith ledgers.


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gregariousadj/ grDSga(a)rGEs /Lmarked by an instinctive ortemperamental preference for asocial rather than a solitaryexistence.Because of their gregarious nature,dogs make good house pets.

grenadiern/ TgrenESdi(E)r /Fa soldier who carries and throwsmissiles consisting of a containerfitted with a priming charge and abursting charge and filled with adestructive agent (as gas, highexplosive, incendiary chemicals).The grenadier started the assault,followed immediately by theriflemen.

gressorialadj/ greSsPrGEl /Ladapted for walking.Some birds, such as the turkey,have gressorial feet.

grievance

grievousadj/ SgrGvEs /F > Ecausing, characterized by, orindicative of severe physical painor suffering.Jason screamed as if the scratch onhis leg were a grievous wound.

grimacen/ SgrimDs /Gmc > Fa deliberate or involuntarydistortion of the face expressive ofsome feeling (as contempt,disapprobation, complacency).The camera caught Allies grimaceduring the pep rally.

grimoiren/ grDmSwBr /Fa magicians manual for invokingdemons and the spirits of the dead.The witch looked in her grimoire tofind a spell to change the child intoa rat.

grimthorpev/ Sgrim(p)TthO(E)rp /E nameremodel (an ancient building)without proper knowledge or careto retain its original quality andcharacter.Darryl is afraid the developers willgrimthorpe the old mill.

griotn/ SgrG(T)P /Fany of a class of musician-entertainers of West Africa whoseperformances include tribalhistories and genealogies.While doing research for his bookRoots, Alex Haley was stunned tomeet a griot who was able to tellthe story of how Haleys ancestorswere captured by slavers and sentto America.

grisaillen/ grDSzI /Fpainting in monochrome usually inshades of gray often as decorationto simulate sculptured relief.The old manuscript contained agrisaille of a skeleton personifyingdeath.

grissini

gristlinessn/ Sgris(E)lGnDs /Ethe quality or state of containingtough fiber or cartilage especiallyin table meats.When Ruth noticed the gristlinessof the beef, she decided to cut it upand cook it in a stew.

gristmill

grizzled

grobiann/ SgrPbGEn /G namea slovenly crude often buffoonishindividual : boor, lout.Vicki knew better than to expectPrince Charming on her blind date,but she never envisioned a grobian.

groceries

grocery

groceterian/ TgrPsEStirGE /F > E + Ecfa self-service food store.Patrice bought four lemons at thegroceteria.

groggy

grosgrainn/ SgrPTgrCn /Fa firm fabric in plain weave.The ribbon in Altas hair was madeof grosgrain.

grotesque

grovelv/ SgrBvEl /ON > Ecreep on the earth or with the faceto the ground as ones natural gaitor manner of locomotion.Jacques let his pig grovel throughthe forest to find truffles.

grueln/ SgrVEl /Gmc > F > Ea liquid food made by boiling acereal (as cornmeal, oatmeal, flour)in water or milk.Isabella and her father had a nicebasin of gruel together.


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grunionn/ SgrEnyEn /L > Spa small silver-striped fish of theCalifornia coast notable for theregularity with which it comesinshore to spawn at the time of anearly full moon.Jose caught a grunion with his barehands when it came to spawn onthe beach.

gruyere

guardiann/ SgBrdGEn /F > AF > Eone to whom a person or thing iscommitted for protection, security,or preservation.Alcibiades guardian was thefamous statesman Pericles.

Guatemalann/ TgwBZESmBlEn /Central American namea native or inhabitant of Guatemala,a country in Central America.Maria was a Guatemalan by birth,but had become a naturalizedBrazilian.

guavan/ SgwBvE /Arawak > Spthe globular yellow fruit of a smallshrubby tropical American tree.A slice of guava topped offRawondas fruit salad.

gubernatorialadj/ TgVbE(r)nEStPrGEl /L + Ecfof or relating to a governor orgovernment.The gubernatorial signature wasrequired for the law to becomeeffective.

guerdon

guernseyn/ SgErnzG /E geog namean animal of the breed of fawn andwhite dairy cattle producing richyellowish milk.A lone guernsey grazed in themiddle of the herd of black andwhite holsteins in Mr. Henleyspasture.

guessv/ Sges /Scand? > Eform an opinion or judgment ofwithout knowledge.Harvey decided to guess how muchsugar to put in the pie.

guffawv/ (T)gESfO /imitlaugh noisily or coarsely.The comic hoped that the audiencemembers would guffaw at his jokes,but they merely snickered.

guidonn/ SgIdBn /OProv > Fa usually swallow-tailed flag borneby a military unit usually as a unitmarker.Leah was selected to carry theguidon in the ROTC parade.

guignolet

guile

guilefuladj/ SgIlfEl /Gmc > F > Echaracterized by cunning, deceit, ortreachery.His classmates thought Jack wasguileful in paying $12 for a $1200baseball card.

guillemot

guillochen/ gDSlPsh /F name?a pattern (as on metalwork) madeby interlacing curved lines.The dense guilloche on the irongate prevented people fromreaching through to turn the insideknob.

guillotinen/ SgilETtGn /F namea machine for beheading by meansof a heavy ax or blade that slidesdown in vertical guides.The guillotine was considered amerciful means of capitalpunishment when it was invented.

guipure

guitarn/ gDStBr /Gk > Ar > Sp > F[Note: Could be confused withcatarrh.] a flat-bodied stringedinstrument with a long fretted neckand usually six strings plucked witha pick or with the fingers.Bretts parents bought him anacoustic guitar for his 15thbirthday.

gullibilityn/ TgElESbilEZG /E + Ecffthe quality or state of being easilydeceived.Gertrudes gullibility made her theobject of many practical jokes.

gullible

gulosityn/ gyVSlBsEZG /Lexcessive appetite : greediness.It would be much easier for Roslynto lose weight if she could curb hergulosity.


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gummiferousadj/ TgESmif(E)rEs /Egypt > Gk > L + Lproducing or bearing a colloidalsubstance that is gelatinous whenmoist but hardens on drying.A sapodilla is a gummiferous tree.

gummosisn/ TgESmPsDs /Lthe pathological production ofsticky exudates in plants as a resultof cell degeneration.Plants afflicted with gummosis areoften beset with ants.

gumptionn/ SgEm(p)shEn /unknownblended initiative, resolution, andeffort.Of all his brothers, only Grandpahad the gumption to leave the oldcountry and come to America.

gurneyn/ SgErnG /American namea wheeled cot or stretcher.The gurney squeaked ominously asHeywood was wheeled into theoperating room.

gurun/ SgVTrV /Skt > Hindia personal religious teacher andspiritual guide in Hinduism.Shri asked his guru whether heshould undertake a pilgrimage.

gustatoryadj/ SgEstETtOrG /L + Ecfof, relating to, affecting, orassociated with the sense of taste.Gaylord was hired as a food tasterbecause of his highly refinedgustatory skills.

gutturaladj/ SgEZErEl /L > Fbeing or belonging to a speechsound that is articulated in thethroat.Guttural consonants posed aproblem for Emily in German class.

gutturalizev/ SgEZErElIz /L + Ecfpronounce or utter with soundsarticulated in the throat.Because of her Germanbackground, Ursula has a tendencyto gutturalize certain words.

gymkhanan/ jimSkBnE /Per&Gk > Hindia horseback-riding meet featuringgames and novelty contests.Clem practiced daily with his horseso that he could enter severalevents in the upcoming gymkhana.

gymnasium

gynarchyn/ SjiTnBrkG /Gkgovernment by women.Although it has had a few maleofficers, Retas investment club hasalways been a gynarchy.

gypsumn/ SjipsEm /Sem > Gk > Lplasterboard.Kiki nailed a sheet of gypsum to thegarage wall.

gyratev/ SjITrCt /Gk > Lturn or swing back and forth oftenrapidly with or as if with a circularor spiral motion.Couples on the dance floor startedto gyrate as a new song began.

gyrations

gyroscope

gyroscopic

haberdashern/ ShabE(r)TdashE(r) /AF > Ea dealer in mens furnishings (asshirts, ties, hats).Another upscale haberdasher hasopened a shop on Brighton Street.

habiliment

habilimentsn pl/ hESbilEmEn(t)s /Fclothing suited to or characteristicof a calling, occupation, orprofession : garb, costume.Burt dressed for the rodeo in thehabiliments of a cowboy.

habilitate

habitatn/ ShabETtat /Lthe place where a plant or animalspecies naturally lives and grows.The government appropriatedmoney to preserve the naturalhabitat of the endangered species.

habitualadj/ hESbich(E)wEl /Lestablished by or repeated by forceof a developed mode of behaviorthat has become nearly orcompletely involuntary.Brian had to explain his habitualtardiness to the assistant principal.

haciendan/ T(h)BsGSendE /L > Spthe main building of a farm orranch.A winding, tree-lined driveway ledto the hacienda.


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hackamoren/ ShakETmP(E)r /Ar > Spa bridle that consists of a halteroften of soft rope or braidedhorsehair and is used especially inbreaking and training horses.Charlene pulled back on thehackamore and cried Whoa!hacked

hackneyedadj/ ShaknGd /E geog namecommonplace : trite.The marketing adjective extremewill soon be as hackneyed as superand ultra.

haggardadj/ ShagE(r)d /Fhaving a worn or emaciatedappearance caused by suffering,anxiety, or age.Ever since she last saw him in thecourtroom, Franks haggard faceand wild eyes had haunted her.

haggisn/ ShagDs /Ea pudding especially popular inScotland made of the heart, liver,and lungs of a sheep or a calfminced with suet, onions, oatmeal,and seasonings and boiled in thestomach of the animal.Haggis is often served on January25, the birthday of the Scottish poetRobert Burns.

hagiocracy

hagiography

haikun/ ShITkV /Jpnan unrhymed verse form ofJapanese origin having three linescontaining usually five, seven, andfive syllables, respectively.Compressing an image or idea intoonly 17 syllables is what makes ahaiku most challenging to compose.

halberdier

halcyonadj/ ShalsGEn /Gk > L > Epleasingly or idyllically calm orpeaceful : serene.Aaron spent the halcyon afternoonin his hammock.

halibutn/ ShalEbEt /Ethe largest of the flatfishes, beingan inhabitant of all northern seas.At the aquarium, Ernie saw ahalibut the size of a sleeping bag.

halieuticsn pl/ ThalGS(y)VZiks /Gkthe art or practice of fishing.Izaak Walton's The CompleatAngler is the most famous book onhalieutics.

halitosisn/ ThalEStPsDs /La condition of having bad breath.The new mouthwash is advertisedto cure halitosis.

hallucinationn/ hETlVsFnSCshEn /Lperception of objects with noreality.Maynard swears that the ghost hesaw was no hallucination.

hallucinogenn/ hESlVsFnFTjen /L + Gka substance that inducesperceptions of objects with noreality; especially : one takenorally.The medicine that the doctorsprescribed was an effective painkiller, but in larger doses itsometimes became a frighteninghallucinogen.

halophyten/ ShalETfIt /Gk + Gka plant that grows naturally in soilshaving a high content of varioussalts.Australian aborigines grind intoflour the seeds of a halophyte thatgrows in the coastal mud flats.

hamadryadn/ ThamESdrITad /Gk > La nymph of trees and woods;especially : a nymph whose lifebegins and ends with that of aparticular tree.Darcy sat on a bench in thearboretum and imagined she was ahamadryad.

hamartian/ ThBTmBrStGE /Gka defect of character : error, guilt,or sin especially of the tragic heroin a literary work.Overweening ambition proved to beMacbeths hamartia.

hamateadj/ ShCTmCt /Lhooked.Elliott examined the hamate hairson the insects forelegs.

hammering

hammock


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hamulus

handleable

handwroughtadj/ ShandTrOt /Efashioned by hand or chiefly byhand processes.Barbie found a handwrought trivetat the garage sale.

hansomn/ Shan(t)sEm /E name[has homonym: handsome] a lighttwo-wheeled covered carriage withthe drivers seat elevated behindand with the reins passed over thetop.Holmes and Watson jumped into ahansom and ordered the driver tofollow discreetly the cab ahead.

haphazardadj/ hapShazE(r)d /ON > E + Ar > F > Eaimless, random.The apartments haphazardfurniture arrangement made it lookuntidy.

haplessadj/ ShaplDs /ON > E + Ecfmarked by the absence of goodluck : unfortunate.The hapless students were caughtbetween the school district and thestriking teachers.

haplologyn/ haSplBlEjG /Gkcontraction of a word by theomission of one or more similarsounds or syllables inpronunciation.The use of probly instead ofprobably in hasty speech is anexample of haplology.

happiness

haranguen/ hESraN /Gmc? > It > F > Ea bombastic, ranting speech.Amasas harangue at thesophomore assembly offendednearly everyone.

harass

harassedadj/ hESrast /Gmc > Fsorely troubled, vexed, or burdened: badgered.The harassed waitress decided shehad tolerated inconsideratecustomers long enough and found adifferent line of work.

harbingern/ ShBrbDnjEr /Gmc > F > Esomething that presages orforeshadows what is to come.The howling wind was theharbinger of a storm.

hardinessn/ ShBrdGnDs /Ethe capability of endurance orresistance.The roses hardiness was severelytested by a cold snap.

haren/ Sha(a)(E)r /E[has homonym: hair] any ofvarious timid long-eared gnawingmammals with a divided upper lip,long strong hind legs adapted toleaping, and a short tail.Most schoolchildren have heard thestory of the tortoise and the hare.

haricotn/ SharETkP /Fthe ripe seed or the unripe pod ofany of several beans used as avegetable.The baby nibbled on a haricot andwrinkled her nose.

Harlequinadj/ ShBrlDk(w)Dn /E > F > It > Fa stock character in comedy andpantomime who appears variouslyas a clown and a magician andusually wears a mask andvariegated tights and carries awooden sword.The children especially enjoyed thebuffoonish antics of the Harlequin.

harmonica

harmoniouslyadv/ ThBrSmPnGEslG /Gkin a manner marked by accord insentiment or action : compatibly.For a large family to liveharmoniously, rules and chores area must.

harnessn/ ShBrnDs /ON > F > Ethe gear or tackle other than a yokeof a draft animal such as a horse.The horse pulling the carriagethrough Central Park had silverbells on its harness that jingledwhenever the driver shook thereins.

harpoon


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harpsichordn/ ShBrpsETkOrd /L > Ita keyboard instrument resemblingthe grand piano in shape andproducing tones by the plucking ofwire strings with quills or leatherpoints.Kristin heard the jangling tones ofthe harpsichord through thepractice room door.

harridann/ SharEdEn /F?a haggard old woman.Ruth asked a woman in the townsquare if she could take herpicture, but the harridan just shookher fist at her and walked away.

harrier

harrumphv/ hESrEm(p)f /imitmake a pompous throat-clearingsound.Monique wished that Mr. Nickelswouldnt harrumph directly into themicrophone.

hartaln/ hBrStBl /Hindiconcerted cessation of work andbusiness especially as a protestagainst a political situation.The Goa liberation committeecalled a hartal on Friday inmemory of Indians killed byPortuguese fire on Monday.

hartebeestn/ ShBrZETbGst /D > Afrikaansa large African antelope with shortringed divergent horns.The hartebeest grazes mainly onthe open plains and scrublands ofsub-Saharan Africa.

hassockn/ ShasDk /Ea bulky upholstered footstool.Phyllis decided to purchase thewing chair with the matchinghassock.

hatchet

hauberkn/ ShO(T)bErk /Gmc > F > Ea long tunic of ring or chain mailthat with a close-fitting helmet anda shield constituted the maindefensive armor of the 12th to 14thcenturies.Most of the Norman soldiers worea hauberk, which was put on overthe head.

haughtilyadv/ ShOZFlG /L > F > Ein a disdainfully proud oroverbearing manner.Gertrude haughtily replied that shereceives an allowance of 20 dollarsper week.

haulagen/ ShOlij /Gmc > F > Ea charge made for transportingsomething.Paul's final bill for his new carincluded haulage for transportationfrom the factory to the dealer.

hauntedadj/ ShOntEd /Gmc > F > Einhabited by or as if by apparitions: frequented by ghosts.The deserted Victorian houseoutside town is said to be haunted.

hauteurn/ hOStEr /F[has near homonyms: auteur andhotter] an assumption of superiority: arrogant or condescendingmanner.The young couple was put off bythe waiters hauteur.

haversack

havocn/ ShavEk /Gmc > F > AF > Ewide and general damage ordestruction.The havoc created by the hurricanemade the area look like a war zone.

hazardousadj/ ShazE(r)dEs /Ar > F > Eexposed or exposing one to dangeror peril.The mountain road has manyhazardous curves.

headache

healthyadj/ ShelJG /Efree from disease : functioningproperly and normally in its vitalfunctions.A perfectly healthy tree in Tammy'sbackyard was twisted and torn outof the ground by the tornado.

hearsayn/ Shi(E)rTsC /Esomething heard from another :report, rumor.Jodys elaborate account of theargument was based purely onhearsay.


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hearthn/ ShBrth /Ea brick, stone, or cement area offloor in front of a fireplace.Toby placed a plate of cookies anda glass of milk on the hearth forSanta.

heathenn/ ShGLEn /Ea person whose culture orenlightenment is of an inferiorgrade.Embarrassed by her brothersbehavior in front of her friends,Simone asked her mother to sendthe little heathen outside.

heathern/ SheLE(r) /Ea common evergreen low-growingshrubby plant that has racemes oftiny usually purplish pink flowers.The true heather of Scotland is alsocalled ling or common heath.heaumen/ ShPm /F[has homonym: home] a largehelmet chiefly of the 13th centuryworn over a hood of mail or close-fitting steel cap and supported bythe shoulders rather than the head.Each knight wore a heaume andcarried a lance in the tournament.

hebdomadn/ ShebdETmad /Gka group of seven.Though some people think there isjust a hebdomad of stars in thePleiades, there are actually manymore.

hebetatev/ ShebETtCt /Lblunt the sensitivity or keenness of: make dull or obtuse.Some parents fear that video gameshebetate young minds.

hebetude

heckelphone

hectaren/ ShekTta(a)(E)r /Gk > F + L > Fa metric unit of area equal to10,000 square meters.The firefighters reported that morethan a hectare of land was on fire.

hedgehogn/ ShejThOg /Eany of several Old World nocturnalspine-bearing mammals.Prudence spotted a hedgehog in thestrawberry patch.

hedgingly

hedonismn/ ShGdFnTizEm /Gka way of life based on orsuggesting the principle thatpleasure or happiness is the sole orchief good in life.When Andr turned 30, herenounced his youthful hedonism.

hegemonyn/ hDSjemEnG /Gkpreponderant influence or authority(as of a government or state) :leadership, dominance.Nazi Germany attempted worldhegemony and failed.

heifern/ ShefE(r) /Ea young cow.This years blue-ribbon heiferbelongs to Mrs. Cates.

heinous

heinousnessn/ ShCnEsnDs /Gmc > F > E + Ecfthe quality or state of beinghatefully or shockingly evil.Even the police were appalled bythe heinousness of the crime.

heiressn/ SerDs /L > F > E[has near homonym: eros] a femalewho inherits or is entitled to inheritgreat wealth.Antoine dreamed that he marriedan heiress and moved to an island.

heirloom

heldentenor

heleoplanktonn/ ThelG(T)PSplaNktEn /Gkplankton typical of small bodies ofstill fresh water.Dozens of species gathered at thesouth end of the lake to feed onheleoplankton.

helicon

helicopter

heliography

heliolatry


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heliophobousadj/ ThGlGSBfEbEs /Gk + Gk + Ecfavoiding the sun : shade-loving.Jackie planted ferns, hostas, andother heliophobous plants in hershady garden.

heliotrope

helium

helmeted

helotryn/ ShelEtrG /Gk > L + Ecfthe slaves or serfs of a country oran estate.In ancient Sparta the helotry wasrequired to serve in the army.

hematogenousadj/ ThGmEStBjEnEs /Gkspread by way of the blood stream.Andrea was treated with antibioticsto prevent any hematogenousinfection.

hematoman/ ThGmEStPmE /Gk > La tumor or swelling containingblood.A hematoma can result fromvarious types of blunt trauma to thehead.

hemeralopian/ ThemErESlPpGE /Gka defect of vision characterized byreduced visual capacity in brightlights.A deficiency of vitamin A can leadto hemeralopia.

hemispheren/ ShemDTsfi(E)r /Gka half of the celestial sphere.Vinces star chart depicts allvisible heavenly objects in thehemisphere.

hemophiliacn/ ThGmESfilGTak /Gkone affected with a tendency touncontrolled bleeding.A hemophiliac must take care toavoid even minor cuts and bruises.

hemorrhage

hemorrhagic

hendiadysn/ henSdIEdDs /Gkthe expression of an idea by twonouns connected by and instead ofby a noun and an adjective.Thierry used the hendiadys ironand bit to denote an iron bit.

hennan/ ShenE /Ara reddish brown dye used in tintingthe hair, skin, or nails red.The ancient use of henna isconfirmed by the presence of thedye in Egyptian mummies.

henninn/ ShenDn /Fa high cone-shaped headdressusually with a thin veil pendentfrom the top worn by Europeanwomen in the 15th century.Lady Agnes appeared at the kingsball wearing an elegant hennin.

hepatitisn/ ThepEStIZDs /Gk > Linflammation of the liver.Serum hepatitis can be transmittedthrough blood transfusions andunsterilized hypodermic needles.

heptarchy

herbaceousadj/ (h)ErSbCshEs /Lof, relating to, or having thecharacteristics of a nonwoodyplant.Monique surrounded her patio withherbaceous perennials.

herbalistn/ S(h)ErbElDst /L + Ecffone that collects, grows, or deals inmedicinal plants.Lisa consulted an herbalistregarding her wart.

herbariumn/ T(h)ErSba(a)rGEm /La room, building, or institutionhousing a collection of dried plantspecimens.Jackson was looking forward tovisiting the herbarium while onvacation.

hercogamy

Herculeanadj/ ThErkyESlGEn /Gk name > Lof heroic proportions.Jims competitor was known for hisHerculean frame and greatstrength.

hereditary


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heresyn/ SherEsG /Gkdissent from a dominant theory oropinion in any field.Much of what used to beconsidered scientific heresy is nowregarded as truth.

hereticaladj/ hDSreZDkEl /Lof, relating to, or characterized bydeparture from accepted beliefs orstandards : unorthodox.A free society allows the expressionof all opinions, however hereticalthey may seem.

heritage

hermeneuticsn pl/ ThErmESn(y)VZiks /Gkthe study of the general principlesof biblical interpretation.Experts in hermeneutics met todiscuss the Dead Sea scrolls.

hermeticallyadv/ hE(r)SmeZDk(E)lG /Gk + Ecffin a manner that prevents entry orchange.With its flowered wallpaper andquaint furniture, the old houselooked as though it had beenhermetically sealed sometime in the1880s.

hermit

hermitagen/ ShErmDZij /Gk + L > Fa secluded residence or privateretreat.Daves father has always dreamedof living in the city during the weekand escaping to some countryhermitage on the weekends.

heroicadj/ hDSrPik /Gk > Larising from, exhibiting, orsuggestive of boldness, spirit, ordaring.The mountain climbers made aheroic effort to reach the peak.

heroinen/ SherEwDn /Gk > L[has homonym: heroin] theprincipal female character in adrama, novel, story, or narrativepoem.In the melodrama the spunkyheroine took the law into her ownhands and brought down thevillain.

herpetologyn/ ThErpEStBlEjG /Gk > La branch of the science of animallife that treats of reptiles andamphibians.Jason studied herpetology to learnabout the habits of cold-bloodedcreatures.

herring

herringbonen/ SheriNTbPn /Ea pattern (as on a fabric) made upof adjacent rows of parallel lineswhere any two adjacent rows slopeslightly in reverse directions.Dina wove herself a new wool scarfin herringbone.

hesitancy

hesitantadj/ ShezEZEnt /Ltending to hold back, pause, orfalter.The toddler took hesitant stepstoward the large dog.

hesthogenous

heteroclite

heterodoxadj/ SheZErETdBks /Gkdiffering from an establishedreligious point of view.Father ODriscoll holds a fewheterodox opinions that astonishhis parish.

heterogeneous

heterophemyn/ SheZErETfGmG /Gk + Gkunconscious use of words otherthan those intended.When his client used the termdebtor to mean creditor, theaccountant corrected theheterophemy.

heuristicadj/ S(h)yUTristik /Gkof or relating to exploratoryproblem-solving techniques thatutilize self-educating strategies toimprove performance.The computer that beat GaryKasparov in the chess tournamentwas programmed to use heuristicmethods.

hexamethyl

hibachin/ hGSbBchG /Jpna charcoal brazier.Antonis hot dog fell through thegrill of the hibachi onto theglowing coals below.

hibernaladj/ hISbErnFl /Lof or relating to winter : wintry.Horace admired the hibernal scenedepicted in the painting.

hibernate


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hibiscusn/ hISbiskEs /Lany plant or flower of a largewidely distributed genus of herbs,shrubs, or small trees with dentateor lobed leaves and large showyflowers.Darla planted a hibiscus outsideher bedroom window.

hickoryn/ Shik(E)rG /Virginia wordany of a genus of North Americantrees of the walnut family thatproduce a hard nut.Sophie napped in the shade of thetall hickory.

hideousadj/ ShidGEs /F > Eoffensive to the sight : gruesome,ugly.During the thunderstorm, Erniesaw a hideous face at the window.

hiemaladj/ ShIEmEl /Lof or relating to winter : wintry.Ingers favorite hiemal activity isskiing.

hierarchyn/ ShIETrBrkG /Gk > L > F > Ea form of government administeredby an authoritarian group.Michelles study of hierarchy madeher appreciate living in the UnitedStates.

hieroglyphn/ ShI(E)rETglif /Gka character used in a system ofwriting mainly in pictorialcharacters.The Egyptian hieroglyph for theword king was a royal headcomplete with beard.

hieroglyphicsn pl/ ThI(E)rPSglifiks /Gkcharacters in the ancient Egyptianwriting system which are for themost part recognizable pictures ofobjects.Egyptian hieroglyphics remained amystery until the Rosetta Stoneprovided the key to decipheringthem.

hierophantn/ ShI(E)rETfant /Gka priest in ancient Greece.The hierophant portrayed in Timshistory book was dressed in ananimal skin and wore a crown ofleaves.

hilarious

Himalayann/ ThimESlCEn /Asian geog nameany of a breed of domestic catsdeveloped by crossing the Persianand Siamese.A Himalayan won Best of Showin the local cat competition thiswinter.

hingen/ Shinj /Ea jointed or flexible device onwhich a door, lid, or other swingingpart turns.The hinge stopped creaking afterTony oiled it.

hippocampusn/ ThipESkampEs /Gka curved enlongated ridgeextending over the lateral ventriclesof the brain.Injury to the hippocampus oftenresults in emotional impairment.

hippodromen/ ShipETdrPm /Gk > L > Fan arena for equestrianperformances.The circus horses performed for thespectators in the hippodrome.

hippogriffn/ ShipETgrif /Gk > L > It > F[Note: Could be confused withhippogriffin.] a legendary animalhaving the foreparts of a wingedgriffin and the body andhindquarters of a horse.The Gothic cathedral containedmany strange carvings, including ahippogriff and several gargoyles.

hippopotamianadj/ Thi(T)pPpEStCmGEn /Gk > L + Ecfunwieldy because of massive size.Uncle Lons hippopotamianarmchair takes up half the livingroom.

hippopotamusn/ ThipESpBZEmEs /Gkany of various large herbivorousfour-toed chiefly aquatic mammalswith an extremely large head andmouth, bare and very thick skin,and short legs.The hippopotamus spends most ofthe day in water because in thewarm, dry air it loses waterthrough its skin.

hippotigrineadj/ ThipEStIgrDn /Gk + Gkof or relating to the zebra.The city zoo has a special exhibiton the hippotigrine environment.


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hircineadj/ ShErTsIn /Lof, relating to, or resembling a goat;especially : resembling a goat insmell.After the week-long camping trip,the Flidre family was relieved toget out of their hircine clothes andinto the shower.

hirsute

hirundineadj/ hDSrEndDn /Lof, relating to, or resembling theswallow.The hirundine population in near-equatorial countries rises sharplywhen autumn returns to thenorthern hemisphere.

histrionic

histrionicsn pl/ ThistrGSBniks /Ltheatrical performances.Teresa loved the theater from anearly age and excelled inhistrionics while in school.

hitchhike

hoarsenessn/ ShP(E)rsnDs /Ethe quality or state of having arough-sounding voice.Pauls remedy for hoarseness is hotwater with lemon.

hoaxn/ ShPks /unknown[has homonym: hokes] an actintended to trick or dupe : a pieceof trickery.Sarah forwarded the e-mailmessage, unaware she wasparticipating in a hoax.

hoboism

hoeing

hoistv/ ShOist /imit D or Graise, lift, elevate.Manuel decided to use a crane tohoist the stone into place.

hokkun/ ShO(T)kV /Jpna fixed lyric form of Japaneseorigin having three short unrhymedlines of five, seven, and fivesyllables and being typicallyepigrammatic or suggestive.Haiku, the most familiar form ofhokku, pertains to the seasons.

holard

holiness

hollandaise

hollyhock

holocaustn/ ShBlETkOst /Gka complete or thorough sacrifice ordestruction especially by fire.Many lives were lost in the hotelholocaust.

holographn/ ShBlETgraf /Gka document (as a letter, deed, orwill) wholly in the handwriting ofthe person from whom it proceedsand whose act it purports to be.Amongst the early wills ofMiddlesex County, Roberta foundmany a fascinating holograph.

homburgn/ ShBmTbErg /Ga mans hat of smooth-finished feltwith a stiff curled brim and a hightapered crown creased lengthwise.The villain in the movie wore adark suit and a black homburg.

homelyadj/ ShPmlG /Ecommonplace, familiar.Mr. Mann can translate the mostcomplex issue into homely terms.

homeostasisn/ ThPmGPSstCsDs /Gka tendency toward maintenance ofa relatively stable internalenvironment in the bodies of higheranimals through a series ofinteracting physiological processes.Panting is the primary means ofachieving homeostasis for dogs.

homespun

homesteadn/ ShPmzTted /E + Ethe home and land of a family;especially : ancestral home.The city offered reduced propertytaxes on any homestead occupiedby the legal owner.

homilyn/ ShBmElG /Gka lecture or discussion on a moraltheme : admonition.At the baccalaureate service, Mr.Lopez gave a brief homily on thetheme To thine own self be true.hominy

homogenized


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homologatev/ hPSmBlETgCt /Gkapprove, allow, confirm.The fact that the Joneses do notappeal the courts decision doesnot mean they homologate it.

homologous

homonym

homophonous

honorificn/ TBnESrifik /Lconferring or conveying publicesteem.Dr. Ellerman received an honorificwreath at the banquet.

hoochinoo

hoodwink

hooligann/ ShVlDgEn /Ir name?thug, hoodlum.After an intense interrogation bydetectives, the hooligan finallybroke down and confessed.

horden/ ShP(E)rd /Mongolic > Pol > G&F[has homonym: hoard] a vastnumber : crowd, swarm.To prepare for the horde oftourists, the police department isusing computer modeling to aid inlogistics.

horizonn/ hESrIzFn /Gk > L > Ethe point where the earth appears tomeet the sky.Stan thought he saw an airplane onthe horizon.

horizontaladj/ ThOrESzBntFl /L + Ecfplaced or operating in a planeparallel to the horizon.Lori wore a sweater with red andblue horizontal stripes.

hormone

horologiumn/ ThOrESlPj(G)Em /Lan instrument (as a clock) formeasuring time.A sundial was the ancientEgyptians horologium.

horrendous

horripilationn/ hOTripESlCshEn /La bristling of the hair of the head orbody (as from disease, terror, orchilliness) : gooseflesh.Jennifer reacted to the moviesscary scenes with noticeablehorripilation.

hortativeadj/ ShO(r)ZEZiv /Lgiving persuasive counsel :advisory, urging strongly.Joes hortative letter to the editorof the newspaper persuaded manycitizens to contact theirrepresentatives regarding theproposed budget.

horticulturen/ ShO(r)ZETkElchE(r) /Lthe science and art of growingfruits, vegetables, flowers, orornamental plants.Mr. Sakais skill in horticulture haswon him many blue ribbons atgarden shows.

hosannan/ hPSzanE /Heb > Gk > L > Ean expression of enthusiastic praise: acclamation.Mr. Wong greeted Katya with aloud hosanna.

hosieryn/ ShPzh(E)rG /E + Ecffstockings, socks.Mrs. Desmond prefers silk hosieryto that made of nylon.

hospicen/ ShBspDs /La facility or program designed toprovide a caring environment forsupplying the physical andemotional needs of the terminallyill.Rebekah works as a counselor at ahospice for the elderly.

hospitable

hospitality

hostage

hostelryn/ ShBstFlrG /L > F > Ea place where food and lodging areavailable to the traveler : inn, hotel.To celebrate their tenthanniversary, the Mortons returnedto the French hostelry where theyspe

Words appearing frequently 2004 Pp119-177

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