.....The American Heritage College Dictionary: 100 words that all high school graduates - and their parents - should know.
ab�jure (
b-j
r
)
tr.v. -jured, -jur�ing, -jures 1. To renounce under oath;
forswear. 2. To recant solemnly; repudiate: abjure one's beliefs. 3.
To give up (an action or practice, for example); abstain from. [Middle
English abjuren < Old French abjurer < Latin abi
r
re
: ab-, away; see ab� 1 + irre,
to swear.] �ab
ju�ration
n. �ab�jurer
n.
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to Pronunciation
ab�ro�gate (br
-gt)
tr.v. -gat�ed, -gat�ing, -gates To abolish, do
away with, or annul. [Latin abrogre,
abrogt-
: ab-, away; see ab� 1 + rogre,
to ask; see reg- in App.] �abro�gation
n.
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to Pronunciation
ab�ste�mi�ous (b-st
m-s,
b-)
adj. 1. Eating and drinking in moderation. 2a. Sparingly
used or consumed. b. Restricted to bare necessities. [From Latin abstmius
: abs-, ab-, away; see ab� 1 + *tmum,
liquor variant of tmtum.]
�ab�stemi�ous�ly
adv. �ab�stemi�ous�ness
n.
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to Pronunciation
ac�u�men (ky-mn,
-ky
-)
n. Quickness and keenness of judgment or insight. [Latin acmen
< acuere, to sharpen < acus, needle; see ak- in App.]
The pronunciation (-kymn),
with stress on the second syllable, is an older, traditional
pronunciation reflecting the word's Latin origin. In recent years it
has been supplanted as the most common pronunciation of the word by a
variant with stress on the first syllable, (ky-mn).
In a recent survey, 68 percent of the Usage Panelists chose this as
their pronunciation, while 29 percent preferred the pronunciation with
stress on the second syllable. The remaining 3 percent of the
Panelists said they use both pronunciations.
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to Pronunciation
an�te�bel�lum (nt-b
lm)
adj. Belonging to the period before a war, esp. the American Civil War.
[From Latin ante bellum, before the war : ante, before; see ante
+ bellum, war.]
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aus�pi�cious (�-sp
shs)
adj. 1. Attended by favorable circumstances; propitious. See Syns
at favorable. 2. Successful; prosperous. �aus�picious�ly
adv. �aus�picious�ness
n.
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to Pronunciation
be�lie (b-l
)
tr.v. -lied, -ly�ing, -lies 1. To picture falsely;
misrepresent: "He spoke roughly in order to belie his air of
gentility" (James Joyce) 2. To show to be false: His smile
belied his ire. 3. To be counter to; contradict. [Middle English bilien
< Old English belogan,
to deceive with lies; see leugh- in App.] �be�lier
n.
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to Pronunciation
bel�li�cose (bl-k
s)
adj. Warlike in manner or temperament; pugnacious. [Middle English <
Latin bellicsus
< bellicus, of war < bellum, war.] �belli�cosely
adv. �belli�cosi�ty
(-k
s-t)
n.
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to Pronunciation
bowd�ler�ize (bdl-rz,
boud-)
tr.v. -ized, -iz�ing, -iz�es 1. To expurgate (a book, for
example) prudishly. 2. To modify, as by shortening or simplifying or by
skewing content. [After Thomas Bowdler (1754�1825), who expurgated
Shakespeare.] �bowdler�ism
n. �bowdler�i�zation
(-lr--zshn)
n. �bowdler�izer
n.
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to Pronunciation
chi�can�er�y (sh-kn-r,
ch-)
n., pl. -ies 1. Deception by trickery or sophistry. 2.
A trick; a subterfuge.
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to Pronunciation
chro�mo�some (krm-sm)
n. 1. A threadlike linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in
the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carries the genes and functions in the
transmission of hereditary information. 2. A circular strand of DNA in
bacteria that contains the hereditary information necessary for cell life. �chromo�somal
(-sml),
chromo�somic
(-smk)
adj. <�chromo�somal�ly
adv.
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to Pronunciation
churl�ish (ch�rlsh)
adj. 1. Of, like, or befitting a churl; boorish or vulgar. 2. Having
a bad disposition; surly. 3. Difficult to work with, such as soil;
intractable. �churlish�ly
adv. �churlish�ness
n.
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to Pronunciation
cir�cum�lo�cu�tion
(s�rkm-l-kyshn)
n. 1. The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language. 2. Evasion
in speech or writing. 3. A roundabout expression. [Ultimately < Latin circumlocti,
circumloctin-
< circumloctus,
past participle of circumloqu
: circum-, circum- + loqu,
to speak.] �circum�locu�tori�ly
(-lky-t�r-l,
-tr-)
adv. �circum�locu�tory
(-t�r,
-tr)
adj.
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to Pronunciation
cir�cum�nav�i�gate
(s�rkm-nv-gt)
tr.v. -gat�ed, -gat�ing, -gates 1. To proceed completely around:
circumnavigating the earth. 2. To go around; circumvent. �circum�navi�gation
n. �circum�navi�gator
n.
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to Pronunciation
de�cid�u�ous (d-sj-s)
adj. 1. Falling off or shed at a specific season or stage of
growth: deciduous antlers. 2. Shedding or losing foliage at the
end of the growing season: deciduous trees. 3. Not lasting;
ephemeral. [From Latin dciduus
< dcidere,
to fall off : d-,
de- + cadere, to fall.] �de�cidu�ous�ly
adv. �de�cidu�ous�ness
n.
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to Pronunciation
del�e�te�ri�ous
(dl-t�r-s)
adj. Having a harmful effect; injurious. [< Greek dltrios
< dltr,
destroyer < dleisthai,
to harm.] �dele�teri�ous�ly
adv. �dele�teri�ous�ness
n.
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to Pronunciation
dif�fi�dent (df-dnt,
-dnt)
adj. 1. Lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and
timid. See Syns at shy 1. 2. Reserved in manner.
[Middle English < Latin diffdns,
diffdent-,
present participle of diffdere,
to mistrust : dis-, dis- + fdere,
to trust; see bheidh- in App.] �diffi�dent�ly
adv.
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to Pronunciation
en�er�vate (nr-vt)
tr.v. -vat�ed, -vat�ing, -vates 1. To weaken or destroy the
strength or vitality of. See Syns at deplete. 2. Medicine To
remove a nerve or part of a nerve.� adj. (-n�rvt)
Deprived of strength; debilitated. [Latin nervre,
nervt-
: -,
ex-, ex- + nervus, sinew.] �ener�vation
n. �ener�vative
adj. �ener�vator
n.
Sometimes people
mistakenly use enervate to mean "to invigorate" or
"to excite" by assuming that it is a close cousin of energize.
In fact, enervate means essentially the opposite. It comes <
Latin nervus, "sinew," and thus means "to cause
to become 'out of muscle'," that is, "to weaken or deplete
of strength." It has no historical connection with energize.
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en�fran�chise (n-frnchz)
tr.v. -chised, -chis�ing, -chis�es 1. To bestow a franchise on. 2.
To endow with the rights of citizenship, esp. the right to vote. 3. To
free, as from bondage. [Middle English enfraunchisen < Old French enfranchir,
enfranchiss-, to set free : en-, intensive pref.; see en�
1 + franchir (< franc, free; see frank
1).] �en�franchisement
n.
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to Pronunciation
e�piph�a�ny (-pf-n)
n., pl. -nies 1. Epiphany A Christian feast celebrating the
manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by
the Magi, traditionally observed on January 6. 2. A revelatory
manifestation of a divine being. 3a. A sudden manifestation of the
essence or meaning of something. b. A comprehension or perception of
reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization. [Middle English epiphanie
< Old French < Late Latin epiphania < Greek epiphaneia,
manifestation < epiphainesthai, to appear : epi-, forth; see epi�
+ phainein, phan-, to show.] �epi�phanic
(p-fnk)
adj.
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e�qui�nox (kw-nks,
kw-)
n. 1. Either of two points on the celestial sphere at which the
ecliptic intersects the celestial equator. 2. Either of the two times
during a year when the sun crosses the celestial equator and when day and night
are of approximately equal length. [Middle English < Old French equinoxe
< Medieval Latin aequinoxium < Latin aequinoctium : aequi-,
equi- + nox, noct-, night; see nek
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to Pronunciation
eu�ro or Eu�ro
(yr)
n., pl. -ros or -ro's The basic unit of currency
among members of the European Monetary Union. [After Europe.]
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to Pronunciation
ev�a�nes�cent (v-nsnt)
adj. Vanishing or likely to vanish like vapor. �eva�nescent�ly
adv.
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to Pronunciation
ex�pur�gate (kspr-gt)
tr.v. -gat�ed, -gat�ing, -gates To remove erroneous, vulgar,
obscene, or otherwise objectionable material from (a book, for example) before
publication. [Latin exprgre,
exprgt-,
to purify : ex-, intensive pref.; see ex� + prgre,
to cleanse.] �expur�gation
n. �expur�gator
n.
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fa�ce�tious (f-sshs)
adj. Playfully jocular; humorous. [French fac�tieux < fac�tie,
jest < Latin factia
< factus,
witty.] �fa�cetious�ly
adv. �fa�cetious�ness
n.
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fat�u�ous (fch-s)
adj. 1. Vacuously, smugly, and unconsciously foolish. 2. Delusive;
unreal. [From Latin fatuus.] �fatu�ous�ly
adv. �fatu�ous�ness
n.
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feck�less (fkls)
adj. 1. Feeble or ineffective. 2. Careless and
irresponsible. [Scots feck, effect (alteration of effect ) + �less.] �feckless�ly
adv. �feckless�ness
n.
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fi�du�ci�ar�y (f-dsh-r,
-sh-r,
-dy-,
f-)
adj. 1a. Of or relating to a holding of something in trust for
another. b. Of or being a trustee or trusteeship. c. Held in
trust. 2. Of or consisting of fiat money. 3. Of, relating to, or
being a system of marking in the field of view of an optical instrument that is
used as a reference point or measuring scale.� n., pl. -ies
One, such as a company director, that has a special relation of trust or
responsibility in certain obligations to others. [Latin fdcirius
< fdcia,
trust; see fiducial.]
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fil�i�bus�ter (fl-b
str)
n. 1a. The use of obstructionist tactics, esp. prolonged
speechmaking, in order to delay legislative action. b. An instance of the
use of this delaying tactic. 2. An adventurer who engages in a private
military action in a foreign country.� v. -tered, -ter�ing, -ters
� intr. 1. To use obstructionist tactics in a legislative
body. 2. To take part in a private military action in a foreign country. �
tr. To use a filibuster against (a legislative measure, for example).
[< Spanish filibustero, freebooter < French flibustier <
Dutch vrijbuiter, pirate; see freebooter.] �fili�buster�er
n.
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gam�ete (gmt,
g-mt)
n. A reproductive cell having the haploid number of chromosomes, esp. a
mature sperm or egg capable of fusing with a gamete of the opposite sex to
produce the fertilized egg. [New Latin gameta < Greek gamet,
wife and gamets,
husband < gamein, to marry < gamos, marriage.] �ga�metic
(-mtk)
adj.
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gauche (gsh)
adj. Lacking social polish; tactless. [French awkward < Old French
< gauchir, to turn aside, walk clumsily, of Germanic origin.] �gauchely
adv. �gaucheness
n.
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ger�ry�man�der (jr-mndr,
gr-)
tr.v. -dered, -der�ing, -ders To divide (a geographic area) into
voting districts so as to give unfair advantage to one party in elections.�
n. 1. The act, process, or an instance of gerrymandering. 2. A
district or configuration of districts differing widely in size or population
because of gerrymandering. [After Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander (< the shape
of an election district created while Gerry was governor of MA).]
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he�gem�o�ny (h-jm-n,
hj-mn)
n., pl. -nies The predominant influence, as of a state,
region, or group, over another or others. [Greek hgemoni
< hgemn,
leader < hgeisthai,
to lead.] �hege�monic
(hj-mnk)
adj. �he�gemo�nism
n. �he�gemo�nist
adj. & n.
|
Hegemony may be stressed on either the first or second syllable, though 72 percent of the Usage Panel prefers the latter. |
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he�mo�glo�bin (hm-glbn)
n. The iron-containing respiratory pigment in red blood cells of
vertebrates, consisting of about 6 percent heme and 94 percent globin.
[Ultimately short for hematinoglobulin : hematin + globulin.]
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ho�mo�ge�ne�ous
(hm-jn-s,
-jnys)
adj. 1. Of the same or similar nature or kind. 2. Uniform
in structure or composition. 3. Mathematics Consisting of terms of
the same degree or elements of the same dimension. [From Medieval Latin homogeneus
< Greek homogens
: homo-, homo- + genos, kind; see heterogeneous.] �homo�gene�ous�ness
n.
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hu�bris (hybrs)
also hy�bris (h-)
n. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance. [Greek excessive pride,
wanton violence; see ud- in App.] �hu�bristic
(-brstk)
adj. �hu�bristic�al�ly
adv.
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hy�pot�e�nuse (h-ptn-s,
-ys)
also hy�poth�e�nuse (-pth-ns,
-nys)
n. The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle. [Latin hypotnsa
< Greek hupoteinousa < feminine present participle of hupoteinein,
to stretch or extend under : hupo-, hypo- + teinein, to stretch;
see ten- in App.]
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im�peach (m-pch)
tr.v. -peached, -peach�ing, -peach�es 1a. To accuse. b. To
charge (a public official) with improper conduct in office before a proper
tribunal. 2. To challenge the validity of; try to discredit: impeach
one's credibility. [Middle English empechen, to impede, accuse <
Anglo-Norman empecher < Late Latin impedicre,
to entangle : Latin in-, in; see in� 2 + Latin
pedica, fetter; see ped- in App.] �im�peacher
n. �im�peachment
n.
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in�cog�ni�to (nkg-nt,
n-kgn-t)
adv. & adj. With one's identity disguised or concealed.�
n., pl. -tos 1. One whose identity is disguised or
concealed. 2. The condition of having a disguised or concealed identity.
[Italian < Latin incognitus, unknown : in-, not; see in�
1 + cognitus, past participle of cognscere,
to learn, recognize; see cognition.]
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in�con�tro�vert�i�ble
(n-kntr-v�rt-bl,
nkn-)
adj. Impossible to dispute; unquestionable. �in�contro�verti�bili�ty
n. �in�contro�verti�bly
adv.
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in�cul�cate (n-klkt,
nkl-)
tr.v. -cat�ed, -cat�ing, -cates 1. To impress (something) upon
the mind of another by frequent instruction or repetition; instill: inculcating
sound principles. 2. To teach (others) by frequent instruction or
repetition; indoctrinate. [Latin inculcre,
inculct-,
to force upon : in-, on; see in� 2 + calcre,
to trample (< calx, calc-, heel).] �incul�cation
n. �in�culcator
n.
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in�fra�struc�ture
(nfr-strkchr)
n. 1. An underlying base or foundation, esp. for an organization
or a system. 2. The basic facilities, services, and installations needed
for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and
communications systems.
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in�ter�po�late (n-t�rp-lt)
v. -lat�ed, -lat�ing, -lates � tr. 1. To
insert or introduce between other elements or parts. 2a. To insert
(material) into a text. b. To insert into a conversation. 3. To
change or falsify (a text) with new or incorrect material. 4. Mathematics
To estimate a value of (a function or series) between two known values. �
intr. To make insertions or additions. [Latin interpolre,
interpolt-,
to touch up, refurbish < interpolis, refurbished; see pel- 2
in App.] �in�terpo�lation
n. �in�terpo�lative
adj. �in�terpo�lator
n.
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i�ro�ny (r-n,
r-)
n., pl. -nies 1a. The use of words to express
something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning. b. An
expression or utterance marked by irony. c. A literary style employing
irony for humorous or rhetorical effect. 2a. Incongruity between what
might be expected and what actually occurs. b. An occurrence, result, or
circumstance notable for such incongruity. See Usage Note at ironic. 3. Dramatic
irony. 4. Socratic irony. [French ironie < Old French <
Latin rna
< Greek eirneia,
feigned ignorance < eirn,
dissembler probably < eirein, to say; see wer- 1 in
App.]
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je�june (j-jn)
adj. 1. Not interesting; dull. 2. Lacking maturity;
childish. 3. Lacking in nutrition. [From Latin iinus,
meager, dry, fasting.] �je�junely
adv. �je�juneness
n.
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ki�net�ic (k-ntk,
k-)
adj. 1. Of, relating to, or produced by motion. 2. Relating
to or exhibiting kinesis. [Greek kntikos
< kntos,
moving < knein,
to move; see kei- 2 in App.] �ki�neti�cal�ly
adv.
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kow�tow (kou-tou,
koutou)
intr.v. -towed, -tow�ing, -tows 1. To kneel and touch the
forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, as
formerly done in China. 2. To show servile deference.� n. 1.
The act of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground. 2. An
obsequious act. [From Chinese (Mandarin) k�u t�u, a kowtow : k�u,
to knock + t�u, head.]
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lais�sez faire also lais�ser
faire (ls
f�r,
lz)
n. 1. An economic doctrine that opposes governmental regulation of
or interference in commerce. 2. Noninterference in the affairs of others.
[French : laissez, let + faire, to do.] �laissez-faire
adj.
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lex�i�con (lks-kn)
n., pl. -cons or -ca (-k)
1. A dictionary. 2. A stock of terms used in a particular
profession, subject, or style; a vocabulary. 3. Linguistics The
morphemes of a language considered as a group. [Medieval Latin < Greek lexikon
(biblion), word(book), neuter of lexikos, of words < lexis,
word < legein, to speak; see leg- in App.]
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lo�qua�cious (l-kwshs)
adj. Very talkative; garrulous. [< Latin loqux,
loquc-
< loqu,
to speak.] �lo�quacious�ly
adv. �lo�quacious�ness,
lo�quaci�ty
(l-kws-t)
n.
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lu�gu�bri�ous (l-gbr-s,
-gy-)
adj. Mournful, dismal, or gloomy, esp. to an exaggerated or ludicrous
degree. [From Latin lgubris
< lgre,
to mourn.] �lu�gubri�ous�ly
adv. �lu�gubri�ous�ness
n.
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met�a�mor�pho�sis
(mt-m�rf-ss)
n., pl. -ses (-sz)
1. A transformation, as by magic or sorcery. 2. A marked change in
appearance, character, condition, or function. 3. Biology Change
in the form and often habits of an animal during normal development after the
embryonic stage. 4. Pathology A usu. degenerative change in the
structure of a particular body tissue. [Latin metamorphsis
< Greek < metamorphoun, to transform : meta-, meta- + morph,
form.]
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mi�to�sis (m-tss)
n., pl. -ses (-sz)
Biology 1. The process in cell division by which the nucleus
divides, normally resulting in two new nuclei, each of which contains a complete
copy of the parental chromosomes. 2. The entire process of cell division
including division of the nucleus and the cytoplasm. [Greek mitos, warp
thread + �osis.] �mi�totic
(-ttk)
adj. �mi�toti�cal�ly
adv.
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moi�e�ty (moi-t)
n., pl. -ties 1. A half. 2. A part, portion, or
share. 3. Either of two kinship groups based on unilateral descent that
together make up a tribe or society. [Middle English moite < Old
French meitiet, moitie < Late Latin mediets
< Latin middle < medius, middle; see medhyo- in App.]
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nan�o�tech�nol�o�gy
(nn-tk-nl-j)
n. The science and technology of building electronic circuits and devices
from individual atoms and molecules. �nano�tech�nolo�gist
n.
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ni�hil�ism (n-lzm,
n-)
n. 1. Philosophy a. An extreme form of skepticism
that denies all existence. b. A doctrine holding that all values are
baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. 2. Rejection of
all distinctions in moral or religious value and a willingness to repudiate all
previous theories of morality or religious belief. 3. The belief that
destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future
improvement. 4. also >Nihilism A movement of mid 19th-century
Russia that believed in radical societal and governmental change through
terrorism and assassination. 5. Psychology A delusion that the
world or one's mind, body, or self does not exist. [Latin nihil, nothing;
see ne in App. + �ism.] �nihil�ist
n. �nihil�istic
adj. �nihil�isti�cal�ly
adv.
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no�men�cla�ture (nmn-klchr,
n-mnkl-)
n. 1. A system of names used in an art or science. 2. The
procedure of assigning names to organisms listed in a taxonomic classification.
[Latin nmencltra
< nmencltor,
nomenclator; see nomenclator.]
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non�sec�tar�i�an
(nnsk-t�r-n)
adj. Not limited to or associated with a particular religious
denomination. �nonsec�tari�an�ism
n.
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no�ta�rize (nt-rz)
tr.v. -rized, -riz�ing, -riz�es To certify or attest to (the
validity of a signature on a document, for example) as a notary public. �nota�ri�zation
(-r-zshn)
n.
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ob�se�qui�ous (b-skw-s,
b-)
adj. Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning. [Middle English
< Latin obsequisus
< obsequium, compliance < obsequ,
to comply : ob-, to; see ob� + sequ,
to follow; see sekw- 1 in App.] �ob�sequi�ous�ly
adv. �ob�sequi�ous�ness
n.
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ol�i�gar�chy (l-g�rk,
l-)
n., pl. -chies 1a. Government by a few, esp. by a small
faction of persons or families. b. Those making up such a government. 2.
A state governed by an oligarchy. �oli�garchic,
oli�garchi�cal
adj.
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om�nip�o�tent (m-np-tnt)
adj. Having unlimited or universal power, authority, or force. See Usage
Note at infinite.� n. 1. One who is omnipotent. 2.
Omnipotent God. Used with the. [Middle English < Old French <
Latin omnipotns,
omnipotent- : omni-, omni- + potns,
present participle of posse, to be able; see poti- in App.] �om�nipo�tence,
om�nipo�ten�cy
n. �om�nipo�tent�ly
adv.
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or�thog�ra�phy (�r-thgr-f)
n., pl. -phies 1. The art or study of standard
spelling. 2. The aspect of language study concerned with letters and
spelling. 3. A method of representing a language or the sounds of
language by written symbols; spelling. �or�thogra�pher,
or�thogra�phist
n.
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ox�i�dize (ks-dz)
v. -dized, -diz�ing, -diz�es � tr. 1. To
combine with oxygen; make into an oxide. 2. To increase the positive
charge or valence of (an element) by removing electrons. 3. To coat with
oxide. � intr. To become oxidized. �oxi�diza�ble
adj. �oxi�di�zation
(-d-zshn)
n.
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pa�rab�o�la (p-rb-l)
n. A plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and
a plane parallel to an element of the cone or by the locus of points equidistant
from a fixed line and a fixed point not on the line. [New Latin < Greek parabol,
comparison, application, parabola (< the relationship between the line
joining the vertices of a conic and the line through its focus and parallel to
its directrix) < paraballein, to compare; see parable.]
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par�a�digm (pr-dm,
-dm)
n. 1. One that serves as pattern or model. 2. A set or list
of all the inflectional forms of a word or of one of its grammatical categories.
3. A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes
a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, esp. in an
intellectual discipline. [Middle English example < Late Latin paradgma
< Greek paradeigma < paradeiknunai, to compare : para-,
alongside; see para� 1 + deiknunai, to show;
see deik- in App.]
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pa�ram�e�ter (p-rm-tr)
n. 1. Mathematics a. A constant in an equation that
varies in other equations of the same general form, esp. in the equation of a
curve or surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or surfaces.
b. One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of
a point. 2a. One of a set of measurable factors, such as temperature,
that define a system and determine its behavior and are varied in an experiment.
b. A factor that restricts what is possible or what results. c. A
factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary. 3. Statistics
A quantity, such as a mean, that is calculated from data and describes a
population. 4. A distinguishing characteristic or feature. [New Latin parametrum,
a line through the focus and parallel to the directrix of a conic : Greek para-,
beside; see para� 1 + Greek metron, measure;
see �meter.] �para�metric
(pr-mtrk),
para�metri�cal
adj. �para�metri�cal�ly
adv.
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pe�cu�ni�ar�y (p-kyn-r)
adj. 1. Of or relating to money. 2. Requiring payment of
money. [Latin pecnirius
< pecnia,
wealth; see peku- in App.]
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pho�to�syn�the�sis
(ft-snth-ss)
n. The process by which green plants and certain other organisms
synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water using light as an energy
source and usu. releasing oxygen as a byproduct. �photo�synthe�size
(-sz)
v. �photo�syn�thetic
(-sn-thtk)
adj. �photo�syn�theti�cal�ly
adv.
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pla�gia�rize (plj-rz)
v. -rized, -riz�ing, -riz�es � tr. 1. To
use and pass off (the ideas or writings of another) as one's own. 2. To
appropriate for use as one's own passages or ideas from (another). � intr.
To plagiarize the ideas or words of another. �plagia�rizer
n.
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plas�ma (plzm)
also plasm (plzm)
n. 1a. The clear yellowish fluid portion of blood, lymph, or
intramuscular fluid in which cells are suspended. b. Blood plasma. 2. Medicine
Cell-free sterilized blood plasma, used in transfusions. 3. Protoplasm or
cytoplasm. 4. The fluid portion of milk from which the curd is separated
by coagulation; whey. 5. Physics A highly ionized gas containing
nearly equal numbers of positive ions and electrons. [New Latin < Late Latin
image, figure < Greek < plassein, to mold; see pel-
2 in App.] �plas�matic
(plz-mtk),
plasmic
(-mk)
adj.
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pol�y�mer (pl-mr)
n. Any of numerous natural or synthetic compounds of usu. high molecular
weight consisting of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple
molecule. [Greek polumers,
consisting of many parts : polu-, poly- + meros, part.]
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pre�cip�i�tous (pr-sp-ts)
adj. 1. Resembling a precipice; extremely steep. See Syns at steep
1. 2. Having several precipices: a
precipitous bluff. 3. Usage Problem Extremely rapid or abrupt;
precipitate. See Usage Note at precipitate. [Probably < obsolete precipitious
< Latin praecipitium, precipice; see precipice.] �pre�cipi�tous�ly
adv. �pre�cipi�tous�ness
n.
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qua�sar (kwz�r,
-s�r,
-zr,
-sr)
n. An extremely distant celestial object whose power output is thousands
of times that of our entire galaxy. [quas(i-stellar) + (st)ar.]
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quo�tid�i�an (kw-td-n)
adj. 1. Everyday; commonplace. 2. Recurring daily. Used
esp. of attacks of malaria. [Middle English cotidien < Old French <
Latin qutdinus
< qutdi,
each day : quot, how many, as many as; see k,
ablative of dis,
day; see dyeu- in App.]
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re�ca�pit�u�late
(rk-pch-lt)
v. -lat�ed, -lat�ing, -lates � tr. 1. To
repeat in concise form. 2. Biology To appear to repeat (the
evolutionary stages of the species) during the embryonic development of the
individual organism. � intr. To make a summary. [Latin recapitulre,
recapitult-
: re-, re- + capitulum, main point, heading diminutive of caput,
capit-, head; see kaput- in App.] �re�ca�pitu�lative,
re�ca�pitu�la�tory
(-l-t�r,
-tr)
adj.
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re�cip�ro�cal (r-spr-kl)
adj. 1. Concerning each of two or more persons or things. 2. Interchanged,
given, or owed to each other: a reciprocal invitation. 3. Performed,
experienced, or felt by both sides: reciprocal respect. 4. Interchangeable;
complementary: reciprocal electric outlets. 5. Grammar
Expressing mutual action or relationship. Used of some verbs and compound
pronouns. 6. Mathematics Of or relating to the reciprocal of a
quantity. 7. Physiology Of or relating to a neuromuscular
phenomenon in which the inhibition of one group of muscles accompanies the
excitation of another. 8. Genetics Of or being a pair of crosses
in which the male or female parent in one cross is of the same genotype or
phenotype as the complementary female or male parent in the other cross.�
n. 1. Something that is reciprocal to something else. 2. Mathematics
A number related to another so that when multiplied together their product is 1.
For example, the reciprocal of 7 is 1/7. [From Latin reciprocus,
alternating; see per 1 in App.] �re�cipro�cali�ty
(-kl-t),
re�cipro�cal�ness
(-kl-ns)
n. �re�cipro�cal�ly
adv.
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rep�a�ra�tion (rp-rshn)
n. 1. The act or process of repairing or the condition of being
repaired. 2. The act or process of making amends; expiation. 3. Something
done or paid to compensate or make amends. 4. reparations Compensation or
remuneration required from a defeated nation as indemnity for damage or injury
during a war. [Middle English reparacion < Old French < Late Latin reparti,
repartin-,
restoration < Latin repartus,
past participle of reparre,
to repair; see repair 1.]
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- res�pi�ra�tion
(rsp-rshn)
n. 1a. The act or process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing.
b. The act or process by which an organism without lungs, such as a
plant, exchanges gases with its environment. 2a. The oxidative
process in living cells by which the chemical energy of organic molecules is
released in metabolic steps involving the consumption of oxygen and the
liberation of carbon dioxide and water. b. Any of various analogous
metabolic processes by which certain organisms, such as fungi, obtain energy
from organic molecules. �respi�ration�al
adj.
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san�guine (snggwn)
adj. 1a. Of the color of blood; red. b. Of a healthy
reddish color; ruddy: a sanguine complexion. 2. Archaic a.
In medieval physiology, having blood as the dominant humor. b. Having
the temperament and ruddy complexion once thought to be characteristic of this
humor; passionate. 3. Cheerfully confident; optimistic. [Middle English
< Old French sanguin < Latin sanguineus < sanguis,
sanguin-, blood.] �sanguine�ly
adv. �sanguine�ness,
san�guini�ty
n.
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so�lil�o�quy (s-ll-kw)
n., pl. -quies 1a. A dramatic or literary form of
discourse in which a character reveals his or her thoughts when alone or
unaware of the presence of other characters. b. A specific speech or
piece of writing in this form of discourse. 2. The act of speaking to
oneself. [Late Latin sliloquium
: Latin slus,
alone; see s(w)e- in App. + Latin loqu,
to speak.] �so�lilo�quist
(-kwst),
so�lilo�quizer
(-kwzr)
n. �so�lilo�quize
(-kwz)
v.
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sub�ju�gate (sbj-gt)
tr.v. -gat�ed, -gat�ing, -gates 1. To bring under control;
conquer. See Syns at defeat. 2. To make subservient; enslave. [Middle
English subjugaten < Latin subiugre,
subiugt-
: sub-, sub- + iugum, yoke; see yeug- in App.] �subju�gation
n. �subju�gator
n.
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suf�fra�gist (sfr-jst)
n. An advocate of the extension of political voting rights, esp. to
women. �suffra�gism
n.
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su�per�cil�i�ous
(spr-sl-s)
adj. Feeling or showing haughty disdain. See Syns at proud.
[Latin supercilisus
< supercilium, eyebrow, pride : super-, super- + cilium,
lower eyelid; see kel- in App.] �super�cili�ous�ly
adv. �super�cili�ous�ness
n.
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tau�tol�o�gy (t�-tl-j)
n., pl. -gies 1a. Needless repetition of the same sense
in different words; redundancy. b. An instance of such repetition. 2.
Logic An empty statement composed of simpler statements in a
fashion that makes it logically true whether the simpler statements are
factually true or false; for example, Either we'll go or we'll stay.
[Late Latin tautologia < Greek tautologi
< tautologos, redundant : tauto-, tauto- + logos,
saying; see �logy.] �tauto�logi�cal
(t�tl-j-kl),
tauto�logic
(-k)
adj. �tauto�logi�cal�ly
adv.
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tax�on�o�my (tk-sn-m)
n., pl. -mies 1. The classification of organisms in an
ordered system that indicates natural relationships. 2. The science,
laws, or principles of classification; systematics. 3. Division into
ordered groups or categories. [French taxonomie : Greek taxis,
arrangement; see taxis + -nomie, method (< Greek -nomi,
; see �nomy).] �tax�ono�mist
n.
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tec�ton�ic (tk-tnk)
adj. 1. Geology Relating to, causing, or resulting from
structural deformation of the earth's crust. 2a. Relating to
construction or building. b. Architectural. [Late Latin tectonicus
< Greek tektonikos < tektn,
builder.] �tec�toni�cal�ly
adv.
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tem�pes�tu�ous
(tm-psch-s)
adj. 1. Of, relating to, or resembling a tempest. 2. Tumultuous;
stormy: a tempestuous relationship. [Middle English < Late Latin tempestusus
< tempests,
tempest variant of tempests,
; see tempest.] �tem�pestu�ous�ly
adv.
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ther�mo�dy�nam�ics
(th�rm-d-nmks)
n. 1. (used with a sing. verb) The branch of physics that
deals with the relationships and conversions between heat and other forms of
energy. 2. (used with a pl. verb) Thermodynamic phenomena and
processes.
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to�tal�i�tar�i�an
(t-tl-t�r-n)
adj. Of, being, or imposing a form of government in which the political
authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life.�
n. A practitioner or supporter of such a government. [total + (author)itarian.]
�to�tali�tari�an�ism
n.
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unc�tu�ous (ngkch-s)
adj. 1. Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere
earnestness. 2. Having the quality or characteristics of oil or
ointment; slippery. 3. Containing or composed of oil or fat. 4. Abundant
in organic materials; soft and rich: unctuous soil. [Middle English
< Old French unctueus < Medieval Latin nctusus
< Latin nctum,
ointment < neuter past participle of unguere, to anoint.] �unctu�ous�ly
adv. �unctu�ous�ness,
unctu�osi�ty
(-s-t)
n.
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u�surp (y-s�rp,
-z�rp)
v. -surped, -surp�ing, -surps � tr. 1. To
seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force and
without legal authority. 2. To take over or occupy without right: usurp
land. � intr. To seize another's place, authority, or
possession wrongfully. [Middle English usurpen < Old French usurper
< Latin srpre,
to take into use, usurp; see reup- in App.] �u�surper
n. �u�surping�ly
adv.
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vac�u�ous (vky-s)
adj. 1. Devoid of matter; empty. 2a. Lacking
intelligence; stupid. b. Devoid of substance or meaning; inane: a
vacuous comment. c. Devoid of expression; vacant. 3. Lacking
serious purpose or occupation; idle. [From Latin vacuus, empty; see vacuum.]
�vacu�ous�ly
adv. �vacu�ous�ness
n.
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ve�he�ment (v-mnt)
adj. 1. Forceful or intense in expression, emotion, or
conviction; fervid. 2. Vigorous or energetic; strong: a vehement
storm. [Middle English < Old French < Latin vehemns,
vehement-, perh. < vehere, to carry; see wegh- in App.] �vehe�mence,
vehe�men�cy
n. �vehe�ment�ly
adv.
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vor�tex (v�rtks)
n., pl. -tex�es or -ti�ces (-t-sz)
1. A spiral motion of fluid within a limited area, esp. a whirling mass
of water or air that sucks everything near it toward its center. 2. A
place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it.
[Latin vortex, vortic- variant of vertex < vertere,
to turn; see wer- 2 in App.]
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win�now (wn)
v. -nowed, -now�ing, -nows � tr. 1a. To
separate the chaff from (grain) by means of a current of air. b. To rid
of undesirable parts. 2. To blow (chaff) off or away. 3. To blow
away; scatter. 4. To blow on; fan: A breeze winnowed the grass. 5.
To examine closely in order to separate the good from the bad; sift. 6a.
To separate or get rid of (an undesirable part); eliminate: winnowing
out errors. b. To sort or select (a desirable part); extract. �
intr. 1. To separate grain from chaff. 2. To separate the
good from the bad.� n. 1. A device for winnowing grain. 2.
An act of winnowing. [Middle English winnewen, alteration of windwen
< Old English windwian < wind, wind; see wind 1.]
�winnow�er
n.
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wrought (r�t) v.
A past tense and a past participle of
work.� adj. 1. Put together; created: a carefully
wrought plan. 2. Shaped by hammering with tools. Used chiefly of
metals or metalwork. 3. Made delicately or elaborately. [Middle English
wroght < Old English geworht, past participle of wyrcan,
to work; see werg- in App.]
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xen�o�phobe (zn-fb,
zn-)
n. A person unduly fearful or contemptuous of that which is foreign,
esp. of strangers or foreign peoples. �xeno�phobi�a
n. �xeno�phobic
adj.
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yeo�man (ymn)
n. 1a. An attendant, servant, or lesser official in a royal or
noble household. b. A yeoman of the guard. 2. A petty officer
performing chiefly clerical duties in the US Navy. 3. An assistant or
other subordinate, as of a sheriff. 4. A diligent, dependable worker. 5.
A farmer who cultivates his own land, esp. a member of a former class of
small freeholders in England. [Middle English yoman, perh. < Old
English *gaman
< Old Frisian gman,
villager : g,
region, district man, man; see man- 1 in App.]
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zig�gu�rat (zg-rt)
n. A temple tower of the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians, having the
form of a terraced pyramid of successively receding stories. [Akkadian ziqqurratu,
temple tower < zaqru,
to build high.]
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