A, a n. first letter of English alphabet.

a adj. or indef. art. before initial consonant sounds. 1. some. 2. one. 3. any.

a-, prefix indicating: 1. not, as atypical. 2. without, as amorality.

AA, 1. administrative assistant. 2. Alcoholics Anonymous. 3. anti-aircraft.

A.A., Associate in Arts.

aard´vark´ n. African ant-eating mammal.

A.B., Bachelor of Arts.

A.B.A., American Bar Association.

a•back´ adv. by surprise.

ab´a•cus n. calculating device using rows of sliding beads.

ab´a•lo´ne n. edible mollusk with mother-of-pearl shell.

a•ban´don v. 1. leave completely; forsake. 2. give up. –n. 3. surrender to natural impulses. —a•ban´don•ment, n.

a•ban´doned, adj. 1. forsaken or deserted. 2. lacking in moral restraint.

a•base´ v., abased , abasing . lower; degrade.

a•bash´ v. embarrass or shame.

a•bate´ v., abated , abating . lessen or subside.

ab´at•toir´ n. slaughterhouse.

ab´bé n. abbot; priest.

ab´bess n. convent head.

ab´bey n. monastery or convent.

ab´bot n. monastery head.

abbr., abbreviation.

ab•bre´vi•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . shorten. —ab•bre´vi•a´tion, n.

ABC, n., pl. ABC's , ABCs . 1. alphabet. 2. (pl.) basics.

ab´di•cate´ v., -cated , -cating . give up (power or office). —ab´di•ca´tion, n.

ab´do•men n. part of body between thorax and pelvis; belly. —ab•dom´i•nal adj.

ab•dom´i•nals, n.pl. muscles of abdomen. Also, abs.

ab•duct´ v. kidnap. —ab•duc´tion, n. —ab•duc´tor, n.

a•bed´ adv. in bed.

ab´er•ra´tion, n. 1. deviation from what is usual, normal, or right. 2. mental unsoundness or disorder. —ab•er´rant, adj.

a•bet´ v., abetted , abetting . encourage in wrongdoing.

a•bey´ance n. temporary inactivity.

ab•hor´ v., -horred , -horring . loathe; find repugnant. —ab•hor´rence, n. —ab•hor´rent, adj.

a•bide´ v., abode or abided, abiding . 1. remain; stay. 2. reside. 3. wait for. 4. agree; conform. 5. Informal. tolerate; bear.

a•bid´ing, adj. steadfast; lasting.

a•bil´i•ty n., pl. -ties . 1. power or talent. 2. competence.

ab´ject adj. 1. humiliating. 2. despicable.

ab•jure´ v., -jured , -juring . renounce or abstain from.

ab´la•tive adj. Gram. denoting origin, means, etc.

a•blaze´ adj. 1. on fire. 2. gleaming. 3. excited.

a´ble adj., abler , ablest . 1. having sufficient power or qualification. 2. competent. —a´bly, adv.

-able, suffix indicating: 1. able to be, as readable. 2. tending to, as changeable. 3. worthy of, as loveable.

a´ble-bod´ied, adj. physically fit.

ab•lu´tion n. ritual washing.

ab´ne•gate´ v., -gated , -gating . deny to oneself.

ab•nor´mal adj. not normal; not usual or typical. —ab´nor•mal´i•ty n. —ab•nor´mal•ly, adv.

a•board´ adv. 1. on a ship, train, etc. –prep. 2. on.

a•bode´ n. 1. home. 2. stay.

a•bol´ish v. do away with; annul.

ab´o•li´tion n. 1. act of abolishing. 2. end of slavery in the U.S. —ab´o•li´tion•ist, n.

A´-bomb´ n. atomic bomb.

a•bom´i•na•ble adj. hateful; loathesome.

a•bom´i•nate´ v., -nated , -nating . abhor or hate.

ab´o•rig´i•nal adj. 1. original. –n. 2. aborigine.

ab´o•rig´i•ne n. original inhabitant of a land.

a•bort´ v. 1. have or cause abortion. 2. terminate prematurely. —a•bor´tive, adj.

a•bor´tion, n. end of pregnancy by expulsion of fetus before it is viable. —a•bor´tion•ist, n.

a•bound´ v. be or have a lot of.

a•bout´ prep. 1. concerning. 2. near, in, on, or around. 3. ready. –adv. 4. approximately. 5. almost. 6. on all sides. 7. oppositely. –adj. 8. astir. —Usage. Both ON and ABOUT mean “concerning”; ABOUT is used when the information given is general and not too technical: a novel ABOUT the Civil War. ON is used when the information is particular, as by being scholarly or technical: an important article ON the Civil War.

a•bove´ adv. 1. higher. 2. previously. 3. in or to heaven. –prep. 4. higher or greater than. –adj. 5. foregoing.

a•bove´board´, adv., adj. honest; fair.

ab´ra•ca•dab´ra n. word used in magic.

a•bra´sion, n. 1. wearing or rubbing away. 2. scraped area on skin. —a•brade´, v.

a•bra´sive adj. 1. abrading. 2. annoying. –n. 3. material used to grind or smooth. —a•bra´sive•ly, adv.

a•breast´ adv., adj. 1. side by side. 2. informed; aware.

a•bridge´ v., abridged , abridging . shorten.

a•broad´ adv., adj. 1. out of one's own country. 2. in circulation.

ab´ro•gate´ v., -gated , -gating . annul or repeal.

ab•rupt´ adj. 1. sudden; unexpected. 2. steep. —ab•rupt´ly, adv. —ab•rupt´ness, n.

ab´scess n. infected, pus-filled place on the body.

ab•scond´ v. leave suddenly and secretly.

ab´sent adj. 1. not present. 2. lacking. –v. 3. keep away. —ab´sence, n.

ab´sen•tee´ n. absent person.

ab´sent-mind´ed, adj. forgetful or preoccupied. —ab´sent-mind´ed•ly, adv. —ab´sent-mind´ed•ness, n.

ab´so•lute´ adj. 1. complete; perfect. 2. pure. 3. unrestricted. 4. despotic. 5. definite. —ab´so•lute´ly, adv.

absolute zero, temperature (-273.16° C or -459.69° F) at which molecular activity ceases.

ab•solve´ v., -solved , -solving . pardon sins of. —ab´so•lu´tion n.

ab•sorb´ v. 1. take in. 2. occupy completely; fascinate. —ab•sorb´ent, adj., n. —ab•sorb´ing, adj. —ab•sorp´tion, n.

ab•stain´ v. refrain (from). —ab•sten´tion n.

ab•ste´mi•ous adj. moderate in eating, drinking, etc.

ab´sti•nence n. for-bearance; self-restraint.

ab´stract adj. 1. apart from specific objects. 2. theoretical. 3. hard to understand. 4. (of art) not representing natural objects or forms. –n. 5. summary. 6. essence. –v. 7. remove or steal. 8. summarize. —ab•strac´tion, n.

ab•stract´ed, adj. preoccupied; absentminded.

ab•struse´ adj. hard to understand.

ab•surd´ adj. ridiculous. —ab•surd´ly, adv. —ab•surd´i•ty, n.

a•bun´dance n. plentiful supply. —a•bun´dant, adj. —a•bun´dant•ly, adv.

a•buse´ v., abused, abusing , n. –v. 1. use wrongly. 2. treat badly. –n. 3. wrong use or treatment. 4. insult. —a•bu´sive, adj.

a•but´ v., abutted , abutting . touch at the edge.

a•bys´mal adj. 1. very deep. 2. dreadful.

a•byss´ n. 1. very deep chasm. 2. hell.

Ab´ys•sin´i•an adj. 1. from ancient Ethiopia. –n. 2. type of cat.

AC, 1. air conditioning. 2. Also, ac., a.c., A.C. alternating current.

a•ca´cia n. small tree or shrub.

ac´a•dem´ic adj. 1. of a school, college, etc. 2. theoretical. –n. 3. college student or teacher. —ac´a•dem´i•cal•ly, adv.

a•cad´e•my n., pl. -mies . 1. school. 2. cultural society.

a´ cap•pel´la adv., adj. Music. without instrumental accompaniment.

ac•cede´ v., -ceded , -ceding . 1. consent. 2. assume.

ac•cel´er•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . speed up; hasten. —ac•cel´er•a´tion, n.

ac•cel´er•a´tor, n. pedal that controls vehicle's speed.

ac´cent n. 1. emphasis. 2. characteristic pronunciation. 3. mark showing stress, etc. –v. 4. emphasize.

ac•cen´tu•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . stress or emphasize.

ac•cept´ v. 1. receive willingly. 2. agree to. 3. believe. —ac•cept´a•ble, adj. —ac•cept´ed, adj. —ac•cept´a•bil´i•ty, n. —ac•cept´a•bly, adv. —ac•cept´ance, n. —Usage. Because of similarity in pronunciation, ACCEPT and EXCEPT are sometimes confused in writing. ACCEPT is a verb meaning “to receive willingly”: Please accept my gift. EXCEPT is usually a preposition meaning “other than”: Everybody came except you. When EXCEPT is used as a verb, it means “to leave out”: Some students were excepted from taking the exam.

ac´cess n. 1. right to enter or use. –v. 2. gain access to. 3. find in a computer.

ac•ces´si•ble, adj. easy to reach or influence. —ac•ces´si•bil´i•ty, n.

ac•ces´sion n. 1. attainment of an office, etc. 2. increase.

ac•ces´so•ry n., pl. -ries . 1. something added for convenience, decoration, etc. 2. one who helps another commit a felony.

ac´ci•dent n. unexpected event, usually unfortunate. —ac´ci•den´tal, adj. —ac´ci•den´tal•ly, adv.

ac´ci•dent-prone´, adj. inclined to have accidents.

ac•claim´ v. 1. salute with applause, cheers, etc. –n. 2. applause, cheers, etc.

ac´cli•mate´ v., -ated , -ating . accustom to new conditions. Also, ac•cli´ma•tize´.

ac´co•lade´ n. award, honor, or applause.

ac•com´mo•date´ v., -dated , -dating . 1. do a favor for. 2. supply. 3. provide with room, food, etc. 4. adjust.

ac•com´mo•dat´ing, adj. helpful; obliging.

ac•com´mo•da´tion, n. 1. act of accommodating. 2. (pl.) space for lodging or travel.

ac•com´pa•ni•ment n. 1. something added as decoration, etc. 2. subsidiary music for performer.

ac•com´pa•ny, v., -nied , -nying . 1. go or be with. 2. provide musical accompaniment for. —ac•com´pa•nist, n.

ac•com´plice n. partner in crime.

ac•com´plish v. do or finish.

ac•com´plished, adj. expert.

ac•com´plish•ment, n. 1. completion. 2. skill or learning.

ac•cord´ v. 1. agree; be in harmony. 2. cause to agree. 3. grant; allow. –n. 4. agreement; harmony. —ac•cord´ance, n.

ac•cord´ing•ly, adv. therefore.

according to, 1. in keeping with or proportion to. 2. on authority of.

ac•cor´di•on n. musical instrument with keyboard and bellows.

ac•cost´ v. approach or confront.

ac•count´ n. 1. report. 2. reason. 3. importance. 4. money in bank. 5. record of business transactions. –v. 6. explain. 7. consider.

ac•count´a•ble, adj. 1. responsible. 2. explainable. —ac•count´a•bly, adv.

ac•count´ant, n. person whose profession is accounting. —ac•count´an•cy, n.

ac•count´ing, n. organization and maintenance of financial records.

ac•cred´it v. 1. attribute. 2. authorize or approve. —ac•cred´i•ta´tion, n.

ac•crue´ v., -crued , -cruing . be added (to). —ac•cru´al, n.

ac•cul´tur•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . adopt cultural traits of another group.

ac•cu´mu•late´ v., -lated , -lating . gather; collect. —ac•cu´mu•la´tion, n. —ac•cu´mu•la•tive adj. —ac•cu´mu•la´tor, n.

ac´cu•rate adj. exact; correct. —ac´cu•rate•ly, adv. —ac´cu•ra•cy, n.

ac•curs´ed adj. 1. cursed. 2. hateful.

ac•cu´sa•tive adj. Gram. denoting verb's direct object.

ac•cuse´ v., -cused , -cusing . blame; charge. —ac´cu•sa´tion n. —ac•cus´er, n.

ac•cused´, n. person tried in court.

ac•cus´tom v. make used to.

ac•cus´tomed, adj. 1. usual; habitual. 2. habituated.

ace n., v. aced , acing . –n. 1. playing card with single spot. 2. expert who excels at something. 3. Tennis. serve opponent cannot touch. –v. 4. score ace against. 5. do very well on.

a•cer´bic adj. 1. sour. 2. sharp or severe. —a•cer´bi•ty, n.

a•ce´ta•min´o•phen n. substance used to reduce pain or fever.

ac´e•tate´ n. salt or ester of acetic acid.

a•ce´tic adj. of or producing vinegar.

acetic acid, sharp-tasting acid found in vinegar.

ac´e•tone´ n. flammable liquid used as a solvent.

a•cet´y•lene´ n. gas used in welding, etc.

ache v., ached , aching , n. –v. 1. suffer dull pain. –n. 2. dull pain.

a•chieve´ v., achieved , achieving . accomplish; bring about. —a•chieve´ment, n.

A•chil´les heel vulnerable spot.

ac´id n. 1. chemical compound containing hydrogen replaceable by a metal to form a salt. 2. sour substance. –adj. 3. of acids. 4. sour or sharp. —a•cid´ic, adj. —a•cid´i•ty, n.

acid rain, rain containing chemicals from industrial pollution.

ac•knowl´edge v., -edged , -edging . 1. recognize; admit. 2. show appreciation for. —ac•knowl´edg•ment, n.

ac´me n. highest point.

ac´ne n. skin disorder.

ac´o•lyte´ n. 1. altar attendant. 2. follower.

a´corn n. fruit or nut of the oak.

a•cous´tic adj. of sound or hearing. —a•cous´ti•cal•ly, adv.

a•cous´tics, n. 1. science of sound. 2. sound qualities.

ac•quaint´ v. make known or familiar.

ac•quaint´ance, n. 1. someone personally known. 2. personal knowledge.

ac´qui•esce´ v., -esced , -escing . agree or comply. —ac´qui•es´cence, n. —ac´qui•es´cent, adj.

ac•quire´ v., -quired , -quiring . get; obtain. —ac•quire´ment, n.

ac´qui•si´tion n. 1. acquiring. 2. something acquired.

ac•quis´i•tive adj. eager to acquire.

ac•quit´ v., -quitted , -quitting . 1. free of blame or guilt. 2. behave or conduct. —ac•quit´tal, n.

a´cre n. unit of land area (1/640 sq. mi. or 43,560 sq. ft.). —a´cre•age, n.

ac´rid adj. sharp; biting.

ac´ri•mo´ny n. harshness or bitterness of manner or speech. —ac´ri•mo´ni•ous, adj.

ac´ro•bat´ n. performer on trapeze, tightrope, etc. —ac´ro•bat´ic, adj.

ac´ro•bat´ics, n. (used with a pl. v.) 1. acrobat's feats. 2. any feats requiring skill.

ac´ro•nym n. word formed from successive initials or groups of letters, as NATO, UNICEF.

ac´ro•pho´bi•a n. fear of heights.

a•cross´ prep. 1. from side to side of. 2. on the other side of. –adv. 3. from one side to another.

across-the-board, adj. applying to all members or categories.

a•cryl´ic n. chemical used to make textile fibers and paints.

act n. 1. something done. 2. law or decree. 3. part of a play or opera. –v. 4. do something. 5. behave. 6. pretend. 7. perform in play, movie, etc.

act´ing, adj. substitute.

ac•tin´i•um n. radioactive metallic element.

ac´tion n. 1. state of being active. 2. something done. 3. behavior. 4. combat. 5. lawsuit.

ac´tion•a•ble, adj. providing grounds for a lawsuit.

ac´ti•vate´ v., -vated , -vating . make active; start. —ac´ti•va´tion, n.

ac´tive adj. 1. in action; busy, nimble, or lively. 2. indicating that the subject performs the action of the verb. —ac´tive•ly, adv.

ac´tiv•ism, n. vigorous action toward social or political goals. —ac´tiv•ist, n.

ac•tiv´i•ty n., pl. -ties . 1. being active. 2. busy action. 3. specific occupation or pursuit.

ac´tor n. performer in play or movie. —ac´tress, n.fem.

ac´tu•al adj. real. —ac´tu•al•ly, adv. —ac´tu•al´i•ty n.

ac´tu•ar´y n., pl. -aries . calculator of insurance rates and risks. —ac´tu•ar´i•al, adj.

ac´tu•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . cause to act; effect.

a•cu´i•ty n. sharpness of perception.

a•cu´men n. mental keenness.

ac´u•punc´ture n. Chinese art of healing by inserting needles into the skin. —ac´u•punc´tur•ist, n.

a•cute´ adj. 1. sharp; pointed. 2. severe. 3. crucial. 4. keen, clever. 5. high-pitched. 6. (of an angle) less than 90 degrees. —a•cute´ly, adv. —a•cute´ness, n.

ad n. Informal. advertisement.

A.D., anno Domini: in the year of our Lord.

ad´age n. proverb.

a•da´gio adj., adv. Music. slow.

ad´a•mant adj. insistent.

Ad´am's ap´ple projection of thyroid cartilage in front of neck.

a•dapt´ v. adjust to new requirements. —a•dapt´a•ble, adj. —a•dapt´a•bil´i•ty, n. —ad´ap•ta´tion n. —a•dapt´er, a•dap´tor, n.

add v. 1. unite or join. 2. find the sum (of). 3. increase. 4. say more.

ad•den´dum n., pl. -da. something to be added.

ad´der n. small venomous snake.

ad´dict, n. 1. person dependent on a drug, etc. –v. 2. make dependent on. —ad•dic´tion, n. —ad•dic´tive, adj.

ad•di´tion n. 1. adding. 2. anything added. 3. in addition to, besides. —ad•di´tion•al, adj. —ad•di´tion•al•ly, adv.

ad´di•tive n. added ingredient.

ad´dle v., -dled , -dling . confuse.

ad•dress´ n. 1. formal speech. 2. place of residence. –v. 3. speak or write (to). 4. send. 5. apply (oneself). —ad´dress•ee´ n.

ad•duce´ v., -duced , -ducing . present; cite.

ad´e•noid´ n. mass of tissue between back of nose and throat.

a•dept´, adj. 1. skilled. –n. 2. expert.

ad´e•quate adj. sufficient; fit. —ad´e•quate•ly, adv. —ad´e•qua•cy, n.

ad•here´ v., -hered , -hering . 1. stick or cling. 2. be faithful or loyal. —ad•her´ence, n. —ad•her´ent, n., adj. —ad•he´sion n.

ad•he´sive adj. 1. coated with a sticky substance. 2. sticky. –n. 3. adhesive substance.

ad hoc for a specified purpose.

a•dieu´ interj., n. French. good-by; farewell.

ad in´fi•ni´tum to infinity; endlessly.

adj., 1. adjective. 2. adjustment. 3. adjutant.

ad•ja´cent adj. near; adjoining.

ad´jec•tive n. word describing a noun. —ad´jec•ti´val adj.

ad•join´ v. be next to.

ad•journ´ v. suspend (meeting) till another time. —ad•journ´ment, n.

ad•judge´ v., -judged , -judging . 1. decree or decide. 2. award.

ad•ju´di•cate´ v., -cated , -cating . decide on as a judge. —ad•ju´di•ca´tion, n.

ad´junct n. something added.

ad•just´ v. 1. fit; adapt. 2. regulate. 3. settle. —ad•just´a•ble, adj. —ad•just´er, ad•jus´tor, n. —ad•just´ment, n.

ad´ju•tant n. military assistant to commandant.

ad-lib´ v., -libbed , -libbing . improvise (speech, music, etc.). —ad-lib´, adv.

Adm., admiral.

adm. or admn., 1. administration. 2. administrative. 3. administrator.

ad´man´ n. advertising professional.

ad•min´is•ter v. 1. manage; direct. 2. dispense or give.

ad•min´is•tra´tion n. 1. management. 2. dispensing. 3. executive officials. —ad•min´is•tra´tive, adj.

ad•min´is•tra´tor, n. manager.

ad´mi•ra•ble, adj. worthy of admiration.

ad´mi•ral n. 1. high-ranking navy officer. 2. brightly colored type of butterfly.

ad´mi•ral•ty, n., pl. -ties . navy department.

ad•mire´ v., -mired , -miring . regard highly. —ad•mir´er, n. —ad´mi•ra´tion n.

ad•mis´si•ble adj. allowable.

ad•mis´sion n. 1. act of admitting. 2. entrance price. 3. confession or acknowledgment.

ad•mit´ v., -mitted , -mitting . 1. allow to enter. 2. permit. 3. confess or acknowledge. —ad•mit´tance, n.

ad•mit´ted•ly, adv. without doubt.

ad•mon´ish v. 1. warn. 2. reprove. —ad´mo•ni´tion n. —ad•mon´i•to´ry, adj.

ad nau´se•am to a sickening degree.

a•do´ n. activity; fuss.

a•do´be n. sun-dried brick.

ad´o•les´cence n. period between childhood and adulthood. —ad´o•les´cent, adj., n.

a•dopt´ v. take or accept as one's own. —a•dop´tion, n. —a•dopt´ive, adj.

a•dore´ v., adored , adoring . love; worship. —a•dor´a•ble, adj. —ad´o•ra´tion n.

a•dorn´ v. decorate. —a•dorn´ment, n.

ad•re´nal adj. of a pair of glands near the kidneys.

ad•ren´al•in n. glandular secretion that speeds heart, etc.

a•drift´ adv., adj. floating about, esp. helplessly.

a•droit´ adj. expert; deft. —a•droit´ly, adv.

ad´u•la´tion n. excessive praise. —ad´u•late´, v.

a•dult´ adj. 1. full-grown; mature. –n. 2. full-grown person. —a•dult´hood, n.

a•dul´ter•ate´, v., -ated , -ating . make impure.

a•dul´ter•y, n., pl. -teries . marital infidelity. —a•dul´ter•er, n. —a•dul´ter•ess, n. —a•dul´ter•ous, adj.

adv., 1. advance. 2. adverb. 3. adverbial. 4. advertisement.

ad•vance´ v., -vanced , -vancing . 1. move forward. 2. propose. 3. raise in rank, price, etc. 4. supply beforehand. –n. 5. forward move. 6. promotion. 7. increase. 8. loan. 9. friendly gesture. –adj. 10. early. —ad•vance´ment, n.

ad•vanced´, adj. 1. progressive. 2. relatively learned, old, etc.

ad•van´tage n. 1. more favorable condition. 2. benefit. —ad´van•ta´geous, adj.

ad´vent n. 1. arrival. 2. coming of Christ. 3. (cap.) month before Christmas.

ad´ven•ti´tious adj. accidentally added.

ad•ven´ture n., v., -tured , -turing . –n. 1. risky undertaking. 2. exciting event. –v. 3. risk or dare. —ad•ven´tur•er, n. —ad•ven´tur•ous, adj.

ad´verb n. word modifying a verb, verbal noun, or other adverb. —ad•ver´bi•al, adj.

ad´ver•sar´y n., pl. -saries . opponent.

ad•verse´ adj. opposing; antagonistic. —ad•verse´ly, adv.

ad•ver´si•ty n., pl. -ties . misfortune.

ad´ver•tise´ v., -tised , -tising . bring to public notice. —ad´ver•tis´er, n. —ad´ver•tise´ment, n. —ad´ver•tis´ing, n.

ad•vice´ n. 1. opinion offered. 2. news.

ad•vis´a•ble adj. wise or desirable. —ad•vis´a•bil´i•ty, n.

ad•vise´ v. -vised , -vising . 1. offer an opinion. 2. recommend. 3. consult (with). 4. give news. —ad•vis´er, ad•vi´sor, n.

ad•vis´ed•ly, adv. deliberately.

ad•vi´so•ry, adj. giving advice.

ad´vo•cate´, v., -cated , -cating , n. –v. 1. urge; recommend. –n. 2. supporter of cause. 3. lawyer. —ad´vo•ca•cy, n.

adz n. axlike tool.

ae´gis n. sponsorship or protection.

ae´on n. eon.

aer´ate v., -ated , -ating . expose to air.

aer´i•al adj. 1. of or in air. 2. lofty. –n. 3. antenna.

aer´ie n, pl. -ies . eagle's nest.

aero-, prefix indicating: 1. air. 2. aircraft. Also, aer-.

aer•o´bic adj. 1. needing oxygen to live. 2. of aerobics.

aer•o´bics, n.pl. exercises designed to strengthen the heart and lungs.

aer´o•dy•nam´ics n. science of action of air against solids. —aer´o•dy•nam´ic, adj.

aer´o•naut´ n. pilot.

aer´o•nau´tics, n. science of flight in aircraft. —aer´o•naut´i•cal, adj.

aer´o•plane´ n. Brit. airplane.

aer´o•sol´ n. 1. liquid distributed through a gas. 2. spray of such liquid.

aer´o•space´ n. 1. earth's atmosphere and the space beyond. –adj. 2. of missiles, aircraft, and spacecraft.

aes•thet´ic adj. 1. of beauty. 2. appreciating beauty.

aes•thet´ics, n. study of beauty.

a•far´ adv. at a distance.

af´fa•ble adj. friendly; cordial. —af´fa•bil´i•ty, n.

af•fair´ n. 1. matter of business. 2. event. 3. amorous relationship.

af•fect´ v. 1. produce an effect; act on. 2. impress the feelings of; move. 3. pretend to possess or feel. —Usage. Because of similarity in pronunciation, AFFECT and EFFECT are sometimes confused in writing. The verb AFFECT means “to act on” or “to move”: His words affected the crowd so deeply that many wept. The verb EFFECT means “to bring about, accomplish”: The new taxes effected many changes in people's lives. The noun EFFECT means “result, consequence”: the tragic effect of the hurricane.

af´fec•ta´tion n. pretense.

af•fect´ed adj. 1. vain; haughty. 2. pretended.

af•fec´tion n. love.

af•fec´tion•ate, adj. fondly tender; loving. —af•fec´tion•ate•ly, adv.

af´fi•da´vit n. written statement under oath.

af•fil´i•ate´, v., -ated , -ating , n. –v. 1. join; connect. –n. 2. associate.

af•fin´i•ty n., pl. -ties . 1. attraction. 2. similarity.

af•firm´ v. 1. state; assert. 2. ratify. —af´fir•ma´tion n.

af•firm´a•tive, adj. saying yes; affirming.

affirmative action, policy to increase employment opportunities for women and minorities.

af•fix´ v. 1. attach. –n. 2. added part.

af•flict´ v. distress; trouble. —af•flic´tion, n.

af´flu•ent adj. rich; abundant. —af´flu•ence, n.

af•ford´ v. 1. have resources enough. 2. provide.

af•fray´ n. fight.

af•front´ n., v. insult.

af´ghan n. knitted blanket.

a•field´ adv. astray.

a•fire´ adv., adj. on fire.

a•flame´ adv., adj. in flames.

AFL-CIO, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

a•float´ adv., adj. 1. floating. 2. in circulation. 3. out of debt.

a•foot´ adv., adj. 1. on foot. 2. in existence.

a•fore´said´ adj. said before. Also, a•fore´men´tioned.

a•fraid´ adj. feeling fear.

a•fresh´ adj. anew.

Af´ri•can n. native of Africa. —Af´ri•can, adj.

Af´ri•can-A•mer´i•can, n., adj. black American.

Af´ri•kaans´ n. language of South Africa, derived from Dutch.

Af´ri•ka´ner n. white South African who speaks Afrikaans.

Af´ro n. full, bushy hairstyle.

Af´ro-A•mer´i•can, n., adj. African-American.

aft adv. Naut. at or toward the stern.

af´ter prep. 1. behind. 2. about. 3. later than. 4. in imitation of. –adv. 5. behind. 6. later.

af´ter•birth´, n. placenta and other matter expelled from uterus after childbirth.

af´ter•care´, n. care of recovering patient.

af´ter•ef•fect´, n. reaction.

af´ter•glow´, n. 1. glow after sunset. 2. pleasant memory.

af´ter•life´, n. life after death.

af´ter•math´ n. results.

af´ter•noon´, n. period between noon and evening.

af´ter•thought´, n. later thought.

af´ter•ward adv. later. Also, af´ter•wards.

a•gain´ adv. 1. once more. 2. besides.

a•gainst´ prep. 1. opposed to. 2. in or into contact with.

a•gape´ adv., adj. wide open.

ag´ate n. kind of quartz.

agcy., agency.

age n., v., aged , aging . –n. 1. length of time in existence. 2. stage; period. 3. legal maturity. –v. 4. make or become older.

ag´ed adj. 1. having lived long. 2. matured. –n.pl. 3. elderly persons.

age´ism, n. discrimination against elderly persons. —age´ist, n.

age´less, adj. 1. apparently not aging. 2. not outdated.

a´gen•cy n., pl. -cies . 1. office. 2. action. 3. means.

a•gen´da n. matters to be dealt with.

a´gent n. 1. person acting for another. 2. means. 3. official.

ag•glom´er•ate´, v., -ated , -ating , adj., n. –v. 1. collect into a mass. –adj. 2. collected in a mass. –n. 3. such a mass.

ag•gran´dize v., -dized , -dizing . increase in size, rank, etc. —ag•gran´dize•ment n.

ag´gra•vate´ v., -vated , -vating . 1. make worse. 2. annoy. —ag´gra•va´tion, n. —Usage. In formal speech and writing, the meaning “to annoy” (Stop aggravating me!) is sometimes criticized and is used less often than the meaning “to make worse” (His insulting words aggravated the tense situation).

ag´gre•gate, adj., n., v., -gated , -gating . –adj. 1. combined. –n. 2. whole amount. –v. 3. collect; gather.

ag•gres´sion n. hostile act; attack. —ag•gres´sor, n.

ag•gres´sive adj. 1. boldly energetic. 2. hostile.

ag•grieve´ v., -grieved , -grieving . wrong severely.

a•ghast´ adj. shocked or horrified.

ag´ile adj. quick; nimble. —a•gil´i•ty n.

ag´i•tate´ v., -tated , -tating . 1. shake. 2. disturb; excite. —ag´i•ta´tion, n. —ag´i•ta´tor, n.

ag•nos´tic n. one who believes God is beyond human knowledge. —ag•nos´ti•cism n.

a•go´ adj., adv. in the past.

a•gog´ adj. eagerly excited.

ag´o•nize´ v., -nized , -nizing . suffer anxiety.

ag´o•ny n., pl. -nies . intense pain or suffering.

ag´o•ra•pho´bi•a n. fear of open spaces.

a•grar´i•an adj. of the land.

a•gree´ v., agreed , agreeing . 1. consent or promise. 2. be in harmony. 3. be similar.

a•gree´a•ble, adj. 1. pleasant. 2. willing. —a•gree´a•bly, adv.

a•gree´ment n. 1. harmony. 2. arrangement.

ag´ri•busi´ness large-scale business of growing, processing, and distributing farm products.

ag´ri•cul´ture, n. science of farming. —ag´ri•cul´tur•al, adj.

a•gron´o•my n. science of farm management.

a•ground´ adv., adj. Naut. onto the bottom or shore.

ah interj. (exclamation of pain, surprise, or satisfaction)

a•head´ adv. 1. in front; forward. 2. winning.

a•hoy´ interj. Naut. (hey there!)

aid v., n. help.

aide n. assistant.

aide-de-camp n., pl. aides-de-camp . military assistant.

AIDS n. acquired immunity deficiency syndrome, a disease making one increasingly susceptible to infections and other diseases.

ail v. 1. trouble. 2. be sick.

ai´ler•on´ n. flap on airplane wing.

ail´ment, n. illness.

aim v. 1. point or direct. 2. intend. –n. 3. act of aiming. 4. target. 5. purpose. —aim´less, adj.

ain't v. Nonstandard or Dial. am not; are not; is not. —Usage. AIN'T is more common in uneducated speech, though it occurs with some frequency in the informal speech of the educated: I ain't going. He ain't so young anymore. The question form “Ain't I...?” is sometimes substituted for “Aren't I...?”, which is usually considered to be ungrammatical. AIN'T also occurs in some humorous or set phrases, and it is sometimes used to give emphasis: Ain't it the truth! It just ain't so!

air n. 1. mixture of gases forming atmosphere of earth. 2. appearance; manner. 3. tune. –v. 4. expose to air. 5. broadcast.

air bag, bag that inflates automatically to protect passengers in a car collision.

air´borne´, adj. carried by air; flying.

air´brush´, n. 1. atomizer for spraying paint. –v. 2. paint with an airbrush.

air conditioning, control of interior air for temperature, humidity, etc. —air-conditioned, adj.

air´craft´, n. vehicle or vehicles for flight.

air´field´, n. ground area for airplanes to land on and take off from.

air´ force´, military branch for air operations.

air´head´, n. Slang. scatterbrained or stupid person.

air´lift´, n. 1. major transport by air. –v. 2. move by airlift.

air´line´, n. air transport company.

air´lin´er, n. large passenger airplane operated by airline.

air´mail´, n. 1. system of sending mail by airplane. 2. mail sent by airmail. —air´mail´, v.

air´man, n., pl. -men . aviator.

air´plane´, n. powered heavier-than-air craft with wings.

air´port´, n. place where aircraft pick up passengers and cargo.

air raid, attack by aircraft.

air´ship´, n. lighter-than-air aircraft.

air´sick´ness, n. nausea from motion in air travel. —air´sick´, adj.

air´space´, n. space above a nation, city, etc., over which it has control.

air´tight´, adj. 1. impermeable to air. 2. perfect; free of error.

air´waves´, n.pl. medium of radio and television broadcasting.

air´y, adj., -ier , -iest . 1. of or like air. 2. delicate. 3. well ventilated. 4. light; lively. —air´i•ly, adv.

aisle n. passageway.

a•jar´ adj., adv. partly open.

AK, Alaska.

a.k.a., also known as.

a•kim´bo adj., adv. with hands at hips.

a•kin´ adj. alike.

-al, 1. adjective suffix meaning: of or pertaining to, as tribal; characterized by, as typical. 2. noun suffix meaning: act or process, as refusal.

AL, Alabama.

à la or a la prep. in the manner or style of.

Ala., Alabama.

al´a•bas´ter n. white gypsum.

à la carte with each dish separately priced.

a•lac´ri•ty n. quickness; readiness.

à la mode 1. in the fashion. 2. with ice cream.

a•larm´ n. 1. fear of danger. 2. sudden warning. 3. call to arms. –v. 4. fill with fear.

alarm clock, clock with device to awaken sleeper.

a•las´ interj. (cry of sorrow.)

al´ba•tross´ n. large white sea bird.

al•be´it conj. though.

al•bi´no n., pl. -nos . one lacking in pigmentation.

al´bum n. 1. blank book for pictures, stamps, etc. 2. collection of recordings.

al•bu´men n. egg white.

al•bu´min n. water-soluble protein found in egg white, milk, blood, etc.

al´che•my n. medieval chemistry. —al´che•mist, n.

al´co•hol´ n. colorless intoxicating liquid.

al´co•hol´ic, adj. 1. of alcohol. –n. 2. one addicted to alcohol.

al´co•hol•ism, n. addiction to alcohol.

al´cove n. recessed space.

al´der n. small tree, usually growing in moist places.

al´der•man n., pl. -men . city official.

ale n. dark, bitter beer.

a•lert´ adj. 1. vigilant. –n. 2. air-raid alarm. –v. 3. warn.

al•fal´fa n. forage plant also grown as food.

al•fres´co adv., adj. in the open air. Also, al fres´co.

al´ga n., pl. -gae. water plant; seaweed.

al´ge•bra n. branch of mathematics using symbols rather than specific numbers. —al´ge•bra´ic adj.

Al•gon´qui•an n. member of a North American Indian people. Also, Al•gon´ki•an.

al´go•rithm n. set of rules or steps to solve mathematical problem, program computer, etc. —al´go•rith´mic, adj.

a´li•as adv. 1. otherwise known as. –n. 2. assumed name.

al´i•bi´ n. 1. defense by accused person of being elsewhere. 2. excuse.

al´ien n. 1. foreigner. 2. creature from outer space. –adj. 3. foreign.

al´ien•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . lose friendship of; repel. —al´ien•a´tion, n.

a•light´ v. 1. dismount after travel. 2. descend to perch or sit. –adv., adj. 3. lighted up.

a•lign´ v. bring into line. —a•lign´ment, n.

a•like´ adv. 1. similarly. –adj. 2. similar.

al´i•men´ta•ry adj. of or for food.

alimentary canal, tube in body for digestion of food.

al´i•mo´ny n. money for support of a spouse after separation or divorce.

a•live´ adj. 1. living. 2. active. 3. lively. 4. teeming.

al´ka•li´ n. chemical that neutralizes acids to form salts. —al´ka•line´, adj.

al´ka•loid´ n. organic compound in plants, as morphine.

all adj. 1. the whole of. 2. every. –n., pron. 3. the whole; everything. –adv. 4. entirely.

Al´lah n. Muslim name for God.

All´-Amer´ican, adj. 1. best in the U.S., as in a sport. 2. typically American. –n. 3. all-American player or team.

all´-around´, adj. 1. versatile. 2. having many uses.

al•lay´ v. quiet or lessen.

al•lege´ v., -leged , -leging . state, often without proof. —al´le•ga´tion n. —al•leg´ed•ly adv.

al•le´giance n. loyalty.

al´le•go´ry n., pl. -ries . symbolic story. —al´le•gor´i•cal, adj.

al•le´gro adv. Music. fast.

al´le•lu´ia interj. (hallelujah.)

al´ler•gen n. substance that causes allergic reaction. —al´ler•gen´ic adj.

al´ler•gy n., pl. -gies . bodily sensitiveness to certain substances. —al•ler´gic adj.

al•le´vi•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . lessen; relieve.

al´ley n. narrow street.

alley cat, stray cat.

al•li´ance n. 1. union. 2. treaty. 3. parties to treaty.

al•lied´ adj. 1. joined by treaty. 2. related.

al´li•ga´tor n. broad-snouted type of crocodile.

all´-in•clu´sive, adj. comprehensive.

al•lit´er•a´tion n. series of words starting with the same sound.

al´lo•cate´ v., -cated , -cating . allot. —al´lo•ca´tion, n.

al•lot´ v., -lotted , -lotting . 1. divide; distribute. 2. assign.

all´-out´, adj. total; unrestricted.

al•low´ v. 1. permit. 2. give. 3. admit. —al•low´a•ble, adj. —al•low´ance, n.

al´loy, n. 1. mixture of metals. –v. 2. mix (metals). 3. adulterate.

all right, 1. yes; I agree. 2. in a satisfactory way. 3. safe; sound. 4. acceptable; satisfactory. —Usage. The one-word spelling ALRIGHT is used in informal writing, probably by analogy with such words as altogether and already. However, the phrase ALL RIGHT is preferred in formal, edited writing.

All Saints' Day, church festival Nov. 1 in honor of saints.

all´spice´, n. sharp, fragrant spice.

all´-star´, adj. consisting of star performers.

all´-time´, adj. never equaled or surpassed.

al•lude´ v., -luded , -luding . refer (to) in words. —al•lu´sion, n.

al•lure´ v., -lured , -luring . attract; tempt. —al•lure´ment, n.

al•lu´vi•um n. earth deposited by rivers, etc.

al•ly´, v., -lied, -lying , n., pl. -lies . –v. 1. unite in an alliance. –n. 2. person, nation, etc., bound to another, as by treaty.

al´ma ma´ter one's school.

al´ma•nac´ n. calendar showing special events, etc.

al•might´y adj. 1. having all power. –n. 2. (cap.) God.

al´mond n. edible nut of the almond tree.

al´most adv. nearly.

alms n.pl. charity.

a•loft´ adv., adj. high up.

a•lo´ha n., interj. 1. (hello). 2. (farewell.)

a•lone´ adj., adv. 1. apart. 2. by oneself.

a•long´ prep. 1. through length of. –adv. 2. onward. 3. together; with one.

a•long´side´, adv. 1. to one's side. –prep. 2. beside.

a•loof´ adv. 1. at a distance. –adj. 2. reserved; indifferent.

a•lot´ n. LOT (def. 4). —Usage. The spelling ALOT, though fairly common in informal writing such as memos and personal letters, is usually considered an error. The two-word spelling A LOT is the accepted form: He has a lot of money. I like her a lot. A LOT is itself considered informal; in formal speech or writing, the phrases “a great number,” “a great amount,” or “a great deal” are usually substituted for A LOT.

a•loud´ adv. loudly.

al•pac´a n. South American sheep with soft, silky wool.

al´pha n. first letter of Greek alphabet.

al´pha•bet´ n. letters of a language in order. —al´pha•bet´i•cal, adj. —al´pha•bet•ize´, v.

al´pha•nu•mer´ic, adj. using both letters and numbers.

al´pine adj. growing or found in high mountains.

al•read´y adv. previously.

al•right´ adv., adj. ALL RIGHT. —Usage. See ALL RIGHT.

al´so adv. in addition.

alt., 1. alteration. 2. alternate. 3. altitude. 4. alto.

al´tar n. 1. platform for religious rites. 2. communion table.

al´ter v. change.

al´ter•ca´tion n. dispute.

alter ego, other side of one's personality.

al´ter•nate´, v., -nated , -nating , adj., n. –v. 1. occur or do in turns. –adj. 2. being by turns. –n. 3. substitute.

alternating current, electric current that regularly reverses its direction.

al•ter´na•tive n. 1. other choice. –adj. 2. offering a choice.

al´ter•na´tor n. generator of alternating current.

al•though´ conj. even though.

al•tim´e•ter n. device for measuring altitude.

al´ti•tude´ n. height.

al´to n., pl. -tos . lowest female voice.

al´to•geth´er adv. entirely.

al´tru•ism´ n. devotion to others. —al´tru•is´tic, adj.

al´um n. astringent substance, used in medicine, etc.

a•lu´mi•num n. light, silvery metal. Also, Brit., al´u•min´i•um.

a•lum´na n., pl. -nae. female graduate.

a•lum´nus n., pl. -ni. graduate.

al´ways adv. 1. all the time. 2. every time.

Alz•hei•mer's disease disease marked by increasing memory loss and mental deterioration, usually in old age.

am v. 1st pers. sing. pres. indic. of be.

Am., 1. America. 2. American.

a.m., the period before noon. Also, A.M.

A.M.A., American Medical Association.

a•mal´gam n. mixture, esp. one with mercury.

a•mal´ga•mate´ v., -mated , -mating . combine.

am´a•ret´to almond-flavored liqueur.

am´a•ryl´lis n. plant with large, lilylike flowers.

a•mass´ v. collect.

am´a•teur´ n. nonprofessional artist, athlete, etc. —am´a•teur´ish, adj.

am´a•to´ry adj. of love.

a•maze´ v., amazed , amazing . astonish. —a•maze´ment, n.

Am´a•zon´ n. tall, powerful woman.

am•bas´sa•dor n. diplomat of highest rank.

am´ber n. 1. yellowish fossil resin. –adj. 2. yellowish.

am´ber•gris´ n. secretion of sperm whale, used in perfumes.

am´bi•dex´trous adj. using both hands equally well.

am´bi•ence n. surroundings; atmosphere. Also, am´bi•ance. —am´bi•ent, adj.

am•big´u•ous adj. unclear in meaning. —am´bi•gu´i•ty, n.

am•bi´tion n. 1. desire for success, power, etc. 2. object so desired. —am•bi´tious, adj.

am•biv´a•lent adj. with conflicting emotions. —am•biv´a•lence, n.

am´ble v., -bled, -bling , n. –v. 1. to go at an easy pace. –n. 2. easy pace.

am•bro´sia n. food of Greek and Roman gods.

am´bu•lance n. vehicle for sick or wounded.

am´bu•la•to´ry adj. able to walk.

am´bush n. 1. concealment for a surprise attack. 2. surprise attack. 3. place of such concealment. –v. 4. attack thus.

a•me´ba n., pl. -bas or -bae . microscopic one-celled animal. Also, a•moe´ba.

a•mel´io•rate´ v., -rated , -rating . improve.

a´men´ interj. (so be it!)

a•me´na•ble adj. willing; agreeable.

a•mend´ v. 1. change or correct. 2. improve.

a•mend´ment, n. change in a law.

a•mends´, n.pl. reparation.

a•men´i•ty n., pl. -ties . pleasant feature, etc.

Am´er•a´sian n. person of mixed American and Asian descent.

A•mer´i•can n. 1. citizen of the U.S. 2. native of N. or S. America. –adj. 3. of the U.S. or its inhabitants. 4. of N. or S. America.

American Indian, member of the indigenous peoples of N. or S. America.

A•mer´i•can•ism n. 1. devotion to the U.S. 2. custom, etc., of the U.S.

A•mer´i•can•ize´ v., make or become American in character.

American plan, payment of fixed hotel rate for room, service, and meals.

am´e•thyst n. violet quartz used in jewelry.

a´mi•a•ble adj. pleasantly kind or friendly.

am´i•ca•ble adj. not hostile. —am´i•ca•bly, adv.

a•mid´ prep. among. Also, a•midst´.

a•mi´go n., pl. -gos . Spanish. friend.

a•mi´no ac´id type of organic compound from which proteins are made.

a•miss´ adv. 1. wrongly. –adj. 2. wrong.

am´i•ty n. friendship.

am´me´ter n. instrument for measuring current in amperes.

am•mo n. Slang. ammunition.

am•mo´nia n. colorless, pungent, water-soluble gas.

am´mu•ni´tion n. bullets, shot, etc., for weapons.

am•ne´sia n. loss of memory. —am•ne´si•ac´, am•ne´sic, adj., n.

am´nes•ty n. pardon for political crimes.

am´ni•o•cen•te´sis n., pl. -ses . surgical procedure of withdrawing fluid from pregnant woman for genetic diagnosis of fetus.

a•mok´ adv. amuck.

a•mong´ prep. 1. in the midst of. 2. in the group of. Also, a•mongst´. —Usage. See BETWEEN.

a•mor´al adj. indifferent to moral standards.

am´o•rous adj. inclined to, or showing, love.

a•mor´phous adj. formless.

am´or•tize´ v., -tized , -tizing . pay off.

a•mount´ n. 1. sum total. 2. quantity. –v. 3. add up (to); equal. —Usage. AMOUNT refers to quantity that cannot be counted (the amount of paperwork; the amount of energy), while NUMBER refers to things that can be counted (a number of songs; a number of days).

a•mour´ n. love affair.

am´per•age n. strength of an electric current.

am´pere n. unit measuring electric current.

am´per•sand´ n. sign (&) meaning “and.”

am•phet´a•mine n. stimulating drug.

am•phib´i•an n. 1. animal living both in water and on land. –adj. 2. Also, am•phib´i•ous. operating on land or water.

am´phi•the´a•ter n. theater with seats tiered around its center.

am´ple adj., -pler, -plest . 1. sufficient. 2. abundant.

am´pli•fy´ v., -fied , -fying . make larger or louder. —am´pli•fi´er n. —am´pli•fi•ca´tion, n.

am´pli•tude´ n. 1. extent. 2. abundance.

am´pu•tate´ v., -tated , -tating . cut off (limb). —am´pu•ta´tion, n. —am´pu•tee´, n.

a•muck´ adv. violently; in an uncontrolled way.

am´u•let n. magical charm.

a•muse´ v., amused , amusing . 1. entertain. 2. cause to laugh. —a•muse´ment, n.

amusement park, park with roller coasters or other recreational rides.

an adj. or indef. art. before initial vowel sounds. See a.

a•nach´ro•nism n. chronological discrepancy.

an´a•con´da n. large South American snake.

an´a•gram´ n. word formed from letters of another.

a´nal adj. of the anus.

an´al•ge´sic n. drug for relieving pain.

a•nal´o•gy n., pl. -gies . similarity in some respects. —a•nal´o•gous adj.

a•nal´y•sis n., pl. -ses. 1. separation into constituent parts. 2. summary. 3. psychoanalysis. —an´a•lyst n. —an´a•lyt´ic, an´a•lyt´i•cal, adj. —an´a•lyze´, v., -lyzed, -lyzing .

an´ar•chy n. lawless society. —an´ar•chism, n. —an´ar•chist, n.

a•nath´e•ma n. 1. solemn curse. 2. thing or person detested.

a•nat´o•my n., pl. anatomies . 1. structure of an animal or plant. 2. science dealing with such structure. —an´a•tom´i•cal adj.

-ance, suffix meaning: action, as appearance; state or quality, as brilliance; thing or object, as contrivance.

an´ces•tor n. person from whom one is descended. —an´ces•try, n. —an•ces´tral, adj.

an´chor n. 1. heavy device for keeping boats, etc., in place. 2. main broadcaster who coordinates TV or radio newscast. –v. 3. fasten by an anchor. 4. serve as anchor for (newscast).

an´chor•man´, n., pl. -men . person who anchors a newscast. Also, fem., an´chor•wom´an; masc. or fem.

an´cho•vy n., pl. -vies . small herringlike fish.

an´cient adj. 1. of long ago. 2. very old. –n. 3. person who lived long ago.

an´cil•lar´y adj. subordinate; auxiliary.

and conj. 1. with; also. 2. Informal. (used in place of to in infinitive): Try and stop me.

an•dan´te adv. Music. at moderate speed.

and´i´rons n.pl. metal supports for logs in fireplace.

an´dro•gen n. male sex hormone, as testosterone.

an•drog´y•nous adj. having both masculine and feminine characteristics.

an´droid n. automaton in human form.

an´ec•dote´ n. short story.

a•ne´mi•a n. inadequate supply of hemoglobin and red blood cells. —a•ne´mic, adj.

a•nem´o•ne´ n. buttercuplike plant with colorful flowers.

an´es•the´sia n. insensibility to pain, usually induced by a drug (an´es•thet´ic). —an•es´the•tize´ v., -tized , -tizing.

a•new´ adv. again.

an´gel n. 1. spiritual being who is messenger of God. 2. very kind and helpful person.

angel food cake, light, spongy cake made with egg whites.

an´ger n. 1. strong displeasure; outrage. –v. 2. cause anger in.

an•gi´na pec´to•ris coronary attack.

an´gle n., v., -gled , -gling . –n. 1. spread between converging lines or surfaces. –v. 2. fish with a hook on a line. 3. try for something by artful means. 4. bend in angles. —an´gler, n.

An´gli•can adj. 1. of the Church of England. –n. 2. member of this church.

An´gli•cize´ v., -cized , -cizing . make or become English in form or character.

An´glo-Sax´on n. 1. person of English descent. 2. inhabitant of England before 1066. –adj. 3. of Anglo-Saxons.

An•go´ra n. 1. cat, goat, or rabbit with long, silky hair. 2. (l.c.) yarn or fabric from Angora goat or rabbit.

an´gry adj., -grier , -griest . 1. full of anger. 2. inflamed. —an´gri•ly, adv.

angst n. feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.

an´guish n. intense pain or grief.

an´gu•lar adj. having angles. —an•gu•lar´i•ty, n.

an´i•mad•vert´ v. criticize. —an´i•mad•ver´sion n.

an´i•mal n. 1. living thing that is not a plant. 2. beast. –adj. 3. of animals.

an´i•mate´, v., -mated , -mating , adj. –v. 1. make alive or lively. 2. make move. –adj. 3. alive.

an´i•ma´tion, n. 1. liveliness. 2. animated cartoon.

an´i•mism n. belief that animals and natural objects have souls. —an´i•mist, n., adj.

an´i•mos´i•ty n., pl. -ties . strong dislike or enmity.

an´i•mus n. strong dislike; animosity.

an´ise n. plant yielding aromatic seed (an´i•seed´).

an´kle n. joint between foot and leg.

an´klet n. 1. short, ankle-length sock. 2. ornament for ankle.

an´nals n.pl. historical record of events.

an•neal´ v. to toughen or temper.

an•nex´, v. 1. add; join. –n. 2. attached building. —an´nex•a´tion, n.

an•ni´hi•late´ v., -lated , -lating . destroy completely. —an•ni´hi•la´tion, n.

an´ni•ver´sa•ry n., pl. -ries . annual recurrence of the date of a past event.

an´no•tate´ v., -tated , -tating . supply with notes.

an•nounce´ v., -nounced , -nouncing . make known. —an•nounce´ment, n.

an•noy´ v. irritate or trouble. —an•noy´ance, n.

an´nu•al adj. 1. yearly. 2. living only one season. –n. 3. annual plant. 4. yearbook. —an´nu•al•ly, adv.

an•nu´i•ty, n., pl. -ties . income in annual payments.

an•nul´ v., -nulled , -nulling . make void. —an•nul´ment, n.

An•nun´ci•a´tion n. announcement to Virgin Mary of incarnation of Christ (March 25).

an´ode n. 1. electrode with positive charge. 2. negative terminal of a battery.

a•noint´ v. to put oil on, as in consecration.

a•nom´a•ly n., pl. -lies . something irregular or abnormal. —a•nom´a•lous, adj.

a•non´ adv. Archaic. soon.

anon., anonymous.

a•non´y•mous adj. by someone unnamed. —an´o•nym´i•ty n. —a•non´y•mous•ly, adv.

an´o•rak´ n. hooded jacket; parka.

an´o•rex´i•a n. Also, anorexia ner•vo´sa (nûr vŽ´sÃ). eating disorder marked by excessive dieting. —an´o•rex´ic, adj., n.

an•oth´er adj. 1. additional. 2. different. –n. 3. one more. 4. different one.

an´swer n. 1. reply. 2. solution. –v. 3. reply to. 4. suit. 5. be responsible. 6. correspond.

an´swer•a•ble, adj. 1. able to be answered. 2. responsible.

answering machine, device that answers telephone calls with recorded message and records messages from callers.

ant n. common small insect.

-ant, suffix meaning: one that performs or promotes, as pollutant; performing, promoting, or being, as pleasant.

ant•ac´id n. medicine to counteract acids.

an•tag´o•nism´ n. hostility. —an•tag´o•nize´, v., -nized , -nizing .

ant•arc´tic adj. (often cap.) of or at the South Pole.

an´te n. 1. (in poker) stake put in pot before cards are dealt. 2. price or cost of something.

ante- prefix indicating: 1. happening before, as antediluvian. 2. in front of, as anteroom.

ant´eat´er, n. tropical American mammal having long snout and feeding on ants and termites.

an´te•bel´lum adj. before a war, esp. the American Civil War.

an´te•ced´ent adj. 1. prior. –n. 2. anything that precedes.

an´te•di•lu´vi•an adj. before the Flood.

an´te•lope´ n. deerlike animal.

an•ten´na n., pl. antennae, for 1. 1. feeler on the head of an insect, etc. 2. wires for transmitting radio waves, TV pictures, etc.

an•te´ri•or adj. 1. earlier. 2. frontward.

an´te•room´ n. room before the main room.

an´them n. patriotic or sacred hymn.

an´ther n. pollen-bearing part of stamen.

an•thol´o•gy n., pl. -gies . collection of writings.

an´thra•cite´ n. hard coal.

an´thrax n. cattle disease.

an´thro•poid´ adj. resembling a human or an ape.

an´thro•pol´o•gy n. science of humankind. —an´thro•pol´o•gist, n.

an´thro•po•mor´phic adj. ascribing human qualities to a nonhuman thing or being. —an´thro•po•mor´phism n.

anti-, prefix indicating: 1. against or opposed to, as antisocial. 2. acting against, as antihistamine.

an´ti•bi•ot´ic n. substance used to destroy microorganisms.

an´ti•bod´y, n., pl. -bodies . substance in the blood that destroys bacteria.

an´tic n. 1. odd behavior. –adj. 2. playful.

an•tic´i•pate´ v., -pated , -pating . 1. expect and prepare for. 2. foresee.

an´ti•cli´max n. disappointing or undramatic outcome.

an´ti•de•pres´sant n. drug for relieving depression.

an´ti•dote´ n. medicine counteracting poison, etc.

an´ti•freeze´ n. liquid used in engine's radiator to prevent freezing of cooling fluid.

an´ti•his´ta•mine´ n. substance used esp. against allergic reactions.

an´ti•mat´ter n. matter with charges opposite to those of common particles.

an´ti•mo´ny n. brittle white metallic element.

an´ti•pas´to n., pl. -pastos , -pasti. Italian appetizer.

an•tip´a•thy n., pl. -thies . dislike; aversion.

an´ti•per´spi•rant n. astringent product for reducing perspiration.

an•tip´o•des n.pl. places opposite each other on the globe.

an´ti•quar´i•an adj. 1. of the study of antiquities. –n. 2. antiquary.

an´ti•quar´y n., pl. -ries . collector of antiquities.

an´ti•quat´ed adj. old or obsolete.

an•tique´ adj. 1. old or old-fashioned. –n. 2. valuable old object.

an•tiq´ui•ty n., pl. -ties . 1. ancient times. 2. something ancient.

an´ti-Sem´ite n. person hostile to Jews. —an´ti-Se•mit´ic adj. —an´ti-Sem´i•tism n.

an´ti•sep´tic adj. 1. destroying certain germs. –n. 2. antiseptic substance.

an´ti•so´cial adj. 1. hostile to society. 2. not sociable.

an•tith´e•sis n., pl. -ses . direct opposite.

an´ti•tox´in n. substance counteracting germ-produced poisons in the body.

ant´ler n. horn on deer, etc.

an´to•nym n. word of opposite meaning.

a´nus n. opening at lower end of alimentary canal.

an´vil n. iron block on which hot metals are hammered into shape.

anx•i´e•ty n., pl. -ties . worried distress. —anx´ious adj. —anx´ious•ly, adv.

an´y adj. 1. one; some. 2. every. –pron. 3. any person, etc. —an´y•bod´y, an´y•one´, pron. —an´y•thing´, pron. —Usage. See SOME.

an´y•how´, adv. in any way, case, etc. Also, an´y•way´.

an´y•place´, adv. anywhere.

an´y•time´, adv. at any time.

an´y•where´, adv. in, at, or to any place.

A´ one´ adj. excellent. Also, A´ 1´, A´-1´.

a•or´ta n., pl. -tas , -tae. main blood vessel from heart.

a•pace´ adv. quickly.

A•pach´e n., pl. Apache , Apaches . member of a group of American Indian peoples of the U.S. Southwest.

a•part´ adv. 1. into pieces. 2. separately.

a•part´heid n. (formerly, in South Africa) separation of and discrimination against blacks.

a•part´ment n. set of rooms to live in in a building.

ap´a•thy n., pl. -thies . lack of emotion or interest. —ap´a•thet´ic adj.

ape n., v., aped , aping . –n. 1. large, tailless monkeylike animal. –v. 2. imitate stupidly.

a•pé•ri•tif n. liquor served before meal.

ap´er•ture n. opening.

a´pex n. tip; summit.

a´phid n. plant-sucking insect.

aph´o•rism´ n. brief maxim.

aph´ro•dis´i•ac´ adj. 1. sexually exciting. –n. 2. aphrodisiac food, drug, etc.

a´pi•ar´y n., pl. -ries . place where bees are kept.

a•piece´ adv. for each.

a•plen´ty adv., adv. in generous amounts.

a•plomb n. poise; self-possession.

A•poc´a•lypse n. 1. revelation of the apostle John. 2. (l.c.) prophetic revelation. —a•poc´a•lyp´tic, adj.

A•poc´ry•pha n. uncanonical parts of the Bible.

a•poc´ry•phal, adj. not verified; dubious.

ap´o•gee´ n. remotest point of satellite orbit.

a´po•lit´i•cal adj. not interested in politics.

a•pol´o•gist n. advocate; defender.

a•pol´o•gize´, v., -gized , -gizing . offer apology.

a•pol´o•gy, n., pl. -gies . 1. statement of regret for one's act. 2. stated defense. —a•pol´o•get´ic adj.

ap´o•plex´y n. sudden loss of bodily function due to bursting of blood vessel.

a•pos´tate n. deserter of one's faith, cause, etc.

a´ pos•te´ri•o´ri adj. 1. from particular instances to a general principle. 2. based on observation or experiment.

a•pos´tle n. 1. disciple sent by Jesus to preach gospel. 2. moral reformer.

a•pos´tro•phe n. 1. sign (') indicating an omitted letter, the possessive, or certain plurals. 2. words in passing to one person or group.

a•poth´e•car´y n., pl. -ries . druggist.

a•poth´e•o´sis n., pl. -ses. 1. elevation to the rank of a god. 2. ideal example; epitome.

ap•pall´ v. fill with horror. Also, ap•pal´. —ap•pall´ing, adj.

ap´pa•ra´tus n. 1. instruments and machines for some task. 2. organization.

ap•par´el n. clothes.

ap•par´ent adj. 1. obvious. 2. seeming. —ap•par´ent•ly, adv.

ap´pa•ri´tion n. specter.

ap•peal´ n. 1. call for aid, mercy, etc. 2. request for corroboration or review. 3. attractiveness. –v. 4. make an appeal. 5. be attractive.

ap•pear´ v. 1. come into sight. 2. seem.

ap•pear´ance n. 1. act of appearing. 2. outward look.

ap•pease´ v., -peased , -peasing . 1. placate. 2. satisfy.

ap•pel´late adj. dealing with appeals.

ap•pend´ v. add; join.

ap•pend´age n. subordinate attached part.

ap´pen•dec´to•my n., pl. -mies . removal of the appendix.

ap•pen´di•ci´tis n. inflammation of appendix.

ap•pen´dix n., pl. -dixes , -dices. 1. supplement. 2. closed tube from the large intestine.

ap´per•tain´ v. belong or pertain.

ap´pe•tite´ n. desire, esp. for food.

ap´pe•tiz´er n. portion of food or drink served before meal to stimulate appetite.

ap•plaud´ v. praise by clapping, cheers, etc. —ap•plause´ n.

ap´ple n. round fruit with firm, white flesh.

ap´ple•jack´, n. brandy made from fermented cider.

ap´ple•sauce´, n. apples stewed to a pulp.

ap•pli´ance n. special device or instrument.

ap´pli•ca•ble adj. that can be applied.

ap´pli•cant n. one who applies.

ap´pli•ca´tion n. 1. act of applying. 2. use to which something is put. 3. relevance. 4. persistent attention.

ap´pli•ca´tor, n. device for applying a substance, as medication.

ap´pli•qué´ n., v., -quéd , -quéing . –n. 1. cutout design of one material applied to another. –v. 2. decorate with appliqué.

ap•ply´ v. -plied , -plying . 1. put on. 2. put into practice. 3. use or devote. 4. be relevant. 5. make request.

ap•point´ v. 1. choose; name. 2. furnish.

ap•point´ment, n. 1. act of choosing. 2. prearranged meeting.

ap•por´tion v. divide into shares. —ap•por´tion•ment, n.

ap´po•site adj. suitable.

ap•praise´ v., -praised , -praising . estimate the value of. —ap•prais´al, n. —ap•prais´er, n.

ap•pre´ci•a•ble adj. noticeable; significant.

ap•pre´ci•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . 1. value at true worth. 2. increase in value.

ap•pre•hend´ v. 1. take into custody. 2. understand.

ap´pre•hen´sion n. 1. anxiety. 2. comprehension. 3. arrest.

ap´pre•hen´sive adj. worried.

ap•pren´tice n., v., -ticed , -ticing . –n. 1. assistant learning a trade. –v. 2. bind as such an assistant.

ap•prise´ v., -prised , -prising . notify. Also, ap•prize´.

ap•proach´ v. 1. come near to. 2. make a proposal to. –n. 3. coming near. 4. access. 5. method.

ap´pro•ba´tion n. approval.

ap•pro´pri•ate´, adj., v., -ated , -ating . –adj. 1. suitable; proper. –v. 2. designate for a use. 3. take possession of. —ap•pro´pri•ate•ly, adv. —ap•pro´pri•ate•ness, n. —ap•pro´pri•a´tion, n.

ap•prove´ v., -proved , -proving . 1. think or speak well of. 2. confirm. —ap•prov´al, n.

approx., approximate.

ap•prox´i•mate, adj., v., -mated , -mating . –adj. 1. near; similar. –v. 2. come near to. —ap•prox´i•mate´ly, adv. —ap•prox´i•ma´tion, n.

ap•pur´te•nance n. accessory.

Apr., April.

a´pri•cot´ n. small peachlike fruit.

A´pril n. fourth month of year.

a´ pri•o´ri adj. from a general law to a particular instance.

a´pron n. protective garment for the front of one's clothes.

ap´ro•pos´ adv. 1. opportunely. 2. with reference. –adj. 3. timely.

apse n. vaulted recess in a church.

apt adj. 1. prone. 2. likely. 3. skilled; able. —apt´ly, adv.

apt., apartment.

ap´ti•tude´ n. skill; talent.

Aq´ua•lung´, Trademark. underwater breathing device.

aq´ua•ma•rine´, n. 1. light greenish blue. 2. gemstone of this color.

a•quar´i•um n., pl. -iums , -ia. place for exhibiting aquatic animals and plants.

a•quat´ic adj. of or living in water.

aq´ue•duct´ n. artificial channel for conducting water.

a´que•ous adj. of or like water.

aq´ui•line´ adj. (of a nose) curved like a beak.

AR, Arkansas.

Ar´ab n. 1. member of a people living or originating in Arabia, a peninsula in SW Asia. –adj. 2. of Arabs. Also, A•ra´bi•an.

Ar´a•bic n. 1. Semitic language spoken chiefly in S.W. Asia and N. Africa. –adj. 2. of Arabic, Arabia, or Arabs.

Arabic numeral, any of the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

ar´a•ble adj. plowable.

a•rach´nid n. small eight-legged arthropod, as the spider.

A•rap´a•ho´ or -hoe´ n., pl. -hos or -hoes or -hoe . member of a North American Indian people.

ar´bit•er n. judge.

ar´bi•trage´ n. simultaneous sale of security or commodity in different markets to profit from unequal prices. —ar´bi•trag´er n.

ar´bi•trar´y adj. 1. subject to personal judgment. 2. capricious. 3. abusing powers. —ar´bi•trar´i•ly, adv.

ar´bi•trate´ v., -trated , -trating . adjudicate as, or submit to, an arbiter. —ar´bi•tra´tion, n. —ar´bi•tra´tor, n.

ar´bor n. tree-shaded walk or garden.

ar•bo´re•al adj. of or living in trees.

ar´bo•re´tum n., pl. -tums , -ta. parklike area with trees or shrubs for study or display.

arc n. 1. part of circle. 2. luminous current between two electric conductors.

ar•cade´ n. 1. row of archways. 2. covered passage with stores.

ar•cane´ adj. known only to those with special knowledge.

arch n. 1. upwardly curved structure. –v. 2. cover with an arch. –adj. 3. chief. 4. roguish. —arch´ly, adv.

ar´chae•ol´o•gy n. study of past cultures from artifacts. Also, ar´che•ol´•o•gy. —ar´chae•o•log´i•cal adj. —ar´chae•ol´o•gist, n.

ar•cha´ic adj. 1. no longer used. 2. ancient.

arch´an´gel n. chief angel.

arch´bish´op n. bishop of highest rank.

arch´di´o•cese n. diocese of archbishop.

arch´duke´, n. royal prince.

arch´en´e•my, n., pl. -mies . chief enemy.

arch´er n. one who shoots a bow and arrow. —arch´er•y, n.

ar´che•type´ n. original pattern or model.

ar´chi•pel´a•go´ n., pl. -gos , -goes . 1. body of water with many islands. 2. the islands.

ar´chi•tect´ n. designer of buildings. —ar´chi•tec´ture, n. —ar´chi•tec´tur•al, adj.

ar´chives n.pl. 1. documents. 2. place for documents.

arch´way´ n. entrance covered by arch.

arc´tic adj. (often cap.) of or at the North Pole.

ar´dent adj. earnest; zealous. —ar´dent•ly, adv.

ar´dor n. zeal.

ar´du•ous adj. 1. difficult. 2. steep. 3. severe.

are v. pres. indic. pl. of be.

ar´e•a n. 1. extent of surface; region. 2. scope.

area code, three-digit number used in long-distance telephone dialing.

a•re´na n. open space for contests, shows, etc.

aren't contraction of are not.

ar´got n. special vocabulary used by particular group of people.

ar´gue v., -gued , -guing . 1. present reasons for or against something. 2. dispute. 3. persuade. —ar´gu•ment, n.

ar´gu•men´ta•tive adj. tending to dispute.

ar´gyle n. (often cap.) diamond-shaped knitting pattern, as of socks.

a´ri•a n. operatic solo.

-arian, suffix indicating: 1. one connected with, as librarian. 2. one supporting or practicing, as vegetarian.

ar´id adj. dry.

a•right´ adv. rightly.

a•rise´ v., arose , arisen , arising . 1. move or get up. 2. occur.

ar´is•toc´ra•cy n., pl. -cies . 1. state governed by nobility. 2. nobility. —a•ris´to•crat´ n. —a•ris´to•crat´ic, adj.

a•rith´me•tic n. computation with figures. —ar´ith•met´i•cal adj. —ar´ith•met´i•cal•ly, adv.

Ariz., Arizona.

ark n. Archaic. large ship.

Ark. Arkansas.

arm n. 1. upper limb from hand to shoulder. 2. weapon. 3. combat branch. 4. armlike part. –v. 5. equip with weapons; outfit.

ar•ma´da n. fleet of warships.

ar´ma•dil´lo n. burrowing mammal covered with plates of bone and horn.

ar´ma•ged´don n. crucial or final conflict.

ar´ma•ment n. military weapons.

arm´chair´, n. chair with supports for the arms.

armed forces, military, naval, and air forces.

ar´mi•stice n. truce.

ar´mor n. protective covering against weapons.

ar´mor•y n., pl. -ries . storage place for weapons.

arm´pit´, n. hollow part under arm at shoulder.

ar´my n., pl. -mies . 1. military force for land combat. 2. large group.

a•ro´ma n. odor. —ar´o•mat´ic adj.

a•ro´ma•ther´a•py, n. use of fragrances to alter a person's mood and make them feel healthy.

a•round´ adv., prep. 1. on every side of. 2. somewhere in or near. 3. about.

a•rouse´ v., aroused , arousing . 1. awaken. 2. stir to act. —a•rous´al, n.

ar•raign´ v. 1. call to court. 2. accuse. —ar•raign´ment, n.

ar•range´ v., -ranged , -ranging . 1. place in order. 2. plan or prepare. —ar•range´ment, n.

ar•ray´ v. 1. arrange. 2. clothe. –n. 3. arrangement, as for battle. 4. clothes.

ar•rears´ n.pl. overdue debt.

ar•rest´ v. 1. seize (person) by law. 2. stop. –n. 3. seizure. 4. stoppage.

ar•rest´ing, adj. attracting attention; engaging.

ar•rive´ v., -rived , -riving . reach a place. —ar•riv´al, n.

ar´ro•gant adj. insolently proud. —ar´ro•gance, n. —ar´ro•gant•ly, adv.

ar´ro•gate´ v., -gated , -gating . claim presumptuously; appropriate. —ar´ro•ga´tion, n.

ar´row n. pointed stick shot by a bow.

ar´row•head´, n. pointed tip of arrow.

ar´row•root´, n. edible starch from tropical plant root.

ar•roy´o n., pl. -os . steep, dry gulch.

ar´se•nal n. military storehouse or factory.

ar´se•nic n. 1. metallic element. 2. poisonous powder.

ar´son n. malicious burning of a building.

art n. 1. production of something beautiful or extraordinary. 2. skill; ability. 3. cunning. —art´ful, adj.

art dec´o n. (often caps.) 1920s decorative art with geometric designs.

ar•te´ri•o•scle•ro´sis n. hardening of arteries.

ar´ter•y n., pl. -ries . 1. blood vessel from the heart. 2. main channel. —ar•te´ri•al adj.

ar•thri´tis n. inflammation of a joint.

ar´thro•pod´ n. invertebrate with segmented body and jointed legs, as the lobster.

ar´ti•choke´ n. plant with an edible flower head.

ar´ti•cle n. 1. literary composition. 2. thing; item. 3. the words a, an, or the.

ar•tic´u•late, adj., v., -lated , -lating . –adj. 1. clear. 2. able to speak. 3. jointed. –v. 4. speak, esp. distinctly. 5. joint. —ar•tic´u•la´tion, n.

ar´ti•fact´ n. object made by human being or beings.

ar´ti•fice n. trick.

ar´ti•fi´cial adj. 1. manufactured, esp. as an imitation. 2. affected. —ar´ti•fi´cial•ly, adv. —ar´ti•fi´ci•al´i•ty n.

artificial respiration, forcing of air into and out of lungs of a nonbreathing person.

ar•til´ler•y n. large guns.

ar´ti•san n. person skilled in a practical art.

art´ist n. practitioner of fine art. —ar•tis´tic, adj. —art´ist•ry, n.

art´less, adj. natural.

art´y, adj., artier , artiest . Informal. self-consciously artistic.

as adv. 1. to such an extent. –conj. 2. in the manner, etc., that. 3. while. 4. because. –pron. 5. that.

ASAP 1. as soon as possible. 2. without delay. Also, A.S.A.P., a.s.a.p.

as•bes´tos n. fibrous material formerly used in fireproofing.

as•cend´ v. climb. —as•cent´, n.

as•cend´an•cy, n. domination; power. —as•cend´ant, adj., n.

As•cen´sion n. bodily passing of Christ to heaven.

as´cer•tain´ v. find out.

as•cet´ic n. 1. one who lives austerely. –adj. 2. austere or abstemious.

ASCII n. standardized code for computer storage and transmission.

as•cor´bic ac´id vitamin C.

as´cot n. tie or scarf with broad ends.

as•cribe´ v., -cribed , -cribing . attribute.

a•sep´sis n. absence of certain harmful bacteria.

a•sex´u•al adj. 1. without sex; sexless. 2. having no sex organs.

ash n. 1. (pl. ashes) residue of burned matter. 2. a common tree. —ash´y, adj.

a•shamed´ adj. feeling shame.

ash´en adj. pale gray.

a•shore´ adv., adj. on or to shore.

ash´tray´, n. small dish for tobacco ashes.

A´sian n. native of Asia. —Asian, adj.

A´si•at´ic adj., n. Offensive. Asian.

a•side´ adv. 1. on or to one side. 2. separate.

as´i•nine´ adj. stupid.

ask v. 1. put a question to. 2. request. 3. invite. 4. inquire.

a•skance´ adv. with doubt or disapproval.

a•skew´ adv., adj. twisted.

a•sleep´ adj., adv. sleeping.

a•so´cial adj. 1. not sociable. 2. selfish.

asp n. poisonous snake.

as•par´a•gus n. plant with edible shoots.

as´pect n. 1. appearance. 2. phase. 3. direction faced.

as´pen n. variety of poplar.

as•per´i•ty n., pl. -ties . roughness.

as•per´sion n. derogatory remark.

as´phalt n. hard, black material used for pavements.

as•phyx´i•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . affect by a lack of oxygen; choke or smother. —as•phyx´i•a´tion, n.

as•pire´ v., -pired , -piring . long, aim, or seek for. —as´pi•ra´tion n.

as´pi•rin n. crystalline derivative of salicylic acid, used to reduce pain and fever.

ass n. 1. donkey. 2. fool.

as•sail´ v. attack. —as•sail´ant, n.

as•sas´sin n. murderer, esp. of an important person. —as•sas´si•nate´, v., -nated , -nating . —as•sas´si•na´tion, n.

as•sault´ n., v. attack.

as•say´ v. analyze or evaluate. —as´say, n. —as•say´er, n.

as•sem´blage n. 1. group; assembly. 2. act of assembling.

as•sem´ble v., -bled , -bling . come or bring together.

as•sem´bly, n., pl. -blies . 1. group gathered together. 2. legislative body. 3. putting together of parts.

as•sem´bly•man, n., pl. -men . member of legislative assembly. Also, fem., as•sem´bly•wom´an.

as•sent´ v. 1. agree. –n. 2. agreement.

as•sert´ v. 1. state; declare. 2. claim. 3. present (oneself) boldly. —as•ser´tion, n. —as•ser´tive, adj.

as•sess´ v. evaluate, as for taxes. —as•sess´ment, n. —as•ses´sor, n.

as´set n. 1. item of property. 2. quality.

as•sid´u•ous adj. persistent; devoted. —as•sid´u•ous•ly, adv. —as´si•du´i•ty, n.

as•sign´ v. 1. give. 2. appoint. 3. transfer. —as•sign´a•ble, adj. —as•sign´ment, n.

as´sig•na´tion n. appointment; rendezvous.

as•sim´i•late´ v., -lated , -lating . absorb or become absorbed.

as•sist´ v., n. help; aid. —as•sist´ant, n., adj. —as•sist´ance, n.

assn., association.

as•so´ci•ate´, v., -ated , -ating , n., adj. –v. 1. connect or join. 2. keep company. –n. 3. partner; colleague. –adj. 4. allied. —as•so´ci•a´tion, n.

as´so•nance n. similarity of sound in words or syllables.

as•sort´ed adj. of various kinds.

as•sort´ment a mixed collection.

asst., assistant.

as•suage´ v., -suaged , -suaging . lessen (pain, grief, etc.).

as•sume´ v., -sumed , -suming . 1. take without proof. 2. undertake. 3. pretend. 4. take upon oneself.

as•sump´tion n. 1. unverified belief. 2. undertaking. 3. (cap.) ascent to heaven of Virgin Mary.

as•sure´ v., -sured , -suring . 1. affirm to. 2. guarantee. 3. encourage. 4. insure. —as•sur´ance, n. —as•sured´, adj., n.

as´ter n. plant with many petals around a center disk.

as´ter•isk n. star (*) symbol used in writing as a reference mark. —Pronunciation. The word ASTERISK is pronounced (as´tà risk). Note that the final syllable is pronounced, with the (s) before the (k). Both and, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, are considered nonstandard pronunciations.

a•stern´ adv., adj. Naut. toward or at the rear.

as´ter•oid´ n. planetlike body beyond Mars.

asth´ma n. painful respiratory disorder. —asth•mat´ic adj., n.

a•stig´ma•tism n. eye defect resulting in imperfect images.

a•stir´ adj., adv. active.

as•ton´ish v. surprise greatly; amaze. —as•ton´ish•ing, adj. —as•ton´ish•ing•ly, adv. —as•ton´ish•ment, n.

as•tound´ v. amaze greatly.

as´tral adj. of the stars.

a•stray´ adj., adv. straying.

a•stride´ adv., adj., prep. straddling.

as•trin´gent adj. causing constriction of skin tissue.

as•trol´o•gy n. study of stars to determine their influence on human affairs. —as´tro•log´i•cal adj. —as•trol´o•ger, n.

as´tro•naut n. traveler outside earth's atmosphere.

as´tro•nau´tics, n. science and technology of space travel.

as´tro•nom´i•cal adj. 1. of astronomy. 2. extremely great, etc. —as´tro•nom´i•cal•ly, adv.

as•tron´o•my n. science of all the celestial bodies. —as´tron´o•mer, n.

as´tro•phys´ics n. branch of astronomy dealing with physical properties of celestial bodies. —as´tro•phys´i•cist n.

as•tute´ adj. shrewd; clever. —as•tute´ly, adv.

a•sun´der adv., adj. apart.

a•sy´lum n. 1. institution for care of ill or needy persons. 2. place of refuge; sanctuary.

a•sym´me•try n. lack of symmetry. —a´sym•met´ric, a´sym•met´ri•cal, adj.

at prep. (word used in indicating place, time, etc.)

at´a•vism n. reappearance of ancestral traits.

ate v. pt. of eat.

at´el•ier´ n. studio, esp. of an artist.

a´the•ism n. belief that there is no God. —a´the•ist, n.

ath´lete n. one who participates in sports or physical exercises. —ath•let´ic adj. —ath•let´ics, n. —Pronunciation. The word ATHLETE is normally pronounced as a two-syllable word: . Similarly, ATHLETIC has only three syllables: . Pronunciations of these words that add an extra syllable, with a weak vowel sound inserted between the and the, are not considered standard.

athlete's foot, ringworm of the feet.

at´las n. book of maps.

ATM, automated-teller machine, which provides certain bank services when an electronic card is inserted.

at´mos•phere´ n. 1. air surrounding earth. 2. pervading mood. —at´mos•pher´ic adj.

at´oll n. ring-shaped coral island.

at´om n. smallest unit making up chemical element. —a•tom´ic adj. —a•tom´i•cal•ly, adv.

atomic bomb, bomb whose force is derived from nuclear fission of certain atoms, causing the conversion of some mass to energy (atomic energy). Also, atom bomb.

at´om•iz´er n. device for making a fine spray.

a•ton´al adj. lacking tonality. —a´to•nal´i•ty n.

a•tone´ v., atoned , atoning . make amends (for). —a•tone´ment, n.

a•top´ adj., adv., prep. on or at the top of.

a´tri•um n., pl. atria , atriums . 1. enclosed court in building. 2. either of two upper chambers of the heart.

a•tro´cious adj. 1. wicked. 2. very bad. —a•troc´i•ty n.

at´ro•phy n., v., -phied , -phying . –n. 1. wasting away of the body. –v. 2. cause or undergo atrophy.

at•tach´ v. 1. fasten or join. 2. take by legal authority.

at´ta•ché´ n. embassy official.

at•tach´ment n. 1. an attaching. 2. something fastened on. 3. emotional tie.

at•tack´ v. 1. act against with sudden force 2. do vigorously. –n. 3. an attacking; onset.

at•tain´ v. 1. reach; arrive at. 2. accomplish; fulfill. —at•tain´a•ble, adj. —at•tain´ment, n.

at•tempt´ v., n. try.

at•tend´ v. 1. be present at. 2. go with. 3. take care of. 4. give heed to. —at•tend´ance, n. —at•tend´ant, n., adj.

at•ten´tion n. 1. act of attending. 2. careful notice. —at•ten´tive, adj. —at•ten´tive•ly, adv.

at•ten´u•ate´ v., -ated , -ating . 1. make thin. 2. lessen.

at•test´ v. declare or certify as true, genuine, etc.

at´tic n. room under the roof.

at•tire´ v., -tired , -tiring , n. –v. 1. dress; adorn. –n. 2. clothes.

at´ti•tude´ n. 1. feeling or opinion, esp. as expressed. 2. posture.

attn., attention.

at•tor´ney n. lawyer.

attorney general, pl. attorneys general , attorney generals . chief law officer of a country or state.

at•tract´ v. 1. draw toward. 2. invite; allure. —at•trac´tion, n. —at•tract´tive, adj. —at•trac´tive•ly, adv. —at•trac´tive•ness, n.

at•trib´ute, v., -uted , -uting , n. –v. 1. ascribe; credit; impute. –n. 2. special quality, aspect, etc.

at•tri´tion n. wearing down.

at•tune´ v., -tuned , -tuning . harmonize.

atty., attorney.

ATV, n. all-terrain vehicle: small motor vehicle with treads or wheels for nonroad travel.

a•typ´i•cal adj. not typical; irregular. —a•typ´i•cal•ly, adv.

au´burn adj. reddish brown.

auc´tion n. 1. sale of goods to highest bidders. –v. 2. sell by auction. —auc´tion•eer´, n., v.

au•da´cious adj. bold; daring. —au•dac´i•ty n.

au´di•ble adj. that can be heard. —au´di•bly, adv.

au´di•ence n. 1. group of hearers or spectators. 2. formal hearing or interview.

au´di•o´ adj. 1. of sound reception or reproduction. –n. 2. audible part of TV.

au´di•ol´o•gy n. study and treatment of hearing disorders.

au´di•om´e•ter n. instrument for testing hearing.

au´di•o•tape´ n. magnetic tape for recording sound.

au´di•o•vis´u•al, adj. using films, TV, and recordings, as for education.

au´dit n. official examination of accounts. —au´dit, v. —au´di•tor, n.

au•di´tion n. 1. trial performance. –v. 2. give an audition.

au´di•to´ri•um n. large meeting room.

au´di•to´ry, adj. of hearing.

Aug., August.

au´ger n. drill.

aught n. 1. anything. 2. zero (0). –adv. 3. at all.

aug•ment´ v. increase. —aug´men•ta´tion, n.

au´gur v. predict; bode.

Au´gust n. eighth month of year.

au•gust´ adj. majestic.

auk n. northern diving bird.

auld lang syne fondly remembered times.

aunt n. 1. sister of a parent. 2. wife of an uncle.

au pair person, usu. young foreign visitor, who does household tasks in exchange for room and board.

au´ra n. 1. atmosphere, quality, etc. 2. radiance coming from the body.

au´ral adj. of or by hearing.

au´re•ole´ n. halo.

au´ re•voir´ French. good-by.

au´ri•cle n. 1. outer part of ear. 2. chamber in heart.

au•ror´a n. display of bands of light in the night sky.

aus´pice n. (usually pl.) patronage.

aus•pi´cious adj. favorable. —aus•pi´cious•ly, adv.

aus•tere´ adj. 1. harsh; stern. 2. severely simple. —aus•ter´i•ty, n.

Aus•tral´ian n. native or citizen of Australia. —Australian, adj.

Aus´tri•an n. native of Austria. —Austrian, adj.

au•then´tic adj. reliable; genuine. —au´then•tic´i•ty n. —au•then´ti•cate´, v.

au´thor n. writer or creator. —au´thor•ship´, n.

au•thor´i•tar´i•an adj. requiring total obedience.

au•thor´i•ta´tive adj. to be accepted as true.

au•thor´i•ty, n., pl. -ties . 1. right to order or decide. 2. one with such right. 3. respected source of information.

au´thor•ize´ v., -ized , -izing . permit officially.

au´tism n. disorder characterized by extreme self-absorption and detachment from reality. —au•tis´tic adj.

au´to n. automobile.

auto-, prefix meaning self or same, as autograph.

au´to•bi•og´ra•phy, n., pl. -phies . story of one's own life.

au•toc´ra•cy n., pl. -cies . absolute political power.

au´to•di´dact n. self-taught person.

au´to•graph´ n. 1. signature. –v. 2. sign.

au´to•im•mune´ adj. of or relating to the body's immune response to its own components.

au´to•mat´ n. restaurant with coin-operated service.

au´to•mate´ v., -mated , -mating . make or become automatic.

au´to•mat´ic adj. 1. self-acting. 2. inevitably following. —au´to•mat´i•cal•ly, adv.

automatic pilot, automatic electronic control system for piloting aircraft.

au´to•ma´tion n. system of controlling a mechanical process automatically, as by electronic devices.

au•tom´a•ton n. mechanical device or figure; robot.

au´to•mo•bile´ n. motorized passenger vehicle.

au•ton´o•my n. self-government. —au•ton´o•mous, adj.

au´top•sy n., pl. -sies . examination of body for causes of death.

au´tumn n. season before winter; fall. —au•tum´nal adj.

aux•il´ia•ry adj., n., pl. -ries . –adj. 1. assisting. 2. subsidiary. –n. 3. verb preceding other verbs to express tense, etc.

a•vail´ v. 1. be of use, value, etc. 2. take to (oneself) advantageously. –n. 3. benefit; advantage.

a•vail´a•ble, adj. present for use. —a•vail´a•bil´i•ty, n.

av´a•lanche´ n. mass of falling snow, ice, etc.

a•vant´-garde´ adj. progressive, esp. in art.

av´a•rice n. greed. —av´a•ri´cious adj.

ave., avenue.

a•venge´ v., avenged , avenging . take vengeance for.

av´e•nue´ n. 1. broad street. 2. approach.

a•ver´ v., averred , averring . affirm; declare.

av´er•age n., adj., v., -aged , -aging . –n. 1. sum of a series of numbers divided by the number of terms in the series. –adj. 2. of or like an average. 3. typical. –v. 4. find average of.

a•verse´ adj. unwilling.

a•ver´sion n. dislike.

a•vert´ v. 1. turn away. 2. prevent.

avg., average.

a´vi•ar´y n., pl. -aries . place in which birds are kept.

a´vi•a´tion n. science of flying aircraft. —a´vi•a´tor, n. —a´vi•a´trix, n.fem.

av´id adj. eager. —a•vid´i•ty, n. —av´id•ly, adv.

av´o•ca´do n., pl. -dos . tropical pear-shaped fruit.

av´o•ca´tion n. hobby.

a•void´ v. shun; evade. —a•void´a•ble, adj. —a•void´ance, n.

av´oir•du•pois´ n. system of weights with 16-ounce pounds.

a•vow´ v. declare; confess. —a•vow´al, n. —a•vowed´, adj.

a•wait´ v. wait for.

a•wake´ v., awoke or awaked, awaking , adj. –v. 1. Also, a•wak´en. rouse from sleep. –adj. 2. not asleep.

a•wak´en, v. awake. —a•wak´en•ing, n., adj.

a•ward´ v. 1. bestow; grant. –n. 2. thing bestowed.

a•ware´ adj. conscious (of). —a•ware´ness, n.

a•wash´ adj. flooded.

a•way´ adv. 1. from this or that place. 2. apart. 3. aside. –adj. 4. absent. 5. distant.

awe n., v., awed , awing . –n. 1. respectful fear. –v. 2. fill with awe.

awe´some adj. 1. inspiring or characterized by awe. 2. Slang. very impressive.

awe´struck´, adj. filled with awe.

aw´ful adj. 1. fearful. 2. very bad. 3. Informal. very.

aw´ful•ly, adv. 1. very badly. 2. Informal. very.

a•while´ adv. for a short time. —Usage. The adverb AWHILE is always spelled as one word: We rested awhile. A WHILE is a noun phrase (an article and a noun) and is used after a preposition: We rested for a while.

awk´ward adj. 1. clumsy. 2. embarrassing. 3. difficult; risky. —awk´ward•ly, adv.

awl n. tool for making holes.

awn´ing n. canvas overhang.

AWOL adj., adv. absent without leave.

a•wry´ adv., adj. 1. twisted. 2. wrong.

ax n. small chopping tool. Also, axe.

ax´i•om n. accepted truth. —ax´i•o•mat´ic adj.

ax´is n., pl. axes. line about which something turns.

ax´le n. bar on which a wheel turns.

a´ya•tol´lah n. chief Muslim leader.

aye adv., n. yes.

a•zal´ea n. flowering shrub.

AZT, n. Trademark. drug used in AIDS treatment.

Az´tec n. American Indian people whose Mexican empire was conquered by Spaniards in 1521. —Az´tec•an, adj.

az´ure adj., n. sky-blue.

B, b n. second letter of English alphabet.

B.A., Bachelor of Arts.

bab´ble v., -bled, -bling . 1. talk indistinctly or foolishly. 2. murmur. —bab´ble, n.

babe n. 1. baby. 2. innocent person.

ba•boon´ n. large monkey of Africa and Arabia.

ba´by n., pl. -bies , v., -bied , -bying. –n. 1. infant. 2. childish person. –v. 3. pamper. —ba´by•ish, adj.

baby boom, period of increase in the rate of births. —baby boomer.

ba´by-sit´, v., baby-sat , baby-sitting . tend another's child for a few hours. —ba´by-sit´ter, n.

bac´ca•lau´re•ate n. bachelor's degree.

bac´cha•nal´ n. drunken revelry.

bach´e•lor n. 1. unmarried man. 2. person holding first degree at a college.

ba•cil´lus n., pl. -cilli . type of bacteria.

back n. 1. rear part of human and animal body. 2. rear. 3. spine. –v. 4. sponsor. 5. move backward. 6. bet in favor of. 7. furnish or form a back. –adj. 8. being behind. 9. in the past. 10. overdue. –adv. 11. at or toward the rear. 12. toward original point or condition. 13. in return. —back´er, n. —back´ing, n.

back´bite´, v., -bit , -bitten , -biting. discuss (someone) maliciously.

back´board´, n. in basketball, vertical board behind basket.

back´bone´, n. 1. spine. 2. strength of character. —back´boned´, adj.

back´break´ing, adj. fatiguing.

back´drop´, n. 1. curtain at the back of a stage. 2. background of an event; setting.

back´field´, n. football players behind the line.

back´fire´, v., -fired , -firing . 1. (of an engine) ignite prematurely. 2. bring results opposite to those planned. —back´fire´, n.

back´gam´mon n. board game for two persons.

back´ground´, n. 1. parts in the rear. 2. distant portions in a picture. 3. origins; antecedents.

back´hand´, n. 1. in tennis and other sports, stroke made with back of hand facing direction of movement. –adj. 2. backhanded. –v. 3. hit with a backhand.

back´hand´ed, adj. 1. with upper part of hand forward. 2. ambiguous.

back´lash´, n. retaliatory reaction.

back´log´, n. reserve or accumulation, as of work.

back´pack´, n. 1. knapsack. –v. 2. hike using backpack.

back´-ped´al, v., back-pedaled , back-pedaling . 1. slow a bicycle by pressing backward on pedals. 2. retreat from or reverse a previous stand or opinion.

back´side´, n. 1. rear. 2. rump.

back´slide´, v., -slid , -slidden or -slid , -sliding . relapse into bad habits. —back´slid´er, n.

back´stage´, adv. in theater wings or dressing rooms.

back´stroke´, n. swimming stroke performed while lying on back.

back talk, impertinent talk.

back´track´, v. retreat slowly.

back´up´, n. 1. person or thing that supports or reinforces another. 2. accumulation caused by a stopping, as of traffic. 3. alternate kept in reserve.

back´ward adv. Also, back´wards. 1. toward the back or rear. 2. back foremost. 3. toward or in the past. –adj. 4. toward the back or past. 5. behind in time or progress. 6. bashful.

back´wa´ter, n. place that is backward or stagnant.

back´woods´, n.pl. wooded or unsettled districts.

ba´con n. cured back and sides of a hog.

bac•ter´i•a n.pl., sing. -um. group of one-celled organisms, involved in fermentation, infectious disease, etc. —bac•te´ri•al, adj. —bac•te´ri•al•ly, adv.

bac•te´ri•ol´o•gy n. science dealing with bacteria. —bac•te´ri•o•log´i•cal adj. —bac•te´ri•ol´o•gist, n.

bad adj., worse , worst , n. –adj. 1. not good. –n. 2. bad thing, condition, or quality. —bad´ly, adv. —Usage. The adjective BAD, meaning “unpleasant, unattractive, unfavorable, spoiled, etc.,” is the usual form after such verbs as sound, smell, look, and taste: The music sounds bad. The locker room smells bad. You look pretty bad; are you sick? The water tasted bad. After the verb feel, the adjective BADLY may also be used (She was feeling badly that day), although BAD is more common in formal writing. BAD as an adverb appears mainly in informal situations: He wanted to win pretty bad.

bad blood, hostility.

badge n. emblem or insignia.

badg´er n. 1. burrowing mammal. –v. 2. harass.

bad´min•ton n. game similar to lawn tennis.

bad´-mouth´ v. criticize. Also, bad´mouth´.

baf´fle v., -fled, -fling , n. –v. 1. thwart; confuse. –n. 2. obstacle; obstruction.

bag n., v., bagged , bagging . –n. 1. sack or receptacle of flexible material. 2. purse. –v. 3. bulge. 4. put into a bag. 5. kill or catch. —bag´gy, adj. —bag´gi•ness, n.

bag´a•telle´ n. article of small value.

ba´gel n. hard ringlike roll.

bag´gage n. trunks, suitcases, etc., for travel.

bag´pipe´, n. (often pl.) musical instrument with windbag and two or more pipes. —bag´pip´er, n.

bah interj. (exclamation of contempt or annoyance).

bail n. 1. security for the return of a prisoner to custody. 2. person giving bail. 3. release following payment of security. –v. 4. give or obtain liberty by bail. 5. dip water out of boat. 6. bail out, make a parachute jump. —bail´a•ble, adj.

bail´iff n. public officer similar to sheriff or deputy.

bail´i•wick n. person's area of authority, skill, etc.

bail´out´, n. rescue from financial problems.

bait n. 1. food used as lure in fishing or hunting. –v. 2. prepare with bait. 3. set dogs upon for sport.

bake v., baked , baking . 1. cook by dry heat, as in oven. 2. harden by heat. —bak´er, n.

baker's dozen, a dozen plus one; 13.

bak´er•y, n., pl. -eries . place for baking; baker's shop.

baking powder, white powder used as leavening agent in baking.

baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, white powder used as an antacid and in baking.

bal´ance n., v., -anced , -ancing . –n. 1. instrument for weighing. 2. equilibrium. 3. harmonious arrangement. 4. act of balancing. 5. remainder, as of money due. –v. 6. weigh. 7. set or hold in equilibrium. 8. be equivalent to. 9. reckon or adjust accounts.

bal´co•ny n., pl. -nies . 1. platform projecting from wall of building. 2. theater gallery.

bald adj. 1. lacking hair on scalp. 2. plain; undisguised.

bal´der•dash´ n. nonsense.

bale n., v., baled , baling . –n. 1. large bundle or package. –v. 2. make into bales. —bal´er, n.

bale´ful, adj. evil; menacing.

balk v. 1. stop or stop short. 2. hinder; thwart. –n. 3. hindrance. 4. in baseball, illegal stop in pitcher's motion. —balk´y, adj.

ball n. 1. round or roundish object. 2. game played with ball. 3. social assembly for dancing. 4. Informal. good time. –v. 5. make or form into ball.

bal´lad n. 1. narrative folk song or poem. 2. sentimental song.