Blog Feed: Word-E

froward

Published on 2011-07-05 05:00:00

fro•ward (FROH-werd, FROH-erd) adj Definition: willfully contrary; not easily managed frowardness noun; frowardly adverb Origin: 1150–1200; O.E. fromweard "turned from or away," from from + -weard; opposite of toward, it renders L. pervertus in early translations of the Psalms, and also meant "about to depart, departing," and "doomed to die" Related: Synonyms: adverse, balky, contrary, headstrong, insubmissive, obstinate, refractory, stubborn, unyielding, antagonistic, antipodal, anti [..]

onomastics

Published on 2011-07-04 05:00:00

on•o•mas•tics (on-uh-MAS-tiks) n Definition: 1. the study of the origin, history, and use of proper names 2. the system underlying the formation and use of words especially for proper names or of words used in a specialized field onomastician noun; onomastic adjective Origin: 1936; from Fr. onomastique, from Gk. onomastikos "of or belonging to naming," from onomastos "named," verbal adj. of onomazein "to name," from onoma "name" Related: Related Words: onomatopoeia, anonymous, e [..]

desultory

Published on 2011-07-03 05:00:00

des•ul•tor•y (DES-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee) adj Definition: 1. having no set plan; haphazard or random; lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order 2. moving or jumping from one thing to another; digressing from or unconnected with the main subject desultoriness noun; desultorily adverb Origin: 1580s; from L. desultorius, adj. form of desultor "hasty, casual, superficial," lit. a noun meaning "a rider in the circus who jumps from one horse to another while they are in gallop," fr [..]

ungulate

Published on 2011-07-02 05:00:00

un•gu•late (UHNG-gyuh-lit, -leyt) Definition: n 1. a hoofed mammal adj 2. having hoofs 3. hooflike 4. belonging or pertaining to the Ungulata, a former order of all hoofed mammals, now divided into the odd-toed perissodactyls and even-toed artiodactyls Origin: 1802; from L.L. ungulatus "hoofed," from ungula "hoof, claw, talon," dim. (in form but not sense) of unguis "nail" Sentence Examples: • The giraffe is separated from all living ungulates by the primitive character of its so-ca [..]

sapid

Published on 2011-07-01 05:00:00

sap•id (SAP-id) adj Definition: 1. perceptible to the sense of taste; having flavor 2. having a strong pleasant flavor; savory 3. pleasing to the mind; engaging sapidity, sapidness noun Origin: 1623; from L. sapidus “savory,” from sape

quiescent

Published on 2011-06-30 05:00:00

qui•es•cent (kwee-ES-uhnt, kwahy-) adj Definition: 1. marked by inactivity or repose 2. causing no trouble or symptoms quiescence, quiescency noun; quiescently adverb; quiesce verb Origin: 1605; from L. quiescens, prp. of quiescere

apodictic

Published on 2011-06-29 05:00:00

ap•o•dic•tic (ap-uh-DIK-tik) adj also apodeictic (ap-uh-DAHYK-tik) Definition: 1. incontestable because of having been demonstrated or proved to be demonstrable 2. (of a logical proposition) necessarily true or logically certain apodict

inquinate

Published on 2011-06-28 05:00:00

in•qui•nate (IN-kwuh-neyt) v tr Definition: to defile; to corrupt; to pollute; to contaminate inquination noun Origin: from Latin inquinatus, past part. of inquinare “polluting”, from in- + -quinare Related: Synonyms: maculate, ta

graduand

Published on 2011-06-27 05:00:00

grad•u•and (GRAJ-oo-and) n Definition: a student who is about to graduate or receive a degree Origin: 1882, from M.L. graduandus, gerundive of graduari "to take a degree," from L. gradus "step, grade", from PIE *ghredh- Related: Related

maculate

Published on 2011-06-26 05:00:00

mac•u•late Definition: adj (MAK-yuh-lit) 1. spotted; stained 2. defiled; impure n (MAK-yuh-leyt) 3. to mark with a spot or spots; stain 4. to sully or pollute Origin: 1375–1425; from L. maculatus, pp. of maculare "to make spotted, to

excogitate

Published on 2011-06-25 05:00:00

ex•cog•i•tate (eks-KOJ-i-teyt) v tr Definition: 1. to devise, invent, or contrive 2. to think out in detail 3. to study intently and carefully in order to grasp or comprehend fully excogitated past participle; excogitated past tense; e

collocate

Published on 2011-06-24 05:00:00

col•lo•cate (KOL-uh-keyt Definition: v tr 1. to set or place together, especially side by side or in a particular relation 2. to arrange in proper order: to collocate events 3. to be habitually juxtaposed with another with a frequency greater

bovarism

Published on 2011-06-23 05:00:00

bo•va•ris•m (BOH-vuh-riz-uhm) n Definition: 1. an exaggerated, especially glamorized, estimate of oneself; conceit esp : domination of one's general behavior by such an unreal conception of oneself that it resul

peccant

Published on 2011-06-22 05:00:00

pec•cant (PEK-uhnt) adj Definition: 1. sinning; guilty of a moral offense 2. violating a rule, principle, or established practice; faulty; wrong 3. producing disease; morbid (medicine) peccancy noun; peccantly adverb Origin: c.1604; from

nocent

Published on 2011-06-21 05:00:00

no•cent (NOH-suhnt) adj Definition: 1. harmful; injurious 2. guilty (archaic) Origin: 1400–50; late Middle English from Latin nocent, stem of nocens, present participle of nocere "to do harm" Related: Synonyms: d

roborant

Published on 2011-06-20 05:00:00

rob•or•ant (ROB-er-uhnt) Definition: adj restoring vigor or strength n a restorative or tonic Origin: 1655–65; from Latin roborare "to strengthen", from robur, robus "strength," also "a special kind of oak" Related: Synonyms: tonic, energi

tenesmus

Published on 2011-06-19 05:00:00

te•nes•mus (tuh-NEZ-muhs, -NES-) n Definition: a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or bladder Origin: 1527; from L. tenesmos, from Gk. tenesmos “straining,” from teinein “to stretch” Related: Related Words:

satyriasis

Published on 2011-06-18 05:00:00

sa•ty•ri•a•sis (sey-tuh-RAHY-uh-sis, sat-uh-) n Definition: excessive, often uncontrollable sexual desire in and behavior by a man satyric adjective Origin: 1650s, medical Latin, from Gk. satyriasis, from satyros Related: Synonyms:

abjure

Published on 2011-06-17 05:00:00

ab•jure (ab-JOOR, -JUR)  v tr Definition: 1. to renounce, repudiate, or retract, especially with formal solemnity; recant 2. to renounce or give up under oath; forswear 3. to avoid or shun abjured past participle; abjured past tense; abjuring pr

xylograph

Published on 2011-06-16 05:00:00

xy•lo•graph (ZAHY-luh-graf) n Definition: 1. an engraving on wood 2. an impression from a woodblock Origin: 1860–65; from Gk. xylon "wood" + -graph "something written" Related: Synonym: woodcut Related Words: xylophone Sente

funambulate

Published on 2011-06-15 05:00:00

fu•nam•bu•late (fu-NAM-byoo-leyt) v Definition: to walk or dance on ropes; to tightrope walk funambuted past participle; funambuted past tense; funambuting present participle; funambutes 3rd person singular present; funam

lubricious

Published on 2011-06-14 05:00:00

lu•bri•cious (loo-BRISH-uhs) adj Definition: 1. arousing or expressive of sexual desire; lustful; lecherous 2. having a slippery or smooth quality 3. shifty or tricky lubriciousness, lubricity noun; lubriciously adverb lubricous l

zaftig

Published on 2011-06-13 05:00:00

zaf•tig (ZAHF-tik, -tig) adj also zoftig Definition: 1. (of a woman) having a pleasantly plump figure 2. full-bodied; well-proportioned Origin: 1937; from Yiddish zaftik, lit. "juicy," from zaft "juice," from Middle High German saft "ju

yips

Published on 2011-06-12 05:00:00

yips (yips) n Definition: the apparent loss of certain fine motor skills seemingly without explanation in one of a number of different sports, esp golf Origin: [Golfer Tommy] Armour is believed to have coined the term "yips" to describe the

habiliment

Published on 2011-06-11 05:00:00

ha•bil•i•ment (huh-BIL-uh-muhnt) n often plural Definition: 1. clothing, especially the special dress or garb associated with an occasion or office 2. characteristic furnishings or equipment; trappings (habiliments) habilimental, habi

dissemble

Published on 2011-06-10 05:00:00

dis•sem•ble (dih-SEM-buhl) v Definition: verb tr 1. to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of 2. to put on the appearance of; feign 3. to let pass unnoticed; ignore (obsolete) verb intr 4. to conceal

anabiosis

Published on 2011-06-09 05:00:00

an•a•bi•o•sis (an-uh-bahy-OH-sis) n Definition: 1. a restoring to life from a deathlike condition; resuscitation 2. a state of suspended animation, especially one in which certain aquatic invertebrates are able to survive long period

sacerdotal

Published on 2011-06-08 05:00:00

sac•er•dot•al (sas-uhr-DOHT-l, sak-) adj Definition: 1. of or relating to priests or the priesthood; priestly 2. of or relating to sacerdotalism sacerdotally adverb Origin: c.1400; from O.Fr. sacerdotal, from L. sacerdotalis "of or pert

kef

Published on 2011-06-07 05:00:00

kef (kef) n also kif, keif or keef Definition: 1. a state of drowsy contentment, especially from the use of a narcotic 2. a substance, especially a smoking preparation of hemp leaves or marijuana, used to produce this state Origin: 1808,

busk

Published on 2011-06-06 05:00:00

busk (busk) Definition: v intr 1. to entertain in a public place for donations 2. to make a showy or noisy appeal (Canada) busked past participle; busked past tense; busking present participle; busks 3rd person singular present; bu

effulgent

Published on 2011-06-05 05:00:00

ef•ful•gent (ih-FUHL-juhnt, ih-FOOL-) adj Definition: shining brilliantly; radiant effulgence noun; effulgently adverb Origin: 1667; back formation from effulgence, or else from L. effulgentem (nom. effulgens), prp. of effulgere,

caduceus

Published on 2011-06-04 05:00:00

ca•du•ce•us (kuh-DOO-see-uhs, -shuhs) n Definition: 1. the staff carried by Mercury as messenger of the gods (Classical Mythology) 2. an emblem of the medical profession and as the insignia of the U.S. Army Medical Corps caducei plural;

arriviste

Published on 2011-06-03 05:00:00

arr•i•viste (ar-ee-VEEST) n Definition: 1. a person who has recently attained high position or great power but not general acceptance or respect; an upstart 2. a social climber; a bounder Origin: 1901, from Fr. arriviste, from arriver

gramineous

Published on 2011-06-02 05:00:00

gra•min•e•ous (gruh-MIN-ee-uhs) adj Definition: 1. of, relating to, or characteristic of grasses 2. of or belonging to the grass family (Gramineae) gramineousness noun; graminaceous adjective Origin: 1650s, from L. gramineus "of

strepitant

Published on 2011-06-01 05:00:00

strep•i•tant (STREP-i-tant) adj also strepitous (strep-i-tuhs) Definition: noisy; boisterous Origin: from Latin strepitantem, present participle of strepitare, from strepere "to make a noise"from PIE *strep- Related: Synonyms: noisy, b

maieutic

Published on 2011-05-31 05:00:00

mai•eu•tic (mey-YOO-tik) adj Definition: of or pertaining to the method used by Socrates of eliciting knowledge in the mind of a person by interrogation and insistence on close and logical reasoning maieutics noun; maieutical adjective O

Junoesque

Published on 2011-05-30 05:00:00

Ju•no•esque (joo-noh-ESK) adj Definition: having the stately bearing and imposing beauty of the goddess Juno Origin: 1888; from Juno + -esque Related: Synonyms: statuesque, shapely, regal Sentence Examples: • When I was twenty-one, I

virgule

Published on 2011-05-29 05:00:00

vir•gule (VUR-gyool) n Definition: 1. a short oblique stroke (/) between two words indicating that whichever is appropriate may be chosen to complete the sense of the text in which they occur 2. a dividing line, as in dates, fractions, a ru

perspicuous

Published on 2011-05-28 05:00:00

per•spic•u•ous (per-SPIK-yoo-uhs) adj Definition: 1. clearly expressed or presented; easy to understand 2. expressing oneself clearly and effectively perspicuousness, perspicuity noun; perspicuously adverb Origin: 1586; from L. perspic

welkin

Published on 2011-05-27 05:00:00

wel•kin (WEL-kin) n Definition: 1. the vault of the sky; firmament 2. the celestial abode of God or the gods; heaven 3. the upper atmosphere Origin: 12c; from O.E. wolcen "cloud," from P.Gmc. *welk- Related: Synonyms: empyrean, sky,

filiation

Published on 2011-05-26 05:00:00

fil•i•a•tion (fil-ee-EY-shuhn) n Definition: 1. a. the condition or fact of being the child of a certain parent b. judicial determination of paternity c. the set of rules governing the attachment of children to thei

ichor

Published on 2011-05-25 05:00:00

i•chor (AHY-kawr) n Definition: 1. the rarefied fluid said to run in the veins of the gods in Classical Mythology 2. a watery, acrid discharge from a wound or ulcer (pathology) Origin: 1630s; from Greek ikhor, of unknown origin, possibl

atelier

Published on 2011-05-24 05:00:00

at•el•ier (AT-l-yey, at-l-YEY) n Definition: a workshop or studio, especially of an artist, artisan, or designer Origin: 1699, from French atelier, from O.Fr. astelier "(carpenter's) workshop, woodpile," from astele "piece of wood, a sha

bouleversement

Published on 2011-05-23 05:00:00

boul•e•verse•ment (bool-uh-vers-MAHn) n Definition: 1. a reversal 2. a violent uproar; a tumult Origin: 1782; French, from Old French bouleverser "to overturn", from boule "ball", from Latin bulla + verser, "to overturn", fr

urticate

Published on 2011-05-22 05:00:00

ur•ti•cate (UR-ti-keyt) Definition: v tr to sting or whip with or as if with nettles v intr to produce a stinging or itching sensation adj characterized by the presence of hives urticated past participle; urticated past tense; urticating prese

scienter

Published on 2011-05-21 05:00:00

sci•en•ter (sy-EN-tuhr) Definition: adv deliberately, knowingly n knowledge of one's own illegal acts; intent Origin: Latin, lit. "knowingly," from sciens, prp. of scire "to know" + adv. suffix -ter Related: Related Words: prescience, sc

otiose

Published on 2011-05-20 05:00:00

o•ti•ose (OH-shee-ohs, OH-tee-) adj Definition: 1. producing no useful result, futile 2. being at leisure, idle, lazy, indolent 3. lacking use or effect, superfluous otioseness, otiosity noun; otiosely adverb Origin: 1794; from L. otiosus

dividual

Published on 2011-05-19 05:00:00

di•vid•u•al (dih-VIJ-oo-uhl) adj Definition: 1. divisible or divided 2. separate; distinct 3. distributed; shared Origin: from Latin from dividuus "divisible," from dividere "divide" Related: Synonyms: divisible Antonym: individual, f

xanthous

Published on 2011-05-18 05:00:00

xan•thous (ZAN-thuhs) adj Definition: 1. yellow; yellowish 2. of, relating to, or designating races with yellowish hair and a light complexion (ethnology) xanthicxan•thic (zan-thik) adj 1. of or pertaining to a yellow or yellowish color

haruspicy

Published on 2011-05-17 05:00:00

har•us•pi•cy (hur-RUS-puh-see; huh-) n Definition: a form of divination by natural phenomena, especially from inspection of the entrails of animal sacrifices, especially the livers of sacrificed sheep and poultry haruspex noun; haru

exonumia

Published on 2011-05-16 05:00:00

ex•o•nu•mi•a (ek-suh-NOO-mee-uh) n plural Definition: numismatic items (as tokens, medals, or scrip) other than coins and paper money exonumist noun Origin: 1960; from New Latin, from exo- + English numismatic, from Fr. numismatic

lineament

Published on 2011-05-15 05:00:00

lin•e•a•ment (LIN-ee-uh-muhnt) n often used in the plural Definition: 1. a distinctive shape, contour, or line, especially of the face 2. a definitive or characteristic feature3. any long natural feature on the surface of the earth, suc

Roscian

Published on 2011-05-14 05:00:00

rosc•i•an (ROSH-ee-uhn) adj Definition: of or related to acting Origin: after Quintus Roscius Gallus (c.126-62 BCE), a Roman actor famous for his talent in acting Sentence Examples: • He was again a man with a wrong, a lover dispo

convoke

Published on 2011-05-13 05:00:00

con•voke (kuhn-VOHK) v tr Definition: to call together; summon to meet or assemble convocation, convocant, convoker noun; convocative adjective Origin: 1598; from M.Fr. convoquer (14c.), from L. convocare "to call together" from com- "

nosism

Published on 2011-05-12 05:00:00

no•sis•m (NO-siz-em) n Definition: the use of 'we' in referring to oneself nosist noun; nosistic adjective Origin: from Latin nos "we" + ism Related: Related Words:for comparison, see illeism Sentence Examples: • Jennifer did such

geomancy

Published on 2011-05-11 05:00:00

ge•o•man•cy (JEE-uh-man-see) n Definition: divination by geographic features or by figures or lines geomancer noun; geomantic adjective Origin: late 14c.; from O.Fr. géomancie, from M.L. geomantia, from late Gk. *geomanteia, from

kakistocracy

Published on 2011-05-10 05:00:00

kak•i•stoc•ra•cy (kak-uh-STOK-ruh-see) n Definition: government under the control of a nation's worst or least-qualified citizens Origin: 1829; coined on analogy of aristocracy from Gk. kakistos "worst," superlative of kakos "bad" (

yare

Published on 2011-05-09 05:00:00

yare (yahr) adv Definition: 1. agile; lively 2. responding easily; maneuverable (nautical, used of a vessel) 3. ready; prepared (archaic) yarely adverb Origin: before 900; O.E. gearo "ready," from P.Gmc. prefix *ga- + *arw-; related t

arrogate

Published on 2011-05-08 05:00:00

ar•ro•gate (AR-uh-geyt) v tr Definition: 1. to take or claim for oneself without right; appropriate 2. to ascribe on behalf of another in an unwarranted manner arrogated past participle; arrogated past tense; arrogating present

qualtagh

Published on 2011-05-07 05:00:00

qual•tagh (KWAL-tawk) n Definition: 1. the first individual a person meets after exiting his or her house 2. the first person to enter one's house after the new year Origin: from Manx qualtagh "first-foot" Sentence Examples: • "Who will

turophile

Published on 2011-05-06 05:00:00

tur•o•phile (TOOR-uh-fahyl, TYOOR-, TUR-) n Definition: a connoisseur or lover of cheese Origin: 1938; irregular from Greek tyros "cheese" + English -phile; modern coinage; popularized by Clifton Fadiman on American TV quiz show Informati

bombinate

Published on 2011-05-05 05:00:00

bom•bi•nate (BOM-buh-neyt) v Definition: to buzz, hum or drone bombination noun Origin: 1880; from L. bombinare, corrupted from bombitare "to hum, buzz," from bombus "a deep, hollow sound; hum, buzz" Related: Synonyms:buzz, hum, dron

sequacious

Published on 2011-05-04 05:00:00

se•qua•cious (si-KWEY-shuhs) adj Definition: 1. logically following in regular sequence 2. lacking independence or originality of thought; slavishly unthinking and uncritical 3. disposed to follow, serve or imitate another or others, as a

macerate

Published on 2011-05-03 05:00:00

mac•e•rate (MAS-uh-reyt) Definition: v.tr. 1. to make soft by soaking or steeping in a liquid 2. to separate into constituents by soaking 3. to cause to become lean, usually as if by excessive fasting v.intr. 4. to become soft or separate

fugacious

Published on 2011-05-02 05:00:00

fu•ga•cious (fyoo-GEY-shuhs) adj Definition: 1. lasting a short time; evanescent; fleeting; transitory 2. withering, fading or dropping off early (botany) fugaciousness, fugacity noun; fugaciously adverb Origin: 1634; from L. fuga

wheedle

Published on 2011-05-01 05:00:00

whee•dle (HWEED-l, WEED-l) v Definition: 1. to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts 2. to persuade (a person) by such words or acts 3. to obtain (something) by artful persuasions wheedled past p

zoophyte

Published on 2011-04-30 05:00:00

zo•o•phyte (ZOH-uh-fahyt) n Definition: any of various invertebrate animals that superficially resemble plants, such as a sea anemone or sponge zoophytic, zoophytical adjective Origin: 1615–25; from Neo-Latin zoophyton fro

proprioception

Published on 2011-04-29 05:00:00

pro•pri•o•cep•tion (proh-pree-uh-SEP-shuhn) n Definition: the sense of the relative position of neighboring parts of the body proprioceptive adjective Origin: 1906; from proprioceptor, from L. proprius "one's own, particular to itse

xenial

Published on 2011-04-28 05:00:00

xe•ni•al (ZEE-nee-uhl) adj Definition: 1. pertaining to hospitality, or to the rights, privileges, standing, or treatment of a guest, or to the relations between a guest and his host; specifically, noting such relations, etc., in Greek an

usance

Published on 2011-04-27 05:00:00

u•sance (YOO-zuhns) n Definition: 1. a length of time, exclusive of days of grace and varying in different places, allowed by custom or usage for the payment of foreign bills of exchange (commerce) 2. the income of benefits of every kind de

epistolary

Published on 2011-04-26 05:00:00

e•pis•tol•ar•y (ih-PIS-tl-er-ee) Definition: adj 1. of, relating to, or suitable to a letter 2. contained in or carried on by letters 3. written in the form of a series of letters n a lectionary containing a body of liturgical epistles

illation

Published on 2011-04-25 05:00:00

il•la•tion (ih-LEY-shuhn) n Definition: 1. the act of inferring or drawing conclusions 2. an inference or conclusion drawn Origin: 1533; from Late Latin illation, from Latin illatus, past participle of inferre "bring into, cause," from i

yardang

Published on 2011-04-24 05:00:00

yar•dang (YAHR-dahng) n Definition: a keel-shaped crest or ridge of rock, formed by the action of the wind, usually parallel to the prevailing wind direction Origin: earlier jardang, term introduced by Sven Hedin (1904); perhaps a c

hale

Published on 2011-04-23 05:00:00

(heyl) adj Definition: free from disease or infirmity; robust; vigorous haleness noun Origin: before 1000; O.E. hal "healthy, entire, uninjured". The Scottish and northern English form of whole; it was given a literary sense of "free from

weald

Published on 2011-04-22 05:00:00

(weeld) n Definition: wooded or uncultivated country; woodland The Weald: a region of SE England, in Kent, Surrey, and East and West Sussex between the North Downs and the South Downs: formerly forested Origin: before 1150; Middle English

dubiety

Published on 2011-04-21 05:00:00

du•bi•e•ty (doo-BAHY-i-tee) n Definition: 1. the state of being doubtful; a feeling of doubt that often results in wavering 2. a doubtful matter Origin: 1750; from L.L. dubietas "doubt, uncertainty," from dubius "vacillating, moving tw

vulpine

Published on 2011-04-20 05:00:00

vul•pine (VUHL-pahyn) adj Definition: 1. of, resembling, or characteristic of a fox 2. cunning; clever Origin: 1620s, from L. vulpinus "of or pertaining to a fox," from vulpes, earlier volpes (gen. vulpis, volpis) "fox," of unknown origin

jentacular

Published on 2011-04-19 05:00:00

jen•tac•u•lar (jen-TAK-yuh-luhr) adj Definition: of or relating to breakfast, especially a breakfast taken early in the morning, or immediately on getting up Origin: from Latin jentaculum “a breakfast taken immediately on getting up

gloaming

Published on 2011-04-18 05:00:00

gloa•ming (GLOH-ming) n Definition: twilight; dusk Origin: before 1000; from O.E. glomung "twilight," formed from glom "twilight," related to glowan "to glow", from P.Gmc. *glo-, ultimately from the Indo-European root ghel- "to shine" Rela

luculent

Published on 2011-04-17 05:00:00

lu•cu•lent (LOO-kyoo-luhnt) adj Definition: 1. clear or lucid 2. convincing; cogent 3. bright or shining; glowing luculently adverb Origin: 1375–1425; late Middle English from Latin luculentus "bright", equivalent to

contretemps

Published on 2011-04-16 05:00:00

con•tre•temps (KON-truh-tahn) n Definition: 1. an awkward or difficult situation or mishap; an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance 2. a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing 3. (Fencing) a feint made with the purpos

tractable

Published on 2011-04-15 05:00:00

trac•ta•ble (TRAK-tuh-buhl) adj Definition: 1. easily managed or controlled; governable 2. easily handled or worked; malleable tractability , tractableness noun; tractably adverb Origin: 1502; from L. tractabilis "that may be touched, h

obsequy

Published on 2011-04-14 05:00:00

ob•se•quy (OB-si-kwee) n usually plural, obsequies Definition: a funeral rite or ceremony Origin: late 14c., from L. obsequium "compliance, dutiful service," from obsequi "to accommodate oneself to the will of another," from ob "after" +

kinesthesia

Published on 2011-04-13 05:00:00

kin•es•the•sia (kin-uhs-THEE-zhuh) n also kinaesthesia Definition: the sense that detects bodily position, weight, or movement of the muscles, tendons, and joints; muscle sense kinesthesis noun; kinesthetic adjective; kinesthetically

abnegate

Published on 2011-04-12 05:00:00

ab•ne•gate (AB-ni-geyt) v Definition: 1. to refuse or deny oneself (some rights, conveniences, etc.); reject; renounce 2. to relinquish; give up abnegation, abnegator noun Origin: 1623; from L. abnegatus, pp. of abnegare "to refuse, deny

drawcansir

Published on 2011-04-11 05:00:00

draw•can•sir (draw-CAN-suhr) n often capitalized Definition: a blustering, bullying fellow; a pot-valiant braggart; a bully Origin: from the name of a character in the play The Rehearsal (1671) by George Villiers (1628-1687), 2nd Duke of

marmoreal

Published on 2011-04-10 05:00:00

mar•mor•e•al (mahr-MAWR-ee-uhl, -MOHR-) adj Definition: 1. of or relating to marble 2. resembling marble, as in smoothness, whiteness, or hardness 3. suggestive of marble or a marble statue especially in coldness or aloofness marmorean

balneal

Published on 2011-04-09 05:00:00

wo•rd•e (BAL-nee-uhl) adj Definition: of or relating to baths or bathing balneary adjective; balneation noun Origin: from Latin balneum "bath", from Greek balaneion "bathing room, bath" Sentence Examples: • But, perhaps the most natura

resipiscent

Published on 2011-04-08 05:00:00

re•si•pis•cent (re-si-PIS-uhnt) adj Definition: returning to one's senses, or to wiser course; reforming resipicency, resipicence noun Origin: from Latin resipiscere "to recover one's senses", from re- "again" + sapere "to taste, to kn

tessellated

Published on 2011-04-07 05:00:00

tes•sel•la•ted (TES-uh-ley-tid) adj Definition: 1. of, pertaining to, or like a mosaic 2. arranged in or having the appearance of a mosaic; checkered tessellation noun; tessellate verb Origin: 1695: from L.L. tessellatus "made of sm

forfend

Published on 2011-04-06 05:00:00

for•fend (fawr-FEND) v also forefend Definition: 1. to fend off, avert, or prevent 2. to defend, secure, or protect 3. to forbid Origin: late 14c., Middle English forfenden, a hybrid from for- + fend, from L. defendere "to ward off", from d

novation

Published on 2011-04-05 05:00:00

no•va•tion (noh-VEY-shuhn) n Definition: 1. (law) the act of either replacing an obligation to perform with a new obligation, or replacing a party to an agreement with a new party 2. the introduction of something new novate verb Origin:

suspire

Published on 2011-04-04 05:00:00

sus•pire (suh-SPAHY-r) v Definition: 1. to breathe 2. to sigh suspiration noun Origin: mid-15c., from L. suspirare "to draw a deep breath, sigh," from sub "under" + spirare "to breathe" Related: Synonyms: breathe, sigh Related Wo

heuristic

Published on 2011-04-03 05:00:00

heu•ris•tic (hyoo-RIS-tik) Definition: adj 1. involving or serving as an aid to learning, discovery, or problem-solving by experimental and especially trial-and-error methods 2. of or relating to exploratory problem-solving techniques that uti

zenana

Published on 2011-04-02 05:00:00

ze•na•na (zuh-NAH-nuh) n also zanana Definition: 1.a part of the house reserved for women and girls; a system of segregating women into harems, in Asian countries such as India and Pakistan, esp in Muslim and Hindu homes 2. its occupants

noetic

Published on 2011-04-01 05:00:00

no•et•ic (noh-ET-ik) adj Definition: of or relating to the mind, esp to its rational and intellectual faculties Origin: 1653; from Gk. noetikos, from noesis, from noein “to have mental perception,” from noos “mind, thought” Relat

quaquaversal

Published on 2011-03-31 05:00:00

qua•qua•ver•sal (kwey-kwuh-VUR-suhl) adj Definition: sloping downward from the center in all directions, like a dome quaquaversally adverb Origin: 1720–30; from Latin quaqua "in every direction" + versus "towards" literally, "

recreant

Published on 2011-03-30 05:00:00

re•cre•ant (REK-ree-uhnt) Definition: adj 1. cowardly or craven 2. unfaithful, disloyal, or traitorous n 3. a coward 4. an apostate, traitor, or renegade recreance, recreancy noun; recreantly adverb Origin: c.1300 (adj.) fr

impuissance

Published on 2011-03-29 05:00:00

im•pu•i•sance (im-PYOO-uh-suhns, im-pyoo-IS-uhns, im-PWIS-uhns) n Definition: lack of power or effectiveness; weakness; impotence impuissant adjective Origin: 15c; from Middle English impuissaunce, from Old French impuissance :

diffident

Published on 2011-03-28 05:00:00

dif•fi•dent (DIF-i-duhnt) adj Definition: 1. lacking confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful 2. characterized by modest reserve 3. (archaic) lacking confidence in others; d

warison

Published on 2011-03-27 05:00:00

war•i•son (WAR-uh-suhn) n Definition: 1. reward; guerdon; requital 2. (erroneously) a war cry played to order the soldiers to attack, normally played on a bugle 3. preparation; protection; provision; supply 4. healing Origin: 1805;

yashmak

Published on 2011-03-26 05:00:00

yash•mak (yahsh-MAHK, YASH-mak) n also yashmac or yasmak Definition: a veil worn by Muslim women that is wrapped around the upper and lower parts of the face so that only the eyes remain exposed to public view Origin: 1844; Turkish yaşma

testudinate

Published on 2011-03-25 05:00:00

te•stud•in•ate (te-STOOD-n-it, -eyt) Definition: adj 1. of, like or relating to a tortoise or turtle 2. formed like the carapace of a tortoise; arched; vaulted n 3. a turtle 4. any member of the order Testudines, comprising turtles, to

malapropos

Published on 2011-03-24 05:00:00

mal•ap•ro•pos (mal-ap-ruh-POH) Definition: adj 1. inappropriate; out of place; inopportune; untimely adv 2. inappropriately; inopportunely Origin: 1668; from Fr. mal à propos "inopportunely, inappropriately," lit. "badly for the purpose,

jounce

Published on 2011-03-23 05:00:00

jounce (jouns) Definition: v to move or cause to move with bumps and jolts; bounce n a rough, jolting movement; a jolt Origin: mid-15c., of unknown origin, perhaps a blend of jump and bounce Related: Synonyms: bounce, bump, jar, jolt, jolting

rubicund

Published on 2011-03-22 05:00:00

ru•bi•cund (ROO-bi-kuhnd) adj Definition: 1. red or reddish; ruddy 2. inclined to a healthy rosiness; ruddy complexion rubicundity noun Origin: 1495–1505; from Fr. rubicond or directly from L. rubicundus, from rubere "to be red" Rel

sternutatory

Published on 2011-03-21 05:00:00

ster•nu•ta•tor•y (ster-NOO-tuh-tohr-ee) Definition: adj causing or having the effect of sneezing n an agent or substance that causes sneezing sternutation noun; sternutative adjective Origin: 1610–20; from Late Latin sternutator

wamble

Published on 2011-03-20 05:00:00

wam•ble (WOM-buhl) Definition: verb intr. 1. to move unsteadily; to totter, waver, roll, etc 2. to feel nausea 3. (of a stomach) To rumble or growl noun 1. an unsteady motion 2. a feeling of nausea Origin: 14c; from Middle English wamele

ukase

Published on 2011-03-19 05:00:00

u•kase (yoo-KAYS, -KAYZ; YOO-kays, -kayz) n Definition: 1. an authoritative order or decree; an edict 2. a proclamation of a czar having the force of law in imperial Russia Origin: 1729; from Russian ukaz "edict," from ukazat' "to show, d

hypnagogic

Published on 2011-03-18 05:00:00

hyp•na•gog•ic (hip-nuh-GOJ-ik) adj Definition: of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding or following sleep Origin: 1886; from Fr. hypnagogique, from Gk. hypnos “sleep”, from PIE *swep-no, from

timorous

Published on 2011-03-17 05:00:00

tim•or•ous (TIM-er-uhs) adj Definition: 1. full of fear; fearful 2. subject to fear 3. characterized by or indicating fear (timid is used of a person's character or disposition; timorous is used of a person's action or behavio

obrogate

Published on 2011-03-16 05:00:00

ob•ro•gate (OB-ruh-geyt) v Definition: to annul indirectly by enacting a new and contrary law, instead of by expressly abrogating or repealing the old one obrogated past participle; obrogated past tense; obrogating present participl

asperity

Published on 2011-03-15 05:00:00

a•sper•i•ty (uh-SPER-i-tee) n Definition: 1. moral roughness; roughness of tone, temper or manner; severity; harshness 2. sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty 3. roughness of surface; unevenness 4. roughness or harshness

jugulate

Published on 2011-03-14 05:00:00

ju•gu•late (JOO-gyuh-leyt, JUHG-yuh-) v Definition: 1. to check or suppress (often said of disease) by extreme measures 2. to cut the throat of; kill jugulated past participle; jugulated past tense; jugulating present participle

garderobe

Published on 2011-03-13 05:00:00

garde•robe (GAHRD-rohb) n Definition: 1. a wardrobe or its contents 2. a private room, as a bedroom 3. (in medieval architecture) a latrine or privy Origin: 1400–50; from Middle English, from Old French, from garder "to watch, guard" + r

nidify

Published on 2011-03-12 05:00:00

nid•i•fy (NID-uh-fahy) v Definition: to build a nest nidified past tense; nidifying present participle; nidification noun; nidificate verb Origin: 1658; from Latin nidificare "to build a nest", from nidus "nest" Related: Related Words

Byronic

Published on 2011-03-11 05:00:00

By•ron•ic (bahy-RON-ik) adj Definition: 1. of or relating to George Gordon, 6th Baron Byron, the British Romantic poet 2. having characteristics of Byron, such as being melancholic, passionate, melodramatic, dark, romantically brood

fuscous

Published on 2011-03-10 05:00:00

fus•cous (FUHS-kuhs) adj Definition: of a brownish-gray color; dark or dusky Origin: 1662; from Latin fuscus "dark, swarthy" Related: Related Words: obfuscate Sentence Examples: • Yet we were still ten versts from the next village, an

kludge

Published on 2011-03-09 05:00:00

kludge (kluhj) n alt kluge (klooj) Definition: 1. a workaround, a quick-and-dirty solution, a clumsy or inelegant, yet effective, solution to a problem, typically using parts that are cobbled together 2. a system, especially a computer system

thalassic

Published on 2011-03-08 05:00:00

tha•las•sic (thuh-LAS-ik) adj Definition: 1. of or pertaining to seas and oceans 2. of or pertaining to smaller bodies of water, as seas and gulfs, as distinguished from large oceanic bodies 3. growing, living, or found in the sea; marine

struthious

Published on 2011-03-07 05:00:00

stru•thi•ous (STROO-thee-uhs) adj Definition: of or relating to the ostriches and related birds Origin: 1773, from Late Latin struthio "ostrich", irregular from Greek strouthos Related: Related Words: ostrich Sentence Examples: • So

illeism

Published on 2011-03-06 05:00:00

ill•e•ism (IL-ee-ism) n Definition: the act of referring to oneself in the third person illeist noun Origin: from Latin ille “that man; he” + -ism (modelled on egoism) Sentence Examples: • Since joining the National Basketball A

prevenient

Published on 2011-03-05 05:00:00

pre•ven•ient (pri-VEEN-yuhnt) adj Definition: 1. coming before; preceding 2. expectant; anticipatory prevenance noun; preveniently adverb Origin: 1650s, from L. praevenientem, prp. of praevenire, from prae- from PIE *prai- + venire

pretermit

Published on 2011-03-04 05:00:00

pre•ter•mit (pree-ter-MIT) v Definition: 1. to disregard intentionally or allow to pass unnoticed or unmentioned 2. to fail to do or include; omit, neglect 3. to suspend, interrupt or terminate pretermitted past participle; pretermitted

mansuetude

Published on 2011-03-03 05:00:00

man•sue•tude (MAN-swi-tood) n Definition: the quality or state of being gentle : meekness, tameness Origin: 1350–1400; from L. mansuetudo "tameness," from mansuetus, pp. of mansuescere "to tame," lit. "to accustom to the hand," from ma

hagiarchy

Published on 2011-03-02 05:00:00

hag•i•ar•chy (HAG-ee-ahr-kee, HEY-jee-) n Definition: 1. government by saints, holy persons, or people in holy orders 2. a state so governed 3. (ecclesiastical term) an order of saints Origin: 1820–30; from Gk hagi- from hagio

torpor

Published on 2011-03-01 05:00:00

tor•por (TAWR-per) n Definition: 1. sluggish inactivity or inertia 2. lethargic indifference; apathy 3. a state of suspended physical powers and activities 4. dormancy, as of a hibernating animal torporific adjective Origin: c.1600;

descussate

Published on 2011-02-28 05:00:00

de•cus•sate (verb: di-KUHS-ayt, DEK-uh-sayt, adjective: di-KUHS-ayt) Definition: verb tr to intersect or to cross adjective 1. intersected or crossed in the form of an X 2. arranged in pairs along the stem, each pair at a right angle to the on

apothegm

Published on 2011-02-27 05:00:00

ap•o•thegm (AP-uh-them) n also apophthegm (Britain) Definition: a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation apothegmatic adjective; apothegmatically adverb Origin: circa 1587; from Gk. apophthegma "terse, pointed saying," lit.

unguinous

Published on 2011-02-26 05:00:00

un•gui•nous (UHNG-gwi-nuhs) adj Definition: resembling, containing, or consisting of fat or oil; greasy; oily Origin: 1595–1605; from Latin unguinosus, equivalent to unguin- (stem of unguen ) "ointment" + -osus -ous

natality

Published on 2011-02-25 05:00:00

na•tal•i•ty (ney-TAL-i-tee) n Definition: the ratio of births to the general population; the birth rate Origin: late 15c., "birth," from natal, from late 14c., from L. natalis "pertaining to birth or origin," from natus, pp. of nasci

banausic

Published on 2011-02-24 05:00:00

ba•nau•sic (buh-NAW-sik) adj Definition: 1. serving utilitarian purposes only; mechanical; practical; materialistic, uncultured, routine 2. relating to or concerned with earning a living 3. of or relating to a mechanic Origin: 1845; fro

oblation

Published on 2011-02-23 05:00:00

o•bla•tion (o-BLEY-shuhn) n Definition: 1. the act of offering something, such as worship or thanks, to a deity 2. a charitable offering or gift 3. the offering of the bread and wine of the Eucharist to God oblatory, oblational adjective

iracund

Published on 2011-02-22 05:00:00

i•ra•cund (AHY-ruh-kuhnd) adj Definition: easily angered, irascible iracundity noun Origin: 1815–25; Latin iracundus, equivalent to ira- "anger" + -cundus "inclined to" Related: Synonyms: irascible, choleric, angry, irri

yaw

Published on 2011-02-21 05:00:00

yaw (yaw) Definition: verb (used without object) 1. to deviate temporarily from a straight course, as a ship 2. (of an aircraft) to have a motion about its vertical axis 3. (of a rocket or guided missile) to deviate from a stable flight attitude by

satiety

Published on 2011-02-20 05:00:00

sa•ti•e•ty (suh-TAHY-i-tee) n Definition: 1. the state of being satisfactorily full and unable to take on more; fullness; sufficiency 2. the condition of being full or gratified beyond the point of satisfaction; surfeit 3. a glutted or

hymnody

Published on 2011-02-19 05:00:00

hym•no•dy (HIM-nuh-dee) n Definition: 1. the singing or the composition of hymns or sacred songs 2. hymns collectively, especially the collective hymns of a specific religion, place, or period 3. a study of hymns and their composers 4. th

wroth

Published on 2011-02-18 05:00:00

wroth (rawth) adj Definition: 1. angry; wrathful 2. stormy; violent; turbulent Origin: before 12th century; O.E. wrað "angry" (lit. "tormented, twisted”), from P.Gmc. *wraithaz, from PIE *wreit- "to turn" Related: Synonyms: angered, apo

autodidact

Published on 2011-02-17 05:00:00

au•to•di•dact (aw-toh-DAHY-dakt) n Definition: a person who has learned a subject without the benefit of a teacher or formal education; a self-taught person autodidactic adjective; autodidactically adverb Origin: 1748; from Gk. a

theophany

Published on 2011-02-16 05:00:00

the•oph•a•ny (thee-OF-uh-nee) n Definition: an appearance of a god to a human; a divine manifestation theophanic, theophanous adjective Origin: 1625–35; from L.L. theophania, from Gk. theophaneia, from theos "god" + phainein "to show

horrent

Published on 2011-02-15 05:00:00

hor•rent (HAWR-uhnt) adj Definition: 1. standing erect, as bristles; covered with bristling points; bristling 2. horrible; abhorring Origin: 1667; Latin horrent- (stem of horrens, present participle of horrere "to stand

fritinancy

Published on 2011-02-14 05:00:00

frit•i•nan•cy (FRIT-i-nan-see) n Definition: a chirping or creaking, as of a cricket Origin: sometime before 1914; from Latin fritinnire "to twitter", imitative of the rattle of dice Related: Synonyms: chirping, twittering Rela

Pickwickian

Published on 2011-02-13 05:00:00

Pick•wick•i•an (pik-WIK-ee-uhn) adj Definition: 1. simple and kind 2. meant or understood in an idiosyncratic or unusual way; in a sense other than the obvious or literal one 3. of, relating to, or resembling Mr Pickwick in The Pickwic

titivate

Published on 2011-02-12 05:00:00

tit•i•vate (TIT-uh-veyt) v Definition: to smarten or spruce up (oneself or another or a thing), as by making up, doing the hair, etc. titivated past participle; titivated past tense; titivating present participle; titivates 3r

conspectus

Published on 2011-02-11 05:00:00

con•spec•tus (kuhn-SPEK-tuhs) n Definition: 1. a usually brief survey or summary (as of an extensive subject) often providing an overall view 2. outline, synopsis Origin: 1825; from L. conspectus "a looking at, sight, view; range or powe

neoteric

Published on 2011-02-10 05:00:00

ne•o•ter•ic (nee-uh-TER-ik) Definition: adj of recent origin; modern; belonging to a new fashion or trend noun 1. a new writer or philosopher 2. a modern person; one accepting new ideas and practices neoterically adverb Origin: 1596; from

facinorous

Published on 2011-02-09 05:00:00

fa•cin•or•ous (fa-SIN-uhr-uhs) adj Definition: extremely wicked Origin: from Latin facinorous, from facinus "bad deed", from facere "to do or make" Related: Synonyms: wicked, corrupt, abominable, atrocious, contemptible, degenerate,

exuviate

Published on 2011-02-08 05:00:00

ex•u•vi•ate (ig-ZOO-vee-eyt) v Definition: to cast off or shed (exuviae); molt exuviation noun Origin: 1850–55; Latine exuvi(ae) "that which is stripped off," from stem of exuere, from PIE *eis- "to dress" + -ate Related: S

volitant

Published on 2011-02-07 05:00:00

vol•i•tant (VOL-i-tnt) adj Definition: 1. flying or capable of flying 2. moving about rapidly; flit about Origin: 1840–50; Latin volitant (stem of volitans ), present participle of volitare "to flutter", frequentative of v

tocsin

Published on 2011-02-06 05:00:00

toc•sin (TOK-sin) n Definition: 1. an alarm bell or the ringing of it 2. a warning signal Origin: 1586; from M.Fr. toquassen "an alarm bell, the ringing of an alarm bell" (late 14c.), from O.Prov. tocasenh, from tocar "to strike" (from V.L

bibacious

Published on 2011-02-05 05:00:00

bi•ba•cious (by-BAY-shuhs) adj Definition: overly fond or addicted to drinking; disposed to imbibe Origin: from Latin bibere "to drink" Related: Synonyms: bibulous, drunken, alcoholic, boozy Related Words: bib, bibulous, imbrue, bevera

caliginous

Published on 2011-02-04 05:00:00

ca•lig•i•nous (kuh-LIJ-uh-nuhs) adj Definition: misty; dim; dark; devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black Origin: 1548; rom L. caliginosus "misty," from caliginem (nom. caligo) "mistiness, darkness, fog, gloom"

acclivity

Published on 2011-02-03 05:00:00

ac•cliv•i•ty (uh-KLIV-i-tee) n Definition: an upward slope, as of a hill; an ascent acclivities plural; acclivitous, acclivous adjective Origin: 1614; from L. acclivitatem (nom. acclivitas) "an ascending direction, an upward steepness

lambent

Published on 2011-02-02 05:00:00

lam•bent (LAM-buhnt) adj Definition: 1. brushing or flickering gently over a surface 2. glowing or luminous, but lacking heat 3. exhibiting lightness or brilliance of wit; clever or witty without unkindness lambency noun; lambently adverb

soporific

Published on 2011-02-01 05:00:00

sop•o•rif•ic (sop-uh-RIF-ik) Definition: adj 1. causing or tending to cause sleep 2. pertaining to or characterized by sleep or sleepiness; sleepy; drowsy noun something that causes sleep, as a medicine or drug soporifically adverb O

gulosity

Published on 2011-01-31 05:00:00

gu•los•i•ty (gyoo-LOS-i-tee) adj Definition: greediness; voracity; excessive appetite for food; gluttony Origin: 1490–1500; Middle English gulosite, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin gulositas, from Latin gulosus "gluttonous", from

brumal

Published on 2011-01-30 05:00:00

bru•mal (BROO-muhl) adj Definition: 1. belonging to winter; winter-like 2. characteristic or related to winter 3. occurring in winter Origin: 1513; from L. brumalis, from bruma "winter" (perhaps with an original sense "season of the shorte

parturition

Published on 2011-01-29 05:00:00

par•tu•ri•tion (pahr-too-RISH-uhn) n Definition: the act or process of giving birth; childbirth Origin: 1646; from L. parturitionem, noun of action from parturire "be in labor," desiderative of parere "to bear, bring forth, give birth

quondam

Published on 2011-01-28 05:00:00

quon•dam (KWON-duhm, -dam) n Definition: that once was; former Origin: 1530s, Latin, quondam "formerly" Sentence Examples: • Though in direct opposition to the will of Major Berry, my father's quondam master and friend, Judge Wash tore

revanchist

Published on 2011-01-27 05:00:00

re•van•chist (ruh-VAN-chist) Definition: adj of or pertaining to a political policy of regaining lost territory or standing, as of a nation or an ethnic group, esp. in order to seek vengeance for a previous military defeat n

jape

Published on 2011-01-26 05:00:00

jape (jeyp) Definition: noun 1. something designed to arouse amusement or laughter 2. a trick or practical joke verb, intransitive to say or do something jokingly or mockingly verb, transitive to make mocking fun of japed past participle; japed

immure

Published on 2011-01-25 05:00:00

im•mure (ih-MYOOR) v Definition: 1. to confine within or as if within walls; imprison 2. to put or bury within a wall or build into a wall 3. to surround with walls; wall; fortify; protect immured past participle; immured past tense; immur

defalcation

Published on 2011-01-24 05:00:00

de•fal•ca•tion (dee-fal-KEY-shuhn) n Definition: 1. misappropriation of money or funds held by an official, trustee, or other fiduciary 2. the sum misappropriated defalcate verb Origin: 1425–75; from M.L. defalcationem (nom. defalca

helotism

Published on 2011-01-23 05:00:00

hel•o•tis•m (HEL-uh-tiz-uhm, HEE-luh-) n Definition: 1. a system under which a nominally free social class or a religious, national, or racial minority is permanently oppressed and degraded 2. a type of symbiosis, as among certain ants,

concupiscent

Published on 2011-01-22 05:00:00

con•cu•pi•scent (kon-KYOO-pi-suhnt) adj Definition: characterized by amorous or lustful desire or appetite; sensual; libidinous concupiscence noun; concupiscently adverb Origin: mid-15c., from L. concupiscentem (nom. concupiscen

obloquy

Published on 2011-01-21 05:00:00

ob•lo•quy (OB-luh-kwee) n Definition: 1. censure, blame, or abusive language aimed at a person or thing, esp. by numerous persons or by the general public 2. discredit, disgrace, or bad repute resulting from public blame, abuse, or denunc

gnomic

Published on 2011-01-20 05:00:00

gno•mic (NOH-mik) adj Definition: 1. sententious; uttering or containing maxims, or striking detached thoughts; aphoristic 2. of, or relating to gnomes gnomically adjective Origin: 1805–15; 1815, from Fr. gnomique (18c.) and directly fr

inculpate

Published on 2011-01-19 05:00:00

in•cul•pate (in-KUHL-peyt, IN-kuhl-peyt) v Definition: to blame; to impute guilt to; to accuse; to involve or implicate in guilt inculpation noun; inculpatory adjective Origin: 1799; from M.L. inculpatus, pp. of inculpare "to reproach,

pogonotrophy

Published on 2011-01-18 05:00:00

po•go•no•tro•phy (po-guh-NAW-truh-fee) n Definition: the cultivation of beards, beard-growing Origin: from Greek pogon "beard" + -trophy "nourishment, growth" Related: Related Words: pogonophile, one who loves beards; pogonophobia,

capitation

Published on 2011-01-17 05:00:00

cap•i•ta•tion (kap-i-TEY-shuhn) n Definition: 1. a poll tax 2. a payment or fee of a fixed amount per person; in medicine: a fixed payment remitted at regular intervals to a medical provider by a managed care organization for an enrolle

maritorious

Published on 2011-01-16 05:00:00

ma•ri•tor•i•ous (ma-ri-TOR-ee-uhs) adj Definition: excessively fond of one's husband Origin: from Latin maritus "married man, husband" Related: uxorious: excessively fond of one's wife Synonyms: none Related Words: marry, marita

veridical

Published on 2011-01-15 05:00:00

ve•rid•i•cal (vuh-RID-i-kuhl) adj also veridic Definition: 1. true, truthful, veracious 2. pertaining to an experience, perception, or interpretation that accurately represents reality 3. coinciding with future events or apparently unkn

lissom

Published on 2011-01-14 05:00:00

lis•som (lis-uhm) adj (also lissome, non-standard spelling) Definition: 1. easily bent; supple 2. having the ability to move with ease; limber lissomness noun; lissomly adverb Origin: c.1800, variant of lithesome; O.E. liðe "soft, mild,

escarpment

Published on 2011-01-13 05:00:00

e•scarp•ment (ih-SKAHRP-muhnt) n Definition: 1. a steep slope or long cliff that results from erosion or faulting and separates two relatively level areas of differing elevations 2. a steep slope in front of a fortification Origin: 1802

tenebrous

Published on 2011-01-12 05:00:00

ten•e•brous (TEN-uh-bruhs) adj Definition: 1. shut off from the light : dark, murky 2. hard to understand : obscure 3. causing gloom tenebrosity, tenebrousness noun Origin: 1375–1425; from O.Fr. tenebreus (11c.), from L. tenebrosus, f

quean

Published on 2011-01-11 05:00:00

quean (kween) n Definition: 1. an overly forward, impudent woman; shrew; hussy. 2. a prostitute. 3. Scots. a girl or young woman, esp. a robust one. Origin: before 1000; ME quene, OE cwene; c. MD quene, kone, OS, OHG

weltschmerz

Published on 2011-01-10 05:00:00

welt•schmerz (VELT-shmerts) n often capitalized Definition: 1. mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state 2. sorrow that one feels and accepts as one's necessary portion in life; se

arenaceous

Published on 2011-01-09 05:00:00

ar•e•na•ceous (ar-uh-NEY-shuhs) adj Definition: 1. resembling, derived from, or containing sand; sandy 2. growing in sandy areas Origin: 1640–50; From Latin harnceus, arnceus : harna, arna, sand; + -ceus, -aceous Related: S

orotund

Published on 2011-01-08 05:00:00

or•o•tund (AWR-uh-tuhnd) adj Definition: 1. marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound : sonorous 2. pompous, bombastic orotundity noun Origin: 1799; modification of Latin ore rotundo, literally, with round mouth Related: Syno

longanimity

Published on 2011-01-07 05:00:00

lon•ga•nim•i•ty (long-guh-NIM-i-tee) n Definition: calmness and patience in the face of suffering and adversity; forbearance longanimous adjective Origin: 1400–50; Middle English longanymyte, from Late Latin longanimitat-, lo

battology

Published on 2011-01-06 05:00:00

bat•tol•o•gy (buh-TOL-uh-jee) n Definition: continual unnecessary reiteration of the same words, phrases, or ideas battologist noun; battological adjective Origin: 1595–1605; from Gk. battologia "a speaking stammeringly," from batto

fissiparous

Published on 2011-01-05 05:00:00

fis•sip•ar•ous (fi-SIP-er-uhs) adj Definition: 1. tending to break up into parts or break away from a main body; factious 2. reproducing by biological fission 3. causing division or fragmenting something fissiparousness noun; fis

nocuous

Published on 2011-01-04 05:00:00

noc•u•ous (NOK-yoo-uhs) adj Definition: likely to cause damage or injury; harmful; noxious nocuousness noun; nocuously adverb Origin: 1635; from L. nocuus, from nocere from *nok-s-, suffixed form of PIE base *nek- "death" Related: Syn

rumbustious

Published on 2011-01-03 05:00:00

rum•bus•tious (ruhm-BUHS-chuhs) n Definition: uncontrollably exuberant; unruly; rambunctious rumbustiousness noun; rumbustiously adverb Origin: 1778; probably alteration of robustious (influenced by rambunctious) Related: Synony

diktat

Published on 2011-01-02 05:00:00

dik•tat (dik-TAHT) n Definition: 1. a harsh, unilaterally imposed settlement with a defeated party 2. an authoritative or dogmatic statement or decree Origin: 1933; German Diktat, "something dictated", from New Latin dictatum, from Latin,

integument

Published on 2011-01-01 05:00:00

in•teg•u•ment (in-TEG-yuh-muhnt) n Definition: 1. a natural covering, as a skin, shell, or rind 2. any covering, coating, enclosure Origin: 1611; from L. integumentem "a covering," from in- "in, upon" + tegere "to cover" Related: Syn

coetaneous

Published on 2010-12-31 05:00:00

co•e•ta•ne•ous (koh-i-TEY-nee-uhs) adj Definition: of equal age, duration, or period; coeval coetaneity noun; coetaneously adverb Origin: 1600–10; from L.L. coaetanus "one of the same age," from com- "with, together with" + aetat