Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Amalgamation

Amalgamation-n
1-a combination of 2 or more business concerns so as to form one
2-something that is a comination of different things or results from their amalgamation
3-the process of amalgamating things into a unified whole
4-a method of extracting a precious metal from an ore by using mercury to form an amalgam with the metal

Synonyms
merger
join up
union
incorporation

Amalgam

Amalgam-n
1-a blend of 2 or more elements or characteristics
2-a substance used as filling for tooth cavities, consisting of a past of powdered mercury, silver, and tin that quickly hardens

Synonyms
micture
blend
mix
amalgamation
combination
fusion

Altruism

Altruism-n
1-an altitude or way of behaving marked by unselfish concern for the welfare of others
2-the belief that acting for the benefit of others is right and good

Synonyms
unselfishness
self-sacrifice
humanity
sleflessness
philanthropy
selfishness (antoym)

Altimeter

Altimeter-n
an instrument that shows height above sea level, especially one mounted in an aircraft and incorporating an aneroid barometer that senses differences in pressure caused by changes in altitude

Altercate

Altercate-vi
to engage in a heated argument or confrontation

Monday, March 30, 2009

Aloof

Allof-adj
1-uninvolved or unwilling to become involved with other people or events, often out of a sense of lofty superiority to them
2-physically distant or apart from somebody or something

Synonyms
distant
unapproachable
detached
unfriendly
cold
remote
friendly (antonym)

Alluvium

Alluvium-n
sediment deposited by running water, especially the type of soil formed in river valleys and deltas from material washed down by the river

Allude

Allude-vi
to mention something or somebody, usually briefly, without giving a precise name or explicit identification but usually making clear by other means who or what is being referred to

Allocation

Allocation-n
1-the assignment or earmarking of something
2-a thing, amount, or share of something allocated to somebody or something

Synonyms
share
portion
part
allotment
allowance

Allocate

Allocate-vt
to give something to a particular person, or set something aside for a particular purpose, when dividing something between different people or projects

Synonyms
assign
distribute
allot
deal out
apportion
give out

Friday, March 27, 2009

Allegory

Allegory-n
1-a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral, or political meaning
2-the symbollic expression of a deeper meaning through a story or scene acted out by human, animal, or mythical characters
3-allegories considered as a literary or artistic genre
4-a symbollic representation of something

Synonyms
parable
symbol
fable
story
metaphor
tale

Allay

Allay-vt
1-to claim a strong emotion, for example, anger, or diminish and set at rest somebody's fears or suspicions
2-to relieve or reduce the severity of pain or a painful emotion

Synonyms
dispel
assuage
calm
relieve
alleviate
put to rest

Alimentary

Alimentary-adj (formal)
1-relating to food or nutrition
2-providing nourishment, sustenance, support, or maintenance

Aliment

Aliment-n
something that feeds, sustains, or supports something else (formal)

vt
to provide sustenace or support to somebody or something (formal)

Alcove

Alcove-n
1-a recess in the wall of a room
2-a recess in an exterior wall, usually with a roof or some covering structure
3-a shady or secluded place in a garden

Algorithm

Algorithm-n
1-a logical, step-by-step procedure for solving a mathematical problem in a finite number of steps, often involving repetition of the same basic operation
2-a logical seqence of steps for solving a problem, often written out as a flow chart, that can be translated into a computer program

Albumen

Albumen-n
1-the clear water-soluble protein that surrounds the yolk of an egg and provides nutrition for the embryo (technical)
2-the protein compound of egg white, which includes albumin

Albacore

Albacore-n
a large tuna with a long pectoral fin, found in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Pacific and used as a food fish. Latin name: THunnus alalunga

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Alacrity

Alacrity-n
promptness or eager and speedy readiness

Synonyms
eagerness
enthusiasm
readiness
quickness
promptness
speed
swiftness
rapidity
keenness
zeal
sluggishness (antonym)

Alabaster

Alabaster-n
1-a type of gypsum, usually white or translucent, use for sculpture and decorative work
2-a hard semitranslucent type of calcite, which sometimes has bands

adj
made of alabaster, or white and translucent like alabaster

Akin

Akin-adj
1-similar or closely related to something
2-related by blood
3-used to describe languages that share a common origin or ancient forms

Synonyms
similar
of the same kind
parallel
like
analogous

Agronomy

Agronomy-n
the science of soil management, land cultivation, and crop production

Agrarian

Agrarian-adj
1-dominated by or relating to farming or rural life
2-relating to land, especially its ownership and cultivation
3-promoting the interest of farmers, especially by seeking a fairer or more equitable basis of land ownership

n
somebody, often a member of an agrarian political movement, who believes in the fair distribution of land, especially the redistribution of large amounts of land owned by the rich

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia-n
a condition characterized by an irrational fear of public or open spaces

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Agog

Agog-adj
intensely interested, excited, or eager

Synonyms
eager
excited
impatient
keen
avid
interested
enthusiastic
curious

Aggrieve

Aggrieve-vt
1-to cause somebody pain, trouble, or distress (formal)
2-to inflict an actionable injury on somebody

Synonyms
hurt
upset
affliction
sadden
pain
depress
distress
encourage (antonym)

Aggrandize

Aggrandize-vt
1-to increase the size or scope of something
2-to increase or improve the power, wealth, influence, or status of somebody or something, especially by deliberate plan
3-to make somebody or something seem bigger or better than is actually the case, especially through exaggerated praise (formal disapproving)

Synonyms
exaggerate
enlarge
elaborate
increase
enhance

Agglutination

Agglutination-n
1-the gluing together or uniting of separate elements or objects
2-a group, clump, or mass formed by the gluing together or uniting of separate elements or objects
3-the formation of clumps of cells, for example, red blood cells or microorganisms, in the presence of particular antibodies
4-clumps of cells, for example, red blood cells or microorganisms, formed in the presence of particular antibodies
Also called agglutinate
5-the process of forming compound words, derivatives, or inflections by combining simple words or word components without alteration

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Agglutinate

Agglutinate-vti
1-to be joined or glued together, or cause things to stick to each other
2-to cause cells such as red blood cells or bacteria to form clumps, or stick together in clumps
3-to combine simple words together without changing their form to make a new word, or be combined in a new word in this way

n
see agglutination n.4

Agglomerate

Agglomerate-vti
1-to collect together into a mass
2-to gather or accumulate something in a roughly ball-shaped mass

n
1- a jumbled mass or collection of something (formal)
2-rock produced by a volcanic eruption, consisting of fragments of different rock types, sizes, and shapes, set in fine-grained solidified volcanic ash

adj
gethered into or forming a rounded mass

Agate

Agate-n
1-a hard fine-grained form of chalcedony with variousloy colored bands, markings, and areas of clouding, often used as a gemstone
2-a playi8ng marble made of agate or of glass that looks like agate

Agar/Agar-Agar-n

Agar/Agar-Agar-n
1-an extract of seaweed in powder form used as a gelling agent in vegetarian cooking and commercially as a thickener
2-a gel culture medium based on a seaweed extract, widely used for growing microorganisms in laboratories

Agape (2)

Agape-n
2-love that is wholly selfless and spiritual
2-selfless love felt by Christians for their fellow human beings
3-a communal meal held by a Christian community, especailly in early Christian times in commemoration of the Last Supper

Monday, March 23, 2009

Agape (1)

Agape-adv adj (literary)
1-opened quite widely
2-with the mouth wide open, usually in surprise or wonder

Synonyms
astonished
amazed
open-mouthed

Aft

Aft-adv adj
toward or at the rear of a ship, submarine, or aircraft

Synonyms
behind
in back
astern
at the back
at the rear
fore (antonym)

Aficionado

Aficionado-n
1-somebody who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about something
2-a devotee of bullfighting

Synonyms
devotee
gan
enthusiast
addict
adherent
admirer
fanatic

Affluent

Affluent-adj
having an abundance of material wealth

n
1-people who are financially well off
2-a stream or river that flows into another

Synonyms
rich
comfortable
wealthy
well healed
well off
prosperous
born with a silver spoon in your mouth
poor (antonym)

Affluence/Affluency

Affluence/Affluency-n
an abundance of material wealth

Synonyms
wealth
material comfort
riches
privileged circumstances
prosperity
poverty (antonym)

Afflaxus

Afflaxus-n
creative inspiration, usually thought of as divine (literary)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Affinity

Affinity-n
1-a natural liking for or inclination toward somebody or something, or a feeling of identification with somebody or something
2-somebody to whom somebody else is attracted
3-a similarity or likeness that connects persons or things
4-a relationship by marriage rather than blood
5-a smiliarity in structure between groups that may suggest a common origin
6-a measure of the likelihood of a chemical reaction taking place between 2 substances Also called avidity
7-the attraction between an antigen and an antibody

Synonyms
similarity
resemblance
likeness

Affidavit

Affidavit-n
a written declaration made on oath before somebody authorized to administer oaths, usually setting out the statement of a witness for court proceedings

Synonyms
sworn statement
confirmation
official declaration
proclomation
affirmation

Affable

Affable-adj
good-natured, friendly, and easy to talk to

Synonyms
genial
pleasant
friendly
sociable
easy going
jovial

Aesthete/Esthete

Aesthete/esthete-n
somebody who has or affects a highly developed appreciation of beauty, especially in the arts

Adsorb

Adsorb-vti
to undergo or cause something to undergo adsorbtion

Adsorption

Adsorption-n
the process by which a layer of atoms or molecules of a substance, usually a gas, is formed on the surface of a solid or liquid

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Adroit

Adroit-adj
dsplaying physical or mental skill

Synonyms
skillful
nimble
practiced
able
clever
dexterous
adept
competent
accomplished
skilled
clumsy (antonym)

Ado

Ad-n
excited activity or bother

Synonyms
commotion
excitement
argument
bother
upheaval
to-do
protest
ruckus
objection
bustle
activity

Admonition

Admonition-n
1-a mild but earnest rebuke
2-advice for or against doing something

Synonyms
caution
warning
reprimand
rebuke
reproach
scolding
approval (antonym)

Admonish

Admonish-vt
1-to rebuke somebody mildly but earnestly
2-to advise somebody to do, or more often, not to do something

Synonyms
reprove
caution
warn about
give a warning
reprimand
rebuke
reproach
tell off
scold
chide
approve (antonym)

Adjutant

Adjutant-n
an officer who acts as an administrative assistant to a commanding officer

Adjudication

Adjudication-n
a judicial decision, sentence, or decree

Synonyms
arbitration
negotiation
meditation
settlement
intercession

Adjure

Adjure-vt
1-to order somebody to do something, especiall under oath
2-to make an earnest appeal to somebody

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Adjudicate

Adjudicate-vti
1-to reach a judicial decision on something
2-to make an official decision about a problem or dispute

Synonyms
give a ruling
judge
arbitrate
sit in judgment
pass judgment
deliver judgment
referee
umpire

Adjectival

Adjectival-adj
relating to or functioning as an adjective

Adipose

Adipose-adj
containing fat

n
fat around the tissue just below the skin and surrounding major organs, acting as an energy reserve and providing insulation and protection

Adenoidal

Adenoidal-adj
1-displaying symptoms caused by enlarged adenoids, for example, a nasal voice or breathing difficulties
2-used to describe the adenoids

Adenoid

Adenoid-adj
1-relating to or similar to a gland
2-relating to lymphoid tissue
3-see adenoidal

npl-Adenoids
a mass of tissue at the back of the throat. If they become enlarged, breathing can be restricted through the nose.

Adductor

Adductor-n
a muscle that pulls a leg or arm toward the central line of the body or a toe or finger toward the axis of a leg or arm

Adenectomy

Adenectomy-n
the surgical removal of a gland

Adduct

Adduct-vt
to pull a leg or arm toward the central line of the body or a toe or finger toward the axis of a leg or arm

n
a chemical compound formed by the combiantion of 2 or more different compounds or elements in an addition-type reaction

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Aduce

Aduce-vt
to offer something as evidence, reason, or proof (formal)

Addle

Addle-vti
1-to confuse or muddle somebody, or become confused or muddled
2-to make something rotten or spoiled

Addison's Disease

Addison-s Disease-n
a wasting disease characterized by bronzing of the skin, low blood pressure, and weakness. It is cause by underactivity of the adrenal glands.

Addend

Addend-n
a number that is to be added

Addendum

Addendum-n
1-something that is or has been added
2-a supplement to a book or magazine

Synonyms
addition
P.S.
supplement
codicil
appendix
add-on
post script
rider

Adamant

Adamant-adj
very determined and not influenced by appeals to reconsider

n
an extremely hard legendary stone, sometimes identified as diamond or lodestone (archaic)

Synonyms
obstinate
obdurate
unyielding
inflexible
unbending
unwavering
immovable
resolute
steadfast
stubborn
fixed
compliant (antonym)

Acumen

Acumen-n
quick, insight, or the ability to make quick accurate judgments of people or situtations

Synonyms
insight
good judgment
sharpness
intelligence
shrewdness
wisdom
penetration
expertise

Friday, March 13, 2009

Acuity

Acuity-n
keenness of hearing, sight, or intellect

Synonyms
insight
perception
perspicacity
acuteness
keenness
sharpness
dullness (antonym)

Actuate

Actuate-vt
1-to make somebody act or behave in a certain way (often used in the passive)
2-to make a device move or start working (formal)

Synonyms
activate
trigger
put into action
start
motivate
get going
set in motion

Actuary

Actuary-n
a statistician who calculates insurance premiums, risks, dividends, and annuity rates

Actinium

Actinium-n
a radioactive silvery white metallic chemical element found in pitchblende, and used as a source of alpha rays
Symbol Ac

Actinolite

Actinolite-n
a green or grayish green mineral consisting of calcium, magnesium, or silicate. It is a member of the amphibole group.

Actinide

Actinide-n
chemical element in the series of radioactive elements beginning with actinium and ending with lawrencium

Actinism

Actinism-n
the property of radiation that makes it possible to effect photochemical changes

Actinian

Actinian-n
a sea anemone (technical)

Actinic

Actinic-adj
relating to radiation such as ultraviolet radiation that produces a chemical effect

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Actinal

Actinal-adj
1-used to describe the side of a marine animal such as a jellyfish or sea anemone from which the arms or tentacles radiate, or on which the mouth area is situated
2-with rays or tentacles

Actin

Actin-n
a protein that is essential for cell movement and the maintenace of cell shape. It is a constituent of the structure of cells and muscle tissue and combines with myosin during muscle contraction.

Synonyms
play the lead in
feature in
play in

Actaeon

Actaeon-n
in Greek mythology, a hunter who was turned into a stag after inadvertently catching site of the goddess Artemis bathing

Acrylic

Acrylic-n
1-a synthetic textile fiber produced from acrylontrile
2-something containing or made from acrylic acid
3-a paint containing acrylate resin, used especially in painting pictures

adj
relating to, derived from, or containing acrylic acid

Acrylonitrile

Acrylonitrile-n
a colorless toxic liquid used in making acrylic fibers and resins, rubber, and thermoplastics

Acrosome

Acrosome-n
a structure at the end of a sperm cell that releases enzyms to digest the cell membrane of an egg, enabling the sperm to penetrate the egg

Acropolis (2)

Acropolis-n
the fortified citadel of a city in ancient Greece

Acrophobia

Acrophobia-n
an irrational fear of being in high places

Acropolis

Acropolis-n
the ancient citadel of Athens in Greece that was the religious focus of the city. It contains the remains of several temples, including the Parthenon.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Acropetal

Acropetal-adj
used to describe leaves or flowers that grow in order from the base of a plant or stem toward the apex
See also basipetal

Acromegaly

Acromegaly-n
a disease of adults that is caused by overproduction of growth hormones, resulting in enlargement of the bones of the hands, feet, jaw, nose, and ribs

Acromion

Acromion-n
a bony projection from the outer end of the spine of the shoulder blade, to which the collarbone is attached

Acrolith

Acrolith-n
a statue, especially in ancient Greece, with only the hands, feet, and head made in stone, the body being wooden

Acrolein

Acrolein-n
a colorless poisonous pungent aldehyde used in manufacturing chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Acrolect

Acrolect-n
the language variety among a group of related varieties that is closest to the standard for of the language

Acrodont

Acrodont-adj
used to describe the teeth of some reptiles that have no roots and are joined to the jawbone, or reptiles with teeth of this type

Acrocentric

Acrocentric-adj
used to describe a chromosome that has arms of unequal length because the structure at which the two arms join (centromere) is locatedc toward one end
See also accentric
See also telocentric

Acrimony

Acrimony-n
bitterness and resentment, especially in speech, attitude, or tone

Synonyms
bitterness
unfriendliness
spite
ill will
rancor
bad blood
animosity
bad feeling
hostility
harmony (antonym)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Acriflavine

Acriflavine-n
an orange-brown crystalline solid used in solution as an antiseptic

Acrimonious

Acrimonious-adj
full of or displaying anger and resentment

Synonyms
bitter
spiteful
rancorous
discordant
hostile
unfriendly
harsh
harmonious (antonym)

Acridine

Acridine-n
a colorless crystalline solid used in manufacturing dyes and pharmaceuticals

Acrid

Acrid-adj
1-unpleasantly strong and bitter in smell or taste
2-sharp or bitter in or character

Synonyms
pungent
bitter
choking
sharp
unpleasant
harsh

Acquisitive

Acquisitive-adj
1-eager to acquire things, especially possessions
2-curious, eager, and quick to learn

Synonyms
greedy
avid
covetous
grasping
avaricious
materialistic

Acoustician

Acoustician-n
a specialist in the study of sound

Acquiesce

Acquiesce-vi
to agree or comply with something passively rather than expressing approval or support

Synonyms
agree
give in
concur
comply
accept
consent
assent
submit
go along with
yield
concede
resist (antonym)

Acouchi/Acouchy

Acouchi/Acouchy-n
an agile South American rodent similar to an agouti
Genus: Myoprocta

Aconite

Aconite-n
1-a plant with poisonous roots that grows in northern temperature regions and has purplish blue or white hooded flowers. Monkshood and wolfsbane are types of aconite. Genus: Aconitum
2-See winter aconite
3-an extract of the dried poisonous root of some aconite plants, used in the past as a drug
Also called monkshood

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Acolyte

Acolyte-n
1-somebody, especially a young person, who assists a member of the clergy in the performance of rites.
2-a follower or assistant

Acoelomate

Acoelomate-n
an organism such as a flatworm or jellyfish, with no cavity (coelom) between its digestive tract and outer wall

Ack-ack

Ack-ack-n (informal)
1- an antiaircraft gun
2-antiaircraft fire

Acinus

Acinus-n
1-a rounded sac, containing secretory cells, found at the ends of the ducts in an exocrine gland
2-see alveolus
3-one of the small globes (dropulets) that make up an aggregate fruit such as a blackberry or raspberry

Acidulous

Acidulous-adj
1-slightly sour in taste (formal)
2-cutting and sharp in speech or tone

Acidulate

Acidulate-vti
to make something slightly acid, or become slightly acid

Acicula

Acicula-n
a needle-shaped part, for example, a spine, bristle, or crystal (technical)

Acidophil

Acidophil/Acidophile-n
1-a microorganism or plant that fourishes in an acid environment
2-a cell that stains readily with acidic dyes

Achromatic

Achromatic-adj
1-without color and therefore white, gray, or black in appearance
2-able to reflect or refract light without spectral color separation
3-used to describe cells not easily stained with standard dyes
4-using a scale with no sharps or flats