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obstreperous noisy, loud contumacious insubordinate, rebellious mettlesome courageous, high-spirited. Don't confuse with "meddlesome," meaning inclined to interfere. cadge to beg, to get by begging pith heart of the matter, basic trait. Also force, strength, or vigor supine lying on the back. Also slow to act, passive. remonstrate to protest, object inveigh to attack verbally, denounce, deprecate precepts rules establishing standards of conduct impute to attribute to a cause or source, ascribe feckless lacking purpose or vitality; ineffective; careless decorum propriety, properness. penchant strong inclination, a liking. appropriate (verb) take for one's own use, acquire, set aside. Don't confuse with "appropriate (adjective)," which means fitting or suitable. truculence aggressiveness, ferocity garrulity talkativeness. Adjective is garrulous--talkative arabesque a complex, ornate design. Also a dance position. beatify to bless, make happy, or ascribe a virtue to. Regard as saintly. Don't confuse with "beautify," which means to make beautiful. forbearance patience, willingness to wait. veritable unquestionable, true. pragmatic practical, favoring utility. arrant in every way, being completely such. consequential pompous, self important. Also having consequence, important. Also following as a result, or being an effect of some cause. malinger to fake illness or injury, in order to shirk a duty. paucity scarcity, a lacking of striated striped, grooved, or banded. Having stripes. seminal like a seed; constituting a source, originative. attenuate make thin. weaken, enervate. precarious uncertain, risky, dangerous. enervate weaken, deprive of strength, attenuate. partisan one-sided, committed to a party, biased or prejudiced. equivocate lie, mislead, conceal the truth. assiduous diligent, hard-working, sedulous. anachronism something out of place for its time lassitude weariness, tiredness phlegmatic calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional sycophant flatterer, parasite; a suck-up perfunctory superficial, listless, not thorough impair worsen, diminish in value transient temporary, fleeting qualify to limit nascent coming into existence, emerging Quixotic extravagantly chivalrous, romantically idealistic, impractical reprobate person hardened in sin; one devoid of decency libertine immoral person tractable easily influenced, obedient, docile craven cowardly picaresque involving clever rogues or adventurers. Don't confuse with "picturesque," which means picture-like, charming, or quaint. sedulous diligent, assiduous, devoted to a task aver affirm, assert, prove, justify intrepid fearless, brave, undaunted impassive without feeling, not affected by pain salient conspicuous, highly relevant, prominent morose gloomy, sullen raffish low, vulgar, base, tawdry loquacious talkative, garrulous piquant agreeably pungent, stimulating demur to hesitate, raise objections equipoise equal distribution of weight; equilibrium abysmal extreme; low, like an abyss tawdry cheap, gaudy, showy, tacky dross waste product, sludge; something worthless, common, or trivial ardor warm interest, passion, enthusiasm, zeal insouciant unconcerned, carefree volubility fluency, verbosity, easy use of spoken language dulcet melodious, harmonious mellifluous sweetly flowing; usually used to describe use of words (sweetly flowing words, as when the speech is characterized by high volubility. desiccate to dry up, dehydrate harrow to distress, create stress or torment pellucid transparent, easy to understand pariah an outcast, a rejected and despised person taciturn untalkative, silent pique resentment at being slighted turgid excessively ornate; swollen or bloated ]pillory to punish, hold up to public scorn adamant hard and inflexible; unyielding multifarious varied, motley, greatly diversified torpor lethargy, sluggishness, dormancy imprecation an invocation of evil; a curse audacious daring; bold hirsute hairy, shaggy tenacity firmness, persistency, adhesiveness, tending to hang on apostate one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions lachrymose causing tears, tearful welter turmoil; a bewildering jumble discomfit to defeat, put down laconic brief, to the point, terse venal corruptible, bribable, unprincipled ossify to turn to bone; to settle rigidly into an idea or practice, become closed-minded disingenuous sophisticated, artful, trying to deceive, cunning insensible unconscious, unresponsive, unaffected turbid muddy, having the sediment stirred up erudite learned, scholarly saturnine gloomy, dark, sullen, morose abeyance suspended action diaphanous transparent, gauzy epitome representative, a summary or abstract, a typical example squalid foul, filthy quiescent at rest, dormant, torpid recreancy cowardice, a cowardly giving up misanthrope one who hates mankind misogynist one who hates women/females castigate to chastise, correct by punishing apprehension misgiving, dread. Also a stopping or arrest. Also an understandingprosaic--dull, tedious, commonplace gainsay deny pungency sharpness; stinging quality approbation approval refractory stubborn, unmanageable, intractable contentious quarrelsome, competitive, quick to fight, pugnacious antipathy aversion, dislike hapless unlucky, unfortunate prevaricate stray from or avoid the truth; equivocate countenance (n) mien, face (v) approve of dogmatic positive, certain, arbitrary, without room for discussion strut a supporting bar felicitous apt; suitably expressed, well chosen, apropos apropos appropriate to the situation; apt implacable incapable of being placated, unpleasable raffish disreputable; tawdry guileless without deceit, honest resigned unresisting, submissive vituperate berate, rail against, attack verbally render deliver, provide, represent diffidence shyness sophistry fallacious reasoning, faulty logic fulminate berate, vituperate, to thunder out, to explode, dynamo a generator, something that produces electric current; an energetic person assay an analysis, examination, test. To put to a test hallow to make holy; consecrate disabuse to undeceive, correct a false impression boisterous loud, noisy, rough, lacking restraint inveigle wheedle, led astray sodden soaked, saturated perfidious violating good faith, treacherous, dishonest conundrum a riddle, dilemma, enigma denouement an outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot stolid showing no emotion; impassive dissemble present false appearance; deceive desuetude cessation of use; disuse indefatigability not easily exhaustible; tirelessness dilatory causing delay, procrastinating garner to gather and save; to store up intractable unruly, refractory, stubborn delineate to portray, depict, sketch out ascetic practicing self-denial, austere, stark fervid intense, zealous daunt intimidate, make fearful burgeon grow forth, send out buds anomalous unexpected, not normal, odd nice precise, sensitive to subtleness prodigal wasteful, reckless with money lugubrious mournful, excessively sad baleful harmful, ominous, causing evil credulous gullible, too willing to believe incredulous skeptical, unwilling to believe (NOT "incredible," as many think) blithe cheerful, casual, carefree verisimilitude appearing true or real provident frugal; looking to the future edacious voracious, devouring expostulate argue earnestly to dissuade, correct, or protest auspice protection or support, patronage auspicious favorable, successful, prosperous punctilious precise, paying attention to trivialities, especially in regard to etiquette salutary remedial, wholesome, causing improvement imbroglio difficult or embarrassing situation wend to go, proceed nostrum a quack remedy, an untested cure personable pleasing in appearance, attractive salacious obscene exscind to cut out, cut away sublime lofty, noble quail lose courage, turn frightened urbane elegant, refined in manners tyro novice, amateur boorish crude, offensive, rude upbraid reprove, reproach effete infertile, worn out, weak obdurate stubborn, inflexible, adamant mince pronounce or speak affectedly, euphemize, speak too carefully. Also to take tiny steps, tiptoe inimitable defying imitation, unmatchable inveterate deep rooted, ingrained, habitual umbrage offense, resentment extirpate to destroy, exterminate, cut out, exscind forswear renounce, disallow, repudiate ignoble dishonorable, common, undignified ostensible seeming, appearing as such, professed illusory deceptive; an illusion overweening presumptuously arrogant, overbearing, immoderate, being a jerk wag to be incessantly active, to waddle; also a mischievous person lucubrate write in scholarly fashion impetuous impulsive, forceful, with energy bellicose belligerent, pugnacious, warlike cabal a scheme or plot, a group of plotters irresolute unresolved, indecisive complaisance tending to comply, obliging, willingness to please apprise give notice to, inform pusillanimous cowardly, craven polemical controversial, argued luculent easily understood, lucid, clear poignant physically painful, distressing, pertinent, touching, stimulating, emotional engender cause, produce, give rise to dissemble to hide, conceal, disguise equanimity calmness of temperament ingenuous naive, young, artless, frank, honest, sincere. Don't confuse with "ingenious"--very clever epicure food lover, a connoisseur of food salient prominent, protruding, conspicuous, highly relevant inchoate not yet fully formed, rudimentary, elementary pugnacious contentious, quarrelsome, contumacious, given to fighting, belligerent peremptory urgent, imperative, unchallengeable, ending debate exigency emergency, an urgent situation ameliorate improve, make better august majestic, venerable. Don't confuse with the month, "August," which is always capitalized. minatory menacing, threatening froward intractable, not willing to yield or comply, stubborn (NOT "forward") fetter to shackle, put in chains pundit a learned scholar, an authority on a subject venal corruptible, open to bribery belie contradict, give a false impression epitome brief summary or abstract; representative example; a typical model prosaic everyday, mundane, commonplace, trite, pedestrian hermetic sealed by fusion fervor zeal, ardor, intense emotion endemic prevailing in a specific area reticent reserved, untalkative, silent, taciturn rapacious voracious, greedy, plundering coeval of the same period, coexisting austere forbiddingly stern, simple, unadorned, very plain indolence laziness pristine primitive, unspoiled, pure, as in earlier times, unadulterated capricious fickle, whimsical, given to change, unpredictable edifying enlightening philistine a smug ignorant person; one who lacks knowledge maladroit clumsy, bungling detumescence diminishing or lessening of swelling stygian gloomy, dark calumniate to slander, present false accusal baneful causing harm or ruin, pernicious, destructive forestall prevent by taking action in advance, preempt occult hidden, concealed, beyond comprehension irascible irritable, easily angered facetious humorous, funny, jocular trenchant forceful, effective, vigorous; extremely perceptive, incisive stymie to hinder, obstruct, or block intransigence unwillingness to compromise, stubbornness, intractability mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; commonplace, everyday mitigate appease, lessen, propitiate abstruse difficult to comprehend; obscure expatiate to roam, wander freely propitiate appease, mitigate slake to assuage, to satisfy, allay contentious argumentative, pugnacious, combative, quarrelsome inscrutable incapable of being discovered or understood elegy a lament, a melancholy composition derivative unoriginal, obtained from another source supercilious disdainful; characterized by haughty scorn sundry various, miscellaneous, separate mercurial quick, changeable in character, fleeting desultory aimless, haphazard, digressing at random sanctimony self-righteousness, hypocritical, with false piety indomitable not easily discouraged or subdued foment to stir up, arouse, incite splenetic bad-tempered, irritable flout reject, mock, to go against (as in going against tradition or conventions) obfuscate to darken, make obscure, muddle noisome unwholesomely bad-smelling, putrid; (NOT "noisy") incursion a raid, a sudden attack paean a song of praise or triumph turpitude wickedness, shamefulness detraction slandering, verbal attack, aspersion chastened corrected, punished brook to tolerate, endure ignominious shameful, dishonorable, undignified, disgraceful prolix long and wordy bane cause of injury, poison, source of harm abrogate abolish or annul by authority; put down conciliatory reconciling, soothing, comforting, mollifying insularity narrow-mindedness, isolated untoward perverse, unruly, unseemly perverted twisted, corrupted, turned from normal course odium contempt, dislike, aversion dissolution disintegration, looseness in morals sophomoric self-assured though immature, affected, bombastic, overblown, lacking maturity enormity excessive wickedness; evilness. Don't confuse with "enormousness," which means great size. ENORMITY DOES NOT MEAN "BIGNESS" OR "GREAT SIZE" obdurate hardened and unrepentant; stubborn, inflexible fatuous complacently stupid burnish to polish, rub to a shine tenuous unsubstantial, flimsy, weak repudiate disown, disavow, reject as untrue denigrate blacken, belittle, sully, defame maverick rebel, nonconformist effluvia outflow in a stream of particles; a noxious odor or vapor alacrity cheerful promptness salubrious healthful paradigm a model, example, or pattern apotheosis deification, glorification to godliness officious meddlesome, pushy in one's services cogent convincing spurious false, counterfeit panegyric formal praise, eulogy mollify to soothe peregrination traveling about, wandering acarpous effete, no longer fertile, worn out bedizen to adorn, especially in a cheap, showy manner alloy to debase by mixing with something inferior fecund fertile doggerel trivial, poorly constructed verse peripatetic walking mendicant a beggar propitiatory conciliatory, appeasing, mitigating pedantic bookish, showing off learning nadir bottom, the lowest point zenith top, the highest point broach bring up, announce, begin to talk about obtrusive projecting, prominent, undesirably noticeable ramify to be divided or subdivided; to branch out exculpate to clear from a charge of guilt ineluctable certain, inevitable gainsay to deny, declare false, to oppose episodic loosely connected, not flowing logically iconoclastic attacking cherished beliefs recidivism relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior profligate wasteful, prodigal, licentious, extravagant inherent ingrained within one's nature; firmly established; a natural part of; definitionally so torpid sleeping, sluggish, lethargic, dormant gregarious sociable, outgoing recondite profound, abstruse, obscure judicious sound in judgment; wise sinuous winding, undulating, serpentine undulate to move in wavelike fashion, fluctuate probity uprightness, incorruptibility, principle rubric heading, title, or category interdict prohibit, forbid harangue a long, passionate speech calumny slander, aspersion petrous like a rock, hard, stony petrify to make hard, rocklike conjoin to join together nexus a connection, tie, or link penury extreme poverty idyll a carefree episode or experience; a short poem describing a picturesque episode countenance to favor or approve of fulsome disgusting, offensive due to excessiveness chauvinist a blindly devoted patriot veritably unquestionably, certainly itinerate to travel from place to place, to peregrinate eulogy formal praise; panegyric malleable yielding; easily shaped; moldable; adapting bilge bulge, the protuberance of a cask lubricious lewd, wanton, greasy, slippery sagacious having sound judgment; perceptive, wise; like a sage impecunious poor, penniless recondite not easily understood, abstruse, inscrutable querulous complaining, peevish, discontented virago a loud, domineering woman; a scold or nag rarefy to make thin, to make less dense, to purify or refine expurgate to remove obscenity, purify, censor propinquity nearness in time or place, affinity of nature extenuate reduce the strength of, lessen seriousness, partially excuse deprecate protest against, express disapproval of excoriate to flay, strip off the skin; to denounce sharply obviate to make unnecessary, get rid of opprobrious shameful, expressing disgrace succor assistance, relief in time of distress censure expression of blame or disapproval; a rebuke proscribe ostracize, banish, outlaw platitude a trite or banal statement; unoriginality impetuous having sudden energy, impulsive, thrusting ahead, forceful obloquy abusively detractive language, sharp criticism, vituperation plaintive mournful, melancholy, sorrowful timorous fearful, timid, afraid debacle a breakup, overthrow, sudden disaster effrontery boldness, impudence, arrogance specious illogical, of questionable truth or merit redoubtable formidable, causing fear regale to delight or entertain; to feast volatile changeable, inconstant, fickle, unstable, explosive inured accustomed to, adapted blandishment flattery, enticement pernicious deadly, very destructive accretion growth, increase by successive addition, building up deposition accretion, depositing, building up layer by layer quotidian daily; commonplace, pedestrian pedestrian commonplace, trite, unremarkable sanguine cheerful, confident, optimistic consternation sudden confusion or amazement exsert thrust out, push forth petulant impatient, irritable scurvy mean, contemptible surfeit satiate, feed to fullness or to excess prevaricate to equivocate, to stray from the truth temerity boldness, brashness, intrepidness stint to be thrifty, to set limits obtain to be established, accepted, or customary propitious auspicious, presenting favorable circumstances ebullient overflowing with enthusiasm; showing excitement abjure recant solemnly, repudiate, renounce encomium warm or glowing praise; eulogy, panegyric arduous steep, difficult ascent; laborious tautology a repetition, a redundancy suppliant asking humbly, beseeching imperiousness arrogance, commanding presence, overbearingness evince to show clearly, to indicate stanch to stop the flow of a fluid vitiate to pervert, debase, make ineffective contemn to scorn or despise stentorian extremely loud and powerful poseur someone taking on airs to impress others; a phony grievous causing grief or pain; serious, dire, grave precipitate (v) to hurl down, to fall headlong (adj) speeding, acting recklessly sententious short and pithy, full of maxims/proverbs palliate to make something appear less serious, to alleviate, to gloss over, put a positive spin on floridness ruddiness; heavily decorated; ornateness asperity roughness, harshness, ill temper, irritability (Don't confuse with "aspersion," which means slander mendacity dishonesty involute intricate, complex importune ask incessantly, to beg, to nag precipitous rash, foolhardy; dropping sharply, dangerous aba garment of camel or goat hair; camel or goat-hair fabric abacinate to blind by putting red-hot copper basin near the eyes abactor cattle thief abaculus small tile for mosaic abaft toward or at the stern of a ship; further aft abampere unit equivalent to 10 amperes abapical at the lowest point abarticular not connected with the joint abasement action of humbling or degrading abasia inability to walk due to lack of muscular coordination abask in genial warmth abatis rampart of felled trees and branches abatjour skylight or device to direct light into a room abattoir public slaughterhouse abature trail through wood beaten down by a stag abb yarn used for warp abba Syriac or Coptic bishop abbatial of, like or pertaining to abbots or an abbey abbozzo preliminary sketch abditive remote; secret; hidden abdominous having a paunch or big belly abducent turning away; bearing away from abeam in a line at right angles to the length of a vessel, on the beam abear to bear; to comport; to behave abecedarian of, like or pertaining to the order of the alphabet; rudimentary abecedism word created from the initials of words in a phrase abele white poplar tree aberdevine alternate name for the siskin aberuncators long tool for pruning tall branches abessive indicating absence or lack abiectic of, like or pertaining to fir trees or fir sap abigail a lady's maid abigeus cattle rustler abiogenesis spontaneous generation of living matter abiotrophy degeneration; loss of physical vitality or ability abirritate to alleviate irritation; to reduce sensitivity abiturient pupil leaving school for university abject humble; miserable; craven ablactation weaning of a child from its mother's milk ablative indicating direction from or time when ablator thermal protection on outside of spacecraft ablaut variation in root vowel of words to change meaning ablegate papal envoy or legate ablepsia blindness ablow in a blowing state abluent cleanser or cleansing product ablutomania mania for washing oneself abnegate to renounce or repudiate abodement an omen; a foretelling aboideau tide gate abolla Roman military cloak abomasum ruminant's fourth stomach aboral away from the mouth abord to accost; to approach aborning during birth; while being born aborticide killing of a fetus; abortion abortuary anti-abortion term for an abortion clinic aboulia loss of ability to make decisions aboulomania pathological indecisiveness aboutsledge largest blacksmith's hammer abra narrow mountain pass abradant a substance that abrades abraid to awaken or rouse abraxas gem engraved with mystical word and bearing human-animal figure abreuvoir joint or gap between two stones in masonry abroach in a condition to allow liquor to run out abrosia fasting abscind to pare, reduce, cut off or away abscissa horizontal distance from a fixed line to a point abscission cutting off; cutting away absconce lantern used in monasteries and night offices abseil to descend a rock face using a double rope absentaneous done in absence; pertaining to absence absinthial of, like or pertaining to wormwood; bitter absinthism disease resembling alcoholism absit leave to pass one night away from college absolutism doctrine of government by a single absolute ruler; autocracy absolutive indicating subject or object of intransitive verb absolutory forgiving or absolving absonant discordant; abhorrent absorbefacient causing or promoting absorption absorptiometer instrument for measuring solubility of gases in liquids absquatulate to decamp; to leave quickly; to flee absterge wipe clean; expunge; purge; purify absurdism doctrine that we live in an irrational universe abterminal going from the end inwards abthane monastic region of the old Irish church abulia lack of ability to make decisions; aboulia abuna Ethiopian patriarch abusion misuse; outrage; deception abutment masonry on a wall that supports an arch abvolt unit of electrical potential equal to one hundred millionth of a volt aby to make amends; atone; pay a penalty abyssopelagic of, like or pertaining to the depths of the ocean academicism doctrine that nothing can be known acanaceous bearing prickles or thistles; prickly acantha prickle acanthous spiny; prickly acapnia lack or deficiency of carbon dioxide acapnotic non-smoker; non-smoking acariasis irritating itching insect infestation acaricide killer of mites and ticks acarine of, like or pertaining to ticks or mites acarology study of mites acarophobia fear of itching or of insects causing itching acarpous sterile; not bearing fruit acatalectic having complete or full number of syllables in a poetic line acatalepsy the unknowableness of all things to a certainty acatamathesia inability to understand data presented to the senses acates provisions that have been purchased acatour provisioner; quartermaster acaudate tailless acaulescent having a very short stem accelerometer instrument for measuring acceleration or vibrations accend to kindle accensor acolyte accentor songbird acceptilation remission of debt or liability through fictitious repayment accessit prize for students in second place; honourable mention acciaccatura very short note played before a longer one accidence grammar book; science of inflections in grammar accidentalism theory that events do not have causes accidie sloth; physical torpor accinge to gird accipiter bandage worn around the nose accipitral like a bird of prey; rapacious accipitrine of, like or pertaining to falcons and hawks accismus in rhetoric, pretending to refuse something accite to cite; to summon acclinate sloping upwards acclivity upward slope accloy to hobble with a horseshoe nail accolade curved architectural moulding; vertical line joining two musical staves accolent neighbouring accosted in heraldry, two figures placed side by side accoucheur male midwife accoucheuse female midwife accourage to encourage accourt to entertain accoy to subdue; to pacify; to soothe accrementition increase or growth by adding similar material accretion accumulation; addition of parts to form a whole accubation reclining as on a couch accubitum crescent-shaped couch accusative indicating direct object of a verb acedia listlessness; sloth aceldama site or scene of violence or bloodshed aceology therapeutics acequia irrigation ditch acerate of, like or resembling a needle acerbate to embitter; to irritate acerous lacking horns or antennae acersecomic one whose hair has never been cut acervate heaped; clustered acervuline like or in small mounds or heaps acescence becoming sour; souring; turning of milk acetabulum small anatomical cup or hollow, such as a sucker acetarious referring to plants that are used in salads acetimeter instrument for measuring strength of vinegar achaenocarp any dry indehiscent fruit acharné furious or desperate (of a battle) achene small one-seeded fruit or naked seed of plant achloropsia colour-blindness with respect to green achor eruption or scab on the head achromatopsia colour-blindness achroous colourless acicular needle-shaped acidaemia undue acidity of blood acidimeter instrument for measuring concentration of acids acidulous sharp or bitter-tasting acierate to turn into steel acinaceous full of kernels acinaciform scimitar-shaped aciniform shaped like a berry acinus berry which grows in clusters acipenser sturgeon aclinic having no inclination or magnetic dip acock defiantly acoemeti ancient monastic order who maintained eternal choir service acology study of medical remedies acolous limbless acolouthic of, like or pertaining to an after-image or other after-sensation acopic curing or relieving fatigue acoria pathologically great appetite acosmism disbelief in existence of eternal universe distinct from God acouasm ringing noise in head acquest object which is acquired acracy government by none; anarchy acratia impotence acre-breadth old unit of length of 22 yards acritochromacy colour-blindness acroamatic esoteric acrocephalous having a pointed or peaked skull acrography the art of making wood blocks in relief acrolith wooden statue with stone extremities acrologic of, like or pertaining to initials acromegaly glandular disorder causing gigantism of extremities acronical occurring at nightfall or sunset acronym word formed from initial letters of another word acronyx ingrown nail acropathy disease or illness of the extremities acrophobia fear of heights acrophonic using a symbol for the initial sound of a thing acropodium pedestal upon which a statue rests acroscopic looking or moving towards the apex acroteleutic phrase or words at the end of a psalm acroterion pedestal or ornament at the angle of a pediment acrotism absence of pulsing actinism action of solar radiation causing chemical change actinograph instrument used to calculate time of photographic exposure actinometer instrument for measuring incident radiation actinotherapy use of ultraviolet rays as medical therapy actuate communicate motion to; cause aculeate prickly; pointed; stinging; a stinging insect aculeiform shaped like a thorn acultomancy divination using needles acuminate tapered; pointed; to sharpen acutiator sharpener of weapons acutorsion twisting artery with needle to stop bleeding acyanopsia colour-blindness with respect to blue acyesis female sterility acyrology incorrect diction or pronunciation adactylous lacking fingers or claws adamantine unbreakable; impenetrable adamitism nakedness for religious reasons adaxial next to or towards the axis addax large African antelope additament thing added or appended; heraldic ornament addititious of, pertaining to or resulting from addition addle putrid; barren; muddled addorsed turned back to back in heraldry adduce cite as proof or instance adeciduate evergreen; coniferous adeem to cancel a bequest by destruction of the object adelaster provisional name for a plant whose flowers are unknown adelphogamy sharing of a wife by two or more brothers ademption revocation of donation by donor adenalgia painful swelling of a gland adenia glandular swelling adeniform shaped like a gland adenography descriptive work on the glandular system adenoid of, like or pertaining to or like a gland adenology study of glands adenotomy removal or excision of gland adespota anonymous works adessive indicating place where or proximity to adevism denial of gods of mythology and legend adharma unrighteousness adhibit to attach; to admit; to administer adhocracy government in an unstructured fashion; an unstructured organization adiabatic without transference of heat adiaphoresis absence of perspiration; inability to perspire adiaphorism doctrine of theological indifference or latitudinarianism adiaphoron tenet or belief on which a theological system is indifferent adiapneustia defective perspiration adiathermancy impermeability to radiant energy adipescent becoming fat or fatty adipic of, like or pertaining to fatty substances adipocere fatty substance occurring in corpses left in moist areas adipsia absence or lack of thirst adit opening or passage into a mine adjudge to decide; to award adjutage nozzle adjutor helper; assistant adjuvant substance added to make vaccine more effective admanuensis one who takes an oath on a religious book admaxillary connected to or near the jaw admeasurement the act of measuring or apportioning adminicle that which supports or aids, especially evidence adnascent growing on some other thing adnominal indicating adjective used as a noun adnomination punning adnoun adjective serving or used as a noun adonise to adorn oneself adoptionism belief that Christ was the adopted and not natural son of God adoral near the mouth adosculation impregnation by contact alone or by wind adoxography good writing on a trivial subject adoxy beliefs that are neither orthodox nor heterodox adpress to press together adrogation adoption of a boy or girl before adolescence adscititious added; additional adscript attached or feudally bound to the soil or earth adsorb to attract and stick to the surface adumbrate indicate faintly; foreshadow adunc hooked aduncate shaped like a hook or crook adust burnt; scorched advection horizontal movement of air advehent bringing inwards advenient due to outside causes adventitious accidental; casual adventive a thing or person coming from outside adversaria miscellaneous notes; commonplace books adversative word or phrase expressing opposition advert refer to in speech or writing advertorial advertisement presented as if it were editorial material advesperate darken; become late advocaat liqueur containing rum and raw eggs advowson right of presentation to church living adynamia helplessness; lack of strength adytum sacred part of a temple or church; church chancel aedile magistrate in charge of games, markets or buildings aedoeology science of generative organs aegilops stye in inner corner of eye aegis protection; support aegrotat medical certificate of illness excusing student's sickness aeneous shining bronze colour aeolian giving forth a tone as if produced by the wind aeolipyle hollow ball that turns through steam escaping through valves aeolistic long-winded aeolotropy variation in physical properties on basis of position aeonian lasting for an immeasurably long period of time aerenchyma respiratory tissue aeriform of the form or shape of gas; gaseous aerious of the nature of air; airy aerobe organism requiring oxygen to survive aerobiology study of airborne organisms aerodonetics science or study of gliding aerogenesis forming or generating gas or air aerography descriptive work on the atmosphere aerolite meteorite aerolith stone that falls from the sky; meteorite aerolithology study of aerolites; meteorites aerology study of the atmosphere aeromancy divination by means of the weather aerometer instrument for measuring weight or density of gas aerophane thin crinkled semi-transparent fabric aerophilately collecting of air-mail stamps aerophobia fear of flying or draughts aerophore instrument used to inflate stillborn child's lungs aeropleustic of, like or pertaining to aerial navigation aerostat any lighter-than air craft; balloon aerostatics science of air pressure; art of ballooning aeruginous of, like or pertaining to copper-rust or verdigris aerugo rust of any metal aesc letter used in Old English for 'ae' aesopian conveying meaning only to those in a secret movement aesthesia sensibility aesthesiogenic producing or causing a sensation aestheticism doctrine that beauty is central to other moral principles aestival of, like or pertaining to summer aethrioscope instrument for measuring temperature variations due to sky conditions aeviternal everlasting; endless aeviternity eternal existence afebrile not suffering from fever affabulation moral of a fable affeer to assess; to reduce to a fixed sum afferent bearing, bringing or carrying towards affiance to trust; to betroth affine a relation by marriage afflated inspired afflatus inspiration; divine impetus afforce to strengthen a jury by adding skilled people afforest to cover with forest; to convert into hunting grounds affranchise to free from slavery or similar obligation affray an attack or assault; an alarm or fright affrayer disturber of the peace affreightment hiring of a vessel affreux frightening affricate consonant that begins as a plosive and ends as a fricative affronté of two heraldic animals, facing one another affusion pouring on; as of baptismal water afore before afterclap unexpected damaging or unsettling after-effect afterdeck deck behind a ship's bridge aftergame rematch; means employed after first turn of affairs afterguard men who work the aft sails on the quarterdeck and poop deck afterings last milk drawn when milking a cow afterpiece minor piece after a play aftershaft second shaft coming out of the quill of a feather afterwil locking of the barn after the cows have been let out agacerie allurement; coquetry agalactia failure or inability to produce milk agalloch eaglewood agamist one who opposes marriage agamogenesis reproduction by non-sexual means agape selfless Christian love; a feast in celebration of such love agapeistic characterized by Christian love agapet lover of women agapetae churchwomen who live platonically with celibate men agapism ethics of love agastopia admiration of part of another's body agatewear type of ceramic resembling agate stone agathism belief in ultimate triumph of good despite evil means agathodaimon one's good genius; the good part of one's conscience agelast one who never laughs agennesic sterile; impotent agenocratia opposition to birth control agentive indicating agent performing an action ageotropic moving or turning away from the earth agersia quality of not growing old ageusia damage to the sense of taste agger artificial mound or elevation for military use aggerose in heaps; piled up aggiornamento modernization of ideas of the Catholic church aggrade to raise level of a surface through depositing detritus aggrandize increase power or rank of; make greater aggrate to gratify or please aggry type of West African glass beads agio premium paid on foreign currency exchange agiotage playing the stock market; speculation agist to charge with a public burden; to take in to graze for payment agistment land tax assessed for cattle pasturing aglet metal point attached to a lace or string agma symbol or sound for a velar nasal consonant "ng" agminate grouped agnail sore, corn or hangnail on the toe or foot agname name over and above the ordinary name and surname agnation kinship agnize to acknowledge or confess agnomen additional name; surname; nickname agnosic unable to recognize familiar objects due to brain damage agnosticism doctrine that we can know nothing beyond material phenomena agnosy ignorance agoge tempo or sequence in melody in ancient Greek music agogic accenting a musical note by slightly dwelling on it agomphosis looseness in the teeth agone ago agonic making no angle agonism competition; effort; striving agonistes someone in the grip of inner conflict agonistic of, like or pertaining to or being aggressive or argumentative agonistics art and theory of prize-fighting agoraphobia fear of open spaces agowilt sudden sickening and unnecessary fear agraffe hooked clasp used by masons to hold blocks together agrapha sayings of Jesus not found in the canonical gospels agraphia inability to write agravic having no gravity; pertaining to the condition of zero-gravity agrestic of the fields; rural; unpolished agriology the comparative study of primitive peoples agrize to horrify; to disfigure agrizoiatry medicine specializing in wild animals agrobiology study of plant nutrition; soil yields agrology study of agricultural soils agromania intense desire to be in open spaces agronomics study of productivity of land agrostography writing about grasses agrostology science or study of grasses agrypnia insomnia agrypnotic anything taken to aid wakefulness aguardiente Spanish or Portuguese brandy agyiophobia fear of crossing busy streets agynary lacking female genitals ahimsa the duty of sparing animal life; non-violence ahull with sails furled and helm lashed to the lee-side ai three-toed sloth aichmophobia fear of sharp or pointed objects aiger tidal wave occurring in rivers aigrette a spray of jewels; ornamental feather plume; an egret aiguille sharp; needle-like peak of rock aileron flap on airplane wing for lateral balance ailette plate of armour worn on shoulder ailuromancy divination by watching cats' movements ailurophilia love of cats ailurophobia fear of cats aioli garlic-flavoured mayonnaise airscrew aircraft propeller aischrolatry worship of filth, dirt, or smut aisling a vision or dream ait small island in lake or river aitchbone rump bone of cattle; rump cut of beef aiué elderly; senior akeratophorous not horned akinesia loss of ability to move ala membranous outgrowth on a plant or animal alabamine alternate name for the element astatine alack expression of sorrow or regret alalia loss of ability to speak alameda public walkway between rows of poplar trees alamort half-dead; dejected alannah term of endearment used with one's child alar of, like or pertaining to the wing or shoulder alastrim mild form of smallpox alate lately alation state of having wings; position of wings on a creature alaudine of, like or pertaining to skylarks alb long white robe worn by priests albarello cylindrical jar used to hold drugs albata variety of German silver albedo whiteness, as of a celestial object albescent becoming white; whiteness albicant whitish; becoming white albificative able to whiten or be whitened albion medieval astronomical device for finding positions of planets albocracy government by white people albolith white cement formed from magnesia and silica albugineous like the white of an eye or an egg; white-coloured alcahest alchemical universal solvent alcatote silly elf alcine of, like or pertaining to elks; of, like or pertaining to auks alcoholometer instrument for measuring proportion of alcohol in solutions alcovinometer instrument to measure strength of wine aleatoric depending on contingencies or chance aleberry beverage made from ale, spices, and dried bread alecost costmary, an herb used in flavouring ale alectormancy divination by sacrificing a rooster alectryomachy cock-fighting alectryomancy divination by watching a rooster gather corn kernels alee on or toward the lee alegar vinegar made by turning ale sour alembicated over-refined alepine mixed wool and silk or mohair and cotton fabric alethiology study of truth aleuromancy divination using flour or meal alexia inability to read alexipharmic antidote alfet cauldron of boiling water used during trials by ordeal alforge wallet or leather bag algedonics science of pleasure and pain algefacient cooling algetic causing or producing pain algicide killer of algae algid cold; chilly alginuresis painful urination algolagnia sexual pleasure derived from inflicting pain algology study of algae algophobia fear of pain algor coldness; shivering fit algraphy art of printing from aluminum plates alible nourishing alidade revolving index on astrolabe or other instrument for reading gradations aliform wing-shaped aligerous winged aliped having wings on the feet aliphatic of, like or pertaining to fat or fats in general aliquant number dividing into another with a remainder aliquot number dividing into another without leaving a remainder aliter requiring a different law or rule to be applied alk sap or resin from turpentine trees alkalimeter instrument for measuring strength of alkalines alkanet reddish plant-based dye allantiasis food poisoning resulting from inadequate preservation allantoid shaped like a sausage allative indicating movement towards allemain enormous pudding out of which acrobats leap allemande courtly baroque dance in which the arms are interlaced alliaceous of, like or pertaining to garlic; garlicky allicient attracting something else allision intentional collision of two ships allocatur amount allowed for costs allochthonous formed or produced elsewhere or externally allodic not subject to a superior allogamy cross-fertilization allogeneous different allography writing another individual's signature allolalia speech disorder featuring randomly spoken words allonge paper attached to commercial bill requiring signatures allonym other person's name used by an author allotheism belief in or worship of strange gods allotriophagy craving for strange foods allotropy of an element, having more than one form alluvion effect of water impacting on shoreline almacantar circle of altitude, parallel to the horizon almagest textbook or handbook, especially dealing with astronomy almandine violet-coloured garnet almoner giver of alms; social worker in a hospital almuce cloth or fur hood alnager inspector of cloth alogism illogical statement alomancy divination using salt alopecia baldness; hair loss alopecoid of or resembling a fox alow below alpaca fine wool made from alpaca hair alpenglow reddish glow appearing at sunrise or sunset in mountains alpenstocker mountain climber alpestrine of, like or pertaining to alpine regions alphenic sugary candy used in medicine alphitomancy divination using loaves of barley alphonsin instrument used to extract bullets from bodies alt high musical tone altarage payment to priest for mass; offerings at altar alterity state of being different alternatim alternately altiloquence pompous or high speech altisonant high-sounding altitonant thundering on high or loudly altricial having young requiring care for a lengthy period aludel pear-shaped pot used in sublimation aluminiferous bearing aluminum alveary beehive; area of the ear where wax collects; word-list alveolate of or like a honeycomb alveromancy divination using sounds alviducous purgative alvine of the belly ama a Japanese pearl-diver amadelphous outgoing; gregarious amain to a high degree; exceedingly; at full speed amanous lacking hands amanuensis one employed to write from dictation amaranth imaginary flower reputed never to fade amaranthine immortal; undying; deep purple-red colour amasesis inability to chew amasthenic focusing light rays to a single point amathophobia fear of dust amaxophobia fear of riding in a car ambages windings; roundabout ways; delays ambeer juice from chewing tobacco ambisinistrous awkward in the use of both hands ambit circuit; scope; compass; confines ambo early Christian raised reading desk or pulpit ambry recess for church vessels; cupboard or niche ambsace bad luck; a low score ambulatory aisle down the east end of a church ambulomancy divination by taking a walk ambulophobia fear of walking ambustion burn or scald amende fine or reparation paid ament a person who fails to develop mentally amerce to fine; to deprive; to punish ametropia abnormal optical refraction amice strip of fine linen worn as cloak or wrap by priest at mass amicicide murder of a friend amidships midway between the bow and stern of a ship ammeter instrument for measuring electrical current ammophilous sand-loving; preferring to dwell in sand amnicolist one who lives near a river amniomancy divination by examining afterbirth amorce percussion cap for a toy pistol amoret love sonnet or song amoretto a cherub or spirit of love ampelidious of, like or pertaining to vines ampelography scientific description of the vine ampere unit for measuring amount of electrical current amphibiolith fossilized amphibian amphibolic able to turn both backwards and forwards; double-jointed amphibology ambiguity in language; dual grammatical meaning amphigean occurring in both hemispheres of the brain or body amphigory a nonsense verse amphimixis interbreeding; intermixing of two individuals' genetic matter amphipneust animal with both lungs and gills amphisbaena mythical two-headed serpent or lizard amphiscian of, like or pertaining to torrid regions amplexus rutting of frogs and toads ampliative supplemental; additional amplivagant stretching far; having a great scope ampulla vessel for holy oil or wine for coronations or rituals amrita Hindu ambrosia bestowing immortality amygdaloid almond-shaped; of, like or pertaining to tonsils amyloid containing or pertaining to starch; starchy amyous lacking muscle an if ana in equal quantities anabasis journey leading upwards; first phase of an illness anabiosis return to life after apparent death anacampserote something which can bring back a lost love anacamptic reflecting or reflected light; sound or water anacardic of, like or pertaining to cashews anacathartic causing vomiting or expectoration anachoric foreign or geographically absurd relating to a country anaclastic refractive; of, like or pertaining to refraction anaclitic dependent on other phenomenon or ability anacoluthon moving to new topic of discussion before finishing current one anacrisis interrogation accompanied by torture anacrusis syllable prior to the normal rhythm of a verse anacusic completely deaf anadem wreath, fillet or band anadiplosis repeating last word of clause at beginning of next clause anadromous fish which ascend rivers to spawn anaerectic destructive anaesthesiology study of anaesthetics anagalactic coming from or existing beyond our own galaxy anaglyph ornament in low relief anaglyptics art of carving in bas-relief anaglyptography art of engraving so as to give the subject an embossed appearance anagnorisis recognition leading to denouement of a play anagogy mystical interpretation anagraphy art of constructing catalogues analects crumbs that fall from the table analemma sundial analgia inability to feel pain anamnesis reminiscence; prayer recalling death and resurrection of Jesus anamorphic changing to a more complex form anandrious impotent ananym name written backward; often used as synonym anapeiratic caused by excessive use anapest two short metrical syllables followed by one long one anaphalantiasis falling out of the eyebrows anaphia loss of sense of touch anaphora repetition of a word at beginning of successive phrases for emphasis anapnea recovery of one's breath; restoration of breath anastasic convalescent anastrophe reversing or inverting word order as rhetorical device anatine of, like or pertaining to ducks anatocism compound interest anatreptic overcoming; overturning anaudia loss of voice anbury soft fleshy tumour in horses anchorite one withdrawn from the world for religious reasons ancillary auxiliary; secondary ancipitous two-edged and flattened ancistroid hook-shaped ancon elbow anconoid of, like or pertaining to the elbow ancoral of, shaped like or resembling an anchor ancress female religious recluse andiron iron bar used to support the end of a log in a fire andragogy science of teaching adults androcracy government by men androlepsia governmental kidnapping for political purposes andromania nymphomania androphagy cannibalism aneabil single; unmarried anele to administer extreme unction to anemocracy government by the wind or by whim anemograph instrument for measuring pressure and velocity of wind anemography treatise on the winds anemology study of winds anemometer instrument for measuring wind velocity anemophilous pollinated by wind anencephalic lacking a brain anent about; concerning anergia failure of immune system; loss of energy anesis tuning to a lower musical pitch aneuria lack of nervous energy anfractuous full of windings and intricate turnings angary the right of a belligerent to seize neutral property angelocracy government by angels angelolatry worship of or belief in angels angelology study of angels angelus prayer said in morning, at noon and at sunset angiogenesis production of blood vessels angiology study of blood flow and lymphatic system anglomania craze or obsession with England and the English anglophilia love or fondness for England or the English anglophobia fear of England or the English angora silk-like fabric made from wool of angora goats angstrom unit of one ten-billionth of a meter anguiform shaped like a snake anguilliform shaped like an eel anguine of, like or pertaining to snakes anguine of, like or pertaining to snakes anhedonia an unresponsiveness to pleasure anhelation shortness of breath anhidrosis absence of perspiration aniconic symbolizing without aiming at resemblance anicular like an old woman anile imbecilic; senile; like a very old woman animadvert to comment critically on; to censure animastic spiritual; animate animism attribution of soul to inanimate objects anion positively charged ion anisothenic being of unequal strength anker liquid measure of 8 1/2 gallons ankus spiked elephant goad ankyroid hook-shaped anlace short two-edged dagger anneal to heat and cool metal gradually to temper annectent having intermediate features between two taxa annihilationism doctrine that the wicked are utterly destroyed after death annodated shaped like the letter S annomination pun; play on words annuent nodding or moving of the head annulet small ring around a classical column annulose ringed; composed of rings anocathartic emetic; causing vomiting or expectoration anodontia toothlessness anodyne something that relieves pain or suffering anoesis sensation not accompanied by understanding of it anogenic formed from below or beneath anomia inability to remember names anomic in a state lacking social order and norms anomie condition of lacking accepted social values or standards anomphalous without a navel anon at once; immediately anonym person whose name is not given; pseudonym anopheline of, like or pertaining to malarial mosquitoes anopisthographic bearing writing or inscription only on one side anopsia blindness anorchous lacking testicles anosmia lack or loss of sense of smell anotic lacking ears ansate having a handle or hand-like shape anserine of, like or pertaining to geese anta pier produced by thickening wall at one end antalgic alleviating or relieving pain antanaclasis repetition of key word of phrase as a play on words antapology response to an apology antarchy opposition to government; anarchy anteambulo usher antechapel anteroom to a chapel or church antejentacular before breakfast anteloquy a preface antelucan before dawn or daylight antemundane before one's own birth; before the creation of the world antenniferous bearing antennae antepast foretaste antependium covering or cloth over pulpit or altar antephialtic preventing nightmares antepone to put before; to prefer anteprandial before dinner antevenient preceding anthelion luminous ring seen on a cloud opposite the sun anthelminthic destroying or expelling worms anthesis full bloom anthomancy divination using flowers anthomania obsession with flowers anthophilous loving or frequenting flowers anthorism counter-definition anthracomancy divination using burning coals anthrophobia fear of humans anthropobiology study of human biology anthropogenesis origin of human beings anthropoglot animal with human tongue; animal capable of speech anthropolatry worship of human beings anthropolith fossilized human skeleton anthropomancy divination using human entrails anthropopathy ascription of human feelings to inanimate object anthropophaginian cannibal anthropophagous eating humans anthroposophy knowledge of the nature of humanity; human wisdom anthropotheism belief that gods are only deified men antibasilican opposed to monarchic principle antiblastic providing natural immunity against harmful substances antibromic eliminating offensive odours antichresis enjoyment of mortgaged property in lieu of interest payments antichthon hypothetical second Earth on the opposite side of the sun anticryptic camouflaged; having protective resemblance to environment antidisestablishmentarianism doctrine opposed to removing Church of England's official religion status antigalactic preventing the secretion of milk antigropelos waterproof leggings antilapsarianism denial of doctrine of the fall of humanity antilegomena books of the New Testament not part of early Christian Bible antilogarithm number of which a given number is the logarithm antilogism statement of three propositions containing contradiction antilogy contradiction antimnemonic damaging the memory; eliminating memories antimony brittle, bluish-white metallic element antinomianism doctrine of the rejection of moral law antinomy contradiction between two logical conclusions antipedobaptism denial of validity of infant baptism antiperistasis opposition or resistance antiphon anthem sung as a response during church service antiphrasis use of words in a sense opposite to literal antipudic concealing private parts of the body antiscian dweller on the exact opposite side of the world antistrophe repetition of words in reverse order antithalian opposed to mirth or fun antithesis contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangement of words or clauses antitypy resistance to being penetrated antonomasia use of descriptive phrase or epithet instead of proper name antre cave antrorse turned upward and forward anuptaphobia fear of staying single anuresis inability to urinate anurous tailless anzactile army biscuit aorist expressing simple past time with no continuance apaesthesia numbness or loss of sensation in a limb apagoge proof by showing the falsehood of the opposite apanage privilege of office; especially one given to younger offspring apantomancy divination using objects at hand apatetic of an animal's coloration or markings apay to satisfy apercu brief outline; glimpse; intuitive insight aperient laxative aphagia inability to eat or swallow aphemia loss of ability to produce articulate speech apheresis taking away a sound or syllable at the beginning of a word aphesis loss of initial unaccented vowel from beginning of a word aphicide killer of aphids aphidicide killer of aphids aphnology science of wealth aphologistic flameless aphotic lightless aphrasia inability to speak aphrodisiomania abnormal sexual interest aphthong silent letter apian of, like or pertaining to bees apiarian of, like or pertaining to bees or beekeeping apical of or at the apex apiculture beekeeping apiology study of bees apistia faithlessness in marriage apivorous eating bees aplanatic a lens free of spherical aberration apocalypticism doctrine of the imminent end of the world apocarteresis suicide by starvation apocatastasis final restitution of all things at the appearance of the Messiah apocatastisis reversion or restoration to original position apocope cutting off the last sound of a word apocrisiary papal secretary apodal lacking feet apodictic necessarily true beyond contradiction apodosis main clause in a conditional sentence apodysophilia feverish desire to undress apograph exact copy; facsimile apolaustic dedicated to the search for enjoyment apologetics defense and proof of Christianity or other doctrine aponia painlessness apopemptic valedictory apophasis saying something by stating that you will not mention it apophoret a gift given to celebrate a new year apophthegm brief saying; proverb; epigram aporia professed but false doubt of what to say or choose aposiopesis suddenly stopping in the middle of a speech for emphasis apositia dislike of or distaste for food apostasy renunciation of former beliefs apostil marginal note apostrophe addressing of a personified thing rhetorically apotelesm casting of a horoscope apothegm a short, instructive saying or formula apotheosis elevation to divine status; a perfect example apotropaic designed to turn away evil apparitor officer in court who attends to execute orders; harbinger appendant attached to; hanging from; adjunct apperception mind's perception of itself as a conscious agent appersonation irrational belief that one is another person appetence strong craving or powerful desire applanate flat; flattened; compressed apport to transport objects without material agency appose to place in juxtaposition or proximity apposite appropriate approbation approval; consent apprompt to borrow appropinquity nearness appui to support militarily appulse a striking against something appurtenance a subordinate or adjunct part of apricate to bask in the sun aprique sunny apse rounded extension of church or other building apselophesia loss of sense of touch apsidal shaped like an apse apterygial wingless; finless aptotic uninflected; indeclinable aptronym name that suits its owner apyrexy period of intermission in a fever aquamanile ewer in the form of a human or animal figure for ceremonial handwashing aquaphobia fear of water aquarelle watercolour painting aquifer a rock formation containing water aquiform watery; liquid aquiline of, like or pertaining to eagles; hooked like an eagle's beak araba wheeled Middle Eastern carriage arachibutyrophobia fear of peanut butter sticking to roof of mouth arachnivorous feeding on spiders arachnology study of spiders arachnophobia fear of spiders araneidan of, like or pertaining to spiders araneiform shaped like a spider araneous transparent; delicate; like a spider's web araphorostic seamless aration ploughing arbalest type of crossbow arborescent branched; branching; tree-shaped arboricolous growing on or living in trees arboriform shaped like a tree arbrolatry worship of start arbuscle dwarf or shrub-like tree arbustum orchard; copse of trees arcanna red chalk used to mark trees arcate bow-shaped archaeolatry worship of archaic things or old customs archelogy the study of first principles archet violin box archididascalian of, like or pertaining to headmasters archididascalos school principal archimandrite head of a monastery or convent archimime chief buffoon or mimic architectonics of, like or pertaining to the arrangement of knowledge architrave parts surrounding a door or window, especially the top archology science of the origins of government arciform shaped like a bow arctician one skilled in navigating arctic regions arctogaeal of the arctic regions of the earth arctoid bear-like arctophile collector of teddy bears arctophily study of teddy bears arcuate arched; bow-shaped ard plough used to scratch top surface of soil ardass fine silk arefy to dry up; to wither arenaceous like, growing in or consisting of sand arenoid sandy; like sand areology study of Mars areometer instrument used for measuring specific gravity areopagitic of, like or pertaining to tribunals or courts aret to assign or allot aretaics the science of virtue arete sharp mountain ridge argand gas or oil lamp argent the heraldic colour silver or white argentiferous bearing silver argentocracy government by money argil clay used in making pottery argillaceous clayey; of or resembling clay argol crust formed on wine kept too long or improperly argol dried cow dung used as fuel argosy a large merchant ship; a rich supply arguria silver poisoning argute shrill; keen; shrewd argyll silver gravy dish arietine of, like or pertaining to rams arietinous shaped like a ram's head aright right; correctly ariolation divination in general aristarch a severe critic aristarchy government by the best aristology the science or art of dining arithmancy divination using numbers arithmocracy government by simple majority arithmogram number composed of numerical values of letters in a word arithmomania obsessive preoccupation with numbers armamentarium collective equipment available to a doctor armigerous entitled to bear arms armillary like or composed of rings armipotent having strong weapons; militarily potent armisonant resounding with noises of battle or weapons armomancy divination by examining one's shoulders armure twilled woollen or silk fabric aroint begone arpent unit of land area slightly smaller than an acre arpenteur land surveyor arrant downright; unmitigated arras tapestry covering a wall arrasene embroidery fabric of wool and silk arrect attentive; erect; raised up arrendator one who rents or farms at a yearly rent arreptitious ecstatic; frantic; hasty or hurried arrestant substance causing an insect to stop moving arrhizal lacking roots arris sharp edge on stone; meeting of two surfaces arrogate to claim unduly as one's own; to ascribe arrosive gnawing; chewing; corroding arthrology study of joints arthroscope instrument for examining interior of a joint arundiferous bearing or producing reeds arundinaceous like or having the properties of a reed arval of, like or pertaining to ploughed land ascesis the practice of disciplining oneself; asceticism asceticism doctrine that self-denial of the body permits spiritual enlightenment ascham box for keeping bows and arrows dry ascian inhabitant of the equatorial zone aseity self-origination ashlar squared stone used in building walls ashplant walking stick asinine of, like or pertaining to asses; stupid asitia lack of appetite askefise one who blows on ashes to bring them to flame asomatous lacking a body; incorporeal asonia deafness to specific pitches of sound asperge to sprinkle aspergilliform shaped like a brush aspergillum vessel for sprinkling holy water asperity roughness of surface or sound asperse slander; disparage aspersory vessel for holding holy water aspheterism denial of the right to private property aspidate shield-shaped aspidomancy divination by sitting and chanting within a circle asportation to carry property away wrongfully assart to reclaim for agriculture by clearing away trees assecuration marine insurance assentation insincere or glib assent asseveration positive or earnest affirmation assibilate to pronounce with a hiss or sibilant assiduity persevering application to a pursuit assizer officer or judge in charge of weights and measures assocative indicating association with or accompaniment by assoil to absolve; to acquit assot to befool; to besot assuefaction habituation assuetude accustomedness; habit assurgent ascending; rising; curving upward astacology the science of crayfish astatic in equilibrium asteism refined irony asterism three asterisks used to direct attention to a passage astern at the stern of a ship astheniology study of diseases of weakening and aging asthenopia muscular weakening of the eyes astichous not in rows astragal small semicircular moulding; dice astragalomancy divination using dice or knucklebones astraphobia fear of being struck by lightning astrapophobia fear of thunder and lightning astriction binding obligation astringe to draw together; to tighten astrionics electronics as applied to space flight astrobleme scar on the earth's surface from meteorite impact astrobolism sun-stroke astrogeology study of extraterrestrial geology astrognosy knowledge of fixed stars astrogony theory of the origin of stars astrolatry worship of stars astrologaster a foolish or petty astrologer astromancy divination using stars astrometeorology study of effect of stars on climate astronomical unit unit of distance equal to the distance from the earth to the sun astrophile person interested in astronomy astroseismology study of star oscillations astrut protrudingly; distendedly asynartetic having two members with different rhythms asyndeton rhetorical device of omitting conjunctions atactic irregular ataraxia tranquility; freedom from anxiety; stoicism atavism reversion to early or ancestral type ateknia childlessness atelier artist's studio or workshop ateliosis imperfect development; developmental irregularity athanasy deathlessness athanor alchemist's self-feeding digesting furnace atheling Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman athenaeum literary or scientific association athermic lacking heat athetesis rejection of a passage as spurious athetosis nervous twitching of digits and extremities athwart across; in opposition to; sideways; transversely athymia melancholy atimy loss of honour; disgrace atlantes male figures used as columns atlas rich satin fabric atmatertera great-grandfather's grandmother's sister atmology the science of aqueous vapour atmometer instrument for measuring evaporating capacity of air atocia female sterility atokous lacking offspring atomism belief that the universe consists of small indivisible particles atony muscular weakness atpatruus great-grandfather's grandfather's brother atrabiliary melancholy; hypochondriac atrabilious melancholy; splenetic; acrimonious atrament blacking; ink; black dye atresia absence or irregular closure of a passage in the body atrichia baldness atrous jet black attainder the loss of civil rights for high treason attaint disgrace; sully; infect; taint attemper to adapt or alter quality by adding to something attenuate make thin; reduce in value atticism expression characterized by conciseness and elegance attingent touching attollent lifting up; raising attorn to transfer to another attrahent attracting or drawing attrist to sadden attrite repentant through fear of punishment attuition operation between sensation and perception aubade musical announcement of dawn; sunrise song aubergine eggplant aubin horse's gait between an amble and a gallop auceps hawker or bird-tender aucupate to hunt birds; to pursue prey with vigilance audile person more attuned to sound than the other senses audiology study of hearing audiometer instrument for measuring acuity of hearing audiophile one who loves accurately reproduced recorded sound augean filthy; difficult augend number to which another number is added aught at all aularian of, like or pertaining to a hall in a university aulete flautist aulic courtly; ceremonious; genteel auncel crude balance for weighing aurantiaceous of, like or pertaining or pertaining to oranges or orange trees aureity property of being golden in colour or substance aureole radiant light around head or body of holy personage auricomous having golden or blond hair auricular of, like or pertaining to the ear; spoken secretly auriferous bearing gold aurifex goldsmith auriform shaped like an ear aurigation charioteering aurilave instrument for cleaning the ear auriphrygia gold embroidery auriscope instrument for examining the ear aurochs extinct wild ox aurulent gold-coloured auscultation listening to sounds arising within organs auslaut final sound of a word or syllable austringer keeper of goshawks austromancy divination using wind autarchy government by an absolute ruler autarkic self-sufficient; independent autecology study of ecology of one species autocephality ecclesiastical self-government autocoprophagy eating one's own feces autocracy government by one individual auto-da-fe burning of a heretic autodidact self-taught person autogenesis spontaneous generation autognosis knowledge of or about oneself autolatry self-worship autology scientific study of oneself automorphism ascription to others of one's own characteristics automysophobia fear of being dirty autonym a writer's real name; work published under writer's own name autophagy feeding on body's own tissues autophanous self-luminous autophobia fear of solitude autoschediasm anything extemporized autosoterism belief that one can obtain salvation through oneself autotelic being an end in itself autothaumaturgist person pretending to be mystical or mysterious autotheism belief that one is God incarnate or that one is Christ autotropic growing in a straight line auxanometer instrument for measuring growth of plants auxesis increase in size; hyperbole auxology science of growth auxometer instrument for measuring magnifying power aval of, like or pertaining to a grandparent avalement allowing knees to flex while skiing avaunt away; hence avaunt to boast aveniform shaped like oats averruncate to ward off; to uproot averruncator pole for pruning trees avicide killing of birds avicular of, like or pertaining to birds avinosis air sickness avionics the science of electronic devices for aircraft avital ancestral avizandum private consideration of a case by a judge avolitional involuntary avulse to pluck or tear away by force avuncular like an uncle; of, like or pertaining to uncles awn beard or similar bristly growth on stalk of grain axilla armpit axiniform shaped like an axe-head axinomancy divination using an axe or hatchet axiology the science of the ultimate nature of values azimuth arc of the horizon azoth alchemical name for mercury azuline blue azure light or sky blue; the heraldic colour blue azymous unleavened babeldom a confused sound of voices baccate having berries; berry-like bacchanal drunkard; reveller bacciferous bearing berries bacciform shaped like a berry baccivorous eating berries bacillicide killer of berries backstay stay extending from ship's mastheads to the side of the ship bactericide killer of bacteria baculiform rod-shaped baculine of, like or pertaining to the stick or cane; of, like or pertaining to flogging baculum penis bone in some mammals baculus rod, staff or scepter of power badigeon plaster and ground stone mixture for repairing masonry badinage playful repartee or banter badious chestnut-coloured baedeker guide book baetyl magical or holy meteoric stone baft cheap coarse cotton fabric bagarre scuffle or brawl bagging coarse fabric for making bags or sacks bagnio bathing house bahadur self-important official bahuvrihi compound word whose second part is a noun but that acts as an adjective bail barrier or pole separating horses in an open stable bailivate office of a bailiff bailment delivery of goods in trust baisemain kiss on the hand baize coarse napped cotton or wool fabric bakelite type of solid plastic balaniferous acorn-bearing balanism use of suppositories balanoid acorn-shaped balatron joker; clown balbriggan knitted cotton fabric balbutient stammering baldachin rich embroidered silk and gold fabric baldaquin covering or canopy over a throne or altar baldric shoulder strap for holding sword balefire bonfire or beacon-fire balisaur long-tailed badger balistarius crossbowman balistraria cross-shaped opening in wall for firing arrows balize pole mounted on seashore as beacon ballaster one who supplies ships with ballast balletomania abnormal fondness for ballet ballistocardiograph instrument for detecting body movements caused by heartbeat ballistophobia fear of missiles ballottement diagnosis of pregnancy by applying sharp force to abdomen balmorality superficial enthusiasm for Scottish culture balneary bath balneology the science of the therapeutic use of baths balustrade row of columns supporting a stair rail balzarine light cotton dress material banausic materialistic; merely mechanical; pertaining to workshops bandelet small flat moulding around a column banderol flat band with an inscription; small banner bandobast detailed organization; settlement bandolier shoulder belt for carrying ammunition bangtail mustang or wild horse bannock flat unleavened loaf of bread banquette raised way or footway above a parapet bantling brat; whelp; bastard child baptistery part of church reserved for performing baptisms bar unit of pressure of one million dynes per square centimeter baragnosis loss of ability to distinguish weight baragouin any jargon or unintelligible language barathea pebbly silk or worsted fabric with broken rib weave barathrum an abyss; an insatiable person barbarocracy government by barbarians barbate bearded barbette earthen terrace inside the parapet of a rampart barbican projecting watchtower over the gate of a castle barbigerous bearded; bearing a beard barbula small tuft of hair just below the lower lip barcarole gondolier's song bardel pack saddle bardocucullus hooded cloak worn by monks bardolatry excessive devotion to or worship of Shakespeare barege gauzy fabric of silk, cotton, wool, or worsted bargemaster owner of a barge barkentine three-masted vessel barleycorn old unit of length equal to one-third inch barm yeast; froth on fermenting liquor barmaster local judge among miners barmcloth an apron barmkin battlement or turret on the outer wall of a castle barn unit of area measurement of particles equal to 100 square femtometres barnard member of gang of thieves who acts as decoy barodynamics science of the support and mechanics of bridges barognosis ability to perceive weight barograph instrument for recording air pressure barology study of gravitation baroscope weather-glass barouche four-wheeled hooded carriage barracan fine silk cloth barracoon depot for slaves barras coarse linen fabric barrateen some kind of fabric barratry inciting riot or violence barre placing capo or finger across guitar strings barrulet narrow heraldic bar bartisan parapet or battlement barton farmyard baryecoia deafness; hardness of hearing baryphonic having difficulty speaking bascule apparatus of which one end rises as the other sinks basial of, like or pertaining to kissing basiation kissing basilica Roman Catholic church given special privileges basilicon kind of ointment bassinet light, conical helmet bastinade to beat with a stick or baton, especially on the feet bastion tower at the corner of a fortification bastle fortified house with vaulted ground floor bathmism directive evolutionary force batholith large mass of intruded igneous rock bathophobia fear of falling from a high place bathos appearance of the commonplace in elevated matter bathykolpian deep-bosomed bathymeter instrument for recording contours of deep oceans bathyorographical of, like or pertaining to depth underwater or elevation above sea level bathypelagic found in the depths of the sea bathysmal of, like or pertaining to the depths of the ocean bathythermograph instrument for recording water temperature as compared to depth batik method of dyeing fabric by covering certain sections with wax batiste fine soft sheer fabric of plain weave batology the study of brambles batophobia fear of heights or being close to tall buildings batrachian of, like or pertaining to frogs or toads batrachivorous frog-eating batrachophobia fear of frogs and toads batraquomancy divination using frogs batten timber used to fasten down a door or hatch battledore bat used to strike shuttlecock; game played with such a bat battology futile, futile repetition in speech or writing battue indiscriminate slaughter; driving game towards slaughter baud unit of data transmission speed of one signal event per second bausond having white spots on the forehead bavardage chattering; prattle bavian insignificant or unskilled poet bavin a bundle of brushwood bayadere fabric with horizontal stripes in strongly contrasting colours bdellism use of leeches for blood-letting bdelloid of, like or pertaining to leeches bdellotomy act of cutting a leech to increase its suction beadle church caretaker or usher beadle mace-bearing official of an institution beadsman monk or almoner who prays for benefactor beata beatified woman Beatlemania obsession with the Beatles beatster fish net repairer beatus beatified man beaupers linen fabric used for flags beaver hinged face guard on a helmet beblubbered disfigured from weeping bechic relieving coughs becket large hook or bracket used to hold tackle or spars beckets rope handles bedaggle to soil by dragging along the wet ground bedswerver unfaithful spouse bee hardwood on either side of bowsprit through which forestays are reeved beele double-pointed miner's pick beerocracy government by brewers or brewing interests beeskep straw beehive beestings the first milk drawn from a cow after calving beforetime formerly behoof a benefit resulting from some course of action bel unit of noise intensity equal to ten decibels belay to secure a rope by winding on a pin or cleat belcher coloured; spotted neckerchief beldam an old woman; a hag; an ancestress belemnoid shaped like a dart belike most likely; probably bellarmine large jug with rounded belly and narrow neck bellcote ornamental structure to hold one or two large bells bellecism inclination towards violence; hawkishness belleter bell-founder belliferous bringing war belling deer's mating call bellipotent militarily powerful bellonion mechanical instrument combining trumpets and drums bellwether one who takes the lead; indicator of trends beloid shaped like an arrow belomancy divination by means of arrows belonephilia sexual obsession with sharp objects belonephobia fear of pins and needles belonoid shaped like a needle belvedere raised covered terrace or pavilion belvedere raised turret or lantern on the top of a house bema raised part of an Eastern church containing the altar benedict a newly married man who has long been a bachelor benefactive indicating for whom or which benefic kindly; benign; beneficent benefice ecclesiastical office to which revenue is attached beneficiate to treat ores to remove impurities benet exorcist bengaline crosswise ribbed fabric benthic of, like or pertaining to the depths of the ocean benthos flora and fauna of the ocean floor berceau covered walk berceuse lullaby bergamask country dance berge spy glass or telescope berlin four-wheeled covered carriage berline crude winter sled berm narrow shelf or ledge at the top or bottom of a slope bersatrix baby-sitter besom curler's broom bestiarian individual opposed to vivisection bestiocracy rule by beasts bethel a place of worship for seamen; nonconformist chapel betimes in short time; speedily bêtise foolish act or situation betwixt between bewray to reveal; to betray; to divulge bezel oblique side or face of a cut gem bezesteen Eastern marketplace bezique card game played with two decks of cards bezoar stony material found in ruminants' stomachs bialate two-winged biarchy government by two people; diarchy bibacious overly fond of drinking bibelot trinket; miniature book of elegant design bibitory of, like or pertaining or pertaining to drinking biblioclasm destruction of books or the Bible bibliogenesis production of books bibliognost well-read individual; person with wide knowledge of books biblioklept book-thief bibliolatry worship of the Bible or other books bibliology study of books bibliomancy divination by opening a book at random bibliomania craze for books or reading bibliopegist bookbinder bibliophagist one who devours books, literally or figuratively bibliophily love or fondness for books or reading bibliophobia fear of books bibliopoesy making of books bibliopolist bookseller bibliopoly bookselling bibliotaph one who hoards or hides books bibliotics study of documents to determine authenticity bibulous addicted to alcohol bicapitate two-headed bickern anvil pointed at both ends bicollateral having two identical sides bicorn having two horns or points biddery metal alloy inlaid with silver and/or gold bidenticulate having two teeth biduous lasting two days bienséance something appropriate or proper bifarious organized in two rows bifid divided in two by a deep split bifilar having two threads bigential consisting of two races, genera, or subspecies biggin a building bight a wide bay; a bend or coil in a rope bijugate having heads on both sides of a coin bilbo iron bar used to shackle prisoners' feet bilge lower point of inner hull of a ship bilious ill-tempered; very unpleasant billingsgate coarsely abusive language billon base metal, alloy of copper, tin or silver bilocation ability to be in two places at once biloquist one capable of speaking with two distinct voices bimetallism currency exchange on both the gold and silver standards binarchy government by two people; diarchy binate doubled; coupled binaural of, pertaining to or heard by both ears bindle blanket roll binnacle case in which a ship's compass is kept binotonous consisting or comprised of two musical tones biobibliography annotated biographical bibliography biocenosis state of association of creatures in a certain region biocentric having life as main principle biocide killing living material bioecology study of interaction of life in the environment biogenesis theory that all life is derived from living matter alone biognosy general study or theory of life biolith rock formed by living creatures biometrics study of biological measurement bionergy vital essence or force bionomics study of organisms interacting in their environments biopic film telling the life-story of a celebrity biotaxy classification of living organisms biotope region of uniform environment and types of organisms bipennate two-winged biramous forked; with two branches bireme rowed ship or galley with two banks of oars biretta square three-ridged cap worn by Catholic clergy birl to make a log spin by walking on it birostrate double-beaked bis twice; in two places biserial in two rows or columns bismer shame; disgrace; scorn bisociation association of an object with two or more ideas bisontine of, like or pertaining to bison bistoury narrow surgical knife bistre pigment with brownish colour derived from soot bisulcate cloven-footed; cleft in two bitheism belief in two gods bitts posts mounted on a ship for fastening ropes biune combining two entities into one biverbal of, like or pertaining to two words; having a double sense bivious offering a choice; splitting between two directions blackguard a menial helper blackguard to vituperate; to portray as a scoundrel blackmaster undertaker blague humbug; pretentious nonsense blain a boil or blister blandiloquence complimentary speech; flattery blandish to flatter and coax; to cajole blarney skilful flattery blastogenesis reproduction by budding blattnerphone instrument used to record sound on magnetic tape blattoid of, like or pertaining to cockroaches blauwbok extinct bluish-coloured antelope of southern Africa blazon heraldic arms painted on knight's shield or surcoat blench to shrink or flinch blendling hybrid blendure mixing blennoid of or resembling mucus blennophobia fear of slime blepharal of, like or pertaining to eyelids bletcherous having an ugly design bletherskate a garrulous talker of nonsense bletonism alleged ability to find an underground water supply blewit type of edible toadstool blissom subject to or having strong sexual desires bloomery factory where iron bars are manufactured bloviate to write or speak windily blucher leather half-boot bluepeter blue flag with white square in centre used as ship's signal bluestocking early feminist; educated or literary woman blunge to mix clay with water blype piece of skin that peels off after a sunburn boanerges skilled orator with powerful voice boatswain ship's crewmember in charge of equipment and maintenance bobeche circular wax catcher that fits over a candle bobstay rope used on ships to steady the bowsprit bocking smoked herring bodach old man; churl; goblin or spectre bodement prediction or prophecy bodewash cow dung bodge piece of poor or clumsy workmanship bodkin small tool for pricking holes; small dagger boeotian stupid; dull boethetic helpful, curative bogan quiet tributary or backwater boggart spectre; bugbear; goblin bolar of, like or pertaining to clay bolection moulding around a panel bolero Spanish dance with sudden pauses and sharp turns bolide large meteor that bursts; a fireball bollard short post on a wharf or ship to which ropes are tied bolometer instrument for measuring radiant energy or infrared light bolthead straight-necked distillation vessel or flask boltrope strong rope stitched to edges of a sail bolus rounded mass boman well dressed criminal bombaster one who stuffs or pads things bombastry bombastic language or composition bombazine twilled silk and worsted fabric bombé bulging outwards bombic of, like or pertaining to silkworms bombilate to hum, buzz or drone bombosity the buttocks bombous convex; rounded bombycine of, like or pertaining to silk or cotton bombylious humming or buzzing bonasus bison bonbonnière small box used for sweetmeats bonce large marble used in games bonification paying of bonus or reward boniform having the form of good bonify to improve or ameliorate boning estimating straightness by looking along a row of poles bonism the doctrine that the world is good but not perfect bonzery Buddhist monastery bonzoline artificial ivory-like substance used to make billiard balls boodle counterfeit money; funds obtained by corruption boopic ox-eyed borage rough-stemmed herb used in salads borasco violent wind squall borato thin fabric borborology filthy talk borborygmus rumbling noise in the intestines bordar tenant who holds land at his lord's pleasure bordereau detailed bill or invoice bordure border surrounding a heraldic shield bore tidal flow of water up estuaries borné limited; narrow-minded borsella instrument for shaping glass vessels bort diamond fragments or dust borzoi wolf-hound boscage thick foliage; woodland boschveldt bush country; wilderness bosket thicket; plantation bosky covered with trees or shrubs bossa-nova Brazilian dance similar to samba bosselated knobby boston waltz-like dance bosun boatswain bot larva of a botfly that infests horses botanomancy divination using burning branches or plants botryoidal like a bunch of grapes bottine small boot bottomry using the ship as collateral to finance a sea voyage bottony having three buds like a trefoil bouclé fabric of uneven looped yarn bouillotte card game resembling poker bouleuterion meeting-place; assembly hall bouleversement overturning; reversal; ruin boult to sift through cloth; to examine by sifting boun to prepare; to dress; to set out bourasque tempest bourdon drone bass of a bagpipe or organ bourrée French baroque dance with quick rhythm boustrophedon writing alternating left-right then right-left boutade sudden outburst bovicide slaughter of cattle; one who kills cattle boviform cow-shaped bower anchor carried at bow of a ship bowery seedy or run-down district of a city bowline rope used to keep weather edge of a sail taut bowsprit spar that extends at bows of a ship boyau communication trench boyg a problem difficult to get to grips with brabble to squabble or quarrel braccate having feathered legs or feet bracciale bracket or socket mounted on a wall brach female hunting hound brachet whelp; brat; bitch hound brachiation act of swinging by one's arms from place to place brachiferous bearing or having branches or arms brachiotomy amputation of an arm brachycatalectic lacking two syllables from end of a line of verse brachycerous having horns or antennae clipped or removed brachydactylous having short or stubby fingers brachymetropia short-sightedness brachyology laconic, abbreviated or interrupted speech brachypodous short-legged brachypterous short-winged brackish saltish; very salty brackle to break bread or cake into pieces bracteate thin beaten plate of gold or silver bradawl small boring tool bradyseism slow up-and-down movement of the earth's crust brail leather strap to bind a hawk's wing brails ropes on edge of sail for hauling up braird to appear above ground (of crops) branchial of, like or pertaining to gills branchiferous having or bearing gills branchiform gill-shaped brandling striped earthworm used as fishing bait brank to prance; toss the head; to strut bransle an old French follow-the-leader dance brasero a place where criminals and heretics are burned brash collection of broken pieces of rock or ice brassage difference between cost of minting coin and its value brassard badge worn on the arm; piece of armour for the arm brattice fixed tower of wood on a castle wall brattice partition in mine shaft used to support walls and roof braxy disease of sheep causing fits brayer instrument for spreading ink in printing bream to clean a ship's bottom by burning off seaweed breastsummer beam supporting front of a building; bressummer breccia geological formation of angular fragments of rock breedbate someone looking for an argument brehon judge or magistrate in ancient Ireland breloque an ornament attached to a watch breme fierce; cruel; keen bressummer beam supporting a wall over an opening bretasche partition to control ventilation in a mine breve mark over letter to indicate a short vowel sound brevet commission enabling officer to take higher rank breviary book containing daily church service breviate a brief compendium; a lawyer's brief brevicaudate short-tailed breviloquence short-windedness; tendency towards brevity in speech breviped short-legged creature brevipennate having short wings briarean many-handed bricole harness for humans to pull heavy loads bridewell house of corrections; jail bridgewater anything undesirable or worthless bridoon light military bridle brigandine leather armour with metal scales brigantine two-masted ship brigue to intrigue brilliantine light lustrous cotton and worsted fabric brilliantine perfumed oil for making hair glossy brindled marked with streaks or spots brio enthusiastic vigour brisure part of a parapet breaking from the general direction britska open four-wheeled carriage broadcloth dense twilled wool or worsted fabric brobdingnagian immense brocade rich silk fabric with raised patterns brocard elementary law or principle; canon; axiom; maxim broch luminous ring around the moon broché with raised pattern brochette skewer for holding food steady while cooking brocken two-year-old stag brockfaced having a white mark on the face or snout brodequin light boot worn inside heavier boots broderie embroidery pattern brogan strong and tough working shoe broma food; aliment bromatology study of food bromidrosis strong-smelling sweat bromopnea bad breath bronchos temporary loss of voice; laryngitis bronchoscope instrument for examining the windpipe brontology scientific study of thunder brontomancy divination using thunder brontophobia fear of thunder and lightning brouette small two-wheeled carriage brougham one-horse closed carriage bruit something rumoured widely; to report or spread rumour brumal of, like or pertaining to winter brumous foggy; wintry brunneous dark brown bruxism habitual grinding of the teeth bruxomania compulsion for grinding teeth bryology the study of mosses and liverworts bubaline of, like or pertaining to buffalo or antelopes bubonalgia painful inflammation of the groin buccal of, like or pertaining to the mouth or cheek buccan metal frame on which meat is dried and/or roasted buccina Roman curved trumpet buccinal shaped or sounding like a trumpet buccula double chin bucentaur legendary half-man and half-ox buck-and-wing solo tap dance with many leg flings and leaps buckram stiff-finished cotton or linen used for linings of garments bucoliast writer of pastoral poems bucolic of, like or pertaining to the tending of cattle; rustic; rural buddle sloping container for washing ore bufoniform shaped like a toad bufotenine hallucinogen found in certain tropical toads buhl inlaying of precious material onto furniture bulbiferous bearing bulbs bulgur cooked broken wheat bulimy extreme hunger bulla round seal attached to a papal bull bullace wild plum bullantic capitalized and ornamented, as letters used on papal bulls bullary collection of papal bulls bullate having a blistered or puckered appearance bulliform shaped like a blister or boil bullionism belief in the importance of metallic currency in economics bullition the act of boiling bullock an ox or castrated bull bullyrag to assault with abusive language; to badger bulse a small bag for diamonds or gold dust bulwark the side of a ship above the deck bumboat small boat used in harbours to carry provisions bumicky cement mixed with stone chips used in masonry bummel stroll; leisurely journey bump coarse cotton fabric bumpkin spar projecting from stern of ship bumptious offensively conceited or self-assertive buncombe speech-making intended for the mass media bunt middle of sail, fish-net or cloth when slack bunting light loosely woven fabric used for flags buntline rope attached to middle of square sail to haul it up to the yard burdet cotton fabric burgage tenure in socage for a yearly rent burganet light helmet with nose and cheek protection burgee small ship's flag used for identification or signalling burgensic of, like or pertaining to a borough or its citizens burgrave commander of a German town or castle burke to suppress quietly; to bypass or avoid burlap coarse plain-woven jute or hemp fabric burnet dark brown; dark woollen cloth burrel coarse russet cloth burrole an eavesdropper burrstone type of rock used to make millstones bursal of, like or pertaining to a state's revenues bursary treasury of a monastery or college burse square cloth case to carry the corporal during Communion service bursiculate resembling a small pouch bursiform shaped like a pouch or purse buskin tragedy as a dramatic genre buss rude or playful kiss buteonine of, like or pertaining to buzzards butt unit of volume equal to two hogsheads or 126 gallons buttery storeroom for provisions and liquors butyraceous resembling, producing or having the qualities of butter butyric of, like or pertaining to butter byre a cow barn byrnie coat of mail or breastplate byssaceous delicately filamentous byssiferous having tufts or threads byssine silky; soft; having many threads byssoid fibrous; cottony soft byssus mummy-wrapping fabric bywoner agricultural labourer caballine of, like or pertaining to or suited to a horse cabas woman's work basket or handbag cable heavy rope or chain for mooring a ship caboched heraldic animal shown in full face with no neck or body cabochon highly polished convex gem caboose kitchen on the deck of a ship cabotage shipping and sailing between points in the same country cabré flying upside down with tail down cabrie a pronghorn cabriole curved furniture leg ending in a ball; exuberant dance or caper cabriolet two-wheeled carriage cacaesthesia morbid sensation cachaemic having diseased or poisoned blood cachalot sperm whale cachepot ornamental container used to conceal a flowerpot cachet a seal of approval; a mark of prestige cachexic having an unhealthy physical or mental state cachinnate to laugh loudly and inappropriately cacidrosis smelly sweat cacodemomania pathological belief that one is inhabited by an evil spirit cacodoxy bad doctrine or wrong opinion cacoepy poor or wrong pronunciation cacoethes insatiable desire or mania; bad habit cacogen antisocial person cacogenics study of racial degeneration cacography bad handwriting or spelling cacolet military mule litter cacology bad choice of words or faulty pronunciation caconym wrongly derived name cacotopia a state in which everything is as bad as it can be cacuminal retroflex, pertaining to a point, crown, top or peak cadastre record of ownership and value of property caddis worsted yarn cadge to beg or sponge from another cadilesker chief judge in the Turkish empire cadrans instrument by which a gem is adjusted while being cut caducary passing or expiring due to lapse or forfeit caduceator herald; messenger caducity being of a transitory or impermanent nature caecity blindness caenogenesis process of growth in individual not common in its species caesaropapism control of the church by a secular ruler caesious bluish or greyish green caespitose growing in clusters or tufts caesura natural breathing space in a line of verse cafard depression; the blues cagamosis unhappy marriage cairngorm yellow-brown quartz caisson vehicle or chest for holding ammunition caitiff base; cowardly; despicable cakewalk prancing stage dance with backward tilt calamanco satin twilled woollen fabric calamist piper; one who plays using a reed calamus quill or reed used as a pen calando slowing with gradually lowering volume calash light low-wheeled carriage with folding top calathiform cup-shaped calathus fruit basket carried on the head calcar furnace or oven for annealing calcariferous having or bearing spurs calcariform spur-shaped calceate to shoe calceiform shaped like a slipper calciferous bearing lime calciform pebble-shaped calcifuge plant that will not tolerate limy soil calcimine to whitewash calcine to burn so as to drive out water and carbon dioxide calcivorous feeding on or living in limestone calcographer one who draws with crayons or pastels calefacient warming; anything that warms calefactory a monastery sitting room calender machine with rollers which presses paper or cloth calenture tropical fever due to heat exposure calescence increase in heat calico plain white cotton calicular like a chalice or cup caliginous misty; dark; dim; obscure caliology study of bird's nests calipace turtle's carapace calix cup; chalice calk pointed piece on a horseshoe to prevent slipping callant boy; fellow calligram design using the letters of a word callipygous having beautiful buttocks callisteia awards given for beauty callithump boisterous and noisy parade callow unfledged; inexperienced calodemon good or beneficial spirit calorifacient producing or generating heat calorifics study of heat calorimeter instrument for measuring absorbed or evolved heat calotte Roman Catholic skullcap calque word or expression introduced into a language by literally translating it calumet ornamented ceremonial pipe calumniate to slander; misrepresent; besmirch calumny vile misrepresentation calvary experience of intense mental suffering calver to prepare fish while alive or freshly caught calvities baldness calvous bald calycine of, like or pertaining to a cup or calyx calyx outer covering of a flower camaca fine silk fabric camaïeu monotonous or uninteresting play or literary work caman shinty stick camarilla secret society of favourites of the king camber slight arch or convexity to a beam or deck of a ship cambist person skilled in the science of financial exchange cambistry science of international exchange cambium soft tissue found in trees cambresine fine linen fabric cambric fine thin white cotton or linen fabric cameline of, like or pertaining to camels camelious jocular term describing camel's hump camelopard giraffe camelot newspaper vendor camelry troops mounted on camels cameralism mercantilism designed to increase a ruler's power camerated divided into separate chambers cameriere waiter or valet camerlengo papal treasurer camisade night attack camisole straitjacket used for unruly prisoners camlet strong waterproof silk or wool fabric camorra group united for nefarious or traitorous ends camouflet mine used to destroy underground enemy emplacement campaniform bell-shaped campanile freestanding bell tower on church property campanology the art of bell ringing campanulate shaped like a bell campestral of, like or pertaining to the country; pertaining to level ground camsteary perverse; unruly canaille riffraff; proletarian; the mob; rabble canaliculate grooved or channelled lengthwise canard false rumour; hoax canary lively Renaissance courtly dance cancellarial of, like or pertaining to a chancellor cancellous having a porous structure cancerophobia fear of cancer cancriform shaped like a crab cancrine of, like or pertaining to crabs; palindromic cancrine palindromic cancrizans moving backwards; repeating a musical theme backwards candela unit of luminous intensity candent heated to whiteness candescent glowing hotly canephor sculpted figure carrying a basket on the head canescent hoary; tending to become white or grey caneva fancy woollen fabric made to resemble canvas cang wooden yoke hung around a criminal's neck canicular of, like or pertaining to the dog star canities whiteness of the hair cannel bevel on the edge of a chisel cannelure groove or fluting cannikin small can or drinking vessel cannonade an attack with heavy artillery cannonarchy government by superior firepower or by cannons cannular hollow or tube-shaped canoness woman living in a community under a religious rule canonicate the rank or office of a cannon canophilia love or fondness for dogs canopus vase for holding dead individual's inner organs canorous musical; singing; resonant canque Chinese cotton fabric cantabank strolling singer; second-rate musician cantative of, like or pertaining to singing cantatrice female singer canter person who makes hypocritical or affected statements canterbury stand with divisions for holding books or music canthus angle between eyelids at the corner of the eye canticle short holy song or sung prayer cantillate to chant or intone cantle corner, edge or slice of anything canton dexter chief region of a heraldic field cantonment small military town cantorial located on the north side of the choir in a church canzone instrumental work that is melodious or song-like caparison ornamented covering for a horse capeline surgical bandage for the stump of amputated limb; small iron skullcap capelocracy government by shopkeepers capias writ authorizing the arrest of a person capillaceous hairlike capilotade stewed meat dish capistrate hooded capitalism doctrine that private ownership and free markets should govern economies capitation numbering of individuals; head tax capitulary of, like or pertaining to a chapter of an organization caple a horse capnomancy divination by means of smoke caponier covered passage across a moat or ditch capreolate having or resembling tentacles capric having a goatlike smell; of, like or pertaining to goats caprifoliaceous of, like or pertaining to the honeysuckle plant capriform goatlike caprine of, like or pertaining to goats capriole leap and kick performed by a trained horse capripede satyr capstan upright device for winding in heavy ropes or cables captation attempt to obtain applause or recognition captious peevish; ready to take offence or find fault capuchin pointed hooded cloak worn by friars caracole spiral staircase; a half turn by a trained horse caravanserai inn or rest station for caravans carbasus lint or gauze carboniferous bearing carbon carboy large green bottle encased in wicker carbuncle architectural monstrosity or eyesore; red precious stone carcanet ornamental necklace, collar or headband carcelage prison fees carceral of, like or pertaining to prisons carcinology study of crabs and other crustaceans cardialgia heartburn cardimelech supposed vital force causing heart to work cardinal deep scarlet red colour cardinalitial of, like or pertaining to church cardinals cardiognost one who knows the workings of the heart cardiograph instrument for recording movements of the heart cardioid heart-shaped cardophagus donkey; something that eats thistles careen to turn a ship on its side in order to clean or repair it caret mark (^) used to note an omission carfax place where four roads meet; intersection of roads at center of a town carferal compound of carbon, iron and aluminum caricology study of sedges caricous of, like or pertaining to figs carinated shaped like the prow or keel of a ship cariniform keel-shaped carioca variation of the samba cariogenic causing dental cavities cariole light open carriage carious of, like or pertaining to dental cavities; decayed caritative generous; charitable caritive indicating lack of something carking imposing great hardship or strain carminative expelling, causing or relieving flatulence carnaptious bad-tempered; cantankerous carnassial specially adapted for eating flesh carneous fleshy; flesh-coloured; like or pertaining to flesh carnet customs or other permit; book of coupons carniferous bearing flesh; fleshy carnifex executioner carnification conversion into flesh carnificial of, like or pertaining to butchers or executioners carnificine place of execution; office of the executioner carnose fleshy; of or like flesh caroche stately carriage used on ceremonial occasions carpal of, like or pertaining to the wrist carphology fitful plucking movements as in delirium carpogenous producing or bearing fruit carpology study of fruit carpophagous fruit-eating carrack galleon carriwitchet a quip or quibble; a pun; a conundrum carronade short and light maritime cannon cartiliginous like or composed of cartilage cartomancy telling fortunes using playing cards cartophily the hobby of collecting cigarette cards cartouche oval- or scroll-shaped ornamentation on monument or tomb cartulary keeper of monastic records carucate as much land as a team of oxen ploughs in a season caruncle any fleshy growth on the body caryatid column shaped like female figure cascabel part behind the base-ring of a cannon caschrom spade with bent handle for tilling soil casefy to become or make cheese-like casemate bombproof chamber or armored compartment caseous cheese-like casern barrack or billet for soldiers cashmere soft twilled fabric made of fine goat's wool cashmerette soft imitation of cashmere casque helmet cassation annulment; overthrow of legal decision cassideous helmet-shaped cassimere closely woven twilled cloth of fine wool cassock close-fitting ankle-length clergyman's garment castaneous chestnut-coloured castellan governor of castle or fortification castellar of, like or pertaining to a castle castellated having battlements or turrets castophrenia belief that one's thoughts are being stolen castory brown colour; brown dye derived from beaver pelts castral of or belonging to the camp castrametation the art of designing a camp casualism the belief that chance governs all things casuistry plausible but flawed moral reasoning catabaptism belief in the wrongness of infant baptism catabasis the decline of a disease in a population catachresis incorrect usage of a word catachthonian underground; subterranean cataclasm disruption; breaking down catacoustics science of echoes or reflected sounds catadioptric employing both reflection and refraction of light catadromous migrating from fresh to salt water to spawn catafalque temporary tomb used in funerals and processions catalactic of, like or pertaining to exchange catalactics science of commercial exchange catalectic incomplete; missing final syllable catamite boy kept for homosexual purposes catamount any wild large species of cat catapedamania obsession with jumping from high places cataphract suit of mail; soldier in full armour; armoured ship cataphysical unnatural cataplasm plaster or poultice cataplexy condition feigning death used by animals catarolysis letting off steam by cursing catarrhine of, like or pertaining to Old World Monkeys catasta scaffold or stage for torture or selling slaves catastaltic astringent catastasis part of drama where action is at its height catastrophism belief in rapid geological and biological change catchpole constable; sheriff's officer catechectics the art of teaching by question and answer catechumen one undergoing instruction prior to conversion to Christianity catena series, chain or sequence catenarian of, like or pertaining to chains catenate to connect as in or by a chain catenular chain-like cateran a Scottish military irregular or brigand cathead projection near the bow of a ship to which anchor is secured cathedra chair or throne of office for a bishop or other high official cathetometer instrument for measuring short vertical distances cathexis investment of emotional energy in a thought or idea cathisma short hymn used as response cathisophobia fear of sitting catholicon cure-all; panacea catholicos primate of Armenian or Nestorian church catogenic formed from above catoptric of, like or pertaining to reflection or reflected light catoptromancy divination by examining mirror placed underwater caudal of, like or pertaining to the tail caudiform tail-like; tail-shaped caudle warm drink given to the sick caul net or similar covering for the head; afterbirth cauliform shaped like or resembling a stem cauligenous originating on the stem of a plant caulotaxy disposition and location of branches on a stem cauponate to engage in questionable trade for the sake of gain causative indicating causation by causerie chat or gossip; short and informal essay causidical of, like or pertaining to those who plead legal cases causimancy divination by means of fire cautelous treacherous; cunning; wily; cautious cavatina short operatic air cavernicolous cave-dwelling cavernulous full of small cavities or holes cavesson noseband for a horse cavicorn hollow-horned cavil to raise trivial and frivolous objections cebocephalic having a head shaped like a monkey's cecils minced meat made into balls and fried cecity blindness cecutiency a tendency toward blindness cedrate citron ceilometer instrument for measuring height of cloud ceiling above earth celadon pale green; pale green glazed pottery celation concealment celeste sky blue celidography descriptions of markings on the sun, a planet or moon cella inner chamber of a classical temple cellarer monastery official in charge of provisions cellaret case or drawer for holding wine bottles celliferous bearing cells celluliferous bearing little cells celsitude loftiness celt prehistoric bevelled-edge axe celtuce lettuce with an edible stalk cementatory having the quality of binding or uniting firmly cementum hard tissue covering roots of teeth cenacle room where the Last Supper was eaten cenacle meeting or dining room; group with common interests cenatory of, like or pertaining to supper cendal silk fabric resembling taffeta ceneromancy divination using ashes cenobite monk; member of religious group cenoby monastery or convent cenophobia fear of empty spaces cenote deep natural well censer vessel for burning incense in religious rituals centesimal counting or counted by hundreds or hundredths centner old unit of weight equal to about 110 pounds cento patchwork composition; collection of short quotations centrobaric of, like or pertaining to the centre of gravity centuple hundred-fold cep brown edible mushroom cepaceous smelling or tasting of garlic or onion cephalate having a head cephaligation placing of major organs and bodily functions in the head cephalonomancy divination by boiling an ass head cephalophore decapitated saint depicted with head tucked under arm cephalopod creature with tentacles or limbs attached to head cepivorous onion-eating ceraceous resembling wax ceramography historical description of types of pottery cerated covered with wax ceratoid shaped like a horn; horny ceraunograph instrument for recording thunder and lightning ceraunomancy divination using thunderbolts ceraunoscopy divination using lightning cerberic vigilant; dragon-like; like Cerberus cercopithecan of, like or pertaining to long-tailed monkeys cercus tail-like appendage cerebration unconscious action of the brain cerements clothes placed on a deceased individual cerge large wax candle burned before the altar ceriferous producing wax cernuous drooping or hanging cerography writing or printing on plates spread with wax ceromancy divination by means of wax drippings ceroscopy divination using wax certes in truth; certainly cerulean sky-blue; dark blue; sea-green cerumen ear wax ceruminiferous bearing or yielding ear wax cervelat smoked pork sausage cervicorn branching like antlers cervine of, pertaining to or resembling deer, elk or moose cervisial of, like or pertaining or pertaining to beer cesious bluish-grey cespitous composed of or resembling turf cessionary someone to which something is ceded cetacean type of aquatic mammal, including whales and dolphins cete collective name for a group of badgers ceticide killing of whales and other cetaceans cetology study of whales and dolphins cevesaile ornamental corner of a coat chabouk horse-whip chaconne Spanish baroque dance in triple time chad bits of paper punched out of paper tape or cards chaetiferous bearing bristles; bristly chaetophorous in need of a shave chaffer to bargain or haggle chain unit of length equal to 22 yards chaise light open carriage for one or two people chalastic laxative chalcography the art of engraving on copper or brass chalcotriptics art of taking rubbings from ornamental brasses chaldron old unit of dry volume equal to between 32 and 72 bushels challis soft lightweight silk, wool or cotton fabric chambranle decoration around a door frame or fireplace chambray lightweight fabric with coloured warp and white filling chambré wine kept at room temperature chamfer to channel or make furrows upon; to bevel chamfrain piece of leather to protect a war horse's face chamois cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather champaign level countryside or plain champerty illegal contract to finance a lawsuit for a percentage fee chancel part of church containing altar and seats for choir chancery church office dealing with legal matters and archives chandelle sharp upward turn in aviation chantage blackmail to prevent exposure of scandalous facts chanter part of bagpipes on which the melody is played chanticleer a rooster chantry chapel or altar built for prayers for its benefactor's soul chaology the study of chaos or chaos theory chaomancy divination by examining phenomena of the air chapbook small independently produced popular book chaplet circlet or wreath for the head; short string of prayer beads chaptalize to add extra sugar to wine to raise alcohol content charabanc open tourist coach characterology study of development of character charientism expression of an unpleasant thing in an agreeable manner; euphemism charivari cacophonous mock-serenade performed for wedding chark to burn wood to charcoal Charleston fast-paced 1920s dance characterized by energetic kicking charmante silk fabric with a crepe back charmeuse soft and satiny silk fabric charmeuse soft satiny material charnel room where corpses are placed charpie shredded lint used to dress wounds chartaceous papery charterhouse Carthusian monastic building chartreuse yellow-green colour chary discreetly cautious or sparing chasmogamy opening of a flower in order to be fertilized chasmophile lover of nooks and crannies chasmophilous fond of nooks, crevices and crannies chasseur hunter; liveried hotel attendant chasuble sleeveless ecclesiastical garment chatelaine ring attached to belt for carrying keys chatelaine female castle owner, manager or caretaker chaton setting or stone of a finger-ring chatoyant with a changing lustre; iridescent chauffer small furnace chaussures general name for boots and shoes; footwear chawdron entrails cheiloplasty plastic surgery on the lip cheiloproclitic attracted to lips cheliferous bearing pincers or claws cheliform shaped like a pincer chelonian of, like or pertaining to tortoises or turtles chenille velvety silk, wool or cotton fabric with protruding pile chernozem black earth typically found in cool grassland climates chersonese peninsula chesil gravel chessel cheese-mould chevalet bridge of a stringed instrument chevaline horse meat chevaster double bandage for supporting chin in case of broken jaw chevelure nebulous part of a comet cheverel soft; flexible kidskin leather chevet east end of a church cheville unnecessary word used to extend line of verse cheviot coarse heavy plain or twilled wool or worsted chevisance resource; achievement; gain chevon goat flesh chevrotain small deer-like mammal chiaroscuro juxtaposition of light and shade in artwork or literature chiasmus contrast by parallelism in reverse order chicanery clever but misleading talk; deception chiffon sheer silk fabric chiffonier chest of drawers chignon knot or roll of hair worn at the back of the head chilgoza edible pine seed chiliad one thousand chiliahedron one-thousand sided solid figure chiliarchy government by one thousand people chiliasm belief that Jesus will reign on Earth for a thousand years chiliastic millenarian chiliomb sacrifice of one thousand animals chilopod multi-legged insect chimere loose sleeveless robes worn by Anglican bishops chimerical imaginary; fanciful chiminage toll paid for going through a forest chinamania obsession with collecting china chine the intersection of the middle and sides of a boat chine backbone and adjoining flesh of an animal chino strong twilled cotton cloth chintz glazed printed cotton fabric chionablepsia snow blindness chiral of, like or pertaining to the hand or handedness chirality chemical property of structural handedness chirapsia massage chirk cheer chirm collective term for goldfinches chirocosmetics beautifying the hands; art of manicure chirocracy government by physical force chirognomy divination by studying the hands chirograph written or signed document chirography study of handwriting or penmanship chirogymnast finger exercise machine for pianists chirology study of the hands chiromancy divination by means of palmistry chironomy gesticulation or mime chiropody medical science of feet chiropractic treatment of disorders of the locomotor system and spinal column chiropterophilous pollinated or frequented by bats chirosophy knowledge of palm-reading chirospasm writer's cramp chirotony election by a show of hands chlamydate having a mantle or hood chlamys horseman's loose cloak chlorochrous green-coloured chlorometer instrument for measuring amount of chlorine in a solution choanoid shaped like a funnel chock metal casting with curved arms for passing ropes for mooring ship cholelithiasis production of gall stones choliamb verse with an iambus in the fifth place and a spondee in the sixth cholic of, like or pertaining to bile choller double chin chololith gall stone chômage work stoppage or slump chondrogenesis production of cartilage chondroid like or resembling cartilage choragus leader of a choir or organizer of musical festivals chordee painful, downward-curving erection of the penis choreomania dancing mania or frenzy chorepiscopal of, like or pertaining to an early local bishop choreutic of, like or pertaining to a chorus chorisis multiplication of parts by branching or splitting chorizont one who disputes identity of authorship chorographer one who maps or describes a region chorology science of the geographic description of anything chorometry land surveying chouse to cheat; to swindle chrematistic of, like or pertaining to the pursuit of wealth or to business chrematistics the study of wealth; political economy chrematophobia fear of money chreotechnics useful or practical trades or arts chrestomathic of, like or pertaining to useful knowledge chrestomathy anthology of passages used in learning languages chrism consecrated or holy oil chrismation sacrament of baptism in Eastern churches chrismatory vessel for holding holy oil chrisom white robe put on newly baptised child chrisomalis the loser who wrote this damn list Christolatry worship of Christ christophany appearance of Christ to men chromatism presence of abnormal coloration chromatocracy government by rulers of a particular skin colour chromatograph instrument for performing chromatographic separations chromatoptometer instrument measuring eyes' sensitivity to colour chromophilous staining easily chronobiology study of biological rhythms chronogram inscription whose letters form a Roman numeral date chronograph instrument for recording the moment of an event chronomancy divination by means of time chronopher electrical instrument for transmitting time signals chronoscope instrument for measuring very short time intervals chronostichon chronogrammatic line or stanza chronosynchronicity presentation of all stages of a person's life in a single piece of art chryselephantine inlaid with gold and ivory chrysoaristocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy chrysochlorous greenish-gold chrysocracy government by the wealthy; plutocracy chrysography writing in gold or silver letters chrysology study of precious metals chrysophilist gold-lover chrysopoetics transmutation of substances into gold chrystocrene rock formation resembling glacier chthonian of, like or pertaining to the earth or the underworld chthonophagia eating dirt churching church ceremony given to women after childbirth churchism devotion to church rules over religious precepts chyle milky fluid secreted into blood by small intestine chyliferous bearing chyle chyme partially digested food chymiferous bearing chyme chypre mixture of resins used in making perfume cibarious of, like or pertaining to food; useful for food cibation taking food; feeding cibophobia fear of or distaste for food ciborium freestanding canopy to cover altar; vessel for holding eucharistic bread cicatrization scarification; production of marks upon cicerone guide; tour guide cicisbeo male companion of a married woman ciconine of, like or pertaining to storks cienega marsh or swamp cilice haircloth shirt worn as penance cillosis spasm or twitch in the upper eyelid cimelia treasures in storage cimeliarch church vestry or treasury cimex bedbug cimicide substance used to kill bed-bugs cimier crest of helmet; removable heraldic device or favour of courtly love cincture to gird or surround; belt worn around ecclesiastical vestment cineast one who takes artistic interest in motion pictures cinerarium container for cremated ashes cinerary of, like or pertaining to ashes cinerious ashen; ash-grey cingular shaped like a girdle or ring cingulum girdle or girdle-like structure; priest's belt cinnabar red crystalline mercuric sulfide pigment; deep red or scarlet colour cinque-pace lively medieval dance with five steps ciplinarian one who teaches disorder cipolin white marble streaked with green cippus small column used to mark burial location cippus the stocks circa about; around circadian occurring every 24 hours circinate ring-shaped; rolled inwards; spiralling circiter about; around circuity motion in a roundabout course circumambagious roundabout in speech circumambient going round about; encompassing circumaviate to fly around circumbendibus a roundabout way or expression circumcrescent growing around; above or over circumduct to cause to revolve around an imaginary axis circumforaneous wandering about as from market to market circumforentor surveyor's instrument used to measure angles circumfulgent shining about or around circumfuse to pour around or about circumincession the reciprocal existence of three parts of the Trinity in each other circumjacent bordering on every side circumlittoral around or near the shore circumpose to place around circumvallate to surround with a rampart or fortification circumvolution anything winding or sinuous cire fabric with a glazed finish cirrate having tendrils cirriped barnacle or other parasitic crustacean ciselure the art of chasing metal cismarine on this or the near side of the ocean cismontane on this or the near side of the mountains cispontine on this or the near side of a bridge cist tomb consisting of stone chest covered with stone slabs cisvestism wearing strange or inappropriate clothes cithara ancient Greek musical instrument like a lyre citigrade moving quickly citreous lemon-coloured; lemony citrine dark greenish-yellow cittosis abnormal desire for strange foods cladistics taxonomic theory distinguishing by common ancestor cladogenesis origin and evolution as if branching from common ancestor cladoptosis annual shedding of twigs and branches cladose branching; branched clamancy urgency clamant loud; insistent; urgent clangor loud ringing noise or clang claque group of hired applauders or sycophants clarence four-wheeled carriage clarigate to declare war formally classis a group; governing body of Reformed churches clastic able to be disassembled into its component parts clathrate shaped like a net or lattice clathrose marked with latticed lines or grooves claudent closing; ending; confining claudication limpness; cramp-like pain claustral cloistral; secluded; narrow-minded claustration the act of shutting in a cloister claustrophobia fear of closed spaces clavate club-shaped claver gossip claviature keyboard clavichord old keyboard stringed instrument claviform in the shape of a club clavigerous club-bearing clavigerous keeping keys clavis key; glossary; index; legend cledonism circumlocution used to avoid speaking unlucky words cleg horse-fly cleidomancy divination using keys cleithral completely roofed over clem to starve clepe to name; to call clepsydra instrument which measures time by trickling water clerestory upper storey of a church; windows near the roof of a building clerihew jingle summing up person's life in two couplets clerisy scholars an