| Term | Definition |
|
putrescent |
Undergoing decomposition of animal or vegetable matter accompanied by fetid odors. |
|
pyre |
A heap of combustibles arranged for burning a dead body. |
|
pyromania |
An insane propensity to set things on fire. |
|
pyrotechnic |
Pertaining to fireworks or their manufacture. |
|
pyx |
A vessel or casket, usually of precious metal, in which the host is preserved. |
|
quackery |
Charlatanry |
|
quadrate |
To divide into quarters. |
|
quadruple |
To multiply by four. |
|
qualification |
A requisite for an employment, position, right, or privilege. |
|
qualify |
To endow or furnish with requisite ability, character, knowledge, skill, or possessions. |
|
qualm |
A fit of nausea. |
|
quandary |
A puzzling predicament. |
|
quantity |
Magnitude. |
|
quarantine |
The enforced isolation of any person or place infected with contagious disease. |
|
quarrelsome |
Irascible. |
|
quarter |
One of four equal parts into which anything is or may be divided. |
|
quarterly |
Occurring or made at intervals of three months. |
|
quartet |
A composition for four voices or four instruments. |
|
quarto |
An eight-page newspaper of any size. |
|
quay |
A wharf or artificial landing-place on the shore of a harbor or projecting into it. |
|
querulous |
Habitually complaining. |
|
query |
To make inquiry. |
|
queue |
A file of persons waiting in order of their arrival, as for admittance. |
|
quibble |
An utterly trivial distinction or objection. |
|
quiescence |
Quiet. |
|
quiescent |
Being in a state of repose or inaction. |
|
quiet |
Making no noise. |
|
quietus |
A silencing, suppressing, or ending. |
|
quintessence |
The most essential part of anything. |
|
quintet |
Musical composition arranged for five voices or instruments. |
|
quite |
Fully. |
|
Quixotic |
Chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree. |
|
rabid |
Affected with rabies or hydrophobia. |
|
racy |
Exciting or exhilarating to the mind. |
|
radiance |
Brilliant or sparkling luster. |
|
radiate |
To extend in all directions, as from a source or focus. |
|
radical |
One who holds extreme views or advocates extreme measures. |
|
radix |
That from or on which something is developed. |
|
raillery |
Good-humored satire. |
|
ramify |
To divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions. |
|
ramose |
Branch-like. |
|
rampant |
Growing, climbing, or running without check or restraint. |
|
rampart |
A bulwark or construction to oppose assault or hostile entry. |
|
rancor |
Malice. |
|
rankle |
To produce irritation or festering. |
|
rapacious |
Disposed to seize by violence or by unlawful or greedy methods. |
|
rapid |
Having great speed. |
|
rapine |
The act of seizing and carrying off property by superior force, as in war. |
|
rapt |
Enraptured. |
|
raptorial |
Seizing and devouring living prey. |