55 House Idioms

55 House Idioms 55 House Idioms 55 House Idioms By Mark Nichol The integral nature and the ubiquity of houses in our culture has given rise to a number of idiomatic expressions that include the word house. This post lists such terms. 1. A house divided against itself cannot stand: A statement from a speech by Abraham Lincoln based on biblical scripture and alluding to the impending conflict between the North and the South over slavery 2. A house is not a home: A saying that differentiates a physical building from a dwelling identified with a family 3. A house of cards: a precarious situation, from the notion of an activity in which one or more people try to build a structure out of vertically placed playing cards without causing it to collapse 4. A plague on both your houses: A curse, based on a line from Romeo and Juliet, in which the speaker expresses disgust with both parties in a dispute 5. As safe as houses: In British English, a reference on the presumption that a house is secure, to satisfactory protection 6. Basket house: A music venue in which performers earn only money collected in a basket or other receptacle as donations 7. Big house: Slang for prison, or a reference to the main residence of an estate 8. Boardinghouse reach: An especially long reach across a table, alluding to the relaxed table manners of a boardinghouse, a lodging in which meals are provided 9. Bottom the house: A reference to thoroughly cleaning a place 10. Brick house: A sexually attractive woman, from the notion that she, on the analogy of a sturdy structure made of brick, is well built 11–12. Bring down the house/bring the house down: A reference to a performer being so entertaining that everyone in the venue in which the person is performing responds so enthusiastically that the performance is temporarily interrupted 13–15. Call house/house of ill fame/repute: Euphemisms for brothel 16. Clean house: A reference to thoroughly reforming an organization by replacing employees or members or changing policies or traditions 17. Crack house: Slang for a house from which crack cocaine is sold 18. Dream house: A house one considers ideal as a residence 19. Eat (one) out of house and home: Deplete all the food in a house 20–21. Fox guarding the henhouse/in the henhouse: A proverbial reference to the folly of allowing a person inimical to an organization to lead it or be involved in it 22. Full house: Said of an entertainment venue with the audience at capacity 23. Get (one’s) own house in order: An admonition to improve one’s own situation before criticizing another person for theirs 24. Get along like a house on fire: Become friends immediately upon meeting 25–26. Go around/round the houses: An expression, synonymous with â€Å"beating around the bush,† alluding to a person talking about trivial matters to avoid bringing up a sensitive topic 27. Halfway house: A residence for rehabilitating ex-convicts, drug addicts, or mental patients; by extension, a midpoint 28. Hash house: An inexpensive restaurant 29. Haunted house: A house thought to be inhabited by ghosts or spirits 30. House band: A musical ensemble hired to play regularly at a venue on its own, backing up visiting performers, or both 31. House music: A style of electronic dance music similar to disco but with few or no lyrics 32. House of correction: A euphemism for prison 33. House of many doors: Slang for prison 34. House poor: Able to afford housing costs but little else 35. House specialty: A menu item or other product that a business takes pride in offering 36. House wine: Any type of wine offered as a specialty of a restaurant or bar 37. Housebreak: Train a pet to use a special receptacle or go outside to urinate or defecate; by extension, make polite or submissive 38. Housewarming party: A celebration to commemorate moving into a new residence 39. In the house: Present (usually in the context of an entertainer being in a performing venue) 40. Keep house: Manage a household 41. Keep open house: Said of a residence in which visitors are always welcome 42. Lady of the house: A woman who manages a household 43. Like a house on fire: Quickly, from the notion that a burning house will swiftly become engulfed in flames 44. My house is your house: An expression of hospitality to make a guest feel welcome 45. On the house: Free (meaning that the house, or establishment, will on a special occasion pay for a product offered in the establishment) 46. Open house: An event in which visitors are welcome, either for a house party, a showing of a residence for sale, or an event in which members of the public are invited to visit an organization’s headquarters 47. Out of house and home: Evicted or otherwise deprived of shelter 48. Outhouse: An outdoor toilet 49. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones: A proverb that discourages hypocrisy; compare â€Å"put (one’s) own house in order† 50. Play house: Pretend to engage in activities associated with being part of a family (usually said of children role-playing domestic behaviors such as cooking and cleaning) 51. Put (one’s) house in order: Manage one’s affairs; contrast with â€Å"Put (one’s) own house in order† 52. Put (one’s) own house in order: An expression exhorting people to take care of their own affairs before criticizing how others handle theirs; compare â€Å"Those who own glass houses shouldn’t throw stones† and contrast with â€Å"Put (one’s) house in order† 53. Rock the house: Elicit an enthusiastic response from an audience 54. Shotgun house: Slang for a long, narrow house built with rooms in a straight line, from the notion that a shotgun shell could be fired through the front door and out the back door 55. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house: A reference to a dramatic performance that causes everyone in the audience in a performance venue to cry Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:10 Rules for Writing Numbers and Numerals20 Rules About Subject-Verb AgreementOne Scissor?

Vietnam war Essay examples

Vietnam war Essay examples Vietnam war Essay examples Eli Loewenstern Period 2 2/24/15 Military Innovations in the Vietnam War No Regard for Human Life The Vietnam War started on November 1, 1955 and ended on April 30, 1975. In that time a shocking 1.3 million to 3.9 million people died. America got involved in the war because of its goal to stop the spread of communism, and it was willing to do anything to achieve its mission. It wasn’t just the large amount of people that died that made the war so horrific, but it was the manner in which they died. Due to the use of chemical warfare, the increased use of air strikes, and the use of advanced weaponry, the Vietnam War was the most brutal war and caused the most horrific deaths in American history (Vietnam War). When President Lyndon B. Johnson escalated American involvement in the war in 1965 the American military did not have any regards for the citizens, soldiers, or land of North Vietnam. This was shown through America’s use of chemicals during the war. The two most common chemical concoctions were Napalm and Agent Orange. Napalm is a mixture of plastic polystyrene, gasoline, and hydrocarbon benzene. This blend thickened the gasoline and was used in flamethrowers and firebombs. These devices were used to clear away the forests of Vietnam, and as weapons that would cause 3rd degree burns and would often lead to death (Napalm | Chemical Compound). Another chemical used during the war was Agent Orange. Agent Orange was a toxic herbicide used by the United States during Operation Ranch Hand. The goal of the operation was to cut off the Vietnamese farmers and soldiers from food and water as well to clear out the dense vegetation of the area. Agent Orange also had lots of side effects on the soldiers such as cancer and birth defects in newborn babies. The use of these chemicals showed the ruthless policies of the American army in their attempt to win the war (Napalm, Agent Orange). American commanders did not care what, or who was destroyed in their efforts to win the war, so the use of airstrikes became a common war tactic. The most used plane was the B-52 bomber. The bomber could carry more bombs than fighter planes and could fly from up to 30000 feet in the air. Which was effective because it put the plane out of range from gunfire and it was hard to spot. These bombers would often drop cluster bombs, which were bombs that would release seven million steel pellets. These pellets ripped through human flesh and were often inaccurate and killed innocent civilians (Hay). The use of these bombs showed that the United States had no regard for human life. Another symbol of the Vietnam War was the Huey Helicopter. It was known as a symbol of the war b ecause it changed modern day warfare and more than 7000 of them were used during

Finance report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Finance report - Assignment Example Ratio analysis is done to compare the performance of FHL with its major competitor, Harvey Norman. Profitability, Asset efficiency, Liquidity, Capital structure, and Market performance ratios are calculated for both the companies and performance of the two companies is analyzed in the light of these ratios. Some of the limitations of the analysis are identified, conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given on the basis of the analysis done on FHL. Financial statements include at least two accounting statements that are prepared by a company at the end of its accounting period. These two include Income statement and balance sheet and these statements of Fantastic Holdings LTD (FHL) are analyzed in this report. Financial statement analysis of a company is extremely important for a company so that it can reflect upon performance of the company and can add meaning to the figures of the financial statements. Financial statement analysis involves evaluating three characteristics: profitability, liquidity and solvency. A short term lender will be interested in the liquidity of the company which measures the efficiency of the companies to pay their obligations when they are due. A long term creditor would assess the profitability and solvency of the company which measures the long term standing of the company. Hence financial statement analysis is extremely important for the company as well as for the users of the financial statements. Comparisons can be made on the intra company basis, industry averages and inter company basis. Vertical analysis is done to make intra company comparisons and ratio analysis is done to make inter company comparisons. In this report, both comparisons are made. Intra company analysis is done using vertical and trend analysis and inter company analysis is done through ratio analysis of Fantastic Holdings Ltd and Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. Through the analysis, conclusions will be drawn regarding the performance of FHL from

Why juveniles run away, and what should be done with them when they Research Paper

Why juveniles run away, and what should be done with them when they are cought - Research Paper Example The issue of children running away from their homes has become popular in recent time due to their ever-increasing numbers. It is estimated that about one and a half million juveniles go missing from their homes, of which, only less than 20% returns into their homes (Zhang, Antonio, David & Victor, 2007). They also assert that about 12% of the youths in the united states run away from their homes at least once before they become adults due to various reasons that shall be discussed below. According to Chapple, Johnson & Whitbeck (2004), youths who have problems that are related to academic achievement, police contact, peer involvement shows high levels of juvenile run away. Most of the homes whereby juveniles run away are associated with limited supervision, limited help in schoolwork, limited opportunity to discuss personal problems and lack of emotional support in times of difficulties. Whenever there is limited support from family members, juveniles experience increased depression that leads to negative life that results to run away in search for a better environment to accommodate them. In some cases, families with high rates of runaway children are those whereby the parents are drug and alcohol addicts therefore they have less time to cater for the needs of their children (Sanna., Kimberly & Gregory, 2005). A high percentage of these families are those that give the children less social and economic support as they face the difficulties of growing up into adulth ood. Some parents and guardians are known to abuse their children excessively, leading to lots of discomfort and subsequently runway in search of freedom in the streets or elsewhere (Elizabeth, Andrienne, Gerald, Kathryn, Andrew, Jonathan & Cheryl, 2010). Continuous use of illegal drugs is also associated with the reason why the juveniles run away from their homes. Drug and alcohol abuse is strongly linked as one of the reasons why juveniles

A farewell to arms Essay Example for Free

A farewell to arms Essay Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms is an examination of war, loyalty, desertion, love and loss. His novel tells the story of an American, Fredric Henry, serving in the Italian army during World War I. Using a first person narrative we witness the horrors of war, the beauty of love, and the pain of loss. While the novel is fiction there are many similarities to Hemmingway’s life, which he uses as inspiration in his work. These experiences add substance to his tale of love in a time of war. The story is broken into five books, each covering a different aspect of narrative structure. The first book is an excellent example building the exposition of a story, beginning with Lieutenant Henry describing the village where his unit is stationed. Through Henry’s eyes Hemmingway describes the beauty of the village and the neighboring countryside. He also alludes to the impending conflict that is soon to ravage the land, detailing the men and equipment that come through the streets. Book one also introduces love affair of the two central characters of the story; Fredric Henry, an American serving as a Lieutenant with the Italian Army and Catherine Barkley, an English working in the local hospital. Their relationship develops quickly but is just as quickly tested when Henry is severely injured in battle. Book Two continues to build on the love affair between Henry and Catherine. After Henry is moved away from the front to an American hospital, where he is soon reunited Catherine and they resume their affair. Henry is faced with the not only major surgery and a long recovery, but also having to hide his relationship with Catherine. Elements of both Henry and Catherine’s personalities are fleshed out in greater detail. Henry is a fairly aloof man. He does not care much for the war and he is not interested in the merits or the glory of war; however he is a good and dedicated soldier. Catherine is very submissive toward Henry. She often gives control of the relationship to Henry, becoming almost co-dependent. As their time together increases Henry finds himself growing more and more dedicated to his relationship to Catherine. As the fall arrives Henry is faced with two new major complications; he must return to the battle front and Catherine is now pregnant. Henry being a man of honor promises his love to Catherine and that we will not desert her. Henry moves onto the front where things will go from bad to worse. Henry is moved back to the front and he begins to see how the war has changed not only the countryside but those around him as well. Because Henry is not Italian he does not feel the same sense of loyalty those around him feel and he begins to question his duty to the war efforts. His summer with Catherine has given Henry a new outlook on life and a different cause to commit to. This adds to the rising conflict of the story as now Henry is back in harm’s way and will soon see thing that will change his perception of war and his life and force him to make a choice that will change his life. The main crisis of the story is in Book Three. Not long after returning to the fight the Italian defenses are broken and the army is ordered to retreat. Henry must take his ambulances and drivers across the Italian country side to the rally point. As they trek through the ravaged landscape Henry begins to see the war as being hopeless and his thoughts move toward being with Catherine once again. During the retreat Henry is forced to kill another soldier for not obey an order. He also sees as one of his men is killed by fellow Italian soldiers. These two events cause Henry to detach completely from his duties as an officer. The story reaches the climax as Henry is being separated from his men and about to be executed. No longer feeling any commitment to the cause and knowing that he will be shot simply for being an officer Henry decides to flee and start his new life with Catherine. After escaping execution and reuniting with Catherine, Henry realizes that he longer has any associations to the war in Italy and is dedicated only to Catherine. The couple makes their way into Switzerland to begin a life and await the birth of their child. It is in this time that the story takes a moment for pause, almost as a build up for one final crisis. It is nearly 3:00 AM and Catherine has started going into labor, and this is where the final crisis comes in to play. As Catherine goes through hours of intense labor, Henry can only stand by and watch. He prays to God for her safety. He prays for the safety of the one thing he holds dear. He asks for the protection of the center of his universe, Catherine. The baby is delivered still born and Catherine dies shortly after. Henry says his final good byes to Catherine but they bring him no peace. He sees no purpose in their deaths, simply an event he was powerless to stop. He is left with nothing but a walk back to the hotel in the rain, bringing the story to its conclusion. Hemmingway’s tale of war, love and loss carefully uses each book of his story to bring all the narrative elements into play. The first two books build the exposition and set up the rising action. He uses book three to set the final crisis and bring about the climax. Book Four brings the action down to set up for the tragic conclusion in Book Five.

The Feldip Hills :: essays research papers

The Feldip hills...a vast and unforgiving wilderness riddled with treacherous swamps, vicious wolves and the occasional brutish ogre. But the feldip hills are also home to more mundane creatures. Deep in a valley far south of the high walls of yanille and gu-tanoth there was a nomadic settlement. All tents made from ragged and stained fabrics. These tents were in a circle with a larger tent at the centre and the embers of a fire smoked in front of its doorway as a dim sun rose and an oily orange filled the valley, light filtered through thick black clouds. A great scream broke the silence in the camp from a tent close to the fire. A great and bloated ogre woman lay heaving on a bed of wolf skins a bearded man besides her trying to utter words of comfort and reassurance. The shrill cries woke the rest of the tribe and many people filled the musty tent. For hours and hours she lay in labor and the man beside he began to despair. Many more hours past and at midday began to cough blood onto the dusty floor beside her before finally letting go of life. The baby was born healthy and strong but motherless in a sad twist of fate. His father sat by the campfire one night cradling him in an oxen hide blanket beside the chief. "You see Yarnok; this is what happens when ogres and humans mix it only leads to sadness and lost lives." "Ogres and humans simply don't mix you must understand this." "Nay Giron she was not like the others she had compassion and honor." In the next valley a group of ogres were gathered around a crudely constructed camp fire, one addressed the others. "Im ungry Grot I wants some meats" "Shut up ur fat mouth you, we can all av umies wen we find wer dey av been iding." "Bu I is starvin an I cant wait tha lung, he grunted" "I sed one more peep outa u and its wulf fuud" The Ogres eyes darted and he took a swing at Grot with his oversized fist, knocking Grot down into the fire. The ca mp filled with the rank smell of burning ogre flesh and fat. They came in the night across the hill lead by Skrop. "U ther" he grunted U get the stabers and u get the suutas, we huntin humies tonight nut chompys.

Personal development planning Essay

I am 24 years old and married to my husband Paul we live in Maybole in a two bedroom cottage. I left school at 16 with standard grade level English, maths, history, French and music. My first job was in a nursing home it was then I realised how much I enjoyed working in care and caring for people. I worked in the nursing home for 2 years then left to be an activity’s co-ordinator in a day care centre in Prestwick where I would plan daily activity’s and outings for clients who came for respite day-care the centre sadly closed down after 3 years. I found a part time job in a local pub but I didn’t enjoy it as much as caring I worked in the pub for 2 years until I found a job working for a homecare company I enjoyed but found the hours unsociable it was then I decided to apply for college. I applied for N.C social care and was placed on the reserved list due to the course being full then a week after the course started I got a phone call to start. I attended college from September to june working threw my course studying and passed all my exams. I also attended a work placement at Hansel village respite cabin which I enjoys working with the clients as id never worked with adults with learning difficulties. I was offered a permanent job with Hansel after I left but sadly couldn’t take the job offer up as I had applied to do HNC and Hansel could only offer me 30 hours per week. Whilst doing my NC I enjoyed the subject mental health and decided then that I would like to become a mental health nurse. My hopes are that I graduate with my HNC and can apply to university and get a degree. Step 2: Broad objective – where am I going next? Whilst completing this unit in Personal Development Planning, I have opted to focus on the following area of development my ability to write reports and essays having done an N.C in social care last year I had to do a few reports and essays and realised that I don’t structure them properly this is something I need to practice and develop my skills and abilities in doing this. I would like to progress and graduate from college with my HNC in social care and apply to university of the west of Scotland and do a degree in mental health nursing and work in a psychiatric hospital. Further development of core/key skills Step 3: Self appraisal Personal skills, qualities and contexts Core skill Evaluation Evidence to support evaluation Communication Good When doing an NC in social care one of the tasks I had to do was a presentation in front of the class I became really nervous and didn’t make a lot of eye contact. This is something I would like to work at and concentrate on in the future when delivering presentations. Numeracy Poor Numeracy was apart of my NC course last year and I failed two attempts at an exam working out percentages and doing box plots but I find with extra studying and breaking it down I can complete some numeracy tasks. IT Average I received a standard grade for admin at school this gave me some knowledge on IT skills. On my college course last year I done IT at a higher level where I was shown how to use different search engines and how to type up reports essays and save my work. Problem solving Poor When faced with situations I tend to panic rather than look for solutions to  resolve problems. I feel this is something I can develop in. Working with others Good Threw my recent jobs as a carer, bar maid, activity’s coordinator I have had to work as part of a team to deliver my work and do the best in my job. I also work with others at college to do research on my subjects this is something I enjoy doing. Personal qualities I am a hard working reliable individual. With an NC in social care this has given me a wide knowledge of sociology, psychology and helped me realise my own personal values and principles. I have developed my caring practical skills threw working in in many different care aspects and work placements. I am an honest and trustworthy person who enjoys working as part of team and also on my own initiative. Knowledge and understanding I have a wide knowledge of care and an understanding of my own personal values and principles that I try and introduce when caring for individuals with different needs. I also have a basic knowledge of sociology and try to have an understanding in which way society works. And my basic knowledge of psychology helps me understand peoples behaviours. Technical skills I feel my technical skills can be worked on and developed threw out this course. Threw work and work placements I have a basic knowledge on moving and handling. I also have basic computing skills. Contexts, other factors to consider Step 4: Setting personal objectives Personal objectives — prior to interview with tutor Short-term (this year) I hope to pass my course and gain my HNC in social care. I also hope to gain knowledge and develop new skills threw out the year in all aspects of social care and on college work placement. Medium-term (next year) I hope to be able to apply to university and have enough qualifications and skills and to be able to stay focused on my work and my short and long term goals to be achievable. Long-term I hope to have gained a degree in mental health nursing and be in a job I enjoy doing that helps me stay motivated.

Sat and Adj

sat vocabulary words The 5000 words below, with brief definitions, are free for individual and classroom use. These words are also downloadable from Texas Instruments in a format for some Texas Instruments calculators. A small-print, PDF version (Free) is good for printing and annotating. Alphabetical list shows definitions, differences (aggravate, aggregate) and similarities (bibliography, bibliophile) at-a-glance for easy review. Sound Smarter and Be Smarter Understand more words to improve reading comprehension & grades. Speak and write more accurately, persuasively, and impressively. This site is a by-product of my SAT test prep teaching in Montgomery County, Maryland. In Montgomery County, MD? Click here for help. Free at the bottom of this page: my SAT Test Math Notes (scroll down) (below vocabulary)  © 2010 EEENI Inc. Nonprofit. Steve Baba, Ph. D. â€Å"I went from a 500 to a 750 thanks to your online list. † SAT test student Recommended and used by hundreds of teachers and schools #1   More Vocabulary Words than other vocabulary lists |[pic]All You Have To Do Is Listen 5,000 Vocabulary Words on 7 audio CDs Upgrade Your Vocabulary and Math to Upgrade Your School, Career and Life Listen To: MP3 Sample  Ã‚   or Real Player Sample 1,   2,   3 7 one-hour CDs + two-hour DVD   $49. 95 + Digital Copy. First-Class Mail $5. Same-day Shipping Sale $29. 95   Order Now! Professionally-read, audio CD edition of the 5000 words. Learn 5000 definitions and correct pronunciations by listening, the natural and effective way. Listen while exercising, driving, doing chores, online†¦ No book or printed text lets you hear. Digital Copy: MP3/MPEG2,  sold with CDs to ensure easy use   Not Copy Protected. Download After CDs/DVD Purchase   22MB, compressed RAR files: Vocab CD1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7   SAT math 87MB hour 1, 2, may need free VLC Media Player |+   SAT TEST MATH Seminar complete edition of $120 live class 1. Watch Math Problems Solved   Step-By-Step 2. Practice, Prep 3. Ace SAT math Seminar Math Problems PDF – Free Learn 2 or 3 ways to solve: shortcut+backup 2-hour TV DVD Uses my below SAT math notes, my best tips from 10-years teaching | |abase v. To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade. abbey n. The group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of monks or nuns. Free SAT prep math notes below vocabulary v abbot n. The superior of a community of monks. abdicate v. To give up (royal power or the like). abdomen n. In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor; the belly. abdominal n. Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen. abduction n. A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally. abed adv. In bed; on a bed. aberration n. Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course. abet v. To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense). abeyance n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction. abhorrence n. The act of detesting extremely. bhorrent adj. Very repugnant; hateful. abidance n. An abiding. abject adj. Sunk to a low condition. abjure v. To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath. able-bodied adj. Competent for physical service. ablution n. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body. abnegate v. To renounce (a right or privilege). abnormal adj. Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard. abominable adj. Very hateful. abominate v. To hate violently. abomination n. A very detestable act or practice. aboriginal adj. Primitive; unsophisticated. aborigines n. The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country. aboveboard adv. & adj. Without concealment, fraud, or trickery. abrade v. To wear away the surface or some part of by friction. abrasion n. That which is rubbed off. abridge v. To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning out minor particles. abridgment n. A condensed form as of a book or play. abrogate v. To abolish, repeal. abrupt adj. Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break. abscess n. A Collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body. abscission n. The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation. abscond v. To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest. absence n. The fact of not being present or available. absent-minded adj. Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business. absolution n. Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses. absolve v. To free from sin or its penalties. absorb v. To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water. absorption n. The act or process of absorbing. abstain v. To keep oneself back (from doing or using something). abstemious adj. Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food. abstinence n. Self denial. abstruse adj. Dealing with matters difficult to be understood. absurd adj. Inconsistent with reason or common sense. bundant adj. Plentiful. abusive adj. Employing harsh words or ill treatment. abut v. To touch at the end or boundary line. abyss n. Bottomless gulf. academic adj. Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university. academician n. A member of an academy of literature, art, or science. academy n. Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught. accede v. To agree. accelerate v. To move faster. accept v. To take when offered. access n. A way of approach or entrance; passage. accessible adj. Approachable. accession n. Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government. ccessory n. A person or thing that aids the principal agent. acclaim v. To utter with a shout. accommodate v. To furnish something as a kindness or favor. accompaniment n. A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting the leading part. accompanist n. One who or that which accompanies. accompany v. To go with, or be associated with, as a companion. accomplice n. An associate in wrong-doing. accomplish v. To bring to pass. accordion n. A portable free-reed musical instrument. accost v. To speak to. account n. A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or of business transactions. accouter v. To dress. accredit v. To give credit or authority to. accumulate v. To become greater in quantity or number. accuracy n. Exactness. accurate adj. Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard. accursed adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune. accusation n. A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error. accusatory adj. Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation. accuse v. To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error. accustom v. To make familiar by use. acerbity n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency. acetate n. A salt of acetic acid. acetic adj. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar. che v. To be in pain or distress. Achillean adj. Invulnerable. achromatic adj. Colorless, acid n. A sour substance. acidify v. To change into acid. acknowledge v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of. acknowledgment n. Recognition. acme n. The highest point, or summit. acoustic adj. Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing. acquaint v. To make familiar or conversant. acquiesce v. To comply; submit. acquiescence n. Passive consent. acquire v. To get as one's own. acquisition n. Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or labor. acquit v. To free or clear, as from accusation. cquittal n. A discharge from accusation by judicial action. acquittance n. Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility. acreage n. Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land. acrid adj. Harshly pungent or bitter. acrimonious adj. Full of bitterness. acrimony n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper. actionable adj. Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words. actuality n. Any reality. actuary n. An officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums. actuate v. To move or incite to action. acumen n. Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination. acute adj. Having fine and penetrating discernment. adamant n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability. addendum n. Something added, or to be added. addle v. To make inefficient or worthless; muddle. adduce v. To bring forward or name for consideration. adhere v. To stick fast or together. adherence n. Attachment. adherent adj. Clinging or sticking fast. adhesion n. The state of being attached or joined. adieu inter. Good-by; farewell. adjacency n. The state of being adjacent. adjacent n. That which is near or bordering upon. djudge v. To award or bestow by formal decision. adjunct n. Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding a subordinate place. adjuration n. A vehement appeal. adjutant adj. Auxiliary. administrator n. One who manages affairs of any kind. admissible adj. Having the right or privilege of entry. admittance n. Entrance, or the right or permission to ente r. admonish v. To warn of a fault. admonition n. Gentle reproof. ado n. unnecessary activity or ceremony. adoration n. Profound devotion. adroit adj. Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers. adulterant n. An adulterating substance. dulterate v. To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients. adumbrate v. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem. advent n. The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state, or personage. adverse adj. Opposing or opposed. adversity n. Misfortune. advert v. To refer incidentally. advertiser n. One who advertises, especially in newspapers. advisory adj. Not mandatory. advocacy n. The act of pleading a cause. advocate n. One who pleads the cause of another, as in a legal or ecclesiastical court. aerial adj. Of, pertaining to, or like the air. aeronaut n. One who navigates the air, a balloonist. aeronautics n. the art or practice of flying aircraft aerostat n. A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air. aerostatics n. The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties. affable adj. Easy to approach. affect v. To act upon affectation n. A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt. affiliate n. Some auxiliary person or thing. affirmative adj. Answering yes; to a question at issue. affix v. To fasten. affluence n. A profuse or abundant supply of riches. affront n. An open insult or indignity. fire adv. & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively. afoot adv. In progress. aforesaid adj. Said in a preceding part or before. afresh adv. Once more, after rest or interval. afterthought n. A thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time. agglomerate v. To pile or heap together. aggrandize v. To cause to appear greatly. aggravate v. To make heavier, worse, or more bu rdensome. aggravation n. The fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc. aggregate n. The entire number, sum, mass, or quantity of something. aggress v. To make the first attack. aggression n. An unprovoked attack. aggrieve v. To give grief or sorrow to. aghast adj. Struck with terror and amazement. agile adj. Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally. agitate v. To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts). agrarian adj. Pertaining to land, especially agricultural land. aide-de-camp n. An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general. ailment n. Slight sickness. airy adj. Delicate, ethereal. akin adj. Of similar nature or qualities. alabaster n. A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum. alacrity n. Cheerful willingness. albeit conj. Even though. albino n. A person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris. album n. A book whose leaves are so made to form paper frames for holding photographs or the like. alchemy n. Chemistry of the middle ages, characterized by the pursuit of changing base metals to gold. alcohol n. A volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste. alcoholism n. A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages. alcove n. A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room. alder n. Any shrub or small tree of the genus Alumnus, of the oak family. alderman n. A member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain judicial functions. aldermanship n. The dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman. alias n. An assumed name. alien n. One who owes allegiance to a foreign government. alienable adj. Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands. alienate v. To cause to turn away. alienation n. Estrangement. aliment n. That which nourishes. alkali n. Anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime, magnesia, etc. allay v. To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of; mitigate. allege v. To assert to be true, especially in a formal manner, as in court. llegory n. The setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly suggestive likeness. alleviate v. To make less burdensome or less hard to bear. alley n. A narrow street, garden path, walk, or the like. alliance n. Any combination or union for some common purpose. allot v. To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person. allotme nt n. Portion. allude v. To refer incidentally, or by suggestion. allusion n. An indirect and incidental reference to something without definite mention of it. alluvion n. Flood. ally n. A person or thing connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness. lmanac n. A series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain astronomical information. aloof adv. Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others. altar n. Any raised place or structure on which sacrifices may be offered or incense burned. alter v. To make change in. alteration n. Change or modification. altercate v. To contend angrily or zealously in words. alternate n. One chosen to act in place of another, in case of the absence or incapacity of that other. alternative n. Something that may or must exist, be taken or chosen, or done instead of something else. altitude n. Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea. alto n. The lowest or deepest female voice or part. altruism n. Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest. altruist n. One who advocates or practices altruism. amalgam n. An alloy or union of mercury with another metal. amalgamate v. To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body. amateur adj. Practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession. amatory adj. Designed to excite love. ambidextrous adj. Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease. ambiguous adj. Having a double meaning. ambitious adj. Eagerly desirous and aspiring. ambrosial adj. Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious. ambulance n. A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded. ambulate v. To walk about ambush n. The act or state of lying concealed for the purpose of surprising or attacking the enemy. ameliorate v. To relieve, as from pain or hardship amenable adj. Willing and ready to submit. Americanism n. A peculiar sense in which an English word or phrase is used in the United States. amicable adj. Done in a friendly spirit. amity n. Friendship. amorous adj. Having a propensity for falling in love. amorphous adj. Without determinate shape. mour n. A love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature. ampere n. The practical unit of electric-current strength. ampersand n. The character &; and. amphibious adj. Living both on land and in water. amphitheater n. An edifice of elliptical shape, constructed about a central open space or arena. amplitude n. Largeness. amply adv. Sufficiently. amputate v. To remove by cutting, as a limb or some portion of the body. amusement n. Diversion. anachronism n. Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time. anagram n. The letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or phrase. nalogous adj. Corresponding (to some other) in certain respects, as in form, proportion, relations. analogy n. Reasoning in which from certain and known relations or resemblance others are formed. analyst n. One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method. analyze v. To examine minutely or critically. anarchy n. Absence or utter disregard of government. anathema n. Anything forbidden, as by social usage. anatomy n. That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of organisms. ancestry n. One's ancestors collectively. anecdote n. A brief account of some interesting event or incident. anemia n. Deficiency of blood or red corpuscles. anemic adj. Affected with anemia. anemometer n. An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind. anesthetic adj. Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation. anew adv. Once more. angelic adj. Saintly. Anglophobia n. Hatred or dread of England or of what is English. Anglo-Saxon n. The entire English race wherever found, as in Europe, the United States, or India. angular adj. Sharp-cornered. anhydrous adj. Withered. animadversion n. The utterance of criticism or censure. animadvert v. To pass criticism or censure. animalcule n. An animal of microscopic smallness. animate v. To make alive. animosity n. Hatred. annalist n. Historian. annals n. A record of events in their chronological order, year by year. annex v. To add or affix at the end. annihilate v. To destroy absolutely. annotate v. To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon. annual adj. Occurring every year. annuity n. An annual allowance, payment, or income. annunciation n. Proclamation. anode n. The point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the like. anonymous adj. Of unknown authorship. antagonism n. Mutual opposition or resistance of counteracting forces, principles, or persons. Antarctic adj. Pertaining to the south pole or the regions near it. ante v. In the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt. antecede v. To precede. antecedent n. One who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, order, or causality. antechamber n. A waiting room for those who seek audience. antedate v. To assign or affix a date to earlier than the actual one. antediluvian adj. Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the days of Noah. antemeridian adj. Before noon. antemundane adj. Pertaining to time before the world's creation. antenatal adj. Occurring or existing before birth. nterior adj. Prior. anteroom n. A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger. anthology n. A collection of extracts from the writings of various authors. anthracite n. Hard coal. anthropology n. The science of man in general. anthropomorphous adj. Having or resembling human form. antic n. A grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action. Antichrist n. Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or a power. anticlimax n. A gradual or sudden decrease in the importance or impressiveness of what is said. anticyclone n. An atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward. ntidote n. Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or the like. antilogy n. Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas. antipathize v. To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike. antiphon n. A response or alteration of responses, generally musical. antiphony n. An anthem or other composition sung responsively. antipodes n. A place or region on the opposite side of the earth. antiquary n. One who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc. antiquate v. To make old or out of date. antique adj. Pertaining to ancient times. ntiseptic n. Anything that destroys or restrains the growth of putrefactive micro-organisms. antislavery adj. Oppose d to human slavery. antispasmodic adj. Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections. antistrophe n. The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in â€Å"the home of joy and the joy of home†. antitoxin n. A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms. antonym n. A word directly opposed to another in meaning. anxious adj. Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter. apathy n. Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling. aperture n. Hole. apex n. The highest point, as of a mountain. aphorism n. Proverb. apiary n. A place where bees are kept. apogee n. The climax. apology n. A disclaimer of intentional error or offense. apostasy n. A total departure from one's faith or religion. apostate adj. False. apostle n. Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority. apothecary n. One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions. apotheosis n. Deification. appall v. To fill with dismay or horror. apparent adj. Easily understood. apparition n. Ghost. appease v. To soothe by quieting anger or indignation. appellate adj. Capable of being appealed to. ppellation n. The name or title by which a particular person, class, or thing is called. append v. To add or attach, as something accessory, subordinate, or supplementary. appertain v. To belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation. apposite adj. Appropriate. apposition n. The act of placing side by side, together, or in contact. ap praise v. To estimate the money value of. appreciable adj. Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect. apprehend v. To make a prisoner of (a person) in the name of the law. apprehensible adj. Capable of being conceived. approbation n. Sanction. appropriate adj. Suitable for the purpose and circumstances. aqueduct n. A water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance. aqueous adj. Of, pertaining to, or containing water. arbiter n. One chosen or appointed, by mutual consent of parties in dispute, to decide matters. arbitrary adj. Fixed or done capriciously. arbitrate v. To act or give judgment as umpire. arbor n. A tree. arboreal adj. Of or pertaining to a tree or trees. arborescent adj. Having the nature of a tree. arboretum n. A botanical garden or place devoted to the cultivation of trees or shrubs. arboriculture n. The cultivation of trees or shrubs. arcade n. A vaulted passageway or street; a roofed passageway having shops, etc. , opening from it. archaic adj. Antiquated archaism n. Obsolescence. archangel n. An angel of high rank. archbishop n. The chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the Greek, Roman, and Anglican church. archdeacon n. A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese. archaeology n. The branch of anthropology concerned with the systematic investigation of the relics of man. archetype n. A prototype. archipelago n. Any large body of water studded with islands, or the islands collectively themselves. rdent adj. Burning with passion. ardor n. Intensity of passion or affection. arid adj. Very dry. aristocracy n. A hereditary nobility aristocrat n. A hereditary noble or one nearly connected with nobility. armada n. A fleet of war-vessels. armful n. As much as can be held in the arm or arms. armory n. An arsenal. aroma n. An agreeable odor. arraign v. To call into court, as a person indicted for crime, and demand whether he pleads guilty or not. arrange v. To put in definite or proper order. arrangement n. The act of putting in proper order, or the state of being put in order. arrant adj. Notoriously bad. arrear n. Something overdue and unpaid. arrival n. A coming to stopping-place or destination. arrogant adj. Unduly or excessively proud, as of wealth, station, learning, etc. arrogate v. To take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or grounds. Artesian well n. A very deep bored well. water rises due to underground pressure artful adj. Characterized by craft or cunning. Arthurian adj. Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story. artifice n. Trickery. artless adj. Ingenuous. ascendant adj. Dominant. ascension n. The act of rising. ascent n. A rising, soaring, or climbing. ascetic adj. Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion. ascribe v. To assign as a quality or attribute. asexual adj. Having no distinct sexual organs. ashen adj. Pale. askance adv. With a side or indirect glance or meaning. asperity n. Harshness or roughness of temper. aspirant n. One who seeks earnestly, as for advancement, honors, place. aspiration n. An earnest wish for that which is above one's present reach. aspire v. To have an earnest desire, wish, or longing, as for something high and good, not yet attained. assailant n. One who attacks. assassin n. One who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or secretly. ssassinate v. To kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person. assassination n. Murderer, as by secret assault or treachery. assay n. The chemical analysis or testing of an alloy ore. assent v. To express agreement with a statement or matter of opinion. assess v. To determine the amount of (a tax or other sum to be paid). assessor n. An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes. assets n. pl. Property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts. assiduous adj. Diligent. assignee n. One who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property and interests. ssimilate v. To adapt. assonance n. Resemblance or correspondence in sound. assonant adj. Having resemblance of sound. assonate v. To accord in sound, especially vowel sound. assuage v. To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as excitement, appetite, pain, or disease. astringent adj. Harsh in disposition or character. astute adj. Keen in discernment. atheism n. The denial of the existence of God. athirst adj. Wanting water. athwart adv. From side to side. atomizer n. An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc. atone v. To make amends for. atonement n. Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury. atrocious adj. Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel. atrocity n. Great cruelty or reckless wickedness. attache n. A subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy. attest v. To certify as accurate, genuine, or true. attorney-general n. The chief law-officer of a government. auburn adj. Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair. audacious adj. Fearless. audible adj. Loud enough to be heard. audition n. The act or sensation of hearing. auditory adj. Of or pertaining to hearing or the organs or sense of hearing. augment v. To make bigger. augur v. To predict. Augustinian adj. Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him. aura n. Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons aural adj. Of or pertaining to the ear. auricle n. One of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins. auricular adj. Of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing. auriferous adj. Containing gold. aurora n. A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the atmosphere. auspice n. favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance. austere adj. Severely simple; unadorned. autarchy n. Unrestricted power. authentic adj. Of undisputed origin. authenticity n. The state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship claimed. autobiography n. The story of one's life written by himself. autocracy n. Absolute government. autocrat n. Any one who claims or wields unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence. automaton n. Any living being whose actions are or appear to be involuntary or mechanical. autonomous adj. Self-governing. autonomy n. Self-government. autopsy n. The examination of a dead body by dissection to ascertain the cause of death. autumnal adj. Of or pertaining to autumn. auxiliary n. One who or that which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary or accessory. avalanche n. The fall or sliding of a mass of snow or ice down a mountain-slope, often bearing with it rock. avarice n. Passion for getting and keeping riches. aver v. To assert as a fact. averse adj. Reluctant. aversion n. A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some particular thing. avert v. To turn away or aside. aviary n. A spacious cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept. avidity n. Greediness. avocation n. Diversion. avow v. To declare openly. awaken v. To arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like. awry adv. & adj. Out of the proper form, direction, or position. aye adv. An expression of assent. azalea n. A flowering shrub. azure n. The color of the sky. Baconian adj. Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy. bacterium n. A microbe. badger v. To pester. baffle v. To foil or frustrate. bailiff n. An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment. baize n. A single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc. bale n. A large package prepared for transportation or storage. baleful adj. Malignant. ballad n. Any popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form. balsam n. A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing. banal adj. Commonplace. barcarole n. A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers. barograph n. An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure. barometer n. An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure per unit of surface. barring prep. Apart from. baritone adj. Having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor. bask v. To make warm by genial heat. bass adj. Low in tone or compass. baste v. To cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking. baton n. An official staff borne either as a weapon or as an emblem of authority or privilege. attalion n. A body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a regiment. batten n. A narrow strip of wood. batter n. A thick liquid mixture of two or more materials beaten together, to be used in cookery. bauble n. A trinket. bawl v. To proclaim by outcry. beatify v. To make supremely happy. beatitude n. Any state of great happiness. b eau n. An escort or lover. becalm v. To make quiet. beck v. To give a signal to, by nod or gesture. bedaub v. To smear over, as with something oily or sticky. bedeck v. To cover with ornament. bedlam n. Madhouse. befog v. To confuse. befriend v. To be a friend to, especially when in need. beget v. To produce by sexual generation. begrudge v. To envy one of the possession of. belate v. To delay past the proper hour. belay v. To make fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat. belie v. To misrepresent. believe v. To accept as true on the testimony or authority of others. belittle v. To disparage. belle n. A woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments, etc. bellicose adj. Warlike. belligerent adj. Manifesting a warlike spirit. bemoan v. To lament benediction n. a solemn invocation of the divine blessing. benefactor n. A doer of kindly and charitable acts. benefice n. A church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service. beneficent adj. Characterized by charity and kindness. beneficial adj. Helpful. beneficiary n. One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of an estate or property. benefit n. Helpful result. benevolence n. Any act of kindness or well-doing. benevolent adj. Loving others and actively desirous of their well-being. benign adj. Good and kind of heart. benignant adj. Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect. benignity n. Kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner. benison n. Blessing. bequeath v. To give by will. bereave v. To make desolate with loneliness and grief. berth n. A bunk or bed in a vessel, sleeping-car, etc. beseech v. To implore. beset v. To attack on all sides. besmear v. To smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance. bestial adj. Animal. bestrew v. To sprinkle or cover with things strewn. bestride v. To get or sit upon astride, as a horse. bethink v. To remind oneself. betide v. To happen to or befall. betimes adv. In good season or time. betroth v. To engage to marry. betrothal n. Engagement to marry. bevel n. Any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees. ewilder v. To confuse the perceptions or judgment of. bibliomania n. The passion for collecting books. bibliography n. A list of the words of an author, or the literature bearing on a particular subject. bibliophile n. One who loves books. bibulous adj. Fond of drinking. bide v. To await. biennial n. A plant that produces leaves and roots the first year and flowers and fr uit the second. bier n. A horizontal framework with two handles at each end for carrying a corpse to the grave. bigamist n. One who has two spouses at the same time. bigamy n. The crime of marrying any other person while having a legal spouse living. ight n. A slightly receding bay between headlands, formed by a long curve of a coast-line. bilateral adj. Two-sided. bilingual adj. Speaking two languages. biograph n. A bibliographical sketch or notice. biography n. A written account of one's life, actions, and character. biology n. The science of life or living organisms. biped n. An animal having two feet. birthright n. A privilege or possession into which one is born. bitterness n. Acridity, as to the taste. blase adj. Sated with pleasure. blaspheme v. To indulge in profane oaths. blatant adj. Noisily or offensively loud or clamorous. blaze n. A vivid glowing flame. lazon v. To make widely or generally known. bleak adj. Desolate. blemish n. A mark that mars beauty. blithe adj. Joyou s. blithesome adj. Cheerful. blockade n. The shutting up of a town, a frontier, or a line of coast by hostile forces. boatswain n. A subordinate officer of a vessel, who has general charge of the rigging, anchors, etc. bodice n. A women's ornamental corset-shaped laced waist. bodily adj. Corporeal. boisterous adj. Unchecked merriment or animal spirits. bole n. The trunk or body of a tree. bolero n. A Spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by caste nets and singing. boll n. A round pod or seed-capsule, as a flax or cotton. bolster v. To support, as something wrong. bomb n. A hollow projectile containing an explosive material. bombard v. To assail with any missile or with abusive speech. bombardier n. A person who has charge of mortars, bombs, and shells. bombast n. Inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects. boorish adj. Rude. bore v. To weary by tediousness or dullness. borough n. An incorporated village or town. bosom n. The breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being, especially of a woman. botanical adj. Connected with the study or cultivation of plants. botanize v. To study plant-life. botany n. The science that treats of plants. bountiful adj. Showing abundance. Bowdlerize v. To expurgate in editing (a literary composition) by omitting words or passages. bowler n. In cricket, the player who delivers the ball. boycott v. To place the products or merchandise of under a ban. brae n. Hillside. braggart n. A vain boaster. brandish v. To wave, shake, or flourish triumphantly or defiantly, as a sword or spear. bravado n. An aggressive display of boldness. bravo interj. Well done. bray n. A loud harsh sound, as the cry of an ass or the blast of a horn. braze v. To make of or ornament with brass. razier n. An open pan or basin for holding live coals. breach n. The violation of official duty, lawful right, or a legal obligation. breaker n. One who trains horses, dogs, etc. breech n. The buttocks. brethren n. pl. Members of a brotherhood, gild, profession, association, or the like. brevity n. Shortness of duration. bric-a-brac n. Objects of curiosity or for decoration. bridle n. The head-harness of a horse consisting of a head-stall, a bit, and the reins. brigade n. A body of troops consisting of two or more regiments. brigadier n. General officer who commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a major-general. rigand n. One who lives by robbery and plunder. brimstone n. Sulfur. brine n. Water saturated with salt. bristle n. One of the coarse, stiff hairs of swine: used in brush-making, etc. Britannia n. The United Kingdom of Great Britain. Briticism n. A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great Britain or the British. brittle adj. Fragile. broach v. To mention, for the first time. broadcast adj. Disseminated far and wide. brogan n. A coarse, heavy shoe. brogue n. Any dialectic pronunciation of English, especially that of the Irish people. brokerage n. The business of making sales and purchases for a commission; a broker. romine n. A dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor. bronchitis n. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes. bronchus n. Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs. brooch n. An article of jewelry fastened by a hinged pin and hook on the underside. brotherhood n. Spiritual or social fellowship or solidarity. browbeat v. To overwhelm, or attempt to do so, by stern, haughty, or rude address or manner. brusque adj. Somewhat rough or rude in manner or speech. buffoon n. A clown. buffoonery n. Low drollery, coarse jokes, etc. bulbous adj. Of, or pertaining to, or like a bulb. ullock n. An ox. bulrush n. Any one of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water. bulwark n. Anything that gives security or defense. bumper n. A cup or glass filled to the brim, especially one to be drunk as a toast or health. bumptious adj. Full of offensive and aggressive self-conceit. bungle v. To execute clumsily. buoyancy n. Power or tendency to float on or in a liquid or gas. buoyant adj. Having the power or tendency to float or keep afloat. bureau n. A chest of drawers for clothing, etc. bureaucracy n. Government by departments of men transacting particular branches of public business. urgess n. In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland or Virginia. burgher n. An inhabitant, citizen or freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town. burnish v. To make brilliant or shining. bursar n. A treasurer. bustle v. To hurry. butt v. To strike with or as with the head, or horns. butte n. A conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated. buttress n. Any support or prop. by-law n. A rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or the like. cabal n. A number of persons secretly united for effecting by intrigue some private purpose. cabalism n. Superstitious devotion to one's religion. cabinet n. The body of men constituting the official advisors of the executive head of a nation. cacophony n. A disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones. cadaverous adj. Resembling a corpse. cadence n. Rhythmical or measured flow or movement, as in poetry or the time and pace of marching troops. cadenza n. An embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or instrument. caitiff adj. Cowardly. cajole v. To impose on or dupe by flattering speech. cajolery n. Delusive speech. calculable adj. That may be estimated by reckoning. alculus n. A concretion formed in various parts of the body resembling a pebble in hardness. callosity n. The state of being hard and insensible. callow adj. Without experience of the world. calorie n. Amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree centigrade. calumny n. Slander. Calvary n. The place where Christ was crucified. Calvinism n. The system of doctrine taught by John Calvin. Calvinize v. To teach or imbue with the doctrines of Calvinism. came n. A leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in stained-glass windows. cameo n. Any small engraved or carved work in relief. ampaign n. A complete series of connected military operations. Canaanite n. A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of Canaan, or western Palestine. canary adj. Of a bright but delicate yellow. candid adj. Straightforward. candor n. The quality of frankness or outspokenness. canine adj. Characteristic of a dog. canon n. Any rule or law. cant v. To talk in a singsong, preaching tone with affected solemnity. cantata n. A choral composition. canto n. One of the divisions of an extended poem. cantonment n. The part of the town or district in which the troops are quartered. capacious adj. Roomy. apillary n. A minute vessel having walls composed of a single layer of cells. capitulate v. To surrender or stipulate terms . caprice n. A whim. caption n. A heading, as of a chapter, section, document, etc. captious adj. Hypercritical. captivate v. To fascinate, as by excellence. eloquence, or beauty. carcass n. The dead body of an animal. cardiac adj. Pertaining to the heart. cardinal adj. Of prime or special importance. caret n. A sign (^) placed below a line, indicating where omitted words, etc. , should be inserted. caricature n. a picture or description in which natural characteristics are exaggerated or distorted. arnage n. Massacre. carnal adj. Sensual. carnivorous adj. Eating or living on flesh. carouse v. To drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner. carrion n. Dead and putrefying flesh. cartilage n. An elastic animal tissue of firm consistence. cartridge n. A charge for a firearm, or for blasting. caste n. The division of society on artificial grounds. castigate v. To punish. casual adj. Accidental, by chance. casualty n. A fatal or serious accident or disaster. cataclysm n. Any overwhel ming flood of water. cataract n. Opacity of the lens of the eye resulting in complete or partial blindness. catastrophe n. Any great and sudden misfortune or calamity. cathode n. The negative pole or electrode of a galvanic battery. Catholicism n. The system, doctrine, and practice of the Roman Catholic Church. catholicity n. Universal prevalence or acceptance. cat-o-nine-tails n. An instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for flogging in the army and navy. caucus n. A private meeting of members of a political party to select candidates. causal adj. Indicating or expressing a cause. caustic adj. Sarcastic and severe. cauterize v. To burn or sear as with a heated iron. cede v. To pass title to. censor n. An official examiner of manuscripts empowered to prohibit their publication. censorious adj. Judging severely or harshly. census n. An official numbering of the people of a country or district. centenary adj. Pertaining to a hundred years or a period of a hundred years. centiliter n. A hundredth of a liter. centimeter n. A length of one hundredth of a meter. centurion n. A captain of a company of one hundred infantry in the ancient Roman army. cereal adj. Pertaining to edible grain or farinaceous seeds. ceremonial adj. Characterized by outward form or ceremony. ceremonious adj. Observant of ritual. cessation n. Discontinuance, as of action or motion. cession n. Surrender, as of possessions or rights. chagrin n. Keen vexation, annoyance, or mortification, as at one's failures or errors. chameleon adj. Changeable in appearance. chancery n. A court of equity, as distinguished from a common-law court. chaos n. Any condition of which the elements or parts are in utter disorder and confusion. characteristic n. A distinctive feature. characterize v. To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities. charlatan n. A quack. chasm n. A yawning hollow, as in the earth's surface. chasten v. To purify by affliction. chastise v. To subject to punitive measures. chastity n. Sexual or moral purity. chateau n. A castle or manor-house. chattel n. Any article of personal property. check v. To hold back. chiffon n. A very thin gauze used for trimmings, evening dress, etc. chivalry n. The knightly system of feudal times with its code, usages and practices. cholera n. An acute epidemic disease. choleric adj. Easily provoked to anger. choral adj. Pertaining to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir. Christ n. A title of Jesus christen v. To name in baptism. Christendom n. That part of the world where Christianity is generally professed. chromatic adj. Belonging, relating to, or abounding in color. chronology n. The science that treats of computation of time or of investigation and arrangement of events. chronometer n. A portable timekeeper of the highest attainable precision. cipher v. To calculate arithmetically. (also a noun meaning zero or nothing) circulate v. To disseminate. circumference n. The boundary-line of a circle. circumlocution n. Indirect or roundabout expression. circumnavigate v. To sail quite around. circumscribe v. To confine within bounds. circumspect adj. Showing watchfulness, caution, or careful consideration. citadel n. Any strong fortress. ite v. To refer to specifically. claimant n. One who makes a claim or demand, as of right. clairvoyance n. Intuitive sagacity or perception. clamorous adj. Urgent in complaint or demand. clan n. A tribe. clandestine adj. Surreptitious. clangor n. Clanking or a ringing, as of arms, chains, or bells; clamor. clarify v. To render intelligible. clarion n. A small shrill trump et or bugle. classify v. To arrange in a class or classes on the basis of observed resemblance’s and differences. clearance n. A certificate from the proper authorities that a vessel has complied with the law and may sail. clemency n. Mercy. clement adj. Compassionate. close-hauled adj. Having the sails set for sailing as close to the wind as possible. clothier n. One who makes or sells cloth or clothing. clumsy adj. Awkward of movement. coagulate v. To change into a clot or a jelly, as by heat, by chemical action, or by a ferment. coagulant adj. Producing coagulation. coalescence n. The act or process of coming together so as to form one body, combination, or product. coalition n. Combination in a body or mass. coddle v. To treat as a baby or an invalid. codicil n. A supplement adding to, revoking, or explaining in the body of a will. coerce v. To force. coercion n. Forcible constraint or restraint, moral or physical. coercive adj. Serving or tending to force. cogent adj. Appealing strongly to the reason or conscience. cognate adj. Akin. cognizant adj. Taking notice. cohere v. To stick together. cohesion n. Consistency. cohesive adj. Having the property of consistency. coincide v. To correspond. coincidence n. A circumstance so agreeing with another: often implying accident. coincident adj. Taking place at the same time. collaborate v. To labor or cooperate with another or others, especially in literary or scientific pursuits. collapse v. To cause to shrink, fall in, or fail. ollapsible adj. That may or can collapse. colleague n. An associate in professional employment. collective adj. Consisting of a number of persons or objects considered as gathered into a mass, or sum. collector n. One who makes a collection, as of objects of art, books, or the like. collegian n. A college student. collide v. To meet and strike violently. collier n. One who works in a coal-mine. collision n. Violent contact. colloquial adj. Pertaining or peculiar to common speech as distinguished from literary. colloquialism n. Form of speech used only or chiefly in conversation. colloquy n. Conversation. collusion n. A secret agreement for a wrongful purpose. colossus n. Any strikingly great person or object. comely adj. Handsome. comestible adj. Fit to be eaten. comical adj. Funny. commemorate v. To serve as a remembrance of. commentary n. A series of illustrative or explanatory notes on any important work. commingle v. To blend. commissariat n. The department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs. commission v. To empower. commitment n. The act or process of entrusting or consigning for safe-keeping. committal n. The act, fact, or result of committing, or the state of being commodity n. Something that is bought and sold. commotion n. A disturbance or violent agitation. commute v. To put something, especially something less severe, in place of. comparable adj. Fit to be compared. comparative adj. Relative. comparison n. Examination of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or unlikeness. compensate v. To remunerate. competence n. Adequate qualification or capacity. competent adj. Qualified. competitive adj. characterized by rivalry. competitor n. A rival. complacence n. Satisfaction with one's acts or surroundings. complacent adj. Pleased or satisfied with oneself. complaisance n. Politeness. omplaisant adj. Agreeable. complement v. To make complete. complex adj. Complicated. compliant adj. Yielding. complicate v. To make complex, difficult, or hard to deal with. complication n. An intermingling or combination of things or parts, especially in a perplexing manner. complicity n. Participation or partnership, as in wrong-doing or with a wrong-doer. compli ment v. To address or gratify with expressions of delicate praise. component n. A constituent element or part. comport v. To conduct or behave (oneself). composure n. Calmness. comprehensible adj. Intelligible. comprehension n. Ability to know. comprehensive adj. Large in scope or content. compress v. To press together or into smaller space. compressible adj. Capable of being pressed into smaller compass. compression n. Constraint, as by force or authority. comprise v. To consist of. compulsion n. Coercion. compulsory adj. Forced. compunction n. Remorseful feeling. compute v. To ascertain by mathematical calculation. concede v. To surrender. conceit n. Self-flattering opinion. conceive v. To form an idea, mental image or thought of. concerto n. A musical composition. concession n. Anything granted or yielded, or admitted in response to a demand, petition, or claim. conciliate v. To obtain the friendship of. conciliatory adj. Tending to reconcile. conclusive adj. Sufficient to convince or decide. concord n. Harmony. concordance n. Harmony. concur v. To agree. concurrence n. Agreement. concurrent adj. Occurring or acting together. concussion n. A violent shock to some organ by a fall or a sudden blow. condensation n. The act or process of making dense or denser. condense v. To abridge. condescend v. To come down voluntarily to equal terms with inferiors. condolence n. Expression of sympathy with a person in pain, sorrow, or misfortune. conduce v. To bring about. conducive adj. Contributing to an end. onductible adj. Capable of being conducted or transmitted. conduit n. A means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway for a fluid. confectionery n. The candy collectively that a confectioner makes or sells, as candy. confederacy n. A number of states or persons in compact or league with each other, as for mutual aid. confederate n. One w ho is united with others in a league, compact, or agreement. confer v. To bestow. conferee n. A person with whom another confers. confessor n. A spiritual advisor. confidant n. One to whom secrets are entrusted. confide v. To reveal in trust or confidence. confidence n. The state or feeling of trust in or reliance upon another. confident adj. Assured. confinement n. Restriction within limits or boundaries. confiscate v. To appropriate (private property) as forfeited to the public use or treasury. conflagration n. A great fire, as of many buildings, a forest, or the like. confluence n. The place where streams meet. confluent n. A stream that unites with another. conformance n. The act or state or conforming. conformable adj. Harmonious. conformation n. General structure, form, or outline. conformity n. Correspondence in form, manner, or use. confront v. To encounter, as difficulties or obstacles. ongeal v. To coagulate. congenial adj. Having kindred character or tastes. congest v. To collect into a mass. congregate v. To bring together into a crowd. coniferous adj. Cone-bearing trees. conjecture n. A guess. conjoin v. To unite. conjugal adj. Pertaining to marriage, marital rights, or married persons. conjugate adj. Joined together in pairs. conjugati on n. The state or condition of being joined together. conjunction n. The state of being joined together, or the things so joined. connive v. To be in collusion. connoisseur n. A critical judge of art, especially one with thorough knowledge and sound judgment of art. onnote v. To mean; signify. connubial adj. Pertaining to marriage or matrimony. conquer v. To overcome by force. consanguineous adj. Descended from the same parent or ancestor. conscience n. The faculty in man by which he distinguishes between right and wrong in character and conduct. conscientious adj. Governed by moral standard. conscious adj. Aware that one lives, feels, and thinks. conscript v. To force into military service. consecrate v. To set apart as sacred. consecutive adj. Following in uninterrupted succession. consensus n. A collective unanimous opinion of a number of persons. conservatism n. Tendency to adhere to the existing order of things. conservative adj. Adhering to the existing order of things. conservatory n. An institution for instruction and training in music and declamation. consign v. To entrust. consignee n. A person to whom goods or other property has been entrusted. consignor n. One who entrusts. consistency n. A state of permanence. console v. To comfort. consolidate v. To combine into one body or system. consonance n. The state or quality of being in accord with. consonant adj. Being in agreement or harmony with. consort n. A companion or associate. conspicuous adj. Clearly visible. conspirator n. One who agrees with others to cooperate in accomplishing some unlawful purpose. conspire v. To plot. constable n. An officer whose duty is to maintain the peace. constellation n. An arbitrary assemblage or group of stars. consternation n. Panic. constituency n. The inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body. constituent n. One who has the right to vote at an election. constrict v. To bind. consul n. An officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to represent his country. consulate n. The place in which a consul transacts official business. consummate v. To bring to completion. onsumption n. Gradual destruction, as by burning, eating, etc. , or by using up, wearing out, etc. consumptive adj. Designed for gradual destruction. contagion n. The communication of disease from person to person. contagious adj. Transmitting disease. contaminate v. To pollute. contemplate v. To consider thoughtfully. contemporaneous adj. Living, occurring, or existing at the same time. contemporary adj. Living or existing at the same time. contemptible adj. Worthy of scorn or disdain. contemptuous adj. Disdainful. contender n. One who exerts oneself in opposition or rivalry. contiguity n. Proximity. contiguous adj. Touching or joining at the edge or boundary. continence n. Self-restraint with respect to desires, appetites, and passion. contingency n. Possibility of happening. contingent adj. Not predictable. continuance n. Permanence. continuation n. Prolongation. continuity n. Uninterrupted connection in space, time, operation, or development. continuous adj. Connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence. contort v. To twist into a misshapen form. contraband n. Trade forbidden by law or treaty. contradiction n. The assertion of the opposite of that which has been said. contradictory adj. Inconsistent with itself. contraposition n. A placing opposite. contravene v. To prevent or obstruct the operation of. contribution n. The act of giving for a common purpose. contributor n. One who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose. contrite adj. Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin. contrivance n. The act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a special purpose. contrive v. To manage or carry through by some device or scheme. control v. To exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence over. controller n. One who or that which regulates or directs. ontumacious adj. Rebellious. contumacy n. Contemptuous disregard of the requirements of rightful authority. contuse v. To bruise by a blow, either with or without the breaking of the skin. contusion n. A bruise. convalesce v. To recover after a sickness. convalescence n. The state of progressive restoration to health and strength after the cessation of disease. convale scent adj. Recovering health after sickness. convene v. To summon or cause to assemble. convenience n. Fitness, as of time or place. converge v. To cause to incline and approach nearer together. convergent adj. Tending to one point. conversant adj. Thoroughly informed. conversion n. Change from one state or position to another, or from one form to another. convertible adj. Interchangeable. convex adj. Curving like the segment of the globe or of the surface of a circle. conveyance n. That by which anything is transported. convivial adj. Devoted to feasting, or to good-fellowship in eating or drinking. convolution n. A winding motion. convolve v. To move with a circling or winding motion. convoy n. A protecting force accompanying property in course of transportation. convulse v. To cause spasms in. convulsion n. A violent and abnormal muscular contraction of the body. opious adj. Plenteous. coquette n. A flirt. cornice n. An ornamental molding running round the walls of a room close to the ceiling. cornucopia n. The horn of plenty, symbolizing peace and prosperity. corollary n. A proposition following so obviously from another that it requires little demonstration. coronation n. The act or ceremony of crowning a monarch. coronet n. Inferior crown denoting, according to its form, various degrees of noble rank less than sovereign. corporal adj. Belonging or relating to the body as opposed to the mind. corporate adj. Belonging to a corporation. corporeal adj. Of a material nature; physical. orps n. A number or body of persons in some way associated or acting together. corpse n. A dead body. corpulent adj. Obese. corpuscle n. A minute particle of matter. correlate v. To put in some relation of connection or correspondence. correlative adj. Mutually involving or implying one another. corrigible adj. Capable of reformation. corroborate v. To strengthen, as proof or conviction. corroboration n. Confirmation. corrode v. To ruin or destroy little by little. corrosion n. Gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration. corrosive n. That which causes gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration. orruptible adj. Open to bribery. corruption n. Loss of purity or integrity. cosmetic adj. Pertaining to the art of beautifying, especially the complexion. cosmic adj. Pertaining to the universe. cosmogony n. A doctrine of creation or of the origin of the universe. cosmography n. The science that describes the universe, including astronomy, geography, and geology. cosmology n. The general science of the universe. cosmopolitan adj. Common to all the world. cosmopolitanism n. A cosmopolitan character. cosmos n. The world or universe considered as a system, perfect in order and arrangement. counter-claim n. A cross-demand alleged by a defendant in his favor against the plaintiff. counteract v. To act in opposition to. counterbalance v. To oppose with an equal force. countercharge v. To accuse in return. counterfeit adj. Made to resemble something else. counterpart n. Something taken with another for the completion of either. countervail v. To offset. counting-house n. A house or office used for transacting business, bookkeeping, correspondence, etc. countryman n. A rustic. courageous adj. Brave. course n. Line of motion or direction. courser n. A fleet and spirited horse. courtesy n. Politeness originating in kindness and exercised habitually. ovenant n. An agreement entered into by two or more persons or parties. covert adj. Concealed, especially for an evil purpose. covey n. A flock of quails or partridges. cower v. To crouch down tremblingly, as through fear or shame. coxswain n. One who steers a rowboat, or one who has charge of a ship's boat and its crew under an officer. crag n. A rugged, rocky projection on a cliff or ledge. cranium n. The skull of an animal, especially that part enclosing the brain. crass adj. Coarse or thick in nature or structure, as opposed to thin or fine. craving n. A vehement desire. creak n. A sharp, harsh, squeaking sound. creamery n. A butter-making establishment. creamy adj. Resembling or containing cream. credence n. Belief. credible adj. Believable. credulous adj. Easily deceived. creed n. A formal summary of fundamental points of religious belief. crematory adj. A place for cremating dead bodies. crevasse n. A deep crack or fissure in the ice of a glacier. crevice n. A small fissure, as between two contiguous surfaces. criterion n. A standard by which to determine the correctness of a judgment or conclusion. critique n. A criticism or critical review. crockery n. Earthenware made from baked clay. crucible n. A trying and purifying test or agency. rusade n. Any concerted movement, vigorously prosecuted, in behalf of an idea or principle. crustacean adj. Pertaining to a division of arthropods, containing lobsters, crabs, crawfish, etc. crustaceous adj. Having a crust-like shell. cryptogram n. Anything written in characters that are secret or so arranged as to have hidden meaning. crystallize v. To bring togethe r or give fixed shape to. cudgel n. A short thick stick used as a club. culinary adj. Of or pertaining to cooking or the kitchen. cull v. To pick or sort out from the rest. culpable adj. Guilty. culprit n. A guilty person. culvert n. Any artificial covered channel for the passage of water through a bank or under a road, canal. cupidity n. Avarice. curable adj. Capable of being remedied or corrected. curator n. A person having charge as of a library or museum. curio n. A piece of bric-a-brac. cursive adj. Writing in which the letters are joined together. cursory adj. Rapid and superficial. curt adj. Concise, compressed, and abrupt in act or expression. curtail v. To cut off or cut short. curtsy n. A downward movement of the body by bending the knees. cycloid adj. Like a circle. cygnet n. A young swan. cynical adj. Exhibiting moral skepticism. cynicism n. Contempt for the opinions of others and of what others value. cynosure n. That to which general interest or attention is directed. daring adj. Brave. darkling adv. Blindly. Darwinism n. The doctrine that natural selection has been the prime cause of evolution of higher forms. dastard n. A base coward. datum n. A premise, starting-point, or given fact. dauntless adj. Fearless. day-man n. A day-laborer. dead-heat n. A race in which two or more competitors come out even, and there is no winner. dearth n. Scarcity, as of something customary, essential ,or desirable. death's-head n. A human skull as a symbol of death. ebase v. To lower in character or virtue. debatable adj. Subject to contention or dispute. debonair adj. Having gentle or courteous bearing or manner. debut n. A first appearance in society or on the stage. decagon n. A figure with ten sides and ten angles. decagram n. A weight of 10 grams. decaliter n. A liquid and dry measure of 10 liters. decalogue n. The ten commandments . Decameron n. A volume consisting of ten parts or books. decameter n. A length of ten meters. decamp v. To leave suddenly or unexpectedly. decapitate v. To behead. decapod adj. Ten-footed or ten-armed. decasyllable n. A line of ten syllables. eceit n. Falsehood. deceitful adj. Fraudulent. deceive v. To mislead by or as by falsehood. decency n. Moral fitness. decent adj. Characterized by propriety of conduct, speech, manners, or dress. deciduous adj. Falling off at maturity as petals after flowering, fruit when ripe, etc. decimal adj. Founded on the number 10. decimate v. To destroy a measurable or large proportion of. decipher v. To find out the true words or meaning of, as something hardly legible. decisive ad. Conclusive. declamation n. A speech recited or intended for recitation from memory in public. declamatory adj. A full and formal style of utterance. eclarative adj. Containing a formal, positive, or explicit statement or affirmation. declension n. The change of endings in n ouns and adj. to express their different relations of gender. decorate v. To embellish. decorous adj. Suitable for the occasion or circumstances. decoy n. Anything that allures, or is intended to allures into danger or temptation. decrepit adj. Enfeebled, as by old age or some chronic infirmity. dedication n. The voluntary consecration or relinquishment of something to an end or cause. deduce v. To derive or draw as a conclusion by reasoning from given premises or principles. deface v. To mar or disfigure the face or external surface of. defalcate v. To cut off or take away, as a part of something. defamation n. Malicious and groundless injury done to the reputation or good name of another. defame v. To slander. default n. The neglect or omission of a

Biography of Vlad the Impaler, Inspiration for Dracula

Biography of Vlad the Impaler, Inspiration for Dracula Vlad III (between 1428 and 1431–between December 1476 and January 1477) was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, an east European principality within modern Romania. Vlad became infamous for his brutal punishments, such as impalement, but also renowned by some for his attempt to fight the Muslim Ottomans, even though Vlad was only largely successful against Christian forces. He ruled on three occasions- 1448, 1456 to 1462, and 1476- and experienced new fame in the modern era thanks to links to the novel Dracula. Fast Facts: Vlad III Known For: East European 15th-century rule who was the inspiration for DraculaAlso Known As: Vlad the Impaler,  Vlad III Dracula, Vlad Tepes, Dracuglia, DrakulaBorn: Between 1428 and 1431Parents: Mircea I of Wallachia, Eupraxia of MoldaviaDied: Between December 1476 and January 1477Spouse(s): Unknown first wife, Jusztina SzilgyiChildren: Mihnea, Vlad  Drakwlya Early Years Vlad was born between 1428 and 1431 into the family of Vlad II Dracul. This nobleman had been allowed into the crusading Order of the Dragon (Dracul) by its creator, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund, to encourage him to defend both Christian east Europe and Sigismund’s lands from encroaching Ottoman forces and other threats. The Ottomans were expanding into eastern and central Europe, bringing with them a rival religion to that of the Catholic and Orthodox Christians who had previously dominated the region. However, the religious conflict can be overstated, as there was an old-fashioned secular power struggle between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Ottomans over both Wallachia- a relatively new state- and its leaders. Although Sigismund had turned to a rival of Vlad II’s soon after initially supporting him, he came back to Vlad and in 1436 Vlad II became voivode, a form of prince, of Wallachia. However, Vlad II then broke with the Emperor and joined the Ottomans in order to try to balance the rival powers swirling around his country. Vlad II then joined the Ottomans in attacking Transylvania, before Hungary tried to reconcile. Everyone grew suspicious, and Vlad was briefly ousted and imprisoned by the Ottomans. However, he was soon released and reconquered the country. The future Vlad III was sent along with Radu, his younger brother, to the Ottoman court as a hostage to ensure that his father stayed true to his word. He didn’t, and as Vlad II vacillated between Hungary and the Ottomans, the two sons survived simply as diplomatic collateral. Perhaps crucially for Vlad III’s upbringing, he was able to experience, understand, and immerse himself into Ottoman culture. Struggle to be Voivode Vlad II and his eldest son were killed by rebel boyars- Wallachian noblemen- in 1447, and a new rival called Vladislav II was put on the throne by the pro-Hungarian governor of Transylvania, called Hunyadi. At some point, Vlad III and Radu were freed, and Vlad returned to the principality to begin a campaign aimed at inheriting his father’s position as voivode, which led to conflict with boyars, his younger brother, the Ottomans, and others. Wallachia had no clear system of inheritance to the throne. Instead, the previous incumbent’s children could equally claim it, and one of them was usually elected by a council of boyars. In practice, outside forces (mainly the Ottomans and Hungarians) could militarily support friendly claimants to the throne. Factional Conflict What followed were 29 separate reigns of 11 separate rulers, from 1418 to 1476, including Vlad III thrice. It was from this chaos, and a patchwork of local boyar factions, that Vlad sought first the throne, and then to establish a strong state through both bold actions and outright terror. There was a temporary victory in 1448  when Vlad took advantage of a recently defeated anti-Ottoman crusade and its capture of Hunyadi to seize the throne of Wallachia with Ottoman support. However, Vladislav II soon returned from crusade and forced Vlad out. It took nearly another decade for Vlad to seize the throne as Vlad III in 1456. There is little information on what exactly happened during this period, but Vlad went from the Ottomans to Moldova, to a peace with Hunyadi, to Transylvania, back and forth between these three, falling out with Hunyadi, renewed support from him, military employment, and in 1456, an invasion of Wallachia- in which Vladislav II was defeated and killed. At the same time Hunyadi, coincidentally, died. Ruler of Wallachia Established as voivode, Vlad now faced the problems of his predecessors: how to balance Hungary and the Ottomans  and keep himself independent. Vlad began to rule in a bloody manner designed to strike fear into the hearts of opponents and allies alike. He ordered people to be impaled on stakes, and his atrocities were inflicted on anyone who upset him, no matter where they came from. However, his rule has been misinterpreted. During the communist era in Romania, historians outlined a vision of Vlad as a socialist hero, focused largely around the idea that Vlad attacked the excesses of the boyar aristocracy, thus benefiting the ordinary peasants. Vlad’s ejection from the throne in 1462 has been attributed to boyars seeking to protect their privileges. Some chronicles record that Vlad bloodily carved his way through the Boyars to strengthen and centralize his power, adding to his other, and horrific, reputation. However, while Vlad did slowly increase his power over disloyal boyars, this is now believed to have been a gradual attempt to try and solidify a fictionalized state beset by rivals, and neither a sudden orgy of violence- as some of the stories claim- or the actions of a proto-communist. The existing powers of the boyars were left alone, as just the favorites and enemies who changed position. This took place over several years, rather than in one brutal session. Vlad the Impaler’s Wars Vlad attempted to restore the balance of Hungarian and Ottoman interests in Wallachia  and swiftly came to terms with both. However, he was soon assailed by plots from Hungary, who changed their support to a rival voivode. War resulted, during which Vlad supported a Moldovan noble who would both later fight him and earn the epithet Stephen the Great. The situation between Wallachia, Hungary, and Transylvania fluctuated for several years, going from peace to conflict, and Vlad tried to keep his lands and throne intact. Around 1460 or 1461, having secured independence from Hungary, regained land from Transylvania, and defeated his rival rulers, Vlad broke off relations with the  Ottoman Empire, ceased paying his yearly tribute, and prepared for war. The Christian parts of Europe were moving toward a crusade against the Ottomans. Vlad may have been fulfilling a  long-term  plan for independence, falsely buoyed by his success against his Christian rivals, or planning an opportunistic attack while the sultan was east. The war with the Ottomans began in the winter of  1461-1462  when Vlad attacked  neighboring  strongholds and plundered into Ottoman lands. The response was the sultan invading with his army in 1462, aiming to install Vlad’s brother Radu on the throne. Radu had lived in the Empire for a long time and was pre-disposed to the Ottomans; they did not plan on establishing direct rule over the region. Vlad was forced back, but not before a daring night raid to try to kill the sultan himself. Vlad terrified the Ottomans with a field of impaled people, but Vlad was defeated and Radu took the throne. Expulsion from Wallachia Vlad did not, as some of the pro-communist and pro-Vlad historians have claimed, defeat the Ottomans and then fall to a revolt of rebel boyars.  Instead,  some of Vlad’s followers fled to the Ottomans to ingratiate themselves to Radu when it became apparent that Vlad’s army could not defeat the invaders. Hungary’s forces arrived too late to aid  Vlad- if they had ever  intended to help him- and  instead  arrested him, transferred him to Hungary, and locked him up. Final Rule and Death After years of  imprisonment,  Vlad was released by Hungary in 1474 or 1475 to seize back the Wallachian throne and fight against a forthcoming invasion by the Ottomans, on the condition he converted to Catholicism and away from Orthodoxy. After fighting for the Moldavians, he regained his throne in  1476  but was killed shortly after in a battle with the Ottoman claimant to Wallachia. Legacy and Dracula Many leaders have come and gone, but Vlad remains a well-known figure in European history. In some parts of Eastern Europe he is a hero for his role in fighting the Ottomans- although he fought Christians just as much, and more successfully- whereas in much of the rest of the world he is infamous for his brutal punishments, a byword for cruelty, and bloodthirstiness. Verbal attacks on Vlad were spreading while he was still very much alive, partly to justify his imprisonment and partly as a result of human interest in his brutality. Vlad lived at a time when print was emerging, and Vlad became one of the first horror figures in printed literature. Much of his recent fame has to do with the use of Vlad’s sobriquet Dracula. This literally means Son of Dracul and is a reference to his father’s entry into the Order of the Dragon, Draco then meaning Dragon. But when British author ​Bram Stoker named his vampire character Dracula, Vlad entered a whole new world of popular notoriety. Meanwhile, the Roman language developed and dracul came to mean devil. Vlad was not, as is sometimes assumed, named after this. Sources Lallanilla, Marc. â€Å"Vlad the Impaler: The Real Dracula Was Absolutely Vicious.†Ã‚  NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 31 Oct. 2013.â€Å"10 Fascinating Facts About The Real Dracula.†Ã‚  Listverse, 11 Oct. 2014.Webley, Kayla. â€Å"Top 10 Royals Who Would Have Been Terrible on Facebook.†Ã‚  Time, Time Inc., 9 Nov. 2010.