English to English Dictionary

English to English

Word	Type	Meaning
a	adjective	one, some, any; per
a/c	abbreviation	account.
aardvark	noun	mammal with tubular snout and long tongue
aback	adverb	disconcerted, surprised
abacus	noun	frame with wires along which beads are slid for calculating
abaft	adverb	in or towards stern of ship
abaft	preposition	nearer stern than
abandon	verb	desert; give up
abandon	noun	freedom from inhibitions
abandoned	adjective	deserted; unrestrained
abase	verb	humiliate; degrade
abashed	adjective	embarrassed; disconcerted
abate	verb	make of become less strong
abattoir	noun	slaughter-house
abbess	noun	female head of abbey of nuns
abbey	noun	community of monks or nuns
abbot	noun	head of community of monks
abbreviate	verb	shorten
ABC	noun	alphabet; rudiments of subjects; alphabetical guide.
abdicate	verb	renounce or resign from (throne etc.)
abdomen	noun	belly; rear part of insect
abduct	verb	carry off illegally, kidnap
aberrant	adjective	showing aberration
aberration	noun	deviation from normal type of accepted standard; distortion
abet	verb	encourage (offender), assist (offence)
abeyance	noun	temporary disuse; suspension.
abhor	verb	detest; regard with disgust
abhorrence	noun	disgust, detestation
abhorrent	adjective	disgusting
abide	verb	tolerate; act in accordance with; keep (promise)
abiding	adjective	enduring, permanent
ability	noun	capacity, power; cleverness, talent
abject	adjective	miserable; degraded; despicable
abjure	verb	renounce on oath
ablaze	adjective & adverb	on fire; glittering; excited
able	adjective	having power; talented
ablution	noun	ceremonial washing of hands
abnegate	verb	give up, renounce
abnormal	adjective	exceptional; deviating from the norm
aboard	adverb & preposition	on or into (ship, aircraft, etc.)
abode¹	noun	dwelling place
abode²	past & past participle of ABIDE	tolerate
abolish	verb	end existence of
abominable	adjective	detestable, loathsome
abominable	colloquial	very unpleasant
abominate	verb	detest, loathe
aboriginal	adjective	indigenous
aboriginal	noun	aboriginal inhabitant, esp. of Australia
aborigines	plural noun	aboriginal inhabitant, esp. of Australia
abort	verb	miscarry; effect abortion of; (cause to) end before completion
abortion	noun	natural of (esp.) induced expulsion of foetus before it can survive; stunted or misshapen creature
abortive	adjective	fruitless, unsuccessful
abound	verb	be plentiful; be rich in , teem with
about	preposition	1. on subject of; relating to, in relation to; at a time near to; around (in); surrounding; here and there in
about	adverb	approximately; near-by; in every direction; on the move, in action; all around
above	adverb	at or to higher point, overhead; earlier on page or in book
abracadabra	interjection	supposedly magic word
abrade	verb	scrape or wear away by rubbing
abrasion	noun	rubbing or scraping away; resulting damaged area.
abrasive	adjective	capable of rubbing or grinding down; harsh or hurtful in manner
abrasive	noun	abrasive substance
abreast	adverb	side by side and facing same way; upto date with
abridge	verb	shorten >abridgement noun
abrogate	verb	repeal, abolish >abrogation noun
abrupt	adjective	sudden, hasty; curt; steep >abruptly adverb; abruptness noun
abscess	noun	swelling containing pus
abscond	verb	flee, esp. to avoid arrest; escape
abseil	verb	descend by using doubled rope fixed at higher point
abseil	noun	such a descent
absence	noun	being away; lack
absent	adjective	not present or existing; lacking; inattentive
absent	verb	go or stay away
absentee	noun	person not present
absenteeism	noun	absenting oneself from work, school
absent-minded	adjective	forgetful, inattentive
absinthe	noun	wormwood-based, aniseed- flavoured liqueur
absolute	adjective	complete, utter; unconditional; despotic; not relative; without expressed noun or object; final
absolutely	adverb	completely; in an absolute sense;
absolution	noun	formal forgiveness of sins
absolutism	noun	absolute government
absolve	verb	free from blame or obligation
absorb	verb	incorporate; assimilate; take in; deal with easily, reduce intensity of
absorbent	adjective	tending to absorb
absorbent	noun	absorbent substance
absorption	noun	absorbing, being absorbed
abstain	verb	refrain; decline to vote
abstemious	adjective	moderate or ascetic, esp. in eating and drinking
abstention	noun	abstaining, esp. from voting
abstinence	noun	abstaining, esp. from food or alcohol
abstract	adjective	of or existing in theory rather than practice, not concrete; not representational
abstract	verb	remove; summarize
abstract	noun	summary; abstract idea, work of art
abstracted	adjective	inattentive
abstraction	noun	abstracting; abstract idea; abstract qualities in art; absent-mindedness.
abstruse	adjective	hard to understand; profound.
absurd	adjective	wildly inappropriate; priate; ridiculous.
abundance	noun	plenty; more than enough; wealth.
abundant	adjective	plentiful; rich.
abuse	verb	use improperly; misuse; maltreat; insult verbally.
abuse	noun	misuse; insulting language; corrupt practice.
abusive	adjective	insulting, offensive.
abut	verb	border on; touch or lean on.
abysmal	adjective	very bad; dire.
abyss	noun	deep chasm.
AC	abbreviation	alternating current.
acacia	noun	tree with yellow or white flowers.
academia	noun	the world of scholars.
academic	adjective	scholarly; of learning; of no practical relevance.
academic	non	teacher or scholar in university.
academician	noun	member of Academy.
academy	noun	place of specialized training; society of distinguished scholars, artists, scientists
acanthus	noun	spring herbaceous plant with spiny leaves
accede	verb	take office, esp. as monarch assent to.
accelerate	verb	increase speed; cause to happen earlier.
accelerator	noun	device for increasing speed, esp. pedal in vehicle
accent	noun	style of pronounciation of region or social group; emphasis; prominence given to syllable by stress or pitch; mark on letter indicating pronounciation.
accent	verb	emphasize; write or print accents on.
accentuate	verb	emphasize, make prominent.
accept	verb	willingly receive; answer affirmatively; regard favourably; receive as valied or suitable.
acceptable	adjective	worth accepting; tolerable
access	noun	way of approach or entry; right or opportunity to reach, use or visit
access	verb	gain access to (data) in computer.
accessible	adjective	reachable or obtainable; easy to understand.
accession	noun	taking office, esp. as monarch; thing added.
accessory	noun	additional or extra thing; small attachment or item of dress; person who abets in or in privy to illegal act.
accident	noun	unintentional unfortunaate esp. harmful event; event without apparent cause; unexpected event
accidental	adjective	happening or done by chance or accident
acclaim	verb	welcome or applaud enthusiastically
acclaim	noun	applause; welcome; public praise.
acclimatize	verb	adapt to new climate or condition
accolade	noun	praise given; touch made with sword at conferring of knighthood.
accommodate	verb	provide lodging or room for; adapt, harmonize, reconcile; do favour to;
accommodating	adjective	obliging
accommodation	noun	lodgings; adjustment, adaption; convenient arrangement
accompaniment	noun	instrumental,orchestal support for solo instrument,voice, or group; accompanying things
accompany	verb	go with,attend;be done or found with
accomplice	noun	partner in crime
accomplish	verb	succeed in doing;achieve,complete
accomplished	adjective	clever,skilled
accomplishment	noun	completion(of task etc);acquired esp. social skill; thing achieved.
accord	verb	be consistent or in harmony;grant,give.
accord	noun	agreement;consent
accordance	noun	in confirmity to
according	adverb	as stated by;in proportion to or as.
accordingly	adverb	as circumstances suggest or require;consequently
accordion	noun	musical reed instrument with concertina-like bellows,keys and buttons
accost	verb	approach or speak boldly to
account	noun	narration.description;arrangement at bank etc for depositing and withdrawing money etc. statement of financial transaction with balance;importance;behalf
account	verb	consider as
accountable	adjective	responsible,required to accountfor one's conduct;explicable
accountant	noun	professional keeper or verifier of financial accounts
accoutrements	noun	equipment or trappings
accredit	verb	attribute;credit;send with credentials
accredited	adjective	officially recognized;generally accepted
accretion	noun	growth by accumulation or organic enlargement; the resulting whole;matter so added
accumulate	verb	acquire increasing number or quantity of;amass,collect;grow numerous;increase
accumulator	noun	recharable electric cell;bet placed on sequence of events,with winnings and stake from each placed on next
accurate	adjective	precise;conforming exactly with truth etc
accure	verb	come as natural increase or advantage. esp. financial
accursed	adjective	under a cursed;colloquial detestable,annoying
accusative	noun	case expressing object of action
accusative	adjective	of or in accusative
accuse	verb	charge with fault, crime or blame
accustom	verb	make used to
accustomed	adjective	customary;used(to a thing)
ace	noun	playing card with single spot;person who excels in some activity;unreturnable service
ace	adjective	excellent
acerbic	adjective	harsh and sharp esp. in speech or manner
acetate	noun	compound of acetic acid, esp. the cellulose ester; fabric made from this
acetic	adjective	of or like vinegar
acetone	noun	colourless volatile solvent of organic compounds
acetylene	noun	inflammable hydrocarbon gas,used esp. in welding
ache	noun	continuous dull pain;mental distress
ache	verb	suffer from or be the source of an ache
achieve	verb	reach or attain by effort; accomplish (task etc); be successful
achilles	noun	1. Achilles heel- vulnerable point 2. Achilles tendon- tendon attaching calf muscles to heel
achromatic	adjective	transmitting colours without separating it into colours; free from colours
achy	adjective	suffering from aches
acid	noun	substance that neutralizes alkalis,turns litmus red and usually contains hydrogen and is sour, drug LSD
acid	adjective	having properties of acid,dour,biting and sharp
acrylic	adjective	made of acrylic acid
acrylic	noun	acrylic fibre, fabric, or paint
acrylic acid	noun	a pungent liquid organic acid
act	noun	thing done, deed; process of doing; item of entertainment; pretence; main division of play; decree of legislative body
act	verb	behave; perform actions or functions; have effect; perform in play; pretend;
acting	adjective	serving temporarily as.
actinism	noun	property of short-wave radiation that produces chemical changes, as in photography
action	noun	process of doing or acting; forcefulness, energy; exertion of energy or infulence; deed, atc; series of events in story, play
actionable	adjective	providing grounds for legal action
aesthete	noun	1. a person who has or professes to have redefined sensitivity toward the beauties of art of nature
ambrosial	adjective	1. exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant 2. worthy of the gods; divine
androgynous	adjective	partly male and partly female in appearance; of indeterminate sex
arrears	plural noun	the state of being behind or late, especially in the fulfilment of a duty, promise, obligation, or the like
axle	noun	spindle on which wheel turns or is fixed
ayatollah	noun	religious leader in Iran
aye	adverb archaic or dialect	yes
aye	noun	affirmative answer or vote
azalea	noun	kind of rhododendron
azimuth	noun	angular distance between point below star
azure	adjective & noun	sky-blue
baa	noun & verb	bleat
babble	verb	talk, chatter, or say incoherently or excessively; murmur; repeat foolishly
babble	noun	babbling; murmur of water
babe	noun	baby
babel	noun	confused noise, esp. of voices
baboon	noun	large kind of monkey
baby	noun	very young child; childish person; youngest member of family etc.; very young animal; small specimen
babysit	verb	look after child while parents are out
baccart	noun	gambling card games
bachelor	noun	unmarried man; person with a university first degree
bacillus	noun	rod shaped bacterium
backgammon	noun	board game with pieces moved according to throw of dice.
background	noun	back part of scene etc.; inconspicuous position; person's education, social circumstances, etc.; explanatory information.
backing	noun	help or support; material used for thing's back or support; musical accompaniment.
backward	adjective	directed backwards; slow in learning; shy
backwards	adverb	away from one's front; back foremost; in reverse of usual way; into worse state; into past; back towards starting point
bacon	noun	cured meat from back and sides of pig
bacteriology	noun	study of bacteria
bacterium	noun	single-celled micro-organism.
bad	adjective	inadequate, defective; unpleasant; harmful; decayed; ill, injured; regretful, guilty; serious, severe; wicked; naughty; incorrect, not valid
bade	archaic past	of BID
badge	noun	small flat emblem worn as sign of office, membership, etc. or bearing slogan.
badger	noun	nocturnal burrowing mammal with black and white striped head.
badger	verb	pester.
badinage	noun	banter
badly	adverb	in bad manner; severely; very much.
badminton	noun	game played with rackets and shuttlecock.
baffle	verb	perplex; frustrate.
baffle	noun	device that hinders flow of fluid or sound.
bag	noun	soft open-topped receptacle; piece of luggage;
bag	colloquial	large amount; animal's sac; amount of game shot by one person.
bag	verb	secure, take possession of; bulge, hang loosely; put in bag; shoot (game).
behalf	noun	on behalf of, in the interests of, as representative of
behave	verb	react or act in specified way; conduct oneself properly; work well
behaviour	noun	manners, conduct, way of behaving
behaviourism	noun	study of human actions by analysis of stimulus and response
behead	verb	cut head from; execute thus
beheld	past & past participle of BEHOLD
behest	noun literary	command, request
behind	preposition	in or to rear of; hidden by, on farther side of; in past in relation to; inferior to; in support of
behind	adverb	in or to rear; on far side; remaining after others departure; in arrears
behind	noun colloquial	buttocks
behold	verb	look at; take notice; observe
beholden	adjective	under obligation
behove	verb formal	be incumbent on; befit
beige	noun	pale sandy fawn colour
beige	adjective	of this colour
bildungsroman	noun	a type of novel concerned with the education, development, and maturing of a young protagonist.
bra	noun	woman's undergarment supporting breasts
brace	noun	device that clamps or fastens tightly; timber, strengthening framework; straps supporting trousers from shoulders; wire device for straightening teeth
brace	verb	make steady by supporting; fasten tightly; invigorate; prepare for difficulty, shock
bracelet	noun	ornamental band or chain worn on wrist or arm
brainy	adjective	intellectually clever
braise	verb	stew slowly in closed container with a little liquid
brake	noun	device for stopping or slowing wheel or vehicle; thing that impedes
brake	verb	apply brake; slow or stop with brake
bramble	noun	wild thorny shrub, esp. blackberry
bran	noun	husks separated form flour
branch	noun	limb or bough of tree; lateral extension or subdivision of river, railway, family etc.; local office of business
branch	verb	divide, diverge
brand	noun	particular make of goods; trade mark; label, etc.; characteristic kind; identifying mark made with hot iron, iron stamp for this; piece of burning or charred wood; stigma
brand	verb	mark with hot iron; stigmatize; assign trade mark; impress unforgettably
brandish	verb	wave of flourish
brandy	noun	strong spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice
brash	adjective	vulgarly assertive; impudent
brass	noun	yellow alloy of copper and zinc; brass objects; brass wind instruments
brasserie	noun	restaurant, originally one serving beer with food
brassica	noun	plant of cabbage family
bagatelle	noun	game in which small balls are struck into holes on inclined board; mere trifle
bagel	noun	ring-shaped bread roll
baggage	noun	language; portable equipment of army
baggy	adjective	hanging loosely
bagpipes	plural noun	musical instrument with windbag for pumping air through reeded pipes
baguette	noun	1. long thin French loaf 2. a gem, especially a diamond, cut in a long rectangular shape
bail¹	noun	security given for released prisoner's return for trial; person(s) pledging this
bail¹	verb	give bail for and secure release of (prisoner)
bail²	noun	Cricket either of two crosspieces resting on stumps
bail³	verb	1. scoop water out of (a ship or boat) 2. let someone down
bailey	noun	outer wall of castle; court enclosed by this
barbarian	noun	uncultured or primitive person
barbarian	adjective	1. uncultured; primitive 2. relating to ancient barbarians
barbaric	adjective	uncultured; cruel; primitive
barbarism	noun	barbaric state or act; non-standard word or expression
bedaub	verb	smear with paint
bedding	noun	mattress and bedclothes; litter for cattle
bedeck	verb	adorn, decorate
bedevil	verb	torment, confuse, trouble
bedlam	noun	scene of confusion or uproar
beginner	noun	learner
beginning	noun	time at which thing begins; source, origin; first part.
bailiff	noun	sheriff's officer who executes writs, performs distraints, etc.; landlord's agent or steward
bailiwick	noun	district of bailiff
bairn	noun	child
bait	noun	food to entice prey; allurement
bait	verb	torment (Chained animal); harrass (person); put bait on or in (fist-hook, trap)
baize	noun	usually green felted woolen fabric used for coverings etc
bake	verb	cook or become cooked by dry heat esp. in oven;
baker	noun	professional bread-maker
bakery	noun	place where bread is made or sold.
baksheesh	noun	gratuity, tip
Balaclava	noun	woolen covering for head and neck.
balalaika	noun	Russian triangular-bodied guitar-like musical instrument.
balance	noun	even distribution of weight or amount, stability of body or mind; weighing apparatus; counteracting weight or force; regulating device in clck etc.; decisive weight or amount; difference between credits and debits; remainder
balance	verb	bring or come into or keep in equilibrium; offset, compare; equal, neutralize
balcony	noun	outside balustraded or railed platform with access from upper floor; upper tier of seats in theatre.
bald	adjective	lacking some of all hair on scalp; without fur, frethers
balderdash	noun	nonsense
balding	adjective	become bald.
bale¹	noun	bundle of merchandise or hay
bale¹	verb	make up into bales.
balm	noun	aromatic ointment; fragrant oil or resin exuded from some trees; thing that heals or soothes; aromatic herb.
balmy	adjective	fragrant, mild, soothing
balsa	noun	lightweight tropical American wood used for making models.
balsam	noun	balm from trees; ointment; tree yielding balsam; any of several flowering plants.
ballyhoo	noun	loud noise, fuss; noisy publicity
ballroom	noun	large room for dancing.
ballistic	adjective	of projectiles.
ballistics	plural noun	science of projectiles and firearms.
ballad	noun	poem or song narrating popular story; slow sentimental song
ballast	noun	heavy material stabilizing ship, controlling height of balloon, etc,; coarse stone, as bed of road or failway
ballast	verb	1. give stability to (a ship) by putting a heavy substance in its bilge. 2. form (the bed of a railway line or the substratum of a road) with gravel or coarse stone.
cab	noun	taxi; driver's compartment in lorry, train, crane, etc.
cabal	noun	secret intrigue; political clique
cabaret	noun	entertainment in restaurant
cabbage	noun	vegetable with green or purple leaves forming a round head
cabbage	colloquial	dull or inactive person
cabby	colloquial	taxi driver
caber	noun	tree trunk tossed as sport in Scotland
cabin	noun	small shelter or house, esp. of wood; room or compartment in aircraft ship
cabinet	noun	cupboard or case for storing or displaying things; casing of radio, television
cable	noun	encased group of insulated wires for transmitting electricity; thick rope of wire or hemp; cablegram
caboose	noun	kitchen on ship's deck.
cabriolet	noun	car with folding top.
cacao	noun	seed from which cocoa and chocolate are made; tree bearing it.
cache	noun	hiding place for treasure, supplies; things so hidden
cache	verb	place in cache
cachet	noun	prestige; distinguishing mark or seal; flat capsule for medicine
cack-handed	adjective colloquial	clumsy, left-handed
cackle	noun	clucking of hen; raucous laugh; noisy chatter
cackling	verb	emit cackle; chatter noisily.
cacophony	noun	harsh discordant sound
cactus	noun	plant with thick fleshy stem and usually spines but no leaves.
campestral	adjective	of or relating to fields or open country
capable	adjective	having power and ability; efficient; competent
chiasmus	noun	a reversal in the order of words in two otherwise parallel phrases
conciliate	verb	1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate 2. to win or gain 3. to make compatible; reconcile
connubial	adjective	of marriage of wedlock; matrimonial; conjugal
cruel	adjective	causing pain or suffering, esp. deliberately; harsh, severe
cruet	noun	set of small salt, pepper, containers for use at table
cruise	verb	sail about, travel by sea for pleasure, calling at ports; travel at relaxed or economical speed; achieve objective with ease
cruiser	noun	high-speed warship; cabin cruiser
crumb	noun	small fragment of bread; soft inner part of loaf;
crumb	verb	coat with breadcrumbs; crumble
cubic	adjective	of three dimensions; involving cube of a quality
cubicle	noun	small screened space, esp. sleeping compartment
cubism	noun	art style in which objects are represented geometrically
cubit	noun	ancient measure of length, approximately length of forearm
cuboid	adjective	like a cube; cube-shaped
cuboid	noun	solid with six rectangular faces
cuckold	noun	husband of adulteress
cuckold	verb	make cuckold of
cud	noun	half-digested food chewed by ruminant
cuddle	verb	hug; lie close and snug; nestle
cuddle	noun	prolonged hug
cuddly	adjective	soft and yielding
cudgel	noun	thick stick used as weapon
cudgel	verb	beat with cudgel
crosspiece	noun	a beam or bar fixed or placed across something else
carillon	noun	set of bells sounded from keyboard or mechanically; tune played on this
Carmelite	noun	friar of Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; nun of similar order
Carmelite	adjective	of Carmelites
carminative	adjective	relieving flatulence
carminative	noun	carminative drug
da capo	adverb	repeat from beginning esp. music
dab hand	noun	expert
dab¹	verb	press briefly and repeatedly with cloth etc.; apply by dabbing; aim feeble blow; strike lightly
dab¹	noun	dabbing; small amount, dabbed on; light blow
dab²	noun	kind of marine flatfish
dabble	verb	engage superficially; move about in shallow water
dabchick	noun	little grebe
dace	noun	small freshwater fish
dacha	noun	Russian country cottage
dachshund	noun	short-legged long-bodied dog
dactyl	noun	metrical foot of one long followed by two short syllables.
dad	noun colloquial	father.
daddy	noun colloquial	father.
dado	noun	lower, differently decorated, part of interior wall.
daffodil	noun	spring bulb with trumpet-shaped yellow flower.
doctrinaire	adjective	dogmatic about others' acceptance of one's ideas; fanatical
dodgem	noun	small electrically powered car at funfair, bumped into others in enclosure
dodgy	adjective colloquial	unreliable, risky
dodo	noun	large extinct flightless bird
doe	noun	female fallow deer, reindeer, hare, or rabbit
disposal	noun	disposing of
dispose	verb	incline, make willing; temd; arrange suitably; having a specified inclination; determine events
disposition	noun	natural tendency; temperament; arrangement
dispossess	verb	deprive; oust, dislodge
disproof	noun	refutation
disproportion	noun	lack of proportion
disproportionate	adjective	out fo proportion; relatively too large or too small
disprove	verb	prove false
disputable	adjective	open to question
disputant	noun	person in dispute
each	adjective	one of two or more, regarded separately.
each	pronoun	each person or thing
eager	adjective	keen, enthusiastic.
eagle	noun	large bird of prey.
eaglet	noun	young eagle.
ear¹	noun	organ of hearing, esp. external part; faculty of discriminating sound; attention.
ear²	noun	seed-bearing head of cereal plant.
earl	noun	British nobleman ranking between marquess and viscount.
early	adjective & adverb	before due, usual, or expected time; not far on in day or night or in development.
earmark	verb	set aside for special puropse.
estrange	verb	cause (someone) to be no longer on friendly terms with someone
emigrate	verb	leave own country to settle in another
émigré	noun	emigrant, polictical exile
eminence	noun	recognized superiority; rising ground;
eminent	adjective	distinguished, notable
emir	noun	title of various Muslim rulers.
emirate	noun	position, reign, or domain of emir
emissary	noun	person sent on diplomatic mission
emit	verb	give or send out; discharge
emollient	adjective	softening; soothing
emollient	noun	emollient substance
fab	noun colloquial	talk, chatter.
fable	noun	fictional tale, esp. legendary, or moral tale, often with animal characters.
fabled	adjective	celebrated ;legendary.
fabric	noun	woven material; walls, floor, and roof of building; structure.
fabricate	verb	construct, esp. from components; invent (fact), froge (document)
fabulous	adjective colloquial	marvellous; legendary.
façade	noun	face or front of building; outward, esp. deceptive, appearance.
faceless	adjective	without identity; not identifiable.
facet	noun	aspect; side of cut gem.
facetious	adjective	intended to be amusing, esp. inappropriately.
facial	adjective	of or for the face.
facial	noun	beauty treatment for the face.
fleshly	adjective	worldly; carnal
Fletcherize	verb	to chew slowly and thoroughly
flew	past of FLY
flews	plural noun	hanging lips of blood-hound
flex¹	verb	bend; move to bend joint
flex²	noun	flexible insulated cable
flexible	adjective	able to bend without breaking; pliable; adaptable
flexion	noun	bending; bent apart
flexitime	noun	system of flexible working hours
flitch	noun	side of bacon
flitter	verb	flit about
floaty	adjective	light and airy
flocculent	adjective	like tufts of wool
floppy	adjective	tending to flop; flaccid
floppy	noun	flexible disc for storage of computer data
fraction	noun	part of whole number; small part, amount; portion of mixture obtainable by distillation
fractious	adjective	irritable, peevish
fracture	noun	breakage, esp. of bone
fracture	verb	cause fracture in, suffer fracture
fragile	adjective	easily broken; delicate
gabardine	noun	a strong twilled cloth; raincoat of this.
gabble	verb	talk or utter unintelligibly or too fast.
gable	noun	triangular part of wall at end of ridged roof.
gad	verb	go about idly or in search of pleasure.
gadfly	noun	fly that bites cattle.
gadget	noun	small mechanical device of tool.
galluses	noun	a pair of suspenders for trousers
hiss	verb	make sharp sibilant sound, as of letter s; express disapproval of thus; whisper urgently or angrily
hiss	noun	sharp sibilant sound
histamine	noun	chemical compound in body tissues associated with allergic reactions
histology	noun	study of tissue structure
historian	noun	writer of history; person learned in history
historic	adjective	famous in history or potentially so; grammar used to narrate past events
historical	adjective	of history; belonging to or dealing with the past; not legendary; studying development over period of time
historicity	noun	historical genuineness or accuracy
historiography	noun	writing of history; study of this
history	noun	continuous record of events; study of past events; total accumulation of these; past of record
histrionic	adjective	(of behaviour) theatrical, dramatic
histrionic	noun	(in plural) insincere and dramatic behaviour designed to impress
hit	verb	strike with blow or missile; strike with force; affect adversely; aim blow; propel with bat; achieve, reach; colloquial encounter, arrive at
hit	noun	blow; shot that hits target; colloquial popular success
hitch	verb	fasten with loop etc.; move with jerk
hi-tech	adjective	high-tech
hither	adverb formal	to this place.
HIV	abbreviation	human immuno-deficiency virus, either of two viruses causing Aids
hive	noun	beehive
hives	plural noun	skin eruption, esp. nettle-rash
ho	interjection	expressing triumph, derision, calling attention
hoard	noun	store
hoard	verb	amass and store
hoarding	noun	structure erected to carry advertisements; temporary fence round building site
hoar-frost	noun	frozen water vapour on lawns
hoarse	adjective	rough, husky; having hoarse voice
hoary	adjective	white or grey with age; aged; old and trite
hoax	noun	humorous or malicious deception
hoax	verb	deceive with hoax
hob	noun	hotplates on cooker or as separate unit; flat metal shelf at side of fire for heating pans
hobble	verb	walk lamely, limp; tie together legs of to keep it from straying
hobble	noun	limping gait; rope used to hobble horse
hobby	noun	leisure-time activity pursued for pleasure
hobgoblin	noun	mischievous imp; bogy
hobnob	verb	mix socially or informally
hobo	noun	wandering worker; tramp
impugn	verb	challenge; call in question
impulse	noun	sudden urge; tendency of follow such urges; impelling; impetus
impulsive	adjective	apt to act on impulse; done on impulse; tending to impel
impunity	noun	exemption from punishment or injurious consequences
impure	adjective	adulterated; dirty; unchaste
impurity	noun	being impure; impure thing or part
impute	verb	ascribe (fault)
inculcate	verb	1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly 2. to cause of influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling
jab	verb	poke roughly; stab; thrust hard or abruptly
jab	noun	abrupt blow or thrust;
jabber	verb	chatter volubly; utter fast and indistinctly
jabber	noun	chatter, gabble
jabot	noun	frill on front of shirt or blouse
ketch	noun	kind of two-masted sailing boat
ketchup	noun	spicy sauce made esp. from tomatoes.
kettle	noun	vessel for boiling water in
kelvin	noun	SI unit of temperature
ken	noun	range of knowledge or sight
ken	verb	recognize, know
kendo	noun	Japanese fencing with banboo swords
lineage	noun	lineal descent, ancestry
lineal	adjective	in direct line of descent or ancestry; linear
lineament	noun	distinctive feature or characteristic, esp. of face
linear	adjective	of or in lines; long and narrow and of uniform breadth
linen	noun	cloth woven from flax; articles made or originally made of linen, as sheets, shirts, underwear,
liner¹	noun	ship or aircraft carrying passengers on regular line.
liner²	noun	removable lining
ling¹	noun	long slender marine fish
ling²	noun	kind of heather
linger	verb	stay about; dally; be protracted; die slowly
lingerie	noun	women's underwear and nightclothes
lingo	noun colloquial	foreign language
lingual	adjective	of tongue; of speech or languages.
linguist	noun	person skilled in languages or linguistic
linguistic	adjective	of language or the study of languages
linguistics	noun	study of language and its structure
liniment	noun	embrocation
lining	noun	material used to line surface
link	noun	one loop or ring of chain; one in series; means of connection
link	verb	connect, join; clasp or intertwine
linkage	noun	linking or being linked
links	noun	golf course
Linnaean	adjective	of Linnaeus or his system of classifying plants and animals
linnet	noun	brown-grey finch
lino	noun	linoleum
linoleum	noun	canvas-backed material coated with linseed oil, cork
linseed	noun	seed of flax
lint	noun	linen or cotton with one side made fluffy, used for dressing wounds; fluff
lintel	noun	horizontal timber, stone, over door of window
lion	noun	large tawny flesh-eating wild cat of Africa and S. Asia; brave or celebrated person
lionize	verb	treat as celebrity
lip	noun	either edge of opening of mouth; edge of cup, vessel, cavity, esp. part shaped for pouring from
liquefy	verb	make of become liquid
liqueur	noun	any of several strong sweet alcoholic spirits
liquid	adjective	having consistency like that of water or oil, flowing freely but of constant volume; having appearance of water; (of sounds) clear, pure; (of assets) easily convertible into cash
liquid	noun	liquid substance
liquidate	verb	wind up affairs of; pay off; wipe out
liquidation	noun	liquidating, esp. of firm
liquidity	noun	state of being liquid; having liquid assets
liquidize	verb	reduce to liquid state
liquidizer	noun	machine for liquidizing foods
liquor	noun	alcoholic drink; other liquid, esp. that produce in cooking
liquorice	noun	black root extract used as sweet and in medicine; plant from which it is obtained
lira	noun	chief monetary unit of Italy and Turkey
lisle	noun	fine cotton thread for stockings
lissom	adjective	lithe, agile
literate	adjective	able to read and write
literate	noun	literate person
litre	noun	metric unit of capacity
megillah	noun	a lengthy and tediously complicated situation or matter
misprint	noun	printing error
misprint	verb	print wrongly
mispronounce	verb	pronounce wrongly
misquote	verb	quote inaccurately
misread	verb	read or interpret wrongly
misrepresent	verb	represent wrongly; give false account of
misrule	noun	bad government
misrule	verb	govern badly
miss	verb	fail to hit, reach, meet, find, catch, or perceive; fail to seize; regret absence of; avoid; misfire
miss	noun	failure
misshapren	adjective	deformed, distorted
missile	noun	object, esp. weapon, suitable for throwing at target or discharging from machine; weapon directed by remote control or automatically
missing	adjective	not in its place; lost; not traced but not known to be dead
mission	noun	task or goal assigned to person or group; journey undertaken as part of this; military or scientific expedition; group of people sent to conduct negotiations or to evangelize; missionary post
missionary	adjective	of or concerned with religious missions, esp. abroad
missionary	noun	person doing missionary work
missive	noun	letter; official letter
misspell	verb	spell wrongly
misspend	verb	spend wrongly or wastefully
misstate	verb	state wrongly or inaccurately
mist	noun	water vapour in minute drops limiting visibility; condensed vapour obscuring glass; dimness or blurring of sight caused by tears
mist	verb	cover or be covered with mist
mistake	noun	incorrect idea or opinion; thing incorrectly done, thought, or judged
mistake	past participle	misunderstand meaning of; wrongly take for another
mistaken	adjective	wrong in opinion or judgement; based on or resulting from error
mistime	verb	say or do at wrong time
mistle thrush	noun	large thrush that eats mistletoe berries
moped	noun	low-powered motorized bicycle
moquette	noun	thick pile or looped material used for upholstery
moraine	noun	area of debris carried down and deposited by glacier
moral	adjective	concerned with goodness or badness of character or behaviour, or with difference between right and wrong; virtuous in conduct
moral	noun	moral lesson of story; moral principles or behaviour
morale	noun	confidence, determination of person or group
moralist	noun	person who practises or teaches morality
morality	noun	degree of conformity to moral principles; moral conduct; science of morals
moralize	verb	indulge in moral reflection or talk
morass	noun	entanglement; literary bog.
nixie	noun	a letter or parcel that is undeliverable by the post office because of a faulty or illegible address
obconical	adjective	conical,with the attachment at the pointed end.
pastrami	noun	seasoned smoked beef
pastry	noun	dough of flour, fat and water; food made wholly or partly of this
pasturage	noun	pasture land; pasturing
pasture	noun	land covered with grass for grazing animals; herbage for animals
pasture	verb	put to pasture; graze
periscope	noun	apparatus with tube and mirrors or prisms for viewing objects otherwise out of sight
perish	verb	suffer destruction, die; lose natural qualities; rot or deteriorate; suffer from cold
perishable	adjective	subject to speedy decay; liable to perish
perishable	noun	perishable thing
perisher	noun slang	annoying person
perishing	adjective	confounded; intensely cold
perishing	adverb	confoundedly
peritoneum	noun	membrane lining abdominal cavity
peritonitis	noun	inflammation of peritoneum
periwig	noun	wig
periwinkle¹	noun	evergreen trailing plant with blue or white flower
periwinkle²	noun	winkle
perjure	verb	commit perjury; guilty of perjury
perjury	noun	wilful lying while on oath
perk¹	verb	recover courage, smarten up, raise briskly
perk²	noun colloquial	perquisite
perky	adjective	lively and cheerful
perm¹	noun	permanent wave
perm¹	verb	give permanent wave to
perm²	colloquial noun	permutation
perm²	colloquial verb	make permutation of
permafrost	noun	permanently frozen subsoil, as in polar regions.
polyphonic	adjective	consisting of many voices or sounds.
qua	conjunction	in the capacity of
quack¹	noun	harsh sound made by ducks
quack¹	verb	utter this sound
quack²	noun	unqualified practitioner of madicine;
quad	colloquial noun	quadrangle; quadruplet; quadraphonics
quad	adjective	quadraphonic
quadrangle	noun	4-sided plane figure, square or rectangle; 4-sided court in college
quadrant	noun	quarter of circle of sphere or of circle's circumference; optical instrument for measuring angle between distant objects
quadraphonic	adjective	using 4 transmission channels
quadrate	adjective	square, rectangular
quadrate	noun	rectangular object
quadrate	verb	make square
rebut	verb	refute, disprove; force back
recant	verb	withdraw and renounce as erroneous or heretical
recap	colloquial	recapitulate
recapitulate	verb	summarize, restate briefly
recast	verb	cast again; put into new form; improve arrangement of
recast	noun	recasting; recast form
rosin	noun	resin, esp. in solid form
seepage	noun	act of seeping; quantity that seeps
seer	noun	person who sees; prophet, visionary
seersucker	noun	thin cotton fabric with puckered surface
see-saw	noun	long board supported in middle so that children sitting on ends move alternately up and down; this game; up-and down or to-and-fro motion, contest
see-saw	verb	play or move (as) on see-saw
see-saw	adjective & adverb	with up-and-down or to-and-fro motion
seethe	verb	boil, bubble; be very angry, resentful
segment	noun	part cut off or separable from other parts; part of circle or sphere cut off by intersecting line of plane
segment	verb	divide into segments
segregate	verb	put apart, isolate; separate from the rest of the community
seigneur	noun	feudal lord
seine	noun	large vertical fishing net
seismic	adjective	of earthquake
seismograph	noun	instrument for recording earthquake details
seismology	noun	the study of earthquakes
seize	verb	take hold or possession of, esp. forcibly, suddenly, or by legal power; take advantage of; comprehend quickly or clearly; affect suddenly
seizure	noun	seizing, being seized; sudden attack of epilepsy, apoplexy
seldom	adverb	rarely, not often
select	verb	choose, esp. with care
select	adjective	chosen for excellence of suitability; exclusive
sonorous	adjective	1. rich and full in sound, as language or verse. 2. giving out or capable of giving out a sound, especially a deep, resonant sound, as a thing or place 3. loud, deep, or resonant as a sound 4. high-flown; grandiloquent
tackle	noun	1. equipment, apparatus, or gear, especially for fishing: 2. a mechanism or apparatus, as a rope and block or a combination of ropes and blocks, for hoisting, lowering, and shifting objects or materials; purchase. 3. any system of leverage using several pulleys.
tackle	verb	1. to undertake to handle,master,to deal with a person or problem 2. to harness 3. to seize suddenly
ugly	adjective	very unattractive or unpleasant to look at;disagreeable
virgule	noun	1. a short oblique stroke (/) between two words indicating that whichever is appropriate may be chosen to complete the sense of the text in which they occur. 2. a dividing line, as in dates, fractions, a run-in passage of poetry to show verse division 3. a short oblique stroke (/) used in computing; a forward slash
wool-gathering	noun	indulgence in idle fancies and in daydreaming; absentmindedness.
woke	verb	a simple past tense of wake
wool-gathering	noun	indulgence in idle fancies and in daydreaming; absentmindedness.
woke	verb	a simple past tense of wake
xanthian	adjective	of or relating to the ancient city of Xanthus.
xanthoma	noun	a yellow papule or nodule in the skin, containing lipid deposits.
yadkin	noun	a part of the Pee Dee River that flows SE through central North Carolina.
yack	verb	yak²
zabaglione	noun	Italian dessert of whipped and heated egg yolks, sugar and wine.
zany	adjective	comically idotic; crazily ridiculous
zap	verb	slang kill, destroy; attack; hit hard
zeal	noun	frevous, eagerness; hearty persistent endeavour
zealot	noun	extreme partisan, fanatic
zebra	noun	African black and white striped horse-like animal
Zeitgeist	noun	spirit of times
Zen	noun	form of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and intuition
zenith	noun	point fo heavens directly overhead; highest point
zephyr	noun literary	mild gentle breeze
zero	noun	figure 0, nought, nil;
zero	adjective	no, not any
zero	verb	adjust to zero
zest	noun	piquance; keen interest or enjoyent, relist, gusto; outer layer of orange or lemon peel.
zigzag	adjective	with abrupt alternate right and left turns
zigzag	noun	zigzag line, thing having sharp turns
zigzag	adverb	with zigzag manner of course
zigzag	verb	move in zigzag course
zilch	noun	nothing
zillion	noun colloquial	indefinite large number; very large number
Zimmer frame	noun	kind of walking frame
zinc	noun	greyish-white metallic element
zing	noun	vigour, energy
zing	verb	move swiftly, esp. with shrill sound