noun chiefly Brit.
a piece of hair, esp. on a man, brushed upward and backward from the forehead
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Word 2910: Quiff
noun chiefly Brit.
a piece of hair, esp. on a man, brushed upward and backward from the forehead
Word 2909: Horrent
adjective poetic/literary
1. (of a person's hair) standing on end
2. feeling or expressing horror
1. (of a person's hair) standing on end
2. feeling or expressing horror
Word 2908: Kitchen police
noun [usu. treated as pl.] military slang
enlisted personnel detailed to help the cook by washing dishes, peeling vegetables, and performing other kitchen duties
• the assigned duty of these personnel
enlisted personnel detailed to help the cook by washing dishes, peeling vegetables, and performing other kitchen duties
• the assigned duty of these personnel
Word 2907: Duffer
noun informal
an incompetent or stupid person, esp. an elderly one
• a person inexperienced at something, esp. at playing golf
an incompetent or stupid person, esp. an elderly one
• a person inexperienced at something, esp. at playing golf
Word 2906: Labellum
noun ( pl. -bella)
1. Entomology each of a pair of lobes at the tip of the proboscis in some insects
2. Botany a central petal at the base of an orchid flower, typically larger than the other petals and of a different shape
Word 2905: Diestrus
noun Zoology
(in most female mammals) a period of sexual inactivity between recurrent periods of estrus
(in most female mammals) a period of sexual inactivity between recurrent periods of estrus
Word 2904: Sanitarium
noun ( pl. -tariums or -taria)
an establishment for the medical treatment of people who are convalescing or have a chronic illness
an establishment for the medical treatment of people who are convalescing or have a chronic illness
Word 2901: Whang
verb [ intrans.]
make or produce a resonant noise
• [ trans.] strike or throw heavily and loudly
make or produce a resonant noise
• [ trans.] strike or throw heavily and loudly
Word 2900: Runnel
noun
a narrow channel in the ground for liquid to flow through
• a brook or rill
• a small stream of a particular liquid
a narrow channel in the ground for liquid to flow through
• a brook or rill
• a small stream of a particular liquid
Word 2899: Caruncle
noun
a fleshy outgrowth, in particular
• a wattle of a bird such as a turkey
• the red prominence at the inner corner of the eye
• any outgrowth from a seed near the micropyle, attractive to ants that aid the seed's dispersal
a fleshy outgrowth, in particular
• a wattle of a bird such as a turkey
• the red prominence at the inner corner of the eye
• any outgrowth from a seed near the micropyle, attractive to ants that aid the seed's dispersal
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Word 2897: Four-flush
verb [ intrans.] informal
(in poker) bluff when holding a weak hand, particularly a four flush
• keep up a pretense; bluff
(in poker) bluff when holding a weak hand, particularly a four flush
• keep up a pretense; bluff
Word 2896: Harrumph
verb [ intrans.]
clear the throat noisily
• grumpily express dissatisfaction or disapproval
clear the throat noisily
• grumpily express dissatisfaction or disapproval
Vancouver High School English Tutor & Vancouver University English Tutor
Vancouver High School English Tutor & Vancouver University English Tutor; Vancouver English Tutor; Burnaby English Tutor
Each sample essay and analysis was written by my students years ago. If you need guidance, just contact me and we'll make an appointment to meet in Vancouver, Burnaby or Richmond. Skype is also available:
John
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British Council Certified IELTS Instructor
SAT Expert
Published Writer
Please call 778-triple9-7028 or email me with details of your needs. Thanks!
englishprovincial@gmail.com
(if you'd like the fastest response, please either text the cell number or email)
Word 2891: Bork
verb [ trans.] informal
obstruct (someone, esp. a candidate for public office) through systematic defamation or vilification
obstruct (someone, esp. a candidate for public office) through systematic defamation or vilification
Word 2890: Pageboy
noun
1. a woman's hairstyle consisting of a shoulder-length bob with the ends rolled under
2. a male page, esp. in a hotel or attending a bride at a wedding
Word 2889: Escape clause
noun
a clause in a contract that specifies the conditions under which one party can be freed from an obligation
a clause in a contract that specifies the conditions under which one party can be freed from an obligation
Word 2888: Chapbook
noun historical
a small pamphlet containing tales, ballads, or tracts, sold by peddlers
• a small paperback booklet, typically containing poems or fiction
a small pamphlet containing tales, ballads, or tracts, sold by peddlers
• a small paperback booklet, typically containing poems or fiction
Word 2886: Ocher
noun
an earthy pigment containing ferric oxide, typically with clay, varying from light yellow to brown or red
• a pale brownish yellow color
Word 2885: Fictile
adjective
made of earth or clay by a potter
• of or relating to pottery or its manufacture
• capable of being molded; plastic
made of earth or clay by a potter
• of or relating to pottery or its manufacture
• capable of being molded; plastic
Word 2884: Conversazione
noun ( pl. -nes or -ni)
a scholarly social gathering held for discussion of literature and the arts
a scholarly social gathering held for discussion of literature and the arts
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Word 2881: Sight glass
noun
a transparent tube or window through which the level of liquid in a reservoir or supply line can be checked visually
a transparent tube or window through which the level of liquid in a reservoir or supply line can be checked visually
Word 2880: Homespun
adjective
1. simple and unsophisticated
2. (of cloth or yarn) made or spun at home
• denoting a coarse handwoven fabric similar to tweed
1. simple and unsophisticated
2. (of cloth or yarn) made or spun at home
• denoting a coarse handwoven fabric similar to tweed
Word 2879: Buck-passing
noun
the practice of shifting the responsibility for something to someone else
the practice of shifting the responsibility for something to someone else
Word 2874: Loden
noun
a thick waterproof woolen cloth
• the dark green color in which such cloth is often made
Word 2872: Dribs and drabs
plural noun ( in dribs and drabs) informal
in small scattered or sporadic amounts
in small scattered or sporadic amounts
Word 2871: Suzerain
noun
a sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous
• historical a feudal overlord
a sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous
• historical a feudal overlord
Word 2870: Zither
noun
a musical instrument consisting of a flat wooden sound box with numerous strings stretched across it, placed horizontally and played with the fingers and a plectrum. It is used esp. in central European folk music
Word 2869: Sick-building syndrome
noun
a condition affecting office workers, typically marked by headaches and respiratory problems, attributed to unhealthy or stressful factors in the working environment such as poor ventilation
a condition affecting office workers, typically marked by headaches and respiratory problems, attributed to unhealthy or stressful factors in the working environment such as poor ventilation
Word 2868: Refection
noun poetic/literary
refreshment by food or drink
• a meal, esp. a light one
• Zoology the eating of partly digested fecal pellets, as practiced by rabbits
refreshment by food or drink
• a meal, esp. a light one
• Zoology the eating of partly digested fecal pellets, as practiced by rabbits
Word 2867: Film noir
noun
a style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace. The term was originally applied (by a group of French critics) to American thriller or detective films made in the period 1944–54 and to the work of directors such as Orson Welles, Fritz Lang, and Billy Wilder
• a film of this genre
a style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace. The term was originally applied (by a group of French critics) to American thriller or detective films made in the period 1944–54 and to the work of directors such as Orson Welles, Fritz Lang, and Billy Wilder
• a film of this genre
Word 2863: Proclitic
noun Linguistics
a word pronounced with so little emphasis that it is shortened and forms part of the following word, for example, you in y’all
a word pronounced with so little emphasis that it is shortened and forms part of the following word, for example, you in y’all
Word 2862: Curricle
noun historical
a light, open, two-wheeled carriage pulled by two horses side by side
Word 2860: Fudge factor
noun informal
a figure included in a calculation to account for error or unanticipated circumstances, or to ensure a desired result
a figure included in a calculation to account for error or unanticipated circumstances, or to ensure a desired result
Word 2859: Definiens
noun ( pl. definientia)
a word, phrase, or symbolic expression used to define something, esp. in a dictionary entry, or introducing a word or symbol into a logical system by providing a statement of its meaning
a word, phrase, or symbolic expression used to define something, esp. in a dictionary entry, or introducing a word or symbol into a logical system by providing a statement of its meaning
Word 2858: Napped
adjective [usu. in combination]
(of a textile) having a nap, usually of a specified kind
Word 2857: Pax
noun chiefly historical
(in the Christian Church) the kissing of a tablet by all the participants at a mass depicting the Crucifixion or other sacred object; the kiss of peace
(in the Christian Church) the kissing of a tablet by all the participants at a mass depicting the Crucifixion or other sacred object; the kiss of peace
Word 2856: Ignotum per ignotius
noun
the action of offering an explanation that is harder to understand than the thing it is meant to explain
the action of offering an explanation that is harder to understand than the thing it is meant to explain
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Word 2853: Ostiole
noun Botany
(in some small algae and fungi) a small pore through which spores are discharged
(in some small algae and fungi) a small pore through which spores are discharged
Word 2851: Shroud
noun
1. a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is wrapped for burial
• figurative a thing that envelops or obscures something
• technical a protective casing or cover
2. ( shrouds) a set of ropes forming part of the standing rigging of a sailing vessel and supporting the mast from the sides
• (also shroud line) each of the lines joining the canopy of a parachute to the harness
1. a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is wrapped for burial
• figurative a thing that envelops or obscures something
• technical a protective casing or cover
2. ( shrouds) a set of ropes forming part of the standing rigging of a sailing vessel and supporting the mast from the sides
• (also shroud line) each of the lines joining the canopy of a parachute to the harness
Word 2850: Droshky
noun ( pl. -kies) historical
a low four-wheeled open carriage of a kind formerly used in Russia
Word 2849: Suborn
verb [ trans.]
bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as perjury
bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as perjury
Word 2848: Desquamate
verb [ intrans.]
(of a layer of cells, e.g., of the skin) come off in scales or flakes
(of a layer of cells, e.g., of the skin) come off in scales or flakes
Word 2847: Anacoluthon
noun ( pl. -tha) Grammar
a sentence or construction that lacks grammatical sequence, such as while in the garden, the door banged shut
a sentence or construction that lacks grammatical sequence, such as while in the garden, the door banged shut
Word 2846: Sonde
noun
an instrument probe that automatically transmits information about its surroundings underground, under water, in the atmosphere, etc.
Word 2843: Cline
noun
a continuum with an infinite number of gradations from one extreme to the other
• Biology a gradation in one or more characteristics within a species or other taxon, esp. between different populations
a continuum with an infinite number of gradations from one extreme to the other
• Biology a gradation in one or more characteristics within a species or other taxon, esp. between different populations
Word 2841: Body dysmorphic disorder
noun
a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with imaginary defects in their appearance
a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with imaginary defects in their appearance
Word 2840: Kabuki
noun
a form of traditional Japanese drama with highly stylized song, mime, and dance, now performed only by male actors, using exaggerated gestures and body movements to express emotions, and including historical plays, domestic dramas, and dance pieces
a form of traditional Japanese drama with highly stylized song, mime, and dance, now performed only by male actors, using exaggerated gestures and body movements to express emotions, and including historical plays, domestic dramas, and dance pieces
Word 2839: Algolagnia
noun Psychiatry
desire for sexual gratification through inflicting pain on oneself or others; sadomasochism
desire for sexual gratification through inflicting pain on oneself or others; sadomasochism
Monday, October 25, 2010
Word 2838: Pannier
noun
1. a basket, esp. one of a pair carried by a beast of burden
• each of a pair of bags or boxes fitted on either side of the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle
2. historical part of a skirt looped up around the hips
• a frame supporting this
Word 2834: Osier
noun
1. a small Eurasian willow that grows mostly in wet habitats and is a major source of the long flexible shoots (withies) used in basketwork
• a shoot of a willow
• dated any willow tree
2. noun any of several North American dogwoods
Word 2832: Eschatology
noun
the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind
the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind
Word 2830: Felucca
noun
a small vessel propelled by oars or lateen sails or both, used on the Nile and formerly more widely in the Mediterranean region
Word 2829: Ministration
noun (usu. ministrations) chiefly formal or humorous
the provision of assistance or care
• the services of a minister of religion or of a religious institution
• the action of administering the sacrament
the provision of assistance or care
• the services of a minister of religion or of a religious institution
• the action of administering the sacrament
Word 2828: Rill
verb [ intrans.]
(of water) flow in or as in a rill
• [ as adj.] ( rilled) indented with small grooves
(of water) flow in or as in a rill
• [ as adj.] ( rilled) indented with small grooves
Word 2826: Parbuckle
noun
a loop of rope arranged like a sling, used for raising or lowering casks and other cylindrical objects along an inclined plane
Word 2825: Ponce
verb [ intrans.] Brit., informal
live off a prostitute's earnings
• [ trans.] ask for or obtain (something to which one is not strictly entitled)
live off a prostitute's earnings
• [ trans.] ask for or obtain (something to which one is not strictly entitled)
Word 2824: Flameout
noun
an instance of the flame in the combustion chamber of a jet engine being extinguished, with a resultant loss of power
• informal a complete or conspicuous failure
an instance of the flame in the combustion chamber of a jet engine being extinguished, with a resultant loss of power
• informal a complete or conspicuous failure
Word 2823: Middlebrow
adjective
(of art or literature or a system of thought) demanding or involving only a moderate degree of intellectual application, typically as a result of not deviating from convention
(of art or literature or a system of thought) demanding or involving only a moderate degree of intellectual application, typically as a result of not deviating from convention
Word 2821: Greenwash
noun
disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image
disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image
Word 2819: Jolie laide
noun ( pl. jolies laides pronunc. same)
a woman whose face is attractive despite having ugly features
a woman whose face is attractive despite having ugly features
Word 2815: Decorticate
verb [ trans.]
1. [ often as adj.] ( decorticated) technical remove the bark, rind, or husk from
2. subject to surgical decortication
1. [ often as adj.] ( decorticated) technical remove the bark, rind, or husk from
2. subject to surgical decortication
Word 2812: Drawing card
noun informal
a quality or feature that evokes interest or liking; an attraction
a quality or feature that evokes interest or liking; an attraction
Word 2810: Surrey
noun ( pl. -reys) historical
a light four-wheeled carriage with two seats facing forward
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Word 2806: Enoki
noun
an edible Japanese mushroom, growing in clusters, with slender stems and small caps
Word 2805: Wisenheimer
noun informal
a person who behaves in an irritatingly smug or arrogant fashion, typically by making clever remarks and displaying their knowledge
a person who behaves in an irritatingly smug or arrogant fashion, typically by making clever remarks and displaying their knowledge
Word 2804: Bohunk
noun informal offensive
an immigrant from central or southeastern Europe, esp. a laborer
• informal a rough or uncivilized person
an immigrant from central or southeastern Europe, esp. a laborer
• informal a rough or uncivilized person
Word 2803: Ligature
noun
1. a thing used for tying or binding something tightly
• a cord or thread used in surgery, esp. to tie up a bleeding artery
2. Music a slur or tie
3. Printing a character consisting of two or more joined letters, e.g., æ, fl
• a stroke that joins adjacent letters in writing or printing
1. a thing used for tying or binding something tightly
• a cord or thread used in surgery, esp. to tie up a bleeding artery
2. Music a slur or tie
3. Printing a character consisting of two or more joined letters, e.g., æ, fl
• a stroke that joins adjacent letters in writing or printing
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Word 2801: Machicolation
noun
(in medieval fortifications) an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers
• a projecting structure containing a series of such openings
(in medieval fortifications) an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers
• a projecting structure containing a series of such openings
Word 2800: Lithotripsy
noun Surgery
a treatment, typically using ultrasound shock waves, by which a kidney stone or other calculus is broken into small particles that can be passed out by the body
a treatment, typically using ultrasound shock waves, by which a kidney stone or other calculus is broken into small particles that can be passed out by the body
Word 2799: Anaclitic
adjective Psychoanalysis
relating to or characterized by a strong emotional dependence on another or others
relating to or characterized by a strong emotional dependence on another or others
Word 2798: Capstone
noun
a stone fixed on top of something, typically a wall
• Archaeology a large, flat stone forming a roof over the chamber of a megalithic tomb
• figurative a concluding achievement
Word 2797: Fortis
adjective Phonetics
(of a consonant, in particular a voiceless consonant) strongly articulated, esp. more so than another consonant articulated in the same place
(of a consonant, in particular a voiceless consonant) strongly articulated, esp. more so than another consonant articulated in the same place
Word 2796: Caul
noun
1. the amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus
• part of this membrane occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck
2. historical a woman's close-fitting indoor headdress or hairnet
3. Anatomy the omentum
1. the amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus
• part of this membrane occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck
2. historical a woman's close-fitting indoor headdress or hairnet
3. Anatomy the omentum
Word 2793: Slaphappy
adjective informal
1. casual or flippant in a cheerful and often irresponsible way
• (of an action or operation) unmethodical; poorly thought out
2. dazed or stupefied from happiness or relief
1. casual or flippant in a cheerful and often irresponsible way
• (of an action or operation) unmethodical; poorly thought out
2. dazed or stupefied from happiness or relief
Word 2792: Libration
noun Astronomy
an apparent or real oscillation of the moon, by which parts near the edge of the disc that are often not visible from the earth sometimes come into view
an apparent or real oscillation of the moon, by which parts near the edge of the disc that are often not visible from the earth sometimes come into view
Word 2791: Flense
verb [ trans.]
slice the skin or fat from (a carcass, esp. that of a whale)
• strip (skin or fat) from a carcass
slice the skin or fat from (a carcass, esp. that of a whale)
• strip (skin or fat) from a carcass
Word 2788: Au pair
noun
a young foreign person, typically a woman, who helps with housework or child care in exchange for room and board
a young foreign person, typically a woman, who helps with housework or child care in exchange for room and board
Word 2787: Hybrid vigor
noun Genetics
the tendency of a crossbred individual to show qualities superior to those of both parents
the tendency of a crossbred individual to show qualities superior to those of both parents
Word 2786: Knobkerrie
noun
a short stick with a knobbed head, traditionally used as a weapon by the indigenous peoples of South Africa
Word 2784: Desex
verb [ trans.] [usu. as adj.] ( desexed)
1. deprive (someone) of sexual qualities or attraction
2. castrate or spay (an animal)
1. deprive (someone) of sexual qualities or attraction
2. castrate or spay (an animal)
Word 2783: Tanga
noun Brit.
a pair of briefs consisting of small panels connected by strings at the sides
a pair of briefs consisting of small panels connected by strings at the sides
Word 2782: Oyez
exclamation
a call given by a court officer, or formerly by public criers, typically repeated two or three times to command silence and attention, as before court is in session
a call given by a court officer, or formerly by public criers, typically repeated two or three times to command silence and attention, as before court is in session
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Word 2780: Raree-show
noun archaic
a form of entertainment, esp. one carried in a box, such as a peep show
Word 2779: Sow
noun
1. an adult female pig, esp. one that has farrowed
• the female of certain other mammals, e.g., the guinea pig
2. a large block of metal (larger than a “pig”) made by smelting
1. an adult female pig, esp. one that has farrowed
• the female of certain other mammals, e.g., the guinea pig
2. a large block of metal (larger than a “pig”) made by smelting
Word 2777: Hazzan
noun ( pl. hazzanim)
an official who sings liturgical music and leads prayer in a synagogue
an official who sings liturgical music and leads prayer in a synagogue
Word 2774: Mythos
noun ( pl. mythoi) chiefly technical
a myth or mythology
• (in literature) a traditional or recurrent narrative theme or plot structure
• a set of beliefs or assumptions about something
a myth or mythology
• (in literature) a traditional or recurrent narrative theme or plot structure
• a set of beliefs or assumptions about something
Word 2772: Orc
noun
(in fantasy literature and games) a member of an imaginary race of humanlike creatures, characterized as ugly, warlike, and malevolent
Word 2771: Intima
noun ( pl. -mae) Anatomy & Zoology
the innermost coating or membrane of a part or organ, esp. of a vein or artery
the innermost coating or membrane of a part or organ, esp. of a vein or artery
Word 2770: Dog-end
noun Brit., informal
a cigarette butt
• the last and least pleasing part of something
a cigarette butt
• the last and least pleasing part of something
Word 2769: Cataphora
noun Grammar
the use of a word or phrase that refers to or stands for a later word or phrase (e.g., the pronoun he in he may be 37, but Jeff behaves like a teenager)
the use of a word or phrase that refers to or stands for a later word or phrase (e.g., the pronoun he in he may be 37, but Jeff behaves like a teenager)
Word 2768: Plexor
noun
a small hammer with a rubber head used to test reflexes and in medical percussion
Word 2766: Rookery
noun ( pl. -eries)
a breeding colony of rooks, typically seen as a collection of nests high in a clump of trees
• a breeding colony of seabirds (esp. penguins), seals, or turtles
• figurative a dense collection of housing, esp. in a slum area
a breeding colony of rooks, typically seen as a collection of nests high in a clump of trees
• a breeding colony of seabirds (esp. penguins), seals, or turtles
• figurative a dense collection of housing, esp. in a slum area
Monday, October 18, 2010
Word 2764: Taenia
noun ( pl. -niae or -nias)
1. Anatomy a flat ribbonlike structure in the body
• ( taeniae coli) the smooth longitudinal muscles of the colon
2. Architecture a fillet between a Doric architrave and frieze
3. (in ancient Greece) a band or ribbon worn around a person's head
4. a large tapeworm that parasitizes mammals
Word 2763: Shellback
noun informal
an old or experienced sailor, esp. one who has crossed the equator
an old or experienced sailor, esp. one who has crossed the equator
Word 2762: Haček
noun
a diacritic mark (ˇ) placed over a letter to indicate modification of the sound in Slavic and other languages
a diacritic mark (ˇ) placed over a letter to indicate modification of the sound in Slavic and other languages
Word 2761: Pester power
noun informal
the ability of children to nag adults, especially to influence their parents to make certain purchases
the ability of children to nag adults, especially to influence their parents to make certain purchases
Word 2759: Ducat
noun
1. a gold coin formerly current in most European countries
• ( ducats) informal money
2. informal a ticket, esp. an admission ticket
1. a gold coin formerly current in most European countries
• ( ducats) informal money
2. informal a ticket, esp. an admission ticket
Word 2757: Epode
noun
1. a form of lyric poem written in couplets, in which a long line is followed by a shorter one
2. the third section of an ancient Greek choral ode, or of one division of such an ode
1. a form of lyric poem written in couplets, in which a long line is followed by a shorter one
2. the third section of an ancient Greek choral ode, or of one division of such an ode
Word 2756: Facula
noun ( pl. -lae) Astronomy
a bright region on the surface of the sun, linked to the subsequent appearance of sunspots in the same area
• a bright spot on the surface of a planet
Word 2755: Imbrue
verb [ trans.] archaic or poetic/literary
stain (something, esp. one's hands or sword)
stain (something, esp. one's hands or sword)
Word 2754: Shiva
noun Judaism
a period of seven days' formal mourning for the dead, beginning immediately after the funeral
a period of seven days' formal mourning for the dead, beginning immediately after the funeral
Word 2753: Biocenosis
noun ( pl. -noses) Ecology
an association of different organisms forming a closely integrated community
an association of different organisms forming a closely integrated community
Word 2751: Petitio principii
noun Logic
a fallacy in which a conclusion is taken for granted in the premises; begging the question
a fallacy in which a conclusion is taken for granted in the premises; begging the question
Word 2750: Lectionary
noun ( pl. -aries)
a list or book of portions of the Bible appointed to be read at a church service
a list or book of portions of the Bible appointed to be read at a church service
Word 2748: Clavier
noun
1. the keyboard of a musical instrument
2. a keyboard instrument, esp. one with strings, such as the harpsichord
Word 2747: Vermian
adjective
1. poetic/literary relating to or resembling a worm; wormlike
2. Anatomy of or relating to the vermis of the brain
1. poetic/literary relating to or resembling a worm; wormlike
2. Anatomy of or relating to the vermis of the brain
Word 2745: Regnant
adjective
1. [ often postpositive] reigning; ruling
2. currently having the greatest influence; dominant
1. [ often postpositive] reigning; ruling
2. currently having the greatest influence; dominant
Word 2744: Fess
noun Heraldry
an ordinary in the form of a broad horizontal stripe across the middle of the shield
Word 2742: Akrasia
noun chiefly Philosophy
the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgment through weakness of will
the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgment through weakness of will
Word 2741: Exenteration
noun
complete surgical removal of a body organ, esp. the eyeball and other contents of the eye socket, usually in cases of malignant cancer
complete surgical removal of a body organ, esp. the eyeball and other contents of the eye socket, usually in cases of malignant cancer
Word 2740: Geta
adjective ( pl. same or getas)
a Japanese wooden shoe with a thong to pass between the first (big) toe and the second toe
Word 2739: Scherzo
noun ( pl. -zos or -zi) Music
a vigorous, light, or playful composition, typically comprising a movement in a symphony or sonata
a vigorous, light, or playful composition, typically comprising a movement in a symphony or sonata
Word 2737: Depauperate
adjective Biology
(of a flora, fauna, or ecosystem) lacking in numbers or variety of species
• (of a plant or animal) imperfectly developed
(of a flora, fauna, or ecosystem) lacking in numbers or variety of species
• (of a plant or animal) imperfectly developed
Word 2736: Marcescent
adjective Botany
(of leaves or fronds) withering but remaining attached to the stem
(of leaves or fronds) withering but remaining attached to the stem
Word 2735: Thole pin
noun
a pin, typically one of a pair, fitted to the gunwale of a rowboat to act as the fulcrum for an oar
Word 2733: Ladyship
noun ( Her/Your Ladyship)
a respectful form of reference or address to a woman who has a title
• ironic a form of reference or address to a woman thought to be acting in a pretentious or snobbish way
a respectful form of reference or address to a woman who has a title
• ironic a form of reference or address to a woman thought to be acting in a pretentious or snobbish way
Word 2732: Indicia
plural noun formal
signs, indications, or distinguishing marks
• markings used on address labels or bulk mail as a substitute for stamps
signs, indications, or distinguishing marks
• markings used on address labels or bulk mail as a substitute for stamps
Word 2731: Fusee
noun
1. a conical pulley or wheel, esp. in a watch or clock
2. a large-headed match capable of staying lit in strong wind
3. a railroad signal flare
Word 2730: Nobble
verb [ trans.] Brit., informal
1. try to influence or thwart (someone or something) by underhanded or unfair methods
• accost (someone), esp. in order to persuade them to do something
• tamper with (a racehorse or greyhound) to prevent it from winning a race, esp. by giving it a drug
2. obtain dishonestly; steal
• seize
1. try to influence or thwart (someone or something) by underhanded or unfair methods
• accost (someone), esp. in order to persuade them to do something
• tamper with (a racehorse or greyhound) to prevent it from winning a race, esp. by giving it a drug
2. obtain dishonestly; steal
• seize
Word 2729: Stead
noun
the place or role that someone or something should have or fill (used in referring to a substitute)
the place or role that someone or something should have or fill (used in referring to a substitute)
Word 2728: Fentanyl
noun
a fast-acting narcotic analgesic and sedative that is sometimes abused for its heroinlike effect
a fast-acting narcotic analgesic and sedative that is sometimes abused for its heroinlike effect
Word 2727: Clarence
noun historical
a closed horse-drawn carriage with four wheels, seating four inside and two outside next to the coachman
Word 2726: Boot top
noun
the part of a ship's hull just above the waterline, typically marked by a line of contrasting color
the part of a ship's hull just above the waterline, typically marked by a line of contrasting color
Word 2725: Proxemics
plural noun [ treated as sing.]
the branch of knowledge that deals with the amount of space that people feel it necessary to set between themselves and others
the branch of knowledge that deals with the amount of space that people feel it necessary to set between themselves and others
Word 2724: Learned helplessness
noun Psychiatry
a condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression
a condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Word 2720: Cyclothymia
noun dated
a mental state characterized by marked swings of mood between depression and elation; manic-depressive tendency
a mental state characterized by marked swings of mood between depression and elation; manic-depressive tendency
Word 2717: Introit
noun
a psalm or antiphon sung or said while the priest approaches the altar for the Eucharist
a psalm or antiphon sung or said while the priest approaches the altar for the Eucharist
Word 2716: Heterosis
noun Genetics
the tendency of a crossbred individual to show qualities superior to those of both parents
the tendency of a crossbred individual to show qualities superior to those of both parents
Word 2709: Thrum
verb [ intrans.]
make a continuous rhythmic humming sound
• [ trans.] strum (the strings of a musical instrument) in a rhythmic way
make a continuous rhythmic humming sound
• [ trans.] strum (the strings of a musical instrument) in a rhythmic way
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