adjective Botany
(of a leaf) in the shape of a heart with the pointed end at the base
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Word 1331: Obcordate
adjective Botany
(of a leaf) in the shape of a heart with the pointed end at the base
Word 1327: Stylobate
noun
a continuous base supporting a row of columns in classical Greek architecture
Word 1325: Primogeniture
noun
the state of being the firstborn child
• (also right of primogeniture) the right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, esp. the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son
the state of being the firstborn child
• (also right of primogeniture) the right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, esp. the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son
Word 1324: Ratio decidendi
noun ( pl. rationes decidendi) Law
the rule of law on which a judicial decision is based
the rule of law on which a judicial decision is based
Word 1323: Compony
adjective [usu. postpositive] Heraldry
divided into a single row of squares in alternating tinctures
Word 1322: Parol
adjective Law
given or expressed orally
• (of a document) agreed orally, or in writing but not under seal
given or expressed orally
• (of a document) agreed orally, or in writing but not under seal
Word 1320: Dead letter
noun
1. a law or treaty that has not been repealed but is ineffectual or defunct in practice
• figurative a thing that is impractical or obsolete
2. a letter that is undeliverable and unreturnable, typically one with an incorrect address
1. a law or treaty that has not been repealed but is ineffectual or defunct in practice
• figurative a thing that is impractical or obsolete
2. a letter that is undeliverable and unreturnable, typically one with an incorrect address
Word 1319: Penstock
noun
a sluice or floodgate for regulating the flow of a body of water
• a channel for conveying water to a waterwheel or turbine
Word 1318: Lidocaine
noun Medicine
a synthetic compound used as a local anesthetic, e.g., for dental surgery, and in treating abnormal heart rhythms
a synthetic compound used as a local anesthetic, e.g., for dental surgery, and in treating abnormal heart rhythms
Word 1317: Sook
noun informal
a person lacking spirit or self-confidence; a coward
• a hand-reared calf
a person lacking spirit or self-confidence; a coward
• a hand-reared calf
Word 1314: Eristic
adjective
of or characterized by debate or argument
• (of an argument or arguer) aiming at winning rather than at reaching the truth
of or characterized by debate or argument
• (of an argument or arguer) aiming at winning rather than at reaching the truth
Word 1313: Surrender value
noun
the amount payable to a person who surrenders a life insurance policy
the amount payable to a person who surrenders a life insurance policy
Word 1312: Kaizen
noun
a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices, personal efficiency, etc.
a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices, personal efficiency, etc.
Word 1310: Talaria
plural noun
(in Roman mythology) winged sandals as worn by certain gods and goddesses, esp. Mercury
Word 1308: Mesne profits
plural noun Law
the profits of an estate received by a tenant in wrongful possession and recoverable by the landlord
the profits of an estate received by a tenant in wrongful possession and recoverable by the landlord
Word 1307: Begum
noun Indian
a Muslim lady of high rank
• ( Begum) the title of a married Muslim woman, equivalent to Mrs.
a Muslim lady of high rank
• ( Begum) the title of a married Muslim woman, equivalent to Mrs.
Word 1306: Zori
noun ( pl. zoris)
a traditional Japanese style of sandal, much like a flip-flop, originally made with a straw sole
Word 1304: Nolle prosequi
noun Law
a formal notice of abandonment by a plaintiff or prosecutor of all or part of a suit or action
• the entry of this in a court record
a formal notice of abandonment by a plaintiff or prosecutor of all or part of a suit or action
• the entry of this in a court record
Word 1303: Rav
noun Judaism
a rabbi, esp. one who holds a position of authority or who acts as a personal mentor
• ( Rav) (in orthodox Judaism) a title of respect and form of address preceding a personal name
a rabbi, esp. one who holds a position of authority or who acts as a personal mentor
• ( Rav) (in orthodox Judaism) a title of respect and form of address preceding a personal name
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Word 1300: Tincture
noun
1. a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol
2. a slight trace of something
3. Heraldry any of the conventional colors (including the metals and stains, and often the furs) used in coats of arms
1. a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol
2. a slight trace of something
3. Heraldry any of the conventional colors (including the metals and stains, and often the furs) used in coats of arms
Word 1299: A posteriori
adjective
relating to or denoting reasoning or knowledge that proceeds from observations or experiences to the deduction of probable causes
relating to or denoting reasoning or knowledge that proceeds from observations or experiences to the deduction of probable causes
Word 1298: Dogtooth
noun Architecture
a small pointed ornament repeated along a molding consisting of four petals radiating from a raised center, used esp. in the Early English style
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Word 1296: Subluxation
noun Medicine
a partial dislocation
• a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, regarded in chiropractic theory as the cause of many health problems
a partial dislocation
• a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, regarded in chiropractic theory as the cause of many health problems
Friday, February 19, 2010
Word 1295: Giblets
plural noun
the liver, heart, gizzard, and neck of a chicken or other fowl, usually removed before the bird is cooked, and often used to make gravy, stuffing, or soup
the liver, heart, gizzard, and neck of a chicken or other fowl, usually removed before the bird is cooked, and often used to make gravy, stuffing, or soup
Word 1294: Ikat
noun
fabric made using an Indonesian decorative technique in which warp or weft threads, or both, are tie-dyed before weaving
Word 1293: Digraph
noun
a combination of two letters representing one sound, as in ph and ey
• Printing a character consisting of two joined letters; a ligature
a combination of two letters representing one sound, as in ph and ey
• Printing a character consisting of two joined letters; a ligature
Word 1292: Succès d'estime
noun ( pl. same)
a success through critical appreciation, as opposed to popularity or commercial gain
a success through critical appreciation, as opposed to popularity or commercial gain
Word 1291: Emic
adjective
relating to or denoting an approach to the study or description of a particular language or culture in terms of its internal elements and their functioning rather than in terms of any existing external scheme
relating to or denoting an approach to the study or description of a particular language or culture in terms of its internal elements and their functioning rather than in terms of any existing external scheme
Word 1289: Sunset provision
noun
a stipulation that an agency or program be disbanded or terminated at the end of a fixed period unless it is formally renewed
a stipulation that an agency or program be disbanded or terminated at the end of a fixed period unless it is formally renewed
Word 1285: Probate
noun
the official proving of a will
• a verified copy of a will with a certificate as handed to the executors
the official proving of a will
• a verified copy of a will with a certificate as handed to the executors
Word 1284: Zouk
noun
an exuberant style of popular music combining Caribbean and Western elements and having a fast heavy beat
an exuberant style of popular music combining Caribbean and Western elements and having a fast heavy beat
Word 1283: Bardo
noun
(in Tibetan Buddhism) a state of existence between death and rebirth, varying in length according to a person's conduct in life and manner of, or age at, death
• an indeterminate, transitional state
(in Tibetan Buddhism) a state of existence between death and rebirth, varying in length according to a person's conduct in life and manner of, or age at, death
• an indeterminate, transitional state
Word 1282: Tallow
noun
a hard fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, used in making candles and soap
Word 1280: Ptosis
noun Medicine
drooping of the upper eyelid due to paralysis or disease, or as a congenital condition
drooping of the upper eyelid due to paralysis or disease, or as a congenital condition
Word 1279: Juku
noun ( pl. same)
(in Japan) a private school or college attended in addition to an ordinary educational institution
(in Japan) a private school or college attended in addition to an ordinary educational institution
Word 1277: Feria
noun
(in Spanish-speaking regions) a local fair or festival, usually in honor of a patron saint
Word 1273: Salwar
noun
a pair of light, loose, pleated trousers tapering to a tight fit around the ankles, worn by women from the Indian subcontinent, typically with a kameez
Word 1272: Ontic
adjective Philosophy
of or relating to entities and the facts about them; relating to real as opposed to phenomenal existence
of or relating to entities and the facts about them; relating to real as opposed to phenomenal existence
Word 1270: Glop
noun informal
a sticky and amorphous substance, typically something unpleasant
• a soft, shapeless lump of something
• figurative worthless or overly sentimental writing, music, or other material
a sticky and amorphous substance, typically something unpleasant
• a soft, shapeless lump of something
• figurative worthless or overly sentimental writing, music, or other material
Word 1269: Pawl
noun
a pivoted curved bar or lever whose free end engages with the teeth of a cogwheel or ratchet so that the wheel or ratchet can only turn or move one way
• each of a set of short stout bars that engage with the whelps and prevent a capstan, windlass, or winch from recoiling
Word 1265: Miter
noun
a tall headdress worn by bishops and senior abbots as a symbol of office, tapering to a point at front and back with a deep cleft between
Word 1262: Advert
verb [ intrans.] ( advert to) formal
refer to in speaking or writing : he had failed to advert to the consequences that his conduct was having
refer to in speaking or writing : he had failed to advert to the consequences that his conduct was having
Word 1260: Suttee
noun ( pl. suttees)
the former Hindu practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre
• a widow who committed such an act
the former Hindu practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre
• a widow who committed such an act
Word 1253: Taj
noun
a tall conical cap worn by a dervish
• historical a crown worn by an Indian prince of high rank
Word 1251: Volplane
noun
a controlled dive or downward flight at a steep angle, esp. by an airplane with the engine shut off
a controlled dive or downward flight at a steep angle, esp. by an airplane with the engine shut off
Word 1250: Sharif
noun
1. a descendant of Muhammad through his daughter Fatima, entitled to wear a green turban or veil
2. a Muslim ruler, magistrate, or religious leader
1. a descendant of Muhammad through his daughter Fatima, entitled to wear a green turban or veil
2. a Muslim ruler, magistrate, or religious leader
Word 1249: Noria
noun
a device for raising water from a stream or river, consisting of a chain of pots or buckets revolving around a wheel driven by the water current
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Word 1248: Dram
noun
a small drink of whiskey or other spirits (often used in humorous imitation of Scottish speech)
a small drink of whiskey or other spirits (often used in humorous imitation of Scottish speech)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Word 1245: Peduncle
noun Botany
the stalk bearing a flower or fruit, or the main stalk of an inflorescence
• Zoology a stalklike part by which an organ is attached to an animal's body, or by which a barnacle or other sedentary animal is attached to a substrate
• Anatomy any of several bundles of nerve fibers connecting two parts of the brain
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Word 1243: Bitewing
noun
a dental film for X-raying the crowns of upper and lower teeth simultaneously and that is held in place by a tab between the teeth
a dental film for X-raying the crowns of upper and lower teeth simultaneously and that is held in place by a tab between the teeth
Word 1242: Geoid
noun ( the geoid)
the hypothetical shape of the earth, coinciding with mean sea level and its imagined extension under (or over) land areas
the hypothetical shape of the earth, coinciding with mean sea level and its imagined extension under (or over) land areas
Word 1240: Ambo
noun ( pl. ambos)
(in an early Christian church) an oblong pulpit with steps at each end
(in an early Christian church) an oblong pulpit with steps at each end
Word 1235: Scire facias
noun Law
a writ requiring a person to show why a judgment regarding a record or patent should not be enforced or annulled
a writ requiring a person to show why a judgment regarding a record or patent should not be enforced or annulled
Word 1234: Estoppel
noun Law
the principle that precludes a person from asserting something contrary to what is implied by a previous action or statement of that person or by a previous pertinent judicial determination
the principle that precludes a person from asserting something contrary to what is implied by a previous action or statement of that person or by a previous pertinent judicial determination
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Word 1233: Quod erat demonstrandum (QED)
used to convey that a fact or situation demonstrates the truth of one's theory or claim, esp. to mark the conclusion of a formal proof
Word 1232: Nashi
noun
the crisp apple-shaped fruit of a tree that is native to Japan and China and cultivated in Australia and New Zealand
Word 1230: Zikr
noun Islam
a form of devotion, associated chiefly with Sufism, in which the worshiper is absorbed in the rhythmic repetition of the name of God or his attributes
• a Sufi ceremony in which this is practiced
a form of devotion, associated chiefly with Sufism, in which the worshiper is absorbed in the rhythmic repetition of the name of God or his attributes
• a Sufi ceremony in which this is practiced
Word 1227: Plus ça change
exclamation
used to express resigned acknowledgment of the fundamental immutability of human nature and institutions
used to express resigned acknowledgment of the fundamental immutability of human nature and institutions
Word 1224: Maniple
noun
1. a subdivision of a Roman legion, containing either 120 or 60 men
2. (in church use) a vestment formerly worn by a priest celebrating the Eucharist, consisting of a strip hanging from the left arm
Word 1223: Nisi
djective [ postpositive] Law
(of a decree, order, or rule) taking effect or having validity only after certain specified conditions are met
(of a decree, order, or rule) taking effect or having validity only after certain specified conditions are met
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Word 1221: Cabotage
noun
the right to operate sea, air, or other transport services within a particular territory
• restriction of the operation of sea, air, or other transport services within or into a particular country to that country's own transport services
the right to operate sea, air, or other transport services within a particular territory
• restriction of the operation of sea, air, or other transport services within or into a particular country to that country's own transport services
Word 1220: Gimbal
noun (often gimbals)
a contrivance, typically consisting of rings pivoted at right angles, for keeping an instrument such as a compass or chronometer horizontal in a moving vessel or aircraft
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Word 1214: Tante
noun
(esp. among those of French or German origin) a mature or elderly woman who is related or well known to the speaker (often used as a respectful form of address)
(esp. among those of French or German origin) a mature or elderly woman who is related or well known to the speaker (often used as a respectful form of address)
Word 1211: Wilco
exclamation
expressing compliance or agreement, esp. acceptance of instructions received by radio
expressing compliance or agreement, esp. acceptance of instructions received by radio
Word 1207: Sorus
noun ( pl. sori) Botany
a cluster of spore-producing receptacles on the underside of a fern frond
• a gamete-producing or fruiting body in certain algae and fungi
a cluster of spore-producing receptacles on the underside of a fern frond
• a gamete-producing or fruiting body in certain algae and fungi
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Word 1205: Fairwater
noun
a structure that improves the streamlining of a ship to assist its smooth passage through water
a structure that improves the streamlining of a ship to assist its smooth passage through water
Word 1204: Infauna
noun Ecology
the animals living in the sediments of the ocean floor or river or lake beds
Word 1202: Lavage
noun Medicine
washing out of a body cavity, such as the colon or stomach, with water or a medicated solution
washing out of a body cavity, such as the colon or stomach, with water or a medicated solution
Word 1199: Dogleg
noun
a thing that bends sharply, in particular a sharp bend in a road or route
• Golf a hole at which the player cannot aim directly at the green from the tee
a thing that bends sharply, in particular a sharp bend in a road or route
• Golf a hole at which the player cannot aim directly at the green from the tee
Word 1196: Lungi
noun ( pl. lungis)
a length of cotton cloth worn as a loincloth in India or as a skirt in Myanmar (Burma), where it is the national dress for both sexes
Word 1194: Gastrolith
noun
1. Medicine a hard concretion in the stomach
2. Zoology a small stone swallowed by a bird, reptile, or fish, to aid digestion in the gizzard
1. Medicine a hard concretion in the stomach
2. Zoology a small stone swallowed by a bird, reptile, or fish, to aid digestion in the gizzard
Word 1193: Old hat
noun informal
used to refer to something considered uninteresting, predictable, tritely familiar, or old-fashioned
used to refer to something considered uninteresting, predictable, tritely familiar, or old-fashioned
Word 1191: Kachina
noun ( pl. -nas)
a deified ancestral spirit in the mythology of Pueblo Indians
• (also kachina dancer) a person who represents such a spirit in ceremonial dances
• (also kachina doll) a small carved figure representing such a spirit
Word 1190: Wait state
noun
the condition of computer software or hardware being unable to process further instructions while waiting for some event such as the completion of a data transfer
the condition of computer software or hardware being unable to process further instructions while waiting for some event such as the completion of a data transfer
Word 1189: Isthmus
noun ( pl. -muses)
a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land
a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land
Word 1188: Aileron
noun
a hinged surface in the trailing edge of an airplane wing, used to control lateral balance
a hinged surface in the trailing edge of an airplane wing, used to control lateral balance
Word 1187: Seiche
noun
a temporary disturbance or oscillation in the water level of a lake or partially enclosed body of water, esp. one caused by changes in atmospheric pressure
a temporary disturbance or oscillation in the water level of a lake or partially enclosed body of water, esp. one caused by changes in atmospheric pressure
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Word 1185: Raku
noun [ usu. as adj.]
a kind of lead-glazed Japanese earthenware, typically irregular in shape and used esp. for the tea ceremony
Word 1184: Faux-naïf
adjective
(of a work of art or a person) artificially or affectedly simple or naive
(of a work of art or a person) artificially or affectedly simple or naive
Word 1181: Bartizan
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noun Architecture
an overhanging corner turret at the top of a castle or church tower
Word 1179: Mare clausum
noun ( pl. maria clausa) Law
the sea under the jurisdiction of a particular country
the sea under the jurisdiction of a particular country
Word 1177: Trippant
adjective [usu. postpositive ] Heraldry
(of a stag or deer) represented as walking
Word 1176: Atman
noun Hinduism
the spiritual life principle of the universe, esp. when regarded as inherent in the real self of the individual
• a person's soul
the spiritual life principle of the universe, esp. when regarded as inherent in the real self of the individual
• a person's soul
Word 1175: Non est factum
noun Law
a plea that a written agreement is invalid because the defendant was mistaken about its character when signing it
a plea that a written agreement is invalid because the defendant was mistaken about its character when signing it
Word 1174: Socage
noun historical
a feudal tenure of land involving payment of rent or other nonmilitary service to a superior
a feudal tenure of land involving payment of rent or other nonmilitary service to a superior
Word 1171: Pase
noun
a maneuver with the cape in bullfighting, the purpose of which is to get the bull's attention
a maneuver with the cape in bullfighting, the purpose of which is to get the bull's attention
Word 1170: Splanchnic
adjective
of or relating to the viscera or internal organs, esp. those of the abdomen
of or relating to the viscera or internal organs, esp. those of the abdomen
Word 1163: Antinomy
noun ( pl. -mies)
a contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themselves reasonable; a paradox
a contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themselves reasonable; a paradox
Word 1162: Somesthetic
adjective Physiology
relating to or denoting a sensation (such as pressure, pain, or warmth) that can occur anywhere in the body, in contrast to one localized at a sense organ (such as sight, balance, or taste)
relating to or denoting a sensation (such as pressure, pain, or warmth) that can occur anywhere in the body, in contrast to one localized at a sense organ (such as sight, balance, or taste)
Word 1160: Mandala
noun
a geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism
• Psychoanalysis such a symbol in a dream, representing the dreamer's search for completeness and self-unity
Word 1158: Pizzicato
adverb
(often as a direction) plucking the strings of a violin or other stringed instrument with one's finger
(often as a direction) plucking the strings of a violin or other stringed instrument with one's finger
Word 1157: Kulak
noun historical
a peasant in Russia wealthy enough to own a farm and hire labor. Emerging after the emancipation of serfs in the 19th century, the kulaks resisted Stalin's forced collectivization, but millions were arrested, exiled, or killed
a peasant in Russia wealthy enough to own a farm and hire labor. Emerging after the emancipation of serfs in the 19th century, the kulaks resisted Stalin's forced collectivization, but millions were arrested, exiled, or killed
Word 1156: Nowed
adjective [ often postpositive] Heraldry
knotted; (of a snake) depicted interlaced in a knot
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Word 1153: Force majeure
noun
1. unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract
2. irresistible compulsion or greater force
1. unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract
2. irresistible compulsion or greater force
Word 1152: Clary
noun
an aromatic herbaceous plant of the mint family, some kinds of which are used as culinary and medicinal herbs
Word 1151: Idiographic
adjective
of or relating to the study or discovery of particular scientific facts and processes, as distinct from general laws
of or relating to the study or discovery of particular scientific facts and processes, as distinct from general laws
Word 1150: Movant
noun Law
a person who applies to or petitions a court or judge for a ruling in his or her favor
a person who applies to or petitions a court or judge for a ruling in his or her favor
Word 1149: Onus probandi
noun Law
the obligation to prove an assertion or allegation one makes; the burden of proof
the obligation to prove an assertion or allegation one makes; the burden of proof
Word 1146: Res ipsa loquitur
noun Law
the principle that the occurrence of an accident implies negligence
the principle that the occurrence of an accident implies negligence
Word 1145: Bum steer
noun informal
a piece of false information or guidance : apparently, those who recommended your good service gave us a bum steer
a piece of false information or guidance : apparently, those who recommended your good service gave us a bum steer
Word 1144: Slype
noun
a covered way or passage between a cathedral transept and the chapter house or deanery
Monday, February 1, 2010
Word 1143: Apodosis
noun ( pl. -ses) Grammar
the main (consequent) clause of a conditional sentence (e.g., I would agree in if you asked me I would agree)
the main (consequent) clause of a conditional sentence (e.g., I would agree in if you asked me I would agree)
Word 1142: Phenology
noun
the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, esp. in relation to climate and plant and animal life
the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, esp. in relation to climate and plant and animal life
Word 1141: Sub judice
adjective Law
under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere
under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere
Word 1140: Lambrequin
noun
1. a short piece of decorative drapery hung over the top of a door or window or draped from a shelf or mantelpiece
2. a piece of cloth covering the back of a medieval knight's helmet, represented in heraldry as the mantling
Word 1138: Vipassana
noun
(in Theravada Buddhism) meditation involving concentration on the body or its sensations, or the insight that this provides
(in Theravada Buddhism) meditation involving concentration on the body or its sensations, or the insight that this provides
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