2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently Page 69 Diphtheria N / Difsthirge

2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently diphtheria diptych disclaimant n n n / difSthirGE / / Sdip(T)tik / / dDSsklCmEnt / Gk Gk L > F an acute highly contagious bacterial a picture or series of pictures one who makes a denial or disease chiefly of young children painted on two tablets connected by disavowal of legal claim. that is marked by swelling and hinges. The disclaimant did not want any obstruction of the throat. The church’s altarpiece is a part of his grandfather’s estate. During the Depression, diphtheria Byzantine diptych. claimed the lives of many children. discoloration diremption diphthong discomfiture n dirigibility n / SdifTthON / / dDSskEmfETchU(E)r / Gk dirigible L > F > E a gliding monosyllabic sound that n the state of being disconcerted or starts at or near the articulatory / SdirEjEbEl / abashed : confusion, position for one vowel and moves L + Ecf embarrassment. to or toward the position for airship. The bright lights added to Verne’s another. The explosion of the dirigible discomfiture as he stood behind the Many people do not pronounce the Hindenburg is famous for its lectern. diphthong in the word realtor dramatic radio coverage. correctly. discotheque dirigisme n diphyodont n / SdiskETtek / adj / dGrGzhGsm(F) / Gk > L > F / dISfiETdBnt / L > F a nightclub for dancing to recorded Gk economic planning and control by music. having deciduous and permanent the state. Allen is a disk jockey at a popular sets of teeth successively. Dirigisme is a characteristic of discotheque in Chicago. The teeth of most reptiles are socialist law. naturally replaced throughout life, discredit but most mammals are diphyodont. dirndl discrepancy diploma disaffiliate n / dDSskrepEnsG / diplopia discalced L n adj difference, variation, inconsistency. / dDSplPpGE / / diSskalst / The accountant found a mysterious Gk L discrepancy between the two a disorder of vision in which two unshod, barefooted. payroll records. images of a single object are seen, The discalced runner became a owing to unequal action of the eye celebrity at the Olympics. discretion muscles. n Shirley noticed that her medicine discern / dDSskreshEn / produced the side effects of L dizziness and diplopia. discerp power of decision : individual judgment. dipnoous discerptible The Constitution was framed and adj adopted to establish a government dipody / dDSsErptEbEl / that should not depend on state n L + Ecf opinion and state discretion. / SdipEdG / capable of being torn to pieces or Gk > L pulled apart. discursive a prosodic unit or measure of two Al’s pet dog made short work of his feet. discerptible stuffed animals. The teacher commented on the poet’s use of dipody for dramatic effect.

Page 69 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently disdain dismal dissilient n adj / dDsSdCn / / SdizmEl / dissipated L > F > E L > F > E v a feeling of contempt and aversion marked by gloom, dejection, / SdisETpCZDd / for something regarded as somberness, or depression of L unworthy of or beneath one : scorn, spirits. dispelled, dissolved. contempt. The children who forgot their Mr. Knightley walked in soon after This,” said Clara with complete gloves spent a dismal recess tea and dissipated every disdain, “is my little brother. looking out the window at the melancholy fancy. snow. disembogue dissonant v disparage / TdisDmSbPg / v dissuade L > Sp / dDSsparij / v discharge water from an outlet or F > E / dDSswCd / mouth. speak slightingly of. L Many streams disembogue into the Arthur did not want to disparage divert by advice or persuasion : river along its course. his mother’s cooking, so he turn from something by reasoning. complimented her on her pot roast Penny tried to dissuade her friend disentangle and secretly fed it to the dog. from making a choice she might v later regret. / TdisDnStaNgEl / disparate L > Ecf + E dissymmetry straighten out : unravel. disponible n Mrs. Luce helped David / di(s)SsimEtrG / disentangle the strands of the plot disputatious Gk + Gk + Gk in Hamlet. adj the absence of or the lack of / TdispyEStCshEs / balanced proportions. disguise L The quilt designer was inspired by v inclined to argue for or against dissymmetry in crystal formations. / dDsSgIz / something asserted or maintained. E, F Helen did not enjoy going to family distillate change the customary dress or reunions because of her appearance of. disputatious relatives. dithyramb Ben tried to disguise his voice when n he telephoned Jill. disquisition / SdithDTram / n Gk disintegration / TdiskwESzishEn / a statement or piece of writing in n L an exalted impassioned style / dDsTintESgrCshEn / an elaborate analytical or usually in praise of something. L explanatory discussion : discourse. Dennis launched into a dithyramb the act or process of shattering Rhetta’s first book was a lengthy on Moira’s beauty and manifold suddenly : flying to bits. disquisition on the Irish potato virtues. Mark caused the disintegration of famine. the mirror when he slammed the ditokous door. disseminate adj / SdiZEkEs / disinter dissentient Gk adj producing two eggs or young at a / dESsench(G)Ent / time. L Most common songbirds are not concurring : disagreeing. ditokous. There was not a dissentient voice on the subject.

dissertation

dissident

Page 70 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dittology docilely doleful n adv adj / diStBlEjG / / SdBsDl(l)G / / SdPlfEl / Gk L L > E + Ecf a double reading or twofold in an obedient or submissive attended with or indicating grief or interpretation (as of a biblical text). manner. a morose or despairing attitude. Millicent’s first lecture of the Greg’s pet dog docilely follows his Martha had a doleful look on her semester was a dittology of the every command. face as she gazed out the window at story of Genesis entitled “Serpent the rain. or Savior?” docility n dolioform diuretic / dBSsilEZG / adj L / SdPlGETfOrm / diurnal the quality or state of being easily L adj taught, led, or managed. shaped like a barrel. / dISErnFl / Docility and intelligence are The barrel cactus is a common L important qualities that breeders dolioform plant of the deserts of active chiefly during the daytime. look for in the horses they buy. North and South America. Few cats are naturally diurnal, which can be a problem for light- dockhand dolorifuge sleeping owners. n doctrinaire / dESlOrETfyVj / divagate n L > F > E v / TdBktrDSna(a)(E)r / something that banishes or / SdIvETgCt / L > F mitigates grief. L one who attempts to put into effect Martina was so heartbroken when move or extend in different some especially political theory her dog died that her dad brought directions from a common point. with little or no regard for practical home a new puppy as a dolorifuge. Several ancient caravan routes difficulties. divagate from the extinct oasis. Benito described his opponent as dolorimetry an ivory-tower doctrinaire. divergent dolorous documentary adj division n / SdPlErEs / / TdBkyESmentErG / L divorce L expressive of sorrow or affliction. a presentation (as a film or novel) In a dolorous voice the reporter divulge that has the objective quality, described the scene of the disaster. v authority, or force of / dDSvElj / documentation in the representation dolphin L of a scene, place, condition of life n tell or make known. or of a social or political problem / SdBlfDn / Ken was reluctant to divulge the or cause. Gk > L > Prov > F > E details of the merger. The documentary is being produced any of various small toothed by environmentalists who protest whales with the snout more or less docent the destruction of forests. elongated into a beak and the neck n vertebrae partially fused. / SdPsFnt / dolcissimo The trained dolphin performed its L adv feats with great agility and grace. a person who guides groups / dPlSchGsETmP / through a museum or art gallery L > It domain and discusses and comments on the very sweet or soft—used as a exhibits. direction in music. Judd’s interest in ancient history The composer and the conductor was sparked by a knowledgeable argued over whether the passage docent during a field trip to a should be played dolcissimo. museum.

Page 71 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently domestic douanier doxology adj n n / dESmestik / / dwAnyC / / dBkSsBlEjG / L F Gk relating to the household or the a customs officer. a commonly short hymn or formula family. At the international airport the expressing praise to God. Selma’s domestic situation changed douanier insisted on searching the One common doxology in drastically after she married a pack luggage of everyone proceeding Protestant churches is set to a tune rat. through customs. called “Old Hundred.” domineering doublure drainage n donnism / TdESblU(E)r / drama L > F doraphobia the lining of a book cover; dramaturgy especially : an ornamental lining. n dorcastry The doublure is an important clue / SdramETtErjG / n in identifying pirated editions of Gk > L > F > E / SdOrkEsTtrG / early novels. the technical devices that are used Biblical name + Ecf in writing plays and that tend to a church auxiliary organized to douceur distinguish the play from other plan and execute benevolent work. literary forms. The dorcastry served free doughiness Shakespeare was skilled at both Thanksgiving dinners for the n poetry and dramaturgy. homeless. / SdPGnDs / E dreadful dormancy the quality or state of being not adj n thoroughly baked. / SdredfEl / / SdO(r)mEnsG / The doughiness of the cake E L > F > E + Ecf mortified Mrs. Cavendish. arousing feelings of disapproval or the quality or state of being dissatisfaction. inactive. doughty “Turn off that dreadful song,” Certain Australian frogs undergo adj Cynthia’s mom calmly demanded. long periods of dormancy during / SdaUZG / drought. E drepaniform [has homonym: dowdy] marked by adj dormitories fearless resolution and by stoutness / drESpanETfOrm / in contest or struggle : valiant. Gk + Ecf dorsicollar Daniel was a soldier’s soldier— hooked or curved like a sickle. rough, tough, and doughty. As Cliff walked home, the dosage drepaniform Moon did little to light dowager his way. dosseret n / SdaUDjE(r) / dressage dossier F n n one of the elder women of assured / drESsBzh / / SdOsTyC / position who tend to set the tone of F F an assembly, social group, or the execution by a horse of an accumulation of records, reports, community. maneuvers involving changes of miscellaneous pertinent data, and Great Aunt Georgine is the gait, pace, and airs in response to documents bearing on a single dowager of the Arts Council. barely perceptible movements of a subject of study or investigation : rider’s hands, legs, and weight. file. dowitcher While in Austria, Derrick attended The physician kept a careful an exhibition of dressage at a dossier on each of her patients. famous equestrian school. dotard

Page 72 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently drisheen dubiety dumbbell n n n / drDSshGn / / d(y)VSbIEZG / / SdEmTbel / IrGael L E a sausage prepared with sheep’s the quality or state of being an exercise device that consists of blood, milk, and seasonings. doubtful or skeptical : uncertainty. round weights joined by a bar. While in County Cork, Mr. There was dubiety in his voice and With great effort, Tony hoisted the O’Donnell ordered drisheen and a hint of uncertainty in his eye. dumbbell above his shoulder. eggs for breakfast. duchy dune drivel v ductile dungeon / SdrivEl / E dudgeon dunnage talk stupidly and carelessly without n n due thought, knowledge, or / SdEjEn / / SdEnij / consideration. unknown unknown Bart’s opinion is highly valued, for aggrieved or angered feeling : ill [Note: Could be confused with he is not one to drivel. humor. tonnage, tunnage.] cushioning or Fuming at the insult, Carl stalked padding used in a shipping dromedary off in high dudgeon. container to protect fragile articles n against shock and breakage. / SdrBmETderG / duet Mother used popcorn as dunnage Gk > L > F > E n in her gift boxes to her family in a camel of unusual speed, bred and / d(y)VSet / Germany. trained especially for riding, and It having a single large hump on the performance of a musical duodenitis back. composition or movement for two n Camel rides at the zoo featured a singers or two instrumentalists. / Td(y)VETdGSnIZDs / dromedary. Stephan and Christiana’s duet L featured Bach’s concerto for two inflammation of the first part of the dromomania violins in D Minor. small intestine. n George’s cramps were diagnosed / TdrBmESmCnGE / dulcamara as duodenitis. Gk > L n an exaggerated desire to wander. / TdElkESmBrE / duplicitous Yielding to his dromomania, Jack L bought a recreational vehicle and a sprawling Old World poisonous durable spent the summer touring the plant that is common as a weed in adj country. America and has purple flowers / Sd(y)UrEbEl / and oval coral-red berries and that L > F > E drosophilist has a taste at first sweetish and then able to exist for a long time : n bitter. lasting. / drPSsBfElDst / The dried stems of the dulcamara Jimmy brought along a pair of G + L + Ecf were once used in pharmaceutical durable hiking boots for his trek one who uses the vinegar fly in the preparations as a sedative. through the mountainous terrain. study of genetics. The drosophilist has helped to dulcet duress advance our knowledge of genes adj n and the role they play in heredity. / SdElsDt / / d(y)ESres / L > F > E L > F > E drudgery pleasing to the ear. [has near homonym: dress] n Hiroshi marveled at the dulcet stringent compulsion by threat of / SdrEj(E)rG / tones of the quartet. danger, hardship, or retribution. E Contracts signed under duress are dull, fatiguing, or unrelieved work dulcitude not valid. or expenditure of effort. Machines now take much of the durezza drudgery out of housework.

Page 73 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently duvet dyslexia earnest n n n / d(y)VSvC / / dDSsleksGE / / SErnDst / ON > F Gk E a warm bedcover : quilt, comforter. a disturbance of the ability to read. [Note: The definition provided is Sally stored her duvet in the linen In Maria’s school, students with not the one most commonly closet and used a light bedspread dyslexia are given special training associated with this word.] during the summer months. to improve their reading, spelling, something of value given by a and writing. buyer to a seller to bind a bargain. dvandva Ms. Giblin gave the sellers $3,000 n dyspepsia as earnest so that they would not / SdvBn(T)dvB / entertain other offers. Skt dysphemia a class of compound words having eavesdrop two constituents that are equal in dysphemism rank and related to each other as if n ebony joined by and. / SdisfETmizEm / The word secretary-treasurer is an L ebriosity example of a dvandva. substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging word or ebullience dwarf expression for an agreeable or n inoffensive one; also, a word or ebullient / SdwO(E)rf / expression so substituted. adj E Rachel, whose father is an auto / DSbUlyEnt / an abnormally small person. mechanic, cringes every time she L The adult dwarf was offended when hears the dysphemism grease characterized by enthusiasm or people treated him as a child. monkey. exuberance. Angela tried to be as ebullient as dwindling dysphoria possible during the cheerleading n tryouts. dynamitard / dDSsfPrGE / n Gk ebullition / SdInEmDTtBrd / a generalized state of feeling Gk > Sw + Ecf unwell or unhappy. eburnated one that uses explosives for Edith has had frequent crying anarchistic or other political acts of spells and periods of dysphoria eccentric violence. since early childhood. Police agents seized the ecchymosis dynamitard in an old warehouse. dysrhythmia n n / TekESmPsDs / dynamite / dDsSriLmGE / Gk > L Gk the escape of blood into the tissues dynasty a condition characterized by from ruptured blood vessels various psychological and marked by a livid black-and-blue or dysbarism physiological effects and which purple spot or area. occurs following long flight A black eye results from dyscalculia through several time zones and ecchymosis. n probably results from disruption of / TdiskalSkyVlGE / human body rhythms that occur in ecclesiastic Gk + L 24-hour cycles : jet lag. n impairment of mathematical ability The travel agent gave the tour / DTklGzGSastik / due to an organic condition of the group several tips on how to avoid Gk brain. dysrhythmia. a person in holy orders or Because she disliked math class so consecrated to the service of the much, Kathy was convinced that eagle church. she suffered from dyscalculia. The new bishop was an ecclesiastic eaglet of high learning and virtue. dysentery earlobe

Page 74 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ecclesiastical eclogue ecumenopolis adj n n / DTklGzGSastDkEl / / SeTklOg / / TekyEmDSnBpElEs / Gk > L Gk > L Gk belonging to, suggestive of, or a poem in which shepherds are a single city encompassing the suitable for use in a church building introduced conversing. whole world that is held to be a or service of worship. The bucolic view of meadows and possibility of the future. Ramona designed and sewed all the hills inspired Shelley to compose Many science fiction stories are ecclesiastical garments worn in the an eclogue. based on the premise of Earth’s church’s services. future ecumenopolis. ecologist ecclesiology n eczematous / GSkBlEjDst / adj echelon Gk > G / igSzGmEZEs / n a specialist in the branch of science Gk / SeshETlBn / concerned with the relating to or having the L > F interrelationship of organisms and characteristics of an inflammatory one of a series of levels or grades their environment. skin condition characterized by (as of leadership or responsibility) Kimberly will work as a summer redness, itching, and lesions. in an organization or field of intern for an ecologist in the Eczematous skin eruptions may be activity. Everglades. due to allergies to certain foods, Employees at every echelon of the drugs, or cosmetics. company were encouraged to make economist suggestions. n edacious / GSkBnEmDst / adj echelonment Gk / DSdCshEs / a specialist in or student of the L + Ecf echolalia social science that studies the [has near homonym: audacious] n production, distribution, and voracious, devouring. / TekPSlClGE / consumption of commodities. Mary Ellen’s edacious appetite for Gk + Gk Adam Smith was the most gossip is offensive to all. the often pathological repetition of influential economist of the 18th what is said by other people as if century. edaphon imitating them. n The speech of autistic persons is ecru / SedETfBn / sometimes characterized by n Gk > ISV echolalia. / CSkrV / the animal and plant life present in L > F soils. eclectic [has near homonym: accrue] of a Stephanie is studying the edaphon adj textile : a light grayish yellowish of the river delta. / eSklektik / brown that is yellower and lighter Gk + Gk than gravel. edelweiss composed of elements drawn from The bridal gown is available in n various sources. both ecru and white. / SCdFlTwIs / Gaynor’s eclectic taste in music G makes selecting CDs for her a ecstasy a small perennial herb growing cinch. high in the Alps. ecstatic Eva recognized the edelweiss by its eclipse adj distinctive white petals. n / ekSstaZik / / DSklips / Gk edentulate L > F > E caused by, expressing, or causing a the obscuration of one celestial state of exaltation or rapturous edible body by another. delight. Susan and Stuart flew to Mexico to Maria was ecstatic when her view a total eclipse of the Sun. boyfriend proposed to her.

ecuelle

Page 75 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently edifice effigy egalitarian n n adj / SedEfDs / / SefEjG / / (T)GTgalESterGEn / L L > F L > F building; especially : a large or a full or partial representation marked by or adhering to a belief massive structure (as a church or especially of a person. that all persons are equal in government building). Andy felt a chill when he spotted intrinsic worth and are entitled to To Amy, the most beautiful edifice the effigy of his ancestor in the equal access to the rights and in our nation’s capital is the cathedral crypt. privileges of their society. National Cathedral. The senator promised to help effluvium create and expand opportunities editorial n and distribute them in an / eSflVvGEm / egalitarian fashion. edulcorate L v an exhalation or smell especially egocentric / DSdElkETrCt / when unpleasant. adj L The effluvium from the backed-up / TGgPSsentrik / free from harshness (as of attitude) drain nauseated Mr. Locke. L + Gk > E : make pleasant. self-centered, selfish. Ben is under the mistaken effrontery Dillard’s friends claimed there was impression that his flattery will n not an egocentric bone in his body. edulcorate the stern judge. / DSfrEntErG / L > F egregious eerily flagrant boldness that is offensive adj or insolent : gall. / DSgrGjEs / efface Chuck had the effrontery to L interrupt the senator during his flagrant : glaringly evident. effervesce speech. As a medical researcher, Laura knew that many of the reports of effervescent effulgence medical breakthroughs on adj television contained egregious / TefE(r)SvesFnt / effulgent errors. L adj impossible or difficult to restrain or / eSfUljEnt / egregiously suppress : bubbling, exuberant. L Sean’s effervescent personality marked by or as if by brightly egress caught the attention of the job shining light. n recruiter. An effulgent flash of intuition / SGgres / enabled Tony to solve the geometry L effete exam’s final problem. the act or right of going or coming out. efficacious effusive Every hotel should provide adj accessible ways of egress. efficacy / DSfyVsiv / n L eider / SefDkEsG / expressing or marked by L unrestrained emotion : unduly eiderdown the power to produce an effect : demonstrative. n effectiveness. Troy was bowled over by the / SIdE(r)TdaUn / For Harriet, the idea of being effusive greeting of his Labrador ON > Icel > G preferred by Mr. Elton had all the retriever. the small fluffy under feathers of usual weight and efficacy. any of several large northern sea ducks. efficiency The price tag on the sleeping bag stuffed with eiderdown shocked Kevin’s parents.

Page 76 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently eidetic eleemosynary ellipse adj adj n / ISdeZik / / TelESmBsFnTerG / / DSlips / Gk L Gk [has near homonym: identic] of or of or relating to charity : charitable, an elongated circle. relating to voluntarily producible philanthropic. The walking path behind the school visual images having almost Participation in eleemosynary forms an ellipse around the tennis photographic accuracy : vivid, activities is a graduation courts. lifelike. requirement at Janie’s school. Sometimes Grandma would fall ellipticity into eidetic reveries and talk to her elegiacal long-deceased brother. elocution elementary n eigne / TelESkyVshEn / elephantine L einsteinium adj the art of oratorical or expressive / TelESfanTtGn / public speaking. ejector Gk > L Senator Okada is a master of of enormous size or weight : elocution. ekistics uncommonly large : immense, n pl massive. eloquence / DSkistiks / Troy was served an elephantine ice n Gk cream sundae. / SelEkwEn(t)s / a science dealing with human L settlements and drawing on the eligible discourse marked by apt and fluent research and experience of adj diction and imaginative fervor. professionals in various fields (as / SelDjEbEl / The defense lawyer addressed the architecture, engineering, city L courtroom audience with planning, and sociology). [Note: The definition provided is eloquence. Dora’s degree in sociology aided not the one most commonly her in her study of ekistics. associated with this word.] elucidate preferable, desirable. v elasticity The quietness of the game made it / DSlVsETdCt / particularly eligible for Mr. L electrolysis Woodhouse, who had often been make intelligible by clear n distressed by the more animated explanation or careful analysis. / DTlekStrBlEsDs / sort. Belinda asked Mrs. Dent to Gk elucidate the complicated essay the destruction of hair roots with an elision question. electric current. n Electrolysis was one of the means / DSlizhEn / elutriation of hair removal demonstrated in L Roweena’s cosmetology class. the use of a speech form that lacks emanometer a final or initial sound that a variant n electuary speech form has. / TemESnBmEZE(r) / n Today’s French class concentrated L + Gk / DSlekchETwerG / on when to use elision. any of various devices designed to Gk > L > E measure quantities or intensity of a a medicated paste prepared with elixir heavy gaseous element produced honey or other sweet substance, n by radioactive disintegration. used in veterinary practice, and / DSliksE(r) / The emanometer detected administered by smearing on the Gk? > Ar > L > E dangerous amounts of radon in teeth, gums, or tongue. a substance or concoction held to Theo’s basement. The veterinarian patiently smeared be capable of prolonging life an electuary on the horse’s gums. indefinitely. Explorers through the ages have sought the elixir of life, better known as the “fountain of youth.”

Page 77 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently embarcadero embouchure emerald n n n / emTbBrkESde(T)rP / / SBmbVTshU(E)r / / Sem(E)rEld / L > Sp L > F Gk > L > F > E a landing place; especially : a the position and use of the lips in a highly prized gemstone of rich landing place on an inland producing a musical tone on a wind green color. waterway. instrument. Beth’s grandfather has a lovely An organ grinder and his monkey After six weeks of criticism about unmounted emerald that he plans entertained visitors at the her poor embouchure, Kirsten to give to her for a graduation embarcadero of the restored switched from the clarinet to the present. village. piano. emeritus embarrass embrasure adj n / DSmerEZEs / embarrassment / DmSbrCzhE(r) / L n F retired from an office after gaining / DmSbarEsmEnt / an opening with sides flaring recognition. Pg > Sp > F outward in a wall or parapet of a Our summer school teacher, Dr. confusion or discomposure of fortification usually for allowing Benteen, is Professor Emeritus of mind. the firing of cannon. history from Dartmouth University. Locking his car keys in his car Bobby and Jackie amused trunk caused Andy much themselves during the castle tour emigrant embarrassment. by climbing into every embrasure n to look out the windows. / SemDgrEnt / embassy L embrocate [has near homonym: immigrant] a embellish person who leaves a country or v embrocation region to establish permanent / DmSbelish / n residence elsewhere. F > E / TembrESkCshEn / Sidney’s great-great-grandfather enhance, amplify, or garnish (an Gk > L was an Irish emigrant during the account) by elaboration with liniment. potato famine. inessential but decorative or The fact that Della’s throat is so fanciful details. much better can be attributed to the eminent Ivan likes to embellish his stories a excellent embrocation her mother adj little differently each time he tells applied regularly. / SemEnEnt / them. L embroidery [has homonym and near embezzlement homonyms: emanent and n embryo immanent, imminent] standing out / DmSbezElmEnt / so as to be readily perceived. F > AF > E embryonic The National Cathedral is a fraudulent appropriation of money adj building of eminent beauty. by a person to whom it has been / TembrGSBnik / entrusted. Gk > L + Ecf eminently The FBI investigation led to the being in an early and undeveloped union leader’s indictment for stage. emissaries embezzlement. Delia disclosed embryonic plans for the new theater. emissary emblem n / SemETserG / L an agent or representative usually empowered to act more or less independently. Each government sent an emissary to the trade talks.

emolliate

Page 78 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently emollient emphysema encephalitis adj n n / DSmBlyEnt / / Tem(p)fESzGmE / / DnTsefESlIZDs / L Gk Gk [Note: Could be confused with a condition characterized by air- inflammation of the brain, emolument.] soothing especially to filled, blisterlike expansions in the especially when due to infectious the skin or mucous membrane. tissues of the lungs. agents or their toxins. Erna usually applies an emollient Most cases of emphysema are The symptoms of encephalitis cream to her hands after washing caused by smoking. usually include fever, headache, dishes. and tremors. empirical emolument adj enchilada n / DmSpirDkEl / n / DSmBlyEmEnt / Gk > L / enchESlBdE / L originating in or relying or based Sp [Note: Could be confused with on factual information, observation, a tortilla topped or rolled up with a emollient.] profit or perquisites or direct sense experience usually highly seasoned meat or other from office, employment, or labor. as opposed to theoretical filling and served with tomato The waitress who did not report the knowledge. sauce seasoned with chili. tips portion of her emolument faced Epidemiologists rely heavily on The sampler platter included a incarceration for tax evasion. empirical data in predicting the taco, an enchilada, and a burrito. spread of a contagious disease. empanada enclave n empleomania n / TempESnBdE / n / SenTklCv / L > Sp / TemplGPSmCnGE / L > F a turnover filled with meat. F > Sp + Gk > L a district or region (as in a city) For the hike Luke packed an an excessive desire for holding inhabited by a particular race or set empanada and an apple in his public office. apart for a special purpose. knapsack. Otis’s empleomania drove him to The Warsaw Ghetto was an squander his fortune on political infamous enclave during World empathy campaigns. War II. empennage emporium enclitic n / TBmpESnBzh / empyrean encomium Fcf + L + Fcf n n the tail assembly of an aircraft. / TemTpISrGEn / / DnSkPmGEm / After the accident the FAA ordered Gk > L Gk the airline to inspect the the highest heaven or heavenly an often formal expression of warm empennage of every plane in its sphere in ancient and medieval or high praise : eulogy. fleet. cosmology usually described as a At the dedication of the war sphere of fire or light. memorial, the president offered an emphatically According to Ptolemy, there are encomium for the fallen heroes. adv five heavens, the last of which is / DmSfaZDkElG / called the “empyrean,” from the encumbrance Gk Greek word meaning “fiery.” in a markedly forceful manner. encyclical At the school board meeting Jonah emu spoke emphatically in favor of endocrinology requiring students to wear emulate uniforms. enamel

Page 79 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently endophytous engineer ensemble adj n n / enSdBfEZEs / / TenjDSni(E)r / / BnSsBmbEl / Gk F > E L > F living within the tissues of plants. a person trained to plan and a group of supporting players, Most vascular plants could not supervise projects in a technical singers, or dancers. grow without the endophytous fungi field. The principals in the play were that inhabit their roots and supply The chief engineer and his team ably supported by the ensemble. essential nutrients. designed a flood control plan for the city. ensilage endorsement enhance entablature endow enigmatic entente endurable adj n / Te(T)nigSmaZik / / BnStBnt / energetic Gk > L L > F adj inexplicable, puzzling. a written or unwritten international / TenE(r)SjeZik / Marla scribbled an enigmatic understanding usually less formally Gk message on Lance’s arm cast. binding than an alliance. marked by energy. The president decided that her The energetic captain kept the enlightenment government’s policy of isolationism police force ready for any n would not be broken by an entente. emergency. / DnSlItFnmEnt / Ecf + E + Ecf entertain enervate the act or means of furnishing with v useful information. enthymeme / SenE(r)TvCt / The rules of the debate will be n L posted on the bulletin board for the / Sen(t)thETmGm / [has near homonym with opposite enlightenment of all participants. Gk meaning: innervate] lessen the an argument or truncated syllogism nerve, vitality, or strength of. enmity in which one of the propositions is Being outside in the heat of the day n understood but not stated. would enervate Grandma, so she / SenmEZG / A good example of an enthymeme is weeds her garden in the cool hours L > F the statement “We are dependent; of early morning. hostility, animosity. therefore, we should be humble.” The enmity which Mr. and Mrs. enervated Elton dared not show in open entitle adj disrespect to Miss Woodhouse / SenE(r)TvCZDd / found a broader vent in entomogenous L contemptuous treatment of her best adj lacking physical, mental, or moral friend. / TentESmBjEnEs / vigor. Gk After the 15-mile mountain hike, ennead growing on or in the bodies of Marsha found herself completely insects. enervated. ennui Some scale insects that feed on n trees have entomogenous fungi. enfilade / BnSwG / n F entomologist / SenfETlCd / languor or emptiness of spirit : n F boredom. / TentESmBlEjDst / arrangement (as of rooms, Though she claimed to dislike Gk doorways, trees) in opposite and school, Tara felt a certain ennui one specializing in the study of parallel rows. when not doing something insects. The hallway of the huge hotel was academic. Dirk has wanted to be an seemingly endless, with an enfilade entomologist since he was in the of doors appearing to grow ever ensconced third grade. tinier in the distance.

Page 80 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently entourage envisage epicede n v n / TBntESrBzh / / DnSvizij / / SepETsGd / L > F F Gk one’s attendants or subordinates. have a mental picture of in advance a funeral song or ode. The rock star and his entourage of realization. The poet laureate composed an occupied an entire floor of the Benjamin could scarcely envisage epicede for the queen’s funeral. hotel. the scale of the project, so he broke it down into smaller, more epicure entrance manageable units. epidemic entremets envisagement n pl epidermis / TBntrESmC(z) / enzyme n L > F n / TepESdErmDs / dishes (as vegetables or savories) / SenTzIm / Gk served in addition to the main Gk the outer layer of the skin of a course of a meal. any of a very large class of vertebrate. At some restaurants, entremets complex proteinaceous substances The paper cut, though painful, must be ordered separately from that are produced by living cells barely broke Kayla’s epidermis. the main course. and that are essential to life by acting as catalysts. epigram entrepreneur Emil Fischer theorized in 1894 that n n an enzyme acts like a lock to which / SepETgram / / TBntrEp(r)ESnEr / a certain reactant is the key. Gk L > F a short poem with a witty or the organizer of an economic ephapse satirical point. venture; especially : one who Kelly kept a calendar on her desk organizes, owns, manages, and ephedrine that gave a humorous epigram for assumes the risks of a business. n each day of the year. The local college gives accounting / DSfedrDn / classes for the first-time Gk epilepsy entrepreneur. a white crystalline alkaloid used n often in the form of a salt (as the / SepETlepsG / enumerate sulfate) chiefly in relieving hay Gk fever, asthma, and nasal a chronic nervous disorder of enunciate congestion. humans and other animals that v Ephedrine has been used to treat involves changes in the state of / GSnEn(t)sGTCt / the bronchoconstriction associated consciousness and of motion. L with asthma. Epilepsy is sometimes caused by utter articulate sounds. glandular disturbances. Mr. Dubek reminded Val to stand ephemeral straight and enunciate clearly. epiphany ephemeris n enunciator n / DSpifEnG / / DSfem(E)rDs / Gk environs Gk an appearance or revelatory n pl a publication giving the computed manifestation of a divine being or a / DnSvIrEnz / places of the celestial bodies for god. L > F > E each day of the year. Apuleius’s Metamorphoses vicinity, neighborhood. Tracy’s attorney consulted an includes a description of an Residents of the subdivision and its ephemeris to verify her story about epiphany of the goddess Isis. immediate environs are eligible to having seen Venus on the morning join the neighborhood pool of the crime. episcopacy association.

Page 81 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently epistemology eponymous equilibrist n adj n / DTpistESmBlEjG / / DSpBnEmEs / / TGkwESlibrDst / Gk Gk + Ecf L > F the study of the method and bearing the name of, being, or one who balances himself in grounds of knowledge especially relating to one for whom or which unnatural positions and performs with reference to its limits and something is named. hazardous movements. validity; broadly : the theory of Jason will play the role of Julius Of all the acts in the circus, Yancy knowledge. Caesar in the drama club’s liked the equilibrist best. The middle books of Plato’s presentation of the eponymous Republic are the key to his play. equilibrium epistemology. n epopee / TGkwESlibrGEm / epistle L epyllion a state of dynamic balance attained epistrophe n in a reversible chemical reaction / eSpilGEn / when the velocities in both epitaph Gk directions are equal. a relatively short narrative poem Marge injected a flask of colorless epitaphs resembling an epic in theme, tone, nitrogen dioxide with dinitrogen n pl or style. tetroxide, a brown gas, to illustrate / SepETtafs / Is “Hiawatha” short enough to be chemical equilibrium: When Gk considered an epyllion? equilibrium occurred, the gas in the inscriptions on or at tombs or flask stopped becoming browner. graves in memory of those buried equanimity there. n equine For amusement the children like to / TGkwESnimEZG / read the epitaphs in the old church L equinoctial cemetery. evenness of mental disposition : adj emotional balance especially under / TGkwESnBkshEl / epithet stress. L > F > E n The writer learned to accept with relating to either of the two times / SepETthet / equanimity the rejections from each year when the Sun crosses the Gk publishers. equator and day and night are a disparaging or abusive word or everywhere of equal length. phrase. equation Marge began making preparations Donnie apologized for shouting an for her annual spring equinoctial epithet at Mr. Garibaldi. equator festival. n epitome / GSkwCZE(r) / equinox L n epitomize the great circle of the celestial / SGkwETnBks / v sphere whose plane is L > E / DSpiZETmIz / perpendicular to the axis of Earth. either of the two times each year Gk Spring begins when the Sun moves when the Sun crosses the equator serve as the typical representation north across the equator. and day and night are everywhere of. of equal length, being about March Sharon’s choice of clothing must equatorial 21st and September 23rd. surely be an attempt to epitomize adj Legend has it that you can balance bad taste. / TGkwEStPrGEl / an egg on its end only during the L equinox. epoch of, at, or relating to the equator. The length of the days and nights equipage epoche doesn’t vary much in equatorial regions. equipment

equestrienne equipped

equilateral equitable

Page 82 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently

ermine escamotage equity n n n / SErmDn / / eskAmOtAAzh / / SekwEZG / Gmc > F > E F L any of several weasels that assume juggling, hand trickery. the money value of a property or of white winter fur usually with more The street magician accompanied an interest in a property in excess or less black on the tail. his deft escamotage with jokes and of claims or liens (as mortgaged Despite the outcry of animal a distracting patter. indebtedness) against it. activists, the fine fur of the ermine During the three-year real estate is still used for ornamentation of escargot boom, Jan’s home equity went up some designer clothing. n 300%. / eskArgP / errancy OProv > F equivalent a snail prepared for use as food. adj errand Saul fished the escargot out of its / DSkwiv(E)lEnt / shell with a tiny fork and popped it L erroneous into his mouth. corresponding or virtually identical especially in effect or function. ersatz eschew Butter and margarine are adj equivalent in most recipes. / SerTzBts / esconson G eradicable substitute, synthetic : simulated. escritoire Because copper was needed for n eradicate armaments, pennies were made / SeskrETtwBr / v with an ersatz material during L > F / DSradETkCt / World War II. a piece of furniture resembling a L bureau and providing a writing [has homonym with opposite erubescent surface or desk area behind a meaning: irradicate] do away with adj hinged front that drops down. : destroy completely. / Ter(y)ESbesFnt / Jennifer bought a valuable 18th- Many wheat farmers use aerial L century escritoire at Sotheby’s. sprays to eradicate weeds, becoming red : reddening. diseases, and insect pests from Eufemia’s erubescent complexion escrow their fields. made her embarrassment obvious. esoteric erasure erudite adj adj / TesESterik / eremology / SeryETdIt / Gk n L > E difficult to understand. / TerESmBlEjG / characterized by a love of Phil found the article on Gk + Gk knowledge for its own sake : metaphysics too esoteric. a science concerned with the desert devoted to the pursuit of learning. and its phenomena. The speaker’s presentation was a espadrille Professor Heath’s research on compilation of research that would n desert flora was hailed as a interest only the most erudite / SespETdril / significant contribution to scholars in his field. L > Prov > F eremology. a flat sandal having a fabric upper erumpent and a flexible often rope sole. ergot Marsha put on her other espadrille n escalator and headed for the beach. / SErgEt / F espalier a fungal disease of rye and other cereals. especially An outbreak of ergot destroyed Mr. Kern’s crop.

Page 83 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently espionage estrepement etymology n n n / SespGETnBzh / / DSstrGpmEnt / / TeZESmBlEjG / F F > AF Gk > L > E the practice of spying or using spies waste or needless destruction of a branch of linguistics concerned to obtain information about the lands; especially : damage wrought with the complete history of a plans and activities especially of a by a tenant for life. linguistic form (as a word or foreign government or a competing The tenant’s estrepement of the morpheme). company. farm had made the land almost Students have rated Dr. Bailly’s After discovering that Mr. useless. class in etymology the best course Carmichael had sold company in the English department. trade secrets to a competitor, his estuarine employer charged him with etymon industrial espionage. estuary n n / SeZETmBn / esplanade / Ses(h)chETwerG / Gk n L the word in a foreign language that / SesplETnBd / a water passage where the tide is the source of a particular L > It > F meets the current of a stream. loanword. a level open stretch of paved or Small boats were warned not to The etymon of the English word grassy ground; especially : one travel the estuary without aid. cantata is the same word in Italian. designed for walking or driving and often providing a vista (as over esurient eucalyptus water). adj n Carole decided to go for a stroll on / DSsUrGEnt / / TyVkESliptEs / the esplanade before dinner. L Gk having a huge appetite : greedy. a tree or shrub native to western espresso Which one of you esurient fellows Australia. ordered the extra-large pizza? Brad planted a eucalyptus in the essence vain hope of attracting koalas. n ethnic / SesFn(t)s / eulogy L ethos n an extract (as from fruit) used as / SyVlEjG / flavoring in cooking. etiolation Gk Tatiana could taste the n a composition (as a set oration) in pomegranate essence in the cake’s / TGZGESlCshEn / commendation of someone or frosting. F something (as of the character and the yellowing or whitening of a accomplishments of a deceased esteem green plant through lack of person). sunlight. The university president delivered a estimable Rhonda uses a special lamp on her moving eulogy at the funeral of the adj houseplants to prevent etiolation. dean. / SestEmEbEl / L etiquette euphemism worthy of esteem or respect. n n The statesman had a tarnished / SeZDkDt / / SyVfETmizEm / youth but is now, in many ways, an F Gk estimable figure. the forms required by good a polite term used to avoid the breeding or prescribed by authority direct naming of an unpleasant to be observed in social or official reality. life. Marjorie referred to her illness The defendant’s attorney advised with a vague euphemism. him on the observance of courtroom etiquette.

Page 84 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently euphoric evidentiary exclamation adj adj n / yVSfOrik / / TevESdench(E)rG / / TeksklESmCshEn / Gk L + Ecf L characterized by a feeling of well- being, relating to, or affording vehement expression (as of protest, being or elation. evidence. reproach, or complaint). The golfer was absolutely euphoric Because he is not an expert in Trudy gave a loud exclamation as after making a hole in one. forensics, Harvey's opinion has no the plane took off without her. evidentiary value. eurytherm exclamatorily n evincible / SyUrEthErm / excoriate Gk + Gk eviscerate v an organism that tolerates a wide v / ekSskPrGTCt / range of temperature. / DSvisETrCt / L Whereas some animals hibernate L censure scathingly. during the winter, a eurytherm is take out the entrails of : Mr. Dent proceeded to excoriate active throughout the cold months. disembowel, gut. Ellen in front of the entire pep The chef showed his apprentice squad. eustacy how to eviscerate a fish. excoriate eutaxy eviternity n exculpate / SyVTtaksG / exacerbate v Gk v / Sek(T)skElTpCt / good order or management. / igSzasE(r)bCt / L Rose’s Christmas decoration L clear from alleged fault or guilt. routine was an example of the make more violent or bitter : Greg is positive that the honor eutaxy she practiced constantly. intensify the bad qualities of. council will exculpate him after a Cindy learned how name-calling thorough investigation. euthanasia could exacerbate an already violent argument. excursion evaluate v exaggerate exedent / DSvalyETwCt / v L > F > E / igSzajETrCt / exemplary examine and judge concerning the L adj worth, quality, significance, misrepresent on the side of / igSzemplErG / amount, degree, or condition of. largeness (as of size, extent, or L The company sent Chris to evaluate value) : overstate the truth. deserving imitation : commendable. the project’s potential for profit. Like any fisherman, Tio tends to Hubert was praised for his exaggerate the size of his catches. exemplary conduct. evanescent adj example exercise / TevESnesFn(t) / L exanimate exhibit of short life or duration : fleeting. The joy and moral stimulation of exaration exhilarate work is often forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. excelsior exhortation evaporable excerpta exigency

exchequer

Page 85 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently exiguous expatiate expunge adj v v / egSzigyEwEs / / ekSspCshGTCt / / ikSspEnj / L L L + L scanty in amount : meager, narrow. speak or write at length or in strike out, obliterate, or mark for Fran’s father disapproves of her considerable detail. deletion (as a word, line, or plan to use her exiguous savings The mighty bulk of the whale sentence). for the down payment on a affords a congenial theme whereon Jeff agreed to expunge the word motorcycle. to enlarge, amplify, and expatiate. stupid from his book report. existential expatriate exquisite exonerate expectorant exsculptate v / igSzBnETrCt / expeditious exsiccate L adj v clear from accusation or blame. / TekspESdishEs / / SeksDTkCt / DNA analysis has the potential L L + L either to exonerate suspects or to acting with promptness or drive moisture from (as by the place them at the scene of the efficiency : speedy. action of heat). crime. Mrs. Elton boasted that her horses Sara wants to exsiccate the plums were extremely expeditious and she picked to see if they will really exonerated that her carriage probably drove turn into prunes. faster than anyone else’s. exoneration exsuccous expensive adj exorbitant adj / ek(s)SsEkEs / adj / ikSspen(t)siv / L + L / igSzO(r)bEZEnt / L devoid of all juices or sap : dried L > F > E characterized by high price or cost. up. excessive. The concert tickets were expensive, The exsuccous orange in Tamra’s The ferryman charged an but the event sold out a month locker must have been left there exorbitant rate to carry people before the performance date. months ago. across the strait. expiate exsufflation exoskeleton v n / SekspGTCt / extemporaneous / TeksPSskelEtFn / L adj Gk + Gk > L extinguish the guilt incurred by : / TekTstempESrCnGEs / an external supportive or protective make conciliation for. L structure or framework of an insect. Buddhist doctrine holds that one composed, performed, or uttered on An exoskeleton provides protection must expiate the sins committed in or as if on the spur of the moment. for an insect, much like a suit of past lives. Suzi gave an extemporaneous talk armor. about bonsai at the craft club expostulate meeting. exotic v adj / ikSspBschETlCt / extempore / igSzBZik / L Gk reason earnestly with a person for extensive from another country : not native to purposes of dissuasion or the place where found. remonstrance. extinct Little did Polly know that the exotic Nelson takes every opportunity to adj bird she bought had been illegally expostulate about politics with / ikSstiN(k)t / smuggled into the country. strangers on the subway. L > E no longer living : deceased, dead. Latin is an extinct language.

Page 86 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently extirpate exuberance facsimile v n / SekstE(r)TpCt / fabled / fakSsimElG / L L pull up or out by or as if by the fabricate an exact and detailed copy. roots or stem. Jared bought a facsimile of Noah Fay made it her mission to facade Webster’s 1828 dictionary. extirpate every weed in the lawn. facetiosity factitious extract n / fETsGshGSBsEZG / factotum extraneous L + Ecf n adj the quality or state of being jocular / fakStPZEm / / ekSstrCnGEs / in an often clumsy or inappropriate L L way. a person having many diverse existing or originating outside or Mrs. Foster did not appreciate activities or responsibilities : a beyond. Barney’s facetiosity during her general servant. Leona didn’t let extraneous noises history class. Mrs. Alexander has so many bother her while she was studying. responsibilities not related to facetious instruction that she feels more like extraordinary a factotum than a teacher. facial extraterrestrial facula adj facile n / ekstrETtDSrestrGEl / adj / SfakyElE / L / SfasEl / L originating or existing outside L any of the bright regions of the Earth or its atmosphere. easily accomplished or attained. Sun’s photosphere seen most easily The shiny rock appeared to Zelda Sarpedon’s facile backgammon near the Sun’s edge and occurring to be extraterrestrial. victory over his sister made him most frequently in proximity to suspicious of her intent. sunspots. extravaganza Seymour tracked the Sun’s rotation n facilely by charting the position of a facula. / ikTstravESganzE / adv L > It / SfasEl(l)G / facultative a lavish or spectacular show or L + Ecf event. in an easy manner : with ease or faddist The Mardi Gras extravaganza in assurance. New Orleans has several carnival- Andy sat down at the piano and Fahrenheit like parades. played facilely through a book of adj show tunes. / SfarEnThIt / extravasate G name v facilitate relating or conforming to a / ikSstravETsCt / thermometric scale on which under L facilitator standard atmospheric pressure the pour out or erupt. n boiling point of water is at 212 When extreme heat and pressure / fESsilETtCZ(E)r / degrees and the freezing point at 32 build within a volcano, molten lava L + Ecff degrees. may extravasate into the air. one that makes something easier or Nathan knew it was hot outside, but less difficult. he was astonished to learn that the extricate As a teacher, Mr. Logan considers temperature was 100 degrees v himself a facilitator of learning Fahrenheit. / SekstrETkCt / rather than a dispenser of L information. faille pull out. When the whistle blew, Jason tried faconne to extricate himself from the bottom of the pile of players.

Page 87 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently faineant fanaticism farcical adj n adj / SfCnGEnt / / fESnaZETsizEm / / SfBrsDkEl / F L + Ecf L idle and ineffectual. excessive enthusiasm and intense receiving or meriting laughter or Lack of purpose can contribute to a uncritical devotion usually toward amused scorn as utterly without faineant life. some controversial matter (as claim to serious consideration or as religion, politics, or philosophy). laughably inept. faint Throughout history, political Shakespeare employs farcical fanaticism has led to many violent characters in many of his plays to falbala wars. provide comic relief. falcate fanchonette farcically adj n / SfalTkCt / / TfanchESnet / farewell L F hooked or curved like a sickle— an open tart covered with meringue farinaceous used also of the Moon or an or sometimes whipped cream. adj inferior planet when less than half Randy ordered a lemon fanchonette / TfarESnCshEs / its disk is illuminated. for dessert. L The Moon’s falcate form loomed containing or rich in starch. above the horizon. fandango Common farinaceous foods include n bread and pasta. falcon / fanSdaN(T)gP / Pg? > Sp faro faldstool a lively Spanish dance usually performed by a man and woman farouche fallacious with castanets and in triple time. adj Craig and Ursula danced a / fESrVsh / fallibility fandango in the high school talent L > F n competition. lacking social graces and / TfalESbilEZG / experience : marked by shyness L fanfaronade and lack of polish. liability or proneness to err. As a teenager, Inez was rather The executive pardon can be seen fantasize farouche, hesitant to make eye as a recognition of the fallibility of v contact with strangers. our system of justice. / SfantETsIz / Gk > L > F > E + Ecf farraginous falsetto create or develop imaginative and n often fantastic views, ideas, or farrago / fOlSseZ(T)P / explanations. n L > It After Calvin was elected to the / fESrB(T)gP / an artificially high voice. student council, all he ever did was L Dad draped a mop over his head fantasize about becoming president a confused, disordered, or irrational and sang “Mary Had a Little of the United States. assemblage (as of words or ideas). Lamb” in falsetto. The candidate’s concession speech fantoccini was a rambling farrago that falsify n pl underscored his instability. / TfBntESchGnG / famish L > It v puppets moved by strings or / Sfamish / mechanical devices. E So many spectators stopped to deprive of food : starve. watch the fantoccini that the puppet The war will famish many people shows had to be moved to one of trapped in the besieged city. the park’s larger amphitheaters.

Page 88 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently farthingale fatigue febrility n n n / SfBrLDnTgCl / / fEStGg / / fDSbrilEZG / L > Sp > F F L a support worn especially in the weariness from work or exertion. feverishness. 16th century beneath a skirt to Fatigue results from doing too As her febrility increased, the swell out and extend it at the hip much too fast. patient became delirious. line. No lady-in-waiting at the court of fatuous feckless Queen Elizabeth I would have been adj adj seen in public without a / SfachEwEs / / SfekTlDs / farthingale. L E marked by want of intelligence and impractical and shiftless. fascinate rational consideration. Mort was worried that his long Lenny characterized Nestor’s periods of unemployment would fascine attempts to build a perpetual make him look feckless when he motion machine as fatuous. applied for a job. fascism n faucet fecund / SfaTshizEm / adj L faveolate / SfGkEnd / any program for setting up a adj L centralized autocratic national / fESvGElDt / marked by noteworthy intellectual regime with severely nationalistic L productivity and inventiveness. policies exercising rigid censorship honeycombed. The Renaissance was a fecund era and forcible suppression of The tiny chapel had a faveolate for the arts. opposition. ceiling. Given the current regime’s fascism, federal a coup was inevitable. fealty n fedora fashion / SfG(E)ltG / n L > F > E / fDSdPrE / fastidious faithfulness, allegiance. F name One by one, the nobles knelt before a soft felt hat with a low crown fastish the queen and swore fealty to the creased lengthwise and with or adj crown. without a high roll on the side brim. / Sfastish / Brent stepped into the spotlight and E feasible pulled his fedora low over one eye. rather speedy. adj Jane’s mutt was a fastish runner / SfGzEbEl / feign despite its injured leg. L > F > E capable of being done, executed, or feigned fathom effected. n Because our Constitution is simple feigning / SfaLEm / and practical, it is feasible to meet v E extraordinary needs by making / fCniN / a unit of length equal to 6 feet changes without loss of essential L > F > E based on the distance between form. simulating falsely. fingertips of a man’s outstretched Darla wondered if her mother was arms and used especially for feature feigning good feelings about her measuring the depth of water. decision to marry Edgar. The fathom, once standard on febrifugal British admiralty charts, has been adj replaced by the meter. / fESbrif(y)DgEl / L mitigating or removing fever. Aspirin is well known for its analgesic and febrifugal properties.

Page 89 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently feint feminine feral v adj adj / SfCnt / / SfemEnDn / / SferEl / F L L make a pretense of. female. lacking a human personality due to George broke his hand when he The feminine characters were being reared in isolation from all or attempted to feint a punch at the played by men and the masculine nearly all human contacts. wall but overshot his target. characters were played by women The television executive rejected in Cornell Theatre’s production of the idea of another series about a felicific King Lear. feral child trying to adjust to modern culture. felicitous femoral adj adj fermata / fDSlisEZEs / / SfemErEl / n L L / ferSmBZE / marked by general happiness or [has homonym: femerell] of, L > It good fortune. relating to, or located near the a prolongation at the discretion of All of Rob’s college roommates thigh. the performer of a musical note, showed up for the felicitous The femoral artery supplies blood chord, or rest beyond its given time occasion of his wedding. to the abdomen and lower value. extremities. To the conductor’s consternation, felicity Dean exaggerated each fermata. n fenestrated / fDSlisEZG / adj fermeture L / SfenETstrCZDd / the quality or state of being happy. L ferocious Liberty from British rule became provided with or characterized by more and more necessary for the windows. ferraiolone felicity of the American colonists. Symmetrically fenestrated buildings characterize Georgian ferrous feliform architecture. adj ferrule / SfGlETfOrm / fenestration n L + Lcf > Ecf / SferEl / resembling a cat. fennel L > F > E Eric found a feliform stone in a n [has homonym: feral] a band or cave. / SfenFl / cap usually of metal enclosing the L > E end of a cane, tool handle, table felonious a perennial European herb leg, or similar object to strengthen introduced to North America and it or prevent splitting and wearing. felsenmeer cultivated for the aromatic flavor of Both the knob and the ferrule of n its seeds. Mr. Benson’s walking stick were / SfelzEnTme(E)r / Celene often flavors her vegetables made of finely engraved silver. G with curry powder and fennel. an assemblage of rock fragments ferruminate completely mantling the surface feracious v and commonly present in adj / fESrVmETnCt / mountainous regions. / fESrCshEs / L Our guide showed us a field of L join together (as metals) : solder. felsenmeer formed from underlying producing abundantly : prolific. Fortunately, Tom’s dad was able to bedrock by the action produced by Sylvia decided to can some of the ferruminate the broken parts of the frost. tomatoes from her extraordinarily metal toy. feracious plants.

Page 90 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fervorous fichu filial adj adj / SfErv(E)rEs / fictile / SfilGEl / L L full of intensity of feeling or fiction befitting a child in relation to his or expression. her parents. The crowd couldn’t help but be fictitious During adolescence, many children swayed by Greg’s fervorous feel uncomfortable demonstrating speech. fideism filial love in public. fescue fiduciary filibuster adj n festoon / fDSd(y)VshGTerG / / SfilEbEstE(r) / L F > Sp feud of, having to do with, or involving the use of extreme delaying tactics n a confidence or trust. (as speaking merely to consume / SfyVd / Zoe acted in a fiduciary capacity time) in an attempt to prevent Gmc > F > E during the lease negotiations. action by the majority in a a relationship of aggressive deliberative assembly. hostility : quarrel. fiendish The Senate effectively killed the bill A feud over the property with a filibuster. boundaries developed between the fierce two families. filoselle fiery fianchetto adj finance v / SfI(E)rG / / TfGEnScheZ(T)P / E financier F + It of the color of fire : red. n move (a bishop) in a chess game to Kevin knew that a photograph / TfinEnSsi(E)r / the position Knight 2. would not portray the fiery sunset F The analysts correctly predicted in its full splendor. a large-scale investor. that Evangeline would fianchetto Marv’s uncle, a Boston financier, her bishop. filament works one day a week in a soup n kitchen. fiasco / SfilEmEnt / n L > F finesse / fGSa(T)skP / a fine conductor that is rendered Gmc > It incandescent by the passage of an fingent an utter and often ridiculous failure electric current. especially of an ambitious or Beulah could see that the filament finger pretentious undertaking. was broken, so she replaced the The attempt to distribute campaign bulb. finite leaflets by air turned into a fiasco adj when the wind changed direction. filasse / SfITnIt / n L > E fibrillar / fDSlas / having clear limits. L > F Phoebe’s creativity was bound by a fibrositis a vegetable fiber prepared for finite set of resources. manufacture. fibrous At the mill, sisal plants are adj processed into filasse. / SfIbrEs / L containing, consisting of, or like fibers. The fibrous content of fruits and vegetables is beneficial to the digestive system.

Page 91 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently firkin fissiparous flambeau n adj n / SfErkDn / / fiSsipErEs / / SflamTbP / D > E L + L F a British unit of weight for butter tending to break up into parts or to a flaming torch usually made by equal to 56 pounds. disintegrate : divisive, factional. combining thick wicks saturated Lord Nelson wrote, “I beg that you Strong leadership is needed to keep with a quick-burning substance (as will send us the following articles: the fissiparous tendencies of the pitch). 50 pounds loaf sugar, 1 firkin of political party in check. A procession of skiers zigzagged good butter, and 2 pounds of black down the slope, each of them pepper.” fissure bearing a flambeau. n firmament / SfishE(r) / flamboyantly n L adv / SfErmEmEnt / [has homonym: fisher] a narrow / flamSbOi(y)EntlG / L > E opening, chasm, or crack of some F the vault or arch of the sky : length and considerable depth in a showy and unrestrained heavens. usually occurring from some manner. Carmen looked to the firmament breaking, rending, or parting. At the pep rally the students for a sign, but none was A fissure ran through Irene’s flamboyantly demonstrated their forthcoming. backyard after the earthquake. support for the football team. firnification fisticuffs flamenco n n pl n / TfirnEfDSkCshEn / / SfistDTkEfs / / flESmeN(T)kP / G + L > E E + E D > Sp the process whereby snow becomes a fight with the fists : boxing. [has near homonym: flamingo] a partially compacted and forms the The two campers’ friendly rivalry vigorous rhythmic dance of the surface part of the upper end of a ended in a round of mock fisticuffs. Andalusian Gypsies. glacier. The dancer entertained the patrons Solid ice is the end product of flageolet at the Spanish restaurant with a firnification. rousing flamenco. flagitious fiscal flamingo adj flagitiously n / SfiskEl / adv / flESmiN(T)gP / F > Sp / flESjishEslG / L > OProv > Sp > Pg of or relating to financial matters. L > E [has near homonym: flamenco] Several of the president’s advisors in a grossly wicked manner. any of several aquatic birds that on fiscal policy are participating in The criminal was sentenced to ten have remarkably long legs and the symposium. years’ imprisonment for his neck, webbed feet, and usually flagitiously cruel assault. rosy-white plumage. fissile Tom and his buddies placed a giant adj flagon plastic pink flamingo on the roof of / SfisEl / n the school. L / SflagEn / capable of being split, cleft, or Gmc? > L > F > E flammable divided in the direction of the grain [has near homonym: flacon] a adj or along natural planes of cleavage. large usually metal or pottery / SflamEbEl / The fissile quality of cedar makes it vessel with handle and spout and L an excellent material for often a lid used to hold liquid. capable of being easily ignited and boxmaking. The knights passed around a flagon of burning with extreme rapidity. of ale before riding off to battle. Both gasoline and kerosene are fission flammable, but gasoline is more flail explosive.

Page 92 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently flammeous fleabane floppety adj n adj / SflamGEs / / SflGTbCn / / SflBpEZG / L E + E E imit consisting of or resembling the any of various plants of the family soft and flexible. color of flame. Compositae that are supposed to Moira purchased her floppety Flammeous maple leaves carpeted drive away fleas. straw hat during a visit to Key the lawn of the inn. A young rabbit was hidden under a West. clump of fleabane. flammiferous florid adj fleeciness adj / flaSmif(E)rEs / / SflOrDd / L + Ecf flexibility L producing flame or bright with [has near homonym: fluoride] flame. flexuosity flushed or tinged with red : ruddy. The flammiferous volcano was an Marsha’s face was florid when she awesome spectacle to behold. flibbertigibbet finished her five-mile run. n flaneur / SflibE(r)ZGTjibDt / floriferous E adj flange a light-minded or silly restless / flPSrif(E)rEs / n person. L + Ecf / Sflanj / Mrs. French proved far less of a bearing flowers; especially : F? > E flibbertigibbet than the world took blooming freely. a rim or edge projecting at right her to be. Begonias are floriferous even in the angles to provide a means of shade. attachment to another part. flimflammer The plumber pointed out a chipped florilegium flange that had caused the leak. flippant n adj / TflPrESlGjGEm / flannel / SflipEnt / L adj imit? + Ecf a volume or collection of brief / SflanFl / treating or tending to treat with extracts or writings : anthology. W > E unsuitable levity that which is Frank pulled a tattered florilegium a napped cotton fabric of soft serious or to which respect is due. from the shelf. yarns. The principal chastised Clyde and The sleeves of his plaid flannel his friends for their flippant floruit shirt were rolled back to the elbow. behavior during the memorial service. flotilla flannelette n flocculent / flPStilE / flautino ON > F > Sp n flokati a small fleet or a fleet of small / flaUStG(T)nP / n watercraft. It / flPSkBtG / The Boy Scouts launched a flotilla a small flute : piccolo. Gk of toy sailboats across the lake. Harriet plays many wind a hand-woven Greek wool rug with instruments, but she especially a thick shaggy pile. flotsam enjoys playing flautino in a Katina loves to hear the story of n baroque music group. how her grandparents came to the / SflBtsEm / United States with all their F > AF flaxen possessions wrapped in one flokati. wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on the sea. Flotsam is part of wreckage, whereas jetsam has been deliberately cast overboard.

flourish

Page 93 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fluctuant fluvial foliage adj adj n / SflEkchEwEnt / / SflVvGEl / / SfPl(G)ij / L L F&L moving like a wave : varying and of or relating to rivers. the mass of leaves of a plant as unstable. A lawyer specializing in fluvial law produced in nature : leafage. The fluctuant beam from Amy’s told Emmett that he could claim Tourists who come to see fall flashlight resulted from weak possession of the newly formed foliage at its peak are sometimes batteries. island in the Rum River. referred to as “leaf peepers.” flue fluxion foliiform n adj flummery / SflEkshEn / / SfPlGETfOrm / n L F / SflEm(E)rG / the action of flowing. having the shape of a leaf. W The fluxion of many liquids slows In October, Rhoda and Lamar porridge made of flour or meal. in cold weather. decorated the classroom windows Hulbert made flummery for dessert. with foliiform cutouts. fogginess fluorescent n folliculitis adj / SfOgGnDs / n / flU(E)SresFnt / Scand? + Ecff / fETlikyESlIZDs / L > F + L > Ecf the quality or state of being covered L [has homonym: florescent] or enveloped with vapor condensed inflammation of one or more small emitting electromagnetic radiation to fine particles of water suspended cavities in the skin. especially in the form of visible in the lower atmosphere. An ingrown hair on Bo’s cheek light. Severe fogginess was blamed for resulted in folliculitis. The fluorescent bulb above Gary’s the ten-car pileup on the cubicle thrummed noisily. expressway. folliculose fluoridation foible fontinal n n adj / TflUrESdCshEn / / SfOibEl / / SfBntFnEl / L + Ecff F L the adding of a binary compound of a minor flaw or shortcoming in growing in or near springs. fluorine to drinking water. personal character or behavior : Cottonwoods are well-known Fluoridation has been proven to failing, weakness. fontinal trees throughout the deter tooth decay. Kevin’s tendency to procrastinate American Southwest. is a foible he claims he will one day fluorocarbon correct. foraminate n adj / SflU(E)rPTkBrbEn / foist / fESramETnCt / L + L v L any of a class of chemically inert / SfOist / perforated. compounds (as tetrafluoroethylene) D Sid examined the foraminate leaf composed entirely of carbon and force another to accept especially under a microscope. fluorine and used chiefly as by stealth or deceit. lubricants and in making resins and Brent knew that Karen would foist foray plastics. another kitten upon him if he n Fluorocarbon is used to make the wasn’t careful. / SfOTrC / nonstick coatings for pots and F > E pans. foliaceous a raid or brief invasion. Captain McMaster led his troops on a foray into the village.

forbearance

forceps

Page 94 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently foreclosable formicivorous fortuitous adj adj foreignness / TfOrmESsiv(E)rEs / / fO(r)StVEZEs / L + Ecf + L + Ecf L forensic feeding on ants. occurring by chance without Formicivorous woodpeckers spend evident causal need or relation or forensics much of their time on the ground without deliberate intention. n pl looking for ants. Their meeting was fortuitous, but / fESren(t)siks / Dan and Mattie believed that they L formidable had been destined to be together. the art or study of argumentative adj discourse. / SfO(r)mDdEbEl / fossil Tara’s performance in her class in L > E forensics practically guaranteed tending to inspire awe or wonder fossilize her a spot on the debate club team. usually by reason of notable size, v quantity, superiority, or excellence. / SfBsETlIz / foreordain Though the competition was L > ISV formidable, Bernie was confident turn (as remains of organisms from forestallment he would emerge victorious. past geologic eras) into a mineralized form in Earth’s crust. forfeit forsooth Since not all plant materials v adv fossilize equally well, some plants / SfOrfDt / / fE(r)SsVth / will be preserved and others will L > F > E E vanish in the course of time. lose or lose the right to by some in truth : certainly. error, fault, offense, or crime. Forsooth, the queen was the most fossorial Individuals who are convicted of a beautiful woman in the world. adj felony forfeit their right to vote. / fBSsPrGEl / forsythia L forfeiture n adapted to digging. / fE(r)SsithGE / Gophers are fossorial rodents forgeable Brit name having strong claws on their any plant of a small genus of forelimbs. forgotten ornamental shrubs that have bright yellow flowers which appear before foudroyant formaldehyde the leaves in early spring. n The gardener planted forsythia fougasse / fOrmSaldEThId / along the entire outer edge of the L + Ar > Sp > L + L + Gk yard. foul an aqueous solution that is used adj chiefly as a disinfectant and fortemente / SfaUl / preservative. E The medical laboratory contained fortieth offensive to the senses : rotten. specimens preserved in The spoiled contents of the formaldehyde. fortitude refrigerator created an extremely n foul odor. formicary / SfO(r)ZETtVd / n L > E foulard / SfOrmETkerG / the strength or firmness of mind L that enables a person to encounter foundation an ant hill or ant nest. danger with coolness and courage. Junior made the mistake of sitting John Kennedy displayed on a formicary of red ants. exceptional fortitude after his patrol boat was attacked during World War II.

Page 95 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently foundry fraud fresco n n n / SfaUndrG / / SfrOd / / SfresTkP / F L > F > E Gmc > It a building or establishment where deceit, trickery; especially : the art of painting on freshly spread metal or glass casting is carried on. misrepresentation intended to moist lime plaster with pigments The students saw molten metal induce another to part with suspended in a water vehicle. being poured into engine block something of value or to surrender Fresco is a demanding technique molds at the foundry. a legal right. because the image cannot be Joel is suing his former manager changed after the plaster dries. fracas for fraud and breach of contract. Freudian fraction fraudulent adj adj / SfrOidGEn / fragile / SfrOjElEnt / Austrian name + Ecf L of, relating to, or according with fragrant characterized by or based on the theories of Austrian neurologist trickery or deceit especially when Sigmund Freud and his system of frailty involving misrepresentation. psychoanalysis. The manufacturer was charged A Freudian slip of the tongue may franchise with fraudulent advertising. reveal the speaker’s deep-seated concerns and reasons for action. franchisee fraught n adj friable / TfranchISzG / / SfrOt / adj L > F + Ecf OFris? > G > D > E / SfrIEbEl / one who is granted a right to burdened or menaced with. L > F operate a unit in a chain of business The work of the firefighter is easily crumbled, pulverized, or establishments. fraught with danger. reduced to powder. The franchisee agreed to pay the The sand sculpture was so friable franchisor an initial fee and a freckles that it crumbled in Carl’s hands percentage of gross sales. when he tried to pick it up. freight frangible fricassee adj fremitus n / SfranjEbEl / / SfrikETsG / L frenetically F capable of being broken : adv a stew of meat or other foods in breakable, brittle, fragile. / frDSneZDk(E)lG / light or brown gravy. Road signs are designed to be Gk > L > F > E Mrs. Delaney prefers to make her frangible so that they won’t in a frenzied, hectic manner. fricassee with chicken. severely damage cars that hit them. Four dancers moved frenetically around the stage. friend frankincense n frescade friendliness / SfraNkDnTsen(t)s / n E / fresSkCd / frieze a gum resin containing volatile oil. Gmc > OProv > F Aunt Ruby likes to burn a cool walk : shady place. frigorific frankincense at Christmastime. The landscape architect’s adj suggestion of a long frescade under / TfrigESrifik / fraternal a grape arbor thrilled her client. L causing cold. Michael was curious about how the frigorific device for wine bottles could possibly work.

Page 96 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently frisson frondeur fruticetum n n n / frGSsPM / / frPMdQQr / / TfrVZESsGZEm / L > F L? > F L shudder, quiver, chill; especially : a rebel, malcontent, dissident. a collection of shrubs grown for pleasurable sensation of fright or The mayor’s denouncement ornament or study. gloom : thrill. referred to Jules as a “frondeur.” At the botanical garden, the Amy suddenly awakened from a arboretum and fruticetum were nightmare and felt a frisson of frontispiece combined under one roof. terror. n / SfrEntDTspGs / fruticose frittata L > F n an illustration preceding and fuchsia / frGStBZE / usually facing the title page of a L > It book or magazine. fudge an unfolded omelet often Morgan was hired to draw the containing chopped vegetables or school yearbook’s frontispiece. fughetta meats. n Tony’s frittata was filled with fronton / f(y)VSgeZE / seasoned asparagus tips. n It / SfrBnTtBn / a short or condensed musical piece frivolity L > It > F in which one or two melodic n a court or building for the game of themes are repeated by / frDSvBlEZG / jai alai. successively entering voices. L > F The fronton looked bigger on The Vienna Boys’ Choir performed the quality or state of being not television than in actuality. a fughetta in their concert at St. serious : playfulness. Paul’s Cathedral. The Mardi Gras celebration was froufrou marked by boisterousness and n fugitive frivolity. / SfrVTfrV / F imit fugue frivolous abundant or excessive adj ornamentation (as ruffles, beading, fulgurant / Sfriv(E)lEs / flowers) in women’s clothing. adj L > E The slippers covered with froufrou / SfUlg(y)ErEnt / of little weight or importance. had to be “for looks” only. L Mr. Peterson offered only frivolous flashing like lightning : dazzling. remarks at the hearing. frugal Emily’s fulgurant diamond brooch adj attracted many eyes at the dinner frolic / SfrVgEl / party. L frolicking economical in the use or fuliginous expenditure of resources. adj frolicsome The “Golden Fleece Award” was / fyVSlijEnEs / adj started by Senator William L / SfrBlikTsEm / Proxmire, who advocated a more having the color of soot : dark, L + Ecf frugal government. dusky. full of gaiety and mirth : playful. Smoke-belching factories cast a Each year the Kentucky Derby fruition fuliginous cloud over the entire attracts horse lovers who enjoy the n city. frolicsome festivities associated / frVSishEn / with the race. L > F > E fulsome the state of being real, adj accomplished, or complete. / SfUlsEm / The new civic center came to E fruition after many years’ planning offensive to the senses : disgusting. and labor. The fulsome odor of a skunk drove the campers out of their tent.

Page 97 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fulvous fuselage galaxy adj n / SfUlvEs / / SfyVsETlBzh / galette L F dull brownish yellow. the central body portion of an gallantry When Mr. Brown’s soybean field airplane designed to accommodate turned fulvous, he knew it was time the crew and the passengers or galleon to harvest. cargo. n Leslie pointed out the bulbous / SgalGEn / fumigate fuselage of a Boeing 747 on the F > Sp tarmac. [has homonyms and near funambulist homonym: gallein, Gallian and n fusillade Galium] a heavily built chiefly / fyVSnambyElDst / n square-rigged sailing ship of the L / SfyVsETlCd / 15th to early 18th centuries. an acrobat who performs feats on a F Traci built a model of a Spanish rope extended through the air at a number of shots fired galleon out of matchsticks for her some height. simultaneously or in rapid history project. A hush came over the crowd as the succession especially with small funambulist balanced himself on arms : volley. gallery one foot. The first rank of infantrymen fired n a fusillade, sank to their knees, and / Sgal(E)rG / fungicide waited for the second rank to fire geog name > L > F n over their heads. a platform projecting from one or / SfEnjETsId / more interior walls (as of a theater) L gabbro for additional accommodation (as an agent that destroys a group of n of a part of an audience); especially lower plants including molds, rusts, / Sga(T)brP / : the highest of such platforms in a mildews, mushrooms, and yeasts. L? > It theater commonly having the A fungicide was sprayed on the a rock of a family of granular cheapest seats. apple trees to protect the fruit. igneous rocks. For the opera’s opening An outcropping of gabbro showed performance there wasn’t a vacant furfuraceous through the soil. seat in the entire gallery. adj / TfErf(y)ESrCshEs / gadabout gallimaufry L n consisting of or covered with flaky gadgeteer / TgalESmOfrG / particles : scaly, scurfy. F The dermatologist recommended a gainsay medley, mixture, hodgepodge, dandruff-removing shampoo to v jumble. treat Linda’s furfuraceous scalp. / SgCnTsC / Ever since her around-the-world E trip, Lindsey uses a gallimaufry of furibund speak against : contradict. foreign phrases when she speaks. The ruling of the umpire allowed furlough no one to gainsay his decision. galling n / SfEr(T)lP / gait gallipot D a leave of absence granted to a gaiter gallop governmental or institutional employee (as a soldier, civil galactic galloping servant, or missionary). adj adj While on furlough last year, the / gESlaktik / / SgalEpiN / Lees raised $10,000 for the dental Gk > L F clinic. extremely great : huge. marked by a bounding and fast Ralph was overwhelmed by the natural three-beat gait of a horse. furniture store’s galactic profusion of A galloping horse splashed through merchandise. the waves on Sunset Beach.

Page 98 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gallyware ganglion garlion n n galore / SgaNglGEn / / SgBrlyEn / adj Gk > L E + L > F > E / gESlP(E)r / a mass of nerve tissue containing a hybrid vegetable resulting from a IrGael nerve cells. cross between garlic and onion. abundant, plentiful, profuse. Each insect ganglion controls Shannon uses garlion in her Edie found bargains galore at the certain activities and is more or spaghetti sauce. flea market. less independent of the others. garnishee gambado gangrene v n n / TgBrnDSshG / / gamSbC(T)dP / / SgaNTgrGn / Gmc > F > E + Ecf It Gk > L take by legal writ the wages or a long boot or legging attached to local death of soft tissues (as from other property of a debtor. each side of a saddle to protect the disease, injury, or infection) Norton was afraid the court would rider’s feet and legs from the wet or resulting from loss of blood supply. garnishee his entire salary to pay cold. The soldier knew that if gangrene his back taxes. Preparing for a ride in the rain, the set in, his wounded leg would need horseman attached a gambado to to be amputated. garrison each stirrup strap. garage garrulous gambit adj gardenesque / SgarElEs / gamble adj L / TgBrdFnSesk / given to conversation : loquacious, gambol Gmc > F > E + Ecf talkative. v resembling or relating to a plot of The old colonel turned quite / SgambEl / land devoted to the growing of garrulous when talking of war. GK > L > OProv > F herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables. [has homonym: gamble] bound or Rosita turned her balcony into a gasconade spring as in dancing or play. gardenesque area with vines and v Susan watched the fawns gambol in potted plants. / TgaskESnCd / the field. F name garderobe boast or bluster especially to gamopetalous n excess. adj / SgBrTdrPb / Mr. Clay could gasconade at such / TgamESpeZFlEs / F > E length that his listeners became Gk a wardrobe or its contents. bored. having the corolla composed of The seamstress hung the completed united petals. gown in the garderobe. gaseous The flowers of the huckleberry, adj bluebell, and foxglove are gargantuan / SgasGEs / gamopetalous. adj L / gBrSganch(Ew)En / having the form of or being a fluid gamut F name (as air) that has neither independent n of tremendous size or volume. shape nor volume but tends to / SgamEt / The seemingly gargantuan gorilla expand indefinitely. Gk > L in the movie was really a four-foot- The energy required to completely an entire range from one extreme to high computerized model. separate one mole of a solid ionic another. compound into gaseous ions is The gamut of fall fashions included garish called “lattice energy.” micro-miniskirts as well as ankle- length dresses. gasification

gastric

Page 99 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gastriloquist gauleiter gendarme n n n / gaSstrilEkwDst / / SgaUTlIZE(r) / / SzhBnTdBrm / Gk + L G F ventriloquist. a political functionary occupying a a continental European police Lanny hired a gastriloquist to subordinate but important position officer; especially : a French police entertain at Betsy’s birthday party. in a totalitarian regime. officer. The memoirs of the gauleiter The gendarme asked the victim for gastronomical contained little of historical a description of the mugger. importance. gastronomy genealogy n gauze n / gaSstrBnEmG / / TjGnGSBlEjG / Gk > F gazelle Gk the art or science of good eating : n a study of family ancestral lines epicurism. / gESzel / and the methods of investigation of Chef Bernie specializes in French Ar > F them. gastronomy. any of numerous small graceful and Many Americans interested in swift African and Asian antelopes genealogy eventually come to the gauche noted for the luster and soft National Archives in Washington, adj expression of their eyes. D.C., to do research. / SgPsh / The fawn and white coloration of Gmc > F the gazelle serves to minimize generalissimo lacking in social graces or ease, detection by predators. tact, and familiarity with polite generosity usage. gazetteer Gertrude was embarrassed by her n genesis cousin’s gauche behavior at the / TgazESti(E)r / christening. Venetian dialect > It > F genethliacal a geographical dictionary in which gaucherie names and descriptions of places geniohyoid n are usually given in alphabetical / SgPshETrG / order. genitive Gmc > F Chandra consulted her gazetteer to a tactless or awkward action; often find the capital of Sri Lanka. genocide : a bit of social or literary crudity. n Daphne’s mom told her that using gazpacho / SjenETsId / one’s dinner napkin as a n Gk + L handkerchief is an unforgivable / gASspA(T)chP / the use of deliberate systematic gaucherie. Sp measures calculated to bring about a soup made of uncooked chopped the extermination of a racial, gaufrette tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, political, or cultural group. n onion, garlic with vinegar, oil, and What stands between civilization / gOSfret / condiments, and served cold. and genocide is the respect for the F The restaurant was famous for its rights and lives of all human a wafer of crisply fried potato cut gazpacho. beings. to resemble a small waffle. At the summer festival the French gelatigenous genre restaurant featured gaufrette. n gelatinous / SzhB(M)nrE / adj L > F / jESlatFnEs / a category of artistic composition L > It > F + Ecf characterized by a particular style, resembling gelatin or jelly form, or content. especially in appearance and Most of the director’s work has consistency. been in the genre of science fiction. Troy stepped on a gelatinous mass of frog eggs. gentian

Page 100 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gentilitial geosyncline gerrymander adj n v / TjentESlishEl / / TjG(T)PSsinTklIn / / SjerGTmandE(r) / L + Ecf Gk American name + Gk > L relating or peculiar to a people or a a great downward flexure of Earth's divide (an area) into political units family. crust. so as to give special advantages to In 1917 the gentilitial name of A deep layer of sediment has one group. Britain’s royal family was changed accumulated in the geosyncline. The governor vetoed the bill that to Windsor. would gerrymander a county in geranium favor of his opponent. gentility n / jESrCnGEm / gerund genuflect Gk > L n v any of a widely distributed genus of / SjerEnd / / SjenyETflekt / plants having regular usually white, L L pink, or purple flowers. the English verbal noun ending in - touch the knee to the floor or For decoration, Anita placed a ing. ground especially in worship. potted geranium at the side of the In the sentence “Swimming is Amy asked the tour guide if front door. Claudia’s favorite activity,” the everyone had to genuflect upon word swimming is a gerund. entering the cathedral. geriatrics n pl gestapo geochrony / TjerGSatriks / n n Gk + E / gDSstB(T)pP / / jGSBkrEnG / a branch of medicine that deals G acronym Gk with the problems and diseases of a secret-police organization that a system of time divisions used in old age and aging people. operates especially against persons geology. Marie’s expertise in geriatrics suspected of treason or sedition and In geochrony, time is divided into made her well qualified to work in employs means held to be eras, periods, and epochs. the city’s Department of Aging. underhanded and terrorist. In the novel, morality became geodesy germane nothing more than subservience to n adj the dictates of the ruthless gestapo. / jGSBdEsG / / jE(r)SmCn / Gk L > F > E gesticulate a branch of applied mathematics having a close relationship : v used to determine the exact appropriate, pertinent. / jeSstikyETlCt / positions and areas of large Judge Beacon ruled that the L portions of Earth’s surface and plaintiff’s past record was not make gestures or motions of the also the gravitational field of Earth. germane to the current case. body or limbs especially when An expert in geodesy, Dr. Buck speaking. determined the variation in gravity germicide The way public figures gesticulate between the highest and lowest n while talking is often fodder for points of Earth’s exposed surface. / SjErmETsId / comedians. L > F geognosy an agent that destroys germs (as gesture n disease germs). n / jGSBgnEsG / Mouthwash is a common / Sjes(h)chE(r) / Gk + Gk germicide. L a branch of geology that deals with a movement usually of the body or the materials of Earth and its gerontocracy limbs that symbolizes or general exterior and interior emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or constitution. attitude. Hilda’s research in geognosy When Alex made the winning involved classifying several kinds touchdown, Coach Miller swung of minerals and recording their his hands up in the air as a gesture distribution throughout the world. of victory. geometric

Page 101 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gesundheit gimmicky gizzard interj adj n / gESzUntThIt / / SgimDkG / / SgizE(r)d / G unknown + Ecf Iranian? > L > F > E —used to wish good health having or being like a new and the muscular enlargement of the especially to one who has just ingenious device, scheme, or idea alimentary canal of birds that sneezed. with a novel or unconventional serves to grind the food, its “Gesundheit” echoed throughout twist. muscular action being commonly the school when Mr. Brown The advertisement displayed assisted by gravel swallowed by the sneezed during an intercom gimmicky gizmos, such as a bird. announcement. wristwatch that played Notre Aunt Lena’s favorite part of the Dame’s fight song. chicken is the gizzard. ghastliness gingham glabrescent ghastly n adj / SgiNEm / glabrous / SgastlG / Malay adj E a fabric in plain weave made in / SglCbrEs / giving rise to terror : frightening. solid colors, checks, plaids, and L The gnarled trees appeared ghastly stripes. having an epidermal covering that in the moonlight. Betsy made curtains of blue is totally or relatively devoid of gingham for her kitchen. hairs or down. ghetto Mr. Franklin showed the first gingivitis graders that reptiles, unlike ghoul n mammals, are completely glabrous. / TjinjESvIZDs / giallolino L glacial inflammation of the gums. adj gibberish To prevent gingivitis Beth has her / SglCshEl / teeth cleaned regularly. L gibbous extremely cold, frigid, freezing. adj ginglymus A glacial wind withered the roses / SjibEs / n overnight. L > F > E / SjiNglDmEs / seen with more than half but not all Gk glaciology of the apparent disk of a moon or a a hinge joint admitting of motion in planet illuminated. one plane only. gladiator Vladimir and Sonya took a long In health class Jerry learned that n romantic walk under the gibbous the humerus and the ulna are / SgladGTCZE(r) / Moon. connected by a ginglymus. Celt > L a person engaged in a fight to the gigantesque giraffe death as public entertainment for n ancient Romans. gigantic / jESraf / The victorious gladiator was adj Ar > It cheered by the excited crowd in the / jISgantik / a large fleet African ruminant Coliseum. Gk mammal that is the tallest of living greater in size than the usual or quadrupeds and has a very long glasphalt expected. neck and a short coat with dark The American flag flying over the blotches separated by pale lines. service station is so gigantic that it Each giraffe has a unique pattern can be seen from a mile away. of coat markings that distinguishes it from all other giraffes. gimmick girth

Page 102 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently glaucoma glissade glottogonic n v adj / glOSkPmE / / glDSsBd / / TglBZPSgBnik / Gk > L F Gk a disease of the eye marked by move along smoothly and of or relating to the origin of increased pressure within the effortlessly : glide. language. eyeball that damages the optic disk Kris watched the skaters glissade Three Russian linguists lectured on and results in gradual loss of vision over the frozen pond. their glottogonic research. and ultimate blindness. Ophthalmologists routinely test for glissando gloxinia glaucoma as part of their eye n n examinations. / glDSsBn(T)dP / / glBkSsinGE / F + It G name glaucous a rapid series of consecutive notes a greenhouse herb having large adj played on a piano, harp, or other flowers with a turbinate calyx and / SglOkEs / similar instrument by sliding one or irregular bell-shaped corolla; Gk more fingers across adjacent keys especially : a Brazilian herb that is [has homonym: Glaucus] of a pale or strings. the source of many horticultural yellow green color. Joachim diligently practiced the varieties. The antique glass beads had a glissando at the end of the first Charlena’s gloxinia bears bright glaucous color that matched movement. pink, trumpetlike flowers in early Pamela’s dress exactly. summer. globule glazier glucose n glockenspiel n / SglCzhE(r) / n / SglVTkPs / E / SglBkEnTs(h)pGl / Gk > F [has near homonyms: glacier, Celt > G the sweet colorless sugar that glazer] one whose work is cutting a percussion musical instrument occurs especially in plant saps and and setting glass. consisting of a series of graduated fruits and normally in blood. Mom called a glazier who agreed metal bars tuned to the chromatic Glucose is formed from water and to repair our broken window on scale and played with two carbon dioxide by photosynthesis. Thursday. hammers. The glockenspiel tinkled to life as gluttonously glimpse its player joined in a rendition of adv n Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” / SglEt(F)nEslG / / Sglim(p)s / L > F > E E glogg in a manner marked by excess in a brief fleeting look : a momentary n eating and drinking especially or incomplete view. / SglUg / when habitual. From the taxi the passengers Sw After eating gluttonously, Jack took caught a glimpse of the Jefferson a Swedish hot punch made from a a short nap on the couch. Memorial. sweetened highly spiced mixture of wines, almonds, raisins, and glycogen glioma usually orange peel. n Each evening a bowl of hot glogg gnocchi / glISPmE / awaited the returning skiers. n pl Gk / SnBkG / a tumor arising from the tissue glomerulus Gmc? > It which supports the essential dumplings of a pasta often made elements of nervous tissue. glossary with cheese or riced potato and An examination by our veterinarian served with a sauce. revealed that the problems our dog Celeste ladled a cream sauce over was having were caused by a the gnocchi before serving them. glioma. gnome

gnomon

Page 103 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently goalie gonfalon gorilla n n n / SgPlG / / SgBnfETlBn / / gESrilE / E F > It Gk > L a player who defends the goal in [Note: Could be confused with [has homonym: guerrilla] an various games. synonym gonfanon.] a flag that anthropoid ape of the forest region Jake rifled off shot after shot on hangs from a crosspiece or frame. of equatorial West Africa. goal, but the goalie was too good. As a distinguished alumnus, Walter The behavior of the gorilla has was asked to carry the gonfalon of been extensively studied by goatee the College of Arts and Sciences at anthropologists and zoologists. n the graduation ceremony. / (T)gPStG / gory E gongorism a small trim pointed or tufted beard n gosling on a man’s chin. / SgBNgETrizEm / n Sally wanted to know why she Sp name / SgBzliN / couldn’t have a goatee when she an excessively involved, ornate, E grew up. and artificial style of writing. a young goose. In his later years, the poet lapsed Judy rescued a stray gosling from gobemouche into gongorism. Mrs. Porter’s cat. n / (T)gPbSmVsh / goosander gossamer F + L > F n a credulous person; especially : one gorgeous / SgBsEmE(r) / who believes everything heard. adj E Jack’s brothers are always making / SgOrjEs / a fine filmy substance consisting of up fantastic stories to tell him F > E fragments or strands of cobweb because he is such a gobemouche. characterized by brilliance or often seen floating in air in calm magnificence of any kind. clear weather or caught on grass or goldenrod The parade floats were gorgeous bushes. n with their array of flowers. The dew and gossamer had dried / SgPldEnTrBd / from the grass by midmorning. E + E gorget a yellow flower with long stalks n gossip with small clusters of petals. / SgOrjDt / n Many people are allergic to the F / SgBsDp / goldenrod. a specially colored patch on the E throat. rumor, report, tattle, or behind-the- golem The woodpecker sported a broad scenes information especially of an n black gorget and beautiful red and intimate or personal nature. / SgPlEm / white plumage. “Turn a deaf ear to gossip,” Heb > Yiddish advised Mrs. Dunbar. an artificial figure constructed to gorgonize represent a human being and v gouge endowed with life. / SgO(r)gETnIz / n Some people believe that Mary Gk name / SgaUj / Shelley based her story of stupefy, petrify. Celt > L > F > E Frankenstein on the ancient Jewish The glare of Mrs. McGillicutty has a chisel for scooping or cutting tradition of the golem. the potential to gorgonize even the holes, channels, or grooves (as in most arrogant student. wood or stone). gondola Adrian used a gouge to incise a leaf pattern on the bench. gondolier

Page 104 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gourami grallatorial grandiose n adj adj / gVSrBmG / / TgralEStPrGEl / / SgrandGTPs / Malay L L > It > F any of several small brightly of or belonging to the wading birds. impressive because of uncommon colored Asian fishes often kept in The horned screamer is a South largeness, scope, effect, grandeur, the tropical aquarium. American grallatorial bird with a or majesty. Jonathan bought a colorful long projection on its forehead and Cleo didn’t want to listen to all of gourami for his new aquarium. a shrill cry. Nicolette’s grandiose ideas for the party. gourd grammar n granophyre gourmet / SgramE(r) / n Gk > L > F > E granule / TgU(E)rSmC / a branch of linguistic study that F deals with the classes of words, graphospasm a connoisseur in eating and their means of indicating relation to drinking. each other, and their functions in grapnel At the market the gourmet chose his the sentence as employed according ingredients with the greatest of to established usage. graticule care. Mrs. Cates makes sure that her n students can define the eight parts / SgraZDTkyVl / governess of speech before she progresses to L n other aspects of grammar. the network of lines of latitude and / SgEvE(r)nDs / longitude upon which a map is Gk > L > F > E grammatically drawn. a woman entrusted with the care Jeff plotted a graticule before he and supervision of a child or young gramophile began to draw his map of the person; especially : a female n islands. teacher employed in a private / SgramETfIl / household. Gk gratinate Alice plans to enroll in a course a lover and protector of old v that will enable her to be a certified phonograph records. / SgratFnTCt / governess. Earl became a real gramophile F > Ecf after inheriting his uncle’s record cook with a covering of buttered gracile collection. crumbs or grated cheese until a crust or crisp surface forms. gracility grandeur Mom decided to gratinate the n n macaroni for lunch. / graSsilEZG / / SgranjE(r) / L L > F gratuitous the quality of being pleasing in personal greatness characterized movement. chiefly by dignity of character, gravel David’s youthful gracility was one largeness of spirit, or significant of his chief assets as a dancer. scope of accomplishment. graveolent After Katherine Graham’s death, adj grackle many magazines ran feature / grESvGElEnt / articles describing her grandeur in L gradient the world of newspapers. having a rank smell. Elaine quickly disposed of the graffiti grandiloquence rotten, graveolent egg. n / granSdilEkwEn(t)s / L the use of lofty words or phrases : bombast. Professor Simon’s grandiloquence failed to impress Robbie.

Page 105 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gravitate grievous gristmill v adj / SgravETtCt / / SgrGvEs / grizzled L F > E move casually but inexorably as causing, characterized by, or groceries though under an external force. indicative of severe physical pain Ellen tends to grativate toward the or suffering. grocery shoe store in any mall. Jason screamed as if the scratch on his leg were a grievous wound. groggy greffier n grimace grosgrain / SgrefGTC / n n L > F / SgrimDs / / SgrPTgrCn / registrar, recorder. Gmc > F F The office of the greffier is lined a deliberate or involuntary a firm fabric in plain weave. with ledgers. distortion of the face expressive of The ribbon in Alta’s hair was made some feeling (as contempt, of grosgrain. gregarious disapprobation, complacency). adj The camera caught Allie’s grimace grotesque / grDSga(a)rGEs / during the pep rally. L grovel marked by an instinctive or griot v temperamental preference for a n / SgrBvEl / social rather than a solitary / SgrG(T)P / ON > E existence. F creep on the earth or with the face Because of their gregarious nature, any of a class of musician- to the ground as one’s natural gait dogs make good house pets. entertainers of West Africa whose or manner of locomotion. performances include tribal Jacques let his pig grovel through grenadier histories and genealogies. the forest to find truffles. n While doing research for his book / TgrenESdi(E)r / Roots, Alex Haley was stunned to gruel F meet a griot who was able to tell n a soldier who carries and throws the story of how Haley’s ancestors / SgrVEl / missiles consisting of a container were captured by slavers and sent Gmc > F > E fitted with a priming charge and a to America. a liquid food made by boiling a bursting charge and filled with a cereal (as cornmeal, oatmeal, flour) destructive agent (as gas, high grisaille in water or milk. explosive, incendiary chemicals). n Isabella and her father had a nice The grenadier started the assault, / grDSzI / basin of gruel together. followed immediately by the F riflemen. painting in monochrome usually in gruyere shades of gray often as decoration gressorial to simulate sculptured relief. guardian adj The old manuscript contained a n / greSsPrGEl / grisaille of a skeleton personifying / SgBrdGEn / L death. F > AF > E adapted for walking. one to whom a person or thing is Some birds, such as the turkey, grissini committed for protection, security, have gressorial feet. or preservation. gristliness Alcibiades’ guardian was the grievance n famous statesman Pericles. / Sgris(E)lGnDs / E the quality or state of containing tough fiber or cartilage especially in table meats. When Ruth noticed the gristliness of the beef, she decided to cut it up and cook it in a stew.

Page 106 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently guava guidon gullibility n n n / SgwBvE / / SgIdBn / / TgElESbilEZG / Arawak > Sp OProv > F E + Ecff the globular yellow fruit of a small a usually swallow-tailed flag borne the quality or state of being easily shrubby tropical American tree. by a military unit usually as a unit deceived. A slice of guava topped off marker. Gertrude’s gullibility made her the Rawonda’s fruit salad. Leah was selected to carry the object of many practical jokes. guidon in the ROTC parade. gubernatorial gullible adj guignolet / TgVbE(r)nEStPrGEl / gulosity L + Ecf guile n of or relating to a governor or / gyVSlBsEZG / government. guillemot L The gubernatorial signature was excessive appetite : greediness. required for the law to become guilloche It would be much easier for Roslyn effective. n to lose weight if she could curb her / gDSlPsh / gulosity. guerdon F name? a pattern (as on metalwork) made gummiferous guernsey by interlacing curved lines. adj n The dense guilloche on the iron / TgESmif(E)rEs / / SgErnzG / gate prevented people from Egypt > Gk > L + L E geog name reaching through to turn the inside producing or bearing a colloidal an animal of the breed of fawn and knob. substance that is gelatinous when white dairy cattle producing rich moist but hardens on drying. yellowish milk. guillotine A sapodilla is a gummiferous tree. A lone guernsey grazed in the n middle of the herd of black and / SgilETtGn / gummosis white holsteins in Mr. Henley’s F name n pasture. a machine for beheading by means / TgESmPsDs / of a heavy ax or blade that slides L guess down in vertical guides. the pathological production of v The guillotine was considered a sticky exudates in plants as a result / Sges / merciful means of capital of cell degeneration. Scand? > E punishment when it was invented. Plants afflicted with gummosis are form an opinion or judgment of often beset with ants. without knowledge. guipure Harvey decided to guess how much gumption sugar to put in the pie. guitar n n / SgEm(p)shEn / guffaw / gDStBr / unknown v Gk > Ar > Sp > F blended initiative, resolution, and / (T)gESfO / [Note: Could be confused with effort. imit catarrh.] a flat-bodied stringed Of all his brothers, only Grandpa laugh noisily or coarsely. instrument with a long fretted neck had the gumption to leave the old The comic hoped that the audience and usually six strings plucked with country and come to America. members would guffaw at his jokes, a pick or with the fingers. but they merely snickered. Brett’s parents bought him an gurney acoustic guitar for his 15th n birthday. / SgErnG / American name a wheeled cot or stretcher. The gurney squeaked ominously as Heywood was wheeled into the operating room.

Page 107 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gustatory gyrations hackamore adj n / SgEstETtOrG / gyroscope / ShakETmP(E)r / L + Ecf Ar > Sp of, relating to, affecting, or gyroscopic a bridle that consists of a halter associated with the sense of taste. often of soft rope or braided Gaylord was hired as a food taster haberdasher horsehair and is used especially in because of his highly refined n breaking and training horses. gustatory skills. / ShabE(r)TdashE(r) / Charlene pulled back on the AF > E hackamore and cried “Whoa!” guttural a dealer in men’s furnishings (as adj shirts, ties, hats). hacked / SgEZErEl / Another upscale haberdasher has L > F opened a shop on Brighton Street. hackneyed being or belonging to a speech adj sound that is articulated in the habiliment / ShaknGd / throat. E geog name Guttural consonants posed a habiliments commonplace : trite. problem for Emily in German class. n pl The marketing adjective extreme / hESbilEmEn(t)s / will soon be as hackneyed as super gutturalize F and ultra. v clothing suited to or characteristic / SgEZErElIz / of a calling, occupation, or haggard L + Ecf profession : garb, costume. adj pronounce or utter with sounds Burt dressed for the rodeo in the / ShagE(r)d / articulated in the throat. habiliments of a cowboy. F Because of her German having a worn or emaciated background, Ursula has a tendency habilitate appearance caused by suffering, to gutturalize certain words. anxiety, or age. habitat Ever since she last saw him in the gymkhana n courtroom, Frank’s haggard face n / ShabETtat / and wild eyes had haunted her. / jimSkBnE / L Per&Gk > Hindi the place where a plant or animal haggis a horseback-riding meet featuring species naturally lives and grows. n games and novelty contests. The government appropriated / ShagDs / Clem practiced daily with his horse money to preserve the natural E so that he could enter several habitat of the endangered species. a pudding especially popular in events in the upcoming gymkhana. Scotland made of the heart, liver, habitual and lungs of a sheep or a calf gymnasium adj minced with suet, onions, oatmeal, / hESbich(E)wEl / and seasonings and boiled in the gypsum L stomach of the animal. n established by or repeated by force Haggis is often served on January / SjipsEm / of a developed mode of behavior 25, the birthday of the Scottish poet Sem > Gk > L that has become nearly or Robert Burns. plasterboard. completely involuntary. Kiki nailed a sheet of gypsum to the Brian had to explain his habitual hagiocracy garage wall. tardiness to the assistant principal. hagiography gyrate hacienda v n / SjITrCt / / T(h)BsGSendE / Gk > L L > Sp turn or swing back and forth often the main building of a farm or rapidly with or as if with a circular ranch. or spiral motion. A winding, tree-lined driveway led Couples on the dance floor started to the hacienda. to gyrate as a new song began.

Page 108 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently haiku hallucinogen hamulus n n / ShITkV / / hESlVsFnFTjen / handleable Jpn L + Gk an unrhymed verse form of a substance that induces hansom Japanese origin having three lines perceptions of objects with no n containing usually five, seven, and reality; especially : one taken / Shan(t)sEm / five syllables, respectively. orally. E name Compressing an image or idea into The medicine that the doctors [has homonym: handsome] a light only 17 syllables is what makes a prescribed was an effective pain two-wheeled covered carriage with haiku most challenging to compose. killer, but in larger doses it the driver’s seat elevated behind sometimes became a frightening and with the reins passed over the halberdier hallucinogen. top. Holmes and Watson jumped into a halcyon halophyte hansom and ordered the driver to adj n follow discreetly the cab ahead. / ShalsGEn / / ShalETfIt / Gk > L > E Gk + Gk haphazard pleasingly or idyllically calm or a plant that grows naturally in soils adj peaceful : serene. having a high content of various / hapShazE(r)d / Aaron spent the halcyon afternoon salts. ON > E + Ar > F > E in his hammock. Australian aborigines grind into aimless, random. flour the seeds of a halophyte that The apartment’s haphazard halibut grows in the coastal mud flats. furniture arrangement made it look n untidy. / ShalEbEt / hamadryad E n haplology the largest of the flatfishes, being / ThamESdrITad / n an inhabitant of all northern seas. Gk > L / haSplBlEjG / At the aquarium, Ernie saw a a nymph of trees and woods; Gk halibut the size of a sleeping bag. especially : a nymph whose life contraction of a word by the begins and ends with that of a omission of one or more similar halieutics particular tree. sounds or syllables in n pl Darcy sat on a bench in the pronunciation. / ThalGS(y)VZiks / arboretum and imagined she was a The use of “probly” instead of Gk hamadryad. probably in hasty speech is an the art or practice of fishing. example of haplology. Izaak Walton's The Compleat hamartia Angler is the most famous book on n happiness halieutics. / ThBTmBrStGE / Gk harangue halitosis a defect of character : error, guilt, n n or sin especially of the tragic hero / hESraN / / ThalEStPsDs / in a literary work. Gmc? > It > F > E L Overweening ambition proved to be a bombastic, ranting speech. a condition of having bad breath. Macbeth’s hamartia. Amasa’s harangue at the The new mouthwash is advertised sophomore assembly offended to cure halitosis. hamate nearly everyone. adj hallucination / ShCTmCt / harass n L / hETlVsFnSCshEn / hooked. harbinger L Elliott examined the hamate hairs n perception of objects with no on the insect’s forelegs. / ShBrbDnjEr / reality. Gmc > F > E Maynard swears that the ghost he hammering something that presages or saw was no hallucination. foreshadows what is to come. hammock The howling wind was the harbinger of a storm.

Page 109 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hardiness harpsichord hassock n n n / ShBrdGnDs / / ShBrpsETkOrd / / ShasDk / E L > It E the capability of endurance or a keyboard instrument resembling a bulky upholstered footstool. resistance. the grand piano in shape and Phyllis decided to purchase the The rose’s hardiness was severely producing tones by the plucking of wing chair with the matching tested by a cold snap. wire strings with quills or leather hassock. points. hare Kristin heard the jangling tones of hatchet n the harpsichord through the / Sha(a)(E)r / practice room door. hauberk E n [has homonym: hair] any of harridan / ShO(T)bErk / various timid long-eared gnawing n Gmc > F > E mammals with a divided upper lip, / SharEdEn / a long tunic of ring or chain mail long strong hind legs adapted to F? that with a close-fitting helmet and leaping, and a short tail. a haggard old woman. a shield constituted the main Most schoolchildren have heard the Ruth asked a woman in the town defensive armor of the 12th to 14th story of the tortoise and the hare. square if she could take her centuries. picture, but the harridan just shook Most of the Norman soldiers wore haricot her fist at her and walked away. a hauberk, which was put on over n the head. / SharETkP / harrier F haulage the ripe seed or the unripe pod of harrumph n any of several beans used as a v / ShOlij / vegetable. / hESrEm(p)f / Gmc > F > E The baby nibbled on a haricot and imit a charge made for transporting wrinkled her nose. make a pompous throat-clearing something. sound. Paul's final bill for his new car Harlequin Monique wished that Mr. Nickels included haulage for transportation adj wouldn’t harrumph directly into the from the factory to the dealer. / ShBrlDk(w)Dn / microphone. E > F > It > F haunted a stock character in comedy and hartal adj pantomime who appears variously n / ShOntEd / as a clown and a magician and / hBrStBl / Gmc > F > E usually wears a mask and Hindi inhabited by or as if by apparitions variegated tights and carries a concerted cessation of work and : frequented by ghosts. wooden sword. business especially as a protest The deserted Victorian house The children especially enjoyed the against a political situation. outside town is said to be haunted. buffoonish antics of the Harlequin. The Goa liberation committee called a hartal on Friday in hauteur harmonica memory of Indians killed by n Portuguese fire on Monday. / hOStEr / harness F n hartebeest [has near homonyms: auteur and / ShBrnDs / n hotter] an assumption of superiority ON > F > E / ShBrZETbGst / : arrogant or condescending the gear or tackle other than a yoke D > Afrikaans manner. of a draft animal such as a horse. a large African antelope with short The young couple was put off by The horse pulling the carriage ringed divergent horns. the waiter’s hauteur. through Central Park had silver The hartebeest grazes mainly on bells on its harness that jingled the open plains and scrublands of haversack whenever the driver shook the sub-Saharan Africa. reins. harpoon

Page 110 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently havoc hebdomad heifer n n n / ShavEk / / ShebdETmad / / ShefE(r) / Gmc > F > AF > E Gk E wide and general damage or a group of seven. a young cow. destruction. Though some people think there is This year’s blue-ribbon heifer The havoc created by the hurricane just a hebdomad of stars in the belongs to Mrs. Cates. made the area look like a war zone. Pleiades, there are actually many more. heinous hazardous adj hebetate heinousness / ShazE(r)dEs / v n Ar > F > E / ShebETtCt / / ShCnEsnDs / exposed or exposing one to danger L Gmc > F > E + Ecf or peril. blunt the sensitivity or keenness of the quality or state of being The mountain road has many : make dull or obtuse. hatefully or shockingly evil. hazardous curves. Some parents fear that video games Even the police were appalled by hebetate young minds. the heinousness of the crime. headache hebetude heiress hearth n n heckelphone / SerDs / / ShBrth / L > F > E E hectare [has near homonym: eros] a female a brick, stone, or cement area of n who inherits or is entitled to inherit floor in front of a fireplace. / ShekTta(a)(E)r / great wealth. Toby placed a plate of cookies and Gk > F + L > F Antoine dreamed that he married a glass of milk on the hearth for a metric unit of area equal to an heiress and moved to an island. Santa. 10,000 square meters. The firefighters reported that more heirloom heathen than a hectare of land was on fire. n heldentenor / ShGLEn / hedgehog E n helicon a person whose culture or / ShejThOg / enlightenment is of an inferior E helicopter grade. any of several Old World nocturnal Embarrassed by her brother’s spine-bearing mammals. heliography behavior in front of her friends, Prudence spotted a hedgehog in the Simone asked her mother to send strawberry patch. heliolatry the little heathen outside. hedgingly heliophobous heather adj n hegemony / ThGlGSBfEbEs / / SheLE(r) / n Gk + Gk + Ecf E / hDSjemEnG / avoiding the sun : shade-loving. a common evergreen low-growing Gk Jackie planted ferns, hostas, and shrubby plant that has racemes of preponderant influence or authority other heliophobous plants in her tiny usually purplish pink flowers. (as of a government or state) : shady garden. The true heather of Scotland is also leadership, dominance. called “ling” or “common heath.” Nazi Germany attempted world heliotrope hegemony and failed. helium

helmeted

Page 111 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently helotry henna herbarium n n n / ShelEtrG / / ShenE / / T(h)ErSba(a)rGEm / Gk > L + Ecf Ar L the slaves or serfs of a country or a reddish brown dye used in tinting a room, building, or institution an estate. the hair, skin, or nails red. housing a collection of dried plant In ancient Sparta the helotry was The ancient use of henna is specimens. required to serve in the army. confirmed by the presence of the Jackson was looking forward to dye in Egyptian mummies. visiting the herbarium while on hemeralopia vacation. n hennin / ThemErESlPpGE / n hercogamy Gk / ShenDn / a defect of vision characterized by F Herculean reduced visual capacity in bright a high cone-shaped headdress adj lights. usually with a thin veil pendent / ThErkyESlGEn / A deficiency of vitamin A can lead from the top worn by European Gk name > L to hemeralopia. women in the 15th century. of heroic proportions. Lady Agnes appeared at the king’s Jim’s competitor was known for his hemisphere ball wearing an elegant hennin. Herculean frame and great n strength. / ShemDTsfi(E)r / hepatitis Gk n hereditary a half of the celestial sphere. / ThepEStIZDs / Vince’s star chart depicts all Gk > L heresy visible heavenly objects in the inflammation of the liver. n hemisphere. Serum hepatitis can be transmitted / SherEsG / through blood transfusions and Gk hemophiliac unsterilized hypodermic needles. dissent from a dominant theory or n opinion in any field. / ThGmESfilGTak / heptarchy Much of what used to be Gk considered scientific heresy is now one affected with a tendency to herbaceous regarded as truth. uncontrolled bleeding. adj A hemophiliac must take care to / (h)ErSbCshEs / heretical avoid even minor cuts and bruises. L adj of, relating to, or having the / hDSreZDkEl / hemorrhage characteristics of a nonwoody L plant. of, relating to, or characterized by hemorrhagic Monique surrounded her patio with departure from accepted beliefs or herbaceous perennials. standards : unorthodox. hendiadys A free society allows the expression n herbalist of all opinions, however heretical / henSdIEdDs / n they may seem. Gk / S(h)ErbElDst / the expression of an idea by two L + Ecff heritage nouns connected by and instead of one that collects, grows, or deals in by a noun and an adjective. medicinal plants. hermeneutics Thierry used the hendiadys iron Lisa consulted an herbalist n pl and bit to denote an iron bit. regarding her wart. / ThErmESn(y)VZiks / Gk the study of the general principles of biblical interpretation. Experts in hermeneutics met to discuss the Dead Sea scrolls.

Page 112 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hermetically herring hideous adv adj / hE(r)SmeZDk(E)lG / hesitancy / ShidGEs / Gk + Ecff F > E in a manner that prevents entry or hesthogenous offensive to the sight : gruesome, change. ugly. With its flowered wallpaper and heteroclite During the thunderstorm, Ernie quaint furniture, the old house saw a hideous face at the window. looked as though it had been heterodox hermetically sealed sometime in the adj hiemal 1880s. / SheZErETdBks / adj Gk / ShIEmEl / hermit differing from an established L religious point of view. of or relating to winter : wintry. hermitage Father O’Driscoll holds a few Inger’s favorite hiemal activity is n heterodox opinions that astonish skiing. / ShErmDZij / his parish. Gk + L > F hierarchy a secluded residence or private heterogeneous n retreat. / ShIETrBrkG / Dave’s father has always dreamed heuristic Gk > L > F > E of living in the city during the week adj a form of government administered and escaping to some country / S(h)yUTristik / by an authoritarian group. hermitage on the weekends. Gk Michelle’s study of hierarchy made of or relating to exploratory her appreciate living in the United heroic problem-solving techniques that States. adj utilize self-educating strategies to / hDSrPik / improve performance. hieroglyph Gk > L The computer that beat Gary n arising from, exhibiting, or Kasparov in the chess tournament / ShI(E)rETglif / suggestive of boldness, spirit, or was programmed to use heuristic Gk daring. methods. a character used in a system of The mountain climbers made a writing mainly in pictorial heroic effort to reach the peak. hexamethyl characters. The Egyptian hieroglyph for the heroine hibachi word king was a royal head n n complete with beard. / SherEwDn / / hGSbBchG / Gk > L Jpn hieroglyphics [has homonym: heroin] the a charcoal brazier. n pl principal female character in a Antoni’s hot dog fell through the / ThI(E)rPSglifiks / drama, novel, story, or narrative grill of the hibachi onto the Gk poem. glowing coals below. characters in the ancient Egyptian In the melodrama the spunky writing system which are for the heroine took the law into her own hibernate most part recognizable pictures of hands and brought down the objects. villain. hibiscus Egyptian hieroglyphics remained a n mystery until the Rosetta Stone herpetology / hISbiskEs / provided the key to deciphering n L them. / ThErpEStBlEjG / any plant or flower of a large Gk > L widely distributed genus of herbs, a branch of the science of animal shrubs, or small trees with dentate life that treats of reptiles and or lobed leaves and large showy amphibians. flowers. Jason studied herpetology to learn Darla planted a hibiscus outside about the habits of cold-blooded her bedroom window. creatures.

Page 113 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hierophant hippopotamus hoarseness n n n / ShI(E)rETfant / / ThipESpBZEmEs / / ShP(E)rsnDs / Gk Gk E a priest in ancient Greece. any of various large herbivorous the quality or state of having a The hierophant portrayed in Tim’s four-toed chiefly aquatic mammals rough-sounding voice. history book was dressed in an with an extremely large head and Paul’s remedy for hoarseness is hot animal skin and wore a crown of mouth, bare and very thick skin, water with lemon. leaves. and short legs. The hippopotamus spends most of hoax hilarious the day in water because in the n warm, dry air it loses water / ShPks / Himalayan through its skin. unknown n [has homonym: hokes] an act / ThimESlCEn / hippotigrine intended to trick or dupe : a piece Asian geog name adj of trickery. any of a breed of domestic cats / ThipEStIgrDn / Sarah forwarded the e-mail developed by crossing the Persian Gk + Gk message, unaware she was and Siamese. of or relating to the zebra. participating in a hoax. A Himalayan won “Best of Show” The city zoo has a special exhibit in the local cat competition this on the hippotigrine environment. hoboism winter. hircine hoeing hippodrome adj n / ShErTsIn / hoist / ShipETdrPm / L v Gk > L > F of, relating to, or resembling a goat; / ShOist / an arena for equestrian especially : resembling a goat in imit D or G performances. smell. raise, lift, elevate. The circus horses performed for the After the week-long camping trip, Manuel decided to use a crane to spectators in the hippodrome. the Flidre family was relieved to hoist the stone into place. get out of their hircine clothes and hippogriff into the shower. hokku n n / ShipETgrif / hirsute / ShO(T)kV / Gk > L > It > F Jpn [Note: Could be confused with hirundine a fixed lyric form of Japanese hippogriffin.] a legendary animal adj origin having three short unrhymed having the foreparts of a winged / hDSrEndDn / lines of five, seven, and five griffin and the body and L syllables and being typically hindquarters of a horse. of, relating to, or resembling the epigrammatic or suggestive. The Gothic cathedral contained swallow. Haiku, the most familiar form of many strange carvings, including a The hirundine population in near- hokku, pertains to the seasons. hippogriff and several gargoyles. equatorial countries rises sharply when autumn returns to the holard hippopotamian northern hemisphere. adj holiness / Thi(T)pPpEStCmGEn / histrionic Gk > L + Ecf hollandaise unwieldy because of massive size. histrionics Uncle Lon’s hippopotamian n pl hollyhock armchair takes up half the living / ThistrGSBniks / room. L theatrical performances. Teresa loved the theater from an early age and excelled in histrionics while in school.

hitchhike

Page 114 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently holocaust honorific horticulture n n n / ShBlETkOst / / TBnESrifik / / ShO(r)ZETkElchE(r) / Gk L L a complete or thorough sacrifice or conferring or conveying public the science and art of growing destruction especially by fire. esteem. fruits, vegetables, flowers, or Many lives were lost in the hotel Dr. Ellerman received an honorific ornamental plants. holocaust. wreath at the banquet. Mr. Sakai’s skill in horticulture has won him many blue ribbons at homburg hoochinoo garden shows. n / ShBmTbErg / hoodwink hosanna G n a man’s hat of smooth-finished felt horde / hPSzanE / with a stiff curled brim and a high n Heb > Gk > L > E tapered crown creased lengthwise. / ShP(E)rd / an expression of enthusiastic praise The villain in the movie wore a Mongolic > Pol > G&F : acclamation. dark suit and a black homburg. [has homonym: hoard] a vast Mr. Wong greeted Katya with a number : crowd, swarm. loud hosanna. homely To prepare for the horde of adj tourists, the police department is hospice / ShPmlG / using computer modeling to aid in n E logistics. / ShBspDs / commonplace, familiar. L Mr. Mann can translate the most horizontal a facility or program designed to complex issue into homely terms. adj provide a caring environment for / ThOrESzBntFl / supplying the physical and homespun L + Ecf emotional needs of the terminally placed or operating in a plane ill. homestead parallel to the horizon. Rebekah works as a counselor at a n Lori wore a sweater with red and hospice for the elderly. / ShPmzTted / blue horizontal stripes. E + E hospitable the home and land of a family; hormone especially : ancestral home. hospitality The city offered reduced property horologium taxes on any homestead occupied n hostage by the legal owner. / ThOrESlPj(G)Em / L hostelry homily an instrument (as a clock) for n n measuring time. / ShBstFlrG / / ShBmElG / A sundial was the ancient L > F > E Gk Egyptians’ horologium. a place where food and lodging are a lecture or discussion on a moral available to the traveler : inn, hotel. theme : admonition. horrendous To celebrate their tenth At the baccalaureate service, Mr. anniversary, the Mortons returned Lopez gave a brief homily on the horripilation to the French hostelry where they theme “To thine own self be true.” n spent their honeymoon. / hOTripESlCshEn / hominy L hotelless a bristling of the hair of the head or homogenized body (as from disease, terror, or howel chilliness) : gooseflesh. homologous Jennifer reacted to the movie’s scary scenes with noticeable homonym horripilation. homophonous

Page 115 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently howitzer humectant hurricane n n n / ShaUDtsE(r) / / hyVSmektEnt / / ShErETkCn / Czech > G > D L Taino > Sp a cannon employed to fire a substance that promotes retention a tropical cyclone with winds of 73 projectiles at a target (as enemy of moisture. miles per hour or greater. artillery behind a ridge) which Toothpastes contain a humectant to When the townspeople realized that cannot be reached by flat-trajectory carry the abrasive and other the hurricane was heading their weapons. agents. way, they boarded up their Corporal Slater towed the howitzer windows and evacuated. to the base of the ridge. humerus hurtle hoyle humidor n n hussar / ShOil / / ShyVmETdO(E)r / n unknown L or F + Ecf / hESzBr / a natural object used as an archery a case or enclosure (as for storing L > Serb > Hung mark at short range. cigars) in which the air is kept [Note: Could be confused with Martha used a large mushroom in properly humidified. huzza, huzzah.] a member of the her backyard as a hoyle. Art always kept his expensive light cavalry of various European cigars in a humidor. armies usually distinguished by a hubbub brilliant much-decorated uniform. n humiliation In a short story by Thomas Hardy, / ShETbEb / n a young Englishwoman has an ill- Celt? / (T)hyVTmilGSCshEn / fated romance with a homesick a noisy confusion of sound. L > F > E German hussar. In the hubbub after the concert, the state of being reduced to a Bronwen did not notice the lower position in one's own eyes or hutch pickpocket who took her wallet. the eyes of another : an instance of being humbled. hyacinth hubristically Mary did not even try to control n adv her rage and humiliation. / ShIETsin(t)th / / hyVSbristDk(E)lG / Gk > L Gk humoresque a common garden flower widely insolently, vainly, arrogantly. n grown for its beauty and fragrance. Lance’s opinions, though brilliant / T(h)yVmESresk / Mimi planted a hyacinth right next and sound, are unwelcome because (E + Fcf) > G to her screened porch. he conveys them so hubristically. a musical composition typically whimsical or fanciful in character. hyalithe huisache Schumann’s opus 88 is a humoresque for violin, cello, and hybrid humane piano. n adj / ShIbrDd / / hyVSmCn / hundredth L L > F > E adj an offspring of two animals or marked by compassion, sympathy, / ShEndrDdth / plants of different races, breeds, or consideration for other human E varieties, species, or genera. beings or animals. being number 100 in a countable A hybrid often has increased vigor Sharon received an award for her series. and strength. humane treatment of stray pets. Residents lined the streets to watch the parade on Danville’s hundredth hybridize anniversary. v / ShIbrDTdIz / hurl L cause to produce offspring that are a cross between breeds : interbreed. Horace is attempting to hybridize a large, showy, red rose and a smaller, more fragrant variety.

Page 116 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hydrangea hydrolysis hyperbole n n n / hISdrCnjE / / hISdrBlEsDs / / hISpErbE(T)lG / Gk > L Gk + Gk Gk any of a genus of shrubs of the a chemical process of extravagant exaggeration that family Saxifragaceae having showy decomposition involving the represents something as much clusters of usually sterile white or splitting of a bond and the addition greater or less, better or worse, or tinted flowers. of the hydrogen cation and the more intense than it really is or that Although the flowers of the hydroxide anion of water. depicts the impossible as actual. hydrangea are spectacular, the Digestive enzymes promote the To say that life as we know it will leaves are poisonous. hydrolysis of nutrients into simpler never be the same after the next compounds. election is hyperbole. hydrant n hydrophilous hypercritical / ShIdrEnt / adj adj Gk / hISdrBfElEs / / ThIpE(r)SkriZDkEl / a discharge pipe with a valve and Gk Gk spout at which water may be drawn pollinated by the agency of water. meticulously or excessively from the mains of waterworks. The ultimate adaptation to aquatic inclined to notice faults and The city workers affixed a metal life is the formation of completely imperfections. rod with a red diamond on the top submerged hydrophilous flowers. Ellen’s skating coach was of the hydrant in Mishi’s yard so hypercritical of her technique the they would be able to find it if it hyetology day before a competition. snowed. n / ThIEStBlEjG / hyperglycemia hydraulic Gk n adj a branch of meteorology that deals / ThIpE(r)glISsGmGE / / hISdrOlik / with precipitation (as of rain or Gk Gk > L snow). excess of sugar in the blood. operated, moved, or effected by Even a period of extended drought Since diabetes runs in her family, means of water. can be of interest to a student of Carla is regularly tested for The stream and the waterwheel hyetology. hyperglycemia. were sure signs that the grain mill was operated by hydraulic power. hygiene hypertension n hydrofoil hygienist / ThIpE(r)StenchEn / Gk + L hydrogen hymn abnormally high arterial blood n n pressure. / ShIdrDjEn / / Shim / Doctors recommend reducing salt Gk > F Gk intake for patients with a nonmetallic element that is the a song of praise to God. hypertension. simplest and lightest of the Wesley remembered every hymn elements and which is normally a from his days at the Episcopal hypertrophic colorless, odorless, and highly school. adj flammable diatomic gas. / ThIpErStrBfik / Hydrogen and oxygen are the hymnody Gk + Gk + Ecf components of water. n affected with or tending toward / ShimnEdG / overgrowth or excessive Gk development of an organ or part. a body of hymns of a specified kind After Blake lost one kidney, the or period. other became hypertrophic. Gospel songs enjoy wide popularity in American hymnody. hyphen

hypaethral hypnology

Page 117 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hypochondria hyssop ichthyology n n n / ThIpESkBndrGE / / ShisEp / / TikJGSBlEjG / Gk Sem > Gk > L > F > E Gk extreme depression of mind or a European mint that has highly a branch of zoology that deals with spirits often centered on imaginary aromatic and pungent leaves and is fishes. physical ailments. often cultivated in gardens as a Mr. Pout didn’t need a degree in Having found nothing physically remedy for bruises. ichthyology to see that he had wrong with her, Sylvia’s doctor Aunt Cara made a paste of hyssop caught a dead branch. noted that her persistent complaints and oil and applied it to Darien’s about her health are probably due bruised shoulder. icicle to hypochondria. n hysteria / SITsikEl / hypochondriac n E n / hDSsterGE / a pendent usually conical mass of / ThIpESkBndrGTak / Gk > L ice formed by the freezing of Gk conduct or an outbreak of conduct dripping water. one whose depression is centered exhibiting unmanageable fear or By evening, the longest icicle on imaginary physical ailments. emotional excess. hanging from the eaves had grown Colin was an hysterical half-crazy Hysteria overcame the defendant to about two feet. little hypochondriac. when the guilty verdict was announced. iconoclast hypocorism n n hysterical / ISkBnETklast / / hISpBkETrizEm / adj Gk > L Gk / hiSsterDkEl / one who attacks established beliefs, a pet name or term of endearment. Gk ideals, customs, or institutions. Susan’s parents bestowed the exhibiting unrestrained Malcolm has always considered hypocorism “Bubbles” on her emotionalism. himself the iconoclast of the family. when she was a toddler. When their team won the world championship, the fans became icosahedron hypocrisy hysterical with joy. n n / TITkPsEShGdrEn / / hDSpBkrEsG / icequake Gk Gk > L > F > E a figure or solid formed by 20 the act or practice of pretending to ichneumon plane faces. be what one is not or to have n The icosahedron occurs frequently principles or beliefs that one does / ikSn(y)VmEn / in nature in molecular and viral not have. Gk structures. The abominable proceeding was any member of the insect family nothing but a system of hypocrisy Ichneumonidae. identical and deceit, espionage and The ichneumon burrowed into the treachery. caterpillar larva, providing a idiosyncratic natural check on the destructive adj hypodermic insect. / TidGPTsinSkraZik / Gk hypothesis ichnolite marked by a peculiarity of physical n or mental constitution or hypothetical / SiknETlIt / temperament. Gk In his autobigraphy Andrew hypotrophy a fossil footprint. described the idiosyncratic n The museum guide showed us an behavior of his zany upper-class / hISpBtrEfG / ichnolite of a plesiosaur. family. Gk subnormal growth. Nutritional deficiency resulted in hypotrophy among the aborigines. hypsography

Page 118 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently idiosyncratically ikebana illustrate adv n v / TidGETsinSkraZDk(E)lG / / TikDSbBnE / / SilETstrCt / G > E Jpn L in a manner peculiar to the the Japanese art of flower arranging make clear by giving or by serving individual. that emphasizes form and balance. as an example or instance. Because Emily Dickinson wrote so Hana is trained in ikebana, and her The stained-glass windows idiosyncratically, her poems are arrangements are displayed in illustrate the Nativity scene. immediately recognizable. many restaurants throughout the city. illustration idly ileitis image idolater n / TilGSIZDs / imagery idolatry L inflammation of the lower small imaginary idyllic intestine. adj adj Stella mistook her ileitis for / DSmajETnerG / / ISdilik / indigestion. L Gk having no real existence : existing pleasing or picturesque in its iliacus only in imagination or fancy : natural simplicity. fictitious, hypothetical. The Elsons spent a week in an illegitimate Not all of the characters in the idyllic little town in the Pyrenees. novelist’s best seller were illeism imaginary. igneous adj illicit imbecile / SignGEs / n L illiterate / SimbEsEl / of, relating to, or suggestive of fire. L > F The igneous desert air shimmered illuminati one marked by mental deficiency. on the horizon. n pl The professor told his students that / DTlVmESnBZ(T)G / they should not be writing as if ignominious L > It their reader were an imbecile. persons who are or who claim to be ignominy unusually enlightened. imbecilic n The mayoral candidate worked adj / SignETminG / hard to win the support of the city’s / TimbESsilik / L > F illuminati. L > F + Ecf disgraceful or dishonorable characteristic or suggestive of one conduct, quality, or action. illumination that acts stupidly or recklessly. Although the coward was glad to n Iris effectively tuned out her be alive, he felt the ignominy of / DTlVmESnCshEn / brother-in-law as he described abandoning his comrades. L > F > E another of his imbecilic money- a giving of physical light or the making schemes. ignoramus state of being lighted up. n Because of its many windows, imitative / TignESrCmEs / Sarah’s office always has ample L illumination. immalleable an utterly uninformed person : adj dunce. illusion / i(m)SmalGEbEl / Schuyler is so afraid of his own L > F > E intelligence that he refuses to speak not open to outside forces or in class and refers to himself as a influences : unyielding, rigid. “happy ignoramus.” Dean remained immalleable in his refusal to resign. ignorance

Page 119 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently immature immortal impeccable adj adj adj / imTmEStU(E)r / / i(m)SmOrZFl / / TimSpekEbEl / L L L lacking complete growth or connected with or possessing free from fault or blame : flawless. development. everlasting life. A background investigation The immature insect resembles the The priest warned his flock of the affirmed the candidate’s adult in form and eating habits but many dangers to their immortal impeccable character. differs in size, body proportions, souls, such as envy, greed, and and color pattern. sloth. impeccancy immense immured impecunious adj v / DSmen(t)s / / DSmyU(E)rd / impedance L > F L n characterized by greatness in size [has near homonyms: enured, / DmSpGdFn(t)s / or degree. inured] enclosed within or as if L Wilbur’s portliness is a reflection within walls. the apparent opposition in an of his immense appetite. While Sir Walter Raleigh was electrical circuit to the flow of an immured in the Tower of London, alternating current that is analagous immersion he used his time to write his to the actual electrical resistance to Historie of the World. a direct current. imminent A high-fidelity amplifier must have adj immutable a low output impedance to make / SimEnEnt / adj loudspeakers produce natural L / i(m)SmyVZEbEl / sound. ready to take place : near at hand. L Although Ellen’s departure date not capable of or susceptible to impediment was imminent, she was not ready to change. n go. The immutable laws of / DmSpedEmEnt / thermodynamics preclude the L immiscible invention of a perpetual motion hindrance, block. adj machine. Clementine’s lack of a degree was / i(m)SmisEbEl / an impediment to her getting a L impair good job. not capable of mixing or being mixed. impalpable impedimenta Oil and water are immiscible. adj n pl / imSpalpEbEl / / DmTpedESmentE / immiserization L + L + L L incapable of being felt by the things that hinder progress or immolate touch. movement; especially : baggage, v The puppy began chasing his equipment, or supplies. / SimETlCt / impalpable shadow. Regina always travels with one L small carry-on bag and considers [has near homonym: emulate] imparisyllabic anything more to be impedimenta. sacrifice or abnegate (as oneself) usually in the interests of some impasse impenetrable cause or objective. n adj Sheri persuaded the monk not to / SimTpas / / imSpenEtrEbEl / immolate himself in protest. F L > F > E barrier, deadlock. incapable of being comprehended. A rockslide created an impasse on Sarah found Einstein’s theories the mountain road. impenetrable.

imperativally

imperative

Page 120 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently imperceptible impetus impresario adj n n / impE(r)SseptEbEl / / SimpEZEs / / TimprESsBrGTP / L L It extremely slight, gradual, or subtle. a driving or impelling force. [has homonym: empresario] the The air was filled with a delicate, Ralph’s new girlfriend was the projector, manager, or conductor of springlike fragrance, almost impetus behind his new exercise an opera or concert company. imperceptible. program. The impresario arranged for the opera company to perform in imperial impinge several cities. adj / imSpirGEl / implacable imprescriptible L adj adj [Note: The definition provided is / imSplakEbEl / / TimprGSskriptEbEl / not the one most commonly L > F L > F associated with this word.] being not capable of being appeased or inalienable, absolute. the British legal standard : pacified. A dictator considers few human belonging to the official British The defeated candidate harbored rights imprescriptible. series of weights and measures. implacable resentment toward his Several measurement terms are opponent. impressionable used both in the U.S. customary adj and British imperial systems. implausible / DmSpresh(E)nEbEl / L + L > E + Ecf imperturbable imponderabilia easily influenced or affected. adj Dan’s grandmother considered him / TimpErStErbEbEl / importance very young and very L > E n impressionable. unlikely to be disconcerted, / DmSpOrtFn(t)s / agitated, or alarmed. L imprimatur Hitherto imperturbable, Stacy the quality or state of being marked n suddenly showed signs of alarm. by or possessing consequence : / TimprDSmBZE(r) / weight, significance. L impervious Mrs. Lynch cannot understand why a sign or mark of approval. adj some students do not see the The dean put her imprimatur on the / imSpErvGEs / importance of good manners. smoking ban. L not allowing entrance or passage impossible imprimis through : impenetrable. adj Ted covered the woodpile with a / imSpBsEbEl / impromptu tarp impervious to water. L > It > F adv incapable of being or occurring. / DmSprBm(p)Tt(y)V / impetigo So many things are possible just as L > F n long as you don’t know they’re without previous study, / TimpEStI(T)gP / impossible. preparation, or consideration : on L the spur of the moment. an acute contagious skin disease impoverish Leah is able to speak impromptu transmitted by contact between v and at length on countless subjects. persons or between healthy and / DmSpBv(E)rish / infected skin. F > E impropriety Impetigo can quickly make the make poor : reduce to indigence. rounds in a kindergarten class. Medical bills will impoverish the impugn Williams family if outside aid is not v available. / DmSpyVn / L assail by words or arguments : make insinuations against. Josie’s comment was a feeble attempt to impugn Sara’s honesty.

Page 121 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently impuissance incandescent incienso n impunity incarcerate / Tin(t)sGSen(t)(T)sP / n v L > Sp / DmSpyVnEZG / / DnSkBrsETrCt / a desert shrub producing a resin L L that when burned emits a fragrant exemption or freedom from put in prison. odor. punishment, harm, or loss. Because the crime was his first Early missionaries in the Southwest Mr. Starks allowed anglers to offense, Lonnie was hopeful that used to burn incienso in their trespass on his land with impunity. the judge would not incarcerate churches. him. imputable incipient incendiary inaccurate n inclement / DnSsendGTerG / adj inadvertence L / inSklemEnt / [Note: Could be confused with L inagglutinable incendiarist.] a person who unmerciful, rigorous. deliberately sets fire to a building The harsh sentence of an inclement inanimate or other property. judge took 30 years of Sam’s life. adj The state fire inspectors determined / inSanEmDt / that the fire was the work of an incognito L incendiary. not endowed with consciousness or incoherence animal life. incense Vera talked to her plants as if they n incompetent were not inanimate objects. / SinTsen(t)s / L > F > E incomprehensible inanition the perfume or the smoke exhaled adj n from spices and gums when / TinTkBmprDShen(t)sEbEl / / TinESnishEn / burned. L > E L Incense filled the chapel with a lying above or beyond the reach of the exhausted condition which sweet fragrance. the human mind. results from a complete lack of Every civilization tries to penetrate food and water. incense the incomprehensible mysteries of The injured hiker, finally found creation. after a three-day search, had to be incessancy treated for inanition. inconclusible incessant inanity adj incondite n / inSsesFnt / / DSnanEZG / L incongruous L continuing or following without meaningless quality : shallowness. interruption. inconnu The inanity of conversation at the Incessant changes in other parts of party made Karen think up an this restless country bypass the inconscient excuse to leave early. inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow. adj / inSkBnchEnt / inauguration inchoate L > F adj lacking consciousness or full incandescence / inSkPDt / awareness. n L The inconscient pedestrian was an / Tin(T)kEnSdesFn(t)s / imperfectly formed or formulated : easy victim for the mugger. L > F unorganized. the glowing of a body due to its The songwriter explained that his incontrovertible high temperature. melodies usually begin as inchoate The first light bulbs were humming. illuminated via the phenomenon of incandescence.

Page 122 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently incorrigible indebted indicia adj adj n pl / inSkOrDjEbEl / / DnSdeZDd / / DnSdish(G)E / L L > F > E L bad beyond the possibility of owing gratitude (as for a favor indications, signs, tokens, criteria. correction or rehabilitation : utterly received or a kind act done). The reporter used many different bad or depraved. Carmen was indebted to her piano indicia of public sentiment to They sentenced the incorrigible teacher for helping her perfect her obtain a reliable rating of the offender to life imprisonment. technique. leader’s popularity. increment indefatigable indicible adj incubator / TindDSfaZDgEbEl / indictment n L n / SiNkyETbCZE(r) / incapable of being tired out : / DnSdItmEnt / L untiring. L > AF an apparatus for housing premature The mayor thanked his an official written statement or sick babies in an environment of indefatigable campaign workers for charging a person with an offense. controlled humidity, oxygen their invaluable help in getting him The grand jury’s indictment of the supply, and temperature. reelected. seven men charges that they Who would have thought that the conspired to smuggle guns into the star linebacker spent the first three indefeasible country. months of his life in an incubator? adj / indDSfGzEbEl / indigenous inculcate L > F > AF adj v not capable of being or liable to / DnSdijEnEs / / DnSkElTkCt / being voided, annulled, or undone. L L The Constitution vests the populace originating or produced naturally in teach and impress by frequent with indefeasible rights. a particular land or region or repetitions or admonitions. environment. Religion is professed and practiced indelible Tomatoes are not indigenous to in various forms, yet most of them adj Europe. inculcate honesty, truth, / EnSdelEbEl / temperance, gratitude, and the love L indolence of humanity. that cannot be removed, washed away, or erased : permanent. indomitable incumbent Lily’s narrow escape from adj drowning left an indelible mark on / DnSdBmEZEbEl / incunabulum her personality. L n incapable of being subdued. / TDnkyESnabyElEm / indemnify The pens, the tongues, the fortunes, L and the indomitable wills of many a book printed before 1501. indemnity women were pledged to secure the Alfred was looking at an right of the elective franchise. incunabulum in the British Library independence when he met his future wife. indubitable indescribable adj incurvariid adj / (T)inSd(y)VbEZEbEl / adj / TindDSskrIbEbEl / L / TinTkErSva(a)rGDd / L not open to question or doubt. L that cannot be described with Shakespeare is considered by many of or relating to a member of the precision. to be the indubitable master of Incurvariidae family of minute The aromatic herb has a peppery English literature. moths. odor and an indescribable but Many brilliantly colored delicious flavor. indulgent incurvariid moths are found worldwide. indicate

Page 123 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently indurate ineradicable inficete adj adj / Sind(y)ErDt / / TinDSradDkEbEl / infinitesimal L > E L adj physically or morally hardened. incapable of being rooted out or / TinTfinEStes(E)mEl / The war contributed greatly to destroyed completely. L + Ecf Herbert’s seemingly indurate In the 1920s Britain had to yield to immeasurably or incalculably small manner, but he was always tender Ireland’s ineradicable will for : very minute. with his pigeons. independence. Infinitesimal yellow flecks on the leaf made it appear metallic. industrious inertia n inflammatory ineducable / DSnErshE / adj L / DnSflamETtPrG / ineffable indisposition to motion, exertion, or L adj action. tending to excite anger, animosity, / inSefEbEl / The senator railed against the disorder, or tumult. L inertia of the citizenry. Rachel received a two-day incapable of being expressed in suspension after she delivered an words. inexorable inflammatory speech at the Sarena’s joy at being chosen for adj assembly. the play was ineffable. / TiSneks(E)rEbEl / L influenza ineluctable unyielding, inflexible, relentless. n adj The inexorable force of the / TinTflVSenzE / / TinDSlEktEbEl / hurricane changed the shape of L > It L Bell Island. an acute highly contagious not to be avoided, changed, or infectious virus disease. resisted : inevitable. inexplicable Influenza kept Russell out of school Mrs. Badger joked that death and for a week. taxes are the only two ineluctable inextinguishable aspects of life. infractible inextirpable ineludible infrangible adj inextricable adj / TinESlVdEbEl / / inSfranjEbEl / L + Ecf infatuation L inescapable. not capable of being broken or Detective Marchand’s bloodhounds infaust separated into parts. were considered by many to be Though it looks like the finest ineludible. infectious china, Jennifer’s teapot is made of adj an infrangible polymer. inenarrable / DnSfekshEs / adj L infusible / TinGSnarEbEl / producing the establishment of a L pathogen in its host after invasion. ingenious incapable of being narrated : Katie’s sore throat is not infectious, indescribable, ineffable. so she will not have to miss any ingenue The sight of his newborn son school. n brought Elijah inenarrable / SBnjETnV / pleasure. inferior L > F adj a stage part representing a character ineptitude / DnSfirGE(r) / that is youthful, innocent, L appealing, sweet, and sympathetic. of poor quality : second-rate. Stephanie was one of three students An inferior violinist has no chance called back in the tryouts for the of becoming an orchestra’s ingenue in the school’s spring concertmaster. musical.

Page 124 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ingenuous innocuity inquisitor n n inglenook / TiTnBSkyVEZG / / DnSkwizEZE(r) / L L ingratiate the quality or state of being a person whose official duty is to harmless. examine and inquire. inimical Thelma was wary of the seeming When the inquisitor asked a very innocuity of her sister’s remarks. personal question, the witness inimitable glared at him and remained silent. adj innocuous / iSnimEZEbEl / adj insalubrious L / iSnBkyEwEs / adj not capable of being copied : L / TinsESlVbrGEs / matchless. not likely to arouse ill will or give L + Ecf Charmed by Miss Woodhouse, Mr. offense : inoffensive. tending to impair health : Elton considered all of her Betty was dismayed when Henry unwholesome, noxious. drawings inimitable. interpreted her innocuous remark Andrew has vowed to give up all as an insult. his insalubrious habits. iniquitous innovation insatiable initial n / TinESvCshEn / inscribe initials L the introduction of something new. inscrutable initiative The people of the small village adj were suspicious of all innovation. / inzSkrVZEbEl / initiatory L adj innumerable not readily comprehensible : / DSnish(G)ETtOrG / adj mysterious. L / DSn(y)Vm(E)rEbEl / Kayla’s grin was so inscrutable constituting an introduction or L that no one could tell if she were beginning. too many to be numbered or happy or up to something On page three of the book is an counted. mischievous. initiatory paragraph that gives Katie’s seemingly innumerable personal information about the chicken pox blisters slowly faded insecticide author. away. n / DnSsektETsId / injurious inoculate L v an agent that destroys insects. inmate / DSnBkyETlCt / Malathion is an insecticide with L > E low toxicity to mammals. innermost introduce microorganisms, adj vaccines, or sera into a living body insentient / SinE(r)TmOst / to establish immunity to a disease. E Dr. Cooper had to bribe Frank inseparable farthest inward. with a lollipop before he would let Starletta reached the cave’s her inoculate him. insessorial innermost chambers by crawling on her hands and knees and sometimes inoculator insidious on her stomach. adj inquiline / DnSsidGEs / innkeeper n L / SinkwETlIn / having a gradual, cumulative, and L usually hidden effect : subtle. an animal that lives habitually in Loretta’s suspicion led her to pose the nest or abode of some other a question with the insidious design species. of further discovery. The burrowing owl is an inquiline who lives in prairie dog colonies.

Page 125 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently insinuate insouciant insusceptibility v adj n / DnSsinyETwCt / / DnSsVsGEnt / / TinsETseptESbilEZG / L F L impart or communicate with artful exhibiting or characterized by the quality or state of being indirect wording or oblique freedom from concern or care. incapable of being moved, affected, reference : hint, imply. The pompous, insouciant aristocrat or impressed. Did April insinuate that she won’t never had to work a day in his life. Sylvia prides herself on her be inviting Dante to the party? insusceptibility to flattery. instantaneous insipid adj intaglio adj / TinzstEnStCnGEs / n / DnSsipDd / L / DnStal(T)yP / L done or occurring without any It dull, uninteresting, commonplace. perceptible duration of time. an engraving or incised figure in Jed could hardly bear listening to Harold’s slow, nervous marriage stone or other hard material. the sportscaster’s insipid proposal was balanced by Emily’s Judd was pleased with the intaglio comments. instantaneous reply. on his signet ring. insititious instauration intangible adj n / Tin(t)sEStishEs / / TinzTtOSrCshEn / integument L L n constituting an insertion. restoration after decay, lapse, or / DnStegyEmEnt / Research that Jennifer failed to dilapidation. L include in her bound report was The instauration of the Statue of an enveloping layer, membrane, or included as insititious pages. Liberty was a long and complicated structure (as the skin of a fish or the project. exoskeleton of an insect). insolence The dried cicada integument n insulin attached to the brick wall / Sin(t)s(E)lEn(t)s / n fascinated the children. L / Sin(t)sElDn / [has homonyms and near L + Ecf intercede homonym: insolents, insulants and a protein pancreatic hormone that is insulins] the quality or state of essential especially for the intercept being haughty and contemptuous or metabolism of carbohydrates and v brutal in behavior or language. which is used in the treatment and / TintE(r)Ssept / In Greek mythology Athena control of diabetes mellitus. L transformed Arachne into a spider Marty gives himself an injection of stop or interrupt the progress or for her insolence. insulin every morning to control his course of. diabetes. Rick will intercept the office mail, insolent as requested by Dr. Taylor. insurrection insomnia n intercessory n / Tin(t)sESrekshEn / adj / DnSsBmnGE / L > F > E / TintE(r)Sses(E)rG / L an act or instance of revolting L prolonged inability to obtain against civil or political authority relating to or marked by the act of adequate sleep : sleeplessness. or against an established pleading in behalf of another. Cora’s doctor suggests that her government. The congregation joined in insomnia may be caused by the The dictator quickly suppressed the intercessory prayers for the sick emotional stress of her new job. peasants' insurrection. parishioners. insomniac interfered insouciance interior

Page 126 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently interlocutor intermittent intersperse n adj / TintE(r)SlBkyEZE(r) / / TintE(r)SmitFnt / interstice L L n one who takes part in a dialogue or coming and going at intervals : not / DnStErstDs / conversation. continuous. L The seminar leader instructed The weather forecast warned of a space that intervenes between one everyone to choose an interlocutor intermittent showers for the thing and another : a space between and discuss the video one-on-one. afternoon. things closely set. The tightly-woven cloth looked interlucent internal solid, but a sharp needle easily found an interstice to slip through. interment international n intertriginous / DnStErmEnt / internecine L > F > E adj intestacy the act or ceremony of placing a / TintErSneTsGn / dead body in a grave or tomb. L intolerable Uncle Oliver’s desire was that only marked by great slaughter : deadly. adj family members be present at his Many areas of the former Soviet / inStBl(E)rEbEl / interment. Union have been plagued with L internecine struggles. not capable of being endured : intermezzo unbearable. n interpellation The intolerable cold made Janice’s / TintE(r)Smet(T)sP / eyes water. L > It interpolate a movement coming between the intractable major sections of a symphony or interregnum adj other extended work. n / inStraktEbEl / The singers were able to take a / TintE(r)SregnEm / L break while the orchestra played L not easily governed, managed, or the intermezzo. the time during which a throne is directed. vacant between the death, The intractable child was amusing interminable abdication, or expulsion of a for a while. adj sovereign and the coronation of his / DnStErmDnEbEl / or her successor. intrait L The prime minister urged citizens having no end : wearisomely to band together during the intramural protracted. interregnum. Dad complained about the intrepid interminable lines at the theme interrogatory adj park. n / inStrepDd / / TintESrBgETtPrG / L intermittence L characterized by resolute n a formal question or inquiry. fearlessness in meeting dangers or / TintE(r)SmitFn(t)s / The principal instructed Betty to hardships and enduring them with L prepare within two days a written fortitude. periodic cessation or interruption. response to the interrogatory Bob’s military honors attest to his The intermittence of the moving regarding her honor offense. intrepid character. windshield wipers supposedly allows better visibility during a interrupt light rain. v / TintESrEpt / L prevent (one) from proceeding by intrusive or interpolated comment or action. “Must you always interrupt like that?” asked Mr. Kelley.

Page 127 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently intricate invidious irate adj adj adj / SintrDkDt / / DnSvidGEs / / TISrCt / L > E L L having many complexly of an unpleasant or objectionable feeling and showing a high degree interrelating parts or elements : nature : hateful. of anger. complicated. It is not uncommon for Sean to When Calvin returned home late, Jason described the intricate respond with invidious remarks his father was irate. mechanism of the clock as that may or may not be true. “awesome.” iridescent invincible adj intrinsic / SirETdesFnt / inviolable L introduction adj showing colors like those of the / inSvIElEbEl / rainbow especially in shifting introit L patterns of hues and shades that secure from assault or trespass. vary with a change of light or point intuitable An electrified security fence, ten of view. adj feet high, did not make the film Louis C. Tiffany developed a / DnSt(y)VDZEbEl / star’s estate inviolable. famous type of iridescent glass. L knowable by insight or without invitation irradiate rational thought. v Ashley believes that the concepts of ionosphere / DSrCdGTCt / good and evil are intuitable. n L / ISBnEsfi(E)r / throw rays of light upon : shine inumbrate Gk upon. v the part of Earth's atmosphere Cynthia’s beauty seemed to / SinEmTbrCt / containing free electrically charged irradiate the room with a mystical L particles. glow. put in shadow : shade. Ham radio operators transmit their Carl watched the cloud temporarily signals great distances by bouncing irreconcilable inumbrate the soccer field. them off the ionosphere. adj / TiTrekEnSsIlEbEl / inundate iota L n not capable of being brought into inurement / ISPZE / friendly accord or understanding. Gk Bill finally realized that his invective an infinitesimal amount : a very differences with Sheila were small degree. irreconcilable. inveigh The analgesic worked so well that v Jeremy felt not even an iota of pain. irredeemable / DnSvC / L ipseity irregular protest bitterly or violently. When the suspect was arraigned, irascible irrelevant he began to inveigh against what adj adj he claimed was police brutality. / DSrasEbEl / / TiSrelEvEnt / L L inveigle marked by hot temper and resentful not applicable or pertinent : anger. foreign, extraneous. After breaking his leg, Lennie Patrick introduced irrelevant became so irascible that his friends arguments to cloud the central stopped visiting him. issue.

irreparable

Page 128 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently irrepressible isinglass isomorphic adj n adj / irDSpresEbEl / / SIzFnTglas / / TIsPSmOrfik / L D Gk impossible to repress, restrain, or mica especially when in thin being of identical or similar form or control. transparent sheets. shape or structure. Sondra’s irrepressible urge to drive Isinglass is economically important English spelling is difficult because fast earned her a speeding ticket. because its low iron content makes of the frequent lack of isomorphic it a good electrical and thermal correspondence between the irresistible insulator. spoken word and the written word. irretrievably isle isosceles adv n adj / TirDStrGvEblG / / SIl / / ISsBsETlGz / L > F > E L > F > E Gk > L so as to be impossible to recoup, [has homonyms: aisle, I’ll] a small having two equal sides—used of a repair, or overcome. piece of land surrounded by water triangle. Environmentalists bemoan the on all sides. Zola counted 16 isosceles triangles irretrievably lost sections of the Kent dreamed of vacationing on a on the playground equipment. rain forest. tropical isle. isotope irrevocability isocryme n issuable / iTrevEkESbilEZG / isogram L > F > E + E cff n isthmus the quality or state of being / SI(T)sETgram / n unalterable. Gk + Gk / SismEs / The chairman insisted upon the a line on a map or chart along Gk > L irrevocability of the rules of order. which there is a constant value (as a narrow strip of land running of temperature, pressure, or through a body of water and irrevocable rainfall). connecting two larger land areas. The meteorologist drew an isogram The country of Panama is an irrigation on the map to show places having isthmus connecting North and the same barometric pressure. South America. irritability n isohyetal italicization / TirEZESbilEZG / adj L / TI(T)sPShIEZFl / itemize quick excitability to annoyance, Gk > ISV impatience, or anger. relating to or indicating equal iterance On the second day of Josh’s diet, rainfall. n his irritability was apparent to The weather forecaster’s map / SiZErEn(t)s / everyone around him. shows isohyetal areas of the Great L > E Plains. [Note: Could be confused with irritate iterancy.] repetition, isolability repetitiousness, recurrence. isagoge n Carol noticed an iterance of the n / TIsElESbilEZG / name Elizabeth in her genealogical / SIsETgPjG / L > F > E chart. Gk the capability of being placed alone a scholarly introduction to a branch or apart. iterative of study or research. According to the philosophical adj The eminent economist wrote an principle of isolability, every / SiZErEtiv / isagoge for the new economics text. isolated event must have an L isolated cause. marked by or involving repetition or recurrence. The name Elizabeth formed an iterative pattern in Maggie’s genealogical chart.

Page 129 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently itinerant jacamar jaleo adj n / IStin(E)rEnt / / SjakETmBr / jalousie L Tupi > F n traveling about from place to place. any of many brightly colored birds / SjalEsG / The large farm employed many inhabiting tropical forests from F itinerant workers during the Mexico to Argentina. [has near homonym: jealousy] a harvest season. Tio recognized the cry of the blind or shutter having horizontal jacamar but couldn’t see the bird slats that are adjustable or fixed at itinerary through the thick foliage. an angle to admit light and air and n to permit looking out without being / IStinETrerG / jackanapes seen from the outside. L n Helen hung a jalousie in each a sketch of the prospective course / SjakETnCps / downstairs window of her new of a journey or trip. E nickname house. The senator’s itinerary called for an impertinent or conceited fellow. ten stops in two days. Billy was thrown out of English jambalaya class for being an insolent n ivory jackanapes. / TjEmbESlIE / adj Prov > F / SIv(E)rG / jackknife rice cooked with ham, sausage, Hamitic > L > F > E chicken, shrimp, or oysters and of a creamy white color. jaconet usually tomato and seasoned with The ivory sweater that Karen herbs. purchased qualifies as “winter jacquard No trip to New Orleans would be white.” n complete without sampling a bowl / jaSkBrd / of spicy jambalaya. izzat F name a fabric of an intricate variegated jamboree jabberwocky weave. n n In the antique store’s front window / TjambESrG / / SjabE(r)TwBkG / was a fabulous jacquard that unknown E nonsense name portrayed the Last Supper. a long mixed program of meaningless speech, writing, or entertainment. patter : gibberish. jadeite The finale at the jamboree was a Dina listened as the two babies n brilliant display of fireworks. carried on a lengthy conversation / SjCTdIt / in jabberwocky. Sp > F jangle a monoclinic mineral found chiefly jabot in Myanmar that when cut janiform n constitutes a valuable variety of adj / zhaSbP / jade. / SjanETfOrm / F Alexis bought a necklace made of L + L a ruffle or pleated frill of cloth, jadeite and black onyx at the craft having a face on each of two sides. lace, or both attached down the bazaar. While in Rome, Stacey bought a center front of a shirt, blouse, or replica of an ancient coin depicting dress bodice. jaguar a janiform figure. Tom insisted that the shirt of his n Captain Hook costume have a / SjagTwBr / jabot. Tupi&Guarani > Pg&Sp a large cat chiefly of Central and jacal South America that is larger and stockier than the leopard and is brownish yellow or buff with black spots. Although the jaguar is a good climber, it usually stalks its prey on the ground.

Page 130 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently janitor jaundice jejune n n adj / SjanEZE(r) / / SjOndDs / / jDSjVn / L L > F > E L one that keeps the premises of an yellowish pigmentation of the skin, immature, juvenile. apartment, office, or other building tissues, and body fluids caused by Dennis rejected the jejune poems clean and free of refuse, tends the the deposition of bile pigments. for publication. heating system, and makes minor David’s jaundice was brought on repairs. by a liver problem. jellyfish Morris took a part-time job as a janitor at an apartment complex in jauntily jeopardize exchange for free rent. adv v / SjOntFlG / / SjepE(r)TdIz / japery F > E + Ecff L > F > E + Ecf n in a light or carefree manner. expose to danger : imperil. / SjCp(E)rG / Steve’s hat was perched jauntily on Mr. Turner refuses to jeopardize E the side of his head. his family by driving at high speed. jesting talk : jokes. Tired of the disk jockey’s japery, jaunty jeopardy Terry turned the radio off. adj / SjOntG / jerboa jarabe L > F n n nonchalant or sprightly in manner / jDrSbPE / / hESrB(T)bC / or appearance. Ar Ar > Sp The music teacher is far more any of several social nocturnal Old any of several provincial Mexican jaunty at the keys of a piano than in World jumping rodents with long couple dances that have the the classroom. hind legs and a long tail. zapateado as their basic step. The well-developed jumping ability The jarabe is sometimes performed javelin of the jerboa enables it to escape at Mexican weddings. n from many predators. / Sjav(E)lDn / jardiniere Celt > F jeremiad a slender shaft of wood not less n jargon than 260 centimeters long, tipped / TjerESmIEd / n with iron or steel, and intended to Heb name > Gk > L > F / SjBrgEn / be thrown for distance as an a protracted speech marked by deep imit > F > E athletic feat or exercise. misery. the technical terminology or Lucas threw the javelin only 20 feet The old philosopher gave a moving characteristic idiom of specialists on his first attempt. jeremiad against a culture that or workers in a particular activity values knowledge above wisdom. or area of knowledge. javellization Anna was sure the computer jerkin programmers were speaking jealousy n English, but their jargon made it n / SjErkDn / impossible for her to understand / SjelEsG / unknown what they were saying. F a close-fitting hip-length jacket. [has near homonym: jalousie] a As his quest led him northward, the jarl disposition or state of mind that is knight began wearing a jerkin for intolerant of rivalry or additional warmth. jasper unfaithfulness. Tormented by jealousy, jeroboam Shakespeare’s Othello is driven to murder his wife.

jecorize

Page 131 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently jettison jocund jubilant v adj adj / SjeZEsEn / / SjBkEnd / / SjVbElEnt / L > F > E L L drop (as auxiliary equipment, feeling or exhibiting mirth or good manifesting or expressing bombs, cargo, or fuel) from an cheer : cheerful. exultation or gladness. airplane in flight (as for lightening The jocund host made everyone feel Fans were jubilant when the batter the load or providing greater completely at ease. hit the winning home run in the safety). bottom of the ninth inning. The airplane’s malfunctioning jodhpur engine prompted the crew to n jubilarian jettison all unnecessary cargo. / SjBdpE(r) / Indian geog name jubilation jettisoned a short riding boot; especially : an ankle-length boot fastened with a judicial jibboom strap that is buckled at the side. Among young or short equestrians, judiciary jicama the jodhpur is a popular choice of n boot. judicious / ShGkEmE / adj Nahuatl > Sp joist / jVSdishEs / a tall-climbing Mexican vine with L showy flowers and a sweet watery jongleur directed or governed by sound root that is sometimes eaten raw or n usually dispassionate judgment : cooked. / zhPMSglEr / characterized by discretion. Suleika made a coleslaw of jicama F Jane’s mom saw to it that her and shredded carrot. an itinerant medieval minstrel summer activities were a judicious reciting and singing for hire. mixture of chores and amusement. jillion Timothy went to the Renaissance Fair dressed as a jongleur, with a juggernaut jinete handmade lute and a velvet cap. n / SjEgE(r)TnOt / jingoism jostlement Skt > Hindi a massive force or object that jittery journal advances irresistibly and crushes whatever is in its path. jocose journalism Sherman’s armies moved like a n juggernaut through the South. jocosity / SjErnFlTizEm / n F juggler / jPSkBsEZG / an academic study concerned with n L the collection and editing of news / SjEg(E)lE(r) / the quality or state of being given or the editorial or business L > F > E to jokes and jesting. management of a news medium. [has near homonym: jugular] one Lennie’s jocosity endeared him to Students of journalism at skilled in keeping several objects in no one. Northwestern University often list motion in the air at the same time the class taught by Oprah Winfrey by alternately tossing and catching jocular as one of their favorites. them. adj The crowd was most impressed / SjBkyElE(r) / journey when the juggler started juggling L flaming torches. given or disposed to jesting. joviality The jocular keynote speaker jugular peppered his remarks with adj humorous anecdotes. / SjEgyElE(r) / L of or relating to the throat or neck. It is easy to find one’s own pulse in the jugular region.

Page 132 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently juiciness junta justiciable n adj juicy / ShUntE / / TjESstish(G)EbEl / L > Sp L > F julienne [has somewhat near homonyms: capable of being decided by legal adj hunter, junto] a closely knit group principles or by a court of justice : / SjVlGTen / of persons composing or liable to trial in a court of justice. F (name?) dominating a government The judge decided that Al’s dispute [has homonym: Julian] cut in long especially after a revolutionary with his employer was justiciable thin strips—used especially of seizure of power. under the new law. vegetables and fruits. The military junta set up its Bruce added julienne cucumber to headquarters in the former justifiable the salad. presidential palace. juvenile jumart jurimetrician n n / SjVvETnIl / jumelle / TjUrDmEStrishEn / F or L L + Gk > E of or relating to childhood. junction a specialist in the application of Many breakfast-cereal scientific methods to legal advertisements are geared to a juncture problems. juvenile audience. n The judge heard testimony from a / SjEN(k)chE(r) / jurimetrician and a forensic juvenilia L pathologist. n pl joint, seam. / TjVvESnilGE / Lulu found a note wedged in the jurisdiction L juncture between the two seats. n artistic or literary compositions / TjUrDsSdikshEn / produced in the author’s youth and jungle L typically marked by immaturity of the limits or territory within which style, treatment, or thought. juniper any particular power may be The artist’s juvenilia showed that n exercised. he had been developing the same / SjVnEpE(r) / Sgt. Voss couldn’t issue the themes throughout his career. L > E reckless driver a ticket because the an evergreen shrub or tree highway was outside his juxtapose characterized by low, lateral jurisdiction. v spreading. / SjEkstETpPz / Grandma gathers berries from her jurisprudence L juniper to use in cooking. n place side by side. / TjUrDSsprVdFn(t)s / Picasso often used collage to junket L juxtapose coarse and refined n [has homonym: jurisprudents] the elements in his art. / SjENkDt / science or philosophy of law. L > It > E Tom is a professor of jurisprudence juxtaposition a pleasure trip or tour made by an at Yale Law School. n official at public expense ostensibly / TjEkstEpESzishEn / for purposes of inspection, jussive L investigation, or other public adj the act or an instance of placing business. / SjEsiv / two or more objects in a close Many citizens complained that the L + Ecf spatial or ideal relationship. mayor’s business trip to Japan was expressing or having the effect of a The justaposition of the different merely a junket. command. styles within the same painting won There was a jussive tone to Mr. the praise of the art critic. Contreras’s request, and the boys obeyed him immediately.

justice

Page 133 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently

Kabuki kaleidoscope katzenjammer n n / kESbVkG / / kESlIdETskPp / kaumographer Jpn Gk + E n traditional Japanese popular drama an instrument that contains loose / kOSmBgrEfE(r) / with singing and dancing fragments of colored glass confined Gk performed in a stylized manner. between two flat plates and two a worker who transfers designs, Performers of Kabuki must learn to plane mirrors placed so that trademarks, or other printed move with great control. changes of position exhibit its material to cloth articles with a hot contents in an endless variety of iron. kairos forms. The sweatshirt store employs a n Raj received a fancy brass kaumographer to decorate shirts / SkITrBs / kaleidoscope for a birthday with designs chosen by the Gk present. customer. a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial kamikaze keepsake action. Feeling that the kairos would never kangaroo keeshond be better, Barbara approached her boss and demanded a raise. kanone kempt kaiser karate kennel n kaiserdom karst / SkenFl / n L > F > E / SkIzE(r)dEm / karting [has near homonym: quenelle] a G house for a dog or pack of hounds. the territory ruled by the German katabatic Jack plans to help his father build a emperors from 1871 to 1918. adj kennel for their beagles. Otto was the best clockmaker in the / TkaZESbaZik / kaiserdom. Gk keno of or relating to the downward n kakemono motion of air (as in air drainage / SkG(T)nP / n induced by surface cooling). F / TkBkESmP(T)nP / The ventilation system relied on [has homonym: kino] a game Jpn katabatic action for optimal resembling lotto or bingo in which a picture or writing on silk or paper efficiency. numbers printed on pellets are that usually has a roller at its lower taken from a sack and announced to edge. katana the players who cover the numbers Yasuki hung a kakemono in the n on cards and in which five numbers living room. / kEStBnE / covered in the same horizontal row Jpn win for the player. kakistocracy a single-edged sword that is the The casino coffee shop had runners n longer of a pair worn by the to sell the diners cards for keno. / TkakDSstBkrEsG / Japanese samurai. Gk Hiroko proudly showed the guests kepi government by the worst her great-grandfather’s katana n individuals. hanging on the wall. / SkCpG / Denny thought the current student L > G > F council was a kakistocracy. katharometer a military cap having a close-fitting n band, a round flat top sloping / TkathESrBmEZE(r) / toward the front, and a visor. Gk In the foyer of the French embassy an apparatus for determining the there is a statue of a general with a composition of a gas mixture. kepi atop his head. With the help of a katharometer, the chemist was able to analyze the engine’s exhaust.

Page 134 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently keratitis kerplunk kiloton n adv n / TkerEStIZDs / / kE(r)SplENk / / SkilETtEn / Gk imit Gk + E inflammation of the cornea of the with a thud. an explosive force equivalent to eye. Mimi dropped the apple kerplunk that of 1,000 tons of TNT—used After being struck in the eye, the onto Mrs. Vega’s desk. especially in reference to an atom boxer had to be treated for or hydrogen bomb. keratitis. kerseymere Given the strength of nuclear bombs, 1 kiloton is a small amount keratoderma kestrel of explosive force. n n / TkerEZPSdErmE / / SkestrEl / kilowatt Gk L > F > E a hard, callous condition of the a common small European falcon. kimono skin. Sean found an injured kestrel on The patient’s keratoderma caused the roof of the library. kindergarten him pain and loss of movement. adj ketch / SkindE(r)TgBrtFn / keratoplasty G n khaki of or relating to an elementary level / SkerEZPTplastG / or initial phase. Gk kibitz After her request to skip from the plastic surgery on the cornea. sixth to the eighth grade was Keratoplasty, especially corneal kibitzer denied, Kathleen was openly grafting, has improved the vision of n scornful of the kindergarten math many people. / SkibDtsE(r) / problems the teacher kept Yiddish assigning. kerchief an outsider or nonparticipant who n looks on and may offer unwanted kindling / SkErchDf / advice or comment. F > E Officer Morrow ordered the kindness a square of cloth usually folded kibitzer to stand back and get out of worn by women as a head the way of the rescue squad. kinesiology covering. n Before Eileen went out to tend to kidnap / kDTnGsGSBlEjG / her garden, she put on a blue and Gk white kerchief. kielbasa the study of the principles of n mechanics and anatomy in relation kerf / kilSbBsE / to human movement. n Pol All physical therapy students are / SkErf / [Note: A differently pronounced required to take a course in E variant of the word is kielbasy.] a kinesiology. a slit or notch made in cutting smoked sausage. usually by a saw or cutting torch. Adria ordered a half-pound of kinetic Roger’s toy racetrack is made from potato salad and a kielbasa from adj a piece of wood with a wide kerf the deli. / kDSneZik / along which the little cars move. Gk kilim relating to the motion of matter and kerflop the forces and energy associated kiln therewith. kernel The kinetic theory of gases treats each molecule in a gas as a point, which has mass but negligible volume.

kingdom

Page 135 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently kinkajou klomp knishes n n / SkiNkETjV / / SklBmp / knock Algonquian > F D a slender long-tailed mammal of [has homonym: clomp] a wooden knockabout Central and South America related shoe worn in the Low countries. to the raccoon. The Dutch villager proudly showed knoll The kinkajou is sometimes called Pam a klomp that he had just n the honey bear. finished carving. / SnPl / E kishke knapsack a usually small rounded land n n eminence. / SkishkE / / SnapTsak / Drucilla lay at the top of the knoll Slav > Yiddish G&D to catch some rays. beef or fowl casing stuffed with a a bag or case often of canvas savory filling (as of matzoth flour, supported on the back by a strap knout chicken fat, and onion) and roasted. over each shoulder and used Steve ate four helpings of his especially for carrying supplies knuckle grandmother’s kishke. while on a march or hike. The next morning, Boris found a knucks kitsch young snapping turtle in his n knapsack. knurl / Skich / G knave kohlrabi artistic or literary material held to n be of low quality, often produced to knavery / kPlSrBbG / appeal to popular taste, and marked G especially by sentimentalism, knead a variety of cabbage having a sensationalism, and slickness. turnip-shaped edible stem. Souvenir shops are filled with kneadable The flesh of the kohlrabi resembles kitsch for the undiscriminating adj that of the turnip but is sweeter and tourists. / SnGdEbEl / milder. E + Ecf kiwi having the proper texture for kookaburra mixing into a well-blended whole n klendusity by or as if by repeatedly drawing / SkUkETbErE / n out and pressing together. Australian name / klenSd(y)VsEZG / Flour was mixed with other a kingfisher of Australia that is Gk ingredients to produce a kneadable about the size of a crow, has a call the tendency of a plant or variety to dough. resembling loud laughter, and feeds escape infection as a result of in part on reptiles. having some property that prevents knickknacky While vacationing in Melbourne, or hinders inoculation : disease- Lindsay was at first startled by the escaping ability. knight peculiar chortling of a kookaburra. The plant’s thick cuticle is largely responsible for its klendusity. knightling kuchen n klinotaxis knish / SkVkEn / n n G / TklInEStaksDs / / kESnish / any of several varieties of coffee Gk Russ > Yiddish cake typically made from sweet directional orientation involving a round or square of rich baking- yeast dough and variously shaped, turning toward a stimulus. powder dough folded over a savory flavored, and frosted. The klinotaxis of honeybees is meat or cheese filling and baked or Aunt Mitzi served a warm apple dependent on the angle of the sun. fried. kuchen for Christmas brunch. Sol searched his new neighborhood in vain for a restaurant that served a decent knish.

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