2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently aardwolf abdomen ablution n n n / SBrdTwUlf / / SabdETmEn / / ESblVshEn / Afrikaans L > F L a striped hyenalike mammal of region of an insect’s body. the washing of one’s body or part southern and eastern Africa that The three main body parts of an of it as a religious rite. feeds chiefly on carrion and insects. insect are the head, the thorax, and A common example of ablution in Termites are the favorite food of the abdomen. Judaism is washing the hands the aardwolf. before a meal that includes bread. abdominal abacus abolition n abecedarium / SabDkEs / abominable Gk > L abecedarius adj a calculating instrument for n / ESbBm(E)nEbEl / performing arithmetical processes / TCbG(T)sGSda(a)rGEs / L > F > E by sliding counters by hand on rods L worthy of or causing loathing or or in grooves. a poem in which the lines or hatred. The grocer used an abacus instead stanzas begin with the letters of the Charlie’s abominable pretense of of a modern cash register. alphabet in regular order. being attracted to Jane was the Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a famous result of a dare by his friends. abalienation abecedarius. aborigine abalone aberrant n n / TabESrijE(T)nG / / TabESlPnG / aberration L Sp n [Note: Could be confused with a gastropod mollusk that clings to / TabESrCshEn / aborigen.] one of the native people rocks tenaciously with a broad L especially as contrasted with an muscular foot. deviation from the natural state or invading or colonizing people. At the beach, Marta made a from a normal type. Cathy Freeman, an Australian necklace from the shell of an Jane’s outburst at the meeting was aborigine, carried the flame into abalone. a shocking behavior aberration, for the Olympic stadium. her manner is usually so reserved. abandonment abracadabra abeyance n abattoir n / TabrEkESdabrE / n / ESbCEn(t)s / L / SabDTtwBr / L > F + Ecf confused or unintelligible language F [has homonym: obeyance] : nonsense. slaughterhouse. cessation or suspension (as of a Despite the abracadabra in the At the end of the day the battlefield customary practice). poem “Jabberwocky,” its message at Hastings looked like an abattoir. Use of the swimming pool was put is rather clear. in abeyance until a new lifeguard abbot could be hired. abrasion n abbreviate abhor / ESbrCzhEn / L abbreviation abhorrence wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction. abdicate ability Moving glaciers caused abrasion v on Earth’s surface. / SabdETkCt / abiogenist L abrasive relinquish formally, renounce. abjuration The crown prince will abdicate his abrogated throne so that his brother may rule.
Page 1 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently abruptly abysmal accessorial adv adj / ESbrEp(t)lG / / ESbizmEl / accidental L Gk > L > E in a manner that produces the effect having the characteristics of an acclimatization of a sudden ending. abyss : bottomless. n George’s mom stopped abruptly at Ahmet jumped his motorcycle over / ETklImEZDSzCshEn / the door of his room when she saw the abysmal gorge. L > F + Ecff his pet python on the floor. the process of adapting to a new abysmally temperature, altitude, environment, abscess or situation. academia The wild fern’s acclimatization to abscissa n Mrs. Bennett’s rock garden amazed n / TakESdGmyE / her. / abSsisE / Gk > L L life and interests associated with a acclivity the horizontal coordinate of a point school especially of higher n in a plane Cartesian coordinate learning. / ESklivEZG / system obtained by measuring Robert prefers academia to the L parallel to the x-axis. business world. an ascending slope (as of a hill). Bill was asked to mark the point on The biker hoped that a downhill the graph at which the abscissa is 4 academic stretch would soon follow what and the ordinate is 7. adj seemed to be an endless acclivity. / TakESdemik / abscond Gk > L > F accolade relating to a school, especially an n abscondence institution of higher education. / SakETlCd / Claudia postponed her academic L > F absence pursuits after learning of her a bestowal of praise. father’s serious illness. Martin received one accolade after abstemious another at the awards banquet. adj acarology / abzStGmGEs / accommodable L accede sparing in eating and drinking. accomplice Evelyn is abstemious by nature and accelerate n never orders dessert. v / ESkBmplDs / / ikSselETrCt / L > F > E abstinence L one that participates with another in add to the speed of or quicken the a crime either as principal or abstractive motion of. accessory. To qualify for the finals, the jogger The juvenile was convicted as an abstruse had to accelerate his pace. accomplice in the robbery. adj / EbzStrVs / accelerator accordionist L [has obsolete variant with similar accentuator accreditation pronunciation: obstruse] difficult to comprehend or understand. acceptance accrescent Mr. Thompson’s abstruse adj calculations covered the accessible / ESkresFnt / blackboard. adj L / ikSsesEbEl / growing continuously; specifically absurdity L : growing larger after flowering. capable of being reached or easily After its flower had fallen away, the abundance approached. plant’s accrescent calyx became Wilbur made sure his restaurant noticeably larger. was accessible to those in wheelchairs. accrual
Page 2 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently accrue acicular acquittal adj n accrued / ESsikyElEr / / ESkwiZFl / v L + Ecf L + L > F / ESkrVd / like a needle in shape : slender and [Note: The definition provided is L > F > E pointed. not the one most commonly came by way of increase or Under the microscope, the crystals associated with this word.] release addition. appear as single acicular or discharge from debt or other Helen argued that many structures. liability. advantages have accrued to society Mr. Churchill was deeply involved from the freedom of the press. acknowledge in the game and was too much indebted to it for his acquittal. accumulate acknowledging v acre / ESkyVmyETlCt / acolyte n L n / SCkE(r) / heap up in a mass : pile up. / SakETlIt / E The weather forecaster said that as Gk > L > F > E any of various units of land area. much as two feet of snow might one who attends or assists : Miriam had to cross a 10-acre field accumulate overnight. follower. to get to her favorite swimming Not one acolyte remained after the hole. accurate cult leader’s fall from grace. adj acrimonious / SakyErDt / acorn adj L / TakrESmPnGEs / correct, exact, precise. acoustician L > F The detective prided himself on caustic, biting, or rancorous, making accurate reports of crime acoustics especially in feeling, language, or scenes. n pl manner : bitter. / ESkVstiks / It was obvious that Marjorie’s accusatory Gk comments were acrimonious and the aggregate of qualities (as complaining. acescent absence of echo or reverberation) adj of an enclosure (as an auditorium) acrobat / ESsesFnt / or other area that affects n L production, control, transmission, / SakrETbat / turning sour or tending to turn sour. reception, and perception of sound. Gk > F Natalie spit out the acescent milk. As a result of the renovation, the one who performs gymnastic feats acoustics of the concert hall have or exercises. acetate improved dramatically. Paul is developing the skills of a first-rate acrobat. acetylene acquaintance n n acronym / ESseZFlDn / / ESkwCntFn(t)s / n L + Gk + Gk F > E / SakrETnim / a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon familiarity, experience. Gk + Gk that is explosive when compressed Ruth developed an acquaintance a word formed from the initial but safe if diluted with nitrogen or with Tibetan musical tradition. letter or letters of each of the acetone. successive parts or major parts of a The welder ran out of acetylene acquiesce compound term. while cutting through the ship’s The word radar is an acronym of hull. acquiescence radio detection and ranging. achromatism acropolis
Page 3 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently acrostic acuminate adherent n adj n / ESkrOstik / / ESkyVmEnDt / / TadShirEnt / Gk L L a composition usually in verse in tapering to a slender point : a believer in or advocate of a which one or more sets of letters pointed. particular thing, idea, or religion. when taken in order form a word, a Steve found one of his parakeet’s Julia has been an adherent of connected group of words, or the acuminate tail feathers on the floor. Buddhism since 1985. regular sequence of the letters of the alphabet. acupuncture adhesional Mrs. Taylor was not at all pleased with the acrostic her students made adactylous adiaphorism using her name. adage adipose acrylic adagio adjacency actinic n adj / ESdB(T)jP / adjacent / akStinik / (L + L > OProv) > It adj Gk > L + Ecf [Note: The definition provided is / ESjCsFnt / having photochemical properties or not the one most commonly L effects. associated with this word.] a series living nearby or sitting or standing The stars emit actinic rays as well of sustained and perfectly relatively near or close together. as light and heat. controlled dance movements Citizens of Centerville and its displaying balance and grace. adjacent communities banded actuary The wicked fairy performed a together to form a volunteer fire n perfect adagio just before Sleeping department. / SakchETwerG / Beauty appeared. L adjourn one trained in mathematics and adamantine statistics whose business it is to adj adjudicate calculate insurance and annuity / TadESmanTtIn / premiums, reserves, and dividends. Gk > L > E adjunct An actuary uses such factors as age rigidly firm : unyielding. n and health status to determine a Debra’s adamantine chain of logic / SaTjEN(k)t / person’s life insurance premiums. bedazzled her philosophy L professor. something joined or added to aculeate another thing but not essentially a adj addlepated part of it. / ESkyVlGDt / Exercise is an adjunct to a long L adenoidal and healthy life. marked by incisiveness : stinging, adj pointed. / TadFnSOidFl / adjuvant No actor was spared in the Gk reviewer’s aculeate criticisms. typical or suggestive of one admeasure affected with abnormally enlarged acumen glands in the back of the throat. adminicle n The critics panned the tenor, whose n / ESkyVmDn / voice was terribly adenoidal and / adSminDkEl / L breathy. L acuteness of mind : keenness of support, auxiliary. perception, discernment, or adequate Shelly enjoyed serving as an discrimination : shrewdness adminicle of the local Girl Scout especially in practical matters. adequation troop. Della’s business acumen helped her amass a fortune of over $50 adhere million. adherence
Page 4 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently admiral advocate affiliation n n n / Sadm(E)rEl / / SadvETkDt / / ETfilGSCshEn / Ar > L L L a naval officer of high rank. one that argues for, defends, the state or relation of being Petty Officer Pritchard saluted the maintains, or recommends a cause attached as a member or branch. admiral and continued to her post. or proposal. Professor Bruner retired after a Isabella was sure nobody ought to 30-year affiliation with Harvard admire be, or could be, a greater advocate University. for matrimony than she. admonitory affirmative aerial adolescence afflatus aerodynamic n Adonis adj / ESflCZEs / n / Ta(E)rP(T)dISnamik / L / ESdBnDs / Gk a divine imparting of knowledge or Gk name of or relating to the science that power : inspiration. an exceptionally handsome young treats of the motion of air and other Most art students are familiar with man. gaseous fluids. Michelangelo’s painting on the Nearly all the eighth-grade girls The aerodynamic design of race ceiling of the Sistine Chapel think that Leonardo is an Adonis. cars helps them achieve great depicting the afflatus from God to speeds. Adam. adsmith aeronautics affluence adumbrate v affable aforementioned / SadEmTbrCt / L affianced afterwale give a sketchy representation of : v outline broadly, omitting details. / ESfIEn(t)st / agate There was time to only adumbrate L > F > E adj the escape plan. solemnly promised (oneself or / SagDt / another) in marriage : betrothed. Gk > L > F advantageous The ruler of Austria affianced his of or resembling a fine-grained daughter to the king of France. chalcedony frequently mixed with adverb opal and having various colors affidavit arranged in stripes or bands; adversary n especially : of the color of agate. / TafESdCvDt / Rachel’s brown agate eyes are adverse L extremely unusual and beautiful. a sworn statement in writing made advisory especially under oath or before an agelicism n authorized officer. / EdSvIz(E)rG / The police asked Heather to agenda L > F prepare an affidavit regarding a report giving information (as one what she saw when she surprised a agglomeration issued by a weather bureau on the burglar in her house. progress of a hurricane). agglutinate The weather advisory warned small affiliate craft that winds would be in excess v of 34 knots today. / ESfilGTCt / L advocaat attach as a member or branch : bring or receive into close connection. The university assists in trying to affiliate local high schools.
Page 5 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently aggrandizement agnostic akropodion n n n / ESgrandEzmEnt / / agSnBstik / / TakrESpPdGEn / L > F Gk Gk the act, action, or result of making one who maintains a continuing the most prominent point on the great or greater (as in power, honor, doubt about the existence or back of the heel. or wealth). knowability of a god or any After the hike, Eli had a nasty Because she was a commoner, Ruth ultimates. blister on his left akropodion. was accused of marrying the prince Raymond and Olive have been for her own personal happily married for ten years, even aktograph aggrandizement. though she is an agnostic and he never misses Sunday morning alabaster aggravate mass. adj v / SalETbastE(r) / / SagrDTvCt / agoraphobia Gk > L > F > E L of or resembling alabaster; make worse, more serious, or more agrarian specifically : having a nearly white severe. color and a light-diffusing surface. Shane worried that a game of one- agriology Patsy’s alabaster skin gives her a on-one would aggravate his ankle spectral appearance. injury. agronomy n alacrity aggregate / ESgrBnEmG / n n L + Gk / ESlakrEZG / / SagrDgDt / the branch of agriculture that deals L L with field crop production and soil cheerful readiness : eagerness. a body of units or parts somewhat management. Dr. Cameron’s students always loosely associated with one Vince earned a degree in agronomy enter his class with alacrity and another. at the state university’s school of depart with reluctance. The protesters straggled toward the agriculture. muddy park in a dispirited alar aggregate as the organizers set up aikido tents and microphones. albatross aileron n aghast n / SalbETtrOs / / SClETrBn / Ar? > Pg or Sp agiotage L > F any of a number of large web- a movable portion of an airplane footed seabirds that are capable of agitated wing or a movable airfoil external long-continued flight. adj to the wing for imparting a rolling The wingspan of an albatross can / SajETtCZDd / motion and thus providing lateral exceed ten feet. L control. troubled in mind : disturbed, An aileron is usually situated at the albedo excited. trailing edge of an airplane's wing n The crowd became agitated when near the wing tip. / alSbG(T)dP / the candidate failed to appear. L airborne reflective power. Arno researched the effects of soil airedale albedo on vegetation. n / Sa(a)(E)rTdCl / albeit E geog name conj a large terrier with a wiry black and / OlSbGDt / tan coat. E Shantha’s airedale is registered although. with the American Kennel Club. Sonia had a simple, albeit expensive, wedding.
albino
Page 6 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently alchemy alibi allegiance n n n / SalkEmG / / SalETbI / / ESlGjEn(t)s / Gk > Ar > L > F L F > E the medieval chemical science and the plea of having been elsewhere the duty of fidelity owed by a speculative philosophy whose aims at the time an act was committed. subject or citizen to his sovereign were the transmutation of base To support his alibi, Jake showed or government. metals into gold. his lawyer a video made during his The new citizens pledged The wizard’s apprentice was Hawaii trip. allegiance to their adopted country. determined to learn enough alchemy to turn lead into gold. alienation allegory n alcohol aliferous / SalDTgPrG / Gk alcoholature alimentary a story in which people, things, and adj happenings have a hidden or alcoholism / TalESmentErG / symbolic meaning. L Gail disliked the moralistic tone of aleatory [Note: Could be confused with the allegory. elementary.] of, concerned with, or alegar relating to nourishment or to the allegro n function of nutrition. n / SaligE(r) / Pasta is sometimes called an / ESle(T)grP / E + L > F “alimentary paste.” It > L sour ale or vinegar made of ale. ballet steps performed in a lively, While studying in England as an aliquot fast tempo. exchange student, Judith developed After the allegro, Madame a taste for fried potatoes with salt alkali Delacroix instructed the dancers to and alegar. cool down slowly. allargando alfalfa adv allemande n / TBTlBrSgBn(T)dP / v / alSfalfE / L / SalETmand / Ar > Sp in a manner becoming gradually Gmc > L > F an important European leguminous broader with the same or greater perform a step with arms forage plant. volume. interlaced. The farmer alternated his crops, David’s piano teacher indicated The caller told the square dancers growing alfalfa one season and that the piece was to be played to allemande left and swing their corn the next. allargando. partners. alfresco allayment allergy adj n / alSfre(T)skP / allege / SalE(r)jG / It v Gk > G open-air. / ESlej / exaggerated or pathological Everyone looks forward to the L reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or alfresco party that the Smiths hold assert, affirm, state without proof skin rashes) to substances, every Derby Day. or before proving. situations, or physical states that Residents of the area allege that the are without comparable effect on algorithm lake water has curative properties. the average individual. Because of her allergy, Mrs. Griffin discouraged her students from bringing in any furry pets for show- and-tell.
Page 7 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently alliance almond altazimuth n n n / ESlIEn(t)s / / SB(l)mEnd / / alStazEmEth / L > F > E Gk > L > F > E L + Ar > L union or connection especially the fruit of a small tree; especially : an instrument consisting of a between families, states, parties, or the nutlike stone or kernel of this telescope mounted so that it can individuals. tree. swing horizontally and vertically. The alliance between the two The almond is a nut that is easy to Josh saw an antique altazimuth in nations has been strong for nearly crack. the maritime museum. 50 years. aloof altercation alligator adj n n / ESlVf / / TOltE(r)SkCshEn / / SalDTgCZE(r) / E + D? > F > E L L > Sp removed or distant either physically dispute carried on with feeling (as a reptile having a head not tapering or spiritually and usually by choice anger). to the snout and being in general and with indifference to the Police broke up a minor altercation much more sluggish than the feelings, opinions, or interests of between two street vendors. typical crocodiles. others. Jason’s favorite sight at the fair Greg’s aloof personality altiplano was a woman wrestling an discouraged his gregarious n alligator. colleagues. / TaltDSplB(T)nP / L > Sp allision alopecia a high plateau or plain : tableland. n A cold northerly wind over the alliteration / TalESpGsh(G)E / altiplano heralded the arrival of n Gk winter. / ETliZESrCshEn / loss of hair, wool, or feathers : L + Ecf baldness. altitude the repetition usually initially of a Prescription drugs such as n sound that is usually a consonant in minoxidil have had limited success / SaltETtVd / two or more neighboring words or in treating alopecia. L > E syllables (as in “daring deed”). position at a height. Poor writers rely on alliteration alpaca When the plane suddenly lost when lacking ideas. n altitude, the pilot told the / alSpakE / passengers to fasten their seat allocation Aymara > Sp belts. n an animal like a llama with fine / alESkCshEn / long woolly hair and domesticated altogether L in Peru and adjacent countries. adv the act of apportioning. The petting zoo featured four goats, / TOltESgeLE(r) / The allocation of powers in the an alpaca, a pony, and three lambs. E United States Constitution is wholly, completely, thoroughly. clearly defined. alpenglow The suffragettes argued that it was n altogether fit and proper that alluded / SalpEnTglP / women have the right to vote. G + E alluviation a reddish glow or sometimes the altruism n entire series of light phenomena / ETlVvGSCshEn / seen near sunset or sunrise on the altruistically L summits of mountains. the process that results in deposits Jocelyn and Ruth enjoyed the rich alveolate of clay, silt, sand, or gravel at alpenglow from the balcony of their adj places in rivers or estuaries where cabin. / alSvGElDt / stream velocity is decreased. L + Ecf The effects of alluviation can be alphabet pitted like a honeycomb. seen along the banks of a large The porous sandstone had an river. alveolate surface.
Page 8 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently amadelphous amblyopia amendment n n amalgam / TamblGSPpGE / / ESmen(d)mEnt / n Gk L + Ecf / ESmalgEm / dimness of sight without apparent the process of changing or Ar? > L > F change in the eye structures modifying in any way for the better an alloy of mercury with another associated especially with the toxic (as a motion, bill, act, or metal. effects of certain drugs or constitution). Because mercury will form an chemicals or with dietary A well-drafted constitution will amalgam with most other metals, it deficiencies. provide for its own amendment. can be used to extract them from The doctor told Henry to quit ore. smoking if he wanted his amblyopia amertoy to improve. n amanuensis / SamE(r)TtOi / n ambrosia E geog name + E / ETmanyESwen(t)sDs / n a small terrierlike dog having a L / amSbrPzh(G)E / short sleek satiny coat and one who is employed to write from Gk > F weighing between six and ten dictation or to copy what another a dessert of a fruit or of mixed pounds. has written. fruits topped with shredded Ricky was forever chasing Trixie, During the six weeks that coconut. the family amertoy, out of the Chrissie’s arm was in a cast, she Cyrus’s favorite dessert is his flower beds. completed her homework with her grandmother’s ambrosia. mother as her amanuensis. amethyst ambulation amateur amiable ambuscade ambidextrous amicable ambush adj ambiguity / SamDkEbEl / n ameliorate L / TambDSgyVEZG / v characterized by or as if by L / ESmGlyETrCt / friendship and goodwill. the condition of admitting of two or L Carla and Jeanine have had an more meanings, of being make better : improve. amicable relationship since they understood in more than one way, Activists lobbied to ameliorate settled their initial dispute. or of referring to two or more prison conditions. things at the same time. amice The ambiguity of Mr. Mitchell’s amelioration n essay questions encouraged n / SamDs / creative interpretations. / ETmGlyESrCshEn / L L [has near homonyms: amas, amiss] ambivalent the act of making better or the state a liturgical vestment consisting of adj of being made better : an oblong piece of cloth usually of / amSbivElEnt / improvement. white linen, worn about the neck L The committee submitted its and shoulders and partly under the characterized by, suggestive of, recommendations for the alb. motivated by, or exhibiting amelioration of the undesirable Father Patrick put on a fresh white contradictory emotional or conditions at the overcrowded amice before serving mass. psychological attitude. school. Because Tad has a grueling job amiss lined up, he is ambivalent about the amenable upcoming summer vacation. adj / ESmGnEbEl / L > F readily brought to yield or submit : responsive, tractable. Horst is amenable to any ideas for the prom’s theme.
Page 9 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently amity amphora anaconda n n n / SamEZG / / SamfErE / / TanESkBndE / L Gk > L Singhalese friendship and goodwill, especially a Greek unit of capacity equal to a large arboreal snake of the boa as characterized by mutual 10.3 gallons or 39 liters. family of tropical South America. acceptance and tolerance of The group ordered 1 amphora of The anaconda has been known to potentially antagonistic standpoints punch for the Antiquity Party. forage in trees for birds. or aims. The natural amity between Avital ampicillin anaglyph and her sister has helped them n n maintain strong ties through many / TampESsilDn / / SanETglif / family disagreements. ISV Gk a penicillin that is effective against a stereoscopic still or moving ammeter gram-negative and gram-positive picture producing a three- n bacteria and is used to treat various dimensional effect when viewed / Sa(m)TmeZE(r) / infections of the urinary, through colored filters. F + Gk respiratory, and intestinal tracts. Troy begged his parents to take him [has near homonym: amateur] an Pneumonia has been successfully to the newest anaglyph at the IMAX instrument for measuring electric treated with ampicillin. theater. current. Perry and Ayrton’s ammeter helped amulet anagogic measure the efficiency of the n adj battery. / SamyElDt / / TanESgBjik / L Gk > L ammonia an inscribed charm believed to having a spiritual meaning or a protect or aid the wearer. sense referring to the heavenly life. amnesia The archaeologist discovered an Terrance recited anagogic poems n amulet in the tomb of an ancient by a Greek mystic. / amSnGzhE / Egyptian ruler. Gk analects loss of memory : forgetfulness. anabibazon Alice suffered from amnesia as the n analemma result of a head injury. / TanESbibETzBn / n Gk / TanESlemE / amole the ascending node of the Moon’s Gk n orbit with the ecliptic. a graduated scale shaped like a / ESmPlG / Lars waited for the Moon to reach figure 8 and showing the Sun’s Nahuatl > Sp its anabibazon so he could confirm declination for each day of the year any of a number of plants utilized his findings. usually constituting part of a as a source of soap. sundial and often shown on globes. The discovery of an amole created anabolic Katrina consulted the sundial’s much excitement among the adj analemma to calculate the correct castaways. / TanESbBlik / time. Gk + Gk amortization relating to, characterized by, or analgesic promoting constructive amphibian metabolism. analogy n The weightlifter was disqualified n / amSfibGEn / after it was discovered he had used / ESnalEjG / Gk anabolic steroids. Gk [has homonym: amphibion] an a figure of speech involving an animal or plant accustomed or anachronism extended or elaborate comparison adapted to life both on land and in between two things or situations. the water. anachronous Hugo used an analogy to illustrate The frog is perhaps the best-known his point, but no one understood amphibian. the analogy either. amphibious
Page 10 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently analysand anecdote ankh n n n / ESnalETsand / / SanikTdPt / / SaNk / Gk + L > Ecf F&Gk Egypt one that is analyzed; specifically : a usually short narrative of an a cross having a loop instead of an one who is undergoing interesting, amusing, or curious upper vertical arm used especially psychoanalysis. incident. in ancient Egypt. The psychotherapist encouraged The speaker’s presentation ended Roger’s first discovery as an the analysand to unburden herself with a touching anecdote. Egyptian archeologist was a gold of her anxieties. ankh. anemochore anastomosis n anklet n / ESnemETkP(E)r / / ETnastESmPsDs / Gk > F + Gk anneal Gk a plant that has seeds or spores a joining of the parts of a branched adapted to distribution by wind. annihilate system. The dandelion is a familiar v Hal pointed out the anastomosis in anemochore. / ESnIETlCt / the veined mulberry leaf. L anemometer destroy a considerable part of. anaudia n Armyworms can annihilate a n / TanESmBmEZE(r) / beautiful lawn in just a few days. / aSnOdGE / Gk > F + Gk > Ecf Gk an instrument for measuring and anniversary loss of voice : inability to indicating the force or speed of the n articulate. wind. / TanESvErs(E)rG / A blow to the throat can cause The anemometer spun furiously as L temporary anaudia. the hurricane approached. the annual recurrence of a date marking an event or occurrence of anautogenous anglaise notable importance. adj Next Thursday will be the 23rd ancestor / BNSglCz / anniversary of our family grocery Gmc > F store’s first day of operation. anchovy boiled and served without sauce. n Carrots anglaise are not very tasty. annotation / SanTchPvG / Gk > L? > It > Sp anguish annoyance any of a number of small n herringlike fishes; especially : a anhydride / ESnOiEn(t)s / common Mediterranean form F > E esteemed for its rich and peculiar anise a source of vexation or irritation : flavor. n bothersome disturbance. Joshua informed his mother that / SanDs / Vera enjoyed raking leaves on the one anchovy had rendered the Gk warm autumn day, but the loud entire pizza inedible. an herb cultivated for its aromatic music from the neighbor’s yard seeds. was an annoyance. ancillary The flavor of anise is similar to that adj of licorice. annual / SansETlerG / L anisette serving to aid or assist : auxiliary : supplementary. Electronic media usually include radio, film, and television, as well as the ancillary industries of audio and video recording.
Page 11 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently annuity anorthopia anthology n n n / ESn(y)VEZG / / Ta(T)nOrSthPpGE / / anSthBlEjG / L Gk Gk an amount payable yearly or at distorted vision in which straight a usually representative collection other regular intervals (as lines appear bent. of selected literary pieces or quarterly) for a certain or uncertain When Liz put on Jan’s glasses, she passages. period. was overcome with anorthopia. John hopes to find “The Raven” in Carl’s grandparents set up a trust his mom’s anthology of American fund that will provide him with an anserous literature. annuity for the next 20 years. antecedent anthroponymy annul n v / TantESsGdFnt / antimacassar / ESnEl / L n L > F > E a substantive word, phrase, or / antGmESkasE(r) / cause to cease to exist : reduce to clause referred to by a pronoun, Gk + Celebes island geog name nothing. typically by a following pronoun. a cover to protect the back or arms The legislator’s motion to annul the In the sentence “I saw John and of furniture from Macassar oil or out-of-date law met with the spoke to him,” John is the other hair preparations. approval of his colleagues. antecedent of him. Fran found the missing antimacassar under one of the sofa anodyne antecessor cushions. adj n / SanETdIn / / SantETsesE(r) / antimony Gk L > E n serving to assuage pain : soothing. one that goes before. / SantETmPnG / Before aspirin was developed, Phoebe’s antecessor in the Ar? > L > E certain spirits and herbs were presidency served six terms. a metalloid element that is valued for their anodyne commonly metallic silvery white, properties. antediluvian crystalline, and brittle and is used especially as a constituent of alloys. anomalous antelope Pewter is an alloy of antimony and n tin. anomaly / SantFlTPp / n Gk > L > F > E antipasto / ESnBmElG / any of various ruminant mammals n Gk > L of Africa and southwest Asia that / TantGSpastP / the angular distance of a planet differ from the true oxen especially L > It from its perihelion as seen from the in lighter racier build and horns any of various savory foods usually Sun. directed upward and backward. served as appetizers : hors The anomaly in a planet’s orbit is The bounding antelope managed to d’oeuvre. caused by the gravitational outdistance the pursuing lion. Herbert ordered antipasto for the influence of other planets. table. antenna anonymous antiquarian adj anteroom adj / ESnBnEmEs / / TantDSkwerGEn / Gk > L anthography L of unknown or unnamed source or n dealing in old and rare books or in origin (as authorship, donorship, / anSthBgrEfG / secondhand books. workmanship). Gk + Gk + Ecf Pamela went to an antiquarian An anonymous 18th-century the description of flowers. bookseller to have her first edition painting recently sold for two A botanist, Wilbur excelled in of Oliver Twist appraised. million dollars. anthography. antique
antiquity
Page 12 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently antiseptic aperture apiculus n antithesis / SapE(r)TchU(E)r / aplomb n L n / anStithEsDs / an opening that restricts a beam of / ESplBm / Gk radiation or a stream of particles; L > F the rhetorical opposing or specifically : the opening in a complete confidence or assurance contrasting of ideas by means of photographic lens that admits the in oneself : poise. grammatically parallel light passing through. A seasoned public relations officer, arrangements of words, clauses, or A photographer typically has to Karen handles difficult situations sentences. adjust the shutter speed and set the with aplomb. A Tale of Two Cities opens with the aperture. famous antithesis: “It was the best apocalypse of times, it was the worst of times.” aphasia n apocope antonomasia / ESfCzh(G)E / n n Gk / ESpBkETpG / / (T)anTtBnESmCzh(G)E / [has near homonym: aphagia] the Gk Gk loss or impairment of the power to the loss of one or more sounds or the making of a common noun or use words as symbols of ideas that letters from the end of a word. verb from a proper name. results from a brain lesion. The song title “Singin’ in the Rain” The formation of the verb As a speech therapist, Tonya takes exemplifies apocope. pasteurize from the name Pasteur a particular interest in patients is an example of antonomasia. struggling with aphasia. apocryphal adj antonym aphelion / ESpBkrEfEl / n Gk anxiety / aSfGlyEn / of doubtful authenticity : fictitious, Gk spurious, untrustworthy. apartheid the point of a planet’s or comet’s The historian thought the story n orbit most distant from the Sun. about the cemetery apocryphal. / ESpBrTtCt / Earth generally reaches aphelion D > Afrikaans around July 4. apogee a policy of segregation and political n and economic discrimination aphid / SapE(T)jG / against certain population groups. n Gk The end of apartheid in South / SCfDd / the point in the orbit of a satellite of Africa was one of the great world Gk > L Earth (as the Moon or an artificial events of the decade. any of numerous small sluggish body) at the greatest distance from insects that suck the juices from the center of Earth. apathetic plants, causing damage to the The transmission delay was longest plants. when the spacecraft reached apathy An aphid can cause wilting, apogee. n distorted growth, or gall formation / SapEthG / in plants. apolaustic Gk adj absence or lack of interest or aphorism / TapESlOstik / concern : listlessness, indifference. n Gk The active interest women are / SafETrizEm / devoted to enjoyment. taking in today’s issues strongly Gk > L > F The students spent the vacation in contrasts with the apathy many a terse and often ingenious apolaustic pursuits. women had a century ago. formulation of a truth or sentiment usually in a single sentence. aperitif Clark lives his life by the aphorism “Clothes make the man.”
apiarian
apiary
Page 13 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently apologue Appaloosa appetite n n n / SapETlOg / / TapESlVsE / / SapETtIt / Gk American Indian L > F > E an allegorical narrative (as a beast one of a breed of rugged saddle the immediate desire to eat when fable) usually intended to convey a horses distinguished by a mottled food is present. moral. skin and a patch of white hair over George went back to his meal with Most schoolchildren are familiar the rump and loins that is blotched a good appetite. with the apologue of the tortoise or dotted with darker color. and the hare. Sherry begged her father to buy her apprentice an Appaloosa for her birthday, but n apology to no avail. / ESprentDs / n L > F > E / ESpBlEjG / apparatus one who learns a trade, art, or craft Gk > L > F n by practical experience under an admission to another of a wrong / TapESraZEs / skilled workers. or discourtesy done him or her L Jake hopes to become an accompanied by an expression of any compound instrument or apprentice in the stained-glass regret. appliance designed for a specific studio. The teacher received an apology mechanical or chemical action or from the tardy student. operation. approbation The trainer went into much detail n apoplexy about which apparatus is better for / TaprESbCshEn / n a cardiovascular workout. L / SapETpleksG / an act of approving formally or Gk apparel authoritatively : sanction. a sudden loss of consciousness The mayor’s actions have the followed by paralysis caused by apparition approbation of none of the other hemorrhage within the brain— n members of the city council. called also “stroke.” / TapESrishEn / When Ray regained consciousness, L > E appropriate his doctor told him he was ghost, phantom, specter. adj recovering from severe apoplexy. The apparition of a figure on / ESprPprGDt / horseback, without a head, haunts L aposiopesis this enchanted region. specially suitable : fit, proper. n Calvin had orange hair and the / TapETsIESpGsDs / appealed appropriate freckles to go with it. Gk the leaving of a thought explicitly appease appurtenance incomplete in writing or speaking often by a sudden breaking off and appellation appurtenant shifting of grammatical adj construction. appellative / ESpErt(F)nEnt / Gail answered with an aposiopesis F when she replied, “His problem appendant annexed or belonging legally to is—how shall I say?” some more important thing. appendicitis The property insurance covers any apostrophe n additions to the building and to / ETpendESsIZDs / private structures appurtenant to apothecary L + Ecf the building. n an inflammation of the appendix / ESpBthETkerG / characterized usually by abdominal apricot Gk > L > E pain, nausea, and vomiting. one who prepares and sells drugs or The doctor diagnosed Sharon’s compounds for medicinal purposes illness as appendicitis. : pharmacist. The visits of Mr. Perry, the apothecary, were one of the few comforts of Mr. Woodhouse’s life.
Page 14 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently apropos arabesque archery adj n n / TaprESpP / / TarESbesk / / SBrch(E)rG / F Ar > It > F F > E pertinent, relevant. a posture (as in ballet dancing) in the art, practice, or skill of shooting Rachel wondered if Herman had ballet in which the body is bent with bow and arrow. understood her question, for his forward from the hip on one leg Joe chose archery as one of his answer was not very apropos. with one arm extended forward and physical education electives. the other arm and leg backward in a apsidal line parallel to the floor. archipelago adj The painting depicts a ballerina in n / SapsEdFl / a flawless arabesque. / TBrkESpelETgP / Gk > L Gk > It of or relating to the point of a arachnid a group or cluster of islands. celestial body’s orbit at which it is The country of Indonesia is an farthest from the center of arbiter enormous archipelago. attraction. Laura researched apsidal ocean arboreal architecture tidal levels. adj n / BrSbPrGEl / / SBrkETtekchEr / aquatic L Gk > L adj inhabiting or frequenting trees. the art or science of building; / ESkwBZik / The arboreal fauna of Madagascar specifically : the art or practice of L are endangered by logging. designing and building structures in living wholly or chiefly in or on accordance with principles water. arbuscle determined by aesthetic and Porpoises and seals are aquatic n practical or material considerations. mammals. / SBrTbEsEl / The building that housed the L department of architecture was, to aqueduct a dwarf tree or treelike shrub. many students, the most hideous- n The gardener recommended that looking edifice on campus. / SakwETdEkt / Micah purchase an arbuscle to L plant next to the house. archivalia an artificial channel for conveying n pl water. arcanum / TBrkDSvClGE / The ancient Romans used the n Gk > L aqueduct to provide water to the / BrSkCnEm / material preserved in or suitable for city’s residents. L preservation in rooms for the a secret or mysterious knowledge exhibition of a collection. aquiline or information known only to the Included in the library’s archivalia adj initiate. is a copy of the first edition of The / SakwETlIn / Ralph developed a secret Adventures of Tom Sawyer. L handshake as an arcanum for his curving or hooked like an eagle’s club. arctic beak. The senator was easily archaic ardency recognizable by his aquiline nose. archangel ardent n adj / SBrkCnjEl / / SBrdFnt / Gk + Gk L a being in the heavenly hierarchy extremely loyal : devoted, faithful. ranking above an angel. Bickford was an ardent supporter Joan of Arc had visions of the of environmental causes. archangel Michael and saints Catherine and Margaret telling her to raise an army.
archelogy
Page 15 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently arduous aristoi arrogance adj n pl n / SBrjEwEs / / SarDTstOi / / SarEgEn(t)s / L Gk L hard to accomplish or achieve : citizens of high rank making up a a genuine or assumed feeling of difficult. governing body. superiority that shows itself in an Alan was not prepared for the When the aristoi ignore the needs overbearing manner. arduous demands of his of the common people, they are After Sam won the contest, he construction job. sowing the seeds of rebellion. displayed an annoying arrogance. arenaceous Armageddon arrogant adj n adj / TarESnCshEs / / TBrmESgedFn / / SarEgEnt / L Gk > L L growing in sandy places. final and conclusive conflict exhibiting a level of superiority that Arenaceous plants develop between the forces of good and is inconsistent with one’s position. blossoms after the first spring rain. evil. Jack’s arrogant attitude annoyed In the Bible, the book of Revelation his more qualified colleagues. areology mentions Armageddon. n arsenal / TarGSBlEjG / armaments n Gk / SBrs(F)nEl / the scientific study of the planet armistice Ar > It Mars. n a storehouse or source of supply for Todd’s interest in areology was / SBrmDstDs / arms, ammunition, or other military spurred by the discovery of L > F equipment. possible life forms on Mars. temporary suspension of hostilities In early 1941 Franklin Roosevelt as agreed upon by those engaged in believed that America’s most aretalogy the hostilities. immediate role was to act as an n Fortunately, the armistice that arsenal for democratic nations. / TarEStalEjG / ended World War I turned out to be Gk permanent. artesian a narrative of the miraculous deeds adj of a god or hero. arpeggio / BrStGzhEn / Owen was fascinated by the n F aretalogy of Hercules’ labors. / BrSpejGTP / involving, relating to, or supplied Gmc > It by the upward movement of water argillaceous production of the tones of a chord under hydrostatic pressure in rocks adj in succession and not or unconsolidated material beneath / TBrjDSlCshEs / simultaneously. Earth’s surface. L The opening measure of Ryan’s The water bubbling up in the of, relating to, or containing clay or piano recital piece featured a pasture was coming from an clay minerals. difficult arpeggio. artesian spring. The geologist determined that a large part of the mountain arraignment arthritis consisted of argillaceous limestone. n n / ESrCnmEnt / / BrSthrIZDs / argosy F > E Gk n an act of finding fault with : inflammation of one or more joints / SBrgEsG / denunciation. due to infectious, metabolic, or It It seems that every few years there constitutional causes. a fleet of ships or of anything is a wholesale arraignment of Theo’s arthritis kept him from likened to ships. existing educational standards. playing tennis. The lone schooner had gotten separated from the argosy in the arrasene arthroscopy inclement weather. arrive
Page 16 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently artichoke asparagus assassinate n n v / SBrZETchPk / / ESsparEgEs / / ESsasFnTCt / Ar > It Gk > L L > F the flower head of a tall herb that a plant widely cultivated for its murder (usually a prominent resembles a thistle and is cooked as tender edible young shoots. person). a vegetable. Jack didn’t touch the asparagus his The newspapers carried gripping Norm demonstrated the proper way mother served him. accounts of an attempt to to eat an artichoke. assassinate the prime minister. aspartame article n assemblage / SaspE(r)TtCm / articulacy L > ISV asseveration a noncarbohydrate crystalline n artifice compound that is formed from the / ETsevESrCshEn / n amino acids phenylalanine and L / SBrZEfDs / aspartic acid and is used as a low- positive or emphatic affirmation or L calorie sweetener. assertion : solemn declaration. a wily or artful stratagem. Since Bertha began her diet, she The jury did not believe the Emma saw the artifice of Jane’s prefers foods that are sweetened defendant’s asseveration of reserved response, and she with aspartame. innocence. returned to her first surmises. aspersion assiduously artificial n adv / ESspErzhEn / / ESsijEwEslG / artillerist L L + Ecf a calumnious or defamatory in a diligent, attentive, or solicitous artillery expression or reflection. manner. n Questions about Tom’s handling of Lucinda questioned her brother / BrStil(E)rG / the club’s petty cash cast an assiduously before his interview. F > E aspersion on his honesty. the missiles discharged by the assimilate weapons of war. asphalt v The May Day parade in Red / ESsimETlCt / Square was widely known for its asphodel L display of artillery. n receive into the mind and consider / SasfETdel / and thoroughly comprehend. arviculture Gk Sandy needs time to sort things out any of various Old World usually and assimilate them properly. ascend perennial herbs that bear their flowers in long erect racemes. assimilation asceticism Bernice thought that an asphodel would complete the bouquet nicely. assonance ascribable n adj asphyxiant / SasFnEn(t)s / / ESskrIbEbEl / L + Fcf L asphyxiate relatively close juxtaposition of capable of being attributed to a similar sounds especially of supposed cause, source, or author. assailant vowels. Dad explained that the two books “Zip your lips” was the teacher’s were ascribable to the same author assassin favorite example of assonance. under different pen names. asinine
Page 17 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently assuage atmosphere attenuate v n adj / ESswCj / / SatmETsfi(E)r / / EStenyETwDt / L > F > E Gk L reduce to a state of peace, calm, or the air of a given place especially tapering gradually often into a long quiet : mollify, pacify. as affected by a particular slender point. No one could assuage Bertina after characteristic (as heat, moisture, The locust tree has narrow she dropped her ice-cream cone. wholesomeness, or attenuate leaves. unwholesomeness). assuagement Christy could barely tolerate the attitudinal close atmosphere of her one-room asthmatic schoolhouse. attrition adj n / azSmaZik / atmospheric / EStrishEn / Gk > L adj L caused by or affected with labored / TatmESsfirik / a usually gradual loss of personnel breathing. Gk + Gk > L > F from causes normal or peculiar to a Because of Pam’s asthmatic of or relating to the whole mass of given situation (as death, condition, her mother had to dust air surrounding Earth. retirement, and resignation in a and vacuum the house every day. Only two elements are known to be labor force) often without filling liquid under atmospheric the vacancies. astigmatism conditions: mercury and bromine. The CEO promised that all of the n cuts would come from attrition; no / ESstigmETtizEm / atomic employees would be laid off. Gk + Ecf a defect of an optical system (as of atrabilious aubade the eye) that prevents light from focusing accurately and results in a atrichia auctioneer blurred image. n n Amy’s new eyeglasses correct her / CStrikGE / / TOkshESni(E)r / astigmatism. Gk L + Ecf congenital or acquired baldness. one who conducts the sale of goods astringe Some dogs are afflicted with at public auction usually as an v atrichia from birth. agent on commission. / ESstrinj / The auctioneer at the antique sale L atrium had a booming voice. cause (tissue) to draw together : constrict. atrocious audacious Larry uses witch hazel to astringe adj adj his facial pores. / EStrPshEs / / OSdCshEs / L L astrogator markedly inferior in quality. recklesslessly venturesome : Mrs. Diamond vowed to do presumptuously bold. asylum something about her grandson’s Tom’s audacious disregard for atrocious table manners. physical limitations will catch up asymmetry with him sooner or later. atrophy atelier v audacity n / SatrEfG / / TaZFlSyC / Gk > L audience L > F undergo a wasting away or n an artist’s studio or workroom. progressive decline. / SOdGEn(t)s / Ken hoped to find some affordable Jay knows that his muscles will L loft space downtown for his atelier. atrophy while he recuperates from [has homonym: audients] those surgery. attending a stage or film production athletic or viewing a televised program. The audience erupted with thunderous applause at the act’s conclusion.
Page 18 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently auger auricular autodidact adj augment / OSrikyElE(r) / autonomous L augur of, relating to, or using the ear or autonomy v the sense of hearing. n / SOgE(r) / George’s understanding of / OStBnEmG / L unfamiliar words is auricular; that Gk [has homonym and near homonym: is, he must hear out loud the words the quality or state of being auger and agar] give indirect he reads before he can comprehend independent, free, and self- evidence of : portend. them. directing. The club members’ enthusiasm and After years of fighting the colonial dedication augur success for the auscultation government, the island was finally club’s projects. n granted autonomy. / TOskElStCshEn / augury L autumn the act of listening to sounds auk arising within organs (as the lungs auxiliary n or heart) as an aid to diagnosis and adj / SOk / treatment. / OgSzilyErG / ON > Norw or Icelandic Warming her stethoscope with her L any of several black and white hands before performing offering or providing help, short-necked diving seabirds that auscultation has become second assistance, or support especially by nest in colder parts of the Northern nature to Dr. Harris. interaction. Hemisphere. Roland volunteers as an auxiliary In one of her books, Laura Ingalls auslander guide for the local Youth Wilder writes of a strange Mountaineers Club. midwinter encounter with a stray auspices bird resembling an auk. n pl available / SOspDsDz / aurelian L avalanche n patronage and kindly guidance : n / OSrGlyEn / protection. / SavETlanch / L + Ecf The medical team entered the F a collector and breeder of moths country under the auspices of the a large mass of snow, ice, earth, and butterflies. International Red Cross. rock, or other material in swift Sarah admired the beautiful motion down a mountainside. butterflies pictured in the book by austere The tiny Swiss village was Mr. Jacobson, a well-known adj destroyed by an avalanche. aurelian. / OSsti(E)r / GK > L > F > E avalement auricle stern and unyielding in appearance n and manner. avarice / SOrDkEl / The substitute teacher was austere n L and humorless. / SavErDs / [has homonym: oracle] a chamber L > F > E of the heart that receives blood authentic excessive desire for wealth or gain. from the veins and forces it into the adj Pride, avarice, and gluttony are ventricle or ventricles. / Osthentik / among the seven deadly sins. The heart of a fish has one auricle Gk > L > F > E and one ventricle. worthy of acceptance or belief by avaricious reason of conforming to fact or reality. averred The restoration society aims to provide an authentic reproduction aviator of the colonial village. avionics author
Page 19 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently avocado axiom babblative n n adj / TavESkB(T)dP / / SaksGEm / / SbablEZiv / Nahuatl > Sp Gk E imitative? the pulpy green or purple a proposition, rule, or maxim that given to excessive talking : somewhat pear-shaped edible fruit has found general acceptance or is garrulous. of various tropical American trees. thought worthy thereof. The babblative waitress called Tanisha’s first taste of sushi was a “Early to bed, early to rise” is everyone at our table roll containing avocado, crab, and Uncle Abdul’s favorite axiom. “sweetheart.” cucumber. axunge baboon avocet n n n / SakTsEnj / / baSbVn / / SavETset / L F > E F&It fat or grease usually of pigs or of a large primate with a short tail and any of several rather large long- geese. a doglike snout. legged shore birds having webbed Suzanne’s cookbook of home The children at the zoo were feet and a slender upwardly curved remedies recommended axunge to entertained by the strange sounds bill. soothe minor burns. of the baboon. Making their way through the marsh, the birders happened on a ayatollah babushka foraging avocet. n n / TIEStPlE / / bESbUshkE / avoirdupois Ar > Per Russ a religious leader among Shiite a triangularly folded kerchief worn avuncular Muslims—used as a title of respect over the head and usually tied adj especially for one who is not an under the chin. / ESvENkyElE(r) / imam. Emma’s Ukrainian doll wears a L When Ayatollah Khomeini gained red babushka and an elaborately acting or speaking with the political control of Iran in 1979, he embroidered apron. familiarity, kindness, or indulgence re-created it as a religious Islamic of an uncle. republic. baccalaureate Morris took an avuncular tone with n Susan when he advised her on her azimuth / TbakESlOrGEt / college plans, even though he was n L her elder by only three years. / SazEmEth / the degree of bachelor conferred by Ar universities and colleges. awestruck an arc of the horizon measured Marika earned a baccalaureate at between a fixed point and the the age of 12. awl vertical circle passing through the center of an object. bacchanalian awry Using a compass, the navigator adv estimated the azimuth of the star. bacciferous / ESrI / adj E azotea / bakSsif(E)rEs / wrong, amiss. L + Ecf Gayle’s plans for the victory azure bearing berries. parade went hopelessly awry. adj Sylvia took care not to park her car / SazhE(r) / under any bacciferous trees. axiology Per > Ar > Sp > F resembling the color of the bachelor unclouded sky. n Sarah prefers to call her eyes / Sbach(E)lE(r) / “azure” instead of “blue.” Celt > L > F > E an unmarried man of marriageable age. Kendrick was the only bachelor living in the apartment building.
Page 20 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bacillus bagatelle balbriggan n n n / bESsilEs / / TbagEStel / / balSbrigEn / L L > It > F Ir geog name a disease-producing bacterium. a game played with a cue and a plain-stitch knitted often tubular Kendra will use a powerful usually nine balls on an oblong usually cotton fabric used disinfectant to kill any bacillus that table having cups or both cups and especially for underwear, hosiery, might be lurking on the counter arches at one end. or sweaters. top. Aaron is an excellent snooker Moira’s imported Irish sweater was player but is unfamiliar with the made of balbriggan. backfisch rules of bagatelle. balcony backgammon bagel n n / SbalkEnG / / SbakTgamEn / bailiff Gmc > It E n an interior projecting gallery in a a game played with dice and / SbClDf / public building (as a theater); counters on a board divided into F > E specifically : such a gallery two tables each marked with 12 a court officer who seats witnesses immediately above the main floor. points in which each player tries to and spectators, announces the Tickets for seats in the balcony sold move his own counters from point entrance of the judge, and keeps out before those in the orchestra. to point and off the board. order in the court. Ed explained to Tim that the game Judge Cantor asked the bailiff to balestra board edged with tall, thin remove Mr. Sims from the triangles was used to play courtroom. ballast backgammon. bailiwick ballerina badgeringly n n / SbClGTwik / / TbalESrGnE / badinage E L > It n field of activity : sphere of a female ballet dancer. / TbadFnSBzh / operations. Although the ballerina seemed a bit L > OProv > F Only when the topic was nervous before her performance, light and playful repartee or wit : birdwatching, his particular her dancing was faultless. banter. bailiwick, did Robin feel at ease Mrs. Lopez, our bus driver, talking to strangers. balletomane frequently engages in badinage n with her lively passengers. baize / baSleZETmCn / L > It > F + Ecff + Gk > L > E badminton balaclava one who takes extraordinary delight n n in artistic dance performances. / SbadTmintFn / / TbalESklBvE / The well-known balletomane took E geog name Crimean geog name roses to every performance. a court game played by two or four a hoodlike knitted cap covering the persons with light long-handled head, neck, and part of the ballistic rackets and a shuttlecock volleyed shoulders and worn especially by adj over a net. soldiers and mountaineers. / bESlistik / After lunch John suggested a Every climber wore a balaclava for Gk > L leisurely game of badminton. protection from the cold air. of or belonging to the hurling of missiles. balalaika Simon used ballistic laws to n determine where the arrow would / TbalESlIkE / land. Russ an instrument of the guitar kind having a triangular wooden body and from two to four strings. Vladimir strummed the balalaika and sang a Ukrainian folk song.
Page 21 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ballistics banality bandicoot n pl n n / bESlistiks / / bCSnalEZG / / SbandGTkVt / Gk > L F Telugu the science of the motion of the quality of lacking originality, any of certain small active powder-propelled projectiles in freshness, or novelty. insectivorous and herbivorous flight. Pearl’s English teacher commented marsupial mammals found in An expert in ballistics testified that on the banality of much of the Oceania. the fatal bullet had been fired from class’s poetry. Some species of bandicoot are the defendant’s gun. endangered. banana balloon n banishment / bESnanE / balminess African > Sp or Pg banjo n the elongated often curved and / SbBmGnDs / usually tapering fruit of the banana banjorine Semitic? > Gk > L > F > E + Ecff plant having soft pulpy flesh and a the quality or state of being mild or rind that is usually yellow when bankruptcy soothing. ripe. The balminess of the evening To introduce fractions, the teacher banquet breeze helped Kate forget the showed her students how a banana accident. can be divided lengthwise into baobab thirds. balneation baptismal n banausic adj / TbalnGSCshEn / adj / bapStizmEl / L / bESnOsik / Gk > L > F the act or action of bathing. Gk of or relating to the ceremony of Alicia uses a sponge to assist in her moneymaking, breadwinning : admitting one into membership in a daily balneation. vocational. Christian church with the use of Brandon showed no inclination water by immersion, pouring, or balustrade toward banausic pursuits. sprinkling. n The church’s new baptismal font is / SbalETstrCd / bandage made of Italian marble. It > F n a row of short supports topped by a / Sbandij / barbaric rail to serve as an open parapet. F adj Juliet leaned on the balustrade and a narrow length of fabric used to / bBrSbarik / gazed down at Romeo with adoring cover a wound, hold a dressing in Gk > L eyes. place, immobilize an injured part, of, relating to, or characteristic of or apply pressure. one who lacks refinement, bamboo Mom immediately cleaned and put gentleness, learning, or artistic or a bandage on Ted’s scraped knee. literary culture. bamboozle Harold was embarrassed by his v bandalore little brother’s barbaric table / bamSbVzEl / n manners. unknown / SbandETlP(E)r / conceal one’s true motives from unknown barbarism someone, especially by elaborately a toy with an automatically feigning good intentions so as to winding cord by which it is brought barbarous gain an end or achieve an back to the hand when thrown. advantage : mislead, hoodwink. Jeffrey brought a bandalore to barbican Gavin tried to bamboozle his school for show-and-tell. n neighbor into offering her garage / SbBrbDkEn / for his party by saying how much it L > F > E needed a good airing out. an outer defensive work of a city or castle. The invaders aimed their catapult at the castle’s barbican.
Page 22 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently barbiturate barognosis barouche n n n / bBrSbichErDt / / TbaTrBgSnPsDs / / bESrVsh / Gk Gk > L L > It > G any of a large group of acids or the perception of weight by the a four-wheeled shallow carriage their salts that are used as cutaneous and muscle senses. with a driver’s seat high in front, sedatives, hypnotics, and The loss of barognosis is a two double seats inside, one facing antispamodics. symptom of some muscle diseases. back and the other front, and a Even a mild barbiturate can be folding top over the back seat. habit-forming if used incorrectly. barometer Michelle and Phil rode to the prom n in a barouche. bardiglio / bESrBmEZE(r) / n Gk + Gk barracks / bBrSdGl(T)yP / an instrument for determining the n pl L? > Sp > It pressure of the atmosphere. / SbarEks / an Italian marble commonly having Erica predicts the weather by using Catal > F a dark gray or bluish ground the barometer located on her an often permanent building or set traversed by veins. kitchen wall. of buildings used especially for The most exquisite mantel in the lodging soldiers. country estate was made of baronet Each new recruit was assigned a bardiglio. n bunk in the barracks. / TbarESnet / bargain Gmc > F > E barrage the holder of a dignity or degree of n bargello honor ranking immediately below a / bESrBzh / baron and above a knight. F barker The baronet swaggered among the a massive concentrated and usually knights but quailed before the continuous discharge or shower (as barnacle baron. of missiles or blows). n In Puritan New England, those who / SbBrnDkEl / baronial broke the law were sometimes put E adj to death by a barrage of stones. any of numerous marine / bESrPnGEl / crustaceans that are free-swimming F > E barratry as larvae but fixed to rocks or splendid, stately, spacious, ample. n floating objects as adults. The baronial fireplace had enough / SbarEtrG / The sailors scraped many a room to hold six-foot logs. F > E barnacle from the sides of the ship. the persistent incitement of baroque litigation. barnacled adj Barratry has overloaded our / bESrPk / country's courts. barnstorm It name? > F v of, relating to, or having the barrel / SbBrnzTtOrm / characteristics of a style of artistic n E + E expression prevalent especially in / SbarEl / tour through rural districts staging the 17th century, marked by F > E theatrical performances in large elaborate and sometimes grotesque [Note: The definition provided is farm buildings or makeshift ornamentation. not the one most commonly theaters. The baroque style in art and associated with this word.] a unit of The troupe set off in buses to architecture was marked by the use measure for petroleum equal to 42 barnstorm the Midwest with their of curved figures. gallons. version of The Music Man. Sheiks wept as the price of oil dropped below 17 dollars per barrel.
Page 23 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently barren basilisk battalion adj n n / SbarEn / / SbasETlisk / / bEStalyEn / F > E Gk > L > E L > It > F [has homonym: baron] deficient in a legendary reptile that has a fatal a considerable body of troops producing vegetation : bare, breath and glance. organized to act together : army. desolate. Jessie debated whether to The commander advanced the The overcultivated land, once incorporate a basilisk or a battalion confidently when he saw fertile, was now barren. poisonous snake into her fable. the pitifully few defenders remaining at the castle walls. barricade basin n bauble / SbarETkCd / bassoon F bavardage a barrier or obstacle that prevents bastion n passage. n / TbavE(r)SdBzh / A police barricade kept the crowds / SbaschEn / L > F at a safe distance from the burning Gmc > Prov > F small talk, chitchat. building. a projecting part of a fortification. After a stressful math class, Cora Matthew paused at the castle welcomed the opportunity for barrio bastion to look out over the bavardage with her friends in the n countryside. cafeteria. / SbBrGTP / Ar > Sp bathymeter bayonet a Spanish-speaking neighborhood n or quarter in a city or town in the / bESthimEZE(r) / bayou United States especially in the Gk > ISV + Gk > F n Southwest. a device for the sounding of depths. / SbIT(y)V / The politician continually reminded Proper use of the bathymeter was Choctaw > Louisiana F the public of his roots in the barrio. crucial as Captain Byron navigated a creek, secondary watercourse, or through the shallows in the fog. minor river that is tributary to bartizan another river or other body of n bathymetry water. / SbBrZEzEn / Dale’s grandfather lives near a E bathyscaphe bayou in southern Alabama. a small structure overhanging or projecting from a building for batik bazooka lookout or defense. n n The guard posted at the bartizan / bEStGk / / bESzVkE / was the first to spot the Javanese > Malay Amer E approaching army. an Indonesian method of hand- a light portable usually crew-served printing textiles by coating parts of shoulder weapon used especially to bascule the fabric with wax to resist dye launch armor-piercing rockets. n and dipping in a cold dye solution. Lenny begged his mother for the / SbaTskyVl / Sheila used both batik and tie-dye tank, bazooka, and toy soldiers that F in her T-shirt creations. he had seen in a commercial. an apparatus or structure in which one end is counterbalanced by the batiste beachcomber other on the principle of the seesaw or by weights (as in a bascule batrachoid beacon bridge). n The castle architect proposed / SbGkEn / building a bascule over the moat. E a signal fire or lighthouse bashful commonly on a hill, tower, or pole. That lighthouse once served as a basilica beacon for ships nearing the shore.
beatitude
Page 24 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently beaujolais behemoth bellipotent n adj beaumontage / bDShGmEth / / beSlipEZEnt / n Heb > L > E L + L / bPSmBntij / something of oppressive or mighty in war. unknown > French monstrous size or power. The nation’s desire to become a a composition used by artisans to Anwar’s wrestling opponent was a bellipotent power resulted in a fill and conceal holes or cracks in behemoth of a man. drastic increase in its defense wood or metal. budget. Bart asked the conservator to beige replace all the old beaumontage in adj bellwether the statuette. / SbCzh / n Per? > Gk? > L? > It? > F / SbelTweLE(r) / beauteous of a variable color averaging light E grayish yellowish brown. one that takes the lead or initiative : bedizenment Tired of the beige walls in her leader. home, Ellen decided to repaint all Brooke’s firm has long been bedstead the rooms with bold colors. considered a bellwether in the industry. beflustered beleaguer v bellwort beforehand / bDSlGgE(r) / D belomancy beggar subject to oppressive or grievous forces. belton beguile In June the black flies will invade v the campsite and beleaguer the benediction / bDSgIl / unsuspecting campers. n E / TbenESdikshEn / gain the notice of by the use of belemnoid L wiles : charm. adj an expression or utterance of The teenager tried to beguile her / SbelEmTnOid / blessing or good wishes. teacher into giving her a good Gk Alta’s mother orated an impressive grade. shaped like a dart. benediction at her wedding The museum’s collection included reception. beguiling belemnoid carvings of unknown adj origin. beneficence / bDSgIliN / E believe benevolent provoking pleased interest and adj diverting from concern or vexation. bellicose / bDSnevElEnt / Todd blamed the beguiling L > E influence of TV for his low grades. belligerent marked by a kindly disposition to adj promote the happiness and beguine / bDSlij(E)rEnt / prosperity of others. n L Elmer received a commendation for / bDSgGn / waging war. his benevolent actions. F The victorious faction is setting up a vigorous popular dance of the an interim government and purging benignant islands of Saint Lucia and its belligerent enemies. adj Martinique somewhat like the / bDSnignEnt / rumba. L Cole Porter’s song “Begin the kindly, mild, gentle. Beguine” started the beguine on The department store always chose the road to popularity in this a Santa Claus with a benignant country. countenance.
Page 25 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently benison bestial bicentennial n n / SbenEsEn / betacism / TbIsenStenGEl / L > F > E Lcf + L + L > E [Note: Could be confused with bevy a 200th anniversary or its venison.] the pronouncing of a n celebration. blessing : benediction. / SbevG / Bargersville will celebrate the Tim’s favorite vocal benison is his E bicentennial of its founding next youth choir’s rendition of the Irish a usually large group or collection. year. Blessing. A bevy of reporters crowded around the gold medal winner. biceps bequeath bewilder biennial bereave bialys bifurcation bereavement n n bibelot / bITfErSkCshEn / / bDSrGvmEnt / n L > F E / SbGbETlP / the point at which separation or deprivation; especially : loss of a Gk > L > F branching into two parts, areas, loved one by death. a small household ornament or aspects, or connected segments Some scientific studies have shown decorative object : trinket. occurs. that bereavement, such as the loss Mrs. Carnes gave her toddler a Satish pulled his car over and of a spouse, can affect one’s bibelot to play with while the studied the map when he reached a immunity to illness. women discussed plans for the bifurcation in the road. rally. beret bijou n biblioclast / bESrC / bijouterie Prov > F bibliography n a soft flat visorless cap of woolen / bGSzhVtETrG / material originally worn by Basque biblioklept F peasants. jewelry in which delicate or The painter’s beret was a bit bibliopegy intricate metalwork contributes tattered and moth-eaten. n more to the value than do the / TbiblGSBpDjG / constituent materials. beriberi Gk + Gk Marge scoured the display case in n the art of binding books. the antique shop for an addition to / TberGSberG / A local bookbinder visited the class her collection of bijouterie. Sinhalese and explained how bibliopegy is a disease caused by a lack of or both a craft and an art. bikini inability to assimilate vitamin B-1. n The symptoms of beriberi usually bicameral / bESkGnG / respond well to dietary adj Pacific geog name improvements. / bISkam(E)rEl / a woman’s abbreviated two-piece L bathing suit. berouged having or made up of two distinct Joan’s father does not approve of legislative bodies. the bikini she would like to besmirched The U.S. Congress is bicameral, purchase. consisting of the Senate and the besom House of Representatives. bilateral n adj / SbGzEm / / bISlaZErEl / E L > Ecf + L a broom made with a bundle of of or relating to the right and left twigs. sides of a central area. Milena pretended she was a The maple leaf exhibits bilateral pioneer, sweeping out the garage symmetry. with a crudely constructed besom.
Page 26 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bilge bisagre blague n n v / Sbilj / / bDSsa(T)grG / / SblBg / unknown MexSp F water that collects by seepage or a small spiny cactus of Mexico and talk pretentiously and usually leakage in the bottom of a ship or the southwestern United States that inaccurately or boastfully. other vessel. is sometimes cut into slices and Politicians who blague generally Jeannie awoke to find bilge candied. alienate their audiences. sloshing against her bunk. Elena often rewarded her children’s good behavior with blandishment bilharzia slices of bisagre. n / SblandishmEnt / bilingual biscuit L > F > E + Ecf n speech, action, or device that billiards / SbiskDt / flatters and tends to coax or cajole. n pl (L + L) > F > E No blandishment can sway Gil / SbilyE(r)dz / a quick bread made in a small from his steadfast sense of Celt > F shape from dough that has been propriety. any of several games played on an rolled and cut or dropped and that oblong table in which small balls is raised in the baking by a blarney are driven against one another or leavening agent other than yeast. n into pockets by means of a cue. A hot biscuit with butter and honey / SblBrnG / Honoria supplemented her was the best part of the lunch. Ir geog name scholarship money by playing smooth wheedling talk. billiards for pocket change. bise Mrs. Lewis was not impressed by n Al’s blarney as he tried to talk her billionaire / SbGz / into raising his grade. Gmc > F > E biloculine [has homonym: bees] a cold wind; blasphemous especially : a cold dry north wind adj bimestrial of southern France, Switzerland, / SblasfEmEs / and Italy. Gk > L bimillenary Jake was told that he would need to speaking or writing irreverence n pack warm clothes to withstand the toward God. / bISmilETnerG / bise while he toured Switzerland. During the Middle Ages many L books were condemned as a 2000th anniversary or its bisector blasphemous and burned. celebration. In 1951 the city of Paris celebrated bittern blasphemy the bimillenary of its founding. bivouac blatant binoculars n adj n pl / SbivTwak / / SblCtFnt / / bDSnBkyElE(r)z / G > F L L > E + L a camping out for a night. completely or crassly obvious : a handheld optical instrument Private Slater packed a peanut brazen. composed of two telescopes and a butter sandwich for his bivouac. Mr. Nall suspended Ed for blatant focusing device and usually having disobedience during the fire drill. prisms to increase magnifying bizarre ability. adj blatherskite Binoculars have proved to be a / bDSzBr / n great boon to bird-watching. It > F / SblaLE(r)TskIt / [has near homonym: bazaar] being ON + ON binomial strikingly out of the ordinary or at a blustering, talkative, and often variance with some standard, real incompetent person. biopsy or implied. With Jay’s luck, the biggest Todd’s bizarre behavior prompted blatherskite in the theater will sit bireme his parents to call a doctor. directly behind him.
Page 27 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently blazon blitzkrieg blueprint n n / SblCzFn / / SblitsTkrGg / blunderbuss F > E G n coat of arms. war conducted with great speed and / SblEndE(r)TbEs / The duke’s blazon was on force; specifically : a violent D + L > D everything from the tableware to surprise offensive by massed air an obsolete short gun or firearm the towels. forces and mechanized ground that had a large bore and was forces in close coordination. intended for shooting at close bleach The French forces were roundly quarters without exact aim. v defeated by the Germans’ The museum exhibit featured a / SblGch / blitzkrieg. blunderbuss along with other 18th- E century weapons. remove the color or stains from. blizzard Eliza decided not to bleach her n bobbin stained socks for fear of ruining / SblizE(r)d / their elastic. unknown bobolink a severe and prolonged snowstorm. bleary Last winter many cattle perished in bocaccio a blizzard. n blemish / bPSkBTchP / n blossom AmSp&It > E / Sblemish / a large olive to brown red-flushed Gmc > F > E blotch rockfish of the Pacific coast from defect, flaw. n British Columbia to southern A skilled watercolorist can render / SblBch / California. a blemish invisible. L? > F > E The bocaccio feeds on a variety of imperfection, blemish. fishes, crabs, and squids. blenny The vendor referred to the ugly blotch on the leather as “natural bocage blight discoloration.” n / bPSkBzh / blissful blouse F adj countryside or landscape marked / SblisfEl / bloviate by intermingled patches of E woodland and heath, small fields, marked by a state of complete or blucher tall hedgerows, and orchards. ecstatic happiness. n The charming bocage of rural The blissful bride and groom / SblVkE(r) / France presents a variety that hurried off on their honeymoon. Prussian name delights travelers. a shoe having the tongue and vamp blithe cut in one piece and the quarters bodega lapped over the vamp and laced n blitz together for closing. / bPSdCgE / v The blucher was very popular with L > Sp / Sblitz / returning servicemen after World a combined wineshop and grocery G War I. store. rush (a passer) in football from a Miguel’s mother sent him to the position as a linebacker or bludgeon bodega for a loaf of bread. defensive back. n In a desperate bid to stop the other / SblEjEn / boiserie team from scoring, the coach told unknown n all three linebackers to blitz the a short stick used as a weapon / SbwBzETrG / quarterback. usually having one thick, heavy, or Gmc > F loaded end. carved wood paneling. The shop teacher confiscated the In Louis’s living room painted crude bludgeon Harlan had boiserie provides a backdrop for a fashioned from a baseball bat. melange of upholstered armchairs.
Page 28 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently boisterous boomerang botanist adj n / SbOist(E)rEs / boondoggle / SbBt(F)nDst / F > E Gk + Ecf full of exuberant uninhibited and Bordelaise a professional student of plants. often excessive spirits. n A botanist identified the mysterious The locker room was boisterous / TbOrdFlSCz / plant growing behind Alysia’s after the championship. F geog name garage. a brown sauce flavored with a table bole wine from the Gironde department botany n of France, the capital of which is n / SbPl / Bordeaux. / SbBt(F)nG / ON Stuart thickened the Bordelaise Gk > F the trunk of a tree. over a low flame. the branch of biology dealing with Biff threw a knife into the old oak’s plant life. bole. bordereaux Jan has no formal education in botany, but she does seem to have a bombilation borderline green thumb. bonanza bore botcher n n / bESnanzE / / SbP(E)r / botuliform L > Sp E adj something that yields an often [Note: The definition provided is / SbBchElETfOrm / unexpectedly large profit. not the one most commonly L + Ecf Millie struck a bonanza with her associated with this word. In shaped like a sausage. latest business venture. addition, word has homonyms and Cattails have botuliform flower near homonym: boar, Boer, and heads. bonhomous boor.] a tidal flood that regularly or adj occasionally rushes with a roaring boudoir / SbBnEmEs / noise into certain rivers. n L > F + Ecf Ships in the harbor when a bore / SbVTdwB(r) / warmly genial. occurred could suffer damage from F Will told us about the bonhomous its considerable height or force. a woman’s dressing room, master of ceremonies at the bedroom, or private sitting room. banquet. borealization The boudoir adjacent to the master n bedroom was, to Brooke, the most boniface / TbPrGElDSzCshEn / fascinating room on the tour. n Gk > L + Ecff / SbBnEfDs / adaptation (as of plants) to life in bough name in an Irish play more northerly regions. n the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, In the far North, borealization is a / SbaU / or restaurant. primary factor in the evolution of E The boniface of the Red Horse Inn different plant species. [has homonym: bow] a branch of a loves to have his picture taken with tree. visiting celebrities. borzoi Grass would grow better beneath n the tree if the lowest bough were bonsai / SbOrTzOi / removed. n Russ / SbPnTsI / a Russian wolfhound. bouillabaisse Jpn The borzoi resembles a large [has near homonym: banzai] a greyhound with long wavy hair. potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed by special methods of culture. bosky Joanie spent the afternoon instructing a class on pruning a bonsai. bookcase
Page 29 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bouillon bourgeois boysenberry n adj n / SbVTyBn / / SbVrzhTwB / / SbOizFnTberG / F F Amer name + E [Note: Alternate pronunciation has of, belonging to, or characteristic of a very large bramble fruit with a homonym: bullion.] a broth made the townsman or the social middle flavor like a raspberry especially by slow boiling of meat and class. valued for canning and preserving. especially beef in water. The senator said that he espoused Mark enjoys the tart flavor of a Benny learned how to make the bourgeois virtues of thriftiness, freshly picked boysenberry. bouillon in his home economics forethought, and a serious attitude class. toward life. bracelet boulevard bourgeoisie brachiate n n v / SbUlETvBrd / / TbUrzhTwBSzG / / SbrakGTCt / D > F F Gk > L a broad thoroughfare often having the social and economic middle progress by swinging from one grassplots with trees along the class. hold to another by the arms. center or between curbings and Dillon went to college to, as he put The children enjoyed watching the sidewalks. it, “escape from the throes of the chimpanzees playfully brachiate On a warm sunny day many bourgeoisie.” from tree to tree. strollers can be found on the boulevard. boutonniere brachylogy n n boulevardier / TbVtFnSi(E)r / / braSkilEjG / F Gk boundary a flower or bouquet worn in a conciseness of expression. buttonhole. A successful poet is a master of bounteous The groom wore a sprig of orange imagery and brachylogy. blossom as a boutonniere. bountiful bradawl adj bowdlerize n / SbaUntDfEl / v / SbradTOl / L > F > E + Ecf / SbPdlETrIz / E + E abundant, plentiful. E name + Ecf an awl with a chisel edge used to The potato farmers rejoiced over remove matter considered make holes for screws or thin, their bountiful harvest. indelicate or otherwise small nails. objectionable from. Desmond found a bradawl in his bouquet When the publisher chose to grandfather’s toolbox, but he n bowdlerize the novel, the school couldn’t figure out what it was used / bPSkC / librarian refused to order it. for. F the distinctive fragrance (as of a bowery bradycardia wine or brandy) derived from the processes of fermentation and boycott bradyseism aging. v n Jim found the bouquet of the / SbOiTkBt / / SbrCdGTsIzEm / mystery wine much to his liking. E name Gk combine against (a person, a slow quiet upward or downward bouquiniste employer, a group of persons, or a movement of Earth’s crust. n nation) in a policy of suspension of The outskirts of Naples have been / bVkGnGst / dealings or relations for economic afflicted by bradyseism since a D > F or political reasons. 1980 earthquake. a dealer in secondhand books. The people of New Athens resolved The bouquiniste encouraged us to to boycott the offending company. browse as long as we wanted.
Page 30 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently braggadocio breath bribery n n n / TbragESdPshGTP / / Sbreth / / SbrIb(E)rG / name in English poem E F > E empty boasting or bragging. air charged with a certain the act or practice of giving or Shelly was sure that Keith’s claim fragrance, odor, or other taking a reward, gift, or favor with to have received ten speeding suggestion. a view to corrupt the conduct tickets was mere braggadocio. The breath of roses in the parlor especially of a person in a position came from the window open to the of trust (as a public official). brankursine garden. When the gambler offered the n athletes money to lose the game, he / braNSkErsFn / breccia was arrested and charged with L > F n bribery. a prickly European herb having / Sbrech(G)E / rough, fuzzy leaves. It bridle The brankursine has ornamental [has near homonym: Brescia] a value because of its claw-shaped rock consisting of sharp fragments briefcase leaves. embedded in a fine-grained matrix (as sand or clay). brigadier brasserie A breccia was among the rock n specimens that the scientist brought / TbrigESdi(E)r / bratwurst back from her trip to the desert. It > F > E n an army, marine, or air force officer / SbratTwErst / bretelle ranking just below a major general G n and above a colonel. fresh pork sausage. / brEStel / After winning the decisive battle, Karen is grilling bratwurst for the Gmc > F Hiram was promoted to brigadier. pool party. one of a pair of ornamental straps that go from the belt on the front of brigand braunschweiger a dress over the shoulders to the n n belt in back. / SbrigEnd / / SbraUnTshwIgE(r) / Candace asked for help in Celt > It > F > E G name adjusting her bretelle. one who lives by plunder usually as smoked liver sausage. a member of a band. Derek made a braunschweiger and brevet The captured brigand refused to pickle sandwich for his afternoon n say a word about his group’s snack. / brDSvet / leader. F > E bravura an official document from a brigantine n government granting a privilege, n / brESv(y)UrE / title, or dignity. / SbrigEnTtGn / It Dominic found a brevet signed by Celt > It > F a show of daring or brilliancy. President Fillmore among his a two-masted square-rigged sailing The crowd cheered the aerialist for grandfather’s papers. ship. his bravura. Sailing school will be held on a breviloquent specially outfitted brigantine. breach brevity brilliant breakfast n / SbrevEZG / brine L expression in few words : terseness, brioche conciseness. n Polonius told Queen Gertrude that / brGSPsh / “brevity is the soul of wit.” Gmc > F a fancy roll of very light yeast dough rich with eggs and butter. Amy wanted just a brioche and juice for breakfast.
Page 31 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently broach bronchitis bruise v n n / SbrPch / / brBnSkIZDs / / SbrVz / F > E Gk F > E [has homonym: brooch] open up (a acute or chronic inflammation in [has homonym: brews] an injury, subject) for discussion or debate. the lungs. especially one produced by a blow No one dares broach the subject of Because of his bronchitis, Sam had or collision, that does not break the politics in front of Monique. given up jogging. surface it injures. Heather’s fall from her bicycle left broadcaster bronze her with a bad bruise. n v / SbrOdTkastE(r) / / SbrBnz / bruit E + ON > E L > It > F a person who disseminates news on [has near homonym: brawns] brume radio or television. become like bronze, a moderate n Russell has the clear voice and yellowish brown alloy of copper / SbrVm / precise diction of an experienced and tin, especially in color. L > OProv > F broadcaster. Ike’s attempt to bronze on the [has homonym and near homonym: beach took an unfortunate turn broom and brougham] mist, fog. brocade when he fell asleep. The ship’s foghorn blared through n the drifting brume. / brPSkCd / brougham L > It > Catal > Sp n brummagem a rich oriental fabric with raised / SbrV(E)m / adj patterns embroidered in gold and Scottish name / SbrEmDjEm / silver threads. [has near homonyms: broom, E geog name Tina discovered a gorgeous brume] a light closed horse-drawn spurious especially in a cheap and brocade in the remnant bin at the carriage with the driver outside in showy way : phony, sham. fabric store. front. Irene usually wears brummagem The brougham was once a common jewelry when she dines at fancy brochette sight on the streets of London. restaurants. n / brPSshet / brouhaha brumous F n meat broiled on a skewer. / SbrVShBThB / bruxism Marsha garnished her beef Hebrew? > F n brochette with green peppers. publicity, attention, or excitement / SbrEkTsizEm / far beyond the merits or importance Gk > E brochure of its cause. the habit of unconsciously gritting n Sean dropped his tray in the or grinding the teeth especially in / brPSshU(E)r / cafeteria, causing quite a situations of stress or during sleep. F brouhaha. Ellie’s bruxism was so pronounced pamphlet, booklet. that her dentist made a bite guard Juanita designed a brochure for the brucellosis for her to wear at night. zoological society. n / TbrVsESlPsDs / buccaneer bromeliad E name + Lcf n n a human disease characterized by / TbEkESni(e)r / / brPSmGlGTad / extreme exhaustion and generalized Tupi > F Sw name + Lcf aches and pains and acquired one of the pirates preying upon a plant of a family of tropical through infected animal products. Spanish ships and settlements American herbs or subshrubs. An outbreak of brucellosis forced especially in the West Indies in the The colorful leaves of the the sausage factory to shut down. 17th century. bromeliad make it a popular While on the “Pirates of the houseplant. Caribbean” ride at Disneyland, Maria thought she saw the eyes of bronchial the nearest buccaneer move.
buckram
Page 32 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bucolic bumptiously bureaucrat adv n budgetary / SbEm(p)shEslG / / SbyUrETkrat / imit + Ecff L > F + Gk > F buffalo in a presumptuously, obtusely, and a member of the whole body of n often noisily self-assertive manner. nonelected government officials. / SbEfETlP / Paul began acting bumptiously as Alexis spent 20 minutes trying to Gk > L > Sp > It soon as he was elected class convince a bureaucrat that she a large wild ox with a shaggy mane president. really was seeking employment. and short horns that was once abundant on the central and bumptiously burgher western plains of the United States. n Jamie was awed by the bungalow / SbErgEr / enormousness of the buffalo she n G&D saw at the zoo. / SbENgETlP / a resident of a town : townsman. Hindi Every burgher showed up for buffoon a lightly built single-story house or Springfield’s fireworks display. n cottage. / TbESfVn / Wendy’s dream vacation includes burgherly L > It > F renting a bungalow on a South a person professionally engaged in Pacific island. burgoo entertaining others by tricks, n gestures, or comic pantomime. buoyant / (T)bErSgV / Along the midway a buffoon adj unknown entertained the children with a / SbOiEnt / a savory highly seasoned stew or laughable pantomime. Sp thick soup containing several kinds able to regain high spirits after of meat and vegetables originally buffoonery depression : lighthearted. served at political rallies, n The buoyant author gladly barbecues, picnics, and community / (T)bESfVn(E)rG / autographed his book for buyers. occasions. F Everyone looks forward to eating the practices of a clown or buoyantly burgoo at Drew’s Derby Day party. clownish person; especially : coarse loutish behavior. buran burly Mrs. Decker warned that she would n adj tolerate no buffoonery in her / bVSrBn / / SbErlG / classroom. Turk > Russ E a northeasterly wind of gale force [has homonym: burley] strongly bulbous in Russia and central Asia usually built : stout, sturdy. adj identified with sandstorms in The director chose Harry for the / SbElbEs / summer and blizzards in winter. part of the construction worker L The dreaded buran from northern because of his burly appearance. [has homonym: bulbus] Siberia swept across the tundra resembling or suggesting a bulb with extraordinary violence. bursar especially in roundness or in the n gross enlargement of a part. bureaucracy / SbErsEr / The cartoon character’s heavy n L bulbous body lurched dangerously / byVSrBkrEsG / [Note: Could be confused with on his spindly legs, which barely F purser.] an administrative officer supported him. a system of administration marked (as of a monastery or college) in by lack of initiative and flexibility, charge of funds : treasurer. bulletin by indifference to human needs or The bill for the new gym floor was public opinion, and by a tendency submitted to the school’s bursar. bulletinize to defer decisions to superiors or to impede action with red tape. bullion Helga blamed the bureaucracy for the six-week delay in getting her passport.
Page 33 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bursiculate byssinosis cabriole adj n n / TbErSsikyElDt / / TbisESnPsDs / / SkabrGTPl / L > E Gk > L F shaped like a small pouch or purse. a chronic industrial disease [Note: Could be confused with Some seaweed plants have associated with the inhalation of capriole.] a ballet leap in which one bursiculate leaves. cotton dust over a long period of leg is extended in mid-air and the time. other struck against it. bursitis Employees at the mill wore masks The dancers dressed as wood n to protect themselves from sprites performed a cabriole in / TbErSsIZDs / byssinosis. every measure of the music. L + Ecf inflammation of a fluid-filled byte cache cavity in a joint of the body. v Pain during the tennis game was Byzantine / Skash / Brett’s first symptom of bursitis. adj L > F / SbizEnTtGn / [has homonym: cash] place or busby Gk store in safety or concealment. n of, relating to, or characteristic of Jim asked Zelda to cache his / SbEzbG / the eastern Roman Empire. valuables while he was on E name? Byzantine bureaucracy has become sabbatical in Japan. a military full-dress hat made of fur a byword for cumbersome, with a bag usually of cloth of the complicated, inefficient, and cachinnate color of the facings of the regiment inflexible administration. hanging from the top on the right. cacography The drum major strutted proudly in cabana n his white uniform and black busby. n / kaSkBgrEfG / / kESban(y)E / Gk bushel L > Sp bad handwriting. a tentlike often portable shelter Martin’s cacography made his butterscotch with a projecting canopy over an work illegible. n open side facing a beach or / SbEZE(r)TskBch / swimming pool. cacophonous E Sam and Doug will move the a hard candy made by boiling cabana closer to the swimming cacophony together brown sugar, corn syrup, pool. n and water. / kaSkBfEnG / Butterscotch has a deep golden cabaret Gk color and a delicious rich taste. n harsh or discordant sound. / TkabESrC / Spot’s encounter with the skunk buttress L? > F was accompanied by a burst of a restaurant that provides cacophony. butyraceous entertainment, usually singing and adj dancing. cacuminal / TbyVZESrCshEs / Sheila’s training in tap dancing Gk > L helped her get a job at the local cadaver resembling butter. cabaret. n The mixed vegetables were flavored / kESdavE(r) / with a butyraceous sauce. cabinet L a dead human or animal body cabochon usually intended for cutting so as to adv expose the several parts and their / SkabETshBn / locations and connections. F Duncan dissected a cadaver in in convex form highly polished but anatomy class. not faceted. The jeweler cut the stone cabochon cadaverous and mounted it in a platinum setting. cadence
Page 34 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cadre cajolery calculator n n n / SkB(T)drC / / kESjPl(E)rG / / SkalkyETlCZE(r) / L > It > F F L > E + Ecf a nucleus or core group especially use of delusive enticements. a device used for computing of trained personnel or active After much cajolery, the kitten amounts. members of an organization who finally came down from the tree. Mr. Jensen permitted each student are capable of assuming leadership to use a calculator during the or of training and indoctrinating calabash exam. others. n Its highly skilled cadre of managers / SkalETbash / calculiform enabled the company to achieve Ar? > Sp&F adj great success in its first year. the common bottle gourd. / SkalkyElETfOrm / A calabash with a hole cut in it L > ISV caduceus makes a dandy birdhouse. shaped like a pebble. n In the Mayan writing system, the / kESd(y)Vs(h)GEs / caladium characters were rounded like Gk > L n pebbles and so were described as a conventionalized representation / kESlCdGEm / being calculiform. of a staff with two snakes curled Malay > L around it and with two wings at the any of a small genus of tropical calculus top. American plants with variously In Greek mythology the caduceus colored arrow-shaped leaves. calefacient was the staff of Hermes, the Julie delivered a potted caladium adj messenger of the gods. to her sick cousin. / TkalESfCshEnt / L cafeteria calamine making warm : heating. n A calefacient ointment relieved / TkafEStirGE / calamity some of Dave’s muscular pain. Turk > Sp a self-service restaurant or calcium calendar lunchroom. n On the last day of school the / SkalsGEm / calibrate students had a food fight in the L cafeteria. a soft, silver-white bivalent calico metallic element that occurs in n caisson combination with minerals and / SkalDTkP / n rocks. Indian geog name / SkCTsBn / Calcium is an essential element in any of various cheap cotton fabrics L > F bones. with figured patterns. a two-wheeled vehicle for artillery Molly’s dress was made of a bold ammunition attachable to a horse- calculate orange and yellow checked calico. drawn limber for marching. v A caisson is sometimes used to / SkalkyETlCt / caliginous carry the coffin in a military L adj funeral. ascertain or determine by / kESlijEnEs / mathematical processes especially F or L caitiff of some intricacy. dark, obscure. n Toriko likes to calculate her car’s A caliginous sky foreshadowed the / SkCZDf / gas mileage after every trip. approaching storm. L > F > E a base despicable person. The story centers on Batman’s encounters with a psychotic caitiff, the Riddler. cajole
Page 35 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently calisthenics calumet cameo n pl n n / TkalEsStheniks / / SkalyETmet / / SkamGTP / Gk + Ecf L > F L > F > It systematic exercises performed a highly ornamented ceremonial a small theatrical or film role usually in rhythm and often in a pipe of the North American Indians usually performed by a well-known group to improve the strength, that was smoked at sacrifices and actor and often limited to a single suppleness, balance, and health of other magical or religious rites and scene. the body. on state occasions. The producer was grateful that the Aunt Julia does calisthenics twice a After the three chiefs reached star accepted a cameo in his new week in a program called “Body agreement, they passed a feathered film. Recall.” calumet. camera calisthenium calumny n camionette calligrapher / Skal(y)EmnG / n n L / TkamyESnet / / kESligrEfE(r) / a false charge or misrepresentation F Gk intended to harm one’s reputation : a small truck or bus. one that writes a beautiful, slander. The hotel provides a camionette to ornamental, or stylized hand. According to Neal, the recent shuttle guests to and from the Joni and William had their article about him was pure airport. wedding invitations inscribed by a calumny. calligrapher. camisole calvities calliope n camouflage n / kalSvishGTGz / n / kESlIE(T)pG / L / SkamETflBzh / Gk > L baldness. It > F a musical instrument consisting of Larry’s calvities is intentional: He a disguise, behavior, or expedient a series of crude steam or air shaves his head every morning. adopted or designed to deceive or whistles used on riverboats and in hide. circuses and carnivals. calypso Behind Jerry’s camouflage of Passengers gathered on the upper n ignorance resides a wealth of deck of the Mississippi Queen to / kESlip(T)sP / knowledge. listen to the calliope. Gk name a balladlike improvisation in camouflaged callously African rhythm usually satirizing current events first composed and camoufleur callow sung in competition in the British West Indies. campanile caloric Harry Belafonte gained fame as a n adj singer of calypso. / TkampESnGlG / / kESlOrik / L > It L > F camaraderie [Note: Plural form can be of or relating to the heat-producing pronounced identically.] a bell or energy-producing value of food. cameline tower usually freestanding. Suzy became obsessed with caloric n From the hilltop Obin could just intake while on her crash diet. / SkamETlGn / spot the great campanile of Christ Sem > Gk > L Church in Oxford. calque a twilled camel’s-hair fabric. Jordan bought a new overcoat made of cameline to wear with his dress suits.
Page 36 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently camphor candelabra canitist n n n / Skam(p)fE(r) / / TkandESlBbrE / / SkanEtDst / Malay > Ar > L > AF > E L L + Ecf [has near homonym: chamfer] a a usually ornate and often heavy one who dyes or tints hair tough gumlike substance obtained and large standard supporting a especially in a beauty shop. especially from the wood and bark candlestick or lamp. Polly has been a canitist in a local of the camphor tree and used In December Stella put red and beauty shop for 25 years. chiefly as a stimulant in medicine. green candles in her candelabra on Whenever Johnny has a cold, his the mantle. cannelloni mother spreads on his chest an aromatic ointment containing candelabrum cannibal camphor. n / TkandESlBbrEm / cannibalism campus L a large candlestick or a lamp cannonade canaille usually ornamented and having n several arms or branches. canny / kESnI / Germaine admired the ornate silver L > It > F candelabrum in the center of the canoe mob, rabble, riffraff. table. During the riot the canaille canoeist destroyed and looted many stores. candidacy n n / kESnVDst / canard / Skan(d)DdEsG / Arawak > Sp > L > F + Ecf n L + Ecf one that paddles a type of long / kESnBrd / the quality or state of being one narrow boat. F that is likely or worthy to gain a Evan became an expert canoeist at a false or unfounded report or post, position, or distinction. summer camp. story; especially : a fabricated Tony’s candidacy for the student report (as by a newspaper). council will be jeopardized if he canopy The report of the famous singer’s fails his algebra exam. death turned out to be a canard. cantankerous candlewick adj canary n / kanSta(i)Nk(E)rEs / n / SkandFlTwik / AF? > E? + Ecf / kESnerG / L > E + E marked by ill humor, irritability, L geog name > Sp > F the twisted threads of soft cotton and determination to disagree. a small greenish-yellow finch yarn contained in a candle. The cantankerous old man yelled at extensively bred as a cage bird and Victor groped to light the Grady as he attempted to retrieve singer. candlewick in the dark. the football. When the canary escaped in her living room, Susan put her cat candor cantata outside until she found the bird. n / SkandE(r) / cantatory canasta L n [has near homonym: canter] canteen / kESnastE / unreserved, honest, or sincere L > Sp expression. canter a card game that is a form of Russell’s candor in dealing with v rummy played usually as a two- difficult issues won over the voters. / SkantE(r) / hand or as a four-hand partnership E geog name game using two full decks plus four canine [has homonym: cantor] move at or jokers. as if at a three-beat gait resembling The two couples often played but smoother and slower than the canasta after having dinner gallop. together. Cindy let the horse canter for a while but soon spurred it on to a cancrivorous gallop.
Page 37 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cantilever capital capsize adj cantonment / SkapEZFl / capstan L cantor [Note: The definition provided is capsule n not the one most commonly / SkantE(r) / associated with this word. In caracole L addition, word has homonym: n [has homonym: canter] a capitol.] highly meritorious : most / SkarETkPl / synagogue official who sings or enjoyable. L? > Sp > F chants liturgical music and leads On his dad’s birthday, Philip a half turn either to the right or the the congregation in prayer. served a capital feast, with every left executed by a mounted horse. Jacob’s vocal talent led him to dish cleverly wrapped up in The front rank of galloping consider becoming a cantor. ribbons. cavalrymen fired their pistols and then peeled off in a caracole to canvasser capitatim regroup. n adj / SkanvEsE(r) / / TkapEStCZDm / carafe Gk > L > F > E + Ecf L n one that takes or counts votes. levied or granted at so much per / kESraf / Helga voluntered as a canvasser head. Ar > It > F for the upcoming election. Collecting an affordable capitatim a bottle usually made of glass with fee for civic pool use will not cover a narrow neck and spherical body capable operating costs. and used to hold water or beverages. capacious capitulate Shlomo ordered a carafe of the adj house wine. / kESpCshEs / cappelletti L n pl caramelize able to contain a great deal. / TkapESleZG / v Dodie went to the beach carrying a L > It / SkarEmETlIz / capacious canvas bag. [Note: Could be confused with L > Pg > Sp > F + Ecf cavalletti.] small cases of dough change (sugar or the sugar content caparison usually filled with meat or cheese. of a food) into a brittle brown n Bo and Annette dined on cappelletti substance by heating to about 170– / kESparEsEn / in marinara sauce. 180 C. Sp > F Kara is going to caramelize some an ornamental covering for a horse. cappuccino sugar to make peanut brittle. The king’s horse wore an elaborately decorated caparison. capriccioso carbohydrate adv n capillary / kETprGchGSP(T)sP / / TkBrbPShITdrCt / adj It + Itcf L + Gk / SkapETlerG / free and impulsive—used chiefly as any of a group of neutral L a direction in music. compounds composed of carbon, resembling a hair : fine, minute, The ending segment of the violin hydrogen, and oxygen including slender. concerto was played capriccioso. the sugars and starches. The capillary tubes in the tissue The nutrition facts indicated that puzzled Dr. Chang. caprice the candy bar would provide Sheila with over half her daily allowance capricious of carbohydrate. adj / kESprishEs / carbonaceous It not guided by steady judgment, intent, or purpose. Hazel’s capricious behavior is a source of constant annoyance for her sister, Ruth.
Page 38 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently carbonate carillon carpaccio adj n n / SkBrbEnDt / / SkarETlBn / / kBrSpBch(G)P / L + ISVcf L > F It of or relating to a salt or ester of a set of fixed bells pitched in a thinly sliced raw meat or fish carbonic acid. chromatic series of at least two served with a sauce. After reading the paragraph six octaves and sounded by hammers When Linda ordered carpaccio, she times, Hugo still could not controlled by a keyboard. didn’t know that it is uncooked. understand the bonding in the Latasha will play the carillon at carbonate ion. Andy’s wedding. carpophagous carboy cark carriageable carcinogen carnage carrion n n n / kBrSsinEjEn / / SkBrnij / / SkarGEn / Gk L > F L > AF > E a substance or agent producing or great destruction of life (as in [has near homonym: carillon] the inciting cancerous growth. battle) : great bloodshed. dead and putrefying flesh of an Asbestos has been proven to be a Appeals to stop the carnage of war animal. powerful carcinogen. fell on deaf ears. Vultures were picking over skunk and opossum carrion at the cardiac carnival roadside. n cardigan / SkBrnEvEl / carrot n L > It / SkBrdDgEn / a traveling enterprise consisting of cartel E name such amusements as sideshows, n a sweater or jacket that opens the games of chance, rides, and / kBrStel / full length of the center front and shooting galleries. It > F usually has a round or V-shaped The carnival was the only place a voluntary often international collarless neck. Ralph had the opportunity to eat combination of independent private Samantha’s aunt in Scotland sent cotton candy. enterprises supplying like her a colorful wool cardigan for commodities or services that agree her birthday. carnivore to limit their competitive activities n (as by regulating quantity or quality cardinalate / SkBrnETvP(E)r / of output). L Started as a cartel, the oil- cardiomegaly a flesh-eating animal. producing nations control the n The hyena is a carnivore that worldwide price of petroleum. / TkBrdGPSmegElG / usually eats animals found dead. Gk cartilage enlargement of the heart. carnivorous n Severe anemia can result in / SkBrZFlij / cardiomegaly. carotid L adj a translucent elastic tissue that caribou / kESrBZDd / composes most of the skeleton of n Gk the embryos and very young of / SkarETbV / belonging to or situated near either vertebrates and is for the most part Algonquian > F of the two main arteries that supply converted into bone in the higher any of several large deer of blood to the head. forms. northern North America. Lara felt her pulse with a finger Hans had a small piece of cartilage While in Montana, Jill placed on her carotid artery. removed from his elbow. photographed a caribou silhouetted on a high ridge. carton caricaturable caricature
Page 39 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cartonnage casserole cataclysm n n n / SkBrtFnTBzh / / SkasETrPl / / SkaZETklizEm / F Gk > L > OProv > F Gk material consisting of linen or a vessel usually having a cover and a violent geologic change involving papyrus glued together in many a handle and in which food may be sudden and extensive alterations of thicknesses and usually coated with baked and served. Earth’s surface. stucco. Laura baked the chicken and Scientists are standing by their The museum guide said that the broccoli in a casserole. prediction that a cataclysm will elaborate mummy case made of occur in California. cartonnage had been found in a cassoulet hidden vault of a pyramid. n cataclysmic / SkasETlC / caryatid F catacomb n a casserole of beans baked with / TkarGSaZDd / herbs and pork sausage and catadromous Gk sometimes other meats. adj a draped female figure supporting The cassoulet was originally a / kEStadrEmEs / an entablature in the place of a specialty of southwestern France. Gk > L column or pilaster. living in fresh water and going to The caryatid appeared to be cassowary the sea to spawn. grimacing from the strain of Whereas the salmon migrates from holding up the temple. castanets the sea to fresh water to spawn, the n pl catadromous American eel does cashew / TkastESnets / just the reverse. n L > Sp / Ska(T)shV / a pair of rhythm instruments catalepsy Tupi > Pg consisting of two shells made of n the kidney-shaped nut of a tropical ivory, wood, or plastic which are / SkaZFlTepsG / American tree naturalized in all fastened together to hang from the Gk warm countries. thumb and are clicked by the other a condition of suspended animation Jack dug through the can of mixed fingers. and loss of voluntary motion nuts, looking for the last cashew. The flamenco dancer’s rapidly associated with hysteria and clicking castanets intrigued Diana. schizophrenia. cashier Doctors were confounded by n castigate Juan’s catalepsy. / kaSshi(E)r / F > D casuistic catalina one that handles customer payments for goods or services casuistry catalytic rendered. n adj A cashier must keep a watchful eye / SkazhEwDstrG / / TkaZElSiZik / for counterfeit currency. L > Sp Gk the study of or the doctrine that causing, involving, or relating to cask deals with cases of conscience. the change in the rate of a chemical n To complete her degree in reaction brought about by often / Skask / philosophy, Tisha had to take a small amounts of a substance that is Sp semester of casuistry. unchanged chemically at the end of [has homonym: casque] any the reaction. barrel-shaped vessel made of catachresis Iron plus small amounts of staves, headings, and hoops. n potassium and aluminum oxides The salesman boasted that the / TkaZESkrGsDs / has a catalytic effect on the Scotch had been aged in an old Gk synthesis of ammonia. sherry cask for many years. the misuse of words. When Monica used the word infer catamaran to mean “imply” in her essay, her English teacher wrote catachresis in the margin.
Page 40 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently catapult catechumen caudillo v n n / SkaZETpElt / / TkaZESkyVmDn / / kaUSLG(l)(T)yP / Gk > L Gk > L> F L > Sp move with a suddenness or force as one receiving rudimentary a military leader (as in a Latin- if propelled by a device that hurls instruction in the doctrines of American country) usually of heavy stones. Christianity. guerrilla or irregular forces loyal to The general’s wartime success was A child who attends a Sunday him or her personally. enough to catapult him into School program could be The reporter found that most of the political power. considered a catechumen. soldiers would willingly give their lives for their caudillo. cataract category n cauliflower / SkaZETrakt / caterpillar n Gk > L > E n / SkOlETflaU(E)r / a clouding of the lens of the eye / SkaZE(r)TpilEr / L > It obstructing the passage of light. L > F > E a garden plant that is closely related Grandpa’s cataract necessitated the elongated wormlike larva of a to the cabbage and is grown for surgical replacement of the lens in butterfly or moth. food. his eye. The body-surface hairs on the Sheldon won’t eat cauliflower caterpillar in Jamie’s hand contain unless it is smothered in melted catarrh a poisonous substance that causes cheese. n intense itching. / kEStBr / causerie Gk > L > F caterwaul n [has homonym and near homonym: / TkPz(E)SrG / Qatar and guitar] inflammation of a cathartic L > F mucous membrane in humans or an informal light conversation : animals characterized by cathedral chat. congestion and secretion of mucus. adj Bridget tried unsuccessfully all Catarrh can be brought on by / kESthGdrEl / evening to engage Mrs. Vickers in infection, allergies, dry air, or L > E causerie. chemical irritants. of, relating to, or being a bishop’s church. causeway catastasis Sister Agatha watered the tulips in n the cathedral garden. caustic / kEStastEsDs / adj Gk cathole / SkOstik / the dramatic complication Gk immediately preceding the climax caucus capable of destroying the texture of of a play. n anything or eating away its During the catastasis the audience / SkOkEs / substance by chemical action : wondered how the hero would Algonquian corrosive. resolve his predicament. a conference of party or Ned never suspected that perfume organization leaders to decide on might have a caustic effect on catastrophe policies, plans, appointees, or plastic. n candidates. / kEStastrE(T)fG / The caucus stayed in session until 3 cauterize Gk a.m. finalizing its slate of nominees. v the final action that completes the / SkOZETrIz / unraveling of the plot in a tragedy : caudal Gk > L denouement. adj burn or sear with a caustic brand. In the drama’s catastrophe the / SkOdFl / Dr. Bennett used a laser to hero dies a valiant death to save L cauterize Tony’s wound. his beloved. [has near homonym: coddle] constituting, belonging to, or catechism relating to a tail. As a tadpole’s legs grow, its caudal appendage gradually disappears.
Page 41 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cavalcade cedilla celestial n n adj / SkavElTkCd / / sDSdilE / / sDSles(h)chEl / L > It > F L > Sp L a procession of riders or carriages. a mark placed under a letter to of or relating to the sky. The king headed up the cavalcade indicate a sound different from that The awesome display of celestial proceeding toward the Duke of which the unmodified character light was later identified as a Parma. bears in certain situations. meteor shower. Martha did not earn a perfect score cavalier on her French paper because she celibacy adj forgot the cedilla in the word / TkavESli(E)r / garçon. cellarage L > OProv > It > F marked by lofty disregard of ceiling cellist others’ interests, rights, or feelings. n Eloise displayed a cavalier attitude / SsGliN / cello toward the homecoming plans. E [has homonym: sealing] the cellulose cavalry overhead inside lining of a room. n There was a terrible crash from / SselyETlPs / caveat inside the wagon that sounded as if L > F + Ecf n a whole set of dishes had been any of several fibrous substances / SkBvGTBt / dropped from the ceiling onto a constituting the chief part of the L hard stone floor. cell walls of plants and of many a warning enjoining one from fibrous products. certain acts or practices. celebrant Most household sponges are made The oldest caveat of commerce is of cellulose. “Let the buyer beware.” celeriac n cement cavernicolous / sDSlerGTak / v Gk > L > It? / sDSment / cavernous a plant of the parsley family grown L > F > E adj for its turniplike edible root. join, unite, or cause to adhere by or / SkavE(r)nEs / Rhoda added chopped celeriac to as if by means of a binding L her soup. element. constituting or suggesting a large After Byron chose the tiles for his underground chamber. celeritous mosaic, he used a strong glue to The thick grove of vine-covered adj cement them in place on the trees threw a cavernous gloom over / sDSlerEZEs / pattern. the area. L > F > E swift-moving. cemetery cavil The celeritous bicyclist almost v knocked Trudy down. cenotaph / SkavEl / n L celery / SsenETtaf / object or criticize adversely for n Gk trivial reasons. / Ssel(E)rG / a tomb or a monument erected in Even if Tracy’s room is spotlessly Gk > L > It? honor of a person whose body is clean, she knows that her mom will a vegetable with leafstalks that are elsewhere. cavil at something about it. eaten raw or cooked. A magnificent cenotaph was Terry’s favorite snack is celery erected outside the city of Troy. filled with pimento cheese.
Page 42 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently censorious cephalalgia cerography adj n n / senSsPrGEs / / TsefESlalj(G)E / / sDSrBgrEfG / L Gk Gk marked by or given to an pain inside the head : headache. the art of making characters or inclination to discover and severely Mortimer’s cephalalgia made him designs in or with wax. condemn especially social, moral, irritable and short-tempered. The maps in the old book were or artistic errors. originally made by the process of Helen was in one of her censorious cephalometry cerography, in which beeswax was moods at the reception this used. evening. Cepheid n cerumen census / SsGfGDd / n n Gk name / sDSrVmEn / / Ssen(t)sEs / one of a class of pulsating stars L L whose intrinsic light variations are the yellow waxlike secretion from an official enumeration of the very regular. the glands of the external ear— population of a country, city, or The apparent magnitude of a called also “earwax.” other administrative district. Cepheid can vary greatly in a The doctor irrigated Ariel’s ear to In the United States, a census is month’s time. remove impacted cerumen. taken every ten years. ceraceous cessation centaur n n ceramic / seSsCshEn / / SsenTtO(E)r / adj L > F > E Gk > L / sDSramik / a temporary or final ceasing or one of an ancient mythical Greek Gk discontinuance (as of action). race imagined as men with the of or relating to the art of The peal of the bell marked the bodies of horses. fashioning clay into useful or cessation of the emergency The estate garden included a ornamental objects. preparedness drill. marble statue of a centaur. Luke’s home is a showcase for ceramic objects he has created. cetology centennial n ceraunograph / sGStBlEjG / centipede n L + Gk / sDSrOnETgraf / [has near homonym: sitology] a centrifugal Gk + Gk branch of zoology dealing with the an instrument for recording whales. centrifuge chronologically by pen the Many renowned scientists in the n occurrence of thunder and field of cetology assembled in / SsentrETfyVj / lightning. Japan to discuss the recent L > F Marie set up a ceraunograph to beaching incidents. a machine for whirling fluids monitor the late-summer storms. rapidly to separate substances of chaffinch different densities. cerecloth n A centrifuge was used to separate / Scha(T)finch / the cream from the milk. cerise E a common Old World bird often centripetal cerium kept as a cage bird and having in adj the male a reddish breast plumage / senStripEZFl / and a cheerful song. L + L + Ecf Along the river path Janice spotted moving, proceeding, or acting in a a chaffinch perched on the back of direction toward a center or axis. a bench. Centripetal force serves to keep electrons moving around the chaffseed nucleus of an atom.
Page 43 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently chagrin champignon chaotic n n adj / shESgrin / / shamSpinyEn / / kCSBZik / F F Gk vexation, disquietude, or distress of an edible fungus; especially : the being in a state of or marked by mind brought on by humiliation, common meadow mushroom. utter confusion completely wanting hurt pride, disappointment, or At dinner, Denise had a stuffed in order, sequence, organization, or consciousness of failure or error. champignon as an appetizer. predictable operation. Pete tried to conceal his chagrin The course in time management did when his younger brother beat him chancel not help Brenda alter her chaotic at chess. n lifestyle. / Schan(t)sEl / chalaza L > F > E chapeau the part of a church in which is n chalice located the altar or communion / shaSpP / table, the pulpit, and the lectern and L > F chalicosis which is customarily on a higher [Note: Plural form can be n level than the nave. pronounced identically. In / TkalESkPsDs / Fitting 75 choir members in the addition, word has near homonyms: Gk > L chancel will be an almost chapon, shapo.] a hat. a pulmonary disease occurring impossible task. Pierre doffed his chapeau when he among stonecutters that is caused entered the room. by inhalation of stone dust. chancellor Chalicosis afflicted an alarming n chapel number of workers at the / Schan(t)s(E)lE(r) / n monument plant. L > F > E / SchapEl / a university officer of high rank. L > F > E chamberlain Professor Burns has all the a private place of worship. n requirements to be the next The duke’s funeral was held in the / SchCmbE(r)lDn / chancellor of Highland College. castle chapel. Gmc > F > E a bedchamber attendant for royalty chandelier chaplaincy or nobility. n The grand council insisted that the / TshandESli(E)r / character chamberlain wake the king. L > F n a lighting fixture suspended from / SkarDktE(r) / chamfer the ceiling and having two or more Gk > L > F > E v lights. personality as represented or / Scham(p)fE(r) / Dad finally got around to installing realized in fiction or drama. L > F a dimmer switch for our The main character in the play is cut off corners or edges (as of chandelier. Joan of Arc. timber columns or beams). Gordon decided to chamfer the chandelle characteristic ceiling beams of his cottage. n adj / shanSdel / / TkarDktESristik / champagne F Gk n an abrupt climbing turn of an belonging to or especially typical / shamSpCn / airplane. of the essential nature of. L > F Many of the passengers gasped At last Meg looked at him, pushing [has homonym: champaign] a pale when the pilot executed a her glasses in characteristic orange yellow to light grayish chandelle. gesture. yellowish brown. Of the colors of limousines changeable available for hire, Ted and Kara preferred champagne. chansonnette
Page 44 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently charcoal chasmophyte chaussure n n n / SchBrTkPl / / SkazmETfIt / / shPSsU(E)r / (F + E) > E Gk L > F > E a dark-colored or black porous a plant that grows in the crevices of footgear. form of carbon used for fuel and rocks. Before entering the mosque, all are various other mechanical, artistic, There was just enough soil for the required to remove their chaussure. and chemical processes. chasmophyte to grow in the chinks The only supplies Debbie needs for between rocks on the cliff. chautauqua her drawing class are charcoal and n a sketch pad. chassepot / shEStOkwE / N Amer geog name chariot chassis an institution of the late 19th and n early 20th centuries that combined charlatan / SchasG / popular education with n L > F entertainment, often presented / SshBrlEtEn / the frame upon which is mounted outdoors or in a tent. It the body (as of an automobile or Chautauqua declined with the a pretender to medical knowledge : airplane). advent of radio. quack. Gary popped his slot car’s body A consumer group called the back onto the chassis and set the chauvinism herbal potion vendor a vehicle back on the track. n “charlatan.” / SshPvDTnizEm / chasuble F name chartaceous n undue especially invidious adj / SchazEbEl / partiality for a group or place to / kBrStCshEs / L > F which one belongs or has belonged. Gk > L + Ecf an outer ecclesiastical garment in Chauvinism is alive and well in the resembling paper : made of paper. the form of a sleeveless cloak or school’s alumni association. Andrew collected a handful of mantle that slips over the wearer’s chartaceous dead leaves. head but remains open at the sides. chauvinistic The priest wore a white chasuble to chartreuse celebrate Sunday mass. chayote n n / shBrStrVz / chateaubriand / chBSyPZG / L > F trademark n Nahuatl > Sp a variable color averaging a / TshaTtPbrGSBM / the rounded or pear-shaped fruit of brilliant yellow green. F name a West Indian annual vine of the Elsie commented that the a thick tenderloin steak. cucumber family that is widely chartreuse vehicle looked like a The server commented that both the cultivated as a vegetable. huge dollop of wasabi. prime rib and the chateaubriand Aaron went to three different were excellent menu choices. grocery stores, but none carried the chary chayote that he needed for his chatoyant recipe. chasm n chattel cheilion / SkazEm / Gk > L chauffeur chemicalize a deep opening : a narrow, deep n steep-walled valley, gorge or / SshPfE(r) / chemistry canyon. F Earthquake tremors opened a great [has homonyms: shofar, shophar] chemotherapy chasm in the valley. one that is employed to operate a motor vehicle for the transportation chenille of persons. Henry hired a chauffeur to pick up his grandmother at the airport.
Page 45 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently chernozem chignon chimpanzee n n n / SchernEzTyOm / / SshGnTyBn / / TchimTpanSzG / Russ L > F Kongo any of a group of dark-colored a smooth arrangement of hair worn an anthropoid ape of equatorial zonal soils with a deep rich humus at the back of the head especially at Africa that is smaller and more horizon found in regions (as the the nape of the neck. arboreal than the gorilla. grasslands of central North To emphasize her long neck, Cecile The chimpanzee shows America) of temperate to cool combed her hair into a tight inventiveness in making and using climate. chignon. tools. The rich chernozem of Ukraine has helped it earn a reputation as “the Chihuahua chinchilla breadbasket of Eastern Europe.” n n / chDSwB(T)wB / / chinSchilE / chevelure Mexican geog name Aimara or Quechua > Sp n a very small round-headed large- a small rodent the size of a large / TshevESlU(E)r / eared short-coated dog reputed to squirrel having very soft fur of a L > F antedate Aztec civilization. pearly gray color and native to the a nebulous envelope (as around the A popular fast food restaurant mountains of Peru and Chile but nucleus of a comet). chain has used a talking now extensively bred in captivity. The chevelure of Halley’s comet Chihuahua in its advertisements. The chinchilla was introduced into was much dimmer than expected at the United States in 1923. its last appearance. chilblains n pl chinook chianti / SchilTblCnz / n E + E / shDSnUk / chicanery instances of redness and swelling Chehalis n of toes, fingers, nose, or ears or a warm moist southwest wind of / shDSkCn(E)rG / sometimes cheeks in cold weather the Pacific coastal region from F accompanied by itching and Oregon northward. deception by artful subterfuge or burning of skin. The mild temperatures are thanks misrepresentation : trickery. The children stayed out in the snow to a chinook that rolls over the The mayor was dogged by too long and ended up suffering Canadian Rockies. allegations of financial chicanery from chilblains. and links to organized crime. chiragra chime n chicle / kISragrE / chimerical Gk chiclero adj pain in the hand. n / kISmerDkEl / Aunt Molly’s chiragra keeps her / chiSkler(T)P / Gk + Ecff from writing many letters. Sp [Note: Could be confused with a gatherer of latex from the chimeric and chimeral.] unreal and chiropodist sapodilla tree. existing only as the product of wild Toby interviewed a chiclero for the unrestrained imagination. chistera journal. Many video games pit the player against chimerical monsters. chivalrous chieftain adj chimney / SshivElrEs / chiffon F > E n marked by especial courtesy and / shiSfBn / high-minded disinterested F consideration to women. a sheer plain-weave very Chivalrous behaviors of previous lightweight clothing fabric usually generations are less common in given a dull soft finish. today’s atmosphere of equal rights The singer sauntered into the for women. spotlight in a dress of white chiffon.
Page 46 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently chivalry cholesterosis chronic n n adj / SshivElrG / / kETlestESrPsDs / / SkrBnik / F > E Gk > ISV Gk qualifications or character of the abnormal deposition of cholesterol marked by long duration and by ideal knight of the age of chivalry in the blood. frequent recurrence over a long according to the romantic tradition Cholesterosis can often be time. of courtesy, gallantry, and honor. moderated by changes in diet. Clarence never looked forward to To the knights of the Round Table, eating because he was troubled chivalry was of primary chonolith with chronic indigestion. importance. n / SkPnETlith / chronically chlorine Gk n an intrusive igneous rock mass of chronicle / SklPrTGn / wholly irregular form. Gk > L + Ecf Ages ago a huge chonolith formed chronological a common nonmetallic element that at the base of the volcano as it is used chiefly as a powerful erupted. chrysalis bleaching, oxidizing, and n disinfecting agent. choose / SkrisElDs / Samantha refused to swim on Sem > Gk > L Thursday because someone put too chortle an insect (as a butterfly or moth) in much chlorine in the pool. the pupal stage of its development chortling in which it is enclosed in a firm chocolate case. adj chough Bob and Sam put the chrysalis in a / SchBklDt / dry container and kept it in the Nahuatl > Sp chrematistic hope that a butterfly would later of a warm light brown color adj emerge. approximating the color of fresh / TkrGmEStistik / milk chocolate. Gk chrysanthemum Eva plans to put her chocolate of, relating to, or occupied in the n mink coat in storage until the gaining of wealth. / krDSsan(t)thEmEm / animal rights activists are less Chrematistic industrialists cared Gk > L vocal. little about the living conditions of any plant or flower of a large genus their employees. of perennial herbs that are widely cholera distributed in the Old World and n chromium that are cultivated for their showy / SkBlErE / n often double and brightly colored Gk > L / SkrPmGEm / flower heads. any of several diseases of man and Gk > F > L Orlando’s chrysanthemum won domestic animals usually marked a blue-white metallic element first prize at the flower show. by severe gastrointestinal found naturally only in symptoms. combination and used especially in churlish Cholera is a major public health alloys and in electroplating. adj concern in many tropical countries. The car’s bumpers were plated / SchErlish / with chromium to make them shiny. E choleric difficult to work with or deal with. adj chromotrichial Although he was a brilliant / SkBlErik / conductor, Toscanini could be Gk > L > F > E churlish at times. angry, irate, wrathful. The vice-principal was ill suited to his job; he was impatient and choleric. cholesterol
Page 47 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently churrasco cioppino cirrhosis n n n / chUSrBTskP / / chESpGTnP / / sDSrPsDs / Sp It Gk + Lcf beef broiled on a spit over an open a dish of fish and shellfish cooked [has homonym and near homonym: fire or grilled under an oven flame. in tomato sauce and usually sorosis and xerosis] a chronic At the barbecue the whole family seasoned with wine, spices, and progressive disease of the liver. feasted on the churrasco that Dad herbs. The damage caused by cirrhosis is cooked. After an afternoon at the beach, irreversible. Beverly stopped at a local chutney restaurant for cioppino and coffee. cislunar n adj / SchEtnG / circadian / sisSlVnE(r) / Prakrit > Hindi L + L a condiment that has the circinate of or relating to the space between consistency of jam and is made of adj Earth and the Moon or the Moon’s acid fruits with added raisins, dates, / SsErsFnTCt / orbit. and onions and seasoned to taste L The space enthusiast talked often with spices and vinegar. rounded in outline : characterized about the practicalities of setting Spicy or sweet chutney is by or having the form of a flat coil up a colony in the cislunar region. sometimes eaten with Indian meals of which the apex is the center. containing curry. The retracted tongue of a butterfly cistern forms a circinate coil. n ciguatera / SsistE(r)n / n circuit L > F > E / TsGgwESterE / n [has homonym: sistern] an Taino > Sp / SsErkDt / artificial reservoir or tank for poisoning caused by eating fish or L > F holding or storing water or other mollusks with flesh toxic to man. the complete path of an electric liquids. Although she contracted ciquatera current. Three weeks into the drought, the in June, Constance could not return The average electrical house farm’s cistern ran dry. to work until November. circuit carries about 30 amperes. citation cinematographer circuitous n adj cite / TsinEmEStBgrEfE(r) / / TsErSkyVEZEs / Gk L citify a motion-picture camera operator. being a circular or winding course : Darina won the award for indirect, roundabout. citizen outstanding cinematographer at As we drove through the last year’s Montreal Film Festival. mountains, the road took an citronella increasingly circuitous route. n cinereous / TsitrESnelE / circular F > L cinnamon a yellowish essential oil with n circumstantial lemonlike odor obtained from / SsinEmEn / adj either of two grasses and used ? > Gk > L > F > E / TsErkEmzStanchEl / especially as an insect repellent. a culinary spice prepared from the L + Ecf Candles containing citronella were bark of certain tropical trees. belonging to, consisting of, kept burning on the picnic table. Akbar likes cinnamon in his hot influenced by, or dependent on chocolate. conditions, facts, or events civitas accompanying others. n The report contains strong / SkGwGTtBs / circumstantial evidence of L wrongdoing by the governor. a body of people constituting a politically organized community. The concept of civitas remains strong in many small towns.
Page 48 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently clairvoyant claviger clinician n n clandestine / SklavDjE(r) / / klDSnishEn / adj L Gk > F / klanSdestDn / one that keeps the key or keys : one who directs, is closely allied L custodian, warden. with, or works in or through a marked by, held in, or conducted Because she had forgotten her key, clinic or with clinical methods. with secrecy and concealment. Marsha needed to locate the At the hospital a clinician drew a Mike and Sally made clandestine claviger, Mr. Carl, to open her vial of Harry’s blood to test for preparations for their mom's classroom door. diabetes. surprise birthday party. clemency clinquant claque n adj n / SklemEnsG / / SkliNkEnt / / Sklak / L F F [Note: The definition provided is glittering especially with gold [has homonym: clack] an opera hat not the one most commonly decoration : showily ornate. with a collapsible crown. associated with this word.] The theater lobby in its clinquant As the gentleman entered the opera tendency to be mild and splendor cast dazzling reflections house, he doffed and flattened his compassionate. from every gleaming surface. claque. Emma supposed she must say more before she would be entitled to Mr. clique claret Knightley’s clemency. n / Sklik / clarify clepsydra F n [alternate pronunciation has clarion / SklepsEdrE / homonym: cleek] a narrow Gk > L exclusive circle or group of people. claustrophobe an instrument designed to measure Sofia didn’t want to be part of the time by the flow of a quantity of popular clique because she thought claustrophobia water. they were the most boring kids in n For his science project Kerry school. / TklOstrESfPbGE / designed and built a clepsydra. Gk + Gk cloche abnormal dread of being in closed clerisy n or narrow spaces. n / klPsh / Herman’s claustrophobia keeps / SklerEsG / L > F him from flying on crowded L > G [alternate pronunciation has airplanes. the well-educated or learned class : homonym: closh] a woman’s small intelligentsia. helmetlike hat usually with deep clavichord Many believe that laws should be rounded crown and very narrow readily understood by the general brim. clavicle public, not solely by an elite At the Thatchers’ wedding n clerisy. Margaret looked smashing in her / SklavDkEl / white ostrich-feather cloche. L clientele a bone in man situated just above n cloistered the first rib on either side of the / TklIEnStel / neck and having the form of a L > F clothe narrow elongated S. a body of patrons or customers. v Garth wore shoulder pads to Bill hopes to enlarge the clientele / SklPL / football practice to protect his of the shoe store. E clavicle. put garments on. climatology Elizabeth Cady Stanton stressed that she did not propose petitioning clinically the legislature to clothe every woman in male attire.
cloture
Page 49 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently clough coalesce cockatoo v clowder / TkPESles / cocoon L n cluse unite by growth into one body. / kESkVn / n The nervous host hoped that the L > Prov > F / SklVz / tight little groups of guests would a silky or fibrous protective L > F coalesce into a real party. encasement created by a larval [has homonym: clues] a narrow insect for shelter during the pupal gorge cutting transversely through coalescence stage. an otherwise continuous ridge. n Ricky found the cocoon of a moth Although Brian studied the trail / TkPESlesFn(t)s / clinging to a branch of an oak tree. map carefully, he found no mention L of the cluse that barred his way. a growing together or union in one codeine body, form, or group. n cnemial Rain is the result of the coalescence / SkP(T)dGn / adj of water droplets within a cloud. Gk + F / SnGmGEl / a crystalline alkaloid usually made Gk + E coalification from morphine but feebler in relating to the shin or shinbone. action. Bud suffered a cnemial injury while coalition The patient was given codeine to quarterbacking in the game last n kill the pain. night. / TkPESlishEn / L > F + Ecf codicil coacervate the temporary alliance of distinct n n parties, persons, or states to achieve / SkBdEsDl / / TkPESsErvDt / a common purpose. L > F L Representatives from a coalition of a legal instrument made an aggregate of colloidal droplets labor unions met with the subsequently to a will and held together by electrostatic multinational corporation’s modifying it in some respects. attractive forces. lawyers in an attempt to work out a Robert had his lawyer draw up a The chemist referred to the new contract. codicil to clarify a few ambiguities aggregation of liquid particles in in his will. an emulsion as a coacervate. coaming codicology coadjutor coaration n n coelostat / TkPESjVZE(r) / / TkPESrCshEn / n L > F > E L / SsGlETstat / one who works together with cooperative tilling of soil as L > ISV + GK > ISV another usually in a somewhat practiced by early village a device consisting of a flat mirror subordinate position : assistant. communities. that is turned slowly by a motor to Offended by being called a The villagers found that coaration reflect the Sun continuously into a “lackey,” Marcus prefers to be was the most efficient system for fixed telescope. called a “coadjutor.” cultivating the land. Professor Merkle plans to use a coelostat to photograph the coagulate coax movements of planetary bodies. v / kPSagyETlCt / coccygeal coerce L curdle, clot. cochleariform coercion Hemophiliacs lack a protein adj needed to help blood coagulate. / TkPklGSa(a)rDTfOrm / Gk > L + Ecf shaped like a spoon. Jacques theorized that the cochleariform bone was used in prehistoric times as a spoon.
Page 50 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently coeval cointise colliery adj n n / kPSGvEl / / kwanStGz / / SkBlyErG / L + Ecf F > E E of the same or equal age or a scarf worn on a lady’s headdress [has near homonym: colory] a coal antiquity. or as a token of favor on a knight’s mine and the buildings connected Nearly the same in mass and helmet. with it. brightness, the stars were thought Sir Agravaine proudly displayed The colliery around which the to be coeval. the bright red cointise. village was built closed when its reserves of coal were exhausted. coffee colectomy collocal cogent collabent adj colloquial cogitating / kPSlCbEnt / L colloquy cognizant sunken or falling in : collapsing in n adj the middle. / SkBlEkwG / / SkBgnEzEnt / Orville poked the collabent anthill L L > F > E with a stick. high-level serious discussion. aware : perceiving with a degree of Listeners in the gallery must controlled thought or observation. collaborator remain silent during the Watching television commercials n legislators’ colloquy. can make viewers more cognizant / kESlabETrCZE(r) / of fads and fashions. L cologne [has near homonym: collaborateur] n cognomen one that works jointly with others. / kESlPn / n Sir William Gilbert was Arthur G name > F / kBgSnPmEn / Sullivan’s collaborator for many a perfumed liquid composed of L operettas. alcohol and certain aromatic oils. one’s family name : surname. The taxi driver sprayed expensive The cognomen “Crane” fit the collage cologne in his cab every evening. physical attributes of the tall, lank, n long-armed, and shovel-footed / kESlBzh / colonel Ichabod, whose whole frame most Gk > LF + Fcf loosely hung together. an artistic composition of colonelcy fragments of printed matter and n coherence other materials pasted on a picture / SkErnFlsG / surface. L > It > F + Ecf cohesion Sabrina spent weeks finishing a the office, rank, or commission of a large collage of a Paris street colonel. coincidental scene. Nathan announced that he was adj being considered for a colonelcy in / kPTinsDSdentFl / collateral the infantry. L adj characterized by the concurrence of / kESlaZErEl / colonnade events between which there is no L > F > E causal connection. [Note: The definition provided is colophon It was purely coincidental that the not the one most commonly n electricity went off just as the associated with this word.] placed / SkBlEfEn / guests began to arrive for the or regarded as side by side : Gk surprise party. parallel, coordinate, or an identifying mark, emblem, or corresponding in position, order, device used by a printer or time, or significance. publisher sometimes on the title Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental page, cover, shelfback, or jacket. and Occidental mountain ranges The publisher decided on the figure are collateral. of a Russian wolfhound as its colophon. collegial
Page 51 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently coloratura commensurate commorancy n adj / TkElErEStUrE / / kESmen(t)s(E)rDt / communicate L > It L [Note: Could be confused with corresponding in size, extent, commute colorature.] the florid amount, or degree : proportionate. v ornamentation in vocal music (as The want ad stated that salary / kESmyVt / runs, trills, arpeggios). would be commensurate with L Barry thinks that he would enjoy experience. travel back and forth regularly or opera music more if it did not frequently. contain so much coloratura. commentary For his work, Horst must commute daily between Philadelphia and colossal commercialize New York. adj v / kESlBsEl / / kESmErshETlIz / comparatively Gk > L > F L > F + Ecff adv characterized by extremely great make use of for profit-seeking / kEmSparEZivlG / bulk, extent, force, strength, power, purposes. L or effect. The Hopi denounced those who nearly, approximately. The new stadium is a colossal would commercialize their Well, approximately yes,” he building seating about a hundred religious dances and ceremonies. replied; “that is, comparatively no. thousand people. commination compatible column n / TkBmESnCshEn / compelled comedienne L v n [Note: Could be confused with / kEmSpeld / / kETmGdGSen / combination.] an instance or the L Gk > F action of announcing, warning of, forced by physical necessity. [Note: Could be confused with or threatening punishment or Artie was compelled to hold his comedian.] an actress who plays in vengeance. breath while swimming under dramas of light and amusing The president ended his speech water. character and typically with a with a severe commination against happy ending. the rebels. compendium Lucille Ball was America’s favorite n comedienne during the 1950s. comminute / kEmSpendGEm / L comestible commiseration a work treating in brief form the n important features of a whole field comfort / kETmizESrCshEn / of knowledge or subject matter L category. commencement the feeling or showing of sorrow or Eileen is writing a compendium of the expression of condolence for investment information for small commendable the wants or distresses of another. company shareholders. adj Aunt Betsy sighed and moralized / kESmendEbEl / with true and steady compensable L commiseration. worthy of praise. competently Jim received several scholarships commissary as a result of his commendable compilation academic performance. commissional complement commensurable commodious n adj / SkBmplEmEnt / / kESmPdGEs / L L > F > E + Lcf + Ecf a finishing or consummating part, large or roomy and convenient. integral, or component. Leo and his family rented a modest The earrings made the perfect but commodious villa in Spain. complement to Anjali’s ensemble.
Page 52 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently comprehend concierge concordat v n n / TkBmprDShend / / kPMSsyerzh / / kEnSkOrTdat / L > E L > F L > F see the nature, significance, or an attendant at the entrance of a a compact between a national meaning of. building : doorkeeper. government and a religious group Although he had read every word The concierge took note of the establishing terms of agreement of Moby Dick, Stu failed to mysterious man’s comings and concerning matters of mutual comprehend it. goings at the hotel. interest. Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII compulsory conciergerie signed a concordat that the state of France should protect and compunctious conciliate acknowledge the Roman Catholic v Church. computernik / kEnSsilGTCt / L concrescence comstockery win over from a state of hostility or distrust : appease. condemn conceit The new king hoped to conciliate v his subjects by doing them all the / kEnSdem / conceivable good in his power. L [has near homonym: contemn] conceivably concinnity pronounce as ill-advised, n reprehensible, wrong, or evil. concentric / kEnSsinEZG / Often custom justifies an action adj L that years later it will condemn. / kEnSsentrik / harmony or fitness in the L adaptation of parts to a whole or to condign having a common center (as circles each other. one within another). After reading through the writer’s condiment Shane stared at the concentric first draft, the editor praised the n circles of the dart board for so long writer for her consistency and / SkBndEmEnt / that he seemed to be hypnotized. concinnity of style. L > F > E something usually pungent, acid, concept conclamant salty, or spicy added to or served n with food to enhance its flavor or to / SkBnTsept / concoction give added flavor : seasoning. L Mustard is the condiment usually thought, idea, notion. concomitant served on hot pastrami sandwiches. Julie’s concept of an entertaining adj movie was not the same as her / kEnSkBmEZEnt / condolence younger brother’s. L occurring along with or at the same condor concertina time as and with or without causal n relationship. / SkBnTdO(E)r / concessible Mr. Simmons noted that his son’s Quechua > Sp poor grades in algebra were a very large American vulture concessionary concomitant with the start of the having the head and neck bare and basketball season. being one of the largest and most conchiform powerful of flying birds. adj Of all the birds of prey at the zoo, / SkBNkETfOrm / the Andean condor is Alison’s Gk > L > ISV favorite. shell-shaped. Mom keeps her jewelry in a conductor conchiform box.
Page 53 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently conduit conga connivery n n n / SkBn(T)dVDt / / SkBNgE / / kESnIv(E)rG / F > E African geog name L + Ecf a natural or artificial channel a Cuban dance of African origin the practice of cooperating secretly, through which water or other fluid involving three steps followed by a especially in a wrongful act. passes or is conveyed. kick and performed by a group in Allen suspects Brenda of connivery Grandfather showed Logan the single file. in the mysterious sale of the conduit that irrigated his large When he was a child, Jimmy loved mansion. garden. to dance the conga. connoisseur conferential congeal n / TkBnESsU(E)r / confetti congenial L > F n pl adj one who is an expert in a subject; / kEnSfeZG / / kEnSjGnyEl / especially : one who understands L > It L the details, technique, or principles tiny colored paper disks or paper characterized by friendly of an art and is competent to act as streamers so made as to scatter sociability. a critical judge. readily when thrown. Paul and Linda appreciated the The connoisseur who judged the Ticker tape and confetti swirled restaurant’s congenial atmosphere. culinary creations is a chef at a like snow over the crowded street. five-star restaurant. congenital confiscate connubial v conglobe adj / SkBnfDTskCt / v / kESn(y)VbGEl / L / kEnSglPb / L seize by or as if by public authority. L of or relating to marriage or the After a two-hour wait, the border form into a ball. marriage state. guard decided not to confiscate Time-lapse photos showed how Susan and Stuart spent their Brenda’s antique necklace. clouds conglobe. honeymoon in a state of connubial contentment. conflagration conglomerate n n conqueror / TkBnflESgrCshEn / / kEnSglBm(E)rDt / L L conquian a large disastrous fire involving a mixture gathered from various numerous buildings. sources : a composite mass. conquistador Sixty fire trucks were called in to Father called his specialty “Irish n battle the conflagration. stew,” but it was really more like a / kOnSk(w)GstETdO(E)r / conglomerate of indeterminate L > Sp confluence substances. conqueror; specifically : any one of n the leaders in the Spanish conquest / SkBnTflVEn(t)s / congruent of America, especially of Mexico L and Peru, in the 16th century. the place of meeting of two coniferous Mr. Sanchez found the helmet of a streams. adj conquistador deep in the canyon. Martina agreed to meet Lynn at the / kPSnif(E)rEs / confluence of Rogers Creek and the (Gk + L) > L + Ecf conscientious Little Red River. bearing cones. adj A covering of coniferous trees / TkBnchGSenchEs / confusion keeps some mountains green all L winter. governed by the dictates of the sense of right or wrong : honest, conjugal scrupulous. Janice was very conscientious conjunctiva about telling the truth.
connived
Page 54 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently consecrate constellation contraband v n n / SkBnsDTkrCt / / TkBnztESlCshEn / / SkBntrETband / L L L > It make or declare sacred or holy. any one of 88 arbitrary goods or merchandise the The bishop will consecrate the new configurations of stars or an area of importation, exportation, or chapel next Sunday. the celestial sphere covering one of sometimes possession of which is these configurations. forbidden. consecutive Rani found it difficult to see a scale On the teacher’s desk sat the in the constellation Libra. contraband taken from students consenescence during the day. constituent consensus contrabass n constitution / kEnSsen(t)sEs / contrariety L constrain n collective opinion : the judgment / TkBntrESrIEZG / arrived at by most of those construe L concerned. v the quality or state of being in The Booster Club’s consensus was / kEnzStrV / opposition or disagreement. that popcorn would sell better than L > E Amanda was becoming impatient cotton candy. explain the sense or intention of with her two-year-old son’s often to one’s own satisfaction or contrariety. consentaneous according to or in conformity with a given set of circumstances. contretemps conservatory Paul tried to construe the situation n in the best possible light. / kPMtrEtBM / considerable F + L > F consuetude an inopportune embarrassing consignment n occurrence : mishap, mischance. / SkBn(t)swDTt(y)Vd / Jeremy moved steadily from consistory L blunder to contretemps to social usage : custom, habit. embarrassment. consomme The practice of men opening doors for women has fallen from controversy consortium consuetude. n n / SkBntrETvErsG / / kEnSsOrsh(G)Em / contagious L L a difference marked especially by [has near homonym: consortion] container the expression of opposing views : an organization of persons having a dispute. common interest. contemporaneous Most television talk shows seem Several organizations joined the more interested in creating consortium that fosters inclusion of contiguous controversy than in trying to individuals with disabilities in all adj resolve it. aspects of society. / kEnStigyEwEs / L contumacious constabulary touching or connected throughout. n Mr. Wallace understands but contusion / kEnzStabyETlerG / resents higher shipping costs for n L U.S. customers living in states / kEnSt(y)VzhEn / a body of policemen (as of a outside the contiguous 48. L particular town, district, country). a bruise caused by external The local constabulary was out in continuum violence. force at the Halloween celebration. The contusion on Wayne’s shoulder contour began to fade nine days after his accident.
convalescence
Page 55 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently convection convoy coriander n n / kEnSvekshEn / coordinate / TkPrGSandE(r) / L adj L the circulatory motion that occurs / kPSOrd(F)nDt / an Old World herb whose ripened in a fluid at a nonuniform L dried fruit is used for flavoring temperature owing to the variation equal in rank, quality, or especially of pickles, curries, of its density and the action of significance. confectioneries, and liquor. gravity. The United States attempts to keep Jane almost always uses coriander In the tropics, strong convection the branches of government to season her stew. draws warm air high into the sky. coordinate. cormorant convene coossify n / SkOrm(E)rEnt / convenience copious L > F > E adj any of various dark-colored web- convergent / SkPpGEs / footed seabirds. adj L In parts of eastern Asia the / kEnSvErjEnt / present in large quantity : plentiful, cormorant is domesticated by L abundant, lavish. fishermen. tending to move toward one point Patrick took copious notes during or each other. the lecture. cornea The crowds leaving the stadium became convergent on their way to copyright cornice the subway entrance. n coquetry / SkOrnDs / convertible n Gk > L > It > F n / SkPkDtrG / the typically molded and projecting / kEnSvErZEbEl / F horizontal member that crowns an L effort or action intended to attract architectural composition. an automobile having a top that admiration, gallantry, or affection Here and there among the ruins of may be folded back, lowered, or without responsive feeling. the great palace, a cornice or part removed. The princess used coquetry as a of a column remained intact. Thelma and Louise enjoyed tool as a carpenter uses a hammer. cruising the highway in Louise’s corniculate convertible. coquettishly adj / kO(r)SnikyElDt / conveyance cordially L having horns or small horn-shaped convivial cordillera processes. adj n In some species of animals, only / kEnSvivGEl / / TkO(r)dFlSerE / the males are corniculate. L L > Sp fond of good company and a group of mountain ranges cornucopia festivity. forming a mountain system of great n The convivial lodge owners enjoyed linear extent. / TkO(r)n(y)ESkPpGE / socializing with their guests. The Andean cordillera extends L along the west coast of South a curved goat’s horn from the convivially America. mouth of which fruit and ears of adv corn overflow, emblematic of / kEnSvivGElG / corduroy abundance—called also “horn of L + Ecf n plenty.” in a manner that is fond of good / SkO(r)dETrOi / Robert placed various kinds of rolls company and festivity. F > E name in the basket shaped like a Though the hostess felt ill and a cut-pile fabric with vertical ribs cornucopia and set it in the center wanted to leave the party, she or wales, usually made of cotton. of the table. behaved convivially. His worn trousers of corduroy were three inches too short. convolute
Page 56 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently corollary corpulent corymb n adj n / SkOrETlerG / / SkO(r)pyElEnt / / SkOTrim(b) / L L Gk > L > F a proposition that follows upon one having a large bulky body. a flower cluster in which the flower just demonstrated and that requires Mike and Edie laughed at the stalks arise at different levels on the no additional proof. corpulent gorilla as it stuffed main axis and reach about the same After proving the theorem, Mr. bananas into its mouth. height, forming a somewhat flat- Barnes showed how the corollary topped cluster. logically followed. corralled Each corymb of Queen Anne’s lace by the porch has a bumblebee on it. coronach corridor n cosmopolite / SkOrEnEk / corroborate n ScGael&IrGael v / kBzSmBpETlIt / a lamentation for the dead as sung / kESrBbETrCt / Gk or played on the bagpipes in L one that is at home in every Scotland and Ireland : dirge. provide evidence of the truth of : country. The mournful coronach could be confirm. Although she considered herself a heard throughout the valley. Without a witness to corroborate cosmopolite, Sharon still couldn’t his alibi, Zorba remained the chief get used to driving on the left side coroner suspect in the robbery case. of the road. n / SkOrEnE(r) / corruptible coterie L > F > AF > E n a public officer whose principal corsage / SkPZErG / duty is to inquire into the cause of F any death which there is reason to corsair an intimate often exclusive group suppose is not due to natural of persons having a binding causes. cortisone common interest or purpose : The job of coroner combines clique. elements of medicine and detective coruscate Phyllis and her coterie arrived work. v fashionably late for the gallery / SkOrETskCt / opening. coronet L n gleam with intermittent flashes : coterminous / TkOrESnet / glitter, sparkle. Gk > L > F The flickering light from Trudy’s cotyledon a small or lesser crown usually lantern made the cave walls n signifying a high rank below that of coruscate. / TkBZFlSGdFn / a sovereign. Gk > L The princess happily let her young corybantic the first leaf or one of the first pair cousin try on the coronet. adj or whorl of leaves developed by the / TkOrDSbantik / embryo in seed plants and in ferns corporeal Gk and related plants. adj like or in the spirit of the attendants Mr. Pittman drew a fern cotyledon / kO(r)SpPrGEl / or priests of the nature goddess on the blackboard. L Cybele noted for wildly emotional having, consisting of, or relating to processions and rites; specifically : cough a physical material body : not wild, frenzied. spiritual. At the rock concert many fans coulisse It’s very difficult for Mrs. engaged in corybantic dancing. n O’Connor to think in a corporeal / kVSlGs / way. F a side scene of the stage in a theater or the space between the side scenes. The path depicted in the coulisse led the eyes to the center stage.
Page 57 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently couloir courier cozened n n v / kVlSwBr / / SkUrGE(r) / / SkEzFnd / L > F L > It > F L > It a deep gorge. [has homonym: currier] one who obtained by artful wheedling or Lance hiked along the stream at the carries messages, news, or tricky dishonesty. bottom of the couloir. information either with urgent haste The crooked lawyer cozened the or in accordance with a regular life’s savings of several of his counsel schedule. clients. n Jaime worked as a courier after / SkaUn(t)sEl / school to earn money for a new craniectomy L > F > E car. [has homonym: council] advice, craquelure direction. courlan Mr. Knightley shared unpleasant crassamentum truths with Emma and proved courteously himself her friend by very faithful credential counsel. cousin credenza countenance couture n n n / krDSdenzE / / SkaUnt(F)nEn(t)s / / kVStU(E)r / L > It L > F > E L > F a sideboard, buffet, or bookcase the expressive appearance of one’s the business of designing, making, without legs whose base rests flat face : look, expression. and selling fashionable expensive on the floor. The department store Santa’s custom-made women’s clothing. Robin’s CDs are on the second countenance set Loretta at ease. At the Paris fashion shows Carolyn shelf of the credenza. talked to several young designers counterfeit who were just starting out in credulity couture. n countermand / crDSd(y)VlEZG / covenant L countervail n belief or readiness of belief v / SkEvEnEnt / especially on slight or uncertain / SkaUntErTvCl / L > F > E evidence. L > F > E an agreement that is usually formal, Marco’s personality was a strange oppose or exert force against : solemn, and intended as binding. mixture of shrewdness and counteract. The book of Genesis describes credulity. Miles built a low wall around his Noah’s covenant with God that sloping garden to countervail saved his family from the Great creel erosion. Flood. creophagy countian coyote n n / krGSBfEjG / coup / kISPZ(T)G / Gk n Nahuatl > Sp the use of flesh as food. / SkV / a small wolf native to the western After visiting a slaughterhouse, F part of North America and well Stephanie was repulsed by a sudden decisive exercise of established northward in Alaska creophagy and became a localized or concentrated force and eastward at least as far as New vegetarian. unseating the personnel of a York state. government. The lone male coyote kept to the crepitant The dictator was ousted by a edges of the pack for many days adj military coup. before being accepted into the / SkrepEZEnt / group. L coupon having or making a crackling sound : crackling. The boys rolled and tumbled in the pile of crepitant leaves.
Page 58 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently crepuscular cribral crotchety adj adj adj / krDSpEsk(y)ElE(r) / / SkribrEl / / SkrBchEZG / L + Ecf L F > E active in the twilight. of or relating to a sieve : perforated. subject to whims, crankiness, or ill Darnel blurted out “firefly” when The mouths of certain whales temper. the teacher asked for an example of contain a cribral structure for Not getting enough sleep usually a crepuscular insect. collecting food. makes Trudy crotchety in the morning. crescendo crimson n n croup / krDSshen(T)dP / / SkrimzEn / n L > It Ar > Sp > E / SkrVp / the peak of a gradual increase (as in any of several deep or vivid reds or imit physical or emotional force or purplish reds of rather indefinite a spasmodic laryngitis in infants intensity). range. and children characterized by As soon as his boat sailed out of the The sun was dropping slowly from episodes of difficult breathing and harbor, Angus realized that the sight, and stripes of purple and hoarse cough. wind was nearing a crescendo. orange and crimson and gold Mrs. Dowling hoped Everett’s sore reached upward from the distant throat wouldn’t develop into croup. crescent hills. n croupier / SkresFnt / crinoline n L > F > E n / SkrVpGTC / the shape or figure defined by a / SkrinFlDn / F convex and a concave edge. L > It > F an employee of a gambling casino The moon’s silvery crescent a full stiff skirt or underskirt. who watches, collects, and pays disappeared as the eclipse reached The crinoline that Andrea wore in bets and assists the dealer in charge totality. the pageant made her knees itch. of the table. The croupier tossed two more $100 crescive criophore chips onto Daphne’s growing pile. adj / Skresiv / cronyism croustade L n n increasing, growing. / SkrPnGTizEm / / krVSstBd / The crescive vines traveled up the Gk + Ecf Prov > F trellis. partiality to familiar friends a crisp shell (as of toasted or fried especially as evidenced in the bread) in which to serve food. crescograph appointing of political hangers-on Louise didn’t know whether or not n to office without due regard for she was supposed to eat the / SkreskETgraf / their qualifications. croustade in which her salad was L + Ecf + Gk When the mayor appointed his best served. an instrument for making friend head of the police perceptible the growth of plants. department, he was accused of crucial The crescograph can magnify small cronyism. plant movements as much as ten crucible million times. croquet n n / SkrVsEbEl / cretonne / krPSkC / L F a vessel or melting pot that is used crewelwork a game in which players drive for melting and calcining a wooden balls with mallets through substance (as metal and ore) which a series of wickets set out on a lawn requires a high degree of heat. in a particular order. Clyde began the experiment by Erica and her friends played dumping the collected samples into croquet in the churchyard. a crucible.
Page 59 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cruciferous crystal culinary adj adj adj / krVSsif(E)rEs / / SkristFl / / SkElETnerG / L + Ecff Gk L belonging to or having the consisting of or resembling quartz of or relating to the kitchen or characteristics of the mustards or that is transparent or nearly so and cookery. related plants. that is either colorless or only The early colonists used herbs for Cruciferous vegetables are an slightly tinged. both culinary and medicinal excellent source of beta carotene. Once inside, they hurried down a purposes. long hallway, which glittered with crustacean crystal chandeliers. culminant n adj / TkrESstCshEn / cucaracha / SkElmEnEnt / L n L an animal belonging to a large class / TkVkESrBchE / being at greatest altitude or on the of Arthropoda comprising the Mexican song meridian. majority of the marine or a Mexican ballroom and nightclub The Sun casts the shortest shadows freshwater arthropods (as lobsters, dance. when it is culminant. shrimps, crabs, and barnacles). Determined to win the state Our team’s mascot is Crusty the ballroom dance title, Joan and culotte Crustacean, a ten-pound Maine Marlon practiced their cucaracha lobster. for weeks. culpable adj cryophilic cuchifrito / SkElpEbEl / n L cryophorus / TkVchiSfrGZP / meriting condemnation or censure n Sp especially as criminal or as / TkrISBfErEs / a deep-fried cube of pork. conducive to accident, loss, or Gk > L When Lane wasn’t looking, disaster. an instrument that illustrates the Stephanie popped a cuchifrito into The property owner was guilty of freezing of water by its own the dog’s mouth. culpable negligence in the accident evaporation. involving an uncovered manhole. The cryophorus was made of glass cudgel in the form of a tube connecting n culprit two globes partially filled with / SkEjEl / n liquid. E / SkElprDt / a short heavy stick used as an L > AF cryptic instrument for punishment or a one who is guilty of a crime or weapon. other wrongdoing. cryptographer A nightstick is one kind of cudgel. The detectives devised a plan to n capture the culprit. / kripStBgrEfE(r) / cuirass Gk cumbersome one that practices the art of culgee adj preparing or reading messages in a n / SkEmbE(r)sEm / form intended to prevent their / SkElTgG / F > E + Ecf being read by those not privy to Per > Hindi of an excessive size, shape, or secrets of the form. a jeweled plume worn in India on length : unwieldy. An inveterate cryptographer, Rico the turban. Emrick dragged his cumbersome enjoys searching ordinary writing Professor Singh happily loaned his duffel bag by its strap. samples for hidden messages. grandfather’s culgee to the museum.
Page 60 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cummerbund current cyclical n adj adj / SkEmE(r)TbEnd / / SkErEnt / / SsIklDkEl / Per > Hindi L Gk a waistband worn in place of a vest [has homonyms: courant, currant] of, relating to, or belonging to a with men’s dress clothes. presently elapsing. regularly recurring succession of The bride wanted the groom’s In the current fiscal year events or phenomena. cummerbund to match the pale pink Cornucopia College enjoys a slight Mr. Ramirez explained the cyclical of her flowers. budget surplus. phases of the Moon to the science class today. cumulative curriculum n cyclonic cuneiform / kESrikyElEm / adj adj L / sISklBnik / / kyVSnGDTfOrm / the whole body of courses offered Gk L + L by an educational institution or one of, relating to, or having the written in characters composed of of its branches. characteristics of a rotating storm. strokes having the form of a wedge The school is planning to add Latin Cyclonic disturbances known as or arrowhead. to its curriculum next year. hurricanes usually occur during the The cuneiform Code of Hammurabi summer and fall. is the most complete record of cursory ancient Babylonian law in cycloserine existence. cuticle n cygnet cupboard / SkyVZDkEl / n L / SsignDt / cupressineous an external membranous or Gk > L > F > E adj hardened noncellular investment a young swan. / Tk(y)VprESsinGEs / secreted by the outer surface of the Six-year-old Abby, openly Gk > L + Ecf body (as in arthropods). contemptuous of the fairy tale, relating to or resembling the Because expansion cannot occur in patiently explained to her mother cypress. the chitinous cuticle, the growing that there’s no way an ugly The wood of cupressineous trees is insect must periodically shed its duckling can turn into a swan— usually light, moderately hard, and covering. only a cygnet can. very durable. cybernetics cylinder curator n pl n / TsIbE(r)SneZiks / cymbals / kyESrCZE(r) / Gk L the comparative study of the cynegetics one in charge of the exhibits, automatic control system formed n pl research activities, and personnel of by the nervous system and brain / TsinDSjeZiks / a museum, zoo, or other place of and by mechanical-electrical Gk exhibit. communication systems and the art of hunting. Eric interviewed the curator of devices (as computers or Mrs. White began her talk about marine mammals at the aquarium. thermostats). cynegetics with a recording of Bertha’s new robotics software melodies played on hunting horns. curliewurly promised to revolutionize cybernetics. cynology curmudgeon n n / sDSnBlEjG / / (T)kErSmEjEn / Gk unknown [has homonym: sinology] a crusty, ill-tempered, or difficult scientific study of the dog and often elderly person. especially in respect to its natural Fiona’s dad called her grandfather history. a “cantankerous old curmudgeon.” Having a coyote as a childhood pet gave Rick an early interest in cynology.
Page 61 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cynophilist daguerreotype dashing n adj / sDSnBfElDst / dahlia / SdashiN / Gk n E imit + Ecf [Note: Could be confused with / SdalyE / vigorously active : spirited. form of sinophil/sinophile.] a dog Sw name > L The dashing actor was the talk of fancier : one that is favorably a plant of a genus of tuberous- the party. disposed toward dogs. rooted herbs having rayed flower Although Leon considered himself heads. dastardly a cynophilist, he did not trust the The brightly colored flowers of the pit bull terrier. dahlia can be six inches in dasymeter diameter. cynosure dauntless n daiquiri / SsInETshU(E)r / dawdle Gk dais a center of attraction or interest. n dawdler The student union, with its billiard / SdCDs / n tables, bowling alley, and snack L > F > E / SdOd(F)lE(r) / bar, is a cynosure for freshmen a platform raised usually above the unknown + Ecf during orientation week. floor of a hall or large room to give one who wastes time in idle distinction or prominence to those lingering. cytocidal occupying it. Lauren was such a dawdler that A round dais was exactly in the she often missed the school bus. dachshund center of the room. n dazzling / SdBksThUnt / Daliesque v G + G adj / Sdaz(E)liN / a small dog of a breed of German / TdBlGSesk / ON > E + Ecf origin having long drooping ears, Sp name overpowering with brightness : commonly a short sleek coat, and resembling or suggesting the shining. the legs short in comparison with paintings of the Spanish surrealist Morgan took great satisfaction in the body length. artist Dali. dazzling his neighbors with his Chloe has a brown dachshund The poster showed a Daliesque Christmas light display. named “Oscar.” face with feathers poking out of each nostril. deacon dactylogram n dalliance deactivate / dakStilETgram / Gk + Gk dallied deaerate an impression taken from a finger : fingerprint. damask dearth Calvin used a magnifying glass to n examine the loops and whorls in a Damoclean / SdErth / dactylogram of his index finger. adj E / TdamESklGEn / scarcity : lack of a present dactylology Gk name + Ecf necessity. involving imminent danger. The general realized that his army dactyloscopy Retrieving the car keys from the was suffering from a dearth of self- n piranha tank was a Damoclean confidence. / TdaktESlBskEpG / task indeed. Gk debacle identification by comparison of dandelion n fingerprints. / dDSbBkEl / Dactyloscopy indicated that the dangerous L > OProv > F suspect’s fingerprints are indeed on a sudden breakdown : collapse. the murder weapon. dangle Craig reads everything he can find regarding the Wall Street debacle daffodil dashiki of 1929.
Page 62 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently debarrass decedent declamatory n adj debenture / dDSsGdFnt / / dDSklamETtPrG / n L L / dDSbenchE(r) / a dead person; especially : a person marked by rhetorical effect or L who has recently died. display : stilted. a writing or certificate signed by a The relatives of the decedent Minna’s declamatory sermon public officer as evidence of a debt gathered for the reading of the will. alienated many of her listeners. or of a right to demand or receive a sum of money. deceitful declension Uncle John treasures the debenture adj issued by the Confederate / dDSsGtfEl / decline government, even though it is E + Ecf actually worthless. dishonest. declivous The Better Business Bureau warned debility Jasper of the awning company’s decorticate deceitful business practices. v debonairness / dGSkO(r)ZETkCt / deceive L debouchment v remove the bark, husk, or other n / dDSsGv / outer covering from. / dDSbVshmEnt / L > F > E Sharp front teeth allow squirrels to F cause to believe the false : delude. decorticate hickory nuts. a mouth or outlet especially of a Cara’s forgery of her mother’s river. signature did not deceive the decoupage The river’s debouchment had to be principal. n dredged because the sediment was / TdCkVSpBzh / a hazard to navigation. deceleron F the art of decorating surfaces by debridement decennial applying cutouts and then coating n them with several layers of a finish / dDSbrGdTmBM / decentralization such as lacquer or varnish. F Aunt Hazel’s interest in arts and the surgical removal of lacerated, deciduous crafts was kindled by a free class in devitalized, or contaminated tissue. adj decoupage. The doctor explained to the / dDSsijEwEs / firefighter why debridement was L decreolization the best treatment for his second- falling off or shed at the end of the degree burns. growing period, at certain seasons, decrescendo or at certain stages of development. debris Deciduous trees drop their leaves decumbiture n each fall. / dESbrG / decussate F decimal adj the remains of something broken / SdekEsDt / down or destroyed. deciphered L Scattered debris lies where v shaped like an X. majestic homes stood before last / dDSsIfE(r)d / Each wing of the moth had a week’s tornado. L + Ar > L > F > E decussate marking. made out, read, or interpreted debut despite obscuration. deducibility When one considers the variety of decadent handwriting, and of bad defamatory handwriting, too, that must be decaffeinate deciphered, it increases the wonder deferential that so seldom a letter is delivered decanter to the wrong person.
Page 63 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently defervescence delectable delinquent n adj n / TdG(T)fErSvesFn(t)s / / dDSlektEbEl / / dDSliNkwEnt / L L L the subsidence of a fever. deliciously flavored. a transgressor against duty or law. Antonio’s mother was relieved to JoAnne selected Black Forest cake The police referred to Harold as a note the signs of defervescence in from the delectable dessert “delinquent” when he was found her son. offerings. on the street after curfew. deficiency delegate deliquesce n v / dDSfishEnsG / deleterious / TdelESkwes / L adj L the quality or state of lacking some / TdelDStirGEs / become soft or liquid with age. quality, faculty, or characteristic Gk After a couple of weeks in the necessary for completeness. hurtful, destructive. refrigerator, lettuce begins to Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of The museum did not permit flash deliquesce. vitamin C in the diet. photography because of the possible deleterious effects on the deliquescent defilade paintings. delitescent definite delicacy adj adj n / TdelEStesEnt / / Sdef(E)nDt / / SdelDkEsG / L L L lying hidden : obfuscated, latent. free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, something pleasing to eat that is The psychiatrist tried to discover or obscurity. accounted rare or luxurious. the delitescent significance of his Dad sounded quite definite when he Caviar is considered a delicacy. patient’s dreams. told us to turn off the TV. delicatessen delphinium degauss n / TdelDkEStesFn / deltiology deglutition F > G n a store where ready-to-eat food / TdeltGSBlEjG / dehisce products (as cooked meats and Gk prepared salads) are sold. the hobby of collecting postcards. dehiscence Marta stopped at the delicatessen Jodie got started in deltiology just n to buy some cold cuts for our lunch. last year but already has postcards / dDShisFn(t)s / from over 100 countries. L + Ecf delicious the bursting open of a capsule or adj deltoidal pod at maturity. / dDSlishEs / In dry weather, dehiscence of some L delude seed pods occurs prematurely. appealing to one of the bodily senses, especially that of taste. demagoguery deify Judith said the fudge was the most n delicious she had ever tasted. / SdemETgBg(E)rG / deign Gk + Ecf delineate the principles or practices of deipnosophist rabble-rousers. n delinquency Economic hardship often gives rise / dIpSnBsEfDst / to demagoguery. Gk a person skilled in table talk. Clint’s reputation as a deipnosophist makes him an ideal dinner guest.
Page 64 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently demarcate demography depilatory v n n / dDSmBrTkCt / / dDSmBgrEfG / / dDSpilETtPrG / Gmc > It > Sp Gk L > F mark by bounds. the statistical study of the a cosmetic for the temporary Sol used fishing line to demarcate characteristics of human removal of undesired hair. his half of the room from his populations especially with Hank mixed a depilatory into his brother’s. reference to size and density, sister's shampoo. growth, distribution, migration, and demaree vital statistics. deprecatory Beth’s interest in demography led demeanor her to a career in advertising. deracinated n adj / dDSmGnE(r) / demolition / dDSrasFnTCtEd / L > F > E L > F + Ecf behavior toward others : outward demoniacal physically, mentally, or manner. emotionally separated from one’s The vice-president’s icily serious demulcent racial, social, or intellectual group. demeanor was fodder for the late- adj Erica’s father worries that she night talk shows. / dDSmElsEnt / might become deracinated at such L a large university. demegoric soothing, softening. The pharmacist told Boris that a derailleur dementia demulcent syrup would be best for n his sore throat. / dDSrClE(r) / demersal F demurrage [has homonym: derailer] a demesne mechanism for shifting gears on a n denizen bicycle that operates by moving the / dDSmCn / n chain from one set of exposed gears F / SdenEzEn / to another. [has near homonym: domain] legal L > F > E Laurent’s derailleur jammed a few possession of land as one’s own. a dweller in a certain place or minutes into the race, and he was The earl vowed to defend his region. forced to the side of the road. demesne at any cost. Melvin asked a local denizen for directions. dereism demiglace denominator derelict demise n denouement / SderETlikt / demitasse n L n / TdCnVSmBM / a thing voluntarily abandoned by / SdemGTtas / L > F its owner with the intention of not L > F > E + Per > Ar > F the final outcome, result, or retaking it and rightly claimed by a small cup of coffee usually taken unraveling of the main dramatic the first person who takes black. complication in a play or other possession of it; specifically : a Nathan sipped nervously at a work of literature. boat abandoned on the high seas. demitasse while he waited for his The loose ends of the plot were Tom sank his yacht when his attorney. neatly tied up in the surprising rescuers arrived lest it become a denouement. derelict. demobilize dentifrice dereliction n n / SdentEfrDs / / TderESlikshEn / L L a powder, paste, or liquid used in intentional or conscious neglect (as cleaning the teeth. of principles). John decided to use a dentifrice The security guard was summarily containing baking soda. fired for dereliction of duty.
Page 65 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently derogatorily desolate desuetude adj n derogatory / SdesElDt / / SdeswGTtVd / adj L L / dDSrBgETtOrG / charactized by abandonment, discontinuance from use, practice, L isolation, or barrenness. exercise, or functioning : a state of expressive of low estimation or The irrigation project revived the protracted suspension or of reproach : disdainful. once desolate farming community. apparent abandonment. Janet did not appreciate the In some schools the practice of derogatory remarks her brother despair memorizing great poems has fallen made about her dress. n into desuetude. / dDSspa(a)(E)r / derrick L desultorily n utter loss of hope. adv / Sderik / Despair overcame Gerald as he / TdesElStPrElG / E name stared at his French exam. L the framework or tower over a deep in an erratic, wavering manner. drill hole (as that of an oil well) for desperado Orna behaved desultorily at the supporting the tackle for boring or n dress rehearsal. for hoisting and lowering. / TdespESrB(T)dP / The rocket was supported on the L > Sp desultory launch pad by a tower that was a a bandit of the western frontier. adj converted oil derrick. Louis pretended to be a desperado / SdesElTtPrG / holding up a stagecoach. L descendible not cogently relevant : digressive. desperate Nancy’s comments in class are desecrate usually rather desultory, but today despicable her remarks were very relevant. desiccate adj v / dDSspikEbEl / deterge / SdesDTkCt / L L meriting hatred, scorn, or loathing. detergent [has near homonym: desecrate] dry Sylvester’s stress level would be up or cause to dry up : deprive or greatly reduced if he found fewer deterrence exhaust of moisture. situations despicable. n The hot sunshine and the dry wind / dDStErEn(t)s / combined to desiccate Martha’s despotism L + Ecf tomato plants. n the act or process of turning aside, / SdespETtizEm / discouraging, or preventing from design Gk > F acting especially by fear. absolute government in which The police hoped that Ted’s severe desirable power is vested in a single ruler. jail sentence would promote the Those who believe in the progress deterrence of criminal acts by the desman of humanity have a hard time other gang members. n explaining 20th-century despotism. / SdezmEn / deterrent Sw destrier n an aquatic insectivorous mammal n / dDStErEnt / of Russia that resembles a mole. / SdestrGEr / L At one end the desman has a long, L > F > E something that discourages or flared snout and at the other end a a large powerful horse used as a prevents from acting by fear or long, flattened tail. war-horse by a medieval knight. consideration of unpleasant The knight rapidly saddled his attendant consequences. destrier and galloped off to battle The police hoped that Ted’s severe the invaders. jail sentence would serve as a deterrent to criminal activity by the other gang members.
detinue
Page 66 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently detonator diabetes dialysis n n detour / TdIESbGZGz / / dISalEsDs / Gk Gk detriment any of certain abnormal conditions the separation of substances in characterized by the secretion and solution by means of their unequal detritus excretion of excessive amounts of diffusion through semipermeable n urine. membranes. / dDStrIZEs / Drugs and diet changes can control Blood was removed from the L diabetes in most patients. patient, purified by dialysis, and a product of disintegration or then returned to the patient’s wearing away : fragment or diablerie bloodstream. fragmentary material. n The aerial photo of Don’s ranch / dGSBblE(T)rG / diapason shows a fan of detritus at the mouth L > F n of the gulch. dealings with the devil or devils : / TdIESpCzFn / witchcraft, sorcery. Gk > L detrude Each Halloween, stories of a burst of harmonious sound : diablerie resurface in the media. melody, strain. deuce The trumpeters filled the courtyard n diacetate with thrilling diapason. / Sd(y)Vs / L > F diadem diapered [has near homonyms: do’s, dues] a n tie in tennis in points toward a / SdIETdem / diaphanous game or in games requiring scoring Gk > L > F > E adj of two consecutive points by one crown; specifically : an ornamental / dISafEnEs / side to win the game or set. headband worn (as by Eastern GK > L The first point won in tennis after monarchs) as a badge of royalty. characterized by such fineness and deuce is called “advantage in” if A brocade diadem would be a delicacy of texture as to permit won by the server, “advantage out” perfect finishing touch for Josh’s seeing through. if won by the receiver. King David costume. The jellyfish were so diaphanous that you could be next to them in deuteragonist diagnose the water and never know they n v were there. / Td(y)VZESragEnDst / / SdIDgTnPs / Gk + Gk Gk > L diaphragm a person who serves as a foil to identify a condition by evaluating another. its signs and symptoms. diary The movie’s hero was thwarted by Dr. Morris was reluctant to the villainous deuteragonist. diagnose Tina’s condition until he diaspore had the test results. devolution diatribe diagonal n dewclaw adj / SdIETtrIb / / dISagEnFl / Gk dextrally Gk > L a bitter, abusive, and usually running across from corner to lengthy speech or piece of writing. dhurrie corner. After supper, Deirdre launched into n Chris preferred the tile floor with her familiar diatribe against / SdErG / the diagonal pattern. commercial television. Hindi a thick cotton cloth or carpet made diagram diazotype in India. The dhurrie in Morgan’s foyer is one she purchased during her trip to Delhi.
Page 67 2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dicerous difficult dillydally adj adj v / SdisErEs / / SdifE(T)kElt / / SdilGTdalG / Gk L Gmc > F > E having two antennae. hard to understand : puzzling, waste time by loitering or delay. Because most insects have a pair of obscure. “There’s lots to do; we have a very antennae, they are dicerous. There were so many words that busy schedule—from 6:00 to 7:00 were difficult, and Milo knew we dillydally,” he exclaimed. dichotomy hardly any of them. n diluent / dISkBZEmG / diffident n Gk adj / SdilyEwEnt / the phase of the Moon or an / SdifEdEnt / L inferior planet in which just half its L an inert substance added to a disk appears illuminated. lacking confidence in oneself : mixture especially for reducing the The Moon had just reached distrustful of one’s own powers. concentration of active ingredients. dichotomy when Amos began Emma was always quick and Water added to the insecticide acts planting. assured; her sister was slow and as a diluent and a carrier. diffident. dickcissel dilute digitalis v didactic n / dISlVt / adj / TdijEStalDs / L / dISdaktik / L make less concentrated : diminish Gk the dried leaf of the purple the strength, activity, or flavor of. fitted or intended to teach. foxglove containing substances that Because of the heat produced, Guy’s innovative and effective are used to prepare a drug that is a caution is needed when using water didactic style inspired his students heart stimulant. to dilute concentrated sulfuric acid. to produce amazing work. Digitalis has proved to be the most effective treatment for Ginger’s dimension didacticism heart disorder. n / dDSmenchEn / didascaly dilapidated L adj a measurable aspect such as length dietetic / dDSlapETdCZEd / or width. L Height is one dimension of a cube. dietetics decayed, deteriorated, injured, or n pl fallen into partial ruin. diminuendo / TdIESteZiks / Only birds and bats resided in the Gk dilapidated old house. diminutive the science or art of applying the adj principles of nutrition to the dilatory / dDSminyEZiv / feeding of individuals or groups adj L under different economic / SdilETtPrG / small especially in size : tiny. conditions or for hygienic or L Kerry was first to notice the therapeutic purposes. characterized by procrastination or diminutive hummingbird at the Pam concentrated on dietetics in delay : slow. honeysuckle bush. her graduate studies with hopes of Mr. Knightley always moved with joining a world hunger the alertness of a mind which could diocese organization after receiving her be neither undecided nor dilatory. n degree. / SdIEsDs / dilemma Gk > L > F different the district in which a bishop has diligence churchly authority. The local bishop’s diocese covers diligently five counties.
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