paupiette pedestrian n adj / pPSpyet / pearly / pDSdestrGEn / F adj L a thin slice of or fish wrapped / SpErlG / marked by drabness or dullness : around a filling (as of forcemeat). L > F > E commonplace. At the new restaurant Carol having the color of a pearl, which is The critic wrote the play off as a enjoyed a paupiette stuffed usually white or light-colored. pedestrian imitation of with ham and cheese. “Show me your pearly whites,” Shakespeare. encouraged the photographer. pavilion pedodontist n peccadillo n / pESvilyEn / n / TpGdPSdBntDst / L > F > E / TpekESdi(T)lP / Gk a large often sumptuous tent. L > Sp a specialist in the branch of The servants scurried to set up the a slight offense or petty fault. dentistry that is concerned with the queen’s pavilion before the Sun The defense lawyers lost the case dental care of children. went down. when they tried to classify high The pedodontist recommends that treason as a “minor peccadillo.” infants and toddlers not be allowed pavonine peccant to fall asleep with a bottle of milk adj adj or juice in their mouths. / SpavETnIn / / SpekEnt / L L peekaboo of, relating to, or resembling the guilty of a moral offense : sinning, n peacock. corrupt. / SpGkETbV / Audrey cooled herself by waving a The council members railed against E + cf + E pavonine fan. the peccant mayor. a game to entertain an infant or young child in which one hides his paysanne pecuniary or her face and then reappears and adj adj makes an exclamation. / pCSzan / / pDSkyVnGTerG / The photographer finally managed F L to elicit a smile from the baby when prepared (as with diced root taking the form of or consisting of she started playing peekaboo. ) in country or simple money. style. Margaret values her peerless Errol served a paysanne sauce with grandmother’s engagement ring for adj the tenderloins. its sentimental rather than its / Spi(E)rlDs / pecuniary worth. E peaceable matchless, incomparable. adj pedagogist Randy wondered how he could / SpGsEbEl / n compete against the peerless L > F > E + Ecf / SpedETgBjDst / defending champion. marked by freedom from war, Gk strife, hostilities, or disorder. a specialist in education. peevishly Aggressive doctrines are It didn’t take a pedagogist to know adv incompatible with any peaceable the school was overcrowded. / SpGvDshlG / administration of the government. E pedantic in a manner marked by ill temper. adj “There, you see,” he said / pDSdantik / peevishly; “I’m even afraid to L? > It > F + Ecf make a positive statement.” excessively meticulous. Frazier’s pedantic approach bored the few remaining audience members. peirastic penicillin adj n / pISrastik / / TpenESsilDn / Gk L fitted for trial : experimental. a mixture of antibiotic relatively The new drug has been approved nontoxic acids produced especially only for peirastic use with patients penalty by molds of the genus Penicillium. who volunteer to take it. n When penicillin did not cure / SpenFltG / Frankie’s ear infection, the doctor pejorative L prescribed a different antibiotic. adj a disadvantage (as loss of yardage, / pDSjOrEZiv / time, or possession of the ball) peninsula L imposed for violation of the rules n having a tendency to make or of a contest. / pDSnin(t)s(E)lE / become worse : depreciatory, In ice hockey a penalty of two L disparaging. minutes off the ice is frequently a portion of land nearly surrounded The critic’s pejorative comments given to players who commit minor by water and connected with a angered the entire cast. infractions of the rules. larger body by an isthmus. Florida is actually a very large pelisse penance peninsula. n n / pDSlGs / / SpenEn(t)s / penitence L > F L > F > E n [has homonym: police] a woman’s [has homonym: pennants] act of / SpenEZEn(t)s / loose lightweight cloak with wide self-abasement either voluntarily L collar and fur trimming. performed to show sorrow for sin sorrow for sins or faults. Grandmother’s old pelisse was a or imposed as a punishment for sin Because of Ella’s true penitence, perfect costume for our production by a church official. her best friend was quick to forgive of A Christmas Carol. Emma resolved to keep Harriet no her for her breach of confidence. longer in the dark and went, the Peloponnesian very next day, to undergo the penitentiary adj necessary penance of n / TpelEpESnGzhEn / communication. / TpenEStench(E)rG / Gk name + Gk L > E of or relating to the southern penchant a public institution in which peninsula of Greece. n offenders against the law are The Peloponnesian War was / SpenchEnt / confined for detention or for between Athens and Sparta. L > F punishment, discipline, and a strong leaning or attraction; reformation and in which they are broadly : liking. generally compelled to labor. While traveling overseas, Brad The judge sentenced the bank developed a penchant for Turkish robber to 25 years in the state coffee. penitentiary.

pendulum pennant n n / SpenjElEm / / SpenEnt / L L a body suspended from a fixed a flag or banner. point so as to swing freely to and Whenever the queen was in fro under the action of gravity and residence, her pennant was raised commonly used to regulate the on the palace flagpole. movements of clockwork and other machinery. Trina stops the grandfather clock’s pendulum each evening so that the chimes will not ring during the night. pensive peremptory adj adj / Spen(t)siv / / pESrem(p)t(E)rG / L > F > E L absorbed or engrossed in or given putting an end to or precluding a to sober thoughtfulness. right of action, debate, or delay. Lori appeared pensive on the last perambulate Mr. Stone interrupted Cindy’s day of vacation. v wrong answer by raising his hand / pESrambyETlCt / in a peremptory gesture. pentathlon L n travel over or through especially on perennate / penStathTlBn / foot. v Gk Sid and Amy often perambulate the / SperETnCt / a contest in the modern Olympic park on sunny days. L Games involving participation by live over from season to season : each contestant in horseback riding, percnosome persist. shooting, fencing, swimming, and n Ornamental banana trees will running. / SpErknETsPm / seldom perennate outdoors north of Miguel is practicing four hours a Gk the subtropics. day for the upcoming pentathlon. a small body occurring in the androcyte of a fern. perennial spenumbra Under the microscope, the dark adj n shape of the percnosome was / pESrenGEl / / pDSnEmbrE / clearly visible. L L continuing or lasting through a shadow cast (as in an eclipse) percolate several years—used specifically of where the light is partly but not v a plant that dies back seasonally wholly cut off by the intervening / SpErkETlCt / and produces new growth from a body. L part that lives over from season to Bert caused a penumbra on the prepare by causing (a liquid) to season. screen when he walked in front of pass through (as coffee) in order to The garden is bare of flowers the slide projector. extract the essence. because the perennial plants have Sal did not allow enough time to been cut down for their winter rest. penury percolate his coffee before he had n to go to work. perestroika / SpenyErG / n L percussor / (T)perDSstrOikE / scantiness. n Russ Jane cited the penury of intelligent / pE(r)SkEsE(r) / extensive restructuring and reform conversation at the children’s table L intended to revitalize the as her reason for wanting to sit a small hammer with a rubber head government and economy of the with the adults in the main dining used as a diagnostic tool by former Soviet Union. room. physicians. Perestroika was the key that Dr. Goldman tested Paula’s unlocked the former Soviet Union peony reflexes with a percussor. and other Warsaw Pact nations to n democratization. / SpGEnG / peregrinate E v perfervid any of a genus of perennial often / SperEgrDTnCt / adj double-flowered plants with large L / TpErSfErvDd / pink, white, red, or yellow showy travel on foot : walk, tour. L flowers. Nicki hopes to peregrinate across extremely or excessively fervent : Ben placed a brightly colored England in the fall. zealous, impassioned. peony in a tall vase. In front of the Capitol a man was giving a perfervid speech on the evils of national taxation.

perfume peripatetic perishable n adj adj / SpErTfyVm / / TperEpESteZik / / SperDshEbEl / L > OProv > F Gk L > F > E + Ecf a fluid preparation used for performed or performing while subject to quick deterioration or scenting : fragrance. moving about : itinerant. spoilage except under proper Some theaters designate a Adrian spent an exciting three conditions (as of temperature or fragrance-free seating area for years as a peripatetic journalist moisture content). those persons allergic to perfume before settling in Chicago. The advent of refrigeration and scented lotions. changed the way perishable foods peripety are packaged. pergelisol n n / pESripEZG / peristalsis / pErSjelETsOl / Gk > F n L a sudden or unexpected reversal of / TperESstOlsDs / permanently or perennially frozen circumstances or situation in a Gk ground : permafrost. literary work. successive waves of involuntary Chan’s theory is that there are The peripety in the last act of the contraction passing along the walls large oil deposits beneath the play stunned the audience. of the intestine and forcing the pergelisol. contents onward. peripheral Disruption of peristalsis can lead Periclean adj to digestion problems. adj / TpESrif(E)rEl / / TperESklGEn / Gk perjury Gk name located away from a center or a n of or relating to Pericles or his age central portion. / SpErj(E)rG / when Athens was at its highest Although Kerry’s main interest lies L > AF > E material and intellectual state. in literature, she has peripheral the voluntary violation of an oath. Periclean Athens bequeathed the interests in art history and One thing is certain after the Parthenon and many other psychology. testimony: Either Mr. Jakes or Mr. monuments of artistic splendor to Cleveland has committed perjury. the world. periphery n permeate perigee / pESrif(E)rG / v n Gk / SpErmGTCt / / SperE(T)jG / the external boundary or surface of Gk Gk any body or area. spread or diffuse through. the point in the orbit of a satellite of Many villages dotted the periphery Igor wiped up the spill Earth that is nearest to the center of of the extinct volcano. immediately, lest the smell of Earth. formaldehyde permeate the room. As the communications satellite periphrasis neared perigee, its signal became n pernicious stronger. / pESrifrEsDs / adj Gk / pE(r)SnishEs / the use of a longer phrasing in L place of a possible shorter and highly injurious or destructive : plainer form of expression. deadly. Frustrated by the document’s The doctors finally eradicated the endless periphrasis, Ludwig threw pernicious infection from the up his hands in despair. patient’s lungs. pernoctate perspicacious v adj / (T)pErSnBkTtCt / perseverance / TpErspESkCshEs / L n L + Ecf stay up or out all night. / TpErsESvirEn(t)s / of acute mental vision or Brian knew he would have to L discernment. pernoctate at least once in order to continued or steadfast pursuit or The chairman attributed the finish his term paper. prosecution of an undertaking or company’s record profits to aim. perspicacious management. peroration After much perseverance, Frank n induced the most upright female pertinacious / TperESrCshEn / mind in creation to stoop in charity adj L to a secret engagement. / TpErtFnSCshEs / a flowery, highly rhetorical speech. L Trudy’s peroration was lost on her persevered stubbornly unshakable. audience at the school board v There was something mysterious in meeting. / TpErsESvi(E)rd / the moody and dogged silence of L > F > E this pertinacious companion. perpetual persisted in spite of counter adj influences, opposition, or perusal / pE(r)Spech(Ew)El / discouragement. n L > F > E Winston persevered at his post in / TpESrVzEl / everlasting, eternal. accordance with his duty. L? > E + E Shawna expected to enjoy the action of reading through or perpetual bliss in heaven. persiflage over with some attention and n typically for the purpose of perplexing / SpErsETflBzh / discovering or noting one or more adj F specific points. / pE(r)SpleksiN / frivolous bantering talk : a The legal advisor’s perusal of the L frivolous and somewhat derisive proposed contract identified many that causes an agitated or confused manner of treating a subject. points of concern. mental condition. As the teams moved up and down Silvio found English grammar the court, both benches kept up a peruse terribly perplexing. constant stream of persiflage. v / pESrVz / perquisite persillade L > E n adj read; specifically : read through or / SpErkwEzDt / / TpersGSBd / read over with some attention and L F typically for the purpose of a privilege, gain, or profit dressed with or containing parsley. discovering or noting one or more incidental to an employment in Marina’s dinner guests enjoyed a specific points. addition to regular salary or wages. flavorful sea bass in a persillade Jan plans to peruse several A perquisite attractive to many sauce. journals in the hope of getting business executives is unlimited use needed material for further of a cellular telephone. persimmon research. n persecute / pE(r)SsimEn / v Algonquian / SpErsDTkyVt / a medium-sized tree of the southern L and eastern United States with hard harass in a manner to injure, grieve, fine-grained wood, oblong leaves, or afflict usually because of some and bell-shaped flowers followed difference of opinion. by an orange several-seeded berry The revolutionary extremists vowed that is edible when fully ripe but to persecute the peasants who usually extremely astringent when would not support their cause. unripe. Leroy’s mouth puckered when he bit into an unripe persimmon.

pervasive phaeton adj n / pE(r)SvCsiv / / SfCEtFn / L + Ecf Gk > L that permeates or tends to petrolage [has near homonym: Phaëthon] an permeate. n open automobile with two cross The turkey farm had a pervasive / SpetrElij / seats, usually four doors, and a odor that clung to clothes. L > F + Ecf folding top. the treatment of stagnant water Charles almost bought the 1931 pessimist with mineral oil so as to Rolls Royce phaeton at the auction. n exterminate mosquitoes. / SpesEmDst / The health department was advised phalacrosis L > F to use petrolage every spring to n one inclined to put the least eliminate the mosquitoes. / TfalESkrPsDs / favorable construction on actions Gk and happenings, to emphasize petrophilous baldness. adverse aspects, conditions, and adj Phalacrosis is an inherited possibilities, or to anticipate the / pDStrBfElEs / characteristic. worst possible outcome. Gk Being a pessimist made keeping attached to or living on rock; used phalanx friends very difficult for Mark. especially of algae and crustaceans. n Petrophilous barnacles and limpets / SfCTlaNks / pestilence can be found along rocky shores. Gk n a group or body in close formation. / SpestElEn(t)s / pettifogger Sarah craned her neck in wonder L n as the phalanx of military jets flew a contagious or infectious epidemic / SpeZGTfBgE(r) / over in tight formation. disease that is virulent and E + G name? devastating. lawyer whose methods are petty, pharaoh Pestilence has historically been one underhanded, or disreputable. n of society’s main causes of death. Unlike the pettifogger who hung / Sfe(T)rP / out his shingle across the street, Egypt > Heb > Gk > L pestle Mr. Patterson was a gentleman of a ruler of ancient Egypt. n the law. Tutankhamen is one pharaoh / SpesEl / whose name most people recognize. L > F > E petulant a usually club-shaped implement adj pharisaical for pounding or grinding / SpechElEnt / adj substances especially in a mortar. L / TfarESsCDkEl / Grandma bought a brass mortar characterized by temporary or Aram > GK > L + E and pestle from an antique dealer. capricious ill humor : peevish. making an outward show of piety The striking ballplayers were and morality but lacking the inward petrogeny characterized as spoiled, petulant, spirit : hypocritical. n and self-obsessed. Cardinal Newman spoke of the vast / pDStrBjEnG / numbers of pharisaical individuals Gk + Gk petunia among baptized Christians. the science of the origin of rocks. n A vacation trip to the Grand / pDStVnyE / Canyon sparked Lauren’s interest L > F in petrogeny. a common garden plant with funnel-shaped flowers of many colors and patterns. Russell pulled a purple petunia from the flower bed.

pharos philippics n n pl / SfCTrBs / / fDSlipiks / Gk Gk a lighthouse or beacon to guide declamations full of acrimonious seamen. invective : tirades. Leland said the restaurant acted The philippics that the two like a pharos for all those at sea off legislators shot back and forth the tip of the island. pheromone across the chamber roused the n lethargic Senate. phase / SferETmPn / n Gk philistine / SfCz / a chemical substance that is adj Gk produced by an animal and serves / SfilETstGn / [has homonyms: fays, faze] a as a specific stimulus to other Heb > Gk homogeneous, physically distinct, individuals of the same species for of, relating to, or characterized by and mechanically separable portion one or more behavioral responses. crass materialism and insensitivity of matter that is present in a When attacked by another beetle, to aesthetics. nonhomogeneous physical- the defensive beetle emitted a Nineteenth-century essayists chemical system and that may be repellent pheromone. derided the English middle class as either a single compound or a being vulgar and philistine. mixture. philately Water exists in the solid phase as n phillumenist ice, in the liquid phase as water, / fESlaZFlG / n and in the gaseous phase as vapor Gk > F / fDSlVmEnDst / or steam. [has near homonym: flatly] stamp Gk > L + Ecf collecting. one who collects matchbooks or pheasant Philately can be an excellent matchbox labels. n inexpensive hobby. The phillumenist kept a fire / SfezFnt / extinguisher near his prize Gk > L > F > AF > E philharmonic collection. any of numerous large, often long- n tailed, and brilliantly colored Old / TfilE(r)SmBnik / philologist World birds with legs adapted for Gk > L > It n running and scratching the ground a musical concert or musical / fDSlBlEjDst / where most of their food (as seeds organization (as a society or Gk or worms) is found. orchestra). a scholar concerned with human After a morning of hunting, Larry The philharmonic celebrated the speech as the vehicle of literature returned with a pheasant, two Fourth of July with a program of and as a field of study that sheds rabbits, and a wild duck. patriotic music. light on cultural history. Hannah wants to become a phenomenon philhellene philologist and study ancient n n Russian dialects. / fESnBmETnBn / / filSheTlGn / Gk > L Gk phlebitis an observable fact or event. an admirer or supporter of Greece n The civil rights movement began as or of the Greeks. / flDSbIZDs / a startling phenomenon to many After one trip to the museum, Lydia Gk + Lcf complacent Americans. became an instant philhellene. inflammation of a vein. If phlebitis is not treated early, a blood clot can form in the inflamed vein.

phlegmatic phraseology adj n / flegSmaZik / / TfrCzGSBlEjG / Gk Gk > L calm, composed, undemonstrative. choice of words : vocabulary. Phlegmatic game-show contestants The candidate’s careful are usually not as entertaining as phonasthenia phraseology avoided any hint of those who show excitement. n controversy. / TfPnEsSthGnGE / phloem Gk phrasing n weakness or hoarseness of voice. n / SflPTem / After the football game some of the / SfrCziN / Gk > G cheerleaders complained of Gk > L a complex tissue in the vascular phonasthenia. style of expression : wording. system of higher plants functioning In writing poetry, phrasing is chiefly in distributing food phoresy critically important. materials but also in support and n storage. / SfOrEsG / phrenology Mr. Cartwright pointed out the Gk > L n xylem and the phloem on the newly the nonparasitic association of one / frDSnBlEjG / cut tree. kind of animal with another in Gk + Gk + Ecf order to obtain transportation. the study of the conformation of the phlox Feather lice accomplish phoresy by skull as indicative of mental n clinging to the body hairs of blood- faculties and traits of character. / SflBks / sucking flies. Phrenology enjoyed great popular Gk > L appeal well into the 20th century any plant of a genus of American phosphoresce but has been wholly discredited by herbs having red, purple, white, or v scientific research. variegated flowers. / TfBsfESres / Dean planted phlox along the Gk > L > F phylactery sidewalk. glow especially in the dark. n Emmet’s jigsaw puzzle will / fDSlakt(E)rG / phocine phosphoresce after being exposed Gk adj to a strong light source. either of two small square leather / SfPTsIn / boxes containing slips inscribed Gk > L + Ecf photophygous with scriptural passages and of, relating to, or resembling seals. adj traditionally worn by Jewish males One of the phocine characteristics / fPStBfEgEs / during morning prayer. is having limbs modified into Gk + Gk + Ecf Milton explained that a phylactery webbed flippers adapted primarily preferring or thriving in shade. is worn as a reminder to keep the to swimming. Ferns and hostas are photophygous laws of Judaism. plants often used in gardens. phoenix phylliform n photosynthesis adj / SfGniks / n / SfilETfOrm / Gk / TfPZPSsin(t)thEsDs / Gk + Ecf a legendary bird represented by the Gk + Gk having the shape of a leaf. ancient Egyptians as living five or synthesis of chemical compounds Every fall, phylliform silhouettes six centuries in the Arabian desert, with the aid of light. adorn the windows of Mrs. being consumed in fire by its own Photosynthesis in plants provides Gaskin’s classroom. act, and rising in youthful freshness them with necessary carbohydrates. from its own ashes. phyllophorous The phoenix is a well-known adj symbol of immortality. / fDSlBf(E)rEs / Gk + Gk producing leaves : leaf-bearing. Softwoods come from coniferous trees, while hardwoods come from phyllophorous trees.

physically piccalilli adv n / SfizDk(E)lG / piacular / SpikETlilG / Gk + Ecff adj unknown in respect to the body. / pISakyElE(r) / a relish of chopped vegetables and It was physically impossible for the L pungent spices. campers to hike another mile. of, relating to, or involving Wanda put a dab of piccalilli in her sacrifice : sacrificial. salad. physicist While visiting the island of Patmos, n tourists saw an ancient altar where piccata / SfizEsDst / the Greeks burned piacular n Gk offerings to the gods. / pDSkBZE / a specialist in the science of matter F > It and energy and their interactions. piazza thin slices of meat (as veal) sautéed The physicist explained how a laser n and served in a lemon and butter is used to read what is recorded on / pGSazE / sauce. a compact disc. L > It Julia served veal piccata and an arcaded and roofed gallery that asparagus at Jack’s birthday physics often surrounds an open court. dinner. The tourists ran to the abandoned physiognomy monastery’s piazza when the rain pickelhaube n started pouring down. n / TfizGSB(g)nEmG / / SpikElThaUbE / Gk pica G the technique or art of discovering n [Note: Could be confused with temperament and character from / SpIkE / pickelhauben.] a spiked helmet outward appearance (as from facial ML formerly worn by German soldiers. features). [has homonym: pika] a size of type In the chapter on World War I, the The artist’s careful study of equivalent to 12 point. history book included a photo of a physiognomy showed up in his Part of Katie’s proofreading job German general wearing a silver- brilliant caricatures of politicians. was to add another line of pica to plated pickelhaube. pages that had enough space. phytocoenosis pickle n picaresque v / TfIZPsGSnPsDs / adj / SpikEl / Gk / TpikESresk / D? > E the whole body of plants occupying Sp [has homonyms: pickel, picol, a particular habitat. relating to or being a type of prose picul, pikel, pikol] steep in a William studied the effects of acid fiction in which the principal solution of salt or vinegar for rain on the Adirondack character is a rogue or vagabond preservation. phytocoenosis. and the narrative is a series of Every year, the Johnsons pickle incidents or episodes. enough onions to give a jar to phytophilous In a typical picaresque novel, the everyone in the neighborhood. adj hero has many adventures. / fIStBfElEs / Gk + Gk + Ecf picayune living or feeding on plants. adj The forest fire deprived many / TpikGSyVn / phytophilous animals of their L > Prov > F habitat and food. of little value : paltry, measly. The other players chided the halfback for his picayune contribution to the team.

pidan pillory n n / pGSdBn / pilchard / SpilErG / Chinese n F > E [has near homonym: piton] duck / SpilchE(r)d / a device formerly used for the eggs preserved in brine to which unknown public punishment of wrongdoers lime, ashes, and tea are added. a fish related to the herring and that consists of a wooden frame Art’s grandmother makes authentic sardine occurring in great schools with holes in which the head and pidan. along the coasts of Europe. hands can be locked. The pilchard is the principal fish Pam took a snapshot of Julian piecemeal used for canning by the French and standing by a pillory in the adv Portuguese. reconstructed colonial village. / SpGTsmG(E)l / Gaulish > L > F > E + E pilferage piloncillo one piece at a time : little by little. n n The magazine published the novel / Spilf(E)rij / / TpGlPnSsG(T)(y)P / piecemeal for several weeks. F > E Sp the act of stealing stealthily in unrefined sugar especially when pigeon small quantities. molded into cones or sticks. n Pilferage in stores usually leads to Rosita grated piloncillo into a bowl / SpijEn / increased prices for the customers. of custard. L > F > E [has homonym: pidgin] a bird pilgrimage pinafore having a stout body with rather n n short legs and smooth and compact / SpilgrEmij / / SpinETfP(E)r / plumage. L > F > E E A pigeon fluttered about the eaves a journey to visit a shrine or a holy a covering garment worn to protect of the old barn. place as a devotee. clothes from soil, made variously Felipe made a pilgrimage to as an apron with or without a bib. pilaster Santiago last year. Mrs. Dobbins wears a canvas n pinafore while working in the / pDSlastE(r) / pillbox potting shed. Gk > L > It > F n an upright architectural member / SpilTbBks / pinnacle that is structurally a vertical L + Gk > L > E n support but architecturally treated a small round brimless hat; / SpinDkEl / as a column that usually partially specifically : a woman’s shallow L projects from the wall and may be hat with a flat crown and straight a lofty mountain peak. load-bearing or merely applied as sides. The clouds obscured the pinnacle surface decoration. Margaret wore her blond hair from the view of those in the valley The architect explained that pinned up under a leopard skin below. because the pilaster was merely a pillbox. decoration, removing it for the pinnigrade room’s renovation would be pillion adj permissible. n / SpinETgrCd / / SpilyEn / L ScotGael or IrGael walking by means of fins or a motorcycle or bicycle riding flippers. saddle for a passenger. The seal and the walrus are Denny improvised a pillion in pinnigrade animals. order to give LaToya a ride home. pinniped pittance n n / SpinETped / / SpitFn(t)s / L L > F > E any of a suborder of aquatic a usually small often barely carnivorous mammals (as a seal or sufficient portion, amount, or walrus) with all four limbs allowance. modified into flippers. Gloria was tired of working long Although the pinniped finds its food piracy hours for a pittance. in the sea, it needs to be on land or n ice to give birth to its young. / SpIrEsG / pityriasis Gk > L n pioneer robbery on the high seas. / TpiZESrIEsDs / adj Charged with piracy, Blackbeard Gk / TpIESni(E)r / was hunted down by government one of several skin diseases marked F warships. by the formation and peeling of of, relating to, or characteristic of scales. early settlers or their time. pirouette Uncle Nick’s pityriasis prevents Julie worked last summer in a n him from sleeping well. restored pioneer village. / TpirESwet / F pivot pious a full turn on the toe or ball of one n adj foot in ballet. / SpivEt / / SpIEs / The pirouette is one of the most L > F L striking movements in a dancer’s a person or thing on or around devout. repertoire. which something turns or depends : The pious Jewish historian saw in central point. Israel’s exile God’s punishment for pistachio The pivot of controversy is sin. n Roberta’s questionable handling of / pDSstashGTP / public funds. piquancy Gk > L > It n the edible green seed of a small tree pizzeria / SpGkEnsG / of southern Europe and Asia n F + Ecf Minor. / TpGtsESrGE / the quality of being agreeably Patricia placed a pistachio on each L > It + Itcf stimulating to the palate : parfait. An establishment (as a bakery, pleasantly tart. restaurant, shop) whera pizzas are Colette especially liked the piston made and sold. piquancy of Cajun cuisine. n Hank waited tables in the pizzeria / SpistEn / on weekends. piqued L > It > F v the part of an engine that is forced pizzicato / pGkt / back and forth inside a cylinder due adv F to combustion. / TpitsDSkBZ(T)P / [has homonyms: peaked, peeked] Kyle learned to identify a piston in It excited or aroused by a the automobile repair class. played by plucking with the provocation, challenge, or rebuff. fingers. The envelope sealed with sealing piteous The score called for the violins to wax piqued Helen's curiosity. adj play the passage pizzicato. / SpiZGEs / E arousing or deserving pity or compassion. The piteous kitten stood shivering in the snow.

placet pleiad n n / SplCsDt / / SplGEd / L Gk > F an expression of approval or vote [has near homonym: plead] a of assent. group of illustrious or brilliant The commander got the placet of persons or things usually seven in the other generals for his coup number. d’etat. The maestro named a pleiad of pianists who were once his pupils. placidity n plenary / plaSsidEZG / platelet adj L n / SplenErG / the quality or state of being calm or / SplCtlDt / L composed. Gk? > L > F > E + Ecf fully attended or constituted : Not resenting the repeated a minute flattened body. including all entitled to be present. attention offered to another woman A blood platelet is a minute Because of the important bills to be was a degree of placidity which protoplasmic disk that plays a role voted on, the legislature convened Emma could neither comprehend in blood clotting. a plenary session. nor respect. platypus plenilune plagiarize n n v / SplaZEpEs / / SplGnETlVn / / SplCjETrIz / Gk L > E L + Ecf a small egg-laying aquatic mammal the time of full Moon. present as new and original an idea of southern and eastern Australia Zeke will begin planting after the or product derived from an existing and Tasmania having a fleshy bill plenilune. source. resembling that of a duck, dense Simon knew that it would be better blackish brown fur, five-toed plentiful not to turn in an essay at all than to webbed feet, and a broad flattened adj plagiarize. tail. / SplentDfEl / Cindy has asked for a pet platypus L > F > E + Ecf plaintiff for her birthday. containing or yielding abundance. n The orange growers are looking / SplCntDf / plaudit forward to a plentiful harvest. L > F > E n [has near homonym: plaintive] one / SplOdDt / pleonasm who commences a personal action L n or lawsuit to obtain a remedy for an strong and openly expressed / SplGETnazEm / injury to one’s rights. approval : enthusiastic approbation. Gk The plaintiff was suing the hospital Claudette’s report on UFOs was iteration or repetition in speaking for negligence because he suffered accorded a special plaudit by the or in writing : the use of more bacterial infection after surgery. professor for its originality. words than those necessary to denote mere sense. planetary playwright Mr. Miller gave the phrase true adj n facts as an example of a pleonasm / SplanETterG / / SplCTrIt / to be avoided. Gk > L > F > E E + E global, worldwide. a person who writes a composition Deforestation is a planetary arranged for enactment (as by concern. actors on a stage) and intended to portray life or character or to tell a story through the actions and usually dialogue of the enactors. The playwright based his drama on the struggles between gangs in the ghetto.

plethora plover plumber n n n / SplethErE / / SplEvE(r) / / SplEmE(r) / Gk L > F > E L > F > E excess, profusion. any of numerous shore-inhabiting one who installs, repairs, and The jury retired to consider the birds having a short hard-tipped bill maintains piping, fittings, and plethora of evidence presented in and a stout compact build. fixtures that are involved in the court. Taylor could see that the plover distribution and use of water in a circling over the tennis court had building. pleurisy spotted upper plumage. The plumber replaced the lead n pipes in the Davidsons’ house with / SplUrEsG / plucky copper ones. Gk > L > F > E adj inflammation of the membrane / SplEkG / plurality lining the chest cavity and E + Ecf n enveloping the lungs. having or marked by courage : / plVSralEZG / Pleurisy, causing fluid to spirited, brave, resolute. L accumulate in Zachary’s chest Henry was plucky enough to get a number of votes cast for a cavity, further complicated his back on his bicycle although he had candidate in a contest of more than pneumonia. just fallen for the seventh time. two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other pleuston plumage candidate but not more than half n n the total votes cast. / SplVstEn / / SplVmij / Because all three candidates have Gk L > F > E strong voter support, the number of small but macroscopic floating the entire clothing of feathers of a votes cast for the winner will organisms that form mats or layers bird. probably be a plurality, not a on or near the surface of a body of The plumage of the male peacock is majority. water. more colorful than that of the The mat of pleuston floating in the female. plutology swamp consists mostly of green n algae. plumassier / plVStBlEjG / n Gk + Gk plexus / TplVmESsi(E)r / the scientific study of wealth : n F theoretical economics. / SpleksEs / one who prepares or deals in Jeremy is using his expertise in L ornamental plumes or feathers. plutology to study emerging an intricately interwoven The plumassier showed DeeDee a democracies. combination of elements or parts in boa that complemented her recital a cohering structure. costume perfectly. pluvioscope The transportation board carefully n mapped out the plexus of commuter plumbeous / SplVvGETskPp / paths across the city. adj L + Gk > L / SplEmbGEs / rain gauge. pliant L Johnny ordered a pluvioscope from adj having a dull gray color like that of the scientific catalog. / SplIEnt / lead. F > E The plumbeous core of a so-called pneumatic flexible, workable, lithe. “lead pencil” is graphite. adj To make his catcher’s mitt more / n(y)VSmaZik / pliant, Gary smeared shaving gel Gk on it and baked it at a low [has homonym: neumatic] adapted temperature. for holding compressed air : inflated with air. The development of the pneumatic tire was a major advance for the bicycle. pneumatography polarize v poacher poignant / SpPlETrIz / n adj L > F / SpPchE(r) / / SpOin(y)Ent / cause (as light waves) to vibrate in Gmc > F > E L > F > E a definite pattern. one who kills or takes wild animals painfully sharp with regard to the Sunglasses that polarize light (as game or fish) illegally. feelings : piercing, keen. reflected off water help the wearer The sign at the reservation stated Emma’s distress was not poignant see into the water. that any poacher would be enough to keep her from falling prosecuted to the fullest extent of asleep, and she awoke feeling polder the law. somewhat more hopeful. n / SpPldE(r) / podiatrist poinciana Gk n n a tract of low land reclaimed from / pESdIEtrDst / / TpOin(t)sGSanE / the sea or other body of water. Gk F name + Lcf Leanne and Amy scoured the one who practices the care and an ornamental tropical tree or shrub polder for fossils. treatment of the human foot in having bright orange or red health and disease. flowers. polemic The podiatrist recommended that While in southern Florida, Jake adj Carlita get special inserts for her was impressed by the fiery flowers / pESlemik / shoes. of the poinciana. Gk of, relating to, or of the nature of a poetaster poinsettia controversial discussion or n n argument. / SpPDZTastE(r) / / pOinSseZGE / Try as he might, Rupert could not L American name prevent the conversation from a writer of worthless or inferior a showy Mexican and South turning into a polemic debate. verses. American plant with tapering The poetaster spewed out poem scarlet petallike leaves that polemology after poem, each worse than the surround small yellow flowers. n last. The delivery woman brought a / (T)pPlESmBlEjG / poinsettia to Karen’s door. Gk + Gk > E poetic the study of war. adj poised In polemology, military and naval / pPSeZik / adj strategies are studied and Gk / SpOizd / discussed. of or relating to poets. L > F > E + Ecf Ovid tried to become a lawyer marked by easy composure of polemoscope early in life, but his true and manner or bearing. n natural poetic character would not The poised skater performed her / pPSlemETskPp / be suppressed. routine with great precision and Gk self-assurance. an opera or field glass with an pogonip oblique mirror arranged for seeing n poisonous objects not directly before the eye. / SpBgETnip / adj The detective used a polemoscope Paiute / SpOiz(F)nEs / to observe the suspect a dense winter fog containing L > F > E + Ecf unobtrusively. frozen particles that is formed in having the qualities or effects of a deep mountain valleys of the toxin. western United States. The mushrooms looked and tasted The dense pogonip leaves a sheath great but were devastatingly of frost crystals on every shrub and poisonous. blade of grass.

poliomyelitis polyester n n / TpPlGPTmIESlIZDs / / SpBlGTestEr / Gk Gk an acute infectious viral disease polonaise a synthetic fiber consisting wholly characterized by fever, motor n or chiefly of a complex ester paralysis, and atrophy of skeletal / TpBlESnCz / formed by polymerization. muscles often with permanent L geog name > Pol > F Bridget bought the loudest disability and deformity. a stately Polish processional dance polyester jacket she could find at Up to about 40 years ago, fashionable in 19th-century Europe. the thrift store to wear on poliomyelitis often meant a lifetime Chopin wrote many compositions Halloween. on crutches or in an iron lung. based on the rhythm of the polonaise. polyglot poliosis adj n poltergeist / SpBlGTglBt / / TpPlGSPsDs / n Gk Gk / SpPltE(r)TgIst / containing matter in several loss of color from the hair. G languages; especially : composed One of the effects of the disease a noisy and usually mischievous of correlative text in several was poliosis. ghost. languages often arranged in parallel Our favorite Halloween story is columns. politesse about a poltergeist who tormented Products sold in electronics stores n the tenants of a house in which often have polyglot instructions. / TpBlEStes / there had previously been a L > F murder. polygonal formal and cultivated politeness. adj The ambassador greatly enjoyed poltroonery / pESligEnFl / the diplomatic world of pomp and n Gk politesse. / pBlStrVn(E)rG / having many sides. L > It > F Mr. Ewing taught his math class polka cowardice. how to find the areas of polygonal n The historian said that poltroonery figures. / SpPlkE / among politicians in an election Pol > Czech year is not uncommon. polyphagism a lively Bohemian dance in fast n duple time that consists of three polychrest / pESlifETjizEm / steps and a hop. Gk Gwen taught her dance students the polychromatic the habit of feeding on a variety of polka. adj plants or animals. / TpBlGkrPSmaZik / By feeding various kinds of foods to pollen Gk the insects, the researcher could n showing a variety or a change of discover which ones exhibited / SpBlEn / colors : multicolored. polyphagism. L It is not unusual for people to drive the fine, dustlike mass of grains by Sarah’s house simply to admire produced by seed plants. its polychromatic brickwork. Many hay fever sufferers are bothered by ragweed pollen. polydactyly n pollutant / TpBlGSdaktElG / n Gk + Gk / pESlVtFnt / the condition of having more than L the normal number of toes or any substance that makes the air or fingers. water impure or unclean. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Ethylene gas is a pollutant Museum on Key West is home to associated with industrial approximately 60 cats, about half manufacturing and automobile of which exhibit polydactyly. exhaust.

olysaccharide porcelain n n / TpBlGSsakETrId / / SpPrs(E)lDn / Gk L > It > F a carbohydrate that can be [has near homonym: purslane] a decomposed by hydrolysis into two hard, fine-grained, white ceramic or more molecules of pomegranate ware that has a hard paste body, is monosaccharides or their n fired at a high temperature, and is derivatives; especially : one of the / SpBm(E)TgranDt / used especially for table and more complex carbohydrates (as L > F > E + L ornamental wares. starch or cellulose). a thick-skinned several-celled Many old houses have doorknobs Cellulose is the polysaccharide reddish berry that is about the size made of porcelain. providing the chief constituent of of an orange and has many seeds in the framework of plants. a crimson acid pulp. porcinely The bright red splotches on Julia’s adv polysemous hands testified to her having eaten / SpOrTsInlG / adj a pomegranate. L + Ecf / TpBlGSsGmEs / swinishly. Gk + Gk pomological In Wanda’s opinion, Bart treated having many meanings. adj his hosts porcinely. Puns are based on the humorous / TpPmESlBjDkEl / use of polysemous words. Gk > L porcupine of or relating to the science of the n polysyllabic cultivation of fruits. / SpOrkyETpIn / adj Certainly in the pomological sense, L > It > F > E / TpBlGsDSlabik / one bad apple eventually spoils the any of various relatively large Gk > L + Ecf whole bunch. rodents having stiff sharp erectile having three or usually four or bristles mingled with the hair. more units of spoken language. pompadour The yelping dog’s snout was Martha often uses polysyllabic n covered with quills from a words to impress her teachers. / SpBmpETdP(E)r / porcupine. F name pomade a man’s style of hairdressing in porphyry n which the hair is combed back so n / pESmBd / as to stand up straight. / SpO(r)fErG / L > It > F Chuck spent an hour in front of the Gk > L a perfumed ointment. mirror preening his pompadour. an Egyptian rock consisting of Mr. Underwood was partial to feldspar crystals embedded in a sweet-smelling pomade. ponderous dark red or purple groundmass adj much used by the ancient Romans. pomander / SpBnd(E)rEs / At the archaeological dig Carlo n L > F > E unearthed a broken urn made of / pPSmandE(r) / unwieldy or clumsy because of porphyry. L > F > E weight and size. a mixture of perfumed or aromatic Roy could barely lift the ponderous porpoise substances usually made in a ball ancient weapon. n and enclosed in a perforated bag or / SpOrpEs / box. pontificate L > F > E Gayle included a pomander in the v a small, friendly whale with teeth chest containing her winter clothes. / pBnStifETkCt / and a short, rounded snout and that L somewhat resembles a dolphin. deliver oracular utterances or Miles saw a porpoise at the dogmatic opinions. aquarium. Randy proceeded to pontificate for five minutes on the dangers of listening to loud music.

porraceous postcibal adj adj / pOSrCshEs / portrayal / pPs(t)SsIbEl / L n L having the clear light green color of / pPrStrC(E)l / occurring after a meal. leek leaves. L > F > E George and Harriet hired a The deep green of the kitchen the act of representing something in vocalist for the banquet’s postcibal countertops seemed to tint the walls a drawing or painting. entertainment. a porraceous color. Vincent used witnesses’ descriptions in his portrayal of the posterity porridge criminal. n n / pBSsterEZG / / SpOrij / posology L > F > E F > E n all succeeding generations : future a soft food made by boiling grains / pESsBlEjG / time. or legumes in milk or water until Gk The seventh grade class put thick. a branch of medical science together a time capsule for The campers were extremely concerned with dosage. posterity. hungry, and each consumed a large Derek took several classes in bowl of porridge. posology for his pharmacy degree. postern n portcullis posse / SpPstE(r)n / n n L > F > E / pPrtSkElDs / / SpBsG / a back door or gate. F > E L The thief escaped through the a large grating of iron bars or heavy a detachment or body (as of police) postern without being detected. timbers suspended by chains over often assigned to or brought the gateway of a fortified place and together because of a particular posthumous lowered between grooves to emergency. adj prevent passage. Noah’s favorite part of westerns is / SpBschEmEs / The guard quickly lowered the when the marshal and his posse L portcullis after the king and his corner the bandit. published after the death of the knights had passed through the author. gate. possessed Ironically, the novelist’s v posthumous works were his most portentous / pESzest / popular. adj L / TpOrStentEs / influenced or controlled by postprandial L something (as an evil spirit or a adj of, relating to, or constituting passion). / TpPs(t)SprandGEl / something that foreshadows a During the race the winning horse L > E coming event : ominous. ran as if he were possessed by a of, relating to, or occurring in the Oliver’s dream proved portentous. demon. period after a meal. After the huge dinner, George and portmanteau posset Barbara decided to take a leisurely n v postprandial walk. / pPrtSmant(T)P / / SpBsDt / L > F E posttension a large traveling bag. [has near homonym: posit] pamper v The clown removed an enormous with delicacies. / pPs(t)StenchEn / pumpkin from his portmanteau. Aunt Mimi expects everyone to L + L posset Pedro, her chihuahua. apply stress to (reinforcing steel) after concrete has set. The construction crew will posttension the steel in the columns.

postulate praline n n / SpBschElDt / / SprBTlGn / L F name an underlying hypothesis or potpourri a round patty of creamy brown assumption. n sugar containing pecan . Most cosmologists base their work / TpPpESrG / The praline is a favorite candy of upon the postulate of the Big Bang. F the southern United States. a jar of flower petals mixed with posture spices and used for scent or precautionary n perfume. adj / SpBschE(r) / Stella kept a potpourri on her / prGSkOshETnerG / L kitchen windowsill. L characteristic position or bearing of advising, suggesting, or using the body. poultice caution beforehand. A dancer’s posture is as important n Vaccinating children against polio in ballroom dancing as it is in / SpPltDs / is a wise precautionary measure. ballet. L a soft mass usually heated and precedent potable spread on cloth for application to n adj inflamed areas to supply moist / SpresEdEnt / / SpPZEbEl / warmth, relieve pain, or act as a L L counterirritant. something done or said that may suitable, safe, or prepared for Aunt Julia’s remedy for rashes or serve as an example or rule to drinking. skin problems of any sort is a authorize or justify a subsequent Chemicals are often added to water mustard poultice. act of the same or an analogous supplies to make them potable. kind. pourboire As far as Sasha knew, the decision potassium n to allow a girl to play on the n / pUrbSwBr / football team was without / pEStasGEm / L > F precedent. L a tip or gratuity. an element of the alkali metal When he checked out of the hotel, precept group. Jonathan left a pourboire for the n Bananas and potatoes are good chambermaid. / SprGTsept / dietary sources of potassium. L poussette a command or principle intended as potatoes v a general rule of action. n pl / pVSset / Mark owes his success to the / pEStCZPz / F precept that it never hurts to ask a Taino > Sp swing in a semicircle hands joined question. the edible starchy tubers of plants with one’s partner. of the genus genus Solanum and The caller instructed the couples to precibal species tuberosum. poussette before changing partners. adj For dinner Harry made roast / prGSsIbEl / and baked potatoes. poussin L n occurring before meals. potentate / pVSsaM / The host graciously proposed a n L > F precibal toast to the guest of honor. / SpPtFnTtCt / a young chicken of about one L pound weight for table use : a small one who possesses great power or broiler. sway : ruler. Celeste was not sure how to season Barry acts more like a potentate and cook a poussin, so she than a leader in his role as class consulted a cookbook by Julia president. Child.

precinct prejudicial n adj / SprGTsiN(k)t / / TprejESdishEl / L > E L > E a part of a territory (as a city) leading to premature judgment or having definite bounds or functions unwarranted opinion. and often established for An insect may be of value because The jury was sequestered in order administrative purposes. it is a predator on another insect to prevent exposure to any In this precinct voters cast their that is a pest to humans. prejudicial material. ballots at the middle school. predecessor preliminary precipice n n n / SpredETsesE(r) / / prDSlimEnerG / / SpresEpDs / L L L one who comes before in order of something introductory or a very steep, perpendicular, or time; especially : a person who has preparatory. overhanging place (as the face of a previously occupied a position or As a preliminary to a video there is cliff). office to which another has usually a warning regarding its Just looking down from the succeeded. use. precipice made Gloria dizzy. The employees are hoping that the new CEO is more labor-friendly premeditation precocity than his predecessor. n n / prGTmedEStCshEn / / prGSkBsEZG / predilection L L n consideration or planning of an act exceptionally early or premature / TpredFlSekshEn / beforehand that shows intent to development; especially : early L commit that act. development of the mental powers. inclination, liking, preference. The prosecutor’s position is that The precocity of five-year-old Moira has a predilection for the accused killer acted with Stella becomes evident after just a bittersweet chocolate. premeditation and thus should be few minutes of talking with her. charged with first-degree murder. preeminent precursor adj premonition n / TprGSemEnEnt / n / prGSkErsEr / L / TpremESnishEn / L having paramount rank, dignity, or L one that precedes another in an importance : first, outstanding, anticipation of an event without office or process : forerunner. supreme. conscious reason. Greek geometry was the precursor The attorney introduced her expert Yolanda had a premonition that she to modern calculus. witness as the preeminent would win the lottery. researcher in his field. predator prerogative n preen n / SpredEZE(r) / v / prGSrBgEZiv / L / SprGn / L an animal that preys on or devours E a special right or privilege other animals for its food. trim or dress with or as if with the belonging to a person, group, or beak or the tongue. class of individuals. Kitty liked to sit and preen herself It is the prerogative of the president in the afternoon sun. of the United States to have Air Force One at his disposal.

prescience primitive n adj / SprGsh(G)En(t)s / / SprimEZiv / L L the human faculty or quality of presume of or relating to the earliest age or being able to anticipate the v period of something. occurrence or nature of future / prGSz(y)Vm / Primitive humans fashioned tools events : foresight. L&F > E from rocks. In 1955 the city authorities had the accept as true or credible without prescience to set aside land for a proof. primordial future park site. If it rains that day, Nancy will adj presume that our tennis game will / prISmO(r)dGEl / prescient be postponed. L adj existing at or from the beginning : / SprGsh(G)Ent / pretentious first created or developed : earliest, L adj primeval. having foreknowledge : / prGStenchEs / Blake’s story depicted a creature characterized by foresight. L > F emerging from the primordial ooze. Carrie seemed unusually prescient making or possessing claims (as of as she sat smugly under her excellence, superiority, greatness). principal umbrella on what was once a clear The pretentious candidate found adj afternoon. little support among the common / Sprin(t)sEpEl / people. L presentient [has homonym: principle] most adj preterition important, consequential, or / prGSsenchEnt / n influential. L / TpreZESrishEn / The map showed principal roads, apprehensive in advance : feeling L towns and cities, and locations of or perceiving beforehand. the act or an instance of passing by historic sites. Kate was presentient of her lost or over without mention, notice, or dog’s return. attention. pristine “I won’t even mention his lesser adj prestidigitator crimes,” cried the orator in / SpriTstGn / n preterition. L / TprestESdijETtCdE(r) / belonging to the earliest period or L&F&It prevaricate state. a performer of sleight of hand. v The antique chest was in pristine The prestidigitator mystified the / prGSvarETkCt / condition. children by making cards appear L and disappear. deviate from the truth : speak privilege equivocally or evasively : lie. n presumably Emmy tends to prevaricate / Spriv(E)lij / adv whenever the teacher questions her L / prGSz(y)VmEblG / behavior. a peculiar or personal advantage or L right. by reasonable assumption : priest Mr. Neng grants his neighbors the probably. n privilege of fishing in his pond. Mrs. Janko is presumably going to / SprGst / the Christmas party this year. Gk > L > E proaulion one who performs sacrificial, n ritualistic, mediatorial, / prPSOlGEn / interpretative, or ministerial Gk functions especially as an a portico or colonnade that opens authorized or ordained religious into the narthex of a church or functionary or official minister of a temple. particular religion. Pine garlands adorned the A Greek Orthodox priest, unlike a proaulion. Catholic priest, is allowed to be married. proboscis profuse n adj / prPSbBsDs / / prESfyVs / Gk > L L the flexible conspicuously long procurable overly plentiful : bountiful. snout of some animals; especially : Buttons on the entertainer’s suit the trunk of an elephant. prodigal were so profuse that not another An elephant’s proboscis can adj one could be placed anywhere. support great weight. / SprBdDgEl / L + Ecf progenitor procedure given to reckless extravagance. n n Victor has written a memoir of his / prPSjenEZE(r) / / prESsGjEr / prodigal youth in Europe. L L > F > E an ancestor in the direct line : a particular way of doing or of prodigious forefather. going about the accomplishment of adj Tad assumed his unusual height something. / prESdijEs / was inherited from a particularly Even though he carefully followed L tall progenitor. all the steps in the procedure, Jack extraordinary in bulk, extent, still couldn’t retrieve his messages. quantity, or degree : enormous, prognosis immense. n procellous The public works crews were / prBgSnPsDs / adj complimented for coping with this Gk / prPSselEs / year’s prodigious job of snow the act or art of foretelling the L plowing. course of a disease. stormy. Although the patient’s surgery was There are many dangers for a small proem touch and go, Dr. Symm’s boat on a procellous sea. n prognosis was for complete / SprPTem / recovery. proclivity Gk > L > F > E n a preliminary discourse to a longer prognosticator / prPSklivEZG / piece of writing. n L The excited scholar was sure he / (T)prBgSnBstETkCZE(r) / an inclination or predisposition had found a previously unknown L toward something. proem to Plato’s Republic. one that forecasts from signs or After spending a couple of days in indications. Las Vegas, Conan decided he had profane The local prognosticator predicted no proclivity for gambling. v a balmy spring weekend. / prPSfCn / procrustean L prolegomenon adj treat as not sacred : desecrate. n / prPSkrEstGEn / Michael was told sternly not to / TprPlESgBmETnBn / Gk name > L profane the holy water font by Gk marked by complete disregard of throwing pennies in it. a reading or group of readings or individual differences and by intellectual exercises leading to violent forcing into conformity profligacy further understanding, with something. n development, or advance in The principal’s procrustean / SprBflDgEsG / knowledge or technique in a attitude left no room for a student L subject matter field. government at the school. reckless wastefulness and Dr. Taylor’s course in art history extravagance. constituted a carefully planned Arno’s profligacy during his prolegomenon for students who sophomore year caused him to would be choosing art as their forfeit his scholarship. major.

proletarian promontory propagate adj n v / TprPlESterGEn / / SprBmEnTtPrG / / SprBpETgCt / L L L of, relating to, or representative of a high point of land projecting into cause to spread out and affect a the lowest social or economic class a body of water. greater number or greater area : of a community. The architect designed a home that foster the spread of. Gina’s proletarian background blended in with the rocky Chris uses e-mail to propagate proved to be an asset in her promontory. news among his friends. campaign for mayor. promulgate propensity prolific v n adj / SprBmElTgCt / / prESpen(t)sEZG / / prESlifDk / L L L > F make known (as a decree, a dogma) a natural inclination. occurring or existing in large by open declaration : proclaim. Most cats have a propensity to be numbers : abundant, profuse. The high school principal curious. The article’s prolific footnotes attempted to promulgate the hampered rather than aided Tina’s attendance policy many times, but propinquity comprehension. the seniors mostly ignored him. n / prPSpiNkwEZG / prolix pronounceable L adj adj nearness in place : proximity. / SprPTliks / / prESnaUn(t)sEbEl / The roots of the trees in close L L > F > E + Ecf propinquity to the new sidewalk given to verbosity and diffuseness capable of being pronounced. will soon ruin it. in speaking or writing : long- A word that Dr. Cameron finds winded. easily pronounceable could tie your propitious Quentin’s prolix style was not well tongue into knots. adj suited to a short-answer exam. / prESpishEs / propaedeutic L > E prolonger adj being of good omen : auspicious, n / TprPpGSd(y)VZik / encouraging, favorable. / prESlONE(r) / Gk Ray’s perfect score on his science L > E needed as preparation for learning test was a propitious start for the one who lengthens in time, extends or study. new school year. in duration, or draws out. Reading is a propaedeutic skill. Dr. Murphy kept his remarks short propolis because he did not want to be the propaganda n prolonger of the meeting. n / SprBpElDs / / TprBpESgandE / Gk > L promenade L a brownish resinous material of n dissemination of ideas, waxy consistency collected by bees / TprBmESnCd / information, or rumor for the from the buds of trees and used as a L > F purpose of helping or injuring an cement. a leisurely walk or ride especially institution, a cause, or a person. A honeycomb is constructed from in a public place for pleasure, In 1941 President Roosevelt beeswax and propolis. display, or exercise. warned that the democratic way of After the meeting Gilda and Jaime life was being assailed by secret proportion took a promenade down Main spreading of poisonous n Street. propaganda. / prESpPrshEn / L relative size or portion. The proportion of local, domestic, and foreign news varies considerably on television.

proposition prosciutto prospicience n n n / TprBpESzishEn / / prPSshVZ(T)P / / prPSspishEn(t)s / L L > It L a project, plan, undertaking, or dry-cured spiced ham. the act of looking forward : situation requiring some action. Melon slices wrapped in prosciutto foresight. The highway superintendent make a classic appetizer. Qualities associated with presented his proposition for spring leadership usually include street repair to the mayor. proselyte prospicience. n prorogue / SprBsETlIt / protagonist v Gk > L n / prPSrPg / one who has been converted from / prPStagEnDst / L > F one religious faith to another. Gk defer, postpone. Edith Stein, canonized in 1998 as one who takes the leading part in a Parliament decided to prorogue Saint Teresa Benedicta of the drama. discussion of the bill until after the Cross, was a proselyte to The protagonist was portrayed with election. Catholicism. his faults as well as his virtues.

prosaical proselyting protean adj v adj / prPSzCDkEl / / SprBsETlItiN / / SprPZGEn / L Gk Gk name of, relating to, or written in the recruiting members for an [has near homonym: protein] ordinary language of speaking and institution, team, or group readily assuming different shapes writing. especially by the offer of special or forms. Jonathan’s Veteran’s Day poem inducements. An amoeba is a protean organism. was more memorable than the Though it does not engage in major’s 20-minute prosaical proselyting, the college usually protocol speech. turns out fine basketball teams. n / SprPZETkOl / prosateur prosody Gk + Gk n n a rigid long-established code / TprPzEStEr / / SprBsEdG / prescribing complete deference to L > It > F Gk superior rank and strict adherence a writer of prose. the study of versification. to due order of precedence and Scott’s fountain pen belonged to a The prosody of Horace’s first ten precisely correct procedure. famous prosateur of the 19th odes was Humbert’s downfall on Lieutenant Griffin was censured for century. the exam. violating protocol after he got up in the middle of the meal without proscenium prospectus excusing himself. n n / prESsGnGEm / / prESspektEs / provenance Gk L n the wall that separates the stage a preliminary printed statement / SprBvEnEn(t)s / from the auditorium in a modern describing a business or other L theater. enterprise and distributed to place of origin. An apron stage juts out from the potential buyers, investors, or The lecturer maintained that Africa proscenium. participants. was the provenance of all human According to the prospectus, the life. scooter market increased threefold in the last year.

provincial psychiatry adj n / prESvinchEl / psalmody / sDSkIEtrG / L n Gk + L exhibiting the ways and manners of / SsB(l)mEdG / a branch of medicine that deals a province or rural district : Gk with the science of treating mental, unsophisticated. the act, practice, or art of singing emotional, or behavioral disorders. Katie’s open midwestern sacred songs in worship. The concept of multiple friendliness was labeled Although the New England personalities is of special interest “provincial” by the snooty big city Puritans did away with church to Helen, who plans to pursue a dwellers. organs and instruments, they kept career in psychiatry. their psalmody. proviso psychomachy n psilanthropy n / prESvI(T)zP / n / sISkBmEkG / L / sISlan(t)thrEpG / Gk > L an article or clause (as in a statute, Gk + Gk a conflict of the soul (as with the contract, or grant) that introduces a a doctrine of the merely human body or between good and evil). condition, qualification, or existence of Christ. Countless novels have as their limitation and usually begins with A well-known subscriber to theme the psychomachy within the the word provided. psilanthropy was Thomas hero as he struggles to do right. The grant’s proviso was that the Jefferson, who regarded Jesus as a money would be awarded only if great moral teacher but not as a psychrometer the student maintained an A divine being. n average in his studies. / sISkrBmEZE(r) / psilosis Gk + Gk provost n a hygrometer whose operation n / sISlPsDs / depends on two similar / SprPTvPst / Gk thermometers with the bulb of one L > E a falling out of hair. being kept wet so that it is cooled a high-ranking administrative Jerome’s psilosis was a side effect as a result of evaporation and officer of an American university. of chemotherapy. shows a temperature lower than Professor Myers met with the that of the dry-bulb thermometer. provost to discuss the new psyche Greg built a crude psychrometer curriculum. n out of two old thermometers and / SsI(T)kG / some cotton gauze. prowess Gk n soul, self, personality. psychrophilic / SpraUDs / Brianna loves music so much that adj F > E she considers it part of her psyche. / TsIkrPSfilik / distinguished bravery : gallantry. Gk The knight’s prowess on the psychedelic thriving at a relatively low battlefield was surpassed only by adj temperature. the king’s. / TsIkESdelik / The psychrophilic bacteria died Gk + Gk when the refrigerator’s compressor proximity very bright in color. failed. n Kate showed Mary a psychedelic / prBkSsimEZG / Peter Max poster she had saved as ptarmic L > F a memento of the ’60s. n the quality or state of being close. / StBrmik / The Fletchers bought the house on Gk > L Vine Street because of its proximity a substance that causes sneezing. to neighborhood schools. Andrea is extremely allergic to dust, an everpresent ptarmic difficult for her to avoid.

ptarmigan puissant n adj / StBrmDgEn / / SpyVEsFnt / ScotGael F any of various grouses of northern pucellas strong, powerful. regions having completely n pl Enduring Adria’s piano practice feathered feet. / pyESselEs / called on all of her mother’s “Why did the ptarmigan cross the It puissant patience. road?” asked Martha. a spring tool resembling tongs and used for shaping molten glass. pullulate pterodactyl With the pucellas the glassblower v n grasped the lip of the vase and / SpElyETlCt / / TterESdaktDl / turned it over in a graceful curve. L Gk swarm, teem. any of numerous extinct flying puchero At rush hour the train station began reptiles having a featherless wing n to pullulate with activity. membrane and a rudimentary tail. / pVScheTrP / The museum’s dinosaur exhibit L > Sp pulmonary includes a mechanical replica of a a Latin American boiled dinner or adj pterodactyl. stew containing beef, sausage, / SpUlmETnerG / bacon, and various vegetables. L ptomaine Olivia sampled puchero at an of, relating to, or associated with n Argentine restaurant. the lungs. / StPTmCn / Uncle Rob’s pulmonary disease Gk > It puerile requires that he breathe pure any of various organic bases some adj oxygen at all times. of which are poisonous and which / SpyU(E)rEl / are formed by the action of L pulsatile putrefactive bacteria on childish or immature. adj nitrogenous matter. Mrs. Yolton was not impressed by / SpElsEZFl / About three hours after he had Tommy’s puerile behavior. L eaten, Dunstan realized that his beating, throbbing. lunch had been tainted with puerilely The heart is a pulsatile muscular ptomaine. adv organ that maintains the flow of / SpyU(E)rEl(l)G / blood. ptosis L + Ecf n [Note: Could be confused with pultaceous / StPsDs / purely.] in an immature or childish adj Gk manner. / TpElStCshEs / [has near homonym: tussis] a Hunter reacted puerilely when his L + Ecf sagging or prolapse of an organ or mother told him it was time for bed. having a consistency like that of part; specifically : drooping of the porridge. upper eyelid. pugilist Serena dislikes rice pudding The film star had a clear case of n because of its pultaceous ptosis. / SpyVjElDst / consistency. L + E a professional boxer. pulverulent Years as a pugilist took their toll on adj Leo’s coordination. / pElSveryElEnt / L pugnacious consisting of or reducible to fine adj powder. / pEgSnCshEs / Chalk is a pulverulent deposit of L calcium carbonate. having a quarrelsome or belligerent nature. Bushpigs are pugnacious enough to put up a fight against a leopard. pumice putrescent n adj / SpEmDs / / pyVStresFnt / L L [has homonyms: pomace and purlieu decaying, rotting. pumace] hardened volcanic froth. n The disagreeable odor was coming Ground pumice is sometimes used / SpErl(T)yV / from the putrescent skunk carcass. as an abrasive ingredient in soap. F a place of resort : haunt. putrid pumpernickel Vince can be found most evenings adj n in the local pool hall, his favorite / SpyVtrDd / / SpEmpE(r)TnikEl / purlieu. L G in an advanced state of a sourdough bread made with rye purloin decomposition : rotten. and wheat flours. v The putrid heap of kitchen scraps Sam’s favorite sandwich is ham / pE(r)SlOin / will compost in no time. and Swiss on pumpernickel. L > F > E appropriate wrongfully and often putsch punctilious under circumstances that involve a n adj breach of trust. / SpUch / / TpEN(k)StilGEs / The district manager was fired imit G L when he was caught trying to a secretly plotted and suddenly marked by precise exact purloin company earnings. executed attempt to overthrow a accordance with the details of government or governing body. codes or conventions. pursuer The right-wing nationalist group Inflexible people often pay n plotted a putsch for early punctilious attention to rules of / pE(r)SsVE(r) / September. etiquette. E one that chases or follows after. putty punctual By the middle of the race, Gail had n adj outdistanced her nearest pursuer / SpEZG / / SpEN(k)ch(Ew)El / by two yards. F L [has homonym: puttee] a cement marked by exact adherence to an purveyor usually made of whiting and boiled appointed time. n linseed oil beaten or kneaded to the Everybody was punctual for the / pE(r)SvCE(r) / consistency of dough and used in wedding, and all behaved L > F > E fastening glass in sashes and charmingly. one who provides supplies of food stopping crevices in woodwork. or whose business is to make The window repairman smoothed pungent provisions for the table : caterer. the new putty and inserted the adj The reception was delayed because double-paned glass into the sash. / SpEnjEnt / the purveyor got stuck in traffic. L puzzling causing a sharp sensation : pusillanimous adj pricking, irritating, acrid. adj / SpEz(E)liN / The pungent odor of wet dog sent / TpyVsESlanEmEs / unknown + Ecf the guests out for fresh air. L mystifying : difficult to understand. lacking or showing a lack of The puzzling directions in the courage, manly strength, and instruction manual rendered it resolution : marked by mean- useless. spirited and contemptible timidity. Edgar never forgave his brother’s pusillanimous desertion during the war.

pylon quadrangle n n / SpITlBn / pyrosis / SkwBTdraNgEl / Gk n L > F > E a tower for supporting either end of / pISrPsDs / a square or rectangular enclosure or a wire over a long span. Gk court especially when surrounded The steel pylon at the north end of heartburn. by buildings (as in some schools the footbridge was showing Gill had a wicked case of pyrosis and colleges). dangerous signs of wear. after eating at Billy Joe Bob’s Char Norm sailed a pie tin across the and Grill. quadrangle. pylorus n pyrotechnics quadrilateral / pISlPrEs / n pl n Gk > L / TpIrEStekniks / / TkwBdrESlaZErEl / the opening in a vertebrate from the Gk L stomach into the intestine. a display of fireworks. a plane figure of four sides and The pylorus regulates the flow of The amusement park had a show consequently four angles. food and liquid from the stomach. including pyrotechnics every night. The perimeter of a baseball diamond forms a quadrilateral. pyramid Pyrrhic n adj quadrille / SpirETmid / / Spirik / n Gk Gk > L / kwBSdril / an ancient massive structure of [has homonym: pyric] of, relating F huge stone blocks found especially to, or resembling that of Pyrrhus, a a four-handed form of a card game in Egypt having typically a square king who sustained heavy losses in played throughout Europe in the ground plan, outside walls in the defeating the Romans. 17th and 18th centuries. form of four triangles that meet in a When the team’s star quarterback Mrs. Bates was a very old lady, point at the top, and inner broke his leg in the game it won almost past everything but tea and sepulchral chambers. against its toughest rival, the win quadrille. The sight of a pyramid on the was indeed a Pyrrhic victory. desert horizon took Rico’s breath quadrumanous away. pythonic adj adj / kwBSdrVmEnEs / pyrethrum / pISthBnik / L n Gk > L having four hands. / pISrGthrEm / of, relating to, or like a python : Luke complained that a bass player Gk > L huge, monstrous. would have to be quadrumanous to any of various chrysanthemums In classical mythology, the god master the piece he was given to with finely divided and often Apollo killed a pythonic serpent at play. aromatic leaves. Delphi. The pyrethrum is a source of a quagmire natural insecticide. quadragenarian n n / SkwagTmI(E)r / pyretogenic / TkwBdrEjDSna(a)rGEn / unknown + ON > E adj L a complex or precarious position / TpirEtPSjenik / a person who is 40 or more and less where disengagement is difficult. Gk than 50 years old. In his position as protocol officer, inducing fever. Evelyn became a grandmother Russell often found himself in a Because Jamie’s illness was not while she was a quadragenarian. quagmire of delicate relationships. pyretogenic, his mom did not initially believe that he was sick.

quail quebracho n n / SkwCl / / kCSbra(T)chP / L > F > E Sp a migratory game bird of Europe, a tree that is native to Argentina Asia, and Africa that is about seven and is used as a source of tannin inches long. and in dyeing. The vintner decided to name his In Argentina grows the quebracho, wine after the quail because the which literally means “ax- birds were so plentiful on his breaker,” so named because its property. wood is so hard. quaint quarrelsome quellable adj adj adj / SkwCnt / / SkwOr(E)lsEm / / SkwelEbEl / L > F > E L > F > E + E E uncommon, old-fashioned, or apt or disposed to argue : capable of being quieted or allayed. unfamiliar but often agreeable or contentious. The restless crowd proved attractive in character, appearance, If Angie weren’t so quarrelsome, quellable at the sight of the or action. she might have more friends. entertainer they had come to see. In the middle of the ultramodern mall was a quaint tearoom that quaternion quench drew customers from miles around. n v / kwEStErnGEn / / Skwench / qualitative L E adj a set of four parts, things, or put out (as a fire or a light). / SkwBlETtCZiv / persons. For three days the firefighters tried L The auto parts store offered a to quench the blaze. of, relating to, or involving quality special price on a quaternion of or kind. tires. quenelle Although the essay was judged to n be short quantitatively, it was a quatorzain / kESnel / qualitative masterpiece. n G > F / kEStOrTzCn / a ball or oval of meat stuffing quandary F cooked in boiling water or stock n a poem of 14 lines that resembles a and served as a garnish or as a / SkwBnd(E)rG / sonnet but lacks strict sonnet separate dish. unknown structure. Martha served a quenelle of a state of perplexity or doubt : When his English teacher was chicken in brown onion sauce as an dilemma. satisfied with Walter’s quatorzain, appetizer. Taylor’s advice left Miriam in more she encouraged him to write a of a quandary than she was in sonnet. quercitron when she sought his help. n quatrefoil / SkwErTsitrEn / quaquaversal n L adj / SkaZE(r)TfOil / a black oak or the bark of this tree / TkwCkwESvErsEl / F used in tanning and dyeing. L a conventionalized representation When used as a dye, quercitron dipping from a center to all points of a flower with four petals or of a turns fabrics yellow. of the compass. leaf with four leaflets. From the air, the quaquaversal The Gothic window featured a querimonious shape of the Indian mound could be quatrefoil at the top of its arch. adj seen. / TkwerESmPnGEs / L habitually complaining. Luther was known for his querimonious temperament.

quern quincunx n n / SkwErn / / SkwinTkEN(k)s / E L a primitive mill for grinding grain quiche an arrangement of five things with consisting of two circular stones n one at each corner and one in the with the upper one being turned by / SkGsh / middle of a square. hand. G > F Any nine-block square of a Some Tibetan villagers still grind a baked custard pie usually having chessboard will include a quincunx wheat into flour by using a quern. an added savory ingredient (as of either black or white blocks. chopped ham, seafood, or querulous vegetables). quinine adj Lois served soup and a seafood n / Skwer(y)ElEs / quiche for lunch today. / SkwITnIn / L Quechua > Sp expressing or suggestive of quiddity a bitter alkaloid derived from complaint : fretful, whining. n cinchona bark and used in medicine As the crow fluttered from the tree, / SkwidEZG / especially in the form of bitter salts it gave a loud, querulous caw. L to reduce fever. the essential nature or ultimate Quinine was a common remedy quest form of something. when Dr. Prentice was young. n The photographer was noted for / Skwest / her ability to capture the quiddity quinquennial L > F > E of her subjects. adj an act or instance of searching : / kwinSkwenGEl / expedition, pursuit, venture. quidnunc L + L In “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” n occurring at the end of every five the horseman rides forth to the / SkwidTnENk / years. scene of battle in nightly quest of L The philanthropist makes a his head. one that is avidly curious and given quinquennial gift to the school. to speculating especially about question ephemeral or petty things. quinsyberry v Every neighborhood seems to have n / Skwes(h)chEn / a quidnunc. / SkwinzGTberG / L Gk > L > F > E + E express doubt about : dispute. quietus an Old World black currant. Corporal Sage decided he had to n Edgar mashed a quinsyberry on his question Sergeant McGonigle’s / kwISGZEs / sister’s new yellow dress. orders. L final discharge or acquittance (as quintessence from debt or obligation) : final n settlement. / kwinStesFn(t)s / The judge is expected to rule L tomorrow on a quietus in Mr. the most typical example or Ford’s civil case. representative : the consummate instance (as of a quality or class). quill To be steadfast in the face of n mortal danger is the quintessence / Skwil / of courage. E a bird’s feather; especially : one of quire the large stiff feathers of a bird’s n wing or tail. / SkwI(E)r / Jay found a beautiful quill and L placed it alongside his mom’s four sheets (as of paper) folded antique inkwell on her desk. together into eight leaves. The teacher showed the second- graders how to make a book from a quire of paper. quirt quoits quotable n n pl adj / SkwErt / / Sk(w)Oits / / SkwPZEbEl / L > Sp F > E L a riding whip with a short handle a game played with flattened rings fit to be repeated or published. and a rawhide lash. of iron or circles of rope that are Tonya likes to highlight quotable Eager to get home, Juanita urged thrown from a mark toward a pin in passages in the books she reads. her horse on by using the quirt. an attempt to ring the pin or to come as near to it as possible. quotidian quisling Jordan had never played quoits adj n before but found it very similar to / kwPStidGEn / / SkwizliN / horseshoes. L Norw name commonplace, ordinary. a traitorous national who aids the quokka Thelma rebelled against her invader of his country and often n quotidian existence. serves as chief agent or puppet / SkwBkE / governor. Australian name quotient Many French citizens thought that a stocky Australian reddish or n Marshal Petain, head of the Vichy chestnut brown wallaby with a / SkwPshEnt / regime during World War II, was short tail—called also “short-tailed L little better than a quisling. wallaby.” the number resulting from the Meggie’s pet quokka wanted to division of one number by another. quiver follow her everywhere. In the equation 48 ÷ by 4 = 12, 12 n is the quotient. / SkwivE(r) / quomodo Gmc > F > AF > E n Rabelaisian [Note: The definition provided is / SkwPmETdP / adj not the one most commonly L / TrabESlCzGEn / associated with this word.] a case means, manner. F name for carrying arrows. Devon claims that he lacks the marked by or manifesting a gross The archer slung his quiver over quomodo to repay Philip before robust humor or extravagance of his shoulder and set out in search next month. caricature, characteristic of the of deer. French humorist François Rabelais. quondam In the 19th century many writers, quizzically adj including Mark Twain, were adv / SkwBndEm / criticized for having a Rabelaisian / SkwizDk(E)lG / L view of life. unknown + Ecff having been formerly. in a questioning, curious manner. Jared and his quondam stepbrother rachiometer Martin sat with his head quizzically are still the best of friends. n tilted as the algebra teacher was / TrCkGSBmEZE(r) / explaining the new concept. quorum Gk n an instrument for measuring spinal quodlibet / SkwPrEm / curvatures. n L When Kate complained of back / SkwBdlETbet / the number of members of an problems, her orthopedist used a L organization who when assembled rachiometer to examine her spine. a subtle or debatable point; can legally transact business in the especially : a theological or absence of the other members. scholastic question proposed for There were not enough members argument or disputation. present at the school board meeting The best students in the philosophy to constitute a quorum, so no seminar were often given a voting took place. quodlibet to sharpen their debating skills.

racketeer raiment n n / TrakESti(E)r / / SrCmEnt / imit? E one who extorts money or clothing, garments. advantages by threats of violence The stranger’s raiment was well- or blackmail. worn but clean and pressed. The Justice Department was successful in prosecuting the radicchio raisiny racketeer for tax evasion. n adj / raSdikGP / / SrCzFnG / raconteur L > It L > F > E n a chicory of a red variety with containing or resembling sun-dried / TraTkBnStEr / variegated leaves that is used as a grapes. F salad green. Taylor enjoyed the raisiny trail one who excels in telling anecdotes Instead of lettuce, Angela always mix. : storyteller. uses radicchio in her salads. Mr. Backstrom is the resident ramage raconteur at the county library. radioactive n n / Sramij / radar / TrCdGTPSakTtiv / L > F n L + L the boughs or branches of a tree. / SrCTdBr / of, relating to, caused by, or As soon as Buttons got out the E acronym exhibiting the emission of radiant door, she disappeared into the a radio device for locating an energy. ramage of the big poplar. object. Radioactive materials are carefully With the help of radar, the weather tracked and monitored. rambunctious bureau was able to track the storm. adj radioscopy / ramSbEN(k)shEs / radarscope n E n / TrCdGSBskEpG / excessively exuberant : wild, / SrCdBrTskPp / L + Gk + Ecf uncontrollable. E acronym + Gk direct observation of objects Nothing pleases a group of the oscilloscope or screen serving opaque to light by means of some rambunctious youngsters more as the visual indicator in a radar other form of radiant energy (as X than a good pillow fight. receiver. rays). The pilot relied on the radarscope Upon radioscopy Thelma’s fracture ramellose to fly through the storm safely. became clearly visible. adj / SramETlPs / radiant ragout L adj n having little branches. / SrCdGEnt / / raSgV / In the biology lab Carla observed L L > F the ramellose extremities of marked by or expressive of joy, meat and vegetables well seasoned freshwater algae. pleasure, love, confidence, or in a thick rich usually brown sauce. happiness. The rich ragout made a complete ramification Emily looked positively radiant meal. n when she saw her newborn sister / TramEfDSkCshEn / for the first time. raillery L n a resulting development : radical / SrClErG / consequence. adj F Tina felt that the only negative / SradDkEl / good-natured ridicule : mockery. ramification of accepting the job L > E The new students soon became offer was that she would have to characterized by a significant accustomed to the raillery of their take a pay cut. difference from the norm: extreme. dormitory mates. The new governor promised radical changes in the state’s welfare system.

rampage rascette v n / SramTpCj / / raSset / Scots Ar > L > F act, rush, or storm wildly or a line crossing the wrist below the excitedly. palm of the hand that is sometimes Crazed fans began to rampage in held by palmists to provide the streets after their team won the additional indication of a strong or championship. weak constitution. Madame Xantha peered closely at rampant rantipole Helen’s rascette and told her she adj adj would live to be 100. / SrampEnt / / SrantGTpPl / F D? + G > E? rasgado marked by the absence of check or characterized by a wild unruly n restraint. manner or attitude. / rBsSgB(T)dP / A rampant smallpox epidemic The antics of the rantipole bear L > Sp decimated the population. cubs amused the zoo visitors. the arpeggio effect produced by sweeping the strings with the ramshackle rappelled thumb in guitar playing. adj v Rod ended his guitar solo with a / SramTshakEl / / raSpeld / resounding rasgado. ON > E L > F appearing as if ready to collapse : [has near homonym: repelled] raspberry dilapidated, rickety. descended a precipitous cliff by n Bonnie heard strange noises means of a rope. / SrazTberG / coming from the ramshackle house Simon pushed off with his feet as he unknown + E next door. rappelled down the precipice. any of various usually black or red sweet juicy edible berries. rancid rapport The raspberry is highly prized for adj n making jams and preserves. / Sran(t)sDd / / raSpP(E)r / L F ratafia having an offensive smell or taste relation characterized by harmony, n usually from chemical change or accord, or affinity. / TraZESfGE / decomposition. Mr. Sanchez works hard to achieve F After a month at room temperature, rapport with all his students. a small sweet biscuit made from most cheese will be rancid. almond paste. rapprochement May ate a ratafia with her coffee rancor n for breakfast. n / TraTprPshSmBM / / SraNkE(r) / F rataplan L establishment or a state of cordial n vehement hatred or ill will. relations. / TraZESplan / Samuel’s rancor flashed from his The rapprochement between the F eyes. country’s two religious groups the iterative sound of beating (as suffered a setback when members from a drum or the hooves of a of one group bombed a church that galloping horse). belonged to the other group. One verse of the song required the campers around the bonfire to rapturous make a rataplan by clapping their adj hands and slapping each thigh in / SrapchErEs / turn. L feeling, expressing, or marked by ecstasy : ecstatic. Cecilia always became rapturous during the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

ratatouille realize n v / rAtAtVy / / SrGETlIz / L > F F a stew made of eggplant, tomatoes, bring into existence. green peppers, squash, and With her inheritance money, Marty sometimes meat. was able to realize her dream of Marnie used vegetables from her owning a small business. own garden to make the ratatouille. raucous adj realpolitik rathskeller / SrOkEs / n n L / rCSBlTpPlGStGk / / SrBtTskelE(r) / disagreeably harsh or strident. (L + Gk) > G G Up in one of the elms an old black politics based on practical factors a restaurant located usually below crow gave its raucous cry. as distinguished from theoretical the street level and patterned after objectives. the cellar or basement of a German ravenous Some analysts credit realpolitik for city hall. adj the increase in voter participation. There are three good restaurants / Srav(E)nEs / on this block, but college students F realty seem to prefer the rathskeller. craving for satisfaction or n gratification. / SrG(E)ltG / ratiocinate The children tore into the meal with L > F > E v a ravenous hunger. land and its permanently affixed / TraZGSPsFnTCt / buildings or other structures L ravigote together with its improvements and reason according to a logical n its natural assets (as minerals, process. / rAvGSgOt / crops, waters). A philosopher should ratiocinate L > F Aurora built a large business in strictly and rigorously. a sauce or dressing colored green corporate realty. with spinach puree and seasoned rattlesnake with vinegar and a mixture of rebarbative n herbs. adj / SraZFlTsnCk / The specialty of the seafood brunch / rGSbBrbEZiv / E + E was shrimp ravigote. L any of numerous pit vipers that serving or tending to repel or have a series of interlocking joints ravioli irritate. at the end of the tail which make a n Teresa complained that she found sharp rattling sound when vibrated. / TravGSPlG / the school play rebarbative. Mr. Bergson’s valuable stallion L > It died last summer after being bitten alimentary paste made in little by a rattlesnake. shells or cases and stuffed (as with cheese, spinach, or meat). Fletcher bought a package of frozen spinach ravioli and a jar of tomato sauce.

rayonnant adj / SrCEnEnt / F depicted with rays darting forth— used especially in heraldry. The sun rayonnant on the Philippine flag signifies liberty and freedom.

reboation recluse n n / TrebESwCshEn / / SreTklVs / L L a loud reverberation. one who leads a retired or solitary The reboation of the ship’s foghorn life. signaled the ship’s entrance into Alison was shocked when the old the harbor. recluse next door called to invite recension her for tea. rebus n n / rDSsenchEn / recognizance / SrGbEs / L n L a critical revision of a text (as of an / rDSkBgnEzEn(t)s / a representation of words or ancient author) by an editor. L > F > E syllables by pictures of objects or Patricia recently read a modern an obligation of record entered into by symbols whose names resemble recension of Dante’s Inferno. before a court or magistrate the intended words or syllables in requiring the performance of an act sound. recidivism (as appearance in court) usually A popular game show required n under penalty of a money contestants to solve a rebus to win. / rDSsidETvizEm / forfeiture. L + Ecff The suspect was arraigned the next rebuttal repeated relapse into criminal or morning and released on his own n delinquent habits. recognizance. / rDSbEZFl / Unemployment of ex-convicts is at F > E the root of much of the recidivism reconcile the act of contradicting. that leads to overcrowded prisons. v Dennis’s convincing rebuttal sent / SrekEnTsIl / Oscar home in a huff. recipe L n obtain agreement between two recalcitrant / SresE(T)pG / financial records. adj L Because he kept such poor records, / rDSkalsEtrEnt / a formula for cooking or preparing it often took Evan several hours to L something to be eaten or drunk. reconcile his checkbook to his bank obstinately defiant of authority or Chuck’s chili recipe is a closely statement. restraint : stubbornly disobedient. guarded secret. An extremely recalcitrant recondite adolescent, Tommy rejects reciprocal adj everything any authority figure adj / SrekEnTdIt / says. / rDSsiprEkEl / L L + Ecf very difficult to understand and recapitulate consisting of or functioning as a beyond the reach of ordinary v return in kind. comprehension and knowledge. / TrGkESpichETlCt / James is truly unselfish, always Mansur chose the recondite subject L ready to help without expecting of quantum mechanics for his repeat the principal points of : reciprocal benefit. paper. restate briefly : give a summary of. It is customary for Professor Burns reciprocity to recapitulate his lecture at the n end of class. / TresESprBsEZG / L mutual dependence, action, or influence. A treaty of reciprocity called for the lowering of protective tariffs by both countries.

recrudescent regale adj v / TrGkrVSdesFnt / / rDSgCl / L F breaking out again : renewing entertain (as a person) sumptuously disease or dangerous activity after or agreeably : feast with delicacies. abatement, suppression, or The hostess will regale her bridge cessation. club members with a variety of Because of the recrudescent nature delightful homemade desserts.~ of tuberculosis, those who have been exposed to this disease should redoppe regatta be tested for it periodically. n n / rESdBp / / rDSgBZE / recuperate L > It > F It v a show-ring movement in which a an organized series of rowing, / rDSk(y)VpETrCt / horse gallops in circles whose speedboat, or sailing races. L diameter never exceeds ten feet. The famous rowing regatta at recover health or strength. The last movement in Thunder’s Henley-on-Thames has been held Aaron spent a month in Florida to performance was a fast redoppe. each year since 1839. recuperate after the campaign. redoubtable reggae recusancy adj n n / rDSdaUZEbEl / / SrC(T)gC / / SrekyEzEnsG / F > E unknown L inspiring awe or reverence : august, a popular music of Jamaican origin refusal to accept or obey eminent. that combines indigenous styles constituted authority : Mount Rushmore is a fitting with elements of rock ’n’ roll and nonconformity. memorial to four redoubtable soul music and is performed with In post-Reformation England, statesmen. the accent on the offbeat. recusancy was the refusal The video travelogue about especially of Roman Catholics to refocillate Jamaica included a soundtrack of attend the services of the Church of v reggae. England. / rGSfBsETlCt / L regicide redolent refresh, revive. n adj Mom hopes that a good watering / SrejETsId / / SredFlEnt / will refocillate her drooping ferns. L L > F > E the killing or murder of a king. conveying an aura : tending to refraction The peasants resorted to regicide suggest. n when their pleas were ignored by Every page of Ryan’s essay is / rDSfrakshEn / the tyrannical monarch. redolent of fine scholarship. L the deflection from a straight path regime undergone by a light ray in passing n obliquely from one medium into / rCSzhGm / another in which its velocity is L > F different. the period during which a Mr. Popkin explained that an oar government or social system in water is not bent, but that prevails. refraction makes it appear bent. During the communist regime in Romania, environmental problems refuge were flagrantly ignored. n / Sre(T)fyVj / L > F > E shelter or protection from danger or distress. The high hills are a refuge for wild goats. regimen remuneration n n / SrejEmEn / / rDSmyVnETrCshEn / L L a systematic plan designed to an act of paying an equivalent for a improve and maintain health. service, loss, or expense : Cassandra’s regimen includes compensation. getting at least seven hours of sleep Mr. Shimada gave Mitzi two tickets per night. to Disneyland as remuneration for the many errands she had run for regurgitate him. v / rDSgErjETtCt / relegate renaissance L v n throw, cast, or pour back or out / SrelETgCt / / TrenESsBn(t)s / again. L L > F Brenda watched the redbird [has homonym: religate] degrade, enthusiastic activity along literary, regurgitate food to feed his demote. artistic, and cultural lines nestlings. The coach decided to relegate the distinguished by a revival of quarterback to second string after interest in the past and an rehabilitation his poor performance in the game. increasing pursuit of learning. n In the 1970s, there was a / TrG(h)ETbilEStCshEn / relic renaissance of interest in organic L n gardening techniques. the process of restoring an / Srelik / individual (as a convict, mental L render patient, or disaster victim) to a an object (as a bone, an article of v useful and constructive place in clothing or of personal use) kept in / SrendE(r) / society. esteem and veneration because of L > F > E The penitentiary employed its association with a saint or melt down : extract or clarify by psychologists and educators to help martyr. melting. in the rehabilitation of the The Shroud of Turin is the most The process of cooking a few strips prisoners. famous relic in Christendom, in of bacon can render enough fat to spite of its disputed history. fry several eggs. rehearsal n remedial rendezvous / rDShErsEl / adj n E / rDSmGdGEl / / SrBndETvV / a private recital or practice session L F held in preparation for a public concerned with the correction of a meeting at an appointed place and appearance. faulty study habits, the time. Roland was somewhat nervous improvement of skills imperfectly The astronauts completed a during his first rehearsal with the learned, and the raising of a pupil’s rendezvous with the orbiting space New York City Ballet. general competence. station. The test results indicate that 20 reiterate percent of the students in Laura’s renitent v school need to take a remedial adj / rGSiZETrCt / course in math. / SrenEZEnt / L L say or do over repeatedly. reminisce resisting pressure, constraint, or The new teacher decided to v compulsion. reiterate each point of the lesson at / TremESnis / Mark’s dog proved too renitent to the end of the period so that the L&F learn any tricks. students could not claim they indulge in the practice of thinking missed the information. about past experiences. The old photographs prompted Grandpa to reminisce about his youth.

renounce replenish v v / rDSnaUn(t)s / / rDSplenish / L L [has near homonym: renowns] repechage fill up again. announce one’s abandonment of n The heavy rain from the hurricane the ownership of : give up, / TrepESshBzh / served to replenish the drought- abandon, or resign usually formally L > F stricken reservoirs of the state. (something possessed). a second-chance trial heat (as in In 1936 Edward, Prince of Wales, Olympic rowing) in which losers in replevin decided to renounce his claim to the first round of competition are n the throne of England and marry given another chance to qualify for / rDSplevDn / American divorcée Wallis Simpson. the semifinals. L? > F Luigi fell behind in the first heat of the return to or recovery by a renovator the single sculls, but he hoped to person of goods claimed to be n make up for it in the repechage. wrongfully taken or detained upon / SrenETvCZE(r) / the person’s giving security to try L repertoire the matter in court and return the one that restores to a former state n goods if defeated in the action. (as worn or damaged articles). / SrepE(r)TtwBr / Before the goods could be moved The Rehmers hired a renovator to L > F from the warehouse, the judge work on the old farmhouse they a list or supply of pieces or parts issued a writ of replevin. bought. that a company or person has thoroughly rehearsed and is repoussage renvoi prepared to perform. n n The folk dance troupe has added / rDTpVSsBzh / / renSvOi / several Balkan dances to its F F repertoire. the art or process of hammering out the return by a government of an or pressing thin metal from the alien to his own country. repertory reverse side. Because of crowded prisons, New n Fiona bought a brass box York has been practicing renvoi on / SrepE(r)TtPrG / decorated with repoussage at the illegal aliens who have committed L antique shop. a crime. the practice of presenting with a resident company a number of reprehensible repartee different productions (as plays or adj n dances) during a season either / TreprDShen(t)sEbEl / / repE(r)StG / successively or alternately. L > E F The ballet company is presenting deserving rebuke or reprimand : a succession of clever retorts. four productions in repertory this censurable. Susie and Josh’s repartee is so winter. This amiable, upright, perfect Jane excessive that even their friends Fairfax was apparently cherishing tire quickly of the constant retorts. repetition very reprehensible feelings.= n / TrepEStishEn / reprieve L n the fact of occurring, appearing, or / rDSprGv / being said again. F? The repetition in the epic poem was a formal suspension of the anything but boring. execution of a sentence especially of death. repetitious Bowing to public pressure, the adj governor granted a reprieve to the / TrepEStishEs / convict awaiting execution. L marked by the act of repeating something already said or done. Bettina complained that her piano lessons were repetitious. reprimand rescue v v / SreprETmand / / Sre(T)skyV / L > F L > F > E reprove severely : chide for a fault : repudiate free from confinement, violence, censure formally and especially v danger, or evil : save, deliver. with authority. / rDSpyVdGTCt / Three lifeguards dived into the pool Dean felt guilty as he began to L to rescue the flailing girl. reprimand Shirley; was the blame refuse approval or belief to : reject partially his? as untrue or unjust. reservoir reprisal Jacqueline wanted to repudiate her n n family's ideas about class / SrezEvTwBr / / rDSprIzEl / distinction, so she married their L > F L > It > F > E chauffeur. a place where water is collected an action of retaliation (as for and kept in quantity for use when injury or attack). repugnance wanted. The team captain decided to use a n Because of the dry spell, our trick play as a reprisal for the other / rDSpEgnEn(t)s / reservoir was only half full, and team’s roughhousing. L water restrictions had to be strong dislike, distaste, or imposed. repristinate antipathy. v Mr. Churchill felt deep repugnance residue / rGSpristETnCt / toward his aunt, whose illnesses n L never occurred but for her own / SrezETd(y)V / restore to an original state or convenience. L condition : revive. the part of a molecule that remains Barb and Ray spent the better part Requiem after the removal of a portion of its of the summer working to n constituents. repristinate the old farm house. / SrekwGEm / Sondra asked Jeff to analyze and L write out the formula for the reproach a grand musical hymn in honor of residue in the Erlenmeyer flask. v the dead. / rDSprPch / Many orchestras include a resile F > E classical Requiem in their v rebuke strongly or sternly : scold. repertoire. / rDSzIl / Van hoped that Mrs. Krishnan L wouldn’t reproach him in front of requisite draw back : recoil, retract, recede. the whole lunchroom crowd. adj The rubber bands in Greta’s desk / SrekwEzDt / were so old that several had lost reprobate L their ability to resile. v required by the nature of things or / SreprETbCt / by circumstances or by the end in resilience L view. n disapprove of : reject as unworthy Buried under a calmness that / rDSzilyEn(t)s / or evil. seemed all but indifference was an L + Ecf Patty will not be going to the sock attachment that would have led an act of springing back : rebound, hop because her parents reprobate either of the two brothers, if recoil. dancing. requisite, to do everything for the Vera showed her resilience by good of the other. recovering so quickly from her skiing accident. rescind v / rDSsind / L repeal. The new bill would rescind several outdated laws. resiliency resuscitate n v / rDSzilyEnsG / / rDSsEsETtCt / L + Ecff L capability of a strained body to revive from apparent death or from recover its size and shape after unconsciousness. deformation caused especially by respite A young intern pushed through the compressive stress. n crowd to resuscitate the A pole vaulter must adjust to the / SrespDt / unconscious child. resiliency of his pole. L > F temporary intermission of labor or reticence resipiscence of any process or n n operation : interval of rest. / SreZDsEn(t)s / / TresESpisFn(t)s / Seeking respite from the arguing of L > F L his siblings, Jerold left the table in restraint in speaking or change of mind or heart; often : the middle of their family dinner. communicating : reserve. return to a sane, sound, or correct Jordan’s usual reticence view or position. resplendence disappears when he sits at the The soldier’s severe war n radio microphone. experience brought about in him a / rDSsplendEn(t)s / resipiscence marked by much L > E reticulated regret for shortcomings in his the quality or state of shining adj personal life. brilliantly. / rDStikyETlCZDd / The resplendence of the sunset over L + Ecf resolute Loon Lake enticed Eric to stay one constructed or faced with diamond- adj more day. shaped stones or square stones / SrezETlVt / placed diagonally. L restauratrice The hotel lobby’s reticulated floor having or characterized by a n provided stark geometric contrast decided purpose : determined. / TrestErEStrGs / with the gentle curves of the Jody remained resolute in his L atrium. decision to resign from the a woman who operates or owns a committee. public eating place. reticule While Ted and Sue were dining, the n resonance restauratrice came to their table to / SreZETkyVl / n ask for their comments on the food L / SrezFnEn(t)s / and service. a woman’s small drawstring bag L used as a pocketbook, workbag, or [Note: Could be confused with restitutory carryall. plural noun resonants.] a adj Mrs. Bates folded up a letter which phenomenon that is shown by a / TrestEStVZErG / she had been reading and returned molecule, ion, or radical to which L it into the purple and gold reticule two or more structures differing of, relating to, or aiming at the by her side. only in the distribution of electrons return of something to its rightful can be assigned. owner. retina To illustrate the concept of The judge’s verdict included n resonance, Mr. Abadi drew two punitive as well as restitutory / SretFnE / different Lewis structures of ozone features. L > E on the board. the multilayered innermost lining resurgent of the eyeball that contains various adj types of photoreceptive cells that / rDSsErjEnt / are connected to the brain via the L optic nerve. rising again from an inferior state The ophthalmologist treated Mrs. to a superior state. Simpson for a detached retina. The former Soviet republic is experiencing resurgent nationalism.

retinue revictualment n n / SretFnT(y)V / / rGSviZFlmEnt / L > F > E L + L > F > E + Ecf a train of attendants. revenant the obtaining of fresh stocks of The actress obtained coveted adj provisions (as by an army). awards ceremony tickets for her / SrevEnEnt / We cannot go that far into enemy entire retinue. F territory without a clear plan for coming back : recurring. revictualment. retribution The more Rachel tries to put the n revenant dream out of her mind, revirescent / TretrESbyVshEn / the more often it recurs. adj L / TrevESresFnt / something given or exacted in revenue L compensation. n growing fresh or young again : Art felt certain that his fender / SrevETn(y)V / reviving. bender was divine retribution for L The incumbent surprised his all the times he had honked his the income that comes back from opponents with the revirescent horn impatiently at other drivers. an investment. vigor of his campaign. The revenue from Maria’s rental retrocedence property enabled her to buy a rhabdomancer n vacation cabin. n / TretrESsGdFn(t)s / / SrabdETman(t)sE(r) / L reverberate Gk the act of ceding back typically by v one who practices divination by treaty. / rDSvErbETrCt / rods or wands. In 1997 the British government L With his divining rod in hand, the completed the retrocedence of continue or become repeated in or rhabdomancer set out to find an Hong Kong to China. as if in a series of echoes. undiscovered spring of water. Kevin stood on one side of the retrospect canyon, yelled as loudly as he rhapsodical v could, and waited for his voice to adj / SretrETspekt / reverberate. / rapSsBdDkEl / L Gk practice the act of surveying the reverberated extravagantly emotional : past. v rapturous. Colin’s ability to restrospect makes / rDSvErbETrCZDd / The music critic lavished history classes a breeze for him. L rhapsodical praise on the Brahms returned or sent back : echoed. concert. revanche Loud sounds reverberated n throughout the cave. rheostat / rDSvBnch / n F reversible / SrGETstat / the policy of a government intent adj Gk on the recovery of lost territory. / rDSvErsEbEl / a resistor for regulating a current by Under the domination of the USSR, L > F > E means of variable resistances. tendencies toward revanche were made to be worn either side out and The light dimmer has refused to kept under tight control. often with a different fabric on each work ever since Henry adjusted the side. rheostat. Mark’s reversible vest matches everything else in his wardrobe.

rhetorician rhombus n n / TreZESrishEn / / SrBmbEs / Gk Gk > L one who writes or speaks in an rhinitis an equilateral parallelogram. inflated or bombastic style. n The most familiar form that a People tend to ignore Mr. Wade’s / rISnIZDs / rhombus takes must certainly be a good ideas because he is such a Gk square. rhetorician. common cold. The doctor diagnosed rhinitis and rhubarb rheumatic prescribed rest. n adj / SrVTbBrb / / rVSmaZik / rhinoceros (Gk + L) > L? > F > E Gk > L > F n a plant having large leaves with of, relating to or characteristic of / rISnBs(E)rEs / thick succulent stems that are often inflammation, pain, and swelling in Gk eaten in pies or preserves. and around the joints. any of various large powerful Rhubarb and strawberries make a Once Ben had rheumatic fever, and herbivorous thick-skinned good combination for a pie. once he had typhoid. mammals that have one or two heavy upright horns on the snout. rhythm rheumatism The videotape showed dramatic n n footage of a rhinoceros charging a / SriLEm / / SrVmETtizEm / photographer. Gk > L > F Gk the aspect of music comprising all any of numerous conditions rhododendron the elements (as accent, meter, characterized by inflammation or n time, tempo) that relate to forward pain in muscles, joints, or fibrous / TrPdESdendrEn / movement as contrasted with pitch tissue. Gk sequence or tone combination. Shea’s grandfather complained of any of various plants of the genus Latin American music is usually rheumatism whenever the weather Rhododendron with persistent easily recognizable by its was cold and damp. leathery leaves and bell-shaped distinctive rhythm. flowers. rhinarium Evan’s mother plants a ribald n rhododendron along the driveway adj / rISna(a)rGEm / every year on his birthday. / SribEld / Gk > L Gmc > F > E the hairless area of roughened skin rhodolite characterized by broad coarse at the tip of the snout of a mammal. n humor. Vince checked the puppy’s / SrPdFlTIt / Sharon’s mom was surprised to temperature by touching its Gk + Gk learn that the ribald tale her rhinarium. a pink or purple garnet that is used daughter was reading was written as a gem. by Geoffrey Chaucer. rhinestone The gem exhibit included a 75- n carat rhodolite from Tanzania. ricochet / SrInzTtPn / n geog name + E rhomboid / SrikETshC / a colorless imitation stone of high n F luster made of glass, paste, or gem / SrBmTbOid / a glancing rebound or skipping (as quartz. Gk > L > F of a flat stone thrown along the Basil didn’t bother looking for the a parallelogram in which the angles surface of water). rhinestone that fell out of his belt are oblique and adjacent sides are Albert and Tyler carefully counted buckle. unequal. each ricochet in the stone-skipping One of our geometry problems was contest. to find the area of a rhomboid.

ricotta rivulet n n / rGSkOZE / / SrivyElDt / L > It L > It a white unripened whey cheese of a small stream : brook. Italian origin that resembles cottage The fast-melting snow gushed down cheese. righteous the rivulet to the pond below. Angela’s favorite Italian recipe adj calls for ravioli stuffed with ricotta. / SrIchEs / roan E adj rictus characterized by uprightness or / SrPn / n justice. Gothic > Sp > F / SriktEs / The civil rights protesters were [has near homonym: rowan] of an L fearless in their righteous cause. animal’s coat : having the base a gaping grin or grimace. color (as black, red, gray, or Reuben’s face was frozen in a rime brown) muted and lightened by a rictus of horror during the movie’s n liberal admixture of white hairs. last scene. / SrIm / The roan pony is the tamest mount E at Camp Wannagohome. rideau [has homonym: rhyme] a covering n of minute ice crystals on a cold roborant / rDSdP / surface that is formed by the adj F condensation of atmospheric vapor / SrBbErEnt / a small ridge or mound of earth. at temperatures below freezing : L The cottage was built on a rideau frost. strengthening. overlooking the marsh. Rime may occur in large, feathery In China, ginseng has for ages flakes, but they lack the crystalline been esteemed for its roborant rift patterns of snowflakes. effects on the body. n / Srift / riparian rococo Scand > E adj adj a divergence (as of interests or / rDSperGEn / / rESkP(T)kP / beliefs) resulting in disagreement L F or dispute. [Note: Could be confused with excessively ornate or intricate. Deciding what the puppy should be riparial.] of, relating to, or living or The rococo decor of Griselda’s named caused a temporary rift located on the bank of a new house is typical of those built between the twins. watercourse (as a river or stream). with “new money.” Most wildlife depends on riparian rodomont rigatoni areas for survival. n n / SrBdETmBnt / / TrigEStPnG / risibility It name Gmc > It n a vain or blustering boaster. hollow alimentary paste made in / TrizESbilEZG / James’s new roommate is short curved fluted pieces. L something of a rodomont. Paula served rigatoni stuffed with the ability or inclination to laugh : cheese and diced vegetables. alertness or sensitiveness to the rogue ridiculous, incongruous, or absurd. n Mary’s risibility has earned her the / SrPg / nickname “Giggle Girl.” unknown rissole a dishonest unprincipled person. n The sheriff warned the newcomers / rDSsPl / that he would not tolerate a rogue L > F in his town. [has near homonym: resole] minced meat or fish covered with pastry and fried in deep fat. Marianne ate a rissole for lunch.

roleo rotulet n n / SrPlGTP / Rorschach / SrBchElDt / L > F > E&E n L a logrolling tournament. / SrP(E)rTshBk / a small scroll or register. A roleo is similar to a rodeo but Swiss name The circuit judge logged all his has floating logs instead of bucking a psychological test of personality court business in a rotulet. broncos. and intelligence using inkblot designs. rotundity rondache Keesha’s responses during the n n Rorschach caused the examiner to / rPStEndEZG / / rBnSdash / believe that she was trying to make L F the results unreliable. roundness. a small shield carried by a foot When he looked in the fun-house soldier. rosemaling mirror, Chris was astounded by his In medieval warfare the rondache n rotundity. often had a slit in the upper part for / SrPzETmBliN / seeing through. L > ON > Norw + G > Norw rouge painted or carved decoration (as on n ronquil furniture, walls, or wooden / SrVzh / n dinnerware) in Scandinavian L > F / SrBNkDl / peasant style that consists of any of various cosmetics that give a Sp colorful floral and other designs red coloring to the cheeks or lips. any of several fishes of the and inscriptions. Loretta’s mother said she was too northwest coast of North America Tad restored the rosemaling on his young to wear rouge. that resemble the jawfishes. wife’s antique chair. Sheila caught a ronquil while rough fishing off the Alaskan coast. rostrum adj n / SrEf / rood / SrBstrEm / E n L [has homonym: ruff] difficult to / SrVd / a pulpit or platform occupied by an travel over or penetrate. E orator or public speaker. The rough waters off its coast made [has homonym: rude, rued] a unit Robin stepped up on the rostrum, the island a bane for sailors. of land area used in England and took a drink of water, and then Scotland equal to 40 square rods or began her speech. roulette ¼ acre. n After the uprising, every rood of the rotisserie / rVSlet / estate of Hugh of Thorpe was left n L > F burnt and barren. / rPStisErG / a gambling game in which players F bet on which compartment of a roriferous a cooking appliance with a spit on revolving wheel a small ball spun adj which food is rotated before or over in the opposite direction will come / rOSrif(E)rEs / a source of heat. to rest in. L Herb cooked the chicken on a Bonita spent the entire time on the generating dew. rotisserie over his gas grill. riverboat playing roulette. The cool, roriferous evenings were a pleasant contrast to the hot, dry rotogravure days. n / TrPZEgrESvyU(E)r / L + F a photogravure process in which the impression is produced by a rotary press. Rotogravure is used to print the magazine section of the Sunday paper. roundelay rubicund ruminate n v / SraUndETlC / rubicundity / SrVmETnCt / F n L a folk or ritual group or couple / TrVbESkEndEZG / muse upon : contemplate over and dance in which participants form a L over. ring and move in a prescribed the quality or state of being ruddy Luke likes to ruminate in the direction. or reddish. backyard while chewing on a stem The roundelay dates back to The rubicundity of Laura’s face of grass. prehistoric times, when people was evidence of her danced around a central totem. embarrassment. rumormonger n rowel rubric / SrVmE(r)TmBNgE(r) / v n L + Gk > L > E / SraU(E)l / / SrV(T)brik / one that spreads unconfirmed F > E L pieces of information. goad with a revolving disk at the name, title. If Alfonso doesn’t learn to hold his end of a spur. The fields of botany, zoology, and tongue, he’s going to earn a After she rounds the bend, geology were once classified reputation as a rumormonger. Gabrielle will rowel her horse to a together under the rubric of fresh burst of speed. “natural history.” rupestrian rudimentary adj rubefacient adj / rVSpestrGEn / n / TrVdESmentErG / L / TrVbESfCshEnt / L composed of rock. L basic, fundamental. The designer of the famous a substance for external application Thurston possessed only a rupestrian monument known as that causes redness of the skin. rudimentary knowledge of opera. “Mt. Rushmore” died before the Isopropyl alcohol is a well-known 14-year project was completed. rubefacient found in many people’s ruefully medicine cabinets. adv rural / SrVfElG / adj rubella E + Ecf / SrUrEl / n in a pitiable or woeful manner. L / rVSbelE / Joe ruefully replied that he hadn’t of, relating to, associated with, or L been able to bring any lunch with typical of the country. an acute contagious disease usually him. Kevin has always resided in the city affecting children and young adults and knows little about the rural and characterized by a red skin ruminant way of life. eruption, mild symptoms, and a n short duration : German measles. / SrVmEnEnt / rurigenous Rubella is especially dangerous L adj when contracted by an expectant any of a suborder of even-toed / rUSrijEnEs / mother because it can threaten the hoofed mammals (as sheep, L health of her unborn child. giraffes, deer, and camels) that born or living in the country. chew the cud and have a complex As the town grew, some of the Rubenesque usually four-chambered stomach. stores began to neglect their adj Microorganisms play an essential rurigenous customers. / TrVbDSnesk / role in the digestive system of a Flem name ruminant. of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. The luxuriant drapery, use of light, and coloration of the painting in the Jones’s entryway were Rubenesque.

ruse saccadic n adj / SrVs / sable / saSkBdik / F n F a stratagem or trick usually / SsCbEl / [has near homonym: psychotic] of intended to deceive. Slav > G > F > E or relating to a sudden movement : Little did Carey know that Mrs. [Note: The definition provided is jerky. Bradley was onto his ruse. not the one most commonly Virginia’s saccadic motions were associated with this word.] the symptomatic of a neurological russet heraldic color black. disorder. adj Anita began painting her family’s / SrEsDt / coat of arms by creating a sacciform L > F > E background of sable. adj reddish brown. / Ssak(s)ETfOrm / Troy’s Robin Hood costume sabotage L featured a russet top and forest n resembling a pouch. green pants. / SsabETtBzh / The squirrel filled its sacciform F cheeks with acorns. rustic malicious destruction of or damage adj to property with the intention of sacerdocy / SrEstik / injuring a business or impairing the n L economic system or weakening a / SsasE(r)TdPsG / naturally simple in character or government or nation in time of L manners. war or national emergency. priesthood. Visitors to the village considered When a drug enforcement agency Will announced in a letter to his the inhabitants rustic. airplane crashed, sabotage was sister that he felt a calling to the suspected and an investigation was sacerdocy. rutabaga launched. n sacerdotal / SrVZETbCgE / sacalait adj ON > Sw n / TsasE(r)SdPZFl / a turnip with a very large yellowish / SsakETlC / L root that is used as food both for Choctaw > F of or relating to priests or a stock and for human beings. a crappie that is typically smaller priesthood. In England, the and more silvery than the black Some types of sacerdotal clothing Americans know as a rutabaga is crappie and that is highly esteemed distinguish the clergy from the called a “swede.” as a food fish. laity, and some signify rank within rutch Ray and Moira went to the French the priesthood. Quarter to dine on sacalait and rutilant cornbread. sachem adj n / SrVZFlEnt / saccade / SsCchEm / L n Narraganset&Pequot having a reddish glow : shining. / saSkBd / the leader of a political party; The evening sun put a rutilant F specifically : one of the 12 sheen on the sunbathers’ skin. a small rapid jerky movement of governors of the Tammany Society. the eye especially as it jumps from William Tweed was a sachem of the fixation on one point to another (as political organization known as in reading). Tammany Hall. Mary felt that her eyes could not take one more saccade, so she closed them during the remainder of the PowerPoint presentation. sachet salamander n n / saSshC / / SsalETmandE(r) / F Gk > L > F > E [has homonym: sashay] a small a metal disk or plate heated and bag or packet; especially : a small held over a food (as pastry or bag containing a perfumed powder saffron pudding) to brown the top of it. that is used to scent clothes. n A salamander is often used to Aunt Kate keeps a sachet in her / SsafrEn / caramelize the top of desserts like clothes closet. Ar > L > F > E crème brulée. a deep orange-colored substance sacrifice consisting of the aromatic pungent salami v dried stigmas of the saffron crocus n / SsakrETfIs / and used to color and flavor foods. / sESlBmG / L Saffron is the most expensive spice L > It [Note: The definition provided is at Walker’s Market. a highly seasoned sausage made of not the one most commonly pork and beef. associated with this word.] bunt in sagacious Randy made a sandwich of salami baseball with fewer than two out, adj and cheese. enabling a base runner to advance a / sESgCshEs / base while the batter is put out at L salicetum first base. possessing quick intellectual n The coach told Marvin to sacrifice perceptions. / TsalESsGZEm / because George was on third base The neighbors often came to the L and the team needed one more run sagacious old man for advice about a collection or plantation of to win. investments. willows. The salicetum is Nikki’s favorite sacrosanct sagacity picnic spot. adj n / SsakrPsaN(k)t / / sESgasEZG / salmon L L n most holy or sacred : inviolable. quickness or acuteness of sense / SsamEn / The use of loud voices is perceptions. L > F > E inappropriate in the sacrosanct Chuck’s sagacity made him the a variable color of salmon’s flesh temple. finest detective in the arson unit. averaging a strong yellowish pink. Unable to find a purse in the right safari sagittal shade of salmon, Vera decided to n adj stick with basic black. / sESfBrG / / SsajEZFl / Ar > Swahili L a hunting or other expedition in of, relating to, or shaped like an east Africa, especially on foot. arrow or arrowhead. While on safari, Ariel Murray fantasized that the sagittal photographed lions and elephants. rock he found in the quarry was an Indian arrowhead.

Sagittarius n / TsajESta(a)rGEs / L the ninth sign of the zodiac. The Moon was in Sagittarius when Sherman was born.

salmonellosis sanctimonious n adj / TsalmETneSlPsDs / / TsaN(k)tESmPnGEs / American name + Lcff L infection with a bacterial disease displaying high-mindedness with typically marked by gastroenteritis intent to impress. but often complicated by Ronnie’s voice took on a septicemia, meningitis, and other sanctimonious tone when he conditions. salvo volunteered to give his mother his Vaughn contracted salmonellosis n meal. while on the cruise. / Ssal(T)vP / L > F > It sanctum salsilla a sudden eruption or explosion (as n n of laughter, cheers, or handclaps). / SsaN(k)tEm / / salSsilE / When the villain met with doom L L after an intense struggle, the movie a sacred place. a tropical American plant with theater was filled with a salvo of The innermost sanctum of the edible roots sometimes used as a applause. temple in Jerusalem was known as substitute for potatoes. the Holy of Holies. In the West Indies we had our first samba taste of salsilla. n sandal / SsambE / n saltine African > Pg / SsandFl / n a Brazilian dance of African origin Gk > L > E / sOlStGn / characterized by a sprightly step a shoe consisting essentially of a E pattern in duple time and a bending sole fastened to the foot by means a thin, crisp cracker sprinkled with of the knee at each beat of the of straps or thongs passing over the salt. music. instep and around the ankle. The stale saltine crumbled as the The Campbells, who love Latin Lorraine stopped to refasten the raccoon tried to wash it in the dancing, went to special classes to strap of her sandal because her creek. learn the samba. ankle had swollen. salutary samizdat sangfroid adj n n / SsalyETterG / / SsBmGzTdBt / / saNSfrwB / L Russ L > F promoting health : curative, the system in the former U.S.S.R. extraordinary self-possession or restorative. by which government-suppressed imperturbability, especially under The long vacation had a salutary literature was clandestinely printed strain. effect on Grace’s mental health. and distributed; also : such Justin remained calm during the literature. prosecutor’s attack and replied to salve After the fall of communism, the questions with sangfroid. n numerous small publishers of / Ssav / samizdat found their place in the sanguine E open market. adj a healing ointment. / SsaNgwDn / Jason’s grandmother prepared a samphire L mustard oil salve and told him that n marked by eager hopefulness. if he used it, his troubles would be / SsamTfI(E)r / Ever sanguine, Kathy said that she over in three days. F name would one day win the lottery. a fleshy European coastal plant that is sometimes pickled. Daphne ordered the salad of samphire and other greens.

sanguinolent sarsaparilla adj n / saNSgwinFlEnt / / Tsas(E)pESrilE / L Sp of, containing, or tinged with a sweetened carbonated beverage blood. similar to root beer with the Theo’s phlegm became predominant flavor from birch oil sanguinolent for a while from and sassafras. bronchitis. Sylvester’s yen for sarsaparilla is well known to cartoon aficionados. sanitary adj sartorial / SsanETterG / adj L / sBrStPrGEl / for or relating to the preservation of sapphiric L health. adj of or relating to dress or to tailored Conditions at Christ Hospital are / sESfirik / clothes. as sanitary as is humanly possible. Skt > Heb > Gk > L > F > E Sandy, who longed to be a sartorial having the nature of or resembling rebel, sometimes went to class sapiential a sapphire. wearing purple tights under her adj Diane’s bracelet held a series of uniform. / SsCpGTenchEl / sapphiric stones. L sashay characterized by wisdom. saprogenous v The philosopher’s library is filled adj / saSshC / with sapiential books. / sESprBjEnEs / F > E Gk + Gk + Ecf [Note: Could be confused with saponaceous capable of producing decay or chassé. Also, word has homonym: adj putrefaction. sachet] strut in an ostentatious or / TsapESnCshEs / Saprogenous bacteria aid in the conspicuous manner. L decomposition of dead organic Tommy and Suzanne tried to soapy. matter. sashay as the caller instructed, but Talc and soapstone have a they both tripped and fell. saponaceous feel. saprophagous adj Saskatchewan saporous / sESprBfEgEs / adj adj Gk + Gk / sESskachEwEn / / SsapErEs / feeding on decaying matter. Cree > Canad geog name L While hiking, Ted and Paul passed of or from the province of having flavor; especially : the carcass of a squirrel that was Saskatchewan, Canada. agreeable in taste. covered with saprophagous insects. Among the Saskatchewan flora is When Dad returned from work, the saskatoon, a sweet purple Mom treated him to a saporous sardine berry. beef stew. n / TsBrSdGn / saskatoon sapphire Gk? > L > F > E n n any of several small or immature / TsaskEStVn / / SsaTfI(E)r / fishes preserved for food. Canadian geog name Skt > Heb > Gk > L > F > E The only way to entice the a juneberry of the northern and a precious stone of transparent rich frightened cat from under the porch western United States and adjacent blue corundum of great value. was to offer him a sardine. Canada. Sapphire has been highly prized as The purple fruit of the saskatoon is a gemstone since 800 B.C. eaten eagerly by birds.

sassafras sausage n n / Ssas(E)Tfras / / SsOsij / Sp > L L > F > E the dried bark of the root of an highly seasoned chopped or ground aromatic tree used as a diaphoretic, meat that is used either fresh or a flavoring agent, an aromatic satirical cured. stimulant, or as a source of an adj Harry’s favorite pizza is topped aromatic volatile oil used in / sEStirDkEl / with sausage and onions. perfumes. L > F Alba’s family has a recipe for characterized by caustic or ironic savorous medicinal tea that contains comment. adj sassafras. Ned’s cartoons have a sharp, / SsCv(E)rEs / satirical edge. L > F > E satellite pleasurable to the taste : flavorful. n saturate Mabel prepared a savorous / SsaZFlTIt / v Thanksgiving dinner for her family. Etruscan? > L > F / SsachETrCt / a celestial body orbiting another of L savory larger size. infuse thoroughly or cause to be adj Earth has only one natural pervaded. / SsCv(E)rG / satellite—the Moon. The aroma of a turkey roasting in F the oven began to saturate the fragrant. satiety entire house. Guido bought a savory wooden n bowl smelling of rich cedar and / sEStIEZG / saturnine varnish. L > F adj the quality or state of being fed to / SsaZE(r)TnIn / savvy or beyond capacity. L n Nell wondered if her beagle puppy of a moody or surly character : / SsavG / would ever reach satiety. morose, sullen. L > Sp Shirley’s father-in-law is a expertness in a particular field satire saturnine person with a quick based on experience and native n temper. ability. / SsaTtI(E)r / Officer Ramos’s street savvy was a L sauciness great help in apprehending drug a usually topical literary n dealers. composition holding up human or / SsOsGnDs / individual vices, folly, abuses, or L > F + Ecf sayonara shortcomings to censure by means the quality or state of being n of ridicule, derision, burlesque, amusingly or unobjectionably / TsByESnBrE / irony, or other method sometimes forward or impertinent. Jpn with an intent to bring about Emma felt they were friends again, good-bye. improvement. and the conviction gave her at first Charlene found it hard to bid Gulliver’s Travels is a scathing great satisfaction, and then a little Nagano sayonara at the end of the satire of political and religious sauciness. 1998 Winter Olympics. hypocrites. sauerbraten n / SsaU(E)rTbrBtFn / G oven-roasted or pot-roasted beef marinated in a vinegar solution with peppercorns, garlic, onions, and bay leaves before cooking. Phil’s favorite German restaurant features sauerbraten during Oktoberfest.

scabbard scenario n n / SskabE(r)d / / sDSna(a)rGTP / G > AF > E Gk > L a usually leather or metal sheath in scaphoid an outline or synopsis of a play. which the blade of a sword, dagger, adj After the actor read the scenario, bayonet, or other cutting weapon is / SskaTfOid / he decided that he was not right for enclosed when not in use. Gk > L the leading role. The knight began to pull his sword shaped like a boat. from its scabbard, but a look from Terence found a scaphoid scenewright the queen stopped him. depression in the rock. n / SsGnTrIt / scabrous scarce Gk > L + E adj adj a designer and maker of theatrical / SskabrEs / / Sske(E)rs / sets. L L > F > E The scenewright worked closely rough to the touch : having small not plentiful or abundant. with the playwright to create the raised dots, scales, or points. Lettuce became scarce and appropriate backgrounds for each The leaf’s scabrous texture was expensive after the recent flooding. act. caused by insect attacks. scarifier scentless scalene n adj adj / Sska(a)rETfI(E)r / / SsentlDs / / SskCTlGn / Gk > L > F L > F > E + Ecf Gk an implement or machine that tears emitting no odor. having the sides unequal—used of up the surface of a road prior to Gerald prefers scentless soap. a triangle. resurfacing. The boat’s sail formed a scalene Paul operates a scarifier for the scepter triangle. Highway Department. n / SseptE(r) / scalpel scarlatina Gk > L > F > E n n a staff or baton borne by a / SskalpEl / / TskBrlEStGnE / sovereign as a ceremonial emblem L L of authority. a small straight knife with a thin an acute contagious disease marked When Ben played Henry VIII in the keen blade used especially for by fever. school play, his mother made him a dissecting. Diseases such as scarlatina were scepter. In surgery the scalpel is now often once the scourge of childhood. replaced by a laser beam. schadenfreude scarlet n scansion adj / SshBdFnTfrOidE / n / SskBrlDt / G / SskanchEn / Per > L > F enjoyment obtained from the L having the face reddened by mishaps of others. the analysis of a rhythmic structure emotion (as embarrassment, anger) Morgana claimed to be (as a verse) so as to show the : red-faced. sympathetic, but the schadenfreude elements or units of which its Jill turned scarlet with rage when was all too obvious. rhythm is composed. she discovered her sister was There are three major types of wearing her new sweater. English scansion: the graphic, the musical, and the acoustic. scaturient adj / skEStUrGEnt / L gushing forth : effusive, overflowing. The explorers followed the river to its scaturient source.

schefflera sciamachy n n / SsheflErE / schnitzel / sISamEkG / G name > L n Gk any of several shrubby tropical / SshnitsEl / a fighting with a shadow or an plants that are cultivated for their G imaginary enemy. showy foliage. a veal cutlet variously seasoned and Engaging in sciamachy helped the When frost was predicted, Demont garnished. boxer prepare for his next match. covered the schefflera with a The Bavarian restaurant’s menu blanket. included sauerbraten, sausages, sciatica and schnitzel. n scheme / sISaZDkE / v scholarly Gk > L / SskGm / adj pain along the course of a sciatic Gk / SskBlE(r)lG / nerve or its branches and especially accomplish by clever contriving. Gk > L in the leg. Walter resolved to scheme out a characteristic of one who is As Alicia struggled out of bed, she way to get a new bike. devoted to learning : studious. complained of sciatica in her left Nathan’s scholarly habits earned leg. schemer him a spot on the honor roll. n scientific / SskGmE(r) / schottische adj Gk n / TsIEnStifik / one that forms plots or intrigues. / SshBZish / L Joe was a schemer who always had G concerned with or treating of a big plans to get rich. a round dance in duple time branch or department of characterized by gliding and systematized knowledge that is or scherzando hopping steps and similar to but can be made a specific object of adj slower than the polka. study. / skertSsBn(T)dP / After an hour of dancing the Alain’s scientific training landed Gmc > It schottische, Ed and Sarah wearily him a job at Dow Chemical. playful, jesting—used as a headed for the soda machine. direction in music indicating style scintillate and tempo. schuss v The Flight of the Bumblebee was n / SsintFlTCt / played with scherzando lightness. / SshUs / L G gleam or emit quick flashes as if schismatic a straightaway skiing course. throwing off sparks. adj In a tucked position Kira followed Mom’s eyes scintillate whenever / sizSmaZik / the schuss all the way to the she is joyously excited. Gk > L bottom. of, relating to, or characteristic of scintillation division, separation, or discord. schussboomer n The book describes numerous n / TsintFlSCshEn / schismatic movements in church / SshUsTbVmEr / L history. G + imit rapid changes in the brightness of a one who skis usually straight celestial body caused by turbulence downhill at high speed. in Earth’s atmosphere. When the schussboomer lost The stars’ scintillation is less control, he somersaulted and rolled pronounced at higher altitudes. to the foot of the slope.

scialytic adj / TsIESliZik / Gk > L dispersing or dispelling shadows. After a long night of ghost stories, Erma welcomed the scialytic dawn.

sciolistic screenplay adj n / TsIESlistik / scotopia / SskrGnTplC / L n D > F > E + E of or relating to superficial / skEStPpGE / the written form of a story prepared knowledge or to one whose Gk + Gk > L for motion-picture production knowledge is superficial. vision in dim light with dark- including description of characters, The students’ sciolistic adapted eyes believed to be details of scenes and settings, conversation amused Professor mediated by the rods of the retina. dialogue, and stage directions. Pickett. Astronomers rely on scotopia to The director, with screenplay in resolve detail in images. hand, was ready for the day’s sclerosis filming. n scoundrel / sklDSrPsDs / n scrimmage Gk / SskaUndrEl / n pathological hardening of tissue unknown / Sskrimij / produced by overgrowth of fibrous a bold selfish person who has very Gmc > E tissue and other changes or by low ethical standards. practice play between a team’s increase in interstitial tissue. The treasurer of the company was various squads. Sclerosis is often a consequence of fired when he was found out to be Today’s exciting scrimmage is a old age. an opportunistic scoundrel. good indication that both squads are ready for the upcoming season. scofflaw scourge n n scrimshaw / SskBfTlO / / SskErj / n E + E L > F > E / SskrimTshO / a contemptuous lawbreaker; a social evil. unknown especially : one who ignores Much of the city’s crime is any of various carved or engraved parking tickets. attributed to the scourge of useful or decorative articles The scofflaw tore up his ticket in recurrent unemployment. sometimes colored by brushing ink front of the police officer and was into the engraved lines and made subsequently fined $500. scramble especially by American whalemen v from whalebone or whale ivory. sconce / SskrambEl / The whaling museum has a large n D? collection of scrimshaw. / SskBn(t)s / prepare (eggs) by stirring during L > F > E frying. script an ornamental electric light fixture After she burned the meatloaf, n for a wall that resembles a bracket Arlene decided to scramble some / Sskript / candlestick or group of eggs for dinner. L candlesticks. something written : text. Tamara bought an elaborate scrawny By the end of vacation, Mary had sconce for her hallway. adj the entire script of the play / SskrOnG / memorized. scopate unknown adj marked by an appearance of scriptural / SskPTpCt / undernourishment : skinny and adj L + E bony. / SskripchErEl / resembling a brush. The scrawny kitten mewed L > E + Ecf Some cacti have scopate flowers. plaintively in the tree. of, relating to, contained in, or according to a sacred writing. Ivan spent five years translating the scriptural material.

scrivener scurvy n n / Sskriv(E)nE(r) / sculpin / SskErvG / L > F n Scan > E a professional or public copyist or / SskElpDn / a disease characterized by spongy writer. unknown gums, loosening of the teeth, and a The critic dismissed the writer’s any of a family of spiny large- tendency to bleed into the skin and novel as the uninspired work of a headed broad-mouthed often mucous membranes and caused by scrivener. scaleless bony fishes. a dietary deficiency of ascorbic A small sculpin was Van’s only acid. scroll catch on the expensive charter-boat Scurvy is easily preventable by n outing. eating fruits and vegetables rich in / SskrPl / vitamin C. Gmc > F > E sculptor a long strip used as the body of a n scutellate written document and often having / SskElptE(r) / adj a rod or rods for convenience in L / sk(y)VStelDt / rolling and storing. one that carves, engraves, molds, L The writing on the magician’s welds, or constructs (materials) into rather flat with a distinct rim and a scroll erased itself after the spell a primarily three-dimensional work rounded to oval outline. was read aloud. of art. Beryl opened the packet and Pablo Picasso was equally examined the scutellate seeds. scrumptious influential as a painter, a sculptor, adj and a draftsman. searchlight / SskrEm(p)shEs / n L scuppernong / SsErchTlIt / delightful, excellent. n L > F > E + E The bakery down the street makes a / SskEpE(r)TnON / an apparatus for projecting a scrumptious almond coffee cake. geog name powerful beam of light of any of various cultivated approximately parallel rays usually scruples muscadine grape varieties which devised so that it can be swiveled n pl have yellowish-green fruit about. / SskrVpElz / suggesting a plum in flavor. The festival hired a searchlight to L Molly picked and ate a sweep the sky and advertise its mental reservations : qualms. scuppernong from her presence. Emma recommended the minced grandmother’s grape arbor. chicken and scalloped oysters with sebaceous an urgency she knew would be scurrilous adj acceptable to the civil scruples of adj / sDSbCshEs / her guests. / SskErElEs / L L relating to, composed of, or scrupulously containing low obscenities or secreting fatty matter. adv coarse abuse. Oily skin is usually the result of / SskrVpyElEslG / The farmers hurled scurrilous overactive sebaceous glands. L accusations across the barbed-wire conscientiously, painstakingly. fence. Katie washes her hands so scrupulously that her friends wonder if she has a psychological disorder.

secede seguidilla v n / sDSsGd / / TsCgGSdG(y)E / L L > Sp withdraw from a federation. a Spanish dance with many About ten more deputies have opted regional variations or the music for to secede from the governing Seder this dance performed with guitar majority. n and castanets. / SsCdE(r) / In the second act of the opera, the secernment Heb Spanish gypsy performs a n [has homonym: satyr] a Jewish seguidilla. / sDSsErnmEnt / home or community service and L ceremonial dinner held on the first seiche [Note: Could be confused with evening of the Passover. n secernent.] the act or process of Jim had never been to a Seder / SsCsh / distinguishing or discriminating in before he met Julia. F thought. an oscillation of the surface of a The thesaurus proved enlightening sediment lake or landlocked sea. in its secernment of the subtle n A seiche can be almost as powerful differences between synonyms. / SsedEmEnt / as a tidal wave. L secession material deposited (as by water, seine n wind, or glaciers). v / sDSseshEn / The layers of sediment were evident / SsCn / L in the shades of color on the rocky E formal withdrawal from an hillside. [has homonym: sane] fish with or organization (as a religious catch fish with a net that hangs communion or political party or sedition vertically in the water. federation). n David and Joel like to seine for The history teacher explained that / sDSdishEn / perch. the South’s secession from the L > F > E United States was not solely an an insurrection against constituted seismism issue regarding slavery. authority. n Because Paul openly advocated the / SsIzTmizEm / sedentary overthrow of the government, he Gk adj was charged with sedition. earthquake phenomena. / SsedFnTterG / Ralph gave a report about L seedling seismism in Chinese folklore. characterized by or requiring sitting n or slight activity. / SsGdliN / seizure Isabelle’s sedentary job provided E + Ecf n little opportunity for exercise. a nursery plant (usually a tree) that / SsGzhE(r) / has not been transplanted. E Karen bought a maple seedling at a sudden attack (as of a disease or the tree farm. sickness). A seizure of hay fever ruined the segue picnic for Tom. v / SsC(T)gwC / L > It make a transition from one activity, topic, scene, or part to another as or as if part of a natural progression. Senator Ward used an anecdote to segue to a new topic in his speech.

selenian sententious adj adj / sDSlGnGEn / / senStenchEs / Gk L of, relating to, or designating the terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in Moon. expression : pithy. Jim’s story tells the tale of an The sitcom’s drop in popularity explorer going off to create a was attributed to its growing selenian colony. tendency toward sententious sermonizing. selenologist semolina n n sentinel / TselESnBlEjDst / / TsemESlGnE / n Gk L > It / Ssent(F)nEl / an astronomer who specializes in the purified middlings of durum or L > It > F the study of the Moon. other hard wheat used for macaroni one that watches or guards. The selenologist gave a description and other alimentary pastes. The sentinel peered into the of the chief craters of the The best pasta is made from distance through tiny binoculars. moonscape. semolina. sentry semanteme senary n n adj / SsentrG / / sDSmanTtGm / / SsGnErG / E Gk > F L [has near homonym: century] a a word or a base that expresses a [has homonym: scenery] of, based soldier standing guard. definite image or idea— upon, or characterized by six : The sentry reported a suspicious distinguished from morpheme. compounded of six things : vehicle parked down the street from The verb run is an example of a consisting of six parts. the barracks. semanteme. Jethro experimented with music using a senary scale. sepia semester n n senescent / SsGpGE / / sDSmestE(r) / adj Gk > L L / sDSnesFnt / a pigment of rich brown color either of the two periods of L containing melanin, prepared from instruction commonly 18 weeks in growing old. the ink of various cuttlefishes, and length into which an academic year The town's senescent infrastructure used in watercolor painting and in is usually divided. struggled under the burden of a ink. Yolanda was delighted that her growth spurt. Black-and-white photographs can grades for the first semester were be stained with sepia to give them all A’s. seneschal an old-fashioned look. n seminary / SsenDshEl / septennial n Gmc > F > E adj / SsemETnerG / a bailiff, steward, or majordomo of / sepStenGEl / L a great medieval lord. L an institution for the training of The seneschal pounded his staff on continuing or lasting for seven candidates for the priesthood, the floor three times and years. ministry, or rabbinate. announced the king’s visitors. Since legislation in 1716 the British The pulpit committee’s first choice government has had septennial is a young person who has just sensory parliaments; previously they were completed seminary. adj triennial. / Ssen(t)s(E)rG / L + E of or relating to the senses. In some insects the sensory organs of taste, touch, smell, and hearing are located in the antennae.

septentrional serictery adj n / sepStentrGEnFl / sequester / sDSriktErG / L v Gk > L northern. / sDSkwestE(r) / the silk-producing gland of a The septentrional seaports of L > F > E caterpillar or other insect larva. Russia are frozen in the winter. hide from public view : seclude. As it spins its cocoon, the silkworm The judge wanted to sequester the caterpillar secretes a gummy septuagenarian jury to keep them from hearing substance from each serictery. n news reports that might sway their / TsepTt(y)VEjESnerGEn / opinions. sermonize L v a person who is 70 or more but seraphic / SsErmETnIz / fewer than 80 years old. adj F > E Aunt Daisy is proud of the fact that / sDSrafik / address at length in a didactic and she has lived to be a Heb > L solemn manner. septuagenarian. of, relating to, or befitting an angel Everyone is hoping that Dad won’t of the highest order especially in find something to sermonize about sepulchral beauty or ecstatic adoration. when he chaperones the school adj The choir’s hymn of praise sounded dance. / sDSpElkrEl / sublimely seraphic. L serotinal having a funereal quality. serenade adj Dusk and a vase of gardenias gave v / sDSrBtFnEl / the parlor a sepulchral air. / TserESnCd / L + Ecf L > It > F of or relating to the latter and sequaciousness play or sing music in honor of. usually drier part of summer. n The football team plans to serenade Many small ponds dry up during / sDSkwCshEsnes / its coach during the pep rally. the serotinal season. L > E the quality or state of being serendipitous serrated imitative or obsequious. adj adj Cal’s sequaciousness failed to win / TserDnSdipEZEs / / SseTrCZDd / him a promotion. Ar geog name + Ecf L obtained or characterized by notched or toothed on the edge. sequel unexpected but fortunate discovery. Under the microscope, dust mites n Mickey’s serendipitous discovery of appear to be hairy monsters with / SsGkwEl / five quarters and two dimes on the serrated claws. L sidewalk made his day. continuation; especially : a literary serried work continuing the course of a seriatim adj narrative begun in a preceding one. adv / SserGd / The film was so popular that the / TsirGSCZDm / F producer asked the screenwriter for L crowded or pressed together. a sequel. in sequence. The serried tenements of the big Although the classes meet seriatim, city soon gave way to rolling hills. sequela each day of the week starts with a n different class in the series. / sDSkwelE / L sericeous an aftereffect of disease or injury. adj Peeling of the skin is a common / sDSrishEs / sequela of sunburn. Gk > L having a fuzzy surface; specifically : covered with soft, silky hairs. The plant’s sericeous leaves felt almost like velvet. serviceable shale adj n / SsErvDsEbEl / shackle / SshCl / L > F v E suited for a purpose. / SshakEl / a fissile rock that is formed by the Filene lamented that the poncho’s E consolidation of clay, mud, or silt. design, though serviceable, is not [has homonym: shackel] confine The petroleum refinery also very fashionable. the limbs of so as to prevent free markets by-products of shale. motion. servile The prisoner of war told the United shallot adj Nations delegation that his guards n / SsErvEl / had threatened to shackle him 24 / shESlBt / L hours a day. L > F [has homonym: serval] of, relating a perennial herb that resembles an to, or appropriate to slaves. shaddock onion and is used in cooking. Oscar was thankful to be be freed n Ted didn’t have time to go to the from his servile status. / SshadEk / store again, so he substituted a E name white onion for a shallot in the sesquicentennial a very large thick-rinded typically recipe. n pear-shaped citrus fruit. / TseskwDsenStenGEl / The shaddock resembles the shanghai L grapefruit but is larger, coarser, v a 150th anniversary. and drier. / SshaNThI / The state issued special license Chinese geog name plates to commemorate its shadiness to put by trickery into an sesquicentennial. n undesirable position. / SshCdGnDs / Winona won't allow the sesquipedalian E + Ecff condominium board to shanghai adj the quality or state of comparative her into serving as its president. / TseskwDpDSdClyEn / darkness. L On a hot day, the cool shadiness of sheepshearer given to or characterized by the use a tree is very welcome. n of long words. / SshGpTshirE(r) / Norbert dozed off halfway through shagreen E + E the principal’s sesquipedalian n a person that cuts the wool from speech. / SshaTgrGn / sheep by hand or machine. F > E At the county fair, the sheepshearer sewage an untanned leather covered with always draws the largest crowd. n small round granulations and dyed / SsVij / a bright color. shekel L > F > E Chloe bought the bride and groom n waste matter that is carried away by leather placemats made of / SshekEl / a drain. shagreen. Hebrew The smell of sewage permeated the a Hebrew unit of weight equal to dilapidated building. shako about 252 grains troy. n In the Talmudist system, a shekel is / Ssha(T)kP / 1/60 of a mina. G > Hung > F a stiff military headdress with a metal plate in front, a high crown, and a plume. Each member of the band wore a plumed shako in parades. shenanigans shipwreck shuddering n pl n v / shDSnanDgEnz / / SshiTprek / / SshEd(E)riN / unknown E + Scand > F > E E high-spirited, daring, or a large ruined or stranded seagoing shaking with fear, aversion, horror, mischievous acts : pranks. boat or its parts. or cold. On the first day of school Mrs. The shipwreck was mottled with Joan woke shuddering from a Gibson warned the class that she barnacles. nightmare. would not put up with any shenanigans in her classroom. shivering sibilant v adj shepherdess / Sshiv(E)riN / / SsibElEnt / n E L imit / SshepE(r)dDs / trembling due to cold, fear, or having, containing, or producing E physical pressure. the sound of or a sound resembling a woman or girl who tends sheep. Norma was shivering because she that of the s or the sh in sash. Alma painted a watercolor of a did not dress in warm clothing. “She sells sea shells. . . .” is a shepherdess and three lambs. sibilant tongue twister. shoal sheriff n siccative n / SshPl / adj / SsherDf / E / SsikEZiv / E [Note: The definition provided is L a county officer who is usually not the one most commonly causing to dry : promoting the elected by the people of the county associated with this word. In action of drying. and has the duty of preserving the addition, word has homonym: Zinc oxide is often used as a peace. shole.] a great number thronged siccative agent for skin rashes. The office of sheriff is a holdover together or considered as a group. from medieval English law. The spelling bee champion received sicklocyte a shoal of congratulatory letters in n shibboleth the month following her win. / Ssik(E)lETsIt / n E + Gk / SshibElDth / shrapnel an abnormal red blood cell of Heb n crescent shape. a custom or usage regarded as a / SshrapnEl / The patient with sickle-cell anemia criterion for distinguishing E name wanted to see a sicklocyte under members of one group (as a social bomb, mine, or shell fragments. the microscope. class) from those of another. The surgeon found and removed all Table manners are sometimes used of the shrapnel in the soldier’s leg, sidereal as a shibboleth of class distinction. ensuring a swift recovery. adj / sISdirGEl / shillibeer shrewdness L n n [has near homonym: sideral] of or / SshilETbi(E)r / / SshrVdnDs / relating to stars or constellations. E name E Time-lapse photography was used a horse-drawn hearse with seats for the quality or state of being by the observatory to detect mourners. discerning or astute. sidereal motion. The museum has acquired an Shrewdness is Janet’s strong suit. ornate Victorian shillibeer. shriek shindig n n / SshrGk / / SshinTdig / E E a shrill, usually wild or involuntary a jovial social affair that includes cry. dancing. Nancy let out a shriek when her Max hosted the shindig at the hotel. little brother dropped an ice cube down the back of her dress. siege silica simile n n n / SsGj / / SsilDkE / / SsimE(T)lG / L > F > E L L the operations of an army around a the chemically resistant dioxide of a figure of speech comparing two fortified place for the purpose of a nonmetallic element that occurs essentially unlike things and often compelling its surrender by assault in combined form as the most introduced by like or as. or blockade. abundant element next to oxygen in Kermit has a pet chicken and The defenders were confident they Earth’s crust. knows firsthand what the simile “as could outlast the siege, since the Nora learned from her research scarce as hens’ teeth” means. castle had an underground source that silica is used for making glass of fresh water. and ceramic products and is found simnel naturally in quartz and sand. n siffilate / SsimnEl / v siliciferous Semitic? > L > F > E / SsifETlCt / adj a rich fruit cake sometimes covered L > F / TsilESsif(E)rEs / with almond paste. whisper. L Auntie Grace always serves simnel The diners began to siffilate when producing, containing, or united during the December holidays. the celebrity entered the restaurant. with silica. When geologists analyzed the simpatico sightseer siliciferous rock, they found quartz adj n and chlorite veins. / simSpBZDTkP / / SsItTsGE(r) / L > It E silicon possessing attractive qualities : one that visits places of interest. n appealing, likable. The unusual sightseer asked / SsilDkEn / The hero of the novel is a whether anyone had noticed any L thoroughly simpatico character. interesting manhole covers or drain [Note: Could be confused with grates in the area. silicone.] a nonmetallic element simulacrum that occurs abundantly in combined n silentiary form and is used chiefly in the form / TsimyESlCkrEm / n of alloys. L / sISlenchGTerG / The scientist was striving to devise a representation of something : L a new method for purifying silicon image, effigy. one appointed to keep silence and for use in fabricating microchips. A simulacrum of Elvis stood at the order (as in a court of law or a entrance to the wax museum. public assembly). sillar One stern glance from the n simulcast silentiary was all it took to stop / sGlSyBr / v Karsten’s insipid murmuring. L > Sp / SsImElTkast / [has somewhat near homonym: L + ON > E silhouette sillier] building material consisting broadcast by radio and television n of large blocks cut from a natural simultaneously. / TsilESwet / deposit. Years ago, radio and television F name The hikers came upon a low stations would sometimes simulcast a representation of the outlines of structure made of sillar and nearly operatic performances to provide an object filled in with black or covered in vines. listeners with quality stereophonic some other uniform color. sound. Mrs. Baldwin has a framed sillographer silhouette of each of her children n on the wall of her foyer. / sDSlBgrEfE(r) / Gk a writer of satires. The marble bust of the ancient sillographer crashed to the library floor. simultaneously sinuosity skeleton adv n n / TsImElStCnGEslG / / TsinyESwBsEZG / / SskelEtFn / L L Gk at the same time : concurrently. the quality or state of bending in the bones of a human being or Jason, who often types and talks and out. other vertebrate. simultaneously, calls himself a The sinuosity of the mountain road Dr. Symonds has a real human “master of multitasking.” taxed Ken’s driving skills. skeleton in his office. sinciput sinusitis skewer sinecure n n n / TsInESsIZDs / / SskyVE(r) / / SsinDTkyU(E)r / L unknown L inflammation of any of the several [has near homonym: skua] a pin of an office or position that requires cavities in the skull. wood or metal for fastening meat to little or no work and that usually The allergist explained that Alice’s keep in form while roasting or to provides an income. headaches and sneezing are due to hold small pieces of meat and The mayor made the grave mistake sinusitis. vegetables for broiling. of handing out a sinecure to a Maggie put pieces of steak and friend. Sioux vegetables on the skewer. adj sinew / SsV / skillet n Dakota n / Ssi(T)nyV / [has homonyms: sault, sou, sue] of / SskilDt / E or relating to the Dakota people or E tendon; especially : one dressed for their language. frying pan. use as a cord or thread. Following a speech in Sioux A quality deep skillet has many Ephraim wore a jade pendant in language, the dancers began the uses in the kitchen. the shape of a bear on a sinew Sun Dance. around his neck. skimeister sirloin n singular n / SskGTmIstE(r) / adj / SsErTlOin / G + L > G / SsiNgyElE(r) / L > F > E [Note: Caution should be taken not L a cut of meat and especially of beef to confuse second part of this extraordinary, exceptional. taken from the hindquarters. compound word with master.] a The singular quality of Sean’s The butcher cut the sirloin into professional skier or skiing voice was the envy of all the other steaks for his customers. instructor. choir members. Diantha pretended to be a poor sitology skier just to get close to the singularize n handsome skimeister. v / sIStBlEjG / / SsiNgyElETrIz / Gk skimpiness L + Ecf [Word has homonym: cytology. In n distinguish. addition, an alternate pronunciation / SskimpGnDs / By practicing every day, Ben has near homonym: cetology.] the Scand? > E? + Ecff believed he could singularize science of nutrition and dietetics. the quality or state of being himself in the school orchestra. Deirdre plans to major in sitology deficient in supply or execution. and write cookbooks for The skimpiness of Eunice’s budget sinistral vegetarians. did not allow for many luxuries. adj / SsinDstrEl / skedaddle L v of or relating to the left. / skDSdadFl / The sorcerer’s mask was ripped unknown away, revealing terrible scars on run away : leave hastily. the sinistral side of his face. A sudden shower caused Karen to skedaddle from the bazaar.