Consolidated Word List Words Appearing Frequently

The Spelling Champ Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently

TheSpellingChamp.com Website by Cole Shafer-Ray TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently aardwolf abdomen abiogenist n n / SBrdTwUlf / / SabdETmEn / abjuration Afrikaans L > F a striped hyenalike mammal of region of an insect’s body. ablution southern and eastern Africa that The three main body parts of an n feeds chiefly on carrion and insects. insect are the head, the thorax, and / ESblVshEn / Termites are the favorite food of the abdomen. L the aardwolf. the washing of one’s body or part abdominal of it as a religious rite. abacus A common example of ablution in n abecedarium Judaism is washing the hands / SabDkEs / before a meal that includes bread. Gk > L abecedarius a calculating instrument for n abolition performing arithmetical processes / TCbG(T)sGSda(a)rGEs / by sliding counters by hand on rods L abominable or in grooves. a poem in which the lines or adj The grocer used an abacus instead stanzas begin with the letters of the / ESbBm(E)nEbEl / of a modern cash register. alphabet in regular order. L > F > E Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a famous worthy of or causing loathing or abalienation abecedarius. hatred. Charlie’s abominable pretense of abalone aberrant being attracted to Jane was the n result of a dare by his friends. / TabESlPnG / aberration Sp n aborigine a gastropod mollusk that clings to / TabESrCshEn / n rocks tenaciously with a broad L / TabESrijE(T)nG / muscular foot. deviation from the natural state or L At the beach, Marta made a from a normal type. [Note: Could be confused with necklace from the shell of an Jane’s outburst at the meeting was aborigen.] one of the native people abalone. a shocking behavior aberration, for especially as contrasted with an her manner is usually so reserved. invading or colonizing people. abandonment Cathy Freeman, an Australian abeyance aborigine, carried the flame into abattoir n the Olympic stadium. n / ESbCEn(t)s / / SabDTtwBr / L > F + Ecf abracadabra F [has homonym: obeyance] n slaughterhouse. cessation or suspension (as of a / TabrEkESdabrE / At the end of the day the battlefield customary practice). L at Hastings looked like an abattoir. Use of the swimming pool was put confused or unintelligible language in abeyance until a new lifeguard : nonsense. abbot could be hired. Despite the abracadabra in the poem “Jabberwocky,” its message abbreviate abhor is rather clear. abbreviation abhorrence abrasion n abdicate abidance / ESbrCzhEn / v n L / SabdETkCt / / ESbIdFn(t)s / wearing, grinding, or rubbing away L E by friction. relinquish formally, renounce. compliance. Moving glaciers caused abrasion The crown prince will abdicate his Abidance with the golden rule on Earth’s surface. throne so that his brother may rule. helps one have a happy life. abrasive ability

Page 1 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently abrogated abstinence academic adj abruptly abstractive / TakESdemik / adv Gk > L > F / ESbrEp(t)lG / abstruse relating to a school, especially an L adj institution of higher education. in a manner that produces the effect / EbzStrVs / Claudia postponed her academic of a sudden ending. L pursuits after learning of her George’s mom stopped abruptly at [has obsolete variant with similar father’s serious illness. the door of his room when she saw pronunciation: obstruse] difficult his pet python on the floor. to comprehend or understand. acarology Mr. Thompson’s abstruse abscess calculations covered the accede blackboard. abscissa accelerate n absurdity v / abSsisE / / ikSselETrCt / L abundance L the horizontal coordinate of a point add to the speed of or quicken the in a plane Cartesian coordinate abysmal motion of. system obtained by measuring adj To qualify for the finals, the jogger parallel to the x-axis. / ESbizmEl / had to accelerate his pace. Bill was asked to mark the point on Gk > L > E the graph at which the abscissa is 4 having the characteristics of an accelerator and the ordinate is 7. abyss : bottomless. Ahmet jumped his motorcycle over accentuator abscond the abysmal gorge. acceptance abscondence abysmally accessible abseil acacia adj n n / ikSsesEbEl / / SBpTzIl / / ESkCshE / L G Gk > L capable of being reached or easily descent in mountaineering by any plant of the genus of woody approached. means of a rope looped over a plants of warm regions having Wilbur made sure his restaurant projection above. pinnate leaves and white or yellow was accessible to those in In her wilderness survival class, flower clusters. wheelchairs. Elisa learned how to perform an Giraffes have specialized teeth that abseil without losing control. help them comb leaves from the accession spiny branches of the acacia. n absence / ikSseshEn / academia L > F abstemious n the act of attaining or coming to adj / TakESdGmyE / high office or a position of honor or / abzStGmGEs / Gk > L power. L life and interests associated with a The best seller chronicled the sparing in eating and drinking. school especially of higher accession of the new prince. Evelyn is abstemious by nature and learning. never orders dessert. Robert prefers academia to the accessorial business world. abstention accidental n / EbzStenchEn / L withholding of a vote. Helga resented her senator’s abstention on the crime bill.

Page 2 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently accipiter accordionist acescent n adj / akSsipEZE(r) / accreditation / ESsesFnt / L L any hawk of the genus Accipiter (as accrescent turning sour or tending to turn sour. the Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned adj Natalie spit out the acescent milk. hawk, goshawk). / ESkresFnt / Calvin spotted an accipiter darting L acetate among the trees. growing continuously; specifically : growing larger after flowering. acetylene acclimatization After its flower had fallen away, the n n plant’s accrescent calyx became / ESseZFlDn / / ETklImEZDSzCshEn / noticeably larger. L + Gk + Gk L > F + Ecff a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon the process of adapting to a new accrual that is explosive when compressed temperature, altitude, environment, but safe if diluted with nitrogen or or situation. accrue acetone. The wild fern’s acclimatization to The welder ran out of acetylene Mrs. Bennett’s rock garden amazed accrued while cutting through the ship’s her. v hull. / ESkrVd / acclivity L > F > E achondrite n came by way of increase or n / ESklivEZG / addition. / CSkBnTdrIt / L Helen argued that many Gk an ascending slope (as of a hill). advantages have accrued to society a stony meteorite devoid of the The biker hoped that a downhill from the freedom of the press. granular structures known as stretch would soon follow what chondrules. seemed to be an endless acclivity. accumulate The claim that the achondrite v originated from the moon was accolade / ESkyVmyETlCt / based on compositional matches of n L lunar rocks obtained by the Apollo / SakETlCd / heap up in a mass : pile up. missions. L > F The weather forecaster said that as a bestowal of praise. much as two feet of snow might achromatism Martin received one accolade after accumulate overnight. another at the awards banquet. acicular accurate adj accommodable adj / ESsikyElEr / / SakyErDt / L + Ecf accommodate L like a needle in shape : slender and v correct, exact, precise. pointed. / ESkBmETdCt / The detective prided himself on Under the microscope, the crystals L making accurate reports of crime appear as single acicular provide with lodgings. scenes. structures. Leah begged the hotel clerk to accommodate her for just one more accusatory acknowledge night. acerbity acknowledging accomplice n n / ESsErbEZG / acme / ESkBmplDs / L n L > F > E acidity of temper or tone : / SakmG / one that participates with another in astringency or sharpness of Gk a crime either as principal or manner. the highest point or stage (as of accessory. Rosemary remarked with acerbity growth or development). The juvenile was convicted as an that her son’s chores hadn’t been Many of her fans think Barbra accomplice in the robbery. done in days. Streisand is at the acme of the music profession.

Page 3 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently acolyte acre acrostic n n n / SakETlIt / / SCkE(r) / / ESkrOstik / Gk > L > F > E E Gk one who attends or assists : any of various units of land area. a composition usually in verse in follower. Miriam had to cross a 10-acre field which one or more sets of letters Not one acolyte remained after the to get to her favorite swimming when taken in order form a word, a cult leader’s fall from grace. hole. connected group of words, or the regular sequence of the letters of acorn acrid the alphabet. adj Mrs. Taylor was not at all pleased acoustician / SakrDd / with the acrostic her students made L using her name. acoustics unpleasantly sharp or strong to the n pl taste or to the smell. acrylic / ESkVstiks / The acrid sulfur fumes made Gk Gustavo’s eyes water. actinic the aggregate of qualities (as adj absence of echo or reverberation) acrimonious / akStinik / of an enclosure (as an auditorium) adj Gk > L + Ecf or other area that affects / TakrESmPnGEs / having photochemical properties or production, control, transmission, L > F effects. reception, and perception of sound. caustic, biting, or rancorous, The stars emit actinic rays as well As a result of the renovation, the especially in feeling, language, or as light and heat. acoustics of the concert hall have manner : bitter. improved dramatically. It was obvious that Marjorie’s actuary comments were acrimonious and n acquaintance complaining. / SakchETwerG / n L / ESkwCntFn(t)s / acrobat one trained in mathematics and F > E n statistics whose business it is to familiarity, experience. / SakrETbat / calculate insurance and annuity Ruth developed an acquaintance Gk > F premiums, reserves, and dividends. with Tibetan musical tradition. one who performs gymnastic feats An actuary uses such factors as age or exercises. and health status to determine a acquiesce Paul is developing the skills of a person’s life insurance premiums. first-rate acrobat. acquiescence acuate acronym adj acquittal n / SakyETwCt / n / SakrETnim / L / ESkwiZFl / Gk + Gk having a sharp point : shaped like a L + L > F a word formed from the initial needle : sharpened. [Note: The definition provided is letter or letters of each of the Cobb’s beagle was distinctive not the one most commonly successive parts or major parts of a because of its acuate tail. associated with this word.] release compound term. or discharge from debt or other The word radar is an acronym of aculeate liability. radio detection and ranging. adj Mr. Churchill was deeply involved / ESkyVlGDt / in the game and was too much acropolis L indebted to it for his acquittal. marked by incisiveness : stinging, pointed. No actor was spared in the reviewer’s aculeate criticisms.

Page 4 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently acumen adenoidal adjunct n adj n / ESkyVmDn / / TadFnSOidFl / / SaTjEN(k)t / L Gk L acuteness of mind : keenness of typical or suggestive of one something joined or added to perception, discernment, or affected with abnormally enlarged another thing but not essentially a discrimination : shrewdness glands in the back of the throat. part of it. especially in practical matters. The critics panned the tenor, whose Exercise is an adjunct to a long Della’s business acumen helped voice was terribly adenoidal and and healthy life. her amass a fortune of over $50 breathy. million. adjuvant adequate acuminate admeasure adj adequation / ESkyVmEnDt / adminicle L adhere n tapering to a slender point : / adSminDkEl / pointed. adherence L Steve found one of his parakeet’s support, auxiliary. acuminate tail feathers on the floor. adherent Shelly enjoyed serving as an n adminicle of the local Girl Scout acupuncture / TadShirEnt / troop. L adactylous a believer in or advocate of a admiral particular thing, idea, or religion. n adage Julia has been an adherent of / Sadm(E)rEl / Buddhism since 1985. Ar > L adagio a naval officer of high rank. n adhesional Petty Officer Pritchard saluted the / ESdB(T)jP / admiral and continued to her post. (L + L > OProv) > It adiaphorism [Note: The definition provided is admire not the one most commonly adipose associated with this word.] a series admonitory of sustained and perfectly adjacency controlled dance movements adolescence displaying balance and grace. adjacent The wicked fairy performed a adj Adonis perfect adagio just before Sleeping / ESjCsFnt / n Beauty appeared. L / ESdBnDs / living nearby or sitting or standing Gk name adamantine relatively near or close together. an exceptionally handsome young adj Citizens of Centerville and its man. / TadESmanTtIn / adjacent communities banded Nearly all the eighth-grade girls Gk > L > E together to form a volunteer fire think that Leonardo is an Adonis. rigidly firm : unyielding. department. Debra’s adamantine chain of logic adsmith bedazzled her philosophy adjourn professor. adumbrate adjudicate v addlepated / SadEmTbrCt / L give a sketchy representation of : outline broadly, omitting details. There was time to only adumbrate the escape plan.

advantageous

Page 5 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently adverb Aeschylean affiliate adj v adversary / TeskESlGEn / / ESfilGTCt / Gk name L adverse of, relating to, or suggestive of the attach as a member or branch : Greek tragic poet Aeschylus. bring or receive into close advisory The Aeschylean chorus plays an connection. n important role in the plot of the The university assists in trying to / EdSvIz(E)rG / tragedy. affiliate local high schools. L > F a report giving information (as one affability affiliation issued by a weather bureau on the n n progress of a hurricane). / TafESbilEZG / / ETfilGSCshEn / The weather advisory warned small L L craft that winds would be in excess sociability. the state or relation of being of 34 knots today. Miss Smith was delighted with the attached as a member or branch. affability with which Miss Professor Bruner retired after a advocaat Woodhouse had treated her all the 30-year affiliation with Harvard evening. University. advocate n affable affinity / SadvETkDt / n L affectionate / ESfinEZG / one that argues for, defends, adj L maintains, or recommends a cause / ESfeksh(E)nDt / sympathy especially as marked by or proposal. L community of interest. Isabella was sure nobody ought to having warm regard : loving, fond. Marie felt an affinity with the new be, or could be, a greater advocate Tipper is the most affectionate chess prodigy, remembering how for matrimony than she. collie Susan had ever owned. she had followed Bobby Fischer’s early career many years before. aerial affianced v affirmative aerodynamic / ESfIEn(t)st / adj L > F > E afflatus / Ta(E)rP(T)dISnamik / solemnly promised (oneself or n Gk another) in marriage : betrothed. / ESflCZEs / of or relating to the science that The ruler of Austria affianced his L treats of the motion of air and other daughter to the king of France. a divine imparting of knowledge or gaseous fluids. power : inspiration. The aerodynamic design of race affidavit Most art students are familiar with cars helps them achieve great n Michelangelo’s painting on the speeds. / TafESdCvDt / ceiling of the Sistine Chapel L depicting the afflatus from God to aeronautics a sworn statement in writing made Adam. especially under oath or before an aerosol authorized officer. affluence n The police asked Heather to / Sa(E)rETsOl / prepare an affidavit regarding aforementioned Gk + L what she saw when she surprised a a suspension of ultramicroscopic burglar in her house. afterwale solid or liquid particles in air or gas. Volcanic eruptions propel hydrogen sulfide into the stratosphere, where it reacts with oxygen to form an aerosol that can persist for more than a year.

Page 6 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently agape aggravate agreeable n v adj / BSgBTpC / / SagrDTvCt / / ESgrGEbEl / Gk L L > F spontaneous self-giving love make worse, more serious, or more pleasing to the mind or senses : to expressed freely without severe. one’s liking : pleasant. calculation of cost or gain to the Shane worried that a game of one- The famous ballplayer proved to be giver or merit on the part of the on-one would aggravate his ankle the most likable and agreeable man receiver. injury. that Billy had ever met. The question “What’s in it for me?” is unheard of in agape. aggregate agriology n agate / SagrDgDt / agronomy adj L n / SagDt / a body of units or parts somewhat / ESgrBnEmG / Gk > L > F loosely associated with one L + Gk of or resembling a fine-grained another. the branch of agriculture that deals chalcedony frequently mixed with The protesters straggled toward the with field crop production and soil opal and having various colors muddy park in a dispirited management. arranged in stripes or bands; aggregate as the organizers set up Vince earned a degree in agronomy especially : of the color of agate. tents and microphones. at the state university’s school of Rachel’s brown agate eyes are agriculture. extremely unusual and beautiful. aghast aikido agelicism agiotage ailanthus agenda agitated n adj / CSlan(t)thEs / agglomerate / SajETtCZDd / Amboinese n L a tree of a small genus of East / ESglBmErDt / troubled in mind : disturbed, Indian and Chinese trees with L excited. greenish flowers. [Note: Could be confused with The crowd became agitated when The ailanthus is fast growing and agglomerant.] a confused or the candidate failed to appear. its shallow, wide-spreading root jumbled mass, heap, or collection. system effectively anchors the soil. Helen’s favorite jeans are agnostic somewhere in the agglomerate of n aileron clothing on her bedroom floor. / agSnBstik / n Gk / SClETrBn / agglomeration one who maintains a continuing L > F doubt about the existence or a movable portion of an airplane agglutinate knowability of a god or any wing or a movable airfoil external ultimates. to the wing for imparting a rolling aggrandizement Raymond and Olive have been motion and thus providing lateral n happily married for ten years, even control. / ESgrandEzmEnt / though she is an agnostic and he An aileron is usually situated at the L > F never misses Sunday morning trailing edge of an airplane's wing the act, action, or result of making mass. near the wing tip. great or greater (as in power, honor, or wealth). agoraphobia airborne Because she was a commoner, Ruth was accused of marrying the prince agrarian for her own personal aggrandizement.

Page 7 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently airedale albatross alcove n n n / Sa(a)(E)rTdCl / / SalbETtrOs / / SalTkPv / E geog name Ar? > Pg or Sp Ar > Sp > F a large terrier with a wiry black and any of a number of large web- a recessed part (as a breakfast tan coat. footed seabirds that are capable of nook) of a room. Shantha’s airedale is registered long-continued flight. Silvio found an alcove in the with the American Kennel Club. The wingspan of an albatross can library that was a perfect place for exceed ten feet. taking a nap. akimbo adj albedo aleatoric / ESkim(T)bP / n adj E / alSbG(T)dP / / TClGEStOrik / having the hands on the hips with L L the elbows projecting outward. reflective power. characterized by chance or random With her arms akimbo, Marion Arno researched the effects of soil elements. waited for Tim to explain himself. albedo on vegetation. By digitizing thunder and traffic noises, Georgia was able to akropodion albedometer compose aleatoric music. n n / TakrESpPdGEn / / TalbESdBmEZE(r) / aleatory Gk L + Gk the most prominent point on the a device for measuring the alegar back of the heel. reflection of light (as by snow). n After the hike, Eli had a nasty David used an albedometer to / SaligE(r) / blister on his left akropodion. measure the reflection of light by E + L > F the clouds. sour ale or vinegar made of ale. aktograph While studying in England as an albeit exchange student, Judith developed alabaster conj a taste for fried potatoes with salt adj / OlSbGDt / and alegar. / SalETbastE(r) / E Gk > L > F > E although. alfalfa of or resembling alabaster; Sonia had a simple, albeit n specifically : having a nearly white expensive, wedding. / alSfalfE / color and a light-diffusing surface. Ar > Sp Patsy’s alabaster skin gives her a albino an important European leguminous spectral appearance. forage plant. alchemy The farmer alternated his crops, alacrity n growing alfalfa one season and n / SalkEmG / corn the next. / ESlakrEZG / Gk > Ar > L > F L the medieval chemical science and alfresco cheerful readiness : eagerness. speculative philosophy whose aims adj Dr. Cameron’s students always were the transmutation of base / alSfre(T)skP / enter his class with alacrity and metals into gold. It depart with reluctance. The wizard’s apprentice was open-air. determined to learn enough Everyone looks forward to the alar alchemy to turn lead into gold. alfresco party that the Smiths hold every Derby Day. alary alcohol adj algorithm / SalErG / alcoholature L wing-shaped or fan-shaped. alcoholism There was an alary membrane on each side of the seed.

Page 8 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently alibi allegiance alliance n n n / SalETbI / / ESlGjEn(t)s / / ESlIEn(t)s / L F > E L > F > E the plea of having been elsewhere the duty of fidelity owed by a union or connection especially at the time an act was committed. subject or citizen to his sovereign between families, states, parties, or To support his alibi, Jake showed or government. individuals. his lawyer a video made during his The new citizens pledged The alliance between the two Hawaii trip. allegiance to their adopted country. nations has been strong for nearly 50 years. alien allegory adj n alligator / SClGEn / / SalDTgPrG / n L Gk / SalDTgCZE(r) / different in nature or character : far a story in which people, things, and L > Sp removed. happenings have a hidden or a reptile having a head not tapering Nguyen’s response to his mother’s symbolic meaning. to the snout and being in general question had results entirely alien Gail disliked the moralistic tone of much more sluggish than the from what he intended. the allegory. typical crocodiles. Jason’s favorite sight at the fair alienation allegro was a woman wrestling an n alligator. aliferous / ESle(T)grP / It > L allision alimentary ballet steps performed in a lively, adj fast tempo. alliteration / TalESmentErG / After the allegro, Madame n L Delacroix instructed the dancers to / ETliZESrCshEn / [Note: Could be confused with cool down slowly. L + Ecf elementary.] of, concerned with, or the repetition usually initially of a relating to nourishment or to the allemande sound that is usually a consonant in function of nutrition. v two or more neighboring words or Pasta is sometimes called an / SalETmand / syllables (as in “daring deed”). “alimentary paste.” Gmc > L > F Poor writers rely on alliteration aliquot perform a step with arms when lacking ideas. interlaced. alkali The caller told the square dancers allocate to allemande left and swing their v allargando partners. / SalETkCt / adv L / TBTlBrSgBn(T)dP / allergy set apart and earmark or designate. L n Leon hoped the committee would in a manner becoming gradually / SalE(r)jG / allocate funds for the new broader with the same or greater Gk > G playground. volume. exaggerated or pathological David’s piano teacher indicated reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or allocation that the piece was to be played skin rashes) to substances, n allargando. situations, or physical states that / alESkCshEn / are without comparable effect on L allayment the average individual. the act of apportioning. Because of her allergy, Mrs. Griffin The allocation of powers in the allege discouraged her students from United States Constitution is v bringing in any furry pets for show- clearly defined. / ESlej / and-tell. L alluded assert, affirm, state without proof or before proving. Residents of the area allege that the lake water has curative properties.

Page 9 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently alluviation alopecia altiplano n n n / ETlVvGSCshEn / / TalESpGsh(G)E / / TaltDSplB(T)nP / L Gk L > Sp the process that results in deposits loss of hair, wool, or feathers : a high plateau or plain : tableland. of clay, silt, sand, or gravel at baldness. A cold northerly wind over the places in rivers or estuaries where Prescription drugs such as altiplano heralded the arrival of stream velocity is decreased. minoxidil have had limited success winter. The effects of alluviation can be in treating alopecia. seen along the banks of a large altitude river. alpaca n n / SaltETtVd / almond / alSpakE / L > E n Aymara > Sp position at a height. / SB(l)mEnd / an animal like a llama with fine When the plane suddenly lost Gk > L > F > E long woolly hair and domesticated altitude, the pilot told the the fruit of a small tree; especially : in Peru and adjacent countries. passengers to fasten their seat the nutlike stone or kernel of this The petting zoo featured four goats, belts. tree. an alpaca, a pony, and three lambs. The almond is a nut that is easy to altogether crack. alpenglow adv n / TOltESgeLE(r) / almoner / SalpEnTglP / E n G + E wholly, completely, thoroughly. / SalmEnE(r) / a reddish glow or sometimes the The suffragettes argued that it was L > F > E entire series of light phenomena altogether fit and proper that one who distributes charitable gifts, seen near sunset or sunrise on the women have the right to vote. often for another. summits of mountains. In his role as the king’s almoner, Jocelyn and Ruth enjoyed the rich altruism Jared tossed a few pennies to the alpenglow from the balcony of their audience. cabin. altruistically alnico alphabet alveolate n adj / SalnDTkP / altazimuth / alSvGElDt / L + G > Sw + G n L + Ecf a powerful permanent-magnet alloy / alStazEmEth / pitted like a honeycomb. containing iron, nickel, aluminum, L + Ar > L The porous sandstone had an and one or more of the elements an instrument consisting of a alveolate surface. cobalt, copper, and titanium. telescope mounted so that it can Mr. Arkin’s factory makes swing horizontally and vertically. amadelphous industrial magnets from alnico. Josh saw an antique altazimuth in the maritime museum. amalgam aloof n adj altercation / ESmalgEm / / ESlVf / n Ar? > L > F E + D? > F > E / TOltE(r)SkCshEn / an alloy of mercury with another removed or distant either physically L metal. or spiritually and usually by choice dispute carried on with feeling (as Because mercury will form an and with indifference to the anger). amalgam with most other metals, it feelings, opinions, or interests of Police broke up a minor altercation can be used to extract them from others. between two street vendors. ore. Greg’s aloof personality discouraged his gregarious colleagues.

Page 10 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently amanuensis ambivalent amelioration n adj n / ETmanyESwen(t)sDs / / amSbivElEnt / / ETmGlyESrCshEn / L L L one who is employed to write from characterized by, suggestive of, the act of making better or the state dictation or to copy what another motivated by, or exhibiting of being made better : has written. contradictory emotional or improvement. During the six weeks that psychological attitude. The committee submitted its Chrissie’s arm was in a cast, she Because Tad has a grueling job recommendations for the completed her homework with her lined up, he is ambivalent about the amelioration of the undesirable mother as her amanuensis. upcoming summer vacation. conditions at the overcrowded school. amaryllis amblyopia n n amenable / TamESrilDs / / TamblGSPpGE / adj L name Gk / ESmGnEbEl / any of several African bulbous dimness of sight without apparent L > F herbs grown for their large showy change in the eye structures readily brought to yield or submit : flowers. associated especially with the toxic responsive, tractable. Deborah’s amaryllis bloomed just effects of certain drugs or Horst is amenable to any ideas for in time for the December holidays. chemicals or with dietary the prom’s theme. deficiencies. amateur The doctor told Henry to quit amendment smoking if he wanted his amblyopia n amber to improve. / ESmen(d)mEnt / n L + Ecf / SambE(r) / ambrosia the process of changing or Ar > L > F n modifying in any way for the better a very hard yellowish to brownish / amSbrPzh(G)E / (as a motion, bill, act, or translucent fossil resin that takes a Gk > F constitution). fine polish. a dessert of a fruit or of mixed A well-drafted constitution will Sarah was delighted when her fruits topped with shredded provide for its own amendment. mother gave her some earrings coconut. made of amber. Cyrus’s favorite dessert is his amertoy grandmother’s ambrosia. n ambidextrous / SamE(r)TtOi / ambulation E geog name + E ambiguity a small terrierlike dog having a n ambuscade short sleek satiny coat and / TambDSgyVEZG / weighing between six and ten L ambush pounds. the condition of admitting of two or Ricky was forever chasing Trixie, more meanings, of being ameliorate the family amertoy, out of the understood in more than one way, v flower beds. or of referring to two or more / ESmGlyETrCt / things at the same time. L amethyst The ambiguity of Mr. Mitchell’s make better : improve. essay questions encouraged Activists lobbied to ameliorate amiable creative interpretations. prison conditions.

Page 11 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently amicable amnesia amulet adj n n / SamDkEbEl / / amSnGzhE / / SamyElDt / L Gk L characterized by or as if by loss of memory : forgetfulness. an inscribed charm believed to friendship and goodwill. Alice suffered from amnesia as the protect or aid the wearer. Carla and Jeanine have had an result of a head injury. The archaeologist discovered an amicable relationship since they amulet in the tomb of an ancient settled their initial dispute. amole Egyptian ruler. n amice / ESmPlG / amuse n Nahuatl > Sp v / SamDs / any of a number of plants utilized / ESmyVz / L as a source of soap. L > F [has near homonyms: amas, amiss] The discovery of an amole created entertain or occupy in a pleasant a liturgical vestment consisting of much excitement among the manner. an oblong piece of cloth usually of castaways. The children seemed to tumble white linen, worn about the neck about and amuse themselves like and shoulders and partly under the amortization good-natured collie puppies. alb. Father Patrick put on a fresh white amphibian amygdaline amice before serving mass. n adj / amSfibGEn / / ESmigdETlIn / amiss Gk Gk [has homonym: amphibion] an of or relating to a tonsil. amity animal or plant accustomed or Because of a persistent amygdaline n adapted to life both on land and in infection, Lana checked into the / SamEZG / the water. hospital to have her tonsils L The frog is perhaps the best-known removed. friendship and goodwill, especially amphibian. as characterized by mutual anabasis acceptance and tolerance of amphibious n potentially antagonistic standpoints / ESnabEsDs / or aims. amphora Gk The natural amity between Avital n a going or marching up; especially : and her sister has helped them / SamfErE / a military advance. maintain strong ties through many Gk > L Hannibal is famous for his family disagreements. a Greek unit of capacity equal to remarkable anabasis across the 10.3 gallons or 39 liters. Alps into Italy. ammeter The group ordered 1 amphora of n punch for the Antiquity Party. anabibazon / Sa(m)TmeZE(r) / n F + Gk ampicillin / TanESbibETzBn / [has near homonym: amateur] an n Gk instrument for measuring electric / TampESsilDn / the ascending node of the Moon’s current. ISV orbit with the ecliptic. Perry and Ayrton’s ammeter helped a penicillin that is effective against Lars waited for the Moon to reach measure the efficiency of the gram-negative and gram-positive its anabibazon so he could confirm battery. bacteria and is used to treat various his findings. infections of the urinary, ammonia respiratory, and intestinal tracts. Pneumonia has been successfully treated with ampicillin.

Page 12 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently anabolic analects anaphora adj n / TanESbBlik / analemma / ESnaf(E)rE / Gk + Gk n Gk relating to, characterized by, or / TanESlemE / repetition of a word or words at the promoting constructive Gk beginning of two or more metabolism. a graduated scale shaped like a successive clauses or verses. The weightlifter was disqualified figure 8 and showing the Sun’s “The voice of the Lord” occurred after it was discovered he had used declination for each day of the year three times in anaphora in the anabolic steroids. usually constituting part of a psalm Julie read. sundial and often shown on globes. anachronism Katrina consulted the sundial’s anarchy analemma to calculate the correct n anachronous time. / SanE(r)kG / Gk > L anaconda analgesic a state of lawlessness or political n disorder due to the absence of / TanESkBndE / analogy governmental authority. Singhalese n After the revelation of election a large arboreal snake of the boa / ESnalEjG / fraud, some observers feared that family of tropical South America. Gk the tiny republic would succumb to The anaconda has been known to a figure of speech involving an anarchy. forage in trees for birds. extended or elaborate comparison between two things or situations. anastomosis anaglyph Hugo used an analogy to illustrate n n his point, but no one understood / ETnastESmPsDs / / SanETglif / the analogy either. Gk Gk a joining of the parts of a branched a stereoscopic still or moving analysand system. picture producing a three- n Hal pointed out the anastomosis in dimensional effect when viewed / ESnalETsand / the veined mulberry leaf. through colored filters. Gk + L > Ecf Troy begged his parents to take him one that is analyzed; specifically : anastrophe to the newest anaglyph at the IMAX one who is undergoing n theater. psychoanalysis. / ESnastrE(T)fG / The psychotherapist encouraged Gk anagnorisis the analysand to unburden herself inversion of the usual syntactical n of her anxieties. order of words for rhetorical effect. / TaTnagSnPrEsDs / In the poem “Jabberwocky,” the Gk ananym line “So rested he by the TumTum an incident or solution of plot in n tree” is an example of anastrophe. tragedy in which the main character / SanETnim / recognizes his or her own or some Gk anathema other character’s true identity or [has homonym: anonym] a n discovers the true nature of his or fictitious name consisting of the / ESnathEmE / her own situation. real name written backwards. Gk The moment of anagnorisis occurs Pat often uses the ananym Tap one that is cursed by ecclesiastical when the boy finds out he is when writing secret messages to authority. actually the king’s son. her friends. The Sixth Ecumenical Council pronounced Pope Honorius anagogic anathema in A.D. 681. adj / TanESgBjik / anaudia Gk > L n having a spiritual meaning or a / aSnOdGE / sense referring to the heavenly life. Gk Terrance recited anagogic poems loss of voice : inability to by a Greek mystic. articulate.

Page 13 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently A blow to the throat can cause temporary anaudia. anemone annihilate n v anautogenous / ESnemEnG / / ESnIETlCt / Heb name > Gk L ancestor a plant or flower of a widely destroy a considerable part of. distributed genus of plants with Armyworms can annihilate a anchovy showy flowers that lack petals but beautiful lawn in just a few days. n have showy sepals. / SanTchPvG / Xantha picked an anemone from anniversary Gk > L? > It > Sp the flower bed. n any of a number of small / TanESvErs(E)rG / herringlike fishes; especially : a aneroid L common Mediterranean form adj the annual recurrence of a date esteemed for its rich and peculiar / SanETrOid / marking an event or occurrence of flavor. Gk > F notable importance. Joshua informed his mother that containing no liquid or functioning Next Thursday will be the 23rd one anchovy had rendered the without the use of liquid. anniversary of our family grocery entire pizza inedible. Tasha carefully monitored the store’s first day of operation. aneroid manometer throughout the ancillary course of the experiment. annotation adj / SansETlerG / anglaise annoyance L adj n serving to aid or assist : auxiliary : / BNSglCz / / ESnOiEn(t)s / supplementary. Gmc > F F > E Electronic media usually include boiled and served without sauce. a source of vexation or irritation : radio, film, and television, as well Carrots anglaise are not very tasty. bothersome disturbance. as the ancillary industries of audio Vera enjoyed raking leaves on the and video recording. anguish warm autumn day, but the loud music from the neighbor’s yard anecdote anhydride was an annoyance. n / SanikTdPt / anise annual F&Gk n a usually short narrative of an / SanDs / annuity interesting, amusing, or curious Gk n incident. an herb cultivated for its aromatic / ESn(y)VEZG / The speaker’s presentation ended seeds. L with a touching anecdote. The flavor of anise is similar to that an amount payable yearly or at of licorice. other regular intervals (as anemochore quarterly) for a certain or uncertain n anisette period. / ESnemETkP(E)r / Carl’s grandparents set up a trust Gk > F + Gk ankh fund that will provide him with an a plant that has seeds or spores n annuity for the next 20 years. adapted to distribution by wind. / SaNk / The dandelion is a familiar Egypt annul anemochore. a cross having a loop instead of an v upper vertical arm used especially / ESnEl / anemometer in ancient Egypt. L > F > E n Roger’s first discovery as an cause to cease to exist : reduce to / TanESmBmEZE(r) / Egyptian archeologist was a gold nothing. Gk > F + Gk > Ecf ankh. The legislator’s motion to annul the an instrument for measuring and out-of-date law met with the indicating the force or speed of the anklet approval of his colleagues. wind. The anemometer spun furiously as anneal the hurricane approached.

Page 14 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently anodyne anschluss anterior adj n adj / SanETdIn / / SBnTshlUs / / anStirGE(r) / Gk G L serving to assuage pain : soothing. union; especially : political or relating to or situated near or Before aspirin was developed, economic union of one government toward the head or front. certain spirits and herbs were or territory with another. The portion of the flower which valued for their anodyne Hitler’s annexation of Austria to faces the subtending bract is the properties. Germany in the 1930s is what is anterior. generally meant by “the anomalous anschluss.” anteroom anserous anomaly anthography n Antarctic n / ESnBmElG / adj / anSthBgrEfG / Gk > L / antSBrktik / Gk + Gk + Ecf the angular distance of a planet Gk the description of flowers. from its perihelion as seen from the relating to the South Pole or the A botanist, Wilbur excelled in Sun. region near it. anthography. The anomaly in a planet’s orbit is Samuel’s stamp collection included caused by the gravitational a complete collection of the stamps anthology influence of other planets. of the French Antarctic Territory. n / anSthBlEjG / anon antecedent Gk adv n a usually representative collection / ESnBn / / TantESsGdFnt / of selected literary pieces or E L passages. in a little while : soon, presently. a substantive word, phrase, or John hopes to find “The Raven” in Anon he arrived at his destination. clause referred to by a pronoun, his mom’s anthology of American typically by a following pronoun. literature. anonymous In the sentence “I saw John and adj spoke to him,” John is the anthroponymy / ESnBnEmEs / antecedent of him. Gk > L anticyclone of unknown or unnamed source or antecessor n origin (as authorship, donorship, n / San(T)tGTsITklPn / workmanship). / SantETsesE(r) / Gk + Gk An anonymous 18th-century L > E a system of winds that rotates about painting recently sold for two one that goes before. a center of high atmospheric million dollars. Phoebe’s antecessor in the pressure. presidency served six terms. The warm, dry winds blowing into anorthopia southern California are from an n antediluvian anticyclone over the deserts of / Ta(T)nOrSthPpGE / Nevada. Gk antelope distorted vision in which straight n antifoulant lines appear bent. / SantFlTPp / n When Liz put on Jan’s glasses, she Gk > L > F > E / Tan(T)tISfaUlEnt / was overcome with anorthopia. any of various ruminant mammals L + E of Africa and southwest Asia that a substance (as paint for use on the anosmic differ from the true oxen especially bottom of a boat) designed to adj in lighter racier build and horns prevent, reduce, or eliminate an / ESnBzmik / directed upward and backward. accumulation of deposits. Gk > L The bounding antelope managed to Antifoulant was applied to the of or characterized by loss or outdistance the pursuing lion. ship’s bottom in dry dock. impairment of the sense of smell. Anesthesia can leave a patient antenna antilogy temporarily anosmic.

Page 15 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently antimacassar antithesis apathy n n n / antGmESkasE(r) / / anStithEsDs / / SapEthG / Gk + Celebes island geog name Gk Gk a cover to protect the back or arms the rhetorical opposing or absence or lack of interest or of furniture from Macassar oil or contrasting of ideas by means of concern : listlessness, indifference. other hair preparations. grammatically parallel The active interest women are Fran found the missing arrangements of words, clauses, or taking in today’s issues strongly antimacassar under one of the sofa sentences. contrasts with the apathy many cushions. A Tale of Two Cities opens with the women had a century ago. famous antithesis: “It was the best antimony of times, it was the worst of times.” aperitif n antonomasia / SantETmPnG / n aperture Ar? > L > E / (T)anTtBnESmCzh(G)E / n a metalloid element that is Gk / SapE(r)TchU(E)r / commonly metallic silvery white, the making of a common noun or L crystalline, and brittle and is used verb from a proper name. an opening that restricts a beam of especially as a constituent of alloys. The formation of the verb radiation or a stream of particles; Pewter is an alloy of antimony and pasteurize from the name Pasteur specifically : the opening in a tin. is an example of antonomasia. photographic lens that admits the light passing through. antipasto antonym A photographer typically has to n adjust the shutter speed and set the / TantGSpastP / anxiety aperture. L > It any of various savory foods usually apartheid apex served as appetizers : hors n n d’oeuvre. / ESpBrTtCt / / SCTpeks / Herbert ordered antipasto for the D > Afrikaans L table. a policy of segregation and political [Note: The definition provided is and economic discrimination not the one most commonly antipodal against certain population groups. associated with this word.] the adj The end of apartheid in South point of the heavens toward which / anStipEdFl / Africa was one of the great world a celestial body is moving at a Gk events of the decade. given time. situated at the opposite sides of the Helga tracked the planet’s earth. apastron movement towards the apex. Regina imagined that she could n reach an antipodal town / aSpastrEn / aphasia somewhere in China if she Gk n continued digging in her garden. the point in the orbit of one star of / ESfCzh(G)E / a binary where it is farthest from Gk antiquarian the other. [has near homonym: aphagia] the adj In binary star systems the motion in loss or impairment of the power to / TantDSkwerGEn / the orbits is not uniform but is least use words as symbols of ideas that L rapid near apastron. results from a brain lesion. dealing in old and rare books or in As a speech therapist, Tonya takes secondhand books. apathetic a particular interest in patients Pamela went to an antiquarian struggling with aphasia. bookseller to have her first edition of Oliver Twist appraised. aphelion n antique / aSfGlyEn / Gk antiquity the point of a planet’s or comet’s orbit most distant from the Sun. antiseptic Earth generally reaches aphelion around July 4.

Page 16 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently aphid apogee aporia n n n / SCfDd / / SapE(T)jG / / ESpPrGE / Gk > L Gk Gk any of numerous small sluggish the point in the orbit of a satellite of a passage in speech or writing insects that suck the juices from Earth (as the Moon or an artificial incorporating or presenting a plants, causing damage to the body) at the greatest distance from difficulty or doubt. plants. the center of Earth. The Bible verse “Then the steward An aphid can cause wilting, The transmission delay was longest said within himself, ‘What shall I distorted growth, or gall formation when the spacecraft reached do?’” is an aporia. in plants. apogee. aposiopesis aphorism apolaustic n n adj / TapETsIESpGsDs / / SafETrizEm / / TapESlOstik / Gk Gk > L > F Gk the leaving of a thought explicitly a terse and often ingenious devoted to enjoyment. incomplete in writing or speaking formulation of a truth or sentiment The students spent the vacation in often by a sudden breaking off and usually in a single sentence. apolaustic pursuits. shifting of grammatical Clark lives his life by the aphorism construction. “Clothes make the man.” apologue Gail answered with an aposiopesis apiarian n when she replied, “His problem / SapETlOg / is—how shall I say?” apiary Gk apostle an allegorical narrative (as a beast n apiculus fable) usually intended to convey a / ESpBsEl / moral. Gk > L > E aplomb Most schoolchildren are familiar one who is sent forth : messenger. n with the apologue of the tortoise Many voters regard Ralph Nader / ESplBm / and the hare. as the apostle of protected L > F environments. complete confidence or assurance apology in oneself : poise. n apostrophe A seasoned public relations officer, / ESpBlEjG / Karen handles difficult situations Gk > L > F apothecary with aplomb. an admission to another of a wrong n or discourtesy done him or her / ESpBthETkerG / apocalypse accompanied by an expression of Gk > L > E regret. one who prepares and sells drugs or apocope The teacher received an apology compounds for medicinal purposes n from the tardy student. : pharmacist. / ESpBkETpG / The visits of Mr. Perry, the Gk apoplexy apothecary, were one of the few the loss of one or more sounds or n comforts of Mr. Woodhouse’s life. letters from the end of a word. / SapETpleksG / The song title “Singin’ in the Rain” Gk appalling exemplifies apocope. a sudden loss of consciousness adj followed by paralysis caused by / ESpOliN / apocryphal hemorrhage within the brain— L > F > E adj called also “stroke.” inspiring dismay : shocking. / ESpBkrEfEl / When Ray regained consciousness, There was something about the Gk his doctor told him he was night that was mysterious and of doubtful authenticity : fictitious, recovering from severe apoplexy. appalling. spurious, untrustworthy. The historian thought the story about the cemetery apocryphal.

Page 17 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently Appaloosa appendages appropriate n n pl adj / TapESlVsE / / ESpendijEz / / ESprPprGDt / American Indian L L one of a breed of rugged saddle things accompanying or appended specially suitable : fit, proper. horses distinguished by a mottled to another thing and usually Calvin had orange hair and the skin and a patch of white hair over subordinate or not essential to it. appropriate freckles to go with it. the rump and loins that is blotched The Abbey-Mill Farm, with all its or dotted with darker color. appendages of prosperity and appurtenance Sherry begged her father to buy her beauty, was a favorable spot for a an Appaloosa for her birthday, but walk. appurtenant to no avail. adj appendant / ESpErt(F)nEnt / apparatchik F n appendicitis annexed or belonging legally to / TBpESrBchik / n some more important thing. Russ / ETpendESsIZDs / The property insurance covers any a Communist secret agent. L + Ecf additions to the building and to Oren and Elaine went to see an old an inflammation of the appendix private structures appurtenant to movie in which an apparatchik characterized usually by abdominal the building. tries to blow up the Empire State pain, nausea, and vomiting. Building. The doctor diagnosed Sharon’s apricot illness as appendicitis. apparatus apropos n appetite adj / TapESraZEs / n / TaprESpP / L / SapETtIt / F any compound instrument or L > F > E pertinent, relevant. appliance designed for a specific the immediate desire to eat when Rachel wondered if Herman had mechanical or chemical action or food is present. understood her question, for his operation. George went back to his meal with answer was not very apropos. The trainer went into much detail a good appetite. about which apparatus is better for apsidal a cardiovascular workout. apprentice adj n / SapsEdFl / apparel / ESprentDs / Gk > L L > F > E of or relating to the point of a apparition one who learns a trade, art, or craft celestial body’s orbit at which it is n by practical experience under farthest from the center of / TapESrishEn / skilled workers. attraction. L > E Jake hopes to become an Laura researched apsidal ocean ghost, phantom, specter. apprentice in the stained-glass tidal levels. The apparition of a figure on studio. horseback, without a head, haunts aquatic this enchanted region. approbation adj n / ESkwBZik / appealed / TaprESbCshEn / L L living wholly or chiefly in or on appease an act of approving formally or water. authoritatively : sanction. Porpoises and seals are aquatic appellation The mayor’s actions have the mammals. approbation of none of the other appellative members of the city council.

Page 18 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently aqueduct arboret archipelago n n n / SakwETdEkt / / TBrbESret / / TBrkESpelETgP / L L + Ecf Gk > It an artificial channel for conveying a small tree or shrub. a group or cluster of islands. water. Gwen trekked purposefully through The country of Indonesia is an The ancient Romans used the the forest, dodging an occasional enormous archipelago. aqueduct to provide water to the arboret but generally heading in a city’s residents. straight line. architecture n aquiline arbuscle / SBrkETtekchEr / adj n Gk > L / SakwETlIn / / SBrTbEsEl / the art or science of building; L L specifically : the art or practice of curving or hooked like an eagle’s a dwarf tree or treelike shrub. designing and building structures in beak. The gardener recommended that accordance with principles The senator was easily Micah purchase an arbuscle to determined by aesthetic and recognizable by his aquiline nose. plant next to the house. practical or material considerations. The building that housed the arabesque arcanum department of architecture was, to n n many students, the most hideous- / TarESbesk / / BrSkCnEm / looking edifice on campus. Ar > It > F L a posture (as in ballet dancing) in a secret or mysterious knowledge archivalia ballet in which the body is bent or information known only to the n pl forward from the hip on one leg initiate. / TBrkDSvClGE / with one arm extended forward and Ralph developed a secret Gk > L the other arm and leg backward in a handshake as an arcanum for his material preserved in or suitable for line parallel to the floor. club. preservation in rooms for the The painting depicts a ballerina in exhibition of a collection. a flawless arabesque. archaic Included in the library’s archivalia is a copy of the first edition of The arability archangel Adventures of Tom Sawyer. n n / TarESbilEZG / / SBrkCnjEl / arcing L + Ecf Gk + Gk v the state of being fit for tillage and a being in the heavenly hierarchy / SBrkiN / crop production. ranking above an angel. L Before Caleb bought Jed’s Joan of Arc had visions of the following or describing a curving property, he had the land checked archangel Michael and saints course. for arability. Catherine and Margaret telling her Waterfalls arcing outward into to raise an army. white plumes plummet down and arachnid flow into Cayuga Lake. archelogy arbiter arctic archery arboreal n ardency adj / SBrch(E)rG / / BrSbPrGEl / F > E ardent L the art, practice, or skill of shooting adj inhabiting or frequenting trees. with bow and arrow. / SBrdFnt / The arboreal fauna of Madagascar Joe chose archery as one of his L are endangered by logging. physical education electives. extremely loyal : devoted, faithful. Bickford was an ardent supporter of environmental causes.

Page 19 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently arduous argosy Armageddon adj n n / SBrjEwEs / / SBrgEsG / / TBrmESgedFn / L It Gk > L hard to accomplish or achieve : a fleet of ships or of anything final and conclusive conflict difficult. likened to ships. between the forces of good and Alan was not prepared for the The lone schooner had gotten evil. arduous demands of his separated from the argosy in the In the Bible, the book of Revelation construction job. inclement weather. mentions Armageddon. arenaceous argot armaments adj n / TarESnCshEs / / SBrgEt / armature L F n growing in sandy places. the special vocabulary and idiom / SBrmETchU(E)r / Arenaceous plants develop (as slang) of a particular social L blossoms after the first spring rain. group or class. [has near homonym: armiger] Nowadays the argot of many armor. arenicolous teenagers includes the word cool. As part of the preparation for the adj contest at the medieval fair, the / TarESnikElEs / argumentative jousters were given their choice of L + L adj armature. inhabiting or burrowing in sand : / TBrgyESmentEZiv / growing in sand soil. L armistice Numerous arenicolous organisms given to or fond of disagreement : n can be found at the beach. contentious. / SBrmDstDs / Jill is so argumentative that no one L > F areology likes to sit beside her on the bus. temporary suspension of hostilities n as agreed upon by those engaged in / TarGSBlEjG / aristoi the hostilities. Gk n pl Fortunately, the armistice that the scientific study of the planet / SarDTstOi / ended World War I turned out to be Mars. Gk permanent. Todd’s interest in areology was citizens of high rank making up a spurred by the discovery of governing body. arpeggio possible life forms on Mars. When the aristoi ignore the needs n of the common people, they are / BrSpejGTP / aretalogy sowing the seeds of rebellion. Gmc > It n production of the tones of a chord / TarEStalEjG / arithmocracy in succession and not Gk n simultaneously. a narrative of the miraculous deeds / Ta(T)rithSmBkrEsG / The opening measure of Ryan’s of a god or hero. Gk + Gk piano recital piece featured a Owen was fascinated by the rule of the majority. difficult arpeggio. aretalogy of Hercules’ labors. The United States is an arithmocracy as well as a republic. arraignment argillaceous n adj armadillo / ESrCnmEnt / / TBrjDSlCshEs / n F > E L / TBrmESdi(T)lP / an act of finding fault with : of, relating to, or containing clay or L > Sp denunciation. clay minerals. any of several burrowing chiefly It seems that every few years there The geologist determined that a nocturnal mammals having body is a wholesale arraignment of large part of the mountain and head encased in an armor of existing educational standards. consisted of argillaceous limestone. small bony plates. Using its long, sticky tongue to arrasene extract ants from their nests, the armadillo may eat up to 40,000 arrive ants at a sitting.

Page 20 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently arrogance arthritis ascension n n n / SarEgEn(t)s / / BrSthrIZDs / / ESsenchEn / L Gk L a genuine or assumed feeling of inflammation of one or more joints the act or process of going upward superiority that shows itself in an due to infectious, metabolic, or from a lower level or degree. overbearing manner. constitutional causes. The article describes Tiger After Sam won the contest, he Theo’s arthritis kept him from Woods’s rapid ascension to the top displayed an annoying arrogance. playing tennis. rank of golfers. arrogant arthroscopy ascertained adj v / SarEgEnt / artichoke / TasE(r)StCnd / L n L > F > E exhibiting a level of superiority that / SBrZETchPk / made sure of : discovered. is inconsistent with one’s position. Ar > It In the moonlight, the form of the Jack’s arrogant attitude annoyed the flower head of a tall herb that heretofore unknown might now be his more qualified colleagues. resembles a thistle and is cooked as ascertained. a vegetable. arsenal Norm demonstrated the proper way asceticism n to eat an artichoke. / SBrs(F)nEl / ascribable Ar > It article adj a storehouse or source of supply for / ESskrIbEbEl / arms, ammunition, or other military articulacy L equipment. capable of being attributed to a In early 1941 Franklin Roosevelt artifice supposed cause, source, or author. believed that America’s most n Dad explained that the two books immediate role was to act as an / SBrZEfDs / were ascribable to the same author arsenal for democratic nations. L under different pen names. a wily or artful stratagem. arsenic Emma saw the artifice of Jane’s asinine n reserved response, and she / SBrs(F)nik / returned to her first surmises. askew Gk > L&F > E adv a metalloid element that is used in artificial / ESskyV / small amounts in alloys and in the E + F > E form of its compounds chiefly as artillerist out of line : to one side. poisons (as insecticides), in Jared’s house was leaning because pharmaceutical preparations, and in artillery one of the joists had gone askew. glass. n Ingestion of arsenic was listed as / BrStil(E)rG / asparagus the official cause of Tim’s F > E n mysterious death. the missiles discharged by the / ESsparEgEs / weapons of war. Gk > L artesian The May Day parade in Red a plant widely cultivated for its adj Square was widely known for its tender edible young shoots. / BrStGzhEn / display of artillery. Jack didn’t touch the asparagus his F mother served him. involving, relating to, or supplied arviculture by the upward movement of water under hydrostatic pressure in rocks ascend or unconsolidated material beneath Earth’s surface. The water bubbling up in the pasture was coming from an artesian spring.

Page 21 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently aspartame assailant assonance n n / SaspE(r)TtCm / assassin / SasFnEn(t)s / L > ISV L + Fcf a noncarbohydrate crystalline assassinate relatively close juxtaposition of compound that is formed from the v similar sounds especially of amino acids phenylalanine and / ESsasFnTCt / vowels. aspartic acid and is used as a low- L > F “Zip your lips” was the teacher’s calorie sweetener. murder (usually a prominent favorite example of assonance. Since Bertha began her diet, she person). prefers foods that are sweetened The newspapers carried gripping assuage with aspartame. accounts of an attempt to v assassinate the prime minister. / ESswCj / aspersion L > F > E n assemblage reduce to a state of peace, calm, or / ESspErzhEn / quiet : mollify, pacify. L assess No one could assuage Bertina after a calumnious or defamatory v she dropped her ice-cream cone. expression or reflection. / ESses / Questions about Tom’s handling of L assuagement the club’s petty cash cast an determine the rate or amount of. aspersion on his honesty. Joyce’s job with the insurance Assyrian company was to assess damages. adj asphalt / ESsirGEn / asseveration geog name asphodel n of, relating to, or characteristic of n / ETsevESrCshEn / Assyria, an ancient empire of / SasfETdel / L western Asia. Gk positive or emphatic affirmation or The doorways of the Assyrian any of various Old World usually assertion : solemn declaration. palace of Nineveh were flanked by perennial herbs that bear their The jury did not believe the large winged bulls. flowers in long erect racemes. defendant’s asseveration of Bernice thought that an asphodel innocence. asthmatic would complete the bouquet nicely. adj assiduously / azSmaZik / asphyxiant adv Gk > L / ESsijEwEslG / caused by or affected with labored asphyxiate L + Ecf breathing. in a diligent, attentive, or solicitous Because of Pam’s asthmatic asphyxiated manner. condition, her mother had to dust v Lucinda questioned her brother and vacuum the house every day. / aSsfiksGTCZDd / assiduously before his interview. Gk astigmatism killed or made unconscious by assimilate n obstruction of normal breathing. v / ESstigmETtizEm / When the volcano erupted, many of / ESsimETlCt / Gk + Ecf the town’s inhabitants were L a defect of an optical system (as of asphyxiated by the dust and ashes. receive into the mind and consider the eye) that prevents light from and thoroughly comprehend. focusing accurately and results in a aspirin Sandy needs time to sort things out blurred image. n and assimilate them properly. Amy’s new eyeglasses correct her / Sasp(E)rDn / astigmatism. ISV assimilation a white crystalline compound of salicylic acid used especially in tablet form as a pain-killer. Tests have shown that small, daily doses of aspirin can reduce the risk of stroke.

Page 22 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently astringe atmospheric attitude v adj n / ESstrinj / / TatmESsfirik / / SaZETtVd / L Gk + Gk > L > F L > It cause (tissue) to draw together : of or relating to the whole mass of [Note: The definition provided is constrict. air surrounding Earth. not the one most commonly Larry uses witch hazel to astringe Only two elements are known to be associated with this word.] any his facial pores. liquid under atmospheric posture held momentarily in conditions: mercury and bromine. dancing. astrogator The premier danseur held his final atomic attitude briefly, then leapt offstage astronomy to thunderous applause. n atrabilious / ESstrBnEmG / attitudinal Gk atrichia the science that treats of the n attrition celestial bodies. / CStrikGE / n Astronomy is a popular topic for Gk / EStrishEn / science writers. congenital or acquired baldness. L Some dogs are afflicted with a usually gradual loss of personnel astuteness atrichia from birth. from causes normal or peculiar to a n given situation (as death, / ESst(y)VtnDs / atrium retirement, and resignation in a L + Ecf labor force) often without filling the quality or state of having or atrocious the vacancies. displaying shrewd discernment and adj The CEO promised that all of the sagacity. / EStrPshEs / cuts would come from attrition; no The candidate showed political L employees would be laid off. astuteness in attacking his markedly inferior in quality. opponent’s weak arguments. Mrs. Diamond vowed to do aubade something about her grandson’s asylum atrocious table manners. auctioneer n asymmetry atrophy / TOkshESni(E)r / v L + Ecf atelier / SatrEfG / one who conducts the sale of goods n Gk > L at public auction usually as an / TaZFlSyC / undergo a wasting away or agent on commission. L > F progressive decline. The auctioneer at the antique sale an artist’s studio or workroom. Jay knows that his muscles will had a booming voice. Ken hoped to find some affordable atrophy while he recuperates from loft space downtown for his atelier. surgery. audacious adj athletic attenuate / OSdCshEs / adj L atmosphere / EStenyETwDt / recklesslessly venturesome : n L presumptuously bold. / SatmETsfi(E)r / tapering gradually often into a long Tom’s audacious disregard for Gk slender point. physical limitations will catch up the air of a given place especially The locust tree has narrow with him sooner or later. as affected by a particular attenuate leaves. characteristic (as heat, moisture, audacity wholesomeness, or unwholesomeness). Christy could barely tolerate the close atmosphere of her one-room schoolhouse.

Page 23 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently audience aureate auriferous n adj adj / SOdGEn(t)s / / SOrGDt / / OSrifErEs / L L L + Ecf [has homonym: audients] those marked by a rhetorical style that is gold-bearing—used of gravels and attending a stage or film production affected, grandiloquent, and rocks. or viewing a televised program. heavily ornamental. The auriferous quartz veins The audience erupted with Many students today have little sparkled in the sunlight. thunderous applause at the act’s appreciation of the aureate conclusion. language of English Renaissance aurora poetry. n audition / ESrPrE / n aureity L / OSdishEn / n the redness of the sky just before L or F / OSrGEZG / the Sun rises. a trial performance to appraise an L + Ecf As the aurora began to brighten the entertainer’s merits. the distinctive properties of gold. sky, the airline passengers eagerly After hearing Alice’s stunning Pyrite’s apparent aureity has looked out their windows to see the audition, the director offered her fooled many a prospector. rising Sun. the role without hesitation. aurelian auscultation auger n n / OSrGlyEn / / TOskElStCshEn / augment L + Ecf L a collector and breeder of moths the act of listening to sounds augur and butterflies. arising within organs (as the lungs v Sarah admired the beautiful or heart) as an aid to diagnosis and / SOgE(r) / butterflies pictured in the book by treatment. L Mr. Jacobson, a well-known Warming her stethoscope with her [has homonym and near homonym: aurelian. hands before performing auger and agar] give indirect auscultation has become second evidence of : portend. auricle nature to Dr. Harris. The club members’ enthusiasm and n dedication augur success for the / SOrDkEl / auslander club’s projects. L [has homonym: oracle] a chamber auspices augury of the heart that receives blood n pl from the veins and forces it into the / SOspDsDz / auk ventricle or ventricles. L n The heart of a fish has one auricle patronage and kindly guidance : / SOk / and one ventricle. protection. ON > Norw or Icelandic The medical team entered the any of several black and white auricular country under the auspices of the short-necked diving seabirds that adj International Red Cross. nest in colder parts of the Northern / OSrikyElE(r) / Hemisphere. L austere In one of her books, Laura Ingalls of, relating to, or using the ear or adj Wilder writes of a strange the sense of hearing. / OSsti(E)r / midwinter encounter with a stray George’s understanding of GK > L > F > E bird resembling an auk. unfamiliar words is auricular; that stern and unyielding in appearance is, he must hear out loud the words and manner. he reads before he can comprehend The substitute teacher was austere them. and humorless.

Page 24 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently authentic autumnal avocado adj adj n / Osthentik / / (T)OStEmnEl / / TavESkB(T)dP / Gk > L > F > E L Nahuatl > Sp worthy of acceptance or belief by characterized by qualities the pulpy green or purple reason of conforming to fact or associated with or suggested by the somewhat pear-shaped edible fruit reality. season between summer and of various tropical American trees. The restoration society aims to winter. Tanisha’s first taste of sushi was a provide an authentic reproduction Jessica’s new paintings have a roll containing avocado, crab, and of the colonial village. serene, autumnal warmth. cucumber. author auxiliary avocet adj n authoritative / OgSzilyErG / / SavETset / adj L F&It / ESthBrETtCZiv / offering or providing help, any of several rather large long- L assistance, or support especially by legged shore birds having webbed exercising or assuming power to interaction. feet and a slender upwardly curved influence the outward behavior of Roland volunteers as an auxiliary bill. others. guide for the local Youth Making their way through the Dr. Martin issued the instructions Mountaineers Club. marsh, the birders happened on a in an authoritative manner. foraging avocet. available autobahn avoirdupois n avalanche / SaUZPTbBn / n avuncular Gk > G + G / SavETlanch / adj a road in Germany with double F / ESvENkyElE(r) / traffic lanes in each direction a large mass of snow, ice, earth, L separated by a parkway. rock, or other material in swift acting or speaking with the Klaus pulled his Mercedes over to motion down a mountainside. familiarity, kindness, or indulgence the side of the autobahn to read the The tiny Swiss village was of an uncle. map. destroyed by an avalanche. Morris took an avuncular tone with Susan when he advised her on her autodidact avalement college plans, even though he was her elder by only three years. autonomous avarice n awe autonomy / SavErDs / n n L > F > E / SO / / OStBnEmG / excessive desire for wealth or gain. ON > E Gk Pride, avarice, and gluttony are [has homonym: aw] abashed the quality or state of being among the seven deadly sins. reverence and fear inspired by independent, free, and self- authority or power. directing. avaricious The good people of Sleepy Hollow After years of fighting the colonial were often filled with awe at government, the island was finally averred hearing his nasal melody floating granted autonomy. from the distant hill. aviator autopsy awestruck n avionics / SOTtBpsG / awl Gk examination of the body after death, usually with dissection. An autopsy showed that arsenic was the cause of death. autumn

Page 25 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently awry azure bacchanalian adv adj / ESrI / / SazhE(r) / bacciferous E Per > Ar > Sp > F adj wrong, amiss. resembling the color of the / bakSsif(E)rEs / Gayle’s plans for the victory unclouded sky. L + Ecf parade went hopelessly awry. Sarah prefers to call her eyes bearing berries. “azure” instead of “blue.” Sylvia took care not to park her car axiology babblative under any bacciferous trees. adj axiom / SbablEZiv / bachelor n E imitative? n / SaksGEm / given to excessive talking : / Sbach(E)lE(r) / Gk garrulous. Celt > L > F > E a proposition, rule, or maxim that The babblative waitress called an unmarried man of marriageable has found general acceptance or is everyone at our table age. thought worthy thereof. “sweetheart.” Kendrick was the only bachelor “Early to bed, early to rise” is baboon living in the apartment building. Uncle Abdul’s favorite axiom. n / baSbVn / bacillus axunge F > E n n a large primate with a short tail and / bESsilEs / / SakTsEnj / a doglike snout. L L The children at the zoo were a disease-producing bacterium. fat or grease usually of pigs or of entertained by the strange sounds Kendra will use a powerful geese. of the baboon. disinfectant to kill any bacillus that Suzanne’s cookbook of home might be lurking on the counter remedies recommended axunge to babushka top. soothe minor burns. n / bESbUshkE / backfisch ayatollah Russ n a triangularly folded kerchief worn backgammon / TIEStPlE / over the head and usually tied n Ar > Per under the chin. / SbakTgamEn / a religious leader among Shiite Emma’s Ukrainian doll wears a E Muslims—used as a title of respect red babushka and an elaborately a game played with dice and especially for one who is not an embroidered apron. counters on a board divided into imam. two tables each marked with 12 When Ayatollah Khomeini gained Babylonian points in which each player tries to political control of Iran in 1979, he adj move his own counters from point re-created it as a religious Islamic / TbabESlOnyEn / to point and off the board. republic. Heb > Gk Ed explained to Tim that the game of, relating to, or characteristic of board edged with tall, thin azimuth Babylonia, an ancient country of triangles was used to play n southern Mesopotamia. backgammon. / SazEmEth / Houses and temples of the Old Ar Babylonian Kingdom have square bacteriolytic an arc of the horizon measured open courts, arched doorways, and adj between a fixed point and the battlemented walls. / bakTtirGESliZik / vertical circle passing through the Gk > L center of an object. baccalaureate of, relating to, or producing the Using a compass, the navigator n destruction or dissolution of estimated the azimuth of the star. / TbakESlOrGEt / bacterial cells. L The bacteriolytic power of blood azotea the degree of bachelor conferred by helps the body overcome many universities and colleges. diseases. Marika earned a baccalaureate at the age of 12. badgeringly

Page 26 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently badigeon baignoire balbriggan n n n / bESdijEn / / bCnSwBr / / balSbrigEn / F L > F Ir geog name a cement or paste (as of plaster and [Note: Could be confused with a plain-stitch knitted often tubular powdered freestone) used to fill peignoir.] a theater box having low usually cotton fabric used holes or cover defects in wood or partitions that is in the lowest tier. especially for underwear, hosiery, stone. Seats in the baignoire afforded an or sweaters. The plasterer smeared badigeon in unobscured view of the stage. Moira’s imported Irish sweater was the pockmarks on the wall. made of balbriggan. bailiff badinage n balcony n / SbClDf / n / TbadFnSBzh / F > E / SbalkEnG / L > OProv > F a court officer who seats witnesses Gmc > It light and playful repartee or wit : and spectators, announces the an interior projecting gallery in a banter. entrance of the judge, and keeps public building (as a theater); Mrs. Lopez, our bus driver, order in the court. specifically : such a gallery frequently engages in badinage Judge Cantor asked the bailiff to immediately above the main floor. with her lively passengers. remove Mr. Sims from the Tickets for seats in the balcony sold courtroom. out before those in the orchestra. badminton n bailiwick balestra / SbadTmintFn / n E geog name / SbClGTwik / ballast a court game played by two or four E persons with light long-handled field of activity : sphere of ballerina rackets and a shuttlecock volleyed operations. n over a net. Only when the topic was / TbalESrGnE / After lunch John suggested a birdwatching, his particular L > It leisurely game of badminton. bailiwick, did Robin feel at ease a female ballet dancer. talking to strangers. Although the ballerina seemed a bit Baedeker nervous before her performance, n baize her dancing was faultless. / SbCdDkE(r) / G name balaclava balletomane guidebook, handbook. n n By the time his Italian vacation was / TbalESklBvE / / baSleZETmCn / over, Ronnie’s Baedeker had come Crimean geog name L > It > F + Ecff + Gk > L > E apart at the spine. a hoodlike knitted cap covering the one who takes extraordinary delight head, neck, and part of the in artistic dance performances. bagatelle shoulders and worn especially by The well-known balletomane took n soldiers and mountaineers. roses to every performance. / TbagEStel / Every climber wore a balaclava for L > It > F protection from the cold air. ballistic a game played with a cue and adj usually nine balls on an oblong balalaika / bESlistik / table having cups or both cups and n Gk > L arches at one end. / TbalESlIkE / of or belonging to the hurling of Aaron is an excellent snooker Russ missiles. player but is unfamiliar with the an instrument of the guitar kind Simon used ballistic laws to rules of bagatelle. having a triangular wooden body determine where the arrow would and from two to four strings. land. bagel Vladimir strummed the balalaika and sang a Ukrainian folk song.

Page 27 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ballistics balustrade bandage n pl n n / bESlistiks / / SbalETstrCd / / Sbandij / Gk > L It > F F the science of the motion of a row of short supports topped by a a narrow length of fabric used to powder-propelled projectiles in rail to serve as an open parapet. cover a wound, hold a dressing in flight. Juliet leaned on the balustrade and place, immobilize an injured part, An expert in ballistics testified that gazed down at Romeo with adoring or apply pressure. the fatal bullet had been fired from eyes. Mom immediately cleaned and put the defendant’s gun. a bandage on Ted’s scraped knee. bamboo balloon bandalore bamboozle n balminess v / SbandETlP(E)r / n / bamSbVzEl / unknown / SbBmGnDs / unknown a toy with an automatically Semitic? > Gk > L > F > E + Ecff conceal one’s true motives from winding cord by which it is brought the quality or state of being mild or someone, especially by elaborately back to the hand when thrown. soothing. feigning good intentions so as to Jeffrey brought a bandalore to The balminess of the evening gain an end or achieve an school for show-and-tell. breeze helped Kate forget the advantage : mislead, hoodwink. accident. Gavin tried to bamboozle his bandicoot neighbor into offering her garage n balmoral for his party by saying how much it / SbandGTkVt / n needed a good airing out. Telugu / balSmOrEl / any of certain small active Scottish geog name banality insectivorous and herbivorous a boot or shoe that is laced in front; n marsupial mammals found in especially : an oxford shoe with / bCSnalEZG / Oceania. quarters meeting and centered over F Some species of bandicoot are a separate tongue. the quality of lacking originality, endangered. The balmoral first became freshness, or novelty. fashionable in the 1850s, when Pearl’s English teacher commented banditry Prince Albert popularized this type on the banality of much of the n of shoe. class’s poetry. / SbandDtrG / Gmc > It balneation banana the practice of roving about and n n pillaging especially in / TbalnGSCshEn / / bESnanE / semiorganized groups. L African > Sp or Pg With the government in chaos, the act or action of bathing. the elongated often curved and outbreaks of banditry were Alicia uses a sponge to assist in her usually tapering fruit of the banana common throughout the country. daily balneation. plant having soft pulpy flesh and a rind that is usually yellow when banishment balsam ripe. n To introduce fractions, the teacher banjo / SbOlsEm / showed her students how a banana L can be divided lengthwise into banjorine an aromatic substance flowing thirds. spontaneously or by incision from a bankruptcy plant and not necessarily remaining banausic liquid. adj banquet When Henrietta retrieved the ball / bESnOsik / from the branches of the fir tree, Gk baobab the balsam made her fingers sticky. moneymaking, breadwinning : vocational. Brandon showed no inclination toward banausic pursuits.

Page 28 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently baptismal barbiturate barnstorm adj n v / bapStizmEl / / bBrSbichErDt / / SbBrnzTtOrm / Gk > L > F Gk E + E of or relating to the ceremony of any of a large group of acids or tour through rural districts staging admitting one into membership in a their salts that are used as theatrical performances in large Christian church with the use of sedatives, hypnotics, and farm buildings or makeshift water by immersion, pouring, or antispamodics. theaters. sprinkling. Even a mild barbiturate can be The troupe set off in buses to The church’s new baptismal font is habit-forming if used incorrectly. barnstorm the Midwest with their made of Italian marble. version of The Music Man. bardiglio baragouin n barognosis n / bBrSdGl(T)yP / n / SbarETgwaM / L? > Sp > It / TbaTrBgSnPsDs / F an Italian marble commonly having Gk > L outlandish unintelligible speech. a dark gray or bluish ground the perception of weight by the The explorer was taken aback by traversed by veins. cutaneous and muscle senses. the baragouin of the excited The most exquisite mantel in the The loss of barognosis is a natives. country estate was made of symptom of some muscle diseases. bardiglio. barbaric barometer adj bargain n / bBrSbarik / / bESrBmEZE(r) / Gk > L bargello Gk + Gk of, relating to, or characteristic of an instrument for determining the one who lacks refinement, bariolage pressure of the atmosphere. gentleness, learning, or artistic or n Erica predicts the weather by using literary culture. / SbarGPTlBzh / the barometer located on her Harold was embarrassed by his F kitchen wall. little brother’s barbaric table a special effect in violin playing manners. obtained by playing in rapid baronet alternation upon open and stopped n barbarism strings. / TbarESnet / Bjorn’s deft bariolage during the Gmc > F > E barbarous third movement thrilled the the holder of a dignity or degree of audience. honor ranking immediately below a barbellate baron and above a knight. adj barker The baronet swaggered among the / SbBrbETlCt / knights but quailed before the L barnacle baron. having short stiff hooked bristles or n hairs. / SbBrnDkEl / baronial The biology students were asked to E adj identify animals with barbellate any of numerous marine / bESrPnGEl / hides. crustaceans that are free-swimming F > E as larvae but fixed to rocks or splendid, stately, spacious, ample. barbican floating objects as adults. The baronial fireplace had enough n The sailors scraped many a room to hold six-foot logs. / SbBrbDkEn / barnacle from the sides of the ship. L > F > E an outer defensive work of a city or barnacled castle. The invaders aimed their catapult at the castle’s barbican.

Page 29 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently baroque barratry bartizan adj n n / bESrPk / / SbarEtrG / / SbBrZEzEn / It name? > F F > E E of, relating to, or having the the persistent incitement of a small structure overhanging or characteristics of a style of artistic litigation. projecting from a building for expression prevalent especially in Barratry has overloaded our lookout or defense. the 17th century, marked by country's courts. The guard posted at the bartizan elaborate and sometimes grotesque was the first to spot the ornamentation. barrel approaching army. The baroque style in art and n architecture was marked by the use / SbarEl / bascule of curved figures. F > E n [Note: The definition provided is / SbaTskyVl / barothermograph not the one most commonly F n associated with this word.] a unit of an apparatus or structure in which / TbarPSthErmETgraf / measure for petroleum equal to 42 one end is counterbalanced by the Gk + Gk + Gk gallons. other on the principle of the seesaw an instrument for recording both Sheiks wept as the price of oil or by weights (as in a bascule pressure and temperature dropped below 17 dollars per bridge). (as of the atmosphere). barrel. The castle architect proposed The barothermograph was first building a bascule over the moat. used to collect atmospheric data in barren 1895. adj bashful / SbarEn / barouche F > E basilica n [has homonym: baron] deficient in / bESrVsh / producing vegetation : bare, basilisk L > It > G desolate. n a four-wheeled shallow carriage The overcultivated land, once / SbasETlisk / with a driver’s seat high in front, fertile, was now barren. Gk > L > E two double seats inside, one facing a legendary reptile that has a fatal back and the other front, and a barricade breath and glance. folding top over the back seat. n Jessie debated whether to Michelle and Phil rode to the prom / SbarETkCd / incorporate a basilisk or a in a barouche. F poisonous snake into her fable. a barrier or obstacle that prevents barracks passage. basin n pl A police barricade kept the crowds / SbarEks / at a safe distance from the burning basmati Catal > F building. n an often permanent building or set / TbBzSmBZG / of buildings used especially for barrio Hindi lodging soldiers. n a cultivated South Asian long grain Each new recruit was assigned a / SbBrGTP / rice. bunk in the barracks. Ar > Sp Jacques enjoys the aroma of a Spanish-speaking neighborhood basmati. barrage or quarter in a city or town in the n United States especially in the bassoon / bESrBzh / Southwest. F The politician continually reminded bastion a massive concentrated and usually the public of his roots in the barrio. n continuous discharge or shower (as / SbaschEn / of missiles or blows). Gmc > Prov > F In Puritan New England, those who a projecting part of a fortification. broke the law were sometimes put Matthew paused at the castle to death by a barrage of stones. bastion to look out over the countryside.

Page 30 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bathymeter bayou beauteous n n / bESthimEZE(r) / / SbIT(y)V / bedizenment Gk > ISV + Gk > F Choctaw > Louisiana F a device for the sounding of depths. a creek, secondary watercourse, or bedlam Proper use of the bathymeter was minor river that is tributary to n crucial as Captain Byron navigated another river or other body of / SbedlEm / through the shallows in the fog. water. Palestinian geog name > E Dale’s grandfather lives near a a place or scene of wild mad bathymetry bayou in southern Alabama. uproar. After the final game of the bathyscaphe bazooka championship, the parking lot was n bedlam. batik / bESzVkE / n Amer E bedstead / bEStGk / a light portable usually crew-served Javanese > Malay shoulder weapon used especially to beflustered an Indonesian method of hand- launch armor-piercing rockets. printing textiles by coating parts of Lenny begged his mother for the beforehand the fabric with wax to resist dye tank, bazooka, and toy soldiers that and dipping in a cold dye solution. he had seen in a commercial. beggar Sheila used both batik and tie-dye in her T-shirt creations. beachcomber beguile v batiste beacon / bDSgIl / n E batrachoid / SbGkEn / gain the notice of by the use of E wiles : charm. battalion a signal fire or lighthouse The teenager tried to beguile her n commonly on a hill, tower, or pole. teacher into giving her a good / bEStalyEn / That lighthouse once served as a grade. L > It > F beacon for ships nearing the shore. a considerable body of troops beguiling organized to act together : army. beaker adj The commander advanced the n / bDSgIliN / battalion confidently when he saw / SbGkE(r) / E the pitifully few defenders Old Saxon > ON > E provoking pleased interest and remaining at the castle walls. a deep openmouthed thin vessel diverting from concern or vexation. that often has a projecting lip for Todd blamed the beguiling bauble pouring and is used especially by influence of TV for his low grades. chemists and pharmacists. bavardage As Frank reached for the pipette, beguine n he knocked an acid-filled beaker off n / TbavE(r)SdBzh / the lab bench. / bDSgGn / L > F F small talk, chitchat. beatitude a vigorous popular dance of the After a stressful math class, Cora islands of Saint Lucia and welcomed the opportunity for beaujolais Martinique somewhat like the bavardage with her friends in the rumba. cafeteria. beaumontage Cole Porter’s song “Begin the n Beguine” started the beguine on bayonet / bPSmBntij / the road to popularity in this unknown > French country. a composition used by artisans to fill and conceal holes or cracks in wood or metal. Bart asked the conservator to replace all the old beaumontage in the statuette.

Page 31 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently behemoth bellipotent benevolent n adj adj / bDShGmEth / / beSlipEZEnt / / bDSnevElEnt / Heb > L > E L + L L > E something of oppressive or mighty in war. marked by a kindly disposition to monstrous size or power. The nation’s desire to become a promote the happiness and Anwar’s wrestling opponent was a bellipotent power resulted in a prosperity of others. behemoth of a man. drastic increase in its defense Elmer received a commendation for budget. his benevolent actions. beige adj bellwether benignant / SbCzh / n adj Per? > Gk? > L? > It? > F / SbelTweLE(r) / / bDSnignEnt / of a variable color averaging light E L grayish yellowish brown. one that takes the lead or initiative : kindly, mild, gentle. Tired of the beige walls in her leader. The department store always chose home, Ellen decided to repaint all Brooke’s firm has long been a Santa Claus with a benignant the rooms with bold colors. considered a bellwether in the countenance. industry. beleaguer benison v bellwort n / bDSlGgE(r) / / SbenEsEn / D belomancy L > F > E subject to oppressive or grievous [Note: Could be confused with forces. belton venison.] the pronouncing of a In June the black flies will invade blessing : benediction. the campsite and beleaguer the benediction Tim’s favorite vocal benison is his unsuspecting campers. n youth choir’s rendition of the Irish / TbenESdikshEn / Blessing. belemnoid L adj an expression or utterance of bequeath / SbelEmTnOid / blessing or good wishes. Gk Alta’s mother orated an impressive berceuse shaped like a dart. benediction at her wedding n The museum’s collection included reception. / berSsE(r)z / belemnoid carvings of unknown F origin. beneficence a vocal or instrumental composition of a soothing character. believe beneficent Maya hummed a berceuse to her adj son to soothe him to sleep. bellicose / bDSnefEsEnt / L + Ecf bereave belligerent performing acts of kindness and adj charity. bereavement / bDSlij(E)rEnt / Thanks to the generosity of a n L beneficent contributor, the / bDSrGvmEnt / waging war. symphony will be funded for E The victorious faction is setting up another season. deprivation; especially : loss of a an interim government and purging loved one by death. its belligerent enemies. benevolence Some scientific studies have shown n that bereavement, such as the loss / bDSnevElEn(t)s / of a spouse, can affect one’s L immunity to illness. kindly disposition to do good and promote the welfare of others. As a result of his grandfather’s benevolence, Chad was able to afford an Ivy League education.

Page 32 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently beret besom bibelot n n n / bESrC / / SbGzEm / / SbGbETlP / Prov > F E Gk > L > F a soft flat visorless cap of woolen a broom made with a bundle of a small household ornament or material originally worn by Basque twigs. decorative object : trinket. peasants. Milena pretended she was a Mrs. Carnes gave her toddler a The painter’s beret was a bit pioneer, sweeping out the garage bibelot to play with while the tattered and moth-eaten. with a crudely constructed besom. women discussed plans for the rally. bergamot bestial n biblioclast / SbErgETmBt / betacism Turk > It > F bibliography an essential oil much used in bethel perfumery. n biblioklept Elisa was wearing cologne scented / SbethEl / with bergamot. Heb bibliopegy a place of worship, as a chapel for n bergschrund nonconformists. / TbiblGSBpDjG / n The shelter overlooking the Gk + Gk / SberkTshrUnt / waterfall has become a bethel for the art of binding books. G Sunday morning hikers who want A local bookbinder visited the class a deep and often broad crevasse or to contemplate the grandeur of and explained how bibliopegy is series of such crevasses frequently nature. both a craft and an art. occurring near the head of a mountain glacier. bevel bibliothecarial The rescuers descended into the v adj bergschrund to reach the injured / SbevEl / / TbiblGEthDSka(a)rGEl / mountain climber. F Gk + Lcf cut or shape to an angle : put a slant of or related to a library. beriberi on the edge of. Thurmond has great interest in the n Rhoda wants the glass shop to Dewey decimal system and other / TberGSberG / bevel her mirror before it is things bibliothecarial. Sinhalese framed. a disease caused by a lack of or bibliotics inability to assimilate vitamin B-1. bevy n pl The symptoms of beriberi usually n / TbiblGSBZiks / respond well to dietary / SbevG / Gk improvements. E the scientific study of handwriting, a usually large group or collection. documents, and writing materials berouged A bevy of reporters crowded especially for determining around the gold medal winner. genuineness or authorship. berylloid Several experts in bibliotics were n bewilder asked to examine the scroll. / SberETlOid / Indic > Gk > L > F + Ecf bewitched bicameral a form consisting of a double 12- v adj sided pyramid. / bDSwicht / / bISkam(E)rEl / The jeweler decided to cut the E L unusual crystal into a berylloid to cast a spell over. having or made up of two distinct heighten its allure to potential Some say a sorceress bewitched the legislative bodies. buyers. valley during the early days of The U.S. Congress is bicameral, settlement. consisting of the Senate and the besmirched House of Representatives. bialys

Page 33 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bicentennial bilge bimillenary n n n / TbIsenStenGEl / / Sbilj / / bISmilETnerG / Lcf + L + L > E unknown L a 200th anniversary or its water that collects by seepage or a 2000th anniversary or its celebration. leakage in the bottom of a ship or celebration. Bargersville will celebrate the other vessel. In 1951 the city of Paris celebrated bicentennial of its founding next Jeannie awoke to find bilge the bimillenary of its founding. year. sloshing against her bunk. binary biceps bilharzia adj / SbITnerG / biennial bilingual L involving a choice or condition of bifurcation billeted two alternatives only (as on-off or n v yes-no). / bITfErSkCshEn / / SbilDZDd / The symbols conventionally used in L > F L > F > E a binary system of numeration are the point at which separation or served with an official order 0 and 1. branching into two parts, areas, directing that a member of a aspects, or connected segments military force be provided with binoculars occurs. board and lodging (as in a private n pl Satish pulled his car over and home). / bDSnBkyElE(r)z / studied the map when he reached a During the Civil War it was not L > E + L bifurcation in the road. uncommon for homeowners to be a handheld optical instrument billeted. composed of two telescopes and a bijou focusing device and usually having billiards prisms to increase magnifying bijouterie n pl ability. n / SbilyE(r)dz / Binoculars have proved to be a / bGSzhVtETrG / Celt > F great boon to bird-watching. F any of several games played on an jewelry in which delicate or oblong table in which small balls binomial intricate metalwork contributes are driven against one another or more to the value than do the into pockets by means of a cue. bioluminescent constituent materials. Honoria supplemented her adj Marge scoured the display case in scholarship money by playing / TbI(T)PTlVmESnesFnt / the antique shop for an addition to billiards for pocket change. Gk + L her collection of bijouterie. of, relating to, or characterized by billionaire the emission of light from living bikini organisms as the result of internal n billon oxidative changes. / bESkGnG / n Bioluminescent animals occur in at Pacific geog name / SbilEn / least 39 orders of the animal a woman’s abbreviated two-piece F kingdom. bathing suit. gold or silver alloyed with a Joan’s father does not approve of considerable amount of some less biopsy the bikini she would like to valuable metal. purchase. The numismatist showed the wide- bireme eyed youngster several coins made bilateral of billon. adj / bISlaZErEl / biloculine L > Ecf + L of or relating to the right and left bimestrial sides of a central area. The maple leaf exhibits bilateral symmetry.

Page 34 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bisagre blague blatant n v adj / bDSsa(T)grG / / SblBg / / SblCtFnt / MexSp F L a small spiny cactus of Mexico and talk pretentiously and usually completely or crassly obvious : the southwestern United States that inaccurately or boastfully. brazen. is sometimes cut into slices and Politicians who blague generally Mr. Nall suspended Ed for blatant candied. alienate their audiences. disobedience during the fire drill. Elena often rewarded her children’s good behavior with blandishment blather slices of bisagre. n n / SblandishmEnt / / SblaLE(r) / biscuit L > F > E + Ecf ON n speech, action, or device that voluble, foolish, or nonsensical / SbiskDt / flatters and tends to coax or cajole. talk. (L + L) > F > E No blandishment can sway Gil Matt’s announcement consisted of a quick bread made in a small from his steadfast sense of 10 percent information and 90 shape from dough that has been propriety. percent blather. rolled and cut or dropped and that is raised in the baking by a blanquette blatherskite leavening agent other than yeast. n n A hot biscuit with butter and honey / blBMket / / SblaLE(r)TskIt / was the best part of the lunch. Gmc > Prov > F ON + ON a light meat (as veal or breast of a blustering, talkative, and often bise chicken) in a white sauce. incompetent person. n After the play, Grandmother took With Jay’s luck, the biggest / SbGz / us to a French restaurant, where blatherskite in the theater will sit Gmc > F > E we sampled a blanquette of veal directly behind him. [has homonym: bees] a cold wind; from the buffet. especially : a cold dry north wind blazon of southern France, Switzerland, blarney n and Italy. n / SblCzFn / Jake was told that he would need to / SblBrnG / F > E pack warm clothes to withstand the Ir geog name coat of arms. bise while he toured Switzerland. smooth wheedling talk. The duke’s blazon was on Mrs. Lewis was not impressed by everything from the tableware to bisector Al’s blarney as he tried to talk her the towels. into raising his grade. bittern bleach blasphemous v bivouac adj / SblGch / n / SblasfEmEs / E / SbivTwak / Gk > L remove the color or stains from. G > F speaking or writing irreverence Eliza decided not to bleach her a camping out for a night. toward God. stained socks for fear of ruining Private Slater packed a peanut During the Middle Ages many their elastic. butter sandwich for his bivouac. books were condemned as blasphemous and burned. bleary bizarre adj blasphemously blemish / bDSzBr / adv n It > F / SblasfEmEslG / / Sblemish / [has near homonym: bazaar] being Gk > L > + Ecf Gmc > F > E strikingly out of the ordinary or at in an impiously irreverent manner. defect, flaw. variance with some standard, real Dad blasphemously berated the A skilled watercolorist can render or implied. driver who suddenly cut in front of a blemish invisible. Todd’s bizarre behavior prompted him without warning. his parents to call a doctor. blenny blasphemy

Page 35 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently blepharal blizzard blunderbuss adj n n / SblefErEl / / SblizE(r)d / / SblEndE(r)TbEs / Gk unknown D + L > D of or relating to the eyelids. a severe and prolonged snowstorm. an obsolete short gun or firearm Leroy’s blepharal inflammation Last winter many cattle perished in that had a large bore and was was caused by allergies. a blizzard. intended for shooting at close quarters without exact aim. blessing blossom The museum exhibit featured a n blunderbuss along with other 18th- / SblesiN / blossoming century weapons. E adj the act or words of one who issues / SblBsEmiN / bobbin approval or praise. E + Ecf Nate and Irene sought the blessing flowering. bobolink of their priest before they married. Between the blossoming branches of the canopy, bits of blue sky bocaccio blight looked down like wonderful eyes. n / bPSkBTchP / blissful blotch AmSp&It > E adj n a large olive to brown red-flushed / SblisfEl / / SblBch / rockfish of the Pacific coast from E L? > F > E British Columbia to southern marked by a state of complete or imperfection, blemish. California. ecstatic happiness. The vendor referred to the ugly The bocaccio feeds on a variety of The blissful bride and groom blotch on the leather as “natural fishes, crabs, and squids. hurried off on their honeymoon. discoloration.” blouse bocage blithe n bloviate / bPSkBzh / blitz F v blucher countryside or landscape marked / Sblitz / n by intermingled patches of G / SblVkE(r) / woodland and heath, small fields, rush (a passer) in football from a Prussian name tall hedgerows, and orchards. position as a linebacker or a shoe having the tongue and vamp The charming bocage of rural defensive back. cut in one piece and the quarters France presents a variety that In a desperate bid to stop the other lapped over the vamp and laced delights travelers. team from scoring, the coach told together for closing. all three linebackers to blitz the The blucher was very popular with bodega quarterback. returning servicemen after World n War I. / bPSdCgE / blitzkrieg L > Sp n bludgeon a combined wineshop and grocery / SblitsTkrGg / n store. G / SblEjEn / Miguel’s mother sent him to the war conducted with great speed and unknown bodega for a loaf of bread. force; specifically : a violent a short stick used as a weapon surprise offensive by massed air usually having one thick, heavy, or boiserie forces and mechanized ground loaded end. n forces in close coordination. The shop teacher confiscated the / SbwBzETrG / The French forces were roundly crude bludgeon Harlan had Gmc > F defeated by the Germans’ fashioned from a baseball bat. carved wood paneling. blitzkrieg. In Louis’s living room painted blueprint boiserie provides a backdrop for a melange of upholstered armchairs.

Page 36 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently boisterous bonhomous of France, the capital of which is adj adj Bordeaux. / SbOist(E)rEs / / SbBnEmEs / Stuart thickened the Bordelaise F > E L > F + Ecf over a low flame. full of exuberant uninhibited and warmly genial. often excessive spirits. Will told us about the bonhomous bordereaux The locker room was boisterous master of ceremonies at the after the championship. banquet. borderline bole boniface bore n n n / SbPl / / SbBnEfDs / / SbP(E)r / ON name in an Irish play E the trunk of a tree. the proprietor of a hotel, nightclub, [Note: The definition provided is Biff threw a knife into the old oak’s or restaurant. not the one most commonly bole. The boniface of the Red Horse Inn associated with this word. In loves to have his picture taken with addition, word has homonyms and bolero visiting celebrities. near homonym: boar, Boer, and n boor.] a tidal flood that regularly or / bESla(a)(T)rP / bonnet occasionally rushes with a roaring Sp n noise into certain rivers. a Spanish dance to music in three- / SbBnDt / Ships in the harbor when a bore quarter time and characterized by L > F > E occurred could suffer damage from sharp turns and revolutions of the a woman’s head covering of cloth its considerable height or force. body and stamping of the feet in or straw usually tied under the chin. syncopated rhythm. Marie was tying her handkerchief borealization Miguel and Ana danced the bolero over the kitten’s head for a bonnet. n as the rest of the partygoers / TbPrGElDSzCshEn / watched and clapped. bonsai Gk > L + Ecff n adaptation (as of plants) to life in bolide / SbPnTsI / more northerly regions. n Jpn In the far North, borealization is a / SbPTlId / [has near homonym: banzai] a primary factor in the evolution of Gk potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed by different plant species. an exploding or exploded meteor or special methods of culture. meteorite. Joanie spent the afternoon borzoi Some UFO reports turn out to instructing a class on pruning a n result from the appearance of a bonsai. / SbOrTzOi / bolide. Russ bookcase a Russian wolfhound. Bolshevik The borzoi resembles a large n bookkeeper greyhound with long wavy hair. / SbPlshDTvik / n Russ / SbUkTkGpE(r) / bosky a member of the Russian E Communist Party. one who maintains accounts. botanist The Bolshevik kept repeating, Dad has been a bookkeeper at the n “This could never happen in a plant for 14 years. / SbBt(F)nDst / communist country.” Gk + Ecf bombilation boomerang a professional student of plants. A botanist identified the mysterious bonanza boondoggle plant growing behind Alysia’s n garage. / bESnanzE / Bordelaise L > Sp n something that yields an often / TbOrdFlSCz / unexpectedly large profit. F geog name Millie struck a bonanza with her a brown sauce flavored with a table latest business venture. wine from the Gironde department

Page 37 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently botany boulevard bourgeoisie n n n / SbBt(F)nG / / SbUlETvBrd / / TbUrzhTwBSzG / Gk > F D > F F the branch of biology dealing with a broad thoroughfare often having the social and economic middle plant life. grassplots with trees along the class. Jan has no formal education in center or between curbings and Dillon went to college to, as he put botany, but she does seem to have a sidewalks. it, “escape from the throes of the green thumb. On a warm sunny day many bourgeoisie.” strollers can be found on the boutonniere botcher boulevard. n / TbVtFnSi(E)r / botuliform boulevardier F adj a flower or bouquet worn in a / SbBchElETfOrm / boundary buttonhole. L + Ecf The groom wore a sprig of orange shaped like a sausage. bounteous blossom as a boutonniere. Cattails have botuliform flower heads. bountiful bowdlerize adj v boudoir / SbaUntDfEl / / SbPdlETrIz / n L > F > E + Ecf E name + Ecf / SbVTdwB(r) / abundant, plentiful. remove matter considered F The potato farmers rejoiced over indelicate or otherwise a woman’s dressing room, their bountiful harvest. objectionable from. bedroom, or private sitting room. When the publisher chose to The boudoir adjacent to the master bouquet bowdlerize the novel, the school bedroom was, to Brooke, the most n librarian refused to order it. fascinating room on the tour. / bPSkC / F bowery bough the distinctive fragrance (as of a n wine or brandy) derived from the bowline / SbaU / processes of fermentation and n E aging. / SbPlDn / [has homonym: bow] a branch of a Jim found the bouquet of the E tree. mystery wine much to his liking. a rope fastened near the middle of Grass would grow better beneath the perpendicular edge of a square the tree if the lowest bough were bouquiniste sail and used to keep the weather removed. n edge of the sail taut forward when / bVkGnGst / the ship is close-hauled. bouillabaisse D > F Suzanne told Julio to cleat the a dealer in secondhand books. bowline down tightly as she bouillon The bouquiniste encouraged us to prepared to tack. n browse as long as we wanted. / SbVTyBn / boycott F bourgeois v [Note: Alternate pronunciation has adj / SbOiTkBt / homonym: bullion.] a broth made / SbVrzhTwB / E name by slow boiling of meat and F combine against (a person, especially beef in water. of, belonging to, or characteristic of employer, a group of persons, or a Benny learned how to make the townsman or the social middle nation) in a policy of suspension of bouillon in his home economics class. dealings or relations for economic class. The senator said that he espoused or political reasons. the bourgeois virtues of thriftiness, The people of New Athens resolved forethought, and a serious attitude to boycott the offending company. toward life.

Page 38 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently boysenberry bradyseism bravura n n n / SbOizFnTberG / / SbrCdGTsIzEm / / brESv(y)UrE / Amer name + E Gk It a very large bramble fruit with a a slow quiet upward or downward a show of daring or brilliancy. flavor like a raspberry especially movement of Earth’s crust. The crowd cheered the aerialist for valued for canning and preserving. The outskirts of Naples have been his bravura. Mark enjoys the tart flavor of a afflicted by bradyseism since a freshly picked boysenberry. 1980 earthquake. brawniness n bracelet braggadocio / SbrOnGnDs / n Gmc > F > E brachiate / TbragESdPshGTP / the quality or state of having large v name in English poem strong muscles : muscular. / SbrakGTCt / empty boasting or bragging. Chip’s brawniness proved to be an Gk > L Shelly was sure that Keith’s claim asset in playing football. progress by swinging from one to have received ten speeding hold to another by the arms. tickets was mere braggadocio. brazen The children enjoyed watching the adj chimpanzees playfully brachiate brankursine / SbrCzFn / from tree to tree. n E / braNSkErsFn / done in the open or in plain sight brachygraphy L > F with or as if with complete scorn of n a prickly European herb having public opinion, the common good, / braSkigrEfG / rough, fuzzy leaves. or ethical principle. Gk + Gk The brankursine has ornamental Kevin hopes that his brazen shorthand : a method of writing value because of its claw-shaped violation of the school’s dress code rapidly by substituting characters, leaves. will get him sent home for the day. abbreviations, or symbols for letters, words, or phrases. brannigan breach Current job listings for n administrative assistants rarely list / SbranDgEn / breakfast brachygraphy as a mandatory skill. name? a difference of opinion : breath brachylogy controversy, squabble. n n A rousing brannigan erupted at the / Sbreth / / braSkilEjG / dinner table. E Gk air charged with a certain conciseness of expression. brasserie fragrance, odor, or other A successful poet is a master of suggestion. imagery and brachylogy. bratwurst The breath of roses in the parlor n came from the window open to the bradawl / SbratTwErst / garden. n G / SbradTOl / fresh pork sausage. breccia E + E Karen is grilling bratwurst for the n an awl with a chisel edge used to pool party. / Sbrech(G)E / make holes for screws or thin, It small nails. braunschweiger [has near homonym: Brescia] a Desmond found a bradawl in his n rock consisting of sharp fragments grandfather’s toolbox, but he / SbraUnTshwIgE(r) / embedded in a fine-grained matrix couldn’t figure out what it was used G name (as sand or clay). for. smoked liver sausage. A breccia was among the rock Derek made a braunschweiger and specimens that the scientist brought bradycardia pickle sandwich for his afternoon back from her trip to the desert. snack.

Page 39 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bretelle brigadier brininess n n n / brEStel / / TbrigESdi(E)r / / SbrInGnDs / Gmc > F It > F > E E one of a pair of ornamental straps an army, marine, or air force officer the quality or state of being like salt that go from the belt on the front of ranking just below a major general water or the sea. a dress over the shoulders to the and above a colonel. Nadine does not enjoy swimming in belt in back. After winning the decisive battle, the ocean because its brininess Candace asked for help in Hiram was promoted to brigadier. irritates her skin. adjusting her bretelle. brigand brioche brevet n n n / SbrigEnd / / brGSPsh / / brDSvet / Celt > It > F > E Gmc > F F > E one who lives by plunder usually as a fancy roll of very light yeast an official document from a a member of a band. dough rich with eggs and butter. government granting a privilege, The captured brigand refused to Amy wanted just a brioche and title, or dignity. say a word about his group’s juice for breakfast. Dominic found a brevet signed by leader. President Fillmore among his broach grandfather’s papers. brigantine v n / SbrPch / breviloquent / SbrigEnTtGn / F > E Celt > It > F [has homonym: brooch] open up (a brevity a two-masted square-rigged sailing subject) for discussion or debate. n ship. No one dares broach the subject of / SbrevEZG / Sailing school will be held on a politics in front of Monique. L specially outfitted brigantine. expression in few words : terseness, broadcaster conciseness. brightness n Polonius told Queen Gertrude that n / SbrOdTkastE(r) / “brevity is the soul of wit.” / SbrItTnDs / E + ON > E bribery E a person who disseminates news on n the state of being radiant : lustrous. radio or television. / SbrIb(E)rG / Walter wore sunglasses while he Russell has the clear voice and F > E was skiing to protect his eyes precise diction of an experienced the act or practice of giving or against the brightness of the snow. broadcaster. taking a reward, gift, or favor with a view to corrupt the conduct brilliant brocade especially of a person in a position n of trust (as a public official). brimstone / brPSkCd / When the gambler offered the n L > It > Catal > Sp athletes money to lose the game, he / SbrimzTtPn / a rich oriental fabric with raised was arrested and charged with E patterns embroidered in gold and bribery. sulfur. silver threads. If the story were true, upon Tina discovered a gorgeous bridle reaching the sacred spot the demon brocade in the remnant bin at the would vanish in a flash of fire and fabric store. briefcase brimstone. brochette brine n / brPSshet / F meat broiled on a skewer. Marsha garnished her beef brochette with green peppers.

Page 40 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently brochure brougham brume n n n / brPSshU(E)r / / SbrV(E)m / / SbrVm / F Scottish name L > OProv > F pamphlet, booklet. [has near homonyms: broom, [has homonym and near homonym: Juanita designed a brochure for the brume] a light closed horse-drawn broom and brougham] mist, fog. zoological society. carriage with the driver outside in The ship’s foghorn blared through front. the drifting brume. brockage The brougham was once a common n sight on the streets of London. brummagem / SbrBkij / adj E brouhaha / SbrEmDjEm / an imperfectly minted coin. n E geog name Allen found a brockage in his piggy / SbrVShBThB / spurious especially in a cheap and bank. Hebrew? > F showy way : phony, sham. publicity, attention, or excitement Irene usually wears brummagem bromeliad far beyond the merits or importance jewelry when she dines at fancy n of its cause. restaurants. / brPSmGlGTad / Sean dropped his tray in the Sw name + Lcf cafeteria, causing quite a brumous a plant of a family of tropical brouhaha. American herbs or subshrubs. brutal The colorful leaves of the brucellosis adj bromeliad make it a popular n / SbrVZFl / houseplant. / TbrVsESlPsDs / L > F > E E name + Lcf characterized by ruthlessness and bronchial a human disease characterized by insensitivity. extreme exhaustion and generalized The judge gave Gary the maximum bronchitis aches and pains and acquired sentence, noting the brutal nature n through infected animal products. of the crime. / brBnSkIZDs / An outbreak of brucellosis forced Gk the sausage factory to shut down. bruxism acute or chronic inflammation in n the lungs. bruise / SbrEkTsizEm / Because of his bronchitis, Sam had n Gk > E given up jogging. / SbrVz / the habit of unconsciously gritting F > E or grinding the teeth especially in brontometer [has homonym: brews] an injury, situations of stress or during sleep. n especially one produced by a blow Ellie’s bruxism was so pronounced / brBnStBmEZE(r) / or collision, that does not break the that her dentist made a bite guard Gk surface it injures. for her to wear at night. an instrument for measuring the Heather’s fall from her bicycle left phenomena of thunderstorms. her with a bad bruise. buccaneer In 1888 meteorologists began using n a brontometer to record the details bruit / TbEkESni(e)r / of thunderstorms. Tupi > F brujo one of the pirates preying upon bronze n Spanish ships and settlements v / SbrVThP / especially in the West Indies in the / SbrBnz / Sp 17th century. L > It > F sorcerer, witch doctor; especially : While on the “Pirates of the [has near homonym: brawns] one that works black magic. Caribbean” ride at Disneyland, become like bronze, a moderate The character of the brujo in the Maria thought she saw the eyes of yellowish brown alloy of copper ballet was played by a dancer who the nearest buccaneer move. and tin, especially in color. scowled through the entire first act. Ike’s attempt to bronze on the beach took an unfortunate turn when he fell asleep.

Page 41 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently buccolingual buffoon bullion adj n / TbEkPSliNg(yE)wEl / / TbESfVn / bullionist L L > It > F n relating to or affecting the cheek a person professionally engaged in / SbUlyEnDst / and the tongue. entertaining others by tricks, F > E + Ecf Pipe smoking can harm the gestures, or comic pantomime. an advocate of a metallic medium buccolingual tissue. Along the midway a buffoon of exchange. entertained the children with a The bullionist proposed a return to buckboard laughable pantomime. the gold standard. n / SbEkTbP(E)rd / buffoonery bumptiously E + E n a four-wheeled horse-drawn / (T)bESfVn(E)rG / bungalow vehicle without springs with the F n platform fastened directly to the the practices of a clown or / SbENgETlP / front and rear axle, usually with a clownish person; especially : coarse Hindi seat above it often mounted on loutish behavior. a lightly built single-story house or springs. Mrs. Decker warned that she would cottage. The Wilson family used a tolerate no buffoonery in her Wendy’s dream vacation includes buckboard for travel and to classroom. renting a bungalow on a South transport supplies from town. Pacific island. bugaboo buckram n buoyant / SbEgETbV / adj bucolic E / SbOiEnt / something that causes fear or Sp Buddhism distress often out of proportion to able to regain high spirits after n its actual importance in a situation. depression : lighthearted. / SbUTdizEm / Failing the geometry test was The buoyant author gladly Skt name Kara’s bugaboo. autographed his book for buyers. a religion of eastern and central Asia. bulbous buoyantly Buddhism has spread from its adj original home in Asia to all corners / SbElbEs / buran of the globe. L n [has homonym: bulbus] / bVSrBn / budgetary resembling or suggesting a bulb Turk > Russ especially in roundness or in the a northeasterly wind of gale force buffalo gross enlargement of a part. in Russia and central Asia usually n The cartoon character’s heavy identified with sandstorms in / SbEfETlP / bulbous body lurched dangerously summer and blizzards in winter. Gk > L > Sp > It on his spindly legs, which barely The dreaded buran from northern a large wild ox with a shaggy mane supported him. Siberia swept across the tundra and short horns that was once with extraordinary violence. abundant on the central and bulgur western plains of the United States. n bureaucracy Jamie was awed by the / SbUlTgU(E)r / n enormousness of the buffalo she Turk / byVSrBkrEsG / saw at the zoo. parched crushed wheat as prepared F and used as a dietary staple in a system of administration marked Turkey and adjacent regions. by lack of initiative and flexibility, Omar’s favorite dish is a salad by indifference to human needs or made with bulgur, pine nuts, and public opinion, and by a tendency raisins. to defer decisions to superiors or to impede action with red tape. bulletin Helga blamed the bureaucracy for the six-week delay in getting her bulletinize passport.

Page 42 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently bureaucrat burrito butte n n n / SbyUrETkrat / / bESrGZTP / / SbyVt / L > F + Gk > F Sp F a member of the whole body of a usually baked flour tortilla rolled [has homonym: beaut] an isolated nonelected government officials. or folded around a filling (as of hill or small mountain with steep or Alexis spent 20 minutes trying to meat, beans, or cheese). precipitous sides that usually has a convince a bureaucrat that she For lunch Fred ordered a burrito, smaller summit area than does a really was seeking employment. rice, and refried beans. mesa. A butte erodes mostly from its sides burgher bursar because its uppermost layers n n consist of hard rock and resist / SbErgEr / / SbErsEr / weathering. G&D L a resident of a town : townsman. [Note: Could be confused with butterfly Every burgher showed up for purser.] an administrative officer v Springfield’s fireworks display. (as of a monastery or college) in / SbEZE(r)TflI / charge of funds : treasurer. E burgherly The bill for the new gym floor was split almost entirely and spread submitted to the school’s bursar. apart in such a way as to resemble burgoo the spread wings of a butterfly. n bursiculate George tried to butterfly the / (T)bErSgV / adj chicken breast but ended up with unknown / TbErSsikyElDt / two ragged chunks of meat. a savory highly seasoned stew or L > E thick soup containing several kinds shaped like a small pouch or purse. butterscotch of meat and vegetables originally Some seaweed plants have n served at political rallies, bursiculate leaves. / SbEZE(r)TskBch / barbecues, picnics, and community E occasions. bursitis a hard candy made by boiling Everyone looks forward to eating n together brown sugar, corn syrup, burgoo at Drew’s Derby Day party. / TbErSsIZDs / and water. L + Ecf Butterscotch has a deep golden burin inflammation of a fluid-filled color and a delicious rich taste. n cavity in a joint of the body. / SbyUrDn / Pain during the tennis game was buttress Celt? > Catal? > F Brett’s first symptom of bursitis. an engraver’s tool having a steel butyraceous blade ground obliquely to a sharp busby adj point. n / TbyVZESrCshEs / The artist used a burin to engrave a / SbEzbG / Gk > L design on a copper plate. E name? resembling butter. a military full-dress hat made of fur The mixed vegetables were flavored burly with a bag usually of cloth of the with a butyraceous sauce. adj color of the facings of the regiment / SbErlG / hanging from the top on the right. buzzard E The drum major strutted proudly in n [has homonym: burley] strongly his white uniform and black busby. / SbEzE(r)d / built : stout, sturdy. L > F > E The director chose Harry for the bushel any of various birds of prey, such part of the construction worker as a turkey vulture or condor. because of his burly appearance. The buzzard is a common figure in cartoons, making its appearance when other characters are sick or dying.

Page 43 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently byssinosis cabriole cacophony n n n / TbisESnPsDs / / SkabrGTPl / / kaSkBfEnG / Gk > L F Gk a chronic industrial disease [Note: Could be confused with harsh or discordant sound. associated with the inhalation of capriole.] a ballet leap in which one Spot’s encounter with the skunk cotton dust over a long period of leg is extended in mid-air and the was accompanied by a burst of time. other struck against it. cacophony. Employees at the mill wore masks The dancers dressed as wood to protect themselves from sprites performed a cabriole in cacuminal byssinosis. every measure of the music. cadaver byte cache n v / kESdavE(r) / Byzantine / Skash / L adj L > F a dead human or animal body / SbizEnTtGn / [has homonym: cash] place or usually intended for cutting so as to Gk store in safety or concealment. expose the several parts and their of, relating to, or characteristic of Jim asked Zelda to cache his locations and connections. the eastern Roman Empire. valuables while he was on Duncan dissected a cadaver in Byzantine bureaucracy has become sabbatical in Japan. anatomy class. a byword for cumbersome, complicated, inefficient, and cachet cadaverous inflexible administration. n / kaSshC / cadence cabana F n a characteristic feature or quality cadre / kESban(y)E / conferring prestige or distinction or n L > Sp inspiring respect. / SkB(T)drC / a tentlike often portable shelter Acting in a hit TV sitcom does not L > It > F with a projecting canopy over an carry the same cachet as acting in a nucleus or core group especially open side facing a beach or a hit movie. of trained personnel or active swimming pool. members of an organization who Sam and Doug will move the cachinnate are capable of assuming leadership cabana closer to the swimming or of training and indoctrinating pool. cachinnation others. n Its highly skilled cadre of managers cabaret / TkakESnCshEn / enabled the company to achieve n L great success in its first year. / TkabESrC / the act or action of laughing loudly L? > F or convulsively. caduceus a restaurant that provides The cachinnation of the comedy n entertainment, usually singing and club's audience convinced the / kESd(y)Vs(h)GEs / dancing. comedian that he was on his way to Gk > L Sheila’s training in tap dancing becoming a star. a conventionalized representation helped her get a job at the local of a staff with two snakes curled cabaret. cacography around it and with two wings at the n top. cabinet / kaSkBgrEfG / In Greek mythology the caduceus Gk was the staff of Hermes, the cabochon bad handwriting. messenger of the gods. adv Martin’s cacography made his / SkabETshBn / work illegible. F in convex form highly polished but cacophonous not faceted. The jeweler cut the stone cabochon and mounted it in a platinum setting.

Page 44 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cafeteria calamity calico n n / TkafEStirGE / calcium / SkalDTkP / Turk > Sp n Indian geog name a self-service restaurant or / SkalsGEm / any of various cheap cotton fabrics lunchroom. L with figured patterns. On the last day of school the a soft, silver-white bivalent Molly’s dress was made of a bold students had a food fight in the metallic element that occurs in orange and yellow checked calico. cafeteria. combination with minerals and rocks. caliginous caisson Calcium is an essential element in adj n bones. / kESlijEnEs / / SkCTsBn / F or L L > F calculate dark, obscure. a two-wheeled vehicle for artillery v A caliginous sky foreshadowed the ammunition attachable to a horse- / SkalkyETlCt / approaching storm. drawn limber for marching. L A caisson is sometimes used to ascertain or determine by calisthenics carry the coffin in a military mathematical processes especially n pl funeral. of some intricacy. / TkalEsStheniks / Toriko likes to calculate her car’s Gk + Ecf caitiff gas mileage after every trip. systematic exercises performed n usually in rhythm and often in a / SkCZDf / calculator group to improve the strength, L > F > E n suppleness, balance, and health of a base despicable person. / SkalkyETlCZE(r) / the body. The story centers on Batman’s L > E + Ecf Aunt Julia does calisthenics twice a encounters with a psychotic caitiff, a device used for computing week in a program called “Body the Riddler. amounts. Recall.” Mr. Jensen permitted each student calisthenium cajole to use a calculator during the exam. callidity cajolery n n calculiform / kaSlidEZG / / kESjPl(E)rG / adj L F / SkalkyElETfOrm / craftiness, cunning, shrewdness. use of delusive enticements. L > ISV Br’er Rabbit was famous for his After much cajolery, the kitten shaped like a pebble. callidity. finally came down from the tree. In the Mayan writing system, the characters were rounded like calligrapher calabash pebbles and so were described as n n being calculiform. / kESligrEfE(r) / / SkalETbash / Gk Ar? > Sp&F calculus one that writes a beautiful, the common bottle gourd. ornamental, or stylized hand. A calabash with a hole cut in it calefacient Joni and William had their makes a dandy birdhouse. adj wedding invitations inscribed by a / TkalESfCshEnt / calligrapher. caladium L n making warm : heating. / kESlCdGEm / A calefacient ointment relieved Malay > L some of Dave’s muscular pain. any of a small genus of tropical American plants with variously calendar colored arrow-shaped leaves. Julie delivered a potted caladium calibrate to her sick cousin. calamine

Page 45 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently calliope calypso camouflaged n n / kESlIE(T)pG / / kESlip(T)sP / camoufleur Gk > L Gk name a musical instrument consisting of a balladlike improvisation in campanile a series of crude steam or air African rhythm usually satirizing n whistles used on riverboats and in current events first composed and / TkampESnGlG / circuses and carnivals. sung in competition in the British L > It Passengers gathered on the upper West Indies. [Note: Plural form can be deck of the Mississippi Queen to Harry Belafonte gained fame as a pronounced identically.] a bell listen to the calliope. singer of calypso. tower usually freestanding. From the hilltop Obin could just callously camaraderie spot the great campanile of Christ Church in Oxford. callow cameline n camphor caloric / SkamETlGn / n adj Sem > Gk > L / Skam(p)fE(r) / / kESlOrik / a twilled camel’s-hair fabric. Malay > Ar > L > AF > E L > F Jordan bought a new overcoat [has near homonym: chamfer] a of or relating to the heat-producing made of cameline to wear with his tough gumlike substance obtained or energy-producing value of food. dress suits. especially from the wood and bark Suzy became obsessed with caloric of the camphor tree and used intake while on her crash diet. cameo chiefly as a stimulant in medicine. n Whenever Johnny has a cold, his calque / SkamGTP / mother spreads on his chest an L > F > It aromatic ointment containing calumet a small theatrical or film role camphor. n usually performed by a well-known / SkalyETmet / actor and often limited to a single campodeiform L > F scene. adj a highly ornamented ceremonial The producer was grateful that the / kamSpPdGETfOrm / pipe of the North American Indians star accepted a cameo in his new Gk + Gk + L that was smoked at sacrifices and film. having an elongated and flattened other magical or religious rites and shape—used especially of larvae of on state occasions. camera some beetles and other higher After the three chiefs reached insects. agreement, they passed a feathered camionette Cybelle identified one of the five calumet. n campodeiform larvae. / TkamyESnet / calumny F campus n a small truck or bus. / Skal(y)EmnG / The hotel provides a camionette to canaille L shuttle guests to and from the n a false charge or misrepresentation airport. / kESnI / intended to harm one’s reputation : L > It > F slander. camisole mob, rabble, riffraff. According to Neal, the recent During the riot the canaille article about him was pure camouflage destroyed and looted many stores. calumny. n / SkamETflBzh / canard calvities It > F n n a disguise, behavior, or expedient / kESnBrd / / kalSvishGTGz / adopted or designed to deceive or F L hide. a false or unfounded report or baldness. Behind Jerry’s camouflage of story; especially : a fabricated Larry’s calvities is intentional: He ignorance resides a wealth of report (as by a newspaper). shaves his head every morning. knowledge. The report of the famous singer’s death turned out to be a canard.

Page 46 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently canary candent cannelloni n adj / kESnerG / / SkandEnt / cannibal L geog name > Sp > F L a small greenish-yellow finch white or glowing usually from cannibalism extensively bred as a cage bird and great heat. singer. The wire glowed candent like the cannonade When the canary escaped in her filament of a light bulb. living room, Susan put her cat canny outside until she found the bird. candescent adj canoe canasta / kanSdesFnt / n L canoeist / kESnastE / glowing or dazzling often from n L > Sp great heat. / kESnVDst / a card game that is a form of A candescent meteorite streaked Arawak > Sp > L > F + Ecf rummy played usually as a two- across the southern sky. one that paddles a type of long hand or as a four-hand partnership narrow boat. game using two full decks plus four candidacy Evan became an expert canoeist at jokers. n summer camp. The two couples often played / Skan(d)DdEsG / canasta after having dinner L + Ecf canopy together. the quality or state of being one that is likely or worthy to gain a cantankerous cancellous post, position, or distinction. adj adj Tony’s candidacy for the student / kanSta(i)Nk(E)rEs / / kanSselEs / council will be jeopardized if he AF? > E? + Ecf L fails his algebra exam. marked by ill humor, irritability, having a spongy or porous and determination to disagree. structure. candlewick The cantankerous old man yelled at Cancellous tissue occurs at the n Grady as he attempted to retrieve ends of some bones. / SkandFlTwik / the football. L > E + E cancrivorous the twisted threads of soft cotton cantata yarn contained in a candle. candelabra Victor groped to light the cantatory n candlewick in the dark. / TkandESlBbrE / canteen L candor a usually ornate and often heavy n canter and large standard supporting a / SkandE(r) / v candlestick or lamp. L / SkantE(r) / In December Stella put red and [has near homonym: canter] E geog name green candles in her candelabra on unreserved, honest, or sincere [has homonym: cantor] move at or the mantle. expression. as if at a three-beat gait resembling Russell’s candor in dealing with but smoother and slower than the candelabrum difficult issues won over the voters. gallop. n Cindy let the horse canter for a / TkandESlBbrEm / canine while but soon spurred it on to a L gallop. a large candlestick or a lamp canitist usually ornamented and having n cantilever several arms or branches. / SkanEtDst / Germaine admired the ornate silver L + Ecf cantonment candelabrum in the center of the one who dyes or tints hair table. especially in a beauty shop. Polly has been a canitist in a local beauty shop for 25 years.

Page 47 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cantor capital capsize n adj / SkantE(r) / / SkapEZFl / capstan L L [has homonym: canter] a [Note: The definition provided is capsule synagogue official who sings or not the one most commonly chants liturgical music and leads associated with this word. In caracole the congregation in prayer. addition, word has homonym: n Jacob’s vocal talent led him to capitol.] highly meritorious : most / SkarETkPl / consider becoming a cantor. enjoyable. L? > Sp > F On his dad’s birthday, Philip a half turn either to the right or the canvasser served a capital feast, with every left executed by a mounted horse. n dish cleverly wrapped up in The front rank of galloping / SkanvEsE(r) / ribbons. cavalrymen fired their pistols and Gk > L > F > E + Ecf then peeled off in a caracole to one that takes or counts votes. capitatim regroup. Helga voluntered as a canvasser adj for the upcoming election. / TkapEStCZDm / carafe L n capable levied or granted at so much per / kESraf / head. Ar > It > F capacious Collecting an affordable capitatim a bottle usually made of glass with adj fee for civic pool use will not cover a narrow neck and spherical body / kESpCshEs / operating costs. and used to hold water or L beverages. able to contain a great deal. capitulate Shlomo ordered a carafe of the Dodie went to the beach carrying a house wine. capacious canvas bag. cappelletti n pl caramel caparison / TkapESleZG / n n L > It / SkarEmEl / / kESparEsEn / [Note: Could be confused with L > Pg > Sp > F Sp > F cavalletti.] small cases of dough a firm chewy candy often an ornamental covering for a horse. usually filled with meat or cheese. containing fruits and nuts and The king’s horse wore an Bo and Annette dined on cappelletti typically cut into small blocks. elaborately decorated caparison. in marinara sauce. Ida’s mother warned her not to eat a caramel before she went to the capillary cappuccino orthodontist. adj / SkapETlerG / capriccioso caramelize L adv v resembling a hair : fine, minute, / kETprGchGSP(T)sP / / SkarEmETlIz / slender. It + Itcf L > Pg > Sp > F + Ecf The capillary tubes in the tissue free and impulsive—used chiefly as change (sugar or the sugar content puzzled Dr. Chang. a direction in music. of a food) into a brittle brown The ending segment of the violin substance by heating to about 170– concerto was played capriccioso. 180 C. Kara is going to caramelize some caprice sugar to make peanut brittle.

capricious adj / kESprishEs / It not guided by steady judgment, intent, or purpose. Hazel’s capricious behavior is a source of constant annoyance for her sister, Ruth.

Page 48 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently carbohydrate cardigan cark n n / TkBrbPShITdrCt / / SkBrdDgEn / carnage L + Gk E name n any of a group of neutral a sweater or jacket that opens the / SkBrnij / compounds composed of carbon, full length of the center front and L > F hydrogen, and oxygen including usually has a round or V-shaped great destruction of life (as in the sugars and starches. collarless neck. battle) : great bloodshed. The nutrition facts indicated that Samantha’s aunt in Scotland sent Appeals to stop the carnage of war the candy bar would provide Sheila her a colorful wool cardigan for fell on deaf ears. with over half her daily allowance her birthday. of carbohydrate. carnival cardinal n carbonaceous n / SkBrnEvEl / / SkBrd(F)nEl / L > It carbonate L > F > E a traveling enterprise consisting of adj an American songbird, the male such amusements as sideshows, / SkBrbEnDt / being bright red with a black face games of chance, rides, and L + ISVcf and pointed crest and the female shooting galleries. of or relating to a salt or ester of being much duller in color. The carnival was the only place carbonic acid. One of Stephanie’s favorite winter Ralph had the opportunity to eat After reading the paragraph six scenes is that of a cardinal perched cotton candy. times, Hugo still could not on a snow-covered branch. understand the bonding in the carnivore carbonate ion. cardinalate n / SkBrnETvP(E)r / carboy cardiomegaly L n a flesh-eating animal. carcass / TkBrdGPSmegElG / The hyena is a carnivore that n Gk usually eats animals found dead. / SkBrkEs / enlargement of the heart. Per > Ar > L > F Severe anemia can result in carnivorous a dead body of a human being or an cardiomegaly. animal : corpse. carotid Kasey found the fresh carcass of caribou adj one of his cows and knew that the n / kESrBZDd / wolves were back. / SkarETbV / Gk Algonquian > F belonging to or situated near either carcinogen any of several large deer of of the two main arteries that supply n northern North America. blood to the head. / kBrSsinEjEn / While in Montana, Jill Lara felt her pulse with a finger Gk photographed a caribou silhouetted placed on her carotid artery. a substance or agent producing or on a high ridge. inciting cancerous growth. carpaccio Asbestos has been proven to be a caricaturable n powerful carcinogen. / kBrSpBch(G)P / caricature It cardiac thinly sliced raw meat or fish carillon served with a sauce. n When Linda ordered carpaccio, she / SkarETlBn / didn’t know that it is uncooked. L > F a set of fixed bells pitched in a chromatic series of at least two octaves and sounded by hammers controlled by a keyboard. Latasha will play the carillon at Andy’s wedding.

Page 49 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently carpenter cartonnage cask n n n / SkBrpEntE(r) / / SkBrtFnTBzh / / Skask / L > E F Sp a person who builds or repairs with material consisting of linen or [has homonym: casque] any wood. papyrus glued together in many barrel-shaped vessel made of Matthew hired a carpenter to thicknesses and usually coated with staves, headings, and hoops. construct four bookcases. stucco. The salesman boasted that the The museum guide said that the Scotch had been aged in an old carpophagous elaborate mummy case made of sherry cask for many years. cartonnage had been found in a carriageable hidden vault of a pyramid. casserole n carrion caryatid / SkasETrPl / n n Gk > L > OProv > F / SkarGEn / / TkarGSaZDd / a vessel usually having a cover and L > AF > E Gk a handle and in which food may be [has near homonym: carillon] the a draped female figure supporting baked and served. dead and putrefying flesh of an an entablature in the place of a Laura baked the chicken and animal. column or pilaster. broccoli in a casserole. Vultures were picking over skunk The caryatid appeared to be and opossum carrion at the grimacing from the strain of cassoulet roadside. holding up the temple. n / SkasETlC / carrot cascade F n a casserole of beans baked with cartel / kaSskCd / herbs and pork sausage and n L > It > F sometimes other meats. / kBrStel / a fall of water over steeply slanting The cassoulet was originally a It > F rocks (as in a river or brook). specialty of southwestern France. a voluntary often international The swiftly moving mountain combination of independent private stream became a cascade as it cassowary enterprises supplying like rushed toward the valley below. commodities or services that agree castanets to limit their competitive activities cashew n pl (as by regulating quantity or quality n / TkastESnets / of output). / Ska(T)shV / L > Sp Started as a cartel, the oil- Tupi > Pg a pair of rhythm instruments producing nations control the the kidney-shaped nut of a tropical consisting of two shells made of worldwide price of petroleum. American tree naturalized in all ivory, wood, or plastic which are warm countries. fastened together to hang from the cartilage Jack dug through the can of mixed thumb and are clicked by the other n nuts, looking for the last cashew. fingers. / SkBrZFlij / The flamenco dancer’s rapidly L cashier clicking castanets intrigued Diana. a translucent elastic tissue that n composes most of the skeleton of / kaSshi(E)r / castigate the embryos and very young of F > D vertebrates and is for the most part one that handles customer Castilian converted into bone in the higher payments for goods or services adj forms. rendered. / kaSstilyEn / Hans had a small piece of cartilage A cashier must keep a watchful eye L removed from his elbow. for counterfeit currency. of, relating to, or characteristic of the standard Spanish language. carton Juan incorporates so many English words in his conversation that his speech is far from Castilian.

casuistic

Page 50 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently casuistry catalytic catastasis n adj n / SkazhEwDstrG / / TkaZElSiZik / / kEStastEsDs / L > Sp Gk Gk the study of or the doctrine that causing, involving, or relating to the dramatic complication deals with cases of conscience. the change in the rate of a chemical immediately preceding the climax To complete her degree in reaction brought about by often of a play. philosophy, Tisha had to take a small amounts of a substance that is During the catastasis the audience semester of casuistry. unchanged chemically at the end of wondered how the hero would the reaction. resolve his predicament. catachresis Iron plus small amounts of n potassium and aluminum oxides catastrophe / TkaZESkrGsDs / has a catalytic effect on the n Gk synthesis of ammonia. / kEStastrE(T)fG / the misuse of words. Gk When Monica used the word infer catamaran the final action that completes the to mean “imply” in her essay, her unraveling of the plot in a tragedy : English teacher wrote catachresis cataphract denouement. in the margin. n In the drama’s catastrophe the / SkaZETfrakt / hero dies a valiant death to save cataclysm Gk his beloved. n a suit of armor for the whole body. / SkaZETklizEm / The knight in a cataphract was catechism Gk mounted on a charger and a violent geologic change involving equipped with a lance. catechumen sudden and extensive alterations of n Earth’s surface. catapult / TkaZESkyVmDn / Scientists are standing by their v Gk > L> F prediction that a cataclysm will / SkaZETpElt / one receiving rudimentary occur in California. Gk > L instruction in the doctrines of move with a suddenness or force as Christianity. cataclysmic if propelled by a device that hurls A child who attends a Sunday heavy stones. School program could be catacomb The general’s wartime success was considered a catechumen. enough to catapult him into catadromous political power. category adj / kEStadrEmEs / cataract catenary Gk > L n n living in fresh water and going to / SkaZETrakt / / SkaZETnerG / the sea to spawn. Gk > L > E L Whereas the salmon migrates from a clouding of the lens of the eye the curve assumed by a perfectly the sea to fresh water to spawn, the obstructing the passage of light. flexible cord hanging freely from catadromous American eel does Grandpa’s cataract necessitated two fixed points. just the reverse. surgical replacement of the lens in Part of Dominick’s math test was to his eye. figure out the equation for a catalepsy catenary. n catarrh / SkaZFlTepsG / n catenulate Gk / kEStBr / adj a condition of suspended animation Gk > L > F / kEStenyElDt / and loss of voluntary motion [has homonym and near homonym: L associated with hysteria and Qatar and guitar] inflammation of a having a chain-like form. schizophrenia. mucous membrane in humans or The artist’s paintings mimic the Doctors were confounded by animals characterized by catenulate markings on butterflies’ Juan’s catalepsy. congestion and secretion of mucus. wings. Catarrh can be brought on by catalina infection, allergies, dry air, or chemical irritants.

Page 51 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently caterer caudal cauterize n adj v / SkCZErE(r) / / SkOdFl / / SkOZETrIz / AF > E + Ecf L Gk > L one whose business is to arrange [has near homonym: coddle] burn or sear with a caustic brand. for and supervise all the details constituting, belonging to, or Dr. Bennett used a laser to relating to food service for any relating to a tail. cauterize Tony’s wound. social affair. As a tadpole’s legs grow, its caudal The caterer placed a parsley leaf appendage gradually disappears. cavalcade on each deviled egg. n caudillo / SkavElTkCd / caterpillar n L > It > F n / kaUSLG(l)(T)yP / a procession of riders or carriages. / SkaZE(r)TpilEr / L > Sp The king headed up the cavalcade L > F > E a military leader (as in a Latin- proceeding toward the Duke of the elongated wormlike larva of a American country) usually of Parma. butterfly or moth. guerrilla or irregular forces loyal to The body-surface hairs on the him or her personally. cavalier caterpillar in Jamie’s hand contain The reporter found that most of the adj a poisonous substance that causes soldiers would willingly give their / TkavESli(E)r / intense itching. lives for their caudillo. L > OProv > It > F marked by lofty disregard of caterwaul cauliflower others’ interests, rights, or feelings. n Eloise displayed a cavalier attitude cathartic / SkOlETflaU(E)r / toward the homecoming plans. L > It cathedral a garden plant that is closely related cavalletti adj to the cabbage and is grown for n / kESthGdrEl / food. / TkavESleZG / L > E Sheldon won’t eat cauliflower L > It of, relating to, or being a bishop’s unless it is smothered in melted [Note: Could be confused with church. cheese. cappelletti.] a series of timber Sister Agatha watered the tulips in jumps that are adjustable in height the cathedral garden. causerie for schooling horses. n Black Beauty easily jumped over cathole / TkPz(E)SrG / the cavalletti as Justin watched L > F with pride. Catullian an informal light conversation : adj chat. cavalry / kEStElGEn / Bridget tried unsuccessfully all L name evening to engage Mrs. Vickers in caveat of, relating to, or like the Roman causerie. n poet Catullus or his lyric poems. / SkBvGTBt / The great felicity of language and causeway L intense personal feeling of a warning enjoining one from Randolph’s poem made it caustic certain acts or practices. Catullian. adj The oldest caveat of commerce is / SkOstik / “Let the buyer beware.” caucus Gk cavernicolous n capable of destroying the texture of / SkOkEs / anything or eating away its cavernous Algonquian substance by chemical action : adj a conference of party or corrosive. / SkavE(r)nEs / organization leaders to decide on Ned never suspected that perfume L policies, plans, appointees, or might have a caustic effect on constituting or suggesting a large candidates. plastic. underground chamber. The caucus stayed in session until 3 The thick grove of vine-covered a.m. finalizing its slate of nominees. trees threw a cavernous gloom over the area.

Page 52 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cavil celeritous cement v adj v / SkavEl / / sDSlerEZEs / / sDSment / L L > F > E L > F > E object or criticize adversely for swift-moving. join, unite, or cause to adhere by or trivial reasons. The celeritous bicyclist almost as if by means of a binding Even if Tracy’s room is spotlessly knocked Trudy down. element. clean, she knows that her mom will After Byron chose the tiles for his cavil at something about it. celery mosaic, he used a strong glue to n cement them in place on the cavort / Ssel(E)rG / pattern. v Gk > L > It? / kESvO(E)rt / a vegetable with leafstalks that are cemetery L? > F > It eaten raw or cooked. bound, prance, or frisk about. Terry’s favorite snack is celery cenotaph In Bosch’s painting Garden of filled with pimento cheese. n Earthly Delights, horses and giant / SsenETtaf / birds cavort in a surreal landscape. celestial Gk adj a tomb or a monument erected in cedilla / sDSles(h)chEl / honor of a person whose body is n L elsewhere. / sDSdilE / of or relating to the sky. A magnificent cenotaph was L > Sp The awesome display of celestial erected outside the city of Troy. a mark placed under a letter to light was later identified as a indicate a sound different from that meteor shower. censorious which the unmodified character adj bears in certain situations. celibacy / senSsPrGEs / Martha did not earn a perfect score L on her French paper because she cellarage marked by or given to an forgot the cedilla in the word inclination to discover and severely garçon. cellist condemn especially social, moral, or artistic errors. ceiling cello Helen was in one of her censorious n moods at the reception this / SsGliN / cellophane evening. E n [has homonym: sealing] the / SselETfCn / census overhead inside lining of a room. (L + Gk) > F n There was a terrible crash from a transparent sheet or tube of / Ssen(t)sEs / inside the wagon that sounded as if regenerated cellulose used chiefly L a whole set of dishes had been for packaging food and an official enumeration of the dropped from the ceiling onto a merchandise. population of a country, city, or hard stone floor. Nina refused to buy tomatoes other administrative district. packaged in cellophane. In the United States, a census is celebrant taken every ten years. cellulose celeriac n centaur n / SselyETlPs / n / sDSlerGTak / L > F + Ecf / SsenTtO(E)r / Gk > L > It? any of several fibrous substances Gk > L a plant of the parsley family grown constituting the chief part of the one of an ancient mythical Greek for its turniplike edible root. cell walls of plants and of many race imagined as men with the Rhoda added chopped celeriac to fibrous products. bodies of horses. her soup. Most household sponges are made The estate garden included a of cellulose. marble statue of a centaur.

Page 53 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently centaury cephalalgia cereal n n n / SsenTtOrG / / TsefESlalj(G)E / / SsirGEl / Gk Gk L an Old World herb formerly used pain inside the head : headache. [has homonym: serial] a prepared as a tonic. Mortimer’s cephalalgia made him foodstuff of grain (as oatmeal or Since ancient times centaury has irritable and short-tempered. cornflakes) used especially as a had medicinal uses. breakfast food. cephalometry David was eating his cereal when centennial the school bus drove by his house. cephalopod centimeter n cerecloth n / SsefElETpBd / / SsentETmGZE(r) / Gk cerise F any of a class of marine mollusks a unit of length equal to 1/100 including the squids, cuttlefishes, cerium meter. and octopuses all having around the Your little finger is about a front of the head a group of cerography centimeter wide at the top. elongated muscular arms usually n furnished with prehensile suckers / sDSrBgrEfG / centipede or hooks. Gk The squid is a ten-armed the art of making characters or centrifugal cephalopod. designs in or with wax. The maps in the old book were centrifuge Cepheid originally made by the process of n n cerography, in which beeswax was / SsentrETfyVj / / SsGfGDd / used. L > F Gk name a machine for whirling fluids one of a class of pulsating stars certainty rapidly to separate substances of whose intrinsic light variations are n different densities. very regular. / SsErtFntG / A centrifuge was used to separate The apparent magnitude of a L > F > E the cream from the milk. Cepheid can vary greatly in a the quality or state of being month’s time. objectively fixed, settled. centripetal Science boasts the beauty of adj ceraceous certainty. / senStripEZFl / L + L + Ecf ceramic cerumen moving, proceeding, or acting in a adj n direction toward a center or axis. / sDSramik / / sDSrVmEn / Centripetal force serves to keep Gk L electrons moving around the of or relating to the art of the yellow waxlike secretion from nucleus of an atom. fashioning clay into useful or the glands of the external ear— ornamental objects. called also “earwax.” century Luke’s home is a showcase for The doctor irrigated Ariel’s ear to n ceramic objects he has created. remove impacted cerumen. / Ssench(E)rG / L ceraunograph cessation a period of 100 years. n n Mr. Davis asked each student to / sDSrOnETgraf / / seSsCshEn / name what he or she thought was Gk + Gk L > F > E the most important invention of the an instrument for recording a temporary or final ceasing or past century. chronologically by pen the discontinuance (as of action). occurrence of thunder and The peal of the bell marked the lightning. cessation of the emergency Marie set up a ceraunograph to preparedness drill. monitor the late-summer storms.

Page 54 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cetology chamberlain chandelier n n n / sGStBlEjG / / SchCmbE(r)lDn / / TshandESli(E)r / L + Gk Gmc > F > E L > F [has near homonym: sitology] a a bedchamber attendant for royalty a lighting fixture suspended from branch of zoology dealing with the or nobility. the ceiling and having two or more whales. The grand council insisted that the lights. Many renowned scientists in the chamberlain wake the king. Dad finally got around to installing field of cetology assembled in a dimmer switch for our Japan to discuss the recent chamfer chandelier. beaching incidents. v / Scham(p)fE(r) / chandelle chaffinch L > F n n cut off corners or edges (as of / shanSdel / / Scha(T)finch / timber columns or beams). F E Gordon decided to chamfer the an abrupt climbing turn of an a common Old World bird often ceiling beams of his cottage. airplane. kept as a cage bird and having in Many of the passengers gasped the male a reddish breast plumage champagne when the pilot executed a and a cheerful song. n chandelle. Along the river path Janice spotted / shamSpCn / a chaffinch perched on the back of L > F changeable a bench. [has homonym: champaign] a pale orange yellow to light grayish chansonnette chaffseed yellowish brown. Of the colors of limousines chaos chagrin available for hire, Ted and Kara n preferred champagne. chaotic / shESgrin / adj F champignon / kCSBZik / vexation, disquietude, or distress of n Gk mind brought on by humiliation, / shamSpinyEn / being in a state of or marked by hurt pride, disappointment, or F utter confusion completely wanting consciousness of failure or error. an edible fungus; especially : the in order, sequence, organization, or Pete tried to conceal his chagrin common meadow mushroom. predictable operation. when his younger brother beat him At dinner, Denise had a stuffed The course in time management did at chess. champignon as an appetizer. not help Brenda alter her chaotic lifestyle. chalaza chancel n chapeau chalice / Schan(t)sEl / n L > F > E / shaSpP / chalicosis the part of a church in which is L > F n located the altar or communion [Note: Plural form can be / TkalESkPsDs / table, the pulpit, and the lectern and pronounced identically. In Gk > L which is customarily on a higher addition, word has near homonyms: a pulmonary disease occurring level than the nave. chapon, shapo.] a hat. among stonecutters that is caused Fitting 75 choir members in the Pierre doffed his chapeau when he by inhalation of stone dust. chancel will be an almost entered the room. Chalicosis afflicted an alarming impossible task. number of workers at the chapel monument plant. chancellor n n / SchapEl / / Schan(t)s(E)lE(r) / L > F > E L > F > E a private place of worship. a university officer of high rank. The duke’s funeral was held in the Professor Burns has all the castle chapel. requirements to be the next chancellor of Highland College. chaplaincy

Page 55 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently chaplet charcoal chasmophyte n n n / SchaplDt / / SchBrTkPl / / SkazmETfIt / L > F > E (F + E) > E Gk a garland or wreath to be worn on a dark-colored or black porous a plant that grows in the crevices of the head. form of carbon used for fuel and rocks. Rosalie gazed admiringly at the various other mechanical, artistic, There was just enough soil for the painting of the maiden in a scarlet and chemical processes. chasmophyte to grow in the chinks gown with a chaplet of flowers on The only supplies Debbie needs for between rocks on the cliff. her head. her drawing class are charcoal and a sketch pad. chassepot character n chariot chassis / SkarDktE(r) / n Gk > L > F > E charlatan / SchasG / personality as represented or n L > F realized in fiction or drama. / SshBrlEtEn / the frame upon which is mounted The main character in the play is It the body (as of an automobile or Joan of Arc. a pretender to medical knowledge : airplane). quack. Gary popped his slot car’s body characteristic A consumer group called the back onto the chassis and set the adj herbal potion vendor a vehicle back on the track. / TkarDktESristik / “charlatan.” Gk chartaceous chasuble belonging to or especially typical adj n of the essential nature of. / kBrStCshEs / / SchazEbEl / At last Meg looked at him, pushing Gk > L + Ecf L > F her glasses in characteristic resembling paper : made of paper. an outer ecclesiastical garment in gesture. Andrew collected a handful of the form of a sleeveless cloak or chartaceous dead leaves. mantle that slips over the wearer’s charactonym head but remains open at the sides. n chartreuse The priest wore a white chasuble to / SkarDktETnim / n celebrate Sunday mass. Gk > L > F > E / shBrStrVz / a name especially for a fictional L > F trademark chateaubriand character that suggests a distinctive a variable color averaging a n trait of the character. brilliant yellow green. / TshaTtPbrGSBM / In his novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Elsie commented that the F name Truman Capote gave his chartreuse vehicle looked like a a thick tenderloin steak. protagonist the charactonym huge dollop of wasabi. The server commented that both the “Holly Golightly.” prime rib and the chateaubriand charango chary were excellent menu choices. n / chESraN(T)gP / chasm chatoyant Sp n a small guitar of Spanish America / SkazEm / chattel with a body typically made of an Gk > L animal shell. a deep opening : a narrow, deep Chaucerian Luisa plucked the melody of the steep-walled valley, gorge or adj song on the charango. canyon. / chOSsirGEn / Earthquake tremors opened a great E name chasm in the valley. of, relating to, befitting, or resembling the English medieval writer Geoffrey Chaucer or his writings. The old Chaucerian manuscript was unfortunately not on display when Hugh visited the museum.

Page 56 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently chauffeur cheapskate chevelure n n n / SshPfE(r) / / SchGpTskCt / / TshevESlU(E)r / F E + ON > E L > F [has homonyms: shofar, shophar] a person unwilling to share a nebulous envelope (as around the one that is employed to operate a expenses or give : miser. nucleus of a comet). motor vehicle for the transportation Tom accused Cathy of being a The chevelure of Halley’s comet of persons. cheapskate after learning that she was much dimmer than expected at Henry hired a chauffeur to pick up recycled gifts. its last appearance. his grandmother at the airport. cheilion chianti chaussure n chemicalize chicanery / shPSsU(E)r / n L > F > E chemistry / shDSkCn(E)rG / footgear. F Before entering the mosque, all are chemotherapy deception by artful subterfuge or required to remove their chaussure. misrepresentation : trickery. chenille The mayor was dogged by chautauqua allegations of financial chicanery n cheongsam and links to organized crime. / shEStOkwE / n N Amer geog name / SchONTsBm / chicle an institution of the late 19th and Chinese early 20th centuries that combined a dress with a slit skirt and a chiclero popular education with mandarin collar. n entertainment, often presented Elizabeth’s cheongsam had a / chiSkler(T)P / outdoors or in a tent. teardrop-shaped opening below the Sp Chautauqua declined with the collar closed by a single frog a gatherer of latex from the advent of radio. button. sapodilla tree. Toby interviewed a chiclero for the chauvinism chernozem journal. n n / SshPvDTnizEm / / SchernEzTyOm / chieftain F name Russ undue especially invidious any of a group of dark-colored chiffon partiality for a group or place to zonal soils with a deep rich humus n which one belongs or has belonged. horizon found in regions (as the / shiSfBn / Chauvinism is alive and well in the grasslands of central North F school’s alumni association. America) of temperate to cool a sheer plain-weave very climate. lightweight clothing fabric usually chauvinistic The rich chernozem of Ukraine has given a dull soft finish. helped it earn a reputation as “the The singer sauntered into the chayote breadbasket of Eastern Europe.” spotlight in a dress of white chiffon. n cheroot / chBSyPZG / n chiffonade Nahuatl > Sp / shDSrVt / n the rounded or pear-shaped fruit of Tamil / TshifESnCd / a West Indian annual vine of the a cigar cut off square at both ends. F cucumber family that is widely Josephine had to leave the room shredded or finely cut vegetables cultivated as a vegetable. whenever her uncle lit up a used in soup or salad dressing. Aaron went to three different cheroot. Lettuce and sorrel are often made grocery stores, but none carried the into chiffonade to garnish soups. chayote that he needed for his recipe.

Page 57 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently chignon chimpanzee chivalrous n n adj / SshGnTyBn / / TchimTpanSzG / / SshivElrEs / L > F Kongo F > E a smooth arrangement of hair worn an anthropoid ape of equatorial marked by especial courtesy and at the back of the head especially at Africa that is smaller and more high-minded disinterested the nape of the neck. arboreal than the gorilla. consideration to women. To emphasize her long neck, Cecile The chimpanzee shows Chivalrous behaviors of previous combed her hair into a tight inventiveness in making and using generations are less common in chignon. tools. today’s atmosphere of equal rights for women. Chihuahua chinchilla n n chivalry / chDSwB(T)wB / / chinSchilE / n Mexican geog name Aimara or Quechua > Sp / SshivElrG / a very small round-headed large- a small rodent the size of a large F > E eared short-coated dog reputed to squirrel having very soft fur of a qualifications or character of the antedate Aztec civilization. pearly gray color and native to the ideal knight of the age of chivalry A popular fast food restaurant mountains of Peru and Chile but according to the romantic tradition chain has used a talking now extensively bred in captivity. of courtesy, gallantry, and honor. Chihuahua in its advertisements. The chinchilla was introduced into To the knights of the Round Table, the United States in 1923. chivalry was of primary chilblains importance. n pl chinook / SchilTblCnz / n chlorine E + E / shDSnUk / n instances of redness and swelling Chehalis / SklPrTGn / of toes, fingers, nose, or ears or a warm moist southwest wind of Gk > L + Ecf sometimes cheeks in cold weather the Pacific coastal region from a common nonmetallic element that accompanied by itching and Oregon northward. is used chiefly as a powerful burning of skin. The mild temperatures are thanks bleaching, oxidizing, and The children stayed out in the snow to a chinook that rolls over the disinfecting agent. too long and ended up suffering Canadian Rockies. Samantha refused to swim on from chilblains. Thursday because someone put too chiragra much chlorine in the pool. chime n / kISragrE / chocolate chimerical Gk adj adj pain in the hand. / SchBklDt / / kISmerDkEl / Aunt Molly’s chiragra keeps her Nahuatl > Sp Gk + Ecff from writing many letters. of a warm light brown color [Note: Could be confused with approximating the color of fresh chimeric and chimeral.] unreal and chiropodist milk chocolate. existing only as the product of wild Eva plans to put her chocolate unrestrained imagination. chisel mink coat in storage until the Many video games pit the player n animal rights activists are less against chimerical monsters. / SchizEl / vocal. L? > F > E chimney a tool consisting of a metal bar with cholera a sharpened edge at one end that is n used for chipping, carving, or / SkBlErE / cutting into solid material and is Gk > L often driven by a mallet. any of several diseases of man and With chisel and mallet, Fred domestic animals usually marked started shaping the block of wood by severe gastrointestinal into a model. symptoms. Cholera is a major public health chistera concern in many tropical countries.

Page 58 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently choleric chowder chronic adj n adj / SkBlErik / / SchaUdE(r) / / SkrBnik / Gk > L > F > E L > F Gk angry, irate, wrathful. a soup or stew of seafood (as clams marked by long duration and by The vice-principal was ill suited to or white-fleshed sea fishes) usually frequent recurrence over a long his job; he was impatient and made with milk and containing salt time. choleric. pork or bacon, onions, and potatoes Clarence never looked forward to and sometimes other vegetables. eating because he was troubled cholesterol Dean and Susan went to the beach with chronic indigestion. to collect clams for chowder. cholesterosis chronically n chrematistic / kETlestESrPsDs / adj chronicle Gk > ISV / TkrGmEStistik / abnormal deposition of cholesterol Gk chronological in the blood. of, relating to, or occupied in the Cholesterosis can often be gaining of wealth. chrysalis moderated by changes in diet. Chrematistic industrialists cared n little about the living conditions of / SkrisElDs / chonolith their employees. Sem > Gk > L n an insect (as a butterfly or moth) in / SkPnETlith / chrestomathy the pupal stage of its development Gk n in which it is enclosed in a firm an intrusive igneous rock mass of / kreSstBmEthG / case. wholly irregular form. Gk Bob and Sam put the chrysalis in a Ages ago a huge chonolith formed a selection of passages from dry container and kept it in the at the base of the volcano as it various authors compiled as an aid hope that a butterfly would later erupted. to learning a language. emerge. At the end of each chapter of the choose textbook was a chrestomathy chrysanthemum illustrating a particular rule of n choreographer grammar. / krDSsan(t)thEmEm / n Gk > L / TkPrGSBgrEfE(r) / chromatic any plant or flower of a large genus Gk > F adj of perennial herbs that are widely one engaging in the composing and / krPSmaZik / distributed in the Old World and often the teaching of stage dancing. Gk that are cultivated for their showy Martha Graham was a celebrated of or relating to color or color often double and brightly colored choreographer of modern dance. phenomena or sensations. flower heads. As Doris walked home during the Orlando’s chrysanthemum won chortle shower, she admired the chromatic first prize at the flower show. splendors of a huge rainbow. chortling churlish chromium adj chorus n / SchErlish / n / SkrPmGEm / E / SkPrEs / Gk > F > L difficult to work with or deal with. Gk a blue-white metallic element Although he was a brilliant [has homonym: koras] a group of found naturally only in conductor, Toscanini could be dancers and usually singers combination and used especially in churlish at times. supporting the featured players in a alloys and in electroplating. musical comedy or revue. The car’s bumpers were plated churn The chorus joined the principal with chromium to make them shiny. v singers in the musical’s finale. / SchErn / chromotrichial E chough produce or be in violent agitation. Landon’s stomach will churn at the thought of public speaking.

Page 59 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently churrasco Ciceronian cinnabar n adj n Sp L name Gk > L&F beef broiled on a spit over an open resembling the Roman orator artificial red mercuric sulfide used fire or grilled under an oven flame. Cicero in oratorical or literary principally as a pigment. At the barbecue the whole family qualities. The orange color of rubber gaskets feasted on the churrasco that Dad Beulah’s Ciceronian bombast is often created by the addition of cooked. about Destiny and Youth impressed cinnabar. the audience. chutney cinnamon n ciguatera n n Prakrit > Hindi ? > Gk > L > F > E a condiment that has the Taino > Sp a culinary spice prepared from the consistency of jam and is made of poisoning caused by eating fish or bark of certain tropical trees. acid fruits with added raisins, dates, mollusks with flesh toxic to man. Akbar likes cinnamon in his hot and onions and seasoned to taste Although she contracted ciquatera chocolate. with spices and vinegar. in June, Constance could not return Spicy or sweet chutney is to work until November. cioppino sometimes eaten with Indian meals n containing curry. cilantro n It chymous a dish of fish and shellfish cooked adj L > Sp in tomato sauce and usually leaves of coriander used as a seasoned with wine, spices, and Gk + Ecf flavoring or garnish. herbs. of or relating to the semifluid mass In Janet’s opinion, the best part of After an afternoon at the beach, of partly digested food resulting the fresh salsa was the chopped Beverly stopped at a local from the action of gastric juice. cilantro. restaurant for cioppino and coffee. One of the coroner’s less pleasant tasks is testing chymous material. cincture circadian v ciborium circinate L adj cicada girdle with or as if with a belt or n band. L For the Halloween party, Evelina rounded in outline : characterized L chose to cincture her gypsy by or having the form of a flat coil any insect of the family costume with a spangled belt. of which the apex is the center. Cicadidae—called also “locust.” The retracted tongue of a butterfly The male cicada produces sound by cinematographer forms a circinate coil. vibrating miniature “drumheads” n on the lower surface of its circuit abdomen. Gk n a motion-picture camera operator. cicerone Darina won the award for L > F n outstanding cinematographer at the complete path of an electric last year’s Montreal Film Festival. current. L > It The average electrical house one who acts as a guide to or shows cinereous circuit carries about 30 amperes. the sights to. At the end of the tour, Maria praised her cicerone as being very knowledgeable and articulate.

Page 60 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently circuitous cislunar civitas adj adj n L L + L L being a circular or winding course : of or relating to the space between a body of people constituting a indirect, roundabout. Earth and the Moon or the Moon’s politically organized community. As we drove through the orbit. The concept of civitas remains mountains, the road took an The space enthusiast talked often strong in many small towns. increasingly circuitous route. about the practicalities of setting up a colony in the cislunar region. clairvoyant circular cistern clandestine circumambulate n adj v L > F > E L L [has homonym: sistern] an marked by, held in, or conducted wander about at leisure without artificial reservoir or tank for with secrecy and concealment. definite purpose or as a result of holding or storing water or other Mike and Sally made clandestine indirection. liquids. preparations for their mom's Her first day in London, Connie Three weeks into the drought, the surprise birthday party. decided to circumambulate instead farm’s cistern ran dry. of taking a guided tour. claque citadel n circumlocution n n F L > It > F [has homonym: clack] an opera hat L a fortress that commands a city with a collapsible crown. the use of an unnecessarily large both for control and defense; As the gentleman entered the opera number of words to express an broadly : a strong fortress. house, he doffed and flattened his idea. The citadel had three separate claque. The attorney’s circumlocution walls around it so that defenders caused one of the jurors to doze off. could retreat again and again to a claret position of safety. circumstantial clarify adj citation clarion L + Ecf cite belonging to, consisting of, claustrophobe influenced by, or dependent on citify conditions, facts, or events claustrophobia accompanying others. citizen n The report contains strong circumstantial evidence of citronella Gk + Gk wrongdoing by the governor. n abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces. cirrhosis F > L Herman’s claustrophobia keeps n a yellowish essential oil with him from flying on crowded lemonlike odor obtained from airplanes. Gk + Lcf either of two grasses and used [has homonym and near homonym: especially as an insect repellent. clavichord sorosis and xerosis] a chronic Candles containing citronella were progressive disease of the liver. kept burning on the picnic table. The damage caused by cirrhosis is irreversible.

Page 61 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently clavicle clerisy cloche n n n L L > G L > F a bone in man situated just above the well-educated or learned class : [alternate pronunciation has the first rib on either side of the intelligentsia. homonym: closh] a woman’s small neck and having the form of a Many believe that laws should be helmetlike hat usually with deep narrow elongated S. readily understood by the general rounded crown and very narrow Garth wore shoulder pads to public, not solely by an elite brim. football practice to protect his clerisy. At the Thatchers’ wedding clavicle. Margaret looked smashing in her clientele white ostrich-feather cloche. claviger n n clodhopper L > F n L a body of patrons or customers. one that keeps the key or keys : Bill hopes to enlarge the clientele E + E custodian, warden. of the shoe store. a large heavy shoe. Because she had forgotten her key, The thump of Archie’s clodhopper Marsha needed to locate the climatology hitting the floor announced that he claviger, Mr. Carl, to open her was going to bed. classroom door. clinically cloistered clematis clinician n n clothe v Gk Gk > F a plant of a genus of opposite- one who directs, is closely allied E leaved slightly woody vines or with, or works in or through a put garments on. erect herbs having elongate clinic or with clinical methods. Elizabeth Cady Stanton stressed plumose styles. At the hospital a clinician drew a that she did not propose petitioning The clematis is cultivated in North vial of Harry’s blood to test for the legislature to clothe every America for its attractive flowers. diabetes. woman in male attire. clemency clinquant cloture n adj cloudy L F adj [Note: The definition provided is glittering especially with gold not the one most commonly decoration : showily ornate. E associated with this word.] The theater lobby in its clinquant made or consisting of fog, mist, or tendency to be mild and splendor cast dazzling reflections haze. compassionate. from every gleaming surface. The mountain with its cloudy veil Emma supposed she must say more inspired Sven’s painting. before she would be entitled to Mr. clique Knightley’s clemency. n clough clepsydra F clowder n [alternate pronunciation has homonym: cleek] a narrow cluse Gk > L exclusive circle or group of people. n an instrument designed to measure Sofia didn’t want to be part of the time by the flow of a quantity of popular clique because she thought L > F water. they were the most boring kids in [has homonym: clues] a narrow For his science project Kerry school. gorge cutting transversely through designed and built a clepsydra. an otherwise continuous ridge. Although Brian studied the trail map carefully, he found no mention of the cluse that barred his way.

Page 62 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cnemial coalition cocoon adj n n Gk + E L > F + Ecf L > Prov > F relating to the shin or shinbone. the temporary alliance of distinct a silky or fibrous protective Bud suffered a cnemial injury while parties, persons, or states to achieve encasement created by a larval quarterbacking in the game last a common purpose. insect for shelter during the pupal night. Representatives from a coalition of stage. labor unions met with the Ricky found the cocoon of a moth coacervate multinational corporation’s clinging to a branch of an oak tree. n lawyers in an attempt to work out a new contract. codeine L n an aggregate of colloidal droplets coaming held together by electrostatic Gk + F attractive forces. coaration a crystalline alkaloid usually made The chemist referred to the n from morphine but feebler in aggregation of liquid particles in action. an emulsion as a coacervate. L The patient was given codeine to cooperative tilling of soil as kill the pain. coadjutor practiced by early village n communities. codicil The villagers found that coaration n L > F > E was the most efficient system for one who works together with cultivating the land. L > F another usually in a somewhat a legal instrument made subordinate position : assistant. coax subsequently to a will and Offended by being called a modifying it in some respects. “lackey,” Marcus prefers to be coccygeal Robert had his lawyer draw up a called a “coadjutor.” codicil to clarify a few ambiguities coagulate cochineal in his will. v n codicology L Sp > F curdle, clot. a red dyestuff consisting of the coelostat Hemophiliacs lack a protein dried bodies of the cochineal insect. n needed to help blood coagulate. Before the introduction of synthetic dyes, cochineal was commonly L > ISV + GK > ISV coalesce used in textile production. a device consisting of a flat mirror v that is turned slowly by a motor to cochleariform reflect the Sun continuously into a L adj fixed telescope. unite by growth into one body. Professor Merkle plans to use a The nervous host hoped that the Gk > L + Ecf coelostat to photograph the tight little groups of guests would shaped like a spoon. movements of planetary bodies. coalesce into a real party. Jacques theorized that the cochleariform bone was used in coerce coalescence prehistoric times as a spoon. n coercion cockatoo L coeval a growing together or union in one adj body, form, or group. Rain is the result of the coalescence L + Ecf of water droplets within a cloud. of the same or equal age or antiquity. coalification Nearly the same in mass and brightness, the stars were thought to be coeval.

Page 63 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently coffee cointise collate n v cogent F > E L cogitate a scarf worn on a lady’s headdress arrange or assemble (paper, sheets, v or as a token of favor on a knight’s or forms) according to an orderly helmet. system. L Sir Agravaine proudly displayed Edith's favorite feature of the new ponder on or meditate upon. the bright red cointise. copier was its ability to collate Greta liked to cogitate on the tricks documents. she could play on her big brother. colectomy collateral cogitating colic adj n cognizant L > F > E adj Gk > L > F > E [Note: The definition provided is acute abdominal pain in man or not the one most commonly L > F > E animals. associated with this word.] placed aware : perceiving with a degree of Last spring Sam’s horse had colic. or regarded as side by side : controlled thought or observation. parallel, coordinate, or Watching television commercials collabent corresponding in position, order, can make viewers more cognizant adj time, or significance. of fads and fashions. Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental L and Occidental mountain ranges cognomen sunken or falling in : collapsing in are collateral. n the middle. Orville poked the collabent anthill college L with a stick. n one’s family name : surname. The cognomen “Crane” fit the collaborator L physical attributes of the tall, lank, n [Note: The definition provided is long-armed, and shovel-footed not the one most commonly Ichabod, whose whole frame most L associated with this word.] an loosely hung together. [has near homonym: collaborateur] organized group of persons one that works jointly with others. engaged in a common pursuit, cognoscitive Sir William Gilbert was Arthur having a common duty or role and adj Sullivan’s collaborator for many sometimes a charter or special operettas. rights and privileges. L + Ecf Pope John Paul II was 58 years old having the power of knowing. collage when the College of Cardinals Lillian explained to her friends that n elected him to lead the Roman her cognoscitive ability was innate, Catholic Church. something like a sixth sense. Gk > LF + Fcf an artistic composition of collegial coherence fragments of printed matter and other materials pasted on a picture colliery cohesion surface. n Sabrina spent weeks finishing a coincidental large collage of a Paris street E adj scene. [has near homonym: colory] a coal mine and the buildings connected L with it. characterized by the concurrence of The colliery around which the events between which there is no village was built closed when its causal connection. reserves of coal were exhausted. It was purely coincidental that the electricity went off just as the collocal guests began to arrive for the surprise party. colloquial

Page 64 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently colloquy coloratura commemorate n n v L L > It L high-level serious discussion. [Note: Could be confused with call to remembrance as by speech, Listeners in the gallery must colorature.] the florid writing, or ceremony. remain silent during the ornamentation in vocal music (as Every year on December seventh, legislators’ colloquy. runs, trills, arpeggios). ceremonies are held to Barry thinks that he would enjoy commemorate those who died collusion opera music more if it did not during the attack on Pearl Harbor. n contain so much coloratura. commencement L colossal secret agreement : secret adj commendable cooperation for a fraudulent or adj deceitful purpose. Gk > L > F For acting in collusion with an characterized by extremely great L enemy agent, the nuclear scientist bulk, extent, force, strength, power, worthy of praise. was sentenced to 20 years in or effect. Jim received several scholarships prison. The new stadium is a colossal as a result of his commendable building seating about a hundred academic performance. cologne thousand people. n commensurable column G name > F commensurate a perfumed liquid composed of comedienne adj alcohol and certain aromatic oils. n The taxi driver sprayed expensive L cologne in his cab every evening. Gk > F corresponding in size, extent, [Note: Could be confused with amount, or degree : proportionate. colonel comedian.] an actress who plays in The want ad stated that salary dramas of light and amusing would be commensurate with colonelcy character and typically with a experience. n happy ending. Lucille Ball was America’s favorite commentary L > It > F + Ecf comedienne during the 1950s. the office, rank, or commission of a commercial colonel. comestible adj Nathan announced that he was being considered for a colonelcy in comet L > F + Ecf the infantry. n from the point of view of profit : having profit as the primary aim. colonnade Gk Leila was determined that her a celestial body that consists of a jewelry store would be a colophon fuzzy head usually surrounding a commercial success. n bright nucleus and that has an orbit varying in eccentricity. commercialize Gk The vaunted Kohoutek comet v an identifying mark, emblem, or proved to be a great device used by a printer or disappointment for stargazers. L > F + Ecff publisher sometimes on the title make use of for profit-seeking page, cover, shelfback, or jacket. comfort purposes. The publisher decided on the figure The Hopi denounced those who of a Russian wolfhound as its would commercialize their colophon. religious dances and ceremonies.

Page 65 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently commination commute complement n v n L L L [Note: Could be confused with travel back and forth regularly or a finishing or consummating part, combination.] an instance or the frequently. integral, or component. action of announcing, warning of, For his work, Horst must commute The earrings made the perfect or threatening punishment or daily between Philadelphia and complement to Anjali’s ensemble. vengeance. New York. The president ended his speech comprehend with a severe commination against comparatively v the rebels. adv L > E comminute L see the nature, significance, or nearly, approximately. meaning of. commiseration “Well, approximately yes,” he Although he had read every word n replied; “that is, comparatively of Moby Dick, Stu failed to no.” comprehend it. L compatible the feeling or showing of sorrow or compulsory the expression of condolence for compelled the wants or distresses of another. v compunction Aunt Betsy sighed and moralized n with true and steady L commiseration. forced by physical necessity. L Artie was compelled to hold his normal human regret, pity, or commissary breath while swimming under anxiety : remorse. water. The children showed no commissional compunction about having eaten compendium the entire cake before dinner. commitment n n compunctious L L a work treating in brief form the computernik the consignment or sentencing to important features of a whole field confinement (as in a prison or of knowledge or subject matter comradeliness mental hospital). category. n Tony’s sentence included Eileen is writing a compendium of commitment to the state investment information for small L > Sp > F + Ecff penitentiary for at least five years. company shareholders. a spirit of friendly familiarity and goodwill. commodious compensable The comradeliness of her shipmates adj put Mrs. Stein at ease. competency L > F > E + Lcf + Ecf n comstockery large or roomy and convenient. Leo and his family rented a modest L concatenate but commodious villa in Spain. the quality or state of being v functionally adequate. commorancy The prospective student questioned L the competency of the professor. link together : unite in a series or communicate chain. competently The professor told the class to write a program that would concatenate compilation two or more files.

conceit

conceivable

Page 66 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently conceivably conch concinnity n n concentrate v Gk > L L [has homonym: conk] any of harmony or fitness in the L + Ecf various large spiral-shelled marine adaptation of parts to a whole or to bring all one’s powers, faculties, or gastropod mollusks. each other. activities to bear : focus. Herbert recoiled when he saw After reading through the writer’s Anthony couldn’t concentrate on conch on the menu of the first draft, the editor praised the the reading material because he Caribbean restaurant. writer for her consistency and was sick. concinnity of style. conchiform concentric adj conclamant adj Gk > L > ISV concoct L shell-shaped. v having a common center (as circles Mom keeps her jewelry in a one within another). conchiform box. L Shane stared at the concentric put together : devise, fabricate. circles of the dart board for so long conchitic Mom overheard the boys concoct a that he seemed to be hypnotized. adj story to explain the broken window. concept Gk concoction n composed of shells. The professor brought in a piece of concomitant L conchitic limestone so students adj thought, idea, notion. could examine the mollusk shells in Julie’s concept of an entertaining it. L movie was not the same as her occurring along with or at the same younger brother’s. concierge time as and with or without causal n relationship. concertina Mr. Simmons noted that his son’s L > F poor grades in algebra were concerto an attendant at the entrance of a concomitant with the start of the n building : doorkeeper. basketball season. The concierge took note of the L > It mysterious man’s comings and concordat a virtuoso piece for solo instrument goings at the hotel. n or voice and orchestra that usually has three contrasting movements. conciergerie L > F A violin concerto by Vivaldi a compact between a national concluded the orchestra’s program. conciliate government and a religious group v establishing terms of agreement concessible concerning matters of mutual L interest. concession win over from a state of hostility or Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII n distrust : appease. signed a concordat that the state of The new king hoped to conciliate France should protect and L his subjects by doing them all the acknowledge the Roman Catholic the admitting of a point claimed in good in his power. Church. argument; especially : the voluntary yielding of a disputable contention. concrescence Concession was out of the question, but it was time to appear to forget that they had ever quarreled. concessionary

Page 67 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently concurrence condor confluence n n n L Quechua > Sp L [has homonym: concurrents] a very large American vulture the place of meeting of two agreement in opinion. having the head and neck bare and streams. Frank agreed to it, but with so being one of the largest and most Martina agreed to meet Lynn at the quiet a “Yes,” as inclined Emma powerful of flying birds. confluence of Rogers Creek and the almost to doubt his real Of all the birds of prey at the zoo, Little Red River. concurrence. the Andean condor is Alison’s favorite. confusion concussion n conductor conga n L conduit a smart or hard knock, blow, or n African geog name collision; also : the shock of such a a Cuban dance of African origin blow. F > E involving three steps followed by a When Amy slipped on the ice she a natural or artificial channel kick and performed by a group in nearly suffered a concussion. through which water or other fluid single file. passes or is conveyed. When he was a child, Jimmy loved condemn Grandfather showed Logan the to dance the conga. v conduit that irrigated his large garden. congeal L [has near homonym: contemn] conferential congenial pronounce as ill-advised, adj reprehensible, wrong, or evil. confetti Often custom justifies an action n pl L that years later it will condemn. characterized by friendly L > It sociability. condescended tiny colored paper disks or paper Paul and Linda appreciated the v streamers so made as to scatter restaurant’s congenial atmosphere. readily when thrown. L > F > E + Ecf Ticker tape and confetti swirled congenital stooped or bent to action or speech like snow over the crowded street. less formal or dignified than is conglobe customary in one’s social rank. confiscate v The rajah condescended to seat v himself on a rug under the tree. L L form into a ball. condign seize by or as if by public authority. Time-lapse photos showed how After a two-hour wait, the border clouds conglobe. condiment guard decided not to confiscate n Brenda’s antique necklace. conglomerate n L > F > E conflagration something usually pungent, acid, n L salty, or spicy added to or served a mixture gathered from various with food to enhance its flavor or to L sources : a composite mass. give added flavor : seasoning. a large disastrous fire involving Father called his specialty “Irish Mustard is the condiment usually numerous buildings. stew,” but it was really more like a served on hot pastrami sandwiches. Sixty fire trucks were called in to conglomerate of indeterminate battle the conflagration. substances. condolence congruent

Page 68 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently coniferous connubial consciousness adj adj n (Gk + L) > L + Ecf L L + Ecf bearing cones. of or relating to marriage or the intuitively perceived knowledge of A covering of coniferous trees marriage state. something in one’s inner self. keeps some mountains green all Susan and Stuart spent their With a sort of sneering winter. honeymoon in a state of connubial consciousness, Tyler admitted that contentment. he had nothing to say that would be conjugal entertaining to anyone. conqueror conjunctiva consecrate conquian v Connecticut adj conquistador L n make or declare sacred or holy. Mohican? > American geog name The bishop will consecrate the new of or from the state of Connecticut. L > Sp chapel next Sunday. Ichabod Crane is a famous conqueror; specifically : any one of character of Connecticut lore. the leaders in the Spanish conquest consecutive of America, especially of Mexico connived and Peru, in the 16th century. consenescence Mr. Sanchez found the helmet of a connivery conquistador deep in the canyon. consensus n n consanguinity L + Ecf n L the practice of cooperating secretly, collective opinion : the judgment especially in a wrongful act. L arrived at by most of those Allen suspects Brenda of connivery the quality or state of being related concerned. in the mysterious sale of the by blood. The Booster Club’s consensus was mansion. Consanguinity has historically that popcorn would sell better than been of great importance in cotton candy. connoisseur determining who sits on the various n thrones of Europe. consentaneous L > F conscience conservatory one who is an expert in a subject; n especially : one who understands considerable the details, technique, or principles L of an art and is competent to act as the sense of right or wrong within consignment a critical judge. the individual. The connoisseur who judged the In this country everyone has a right consistory culinary creations is a chef at a to exercise individual conscience five-star restaurant. and judgment on all matters of consomme public interest. connote consortium v conscientious n adj L L arouse as an inseparably associated L [has near homonym: consortion] idea or feeling : imply, suggest. governed by the dictates of the an organization of persons having a Eli wonders if sending a dozen sense of right or wrong : honest, common interest. long-stemmed roses to Gretchen scrupulous. Several organizations joined the might connote what he finds Janice was very conscientious consortium that fosters inclusion of difficult to say. about telling the truth. individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.

Page 69 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently conspiracy consummate continuum n adj contour L L an illegal, treasonable, or of the very highest or finest : contraband treacherous plan to harm or destroy supremely excellent. n another person, group, or entity. Marie was worried that her son The commissioner charged that the would ruin the party, but he L > It entire industry was in conspiracy to behaved like a consummate goods or merchandise the keep out competition. gentleman. importation, exportation, or sometimes possession of which is constabulary contagious forbidden. n On the teacher’s desk sat the container contraband taken from students L during the day. a body of policemen (as of a contemplate particular town, district, country). v contrabass The local constabulary was out in force at the Halloween celebration. L contrapuntal carefully and intently think about adj constellation something : ponder. n The board of directors will It contemplate the proposal from the of, relating to, or according to the L rival company. rules of melodic part writing. any one of 88 arbitrary J. S. Bach was a master of configurations of stars or an area of contemporaneous contrapuntal melody. the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations. contemptible contrariety Rani found it difficult to see a scale adj n in the constellation Libra. L L constituent meriting scorn and condemnation the quality or state of being in as paltry, mean, base, or vile. opposition or disagreement. constitution Though most people viewed the Amanda was becoming impatient accused man as a contemptible with her two-year-old son’s constrain being, Sister Agatha pitied him and contrariety. tried to reach out to him. construe contretemps v contiguous n adj L > E F + L > F explain the sense or intention of L an inopportune embarrassing often to one’s own satisfaction or touching or connected throughout. occurrence : mishap, mischance. according to or in conformity with Mr. Wallace understands but Jeremy moved steadily from a given set of circumstances. resents higher shipping costs for blunder to contretemps to Paul tried to construe the situation U.S. customers living in states embarrassment. in the best possible light. outside the contiguous 48. contrition consuetude contingencies n n n pl L L L consciousness of guilt or sin giving social usage : custom, habit. possible future events or conditions rise to humility and sorrow. The practice of men opening doors or unforeseen occurrences that may In the warmth of true contrition she for women has fallen from necessitate special measures. would call upon Miss Bates the consuetude. Setting the date of the family very next morning, and it should be reunion involved considering the the beginning, on her side, of a contingencies and conveniences of regular, equal, kindly relationship. about 100 people.

Page 70 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently controversy convection convivially n n adv L L L + Ecf a difference marked especially by the circulatory motion that occurs in a manner that is fond of good the expression of opposing views : in a fluid at a nonuniform company and festivity. dispute. temperature owing to the variation Though the hostess felt ill and Most television talk shows seem of its density and the action of wanted to leave the party, she more interested in creating gravity. behaved convivially. controversy than in trying to In the tropics, strong convection resolve it. draws warm air high into the sky. convolute contumacious convene convoy contumacy convenience coordinate n adj convergent L > E adj L stubborn resistance to authority; equal in rank, quality, or specifically : willful contempt of L significance. court. tending to move toward one point The United States attempts to keep In the Middle Ages contumacy or each other. the branches of government could be punished by The crowds leaving the stadium coordinate. excommunication and the loss of became convergent on their way to civil rights. the subway entrance. coossify contusion conversant Copernican n adj adj L L Pol name a bruise caused by external familiar or acquainted by use or of, relating to, or being the violence. study : well-informed. astronomic system of Copernicus in The contusion on Wayne’s shoulder Sabendra is conversant in the latest which the Sun is taken as the center began to fade nine days after his movements in European art. of the planets. accident. The Copernican view of the solar convertible system was originally regarded as conundrums n heretical. n pl L copious unknown an automobile having a top that adj riddles based on some fanciful or may be folded back, lowered, or fantastic resemblance between removed. L things quite unlike and forming a Thelma and Louise enjoyed present in large quantity : plentiful, puzzling question whose answer is cruising the highway in Louise’s abundant, lavish. or involves a pun. convertible. Patrick took copious notes during Mr. Elton was invited to contribute the lecture. any really good conundrums to conveyance Emma’s collection of riddles of copyright every sort. convivial adj coquetry convalescence n L fond of good company and F festivity. effort or action intended to attract The convivial lodge owners enjoyed admiration, gallantry, or affection socializing with their guests. without responsive feeling. The princess used coquetry as a tool as a carpenter uses a hammer.

Page 71 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently coquettishly cornice coronary n adj coracle n Gk > L > It > F L the typically molded and projecting of or involving the blood vessels of W horizontal member that crowns an the heart; broadly : of or relating to a small boat made by covering a architectural composition. the heart. wicker frame with hide or leather. Here and there among the ruins of A blockage in a coronary artery Ted rowed an old coracle to the the great palace, a cornice or part caused Tom’s heart attack. small island in the lake. of a column remained intact. coroner cordially corniculate n adj cordillera L > F > AF > E n L a public officer whose principal having horns or small horn-shaped duty is to inquire into the cause of L > Sp processes. any death which there is reason to a group of mountain ranges In some species of animals, only suppose is not due to natural forming a mountain system of great the males are corniculate. causes. linear extent. The job of coroner combines The Andean cordillera extends cornucopia elements of medicine and detective along the west coast of South n work. America. L coronet corduroy a curved goat’s horn from the n n mouth of which fruit and ears of corn overflow, emblematic of Gk > L > F F > E name abundance—called also “horn of a small or lesser crown usually a cut-pile fabric with vertical ribs plenty.” signifying a high rank below that of or wales, usually made of cotton. Robert placed various kinds of rolls a sovereign. His worn trousers of corduroy were in the basket shaped like a The princess happily let her young three inches too short. cornucopia and set it in the center cousin try on the coronet. of the table. coriander corporeal n corollary adj n L L an Old World herb whose ripened L having, consisting of, or relating to dried fruit is used for flavoring a proposition that follows upon one a physical material body : not especially of pickles, curries, just demonstrated and that requires spiritual. confectioneries, and liquor. no additional proof. It’s very difficult for Mrs. Jane almost always uses coriander After proving the theorem, Mr. O’Connor to think in a corporeal to season her stew. Barnes showed how the corollary way. logically followed. cormorant corpulent n coronach adj n L > F > E L any of various dark-colored web- ScGael&IrGael having a large bulky body. footed seabirds. a lamentation for the dead as sung Mike and Edie laughed at the In parts of eastern Asia the or played on the bagpipes in corpulent gorilla as it stuffed cormorant is domesticated by Scotland and Ireland : dirge. bananas into its mouth. fishermen. The mournful coronach could be heard throughout the valley. cornea

Page 72 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently corpuscle cortisone coterie n n coruscate L v F a living cell that is somewhat an intimate often exclusive group isolated and not aggregated into L of persons having a binding continuous tissues. gleam with intermittent flashes : common interest or purpose : In the science fiction movie, a white glitter, sparkle. clique. corpuscle attacked the tiny ship as The flickering light from Trudy’s Phyllis and her coterie arrived it traveled through the lantern made the cave walls fashionably late for the gallery bloodstream. coruscate. opening. corral corybantic coterminous v adj cotyledon L > Sp Gk n [has homonym: chorale] round up like or in the spirit of the attendants and drive (livestock) into a pen. or priests of the nature goddess Gk > L With the help of his dog, Jerry Cybele noted for wildly emotional the first leaf or one of the first pair managed to corral the herd. processions and rites; specifically : or whorl of leaves developed by the wild, frenzied. embryo in seed plants and in ferns corralled At the rock concert many fans and related plants. engaged in corybantic dancing. Mr. Pittman drew a fern cotyledon correspond on the blackboard. v corymb n couchant L adj communicate with a person by Gk > L > F exchange of letters. a flower cluster in which the flower F Mason and his friends correspond stalks arise at different levels on the lying down with the head up. frequently by e-mail. main axis and reach about the same The coat of arms depicted a height, forming a somewhat flat- couchant lion. corridor topped cluster. Each corymb of Queen Anne’s lace cough corroborate by the porch has a bumblebee on it. v coulisse cosmogenesis n L n provide evidence of the truth of : F confirm. Gk a side scene of the stage in a theater Without a witness to corroborate a part of the science of astronomy or the space between the side his alibi, Zorba remained the chief that deals with the origin and scenes. suspect in the robbery case. development of the universe. The path depicted in the coulisse Contrary to his expectations, led the eyes to the center stage. corrugated Lionel’s study of cosmogenesis adj made him more religious. couloir n L cosmopolite having a ridged or furrowed n L > F surface. a deep gorge. The corrugated sand dune looked Gk Lance hiked along the stream at the like a work of art. one that is at home in every bottom of the couloir. country. corruptible Although she considered herself a cosmopolite, Sharon still couldn’t corsage get used to driving on the left side of the road. corsair

Page 73 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently counsel courier coyote n n n L > F > E L > It > F Nahuatl > Sp [has homonym: council] advice, [has homonym: currier] one who a small wolf native to the western direction. carries messages, news, or part of North America and well Mr. Knightley shared unpleasant information either with urgent haste established northward in Alaska truths with Emma and proved or in accordance with a regular and eastward at least as far as New himself her friend by very faithful schedule. York state. counsel. Jaime worked as a courier after The lone male coyote kept to the school to earn money for a new edges of the pack for many days countenance car. before being accepted into the n group. courlan L > F > E cozened the expressive appearance of one’s courteously v face : look, expression. The department store Santa’s cousin L > It countenance set Loretta at ease. obtained by artful wheedling or couture tricky dishonesty. counterfeit n The crooked lawyer cozened the life’s savings of several of his countermand L > F clients. the business of designing, making, countervail and selling fashionable expensive craniectomy v custom-made women’s clothing. At the Paris fashion shows Carolyn craquelure L > F > E talked to several young designers oppose or exert force against : who were just starting out in crassamentum counteract. couture. Miles built a low wall around his credential sloping garden to countervail covenant erosion. n credenza n countian L > F > E an agreement that is usually formal, L > It coup solemn, and intended as binding. a sideboard, buffet, or bookcase n The book of Genesis describes without legs whose base rests flat Noah’s covenant with God that on the floor. F saved his family from the Great Robin’s CDs are on the second a sudden decisive exercise of Flood. shelf of the credenza. localized or concentrated force unseating the personnel of a covey credulity government. n n The dictator was ousted by a military coup. L > F > E L a small flock or number of birds of belief or readiness of belief coupon the same kind—used typically of especially on slight or uncertain partridges and certain related birds. evidence. The hunter aimed at the covey of Marco’s personality was a strange quail flying over the pasture. mixture of shrewdness and credulity.

Page 74 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently creekology crescendo cribral n n adj ON > E + Gk L > It L any method of searching for oil the peak of a gradual increase (as in of or relating to a sieve : perforated. based on a limited knowledge of physical or emotional force or The mouths of certain whales geology and practiced especially by intensity). contain a cribral structure for wildcat prospectors. As soon as his boat sailed out of the collecting food. Doug, who was known for his nose harbor, Angus realized that the for oil, attributed his success to wind was nearing a crescendo. cricetid creekology. n crescent creel n Slav > L any of a family of small rodents crenate L > F > E including lemmings, voles, and adj the shape or figure defined by a hamsters. convex and a concave edge. The hamster is an example of a L The moon’s silvery crescent cricetid that is kept as a pet. having the margin cut into rounded disappeared as the eclipse reached scallops. totality. crimson The crenate leaves on Freda’s n specimen gave her a clue as to its crescive classification. adj Ar > Sp > E any of several deep or vivid reds or creophagy L purplish reds of rather indefinite n increasing, growing. range. The crescive vines traveled up the The sun was dropping slowly from Gk trellis. sight, and stripes of purple and the use of flesh as food. orange and crimson and gold After visiting a slaughterhouse, crescograph reached upward from the distant Stephanie was repulsed by n hills. creophagy and became a vegetarian. L + Ecf + Gk crinoline an instrument for making n crepitant perceptible the growth of plants. adj The crescograph can magnify small L > It > F plant movements as much as ten a full stiff skirt or underskirt. L million times. The crinoline that Andrea wore in having or making a crackling sound the pageant made her knees itch. : crackling. cretonne The boys rolled and tumbled in the criophore pile of crepitant leaves. crewelwork crocheting crepuscular cribbage v adj n F + Ecf L + Ecf E working with needlework active in the twilight. a card game for two and sometimes consisting of the interlocking of Darnel blurted out “firefly” when three or four players each of whom looped stitches formed with a the teacher asked for an example of is dealt six cards one or two of single thread and a hooked needle. a crepuscular insect. which are discarded before play to Marie sat nearby crocheting and form an extra hand for the dealer. tried to take a friendly interest in Kathy and her cousins are the game. ferociously competitive when they play cribbage.

Page 75 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cromlech croupier Crusade n n n W F F a circle of monoliths usually an employee of a gambling casino an expedition undertaken for a enclosing a dolmen or mound. who watches, collects, and pays declared religious purpose. Inspired by their study of bets and assists the dealer in charge The first Crusade to reclaim Stonehenge, Mr. Akala’s fifth- of the table. Jerusalem for Christians began in grade class built a cromlech on the The croupier tossed two more $100 1096. playground. chips onto Daphne’s growing pile. crustacean cronyism croustade n n n L Gk + Ecf Prov > F an animal belonging to a large class partiality to familiar friends a crisp shell (as of toasted or fried of Arthropoda comprising the especially as evidenced in the bread) in which to serve food. majority of the marine or appointing of political hangers-on Louise didn’t know whether or not freshwater arthropods (as lobsters, to office without due regard for she was supposed to eat the shrimps, crabs, and barnacles). their qualifications. croustade in which her salad was Our team’s mascot is Crusty the When the mayor appointed his best served. Crustacean, a ten-pound Maine friend head of the police lobster. department, he was accused of crucial cronyism. cryology crucible n croquet n n Gk L the study of snow and ice. F a vessel or melting pot that is used In cryology, students learn how a game in which players drive for melting and calcining a glaciers grow, shrink, advance, and wooden balls with mallets through substance (as metal and ore) which retreat. a series of wickets set out on a lawn requires a high degree of heat. in a particular order. Clyde began the experiment by cryophilic Erica and her friends played dumping the collected samples into croquet in the churchyard. a crucible. cryophorus n crotchety cruciferous adj adj Gk > L an instrument that illustrates the F > E L + Ecff freezing of water by its own subject to whims, crankiness, or ill belonging to or having the evaporation. temper. characteristics of the mustards or The cryophorus was made of glass Not getting enough sleep usually related plants. in the form of a tube connecting makes Trudy crotchety in the Cruciferous vegetables are an two globes partially filled with morning. excellent source of beta carotene. liquid. croup cruller cryptic n n imit D a spasmodic laryngitis in infants a small sweet cake made of a rich and children characterized by egg batter formed into twisted episodes of difficult breathing and strips and fried brown in deep fat. hoarse cough. Olive couldn’t decide whether to Mrs. Dowling hoped Everett’s sore order a cruller or an éclair with throat wouldn’t develop into croup. her coffee.

Page 76 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cryptographer cucaracha culgee n n n Gk Mexican song Per > Hindi one that practices the art of a Mexican ballroom and nightclub a jeweled plume worn in India on preparing or reading messages in a dance. the turban. form intended to prevent their Determined to win the state Professor Singh happily loaned his being read by those not privy to ballroom dance title, Joan and grandfather’s culgee to the secrets of the form. Marlon practiced their cucaracha museum. An inveterate cryptographer, Rico for weeks. enjoys searching ordinary writing culinary samples for hidden messages. cuchifrito adj n cryptonym L n Sp of or relating to the kitchen or a deep-fried cube of pork. cookery. Gk When Lane wasn’t looking, The early colonists used herbs for a secret name. Stephanie popped a cuchifrito into both culinary and medicinal Each person in our club was given the dog’s mouth. purposes. a cryptonym known only to the other members. cuckoo culminant n adj crystal adj E imitative L [has homonym: kuku] a familiar being at greatest altitude or on the Gk European bird that is noted for its meridian. consisting of or resembling quartz characteristic two-syllabled whistle The Sun casts the shortest shadows that is transparent or nearly so and and for its habit of laying its eggs when it is culminant. that is either colorless or only in the nests of other birds for them slightly tinged. to hatch. culotte Once inside, they hurried down a The cuckoo in the aviary sounded long hallway, which glittered with just like Grandmother’s clock. culpable crystal chandeliers. adj cucurbit crystosphene n L n meriting condemnation or censure L > F > E especially as criminal or as Gk (Note: Dictionary designates as conducive to accident, loss, or a buried sheet of ice under the attributive.) a many-seeded fleshy disaster. tundra of North America formed by fruit plant with a hard rind (such as The property owner was guilty of the freezing of spring water. squashes, pumpkins, and certain culpable negligence in the accident The geologist measured the gourds). involving an uncovered manhole. thickness of the crystosphene. The cucurbit is probably put to a wider variety of uses than is any culprit cubic other fruit family. n adj cudgel L > AF Gk > L > F n one who is guilty of a crime or relating to a crystal form that other wrongdoing. consists of six similar, mutually E The detectives devised a plan to perpendicular faces. a short heavy stick used as an capture the culprit. Gold crystallizes in a cubic instrument for punishment or a structure with a density of 19.4 weapon. grams per cubic centimeter. A nightstick is one kind of cudgel.

cuirass

Page 77 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cultivation cuneiform current n adj adj L L + L L the art or process of farming. written in characters composed of [has homonyms: courant, currant] Frigid weather conditions and strokes having the form of a wedge presently elapsing. barren soil make cultivation of or arrowhead. In the current fiscal year tundra almost impossible. The cuneiform Code of Hammurabi Cornucopia College enjoys a slight is the most complete record of budget surplus. culturati ancient Babylonian law in n pl existence. curriculum n Gk + Lcf cupboard people intensely interested in the L artistic and intellectual aspects or cupressineous the whole body of courses offered content of human activity. adj by an educational institution or one The scheduled performance by of its branches. “The Three Tenors” generated Gk > L + Ecf The school is planning to add Latin excitement among the city’s relating to or resembling the to its curriculum next year. culturati. cypress. The wood of cupressineous trees is cursory cumbersome usually light, moderately hard, and adj very durable. curtain n F > E + Ecf curator of an excessive size, shape, or n L > F > E length : unwieldy. the screen separating the stage from Emrick dragged his cumbersome L the auditorium of a theater. duffel bag by its strap. one in charge of the exhibits, The law states that the theater research activities, and personnel of curtain must be made of fireproof cumbrous a museum, zoo, or other place of material. adj exhibit. Eric interviewed the curator of curtilage E marine mammals at the aquarium. n giving trouble : vexatious. A swarm of cumbrous gnats curiousness F > E followed the hikers all day long. n a yard, courtyard, or other piece of ground included within a fence cummerbund L > F > E + Ecf surrounding a dwelling house. n the quality of being inquisitive. The police searched the house and Dickon’s round eyes were full of the curtilage for any clues relating Per > Hindi eager curiousness but he said not a to the robbery. a waistband worn in place of a vest word. with men’s dress clothes. curvature The bride wanted the groom’s curlew n cummerbund to match the pale pink of her flowers. curliewurly L the act or state of deviating from a cumulative curmudgeon straight line or course typically n with a rounded gradual effect. The curvature of the brick path unknown gave the garden a pleasing a crusty, ill-tempered, or difficult informality. and often elderly person. Fiona’s dad called her grandfather a “cantankerous old curmudgeon.”

Page 78 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently custard cybernetics cylinder n n pl cymbals L > Prov > E Gk a sweetened mixture of milk and the comparative study of the cynegetics eggs that is baked, boiled, or automatic control system formed n pl frozen. by the nervous system and brain Lemon custard is Harold’s favorite and by mechanical-electrical Gk dessert. communication systems and the art of hunting. devices (as computers or Mrs. White began her talk about custody thermostats). cynegetics with a recording of n Bertha’s new robotics software melodies played on hunting horns. promised to revolutionize L > E cybernetics. cynology charge or control (as of a suspect) n exercised by a person or an cyclical authority. adj Gk The suspect was kept in police [has homonym: sinology] custody until she provided an Gk scientific study of the dog incontrovertible alibi. of, relating to, or belonging to a especially in respect to its natural regularly recurring succession of history. cutaneous events or phenomena. Having a coyote as a childhood pet adj Mr. Ramirez explained the cyclical gave Rick an early interest in phases of the Moon to the science cynology. L class today. of or relating to the skin. cynophilist Cutaneous sensation includes cyclogenesis n feeling cold, heat, contact, and n pain. Gk Gk [Note: Could be confused with cuticle the process of development or form of sinophil/sinophile.] a dog n intensification of a rotating storm fancier : one that is favorably system. disposed toward dogs. L Satellites have greatly improved the Although Leon considered himself an external membranous or monitoring of cyclogenesis. a cynophilist, he did not trust the hardened noncellular investment pit bull terrier. secreted by the outer surface of the cyclonic body (as in arthropods). adj cynosure Because expansion cannot occur in n the chitinous cuticle, the growing Gk insect must periodically shed its of, relating to, or having the Gk covering. characteristics of a rotating storm. a center of attraction or interest. Cyclonic disturbances known as The student union, with its billiard cyanosis hurricanes usually occur during the tables, bowling alley, and snack n summer and fall. bar, is a cynosure for freshmen during orientation week. Gk cycloserine a bluish or purplish discoloration Cytherean (as of skin) due to deficient cygnet adj oxygenation of the blood. n Cyanosis may result from Gk > L + Ecf pneumonia, asphyxiation, heart Gk > L > F > E of or relating to the goddess Venus failure, or heart anomalies. a young swan. or to the planet Venus. Six-year-old Abby, openly The Cytherean atmosphere has a contemptuous of the fairy tale, high concentration of sulfuric acid. patiently explained to her mother that there’s no way an ugly cytocidal duckling can turn into a swan— only a cygnet can.

Page 79 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently cytology daedal dalliance n adj dallied Gk + Gk Gk [has homonym: sitology] the ingeniously formed or working : damask branch of biology concerned with like a maze : intricate. the study of cells as vital units with The children’s quiz show led its Damoclean reference to their structure, contestants through a daedal adj function, multiplication, pathology, journey of stunts and questions. and life history. Gk name + Ecf For differentiating between benign daffodil involving imminent danger. and malignant lesions, cytology Retrieving the car keys from the offers a more precise method of daffodils piranha tank was a Damoclean diagnosis than does the use of X n pl task indeed. rays. D + L > F > D dandelion dachshund plants having flowers that have a n large corona elongated into a dangerous trumpet. G + G These flowers blooming in the snow dangle a small dog of a breed of German are daffodils and snowdrops. origin having long drooping ears, danseuse commonly a short sleek coat, and daguerreotype n the legs short in comparison with the body length. dahlia F Chloe has a brown dachshund n a female ballet dancer. named “Oscar.” Denise was advised that being a dacquoise Sw name > L danseuse was as exhausting as it n a plant of a genus of tuberous- was rewarding. rooted herbs having rayed flower F heads. Dantesque a dessert made of baked layers of The brightly colored flowers of the adj nut meringue with a filling usually dahlia can be six inches in of buttercream. diameter. It name The hotel dessert buffet included a of, relating to, or resembling the chocolate-pecan dacquoise. daiquiri Italian writer Dante or his writings. The Dantesque image of a soul in dactylogram dais torture repulsed Regina. n n dashiki Gk + Gk L > F > E an impression taken from a a platform raised usually above the dashing finger : fingerprint. floor of a hall or large room to give adj Calvin used a magnifying glass to distinction or prominence to those examine the loops and whorls in a occupying it. E imit + Ecf dactylogram of his index finger. A round dais was exactly in the vigorously active : spirited. center of the room. The dashing actor was the talk of dactylology the party. Daliesque dactyloscopy adj dastardly n Sp name dasymeter Gk resembling or suggesting the identification by comparison of paintings of the Spanish surrealist dauntless fingerprints. artist Dali. Dactyloscopy indicated that the The poster showed a Daliesque dawdle suspect’s fingerprints are indeed on face with feathers poking out of the murder weapon. each nostril.

Page 80 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dawdler debility deceitful n adj debonairness unknown + Ecf E + Ecf one who wastes time in idle debouchment dishonest. lingering. n The Better Business Bureau warned Lauren was such a dawdler that Jasper of the awning company’s she often missed the school bus. F deceitful business practices. a mouth or outlet especially of a dazzling river. deceive v The river’s debouchment had to be v dredged because the sediment was ON > E + Ecf a hazard to navigation. L > F > E overpowering with brightness : cause to believe the false : delude. shining. debridement Cara’s forgery of her mother’s Morgan took great satisfaction in n signature did not deceive the dazzling his neighbors with his principal. Christmas light display. F the surgical removal of lacerated, decelerate deacon devitalized, or contaminated tissue. v The doctor explained to the deactivate firefighter why debridement was L the best treatment for his second- lessen the speed of : slow down. deaerate degree burns. Reversing engine thrust is used to decelerate jets upon landing. dearth debris n n deceleron E F decennial scarcity : lack of a present the remains of something broken necessity. down or destroyed. decentralization The general realized that his army Scattered debris lies where was suffering from a dearth of self- majestic homes stood before last decibel confidence. week’s tornado. n debacle debut L + Scottish-American name n a unit for measuring the relative decadent loudness of sounds equal L > OProv > F approximately to the smallest a sudden breakdown : collapse. decaffeinate degree of difference of loudness Craig reads everything he can find ordinarily detectable by the human regarding the Wall Street debacle decanter ear. of 1929. Differences of one decibel can be decedent important to a recording engineer. debarrass n deciduous debenture L adj n a dead person; especially : a person who has recently died. L L The relatives of the decedent falling off or shed at the end of the a writing or certificate signed by a gathered for the reading of the will. growing period, at certain seasons, public officer as evidence of a debt or at certain stages of development. or of a right to demand or receive a Deciduous trees drop their leaves sum of money. each fall. Uncle John treasures the debenture issued by the Confederate decimal government, even though it is actually worthless.

Page 81 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently decimate decompose decussate v v adj L L > F L select by lot and kill every tenth separate or resolve into constituent shaped like an X. person of. parts or elements or into simpler Each wing of the moth had a The terrorist promised to decimate compounds. decussate marking. the group of hostages every half Mr. Landry asked the students hour until his demands were met. whether they knew any compounds deducibility other than methanol which deciphered decompose into carbon dioxide and defamatory v water. defeasible L + Ar > L > F > E decorous adj made out, read, or interpreted adj despite obscuration. F + Ecf When one considers the variety of L capable of being or liable to being handwriting, and of bad marked by propriety and good voided, annulled, or undone. handwriting, too, that must be taste. When a family adopts a baby, deciphered, it increases the wonder Lucia was surprised to find that the several requirements have to be that so seldom a letter is delivered disc jockey was as decorous off the met; otherwise the adoption is to the wrong person. air as he was volcanic while on the defeasible. air. decistere defendant n decorticate n v F L > F a metric unit of capacity equal to L a person required to make answer 1/10 cubic meter. remove the bark, husk, or other in an action or suit in law or equity Caleb bought a decistere of lime outer covering from. or in a criminal action. for his front lawn. Sharp front teeth allow squirrels to When the foreman of the jury read decorticate hickory nuts. the verdict of “not guilty,” the declamatory defendant embraced his attorneys. adj decoupage n deferential L marked by rhetorical effect or F defervescence display : stilted. the art of decorating surfaces by n Minna’s declamatory sermon applying cutouts and then coating alienated many of her listeners. them with several layers of a finish L such as lacquer or varnish. the subsidence of a fever. declension Aunt Hazel’s interest in arts and Antonio’s mother was relieved to crafts was kindled by a free class in note the signs of defervescence in decline decoupage. her son. declivate decreolization deficiency adj n decrescendo L L inclining downward : sloping. decuman the quality or state of lacking some Mary Ann slid down the declivate adj quality, faculty, or characteristic roof of the playhouse. necessary for completeness. L Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of declivous (of a wave) : extremely large. vitamin C in the diet. That decuman wave that took the ship fore and aft swept the life raft defilade off the deck.

decumbiture

Page 82 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently definite deleteriously delirious adj adv adj L Gk + Ecf L free of all ambiguity, uncertainty, in a hurtful or destructive manner. affected with frenzied excitement or obscurity. It seems that every day we are or wild enthusiasm. Dad sounded quite definite when he reminded that smoking affects the The delirious fans rushed onto the told us to turn off the TV. body deleteriously. field to congratulate the champions. degauss delicacy n delitescent deglutition adj L dehisce something pleasing to eat that is L accounted rare or luxurious. lying hidden : obfuscated, latent. dehiscence Caviar is considered a delicacy. The psychiatrist tried to discover n the delitescent significance of his delicatessen patient’s dreams. L + Ecf n the bursting open of a capsule or delphinium pod at maturity. F > G In dry weather, dehiscence of some a store where ready-to-eat food deltiology seed pods occurs prematurely. products (as cooked meats and n prepared salads) are sold. deify Marta stopped at the delicatessen Gk to buy some cold cuts for our lunch. the hobby of collecting postcards. deign Jodie got started in deltiology just delicious last year but already has postcards deipnosophist adj from over 100 countries. n L deltoidal Gk appealing to one of the bodily a person skilled in table talk. senses, especially that of taste. delude Clint’s reputation as a Judith said the fudge was the most deipnosophist makes him an ideal delicious she had ever tasted. deluge dinner guest. n delineate delectable L > F > E adj delinquency a drenching rain : downpour. The children were caught in a L delinquent deluge as they waited for the school deliciously flavored. n bus. JoAnne selected Black Forest cake from the delectable dessert L demagoguery offerings. a transgressor against duty or law. n The police referred to Harold as a delegate “delinquent” when he was found Gk + Ecf on the street after curfew. the principles or practices of deleterious rabble-rousers. adj deliquesce Economic hardship often gives rise v to demagoguery. Gk hurtful, destructive. L The museum did not permit flash become soft or liquid with age. photography because of the After a couple of weeks in the possible deleterious effects on the refrigerator, lettuce begins to paintings. deliquesce.

deliquescent

Page 83 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently demarcate demitasse demurs v n n pl Gmc > It > Sp L > F > E + Per > Ar > F L mark by bounds. a small cup of coffee usually taken difficulties in making up one’s Sol used fishing line to demarcate black. mind : indecisions. his half of the room from his Nathan sipped nervously at a Harriet’s message was brother’s. demitasse while he waited for his unequivocal, containing no doubts attorney. or demurs. demaree demobilize dengue demeanor n n democracy n African? > Sp L > F > E [has homonym: dinghy] an acute behavior toward others : outward Gk > L infectious disease characterized by manner. a government by the people : rule sudden onset, headache, racking The vice-president’s icily serious of the majority. joint pain, and a rash and caused by demeanor was fodder for the late- Cara could not imagine what her a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. night talk shows. life would be like if it were The African village was governed not by a democracy but quarantined after an outbreak of demegoric instead by the whims of a few dengue. people. dementia denizen demography n demersal n L > F > E demesne Gk a dweller in a certain place or n the statistical study of the region. characteristics of human Melvin asked a local denizen for F populations especially with directions. [has near homonym: domain] legal reference to size and density, possession of land as one’s own. growth, distribution, migration, and denominator The earl vowed to defend his vital statistics. demesne at any cost. Beth’s interest in demography led denouement her to a career in advertising. n demiglace demolition L > F demijohn the final outcome, result, or n demoniacal unraveling of the main dramatic complication in a play or other F + F name > E demulcent work of literature. a narrow-necked bottle of glass or adj The loose ends of the plot were stoneware that is enclosed in neatly tied up in the surprising wickerwork and has one or two L denouement. wicker handles. soothing, softening. Water glugged from the demijohn The pharmacist told Boris that a dentifrice as Emily emptied it on the lawn. demulcent syrup would be best for n his sore throat. demise L demurrage a powder, paste, or liquid used in cleaning the teeth. John decided to use a dentifrice containing baking soda.

Page 84 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently denunciation deracinated dermatitis n adj n L L > F + Ecf Gk > L the act of pronouncing (as a person, physically, mentally, or inflammation of the skin typically idea, course of conduct, or political emotionally separated from one’s marked by reddening, swelling, and philosophy) as blameworthy or racial, social, or intellectual group. scaling. evil. Erica’s father worries that she Bonnie treated her dermatitis with The senator’s speech was a might become deracinated at such aloe juice. denunciation of many federal a large university. programs. dermonecrotic derailleur adj depilatory n n Gk F relating to or causing the death of L > F [has homonym: derailer] a skin tissue. a cosmetic for the temporary mechanism for shifting gears on a The powerful medication had a removal of undesired hair. bicycle that operates by moving the dermonecrotic effect on Uncle Hank mixed a depilatory into his chain from one set of exposed gears Arthur’s legs. sister's shampoo. to another. Laurent’s derailleur jammed a few derogatorily deprecated minutes into the race, and he was v forced to the side of the road. derogatory adj L deranged sought to avert. adj L When a very thick letter from Mr. expressive of low estimation or Churchill was brought to Emma, F reproach : disdainful. she guessed what it must contain disordered, unbalanced. Janet did not appreciate the and deprecated the necessity of Jane’s health seemed completely derogatory remarks her brother reading it. deranged, though she had no made about her dress. absolutely alarming symptoms. deprecatory derrick dereism n depredatory adj derelict E name n the framework or tower over a deep L drill hole (as that of an oil well) for tending to lay waste or prey upon : L supporting the tackle for boring or plundering. a thing voluntarily abandoned by for hoisting and lowering. Following the earthquake, its owner with the intention of not The rocket was supported on the depredatory gangs looted many retaking it and rightly claimed by launch pad by a tower that was a stores. the first person who takes converted oil derrick. possession of it; specifically : a depurate boat abandoned on the high seas. descendible v Tom sank his yacht when his rescuers arrived lest it become a descent L derelict. v free from impurities or heterogeneous matter : purify, dereliction L + E cleanse. n rid of odor or smell. The hiking book advised using After their dog was sprayed by a iodine tablets and a filter to L skunk, the Andersons tried depurate groundwater before intentional or conscious neglect (as everything to descent him, but drinking it. of principles). nothing worked. The security guard was summarily fired for dereliction of duty.

Page 85 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently descried desperado desultorily v n adv F > E L > Sp L caught sight of especially by a bandit of the western frontier. in an erratic, wavering manner. watchful attention and careful Louis pretended to be a desperado Orna behaved desultorily at the observation of the distant, holding up a stagecoach. dress rehearsal. uncertain, or obscure. When the dog descried his master desperate desultory walking up the lane, he hurried out adj to greet him. despicable adj L desecrate not cogently relevant : digressive. L Nancy’s comments in class are desiccate meriting hatred, scorn, or loathing. usually rather desultory, but today v Sylvester’s stress level would be her remarks were very relevant. greatly reduced if he found fewer L situations despicable. detective [has near homonym: desecrate] dry n up or cause to dry up : deprive or despotism exhaust of moisture. n L The hot sunshine and the dry wind a plainclothes police officer. combined to desiccate Martha’s Gk > F The detective asked the bystanders tomato plants. absolute government in which if any of them had actually seen the power is vested in a single ruler. shooter. design Those who believe in the progress of humanity have a hard time deterge desirable explaining 20th-century despotism. detergent desman desquamate n v deterrence n Sw L an aquatic insectivorous mammal peel off in the form of scales. L + Ecf of Russia that resembles a mole. Ed came down with scarlet fever the act or process of turning aside, At one end the desman has a long, and was horrified when his skin discouraging, or preventing from flared snout and at the other end a began to desquamate. acting especially by fear. long, flattened tail. The police hoped that Ted’s severe destrier jail sentence would promote the desolate n deterrence of criminal acts by the adj other gang members. L > F > E L a large powerful horse used as a deterrent charactized by abandonment, war-horse by a medieval knight. n isolation, or barrenness. The knight rapidly saddled his The irrigation project revived the destrier and galloped off to battle L once desolate farming community. the invaders. something that discourages or prevents from acting by fear or despair desuetude consideration of unpleasant n n attendant consequences. The police hoped that Ted’s severe L L jail sentence would serve as a utter loss of hope. discontinuance from use, practice, deterrent to criminal activity by the Despair overcame Gerald as he exercise, or functioning : a state of other gang members. stared at his French exam. protracted suspension or of apparent abandonment. detinue In some schools the practice of memorizing great poems has fallen detonator into desuetude.

Page 86 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently detour dhurrie diagonal n adj detriment Hindi Gk > L detritus a thick cotton cloth or carpet made running across from corner to n in India. corner. The dhurrie in Morgan’s foyer is Chris preferred the tile floor with L one she purchased during her trip the diagonal pattern. a product of disintegration or to Delhi. wearing away : fragment or diagram fragmentary material. diabetes The aerial photo of Don’s ranch n dialysis shows a fan of detritus at the mouth n of the gulch. Gk any of certain abnormal conditions Gk detrude characterized by the secretion and the separation of substances in excretion of excessive amounts of solution by means of their unequal deuce urine. diffusion through semipermeable n Drugs and diet changes can control membranes. diabetes in most patients. Blood was removed from the L > F patient, purified by dialysis, and [has near homonyms: do’s, dues] a diablerie then returned to the patient’s tie in tennis in points toward a n bloodstream. game or in games requiring scoring of two consecutive points by one L > F diapason side to win the game or set. dealings with the devil or devils : n The first point won in tennis after witchcraft, sorcery. deuce is called “advantage in” if Each Halloween, stories of Gk > L won by the server, “advantage out” diablerie resurface in the media. a burst of harmonious sound : if won by the receiver. melody, strain. diacetate The trumpeters filled the courtyard deuteragonist with thrilling diapason. n diadem n diapered Gk + Gk a person who serves as a foil to Gk > L > F > E diaphanous another. crown; specifically : an ornamental adj The movie’s hero was thwarted by headband worn (as by Eastern the villainous deuteragonist. monarchs) as a badge of royalty. GK > L A brocade diadem would be a characterized by such fineness and deuteranopia perfect finishing touch for Josh’s delicacy of texture as to permit n King David costume. seeing through. The jellyfish were so diaphanous Gk diagnose that you could be next to them in red-green blindness believed due to v the water and never know they a defect in the optic nerve. were there. Joel’s deuteranopia disqualified Gk > L him from the Air Force’s pilot identify a condition by evaluating diaphragm school. its signs and symptoms. Dr. Morris was reluctant to diary devolution diagnose Tina’s condition until he had the test results. dewclaw dextrally

Page 87 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently diaspora dietetic dilapidated n adj dietetics Gk n pl L a dispersion (as of people of a decayed, deteriorated, injured, or common national origin or of Gk fallen into partial ruin. common beliefs). the science or art of applying the Only birds and bats resided in the The guest lecturer at the Modern principles of nutrition to the dilapidated old house. Language Association meeting feeding of individuals or groups jokingly referred to the diaspora of under different economic dilatory Esperanto speakers. conditions or for hygienic or adj therapeutic purposes. diaspore Pam concentrated on dietetics in L her graduate studies with hopes of characterized by procrastination or diatribe joining a world hunger delay : slow. n organization after receiving her Mr. Knightley always moved with degree. the alertness of a mind which could Gk be neither undecided nor dilatory. a bitter, abusive, and usually different lengthy speech or piece of writing. dilemma After supper, Deirdre launched into difficult her familiar diatribe against adj diligence commercial television. L diligently diazotype hard to understand : puzzling, obscure. dillydally dicerous There were so many words that v adj were difficult, and Milo knew hardly any of them. Gmc > F > E Gk waste time by loitering or delay. having two antennae. diffident “There’s lots to do; we have a very Because most insects have a pair of adj busy schedule—from 6:00 to 7:00 antennae, they are dicerous. we dillydally,” he exclaimed. L dichotomy lacking confidence in oneself : diluent n distrustful of one’s own powers. n Emma was always quick and Gk assured; her sister was slow and L the phase of the Moon or an diffident. an inert substance added to a inferior planet in which just half its mixture especially for reducing the disk appears illuminated. digitalis concentration of active ingredients. The Moon had just reached n Water added to the insecticide acts dichotomy when Amos began as a diluent and a carrier. planting. L the dried leaf of the purple dilute dickcissel foxglove containing substances that v are used to prepare a drug that is a didactic heart stimulant. L adj Digitalis has proved to be the most make less concentrated : diminish effective treatment for Ginger’s the strength, activity, or flavor of. Gk heart disorder. Because of the heat produced, fitted or intended to teach. caution is needed when using water Guy’s innovative and effective to dilute concentrated sulfuric acid. didactic style inspired his students to produce amazing work. didacticism didascaly

Page 88 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dimension diphthong diremption n n dirigibility L Gk a measurable aspect such as length a gliding monosyllabic sound that dirigible or width. starts at or near the articulatory n Height is one dimension of a cube. position for one vowel and moves to or toward the position for L + Ecf diminuendo another. airship. Many people do not pronounce the The explosion of the dirigible diminutive diphthong in the word realtor Hindenburg is famous for its adj correctly. dramatic radio coverage. L diphyodont dirigisme small especially in size : tiny. adj n Kerry was first to notice the diminutive hummingbird at the Gk L > F honeysuckle bush. having deciduous and permanent economic planning and control by sets of teeth successively. the state. dimissory The teeth of most reptiles are Dirigisme is a characteristic of adj naturally replaced throughout life, socialist law. but most mammals are diphyodont. L dirndl dismissing or granting leave to diploma depart. disaffiliate Upon hearing the principal’s diplopia dimissory words, the students n disappointed bolted out of the auditorium. adj Gk dinosauric a disorder of vision in which two L > F adj images of a single object are seen, defeated in expectation or hope. owing to unequal action of the eye Ken’s parents were disappointed Gk + Gk + Ecf muscles. that he earned only a D in math. huge. Shirley noticed that her medicine Angela was astounded by the produced the side effects of discalced dinosauric size of the statue of dizziness and diplopia. adj Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. dipnoous L unshod, barefooted. diocese dipody The discalced runner became a n n celebrity at the Olympics. Gk > L > F Gk > L discern the district in which a bishop has a prosodic unit or measure of two churchly authority. feet. discerp The local bishop’s diocese covers The teacher commented on the five counties. poet’s use of dipody for dramatic discerptible effect. adj diphtheria n diptych L + Ecf n capable of being torn to pieces or Gk pulled apart. an acute highly contagious bacterial Gk Al’s pet dog made short work of his disease chiefly of young children a picture or series of pictures discerptible stuffed animals. that is marked by swelling and painted on two tablets connected by obstruction of the throat. hinges. During the Depression, diphtheria The church’s altarpiece is a claimed the lives of many children. Byzantine diptych.

Page 89 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently disciples discretion disintegration n pl n n L L L those who receive instruction from power of decision : individual the act or process of shattering another : followers. judgment. suddenly : flying to bits. Katrina was among Mr. Crane’s The Constitution was framed and Mark caused the disintegration of musical disciples who assembled adopted to establish a government the mirror when he slammed the for instruction one evening a week. that should not depend on state door. opinion and state discretion. disclaimant disinter n discursive dismal L > F disdain adj one who makes a denial or n disavowal of legal claim. L > F > E The disclaimant did not want any L > F > E marked by gloom, dejection, part of his grandfather’s estate. a feeling of contempt and aversion somberness, or depression of for something regarded as spirits. discoloration unworthy of or beneath one : scorn, The children who forgot their contempt. gloves spent a dismal recess discomfiture “This,” said Clara with complete looking out the window at the n disdain, “is my little brother.” snow. disembogue L > F > E v disobey the state of being disconcerted or v abashed : confusion, L > Sp embarrassment. discharge water from an outlet or F The bright lights added to Verne’s mouth. refuse or fail to abide by orders, discomfiture as he stood behind the Many streams disembogue into the rules, or laws. lectern. river along its course. A well-trained dog would not disobey a familiar command. discotheque disentangle n v disparage v Gk > L > F L > Ecf + E a nightclub for dancing to recorded straighten out : unravel. F > E music. Mrs. Luce helped David speak slightingly of. Allen is a disk jockey at a popular disentangle the strands of the plot Arthur did not want to disparage discotheque in Chicago. in Hamlet. his mother’s cooking, so he complimented her on her pot roast discredit disguise and secretly fed it to the dog. v discrepancy disparate n E, F change the customary dress or disparity L appearance of. n difference, variation, inconsistency. Ben tried to disguise his voice when The accountant found a mysterious he telephoned Jill. L discrepancy between the two marked difference (as in age, rank, payroll records. disingenuousness grade, condition, quantity, quality, n or kind). The evil of the actual disparity L between Mr. Woodhouse’s and his state of being unworthily or meanly daughter’s ages was increased by artful. his constitution and habits. Disingenuousness and double dealing seemed to meet Mr. disponible Churchill at every turn.

Page 90 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently disputatious dissuade diurnal adj v adj L L L inclined to argue for or against divert by advice or persuasion : active chiefly during the daytime. something asserted or maintained. turn from something by reasoning. Few cats are naturally diurnal, Helen did not enjoy going to family Penny tried to dissuade her friend which can be a problem for light- reunions because of her from making a choice she might sleeping owners. disputatious relatives. later regret. divagate disquisition dissymmetry v n n L L Gk + Gk + Gk move or extend in different an elaborate analytical or the absence of or the lack of directions from a common point. explanatory discussion : discourse. balanced proportions. Several ancient caravan routes Rhetta’s first book was a lengthy The quilt designer was inspired by divagate from the extinct oasis. disquisition on the Irish potato dissymmetry in crystal formations. famine. divergent distillate disseminate divestiture dithyramb n dissentient n adj L + Ecf Gk the compulsory transfer of title or L a statement or piece of writing in disposal of interests (as stock in a not concurring : disagreeing. an exalted impassioned style corporation) upon government There was not a dissentient voice usually in praise of something. order. on the subject. Dennis launched into a dithyramb The Interstate Commerce on Moira’s beauty and manifold Commission ordered the divestiture dissertation virtues. of the company to be carried out no later than September 30. dissident ditokous adj division dissilient Gk divorce dissimilitude producing two eggs or young at a n time. divulge Most common songbirds are v L ditokous. lack of resemblance. L Although the plots of Gary’s two dittology tell or make known. stories resemble each other, there n Ken was reluctant to divulge the are several points of dissimilitude. details of the merger. Gk dissipated a double reading or twofold docent v interpretation (as of a biblical text). n Millicent’s first lecture of the L semester was a dittology of the L dispelled, dissolved. story of Genesis entitled “Serpent a person who guides groups Mr. Knightley walked in soon after or Savior?” through a museum or art gallery tea and dissipated every diuretic and discusses and comments on the melancholy fancy. exhibits. Judd’s interest in ancient history dissonant was sparked by a knowledgeable docent during a field trip to a museum.

Page 91 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently docilely doleful domestic adv adj adj L L > E + Ecf L in an obedient or submissive attended with or indicating grief or relating to the household or the manner. a morose or despairing attitude. family. Greg’s pet dog docilely follows his Martha had a doleful look on her Selma’s domestic situation changed every command. face as she gazed out the window at drastically after she married a pack the rain. rat. docility n dolioform domiciliated adj v L the quality or state of being easily L L taught, led, or managed. shaped like a barrel. had established residence : resided. Docility and intelligence are The barrel cactus is a common The schoolmaster was domiciliated important qualities that breeders dolioform plant of the deserts of in a different village house each look for in the horses they buy. North and South America. week. dockhand dolorifuge domineering n doctrinaire domino n L > F > E n something that banishes or L > F mitigates grief. L > F one who attempts to put into effect Martina was so heartbroken when a flat rectangular block of bone, some especially political theory her dog died that her dad brought ivory, wood, or plastic the face of with little or no regard for practical home a new puppy as a dolorifuge. which is divided into two equal difficulties. parts called “ends” which are blank Benito described his opponent as dolorimetry or bear from one to six dots, used an ivory-tower doctrinaire. in a set of 28 to play a game in dolorous which the ends are matched. documentary adj As a joke, Grandpa hid a domino n before asking Billy if he’d like to L play. L expressive of sorrow or affliction. a presentation (as a film or novel) In a dolorous voice the reporter donnism that has the objective quality, described the scene of the disaster. authority, or force of doraphobia documentation in the representation dolphin of a scene, place, condition of life n dorcastry or of a social or political problem n or cause. Gk > L > Prov > F > E The documentary is being produced any of various small toothed Biblical name + Ecf by environmentalists who protest whales with the snout more or less a church auxiliary organized to the destruction of forests. elongated into a beak and the neck plan and execute benevolent work. vertebrae partially fused. The dorcastry served free dolcissimo The trained dolphin performed its Thanksgiving dinners for the adv feats with great agility and grace. homeless. L > It domain dormancy very sweet or soft—used as a n direction in music. The composer and the conductor L > F > E + Ecf argued over whether the passage the quality or state of being should be played dolcissimo. inactive. Certain Australian frogs undergo long periods of dormancy during drought.

Page 92 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dormitories doughiness draconian n adj dorsicollar E Gk name dosage the quality or state of being not marked by extreme severity or thoroughly baked. cruelty : harsh, rigorous. dosseret The doughiness of the cake The pop star’s main residence was mortified Mrs. Cavendish. on an island where the tax laws dossier were less draconian than in her n doughty native England. adj F drainage an accumulation of records, reports, E miscellaneous pertinent data, and [has homonym: dowdy] marked by drama documents bearing on a single fearless resolution and by stoutness subject of study or investigation : in contest or struggle : valiant. dramaturgy file. Daniel was a soldier’s soldier— n The physician kept a careful rough, tough, and doughty. dossier on each of her patients. Gk > L > F > E dowager the technical devices that are used Dostoevskian n in writing plays and that tend to adj distinguish the play from other F literary forms. Russ name one of the elder women of assured Shakespeare was skilled at both of, relating to, or typical of the position who tend to set the tone of poetry and dramaturgy. Russian novelist Fedor Dostoevski an assembly, social group, or or his writings. community. dreadful The Dostoevskian character’s Great Aunt Georgine is the adj tortured psychic state gripped and dowager of the Arts Council. twisted Randy’s mind as he read E page after page. dowitcher arousing feelings of disapproval or dissatisfaction. dotard doxology “Turn off that dreadful song,” n Cynthia’s mom calmly demanded. douanier n Gk dreary a commonly short hymn or formula adj F expressing praise to God. a customs officer. One common doxology in E At the international airport the Protestant churches is set to a tune being without liveliness, cheer, joy, douanier insisted on searching the called “Old Hundred.” or hope. luggage of everyone proceeding doyen The dreary accountant decided that through customs. n it was time to take an extended vacation. doublure L > F n [Note: Could be confused with dreidel feminine doyenne.] the senior male n L > F member of a body or group (as of a the lining of a book cover; diplomatic corps). G > Yiddish especially : an ornamental lining. George Burns was the doyen of a four-sided die that revolves like a The doublure is an important clue American stand-up comedians. spinning top, that is marked on in identifying pirated editions of each side with a different Hebrew early novels. letter, and that is used as a toy especially during the Hanukkah douceur festival. Evan gave each of his classmates a dreidel after presenting his report on traditions associated with Hanukkah.

Page 93 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently drepaniform dromedary drupaceous adj n adj Gk + Ecf Gk > L > F > E Gk > L hooked or curved like a sickle. a camel of unusual speed, bred and of or relating to a one-seeded As Cliff walked home, the trained especially for riding, and indehiscent fruit having a hard drepaniform Moon did little to light having a single large hump on the bony endocarp, a usually fleshy his way. back. mesocarp, and a thin exocarp that is Camel rides at the zoo featured a either like a skin or dry and almost dressage dromedary. leathery. n Cherries, plums, and almonds are dromomania drupaceous fruits. F n the execution by a horse of duarchy maneuvers involving changes of Gk > L n gait, pace, and airs in response to an exaggerated desire to wander. barely perceptible movements of a Yielding to his dromomania, Jack Gk rider’s hands, legs, and weight. bought a recreational vehicle and a government by two rulers having While in Austria, Derrick attended spent the summer touring the equal power. an exhibition of dressage at a country. Critics accused the governor of famous equestrian school. establishing a duarchy with her drone husband. drisheen n n dubiety E n IrGael one that lives on the labors of a sausage prepared with sheep’s others. L blood, milk, and seasonings. In Sleepy Hollow there were some the quality or state of being While in County Cork, Mr. rustic patrons who considered a doubtful or skeptical : uncertainty. O’Donnell ordered drisheen and schoolmaster a mere drone. There was dubiety in his voice and eggs for breakfast. a hint of uncertainty in his eye. drosophilist drivel n duchy v G + L + Ecf ductile E one who uses the vinegar fly in the talk stupidly and carelessly without study of genetics. dudgeon due thought, knowledge, or The drosophilist has helped to n consideration. advance our knowledge of genes Bart’s opinion is highly valued, for and the role they play in heredity. unknown he is not one to drivel. aggrieved or angered feeling : ill drudgery humor. drogue n Fuming at the insult, Carl stalked n off in high dudgeon. E E dull, fatiguing, or unrelieved work duet [has homonym: drog] a sea anchor or expenditure of effort. n (as a canvas bag with a hooped Machines now take much of the mouth) used to reduce the speed of drudgery out of housework. It a boat and keep her head into the performance of a musical wind. druggist composition or movement for two The captain yelled at the crew to n singers or two instrumentalists. lower the drogue while he signaled Stephan and Christiana’s duet the other boat. F featured Bach’s concerto for two one who sells medicine : violins in D Minor. pharmacist. Jean asked her druggist to recommend a cough syrup.

Page 94 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dulcamara dunnage duvet n n n L unknown ON > F a sprawling Old World poisonous [Note: Could be confused with a warm bedcover : quilt, comforter. plant that is common as a weed in tonnage, tunnage.] cushioning or Sally stored her duvet in the linen America and has purple flowers padding used in a shipping closet and used a light bedspread and oval coral-red berries and that container to protect fragile articles during the summer months. has a taste at first sweetish and then against shock and breakage. bitter. Mother used popcorn as dunnage dvandva The dried stems of the dulcamara in her gift boxes to her family in n were once used in pharmaceutical Germany. preparations as a sedative. Skt duodenitis a class of compound words having dulcet n two constituents that are equal in adj rank and related to each other as if L joined by and. L > F > E inflammation of the first part of the The word secretary-treasurer is an pleasing to the ear. small intestine. example of a dvandva. Hiroshi marveled at the dulcet George’s cramps were diagnosed tones of the quartet. as duodenitis. dwarf n dulcitude duplicitous E dullard duplicity an abnormally small person. n n The adult dwarf was offended when people treated him as a child. F L a stupid person. deception by pretending to dwindling Barry apologized for rashly calling entertain one set of feelings and James a dullard. acting under the influence of dynamitard another. n dumbbell When the candidate’s duplicity was n exposed, his supporters felt Gk > Sw + Ecf embarrassed and betrayed. one that uses explosives for E anarchistic or other political acts of an exercise device that consists of durable violence. round weights joined by a bar. adj Police agents seized the With great effort, Tony hoisted the dynamitard in an old warehouse. dumbbell above his shoulder. L > F > E able to exist for a long time : dynamite dune lasting. Jimmy brought along a pair of dynasty dungarees durable hiking boots for his trek n pl through the mountainous terrain. dysbarism Hindi duress dyscalculia heavy cotton work clothes made n n usually of heavy, coarse, durable, blue cotton twill. L > F > E Gk + L Greg preferred his faded dungarees [has near homonym: dress] impairment of mathematical ability to any other pants in his wardrobe. stringent compulsion by threat of due to an organic condition of the danger, hardship, or retribution. brain. dungeon Contracts signed under duress are Because she disliked math class so not valid. much, Kathy was convinced that she suffered from dyscalculia. durezza dysentery

Page 95 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently dyskinesia dysrhythmia ebullient n n adj Gk Gk L impaired or abnormal motion of a condition characterized by characterized by enthusiasm or voluntary or involuntary muscle. various psychological and exuberance. Some drugs that are used to treat physiological effects and which Angela tried to be as ebullient as psychiatric disorders can have occurs following long flight possible during the cheerleading dyskinesia as a side effect. through several time zones and tryouts. probably results from disruption of dyslexia human body rhythms that occur in ebullition n 24-hour cycles : jet lag. The travel agent gave the tour eburnated Gk group several tips on how to avoid a disturbance of the ability to read. dysrhythmia. eccentric In Maria’s school, students with dyslexia are given special training dystopia ecchymosis to improve their reading, spelling, n n and writing. Gk Gk > L dyspepsia an imaginary place which is the escape of blood into the tissues distressingly wretched and whose from ruptured blood vessels dyspeptic people lead a fearful existence. marked by a livid black-and-blue or adj The science-fiction tale was set in a purple spot or area. 23rd-century dystopia. A black eye results from Gk ecchymosis. gloomy or negative. eagle The editor’s dyspeptic views on the ecclesiastic election irritated many readers. eaglet n dysphemia earlobe Gk a person in holy orders or dysphemism earnest consecrated to the service of the n n church. The new bishop was an ecclesiastic L E of high learning and virtue. substitution of a disagreeable, [Note: The definition provided is offensive, or disparaging word or not the one most commonly ecclesiastical expression for an agreeable or associated with this word.] adj inoffensive one; also, a word or something of value given by a expression so substituted. buyer to a seller to bind a bargain. Gk > L Rachel, whose father is an auto Ms. Giblin gave the sellers $3,000 belonging to, suggestive of, or mechanic, cringes every time she as earnest so that they would not suitable for use in a church building hears the dysphemism grease entertain other offers. or service of worship. monkey. Ramona designed and sewed all the eavesdrop ecclesiastical garments worn in the dysphoria church’s services. n ebony ecclesiology Gk ebriosity a generalized state of feeling unwell or unhappy. ebullience Edith has had frequent crying spells and periods of dysphoria since early childhood.

Page 96 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ecesis echt economist n adj n Gk G Gk the successful establishment of a genuine, authentic. a specialist in or student of the plant or animal in a new All the lamps were very attractive, social science that studies the environment or habitat. but only one was echt Tiffany. production, distribution, and Ecesis by an introduced species consumption of commodities. often threatens native flora or eclectic Adam Smith was the most fauna. adj influential economist of the 18th century. echelon Gk + Gk n composed of elements drawn from ecru various sources. n L > F Gaynor’s eclectic taste in music one of a series of levels or grades makes selecting CDs for her a L > F (as of leadership or responsibility) cinch. [has near homonym: accrue] of a in an organization or field of textile : a light grayish yellowish activity. eclipse brown that is yellower and lighter Employees at every echelon of the n than gravel. company were encouraged to make The bridal gown is available in suggestions. L > F > E both ecru and white. the obscuration of one celestial echelonment body by another. ecstasy Susan and Stuart flew to Mexico to echinoderm view a total eclipse of the Sun. ecstatic n adj eclogue Gk n Gk any of a phylum of radially caused by, expressing, or causing a symmetrical marine animals that Gk > L state of exaltation or rapturous have a true body cavity, a a poem in which shepherds are delight. calcareous exoskeleton, a blood- introduced conversing. Maria was ecstatic when her vascular system, a nervous system, The bucolic view of meadows and boyfriend proposed to her. and a water-vascular system that hills inspired Shelley to compose provides tentacles and organs of an eclogue. ectocanthion locomotion. n The starfish is a familiar ecocatastrophe echinoderm. n Gk + Gk the point at which the outer ends of echoed Gk the upper and lower eyelids meet. v a major destructive upset in the Plastic surgery was needed to balance of nature especially when repair an injury to the patient’s Gk caused by the intervention of face at the ectocanthion. resounded with sounds caused by humans. reflections of sound waves. Sam considers the destruction of ectoplasm Reanna’s words echoed back to her the rain forests an ecocatastrophe. n from across the canyon. ecologist Gk echolalia n the emanation from a spiritualistic n medium that is believed to effect Gk > G telekinesis and similar phenomena. Gk + Gk a specialist in the branch of science In the movies people are always the often pathological repetition of concerned with the getting slimed by what they call what is said by other people as if interrelationship of organisms and “ectoplasm,” but if it exists, it imitating them. their environment. would more likely look like mist. The speech of autistic persons is Kimberly will work as a summer sometimes characterized by intern for an ecologist in the ecuelle echolalia. Everglades.

Page 97 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ecumenism edentulate effectually n adv edentulous Gk + Ecf adj L&F > E principles and practices relating to in a manner producing the desired or promoting worldwide Christian L results. unity. lacking teeth; especially : having A warm drink is said to fortify one The World Council of Churches is lost teeth previously present. effectually against the cold. a major force in the religious When Susie skipped into the second movement known as “ecumenism.” grade classroom, she gave Miss effervesce ecumenopolis O’Connell an edentulous grin. n effervescent edible adj Gk a single city encompassing the edification L whole world that is held to be a n impossible or difficult to restrain or possibility of the future. suppress : bubbling, exuberant. Many science fiction stories are L Sean’s effervescent personality based on the premise of Earth’s a building up of the mind, caught the attention of the job future ecumenopolis. character, or faith : intellectual, recruiter. moral, or spiritual improvement. eczematous Though she knew that the word effete adj origins wouldn’t be on the test, Tara studied them for her own efficacious Gk edification. relating to or having the efficacy characteristics of an inflammatory edifice n skin condition characterized by n redness, itching, and lesions. L Eczematous skin eruptions may be L the power to produce an effect : due to allergies to certain foods, building; especially : a large or effectiveness. drugs, or cosmetics. massive structure (as a church or For Harriet, the idea of being government building). preferred by Mr. Elton had all the edacious To Amy, the most beautiful edifice usual weight and efficacy. adj in our nation’s capital is the National Cathedral. efficiency L + Ecf [has near homonym: audacious] editorial effigy voracious, devouring. n Mary Ellen’s edacious appetite for edulcorate gossip is offensive to all. v L > F a full or partial representation edaphon L especially of a person. n free from harshness (as of attitude) Andy felt a chill when he spotted : make pleasant. the effigy of his ancestor in the Gk > ISV Ben is under the mistaken cathedral crypt. the animal and plant life present in impression that his flattery will soils. edulcorate the stern judge. effleurage Stephanie is studying the edaphon n of the river delta. eerily L > F edelweiss efface a light stroking movement used in n massage. Abdominal effleurage is a G technique used in prepared a small perennial herb growing childbirth. high in the Alps. Eva recognized the edelweiss by its distinctive white petals.

Page 98 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently efflorescence effusive egress n adj n L L L the result or culminating feature of expressing or marked by the act or right of going or coming a developmental process : unrestrained emotion : unduly out. outgrowth, flower. demonstrative. Every hotel should provide The museum guide commented that Troy was bowled over by the accessible ways of egress. change in art is merely the effusive greeting of his Labrador efflorescence of certain long retriever. eider prepared and anticipated effects. egalitarian eiderdown effluent adj n n L > F ON > Icel > G L marked by or adhering to a belief the small fluffy under feathers of [Note: Could be confused with that all persons are equal in any of several large northern sea affluent.] something that flows out, intrinsic worth and are entitled to ducks. as liquid discharged as waste (as equal access to the rights and The price tag on the sleeping bag water used in an industrial process). privileges of their society. stuffed with eiderdown shocked The effluent from the cooling tower The senator promised to help Kevin’s parents. is pure water. create and expand opportunities and distribute them in an eidetic effluvium egalitarian fashion. adj n egocentric Gk L adj [has near homonym: identic] of or an exhalation or smell especially relating to voluntarily producible when unpleasant. L + Gk > E visual images having almost The effluvium from the backed-up self-centered, selfish. photographic accuracy : vivid, drain nauseated Mr. Locke. Dillard’s friends claimed there was lifelike. not an egocentric bone in his body. Sometimes Grandma would fall effrontery into eidetic reveries and talk to her n egocentricity long-deceased brother. n L > F eigne flagrant boldness that is offensive L + Gk > L or insolent : gall. the quality or state of being einkorn Chuck had the effrontery to concerned with oneself rather than n interrupt the senator during his with others. speech. The conductor’s egocentricity G made his interaction with the a one-grained wheat that is effulgence musicians less than harmonious. regarded by some as the most primitive wheat and is grown effulgent egregious especially in poor soils in central adj adj Europe. Einkorn grown in southeastern L L Turkey is believed to be closely marked by or as if by brightly flagrant : glaringly evident. related to a grain first shining light. As a medical researcher, Laura domesticated as early as 9000 B.C. An effulgent flash of intuition knew that many of the reports of enabled Tony to solve the geometry medical breakthroughs on exam’s final problem. television contained egregious errors.

egregiously

Page 99 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently Einsteinian eleemosynary elision adj adj n G name L L of or relating to American physicist of or relating to charity : charitable, the use of a speech form that lacks and mathematician Albert Einstein philanthropic. a final or initial sound that a variant or his theories. Participation in eleemosynary speech form has. The Einsteinian theory of special activities is a graduation Today’s French class concentrated relativity revolutionized the field of requirement at Janie’s school. on when to use elision. physics. elegiacal elitist einsteinium adj elementary ejector L > F elephant of or relating to a consciousness of ekistics n being one of a segment or group n pl regarded as socially superior. Hamitic? > Gk > L > F The private school offers many Gk any of a family of thickset need-based scholarships to combat a science dealing with human extremely large nearly hairless the impression that its student body settlements and drawing on the herbivorous mammals that have a is elitist. research and experience of snout elongated into a muscular professionals in various fields (as trunk and two incisors in the upper elixir architecture, engineering, city jaw developed especially in the n planning, and sociology). male into large ivory tusks. Dora’s degree in sociology aided Zack and Debbie enjoyed watching Gk? > Ar > L > E her in her study of ekistics. the elephant use its trunk to spray a substance or concoction held to water on its back. be capable of prolonging life elasticity indefinitely. elephantine Explorers through the ages have electrolysis adj sought the elixir of life, better n known as the “fountain of youth.” Gk > L ellipse Gk of enormous size or weight : n the destruction of hair roots with an uncommonly large : immense, electric current. massive. Gk Electrolysis was one of the means Troy was served an elephantine ice an elongated circle. of hair removal demonstrated in cream sundae. The walking path behind the school Roweena’s cosmetology class. forms an ellipse around the tennis eligible courts. electuary adj n ellipses L n pl Gk > L > E [Note: The definition provided is a medicated paste prepared with not the one most commonly Gk honey or other sweet substance, associated with this word.] [Note: The definition provided is used in veterinary practice, and preferable, desirable. not the one most commonly administered by smearing on the The quietness of the game made it associated with this word.] teeth, gums, or tongue. particularly eligible for Mr. omissions of one or more words The veterinarian patiently smeared Woodhouse, who had often been that are obviously understood but an electuary on the horse’s gums. distressed by the more animated must be supplied to make a sort. construction grammatically complete. Pat’s use of suspension periods to punctuate her main character’s ellipses visually portrays the character’s disjointed thought.

Page 100 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ellipticity emancipation embarrassment n n elocution n L Pg > Sp > F the act or process of setting or confusion or discomposure of L making free; broadly : deliverance mind. the art of oratorical or expressive from any onerous and controlling Locking his car keys in his car public speaking. power. trunk caused Andy much Senator Okada is a master of Abraham Lincoln’s decree embarrassment. elocution. proclaiming emancipation for slaves came as a joyous daybreak embassy eloquence to end the long night of captivity. n embellish emanometer v L n discourse marked by apt and fluent F > E diction and imaginative fervor. L + Gk enhance, amplify, or garnish (an The defense lawyer addressed the any of various devices designed to account) by elaboration with courtroom audience with measure quantities or intensity of a inessential but decorative or eloquence. heavy gaseous element produced fanciful details. by radioactive disintegration. Ivan likes to embellish his stories a elucidate The emanometer detected little differently each time he tells v dangerous amounts of radon in them. Theo’s basement. L embezzlement make intelligible by clear embarcadero n explanation or careful analysis. n Belinda asked Mrs. Dent to F > AF > E elucidate the complicated essay L > Sp fraudulent appropriation of money question. a landing place; especially : a by a person to whom it has been landing place on an inland entrusted. elutriation waterway. The FBI investigation led to the An organ grinder and his monkey union leader’s indictment for emaciated entertained visitors at the embezzlement. adj embarcadero of the restored village. emblazon L v made lean by impairment (as from embargo hunger). n Lcf > Ecf + F > E The emaciated cat stared at Tina set off conspicuously (as by rich or with hollow eyes. L > Sp brilliant decorations). an edict or order of the government Andrea asked the seamstress to emanation prohibiting the departure or entry emblazon the sweater with n of ships of commerce at ports embroidered flowers. within its dominions. L In defiance of the embargo, the emblem a flowing forth. boat slipped out of the harbor at The air was tainted with the musky night. embolism emanation from the alligator pen. n embarrass Gk the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign or abnormal particle (as a bubble of air or a blood clot). Careless administration of an injection can cause an embolism.

Page 101 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently embouchure embryonic emissary n adj n L > F Gk > L + Ecf L the position and use of the lips in being in an early and undeveloped an agent or representative usually producing a musical tone on a wind stage. empowered to act more or less instrument. Delia disclosed embryonic plans independently. After six weeks of criticism about for the new theater. Each government sent an emissary her poor embouchure, Kirsten to the trade talks. switched from the clarinet to the emerald piano. n emolliate embracery Gk > L > F > E emollient n a highly prized gemstone of rich adj green color. F > E Beth’s grandfather has a lovely L the act of one who attempts to or unmounted emerald that he plans [Note: Could be confused with acts so as to influence a court, jury, to give to her for a graduation emolument.] soothing especially to or other office or officer corruptly present. the skin or mucous membrane. (as by promises, money, or threats). Erna usually applies an emollient After trying to bribe a juror, the emeritus cream to her hands after washing mobster was arrested and charged adj dishes. with embracery. L emolument embrasure retired from an office after gaining n n recognition. Our summer school teacher, Dr. L F Benteen, is Professor Emeritus of [Note: Could be confused with an opening with sides flaring history from Dartmouth University. emollient.] profit or perquisites outward in a wall or parapet of a from office, employment, or labor. fortification usually for allowing emigrant The waitress who did not report the the firing of cannon. n tips portion of her emolument faced Bobby and Jackie amused incarceration for tax evasion. themselves during the castle tour L by climbing into every embrasure [has near homonym: immigrant] a empanada to look out the windows. person who leaves a country or n region to establish permanent embrocate residence elsewhere. L > Sp Sidney’s great-great-grandfather a turnover filled with meat. embrocation was an Irish emigrant during the For the hike Luke packed an n potato famine. empanada and an apple in his knapsack. Gk > L eminent liniment. adj empathy The fact that Della’s throat is so much better can be attributed to the L empennage excellent embrocation her mother [has homonym and near n applied regularly. homonyms: emanent and immanent, imminent] standing out Fcf + L + Fcf embroidery so as to be readily perceived. the tail assembly of an aircraft. The National Cathedral is a After the accident the FAA ordered embryo building of eminent beauty. the airline to inspect the empennage of every plane in its eminently fleet.

emissaries

Page 102 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently emphatically emulate encore adv n enamel Gk L > F in a markedly forceful manner. encephalitis the further appearance of a At the school board meeting Jonah n performer or an additional spoke emphatically in favor of performance requested by an requiring students to wear Gk audience. uniforms. inflammation of the brain, The audience was so thrilled by the especially when due to infectious singer’s rendition of the aria that it emphysema agents or their toxins. cheered for an encore. n The symptoms of encephalitis usually include fever, headache, encroachment Gk and tremors. n a condition characterized by air- filled, blisterlike expansions in the enchilada Scand > F > E tissues of the lungs. n advancement beyond set limits. Most cases of emphysema are When a football player enters the caused by smoking. Sp neutral zone and makes contact a tortilla topped or rolled up with a with an opponent before the ball is empirical highly seasoned meat or other snapped, the head linesman will adj filling and served with tomato penalize the team for sauce seasoned with chili. encroachment. Gk > L The sampler platter included a originating in or relying or based taco, an enchilada, and a burrito. encumbrance on factual information, observation, or direct sense experience usually enclave encyclical as opposed to theoretical n knowledge. endemic Epidemiologists rely heavily on L > F adj empirical data in predicting the a district or region (as in a city) spread of a contagious disease. inhabited by a particular race or set Gk apart for a special purpose. peculiar to a locality or region. empleomania The Warsaw Ghetto was an Despite its name, Rocky Mountain n infamous enclave during World spotted fever is not endemic to the War II. western United States. F > Sp + Gk > L an excessive desire for holding enclitic endocrinology public office. Otis’s empleomania drove him to encomium endophytous squander his fortune on political n adj campaigns. Gk Gk emporium an often formal expression of warm living within the tissues of plants. or high praise : eulogy. Most vascular plants could not empyrean At the dedication of the war grow without the endophytous fungi n memorial, the president offered an that inhabit their roots and supply encomium for the fallen heroes. essential nutrients. Gk > L the highest heaven or heavenly sphere in ancient and medieval cosmology usually described as a sphere of fire or light. According to Ptolemy, there are five heavens, the last of which is called the “empyrean,” from the Greek word meaning “fiery.” emu

Page 103 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently endorphin enfilade enlightenment n n n Gk > ISV F Ecf + E + Ecf any of a group of proteins with arrangement (as of rooms, the act or means of furnishing with potent pain-killing properties that doorways, trees) in opposite and useful information. occur naturally in the brain. parallel rows. The rules of the debate will be In long-distance runners, elevated The hallway of the huge hotel was posted on the bulletin board for the blood levels of endorphin can seemingly endless, with an enfilade enlightenment of all participants. prevent the pain of sustained of doors appearing to grow ever exertion. tinier in the distance. enmity n endorsement enfranchisement n L > F endow hostility, animosity. F > E The enmity which Mr. and Mrs. endurable the act of endowing with a Elton dared not show in open constitutional or statutory right or disrespect to Miss Woodhouse energetic privilege; especially : the act of found a broader vent in adj endowing with the right to vote. contemptuous treatment of her best It is hard to believe today that friend. Gk segments of American society were marked by energy. once denied enfranchisement. ennead The energetic captain kept the police force ready for any engineer enneastyle emergency. n adj enervate F > E Gk + Gk v a person trained to plan and marked with columniation with supervise projects in a technical nine columns across the front. L field. The new monument has an [has near homonym with opposite The chief engineer and his team enneastyle arrangement with meaning: innervate] lessen the designed a flood control plan for Corinthian columns. nerve, vitality, or strength of. the city. Being outside in the heat of the day ennui would enervate Grandma, so she engrossed n weeds her garden in the cool hours adj of early morning. F L > AF > E languor or emptiness of spirit : enervated completely occupied or absorbed. boredom. adj Engrossed in her book, Mary did Though she claimed to dislike not hear her mother’s repeated school, Tara felt a certain ennui L calls for her to come downstairs. when not doing something lacking physical, mental, or moral academic. vigor. enhance After the 15-mile mountain hike, ensconce Marsha found herself completely enigmatic v enervated. adj L > F > E Gk > L place or hide (as oneself) securely : inexplicable, puzzling. conceal. Marla scribbled an enigmatic Jared was able to ensconce himself message on Lance’s arm cast. behind the sofa before his brother came looking for him.

ensconced

Page 104 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ensemble entomologist enunciate n n v L > F Gk L a group of supporting players, one specializing in the study of utter articulate sounds. singers, or dancers. insects. Mr. Dubek reminded Val to stand The principals in the play were Dirk has wanted to be an straight and enunciate clearly. ably supported by the ensemble. entomologist since he was in the third grade. enunciator ensilage entourage environs entablature n n pl entangled L > F L > F > E adj one’s attendants or subordinates. vicinity, neighborhood. The rock star and his entourage Residents of the subdivision and its E occupied an entire floor of the immediate environs are eligible to involved in a perplexing or hotel. join the neighborhood pool troublesome situation from which association. escape is difficult. entrance Several birds got entangled in the envisage net Mr. Cantrell placed over his entrecote v cherry tree. n F entente L > F have a mental picture of in advance n a steak cut from between the ribs; of realization. sometimes : sirloin. Benjamin could scarcely envisage L > F Martha’s health-conscious brother the scale of the project, so he broke a written or unwritten international turned down an entrecote in favor it down into smaller, more understanding usually less formally of a flank steak. manageable units. binding than an alliance. The president decided that her entremets envisagement government’s policy of isolationism n pl would not be broken by an entente. enzyme L > F n entertain dishes (as vegetables or savories) served in addition to the main Gk enthymeme course of a meal. any of a very large class of n At some restaurants, entremets complex proteinaceous substances must be ordered separately from that are produced by living cells Gk the main course. and that are essential to life by an argument or truncated syllogism acting as catalysts. in which one of the propositions is entrepreneur Emil Fischer theorized in 1894 that understood but not stated. n an enzyme acts like a lock to which A good example of an enthymeme is a certain reactant is the key. the statement “We are dependent; L > F therefore, we should be humble.” the organizer of an economic ephapse entitle venture; especially : one who organizes, owns, manages, and entomogenous assumes the risks of a business. adj The local college gives accounting classes for the first-time Gk entrepreneur. growing on or in the bodies of insects. enumerate Some scale insects that feed on trees have entomogenous fungi.

Page 105 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ephedrine epidemic epistemology n n epidermis Gk n Gk a white crystalline alkaloid used the study of the method and often in the form of a salt (as the Gk grounds of knowledge especially sulfate) chiefly in relieving hay the outer layer of the skin of a with reference to its limits and fever, asthma, and nasal vertebrate. validity; broadly : the theory of congestion. The paper cut, though painful, knowledge. Ephedrine has been used to treat barely broke Kayla’s epidermis. The middle books of Plato’s the bronchoconstriction associated Republic are the key to his with asthma. epigram epistemology. n ephemeral epistle Gk ephemeris a short poem with a witty or epistolary n satirical point. adj Kelly kept a calendar on her desk Gk that gave a humorous epigram for L a publication giving the computed each day of the year. written in the form of a series of places of the celestial bodies for letters. each day of the year. epilepsy Evan read four epistolary novels Tracy’s attorney consulted an n last summer. ephemeris to verify her story about having seen Venus on the morning Gk epistrophe of the crime. a chronic nervous disorder of humans and other animals that epitaph epicede involves changes in the state of n consciousness and of motion. epitaphs Epilepsy is sometimes caused by n pl Gk glandular disturbances. a funeral song or ode. Gk The poet laureate composed an epiphany inscriptions on or at tombs or epicede for the queen’s funeral. n graves in memory of those buried there. epicure Gk For amusement the children like to an appearance or revelatory read the epitaphs in the old church epicurean manifestation of a divine being or a cemetery. adj god. Apuleius’s Metamorphoses epitasis Gk name > L + Ecf includes a description of an n stimulating and satisfying to the epiphany of the goddess Isis. senses. Gk The presentation of the epicurean episcopacy the part of a play developing the dishes was as delightful as their main action and leading to the taste and aroma. episode catastrophe. n During the epitasis the characters epicycle developed relationships that would n Gk complicate their lives. the part of a radio, television, or Gk motion-picture serial presented at epithet a circle in which a planet moves one performance. n and which has a center that is itself The ending of each episode of the carried around at the same time on soap opera left one wanting to see Gk the circumference of a larger circle. the next episode. a disparaging or abusive word or Ancient astronomers used the phrase. epicycle to explain their theory that Donnie apologized for shouting an Earth is at the center of the solar epithet at Mr. Garibaldi. system.

Page 106 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently epitome equanimity equilibrium n n epitomize v L L evenness of mental disposition : a state of dynamic balance attained Gk emotional balance especially under in a reversible chemical reaction serve as the typical representation stress. when the velocities in both of. The writer learned to accept with directions are equal. Sharon’s choice of clothing must equanimity the rejections from Marge injected a flask of colorless surely be an attempt to epitomize publishers. nitrogen dioxide with dinitrogen bad taste. tetroxide, a brown gas, to illustrate equation chemical equilibrium: When epizootic equilibrium occurred, the gas in the adj equator flask stopped becoming browner. n Gk equine of or relating to a disease affecting L many animals of one kind at the the great circle of the celestial equinoctial same time. sphere whose plane is adj Great measures are being taken to perpendicular to the axis of Earth. ensure that the epizootic foot-and- Spring begins when the Sun moves L > F > E mouth disease does not enter the north across the equator. relating to either of the two times United States. each year when the Sun crosses the equatorial equator and day and night are epoch adj everywhere of equal length. Marge began making preparations epoche L for her annual spring equinoctial of, at, or relating to the equator. festival. eponymous The length of the days and nights adj doesn’t vary much in equatorial equinox regions. n Gk + Ecf bearing the name of, being, or equestrienne L > E relating to one for whom or which either of the two times each year something is named. equilateral when the Sun crosses the equator Jason will play the role of Julius and day and night are everywhere Caesar in the drama club’s equilibrist of equal length, being about March presentation of the eponymous n 21st and September 23rd. play. Legend has it that you can balance L > F an egg on its end only during the epopee one who balances himself in equinox. unnatural positions and performs epyllion hazardous movements. equipage n Of all the acts in the circus, Yancy liked the equilibrist best. equipment Gk a relatively short narrative poem equipoise resembling an epic in theme, tone, v or style. Is “Hiawatha” short enough to be L + L > F considered an epyllion? put or hold in a state of equilibrium or balance. Tod’s efforts to equipoise the opposing interests of the two groups enabled them to coexist civilly.

equipped

Page 107 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently equitable eremology erudite n adj equity n Gk + Gk L > E a science concerned with the desert characterized by a love of L and its phenomena. knowledge for its own sake : the money value of a property or of Professor Heath’s research on devoted to the pursuit of learning. an interest in a property in excess desert flora was hailed as a The speaker’s presentation was a of claims or liens (as mortgaged significant contribution to compilation of research that would indebtedness) against it. eremology. interest only the most erudite During the three-year real estate scholars in his field. boom, Jan’s home equity went up ergot 300%. n erudition n equivalent F adj a fungal disease of rye and other L cereals. an extensive knowledge acquired L An outbreak of ergot destroyed Mr. chiefly from books. corresponding or virtually identical Kern’s crop. The schoolmaster was esteemed as especially in effect or function. a man of great erudition. Butter and margarine are ermine equivalent in most recipes. n erumpent equivocate Gmc > F > E escalator v any of several weasels that assume white winter fur usually with more escamotage L or less black on the tail. n avoid committing oneself in what Despite the outcry of animal one says : speak evasively. activists, the fine fur of the ermine F When confronted with the facts, is still used for ornamentation of juggling, hand trickery. Bernie realized it would do no good some designer clothing. The street magician accompanied to equivocate. his deft escamotage with jokes and errancy a distracting patter. eradicable errand escargot eradicate n v erroneous OProv > F L ersatz a snail prepared for use as food. [has homonym with opposite adj Saul fished the escargot out of its meaning: irradicate] do away with shell with a tiny fork and popped it : destroy completely. G into his mouth. Many wheat farmers use aerial substitute, synthetic : simulated. sprays to eradicate weeds, Because copper was needed for escarpment diseases, and insect pests from armaments, pennies were made n their fields. with an ersatz material during World War II. F erasable a long cliff or steep slope adj erubescent separating two comparatively level adj or more gently sloping surfaces. L From the top of the escarpment, capable of being rubbed or scraped L Peter had a commanding view of out or removed from existence or becoming red : reddening. both baseball fields. memory. Eufemia’s erubescent complexion Penelope signed the contract with made her embarrassment obvious. eschew erasable ink. erasure

Page 108 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently eschewal espionage estoppel n n n Gmc > F > E F F shunning, avoidance. the practice of spying or using spies a legal preclusion by which one is Peter’s eschewal of anything to obtain information about the prevented from alleging something containing peanuts or peanut oil is plans and activities especially of a previously denied or denying a matter of life and death. foreign government or a competing something previously alleged. company. Because his previous statement was esconson After discovering that Mr. on record, an estoppel prevented Carmichael had sold company Tom from changing his position. escritoire trade secrets to a competitor, his n employer charged him with estrepement industrial espionage. n L > F a piece of furniture resembling a esplanade F > AF bureau and providing a writing n waste or needless destruction of surface or desk area behind a lands; especially : damage wrought hinged front that drops down. L > It > F by a tenant for life. Jennifer bought a valuable 18th- a level open stretch of paved or The tenant’s estrepement of the century escritoire at Sotheby’s. grassy ground; especially : one farm had made the land almost designed for walking or driving and useless. escrow often providing a vista (as over water). estuarine esoteric Carole decided to go for a stroll on adj the esplanade before dinner. estuary n Gk espresso difficult to understand. L Phil found the article on essence a water passage where the tide metaphysics too esoteric. n meets the current of a stream. Small boats were warned not to espadrille L travel the estuary without aid. n an extract (as from fruit) used as flavoring in cooking. esurient L > Prov > F Tatiana could taste the adj a flat sandal having a fabric upper pomegranate essence in the cake’s and a flexible often rope sole. frosting. L Marsha put on her other espadrille having a huge appetite : greedy. and headed for the beach. estaminet Which one of you esurient fellows n ordered the extra-large pizza? espalier ethnic Gmc > F espaliers a small café : bistro. ethos n pl While driving through Belgium, Jeff and Linda stopped at a etiolation L > It > F charming estaminet for lunch. n fruit trees or other plants trained to grow flat against a building, wall, esteem F railing, trellis, or other support. the yellowing or whitening of a Harriet walked up the broad and estimable green plant through lack of neat gravel walk, which led adj sunlight. between rows of espaliers to the Rhonda uses a special lamp on her front door. L houseplants to prevent etiolation. worthy of esteem or respect. especially The statesman had a tarnished youth but is now, in many ways, an estimable figure.

Page 109 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently etiquette Euhemerism eureka n n interj F Gk name Gk the forms required by good a theory held by the Greek used to express triumph breeding or prescribed by authority mythographer Euhemerus that the concerning a discovery. to be observed in social or official gods of mythology were but deified A loud “Eureka!” emanated from life. mortals. the chemistry laboratory. The defendant’s attorney advised While studying Euhemerism, Serjei him on the observance of learned that the god Vulcan was eurytherm courtroom etiquette. the first to discover how to make n bronze and iron. etymology Gk + Gk n eulogy an organism that tolerates a wide n range of temperature. Gk > L > E Whereas some animals hibernate a branch of linguistics concerned Gk during the winter, a eurytherm is with the complete history of a a composition (as a set oration) in active throughout the cold months. linguistic form (as a word or commendation of someone or morpheme). something (as of the character and eustacy Students have rated Dr. Bailly’s accomplishments of a deceased class in etymology the best course person). eutaxy in the English department. The university president delivered a n moving eulogy at the funeral of the etymon dean. Gk n good order or management. eupeptic Rose’s Christmas decoration Gk adj routine was an example of the the word in a foreign language that eutaxy she practiced constantly. is the source of a particular Gk loanword. cheerful, optimistic. euthanasia The etymon of the English word The eupeptic president put the cantata is the same word in Italian. people at ease about the nation’s euthenics economy. n pl eucalyptus n euphemism Gk n a science that deals with Gk developing human well-being and a tree or shrub native to western Gk efficient functioning through the Australia. a polite term used to avoid the improvement of environmental Brad planted a eucalyptus in the direct naming of an unpleasant conditions. vain hope of attracting koalas. reality. As the world becomes more Marjorie referred to her illness populated, people pay more eudaemonic with a vague euphemism. attention to the relevance of adj euthenics. euphoric Gk adj eutrophic producing happiness : based on the adj idea of happiness as the proper end Gk of conduct. characterized by a feeling of well- Gk + Gk The company’s decision to being or elation. of a lake : rich in dissolved eliminate production quotas had a The golfer was absolutely euphoric nutrients but frequently shallow eudaemonic effect on all the after making a hole in one. and with seasonal oxygen workers. deficiency. Since the 1970s the use of phosphates in detergents has been banned in some states because they make lakes eutrophic.

Page 110 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently evaluate evocative excise v adj n L > F > E L D examine and judge concerning the tending to call forth an emotional any of various taxes on privileges worth, quality, significance, response. (as of engaging in a particular trade amount, degree, or condition of. Kathy sang an evocative ballad or sport) that are often assessed in The company sent Chris to evaluate about her emigrant grandparents. the form of a license or other fee. the project’s potential for profit. An excise is included in the cost of evoke a fishing license. evanescent v adj exclamation L n L call forth or up : summon. of short life or duration : fleeting. For Eva, the first crisp days of L The joy and moral stimulation of autumn always evoke memories of vehement expression (as of protest, work is often forgotten in the mad her semester in England. reproach, or complaint). chase of evanescent profits. Trudy gave a loud exclamation as exacerbate the plane took off without her. evaporable v exclamatorily evidentiary L adj make more violent or bitter : excoriate intensify the bad qualities of. v L + Ecf Cindy learned how name-calling being, relating to, or affording could exacerbate an already violent L evidence. argument. censure scathingly. Because he is not an expert in Mr. Dent proceeded to excoriate forensics, Harvey's opinion has no exaggerate Ellen in front of the entire pep evidentiary value. v squad. evildoer L exculpate n misrepresent on the side of v largeness (as of size, extent, or E value) : overstate the truth. L one who does wicked deeds. Like any fisherman, Tio tends to clear from alleged fault or guilt. The prosecutor portrayed the exaggerate the size of his catches. Greg is positive that the honor defendant as a friendly face with council will exculpate him after a the heart of an evildoer. example thorough investigation. evincible exanimate excursion eviscerate exaration exedent v excelsior exemplary L adj take out the entrails of : excerpta disembowel, gut. L The chef showed his apprentice exchequer deserving imitation : commendable. how to eviscerate a fish. Hubert was praised for his exemplary conduct. eviternity exercise

Page 111 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently exhaustion exoskeleton expiate n n v L Gk + Gk > L L weariness following overstrain or an external supportive or protective extinguish the guilt incurred by : overexertion. structure or framework of an insect. make conciliation for. Vance collapsed from exhaustion An exoskeleton provides protection Buddhist doctrine holds that one after running the marathon. for an insect, much like a suit of must expiate the sins committed in armor. past lives. exhibit exotic exploit exhilarate adj n exhortation Gk L > F > E from another country : not native to deed, act. exigency the place where found. Sarah’s first exploit in baking Little did Polly know that the exotic resulted in a burned pie and exiguous bird she bought had been illegally charred juice in the oven. adj smuggled into the country. explosive L expatiate adj scanty in amount : meager, narrow. v Fran’s father disapproves of her L + Ecf plan to use her exiguous savings L of or relating to the act of violently for the down payment on a speak or write at length or in expanding and bursting. motorcycle. considerable detail. Witnesses told the arson The mighty bulk of the whale investigator that two men ran from existential affords a congenial theme whereon the side door of the warehouse to enlarge, amplify, and expatiate. moments before the explosive fire. exonerate v expatriate expostulate v L expectorant clear from accusation or blame. L DNA analysis has the potential expeditious reason earnestly with a person for either to exonerate suspects or to adj purposes of dissuasion or place them at the scene of the remonstrance. crime. L Nelson takes every opportunity to acting with promptness or expostulate about politics with exonerated efficiency : speedy. strangers on the subway. Mrs. Elton boasted that her horses exoneration were extremely expeditious and expunge that her carriage probably drove v exorbitant faster than anyone else’s. adj L + L expensive strike out, obliterate, or mark for L > F > E adj deletion (as a word, line, or excessive. sentence). The ferryman charged an L Jeff agreed to expunge the word exorbitant rate to carry people characterized by high price or cost. stupid from his book report. across the strait. The concert tickets were expensive, but the event sold out a month exquisite before the performance date. exsculptate

Page 112 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently exsiccate extirpate extravaganza v v n L + L L L > It drive moisture from (as by the pull up or out by or as if by the a lavish or spectacular show or action of heat). roots or stem. event. Sara wants to exsiccate the plums Fay made it her mission to The Mardi Gras extravaganza in she picked to see if they will really extirpate every weed in the lawn. New Orleans has several carnival- turn into prunes. like parades. extract exsuccous extravasate adj extraneous v adj L + L L devoid of all juices or sap : dried L pour out or erupt. up. existing or originating outside or When extreme heat and pressure The exsuccous orange in Tamra’s beyond. build within a volcano, molten lava locker must have been left there Leona didn’t let extraneous noises may extravasate into the air. months ago. bother her while she was studying. extricate exsufflation extraordinarily v adv extemporaneous L adj L pull out. in a manner beyond what is usual, When the whistle blew, Jason tried L regular, common, or customary. to extricate himself from the bottom composed, performed, or uttered on Dr. Miller told us that Brutus was of the pile of players. or as if on the spur of the moment. extraordinarily frisky this morning. Suzi gave an extemporaneous talk exuberance about bonsai at the craft club extraordinary meeting. exuberant extrapolate adj extempore v L extensive L + L > E joyously unrestrained and infer from a trend within an already enthusiastic. extinct observed interval. The students at Payton Middle adj From the data she had collected so School gave the visiting astronaut far, Mirna tried to extrapolate a an exuberant welcome. L > E preliminary conclusion about the no longer living : deceased, dead. insect population of the state. fabiform Latin is an extinct language. adj extraterrestrial extinguish adj L + Ecf v [has near homonym: faviform] L shaped like a bean. L + Ecf originating or existing outside Jodie is having a fabiform cause (as a fire or light) to cease Earth or its atmosphere. swimming pool installed in her burning. The shiny rock appeared to Zelda backyard. Procedure dictated that Lenny to be extraterrestrial. extinguish his car’s headlights fabled before approaching the guardhouse. fabricate

facade

Page 113 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently facetiosity factotum faineant n n adj L + Ecf L F the quality or state of being jocular a person having many diverse idle and ineffectual. in an often clumsy or inappropriate activities or responsibilities : a Lack of purpose can contribute to a way. general servant. faineant life. Mrs. Foster did not appreciate Mrs. Alexander has so many Barney’s facetiosity during her responsibilities not related to faint history class. instruction that she feels more like a factotum than a teacher. faithful facetious n pl facula facial n E adherents of a system of religious facile L belief. adj any of the bright regions of the The pope spoke to the faithful from Sun’s photosphere seen most easily his balcony, asking them to pray L near the Sun’s edge and occurring for the future of the world. easily accomplished or attained. most frequently in proximity to Sarpedon’s facile backgammon sunspots. falbala victory over his sister made him Seymour tracked the Sun’s rotation suspicious of her intent. by charting the position of a facula. falcate adj facilely facultative adv L faculties hooked or curved like a sickle— L + Ecf n pl used also of the Moon or an in an easy manner : with ease or inferior planet when less than half assurance. L > F > E its disk is illuminated. Andy sat down at the piano and inherent capabilities, powers, or The Moon’s falcate form loomed played facilely through a book of functions. above the horizon. show tunes. While Barbara was recovering from eye surgery she had to rely falcon facilitate more on her faculties of hearing and smelling. faldstool facilitator n faddist fallacious L + Ecff Fahrenheit fallacy one that makes something easier or adj n less difficult. As a teacher, Mr. Logan considers G name L himself a facilitator of learning relating or conforming to a a false or erroneous idea. rather than a dispenser of thermometric scale on which under Though Ben’s argument may seem information. standard atmospheric pressure the plausible, it is pure fallacy. boiling point of water is at 212 faconne degrees and the freezing point at 32 fallibility degrees. n facsimile Nathan knew it was hot outside, but n he was astonished to learn that the L temperature was 100 degrees liability or proneness to err. L Fahrenheit. The executive pardon can be seen an exact and detailed copy. as a recognition of the fallibility of Jared bought a facsimile of Noah faille our system of justice. Webster’s 1828 dictionary. factitious

Page 114 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fallow fandango farcical adj n adj E Pg? > Sp L left untilled or unsown after a lively Spanish dance usually receiving or meriting laughter or plowing. performed by a man and woman amused scorn as utterly without Miriam has big plans for the patch with castanets and in triple time. claim to serious consideration or as of fallow ground in her backyard. Craig and Ursula danced a laughably inept. fandango in the high school talent Shakespeare employs farcical falsetto competition. characters in many of his plays to n provide comic relief. fanfaronade L > It farcically an artificially high voice. fantasize Dad draped a mop over his head v farewell and sang “Mary Had a Little Lamb” in falsetto. Gk > L > F > E + Ecf farinaceous create or develop imaginative and adj falsify often fantastic views, ideas, or explanations. L familiar After Calvin was elected to the containing or rich in starch. adj student council, all he ever did was Common farinaceous foods include fantasize about becoming president bread and pasta. L > F > E of the United States. frequently seen or experienced. faro Sandy was chosen for the job fantoccini because she was familiar with n pl farouche computers. adj L > It famish puppets moved by strings or L > F v mechanical devices. lacking social graces and So many spectators stopped to experience : marked by shyness E watch the fantoccini that the puppet and lack of polish. deprive of food : starve. shows had to be moved to one of As a teenager, Inez was rather The war will famish many people the park’s larger amphitheaters. farouche, hesitant to make eye trapped in the besieged city. contact with strangers. farad fanaticism n farraginous n E name farrago L + Ecf the practical meter-kilogram- n excessive enthusiasm and intense second unit of capacitance equal to uncritical devotion usually toward the capacitance of a capacitor L some controversial matter (as between whose plates there appears a confused, disordered, or irrational religion, politics, or philosophy). a potential of 1 volt when it is assemblage (as of words or ideas). Throughout history, political charged by 1 coulomb. The candidate’s concession speech fanaticism has led to many violent Todd calculated the necessary was a rambling farrago that wars. capacitance of the insulation to be underscored his instability. exactly 1 farad. fanchonette n F an open tart covered with meringue or sometimes whipped cream. Randy ordered a lemon fanchonette for dessert.

Page 115 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently farthingale fathom faveolate n n adj L > Sp > F E L a support worn especially in the a unit of length equal to 6 feet honeycombed. 16th century beneath a skirt to based on the distance between The tiny chapel had a faveolate swell out and extend it at the hip fingertips of a man’s outstretched ceiling. line. arms and used especially for No lady-in-waiting at the court of measuring the depth of water. fealty Queen Elizabeth I would have been The fathom, once standard on n seen in public without a British admiralty charts, has been farthingale. replaced by the meter. L > F > E faithfulness, allegiance. fascinate fatigue One by one, the nobles knelt before n the queen and swore fealty to the fascine crown. F fascism weariness from work or exertion. feasibility n Fatigue results from doing too n much too fast. L L > F > E any program for setting up a fatuous the capability of being done, centralized autocratic national adj executed, or effected. regime with severely nationalistic Engineers are studying the policies exercising rigid censorship L feasibility of constructing a tunnel and forcible suppression of marked by want of intelligence and under the river. opposition. rational consideration. Given the current regime’s fascism, Lenny characterized Nestor’s feasible a coup was inevitable. attempts to build a perpetual adj motion machine as fatuous. fashion L > F > E faucet capable of being done, executed, or fastidious effected. fauna Because our Constitution is simple fastish n and practical, it is feasible to meet adj extraordinary needs by making L changes without loss of essential E animals in general or animal life form. rather speedy. especially as distinguished from Jane’s mutt was a fastish runner flora. feature despite its injured leg. The customs agent asked Bart if he was bringing any flora or fauna febrifugal fatal into the country. adj adj Fauntleroy L L&F > E adj mitigating or removing fever. causing death. Aspirin is well known for its The cholera had broken out in its E literary name analgesic and febrifugal properties. most fatal form. characterized by a short tailored jacket, knee-length trousers, rather febrility frilly shirt, wide collar with n rounded corners, or large loose bow. L Lulu’s masterpiece was a painting feverishness. of her little brother dressed in a As her febrility increased, the Fauntleroy costume, holding their patient became delirious. basset hound by its collar.

Page 116 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently feckless felicitous femoral adj adj adj E L L impractical and shiftless. marked by general happiness or [has homonym: femerell] of, Mort was worried that his long good fortune. relating to, or located near the periods of unemployment would All of Rob’s college roommates thigh. make him look feckless when he showed up for the felicitous The femoral artery supplies blood applied for a job. occasion of his wedding. to the abdomen and lower extremities. fecund felicity adj n fenestrated adj L L marked by noteworthy intellectual the quality or state of being happy. L productivity and inventiveness. Liberty from British rule became provided with or characterized by The Renaissance was a fecund era more and more necessary for the windows. for the arts. felicity of the American colonists. Symmetrically fenestrated buildings characterize Georgian federal feliform architecture. adj fedora fenestration n L + Lcf > Ecf resembling a cat. fennel F name Eric found a feliform stone in a n a soft felt hat with a low crown cave. creased lengthwise and with or L > E without a high roll on the side brim. felonious a perennial European herb Brent stepped into the spotlight and introduced to North America and pulled his fedora low over one eye. felsenmeer cultivated for the aromatic flavor of n its seeds. feign Celene often flavors her vegetables G with curry powder and fennel. feigned an assemblage of rock fragments completely mantling the surface feracious feigning and commonly present in adj v mountainous regions. Our guide showed us a field of L L > F > E felsenmeer formed from underlying producing abundantly : prolific. simulating falsely. bedrock by the action produced by Sylvia decided to can some of the Darla wondered if her mother was frost. tomatoes from her extraordinarily feigning good feelings about her feracious plants. decision to marry Edgar. feminine adj feral feint adj v L female. L F The feminine characters were lacking a human personality due to make a pretense of. played by men and the masculine being reared in isolation from all or George broke his hand when he characters were played by women nearly all human contacts. attempted to feint a punch at the in Cornell Theatre’s production of The television executive rejected wall but overshot his target. King Lear. the idea of another series about a feral child trying to adjust to felicific modern culture.

Page 117 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently feretory ferruminate fianchetto n v v Gk > L L F + It a place for keeping an ornate coffin join together (as metals) : solder. move (a bishop) in a chess game to for the relics of a saint. Fortunately, Tom’s dad was able to the position Knight 2. Every two hours the monks at the ferruminate the broken parts of the The analysts correctly predicted shrine of St. Dionysios in Greece metal toy. that Evangeline would fianchetto perform a prayer service and open her bishop. the feretory for viewing. fervent adj fiasco fermata n n L of great intensity; specifically : Gmc > It L > It characterized by often deep an utter and often ridiculous failure a prolongation at the discretion of intensity of feeling or expression. especially of an ambitious or the performer of a musical note, Natalia’s remorseful look and pretentious undertaking. chord, or rest beyond its given time fervent plea for leniency did not The attempt to distribute campaign value. sway the vice-principal. leaflets by air turned into a fiasco To the conductor’s consternation, when the wind changed direction. Dean exaggerated each fermata. fervorous adj fibrillar fermeture L fibrillation ferocious full of intensity of feeling or n expression. ferraiolone The crowd couldn’t help but be L swayed by Greg’s fervorous very rapid irregular contractions of ferret speech. the muscle fibers of the heart n resulting in a lack of synchronism fescue between heartbeat and pulse beat. L > F > E Ventricular fibrillation is a a semidomesticated variety of the festoon condition in which the heart European polecat. twitches haphazardly instead of Carl’s ferret comes to him for a festucine propelling blood forward in an reward every time he squeezes a adj organized way. squeaky toy. L fibrositis ferrous of the color straw yellow. Dorothy’s blue eyes suited her fibrous ferrule festucine hair. adj n feud L L > F > E n containing, consisting of, or like [has homonym: feral] a band or fibers. cap usually of metal enclosing the Gmc > F > E The fibrous content of fruits and end of a cane, tool handle, table a relationship of aggressive vegetables is beneficial to the leg, or similar object to strengthen hostility : quarrel. digestive system. it or prevent splitting and wearing. A feud over the property Both the knob and the ferrule of boundaries developed between the fichu Mr. Benson’s walking stick were two families. made of finely engraved silver. fictile

fiction

fictitious

fideism

Page 118 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fidelity filasse finger n n finialed L L > F adj the quality or state of being faithful a vegetable fiber prepared for or loyal (as to a person, cause, manufacture. L > F > E party, or nation). At the mill, sisal plants are provided with a capping ornament. When taking the oath of office, the processed into filasse. The lampposts and street signs president pledged fidelity to the were elaborately finialed with iron Constitution. filial pineapples. adj fiduciary finite adj L adj befitting a child in relation to his or L her parents. L > E of, having to do with, or involving During adolescence, many children having clear limits. a confidence or trust. feel uncomfortable demonstrating Phoebe’s creativity was bound by a Zoe acted in a fiduciary capacity filial love in public. finite set of resources. during the lease negotiations. filibuster firkin fiefdom n n n F > Sp D > E F + E the use of extreme delaying tactics a British unit of weight for butter an area over which one exercises (as speaking merely to consume equal to 56 pounds. control. time) in an attempt to prevent Lord Nelson wrote, “I beg that you The manager’s fiefdom consisted of action by the majority in a will send us the following articles: two departments and the company deliberative assembly. 50 pounds loaf sugar, 1 firkin of newsletter. The Senate effectively killed the bill good butter, and 2 pounds of black with a filibuster. pepper.” fiendish firmament filoselle n fierce finance L > E fiery the vault or arch of the sky : adj financier heavens. n Carmen looked to the firmament E for a sign, but none was of the color of fire : red. F forthcoming. Kevin knew that a photograph a large-scale investor. would not portray the fiery sunset Marv’s uncle, a Boston financier, firnification in its full splendor. works one day a week in a soup n kitchen. filament G + L > E n finesse the process whereby snow becomes partially compacted and forms the L > F finessing surface part of the upper end of a a fine conductor that is rendered v glacier. incandescent by the passage of an Solid ice is the end product of electric current. L > F firnification. Beulah could see that the filament bringing about or managing by was broken, so she replaced the adroit manipulation. fiscal bulb. Vigor and resolution, not adj maneuvering and finessing, were needed to get the St. Bernard into F > Sp the car. of or relating to financial matters. Several of the president’s advisors fingent on fiscal policy are participating in the symposium.

Page 119 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fissile flagellum flamenco adj n n L L D > Sp capable of being split, cleft, or a long tapering projection that is [has near homonym: flamingo] a divided in the direction of the grain the primary organ of motion of vigorous rhythmic dance of the or along natural planes of cleavage. many algae and bacteria. Andalusian Gypsies. The fissile quality of cedar makes it The bacterium whipped its The dancer entertained the patrons an excellent material for flagellum furiously. at the Spanish restaurant with a boxmaking. rousing flamenco. flageolet fission flamingo flagitious n fissiparous adj flagitiously L > OProv > Sp > Pg adv [has near homonym: flamenco] L + L any of several aquatic birds that tending to break up into parts or to L > E have remarkably long legs and disintegrate : divisive, factional. in a grossly wicked manner. neck, webbed feet, and usually Strong leadership is needed to keep The criminal was sentenced to ten rosy-white plumage. the fissiparous tendencies of the years’ imprisonment for his Tom and his buddies placed a giant political party in check. flagitiously cruel assault. plastic pink flamingo on the roof of the school. fissure flagon n n flammable adj L Gmc? > L > F > E [has homonym: fisher] a narrow [has near homonym: flacon] a L opening, chasm, or crack of some large usually metal or pottery capable of being easily ignited and length and considerable depth vessel with handle and spout and of burning with extreme rapidity. usually occurring from some often a lid used to hold liquid. Both gasoline and kerosene are breaking, rending, or parting. The knights passed around a flagon flammable, but gasoline is more A fissure ran through Irene’s of ale before riding off to battle. explosive. backyard after the earthquake. flail flammeous fisticuffs adj n pl flambeau n L E + E consisting of or resembling the a fight with the fists : boxing. F color of flame. The two campers’ friendly rivalry a flaming torch usually made by Flammeous maple leaves carpeted ended in a round of mock fisticuffs. combining thick wicks saturated the lawn of the inn. with a quick-burning substance (as fixture pitch). flammiferous n A procession of skiers zigzagged adj down the slope, each of them L bearing a flambeau. L + Ecf something that is attached as a producing flame or bright with permanent appendage or structural flamboyantly flame. part; specifically : an electric adv The flammiferous volcano was an lighting device usually ornamental awesome spectacle to behold. and permanently mounted in place. F Mel attached a light fixture to the in a showy and unrestrained flaneur side of his house for protection manner. against burglars. At the pep rally the students flamboyantly demonstrated their support for the football team.

Page 120 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently flange fleet flokati n n n F? > E E Gk a rim or edge projecting at right a number of warships under a a hand-woven Greek wool rug with angles to provide a means of single command : a naval force. a thick shaggy pile. attachment to another part. Naval Intelligence learned that Katina loves to hear the story of The plumber pointed out a chipped terrorists were noting information how her grandparents came to the flange that had caused the leak. about the movement of the fleet. United States with all their possessions wrapped in one flokati. flannel flexibility adj floppety flexuosity adj W > E a napped cotton fabric of soft flexure E imit yarns. n soft and flexible. The sleeves of his plaid flannel Moira purchased her floppety shirt were rolled back to the elbow. L straw hat during a visit to Key the slight bending of an West. flannelette astronomical observing instrument caused by the weight of its parts. florid flaunting Emily reinforced her telescope with adj v strips of titanium to minimize flexure. L Scand? [has near homonym: fluoride] seeking to attract attention flibbertigibbet flushed or tinged with red : ruddy. especially by appearing or acting n Marsha’s face was florid when she brash and brazen. finished her five-mile run. During the party Terry seemed to E be flaunting his ability to play a light-minded or silly restless floriferous piano. person. adj Mrs. French proved far less of a flautino flibbertigibbet than the world took L + Ecf n her to be. bearing flowers; especially : blooming freely. It flimflammer Begonias are floriferous even in the a small flute : piccolo. shade. Harriet plays many wind flippant instruments, but she especially adj florilegium enjoys playing flautino in a n baroque music group. imit? + Ecf treating or tending to treat with L flaxen unsuitable levity that which is a volume or collection of brief serious or to which respect is due. extracts or writings : anthology. fleabane The principal chastised Clyde and Frank pulled a tattered florilegium n his friends for their flippant from the shelf. behavior during the memorial E + E service. florisugent any of various plants of the family adj Compositae that are supposed to flocculent drive away fleas. L + L A young rabbit was hidden under a sucking nectar from flowers. clump of fleabane. The honeysuckle attracted the florisugent hummingbird. fleeciness floruit

Page 121 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently floscular fluoridation fogginess adj n n L L + Ecff Scand? + Ecff composed of florets. the adding of a binary compound of the quality or state of being covered A daisy bears floscular flower fluorine to drinking water. or enveloped with vapor condensed heads. Fluoridation has been proven to to fine particles of water suspended deter tooth decay. in the lower atmosphere. flotilla Severe fogginess was blamed for n fluorocarbon the ten-car pileup on the n expressway. ON > F > Sp a small fleet or a fleet of small L + L foible watercraft. any of a class of chemically inert n The Boy Scouts launched a flotilla compounds (as tetrafluoroethylene) of toy sailboats across the lake. composed entirely of carbon and F fluorine and used chiefly as a minor flaw or shortcoming in flotsam lubricants and in making resins and personal character or behavior : n plastics. failing, weakness. Fluorocarbon is used to make the Kevin’s tendency to procrastinate F > AF nonstick coatings for pots and is a foible he claims he will one day wreckage of a ship or its cargo pans. correct. found floating on the sea. Flotsam is part of wreckage, fluvial foist whereas jetsam has been adj v deliberately cast overboard. L D flourish of or relating to rivers. force another to accept especially A lawyer specializing in fluvial law by stealth or deceit. fluctuant told Emmett that he could claim Brent knew that Karen would foist adj possession of the newly formed another kitten upon him if he island in the Rum River. wasn’t careful. L moving like a wave : varying and fluxion foliaceous unstable. n The fluctuant beam from Amy’s foliage flashlight resulted from weak L n batteries. the action of flowing. The fluxion of many liquids slows F&L flue in cold weather. the mass of leaves of a plant as produced in nature : leafage. flummery fodder Tourists who come to see fall n n foliage at its peak are sometimes referred to as “leaf peepers.” W E foliiform porridge made of flour or meal. something (as hay, vegetables, adj Hulbert made flummery for dessert. corn) fed to domestic animals. Field corn makes good fodder. F fluorescent having the shape of a leaf. adj In October, Rhoda and Lamar decorated the classroom windows L > F + L > Ecf with foliiform cutouts. [has homonym: florescent] emitting electromagnetic radiation especially in the form of visible light. The fluorescent bulb above Gary’s cubicle thrummed noisily.

Page 122 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently folliculitis forecaster forlorn n n adj L E E inflammation of one or more small one who predicts weather sad and lonely especially by reason cavities in the skin. conditions on the basis of of emptiness or abandonment. An ingrown hair on Bo’s cheek correlated meteorological The forlorn widow was most resulted in folliculitis. observations. appreciative of the party her When the forecaster predicted neighbors held to honor her folliculose freezing rain, the highway birthday. department loaded up its trucks fomentation with sand and salt. formaldehyde n fontinal foreclosable adj L + Ar > Sp > L + L + Gk foreignness an aqueous solution that is used L chiefly as a disinfectant and growing in or near springs. forensic preservative. Cottonwoods are well-known The medical laboratory contained fontinal trees throughout the forensics specimens preserved in American Southwest. n pl formaldehyde. forage L formicary v the art or study of argumentative n discourse. Gmc > F > E Tara’s performance in her class in L wander or rove in search of food. forensics practically guaranteed an ant hill or ant nest. The survivors of the airplane crash her a spot on the debate club team. Junior made the mistake of sitting on the remote mountainside on a formicary of red ants. decided to forage in groups of foreordain three. formicivorous forestallment adj foraminate adj forfeit L + Ecf + L + Ecf v feeding on ants. L Formicivorous woodpeckers spend perforated. L > F > E much of their time on the ground Sid examined the foraminate leaf lose or lose the right to by some looking for ants. under a microscope. error, fault, offense, or crime. Individuals who are convicted of a formidable foray felony forfeit their right to vote. adj n forfeiture L > E F > E tending to inspire awe or wonder a raid or brief invasion. forgeable usually by reason of notable size, Captain McMaster led his troops quantity, superiority, or excellence. on a foray into the village. forgery Though the competition was n formidable, Bernie was confident forbearance he would emerge victorious. L > F > E forceps an act of falsely or fraudulently forsooth making or altering a document. adv Lorna is charged with two counts of check forgery. E in truth : certainly. forgotten Forsooth, the queen was the most beautiful woman in the world.

Page 123 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently forsythia fossilize franchisee n v n Brit name L > ISV L > F + Ecf any plant of a small genus of turn (as remains of organisms from one who is granted a right to ornamental shrubs that have bright past geologic eras) into a operate a unit in a chain of business yellow flowers which appear before mineralized form in Earth’s crust. establishments. the leaves in early spring. Since not all plant materials The franchisee agreed to pay the The gardener planted forsythia fossilize equally well, some plants franchisor an initial fee and a along the entire outer edge of the will be preserved and others will percentage of gross sales. yard. vanish in the course of time. frangible fortemente fossorial adj adj fortieth L L capable of being broken : fortissimo adapted to digging. breakable, brittle, fragile. adj Gophers are fossorial rodents Road signs are designed to be having strong claws on their frangible so that they won’t L > It forelimbs. severely damage cars that hit them. very loud—used as a direction in music. foudroyant frankincense When playing the fortissimo n passage of her lesson, Suzanne fougasse banged so loudly on the piano that E the neighbor’s dog began to bark. foul a gum resin containing volatile oil. adj Aunt Ruby likes to burn fortitude frankincense at Christmastime. n E offensive to the senses : rotten. fraternal L > E The spoiled contents of the the strength or firmness of mind refrigerator created an extremely fraud that enables a person to encounter foul odor. n danger with coolness and courage. John Kennedy displayed foulard L > F > E exceptional fortitude after his deceit, trickery; especially : patrol boat was attacked during foundation misrepresentation intended to World War II. induce another to part with foundry something of value or to surrender fortuitous n a legal right. adj Joel is suing his former manager F for fraud and breach of contract. L a building or establishment where occurring by chance without metal or glass casting is carried on. fraudulent evident causal need or relation or The students saw molten metal adj without deliberate intention. being poured into engine block Their meeting was fortuitous, but molds at the foundry. L Dan and Mattie believed that they characterized by or based on had been destined to be together. fracas trickery or deceit especially when involving misrepresentation. fortunate fraction The manufacturer was charged with fraudulent advertising. fossil fragile

fragrant

frailty

franchise

Page 124 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fraught Freudian frisson adj adj n OFris? > G > D > E Austrian name + Ecf L > F burdened or menaced with. of, relating to, or according with shudder, quiver, chill; especially : a The work of the firefighter is the theories of Austrian neurologist pleasurable sensation of fright or fraught with danger. Sigmund Freud and his system of gloom : thrill. psychoanalysis. Amy suddenly awakened from a freckles A Freudian slip of the tongue may nightmare and felt a frisson of reveal the speaker’s deep-seated terror. freight concerns and reasons for action. fritillary fremitus friable n adj frenetically L adv L > F any of numerous butterflies that easily crumbled, pulverized, or usually are orange with black spots Gk > L > F > E reduced to powder. on the upper side of both wings and in a frenzied, hectic manner. The sand sculpture was so friable have silvery spots on the underside Four dancers moved frenetically that it crumbled in Carl’s hands of the hind wings. around the stage. when he tried to pick it up. As Cora was tending her garden, she observed a crab spider frescade fricassee capturing a fritillary on a flower. n n frittata Gmc > OProv > F F n a cool walk : shady place. a stew of meat or other foods in The landscape architect’s light or brown gravy. L > It suggestion of a long frescade under Mrs. Delaney prefers to make her an unfolded omelet often a grape arbor thrilled her client. fricassee with chicken. containing chopped vegetables or meats. fresco fried Tony’s frittata was filled with n adj seasoned asparagus tips. Gmc > It L > F > E frivolity the art of painting on freshly spread cooked in hot fat. n moist lime plaster with pigments Milton’s favorite meal is fried suspended in a water vehicle. catfish and cornbread. L > F Fresco is a demanding technique the quality or state of being not because the image cannot be friend serious : playfulness. changed after the plaster dries. The Mardi Gras celebration was friendliness marked by boisterousness and fresnel frivolity. n frieze frivolous F name frigorific adj a unit of frequency equal to 1 adj trillion cycles per second. L > E A rarely used multiple of the hertz L of little weight or importance. is the fresnel, which was named for causing cold. Mr. Peterson offered only frivolous the French scientist Augustin Jean Michael was curious about how the remarks at the hearing. Fresnel. frigorific device for wine bottles could possibly work. frolic

frolicking

Page 125 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently frolicsome frugal fuguist adj adj n L + Ecf L L > It full of gaiety and mirth : playful. economical in the use or one who composes or performs Each year the Kentucky Derby expenditure of resources. fugues. attracts horse lovers who enjoy the The “Golden Fleece Award” was As a fuguist, Johann Sebastian frolicsome festivities associated started by Senator William Bach has never been excelled. with the race. Proxmire, who advocated a more frugal government. fulcrum frondeur n n fruition n L L? > F prop, support; specifically : the rebel, malcontent, dissident. L > F > E support about which a lever turns. The mayor’s denouncement the state of being real, Using the edge of his plate for a referred to Jules as a “frondeur.” accomplished, or complete. fulcrum, Danny put peas on his frontiersman The new civic center came to fork and catapulted them across the n fruition after many years’ planning cafeteria. and labor. F > E fulgurant a man living at the edge of known fruticetum adj civilization. n Daniel Boone was a famous L Kentucky frontiersman of the 18th L flashing like lightning : dazzling. century. a collection of shrubs grown for Emily’s fulgurant diamond brooch ornament or study. attracted many eyes at the dinner frontispiece At the botanical garden, the party. n arboretum and fruticetum were combined under one roof. fuliginous L > F adj an illustration preceding and fruticose usually facing the title page of a L book or magazine. fuchsia having the color of soot : dark, Morgan was hired to draw the dusky. school yearbook’s frontispiece. fudge Smoke-belching factories cast a fuliginous cloud over the entire fronton fughetta city. n n fulminate L > It > F It v a court or building for the game of a short or condensed musical piece jai alai. in which one or two melodic L The fronton looked bigger on themes are repeated by issue or send forth censures or television than in actuality. successively entering voices. invectives menacingly or The Vienna Boys’ Choir performed authoritatively. froufrou a fughetta in their concert at St. The neighbor’s habit of mowing the n Paul’s Cathedral. lawn early every Sunday morning caused Dad to fulminate under his F imit fugitive breath. abundant or excessive ornamentation (as ruffles, beading, fugue fulsome flowers) in women’s clothing. adj The slippers covered with froufrou had to be “for looks” only. E offensive to the senses : disgusting. The fulsome odor of a skunk drove the campers out of their tent.

Page 126 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently fulvous furfuraceous fusion adj adj n L L L dull brownish yellow. consisting of or covered with flaky a merging of diverse elements into When Mr. Brown’s soybean field particles : scaly, scurfy. a unified whole. turned fulvous, he knew it was time The dermatologist recommended a The spicy pasta dish Fran ordered to harvest. dandruff-removing shampoo to was a fusion of Italian and Thai treat Linda’s furfuraceous scalp. cuisine. fumigate furibund fustian funambulist n n furlough n L > F > E L pretentious writing or speech : an an acrobat who performs feats on a D inflated style : bombast. rope extended through the air at a leave of absence granted to a The literary journal refused to print some height. governmental or institutional Herman’s overwrought fustian. A hush came over the crowd as the employee (as a soldier, civil funambulist balanced himself on servant, or missionary). futilitarian one foot. While on furlough last year, the adj Lees raised $10,000 for the dental funeral clinic. L n exhibiting or based on an attitude furniture of uselessness. L > E The futilitarian worker doesn’t try the observances held in honor of or furtive to improve his status because he on behalf of one who has died. adj can’t see any chance of success. Bonnie wanted dancing at her funeral, so she arranged for a band L gabbro before she died. done by stealth : secret. n Wendy’s furtive attempt to sneak a fungicide cookie was interrupted by the L? > It n appearance of her little brother. a rock of a family of granular igneous rocks. L fuselage An outcropping of gabbro showed an agent that destroys a group of n through the soil. lower plants including molds, rusts, mildews, mushrooms, and yeasts. F gabion A fungicide was sprayed on the the central body portion of an n apple trees to protect the fruit. airplane designed to accommodate the crew and the passengers or L > It > F funicular cargo. a hollow cylinder of wickerwork or adj Leslie pointed out the bulbous strap iron like a basket without a fuselage of a Boeing 747 on the bottom that is filled with stones and L tarmac. is sunk in water to form the dependent on the tension of a cord foundation of a dam or similar or cable. fusillade structure. Too nervous to take the funicular n With the availability of poured tramway, Selena chose to drive to cement, the gabion became the top of the mountain. F outmoded. a number of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid gadabout succession especially with small arms : volley. gadgeteer The first rank of infantrymen fired a fusillade, sank to their knees, and waited for the second rank to fire over their heads.

Page 127 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gaggle gallery gallop n n galloping E geog name > L > F adj a flock of geese especially when on a platform projecting from one or the water. more interior walls (as of a theater) F The largest goose in the gaggle was for additional accommodation (as marked by a bounding and fast soon to play an important role in of a part of an audience); especially natural three-beat gait of a horse. the holiday dinner. : the highest of such platforms in a A galloping horse splashed through theater commonly having the the waves on Sunset Beach. gainsay cheapest seats. v For the opera’s opening gallyware performance there wasn’t a vacant E seat in the entire gallery. galore speak against : contradict. adj The ruling of the umpire allowed gallimaufry no one to gainsay his decision. n IrGael abundant, plentiful, profuse. gait F Edie found bargains galore at the medley, mixture, hodgepodge, flea market. gaiter jumble. Ever since her around-the-world galosh galactic trip, Lindsey uses a gallimaufry of n adj foreign phrases when she speaks. F > E Gk > L galling a high overshoe designed to protect extremely great : huge. the shoe in wet weather or in wet Ralph was overwhelmed by the gallinule areas and usually made with a store’s galactic profusion of n rubber or water-repellent fabric. merchandise. The galosh was the first type of L footwear to employ a zipper galaxy any of several aquatic birds that fastener. resemble a small domestic hen in Galbraithian general proportions and carriage. galvanize adj Mitch found an injured gallinule in v the rushes near Pearson’s dock. American name It name > F of or relating to the economic gallipot stimulate as if by the application of theories of John Kenneth Galbraith. an electric current. The speaker at the symposium gallon The enemy attack served to claimed that Galbraithian theories n galvanize the government into on limited growth were not sound. immediate action. F > E galette a unit of liquid capacity equal to gambado 231 cubic inches. n gallantry Long-term blood donors tally their donations by the gallon. It galleon a long boot or legging attached to n galloon each side of a saddle to protect the n rider’s feet and legs from the wet or F > Sp cold. [has homonyms and near F Preparing for a ride in the rain, the homonym: gallein, Gallian and a narrow ornamental fabric used horseman attached a gambado to Galium] a heavily built chiefly especially for trimming clothes or each stirrup strap. square-rigged sailing ship of the upholstery. 15th to early 18th centuries. Instead of the more common lace, gambit Traci built a model of a Spanish Ling chose a white galloon for the galleon out of matchsticks for her trim on her wedding dress. gamble history project.

Page 128 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gambol gardenesque garrulity v adj n GK > L > OProv > F Gmc > F > E + Ecf L [has homonym: gamble] bound or resembling or relating to a plot of the quality or state of being spring as in dancing or play. land devoted to the growing of talkative or long-winded. Susan watched the fawns gambol in herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables. Paul talks so much that his teacher the field. Rosita turned her balcony into a calls him a “geyser of garrulity.” gardenesque area with vines and gamopetalous potted plants. garrulous adj adj garderobe Gk n L having the corolla composed of given to conversation : loquacious, united petals. F > E talkative. The flowers of the huckleberry, a wardrobe or its contents. The old colonel turned quite bluebell, and foxglove are The seamstress hung the completed garrulous when talking of war. gamopetalous. gown in the garderobe. gasconade gamut gargantuan v n adj F name Gk > L F name boast or bluster especially to an entire range from one extreme to of tremendous size or volume. excess. another. The seemingly gargantuan gorilla Mr. Clay could gasconade at such The gamut of fall fashions included in the movie was really a four-foot- length that his listeners became micro-miniskirts as well as ankle- high computerized model. bored. length dresses. garish gaseous ganglion adj n garlion n L Gk > L having the form of or being a fluid a mass of nerve tissue containing E + L > F > E (as air) that has neither independent nerve cells. a hybrid vegetable resulting from a shape nor volume but tends to Each insect ganglion controls cross between garlic and onion. expand indefinitely. certain activities and is more or Shannon uses garlion in her The energy required to completely less independent of the others. spaghetti sauce. separate one mole of a solid ionic compound into gaseous ions is gangrene garnishee called “lattice energy.” n v gasification Gk > L Gmc > F > E + Ecf local death of soft tissues (as from take by legal writ the wages or gastric disease, injury, or infection) other property of a debtor. resulting from loss of blood supply. Norton was afraid the court would gastriloquist The soldier knew that if gangrene garnishee his entire salary to pay n set in, his wounded leg would need his back taxes. to be amputated. Gk + L garrison ventriloquist. garage Lanny hired a gastriloquist to entertain at Betsy’s birthday party.

gastronomical

Page 129 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gastronomy gazelle n n n F Gk > F Ar > F a continental European police the art or science of good eating : any of numerous small graceful and officer; especially : a French police epicurism. swift African and Asian antelopes officer. Chef Bernie specializes in French noted for the luster and soft The gendarme asked the victim for gastronomy. expression of their eyes. a description of the mugger. The fawn and white coloration of gauche the gazelle serves to minimize genealogy adj detection by predators. n Gmc > F gazetteer Gk lacking in social graces or ease, n a study of family ancestral lines tact, and familiarity with polite and the methods of investigation of usage. Venetian dialect > It > F them. Gertrude was embarrassed by her a geographical dictionary in which Many Americans interested in cousin’s gauche behavior at the names and descriptions of places genealogy eventually come to the christening. are usually given in alphabetical National Archives in Washington, order. D.C., to do research. gaucherie Chandra consulted her gazetteer to n find the capital of Sri Lanka. general adj Gmc > F gazpacho a tactless or awkward action; often n L : a bit of social or literary crudity. applicable or relevant to the whole Daphne’s mom told her that using Sp rather than to a limited part, group, one’s dinner napkin as a a soup made of uncooked chopped or section. handkerchief is an unforgivable tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, The spring thaw began in one or gaucherie. onion, garlic with vinegar, oil, and two areas, but soon there was a condiments, and served cold. general change in temperature gaufrette The restaurant was famous for its throughout the country. n gazpacho. generalissimo F gegenschein a wafer of crisply fried potato cut n generosity to resemble a small waffle. At the summer festival the French G genesis restaurant featured gaufrette. a faint elliptical nebulous light about 20 degrees across on the genethliacal gauleiter ecliptic and opposite the Sun. n The gegenschein is lost in the light genial of the Milky Way in the summer adj G and winter. a political functionary occupying a L subordinate but important position gelatigenous marked by sympathetic in a totalitarian regime. cheerfulness, warmth, and The memoirs of the gauleiter gelatinous friendliness. contained little of historical adj Kim’s goal was to make the club importance. members more genial and less L > It > F + Ecf cliquish. gauze resembling gelatin or jelly especially in appearance and geniohyoid consistency. Troy stepped on a gelatinous mass genitive of frog eggs.

gendarme

Page 130 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently geniture genuflect geosyncline n v n L L Gk nativity, birth. touch the knee to the floor or a great downward flexure of Earth's The geniture of the prince was an ground especially in worship. crust. event of national importance. Amy asked the tour guide if A deep layer of sediment has everyone had to genuflect upon accumulated in the geosyncline. genocide entering the cathedral. n geranium geochrony n Gk + L n the use of deliberate systematic Gk > L measures calculated to bring about Gk any of a widely distributed genus of the extermination of a racial, a system of time divisions used in plants having regular usually white, political, or cultural group. geology. pink, or purple flowers. What stands between civilization In geochrony, time is divided into For decoration, Anita placed a and genocide is the respect for the eras, periods, and epochs. potted geranium at the side of the rights and lives of all human front door. beings. geodesy n geriatrics genre n pl n Gk a branch of applied mathematics Gk + E L > F used to determine the exact a branch of medicine that deals a category of artistic composition positions and areas of large with the problems and diseases of characterized by a particular style, portions of Earth’s surface and old age and aging people. form, or content. also the gravitational field of Earth. Marie’s expertise in geriatrics Most of the director’s work has An expert in geodesy, Dr. Buck made her well qualified to work in been in the genre of science fiction. determined the variation in gravity the city’s Department of Aging. between the highest and lowest genteel points of Earth’s exposed surface. germane adj adj geognosy L > F n L > F > E free from vulgarity or rudeness : having a close relationship : marked by delicacy of manner. Gk + Gk appropriate, pertinent. Despite his genteel manner, a branch of geology that deals with Judge Beacon ruled that the Senator Smith could be a ruthless the materials of Earth and its plaintiff’s past record was not opponent. general exterior and interior germane to the current case. constitution. gentian Hilda’s research in geognosy germicide involved classifying several kinds n gentilitial of minerals and recording their adj distribution throughout the world. L > F an agent that destroys germs (as L + Ecf geography disease germs). relating or peculiar to a people or a n Mouthwash is a common family. germicide. In 1917 the gentilitial name of Gk Britain’s royal family was changed the descriptive science that deals to Windsor. with the surface of Earth and its features. gentility Chelsea was surprised by how much she learned about geography in her history class.

geometric

Page 131 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently germinal gesture gibberish adj n gibbous L > F L adj being in the earliest stage of a movement usually of the body or development. limbs that symbolizes or L > F > E Jonathan’s social studies class is emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or seen with more than half but not all studying the germinal political attitude. of the apparent disk of a moon or a ideas underlying our democratic When Alex made the winning planet illuminated. government. touchdown, Coach Miller swung Vladimir and Sonya took a long his hands up in the air as a gesture romantic walk under the gibbous gerontocracy of victory. Moon. gerrymander gesundheit gibleh v interj n American name + Gk > L G Ar divide (an area) into political units —used to wish good health a hot desert wind of northern so as to give special advantages to especially to one who has just Africa. one group. sneezed. The gibleh brought huge clouds of The governor vetoed the bill that “Gesundheit” echoed throughout powdery sand that covered the would gerrymander a county in the school when Mr. Brown roads. favor of his opponent. sneezed during an intercom announcement. gigantesque gerund n ghastliness gigantic adj L ghastly the English verbal noun ending in - adj Gk ing. greater in size than the usual or In the sentence “Swimming is E expected. Claudia’s favorite activity,” the giving rise to terror : frightening. The American flag flying over the word swimming is a gerund. The gnarled trees appeared ghastly service station is so gigantic that it in the moonlight. can be seen from a mile away. gestapo n ghetto gigot n G acronym ghoul a secret-police organization that F operates especially against persons ghoulish [has homonym: jigget] a leg (as of suspected of treason or sedition and adj lamb or mutton) especially when employs means held to be cooked. underhanded and terrorist. Ar Marie praised the chef for cooking In the novel, morality became of, resembling, or suggestive of an the gigot with exactly the right nothing more than subservience to evil being held to rob graves and touch of garlic. the dictates of the ruthless gestapo. feed on corpses. Tricia favors rather ghoulish nail gimmick gesticulate colors like green and black. v giallolino L make gestures or motions of the giantesque body or limbs especially when adj speaking. The way public figures gesticulate Gk > L > F > E + Fcf while talking is often fodder for having the characteristics of a giant comedians. : immense. A giantesque Snoopy balloon was the highlight of the parade.

Page 132 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gimmicky giraffe glacier adj n n unknown + Ecf Ar > It L > F having or being like a new and a large fleet African ruminant [has near homonym: glazier] a
ingenious device, scheme, or idea mammal that is the tallest of living large body of ice moving slowly
with a novel or unconventional quadrupeds and has a very long down a slope or valley or spreading
twist. neck and a short coat with dark outward on a land surface. The advertisement displayed blotches separated by pale lines. The iceberg that sank Titanic had
gimmicky gizmos, such as a Each giraffe has a unique pattern probably broken off from a glacier
wristwatch that played Notre of coat markings that distinguishes on Greenland. Dame’s fight song. it from all other giraffes. glaciology gingerbread girandole n n glacon n F > E L > It > F a cake made with molasses, a mirror having attached candle F flavored with ginger, and often cut holders. a piece of sea ice ranging in size
in shapes and frosted. The girandole over Pete’s mantel is from a small fragment to a floe of
Pam entertained the children by a replica of one in a Loire Valley medium dimensions. helping them bake and decorate chateau. At least one seagull was perched on
gingerbread. every glacon in the bay. girth gingham gladiator n gizzard n n Malay Celt > L a fabric in plain weave made in Iranian? > L > F > E a person engaged in a fight to the
solid colors, checks, plaids, and the muscular enlargement of the death as public entertainment for
stripes. alimentary canal of birds that ancient Romans. Betsy made curtains of blue serves to grind the food, its The victorious gladiator was
gingham for her kitchen. muscular action being commonly cheered by the excited crowd in the
assisted by gravel swallowed by the Coliseum. gingivitis bird. n Aunt Lena’s favorite part of the glasnost chicken is the gizzard. n L inflammation of the gums. glabrescent Russ To prevent gingivitis Beth has her a policy permitting public discourse
teeth cleaned regularly. glabrous and expression of opinion on
adj domestic issues formerly forbidden
ginglymus to discussion especially in the
n L former Soviet Union. having an epidermal covering that Glasnost spawned a profusion of
Gk is totally or relatively devoid of new political and literary journals
a hinge joint admitting of motion in hairs or down. in Moscow. one plane only. Mr. Franklin showed the first In health class Jerry learned that graders that reptiles, unlike glaspalt not a ord the humerus and the ulna are mammals, are completely glabrous. connected by a ginglymus. glacial adj L extremely cold, frigid, freezing. A glacial wind withered the roses overnight.

Page 133 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently glaucoma glioma glockenspiel n n n Gk > L Gk Celt > G a disease of the eye marked by a tumor arising from the tissue a percussion musical instrument increased pressure within the which supports the essential consisting of a series of graduated eyeball that damages the optic disk elements of nervous tissue. metal bars tuned to the chromatic and results in gradual loss of vision An examination by our veterinarian scale and played with two and ultimate blindness. revealed that the problems our dog hammers. Ophthalmologists routinely test for was having were caused by a The glockenspiel tinkled to life as glaucoma as part of their eye glioma. its player joined in a rendition of examinations. Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” glissade glaucous v glogg adj n F Gk move along smoothly and Sw [has homonym: Glaucus] of a pale effortlessly : glide. a Swedish hot punch made from a yellow green color. Kris watched the skaters glissade sweetened highly spiced mixture of The antique glass beads had a over the frozen pond. wines, almonds, raisins, and glaucous color that matched usually orange peel. Pamela’s dress exactly. glissando Each evening a bowl of hot glogg n awaited the returning skiers. glazier n F + It glomerulus a rapid series of consecutive notes E played on a piano, harp, or other glossary [has near homonyms: glacier, similar instrument by sliding one or glazer] one whose work is cutting more fingers across adjacent keys glottogonic and setting glass. or strings. adj Mom called a glazier who agreed Joachim diligently practiced the to repair our broken window on glissando at the end of the first Gk Thursday. movement. of or relating to the origin of language. glimmer glistening Three Russian linguists lectured on v v their glottogonic research. E E glowworm emit feeble or intermittent rays of shining brightly usually by n light. reflection with a sparkling From Table Top Mountain, the radiance. E + E couple watched the city lights Clarabelle watched the raindrops any of various luminous insects glimmer in the cool clear evening glistening in the moonlight. with wings rudimentary or lacking. air. Kyle scooped up the glowworm and globular put it in his collection jar. glimpse adj n gloxinia L n E round like a ball : spherical. a brief fleeting look : a momentary A globular lamp hung from the G name or incomplete view. center of the ceiling in Gretchen’s a greenhouse herb having large From the taxi the passengers dining room. flowers with a turbinate calyx and caught a glimpse of the Jefferson irregular bell-shaped corolla; Memorial. globule especially : a Brazilian herb that is the source of many horticultural varieties. Charlena’s gloxinia bears bright pink, trumpetlike flowers in early summer.

Page 134 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently glucose gnotobiotic golem n adj n Gk > F Gk Heb > Yiddish the sweet colorless sugar that of, relating to, living in, or being a an artificial figure constructed to occurs especially in plant saps and controlled environment containing represent a human being and fruits and normally in blood. one or a few kinds of organisms. endowed with life. Glucose is formed from water and A good example of a planned Some people believe that Mary carbon dioxide by photosynthesis. gnotobiotic environment is the Shelley based her story of international space station. Frankenstein on the ancient Jewish gluttonously tradition of the golem. adv goalie n gondola L > F > E in a manner marked by excess in E gondolier eating and drinking especially a player who defends the goal in when habitual. various games. gonfalon After eating gluttonously, Jack took Jake rifled off shot after shot on n a short nap on the couch. goal, but the goalie was too good. F > It glycogen goatee [Note: Could be confused with n synonym gonfanon.] a flag that gnocchi hangs from a crosspiece or frame. n pl E As a distinguished alumnus, Walter a small trim pointed or tufted beard was asked to carry the gonfalon of Gmc? > It on a man’s chin. the College of Arts and Sciences at dumplings of a pasta often made Sally wanted to know why she the graduation ceremony. with cheese or riced potato and couldn’t have a goatee when she served with a sauce. grew up. gongorism Celeste ladled a cream sauce over n the gnocchi before serving them. gobemouche n Sp name gnome an excessively involved, ornate, F + L > F and artificial style of writing. gnomic a credulous person; especially : one In his later years, the poet lapsed adj who believes everything heard. into gongorism. Jack’s brothers are always making Gk up fantastic stories to tell him goosander [has homonym: nomic] because he is such a gobemouche. characterized by or expressive of gorgeous moralistic wisdom especially goldenrod adj concerning human condition or n conduct. F > E The calendar contained 12 Norman E + E characterized by brilliance or Rockwell illustrations, each a yellow flower with long stalks magnificence of any kind. accompanied by a gnomic with small clusters of petals. The parade floats were gorgeous sentiment. Many people are allergic to the with their array of flowers. goldenrod. gnomon gorget n F a specially colored patch on the throat. The woodpecker sported a broad black gorget and beautiful red and white plumage.

Page 135 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gorgonize gossamer gout v n n Gk name E L > F > E stupefy, petrify. a fine filmy substance consisting of a metabolic disease marked by a The glare of Mrs. McGillicutty has fragments or strands of cobweb painful inflammation of the fibrous the potential to gorgonize even the often seen floating in air in calm and ligamentous parts of the joints. most arrogant student. clear weather or caught on grass or Poor old John is bedridden with the bushes. rheumatic gout in his joints. Gorgonzola The dew and gossamer had dried n from the grass by midmorning. governess n It geog name gossip a blue cheese usually made of n Gk > L > F > E cow’s milk. a woman entrusted with the care Kendra crumbled some Gorgonzola E and supervision of a child or young on a piece of bread and toasted it. rumor, report, tattle, or behind-the- person; especially : a female scenes information especially of an teacher employed in a private gorilla intimate or personal nature. household. n “Turn a deaf ear to gossip,” Alice plans to enroll in a course advised Mrs. Dunbar. that will enable her to be a certified Gk > L governess. [has homonym: guerrilla] an gouge anthropoid ape of the forest region n gracile of equatorial West Africa. The behavior of the gorilla has Celt > L > F > E gracility been extensively studied by a chisel for scooping or cutting n anthropologists and zoologists. holes, channels, or grooves (as in wood or stone). L gorse Adrian used a gouge to incise a the quality of being pleasing in n leaf pattern on the bench. movement. David’s youthful gracility was one E gourami of his chief assets as a dancer. a spiny evergreen shrub : juniper. n Taryn went hiking in an area of grackle England that is just miles and miles Malay of wild land covered with heather any of several small brightly gradient and gorse. colored Asian fishes often kept in the tropical aquarium. graffiti gory Jonathan bought a colorful gourami for his new aquarium. grallatorial gosling adj n gourd L E gourmet of or belonging to the wading birds. a young goose. n The horned screamer is a South Judy rescued a stray gosling from American grallatorial bird with a Mrs. Porter’s cat. F long projection on its forehead and a connoisseur in eating and a shrill cry. drinking. At the market the gourmet chose his gramineous ingredients with the greatest of adj care. L [has near homonym: graminous] resembling or relating to a grass. The vast plain is an excellent habitat for gramineous plants.

Page 136 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently grammar grandiloquence gratinate n n v Gk > L > F > E L F > Ecf a branch of linguistic study that the use of lofty words or phrases : cook with a covering of buttered deals with the classes of words, bombast. crumbs or grated cheese until a their means of indicating relation to Professor Simon’s grandiloquence crust or crisp surface forms. each other, and their functions in failed to impress Robbie. Mom decided to gratinate the the sentence as employed according macaroni for lunch. to established usage. grandiose Mrs. Cates makes sure that her adj gratuitous students can define the eight parts of speech before she progresses to L > It > F graupel other aspects of grammar. impressive because of uncommon n largeness, scope, effect, grandeur, grammarian or majesty. Slav? > G n Cleo didn’t want to listen to all of granular snow pellets. Nicolette’s grandiose ideas for the Peter calls graupel “tapioca snow” Gk > L > F > E party. because of its shape and color. a specialist in the study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in grangerize gravel the inflections and syntax of v language. graveolent The grammarian in Johnny cringes E name + Ecf adj every time he hears someone ask, illustrate (as a book) by inserting “Where at?” material (as photographs or L engravings) collected from other having a rank smell. grammatically sources. Elaine quickly disposed of the To complete her family memoirs, rotten, graveolent egg. gramophile Miriam will have to grangerize the n book using her great-aunt’s gravitate scrapbooks and artwork. v Gk a lover and protector of old granophyre L phonograph records. move casually but inexorably as Earl became a real gramophile granule though under an external force. after inheriting his uncle’s record Ellen tends to grativate toward the collection. graphospasm shoe store in any mall. grandeur grapnel grazioso n adv graticule L > F n L > It personal greatness characterized graceful, smooth, or elegant in chiefly by dignity of character, L style—used as a direction in music. largeness of spirit, or significant the network of lines of latitude and Several of Mozart’s piano sonatas scope of accomplishment. longitude upon which a map is include pieces that are played After Katherine Graham’s death, drawn. grazioso. many magazines ran feature Jeff plotted a graticule before he articles describing her grandeur in began to draw his map of the greffier the world of newspapers. islands. n L > F registrar, recorder. The office of the greffier is lined with ledgers.

Page 137 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gregarious grimoire gristmill adj n grizzled L F marked by an instinctive or a magician’s manual for invoking grobian temperamental preference for a demons and the spirits of the dead. n social rather than a solitary The witch looked in her grimoire to existence. find a spell to change the child into G name Because of their gregarious nature, a rat. a slovenly crude often buffoonish dogs make good house pets. individual : boor, lout. grimthorpe Vicki knew better than to expect grenadier v Prince Charming on her blind date, n but she never envisioned a grobian. E name F remodel (an ancient building) groceries a soldier who carries and throws without proper knowledge or care missiles consisting of a container to retain its original quality and grocery fitted with a priming charge and a character. bursting charge and filled with a Darryl is afraid the developers will groceteria destructive agent (as gas, high grimthorpe the old mill. n explosive, incendiary chemicals). The grenadier started the assault, griot F > E + Ecf followed immediately by the n a self-service food store. riflemen. Patrice bought four lemons at the F groceteria. gressorial any of a class of musician- adj entertainers of West Africa whose groggy performances include tribal L histories and genealogies. grosgrain adapted for walking. While doing research for his book n Some birds, such as the turkey, Roots, Alex Haley was stunned to have gressorial feet. meet a griot who was able to tell F the story of how Haley’s ancestors a firm fabric in plain weave. grievance were captured by slavers and sent The ribbon in Alta’s hair was made to America. of grosgrain. grievous adj grisaille grotesque n F > E grovel causing, characterized by, or F v indicative of severe physical pain painting in monochrome usually in or suffering. shades of gray often as decoration ON > E Jason screamed as if the scratch on to simulate sculptured relief. creep on the earth or with the face his leg were a grievous wound. The old manuscript contained a to the ground as one’s natural gait grisaille of a skeleton personifying or manner of locomotion. grimace death. Jacques let his pig grovel through n the forest to find truffles. grissini Gmc > F gruel a deliberate or involuntary gristliness n distortion of the face expressive of n some feeling (as contempt, Gmc > F > E disapprobation, complacency). E a liquid food made by boiling a The camera caught Allie’s grimace the quality or state of containing cereal (as cornmeal, oatmeal, flour) during the pep rally. tough fiber or cartilage especially in water or milk. in table meats. Isabella and her father had a nice When Ruth noticed the gristliness basin of gruel together. of the beef, she decided to cut it up and cook it in a stew.

Page 138 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently grunion guernsey guilloche n n n L > Sp E geog name F name? a small silver-striped fish of the an animal of the breed of fawn and a pattern (as on metalwork) made California coast notable for the white dairy cattle producing rich by interlacing curved lines. regularity with which it comes yellowish milk. The dense guilloche on the iron inshore to spawn at the time of a A lone guernsey grazed in the gate prevented people from nearly full moon. middle of the herd of black and reaching through to turn the inside Jose caught a grunion with his bare white holsteins in Mr. Henley’s knob. hands when it came to spawn on pasture. the beach. guillotine guess n gruyere v F name guardian Scand? > E a machine for beheading by means n form an opinion or judgment of of a heavy ax or blade that slides without knowledge. down in vertical guides. F > AF > E Harvey decided to guess how much The guillotine was considered a one to whom a person or thing is sugar to put in the pie. merciful means of capital committed for protection, security, punishment when it was invented. or preservation. guffaw Alcibiades’ guardian was the v guipure famous statesman Pericles. imit guitar Guatemalan laugh noisily or coarsely. n n The comic hoped that the audience members would guffaw at his jokes, Gk > Ar > Sp > F Central American name but they merely snickered. [Note: Could be confused with a native or inhabitant of Guatemala, catarrh.] a flat-bodied stringed a country in Central America. guidon instrument with a long fretted neck Maria was a Guatemalan by birth, n and usually six strings plucked with but had become a naturalized a pick or with the fingers. Brazilian. OProv > F Brett’s parents bought him an a usually swallow-tailed flag borne acoustic guitar for his 15th guava by a military unit usually as a unit birthday. n marker. Leah was selected to carry the gullibility Arawak > Sp guidon in the ROTC parade. n the globular yellow fruit of a small shrubby tropical American tree. guignolet E + Ecff A slice of guava topped off the quality or state of being easily Rawonda’s fruit salad. guile deceived. Gertrude’s gullibility made her the gubernatorial guileful object of many practical jokes. adj adj gullible L + Ecf Gmc > F > E of or relating to a governor or characterized by cunning, deceit, or gulosity government. treachery. n The gubernatorial signature was His classmates thought Jack was required for the law to become guileful in paying $12 for a $1200 L effective. baseball card. excessive appetite : greediness. It would be much easier for Roslyn guerdon guillemot to lose weight if she could curb her gulosity.

Page 139 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently gummiferous guttural gyrations adj adj gyroscope Egypt > Gk > L + L L > F producing or bearing a colloidal being or belonging to a speech gyroscopic substance that is gelatinous when sound that is articulated in the moist but hardens on drying. throat. haberdasher A sapodilla is a gummiferous tree. Guttural consonants posed a n problem for Emily in German class. gummosis AF > E n gutturalize a dealer in men’s furnishings (as v shirts, ties, hats). L Another upscale haberdasher has the pathological production of L + Ecf opened a shop on Brighton Street. sticky exudates in plants as a result pronounce or utter with sounds of cell degeneration. articulated in the throat. habiliment Plants afflicted with gummosis are Because of her German often beset with ants. background, Ursula has a tendency habiliments to gutturalize certain words. n pl gumption n gymkhana F n clothing suited to or characteristic unknown of a calling, occupation, or blended initiative, resolution, and Per&Gk > Hindi profession : garb, costume. effort. a horseback-riding meet featuring Burt dressed for the rodeo in the Of all his brothers, only Grandpa games and novelty contests. habiliments of a cowboy. had the gumption to leave the old Clem practiced daily with his horse country and come to America. so that he could enter several habilitate events in the upcoming gymkhana. gurney habitat n gymnasium n American name gynarchy L a wheeled cot or stretcher. n the place where a plant or animal The gurney squeaked ominously as species naturally lives and grows. Heywood was wheeled into the Gk The government appropriated operating room. government by women. money to preserve the natural Although it has had a few male habitat of the endangered species. guru officers, Reta’s investment club has n always been a gynarchy. habitual adj Skt > Hindi gypsum a personal religious teacher and n L spiritual guide in Hinduism. established by or repeated by force Shri asked his guru whether he Sem > Gk > L of a developed mode of behavior should undertake a pilgrimage. plasterboard. that has become nearly or Kiki nailed a sheet of gypsum to the completely involuntary. gustatory garage wall. Brian had to explain his habitual adj tardiness to the assistant principal. gyrate L + Ecf v hacienda of, relating to, affecting, or n associated with the sense of taste. Gk > L Gaylord was hired as a food taster turn or swing back and forth often L > Sp because of his highly refined rapidly with or as if with a circular the main building of a farm or gustatory skills. or spiral motion. ranch. Couples on the dance floor started A winding, tree-lined driveway led to gyrate as a new song began. to the hacienda.

Page 140 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hackamore haiku hallucinogen n n n Ar > Sp Jpn L + Gk a bridle that consists of a halter an unrhymed verse form of a substance that induces often of soft rope or braided Japanese origin having three lines perceptions of objects with no horsehair and is used especially in containing usually five, seven, and reality; especially : one taken breaking and training horses. five syllables, respectively. orally. Charlene pulled back on the Compressing an image or idea into The medicine that the doctors hackamore and cried “Whoa!” only 17 syllables is what makes a prescribed was an effective pain hacked haiku most challenging to compose. killer, but in larger doses it sometimes became a frightening hackneyed halberdier hallucinogen. adj halcyon halophyte E geog name adj n commonplace : trite. The marketing adjective extreme Gk > L > E Gk + Gk will soon be as hackneyed as super pleasingly or idyllically calm or a plant that grows naturally in soils and ultra. peaceful : serene. having a high content of various Aaron spent the halcyon afternoon salts. haggard in his hammock. Australian aborigines grind into adj flour the seeds of a halophyte that halibut grows in the coastal mud flats. F n having a worn or emaciated hamadryad appearance caused by suffering, E n anxiety, or age. the largest of the flatfishes, being Ever since she last saw him in the an inhabitant of all northern seas. Gk > L courtroom, Frank’s haggard face At the aquarium, Ernie saw a a nymph of trees and woods; and wild eyes had haunted her. halibut the size of a sleeping bag. especially : a nymph whose life begins and ends with that of a haggis halieutics particular tree. n n pl Darcy sat on a bench in the arboretum and imagined she was a E Gk hamadryad. a pudding especially popular in the art or practice of fishing. Scotland made of the heart, liver, Izaak Walton's The Compleat hamartia and lungs of a sheep or a calf Angler is the most famous book on n minced with suet, onions, oatmeal, halieutics. and seasonings and boiled in the Gk stomach of the animal. halitosis a defect of character : error, guilt, Haggis is often served on January n or sin especially of the tragic hero 25, the birthday of the Scottish poet in a literary work. Robert Burns. L Overweening ambition proved to be a condition of having bad breath. Macbeth’s hamartia. hagiocracy The new mouthwash is advertised to cure halitosis. hamate hagiography adj hallucination n L hooked. L Elliott examined the hamate hairs perception of objects with no on the insect’s forelegs. reality. Maynard swears that the ghost he hammering saw was no hallucination. hammock

Page 141 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hamulus harangue haricot n n handleable Gmc? > It > F > E F handwrought a bombastic, ranting speech. the ripe seed or the unripe pod of adj Amasa’s harangue at the any of several beans used as a sophomore assembly offended vegetable. E nearly everyone. The baby nibbled on a haricot and fashioned by hand or chiefly by wrinkled her nose. hand processes. harass Barbie found a handwrought trivet Harlequin at the garage sale. harassed adj adj hansom E > F > It > F n Gmc > F a stock character in comedy and sorely troubled, vexed, or burdened pantomime who appears variously E name : badgered. as a clown and a magician and [has homonym: handsome] a light The harassed waitress decided she usually wears a mask and two-wheeled covered carriage with had tolerated inconsiderate variegated tights and carries a the driver’s seat elevated behind customers long enough and found a wooden sword. and with the reins passed over the different line of work. The children especially enjoyed the top. buffoonish antics of the Harlequin. Holmes and Watson jumped into a harbinger hansom and ordered the driver to n harmonica follow discreetly the cab ahead. Gmc > F > E harmoniously haphazard something that presages or adv adj foreshadows what is to come. The howling wind was the Gk ON > E + Ar > F > E harbinger of a storm. in a manner marked by accord in aimless, random. sentiment or action : compatibly. The apartment’s haphazard hardiness For a large family to live furniture arrangement made it look n harmoniously, rules and chores are untidy. a must. E hapless the capability of endurance or harness adj resistance. n The rose’s hardiness was severely ON > E + Ecf tested by a cold snap. ON > F > E marked by the absence of good the gear or tackle other than a yoke luck : unfortunate. hare of a draft animal such as a horse. The hapless students were caught n The horse pulling the carriage between the school district and the through Central Park had silver striking teachers. E bells on its harness that jingled [has homonym: hair] any of whenever the driver shook the haplology various timid long-eared gnawing reins. n mammals with a divided upper lip, long strong hind legs adapted to harpoon Gk leaping, and a short tail. contraction of a word by the Most schoolchildren have heard the omission of one or more similar story of the tortoise and the hare. sounds or syllables in pronunciation. The use of “probly” instead of probably in hasty speech is an example of haplology. happiness

Page 142 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently harpsichord hassock hauteur n n n L > It E F a keyboard instrument resembling a bulky upholstered footstool. [has near homonyms: auteur and the grand piano in shape and Phyllis decided to purchase the hotter] an assumption of superiority producing tones by the plucking of wing chair with the matching : arrogant or condescending wire strings with quills or leather hassock. manner. points. The young couple was put off by Kristin heard the jangling tones of hatchet the waiter’s hauteur. the harpsichord through the practice room door. hauberk haversack n harridan havoc n Gmc > F > E n a long tunic of ring or chain mail F? that with a close-fitting helmet and Gmc > F > AF > E a haggard old woman. a shield constituted the main wide and general damage or Ruth asked a woman in the town defensive armor of the 12th to 14th destruction. square if she could take her centuries. The havoc created by the hurricane picture, but the harridan just shook Most of the Norman soldiers wore made the area look like a war zone. her fist at her and walked away. a hauberk, which was put on over the head. hazardous harrier adj haughtily harrumph adv Ar > F > E v exposed or exposing one to danger L > F > E or peril. imit in a disdainfully proud or The mountain road has many make a pompous throat-clearing overbearing manner. hazardous curves. sound. Gertrude haughtily replied that she Monique wished that Mr. Nickels receives an allowance of 20 dollars headache wouldn’t harrumph directly into the per week. microphone. healthy haulage adj hartal n n E Gmc > F > E free from disease : functioning Hindi a charge made for transporting properly and normally in its vital concerted cessation of work and something. functions. business especially as a protest Paul's final bill for his new car A perfectly healthy tree in Tammy's against a political situation. included haulage for transportation backyard was twisted and torn out The Goa liberation committee from the factory to the dealer. of the ground by the tornado. called a hartal on Friday in memory of Indians killed by haunted hearsay Portuguese fire on Monday. adj n hartebeest Gmc > F > E E n inhabited by or as if by apparitions something heard from another : : frequented by ghosts. report, rumor. D > Afrikaans The deserted Victorian house Jody’s elaborate account of the a large African antelope with short outside town is said to be haunted. argument was based purely on ringed divergent horns. hearsay. The hartebeest grazes mainly on the open plains and scrublands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Page 143 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hearth hebetate heifer n v n E L E a brick, stone, or cement area of blunt the sensitivity or keenness of a young cow. floor in front of a fireplace. : make dull or obtuse. This year’s blue-ribbon heifer Toby placed a plate of cookies and Some parents fear that video games belongs to Mrs. Cates. a glass of milk on the hearth for hebetate young minds. Santa. heinous hebetude heathen heinousness n heckelphone n E hectare Gmc > F > E + Ecf a person whose culture or n the quality or state of being enlightenment is of an inferior hatefully or shockingly evil. grade. Gk > F + L > F Even the police were appalled by Embarrassed by her brother’s a metric unit of area equal to the heinousness of the crime. behavior in front of her friends, 10,000 square meters. Simone asked her mother to send The firefighters reported that more heiress the little heathen outside. than a hectare of land was on fire. n heather hedgehog L > F > E n n [has near homonym: eros] a female who inherits or is entitled to inherit E E great wealth. a common evergreen low-growing any of several Old World nocturnal Antoine dreamed that he married shrubby plant that has racemes of spine-bearing mammals. an heiress and moved to an island. tiny usually purplish pink flowers. Prudence spotted a hedgehog in the The true heather of Scotland is also strawberry patch. heirloom called “ling” or “common heath.” heaume hedgingly heldentenor n hedonism heleoplankton F n n [has homonym: home] a large helmet chiefly of the 13th century Gk Gk worn over a hood of mail or close- a way of life based on or plankton typical of small bodies of fitting steel cap and supported by suggesting the principle that still fresh water. the shoulders rather than the head. pleasure or happiness is the sole or Dozens of species gathered at the Each knight wore a heaume and chief good in life. south end of the lake to feed on carried a lance in the tournament. When André turned 30, he heleoplankton. renounced his youthful hedonism. hebdomad helicon n hegemony n helicopter Gk a group of seven. Gk heliography Though some people think there is preponderant influence or authority just a hebdomad of stars in the (as of a government or state) : heliolatry Pleiades, there are actually many leadership, dominance. more. Nazi Germany attempted world hegemony and failed.

Page 144 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently heliophobous hemisphere hepatitis adj n n Gk + Gk + Ecf Gk Gk > L avoiding the sun : shade-loving. a half of the celestial sphere. inflammation of the liver. Jackie planted ferns, hostas, and Vince’s star chart depicts all Serum hepatitis can be transmitted other heliophobous plants in her visible heavenly objects in the through blood transfusions and shady garden. hemisphere. unsterilized hypodermic needles. heliotrope hemophiliac heptarchy n helium herbaceous Gk adj helmeted one affected with a tendency to uncontrolled bleeding. L helotry A hemophiliac must take care to of, relating to, or having the n avoid even minor cuts and bruises. characteristics of a nonwoody plant. Gk > L + Ecf hemorrhage Monique surrounded her patio with the slaves or serfs of a country or herbaceous perennials. an estate. hemorrhagic In ancient Sparta the helotry was herbalist required to serve in the army. hendiadys n n hematogenous L + Ecff adj Gk one that collects, grows, or deals in the expression of an idea by two medicinal plants. Gk nouns connected by and instead of Lisa consulted an herbalist spread by way of the blood stream. by a noun and an adjective. regarding her wart. Andrea was treated with antibiotics Thierry used the hendiadys iron to prevent any hematogenous and bit to denote an iron bit. herbarium infection. n henna hematoma n L n a room, building, or institution Ar housing a collection of dried plant Gk > L a reddish brown dye used in tinting specimens. a tumor or swelling containing the hair, skin, or nails red. Jackson was looking forward to blood. The ancient use of henna is visiting the herbarium while on A hematoma can result from confirmed by the presence of the vacation. various types of blunt trauma to the dye in Egyptian mummies. head. hercogamy hennin hemeralopia n Herculean n adj F Gk a high cone-shaped headdress Gk name > L a defect of vision characterized by usually with a thin veil pendent of heroic proportions. reduced visual capacity in bright from the top worn by European Jim’s competitor was known for his lights. women in the 15th century. Herculean frame and great A deficiency of vitamin A can lead Lady Agnes appeared at the king’s strength. to hemeralopia. ball wearing an elegant hennin. hereditary

Page 145 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently heresy heroic heteroclite n adj heterodox Gk Gk > L adj dissent from a dominant theory or arising from, exhibiting, or opinion in any field. suggestive of boldness, spirit, or Gk Much of what used to be daring. differing from an established considered scientific heresy is now The mountain climbers made a religious point of view. regarded as truth. heroic effort to reach the peak. Father O’Driscoll holds a few heterodox opinions that astonish heretical heroine his parish. adj n heterogeneous L Gk > L of, relating to, or characterized by [has homonym: heroin] the heterophemy departure from accepted beliefs or principal female character in a n standards : unorthodox. drama, novel, story, or narrative A free society allows the expression poem. Gk + Gk of all opinions, however heretical In the melodrama the spunky unconscious use of words other they may seem. heroine took the law into her own than those intended. hands and brought down the When his client used the term heritage villain. debtor to mean “creditor,” the accountant corrected the hermeneutics herpetology heterophemy. n pl n heuristic Gk Gk > L adj the study of the general principles a branch of the science of animal of biblical interpretation. life that treats of reptiles and Gk Experts in hermeneutics met to amphibians. of or relating to exploratory discuss the Dead Sea scrolls. Jason studied herpetology to learn problem-solving techniques that about the habits of cold-blooded utilize self-educating strategies to hermetically creatures. improve performance. adv The computer that beat Gary herring Kasparov in the chess tournament Gk + Ecff was programmed to use heuristic in a manner that prevents entry or herringbone methods. change. n With its flowered wallpaper and hexamethyl quaint furniture, the old house E looked as though it had been a pattern (as on a fabric) made up hibachi hermetically sealed sometime in the of adjacent rows of parallel lines n 1880s. where any two adjacent rows slope slightly in reverse directions. Jpn hermit Dina wove herself a new wool scarf a charcoal brazier. in herringbone. Antoni’s hot dog fell through the hermitage grill of the hibachi onto the n hesitancy glowing coals below. Gk + L > F hesitant hibernal a secluded residence or private adj adj retreat. Dave’s father has always dreamed L L of living in the city during the week tending to hold back, pause, or of or relating to winter : wintry. and escaping to some country falter. Horace admired the hibernal scene hermitage on the weekends. The toddler took hesitant steps depicted in the painting. toward the large dog. hibernate hesthogenous

Page 146 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hibiscus hieroglyphics hippodrome n n pl n L Gk Gk > L > F any plant or flower of a large characters in the ancient Egyptian an arena for equestrian widely distributed genus of herbs, writing system which are for the performances. shrubs, or small trees with dentate most part recognizable pictures of The circus horses performed for the or lobed leaves and large showy objects. spectators in the hippodrome. flowers. Egyptian hieroglyphics remained a Darla planted a hibiscus outside mystery until the Rosetta Stone hippogriff her bedroom window. provided the key to deciphering n them. hickory Gk > L > It > F n hierophant [Note: Could be confused with n hippogriffin.] a legendary animal Virginia word having the foreparts of a winged any of a genus of North American Gk griffin and the body and trees of the walnut family that a priest in ancient Greece. hindquarters of a horse. produce a hard nut. The hierophant portrayed in Tim’s The Gothic cathedral contained Sophie napped in the shade of the history book was dressed in an many strange carvings, including a tall hickory. animal skin and wore a crown of hippogriff and several gargoyles. leaves. hideous hippopotamian adj hilarious adj F > E Himalayan Gk > L + Ecf offensive to the sight : gruesome, n unwieldy because of massive size. ugly. Uncle Lon’s hippopotamian During the thunderstorm, Ernie Asian geog name armchair takes up half the living saw a hideous face at the window. any of a breed of domestic cats room. developed by crossing the Persian hiemal and Siamese. hippopotamus adj A Himalayan won “Best of Show” n in the local cat competition this L winter. Gk of or relating to winter : wintry. any of various large herbivorous Inger’s favorite hiemal activity is hinge four-toed chiefly aquatic mammals skiing. n with an extremely large head and mouth, bare and very thick skin, hierarchy E and short legs. n a jointed or flexible device on The hippopotamus spends most of which a door, lid, or other swinging the day in water because in the Gk > L > F > E part turns. warm, dry air it loses water a form of government administered The hinge stopped creaking after through its skin. by an authoritarian group. Tony oiled it. Michelle’s study of hierarchy made hippotigrine her appreciate living in the United hippocampus adj States. n Gk + Gk hieroglyph Gk of or relating to the zebra. n a curved enlongated ridge The city zoo has a special exhibit extending over the lateral ventricles on the hippotigrine environment. Gk of the brain. a character used in a system of Injury to the hippocampus often writing mainly in pictorial results in emotional impairment. characters. The Egyptian hieroglyph for the word king was a royal head complete with beard.

Page 147 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hircine hoeing homburg adj n hoist L v G of, relating to, or resembling a goat; a man’s hat of smooth-finished felt especially : resembling a goat in imit D or G with a stiff curled brim and a high smell. raise, lift, elevate. tapered crown creased lengthwise. After the week-long camping trip, Manuel decided to use a crane to The villain in the movie wore a the Flidre family was relieved to hoist the stone into place. dark suit and a black homburg. get out of their hircine clothes and into the shower. hokku homely n adj hirsute Jpn E hirundine a fixed lyric form of Japanese commonplace, familiar. adj origin having three short unrhymed Mr. Mann can translate the most lines of five, seven, and five complex issue into homely terms. L syllables and being typically of, relating to, or resembling the epigrammatic or suggestive. homeostasis swallow. Haiku, the most familiar form of n The hirundine population in near- hokku, pertains to the seasons. equatorial countries rises sharply Gk when autumn returns to the holard a tendency toward maintenance of northern hemisphere. a relatively stable internal holiness environment in the bodies of higher histrionic animals through a series of hollandaise interacting physiological processes. histrionics Panting is the primary means of n pl hollyhock achieving homeostasis for dogs. L holocaust homespun theatrical performances. n Teresa loved the theater from an homestead early age and excelled in Gk n histrionics while in school. a complete or thorough sacrifice or destruction especially by fire. E + E hitchhike Many lives were lost in the hotel the home and land of a family; holocaust. especially : ancestral home. hoarseness The city offered reduced property n holograph taxes on any homestead occupied n by the legal owner. E the quality or state of having a Gk homily rough-sounding voice. a document (as a letter, deed, or n Paul’s remedy for hoarseness is hot will) wholly in the handwriting of water with lemon. the person from whom it proceeds Gk and whose act it purports to be. a lecture or discussion on a moral hoax Amongst the early wills of theme : admonition. n Middlesex County, Roberta found At the baccalaureate service, Mr. many a fascinating holograph. Lopez gave a brief homily on the unknown theme “To thine own self be true.” [has homonym: hokes] an act hominy intended to trick or dupe : a piece of trickery. homogenized Sarah forwarded the e-mail message, unaware she was participating in a hoax. hoboism

Page 148 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently homologate horizontal hosanna v adj n Gk L + Ecf Heb > Gk > L > E approve, allow, confirm. placed or operating in a plane an expression of enthusiastic praise The fact that the Joneses do not parallel to the horizon. : acclamation. appeal the court’s decision does Lori wore a sweater with red and Mr. Wong greeted Katya with a not mean they homologate it. blue horizontal stripes. loud hosanna. homologous hormone hosiery n homonym horologium n E + Ecff homophonous stockings, socks. L Mrs. Desmond prefers silk hosiery honorific an instrument (as a clock) for to that made of nylon. n measuring time. A sundial was the ancient hospice L Egyptians’ horologium. n conferring or conveying public esteem. horrendous L Dr. Ellerman received an honorific a facility or program designed to wreath at the banquet. horripilation provide a caring environment for n supplying the physical and hoochinoo emotional needs of the terminally L ill. hoodwink a bristling of the hair of the head or Rebekah works as a counselor at a body (as from disease, terror, or hospice for the elderly. hooligan chilliness) : gooseflesh. n Jennifer reacted to the movie’s hospitable scary scenes with noticeable Ir name? horripilation. hospitality thug, hoodlum. After an intense interrogation by hortative hostage detectives, the hooligan finally adj broke down and confessed. hostelry L n horde giving persuasive counsel : n advisory, urging strongly. L > F > E Joe’s hortative letter to the editor a place where food and lodging are Mongolic > Pol > G&F of the newspaper persuaded many available to the traveler : inn, hotel. [has homonym: hoard] a vast citizens to contact their To celebrate their tenth number : crowd, swarm. representatives regarding the anniversary, the Mortons returned To prepare for the horde of proposed budget. to the French hostelry where they tourists, the police department is spent their honeymoon. using computer modeling to aid in horticulture logistics. n hotelless horizon L howel n the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or Gk > L > E ornamental plants. the point where the earth appears to Mr. Sakai’s skill in horticulture has meet the sky. won him many blue ribbons at Stan thought he saw an airplane on garden shows. the horizon.

Page 149 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently howitzer humane humoresque n adj n Czech > G > D L > F > E (E + Fcf) > G a cannon employed to fire marked by compassion, sympathy, a musical composition typically projectiles at a target (as enemy or consideration for other human whimsical or fanciful in character. artillery behind a ridge) which beings or animals. Schumann’s opus 88 is a cannot be reached by flat-trajectory Sharon received an award for her humoresque for violin, cello, and weapons. humane treatment of stray pets. piano. Corporal Slater towed the howitzer to the base of the ridge. humectant Hunanese n adj hoyden n L Chin geog name a substance that promotes retention of or relating to the province of D? of moisture. Hunan, China. a girl or woman of loud, boisterous, Toothpastes contain a humectant to The waiter indignantly replied that or carefree behavior : tomboy. carry the abrasive and other hamburger was not a feature of Sierra knew that her skateboard agents. Hunanese cuisine. expertise and casual clothing made her look like a hoyden to the humerus hundredth neighbors, but she didn’t care. adj humidistat hoyle n E n being number 100 in a countable L > F > E series. unknown an instrument for regulating or Residents lined the streets to watch a natural object used as an archery maintaining the degree of moisture. the parade on Danville’s hundredth mark at short range. Since he bought the humidistat, anniversary. Martha used a large mushroom in Rudy has gotten fewer colds. her backyard as a hoyle. hurl humidor hubbub n hurricane n n L or F + Ecf Celt? a case or enclosure (as for storing Taino > Sp a noisy confusion of sound. cigars) in which the air is kept a tropical cyclone with winds of 73 In the hubbub after the concert, properly humidified. miles per hour or greater. Bronwen did not notice the Art always kept his expensive When the townspeople realized that pickpocket who took her wallet. cigars in a humidor. the hurricane was heading their way, they boarded up their hubristically humiliation windows and evacuated. adv n hurtle Gk L > F > E insolently, vainly, arrogantly. the state of being reduced to a hussar Lance’s opinions, though brilliant lower position in one's own eyes or n and sound, are unwelcome because the eyes of another : an instance of he conveys them so hubristically. being humbled. L > Serb > Hung Mary did not even try to control [Note: Could be confused with huisache her rage and humiliation. huzza, huzzah.] a member of the light cavalry of various European armies usually distinguished by a brilliant much-decorated uniform. In a short story by Thomas Hardy, a young Englishwoman has an ill- fated romance with a homesick German hussar.

Page 150 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hutch hydraulic hydroplane adj v hyacinth n Gk > L Gk + L operated, moved, or effected by skim over the water with the hull Gk > L means of water. either clear of the surface or barely a common garden flower widely The stream and the waterwheel immersed. grown for its beauty and fragrance. were sure signs that the grain mill Lex loves to make his speedboat Mimi planted a hyacinth right next was operated by hydraulic power. hydroplane across a glassy lake. to her screened porch. hydrofoil hyetology hyalithe n hydrogen hybrid n Gk n a branch of meteorology that deals Gk > F with precipitation (as of rain or L a nonmetallic element that is the snow). an offspring of two animals or simplest and lightest of the Even a period of extended drought plants of different races, breeds, elements and which is normally a can be of interest to a student of varieties, species, or genera. colorless, odorless, and highly hyetology. A hybrid often has increased vigor flammable diatomic gas. and strength. Hydrogen and oxygen are the hygiene components of water. hybridize hygienist v hydrography n hymn L n cause to produce offspring that are Gk a cross between breeds : interbreed. description and study of seas, lakes, Gk Horace is attempting to hybridize a rivers, and other waters. a song of praise to God. large, showy, red rose and a A knowledge of hydrography is Wesley remembered every hymn smaller, more fragrant variety. helpful in navigation. from his days at the Episcopal school. hydrangea hydrolysis n n hymnody n Gk > L Gk + Gk any of a genus of shrubs of the a chemical process of Gk family Saxifragaceae having showy decomposition involving the a body of hymns of a specified kind clusters of usually sterile white or splitting of a bond and the addition or period. tinted flowers. of the hydrogen cation and the Gospel songs enjoy wide popularity Although the flowers of the hydroxide anion of water. in American hymnody. hydrangea are spectacular, the Digestive enzymes promote the leaves are poisonous. hydrolysis of nutrients into simpler hypaethral compounds. hydrant hyperbaton n hydrophilous n adj Gk Gk a discharge pipe with a valve and Gk a transposition or inversion of spout at which water may be drawn pollinated by the agency of water. idiomatic word order. from the mains of waterworks. The ultimate adaptation to aquatic Joey decided the hyperbaton The city workers affixed a metal life is the formation of completely echoed the hills fit his poem better rod with a red diamond on the top submerged hydrophilous flowers. than the hills echoed. of the hydrant in Mishi’s yard so they would be able to find it if it snowed.

Page 151 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hyperbole hypobulia hypothalamus n n n Gk Gk > L Gk extravagant exaggeration that lowered ability to make decisions a part of the brain that is usually represents something as much or to act. considered to include vital greater or less, better or worse, or The climbers began to suffer from autonomic regulatory centers. more intense than it really is or that hypobulia as they moved higher The hypothalamus exercises depicts the impossible as actual. and higher on the mountain. control over involuntary actions To say that life as we know it will such as temperature regulation, never be the same after the next hypochondria emotional responses, and the election is hyperbole. n rhythm of sleep. hypercritical Gk hypothesis adj extreme depression of mind or spirits often centered on imaginary hypothetical Gk physical ailments. meticulously or excessively Having found nothing physically hypotrophy inclined to notice faults and wrong with her, Sylvia’s doctor n imperfections. noted that her persistent complaints Ellen’s skating coach was about her health are probably due Gk hypercritical of her technique the to hypochondria. subnormal growth. day before a competition. Nutritional deficiency resulted in hypochondriac hypotrophy among the aborigines. hyperglycemia n n hypotyposis Gk n Gk one whose depression is centered excess of sugar in the blood. on imaginary physical ailments. Gk Since diabetes runs in her family, Colin was an hysterical half-crazy [Note: Could be confused with Carla is regularly tested for little hypochondriac. plural hypotyposes.] vivid hyperglycemia. picturesque description. hypocorism Mark Twain employed hypotyposis hypertension n in his writing. n Gk hypsography Gk + L a pet name or term of endearment. abnormally high arterial blood Susan’s parents bestowed the hyssop pressure. hypocorism “Bubbles” on her n Doctors recommend reducing salt when she was a toddler. intake for patients with Sem > Gk > L > F > E hypertension. hypocrisy a European mint that has highly n aromatic and pungent leaves and is hypertrophic often cultivated in gardens as a adj Gk > L > F > E remedy for bruises. the act or practice of pretending to Aunt Cara made a paste of hyssop Gk + Gk + Ecf be what one is not or to have and oil and applied it to Darien’s affected with or tending toward principles or beliefs that one does bruised shoulder. overgrowth or excessive not have. development of an organ or part. The abominable proceeding was hysteria After Blake lost one kidney, the nothing but a system of hypocrisy n other became hypertrophic. and deceit, espionage and treachery. Gk > L hyphen conduct or an outbreak of conduct hypodermic exhibiting unmanageable fear or hypnology emotional excess. Hysteria overcame the defendant when the guilty verdict was announced.

Page 152 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently hysterical ichthyology ideogram adj n n Gk Gk Gk + Gk exhibiting unrestrained a branch of zoology that deals with a character in Chinese writing emotionalism. fishes. made by combining two or more When their team won the world Mr. Pout didn’t need a degree in other characters for words of championship, the fans became ichthyology to see that he had related meaning. hysterical with joy. caught a dead branch. In Chinese, the ideogram for to love depicts a woman and her iatrogenic icicle child. adj n idiosyncratic Gk > L E adj induced by a physician—used a pendent usually conical mass of chiefly of ailments induced in a ice formed by the freezing of Gk patient by autosuggestion based on dripping water. marked by a peculiarity of physical a physician’s words or actions By evening, the longest icicle or mental constitution or during examination. hanging from the eaves had grown temperament. Belinda had iatrogenic pains after to about two feet. In his autobigraphy Andrew her annual checkup. described the idiosyncratic iconoclast behavior of his zany upper-class icequake n family. ichneumon Gk > L idiosyncratically n one who attacks established beliefs, adv ideals, customs, or institutions. Gk Malcolm has always considered G > E any member of the insect family himself the iconoclast of the family. in a manner peculiar to the Ichneumonidae. individual. The ichneumon burrowed into the icosahedron Because Emily Dickinson wrote so caterpillar larva, providing a n idiosyncratically, her poems are natural check on the destructive immediately recognizable. insect. Gk a figure or solid formed by 20 idly ichnolite plane faces. n The icosahedron occurs frequently idolater in nature in molecular and viral Gk structures. idolatry a fossil footprint. The museum guide showed us an identical idyllic ichnolite of a plesiosaur. adj identify ichnology v Gk n pleasing or picturesque in its F natural simplicity. Gk show or prove the sameness of (as The Elsons spent a week in an the study of fossil footprints. with something known, stated, or idyllic little town in the Pyrenees. Several students interested in possessed). ichnology took a field trip to The victim was asked to identify the igneous Dinosaur State Park in attacker from a lineup. adj Connecticut. L of, relating to, or suggestive of fire. The igneous desert air shimmered on the horizon.

Page 153 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ignite illegible illusory v adj adj L L L set aflame : kindle. not capable of being read or of, relating to, or marked by The arson squad spent hours trying deciphered. illusion : deceptive. to discover what could ignite such Although the physician’s Citizens of both countries hope that a variety of apparently safe prescription appeared illegible, the the apparent peace between the two materials. pharmacist seemed to have no nations is not illusory. trouble deciphering it. ignominious illustrate illegitimate v ignominy n illeism L make clear by giving or by serving L > F illicit as an example or instance. disgraceful or dishonorable The stained-glass windows conduct, quality, or action. illiterate illustrate the Nativity scene. Although the coward was glad to be alive, he felt the ignominy of illth illustration abandoning his comrades. n image ignoramus ON > E n the condition of being imagery economically unprosperous or L miserable. imaginary an utterly uninformed person : Sharon didn’t mind her family’s adj dunce. illth as much as she minded the fact Schuyler is so afraid of his own that they had all simply given up on L intelligence that he refuses to speak any possibility of prosperity. having no real existence : existing in class and refers to himself as a only in imagination or fancy : “happy ignoramus.” illuminati fictitious, hypothetical. ignorance n pl Not all of the characters in the novelist’s best seller were ikebana L > It imaginary. n persons who are or who claim to be unusually enlightened. imbecile Jpn The mayoral candidate worked n the Japanese art of flower arranging hard to win the support of the city’s that emphasizes form and balance. illuminati. L > F Hana is trained in ikebana, and her one marked by mental deficiency. arrangements are displayed in illumination The professor told his students that many restaurants throughout the n they should not be writing as if city. their reader were an imbecile. L > F > E ileitis a giving of physical light or the imbecilic n state of being lighted up. adj Because of its many windows, L Sarah’s office always has ample L > F + Ecf inflammation of the lower small illumination. characteristic or suggestive of one intestine. that acts stupidly or recklessly. Stella mistook her ileitis for illusion Iris effectively tuned out her indigestion. brother-in-law as he described another of his imbecilic money- iliacus making schemes.

imitative

Page 154 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently immaculate immiserization impalpable adj adj immolate L > E v L + L + L having no spot, soil, or smirch : incapable of being felt by the spotlessly clean. L touch. Told that her room must be [has near homonym: emulate] The puppy began chasing his immaculate before she could go to sacrifice or abnegate (as oneself) impalpable shadow. the mall with friends, Tollie started usually in the interests of some cleaning feverishly. cause or objective. imparisyllabic Sheri persuaded the monk not to immalleable immolate himself in protest. impasse adj n immortal L > F > E adj F not open to outside forces or barrier, deadlock. influences : unyielding, rigid. L A rockslide created an impasse on Dean remained immalleable in his connected with or possessing the mountain road. refusal to resign. everlasting life. The priest warned his flock of the impeccable immature many dangers to their immortal adj adj souls, such as envy, greed, and sloth. L L free from fault or blame : flawless. lacking complete growth or immunocyte A background investigation development. n affirmed the candidate’s The immature insect resembles the impeccable character. adult in form and eating habits but L differs in size, body proportions, a cell that functions in the impeccancy and color pattern. prevention of a disease. The immunocyte is the body’s impecunious immense primary defense against germs. adj impecuniously immured adv L > F v characterized by greatness in size L or degree. L in an indigent, penniless manner. Wilbur’s portliness is a reflection [has near homonyms: enured, George squandered his inheritance of his immense appetite. inured] enclosed within or as if and plodded through the remainder within walls. of his life impecuniously. immersion While Sir Walter Raleigh was immured in the Tower of London, impedance imminent he used his time to write his n adj Historie of the World. L L immutable the apparent opposition in an ready to take place : near at hand. adj electrical circuit to the flow of an Although Ellen’s departure date alternating current that is analagous was imminent, she was not ready to L to the actual electrical resistance to go. not capable of or susceptible to a direct current. change. A high-fidelity amplifier must have immiscible The immutable laws of a low output impedance to make adj thermodynamics preclude the loudspeakers produce natural invention of a perpetual motion sound. L machine. not capable of mixing or being mixed. impair Oil and water are immiscible.

Page 155 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently impediment impertinence implacable n n adj L L L > F hindrance, block. lack of due respect for others in not capable of being appeased or Clementine’s lack of a degree was conduct. pacified. an impediment to her getting a For his impertinence Mrs. Brennan The defeated candidate harbored good job. sent Kyle to the principal’s office. implacable resentment toward his opponent. impedimenta imperturbable n pl adj implausible L L > E implement things that hinder progress or unlikely to be disconcerted, n movement; especially : baggage, agitated, or alarmed. equipment, or supplies. Hitherto imperturbable, Stacy L + L Regina always travels with one suddenly showed signs of alarm. a tool or utensil forming part of small carry-on bag and considers equipment for work. anything more to be impedimenta. impervious Dawson discovered a paleolithic adj stone implement near the entrance impenetrable to a cave. adj L not allowing entrance or passage implicit L > F > E through : impenetrable. adj incapable of being comprehended. Ted covered the woodpile with a Sarah found Einstein’s theories tarp impervious to water. L impenetrable. capable of being inferred : implied. impetigo Implicit in Amy’s reaction was a imperativally n message for Carole to mind her own business. imperative L an acute contagious skin disease imponderabilia imperceptible transmitted by contact between adj persons or between healthy and importance infected skin. n L Impetigo can quickly make the extremely slight, gradual, or subtle. rounds in a kindergarten class. L The air was filled with a delicate, the quality or state of being marked springlike fragrance, almost impetuousness by or possessing consequence : imperceptible. n weight, significance. Mrs. Lynch cannot understand why imperial L > F > E some students do not see the adj the quality or state of being importance of good manners. impulsively vehement in feeling. L Theo’s youthful frankness and impossible [Note: The definition provided is impetuousness were excused by his adj not the one most commonly boss. associated with this word.] being L > It > F the British legal standard : impetus incapable of being or occurring. belonging to the official British n So many things are possible just as series of weights and measures. long as you don’t know they’re Several measurement terms are L impossible. used both in the U.S. customary a driving or impelling force. and British imperial systems. Ralph’s new girlfriend was the impetus behind his new exercise program.

impinge

Page 156 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently impoverish impromptu inanimate v adv adj F > E L > F L make poor : reduce to indigence. without previous study, not endowed with consciousness or Medical bills will impoverish the preparation, or consideration : on animal life. Williams family if outside aid is not the spur of the moment. Vera talked to her plants as if they available. Leah is able to speak impromptu were not inanimate objects. and at length on countless subjects. imprecation inanition n improprieties n n pl L L [Note: Could be confused with L the exhausted condition which imbrication.] curse : malediction. unsuitable or improper acts or results from a complete lack of Jerod did not realize that the remarks. food and water. microphone was on when he Emma was willing to forget Mr. The injured hiker, finally found uttered an imprecation under his Elton’s late improprieties and be as after a three-day search, had to be breath. well satisfied with him as before. treated for inanition. impresario impropriety inanity n n impugn It v L [has homonym: empresario] the meaningless quality : shallowness. projector, manager, or conductor of L The inanity of conversation at the an opera or concert company. assail by words or arguments : party made Karen think up an The impresario arranged for the make insinuations against. excuse to leave early. opera company to perform in Josie’s comment was a feeble several cities. attempt to impugn Sara’s honesty. inapplicable adj imprescriptible impuissance adj L impunity not adapted : not suitable. L > F n The name Brutus was inapplicable inalienable, absolute. to the small dog. A dictator considers few human L rights imprescriptible. exemption or freedom from inaugural punishment, harm, or loss. adj impressionable Mr. Starks allowed anglers to adj trespass on his land with impunity. L + Ecf relating to or performed or L + L > E + Ecf imputable pronounced at a formal induction easily influenced or affected. or investiture. Dan’s grandmother considered him imputrescible In his inaugural address, the very young and very adj president promised to get the impressionable. country on the road to economic L recovery. imprimatur not capable of rotting. n Imputrescible trash is filling up inauguration dump sites throughout the state. L a sign or mark of approval. inaccurate The dean put her imprimatur on the smoking ban. inadvertence imprimis inagglutinable

Page 157 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently incandescence inchoate incomprehensible n adj adj L > F L L > E the glowing of a body due to its imperfectly formed or formulated : lying above or beyond the reach of high temperature. unorganized. the human mind. The first light bulbs were The songwriter explained that his Every civilization tries to penetrate illuminated via the phenomenon of melodies usually begin as inchoate the incomprehensible mysteries of incandescence. humming. creation. incandescent incienso inconclusible n incarcerate incondite v L > Sp a desert shrub producing a resin incongruous L that when burned emits a fragrant put in prison. odor. inconnu Because the crime was his first Early missionaries in the Southwest offense, Lonnie was hopeful that used to burn incienso in their inconscient the judge would not incarcerate churches. adj him. incinerate L > F incarceration v lacking consciousness or full n awareness. L The inconscient pedestrian was an L cause to burn to ashes. easy victim for the mugger. a confining or state of being In her fury, Elise decided to confined : imprisonment. incinerate all of Jerry’s letters. incontrovertible The terrorist was sentenced to incarceration for the rest of his life. incipiency incorrigible n adj incendiary n L L [Note: Could be confused with bad beyond the possibility of L incipience.] beginning, correction or rehabilitation : utterly [Note: Could be confused with commencement. bad or depraved. incendiarist.] a person who Stan was quick to extinguish the They sentenced the incorrigible deliberately sets fire to a building fire in its incipiency. offender to life imprisonment. or other property. The state fire inspectors determined incipient increment that the fire was the work of an incendiary. inclement incubator adj n incense L L incessancy unmerciful, rigorous. an apparatus for housing premature The harsh sentence of an inclement or sick babies in an environment of incessant judge took 30 years of Sam’s life. controlled humidity, oxygen adj supply, and temperature. incognito Who would have thought that the L star linebacker spent the first three continuing or following without incoherence months of his life in an incubator? interruption. Incessant changes in other parts of incompetent this restless country bypass the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow.

Page 158 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently inculcate indefatigable indicible v adj indictment L L n teach and impress by frequent incapable of being tired out : repetitions or admonitions. untiring. L > AF Religion is professed and practiced The mayor thanked his an official written statement in various forms, yet most of them indefatigable campaign workers for charging a person with an offense. inculcate honesty, truth, their invaluable help in getting him The grand jury’s indictment of the temperance, gratitude, and the love reelected. seven men charges that they of humanity. conspired to smuggle guns into the indefeasible country. incumbency adj n indigenous L > F > AF adj L not capable of being or liable to the sphere of action or period of being voided, annulled, or undone. L office of one who holds a public or The Constitution vests the populace originating or produced naturally in academic office. with indefeasible rights. a particular land or region or Political analysts now say that a environment. candidate’s incumbency is not an indelible Tomatoes are not indigenous to asset but a liability. adj Europe. incumbent L indigent that cannot be removed, washed adj incunabulum away, or erased : permanent. n Lily’s narrow escape from L drowning left an indelible mark on being poor usually without being L her personality. destitute : impoverished, needy. a book printed before 1501. The basketball star donated money Alfred was looking at an indemnify to build a community center for the incunabulum in the British Library indigent residents of his old when he met his future wife. indemnity neighborhood. incurvariid independence indigo adj n indescribable L adj Gk > L > It of or relating to a member of the a blue vat dye that was obtained Incurvariidae family of minute L originally from plants (as indigo moths. that cannot be described with plants or woad). Many brilliantly colored precision. The production of indigo was the incurvariid moths are found The aromatic herb has a peppery major factor in South Carolina’s worldwide. odor and an indescribable but early development. delicious flavor. indebted indiscretion adj indicate n L > F > E indicia L owing gratitude (as for a favor n pl an act at variance with the accepted received or a kind act done). morality of a society. Carmen was indebted to her piano L Biographers of presidents often teacher for helping her perfect her indications, signs, tokens, criteria. comb their subjects' lives in search technique. The reporter used many different of every indiscretion. indicia of public sentiment to obtain a reliable rating of the leader’s popularity.

Page 159 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently indissoluble inducement ineludible adj n adj L L + Ecf L + Ecf incapable of being annulled or a motive or consideration that leads inescapable. undone or broken. one to action. Detective Marchand’s bloodhounds The friendship of Holmes and Emma’s desire to see Harriet better were considered by many to be Watson proved indissoluble even by informed was an inducement to ineludible. Watson’s marriage and Holmes’s read more herself. supposed death. inenarrable indulge adj indoctrinate v v L L incapable of being narrated : L give free rein to. indescribable, ineffable. give instructions especially in It is natural for humans to indulge The sight of his newborn son fundamentals or rudiments : teach. in the illusions of hope. brought Elijah inenarrable Special classes were designed to pleasure. indoctrinate the new employees. indulgent ineptitude indolence indurate adj ineradicable indolent adj adj L > E physically or morally hardened. L L The war contributed greatly to incapable of being rooted out or constantly indulging in ease : Herbert’s seemingly indurate destroyed completely. chronically averse to labor and manner, but he was always tender In the 1920s Britain had to yield to exertion. with his pigeons. Ireland’s ineradicable will for Doctors warn that an indolent independence. lifestyle can contribute to heart industrious disease. inertia ineducable n indomitable adj ineffable L adj indisposition to motion, exertion, or L action. incapable of being subdued. L The senator railed against the The pens, the tongues, the fortunes, incapable of being expressed in inertia of the citizenry. and the indomitable wills of many words. women were pledged to secure the Sarena’s joy at being chosen for inexorable right of the elective franchise. the play was ineffable. adj indubitable ineluctable L adj adj unyielding, inflexible, relentless. The inexorable force of the L L hurricane changed the shape of not open to question or doubt. not to be avoided, changed, or Bell Island. Shakespeare is considered by many resisted : inevitable. to be the indubitable master of Mrs. Badger joked that death and inexplicable English literature. taxes are the only two ineluctable aspects of life. inextinguishable

inextirpable

inextricable

Page 160 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently infallible inflammatory ingenuous adj adj ingestible L L adj incapable of error. tending to excite anger, animosity, Dr. Cameron's colleagues on the disorder, or tumult. L faculty regard him as virtually Rachel received a two-day capable of being taken in for infallible. suspension after she delivered an digestion. inflammatory speech at the An increasing number of infatuation assembly. Americans are using food, dietary supplements, and other ingestible infaust influenza products to cure what ails them. n infectious inglenook adj L > It an acute highly contagious ingratiate L infectious virus disease. producing the establishment of a Influenza kept Russell out of school ingratiating pathogen in its host after invasion. for a week. adj Katie’s sore throat is not infectious, so she will not have to miss any infractible L school. intended or adopted in order to win infrangible favor : flattering. inferentially adj During his campaign, the adv politician’s manner became L ingratiating. L not capable of being broken or in a manner that involves a separated into parts. inhale conclusion reached by reasoning or Though it looks like the finest v implication. china, Jennifer’s teapot is made of The report concludes that our an infrangible polymer. Ecf + L > E social stresses are based almost draw in by breathing. wholly on misunderstanding, and infructuous Natasha stopped to inhale the thus, inferentially, can be adj wonderful aroma emanating from eliminated by good communication. the bakery. L inferior fruitless, unprofitable. inimical adj Efforts to discourage the bear from returning to Cynthia’s backyard inimically L proved infructuous, and so it was adv of poor quality : second-rate. tranquilized and taken to a more An inferior violinist has no chance suitable area. L of becoming an orchestra’s in a hostile or unfriendly manner. concertmaster. infusible The majority of citizens reacted inimically to the proposed increase inficete ingenious in city taxes. infinitesimal ingenue inimitable adj n adj L + Ecf L > F L immeasurably or incalculably small a stage part representing a character not capable of being copied : : very minute. that is youthful, innocent, matchless. Infinitesimal yellow flecks on the appealing, sweet, and sympathetic. Charmed by Miss Woodhouse, Mr. leaf made it appear metallic. Stephanie was one of three students Elton considered all of her called back in the tryouts for the drawings inimitable. ingenue in the school’s spring musical. iniquitous

Page 161 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently iniquity innocuity inquisitor n n n L > F > E L L absence of or deviation from just the quality or state of being a person whose official duty is to dealing : wrongful conduct : harmless. examine and inquire. wickedness. Thelma was wary of the seeming When the inquisitor asked a very The judge referred to the innocuity of her sister’s remarks. personal question, the witness defendant’s house as a “den of glared at him and remained silent. iniquity.” innocuous initial adj insalubrious adj initials L not likely to arouse ill will or give L + Ecf initiative offense : inoffensive. tending to impair health : Betty was dismayed when Henry unwholesome, noxious. initiatory interpreted her innocuous remark Andrew has vowed to give up all adj as an insult. his insalubrious habits. L innovation insatiable constituting an introduction or n beginning. inscribe On page three of the book is an L initiatory paragraph that gives the introduction of something new. inscrutable personal information about the The people of the small village adj author. were suspicious of all innovation. L injurious innumerable not readily comprehensible : adj mysterious. inmate Kayla’s grin was so inscrutable L that no one could tell if she were innermost too many to be numbered or happy or up to something adj counted. mischievous. Katie’s seemingly innumerable E chicken pox blisters slowly faded insecticide farthest inward. away. n Starletta reached the cave’s innermost chambers by crawling on inoculate L her hands and knees and sometimes v an agent that destroys insects. on her stomach. Malathion is an insecticide with L > E low toxicity to mammals. innkeeper introduce microorganisms, vaccines, or sera into a living body insentient innocent to establish immunity to a disease. adj Dr. Cooper had to bribe Frank inseparable with a lollipop before he would let L her inoculate him. insessorial free of wrongdoing or corruption : guiltless. inoculator insidious Julian’s offer to help stems from adj innocent motives. inquiline n L having a gradual, cumulative, and L usually hidden effect : subtle. an animal that lives habitually in Loretta’s suspicion led her to pose the nest or abode of some other a question with the insidious design species. of further discovery. The burrowing owl is an inquiline who lives in prairie dog colonies.

Page 162 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently insinuate insouciant insurrection v adj n L F L > F > E impart or communicate with artful exhibiting or characterized by an act or instance of revolting indirect wording or oblique freedom from concern or care. against civil or political authority reference : hint, imply. The pompous, insouciant aristocrat or against an established Did April insinuate that she won’t never had to work a day in his life. government. be inviting Dante to the party? The dictator quickly suppressed the insipid inspirometer peasants' insurrection. adj n insusceptibility L L > F > E + Gk > L > F > E n dull, uninteresting, commonplace. an apparatus for measuring air Jed could hardly bear listening to inhaled in breathing. L the sportscaster’s insipid The nurse used an inspirometer on the quality or state of being comments. Mr.Davis during his checkup. incapable of being moved, affected, or impressed. insititious instantaneous Sylvia prides herself on her adj adj insusceptibility to flattery. L L intaglio constituting an insertion. done or occurring without any n Research that Jennifer failed to perceptible duration of time. include in her bound report was Harold’s slow, nervous marriage It included as insititious pages. proposal was balanced by Emily’s an engraving or incised figure in instantaneous reply. stone or other hard material. insolence Judd was pleased with the intaglio n instauration on his signet ring. n L intangible [has homonyms and near L homonym: insolents, insulants and restoration after decay, lapse, or integument insulins] the quality or state of dilapidation. n being haughty and contemptuous or The instauration of the Statue of brutal in behavior or language. Liberty was a long and complicated L In Greek mythology Athena project. an enveloping layer, membrane, or transformed Arachne into a spider structure (as the skin of a fish or the for her insolence. insulin exoskeleton of an insect). n The dried cicada integument insolent attached to the brick wall L + Ecf fascinated the children. insomnia a protein pancreatic hormone that is n essential especially for the intensity metabolism of carbohydrates and n L which is used in the treatment and prolonged inability to obtain control of diabetes mellitus. L + Ecf adequate sleep : sleeplessness. Marty gives himself an injection of extreme or very high degree : Cora’s doctor suggests that her insulin every morning to control his extreme strength, force, or energy. insomnia may be caused by the diabetes. Gino was astonished at the little emotional stress of her new job. flashlight’s intensity. insomniac insouciance

Page 163 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently intercalate intermezzo interplanetary v n adj L L > It L + Gk + Lcf > E insert between or among existing a movement coming between the existing, carried on, or operating elements. major sections of a symphony or between planets. It was the editor’s job to intercalate other extended work. Interplanetary travel may someday the new manuscript pages into the The singers were able to take a be a reality, but for now it must narrative. break while the orchestra played remain the stuff of science fiction. the intermezzo. intercede interpolate interminable intercept adj interpret v v L L having no end : wearisomely L > F > E stop or interrupt the progress or protracted. explain or tell the meaning of : course of. Dad complained about the translate into intelligible or familiar Rick will intercept the office mail, interminable lines at the theme language or terms. as requested by Dr. Taylor. park. Shareen asked the psychiatrist to interpret her dream. intercessory intermittence adj n interregnum n L L relating to or marked by the act of periodic cessation or interruption. L pleading in behalf of another. The intermittence of the moving the time during which a throne is The congregation joined in windshield wipers supposedly vacant between the death, intercessory prayers for the sick allows better visibility during a abdication, or expulsion of a parishioners. light rain. sovereign and the coronation of his or her successor. interfered intermittent The prime minister urged citizens adj to band together during the interior interregnum. L interlocutor coming and going at intervals : not interrogatory n continuous. n The weather forecast warned of L intermittent showers for the L one who takes part in a dialogue or afternoon. a formal question or inquiry. conversation. The principal instructed Betty to The seminar leader instructed internal prepare within two days a written everyone to choose an interlocutor response to the interrogatory and discuss the video one-on-one. international regarding her honor offense. interlucent internecine interrupt adj v interment n L L marked by great slaughter : deadly. prevent (one) from proceeding by L > F > E Many areas of the former Soviet intrusive or interpolated comment the act or ceremony of placing a Union have been plagued with or action. dead body in a grave or tomb. internecine struggles. “Must you always interrupt like Uncle Oliver’s desire was that only that?” asked Mr. Kelley. family members be present at his interpellation interment. intersperse

Page 164 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently interstice intricate inveigh n adj v L L > E L a space that intervenes between one having many complexly protest bitterly or violently. thing and another : a space between interrelating parts or elements : When the suspect was arraigned, things closely set. complicated. he began to inveigh against what The tightly-woven cloth looked Jason described the intricate he claimed was police brutality. solid, but a sharp needle easily mechanism of the clock as found an interstice to slip through. “awesome.” inveigle intrigue intertriginous v inveterate adj interviewee L > It > F n arouse the interest, desire, or L curiosity of. continuous, recurrent, chronic. F The designer wanted the picture on The inveterate lateness of Linda’s one that is questioned or conversed the dust jacket to intrigue potential mail delivery caused her concern. with especially in order to obtain readers. information or ascertain personal invidious qualities. intrinsic adj The receptionist administered a spelling test to each interviewee. introduction L of an unpleasant or objectionable intestacy introit nature : hateful. It is not uncommon for Sean to intolerable intuitable respond with invidious remarks adj adj that may or may not be true. L L invincible not capable of being endured : knowable by insight or without unbearable. rational thought. inviolable The intolerable cold made Janice’s Ashley believes that the concepts of adj eyes water. good and evil are intuitable. L intractable inumbrate secure from assault or trespass. adj v An electrified security fence, ten feet high, did not make the film L L star’s estate inviolable. not easily governed, managed, or put in shadow : shade. directed. Carl watched the cloud temporarily invitation The intractable child was amusing inumbrate the soccer field. for a while. ionosphere inundate n intrait inundation Gk intramural n the part of Earth's atmosphere containing free electrically charged intrepid L particles. adj a rising and spreading of water over Ham radio operators transmit their land not usually submerged : a signals great distances by bouncing L flood. them off the ionosphere. characterized by resolute As the river swelled with snowmelt, fearlessness in meeting dangers or the levees protected the fields from hardships and enduring them with inundation. fortitude. Bob’s military honors attest to his inurement intrepid character. invective

Page 165 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently iota iridescent irrelevant n adj adj Gk L L an infinitesimal amount : a very showing colors like those of the not applicable or pertinent : small degree. rainbow especially in shifting foreign, extraneous. The analgesic worked so well that patterns of hues and shades that Patrick introduced irrelevant Jeremy felt not even an iota of pain. vary with a change of light or point arguments to cloud the central of view. issue. ipsedixitism Louis C. Tiffany developed a n famous type of iridescent glass. irreparable L irradiate irrepressible dogmatic assertion or assertiveness. v adj Martine’s ipsedixitism tired her friends and put off strangers. L L throw rays of light upon : shine impossible to repress, restrain, or ipseity upon. control. Cynthia’s beauty seemed to Sondra’s irrepressible urge to drive irascibility irradiate the room with a mystical fast earned her a speeding ticket. n glow. irresistible L irreconcilable the quality or state of being marked adj irretrievably by a hot temper and resentful adv anger. L The artist’s stubborn irascibility not capable of being brought into L > F > E led to many family squabbles. friendly accord or understanding. so as to be impossible to recoup, Bill finally realized that his repair, or overcome. irascible differences with Sheila were Environmentalists bemoan the adj irreconcilable. irretrievably lost sections of the rain forest. L irrecusable marked by hot temper and resentful adj irrevocability anger. n After breaking his leg, Lennie L became so irascible that his friends not subject to exception or L > F > E + E cff stopped visiting him. rejection. the quality or state of being The company’s most recent offer to unalterable. irate the strikers was presented as The chairman insisted upon the adj irrecusable. irrevocability of the rules of order. L irredeemable irrevocable feeling and showing a high degree of anger. irrefragable irrevocably When Calvin returned home late, adj adv his father was irate. L L irenicism impossible to gainsay, deny, or beyond any possibility of change. n refute. The coach announced that the The prosecutor maintained that the intramural team rosters had been Gk + Ecf evidence against the defendant was irrevocably determined. a social temper or condition or a irrefragable. state of public opinion making for irrigation peace. irregular Ella detected a growing irenicism among her constituents, though many still advocated cold war.

Page 166 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently irritability isogram Isthmian n n adj L Gk + Gk Gk quick excitability to annoyance, a line on a map or chart along of or relating to the Isthmus of impatience, or anger. which there is a constant value (as Corinth or the games anciently held On the second day of Josh’s diet, of temperature, pressure, or there. his irritability was apparent to rainfall). Pindar’s victory odes celebrate the everyone around him. The meteorologist drew an isogram victors in Olympic, Nemean, on the map to show places having Pythian, and Isthmian games. irritate the same barometric pressure. isthmus isagoge isohyetal n n adj Gk > L Gk Gk > ISV a narrow strip of land running a scholarly introduction to a branch relating to or indicating equal through a body of water and of study or research. rainfall. connecting two larger land areas. The eminent economist wrote an The weather forecaster’s map The country of Panama is an isagoge for the new economics text. shows isohyetal areas of the Great isthmus connecting North and Plains. South America. isinglass n isolability italicization n D itemize mica especially when in thin L > F > E transparent sheets. the capability of being placed alone iterance Isinglass is economically important or apart. n because its low iron content makes According to the philosophical it a good electrical and thermal principle of isolability, every L > E insulator. isolated event must have an [Note: Could be confused with isolated cause. iterancy.] repetition, Islamic repetitiousness, recurrence. adj isomorphic Carol noticed an iterance of the adj name Elizabeth in her genealogical Ar chart. of, relating to, or characterized by Gk the religious faith of Muslims. being of identical or similar form or iterative The central tenets of Islamic shape or structure. adj doctrine are that there is no god English spelling is difficult because but Allah, and Mohammed is his of the frequent lack of isomorphic L prophet. correspondence between the marked by or involving repetition spoken word and the written word. or recurrence. isle The name Elizabeth formed an n isosceles iterative pattern in Maggie’s adj genealogical chart. L > F > E [has homonyms: aisle, I’ll] a small Gk > L itinerant piece of land surrounded by water having two equal sides—used of a adj on all sides. triangle. Kent dreamed of vacationing on a Zola counted 16 isosceles triangles L tropical isle. on the playground equipment. traveling about from place to place. The large farm employed many isocryme isotope itinerant workers during the harvest season. issuable

Page 167 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently itinerary jackal jaguar n n n L Skt > Per > Turkish Tupi&Guarani > Pg&Sp a sketch of the prospective course any of several small wild dogs of a large cat chiefly of Central and of a journey or trip. Africa and Asia having large ears South America that is larger and The senator’s itinerary called for and a bushy tail and feeding on stockier than the leopard and is ten stops in two days. small animals, fruits, and carrion. brownish yellow or buff with black The zoologist explained that the spots. ivory popular image of a jackal as a Although the jaguar is a good adj cowardly scavenger is not justified climber, it usually stalks its prey on by the facts. the ground. Hamitic > L > F > E of a creamy white color. jackanapes jaleo The ivory sweater that Karen n purchased qualifies as “winter jalousie white.” E nickname n izzat an impertinent or conceited fellow. Billy was thrown out of English F jabberwocky class for being an insolent [has near homonym: jealousy] a n jackanapes. blind or shutter having horizontal slats that are adjustable or fixed at E nonsense name jackknife an angle to admit light and air and meaningless speech, writing, or to permit looking out without being patter : gibberish. jaconet seen from the outside. Dina listened as the two babies Helen hung a jalousie in each carried on a lengthy conversation jacquard downstairs window of her new in jabberwocky. n house. jabot F name jambalaya n a fabric of an intricate variegated n weave. F In the antique store’s front window Prov > F a ruffle or pleated frill of cloth, was a fabulous jacquard that rice cooked with ham, sausage, lace, or both attached down the portrayed the Last Supper. chicken, shrimp, or oysters and center front of a shirt, blouse, or usually tomato and seasoned with dress bodice. jadeite herbs. Tom insisted that the shirt of his n No trip to New Orleans would be Captain Hook costume have a complete without sampling a bowl jabot. Sp > F of spicy jambalaya. a monoclinic mineral found chiefly jacal in Myanmar that when cut jambeau constitutes a valuable variety of n jacamar jade. n Alexis bought a necklace made of F > E jadeite and black onyx at the craft [has homonym: jambo] a piece of Tupi > F bazaar. medieval plate armor for the lower any of many brightly colored birds leg. inhabiting tropical forests from The knight staggered under a blow Mexico to Argentina. that left a groove across his Tio recognized the cry of the jambeau. jacamar but couldn’t see the bird through the thick foliage.

Page 168 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently jamboree jargon javelin n n n unknown imit > F > E Celt > F a long mixed program of the technical terminology or a slender shaft of wood not less entertainment. characteristic idiom of specialists than 260 centimeters long, tipped The finale at the jamboree was a or workers in a particular activity with iron or steel, and intended to brilliant display of fireworks. or area of knowledge. be thrown for distance as an Anna was sure the computer athletic feat or exercise. jangle programmers were speaking Lucas threw the javelin only 20 feet English, but their jargon made it on his first attempt. janiform impossible for her to understand adj what they were saying. javellization L + L jarl jealousy having a face on each of two sides. n While in Rome, Stacey bought a jasper replica of an ancient coin depicting F a janiform figure. jaundice [has near homonym: jalousie] a n disposition or state of mind that is janitor intolerant of rivalry or n L > F > E unfaithfulness. yellowish pigmentation of the skin, Tormented by jealousy, L tissues, and body fluids caused by Shakespeare’s Othello is driven to one that keeps the premises of an the deposition of bile pigments. murder his wife. apartment, office, or other building David’s jaundice was brought on clean and free of refuse, tends the by a liver problem. jecorize heating system, and makes minor repairs. jaundiced jeer Morris took a part-time job as a adj v janitor at an apartment complex in exchange for free rent. L > F > E + Ecf unknown exhibiting or affected by distaste, speak or cry out with derision or japery or hostility. mockery. n Dr. Willis was jaundiced and No one dared jeer when the querulous after being bedridden for venerable actor forgot his lines. E so long. jesting talk : jokes. jejune Tired of the disk jockey’s japery, jauntily adj Terry turned the radio off. adv L jarabe F > E + Ecff immature, juvenile. n in a light or carefree manner. Dennis rejected the jejune poems Steve’s hat was perched jauntily on for publication. Ar > Sp the side of his head. any of several provincial Mexican jellyfish couple dances that have the jaunty zapateado as their basic step. adj jeopardize The jarabe is sometimes performed v at Mexican weddings. L > F nonchalant or sprightly in manner L > F > E + Ecf jardiniere or appearance. expose to danger : imperil. The music teacher is far more Mr. Turner refuses to jeopardize jaunty at the keys of a piano than in his family by driving at high speed. the classroom. jeopardy

Page 169 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently jerboa jillion jonquil n n jinete Ar L > Sp > F any of several social nocturnal Old jingoism a perennial bulbous herb native to World jumping rodents with long southern Europe and northern hind legs and a long tail. jittery Africa that has long slender leaves The well-developed jumping ability and is widely cultivated for its of the jerboa enables it to escape jocose flowers. from many predators. A single jonquil in a bud vase jocosity adorned each table in the jeremiad n restaurant. n L jostlement Heb name > Gk > L > F the quality or state of being given a protracted speech marked by deep to jokes and jesting. joule misery. Lennie’s jocosity endeared him to n The old philosopher gave a moving no one. jeremiad against a culture that E name values knowledge above wisdom. jocular [has near homonym: jewel] the adj absolute meter-kilogram-second jerkin unit of work or energy equal to 10 n L million ergs or approximately given or disposed to jesting. 0.7375 foot-pound or 0.2390 gram unknown The jocular keynote speaker calorie. a close-fitting hip-length jacket. peppered his remarks with In electrical terms, a joule As his quest led him northward, the humorous anecdotes. represents the energy released in 1 knight began wearing a jerkin for second by a current of 1 ampere additional warmth. jocund through a resistance of 1 ohm. adj jeroboam journal L jettison feeling or exhibiting mirth or good journalism v cheer : cheerful. n The jocund host made everyone feel L > F > E completely at ease. F drop (as auxiliary equipment, an academic study concerned with bombs, cargo, or fuel) from an jodhpur the collection and editing of news airplane in flight (as for lightening n or the editorial or business the load or providing greater management of a news medium. safety). Indian geog name Students of journalism at The airplane’s malfunctioning a short riding boot; especially : an Northwestern University often list engine prompted the crew to ankle-length boot fastened with a the class taught by Oprah Winfrey jettison all unnecessary cargo. strap that is buckled at the side. as one of their favorites. Among young or short equestrians, jettisoned the jodhpur is a popular choice of journey boot. jibboom jovial joist adj jicama n jongleur L > F n characterized by or showing Nahuatl > Sp marked good humor especially as a tall-climbing Mexican vine with F exhibited in mirth, hilarity, or showy flowers and a sweet watery an itinerant medieval minstrel conviviality. root that is sometimes eaten raw or reciting and singing for hire. The jovial chef made cooking look cooked. Timothy went to the Renaissance easy and enjoyable. Suleika made a coleslaw of jicama Fair dressed as a jongleur, with a and shredded carrot. handmade lute and a velvet cap. joviality

Page 170 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently jubilant juiciness junta adj n juicy L L > Sp manifesting or expressing julienne [has somewhat near homonyms: exultation or gladness. adj hunter, junto] a closely knit group Fans were jubilant when the batter of persons composing or hit the winning home run in the F (name?) dominating a government bottom of the ninth inning. [has homonym: Julian] cut in long especially after a revolutionary thin strips—used especially of seizure of power. jubilarian vegetables and fruits. The military junta set up its Bruce added julienne cucumber to headquarters in the former jubilation the salad. presidential palace. judicial jumart jurimetrician n judiciary jumelle L + Gk > E judicious junction a specialist in the application of adj scientific methods to legal juncture problems. L n The judge heard testimony from a directed or governed by sound jurimetrician and a forensic usually dispassionate judgment : L pathologist. characterized by discretion. joint, seam. Jane’s mom saw to it that her Lulu found a note wedged in the jurisdiction summer activities were a judicious juncture between the two seats. n mixture of chores and amusement. jungle L juggernaut the limits or territory within which n juniper any particular power may be n exercised. Skt > Hindi Sgt. Voss couldn’t issue the a massive force or object that L > E reckless driver a ticket because the advances irresistibly and crushes an evergreen shrub or tree highway was outside his whatever is in its path. characterized by low, lateral jurisdiction. Sherman’s armies moved like a spreading. juggernaut through the South. Grandma gathers berries from her jurisprudence juniper to use in cooking. n juggler n junket L n [has homonym: jurisprudents] the L > F > E science or philosophy of law. [has near homonym: jugular] one L > It > E Tom is a professor of jurisprudence skilled in keeping several objects in a pleasure trip or tour made by an at Yale Law School. motion in the air at the same time official at public expense ostensibly by alternately tossing and catching for purposes of inspection, jussive them. investigation, or other public adj The crowd was most impressed business. when the juggler started juggling Many citizens complained that the L + Ecf flaming torches. mayor’s business trip to Japan was expressing or having the effect of a merely a junket. command. jugular There was a jussive tone to Mr. adj Contreras’s request, and the boys obeyed him immediately. L of or relating to the throat or neck. justice It is easy to find one’s own pulse in the jugular region.

Page 171 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently justiciable juxtaposition kakistocracy adj n n L > F L Gk capable of being decided by legal the act or an instance of placing government by the worst principles or by a court of justice : two or more objects in a close individuals. liable to trial in a court of justice. spatial or ideal relationship. Denny thought the current student The judge decided that Al’s dispute The justaposition of the different council was a kakistocracy. with his employer was justiciable styles within the same painting won under the new law. the praise of the art critic. kaleidoscope n justifiable Kabuki n Gk + E juvenescence an instrument that contains loose n Jpn fragments of colored glass confined traditional Japanese popular drama between two flat plates and two L with singing and dancing plane mirrors placed so that the state of being youthful or of performed in a stylized manner. changes of position exhibit its growing young. Performers of Kabuki must learn to contents in an endless variety of The director helped the aging move with great control. forms. actress produce the illusion of Raj received a fancy brass juvenescence through careful kairos kaleidoscope for a birthday makeup and lighting. n present. juvenile Gk kamikaze n a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial kangaroo F or L action. of or relating to childhood. Feeling that the kairos would never kanone Many breakfast-cereal be better, Barbara approached her advertisements are geared to a boss and demanded a raise. karate juvenile audience. kaiser karst juvenilia n pl kaiserdom karting n L katabatic artistic or literary compositions G adj produced in the author’s youth and the territory ruled by the German typically marked by immaturity of emperors from 1871 to 1918. Gk style, treatment, or thought. Otto was the best clockmaker in the of or relating to the downward The artist’s juvenilia showed that kaiserdom. motion of air (as in air drainage he had been developing the same induced by surface cooling). themes throughout his career. kakemono The ventilation system relied on n katabatic action for optimal juxtapose efficiency. v Jpn a picture or writing on silk or paper katana L that usually has a roller at its lower n place side by side. edge. Picasso often used collage to Yasuki hung a kakemono in the Jpn juxtapose coarse and refined living room. a single-edged sword that is the elements in his art. longer of a pair worn by the Japanese samurai. Hiroko proudly showed the guests her great-grandfather’s katana hanging on the wall.

Page 172 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently katharometer kepi kerflop n n kernel Gk L > G > F an apparatus for determining the a military cap having a close-fitting kerplunk composition of a gas mixture. band, a round flat top sloping adv With the help of a katharometer, toward the front, and a visor. the chemist was able to analyze the In the foyer of the French embassy imit engine’s exhaust. there is a statue of a general with a with a thud. kepi atop his head. Mimi dropped the apple kerplunk katzenjammer onto Mrs. Vega’s desk. keratitis kaumographer n kerseymere n Gk kestrel Gk inflammation of the cornea of the n a worker who transfers designs, eye. trademarks, or other printed After being struck in the eye, the L > F > E material to cloth articles with a hot boxer had to be treated for a common small European falcon. iron. keratitis. Sean found an injured kestrel on The sweatshirt store employs a the roof of the library. kaumographer to decorate shirts keratoderma with designs chosen by the n ketch customer. Gk khaki keepsake a hard, callous condition of the skin. kibitz keeshond The patient’s keratoderma caused him pain and loss of movement. kibitzer kempt n keratoplasty kennel n Yiddish n an outsider or nonparticipant who Gk looks on and may offer unwanted L > F > E plastic surgery on the cornea. advice or comment. [has near homonym: quenelle] a Keratoplasty, especially corneal Officer Morrow ordered the house for a dog or pack of hounds. grafting, has improved the vision of kibitzer to stand back and get out of Jack plans to help his father build a many people. the way of the rescue squad. kennel for their beagles. kerchief kidnap keno n n kielbasa F > E n F a square of cloth usually folded [has homonym: kino] a game worn by women as a head Pol resembling lotto or bingo in which covering. [Note: A differently pronounced numbers printed on pellets are Before Eileen went out to tend to variant of the word is kielbasy.] a taken from a sack and announced to her garden, she put on a blue and smoked sausage. the players who cover the numbers white kerchief. Adria ordered a half-pound of on cards and in which five numbers potato salad and a kielbasa from covered in the same horizontal row kerf the deli. win for the player. n The casino coffee shop had runners kilim to sell the diners cards for keno. E a slit or notch made in cutting kiln usually by a saw or cutting torch. Roger’s toy racetrack is made from a piece of wood with a wide kerf along which the little cars move.

Page 173 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently kiloton kinetic kitsch n adj n Gk + E Gk G an explosive force equivalent to relating to the motion of matter and artistic or literary material held to that of 1,000 tons of TNT—used the forces and energy associated be of low quality, often produced to especially in reference to an atom therewith. appeal to popular taste, and marked or hydrogen bomb. The kinetic theory of gases treats especially by sentimentalism, Given the strength of nuclear each molecule in a gas as a point, sensationalism, and slickness. bombs, 1 kiloton is a small amount which has mass but negligible Souvenir shops are filled with of explosive force. volume. kitsch for the undiscriminating tourists. kilowatt kinetosis n kiwi kimono Gk > L klendusity kindergarten sickness induced by motion and n adj characterized by nausea. Before boarding the ship, Claire Gk G made sure she had brought along the tendency of a plant or variety to of or relating to an elementary level medication for kinetosis. escape infection as a result of or initial phase. having some property that prevents After her request to skip from the kingdom or hinders inoculation : disease- sixth to the eighth grade was escaping ability. denied, Kathleen was openly kinkajou The plant’s thick cuticle is largely scornful of the kindergarten math n responsible for its klendusity. problems the teacher kept assigning. Algonquian > F klinotaxis a slender long-tailed mammal of n kindling Central and South America related to the raccoon. Gk kindness The kinkajou is sometimes called directional orientation involving the honey bear. turning toward a stimulus. kinesiology The klinotaxis of honeybees is n kishke dependent on the angle of the sun. n Gk klomp the study of the principles of Slav > Yiddish n mechanics and anatomy in relation beef or fowl casing stuffed with a to human movement. savory filling (as of matzoth flour, D All physical therapy students are chicken fat, and onion) and roasted. [has homonym: clomp] a wooden required to take a course in Steve ate four helpings of his shoe worn in the Low countries. kinesiology. grandmother’s kishke. The Dutch villager proudly showed Pam a klomp that he had just kinesitherapy kitchen finished carving. n n knapsack Gk E n the therapeutic and corrective a room or some other space (as a application of active and passive wall area or separate building) with G&D movements (as by massage) and of facilities for cooking : a place for a bag or case often of canvas exercise. preparing meals. supported on the back by a strap The stroke victim’s muscular Joey spent several hours in the over each shoulder and used problems were almost totally kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. especially for carrying supplies corrected through intensive while on a march or hike. kinesitherapy. The next morning, Boris found a young snapping turtle in his knapsack.

Page 174 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently knave knoll kriegspiel n n knavery E G knead a usually small rounded land chess in which neither player sees eminence. the other’s board but is given some kneadable Drucilla lay at the top of the knoll information as to the opponent’s adj to catch some rays. moves by a referee who keeps track of all moves on a third board. E + Ecf knout Orvil attributes his ability to having the proper texture for mentally picture a chessboard in mixing into a well-blended whole knowledge play to his fondness for kriegspiel. by or as if by repeatedly drawing n out and pressing together. Krugerrand Flour was mixed with other E n ingredients to produce a kneadable the fact or condition of knowing. dough. Jack’s knowledge of carpentry S Afr name + S Afr geog name immediately earned him a job when a one-ounce gold coin of the knickers he arrived in Miami. Republic of South Africa. n pl Martin purchased a Krugerrand at knuckle the New York Coin Show last year. American name [has homonym: nickers] loose- knucks krypton fitting knee-length pants gathered n at the knee on a band for sports and knurl informal wear. Gk The man was dressed in a shaggy kohlrabi a colorless relatively inert gaseous tweed jacket and knickers with long n element found in air at about one woolen stockings. part per million and used especially G in electric lamps. knickknacky a variety of cabbage having a A light bulb filled with krypton will turnip-shaped edible stem. last longer and shine more brightly knight The flesh of the kohlrabi resembles than a regular bulb of the same that of the turnip but is sweeter and wattage. knightling milder. kuchen knish kookaburra n n n G Russ > Yiddish Australian name any of several varieties of coffee a round or square of rich baking- a kingfisher of Australia that is cake typically made from sweet powder dough folded over a savory about the size of a crow, has a call yeast dough and variously shaped, meat or cheese filling and baked or resembling loud laughter, and feeds flavored, and frosted. fried. in part on reptiles. Aunt Mitzi served a warm apple Sol searched his new neighborhood While vacationing in Melbourne, kuchen for Christmas brunch. in vain for a restaurant that served Lindsay was at first startled by the a decent knish. peculiar chortling of a kookaburra. kudize v knishes kremlin n Gk knock grant honors to : praise. Russ The planning committee had a knockabout the citadel or fortress of a Russian luncheon to kudize Mr. Blalock, city or town. who donated 100 acres of land for Bruce hiked to the ancient kremlin the city park. for the best view of the city.

Page 175 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently kudos labyrinthine lacrosse n pl n laccate Gk adj F praises given for achievement. a game that is played on a turfed Daphne received many kudos from L + Ecf field by two teams of ten players, the drama coach after her having a varnished or lacquered each of whom uses a long-handled performance in the school play. appearance. stick with which the ball is caught, The leaves of some tropical carried, and thrown, with the object kudzu evergreens have a laccate surface. being to throw the ball into the n opponents’ goal. lacerate Curious about lacrosse, Pamela Jpn signed up for a college intramural a vine of China and Japan that is laceration team. used widely in the southern United n States for erosion control and soil lacteal improvement. L > F adj Along many highways of the deep a wound made by tearing or South, kudzu covers the roadside rending roughly. L + Ecf like drapery. Forty stitches were required to relating to, consisting of, close the laceration in Jeremy’s producing, or resembling milk. kwashiorkor scalp. Liz was surprised to learn that her n lacteal drink was made from lachrymose soybeans. Ghana name adj severe malnutrition in infants and lacuna children caused by a high- L n carbohydrate, low-protein diet. dismal, melancholy. Supplying protein supplements to The lachrymose play ruined L affected children is one way in Samantha’s weekend. a blank space : a missing part : gap, which UNICEF works to eradicate hole. kwashiorkor. lackadaisical Gabe discovered a mysterious adj lacuna in the manuscript. labefaction E + Ecf ladle laboratory lacking life, spirit, or zest : devoid of energy or purpose. lageniform laborious John’s piano teacher criticized him adj adj for his lackadaisical performance in the recital. L + Ecf L shaped like a flask : dilated below involving much work : tiresome. laconic and tapering to a slender neck Restoration of the mansion will adj above. require laborious effort. While on the field trip, the botanist Gk > L directed the class to an example of labyrinth spoken, written, or expressed a lageniform fungus. n briefly or tersely : pithy. Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s laconic speaking laggard Carian? > Gk > L > E style was quite popular with her adj a structure full of intricate students. passageways that make it difficult Scand + Ecf to find the way from the interior to slow or relatively slow to act, the entrance or from the entrance to move, follow, or respond. the interior. Successful mail order companies Lost in the labyrinth of passages are rarely laggard in handling beneath the castle, the invaders complaints. gave up the attack plan and instead concentrated on finding a way out. laggardly

Page 176 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently lagniappe lambrequin lampyrid n n lagomorph n D > F Gk > L a short decorative drapery for a a beetle or firefly of medium or Gk > L shelf edge or for the top of a small size having an elongate form. [Note: Could be confused with window casing : valance. The lightning bug is a common Lagomorpha.] any of several An embroidered lambrequin hung lampyrid. gnawing animals (as hare, rabbit, or over each of the mansion’s pika) resembling the rodents. windows. lancet A lagomorph has well-developed incisors to help it sever plant stems lament landau and gnaw on bark. v n laity L G geog name n express sorrow for : bewail, mourn. a four-wheeled covered carriage. Railroad buffs still lament the People who cannot picture what a Gk > L > F > E + Ecf demise of the steam locomotive. landau looks like should think of [Note: Could be confused with Cinderella’s carriage. lady.] the great body of the people lampoon of a religious faith as distinguished n landscape from its clergy. n In most churches, many tasks and F duties are given to the laity. a light mocking satire. D The new movie is a lampoon of the a portion of land or territory that lallation horror films that are made can be seen in a single view especially for teenagers. including all the objects so seen. laloplegia After the snowstorm the landscape n lamppost looked like a winter wonderland. n Gk langlauf paralysis of the muscles involved in Gk > L > FE + E speech. a pole supporting a usually outdoor langouste Since Uncle Harry’s stroke caused lighting device. n laloplegia, he had to communicate The speeding automobile didn’t with pencil and paper. make the curve and slammed into a L > OProv > F lamppost, knocking it to the spiny lobster. lamasery ground. Alicia ordered the langouste at the n fancy seafood restaurant. lamprey Tibetan > F + Per > F n language a monastery of Tibetan Buddhist n monks or priests. Gaulish? > L > F Xiang returned from the lamasery a any of various freshwater and L > F > E wiser and more introspective man. saltwater vertebrates that are [Note: The definition provided is widely distributed in temperate and not the one most commonly lambda subarctic regions and resemble eels associated with this word.] the but have a large circular jawless inner tongue or flat plate opposite lambent suctorial mouth with numerous the mouth of an organ flue pipe. small conical teeth. A small chip in the organ’s smallest lambently A large lamprey slithered out of the language subtly affected its tone. adv underwater cave, startling the diver. L in a light and brilliant manner. Carla’s eyes flashed lambently under her dark brows.

Page 177 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently languescent lapideous larigo adj adj n L L Sp becoming listless or fatigued. of the nature of stone. a ring at each end of the cinch of a The languescent ballerina Lapideous concretions that form in western saddle through which the struggled through the final scene. the bladder or kidneys can cause straps pass. extreme pain. When Lynn investigated her loose languid saddle, she found that a larigo had adj lapillus broken. L > F larcenous larithmics sluggish in character or disposition. n pl In India Mary had always felt hot larceny and too languid to care much about n Gk anything. the scientific study of the L > F > E quantitative aspects of population. languor the unlawful taking and carrying In accordance with a principle of away of personal property without larithmics, the emigration from the languorous the consent of its lawful possessor. country was offset by an increased When Tina first saw Victor’s art rate of population growth. languorously collection, she suspected him of adv larceny. larmoyant adj L + Ecff larghetto in a manner characterized by adv L > F listless indolence or sluggishness. given to tears or weeping : tearful. After returning from work, Cora It Even Jorge, who is not usually reclined languorously on the sofa. in a somewhat slow manner—used larmoyant, had to wipe his eyes as a direction in music. during the eulogy. laniary In the second movement, which is adj played larghetto, Beethoven larrigan unfolds one melodic idea after n L another. adapted for tearing. unknown Laniary teeth are common in most largitional an oil-tanned moccasin with legs carnivores. adj that is used especially by loggers and trappers. lanolated L + Ecf The statue of Paul Bunyan depicted adj of or relating to a gift or gratuity. him with an ax over his shoulder The seed money for the new and a hole in one larrigan. L > ISV + Ecff museum consists entirely of containing wool grease refined for largitional funds. larva use in ointments and cosmetics. n Agnes used lanolated cream to lariat treat her dry, rough skin. n L the immature, wingless, and often lantern L > Sp vermiform feeding form of an n a long light but strong rope used insect which has hatched from the with a running noose for catching insect egg. Gk > L > F > E livestock. The caterpillar is the larva of the a portable lamp. Jonathan watched in fascination as butterfly. The red light in the distance came the cowboy demonstrated his skill from a lantern that hung from the with the lariat. last car of the train. lapidary

Page 178 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently laryngitic lathe laudatory adj n adj Gk E L affected with an inflammation of a machine in which work is rotated of, relating to, or containing praise. the upper part of the trachea about a horizontal axis and shaped Seth made sure everyone saw his containing the vocal cords. by a fixed cutting tool while being laudatory telegram from the dean. After a long day of pitching his held in a chuck. merchandise, the salesman Chloe donned her safety glasses laughable returned home exhausted and before switching on the lathe. adj laryngitic. laticiferous E + Ecf laryngitis adj comical, absurd. Marlene wore antique finery which larynx Gk? > L + Ecff would have been laughable on any n containing, bearing, or secreting other woman. latex. Gk > L Some laticiferous tropical vines are laughter the modified upper part of the good sources of rubber. respiratory passage of air-breathing launder vertebrates bounded above by the latitude glottis and continuous below with launderer the trachea. latitudinous n The vocal cords are situated within adj the larynx. L > F > E L one who washes and irons clothing. laser having breadth especially of Gina took her blouse to the n thought or interpretation. launderer for cleaning. Poetry is a latitudinous category, English acronym ranging from the moralistic to the laureation a device that utilizes the natural nihilistic. n oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for latkes L generating coherent an act of crowning with or as if electromagnetic radiation. lattice with a wreath of leaves as a mark The surgeon used a laser to make n of honor or achievement. the incision. At her laureation the recipient of Gmc? > F > E the honorary degree paid tribute to lassitude a framework or structure of wood her college professors. n or metal made by crossing laths or other thin strips so as to form a laurel L network. n a condition of weariness or debility The window has a lattice, but that : fatigue. did not stop Renton from getting L Lassitude is a symptom of many through it. [has homonym: loral] foliage used tropical diseases. by the ancient Greeks to crown laud victors in the Pythian games. latensify v The ancient statue of an unknown athlete bore a carefully carved laterigrade L wreath of laurel. adj sing the praises of. The proud parents would laud their L + L child’s slightest accomplishment. running sidewise or characterized by such running. The laterigrade movements of the crab delighted the children on the beach.

Page 179 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently lavash lebkuchen legerdemain n n n Armenian G F a large thin crisp unleavened wafer a Christmas cookie usually made skill and dexterity in the with a rough surface caused by air with honey, brown sugar, almonds, performance of juggling or bubbles during baking. candied fruit peel, and spices. conjuring tricks. Phil served lavash with goat Bart slipped a lebkuchen to the The performer’s legerdemain cheese. schnauzer. included making a coworker disappear from an enclosure. lavatory lecithin n n legerity n L Gk a room with conveniences for a substance that is obtained in the L > F washing the hands and face and manufacture of soybean oil and that mental or physical agility and usually with one or more toilets. is used in foods (as margarine, quickness. All of the soap dispensers in the chocolate, bakery products). The gymnast performed on the lavatory were empty. Lecithin is used in the production balance beam with remarkable of caramel to make it smoother. legerity. lavender lectern leggieramente layette n legibility league L n a desk or stand with a sloping top legible and usually a ledge at the bottom of Gaulish > L > E the slope designed to support a legislate [Note: The definition provided is book or script in a convenient not the one most commonly position for a reader standing legislatorial associated with this word.] an before it. adj English unit of distance of about 3 Miguel clutched the lectern in an miles. attempt to conceal his nervousness. L + Ecf Long car rides seem shorter if you having the power or performing the figure them by the league instead of lectionary function of making laws. by the mile. Unfinished legislatorial duties kept lectotype Congress in session past its normal leaky adjournment date. lederhosen leasable n pl legislature n lease G knee-length leather trousers worn L + Ecf leatherine especially in Bavaria. an organized body of persons All the men who volunteered to having the authority to make laws. leaven work at Oktoberfest were asked to Ellen served as a page for the n wear lederhosen. legislature last year. L > F > E legacy legitimacy [has homonym and near n homonyms: levin and eleven, leguminous levan] a substance (as yeast) acting L > F > E adj or used to produce fermentation in money or property given to a dough or a liquid. someone by direction of a will. L Nina neglected to add the leaven Tim opened a small business with of, resembling, or consisting of that causes the bread dough to rise. the legacy from his father. peas or other vegetables. The only leguminous food that Mandy likes is peas.

Page 180 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently leisurable lenient leporiform adj adj leoncito L > F > E n L + E proceeding deliberately without resembling a hare or rabbit in form. haste. Sp For Easter, Mom decorates the The bikers made a leisurable tour a lion monkey; any of several windows with leporiform figures of the campus. South American marmosets. bearing baskets of eggs. The leoncito has a mane of fur leisure around its head like a lion. leprosy n lemming leonine n adj Gk > L a progressive infectious disease that ON > Norw L affects the skin and nerves and any of several small rodents of resembling or suggesting that of a causes lumps, ulcers, white scaly circumpolar distribution. lion. patches, deformities, and eventual The legend of suicide by drowning Portraits of Beethoven and Einstein loss of sensation. associated with the lemming is always depict them with leonine Even though approximately 270 fascinating but probably untrue. hairstyles. cases of leprosy are diagnosed in the United States each year, lemniscate leopard effective medications have made n the existence of leper colonies lemonade unnecessary. Gk > L > F > E lemur a large strong cat of southern Asia leptocercal n and Africa that is adept at climbing adj and is usually tawny or buff with L black spots. Gk + Gk any of numerous arboreal chiefly The so-called “black panther” is tapering off to a long slender nocturnal mammals formerly actually a black-coated form of the point—used of the tail of a fish. widespread but now largely leopard. The scuba diver showed Jane his confined to Madagascar that are scar from a wound he received related to the monkeys. leopardess when whipped by the leptocercal The lemur is lower on the tail of a stingray. evolutionary scale and less leotard intelligent than the monkey. n lesion n length F name n a close-fitting garment for the torso L > F > E that is worn for practice or [has near homonym: legion] an E performance by dancers and abnormal change in structure of an the longer of the two straight-line acrobats. organ or part due to injury or dimensions of a surface or plane or In modern dance, performers often disease. the longest of the three straight-line wear a very simple leotard. Sarah had Dr. Kendall treat the dimensions of a solid : extent from lesion on her shin. end to end. lepidopterist Marsha and her father frequently n lethal argue over the length of her skirts. adj Gk leniency a specialist in the study of L n butterflies and moths. of, relating to, or causing death. Judy was well on her way to The lethal fire spread through the L becoming a lepidopterist; she Riggs Building rapidly. the quality or state of being tolerant already had her own butterfly net. or merciful. At his sentencing the convicted felon expressed remorse and pleaded for leniency.

Page 181 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently lethargic levanter levy adj n v Gk > L > F L > F > E + Ecf F > E slow-moving, sluggish. a strong easterly Mediterranean impose or collect by legal process Rhea’s dry throat and lethargic wind. or by authority. disposition warned her that a cold When the levanter hits the Rock of The political candidate promised to was coming. Gibraltar, it soars up 1,400 feet, levy no new taxes if he were and its vapor becomes a dense elected. lethargy white cloud. n lexicography levee Gk n lexicon the quality or state of being lazy or n indifferent : lassitude, apathy. L > F The hot, humid air of the tropics [has homonym: levy] an Gk spreads a feeling of lethargy over embankment built alongside a body the vocabulary of a subject or of an everyone. of water to prevent flooding of occupational group. nearby land. The lexicon of computer letteret The city plans to construct a levee programmers is slowly becoming to prevent flooding from the river. part of everyday language. lettuce n level liability L > F > E leverage liable a common garden vegetable with succulent leaves that are often used leveret liaison in salads. n Rosemarie prefers romaine lettuce libel for her salads. L > F > E a wild rabbit in its first year. liberalism leucitite Jimmy’s pet rabbit is a leveret that n his dad caught while cutting hay. leucoryx L + Ecf n leviathan a political philosophy based on the adj belief in freedom for the individual Gk and on the belief of governmental a large chiefly pale brownish Heb > L > E guarantees of human rights and antelope of North Africa. of enormous size. civil liberties. The horns of the leucoryx are The ore was hauled away in Alex believes that persons attracted evenly curved backwards. leviathan trucks. to liberalism are often more compassionate than practical. levade levity n n liberalize F > G L librarian a show-ring movement in which a excessive or unseemly frivolity : n horse raises the forequarters, brings lack of fitting seriousness. the hindquarters under him, and The minister’s levity during the L balances with haunches deeply bent eulogy was inappropriate. one whose vocation is working and forelegs drawn up. with collections of books, When a horse’s body is at a less- manuscripts, or other literary than-45-degree angle with the materials kept for study or reading. ground, the movement is called a Juan asked the librarian for the key “levade.” to the rare-book cabinet.

Page 182 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently library licit lieutenant n adj n L L L > F > E a room or section of a building or a not forbidden by law : lawful. a military officer in the army, navy, building itself given over to books, Even licit drugs can be dangerous air force, or marine corps. manuscripts, or other literary and if not used as directed by a At the end of the novel, the young sometimes artistic materials usually physician. naval hero was finally promoted to kept in some convenient order for lieutenant. use but not for sale. lidocaine Stella owns many books and plans ligament to convert a spare bedroom to a liege n library. adj L libretto L > F > E something that ties or unites one n having the right to feudal thing or part to another. allegiance and service. International law is considered by L The serf bowed low before his liege some to be the ligament of the text of a work (as an opera) for lord. mankind. the musical theater. Michelle bought a dual-language lien ligature edition of the libretto of Tosca for a n quarter at a garage sale. lienholder n L > F > E licensable something that is used to bind; L > F + E specifically : a thread, wire, or licentiate one having a valid mortgage. other material used in surgery. n When she returned from vacation, Dr. Adams removed the ligature Iris was mortified to find a stack of that had held the vein closed during L letters from her lienholder. the operation. an academic degree ranking below that of a doctor given by some lieu lightning European institutions of higher n adj education. After two years’ study, Reverend L > F E Pease received a licentiate in [has homonym: loo] place, stead. [has near homonym: lightening] canon law. Miss Woodhouse had many moving with or having the speed acquaintances, but not one among and suddenness of lightning. lichen them could be accepted in lieu of The lightning rapidity of Mr. n her best friend Miss Taylor for even Julia’s jargon and wit is a tool of half a day. his trade as an auctioneer. Gk > L [has homonym: liken] any of lieutenancy ligneous numerous complex plants that are n adj made up of an alga and a fungus growing in symbiotic association L > F > E L on various solid surfaces (as rocks the term of a commissioned officer of or resembling wood. or the bark of trees). in the army, air force, or marine Mr. Hart described the plant as a Sean used a mixture of green paint corps ranking below a captain. perennial herb with a ligneous and sawdust to simulate lichen on During his lieutenancy, Lionel crown. his model train layout. served in Guam. lichenified lichenophagous

Page 183 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ligniperdous limerick limpid adj n adj L + L Irish geog name L destructive to wood. a light verse form of five anapestic completely free from cloudiness or The house had to be inspected for lines. other obstacles to the passage of any ligniperdous insects before it Noel composed a funny limerick light. could be sold. about his teacher. Mary got an eerie feeling when she looked into the limpid blue eyes of lilac limitrophe the Siberian Husky. adj liliaceous linctus adj L + Gk situated on a border or frontier : lineament L adjacent, neighboring. of, relating to, or resembling any of The geography teacher asked the linear numerous erect perennial leafy- class to name all the countries that adj stemmed bulbous herbs. are limitrophe to Russia. Deb’s curtain material has a L colorful liliaceous pattern. limn involving a single dimension : not v square or cubic. lilliputian The micrometer caliper is an adj L > F > E instrument for making precise [has homonym: limb] outline in linear measurements of dimensions imaginary geog name + Ecf clear sharp detail : delineate. such as diameters, thicknesses, and extremely small. The object of the video game is to lengths. The lilliputian furniture and fire when the periscope sights limn fixtures in the dollhouse astounded the tanker. linen and delighted the museum visitors. limnology lingerie limb n n linguist L + Gk n E the scientific study of physical, [Note: The definition provided is chemical, meteorological, and L not the one most commonly biological conditions in fresh a student of or expert in languages. associated with this word. In waters especially of ponds and The famous linguist described how addition, word has homonym: lakes. many tribal languages are limn.] the outer edge of the An expert in limnology testified that becoming extinct. apparent disk of a celestial body or pollution is reducing the fish a portion of the edge. population in Crystal Lake. linguistically Teresa spied a crater directly on the Moon’s limb. limousine liniment n n limbiferous adj F geog name L > E a small bus (as for transporting a liquid or semiliquid alcoholic, L + L passengers to and from an airport). oily, or saponaceous preparation having a border or margin. Mrs. Waldrupe was disappointed for application to the skin with Mr. Lovejoy told his pupils that that her airport limousine was a friction. they would be expected to use ramshackle van. Winona delicately rubbed liniment limbiferous paper for all their over her sore shoulder. assignments. limby

Page 184 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently linoleum literate litigator n adj n L L L a floor covering made by laying on able to read and write. one that prosecutes or defends by a cloth backing a mixture of The government’s goal for all adult pleadings, evidence, and debate in solidified linseed oil and various citizens to be literate in 20 years a court. solid particles and usually needs a strategic plan. The cough drop manufacturer hired pigments. a famous litigator to appear in its The pattern in Sheena’s kitchen literati new commercial. linoleum resembles inlaid pebbles. n pl litigiousness liquefaction L&It n n the educated class : intelligentsia. The New York literati gathered at L L the book-signing party. the quality or state of being prone the process of making or becoming to engage in lawsuits. liquid : conversion of a solid into a literature An increase in lawsuits can be liquid by heat or of a gas into a attributed in part to the growing liquid by cold or pressure. lithesome litigiousness of American society. Much earthquake damage results adj from the liquefaction of soil on litmus which buildings stand. E + E n characterized by agile grace. liquefiable Denise’s lithesome performance in Scand adj her audition won her a place in the a coloring matter that turns red in Royal Ballet. acid solutions and blue in alkaline L solutions and is obtained from capable of being reduced to a liquid lithification several lichens. state. n Chris will use litmus to test for Many familiar solid materials are acidity in the chemical solution. easily liquefiable by heating. Gk + L the conversion of unconsolidated litotes liquescent sediments into solid rock. n adj Ben’s science project explained how limestone is formed by Gk L lithification. understatement in which an being, becoming, or tending to affirmative is expressed by a become liquid : melting. lithochromy negative of the contrary (as in When a giant asteroid hits the n “He’s not a bad ball player”). ground, it is transformed into a Rupert loved to use the litotes “not liquescent mass that becomes a Gk bad” to convey high praise. fireball. the art of painting on stone. Arthur’s work in lithochromy litterateur liqueur earned him a commission to paint a scene on the museum’s slate wall. litterbug liquidate lithograph littoral lisle adj lithoid lisse adj L [has homonym: literal] of, relating litany Gk to, or being near a shore, especially resembling a stone. of the sea. The lava eventually solidified into Eduardo finally realized his dream lithoid masses. when he established a littoral nature preserve. litigation

Page 185 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently liturgical lobotomy lodging adj n n Gk > L Gk E of, relating to, or having the incision into the brain to sever a place to live : dwelling. characteristics of ceremonial or nerve fibers for the relief of certain After a fire destroyed their home, ritualistic worship. mental disorders and tension. the family depended on relatives The priest donned his liturgical Lobotomy is no longer the for temporary lodging. vestments before the mass. preferred treatment in cases of extreme psychosis. logarithm liturgy n n lobscouse n Gk Gk the exponent that indicates the a rite or series of rites, observances, unknown power to which a number must be or procedures prescribed for public a sailor’s dish prepared by stewing raised to produce a given number. worship in the Christian church in or baking bits of meat with When the math teacher said that 4 accordance with authorized or vegetables, hardtack, and other is the logarithm of 16 to the base 2, standard form. ingredients. only half the class understood what Since the Second Vatican Council, After Fritz returned from his she was saying. the use of the vernacular language, fishing trip, he ordered a hearty rather than Latin, has become portion of lobscouse for dinner. logarithmic widespread in Catholic liturgy. locale loggia livelihood n n liveried L > F F > It a place or locality especially when [has near homonym: logia] a livid viewed in relation to a particular roofed open gallery or arcade in the adj event or characteristic. side of a building especially when Evan’s doctor told him he needed facing upon an open court. L > F to live in a drier locale, so he An airy second-floor loggia ran discolored by or as if by bruising : moved to Tucson. around three sides of the tiny black-and-blue. courtyard. The bicycle accident left a large location livid patch on Violet’s arm. logician lochetic llama adj logion n n Gk Quechua > Sp lying in wait for prey—used Gk [has homonym: lama] any of a especially of insects. a usually short pointed saying or genus of wild or domesticated cud- Josh claimed that the ants in the observation especially of a chewing mammals of South nest next to his porch must be religious teacher. America related to the camels but lochetic, because they always The guru’s devotees treasured smaller and without a hump. seemed to know when he was every logion that he uttered. The llama thrives in the Alpine barefoot. grasslands of Bolivia, Peru, Chile, logistics and Argentina. locomotion n pl loam locust Gk n military science in its planning and loathsome handling and implementation of L > E personnel, equipment, and a grasshopper that frequently facilities. travels in swarms. Juan has been interested in Cooper placed the captured locust logistics since he first played with in a mason jar. toy soldiers.

Page 186 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently logogriph \longiloquence lovat n longitudinal loveliness Gk n [has near homonym: logograph] a loquacious word puzzle. adj E Katrina spent the afternoon the state of being beautiful. constructing a logogriph for her L Colette was awestruck by the little brother. given to excessive talking : loveliness of the stained-glass garrulous. windows. logomachy Bryn’s loquacious sister was quite n a hit at the rehearsal party. loxocosm n Gk loquacity a dispute over or about words. Gk Behind the legislature’s logomachy lorgnette a device to show how the about what makes a Great Lake n inclination of Earth’s axis causes “great” lay political and economic the day’s length to vary from motives. F season to season. a pair of eyeglasses or opera John constructed a loxocosm for logorrhea glasses with a handle. the science fair. n Lorgnette in one hand and hankie in the other, Mrs. Vandergriff lozenge Gk looked just like the opera-goers n pathologically excessive and often portrayed in cartoons. incoherent talkativeness. F The patient’s logorrhea was loricate a small diamond-shaped medicated indicative of deep emotional n candy. problems. Mother gave Rick a cherry-flavored L lozenge for his sore throat. loiter an animal having a hard protective case or shell. luau lonely The armadillo is a well-known n adj loricate, as is the alligator. Hawaiian E + Ecf lorikeet a feast with Hawaiian food and being without company. n usually Hawaiian entertainment. Allie took a picture of a lonely Sabrina wore a grass skirt to the fisherman on the pier. Malay + Sp&F luau. any of numerous small arboreal longanimity parrots that are found in Australasia lucernal n and that feed largely upon the adj nectar of flowers. L Ginger has a pet lorikeet that rides L + Ecf a disposition to bear injuries on her shoulder. of or relating to a lamp. patiently : forbearance. A slide projector is a lucernal Murphy’s Law strikes often in lounge device for displaying images on a George’s project, but his screen. longanimity will help him weather loupe all setbacks. n lucid adj longevity Gmc > F n [has homonyms: loop and loup] L small magnifying glass used by penetrated with light : translucent. L jewelers and watchmakers. The otters romped and played in a long duration of individual life. At his jewelry store Arlo always the lucid stream. Mr. Wade’s longevity was wears a loupe on a chain around remarkable, considering he had his neck. lucidity been sickly as a child.

Page 187 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently lucrative lumen luncheonette n n luculent adj L E + Fcf a unit of luminous flux equal to the a place where light lunches are L light emitted in a unit solid angle sold. transparently clear in thought or by a uniform point source of one After playing racquetball, Jaime expression. candle. stopped at the luncheonette for a The audience was pleasantly The lumen is used in calculations sandwich. amazed at the luculent commentary regarding artificial lighting. on the state of the economy. lunge luminaire v ludicrous n adj F L > F make a forceful forward L a complete lighting unit including movement. meriting derisive laughter or scorn : lamp, shade, reflector, fixture, and Every few seconds the swordsman absurd. other accessories. would lunge at his opponent. The jury was instructed to A luminaire was built into each disregard the ludicrous remarks cubicle in the office. lunule made by the defendant. luminary luscious luftmensch n adj n L E G > Yiddish one that is an inspiration to others : having a delicious taste or smell. an impractical contemplative one who has achieved success in The waiter pointed to cakes and person having no definite trade, his or her chosen field. pastries, each more luscious than business, or income : dreamer. Although a luminary in the field, the last, as he told us about them. Every large family seems to have at Peter was reluctant to weigh in least one luftmensch among its with his opinion about the ethics of lustrous members. cloning. adj lugubrious luminosity L > It > F + Ecf adj n having a gloss or shine : gleaming. When dining out, Marcia always L > E L wears some lustrous jewelry. expressive of, marked by, or giving the quantity of radiation emitted by rise to grief or sorrow. a star or other celestial source lute The funeral director spoke in usually expressed in terms of the n lugubrious tones as she explained Sun’s intensity. the arrangements. The comet’s luminosity was so Ar > OProv > F > E great that it could be seen during [has homonym: loot] a stringed lullaby the day. musical instrument of Oriental n origin that has a large pear-shaped luminous body. E adj The court minstrel strummed his a soothing refrain; especially : a lute thoughtfully, deciding which song used to quiet children or lull L song to play next. them to sleep. emitting or seeming to emit a The baby was asleep before Mary steady suffused light that is luthier finished singing the lullaby. reflected or produced from within. n During the movie Stan periodically checked the time on the luminous Ar > OProv > F dial of his watch. a maker of stringed instruments. The luthier gave Dolores a choice luncheon of inlay patterns for her new guitar.

Page 188 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently lux lynx macaroni n n n L Gk It [has homonyms: lucks, luxe] a unit [has homonym: links] any of an alimentary pasta composed of illumination equal to the direct several wildcats with relatively chiefly of semolina dried in the illumination on a surface that is long legs, a short stubby tail, form of slender tubes or small everywhere 1 meter from a uniform mottled coat, and often tufted ears. fancy shapes. point source of one candle. The lynx lives in cold northern Lucy’s favorite pasta dish is Paul’s new video camera is latitudes, where its favorite prey is macaroni and cheese. designed to operate in a light the snowshoe hare. intensity of only 1 lux. macaroon lyonnaise n luxate adj It > F luxuriant F geog name a small cake composed chiefly of prepared or seasoned with onions the white of eggs, sugar, and luxurious and sometimes parsley. ground almonds or almond paste or adj Ricardo ordered lyonnaise potatoes coconut. as an elegant alternative to french Cheryl placed a fresh macaroon on L fries. each saucer before serving the characterized by wealth or rich coffee. abundance. lyre The price of the car with the macaw luxurious interior astounded even lyrically wealthy customers. maceral macadam n luxury n L? lycanthrope British name a fragment of plant debris in coal. n broken stone used in roadway Penny examined the maceral under paving. a microscope. Gk Depending on the climate, some a person transformed temporarily roads are best made of macadam macerate or permanently into a wolf or and others, of asphalt. capable of assuming a wolf’s form. Machiavellian The zoologist contends that the macaque adj myth of the lycanthrope is one of n the reasons wolves are so It name maligned. Pg > F of or relating to Machiavelli or his any of numerous short-tailed Old political theory that any means lyceum World monkeys chiefly of southern however lawless or unscrupulous Asia and the East Indies. can justifiably be used in achieving lycopene The islanders trained a macaque to political power. perform several routines for public The Machiavellian politician was lymphatic entertainment. accused of wheeling and dealing, adj backstabbing, and creating fall macarize guys and cover-ups. Gk > L v conveying a pale fluid that bathes the tissues of an organism. Gk The lymphatic system is vital in pronounce happy or blessed : removing harmful bacteria from felicitate, laud. tissues. After the wedding ceremony various friends will give speeches to macarize the happy couple.

Page 189 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently machicolation madarosis maestro n n n F > L + L Gk > L L > It an opening on a parapet of a loss of the eyelashes or of the hair a master or teacher of an art (as battlement for the purpose of of the eyebrows. music). dropping missiles upon assailants Dorothy suffered from madarosis The award-winning singer gave attacking from below. during chemotherapy, but her tribute to her maestro at the Whenever a castle gets stormed in eyelashes eventually grew back conservatory. the movies, the defenders are even thicker than before. shown pouring boiling oil through maffick a machicolation onto the enemy madeleine attacking the gates. n magazine machination F name magenta a small rich cake baked in a tin n machinator shaped like a shell. Knut skipped the main course and It geog name mackerel went right to the madeleine. a deep purplish red; specifically : one of the subtractive primary mackinaw mademoiselle colors. n n The visual afterimage of magenta is green. Amer geog name F a short usually double-breasted and an unmarried French woman. maggoty belted coat or jacket of heavy Robert is smitten by a young fabric. mademoiselle he met during his magisterial “No guts, no glory!” exclaimed the trip to Paris. adj skier in a plaid mackinaw as he pushed off down the slope. madrigal L n of, relating to, or having the macle characteristics of a master or L > It > E teacher : authoritative. macrame a polyphonic part-song originating Jubril’s magisterial air served him n in the 14th century. well with everyone but his At the coronation feast the daughter. Ar > Turk > It or F haunting madrigal brought tears to a coarse lace or decorative fringe the eyes of the new king. magistracy made by knotting threads or cords n in a geometrical pattern. madrilene Penny prefers to use soft yarn in L her macrame. maelstrom the office of a public official n entrusted with administration of the macrocosm laws : magisterial power and D dignity. Madagascar a powerful water current that The dissenters were persecuted by adj usually moves in a circular the state for refusing to accept the direction with extreme rapidity. authority of the magistracy. African geog name A memorable scene from the movie of or from Madagascar, an island in Fantasia features the sorcerer’s the Indian Ocean. apprentice caught in a maelstrom. Lemurs, cute large-eyed furry monkey-like animals, are the best known Madagascar fauna.

Page 190 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently magnanimity mahout majordomo n n n L Skt > Hindi L > It > Sp a nobility of feeling that is superior a keeper and driver of an elephant. [has near homonym: mayordomo] to meanness, pettiness, or jealousy The mahout trained his elephant to a head steward or palace official. and that disdains revenge or move logs. Jeeves has been majordomo of retaliation. Huntington Castle for the last 30 The philosopher praised the mai years. victor’s magnanimity in allowing n the captives to return home. majority Jpn n magnanimous [has homonym: my] a slow adj Japanese folk or theater dance L featuring hand gestures. a number greater than half of a L Midori is an expert in all forms of total. showing or suggesting nobility of Japanese dance, but her favorite is A runoff is necessary because none feeling and generosity of mind. the mai. of the candidates captured a Simone’s magnanimous attitude majority of the votes in the toward the homeless wasn’t shared maillot primary. by her sister. n majuscule magnetic F adj adj [has near homonym: mayo] a woman’s one-piece usually L > F Gk geog name strapless bathing suit. written in large letters (as capitals). possessing the ability or power to Becky thought that the maillot was Dr. Jenkins could see immediately attract. out of fashion until she saw several that the majuscule scripts of the Even as a child, Julie’s magnetic in the catalog. two letters were identical and personality charmed everyone who deduced that the same scribe had spoke to her. maimed written both. adj magnetizable malachite Gmc > F > E n magnificat crippled, mutilated. The maimed dog was taken to the Gk > L > E magnificent animal hospital for treatment. a mineral consisting of a green carbonate of copper that is an ore mahatma maintenance of copper and is used to make n n ornamental objects. Pierre bought a piece of malachite Skt F at the museum of natural history. a person held worthy of reverence the labor of keeping something (as for high-mindedness, wisdom, and buildings or equipment) in a state maladive selflessness. of repair or efficiency : upkeep. Raoul trekked for three days to seek Excellent maintenance preserved maladroit the advice of the mahatma. the original gingerbread trim on the Victorian house. malady mahogany n n maize n L > F > E unknown a disease, distemper, disorder, or the durable yellowish brown to Taino > Sp indisposition of the body reddish brown wood of a West [has homonym: maze] Indian corn. proceeding from impaired or Indian tree that is widely used for Gina enjoys hearing the story of defective functions. cabinetwork and fine finish work. how the native Americans taught In the 14th century, the malady Kate’s bedroom furniture is made the Pilgrims to grow maize. known as The Black Death swept of solid mahogany. across Europe, leaving about 25 million people dead.

Page 191 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently malaguena malefactor malleable n n adj Sp geog name L L > F > E a Spanish couple dance similar to a one who commits an offense capable of being extended or fandango. against the law. shaped by beating with a hammer Juan and Carmela danced the The state’s correctional program or by the pressure of rollers. malaguena with extroardinary was designed to rehabilitate as well Because tin is malleable at grace and emotional excitement. as punish the malefactor. ordinary temperatures, it has been used to make many household malapropism maleficent implements. n malice malleolus F > E theater name n n a blundering use of a word that sounds somewhat like the one L > F > E L intended but is ludicrously wrong revengeful or unfriendly feelings : [has somewhat near homonym: in the context. ill will, enmity. malleus] the rounded lateral No matter how careful he tries to In spite of all he has had to put up projection on each bone of the leg be, Sherman usually utters at least with from his classmates, Joel at the ankle. one malapropism in every bears them no malice. When Marcie realized that her campaign speech. brother was about to reveal her malign secret, she kicked him on the malaria malleolus. n malignant adj mallet L > It + Gk > L > It n a disease caused by sporozoan L parasites in the red blood cells, evil in nature or influence or effect. F > E transmitted by the bite of The dark clammy coldness a tool with a large head for striking anopheline mosquitoes, and surrounded her like a malignant a surface without marring it. characterized by periodic attacks of beast of prey. Ray used a rubber mallet to put the chills and fevers. wheel cover back in place after he During the construction of the malingerer changed the flat tire. Panama Canal many workers n succumbed to malaria. malloseismic Gmc? > F adj malaxage one who pretends to be ill or n otherwise physically or mentally Gk incapacitated so as to avoid duty or of, relating to, or being a region Gk > L > F work. subject to frequent destructive the act or process of softening a Jamie Farr’s character on the earthquakes. material (as clay) by moistening television series M*A*S*H was an Chris refuses to move to any of the and working it. entertaining malingerer. malloseismic areas of California. After the malaxage the clay was ready for molding on the potter’s mallard malocclusion wheel. n n malediction F > E L n a common wild duck of the an abnormality in the fitting northern hemisphere. together of upper and lower teeth or L When Timmy fed the ducks at the dentures. curse, execration. marina, he gave his last piece of Hector wore braces on his teeth to The villain’s last words were a bread to the mallard. correct a malocclusion. malediction on the entire royal family.

Page 192 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently malodorous mandible mangonel adj n n L + L L Gk > L > F > E having a bad odor : rank, fetid, any of various invertebrate a military engine formerly used for stinking. mouthparts serving to hold or bite throwing missiles. Evelina smelled the malodorous into food materials. With a sharp twang the mangonel skunk from 500 yards away. Most insects use the mandible for hurled a boulder at the castle gate. crushing their food. mammoth manicotti adj mandolinist n pl Yakut? > Russ manducatory L > It gigantic. adj tubular pasta shells stuffed with Clarence specialized in growing ricotta. mammoth vegetables and held L The caterer filled the chafing dish several records for his specimens. relating to, employed in, or adapted with manicotti. for chewing. manacle Mr. Rollins brought a live lobster manifesto to our biology class so that we n managerial could observe its manducatory adj processes. L > It a public declaration of intentions, L > It + Ecf manganese motives, or views. of, relating to, or characteristic of a n The Unabomber’s rambling person who conducts, directs, or manifesto appeared in a number of supervises something. Gk > L > It newspapers nationwide. The classified ads included a notice a grayish white metallic element for a managerial position at the that is ordinarily hard and brittle, manipulator steel wool factory. resembles iron but is not magnetic, and is used chiefly in making steel. manna mandate Manganese nodules, which cover n n vast stretches of ocean floor, are composed mostly of manganese but Heb > Gk > L > E L also contain iron, nickel, copper, [has near homonym: mana] a formal order from a superior and cobalt. something of value that falls one’s court or official to an inferior one. way : windfall. The clerk delivered the written mange Children swarmed the parade route mandate to the lower court judge collecting the manna of treats by hand. mangle tossed from the float. v mandatory manoptoscope adj F > AF > E [has homonym: mangel] cut, mansard L bruise, or hack with repeated blows containing, constituting, or relating or strokes. mansuetude to an authoritative command, order, As an act of vengeance, Scott n or injunction. vowed that he would mangle Sara’s Several states are instituting a prize-winning painting. L mandatory work program for the quality or state of being gentle : employable welfare recipients. meekness. Gary remembered his mother as having the sensitivity and mansuetude of a saint.

Page 193 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently manumit marcescent marine v adj adj L L L set free; especially : release from of a plant part : withering without of or relating to the sea. slavery. falling off. Marine iguanas live on the shores The tobacco farmer had agreed to Autumn’s first cold snap left many of the Galapagos Islands and eat manumit his one slave just before marcescent leaves in its wake. seaweed. the Civil War began. marchioness marionette manuscript n n maraca L F n a woman who holds in her own a puppet moved by strings or by right the rank of marquess. hand (as in a puppet show). Tupi > Pg Once a month the workers on the A marionette of Jay Leno was the a dried gourd or rattle containing estate brought their disputes before hit of the show. dried seeds or pebbles that has a the marchioness to be resolved. handle and is used as a percussion maritime instrument often in pairs. mare adj The band’s percussionist n accentuated the rhythm with a E name maraca. L of or relating to navigation or [has near homonym: moray] one of commerce on the sea. maraschino several dark areas of considerable After Bob graduates, he plans to n extent on the surface of either the join the Navy to study maritime Moon or Mars. law. It The Sea of Tranquility is perhaps a sweet liqueur that is used as a the best-known mare on the Moon. marjoram cocktail ingredient and in n preserving cherries. margaritaceous Even though she’s a grown woman, adj L > F > E Evelyn sometimes likes to make any of various usually fragrant and herself a Shirley Temple with clear Gk > L > F > E aromatic mints that include several soda and maraschino. having a satiny iridescence like that forms used as seasoning in of pearl or mother-of-pearl : pearly. cookery. maraud The tabletops at the diner have a Vance likes to add marjoram and margaritaceous finish. cream cheese to his scrambled marauding eggs. v mariachi n marmalade F n roaming about and making F > Sp irregular sudden small-scale a group of Mexican folk musicians Gk > L > Pg attacks, raids, or incursions for the usually consisting of singers, a soft clear translucent jelly holding sake of obtaining loot. guitarists, and a violinist. in suspension pieces or slices of Outlaws were marauding in areas On weekends the mariachi fruit and fruit rind. where the law was not well entertained diners at the Mexican Mom’s homemade marmalade on established. restaurant. toast is always a great treat for breakfast. marble maricolous

Page 194 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently marmoset martial marzipan n adj n F > E L Ar > It > G any of numerous small soft-furred [has homonyms: marshal, a confection made of crushed South and Central American marshall] belonging or relating to almonds or almond paste, sugar, monkeys with claws instead of an army or to military life. and egg whites that is often shaped nails on all the digits except the Patrick Henry believed that the into various forms (as fruit or great toe. only purpose of England’s martial animals). The chisel-like incisors of the array in the colonies and their Marlene filled the candy dish with marmoset are used for gouging seaports could be to force the marzipan. trees to obtain gums and saps. colonists into submission. mascara marotte martinet n n masonry F name + Fcf F name masquerade a pet idea or notion. one who lays stress on a rigid n Katrina’s marotte is that she is adherence to the details of forms really too good for life as a and methods. It > F bookkeeper and should be a A true-born martinet never thinks a social gathering of persons company vice-president. he is at all severe. wearing covers on their faces and often fantastic costumes especially marplot martinetish to impersonate characters from adj history or legend. marriageable Todd and Sheila wore Conehead F name + Ecf costumes to the masquerade. marshmallow like or characteristic of a person n who lays stress on a rigid massacre adherence to the details of forms n E and methods. a confection made from corn syrup, Though all the students disliked F sugar, albumen, and gelatin, beaten Mr. Wall’s martinetish attitude, the act or instance of killing a to a light creamy consistency, and most of them thought he was an considerable number of human usually rolled in powdered sugar excellent teacher. beings or animals. when partly dry. The massacre of buffalo is a Burt toasted a marshmallow and martyr regrettable part of the history of the put it between layers of graham n West. crackers and chocolate squares. Gk massage marsupial one who voluntarily suffers death n as the penalty of witnessing to and masseter refusing to renounce his or her n Avestan? > Gk > L religion or a tenet, principle, or any of an order of mammals having practice belonging to it. Gk > L a pouch for carrying the young and St. Stephen, who was stoned to a large muscle that raises the lower including kangaroos, wombats, death, is believed to have been the jaw and assists in chewing. bandicoots, and opossums. first Christian martyr. Tracy argued that she was trying to The common stereotype of a strengthen her masseter, but Mr. marsupial is a female kangaroo martyrology Gold made her throw out her with a large young one in her n chewing gum anyway. pouch. Gk an official catalog of martyrs and saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Keith bought an old martyrology at the rummage sale.

Page 195 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently masseuse matelote mattock n n n Ar > F + Fcf F L > E a woman who practices massage a sauce made of wine, onions, a tool that combines features of an and physiotherapy. seasonings, and fish stock. ax, adze, and pick and is used for Delia spent an hour with the club’s Even though it is served with fish, a digging and chopping. masseuse working out the kinks in matelote often contains red wine. It took Mark three hours of hard her back. work with a mattock and shovel to mathematician dig up the tree stump. massif n mathematics mattress n pl F maturescent a block of Earth’s crust bounded by Gk faults or flexures and displaced as a a science that deals with the matutinal unit without internal change. relationship and symbolism of In the late 13th century a roadway numbers and magnitudes and that matutine was opened over the St. Gotthard includes quantitative operations adj massif in Switzerland. and the solution of quantitative problems. L mastiff Jill’s favorite subject in school is of a star : rising in or just before the n mathematics. dawn. For centuries those who live L > F > E matinee outdoors have used matutine stars a very large powerful deep-chested n as a kind of alarm clock. smooth-coated dog of a very old breed used chiefly as a watchdog L > F maudlin and guard dog. a performance of a production (as a adj A big brown mastiff stood play, opera, film) or the motionless behind the gate. presentation of a concert or Biblical Gk name > L > F > E sometimes the holding of some tearfully or weakly emotional : mastodon other event in the afternoon or effusively sentimental. n occasionally in the morning or at Brian allowed himself to become midnight. maudlin only on St. Patrick’s Day. L The English class attended a someone or something of gigantic matinee of Our Town at the local maudlinism size or unusually large size : giant. playhouse. Mrs. Campbell’s automobile mausoleum collection ranges from a tiny two- matriarch seater to an antique mastodon. mauve matriarchal n mastoiditis n matriculant L > F a strong purple with a bluish cast. Gk > L matriculation Karen has tired of her bedroom of inflammation of the process of the mauve and blue. temporal bone behind the ear. matrimony Amy’s doctor treated her n maverick mastoiditis immediately so that it n wouldn’t cause any permanent L + L hearing damage. the union of man and woman as Amer name husband and wife : marriage. a member of any group who refuses matelot The Las Vegas chapel specialized to conform and who takes an in instant matrimony. unorthodox stand. The rest of the teachers considered matrix Ms. Thorne to be a maverick because she invited her students to call her by her first name.

Page 196 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently mawkish mealymouthed mediate adj v mawkishly adv E + E L tending to cloak thoughts, ideas, or interpose between parties in order ON > E intents by the use of obscure or to reconcile them or to interpret in a cloying or sickly sentimental devious language. them to each other. manner. All of Judy’s friends saw through The envoy attempted to mediate During a mawkishly romantic her mealymouthed explanation. between the warring factions. scene in the movie, Ted got up to get some popcorn. meandrous medicinal adj maxim medicine n Gk geog name n winding, flexuous, rambling. L Over thousands of years the river L a saying of proverbial nature. had cut a meandrous channel the science and art dealing with the “The early bird gets the worm” is through the plain. maintenance of health and the Toni’s favorite maxim. prevention, alleviation, or cure of measles disease. mayhem n pl Campbell knows that she would n like to one day pursue a career in E the field of medicine. AF > E a contagious disease characterized willful and permanent crippling, by red spots. medicolegal mutilation, or disfigurement of any Most doctors recommend that part of another’s body. children be vaccinated against mediocre The victim was so badly disfigured measles, mumps, and rubella. adj that the assailant was charged with felony mayhem. measurable L of but a moderate or low degree of mayonnaise mecometer quality. n Jill’s grades were mediocre until medallion she started wearing glasses. geog name? > F n a semisolid dressing made by Mediterranean emulsifying a mixture of raw eggs L > It > F adj or egg yolks, vegetable oil, and a large medal (as for a memorial vinegar or lemon juice usually purpose). L together with salt and condiments. Charise bought a World War II of, relating to, characteristic of, or Helga wouldn’t eat a roast beef medallion on eBay. situated near the Mediterranean sandwich without mayonnaise. Sea. medallionist The Mediterranean island of Malta mayoralty has been the location for the n meddlesome filming of several movies. adj L > F > E medulla the term of office as the chief L > F > E n executive or nominal head of a city officiously intrusive. or borough. Her landlady’s meddlesome L His opponent’s television manner annoyed Hatty so much a posterior portion of the brain. commercial made the point that that she moved out. The medulla governs various Henry Vermillion had involuntary vital functions such as accomplished little during his respiration. mayoralty. meemies meadow meerschaum

Page 197 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently megacephalic melba mellow n adj megalomaniac n Australian name E fruit served with ice cream, [has homonym: melo] relaxed and Gk raspberry sauce, and whipped at ease : pleasantly convivial. one affected with or exhibiting an cream. The after-dinner crowd enjoyed excessive enthusiasm for doing The peach melba was served in a listening to the mellow, laid-back great or grandiose things. crystal goblet. singer. The candidate decried his opponent as a publicity-seeking melee melodrama megalomaniac. n n megalopolis F Gk > L > F n [has homonyms: Malay, mele] a a play characterized by extravagant fight or contest between individuals theatricality, subordination of Gk mingled in a confused mass : a characterization to plot, and a very large city. confused struggle. predominance of physical action. Without community growth The soccer match turned into a George was put off by the opera’s guidelines, a moderately sized city melee after angry fans stormed the melodrama but was enthralled by could become a megalopolis like field. the beauty of the music. Los Angeles in just a few decades. melitensis melophonic megaphone adj memoir megaseism L geog name n n of, derived from, or caused by a particular bacterium of the genus L > F Gk + Gk Brucella. a history or narrative composed a violent earthquake. Clyde’s melitensis fever was from or stressing personal A nuclear bomb can have effects reduced by antibiotics. experience and acquaintance with far worse than those of a the events, scenes, or persons megaseism. mellifluous described. adj The memoir of Burton Smith was megohmmeter published last year. n L sweetly flowing : smooth, honeyed. memorabilia Gk + G name + Gk The soprano’s mellifluous voice n pl an instrument for the measurement lulled Frank to sleep. of large electrical resistances. L Professor Allen designed a mellisonant things remarkable and worthy of laboratory session to acquaint adj remembrance or record. students with the use of the The memorabilia in the hall of fame megohmmeter. L + L traced the history of basketball pleasing to the ear. from its beginning in 1891. melancholia Tonia’s mellisonant voice never failed to put her little sister to memoriter melancholy sleep. adv adj mellophone L Gk > L > F > E by or from memory : by heart. depressed in spirits : mournful. Much to her surprise, Sue was able The melancholy chirp of a cricket to recite the soliloquy that 20 years was the only sign of life near him. ago she had learned memoriter.

memory

menace

Page 198 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently menagerie meningitis mentor n n n F Gk > L Gk name a collection of wild or foreign a disease in which microorganisms teacher, tutor, coach. animals in cages or enclosures. cause inflammation of the After Helen won the spelling The eccentric billionaire’s membranes that envelop the brain competition, she said that her menagerie includes two pandas and and spinal cord. mother was her mentor. a white rhino. Trudy had meningitis when she was seven. mephitis mendacious n meniscus mendicancy n OScan > L n a noxious, pestilential, or foul Gk > L exhalation from the earth. L the curved upper surface of a liquid Ivy suspected she was approaching the practice or act of begging. column. the geyser when she smelled a Panhandlers became so aggressive Because mercury sticks to itself strong mephitis. in the city that its voters demanded better than to other substances, its legal enactments against meniscus is convex, or rounded mercantilism mendicancy. upward. n mendicant menorah L > It > F + Ecf n n devotion to commercial enterprise. The turn of the century saw a boom L Heb in mercantilism. one who begs; especially : one who a candelabrum with nine lives by begging. candlesticks used in the celebration mercenarily The mendicant on the street corner of Hanukkah. adv once had a high-paying job. Stuart put the candles in the menorah just before the ceremony. L + Ecff menehune in a manner showing conspicuous n mentality lust for money. n Being mercenarily inclined, Joel Hawaiian refused to work for just the a small mythical Polynesian being L minimum wage. living in the mountains and intellectual power or capacity : working at night as a stone builder. learning ability. mercenary The Hawaiian folklorist told the The mentality of dolphins is greater adj tale of a stone temple built than that of sharks. overnight by a menehune. L menthol showing conspicuous lust for menial n money : based on or marked by adj greed. L > G No one in the family knows where L > E an alcohol that occurs naturally in Antonio gets his mercenary of, relating to, or being work not peppermint oil and Japanese mint tendencies. requiring special skill or not calling oil and can be made synthetically. into play the higher intellectual Menthol is used in medicines to mercurial powers and often regarded as relieve pain, itching, and nasal adj lacking dignity, status, or interest. congestion. Viewed by some office workers as a L menial task, making coffee can be characterized by rapid and quite an art. unpredictable changeableness or by quick-wittedness : sprightly, temperamental, volatile. Christopher’s mercurial twists of temperament were a trial to his mother.

Page 199 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently merely merotomize metallurgist adv v n L > E + Ecf Gk + Ecf Gk no more than : barely, only. divide into parts. a specialist in the study of the Joseph was merely pretending to be In tomorrow’s biology class Jan structure and properties of metals. asleep. will merotomize a frog to study its Theobald hired a metallurgist to anatomy. evaluate the ore deposits on his merganser ranch. n merriment metamorphosis L meshummad n any of various fish-eating diving ducks with a slender bill and mesmerize Gk > L usually a crested head. change of physical form or Many people consider the red- mesoscale substance that takes place during an breasted merganser one of the most adj insect’s life as it matures. beautiful ducks. Complete metamorphosis is Gk > L + ON > E characteristic of beetles, butterflies meridian of or relating to a meteorological and moths, flies, and wasps. n phenomenon approximately 1 to 100 kilometers in horizontal extent. metaphor F > E Unlike a blizzard, which can n a great circle of the celestial sphere blanket a dozen states for days, passing through its poles and the mesoscale weather covers only a Gk zenith of a given place. small area and passes through an implied comparison in contrast The apparent solar day is quickly. to the explicit comparison of the measured by the interval of time simile. between two successive passages of mesoseismal The poet used the image of a the Sun across the observer’s adj drifting boat as a metaphor for the celestial meridian. troubled soul. Gk meringue of or relating to the center of an metaphrast n area of earthquake disturbance. n The town in the mesoseismal area F suffered the most damage from the Gk [has near homonym: marang] a earthquake. translator; specifically : one who mixture of beaten egg whites and turns verse into a different meter or powdered sugar baked at low metachrosis prose into verse. temperature and used as a topping n In translating the epic poem, Elliott (as on pies and puddings). consulted a well-known Thelma scraped the meringue off Gk metaphrast. her pie. the power of some animals (as many fishes and reptiles) to change metastasize mermaid color voluntarily by the expansion v n of special pigment cells. Metachrosis helps octopi blend Gk E with their environments to avoid spread, as a disease-producing a fabled marine creature having the being easy prey. agent, from the original site of upper body of a woman and the disease to another part of the body. lower body of a fish. metagnomy The oncology professor pointed on As they sailed closer to what they the diagram to where the cancer thought was the end of the world, metallurgical cells would metastasize next. the sailors kept expecting to see a mermaid. mermithergate

Page 200 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently meteoroidal meuniere micrograph adj n meuse Gk + Ecf Gk + Gk of or relating to meteors in orbit mezzanine a graphic reproduction of the image around the Sun. n of an object formed by a The many craters on the Moon are microscope. the result of meteoroidal L > It > F The biology teacher showed the bombardment. the lowest balcony in a theater. class a micrograph of a plant cell. Melinda says that she enjoys the methodical view from the mezzanine better micrurgy than the view from the orchestra. n meticulosity n miasma Gk > ISV n the practice of using minute tools in L + Ecf a magnified field. the quality or state of being Gk > L Lorraine’s excellence at micrurgy extremely painstaking in the [Note: Could be confused with helped her greatly with her model consideration or treatment of miasm.] a vaporous exhalation (as making. details. of a marshy region or of rotting The gallery visitor marveled at the matter) formerly believed to midgetism artist’s meticulosity in depicting contain a substance causing n details so realistically. disease. Eloise couldn’t wait to escape from E + Ecf metonymy the miasma that had settled over the state of being an unusually n the entire swamp. small creature or thing. In the art of bonsai, midgetism is Gk Micawber highly valued. a figure of speech that consists in n using the name of one thing for that midinette of something else with which it is E literary name n associated (as in “spent the evening [has near homonym: macabre] an reading Shakespeare”). improvident person who lives in F The metonymy “threads” for expectation of an upturn in his a Parisian shopgirl. clothes has recently come back into fortunes. In the novel, Marie was a midinette popular slang. Jenny was careful not to live like a who worked as a seamstress during Micawber just because she the 1890s. metoposcopy expected to receive a fellowship. n midriff microcosm n Gk n the art of reading character or E telling fortunes from the markings Gk the midregion of the human torso; of the forehead. a miniature universe. especially : its external ventral Gerald has a high, bumpy forehead Kate could spend hours watching aspect. that would provide a truly the microcosm of her ant farm. According to the dress code, any interesting study in metoposcopy. student coming to school with an microfiche exposed midriff will be sent home. metronome n n mien F n Gk a sheet of film containing several an instrument that emits an audible rows of photographic records on a L > F > E repetitive tap regulated to mark reduced scale that are enlarged for [has homonym: mean] the air or rhythm (as for music or marching). reading or viewing. bearing of a person. Martina used a metronome to Norma examined a microfiche of Fame and fortune did not alter hypnotize her cat. old newspaper pages while doing Cindy’s humble mien. research at the library. mettwurst

Page 201 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently mignonette millennium minacious n n adj F L L an annual plant native to North a period of 1,000 years. of a menacing or threatening Africa that has long racemes of In his “Four Freedoms” speech, character. fragrant yellow or greenish white Franklin D. Roosevelt stressed that Though the butler seemed flowers. his vision was not that of a distant minacious, he was not the culprit. Lord Bateman sent seeds of millennium. mignonette to England in 1742 and minaret called it mignonette, although it millinery was not known by that name in minatory France at the time. millionaire adj migraine mimeograph L n v having a menacing quality : expressive of or conveying a threat. Gk > L > F Gk + Gk In a minatory tone, Mrs. Sampson a condition marked by recurrent copy with a duplicator that consists asked the boys what they planned severe headache often with nausea of a frame in which the stencil is to do about her broken window. and vomiting. stretched and an inking roller for Karen’s doctor found out that her pressing ink through the porous minestrone migraine was due to a food allergy. lines of the stencil onto paper. n Kerry was puzzled when her mikado grandmother talked of how she L > It n used to mimeograph her boss’s a rich thick vegetable soup with company memos. dried beans, macaroni, vermicelli, Jpn or similar ingredients sometimes an emperor of Japan. mimic topped with grated cheese. The Mikado is one of Gilbert and v Steve crumbled oyster crackers into Sullivan’s best-loved operettas. his minestrone. Gk > L milacre copy or imitate very closely miniascape especially in external n milchig characteristics (as voice, gesture, or adj manner). L > It > L Christie has learned to mimic a dish garden made with dry or G > Yiddish Grandma so well on the telephone other plant materials that do not made of or derived from milk or that she can fool the whole family. require water. dairy products. A miniascape makes an interesting The dairy association posted on its mimicry host or hostess gift. web site several menus for milchig meals. mimosa miniature n adj mildewed L L > It militancy a tree or shrub that is native to being or represented on a small tropical and warm regions and that scale. militia has usually bipinnate leaves and The miniature productions of n globular heads of small pink or architects’ dream houses were all white flowers. made out of children’s building L Deanna planted a mimosa in the blocks. a reserve unit of the armed forces. front yard. Captain Weston’s military career miniaturize began when he entered his county’s militia. millennialism

Page 202 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently minimization mirador mischief n n n L + Ecff L > Catal > Sp F > E the action or process of reducing to a turret or a bay window or action or conduct that annoys or the smallest possible number, enclosed balcony designed to irritates without causing or degree, or extent. command an extensive outlook— meaning to cause serious harm. The credit counselor told Shanika used chiefly of Spanish Hearing the puppy’s thumping and that the first step should be the architecture. barking, Erica went to investigate minimization of her interest The castle’s mirador offered a the mischief he was creating. payments. commanding view of the sea. mischievous minor mirage n miscible Miranda adj L adj [has homonym: miner] a person L under full age or majority : one American name [Note: Pronouncer should provide who has not attained the age at of, relating to, or being the legal definition of this word.] capable of which full civil rights are accorded. rights of an arrested person to have being mixed in any ratio without Because Randy is a minor, the an attorney and to remain silent so separation of two phases—used airline will not allow him to take as to avoid self-incrimination. especially of fluids. the red-eye flight unaccompanied. At the time of arrest, each person Oil and kerosene are miscible, but must be advised of his Miranda carbon tetrachloride and water are minstrel rights. not. minuend mirrored miscreant n v n L L > F > E + Ecf L > F > E a quantity in mathematics from reflected. one who behaves criminally or which another quantity is to be The moonlight was mirrored in the viciously. subtracted. smooth surface of the pond. Some miscreant dumped a bucket In the equation 7 – 5 = 2, 7 is the of paint in Herb’s convertible. minuend. misanthropic adj misdemeanor minuscular n adj Gk + Ecf marked by a hatred or contempt for E + L > F > E L humankind. a crime less than a felony. very small in size or importance. The moral corruption the The trespasser was arrested and A minuscular speck of dirt on policeman witnessed caused him to charged with a misdemeanor. Alison’s frock was enough to become a misanthropic cynic. infuriate her. miserable miscellanea adj minutia n pl L mirabelle L marked by extreme discomfort or n a collection of assorted objects. unhappiness. Among the miscellanea on Ernie’s The refugees struggled for survival F bookshelf were five textbooks on in the miserable mountainside the fruit of a small hardy European world history and a complete set of encampment. plum tree used especially for the works of Shakespeare. preserves and for making a liqueur. misericordia Joey ate a stewed mirabelle as he miscellaneous helped his grandmother make jam. misfeasance miscellany

Page 203 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently misnomer misshapen misuse n adj v L > F > E E Ecf + L > F > E an incorrect designation or term. having an ugly or deformed shape. employ for a wrong or improper The name “Greenland” is a The misshapen pumpkin made a purpose. misnomer because an icecap covers fierce-looking jack-o’-lantern. Employees who misuse their most of the island. Internet connection at work will be missile fired. misogynistic n adj mitigate L v Gk [has homonym: missal] a weapon relating to or given to a hatred of or other object thrown or projected. L women. Ichabod endeavored to dodge the make less severe, cruel, intense, The soprano complained that only horrible missile, but too late. painful. a critic with misogynistic cruelty The general interceded to mitigate could have written the review. missionary the soldier’s punishment. misogyny mistassini mitigative n adj misoneism n Canadian geog name L a dwarf primrose of northern and tending to make less severe : Gk + Gk alpine America. alleviating. a hatred or intolerance of Ava saw a mistassini growing in a Mariko’s herbal tea had a something new or changed. rock crevice. mitigative effect on Raga’s Because of his mom’s misoneism, headache. Brian still does not have a mistigris computer in his home. n mitochondrion n misopedist F n a joker or blank card that the holder Gk + Gk can play as any card. any of various round or long L + Ecf Darryl won the hand using a cellular organelles that are found one who hates children. mistigris and three queens for four outside the nucleus, produce energy W. C. Fields was a famed of a kind. for the cell through cellular misopedist. respiration, and are rich in fats, mistletoe proteins, and enzymes. misprision n Gabrielle easily found the n mitochondrion in the image E projected by the electron L > F > E any of various American plants of microscope. the active or passive concealment the genus Phoradendron that grow of treason or felony from the on deciduous trees. mitrailleuse prosecuting authorities by one not Lance earned extra Christmas guilty of those crimes. money selling mistletoe at the mall. mittimus Congressman Walters was charged n with misprision of felony in the mistral election fraud. n L a warrant committing the person L > OProv > F specified to prison. a violent cold dry northerly wind of In this state no person can be the Mediterranean provinces of committed to a correctional facility France. without a mittimus from a judge. In Provence, the mistral sometimes dries out the vines and grapes. mixology

mneme

Page 204 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently mnemonic mohair momentum n n mnestic adj Ar > It > E L any of various fabrics or yarns a property of a moving body that Gk made wholly or in part of the hair determines the length of time of or relating to memory or the of the Angora goat. required to bring it to rest when persistent effect of past experience For her birthday Linda got a under the action of a constant force of the individual. matching scarf and sweater, both or moment. Granny spends much of her time made of mohair. The snowball gained momentum as reminiscing and performing other it rolled down the hill. mnestic activities. moiety n monadnock mocha n n L > F > E a share paid by the government to New Hampshire geog name Arabian geog name an informer out of duties and a hill or mountain of resistant rock a flavoring made of a strong coffee penalties collected because of the surmounting an eroded plain. infusion or of a mixture of cocoa or individual’s help. The familiar shape of the chocolate with coffee. The whistleblower received a monadnock was a landmark for Samantha detected a hint of mocha moiety of the large fine imposed travelers. in her hot chocolate. upon his employer for supplying faulty engine parts to the military. monarch moderate adj molasses monastery n n L > E neither small nor large. L > Pg G > L > E Sally’s room was of moderate size, the thick dark to light brown syrup a house of religious retirement or of but her sister’s was quite small. that is separated from raw sugar in seclusion from the world for sugar manufacture. persons under religious vows. modicum Mollie always adds molasses to Last fall Stan attended a retreat at n beans before baking them. a monastery near Bardstown, Kentucky. L > F molecule a small portion : a limited quantity monetarily or amount. molecules adv Bernie displayed not even a modicum of modesty as he bragged molinary L + Ecf about his hole in one. adj with respect to money. Bud said he wasn’t broke, just modificative L monetarily deficient. adj of or relating to a mill or the process of grinding. monetary L + Ecf Elsworth’s firm specializes in the adj serving to make minor changes in manufacture of molinary the form or structure of. equipment. L To thicken the runny sauce, Hester of or relating to money or to the used flour as the modificative mollify instrumentalities and organizations ingredient. by which money is supplied to the momentousness economy. modiste n So many Americans are active investors that even a slight change L > F > E in interest rates can have serious the quality or state of being very monetary repercussions. important. An orchestra fanfare accentuated the momentousness of the occasion.

Page 205 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently mongoose mononucleosis montage n n n Dravidian? > Prakrit > Hindi Gk + L F an agile keen-sighted grizzled an acute infectious disease an impressionistic sequence of brown and black mammal of India associated with Epstein-Barr virus images introduced into a film or that is about the size of a ferret and and characterized by fever, television program to develop a feeds on snakes and rodents. swelling of the lymph nodes, and single theme, suggest a state of The mongoose is an active, bold an increase in the number of mind, or bridge a time lapse. predator. lymphocytes in the blood. The program’s opening credit Morgan had to spend several weeks sequence is a montage of white mongrel in bed after contracting beaches, swaying palm trees, n mononucleosis. racing boats, and attractive sun worshipers. E monopoly an animal or plant resulting from moppet the interbreeding of two or more monotonous breeds or strains. adj moraine Jeff’s dog is a friendly mongrel n named Mutt. Gk having no change or variety : F monocle wearisomely uniform. an accumulation of earth and stones n The lecturer’s monotonous tone put carried and finally deposited by a half the audience to sleep. glacier. L A push moraine is carried ahead of [has homonyms: monacal, monotony an advancing glacier, whereas a monachal] an eyeglass for one eye. lateral moraine is deposited at the The villain wore a tuxedo, a top monsoon side of a glacier as it moves. hat, and a monocle. n morass monocoque Ar > Pg > D a periodic wind especially in the moratorium monolith Indian Ocean and in southern Asia. n n The monsoon brought thunderstorms that blanketed the L Gk city with a dust cloud and then a suspension of activity : a something resembling a single flooding rains. temporary ban on the use or great stone. production of something. Sir Larry is considered a pillar of monstrosity Environmentalists demanded a strength by his friends and a n moratorium on the mining hulking obstinate monolith by his operation until its potential effects enemies. L on the ecosystem could be an object of terrifying size or force evaluated. monomachy or complexity. The atom bomb is the greatest morbid monomaniacal monstrosity of the 20th century. adj adj monstrous L Gk + Gk + Ecf adj abnormally susceptible to or relating to, characterized by, or characterized by gloomy or affected with such concentration on L > F > E unwholesome feelings. a single object or idea as to suggest having extraordinary and often The inventor was haunted by a mental derangement. overwhelming size : unusually and morbid sense of guilt about the Stuart’s obsession with racing cars unpleasantly huge. possible harmful effects of her seems almost monomaniacal to his The tourists in South America were invention. friends. terrified and sickened by the monstrous flying cockroach.

Page 206 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently morbidezza morion mortar n n n L > It F L > F > E an extreme delicacy and softness. a visorless high-crested helmet of something that binds or holds The piano music had a certain Spanish origin worn by foot together. morbidezza that required a delicate soldiers in the 16th and 17th Sam watched as the bricklayer touch. centuries. expertly set the bricks into the The conquistador was pictured hardening mortar. morceau wearing a morion, with the brim n forming high peaks at the front and mortarboard back. n F [Note: Could be confused with mormorando L > F > E + E more so. Also, plural of word can adj an academic cap consisting of a be similarly pronounced.] a short closely fitting headpiece with a literary or musical piece. L > It broad flat projecting square top. Natasha entertained the partygoers in a murmuring manner—used as a Lamont adjusted his mortarboard with a lively morceau on the violin. direction in music. as he joined the procession to begin At first Ralph thought his CD the commencement program. mordacious player was broken, but then he realized he was listening to a mortgage mordancy mormorando passage. n n morose L > F > E L > F adj a binding obligation. a biting and caustic quality of style. Sarah found a signed copy of the The mordancy of the candidate’s L mortgage in Richard’s desk. comments made her opponent marked by or expressive of gloom. wince. The basketball team was morose mortuary after losing in the state finals. adj mores n pl Morpheus L n of or relating to the burial of the L dead. [has homonym: morays] the fixed Gk Professor Habib is an expert in customs or folkways of a particular something that induces or prolongs ancient mortuary rituals. group which are morally binding sleep. upon all members of the group and Tim cannot recall exactly what mosaic necessary to its welfare and Morpheus caused Rip van Winkle preservation. to sleep for 20 years. mosaicist Some religious groups have n developed a society of their own mortal with distinct and strict mores. adj L > It > F > E a designer who creates surface morigeration L decoration by inlaying small pieces n destructive to life : causing or of variously colored material. capable of causing death. An expert mosaicist decorated the L The diver’s cage would protect him altar of the new church. servile obedience : obsequiousness. from receiving a mortal wound The judge expected morigeration from a shark. mosque from everyone in the courtroom. n Ar > Sp > It > F an Islamic place of public religious worship. Visitors were required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque.

Page 207 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently mosquito mountebank mucilaginous n n adj L > Sp It L any of numerous two-winged flies an entertainer (as a juggler or relating to or resembling a liquid that have a rather narrow abdomen magician) employed by a quack to adhesive of low bonding strength. and usually a long slender rigid attract a crowd. Billy’s mother told him to wash the proboscis with which they puncture The charlatan used a mountebank mucilaginous remains of his peanut the skin of animals to suck the to entice crowds into the tent. butter and jelly sandwich from his blood. face and hands. Dr. Walter Reed proved that the mourn yellow fever virus is carried by the mufti mosquito. moussaka n n mosquitoey Ar Turkish > Gk civilian dress when worn by one in mostaccioli a dish of ground meat (as lamb) military service. n and sliced eggplant or potatoes The general ambled down the street often topped with a seasoned sauce. unrecognized in mufti. It Dimitrio’s restaurant serves the a pasta in the form of a short tube best moussaka in the area. mugient with oblique ends. adj It was the usual banquet fare: mousse mostaccioli and roast beef. n L making a lowing sound : bellowing. motley L > F In mid-April the mugient herds of adj [has homonym: moose] a frothy cattle are turned out to pasture. dessert; especially : a dessert of E sweetened and flavored whipped mugwump composed of a haphazard and cream, or thin cream and gelatin, n incongruous mixture of frozen without stirring. heterogeneous elements. Michael ordered chocolate Natick Each guest drew a gift from the hazelnut mousse for dessert, but one who is undecided or neutral (as motley assortment in the grab bag. Vera ordered just coffee. in politics) often as a result of an inability to make up one’s mind. moulage mousseline William is too much a mugwump to n ever realize his ambition to hold mozambique elective office. F an impression (as of a tire mark or mozzarella mugwumpery tooth print) made for use as n evidence in a criminal mulberry investigation. It n At the scene of the crime, detectives a moist white rubbery unsalted were able to make a moulage of the cheese. Gk > L > F > E tire marks left by the criminal’s Mozzarella is used in many Italian a tree or shrub that bears a fruit car. foods. resembling a raspberry. The Nelsons planted a mulberry in mountain mucedine their backyard. n mucilage mulch L > F [Note: The definition provided is not the one most commonly associated with this word.] a vast number or quantity : pile, slew. Mrs. Johnson assigned her students a mountain of homework that was due the day after the holiday break.

Page 208 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently muliebral multitudinous murarium adj adj n L + Ecf L + Ecf L of, relating to, or characteristic of existing in great numbers. a place for rearing mice or rats women. Multitudinous varieties of under controlled conditions. The artist captured the essence of wildflowers grow on Sand Research at the murarium resulted muliebral beauty in his portrait of Mountain. in the initial claim that saccharine Venus. consumption causes cancer. mummery mulligan n murenger n n F E name a performance given by actors in a L > F > E a free shot sometimes awarded a pantomime. one in charge of the wall of a town golfer in nontournament play when Costumed actors performed a and its repairs. the preceding shot has been poorly comic mummery in the school When city walls served as played. auditorium. fortresses, the murenger was Gordy took a mulligan after hitting responsible for the security of the a “worm burner” on the first tee. mumps citizens. n pl mullion murmur imit v multifarious an acute contagious viral disease adj marked by fever and swelling of L the parotid gland. utter or give forth in low or L Russell sympathized with his indistinct sounds or words. having multiplicity : having great brother who was suffering with Mrs. Chambers reminded Dylan diversity or variety. mumps, but couldn’t help but laugh not to murmur his introduction. The multifarious activities at the at his swollen face. Hands-On Museum make it a place murrain that everyone can enjoy. municipal adj musciform multiplication adj n L of or relating to a primarily urban L L political unit (as a town or city). resembling moss. a mathematical operation Real estate taxes are set by the Rosa’s new hat has a musciform commonly indicated by ab that municipal government. texture. repeats b as many times as there are units in a. municipally muscle The fourth grade class was learning the process of munificence musculature multiplication of whole numbers. n n multipotent L L a giving or bestowing with the muscles of an animal that are multitude extraordinary liberality : lavish related to each other and function n generosity. together. Hazel’s uncle, known widely for his Dissection of the frog revealed its L munificence, hosted an elaborate underlying musculature. a great number : host. dinner for her bat mitzvah. A multitude of reporters besieged the plaintiff as she left the courtroom.

Page 209 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently muse mutable myelitis v adj n L > F > E L Gk > L [has homonyms: meuse, mews] prone or liable to change. inflammation of the spinal cord or become absorbed in thought. The weather in the foothills was of the bone marrow. When he was a boy, Howard used extremely mutable due to the Myelitis is usually a result of a to sit on the porch and muse on nearby mountains. viral infection such as what he would do with his life. mononucleosis or mumps. mutafacient museum adj myelopathy n n L + L + Ecf Gk > L capable of inducing a biological Gk an institution devoted to the change in hereditary material. a disease or disorder of the spinal procurement, care, study, and Botanists make use of mutafacient cord or the bone marrow. display of objects of lasting interest chemicals to develop new strains of After the accident Ursula’s dog had or value. plants. to be treated for myelopathy. The National Air and Space Museum is one of the components mutinous mynheer of the Smithsonian Institution. n mutton muskmelon n D n mister—used as a polite address to Celt > F > E a Dutch gentleman. Skt > Per > Gk > L > F > E + Gk > the flesh of a sheep that is used for The owner of the village bank was L food. addressed as Mynheer Grauer. the usually sweet odorous edible Ingrid purchased some mutton and melon that is the fruit of a trailing pork chops from the butcher. myocarditis or climbing Asiatic herbaceous n vine. muumuu The muskmelon was one of the n Gk > L foods that Columbus introduced to inflammation of the middle the New World. Hawaiian muscular layer of the heart wall. a loose dress with gay colors and A severe case of myocarditis could muslin patterns, worn chiefly in Hawaii. result in heart failure. n Pandora bought a red flowered muumuu during her trip to Maui. myopia Iraq geog name > Ar > It > F n [has near homonym: Muslim] a myasthenia plainwoven cotton fabric that is n Gk used bleached or unbleached for nearsightedness. sheeting, embroidery, or other Gk > L Kyle’s myopia was first apparent purposes. muscular debility. when he had trouble reading what The simple look of tab curtains Keith was informed that his was on the chalkboard at school. made of unbleached muslin is myasthenia was brought on by perfect for Barbara’s den. overexertion and would disappear myriads with rest. n pl mussitation n mycophagous Gk adj immense numbers. L The plain was covered with movement of the lips as if in Gk myriads of insects swarming and speech but without accompanying feeding on fungi. devouring all the vegetation. sound. Because they are mycophagous, The cameras picked up the ladybugs are good for gardens. speller’s mussitation as she pondered the word.

Page 210 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently myringitis mystique naiad n n n Gk > L Gk > L > F Gk inflammation of the tympanic the special esoteric skill or one of the nymphs believed by the membrane. mysterious faculty essential in a ancient Greeks and Romans to live Dr. Croke explained that Amy’s calling or activity. in and give life to lakes, rivers, myringitis was caused by a The mystique of computer springs, and fountains. bacterial infection in her ear. programming is completely foreign Glenda came upon a statue of a to Jacqueline. naiad by the lake. myrmecologist n mythologem naiant Gk mythomania nainsook a specialist in the scientific study of n ants. nabob The myrmecologist told the n Skt > Hindi reporter that his interest in ants a soft lightweight cotton fabric in began when he had been given an Ar > Hindi plain weave and various finishes ant farm at the age of seven. man of great wealth. that is used especially for clothing The Hollywood nabob rarely and curtains. myrmecology traveled without his personal chef, Janet’s new summer blouse is made n secretary, and masseur. of nainsook. Gk nacelle naology a scientific study of ants. n n Receiving an ant farm for Christmas was the beginning of L > F Gk Art’s interest in myrmecology. an enclosed shelter on an aircraft a study of sacred edifices. for an engine or sometimes for the With her background in myrmidon crew. architecture and naology, Shauna n The cramped, stifling nacelle gave is just the right person to help Rico an attack of claustrophobia. restore the old cathedral. Gk a follower or subordinate who Naderism napalm unquestioningly or pitilessly n v executes orders : hireling. Although the mayor always speaks American name Iranian > Gk > L + L > F civilly to everyone, his myrmidon named after consumer advocate attack with bombs made with a can be ruthless in criticizing Ralph Nader, the promotion of highly flammable jellied fuel opponents. consumer interests especially by composed of gasoline and a public outcry against dangerous or mixture of aluminum soaps as a myrrh defective goods. thickener. n The policy of Naderism is named The decision to napalm enemy for an outspoken consumer territory had more ramifications Semitic > Gk > L > E advocate. than the intended destruction of a yellow to reddish brown aromatic vegetation. bitter gum resin that is obtained nadir from various trees of East Africa n naprapathy and Arabia. n In medieval Europe myrrh was rare Ar > F > E and precious. the point of the celestial sphere that Czech + Gk > E is directly opposite the zenith and a therapeutic system of drugless mysticity vertically downward from the treatment by manipulation of the observer. ligaments and connective tissues. There was no way for Amos to see Norma relied on naprapathy to the Moon, since it was at the nadir. relieve her pain after she sprained her back.

Page 211 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently narcissus narrow nasturtium n adj n Gk > L E L any plant of the genus Narcissus of not possessing usual or expected any of several herbs having showy which the flowers have a short width. variously colored spurred flowers. corona and are usually borne The sidewalk was too narrow for The nasturtium will add color to a separately. the three friends to walk side by drab landscape design. The common daffodil is a type of side. narcissus. natal narthex narcoleptic n natator adj Semitic? > Gk natatorium Gk a vestibule leading to the nave of a n of, relating to, or affected with a church. transient compulsive tendency to The bridal party lined up in the L attacks of deep sleep usually of narthex and waited for the cue to a place for swimming; especially : unknown causes. proceed down the church’s center an indoor swimming pool. Steve becomes narcoleptic aisle. William Randolph Hearst built an whenever he is under great stress. ostentatious natatorium at his nasal California mansion. narcoticism adj n naupathia L n Gk of or relating to the nose. addiction to habit-forming drugs. Juno’s nasal inflammation caused Gk The police sergeant lectured considerable discomfort and made seasickness. Zakia’s class about the dangers of it hard for her to breathe. Several spells of naupathia made narcoticism. Joni’s cruise an experience she nascency hopes never to repeat. naricorn n n nausea L n L the condition or process of being the horny covering protecting the born or of beginning to exist. Gk > L nostrils of albatrosses and some The nascency of the novel as a a feeling of discomfort in the other birds. literary form can be traced to 18th- stomach usually associated with an The naricorn is an irregularly century England. urge to vomit. convoluted little scroll, very thin A bout of nausea kept Denise from and delicate in texture. nascent enjoying the ferry ride. adj narrate nauseate v L undergoing the process of being nauseous L born : beginning to exist. adj tell or recite the happenings of (a The Boston Tea Party revealed story). nascent revolutionary tendencies L Jacob volunteered to narrate the among the American colonists. causing a sensation of discomfort slide show. in the stomach and an urge to nastaliq vomit. narrative The smell emanating from the adj swamp was nauseous. L nautical having the form of a story. A ballad is a poem that has several distinct characteristics, including a strong narrative element.

Page 212 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently nautilus nectarine nemesis n n n Gk > L Gk > L+Ecf Gk any of several cephalopod mollusks a peach that has a smooth-skinned a formidable and usually victorious of the southern Pacific and Indian fruit. rival or opponent. oceans that produce a spiral Jason prefers a nectarine to a The Tigers were defeated by the chambered shell. common peach. first-rate pitching of their old Frank keeps a polished shell of a nemesis. nautilus in his bookcase. nefarious adj nemoral nebula adj n L heinously or impiously wicked : L L detestable. of, relating to, or inhabiting a wood any of many immense bodies of The murderer's crimes were or grove. highly rarified gas or dust in considered so nefarious that he was Doris collected a basketful of interstellar space. sentenced to life imprisonment nemoral mushrooms. The astronomer identified the without parole. Horsehead Nebula on the chart. nenuphar negative n nebulous adj neglect Skt > Per > Ar > L water lily; especially : Egyptian L negligent lotus. vaguely defined, poorly grasped, or The nenuphar is a common motif in dimly realized. negotiable Egyptian art. Melissa’s nebulous fears about the adj future interfered with her neolalia enjoyment of the present. L n that can be converted into cash or necessary the equivalent value. Gk Leah wondered if the old bills she speech especially of a psychotic necklace found in the trunk were still that includes words that are new negotiable. and meaningless to the hearer. neckwear The doctor recorded the patient’s n negotiate neolalia for further study. E negotiator neologism articles of clothing worn about the n neck. negus Greta thinks warm neckwear is the Gk > F key to avoiding a cold. neigh a new word, usage, or expression. Nelson encountered a neologism in necromancy nematocyst almost every paragraph of the n n computer article. Gk > L > F > E Gk + Gk neomenia the art or practice of magically one of the minute stinging organs conjuring up the souls of the dead. of coelenterates (as corals, sea neon Abraham Lincoln was interested in anemones, and jellyfishes) used in adj necromancy, and his wife held catching prey. séances in the White House. Each nematocyst of the jellyfish Gk contains a spiral-coiled thread of, relating to, or resembling the nectar tipped with a toxin-bearing barb reddish glow of neon lamps. that can be ejected into the skin. Even though Tim was wearing neon swimming trunks, his mom had trouble spotting him on the crowded beach.

Page 213 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently neonatology nephelometer nettlesome n n adj Gk + L + Gk G + G E + E a branch of medicine concerned an instrument for measuring causing vexation : irritating. with the care, development, and cloudiness. The city’s traffic situation was diseases of newborn infants. The nephelometer has been proved nettlesome to the visitors from the Jackie hopes to specialize in either useful in detecting and measuring small town. pediatrics or neonatology. air pollution. neuralgia neophyte nephew n n nephology Gk Gk an acute paroxysmal pain radiating a new convert; especially : a nephoscope along the course of one or more convert to the Christian faith in the n nerves usually without early church. demonstrable changes in the nerve In just three years St. Cyprian of Gk structure. Carthage went from being a an instrument for observing the Garret’s neuralgia was so painful neophyte to being the bishop of direction of motion and velocity of that he sought relief from a Carthage. clouds. chiropractor. Mr. Tadeusz explained to his new neossology assistant how the nephoscope neurasthenic n worked. adj Gk nephrectomy Gk the study of young birds. n affected with a syndrome The student of neossology was characterized by easy fatigability, thrilled to receive a baby parrot for Gk by worrying and depression, and his birthday. the surgical removal of a kidney. often by headache and digestive Barry’s kidney was so diseased that and circulatory problems. nepenthe his physician recommended a The neurasthenic patient n nephrectomy. complained of being bored, neglected, and depressed. Gk nepotism something capable of causing n neurokyme oblivion of grief and suffering. The old man sought respite and L > It > F neurological nepenthe from bad memories. favoritism shown to relatives (as by adj giving them positions because of nephalism their relationship rather than on Gk n their merits). of or relating to the scientific study Most employees resent nepotism of the nervous system. Gk because it reduces motivation for Dr. Will is a specialist in the total abstinence from alcoholic advancement via hard work. treatment of neurological beverages. disorders. In Muslim countries nephalism is a nescience way of life for many people. neuropathy nescient n nephelognosy adj n Gk > ISV L an abnormal and usually Gk + Gk exhibiting or characterized by lack degenerative state of the nervous scientific observation of clouds. of knowledge or system or nerves. Satellite photos of cloud formations awareness : ignorant. Neuropathy can lead to numbness and movements have been a great George’s nescient response to the and weakness of the hands, feet, or aid in the field of nephelognosy. question about the plot limbs. demonstrated that he had not read the book. neurotic

Page 214 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently neuston nicety nidificate n v neutercane n F > E L a dainty, delicate, or elegant thing build a nest. L + Taino > Sp or feature. While recuperating, Jan watched a subtropical cyclone that is usually Dad considered a meal at a posh the robin gather bits of string and less than 100 miles in diameter and restaurant to be a nicety of good small twigs to nidificate in the that draws energy from sources living. maple tree outside the bedroom common to both the hurricane and window. the frontal cyclone. niche The weather bureau is tracking the n nidifugous neutercane to see if it develops into adj a hurricane. L > F a place suitable for the capabilities L neutral or merits of a person. leaving the nest soon after Wendy felt she had found her niche hatching. neutralize at school in the student government Because they are relatively highly v association. developed when they hatch, ducks and chickens are nidifugous. L + Ecf nickelodeon make chemically neither acid nor n nidor base. n Scientists used nitric acid to G? > Sw + F > G neutralize the magnesium a theater affording a motion-picture L hydroxide that had formed on the exhibition or a variety show for an [Note: Alternate pronunciation has space capsule tape when it came in admission price of five cents. homonym: niter/nitre.] a strong contact with seawater. The silent movies at the smell : reek. nickelodeon were usually enhanced The nidor of the hot grease warned newel by piano music. Della that she should lower the temperature. newspaporial nicotinism n nidorous nexus adj n F name + cff the effect of the excessive use of L L tobacco. smelling of or like burning or a connected group or series. Patients who suffer from nicotinism decaying animal matter. A nexus of events led to the exhibit lung and heart problems. The sailors were repulsed by the overthrow of the government and nidorous bilge water. the exile of the king. nictitant niece Nicaraguan nidicolous adj adj niello n Central American geog name L of or relating to the country of living in a nest; especially : sharing L > It Nicaragua in Central America. the nest of another kind of animal. any of several alloys of sulphur Much Nicaraguan coffee is Many insects are nidicolous, with silver, copper, or lead having a exported to the United States. sharing the nests of birds who deep black color. sometimes eat their larvae. After cutting a design in the silver jewelry box, Phillip filled in the design with niello.

Page 215 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently Nietzschean nimiety nitrogen adj n n G name L Gk of or relating to the German excess, redundancy. a colorless tasteless odorless philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Usually Caleb’s writing is concise, element that as a diatomic gas is Nietzsche. but his most recent essay is a relatively inert and constitutes 78 Norman characterized John’s glowing example of nimiety. percent of the atmosphere by views as juvenile Nietzschean volume and occurs as a constituent nonsense. nimious of all living tissues. adj Lightning causes the oxidation of niggardly nitrogen to nitric oxide, which is adj L rained out as nitrate. [Note: Could be confused with Scand > E niveous.] excessive, extravagant. niveau characterized by a reluctance to Oscar, who could barely afford to n part with money : tightfisted. rent a costume for the masked The wealthy banker was best charity ball, found the whole thing F known for his niggardly spending oppressively nimious. [Note: Plural form is pronounced habits. similarly.] a level (as of existence nineteenth or achievement) especially in a nightingale progression. n ninetieth Ben’s tennis class is at the intermediate niveau. E nippy a thrush common in Great Britain adj niveous that is noted for the sweet song of adj the male often heard at night during E the breeding season. chilly, chilling. L Haley was awakened by a The nippy breeze reddened Ryan’s of, relating to, or resembling snow. nightingale singing outside her cheeks. The niveous landscape looked most bedroom window. inviting to the cross-country skiers. nisei nightmare n nobiliary n adj Jpn E a son or daughter of Japanese L > F > E + Ecf a frightening dream accompanied immigrant parents who is born and of or relating to the nobility. by anxiety or terror. educated in the United States. By threat of force the king quelled Cara’s nightmare was caused by Tomoko is the only nisei in her the nobiliary squabbles. the ghost stories told around the family; all her siblings were born campfire. in Japan. nobly nihilism nitidity nocent n n nociceptor L + Ecf L + Ecf n a viewpoint that all traditional the quality or state of being bright, values and beliefs are unfounded glossy, or lustrous. L and that all existence is The moon’s nitidity helps owls find a part of the body that transmits to consequently senseless and useless. their prey. the central nervous system The rock star's lyrics were injurious or painful stimuli. criticized for advocating a bleak The spicy salsa activated each nihilism. nociceptor on Michelle’s tongue, bringing her to tears.

Page 216 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently nocive nomenclature nonchalance adj n n L L F harmful, injurious. the collective names given to or a display or air of jaunty unconcern The laboratory assistant wore a borne by places in a particular or indifference. mask to protect himself from nocive region or area. Sarah reacted with nonchalance fumes. The nomenclature of Boston streets when her neighbors complained confused Ling when she first about her unruly dog. noctivagant arrived. adj nonchalant nominal L adj noncommittal going about in the night : night- adj wandering. L The bat, being a noctivagant of, relating to, or being a word that L mammal, has inspired many is otherwise characteristically an taking no clear position or giving legends. adjective or adverb but that takes a no clear indication of attitude, noun construction in a given feeling, or point of view. nocturnal context. Lacy’s tone was friendly but adj A good example of a nominal word noncommittal. is good in “the good die young.” L > F nominee nondescript active at night. n adj Some zoos have special habitats for nocturnal animals. L + Ecf L a person named or proposed for an lacking distinguishing nocuous office, duty, or position. characteristics. The president’s nominee for the Because he was utterly nodosity Supreme Court had to be approved nondescript, Virgil was the perfect n by a Senate committee. infiltrator. L nomological nonmetal a protuberance or swelling. Ardis felt a slight nodosity on the nonage nonpareil cat’s back. n adj nodule F > E L > F a period of youth, childhood, or having no equal : peerless. noegenesis infancy. Tom’s lack of common sense The pieces that Mozart wrote in his overshadowed his nonpareil noisome nonage demonstrate an intellect. adj understanding of music that few adults ever attain. nonplus E v offensive to the senses : noxious, nonagenarian harmful, unwholesome, destructive. n L A noisome odor emanated from the cause to be at a loss as to what to plastics factory. L + Ecf say, think, or do. a person who is 90 or more and less Vince’s aggressive interviewing than 100 years old. technique tends to nonplus Ernestus bragged that he was the inexperienced candidates. only nonagenarian at the rock concert. nonsense

Page 217 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently nonuple nostrum novice adj n n L > F L L > F > E consisting of nine : being nine a remedy or medicine of secret [Note: The definition provided is times as great or as many. composition recommended by its not the one most commonly There was a nonuple increase in preparer but usually lacking general associated with this word.] one who the rate of traffic citations after the repute or acceptance. has entered a religious house for a new regulations went into effect. Mr. Sherwood insists that his trial period. nostrum will cure warts within a The film The Nun’s Story stars noology week. Audrey Hepburn as a young novice n who eventually becomes a nurse in notabilia Africa. Gk the study of mind : the science of notarize noxious phenomena regarded as purely adj mental in origin. notoriety Ahmet found that his interests in n L philosophy and psychology harmful or destructive to man or to converged in the field of noology. L other organisms. the condition of being an object of Emma is studying the noxious noontide wide or general attention, interest, effects of gasoline fumes. and comment for something normocyte reprehensible or scandalous. noxiously A red convertible enhanced nosocomial Thurmon’s notoriety. noyade adj nougat nuance L n n originating or taking place in a hospital. L > Prov > F L > F Since implementing its new a confection of nuts or fruit pieces minute variation : delicate disinfection protocol, the hospital in a sugar paste. gradation : subtle distinction. has seen a 40 percent drop in Lynn’s boyfriend gave her a box of The music critic took notes on nosocomial infections. chocolates filled with hazelnut every nuance of the performance. nougat. nostalgia nubbin n noumenal adj nubilous Gk > L adj homesickness. Gk Theo was overcome with nostalgia of or relating to an object of purely L at the sight of a McDonald's in rational apprehension as opposed to cloudy, foggy, misty. Istanbul. an object of perception. Trade wind clouds are constantly Philosophy deals with noumenal piling up in nubilous traffic jams. nostril concepts, while science deals with n phenomenal concepts. nuchal adj E novemdecillion either of the outer openings of the Ar > L + Ecf nose. novercal of or relating to the nape, the back In some cultures, a pierced nostril adj part of the neck. adorned with a ring is considered Midge’s new necklace gave her a attractive. L nuchal rash. of, relating to, or characteristic of a stepmother. Helene’s novercal relationship with her husband’s children is close and loving.

Page 218 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently nuciform nullification nuncio adj n n L L L like a nut in shape. the act of depriving of legal or a top-ranking diplomatic envoy of Preston gave Anna a box of binding force or validity. the pope accredited to a civil nuciform chocolate candies. Louis XIV’s accession to the throne government. was ushered in by the nullification The papal nuncio worked with the nuclear of his father’s will. governor’s office to prepare for the pope’s tour of the region. nugacious nullifidian adj n nuncupation n L L trifling, trivial. a person of no faith or religion. L Arguments about who sits in the The nullifidian decided to start a an oral will. front seat seem nugacious to many magazine devoted to the theory and While the sailor was ill aboard adults. practice of secular humanism. ship, he made a nuncupation in which he bequeathed his property nugacity numb to his mother. nugatory numerology nuncupative adj adj numinous L adj L having little or no consequence : stated verbally : oral—used chiefly worthless. L + Ecf of a will. The prize Jeff won at the carnival dedicated to or hallowed by The terms of Grandpa’s was just a nugatory plastic trinket. association with a deity : sacred. nuncupative will were not contested A soft light seemed to glow from by the family. nugget the numinous vessel on the altar. n nuptiality numismatist n unknown n a lump; especially : a lump of gold. L Adrian kept a gold nugget as a L the marriage rate. good-luck charm. a specialist in the study of coins : a Nuptiality usually increases coin collector. dramatically in June. nuisance When Emery wanted to know the n value of a coin, he showed it to his nurture neighbor, who was a numismatist. L > F > Ar > E nurturer something that is disagreeable or nummary troublesome : annoyance. nutrient The barking dogs in Jeff’s numnah backyard were a nuisance he could nutrition not ignore. nunchaku n nutritiously nullibicity adv n Jpn dialect a weapon of Japanese origin made L + Ecf L + Ecf of two hardwood sticks joined at in a manner that promotes growth the quality or state of being their ends by a short length of and development. nowhere. rawhide, cord, or chain. Judging from the kinds of foods Natalie accused the state of putting Eli insists that a nunchaku with a that George likes, it is not going to freedom and basic rights into Bruce Lee image would make his be easy to get him to eat nullibicity. martial arts paraphernalia nutritiously. complete.

Page 219 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently nyala obdurate obfuscatory n adj adj Tsonga&Venda L L an antelope of southeastern Africa resistant to persuasion or softening tending to make difficult of with vertical white stripes on the influences : unyielding. comprehension or interpretation. sides of the body and with shaggy Fritz is maintaining an obdurate Oleg found the obfuscatory hair along the male underside. opposition to the new highway language in his apartment lease The nyala thrives in the heaths and bypass. infuriating. forests of the Ethiopian highlands. obedient obituary nyctalopia adj n objective L > F > E n Gk submissive to the restraint, control, a defect of vision characterized by or command of authority. L reduced visual capacity in faint The toddler was not very obedient a lens or system of lenses that light or at night. and even seemed to enjoy being forms an image of the object in the Nyctalopia may be corrected by defiant. focal plane of an eyepiece (as in a vitamin therapy. telescope). obeisance The light-gathering power of a nymph n telescope is a function of the diameter of its objective. nystagmus L > F > E n an attitude of respect : deference, objicient homage. n Gk Josh demonstrated his obeisance a rapid involuntary oscillation of for the famous professor by writing L the eyeballs occurring normally down her every word. one who opposes something with with dizziness during and after words or argument. bodily rotation or abnormally after obeisant The bill became a law despite the injuries. adj protests of a very influential Bart suffered from nystagmus for objicient. several days following the boxing F match. servile, obsequious. objurgation By the third course, the waiter’s oakenshaw obeisant behavior was starting to objurgatory get on Tara’s nerves. adj oakum obelisk L oarlock n expressing sharp reprimand. The mayor sent an objurgatory oasis Gk letter to the negligent department n an upright four-sided monolithic head. pillar that tapers as it rises and Hamitic? > Gk > L terminates in a pyramid. obligation a small isolated fertile area that is The Washington Monument is a n surrounded by general barrenness world-famous obelisk. and typically marked by trees or L other greenery and that has a water obese something that one is bound to do : supply. an imperative duty. The caravan rested for two days at obesity Because of Carra’s past assistance, the oasis. Craig felt an obligation to return obfuscate the favor.

obligatory

Page 220 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently oblique obreptitious obstetrician adj adj n L L L neither perpendicular nor parallel : done or obtained by trickery or by a physician or veterinarian having a slanting direction or concealing the truth. specializing in birth and its position. The undercover agent passed the antecedents and sequels. All triangles have at least one obreptitious information to his The obstetrician often relied more oblique side. superiors. on instincts and old-fashioned psychology than he did on his obliquity obrogate medical expertise. n obsecration obstetrics E > F > L + Ecf n the angle between the planes of obstinate Earth’s equator and orbit. L adj Seasonal changes in temperature a supplicatory prayer mentioning in are due to the obliquity of Earth’s its appeal things or events held to L orbital path. be sacred. pertinaciously adhering to an “Through thy victory over death, O opinion, purpose, or course. obliterative Lord, deliver us” is an obsecration. Franklin has missed at least two promotions because he is so oblivion obsequious obstinate about doing things his adj own way. obliviscence n L > E obstreperous meanly or servilely attentive. adj L Marshall tends to be obsequious [Note: Could be confused with toward Mrs. Kirby. L oblivescence.] forgetfulness. stubbornly defiant : resisting Serious obliviscence in older obsessive control or restraint often with a people may be a symptom of show of noisy disorder. Alzheimer’s disease. obsolescence The noisy diner was asked to leave but became obstreperous and had obloquy obsolescent to be escorted out of the restaurant. n adj obtenebrate L L v a strongly and often intemperately falling into disuse especially as condemnatory utterance. unable to compete with something L Mr. Willett recited the names of the more recent. darken by or as if by shadowing. pranksters with uncharacteristic Many linguists believe that the As the storm approaches, dark obloquy. relative pronoun whom is clouds obtenebrate the valley. obsolescent except when it follows obmutescence a preposition. obtrusive n obsolete obtundent L adj a becoming or keeping silent. obstacle To ensure the press’s obmutescence n L regarding the case, the judge blunting irritation or lessening pain. issued a gag order. L Aspirin is used for its obtundent as something that hinders progress : well as its antipyretic qualities. obnounce hindrance. Carrie believes there is no obstacle obviate she cannot overcome in her quest to become an Olympian.

Page 221 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently obvious occlusion ochlocratic adj n adj L L Gk readily and easily perceived by the the front formed by a cold front of or relating to mob rule. sensibilities or mind. overtaking a warm front and lifting Pure ochlocratic government “We’re moving!” Harold shouted, the warm air above Earth’s surface. would pay no heed to minority which was a fact that had already As the advancing cold air met the voices. become obvious to everyone. warm front, a cold occlusion developed that caused the ochlophobia ocarina temperature to drop. n n occult Gk L > It morbid fear of crowds. a simple wind instrument or toy of occultation Alice never attended rock concerts the flute class having a mouthpiece n because of her ochlophobia. and fingerholes. Professor Miller unearthed a four- L > E ochlophobist hole ocarina used by the ancient the shutting off of the light of a Mayas. celestial body by the intervention octane of some other celestial body. occasion A solar eclipse is the occultation of octave the Sun by the Moon. n occasionally adv occurrence L > E a musical interval embracing eight L occurring diatonic degrees. now and then : here and there. Tricia explained the concept of an The Spelling Bee replied, “Years ocellus octave to her music class at school. ago I was just an ordinary bee n minding my own business, smelling octavo flowers all day, and occasionally L picking up part-time work in one of usually three simple eyes in octogenarian people’s bonnets.” an insect located in a triangle occipital between the compound eyes. octopus adj A single ocellus can do no more than detect light, but more than one oculauditory L grouped together can produce an of or relating to the back part of the image of the surrounding area. oculogyric head of a vertebrate or an insect. adj In the accident Mr. Stein’s occipital ocelot bone was fractured. n L + Gk > L relating to or involving circular occision Nahuatl > F movements of the eyeballs. n a medium-sized American wildcat The silent movie comedian ranging from Texas to Patagonia specialized in oculogyric close-ups. L and having a tawny yellow or an act or instance of slaughtering. grayish coat that is dotted and oculus Ecologists are protesting the striped with black. n wholesale occision of sea turtles The ocelot appears in Aztec stone within national boundaries. carvings. L an architectural part resembling or occlude suggestive of an eye. In the west end of Norman churches there is often an oculus.

oddment

odious

Page 222 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently odium ogre oleaginous n adj odograph n L > F Gk > L > F a hideous giant represented in fairy characterized by smooth Gk tales and folklore as feeding on courteousness or sickly an instrument for automatically human beings : monster. sentimentality. plotting the course and distance Jason wrote a tale about an ogre Grandpa was too smart to be taken traveled by a vehicle. who lived under a bridge and in by oleaginous salesmen. Now that Carlos has a car feasted on every tenth person who equipped with a Global Positioning crossed. oleander System receiver, an odograph is the n logical next step. ohm n L odontoloxia an ornamental evergreen shrub that n G name has narrow leaves and clusters of [has homonyms: aum, om] the fragrant white to red flowers. Gk practical meter-kilogram-second The sweet aroma of the oleander irregularity of the teeth. unit of electric resistance that is wafted through the window. Odontoloxia can usually be equal to the resistance of a circuit corrected with braces. in which a potential difference of 1 oleiculture volt produces a current of 1 odyssey ampere. olericulture n Michael was confused by the Greek n symbol for omega in his textbook Gk until he realized that it was the L + Ecf + L a long wandering or series of abbreviation for an ohm. a branch of horticulture that deals adventurous journeys. with the production, storage, When he talks about his odyssey, oilcloth processing, and marketing of André means the summer he spent n vegetables. working his way across Europe. As a college subject, olericulture is Gk > L > F > E + E generally divided into market oeuvre cotton cloth coated with a dull or gardening and truck farming. n glossy finish made of oil, clay, and colored pigment to make the cloth olfactory L > F waterproof. adj a substantial body of work A kitchen stove, a table covered constituting the lifework of a with oilcloth and two chairs could L writer, an artist, or a composer. be seen from the doorway. of, relating to, or connected with The poet won the award not for any the sense of smell. particular work, but for his oeuvre. ointment Humans have relatively weak olfactory abilities compared to officiousness okapi many other animals. n ogive oligarchic n African name adj an African animal that is related to L? > F? > E the giraffe but has a relatively short Gk a diagonal arch or rib across a neck and solid reddish coat with of, relating to, characteristic of, or Gothic vault. black and cream rings on its legs. supporting a group or organization The middle of a Gothic vault, In Zaire the meat of the okapi is a that is controlled by a privileged where each ogive cuts across the favorite food of the Pygmies. few. others, is called the key and is often A society dominated by large-scale in the form of a rose. oligarchic organizations eventually develops an oligarchic political ogle regime.

Page 223 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently oligarchy ombudsman omnibus n n adj Gk + Gk Sw L government by the few. [Note: Plural form is pronounced of, relating to, or providing for Over the years, the tiny state’s identically.] one that investigates many things or classes at once : government eroded from a complaints (as from students or containing or including many democracy to an oligarchy. customers), reports findings, and items. helps to achieve equitable Ursula purchased an omnibus oligophrenia settlements. edition of Shakespeare’s works, n The college hired a special which was bound in leather. ombudsman to investigate Gk widespread charges of unfair omnifarious mental deficiency. grading practices. adj Although afflicted with oligophrenia, Cynthia was capable omega L of taking care of herself in her of all varieties, forms, or kinds. home. ominous The natural history museum has an adj omnifarious collection of animal ombrometer bones. n L indicative of future misfortune or omnigenous Gk + Gk calamity : causing anxiety and fear. an instrument for measuring the For an instant there was an omnilegent quantity of precipitation that falls at ominous stillness, quieter and more adj a given place and time. silent than ever before, as if even Precipitation in the area was the air was holding its breath. L studied by collecting data from reading or having read everything : radar scans and an ombrometer. omissible characterized by encyclopedic reading. ombrophilous omission The omnilegent student was a adj n valued member of the academic team. Gk L capable of withstanding or thriving the act of failing to insert, include, omnipotence in the presence of much rain. or name. n After three days of rain, Kathy Katie refused to believe that Joe’s hoped that her garden plants were omission of her name on the guest L ombrophilous. list was accidental. almighty or unlimited power. With an attitude of omnipotence, ombrophobous omitted the government presumed that it adj v could take any land it wanted. Gk L omnipotent incapable of withstanding long- left out. continued rain. Harry Nebuchadnezzar Schwartz omniscience Ombrophobous plants would perish usually omitted his middle name in a Seattle garden. when he filled out forms. omniscient adj L having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight : knowing all things. In most monotheistic religions, God is understood to be both omniscient and all-powerful.

omnivorous

Page 224 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently onomastics onychosis onager n pl n n Gk Gk Gk > L > E the science or study of the origins [has near homonym: onchoses] a an Asian wild ass that usually has a and forms of proper names of disease of the nails. broad dorsal stripe. persons or places. Even though he had only a mild Although the onager looks like a A book on onomastics explained onychosis, Eric was not allowed to donkey, it runs as swiftly as a that the name Donald is a Scottish work in the lab. horse. Gaelic word meaning “world ruler.” onyx oncogeny onomatope adj n n Gk Gk > L Gk of the color jet black. the process of tumor formation. a word formed in imitation of The teacher told the schoolchildren Certain plant extracts have been natural sounds. that space looks onyx from the shown to inhibit oncogeny. Tim found the onomatope kaboom shuttle. in today’s comic strip. oncology oometer n onomatopoeia n Gk onslaught Gk + Gk the study of tumors. n an instrument for measuring eggs. Ed is focusing on oncology in his Mr. Horton uses an oometer to medical studies and is particularly D > E determine which eggs go in which interested in pancreatic cancer. an especially fierce attack. cartons. The Britons were unable to oneiric withstand the onslaught of the oophagous Saxons. adj onerous adj ontogeny Gk n living or feeding on eggs—used of L > F > E insects or reptiles. that involves, imposes, or Gk + Gk Oophagous insects help control the constitutes much oppressive or the biological development or bug population. irksome work, effort, difficulty, or course of development of an responsibility. individual organism. opacity Ron grudgingly completed the The role of brain ontogeny in n onerous task of cutting and Alzheimer’s disease requires that stacking the firewood. an autopsy be performed to obtain L > F a definitive diagnosis. the quality or state of a body that oniomania renders it impervious to the rays of onus light : lack of transparency or onion n translucency. The envelope’s opacity made it onionskin L impossible for Garnet to see if burden. there was a check inside. onlooker Caring for her six children was an onus for the young widow. opah

opalescence n Skt > L + Lcf the quality or state of reflecting an iridescent light. The moonstone’s opalescence gave it a pearly luster.

Page 225 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently opalescent ophthalmologist opportuneness n opaque opposite adj Gk n a physician that specializes in the L study and treatment of defects and L impervious to the rays of visible diseases of the eye. the person occupying the position light : not transparent or Monica goes to the ophthalmologist across from one’s own in square translucent. once a year because she has a dancing. The Dornans hung an opaque family history of glaucoma. Daniel’s opposite in the square window shade in their son’s dance is a better dancer than he. nursery. ophthalmology opposition opeidoscope opiate n n opine L Gk v a configuration in which one an instrument using light rays, a celestial body is opposite another in flexible membrane, and a mirror to L > F the sky. exhibit the vibratory motions state as an opinion. The Moon, when full, is said to be caused by sounds. There are some things humans in opposition to the Sun. Mr. Peterson used a simple think they know, and some that they opeidoscope to compare the sounds merely opine. opprobrious of musical instruments. adj opodeldoc operatable L > F > E adj opossum conveying or intending to convey n disgrace. L + Ecf The principal denounced the fit, possible, or desirable to use. Algonquian vandals in opprobrious terms. Renata hoped that her car would be [Note: Could be confused with operatable after the collision. possum.] an omnivorous largely opprobrium nocturnal and arboreal mammal operettist that has a prehensile tail and an oppugn abdominal pouch to which the v ophelimity young are transferred at birth. Arnold caught the opossum eating L ophicleide the cat’s food. challenge the accuracy, propriety, probity, or other quality of. ophiolatry oppidan The newspaper had a tendency to n adj oppugn the actions of Congress in its editorials. Gk L the worship of or the attribution of of or relating to a town or to town optimistic divine or sacred nature to snakes. as opposed to country. adj Before the rise of monotheism, The painter sold his oppidan scenes ophiolatry in one form or another of market day on the sidewalk, L > F + Ecff was nearly universal among earning just enough to live on. anticipating the best. ancient peoples. Jackie remained optimistic about opportune winning the national spelling bee. ophthalmic adj option L > F > E fit, suitable, or convenient for a given purpose. We could not have chosen a more opportune spot for a picnic than the shore of Lake Walcott.

Page 226 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently opulent orchestra orfevrerie adj n n L Gk F exhibiting or characterized by a large group of players of musical goldsmith's or jeweler’s work : wealth or affluence. instruments including typically jewelry. Leather wall covering is one strings, woodwinds, brasses, and Dave carefully looked over the feature of the room’s opulent percussion organized especially for orfevrerie, trying to decide what his décor. performing one of the larger forms wife would like for her birthday. of concert music or for opusculum accompanying an oratorio or other organ n dramatic work. The orchestra dazzled the audience oriel L with its performance of n a minor work (as of literature). Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Although critics regarded Jerome’s L? > F > E first novel as an opusculum, it has orchid [has homonym and near homonym: steadily risen on the best-seller n oriole and aureole] a large bay lists. window of semihexagonal or Gk > L semisquare plan projecting from oracle a distinctive and often brightly the face of a wall and supported by colored tropical flower with three a corbel or bracket. orally petals. Megan set her chair in the Many varieties of the orchid can be pleasantly sunny oriel and sat orator found in Hawaii. down to read. n orchidaceous orifice L adj n one distinguished for skill and power in public speaking. Gk > L + Ecf L > F Daniel Webster was an eminent expressing or characterized by a the mouth or opening of something. 19th-century orator. showy or ostentatious quality. Each sprinkler head had an orifice Today’s journalists generally of one-half inch. orbital eschew orchidaceous writing. n oriflamme ordeal L origami a solution of the Schröedinger ordination n wave equation describing a n possible mode of motion of a single Jpn electron in an atom or molecule. L the art or process of Japanese paper There is theoretically no outer limit the act or state of being admitted folding. to the orbital of an electron. into the Christian ministry. After only a few hours of studying At her ordination Heather origami, Veronica was creating orchard delivered a sermon on the 23rd paper cranes by the dozen. n Psalm. original L + E ordnance a plantation or enclosure containing n oriole fruit trees, nut-bearing trees, or sugar maples. F orison In the orchard were bare fruit trees [has homonym and near homonym: n growing in the winter-browned ordinance and ordonnance] military grass. supplies including weapons, L > F > E ammunition, and combat vehicles. prayer. As quartermaster, Sergeant Russo The pastor designated time in the was responsible for all of the service for a silent orison for the ordnance on the base. hostages.

Page 227 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ormolu orphanage oryx n n orpiment F n Gk > L brass made to imitate gold and used any of a genus of large heavily in mounts for furniture and for L > F > E built African and Arabian antelopes other decorative purposes. an orange to yellow mineral that have a light-colored coat with The large mirror’s frame was consisting of arsenic trisulfide and dark conspicuous markings decorated with ormolu. used in fireworks and as a pigment. especially on the face. Orpiment is used to produce yellow The adaptations of the Arabian ornithopter pigment for painting. oryx to the desert include its predominantly white coat to reflect ornithotomy orrery heat and its splayed hooves for n n walking on sand. Gk E name oscillating the anatomy or dissection of birds. an apparatus that illustrates the Through ornithotomy Derrick relative positions and motions of oscillation learned how a bird's bones are bodies in the solar system. n interconnected. Sheila fashioned a crude orrery out of coat hangers and Styrofoam. L orofacial a swinging or moving backward adj orthodox and forward like a pendulum. adj Engineers specified that slots be L constructed in the deck of the of or relating to the mouth and face. Gk + Gk bridge to reduce oscillation. Roseanne underwent plastic marked by conformity to doctrines surgery to correct orofacial or practices especially in religion oscillatory abnormalities. that are held as right or true by adj some authority, standard, or orogeny tradition. L n In orthodox Jewish synagogues, characterized by the action of men and women are seated swinging or moving backward and Gk separately. forward like a pendulum. the process of mountain making The oscillatory motion of the especially by folding of Earth’s orthoepy airplane caused Deborah to crust. n become airsick. Mrs. Scott was demonstrating orogeny when she used a piece of Gk > L oscilloscope carpet to show how mountains the study of the pronunciation of a n form. language. Differences between the English L + Gk > L orotund spoken in the United States and an instrument in which the adj that spoken in England is a topic of variations in a fluctuating electrical orthoepy familiar to many linguists. quantity appear as a visible wave L form on the fluorescent screen of a unduly full and strong in delivery orthogonal cathode-ray tube. or style : pompous, bombastic. The technician used an The more nervous Jeff gets while orthographize oscilloscope to help him pinpoint giving a speech, the more orotund the problem. his delivery becomes. oscitation orphan n Gk > L a child without parents. Oliver Twist is a famous fictional orphan.

Page 228 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently osculatory ostentatious otitis adj adj n L L Gk > L of, relating to, or characterized by for the purpose of attracting inflammation of the ear. kissing. attention : pretentious. Jeff’s earache was diagnosed as a Julie had no idea Shaun was Mrs. Howell’s purchase of a symptom of otitis of the middle ear. talking about kissing when he diamond-studded collar for her asked if she would help him refine poodle was one of her many otolaryngology his osculatory skill. ostentatious extravagances. n osmosis ostentatiously G n a branch of medicine that deals osteoclasis with the ear, nose, and throat and Gk their disorders and diseases. the flow or diffusion that takes osteoporosis When Hazel’s sore throat persisted, place through a semipermeable n her family physician recommended membrane typically separating an appointment with a specialist in either a solvent and a solution or a Gk + L otolaryngology. dilute solution and a concentrated a condition characterized by solution. decrease in bone mass with otomycosis An experiment using red dye gave a decreased density and enlargement n dramatic demonstration of osmosis. of bone spaces producing porosity and fragility. Gk osprey Diane’s doctor recommended disease of the ear produced by the n increasing her calcium intake to growth of fungi in the external prevent osteoporosis. auditory canal. L > F > E Jane’s otomycosis proved resistant a large hawk that is a dark brown ostracism to treatment. color above and mostly pure white below and feeds on fish that it ostracize otter captures by hovering and diving. n Because of its preferred diet, the ostrich osprey is also called a “fish hawk.” E ossicle otacoustic [has homonym: odder] any of n adj various largely aquatic carnivorous mammals that are related to the L Gk weasels and minks and usually any of certain small bones. assisting the sense of hearing. have webbed and clawed feet and The sports doctor told Nate that an Mrs. Jordan fashioned a piece of dark brown fur. ossicle in his left ear had been cardboard into an otacoustic horn. The sea otter places a stone on its damaged by the blow from his chest and uses it as an anvil on opponent. otalgia which to open mussels and clams. n ossuary ottoman Gk n ostensible pain in the ear : earache. adj Otalgia is more common in Turk name > It > F children than in adults. an overstuffed footstool. L Andrew spilled orange juice all professing genuineness and otherwise over the ottoman. sincerity but often concealing the adv real aspects behind a plausible facade. E Mr. Elton’s ostensible reason for in a different way or manner : stopping by was to ask whether Mr. differently. Woodhouse’s party could be made Bret told us to always back up our up in the evening without him. work; otherwise, we would be sorry.

Page 229 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently oubliette oviparous oxymoron n adj n L > F L Gk a dungeon with an opening only at producing eggs that develop and a combination for epigrammatic the top and often a concealed pit hatch outside the maternal body. effect of contradictory or below the floor. The platypus is an oviparous incongruous words. Every medieval French castle mammal. Dexter feels that the phrase jumbo Karen visited on the tour had an shrimp is an oxymoron. oubliette. ovoid oyez ourselves oxbow v outlet oxen F —used by criers of courts as a outrageous oxidation command to secure silence and adj attention before a proclamation. oximeter “Oyez, oyez, oyez!” yelled the crier F as the judge entered the courtroom. extravagant, fantastic. oxlip The sophomores created an oyster outrageous float for the oxydactyl n homecoming parade. adj Gk > L > F > E ouzo Gk + Gk a marine bivalve mollusk found having slender tapered digits. along seacoasts or in the mouths of ovation The glove was made for a delicate, rivers. oxydactyl hand. Dad would not eat an oyster. overbearance oxygen ozonic overcast n adj ozonosphere Gk > F E a nonmetallic element that is pabulum clouded over. normally a colorless odorless n On a gloomy overcast muggy tasteless nonflammable gas, is the Minnesota summer day, the circus most abundant of the elements on L came to town. Earth, and occurs in air and water, rudimentary or sentimental writing. in most common rocks and The famous poet’s early works overcompensate minerals, and in a great variety of were pure pabulum. organic compounds. override Oxygen is the second most pachinko abundant element in Earth’s n overriding atmosphere. Jpn overt oxylophyte a Japanese gambling device n resembling a pinball machine but overweening with automatic payoff as in a slot adj Gk machine. a plant that prefers or is restricted Since the 1950s, playing pachinko E to an acid soil. has been a favorite pastime among unduly confident. Sphagnum moss, which grows in the youth of Japan. Elaine's overweening pretensions bogs, is a common oxylophyte. fell flat when it was revealed that she could not even speak French.

Page 230 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pachyderm pageant paladin n n pageanteer Gk > F n L > It > F one of a group of thick-skinned a champion of a medieval prince : a mammals (as an elephant or L + Ecf legendary hero. rhinoceros). an actor or other performer in a A medieval prince could be When the circus came to town, it spectacle. challenged to a duel, but his usually featured at least one The pageanteer startled Benji by paladin would do the actual pachyderm. leaping onto the table. fighting. pacificator pageantry palatable n adj pacifist L > E Etruscan? > L > E + Ecf pacifistically colorful, rich, or splendid display. agreeable to the palate or taste : adv Rachel could not wait to see the savory. pageantry of the medieval festival. Mom poured cheese over the L > F > E spinach to make it more palatable. in a manner characterized by pagination opposition to violence as a means palatial of settling disputes. pagoda Randall approached his angry n palatially neighbor pacifistically. adv Skt > Pg paddock a Far Eastern structure resembling L + Ecff a tower that is often richly in a manner suitable for a palace. padishah decorated and typically has The new hotel was palatially n projecting roofs that curve upward surrounded by high stone walls between each story and that is with elaborate bronze gates. Per erected usually as a temple or a powerful important personage : memorial. palatinate mogul. The tour guide claimed that 1000 n George Lucas is a padishah of pounds of gold went into the motion picture epics. decoration of the ornate pagoda. L the province or territory of a paella paisley European nobleman. n adj Prince Vlad bowed, saying “I offer you the hospitality of my L > F > Catal Scottish geog name palatinate.” a saffron-flavored stew containing printed with an elaborate design palaver rice, chicken, seafood, and various consisting typically of curved n vegetables. abstract figures. Paella can be an expensive dish to Mrs. Whatsit untied a blue and Gk > L > Pg prepare because saffron threads green paisley scarf. profuse, idle, or worthless talk : are so costly. chatter. pajamas Dean left when the seminar pagan n discussion degenerated into adj palaver. Hindi L loose clothing designed for palazzo of, relating to, or having the sleeping and relaxation. characteristics of followers of a Danielle received some flannel polytheistic religion (as in ancient pajamas for Christmas. Rome). New Age spirituality has given rise palace to a number of organized pagan groups.

Page 231 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently paleontology pallbearer palooka n n n Gk > F L > E+E unknown a science that deals with the life of an attendant at a funeral who helps an inexperienced or incompetent past geological periods, is based on carry the coffin. boxer. the study of fossil remains of plants Each pallbearer wore a carnation The boxing manager told his and animals, and gives information in his lapel. fighter to box like a palooka for especially about the chronology of one round, then come out swinging the history of Earth. pallescent hard. Theo traces his interest in paleontology back to his discovery pallesthesia palouser of fossils in his yard when he was a young boy. palliate palpability v palilalia palpable n L adj moderate the intensity of : lessen. Gk > L For many prisoners, books palliate L a speech defect marked by the boredom of isolation from easily perceptible by the mind : abnormal repetition of syllables, society. obvious, manifest. words, or phrases. The injustice of the situation was Palilalia is a symptom of some palliative palpable to even the least fair- mental disorders. minded individual present. pallor palimpsest n palpebral n adj L Gk abnormal paleness. L a parchment, tablet, or other The pallor of Julian’s stage [has near homonym: palpable] of, portion of writing material that has makeup gave his girlfriend a fright. relating to, or located on or near the been used twice or three times after eyelids. the earlier writing has been erased. palmyra Mike’s palpebral spasms were Special equipment will help n alleviated when he was treated with determine whether the old a muscle relaxant. parchment Colin found is a L > Pg palimpsest. a tall fan palm that is native to palpitant Africa but widely cultivated in adj palindrome India. n The palmyra made a stately L addition to Ramu’s garden. trembling, quivering, throbbing. Gk Darryl jabbed his fork into the a word, verse, or sentence that palometa palpitant pudding. reads the same backward or n forward. palpitation Ada struggled to contrive a L n palindrome centered around her any of various butterfishes (as the own name. California pompano). L The fish dealer readily identified an abnormally rapid beating of the palladium Chet’s greenish, slippery-coated heart when excited by violent n catch as a palometa. exertion, strong emotion, or disease. Gk > L Ron could feel the palpitation in his something that affords effectual chest as he approached Marie to protection or security. ask her out on a date. Many consider the Second Amendment to be the palladium of democracy.

Page 232 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently paludal panbroil panickiness adj v n L L > F > E Gk > E of, relating to, or made up of cook food in a skillet with little or the quality or state characterized by marshes. no fat. or resulting from sudden The map shows a boardwalk trail The recipe called for one to overpowering fright. through the paludal areas. panbroil the chicken along with the In her panickiness in calling for an vegetables. ambulance, Gretchen forgot to give palustrine the street address. adj pancreatitis n panoramic L living or thriving in a marshy Gk > L pantisocracy environment. inflammation of the gland that n The alligator is an excellent produces insulin. palustrine hunter. The physician recommended Gk immediate surgery for Gordon’s a utopian community in which all palynology acute pancreatitis. rule equally. The romantic poets dreamed of pamphlet pandiculation establishing a pantisocracy n wherein everyone would share in pamphleteer the governing of the community. n L a stretching and stiffening pantomime Gk > L name + Ecf especially of the trunk and n a writer of pamphlets attacking extremities (as when fatigued and something or urging a cause. drowsy or after waking from sleep). Gk > L Thomas Paine made a name for A cat usually extends its claws a dramatic performance using no himself in colonial America as a during pandiculation. dialogue. pamphleteer. The sixth-grade class put on a panegyric pantomime of the story “Androcles panacea n and the Lion.” papacy panacean Gk > L adj an oration or writing expressing paparazzi praise. n pl Gk > L + Ecf Walt Whitman composed a famous having the properties of a remedy panegyric on the occasion of It name for all ills and difficulties. Abraham Lincoln’s death. free-lance photographers who Advertisements for the new pain aggressively pursue celebrities in medicine suggest that it has panelist order to take candid photographs. panacean qualities. Many people still blame the panettone paparazzi for their apparent role in panache n the death of Princess Diana. n L > It papeterie L > It > F a usually yeast-leavened holiday dash or flamboyance in style or bread containing raisins and paprika action. candied fruit peels. n The novel’s great strength is the Tad received a panettone in the splendidly depicted panache of the mail from his Italian grandmother. Gk > Serb > Hung protagonist. a condiment consisting of the dried finely ground pods of various panary cultivated sweet peppers. Paprika has been a prized export of Hungary for centuries.

papyrus

Page 233 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently parable paradox paralysis n n n L Gk Gk a usually short fictitious story that a statement or sentiment that is a state of powerlessness or illustrates a moral attitude or a seemingly contradictory or opposed inactivity. religious principle. to common sense and yet perhaps A sort of paralysis overcame the Ella’s Sunday school teacher began true in fact. frightened child. every class with a parable. The homework assignment was to write an essay on the following paramedic parabolize paradox: “To guarantee freedom of religion, the government must be paramount parabulia free from religion.” adj n paraffinic L > F > AF Gk > L adj superior to all others (as in power, abnormality or perversion of position, or importance). willpower. L > G Victor holds the paramount seat on One critic called Nietzschean of, relating to, or characterized by the library’s board of directors. philosophy “a celebration of paraffin hydrocarbons or paraffin parabulia.” wax. paranoia parachute The new pesticide contains a highly n refined paraffinic oil. paraclete Gk n paragraph a tendency on the part of individuals or of groups toward Gk parallax suspiciousness and distrustfulness [Note: Could be confused with n of others that is based not on parrakeet.] one called to aid or objective reality. support : an advocate. Gk > F Paranoia of government The popular senator was hailed as the apparent displacement or the eavesdropping caused members of a paraclete of civil rights. difference in apparent direction of the militia to encrypt their an object as seen from two different communications. paradigm points not on a straight line with n the object. paraparesis Sujata carefully allowed for the n Gk parallax when framing the picture an outstandingly clear or typical in her viewfinder. Gk example or pattern. partial paralysis affecting the lower The paradigm of sin and salvation parallel limbs. underlies much of 17th-century adj Kent’s paraparesis was caused by English poetry. a skateboarding accident. Gk paradise extending in the same direction and parapet everywhere equidistant. n parador The parallel lines of the railroad tracks tipped off analysts to the L > It location of the munitions plant. a rampart raised upon or above the main wall in a permanent paralogize fortification. v The princess walked along the parapet every evening at dusk, Gk watching for the return of her reason falsely : draw conclusions beloved. not warranted by the premises. Although James tends to paralogize, he is so eloquent that his listeners often overlook his faulty reasoning.

Page 234 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently paraph parasol parishioners n n n pl Gk > L L > It > F Gk > L > F > E + Ecf a flourish at the end of a signature a lightweight umbrella used as a the members of a local church sometimes used as a sort of rude sunshade. community. safeguard against forgery. Georgina decided to splurge on an The parishioners held a meeting Delia always signs her name with antique parasol even though she and decided to build a new an elaborate paraph ending in a knew she’d never actually use it. gymnasium for the school. smiley face. parboil parity paraphernalia v n n pl L > F > E L Gk > L cook briefly in simmering liquid as [has homonym: parody] the quality articles of equipment. a preliminary or incomplete or state of being equal : close Mark lugged all his photographic cooking procedure. equivalence or resemblance. paraphernalia to every spelling It is advisable to parboil dense American automobile bee. vegetables like carrots before stir- manufacturers believe they have frying them with other vegetables. achieved parity with their foreign paraphrasable competitors. adj parcel parkin Gk + Ecf pare capable of being restated in another parlance form usually for clearer and fuller parenthesize n exposition. The teacher asked the students if parfait F the meaning of the poem was n idiom, phraseology. paraphrasable. In educational parlance the new L > F high school is a “magnet school.” paraplegic a cold dessert consisting of parley adj alternating layers of fruit, syrup, ice n cream, and whipped cream. Gk Following a light lunch, Carmen L > F affected with paralysis of the lower ordered a parfait of tropical fruits. [has homonym: parlay] half of the body including both legs conversation, discussion. due to disease or injury to the pariah Mr. Elton and Harriet had a very spinal cord. n interesting parley about what could With much determination, effort, be done and should be done. and training, the paraplegic patient Tamil learned how to take care of himself a person despised or rejected by parliament at home. society : outcast. The candidate became a pariah to parochial parasite his party, and many members adj refused to be seen with him. parasitic L > F > AF > E adj parietal of or relating to a church parish. adj Five of Susan’s friends attended Gk > L parochial schools. living in or on another organism. L > F Dogs are susceptible to parasitic of, relating to, or located in the parodist organisms such as fleas and upper posterior part of the head. heartworms. The X ray revealed no damage to Hernando’s parietal bone.

Page 235 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently parody parrhesia partridge n n n Gk Gk L > F > E [has homonym: parity] a writing in [Note: Could be confused with any of several game birds which the language and style of an Parisian.] boldness or freedom of belonging to the same subfamily as author or work is closely imitated speech. the bobwhite. for comic effect or in ridicule. When Bill was in elementary A partridge fluttered out of the tall The Battle of the Frogs and the school, his parrhesia earned him grass and startled Katrina. Mice is a Hellenistic parody of the many stints of standing in the Iliad. corner. parturition n paroemia parsec n n L the action or process of giving birth Gk > L Gk + L to offspring. a rhetorical proverb. a unit of measure for interstellar In some cultures, women return to Coach Morgan’s favorite paroemia space equal to a distance of 3.26 manual labor within hours of is “A rolling stone gathers no light-years or to 19.2 trillion miles. parturition. moss.” Porgy estimated the distance paroxysm between the stars to be one parsec. parvenuism n n parsimony Gk L > F + Ecf a sudden, violent, and parsnip the behavior of one who makes uncontrollable action or occurrence n great pretensions because of of emotion. acquired wealth. When Jeff unknowingly sat on the L > F > E The parvenuism of the steel and whoopie cushion, Al burst into a a biennial plant with yellow railroad barons caused them to paroxysm of laughter. flowers and a long, thick, sweet, build some of the most amazing white root used as a vegetable. private homes in the United States. paroxysmal Jake yanked a parsnip from his adj garden. pasigraphy Gk > L > F parterre pasimology marked or accompanied by sudden n n attacks or spasms (as of a disease). Mike’s whooping cough was L > F Gk? + Gk + Gk treated with antibiotics in its early the part of the floor of a theater the study of gestures as a means of paroxysmal stage. behind the orchestra. communication. For the season premiere, the seats Native American sign language is parquet in the parterre were reserved for one means of communication n the stockholder of the opera studied in pasimology. company. F pasqueflower a patterned flooring. parthenogenesis Terry had expensive parquet n pasquinade installed in the foyer. n Gk reproduction that involves It > F development of a gamete without a lampoon or satire usually having fertilization. a political significance. Parthenogenesis occurs commonly The president’s misadventure among some stick insect species. quickly became the subject of an editorial pasquinade.

passementerie

passenger

Page 236 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently passerine pathogeny patriciate adj n n L Gk L of or relating to the largest order of the origination and development of a class of high-ranking nobles or birds including more than half of a disease. aristocrats. all living birds and consisting Much research has been done on As members of the New York chiefly of songbirds of perching the factors involved in the patriciate, Donald and his wife kept habits. pathogeny of muscular dystrophy. a high social profile and lived Mr. Perrault, an avid birder, told extravagantly. us that passerine birds have a pathos maximum life-span of about ten n patrikin years in the wild. Gk patriot pasteurization an element in experience or in n artistic representation evoking pity pasteurize or compassion. Gk > L > F v The actress was highly praised for a person who loves his country and the pathos she evoked in her death defends and promotes its interests. F name + Ecf scene. The foreign spy convinced others subject to heating long enough to that he was a flag-waving patriot. kill disease-causing patois microorganisms. n patroness Dairies pasteurize milk before n delivering it to stores. F a dialect other than the standard or L pastiche literary dialect. a woman who provides for or n Parisians considered the French promotes the interests of a protégé. spoken in the English court to be a Emma was soon left in peace, not It > F patois. forced to be the very active a usually incongruous medley of patroness of Jane Fairfax. different styles and materials : patriarch hodgepodge. n patronymic Jordan considers the design for the new library a pretentious pastiche. Gk patulous a man regarded as father or founder adj pasture (as of a race, science, religion, or n class of people). L In many religious circles Adam is spreading widely from a center. L > F > E considered to be the patriarch of The old apple tree had many land that is used for the grazing of the human race. patulous branches. animals. Every morning the cows returned patrician patzer to the grassy pasture. adj n patache L G of, relating to, or characteristic of an inept chess player. patella gentle or noble birth or of breeding When Drew won the chess game so n and cultivation. easily, he jokingly called his Escorting Cassie to her debutante opponent a “patzer.” L ball is a patrician experience Rob paucispiral kneecap. will never forget. Shelby bumped her patella against paucity the bottom of the desk when she n stood up too quickly. L a small number : fewness. The choir suffered from a paucity of male voices.

Page 237 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently paunchiness pearly pedestrian adj adj paupiette n L > F > E L having the color of a pearl, which is marked by drabness or dullness : F usually white or light-colored. commonplace. a thin slice of meat or fish wrapped “Show me your pearly whites,” The critic wrote the play off as a around a filling (as of forcemeat). encouraged the photographer. pedestrian imitation of At the new restaurant Carol Shakespeare. enjoyed a veal paupiette stuffed peccadillo with ham and cheese. n pedicure pavement L > Sp pedodontist a slight offense or petty fault. n pavilion The defense lawyers lost the case n when they tried to classify high Gk treason as a “minor peccadillo.” a specialist in the branch of L > F > E peccant dentistry that is concerned with the a large often sumptuous tent. adj dental care of children. The servants scurried to set up the The pedodontist recommends that queen’s pavilion before the Sun L infants and toddlers not be allowed went down. guilty of a moral offense : sinning, to fall asleep with a bottle of milk corrupt. or juice in their mouths. pavonine The council members railed against adj the peccant mayor. peekaboo n L peculiar of, relating to, or resembling the E + cf + E peacock. pecuniary a game to entertain an infant or Audrey cooled herself by waving a adj young child in which one hides his pavonine fan. or her face and then reappears and L makes an exclamation. paysanne taking the form of or consisting of The photographer finally managed adj money. to elicit a smile from the baby when Margaret values her she started playing peekaboo. F grandmother’s engagement ring for prepared (as with diced root its sentimental rather than its peerless vegetables) in country or simple pecuniary worth. adj style. Errol served a paysanne sauce with pedagogist E the tenderloins. n matchless, incomparable. Randy wondered how he could peaceable Gk compete against the peerless adj a specialist in education. defending champion. It didn’t take a pedagogist to know L > F > E + Ecf the school was overcrowded. peevishly marked by freedom from war, adv strife, hostilities, or disorder. pedantic Aggressive doctrines are adj E incompatible with any peaceable in a manner marked by ill temper. administration of the government. L? > It > F + Ecf “There, you see,” he said excessively meticulous. peevishly; “I’m even afraid to pearlescent Frazier’s pedantic approach bored make a positive statement.” the few remaining audience members.

Page 238 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently peirastic penalty penicillin adj n n Gk L L fitted for trial : experimental. a disadvantage (as loss of yardage, a mixture of antibiotic relatively The new drug has been approved time, or possession of the ball) nontoxic acids produced especially only for peirastic use with patients imposed for violation of the rules by molds of the genus Penicillium. who volunteer to take it. of a contest. When penicillin did not cure In ice hockey a penalty of two Frankie’s ear infection, the doctor pejorative minutes off the ice is frequently prescribed a different antibiotic. adj given to players who commit minor infractions of the rules. peninsula L n having a tendency to make or penance become worse : depreciatory, n L disparaging. a portion of land nearly surrounded The critic’s pejorative comments L > F > E by water and connected with a angered the entire cast. [has homonym: pennants] act of larger body by an isthmus. self-abasement either voluntarily Florida is actually a very large pelagic performed to show sorrow for sin peninsula. or imposed as a punishment for sin pelican by a church official. penitence Emma resolved to keep Harriet no n pelisse longer in the dark and went, the n very next day, to undergo the L necessary penance of sorrow for sins or faults. L > F communication. Because of Ella’s true penitence, [has homonym: police] a woman’s her best friend was quick to forgive loose lightweight cloak with wide penchant her for her breach of confidence. collar and fur trimming. n Grandmother’s old pelisse was a penitentiary perfect costume for our production L > F n of A Christmas Carol. a strong leaning or attraction; broadly : liking. L > E pellagra While traveling overseas, Brad a public institution in which developed a penchant for Turkish offenders against the law are pellucid coffee. confined for detention or for punishment, discipline, and Peloponnesian pencraft reformation and in which they are adj generally compelled to labor. pendeloque The judge sentenced the bank Gk name + Gk robber to 25 years in the state of or relating to the southern pendulum penitentiary. peninsula of Greece. n The Peloponnesian War was pennant between Athens and Sparta. L n a body suspended from a fixed pemphigoid point so as to swing freely to and L fro under the action of gravity and a flag or banner. commonly used to regulate the Whenever the queen was in movements of clockwork and other residence, her pennant was raised machinery. on the palace flagpole. Trina stops the grandfather clock’s pendulum each evening so that the chimes will not ring during the night.

penguin

Page 239 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pensive perambulate peremptory adj v adj L > F > E L L absorbed or engrossed in or given travel over or through especially on putting an end to or precluding a to sober thoughtfulness. foot. right of action, debate, or delay. Lori appeared pensive on the last Sid and Amy often perambulate the Mr. Stone interrupted Cindy’s day of vacation. park on sunny days. wrong answer by raising his hand in a peremptory gesture. pentathlon perceive n perennate perceptible v Gk a contest in the modern Olympic percipient 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. 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 pentecostys Under the microscope, the dark adj shape of the percnosome was penumbra clearly visible. L n continuing or lasting through percolate several years—used specifically of L v a plant that dies back seasonally a shadow cast (as in an eclipse) and produces new growth from a where the light is partly but not L part that lives over from season to wholly cut off by the intervening prepare by causing (a liquid) to season. body. pass through (as coffee) in order to The garden is bare of flowers Bert caused a penumbra on the extract the essence. because the perennial plants have screen when he walked in front of Sal did not allow enough time to been cut down for their winter rest. the slide projector. percolate his coffee before he had to go to work. perestroika penurious n percussor penury n Russ n extensive restructuring and reform L intended to revitalize the L a small hammer with a rubber head government and economy of the scantiness. used as a diagnostic tool by former Soviet Union. Jane cited the penury of intelligent physicians. Perestroika was the key that conversation at the children’s table Dr. Goldman tested Paula’s unlocked the former Soviet Union as her reason for wanting to sit reflexes with a percussor. and other Warsaw Pact nations to with the adults in the main dining democratization. room. peregrinate v perezone peony n L perfervid travel on foot : walk, tour. adj E Nicki hopes to peregrinate across any of a genus of perennial often England in the fall. L double-flowered plants with large extremely or excessively fervent : pink, white, red, or yellow showy zealous, impassioned. flowers. In front of the Capitol a man was Ben placed a brightly colored giving a perfervid speech on the peony in a tall vase. evils of national taxation.

Page 240 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently perfidious peripatetic perishable adj adj perfidy Gk L > F > E + Ecf perforate performed or performing while subject to quick deterioration or moving about : itinerant. spoilage except under proper perfume Adrian spent an exciting three conditions (as of temperature or n years as a peripatetic journalist moisture content). before settling in Chicago. The advent of refrigeration L > OProv > F changed the way perishable foods a fluid preparation used for peripety are packaged. scenting : fragrance. n Some theaters designate a peristalsis fragrance-free seating area for Gk > F n those persons allergic to perfume a sudden or unexpected reversal of and scented lotions. circumstances or situation in a Gk literary work. successive waves of involuntary pergelisol The peripety in the last act of the contraction passing along the walls n play stunned the audience. of the intestine and forcing the contents onward. L peripheral Disruption of peristalsis can lead permanently or perennially frozen adj to digestion problems. ground : permafrost. Chan’s theory is that there are Gk perjury large oil deposits beneath the located away from a center or a n pergelisol. central portion. Although Kerry’s main interest lies L > AF > E Periclean in literature, she has peripheral the voluntary violation of an oath. adj interests in art history and One thing is certain after the psychology. testimony: Either Mr. Jakes or Mr. Gk name Cleveland has committed perjury. of or relating to Pericles or his age periphery when Athens was at its highest n perlustrate material and intellectual state. Periclean Athens bequeathed the Gk permanence Parthenon and many other the external boundary or surface of monuments of artistic splendor to any body or area. permeable the world. Many villages dotted the periphery of the extinct volcano. permeate perigee v n periphrasis n Gk Gk spread or diffuse through. the point in the orbit of a satellite of Gk Igor wiped up the spill Earth that is nearest to the center of the use of a longer phrasing in immediately, lest the smell of Earth. place of a possible shorter and formaldehyde permeate the room. As the communications satellite plainer form of expression. neared perigee, its signal became Frustrated by the document’s pernicious stronger. endless periphrasis, Ludwig threw adj up his hands in despair. perinatal L highly injurious or destructive : deadly. The doctors finally eradicated the pernicious infection from the patient’s lungs.

Page 241 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pernoctate perseverance personification v n personnel L L stay up or out all night. continued or steadfast pursuit or perspicacious Brian knew he would have to prosecution of an undertaking or adj pernoctate at least once in order to aim. finish his term paper. After much perseverance, Frank L + Ecf induced the most upright female of acute mental vision or peroration mind in creation to stoop in charity discernment. n to a secret engagement. The chairman attributed the company’s record profits to L persevere perspicacious management. a flowery, highly rhetorical speech. Trudy’s peroration was lost on her persevered perspicuity audience at the school board v meeting. perspiration L > F > E perpendicular persisted in spite of counter persuade influences, opposition, or perpetual discouragement. pertinacious adj Winston persevered at his post in adj accordance with his duty. L > F > E L everlasting, eternal. persiflage stubbornly unshakable. Shawna expected to enjoy n There was something mysterious in perpetual bliss in heaven. the moody and dogged silence of F this pertinacious companion. perplexing frivolous bantering talk : a adj frivolous and somewhat derisive pertinent manner of treating a subject. L As the teams moved up and down pertinently that causes an agitated or confused the court, both benches kept up a mental condition. constant stream of persiflage. perusal Silvio found English grammar n terribly perplexing. persillade adj L? > E + E perquisite the action of reading through or n F over with some attention and dressed with or containing parsley. typically for the purpose of L Marina’s dinner guests enjoyed a discovering or noting one or more a privilege, gain, or profit flavorful sea bass in a persillade specific points. incidental to an employment in sauce. The legal advisor’s perusal of the addition to regular salary or wages. proposed contract identified many A perquisite attractive to many persimmon points of concern. business executives is unlimited use n of a cellular telephone. peruse Algonquian v persecute a medium-sized tree of the southern v and eastern United States with hard L > E fine-grained wood, oblong leaves, read; specifically : read through or L and bell-shaped flowers followed read over with some attention and harass in a manner to injure, grieve, by an orange several-seeded berry typically for the purpose of or afflict usually because of some that is edible when fully ripe but discovering or noting one or more difference of opinion. usually extremely astringent when specific points. The revolutionary extremists vowed unripe. Jan plans to peruse several to persecute the peasants who Leroy’s mouth puckered when he journals in the hope of getting would not support their cause. bit into an unripe persimmon. needed material for further research.

Page 242 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pervasive petrolage phaeton adj n n L + Ecf L > F + Ecf Gk > L that permeates or tends to the treatment of stagnant water [has near homonym: Phaëthon] an permeate. with mineral oil so as to open automobile with two cross The turkey farm had a pervasive exterminate mosquitoes. seats, usually four doors, and a odor that clung to clothes. The health department was advised folding top. to use petrolage every spring to Charles almost bought the 1931 pervicacious eliminate the mosquitoes. Rolls Royce phaeton at the auction. perwitsky petroleum phalacrosis n pessimist petrophilous n adj Gk baldness. L > F Gk Phalacrosis is an inherited one inclined to put the least attached to or living on rock; used characteristic. favorable construction on actions especially of algae and crustaceans. and happenings, to emphasize Petrophilous barnacles and limpets phalanx adverse aspects, conditions, and can be found along rocky shores. n possibilities, or to anticipate the worst possible outcome. pettifogger Gk Being a pessimist made keeping n a group or body in close formation. friends very difficult for Mark. Sarah craned her neck in wonder E + G name? as the phalanx of military jets flew pestilence lawyer whose methods are petty, over in tight formation. n underhanded, or disreputable. Unlike the pettifogger who hung phansigar L out his shingle across the street, a contagious or infectious epidemic Mr. Patterson was a gentleman of pharaoh disease that is virulent and the law. n devastating. Pestilence has historically been one petulance Egypt > Heb > Gk > L of society’s main causes of death. a ruler of ancient Egypt. petulant Tutankhamen is one pharaoh pestle adj whose name most people recognize. n L pharisaical L > F > E characterized by temporary or adj a usually club-shaped implement capricious ill humor : peevish. for pounding or grinding The striking ballplayers were Aram > GK > L + E substances especially in a mortar. characterized as spoiled, petulant, making an outward show of piety Grandma bought a brass mortar and self-obsessed. and morality but lacking the inward and pestle from an antique dealer. spirit : hypocritical. petunia Cardinal Newman spoke of the vast petchary n numbers of pharisaical individuals among baptized Christians. petechia L > F a common garden plant with pharmaceutical petrogeny funnel-shaped flowers of many n colors and patterns. Russell pulled a purple petunia Gk + Gk from the flower bed. the science of the origin of rocks. A vacation trip to the Grand Canyon sparked Lauren’s interest in petrogeny.

Page 243 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pharos pheromone philippics n n n pl Gk Gk Gk a lighthouse or beacon to guide a chemical substance that is declamations full of acrimonious seamen. produced by an animal and serves invective : tirades. Leland said the restaurant acted as a specific stimulus to other The philippics that the two like a pharos for all those at sea off individuals of the same species for legislators shot back and forth the tip of the island. one or more behavioral responses. across the chamber roused the When attacked by another beetle, lethargic Senate. pharynx the defensive beetle emitted a repellent pheromone. philistine phase adj n phew Heb > Gk Gk phial of, relating to, or characterized by [has homonyms: fays, faze] a crass materialism and insensitivity homogeneous, physically distinct, philatelist to aesthetics. and mechanically separable portion Nineteenth-century essayists of matter that is present in a philately derided the English middle class as nonhomogeneous physical- n being vulgar and philistine. chemical system and that may be either a single compound or a Gk > F phillumenist mixture. [has near homonym: flatly] stamp n Water exists in the solid phase as collecting. ice, in the liquid phase as water, Philately can be an excellent Gk > L + Ecf and in the gaseous phase as vapor inexpensive hobby. one who collects matchbooks or or steam. matchbox labels. philharmonic The phillumenist kept a fire pheasant n extinguisher near his prize n collection. Gk > L > It Gk > L > F > AF > E a musical concert or musical philologist any of numerous large, often long- organization (as a society or n tailed, and brilliantly colored Old orchestra). World birds with legs adapted for The philharmonic celebrated the Gk running and scratching the ground Fourth of July with a program of a scholar concerned with human where most of their food (as seeds patriotic music. speech as the vehicle of literature or worms) is found. and as a field of study that sheds After a morning of hunting, Larry philhellene light on cultural history. returned with a pheasant, two n Hannah wants to become a rabbits, and a wild duck. philologist and study ancient Gk Russian dialects. phenomenon an admirer or supporter of Greece n or of the Greeks. philology After one trip to the museum, Lydia Gk > L became an instant philhellene. philomath an observable fact or event. The civil rights movement began as philippic philosopher a startling phenomenon to many complacent Americans. phlebitis n pheon Gk + Lcf inflammation of a vein. If phlebitis is not treated early, a blood clot can form in the inflamed vein.

Page 244 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently phlebotomize phonasthenia phraseology n n phlegm Gk Gk > L phlegmatic weakness or hoarseness of voice. choice of words : vocabulary. adj After the football game some of the The candidate’s careful cheerleaders complained of phraseology avoided any hint of Gk phonasthenia. controversy. calm, composed, undemonstrative. Phlegmatic game-show contestants phoresy phrasing are usually not as entertaining as n n those who show excitement. Gk > L Gk > L phloem the nonparasitic association of one style of expression : wording. n kind of animal with another in In writing poetry, phrasing is order to obtain transportation. critically important. Gk > G Feather lice accomplish phoresy by a complex tissue in the vascular clinging to the body hairs of blood- phrenology system of higher plants functioning sucking flies. n chiefly in distributing food materials but also in support and phosphoresce Gk + Gk + Ecf storage. v the study of the conformation of the Mr. Cartwright pointed out the skull as indicative of mental xylem and the phloem on the newly Gk > L > F faculties and traits of character. cut tree. glow especially in the dark. Phrenology enjoyed great popular Emmet’s jigsaw puzzle will appeal well into the 20th century phlox phosphoresce after being exposed but has been wholly discredited by n to a strong light source. scientific research. Gk > L photogenic phylactery any plant of a genus of American n herbs having red, purple, white, or photogrammetry variegated flowers. Gk Dean planted phlox along the photograph either of two small square leather sidewalk. boxes containing slips inscribed photophygous with scriptural passages and phocine adj traditionally worn by Jewish males adj during morning prayer. Gk + Gk + Ecf Milton explained that a phylactery Gk > L + Ecf preferring or thriving in shade. is worn as a reminder to keep the of, relating to, or resembling seals. Ferns and hostas are photophygous laws of Judaism. One of the phocine characteristics plants often used in gardens. is having limbs modified into phylliform webbed flippers adapted primarily photosynthesis adj to swimming. n Gk + Ecf phoenix Gk + Gk having the shape of a leaf. n synthesis of chemical compounds Every fall, phylliform silhouettes with the aid of light. adorn the windows of Mrs. Gk Photosynthesis in plants provides Gaskin’s classroom. a legendary bird represented by the them with necessary carbohydrates. ancient Egyptians as living five or phyllophorous six centuries in the Arabian desert, adj being consumed in fire by its own act, and rising in youthful freshness Gk + Gk from its own ashes. producing leaves : leaf-bearing. The phoenix is a well-known Softwoods come from coniferous symbol of immortality. trees, while hardwoods come from phyllophorous trees.

Page 245 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently phylon piacular piccalilli adj n physically adv L unknown of, relating to, or involving a relish of chopped vegetables and Gk + Ecff sacrifice : sacrificial. pungent spices. in respect to the body. While visiting the island of Patmos, Wanda put a dab of piccalilli in her It was physically impossible for the tourists saw an ancient altar where tuna salad. campers to hike another mile. the Greeks burned piacular offerings to the gods. piccata physician n pianissimo physicist F > It n piazza thin slices of meat (as veal) sautéed n and served in a lemon and butter Gk sauce. a specialist in the science of matter L > It Julia served veal piccata and and energy and their interactions. an arcaded and roofed gallery that asparagus at Jack’s birthday The physicist explained how a laser often surrounds an open court. dinner. is used to read what is recorded on The tourists ran to the abandoned a compact disc. monastery’s piazza when the rain piccolo started pouring down. physics pickelhaube pica n physiognomy n n G ML [Note: Could be confused with Gk [has homonym: pika] a size of type pickelhauben.] a spiked helmet the technique or art of discovering equivalent to 12 point. formerly worn by German soldiers. temperament and character from Part of Katie’s proofreading job In the chapter on World War I, the outward appearance (as from facial was to add another line of pica to history book included a photo of a features). pages that had enough space. German general wearing a silver- The artist’s careful study of plated pickelhaube. physiognomy showed up in his picaresque brilliant caricatures of politicians. adj pickle v physique Sp relating to or being a type of prose D? > E phytocoenosis fiction in which the principal [has homonyms: pickel, picol, n character is a rogue or vagabond picul, pikel, pikol] steep in a and the narrative is a series of solution of salt or vinegar for Gk incidents or episodes. preservation. the whole body of plants occupying In a typical picaresque novel, the Every year, the Johnsons pickle a particular habitat. hero has many adventures. enough onions to give a jar to William studied the effects of acid everyone in the neighborhood. rain on the Adirondack picayune phytocoenosis. adj picnicking phytophilous L > Prov > F pictorialism adj of little value : paltry, measly. The other players chided the picturesque Gk + Gk + Ecf halfback for his picayune living or feeding on plants. contribution to the team. The forest fire deprived many phytophilous animals of their habitat and food.

Page 246 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pidan pilchard pillory n n n Chinese unknown F > E [has near homonym: piton] duck a fish related to the herring and a device formerly used for the eggs preserved in brine to which sardine occurring in great schools public punishment of wrongdoers lime, ashes, and tea are added. along the coasts of Europe. that consists of a wooden frame Art’s grandmother makes authentic The pilchard is the principal fish with holes in which the head and pidan. used for canning by the French and hands can be locked. Portuguese. Pam took a snapshot of Julian piecemeal standing by a pillory in the adv pilferage reconstructed colonial village. n Gaulish > L > F > E + E piloncillo one piece at a time : little by little. F > E n The magazine published the novel the act of stealing stealthily in piecemeal for several weeks. small quantities. Sp Pilferage in stores usually leads to unrefined sugar especially when piety increased prices for the customers. molded into cones or sticks. Rosita grated piloncillo into a bowl pigeon pilgrimage of custard. n n pinafore L > F > E L > F > E n [has homonym: pidgin] a bird a journey to visit a shrine or a holy having a stout body with rather place as a devotee. E short legs and smooth and compact Felipe made a pilgrimage to a covering garment worn to protect plumage. Santiago last year. clothes from soil, made variously A pigeon fluttered about the eaves as an apron with or without a bib. of the old barn. pillar Mrs. Dobbins wears a canvas pinafore while working in the pignorate pillbox potting shed. n pilaster pinioned n L + Gk > L > E a small round brimless hat; pinnacle Gk > L > It > F specifically : a woman’s shallow n an upright architectural member hat with a flat crown and straight that is structurally a vertical sides. L support but architecturally treated Margaret wore her blond hair a lofty mountain peak. as a column that usually partially pinned up under a leopard skin The clouds obscured the pinnacle projects from the wall and may be pillbox. from the view of those in the valley load-bearing or merely applied as below. surface decoration. pillion The architect explained that n pinnigrade because the pilaster was merely a adj decoration, removing it for the ScotGael or IrGael room’s renovation would be a motorcycle or bicycle riding L permissible. saddle for a passenger. walking by means of fins or Denny improvised a pillion in flippers. order to give LaToya a ride home. The seal and the walrus are pinnigrade animals.

Page 247 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pinniped piracy pittance n n n L Gk > L L > F > E any of a suborder of aquatic robbery on the high seas. a usually small often barely carnivorous mammals (as a seal or Charged with piracy, Blackbeard sufficient portion, amount, or walrus) with all four limbs was hunted down by government allowance. modified into flippers. warships. Gloria was tired of working long Although the pinniped finds its food hours for a pittance. in the sea, it needs to be on land or pirouette ice to give birth to its young. n pityriasis n pinocytosis F a full turn on the toe or ball of one Gk pintle foot in ballet. one of several skin diseases marked The pirouette is one of the most by the formation and peeling of pioneer striking movements in a dancer’s scales. adj repertoire. Uncle Nick’s pityriasis prevents him from sleeping well. F piscatorial of, relating to, or characteristic of pivot early settlers or their time. pistachio n Julie worked last summer in a n restored pioneer village. L > F Gk > L > It a person or thing on or around pious the edible green seed of a small tree which something turns or depends : adj of southern Europe and Asia central point. Minor. The pivot of controversy is L Patricia placed a pistachio on each Roberta’s questionable handling of devout. parfait. public funds. The pious Jewish historian saw in Israel’s exile God’s punishment for piston pivotally sin. n pizzeria piquancy L > It > F n n the part of an engine that is forced back and forth inside a cylinder due L > It + Itcf F + Ecf to combustion. An establishment (as a bakery, the quality of being agreeably Kyle learned to identify a piston in restaurant, shop) whera pizzas are stimulating to the palate : the automobile repair class. made and sold. pleasantly tart. Hank waited tables in the pizzeria Colette especially liked the pitcher on weekends. piquancy of Cajun cuisine. piteous pizzicato piqued adj adv v E It F arousing or deserving pity or played by plucking with the [has homonyms: peaked, peeked] compassion. fingers. excited or aroused by a The piteous kitten stood shivering The score called for the violins to provocation, challenge, or rebuff. in the snow. play the passage pizzicato. The envelope sealed with sealing wax piqued Helen's curiosity. pitiable placable

piton placatory

placebo

Page 248 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently placet plantar pleach n planxty pleiad L n an expression of approval or vote plasticize of assent. Gk > F The commander got the placet of platelet [has near homonym: plead] a the other generals for his coup n group of illustrious or brilliant d’etat. persons or things usually seven in Gk? > L > F > E + Ecf number. placidity a minute flattened body. The maestro named a pleiad of n A blood platelet is a minute pianists who were once his pupils. protoplasmic disk that plays a role L in blood clotting. plenary the quality or state of being calm or adj composed. platinum Not resenting the repeated L attention offered to another woman platypus fully attended or constituted : was a degree of placidity which n including all entitled to be present. Emma could neither comprehend Because of the important bills to be nor respect. Gk voted on, the legislature convened a small egg-laying aquatic mammal a plenary session. plagiarism of southern and eastern Australia and Tasmania having a fleshy bill plenilune plagiarize resembling that of a duck, dense n v blackish brown fur, five-toed webbed feet, and a broad flattened L > E L + Ecf tail. the time of full Moon. present as new and original an idea Cindy has asked for a pet platypus Zeke will begin planting after the or product derived from an existing for her birthday. plenilune. source. Simon knew that it would be better plaudit plenipotentiary not to turn in an essay at all than to n plagiarize. plentiful L adj plaintiff strong and openly expressed n approval : enthusiastic approbation. L > F > E + Ecf Claudette’s report on UFOs was containing or yielding abundance. L > F > E accorded a special plaudit by the The orange growers are looking [has near homonym: plaintive] one professor for its originality. forward to a plentiful harvest. who commences a personal action or lawsuit to obtain a remedy for an plauditory pleonasm injury to one’s rights. n The plaintiff was suing the hospital plaustral for negligence because he suffered Gk bacterial infection after surgery. playwright iteration or repetition in speaking n or in writing : the use of more planetarium words than those necessary to E + E denote mere sense. planetary a person who writes a composition Mr. Miller gave the phrase true adj arranged for enactment (as by facts as an example of a pleonasm actors on a stage) and intended to to be avoided. Gk > L > F > E portray life or character or to tell a global, worldwide. story through the actions and Deforestation is a planetary usually dialogue of the enactors. concern. The playwright based his drama on the struggles between gangs in the plangi ghetto.

Page 249 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently plethora plover plumber n n n 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 plucky copper ones. Gk > L > F > E adj inflammation of the membrane plummet lining the chest cavity and E + Ecf enveloping the lungs. having or marked by courage : plurality Pleurisy, causing fluid to spirited, brave, resolute. n accumulate in Zachary’s chest Henry was plucky enough to get cavity, further complicated his back on his bicycle although he had L pneumonia. just fallen for the seventh time. a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than pleuston plumage two candidates that is greater than n n the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half Gk L > F > E the total votes cast. small but macroscopic floating the entire clothing of feathers of a Because all three candidates have organisms that form mats or layers bird. strong voter support, the number of on or near the surface of a body of The plumage of the male peacock is votes cast for the winner will water. more colorful than that of the probably be a plurality, not a The mat of pleuston floating in the female. majority. swamp consists mostly of green algae. plumassier plutology n n plexus n F Gk + Gk one who prepares or deals in the scientific study of wealth : L ornamental plumes or feathers. theoretical economics. an intricately interwoven The plumassier showed DeeDee a Jeremy is using his expertise in combination of elements or parts in boa that complemented her recital plutology to study emerging a cohering structure. costume perfectly. democracies. The transportation board carefully mapped out the plexus of commuter plumbeous pluvioscope paths across the city. adj n pliant L L + Gk > L adj having a dull gray color like that of rain gauge. lead. Johnny ordered a pluvioscope from F > E The plumbeous core of a so-called the scientific catalog. flexible, workable, lithe. “lead pencil” is graphite. To make his catcher’s mitt more pneumatic pliant, Gary smeared shaving gel adj on it and baked it at a low temperature. Gk [has homonym: neumatic] adapted for holding compressed air : inflated with air. The development of the pneumatic tire was a major advance for the bicycle.

Page 250 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pneumatography poignant polarize adj v poacher n L > F > E L > F painfully sharp with regard to the cause (as light waves) to vibrate in Gmc > F > E feelings : piercing, keen. a definite pattern. one who kills or takes wild animals Emma’s distress was not poignant Sunglasses that polarize light (as game or fish) illegally. enough to keep her from falling reflected off water help the wearer The sign at the reservation stated asleep, and she awoke feeling see into the water. that any poacher would be somewhat more hopeful. prosecuted to the fullest extent of polder the law. poinciana n n podiatrist Gk n F name + Lcf a tract of low land reclaimed from an ornamental tropical tree or shrub the sea or other body of water. Gk having bright orange or red Leanne and Amy scoured the one who practices the care and flowers. polder for fossils. treatment of the human foot in While in southern Florida, Jake health and disease. was impressed by the fiery flowers polemic The podiatrist recommended that of the poinciana. adj Carlita get special inserts for her shoes. poinsettia Gk n of, relating to, or of the nature of a poetaster controversial discussion or n American name argument. a showy Mexican and South Try as he might, Rupert could not L American plant with tapering prevent the conversation from a writer of worthless or inferior scarlet petallike leaves that turning into a polemic debate. verses. surround small yellow flowers. The poetaster spewed out poem The delivery woman brought a polemology after poem, each worse than the poinsettia to Karen’s door. n last. poise Gk + Gk > E poetic the study of war. adj poised In polemology, military and naval adj strategies are studied and Gk 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 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. adj The detective used a polemoscope Paiute 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. policize 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.

Page 251 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently poliomyelitis pollute polyester n n polonaise Gk n Gk an acute infectious viral disease a synthetic fiber consisting wholly characterized by fever, motor L geog name > Pol > F or chiefly of a complex ester paralysis, and atrophy of skeletal a stately Polish processional dance formed by polymerization. muscles often with permanent fashionable in 19th-century Europe. Bridget bought the loudest disability and deformity. Chopin wrote many compositions polyester jacket she could find at Up to about 40 years ago, based on the rhythm of the the thrift store to wear on poliomyelitis often meant a lifetime polonaise. Halloween. on crutches or in an iron lung. poltergeist polygamous poliosis n n polyglot G adj Gk a noisy and usually mischievous loss of color from the hair. ghost. Gk One of the effects of the disease Our favorite Halloween story is containing matter in several was poliosis. about a poltergeist who tormented languages; especially : composed the tenants of a house in which of correlative text in several politesse there had previously been a languages often arranged in parallel n murder. columns. Products sold in electronics stores L > F poltroon often have polyglot instructions. formal and cultivated politeness. The ambassador greatly enjoyed poltroonery polygonal the diplomatic world of pomp and n adj politesse. L > It > F Gk polka cowardice. having many sides. n The historian said that poltroonery Mr. Ewing taught his math class among politicians in an election how to find the areas of polygonal Pol > Czech year is not uncommon. figures. a lively Bohemian dance in fast duple time that consists of three polychrest polyphagism steps and a hop. n Gwen taught her dance students the polychromatic polka. adj Gk the habit of feeding on a variety of pollen Gk plants or animals. n showing a variety or a change of By feeding various kinds of foods to colors : multicolored. the insects, the researcher could L It is not unusual for people to drive discover which ones exhibited the fine, dustlike mass of grains by Sarah’s house simply to admire polyphagism. produced by seed plants. its polychromatic brickwork. Many hay fever sufferers are bothered by ragweed pollen. polydactyly n pollutant n Gk + Gk 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.

Page 252 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently polysaccharide pomegranate porcelain n n n Gk L > F > E + L L > It > F a carbohydrate that can be a thick-skinned several-celled [has near homonym: purslane] a decomposed by hydrolysis into two reddish berry that is about the size hard, fine-grained, white ceramic or more molecules of of an orange and has many seeds in ware that has a hard paste body, is monosaccharides or their a crimson acid pulp. fired at a high temperature, and is derivatives; especially : one of the The bright red splotches on Julia’s used especially for table and more complex carbohydrates (as hands testified to her having eaten ornamental wares. starch or cellulose). a pomegranate. Many old houses have doorknobs Cellulose is the polysaccharide made of porcelain. providing the chief constituent of pomological the framework of plants. adj porcine polysemous Gk > L porcinely adj of or relating to the science of the adv cultivation of fruits. Gk + Gk Certainly in the pomological sense, L + Ecf having many meanings. one bad apple eventually spoils the swinishly. Puns are based on the humorous whole bunch. In Wanda’s opinion, Bart treated use of polysemous words. his hosts porcinely. pompadour polysyllabic n porcupine adj n F name Gk > L + Ecf a man’s style of hairdressing in L > It > F > E having three or usually four or which the hair is combed back so any of various relatively large more units of spoken language. as to stand up straight. rodents having stiff sharp erectile Martha often uses polysyllabic Chuck spent an hour in front of the bristles mingled with the hair. words to impress her teachers. mirror preening his pompadour. The yelping dog’s snout was covered with quills from a pomaceous pompous porcupine. pomade ponderous porphyry n adj n L > It > F L > F > E Gk > L a perfumed ointment. unwieldy or clumsy because of an Egyptian rock consisting of Mr. Underwood was partial to weight and size. feldspar crystals embedded in a sweet-smelling pomade. Roy could barely lift the ponderous dark red or purple groundmass ancient weapon. much used by the ancient Romans. pomander At the archaeological dig Carlo n pontificalibus unearthed a broken urn made of porphyry. L > F > E pontificate a mixture of perfumed or aromatic v porpoise substances usually made in a ball n and enclosed in a perforated bag or L box. deliver oracular utterances or L > F > E Gayle included a pomander in the dogmatic opinions. a small, friendly whale with teeth chest containing her winter clothes. Randy proceeded to pontificate for and a short, rounded snout and that five minutes on the dangers of somewhat resembles a dolphin. listening to loud music. Miles saw a porpoise at the aquarium. populous

Page 253 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently porraceous portrayal postcibal adj n adj L L > F > E L having the clear light green color of the act of representing something in occurring after a meal. leek leaves. a drawing or painting. George and Harriet hired a The deep green of the kitchen Vincent used witnesses’ vocalist for the banquet’s postcibal countertops seemed to tint the walls descriptions in his portrayal of the entertainment. a porraceous color. criminal. posterity porridge posology n n n L > F > E F > E Gk all succeeding generations : future a soft food made by boiling grains a branch of medical science time. or legumes in milk or water until concerned with dosage. The seventh grade class put thick. Derek took several classes in together a time capsule for The campers were extremely posology for his pharmacy degree. posterity. hungry, and each consumed a large bowl of porridge. posse postern n n porringer L L > F > E portcullis a detachment or body (as of police) a back door or gate. n often assigned to or brought The thief escaped through the together because of a particular postern without being detected. F > E emergency. a large grating of iron bars or heavy Noah’s favorite part of westerns is posthumous timbers suspended by chains over when the marshal and his posse adj the gateway of a fortified place and corner the bandit. lowered between grooves to L prevent passage. possessed published after the death of the The guard quickly lowered the v author. portcullis after the king and his Ironically, the novelist’s knights had passed through the L posthumous works were his most gate. influenced or controlled by popular. something (as an evil spirit or a portentous passion). postprandial adj During the race the winning horse adj ran as if he were possessed by a L demon. L > E of, relating to, or constituting of, relating to, or occurring in the something that foreshadows a possessor period after a meal. coming event : ominous. After the huge dinner, George and Oliver’s dream proved portentous. posset Barbara decided to take a leisurely v postprandial walk. portiere E posttension portmanteau [has near homonym: posit] pamper v n with delicacies. Aunt Mimi expects everyone to L + L L > F posset Pedro, her chihuahua. apply stress to (reinforcing steel) a large traveling bag. after concrete has set. The clown removed an enormous The construction crew will pumpkin from his portmanteau. posttension the steel in the columns. portraiture

Page 254 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently postulate potpourri praline n n n L F F name an underlying hypothesis or a jar of flower petals mixed with a round patty of creamy brown assumption. spices and used for scent or sugar containing pecan meats. Most cosmologists base their work perfume. The praline is a favorite candy of upon the postulate of the Big Bang. Stella kept a potpourri on her the southern United States. kitchen windowsill. posture precaution n poultice n precautionary L adj characteristic position or bearing of L the body. a soft mass usually heated and L A dancer’s posture is as important spread on cloth for application to advising, suggesting, or using in ballroom dancing as it is in inflamed areas to supply moist caution beforehand. ballet. warmth, relieve pain, or act as a Vaccinating children against polio counterirritant. is a wise precautionary measure. potable Aunt Julia’s remedy for rashes or adj skin problems of any sort is a precedent mustard poultice. n L suitable, safe, or prepared for poultry L drinking. something done or said that may Chemicals are often added to water pourboire serve as an example or rule to supplies to make them potable. n authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous potamology L > F kind. a tip or gratuity. As far as Sasha knew, the decision potassium When he checked out of the hotel, to allow a girl to play on the n Jonathan left a pourboire for the football team was without chambermaid. precedent. L an element of the alkali metal pourparler precept group. n Bananas and potatoes are good poussette dietary sources of potassium. v L a command or principle intended as potatoes F a general rule of action. n pl swing in a semicircle hands joined Mark owes his success to the with one’s partner. precept that it never hurts to ask a Taino > Sp The caller instructed the couples to question. the edible starchy tubers of plants poussette before changing partners. of the genus genus Solanum and precibal species tuberosum. poussin adj For dinner Harry made roast beef n and baked potatoes. L L > F occurring before meals. potentate a young chicken of about one The host graciously proposed a n pound weight for table use : a small precibal toast to the guest of honor. broiler. L Celeste was not sure how to season one who possesses great power or and cook a poussin, so she sway : ruler. consulted a cookbook by Julia Barry acts more like a potentate Child. than a leader in his role as class president.

Page 255 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently precinct An insect may be of value because prejudicial n it is a predator on another insect adj that is a pest to humans. L > E L > E a part of a territory (as a city) predecessor leading to premature judgment or having definite bounds or functions n unwarranted opinion. and often established for The jury was sequestered in order administrative purposes. L to prevent exposure to any In this precinct voters cast their one who comes before in order of prejudicial material. ballots at the middle school. time; especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or preliminary preciosity office to which another has n succeeded. precipice The employees are hoping that the L n new CEO is more labor-friendly something introductory or than his predecessor. preparatory. L As a preliminary to a video there is a very steep, perpendicular, or predestine usually a warning regarding its overhanging place (as the face of a use. cliff). predilection Just looking down from the n premeditation precipice made Gloria dizzy. n L precipitately inclination, liking, preference. L Moira has a predilection for consideration or planning of an act precisionist bittersweet chocolate. beforehand that shows intent to commit that act. precocious preeminent The prosecutor’s position is that adj the accused killer acted with precocity premeditation and thus should be n L charged with first-degree murder. having paramount rank, dignity, or L importance : first, outstanding, premonition exceptionally early or premature supreme. n development; especially : early The attorney introduced her expert development of the mental powers. witness as the preeminent L The precocity of five-year-old researcher in his field. anticipation of an event without Stella becomes evident after just a conscious reason. few minutes of talking with her. preen Yolanda had a premonition that she v would win the lottery. preconceive E prepollent precursor trim or dress with or as if with the n beak or the tongue. preposterous Kitty liked to sit and preen herself L in the afternoon sun. prerogative one that precedes another in an n office or process : forerunner. prefatorily Greek geometry was the precursor L to modern calculus. preferential a special right or privilege belonging to a person, group, or precursory class of individuals. It is the prerogative of the president predator of the United States to have Air n Force One at his disposal. L presage an animal that preys on or devours other animals for its food. presbyter

Page 256 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently prescience presume primitive n v adj L L&F > E L the human faculty or quality of accept as true or credible without of or relating to the earliest age or being able to anticipate the proof. period of something. occurrence or nature of future If it rains that day, Nancy will Primitive humans fashioned tools events : foresight. presume that our tennis game will from rocks. In 1955 the city authorities had the be postponed. prescience to set aside land for a primordial future park site. pretentious adj adj prescient L adj L > F existing at or from the beginning : making or possessing claims (as of first created or developed : earliest, L excellence, superiority, greatness). primeval. having foreknowledge : The pretentious candidate found Blake’s story depicted a creature characterized by foresight. little support among the common emerging from the primordial ooze. Carrie seemed unusually prescient people. as she sat smugly under her principal umbrella on what was once a clear preterition adj afternoon. n L presentient L [has homonym: principle] most adj the act or an instance of passing by important, consequential, or or over without mention, notice, or influential. L attention. The map showed principal roads, apprehensive in advance : feeling “I won’t even mention his lesser towns and cities, and locations of or perceiving beforehand. crimes,” cried the orator in historic sites. Kate was presentient of her lost preterition. dog’s return. pristine prevalent adj prestidigitation prevaricate L prestidigitator v belonging to the earliest period or n state. L The antique chest was in pristine L&F&It deviate from the truth : speak condition. a performer of sleight of hand. equivocally or evasively : lie. The prestidigitator mystified the Emmy tends to prevaricate private children by making cards appear whenever the teacher questions her and disappear. behavior. privilege n presumably priest adv n L a peculiar or personal advantage or L Gk > L > E right. by reasonable assumption : one who performs sacrificial, Mr. Neng grants his neighbors the probably. ritualistic, mediatorial, privilege of fishing in his pond. Mrs. Janko is presumably going to interpretative, or ministerial the Christmas party this year. functions especially as an proaulion authorized or ordained religious n functionary or official minister of a particular religion. Gk A Greek Orthodox priest, unlike a a portico or colonnade that opens Catholic priest, is allowed to be into the narthex of a church or married. temple. Pine garlands adorned the primaveral proaulion.

Page 257 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently proboscis procurable profuse n adj prodigal Gk > L adj L the flexible conspicuously long overly plentiful : bountiful. snout of some animals; especially : L + Ecf Buttons on the entertainer’s suit the trunk of an elephant. given to reckless extravagance. were so profuse that not another An elephant’s proboscis can Victor has written a memoir of his one could be placed anywhere. support great weight. prodigal youth in Europe. progenitor probouleutic prodigious n adj procedure L n L an ancestor in the direct line : extraordinary in bulk, extent, forefather. L > F > E quantity, or degree : enormous, Tad assumed his unusual height a particular way of doing or of immense. was inherited from a particularly going about the accomplishment of The public works crews were tall progenitor. something. complimented for coping with this Even though he carefully followed year’s prodigious job of snow progeny all the steps in the procedure, Jack plowing. still couldn’t retrieve his messages. prognosis producible n proceed proem Gk procellous n the act or art of foretelling the adj course of a disease. Gk > L > F > E Although the patient’s surgery was L a preliminary discourse to a longer touch and go, Dr. Symm’s stormy. piece of writing. prognosis was for complete There are many dangers for a small The excited scholar was sure he recovery. boat on a procellous sea. had found a previously unknown proem to Plato’s Republic. prognostication proclivity n profane prognosticator v n L an inclination or predisposition L L toward something. treat as not sacred : desecrate. one that forecasts from signs or After spending a couple of days in Michael was told sternly not to indications. Las Vegas, Conan decided he had profane the holy water font by The local prognosticator predicted no proclivity for gambling. throwing pennies in it. a balmy spring weekend. procrustean profiterole prolegomenon adj n profligacy Gk name > L n Gk marked by complete disregard of a reading or group of readings or individual differences and by L intellectual exercises leading to violent forcing into conformity reckless wastefulness and further understanding, with something. extravagance. development, or advance in The principal’s procrustean Arno’s profligacy during his knowledge or technique in a attitude left no room for a student sophomore year caused him to subject matter field. government at the school. forfeit his scholarship. Dr. Taylor’s course in art history constituted a carefully planned proctor prolegomenon for students who would be choosing art as their procumbent major.

Page 258 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently proletarian promontory propagate adj n v 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 proliferation v n prolific L L adj make known (as a decree, a dogma) a natural inclination. by open declaration : proclaim. Most cats have a propensity to be L > F The high school principal curious. occurring or existing in large attempted to promulgate the numbers : abundant, profuse. attendance policy many times, but propinquity The article’s prolific footnotes the seniors mostly ignored him. n hampered rather than aided Tina’s comprehension. pronounceable L adj nearness in place : proximity. prolix The roots of the trees in close adj L > F > E + Ecf propinquity to the new sidewalk capable of being pronounced. will soon ruin it. L A word that Dr. Cameron finds given to verbosity and diffuseness easily pronounceable could tie your propitiate in speaking or writing : long- tongue into knots. winded. propitious Quentin’s prolix style was not well propaedeutic adj suited to a short-answer exam. adj L > E prolonger Gk being of good omen : auspicious, n needed as preparation for learning encouraging, favorable. or study. Ray’s perfect score on his science L > E Reading is a propaedeutic skill. test was a propitious start for the one who lengthens in time, extends new school year. in duration, or draws out. propaganda Dr. Murphy kept his remarks short n propolis because he did not want to be the n prolonger of the meeting. L dissemination of ideas, Gk > L prolusory information, or rumor for the a brownish resinous material of purpose of helping or injuring an waxy consistency collected by bees promenade institution, a cause, or a person. from the buds of trees and used as a n In 1941 President Roosevelt cement. warned that the democratic way of A honeycomb is constructed from L > F life was being assailed by secret beeswax and propolis. a leisurely walk or ride especially spreading of poisonous in a public place for pleasure, propaganda. proportion display, or exercise. n After the meeting Gilda and Jaime took a promenade down Main L Street. relative size or portion. The proportion of local, domestic, prominent and foreign news varies considerably on television.

Page 259 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently proposition prosciutto prospicience n n n 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 proprietor protagonist Gk > L n propulsion one who has been converted from one religious faith to another. Gk prorogue Edith Stein, canonized in 1998 as one who takes the leading part in a v Saint Teresa Benedicta of the drama. Cross, was a proselyte to The protagonist was portrayed with L > F Catholicism. his faults as well as his virtues. defer, postpone. Parliament decided to prorogue proselyting protean discussion of the bill until after the v adj election. Gk Gk name prosaical recruiting members for an [has near homonym: protein] adj institution, team, or group readily assuming different shapes especially by the offer of special or forms. L inducements. An amoeba is a protean organism. of, relating to, or written in the Though it does not engage in ordinary language of speaking and proselyting, the college usually protocol writing. turns out fine basketball teams. n Jonathan’s Veteran’s Day poem was more memorable than the prosody Gk + Gk major’s 20-minute prosaical n a rigid long-established code speech. prescribing complete deference to Gk superior rank and strict adherence prosateur the study of versification. to due order of precedence and n The prosody of Horace’s first ten precisely correct procedure. odes was Humbert’s downfall on Lieutenant Griffin was censured for L > It > F the exam. violating protocol after he got up in a writer of prose. the middle of the meal without Scott’s fountain pen belonged to a prospectus excusing himself. famous prosateur of the 19th n century. protuberant L proscenium a preliminary printed statement provenance n describing a business or other n enterprise and distributed to Gk potential buyers, investors, or L the wall that separates the stage participants. place of origin. from the auditorium in a modern According to the prospectus, the The lecturer maintained that Africa theater. scooter market increased threefold was the provenance of all human An apron stage juts out from the in the last year. life. proscenium.

Page 260 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently provincial psalmody psychiatry adj n n L Gk Gk + L exhibiting the ways and manners of the act, practice, or art of singing a branch of medicine that deals a province or rural district : sacred songs in worship. with the science of treating mental, unsophisticated. Although the New England emotional, or behavioral disorders. Katie’s open midwestern Puritans did away with church The concept of multiple friendliness was labeled organs and instruments, they kept personalities is of special interest “provincial” by the snooty big city their psalmody. to Helen, who plans to pursue a dwellers. career in psychiatry. psilanthropy proviso n psychological n Gk + Gk psychomachy L a doctrine of the merely human n an article or clause (as in a statute, existence of Christ. contract, or grant) that introduces a A well-known subscriber to Gk > L condition, qualification, or psilanthropy was Thomas a conflict of the soul (as with the limitation and usually begins with Jefferson, who regarded Jesus as a body or between good and evil). the word provided. great moral teacher but not as a Countless novels have as their The grant’s proviso was that the divine being. theme the psychomachy within the money would be awarded only if hero as he struggles to do right. the student maintained an A psilosis average in his studies. n psychrometer n provost Gk n a falling out of hair. Gk + Gk Jerome’s psilosis was a side effect a hygrometer whose operation L > E of chemotherapy. depends on two similar a high-ranking administrative thermometers with the bulb of one officer of an American university. psoriasis being kept wet so that it is cooled Professor Myers met with the as a result of evaporation and provost to discuss the new psyche shows a temperature lower than curriculum. n that of the dry-bulb thermometer. Greg built a crude psychrometer prowess Gk out of two old thermometers and n soul, self, personality. some cotton gauze. Brianna loves music so much that F > E she considers it part of her psyche. psychrophilic distinguished bravery : gallantry. adj The knight’s prowess on the psychedelic battlefield was surpassed only by adj Gk the king’s. thriving at a relatively low Gk + Gk temperature. proximity very bright in color. The psychrophilic bacteria died n Kate showed Mary a psychedelic when the refrigerator’s compressor Peter Max poster she had saved as failed. L > F a memento of the ’60s. the quality or state of being close. ptarmic The Fletchers bought the house on n Vine Street because of its proximity to neighborhood schools. Gk > L a substance that causes sneezing. prudent Andrea is extremely allergic to dust, an everpresent ptarmic prytanis difficult for her to avoid.

Page 261 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ptarmigan pucellas puissant n n pl adj ScotGael It F any of various grouses of northern a spring tool resembling tongs and strong, powerful. regions having completely used for shaping molten glass. Enduring Adria’s piano practice feathered feet. With the pucellas the glassblower called on all of her mother’s “Why did the ptarmigan cross the grasped the lip of the vase and puissant patience. road?” asked Martha. turned it over in a graceful curve. pulchritude pteridology puchero n pullulate pterodactyl v n L > Sp a Latin American boiled dinner or L Gk stew containing beef, sausage, swarm, teem. any of numerous extinct flying bacon, and various vegetables. At rush hour the train station began reptiles having a featherless wing Olivia sampled puchero at an to pullulate with activity. membrane and a rudimentary tail. Argentine restaurant. The museum’s dinosaur exhibit pulmonary includes a mechanical replica of a puerile adj pterodactyl. adj L ptomaine L of, relating to, or associated with n childish or immature. the lungs. Mrs. Yolton was not impressed by Uncle Rob’s pulmonary disease Gk > It Tommy’s puerile behavior. requires that he breathe pure any of various organic bases some oxygen at all times. of which are poisonous and which puerilely are formed by the action of adv pulsatile putrefactive bacteria on adj nitrogenous matter. L + Ecf About three hours after he had [Note: Could be confused with L eaten, Dunstan realized that his purely.] in an immature or childish beating, throbbing. lunch had been tainted with manner. The heart is a pulsatile muscular ptomaine. Hunter reacted puerilely when his organ that maintains the flow of mother told him it was time for bed. blood. ptosis n pugilist pultaceous n adj Gk [has near homonym: tussis] a L + E L + Ecf sagging or prolapse of an organ or a professional boxer. having a consistency like that of part; specifically : drooping of the Years as a pugilist took their toll on porridge. upper eyelid. Leo’s coordination. Serena dislikes rice pudding The film star had a clear case of because of its pultaceous ptosis. pugilistic consistency. publication pugnacious pulverize adj puce pulverulent L adj having a quarrelsome or belligerent nature. L Bushpigs are pugnacious enough to consisting of or reducible to fine put up a fight against a leopard. powder. Chalk is a pulverulent deposit of puissance calcium carbonate.

Page 262 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pumice purlieu putrescent n n adj L F L [has homonyms: pomace and a place of resort : haunt. decaying, rotting. pumace] hardened volcanic froth. Vince can be found most evenings The disagreeable odor was coming Ground pumice is sometimes used in the local pool hall, his favorite from the putrescent skunk carcass. as an abrasive ingredient in soap. purlieu. putrid pumpernickel purloin adj n v L G L > F > E in an advanced state of a sourdough bread made with rye appropriate wrongfully and often decomposition : rotten. and wheat flours. under circumstances that involve a The putrid heap of kitchen scraps Sam’s favorite sandwich is ham breach of trust. will compost in no time. and Swiss on pumpernickel. The district manager was fired when he was caught trying to putsch punchinello purloin company earnings. n punctilious purportedly imit G adj a secretly plotted and suddenly pursued executed attempt to overthrow a L government or governing body. marked by precise exact pursuer The right-wing nationalist group accordance with the details of n plotted a putsch for early codes or conventions. September. Inflexible people often pay E punctilious attention to rules of one that chases or follows after. putty etiquette. By the middle of the race, Gail had n outdistanced her nearest pursuer punctual by two yards. F adj [has homonym: puttee] a cement purveyor usually made of whiting and boiled L n linseed oil beaten or kneaded to the marked by exact adherence to an consistency of dough and used in appointed time. L > F > E fastening glass in sashes and Everybody was punctual for the one who provides supplies of food stopping crevices in woodwork. wedding, and all behaved or whose business is to make The window repairman smoothed charmingly. provisions for the table : caterer. the new putty and inserted the The reception was delayed because double-paned glass into the sash. punctuation the purveyor got stuck in traffic. puzzling punditry pusillanimous adj adj pungent unknown + Ecf adj L mystifying : difficult to understand. lacking or showing a lack of The puzzling directions in the L courage, manly strength, and instruction manual rendered it causing a sharp sensation : resolution : marked by mean- useless. pricking, irritating, acrid. spirited and contemptible timidity. The pungent odor of wet dog sent Edgar never forgave his brother’s the guests out for fresh air. pusillanimous desertion during the war. punishment punitive purgatory

Page 263 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently pylon pyrosis quadrangle n n n Gk Gk L > F > E a tower for supporting either end of heartburn. a square or rectangular enclosure or a wire over a long span. Gill had a wicked case of pyrosis court especially when surrounded The steel pylon at the north end of after eating at Billy Joe Bob’s Char by buildings (as in some schools the footbridge was showing and Grill. and colleges). dangerous signs of wear. Norm sailed a pie tin across the pyrotechnics quadrangle. pylorus n pl n quadrant Gk Gk > L a display of fireworks. quadrennial the opening in a vertebrate from the The amusement park had a show stomach into the intestine. including pyrotechnics every night. quadrilateral The pylorus regulates the flow of n food and liquid from the stomach. Pyrrhic adj L pyramid a plane figure of four sides and n Gk > L consequently four angles. [has homonym: pyric] of, relating The perimeter of a baseball Gk to, or resembling that of Pyrrhus, a diamond forms a quadrilateral. an ancient massive structure of king who sustained heavy losses in huge stone blocks found especially defeating the Romans. quadrille in Egypt having typically a square When the team’s star quarterback n ground plan, outside walls in the broke his leg in the game it won form of four triangles that meet in a against its toughest rival, the win F point at the top, and inner was indeed a Pyrrhic victory. a four-handed form of a card game sepulchral chambers. played throughout Europe in the The sight of a pyramid on the pythonic 17th and 18th centuries. desert horizon took Rico’s breath adj Mrs. Bates was a very old lady, away. almost past everything but tea and Gk > L quadrille. pyre of, relating to, or like a python : huge, monstrous. quadrumanous pyrethrum In classical mythology, the god adj n Apollo killed a pythonic serpent at Delphi. L Gk > L having four hands. any of various chrysanthemums quackery Luke complained that a bass player with finely divided and often would have to be quadrumanous to aromatic leaves. quadragenarian master the piece he was given to The pyrethrum is a source of a n play. natural insecticide. L quagmire pyretogenic a person who is 40 or more and less n adj than 50 years old. Evelyn became a grandmother unknown + ON > E Gk while she was a quadragenarian. a complex or precarious position inducing fever. where disengagement is difficult. Because Jamie’s illness was not In his position as protocol officer, pyretogenic, his mom did not Russell often found himself in a initially believe that he was sick. quagmire of delicate relationships. pyrite

Page 264 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently quail quarrel quebracho n n quarrelsome L > F > E adj Sp a migratory game bird of Europe, a tree that is native to Argentina Asia, and Africa that is about seven L > F > E + E and is used as a source of tannin inches long. apt or disposed to argue : and in dyeing. The vintner decided to name his contentious. In Argentina grows the quebracho, wine after the quail because the If Angie weren’t so quarrelsome, which literally means “ax- birds were so plentiful on his she might have more friends. breaker,” so named because its property. wood is so hard. quarry quaint quell adj quartz quellable L > F > E quash adj uncommon, old-fashioned, or unfamiliar but often agreeable or quasi E attractive in character, appearance, capable of being quieted or allayed. or action. quaternion The restless crowd proved In the middle of the ultramodern n quellable at the sight of the mall was a quaint tearoom that entertainer they had come to see. drew customers from miles around. L a set of four parts, things, or quench qualitative persons. v adj The auto parts store offered a special price on a quaternion of E L tires. put out (as a fire or a light). of, relating to, or involving quality For three days the firefighters tried or kind. quatorzain to quench the blaze. Although the essay was judged to n be short quantitatively, it was a quenelle qualitative masterpiece. F n a poem of 14 lines that resembles a qualm sonnet but lacks strict sonnet G > F structure. a ball or oval of meat stuffing quandary When his English teacher was cooked in boiling water or stock n satisfied with Walter’s quatorzain, and served as a garnish or as a she encouraged him to write a separate dish. unknown sonnet. Martha served a quenelle of a state of perplexity or doubt : chicken in brown onion sauce as an dilemma. quatrefoil appetizer. Taylor’s advice left Miriam in more n of a quandary than she was in quercitron when she sought his help. F n a conventionalized representation quantum of a flower with four petals or of a L leaf with four leaflets. a black oak or the bark of this tree quaquaversal The Gothic window featured a used in tanning and dyeing. adj quatrefoil at the top of its arch. When used as a dye, quercitron turns fabrics yellow. L quay dipping from a center to all points querimonious of the compass. adj From the air, the quaquaversal shape of the Indian mound could be L seen. habitually complaining. Luther was known for his quarantine querimonious temperament.

Page 265 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently quern quiche quincunx n n n E G > F L a primitive mill for grinding grain a baked custard pie usually having an arrangement of five things with consisting of two circular stones an added savory ingredient (as one at each corner and one in the with the upper one being turned by chopped ham, seafood, or middle of a square. hand. vegetables). Any nine-block square of a Some Tibetan villagers still grind Lois served soup and a seafood chessboard will include a quincunx wheat into flour by using a quern. quiche for lunch today. of either black or white blocks. querulous quiddity quinine adj n n L L Quechua > Sp expressing or suggestive of the essential nature or ultimate a bitter alkaloid derived from complaint : fretful, whining. form of something. cinchona bark and used in medicine As the crow fluttered from the tree, The photographer was noted for especially in the form of bitter salts it gave a loud, querulous caw. her ability to capture the quiddity to reduce fever. of her subjects. Quinine was a common remedy querulously when Dr. Prentice was young. quidnunc query n quinquennial adj quest L n one that is avidly curious and given L + L to speculating especially about occurring at the end of every five L > F > E ephemeral or petty things. years. an act or instance of searching : Every neighborhood seems to have The philanthropist makes a expedition, pursuit, venture. a quidnunc. quinquennial gift to the school. In “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the horseman rides forth to the quiescent quinsyberry scene of battle in nightly quest of n his head. quietus n Gk > L > F > E + E question an Old World black currant. v L Edgar mashed a quinsyberry on his final discharge or acquittance (as sister’s new yellow dress. L from debt or obligation) : final express doubt about : dispute. settlement. quintessence Corporal Sage decided he had to The judge is expected to rule n question Sergeant McGonigle’s tomorrow on a quietus in Mr. orders. Ford’s civil case. L the most typical example or questionnaire quill representative : the consummate n instance (as of a quality or class). queue To be steadfast in the face of E mortal danger is the quintessence queuer a bird’s feather; especially : one of of courage. the large stiff feathers of a bird’s quibble wing or tail. quire Jay found a beautiful quill and n placed it alongside his mom’s antique inkwell on her desk. L four sheets (as of paper) folded quincentennial together into eight leaves. The teacher showed the second- graders how to make a book from a quire of paper.

Page 266 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently quirt quoits quotable n n pl adj 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. quotation quisling Jordan had never played quoits n before but found it very similar to quotidian horseshoes. adj Norw name a traitorous national who aids the quokka L invader of his country and often n commonplace, ordinary. serves as chief agent or puppet Thelma rebelled against her governor. Australian name quotidian existence. Many French citizens thought that a stocky Australian reddish or Marshal Petain, head of the Vichy chestnut brown wallaby with a quotient regime during World War II, was short tail—called also “short-tailed n little better than a quisling. wallaby.” Meggie’s pet quokka wanted to L quiver follow her everywhere. the number resulting from the n division of one number by another. quomodo In the equation 48 ÷ by 4 = 12, 12 Gmc > F > AF > E n is the quotient. [Note: The definition provided is not the one most commonly L rabbinate associated with this word.] a case means, manner. for carrying arrows. Devon claims that he lacks the Rabelaisian The archer slung his quiver over quomodo to repay Philip before adj his shoulder and set out in search next month. of deer. F name quondam marked by or manifesting a gross quixotic adj robust humor or extravagance of caricature, characteristic of the quizzical L French humorist François Rabelais. having been formerly. In the 19th century many writers, quizzically Jared and his quondam stepbrother including Mark Twain, were adv are still the best of friends. criticized for having a Rabelaisian view of life. unknown + Ecff quorum in a questioning, curious manner. n rachiometer Martin sat with his head quizzically n tilted as the algebra teacher was L explaining the new concept. the number of members of an Gk organization who when assembled an instrument for measuring spinal quodlibet can legally transact business in the curvatures. n absence of the other members. When Kate complained of back There were not enough members problems, her orthopedist used a L present at the school board meeting rachiometer to examine her spine. a subtle or debatable point; to constitute a quorum, so no especially : a theological or voting took place. scholastic question proposed for argument or disputation. The best students in the philosophy seminar were often given a quodlibet to sharpen their debating skills.

Page 267 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently racketeer radicchio raiment n n n imit? L > It E one who extorts money or a chicory of a red variety with clothing, garments. advantages by threats of violence variegated leaves that is used as a The stranger’s raiment was well- or blackmail. salad green. worn but clean and pressed. The Justice Department was Instead of lettuce, Angela always successful in prosecuting the uses radicchio in her salads. raisiny racketeer for tax evasion. adj radioactive raconteur n L > F > E n containing or resembling sun-dried L + L grapes. F of, relating to, caused by, or Taylor enjoyed the raisiny trail one who excels in telling anecdotes exhibiting the emission of radiant mix. : storyteller. energy. Mr. Backstrom is the resident Radioactive materials are carefully ramage raconteur at the county library. tracked and monitored. n radar radioactivity L > F n the boughs or branches of a tree. radioscopy As soon as Buttons got out the E acronym n door, she disappeared into the a radio device for locating an ramage of the big poplar. object. L + Gk + Ecf With the help of radar, the weather direct observation of objects rambunctious bureau was able to track the storm. opaque to light by means of some adj other form of radiant energy (as X radarscope rays). E n Upon radioscopy Thelma’s fracture excessively exuberant : wild, became clearly visible. uncontrollable. E acronym + Gk Nothing pleases a group of the oscilloscope or screen serving radius rambunctious youngsters more as the visual indicator in a radar than a good pillow fight. receiver. ragamuffin The pilot relied on the radarscope ramellose to fly through the storm safely. raglan adj radiant ragout L adj n having little branches. 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 for the first time. raillery L n a resulting development : radical consequence. adj F Tina felt that the only negative 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.

Page 268 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently rampage rantipole rascette v adj n Scots D? + G > E? Ar > L > F act, rush, or storm wildly or characterized by a wild unruly a line crossing the wrist below the excitedly. manner or attitude. palm of the hand that is sometimes Crazed fans began to rampage in The antics of the rantipole bear held by palmists to provide the streets after their team won the cubs amused the zoo visitors. additional indication of a strong or championship. weak constitution. rapacious Madame Xantha peered closely at rampant Helen’s rascette and told her she adj rapier would live to be 100. F rappelled rasgado marked by the absence of check or v n restraint. A rampant smallpox epidemic L > F L > Sp decimated the population. [has near homonym: repelled] the arpeggio effect produced by descended a precipitous cliff by sweeping the strings with the ramshackle means of a rope. thumb in guitar playing. adj Simon pushed off with his feet as he Rod ended his guitar solo with a rappelled down the precipice. resounding rasgado. ON > E appearing as if ready to collapse : rappelling rasorial dilapidated, rickety. Bonnie heard strange noises rapport raspberry coming from the ramshackle house n n next door. F unknown + E rancid relation characterized by harmony, any of various usually black or red adj accord, or affinity. sweet juicy edible berries. Mr. Sanchez works hard to achieve The raspberry is highly prized for L rapport with all his students. making jams and preserves. having an offensive smell or taste usually from chemical change or rapprochement ratafia decomposition. n n After a month at room temperature, most cheese will be rancid. F F establishment or a state of cordial a small sweet biscuit made from rancor relations. almond paste. n The rapprochement between the May ate a ratafia with her coffee country’s two religious groups for breakfast. L suffered a setback when members vehement hatred or ill will. of one group bombed a church that rataplan Samuel’s rancor flashed from his belonged to the other group. n eyes. rapscallion F rancorous the iterative sound of beating (as raptatorial from a drum or the hooves of a ransack galloping horse). rapturous One verse of the song required the ransom adj campers around the bonfire to make a rataplan by clapping their L hands and slapping each thigh in feeling, expressing, or marked by turn. ecstasy : ecstatic. Cecilia always became rapturous during the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Page 269 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ratatouille raucous realize n adj v L > F L F a stew made of eggplant, tomatoes, disagreeably harsh or strident. bring into existence. green peppers, squash, and Up in one of the elms an old black With her inheritance money, Marty sometimes meat. crow gave its raucous cry. was able to realize her dream of Marnie used vegetables from her owning a small business. own garden to make the ratatouille. ravel realm rathskeller ravenous n adj realpolitik n G F a restaurant located usually below craving for satisfaction or (L + Gk) > G the street level and patterned after gratification. politics based on practical factors the cellar or basement of a German The children tore into the meal with as distinguished from theoretical city hall. a ravenous hunger. objectives. There are three good restaurants Some analysts credit realpolitik for on this block, but college students ravigote the increase in voter participation. seem to prefer the rathskeller. n realschule ratification L > F a sauce or dressing colored green realty ratihabition with spinach puree and seasoned n with vinegar and a mixture of ratiocinate herbs. L > F > E v The specialty of the seafood brunch land and its permanently affixed was shrimp ravigote. buildings or other structures L together with its improvements and reason according to a logical ravine its natural assets (as minerals, process. crops, waters). A philosopher should ratiocinate ravioli Aurora built a large business in strictly and rigorously. n corporate realty. ratiocination L > It reappraisal alimentary paste made in little ration shells or cases and stuffed (as with rebarbative cheese, spinach, or meat). adj rational Fletcher bought a package of frozen spinach ravioli and a jar of L rationale tomato sauce. serving or tending to repel or irritate. rattlesnake rawinsonde Teresa complained that she found n the school play rebarbative. rayonnant E + E adj rebellion any of numerous pit vipers that have a series of interlocking joints F reboant at the end of the tail which make a depicted with rays darting forth— sharp rattling sound when vibrated. used especially in heraldry. Mr. Bergson’s valuable stallion The sun rayonnant on the died last summer after being bitten Philippine flag signifies liberty and by a rattlesnake. freedom.

razzia

Page 270 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently reboation recension recluse n n n L L L a loud reverberation. a critical revision of a text (as of an one who leads a retired or solitary The reboation of the ship’s foghorn ancient author) by an editor. life. signaled the ship’s entrance into Patricia recently read a modern Alison was shocked when the old the harbor. recension of Dante’s Inferno. recluse next door called to invite her for tea. rebote receptacle recognizance rebus recess n n recidivism L > F > E L n an obligation of record entered into a representation of words or before a court or magistrate syllables by pictures of objects or L + Ecff requiring the performance of an act by symbols whose names resemble repeated relapse into criminal or (as appearance in court) usually the intended words or syllables in delinquent habits. under penalty of a money sound. Unemployment of ex-convicts is at forfeiture. A popular game show required the root of much of the recidivism The suspect was arraigned the next contestants to solve a rebus to win. that leads to overcrowded prisons. morning and released on his own recognizance. rebuttal recipe n n recommendation F > E L reconcile the act of contradicting. a formula for cooking or preparing v Dennis’s convincing rebuttal sent something to be eaten or drunk. Oscar home in a huff. Chuck’s chili recipe is a closely L guarded secret. obtain agreement between two recalcitrant financial records. adj recipient Because he kept such poor records, it often took Evan several hours to L reciprocal reconcile his checkbook to his bank obstinately defiant of authority or adj statement. restraint : stubbornly disobedient. An extremely recalcitrant L + Ecf recondite adolescent, Tommy rejects consisting of or functioning as a adj everything any authority figure return in kind. says. James is truly unselfish, always L ready to help without expecting very difficult to understand and recapitulate reciprocal benefit. beyond the reach of ordinary v comprehension and knowledge. reciprocity Mansur chose the recondite subject L n of quantum mechanics for his repeat the principal points of : paper. restate briefly : give a summary of. L It is customary for Professor Burns mutual dependence, action, or recreant to recapitulate his lecture at the influence. end of class. A treaty of reciprocity called for recrementitious the lowering of protective tariffs by receipt both countries. recrudescence receive recital

Page 271 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently recrudescent redoppe refugium adj n refulgent L L > It > F breaking out again : renewing a show-ring movement in which a regale disease or dangerous activity after horse gallops in circles whose v abatement, suppression, or diameter never exceeds ten feet. cessation. The last movement in Thunder’s F Because of the recrudescent nature performance was a fast redoppe. entertain (as a person) sumptuously of tuberculosis, those who have or agreeably : feast with delicacies. been exposed to this disease should redoubtable The hostess will regale her bridge be tested for it periodically. adj club members with a variety of delightful homemade desserts. recuperate F > E v inspiring awe or reverence : august, regardless eminent. L Mount Rushmore is a fitting regatta recover health or strength. memorial to four redoubtable n Aaron spent a month in Florida to statesmen. recuperate after the campaign. It reductase an organized series of rowing, recurrence speedboat, or sailing races. redundancy The famous rowing regatta at recurrent Henley-on-Thames has been held referee each year since 1839. recusancy n referential reggae n L refluence refusal to accept or obey unknown constituted authority : refocillate a popular music of Jamaican origin nonconformity. v that combines indigenous styles In post-Reformation England, with elements of rock ’n’ roll and recusancy was the refusal L soul music and is performed with especially of Roman Catholics to refresh, revive. the accent on the offbeat. attend the services of the Church of Mom hopes that a good watering The video travelogue about England. will refocillate her drooping ferns. Jamaica included a soundtrack of reggae. recusant refraction n regicide redingote n L redolent the deflection from a straight path L adj undergone by a light ray in passing the killing or murder of a king. obliquely from one medium into The peasants resorted to regicide L > F > E another in which its velocity is when their pleas were ignored by conveying an aura : tending to different. the tyrannical monarch. suggest. Mr. Popkin explained that an oar Every page of Ryan’s essay is in water is not bent, but that regime redolent of fine scholarship. refraction makes it appear bent. n refuge L > F n the period during which a government or social system L > F > E prevails. shelter or protection from danger or During the communist regime in distress. Romania, environmental problems The high hills are a refuge for wild were flagrantly ignored. goats.

Page 272 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently regimen rejuvenescence reminiscingly n relegate remuneration L v n a systematic plan designed to improve and maintain health. L L Cassandra’s regimen includes [has homonym: religate] degrade, an act of paying an equivalent for a getting at least seven hours of sleep demote. service, loss, or expense : per night. The coach decided to relegate the compensation. quarterback to second string after Mr. Shimada gave Mitzi two tickets regurgitate his poor performance in the game. to Disneyland as remuneration for v the many errands she had run for reliable him. L throw, cast, or pour back or out relic renaissance again. n n Brenda watched the redbird regurgitate food to feed his L L > F nestlings. an object (as a bone, an article of enthusiastic activity along literary, clothing or of personal use) kept in artistic, and cultural lines rehabilitation esteem and veneration because of distinguished by a revival of n its association with a saint or interest in the past and an martyr. increasing pursuit of learning. L The Shroud of Turin is the most In the 1970s, there was a the process of restoring an famous relic in Christendom, in renaissance of interest in organic individual (as a convict, mental spite of its disputed history. gardening techniques. patient, or disaster victim) to a useful and constructive place in relinquish render society. v The penitentiary employed reliquary psychologists and educators to help L > F > E in the rehabilitation of the remainder melt down : extract or clarify by prisoners. melting. remedial The process of cooking a few strips rehearsal adj of bacon can render enough fat to n fry several eggs. L E concerned with the correction of rendezvous a private recital or practice session faulty study habits, the n held in preparation for a public improvement of skills imperfectly appearance. learned, and the raising of a pupil’s F Roland was somewhat nervous general competence. a meeting at an appointed place and during his first rehearsal with the The test results indicate that 20 time. New York City Ballet. percent of the students in Laura’s The astronauts completed a school need to take a remedial rendezvous with the orbiting space reindeer course in math. station. reiterate reminisce renege v v renitent L L&F adj say or do over repeatedly. indulge in the practice of thinking The new teacher decided to about past experiences. L reiterate each point of the lesson at The old photographs prompted resisting pressure, constraint, or the end of the period so that the Grandpa to reminisce about his compulsion. students could not claim they youth. Mark’s dog proved too renitent to missed the information. learn any tricks. reminiscence rejoice

Page 273 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently renounce repechage replenish v n v L L > F L [has near homonym: renowns] a second-chance trial heat (as in fill up again. announce one’s abandonment of Olympic rowing) in which losers in The heavy rain from the hurricane the ownership of : give up, the first round of competition are served to replenish the drought- abandon, or resign usually formally given another chance to qualify for stricken reservoirs of the state. (something possessed). the semifinals. In 1936 Edward, Prince of Wales, Luigi fell behind in the first heat of replevin decided to renounce his claim to the single sculls, but he hoped to n the throne of England and marry make up for it in the repechage. American divorcée Wallis Simpson. L? > F repercussions the return to or recovery by a renovation person of goods claimed to be repertoire wrongfully taken or detained upon renovator n the person’s giving security to try n the matter in court and return the L > F goods if defeated in the action. L a list or supply of pieces or parts Before the goods could be moved one that restores to a former state that a company or person has from the warehouse, the judge (as worn or damaged articles). thoroughly rehearsed and is issued a writ of replevin. The Rehmers hired a renovator to prepared to perform. work on the old farmhouse they The folk dance troupe has added repository bought. several Balkan dances to its repertoire. repoussage renvoi n n repertory n F F the art or process of hammering out the return by a government of an L or pressing thin metal from the alien to his own country. the practice of presenting with a reverse side. Because of crowded prisons, New resident company a number of Fiona bought a brass box York has been practicing renvoi on different productions (as plays or decorated with repoussage at the illegal aliens who have committed dances) during a season either antique shop. a crime. successively or alternately. The ballet company is presenting reprehensible repaint four productions in repertory this adj winter. reparation L > E repetition deserving rebuke or reprimand : repartee n censurable. n This amiable, upright, perfect Jane L Fairfax was apparently cherishing F the fact of occurring, appearing, or very reprehensible feelings. a succession of clever retorts. being said again. Susie and Josh’s repartee is so The repetition in the epic poem was represent excessive that even their friends anything but boring. tire quickly of the constant retorts. reprieve repetitious n adj F? L a formal suspension of the marked by the act of repeating execution of a sentence especially something already said or done. of death. Bettina complained that her piano Bowing to public pressure, the lessons were repetitious. governor granted a reprieve to the convict awaiting execution. replaceable

Page 274 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently reprimand repudiate rescue v v v L > F L L > F > E reprove severely : chide for a fault : refuse approval or belief to : reject free from confinement, violence, censure formally and especially as untrue or unjust. danger, or evil : save, deliver. with authority. Jacqueline wanted to repudiate her Three lifeguards dived into the pool Dean felt guilty as he began to family's ideas about class to rescue the flailing girl. reprimand Shirley; was the blame distinction, so she married their partially his? chauffeur. reservoir reprisal n n repugnance n L > F L > It > F > E a place where water is collected an action of retaliation (as for L and kept in quantity for use when injury or attack). strong dislike, distaste, or wanted. The team captain decided to use a antipathy. Because of the dry spell, our trick play as a reprisal for the other Mr. Churchill felt deep repugnance reservoir was only half full, and team’s roughhousing. toward his aunt, whose illnesses water restrictions had to be never occurred but for her own imposed. repristinate convenience. v residential Requiem L n residual restore to an original state or condition : revive. L residue Barb and Ray spent the better part a grand musical hymn in honor of n of the summer working to the dead. repristinate the old farm house. Many orchestras include a L classical Requiem in their the part of a molecule that remains reproach repertoire. after the removal of a portion of its v constituents. requiescence Sondra asked Jeff to analyze and F > E write out the formula for the rebuke strongly or sternly : scold. requisite residue in the Erlenmeyer flask. Van hoped that Mrs. Krishnan adj wouldn’t reproach him in front of residuum the whole lunchroom crowd. L required by the nature of things or resile reprobate by circumstances or by the end in v v view. Buried under a calmness that L L seemed all but indifference was an draw back : recoil, retract, recede. disapprove of : reject as unworthy attachment that would have led The rubber bands in Greta’s desk or evil. either of the two brothers, if were so old that several had lost Patty will not be going to the sock requisite, to do everything for the their ability to resile. hop because her parents reprobate good of the other. dancing. resilience rescind n reptilian v L + Ecf L an act of springing back : rebound, repeal. recoil. The new bill would rescind several Vera showed her resilience by outdated laws. recovering so quickly from her skiing accident. rescindable

Page 275 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently resiliency respite resuscitate n n v L + Ecff L > F L capability of a strained body to temporary intermission of labor or revive from apparent death or from recover its size and shape after of any process or unconsciousness. deformation caused especially by operation : interval of rest. A young intern pushed through the compressive stress. Seeking respite from the arguing of crowd to resuscitate the A pole vaulter must adjust to the his siblings, Jerold left the table in unconscious child. resiliency of his pole. the middle of their family dinner. resuscitation resilient resplendence n reticence resinous n L > E resipiscence the quality or state of shining L > F n brilliantly. restraint in speaking or The resplendence of the sunset over communicating : reserve. L Loon Lake enticed Eric to stay one Jordan’s usual reticence change of mind or heart; often : more day. disappears when he sits at the return to a sane, sound, or correct radio microphone. view or position. restauratrice The soldier’s severe war n reticulated experience brought about in him a adj resipiscence marked by much L regret for shortcomings in his a woman who operates or owns a L + Ecf personal life. public eating place. constructed or faced with diamond- While Ted and Sue were dining, the shaped stones or square stones resistible restauratrice came to their table to placed diagonally. ask for their comments on the food The hotel lobby’s reticulated floor resolute and service. provided stark geometric contrast adj with the gentle curves of the restitution atrium. L having or characterized by a restitutory reticule decided purpose : determined. adj n Jody remained resolute in his decision to resign from the L L committee. of, relating to, or aiming at the a woman’s small drawstring bag return of something to its rightful used as a pocketbook, workbag, or resonance owner. carryall. n The judge’s verdict included Mrs. Bates folded up a letter which punitive as well as restitutory she had been reading and returned L features. it into the purple and gold reticule [Note: Could be confused with by her side. plural noun resonants.] a resurgence phenomenon that is shown by a retina molecule, ion, or radical to which resurgent n two or more structures differing adj only in the distribution of electrons L > E can be assigned. L the multilayered innermost lining To illustrate the concept of rising again from an inferior state of the eyeball that contains various resonance, Mr. Abadi drew two to a superior state. types of photoreceptive cells that different Lewis structures of ozone The former Soviet republic is are connected to the brain via the on the board. experiencing resurgent optic nerve. nationalism. The ophthalmologist treated Mrs. respiratory Simpson for a detached retina. resurrection

Page 276 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently retinue revenant revictualment n adj n L > F > E F L + L > F > E + Ecf a train of attendants. coming back : recurring. the obtaining of fresh stocks of The actress obtained coveted The more Rachel tries to put the provisions (as by an army). awards ceremony tickets for her revenant dream out of her mind, We cannot go that far into enemy entire retinue. the more often it recurs. territory without a clear plan for revictualment. retractile revenue n revirescent retribution adj n L the income that comes back from L L an investment. growing fresh or young again : something given or exacted in The revenue from Maria’s rental reviving. compensation. property enabled her to buy a The incumbent surprised his Art felt certain that his fender vacation cabin. opponents with the revirescent bender was divine retribution for vigor of his campaign. all the times he had honked his reverberate horn impatiently at other drivers. v reviviscent retrocedence L rhabdomancer n continue or become repeated in or n as if in a series of echoes. L Kevin stood on one side of the Gk the act of ceding back typically by canyon, yelled as loudly as he one who practices divination by treaty. could, and waited for his voice to rods or wands. In 1997 the British government reverberate. With his divining rod in hand, the completed the retrocedence of rhabdomancer set out to find an Hong Kong to China. reverberated undiscovered spring of water. v retrogress rhapsodical L adj retrospect returned or sent back : echoed. v Loud sounds reverberated Gk throughout the cave. extravagantly emotional : L rapturous. practice the act of surveying the revere The music critic lavished past. rhapsodical praise on the Brahms Colin’s ability to restrospect makes reverence concert. history classes a breeze for him. reversible rheostat revanche adj n n L > F > E Gk F made to be worn either side out and a resistor for regulating a current by the policy of a government intent often with a different fabric on each means of variable resistances. on the recovery of lost territory. side. The light dimmer has refused to Under the domination of the USSR, Mark’s reversible vest matches work ever since Henry adjusted the tendencies toward revanche were everything else in his wardrobe. rheostat. kept under tight control. rhetoric reveille

Page 277 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently rhetorician rhinitis rhombus n n n Gk Gk Gk > L one who writes or speaks in an common cold. an equilateral parallelogram. inflated or bombastic style. The doctor diagnosed rhinitis and The most familiar form that a People tend to ignore Mr. Wade’s prescribed rest. rhombus takes must certainly be a good ideas because he is such a square. rhetorician. rhinoceros n rhubarb rheumatic n adj Gk any of various large powerful (Gk + L) > L? > F > E Gk > L > F herbivorous thick-skinned a plant having large leaves with of, relating to or characteristic of mammals that have one or two thick succulent stems that are often inflammation, pain, and swelling in heavy upright horns on the snout. eaten in pies or preserves. and around the joints. The videotape showed dramatic Rhubarb and strawberries make a Once Ben had rheumatic fever, and footage of a rhinoceros charging a good combination for a pie. once he had typhoid. photographer. rhythm rheumatism rhizotomy n n rhodium 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 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. rheumy Evan’s mother plants a ribald rhododendron along the driveway adj rhinarium every year on his birthday. n Gmc > F > E rhodolite characterized by broad coarse Gk > L n humor. the hairless area of roughened skin Sharon’s mom was surprised to at the tip of the snout of a mammal. Gk + Gk learn that the ribald tale her Vince checked the puppy’s a pink or purple garnet that is used daughter was reading was written temperature by touching its as a gem. by Geoffrey Chaucer. rhinarium. The gem exhibit included a 75- carat rhodolite from Tanzania. ricochet rhinestone n n rhomboid n F geog name + E a glancing rebound or skipping (as a colorless imitation stone of high Gk > L > F of a flat stone thrown along the luster made of glass, paste, or gem a parallelogram in which the angles surface of water). quartz. are oblique and adjacent sides are Albert and Tyler carefully counted Basil didn’t bother looking for the unequal. each ricochet in the stone-skipping rhinestone that fell out of his belt One of our geometry problems was contest. buckle. to find the area of a rhomboid.

Page 278 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ricotta righteous rivulet n adj n L > It E L > It a white unripened whey cheese of characterized by uprightness or a small stream : brook. Italian origin that resembles cottage justice. The fast-melting snow gushed down cheese. The civil rights protesters were the rivulet to the pond below. Angela’s favorite Italian recipe fearless in their righteous cause. calls for ravioli stuffed with ricotta. roan rigorous adj rictus n rime Gothic > Sp > F n [has near homonym: rowan] of an L animal’s coat : having the base a gaping grin or grimace. E color (as black, red, gray, or Reuben’s face was frozen in a [has homonym: rhyme] a covering brown) muted and lightened by a rictus of horror during the movie’s of minute ice crystals on a cold liberal admixture of white hairs. last scene. surface that is formed by the The roan pony is the tamest mount condensation of atmospheric vapor at Camp Wannagohome. rideau at temperatures below freezing : n frost. roborant Rime may occur in large, feathery adj F flakes, but they lack the crystalline a small ridge or mound of earth. patterns of snowflakes. L The cottage was built on a rideau strengthening. overlooking the marsh. riparian In China, ginseng has for ages adj been esteemed for its roborant ridiculous effects on the body. L rifeness [Note: Could be confused with rococo riparial.] of, relating to, or living or adj riffler located on the bank of a watercourse (as a river or stream). F rift Most wildlife depends on riparian excessively ornate or intricate. n areas for survival. The rococo decor of Griselda’s new house is typical of those built Scand > E risibility with “new money.” a divergence (as of interests or n rodomont beliefs) resulting in disagreement n or dispute. L Deciding what the puppy should be the ability or inclination to laugh : It name named caused a temporary rift alertness or sensitiveness to the a vain or blustering boaster. between the twins. ridiculous, incongruous, or absurd. James’s new roommate is Mary’s risibility has earned her the something of a rodomont. rigatoni nickname “Giggle Girl.” n rissole rognon n Gmc > It rogue hollow alimentary paste made in L > F n short curved fluted pieces. [has near homonym: resole] Paula served rigatoni stuffed with minced meat or fish covered with unknown cheese and diced vegetables. pastry and fried in deep fat. a dishonest unprincipled person. Marianne ate a rissole for lunch. The sheriff warned the newcomers that he would not tolerate a rogue ritziness in his town.

riverain

Page 279 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently roleo Rorschach rotulet n n n L > F > E&E Swiss name L a logrolling tournament. a psychological test of personality a small scroll or register. A roleo is similar to a rodeo but and intelligence using inkblot The circuit judge logged all his has floating logs instead of bucking designs. court business in a rotulet. broncos. Keesha’s responses during the Rorschach caused the examiner to rotundity romance believe that she was trying to make n the results unreliable. rondache L n rosemaling roundness. n When he looked in the fun-house F mirror, Chris was astounded by his a small shield carried by a foot L > ON > Norw + G > Norw rotundity. soldier. painted or carved decoration (as on In medieval warfare the rondache furniture, walls, or wooden rouge often had a slit in the upper part for dinnerware) in Scandinavian n seeing through. peasant style that consists of colorful floral and other designs L > F ronquil and inscriptions. any of various cosmetics that give a n Tad restored the rosemaling on his red coloring to the cheeks or lips. wife’s antique chair. Loretta’s mother said she was too Sp young to wear rouge. any of several fishes of the roseola northwest coast of North America rough that resemble the jawfishes. rostrum adj Sheila caught a ronquil while n fishing off the Alaskan coast. E L [has homonym: ruff] difficult to rood a pulpit or platform occupied by an travel over or penetrate. n orator or public speaker. The rough waters off its coast made Robin stepped up on the rostrum, the island a bane for sailors. E took a drink of water, and then [has homonym: rude, rued] a unit began her speech. roughhewn of land area used in England and Scotland equal to 40 square rods or rotisserie roulette ¼ acre. n n After the uprising, every rood of the estate of Hugh of Thorpe was left F L > F burnt and barren. a cooking appliance with a spit on a gambling game in which players which food is rotated before or over bet on which compartment of a roommate a source of heat. revolving wheel a small ball spun Herb cooked the chicken on a in the opposite direction will come roriferous rotisserie over his gas grill. to rest in. adj Bonita spent the entire time on the rotogravure riverboat playing roulette. L n generating dew. The cool, roriferous evenings were L + F a pleasant contrast to the hot, dry a photogravure process in which days. the impression is produced by a rotary press. Rotogravure is used to print the magazine section of the Sunday paper.

Page 280 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently roundelay rubicund ruminate n v rubicundity F n L a folk or ritual group or couple 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. rumored rowel rubric rumormonger v n n F > E L L + Gk > L > E goad with a revolving disk at the name, title. one that spreads unconfirmed end of a spur. The fields of botany, zoology, and pieces of information. After she rounds the bend, geology were once classified If Alfonso doesn’t learn to hold his Gabrielle will rowel her horse to a together under the rubric of tongue, he’s going to earn a fresh burst of speed. “natural history.” reputation as a rumormonger. rudimentary ruade adj runnel rubefacient L rupestrian n basic, fundamental. adj Thurston possessed only a L rudimentary knowledge of opera. L a substance for external application composed of rock. that causes redness of the skin. ruefully The designer of the famous Isopropyl alcohol is a well-known adv rupestrian monument known as rubefacient found in many people’s “Mt. Rushmore” died before the medicine cabinets. E + Ecf 14-year project was completed. in a pitiable or woeful manner. rubella Joe ruefully replied that he hadn’t rural n been able to bring any lunch with adj him. L L an acute contagious disease usually ruminant of, relating to, associated with, or affecting children and young adults n typical of the country. and characterized by a red skin Kevin has always resided in the city eruption, mild symptoms, and a L and knows little about the rural short duration : German measles. any of a suborder of even-toed way of life. Rubella is especially dangerous hoofed mammals (as sheep, when contracted by an expectant giraffes, deer, and camels) that rurigenous mother because it can threaten the chew the cud and have a complex adj health of her unborn child. usually four-chambered stomach. Microorganisms play an essential L Rubenesque role in the digestive system of a born or living in the country. adj ruminant. As the town grew, some of the stores began to neglect their Flem name rurigenous customers. 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.

Page 281 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ruse sable saccadic n n adj F Slav > G > F > E F a stratagem or trick usually [Note: The definition provided is [has near homonym: psychotic] of intended to deceive. not the one most commonly or relating to a sudden movement : Little did Carey know that Mrs. associated with this word.] the jerky. Bradley was onto his ruse. heraldic color black. Virginia’s saccadic motions were Anita began painting her family’s symptomatic of a neurological russet coat of arms by creating a disorder. adj background of sable. saccharify L > F > E sabotage reddish brown. n sacciform Troy’s Robin Hood costume adj featured a russet top and forest F green pants. malicious destruction of or damage L to property with the intention of resembling a pouch. rustic injuring a business or impairing the The squirrel filled its sacciform adj economic system or weakening a cheeks with acorns. government or nation in time of L war or national emergency. sacerdocy naturally simple in character or When a drug enforcement agency n manners. airplane crashed, sabotage was Visitors to the village considered suspected and an investigation was L the inhabitants rustic. launched. priesthood. Will announced in a letter to his rutabaga saboteur sister that he felt a calling to the n sacerdocy. sacalait ON > Sw n sacerdotal a turnip with a very large yellowish adj root that is used as food both for Choctaw > F stock and for human beings. a crappie that is typically smaller L In England, the vegetable and more silvery than the black of or relating to priests or a Americans know as a rutabaga is crappie and that is highly esteemed priesthood. called a “swede.” as a food fish. Some types of sacerdotal clothing rutch Ray and Moira went to the French distinguish the clergy from the Quarter to dine on sacalait and laity, and some signify rank within rutilant cornbread. the priesthood. adj saccade sachem L n n having a reddish glow : shining. The evening sun put a rutilant F Narraganset&Pequot sheen on the sunbathers’ skin. a small rapid jerky movement of the leader of a political party; the eye especially as it jumps from specifically : one of the 12 sabbatical fixation on one point to another (as governors of the Tammany Society. in reading). William Tweed was a sachem of the Mary felt that her eyes could not political organization known as take one more saccade, so she Tammany Hall. closed them during the remainder of the PowerPoint presentation.

Page 282 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently sachet saffron salamander n n n F Ar > L > F > E Gk > L > F > E [has homonym: sashay] a small a deep orange-colored substance a metal disk or plate heated and bag or packet; especially : a small consisting of the aromatic pungent held over a food (as pastry or bag containing a perfumed powder dried stigmas of the saffron crocus pudding) to brown the top of it. that is used to scent clothes. and used to color and flavor foods. A salamander is often used to Aunt Kate keeps a sachet in her Saffron is the most expensive spice caramelize the top of desserts like clothes closet. at Walker’s Market. crème brulée. sacralize sagacious salami adj n sacrifice v L L > It possessing quick intellectual a highly seasoned sausage made of L perceptions. pork and beef. [Note: The definition provided is The neighbors often came to the Randy made a sandwich of salami not the one most commonly sagacious old man for advice about and cheese. associated with this word.] bunt in investments. baseball with fewer than two out, salesclerk enabling a base runner to advance a sagacity base while the batter is put out at n salicetum first base. n The coach told Marvin to sacrifice L because George was on third base quickness or acuteness of sense L and the team needed one more run perceptions. a collection or plantation of to win. Chuck’s sagacity made him the willows. finest detective in the arson unit. The salicetum is Nikki’s favorite sacrificial picnic spot. sagathy sacristy salicylate sagebrush sacroiliac salient sagittal sacrosanct adj saline adj L salivary L of, relating to, or shaped like an most holy or sacred : inviolable. arrow or arrowhead. salmon The use of loud voices is Murray fantasized that the sagittal n inappropriate in the sacrosanct rock he found in the quarry was an temple. Indian arrowhead. L > F > E a variable color of salmon’s flesh safari Sagittarius averaging a strong yellowish pink. n n Unable to find a purse in the right shade of salmon, Vera decided to Ar > Swahili L stick with basic black. a hunting or other expedition in the ninth sign of the zodiac. east Africa, especially on foot. The Moon was in Sagittarius when While on safari, Ariel Sherman was born. photographed lions and elephants. salaam

Page 283 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently salmonellosis salvo sanctimonious n n adj American name + Lcff L > F > It L infection with a bacterial disease a sudden eruption or explosion (as displaying high-mindedness with typically marked by gastroenteritis of laughter, cheers, or handclaps). intent to impress. but often complicated by When the villain met with doom Ronnie’s voice took on a septicemia, meningitis, and other after an intense struggle, the movie sanctimonious tone when he conditions. theater was filled with a salvo of volunteered to give his mother his Vaughn contracted salmonellosis applause. meal. while on the cruise. samba sanction salon n sanctity salsilla African > Pg n a Brazilian dance of African origin sanctum characterized by a sprightly step n L pattern in duple time and a bending a tropical American plant with of the knee at each beat of the L edible roots sometimes used as a music. a sacred place. substitute for potatoes. The Campbells, who love Latin The innermost sanctum of the In the West Indies we had our first dancing, went to special classes to temple in Jerusalem was known as taste of salsilla. learn the samba. the Holy of Holies. saltine samizdat sandal n n n E Russ Gk > L > E a thin, crisp cracker sprinkled with the system in the former U.S.S.R. a shoe consisting essentially of a salt. by which government-suppressed sole fastened to the foot by means The stale saltine crumbled as the literature was clandestinely printed of straps or thongs passing over the raccoon tried to wash it in the and distributed; also : such instep and around the ankle. creek. literature. Lorraine stopped to refasten the After the fall of communism, strap of her sandal because her salutary numerous small publishers of ankle had swollen. adj samizdat found their place in the open market. sangaree L promoting health : curative, samovar sangfroid restorative. n The long vacation had a salutary samphire effect on Grace’s mental health. n L > F extraordinary self-possession or salve F name imperturbability, especially under n a fleshy European coastal plant that strain. is sometimes pickled. Justin remained calm during the E Daphne ordered the salad of prosecutor’s attack and replied to a healing ointment. samphire and other greens. the questions with sangfroid. Jason’s grandmother prepared a mustard oil salve and told him that sampler sanguinary if he used it, his troubles would be over in three days. samurai sanguine adj sanctified L marked by eager hopefulness. Ever sanguine, Kathy said that she would one day win the lottery.

Page 284 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently sanguinolent sapphiric sarsaparilla adj adj n L Skt > Heb > Gk > L > F > E Sp of, containing, or tinged with having the nature of or resembling a sweetened carbonated beverage blood. a sapphire. similar to root beer with the Theo’s phlegm became Diane’s bracelet held a series of predominant flavor from birch oil sanguinolent for a while from sapphiric stones. and sassafras. bronchitis. Sylvester’s yen for sarsaparilla is saprogenous well known to cartoon aficionados. sanitary adj adj sartorial Gk + Gk + Ecf adj L capable of producing decay or for or relating to the preservation of putrefaction. L health. Saprogenous bacteria aid in the of or relating to dress or to tailored Conditions at Christ Hospital are decomposition of dead organic clothes. as sanitary as is humanly possible. matter. Sandy, who longed to be a sartorial rebel, sometimes went to class sapiential saprophagous wearing purple tights under her adj adj uniform. L Gk + Gk sashay characterized by wisdom. feeding on decaying matter. v The philosopher’s library is filled While hiking, Ted and Paul passed with sapiential books. the carcass of a squirrel that was F > E covered with saprophagous insects. [Note: Could be confused with saponaceous chassé. Also, word has homonym: adj saran sachet] strut in an ostentatious or conspicuous manner. L sarcasm Tommy and Suzanne tried to soapy. sashay as the caller instructed, but Talc and soapstone have a sarcophagus they both tripped and fell. saponaceous feel. sardine Saskatchewan saporous n adj adj Gk? > L > F > E Cree > Canad geog name L any of several small or immature of or from the province of having flavor; especially : fishes preserved for food. Saskatchewan, Canada. agreeable in taste. The only way to entice the Among the Saskatchewan flora is When Dad returned from work, frightened cat from under the porch the saskatoon, a sweet purple Mom treated him to a saporous was to offer him a sardine. berry. beef stew. sardonic saskatoon sapphire n n sardonyx Canadian geog name Skt > Heb > Gk > L > F > E sarong a juneberry of the northern and a precious stone of transparent rich western United States and adjacent blue corundum of great value. sarrazin Canada. Sapphire has been highly prized as The purple fruit of the saskatoon is a gemstone since 800 B.C. eaten eagerly by birds.

Page 285 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently sassafras satirical saurian n adj sausage Sp > L L > F n the dried bark of the root of an characterized by caustic or ironic aromatic tree used as a diaphoretic, comment. L > F > E a flavoring agent, an aromatic Ned’s cartoons have a sharp, highly seasoned chopped or ground stimulant, or as a source of an satirical edge. meat that is used either fresh or aromatic volatile oil used in cured. perfumes. saturate Harry’s favorite pizza is topped Alba’s family has a recipe for v with sausage and onions. medicinal tea that contains sassafras. L savagism infuse thoroughly or cause to be satchel pervaded. savorous The aroma of a turkey roasting in adj satellite the oven began to saturate the n entire house. L > F > E pleasurable to the taste : flavorful. Etruscan? > L > F saturnine Mabel prepared a savorous a celestial body orbiting another of adj Thanksgiving dinner for her family. larger size. Earth has only one natural L savory satellite—the Moon. of a moody or surly character : adj morose, sullen. satiate Shirley’s father-in-law is a F saturnine person with a quick fragrant. satiety temper. Guido bought a savory wooden n bowl smelling of rich cedar and saucer varnish. L > F the quality or state of being fed to sauciness savvy or beyond capacity. n n Nell wondered if her beagle puppy would ever reach satiety. L > F + Ecf L > Sp the quality or state of being expertness in a particular field satire amusingly or unobjectionably based on experience and native n forward or impertinent. ability. Emma felt they were friends again, Officer Ramos’s street savvy was a L and the conviction gave her at first great help in apprehending drug a usually topical literary great satisfaction, and then a little dealers. composition holding up human or sauciness. individual vices, folly, abuses, or saxophone shortcomings to censure by means sauerbraten of ridicule, derision, burlesque, n sayonara irony, or other method sometimes n with an intent to bring about G improvement. oven-roasted or pot-roasted beef Jpn Gulliver’s Travels is a scathing marinated in a vinegar solution good-bye. satire of political and religious with peppercorns, garlic, onions, Charlene found it hard to bid hypocrites. and bay leaves before cooking. Nagano sayonara at the end of the Phil’s favorite German restaurant 1998 Winter Olympics. satiric features sauerbraten during Oktoberfest.

sauger

saunter

Page 286 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently scabbard scaphoid scelidosaur n adj scenario G > AF > E Gk > L n a usually leather or metal sheath in shaped like a boat. which the blade of a sword, dagger, Terence found a scaphoid Gk > L bayonet, or other cutting weapon is depression in the rock. an outline or synopsis of a play. enclosed when not in use. After the actor read the scenario, The knight began to pull his sword scarce he decided that he was not right for from its scabbard, but a look from adj the leading role. the queen stopped him. L > F > E scenewright scabrous not plentiful or abundant. n adj Lettuce became scarce and expensive after the recent flooding. Gk > L + E L a designer and maker of theatrical rough to the touch : having small scarcity sets. raised dots, scales, or points. The scenewright worked closely The leaf’s scabrous texture was scarifier with the playwright to create the caused by insect attacks. n appropriate backgrounds for each act. scaffold Gk > L > F an implement or machine that tears scentless scalene up the surface of a road prior to adj adj resurfacing. Paul operates a scarifier for the L > F > E + Ecf Gk Highway Department. emitting no odor. having the sides unequal—used of Gerald prefers scentless soap. a triangle. scarlatina The boat’s sail formed a scalene n scepter triangle. n L scallopini an acute contagious disease marked Gk > L > F > E by fever. a staff or baton borne by a scalpel Diseases such as scarlatina were sovereign as a ceremonial emblem n once the scourge of childhood. of authority. When Ben played Henry VIII in the L scarlet school play, his mother made him a a small straight knife with a thin adj scepter. keen blade used especially for dissecting. Per > L > F schadenfreude In surgery the scalpel is now often having the face reddened by n replaced by a laser beam. emotion (as embarrassment, anger) : red-faced. G scampi Jill turned scarlet with rage when enjoyment obtained from the she discovered her sister was mishaps of others. scandal wearing her new sweater. Morgana claimed to be sympathetic, but the schadenfreude scansion scaturient was all too obvious. n adj scheduling L L the analysis of a rhythmic structure gushing forth : effusive, (as a verse) so as to show the overflowing. elements or units of which its The explorers followed the river to rhythm is composed. its scaturient source. There are three major types of English scansion: the graphic, the scavenging musical, and the acoustic.

Page 287 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently schefflera schnitzel sciamachy n n n G name > L G Gk any of several shrubby tropical a veal cutlet variously seasoned and a fighting with a shadow or an plants that are cultivated for their garnished. imaginary enemy. showy foliage. The Bavarian restaurant’s menu Engaging in sciamachy helped the When frost was predicted, Demont included sauerbraten, sausages, boxer prepare for his next match. covered the schefflera with a and schnitzel. blanket. sciatica scholarly n scheme adj v Gk > L Gk > L pain along the course of a sciatic Gk characteristic of one who is nerve or its branches and especially accomplish by clever contriving. devoted to learning : studious. in the leg. Walter resolved to scheme out a Nathan’s scholarly habits earned As Alicia struggled out of bed, she way to get a new bike. him a spot on the honor roll. complained of sciatica in her left leg. schemer schooner n scientific schottische adj Gk n one that forms plots or intrigues. 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. 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 scientist and tempo. schuss The Flight of the Bumblebee was n scilicet played with scherzando lightness. G scintilla scherzo a straightaway skiing course. In a tucked position Kira followed scintillate schiavone the schuss all the way to the v bottom. schipperke L schussboomer gleam or emit quick flashes as if schism n throwing off sparks. Mom’s eyes scintillate whenever schismatic G + imit she is joyously excited. adj one who skis usually straight downhill at high speed. scintillation Gk > L When the schussboomer lost n of, relating to, or characteristic of control, he somersaulted and rolled division, separation, or discord. to the foot of the slope. L The book describes numerous rapid changes in the brightness of a schismatic movements in church scialytic celestial body caused by turbulence history. adj in Earth’s atmosphere. The stars’ scintillation is less schizoid Gk > L pronounced at higher altitudes. dispersing or dispelling shadows. schizophrenia After a long night of ghost stories, scintiscan Erma welcomed the scialytic dawn.

Page 288 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently sciolistic scotopia screenplay adj n n L Gk + Gk > L D > F > E + E of or relating to superficial vision in dim light with dark- the written form of a story prepared knowledge or to one whose adapted eyes believed to be for motion-picture production knowledge is superficial. mediated by the rods of the retina. including description of characters, The students’ sciolistic Astronomers rely on scotopia to details of scenes and settings, conversation amused Professor resolve detail in images. dialogue, and stage directions. Pickett. The director, with screenplay in scoundrel hand, was ready for the day’s sciosophy n filming. scissors unknown scrimmage a bold selfish person who has very n sclerosis low ethical standards. n The treasurer of the company was Gmc > E fired when he was found out to be practice play between a team’s Gk an opportunistic scoundrel. various squads. pathological hardening of tissue Today’s exciting scrimmage is a produced by overgrowth of fibrous scourge good indication that both squads tissue and other changes or by n are ready for the upcoming season. increase in interstitial tissue. Sclerosis is often a consequence of L > F > E scrimshaw old age. a social evil. n Much of the city’s crime is scofflaw attributed to the scourge of unknown n recurrent unemployment. any of various carved or engraved useful or decorative articles E + E scraggly sometimes colored by brushing ink a contemptuous lawbreaker; into the engraved lines and made especially : one who ignores scramble especially by American whalemen parking tickets. v from whalebone or whale ivory. The scofflaw tore up his ticket in The whaling museum has a large front of the police officer and was D? collection of scrimshaw. subsequently fined $500. prepare (eggs) by stirring during frying. script sconce After she burned the meatloaf, n n Arlene decided to scramble some eggs for dinner. L L > F > E something written : text. an ornamental electric light fixture scrawny By the end of vacation, Mary had for a wall that resembles a bracket adj the entire script of the play candlestick or group of memorized. candlesticks. unknown Tamara bought an elaborate marked by an appearance of scriptural sconce for her hallway. undernourishment : skinny and adj bony. scopate The scrawny kitten mewed L > E + Ecf adj plaintively in the tree. of, relating to, contained in, or according to a sacred writing. L + E Ivan spent five years translating the resembling a brush. scriptural material. Some cacti have scopate flowers.

Page 289 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently scrivener sculpin scurvy n n n L > F unknown Scan > E a professional or public copyist or any of a family of spiny large- a disease characterized by spongy writer. headed broad-mouthed often gums, loosening of the teeth, and a The critic dismissed the writer’s scaleless bony fishes. tendency to bleed into the skin and novel as the uninspired work of a A small sculpin was Van’s only mucous membranes and caused by scrivener. catch on the expensive charter-boat a dietary deficiency of ascorbic outing. acid. scroll Scurvy is easily preventable by n sculptor eating fruits and vegetables rich in n vitamin C. Gmc > F > E a long strip used as the body of a L scutellate written document and often having one that carves, engraves, molds, adj a rod or rods for convenience in welds, or constructs (materials) into rolling and storing. a primarily three-dimensional work L The writing on the magician’s of art. rather flat with a distinct rim and a scroll erased itself after the spell Pablo Picasso was equally rounded to oval outline. was read aloud. influential as a painter, a sculptor, Beryl opened the packet and and a draftsman. examined the scutellate seeds. scrumptious adj sculpture scuttlebutt L scuppernong scythe delightful, excellent. n The bakery down the street makes a scytodepsic scrumptious almond coffee cake. geog name any of various cultivated seabound scruples muscadine grape varieties which n pl have yellowish-green fruit seafaring suggesting a plum in flavor. L Molly picked and ate a searchlight mental reservations : qualms. scuppernong from her n Emma recommended the minced grandmother’s grape arbor. chicken and scalloped oysters with L > F > E + E an urgency she knew would be scurrilous an apparatus for projecting a acceptable to the civil scruples of adj powerful beam of light of her guests. approximately parallel rays usually L devised so that it can be swiveled scrupulously containing low obscenities or about. adv coarse abuse. The festival hired a searchlight to The farmers hurled scurrilous sweep the sky and advertise its L accusations across the barbed-wire presence. conscientiously, painstakingly. fence. Katie washes her hands so seasonably scrupulously that her friends wonder if she has a psychological sebaceous disorder. adj L relating to, composed of, or secreting fatty matter. Oily skin is usually the result of overactive sebaceous glands.

secco

Page 290 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently secede Seder seguidilla v n n L Heb L > Sp withdraw from a federation. [has homonym: satyr] a Jewish a Spanish dance with many About ten more deputies have opted home or community service and regional variations or the music for to secede from the governing ceremonial dinner held on the first this dance performed with guitar majority. evening of the Passover. and castanets. Jim had never been to a Seder In the second act of the opera, the secernment before he met Julia. Spanish gypsy performs a n seguidilla. sediment L n seiche [Note: Could be confused with n secernent.] the act or process of L distinguishing or discriminating in material deposited (as by water, F thought. wind, or glaciers). an oscillation of the surface of a The thesaurus proved enlightening The layers of sediment were evident lake or landlocked sea. in its secernment of the subtle in the shades of color on the rocky A seiche can be almost as powerful differences between synonyms. hillside. as a tidal wave. secession sedition seine n n v L L > F > E E formal withdrawal from an an insurrection against constituted [has homonym: sane] fish with or organization (as a religious authority. catch fish with a net that hangs communion or political party or Because Paul openly advocated the vertically in the water. federation). overthrow of the government, he David and Joel like to seine for The history teacher explained that was charged with sedition. perch. the South’s secession from the United States was not solely an sedulous seismism issue regarding slavery. n seedling secessionist n Gk earthquake phenomena. secondariness E + Ecf Ralph gave a report about a nursery plant (usually a tree) that seismism in Chinese folklore. secularism has not been transplanted. Karen bought a maple seedling at seity secund the tree farm. seizure sedens seersucker n sedentary seethe E adj a sudden attack (as of a disease or segue sickness). L v A seizure of hay fever ruined the characterized by or requiring sitting picnic for Tom. or slight activity. L > It Isabelle’s sedentary job provided make a transition from one activity, seldom little opportunity for exercise. topic, scene, or part to another as or as if part of a natural progression. selectivity Senator Ward used an anecdote to segue to a new topic in his speech.

Page 291 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently selenian semolina sententious adj n adj Gk L > It L of, relating to, or designating the the purified middlings of durum or terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in Moon. other hard wheat used for macaroni expression : pithy. Jim’s story tells the tale of an and other alimentary pastes. The sitcom’s drop in popularity explorer going off to create a The best pasta is made from was attributed to its growing selenian colony. semolina. tendency toward sententious sermonizing. selenologist senary n adj sentient Gk L sentimental an astronomer who specializes in [has homonym: scenery] of, based the study of the Moon. upon, or characterized by six : sentinel The selenologist gave a description compounded of six things : n of the chief craters of the consisting of six parts. moonscape. Jethro experimented with music L > It > F using a senary scale. one that watches or guards. selenology The sentinel peered into the senectitude distance through tiny binoculars. semanteme n senescent sentry adj n Gk > F a word or a base that expresses a L E definite image or idea— growing old. [has near homonym: century] a distinguished from morpheme. The town's senescent infrastructure soldier standing guard. The verb run is an example of a struggled under the burden of a The sentry reported a suspicious semanteme. growth spurt. vehicle parked down the street from the barracks. semaphore seneschal n separate semester n Gmc > F > E sepia a bailiff, steward, or majordomo of n L a great medieval lord. either of the two periods of The seneschal pounded his staff on Gk > L instruction commonly 18 weeks in the floor three times and a pigment of rich brown color length into which an academic year announced the king’s visitors. containing melanin, prepared from is usually divided. the ink of various cuttlefishes, and Yolanda was delighted that her senile used in watercolor painting and in grades for the first semester were ink. all A’s. sensibilia Black-and-white photographs can be stained with sepia to give them semiautomatic sensibility an old-fashioned look. seminary sensible septennial n adj sensory L adj L an institution for the training of continuing or lasting for seven candidates for the priesthood, L + E years. ministry, or rabbinate. of or relating to the senses. Since legislation in 1716 the British The pulpit committee’s first choice In some insects the sensory organs government has had septennial is a young person who has just of taste, touch, smell, and hearing parliaments; previously they were completed seminary. are located in the antennae. triennial.

Page 292 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently septentrional sequester serictery adj v n L L > F > E Gk > L northern. hide from public view : seclude. the silk-producing gland of a The septentrional seaports of The judge wanted to sequester the caterpillar or other insect larva. Russia are frozen in the winter. jury to keep them from hearing As it spins its cocoon, the silkworm news reports that might sway their caterpillar secretes a gummy septuagenarian opinions. substance from each serictery. n seraphic serigraphy L adj a person who is 70 or more but sermonize fewer than 80 years old. Heb > L v Aunt Daisy is proud of the fact that of, relating to, or befitting an angel she has lived to be a of the highest order especially in F > E septuagenarian. beauty or ecstatic adoration. address at length in a didactic and The choir’s hymn of praise sounded solemn manner. sepulchral sublimely seraphic. Everyone is hoping that Dad won’t adj find something to sermonize about serenade when he chaperones the school L v dance. having a funereal quality. Dusk and a vase of gardenias gave L > It > F serotinal the parlor a sepulchral air. play or sing music in honor of. adj The football team plans to serenade sequaciousness its coach during the pep rally. L + Ecf n of or relating to the latter and serendipitous usually drier part of summer. L > E adj Many small ponds dry up during the quality or state of being the serotinal season. imitative or obsequious. Ar geog name + Ecf Cal’s sequaciousness failed to win obtained or characterized by serpiginous him a promotion. unexpected but fortunate discovery. Mickey’s serendipitous discovery of serrated sequel five quarters and two dimes on the adj n sidewalk made his day. L L serge notched or toothed on the edge. continuation; especially : a literary Under the microscope, dust mites work continuing the course of a seriatim appear to be hairy monsters with narrative begun in a preceding one. adv serrated claws. The film was so popular that the producer asked the screenwriter for L serrefine a sequel. in sequence. Although the classes meet seriatim, serried sequela each day of the week starts with a adj n different class in the series. F L sericeous crowded or pressed together. an aftereffect of disease or injury. adj The serried tenements of the big Peeling of the skin is a common city soon gave way to rolling hills. sequela of sunburn. Gk > L having a fuzzy surface; specifically : covered with soft, silky hairs. The plant’s sericeous leaves felt almost like velvet.

Page 293 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently serviceable shackle shale adj v n L > F E E suited for a purpose. [has homonym: shackel] confine a fissile rock that is formed by the Filene lamented that the poncho’s the limbs of so as to prevent free consolidation of clay, mud, or silt. design, though serviceable, is not motion. The petroleum refinery also very fashionable. The prisoner of war told the United markets by-products of shale. Nations delegation that his guards servile had threatened to shackle him 24 shallot adj hours a day. n L shaddock L > F [has homonym: serval] of, relating n a perennial herb that resembles an to, or appropriate to slaves. onion and is used in cooking. Oscar was thankful to be be freed E name Ted didn’t have time to go to the from his servile status. a very large thick-rinded typically store again, so he substituted a pear-shaped citrus fruit. white onion for a shallot in the sesquicentennial The shaddock resembles the recipe. n grapefruit but is larger, coarser, and drier. shanghai L v a 150th anniversary. shadiness The state issued special license n Chinese geog name plates to commemorate its to put by trickery into an sesquicentennial. E + Ecff undesirable position. the quality or state of comparative Winona won't allow the sesquipedalian darkness. condominium board to shanghai adj On a hot day, the cool shadiness of her into serving as its president. a tree is very welcome. L shanghaied given to or characterized by the use shaganappi of long words. shears Norbert dozed off halfway through shagreen the principal’s sesquipedalian n shebang speech. F > E sheepshearer session an untanned leather covered with n small round granulations and dyed severance a bright color. E + E Chloe bought the bride and groom a person that cuts the wool from sewage leather placemats made of sheep by hand or machine. n shagreen. At the county fair, the sheepshearer always draws the largest crowd. L > F > E shako waste matter that is carried away by n shekel a drain. n The smell of sewage permeated the G > Hung > F dilapidated building. a stiff military headdress with a Hebrew metal plate in front, a high crown, a Hebrew unit of weight equal to and a plume. about 252 grains troy. Each member of the band wore a In the Talmudist system, a shekel is plumed shako in parades. 1/60 of a mina.

shenanigan

Page 294 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently shenanigans shipwreck shubunkin n pl n shuddering unknown E + Scand > F > E v high-spirited, daring, or a large ruined or stranded seagoing mischievous acts : pranks. boat or its parts. E On the first day of school Mrs. The shipwreck was mottled with shaking with fear, aversion, horror, Gibson warned the class that she barnacles. or cold. would not put up with any Joan woke shuddering from a shenanigans in her classroom. shivering nightmare. v shepherdess sibilant n E adj trembling due to cold, fear, or E physical pressure. L imit a woman or girl who tends sheep. Norma was shivering because she having, containing, or producing Alma painted a watercolor of a did not dress in warm clothing. the sound of or a sound resembling shepherdess and three lambs. that of the s or the sh in sash. shoal “She sells sea shells. . . .” is a sheriff n sibilant tongue twister. n E siccative E [Note: The definition provided is adj a county officer who is usually not the one most commonly elected by the people of the county associated with this word. In L and has the duty of preserving the addition, word has homonym: causing to dry : promoting the peace. shole.] a great number thronged action of drying. The office of sheriff is a holdover together or considered as a group. Zinc oxide is often used as a from medieval English law. The spelling bee champion received siccative agent for skin rashes. a shoal of congratulatory letters in shibboleth the month following her win. sickle n shrapnel sicklocyte Heb n n a custom or usage regarded as a criterion for distinguishing E name E + Gk members of one group (as a social bomb, mine, or shell fragments. an abnormal red blood cell of class) from those of another. The surgeon found and removed all crescent shape. Table manners are sometimes used of the shrapnel in the soldier’s leg, The patient with sickle-cell anemia as a shibboleth of class distinction. ensuring a swift recovery. wanted to see a sicklocyte under the microscope. shillibeer shrewdness n n sidereal adj E name E a horse-drawn hearse with seats for the quality or state of being L mourners. discerning or astute. [has near homonym: sideral] of or The museum has acquired an Shrewdness is Janet’s strong suit. relating to stars or constellations. ornate Victorian shillibeer. Time-lapse photography was used shriek by the observatory to detect shillyshallyer n sidereal motion. shindig E n a shrill, usually wild or involuntary cry. E Nancy let out a shriek when her a jovial social affair that includes little brother dropped an ice cube dancing. down the back of her dress. Max hosted the shindig at the hotel.

Page 295 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently siege silica similarity n n simile L > F > E L n the operations of an army around a the chemically resistant dioxide of fortified place for the purpose of a nonmetallic element that occurs L compelling its surrender by assault in combined form as the most a figure of speech comparing two or blockade. abundant element next to oxygen in essentially unlike things and often The defenders were confident they Earth’s crust. introduced by like or as. could outlast the siege, since the Nora learned from her research Kermit has a pet chicken and castle had an underground source that silica is used for making glass knows firsthand what the simile “as of fresh water. and ceramic products and is found scarce as hens’ teeth” means. naturally in quartz and sand. siffilate simnel v siliciferous n adj L > F Semitic? > L > F > E whisper. L a rich fruit cake sometimes covered The diners began to siffilate when producing, containing, or united with almond paste. the celebrity entered the restaurant. with silica. Auntie Grace always serves simnel When geologists analyzed the during the December holidays. sightseer siliciferous rock, they found quartz n and chlorite veins. simpatico adj E silicon one that visits places of interest. n L > It The unusual sightseer asked possessing attractive qualities : whether anyone had noticed any L appealing, likable. interesting manhole covers or drain [Note: Could be confused with The hero of the novel is a grates in the area. silicone.] a nonmetallic element thoroughly simpatico character. that occurs abundantly in combined signature form and is used chiefly in the form simulacrum of alloys. n silentiary The scientist was striving to devise n a new method for purifying silicon L for use in fabricating microchips. a representation of something : L image, effigy. one appointed to keep silence and sillar A simulacrum of Elvis stood at the order (as in a court of law or a n entrance to the wax museum. public assembly). One stern glance from the L > Sp simulcast silentiary was all it took to stop [has somewhat near homonym: v Karsten’s insipid murmuring. sillier] building material consisting of large blocks cut from a natural L + ON > E silhouette deposit. broadcast by radio and television n The hikers came upon a low simultaneously. structure made of sillar and nearly Years ago, radio and television F name covered in vines. stations would sometimes simulcast a representation of the outlines of operatic performances to provide an object filled in with black or sillographer listeners with quality stereophonic some other uniform color. n sound. Mrs. Baldwin has a framed silhouette of each of her children Gk simultaneity on the wall of her foyer. a writer of satires. The marble bust of the ancient simultaneous silhouettist sillographer crashed to the library floor.

Page 296 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently simultaneously sinuosity skeleton adv n n 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 skewbald sinecure n n skewer L n L inflammation of any of the several an office or position that requires cavities in the skull. unknown little or no work and that usually The allergist explained that Alice’s [has near homonym: skua] a pin of provides an income. headaches and sneezing are due to wood or metal for fastening meat to The mayor made the grave mistake sinusitis. keep in form while roasting or to of handing out a sinecure to a hold small pieces of meat and friend. Sioux vegetables for broiling. adj Maggie put pieces of steak and sinew vegetables on the skewer. n Dakota [has homonyms: sault, sou, sue] of skillet E or relating to the Dakota people or n tendon; especially : one dressed for their language. use as a cord or thread. Following a speech in Sioux E Ephraim wore a jade pendant in language, the dancers began the frying pan. the shape of a bear on a sinew Sun Dance. A quality deep skillet has many around his neck. uses in the kitchen. sirloin singeing n skimeister n singular L > F > E adj a cut of meat and especially of beef G + L > G taken from the hindquarters. [Note: Caution should be taken not L The butcher cut the sirloin into to confuse second part of this extraordinary, exceptional. steaks for his customers. compound word with master.] a The singular quality of Sean’s professional skier or skiing voice was the envy of all the other sitology instructor. choir members. n Diantha pretended to be a poor skier just to get close to the singularize Gk handsome skimeister. v [Word has homonym: cytology. In addition, an alternate pronunciation skimpiness L + Ecf has near homonym: cetology.] the n distinguish. science of nutrition and dietetics. By practicing every day, Ben Deirdre plans to major in sitology Scand? > E? + Ecff believed he could singularize and write cookbooks for the quality or state of being himself in the school orchestra. vegetarians. deficient in supply or execution. The skimpiness of Eunice’s budget sinistral skedaddle did not allow for many luxuries. adj v L unknown of or relating to the left. run away : leave hastily. The sorcerer’s mask was ripped A sudden shower caused Karen to away, revealing terrible scars on skedaddle from the bazaar. the sinistral side of his face.

Page 297 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently skirmish slapstick slumgullion n n n F > E G imit + E unknown + (L > F > E)? a minor dispute or contest between comedy that depends for its effect a meat stew. opposing parties. on fast, boisterous, and zany The sailors protested when they Winston hopes that his skirmish physical activity and horseplay were served yet another meal of with the neighbors over his dog often accompanied by broad rowdy slumgullion. does not foreshadow a lengthy verbal humor. feud. The Three Stooges were famous for smectic their slapstick. skirret smoggy n sleazily adj Ar? > F > E sledgehammer (E + Scand?) > E an Asiatic herb cultivated in characterized by or abounding in a Europe for its sweet edible sleuth fog made heavier and darker by tuberous roots. v smoke and chemical fumes. After foraging for an hour, Yang The smoggy atmosphere of Los happened on a skirret, the roots of ON > E Angeles aggravated Frank’s which he would boil and eat. act as a detective or investigator : allergies. search for information or facts. skittish There are several game programs smorgasbord that teach children how to sleuth n skoal out facts and figures on the Internet. Sw skookum a luncheon or supper buffet adj slobberhannes offering a variety of foods and dishes. Chinook sloganeer Nita’s smorgasbord included marked by excellent quality : first- n turkey and smoked salmon. rate. Liz felt sure that the pail of Gaelic snagrel blueberries would make a skookum a coiner or user of brief striking n pie. phrases in advertising or promotion. unknown slalom Without the sloganeer, most an herb of the genus Aristolochia of n commercials would probably be the eastern United States. deadly dull. Snagrel is also called Virginia Norw snakeroot. skiing in a zigzag or wavy course slovenly between upright obstacles. adj snood Tully did the slalom down the n moutainside. G or Flemish negligent of neatness and order E slanderous especially in dress or person. a net or fabric bag for confining a He that is born under Capricorn woman’s hair pinned or tied on at slantindicular shall incline to the slovenly. the back of the head. adj Kathryn auditioned for a part in the sluice Noel Coward play wearing a tea- E + L > F > E n length gown and snood from the somewhat oblique. 1930s. The main staircase of the new L > F > E library rises at a slantindicular a body of water pent up behind a angle to the facade. floodgate. Ellen crossed the sluice in a canoe.

Page 298 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently soavemente solder soliloquy adv v n L > It L > F > E L with sweetness or smoothness : in a [has homonym: sodder] unite or a discourse made by one in solitude gentle manner—used as a direction make whole by means of a melted to oneself. in music. metallic alloy. At the talent contest Angelo stepped The serenade was played Jennifer’s science class learned into the spotlight and recited soavemente by the strings. how to solder wires so they could Hamlet’s famous soliloquy “To be experiment with electrical circuits. or not to be, . . .” sociable solipsism adj soldier n L solecism L enjoying companionship. extreme indulgence of and concern The dolphin is one of the most solecistic with the self at the expense of sociable creatures known to man. adj social relationships especially as expressed in a failure of artistic sodality Gk > L communication. relating to, constituting, or Critics accused the popular actor sojourner involving an ungrammatical of solipsism. n combination of words in a sentence. solitaire F > E Careful writers shun as solecistic n one that stays as a temporary the use of the word like as a resident. conjunction. L Even though he had lived there for a card game designed for one five years, Russell knew he was solfatara person to play alone. regarded as a sojourner by the n Shelley often relaxes by playing neighbors. solitaire after everyone else has L > It gone to bed. solace a volcanic area or vent that yields v sulfur gases and hot vapors and soliterraneous represents a late stage of volcanic adj L activity. [has near homonym: solus] Harry noticed a rotten-egg odor L console. coming from a solfatara on the of or relating to Earth and the Sun. When Janie learned she had failed north side of the previously inactive Scientists attribute the recent her swimming exam, she decided to volcano. drought to soliterraneous causes. solace herself by going out to a movie. solferino solivagant adj solatium solicitous n adj L marked by solitary wandering. L L During his first semester in college, something that alleviates or manifesting or expressing concern. Gerry took frequent solivagant compensates for suffering or loss; Dr. Turner is especially solicitous walks around the campus. especially : an additional allowance toward his older patients. (as for injured feelings). solleret The government offered a solatium n to the families of those killed in the terrorist bombing. L > F a flexible steel shoe forming part of a medieval suit of armor. The curator explained that the cumbersome solleret had to be removed to allow the knight to fight on foot.

Page 299 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently solmization somnambulant sophomore adj n solon n L + L Gk walking or addicted to walking a student in his second year or with Gk name while asleep. second-year standing at a college. a wise and skillful lawgiver or Sheila could remember nothing of As a sophomore, Jason was statesman. her somnambulant activities when expected to find a one-semester Judge Kantz is revered throughout she was told of them the next internship in his major subject. the county as a solon. morning. soporific solstice somniloquist adj n somnolence L > F L > F > E causing or tending to cause sleep. one of two points on the ecliptic at sonorous The students valiantly attempted to which its distance from the celestial adj fight off the soporific effects of the equator is greatest and which is lecture. reached by the Sun each year about L June 22nd and December 23rd. characterized by full or loud sound sorbet The North Pole is tilted directly often with clear or rich tone, n toward the Sun at the summer marked volume, or easy audibility. solstice. Alex’s sonorous voice made him Turkish > It > F the clear choice to perform the [Note: Could be confused with solstitial reading. sherbet.] a frozen dessert made adj with a mixture of fruits. soothsaying Wylie ate sorbet between courses to L cleanse his palate. of or relating to the two points on sophisticate the ecliptic at which its distance v sorcerer from the celestial equator is n greatest and which is reached by Gk > L the Sun each year about June 22nd alter deceptively: adulterate. L > F and December 23rd. Lanny feared that someone would magician. Ancient myths about the eternal sophisticate the survey results. Traveling alone in the dark, the battle between light and dark are sorcerer saw no harm in conjuring tied to equinoctial and solstitial sophistry up a lamp for his convenience. moments in the year. n sorcery solvolysis Gk > F reasoning that is superficially sorghum sombrero plausible but actually fallacious. n n Larry’s masterful but irresponsible sophistry easily convinced naïve L? > It Sp listeners. syrup produced by evaporating the a high-crowned hat of felt or straw juice from stems of certain tropical with a very wide brim worn Sophoclean grasses. especially in the Southwest and in adj Rachel likes sorghum on her Mexico. oatmeal. Maria was dressed quite Gk name expensively, with leather boots of, relating to, or characteristic of covering her legs and a dark the Athenian tragic poet Sophocles sombrero poised levelly on her or his dramas. head. Finding a new Sophoclean fragment in the museum’s papyri was Gunther’s claim to fame.

Page 300 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently sorrel souterrain spatiotemporal n adj southpaw Gmc > F > E n L [has homonyms: saurel, soral, having the quality of something sorel] a light bright chestnut horse E + F > E that is at once extended and often with white mane and tail. left-hander; specifically : a left- enduring. Ken promised to take good care of handed baseball pitcher. The philosopher pointed out that the sorrel his dad had bought for Some fans think Babe Ruth was the two things cannot coexist in one him. best southpaw ever to play major spatiotemporal point. league baseball. sortie spatterdock souvenir sortileger n spatula n n L > F L something that serves as a L one that tells fortunes; especially : a reminder : memento, remembrance. a flat thin flexible dull-edged person who for payment predicts Moira kept a seashell as a souvenir usually metal implement used what are claimed to be future of her trip to the ocean. especially for spreading or mixing events or influences in the life of soft substances, scooping, or another. spacious lifting. The sortileger predicted a radical With batter on his face and a change in Frank’s lifestyle. spacistor spatula in his fist, Casey smiled for n his mom and her camera. soubise n L species a high-frequency semiconductor n pl F geog name amplifying device. a white or brown sauce containing The spacistor has replaced the L onions or onion puree. transistor because of its greater a category of biological A sauceboat of soubise ability to amplify electrical energy. classification ranking immediately accompanied the roast. below a genus or subgenus. spaghetti The housefly belongs to the genus soubresaut n Musca and the species domestica. n It speciesism L > F a pasta made in solid strings of n a ballet jump from and a landing on small diameter but larger than both feet in closed position. vermicelli. L + Ecf Keith demonstrated his lack of The specialty of the restaurant was prejudice or discrimination based ballet prowess with an awkward spaghetti with meat sauce. on species; especially : soubresaut. discrimination against animals. spandex Some animal rights activists go so soubrette far as to claim that swatting a fly is spangle an act of speciesism. sourdough n specimen sousaphone Scand > E n n a small object that brightly reflects light. L Amer name + Gk > E The packrat ran out into the road a particular single item, part, a large circular tuba having a to pick up the glittering spangle. aspect, or incident that is typical flaring adjustable bell. and indicative of the nature, The band director was looking for spaniel character, or quality of others in the someone who could play the same class or group. sousaphone. At the museum Ken and Allison saw an excellent specimen of a moon soutane rock.

Page 301 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently specious sphagnum spinescent adj n adj L Gk > L L superficially fair, just, or correct, any plant of a large genus of tapering to a sharp rigid point. but not so in reality. atypical mosses that grow only in The fish Homer caught had two Only after the candidate was very wet acid areas where their spinescent fins. elected was the actual truth of her accumulated remains become specious claims exposed. compacted with other plant debris spinet to form peat. n spectral A large patch of sphagnum grew in adj the bog by the police station. L > It a compactly built upright piano of L spherical reduced height and usually reduced of, like, or relating to a adj keyboard suitable for limited space. disembodied spirit, apparition, or Percival didn’t have room for a ghost. Gk > L + Ecf full-size piano in his studio Galloping toward him was a like a sphere : globular. apartment, so he bought a spinet. spectral rider on horseback. Linda suspected that the spherical rock she found was a geode. spinnaker spectrum n n spheterize v unknown L a large triangular sail set on a long a series of images formed when a Gk light pole and used when running beam of light is subjected to take for one’s own : appropriate. before the wind. dispersion. The invading army proceeded to The spinnaker on Diane’s boat is The specialty store carried a spheterize the villagers’ private cardinal red. spectrum of ties to suit any man’s property. taste. spiracle sphinx n speleologist n n L Gk > L one of the breathing pores found on Gk > L > ISV a monster in Greek mythology the thorax and abdomen of an a specialist in the scientific study or having typically a lion’s body, insect. systematic exploration of caves. wings, and the head and bust of a The muscular valve of a spiracle Dale’s work as a speleologist takes woman. opens only to allow the uptake of him to spectacular natural features According to Greek legend, the oxygen and the escape of carbon around the world. sphinx of Thebes would pose a dioxide. riddle to a passerby and then kill speleothem that person if he or she could not spiritual n answer it. splendent Gk > L > ISV + Gk spiedino a cave deposit or formation. n splenectomize Receding waters have left a speleothem of carbonate on the Gmc > F > It splenetic cavern floor. a dish of meat rolled around a adj filling or minced and formed into spelunking balls, then usually batter-dipped Gk > L n and cooked on a skewer. marked by morose bad temper, The chef grilled a spiedino of beef sullen malevolence, or spiteful, E on a charcoal grill. peevish anger. the hobby or practice of exploring The splenetic critic gave the caves. musical a scathing review. Spelunking is a popular activity in eastern Kentucky. spoliation

Page 302 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently spondylitis sporran squelch n n v Gk > L ScotGael imit inflammation of the vertebrae. a large pouch of skin with the hair move with water or mud in one’s Jewel’s back pain was caused by or fur on that is worn in front of the shoes and produce a sucking or spondylitis. kilt by Highlanders in full dress and splashing sound. used as a purse. After playing in mud puddles all the spongicolous Angus picked up a quarter and put way home, Frances tried to squelch it in his sporran. quietly to her room without getting sponson caught by her mother. springerle spontaneity n squirrel n n G L a thick hard cookie usually flavored Gk > L > F > E the quality or state of being with anise and impressed with a any of various widely distributed unconstrained or impulsive. relief design and traditionally eaten small to medium-sized rodents that Brian has always liked to stick to a at Christmas in German-speaking have a bushy tail and long strong schedule, but lately he has shown countries. hind limbs. more spontaneity than usual. Klaus broke his tooth on a stale On the trunk of the tree, a brown springerle. squirrel was clinging and watching spontaneous the boy below. adj spur stabilimeter L spurious proceeding from natural feeling or stable native tendency without external squadron constraint. staccato His employee’s spontaneous squalid adj obedience made Tim’s job adj pleasant. F > It L marked by short clear-cut playing spoonerism marked by filthiness and or singing of tones or chords. n degradation usually from neglect. Marcia’s piano teacher told her to The squalid tenement building was practice the etude’s staccato E name condemned and scheduled for passage several minutes each day. a transposition of usually initial demolition. sounds of two or more words that stagnant generally creates a comic effect. squaliform adj Vivian was afraid that she would adj utter a spoonerism in her L recitation. L > E having undergone physical changes resembling a shark or dogfish in while standing; especially : sporadically form. impaired in flavor, odor, or texture While scuba diving, Mike by such changes. sporogenous encountered a group of curious Josh stood still in disbelief after adj squaliform fish. Kevin pushed him into the stagnant water of the ditch. Gk > L squeamish producing or adapted to the adj stalactite production of minute unicellular n reproductive bodies. AF > E The botany class studied the inclined to become nauseated : Gk development of the fern’s queasy. a deposit of calcium carbonate sporogenous tissue. Pat is squeamish when it comes to resembling an icicle hanging from rides at the fair. the roof or sides of a cavern. It takes hundreds of years for a stalactite to form.

Page 303 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently stalagmite stanniferous stationery n adj n Gk Celt > L L > F > E a deposit of crystalline calcium containing tin. [has homonym: stationary] carbonate more or less like an In Spain, Italy, and the Middle East materials (as paper, pens, pencils, inverted stalactite formed on the pottery is sometimes covered with a ink, blankbooks, ledgers, and floor of a cave. white stanniferous glaze as a base cards) for writing or typing. A gigantic stalagmite blocked the for other decoration. Claudia complained that just spelunker’s path. before the beginning of every stannous school year the office stationery stalwart adj began to disappear. adj L statistician E of, relating to, or containing tin— n brave, valiant, resolute. used especially of compounds in The new musical comedy is based which this element is bivalent. L > G on the story of Robin Hood and his In geology class Syadi was one versed in or engaged in stalwart companions. surprised to learn that cassiterite, compiling masses of numerical the principal ore of tin, is not data. stamina considered stannous. Jamie’s career as a statistician n began with following baseball stanzaical scores. L adj strength or courage of conviction : statistics staying power. L > It n pl The elderly senator doubted that he relating to or consisting of groups had the stamina to last through of lines arranged together in a L another election campaign. recurring pattern of metrical a science dealing with the lengths and usually a sequence of collection, analysis, interpretation, stamnos rhymes. and presentation of masses of Kerri prefers poetry with a more numerical data. stampede stanzaical form. Our state has lost some of its voting n clout because of statistics reported stapes by the U.S. Census Bureau. Gmc > Sp a wild headlong rush or flight of a statically statuesque number of animals usually due to adv adj fright. The lightning strike caused a cattle Gk > L L > F > E + F > Ecf stampede. in stable or unchanging terms. having a massive dignity or Alan's problem was that he always impressiveness : majestic. stanchion viewed problems statically. A statuesque sculpture stood in the n town square. stationary L > F adj steadily an upright bar, post, prop, brace, or support. L stearic When Oliver lost control of his car, [has homonym: stationery] fixed in it swerved and hit a traffic-light a place, position, course, or mode. steatogenous stanchion. The clerk calmly remained in a stationary position. steeple

stegosaur

Page 304 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently steinkern stertorous stifle n adj v G L F > E a fossil consisting of a stony mass characterized by a harsh snoring or kill by smothering : asphyxiate. that entered a hollow natural object gasping sound. Smoke can stifle a person in a short (as a bivalve shell) in the form of While asleep in his easy chair, period of time. mud or sediment, was consolidated, Uncle Max would give a start every and remained as a cast after few minutes, briefly awakened by stimulus dissolution of the mold. his own stertorous breathing. For show-and-tell, Rose brought in stipend a steinkern she had found at the stethoscope n beach. n L stellar Gk > F a fixed sum of money typically adj an instrument used for the detection modest in amount that is paid and study of sounds within the periodically in compensation for L body. services. of, relating to, or derived from the Heard through a stethoscope, the The university gave Professor stars. rumbling of the stomach can sound Barrett a stipend for his lecture Rapid stellar rotation can modify like a storm at sea. series. the structure of a star’s atmosphere. stevedore stirrup n stenographer stochastic n L > Sp adj one who works at or is responsible Gk + Gk for the loading or unloading of a Gk one who is employed chiefly to ship in port. lacking or seeming to lack a regular take and transcribe dictation. The stevedore returned to the ship plan, purpose, or pattern. Sergeant Fitzpatrick called in a after dining at his favorite dockside Vince programmed the computer to stenographer to record the restaurant. create a stochastic series of suspect’s confession. numbers. stewardess stentorophonic n stoically steppe E stolkjaerre n a woman who attends to the needs of passengers (as on an airplane, stollen Russ ship, or train). n [has homonym: step] one of the When addressed as stewardess, vast tracts in southeastern Europe Emily requested that she be called G or Asia that are usually level and a flight attendant. [has homonym: stolen] a sweet without forests. yeast bread containing fruits and The tourists explored the steppe in sthenic nuts, usually made in a long oval search of exotic wildlife. adj loaf. Henrietta found a recipe for stollen stereotype Gk in her German cookbook. marked by excessive vitality or sternutation nervous energy. strabismus n Fido’s sthenic symptoms finally n subsided. L Gk > L the act, fact, or noise of sneezing. inability of one eye to attain Pat’s sternutation was so frequent binocular vision with the other and loud that his office mate asked because of imbalance of the to be transferred to another extrinsic eye muscles. department. Corrective surgery was performed to remedy Herman’s strabismus.

Page 305 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently straiten strephosymbolia strident v n adj L > F > E Gk L [has homonym: straighten] cause reversal or transposition of phrases, marked by insistent, discordant, to suffer or ebb by reason of words, or letters or of any symbols harsh, shrill, or grating noise or insufficient funds : reduce (as especially in reading. sound. oneself) to poverty. Because of his strephosymbolia, Mary-Ellen’s fingernails produced With the generous university grant, Ryan was diagnosed as having a a strident sound as she drew them Joanne’s family would not have to learning disorder. across the blackboard. straiten itself to provide the education she desired. strepitous strigil adj n strangulate v L L characterized or accompanied by an instrument usually of metal or L much noise. ivory used by the ancient Greeks compress the windpipe of until The playoff game was a strepitous and Romans for scraping the skin death results from stoppage of event. especially after athletic exercises. respiration. Damocles appreciated receiving a Many nonvenomous snakes streptomycin strigil personalized with his strangulate their prey. n initials. stratagem Gk stringent n an antibiotic organic base active adj against many bacteria and used Gk especially in the treatment of L a cleverly contrived trick or scheme infections (as tuberculosis) by marked by rigor, strictness, or for gaining an end. gram-negative bacteria. severity. Barb was disappointed that her Streptomycin was the first drug to Stringent regulations have helped mother saw through her stratagem prove effective against curb environmental pollution. for staying out past curfew. tuberculosis. stroganoff strategist streusel adj strathspey streuselkuchen Russ name n n sliced thin and cooked in a sauce of meat stock, sour cream, onion, and Scot geog name G condiments. a Scottish dance similar to but coffee cake that is baked with a Erica prepared beef stroganoff for slower than the reel. topping of a crumbly mixture of the mayor’s visit. The highland fling is one example butter, sugar, and flour and of a dance in the manner of the sometimes nuts and spices. strongylid strathspey. Mrs. Messer, our neighbor, always bakes her family a streuselkuchen strophulus stratocirrus for the holidays. n n stricture Gk L n a rash in infants popularly a low dense fairly uniform cloud associated with teething distress. formation. L The pediatrician prescribed an The meteorologist predicted a an abnormal narrowing of a tubular ointment for our baby’s strophulus. heavy cover of stratocirrus for the organ : constriction. weekend. The stricture of Lucy’s throat was caused by an allergic reaction to a strength bee sting.

Page 306 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently strudel stupendous subaqueous n adj adj G L L a sheet of paper-thin dough rolled of amazing size or greatness. being or found under water or up with any of various fillings and The construction of Khufu’s beneath the surface of water. baked. pyramid was a stupendous Bartley rented a glass-bottomed The flight attendant served the accomplishment for the ancient boat to get a better look at the coach passengers a light breakfast Egyptians. subaqueous fauna. of coffee, juice, and strudel. sturgeon subbasement strychnine n stygian subboreal adj adj Gk a very poisonous bitter crystalline Gk name L alkaloid obtained from various characteristic of death. very cold : approaching the frigid. plants. A black robe, a papier-mâché Hope grew up in Florida and finds Strychnine is a popular poison in sickle, and some grayish makeup it very difficult to live in what she murder mystery novels. completed Sean’s stygian calls the “subboreal climate” of Halloween costume. Minnesota. stubborn stylebook subfulgent studious adj adj styptic adj L L moderately lustrous. of, relating to, or concerned with Gk The silver platter in Mary’s antique the application of the mental tending to arrest bleeding. shop was battered but still had a faculties to the acquisition of Kenneth had to apply a styptic subfulgent gleam. knowledge. agent to his chin where he cut Pam is the most studious pupil in himself while shaving. subfuscous Mr. Ramsey’s class. suable subjugate stultiloquence v n suasible adj L L + L bring under the yoke of power or senseless or silly talk : babble. L dominion. Myra soon broke her vow never to capable of being induced into some The love of acquisition and resort to stultiloquence when mental position : easily brought to conquest are powers of destruction communicating with her baby. belief, certainty, or conviction. when used to subjugate one person When it comes to trying new foods, to another. stupefy Ming is the least suasible member v of her family. submersible adj L suavity blunt or deaden the faculties of L + Ecf perception and understanding of. subaltern capable of functioning under water. Bright headlights will often stupefy adj The earliest designs for a deer and cause it to stand submersible vehicles date to motionless in the path of an L antiquity. oncoming vehicle. inferior in status or quality : subordinate. Julia is disappointed with her subaltern role in the school play.

Page 307 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently suborn substitute succotash v n n L > F L Algonquian induce (as a person) by a person who takes the place of or a mixture of lima beans or shell
underhanded means to do some acts for another. beans and kernels of corn cooked
improper or unlawful thing. When Donald fouled out of the together. The sting operation exposed Mr. basketball game, the coach decided Even though Thelma likes both
Underwood’s attempts to suborn to send in a substitute who had corn and lima beans, she isn’t fond
the city treasurer. been warming the bench for weeks. of succotash. subrident subterfuge succulence adj n succulent L L adj wearing or offered with a smile. deception by trickery or stratagem Eilene’s subrident answer belied to conceal, escape, avoid, or evade. L the furious feelings she had toward George’s experience in subterfuge full of juice : juicy. the questioner. is mostly in cryptography. Perry wiped his mouth with his
sleeve after he bit into the succulent
subscriber subterranean peach. subservient subtleness succumb adj n v L L > F > E + Ecf L subordinate. the quality or state of being delicate yield and cease to resist or contend
In ancient Rome, wives were or elusive. before a superior strength,
legally subservient. The subtleness of the almond overpowering appeal or desire, or
custard eluded Mr. Denson. inexorable force. subsidiary Joanie found it impossible not to
adj succedent succumb to her drowsiness. L successor succumbence of secondary importance or prominence. succinct sudadero Marge’s role was subsidiary, but adj n her first-rate performance stole the show. L L > Sp marked by brief and compact a broad piece (as of leather)
subsistence expression or by lack of attached to a stirrup strap to protect
n unnecessary words and details. a rider’s leg from sweat. Sandy’s succinct answers do not Before mounting his horse, the
L satisfy those who question him. cowboy checked to see that each
a mode of obtaining the necessities sudadero was properly attached. of life : livelihood. succorance Mr. Ellis preaches to his students n suddenness that a good education goes far to ensure a respectable subsistence. L > F > E sudoriferous dependence. adj Harold took measures to reduce his succorance on nasal decongestants. L producing or conveying sweat.
Cycling and running are
sudoriferous forms of exercise.

suede

Page 308 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently uerte isspelled on original suffrutescent sultanate n adj n L > Sp L Ar > F a skilled movement or pass in a
having a base that is somewhat a state or country governed by a bullfight. woody and does not die down each sultan. The crowd cheered as the toreador
year—used of a plant or stem. Arhat’s ancestors ruled a small demonstrated a dangerous suerte. Eunice prunes her suffrutescent sultanate on the Arabian shrubs in the fall. Peninsula. suffice v suffumigate sultriness v n L be enough : meet or satisfy a need.
L E One teaspoonful of salt will suffice
apply smoke, vapor, or gas to from the quality or state of being for the stew. below, as to treat (as a house or oppressively hot and humid. room) with a gas for the purpose of Marge’s air-conditioned car sufficiently disinfecting or of destroying pests. provided welcome relief from adv Clayton joked that his downstairs July’s sultriness. neighbor was trying to suffumigate L + Ecf him with his incessant grilling on summarily in a manner marked by quantity,
his deck. scope, power, or quality to meet
summary with the demands, wants, or needs
suffuse of a situation. v sumpter The number of books printed
n sufficiently filled the back orders. L spread over or through in the L > F > E sufflaminate manner of fluid or light. a saddlebag. v The fixtures were intended to Grandpa’s sumpter is embossed suffuse the patio in warm light. with his initials. L obstruct, impede. suggestible sumptuous Because Tim said not having a
adj computer would sufflaminate his
suitable progress, his parents relented and
L bought him one. sukiyaki involving large outlay or expense : n costly, lavish. suffocate Our grandparents treated the v Jpn whole family to a sumptuous meat, soybean curd, onions, brunch on Saturday. L bamboo shoots, and other die from being unable to breathe.
vegetables cooked in soy sauce, sundae It was so hot and stuffy in the
sake, and sugar. classroom that Mark thought he
Joyce watched with fascination as superannuated would suffocate. the Japanese cook prepared adj sukiyaki right at the table. suffrage L n sulkily rated no longer fully or passably adv efficient in one’s job because of L > F age : incapacitated or disqualified the right or power to participate in
E? for active duty by advanced age. electing public officials and
in a moodily silent manner. The superannuated file clerk held adopting or rejecting legislation in
When asked to explain why he had little hope of finding a job in the a representative form of
been fighting, Tim looked sulkily near future. government. down at the floor. The 19th Amendment to the
Constitution gives women suffrage.

Page 309 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently supercilious supersonic suretyship adj adj n L L L > E + Ecf arrogantly superior : haughty, moving or capable of moving at the obligation of a person to answer disdainful. speeds from one to five times the for the debt, default, or failure in The supercilious senior ignored the speed of sound in air. duty of another. first-year student. Myrna says that when she grows When Sally’s father co-signed her up, she wants to fly supersonic first automobile loan, he accepted superficies aircraft. the suretyship that it represented. superfluous superstitious surfactant adj adj n L L > F > E L exceeding what is sufficient, having or based on a belief, a substance useful for its cleansing, necessary, normal, or desirable. conception, act, or practice wetting, dispersing, or similar Alex’s teacher told him to eliminate resulting from ignorance, powers. superfluous words from his essay. unreasoning fear of the unknown, The surfactant in a detergent or a false conception of causation. lowers the water’s surface tension, superintendent The bridge became more than ever enabling faster wetting of the fabric n an object of superstitious awe. being washed. L supination surfeit one who has the oversight and n n charge of a place, institution, department, organization, or L L > F > E operation with the power of a rotation of the hand and radius an overabundant supply, yield, or direction. around the ulna so that the palm is amount of something : excess. Frustrated residents petitioned the turned up. The reviewer commented that the superintendent to improve the Supination aggravated Henri’s novel was burdened with a surfeit building’s electrical service. tennis elbow. of details. supernatural supine surgeon adj adj surly L L adj attributable to or liable to be lying on the back or with the face attributed to the action or presence upward. E of a ghost, spirit, or other invisible Greg’s dog stayed supine while ill-natured, abrupt, and rude : agent. getting her belly rubbed. churlishly cross. The book was filled with tales of Marie complained to the manager supernatural occurrences. suppedaneum about the surly, uncooperative clerk. supernumerary supplicate n v surplus L L surrealism an actor employed to play a walk- ask earnestly and humbly of. n on (as in a mob scene or spectacle). The defendant’s only hope was to The casting director wanted a supplicate the court for mercy. F supernumerary to play one of the the principles, ideals, or practice of bank’s customers. surcease producing fantastic or incongruous imagery in art or literature by means of unnatural juxtapositions and combinations. David Lynch is a modern master of cinematic surrealism.

Page 310 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently surreptitious susceptible suzerain adj adj n L L F done, made, or acquired in secret or easily influenced or affected a superior lord to whom allegiance by stealth. through some trait. is due : a feudal lord. Denise was embarrassed when her People who smoke are very The suzerain gave the vassal the surreptitious note to Steve was susceptible to chronic bronchitis use of his land and agreed to intercepted by the teacher. and emphysema. protect him when necessary. surrey suspicion suzerainty n surrogate Svengali n L n mistrust, doubt. L President Kennedy called for Brit literary name something that replaces or cooperation with our adversaries to one who attempts usually with evil substitutes for another. “push back the jungle of intentions to persuade or force In formulating new laws, the suspicion” and allow the another to do his bidding. legislature acts as a surrogate for preservation of peace. Many fans thought that the rock the entire population. star’s wife was a Svengali who suspirious engineered the group’s breakup. surtout n sustain swallow L > F + L > F sustenance sweltering a man’s fitted coat or overcoat; n adj especially : frock coat. Gerald rented a surtout to complete L > F E his Abraham Lincoln costume for something that gives support, oppressively hot : causing or the party. endurance, or strength. marked by excessive sweating or Tyrone drew sustenance from the faintness. surveillance letters his girlfriend wrote him Despite the sweltering heat, n while he was overseas. thousands of people lined the streets to watch the Fourth of July L > F susurrant parade. close watch kept over one or more persons (as to detect movements or susurration swill activities). n The suspects in the bombing swindleable investigation were kept under L adj police surveillance. a whispering sound : murmur. A mild susurration could be heard G + Ecf surviving in the study hall despite the capable of being deprived of adj teacher’s “no talking” mandate. money or property by fraud or deceit. L > F suture The circus owner maintained that remaining alive or in existence. v the majority of people are gullible Uncle Leonard is the oldest and swindleable. surviving graduate of Milburn L&F College. unite the parts of by using a strand swineherd or fiber. n The doctor estimated that it would take about 45 minutes to suture the E gash in Tim’s leg. a person who looks after hogs. Ian loathed his job as a swineherd.

Page 311 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently swivel syllogism symphony v n n E Gk Gk + Gk turn or pivot freely. a brief form of argument that an elaborate instrumental Frank chose an office chair that consists of two statements and a composition usually in sonata form could swivel and tilt. conclusion that must be true if for full orchestra. these two statements are true. The concert program featured a sybaritic The following argument is a symphony by Gustav Mahler. adj syllogism: All lawbreakers deserve punishment. This person is a symposiarch Gk geog name lawbreaker. Therefore, this person marked by or given to luxury or deserves punishment. synchroneity voluptuous living. n The duke’s sybaritic bathroom had syllogize marble sinks with gold fixtures, v Gk + Ecf floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and a the state of happening, existing, or whirlpool bath. GK > L > E arising at the same time. deduce something by analysis of a The fireworks display was a sybaritically formal argument that consists of a spectacle of synchroneity. adv major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. syncopation Gk > L > E To teach logical thinking, Mr. n in a luxurious or voluptuous Canby had the class syllogize the manner. philosopher’s argument. Gk > L Dana reclined sybaritically on the a temporary displacement or velvet sofa. sylph shifting of the regular metrical n accent in a musical composition. sycamine Syncopation is typical of much unknown > L Eastern European folk dance sychnocarpous a slender woman or girl of light and music. adj graceful carriage. One sylph after another joined the syncope Gk + Gk > L > E growing circle of ballerinas on the n able to produce fruit repeatedly. stage. The apple and pear are Gk sychnocarpous trees. symballophone a partial or complete temporary suspension of respiration and sycophant symbiosis circulation : faint, swoon. n Unexplained dizziness and syncope syllable occasionally occur on arrival at Gk + Gk high altitude. syllabus the intimate living together of two n dissimilar organisms in any of syndicate various mutually beneficial n Gk > L relationships. a compendium or summary outline Some insects depend on symbiosis L of a discourse, course of study, or with bacteria to supplement a loose association of racketeers in examination requirements. otherwise nutrient-poor diets. control of organized crime. After reading the syllabus for the The police have spent years trying seminar, Brad realized he had symbol to get evidence to convict the head made a terrible mistake by of the local crime syndicate. enrolling. symmetry

symminct

sympathy

Page 312 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently synecdoche syringe tachometer n n n Gk Gk > L > E Gk a figure of speech by which a part a device used to inject fluids into or a device for indicating the speed of is put for the whole or vice versa. withdraw them from the body or its rotation. Fifty sail is a synecdoche for fifty cavities. By watching the tachometer, Mr. ships. Cameron let the toddler use an old Henderson was able to keep the ear syringe as a bathtub toy. engine running above 3000 rpm. synod n syzygy tachygraphy n n Gk > L > E an ecclesiastical council : a formal Gk Gk > F meeting to consult and decide on the nearly straight-line the art or practice of rapid writing. church matters. configuration of three celestial Professor Jespersen lectures so Karl is an active participant in the bodies in a gravitational system. quickly that students who practice regional Presbyterian synod. Tides are highest when the Sun, tachygraphy have an advantage. Moon, and Earth are in syzygy. synopsis taciturn n tabby adj Gk tabernacle L > F a brief orderly outline affording a n habitually silent : temperamentally general view. disinclined or reluctant to talk or Marvin read a plot synopsis before L > F > E converse. he saw Macbeth. a meetinghouse with a large Mrs. Gibbons found it challenging assembly hall. to draw the taciturn boy into class synoptophore The town meeting will be held at discussions. n the tabernacle. taciturnity Gk tabetisol n an instrument for diagnosing n imbalance of eye muscles. L The ophthalmologist prescribed eye L + Ecf the quality or state of being exercises to correct the muscular unfrozen ground above, within, or disinclined or reluctant to talk or imbalance detected by the below the permanently frozen converse. synoptophore. ground. Gene and Leo’s taciturnity about Arctic wildflowers are able to the cause of the scuffle resulted in a syntax survive in areas of tabetisol. trip to the principal’s office. synthesis tableau tackline n n tactful Gk F composition or combination of [Note: Plural form can be tactician parts or elements so as to form a pronounced similarly.] a static whole. depiction usually presented on a tadpole Language arts is a synthesis of stage with participants in reading, writing, speaking, and appropriate costume. tagraggery listening skills. The final scene is a tableau in which the family is gathered at the gravesite.

tabloidism

tabulable

Page 313 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently taiga Talmudic tantalize n adj v Turkish > Russ Heb Gk name [has near homonym: tiger] of, relating to, or characteristic of tease or torment by presenting swampy coniferous forest of the authoritative body of Jewish something to the view and exciting Siberia beginning where the tundra law and custom developed on the desire but continually frustrating ends. basis of the scriptural law. the expectations by keeping it out Olga’s great-grandfather was born The novel was full of Talmudic of reach. in a cabin on the edge of the taiga lore. Philip used a rod and reel to and grew up playing among spruce tantalize the kitten with a toy mouse and fir trees. taloned tied to the fishing line. tailgate tamale tantamount n adj takkanah Nahuatl > Sp L > F > AF > E talcum ground meat seasoned with chili or equivalent in value, significance, or other filling, rolled up in cornmeal effect. talebearer dough, wrapped in corn husks, and Because of inflation, Jamie’s steamed. meager raise was tantamount to a talipes Rosita ordered a tamale, two tacos, pay reduction. n and a burrito from the street vendor. tantivy L adv a congenital deformity of the foot tamarack in which the forepart is twisted into unknown one of several directions : clubfoot. tambourine in a headlong dash. Gordon’s talipes was so severe that Patsy ran tantivy toward second surgery was needed to adjust the tamburello base after the bunt. tendons and bones of his foot. tandem tapestry talisman n n tangerine n Gk > F > E + Ecf Gk > Ar > It > Sp > F a heavy handwoven textile for an object thought to act as a charm Moroccan geog name hangings, curtains, and upholstery. to avert evil and bring good a variable color ranging from Teresa admired the vivid colors of fortune. moderate reddish orange to vivid or the tapestry hanging in the Vern showed us his rabbit’s foot, strong orange. corridor. which he claimed was an effective To Petra, the most beautiful color talisman. of mum is tangerine. taphephobia n talkathon tangible adj Gk tallow fear of being buried alive. n L After reading Edgar Allan Poe’s capable of being touched. “The Cask of Amontillado,” Mr. E The black darkness of the night Gallo developed a bad case of the rendered fat of cattle and sheep seemed to have a tangible quality. taphephobia. that is used chiefly in making soap, glycerol, margarine, candles, and tangy lubricants. adj Inside of her little tent, the fortune teller began to shuffle her cards by Scand > E + Ecf the light of a candle made from having a particularly pungent odor. tallow. The burning pile of old tires will leave the air tangy for several days. tallowy

Page 314 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tapir tarpaulin tattersall n n n Tupi E + E E name [has homonym: taper] any of a a piece of material (as durable a fabric having a pattern of colored genus of chiefly nocturnal hoofed plastic) used for protecting exposed lines forming squares of solid mammals of tropical America and objects or areas. background. Myanmar to Sumatra that have the When rain began during the second Jeanne bought a blue-and-white snout and upper lip prolonged into inning of the baseball game, the tattersall to make into a skirt. a short flexible proboscis. ground crew rolled out the The tapir is both a browser and a tarpaulin to protect the field. tattletale grazer, feeding on leaves, twigs, n and fruits, as well as on grasses. tarragon n D + E tarantula one that blabs or tells secrets. n Ar > L > F Erica’s official title is “social a small European perennial reporter,” but Will considers her a It geog name wormwood grown for its aromatic plain old tattletale. any of a family of large hairy foliage that is used in cooking. spiders that are capable of biting Paul planted tarragon in his herb taught but are not significantly poisonous garden. to humans. taunt Alexander’s friend tried in vain to tartar v convince him to get a pet tarantula. n F? > E tardigrade L reproach in a mocking or insulting adj [has homonym and near manner : jeer at. homonyms: tarter and tartare, Spectators on the sidewalk began L Tatar] an incrustation on the teeth to taunt the suspect as he exited the moving or stepping slowly. consisting of salivary secretion, van. The sloth is a well-known food residue, and various salts. tardigrade animal. The hygienist carefully removed the tauntingly tartar from Rekha’s teeth. tariff taupe n tassel n Ar > It tatami L > F the duty or rate of duty imposed by n [has homonym: tope] a light a government on imported or brownish gray. exported goods. Jpn It took some time, but Pam finally A high tariff protects the home a straw matting used as a floor matched the taupe of her dress to a industries from foreign covering in a Japanese home. pair of shoes. competition. The Japanese restaurant had a special room in which patrons tauromachy tarmac could sit on a tatami while dining. n n tatterdemalion Gk + Gk (E + Brit name) > trademark adj the art or practice of bullfighting. a road, apron, or runway made of The toreador is well known for his asphalt. Scand > E + unknown slow, dignified style of tauromachy. Neil’s suitcase fell out of the ragged or disreputable in dress or airplane and its contents spilled out appearance. taut onto the tarmac. No one would have guessed that the tatterdemalion fellow is a millionaire.

Page 315 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tautology telegnosis temperate n n adj Gk Gk + Gk L > E an instance of needless or knowledge of distant happenings having a moderate climate. meaningless repetition in close obtained by occult or unknown All of the United States, except for succession of an idea, statement, or means : clairvoyance. Hawaii and parts of Alaska and word. The psychic claimed to have Florida, lies within the temperate The phrase a beginner who has just telegnosis of events happening on zone. started is a tautology. the other side of the Atlantic. tempest tautophony telephone n n tempestuous adj Gk Gk + Gk repetition of the same sound. a device for reproducing sounds, L The insistent tautophony of Josh’s especially articulate speech, at a of, involving, or resembling a alarm clock finally woke him up. distance. furious storm. Ginger’s parents asked her to limit The tempestuous action of wind tawdrily her time on the telephone to three and waves imperiled the ships. adv 15-minute conversations per night. tempura name > E telesis n in a cheap and gaudy manner. n The tawdrily dressed actress signed Jpn autographs outside her hotel. Gk [has near homonym: tempera] progress intelligently planned and fritters of seafood and vegetables tawdry directed. fried in deep fat. The mayor revealed the city The waiter brought a small dish of taxation council’s ten-year plan for telesis vegetable tempura as an appetizer. at the press conference. tazza tenacious telltale adj technetronic temerarious L > E technical adj holding fast or tending to hold fast. Marjorie is tenacious in her belief tedious L that her cousin was abducted by rashly or presumptuously daring : aliens and replaced by an impostor. tektite reckless. Mrs. Jasper punished Tim for his tenacity telamon temerarious behavior by n n withholding certain privileges. L Gk > L temerity the quality or state of holding fast : a male figure used as a supporting n determination, firmness, column or pilaster. persistence. While in Athens, Anita had her L Randy’s tenacity often made him picture taken beside a telamon. unreasonable or foolhardy seem stubborn. contempt of danger or opposition. telecine The private with the temerity to speak up against the sergeant’s bullying was assigned to KP indefinitely.

temperament

Page 316 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tenaculum tenebrosity tension n n tentacle L L n a slender sharp-pointed hook darkness. attached to a handle and used Nocturnal animals moved silently L mainly in surgery for seizing and through the tenebrosity of the one of the arms of a cephalopod. holding parts (as arteries). forest. In the horror movie the giant Connie slipped the tenaculum octopus tried to grab the heroine under the patient’s carotid artery. tenement with a long tentacle. tendency tenet tentative n n tentatively L L adv a proneness to or readiness for a [has near homonym: tenant] a particular kind of thought or action. principle, dogma, belief, or L Tom’s tendency to say exactly what doctrine generally held to be true; in a hesitant or uncertain manner. he feels has gotten him into trouble especially : one held in common by Janna smiled tentatively, not several times. members of a group or profession. knowing if she should show her The basic tenet of Central High’s happiness. tenderloin Key Club is that community service benefits everyone. tenuous tendon adj n tennis n L L having little substance or strength : a tough cord of specialized fibrous L > AF > E flimsy, weak. connective tissue that unites a [has homonym: tenace] a typically The prosecutor’s case was so muscle with some other part and outdoor game that is played with tenuous that the judge dismissed transmits the force which the rackets and a light elastic ball by the charge against the defendant. muscle exerts. two players or pairs of players on a The team doctor said that Larry’s level court divided by a low net. tepid Achilles tendon was inflamed and Jeannine is so eager to learn to adj that he shouldn’t run in Saturday’s play tennis that she is willing to race. pay for lessons out of her L allowance. marked by an absence of tendresse enthusiasm or conviction. n tenon The debate drew a tepid response n from the audience. F tender feeling : fondness. L > F > E teratism Sarah portrayed the sister who, in a projecting member in a piece of n maidenly fashion, conceals her wood or other material for insertion tendresse for the hero. into a mortise to make a joint. Gk + Ecf Curtis used his jigsaw to cut a fascination with monsters. tenebrific tenon on each board of the box he Monster movies appeal to the adj was making. teratism of the viewing public. L + Ecf + L > Ecf tensible teratogenic causing gloom or darkness. adj adj Tenebrific rain clouds overshadowed the entire region. L Gk capable of being extended. tending to cause developmental The old rubber band was not very malformations. tensible. Sylvia carefully avoided any potentially teratogenic drugs tensile during her pregnancy.

Page 317 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently teratological tergiversation terrarium adj n n Gk L L relating to abnormality of organic evasion of straightforward action or a fully enclosed wholly or growth or structure. clear-cut statement of position. predominantly glass container for Because of his several deformities, The ambassador explained that in the indoor cultivation of moisture- the so-called “elephant man” was diplomacy there is sometimes loving plants. the subject of teratological study. defensible tergiversation in Mosses and other small woodland communication. plants thrive in a terrarium. teratology n termagancy terrazzo n n Gk the study of malformations, E name OProv > It monstrosities, or serious deviations habitual bad temper : scolding a mosaic flooring made by from the normal type in growing disposition. embedding small pieces of marble organisms. Lillian’s abusive termagancy or granite in freshly placed mortar Because of his several deformities, alienated her husband and and after hardening grinding and the so-called “elephant man” is children. polishing the surface. often featured in textbooks for The contractor explained that if courses in teratology. termitarium Travis wanted a hard, shiny floor at a reasonable price, terrazzo was tercentenary terrace an excellent option. n n terrestrial L L > OProv > F a 300th anniversary or its a colonnaded porch or promenade. terrible celebration. The marketplace consisted of a row adj Next year Possumville will of shops along a terrace. celebrate the tercentenary of its L > F > E founding. terraceous requiring extreme effort or adj fortitude. terdiurnal Donating blood may be a terrible adj L ordeal for those people who do not made of earth : earthen. like needles. L Bulldozers hurriedly built up a occurring three times per day. terraceous dam to prevent further terricolous The meteorologist set his flooding. adj instrument to take terdiurnal measurements of the air pressure. terrapin L + L n living on or in or growing from the tergiversate land. v Algonquian The heath was rich in terricolous any of various North American lichens. L turtles living in fresh or brackish evade straightforward action or water. terrific clearcut statement of position. Murray awoke from his lakeside adj While political leaders tergiversate, nap to find a terrapin sunning on petty tyrants are taking over the the blanket. L country. of an extraordinary nature : terraqueous astounding, tremendous. adj Terrific, serrated outcrops of bare rock stood on either side of the lush L valley. consisting of land and water. Global pollution threatens Earth’s terraqueous environment.

Page 318 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently terrigenous tetracycline theodicy adj n textuary L Gk > F formed by the erosive action of thalassic an area of philosophy that treats of rivers, tides, and currents—used of adj the nature and government of God an ocean bottom. and the destiny of the soul. At the brink of the continental shelf, Gk One hotly contested question in terrigenous deposits build up and of or relating to the sea or ocean. theodicy is whether the existence of are swept away. Some thalassic currents travel for evil precludes the existence of an thousands of miles. omnipotent and perfect God. tertiary thanatophobia theodolite tessitura n n n Gk Ar? > L > E L > It fear of death. a surveyor’s instrument for the general range of a melody or Michael had such a strong belief in measuring horizontal and vertical voice part; specifically : the part of an afterlife that he was not troubled angles. the register in which most of the by thanatophobia. The theodolite invented by Digges tones of a melody or voice part lie. in the 16th century consisted of a Soprano parts in Bellini’s operas thaumatology horizontal graduated circular plate call for a very high tessitura. n with an index bearing sights. testaceous Gk theosophize adj doctrine, discussion, or study of the performing of miracles. therapeutant L Although he had never successfully n having a shell. performed any miracles, the young The oyster is a testaceous marine priest was nonetheless an expert in Gk > E animal. thaumatology. a healing or curative agent or medicine. testimony thaumaturgy The diseased elm trees were n n sprayed with a chemical therapeutant. L Gk > L > F a solemn declaration usually made the performance of miracles. therapeutic orally by a witness under oath in The sacred writings of many adj response to interrogation by a religions contain stories of lawyer or authorized public thaumaturgy. Gk official. of or relating to the treatment of According to Victoria’s testimony, theatrical disease or disorders by remedial she had just returned from vacation adj agents or methods. when she discovered that the statue Changes in diet can have a was missing. Gk therapeutic effect on obesity, marked by extravagant display or hypertension, peptic ulcer, and tetanus exhibitionism : showy, spectacular. osteoporosis. n The performer took a theatrical bow, but the audience’s applause therblig Gk was lukewarm. n an acute infectious disease characterized by tonic spasm of theftproof anagram of Amer name voluntary muscles and especially of one of the manual, visual, or mental the jaw muscles. theocracy elements into which an industrial Puncture wounds are dangerous manual operation may be analyzed because they allow the bacteria in time and motion study. that cause tetanus to enter the The supervisor’s goal was to body. eliminate one therblig at each station in the assembly line.

Page 319 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently theretofore thesmothete thorax adv n n E Gk Gk > L > E up to that time : until then. lawgiver, legislator. the portion of an insect body that is The public parks committee created Joseph has in his office a marble the middle of the three chief a playground where theretofore bust of a famous Athenian divisions. there had been a weedy vacant lot. thesmothete. The thorax of an insect consists of three segments, each having a pair therianthropic thespian of legs. adj n thoroughbred Gk + Gk Gk name n combining human and animal form. an actor. The falcon-headed Horus was a Fiona became stagestruck at an E therianthropic god of ancient early age and was determined to purebred or pedigreed animal. Egypt. become a thespian. Alex’s thoroughbred comes from a line of Kentucky Derby winners. thermometer thirsty n thoroughfare thistle Gk + Gk n threaten an instrument for determining temperature. E threnody The thermometer that takes a a plant with prickly leaves having a n temperature reading from one’s ear head with white, purple, pink, or is now used widely. yellow flowers. Gk Dean plucked a thistle from the a song, poem, composition, or thermostat lawn of the middle school. speech of lamentation especially n for someone dead or something tholepin regarded as dead. Gk + Gk Asked to write a threnody for an automatic device for regulating thoracic English class, Libby composed a temperature (as by controlling the adj song about the death of a robin. supply of gas or electricity to a heating apparatus). Gk threshold The repair person found that our of, relating to, located within, or n heating problem was caused by a involving the part of the body of defective thermostat. humans and other mammals located E between the neck and the abdomen. place or point of entering or thesaurus The thoracic nerve controls the beginning : entrance, outset. n muscles in the walls of the thorax. Now at the threshold of adulthood, James wonders if he will miss the Gk > L thoracodynia carefree days of his previous years. a book containing a store of words n or of information about a particular thrombosis field or set of concepts; specifically Gk n : a dictionary of synonyms. pain in the chest. Caleb’s paper read as if he had When Grandpa complained of Gk consulted a thesaurus frequently thoracodynia, Dolly immediately the formation or presence of a while writing it. took him to the hospital. blood clot within a blood vessel. The severe pain in Greg’s leg was found to have been caused by a thrombosis in one of the veins.

Page 320 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently throstle tibia tilapia n n n E L L a largely olive-brown Old World the fourth joint counting from the any of a genus of African perching bird noted for its song. base of the leg of an insect that lies freshwater food fishes that While on a walking tour in London, between the femur and tarsus. resemble the American sunfishes. Madeline spotted a throstle in a A cricket’s ear is located on the Some American fish farms have sycamore tree. tibia of its foreleg. been raising tilapia for stocking in ponds and lakes. thule tichorrhine n tilde thumb n Gk > L thurible an extinct two-horned woolly L > Sp n rhinoceros. a mark ~ placed especially over the The remains of a tichorrhine were letter n to denote the /ny/ sound or Gk > L > F > E found frozen in the ice of Siberia over vowels to indicate nasality. a vessel used in religious services with the flesh and hair well Marcia could not find the tilde on for burning incense. preserved. the computer keyboard. When a thurible is used in the procession, the odor of incense tickicidal tilth suffuses the church. adj timorous thylacine E + L + Ecf n destroying or controlling any of timorously several wingless parasitic insects. adv Gk > L The exterminator used a tickicidal a now-extinct somewhat doglike agent to eliminate the pests. L carnivorous marsupial that in a manner showing fear or formerly inhabited Tasmania— tickled apprehension. called also “Tasmanian wolf.” v Pam timorously responded to her The female thylacine had a name and said that she had not rearward-opening pouch in which E finished her book report. two to four young were carried. excited or stirred up agreeably. The young actor was tickled to be tinctorial thyme offered the leading role in his next n movie. tincture n Gk tightrope [has homonym: time] a common L garden herb used in seasoning and tilak hue, tint. formerly in medicine. n The main difference between The chicken recipe called for a American and Irish glass is in teaspoon of dried thyme. Skt tincture. an ornamental spot worn on the thymiaterion forehead chiefly by Hindus as a tinnient n sectarian mark. adj After three months of travel Lana Gk returned home clad in a sari and L a vessel used by the ancient Greeks wearing a tilak. having a clear or ringing quality. for burning incense. Grandmother’s old silver knives Cecil found a bronze thymiaterion made a tinnient sound in the sink as in an antique shop. we rinsed them after Thanksgiving dinner.

Page 321 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tinnitus tobacco toggery n n tome L Taino > Sp n a ringing, roaring, or hissing in the the leaves of a plant of the genus ears that is purely subjective. Nicotiana prepared and processed Gk It’s hard to understand how for use in smoking or chewing or as a volume forming part of a larger annoying tinnitus is unless you snuff. work. have experienced it yourself. At an early age, Amy vowed never Fiona bought an old copy of The to use tobacco. Messages of the Presidents that tinselry was missing the first tome. toboggan tintinnabulation n tongue tirade Algonquian tonitruous n a long flat-bottomed light sled adj made of thin boards curved up at F one end with usually low handrails L + Ecf a protracted speech usually marked at the sides and used for coasting thundering, fulminating. by abusive language. on snow or ice. The tonitruous artillery guns had The grumpy woman screamed a Bart’s new toboggan is the fastest been shelling the enemy positions tirade of protest whenever children one on the hill. for several hours. made joyful noises outside her window. tobogganer tonsillectomy n tiralee tonsillitis n Algonquian > F n one that coasts on a long flat- imit bottomed light sled. L [has homonym: tearily] a On hitting the unexpected bump, inflammation of the tonsils. succession of musical notes (as in a the tobogganer was thrown off his Dr. Graham treated Erica’s bugle call). sled. tonsillitis with antibiotics. Daniel managed a tiralee on the saxophone, but there was no tobogganing tonsillotome recognizable melody. toccata tonsorial titian n n tonsure It n Ital name a brilliant musical composition one having hair that is brownish usually for pipe organ or L > E orange. harpischord, in free fantasia style, the shaven crown or patch worn by Mr. Rodman decided that he would and usually with many equal-timed monks or various clerics. be a titian for awhile. notes in rapid movement. The actor who played Brother Jamila sat down at the church Cadfael had a hairpiece to cover tmesis organ and played a fast Bach his tonsure when he was off toccata. camera. toastmaster n tocsin n E+L > F > E one that presides (as at a banquet) L > OProv > F and introduces the after-dinner [has homonym: toxin] an alarm speakers. bell or the ringing of a bell for the Eric will serve as toastmaster at the purpose of alarm. Golden Lamp banquet. In the event of a natural disaster or a civil alert, the fire stations would set off a tocsin that could be heard for two miles in any direction.

Page 322 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tontine toreador tortoni n n n It name > F L > Sp It name a financial arrangement whereby bullfighter. an ice cream made of heavy cream, the participants share benefits The toreador posed for the crowd minced almonds, chopped equally on such terms that when in his suit of lights. maraschino cherries, or other one dies or defaults the others flavorings. equally share the portion until all toroidal Tortoni is definitely not the dessert but one remains to own the adj for someone on a low-fat, low- entirety. calorie diet. In the days before a central bank or L common currency, villagers often doughnut-shaped. totality used a tontine to share ownership For the life of her, Bridget couldn’t n of property. identify the toroidal object she found in her purse. L toolach the phase of an eclipse during torpor which it is total : state of total toothache eclipse. n torrential An eerie silence crept over the crowd as the eclipse reached E torrentially totality. pain in one of the teeth. adv Nelson thought an abscess might be totemism the cause of his toothache. L n in a manner resembling a rushing topaz stream of water. Ojibwa + Ecf n Patricia wept torrentially when she belief in kinship with or a mystical found out about her pet dog’s relationship between a group or Gk > L > F > E injury. individual and an emblematic plant, a usually yellow, reddish, or pink animal, or other object. transparent mineral used as a gem. tortellini Powerful animals are common Leslie received a yellow topaz for n objects of totemism. her birthday. L > It toucan topiary noodle dough cut in rounds, filled n with savory fillings, and boiled. tourelle Vic’s favorite Italian meal was Gk > L + Lcf tortellini stuffed with meat and touristry the practice or art of training, cheese. cutting, and trimming trees or tournedos shrubs into odd or ornamental tortilla n shapes. n Edward Scissorhands was skilled in L > F topiary. Sp a small fillet of beef usually cut a round thin unleavened cake from the tip of the tenderloin. topography usually eaten hot with a savory Diane usually prepares a tournedos n topping or filling. in wine sauce with mushrooms. Theron covered his tortilla with Gk beans and cheese. towhee the art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on tortoise maps or charts of selected natural n and man-made features of a region especially in a way to show their F? > E relative positions and elevations. any of a family of terrestrial turtles. Identifying the enemy’s rocket sites The park ranger told the children will require an expert in that a tortoise takes five hours to topography. walk just one mile.

Page 323 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently toxicosis trafficking transducer n v n Gk It > F L + Ecf a pathological condition caused by engaging in commercial activity. a device actuated by power from the action of a poison or toxin. The townspeople were shocked one system and supplying power in The chihuahua exhibited no when they learned that Mr. Bailey the same or any other form to a symptoms of toxicosis after eating had been trafficking in drugs. second system. the soap. A common transducer is a tragedian microphone, which converts sound toxophilite waves into electrical signals. n tragedienne n transference Gk + Gk + Ecf n one fond of or expert at archery. F The legendary toxophilite William [Note: Could be confused with L Tell successfully shot an apple from tradegian.] an actress who an act, process, or instance of the head of his own son. specializes in tragic roles. carrying or taking something from On Thursday night, Ms Siddons, one person or place to another. toxophily the granddaughter of the Ralph’s dad was in charge of the tragedienne, made her first transference of fish from the fishery trachea appearance. to the lake being restocked. tracheostomy tragedy transience n n trajectory Gk + Gk L the surgical formation of an tralatitious [has homonym: transients] the opening into the trachea through quality or state of passing through the skin. trammel or by only briefly. When Chris developed throat The photographer is able to cancer, a tracheostomy had to be tramontana capture transience by being ready performed to facilitate his n to click the shutter at the crucial breathing. moment. L > It tracheotomy the north wind; especially : a dry transient cold strong northerly wind of the tractable west coast of Italy. transit adj Each winter the tramontana n swoops piercingly through the L streets of Rome. L capable of being easily led, taught, the passage of a smaller body or controlled. transcend across the disk of a larger (as of Maybe Fatima’s work would Venus or Mercury across the Sun’s improve if she were more tractable. transcendental disk). adj Barrie used sensitive equipment to tractile photograph the transit of Venus. adj L extending or being beyond the translucent L > Ecf limits of ordinary experience. capable of being drawn out in Edward’s transcendental transmissible length. meditation guru also instructs him adj With laboratory equipment, Dr. in yoga. Abrams was able to extend the L tractile material to a great length. capable of being sent or conveyed to another person or place. Poison ivy is transmissible through the air to those who are very sensitive to it.

Page 324 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently transmit treacherous treatise adj n transmogrify v F > E F? > AF > E characterized by usually hidden a writing that provides in a unknown dangers, hazards, or perils. systematic matter and for an change or alter in form, Throughout the winter, frigid expository or argumentative appearance, or structure often with temperatures and the damp sea air purpose a methodical discussion of grotesque or humorous effect. cause treacherous black ice to form the facts and principles involved Buford set out to transmogrify the on streets. and conclusions reached. hearse into a hot rod. Victor’s treatise on international treachery relations was well received by his trattoria colleagues. n treacly adj treble F > It adj an eating house : restaurant. Gk > F > L > E It seems to Fran that any trattoria heavily sweet and cloying. F > E located next to the golf course fails, Sarah’s treacly voice warned her threefold. regardless of the cuisine. mother that a big request was Whatever might be their motive or forthcoming. motives—whether single, double, traulism or treble—their actions were treadmill unjustified. trauma n n trefoil E + E n Gk a device operated by walking on an an injury or wound caused by the endless belt for the purpose of L > F > E application of external force or exercise. any of the common clovers. violence. Walking on a treadmill in his The hunter came upon several The football player suffered the apartment was convenient, but Sam rabbits feeding on a patch of trauma of a broken leg. preferred to get his exercise trefoil. outside, weather permitting. traumatize treillage treason traumatropism n trekked n L > F > E trellis Gk the offense of attempting by overt a modification of the orientation of acts to overthrow the government trellised an organ (as a plant root) as a result of the state to which the offender of wounding. owes allegiance or to kill or tremendous Traumatropism of the roots does personally injure the sovereign or adj not usually affect plant growth. the sovereign’s family. All persons involved in the L traversed attempted coup were charged with astonishing by reason of extreme v treason. size, power, greatness, or excellence. L > F > E treasure Computers have had a tremendous moved to and fro over or along. impact on modern business Zane serenely traversed the frozen practices. pond. travesty

Page 325 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tremulous trianon trichogenous adj n adj L F architecture Gk quivering, shaking. a small elegant villa. producing hair. Uncle Edgar’s tremulous Albert wrote his latest thriller in a Trichogenous cells produce the tiny handwriting is one sign of his rented trianon on the Riviera. hairs on insect bodies and limbs. Parkinson’s disease. tribunal trichotomy trenchant n n trenchantly L Gk adv a court or forum of justice. a system divided or divisible into The people have wisely provided, in three constituents or elements. F > E the constitution itself, a tribunal for Golda’s civics teacher explained in a sharply perceptive manner. settling questions of constitutional how the United States government The commentator trenchantly law. is a trichotomy, divided into the analyzed the pros and cons of legislative, judicial, and executive legalized gambling. tributary branches. n trepidation trickle L trespass a stream feeding a larger stream or trigonometry v a lake. n The Ohio River is a tributary of the F > E Mississippi River. Gk make an unwarranted or uninvited a branch of mathematics dealing incursion. tricenary with the relations holding among The rock salt from farmer Brown’s adj the sides and angles of triangles shotgun taught Wally a painful and among closely related lesson: Don’t trespass. L magnitudes and especially with having or lasting 30 days. methods of deducing from given tressed Cameron never can remember parts other required parts. which months are tricenary. Rachel enjoyed her course in trey trigonometry much more than she n tricephalous enjoys her calculus class. adj L > F > E trihedral [has homonym: tray] the side of a Gk die or domino that has three spots. having or depicted with three trillion If Ian draws either a trey or an ace heads. from the boneyard, he believes he Orpheus managed to lull the Trinity will win the game of dominoes. tricephalous watchdog to sleep by n playing his lyre. triage L > F > E n trichinosis the union of three persons or n personified concepts (as the Father, F the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in one the sorting of and allocation of Gk godhead so that all the three are treatment to patients and especially infestation with or disease caused one God as to substance but three battle and disaster victims by certain nematode worms persons or concepts as to according to a system of priorities contracted by eating raw or individuality. designed to maximize the number undercooked infested food and The Catholic Church once of survivors. especially pork. excommunicated believers in the Once the system of triage was Madeline cooked the pork chops false Trinity of God, Mary, and implemented, medics were better well so there would be no danger of Jesus. able to decide which soldiers trichinosis. should receive immediate tripelennamine treatment.

Page 326 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently tripod trochanter trophallaxis n n triquetra n Gk > L Gk > L the second segment counting from exchange of food between L the base of the leg of an insect. organisms (as the social insects). a triangle-shaped figure or A trochanter is one of the five parts Bees, ants, and wasps practice decoration. of an insect’s leg. trophallaxis. Murray stenciled a leafy triquetra in each corner of the kitchen trocheameter tropicopolitan ceiling. n adj triskelion Gk? + Gk > E Gk n an instrument used to count the inhabiting all countries near the revolutions of a wheel. equator. Gk According to the trocheameter Today the coconut palm is a a figure composed of three usually attached to one of the wagon tropicopolitan species. curved or bent branches radiating wheels, the wagon train had from a center. traveled 30 miles. tropophilous A triskelion has been the emblem of adj the Isle of Man since the 13th trochiline century, when the Vikings were Gk + Gk ousted. trodden thriving in an environment that v undergoes marked periodic changes triste (as in temperature, soil moisture, or adj E available light). walked or trampled upon Deciduous trees of the temperate L > F > E something. regions are examples of sad, dismal, dull, depressing. The cattle had trodden over the tropophilous plants. A triste quartet could be heard field, flattening the tall grass and from the window. weeds. trough n triturate troglodyte n E triumph [Note: The definition provided is Gk > L not the one most commonly triumphal a member of a primitive people associated with this word.] an dwelling in caves or pits. elongated area of low barometric triumvirate While spelunking, Zan and Patrick pressure usually with a minimum n stumbled on the bones of a pressure at each end and between troglodyte. two areas of higher pressure. L Eric listened to the weather a group, party, or association of troglodytic forecaster explain how the local three. weather was being influenced by Vince, Steve, and Phil jokingly troika the trough that was present. refer to themselves as the “terrible n triumvirate.” trousseau trivet Russ n n a group of three. Astrology, yoga, and poetry are the F L > E troika of humanities that most [Note: Plural form can be a usually ornamental metal stand interest Bryce. pronounced similarly.] the personal with short feet especially for use possessions of a bride usually under a hot dish at a table. including clothes, accessories, and A brass trivet featuring the local household linens and wares. college’s insignia is the best-selling Felicity kept her trousseau in a item in the gift shop. hope chest at the foot of her bed. trochaic trove

Page 327 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently trowel tuberculosis tumulus n n truculent adj L L a communicable disease caused by [has homonym: tumulous] an L the tubercle bacillus and artificial hillock or mound (as over feeling or evincing savage ferocity characterized by toxic symptoms or a grave). : fierce. allergic manifestations which in In the center of the cemetery is a Hunger makes the tiger a truculent humans primarily affect the lungs. large tumulus where one of the hunter. The antibiotic drug streptomycin town’s founders is buried. has been successfully used to treat trumpet tuberculosis. tundra n truncated tufaceous adj adj Finno-Ugric > Russ a treeless plain characteristic of L Osco-Umbrian > L > It arctic and subarctic regions with a abbreviated by or as if by lopping. of or resembling a rock composed permanently frozen subsoil. Cindy’s cat has a truncated tail. of the finer kinds of volcanic Do reindeer graze on the moss of debris. the tundra? truncheon Many buildings in Italy were tungsten constructed of tufaceous rock. n trunnioned adj tuffet Sw n a gray-white high-melting hard F metallic element that is used in the having a pin or pivot usually Gmc? > F? > E pure form chiefly for electrical mounted on bearings for rotating or a low seat : stool. purposes (as for filaments for tilting. Katie stood on the tuffet to reach incandescent lamps). Dave attached a trunnioned the book on the top shelf. The filament in many light bulbs is compass to the deck of his sailboat. a thin wire of tungsten. tularemia truttaceous n turban adj n Calif geog name + Lcf L a bacterial disease of rodents, man, Per > Turk > F of, relating to, or resembling a and some domestic animals. a headdress worn chiefly in trout. Jerry’s temperature reached a countries of the eastern Truttaceous fish are highly dangerously high level during his Mediterranean and southern Asia esteemed as sport fish because of bout with tularemia. especially by Muslims and made of their spiritedness. a cap around which is wound a tulle long cloth. trypanosome A camel driver wearing a blue tumefaction turban asked Rebecca if she would tsetse like a short ride. tumultuous tsunami adj turbid n L turbine Jpn full of commotion and uproar : n a great sea wave produced by boisterous. submarine earth movements or As the basketball star entered, he L > F volcanic eruption. received tumultuous applause from [has homonym: turban] a rotary The dock workers were alerted in his schoolmates. engine. time to evacuate the harbor area The plane could not take off until before the tsunami hit. the damaged turbine was repaired.

turbot

Page 328 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently turbulence turpentine tutelary n n adj L Gk > L > F > E L highly irregular atmospheric any of various oleoresins that are having the guardianship or charge motion characterized by rapid derived from coniferous trees and of protecting a person or a thing. changes in wind speed and are obtained in crude form as The young princesses were direction and the presence of up yellowish viscous exudates of surrounded by tutelary employees. and down currents. characteristic odor and taste from The captain warned the plane’s incisions in the tree trunks and that tutoyer passengers to brace themselves for usually thicken and solidify in the a patch of turbulence. air. tuyere The most common use of turpentine n turgescence is in paint and lacquer thinners. F turgescent turpitude a nozzle through which an air blast n is delivered to a forge. turgid Dan checked the tuyere for an L obstruction. turmoil inherent baseness or vileness of n principle, words, or actions : tweezers depravity. n pl unknown Sean accused Amitab of moral an utterly confused, extremely turpitude for teasing the cat. F > E agitated, or tumultuous state or any of various small pincer-shaped condition. turret tools used for plucking, holding, or Jacob experienced unrelenting n manipulating. turmoil after his parents informed The jeweler used a pair of fine him that the family might move. F > E tweezers to extract the broken a little tower. spring from inside Jeff’s pocket turnstile The princess escaped from the watch. n turret by sliding down a rope of knotted bedsheets. twelfth E + E a post with four arms pivoted on turricular twinkle the top set in a gateway to regulate adj v or monitor passage. Contrary to the prominently posted L E warning sign, Calvin hopped over shaped like or resembling a tower. shine with a flickering, sparkling, the turnstile. Shauna’s birthday cake was or intermittent light. turricular and decorated to look Atmospheric conditions affect how turnverein like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. a star will twinkle in the night sky. turophile turriferous tycoon n tutania tympanum Gk n a gourmet of cheese : a cheese tutelage fancier. n Gk > L The turophile warned us not to be a thin tense membrane covering an beguiled by the low cost of inferior L organ of hearing (as in the leg of an processed cheese. instruction; especially : individual insect). instruction accompanied by close The tympanum, which is sometimes personal attention and a conscious hidden beneath the base of an attempt at guidance. insect’s wing cover, is activated by Evan made astounding progress the pressure of sound waves. under the tutelage of his new trumpet teacher.

Page 329 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently typhlology tyranny ultimatum n n n Gk L > F > E L the scientific study of blindness, its absolute government in which a final proposition, condition, or causes, effects, and control. power is vested in a single ruler. demand; especially : one whose Researchers in typhlology have The tyranny of many medieval rejection will end negotiations and found that certain nutritional kingdoms was eventually cause a resort to force or other deficiencies can result in the supplanted by democracy. direct action. clouding and softening of the If the striking workers refused its cornea. ubiquitous ultimatum, the company threatened adj to close the factory permanently. typhoon n L ultraviolet existing or being everywhere at the adj Gk&Chinese same time : omnipresent. a tropical cyclone occurring in the The drum is a ubiquitous L + L > F > E region of the Philippines or the instrument in world music. situated beyond the visible China Sea. spectrum at the violet end and A typhoon of unimaginable fury udometer having a wavelength shorter than swung across the coastal plains of n visible light and longer than X rays. Bangladesh, swallowing up villages Arthur purchased sunglasses that and sweeping away food crops. L + Gk provide some protection against an instrument for measuring the ultraviolet radiation. typify quantity of precipitation that falls at v a given place and time. ululant The local television station asked L + Ecf Karen to put a udometer in her ululation embody the essential or salient backyard. n characteristics of. Dickens’s characters typify the udomograph L Victorian era. a loud mournful usually protracted uglify and rhythmical sound : howl. typothetae An ululation from deep in the ulcerous woods gave Jesse goosebumps. tyrannical adj ullage umbilical adj Gk ulotrichous exhibiting imperious and usually adj L oppressive exercise of absolute attached by or as if by a cord power : despotic. Gk + Gk arising at the navel that connects a Patrick Henry spoke fervently having woolly or crisp hair. fetus with the placenta. about the urgent need to arrest the The ulotrichous aborigines crafted Important medical research is tyrannical hands of the British wide-toothed combs for their hair. being done with stem cells obtained ministry and Parliament. from umbilical cords. ulterior tyrannize adj umbra n tyrannous L not apparent : hidden. L When Sherman volunteered to walk a shaded area : darkness. the dog, his ulterior motive was to Trent saw something flicker in the escape the boring conversation in umbra beneath the side porch. the house.

ultimacy

Page 330 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently umbrage unanimous unctuosity n adj unctuous L > F > E L displeasure, resentment, being of one mind : agreeing in underrate annoyance. opinion, design, or determination. Hatred between nations disposes The advice given the candidate by underread each more readily to offer insult those in his confidence was and injury and lay hold of slight unanimous. undisciplinable causes of umbrage. unau undulance umbrageous n adj undulate Tupi > F v L > F > E a two-toed sloth of Central and providing protection from heat and South America. L light : shady. The unau seldom descends to the form or move in waves. Sherwood Forest was the ground because its slow movements Terry stood on the shore and umbrageous domain of the make it easy prey for jaguars and watched the ocean undulate in the legendary Robin Hood and his other predators. moonlight. outlaw band. unciferous undulation umbrella adj unencrypted umlaut L n bearing a hook or hooklike unexceptionable structure. adj G Weaving and other fiber arts a diacritical mark composed of two involve the use of several Ecf + L adjacent dots placed especially over unciferous tools. not open or liable to objection, a German vowel to indicate a criticism, or reproach : vowel shift. uncinate unimpeachable. Gary never knew how to pronounce adj Mr. Weston was a man of words with an umlaut until he unexceptionable character, easy studied German. L fortune, suitable age, and pleasant bent at the tip like a hook. manners. umpire Using a magnifying glass, Chad n was able to examine the insect’s unfeigned uncinate antennae. L > F > E unforgettable one having authority to arbitrate unconscionable and make a final decision, as an adj unfurl official in a sport who rules on the v plays. Ecf + L + Ecf The coach vehemently objected not guided or controlled by an Ecf + L > F when the umpire ejected the player internal sense of right or wrong : release or open out from a rolled-up for unsportsmanlike conduct. unscrupulous. state. The governor was denounced for Kendra embroidered her school’s unabridged his unconscionable indifference to motto on the new flag she will the plight of the homeless. unfurl during tomorrow’s unaccompanied assembly. uncouth adj unguent Ecf + E lacking in polish and grace. Last night we watched a movie about turning an uncouth high school student into a princess.

Page 331 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently unguligrade unisonous untenantable adj adj universally L Ecf + L + Lcf walking on hoofs. unparalleled [Note: Could be confused with Unguligrade mammals include untenable.] incapable of being horses, cows, swine, camels, deer, unprecedented occupied or lived in. elephants, rhinoceroses, and tapirs. adj The hurricane left thousands of homes untenantable. unhygienic Ecf + L + Ecff new, unexampled. unveiled unicameral Last year the city experienced an unprecedented expansion in unyielding unicorn population and industry. adj n unpredictable Ecf + E L > F > E adj refusing to give way : resolute, a fabulous animal possibly based obstinate. on faulty old descriptions of the Ecf + L Jake’s unyielding opposition to the rhinoceros and generally depicted not to be foretold. proposed surprise party is with the body and head of a horse, The raging forest fire was difficult becoming tiresome. the hind legs of a stag, the tail of a to contain because of the lion, and in the middle of the unpredictable weather patterns of upbraid forehead a single long straight that area. horn. upeygan Sarah has a poster of a beautiful unprincipled n white unicorn on her wall. adj Shona unilateral E + L a black rhinoceros. lacking or exhibiting a lack of a The front horn of the upeygan can unintelligible moral code of conduct. reach a length of over 30 inches. adj The detective described the arsonist as “unprincipled and upheaval Ecf + E + L conscienceless.” difficult to comprehend. unpronounceable upholstery Dave readily admitted that he found the article unintelligible. unrequited uppity adj adj unique adj Ecf + L > E E + Ecf not returned in kind. marked by airs of superiority. L Several passages in the novel were Nicole forgave Amanda for her being without a like or equal : devoted to Harriet’s unrequited uppity behavior at the party. single in kind or excellence : love for Mr. Elton. unequaled. upright The class agreed that Martin unscrupulous adj Luther King Jr. had a unique adj impact on civil rights in the 20th E century. E + L standing up straight on the feet or unprincipled. on one end. unison Desmond was not so unscrupulous When Mom’s old upright vacuum adj as to betray his comrades. cleaner finally broke down, she went out and bought a new canister L > F unsullied model. identical in musical pitch. The choir was well trained in uproarious unison singing; every member could hit the same note perfectly.

Page 332 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently urbanity usher usurper n n n L L > F > E L the quality or state of evincing the one who escorts persons to seats at one that infringes or encroaches polish and suavity characteristic of an assemblage (as in a theater, upon the rights or property of social life in larger cities. church, or hall). another. Melissa’s easy urbanity belied her The usher informed the latecomers By the end of his term, the mayor discomfort at the pie-eating that they would not be seated until had become known as a usurper of contest. the end of the first act. authority. urbiculture ustion usury n n utensil L L > F the practices and problems peculiar the action of burning. utilitarian to cities. Finding the paper too thick to tear adj The congressman proposed a new or cut easily, Richard resorted to federal department of urbiculture ustion to destroy it without a trace. L > F > E to deal with the problems of city characterized by or aiming at dwellers. ustulation usefulness as distinguished from n beauty or ornament. urceolate Dean chose a utilitarian briefcase adj L over the fancy leather model. the action of burning or searing. L By ustulation the metallurgist utility shaped like an urn. separated the sulfur from the ore. At the end of the drive stood a pair utilizable of urceolate boxwoods. usufruct adj n urchin L > F > E L capable of being made use of. urgency the right to use or enjoy something. It took three months, but eventually The homeowners in Eleanor’s Leon was able to convert the ursine neighborhood have a usufruct to a prototype into a utilizable product. adj large fenced park. utterance L usurious n [has near homonym: hircine] of, adj relating to, or characteristic of a F > E bear. L + Ecf something that is spoken. Some children are particularly involving or taking illegal or Smoke and clamor accompanied fascinated by ursine hibernation. exorbitant interest for the use of every utterance of the Great Oz. money. urticant The officers of the bank were uxorial adj charged with usurious practices. adj L usurpative L > E producing itching or stinging. adj of, relating to, or having the Strawberry nettles are notorious characteristics of a wife. for their urticant effect on human L The new bride’s conduct defied skin. characterized by or constituting the Mrs. Ketchum’s notions of proper unauthorized arbitrary assumption uxorial behavior. and exercise of power especially as infringing on others’ rights. uxorious The king banished the prince for his traitorous usurpative acts. vacation

vacationland

Page 333 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vacatur vacuous valedictory n adj n L L L an order of court making void a emptied of or lacking content (as of a speech or farewell usually given legal proceeding. air or gas). at the commencement exercises of The court issued a vacatur when it Vacuous spaces within the a school or college. found that the defendant’s rights meteorite made it easy to split in Alice’s valedictory at graduation had not been upheld. half. brought the entire senior class to its feet. vaccary vacuum n valet vagabond L adj valetudinarian a place where cows or cattle are n kept : dairy farm. L > F > E The teacher plans to take her moving from place to place without L students to a vaccary during their a fixed home. a person of a weak or sickly study of the dairy food group. Orson wanted to buy a motor home constitution; especially : one whose and lead a vagabond life, but chief concern is his invalidism. vaccinate Eileen refused to sell their house. Grandpa hopes that he will never v be a valetudinarian. vagary L > F n valiant administer a preparation of microorganisms in order to produce L valiantly or increase immunity to a particular a whimsical, fanciful, or adv disease. extravagant idea or notion. Doctors no longer vaccinate George’s idea that he would be L > F > E American children against spending his spring break in Paris in a brave or bold manner : smallpox, as that disease was was sheer vagary. courageously. eradicated during the 1970s. Deidre tried valiantly to swim the vagrancy English Channel. vaccine n validity vaccinoid L? n the state or offense of being a vacillate person who has no established L v residence and wanders idly from the quality or state of being well place to place without lawful or grounded or justifiable. L visible means of support. Some people question the validity waver in mind, will, or feeling : To clear the downtown area of of Darwin’s theory of evolution. hesitate in choice of opinions or homeless people, the mayor courses. instructed the police to arrest them valley Theresa must allow more time to for vagrancy. choose what she will wear if she valorous cannot stop her tendency to vaguely adj vacillate. vainness L vacuity brave, courageous. Carrie’s valorous behavior during the flood earned her a medal.

valve

vampire

Page 334 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vandalism variation vaudeville n n n L > E L F geog name willful or malicious destruction or a solo dance in ballet. a stage entertainment especially defacement of things of beauty or Erik choreographed a variation to popular in the early decades of the of public or private property. be performed by the stars of his 20th century that consisted of The boys who knocked over the ballet company. various unrelated acts following gravestones were eventually caught one another in succession and that and charged with vandalism. varicelliform might include performing animals, adj acrobats, comedians, dancers, vandalize singers, or magicians. v L + L Some of the stars of vaudeville went resembling chicken pox. on to become movie actors. Gk > L > F A virus was responsible for Lloyd’s destroy or deface property, usually varicelliform rash. vaudevillian with malicious intent. n The gang planned to vandalize the varicose tombstones at the cemetery with adj F geog name&L spray paint on Halloween. a writer or performer of stage L entertainments especially popular vanguard abnormally swollen or dilated. in theaters in the early decades of Extreme cases of varicose veins the 20th century. vanilla can require surgical treatment. In his days as a vaudevillian, Mr. n Kramer was a comedian’s sidekick. variegated L > Sp adj vault a flavoring extract made by soaking comminuted vanilla pods in a L vaward mixture of water and grain alcohol. marked with different colors or n The chef specified that real vanilla tints in spots, streaks, or stripes. be used when making the cake. A shady corner of the garden was F > E brightened by a clump of the foremost part : forefront. vanquish variegated coleus plants. The vaward of the column stopped to allow stragglers to catch up. vapidity variolous veal vaporetto vasodilator n vealskin vargueno L vegetable variable an agent (as a parasympathetic n nerve fiber or a drug) that induces vegetarian or initiates widening of the lumen adj L of blood vessels. [Note: The definition provided is Red wine contains tyramine, a L > E + Ecf not the one most commonly vasodilator that can cause flushing consisting wholly of edible plants. associated with this word.] a star and headaches. After spending two years in Japan, whose brightness changes in more Annabelle followed a vegetarian or less regular periods. vassal diet. Clement spent six months tracking n changes in the variable. Celt > L > F > E a feudal tenant. The lord of the estate rewarded the vassal for years of faithful service.

vaticinator

Page 335 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vehemence velocity venerable n n adj L > F L > F L the quality or state of being quickness of motion : swiftness, deserving to be regarded with expressive of strong emotion or speed. profound respect and affection. conviction. George estimated the velocity of The venerable teacher’s retirement Norm’s impetuosity and vehemence the wind at 22 miles per hour. saddened students who had hoped of temper made him his own worst to benefit from her instruction. enemy. velodrome n vengeance vehicle n L > F + Gk > F vein a building containing a track L > F > E designed for cycling. infliction of punishment in return velitation The university’s new velodrome for an injury or offense. n was funded by an alumnus who was The defeated team howled with an ardent bicyclist. rage and fury and swore bloody L vengeance. [Note: Could be confused with vendaval vellication.] a dispute or slight n venireman contest : skirmish. Police used every means to keep F > Sp venison the velitation from exploding into a an autumnal thundersquall on the n riot. coast of Mexico. A recent vendaval damaged the L > F > E velleity banana grove. the flesh of a deer. n Mandy roasted a leg of venison vendetta with prunes and chestnuts. L n a slight wish : a faint desire. venom Mr. and Mrs. Newton found that L > It n the hotel staff had anticipated their a prolonged feud marked by bitter every velleity. hostility. L > F > E Chloe’s all-night party exacerbated poisonous matter normally secreted vellication the vendetta with her neighbor. by some animals (as snakes, n scorpions, or bees). veneer The snake’s venom paralyzed its L n prey. the act of twitching or of causing to twitch. G ventilate While dissecting a frog in biology a thin sheet of wood cut or sawed v class, Sam noticed vellication of the from a log and adapted for legs. adherence to a smooth surface (as L of wood). cause fresh air to circulate through vellum The maple veneer really spruced up and contaminated air to be n the old pine table. simultaneously withdrawn from. To ventilate her kitchen, Margo set F > E veneniferous a fan in the doorway and opened a thin calfskin specially prepared as adj the windows. a surface for writing. Sanford carefully turned the rare L + Ecf vellum over to see if there was any bearing or transmitting poison and writing on the back. especially a natural venom. Ellen couldn’t believe that anyone velocious would want to work with veneniferous snakes for a living.

Page 336 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently ventriloquist verbena verdolaga n n n L L L > Ar > Sp one who is skilled in the art of any of numerous garden plants that an annual herb with fleshy leaves. speaking in such a manner that the are widely cultivated for their Latin American cooks use voice appears to come from some showy spikes of white, pink, red, or verdolaga in soups and salads. source other than the vocal organs blue flowers which are borne in of the speaker. profusion over a long season. verdure A ventriloquist entertained at Marcy noticed tiny flower buds on n Rebecca’s birthday party. her verbena in early April and anxiously awaited its full bloom. F > E venue [has homonym: verger] fresh and n verbigerate green growing vegetation. v Joe walked back into the soft thick L > F verdure of the hills and tramped a place designated to be the scene L until he was tired. of a gathering, such as for a sports repeat a word or sentence endlessly event. and meaninglessly. verglas The Georgia Dome in Atlanta was The psychiatrist explained that n the venue for Super Bowl XXXIV. some schizophrenic patients often verbigerate. F veracious a thin film of ice on rock. adj verbomania On her way to the stream for some n fresh water, Connie slipped on the L + Ecf nearly invisible verglas. [has homonym: voracious] L + Gk observant of the truth : habitually excessive use of or obsession with verisimilitude speaking the truth. words. n It was up to the jury to decide Frances was accused of which of the two witnesses was the verbomania by her classmates, who L + L more veracious. didn’t understand why she liked to the quality or state of having the study spelling. appearance of truth. veracity The artist’s scrupulous attention to n verboten detail provided an impressive adj degree of verisimilitude. L devotion to the truth : truthfulness. G verjuice The prosecutor questioned the forbidden; especially : prohibited n veracity of the witness. by dictate. Speaking English in the German F > E verbally language-immersion program is the sour juice of crab apples or adv verboten. other unripe fruit. Scrooge was the kind of person L + Ecff verdant who looked as though he drank in a manner involving the use of verjuice every morning. words rather than action or verdigris performance. n vermeil Johann couldn’t describe the shape verbally, so he drew it. L > F > E vermicelli a green or greenish blue poisonous n verbatim pigment obtained by the action of adv acetic acid on copper. L > It The verdigris on the church steeple alimentary paste made in long thin L has aged beautifully. solid strings smaller in diameter word for word : in the same words. than spaghetti. Marcelle can recite the entire The restaurant’s five-way chili Gettysburg Address verbatim. started with a base of vermicelli.

Page 337 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vermiculate vertex vespertine adj n adj L L L wormlike in shape. the point on the limb of a celestial setting with or just after the Sun. When Tom’s two-year-old brother body nearest the zenith. Venus is the most prominent tried to draw something, he could The tiny dark spot near the Moon’s vespertine planet. manage only a few vermiculate vertex is a huge crater. lines. vessel vertical vernacular adj vestibule adj n L > F L perpendicular to the plane of the L > F belonging to or being a language or horizon or to a primary axis : a passage, hall, or chamber dialect developed in and spoken upright. between the outer door and the and used by the people of a Blythe preferred the fabric with interior of a building. particular place, region, or country broad vertical stripes. The elevators were located at the in a form considered nonstandard. end of the vestibule. Mr. Hillis could not understand the vertiginate vernacular language of the v vestige rappers. n L vernal whirl dizzily around : twirl. L > F adj Young children love to vertiginate a remaining bit that constitutes a until they fall down. memorial or trace of something L formerly present. of, relating to, or characteristic of vertiginous Dmitri thought he detected a the spring. vestige of natural gas odor in the Cherry trees produce some of the vertigo kitchen. prettiest vernal blossoms. n veterinary vernissage L a disordered state in which the vexation verricule individual or the individual’s surroundings seem to whirl dizzily. vexatious versatile The constant rocking of the boat adj adj produced feelings of vertigo and nausea in many of the passengers. L L causing or likely to cause mental [Note: The definition provided is vesicant suffering. not the one most commonly n A lame carriage horse threw associated with this word.] marked everything into sad uncertainty and by a tendency to change : L + E created a situation Emma found fluctuating readily. an agent (as a drug or a plant most vexatious. Tricia’s versatile temperament substance) that induces blistering. made it impossible to predict her Brittany wore thick gloves in order vexillology reactions. to avoid contact with the vesicant. viable vertebrate vespacide adj n vibraphone L L vibrato having a spinal column. one that kills wasps. Vertebrate animals include fishes, Mindy waved the can of vespacide reptiles, birds, and mammals. threateningly at the nest of yellow jackets.

vespertilian

Page 338 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vicarage vicontiel vignette n adj vilayet L > E F > AF the house of a priest of a parish. of or relating to a viscount or vilify About a quarter of a mile down the sheriff. v road rose the vicarage, an old and Robin Hood was wanted by the not very good house. vicontiel authorities of several L counties. utter slanderous and abusive vicegerency statements against : defame. victorious Wouldn’t it be refreshing if the vicegerent candidates vying for the office did n viduity not vilify each other? n vilipend L v an administrative deputy appointed L to perform functions of a king or widowhood. L magistrate. Wendy’s first husband was killed in speak of slightingly or The emperor claimed that he was the Gulf War, but her viduity ended disparagingly : depreciate. ruling as God’s vicegerent. when she remarried in 1994. The candidate decided to vilipend her opponent instead of discussing vicereine vigentennial the issues. adj vichyssoise villain n L n occurring once every 20 years : F geog name relating to a 20th anniversary. L > F > E a soup made of pureed leeks and The store celebrated its [has homonyms: villein, villan] potatoes and usually served cold. vigentennial anniversary with a big one who deliberately plots and does When vichyssoise is well made, it’s sale. serious harm to others. heavenly; when it’s badly made, The police were seeking the villain it’s inedible. vigesimal who conned several senior citizens out of their savings. vicinage vigilance villainous viciously vigilante adv n villainy L > F > E L > Sp vinaceous in a manner marked by violence or a member of a volunteer committee adj ferocity. organized to protect an interest, The puppy attempted to shake the especially to suppress and punish L old sock viciously. crime. of the color wine red. The cowboy movie was about a The vinaceous liquid in the three- vicissitude rancher who became a vigilante foot-high bottle at the restaurant is n and joined in the search for a not really wine. criminal. L vinaigrette an accident of fortune : a shift of vigneron n luck. n By the vicissitude of winning the F lottery, Helen was able to buy the F a sauce made typically of vinegar, dream house she always wanted. one who cultivates a vineyard and oil, onions, parsley, and herbs. makes wine from the grapes. The salad was dressed with a The American vigneron was tomato-flavored vinaigrette. delighted that the French judges chose his wine as being among the vincible world’s best.

Page 339 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vinculum violin virulent n n adj L OProv > It L a unifying bond. a bowed stringed instrument having characterized by rapid course, Their mutual love of dolls is the four strings, a shallow body, a severity, and malignancy—used vinculum between Delia and fingerboard without frets, and a especially of a disease or infection. Christine, who are otherwise very curved bridge. The virulent strain of flu spread different. Reuben demonstrated his technical rapidly through the community. virtuosity on the violin when he vindicate auditioned for the string ensemble. visage v violoncello visceroptosis L n n free from any question of error, dishonor, guilt, or negligence. It L + Gk Oliver felt the judge’s decision the bass member of the violin downward displacement of the would vindicate him completely. family that is tuned an octave abdominal organs. below the viola and held vertically The growth of the tumor had vinegar on the floor between the player’s caused visceroptosis. n knees while in a sitting position. The violoncello played plaintively viscount L > F > E in the prelude to the last act of the n a sour liquid used as a condiment opera. or a preservative that is obtained by L > F > E acetic fermentation of dilute virago a noble ranking below an earl and alcoholic liquids (as fermented n above a baron. cider, malt beer, or wine) and is The viscount had no children and often seasoned especially with L was becoming desperate to have an herbs. [has near homonym: vorago] a heir. Pete used a special aged balsamic loud overbearing woman. vinegar in the salad dressing. The manager at the Department of viscous Motor Vehicles was, unfortunately, adj vineyard a virago. n L viridescent [Note: Could be confused with E adj viscose.] having the physical a field of grapevines. property of a fluid or semifluid that While touring a Napa Valley L enables it to develop a certain winery, Jamie wandered through greenish. amount of shearing stress the vineyard. Gideon removed the viridescent dependent upon the velocity of scum from the bottom of the horse flow and then to offer continued vintner trough and added fresh water. resistance to the flow. n Joe was surprised to learn that virtue glass is viscous, as evidenced by L > F > E the fact that a windowpane, over a person who sells wine : a wine virtuoso time, becomes thicker at its lower merchant. n edge and thinner at its upper edge. The vintner assured Babette that the wine she was considering L > It visibility would go well with veal. one who excels in the technique of n an art; especially : a musical violated performer. L The virtuoso took 12 curtain calls, the degree or extent to which setting a new record for the concert something is capable of being seen. hall. The captain announced that visibility was approximately five miles.

Page 340 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vitiate vivace volatile v adv adj L L > It L > F make incomplete, faulty, or in a brisk spirited manner—used as easily passing off by evaporation. defective : injure the substance or a direction in music. The fact that gasoline is highly quality of. To her teacher’s frustration, volatile produces an advantage in Freddie argued that Clark’s poor Marcie plays every piece as if it starting engines. acting abilities would vitiate the were marked vivace. school play. volition vivacity n vitreous adj vixenish L adj the act of willing or choosing : the L act of deciding. of, relating to, derived from, or E The notary public asked Nigel to consisting of glass. resembling a shrewish ill-tempered state that he was signing the The huge vitreous wall of woman. contract of his own volition. skyscrapers reflected the mountains Elena could become vixenish when and the sunset. she felt slighted. volubility n vitrescible vizierial adj L vocabulary talkativeness. L The cheerful volubility at Mrs. of a kind that can be changed into vocation King’s luncheon is largely due to glass or a glassy substance by heat n the fact that she is a great hostess. and fusion. The ceramics shop owner used only L voracious the most vitrescible materials in his [Note: The definition provided is work. not the one most commonly vorago associated with this word.] a n vitrine summons from God to an n individual to undertake the L obligations and perform the duties [has near homonym: virago] an L > F of a particular task or function in engulfing chasm : abyss. a glass showcase for display (as of life. Before he knew it, Beck had fine wares or specimens). The parents of Thomas Aquinas crossed the bridge over the vorago. Allegra has a large vitrine that entreated him to abandon his houses her collection of porcelain religious vocation and return vorlage figurines. home. n vitriolic vociferate G adj the position of a skier leaning vociferous forward from the ankles usually L > F > E adj without lifting the heels from the marked by a caustic biting quality. skis. Howard had to be reprimanded for L The object of the vorlage is to keep his vitriolic outbursts against the marked by or given to ready the body of the skier perpendicular referees and opposing players. vehement insistent outcry. to the slope. A vociferous couple in the back row vituperative ruined our evening at the poetry vorspiel adj reading. L vogue containing or characterized by wordy abuse. volante Josh’s dad gave him a vituperative lecture after the accident.

Page 341 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently vortex vulture wallaby n n n L L > E Australian name a rapidly spinning current of water. any of various large raptorial birds any of various small or medium- The toy sailboat got caught in the related to the hawks, eagles, and sized kangaroos. vortex and spun wildly as the falcons but having weaker claws The wallaby usually feeds in the bathtub drained. and a usually naked head and that safety of dusk or darkness. subsist chiefly or entirely on the vowel decaying flesh of dead animals. wallet The turkey vulture rarely gets voyage credit for its help in removing walleyed n unfortunate opossums and skunks adj from our roadways. L > E E an act or instance of traveling : waffle having very light gray or whitish excursion, tour. n eyes. Bill and Gail went on a sea voyage The Appaloosa foaled a walleyed for their honeymoon. D filly last spring. a crisp cake made of pancake batter vulgar baked in a specialized appliance. wallop adj For breakfast, Mary ordered a v waffle topped with blueberry L compote. F lacking in cultivation, perception, gain a decisive victory over : beat or taste. waggish by a wide margin : trounce. Harriet vowed that she would not Coach Garrett predicts that the visit Mr. Martin’s wife if he wagonload Cougars will soundly wallop the married an ignorant vulgar Buccaneers. woman. waif waltz vulnerable wainscot n adj n G L D > E a moderately fast dance in three- capable of being wounded : the lower three or four feet of an quarter time with a strong accent on defenseless against injury. interior wall when finished the first beat of the measure and Maggie’s sensitive nature made her differently from the remainder of characterized by one step per beat. vulnerable to cross remarks. the wall (as with wood panels, tile, When the band started playing a or marble slabs). waltz, Marilyn hoped that someone vulnerary Michelle chose a striped wallpaper would ask her to dance. adj for the wainscot in the dining room. wander L wainwright promoting the healing of wounds : wanderlust curative. waldmeister n There was a section in the old n medical book about vulnerary G herbs. G + L > G strong or unconquerable longing a small European sweet-scented for or impulse toward traveling. vulpine herb. Cayte’s wanderlust caused her to The Germans use waldmeister to postpone college so that she could flavor May wine. tour Europe.

Page 342 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently wantonness wasabi wearisome n n adj E Jpn E the quality or state of being without an Asiatic herb whose greenish root tiresome, tedious. check or limitation. is grated and eaten with fish or Gondolph found hearing accounts The wantonness of comfort other food. of other people’s dreams Georgetta experienced as a young In Japan, Pam had raw fish wearisome. child caused her to become a seasoned with wasabi, which tasted spoiled brat. like horseradish. weasel n wapiti washtrough n E wasp any of various small slender active Algonquian n carnivorous mammals that are a North American deer similar to mostly reddish brown with white or the European red deer but E yellowish underparts and in considerably larger. any of numerous winged northern forms turn white in winter. The older male wapiti is often hymenopterous insects that have In the snow the white fur of the hunted for its antlers. well-developed wings and biting weasel camouflages it against mouthparts, and a more or less attacks by hawks or owls. warden formidable sting. n The well-known yellow jacket is a weather wasp with a hurtful sting. Gmc > F > E webelos an official in charge of the wasteweir n operation of a prison. n The warden recommended that the E acronym disruptive prisoner be denied L > F > E + E a Cub Scout of the fifth rank who is parole. a notch in a levee or other barrier at least 10½ years old and is across a stream for the escape of preparing for entrance into Boy warehouse superfluous water. Scouts. A wasteweir was constructed in the Noah spent his second year as a warison dam to prevent flooding along the webelos working on his fitness, banks of the stream. geologist, and handyman activity warmonger badges. wastrel warmth n weddellite warrior L > F > E wedge n something rejected or discarded as useless or imperfect. weevil E Hardly any item is wastrel to the n a human engaged or experienced in ardent recycler. warfare and especially in primitive E warfare or the close combat typical watercress any of numerous snout beetles in of ancient or medieval times. n which the head is elongated and The warrior attended a council usually curved downward to form a before battle in the morning. E snout bearing the jaws at the tip. a white-flowered plant growing in The boll weevil is a serious pest to water with leaves that are used in the cotton crop in North America. salads. Jesse added some watercress and carrots to the tossed salad.

waxen

Page 343 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently weigh wharfinger whilom v n adj E E E [has homonym: way] evaluate : a person or company operating a having been at an earlier time : ponder. marine terminal with facilities for former. Mrs. Avery asked Sam to weigh the the berthing of ships and the Mother frowned when Edgar said potential consequences of his loading, unloading, and storage of the food was probably too hot to decision. goods. eat, a whilom excuse for being late The wharfinger keeps a parrot in for lunch. weir his office. n whimper wheedle v E v [has homonyms: weer, we're] a imit fence or enclosure set in a stream to unknown make a low whining plaintive or catch fish. get or take something from by broken sound. Bored by fishing, the boys set up a using soft words or flattery. Laura’s dog starts to whimper weir and went off to play Ginger’s attempt to wheedle ten whenever he wants to be fed. basketball. dollars out of her father was unsuccessful. whimsical weird adj adj wheelbarrow unknown E wheelwright resulting from or determined by [has homonym: weired] curious in n sudden unpredictable impulses. nature or appearance : of strange or Ichabod became the object of extraordinary character. E whimsical persecution to Brom and Most episodes of The X-Files begin a person whose occupation is to his gang of rough riders. with a weird or puzzling event. make or repair circular frames of metal, wood, or other hard material. whimsicality welfare In the days of the horse and buggy, the wheelwright had an essential whininess welfarism job to do. n n whelk E E + Ecf the quality or state of complaining the complex of policies, attitudes, whelp or lamenting with or as if with a and beliefs associated with a n prolonged high-pitched sound. welfare state. Allen’s habitual whininess when Free health care was touted as one E asked to do something he didn’t of the benefits of welfarism. one of the young of various like annoyed both his teacher and carnivorous mammals. his classmates. welkin Wendy was delighted when the eyes n of the cocker spaniel whelp finally whinyard opened. E whippersnapper the celestial regions as the abode of wherewithal God or the gods : the heavens. n whippet The hymn that begins “Hark! The herald angels sing” was originally E + E + E written as “Hark how all the welkin financial resources : money. rings.” Everyone was surprised that Jake wellaway had the wherewithal to buy a sailboat. welterweight wherry wharf whetstone

Page 344 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently whippoorwill whistleable wickiup n adj n imit E + Ecf Sac, Fox, & Kickapoo a nocturnal bird of the eastern capable of being whistled. a hut used by Native Americans United States and Canada that is Rufus could botch up even the most that is typically elliptical in form seldom seen although its call is whistleable tune. and has a rough frame covered by often heard at nightfall or just reed mats or grass. before dawn. whodunit As they constructed the wickiup, the At camp Nick recorded the call of a n campers were careful to leave a whippoorwill. hole in the top for campfire smoke E to escape. whirligig a detective story or a mystery story n presented as a novel, a play, or a widget motion picture. n E The whodunit proved to be the most a child’s toy having a whirling or popular play at the summer theater. E spinning motion. an unnamed article considered for Sandy bought a whirligig at the wholesale purposes of hypothetical example dime store. adv as the typical product of a company. whirlwind E On Trudy’s graph, each star n in a manner of, relating to, or represents one widget. engaged in the sale of goods or Scand > E + E commodities in quantity for resale. width a small rotating windstorm of Juliana purchased several store limited extent. fixtures wholesale. wince A whirlwind is sometimes called a “dust devil.” wholesome winsome whisk adj adj n E E Scand > E promoting health of body : health- pleasant because of cheer, childlike a small usually wire kitchen giving. nature, and open candor. implement used for hand beating of Ellie sometimes ate junk food The little tyke’s winsome smile won food (as eggs, cream, or potatoes). rather than the wholesome lunch him many friends. Rose used a whisk to beat the egg her mother had made for her. whites into a stiff froth. wintriness whorlywort whisperer n wirrah n E wiseacre E a tall perennial herb—called also one that speaks softly with the aim “Culver’s root.” wisent of preserving secrecy. Darnell bought a hand-colored n Reverend Loomis scanned the engraving of a whorlywort at the congregation in vain, searching for auction. G the whisperer. a European bison. whortleberry The advance of European whist n civilization drove the wisent to the n brink of extinction; it survived E mainly by breeding in zoos. imit E a sweet edible European blueberry. a four-player card game from The unripe whortleberry was too which bridge evolved. sour for Vernon to eat. In learning to play whist, Carole found it helpful to make a chart of its similarities to bridge.

Page 345 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently withernam woebegone wreckage n adj n E > F > E E Scand > AF > E the action of taking by way of exhibiting a condition of suffering, something that has been reduced to reprisal : a second or reciprocal sorrow, or misery. a ruinous state by distress of other goods in lieu of The teacher looked up at 20 violence : the remains of a wreck. goods taken by a first distress. woebegone faces staring at the Cleaning up the wreckage from the Jeff discouraged Larry from going essay question. tornado would take money as well through with the planned as time. withernam by saying “Two wrongs woebegoneness don’t make a right.” wren witloof wok n n wrestle v D Chin chicory; also : its crown of foliage [has near homonym: walk] a bowl- E as a salad green. shaped cooking utensil used [has near homonym: rustle] Emily decided to vary her salad by especially in the preparation of contend by grappling with and using witloof instead of lettuce. Chinese food. striving to trip or throw down an Lydia received an electric wok as a opponent. witticism housewarming gift. Inspired by the championship n match they saw on television, wolveboon Bobby and Alan began to wrestle E on the living room floor. a clever or amusing expression. womp The careful use of a witticism in wretched Kevin’s speech helped hold the wondrous adj attention of his listeners. worrisome E wizardry squalid, dismal, foul. n wraith After the flood, the whole n neighborhood looked wretched. E magic skill : sorcery, witchcraft. unknown wriggle Merlin practiced his wizardry at an apparition of the exact likeness v the court of King Arthur. of a living person seen usually just before that person’s death. G? > E wizen The wraith of a person shortly to move the body or a bodily part to die is a firm article in the creed of and fro with short writhing motions wobbulator Scottish superstition. like a worm. n Zakia was startled when she saw a wrangler snake wriggle through the tall G + Ecf grass. a testing device for radio sets in wrasse which the frequency is varied writhe periodically and automatically over wreak v a predetermined range. The primary function of a wreath E wobbulator is broadcast receiver n move or proceed with twists and testing. turns. E Silently, we watched a seven-foot a coronet, band, or fillet of boa constrictor writhe through the intertwined flowers or leaves worn trees. or bestowed as a mark of honor or victory or symbol of esteem. The figure on the vase wearing a laurel wreath is identified as Apollo.

Page 346 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently wunderkind xerocolous xylophone n adj n G Gk > L + L + Ecf Gk + Gk a child prodigy : one who succeeds thriving in a relatively dry a musical instrument consisting of in a competitive or highly difficult environment. a series of wooden bars graduated field or profession at an early age. The xerocolous plants of the desert in length and sounded by striking Mozart, a famous wunderkind, generally have roots that penetrate with two small wooden hammers. wrote complicated sonatas at the deeply into the soil to obtain Many African musical instruments age of five. moisture. are variations of the xylophone. xanthic xerosis xylophonist adj n xylotomy Gk Gk of a flower : colored with some tint abnormal dryness of the skin. xystus of yellow. Xerosis can be an indication of an The forsythia rivals the daffodil for underlying health problem. yacht being the loveliest xanthic bloom in Cynthia’s garden. xerostomia yachtsman n n xanthism Gk G > D + E xanthoma abnormal dryness of the mouth due [Note: Plural form is pronounced n to insufficient secretions. identically.] a person who owns or Xerostomia was one of the drug’s sails a boat used for pleasure, as for Gk side effects. racing or cruising. a condition that is marked by the Mike fancied himself a true development (as on the eyelids, xylem yachtsman after one week at sea. neck, or back) of irregular yellow n patches or nodules. yammer High cholesterol or triglyceride Gk levels can be factors in causing a complex tissue in the vascular yannigan xanthoma. system of higher plants. The xylem of a tree functions Yarborough xenocentric chiefly in conduction of sap but n also performs a structural and xenogamy storage role. E name n a hand in bridge or whist xyloglyphy containing no card higher than a Gk nine. fertilization by cross-pollination; xylograph Gene was not sure how to signal to especially : cross-pollination n his bridge partner that he held a between flowers on different Yarborough. plants. Gk Xenogamy may occur by wind or by an engraving on wood. yardage bees carrying pollen from plant to A Chinese xylograph of a bull plant while feeding on nectar. decorated the restaurant wall. yarrow xenophobia xylography yawl

xylophagous yearn

xylophilous

Page 347 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently yeast yoga zaibatsu n n n pl E Skt Jpn a substance used in baking and the union of the individual self with the the powerful financial and fermentation of alcoholic beverages universal spirit. industrial conglomerates of Japan. : leaven. The teacher explained that through Keiko intended that her electronics The sourdough bread recipe called years of mental and physical company become one of the for two packages of yeast. exercise, she had been able to zaibatsu. attain a complete yoga. yeasty zapateado yokel n yenta n n Sp imit E a rhythmic stamping or tapping Yiddish an unpolished, naïve, or gullible step characteristic of Spanish one that meddles. inhabitant of a rural area or of a dancing. Evelyn’s children laughingly refer small town. Juliana needs practice in to her as a yenta when she tries to The pool hustler disguised himself zapateado before she can take set them up on blind dates. as a yokel to lure unsuspecting advanced flamenco classes. victims. yeoman zeal yore n yeomanry n n Gk > L > E E impassioned eagerness. E [has homonym: your] time past Russell entered into his new job the whole body of small farmers and especially long since past. with great zeal. who cultivate their own land; Adam’s favorite books contain specifically : the body of small stories about knights of yore. zealot landed proprietors of the middle class. youngster zealous Among the legal privileges of the yeomanry was the right to serve as youthfully zebra a juror. yowl zeitgeber yewberry n ytterbium yield G v yttrium an environmental agent or event n that provides the stimulus for E setting or resetting the biological agree to accept or comply with Sw geog name clock of an organism. something : exhibit willingness a trivalent metallic element usually Frederick used a zeitgeber rather than opposition. included among the rare-earth consisting of his bedroom lamp Sarah looks forward to the day metals. hooked to a timer prior to his trip when she will not have to yield to Yttrium is one of the elements used and was able to avoid severe jetlag. her parents’ wishes. in making lasers. zenith ylem yule n yuletide Ar > Sp > L > F > E the point of culmination : peak, zaguan summit. Winning the Faculty Award was the zenith of Stephanie’s college career.

Page 348 of 349 TheSpellingChamp.com 2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently zephyr zodiacal zwieback n adj n Gk Gk G a soft warm breeze from the west. of, relating to, or within the zodiac. a usually sweetened bread enriched The gentle zephyr was not sufficient Jessica has a pendant in the shape with eggs that is first prepared and to keep Renee’s kite airborne. of Pisces, her zodiacal symbol. baked and then sliced and toasted until dry and crisp. zeppelin zoning Liza placed a slice of zwieback on n the baby’s tray. zoological G name zygosis a rigid airship. zoophilist Olga’s dream was to ride in a n zymology zeppelin one day. Gk + Gk + Ecf zeugma a lover of animals; especially : a n person concerned with the rights of lower animals and their protection Gk from abuse. the use of a word in the same The noted zoophilist explained how construction with two adjacent deforestation is endangering words in the context with only one several species of mammals and of which it is appropriate in sense. birds. The statement “John upset the table and his mother” is, one would zootechny hope, a zeugma. zucchetto zigzaggedness n n L > It G? > F + Ecff a small round skullcap worn by the quality or state of having short Roman Catholic ecclesiastics in sharp turns or angles. colors that vary according to the An aerial photograph revealed the rank of the wearer. zigzaggedness of the mountain In public appearances, the pope road. usually wears a white cassock and zucchetto. zircon n zucchini n It > F > G a mineral occurring in brown or It grayish square prisms or sometimes a slender green summer squash. in transparent forms which are used Tim picked a large zucchini from as gems. his garden. The zircon in Wendy’s ring looks very much like a diamond. zugzwang n zoanthropy G zodiac the necessity of moving in chess when it is to one’s disadvantage. Valerie forced the grandmaster into zugzwang.

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