Childcraft Dictionary 0716614898, 9780716614890

Citation preview

caterpillar (katbr piVc^r)

fliers (pli'srz)

daffodil (daf 'q dil)

intenna (an ten'o)

airship

schooner

pinata

dolphin (dol'fQn)

octopus (ok'tQ pQs)

(skii'nQr)

raccoon

(ra

kun')

Childcraft Dictionary

Digitized by the Internet Archive in

2010

http://www.archive.org/details/childcraftdictioOOworl

Childcraft Dictionary

Childcraft This dictionary exercises,

is

also published, with 16 pages of student

under the

title

The World Book Student Dictionary.

/ e'..^^ i.-. parakeet

.#^^^P .^?'

-r

Dictionary ^^

World Book, a Scott Fetzer

Chicago

Inc.

company

London

Sydney Toronto

pliers

^

Copyright

©

1990. 1989 by World Book. Inc.

Merchandise Mart Plaza. Chicago.

Illinois 606.^4

All rights reserved

Printed in the United Stales of

America

ISBN 0-7166-1490-1 Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 89-.'i0926

"The Magic of Words"

reprinted from The

is

Magic of Words

—

The 1975 Chikicraft Annual. Copyright C' 197.'; by Field Enterprises 60654 Educational Corporation. Merchandise Mart Plaza. Chicago, Illinois This dictionary exercises,

is

also published, with 16 pages of student

under the

The publishers

title

gratefully

The World Book Student Dictionary. acknowledge the courtesy of the following individuals.

agencies, organizations, and corporations for permission to use the photographs will be corrected in listed below. Any errors or omissions are unintentional and future printings

if

notice

is

sent to

World Book.

Inc. All other illustrations

and photographs are the property of World Book, Inc. Appaloosa: Appaloosa Horse Club beagle:

Hans Reinhard, Bruce Coleman.

Inc

Belgian Tervuren: Roberta Whitesides briard; Robert L. Han-is. Briard

Club of America

Cardigan Welsh corgi: Walter Chandoha Clydesdale: Anheuser-Busch. Inc.

English toy spaniel: Walter Chandoha field spaniel:

Walter Chandoha

miniature schnauzer: William P. Gilbert

Morgan: American Morgan Horse Association. Inc. Pharaoh hound: Pharaoh Hound Club of America Portuguese water dog: Portuguese Water

Dog Club

soft-coated wheaten terrier: Leprecuun from Juanita

of America. Inc.

Wurzburger

Staffordshire bull terrier: Missy Yuhl

Tibetan spaniel: Tibetan Spaniel Club of America. Inc.

CONTENTS

7

Preface

8

How

to

Use Your Dictionary j, jiuuw

IRREGULAR FORMS OF VERBS

To change the tense of most verbs, you simply add s, ed, or ing. But some verbs do not change tense in the usual way. These are called irregular verb forms. In this dictionary, irregular verb forms

are separate entry words. At the entry, you will see a

10

cross-reference to the entry where you

will find

all

of the

information you want.

knew — See ^-

knew *

(nu

Words

PREFIXES

known—

know. ornyu) verh

that

AND

known

5('('

know.

(mini

vr/V?.

sound the same are gnu and new.

SUFFIXES

formed by adding a prefix in front of a word or of a word. Some words formed in this way are entry words in this dictionary. Uneasy is formed by adding the prefix un-. Regardless is formed by adding the suffix -less.

Many words

are

suffix at the

end

uneasy -

—

1. Nervous or worried: I fell uneasy about diving into the water. 2. Not comfortable; Her anger made us uneasy.

un|eas|y (un e'ze) adjeetivc. uneasier,

regardless parade

prefix that

means "around" or "in

gard

re

|

less

|

a

in spite of;

The

be held on Saturday, regardless of

the weather.

This dictionary also has many prefixes and suffixes as entry words. The entry explains what the prefix or suffix means and gives examples showing how it is used to form words.

A

a

— No matter what;

will

uneasiest.

circum

,

(ri

gahrd'lis) adjective.

DIFFERENT SPELLINGS

Most words have only one correct spelling, but some words can be spelled in more than one way. For example, theater and theatre are both correct. If the two different spellings are next to each other alphabetically, then they both appear in the same with the more common spelling first. entry

—

the different spellings are separated alphabetically, then both spellings are entry words. The entry for the less common If

you

spelling refers

to the

more common

spelling.

And

that

is

the definition for the word. Note also that at the entry for the more common spelling, the alternate spelling is

where you

will find

also given.

Moslem — See

Muslim — A

Muslim.

Mosjlem (moz'bm or mos'bm) noun,

who

person

is

a believer in the

founded by Muhammad. Mus|lim (muz'bm) noun, plural Muslims. religion of Islam,

plural

Moslems.

/

• This

word

is

also spelled

Moslem.

ALTERNATE NAMES is more than one name for the same thing. Both names are correct, but one is more common. This dictionary will have entries for both. The entry for the less common name is

Sometimes, there

a cross-reference to the full

more common name, where you

will find

information.

woodchuck

—

A wild animal with short legs, and a bushy tail. A woodchuck digs tunnels in the ground and lives in them. wood chuck (wood'chuk') noun, plural

See or groundhog woodchuck. ground hog or ground] hog (ground'hog') noun, plural ground hogs or groundhogs.

ground hog

brown

fur,

I

woodchucks. J

WORDS THAT

•

Another name for

AREN'T ENTRY

words

this

animal

is

groundhog.

WORDS

appear in this dictionary are entry words. Many words that are formed by adding a prefix or suffix are not entry words (see page 77). Other words that are not entry words are forms of entry words. The words luckier and luckiest are forms of the adjective lucky. The words pestered and pestering are forms of the verb

Not

all

of the

that

pester.

lucky

—

Having good things happen to one; We were lucky to catch the last train home. 2. Causing good things to happen; a lucky charm: my lucky day. 1.

fortunate:

luck y (luk'e) adjective, luckier, luckiest. I

pester

— To annoy,

something; bother:

usually in order to get

He

pestered his father for a

cookie.

pes|ter (pes'tsr) verb, pestered, pestering. •

Synonyms: badger, harass, hound, plague.

Definitions

definition, or meaning, of a word comes right after the entry word. Some words, such as hammock, have only one definition. Other words, such as idea, have more than one definition. If

The

there

is

more than one

definition, the definitions are

sequence. As a general important meaning comes in

hammock — A % two

most

common

numbered

or most

first.

kind of hanging bed that

of canvas or rope netting.

f:

rule, the

It

is

is

—

l. A thought, plan, or belief formed in | one's mind: She had an idea of just how she wanted the dress to look. 2. A central meaning;

idea

made

strung between

trees or posts.

ham|inock (ham'ak) noun, plural hammocks.

purpose: To play a

new game, you have

to

understand the idea of the game first. i|de|a (T de'a) noun, plural ideas.

When words

have more than one meaning,

it

is

best to read

the definitions before deciding which one is right for your purpose. Suppose you want to know what the word idea means

all

in the sentence "We tried to explain the plan's idea to him." Of the two definitions for idea, the second definition is the one that fits

the sentence.

Words also have more than one definition when they are used as more than one part of speech. A word can sometimes be a noun, verb, adjective, or some other part of speech. In this dictionary, each different part of speech begins on a new line that starts

new

with a dash. The dash

tells

you

that the definition

part of speech.

The word

praise, for example, can

noun

definition

is

or a verb. The

begins on a

new

— Words

praise

listed first.

The verb

for a

is

be

noun

a

definition

line that starts with a dash.

instant

that express respect or approval:

—

1.

The principal had nothing hut praise for the performance of the school orchestra. Noun. To express respect or approval for: Mother praised m\ drawing and hung it on the wall.

this instant!

—

instant.

Verb.

answer

flash:

—

praise (praz) noun, plural praises; verb, praised, praising.

A

certain 2.

A

moment

in time:

Come

here

very short time; moment;

The shooting star disappeared Noun.

in

an

A

calculator gives us an instant math problems. 2. Very important; urgent: There is an instant need to leave the ship because it is sinking. 3. Able to 1.

Immediate:

to difficult

be served quickly: instant pudding: instant coffee. Adjective.

in|stant (in'stant) n^H

liit')

adjective.

To soak up or take water. 2. To hold the 1.

in:

A sponge He

interest of:

was so absorbed //; his work that he did not hear mother call him. ab|sorb (ab sawrb' or ab zawrb') verb. his

absorbed, absorbing.

—

absorption The act of soaking up A tree's roots get nourishment from

or taking

in:

the soil by

absorption.

ablsorpjtion (ab sawrp'shan or ab zawrp'shan) noun.

abstain

abreast

abridge

— To shorten by using fewer words: The

teacher asked us to abridge our long stories to

— To hold oneself back from doing

something:

We

try to abstain

from simcking

before dinner.

ab stain (ab stan') verb, abstained, abstaining. I

one page. abridged, abridging. • Synonyms: abbreviate, condense, trim Antonyms: enlarge, expand, lengthen a bridge

(a brij') verb,

— Outside one's own

country:

We hope

to

sense:

1. Sudden; unexpected; with no warning: With a screech of brakes, we came to an abrupt

2. Not courteous; blunt: an abrupt reply; an abrupt manner. a|brupt (a brupt') adjective. • Synonyms: hasty, quick, for 1. Antonyms: gradual, slow, for 1.

stop.

pus

some

in

painful sore that

is

part of the body.

a gathering of

It is

caused by an

infection.

—

1.

A

being away: Joe's latest absence

frotn class caused him to miss the

test.

being without; lack: Absence of shade heat unbearable.

2.

A

made

the

—

1.

—

Plainly not true; against logic or

good

absurd to say that a circle has

silly: It is

corners.

ab|surd (ab surd' or ab zurd') adjective. •

Synonyms: foolish, ridiculous, senseless Antonyms: reasonable, sensible

abundance

—A

great amount; a quantity that

more than enough: There books

is

is

an abundance of

in the library.

a|bunjdance

abundant

(a

bun'dans) noun.

— More than enough; very

Not present; away: Half the class

•

plentiful:

Synonym: ample Antonyms: rare, scanty, scarce

abuse

—

1.

To make bad

or wrong use of: The playground will be taken by fighting. 2. To tieai

privilege of using the

ab|sence (ab'sans) noun, plural absences.

absent

not.

There was abundant /'cxW at the picnic. a|bun|dant (a bun'dant) adjective.

ab|scess (ab'ses) noun, plural abscesses.

absence

idea, not

ab|stract (ab'strakt or ab strakt') adjective.

absurd

abrupt — I

—A

do with a general

"beauty" are abstract nouns, but "sun" atid

"horse" are

go abroad on our vacation this summer. a broad (a brawd') adverb.

abscess

to

with a particular object or thing: "Truth" and

I

abroad

— Having

abstract

away is

if

we abuse

//

abyss

access code

•

cruelly or badly; mistreat: That fanner abuses his

horse by overloading it. Verb. 1. A bad or wrong use: The king's abuse of power led to his overthrow. 2. Cruel or harsh treatment: The prisoner complained of beatings and other abuse. 3. Rude or insulting language;

—

The fans hurled abuse at the umpire. Noun. a|buse O byuz' for verb: a byus' for noun)

—

A pedal or lever that adjusts the speed of a motor vehicle or machine by controlling the amount of fuel going to its

accelerator

engine.

The harder

it

is

pressed, the faster the

speed.

ac|ceI|er|a|tor (ak sal 'a ra'tar) noun, plural accelerators.

accent

verb, abused, abusing; noun, plural abuses.

—

A

1.

stronger tone of voice used

when

saying a certain word or syllable of a word: In

—

word 'finger," the accent is on 2. A mark used in writing show which syllable of a word is

A very deep hole or crack in the earth: The\ stood on the edge of the volcano and gazed

the

syllable.

or printing

into the abyss below.

to

to

a|byss (9 bis') noun, plural abysses.

stressed. Boldface (dark) letters

abyss

Abyssinian

—A

short-haired cat of

medium

size.

with long, pointed ears and a tapering tail. Abyssinians came originally from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), in Africa.

Ab|ys|sin|i|an (ab's sin'e an) noun, plural Abyssinians.

the first

be

and the mark

'

major accent, as in the word "base'ball."" If there are two or more accents in a word, a minor accent shows the syllable having a weaker force, as in the word "dec'o ra'tion."" 3. A way of saying words in different parts of a country or a way of saying words when speaking in a foreign language: a Southern accent; a French accent. Noun. To pronounce a word or syllable in a stronger way: We accent "finger" on the first syllable. indicate the

—

Verb.

ac|cent (ak'sent for noun: ak'sent or ak sent' for verb) noun, plural accents; verb, accented,

accenting.

accept

—

To

1.

take or receive something that

offered; agree to take: If she offers

helping, 1 will accept

say yes

same day.

3.

satisfactory: /

mo

To

2.

invitations for the

believe to be true or

hope they

will accept

our reason

ac|cept (ak sept') verb, accepted, accepting.

— Having

ac|cept|a|ble (ak sep'ta bal) adjective.

ac|a|dem|ic (ak'a dem'ik) adjective.

—

1.

A

for the study of

private high school.

some

2.

A

school

special skill or subject: a

academy; a military academy. a|cad|e|my (a kad'a me) noun, plural academies. riding

—

ac|cel|er|ate (ak sel'a

riit)

access

—

verb, accelerated,

l.

The

right or privilege to enter or use:

The public has access

A way

times.

2.

to the

park

— To

To go faster; speed up: When you step on the gas pedal, the car will accelerate.

accelerate

—

Good enough; satisfactory: Her grades were acceptable but not excellent.

acceptable

do with schools or

to

schoolwork; academic success.

academy

gladly.

is

a second agree to;

for being absent.

Abyssinian

academic

//

She accepted

to:

me To

is

to the

town beach at

all

means of approach: Access through these gates. Noun. or

find and get information

Please access and print

all

from a computer:

her grades for

this

year. Verb.

ac|cess (ak'ses for noun: ak'ses or ak ses' for verb) noun, plural accesses; verb, accessed,

accelerating.

accessing.

ago happen

access code

— Some

a

in

e

in

ah calm

ou out ng sing o odd u ugly sh ship

i

in capital

aw

6 oats

th think

o

in

occur

account

th their

_u

m

upon

ac|cess code (ak'ses

a at a ape all

e end e easy

i

T

if

oo look

ch chalk

idle

oi oil

u rule ur turn

zh treasure

letters or

person enters into a computer information in

codes.

is

my

it:

numbers

in

that a

order to reach

The access code for my bank

birth date.

kod) noun, plural access

accessory

—

more

•

account

important thing: These shoes are a fine accessory my new suit. 2. A person who helps to

done successfully; achievement: Graduating with honors is quite an accomplishment. 2. A special skill or ability: Her accomplishments include

commit or hide

juggling and dancing.

accessory

Something extra added

1.

to a

to

a crime: fiv hiding the stolen

money, she became an accessory to the theft. Noun. Useful but not needed; extra: His bike has many accessory features, such as a tire pump.

—

ac|ces|so|ry (ak ses'ar e) noun, plural 1. Something that happens by chance and is not expected: Finding the money on the sidewalk was a lucky accident. 2. An unexpected happening that causes sadness, damage, or loss: / broke my leg in a skiing accident. 3. Chance; luck: I found my missing necklace by accident when I was dusting. ac|ci{dent (ak'sa dant) noun, plural accidents.

accidental

— Happening by chance;

not expected;

accommodate — 1. To 2.

To

have enough room

for;

accommodate 60 people.

help out; do a favor

for:

When

I

The hotel accommodates 300 guests. ac com mo date (3 kom'a dat) verb, accommodated, accommodating. I

I

accommodation

—

1.

A

accommodations:

A

place for lodging: hotel

O

kom'a da'sh^n) noun,

kom'plish mant) noun,

feat, for 1.

with; be in

trip

harmony

My

with:

accord with yours. Verb.

with; harmony: / like your

we are kawrd')

complete accord. Noun.

in

ac|cord

verb, accorded, according;

(3

noun, plural accords.

own

of (one's) of his

own

following:

brother will never do the dishes

accord.

—

A state of agreement or harmony: accordance with your wishes.

accordance will act in

accord: Without being asked;

My

voluntarily:

(3

kawr'dsns)

— according

/

noioi.

to: a. In

agreement with;

We made the cake according to On the authority of; as said by:

the

According to her. you are wrong. ac|cord|ing (3 kawr'ding) adjective.

—

A musical wind instrument with a keyboard, metal reeds, and a bellows. It is played by pushing the bellows together to force

accordion

air

favor or help: Lending

her your baseball glove was an accommodation. 2.

— An agreeing

recipe, b.

asked for

(a

opinions, so

according

a ride, my brother accommodated me. 3. To supply with a place to sleep or stay for a time:

I

— To agree

ac|cord|ance

unplanned: an accidental meeting. ac|cijden|tal (ak'sa den'tal) adjective.

hold: This bus can

Synonyms: deed,

memories of the

—

accident

ac|com|plish|ment

accord

accessories; adjective.

carrying out;

plural accomplishments. •

Adjective.

A

3.

completion: The accomplishment of this work will take all day.

through the reeds while pressing the keys.

ac|cor|di|on

(3

kawr'de

sn) noun, plural

accordions.

accommodations.

ac|com|mo|da|tion

plural accommodations.

accompany

—

accomplice

— A person who

1. To go along with: Please accompany your brother to the playground. 2. To happen at the same time as: High winds accompanied the cold weather. 3. To play or sing background music for: She will accompany your guitar number on her drums. ac|com|pa|ny (3 kum'pa ne) verb. accompanied, accompanying.

commit

a crime:

helps another to

The police are looking for

the

accordion

robber' s accomplice.

ac|com|plice accomplices.

accomplish

(3

account

kom'plis) noun, plural

—

To carry out; complete; perform: Can you accomplish all that work in one day'.' ac|com|piish (3 kom'plish) verb, accomplished, accomplishing.

accomplishment

—

1.

A

report; description; statement:

you give an account of where you spent

—

2.

Value; worth:

account

in

I

my

fear

a chorus.

3.

Something

that has

been

Can

day?

singing will be of record of money

little

received and spent: an account of vacation expenses. 4. Some money in the bank: / have a

savings account. Noun. 1.

A

the

accountant

— To regard

achievement

•

as; consider;

honest unless

We must

we can prove she

is

account her

not. Verb.

ac count (a kount') noun, plural accounts; verb, accounted, accounting. account for: 1. To tell what has been done with; answer for; You must account for your

accustomed

— Usual; customary: He took

his

accustomed place at the table. ac|cus|tomed (a kus'tamd) adjective.

I

missing books.

2.

Heavy

explain:

To

traffic

give a reason for; accounted for the

accustomed

ace

lateness of the bus.

on no account; Under no circumstances; for no reason; On no account can you stay up that late.

to;

Used

to; in the

habit of:

She

is

accustomed to taking this bus to school. • Synonyms: familiar, habitual Antonyms: odd, strange, unusual

—

A

1.

playing card, domino, or side of a die

with one mark: the ace of hearts. 2. An expert at something: a basketball ace. Noun.

— Having very

great skill; expert:

He

is

an ace

diver. Adjective.

of: To make allowance for; must take account of the weather in making plans for our picnic. take into account; To make allowance for; consider: // was a good peiformance. if you

take account

We

consider:

take into account the fact that the singer

had a

ace (as) noun, plural aces; adjective. ace in the hole; Something that can be a deciding factor and is held back to be used if necessary Our trick play is our ace in the hole. :

within an ace

came

of;

Almost; on the edge

within an ace of failing the

of: /

test.

sore throat.

accountant money

the

— A person who

accountant prepared our

ac count ant accountants. I

trained to

is

manage

records of a person or a business:

I

accumulate

O

An playing cards

returns.

ta.x

koun'tant) noun, plural

— To

collect or pile

up

by

little

little;

gather; Dirty dishes accumulated in the sink while

was

I

ac cu I

sick. I

mu

late (a

kyu'mys

lat)

verb.

I

accumulated, accumulating.

accuracy

— The

state

of being without errors: The

measurements must be taken with complete accuracy, or the wall will be crooked. ac|cu|ra|cy (ak'yar a se) noun.

accurate

—

that clock

1.

is

Free from errors; correct: accurate, because I set

it

/

know

this

2. Making few or no errors; precise; an accurate r\pist. ac|cu|rate (ak'yar it) adjective.

ace (noun, definition

tnorning.

He

is

accuse

— To claim

someone committed a crime or did something wrong: The neighbors that

accused us of playing in their garden. acjcuse O kyuz') verb, accused, accusing.

accustom used

— To make

to: /

am

familiar through habit; get

trying to

accustom myself

to

exercising eveiy ?norning

ac|cus|tom (a kus'tam) accustoming.

verb,

accustomed,

—A

ache

—

1.

constant, dull pain.

To be

in

at

a ape

ah calm

aw all e end

e easy

i

if

I

idle

o odd 6 oats oi oil

oo look

ch chalk

ache. 2. To want badly; long ached /"or the circus to arrive. Verb. ache (ak) noun, plural aches; verb, ached, aching.

We

ou out ng smg u ugly sh ship ii

rule

ur turn

in

e in

ago happen

i

in capital

th think

o

in

occur

th their

_u

in

upon

zh treasure

for:

all

—

achieve 1. To do successfully; accomplish; He gave me more tasks than I can achieve /// one day. 2. To get or reach by an effort: She achieved high honors

a|chieve a

Noun.

constant pain; hurt: The noise

made my head

O

effort:

in the

music contest.

chev') verb, achieved, achieving.

achievement a

1)

—

!.

Something done or reached by

man on the moon was a great 2. An accomplishing; completion;

Putting a

achievement.

the achievement of a ripe old age. a|chieve|ment (a chev'mant) noun, plural achievements. • Synonyms; accomplishment, deed, feat,

for

1.

acid

—

change blue litmus A chemical acid paper to red. An acid combines with a base to form a salt. Many acids can cause bums. Noun.

—

1.

that will

Sharp or biting

and limes are

Lemons

to the taste; sour:

ac\d fruits.

2.

Sharp or biting

in

speech or manner: an acid remark. Adjective. ac|id (as 'id) noun, plural acids; adjective.

acid rain

— Rain

that contains a lot

acknowledge

—

1.

To

acquire

— To

skin disease

own;

obtain:

He

(3

— To

kwir') verb, acquired, acquiring.

from blame for a crime or an The jury believed her stoiy. so she was acquitted. free

offense; declare to be not guilty: is

ac|quit (3 kwit') verb, acquitted, acquitting.

fish.

— A measure of land equal

acre

recognize or admit that

common among

to

43.560 square

(4.047 square meters). a ere (a'kar) noun, plural acres. feet I

-300

20

10

30

feet (91 meters)

40

50

40

20

30

10

^

teen-agers.

Pimples form, usually on the face, because glands have become clogged and infected. ac|ne (ak'ne) noun.

acorn

get as one's

I

acknowledge my birthday gift to her. ac|knowl|edge (ak norij) verb, acknowledged, acknowledging.

—A

across

kwan'tans) noun, plural

careful trading.

ac quire

something is true or exists: / refuse to acknowledge that there may be ghosts. 2. To recognize and accept: We alt acknowledge her as 3. To express that something has the leader. been received: Grandmother telephoned to

acne

(o

acquired a complete set of baseball cards by

acquit

of acid

cheinicals because of air pollution. Acid rain

suspected of killing trees and ac|id rain (as 'id ran) noun.

ac|quaint{ance acquaintances.

•

oil

—

The nut of an oak tree. a|corn (a'kawm or a'kam) noun, plural acorns.

An

acre:

Word

acre (dark green)

compared

to a football field.

History

Acre comes from an old English word meaning "a field," and that word came from a word meaning "to drive." A field was a place to drive cattle. When people first measured land by the acre, they said that an acre was the size of a field that a team of cattle could plow in one day.

acrobat

— A person who can perform

acts of great

and strength, such as walking a tightrope, tumbling, or swinging on a trapeze. acjro|bat (ak'rs bat) noun, plural acrobats. physical

skill

acrobatics I

acquaint

—

To make aware of, or familiar with: Are you acquainted with the new neighbors'.' ac|quaint O kwant') verb, acquainted, acquainting.

to get to

—

1.

is

A

person one knows but not a

just an acquaintance, hut I

know him

better.

2.

An

understanding of something gained from experience: / have an acquaintance with music

because

I

acts

done by or

an acrobat. noun.

like

I

1. From one side to the other side walked our bikes across the street. 2. On

across

other side of:

He

of:

We

the

lives across the river.

Preposition.

acquaintance close friend: He hope

— I

— Any

ics (ak'r3 bat'iks) plural

ac ro bat

took piano lessons last year.

— From one

side to the other:

The lake

is

too

swim across. Adverb. a cross (a kraws' or a kros') preposition. wide

to

I

adverb.

come fall in

across or run across: To find, meet, or with: / came across her book todax.

act act

adapt

•

—

Something done; a deed: Helping that lost was an act of kindness. 2. The doing of

1.

child

Dad

something; tools.

3.

One

caught us in the act of using his of the parts of a play or an opera:

The curtain fell at the end of the first act. 4. A law; It would take an act of the legislature to shorten the school year. Noun. 1. To do something; We must act fast or it will be too late. 2. To behave: Sometimes he acts 3. To perform on the stage, in a like a fool. movie, on television, or on the radio: My aunt acts in a soap opera. Verb.

—

act (akt) noun, plural acts; verb, acted, acting.

To perform; show: He could

act out:

act out

ac{tu|al (ak'chu

acupuncture

badly:

Some

children act up

crown

the actual

that

al) adjective.

— A puncturing of

the skin in a

body area with needles. Acupuncture can relieve pain or make part of the body numb. ac|u|punc|ture (ak'ya pungk'char) noun. certain

acute

—

Sharp; severe: The pain in his broken

1.

ankle was acute.

2. Threatening; dangerous: The dry weather caused an acute shortage of water. 3.

Quick

I

To behave

is

Synonyms: authentic, genuine, original Antonyms: counterfeit, false

*

a cute

the whole story.

act up:

—

actual Real; true; This was worn by the king.

and understand: an acute person. kyut') adjective.

to see

O

acute angle

— An angle

that is less than a right

angle.

on the bus.

To

get (one's) act together:

We'll have a winning team

ajcute anjgie

get organized:

if

we can

(a

kyut' ang'gal) noun, plural

acute angles.

get our

act together.

—

action 1. Something done; an act; Saving his life was a brave action. 2. The doing of something: Your quick action saved battle; fighting: in the

his

life.

Her father was

3.

Combat;

injured in action

war.

obtuse angle

right angle

acute angle

ac|tion (ak'shan) noun, plural actions.

out of action: Not working, usually because of damage: My hike is out of action because of a

acute angle

flat tire.

ad

—

active

The kittens are so active, /; is hard to know where they are. 2. In operation; working: an active interest; an 1.

•

active volcano.

—

starts.

2.

A

thing to do; a

spend time: Playing checkers

is

way

—

A person who acts on the stage, movie, on television, or on the radio. ac|tor (ac'tsr) noun, plural actors.

— A woman

or girl

sounds the same

that

who

acts

is

add.

500

is

five

dates

hundred

to

her favorite

ac|tiv|i|ty (ak tiv's te) noun, plural activities.

actress

word

years after the birth of Christ.

activity.

actor

saw an

/

— An abbreviation used when giving

after the birth of Christ, a.d.

activity 1. The condition of being busy; movement: There is much activity on the field

game

A

A.D.

ac|tive (ak'tiv) adjective.

after the

— A shortened form of advertisement:

ad for skateboards in the newspaper. ad (ad) noun, plural ads.

Full of action; lively:

in a

Language Fact A.D. is an abbreviation for the Latin words anno Domini (an'o dom's ni). meaning "in the year of the Lord."

It

is

used for dates after the birth

of Christ. The abbreviation B.C., meaning

"before Christ,"

on the

stage,

birth of Christ.

is

used for dates before the

From 100

B.C. to

.-^.d.

100

is

Adam's apple

— A small lump

in the front

at

a ape

ah calm

aw all e end

eeasy

i

if

oo look

ch chalk

ou out ng sing o odd u ugly sh ship 6 oats u rule th think i

idle

oi oil

ur turn

th their

zh treasure

a

in

ago

e in happen i

in capital

o

in

occur

_u

in

upon

of a

made of tissue called cartilage. Everyone has an Adam's apple, but it is easier to see on men than on women. Ad|am's apjple (ad'smz ap'al) noun. adapt To fit in with a new condition or place: Our puppy quickly adapted to his new home. person's throat,

a

two

hundred years.

movie, on television, or on the radio. ac|tress (ak'tris) noun, plural actresses. in a

—

a|dapt

(s dapt') verb,

adapted, adapting.

add add —

1.

To

find the

of two or more numbers:

sum

add 3 and 4. you get 7. 2. To say or write more: Let me add to your shopping 3. To put one thing with another or others; list. She added a new record to her collection. add (ad) verb, added, adding. add up: To make sense; fit together: The detective says that the chies do not add up. If you

•

A

word

adder

sounds the same

that

is

— A kind of snake. Some adders

adjust

package where and to whom it is to be delivered: Please address this postcard to your brother at camp. 3. To find information in a computer by means of letters or numbers that say where the information

ad dress

is.

Verb.

(a dres'

or ad 'res for noun: s dres' for

I

verb) noun, plural addresses; verb, addressed,

addressing.

adenoids

ad.

•

— Small glands

in the upper part of the behind the nose. Adenoids sometimes swell up and make it hard to breathe and speak. ad|e|noids (ad'a noidz) plural noun.

throat, just

are

harmless, while others are poisonous. ad|der (ad'sr) noun, plural adders.

— As much

adequate

as

is

needed; sufficient;

enough: Deserts lack adequate rainfall for farming. ad e| quale (ad 'a kwit) adjective. I

adhesive

— A substance, such

things stick together.

A

as glue, that

makes

postage stamp has

adhesive on the back. Noun.

— Having

a sticky surface that will hold tightly

when placed adder

Word

against something else: Put an

adhesive bandage on that cut. Adjective. ad he si ve (ad he'siv) noun, plural adhesives;

History

I

I

adjective.

Adders used to be called "nadders." But ""a nadder" sounds like "an adder." Because many people said or wrote "an adder" when they meant "a nadder." the word changed, and now adder

is

right, not

adios

Word

wrong.

— The Spanish word

— A person who has

is

out of

drug addict.

control: a

ad

a habit that

diet (ad'ikt) noun, plural addicts. I

addiction

—A

habit that

one word made by putting two words means "to God." is a way of wishing for God to take care of someone when you say good-by.

O

adj.

dik'shsn) noun, plural

mustard

The

1.

to a hot

act of adding: the addition of

dog.

2.

The adding of one

to another; 5

addition.

3.

ad|di|tion

address

—

(a

1.

for adjective.

close; next to:

My

sister

and

I

dish'an) noun, plural additions.

ad|ja|cent

O ja'ssnt)

— A word

adjective.

noun or a which one. what kind, or how many. That dog with the red collar won two prizes. "That." "red." and "two" are

adjective pronoun.

that describes a

It tells

adjectives.

A

speech: The

Independence Day

mayor gave

address.

2.

A

the

place of

residence or business; The address of city hall is Main Street. 3. The writing on an envelope

WO

or a package that tells where

it

is

to be delivered:

The address on this envelope is wrong. 4. Any letters or numbers that say where to find information in a computer. Noun. 1. To speak to a person or a group: / would prefer to address him in person rather than over the telephone. 2. To write on an envelope or a

—

It

sleep in adjacent rooms.

+ 4 = 9 is an example of Something that is added; We built an addition onto our house. number

— The abbreviation — Near or

adjacent

addictions.

addition —

is

together. In Spanish, a Dios

out of control: Alcohol

is

addiction ruins a person's health.

ad|dic|tion

"good-by."

History

Adios

addict

for

a|di|os (ah'de 6s' or ad'e os') interjection.

ad|jec|tive (aj'ik

tiv)

noun, plural adjectives.

Abbreviation: adj.

—

adjourn To later: We had

stop something or put to adjourn the

meeting

it

off until

until next

Friday.

ad|journ

adjust

—

better;

better.

(a

jurn') verb, adjourned, adjourning.

To change in order to make right or Let me adjust that lamp so you can see 2. To get used to something; adapt; 1.

9

adiib

advance

•

He found

hard

it

to adjust to

away from

being

true; confess: / admit that I forgot to feed the dog ad|mit (ad mit') verb, admitted, admitting.

home.

ad just I

adlib

adjusted, adjusting.

(3 just') verb,

— To make up something

She forgot her notes and had

as

one goes along; whole

to adlib the

speech. Verb.

ad

—

1.

something; direct:

To

A

2.

I

I

A

O

I

do'be) noun, plural adobes.

— The time of youth between

ad o

of a

— A person who

group: The administration of a big city is a 2. The group of people in charge of

I

I

Our town administration 3. The time during

is

—

adopt

To

1.

take as one's

when they married.

2.

To

The student council voted

which a government holds office: His administration lasted four years. 4. A giving; providing: The police handled the administration of food and blankets to the flood victims. ad|min|is|tra|tion (ad min'a stra'shan) noun,

their meetings.

plural administrations. officer of any of the four top

admire — courage.

new

the highest.

To feel respect for: / admire your To feel or express pleasure and All the neighbors came out to admire

car.

admission

—

1.

The

verb,

admired, admiring.

a|dopt

act of allowing

someone or

admissions.

To

1.

enter; let in:

members

a

at

i

if

I

idle

ah calm

aw

all

e end e easy

o odd 6 oats oi oil

(a

dopt') verb, adopted, adopting.

To

1.

love; admire; value very highly: 2.

The club plans 2.

To

to admit

oo look ch chalk ng sing ou out u ugly sh ship u rule th think ur turn

th their

zh treasure

a

in

is

ago

e in happen a

=

He

worship: People

— To add

to

something

to increase

its

//('/

braids with coloiful ribbons.

a|dorn

adrift

(a

—

dawrn')

verb,

adorned, adorning.

Floating with the wind or water current;

adrift

The boat had on the lake.

lost its

anchor and

a drift (a drift') adjective.

adult

—

1.

A

grown-up person.

animal that has reached

— Grown

its full

to full size; mature:

2.

A

plant or an

growth. Noun.

an dduh person.

Adjective.

a|dult (a dult' or ad'ult) ih>un. plural adults; adjective.

adv,

— The abbreviation — To move

for adverb.

The enemy advanced toward the castle. 2. To help forward; improve: Hearing the lesson again

rwo new

say that something

To

have many different ways of adoring God. a|dore (a dawr') verb, adored, adoring.

advance

allow someone or something to

this year.

a ape

—

adore

I

—

adopt new rules for To take a child of other own child: My parents plan to 3.

adopt an orphan.

was

something to enter: Good grades are important for admission to college. 2. The price that one pays to enter: The admission to this movie is five dollars. 3. The act of saying that something is true; confession: the admission of an error: an admission of defeat. ad|mis|sion (ad mish'an) noun, plural

admit

accept or approve:

drifting freely:

ad mire (ad mir')

own

name

beauty; decorate; ornament; trim: She adorned

1.

I

parents as one's

adorn

noun, plural admirals.

2.

approval: his

is

or as one"s

to

adores his older brother.

ranks: rear admiral, vice admiral, admiral, and

own

choice: 5/;^ adopted her husband's last

elected every four years.

al)

growing from

adolescents.

difficult job.

which

is

cent (ad's les 'ant) noun, plural

les

I

business, government, school, club, or other

fleet admiral,

the age of 20. he

childhood to adulthood; teenager.

administration— 1. The managing

ad|mi|ral (ad 'mar

By

I

I

adolescent

I

— A navy

in.

had outgrown adolescence. ad o les cence (ad'a les'ans) noun.

give; provide:

administered, administering.

admiral

sun-dried clay,

bits

childhood and adulthood:

principal administers a

operating something:

made of

brick

of straw mixed building made of such bricks.

adolescence

the operation of

The nurse can administer /('ri/ aid if there is an accident. ad min is ter (ad min'a star) verb.

school.

A

1.

a|do|be

adlibbed. adlibbing.

To manage

—

sometimes with 2.

lib (ad lib') verb, I

administer

adobe

i

in capital

o

in

occur

_u

in

upon

1.

or push forward:

advanced his understanding of it. 3. To offer; suggest: The principal advanced a new plan for longer breaks between classes. 4. To move up in position; promote: She advanced to the starting team. 5. To supply beforehand: Would you advance me part of next week's allowance? Verb. 1. A forward movement: The advance of 2. A traffic was slowed by road repairs.

—

advantage Advances in medicine are helping to cure more and more people. 3. Money paid before it is due: an advance on next week's allowance. Noun. ad|vance (ad vans') verb, advanced, advancing; noun, plural advances. in advance: Ahead of time: We sent out the invitations two weeks in advance. progress; improvement:

advantage

—

Anything that is a useful aid in doing or getting something a person wants: She got the job delivering papers because she had the advantage of owning a bicycle.

ad|van|tage (ad van'tij) noun, plural advantages. take advantage of: 1. To use to one's own good: Take advantage of the good weather and gofer a bike ride. 2. To make unfair use of; impose upon: He takes advantage of her kindness by asking too many favors.

advantageous

—

— I

I

I

1.

The whole

The coming cla.;

destroy:

lat)

—A

verb, annihilated,

special event that

every year on the date April 29th will be the

move

when first

is

celebrated

happened: anniversary of our it

first

an|ni|ver|sa|ry (an 'a vur'sar e) noun, plural anniversaries.

—

See A.D. an|no Dom|i|ni (an'o dom' 3

announce

— To

nl)

— An

illness in

which a person

loses the

desire to eat for a long time.

adverb

report publicly; give notice of:

The coach announced the date of the game.

—

One more; Do you want

1.

another

piece of paper? 2. Different: / want to buy another type of candy. Adjective.

—

A different one; one more: She finished one book and started reading another. Pronoun. an|oth|er (a nuth'ar) adjective, pronoun. answer

to this town.

anno Domini

anorexia

another

annihilating.

anniversary

did not sign the card because he remain anonymous. a|non|y|mous (a non'a mas) adjective. to

an|o|rex|i|a (an'a rek'se a) noun.

The hurricane

annihilated our beach house.

an|ni|hi|late (a nl'a

He

a name:

wanted

States in 1898. Verb.

An addition to an|nexO neks'

Given or done by a person whose name is not known: / received an anonymous Valentine's Day card. 2. Not giving

—

1.

To

respond; reply to something: /

asked the way. and he answered. 2. To do something because of a signal, such as a bell: She went to answer the telephone. 3. To fit; serve; match: This wood will answer our need. Verb.

—

my

1.

A

response; reply: Please give an answer to

question.

2.

A

solution:

Ask your mother

to

help xou find the answer to that problem. Noun. an|swer (an'sar) verb, answered, answering; a at a ape

ah calm

aw all e end

e easy

i

if

00 look

ch chalk

ou out ng sing u ugly sh ship o odd u rule th think 6 oats I

idle

oi oil

ur turn

th their

zh treasure

a

in

ago

noun, plural answers.

answer back; To reply

e in happen i

in capital

o

in

occur

_u

in

upon

answer '

me back

in a

rude way: Don't

tone of voice! Synonyms: inform, tell, for verb 1. in that

Antonyms: ask, inquire, question,

ant

— A small

for verb 1.

insect that belongs to the

same kind

ant of insects as wasps and bees. Most ants do not

have wings. All ants live in groups. ant (ant) noun, plural ants. • A word that sounds the same is aunt.

antagonism

—A

hostility: rhe

feeling of great dislike;

antagonism between criminals and

the police.

an tag

1

1

nism

I

(an tag's niz sni) noun.

—

antagonize To make someone feel dislike; make an enemy of: His constant teasing antagonized her.

an|tag|o|nize (an tag's nizi verb, antagonized, antagonizing.

antarctic

— Around or from

the South Pole:

antarctic penguins. Adjective.

— the Antarctic:

Pole.

ant arc I

the region around the South

Noun. tic (ant I

adjective, noun.

y

ahrk'tik or ant ahr'tik)

30

anthem

antitoxin

•

an|ten|na (an ten'a) noun, plural antennae (an ten'e) for definition 1; antennas for

Word Power You can

many words you add the meaning of the prefix to the meaning of the rest of the word. antiwar: opposed to war

definition 2.

"^

I

understand the meanings of

begin with anti-,

that

if

antipollution: against pollution

antiaircraft

— Used

to

defend against

aircraft

attacks: antiaircraft missiles.

an

air craft (an'te ar'kraft') adjective.

ti I

I

I

antibiotic

— A substance

medicine

germs or

to kill

that

to

is used as a slow their growth.

Antibiotics are found in bacteria and fungi.

an|ti|b!|ot|ic (an'te bl ot'ik) noun, plural antibiotics.

antibody

— A substance made by

a person's or an

animal's body that helps the body to fight a certain disease.

an|ti|bod|y (an'te bod'e) noun, plural antibodies.

anticipate

— To look forward

anticipates having a

to something:

good time

He

at the party.

an|tic|i|pate (an tis'a pat) verb, anticipated, anticipating.

antenna

•

anthem — A

song of praise: We stood sini; our national anthem. an|them (an'thsm) noun, plural anthems. patriotic

to

Synonyms: await, expect

antidote an

pollen.

that

ants

dirt built

pile

make

a

Tiie part

—A

collection of short stories, poems,

or other writing: an anthology of ghost stories. an|thol|o|gy (an thol'a je) noun, plural

— The study of

different groups of

means "'opposed to" or "against." Antiaircraft weapons are used against prefix that

Antifreeze protects against freezing.

aircraft.

— A substance added

from freezing:

car's radiator tij

when

to a liquid to

Dad puts

antifreeze in our

the weather gets cold.

freeze (an'te frez') noun.

antihistamine— A

medicine

and

allergies.

effects of colds

an

mine

his ta

ti I

I

that relieves the

men) noun,

(an'te his'ta

I

I

plural antihistamines.

— Having

to

do with the

distant past:

Antique jeweln' from the 1800's

is

very popular

today. Adjective.

people and of their customs and beliefs. an|thro|pol|o|gy (an'thra poi's je) noun.

—A

it

antique

anthologies.

anthropology

anti

keep

I

ant|hill (ant'hil') noun, plural anthills.

anthology

the snake bite.

I

antifreeze

an

a nest.

The doctor gave

for a poison:

//'

approved the officer's

promotion.

ap prove

pruv') verb, approved, approving.

(a

I

approximate

— Almost

I

3 prok'sa mat' for verb) adjective: verb.

approx

approximately — About; almost;

to:

We

Abbreviation: approx.

Synonyms: nearly, roughly, somewhat Antonyms: exactly, just, precisely

—

a

round, pale orange fruit that looks 2. A light orange-yellow like a small peach.

color.

l.

Noun.

— Light orange-yellow.

1.

a

day on which

people try to trick others with jokes.

Day

Ajpril Fools'

body

(a'pral

— L A garment

fulz

at

da) noun.

over the front of the

tied

to protect one's clothing.

parking aircraft close

are approximately 12 miles from the ocean. ap|prox|i|mate|ly (a prok'sa mit le) adverb.

apricot

Day — April

April Fools'

apron

approximated, approximating. Abbreviation:

•

same

for the

The approximate

—

I

name

month. Some scholars think the Latin name came from a word meaning "to open," because April is when flowers open. Other scholars think it came from the Greek name for the goddess of love, because many people feel that spring is a time for love.

exact:

population of the town is 10,000. Adjective. To be close to: The school's annual e.xpenses approximated $100,000. Verb. ap prox i mate (a prok'sa mit for adjective: I

aquarium

History

April comes from the Latin

To think well of: The teacher approved of my report. 2. To give consent; authorize:

Word

•

2.

The area

for

an airport terminal or hangar.

a|pron (a'pran) noun, plural aprons.

apt

—

Likely; inclined

1.

to: It is

2. Suitable or appropriate:

apt to rain.

an apt reply.

3.

Quick

an apt student.

to learn:

apt (apt) adjective.

aptitude

—

A

1.

natural talent or ability:

aptitude /or computers. learning:

She

is

2.

A

an

quickness

in

a student of great aptitude

in the

arts.

Adjective.

ap|ti|tude (ap'ta tud') noun, plural aptitudes.

a|pri|cot (a'pra kot' or ap'rs kot') noun, plural apricots; adjective.

— A blue-green Noun. — Pale blue-green. aqjua (ak'wa) noun, plural aquas; aqualung — A device used by aqua

pale

color.

Adjective.

adjective.

skin divers for

breathing underwater.

aqjua lung (ak'wa lung') noun, plural I

split fruit

aqualungs.

fruit

apricot (noun, definition

Apr.

1)

— The abbreviation — The month of

April

for April.

fourth

the year.

It

has 30

days.

aqualung

Ajpril (a'pral) noun. Abbreviation: Apr.

aquarium

—

I.

A

water-filled tank or

bowl

holds plants and animals, especially fish.

that 2.

A

36

aquatic

archaeology

•

building in which water plants and animals are

Europeans

a|quar|i|um (a kwar'e am) noun, plural aquariums or aquaria (s kwar' e a).

aquatic

Arabic numerals 6. 7, 8, 9, 0.

kept.

—

1.

Growing or

aquatic animals.

Swimming

2.

Taking place

in or

on water:

aqueduct

—A

i,

2, 3, 4, 5,

first

— A shady

formed by frame

structure that carries pipes for

figures

are called Arabic because

learned them from Arab scholars.

first

figures

arbor

an aquatic sport.

is

a|quat|ic (a kwat'ik) adjective.

— The

came from India. Ar|a|bic nu|mer|als (ar'a bik nu'mar plural noun. The

living in water: Fish are

They

alz)

place, usually in a garden,

trees, shrubs, or vines

growing on a

ar|bor (ahr'bar) noun, plural arbors.

bringing water from a distance. aq|ue|duct (ak'wa dukt) noun, plural aqueducts.

Arbor Day

— A holiday

planting trees. Arbor

that

celebrated by

is

Day comes

at different

times in different places.

Ar|bor Day (ahr'bar da) noun, plural Arbor Days.

arc

—

Any

1.

line that

only one direction, Anything shaped curved line: the arc of a

curves

especially part of a circle. like or

moving

in

such a

in

2.

rainbow. Noun. arc (ahrk) noun, plural arcs. •

A

word

arcade

—

that

sounds the same

is

ark.

A

passageway with an arched roof, often with shops on each side. 2. A shop with coin-operated games. arjcade (ahr kad') noun, plural arcades.

arch

—

1.

1.

A

curved structure that is able to bear above it: The arches

the weight of the material

the church support the roof. like

2.

in

Anything shaped

such a structure. Noun.

— To

curve: The cat arched its back. Verb. arch (ahrch) noun, plural arches; verb, arched,

arching.

aqueduct

Arab — A people

person

who

who

mostly

belongs to a group of

live in

southwest Asia and

north Africa.

Ar|ab (ar'ab) noun, plural Arabs.

Arabian horse noted for

its

—A

by the Arabs for use is

now

strong, light horse that

endurance. Arabians were in the desert.

first

is

bred

The Arabian

often ridden as a saddle horse.

A|ra|bi|an horse

(a

ra'be an hawrs) noun,

plural Arabian horses.

arch (noun, definition

a at

1)

archbishop archbishop — A bishop of

— The

of shooting with a

skill

bow and

— A group of many

noun, plural areas.

s)

— Any of

the three-number groups

given as codes for the telephone areas into which

islands:

Canada are divided. Longmade with the area code and

the United States and

The

a hiding place for pirate ./ cheer during the holidays.

—

a at

1.

To

yell

cherry cherry has a

—

1.

A

pit in

•

chickadee

small, red. round, smooth fruit that

Cherries grow on trees that bear

it.

lovely pink and white flowers in the spring. 2.

A

bright red color.

cherjry (cher'e) noun, plural cherries.

Chesapeake Bay retriever— A

large

hunting dog with an oily outer coat that sheds water. Originally bred in the United States in the

Chesapeake Bay region, these dogs are used for hunting ducks and other water fowl. Ches|a|peake Bay re|triev|er (ches'o pek ba ri

tre'var) noun, plural

Chesapeake Bay

retrievers.

chestnut (noun, definitions

chew

— To crush with one's

Food should be

teeth:

chewed well before it is .nval lowed. chew (chu) verb, chewed, chewing. chew out: bawl out: His parents chewed him out for being late for dinner again

Chicana

—A

woman whose home is who was bom in Mexico

girl or

United States but

whose parents or ancestors were born there; Mexican- American girl or woman. Chi|ca|na (che kah'nah) noun, plural

in the

or a

Chicanas.

Chicano

— A boy or man whose home

United States but

Chtsapciikc

chess

— A game played on

two

a checkerboard by

Each player gets sixteen game pieces. one of which is called a king. The player who players.

captures the other person's king

is

the winner.

chess (ches) noun.

—

1. The front part of the human body between the neck and the stomach. 2. A strong. large box with a lid used to store things: a tool

chest

chick

—

1.

to get (something) off (one's) chest:

others about something that

is

oneself: I felt better after I got

chestnut

—

1.

A

I

tell

troubling //

off

my

chest

sweet nut that grows inside a

2.

The

tree that bears these nuts.

A

—

is in

the

Mexico or

baby chicken.

2.

Any baby

bird.

small bird that has a black head and gray, black, and white feathers. It makes a sound like its name. chick a| dee (chik' 3 de) noun, plural chickadees.

lied.

prickly shell. 3.

To

A

chickadee^ A

chest (chest) noun, plural chests.

had

in

chick (chik) noun, plural chicks,

chest.

that I

born

whose parents or ancestors were born there; a Mexican- American boy or man. Chi|ca|no (che kah'no) noun, plural Chicanos.

iclricMi

15, i\

who was

reddish-brown color. Noun. Having a reddish-brown color: the chestnut

horse. Adjective.

chest nut (ches'nut) ih>un. plural chestnuts; I

adjective.

chickadee

129

130

chicken

•

chicken —

1.

chime A

hen or rooster. 2. The meat from is used as food.

a hen or rooster that

Someone who is thought to be afraid of something: His friends called him a chicken /or

3.

not sledding

down

the steep

— Cowardly; being

am just

hill.

Noun.

comes

it

to

climbing trees.

Adjective.

chick en (chik'an) noun, plural chickens;

— An

bumps

itchy

to catch, but a

person can only get it once. chick|en pox (chick'an poks) noun. leads a group of people; the fire

—

Synonyms: captain, director, head, leader, for noun; central, main, major, principal, for adjective 2.

Antonyms: follower,

for

noun: minor, for

— The head of noun, plural (chef Chihuahua — A very small dog of

chieftain

a tribe; leader.

tan)

chieftains. the toy group

with large round eyes and big ears. Originally bred in Mexico, it is the smallest kind of dog.

Chi{hua|hua (che wah'wah) noun, plural Chihuahuas. A'young boy

or

girl.

2.

A

daughter or

son.

child (child) noun, plural children.

childhood

— The time period when

a person

is

youngster.

hood (child'hood) noun, plural

child I

childhoods.

childish

—

2. Silly;

1.

Like a youngster: childish babble. was a

babyish: Losing your temper

childish thing to do.

child|ish (chil'dish) adjective. •

a

Synonyms: immature, juvenile, for 2. Antonyms: adult, grown-up, mature,

at

It is

often spicy.

chil|i (chil'e) noun, plural chilies. •

A

word

—

that

A

1.

sounds the same

is

chilly.

feeling of coldness: a chill in the air.

A

sudden shivering and feeling of being cold: when you opened the window. Noun. Very cold: a chill wind. Adjective. To make something cold; refrigerate: We chilled the juice before we drank it. Verb.

/

— —

noun, plural chills; adjective; verb,

—

Cool or cold: // was so chilly last night an extra blanket over me. 2. Unpleasant or unfriendly: Our neighbor was chilly toward us after our dog chased her cat.

chilly

I.

that I slept with

chill|y (chil'e) adjective, chillier, chilliest.

for 2.

a

bells,

often shaped like pipes, that are played by

tapping with a small hammer.

2.

The ringing

sound of musical bells; The chime of the church bells welcomed them to the wedding. Noun. To ring out: The bells chime ever\- day at noon. Verb. chime (chim) noun, plural chimes; verb, chimed, chiming.

—

adjective 2.

1.

used as a spicy 2. A Spanish food

—

chief (chef) noun, plural chiefs; adjective.

—

is

• A word that sounds the same is chili. chime L Any of a set of musically tuned

children. Adjective.

child

red pepper that

chilled, chilling.

Noun. 1. Leading; at the head: The chief class officer 2. Most important; first: Your is the president. chief duty as a babysitter is to watch the

chief] tain

A

1.

chill (chil)

chief; the Indian chief.

•

—

got a chill illness, usually of children, in

which a fever occurs and red, appear on the body. It is easy

— One who

child.

seasoning for certain foods.

2.

I

adjective.

chief

chili

chill

chicken pox

— See

chil|dren (chil'dran) noun, singular child.

containing beans and meat.

afraid of something: / guess I

chicken when

children

chimney chimney

—A

chipmunk

structure that connects to a

fireplace, furnace, or stove.

smoke from

to carry the

•

It

has an air passage

the fire to the outside.

chini|ney (chim'ne) noun, plural chimneys.

chimpanzee meters)

tall.

mainly

— A small ape about It

is

found

4'/: feet (1.5

in Africa,

where

it

lives

in trees.

chim pan zee (chim'pan

ze' or

chim pan'ze)

I

I

noun, plural chimpanzees.

chinchilla

2.

The place where something has broken off; in my tooth needs to be fixed. Noun.

nick:

The chip

— To cause

a small piece to break off; to nick

He

chipped the glass when he put it on the table. Verb. chip (chip) noun, plural chips; verb chipped, something:

chipping.

chip

away

at:

To keep

She chipped away

at

at something steadily: her homework and

finished in time to go to the dance.

chip

in:

To

join with others in giving help or

money: They all chipped garage in one day.

chimpanzee

parent:

— The

lips.

—

Verb. chin (chin) noun, plural chins; verb, chinned,

chinning.

—

A

1.

white clay pottery that

is

very shiny

and hard, yet very delicate. China can have designs and colors baked into it. 2. A set of dishes made of china: We use our best china /or holiday dinners.

chijna (chi'ns) noun.

chinchilla squirrel.

— A small animal

It

has

soft, silvery,

that looks like a

blue-gray

belongs to the rodent family and

is

fur.

found

It

in

South America. chin|chil|la (chin chil'a) noun, plural chinchillas.

chip

—

1.

the

A child who is like one They told him he was a chip off the old

block (/( the way he laughed. chip on (one's) shoulder: A state of being eager to argue or fight; bad attitude: He had a chip on his shoulder about not making the team.

chipmunk — A squirrel family.

from

keep (one's) chin up: To remain hopeful no matter how bad things are; He kept his chin up even though his team was losing.

china

and painted

chip off the old block:

front part of the lower jaw below the Noun. To hang from a bar and use one's arms to pull the body up so that the chin touches the bar.

chin

in

A

small, thin piece of something that has

been broken or cut

off:

chips of wood: paint chips.

small animal that belongs to the It

has dark stripes along

head to its tail. chipjmunk (chip'mungk) noun, plural its

chipmunks.

its

back

i3i

132

chirp chirp

chop

•

—A

short, piercing

sound

tiiat is

made by

some birds and insects. Noun. To mai^e such a sound. Verb.

—

chirp (churp) noun, plural chirps; verb, chirped, chirping.

chisel is

—A

strong, metal tool with a sharp edge.

struck with a

hammer

to carve

Noun.

stone.

— To carve or shape something by using such He

tool:

It

wood, metal, or a

chiseled o toy boat from a piece of

wood. Verb. chis|el (chiz'al) noun, plural chisels; verb,

chiseled, chiseling.

chivalry

— The

characteristics of an ideal knight

of the Middle Ages. They included politeness.

courage, and respect for women. chiv|al|ry (shiv'al re) noun.

chives

— The

long, slender green leaves of a plant

of the onion family.

They

are often cut

up and

used as a seasoning. chives (chTvz) noun, singular chive.

chlorine

— A yellow-green gas

smell and

is

poisonous.

It

is

that has a

bad

chemical element.

a

chlo|rine (klawr'eni noun.

chlorophyll or chlorophyl that

makes

— The substance

the green color in plants.

help of light,

it

makes food

With

for the plant

the

by

changing water and carbon dioxide into sugar. chlo|ro|phyll or chlo|ro|phyl (klawr'a fil) noun.

—

1. A food made from roasted and ground-up cacao beans. Chocolate is used in many candies and drinks. 2. A drink made from

chocolate

this food: hot chocolate.

from or with bo.\

—

()/"

1.

milk.

this food:

chocolates.

Made from 2.

4.

3.

Candy

that

is

made

We

A

gave our mother a dark-brown color. Noun.

or with chocolate: chocolate

Having a dark-brown

color:

((

chocolate

.sweater. Adjevtivc.

choc|o|late (chawk'lit. chok'lit. or chawk'a noun, plural chocolates; adjective.

lit)

—

1. The act of deciding or selecting: He choice made a choice between the red and the blue bicycles. 2. The ability or chance to choose: You

have the choice of guests for your birthday

a

at

part}-.

chopsticks chopsticks

—A

pair of long, thin sticks that are

used tor eating. Chopsticks are used in the Orient and are made of wood or ivory. chop|sticks (chop'stiks') plural noun.

Word

•

Christian Science

History

Chowder comes from "pot." Fish,

biscuits,

mi.xed together

in a

word meaning and other ingredients were a French

pot to

This food became popular

make in the

a tasty food.

United States,

and today chowder means not the pot but the food inside it.

— See Jesus. noun. christen — To Christ

Christ

(krist) 1.

baptize; give a

name

to

during

ceremony of baptism. 2. To name a ship: The ship was christened "Queen Elizabeth." the

chris|ten (kris'sn) verb, christened, christening.

Christian

— A person who follows

based on a belief

in

a religion

Jesus Christ and His

Noun. Having to do with Christ or

teachings.

—

chopsticks

Christian

— Two or more notes of music

chord

of Christ: that are

adjective.

chord (kawrd) noun, plural chords. • A word that sounds the same is cord.

— A job

Christianity

or responsibility.

Synonyms: duty, task Antonyms: See Synonyms

chorus

—

1.

A

of a song that

at

of the major religious

amusement,

2.

Christian Science Mary Baker Eddy in

group of singers; choir. 2. A part is repeated at the end of verses

—

To say or sing together or at the same time: The new members chorused the club oath at the of the meeting. Verb. cho|rus (kawr'as) noun, plural choruses; verb. chorused, chorusing. start

— chosen — See choose. chose

See choose. chose (choz) verb.

chojsen (cho'zgn) verb.

chow chow — A

medium-sized dog, commonly a large head, thick hair around the neck, a square muzzle, and tiny ears.

chow, with

Originally bred in China,

chows

religions based on a and His teachings. It is one

movements

Chris|tijan|i|ty (kris'che an's

during the song. Noun.

called

— The group of

belief in Jesus Christ

chore (chawr) noun, plural chores. •

Christianity; the

way of life. 2. Following the teachings the ChnsUan people. Adjective.

Chris|tian (kris'chsn) lunin. plural Christians;

played together.

chore

1.

are the only

breed of dog with a blue-black tongue.

chow chow (chou'chou) noun, plural chow chows. chowder A soup made with seafood or

—

vegetables or both: clam chowder; corn chowder.

chow|der (chou'dar) noun, plural chowders.

chow chow

—A

in the

te)

world.

noun.

religion founded

1866.

It

by

teaches that a

133

134

Christian Scientist strong belief in the

overcome

cinch

•

power of God enables people

sin

Christian Scientist

— A person who belongs

—

to

Chris|tian Sci|en|tist (kris'chan noun, plural Christian Scientists.

Christ

— The day on which

December

is

— Having

25.

to

si 'an tist)

the birth of Jesus

The date of Noun.

celebrated.

is

1.

— A container butter.

To

shake or

stir

this celebration

Noun. cream

move

churned our

the Christian Science religion.

Christmas

churn make

and heal sickness. Chris|tian Sci|ence (kris'chan si'ans) noun. to

in

in

which cream

stirred to

is

such a container.

2.

To

roughly: The stormy ocean

little

boat. Verb.

churn (chum) noun, plural chums; verb, churned, churning. churn out: to produce a great deal of something without a lot of thought: The artist churned out pictures she knew would sell easilv.

do with Christmas: Christmas

carols. Adjective.

mas

Christ I

(kris'mss) noun, plural

Christmases; adjective.

chromium — A

hard, silvery metal that does not

rust or tarnish easily;

chrome.

chro|mi|um (kro'me am) noun.

chrysanthemum — A grow

many

in

I

that

blooms and

tiny petals

different colors and sizes.

mum

chry san the I

round flower

Chrysanthemums have

in the fall.

(krs san'tha

mam)

noun,

I

plural chrysanthemums.

chubby

—

Slightly fat; plump: The elf had a chubby, happy face. chub by (chub'e) adjective. I

chuckle when

—A

I

— To laugh

softly: /

churn (nouni

chuckled to myself

read your cute note. Verb.

Noun. chuck|le (chuk'al) verb, chuckled, chuckling; noun, plural chuckles. • Synonyms: For verb, giggle, laugh, snicker. Antonyms: For verb, see Synonyms at cry, soft laugh.

verb

thick piece of something; hunk:

A

people

who

2.

insect that

makes

a very loud

during the summer; locust.

Mom

A

cider

— Apple

juice.

When

cider ages,

it

becomes

vinegar.

ci|der (si'dar) noun.

building where Christians

together for religious services.

chute (shut) noun, plural chutes. chute the chute (or chute the chutes): to ride a chute in a playground or an amusement park. • A word that sounds the same is shoot.

cicadas.

chunk of sausage for me. chunk (chungk) noun, plural chunks. 1.

passageway through which

cijcajda (sa ka'da or sa kah'da) noun, plural

cut a

church —

inclined

cicada A large humming sound

good friend; pal. chum (chum) noun, plural chums. • Synonyms: buddy, comrade Antonyms: enemy, foe

—A

— An

things slide or drop: mail chute; clothes chute.

—

1.

chum — A

chunk

chute

come

group of

cigar

— Tobacco

leaves that are rolled tightly for

smoking. ci|gar (sa gahr') noun, plural cigars.

hold the same religious beliefs: the

cigarette or cigaret

Lutheran Church. church (church) noun, plural churches.

— Finely chopped tobacco

leaves that are rolled in paper so they can be

smoked. cig|a|rette or cig|a|ret (sig'a ret' or sig'a ret)

noun, plural cigarettes or cigarets. a at

i

if

oo look

ch chalk

a

in

ago

a ape

I

idle

ou out

ng sing

e

in

happen

sh ship

i

in capilal

th think

o

in

occur

th their

_u

in

upon

ah calm

aw e

all

end

eeasy

o odd 6 oats oi oil

u ugly u rule ur turn

zh treasure

cinch

—

1.

A

strong belt that holds a saddle or

pack on a horse or donkey. 2. Something easily done: Riding a bicycle is a cinch once you know how. cinch (sinch) noun, plural cinches.

cinder cinder

—A

small, hot piece of

A

burned.

wood

— An advertisement

or other

blackened and almost completely cinder glows, but it does not have a

material that

is

flame.

or a letter that

is

mailed or

people. Noun.

cir|cu|lar (sur'kya br) adjective; noun, plural

circulate

Synonyms: coal, ember

— A movie ma) noun, plural made from cinnamon — A cinema

(sin 'a

spice

1.

Blood

circulates

circulation

the

—

—

The act of moving around: The from the kitchen brought the smell of cookies to the living room. 2. The number of copies a newspaper or magazine 1.

circulation of air

on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis: magazine increases its circulation, it will make more money. distributes

If the

—

circle 1. A curved line whose ends meet to form a round shape. 2. Something in the shape of such a curved line; ring: We stood in a circle to 3. A group of friends with common sing. interests: The boys and girls in my circle joined the book club. Noun. 1. To draw a line around something: Circle the

—

To move

verb, circulated,

lat)

circulating.

cinnamon. Noun. Reddish brown in color. Adjective. cin{na|nion (sin'a man) noun: adjective.

2.

travel around:

cir|cu|late (sur'kya cinemfis.

reddish-brown bark of a certain tree that grows in 2. A reddish-brown color like tropical countries.

that fits the picture.

— To

through the body.

theater.

cin|e|ma

word

many

to

citizen

circulars.

cin|der (sin'dar) noun, plural cinders. •

handed out

•

cir|cu|la|tion (sur'kya la'shan) noun, plural circulations.

A

circum

means "around" or "in a circumnavigate the earth sail

prefix that

who

circle." Sailors

completely around

it.

in a circle

around something: The helicopter circled the people waiting below. 3. To surround; close in by making a ring around: The firemen circled the burning building. Verb. cir|cle (sur'kal) noun, plural circles; verb.

Word Power You can

many words you add the meaning meaning of the rest of the

understand the meanings of

begin with circum-,

that

of the prefix to the

if

word.

circled, circling.

circumlunar: around the

Having gone through the complete process and returned to the starting point: Dress styles have come full circle since that time. full circle:

moon

circumrotate: to rotate around

circumference

—

1. The outside line that forms edge of a circle. 2. The distance around the edge of something: the circumference of the

the

circumference

island. cir I

cum

ence

fer I

(sar

kum'far

ans) noun, plural

I

circumferences. •

See picture

at circle.

circumstance

circle (noun, definition 1)

circuit

—

a circle:

track.

1.

The

act of

—A

condition, fact, or event that

accompanies something and affects it: The two circumstances that caused the accident were a slippery road and a careless driver. cir cum stance (sur'kam stans) noun, plural circumstances. I

going around; movement

in

The racers made one circuit around the 2. The path on which an electrical current

circus

I

— A show

which clowns, acrobats,

in

trained animals, and other acts perform. travels

from town

to

town and

is

flows.

under a big tent or

cirjcuit (sur'kit) noun, plural circuits.

cir|cus (sur'kas) noun, plural circuses.

circular

—

1.

Shaped

like a circle;

coins have a circular shape. circle:

A

2.

rounded: Most

Turning

top spins in a circular motion.

Adjective.

in a

citizen

—

1.

country or

A

A

circus

in a large arena.

person

state.

A

usually held

who

is

a

member

of a

citizen has special rights

and

responsibilities: Since she is a citizen of the

United States, she has the right 2.

Someone who

to vote.

lives in a certain city or

town;

135

136

citizenship

•

resident:

The

cit|i|zen

(sit 'a

citizens.

involved

in

of our cin put on a parade. zsn or sit 'a ssn) noun, plural

citizens

highly developed societies: Cable television and

computers are part of modern civ|i|Ii|za|tion (siv'a

—

citizenship

clamor

1.

and

Tiie responsibilities

member

being a

civilize

— To introduce

developed civilizations

rights

civil

cit|i|zen|ship (sit'a zan ship or sit's san ship)

citizen.

noun, plural citizenships.

civjil

on which fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons grow.

Having

to

to

keep the

do with a

city:

city beautiful.

Our

civic cluh

Involving the

2.

Paying taxes

responsibilities of citizenship:

is

a

civjic (siv'ik) adjective. •

Synonyms: municipal, urban,

for

—

1.

Pertaining to citizens: The law protects

civil rights.

2.

Having

to

do with the

general public; not related to military or religious

They were married in a civil ceremony. Well-mannered: He looked angry but an.swered us in a civil way. matters: 3.

civ|il (siv'al) adjective.

civilian

— A person who

military forces.

— Having

to

is

not a

civilians:

visitors left the ship before

civilization

—

1.

Those

—

1.

at

know one

has a

owner of something: She

was for

stolen. Verb.

something

that is

owed

that

person: She filed a claim with the insurance

company for property damaged by fire. statement that something

clam

—A

2.

A

His claim about Noun.

is fact:

saltwater or freshwater animal with a

body that is covered by a shell. The shell has two connected halves. Many kinds of clams can be eaten, either raw or cooked. Noun. To gather clams: Let' s go clamming at the

member

—

beach. Verb.

clam (kiam) noun, plural clams; verb, clammed, clamming. clam up: To refuse to talk: She clammed up when the teacher asked who was yelling. happy as a clam; Extremely happy.

of the

it

The

civilian

sailed. Adjective.

societies that are highly

in their

clam (noun)

a

the

A demand

systems of government, trade, agriculture, and the arts and sciences: We study Western civilization //; our history class. 2. The modern conveniences of developed, especially

act so that others

that his bicycle

ci|vil|ian (sa vil'yan) noun, plural civilians; adjective.

is

claimed her book from the lost-and-foimd box. 2. To maintain that something is fact: He claims

Noun.

do with

noun, singular

soft

civ|ics (siv'iks) noun.

our

rits)

by law to a

plural claims.

1.

— The study of how government works and

of the responsibilities of citizenship.

civil

rights guaranteed

his cooking abUity was true. claim (kiam) verb, claimed, claiming; noun.

civic responsibility.

civics

To

1.

right to or

—

— The

rights (siv'al

—

claim

city An area larger than a village or a town where many people work and live. It usually has a mayor as the head of its government. cit|y (sit'e) noun, plural cities. 1.

developed

right.

civil

tree

citjrus (sit'rss) noun, plural citruses.

—

ways of highly

to less

civ|i|lize (siv's llz) verb, civilized, civilizing.

citizenship.

civic works

the

societies.

town: His teacher gave him a star for good

— A type of

civilization.

za'shan) noun, plia-al

civilizations.

rights

of a country, city, or

town: / have American citizenship. 2. The behavior of a member of a country, city, or

citrus

b

damp 2. A public protest: The citizens of our town started a clamor /o/- cleaner water.

cafeteria.

Noun.

— To make

a lot of noise about something: The

were clamoring to be let out. Verb. clamjor (klam'pr) noun, plural clamors; verb. clamored, clamoring. • Synonyms: commotion, din, racket, uproar, (loi;s

noun 1. Antonyms: quiet, for

—A

clamp

securely: vise.

— To

silence,

still,

for

noun

1.

tool used to press things together

clash

—

press together securely: The baby clamped

classification

loud sound like that of two hard

objects crashing together:

We heard

of pots and pans in the kitchen. 2. disagreement: My sister and I have

a great clash

A

—

very different opinions:

We

dispute;

many

over using each other's things. Noun. 1. To make such a loud sound. 2.

clashes

To have

clashed over the rules

of the game. Verb. clash (klash) noun, plural clashes; verb. clashed, clashing.

clasp

—

Many

Noun.

A

1.

•

tight

Something

1.

that fastens things together:

necklaces have clasps at the back.

2.

A

hold with the arms or hands: The baby was

Noun. She clasped

her teeth and would not let go of the bottle. Verb. clamp (klamp) noun, plural clamps; verb.

safe in the clasp of his father' s arms.

clamped, clamping. clamp down: To become strict: Mother clamped down on us when our grades dropped.

her pony tail with a gold band. 2. To hold tightly: He fell asleep with the teddy been- clasped

clan

— A family group

back

that

in history to the

can trace

beginnings

its

To

1.

hit

The boy clapped the erasers together to knock off the chalk. 2. To show approval by hands together: applaud. 3. To slap My teacher clapped me

or pat in a friendly way:

on the shoulder when

I

won

the spelling bee.

Verb.

—

A

1.

clap.

loud, sudden noise like a slap: a thunder

2.

A

friendly hit or pat.

clap (klapl

v(^//).

Noun.

clapped, clapping; noun.

—

To explain in clear terms: / couldn't clarify understand why Dad wouldn't let me go on the but

Mom

fi)

verb, clarified, clarifying.

— A musical instrument shaped

long pipe. pressing

It

its

arms. Verb.

in his

S\nonyms: clutch, grasp,

noun

grip, for

2.

—

class 1. A group of people or things that have cenain things in common: Hunmn beings are the highest class of animals. 2. A group that studies together: Our art class went outside to draw. 3. A certain rank or level of quality: Only those drawings of the highest class will be displayed. Noun. To group together; give a rank to: She classed the shells by color. Verb.

—

class (klas) noun, plural classes; verb, classed,

is

played by covering

its

like a

holes or

keys while blowing into the

mouthpiece. clar|i|net (klar's net'

I

•

Synonyms: category, form, kind", noun 1.

noun, plural clarinets.

sort, type,

variety, for

classic

clarified his reasons.

clarji fy (klar's

clarinet

fasten something together:

classing.

plural claps.

trip,

To

clasp (klasp) noun, plural clasps; verb, clasped, •

together loudly or with great

force:

hitting one's

1.

clasping.

same person.

clan (klan) noun, plural clans.

clap —

—

—

1.

Something

that

is

the

model of

excellence: These books are the classics of that time.

2. classics:

The

literature of ancient

Greece and Rome. Noun.

—

Excellent: of the best quality: This

is

a classic

piece of furniture. Adjective. clas|sic (klas'ik) noun, plural classics; adjective.

classical art

—

1.

Having

classical langiuige.

do with the

literature is

and

a

2. Excellent: outstanding:

a classical example of a western movie. Having to do with a certain kind of music,

That 3.

to

of ancient Greece and Rome: Latin

is

such as symphonies. clas|si|cal (klas 'a ks\) adjective.

—

clarinet

—

clarity The state of being clear: You explaiiwd y(nir complicated science project with great clarity.

clar|i|ty (klar'a te) noun.

classification 1. A grouping together by classes: The classification of the book collection will be according to subject. 2. The result of grouping together: //; which insect classification does this bug belong'.' clas|sijfi|ca|tion (klas'a fg ka'shsn) noun, plural classifications.

138

classify • clear classify

— To organize

into groups:

The coins were were made.

classified according to the year they

clas|si|fy (klas'a

fi)

verb, classified, classifying.

— A fellow member of school class|inate (klas'maf) noun, plural classmates. classroom — A room arranged classmate

a

class.

especially for

teaching and learning; schoolroom.

class|rooni (klas'riim' or klas'room') noun. plural classrooms.

clatter

— A loud

noise

made by

things rattling

The clatter /row the kitchen drowned out the sound of the television Noun To make such a loud noise: The pots and pans together:

.

—

clattered in the sink. Verb.

clatjter (klat'gr) noun, plural clatters; verb,

clattered, clattering.

—

clause

1.

A

part of a sentence that has a subject

and a verb. In the sentence "I studied before I relaxed," "I studied" is a main clause, and "before I relaxed" is a subordinate clause that depends on the main clause for its meaning. 2.

A

part of a written agreement:

sales agreement states that

A

we can

clause in the return the

bicycle within ten days.

clause (klawz) noun, plural clauses.

claw

—

1.

A

very sharp, hooked nail on the foot of

an animal or a bird; talon. 2. A similar sharp 3. Something like the part of a crab or lobster. hooked nail on the foot of an animal or a bird: A hammer has a claw to pull out nails. Noun. To scratch, tear, or slash at something: The

—

clawed at the toy. Verb. claw (klaw) noun, plural claws; verb, clawed, kitten

clawing.

claw (noun, definition

a

at

1)

clearance clear the air:

To

get rid of anger or conflict,

especially between

did not want their

two people: The two friends anger to come between

them, so they cleared the

from

in the clear: Free

air.

The boy was was caught.

guilt:

once the real thief

the clear •

clerk —

Synonyms: apparent, evident, plain,

2.

A

A

as filing.

who sells things in a store. who does general office work such

person

at

simple tasks in an office or store:

clerks at the drugstore. Verb.

clerk (klurk) noun, plural clerks; verb, clerked, clerking.

for

Cleveland Bay

adjective 3.

Antonyms: hazy, obscure, vague,

climate

Noun.

— To work

He

in

I.

person

•

for adjective

—A

strong horse, originally

used for pulling coaches.

It

was

first

bred

in

England.

3.

clearance —

1.

The

act of getting rid of

something: Clearance of the dead trees began summer. 2. The space between things: The

in

Cleve|land Bay (klev'bnd ba) noun, plural Cleveland Bays.

movers had only inches o/ clearance between the table and the doorway. clearjance (kler'ans) noun, plural clearances.

clearing

— An open A

or brush:

piece of land, without trees

cabin stood

in

a clearing

in the

forest.

clearjing (kler'ing) noun, plural clearings.

cleaver

—a

tool with a short handle

heavy blade usually used

that is

used for cutting.

and a wide,

A

cleaver

is

to cut large, thick pieces of meat.

cleav|er (kle'var) noun, plural cleavers.

Cleveland Bay cleaver

clever

— A musical symbol placed on

clef

a staff.

shows

It

the left side of

•

—

in

—

clench —

To

close firmly together; tighten: She

hold onto tightly:

We

is

nervous.

2.

To

clenched each other's

hands during the horror movie. clench (klench) verb, clenched, clenching.

clergy

— People who do

members of

the clergy.

cler|gy (klur'je) noun, plural clergies.

—

l.

Having

to

very

very clever.

— A sharp sound

on the Noun.

— To make

do with keeping records,

and doing other general office work. Having to do with the clergy: Part of a minister's clerical work is visiting the sick. filing,

cler|i|cal (kler'a kal) adjective.

like a snap:

makes a

The channel

click

when

I turn

The radio

a short, sharp sound:

click (klik) noun, plural clicks; verb, clicked,

clicking.

— A customer who uses someone's

professional services:

has many

My

mother

is

a banker and

clients.

cli|ent (kll'ant) noun, plural clients.

cliff

—A

cliffs

steep slope of rock or

dirt:

Mountain

surround the lake.

2.

Adjective.

television

1.

clicked on. Verb.

client religious work. Priests,

ministers, and rabbis are

clerical

click it.

1.

is

2. Inventive; creative:

Synonyms: bright, brilliant, for Antonyms: dumb, stupid, for 1.

dial

noun, plural clefts; adjective.

clenches her teeth when she

He

Smart, quick, and able:

clev|er (klev'ar) adjective, cleverer, cleverest.

A crack; space made by splitting: a cleft a rock; a cleft in a log. Noun. Divided: indented: a cleft chin. Adjective. cleft (kleft)

1.

Her drawings are

the pitch of the notes.

clef (kief) noun, plural clefs.

cleft

—

clever at fixing things.

cliff (kliO

climate

noun, plural

— Weather

that

cliffs. is

typical for a certain

place. Climate includes the average temperature.

139

140

climax

clog

•

wetness or dryness, winds, and other conditions

— To

of an area: a tropical climate.

Verb.

cli|mate (kli'mit) noun, plural climates.

climax

— The peak or

The

vacation was the boat ride. cli|max (kll'maks) noun, plural climaxes.

— To go up and

up:

We

climbed

Snow cloaked

the lawn.

cloak (klok) noun, plural cloaks; verb, cloaked,

best part of something:

cHmax of our

climb

hide by covering:

cloaking.

clock

— A device

that

measures and shows time

in

hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds. Clocks

to the top

of the mountain. Verb. 1. A steady movement upward: a climb up a ladder. 2. A thing that one goes up: That hill

—

are usually kept in one place, not carried around like

watches. Noun.

— To use

climb (kllml verb, climbed, climbing; noun,

a device that measures time to see how something is moving: The coach clocked the speed of the relay tecmi with his watch. Verb. clock (klok) noun, plural clocks; verb, clocked,

plural climbs.

clocking.

looks like an easy climb. Noun.

•

Synonyms: ascend, rise, soar, Antonyms: descend, sink, for

cling

— To hold onto

tightly; stick:

shipwrecked sailors clung

around the clock: 24 hours without stopping:

for verb.

They drove around the clock

verb.

to life preservers.

—

clinjic (klin'ik) noun, plural clinics.

sharp, ringing sound: the clink of glass

touching glass. Noun.

— To make

a sharp, ringing sound:

when he put them on

To

return to an earlier

could take back her mean words.

Word

stitches.

clinked

turn the clock back;

time: If only she could turn the clock back, she

clinic A place that provides medical help: When she cut her finger, she went to the clime for

—A

to get there in

time.

The

cling (kling) verb, clung, clinging.

clink

fast

The keys

History

Cloak and clock both come from a French word meaning "bell."" When spread out. a cloak looks like a bell. The first clocks told time by ringing a bell.

the table. Verb.

clink (klingk) noun, plural clinks; verb, clinked, clinking.

—

clip

hair.

clockwise

To trim by cutting: Let me clip your 2. To cut out: to clip coupons from a

1.

newspaper. Verb.

—A

rate of speed:

fast clip.

She walked

into

town

at a

—

Going around from left to right, in same direction as a clock's hands move: We walked clockwise around the chairs. The wheel

the

spun in a clockwise direction. clock|wise (klok'wiz') adverb, adjective.

Noun.

clip (klip) verb, clipped, clipping; noun, plural counterclockwise clips.

clip"

— To

He

fasten or hold things together:

clipped his report together with a staple. Verb.

— Something

together: a

that fastens or holds things

paper

clip.

Noun.

clip (klip) verb, clipped, clipping; noun, plural clips.

clipper

A

—

1.

A

very

fast sailing ship.

2. clippers;

cutting tool, such as scissors: nail clippers.

clip per (klip'sr) noun, plural clippers. I

cloak

—A

clockwise

loose coat, often with no sleeves.

Noun.

i

if

a

I

idle

e in

ah calm

oo look ch chalk ou out ng sing o odd u ugly sh ship

aw all

6 oats

a at a ape

e end e easy

oi oil

u rule ur turn

in

ago happen

1

in capital

th think

o

in

occur

th their

_u

in

upon

zh treasure

—

To block; close up: The water backed up because the drain was clogged with food. Verb. A heavy shoe with a wooden sole. It is often open at the heel. Noun. clog (klog) verb, clogged, clogging; noun, plural

clog

—

clogs.

clone clone

— An exact copy of something.

In science, a

an identical copy of another Hving being made by laboratory methods: The dogs look so

clone

much

IS

could he clones.

alike, rhey

—

To To

1.

hook.

2.

clothes|pin (klothz'pin') iu)un. plural clothespins.

clothing

cloud

shut: ro close

a windon-: to close a

join; connect;

Mother closed 3. To end: The

the rip

in my pants by sewing it. ceremony closed with a speech by the mayor.

— Coverings

for the body; clothes.

bits

—

A

1.

white or gray mass of water drops or

of ice seen

from clouds.

in

2.

snow come

the sky. Rain and

A

mass of dust or smoke; A

cloud of smoke came from the burning house. Noun To cover up; make foggy: The steam clouded my eyeglasses and I could not see. Verb.

—

Verb.

— The

end: The close of the movie

last part;

was

Noun.

exciting.

close (kloz) verb, closed, closing; iu>un.

—

close 2. Very

We

Nearby:

1.

live close to

The

friendly:

r\vo sisters

did everything together.

3.

a store.

were close and

Thorough or

looks that their friends could not

/'/;

cloud (kloud) noun, plural clouds; verb, clouded, clouding. on cloud nine; Perfectly happy: Now that she's found her lost dog. she's on cloud nine.

careful:

Please pay close attention to what the teacher savs. 4. Almost the same: The twins were so close

club

clothjing (klo'thing) noun.

clone (klon) noun, plural clones.

close

•

tell

them apart. Adjective. Near: Do not ride your bicycles too close together. Adverb.

—

Word

History

Cloud comes from an Old English word meaning "rock."" It also is related to an Old English word meaning "lump."" Many clouds look like large floating lumps of rock.

close Iklos) adjective, closer, closest; adverb.

closet

— A small room

for storing clothes or other

closjet (kloz'it) noun, plural closets.

close-up

— A photograph taken very near

cloudbursts. to the

showed her tears running down her cheeks. Noun. Very near: We sat in from for a close-up view

—

of the movie. Adjective. close-up (klos'up') noun, plural close-ups;

lump

soft

that

is

solid

enough

to stay

together; a thick mass: a blood clot: a clot of

mean

—

1.

that

Filled with clouds: will rain.

it

— To clump

—A

spice

made by drying

together;

and closed up

become the

thick:

The blood

Material

other fibers.

wound. Verb.

2.

A

woven of

cotton, wool, or

piece of this material used for

special purpose: a dust cloth; a

doih for

—A clover — A

part of a garlic bulb.

short plant having leaves divided into

— To

heavy

clothe (kloth) verb, clothed or clad, clothing.

— Things

that are

such as a dress, a

shirt,

worn

to

cover the body.

— A wood

hanging clothes on a after washing.

or plastic fastener for line, usually to

small clumps of

in clover;

worries:

Having a wonderful

We would

he

in

clover

life; //'

without

we won

the

— A person who wears funny

clothes and

makeup and does things to make people laugh. He or she is usually a member of a circus. Noun. To joke and act silly like such a person: Stop clowning and settle down to work.

—

clown (kloun) n

equinox

«

solstice

an

equivalent to

Four quarts are Noun.

-er

y June

eraser

plural equivalents.

^Mm^^ March equinox

^f.

•

mountain climbers with gear and supplies took weeks of planning. e|quip|ment (i kwip'mant) noun.

,^f~L

^^J^r

X*

jumps

that

a jumper.

is

A

A

horse

person who paints

is

a

painter.

Word Power You can

suffix to the

you add

-er', if

meaning of

the

the rest of the word.

who mourns

mourner: a person

September equinox

many words meaning of the

understand the meanings of

end with

that

cleanser: a thing that cleanses

Word History Equinox comes from a Latin word. That word was formed from a word meaning "equal" and another word meaning "night." People used this word to describe the time of the year when days are the same length as nights, and so days and

—A

-er

suffix

added

and adverbs shows

to adjectives

means "more." This

that

comparison: Our house runs faster than Jerry.

is

suffix

bigger than yours.

Tom

nights are equal.

Word Power equip

— To provide with what

You can understand is

required:

The

school equips the team with uniforms. (i kwip') verb, equipped, equipping. Synonyms: furnish, supply

e|quip •

equipment

—

1. The supplies needed for a certain The scuba diver's equipment included an air tank, a mask, and flippers. 1. The act of providing what is required: The equipment of the

that

end with

meanings of many words you add the meaning of the

the

-er^, if

meaning of more odd quieter: more quiet

suffix to the

the rest of the word.

odder:

activity:

era

—

1.

A

period of time that has special

importance; a historical age: The Soviet Union

has begun an era of "openness." The years when Queen Elizabeth ruled England are called the Elizabethan era.

e|ra (ir'a or e'ra) noun, plural eras.

—

1. To rub or wipe out: The teacher asked her to erase the chalkboard 2. To remove; take

erase

.

away; eliminate: Time that sad event. e rase

will erase the

memory of

ras') verb, erased, erasing.

(i

I

eraser

— Something used

out marks

My

made by

for rubbing or

brother has an eraser shaped like a

little

dinosaur.

equator

e|ras|er

wiping

a pencil or piece of chalk:

(i

ras'ar) noun, plural erasers.

255

256

erect

—

erect

essay

•

The cat's hair stood dog entered the room. Adjective. 1. To put together or up: The children erected a treehouse in the oak tree. 2. To set straight up; raise: They erected telephone poles along the erect

—

Straight; stiff; upright:

when

the

side of the road. Verb.

e|rect •

(i

for verb

— A kind of weasel whose brown to white in the winter as a

changes hiding.

It is

hunted for

Synonyms: blunder,

erupt

its

white

1.

slip, for 1.

— To break out or

burst forth suddenly:

we were watching, water erupted from

As

the

fountain.

e|rupt

rekt') adjective: verb, erected, erecting.

Synonyms: build, construct,

ermine

erjror (er'sr) noun, plural errors. •

rupt') verb, erupted, erupting.

(i

escalator

— A moving stairway used

to carry

people from one floor of a building to another. es|ca|la|tor (es' ks la'tar) noun, plural

fur

way of

escalators.

fur.

escape

er|tnine (ur'man) noun, plural ermines or

from

ermine.

— To

away; avoid: She tried

get

the bee that kept following her

to

escape

around the

backyard. Verb.

—

1.

The

away

act of getting

or getting free:

We

could not figure out how the gerbil had made its escape from its cage. 2. A way of getting away

^^'']M

or getting free: afire escape. Noun. es|cape (es kap') verb, escaped, escaping; noun, plural escapes.

escort

— A person or group of people who go

along with a person or group for protection or as an honor: A student escort led the visitors around the school.

Noun.

— To go along with someone

or something for

protection or as an honor; accompany: The guide

museum. Verb.

escorted us through the

es|cort (es'kawrt for noun; es kawrt' for verb)

noun, plural escorts; verb, escorted, escorting.

erode

Eskimo — 1. A member

—

To wear away over a period of time: The heavy snowfall that winter eroded the gravel driveway and made large holes. e|rode (i rod') verb, eroded, eroding.

erosion

— The

act of slowly

wearing or being

worn away: Spring rains and flooding caused

—A

the

error

—

1.

office.

Something wrong caused by a person's

mistake: Because of an addition error, we were charged too much at the store. 2. In baseball, a

catching or throwing mistake

northern Canada.

made by

2.

by these people. Noun. Of or having to do with a group of people

—

who

Eskimo sled dogs. Adjective. Es|ki|mo (es'ks mo) noun, plural Eskimos or Eskimo; adjective.

esophagus

short trip to get or deliver something:

The teacher sent me on an errand to the er|rand (er'and) noun, plural errands.

who

Alaska and parts of The language that is spoken

live in arctic areas:

erosion of the riverbank. e|ro|sion (i ro'zhan) noun.

errand

of a group of people

live in arctic areas, including

a player in

— A tube

that

stoinach, and through

connects the mouth and

which food

especially

—

Particularly; unusually:

tasted especially

The apple pie

good because we picked

the

apples ourselves.

the field that lets a batter get on base or lets a

es|pe|cial|ly (es pesh'a

runner advance to the next base rather than being

adverb. Abbreviation: esp.

put out.

travels.

e|soph|a|gus (e sof'a gas) noun, plural esophagi (e sof 3 jl). • See picture at alimentary canal.

espionage

— The use of

le

or es pesh'le)

spies to get secret

infomiation from another country; spying. a at a ape

ah calm

aw all e end e easy

i

if

T

idle

o odd o oats pi oil

ago happen

oo look ch chulk ng sing ou out u ugly sh ship

a

in

e

in

i

in eapital

u rule ur turn

th think

o

in

oceur

th their

u

in

upon

zh treasure

es|pi|o|nage (es'pe s nahzh or es'pe a noun.

—

nij)

A short piece of writing about a topic: He wrote an essay about what his family meant to

essay

him.

es|say (es'a) noun, plural essays.

essence essence

— The important

or necessary part of

something: Consideration for others

is

— Necessary; very

important:

—

the

Verb.

It is

oven at the correct temperature when baking brownies. Adjective. Something that is necessary or very important: The essentials for fishing inchule bait, a fishing essential to set the

—

rod.

es|ti|mate (es'ta mit for noun: es'ta mat for noun and verb) noun, plural estimates; verb, estimated, estimating.

Synonyms: For

•

essentials.

Synonyms:

fundamental, primary,

basic,

for

—A

peach

the picnic.

ma

ti

one

the

I

tion (es'ta I

ma'shsn) noun, plural

estimations.

trivial, for adjective.

suffix that is

at

—

I

-est

Synonyms

estimation A guess or opinion: Our estimation is that we will need five packages of hot dogs for es

adjective.

Antonym:

verb, see

appraise.

and patience. Noun.

es|sen|tial (a sen'shal) adjective: noun, plural •

etiquette

hours to paint the garage. Noun. To make a guess or give an opinion about something: She estimated that she would he done with her homework bv the time dinner was readv.

essence of good manners. es|sence (es'ans) noun, plural essences.

essential

•

means "most." The sweetest most sweet.

that tastes the

— And so

etc.

forth;

and so on: She had

all the

things she needed for class, such as books,

paper, pencils,

etc.

etc. abbreviation.

Word Power You can that

many words you add the meaning of the

understand the meanings of

end with

-est, if

meaning of most high most soft

suffix to the

— —

highest softest

the rest of the word.

Word Etc.

History

cetera"

—

l.

To

set up; bring about:

established rules for

its

(et

set'ar a),

things." The abbreviation

The two

today.

establish

words "et meaning "and other

the abbreviation for the Latin

is

members.

2.

The club

To

prove;

etch

— To

full

is

commonly used

words are

not.

cut or carve a design in glass, metal,

clearly show:

The investigation established that he was not near the scene of the crime.

wood, or other material through the use of acid or heat: The spilled acid etched an unusual

es{tab|lish (es tab'lish) verb, established,

pattern in the table.

etch (ech) verb, etched, etching.

establishing. •

Synonyms: confirm, verify

establishment

—

The

for 2.

up or bringing about: The establishment of a computer classroom took a lot of time and money. 2. Something that is set up, such as a household, 1.

act of setting

eternal

—

1.

Timeless: lasting forever.

a long time:

e|ter|nal •

an eternal

tur'nsl) adjective.

(i

Synonyms: everlasting, perpetual,

eternity

—

1.

business, or church.

beginning or end. e|ter|ni|ty

estate

—

1.

A

large piece of land, often with a

home. 2. Everything that is owned by someone: He willed his estate to his .son. large

es|tate (es tat') noun, plural estates.

esteem

— To

respect and admire greatly: The

students esteemed their principal for her fairness

and sense of humor. Verb.

— Great

respect and admiration: People have

great esteem for America' s astronauts. Nun.

To receive sounds through the ear: / hear music. Can you hear me? 2. To listen to: pay attention to: He refused to hear my excuse. 3. To find out about: / heard the news.

:

We

To show know

all

sleeve.

with all (one's) heart: you with all my heart.

pile or stack up:

together.

(one's) sleeve:

he likes her because he wears his heart on his

things thrown or lying in a

a heap of papers: a heap of wood.

Noun.

—

on

(one's) heart

one's feelings freely and openh

heal.

gladly:

With

all

Sincerely: / promise With much pleasure; my heart / would like to play 1.

2.

with you. •

Synonyms:

grit,

pluck, spirit, tor

heartbroken— Filled overwhelmed by

grief;

with

much

3.

sadness;

She was heartbroken when

her pel died.

1.

hear (her) verb, heard (hurd). hearing. • A word that sounds the saine is here.

heard— 5(
r) adjective.

Synonyms: correct, fit\

*

properly

—

1.

for 1.

way

In a correct

/()

do an assignment properly;

//;

the library.

behave properly

2. In a strict sense: Properly

speaking, a tomato

is

prop|er|ly (prop'sr

proper noun

or fitting manner: to

a

fruit.

adverb.

le)

— A noun

names

that

a particular

person, place, or thing. Proper nouns begin with a capital letter.

"New

"Carolyn."

York." and

"Mississippi River" are proper nouns. prop|er noun (prop'ar noun) noun, plural

proper nouns.

property

—

1.

Anything

possession: That

that

wagon

is

someone owns;

my

property, but you

max borrow it if you wish. 2. An area of that is owned by someone: My family has property on the beach.

3.

A

land

quality of

something: Diamonds have the property of being able to cut very hard materials.

prop|er|ty (prop'sr

prophecy

te)

in the future; prediction:

a

at

noun, plural properties.

— A statement about what

will

happen

Her prophecy about

the

prosecution prosecution —

1.

The

someone

action of bringing

of law: The lawyer was

to trial before a court

in a

court of law and tries to prove his or her guilt.

pros|e|cu|tion (pros'a kyu'shan) noun, plural prosecutions.

prospect

—

Something

1.

or expected; possibility:

excited the children.

2.

that

eagerly awaited

is

The prospect of snow A possible customer or

candidate: to have .several prospects

my

old baseball glove: the

list

/(»;

huyini;

prosper

— To do very

to

noun, plural

that

one

in protest

when show

of the new law; a child's

go to bed. Noun. one opposes, denies, or objects strongly: The girl protested about having noi.sy protests

— To

state or

told to that

— A member of

a large

group of

Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, or other Orthodox Churches. Prot|es|tant (prot'a stant) noun, plural Protestants.

stand prospered during the heat wave.

It

matter of

thrive.

is

—

Steady good fortune or success: She enjoyed prosperity when she sold more computers than anyone else in the company. te)

— A very small

an atom.

particle in the nucleus of

carries a positive electric charge.

protoplasm

I

pros|per|i|ty (pros per 'a

proton

projton (pro'ton) noim. plural protons.

pros per (pros 'par) verb, prospered, prospering.

prosperity

showing

Christian churches that are not ruled by the

well, especially in gaining

Synonyms: flourish,

act of stating or

protesting.

wealth; be successful: The children's lemonade

•

marching

Protestant

discover valuable minerals and ores. tar)

— The

denies, opposes, or objects strongly: people

I

verb, prospected, prospecting.

pros|pec|tor (pros'pek prospectors.

pro|tein (pro'tcn) noun, plural proteins.

protest

to

—

— A person who searches an area

protein.

come home earlx frimi the school dance. Verb. pro test (pro 'test for iH>un: pra 'test' for verb) noun, plural protests; verb, protested,

of prospects

running for president. Noun. To search an area for valuable minerals and ores, such as gold, silver, or oil. Verb. pros|pect (pros'pekt) noun, plural prospects;

prospector

—

A substance that is necessary for the of living things to live and grow. It contains carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Cheese,

protein

eggs, fish, meat, and milk are good sources of

.

someone

proud 5n

cells

unable to conlinue his prosecution of the case because his only witness disappeared 2. The side that brings legal action against

•

made up of

is

that is the living

colorless and jellylike.

It

proteins, fats, and other substances

— A measuring instrument

of a half circle.

prosperities.

It

mixed in water. pro|to|plasm (pro'ta plaz'am) noim.

protractor

noun, plural

— The substance

all cells.

It

is

in the

form

used for drawing and

measuring angles.

—

prosperous Enjoying good fortune, wealth, or success: He owned several businesses and was

pro|trac|tor (pro trak'tar) noim, plural protractors.

most prosperous merchant in town. pros per ous (pros 'par as) adjective. the

I

protect

I

— To keep

guard; defend:

safe

from danger or harm;

Some people keep a guard dog

to

protect their property.

pro|tect (pra tekt') verb, protected, protecting. •

Synonyms:

protection

—

shelter, shield

The act of keeping someone or something safe from danger or harm: The militaiy services are devoted to our protection. 2. Anything that keeps someone or something safe from danger or harm: She wore a heavy coat 1.

protractor

as protection against the cold.

pro|tec|tion (pra tek'shan) noun, plural protections.

protective

— Providing

protrude

— To

stick out:

The sign protruded /row)

the front of the building

protection against harm,

injury, wear, or the like: protective glasses: a

protective helmet.

pro|tec|tive (pra tek'tiv) adjective.

pro|trude (pro trud') verb, protruded, protruding.

proud

—

1.

Having

self-respect:

ask for help when she needed

She was willing it,

to

but she was too

578

prove

psalm

•

beg for it. 2. Valuing one's achievements: The hoys were proud of the tree house they had hiiih hy themselves. 3. Having proud

to

too high an opinion of oneself; arrogant:

He

became so proud after winning the trophy that nobody could stand to talk to him. 4. Feeling highly pleased or satisfied: citizens

We

are proud to be

of our country.

proud (proud) adjective, prouder, proudest. do (someone) proud: To make proud: She did her parents proud when she won the spelling

A

—

1.

A

— To show

that

something

camping

the

trip.

provoke

—

To anger

1.

she scolded him.

crowd provoked

— Shown

3.

to be a fact; true or certain:

Because of his proven skill at drawing, he was asked to make the posters for the play. Adjective.

— See prove. prov|en (pru'van) simple saying proverb — A

adjective, verb.

short,

that

is

known

and accepted by many people as stating a simple truth. ""A penny saved is a penny earned" is a popular proverb. provjerb (prov'arb) noun, plural proverbs.

provide

— l.To supply what

available for use: 2.

To

set

is

trip

by saving money. pro|vide (pra vid') verb, provided, providing.

provided

— On

the condition or understanding

that something happens; if: Father .said I may go skating, provided I finish my chores first.

pro vid ed (pra vi'did) conjunction. I

province

—

1.

A

prow — The prow

prowl

To

stir

up:

front of a boat or ship;

bow.

(prou) noun, plural prows.

— To move about

quietly or secretly, often

search of something: The burglar prowled the

—

Good sense or judgment; wise He shows prudence when driving a

prune

—A

dried plum.

experiments is within a .uientist's province. prov|ince (prov'ans) noun, plural provinces. Abbreviation: prov.

It

has a dark, wrinkled

skin and a sweet taste.

prune

prune

(priin)

— To

noun, plural prunes.

remove dead or unwanted She pruned the bushes to keep them from drooping over the fence. prune (prun) verb, pruned, pruning. cut off or

parts; trim:

— To question or look curiously

something; snoop:

Canada has 10 provinces. An area of authority or responsibility: Doing

car

and never goes too fast. pru|dence (pru'dans) noun.

pry

large section of a country,

similar to a state. 2.

2.

the players to

pro|voke (pra vok') verb, provoked, provoking. • Synonyms: aggravate, bother, for 1. Antonyms: calm, lull, soothe, for 1.

caution:

provided /or the costs of the

little

great deal of laughter.

prudence

with

rules, conditions, or

The club's constitution provides for meetings to be held at least once a month. 3. To prepare or equip in advance so as

He

annoy: The

neighborhood. prowl (proul) verb, prowled, prowling.

instructions in advance:

to be ready:

irritate;

The cheers of the do their best. To bring on or cause: Her joke provoked a

in

needed; make

Farms provide people

down

or

boy's naught^' behavior provoked his mother, and

proving.

I

the ability to

future need; preparing beforehand: The store asked for our second choice as a provision in case the model we wanted was not available. 4. provisions: A stock of needed supplies, such as food: The family took a week's provisions on

can by beating me in a race. prove (prijv) verb, proved, proved or proven,

I

food.

is

speak a foreign language. 2. The act of supplying: 5/;^ is in charge of the provision of cake for the party. 3. The act of providing for a

provisions.

true or

is

genuine: She proved that she ccm run faster than

proven

requirement, rule, or condition:

provision for joining the club

pro|vi|sion (pra vizh'an) noun, plural

bee.

prove

provision

Our neighbor

is

at

or into

very nosy

and

always prying into other people's business. pry (prT) verb, pried, prying. is

pry

—

force:

To raise, move, or pull apart by using She used a knife to try and pry open the

1.

locked drawer.

2.

To

find out or get after a lot

of effort: After several hours, the police finally pried the details of the theft out of the bank robber. a at a ape

i

if

i

idle

ah calm

o odd

aw ail

6 oats

e end e easy

oi oil

u ugly u rule ur turn

ago happen

a

in

e

in

sh ship

i

in capital

th think

o u

oo look ch chalk ou out ng sing

th their

zh treasure

in

occur

in

upon

pry

(pri) verb, pried,

— The abbreviation psalm — A sacred song P.S.

prying. for postscript.

poem, especially one from the Old Testament of the Bible. psalm (sahm or sahim) noun, plural psalms. or

psychiatrist psychiatrist

— A doctor

trained to treat mental

illness.

All people; everybody:

to the public.

psy|chi|a|trist

kl'a

(si

trist)

noun, plural

— The branch of medicine

mental illness. psy|chi|a|try (si ki's tre) noun.

— A person who

is

(si

kol'a

jist)

an expert

in

noun, plural

psychologists.

—

psychology The scientific and human behavior. psy|chol|o|gy

(si

kol'a je)

study of the mind

printed, such 2.

The

act

pub|li|ca|tion (pub 'la ka'shan) noun, plural publications.

—

publicity 1. Notice or attention by people: The famous author's visit to

a great

many

the library

much publicity. 2. Information that given out to the public to gain attention or received

mnm.

plural

A group

is

provided the of newspaper with publicity on the art show.

psychologies.

— The abbreviation ptarmigan — A

is

book's publication?

support:

pt.

that

as a newspaper, book, or magazine.

of printing something, such as a newspaper, book, or magazine: What is the year of that

psychology. psy|chol|o|gist

puddle

parks arc open

Noun.

publication— 1. Something that studies

treats

psychologist

Many

pub|lic (pub'lik) adjective, noun.

psychiatrists.

psychiatry and

—

•

for pint or pints.

bird that lives in cold and mountainous areas. Its feathers are white in winter and brown in summer. Unlike other birds, it has feathers on its feet. ptar|mi|gan (tahr'ma gan) noun, plural ptarmigans.

pub|lic|i|ty (pub

publish

artists

lis'

a te) noun.

— To produce and

sell books, newspapers, magazines, and other printed material. pubjlish (pub'lish) verb, published, publishing.

—

A person or company whose business producing and selling books, newspapers, magazines, and other printed material. pub{lish|er (pub'li shar) noun, plural

publisher IS

publishers.

puck

—A

small, hard, black disk that

play ice hockey.

It is

usually

is

made of

used to

rubber.

puck (puk) noun, plural pucks.

pudding and

— A creamy, cooked

tastes sweet: chocolate

dessert that

is

soft

pudding; rice

pudding.

pud|ding (pood'ing) noun, plural puddings.

puddle

— A very

usually

muddy

small, shallow pool of liquid.

or dirty water: a puddle on the

sidewalk: a puddle of spilled milk. pud die (pud'al) noun, plural puddles. I

pterodactyl

—A

flying reptile that lived millions

had long, batlike wings without feathers on them. The pterodactyl was the largest

of years ago.

known

It

flying animal.

pter|o|dac|tyl (ter'a dak'tal) noun, plural pterodactyls.

public

—

1.

Having

to

do with or belonging

to the

people as a whole: a public building; a public beach: public schools. 2. Serving the people:

Many

public officials, including the

mayor and

Well known; not private or secret; The facts of the case were made public only after the trial was the governor, attended the dinner.

over. Adjective.

3.

pterodactyl

579

580

pudgy

pulpit

•

—

pudgy

Plump, and short or small; chubby: a pudgy puppy: a baby' s pudgy li'i;s. pudgly (puj'e) adjective, pudgier, pudgiest.

—

A village of square-shaped stone and adobe buildings where some American Indians of the Southwest live. The buildings are right next to or on top of each other and can be up to five

pueblo

stories high.

pueb|io (pweb'lo) noun, plural pueblos.

Word

History

Pueblo comes from a Spanish word meaning "people" or "town." When Spanish explorers first saw American Indian pueblos, the explorers thought that the pueblos looked like towns in Spain. One group of American Indians is known as Pueblos, because they live in such villages.

—

puff

1.

To blow,

breathe, or give out in short.

quick gusts; pant: hikers puffing as they climb the steep hill: a train puffing smoke. 2. To

an ankle becomini; puffed up after ///) a balloon or tires with

swell; inflate:

being twisted: to puff Verb.

air.

—

1.

A

quick burst of breath,

or the like: iron.

2.

powder

A

A

air,

steam, smoke.

came from

puff of steam

the hot

and fluffy mass of something: a a puff of fur: a cream puff. Noun.

light

puff;

puff (puf) verb, puffed, puffing; noun, plural puffs.

puffin

— An

arctic sea bird that has a thick

body,

black and white feathers, a short neck, and a thick, colorful, red-tipped beak.

puf

fin (puf'on) iwun. plural puffins. I

•

See picture

pug

—A

at auii.

small, square-shaped dog with a short.

smooth, tan coat, a wrinkled face with big, round tail. Originally bred in China, these dogs are pets. pug (pug) noun, plural pugs.

eyes, and a curled

Pulaski

Day — October

1

1

.

a

day

set aside in

the United States to honor Casimir Pulaski, a

Polish general

army during Pu|las|ki

a

at

who

served with the American

the Revolutionary

Day

(poo ias'ke

War.

dii)

noun.

pulse pulse

—

The rhythmic throbbing of

1.

the arteries

is caused by the flow of blood through the body as the heart beats. 2. Any beat that is

that

regular: the steady pulse

of the clock: the pulse of

the car's motor.

— To crush

or grind to a

powder or

The blender pulverized the chocolate.

dust:

pul|ver|ize (pul'va

pu|ma (pyu'ma)

pump — A

noun, plural

mountain

at

pumas

or

puma.

lion.

device that pushes a liquid or gas

pump. Noun.

discoveiy. Verb.

pumpkin — A

large,

pumpkins.

— A funny or

playful use of a word or phrase two different meanings, or of two words that sound alike but have different meanings. 'Saving your money makes a lot of cents"" is a pun on the words "cents"" and "sense." that has

pun

(pun) noun, plural puns.

—

fist:

herd

1.

To

cattle.

Verb.

— A sharp blow with

hard punch

to his

punch (punch)

fist:

The

bo.xer

gave a

opponent' s chin. Noun.

verb,

punched, punching; noun.

plural punches.

punch"

—A

a design

on

making holes or for stamping A leather punch makes Noun.

tool for

a surface:

holes in belts.

— To use such

a tool to

make

holes or stamp a

design on a surface; The bus driver punched transfer. Verb.

punch (punch) noun, plural punches; verb punched, punching.

clear. at') verb,

punctuated,

—

The use of commas, periods, and other such marks in written or printed material to help make the meaning clear: The sentence is understand because

it

lacks proper

punctuation. tu a tion (pungk'chu a'shsn) noun. I

I

punctuation

mark— Any

of the marks used in

written or pnnted material to help

Some

make

the

meaning

clear.

periods,

commas, question marks, and quotation

punctuation marks are:

marks.

—

A hole made by something sharp: She placed a patch over the puncture //; the bike's tire.

Noun.

— To make

a hole in something with a sharp

The bike's tire was punctured by a sharp piece of glass on the road. Verb. puncjture (pungk'char) noun, plural punctures; verb, punctured, puncturing. object; pierce:

punish

— To make someone

suffer because he or

she did something wrong; give a penalty; The

father punished the boy for his rudeness by making him miss his favorite TV program.

punishment

my

—

1.

The

act of

making someone

suffer because he or she did something wrong. 2.

the

periods, and other

printed material to help

pun|ish (pun'ish) verb, punished, punishing.

someone or something with punched my brother. 2. To

strike

The bully

meaning

punctuation

puncture

round fruit with many seeds and a thick, yellowish orange outer covering. Pumpkins grow on vines, and their pulp is often used for making pies. pumpjkin (pump'kin or pung'kin) noun, plural

punch

in written or

punc|tu|a|tion mark (pungk'chu a'shan mahrk) noun, plural punctuation marks.

(pump) noun, plural pumps; verb.

pumped, pumping.

the

the

I

1.

pump

— To use commas,

punc[tu|ate (pungk'chu punctuating.

punc

To use such a device to move a liquid or gas: to pump gasoline into a car. 2. To fill with a liquid or gas: / pumped up my bicycle tire. 3. To question closely: The news reporters pumped the scientist for information about her

pun

E.xactly on time; prompt: They could on his being there for the start of the race because he was always punctual. punc|tu|al (pungk'chu al) adjective.

difficult to

through tubes or pipes: a bicycle pump; a water

—

punk

—

punctual

make

large,

See picture

•

a mixture of

sodas, or other liquids.

fruit juices,

such marks

brownish yellow, wild member of the cat family that is found in parts of North and South America; mountain lion. •

made of

punch (punch) noun, plural punches.

punctuate

pulverized,

rlz') verb,

pulverizing.

puma — A

drink

rely

pulse (puis) noun, phoal pulses.

pulverize

— A sweet

punch

The penalty

for misbehavior or crime:

A

stern

scolding was the only punishment our puppy

needed to make him behave. pun|ish|ment (pun'ish mant) noun, plural punishments.

punk — 1. A

spongy material, usually made from is sometimes used to light firecrackers. 2. A nasty young person who causes trouble: He behaved like a punk and fungus, that burns slowly and

was well known

to the local police.

punk (pungk) noun,

plural punks.

581

582

punt punt

Purim

•

— To kick

a football after

hands but before

hits the

it

— The kick made

it

drops from the

ground. Verb.

to a football after

the player's hands and before

it

it

darkness and shrinking in bright

in

light.

drops from

hits the

widening

ground.

Noun. punt (punt) verb, punted, punting; noun, plural punts.

pu|pil (pyu'pal) noun, plural pupils. '^

See picture

puppet is

—A

made

at eye.

toy figure of a person or animal that

move and perform. Hand puppets are and moved by fingers and

to

worn over

the hands

hang from wires or strings from above. pup pet (pup 'it) noun, plural puppets. wrists. Marionettes

that are pulled I

puppet

punt

puny

— Small and

not very strong:

The

last

puppy

in the litter wa.s

puny.

pu|ny (pyu'ne)

adjective, punier, puniest.

—

newborn or young dog; puppy. 2. A newborn or young animal of certain kinds, such

pup

A

1.

pupa

(pup) noun, plural pups.

— A motionless

adulthood

stage of change just before

in the life

cycle of certain insects, such

cocoon. pu|pa (pyu'pa) noun, phiral pupae (pyu'pe') or as a butterfly in

pupas. • See picture

pupil

at

—

A young dog. puplpy (pup'e) noun, plural puppies. purchase To buy something, giving money

—

as a fox or seal.

pup

puppy

its

metamorphosis.

— A person

—

I

pure

receiving instruction from a

—

1.

Not combined with anything

Complete; nothing other than: The

silver.

pu|pil (pyu'pal) noun, plural pupils.

friends met by pure chance.

— The black

dot in the center of an eye's

colored part. This dot

how much

controls

is

light

actually an opening that

can get into the eye by

2.

pure (pyoor) adjective, purer, purest.

purify

— To

cleanse;

filter to purify the

pu|ri|fy (pyoor'a

Purim a

at

a ape

ah calm

aw all e end

eeasy

i

if

i

idle

o odd 6 oats oi oil

oo look ch chulk ou out ng sing u ugly u rule ur turn

a

in

e in

ago happen

make

water fi')

need a new

verb, purified, purifying.

the story of a beautiful Jewish

Esther

who became

people. Purim

a queen and saved her

th think

o

in

occur

early March.

th their

_u

in

upon

Pu|rim (poor'im) noun.

is

that celebrates

woman named

celebrated in late February or

in capital

zh treasure

pure: /

in the fish tank.

— An annual Jewish holiday

i

sh ship

else; free of

other ingredients: a pure wool .meater; pure

teacher; student.

pupil

in

exchange for goods or services: We purchased our lunche.t in the cojfee shop. Verb. Something that is bought: She carried her food purchases //; a large shopping bag. Noun. pur chase (pur'chas) verb, purchased, purchasing; noun, plural purchases.

Puritan Puritan

— A member of

a Protestant group in

England, during the 1500's and 1600's,

that

desired simpler religious ceremonies and stricter

moral rules than those of other Protestants. Many left England and settled in New England. Pu|ri|tan (pyoor'a tan) noun, plural Puritans.

purity

— The

condition of being perfectly clean

and pure: The purity of the new, white sheets was ruined when the dog jumped on the bed with muddy paws. pu|ri|ty (pyoor'a te) noun.

purple

— The

color that

is

made when

red and

this color:

a pair

o/'

push

—

make

1. it

To 2.

He pushed

To

putt

in

as a sore or pimple.

press against something

move:

the hill.

found

the

in

order to

baby carriage up

move in some He pushed through the the lost ball. 3. To use much

progress or

direction with force:

bushes to look for effort to accomplish or sell something: The employees pushed /or higher salaries. Verb.

—A

strong effort or shove: The charity

big push this year

and collected

lots

made a

of

Noun.

.

verb, pushed, pushing; noun.

plural pushes.

push-up

or

— An

exercise done by

lying face-down and raising one's straightened

adjective.

— A reason

for

making or doing

something: The purpose of

my

trip to the store is

buy milk. purjpose (pur'pas) noun, plural purposes. to

—

purposely

Intentionally; deliberately:

left the light on because would be coming home late. pur pose ly (pur 'pas le) adverb.

purposely

I

infected body tissue such pus (pus) noun.

pushup

pur|ple (pur'pal) noun, plural purples;

purr

thick, yellowish white fluid

push (poosh)

purple socks.

Adjective.

purpose

—A

contributions

blue are combined. Noun.

— Having

pus

•

body by pushing up with the arms. push up or push-up (poosh 'up') noun, plural pushups or push-ups. I

pussy willow

— A North American bush with

small, furry, grayish white blossoms.

He

puss y will low (poos'e wil'o) noun, plural pussy willows.

his sister

I

I

—A

soft, fluttering

by a happy or contented in the

sound, such as that

kitchen turned out to

refrigerator

made

The mysterious purr be the motor of the

cat:

Noun.

.

— To make such

a soft sound: The mechanic promised thai the car's engine would purr like a kitten when it was properly tuned. Verb. purr (pur) noun, plural purrs; verb, purred,

purring.

purse

—

1.

A

small pouch used to carry money,

usually coins.

2.

A woman's

pussy willow

pocketbook: Her

purse has a long strap that she wears across her shoulder. Noun.

— To gather

lips.

into folds; pucker: to purse one's

Verb.

purse (purs) twun, plural purses; verb, pursed, pursing.

pursue

—

put

To

chase with the intention of capturing: They pursued their runaway dog. 2. To follow; engage in: She pursued a business 1.

career after college. pur sue (par su') verb, pursued, pursuing. I

pursuit

—

1.

The

The

a net

in pursuit

enjoyable weekend pursuit. pur|suit (par sut') noun, plural pursuits.

1.

To

place or cause to be in a specific

the milk in the refrigerator.

2.

To

say:

He was

asked to put his feelings into words. put (poot) verb, put, putting.

putt act of following in order to

girl ran with

of the butterfly. 2. An activity that one engages in as an occupation or for pleasure: Boating is an catch:

—

location, condition, or position; set: Please put

in

—

In golf, to use a gentle stroke with a club

order to

hit a ball into a

nearby hole:

/ putted

to the left of the hole. Verb.

—

The golf stroke made in such a way: It was her best putt of the day. Noun. putt (put) verb, putted, putting; noun, plural putts.

583

584

putty

•

python

—

A patching material similar to soft clay, used to seal cracks in wood and to hold panes of

putty

pyramid

put|ty (put'e) noun, plural putties.

—A

situation, task, or

game

that is

hard to

figure out: a crossword puzzle; the puzzle of the missing

—

1.

To

puppy ended up

in the attic.

how

Noun.

new employee.

2.

To

try

very hard to understand something that is confusing: The tourist puzzled over the foreign signs. Verb.

puzjzle (puz'sl) n(nin. plural puzzles; verb. puzzled, puzzling. • Synonyms: baffle, perplex, for verb 1. Antonyms: enlighten, illuminate, for verb

pygmy — 1. A

a

at

are usually less than 5 feet (1.5

tall.

tiny person, animal, or thing.

Pygmy: A member of an African

tribe

of

1.

—

1.

A

plural pygmies.

solid object having a flat base

and three or more triangular sides

meet like

confuse; bewilder: The machine's

instructions puzzled the

2.

who

meters)

pyg|my (pig'me) noun,

glass.

puzzle

people

at

a point at the top.

2.

A

that slope

and

tomb shaped

such an object and built by the ancient

Egyptians for their kings and queens. pyr|a|mid (per' a mid) noun, plural pyramids.

Q • quake About 5.000 years ago. the ancient Egyptians used a symbol of a monkey. People in the Middle East used the same symbol. They called it qoph, their word for

"ape" or "monkey,"

About 3.500 years ago, other people in the Middle East used a symbol of a knotted cord.

About 1,900 years ago. the Romans gave the capital Q its The small letter q was first used about 1,500 years ago. It reached its present form about 500 years ago. present form.

Q

—

or q The 17th letter of the alphabet: There is one q in "question." Q, q (kyu) noun, plural Q's or Qs, q's or qs. • Other words that sound the same are cue and queue.

— The abbreviation quart. quack — The sound made by duck. Noun. — To make such sound. Verb. qt.

Plural, qt. or

for

qts.

a

About 2.800 years ago, the Greeks gave the letter this form. They called it koppa.

quadruplet— One

of four children

same quad|ru|plet (kwahd'ra same mother

at the

bom

to the

time. plit

or

kwahd

ru'plit)

noun, plural quadruplets.

quail

—A

bird with

brown or gray

spotted with white.

It is

a

feathers usually

member

of the chicken

family.

quail (kwal) noun, plural quails or quail.

a

quack (kwak) noun, plural quacks;

verb.

quacked, quacking.

quadrilateral

— A shape with

four sides and four

angles, such as a square or diamond.

quad|ri|lat|er|al (kwahd'rs iat'ar

si)

noun.

plural quadrilaterals.

rectangle

quail

quaint

— Odd

in

appearance or old-fashioned in a

pleasant or amusing way: The clothes

my

great-grandmother wore seem so quaint to me. quaint (kwant) adjective, quainter, quaintest. quadrilateral

quadruped

quake

— An animal having

four feet.

Horses, rabbits, and bears are quadrupeds.

quad|ru|ped (kwahd'rs ped) noun, plural quadrupeds.

— To shudder or

tremble: She quaked with

excitement as she boarded the airplane for the first time. Verb.

— A shuddering

quake (kwak) plural quakes.

or trembling. Noun.

verb,

quaked, quaking; noun.

585

586

Quaker

•

quarter

—

A person who belongs to the Christian church officially called the Society of Friends. Quakers are against war and follow plain and

Quaker

simple ways in both their daily lives and their religious services.

Quak|er (kwa'ksr) noun, plural Quakers.

—

qualification 1. Something that makes someone or something able to do a certain job or other undertaking: Patience and wisdom are two qualifications for a teacher. limits; a restriction: /

doubts or qualifications. qual i fi ca tion (kwahl'a I

I

I

2.

Something

that

recommend her without any

I

fa

ka'shan) noun,

plural qualifications.

qualify

—

l.

To make capable

or

fit

for something:

His skill with his hands and knowledge of machines qualified him to be a mechanic. 2. To change slightly; limit: My enjoyment of the music was qualified by the fact that it was played too loudly.

qualjijfy (kwahl'a

verb, qualified,

f!')

qualifying.

quality makes

—

1.

A

feature or characteristic that

what it is: her qualities of honesty and kindness make her a good friend. 2. Level of excellence: The high quality a person or thing

of his school work was rewarded with good grades. qual|i|*y (kwahl'a

qualm — 1. A

te)

noun, plural qualities.

sudden feeling of fear or uneasiness: The boy had qualms about jumping into the deep, cold water.

2.

A

feeling that

something is not right, or that one is doing something bad or wrong: He had qualms about picking the apples, though his friend said that they did not belong to anyone. qualm (kwahm) noun, plural qualms.

quantity

—

something:

cmd

An amount or number of We put a small quantity of pebbles

1.

shells at the

large

bottom of the fish bowl.

2.

such a quantity of toys on the floor that there was barely space to walk. quan|ti|ty (kwahn'ts te) noun, plural quantities.

quarantine

— To keep

from others so as

a

at

A

amount or number of something: There was

a person or thing apart

to prevent a disease

from

quarterback section or district of a city or town.

A

room We had

6. quarters:

questionnaire

•

A woman who rules a country. 3. A woman or thing that

1.

wife of a king.

very pleasant quarters in the hotel.

especially attractive or important: That sparkling

new plane

quartered the big sandwich so that

and

could share

1

it.

my

is queen of the sky. 4. female ant, bee, wasp, or termite.

We

cut or divide into four equal parts:

friends

The

2.

or larger area in which to live or stay:

Noun.

— To

queen —

three

—A

who

queer

ball to another player.

good

at

running very

Different from what

quench— 1. To quenched her

strong horse used by cattle

ranchers, polo players, and horseback riders. especially

It

put out a is

fast for short

distances.

—A

—

—

We pay

quarterly. Adverb.

quarjter

—

ly

(kwawr'tsr

le)

To ask

questions

of:

We

queried the store

the price of the skateboard.

explanation of Verb.

the dentist

adjective: adverb.

To

quenched, quenching.

verb,

voice doubt about: Mother queried

three

2.

The lawyer put the same each of the three witnesses. Noun.

owner about

1.

a quart of milk.

question:

quarter horses.

months. Adjective. Every three months:

skates

put an end to; satisfy: She

thirst with

quench (kwench)

query

query to

— Done or occurring every

expected; odd: The

is

saw was a pair of ice

fire.

quarjter horse (kwawr' tar hawrs) noun, plural

quarterly

chess

on the beach. queer (kwer) adjective, queerer, queerest. • Synonyms: peculiar, strange, weird

runs the

quarjter {back (kwawr'tar bak') noun, plural quarterbacks.

—A

—

queerest thing I ever

offense and usually either hands or throws the

quarter horse

A

queen (kwen) noun, plural queens.

Verb.

football player

egg-laying

5.

piece.

quarjter (kwawr'tar) noun, plural quarters; verb, quartered, quartering.

quarterback

An

is

how

2.

To

my

the cookies disappeared.

quejry (kwer'e) noun, plural queries; verb, queried, querying.

I

quartet

A

group of four people, often who perform together. piece of music written for four singers or 1.

singers or musicians, 2.

A

musicians.

— A hard mineral found

kinds of rocks.

It is

sand and

in

many

often clear and colorless but

— A heavenly body, very

space, that

is

like a star but

far

much

away

larger

in

outer

and

brighter.

quajsar (kwa'sahr or kwa'zahr) noun, plural

—A

The campers

—

Something that is asked in order to The store owner answered my questions about the fish. 2. A subject to be discussed: the question of where to go during vacation. 3. Doubt: There is some question as to whether it will be warm enough to go swimming tomorrow. To ask something of; inquire: / questioned my friend about our homework. Verb. quesjtion (kwes'chan) noun, plural questions; 1.

—

verb, questioned, questioning.

quasars.

quay

to find something:

quest of firewood. quest (kwest) noun, plural quests. in

learn something:

can also be very colorful. quartz (kwawrts) noun.

quasar

— A search

went

question

quarjtet (kwawr tet') noun, plural quartets.

quartz

quest

place for ships to land and to load or

unload, usually

made of

quay (ke) noun, plural quays. • A word that sounds the same

beside the question; Not having to do with the subject:

stone.

His answer was beside the question.

out of the question: Not is

key.

to

possible: Sailing our boat

be thought of as

was out of

the

question on such a stormy day. gallon

quart

without question: Without any doubt: He is without question the best player on the team.

question

mark — The

looks like this ? and

is

punctuation mark that put

at

the

end of a

question.

quesjtion

mark (kwes'chan mahrk)

noun,

plural question marks.

—

questionnaire A set of questions used to find out how certain people feel: The customers were quart (definition

1)

587

quetzal

•

quintet

given questionnaires the

new

iliat

asked how they liked

ques tion naire (kwes'cha nar') noun, pliind I

I

questionnaires.

—

A bird with green and red feathers found in Central and South America. quet|zal (ket sahl') noun, plural quetzals.

quetzal

quetzal

queue

—A We

line, usually

of people, waiting their

queue in the lunch room. queue (kyQ) noun, plural queues. • Other words that sound the same are cue and Q. turn;

stood

— To

quibble

in the

get

away from the main point of an meaning of words or

issue by playing with the

arguing over unimportant details: They quibbled over where they should park the car instead of deciding who would drive. quib|bie (kwib'al) verb, quibbled, quibbling.

quick

—

1. Very fast; swift; The child's quick movements frightened the birds away.

Learning or reacting rapidly and with ease; a in mathematics. quick (kwik) adjective, quicker, quickest. 2.

quick student •

Synonyms; abrupt, hasty, sudden, Antonyms; gradual, slow, for 1.

a at

Word

History

store.

for

1.

Quick comes from an old English word meaning "living." The word was first used to refer to anything that was alive, but it came to mean anything that acts object that

moves

in a lively

manner, such as an

swiftly or rapidly.

quintuplet quintuplet

— One of

same time

at the

who were

five people

to the

born

same mother. ikikii.

plural quintuplets.

— A funny or

quips kept

tlic

clever remark: The coinaliaii'

audience laughing. Noun.

— To say something clever or funny.

Verb.

quip (kwip) noun, plural quips; verb, quipped, quipping.

quirt

— A short-handled

leather end. used to

riding

make

whip with a twisted

a horse run faster.

quirt (kwurt) noun, plural quirts.

quit

— l.To

stop: give up:

When

the skater fell.

she did not quit, but went on to finish her

performance. uncle

quitting

is

To

away from: Her /;/.v job and starting his own

2.

— Words

they were

quinjtu|plet (kwin tu'plit or kwin tu'pliti

quip

quotation

depart: get

first

•

quotient

that are repeated exactly as

said or written:

.speech with a quotation

/)•(«>(

He

started his

his favorite hook.

quo|ta|tion (kwo ta'shon) noun, plural quotations.

mark— A

quotation

punctuation mark that

looks like this ""or this"" and

where

is

used to show

and where it ends: The "Today we will have a fire

a quotation begins

principal

.said.

drill."

quo|ta|tion

mark (kwo

plural quotation

quote

— To

or written;

ta'shan

nvdhrk) iu>un.

marks.

repeat words exactly as they were said /

quoted

my favorite

— A repeating of words exactly

author. Verb. as they

were

business.

quote (kwdt) verb, quoted, quoting; noun.

quit (kwit) verb, quit or quitted, quitting.

plural quotes.

•

Synonyms: cease,

quite

—

halt, for

quotient

1.

has not been quite one hour yet, so we will wait here for five more minutes. 2. Really; surely: There's been quite a change in your behavior. Completely;

1.

fully: It

The

— To

gives the quotient of

my

arms.

quiv|er (kwiv'ar) verb, quivered, quivering.

quiver'

—A

carrying case for arrows.

quivjer (kwiv'ar) noun, plural quivers.

quiz

—A

spoken or written test. Noun. test: She was glad she had read the chapter because the teacher quizzed them on it. 2. To ask questions in order to

—

1.

To

brief

give a brief

gather information: He quizzed the children about the broken window. Verb. quiz fkwiz) n;paper rates 3.

A 1.

another amount: 2.

The

may go up

level or quality: class: His effort

was only second

—

to

of $500 a week.

To

mv dog

rate.

think of:

/ rate

you

soon.

on the job

Noun.

give a value or rank

as the best

cost of

in the

to he

to:

show.

my

The judges rated 2.

To

consider:

best friend. Verb.

noun, plural rates; verb, rated, rating. No matter what happens; in any case: We may not he able to be at the gatne. but at any rate, we'll be cheering for you.

rate at

(rat)

any

rate:

• Synonyms; appraise, assess, estimate,

evaluate, judge, for verb

—

1.

We would go camping than stay home. 2. Instead of; not: You, rather than your friends, should decide which sports to play. 3. More exactly: He is

rather

1.

More

willingly; preferably:

rather

nearlv twelve years old, or rather, eleven years and ten months old. 4. Somewhat: more than just a

little:

The

hill is rather steep.

rathler (rath'sr or rahth'sr) adverb.

a at

raven rave (rav) verb, raved, raving; noun, plural raves.

raven

— A black

bird that

is

similar to but larger

than a crow and that has a hoarse cry. Noun. ra|ven (ra'van) noun, plural ravens.

•

re-

made the weather too raw for us to go walking. raw (raw) adjective, rawer, rawest. rawhide The skin of animals, usually cattle. that has not been made into leather: a jacket made of rawhide raw hide (raw 'hid') noun, plural rawhides. ray 1. A beam of light, heat, or other energy:

—

I

—

the rays

from

the

X

moon;

rays.

2.

A

line, petal,

or similar part extending from a center: the rays

of a daisy: rays of frost on a window. 3. A small amount, just enough to mention: a ray of brightness: a ray of happiness. ray

(ra)

noun, plural rays.

— A type of

ray

broad ray

fins,

(ra)

and

fish with a flat

a thin

body, large,

tail.

noun, plural rays.

—

Extremely hungry: The runners were ravenous after a day of constant exercise. rav|en|ous (rav 'a nas) adjective.

ravenous

—

A narrow, deep valley carved out by water that has flowed through an area for a long

ravine time.

ra|vine (ra ven') lunin. plural ravines.

raw — 1.

raw vegetables: raw unchanged condition; not processed: The raw sugar was sent to the factory. 3. Not experienced or trained; The raw bus driver needed some practice to get used to her route. 4. Sore from having some skin scraped off: Her elbow was raw from her fall from her bicycle. 5. Damp and chilly; The wet snow and strong wind

meat.

Uncooked:

/rfi/;.

ray

2. In a natural,

rayon

— Cloth

or fiber that

from a substance found

is

chemically made

and that is used and other fabrics.

in plants

as a substitute for cotton, silk,

ray on (ra'on) noun. I

razor

— An instrument with

a sharp blade that

is

used to shave and cut hair. ra|zor (ra'zar) noun, plural razors.

— The abbreviation — The abbreviation person's R.D. — The abbreviation

for road, rod, or rods.

rd.

Rd.

for

Road,

as used in a

address.

A

re

glass

for

Rural Delivery.

"

prefix that is

one

means "again."

A

refilled

that is filled again.

Word Power meanings of many words you add the meaning of the meaning of the rest of the word.

You can understand that

begin with

the prefix to

the

re-, if

rebuild: to build again

reoccur: to occur again

rattlesnake

597

598

reach

reality

•

—

To come to; go as far as: to reach the end of our vacation: to reach the end of the road. 2. To stretch out: The ocean reaches as far as the eye can see. 3. To get to: The newspaper

reach

1.

reaches thousands of people each day. 4. To make contact with: Sending a letter is the best way to reach me. 5. To make an effort to touch or get something: to reach /or the window shade; to reach into the drawer for a pair of socks.

Verb.

—

An

1.

good

distance to

can unlock the window. 2. The which someone or something can /

The basketball player had a long reach.

stretch: 3.

With a

effort to touch or get something:

reach.

limit of a person's abihty to understand or

The

do something: The meaning of beyond my reach. Noun.

that

word

is

reach (rech) verb, reached, reaching; noun. plural reaches.

react

— To do something because of something

else that has

happened: respond:

We

reacted with

shouting and jumping when our team won. re|act (re akt') verb, reacted, reacting.

reaction

— An

action that occurs because of

something else

was

happened: response: What when you yelled "Surprise!"

that has

his reaction

'.'

re|ac|tion (re ak'shan) noun, plural reactions.

—

A large machine that is used to produce energy by splitting atoms in a controlled manner: a nuclear reactor. re|ac|tor (re ak'tar) noun, plural reactors.

reactor

—

l. To see what is written and understand it: you like to read the newspaper? 2. To learn from something that is written; We read about the history of our country. 3. To say out loud the words of something that is written: On Sundays. 4. To show by I read the comics to my sister. numbers or letters: The clock reads 10 a.m. 5. To understand a hidden or unspoken meaning: Although she smiled. I could read the sadness in

read

Do

her eyes.

read (red) verb, read (red), reading. • A word that sounds the same is reed.

reader

—

1.

Someone who

reads.

2.

A

book

that

teaches reading skills, usually through stories and practice exercises.

readier (re'dar) noun, plural readers.

a

at

realize realize —

achieve; make come true: She dream of becoming a champion 2. To become completely aware of; skater. understand fully: The student realized his mistake after he handed in the test.

To

l.

realized her

re|al|ize (re's liz') verb, realized, realizing.

—

l.

Actually; in truth: She seems proud,

is

really shy.

/ really

have had enough of this argument.

2. Truly;

without a doubt:

realm

—

l.

A

A

royal land; kingdom; Everyone in

field of activity or interest: the

realm of

l.

To

cut

down

crops.

2.

To

gather the

crops that have been cut down: After the farmers reap the fields, they store the har\'est for winter. 3. To get as the result of some action or as a

reward; earn: to reap interest on a savings

account; to reap the joys of friendship. reap (rep) verb, reaped, reaping.

reaper

— A person or machine

noun, plural

A

1.

cause or an explanation for

The

2.

is

his reason for not liking the

ability to think, understand,

and

you use your reason, you will solve your problems sooner than by getting upset about them. 3. Good sense: Mother expects us decisions: If

reason and stay inside to play when

—

it

Noun.

To A

way that is clear and makes must be able to reason. 2. To convince someone by using facts and good sense: / reasoned with my mother and she let me take 1.

think in a scientist

tennis lessons. Verb.

realm (relm) noun, plural realms.

—

movie?

sense:

sports: the realm of computers.

reap

—

something: What

rains.

the realm rejoiced at the prince's marriage. 2.

reason

to listen to

re|al|ly (re'a le or re'le) adverb.

al)

rebellion

rear admirals.

make

but she

really

rear ad|mir|al (rer ad 'mar

•

that cuts

down

or

rea|son (re'zan) noun, plural reasons; verb, reasoned, reasoning.

reasonable

—

Using or showing good is so angry, he is not being reasonable. 2. Fair; not too much: Her request for a new notebook is reasonable. 3. Not costing too much money: a reasonable pair of l.

judgment: Because he

shoes; a reasonable watch.

rea son a ble (re'za na bai) adjective.

gathers crops.

I

I

•

reap|er (re 'par) noun, plural reapers.

I

Synonyms: rational, sensible, for 1. Antonyms: For 1, see Synonyms at absurd.

—

reasoning

1.

The process of making decisions

and judgments by thinking clearly and logically: // took a lot of reasoning to do well on the test. 2. The arguments and evidence used to make a point: Her reasoning doesn't convince me to vote for that candidate. rea|son|ing (re'za ning) noun.

— A person who chooses

go against The rebels were not afraid to fight for their freedom. Noun. 1. To go against authority, especially of one's government: The people rebelled when the mayor wanted to turn the park into a shopping center.

rebel

authority instead of obeying

to

it:

—

To show or feel strong dislike or unwillingness; away or refuse stubbornly: The horse rebelled when we tried to get him into the barn. 2.

reaper .1

rear'

turn

— The back or hind

part: the rear

theater; the rear of the line.

— Located

at

of a

Noun.

window. Adjective.

rear

rear (rer) noun, plural rears; adjective.

rear^

—

1.

To

bring up; take care of during the

early years of growth:

children.

2.

To

zebra reared at

My

aunt reared three

up on the hind legs: The the sound of thunder. rise

rear (rer) verb, reared, rearing.

rear admiral rank

is

— An

officer in the

navy whose

higher than captain and lower than

vice-admiral.

Verb. reb|el (reb'al for noun;

or in the back of something; the

ri

bel' for verb) noun,

plural rebels; verb, rebelled, rebelling.

—

1. An armed battle against a person's own government: Many countries face rebellions from citizens who don't have the rights they feel

rebellion

they deserve.

2.

A

strong fight against or

power or authority with which person does not agree: The angry teen-ager shouted in rebellion against his parents and

resistance to any

refused to

mow

re|bel|lion

(ri

the lawn.

bel'yan) noun, plural rebellions.

a

599

600

rebound

recession

•

—

To bounce back; spring back: The rebounded //w?7 the wall. 2. To come back; recover; Our vegetable garden rebounded well from the heat when we watered it. Verb. 1. The act of bouncing or springing back: She threw the ball against the steps and caught it on the rebound. 2. A basketball that bounces off

rebound

1.

ball

—

the backboard or rim of the basket after a player

has missed a shot at the basket: The player grabbed the rebound and passed the ball to his teammate. Noun. re bound (ri bound' for verb: re 'bound' for noun) verb, rebounded, rebounding; noun, I

plural rebounds.

rebus

— A combination of

pictures used in place of

"U 2"

something.

is

letters,

words

numbers, and

to write

a rebus for

"you too."

bus (re'bas) noun, plural rebuses.

re I

rebus recall

—

recall

l.

To

where

think back; remember: / cannot

my

I left

gloves.

2.

To

take back;

ask to return: The toy company recalled the model trains because they had dangerously sharp edges. Verb.

— The

back or asking to return: of all toasters made by the company that year because the wiring was bad. act of taking

There was a

recall

Noun. rejcall

(ri

kawl'

for verb: re'kawl' for

noun)

verb, recalled, recalling; noun, plural recalls.

—

To go back from a certain point; move away: The water recedes from the shore at low

recede tide.

relcede

a

at

(ri

sed') verb, receded, receding.

recipe

—

recipe

Instructions for preparing something to

—

recitation

re coil

flinch, wince, for

noun, plural recitals.

— A spoken

recommend — l.To

recitations.

ne.xt

To

say from memory: to recite the

multiplication tables.

2.

To

recited her experiences as re|cite

•

about: She

a mountain climber.

Synonyms: narrate,

trouble or danger;

careless: // is reckless not to

while riding

in

wear a seat

belt

—

1.

To

up; figure:

were five dollars

that there 2.

To count

feel or

suppose:

/

in

She reckoned

her jar of coins.

reckon that

it is

time to

go home now. reck|on (rek'an) verb, reckoned, reckoning.

—

He

To lie down or lean back: recline on the grass to watch the clouds go re|cline

(ri

cool

off.

To

2.

recommends

that

we

advise a

that I get braces

om mend (rek'a mend') verb. recommended, recommending. I

I

record —

1.

To

put

down

in writing:

Please record

names of the students who are absent

time.

To show; indicate: A To put music, words,

2. 3.

sounds on a disk or tape that

Dad

is

clock records the pictures, or

especially

made

recorded the whole family

singing Christmas carols. Verb.

reckjless (rek'lis) adjective.

reckon

dentist

for that purpose:

a car.

to

year.

today.

relate, for 2.

— Not avoiding

Our

suggest favorably; speak or

Mother recommended

rec

the

sit') verb, recited, reciting.

(ri

reckless

tell

go swimming

person:

I

l.

recollect

recollecting.

telling of facts or of a

all

—

1.

—

recollect To remember: He couldn't where he had seen the book.

performance: the recitation of a poem. rec i ta tion (res 'a ta'shan) noun, plural

recite

jerk

koil') verb, recoiled, recoiling.

(ri

Synonyms:

write in praise of:

I

fear: to

I

•

story, often as part of a lesson or public

I

quickly out of

rec|ol|lect (rek'a lekt') verb, recollected,

for their parents. sit'sl)

recording

recoil

1. A spoken telling of facts or of a story; recital The scientist gave a recital of what is known about African gorillas. 2. A musical or dance performance: The ballet students gave a recital

(ri

To move back

1.

•

from a large spider. 2. To spring or back: The rifle recoiled when it was fired.

/or cake. rec|i|pe (res 'a pe) noun, plural recipes.

eat or drinic: a recipe

re|cit|al

recoil —

—

1. Anything that is put down in writing: A calendar is a record of the days of the year. 2. A special disk that is used to copy and save music, words, or other sounds for listening to

later:

A

3.

reclined

hy.

kiln') verb, reclined, reclining.

—

recognition 1. The act of realizing that someone or something is already known: The child smiled in recognition when he heard his

He

bought a record of marching songs.

collection of facts about

someone or

something: a record of this winter's snowfall: a record of the child's marks in social studies. 4. The best or most that has ever been seen,

done, or made: Our class holds the school record for collecting the most contributions. Noun. re cord (ri kawrd' for verb: rek'ard for noun) verb, recorded, recording; noun, plural records. I

grandmother' s voice on the phone. 2. Praise; attention: The artist gained recognition /«/• her paintings of jungle animals. 3. An acceptance of the truth or value of something: She finally came to a recognition that she had lost her chance. ni tion (rek'ag nish'an) noun.

og

rec I

I

recognize

— I

To

something or recognized his uncle in the crowd. 2. To notice and appreciate: Her math teacher recognized the girl's ability to write computer programs. 3. To accept the truth or value of something: The sales clerk recognized the justice of the customer's cotnplaint about the

someone

is

1.

realize that

already known:

He

recorder

—

1.

A

machine

that copies

and saves

music, words, pictures, or sounds: a tape recorder; a video recorder. 2. A musical instrument that looks like a flute. It is played by blowing through a mouthpiece that looks like a whistle and covering or uncovering finger holes. re|cord|er (ri kawr'dar) noun, plural recorders.

tear in the dress.

rec|og|nize (rek'ag niz') verb, recognized, recognizing. •

Synonyms: distinguish,

identify, for

1.

recorder (definition 2)

recording

— A disk or

tape on which sounds,

usually music or talking, or pictures have been

6oi

602

recover

•

reduction

mechanically stored for future playing: The music teacher made a recording of the school chorus. re|cord|ing (ri kawr'ding) noun, phiral

—

get something back again: to

recover a lost dog.

and had

To make up

2.

She woke

for:

her bicycle to school instead of walking to recover lost time. 3. To get well; feel better: He is recovering /row a bad

up

late

to ride

case of poison ivy. re|cov|er (ri kuv'ar) verb, recovered,

that a person

my

kite

does for for

I

/rom her

(ri

kyu'pa

or

rat'

ri

ku'pa

rat')

I

recur

— To happen

again:

The Olympic Games

recur every four years.

re|cur

recycle

kur') verb, recurred, recurring.

(ri

— To change

or treat waste material so

can be used again:

it

red

—

2.

A

We

take our old

to a plant to be recycled.

is

beautiful.

The color of blood or of

1.

I

recreations.

a

male cardinal.

thing having this color: The red of the sunset

— Having

rec re a tion (rek're a'shan) noun, plural •

cu per ate

newspapers

recreation. I

sister recuperated

re|cy|cle (re si'ksl) verb, recycled, recycling.

— Something

relaxation or enjoyment: I fly

I

My

time to go to the party.

in

verb, recuperated, recuperating.

that

recovering.

recreation

cold I

To

l.

get back one's health or

strength; recover:

re

recordings.

recover

recuperate— To

Noun.

this color: red lips; red hair.

Adjective.

Synonyms: entertainment, game, pastime,

red (red) noun, plural reds; adjective, redder,

play, sport

reddest.

Antonyms: chore, duty, task, work

children's lemonade stand

—

people are cruel

redbud

Verb. re|cruit

(ri

krut') noun, plural recruits; verb,

recruited, recruiting.

rectangle

—A

angles. If

rectangle

all is

Owing money;

losing money: The was in the red because they had spent more to make the lemonade than they got from selling it. see red: To get very angry: / see red when in the red:

—

recruit A new member of a group, especially the armed forces: The sergeant made the army recruits work hard during training. To find new members for a group or activity: Dad recruited us to shovel snow off the driveway.

—A

to

tree or

pink flowers

animals.

bush

that has

many

in the early spring that

small,

bloom

before the leaves appear.

four-sided shape that has four right

four sides are of equal length, the

usually called a square.

red bud (red 'bud') noun, plural redbuds. I

redcoat

—A

British soldier in the 1700's.

red coat (red'kof) noun, plural redcoats. I

rec|tan|gle (rek' tang 'gal) noun, plural

—

red-handed

rectangles.

In the act of

doing something

me red-handed

wrong: Mother caught

eating the

cookies just before supper.

red handled (red'han'did) adverb. I

red-headed

—

Having red hair, fur, or feathers on the head: a red-headed boy: a red-headed woodpecker red head ed (red'hed'id) adjective. I

reduce rectangle

rectum

— The end of

the alimentary canal,

from

which wastes pass out of the body. rec|tum (rek'tsm) noun, plural rectums. • See picture at alimentary canal.

a

at

1

if

a ape

I

idle

ah calm

aw all e end e easy

o odd o oats oi oil

oo look ch chalk ou out ng sing u ugly

sh ship

u

th think

rule

ur turn

th their

zh treasure

ago happen

in in

i

in capital in

occur

in

upon

make

less or smaller:

my allowance for a week

window

I

to

pay for

Dad the

broke.

re|duce (ri dus' or reducing. •

e

or

reduced

ri

dyus') verb, reduced,

Synonyms: decrease, diminish, dwindle

reduction

a

o u

I

— To become

—

1.

The

act or process of

making

something less or smaller: The reduction in temperature caused the pond to freeze. 2. The amount by which a thing is made less or smaller: During the sale, there was a price reduction of $30 on all bicycles. re due tion (ri duk'shsn) noun, plural I

I

reductions. • Synonyms: deduction, discount, for 2.

red-winged blackbird red-winged blackbird

— A North American

black bird. Males have a red spot near the

amusement park

reflect

•

reeled past her as she rode the

roller coaster.

shoulder on each wing.

reel (rel) verb, reeled, reeling.

red winged black bird (red'wingd' blak'burd') noun, plural red- winged blackbirds.

•

|

A word that sounds the same is real. Synonyms: stagger, sway, teeter, waver,

I

•

for 1.

refer

—

to the

1. To call attention to: The teacher referred map when he taught geography. 2. To

apply

to:

sheep.

The word "ewe"

To

3.

female

refers to a

turn to for information or help;

consult: She referred to the table of contents to jind the chapter on dolphins. 4. To show a way to get help or information: The lady referred us to the police officer for directions to the amusement park.

re|fer

fur') verb, referred, referring.

(ri

— A person responsible

referee game or

red-winged blackbird

— A very

redwood

tall

that has reddish

among

evergreen tree that grows

brown wood. Redwoods

are

the world's tallest and oldest trees, living

sometimes

wood

red

for thousands of years.

— To watch

reed

—

A

l.

also called a sequoia.

type of

tall

stems made up of sections that are joined Reeds grow in wet places such as

together.

2.

A

thin, flexible piece

of wood, plastic, metal, or the like that vibrates

and makes sound instrument

when

in the

air

mouthpiece of a musical

passes over

it.

3.

A

musical

instrument with this type of mouthpiece, such as a clarinet.

reed (red) noun, plural reeds.

A

•

word

that

— A narrow

reef

sounds the same strip

is

read.

refereed our soccer

—

reel Something shaped like a spool or a wheel, around which rope. film. wire, fishing line, or the like can be wound and unwound. Noun. 1. To wind on such a spool or wheel: lo reel a garden hose. 2. To pull in or toward oneself by winding a line on such a spool or wheel: lo reel

—

reel

—

1.

that

sounds the same

person or thing that one looks to for facts or advice: He used a biography of the President as a reference /or his social studies report. 3. A statement about a person's behavior or work

someone who knows

habits written by

that

person well: The store owner asked for two references when the boy applied for a job. ref|er|ence (ref'ar ans) twun. plural references.

— To make from

pistol

full

He

again:

refilled his

water

the hose. Verb.

— Something

to

make

a container full again:

She

refill.

Noun. noun) verb.

re|fill (re fil' for verb: re'fil' for

refilled, refilling;

refine

noun, plural

— To remove matter

needed; purify:

A

(ri

refills.

that is not

special process

refine sugar, causing

To move

refinery is

real.

it

to

is

become

wanted or used to

white.

fin') verb, refined, refining.

slowly back and forth while

He

reeled after he ran Into the tree branch.

2.

to turn

—A

place where foods or other

substances in their natural state, such as sugar or

standing or walking; lose one's balance:

seem

—

I

reel (rel) noun, plural reels.

word

Dad

Verb.

.

1. A calling of attention; mention: In her talk about the human body, the doctor made a reference to a chart of the skeleton. 2. A

re fine

a fish.

A

game

finished her milk shake and asked for a

reef (ref ) noun, plural reefs.

•

make

refereed, refereeing.

refill

of rock, sand, or coral that

rises to or near the surface of the ocean.

in

game. Noun. or sport carefully to

sure that the players are following the rules:

reference

grass with straight, hollow

swamps and marshes.

game

a

ref|er|ee (ref'a re') noun, plural referees; verb,

(red 'wood') noun, plural redwoods. is

watching a

is

it

referee of the hockey

I

• This tree

for

being played to make sure that the players are following the rules: the

along the northwest coast of the United States

and

sport while

around and around; whirl: The

To

petroleum, are

made pure

re|fin|er|y

fi'nar e) noun, plural refineries.

reflect

moon

—

1.

(ri

or processed for use.

To send back from

a surface:

reflects the light of the sun.

2.

To

The give

back a picture or likeness: The pond reflected the

60.3

604

reflection

refuse"

•

clouds that floated overhead.

3.

To

think

She reflected on what she would

carefully;

like to

be when she grew up. 4. To show as a cause; be the result of; His good grades reflect his hard work. re|flect

(ri

flekt') verb, reflected, reflecting.

—

1. Something that is turned back reflection from a surface; the reflection of the sunlight on

the ocean.

2.

A

picture or likeness; the

reflection of her face in the mirror.

thought;

On

3.

Careful

reflection, she decided that she

would prefer to be a science editor and changed her job. 4. Something that is a result of something else; His skill in .swi?nming is the reflection of long hours of practice. re flee tion

(

|

ri

flek ' shan ) noun plural reflections. .

I

reflection (definition 2)

reflector

—A

piece of metal, glass, or plastic

designed to send back

The plastic

reflectors

re flee tor

(ri

light in a certain direction;

placed on bicycles help make sure that the bikes can be seen at night. flek 'tar) noun, plural reflectors.

I

I

reflex

— An automatic

reaction of the

body

that a

person cannot control. Sneezing, shivering, and

hiccuping are some kinds of reflexes. re flex (re'fleks) noun, plural reflexes. I

reform

— To change

receiving a to

for the better; improve; After

poor report card,

the girl

re|forni

(ri

fawrm')

—

verb, refc.med, reforming.

reformatory A special prison who have broken the law.

a ai

promised

reform her study habits.

for

young people

regain

—

To receive or get back something that had been gone for a time; recover: With exercise, he regained strength hi the leg that had been broken re|gain (ri gan') verb, regained, regaining.

regain

regal

— Like

or suitable tor a king or queen; royal: a regal nical mi Thanksgiving.

We had regard

—

To

1.

as a friend.

think of; consider:

To

2.

look

He

at closely;

regarded

nw

watch: The

cat regarded the fish in the bowl. Verb.

—

Thoughtfulness; careful consideration:

1.

rehearse

—

regret To be sorry or sad: She regretted that summer vacation was almost over. Verb. The disappointment or sadness one feels about a past matter or loss of someone or something: His one regret //( high school was that he had not played in the band. Noun.

—

re|gret

gret') verb, regretted, regretting;

(ri

noun, plural regrets.

re gal (re 'gal) adjcciive. I

•

He

is

—

regular 1. Following a pattern set by rule or by the way something has been done in the past; normal: Our regular classes will not be held on the day of the field trip. 2. Done over and over

who always has regard for other people's feelings. 2. Good opinion; respect: A good teacher has high regard /or students.

at the same time: He has a regular morning paper route. 3. Performed frequently as a habit; steady: She believes in regular e.xercise.

3. regards: Greetings; best wishes: / hope you gave my regards to your family. Noun. re|gard (ri gahrd') verb, regarded, regarding;

•

a kind person

noun, plural regards.

regardless— No parade

of: The on Saturday, regardless of

matter what; in spite

will be held

Synonyms: common, typical Antonyms: abnormal, different, odd, uncommon, unusual

regulate

—

1. To control, manage, or run according to a set of rules: Stop lights regulate

the flow of traffic.

the weather.

re|gard|less

reg|u|lar (reg'ya br) adjective.

(ri

This

gahrd'lis) adjective.

2.

machine

little

temperature

regulation— A

— An army

unit led

by a colonel.

It

is

smaller than a brigade and larger than a battalion.

large geographic area: the arctic

regulations.

record:

To

1.

New

at the office.

enter information into a

for practicing a play, concert,

it is performed in front worried that he might forget his lines because he missed the last nvo

To show

He was

rehearsals. (ri

— To

hur'sal) noun, plural rehearsals. practice a play, concert, or other

production before list

students have to register their 2.

— A time

of an audience:

rehearse

re|gion (re'jan) iu)un. plural regions.

—

She followed the

riding her bicycle.

reg|u|la|tion (reg'ya la'shan) noun, plural

re|hearsjal

region; a mountainous region.

register

when

or other production before

reg|i|nient (rej'a mant) noun, plural regiments.

—A

verb, regulated,

lat)

rule or law:

safety regulations

rehearsal

region

water

regulating.

Regardless has been turned by some people into '"irregardless." The change does not show any difference in meaning. Careful writers and speakers do not use "irregardless."

regiment

adjust automatically:

aquarium.

in the

reg|u|late (reg'ys

Language Fact

To

will regulate the

or

names

automatically; indicate:

it

is

performed

in front

of an

audience: The school orchestra rehearsed the

music for next week's concert. re|hearse

(ri

hurs') verb, rehearsed, rehearsing.

a postal scale that registers the weight of letters: her face registering surprise when the jack-in-the-

Word

box popped up. Verb.

—

1.

A

list

or record of

names

or other

information: Visitors to the school fair signed a register before they entered.

makes

a printed

list

2.

A

machine

that

or record: a cash register.

N(nai.

History

Rehearse comes from an old French word meaning "to rake again."" Long ago, farmers had

to prepare for planting

by hand. One of the

would do was to rake the soil again and again to make it smooth and to remove things they

reg|is|ter (rej'a star) verb, registered,

rocks, stones, and other objects that might

registering; iwun, plural registers.

prevent growth. In time, rehearse

came

to

mean

going over something again and again as a way of preparing.

605

606

reign reign

relationship

•

—

The time

1.

that a king, queen,

empress,

or emperor governs a country: The emperor

began

his reign

twenry-one.

2.

when he was a young man of The act of governing a country;

The reign of the queen brought peace

to

her

country. Noun.

—

1. To have the power of a king, queen, empress, or emperor: The emperor reigned wise manner over his country. 2. To be

everywhere; be

all

around: Silence reigned

worked on

the class

the science

test.

//(

a

n7;/7