Sesquipedaedalus

Issuing Some New Changes

2012-03-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Just let me know how they go over. Thank you.

News?

2012-02-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been doing some more compiling and should be finished with a new list by April. "Ugliest Words" on its way. Also, 250,000 views. Thanks for sharing this site, everyone.

Well, I have a New Comp, Now

2011-08-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's do some important shit. Pondering making some flashcards, dumping all my wallpapers, doing more word lists, or just playing video games. Your call.

Still Waiting.

2011-06-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

My comp is still stagnating. It's been a long wait and I'm still not gleaning anything. Eh well. S'pose it can't be helped.

I'm Alive

2011-05-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm aware of my extended(and unintentional) hiatus. My comp is taking an unpaid sabbatical, to be sure. I'm using a different computer, currently, hence the lack of wallpapers. I'll be able to post again within the month(hopefully). My drecky ACER1 needs a full upgrade. I'd nab a new laptop, but I have a four year warranty.

This Is A Rather Weak Cull, But It Is Done.

2011-04-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a subjective/tentative list of my top fifty favorite pretty words, it'll be edited with info as the days pass. I pretty much just selected them in an arbitrary, callous way.

Prettiest Words, Culled

Balustrade: architectural term, series of balusters or parapet
Aestival: pertaining to, relating, designating, or of Summer
Chantpleure: to cry while singing, to cry and sing simultaneously
Silhouette: picture as an outline, often a human profile, filled in by a solid color
Taciturn: reticent, quiet, not talkative, insouciant
Celeripedean: quick-footed, swift, fast-running
Niveous: snowy or resembling snow, like, of, relating to, or made of snow
Veracity: truth, state of being true, trueness
Halcyon: legendary kingfisher, tranquil, calm, without strife, serene
Chiaroscuro: composition of strong contrasts in light and dark
Peccadillo: insignificant sin or wrongdoing, trifling fault
Novitiate: novice, the living place of a novice, the state of being a novice, neophyte
Nullibicity: state of non-existence, quality or state of being nowhere
Oeuvre: the corpus of an author, canon, or a collective symposium
Psithurisma: whisper, sound of wind through the trees, sound of wind-rustled leaves
Tessellation: tile pattern sans gaps or extraneous spaces, mathematical pattern
Videlicet: to wit, that is, namely
Sempiternal: eternal, endless, lasting forever, ceaseless
Banderilla: decorated dart that is shot into the neck of the bull during a bull fight
Lixiviation: act of separating soluble from insoluble substances via water or solvent
Sisyphean: pertaining to or involving endless labor, pertaining to Sisyphus
Cerulean: watery blue
Empyreal: related to the empyrean, celestial
Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized
Echelon: tier, level, rank in job, formation of soldiers
Coracle: small rounded boat made of waterproof material stretched over a frame
Dyslexia: disorder in which lexical figures are perceived in a chaotic order
Bijouterie: general plural of trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof
Apoplexy: stroke, impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage
Nepheliad: cloud nymph, nymph designated or of the clouds
Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes
Craquelure: fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of paintings
Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten
Cordillera: group of mountain ranges forming a mountain system of great linear extent
Sidereal: of, related, pertaining to, or determined by the stars or constellations
Nenuphar: a water lily, especially an Egyptian lotus
Leitmotif: musical passage associated to a specific situation, character, or idea
Dulcinea: sweetheart, lovely person, one whom a person loves or cares about
Tristiloquy: speech characterized by sadness or gloominess
Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils, witchcraft, sorcery, consorting with demons
Querencia: the area of the bull-ring where the bull makes its stand
Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”
Hacienda: the main building of a farm or ranch
Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped, resembling a keyhole
Aquarelle: painting done in transparent watercolors, watercolor, watercolor painting
Artemisia: type of plant, genus of aromatic shrubs or herbs
Winceyette: cotton cloth, cloth made of cotton that has a raised surface
Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water
Cascarilla: West Indian shrub with aromatic bark, typically used in incense or tonics
Embarcadero: a landing place, especially a landing place on an island waterway

I Need Some Input

2011-04-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

Y'all word-nerds need to consider if you want another list of similar "quality". Currently working on "culling" the two large lists I have down to my 50 personal favorite, upon completion, I'll discuss each word individually and extensively expatiate on the word's significance. As for potential future lists, here's the skinny on what I can likely generate within a reasonable time, factoring that it requires an immense amount of time(which I have in spades). The lists preceded by an asterisk (*) signify which ones I have either written down(dating back up to four years) or typed up(very partially). *Cutest Words, Best Slang(interesting anthropological study here), *Best Short Words(of six or less letters), *Best Long Words(11 or more words), *Funniest Words, *Ugliest Words, Strangest Words(this would be a hard one, overall), Most Difficult to Spell, Most Useful Words(basically meaning words that are highly applicable or that everyone should know), *My Favorite Words(which would be a pretentious jaunt, and difficult to ponder), Best Etymology(would take a very long time), Best Coinage(would be hard to do), Best Animal Words(meaning anything pertaining to fauna/arthropods), and Most Foreign Words(hard to compile). If anyone has any other suggestions, feel free to contribute.

Again, this is stuff that isn't really seen too much on the internet, and even then only in relatively small doses, with certain exceptions, e.g.
http://www.drbilllong.com/index.html(an interesting blog, especially of the spelling persuasion, but has erudite and thoughtful posts),
http://phrontistery.info/(a sesquipedalian sanctuary, many people are familiar with it, but this is the definitive place to investigate or cultivate a word-nerd's appetite, and will often sufficiently sate it, I should go here and filter through and find more words to add to the lists/discover, though, I have gone through most, I may not have written them down),
http://www.wordnik.com/(a user-driven word community/aggregator, which often compiles interesting, if erratic lists, I have yet to decide if I want to submit my content over there, though I should, I think),
http://freerice.com/(a fantastic cause and great time-killer, a word "quiz" which will swiftly expand your vocab with a simple, straightforward interface, if you answer five multiple choice questions in a row, you can nearly feed a person for a day),
http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-434362(a Phrontistery teacher, using the collective words from the Phrontistery and doling out flashcards to drill the words into your head, can be boring, but if you listen to some wordless music, you can compound many words into your head [I recommend you hearken this: http://youtubedoubler.com/video1=AYw7eJYadco&start1=10&video2=HMnrl0tmd3k&start2=0&authorName=rainy+mood]),
http://www.iep.utm.edu/fallacy/(in general, just some edifying stuff sprawled throughout, but the fallacy section bears special merit, as it will promote good grammar, defter and more critical thinking, and new concepts to view),
http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/dictionaries/difficultwords/(The Dictionary of Difficult Words, a name which speaks for itself, it is huge, but the layout is not entirely ideal, but I don't think I've fully traversed it, it is, nonetheless, a brilliant resource),
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/unuwords.htm( a list of unusual words, interesting if you are looking for grossly impractical words and ones of interest, though, you will look like a jackass if you try and foist them on someone you know, it is not very definitive or comprehensive, but it's a nice, edifying, and quick read), http://www.islandnet.com/~egbird/dict/dict.htm( The Grandiloquent Dictionary, pretty big, not an ideal format, but fun to read, I think I've feathered through most of it, and it is among the better resources for word-related esoterica, all-in-all, an excellent read),
http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/words.html( a relatively[I mean this loosely] mundane assortment of words found in Tolkien's oeuvre, don't be quick to write it off, as it is actually pretty interesting and well-arranged, but you can find these words with a standard word-a-day generator, e.g. Merrian-Webster, Doctor Dictionary, etc.),
http://wordsmith.org/(Speaking of word-a-day, Wordsmith is possibly the best resource to utilize, with many facets to discover and analyze, and is very good to the neglected and jilted words that often fritter away), and finally
http://www.kokogiak.com/logolepsy/(the LL, which I should also re-investigate and add new words to things/learn more, though I believe I've gone through it entirely, the Luciferous Logolepsy is akin to the Phrontistery, but both have especially rare or fascinating words).

My Favorite Numbers

2011-04-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

For all the Math Majors out there.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
23
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
34

It's also the Fibonacci sequence, too, for the purists.

Prettiest Words, Alphabetized

2011-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's yet another alphabetization. This one for Prettiest. It serves as sufficient filler, though it's mostly redundant.

Prettiest Words, Alphabetized

Abattoir: slaughterhouse
Absinthe: wormwood liquor of a bright-green color
Acciaccatura: grace note, an embellishing note usually written in smaller size
Acedia: ennui, state of torpor of listlessness, spiritual apathy
Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized
Acidulous: somewhat acidic or sour in taste or manner, somewhat sarcastic
Acolyte: ranked clergy member, assistant in liturgical rites
Acoustic: of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the science of sound
Acquiesce: to passively accept, to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
Adroit: quick or skillful or adept in action or thought
Adumbrate: to explain faintly or opaquely outline, describe
Aeipathy: continued passion, unyielding disease
Aeneous: brassy, golden-green
Aeolian: pertaining to, of, related to, caused by or like the wind or Aeolus
Aeonian: continuing forever, eternal
Aerial: of, in, or caused by the air, existing or living in the air
Aesthete: person who appreciates art or beauty
Aestival: pertaining to, relating, designating, or of Summer
Aeviternal: eternal, endless, never-ending
Afflatus: strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration, inspiration
Aileron: small moveable platforms on the back of plane wings that alter air movements
Ailurophile: cat-lover, one who loves or appreciates cats
Alabaster: dense translucent, white or tinted fine-grained gypsum
Alienate: to estrange, to cause to become unfriendly or hostile
Aliment: something that nourishes, food, to supply with sustenance or food
Allegretto: music term, moderately fast tempo
Alleviate: to allay, to lessen in pain or negative occurrence or consequence
Alloquy: speaking to another, an address
Allure: attraction, temptation, to attract with something desirable
Alluvium: unconsolidated sediments carried by water
Amaranth: deep-hued purple, flower, metaphor for immortality
Amber: light brown, light yellow
Ambience: atmosphere, a particular environment or surrounding influence, aura
Ambivalence: simultaneous, conflicted feelings towards a thing, person, etc
Ambrosia: food of the gods, something overpoweringly delicious or fragrant
Ameliorate: to make better, improve, enhance
Amelus: individual exhibiting Amelia (the congenital absence of one or more limbs)
Amethyst: deep purple, deep purple gemstone
Amnesia: partial or total loss of memory
Amphisbaena: Greek mythological being, two-headed snake, a head on each end
Amphora: ceramic, two-handled vase with a narrow neck, usually contains alcohol
Amulet: a charm against evil or impurity, often a piece of jewelry
Analemma: sundial, figure-8 indicating sun’s declination
Ancestry: the inception or origin of a phenomenon, object, idea, or style, lineage
Andante: music, moderately slow
Anemone: flowery marine creature
Antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American civil war
Anxiolytic: preventing or reducing anxiety, antianxiety medication, tranquilizer
Aperitif: alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer before a meal
Aphelion: when the orbit of earth is furthest from the sun
Aphesis: omission of sound or verbiage at the beginning of a word or phrase
Aphotic: devoid of light, especially of areas where no light naturally occurs
Apocope: omission of sound or verbiage at the end of a word or phrase
Apophenia: the perception of or belief in connectedness among unrelated phenomena
Apoplexy: stroke, impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage
Aposiopesis: abrupt stop of a thought in a sentence, as if the speaker could not continue
Apostasy: abandonment of one's religious faith, political party, one's principles, or a cause
Apostolicity: being of or contemporary with the Apostles in character
Apotheosis: deification, quintessence, exaltation to divine rank or stature
Apropos: appropriate of, appropriate
Aquarelle: painting done in transparent watercolors, watercolor, watercolor painting
Aqueous: of, relating to, or resembling water, made from, with, or by water
Aquiline: resembling an eagle’s beak, hooked like a beak
Arabesque: ballet twirl, type of artistry involving a continuous, rotating design
Aria: air or song, a melody, solo in an opera accompanied by instrumentation
Artemisia: type of plant, genus of aromatic shrubs or herbs
Ascertain: to understand specific facts, to ferret out information
Ashlar: a squared block of building stone and dressed for outward placement
Asphodel: flower of the underworld
Astral: of or pertaining to the aster, stellar, star-shaped, pertaining to the stars
Asylum: refuge, a place to restore sanity or facilitate recovery
Atelier: artist’s studio
Athanasy: quality of being deathless, immortality
Athenaeum: institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning, phrontistery
Aubade: poem or song about or evocative dawn or morning, opposite of nocturne
Auburn: moderate reddish-brown
Aura: distinctive and pervasive quality or character, air, atmosphere, emanation
Austere: severe or stern in disposition, discipline, or appearance, somber and grave
Autumnal: pertaining to, like, relating, or evocative of Autumn
Auxiliary: additional, supplementary, reserve, acting as a subsidiary
Avarice: extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Avenue: wide street or thoroughfare, roadway lined with tress
Azalea: type of plant, a common garden plant
Azoth: mythologized universal solvent, panacea
Azuline: light blue, similar to a light blue
Azure: sky-blue or a light blue
Baccalaureate: bachelor’s degree, valedictory speech
Balustrade: architectural term, series of balusters or parapet
Banderilla: decorated dart that is shot into the neck of the bull during a bull fight
Bardiglio: finely-grained, multi-gray, Italian marble
Basilica: large, public building the Romans used, usually as a courtroom or meeting hall
Bastille: imprisonment, jail, prison
Bayonet: blade adapted to fit the muzzle-end of a rifle and as a weapon in close combat
Belladonna: poisonous plant
Belle-lettres: “beautiful letters” aesthetic literature, as opposed to didactic
Bellicose: inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious
Bellwether: leader or indicator of future trends, trendsetter
Belvedere: roofed structure, on top of another building, which commands a large view
Berceuse: lullaby, song used to put someone to sleep
Bethesda: a hallowed, sanctified, or holy place, a chapel, holy ground
Bezaleel: shadow of God, God’s shadow
Bibelot: trinket, bauble, small object which is rare or valuable or beautiful, a small book
Bibliophile: someone who loves (and usually collects) books, book collector
Bijouterie: general plural of trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof
Bivouac: temporary military or squad encampment
Blaze: bright flame of fire, bright steady light or glare, hot gleam
Blellum: an idle, indiscreet talker, noisy fainéant
Bliss: joy, rapture, elation, felicity
Blithe: carefree, nonchalant, heedless, lacking concern, joyous
Blossom: billowing, period or condition of flowering or growth
Bloviate: to make pompous or arrogant discourse
Boeotian: marked by stupidity and philistinism, crudely obtuse, loutish
Borasca: squall, usually accompanied by thunder and lightning
Bordereau: a detailed note or memorandum of account
Boulevard: broad street, avenue, broad spectrum of something
Bouleversement: reversal of fortunes, overturning, tumult
Bourgeoisie: the middle class, the middle class in Communist theory
Braggadocio: arrogant person, braggart, arrogant or boastful behavior
Brecciate: to form rock into breccia(rocks made of sharp fragments set in a grainy matrix)
Breeze: gentle push of the wind
Breviloquence: speech characterized by brevity, shortness, briefness
Brevity: briefness, swiftness, evanescence
Bricolage: something made or put together using any materials that happen are available
Brio: joie de vivre, vivacity, alacrity, gusto, esprit
Burnish: to polish, the shine of a polished surface
Caballero: skilled horseman, gentleman, cavalier
Cabaret: a restaurant with live entertainment
Cadence: rhythmic flow of the sounds of language, lilt
Cadenza: musical or literary improvisation
Caesious: blue-gray
Caesura: a pause in a line of verse
Calico: coarse, brightly printed cloth, a type of pattern
Caliginous: misty, dim, obscure, dark, gloomy, tenebrous
Calliope: musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard
Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt
Callow: immature, green, lacking experience, naïve
Calypso: rare orchid, a tribal and fervid dance
Cancrizans: backwards movement, crab walking, music moving backwards
Candelabra: pl. branched candlestick with several candles
Canticle: a song, poem, or hymn, usually of a church choir
Capriccio: music, improvisation, without adherence to rules
Capriccioso: music, lively and free of restraint, restriction, or direction
Capricious: impulsive, whimsical, unpredictable
Caress: touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
Cartesian: of or relating to the philosophy of Descartes
Cascarilla: West Indian shrub with aromatic bark, typically used in incense or tonics
Catena: closely linked series, connected series of related things, especially of writing
Cathismata: pl. one of the 20 divisions in a Greek Psalter
Cavil: to object or criticize adversely for trivial reasons, flimsy objection or qualm
Cedilla: diacritic beneath word to alter pronunciation “façade”
Celadon: pale green
Celeripedean: quick-footed, swift, fast-running
Celerity: speed, alacrity, briskness
Celesta: ancient musical instrument
Celestial: heavenly, of a higher plane, empyreal, of space
Cello: large, stringed instrument that generates deep tones
Cellophane: thin, flexible, transparent cellulose material used as moisture-proof wrapping
Cellular: pertaining to cells or their structure, containing cells
Cellulite: fatty deposit causing a dimpled appearance, as around the thighs or buttocks
Celluloid: transparent, colorless, synthetic plastic used to manufacture photographic film
Cenotaph: an unmarked grave
Centennial: of or relating to a period of 100 years, occurring once every 100 years
Cerulean: watery blue
Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”
Cessation: pause, interruption, ceasing, ending
Chalice: cup for consecrated wine, goblet
Chamois: goatlike antelope, type of cloth for cleaning
Champagne: bubbling alcohol with fruity taste
Chandelier: ceiling-mounted light fixture or glass structure
Chantpleure: to cry while singing, to cry and sing simultaneously
Chariot: two or four-wheeled, horse-drawn war or procession vehicle
Chartreuse: swampy green
Chatelaine: the mistress or lady or a castle or large household
Chatoyant: like or resembling a cat’s eye
Chauffer: a designated paid driver for formal occasions
Cheilion: the corner of the mouth or oral cavity
Chevelure: head of hair, hair on the head, tresses, a nebulous envelop(as around a comet)
Chiaroscuro: composition of strong contrasts in light and dark
Chiasmus: rhetorical, inverse sentence, “One should eat to live, not live to eat”
Choreography: the art of creating and arranging dances or ballets
Cicada: loud, locust-like insect that chirrups
Cinder: burned substance, one which is no longer capable of combustion
Cinnabar: bright red, glowing red
Cinquefoil: five-leaved, plant with limbs that are five-leaved, five-pointed leaves
Circlet: ring-shaped ornament or piece of jewelry, especially for the head
Circuitous: having a circular or winding course, indirect, roundabout
Circular: of, like, related to, or resembling a circle
Cislunar: of or relating to the space between earth and the moon or the moon’s orbit
Cistern: an underground reservoir
Citadel: bulwark, a fortress or stronghold, refuge
Cithara: ancient Greek instrument, like a lyre
Civility: formal or perfunctory politeness, state of being civil
Clandestine: kept secretly or done secretively
Clarion: medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones, clear and shrill, loud burst of sound
Clavicle: the collarbone of a human
Clavilux: machine that generates light via music
Cleanse: to free from dirt, defilement, or guilt, purge or clean
Clemency: mercy, an act of mercy, showing mercy
Clerisy: the well-educated or learned class, intelligentsia, cognoscenti
Clinquant: glittering as gold, glittering with tinsel, showily ornate
Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped, resembling a keyhole
Cloister: monastatic establishment, convent of living
Coalesce: to fuse, intersect, or entwine to create a unity
Coelacanth: prehistoric fish still alive today
Coercion: the act of coercing, the use of pressure, threats, blackmail, or intimidation
Collectanea: selection of pieces of writing by an author or by several authors
Colliquate: to change from solid to liquid, to liquefy
Colloquial: informal, as in speech, conversationally informal
Colophon: inscription at the end of a book, an identifying emblem for a book
Coloratura: elaborate or technical vocal music with florid ornamentation
Comestibles: items suitable to be eaten, edible sundries, articles of food, victuals
Communiqué: an official announcement, bulletin board, a dispatch, an official report
Conciliabule: secret meeting of conspirators
Conciliate: to win over from a state of hostility or distrust, appease
Concinnity: harmony in the arrangement or fitness of parts with respect to a whole
Concupiscence: lasciviousness, lewdness, ardent lust
Congelifraction: splitting or disintegration of rocks as a result of the freezing of the water
Constellation: specific arrangement of stars to form an image
Convalesce: to recover or recuperate, recover from a serious injury
Copse: thicket of small trees or shrubs, a coppice, small wood, a tree
Coquelicot: plant, red poppy
Coquette: woman who makes teasing sexual or romantic overtures, a flirt or tease
Coracle: small rounded boat made of waterproof material stretched over a frame
Cordillera: group of mountain ranges forming a mountain system of great linear extent
Coriander: aromatic herb, herb used in a variety of perfumes
Corinthian: pertaining to Corinth or its culture, architecture
Cortical: of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of cortex
Coruscate: sparkle, reflect brightly, shimmer
Cosmology: study of the physical universe considered a mass of phenomena in spacetime
Cosmopolitan: pertaining to the world at large, without localized prejudices
Coterie: tightly-knit group of persons having a common purpose or interest, cadre, clique
Craquelure: fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of paintings
Crescendo: music, gradual increase of tempo, volume, or intensity
Crystal: mineral with many possible permutations, gemstone-like
Cumulonimbus: type of cloud that augurs, foretells, or indicates bad weather
Cuneiform: wedge-shaped, Sumerian language
Curlicue: fancy curl or twist, flourish of writing
Cursive: flowing, effusive, wavy, type on handwriting in English
Cuvette: a small, transparent, often tubular laboratory vessel
Cyan: greenish-blue
Cyaneous: deep blue, cerulean
Cygnet: a baby swan, young swan
Cylinder: long, tubular geometric shape rendered in three dimensions
Cymbal: percussive instrument, usually attached to a drum kit
Cynophilist: dog-lover, one who loves or appreciates dogs
Cynosure: that which garners great attention by calling to its brilliance, interest
Cypress: swampy tree or plant, plant or tree occurring in swamps
Cytherean: pertaining to beauty or the goddess, Aphrodite
Czigany: gypsy, Hungarian gypsy
Daedalian: intelligent, crafty, deft, practical, pertaining to Daedalus
Dalliance: flirtation, dawdling, procrastination, frivolous action
Daphnean: shy, timid, demure, modest, bashful
Dapple: a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters, different tones and hues
Dawn: daybreak, first light of day, the onset of an idea, enlightenment
Decrescendo: gradual lowering of tempo in music or in a situation
Degringolade: a rapid decline or deterioration, as in strength, position, or condition
Deign: to condescend to do something thought to be slightly beneath one's dignity
Delenda: that which needs to be deleted, something that has been deleted
Delineate: to describe, explain, or demonstrate
Deliquesce: to dissolve, transform into liquid from a solid
Delirium: state of mental disarray and unstable consciousness from intoxication or fever
Delitescent: hidden, concealed, kept secret
Dell: small, usually wooded valley, vale
Delphic: brotherly, oracular
Demarche: course of action, maneuver, specific movement
Demesne: a lord’s privately owned manor or section of land
Demure: shy, modest, reserved in demeanor or behavior, having sedate reserve or sobriety
Denouement: final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot
Desuetude: state of disuse, state of uselessness
Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils, witchcraft, sorcery, consorting with demons
Diaphanous: light, delicate, gossamer, translucent
Diaspora: dissemination, dispersion, random or selective re-distribution
Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent
Dioscuric: describing a twin, whether person or event, of a twin, of a duplicate
Dislodge: to remove or force out from a position or dwelling previously occupied
Dissemble: disguise or conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs, to mislead
Dissimulate: to conceal or disguise, to hide with the intent of deceit
Divisi: music term, divided, separated
Dulcet: sweet-sounding, mellisonant
Dulciloquy: speech characterized by sounding soft or sweet
Dulcimer: stringed instrument having three or four strings and a fretted fingerboard
Dulcinea: sweetheart, lovely person, one whom a person loves or cares about
Dyslexia: disorder in which lexical figures are perceived in a chaotic order
Ebon: black, made of ebony
Echelon: tier, level, rank in job, formation of soldiers
Echo: a repetition of sound produced by the reflection of sound
Echolalia: immediate and involuntary repetition of words or phrases just spoken by others
Eclipsareon: a device for illustrating and demonstrating eclipses
Eclipse: any obscuration of light, reduction or loss of splendor, status, or reputation
Effervesce: to bubble over, to boil with frothy bubbles, to excite
Effleurage: a light, stroking movement used in massage, a soft caress
Effluvium: foul discharge or emanation, emission
Efflux: something that flows out or forth, effluence, passing or an expiration, as of time
Effulgent: marked by as if by brightly shining light, coruscating, shimmering
Effusive: gushing out or expressive, moving, cascading
Eglantine: European rose, sweetbrier
Eiderdown: down of a duck used as stuffing for quilts or pillows
Eidolon: ghost, specter, revenant, reappearing, continuously visiting or persisting image
Élan: esprit, brio, gusto, ardor, vivacity
Elapse: to pass or go by, to happen
Elasticity: quality or state of being elastic, tendency to keep shape after stretching
Elation: quality or state of being elated, feeling or state of great joy or pride
Eleemosynary: of, relating to, or dependent on charity, contributed as an act of charity
Element: fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity elements
Eleven: eleventh integer in a series
Elicit: to bring or draw out (something latent), educe, summon, to provoke a reaction
Elision: omission of a vowel, consonant, or syllable in pronunciation
Elixir: solution of alcohol and water, substance believed to maintain life indefinitely
Ellipsis: omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete syntactical construction
Elliptical: of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse, with a word or words omitted
Eloign: to move away a distance, to move a distance with something concealed
Eloquence: well-stated speech, flowing language, articulated speech and proper execution
Elucidate: explain further, clarify, to elaborate upon
Elusive: difficult to find, catch, or achieve, avoiding
Elysian: blissful, delightful, pertaining to the Elysian Fields or Elysium
Elysium: section of the underworld, resting place of heroes and the virtuous
Emaciate: to make abnormally thin or weak, typically due to illness
Emanation: emission, something that is issued by a source
Embarcadero: a landing place, especially a landing place on an island waterway
Ember: small, glowing fleck of aflame wood or coal
Emerald: deep, dark green, dark green gemstone
Emissary: an agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another
Emission: discharge, emanation, chemical release
Emollient: substance that softens and soothes the skin, lotion
Empyreal: related to the empyrean, celestial
Emulate: to strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation
Emulsify: to pour liquid into another non-soluble, creating visible density
Enamel: vitreous, usually opaque, protective or decorative coating or shell
Enceinte: pregnant, carrying a baby, gravid, line of fortification enclosing a town or castle
Encomium: formal, enthusiastic praise, abundant, exuberant expression of admiration
Enhalo: to affix with a halo, to cause to wear a halo, to encircle, surround
Ennui: listlessness, weariness, discontent
Ensconce: establish or settle in a safe, secure, or comfy place
Epergne: table centerpiece, object designated as a centerpiece
Ephebe: young man, swain, young suitor
Ephemeral: brief, transient, evanescent
Epicede: dirge, requiem, funeral song or ode
Epicurean: hedonistic, gastronomical, pertaining to good taste
Epigone: inferior imitator, disciple, second-rate replica, counterfeit
Epileptic: pertaining to epilepsy, flickering rapidly, seizing
Epiphany: revelation of thought, typically conceived after an eventful experience
Epistle: a formal letter, letter with a cachet
Epitaph: inscription on a tombstone
Epithelium: type of body tissue
Epitome: a perfect example of a particular quality or type
Epée: fencing sword or blade without a cutting edge
Equestrian: of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding
Equinox: when the sun reaches a height, night and day equalize, annual event
Equipoise: equal distribution of weight or balance, balanced
Eristic: characterized by disputatious, often subtle and specious reasoning
Escadrille: a small squadron, usually of six, a small team, typically of six airplanes
Escalade: the act of scaling a wall, usually with a ladder or rope
Escamotage: juggling, hand trickery, sleight of hand, legerdemain
Escarole: type of green chicory
Esclavage: a necklace having several rows of chains, beads, or jewels
Escritoire: writing desk, desk designed for studies
Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten
Esoterica: item or thing that is esoteric, obscure, rare, or valuable
Esper: a being of advanced mentality or with psychic abilities
Esprit: brio, wit, vivacity, joie de vivre
Essence: intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to typify or identify something
Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes
Estuary: inlet or arm of the sea, an open river that connects to the sea
Esurient: hungry, greedy, hedonistic in pursuit of things
Ethereal: heavenly, airy in substance, spectral, insubstantial and light
Etiolate: to stunt growth, deprive of strength , to whiten by blocking sunlight exposure
Etude: a piece of music designed for didactic purposes
Eunoia: normal mental health, beautiful thinking
Euphonious: nice-sounding, sounding pretty
Euphoria: feeling of great happiness or well-being, felicity
Evanescent: brief, transient, ephemeral
Evaporation: the act of liquid dissipating or drying due to humidity or exposure
Eviscerate: to disembowel, exenterate, to remove the viscera of something
Evocative: that which evokes, something that reminds, inspires, or impresses
Excelsior: fine, curled wood shavings
Exclusion: the act of excluding, the act of shutting out or preventing entrance
Existential: of, relating to, or dealing with existence, pertaining to existentialism
Expatiate: to speak or write at length or in considerable detail, expound, elaborate
Exuviate: to shed a shell, molt, unsheathe
Facility: building made or used for convenience, ease of moving or doing, aptitude
Facsimile: copy or reproduction of an item, typically a book
Fainéant: sluggard, do-nothing, ne’er-do-well , idle and ineffectual
Falciform: falcate, curved, convex, sickle-shaped
Famished: extremely hungry, ravenous, starved
Famulus: sorcerer’s apprentice or assistant
Façade: affected aura or mannerisms to beguile or deceive
Felicity: state of happiness, joy, ecstasy
Fissure: long narrow opening, a crack or cleft, process of splitting or separating, division
Fleur-de-lys: stylized insignia of a lily
Foliage: plant leaves or greenery, as a collective
Formulaic: being of no special quality or type, average, routine, undistinguished
Forte: niche in which a person excels
Foudroyant: dazzling, scintillating, sudden and overwhelming
Frescade: a cool, breezy walk, a shady place, a relaxing place with ample shade
Frolic: to behave playfully and candidly, romp, to engage in flirting, joking, or teasing
Frost: hoarfrost, degree or state of coldness, covering of minute ice needles
Fuchsia: bright pinkish-purple
Fuliginous: having the color of soot, dark, dusky, charcoal-colored
Fumarole: hole in an area of volcanic activity from which gases and hot smoke escape
Fumulus: a thin cloud resembling a veil and forming at any level
Furrow: to wrinkle, a wrinkle, a rut, groove, or trench
Fuselage: central body of an aircraft, to which the wings and tail assembly are attached
Fusillade: salvo, rapid discharge of firearms
Galaxy: collection of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity
Gale: a harsh gust of wind, a strong current of wind
Galleria: spacious passageway, court, or indoor mall, usually with a vaulted roof, gallery
Gallery: raised area, often having a stepped or sloping floor, in a public building
Gambol: to skip or jump merrily
Gaucherie: awkwardness, inexperience, embarrassments
Girandole: a mirror having attached candle holders
Glacial: slow, staggering, of or pertaining to glaciers or ice sheets
Glimpse: brief, incomplete view or look, to glance at
Glisten: to shine by reflection with a sparkling luster, coruscate, shimmer
Gloaming: dusk, twilight, evening, vesper
Gloom: sadness, melancholy, depression
Glyph: a sigil or specific insignia, a letter of language, an arcane mark
Gossamer: delicate, light, flimsy, transparent and thin, like a spider’s silk
Gracile: gracefully slender or thin, graceful
Grandeur: splendor, magnificence, quality or state of being grand
Grazioso: a direction in music, graceful, smooth, or elegant in style
Hacienda: the main building of a farm or ranch
Halcyon: legendary kingfisher, tranquil, calm, without strife, serene
Hallucinate: to affect or be affected with visions or imaginary perceptions
Hazel: light brown or light yellow
Heath: plain, tract of wasteland, uncultivated land
Hegemony: predominant influence, dominance, supremacy, preeminence
Heliotrope: light purple, type of flower
Helix: a spiral, spiral-shaped object or string
Henna: reddish-brown dye used in tinting the hair, skin, or nails
Hubris: excessive pride, overbearing arrogance
Hue: gradation or variety of a color
Humiliate: to enervate or embarrass through specific actions or events
Hyacinth: tropical, American herb, red, transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone
Icicle: a sliver of tapered, frozen water, usually hanging
Idyllic: Like an idyll, extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque
Ilium: upper part of the bony femur at the hip joint
Illusion: erroneous mental representation, false image made by outside force or the mind
Illusory: produced by, based on, or having the nature of an illusion, deceptive
Illustrate: to clarify or explain with examples or comparisons
Imbroglio: extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
Imbue: to embed with a quality, to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
Immaculate: spotless, free of sin, without blemish or impurity
Immure: to enclose with walls, ensconce
Impedimenta: pl. things that hinder growth or movement
Impetus: a drive or compelling force, motivation, a reason to do something
Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water
Imprimatur: a sign or mark of approval, insignia of approval
Incalescent: becoming hotter or growing more ardent, boiling
Incarnadine: pinkish, flesh-colored, blood-red
Incense: to induce rage, infuriate, aromatic element designed to induce relaxation
Incipient: in or at an initial stage, beginning to exist or appear
Incisive: penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression
Incunabula: pl. book printed before 1501
Indolence: laziness, extreme ease or comfort
Ineffable: indescribable, impossible to describe, enchantingly amazing
Inertia: tendency of a body to resist acceleration, a body at rest wants to stay at rest
Influenza: acute contagious viral infection, commonly called the “flu”
Inglenook: a nook or corner beside an open fireplace, chimney corner
Ingravescent: gradually becoming more severe, worsening, usually of a medical condition
Ingénue: a naive, innocent girl or young woman
Innocent: without sin, pure, free from legal or specific wrong, guiltless, naïve, simple
Inoccuity: the quality or state of being harmless, trifling, or insipid
Inoculate: introduce an idea or view into the mind of, inculcate, inject a serum or vaccine
Insipid: lacking flavor or zest, lacking excitement, stimulation, or interest, dull, vapid
Intaglio: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material
Inundate: deluge, to fill quickly beyond capacity, to cover with water, drench, overwhelm
Inure: to take effect, or to accustom to something, typically unpleasant
Iris: the colored portion of the eye that encircles the pupil
Iscariotic: traitorous, treacherous, given to betrayal, having committed betrayal
Isinglass: thin sheet of translucent mica
Isosceles: having two equal sides, of a triangle
Isthmus: narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land
Ivory: pure white color, material derived from elephant tusks
Jacqueminot: crimson rose
Jaunt: short excursion for pleasure, brief stay
Jejune: naïve, juvenile, simplistic, uninteresting, superficial
Kaleidoscope: optical item that utilizes mirrors to create interior symmetrical visions
Kismet: fate, fortune, chance, faith thereof
Knell: to ring slowly and solemnly, funeral bell-ring
Labial: pertaining to lips, vaginal or facial
Labyrinth: maze, puzzling complex or circuitous plan
Lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly, to distress, mangle
Laconic: brief in speech, matter-of-fact, terse, using few words
Lacquer: varnish that dries via evaporation
Lacuna: omission or empty space, gap in chronology
Lagniappe: gift for extended patronage, gift or compensation for valued customers
Lambent: glowing, gleaming, or flickering with a soft radiance, of humor or fire
Laminate: to beat or compress into a thin plate or sheet, to divide into thin layers
Languid: characterized by disinclination for physical exertion
Laodicean: indifferent or lukewarm in politics and or religion
Lapis Lazuli: gemstone of intense blue
Largesse: the generous giving of gifts, a generous or courteous gift, charitable donation
Lascivious: lewd, lustful, prurient
Lassitude: weariness, lack of energy or motivation
Lathe: machine for shaping a piece of material by rotating it rapidly along its axis
Lattice: open framework of material, typically in a crisscross pattern
Lavadero: laundry room, place to wash gold
Lavender: light purple
Lavish: expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion, using or giving in great amounts
Layer: single thickness of a material covering a surface
Legerity: mental or physical agility, dexterity, or quickness
Leitmotif: musical passage associated to a specific situation, character, or idea
Lemniscate: the infinity symbol, any figure-eight symbol
Lemonade: beverage typically consisting of lemon juice, sugar, and water
Lesbian: female sexually attracted to other women, exclusively
Lethe: condition of forgetfulness, oblivion
Leveret: baby rabbit, a young rabbit
Leviathan: very large animal, especially a whale, something of unusually large size
Levitation: the act of floating, supernatural floating
Lexiphanes: pretentious word user, bombastic or magniloquent person
Liaison: illicit sexual relationship, case of contact between two parties, usually a person
Libeccio: southwest wind occurring in Italy
Lilliputian: very small, tiny, pertaining to Lilliput
Lilt: cadence of voice, rhythm of language or sentences, good vocal or musical structure
Limerence: extended infatuation or crush, contrast love
Limn: to delineate via depictions or suffuse things with light
Limousine: slender car used for formal occasions, notably expensive
Limpid: unclouded, clear, lucid, defined and deep
Lineaments: pl. the distinguishing or characteristic features of something immaterial
Linguistics: pl. the study of human speech, languages, and writing
Linoleum: type of floor covering
Liquid: a state of matter, compare gas and solid, readiness to flow, type of sound
Lissom: supple, easily bent, lithe, flexible
Listless: lacking energy or disinclined to exert effort, lethargic
Litany: large amount, plethora, long and tedious address or recital
Literati: intelligentsia, the educated class, clerisy, a group of litterateurs
Lithe: readily bent, supple, flexible, marked by effortless grace
Lithium: silvery, soft, highly-reactive metal
Lithosphere: outermost shell of a planet, the crust and uppermost mantle
Litterateur: literary-minded person, one devoted to the study or writing of literature
Lixiviation: act of separating soluble from insoluble substances via water or solvent
Lochetic: lying in wait for prey, used especially of insects
Loom: the art of weaving, to come into view as a massive, distorted, or indistinct image
Loquacious: characterized by talking, talking freely or too much, excessively talkative
Lorgnette: a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle
Lubricious: slippery with oil or lubricant, offensively lewd or intending to be lewd
Lucent: shining, gleaming, brilliantly
Lugubrious: gloomy or dismal, especially exaggerated
Lullaby: song or tune devised to lull something to sleep
Luminal: of or pertaining to the lumen (the measure of light perceived by the human eye)
Luminary: one who is an inspiration to others, one who attained success in a chosen field
Lunacy: insanity, insanity with brief moments of clarity
Lunula: white crescent at the base of the fingernail
Luscious: delicious, sexy, cloying, alluring
Lustrous: having noticeable or vivid luster and sheen
L’esprit de l’escalier: “staircase wit” usage of a witty retort after the moment has passed
Macedoine: mixture of diced fruits and vegetables, medley, mixture
Magisterial: of, relating to, or having the features of a master or teacher, authoritative
Malady: sickness, illness, ague, ictus, ailment
Malaise: bodily weakness, nondescript illness, vague feeling of discomfort
Malapropos: out of place, inappropriate, in an inopportune or inappropriate manner
Malleable: moldable, able to be modified, easily reshaped, having the ease of form
Mannequin: articulated human figure used for design
Mantelletta: sleeveless vestment worn by cardinals
Maquette: scale model of a large item
Maraschino: cordial made from the fermented juice of the marasca cherry
Marasmus: protein deficiency, state of emaciation
Marble: highly-polished building material, irregularly colored
Marcescent: flower term, withering, but not falling off
Marginalia: notes in the margin or margins of a book
Marionette: a puppet bound by strings and controlled with wooden bars
Marmalade: jellylike preserve made from the pulp of fruits, especially citrus fruits
Marmoreal: of, like, made of, or related to marble
Masquerade: festive gathering characterized by participants wearing masks
Material: secular, worldly, the substance(s) of which a thing is made of or composed
Matriculate: to become admitted to membership in a body, society, or institution
Matutinal: of, relating to, or occurring in the morning, early
Maudlin: overly sentimental, saccharine, mawkish, self-pitying
Mausoleum: large, stately tomb or building housing several tombs
Mauve: pinkish purple
Medallion: jewelry or object worn from a necklace
Medley: heterogeneous mixture of typically complementing elements
Melisma: the stretching of a syllable over a series of notes
Mellifluous: flowing with sweetness or honey, smooth and sweet
Mellisonant: wonderful-sounding
Melody: a series or pattern of notes
Memento: an item of special significance
Memorabilia: pl. things remarkable and worthy of remembrance or record
Menagerie: collection of animals in cages or enclosures, diverse hodgepodge, gallery, zoo
Meniscus: anatomical term, the curve in a liquid when observed in a cylinder
Mephitic: poisonous, noxious, lethally dangerous, insidious, toxic, putrid
Mercurial: fickle, erratic, ingenious, changeable, eloquent
Mere: being nothing more nor better than, small, lowly
Meretricious: drawing attention in a vulgar manner, gaudy, tawdry, superficially attractive
Meridian: of or at noon, imaginary line that extends form the North to South poles
Mestizo: a person of mixed racial ancestry
Mewl: whimper, cry like an infant, meow like a kitten, to weakly cry
Mezzanine: partial story between two main stories of a building, lowest balcony of theater
Miasma: atmosphere of disease, fine mist of effluvium or bacteria, noxious emanation
Mica: thin layers of specific, transparent minerals
Midst: in the middle of, among
Mien: air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality, demeanor, aura
Milieu: surroundings or environment, especially of a social or cultural nature
Millennium: one thousand years, period of a thousand years
Milquetoast: timid, unassertive, spineless person, one who is easily intimidated
Mimesis: imitation or representation of the world, mostly in literature and art, mimicry
Mimosa: plant, cocktail drink
Mimsy: flimsy and miserable, someone who excels at what they do
Miniscule: very small, diminutive, when compared to a normal counterpart
Minutiae: pl, tiny, precise details, vestiges, trifles
Mirror: surface able of reflect enough undiffused light to form an image of an object
Miscellany: collection of various items, parts, or ingredients
Mist: mass of fine droplets of liquid
Mithril: fictional, very light, silvery steel
Mizzenmast: third mast or the mast aft the mainmast on a ship having 3 or more masts
Mizzle: fine rainfall, drizzle, mist
Moiety: one of two equal parts, half
Morceau: a small literary or musical composition
Mormorando: musical direction, murmuring or with a murmuring sound
Moue: pouting face or grimace, upset facial expression
Murmur: low, indistinct, continuous sound, to utter such a sound
Myriad: multitude, litany, an amount of, usually large, collection in large numbers
Myrrh: fragrant resin gum from a type of tree, used chiefly for perfume
Mystique: the special, esoteric skill or mysterious faculty essential in a calling or activity
Mythopoeic: pertaining to the making of myths
Métier: forte, niche in which a person excels, occupation, profession
Nacreous: iridescent, pearly, like mother-of-pearl or nacre
Naiad: a nymph, a river, lake, fountain, or spring nymph or spirit
Naïveté: inexperience, quality of being naïve, artlessness
Nebulae: pl. collection of astral gases
Nemesis: source of harm or ruin, unconquerable foe or enemy, vengeful opponent
Nenuphar: a water lily, especially an Egyptian lotus
Neophyte: a novice, tyro, beginner
Nepenthe: drug of forgetfulness, anti-depression drug, remedy for sorrow
Nepheliad: cloud nymph, nymph designated or of the clouds
Nephew: the son of a brother or sister in relation to you
Nickelodeon: nickel theater
Nimbus: dark, grey cloud bearing rain, splendid atmosphere or aura, cloudy radiance
Nimiety: excess, overabundance, superfluity
Nirvana: a place or state of rest, harmony, or pleasure
Niveous: snowy or resembling snow, like, of, relating to, or made of snow
Nocive: harmful, injurious
Noctilucence: cloud phenomenon typified by lights at night, visible or glowing at night
Nonchalant: feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed, indifferent
Novae: pl. collapsing or dying star
Novella: short prose tale often characterized by moral teaching or satire
Novitiate: novice, the living place of a novice, the state of being a novice, neophyte
Nucleus: central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered
Nugacious: trifling, trivial, insignificant, unimportant, worthless
Nullibicity: state of non-existence, quality or state of being nowhere
Nullifidian: a person having no faith, religion, convictions, or beliefs
Numeral: symbol used to represent, denote, or symbolize a number
Numina: pl. presiding divinity or spirit of a place, creative energy, genius
Numismatics: study or collection or currency, coins, paper money, etc
Nymph: seductive or lustful woman, fairy
Nymphet: pubescent girl regarded as sexually desirable, young, sexually precocious girl
Oasis: fertile, vibrant, or green spot in a desert or wasteland
Objet d’art: object of art, valuable or highly artistic piece or work
Oblivion: condition or quality of being completely forgotten, void, forgetfulness
Obsequious: fawning, sycophantic, servile
Obsidian: volcanic glass of a black shade
Ocelot: undomesticated cat, like a small leopard
Odalisque: female servant, female servant in a harem
Oeillade: an amorous glance, ogle
Oeuvre: the corpus of an author, canon, or a collective symposium
Oleander: type of flower
Opacity: opaqueness, obscurity, impenetrability
Opalescent: milky and iridescent, shimmering with the colors of an opal
Opaque: impenetrable to light, not reflecting light, difficult to explain or understand
Ophidian: snake-like, like, shaped like, or relating to snakes
Opulence: wealth, affluence, great abundance, profusion, pretentiousness
Opusculum: minor work of literature
Orbital: of, pertaining to, or relating to an orbit
Orchestra: large group of musicians with a variety of instruments
Oscillate: to swing in an uninterrupted motion
Ossuary: place, container or receptacle for holding the bones of the dead
Otiose: indolent, lazy, serving no useful purpose, futile, being a leisure
Oubliette: dungeon with only opening at the top
Palatial: pertaining to a palace, grandiose, magnificent
Palaver: conference or discussion, idle chat, chat with flattery of cajolery involved
Palisade: a fence of pales or stakes set firmly in the ground
Palladian: of or relating to wisdom or learning
Palliasse: mattress consisting of a thin pad filled with straw, sawdust, or hay
Palliate: to alleviate, reduce or remove pain
Pallid: pale, wan, deficient in color
Panacea: a cure-all, medicine, herb, or concoction designed or functioning as a cure-all
Panoply: a full collection or array, full set of armor
Panoramic: unbroken view of an entire surrounding area, inclusive presentation, survey
Pantomime: communication through gestures and facial movements
Parabola: mathematical term, looks akin to a “u” or “n”
Paradigm: clearly defined archetype, typical example or pattern of something
Paramour: lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship, lover, illicit lover
Paraph: a flourish at the end of a signature, may be used as a safeguard against forgery
Paroxysm: a sudden attack, pang, or seizure, usually of an emotional or medical nature
Parvenu: noveau-riche, person risen to new status, but lacks the social skills necessary
Pasquinade: public farce, satire, or lampoon
Pastiche: literary patchwork, hodgepodge, collision of genres used to create a new item
Patina: natural tarnish from wear of usage and passage of time, verdigris
Patois: dialect other than the usual or literary dialect, uneducated or provincial language
Paucity: scarcity, lack of presence, fewness, a small number
Peccadillo: insignificant sin or wrongdoing, trifling fault
Peccavi: admission of guilt, confession
Pellucid: translucently clear, limpid, ethereal
Peninsula: piece of land mostly surrounded by water, except on one side
Pensive: brooding, reflecting, involving, or engaged in deep or serious thought
Penumbra: partial shadow, space of partial illumination, limits of a shadow
Percolate: to filter, to cause to filter, to cause to pass through pores or small holes
Perennial: lasting throughout the year
Perforate: to pierce, punch, or bore a hole or holes in, stab through, penetrate
Periphery: line that forms the boundary, limited circumference of sight, perimeter
Permeate: to pervade, to spread or flow throughout, to diffuse through
Perpetuity: the quality or condition of being perpetual, ceaseless, or continual
Phantasm: something apparently seen but having no physical reality, illusion
Philander: to womanize or entertain or elicit casual or wanton sex
Philanthropy: the effort or drive to further the well-being of humankind, generosity
Philosophy: discipline comprising aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, etc.
Philtrum: subtle curve beneath the nose and on the upper lip, palate
Phoenix: mythical bird of fire which rises from it’s ashes in a cycle of rebirth
Pianissimo: musical direction, very softly
Piquant: aromatic, appetizing, appealingly provocative
Pirouette: ballet spin, ballet technique
Pizzicato: music term, played by plucking rather than bowing
Placid: sedate, calm, peaceful, relaxed, serene
Plumage: entire feathery covering or portion of a bird, feathers collectively
Pluvial: characterized or relating to rainfall
Pococurante: nonchalant, indifferent, lukewarm in opinion, insouciant
Poignant: profoundly moving, touching, physically or emotionally painful
Ponceau: a strong red to reddish orange
Porcelain: strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic with glazed colored material
Portfolio: portable case for carrying documents
Portico: porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leads into an entrance
Portmanteaux: pl. large suitcase, merging of two words to form a new one, often a pun
Prairillon: a small meadow or tract of grassland, heath, plain
Precocious: manifesting or characterized by unusually early development or maturity
Prelude: preceding event or action, music term, preliminary, preambulate
Preterlabent: flowing beside or by, especially of a river or stream
Prismatic: refractive light of a spectrum, brilliantly colored
Pristine: in primordial condition, untouched, belonging to the earliest period or state
Promethean: boldly creative, defiantly original, deviating genius
Propinquity: nearness in place, approximate location, proximity, vicinity
Proscenium: Greek or Roman theater stage, the part of a stage in front of the curtain
Prosody: the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech
Provocative: tending or serving to provoke, inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing
Prurient: having, relating to, or typified by lascivious or lustful thoughts or desires
Psithurisma: whisper, sound of wind through the trees, sound of wind-rustled leaves
Psittacism: automatic speech without thought of the meaning of the words spoken
Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation
Punchinello: short, fat clown or clown puppet
Puree: rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
Purlicue: space between the thumb and forefinger
Pyrrhic: of a victory, having high levels of casualties or damage on both sides
Quaquaversal: directed outward from a common center to all points, omnidirectional
Querencia: the area of the bull-ring where the bull makes its stand
Quintessence: fifth element, perfect embodiment
Quisquose: something which is difficult to deal with
Quiver: shiver, shake, quaver, tremble
Quotidian: daily, mundane, occurring every day
Radii: pl. any line segment from the center of a circle or sphere to its perimeter
Rapture: ecstasy, felicity, state of sheer happiness, happiness to the point of delirium
Rariora: pl. unusual collector’s items, outstanding items, prize pieces
Ratatouille: French dish, vegetable stew
Realm: region, kingdom, plane, domain, territory
Recherché: elegant, refined or tasteful, sophisticated
Recidivism: act of repeating punished act, chronic tendency to repeat crimes
Reciprocity: the quality or state of requiting, mutual dependence
Redivivus: revived, come back to life, resurrected, resuscitated
Redolent: piquant, aromatic, or memory-invoking
Regalia: the emblems and symbols of royalty, such as the crown and scepter, jewelry
Relinquish: voluntarily cease to keep or claim, surrender
Reliquary: receptacle, such as a coffer or shrine, for keeping or displaying sacred relics
Renaissance: rebirth or revival, renewal of cultural and intellectual thought
Repartee: swift, witty reply, conversation marked by the exchange of witty retorts Palimpsest: erased parchment, which is then reused, manuscript written over earlier ones
Replica: copy or reproduction of a work of art, especially one made by the original artist
Resonance: quality of being resonant, extension of sound via sympathetic vibration
Resplendent: sublime, full of color, dazzling, splendid
Revenant: specter, ghost, one who returns after a long absence
Reverie: an idle daydream, a thought of idle desire, a surrendering to imagination
Rhapsody: impassioned, inspired, or vibrant literature or music
Rimulose: characterized by or having small chinks, fissures, or cracks
Risorgimento: a time of renewal or renaissance, revival
Roseate: rose-colored, rosy, optimistic, cheerful and bright, promising
Roué: a rake, rouge, philanderer, lothario
Rupestrian: of or composed of rock, sculpted with or by rock
Sable: black, type of animal with a deep, black pelt
Salient: prominent or conspicuous, most important
Saline: salty, pertaining to salt
Salubrious: health-giving, healthy, healthful, relating to good health
Salve: remedial lotion or substance to soothe or allays
Sangfroid: composure or coolness as shown in danger, imperturbability
Sanguine: of a healthy reddish color, ruddy, blood-red, of the color of blood
Sapience: rationality, compare sentience, wisdom or sagacity
Sapphire: bright blue, valuable gemstone of a bright yet deep blue
Sardonyx: type of stone(onyx) with sandy bands
Satellite: celestial body that orbits a planet, a moon, object designed to orbit a planet
Scarlet: bright-red color
Scepter: rod or wand, usually adorned in regalia
Schefflera: type of shrubby, tropical plants which are cultivated for their showy foliage
Scialytic: dispersing shadows, typically with light
Scilicet: to wit, that is, namely
Scintilla: an infinitesimal item or mote, tiny thing
Scion: an heir or descendant, a twig or shoot used for grafting
Sclera: the whites of the eyes
Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affliction thereof
Scythe: agricultural implement with a long, curving blade fastened to a long handle
Seizure: act, condition, or instance of seizing or being seized, fit, spasm, convulsion
Selcouth: unusual, rare, unique, or strange
Selenian: designating, relating to, pertaining to, or of the moon
Semblance: apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Semiotician: one who studies, applies, or explains the theories of semiotics
Sempiternal: eternal, endless, lasting forever, ceaseless
Senescence: state of being old or growing old, cellular decomposition, studies thereof
Sentient: aware, characterized by the ability to feel or perceive, conscious
Sequacious: pertaining to sequence or order, following
Sequence: succession, an arrangement, related or continuous series
Sequester: to relegate to a small space, to cause to withdraw into seclusion
Seraglio: harem, harem house, brothel, living quarters thereof
Seraphim: pl. six-winged angel
Serenade: courtesy performance given to honor or express love for someone, to serenade
Serendipity: occurrence and progress of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Serenity: calmness, tranquility, relaxation
Sesquipedalian: having many syllables, long, given to or typified by the use of long words
Sestina: poem of six six-line stanzas and a three-line envoy
Seven: seventh integer in a series
Sforzando: music, suddenly or strongly accented
Sfumato: definition or form without hasty outline by mild gradation from light to shadow
Shadow: shade within clear boundaries
Shallow: lacking physical depth, lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge
Shimmer: to shine with a subdued, flickering or wavering light
Shiver: a tremble, to tremble, shudder, or shake
Shrivel: wither due to lack of moisture, cause to contract, lose momentum
Sibilant: hissing, making a sound that resembles hissing
Sibyl: prophetess, fortune-teller, female prognosticator
Sidereal: of, related, pertaining to, or determined by the stars or constellations
Sidle: walk in a furtive or timid manner, especially obliquely or roundabout
Sienna: yellowish-brown, type of clay
Sierra: ridge of a mountain or mountains
Sigil: seal, signet, glyph, sign or image considered magical
Silence: state or quality of soundlessness, lack of sound
Silhouette: picture as an outline, often a human profile, filled in by a solid color
Silkscreen: stencil method of printing, in which a design is put on silk or other fine mesh Tristiloquy: speech characterized by sadness or gloominess
Silver: shimmering gray color, type of metal
Simplicity: state or quality of being simple, freedom of complexity or intricacy
Simulacrum: image or representation, false, unreal, or vague simulation or semblance
Sinecure: an easy occupation or one which requires almost no responsibility
Siphon: to suck through, absorb through an appendage
Sirocco: hot, humid south or southeast wind of southern Italy
Sisyphean: pertaining to or involving endless labor, pertaining to Sisyphus
Sittella: small, gregarious songbird
Sleep: state of slumber, position of rest for the physical and mental being of a living being
Slender: long and thin, tall
Slice: a thin section of something, to slash or remove a small section of
Slither: to glide or slide like a reptile
Sluice: artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow
Smolder: burn without flame, to undergo slow and compressed combustion
Sobriquet: nickname, moniker, adopted name
Soigné: elegant, sophisticated, well-groomed
Sojourn: brief visit, stopover, jaunt
Solace: comfort or consolation in a time of sadness or distress
Solecism: an impropriety, nonstandard grammatical construction, violation of etiquette
Solemn: serious, dignified, formal, stern
Soliloquy: dramatic monologue, intense speech with exposition but not addressed
Solipsism: philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist
Solstice: one of two times in the year when the sun is furthest from the equator
Sommelier: a waiter expertly trained in alcoholic beverages, wine steward
Sonata: music, series of three solos
Sonnet: fourteen-line poem with specific rhyme scheme
Soothe: to allay, alleviate, relax, pacify
Sorcerer: practitioner of sorcery, wizard, warlock, magician
Sotto voce: soft-voiced, emphasis on quiet speech
Soubrette: saucy, coquettish woman in comedies
Soufflé: light, fluffy baked dish
Sough: a soft, gentle sigh, murmuring, purling, or rustling sound
Souvenir: keepsake, memento, something of sentimental value
Specious: superficially plausible, but actually wrong, misleading in appearance
Spinal: pertaining to, relating to, of, or using the spine
Spiral: helix, string in a successively concentric pattern
Splice: to infuse, join, interweave, unite
Spool: cylinder with ridges that has spirals string around it
Stasis: equilibrium causing a peaceful inactivity via equal opposing forces
Stiletto: high-heel with sharp point, small dagger
Stillicide: water falling from the roof of a house or a gutter
Sublime: noble, exalted, majestic, empyreal
Succinct: briefly stated, laconic, terse
Succor: to aid or assist in a time of need, assistance
Suffuse: gradually spread through or over, with light, color, music, or liquid
Suicide: the act of murdering oneself
Surreptitious: stealthy, kept secret, hidden
Sussurant: whispering, making a continuous, low, and indistinct sound
Sussurous: pertaining to whispering, whispering
Susurrus: a whisper, something which resembles a whisper
Svelte: suave, urbane, savvy, slender, lithe, polished, sophisticated
Swain: a young man, suitor, ephebe
Swath: width of a scythe-stroke, strips or radii made by something
Swerve: to abruptly turn or deviate from an otherwise straight course
Sweven: dream, vision, premonition
Swoon: fainting spell, collapse from ecstasy
Syllable: unit of spoken language consisting of a single uninterrupted sound
Sylph: graceful woman, fairy, air elemental
Sylvan: relating to or characteristic of woods or forest regions, forest sprite
Symbiosis: mutual biological synergy between two dissimilar organisms
Symphony: extended orchestral movements
Symposium: conference for discussion of a particular topic
Synchronicity: theory of, coincidence of two or more curiously similar events
Synecdoche: a reference to a part as opposed to the whole, girl as “skirt” ship as “sail”
Syzygy: alignment or unity of specific objects, notably in space or literature
Tableaux: pl. deliberate picture, arrangement , vivid, graphic description
Tacenda: things to not be mentioned or things to be passed over in silence
Taciturn: reticent, quiet, not talkative, insouciant
Talisman: item marked with magic signs though to confer magical powers or repel evil
Tapestry: heavy cloth woven with rich, varicolored designs or scenes, often hung on walls
Teleology: the study of the philosophical concept of the telos
Tellurian: terrestrial, inhabiting the earth, pertaining to the earth, earthen
Tenuous: long and thin, slender, flimsy, without great substance, diluted
Tercet: group of three lines of verse, often rhyming together or with another triple
Terpsichorean: pertaining, relating to, or referring to dancing or the art thereof
Tessellation: tile pattern sans gaps or extraneous spaces, mathematical pattern
Theophany: religious epiphany or appearance of God to a person
Thionine: artificial red or violet dyestuff, usually for microscopic stains
Threnody: song, hymn, or poem reflecting on mourning or a tribute to the deceased
Thylacine: Extinct Tasmanian Tiger
Tilt: to cause to slope, as by raising one end, incline
Tintinnabulation: ringing or sounding of bells, the sound of bells
Tiramisu: dessert made with cake and espresso
Tolutiloquent: speech characterized by rapidity
Torrential: resembling, flowing in, or forming torrents
Tourmaline: multifarious gemstone of grossly differing colors
Traipse: walk, to wander without destination, gad, aimlessly or blithely walk
Tranquility: peace, serenity, calmness, relaxation
Transience: brevity, briefness, evanescence, shortness, the state of being temporary
Tregetour: juggler, mummer, conjurer
Tremulous: marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking
Trillium: type of flower
Trinity: group consisting of three closely related members, unity of three special objects
Triste: sad, mournful, dismal, depressed
Tryst: an agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place, a date
Turquoise: blue-green color
Tête-à-tête: private conversation between two people
Ubiquitous: being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time, omnipresent
Ultramarine: intense bluish-purple
Umbrage: offense, affront, the shade beneath a tree, shade, suspicion, reason for doubt
Umbrella: apparatus used as a personal rain repellant
Vaccinate: to inoculate with a vaccine of prepared medicine
Vacillate: to waver between actions or decisions, to hesitate
Vacivity: vacuity, emptiness, absence, space with a lack of matter
Vacuity: emptiness, vacivity, absence, lack of matter in a space, vacuum
Valance: an ornamental drapery hung across a top edge, as of a bed, table, or canopy
Vale: the world, life, mortal or earthly life
Valiant: possessing valor, brave, marked by or done with valor
Vanilla: ordinary, conventional, flavored with vanilla, flavor extracted from vanilla bean
Vaticinate: prophesy, prognosticate, augur, foretell
Vaudeville: bygone slapstick era
Vavasor: superior vassal with other vassals beneath
Velleity: flimsy wish or desire, perfunctory hope or dream
Vellum: mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on
Velvet: soft type of material used in clothing
Veneer: thin surface layer, superficial layer as an enhancement to inferior material
Venial: pardonable, easily excused or pardoned, trivial
Ventriloquist: puppeteer utilizing vocal techniques and manipulations
Veracity: truth, state of being true, trueness
Veranda: open, roofed porch or portico on the outside of a building
Verisimilitude: the appearance or semblance of truth or reality in a fictional medium
Vernal: pertaining to spring
Verve: energy, brio, élan, vigor, joie de vivre
Vespertine: crepuscular, pertaining to, of, or related to the evening
Vestibule: a small entryway between the outer door and the interior of a building
Vestigial: of, relating to, or constituting a vestige(trace, mark, or sign left by something)
Vesuviate: to erupt, explode, fulminate
Vetanda: taboo or forbidden things or topics
Vexation: the act of annoying, irritating, or vexing, quality or condition of being vexed
Vicennial: happening every twenty years
Viceroy: governor, representative of a sovereign
Vicious: having the nature of vice, evil, immoral, or depraved
Vicissitudes: changes of circumstances of fortune
Victuals: food to be eaten, provisions, food cache, pabulum, comestibles, nutrients
Videlicet: to wit, that is, namely
Vigesimal: based on, pertaining to or related to 20
Vignette: a sketch, brief literary or visual event, description, tableau
Villain: dramatic or fictional character who is typically at odds with the hero
Vincible: able to be harmed, vulnerable, susceptible, vulnerable
Vinyl: type of multi-use plastic resin
Viola: like a violin, but with a lower pitch
Violet: shade of deep purple
Violin: stringed instrument played with a bow
Viridian: blue-green pigment
Virtuoso: ace, someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field, especially music
Vis-à-vis: “face to face” opposite to, in relation to, in regard to, a meeting
Visceral: pertaining to the viscera, relating to deep feelings as opposed to the intellect
Vista: view, prospect, perspective, spectrum of peripheral boundaries
Visurient: hungry for visual stimuli, pertaining to the desire evoked from vision
Vitiate: impair, spoil, to the reduce quality of, to make worse
Vivacity: brio, esprit, alacrity
Vivify: to invigorate, revive, energize, galvanize
Vivisepulture: the act of being buried alive or burying alive
Vociferous: loud, stentorian, vehement, angrily impassioned
Voluminous: having great volume, fullness, size, or number, large
Wan: pallid, of a sickly complexion
Warble: trill, croon, purr, chirrup
Weather: state of the atmosphere at a given time and place
Whilom: formerly, former, erstwhile
Whimsy: quaint or fanciful idea, a whim, capricious humor or playful disposition
Whisper: soft speech produced without full voice, something uttered very softly
Winceyette: cotton cloth, cloth made of cotton that has a raised surface
Winnow: to filter out, to remove unnecessary or undesirable parts
Wisteria: a genus of twisting, woody, and climbing vines
Wyvern: type of dragon, typically without legs
Xenodochial: friendly or especially kind to strangers or foreigners
Xenoglossy: language learned spontaneously and without prior knowledge
Xysti: pl. covered portico of a gymnasium
Yowl: to utter a loud long cry of grief, pain, or distress, wail
Zenith: point on the celestial sphere that is above the observer, highest point, maximum
Zephyr: slight burst of gentle wind, gentle breeze
Zitella: maiden, unmarried woman, bachelorette
Zyzzyva: a type of weevil

Coolest Words, Alphabetized

2011-04-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

This is merely for convenience and for any selective interest. Plus, a cute, sleeping Pichu at the bottom.

Coolest Words, Alphabetized

Abacaxi: a pineapple
Abacination: torture, blinding the victim with a heated metal plate
Abacus: frame with rows of grooves along which beads are slid, used for calculating
Abecedarian: one who teaches or studies the alphabet, one who is just learning, beginner
Absinthe: wormwood liquor of a bright-green color
Abyss: immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void, abode of evil spirits, hell
Acciaccatura: grace note, an embellishing note usually written in smaller size
Accismus: rhetoric, affected or false refusal when the item in question is actually wanted
Acedia: ennui, state of torpor of listlessness, spiritual apathy
Acerbic: sharp or biting in character, acerb, sour or bitter in taste, caustic
Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized
Acherontic: infernal, gloomy, dismal, moribund, fiery, dark
Acolyte: ranked clergy member, assistant in liturgical rites
Acroamatic: communicated orally, oral, applied to the teachings of Aristotle
Acropolis: fortified height or citadel, raised area holding a building or cluster of buildings
Acumen: quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight, wisdom, savvy
Adjudicate: to pronounce, hear and settle, or decree by judicial sentence
Adumbrate: to explain faintly or opaquely outline, describe
Aegis: auspices, kindly endorsement and guidance, a shield
Aeipathy: continued passion, unyielding disease
Aeneous: brassy, golden-green
Aeolian: pertaining to, of, related to, caused by or like the wind or Aeolus
Aeonian: continuing forever, eternal
Aerobic: depending on free oxygen or air, designating or involving exercise
Aerolith: meteorite, specific type of meteorite
Aeronautical: of or relating to aeronauts or aeronautics
Aerugo: verdigris, metallic rust, particularly of brass or copper
Aesthetic: having a sense of the beautiful, pertaining to a sense of the beautiful
Aeviternal: eternal, endless, never-ending
Afflatus: strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration, inspiration
Agglutinate: to unite as if by adhesive, heap together, string together, clump together
Agnostic: religion positing that any ultimate reality is unknown and likely unknowable
Agoraphobia: abnormal fear of open or public places
Agrarian: relating to rural matters, pertaining to cultivation, ownership and agriculture
Ahimsa: the doctrine of refraining from the harming of others or the taking of life
Aileron: small moveable platforms on the back of plane wings that alter air movements
Aitch: the letter “H”, the phonetic representation thereof
Akimbo: having the hand or hands on the hip(s) and the elbow(s) turned outward
Alabaster: dense translucent, white or tinted fine-grained gypsum
Albatross: large, web-footed, gull-like seabird
Albedo: the ratio of reflected to incident light
Alcatote: foolish oaf, silly elf, witless person
Alchemy: ancient chemistry, arcane chemistry, science of elements made to educe effects
Alembic: something that refines, purifies, or transmutes as if by distillation
Alkahest: hypothetical universal solvent sought by the alchemists, azoth
Allegretto: music term, moderately fast tempo
Alluvium: unconsolidated sediments carried by water
Altazimuth: mount for astronomical telescopes that shows horizontal and vertical rotation
Amalgamation: consolidation, agglutination, integration, union, fusion
Amanuensis: secretary, one who is employed to take dictation or to copy manuscript
Amaranth: deep-hued purple, flower, metaphor for immortality
Ambidextrous: able to use both hands equally well, unusually skillful
Ambience: atmosphere, a particular environment or surrounding influence, aura
Ambivalence: simultaneous, conflicted feelings towards a thing, person, etc
Ambrosia: food of the gods, something overpoweringly delicious or fragrant
Amethyst: deep purple, deep-purple gemstone
Ampersand: the symbol (&) representing the word “and”
Amphigory: meaningless or senseless work of writing, especially one planned as a parody
Amphisbaena: Greek mythological being, two-headed snake, a head on each end
Amphora: ceramic, two-handled vase with a narrow neck, usually contains alcohol
Anabibazon: a node of the moon’s orbit
Anachronism: chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs
Anacoluthon: abrupt shift in a sentence to another construction conflicting with the first
Analemma: sundial, figure-8 indicating sun’s declination
Anaptyxis: the insertion of an extra vowel in a body of a word “athalete”
Anathema: malison, strong curse, that which one vehemently despises
Ancillary: auxiliary, of secondary importance, not prioritized, secondary, subordinate
Anent: regarding, concerning, pertaining to, involving
Angstrom: metric unit of length equal to one ten billionth of a meter (or 0.0001 micron)
Animadversion: criticism that is usually adverse and prompted by a degree of hostility
Annihilate: to destroy completely, eliminate, kill in large numbers, obliterate
Anon: at another time, immediately, at once, later
Anschauung: intuition or perception of sense data with little or no rational interpretation
Antanaclasis: stylistic trope of repeating a word, but with a different meaning each time
Antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American civil war
Antediluvian: antiquated, extremely old, old-aged
Anthracite: glossy, hard coal which burns with a nearly smokeless flame
Anthropomorphic: described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes
Antipathy: strong feeling of aversion or repugnance, enmity, animosity
Anxiolytic: preventing or reducing anxiety, antianxiety medication, tranquilizer
Aperitif: alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer before a meal
Aperture: opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit, part of a camera
Aphelion: when the orbit of earth is furthest from the sun
Aphotic: devoid of light, especially of areas where no light naturally occurs
Apocryphal: of questionable authorship or authenticity, erroneous, fictitious
Apollonian: serene, calm, or well-balanced, poised and disciplined, pertaining to Apollo
Apophenia: the perception of or belief in connectedness among unrelated phenomena
Apoplexy: stroke, impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage
Aposiopesis: abrupt stop of a thought in a sentence, as if the speaker could not continue
Apostasy: abandonment of one's religious faith, political party, one's principles, or a cause
Apostolicity: being of or contemporary with the Apostles in character
Apothecary: one who prepares and sells drugs and other medicine, pharmacy
Apothegm: terse, witty, instructive saying, maxim, generally accepted truth, aphorism
Apotheosis: deification, quintessence, exaltation to divine rank or stature
Appendix: additional material at the end of a book or other text, an appendage
Apteryx: genus of flightless birds
Aquarelle: painting done in transparent watercolors, watercolor, watercolor painting
Arabesque: ballet twirl, type of artistry involving a continuous, rotating design
Arbalest: medieval missile launcher designed on the crossbow, large crossbow
Arbitrary: determined by chance, whim, or impulse, not by necessity, reason, or principle
Arboretum: land on which many different trees or shrubs are grown for study or display
Archetype: original model or type after which similar things are patterned, prototype
Archipelago: landform which consists of a chain or cluster of islands
Argyle: knitting pattern of varicolored, diamond-shaped areas on a solid background
Arithmetic: branch of math dealing with the properties and manipulation of numbers
Arpeggio: notes of a chord played in succession, either ascending or descending
Artemisia: type of plant, genus of aromatic shrubs or herbs
Asterisk: (*) used to indicate an omission, reference, a word, sound, or affix
Asteroid: small, irregularly-shaped rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, shaped like a star
Astrobleme: scar on the earth's surface left from the impact of a meteorite, crater
Asymptote: line whose distance to a given curve tends to zero
Ataraxy: calmness of the mind and emotions, tranquility, state of tranquilization
Ataxia: loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement, failure of coordination
Athanasy: quality of being deathless, immortality
Athenaeum: institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning, phrontistery
Aura: distinctive and pervasive quality or character, air, atmosphere, emanation
Automaton: self-operating machine or mechanism, especially a robot
Autumnal: pertaining to, like, relating, or evocative of Autumn
Avalanche: fall or slide of a large mass of snow or rock, overwhelming amount, flood
Aviatrix: female aviator
Awakening: rousing, quickening, act of waking from sleep, revival of interest or attention
Axolotl: specific members of a genus of salamanders
Azimuth: horizontal angular distance from a reference direction
Azoth: mythologized universal solvent, panacea
Baccalaureate: bachelor’s degree, valedictory speech
Bacchanalia: riotous, boisterous, or drunken festivity, orgy, drunken feast
Bacchante: female bacchant, carousing woman, priestess or woman votary of Bacchus
Badinage: playful or frivolous repartee or banter, cheeky back-and-forth
Bailiwick: person's area of interest, skill, or authority, special domain, bailiff’s office
Balatron: buffoon, clown, jackanapes, joker
Balistraria: arrow-slit, narrow opening through which arrows might be discharged
Ballast: heavy material specially set to improve strength and control, bed of coarse gravel
Balustrade: architecture, series of balusters or parapet
Banderilla: decorated dart that is shot into the neck of the bull during a bull fight
Barathea: soft fabric of silk and cotton, silk and wool, or all wool
Barathrum: a bottomless pit, hole, or abyss, Hell
Bardiglio: finely-grained, multi-gray Italian marble
Baroque: of, relating to, or like of a style in art and architecture of a time
Basilica: large, public building the Romans used, usually as a courtroom or meeting hall
Basilisk: legendary serpent with lethal breath and glance, usually turning it’s prey to stone
Bayonet: blade adapted to fit the muzzle-end of a rifle and as a weapon in close combat
Bdelygmia: a litany of abuse, a series of critical epithets, descriptions, or attributes
Behemoth: something of enormous size and power, huge animal, machine, or creature
Belabor: to attack, strike, to explain or insist on excessively, scold
Bellicose: inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious
Bellwether: leader or indicator of future trends, trendsetter
Belvedere: roofed structure, on top of another building, which commands a large view
Benthos: the bottom of a body of water, the living things at the bottom of a water body
Berceuse: lullaby, song used to put someone to sleep
Bersatrix: babysitter, maternal caretaker
Bethesda: a hallowed, sanctified, or holy place, a chapel, holy ground
Betwixt: between, in an intermediate position
Bezaleel: the shadow of God, God’s shadow
Bibliophile: someone who loves (and usually collects) books, book collector
Bijouterie: general plural of trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof
Bildungsroman: coming-of-age novel, movie, or story
Bivouac: temporary military or squad encampment
Blatherskite: babbling, foolish person, person given to voluble, senseless talk
Blellum: an idle, indiscreet talker, noisy fainéant, informant
Blitzkrieg: swift, sudden military offensive, swift, decisive strike
Blunderbuss: insensitive, blundering person, short musket of wide bore and flared muzzle
Boeotian: marked by stupidity and philistinism, crudely obtuse, loutish
Bolster: to support and strengthen, structural part used to support and strengthen
Borasca: squall, usually accompanied by thunder and lightning
Boulevard: broad street, avenue, broad spectrum of something
Bouleversement: reversal of fortunes, overturning, tumult
Bourgeoisie: the middle class, the middle class in Communist theory
Braggadocio: arrogant person, braggart, arrogant or boastful behavior
Bravura: music term, brilliant technique or style in performance, piece requiring high skill
Brecciate: to form rock into breccia(rocks made of sharp fragments set in a grainy matrix)
Breviloquence: speech characterized by brevity, shortness, briefness
Bricolage: something made or put together using any materials that happen are available
Brontide: sound like distant thunder, can be due to seismic causes
Brummagem: cheap and showy, meretricious, gaudy, tawdry, ersatz
Brumous: pertaining or relating to winter, foggy, misty, dull and sunless, cold
Brusque: abrupt and curt in manner or speech, discourteously blunt
Bruxer: one who suffers habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth
Bulwark: wall of material built for defense, rampart, protection from external danger
Burnish: to polish, the shine of a polished surface
Caballero: skilled horseman, gentleman, cavalier
Cacafuego: swaggering braggart or boaster, spitfire
Cachinnation: act of laughing hard, loudly or convulsively, guffawing, cackling
Cacoethes: uncontrollable urge or desire, especially for something harmful, mania
Cacography: bad or illegible handwriting or penmanship, griffonage
Cadaver: corpse, specifically one dressed for a procedure
Cadenza: musical or literary improvisation
Calamity: great misfortune, misery, disaster, grievous affliction, event which causes such
Calcaneus: the heel bone
Calibrate: to check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard
Calico: coarse, brightly printed cloth, a type of pattern
Caliginous: misty, dim, obscure, dark, gloomy, tenebrous
Calliope: musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard
Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt
Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt
Calypso: rare orchid, a tribal and fervid dance
Camouflage: actions or devices intended to disguise or mislead, usually natural
Cancrizans: backwards movement, crab walking, music moving backwards
Candelabra: pl. branched candlestick with several candles
Carapace: bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back of an animal or creature
Carcinogen: an agent or substance that causes cancer
Caricature: expression or interpretation of exaggerated details or foibles of something
Carmagnole: short jacket with wide lapels, spirited dance to a particular song
Cartesian: of or relating to the philosophy of Descartes
Cashielaws: old Scottish instrument of torture, consisting of a heated iron case for the leg
Castanet: small, percussion instruments made of hard material which are clicked together
Catachresis: inappropriate use of one word for another
Cataclysm: violent upheaval that causes great destruction or brings about a vital change
Catacombs: pl. vault, tomb, crypt, ossuary, often labyrinthine
Catafalque: decorated platform or framework on which a coffin rests
Catalexis: absence of one or more syllables in a line of verse, especially in the last foot
Catalyst: that which affects or causes activity in something without being affected itself
Cataphract: suit of armor for a man and horse
Cataract: large or tall waterfall, a deluge, opacity of the lens or capsule of the eye
Catatonia: condition typified by stupor, stereotypy, mania, and/or rigidity of the limbs
Catharsis: purgation, emotional purification, relieving of emotional tensions
Cathedral: large, presiding, and/or important church, emanating from a chair of authority
Cathismata: pl. one of the 20 divisions in a Greek Psalter
Cathode: negative-charged electrode being the source of electrons entering a device
Catholicon: a supposed medicine to cure all diseases, panacea
Causerie: informal discussion or chat, short conversational piece of writing or criticism
Cauterize: to burn or sear with a caustic brand, usually for medical purposes
Cavalcade: a procession of riders or carriages, a procession of vehicle of ships
Cavalier: given to haughty disregard of others, gallant or courtly gentleman
Caveat: admonition, caution, warning against certain acts, formal notice of warning
Cavil: to object or criticize adversely for trivial reasons, flimsy objection or qualm
Celeripedean: quick-footed, swift, fast-running
Celestial: heavenly, of a higher plane, empyreal, of space
Cenobite: member of a convent or other religious community, cloistered person
Cenotaph: an unmarked grave
Centurion: commander of a century (100 soldiers), high-ranking official or leader
Cerebellum: part of the brain that regulates coordination and voluntary muscle movement
Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”
Chagrin: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
Chantpleure: to cry while singing, to cry and sing simultaneously
Chaos: lack of order, condition or place of disorder or confusion, riotous mass, a jumble
Charisma: personal attractiveness or interestingness that enables you to influence others
Chatoyant: like or resembling a cat’s eye
Chevelure: head of hair, hair on the head, tresses, a nebulous envelop(as around a comet)
Chiaroscuro: composition of strong contrasts in light and dark
Chiasmus: rhetorical, inverse sentence, “One should eat to live, not live to eat”
Chicanery: trickery, buffoonery, deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry
Chimerical: created by or as if by a wildly fanciful imagination, highly improbable
Chiropteran: pertaining to bats, mammalian order
Chitinous: of or resembling chitin, having a carapace or protective shell of chitin
Chondrule: small, round granule of outer space origin seen embedded in some meteorites
Choreography: the art of creating and arranging dances or ballets
Chrematistic: of, relating to, or occupied in the gaining of wealth
Chrysoberyl: a rare hard yellow green mineral, used as a gemstone
Chthonic: of or relating to the underworld, stygian, infernal
Ciborium: vessel, receptacle for the blessed sacrament or consecrated wafers
Cicatrix: deep, permanent scar resultant of serious injury
Cinnabar: bright red, glowing red
Cinquefoil: five-leaved, plant with limbs that are five-leaved, five-pointed leaves
Circadian: relating to or exhibiting approximately 24-hour periodicity
Circuitous: having a circular or winding course, indirect, roundabout
Cislunar: of or relating to the space between earth and the moon or the moon’s orbit
Clairvoyant: having the “power” to see things that can’t be perceived by the senses
Claque: group of fawning admirers, group of persons hired to applaud at a performance
Clarion: medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones, clear and shrill, loud burst of sound
Claviger: one that keeps or has the keys, custodian, warden
Clavilux: machine that generates light via music
Clepsydra: device that measured time by marking regulated flow of water via an opening
Clerisy: the well-educated or learned class, intelligentsia, cognoscenti
Climax: highest or most intense point in the making or resolution of something, summit
Clinquant: glittering as gold, glittering with tinsel, showily ornate
Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped, resembling a keyhole
Cloister: monastatic establishment, convent of living
Cnidarian: any invertebrate animal, as a hydra, jellyfish, sea anemone, or coral
Coalesce: to fuse, intersect, or entwine to create a unity
Coccyx: the end of the vertebral column in humans and tailless apes
Cochlear: of or relating to the cochlea of the ear
Codicil: addendum, supplement, appendix, or revision to a will, supplement or appendix
Coelacanth: prehistoric fish still alive today
Coercion: the act of coercing, the use of pressure, threats, blackmail, or intimidation
Coeval: of the same age, date, or duration, equally old, lasting through the same era
Cognomen: familial name, surname, especially a third name
Cognoscente: person who has expert or superior knowledge in a subject, connoisseur
Cognoscitive: having the power of knowing, having the ability to know or discover
Colcothar: brownish-red oxide of iron
Collectanea: selection of pieces of writing by an author or by several authors
Colliquate: to change from solid to liquid, to liquefy
Colloquial: informal, as in speech, conversationally informal
Colophon: inscription at the end of a book, an identifying emblem for a book
Coloratura: elaborate or technical vocal music with florid ornamentation
Colossus: huge statue, something likened to a huge statue, as in size or importance
Colporteur: book merchant, bible salesman, salesman of religious tracts
Comatose: of, relating to, or affected with coma, unconscious, marked by lethargy, torpid
Concatenate: to link together, unite in a series or chain
Conchitic: composed of shells, containing many shells
Concinnity: harmony in the arrangement or fitness of parts with respect to a whole
Concomitant: phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something, concurrent
Concourse: large open space for the gathering or passage of crowds, broad thoroughfare
Concrescence: growing together of related parts, the amassing of physical particles
Conduit: means by which something is transmitted, channel for conveying fluids
Conflagration: large destructive fire, holocaust, inferno
Congelifraction: splitting or disintegration of rocks as a result of the freezing of the water
Conjuration: the act or art of conjuring, magic spell or incantation, magic trick or effect
Conquistador: a conqueror, especially one of the 16th-century Spanish soldiers
Constellation: specific arrangement of stars to form an image
Contagion: disease that is or may be transmitted by direct or indirect contact, epidemic
Continuum: coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression
Contretemps: inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation, dispute, argument
Contusion: bruise, an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
Convalesce: to recover or recuperate, recover from a serious injury
Convivial: amicable, fond of feasting, drinking, and good company, sociable
Coquelicot: plant, red poppy
Coracle: small rounded boat made of waterproof material stretched over a frame
Coriander: aromatic herb, herb used in a variety of perfumes
Corinthian: pertaining to Corinth or its culture, architecture
Cormorant: large, aquatic bird, a greedy, rapacious person
Corpulent: of a bulky body, excessively heavy or fat, stout, portly
Corrigenda: error to be revised, especially a printer's error, list of errors with corrections
Cortical: of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of cortex
Coruscate: sparkle, reflect brightly, shimmer
Cosmogony: astrophysical study of the origin and progress of the universe and its theories
Cosmogyral: whirling around the cosmos, traversing or spinning around the cosmos
Cosmonaut: Russian or Soviet astronaut
Cosmopolitan: pertaining to the world at large, without localized prejudices
Coterie: tightly-knit group of persons having a common purpose or interest, cadre, clique
Coterminous: having the same or coincident boundaries, coextensive in range or scope
Coxcomb: conceited, self-impressed dandy, fool, conceited fool, narcissistic person
Coxswain: captain, steersman, person who steers a ship's boat and has charge of its crew
Crambazzle: worn-out old man, curmudgeon, rabblerousing old-timer
Craquelure: fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of paintings
Crepuscular: pertaining to the evening, of or resembling twilight, active at twilight
Criterion: standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision can be based
Cromlech: circle of monoliths or stones usually enclosing a dolmen(tomb) or mound
Crpytozoology: study or search of creatures whose existence has not been substantiated
Crucible: severe, searching test or trial, container to be used with metals at high heat
Crucifix: representation of the cross on which Jesus died
Cruciverbalist: one who is skillful in creating or solving crossword puzzles
Crwth: ancient Celtic musical instrument
Cryogenic: of or relating to low temperatures, requiring or suitable to cryogenic storage
Cumulonimbus: type of cloud that augurs, foretells, or indicates bad weather
Cunctipotent: all-powerful, omnipotent, endless in power
Cuneiform: wedge-shaped, Sumerian language
Cuvette: a small, transparent, often tubular laboratory vessel
Cwm: a valley, dell, field, heath, to copulate with an ewe
Cygnet: a baby swan, young swan
Cynegetics: the art or arts related to hunting of animals, people, or things
Cynophilist: dog-lover, one who loves or appreciates dogs
Cynosure: that which garners great attention by calling to its brilliance, interest
Cyrenaic: pertaining to a philosophical tenet (that pleasure is the only good in life)
Cytherean: pertaining to beauty or the goddess, Aphrodite
Daemon: subordinate deity, guardian spirit, demon
Decollate: to behead, decapitate, remove or cut the head off of something
Decorticate: to remove the bark, husk, or outer covering from
Decussate: shaped or resembling an X, to intersect, to cross or become crossed like an X
Dedimus: a writ giving a private person permission to act as a judge
Degringolade: a rapid decline or deterioration, as in strength, position, or condition
Delenda: that which needs to be deleted, something that has been deleted
Deliquesce: to dissolve, transform into liquid from a solid
Delirium: state of mental disarray and unstable consciousness from intoxication or fever
Delitescent: hidden, concealed, kept secret
Demagogue: rabble-rouser, firebrand, one who appeals to emotions and prejudices
Demesne: a lord’s privately owned manor or section of land
Demigod: the offspring of a god and a mortal, usually gifted with exceptional powers
Demiurge: something conceived as an autonomous creative force or decisive power
Dendrite: short fiber that conducts toward the cell body of the neuron, branch, branching
Denigrate: disparage, to attack the character or reputation of, speak ill of, defame
Denizen: inhabitant, resident, one that frequents a particular place, occupant
Denouement: final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot
Desiccate: to dry up or cause to dry up, to deprive or exhaust of moisture
Desperado: bold or desperate outlaw or criminal, violent or reckless felon
Detritus: remnants of disintegration, vaporized or eroded matter, loose, leftover material
Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils, witchcraft, sorcery, consorting with demons
Diadem: crown worn as a sign of royalty, royal power or dignity, object worn as a crown
Diametric: of, relating to, or along a diameter, exactly opposite, contrary
Diaphanous: light, delicate, gossamer, translucent
Diaspora: dissemination, dispersion, random or selective re-distribution
Dichotomy: division into two usually contrary parts or opinions, division into two sects
Dilapidate: to bring or fall into a state of partial ruin, decay, or disrepair
Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent
Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent
Dimension: measure of spatial extent, especially width, height, or length, extent, scope
Diocese: ecclesiastical district under the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop
Dionysian: wild, irrational, and undisciplined, of an ecstatic, orgiastic, or irrational nature
Dioscuric: describing a twin, whether person or event, of a twin, of a duplicate
Dirigible: an airship, vehicle or method of transportation using the air
Dirigisme: economic planning and control by the state
Discotheque: nightclub that features dancing to recorded or live music
Divisi: music term, divided, separated
Dogmatic: lacking tolerance, compliance, or breadth of view, forcibly assertive
Doldrums: a spell or state of listlessness or despondency, blues, period of ennui
Dolorifuge: something that banishes or mitigates grief, an escape or remedy to despair
Doppelganger: double of a living person, especially one that haunts its counterpart
Dowry: natural gift, endowment, talent, money or property given to a bride’s husband
Drachma: primary unit of currency in Greece before the adoption of the euro
Draconian: exceedingly harsh, severe, dogmatic, rigorous, marked by cruelty or severity
Dragoon: compel by coercion, threats, or crude means, armed soldier or cavalry
Dramaturgy: devices used in writing plays to distinguish plays from other literary forms
Drepaniform: falciform, hooked, curved, or shaped like a sickle, falcate
Drogulus: a presence with no evidence whatsoever of its presence, thing-in-itself
Dulcimer: stringed instrument having three or four strings and a fretted fingerboard
Duumvirate: two people holding the same office, duo, two people working in conjunction
Dynamitard: one that uses dynamite for anarchistic or other political acts of violence
Dyslexia: disorder in which lexical figures are perceived in a chaotic order
Dyspeptic: having a morose disposition, relating to dyspepsia, irritable
Ecclesiastical: of or pertaining to the church or the clergy, churchly, clerical
Echolalia: immediate and involuntary repetition of words or phrases just spoken by others
Echt: not fake or counterfeit, real, genuine, authentic
Eclipsareon: a device for illustrating and demonstrating eclipses
Ectocanthion: point at which the outer ends of the upper and lower eyelids meet
Ectoplasm: mystical, viscous substance that exudes from the body of a medium
Ecumenical: of worldwide scope or suitability, universal, relating to the Christian church
Ecumenopolis: one city comprising the world that is held to be a prospect of the future
Edifice: large building, construct, complex set of beliefs
Effervesce: to bubble over, to boil with frothy bubbles, to excite
Effluvium: foul discharge or emanation, emission
Efflux: something that flows out or forth, effluence, passing or an expiration, as of time
Eftsoons: soon afterward, immediately
Egregious: flagrant, conspicuously bad or offensive, glaring, outrageously bad
Eiderdown: down of a duck used as stuffing for quilts or pillows
Eidetic: of, relating to, or marked by extremely detailed and vivid recall of visual images
Eidolon: ghost, specter, revenant, reappearing, continuously visiting or persisting image
Eidos: formal content of the mental or intellectual makeup of a culture or social group
Eldritch: strange or unearthly, eerie, terrifying, alien
Electrum: a pale yellow alloy of silver and gold
Eleemosynary: of, relating to, or dependent on charity, contributed as an act of charity
Elegiac: resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy, triste, sad, mournful
Elenchus: logical refutation by proving the opposite, argument thereof
Elision: omission of a vowel, consonant, or syllable in pronunciation
Elixir: solution of alcohol and water, substance believed to maintain life indefinitely
Elliptical: of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse, with a word or words omitted
Elysian: blissful, delightful, pertaining to the Elysian Fields or Elysium
Elysium: section of the underworld, resting place of heroes and the virtuous
Emaciate: to make abnormally thin or weak, typically due to illness
Embarcadero: a landing place, especially a landing place on an island waterway
Embargo: prohibition, a prevention of commerce, government-imposed trade barrier
Embryo: organism in its early stages of development
Emerald: deep, dark green
Emeritus: retired from active service, usually for age, but retaining one's rank or title
Emissary: an agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another
Empirical: derived from or guided by experience or experimentation, opposed to theory
Empyreal: related to the empyrean, celestial
Enamel: vitreous, usually opaque, protective or decorative coating or shell
Enceinte: pregnant, carrying a baby, gravid, line of fortification enclosing a town or castle
Encomium: eulogy, warm, glowing praise, formal expression of praise, a tribute
Engastrimyth: ventriloquist, manipulator of vocalizations and props as entertainment
Enigma: person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous
Ennui: listlessness, weariness, discontent
Ensiform: sword-shaped, shaped like a sword
Entelechy: actuality, fully realized essence, actuality opposed to potentiality
Enterprise: undertaking, especially one of risk or complication, business organization
Entropy: the quantitative measure of disorder in a system
Envenomate: to poison, to put poison in or into something
Epicacracy: Schadenfreude, sadism, pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others
Epicurean: hedonistic, gastronomical, pertaining to good taste
Epigone: inferior imitator, disciple, second-rate replica, counterfeit
Epileptic: pertaining to epilepsy, flickering rapidly, seizing
Epithelium: type of body tissue
Epizeuxis: a rhetorical figure by which a word is repeated with vehemence or emphasis
Epoch: era, period marked by distinct character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
Epoxy: two-part adhesive that cures (dries) by chemical interaction between the two parts
Equestrian: of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding
Equilibrium: state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces
Equinox: when the sun reaches a height, night and day equalize, annual event
Equipoise: equal distribution of weight or balance, balanced
Ersatz: being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation, artificial, synthetic
Erubescent: becoming red, reddening, becoming ruddy
Erudite: characterized by great knowledge or insight, learned or scholarly
Escadrille: a small squadron, usually of six, a small team, typically of six airplanes
Escalade: the act of scaling a wall, usually with a ladder or rope
Escamotage: juggling, hand trickery, sleight of hand, legerdemain
Eschatology: philosophy or theology focused on the end of the world or analysis thereof
Eschew: to avoid, shun, dispense with, abstain
Esclavage: a necklace having several rows of chains, beads, or jewels
Escritoire: writing desk, desk designed for studies
Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten
Escutcheon: shield, shield on a coat of arms, ornamental or protective plate
Esker: long, winding ridge of gravel and other sediment left by melted ice from a stream
Esoterica: item or thing that is esoteric, obscure, rare, or valuable
Espionage: act or practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information
Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes
Estuary: inlet or arm of the sea, an open river that connects to the sea
Esurient: hungry, greedy, hedonistic in pursuit of things
Ethereal: heavenly, airy in substance, spectral, insubstantial and light
Etiolate: to stunt growth, deprive of strength , to whiten by blocking sunlight exposure
Eucalyptus: tall type of Australian tree
Eucrasia: a normal state of health, physical well-being
Eugenics: study of methods of improving genetic qualities by selective breeding
Eupeptic: cheerful, happy, having a good digestion, chipper
Eutectic: of, relating to, or formed at the lowest temperature, as in a melting point
Evanescent: brief, transient, ephemeral
Eviscerate: to disembowel, exenterate, to remove the viscera of something
Excelsior: fine, curled wood shavings
Excogitate: to contemplate with diligence and care to obtain intuitive grasp thereof
Excoriate: to tear or wear off the skin of, abrade
Excruciate: to inflict severe pain on, torture, to agonize, intensify pain, or distress
Exegesis: critical explanation, analysis, or interpretation of a text or portion of a text
Exhilaration: liveliness, high spirits, elation, state of stimulation, felicity
Exigent: needing immediate action, urgent, requiring much effort or expense, demanding
Exiguous: excessively scanty, inadequate, meager
Existential: of, relating to, or dealing with existence, pertaining to existentialism
Exodus: a going out, departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people
Exorbitant: greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation, excessive, expensive
Exoskeleton: external supportive or protective structure or framework, often of an insect
Exoteric: freely dispersed, comprehensible to or suited to the public, popular, external
Expatiate: to speak or write at length or in considerable detail, expound, elaborate
Expectorate: to eject from the mouth, spit, to spit phlegm, to summon phlegm and expel it
Expostulate: to reason earnestly with someone to dissuade or correct, remonstrate
Expulsion: act of expelling or state of being expelled, act of being forced or driven out
Expunge: to strike out, obliterate, or to mark for deletion
Expurgate: cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive or erroneous
Exsanguinate: to drain of blood, to be drained of blood
Extinguish: to quench, snuff out, put an end to, kill, to put out a fire or flame, destroy
Extrapolate: to infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information
Extricate: to release from an entanglement or difficulty, disengage, unravel
Exuviate: to shed a shell, molt, unsheathe
Eyethurl: window, aperture or hole to be viewed through with the eyes
Facsimile: copy or reproduction of an item, typically a book
Fainéant: sluggard, do-nothing, ne’er-do-well , idle and ineffectual
Falciform: falcate, curved, convex, sickle-shaped, drepaniform
Famulus: sorcerer’s apprentice or assistant
Fanfaronade: bragging or blustering manner or behavior, fanfare, riotous applause
Farrago: assortment or a medley, a conglomeration, confused mixture, hodgepodge
Fatigue: weariness from work or exertion, military apparel, physical enfeeblement
Feldspar: a specific group of minerals and rocks
Felsenmeer: an assemblage of rock fragments completely mantling the surface of an area
Fiasco: complete and utter failure, failure, disappointment, social gaffe or failure
Fiduciary: of, having to with, or involving a confidence, trust, or trust for another
Fissure: long narrow opening, a crack or cleft, process of splitting or separating, division
Florilegium: a volume or collection of brief extracts or writings, anthology
Foehn: warm, dry wind descending or blowing down the side of a mountain
Formaldehyde: colorless gaseous or liquid compound, usually used for preservation
Formulaic: being of no special quality or type, average, routine, undistinguished
Foudroyant: dazzling, scintillating, sudden and overwhelming
Foxfire: organic luminescence, especially from certain fungi on decaying wood
Frisson: moment of intense excitement, a shudder, shiver of ecstasy or suspense
Fulcrum: point, structure, or support on which a lever pivots
Fulgurate: to emit flashes of lightning, to dart like lightning, to resemble lightning
Fuliginous: having the color of soot, dark, dusky, charcoal-colored
Fulminate: to issue a thunderous verbal attack or denunciation, to explode, detonate
Fumarole: hole in an area of volcanic activity from which gases and hot smoke escape
Fuselage: central body of an aircraft, to which the wings and tail assembly are attached
Fusillade: salvo, rapid discharge of firearms
Fysigunkus: person devoid of curiosity, insouciant person
Gaffe: clumsy social error, a faux pas, blunder, social miscommunication
Galaxy: collection of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity
Galimatias: meaningless talk, gibberish, nonsense
Gallimaufry: jumble, hodgepodge, mélange, imbroglio, farrago, miscellany
Galvanize: to stimulate or shock with an electric current, to arouse to awareness or action
Gambit: opening move, maneuver, stratagem, or ploy, usually one used at an early stage
Garrison: body of troops stationed in a fortified place, permanent military post
Garrulous: given or prone to conversation, loquacious, talkative, predisposed to chatting
Gasconade: extravagant boasting, boastful talk, arrogant self-praise, to gasconade
Gaucherie: awkwardness, inexperience, embarrassments
Gazebo: freestanding, roofed, usually open-sided structure, belvedere
Gelignite: a gelatin dynamite with specific components
Gemsbok: large antelope with long, straight horns
Gemutlich: warm and congenial, pleasant or friendly, amicable, convivial
Gendarmerie: French police force, force of gendarmes
Geometry: the pure mathematics of points and lines and curves and surfaces
Germane: fitting, being both pertinent and fitting, relevant, relevant and appropriate
Ghyll: ravine, stream, woody or wooden glen, dell
Gigahertz: a unit of frequency equal to one billion cycles per second
Girandole: a mirror having attached candle holders
Glyph: a sigil or specific insignia, a letter of language, an arcane mark
Gnathonic: sycophantic, fawning, flattering, deceitfully flattering
Gnomon: indicator provided by the arm whose shadow indicates the time on the sundial
Gnosis: esoteric knowledge of spiritual truth, complex and thinly distributed knowledge
Gobemouche: a silly, gullible, or credulous person, person with a mouth agape
Golgotha: a place of burial, cemetery, tomb, catacomb, necropolis
Goliath: person or thing of massive size and/or power, colossus, behemoth
Googolplex: 10 to the power of googol(10 to the hundredth power)
Gossamer: delicate, light, flimsy, transparent and thin, like a spider’s silk
Gravamen: the material, basis, or significant part of a grievance or complaint
Gravitas: substance, weightiness, profundity, high seriousness, dignity
Grazioso: a direction in music, graceful, smooth, or elegant in style
Grenadier: soldier who uses and carries grenades, infantryman, one who throws grenades
Griffonage: cacography, bad penmanship, careless handwriting, crude or illegible scrawl
Grimalkin: cat, especially an old female cat, old woman considered to be ill-tempered
Grimoire: textbook of sorcery and magic, magical or mystical tome, esoteric book
Grimthorpe: to remodel an old building without knowledge or care to retain its character
Grobian: a slovenly, crude, and often boorish individual, boor, lout
Guerdon: to reward, a reward, recompense, payment
Gulag: Russian prison camp for political prisoners, large prison for specific prisoners
Gymnastic: exercises designed to promote and show strength, balance, and agility
Gyrfalcon: a large arctic falcon
Haecceity: property that uniquely identifies an object, compare quiddity
Halberdier: a soldier, guard, or attendant armed with a halberd
Halcyon: legendary kingfisher, tranquil, calm, without strife, serene
Hamulus: a small hook or hook-like process, especially at the end of a bone
Haphazard: aimless, chaotic, typified by lack of order, planning, or by variability
Harbinger: one that indicates or foreshadows what is to come, a forerunner, prophesier
Harlequinade: harlequin’s main piece, comic pranks, lively buffoonery
Harmartia: tragic or fatal flaw, fault, character flaw
Harridan: scolding old woman, nag, nasty, bad-tempered woman
Haruspex: priest who practiced divination through the medium of animal entrails
Hauberk: medieval coat of armor, usually made of chain mail
Hecatomb: large-scale sacrifice or slaughter, tribute to Gods, massacre, a large amount
Hegemony: predominant influence, dominance, supremacy, preeminence
Heliocentric: having or relating to the Sun as the center or core
Heliotrope: light purple, type of flower
Helix: a spiral, spiral-shaped object or string
Hendiadys: rhetoric, such as grace and favor instead of gracious favor
Heresiarch: leader, founder, or chief advocate of a heresy or heretical movement or sect
Hermeneutics: theory, study, and methodology of interpretation
Hermetic: wholly sealed, chiefly against the entry of air, impervious to outside influence
Heteroscedastic: pertaining to a sequence of random variables
Heterotopia: a place or space that functions in non-hegemonic conditions
Heuristic: of or relating to trial analysis using self-teaching tactics to better performance
Hiatus: gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity, a break, sabbatical
Hiemal: of, pertaining to, like, or relating to winter
Hieroglyphic: picture writing system, a writing system that uses symbols or pictures
Hierophant: explainer or solver of mysteries or phenomena, expositor
Hirsute: covered with hair, hairy, having a large amount of hair or body hair
Hoarfrost: rime, frozen dew that forms a white coating on a surface
Holocaust: great or complete devastation or destruction, especially by fire, sacrifice
Homoeuteleuton: rhetoric in which alike words or phrases are used like rhymes
Homogenous: of the same or similar nature or kind, of uniform structure or makeup
Homunculus: diminutive human, small human as a product of alchemical processes
Horologium: an instrument(as a clock) used for measuring time
Horripilation: bristling of the body hair, as from fear or cold, goose bumps
Hubris: excessive pride, overbearing arrogance, blind vanity
Hyacinth: tropical, American herb, red, transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone
Hybrid: word made of parts from different languages, offspring of two different things
Hydralulus: pipe organ using water pressure to maintain the air supply
Hydraulic: of, involving, moved by, or operated by a fluid or liquid, under pressure
Hydroplane: to skim a surface, to skim along on the surface of the water, as in a car
Hyperbole: figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect
Hyperborean: of the far north, very cold, frigid, gelid
Hyphenate: to divide or connect (syllables, word elements, or names) with a hyphen
Hypochondriac: one who believes in or purports exaggerated illnesses, valetudinarian
Hypothesis: proposition set forth as an explanation to specific phenomena, speculation
Iambic: consisting of iambs or characterized by their predominance
Iatrogenic: induced by a physician, be it words, therapy, or treatment
Iceberg: large mass of ice floating at sea, usually broken off of a polar glacier
Ichor: fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the gods, any bloodlike fluid
Iconoclast: one who attacks established beliefs, ideals, customs, or institutions, maverick
Icosahedron: a figure or solid geometric shape formed by 20 sides or plane faces
Idiosyncrasy: characteristic, habit, mannerism, etc., that is peculiar to an individual
Imbolc: ancient Celtic festival
Imbroglio: extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
Immolate: to kill, sacrifice, or destroy, almost always with fire
Immure: to enclose with walls, ensconce
Impecunious: lacking money, penniless, having very little or no money
Impervious: impenetrable, incapable of being affected or harmed, not susceptible
Impetus: a drive or compelling force, motivation, a reason to do something
Implosion: the act of bursting inward, a volatile collapse with violent results
Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water
Impresario: sponsor who books and stages public attractions, director or manager thereof
Imprimatur: a sign or mark of approval, insignia of approval
Incalescent: becoming hotter or growing more ardent, boiling
Incendiary: causing or capable of causing fire, combustible, inflammatory
Inchoate: in an initial or early stage, incipient, imperfect, partial, unfinished
Incisive: penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression
Incognito: with one's identity disguised or concealed, under an assumed name or identity
Incorporeal: immaterial, ghostly, ethereal, lacking material form or substance
Incunabulum: book printed before 1501
Indefatigable: incapable or seemingly incapable of being fatigued, tireless, inexhaustible
Ineluctable: unavoidable, inescapable, inevitable, not to be avoided, changed, or resisted
Inenubilable: incapable of being cleared of clouds, unclear, indistinct, inexplicable
Inferno: hell, place of fiery heat or destruction, place of human suffering, misery, or death
Infinitesimal: so small as to approach zero, immeasurably or incalculably minute
Infinity: quality or condition of being infinite, unbounded space, time, or quantity
Infrastructure: the underlying foundation or basic framework, structural content
Ingravescent: gradually becoming more severe, worsening, usually of a medical condition
Iniquity: violation of right or duty, wicked act, sin, gross immorality or injustice
Inoculate: introduce an idea or view into the mind of, inculcate, inject a serum or vaccine
Insomnia: inability to get ample sleep, difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeplessness
Intaglio: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material
Integer: any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero
Intelligentsia: the intellectual elite of a society, group of intellectuals, social class thereof
Interrobang: punctuation that is a question mark superimposed on an exclamation point
Interval: intervening period of time, period of temporary cessation, pause
Intransigent: refusing to conduct a position, usually an extreme one, uncompromising
Inundate: deluge, to fill quickly beyond capacity, to cover with water, drench, overwhelm
Iota: infinitesimal amount, small amount, bit, mote, scintilla
Irascible: marked by ire, a hot temper, and resentful anger
Iscariotic: traitorous, treacherous, given to betrayal, having committed betrayal
Isinglass: thin sheet of translucent mica
Isochronal: uniform in time, having equal duration, recurring at regular intervals
Isosceles: having two equal sides, of a triangle
Isotope: atom whose nucleus contains an abnormal number of neutrons
Isthmus: narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land
Jackanapes: impudent person, impertinent person, dislikable person
Jacqueminot: crimson rose
Jaguar: large, spotted feline mammal of Central and South America
Jettatura: power of the “evil eye”, the “evil eye”, harsh stare used by superstitious people
Jettison: to cast off a ship or overboard, to remove something extraneous, omit or forgo
Jocular: characterized by joking, kidding, or facetiousness, given to joking
Jonquil: widely cultivated ornamental plant
Juxtapose: to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast
Kabuki: highly-stylized, classical Japanese dance-drama
Kairos: opportune time and/or place, the right time to say or do the right or crucial thing
Kakistocracy: government lead by unscrupulous, unsuitable, or unqualified people
Kaleidoscope: optical item that utilizes mirrors to create interior symmetrical visions
Kamikaze: sacrificial action or attack, attack or action requiring suicide to execute
Katabatic: of or relating to the downward motion of air
Katzenjammer: loud, harsh noise, hangover, state of depression or bewilderment
Katzenklavier: “cat piano”, specific hypothetical instrument using cats meows
Ken: range of knowledge or perception, range of vision or sight, consciousness
Kinetic: relating to the motion of matter and the forces and energy associated therewith
Kiosk: small structure, often open on one or more sides, used as a newsstand or booth
Kismet: fate, fortune, chance, faith thereof
Kitsch: something of tawdry design or content created to have popular appeal, camp
Knickknackatory: a collection or arrangement of knickknacks
Kvetch: to complain persistently and whiningly, chronic, whining complainer, whiner
Labyrinth: maze, puzzling complex or circuitous plan
Lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly, to distress, mangle, slash
Lachrymose: dolorous, showing sorrow, crying, weeping, sad, bleary, tearful
Laconic: brief in speech, matter-of-fact, terse, using few words
Lacquer: varnish that dries via evaporation
Lacuna: omission or empty space, gap in chronology
Lacustrine: of or having to do with a lake or lakes, found or formed in lakes
Lagniappe: gift for extended patronage, gift or compensation for valued customers
Lamprey: eel-shaped fish with a sucking mouth
Laodicean: indifferent or lukewarm in politics and or religion
Lapis Lazuli: gemstone of intense blue
Larmoyant: lachrymose, given to tears or weeping, tearful, crying
Latitudinarian: holding, having, or expressing broad or tolerant views
Lavadero: laundry room, a place to wash gold
Legerdemain: sleight of hand, show of skill or deceitful cleverness
Leitmotif: musical passage associated to a specific situation, character, or idea
Lemniscate: the infinity symbol, any figure-eight symbol
Lethargy: the quality or state of being lazy or indifferent, lassitude, apathy, ennui
Lethologica: inability to remember a word or put your finger on the right word
Leveret: baby rabbit, a young rabbit
Leviathan: very large animal, especially a whale, something of unusually large size
Lexicon: wordbook or dictionary, vocabulary of a language
Lexiphanes: pretentious word user, bombastic or magniloquent person
Limbo: region on the border of hell or heaven, a condition of oblivion or neglect
Lithium: silvery, soft, highly-reactive metal
Lithosphere: outermost shell of a planet, the crust and uppermost mantle
Litterateur: literary-minded person, one devoted to the study or writing of literature
Lixiviation: act of separating soluble from insoluble substances via water or solvent
Logocracy: governmental system in which words are the ruling power
Logodaedalus: someone skilled in the employment or manipulation of words
Logolepsy: the obsession or an obsession with words, what they mean, or themselves
Logomachy: dispute about words, battle of words, war of words
Logorrhea: excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness, loquacity
Longueur: long and tedious passage in a work of literature, music, or performing art
Lothario: man who seduces women, incubus, rake, roué
Lucifugous: avoiding, evading, disliking, or fleeing from light or light sources
Lucubration: laborious study or meditation, writing produced by laborious effort or study
Luddite: person who fears or loathes technology, person opposed to technology
Lugubrious: gloomy or dismal, especially exaggerated
Macabre: gruesome, disturbing or horrifying due to concern with death and/or injury
Macedoine: mixture of diced fruits and vegetables, medley, mixture
Machiavellian: suggestive of or characterized by expediency, deceit, and cunning
Machination: intrigue, crafty and involved plot to achieve typically sinister ends
Macrocosm: the entire world, the universe, any large-scale system
Maelstrom: very powerful whirlpool, large, swirling body of water, turbulent situation
Mafufunyana: disorder or mental affliction, evil spirits, evil spirits causing illness
Magisterial: of, relating to, or having the features of a master or teacher, authoritative
Magnanimous: noble in mind and heart, generous in forgiving, selfless
Magnesium: light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element
Magniloquent: lofty and profuse in speech, grandiloquent, pompous in speech, bombastic
Malaise: bodily weakness, nondescript illness, vague feeling of discomfort
Malapropos: out of place, inappropriate, in an inopportune or inappropriate manner
Malcontent: dissatisfied with existing conditions, a chronically dissatisfied person
Malfeasance: misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official
Malison: curse, malediction, execration
Mammon: pelf, greed, wealth as a device of evil or false object of worship and devotion
Manifesto: announcement of intentions, opinions, or motives, usually of a political nature
Manifold: many and varied, of many kinds, multiple, having many features or forms
Manuscript: form of a literary work submitted for publication, especially handwritten
Maquette: scale model of a large item, usually of a house
Mar: to inflict damage, to impair the soundness, perfection, or integrity, spoil, besmirch
Maraschino: cordial made from the fermented juice of the marasca cherry
Marasmus: protein deficiency, state of emaciation
Marginalia: notes in the margin or margins of a book
Marionette: a puppet bound by strings and controlled with wooden bars
Marzurka: Polish dance resembling the polka, frequently adopted as a ballet form
Masquerade: festive gathering characterized by participants wearing masks
Matriculate: to become admitted to membership in a body, society, or institution
Matrix: situation within which something else originates, develops, or is contained
Matutinal: of, relating to, or occurring in the morning, early
Maudlin: tearfully or weakly emotional, effusively sentimental
Maugre: in spite of, notwithstanding
Mausoleum: large, stately tomb or building housing several tombs
Maximum: greatest possible amount, greatest value of function
Megalith: very large stone used in various prehistoric architectures or monumental styles
Megalomania: mental condition typified by delusions of wealth, power, or omnipotence
Megrim: caprice or fancy, depression or unhappiness, melancholy, migraine, vertigo
Melancholia: depression, severe depression, melancholy, gloominess
Memorabilia: pl. things remarkable and worthy of remembrance or record
Menagerie: collection of animals in cages or enclosures, diverse hodgepodge, gallery, zoo
Mendicant: beggar, depending on alms for a living, practicing begging
Meniscus: anatomical term, the curve in a liquid when observed in a cylinder
Mephistophelian: of Mephistopheles, fiendish, diabolical, crafty, malevolent, cunning
Mephitic: poisonous, noxious, lethally dangerous, insidious, toxic, putrid
Mercenary: motivated solely by a desire for money or material gain, hired gun
Mercurial: fickle, erratic, ingenious, changeable, eloquent
Meretricious: drawing attention in a vulgar manner, gaudy, tawdry, superficially attractive
Meridian: of or at noon, imaginary line that extends form the North to South poles
Mermithergate: ant that has a changed appearance as a result of a nematode infection
Mestizo: a person of mixed racial ancestry
Metabolism: processes occurring in an organism that are needed for the upkeep of life
Metalloid: element that has both metallic and nonmetallic properties
Metallurgical: of, pertaining to, or relating to metallurgy
Metamorphosis: transformation, as by magic or sorcery, drastic physical or mental change
Metempsychosis: reincarnation, transmigration of souls
Metheglin: type of mead, alcoholic liquor made of fermented honey
Mezzanine: partial story between two main stories of a building, lowest balcony of theater
Miasma: atmosphere of disease, fine mist of effluvium or bacteria, noxious emanation
Microscopic: so small as to be invisible or indistinct without the use of the microscope
Millennium: one thousand years, period of a thousand years
Mimesis: imitation or representation of the world, mostly in literature and art, mimicry
Miniscule: very small, diminutive, when compared to a normal counterpart
Misanthropy: hatred, faithlessness, or mistrust of humankind
Misericordia: amercement(law), thin-bladed dagger, luxury given to a member of a sect
Misnomer: an incorrect designation, term, or nomenclature
Mistigris: a joker or blank card that the holder can play as any card, wild card in a game
Mitochondrion: organelle in the cytoplasm of cells that functions in energy production
Mitrailleuse: a machine gun, a type of rudimentary machine gun
Mnemonic: relating to, assisting, or intended to assist the memory
Modicum: small, moderate, or token amount, a limited quantity or amount, small portion
Molecular: of, relating to, produced by, or consisting of molecules
Monocoque: object or method that braces by using the exterior, instead of an inner frame
Morass: area of low-lying, soggy ground, something that hinders, engulfs, or overwhelms
Moratorium: suspension of activity, period of time during when something is not allowed
Morceau: a small literary or musical composition
Moribund: approaching death, about to die, on the verge of becoming obsolete
Mormorando: musical direction, murmuring or with a murmuring sound
Mosaic: artwork, picture, or design made by setting small colored pieces into a surface
Mountebank: charlatan, quack, peddler of swindle and kitsch made to pilfer money
Muzjik: Russian peasant, peasant, gypsy, pauper
Myopic: nearsighted, unable or unwilling to act wisely, lacking tolerance or insight
Myriad: multitude, litany, an amount of, usually large, collection in large numbers
Myrmidon: loyal follower, subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly
Myrrh: fragrant resin gum from a type of tree, used chiefly for perfume
Mystagouge: person who interprets mysteries and mysticism or initiates others into them,
Mystique: the special, esoteric skill or mysterious faculty essential in a calling or activity
Mythologem: recurrent pattern, event, or theme in myths, such as revenge or self-sacrifice
Mythopoeic: pertaining to the making of myths
Nacreous: iridescent, pearly, like mother-of-pearl or nacre
Nadir: the absolute lowest point, opposite of the zenith or apogee, lowest point
Naos: an ancient, classical temple, inner portion of a Greek temple
Narthex: enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church
Nautilus: cephalopod mollusk, usually fossilized
Naïveté: inexperience, quality of being naïve, artlessness
Nebulae: pl. collection of astral gases
Necromancy: the art or practice of magically conjuring up the souls of the dead
Necropolis: cemetery, especially a large and elaborate one belonging to an ancient city
Nenuphar: a water lily, especially an Egyptian lotus
Nepenthe: drug of forgetfulness, anti-depression drug, remedy for sorrow
Nepheliad: cloud nymph, nymph designated or of the clouds
Nephritic: of, relating to, or like a kidney or the kidneys, renal, of or having nephritis
Nephrolith: a kidney stone, stone lodged in a kidney
Nepotism: bias shown to relatives(e.g. hiring them based on connection instead of merits)
Neutralize: to make neutral, counterbalance or counteract the effect of, render ineffective
Nexus: means of union, link, connected series or group, the core or center, as of a matter
Nihilism: type of philosophy, total and absolute destructiveness or destruction
Nimbus: dark, grey cloud bearing rain, splendid atmosphere or aura, cloudy radiance
Nimiety: excess, overabundance, superfluity
Niveous: snowy or resembling snow, like, of, relating to, or made of snow
Noctilucence: cloud phenomenon typified by lights at night, visible or glowing at night
Nocturne: work of art or piece of music dealing with or evocative of evening or night
Noetic: of, relating to, requiring, based in, originating in, or apprehended by the intellect
Nosism: the use of we in speaking of oneself, the act of speaking of oneself as multiples
Nostalgia: bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past
Noumenal: regarding a thing that can be thought of, but not perceived in experience
Novitiate: novice, the living place of a novice, the state of being a novice, neophyte
Noyade: destruction or execution by drowning, a murder by drowning
Nuclear: deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy
Nucleus: central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered, core, nexus, plexus
Nugatory: having little or no consequence, worthless, trivial, insignificant
Nullibicity: state of non-existence, quality or state of being nowhere
Nullifidian: a person having no faith, religion, convictions, or beliefs
Numeral: symbol used to represent, denote, or symbolize a number
Numina: pl. presiding divinity or spirit of a place, creative energy, genius
Numismatics: study or collection or currency, coins, paper money, etc
Oasis: fertile, vibrant, or green spot in a desert or wasteland
Obdurate: hardened in misconduct or iniquity, stubbornly defiant, deep and unrelenting
Obelisk: tall, four-sided stone pillar, tapered and monolithic, that rises to a pointed top
Obfuscate: to cloud over, obscure, make dark or unclear, to muddle, confuse, bewilder
Objet d’art: object of art, valuable or highly artistic piece or work
Obliterate: to do away with completely so as to leave no trace, to erase
Oblivion: condition or quality of being completely forgotten, void, forgetfulness
Obloquy: abusively detractive language or utterance, calumny, censure
Obsequious: fawning, sycophantic, servile
Obtenebrate: to darken as if by shadowing, to darken, to make dark or evil
Ocarina: a simple wind instrument or toy having a mouthpiece and finger holes
Octothorpe: the symbol (#), also known as the crosshatch, hash, or numeral sign
Ocular: of, pertaining to, or for the eyes, of the nature of an eye, optic
Oculus: an architectural part resembling or suggestive of an eye or eyes
Odalisque: female servant, female servant in a harem
Odium: disgrace from a hateful action, enmity, opprobrium, strong dislike, contempt
Odyssey: a long wandering or series of adventurous journeys, long and perilous trek
Oeillade: an amorous glance, ogle
Oeuvre: the corpus of an author, canon, or a collective symposium
Ogygian: ancient, primeval, antediluvian, antiquated, very old
Olfactory: of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell(human or otherwise)
Oligarchy: political system governed by a few people, compare democracy
Olio: mixture, medley, hodgepodge, jumble, meat and vegetable stew
Omnibus: of, regarding, or giving many things or classes, having or including many items
Omniligent: reading or having read everything, characterized by encyclopedic reading
Omniscient: having total knowledge, knowing everything, having infinite wisdom
Omphaloskepsis: contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation, navel-gazing
Onanism: masturbation, the act of masturbation, coitus interruptus
Oneiric: of, relating to, or suggestive of dreams
Oneiromancy: practice of divination through the interpretation of dreams
Oneironaut: person who explores dream worlds, usually associated with lucid dreaming
Opacity: opaqueness, obscurity, impenetrability
Operose: laborious, done with or requiring much toil, very busy, industrious, travailing
Ophidian: snake-like, like, shaped like, or relating to snakes
Ophyron: the space between a human’s eyebrows
Opprobrium: harsh criticism, censure, obloquy, disgrace due to poor social conduct
Opsimath: a person who learns or begins to learn late in life
Opusculum: minor work of literature
Orbicular: circular or spherical, of, like, relating to, or resembling a sphere or orb
Orexis: the feeling and striving aspect of the mind as contrasted with the intellectual
Orismology: the science of defining technical terms and making those terms
Orison: prayer, benediction, blessing, invocation, supplication
Ornithopter: aircraft-shaped machine that is held aloft and propelled by wing movements
Orphean: pertaining to immense musical talent, extreme bravery, or drama and pathos
Orrery: device that shows the relative positions and motions of the planets and moons
Osmosis: diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane
Ossuary: place, container or receptacle for holding the bones of the dead
Ostensible: apparent, evident, or conspicuous, being such in appearance
Ostracize: banish, expel from a community or group, excommunicate, to make a pariah of
Otiose: indolent, lazy, serving no useful purpose, futile, being a leisure
Oubliette: dungeon with only opening at the top
Oultrepreu: very brave, having extreme or a dangerous level of valor
Outrecuidant: arrogant, cocksure, self-assertive
Overzealous: excessively enthusiastic, fanatic, passionate
Ovoviviparous: producing eggs that do no require nourishment from the mother
Oxydactyl: having slender, tapered digits or fingers
Oxylophyte: plant that thrives in or is restricted to acidic soil
Oyez: “yes”, “hear, hear”, used thrice in a row to conduct the opening of a court of law
Ozymandian: typified by great hubris or greed met with tragic destruction through vanity
Pabulum: material for intellectual sustenance, food, aliment, nourishment
Pagination: system by which pages are numbered, arrangement of pages in a book
Palanquin: covered litter carried on poles on the shoulders of four or more bearers
Palaver: conference or discussion, idle chat, chat with flattery of cajolery involved
Palimpsest: erased parchment, which is then reused, manuscript written over earlier ones
Palingenesis: metempsychosis, doctrine of transmigration of souls
Panacea: a cure-all, medicine, herb, or concoction designed or functioning as a cure-all
Panchreston: widely inclusive, often formulaic thesis planned to cover all areas of a topic
Pandemic: widespread, general, epidemic that affects a large area and population
Pandiculation: the act of stretching and yawning, especially upon waking, yawning
Panjandrum: important or self-important person, self-important, pompous official
Panoply: a full collection or array, full set of armor
Panopticon: prison designed so that the overseer can see all of the prisoners at all times
Panoramic: unbroken view of an entire surrounding area, inclusive presentation, survey
Pantomime: communication through gestures and facial movements
Papyrus: tall, aquatic plant, paper made from the papyrus plant
Parabola: mathematical term, looks akin to a “u” or “n”
Paradigm: clearly defined archetype, typical example or pattern of something
Paradox: seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true, enigma
Paragon: model of excellence or perfection of a kind, a peerless example
Parallax: apparent dislocation of an object seen from two points not perceived as the same
Paralysis: loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part, inability to move
Parameter: factor that determines a range of variations, a boundary
Paramour: lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship, lover, illicit lover
Paranoia: psychological disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur
Parapet: low protective wall or railing along the edge of a raised structure
Parapraxis: minor error, Freudian slip, slip of the tongue
Parazonium: long, triangular dagger, wide at the hilt end and coming to a point
Pariah: a social outcast, person that is despised or avoided, one who is rejected by others
Parochial: narrowly restricted in scope or outlook, provincial, pertaining to a parish
Paronomasia: pun, word play, punning
Paroxysm: convulsion, sudden attack or violent expression of an emotion or activity
Parvenu: noveau-riche, person risen to new status, but lacks the social skills necessary
Pasquinade: public farce, satire, or lampoon
Pastiche: literary patchwork, hodgepodge, collision of genres used to create a new item
Patina: natural tarnish from wear of usage and passage of time, verdigris
Patois: dialect other than the usual or literary dialect, uneducated or provincial language
Patzer: an amateur or inferior chess player
Pauldron: either of two metal plates worn with a suit of armor to protect the shoulders
Peccadillo: insignificant sin or wrongdoing, trifling fault
Peccavi: admission of guilt or confession
Pellucid: translucently clear, limpid, lucid, transparently shimmering
Peloton: main body of riders in a bicycle race
Pendulum: body suspended from support so it swings freely under the influence of gravity
Penultimate: next to the last in a series, relating to a penult, pertaining to the penultimate
Penumbra: partial shadow, space of partial illumination
Peradventure: mayhaps, it may be, maybe, possibly, perhaps
Percolate: to filter, to cause to filter, to cause to pass through pores or small holes
Peregrination: course of travel, journey, extensive voyage, especially on foot
Perfidy: treachery, deliberate breach of faith, calculated violation of trust, betrayal
Perforate: to pierce, punch, or bore a hole or holes in, stab through, penetrate
Perfunctory: done routinely and with little interest or care, lacking in enthusiasm
Pergelisol: permanently or perennially frozen ground, permafrost
Pergola: framework that supports climbing plants, arbor
Periapt: charm worn as superstitious protection against mischief, evil, and disease, amulet
Periphery: line that forms the boundary, limited circumference of sight, perimeter
Permeate: to pervade, to spread or flow throughout, to diffuse through
Permutation: complete change, a transformation, act of altering a set of objects in a group
Pernicious: ruinous, tending to cause serious injury, deadly, causing great harm, lethal
Perpetuity: the quality or condition of being perpetual, ceaseless, or continual
Perplex: to cause to be puzzled over what is not understood or certain, confuse mentally
Persiflage: frivolous, bantering talk, bantering talk with derisive treatment of a subject
Perspicacious: having keen mental perception and insight, discerning, keen-sighted
Perspicuous: easily understood, lucid, well-stated, transparently clear, understandable
Perturb: disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
Petard: explosive device used in warfare to breach a wall, kind of firecracker
Petrichor: scent of rain on soil, dirt, or in the atmosphere after a period of dryness
Phaeochrous: dusky, shady, subfusc, overcast, obscure
Phalanx: bone of a finger, compact or close-knit body of people, military squadron
Phantasmagoria: shifting series of phantasms, illusions, or deceptive images
Philanthropy: the effort or drive to further the well-being of humankind, generosity
Phlox: genus of American herbs
Phoenix: mythical bird of fire which rises from it’s ashes in a cycle of rebirth
Photon: physics term, a quantum of electromagnetic radiation or energy
Phrontistery: athenaeum, establishment for study, thinking, and/or learning
Phthisis: disease characterized by the wasting away or atrophy of the body or a part of it
Phylactery: amulet or charm which protects from harm, receptacle containing a holy relic
Picaroon: a pirate, to act as a pirate, a pirate ship, one who lives by his wits, rouge
Picayune: of little value, paltry, measly, meager, of minimal or low value
Pinnigrade: walking by means of fins or flippers
Piquant: aromatic, appetizing, appealingly provocative
Pizzicato: music term, played by plucking rather than bowing
Planetesimal: small asteroid which orbited the sun before the solar system was made
Plasma: distinct phase of matter, separate from the traditional solids, liquids, and gases
Plastron: under part of a turtle or tortoise shell, breastplate beneath a coat of chain mail
Plateau: elevated, mostly level expanse of land, relatively stable level, period, or state
Platonic: not involving sexual relations, involving friendship, affection
Plexus: any complex structure containing an intricate network of parts
Pluterperfect: beyond perfect or perfection, more than perfect
Pneumatic: of or relating to air or other gases, propelled or utilized by air pressure
Pococurante: nonchalant, indifferent, lukewarm in opinion, insouciant
Podium: small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, for a public speaker, etc
Pogrom: massacre, organized massacre or persecution of a minority group, genocide
Poignant: profoundly moving, touching, physically or emotionally painful
Poltergeist: noisy and mischievous ghost, ghost capable of manipulating physical objects
Poltroon: a base or abject coward, cowardly person
Polyglot: one who speaks multiple languages, containing matter in several languages
Polymath: person of great learning in several fields of study, polyhistor
Polymerization: chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer
Poniard: dagger typically having a slender square or triangular blade
Pontificalibus: the vestments and accoutrements of a cardinal or pope
Portcullis: gate of an iron or wooden grating used in the entry to a castle or fortified town
Portico: porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leads into an entrance
Posterity: succeeding or future generations collectively, future generations
Postmortem: of, pertaining to, or occurring in the time following death
Pother: commotion, disturbance, state of nervousness, cloud of smoke or dust that chokes
Pragmatic: practical as opposed to idealistic, artistic, or intellectual
Prestidigitation: act of or skill in performing magic or conjurations, sleight of hand
Prevaricate: to deviate from the truth, speak equivocally or evasively, to lie
Prismatic: refractive light of a spectrum, brilliantly colored
Proaulion: a porch, court before a building, vestibule, portico opening into a main room
Progenitor: direct ancestor, originator of a line of descent, precursor, forefather
Prognosticate: augur, foretell, predict, foresee, to make a prediction about
Prolegomenon: mental training leading to added grasp, growth, or knowledge in a field
Promethean: boldly creative, defiantly original, deviating genius
Promulgate: make known(as a decree or dogma) by open declaration, proclaim
Propaedeutic: needed as preparation for learning, study, or understanding
Propaganda: concepts spread to help or harm a person, group, institution, nation, etc.
Propinquity: nearness in place, approximate location, proximity, vicinity
Proprioception: the sense of the relative position of neighboring parts of the body
Proscenium: Greek or Roman theater stage, the part of a stage in front of the curtain
Proselytize: to recruit for another religion, faith, or ideal, to convert or cause to convert
Prosthesis: an artificial device made to replace a missing part of the body
Protean: readily taking on varied forms or meanings, showing sizeable variety or diversity
Protuberance: something, such as a bulge, knob, or swelling that protrudes
Providence: divine guidance or care, divine foresight
Prurient: having, relating to, or typified by lascivious or lustful thoughts or desires
Pseudomartyr: false, pretended, or affected martyr
Psithurisma: whisper, sound of wind through the trees, sound of wind-rustled leaves
Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation
Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation
Psychosomatic: regarding a malady having bodily effects but comes from mental disarray
Pterodactyl: flying dinosaur of a mostly tailless variety
Puerile: jejune, naïve, belonging to childhood, juvenile, immature, childish
Puissant: powerful, mighty, doughty, strong, potent, forceful, forcible
Pulchritude: attractiveness, great physical beauty and appeal, gorgeousness
Pulverize: to pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust, to demolish, disintegrate
Pyramid: figure with a polygonal base and triangular facets that meet at a common point
Pyre: heap of combustibles for burning a corpse as a funeral rite, heap of combustibles
Pyrexia: elevation of body temperature to an abnormal level, fever
Pyrotechnics: art of making or using fireworks, the use of fireworks for display purposes
Pyrrhic: of a victory, having high levels of casualties or damage on both sides
Quaalude: tablet or capsule of methaqualone
Quaff: to drink, to drink heartily, imbibe
Quagmire: fen, bog, swamp, difficult or precarious situation, predicament
Quandary: state of uncertainty or perplexity, predicament, dilemma
Quantum: quantity or amount, a large quantity or bulk, specific amount, small amount
Quaquaversal: directed outward from a common center to all points, omnidirectional
Quarantine: period of isolation or detention, strict isolation
Quarkonium: physics term, flavorless meson whose makeup are a quark and its antiquark
Quartz: common, gemstone-like material characterized by translucence
Quasar: astronomical object that emits massive amounts of electromagnetic radiation
Quasihemidemisemiquaver: a 128th note
Quatorzain: a poem of 14 lines resembling a sonnet but lacking the rhyming or structure
Quercitron: type of tree, a type of tree bark used in tanning and dyeing
Quicquidlibet: whatever one pleases, anything whatsoever, typified by absolute volition
Quiddity: the real nature of a thing, the essence, quibble, eccentricity, trifling quirk
Quidnunc: one who is curious and given to speculating, especially about trivial things
Quietus: finishing stroke, anything that effectually ends or settles, death, end
Quincunx: display of five objects with one at each corner of a square and one at the center
Quinquevir: one of five officials appointed for some special object, council, or purpose
Quintessence: fifth element, perfect embodiment
Quisby: idler, one who doesn’t work, ne’er-do-well, impecunious, odd, queer
Quisquose: something which is difficult to deal with
Quixotic: foolishly impractical, especially in the pursuit of ideals, excessively romantic
Quoddamodotative: existing or behaving in a certain manner
Quodlibet: subtle, debatable, or elaborate argument or point, usually on a formal position
Quomodocunquize: to make or attempt to make money in any way possible
Quotidian: daily, mundane, occurring every day
Quoz: absurd, weird, queer, absurd person, weird object, hard to quantify
Raconteur: one who tells stories and anecdotes with skill, brio, and wit, skilled storyteller
Radii: pl. the radius of a circle/sphere is any line segment from its center to its perimeter
Ragnarok: “Twilight of the Gods”, destruction of the world, great devastation
Rapport: relation, connection, especially a agreeable or sympathetic one, mutual affinity
Rariora: pl. unusual collector’s items, outstanding items, prize pieces
Rastaquouere: social climber, social upstart, man of finished and polished manners
Ratiocination: conclusion, process of logical reasoning or exact thinking, reasoning
Recalcitrant: reluctant, difficult to manage or operate, not responsive to treatment, unruly
Recherché: elegant, refined or tasteful, sophisticated
Recidivism: act of repeating punished act, chronic tendency to repeat crimes
Reciprocity: the quality or state of requiting, mutual dependence
Recondite: esoteric, difficult to understand or beyond the reach of normal comprehension
Rectrix: a large tail feather of a bird, important for controlling the direction of flight
Recumbentibus: knockout punch, either verbal or physical, lethal bludgeon, powerful hit
Redivivus: revived, come back to life, resurrected, resuscitated
Redolent: piquant, aromatic, or memory-invoking
Regalia: the emblems and symbols of royalty, such as the crown and scepter, jewelry
Regicide: the killing of a king, the act of killing a king
Regimen: a systematic plan designed to improve and maintain health
Relinquish: voluntarily cease to keep or claim, surrender
Reliquary: receptacle, such as a coffer or shrine, for keeping or displaying sacred relics
Rendezvous: meeting at a given time and place, to go to or arrive at a meeting place
Renegade: one who rejects a cause or ideology for another, deserter, outlaw, rebel
Repartee: swift, witty reply, conversation marked by the exchange of witty retorts Euphoria: feeling of great happiness or well-being, felicity
Replica: copy or reproduction of a work of art, especially one made by the original artist
Repudiate: to reject the validity or authority of, refuse to accept or be associated with
Requiem: mass for a deceased person, song for the deceased, solemn chant, dirge
Requiescat: prayer for the repose of the soul of the dead or a dead person
Reredos: back of a hearth of a fireplace, ornate screen on the wall at the back of an altar
Resplendent: sublime, full of color, dazzling, splendid
Resurrect: to raise from the dead, restore to life, revive, bring back from the cusp of death
Retrogress: regress, to get worse or fall back to a previous condition
Revenant: specter, ghost, one who returns after a long absence
Reverie: an idle daydream, a thought of idle desire, a surrendering to imagination
Rhapsody: impassioned, inspired, or vibrant literature or music
Rhetoric: art or study of using cogent and effective speech, skill in the usage of language
Rhizome: fleshy, creeping underground stem by which certain plants propagate
Rhododendron: ornamental evergreen shrub
Rigmarole: complex protocol or procedure, confused, rambling, or incoherent discourse
Rime: white ice that forms when water droplets freeze to the outer surfaces of objects
Riparian: of, on, or relating to the banks of a natural course of water, stream, or river
Riposte: quick thrust used after parrying a lunge, reactive action, maneuver, or retort
Risorgimento: a time of renewal or renaissance, revival
Rixatrix: scolding or quarrelsome woman
Rodomontade: pretentious boasting or bragging, bluster, ranting, vain speech
Rorqual: genus of whales, type of whale
Roseate: rose-colored, rosy, optimistic, cheerful and bright, promising
Rostrum: dais, pulpit, podium, or other elevated platform for public speaking
Rubicon: point of no return, limit which, when reached, requires absolute commitment
Rubicund: ruddy, reddish, inclined to a healthy rosiness, having a ruddy complexion
Rupestrian: of or composed of rock, sculpted with or by rock
Sabbatical: extended period of leave, typically a year or semester
Saboteur: person who commits or practices sabotage, deliberate damager of something
Saccade: any of the rapid jumps the eyes make from fixed points to others, as in reading
Sacrosanct: regarded as sacred and inviolable, immune to criticism or violation
Salmagundi: mixture or assortment, potpourri, medley
Salubrious: health-giving, healthy, healthful, relating to good health
Samhain: Celtic harvest festival which served as the foothold for Halloween
Samovar: metal urn with a spigot at the base, teapot
Samurai: member of hereditary warrior class in feudal Japan, warrior of the Bushido
Sanctity: holiness of life or character, saintliness, condition of being considered sacred
Sangfroid: composure or coolness as shown in danger, imperturbability
Sardonyx: type of stone(onyx) with sandy bands
Satellite: celestial body that orbits a planet, a moon, object designed to orbit a planet
Saturnalian: of unrestrained and intemperate jollity, riotously merry, dissolute
Sawbones: physician, especially a surgeon
Scabbard: theca, usually leather or metal sheath used to store a blade or cutting weapon
Scacchic: of, pertaining to, or related to chess or the playing of chess
Schadenfreude: satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune, sadism
Schism: separation or division into factions, discord, disunion
Schizoid: of or relating to or characteristic of schizophrenia or the effects thereof
Scholium: marginal annotation or comment, annotation, note in an appendix
Schwerpunkt: application of decisive force at or on a critical point
Scialytic: dispersing shadows, typically with light
Scintilla: an infinitesimal item or mote
Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affliction thereof
Scramasax: long and heavy knife used by the Franks, having a blade often 20 inches long
Scrivener: transcriber, professional or public copyist or writer, scribe, notary public
Scythestone: stone for sharpening scythes, a whetstone
Sedition: revolt against authority, insurrection, propaganda inciting revolt
Seismic: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration, earthshaking
Seizure: act, condition, or instance of seizing or being seized, fit, spasm, convulsion
Selcouth: unusual, rare, unique, or strange
Semidiurnal: of, relating to, occurring, or performed during half a day or twice a day
Semiotician: one who studies, applies, or explains the theories of semiotics
Sempiternal: eternal, endless, lasting forever, ceaseless
Seppuku: hara-kiri, ritual suicide by disembowelment formerly practiced by samurai
Sepulcher: a burial vault, receptacle for sacred relics, especially in an altar
Sequester: to relegate to a small space, to cause to withdraw into seclusion
Seraglio: harem, harem house, brothel, living quarters thereof
Seraphim: pl. six-winged angels
Serpentarium: a place where snakes are kept, as for exhibition
Sesquipedalian: having many syllables, long, given to or typified by the use of long words
Sestina: poem of six six-line stanzas and a three-line envoy
Sforzando: music, suddenly or strongly accented
Sfumato: definition or form without hasty outline by mild gradation from light to shadow
Shibboleth: word or saying or image used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief
Sidereal: of, related, pertaining to, or determined by the stars or constellations
Silhouette: picture as an outline, often a human profile, filled in by a solid color
Simulacrum: image or representation, false, unreal, or vague simulation or semblance
Sinecure: an easy occupation or one which requires almost no responsibility
Sirocco: hot, humid south or southeast wind of southern Italy
Sisyphean: endless labor, pertaining to Sisyphus
Sisyphean: pertaining to or involving endless labor, pertaining to Sisyphus
Skein: complex tangle, ribbon, length of thread or yarn wound in a loose long coil
Skewer: to stab, to drive a skewer through, a long, sharpened metal or wooden stick
Snickersnee: knife resembling a sword, large knife, the act of fighting with knives
Sobriquet: nickname, moniker, adopted name
Sojourn: brief visit, stopover, jaunt
Solarium: sunroom, room, gallery, or glassed-in porch exposed to the sun
Solecism: an impropriety, nonstandard grammatical construction, violation of etiquette
Solidus: the backslash symbol (\), gold coin of ancient Rome, bezant
Solipsism: philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist
Solstice: one of two times in the year when the sun is furthest from the equator
Somnolent: drowsy, sleepy, inducing or tending to induce sleep, soporific
Soporific: inducing or tending to induce sleep, drowsy, substance that induces sleep
Sovereign: monarch or other supreme ruler, chief ruler with supreme power
Spatiotemporal: of, relating to, or existing in both space and time, relating to space-time
Sphragistic: relating to, pertaining to, or of seals and signets
Spoonerism: transposition of sounds of two or more words, especially a ludicrous one
Sprachgefühl: feeling or intuitive grasp for linguistics or language, character of language
Stamina: physical or moral strength to deal with illness, fatigue, or hardship, endurance
Stentorian: powerful in sound, extremely loud, vociferous
Sternocostal: of, relating to, pertaining to both, or situated between the sternum and ribs
Stillicide: water falling from the roof of a house or a gutter
Stochastic: typified by conjecture, conjectural, process using a group of random variables
Stratosphere: any great height or degree, upper region of the atmosphere
Stygian: gloomy and dark, infernal, hellish, of or relating to the river Styx
Subfusc: of a dark, dull, or somber color, dingy, drab, dull
Subjugate: enslave, vanquish, bring under domination or control, usually by conquest
Subordinate: secondary, inferior, a person lower in rank, lower in rank or importance
Subterfuge: deceptive stratagem or device, deception via artifice to evade, hide, or escape
Succinct: briefly stated, laconic, terse
Succor: to aid or assist in a time of need, assistance
Surplus: excess, quantity much larger than is needed, superfluity, overage
Surreptitious: stealthy, kept secret, hidden
Susurrus: a whisper, something which resembles a whisper
Swath: width of a scythe-stroke, strips or radii made by something
Sybarite: person devoted to pleasure and luxury, a voluptuary, hedonist
Sycophant: person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
Symbiosis: mutual biological synergy between two dissimilar organisms
Symposium: conference for discussion of a particular topic
Symptom: subjective evidence of disease, phenomenon serving as evidence
Synapse: junction or network of nerve impulses
Synchronicity: theory of, coincidence of two or more curiously similar events
Synecdoche: a reference to a part as opposed to the whole, girl as “skirt” ship as “sail”
Syzygy: alignment or unity of specific objects, notably in space or literature
Tableaux: pl. deliberate picture, arrangement , vivid, graphic description
Tacenda: things to not be mentioned or things to be passed over in silence
Taciturn: reticent, quiet, not talkative, insouciant
Talisman: item marked with magic signs though to confer magical powers or repel evil
Tantamount: equivalent to, equal to, equivalent in value, significance, or effect
Tantivy: echoic of sound of a horse galloping, at full gallop, fast, furious gallop
Tapestry: heavy cloth woven with rich, varicolored designs or scenes, often hung on walls
Tatterdemalion: person wearing ragged or tattered clothing, ragamuffin, ragged, tattered
Tchotchke: knickknack, collectible, trinket, bibelot, bijou
Tectrix: one of the coverts on a bird’s wing
Tedium: quality or condition of being tedious, tediousness or boredom
Telefacsimile: a fax machine, a document sent over a telephone line
Tellurian: terrestrial, inhabiting the earth, pertaining to the earth, earthen
Telos: the end of a goal-oriented process, ultimate goal, philosophical ultimate
Tendril: plant’s tentacle, clasping, twining, slender outgrowth of a vine's stem
Tenebrous: hard to understand, dark and gloomy, without light, shadowy
Tephra: solid matter that is ejected into the air by an erupting volcano, scoria, dust, ashes
Tergiversate: equivocate, to change one's attitude or opinions rapidly
Termagant: quarrelsome, scolding woman, a shrew, harridan
Terminus: destination, ultimate point, final point in space or time, an end or extremity
Terpsichorean: pertaining, relating to, or referring to dancing or the art thereof
Tessellation: tile pattern sans gaps or extraneous spaces, mathematical pattern
Tesserect: four-dimensional equivalent or analogue of a cube
Testament: person’s last will, that which serves as evidence of a specific event or quality
Testatrix: a female testator, a woman writing her last will and testament
Testatrix: a female testator, a woman writing her last will and testament
Textile: cloth, especially one manufactured by weaving or knitting, a fabric
Thalassocrat: one who has maritime supremacy, of a ruler, expert seaman, or trader
Thaumaturgical: relating to thaumaturgy, magical, supernatural, like magic, illusory
Theca: case, sheath, capsule, covering
Theophany: religious epiphany or appearance of God to a person
Theremin: melodic instrument of the electronic family
Thermonuclear: of, relating to, or derived from fusion of atomic nuclei at high heat
Thionine: artificial red or violet dyestuff, usually for microscopic stains
Thole: to suffer or undergo, to endure, to tolerate, fulcrum for oars on a boat
Threnody: song, hymn, or poem reflecting on mourning or a tribute to the deceased
Thylacine: Extinct Tasmanian Tiger
Thymoleptic: psychologically energizing, drug designed to reverse depression
Tincture: trace or vestige, color or tint, substance that colors, dyes, or stains, infusion
Tintinnabulation: ringing or sounding of bells, the sound of bells
Tourbillion: whirlwind, whirlpool, vortex, tornado
Tourmaline: multifarious gemstone of grossly differing colors
Trajectory: the path of a projectile or other moving body through space, selected course
Transverse: extending or lying across, in a crosswise direction, at angles to the long axis
Trapezoid: quadrilateral having two parallel sides
Traumatic: psychologically painful, of, pertaining to, or produced by a trauma or wound
Treatise: formal essay, systematic, usually extensive written discourse on a subject
Trebuchet: medieval catapult for hurling heavy stones or objects
Tregetour: juggler, mummer, conjurer
Tremulous: marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking
Tribulation: great affliction, trial, or distress, suffering, agony, a trying experience
Trillium: type of flower
Trinity: group consisting of three closely related members, unity of three special objects
Triptych: work of art consisting of three pieces acting as one image or set of motifs
Tristiloquy: speech characterized by sadness or gloominess
Triumph: victory, win, or conquest, to prevail, prove superior, exult, cheer over a victory
Triumvirate: group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority
Trochaic: of, relating to, made up of, or consisting of trochees
Troglodyte: hermit, recluse, person considered to be reclusive, out of date, or brutish
Truculent: vehement, brutal, disposed to fight, pugnacious, expressing bitter opposition
Tryst: an agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place, a date
Tsunami: very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption
Tungsten: rare, metallic element with a bright-gray color and a metallic luster
Tycoon: very wealthy or powerful businessman, business leader, king, magnate, mogul
Tzigane: gypsy, Hungarian gypsy
Ubiquitous: being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time, omnipresent
Ultima: last or final syllable, the last person, place, or thing in a series
Ultimatum: serious, final statement of terms made by one party to another
Ultracrepidate: to criticize beyond the sphere of one's knowledge
Ululate: loudly lament, howl or wail, as with grief, yell
Umbrage: offense, affront, the shade beneath a tree, shade, suspicion, reason for doubt
Umquhile: erstwhile, formerly, some time ago, bygone, quondam
Uniaxial: having one, of, relating to, or affecting one axis
Usquebaugh: Scottish whiskey, whiskey
Uxorial: of a wife, relating to, involving, or characteristic of a wife
Vacillate: to waver between actions or decisions, to hesitate
Vacivity: vacuity, emptiness, absence, space with a lack of matter
Vacuum: a space entirely devoid of matter, absence of matter, vacuity
Vale: the world, life, mortal or earthly life
Valetudinarian: sickly or weak person, hypochondriac
Vanguard: foremost leading group in an army, position of forefront of new developments
Vaporize: to turn into vapor, to evaporate, to kill, to vanish, to dissolve solid material
Vaticinate: prophesy, prognosticate, augur, foretell
Vavasor: superior vassal with other vassals beneath
Vehement: zealous, ardent, impassioned, typified by influence of expression or fervor
Vehicular: of, relating to, or intended for vehicles, especially motor vehicles
Velleity: flimsy wish or desire
Ventriloquist: puppeteer utilizing vocal techniques and manipulations
Veracity: truth, state of being true, trueness
Verdigris: patina formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces exposed to the atmosphere
Verecund: bashful, shy, modest, demure
Verisimilitude: the appearance or semblance of truth or reality in a fictional medium
Vermiculate: to adorn or decorate with wavy or winding lines, worm-eaten, sinuous
Vermilion: vivid red to reddish orange
Vernacular: everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary
Vertiginous: of, relating to, typified by, or affected with vertigo or dizziness, whirling
Vespertine: crepuscular, pertaining to, of, or related to the evening
Vestibule: a small entryway between the outer door and the interior of a building
Vestigial: of, relating to, or constituting a vestige(trace, mark, or sign left by something)
Vexation: the act of annoying, irritating, or vexing, quality or condition of being vexed
Viaticum: the Eucharist being given along with the anointing of the sick or dying
Vicarious: performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another
Viceroy: governor, representative of a sovereign
Vichyssoise: thick type of potato soup
Vicissitudes: changes of circumstances of fortune
Victuals: food to be eaten, provisions, food cache, pabulum, comestibles, nutrients
Videlicet: to wit, that is, namely
Vigesimal: based on, pertaining to or related to 20
Vignette: a sketch, brief literary or visual event, description
Vindicate: clear from an accusation, imputation, or suspicion, justify, defend, avenge
Visceral: pertaining to the viscera, relating to deep feelings as opposed to the intellect
Viscid: having an adhesive quality, gluey, sticky, thick, like molasses
Vista: view, prospect, perspective, spectrum of peripheral boundaries
Visurient: hungry for visual stimuli, pertaining to the desire evoked from vision
Vitiate: impair, spoil, to the reduce quality of, to make worse
Vitreous: of or resembling glass, as in color, composition, brittleness, or luster, glassy
Vitriolic: filled with bitter criticism or malice, acerbic
Vituperate: to rebuke or criticize harshly or abusively, berate, scold, condemn
Vivisection: act of cutting into living animals, especially for the purpose of research
Vivisepulture: the act of being buried alive or burying alive
Vociferous: loud, stentorian, vehement, angrily impassioned
Volksgeist: intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and/or political thoughts of a time, zeitgeist
Voluminous: having great volume, fullness, size, or number, large
Vortex: whirling mass of water or air, especially one in which a force of suction operates
Vraic: kelp, seaweed, collected seaweed to be used as fertilizers
Wagnerian: of, relating to, or characteristic of Richard Wagner, his operas, or his theories
Wanweird: an unhappy fate, the misery of life, a sad fate
Wappenshaw: periodic muster or review of troops or persons under arms
Warlockry: practice of black magic or conjurations, practice of being a warlock
Wasabi: very pungent green Japanese condiment made from the root of the herb, Wasabi
Wegotism: excessive use of the word “we”, the habit of referring to oneself as “we”
Welkin: the vault of the sky, heavens, celestial abode of the gods
Weltanschauung: inclusive grasp or image of the universe and of humanity's relation to it
Whorl: swirling object, tornado, form that coils or spirals, a curl or swirl
Widdershins: in a contrary or counterclockwise direction, wrong direction, unlucky
Wight: creature, a human being, living being, entity
Witzelsucht: excessive facetiousness and inappropriate or pointless humor, the disorder
Wizen: to dry up, wither, shrivel, wrinkle
Woebegone: affected with or marked by deep sorrow, grief, or wretchedness
Wroth: angry, wrathful, furious, irate, full of wrath or rage
Wyvern: type of dragon, typically without legs
Xanthous: yellow, having yellow skin or light brown skin
Xenodochial: friendly or especially kind to strangers or foreigners
Xenoglossy: language learned spontaneously and without prior knowledge
Xenolith: rock fragment foreign to the igneous mass in which it occurs
Xenophobe: person who fears or hates foreigners, strange customs, or strange places
Xertz: to gulp a beverage down enthusiastically, heartily, and/or quickly, to quaff
Xiphoid: shaped like a sword, sword like, ensiform
Xylem: woody part of plants, the supporting and water-conducting tissue
Xyresic: sharp as a razor, razor-sharp
Xysti: pl. covered portico of a gymnasium
Ycelpt: to call, name, named, called, known as
Yestreen: during last evening, yesterday evening, last evening
Ylem: primordial material which all the elements supposedly have been derived from
Zaftig: of a woman, having a full rounded figure, pleasingly plump, buxom, full-bodied
Zaibatsu: powerful family-controlled commercial combine of Japan, conglomerate
Zeitgeist: spirit of the time, the taste and outlook characteristics of a period or generation
Zelatrix: older nun in charge of disciplining younger nuns, female zelator
Zenith: point on the celestial sphere that is above the observer, highest point, maximum
Zenzizenzizenzic: the eighth power of a number
Zeppelin: large dirigible balloon, rigid airship supported by gas power
Zetetic: proceeding by inquiry, investigating, opening with a question
Zeugma: syllepsis, type of pun, "You held your breath and the door for me"
Ziggurat: temple tower of the ancients, having the form of a terraced pyramid
Zingaro: a gypsy, an Italian gypsy, mendicant, beggar, vagabond
Zitella: maiden, unmarried woman, bachelorette
Zither: a type of instrument, similar to the steel guitar or the dulcimer
Zoanthropy: mental disorder in which one believes oneself to be an animal
Zodiac: region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic, divided into 12 constellations
Zweihander: large sword designated to be used with two hands
Zygomatic: pertaining to, connecting with, or involving a or the cheekbone
Zyzzyva: type of weevil

Prettiest Words, 1028 Words, 23 Pages

2011-04-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

I realize that this is a repost, but it is updated with additional words. It also serves to fill in the lingering days of the hiatus.

Prettiest Words(1028)

Vignette: a sketch, brief literary or visual event, description, tableau
Ethereal: heavenly, airy in substance, spectral, insubstantial and light
Loquacious: characterized by talking, talking freely or too much, excessively talkative
Salient: prominent or conspicuous, most important
Balustrade: architectural term, series of balusters or parapet
Lustrous: having noticeable or vivid luster and sheen
Chauffeur: a designated paid driver for formal occasions
Penumbra: partial shadow, space of partial illumination, limits of a shadow
Selenian: designating, relating to, pertaining to, or of the moon
Escarole: type of green chicory
Amethyst: deep purple, deep purple gemstone
Scilicet: to wit, that is, namely
Berceuse: lullaby, song used to put someone to sleep
Susurrus: a whisper, something which resembles a whisper
Vista: view, prospect, perspective, spectrum of peripheral boundaries
Aestival: pertaining to, relating, designating, or of Summer
Tranquility: peace, serenity, calmness, relaxation
Alluvium: unconsolidated sediments carried by water
Ensconce: establish or settle in a safe, secure, or comfy place
Astral: of or pertaining to the aster, stellar, star-shaped, pertaining to the stars
Chantpleure: to cry while singing, to cry and sing simultaneously
Vesuviate: to erupt, explode, fulminate
Effusive: gushing out or expressive, moving, cascading
Bezaleel: shadow of God, God’s shadow
Delenda: that which needs to be deleted, something that has been deleted
Obsequious: fawning, sycophantic, servile
Civility: formal or perfunctory politeness, state of being civil
Immure: to enclose with walls, ensconce
Resplendent: sublime, full of color, dazzling, splendid
Silhouette: picture as an outline, often a human profile, filled in by a solid color
Cynophilist: dog-lover, one who loves or appreciates dogs
Pristine: in primordial condition, untouched, belonging to the earliest period or state
Taciturn: reticent, quiet, not talkative, insouciant
Icicle: a sliver of tapered, frozen water, usually hanging
Meretricious: drawing attention in a vulgar manner, gaudy, tawdry, superficially attractive
Chatoyant: like or resembling a cat’s eye
Reverie: an idle daydream, a thought of idle desire, a surrendering to imagination
Tacenda: things to not be mentioned or things to be passed over in silence
Violin: stringed instrument played with a bow
Sequacious: pertaining to sequence or order, following
Celesta: ancient musical instrument
Redolent: piquant, aromatic, or memory-invoking
Evocative: that which evokes, something that reminds, inspires, or impresses
Aeviternal: eternal, endless, never-ending
Celeripedean: quick-footed, swift, fast-running
Effluvium: foul discharge or emanation, emission
Ailurophile: cat-lover, one who loves or appreciates cats
Soliloquy: dramatic monologue, intense speech with exposition but not addressed
Velleity: flimsy wish or desire, perfunctory hope or dream
Citadel: bulwark, a fortress or stronghold, refuge
Lagniappe: gift for extended patronage, gift or compensation for valued customers
Escalade: the act of scaling a wall, usually with a ladder or rope
Niveous: snowy or resembling snow, like, of, relating to, or made of snow
Veracity: truth, state of being true, trueness
Exuviate: to shed a shell, molt, unsheathe
Zyzzyva: a type of weevil
Cislunar: of or relating to the space between earth and the moon or the moon’s orbit
Acquiesce: to passively accept, to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
Glyph: a sigil or specific insignia, a letter of language, an arcane mark
Wyvern: type of dragon, typically without legs
Vernal: pertaining to spring
Autumnal: pertaining to, like, relating, or evocative of Autumn
Demure: shy, modest, reserved in demeanor or behavior, having sedate reserve or sobriety
Lilt: cadence of voice, rhythm of language or sentences, good vocal or musical structure
Celadon: pale green
Vacillate: to waver between actions or decisions, to hesitate
Epiphany: revelation of thought, typically conceived after an eventful experience
Valance: an ornamental drapery hung across a top edge, as of a bed, table, or canopy
Effervesce: to bubble over, to boil with frothy bubbles, to excite
Scintilla: an infinitesimal item or mote, tiny thing
Deliquesce: to dissolve, transform into liquid from a solid
Aphelion: when the orbit of earth is furthest from the sun
Eidolon: ghost, specter, revenant, reappearing, continuously visiting or persisting image
Halcyon: legendary kingfisher, tranquil, calm, without strife, serene
Terpsichorean: pertaining, relating to, or referring to dancing or the art thereof
Emulsify: to pour liquid into another non-soluble, creating visible density
Chiaroscuro: composition of strong contrasts in light and dark
Tintinnabulation: ringing or sounding of bells, the sound of bells
Fuchsia: bright pinkish-purple
Peccadillo: insignificant sin or wrongdoing, trifling fault
Rhapsody: impassioned, inspired, or vibrant literature or music
Coalesce: to fuse, intersect, or entwine to create a unity
Novitiate: novice, the living place of a novice, the state of being a novice, neophyte
Amaranth: deep-hued purple, flower, metaphor for immortality
Lexiphanes: pretentious word user, bombastic or magniloquent person
Ephebe: young man, swain, young suitor
Asphodel: flower of the underworld
Syzygy: alignment or unity of specific objects, notably in space or literature
Ratatouille: French dish, vegetable stew
Odalisque: female servant, female servant in a harem
Aquiline: resembling an eagle’s beak, hooked like a beak
Lacuna: omission or empty space, gap in chronology
Nullibicity: state of non-existence, quality or state of being nowhere
Oeuvre: the corpus of an author, canon, or a collective symposium
Solstice: one of two times in the year when the sun is furthest from the equator
Psithurisma: whisper, sound of wind through the trees, sound of wind-rustled leaves
Myriad: multitude, litany, an amount of, usually large, collection in large numbers
Tolutiloquent: speech characterized by rapidity
Sorcerer: practitioner of sorcery, wizard, warlock, magician
Elation: quality or state of being elated, feeling or state of great joy or pride
Delineate: to describe, explain, or demonstrate
Boulevard: broad street, avenue, broad spectrum of something
Schadenfreude: satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune, sadism
Cumulonimbus: type of cloud that augurs, foretells, or indicates bad weather
Noctilucence: cloud phenomenon typified by lights at night, visible or glowing at night
Adumbrate: to explain faintly or opaquely outline, describe
Chevelure: head of hair, hair on the head, tresses, a nebulous envelop(as around a comet)
Seraphim: pl. six-winged angel
Largesse: the generous giving of gifts, a generous or courteous gift, charitable donation
Etude: a piece of music designed for didactic purposes
Cadenza: musical or literary improvisation
Selcouth: unusual, rare, unique, or strange
Tessellation: tile pattern sans gaps or extraneous spaces, mathematical pattern
Videlicet: to wit, that is, namely
Marasmus: protein deficiency, state of emaciation
Sempiternal: eternal, endless, lasting forever, ceaseless
Cistern: an underground reservoir
Rimulose: characterized by or having small chinks, fissures, or cracks
Vicissitudes: changes of circumstances of fortune
Stasis: equilibrium causing a peaceful inactivity via equal opposing forces
Mythopoeic: pertaining to the making of myths
Inure: to take effect, or to accustom to something, typically unpleasant
Risorgimento: a time of renewal or renaissance, revival
Marcescent: flower term, withering, but not falling off
Viola: like a violin, but with a lower pitch
Peccavi: admission of guilt, confession
Zitella: maiden, unmarried woman, bachelorette
Nepenthe: drug of forgetfulness, anti-depression drug, remedy for sorrow
Famulus: sorcerer’s apprentice or assistant
Crescendo: music, gradual increase of tempo, volume, or intensity
Evanescent: brief, transient, ephemeral
Demesne: a lord’s privately owned manor or section of land
Kaleidoscope: optical item that utilizes mirrors to create interior symmetrical visions
Pastiche: literary patchwork, hodgepodge, collision of genres used to create a new item
Banderilla: decorated dart that is shot into the neck of the bull during a bull fight
Cinquefoil: five-leaved, plant with limbs that are five-leaved, five-pointed leaves
Daedalian: intelligent, crafty, deft, practical, pertaining to Daedalus
Lixiviation: act of separating soluble from insoluble substances via water or solvent
Pasquinade: public farce, satire, or lampoon
Oubliette: dungeon with only opening at the top
Clavilux: machine that generates light via music
Lapis Lazuli: gemstone of intense blue
Esprit: brio, wit, vivacity, joie de vivre
Daphnean: shy, timid, demure, modest, bashful
Absinthe: wormwood liquor of a bright-green color
Convalesce: to recover or recuperate, recover from a serious injury
Sapphire: bright blue, valuable gemstone of a bright yet deep blue
Arabesque: ballet twirl, type of artistry involving a continuous, rotating design
Caesious: blue-gray
Isosceles: having two equal sides, of a triangle
Linoleum: type of floor covering
Sisyphean: pertaining to or involving endless labor, pertaining to Sisyphus
Amulet: a charm against evil or impurity, often a piece of jewelry
Ophidian: snake-like, like, shaped like, or relating to snakes
Hyacinth: tropical, American herb, red, transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone
Lullaby: song or tune devised to lull something to sleep
Coelacanth: prehistoric fish still alive today
Labyrinth: maze, puzzling complex or circuitous plan
Quaquaversal: directed outward from a common center to all points, omnidirectional
Scialytic: dispersing shadows, typically with light
Cerulean: watery blue
Lilliputian: very small, tiny, pertaining to Lilliput
Emanation: emission, something that is issued by a source
Liaison: illicit sexual relationship, case of contact between two parties, usually a person
Azure: sky-blue or a light blue
Silver: shimmering gray color, type of metal
Empyreal: related to the empyrean, celestial
Conciliabule: secret meeting of conspirators
Quotidian: daily, mundane, occurring every day
Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent
Soigné: elegant, sophisticated, well-groomed
Glimpse: brief, incomplete view or look, to glance at
Ennui: listlessness, weariness, discontent
Tapestry: heavy cloth woven with rich, varicolored designs or scenes, often hung on walls
Palatial: pertaining to a palace, grandiose, magnificent
Cenotaph: an unmarked grave
Sonata: music, series of three solos
Alleviate: to allay, to lessen in pain or negative occurrence or consequence
Diaspora: dissemination, dispersion, random or selective re-distribution
Salubrious: health-giving, healthy, healthful, relating to good health
Azoth: mythologized universal solvent, panacea
Lemniscate: the infinity symbol, any figure-eight symbol
Millennium: one thousand years, period of a thousand years
Sylph: graceful woman, fairy, air elemental
Symphony: extended orchestral movements
Orchestra: large group of musicians with a variety of instruments
Nemesis: source of harm or ruin, unconquerable foe or enemy, vengeful opponent
Felicity: state of happiness, joy, ecstasy
Lunacy: insanity, insanity with brief moments of clarity
Vitiate: impair, spoil, to the reduce quality of, to make worse
Chiasmus: rhetorical, inverse sentence, “One should eat to live, not live to eat”
Atelier: artist’s studio
Vicennial: happening every twenty years
Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized
Cynosure: that which garners great attention by calling to its brilliance, interest
Peninsula: piece of land mostly surrounded by water, except on one side
Eloquence: well-stated speech, flowing language, articulated speech and proper execution
Diaphanous: light, delicate, gossamer, translucent
Echelon: tier, level, rank in job, formation of soldiers
Vaticinate: prophesy, prognosticate, augur, foretell
Nebulae: pl. collection of astral gases
Litany: large amount, plethora, long and tedious address or recital
Asylum: refuge, a place to restore sanity or facilitate recovery
Midst: in the middle of, among
Imprimatur: a sign or mark of approval, insignia of approval
Nymph: seductive or lustful woman, fairy
Talisman: item marked with magic signs though to confer magical powers or repel evil
Ephemeral: brief, transient, evanescent
Moiety: one of two equal parts, half
Desuetude: state of disuse, state of uselessness
Pyrrhic: of a victory, having high levels of casualties or damage on both sides
Eunoia: normal mental health, beautiful thinking
Colophon: inscription at the end of a book, an identifying emblem for a book
Stiletto: high-heel with sharp point, small dagger
Esoterica: item or thing that is esoteric, obscure, rare, or valuable
Pirouette: ballet spin, ballet technique
Boeotian: marked by stupidity and philistinism, crudely obtuse, loutish
Zephyr: slight burst of gentle wind, gentle breeze
Czigany: gypsy, Hungarian gypsy
Porcelain: strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic with glazed colored material
Mephitic: poisonous, noxious, lethally dangerous, insidious, toxic, putrid
Sierra: ridge of a mountain or mountains
Lunula: white crescent at the base of the fingernail
Nacreous: iridescent, pearly, like mother-of-pearl or nacre
Philander: to womanize or entertain or elicit casual or wanton sex
Emission: discharge, emanation, chemical release
Lithosphere: outermost shell of a planet, the crust and uppermost mantle
Objet d’art: object of art, valuable or highly artistic piece or work
Bibelot: trinket, bauble, small object which is rare or valuable or beautiful, a small book
Cleanse: to free from dirt, defilement, or guilt, purge or clean
Ineffable: indescribable, impossible to describe, enchantingly amazing
Pellucid: translucently clear, limpid, ethereal
Chandelier: ceiling-mounted light fixture or glass structure
Sinecure: an easy occupation or one which requires almost no responsibility
Panacea: a cure-all, medicine, herb, or concoction designed or functioning as a cure-all
Girandole: a mirror having attached candle holders
Element: fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity elements
Meniscus: anatomical term, the curve in a liquid when observed in a cylinder
Recherché: elegant, refined or tasteful, sophisticated
Souvenir: keepsake, memento, something of sentimental value
Aphesis: omission of sound or verbiage at the beginning of a word or phrase
Cadence: rhythmic flow of the sounds of language, lilt
Legerity: mental or physical agility, dexterity, or quickness
Symposium: conference for discussion of a particular topic
Resonance: quality of being resonant, extension of sound via sympathetic vibration
Parabola: mathematical term, looks akin to a “u” or “n”
Xenoglossy: language learned spontaneously and without prior knowledge
Elicit: to bring or draw out (something latent), educe, summon, to provoke a reaction
Synecdoche: a reference to a part as opposed to the whole, girl as “skirt” ship as “sail”
Amphora: ceramic, two-handled vase with a narrow neck, usually contains alcohol
Essence: intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to typify or identify something
Belle-lettres: “beautiful letters” aesthetic literature, as opposed to didactic
Andante: music, moderately slow
Pallid: pale, wan, deficient in color
Oasis: fertile, vibrant, or green spot in a desert or wasteland
Aubade: poem or song about or evocative dawn or morning, opposite of nocturne
Literati: intelligentsia, the educated class, clerisy, a group of litterateurs
Colliquate: to change from solid to liquid, to liquefy
Vincible: able to be harmed, vulnerable, susceptible, vulnerable
Coloratura: elaborate or technical vocal music with florid ornamentation
Grandeur: splendor, magnificence, quality or state of being grand
Vivisepulture: the act of being buried alive or burying alive
Emerald: deep, dark green, dark green gemstone
Sojourn: brief visit, stopover, jaunt
Revenant: specter, ghost, one who returns after a long absence
Stillicide: water falling from the roof of a house or a gutter
Quisquose: something which is difficult to deal with
Serendipity: occurrence and progress of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Nonchalant: feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed, indifferent
Morceau: a small literary or musical composition
Pianissimo: musical direction, very softly
Marmoreal: of, like, made of, or related to marble
Coracle: small rounded boat made of waterproof material stretched over a frame
Lavadero: laundry room, place to wash gold
Succinct: briefly stated, laconic, terse
Capriccio: music, improvisation, without adherence to rules
Nickelodeon: nickel theater
Mimosa: plant, cocktail drink
Azalea: type of plant, a common garden plant
Lacquer: varnish that dries via evaporation
Evaporation: the act of liquid dissipating or drying due to humidity or exposure
Aesthete: person who appreciates art or beauty
Regalia: the emblems and symbols of royalty, such as the crown and scepter, jewelry
Clinquant: glittering as gold, glittering with tinsel, showily ornate
Mezzanine: partial story between two main stories of a building, lowest balcony of theater
Coquelicot: plant, red poppy
Jejune: naïve, juvenile, simplistic, uninteresting, superficial
Laconic: brief in speech, matter-of-fact, terse, using few words
Dyslexia: disorder in which lexical figures are perceived in a chaotic order
Swain: a young man, suitor, ephebe
Epithelium: type of body tissue
Apocope: omission of sound or verbiage at the end of a word or phrase
Memento: an item of special significance
Prairillon: a small meadow or tract of grassland, heath, plain
Vespertine: crepuscular, pertaining to, of, or related to the evening
Warble: trill, croon, purr, chirrup
Sforzando: music, suddenly or strongly accented
Miasma: atmosphere of disease, fine mist of effluvium or bacteria, noxious emanation
Violet: shade of deep purple
Athanasy: quality of being deathless, immortality
Ventriloquist: puppeteer utilizing vocal techniques and manipulations
Coruscate: sparkle, reflect brightly, shimmer
Sangfroid: composure or coolness as shown in danger, imperturbability
Vivify: to invigorate, revive, energize, galvanize
Novella: short prose tale often characterized by moral teaching or satire
Adroit: quick or skillful or adept in action or thought
Transience: brevity, briefness, evanescence, shortness, the state of being temporary
Redivivus: revived, come back to life, resurrected, resuscitated
Emollient: substance that softens and soothes the skin, lotion
Delitescent: hidden, concealed, kept secret
Recidivism: act of repeating punished act, chronic tendency to repeat crimes
Malleable: moldable, able to be modified, easily reshaped, having the ease of form
Constellation: specific arrangement of stars to form an image
Eclipsareon: a device for illustrating and demonstrating eclipses
Influenza: acute contagious viral infection, commonly called the “flu”
Nephew: the son of a brother or sister in relation to you
Mantelletta: sleeveless vestment worn by cardinals
Triste: sad, mournful, dismal, depressed
Tilt: to cause to slope, as by raising one end, incline
Cyaneous: deep blue, cerulean
Decrescendo: gradual lowering of tempo in music or in a situation
Thylacine: Extinct Tasmanian Tiger
Melisma: the stretching of a syllable over a series of notes
Roué: a rake, rouge, philanderer, lothario
Cosmopolitan: pertaining to the world at large, without localized prejudices
Equipoise: equal distribution of weight or balance, balanced
Façade: affected aura or mannerisms to beguile or deceive
Imbroglio: extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
Capriccioso: music, lively and free of restraint, restriction, or direction
Umbrage: offense, affront, the shade beneath a tree, shade, suspicion, reason for doubt
Theophany: religious epiphany or appearance of God to a person
Sobriquet: nickname, moniker, adopted name
Clemency: mercy, an act of mercy, showing mercy
Abattoir: slaughterhouse
Punchinello: short, fat clown or clown puppet
Alloquy: speaking to another, an address
Opalescent: milky and iridescent, shimmering with the colors of an opal
Perennial: lasting throughout the year
Vigesimal: based on, pertaining to or related to 20
Bijouterie: general plural of trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof
Lochetic: lying in wait for prey, used especially of insects
Verisimilitude: the appearance or semblance of truth or reality in a fictional medium
Quintessence: fifth element, perfect embodiment
Zenith: point on the celestial sphere that is above the observer, highest point, maximum
Aeolian: pertaining to, of, related to, caused by or like the wind or Aeolus
Tregetour: juggler, mummer, conjurer
Lavender: light purple
Naïveté: inexperience, quality of being naïve, artlessness
Clandestine: kept secretly or done secretively
Marionette: a puppet bound by strings and controlled with wooden bars
Epistle: a formal letter, letter with a cachet
Dulcet: sweet-sounding, mellisonant
Emaciate: to make abnormally thin or weak, typically due to illness
Paradigm: clearly defined archetype, typical example or pattern of something
Suicide: the act of murdering oneself
Cygnet: a baby swan, young swan
Philtrum: subtle curve beneath the nose and on the upper lip, palate
Cancrizans: backwards movement, crab walking, music moving backwards
Apropos: appropriate of, appropriate
Efflux: something that flows out or forth, effluence, passing or an expiration, as of time
Preterlabent: flowing beside or by, especially of a river or stream
Eviscerate: to disembowel, exenterate, to remove the viscera of something
Minutiae: pl, tiny, precise details, vestiges, trifles
Bellicose: inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious
Visurient: hungry for visual stimuli, pertaining to the desire evoked from vision
Humiliate: to enervate or embarrass through specific actions or events
Turquoise: blue-green color
Esurient: hungry, greedy, hedonistic in pursuit of things
Moue: pouting face or grimace, upset facial expression
Apoplexy: stroke, impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage
Calypso: rare orchid, a tribal and fervid dance
Métier: forte, niche in which a person excels, occupation, profession
Portfolio: portable case for carrying documents
Celestial: heavenly, of a higher plane, empyreal, of space
Illustrate: to clarify or explain with examples or comparisons
Lassitude: weariness, lack of energy or motivation
Scythe: agricultural implement with a long, curving blade fastened to a long handle
Caballero: skilled horseman, gentleman, cavalier
Excelsior: fine, curled wood shavings
Medallion: jewelry or object worn from a necklace
Blellum: an idle, indiscreet talker, noisy fainéant
Eloign: to move away a distance, to move a distance with something concealed
Cabaret: a restaurant with live entertainment
Vivacity: brio, esprit, alacrity
Imbue: to embed with a quality, to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
Heliotrope: light purple, type of flower
Gambol: to skip or jump merrily
Lambent: glowing, gleaming, or flickering with a soft radiance, of humor or fire
Sable: black, type of animal with a deep, black pelt
Nepheliad: cloud nymph, nymph designated or of the clouds
Gloom: sadness, melancholy, depression
Mestizo: a person of mixed racial ancestry
Etiolate: to stunt growth, deprive of strength , to whiten by blocking sunlight exposure
Ancestry: the inception or origin of a phenomenon, object, idea, or style, lineage
Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes
Marmalade: jellylike preserve made from the pulp of fruits, especially citrus fruits
Lugubrious: gloomy or dismal, especially exaggerated
Concupiscence: lasciviousness, lewdness, ardent lust
Equinox: when the sun reaches a height, night and day equalize, annual event
Oeillade: an amorous glance, ogle
Neophyte: a novice, tyro, beginner
Material: secular, worldly, the substance(s) of which a thing is made of or composed
Epergne: table centerpiece, object designated as a centerpiece
Oleander: type of flower
Shimmer: to shine with a subdued, flickering or wavering light
Vetanda: taboo or forbidden things or topics
Levitation: the act of floating, supernatural floating
Sardonyx: type of stone(onyx) with sandy bands
Cello: large, stringed instrument that generates deep tones
Relinquish: voluntarily cease to keep or claim, surrender
Mormorando: musical direction, murmuring or with a murmuring sound
Phoenix: mythical bird of fire which rises from it’s ashes in a cycle of rebirth
Novae: pl. collapsing or dying star
Epitome: a perfect example of a particular quality or type
Viridian: blue-green pigment
Belladonna: poisonous plant
Facsimile: copy or reproduction of an item, typically a book
Mannequin: articulated human figure used for design
Patois: dialect other than the usual or literary dialect, uneducated or provincial language
Caliginous: misty, dim, obscure, dark, gloomy, tenebrous
Helix: a spiral, spiral-shaped object or string
Incarnadine: pinkish, flesh-colored, blood-red
Elusive: difficult to find, catch, or achieve, avoiding
Murmur: low, indistinct, continuous sound, to utter such a sound
Symbiosis: mutual biological synergy between two dissimilar organisms
Circuitous: having a circular or winding course, indirect, roundabout
Swerve: to abruptly turn or deviate from an otherwise straight course
Liquid: a state of matter, compare gas and solid, readiness to flow, type of sound
Vociferous: loud, stentorian, vehement, angrily impassioned
Aerial: of, in, or caused by the air, existing or living in the air
Hue: gradation or variety of a color
Inoccuity: the quality or state of being harmless, trifling, or insipid
Vestigial: of, relating to, or constituting a vestige(trace, mark, or sign left by something)
Cursive: flowing, effusive, wavy, type on handwriting in English
Mauve: pinkish purple
Colloquial: informal, as in speech, conversationally informal
Echolalia: immediate and involuntary repetition of words or phrases just spoken by others
Incisive: penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression
Caress: touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
Incunabula: pl. book printed before 1501
Mica: thin layers of specific, transparent minerals
Xenodochial: friendly or especially kind to strangers or foreigners
Nirvana: a place or state of rest, harmony, or pleasure
Tourmaline: multifarious gemstone of grossly differing colors
Syllable: unit of spoken language consisting of a single uninterrupted sound
Dapple: a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters, different tones and hues
Prismatic: refractive light of a spectrum, brilliantly colored
Layer: single thickness of a material covering a surface
Maraschino: cordial made from the fermented juice of the marasca cherry
Sotto voce: soft-voiced, emphasis on quiet speech
Vanilla: ordinary, conventional, flavored with vanilla, flavor extracted from vanilla bean
Sommelier: a waiter expertly trained in alcoholic beverages, wine steward
Medley: heterogeneous mixture of typically complementing elements
Cicada: loud, locust-like insect that chirrups
Aphotic: devoid of light, especially of areas where no light naturally occurs
Inglenook: a nook or corner beside an open fireplace, chimney corner
Burnish: to polish, the shine of a polished surface
Rapture: ecstasy, felicity, state of sheer happiness, happiness to the point of delirium
Craquelure: fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of paintings
Maquette: scale model of a large item
Phantasm: something apparently seen but having no physical reality, illusion
Oscillate: to swing in an uninterrupted motion
Ambivalence: simultaneous, conflicted feelings towards a thing, person, etc
Numismatics: study or collection or currency, coins, paper money, etc
Hazel: light brown or light yellow
Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten
Vellum: mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on
Semblance: apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Ingénue: a naive, innocent girl or young woman
Gossamer: delicate, light, flimsy, transparent and thin, like a spider’s silk
Eiderdown: down of a duck used as stuffing for quilts or pillows
Chartreuse: swampy green
Veranda: open, roofed porch or portico on the outside of a building
Limn: to delineate via depictions or suffuse things with light
Blossom: billowing, period or condition of flowering or growth
Galaxy: collection of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity
Champagne: bubbling alcohol with fruity taste
Epicurean: hedonistic, gastronomical, pertaining to good taste
Panoply: a full collection or array, full set of armor
Inoculate: introduce an idea or view into the mind of, inculcate, inject a serum or vaccine
Euphonious: nice-sounding, sounding pretty
Surreptitious: stealthy, kept secret, hidden
Cedilla: diacritic beneath word to alter pronunciation “façade”
Foudroyant: dazzling, scintillating, sudden and overwhelming
Dissemble: disguise or conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs, to mislead
Canticle: a song, poem, or hymn, usually of a church choir
Indolence: laziness, extreme ease or comfort
Epée: fencing sword or blade without a cutting edge
Inertia: tendency of a body to resist acceleration, a body at rest wants to stay at rest
Mellisonant: wonderful-sounding
Eleven: eleventh integer in a series
Crystal: mineral with many possible permutations, gemstone-like
Languid: characterized by disinclination for physical exertion
Aeonian: continuing forever, eternal
Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt
Senescence: state of being old or growing old, cellular decomposition, studies thereof
Ocelot: undomesticated cat, like a small leopard
Prosody: the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech
Concinnity: harmony in the arrangement or fitness of parts with respect to a whole
Palisade: a fence of pales or stakes set firmly in the ground
Svelte: suave, urbane, savvy, slender, lithe, polished, sophisticated
Threnody: song, hymn, or poem reflecting on mourning or a tribute to the deceased
Encomium: formal, enthusiastic praise, abundant, exuberant expression of admiration
Melody: a series or pattern of notes
Tellurian: terrestrial, inhabiting the earth, pertaining to the earth, earthen
Sibilant: hissing, making a sound that resembles hissing
Panoramic: unbroken view of an entire surrounding area, inclusive presentation, survey
Limerence: extended infatuation or crush, contrast love
Cathismata: pl. one of the 20 divisions in a Greek Psalter
Menagerie: collection of animals in cages or enclosures, diverse hodgepodge, gallery, zoo
Reciprocity: the quality or state of requiting, mutual dependence
Bouleversement: reversal of fortunes, overturning, tumult
Amber: light brown, light yellow
Forte: niche in which a person excels
Lemonade: beverage typically consisting of lemon juice, sugar, and water
Aeipathy: continued passion, unyielding disease
Seizure: act, condition, or instance of seizing or being seized, fit, spasm, convulsion
Prelude: preceding event or action, music term, preliminary, preambulate
Cithara: ancient Greek instrument, like a lyre
Mithril: fictional, very light, silvery steel
Visceral: pertaining to the viscera, relating to deep feelings as opposed to the intellect
Baccalaureate: bachelor’s degree, valedictory speech
Velvet: soft type of material used in clothing
Avarice: extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Limpid: unclouded, clear, lucid, defined and deep
Solace: comfort or consolation in a time of sadness or distress
Ember: small, glowing fleck of aflame wood or coal
Catena: closely linked series, connected series of related things, especially of writing
Gracile: gracefully slender or thin, graceful
Sublime: noble, exalted, majestic, empyreal
Azuline: light blue, similar to a light blue
Foliage: plant leaves or greenery, as a collective
Delphic: brotherly, oracular
Vaudeville: bygone slapstick era
Cessation: pause, interruption, ceasing, ending
Innocent: without sin, pure, free from legal or specific wrong, guiltless, naïve, simple
Mizzle: fine rainfall, drizzle, mist
Lattice: open framework of material, typically in a crisscross pattern
Ambrosia: food of the gods, something overpoweringly delicious or fragrant
Borasca: squall, usually accompanied by thunder and lightning
Sentient: aware, characterized by the ability to feel or perceive, conscious
Fusillade: salvo, rapid discharge of firearms
Wan: pallid, of a sickly complexion
Numeral: symbol used to represent, denote, or symbolize a number
Bivouac: temporary military or squad encampment
Splice: to infuse, join, interweave, unite
Fainéant: sluggard, do-nothing, ne’er-do-well , idle and ineffectual
Rupestrian: of or composed of rock, sculpted with or by rock
Mercurial: fickle, erratic, ingenious, changeable, eloquent
Avenue: wide street or thoroughfare, roadway lined with tress
Sibyl: prophetess, fortune-teller, female prognosticator
Escritoire: writing desk, desk designed for studies
Celerity: speed, alacrity, briskness
Athenaeum: institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning, phrontistery
Ivory: pure white color, material derived from elephant tusks
Copse: thicket of small trees or shrubs, a coppice, small wood, a tree
Gaucherie: awkwardness, inexperience, embarrassments
Sidle: walk in a furtive or timid manner, especially obliquely or roundabout
Pluvial: characterized or relating to rainfall
Mimsy: flimsy and miserable, someone who excels at what they do
Lissom: supple, easily bent, lithe, flexible
Elapse: to pass or go by, to happen
Whilom: formerly, former, erstwhile
Swoon: fainting spell, collapse from ecstasy
Reliquary: receptacle, such as a coffer or shrine, for keeping or displaying sacred relics
Analemma: sundial, figure-8 indicating sun’s declination
Elliptical: of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse, with a word or words omitted
Rariora: pl. unusual collector’s items, outstanding items, prize pieces
Grazioso: a direction in music, graceful, smooth, or elegant in style
Maudlin: overly sentimental, saccharine, mawkish, self-pitying
Esper: a being of advanced mentality or with psychic abilities
Specious: superficially plausible, but actually wrong, misleading in appearance
Cordillera: group of mountain ranges forming a mountain system of great linear extent
Acoustic: of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the science of sound
Masquerade: festive gathering characterized by participants wearing masks
Suffuse: gradually spread through or over, with light, color, music, or liquid
Elucidate: explain further, clarify, to elaborate upon
Silence: state or quality of soundlessness, lack of sound
Paramour: lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship, lover, illicit lover
Curlicue: fancy curl or twist, flourish of writing
Shiver: a tremble, to tremble, shudder, or shake
Lascivious: lewd, lustful, prurient
Dulcimer: stringed instrument having three or four strings and a fretted fingerboard
Slither: to glide or slide like a reptile
Milieu: surroundings or environment, especially of a social or cultural nature
Luscious: delicious, sexy, cloying, alluring
Seven: seventh integer in a series
Chariot: two or four-wheeled, horse-drawn war or procession vehicle
Promethean: boldly creative, defiantly original, deviating genius
Ashlar: a squared block of building stone and dressed for outward placement
Tableaux: pl. deliberate picture, arrangement , vivid, graphic description
Patina: natural tarnish from wear of usage and passage of time, verdigris
Enhalo: to affix with a halo, to cause to wear a halo, to encircle, surround
Acolyte: ranked clergy member, assistant in liturgical rites
Veneer: thin surface layer, superficial layer as an enhancement to inferior material
Afflatus: strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration, inspiration
Jaunt: short excursion for pleasure, brief stay
Sidereal: of, related, pertaining to, or determined by the stars or constellations
Incalescent: becoming hotter or growing more ardent, boiling
Ebon: black, made of ebony
Cosmology: study of the physical universe considered a mass of phenomena in spacetime
Illusion: erroneous mental representation, false image made by outside force or the mind
Dell: small, usually wooded valley, vale
Brio: joie de vivre, vivacity, alacrity, gusto, esprit
Sluice: artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow
Pococurante: nonchalant, indifferent, lukewarm in opinion, insouciant
Comestibles: items suitable to be eaten, edible sundries, articles of food, victuals
Portmanteaux: pl. large suitcase, merging of two words to form a new one, often a pun
Malady: sickness, illness, ague, ictus, ailment
Sough: a soft, gentle sigh, murmuring, purling, or rustling sound
Auburn: moderate reddish-brown
Opaque: impenetrable to light, not reflecting light, difficult to explain or understand
Emissary: an agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another
Ascertain: to understand specific facts, to ferret out information
Idyllic: Like an idyll, extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque
Linguistics: pl. the study of human speech, languages, and writing
Epigone: inferior imitator, disciple, second-rate replica, counterfeit
Aeneous: brassy, golden-green
Permeate: to pervade, to spread or flow throughout, to diffuse through
Circlet: ring-shaped ornament or piece of jewelry, especially for the head
Echo: a repetition of sound produced by the reflection of sound
Nenuphar: a water lily, especially an Egyptian lotus
Synchronicity: theory of, coincidence of two or more curiously similar events
Pantomime: communication through gestures and facial movements
Eleemosynary: of, relating to, or dependent on charity, contributed as an act of charity
Tenuous: long and thin, slender, flimsy, without great substance, diluted
Malaise: bodily weakness, nondescript illness, vague feeling of discomfort
Swath: width of a scythe-stroke, strips or radii made by something
Clerisy: the well-educated or learned class, intelligentsia, cognoscenti
Satellite: celestial body that orbits a planet, a moon, object designed to orbit a planet
Mellifluous: flowing with sweetness or honey, smooth and sweet
Philosophy: discipline comprising aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, etc.
Victuals: food to be eaten, provisions, food cache, pabulum, comestibles, nutrients
Leitmotif: musical passage associated to a specific situation, character, or idea
Emulate: to strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation
Anemone: flowery marine creature
Succor: to aid or assist in a time of need, assistance
Mien: air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality, demeanor, aura
Lithium: silvery, soft, highly-reactive metal
Dalliance: flirtation, dawdling, procrastination, frivolous action
Myrrh: fragrant resin gum from a type of tree, used chiefly for perfume
Blithe: carefree, nonchalant, heedless, lacking concern, joyous
Kismet: fate, fortune, chance, faith thereof
Slender: long and thin, tall
Lesbian: female sexually attracted to other women, exclusively
Cylinder: long, tubular geometric shape rendered in three dimensions
Solecism: an impropriety, nonstandard grammatical construction, violation of etiquette
Pensive: brooding, reflecting, involving, or engaged in deep or serious thought
Nimiety: excess, overabundance, superfluity
Candelabra: pl. branched candlestick with several candles
Whimsy: quaint or fanciful idea, a whim, capricious humor or playful disposition
Delirium: state of mental disarray and unstable consciousness from intoxication or fever
Serenity: calmness, tranquility, relaxation
Aura: distinctive and pervasive quality or character, air, atmosphere, emanation
Hubris: excessive pride, overbearing arrogance
Opusculum: minor work of literature
Pizzicato: music term, played by plucking rather than bowing
Miniscule: very small, diminutive, when compared to a normal counterpart
Elysian: blissful, delightful, pertaining to the Elysian Fields or Elysium
Psittacism: automatic speech without thought of the meaning of the words spoken
Ultramarine: intense bluish-purple
Mausoleum: large, stately tomb or building housing several tombs
Schefflera: type of shrubby, tropical plants which are cultivated for their showy foliage
Dissimulate: to conceal or disguise, to hide with the intent of deceit
Torrential: resembling, flowing in, or forming torrents
Lorgnette: a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle
Nymphet: pubescent girl regarded as sexually desirable, young, sexually precocious girl
Auxiliary: additional, supplementary, reserve, acting as a subsidiary
Mist: mass of fine droplets of liquid
Seraglio: harem, harem house, brothel, living quarters thereof
Viceroy: governor, representative of a sovereign
Winnow: to filter out, to remove unnecessary or undesirable parts
Callow: immature, green, lacking experience, naïve
Tête-à-tête: private conversation between two people
Spinal: pertaining to, relating to, of, or using the spine
Marginalia: notes in the margin or margins of a book
Vestibule: a small entryway between the outer door and the interior of a building
Periphery: line that forms the boundary, limited circumference of sight, perimeter
Obsidian: volcanic glass of a black shade
Sfumato: definition or form without hasty outline by mild gradation from light to shadow
Lineaments: pl. the distinguishing or characteristic features of something immaterial
Denouement: final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot
Piquant: aromatic, appetizing, appealingly provocative
Isinglass: thin sheet of translucent mica
Placid: sedate, calm, peaceful, relaxed, serene
Voluminous: having great volume, fullness, size, or number, large
Chamois: goatlike antelope, type of cloth for cleaning
Mere: being nothing more nor better than, small, lowly
Bellwether: leader or indicator of future trends, trendsetter
Tercet: group of three lines of verse, often rhyming together or with another triple
Aqueous: of, relating to, or resembling water, made from, with, or by water
Saline: salty, pertaining to salt
Elysium: section of the underworld, resting place of heroes and the virtuous
Lucent: shining, gleaming, brilliant
Shrivel: wither due to lack of moisture, cause to contract, lose momentum
Gale: a harsh gust of wind, a strong current of wind
Tryst: an agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place, a date
Solemn: serious, dignified, formal, stern
Whisper: soft speech produced without full voice, something uttered very softly
Dulcinea: sweetheart, lovely person, one whom a person loves or cares about
Sussurous: pertaining to whispering, whispering
Intaglio: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material
Effulgent: marked by as if by brightly shining light, coruscating, shimmering
Cellulite: fatty deposit causing a dimpled appearance, as around the thighs or buttocks
Opacity: opaqueness, obscurity, impenetrability
Smolder: burn without flame, to undergo slow and compressed combustion
Wisteria: a genus of twisting, woody, and climbing vines
Paucity: scarcity, lack of presence, fewness, a small number
Ameliorate: to make better, improve, enhance
Epileptic: pertaining to epilepsy, flickering rapidly, seizing
Cloister: monastatic establishment, convent of living
Parvenu: noveau-riche, person risen to new status, but lacks the social skills necessary
Bloviate: to make pompous or arrogant discourse
Inundate: deluge, to fill quickly beyond capacity, to cover with water, drench, overwhelm
Lavish: expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion, using or giving in great amounts
Precocious: manifesting or characterized by unusually early development or maturity
Epitaph: inscription on a tombstone
Allegretto: music term, moderately fast tempo
Scepter: rod or wand, usually adorned in regalia
Braggadocio: arrogant person, braggart, arrogant or boastful behavior
Cellular: pertaining to cells or their structure, containing cells
Simulacrum: image or representation, false, unreal, or vague simulation or semblance
Purlicue: space between the thumb and forefinger
L’esprit de l’escalier: “staircase wit” usage of a witty retort after the moment has passed
Cartesian: of or relating to the philosophy of Descartes
Sigil: seal, signet, glyph, sign or image considered magical
Aileron: small moveable platforms on the back of plane wings that alter air movements
Existential: of, relating to, or dealing with existence, pertaining to existentialism
Breviloquence: speech characterized by brevity, shortness, briefness
Labial: pertaining to lips, vaginal or facial
Apostasy: abandonment of one's religious faith, political party, one's principles, or a cause
Portico: porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leads into an entrance
Isthmus: narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land
Yowl: to utter a loud long cry of grief, pain, or distress, wail
Dawn: daybreak, first light of day, the onset of an idea, enlightenment
Collectanea: selection of pieces of writing by an author or by several authors
Incense: to induce rage, infuriate, aromatic element designed to induce relaxation
Sleep: state of slumber, position of rest for the physical and mental being of a living being
Elasticity: quality or state of being elastic, tendency to keep shape after stretching
Meridian: of or at noon, imaginary line that extends form the North to South poles
Lubricious: slippery with oil or lubricant, offensively lewd or intending to be lewd
Salve: remedial lotion or substance to soothe or allays
Teleology: the study of the philosophical concept of the telos
Mimesis: imitation or representation of the world, mostly in literature and art, mimicry
Bardiglio: finely-grained, multi-gray, Italian marble
Escadrille: a small squadron, usually of six, a small team, typically of six airplanes
Tiramisu: dessert made with cake and espresso
Antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American civil war
Vale: the world, life, mortal or earthly life
Ubiquitous: being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time, omnipresent
Élan: esprit, brio, gusto, ardor, vivacity
Sequester: to relegate to a small space, to cause to withdraw into seclusion
Cymbal: percussive instrument, usually attached to a drum kit
Limousine: slender car used for formal occasions, notably expensive
Thionine: artificial red or violet dyestuff, usually for microscopic stains
Bourgeoisie: the middle class, the middle class in Communist theory
Verve: energy, brio, élan, vigor, joie de vivre
Coterie: tightly-knit group of persons having a common purpose or interest, cadre, clique
Laodicean: indifferent or lukewarm in politics and or religion
Heath: plain, tract of wasteland, uncultivated land
Vinyl: type of multi-use plastic resin
Spiral: helix, string in a successively concentric pattern
Cavil: to object or criticize adversely for trivial reasons, flimsy objection or qualm
Matriculate: to become admitted to membership in a body, society, or institution
Soothe: to allay, alleviate, relax, pacify
Galleria: spacious passageway, court, or indoor mall, usually with a vaulted roof, gallery
Luminary: one who is an inspiration to others, one who attained success in a chosen field
Palliate: to alleviate, reduce or remove pain
Elixir: solution of alcohol and water, substance believed to maintain life indefinitely
Spool: cylinder with ridges that has spirals string around it
Fumarole: hole in an area of volcanic activity from which gases and hot smoke escape
Communiqué: an official announcement, bulletin board, a dispatch, an official report
Tremulous: marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking
Venial: pardonable, easily excused or pardoned, trivial
Bethesda: a hallowed, sanctified, or holy place, a chapel, holy ground
Umbrella: apparatus used as a personal rain repellant
Circular: of, like, related to, or resembling a circle
Allure: attraction, temptation, to attract with something desirable
Scarlet: bright-red color
Hegemony: predominant influence, dominance, supremacy, preeminence
Sclera: the whites of the eyes
Palliasse: mattress consisting of a thin pad filled with straw, sawdust, or hay
Vavasor: superior vassal with other vassals beneath
Trillium: type of flower
Enceinte: pregnant, carrying a baby, gravid, line of fortification enclosing a town or castle
Cuvette: a small, transparent, often tubular laboratory vessel
Silkscreen: stencil method of printing, in which a design is put on silk or other fine mesh
Tristiloquy: speech characterized by sadness or gloominess
Realm: region, kingdom, plane, domain, territory
Vacivity: vacuity, emptiness, absence, space with a lack of matter
Fleur-de-lys: stylized insignia of a lily
Sittella: small, gregarious songbird
Amphisbaena: Greek mythological being, two-headed snake, a head on each end
Corinthian: pertaining to Corinth or its culture, architecture
Libeccio: southwest wind occurring in Italy
Perpetuity: the quality or condition of being perpetual, ceaseless, or continual
Knell: to ring slowly and solemnly, funeral bell-ring
Illusory: produced by, based on, or having the nature of an illusion, deceptive
Acciaccatura: grace note, an embellishing note usually written in smaller size
Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils, witchcraft, sorcery, consorting with demons
Epicede: dirge, requiem, funeral song or ode
Brevity: briefness, swiftness, evanescence
Henna: reddish-brown dye used in tinting the hair, skin, or nails
Alabaster: dense translucent, white or tinted fine-grained gypsum
Frescade: a cool, breezy walk, a shady place, a relaxing place with ample shade
Villain: dramatic or fictional character who is typically at odds with the hero
Cellophane: thin, flexible, transparent cellulose material used as moisture-proof wrapping
Simplicity: state or quality of being simple, freedom of complexity or intricacy
Bliss: joy, rapture, elation, felicity
Laminate: to beat or compress into a thin plate or sheet, to divide into thin layers
Cinnabar: bright red, glowing red
Nocive: harmful, injurious
Cinder: burned substance, one which is no longer capable of combustion
Sapience: rationality, compare sentience, wisdom or sagacity
Mirror: surface able of reflect enough undiffused light to form an image of an object
Sesquipedalian: having many syllables, long, given to or typified by the use of long words
Quiver: shiver, shake, quaver, tremble
Breeze: gentle push of the wind
Amnesia: partial or total loss of memory
Sirocco: hot, humid south or southeast wind of southern Italy
Furrow: to wrinkle, a wrinkle, a rut, groove, or trench
Querencia: the area of the bull-ring where the bull makes its stand
Cortical: of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of cortex
Immaculate: spotless, free of sin, without blemish or impurity
Weather: state of the atmosphere at a given time and place
Apotheosis: deification, quintessence, exaltation to divine rank or stature
Vicious: having the nature of vice, evil, immoral, or depraved
Prurient: having, relating to, or typified by lascivious or lustful thoughts or desires
Vis-à-vis: “face to face” opposite to, in relation to, in regard to, a meeting
Belvedere: roofed structure, on top of another building, which commands a large view
Capricious: impulsive, whimsical, unpredictable
Milquetoast: timid, unassertive, spineless person, one who is easily intimidated
Anxiolytic: preventing or reducing anxiety, antianxiety medication, tranquilizer
Jacqueminot: crimson rose
Soubrette: saucy, coquettish woman in comedies
Nugacious: trifling, trivial, insignificant, unimportant, worthless
Philanthropy: the effort or drive to further the well-being of humankind, generosity
Enamel: vitreous, usually opaque, protective or decorative coating or shell
Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”
Apostolicity: being of or contemporary with the Apostles in character
Malapropos: out of place, inappropriate, in an inopportune or inappropriate manner
Caesura: a pause in a line of verse
Hacienda: the main building of a farm or ranch
Sienna: yellowish-brown, type of clay
Leviathan: very large animal, especially a whale, something of unusually large size
Dulciloquy: speech characterized by sounding soft or sweet
Renaissance: rebirth or revival, renewal of cultural and intellectual thought
Cyan: greenish-blue
Brecciate: to form rock into breccia(rocks made of sharp fragments set in a grainy matrix)
Fuliginous: having the color of soot, dark, dusky, charcoal-colored
Listless: lacking energy or disinclined to exert effort, lethargic
Sequence: succession, an arrangement, related or continuous series
Cuneiform: wedge-shaped, Sumerian language
Virtuoso: ace, someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field, especially music
Iris: the colored portion of the eye that encircles the pupil
Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation
Miscellany: collection of various items, parts, or ingredients
Luminal: of or pertaining to the lumen (the measure of light perceived by the human eye)
Sylvan: relating to or characteristic of woods or forest regions, forest sprite
Degringolade: a rapid decline or deterioration, as in strength, position, or condition
Matutinal: of, relating to, or occurring in the morning, early
Leveret: baby rabbit, a young rabbit
Aperitif: alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer before a meal
Macedoine: mixture of diced fruits and vegetables, medley, mixture
Sanguine: of a healthy reddish color, ruddy, blood-red, of the color of blood
Divisi: music term, divided, separated
Ossuary: place, container or receptacle for holding the bones of the dead
Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped, resembling a keyhole
Sonnet: fourteen-line poem with specific rhyme scheme
Esclavage: a necklace having several rows of chains, beads, or jewels
Palladian: of or relating to wisdom or learning
Slice: a thin section of something, to slash or remove a small section of
Lithe: readily bent, supple, flexible, marked by effortless grace
Falciform: falcate, curved, convex, sickle-shaped
Loom: the art of weaving, to come into view as a massive, distorted, or indistinct image
Acidulous: somewhat acidic or sour in taste or manner, somewhat sarcastic
Facility: building made or used for convenience, ease of moving or doing, aptitude
Calico: coarse, brightly printed cloth, a type of pattern
Aquarelle: painting done in transparent watercolors, watercolor, watercolor painting
Scion: an heir or descendant, a twig or shoot used for grafting
Proscenium: Greek or Roman theater stage, the part of a stage in front of the curtain
Xysti: pl. covered portico of a gymnasium
Clavicle: the collarbone of a human
Puree: rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
Eglantine: European rose, sweetbrier
Mystique: the special, esoteric skill or mysterious faculty essential in a calling or activity
Amelus: individual exhibiting Amelia (the congenital absence of one or more limbs)
Sweven: dream, vision, premonition
Celluloid: transparent, colorless, synthetic plastic used to manufacture photographic film
Aposiopesis: abrupt stop of a thought in a sentence, as if the speaker could not continue
Siphon: to suck through, absorb through an appendage
Gallery: raised area, often having a stepped or sloping floor, in a public building
Centennial: of or relating to a period of 100 years, occurring once every 100 years
Elision: omission of a vowel, consonant, or syllable in pronunciation
Trinity: group consisting of three closely related members, unity of three special objects
Numina: pl. presiding divinity or spirit of a place, creative energy, genius
Memorabilia: pl. things remarkable and worthy of remembrance or record
Replica: copy or reproduction of a work of art, especially one made by the original artist
Chalice: cup for consecrated wine, goblet
Lathe: machine for shaping a piece of material by rotating it rapidly along its axis
Traipse: walk, to wander without destination, gad, aimlessly or blithely walk
Roseate: rose-colored, rosy, optimistic, cheerful and bright, promising
Expatiate: to speak or write at length or in considerable detail, expound, elaborate
Demarche: course of action, maneuver, specific movement
Propinquity: nearness in place, approximate location, proximity, vicinity
Gloaming: dusk, twilight, evening, vesper
Calliope: musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard
Aliment: something that nourishes, food, to supply with sustenance or food
Sestina: poem of six six-line stanzas and a three-line envoy
Blaze: bright flame of fire, bright steady light or glare, hot gleam
Solipsism: philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist
Artemisia: type of plant, genus of aromatic shrubs or herbs
Cypress: swampy tree or plant, plant or tree occurring in swamps
Lethe: condition of forgetfulness, oblivion
Shallow: lacking physical depth, lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge
Ponceau: a strong red to reddish orange
Frost: hoarfrost, degree or state of coldness, covering of minute ice needles
Soufflé: light, fluffy baked dish
Valiant: possessing valor, brave, marked by or done with valor
Eclipse: any obscuration of light, reduction or loss of splendor, status, or reputation
Alienate: to estrange, to cause to become unfriendly or hostile
Basilica: large, public building the Romans used, usually as a courtroom or meeting hall
Vacuity: emptiness, vacivity, absence, lack of matter in a space, vacuum
Ilium: upper part of the bony femur at the hip joint
Oblivion: condition or quality of being completely forgotten, void, forgetfulness
Aria: air or song, a melody, solo in an opera accompanied by instrumentation
Conciliate: to win over from a state of hostility or distrust, appease
Magisterial: of, relating to, or having the features of a master or teacher, authoritative
Bayonet: blade adapted to fit the muzzle-end of a rifle and as a weapon in close combat
Nucleus: central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered
Eristic: characterized by disputatious, often subtle and specious reasoning
Perforate: to pierce, punch, or bore a hole or holes in, stab through, penetrate
Vexation: the act of annoying, irritating, or vexing, quality or condition of being vexed
Dislodge: to remove or force out from a position or dwelling previously occupied
Impetus: a drive or compelling force, motivation, a reason to do something
Vaccinate: to inoculate with a vaccine of prepared medicine
Cytherean: pertaining to beauty or the goddess, Aphrodite
Fumulus: a thin cloud resembling a veil and forming at any level
Percolate: to filter, to cause to filter, to cause to pass through pores or small holes
Apophenia: the perception of or belief in connectedness among unrelated phenomena
Coriander: aromatic herb, herb used in a variety of perfumes
Iscariotic: traitorous, treacherous, given to betrayal, having committed betrayal
Lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly, to distress, mangle
Bordereau: a detailed note or memorandum of account
Hallucinate: to affect or be affected with visions or imaginary perceptions
Semiotician: one who studies, applies, or explains the theories of semiotics
Marble: highly-polished building material, irregularly colored
Congelifraction: splitting or disintegration of rocks as a result of the freezing of the water
Acedia: ennui, state of torpor of listlessness, spiritual apathy
Estuary: inlet or arm of the sea, an open river that connects to the sea
Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affliction thereof
Austere: severe or stern in disposition, discipline, or appearance, somber and grave
Orbital: of, pertaining to, or relating to an orbit
Nimbus: dark, grey cloud bearing rain, splendid atmosphere or aura, cloudy radiance
Bricolage: something made or put together using any materials that happen are available
Litterateur: literary-minded person, one devoted to the study or writing of literature
Shadow: shade within clear boundaries
Effleurage: a light, stroking movement used in massage, a soft caress
Coquette: woman who makes teasing sexual or romantic overtures, a flirt or tease
Famished: extremely hungry, ravenous, starved
Sussurant: whispering, making a continuous, low, and indistinct sound
Otiose: indolent, lazy, serving no useful purpose, futile, being a leisure
Poignant: profoundly moving, touching, physically or emotionally painful
Ingravescent: gradually becoming more severe, worsening, usually of a medical condition
Winceyette: cotton cloth, cloth made of cotton that has a raised surface
Dioscuric: describing a twin, whether person or event, of a twin, of a duplicate
Bibliophile: someone who loves (and usually collects) books, book collector
Palaver: conference or discussion, idle chat, chat with flattery of cajolery involved
Glacial: slow, staggering, of or pertaining to glaciers or ice sheets
Opulence: wealth, affluence, great abundance, profusion, pretentiousness
Naiad: a nymph, a river, lake, fountain, or spring nymph or spirit
Euphoria: feeling of great happiness or well-being, felicity
Cheilion: the corner of the mouth or oral cavity
Frolic: to behave playfully and candidly, romp, to engage in flirting, joking, or teasing
Radii: pl. any line segment from the center of a circle or sphere to its perimeter
Provocative: tending or serving to provoke, inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing
Deign: to condescend to do something thought to be slightly beneath one's dignity
Mewl: whimper, cry like an infant, meow like a kitten, to weakly cry
Clarion: medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones, clear and shrill, loud burst of sound
Escamotage: juggling, hand trickery, sleight of hand, legerdemain
Plumage: entire feathery covering or portion of a bird, feathers collectively
Fissure: long narrow opening, a crack or cleft, process of splitting or separating, division
Choreography: the art of creating and arranging dances or ballets
Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water
Bastille: imprisonment, jail, prison
Mizzenmast: third mast or the mast aft the mainmast on a ship having 3 or more masts
Equestrian: of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding
Impedimenta: pl. things that hinder growth or movement
Repartee: swift, witty reply, conversation marked by the exchange of witty retorts Palimpsest: erased parchment, which is then reused, manuscript written over earlier ones
Coercion: the act of coercing, the use of pressure, threats, blackmail, or intimidation
Formulaic: being of no special quality or type, average, routine, undistinguished
Serenade: courtesy performance given to honor or express love for someone, to serenade
Ellipsis: omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete syntactical construction
Incipient: in or at an initial stage, beginning to exist or appear
Glisten: to shine by reflection with a sparkling luster, coruscate, shimmer
Ambience: atmosphere, a particular environment or surrounding influence, aura
Insipid: lacking flavor or zest, lacking excitement, stimulation, or interest, dull, vapid
Cascarilla: West Indian shrub with aromatic bark, typically used in incense or tonics
Paraph: a flourish at the end of a signature, may be used as a safeguard against forgery
Embarcadero: a landing place, especially a landing place on an island waterway
Fuselage: central body of an aircraft, to which the wings and tail assembly are attached
Nullifidian: a person having no faith, religion, convictions, or beliefs
Triptych: work of art consisting of three pieces acting as one image or set of motifs
Chatelaine: the mistress or lady or a castle or large household
Paroxysm: a sudden attack, pang, or seizure, usually of an emotional or medical nature
Exclusion: the act of excluding, the act of shutting out or preventing entrance

Coolest Words: A Work in Progress

2011-04-15T04:15:00.004-07:00

Coolest Words, Alphabetized (1,449)

Abacaxi: a large, sweet pineapple grown especially in Brazil

Abacination: type of torture, blinding the victim with a heated metal plate

Abacus: frame with rows of grooves along which beads are slid, used for calculating

Abecedarian: one who teaches or studies the alphabet; one who is just learning, beginner

Absinthe: wormwood liquor of a bright-green color

Abyss: immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void; abode of evil spirits, hell

Acciaccatura: grace note, an embellishing note usually written in smaller size

Accismus: rhetoric term, affected or false refusal when the item in question is actually wanted

Acedia: ennui, state of torpor of listlessness; spiritual apathy

Acerbic: sharp or biting in character; sour or bitter in taste; caustic

Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized

Acherontic: infernal or fiery; gloomy, dismal; moribund

Acolyte: ranked clergy member; assistant in liturgical rites

Acroamatic: communicated orally, oral; applied to the teachings of Aristotle

Acropolis: fortified height or citadel; raised area holding a building or cluster of buildings

Acumen: quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight; wisdom, savvy

Adjudicate: to pronounce, hear, and settle; to decree by judicial sentence

Adumbrate: to explain faintly or opaquely outline; describe

Aegis: auspices, kindly endorsement and guidance; a type of shield

Aeipathy: continued passion; unyielding disease

Aeneous: brassy; a type of golden-green

Aeolian: pertaining to, of, related to, caused by or like the wind or Aeolus

Aeonian: continuing forever, eternal

Aerobic: depending on free oxygen or air; designating or involving exercise

Aerolith: a specific type of meteorite; meteorite

Aeronautical: of or relating to aeronauts or aeronautics

Aerugo: verdigris, metallic rust, particularly of brass or copper

Aesthetic: having a sense of the beautiful; pertaining to a sense of the beautiful

Aeviternal: eternal, endless, never-ending

Afflatus: strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration; inspiration

Agathokakological: composed of both good and evil elements

Agglutinate: to unite as if by adhesive; heap together, string together, clump together; unify

Agnosticism: religion positing that any ultimate reality is unknown and likely unknowable

Agoraphobia: abnormal fear of open or public places

Agrarian: relating to rural matters; pertaining to cultivation, ownership and agriculture

Ahimsa: the doctrine of refraining from the harming of others or the taking of life

Aileron: small moveable platforms on the back of plane wings that alter air movements

Aitch: the letter “H”, the phonetic representation thereof

Akimbo: having the hand or hands on the hip(s) and the elbow(s) turned outward

Alabaster: dense translucent, white or tinted, fine-grained gypsum

Albatross: large, web-footed, gull-like seabird

Albedo: physics term, the ratio of reflected to incident light

Alcatote: foolish oaf, silly elf, witless person

Alchemy: ancient or arcane chemistry; science of elements made to elicit effects

Alembic: anything that refines, purifies, or transmutes; alchemical beaker

Alkahest: hypothetical universal solvent sought by the alchemists; azoth

Allegretto: music term, moderately fast tempo

Alluvium: unconsolidated sediments carried by water

Altazimuth: mount for astronomical telescopes that shows horizontal and vertical rotation

Amalgamation: consolidation, agglutination, integration, union, fusion

Amanuensis: a secretary; one who is employed to take dictation or to copy manuscript

Amaranth: deep-hued purple; type of purple flower; used as a metaphor for immortality

Ambidextrous: able to use both hands equally well; unusually skillful

Ambience: atmosphere; a particular environment or surrounding influence; aura

Ambivalence: simultaneous, conflicted feelings towards a thing, person, etc.

Ambrosia: the food of the gods; something overpoweringly delicious or fragrant

Amethyst: deep purple; deep-purple gemstone

Ampersand: the symbol (&) representing the word “and”

Amphigory: meaningless or senseless work of writing, especially one planned as a parody

Amphisbaena: Greek mythological being, a two-headed snake with a head on each end

Amphora: ceramic, two-handled vase with a narrow neck, usually containing alcohol

Anabibazon: a node of the moon’s orbit

Anachronism: chronological displacement of persons, events, objects, or customs

Anacoluthon: rhetoric term, abrupt shift in a sentence to another construction conflicting with the first

Analemma: sundial; figure-8 indicating sun’s declination

Anaptyxis: the insertion of an extra vowel in a body of a word ex. “athalete”

Anathema: malison, strong curse; that which one vehemently despises

Ancillary: auxiliary, not prioritized; of secondary importance, secondary, subordinate

Anent: regarding, concerning, pertaining to, involving

Angstrom: metric unit of length equal to one ten billionth of a meter (or 0.0001 micron)

Animadversion: adverse criticism prompted by a degree of hostility

Annihilate: to destroy completely, eliminate, kill in large numbers, obliterate

Anon: at another time, later; immediately, at once

Anschauung: phil. term, intuition or perception of sense-data with little or no rational interpretation

Antanaclasis: stylistic trope of repeating a word, but with a different meaning each time

Antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American civil war

Antediluvian: antiquated, extremely old, old-aged

Anthracite: glossy, hard coal which burns with a nearly smokeless flame

Anthropomorphic: described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes

Antipathy: strong feeling of aversion or repugnance, enmity, animosity

Anxiolytic: preventing or reducing anxiety; anti-anxiety medication; tranquilizer

Aperitif: alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer before a meal

Aperture: opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit; opening part of a camera

Aphelion: the point when the orbit of earth is furthest from the sun

Aphotic: devoid of light, especially of areas where no light naturally occurs

Apocryphal: of questionable authorship or authenticity; erroneous; fictitious

Apollonian: serene, calm, or well-balanced; poised and disciplined; pertaining to Apollo

Apophenia: the perception of or belief in connectedness among unrelated phenomena

Apoplexy: a stroke; impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage

Aposiopesis: abrupt stop of a thought in a sentence, as if the speaker could not continue

Apostasy: abandonment of one's religious faith, political party, one's principles, or a cause

Apostolicity: being of or contemporary with the Apostles in character

Apothecary: place which prepares and/or sells drugs and other medicine; pharmacy

Apothegm: terse, witty, and/or instructive saying, aphorism; generally accepted truth; maxim

Apotheosis: deification, quintessence, exaltation to divine rank or stature

Appendix: additional material referenced at the end of a book or another text

Apteryx: genus of flightless birds

Aquarelle: painting done in transparent watercolors; watercolor; watercolor painting

Arabesque: a ballet twirl; type of artistry involving a continuous, rotating design

Arbalest: medieval missile launcher designed on the crossbow; large crossbow

Arbitrary: determined by chance, whim, or impulse; not by necessity, reason, or principle

Arboretum: land or observatory on which many different trees or shrubs are grown for study or display

Archetype: original model or type after which similar things are patterned; prototype

Archipelago: landform which consists of a chain or cluster of islands

Argyle: knitting pattern of varicolored, diamond-shaped areas on a solid background

Arithmetic: branch of math dealing with the properties and manipulation of numbers

Arpeggio: notes of a chord played in succession, either ascending or descending

Artemisia: type of plant, genus of aromatic shrubs or herbs

Asterisk: (*) used to indicate an omission, reference, a word, sound, or affix

Asteroid: small, irregularly-shaped rocky bodies that orbit the Sun; shaped like a star

Astrobleme: scar on the earth's surface left from the impact of a meteorite; crater

Ataraxy: calmness of the mind and emotions; tranquility; state of tranquilization

Ataxia: loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement; failure of coordination

Athanasy: quality of being deathless; immortality

Athenaeum: institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning; phrontistery

Aura: distinctive and pervasive quality or character; air, atmosphere; emanation

Automaton: self-operating machine or mechanism, especially a robot

Autumnal: pertaining to, like, relating, or evocative of autumn

Avalanche: fall or slide of a large mass of snow or rock; overwhelming amount; flood

Aviatrix: a female aviator; a female pilot

Awakening: rousing, quickening; act of waking from sleep; revival of interest or attention

Axolotl: specific member of a genus of salamanders

Azimuth: horizontal angular distance from a reference direction

Azoth: mythologized universal solvent; panacea

Baccalaureate: bachelor’s degree; valedictory speech

Bacchanalia: riotous, boisterous, or drunken festivity; orgy; drunken feast

Bacchante: carousing woman; priestess or woman votary of Bacchus, female bacchant

Badinage: playful or frivolous repartee or banter; cheeky back-and-forth speech

Bailiwick: person's area of interest, skill, or authority; special domain; bailiff’s office

Balatron: buffoon, clown, jackanapes, joker

Balistraria: arrow-slit, narrow opening through which arrows might be discharged

Ballast: heavy material specially set to improve strength and control; bed of coarse gravel

Balustrade: architecture, series of balusters or parapets

Banderilla: a decorated dart that is shot into the neck of the bull during a bull fight

Barathea: soft fabric of silk and cotton; silk and wool, or all wool

Barathrum: a bottomless pit, hole, or abyss, Hell

Bardiglio: finely-grained, multi-gray Italian marble

Baroque: of, relating to, or like of a style in art and architecture of a time

Basilica: large, public building used by the Romans, usually as a courtroom or meeting hall

Basilisk: legendary serpent with lethal breath and glance, usually turning its prey to stone

Bayonet: blade adapted to fit the muzzle-end of a rifle and as a weapon in close combat

Bdelygmia: a litany of abuse; a series of critical epithets, descriptions, or attributes

Behemoth: something of enormous size and power; huge animal, machine, or creature

Belabor: to attack, strike; to explain or insist on excessively; scold

Bellicose: inclined or eager to fight; aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious

Bellwether: leader or indicator of future trends, trendsetter

Belvedere: roofed structure, on top of another building, which commands a large view

Benthos: the bottom of a body of water, the living things at the bottom of a water body

Berceuse: lullaby, song used to put someone to sleep

Bersatrix: babysitter, maternal caretaker

Bethesda: a hallowed, sanctified, or holy place; a chapel; holy ground

Betwixt: between, in an intermediate position

Bezaleel: the shadow of God, God’s shadow

Bibliophile: someone who loves (and usually collects) books; book collector

Bijouterie: pl. trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof

Bildungsroman: coming-of-age novel, movie, or story

Bivouac: temporary military or squad encampment

Blatherskite: babbling, foolish person, person given to voluble, senseless talk

Blellum: an idle, indiscreet talker, noisy fainéant; informant

Blitzkrieg: swift, sudden military offensive; swift, decisive strike

Blunderbuss: insensitive, blundering person; short musket of wide bore and flared muzzle

Boeotian: marked by stupidity and philistinism; crudely obtuse, loutish

Bolster: to support and strengthen; structural part used to support and strengthen

Borasca: a squall, usually accompanied by thunder and lightning

Boulevard: broad street, avenue; broad spectrum of something

Bouleversement: reversal of fortunes; overturning of something; tumult

Bourgeoisie: the middle class; the middle class in Communist theory

Braggadocio: arrogant person, braggart; arrogant or boastful behavior

Bravura: music term, brilliant technique or style in performance, piece requiring high skill

Brecciate: to form rock into breccia (rocks made of sharp fragments set in a grainy matrix)

Breviloquence: speech characterized by brevity; shortness, briefness

Bricolage: something made or put together using any materials that happen are available

Brontide: a sound like distant thunder, can be due to seismic causes

Brummagem: cheap and showy, meretricious, gaudy, tawdry; ersatz, second-rate

Brumous: pertaining or relating to winter; foggy, misty, dull and sunless, cold

Brusque: abrupt and curt in manner or speech; discourteously blunt

Bruxer: one who suffers habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth

Bulwark: wall of material built for defense, rampart; protection from external danger

Burnish: to polish; the shine of a polished surface

Caballero: skilled horseman, cavalier; gentleman

Cacafuego: swaggering braggart or boaster; spitfire, firebrand

Cachinnation: act of laughing hard, loudly or convulsively; guffawing, cackling

Cacoethes: uncontrollable urge or desire, especially for something harmful; mania; addiction

Cacography: bad or illegible handwriting or penmanship

Cadaver: corpse, specifically one dressed for a procedure

Cadenza: musical or literary improvisation

Calamity: great misfortune, misery, disaster, an event which causes such

Calcaneus: the heel bone

Calibrate: to check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard

Calico: coarse, brightly printed cloth; a type of pattern

Caliginous: misty, dim, obscure, dark, gloomy, tenebrous

Calliope: musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard

Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt

Calypso: rare orchid; a tribal and fervid dance

Camouflage: actions or devices intended to disguise or mislead, usually natural

Cancrizans: backwards movement; crab walking; music moving backwards

Candelabra: pl. branched candlestick with several candles

Carapace: bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back of an animal or creature

Carcinogen: an agent or substance that causes cancer

Caricature: expression or interpretation of exaggerated details or quirks of something

Carmagnole: short jacket with wide lapels; spirited dance to a particular song

Cartesian: of or relating to the philosophy of Descartes

Cashielaws: old Scottish instrument of torture, consisting of a heated iron case for the leg

Castanet: small, percussion instruments made of hard material which are clicked together

Catachresis: inappropriate use of one word for another; malapropism

Cataclysm: violent upheaval that causes great destruction or brings about a vital change

Catacombs: pl. vault, tomb, crypt, ossuary, often labyrinthine

Catafalque: decorated platform or framework on which a coffin rests

Catalexis: poetic term, absence of one or more syllables in a line of verse, especially in the last foot

Catalyst: that which affects or inspires activity in something without being affected itself

Cataphract: suit of armor for a man and horse

Cataract: large or tall waterfall; a deluge; opacity of the lens or capsule of the eye

Catatonia: condition typified by stupor, stereotypy, mania, and/or rigidity of the limbs

Catharsis: purgation; emotional purification; relieving of emotional tensions

Cathedral: large, presiding, and/or important church; emanating from a chair of authority

Cathismata: pl. one of the 20 divisions in a Greek Psalter

Cathode: negative-charged electrode being the source of electrons entering a device

Catholicon: a supposed medicine to cure all diseases, panacea

Causerie: informal discussion or chat; short conversational piece of writing or criticism

Cauterize: to burn or sear with a caustic brand, usually for medical purposes

Cavalcade: a procession of riders or carriages; a procession of vehicle of ships

Cavalier: given to haughty disregard of others; gallant or courtly gentleman

Caveat: admonition, caution; warning against certain acts; formal notice of warning

Cavil: to object or criticize adversely for trivial reasons; flimsy objection or qualm

Celeripedean: quick-footed, swift, fast-running

Celestial: heavenly, of a higher plane, empyreal; of or pertaining to space

Cenobite: member of a convent or other religious community; cloistered or reclusive person

Cenotaph: an unmarked grave

Centurion: commander of a century (100 soldiers); high-ranking official or leader

Cerebellum: part of the brain that regulates coordination and voluntary muscle movement

Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”

Chagrin: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure

Chantpleure: to cry while singing; to cry and sing simultaneously

Chaos: lack of order; condition or place of disorder or confusion; riotous mass, a jumble

Charisma: personal attractiveness or interestingness that enables you to influence others

Chatoyant: like or resembling a cat’s eye

Chevelure: head of hair, tresses; hair on the head; a nebulous envelop (as around a comet)

Chiaroscuro: art term, composition of strong contrasts in light and dark

Chiasmus: rhetoric term, an inverse sentence, “One should eat to live, not live to eat”

Chicanery: trickery, buffoonery; deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry, deception

Chimerical: created by or as if by a wildly fanciful imagination; highly improbable, absurd

Chiropteran: pertaining to bats, mammalian order

Chitinous: of or resembling chitin; having a carapace or protective shell of chitin

Chondrule: small, round granule of outer space origin seen embedded in some meteorites

Choreography: the art of creating and arranging dances or ballets

Chrematistic: of, relating to, or occupied in the gaining of wealth

Chrysoberyl: a rare hard yellow green mineral, used as a gemstone

Chthonic: of or relating to the underworld, stygian, infernal

Ciborium: vessel; receptacle for the Blessed Sacrament; consecrated wafers for a religious rite

Cicatrix: deep, permanent scar resultant of serious injury

Cinnabar: bright red, glowing red

Cinquefoil: five-leaved; plant with limbs that are five-leaved; five-pointed leaves

Circadian: relating to or exhibiting approximately 24-hour periodicity

Circuitous: having a circular or winding course; indirect; roundabout

Cislunar: of or relating to the space between earth and the moon or the moon’s orbit

Clairvoyant: having the “power” to envision things that can’t be perceived by the senses

Claque: group of fawning admirers; group of persons hired to applaud at a performance

Clarion: medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones; clear and shrill; loud burst of sound

Claviger: one that keeps or has the keys; custodian; warden

Clavilux: machine that generates light via music

Clepsydra: device that measured time by marking regulated flow of water via an opening

Clerisy: the well-educated or learned class; intelligentsia; cognoscenti

Climax: highest or most intense point in the making or resolution of something; summit

Clinquant: glittering as gold; glittering with tinsel; showily ornate or ostentatious

Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped; resembling a keyhole

Cloister: monastatic establishment; convent of living

Cnidarian: any invertebrate animal, as a hydra, jellyfish, sea anemone, or coral

Coalesce: to fuse, intersect, or entwine to create a unity; to unify by an external means

Coccyx: the end of the vertebral column in humans and tailless apes

Cochlear: of or relating to the cochlea of the ear

Codicil: addendum, supplement, appendix, or revision to a will; a supplement or appendix

Coelacanth: a prehistoric fish, initially thought to be extinct

Coercion: the act of coercing; the use of pressure, threats, blackmail, or intimidation

Coeval: of the same age, date, or duration; equally old; lasting through the same era

Cognomen: familial name; surname, especially a third name

Cognoscente: person who has expert or superior knowledge in a subject; connoisseur

Cognoscitive: having the power of knowing; having the ability to know or discover

Colcothar: brownish-red oxide of iron

Collectanea: selection of pieces of writing by an author or by several authors

Colliquate: to change from solid to liquid; to liquefy

Colloquial: informal, as in speech; conversationally informal

Colophon: inscription at the end of a book; an identifying emblem for a book

Coloratura: elaborate or technical vocal music with florid ornamentation

Colossus: huge statue; something likened to a huge statue, as in size or importance

Colporteur: book merchant; bible salesman; salesman of religious tracts

Comatose: of, relating to, or affected with coma; unconscious; marked by lethargy, torpid

Concatenate: to link together; to unite in a series or chain

Conchitic: composed of shells, containing many shells

Concinnity: harmony in the arrangement or fitness of parts with respect to a whole

Concomitant: phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something; concurrent

Concourse: large open space for the gathering or passage of crowds; broad thoroughfare

Concrescence: growing together of related parts; the amassing of physical particles

Conduit: means by which something is transmitted; channel for conveying fluids

Conflagration: large destructive fire, holocaust, inferno

Congelifraction: splitting or disintegration of rocks as a result of the freezing of the water

Conjuration: the act or art of conjuring; magic spell or incantation; magic trick or effect

Conquistador: a conqueror, especially one of the 16th-century Spanish soldiers

Constellation: specific arrangement of stars to form an image

Contagion: disease that is or may be transmitted by direct or indirect contact; epidemic

Contextualize: to place or study in context; to make clear by establishing context

Continuum: coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression

Contretemps: inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation; dispute, argument

Contusion: bruise; an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration

Convalesce: to recover or recuperate; recover from a serious injury

Convivial: amicable, sociable; fond of feasting, drinking, and good company

Coquelicot: a type of plant, red poppy

Coracle: small rounded boat made of waterproof material stretched over a frame

Coriander: aromatic herb, herb used in a variety of perfumes

Corinthian: architecture term, pertaining to Corinth or its culture

Cormorant: large, aquatic bird; a greedy, rapacious person

Corpulent: of a bulky body; excessively heavy or fat, stout, portly

Corrigenda: error to be revised, especially a printer's error; list of errors with corrections

Cortical: of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of cortex

Coruscate: sparkle, reflect brightly, shine, shimmering

Cosmogony: astrophysical study of the origin and progress of the universe and its theories

Cosmogyral: whirling around the cosmos; traversing or spinning around the cosmos

Cosmonaut: a Russian or Soviet astronaut

Cosmopolitan: pertaining to the world at large, without localized prejudices

Coterie: tightly-knit group of persons having a common purpose or interest; cadre, clique

Coterminous: having the same or coincident boundaries; coextensive in range or scope

Coxcomb: conceited, self-impressed dandy; conceited fool; narcissistic person

Coxswain: captain, steersman; person who steers a ship's boat and has charge of its crew

Crambazzle: worn-out old man, curmudgeon, rabblerousing old-timer

Craquelure: fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of paintings

Crepuscular: pertaining to the evening; of or resembling twilight; active at twilight

Criterion: standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision can be based

Cromlech: circle of monoliths or stones usually enclosing a dolmen (tomb) or mound

Crpytozoology: study or search of creatures whose existence has not been substantiated

Crucible: severe, searching test or trial; container to be used with metals at high heat

Crucifix: representation of the cross on which Jesus died

Cruciverbalist: one who is skillful in creating or solving crossword puzzles

Crwth: ancient Celtic musical instrument

Cryogenic: of or relating to low temperatures; requiring or suitable to cryogenic storage

Cumulonimbus: type of cloud that augurs, foretells, or indicates bad weather

Cunctipotent: all-powerful, omnipotent, endless in power

Cuneiform: wedge-shaped; a Sumerian language

Curvilinear: consisting of or bound by curved lines; represented by a curved line

Cuvette: a small, transparent, often tubular laboratory vessel

Cwm: a valley, dell, field, heath; to copulate with a ewe

Cygnet: a baby swan, young swan

Cynegetics: the art or arts related to hunting of animals, people, or things

Cynophilist: dog-lover; one who loves or appreciates dogs

Cynosure: that which garners great attention by calling to its brilliance; interest

Cyrenaic: pertaining to a philosophical tenet (that pleasure is the only good in life)

Cytherean: pertaining to beauty or the goddess, Aphrodite

Daemon: subordinate deity; guardian spirit; demon

Decollate: to behead, decapitate; remove or cut the head off of something

Decorticate: to remove the bark or outer covering from; husk

Decussate: shaped or resembling an X; to intersect, to cross or become crossed like an X

Dedimus: a writ giving a private person permission to act as a judge

Degringoladé: a rapid decline or deterioration, as in strength, position, or condition

Delenda: that which needs to be deleted; something that has been deleted

Deliquesce: to dissolve; transform into liquid from a solid

Delirium: state of mental disarray and unstable consciousness from intoxication or fever

Delitescent: hidden, concealed; kept secret

Demagogue: rabble-rouser, firebrand; one who appeals to emotions and prejudices

Demesne: a lord’s privately owned manor or section of land

Demigod: the offspring of a god and a mortal, usually gifted with exceptional powers

Demiurge: something conceived as an autonomous creative force or decisive power

Demi-vierge: a woman who behaves provocatively and permissively without giving up her sexual virginity

Dendrite: short fiber that conducts toward the cell body of the neuron; branch; branching

Denigrate: disparage, to attack the character or reputation of; speak ill of, defame

Denizen: inhabitant, resident; one that frequents a particular place, occupant

Denouement: final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot

Desiccate: to dry up or cause to dry up; to deprive or exhaust of moisture

Desperado: bold or desperate outlaw or criminal; violent or reckless felon

Detritus: remnants of disintegration; vaporized or eroded matter; loose, leftover material; particles

Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils; witchcraft, sorcery; consorting with demons

Diadem: crown worn as a sign of royalty; royal power or dignity; object worn as a crown

Diametric: of, relating to, or along a diameter; exactly opposite, contrary

Diaphanous: light, delicate, gossamer, translucent

Diaspora: dissemination, dispersion; random or selective re-distribution

Dichotomy: division into or of two usually contrary parts or opinions; division into or of two sects

Dilapidate: to bring or fall into a state of partial ruin, decay, or disrepair

Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent

Dimension: measure of spatial extent, especially width, height, or length; extent, scope

Diocese: ecclesiastical district under the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop

Dionysian: wild, irrational, and undisciplined; of an ecstatic, orgiastic, or irrational nature

Dioscuric: describing a twin, whether person or event; of a twin, of a duplicate

Dirigible: an airship; vehicle or method of transportation using the air

Dirigisme: economic planning and control by the state

Discotheque: nightclub that features dancing to recorded or live music

Divisi: music term, divided, separated

Dogmatic: lacking tolerance, compliance, or breadth of view, forcibly assertive

Doldrums: a spell or state of listlessness or despondency; blues, sadness; period of ennui

Dolorifuge: something that banishes or mitigates grief; an escape or remedy to despair

Doppelganger: double of a living person, especially one that haunts its counterpart

Dowry: natural gift, endowment, talent, money or property given to a bride’s husband

Drachma: the primary unit of currency in Greece before the adoption of the euro

Draconian: exceedingly harsh, severe, dogmatic, or rigorous; marked by cruelty or severity

Dragoon: to compel by coercion, threats, or crude means; armed soldier or cavalry

Dramaturgy: devices used in writing plays to distinguish plays from other literary forms

Drepaniform: hooked, curved, or shaped like a sickle; falcate, falciform

Drogulus: a presence with no evidence whatsoever of its presence; thing-in-itself

Dulcimer: stringed instrument having three or four strings and a fretted fingerboard

Duumvirate: two people holding the same office; two people working in conjunction; duo

Dynamitard: one that uses dynamite for anarchistic or other political acts of violence

Dyslexia: disorder in which lexical figures are perceived in a chaotic order

Dyspeptic: having a morose disposition; relating to dyspepsia; irritable

Ecclesiastical: of or pertaining to the church or the clergy; churchly; clerical

Echolalia: immediate and involuntary repetition of words or phrases just spoken by others

Echt: not fake or counterfeit; real, genuine; authentic, legitimate

Eclipsareon: a device for illustrating and demonstrating eclipses

Ectocanthion: point at which the outer ends of the upper and lower eyelids meet

Ectoplasm: mystical, viscous substance that exudes from the body of a medium

Ecumenical: of worldwide scope or suitability; universal; relating to the Christian church

Ecumenopolis: one city comprising the world that is held to be a prospect of the future

Edifice: large building or construct; complex set of beliefs

Effervesce: to bubble over; to boil with frothy bubbles; to excite

Effluvium: foul discharge or emanation; emission

Efflux: something that flows out or forth; effluence; passing or expiration, as of time

Eftsoons: soon afterward; immediately

Egregious: flagrant, conspicuously bad or offensive; glaring; outrageously bad

Eiderdown: down of a duck used as stuffing for quilts or pillows

Eidetic: of, relating to, or marked by extremely detailed and vivid recall of visual images

Eidolon: ghost, specter, revenant; reappearing, continuously visiting or persisting image

Eidos: formal content of the mental or intellectual makeup of a culture or social group

Eldritch: strange or unearthly; eerie or aberrant; terrifying; alien

Electrum: a pale yellow alloy of silver and gold

Eleemosynary: of, relating to, or dependent on charity; contributed as an act of charity

Elegiac: resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy; triste, sad, mournful

Elenchus: logical refutation by proving the opposite, argument thereof

Elision: omission of a vowel, consonant, or syllable in pronunciation

Elixir: solution of alcohol and water; substance believed to maintain life indefinitely

Elliptical: of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse; with a word or words omitted

Elysian: blissful, delightful; pertaining to the Elysian Fields or Elysium

Elysium: section of the underworld; resting place of heroes and the virtuous

Emaciate: to make abnormally thin or weak, typically due to illness

Embarcadero: a landing place, especially a landing place on an island waterway

Embargo: prohibition; a prevention of commerce; government-imposed trade barrier

Embryo: an organism in its early stages of development

Emerald: deep, dark green

Emeritus: retired from active service, usually for age, but retaining one's rank or title

Emissary: an agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another

Empirical: derived from or guided by experience or experimentation, as opposed to theory

Empyreal: related to the empyrean, celestial

Enamel: vitreous, usually opaque, protective or decorative coating or shell

Enceinte: pregnant, carrying a baby, gravid; line of fortification enclosing a town or castle

Encomium: eulogy; warm, glowing praise; formal expression of praise as a tribute

Engastrimyth: ventriloquist; manipulator of vocalizations and props as entertainment

Enigma: person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous

Ennui: listlessness, weariness, discontent

Ensiform: sword-shaped; shaped like or resembling a sword

Entelechy: actuality; fully realized essence; actuality opposed to potentiality

Enterprise: undertaking, especially one of risk or complication; business organization

Entropy: the quantitative measure of disorder in a system

Envenomate: to poison; to put poison in or into something

Epicacracy: Schadenfreude; sadism, pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others

Epicurean: hedonistic; gastronomical; pertaining to good taste

Epigone: inferior imitator; disciple; second-rate replica; counterfeit

Epileptic: pertaining to epilepsy; flickering rapidly, seizing

Epithelium: type of body tissue

Epizeuxis: rhetoric term, in which a word is repeated with vehemence or emphasis

Epoch: era; period marked by distinct character or reckoned from a fixed point or event

Epoxy: two-part adhesive that cures (dries) by chemical interaction between the two parts

Equestrian: of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding

Equilibrium: state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces

Equinox: an annual event wherein after the sun reaches a height, night and day occur simultaneously

Equipoise: equal distribution of weight or balance; balanced

Ersatz: being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation; artificial, synthetic

Erubescent: becoming red, reddening; becoming ruddy

Erudite: characterized by great knowledge or insight; learned or scholarly

Escadrille: a small squadron, usually of six; a small team, typically of six airplanes

Escalade: the act of scaling a wall, usually with a ladder or rope

Escamotage: juggling; hand trickery, sleight of hand; legerdemain

Eschatology: philosophy or theology focused on the end of the world or analysis thereof

Eschew: to avoid, shun, dispense with, or abstain from

Esclavage: a necklace having several rows of chains, beads, or jewels

Escritoire: writing desk; desk designed for studies

Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten

Escutcheon: shield; shield on a coat of arms; ornamental or protective plate

Esker: long, winding ridge of gravel and other sediment left by melted ice from a stream

Esoterica: item or thing that is esoteric, obscure, rare, or valuable

Espionage: act or practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information

Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes

Estuary: inlet or arm of the sea; an open river that connects to the sea

Esurient: hungry, greedy; hedonistic in the pursuit of things

Ethereal: heavenly; airy in substance; spectral; insubstantial and light

Etiolate: to stunt growth; deprive of strength; to whiten by blocking sunlight exposure

Eucalyptus: tall type of Australian tree

Eucrasia: a normal state of health, physical well-being

Eugenics: study of methods of improving genetic qualities by selective breeding

Eupeptic: cheerful, happy; having a good digestion; chipper

Euphoria: feeling of great happiness or well-being; felicity

Eutectic: of, relating to, or formed at the lowest temperature, as in a melting point

Evanescent: brief, transient, ephemeral

Eviscerate: to disembowel, exenterate; to remove the viscera of something

Excelsior: fine, curled wood shavings

Excogitate: to contemplate with diligence and care to obtain intuitive grasp thereof

Excoriate: to tear or wear off the skin of, abrade

Excruciate: to inflict severe pain on, torture; to agonize, intensify pain, or distress

Exegesis: critical explanation, analysis, or interpretation of a text or portion of a text

Exhilaration: liveliness, high spirits, elation; state of stimulation

Exigent: needing immediate action, urgent; requiring much effort or expense, demanding

Exiguous: excessively scanty, meager; inadequate

Existential: of, relating to, or dealing with existence; pertaining to existentialism

Exodus: a going out; departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people

Exorbitant: greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation, excessive; expensive

Exoskeleton: external supportive or protective structure or framework, often of an insect

Exoteric: freely dispersed; comprehensible to or suited to the public; popular; external

Expatiate: to speak or write at length or in considerable detail; expound, elaborate

Expectorate: to eject from the mouth, spit; to spit phlegm; to summon phlegm and expel it

Expostulate: to reason earnestly with someone to dissuade or correct, remonstrate

Expulsion: act of expelling or state of being expelled; act of being forced or driven out

Expunge: to strike out, obliterate, or to mark for deletion

Expurgate: cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive or erroneous

Exsanguinate: to drain of blood; to be drained of blood

Extinguish: to quench; snuff out, put an end to; kill; to put out a fire or flame; destroy

Extrapolate: to infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information

Extricate: to release from an entanglement or difficulty; disengage; unravel

Exuviate: to shed a shell, molt, unsheathe

Eyethurl: window, aperture or hole to be viewed through with the eyes

Facsimile: copy or reproduction of an item, typically a book

Fainéant: sluggard; do-nothing, ne’er-do-well; idle and ineffectual

Falciform: curved; convex; sickle-shaped, drepaniform

Famulus: a sorcerer’s apprentice or assistant

Fanfaronade: bragging or blustering manner or behavior; fanfare; riotous applause

Farrago: assortment or a medley; a conglomeration; confused mixture, hodgepodge

Fatigue: weariness from work or exertion; military apparel; physical enfeeblement

Feldspar: a specific group of minerals and rocks

Felsenmeer: an assemblage of rock fragments completely mantling the surface of an area

Fiasco: complete and utter failure; failure; disappointment; social gaffe or failure

Fiduciary: of, having to with, or involving a confidence, trust, or trust for another

Fissure: long narrow opening; a crack or cleft; process of splitting or separating; division

Florilegium: a volume or collection of brief extracts or writings; an anthology

Foehn: warm, dry wind descending or blowing down the side of a mountain

Formaldehyde: colorless gaseous or liquid compound, usually used for preservation

Formulaic: being of no special quality or type, average; routine; undistinguished

Foudroyant: dazzling, scintillating; sudden and overwhelming

Foxfire: organic luminescence, especially from certain fungi on decaying wood

Frisson: moment of intense excitement; a shudder; shiver of ecstasy or suspense

Fulcrum: point, structure, or support on which a lever pivots

Fulgurate: to emit flashes of lightning; to dart like lightning; to resemble lightning

Fuliginous: having the color of soot; dark, dusky, charcoal-colored

Fulminate: to issue a thunderous verbal attack or denunciation; to explode; detonate

Fumarole: hole in an area of volcanic activity from which gases and hot smoke escape

Fuselage: central body of an aircraft, to which the wings and tail assembly are attached

Fusillade: salvo; rapid discharge of firearms

Fysigunkus: person devoid of curiosity; insouciant person

Gaffe: clumsy social error; a faux pas; blunder; social miscommunication

Galaxy: collection of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity

Galimatias: meaningless talk, gibberish; nonsense

Gallimaufry: jumble, hodgepodge, mélange, imbroglio, farrago, miscellany

Galvanize: to stimulate or shock with an electric current; to arouse to awareness or action

Gambit: opening move, maneuver, stratagem, or ploy, usually one used at an early stage

Garrison: body of troops stationed in a fortified place; permanent military post

Garrulous: given or prone to conversation; loquacious, talkative, predisposed to chatting

Gasconade: extravagant boasting, boastful talk; arrogant self-praise

Gaucherie: awkwardness; inexperience; embarrassments

Gazebo: freestanding, roofed, usually open-sided structure; belvedere

Gelignite: gelatin dynamite with specific components

Gemsbok: large antelope with long, straight horns

Gemutlich: warm and congenial; pleasant or friendly, amicable, convivial

Gendarmerie: French police force; force of gendarmes

Geometry: the pure mathematics of points and lines and curves and surfaces

Germane: fitting; being both pertinent and fitting; relevant and appropriate

Ghyll: ravine; stream; woody or wooden glen; dell

Gigahertz: a unit of frequency equal to one billion cycles per second

Girandole: a mirror having attached candle holders

Glyph: a sigil or specific insignia; a letter of language; an arcane mark

Gnathonic: sycophantic fawning; flattering; deceitfully flattering

Gnomon: indicator provided by the arm whose shadow indicates the time on the sundial

Gnosis: esoteric knowledge of spiritual truth; complex and thinly distributed knowledge

Gobemouche: a silly, gullible, or credulous person; person with a mouth agape

Golgotha: a place of burial; cemetery; catacomb; necropolis

Goliath: person or thing of massive size and/or power; colossus, behemoth

Googolplex: 10 to the power of googol (10 to the hundredth power)

Gossamer: delicate, light, flimsy; transparent and thin, like a spider’s silk

Gravamen: the material, basis, or significant part of a grievance or complaint

Gravitas: substance, weightiness, profundity, high seriousness, dignity

Grazioso: a direction in music, graceful, smooth, or elegant in style

Grenadier: soldier who uses and carries grenades; infantryman; one who throws grenades

Griffonage: cacography, bad penmanship; careless handwriting; crude or illegible scrawl

Grimalkin: cat, especially an old female cat; old woman considered to be ill-tempered

Grimoire: textbook of sorcery and magic; magical or mystical tome; esoteric book

Grimthorpe: to remodel an old building without knowledge or care to retain its previous character

Grobian: a slovenly, crude, and often boorish individual; boor, lout

Guerdon: to reward; a reward, recompense, or payment

Gulag: Russian prison camp for political prisoners; large prison for specific prisoners

Gymnastics: exercises designed to promote and show strength, balance, and agility

Gyrfalcon: a large arctic falcon

Haecceity: property that uniquely identifies an object, compare quiddity

Halberdier: a soldier, guard, or attendant armed with a halberd

Halcyon: legendary kingfisher; tranquil, calm, without strife, serene

Hamulus: a small hook or hook-like process, especially at the end of a bone

Haphazard: aimless, chaotic; typified by lack of order, planning, or by variability

Harbinger: one that indicates or foreshadows what is to come, a forerunner; prophesier

Harlequinade: harlequin’s main piece; comic pranks; lively buffoonery

Harmartia: tragic or fatal flaw; fault; character flaw

Harridan: scolding old woman; nag; nasty, bad-tempered woman

Haruspex: priest who practiced divination through the medium of animal entrails

Hauberk: medieval coat of armor, usually made of chain mail

Hecatomb: large-scale sacrifice or slaughter, massacre; a tribute to the Gods; a large amount

Hegemony: predominant influence; dominance, supremacy, preeminence

Heliocentric: having or relating to the Sun as the center or core

Heliotrope: light purple; type of flower

Helix: a spiral; spiral-shaped object or string

Hendiadys: rhetoric term, ex. grace and favor instead of gracious favor

Heresiarch: leader, founder, or chief advocate of a heresy or heretical movement or sect

Hermeneutics: theory, study, and methodology of interpretation

Hermetic: wholly sealed, chiefly against the entry of air; impervious to outside influence

Heteroscedastic: pertaining to a sequence of random variables

Heterotopia: phil. term, place or space that functions in non-hegemonic conditions

Heuristic: of or relating to trial analysis using self-teaching tactics to better performance

Hiatus: gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break or pause; sabbatical

Hiemal: of, pertaining to, like, or relating to winter

Hieroglyphic: picture writing system; a writing system that uses symbols or pictures

Hierophant: explainer or solver of mysteries or phenomena; expositor

Hirsute: covered with hair hairy, having a large amount of hair or body hair

Hoarfrost: rime; frozen dew that forms a white coating on a surface

Holocaust: great or complete devastation or destruction, especially by fire; sacrifice

Homoeuteleuton: rhetorical term, in which alike words or phrases are used like rhymes

Homogenous: of the same or similar nature or kind; of uniform structure or makeup

Homunculus: diminutive human; small human as a product of alchemical processes

Horologium: an instrument (as a clock) used for measuring time

Horripilation: bristling of the body hair, as from fear or cold; goose bumps

Hubris: excessive pride; overbearing arrogance; blind vanity

Hyacinth: tropical American herb; red, transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone

Hybrid: word made of parts from different languages; offspring of two different things

Hydralulus: pipe organ using water pressure to maintain the air supply

Hydraulic: of, involving, moved by, or operated by a fluid or liquid; under pressure

Hydroplane: to skim a surface; to skim along on the surface of the water, as in a car

Hyperbole: figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect

Hyperborean: of the far north; very cold, frigid, gelid

Hyphenate: to divide or connect (syllables, word elements, or names) with a hyphen

Hypochondriac: one who believes in or purports exaggerated illnesses; valetudinarian

Hypothesis: proposition set forth as an explanation to specific phenomena; speculation, conjecture

Iambic: consisting of iambs or characterized by their predominance

Iatrogenic: induced by a physician, be it words, therapy, or treatment

Iceberg: large mass of ice floating at sea, usually broken off of a polar glacier

Ichor: fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the gods; any bloodlike fluid

Iconoclast: one who attacks established beliefs, ideals, customs, or institutions; maverick

Icosahedron: a figure or solid geometric shape formed by 20 sides or plane faces

Idiosyncrasy: characteristic, habit, mannerism, etc., that is peculiar to an individual

Imbolc: ancient Celtic festival

Imbroglio: extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation

Immolate: to kill, sacrifice, or destroy, almost always with fire

Immure: to enclose with walls, ensconce

Impecunious: lacking money, having very little or no money; penniless

Impervious: impenetrable; incapable of being affected or harmed; not susceptible

Impetus: a drive or compelling force; motivation; a reason to do something

Implosion: the act of bursting inward; a volatile collapse with violent results

Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water

Impresario: sponsor who books and stages public attractions; director or manager thereof

Imprimatur: a sign or mark of approval; insignia of approval

Incalescent: becoming hotter or growing more ardent; boiling

Incendiary: causing or capable of causing fire; combustible; inflammatory

Inchoate: in an initial or early stage, incipient; imperfect; partial; unfinished

Incisive: penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression

Incognito: with one's identity disguised or concealed; under an assumed name or identity

Incorporeal: ghostly; ethereal; lacking material form or substance, immaterial

Incunabulum: book printed before 1501

Indefatigable: incapable or seemingly incapable of being fatigued; tireless, inexhaustible

Ineluctable: unavoidable; inescapable; inevitable; not to be avoided, changed, or resisted

Inenubilable: incapable of being cleared of clouds; unclear, indistinct, inexplicable

Inferno: hell; place of fiery heat or destruction; place of human suffering, misery, or death

Infinitesimal: so small as to approach zero; immeasurably or incalculably minute

Infinity: quality or condition of being infinite; unbounded space, time, or quantity

Infrastructure: the underlying foundation or basic framework; structural content

Ingravescent: gradually becoming more severe; worsening, usually of a medical condition

Iniquity: violation of right or duty; wicked act, sin; gross immorality or injustice

Inoculate: introduce an idea or view into the mind of, inculcate; inject a serum or vaccine

Insomnia: inability to get ample sleep; difficulty falling or staying asleep; sleeplessness

Intaglio: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material

Integer: any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero

Intelligentsia: the intellectual elite of a society; group of intellectuals; social class thereof

Interrobang: punctuation that is a question mark superimposed onto an exclamation point

Interval: intervening period of time; period of temporary cessation, pause

Intransigent: refusing to conduct a position, usually an extreme one; uncompromising

Inundate: deluge; to fill quickly beyond capacity; to cover with water, drench; overwhelm

Iota: infinitesimal amount, small amount, bit, mote, scintilla

Irascible: marked by ire, a hot temper, and resentful anger

Iscariotic: traitorous, treacherous; given to betrayal; having committed betrayal

Isinglass: thin sheet(s) of translucent mica

Isochronal: uniform in time, having equal duration; recurring at regular intervals

Isosceles: of a triangle, having two equal sides

Isotope: atom whose nucleus contains an abnormal number of neutrons

Isthmus: narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land

Jackanapes: impudent person; impertinent person; dislikable person

Jacqueminot: a type of flower, a crimson rose

Jaguar: large, spotted feline mammal of Central and South America

Jettatura: power of the “evil eye”; the “evil eye”; harsh stare used by superstitious people

Jettison: to cast off a ship or overboard; to remove something extraneous; omit or forgo

Jocular: characterized by joking, kidding, or facetiousness; given to joking

Jonquil: widely cultivated ornamental plant

Juxtapose: to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast

Kabuki: highly-stylized, classical Japanese dance-drama

Kairos: opportune time and/or place; the right time to say or do the right or crucial thing

Kakistocracy: government lead by unscrupulous, unsuitable, or unqualified people

Kaleidoscope: optical item that utilizes mirrors to create interior symmetrical visions

Kamikaze: sacrificial action or attack; attack or action requiring suicide to execute

Katabatic: of or relating to the downward motion of air

Katzenjammer: loud, harsh noise; a hangover; state of depression or bewilderment

Katzenklavier: “cat piano”, a specific hypothetical instrument using cats meows to create music

Ken: range of knowledge or perception; range of vision or sight; consciousness

Kinetic: relating to the motion of matter and the forces and energy associated therewith

Kiosk: small structure, often open on one or more sides, used as a newsstand or booth

Kismet: fate, fortune, chance; faith in such things

Kitsch: something of tawdry design or content created to have popular appeal; camp

Knickknackatory: a collection or arrangement of knickknacks

Kvetch: to complain persistently and whiningly; chronic, whining complainer; whiner

Labyrinth: maze; puzzlingly complex or circuitous plan

Lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly; to distress, mangle, or slash

Lachrymose: dolorous, showing sorrow; crying, weeping; bleary, tearful

Laconic: brief in speech; matter-of-fact; terse, using few words

Lacquer: varnish that dries via evaporation

Lacuna: omission or empty space; gap in chronology

Lacustrine: of or having to do with a lake or lakes; found or formed in lakes

Lagniappe: gift for extended patronage; gift or compensation for valued customers

Lamprey: eel-shaped fish with a sucking mouth

Laodicean: indifferent or lukewarm in politics and or religion

Lapis Lazuli: a gemstone of intense blue

Larmoyant: lachrymose; given to tears or weeping; tearful, crying

Latitudinarian: holding, having, or expressing broad or tolerant views

Lavadero: a laundry room; a place designated for washing gold

Legerdemain: sleight of hand; show of skill or deceitful cleverness

Leitmotif: musical passage associated to a specific situation, character, or idea

Lemniscate: the infinity symbol; any figure-eight symbol

Lethargy: the quality or state of being lazy or indifferent; lassitude, apathy; ennui

Lethologica: inability to remember a word or put your finger on the right word

Leveret: baby rabbit, a young rabbit

Leviathan: very large animal, especially a whale; something of unusually large size

Lexicon: wordbook or dictionary; vocabulary of a language

Lexiphanes: pretentious word user; bombastic or magniloquent person

Limbo: region on the border of hell or heaven; a condition of oblivion or neglect

Lithium: silvery, soft, highly-reactive metal

Lithosphere: outermost shell of a planet; the crust and uppermost mantle

Litterateur: literary-minded person; one devoted to the study or writing of literature

Lixiviation: act of separating the soluble from the insoluble substances via water or a solvent

Logocracy: governmental system in which words are the ruling power

Logodaedalus: someone skilled in the employment or manipulation of words

Logolepsy: the obsession or an obsession with words, what they mean, or the words themselves

Logomachy: dispute about words; battle of words, war of words

Logorrhea: excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness; loquacity

Longueur: long and tedious passage in a work of literature, music, or performing art

Lothario: man who seduces women; incubus; rake, roué

Lucifugous: avoiding, evading, disliking, or fleeing from light or light sources

Lucubration: laborious study or meditation; writing produced by laborious effort or study

Luddite: person who fears or loathes technology; person opposed to technology

Lugubrious: gloomy or dismal, especially exaggerated

Macabre: gruesome; disturbing or horrifying due to concern with death and/or injury

Macedoiné: mixture of diced fruits and vegetables; medley, mixture

Machiavellian: suggestive of or characterized by expediency, deceit, and cunning

Machination: intrigue, crafty and involved plot to achieve typically sinister ends

Macrocosm: the entire world; the universe; any large-scale system

Maelstrom: very powerful whirlpool; large, swirling body of water; a turbulent situation

Mafufunyana: disorder or mental affliction; evil spirits; evil spirits causing illness

Magisterial: of, relating to, or having the features of a master or teacher; authoritative

Magnanimous: noble in mind and heart; generous in forgiving; selfless

Magnesium: light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element

Magniloquent: lofty and profuse in speech; grandiloquent; pompous in speech; bombastic

Malaise: bodily weakness; nondescript illness; vague feeling of discomfort

Malapropos: out of place; inappropriate; in an inopportune or inappropriate manner

Malcontent: dissatisfied with existing conditions; a chronically dissatisfied person

Malfeasance: misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official

Malison: curse, malediction, execration

Mammon: pelf, greed; wealth as a device of evil or false object of worship and devotion

Manifesto: announcement of intentions, opinions, or motives, usually of a political nature

Manifold: many and varied; of many kinds; multiple; having many features or forms

Manuscript: form of a literary work submitted for publication, especially handwritten

Maquette: scale model of a large item, usually of a house

Mar: to inflict damage; to impair the soundness, perfection, or integrity of something; spoil, besmirch, sully

Maraschino: cordial made from the fermented juice of the marasca cherry

Marasmus: a type of protein deficiency; state of emaciation

Marginalia: notes in the margin or margins of a book

Marionette: a puppet bound by strings and controlled with wooden bars

Marzurka: Polish dance resembling the polka, frequently adopted as a ballet form

Masquerade: festive gathering characterized by participants wearing masks

Matriculate: to become admitted to membership in a body, society, or institution

Matrix: situation within which something else originates, develops, or is contained

Matutinal: of, relating to, or occurring in the morning; early

Maudlin: tearfully or weakly emotional; effusively sentimental

Maugre: in spite of; notwithstanding

Mausoleum: large, stately tomb or building housing several tombs

Maximum: greatest possible amount; greatest value of function

Megalith: very large stone used in various prehistoric architectures or monumental styles

Megalomania: mental condition typified by delusions of wealth, power, or omnipotence

Megrim: caprice or fancy; depression or unhappiness; melancholy; migraine; vertigo

Melancholia: depression, severe depression; gloominess

Memorabilia: pl. things remarkable and worthy of remembrance or record

Menagerie: collection of animals in cages or enclosures, zoo; diverse hodgepodge; gallery

Mendicant: beggar; depending on alms for a living; practicing begging

Mephistophelian: of or relating to Mephistopheles; fiendish, diabolical, malevolent; crafty, cunning

Mephitic: poisonous, toxic, noxious; lethally dangerous; insidious; putrid

Mercenary: motivated solely by a desire for money or material gain; hired gun

Mercurial: fickle; erratic; ingenious; changeable; eloquent

Meretricious: drawing attention in a vulgar manner; gaudy, tawdry, superficially attractive

Meridian: of, pertaining to, or at noon; imaginary line that extends from the North to South poles

Mermithergate: ant that has a changed appearance as a result of a nematode infection

Mestizo: a person of mixed racial ancestry

Metabolism: processes occurring in an organism that are needed for the upkeep of life

Metalloid: element that has both metallic and nonmetallic properties

Metallurgical: of, pertaining to, or relating to metallurgy

Metamorphosis: transformation, as by magic or sorcery; drastic physical or mental change

Metempsychosis: reincarnation’ transmigration of souls

Metheglin: type of mead, alcoholic liquor made of fermented honey

Mezzanine: partial story between two main stories of a building; lowest balcony of theater

Miasma: atmosphere of disease; fine mist of effluvium or bacteria; noxious emanation

Microscopic: so small as to be invisible or indistinct without the use of the microscope

Millennium: one thousand years; period of a thousand years

Mimesis: imitation or representation of the world, mostly in literature and art; mimicry

Miniscule: very small; diminutive, when compared to a normal counterpart

Misanthropy: hatred, faithlessness, or mistrust of humankind

Misericordia: amercement (law); thin-bladed dagger; luxury given to a member of a sect

Misnomer: an incorrect designation, term, or nomenclature

Mistigris: a joker or blank card that the holder can play as any card; wild card in a game

Mitochondrion: organelle in the cytoplasm of cells that functions in energy production

Mitrailleuse: a machine gun; a type of rudimentary machine gun

Mnemonic: relating to, assisting, or intended to assist the memory

Modicum: small, moderate, or token amount; a limited quantity or amount; small portion

Molecular: of, relating to, produced by, or consisting of molecules

Monocoque: object or method that braces by using the exterior, instead of an inner frame

Morass: area of low-lying, soggy ground; something that hinders, engulfs, or overwhelms

Moratorium: suspension of activity; period of time during when something is not allowed

Morceau: a small literary or musical composition

Moribund: approaching death; about to die; on the verge of becoming obsolete

Mormorando: musical direction, murmuring or with a murmuring sound

Mosaic: artwork, picture, or design made by setting small colored pieces into a surface

Mountebank: charlatan, quack; peddler of swindle and kitsch made to pilfer money

Muzjik: Russian peasant; peasant, gypsy, pauper

Myopic: nearsighted; unable or unwilling to act wisely; lacking tolerance or insight

Myriad: multitude, litany; an amount of something, usually large; collection in large numbers

Myrmidon: loyal follower; subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly

Myrrh: fragrant resin gum from a type of tree, used chiefly for perfume

Mystagouge: a person who interprets mysteries and mysticism or initiates others into them

Mystique: the special, esoteric skill or mysterious faculty essential in a calling or activity

Mythologem: recurrent pattern, event, or theme in myths, such as revenge or self-sacrifice

Mythopoeic: pertaining to the making of myths

Nacreous: iridescent or pearly, like mother-of-pearl or nacre

Nadir: the absolute lowest point; opposite of the zenith or apogee; lowest point

Naïveté: inexperience; quality of being naïve; artlessness

Naos: an ancient, classical temple; inner portion of a Greek temple

Narthex: enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church

Nautilus: cephalopod mollusk, usually fossilized

Nebulae: pl. collection of astral gases

Necromancy: the art or practice of magically conjuring up the souls of the dead

Necropolis: cemetery, especially a large and elaborate one belonging to an ancient city

Nenuphar: a water lily, especially an Egyptian lotus

Neophyte: a newly ordained priest; a beginner or novice; a recent convert to an organization

Nepenthe: drug of forgetfulness; anti-depression drug; remedy for sorrow

Nepheliad: cloud nymph; nymph designated or of the clouds

Nephritic: of, relating to, or like a kidney or the kidneys; renal; of or having nephritis

Nephrolith: a kidney stone; stone lodged in a kidney

Nepotism: bias shown to relatives (e.g. hiring them based on the connection instead of merits)

Neutralize: to make neutral, counterbalance or counteract the effect of; render ineffective

Nexus: means of union; the link of a connected series or group; the core or center, as of a matter

Nihilism: phil. term, total and absolute destructiveness or destruction, lack of belief in anything

Nimbus: dark, grey cloud bearing rain; splendid atmosphere or aura; cloudy radiance

Nimiety: excess, overabundance, superfluity

Niveous: snowy or resembling snow; like, of, relating to, or made of snow

Noctilucence: cloud phenomenon typified by brightness or emitting light at night; visible or glowing at night

Nocturne: work of art or piece of music dealing with or evocative of evening or night

Noetic: of, relating to, requiring, based in, originating in, or apprehended by the intellect

Nosism: the use of “we” in speaking of oneself; the act of speaking of oneself as multiples

Nostalgia: bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past

Noumenal: regarding a thing that can be thought of, but not perceived in experience

Novitiate: novice, neophyte; the living place of a novice; the state of being a novice

Noyade: destruction or execution by drowning; a murder by drowning

Nuclear: deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy

Nucleus: central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered; core, nexus; plexus

Nugatory: having little or no consequence; worthless, trivial, insignificant

Nullibicity: state of non-existence; quality or state of being nowhere

Nullifidian: a person having no faith, religion, convictions, or beliefs

Numeral: symbol used to represent, denote, or symbolize a number

Numina: pl. presiding divinity or spirits of a place or places; creative energies; collective genius

Numismatics: study or collection or currency, coins, paper money, etc

Oasis: fertile, vibrant, or green spot in a desert or wasteland

Obdurate: hardened in misconduct or iniquity; stubbornly defiant; deep and unrelenting

Obelisk: tall, four-sided stone pillar, tapered and monolithic, that rises to a pointed top

Obfuscate: to cloud over, obscure, make dark or unclear, to muddle, confuse, bewilder

Objet d’art: an object of art; valuable or highly artistic piece or work

Obliterate: to do away with completely so as to leave no trace; to erase

Oblivion: condition or quality of being completely forgotten; void; forgetfulness

Obloquy: abusively detractive language or utterance; calumny, censure, harsh criticism

Obsequious: fawning, sycophantic, servile

Obtenebrate: to darken as if by shadowing; to darken; to make dark or evil

Ocarina: a simple wind instrument or toy having a mouthpiece and finger holes

Octothorpe: the symbol (#), also known as the crosshatch, hash, or numeral sign

Ocular: of, pertaining to, or for the eyes; of the nature of an eye; optic

Oculus: an architectural part resembling or suggestive of an eye or eyes

Odalisque: female servant; a female servant in a harem

Odium: disgrace from a hateful action; enmity, strong dislike; contempt

Odyssey: a long wandering or series of adventurous journeys; long and perilous trek

Oeillade: an amorous glance; ogle

Ogygian: ancient, primeval; antediluvian, antiquated, very old

Olfactory: of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell (human or otherwise)

Oligarchy: political system governed by a few people, compare democracy

Olio: mixture, medley; hodgepodge, jumble; meat and vegetable stew

Omnibus: of, regarding, or giving many things or classes; having or including many items

Omniligent: reading or having read everything; characterized by encyclopedic reading

Omniscient: having total knowledge; knowing everything; having infinite wisdom

Omphaloskepsis: contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation; navel-gazing

Onanism: masturbation; the act of masturbation; coitus interruptus

Oneiric: of, relating to, or suggestive of dreams

Oneiromancy: practice of divination through the interpretation of dreams

Oneironaut: person who explores dream worlds, usually associated with lucid dreaming

Opacity: opaqueness; obscurity; impenetrability

Operose: laborious; done with or requiring much toil; very busy; industrious

Ophidian: snake-like; similar to, shaped like, or relating to snakes

Ophyron: the space between a human’s eyebrows

Opprobrium: harsh criticism; censure, obloquy; disgrace due to poor social conduct

Opsimath: a person who learns or begins to learn late in life

Opusculum: minor work of literature

Orbicular: circular or spherical; of, like, relating to, or resembling a sphere or orb

Orexis: the feeling and striving aspect of the mind as contrasted with the intellectual

Orismology: the science of defining technical terms and making those terms

Orison: prayer; benediction; blessing; invocation; supplication

Ornithopter: aircraft-shaped machine that is held aloft and propelled by wing movements

Orphean: pertaining to immense musical talent; extreme bravery; involving strong drama and pathos

Orrery: device that shows the relative positions and motions of the planets and moons

Osmosis: diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

Ossuary: place, container, or receptacle for holding the bones of the dead

Ostensible: apparent, evident, or conspicuous; being such in appearance

Ostracize: to banish; expel from a community or group; excommunicate; to make a pariah of

Otiose: indolent, lazy; serving no useful purpose; futile; being a leisure

Oubliette: dungeon with the only opening at the top

Oultrepreu: very brave; having extreme or a dangerous level of valor

Ouroboros: a circular symbol of a snake or dragon eating its own tail, representing infinity or wholeness

Outrecuidant: arrogant, cocksure; self-assertive

Overzealous: excessively enthusiastic; fanatic; overly passionate

Ovoviviparous: producing eggs that do not require nourishment from the mother

Oxydactyl: having slender, tapered digits or fingers

Oxylophyte: plant that thrives in or is restricted to acidic soil

Oyez: “yes”, “hear, hear”, usually used thrice in a row, to conduct the opening of a court of law

Ozymandian: typified by great hubris or greed met with tragic destruction through vanity

Pabulum: material for intellectual sustenance; food, aliment, nourishment

Pagination: system by which pages are numbered; arrangement of pages in a book

Palanquin: a covered sedan chair, carried on poles on the shoulders of four or more bearers

Palaver: conference or discussion; idle chat; chat with flattery of cajolery involved

Palimpsest: erased parchment, which is then reused; manuscript written over earlier ones

Palingenesis: metempsychosis; doctrine of transmigration of souls

Panacea: a cure-all; medicine, herb, or concoction designed or functioning as a cure-all

Panchreston: widely inclusive, often formulaic thesis planned to cover all areas of a topic

Pandemic: widespread, general epidemic that affects a large area and population

Pandiculation: the act of stretching and yawning, especially upon waking; yawning

Panjandrum: important or self-important person; self-important, pompous official

Panoply: a full collection or array; full set of armor

Panopticon: prison designed so that the overseer can see all of the prisoners at all times

Panoramic: unbroken view of an entire surrounding area; inclusive presentation; survey

Pantomime: communication through gestures and facial movements

Papyrus: tall, aquatic plant; paper made from the papyrus plant

Paradigm: clearly defined archetype; typical example or pattern of something

Paradox: seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true; enigma

Paragon: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; a peerless example

Parallax: apparent dislocation of an object seen from two points not perceived as the same

Paralysis: loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part; inability to move

Parameter: factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary

Paramour: lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship; lover; an illicit lover

Paranoia: psychological disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur

Parapet: low protective wall or railing along the edge of a raised structure

Parapraxis: minor error; Freudian slip; slip of the tongue

Parazonium: a long, triangular dagger, wide at the hilt end and coming to a point

Pariah: a social outcast; person that is despised or avoided; one who is rejected by others

Parochial: narrowly restricted in scope or outlook; provincial; pertaining to a parish; myopic

Paronomasia: a pun; word play; punning; reciting or devising puns

Paroxysm: a sudden attack, convulsion, or seizure, of an emotional or medical nature

Parvenu: noveau-riche; person raised to new status, but lacks the dignity associated with it

Pasquinade: public farce, satire, or lampoon

Pastiche: literary patchwork; hodgepodge; collision of genres used to create a new item; collage

Patina: natural tarnish from wear of usage and passage of time; verdigris

Patois: dialect other than the usual or literary dialect; uneducated or provincial language

Patzer: an amateur or inferior chess player

Pauldron: either of two metal plates worn with a suit of armor to protect the shoulders

Peccadillo: insignificant sin or wrongdoing; trifling fault or minor flaw

Peccavi: admission of guilt or confession

Pellucid: translucently clear; limpid; lucid; transparently shimmering

Peloton: main body of riders in a bicycle race

Pendulum: body suspended from support so it swings freely under the influence of gravity

Penultimate: next to the last in a series; relating to a penult; pertaining to the penultimate

Penumbra: partial shadow; space of partial illumination

Peradventure: mayhaps; it may be; maybe; possibly; perhaps

Percolate: to filter; to cause to filter; to cause to pass through pores or small holes

Peregrination: course of travel; journey; extensive voyage, especially on foot

Perfervid: intense and impassioned; motivated by personal passion

Perfidy: treachery; deliberate breach of faith; calculated violation of trust; betrayal

Perforate: to pierce, punch, or bore a hole or holes in; stab through, penetrate

Perfunctory: done routinely and with little interest or care; lacking in enthusiasm

Pergelisol: permanently or perennially frozen ground; permafrost

Pergola: framework that supports climbing plants; arbor

Periapt: charm worn as superstitious protection against mischief, evil, and disease; amulet

Periphery: line that forms the boundary; limited circumference of sight; perimeter

Permeate: to pervade; to spread or flow throughout; to diffuse through

Permutation: complete change; a transformation; act of altering a set of objects in a group

Pernicious: ruinous; tending to cause serious injury; deadly, lethal; causing great harm

Perpetuity: the quality or condition of being perpetual, ceaseless, or continual

Perplex: to cause to be puzzled over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally

Persiflage: frivolous, bantering talk; bantering talk with derisive treatment of a subject

Perspicacious: having keen mental perception and insight; discerning; keen-sighted

Perspicuous: easily understood; lucid; well-stated; transparently clear; understandable

Perturb: to disturb in mind or make uneasy; to cause to be worried or alarmed

Petard: explosive device used in warfare to breach a wall; kind of firecracker

Petrichor: scent of rain on soil, dirt, or in the atmosphere after a period of dryness

Phaeochrous: dusky, shady; subfusc; overcast; obscure

Phalanx: bone of a finger; compact or close-knit body of people; military squadron

Phantasmagoria: shifting series of phantasms, illusions, or deceptive images

Philanthropy: the effort or drive to further the well-being of humankind; generosity

Phlox: genus of American herbs

Phoenix: mythical bird of fire which rises from its ashes in a cycle of rebirth

Photon: physics term, a quantum of electromagnetic radiation or energy

Phrontistery: athenaeum, establishment for study, thinking, and/or learning

Phthisis: disease characterized by the wasting away or atrophy of the body or a part of it

Phylactery: amulet or charm which protects from harm; receptacle containing a holy relic

Picaroon: a pirate; to act as a pirate; a pirate ship; one who lives by his wits; rouge

Picayune: of little value; paltry, measly, meager; of minimal or low value

Pinnigrade: walking by means of fins or flippers

Piquant: aromatic; appetizing; appealingly provocative; piquing the senses or mind

Pizzicato: music term, played by plucking rather than bowing

Planetesimal: small asteroid which orbited the sun before the solar system was made

Plasma: distinct phase of matter, separate from the traditional solids, liquids, and gases

Plastron: under part of a turtle or tortoise shell; breastplate beneath a coat of chain mail

Plateau: elevated, mostly level expanse of land; relatively stable level, period, or state

Platonic: not involving sexual relations; involving friendship and sexless affection

Plexus: any complex structure containing an intricate network of parts

Pluterperfect: beyond perfect or perfection; more than perfect

Pneumatic: of or relating to air or other gases; propelled or utilized by air pressure

Pococurante: nonchalant, indifferent; lukewarm in opinion; insouciant

Podium: small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, for a public speaker, etc

Pogrom: massacre; organized massacre or persecution of a minority group; genocide

Poignant: profoundly moving; touching; physically or emotionally painful

Polarize: to cause polarization; to divide sharply into opposing factions, groups, etc.

Poltergeist: noisy and mischievous ghost; ghost capable of manipulating physical objects

Poltroon: a base or abject coward; cowardly person

Polyglot: one who speaks multiple languages; containing matter in several languages

Polymath: person of great learning in several fields of study; polyhistor

Polymerization: chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer

Poniard: dagger typically having a slender square or triangular blade

Pontificalibus: the vestments and accoutrements of a cardinal or pope

Portcullis: gate of an iron or wooden grating used in the entry to a castle or fortified town

Portico: porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leading into an entrance

Posterity: succeeding or future generations collectively; future generations

Postmortem: of, pertaining to, or occurring in the time following death

Pother: commotion; disturbance; state of nervousness; cloud of smoke or dust that chokes

Pragmatic: practical as opposed to idealistic, artistic, or intellectual

Prestidigitation: act of or skill in performing magic or conjurations; sleight of hand

Prevaricate: to deviate from the truth; speak equivocally or evasively; to lie

Prismatic: refractive light of a spectrum; brilliantly colored

Proaulion: a porch; court before a building; vestibule; portico opening into a main room

Progenitor: direct ancestor; originator of a line of descent; precursor, forefather

Prognosticate: augur, foretell, predict, foresee; to make a prediction about

Prolegomenon: mental training leading to added grasp, growth, or knowledge in a field

Promethean: boldly creative; defiantly original; deviating genius

Promulgate: make known (as a decree or dogma) by open declaration; proclaim

Propaedeutic: needed as preparation for learning, study, or understanding

Propaganda: concepts spread to help or harm a person, group, institution, or nation, etc.

Propinquity: nearness in place; approximate location; proximity; vicinity

Proprioception: the sense of the relative position of neighboring parts of the body

Proscenium: Greek or Roman theater stage; the part of a stage in front of the curtain

Proselytize: to recruit for another religion, faith, or ideal; to convert or cause to convert

Prosthesis: an artificial device made to replace a missing part of the body

Protean: readily taking on varied forms or meanings; showing sizeable variety or diversity

Protuberance: something, such as a bulge, knob, or swelling that protrudes

Providence: divine guidance or care; divine foresight

Prurient: having, relating to, or typified by lascivious or lustful thoughts or desires

Pseudomartyr: false, pretended, or affected martyr

Psithurisma: whisper; sound of wind through the trees; sound of wind-rustled leaves

Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity; center of thought, feeling, and motivation

Psychosomatic: regarding a malady having bodily effects but comes from mental disarray

Pterodactyl: flying dinosaur of a mostly tailless variety

Puerile: jejune; naïve; belonging to childhood; juvenile, immature, childish

Puissant: powerful, mighty, doughty, strong, potent; forceful, forcible

Pulchritude: attractiveness; great physical beauty and appeal; gorgeousness

Pulverize: to pound, crush, or grind into a powder or dust; to demolish; disintegrate

Pyramid: figure with a polygonal base and triangular facets that meet at a common point

Pyre: heap of combustibles for burning a corpse as a funeral rite; heap of combustibles

Pyrexia: elevation of body temperature to an abnormal level; fever

Pyrotechnics: art of making or using fireworks; the use of fireworks for display purposes

Pyrrhic: of a victory, having high levels of casualties or damage on both sides

Quaalude: tablet or capsule of methaqualone

Quaff: to drink, imbibe; to drink heartily

Quagmire: fen, bog, swamp; difficult or precarious situation, predicament

Quandary: state of uncertainty or perplexity, predicament, dilemma

Quantum: quantity or amount; a large quantity or bulk; specific amount; small amount

Quaquaversal: directed outward from a common center to all points; omnidirectional

Quarantine: period of isolation or detention; strict isolation

Quarkonium: physics term, flavorless meson whose makeup are a quark and its antiquark

Quartz: common, gemstone-like material characterized by translucence

Quasar: astronomical object that emits massive amounts of electromagnetic radiation

Quasihemidemisemiquaver: a 128th note

Quatorzain: a poem of 14 lines resembling a sonnet but lacking the rhyming or structure

Quercitron: type of tree, a type of tree bark used in tanning and dyeing

Quicquidlibet: whatever one pleases; anything whatsoever; typified by absolute volition

Quiddity: the real nature of a thing; the essence; quibble; eccentricity; trifling quirk

Quidnunc: one who is curious and given to speculating, especially about trivial things; gossiper

Quietus: finishing stroke; anything that effectually ends or settles; death; end

Quincunx: display of five objects with one at each corner of a square and one at the center

Quinquevir: one of five officials appointed for some special object, council, or purpose

Quintessence: fifth element; perfect embodiment

Quisby: idler; one who doesn’t work; ne’er-do-well; impecunious; odd, queer

Quisquose: something which is difficult to deal with

Quixotic: foolishly impractical, especially in the pursuit of ideals; excessively romantic

Quoddamodotative: existing or behaving in a certain manner

Quodlibet: subtle, debatable, or elaborate argument or point, usually on a formal position

Quomodocunquize: to make or attempt to make money in any way possible

Quotidian: mundane; occurring every day, daily

Quoz: absurd, weird, queer; absurd person; weird object; hard to quantify

Raconteur: one who tells stories and anecdotes with skill, brio, and wit; skilled storyteller

Radii: pl. the radius of a circle/sphere is any line segment from its center to its perimeter

Ragnarok: the “Twilight of the Gods”; destruction of the world; great devastation

Rapport: relation or connection, especially an agreeable or sympathetic one; mutual affinity

Rariora: pl. unusual collector’s items; outstanding items; prize pieces

Rastaquouere: social climber; social upstart; man of finished and polished manners

Ratiocination: conclusion; process of logical reasoning or exact thinking; reasoning

Recalcitrant: reluctant; difficult to manage or operate; not responsive to treatment; unruly

Recherché: elegant; refined or tasteful, sophisticated

Recidivism: act of repeating punished act; chronic tendency to repeat crimes

Reciprocity: the quality or state of requiting; mutual dependence

Recondite: esoteric; difficult to understand or beyond the reach of normal comprehension

Rectrix: a large tail feather of a bird, important for controlling the direction of flight

Recumbentibus: knockout punch, either verbal or physical; lethal bludgeon; powerful hit

Redivivus: revived, resurrected; come back to life; resuscitated

Redolent: piquant, aromatic, or memory-invoking

Regalia: the emblems and symbols of royalty, such as the crown and scepter; jewelry

Regicide: the killing of a king; the act of killing a king

Regimen: a systematic plan designed to improve and maintain health

Relinquish: voluntarily cease to keep or claim; surrender

Reliquary: receptacle, such as a coffer or shrine, for keeping or displaying sacred relics

Rendezvous: meeting at a given time and place; to go to or arrive at a meeting place

Renegade: one who rejects a cause or ideology for another; deserter; outlaw; rebel

Repartee: swift, witty reply; conversation marked by the exchange of witty retorts

Replica: copy or reproduction of a work of art, especially one made by the original artist

Repudiate: to reject the validity or authority of; refuse to accept or be associated with

Requiem: mass for a deceased person; song for the deceased; solemn chant; dirge

Requiescat: prayer for the repose of the soul of the dead or a dead person

Reredos: back of a hearth of a fireplace; ornate screen on the wall at the back of an altar

Resplendent: sublime; full of color; dazzling; splendid

Resurrect: to raise from the dead; restore to life, revive; bring back from the cusp of death

Retrogress: to regress; to get worse or fall back to a previous condition

Revenant: specter, ghost; one who returns after a long absence

Reverie: an idle daydream; a thought of idle desire; a surrendering to imagination

Rhapsody: impassioned, inspired, or vibrant literature or music

Rhetoric: art or study of using cogent and effective speech, skill in the usage of language

Rhizome: fleshy, creeping underground stem by which certain plants propagate

Rhododendron: ornamental evergreen shrub

Rigmarole: complex protocol or procedure; confused, rambling, or incoherent discourse

Rime: white ice that forms when water droplets freeze to the outer surfaces of objects

Riparian: of, on, or relating to the banks of a natural course of water, stream, or river

Riposte: quick thrust used after parrying a lunge; reactive action, maneuver, or retort

Risorgimento: a time of renewal or renaissance; revival

Rixatrix: scolding or quarrelsome woman

Rodomontade: pretentious boasting or bragging; bluster, ranting, vain speech

Rorqual: genus of whales; type of whale

Roseate: rose-colored, rosy; optimistic, cheerful and bright; promising

Rostrum: dais, pulpit, podium, or other elevated platform for public speaking

Rubicon: point of no return; limit which, when reached, requires absolute commitment

Rubicund: ruddy, reddish; inclined to a healthy rosiness; having a ruddy complexion

Rupestrian: of or composed of rock; sculpted with or by rock

Sabbatical: extended period of leave, typically a year or semester

Saboteur: person who commits or practices sabotage; deliberate damager of something

Saccade: any of the rapid jumps the eyes make from fixed points to others, as in reading

Sacrosanct: regarded as sacred and inviolable; immune to criticism or violation

Salmagundi: mixture or assortment; potpourri; medley

Salubrious: health-giving; healthy; healthful; relating to good health

Samhain: Celtic harvest festival which served as the foothold for Halloween

Samovar: metal urn with a spigot at the base, teapot

Samsara: in Hinduism and Buddhism, the eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth

Samurai: member of hereditary warrior class in feudal Japan; warrior of the Bushido

Sanctity: holiness of life or character; saintliness; condition of being considered sacred

Sangfroid: composure or coolness as shown in danger; imperturbability

Sardonyx: type of stone (onyx) with sandy bands

Satellite: celestial body that orbits a planet, a moon; object designed to orbit a planet

Saturnalian: of unrestrained and intemperate jollity; riotously merry; dissolute

Satyriasis: excessive, often uncontrollable sexual desire in a man, compare nymphomania

Sawbones: physician, especially a surgeon

Scabbard: theca; leather or metal sheath used to store a blade or cutting weapon

Scacchic: of, pertaining to, or related to chess or the playing of chess

Schadenfreude: satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune; sadism

Schism: separation or division into factions; discord; disunion

Schizoid: of or relating to or characteristic of schizophrenia or the effects thereof

Scholium: marginal annotation or comment; annotation; note in an appendix

Schwerpunkt: application of decisive force at or on a critical point

Scialytic: dispersing shadows, typically by using light

Scintilla: an infinitesimal item or mote

Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine; affliction thereof

Scramasax: long and heavy knife used by the Franks, having a blade often 20 inches long

Scrivener: transcriber; professional or public copyist or writer; scribe; notary public

Scythestone: stone for sharpening scythes; a whetstone

Sedition: revolt against authority; insurrection; propaganda inciting revolt

Seismic: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration; earthshaking

Seizure: act, condition, or instance of seizing or being seized; fit; spasm, convulsion

Selcouth: unusual, rare, unique, or strange

Semidiurnal: of, relating to, occurring, or performed during half a day or twice a day

Semiotician: one who studies, applies, or explains the theories of semiotics

Sempiternal: eternal, lasting forever; ceaseless, endless

Seppuku: hara-kiri; ritual suicide by disembowelment formerly practiced by samurai

Sepulcher: a burial vault; receptacle for sacred relics, especially in an altar

Sequester: to relegate to a small space; to cause to withdraw into seclusion

Seraglio: harem; harem house, brothel, living quarters thereof

Seraphim: pl. six-winged angels

Serpentarium: a place where snakes are kept, as for exhibition

Sesquipedalian: having many syllables; long worded; given to or typified by the use of long words

Sestina: poem of six six-line stanzas and a three-line envoy

Sforzando: music, suddenly or strongly accented

Sfumato: definition or form without hasty outline by mild gradation from light to shadow

Shibboleth: word or saying or image used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief

Sidereal: of, related, pertaining to, or determined by the stars or constellations

Silhouette: picture as an outline, often a human profile, filled in by a solid color

Simulacrum: image or representation; false, unreal, or vague simulation or semblance

Sinecure: an easy occupation or one which requires almost no responsibility

Sirocco: hot, humid south or southeast wind of southern Italy

Sisyphean: pertaining to or involving endless labor; pertaining to Sisyphus

Skein: complex tangle; ribbon; length of thread or yarn wound in a loose long coil

Skewer: to stab; to drive a skewer through; a long, sharpened metal or wooden stick

Snickersnee: knife resembling a sword; large knife; the act of fighting with knives

Sobriquet: nickname; moniker; adopted name

Sojourn: brief visit; stopover; jaunt

Solarium: sunroom; room, gallery, or glassed-in porch exposed to the sun

Solecism: an impropriety; nonstandard grammatical construction; violation of etiquette

Solidus: the backslash symbol (\); gold coin of ancient Rome; bezant

Solipsism: philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist

Solivagant: wandering alone or aimlessly; a lone wayfarer or wanderer

Solstice: one of two times in the year when the sun is furthest from the equator

Somnolent: drowsy, sleepy; inducing or tending to induce sleep; soporific

Soporific: inducing or tending to induce sleep; drowsy; substance that induces sleep

Sovereign: monarch or other supreme ruler; chief ruler with supreme power

Spatiotemporal: of, relating to, or existing in both space and time; relating to space-time

Sphragistic: relating to, pertaining to, or of seals and signets

Spoonerism: transposition of sounds of two or more words, especially a ludicrous one

Sprachgefühl: feeling or intuitive grasp for linguistics or language; character of language

Stamina: physical or moral strength to deal with illness, fatigue, or hardship; endurance

Stentorian: powerful in sound; extremely loud; vociferous

Sternocostal: of, relating to, situated between the sternum and ribs, or pertaining to the two together

Stillicide: water falling from the roof of a house or a gutter

Stochastic: typified by conjecture; conjectural; process using a group of random variables

Stratosphere: any great height or degree; upper region of the atmosphere

Stygian: gloomy and dark; infernal, hellish; of or relating to the river Styx

Subfusc: of a dark, dull, or somber color; dingy, drab, dull

Subjugate: enslave; vanquish; bring under domination or control, usually by conquest

Subordinate: secondary; inferior; a person lower in rank; lower in rank or importance

Subterfuge: deceptive stratagem or device; deception via artifice to evade, hide, or escape

Succinct: briefly stated; laconic, terse

Succor: to aid or assist in a time of need; assistance

Surplus: excess; quantity much larger than is needed; superfluity, overage

Surreptitious: stealthy; kept secret; hidden

Susurrus: a whisper; something which resembles a whisper

Swath: width of a scythe-stroke; strips, circles, etc. made by something

Sybarite: person devoted to pleasure and luxury; a voluptuary; hedonist

Sycophant: person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage

Symbiosis: mutual biological synergy between two dissimilar organisms

Symposium: conference for discussion of a particular topic

Symptom: subjective evidence of disease; phenomenon serving as evidence

Synapse: junction or network of nerve impulses

Synchronicity: theory of, coincidence of two or more curiously similar events

Synecdoche: a reference to a part of something as opposed to the whole, e.g. girl as “skirt” ship as “sail”

Syzygy: alignment or unity of specific objects, notably in space or literature

Tableaux: pl. deliberate pictures; arrangements; vivid, graphic descriptions

Tacenda: things to not be mentioned or things to be passed over in silence

Taciturn: reticent, quiet; not talkative; insouciant

Talisman: item marked with magic signs though to confer magical powers or repel evil

Tantamount: equivalent to; equal to; equivalent in value, significance, or effect

Tantivy: sounding like a horse galloping; at full gallop; fast, furious gallop

Tapestry: heavy cloth woven with rich, varicolored designs or scenes, often hung on walls

Tatterdemalion: person wearing ragged or tattered clothing; ragamuffin; ragged, tattered

Tchotchke: knickknack; collectible; trinket, bibelot, bijou

Tectrix: one of the coverts on a bird’s wing

Tedium: quality or condition of being tedious; tediousness or boredom

Telefacsimile: a fax machine; a document sent over a telephone line

Tellurian: terrestrial; inhabiting the earth; pertaining to the earth; earthen

Telos: the end of a goal-oriented process; ultimate goal; philosophical ultimate

Tendril: plant’s tentacle; clasping, twining, and/or slender outgrowth of a vine's stem

Tenebrous: hard to understand; dark and gloomy; without light, shadowy

Tephra: solid matter that is ejected into the air by an erupting volcano, e.g. scoria, dust, and/or ashes

Tergiversate: equivocate; to change one's attitude or opinions rapidly

Termagant: quarrelsome, scolding woman; a shrew, harridan

Terminus: destination; ultimate point; final point in space or time; an end or extremity

Terpsichorean: pertaining, relating to, or referring to dancing or the art thereof

Tessellation: tile pattern without gaps or extraneous spaces; mathematical pattern

Tesserect: four-dimensional equivalent or analogue of a cube

Testament: person’s last will; that which serves as evidence of a specific event or quality

Testatrix: a female testator, a woman writing her last will and testament

Textile: cloth, especially one manufactured by weaving or knitting; a fabric

Thalassocrat: one who has maritime supremacy, of a ruler, expert seaman, or trader

Thaumaturgical: relating to thaumaturgy; magical; supernatural; like magic; illusory

Theca: sheath, scabbard; capsule, covering, case

Theophage: one who eats a god, be it a fraction or the whole, figuratively speaking

Theophany: religious epiphany or appearance of God to a person

Theremin: melodic instrument of the electronic family

Thermonuclear: of, relating to, or derived from fusion of atomic nuclei at high heat

Thionine: artificial red or violet dyestuff, usually for microscopic stains

Thole: to suffer or undergo; to endure; to tolerate; fulcrum for oars on a boat

Threnody: song, hymn, or poem reflecting on mourning or a tribute to the deceased

Thylacine: Extinct Tasmanian Tiger

Thymoleptic: psychologically energizing; drug designed to reverse depression

Tincture: trace or vestige; color or tint; substance that colors, dyes, or stains; infusion

Tintinnabulation: ringing or sounding of bells; the sound of bells

Tourbillion: whirlwind, whirlpool, vortex, tornado

Tourmaline: multifarious gemstone of grossly differing colors

Trajectory: the path of a projectile or other moving body through space; selected course

Transmundane: existing or extending beyond the physical world

Transverse: extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at angles to the long axis

Trapezoid: quadrilateral having two parallel sides

Traumatic: psychologically painful; of, pertaining to, or produced by a trauma or wound

Treatise: formal essay; systematic, usually extensive written discourse on a subject

Trebuchet: medieval catapult for hurling heavy stones or objects

Tregetour: juggler, mummer; conjurer

Tremulous: marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking

Tribulation: great affliction, trial, or distress, suffering; agony; a trying experience

Trillium: type of flower, an ephemeral perennial

Trinity: group consisting of three closely related members; unity of three special objects or people

Triptych: work of art consisting of three pieces acting as one image or set of motifs

Tristiloquy: speech characterized by sadness or gloominess

Triumph: victory, win, or conquest; to prevail; prove superior; exult, cheer over a victory

Triumvirate: group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority

Trochaic: of, relating to, made up of, or consisting of trochees

Troglodyte: hermit, recluse; person considered to be reclusive, out of date, or brutish

Truculent: vehement; brutal; disposed to fight, pugnacious; expressing bitter opposition

Tryst: an agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place; a date; rendezvous

Tsunami: very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption

Tungsten: rare, metallic element with a bright-gray color and a metallic luster

Tycoon: very wealthy or powerful businessman; a business leader, king, magnate, or mogul

Tzigane: gypsy; Hungarian gypsy

Ubiquitous: being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time; omnipresent

Ultima: last or final syllable; the last person, place, or thing in a series

Ultimatum: serious, final statement of terms made by one party to another

Ultracrepidate: to criticize beyond the sphere of one's knowledge

Ululate: loudly lament; howl or wail, as with grief; yell

Umbrage: offense, affront; the shade beneath a tree; shade; suspicion; reason for doubt

Umquhile: erstwhile, formerly, some time ago, bygone, quondam

Uniaxial: having one, of, relating to, or affecting one axis

Usquebaugh: a type of Scottish whiskey; whiskey

Uxorial: of a wife; relating to, involving, or characteristic of a wife

Vacillate: to waver between actions or decisions; to hesitate

Vacivity: vacuity, emptiness; absence; space with a lack of matter

Vacuum: a space entirely devoid of matter; absence of matter; vacuity

Vale: the world; life; mortal or earthly life

Valetudinarian: sickly or weak person; hypochondriac

Vanguard: foremost leading group in an army; position of forefront of new developments

Vaporize: to turn into vapor, to evaporate; to kill; to vanish; to dissolve solid material

Vaticinate: prophesy, prognosticate, augur, foretell

Vavasor: superior vassal with other vassals beneath

Vehement: zealous, ardent, impassioned; typified by influence of expression or fervor

Vehicular: of, relating to, or intended for vehicles, especially motor vehicles

Velleity: a flimsy wish or desire; a desire of little consequence; a wish of superficiality

Ventriloquist: puppeteer utilizing vocal techniques and manipulations

Veracity: truth; state of being true, trueness

Verdigris: patina formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces exposed to the atmosphere

Verecund: bashful, shy, modest, demure

Verisimilitude: the appearance or semblance of truth or reality in a fictional medium

Vermiculate: to adorn or decorate with wavy or winding lines; worm-eaten; sinuous

Vermilion: vivid red to reddish-orange

Vernacular: everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary

Vertiginous: of, relating to, typified by, or affected with vertigo or dizziness; whirling

Vespertine: crepuscular; pertaining to, of, or related to the evening

Vestibule: a small entryway between the outer door and the interior of a building

Vestigial: of, relating to, or constituting a vestige (trace, mark, or sign left by something)

Vexation: the act of annoying, irritating, or vexing; quality or condition of being vexed

Viaticum: the Eucharist being given along with the anointment of the sick or dying

Vicarious: performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another

Viceroy: governor; representative of a sovereign

Vichyssoise: thick type of potato soup

Vicissitudes: changes of circumstances of fortune; the variability that comes with life

Victuals: food to be eaten; provisions; food cache, pabulum, comestibles, nutrients

Videlicet: to wit, that is, namely

Vigesimal: based on, pertaining to, or related to 20

Vignette: a sketch; brief literary or visual event; description

Vindicate: clear from an accusation, imputation, or suspicion; to justify, defend, or avenge

Visceral: pertaining to the viscera; relating to deep feelings and emotions as opposed to the intellect

Viscid: having an adhesive quality; gluey, sticky; thick, like molasses

Vista: view, prospect, perspective; spectrum of peripheral boundaries

Visurient: hungry for visual stimuli; pertaining to the desire evoked from vision

Vitiate: impair; spoil; to the reduce quality of; to make worse

Vitreous: of or resembling glass, as in color, composition, brittleness, or luster; glassy

Vitriolic: filled with bitter criticism or malice; acerbic

Vituperate: to rebuke or criticize harshly or abusively; to berate, scold, or condemn

Vivisection: act of cutting into living animals, especially for the purpose of research

Vivisepulture: the act of being buried alive or burying alive

Vociferous: loud, stentorian; vehement; angrily impassioned

Volksgeist: intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and/or political thoughts of a time; zeitgeist

Voluminous: having great volume; fullness, size, or number; large

Vortex: whirling mass of water or air, especially one in which a force of suction operates

Vraic: kelp, seaweed; collected seaweed to be used as fertilizers

Wagnerian: of, relating to, or characteristic of Richard Wagner, his operas, or his theories

Wanweird: an unhappy fate; the misery of life; a sad fate

Wappenshaw: periodic check-up or review of troops or persons under arms

Warlockry: practice of black magic or conjurations; practice of being a warlock

Wasabi: very pungent green Japanese condiment made from the root of the herb; Wasabi

Wegotism: excessive use of the word “we”; the habit of referring to oneself as “we”

Welkin: the vault of the sky; heavens; celestial abode of the gods

Weltanschauung: inclusive grasp or image of the universe and of humanity's relation to it

Whorl: swirling object; tornado; form that coils or spirals; a curl or swirl

Widdershins: in a contrary or counterclockwise direction; wrong direction; unlucky

Wight: creature; a human being; living being, entity

Witzelsucht: a disorder, excessive facetiousness and inappropriate or pointless humor

Wizen: to dry up; to wither, shrivel, or wrinkle

Woebegone: affected with or marked by deep sorrow, grief, or wretchedness

Wroth: angry, wrathful, furious, irate; full of wrath or rage

Wyvern: type of dragon, typically without legs

Xanthous: yellow; having yellow skin or light brown skin

Xenodochial: friendly or especially kind to strangers or foreigners

Xenoglossy: language learned spontaneously and without prior knowledge

Xenolith: rock fragment foreign to the igneous mass in which it occurs

Xenophobe: person who fears or hates foreigners, strange customs, or strange places

Xertz: to gulp a beverage down enthusiastically, heartily, and/or quickly; to quaff

Xiphoid: shaped like a sword, ensiform; sword-like

Xylem: woody part of plants, the supporting and water-conducting tissue

Xyresic: sharp as a razor, razor-sharp

Xysti: pl. covered portico of a gymnasium

Ycelpt: to call, name; named, called, known as

Yestreen: during last evening; yesterday evening, last evening

Ylem: primordial material which all the elements supposedly have been derived from

Zaftig: of a woman, having a full rounded figure; pleasingly plump, buxom, full-bodied

Zaibatsu: powerful family-controlled commercial combine of Japan; conglomerate

Zeitgeist: spirit of the time; the taste and outlook characteristics of a period or generation

Zelatrix: older nun in charge of disciplining younger nuns; female zelator

Zenith: point on the celestial sphere that is above the observer; highest point; maximum

Zenzizenzizenzic: the eighth power of a number

Zeppelin: large dirigible balloon; rigid airship supported by gas power

Zetetic: proceeding by inquiry; investigating; opening with a question

Zeugma: syllepsis, type of pun, "You held your breath and the door for me"

Ziggurat: temple tower of the ancients; having the form of a terraced pyramid

Zingaro: a gypsy, an Italian gypsy; mendicant, beggar; vagabond

Zitella: maiden, unmarried woman, bachelorette

Zither: a type of instrument, similar to the steel guitar or the dulcimer

Zoanthropy: mental disorder in which one believes oneself to be an animal

Zodiac: region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic, divided into 12 constellations

Zweihander: large sword designated to be used with two hands

Zygomatic: pertaining to, connecting with, or involving a or the cheekbone

Zyzzyva: a particular type of weevil

Pages 31+32

2011-04-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the end of the road, unfortunately. If anyone would have some interest, I have the skeletons from a lot of other wordlists, so i'd just have to heavily add to them, transcribe them to a word document, and add the definition to them. It does add some objectivity to my life. Considering that I will be losing my computer relatively soon(this is a scheduled post), I could use some downtime to enumerate a lengthy list. At any rate, I'll be posting some really long entires soonish. Also, I can dump wallpapers, if anyone has a specific interest.

Tycoon: very wealthy or powerful businessman, business leader, king, magnate, mogul
Fissure: long narrow opening, a crack or cleft, process of splitting or separating, division
Iceberg: large mass of ice floating at sea, usually broken off of a polar glacier
Obdurate: hardened in misconduct or iniquity, stubbornly defiant, deep and unrelenting
Abyss: immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void, abode of evil spirits, hell
Germane: fitting, being both pertinent and fitting, relevant, relevant and appropriate
Nexus: means of union, link, connected series or group, the core or center, as of a matter
Alcatote: foolish oaf, silly elf, witless person
Cavalier: given to haughty disregard of others, gallant or courtly gentleman
Marginalia: notes in the margin or margins of a book
Balatron: buffoon, clown, jackanapes, joker
Demagogue: rabble-rouser, firebrand, one who appeals to emotions and prejudices
Albatross: large, web-footed, gull-like seabird
Sycophant: person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
Tendril: plant’s tentacle, clasping, twining, slender outgrowth of a vine's stem
Decollate: to behead, decapitate, remove or cut the head off of something
Ostensible: apparent, evident, or conspicuous, being such in appearance
Volksgeist: intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and/or political thoughts of a time, zeitgeist
Hirsute: covered with hair, hairy, having a large amount of hair or body hair
Barathrum: a bottomless pit, hole, or abyss, Hell
Mendicant: beggar, depending on alms for a living, practicing begging

Ecclesiastical: of or pertaining to the church or the clergy, churchly, clerical

Dulcimer: stringed instrument having three or four strings and a fretted fingerboard

Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”

Sawbones: physician, especially a surgeon

Gnomon: indicator provided by the arm whose shadow indicates the time on the sundial

Xylem: woody part of plants, the supporting and water-conducting tissue

Charisma: personal attractiveness or interestingness that enables you to influence others

Antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American civil war

Mitrailleuse: a machine gun, a type of rudimentary machine gun

Brummagem: cheap and showy, meretricious, gaudy, tawdry, ersatz

Poniard: dagger typically having a slender square or triangular blade

Trajectory: the path of a projectile or other moving body through space, selected course

Archipelago: landform which consists of a chain or cluster of islands

Rodomontade: pretentious boasting or bragging, bluster, ranting, vain speech

Viaticum: the Eucharist being given along with the anointing of the sick or dying

Falciform: falcate, curved, convex, sickle-shaped, drepaniform

Collectanea: selection of pieces of writing by an author or by several authors

Percolate: to filter, to cause to filter, to cause to pass through pores or small holes

Thaumaturgical: relating to thaumaturgy, magical, supernatural, like magic, illusory

Nepheliad: cloud nymph, nymph designated or of the clouds

Vaporize: to turn into vapor, to evaporate, to kill, to vanish, to dissolve solid material

Ahimsa: the doctrine of refraining from the harming of others or the taking of life

Wegotism: excessive use of the word “we”, the habit of referring to oneself as “we”

Harmartia: tragic or fatal flaw, fault, character flaw

Badinage: playful or frivolous repartee or banter, cheeky back-and-forth

Pariah: a social outcast, person that is despised or avoided, one who is rejected by others

Obliterate: to do away with completely so as to leave no trace, to erase

Gigahertz: a unit of frequency equal to one billion cycles per second

Mephistophelian: of Mephistopheles, fiendish, diabolical, crafty, malevolent, cunning

Panoramic: unbroken view of an entire surrounding area, inclusive presentation, survey

Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt

Aperture: opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit, part of a camera

Whorl: swirling object, tornado, form that coils or spirals, a curl or swirl

Iota: infinitesimal amount, small amount, bit, mote, scintilla

Ballast: heavy material specially set to improve strength and control, bed of coarse gravel

Ancillary: auxiliary, of secondary importance, not prioritized, secondary, subordinate

Triumph: victory, win, or conquest, to prevail, prove superior, exult, cheer over a victory

Pagination: system by which pages are numbered, arrangement of pages in a book

Banderilla: decorated dart that is shot into the neck of the bull during a bull fight

Decussate: shaped or resembling an X, to intersect, to cross or become crossed like an X

Conchitic: composed of shells, containing many shells

Ecumenopolis: one city comprising the world that is held to be a prospect of the future

Fiduciary: of, having to with, or involving a confidence, trust, or trust for another

Prolegomenon: mental training leading to added grasp, growth, or knowledge in a field

30th Page

2011-04-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

It'd be nice to individually discuss these words at length.

Truculent: vehement, brutal, disposed to fight, pugnacious, expressing bitter opposition
Scacchic: of, pertaining to, or related to chess or the playing of chess
Kiosk: small structure, often open on one or more sides, used as a newsstand or booth
Acerbic: sharp or biting in character, acerb, sour or bitter in taste, caustic
Blitzkrieg: swift, sudden military offensive, swift, decisive strike
Cavalcade: a procession of riders or carriages, a procession of vehicle of ships
Ecumenical: of worldwide scope or suitability, universal, relating to the Christian church
Proselytize: to recruit for another religion, faith, or ideal, to convert or cause to convert
Overzealous: excessively enthusiastic, fanatic, passionate
Gulag: Russian prison camp for political prisoners, large prison for specific prisoners
Scabbard: theca, usually leather or metal sheath used to store a blade or cutting weapon
Fuliginous: having the color of soot, dark, dusky, charcoal-colored
Hydraulic: of, involving, moved by, or operated by a fluid or liquid, under pressure
Palimpsest: erased parchment, which is then reused, manuscript written over earlier ones
Dragoon: compel by coercion, threats, or crude means, armed soldier or cavalry
Quasar: astronomical object that emits massive amounts of electromagnetic radiation
Epileptic: pertaining to epilepsy, flickering rapidly, seizing
Angstrom: metric unit of length equal to one ten billionth of a meter (or 0.0001 micron)
Boeotian: marked by stupidity and philistinism, crudely obtuse, loutish
Patois: dialect other than the usual or literary dialect, uneducated or provincial language
Feldspar: a specific group of minerals and rocks

Diametric: of, relating to, or along a diameter, exactly opposite, contrary

Tungsten: rare, metallic element with a bright-gray color and a metallic luster

Excruciate: to inflict severe pain on, torture, to agonize, intensify pain, or distress

Cataclysm: violent upheaval that causes great destruction or brings about a vital change

Lacustrine: of or having to do with a lake or lakes, found or formed in lakes

Podium: small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, for a public speaker, etc

Vehicular: of, relating to, or intended for vehicles, especially motor vehicles

Caveat: admonition, caution, warning against certain acts, formal notice of warning

Anaptyxis: the insertion of an extra vowel in a body of a word “athalete”

Dilapidate: to bring or fall into a state of partial ruin, decay, or disrepair

Contusion: bruise, an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration

Grimthorpe: to remodel an old building without knowledge or care to retain its character

Rubicund: ruddy, reddish, inclined to a healthy rosiness, having a ruddy complexion

Mercenary: motivated solely by a desire for money or material gain, hired gun

Expectorate: to eject from the mouth, spit, to spit phlegm, to summon phlegm and expel it

Blunderbuss: insensitive, blundering person, short musket of wide bore and flared muzzle

Subordinate: secondary, inferior, a person lower in rank, lower in rank or importance

Aerobic: depending on free oxygen or air, designating or involving exercise

Riposte: quick thrust used after parrying a lunge, reactive action, maneuver, or retort

Formulaic: being of no special quality or type, average, routine, undistinguished

Puerile: jejune, naïve, belonging to childhood, juvenile, immature, childish

Agrarian: relating to rural matters, pertaining to cultivation, ownership and agriculture

Iconoclast: one who attacks established beliefs, ideals, customs, or institutions, maverick

Pandemic: widespread, general, epidemic that affects a large area and population

Temporary Delay??

2011-04-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, my computer is going into the shop for a bit(it's got more than a few problems), so I won't be updating until I get it back. Could be up to a two week period.

29

2011-04-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

Pinnigrade is such a cute word, imagine a lil' seal pup walking towards you.

Chitinous: of or resembling chitin, having a carapace or protective shell of chitin
Kabuki: highly-stylized, classical Japanese dance-drama
Mythologem: recurrent pattern, event, or theme in myths, such as revenge or self-sacrifice
Coccyx: the end of the vertebral column in humans and tailless apes
Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized
Trebuchet: medieval catapult for hurling heavy stones or objects
Quisby: idler, one who doesn’t work, ne’er-do-well, impecunious, odd, queer
Zaftig: of a woman, having a full rounded figure, pleasingly plump, buxom, full-bodied
Drachma: primary unit of currency in Greece before the adoption of the euro
Pinnigrade: walking by means of fins or flippers
Metabolism: processes occurring in an organism that are needed for the upkeep of life
Gemsbok: large antelope with long, straight horns
Argyle: knitting pattern of varicolored, diamond-shaped areas on a solid background
Engastrimyth: ventriloquist, manipulator of vocalizations and props as entertainment
Recondite: esoteric, difficult to understand or beyond the reach of normal comprehension
Opsimath: a person who learns or begins to learn late in life
Calliope: musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard
Googolplex: 10 to the power of googol(10 to the hundredth power)
Surplus: excess, quantity much larger than is needed, superfluity, overage
Ophyron: the space between a human’s eyebrows
Prognosticate: augur, foretell, predict, foresee, to make a prediction about

Tantamount: equivalent to, equal to, equivalent in value, significance, or effect

Grazioso: a direction in music, graceful, smooth, or elegant in style

Harbinger: one that indicates or foreshadows what is to come, a forerunner, prophesier

Quagmire: fen, bog, swamp, difficult or precarious situation, predicament

Inoculate: introduce an idea or view into the mind of, inculcate, inject a serum or vaccine

Bildungsroman: coming-of-age novel, movie, or story

Prosthesis: an artificial device made to replace a missing part of the body

Umquhile: erstwhile, formerly, some time ago, bygone, quondam

Schism: separation or division into factions, discord, disunion

Zygomatic: pertaining to, connecting with, or involving a or the cheekbone

Skein: complex tangle, ribbon, length of thread or yarn wound in a loose long coil

Ostracize: banish, expel from a community or group, excommunicate, to make a pariah of

Katabatic: of or relating to the downward motion of air

Logorrhea: excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness, loquacity

Akimbo: having the hand or hands on the hip(s) and the elbow(s) turned outward

Repartee: swift, witty reply, conversation marked by the exchange of witty retorts

Euphoria: feeling of great happiness or well-being, felicity

Warlockry: practice of black magic or conjurations, practice of being a warlock

Embargo: prohibition, a prevention of commerce, government-imposed trade barrier

Papyrus: tall, aquatic plant, paper made from the papyrus plant

Mistigris: a joker or blank card that the holder can play as any card, wild card in a game

Schizoid: of or relating to or characteristic of schizophrenia or the effects thereof

Coxcomb: conceited, self-impressed dandy, fool, conceited fool, narcissistic person

Kvetch: to complain persistently and whiningly, chronic, whining complainer, whiner

28th Set

2011-04-11T04:11:00.001-07:00

Esker is has a gorgeous and evocative definition. It's one of my favorite words. I'm not sure which kind of list to do next. I can do Best Short, Ugliest, Funniest, Best Long, among a few others.

Vexation: the act of annoying, irritating, or vexing, quality or condition of being vexed

Xenodochial: friendly or especially kind to strangers or foreigners

Osmosis: diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

Benthos: the bottom of a body of water, the living things at the bottom of a water body

Extinguish: to quench, snuff out, put an end to, kill, to put out a fire or flame, destroy

Hyphenate: to divide or connect (syllables, word elements, or names) with a hyphen

Sanctity: holiness of life or character, saintliness, condition of being considered sacred

Portcullis: gate of an iron or wooden grating used in the entry to a castle or fortified town

Dionysian: wild, irrational, and undisciplined, of an ecstatic, orgiastic, or irrational nature

Acedia: ennui, state of torpor of listlessness, spiritual apathy

Foehn: warm, dry wind descending or blowing down the side of a mountain

Esker: long, winding ridge of gravel and other sediment left by melted ice from a stream

Poltergeist: noisy and mischievous ghost, ghost capable of manipulating physical objects

Bricolage: something made or put together using any materials that happen are available

Olio: mixture, medley, hodgepodge, jumble, meat and vegetable stew

Monocoque: object or method that braces by using the exterior, instead of an inner frame

Gemutlich: warm and congenial, pleasant or friendly, amicable, convivial

Estuary: inlet or arm of the sea, an open river that connects to the sea

Icosahedron: a figure or solid geometric shape formed by 20 sides or plane faces

Rhizome: fleshy, creeping underground stem by which certain plants propagate

Agglutinate: to unite as if by adhesive, heap together, string together, clump together

Perspicuous: easily understood, lucid, well-stated, transparently clear, understandable

Oligarchy: political system governed by a few people, compare democracy

Juxtapose: to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast

Semidiurnal: of, relating to, occurring, or performed during half a day or twice a day

Ambience: atmosphere, a particular environment or surrounding influence, aura

Cathode: negative-charged electrode being the source of electrons entering a device

Exodus: a going out, departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people

Paramour: lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship, lover, illicit lover

Rapport: relation, connection, especially a agreeable or sympathetic one, mutual affinity

Eleemosynary: of, relating to, or dependent on charity, contributed as an act of charity

Sovereign: monarch or other supreme ruler, chief ruler with supreme power

Dendrite: short fiber that conducts toward the cell body of the neuron, branch, branching

Aperitif: alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer before a meal

Inundate: deluge, to fill quickly beyond capacity, to cover with water, drench, overwhelm

Pulverize: to pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust, to demolish, disintegrate

Cochlear: of or relating to the cochlea of the ear

Rectrix: a large tail feather of a bird, important for controlling the direction of flight

Tribulation: great affliction, trial, or distress, suffering, agony, a trying experience

Corpulent: of a bulky body, excessively heavy or fat, stout, portly

Resurrect: to raise from the dead, restore to life, revive, bring back from the cusp of death

Pernicious: ruinous, tending to cause serious injury, deadly, causing great harm, lethal

Viscid: having an adhesive quality, gluey, sticky, thick, like molasses

Muzjik: Russian peasant, peasant, gypsy, pauper

Arboretum: land on which many different trees or shrubs are grown for study or display

27th Page

2011-04-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to say what everyone thinks here, Zoidberg is kind of terrifying.

Rime: white ice that forms when water droplets freeze to the outer surfaces of objects
Draconian: exceedingly harsh, severe, dogmatic, rigorous, marked by cruelty or severity
Cytherean: pertaining to beauty or the goddess, Aphrodite
Foxfire: organic luminescence, especially from certain fungi on decaying wood
Mestizo: a person of mixed racial ancestry
Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation
Numismatics: study or collection or currency, coins, paper money, etc
Corinthian: pertaining to Corinth or its culture, architecture
Hydralulus: pipe organ using water pressure to maintain the air supply
Noetic: of, relating to, requiring, based in, originating in, or apprehended by the intellect
Leveret: baby rabbit, a young rabbit
Apophenia: the perception of or belief in connectedness among unrelated phenomena
Oneiromancy: practice of divination through the interpretation of dreams
Ghyll: ravine, stream, woody or wooden glen, dell
Voluminous: having great volume, fullness, size, or number, large
Orphean: pertaining to immense musical talent, extreme bravery, or drama and pathos
Appendix: additional material at the end of a book or other text, an appendage
Misnomer: an incorrect designation, term, or nomenclature
Eugenics: study of methods of improving genetic qualities by selective breeding
Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils, witchcraft, sorcery, consorting with demons
Florilegium: a volume or collection of brief extracts or writings, anthology

Piquant: aromatic, appetizing, appealingly provocative

Bayonet: blade adapted to fit the muzzle-end of a rifle and as a weapon in close combat

Hauberk: medieval coat of armor, usually made of chain mail

Marzurka: Polish dance resembling the polka, frequently adopted as a ballet form

Schadenfreude: satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune, sadism

Pyrrhic: of a victory, having high levels of casualties or damage on both sides

Heterotopia: a place or space that functions in non-hegemonic conditions

Desiccate: to dry up or cause to dry up, to deprive or exhaust of moisture

Quercitron: type of tree, a type of tree bark used in tanning and dyeing

Perforate: to pierce, punch, or bore a hole or holes in, stab through, penetrate

Gyrfalcon: a large arctic falcon

Amalgamation: consolidation, agglutination, integration, union, fusion

Ovoviviparous: producing eggs that do no require nourishment from the mother

Awakening: rousing, quickening, act of waking from sleep, revival of interest or attention

Molecular: of, relating to, produced by, or consisting of molecules

Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt

Diocese: ecclesiastical district under the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop

Axolotl: specific members of a genus of salamanders

Hyacinth: tropical, American herb, red, transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone

Proaulion: a porch, court before a building, vestibule, portico opening into a main room

Infrastructure: the underlying foundation or basic framework, structural content

Wasabi: very pungent green Japanese condiment made from the root of the herb, Wasabi

Nucleus: central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered, core, nexus, plexus

Semiotician: one who studies, applies, or explains the theories of semiotics

Page 26

2011-04-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Patzer: an amateur or inferior chess player
Ratiocination: conclusion, process of logical reasoning or exact thinking, reasoning
Sabbatical: extended period of leave, typically a year or semester
Ogygian: ancient, primeval, antediluvian, antiquated, very old
Girandole: a mirror having attached candle holders
Regalia: the emblems and symbols of royalty, such as the crown and scepter, jewelry
Meniscus: anatomical term, the curve in a liquid when observed in a cylinder
Parameter: factor that determines a range of variations, a boundary
Felsenmeer: an assemblage of rock fragments completely mantling the surface of an area
Basilisk: legendary serpent with lethal breath and glance, usually turning it’s prey to stone
Lucifugous: avoiding, evading, disliking, or fleeing from light or light sources
Aeronautical: of or relating to aeronauts or aeronautics
Gobemouche: a silly, gullible, or credulous person, person with a mouth agape
Calypso: rare orchid, a tribal and fervid dance
Paradox: seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true, enigma
Scrivener: transcriber, professional or public copyist or writer, scribe, notary public
Propaganda: concepts spread to help or harm a person, group, institution, nation, etc.
Megalomania: mental condition typified by delusions of wealth, power, or omnipotence
Calico: coarse, brightly printed cloth, a type of pattern
Eiderdown: down of a duck used as stuffing for quilts or pillows
Solidus: the backslash symbol (\), gold coin of ancient Rome, bezant

Cacafuego: swaggering braggart or boaster, spitfire

Heresiarch: leader, founder, or chief advocate of a heresy or heretical movement or sect

Progenitor: direct ancestor, originator of a line of descent, precursor, forefather

Desperado: bold or desperate outlaw or criminal, violent or reckless felon

Orison: prayer, benediction, blessing, invocation, supplication

Amphigory: meaningless or senseless work of writing, especially one planned as a parody

Rupestrian: of or composed of rock, sculpted with or by rock

Trinity: group consisting of three closely related members, unity of three special objects

Epicurean: hedonistic, gastronomical, pertaining to good taste

Amphisbaena: Greek mythological being, two-headed snake, a head on each end

Continuum: coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression

Jettison: to cast off a ship or overboard, to remove something extraneous, omit or forgo

Gravitas: substance, weightiness, profundity, high seriousness, dignity

Periapt: charm worn as superstitious protection against mischief, evil, and disease, amulet

Cathedral: large, presiding, and/or important church, emanating from a chair of authority

Tectrix: one of the coverts on a bird’s wing

Athenaeum: institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning, phrontistery

Pergola: framework that supports climbing plants, arbor

Grobian: a slovenly, crude, and often boorish individual, boor, lout

Kinetic: relating to the motion of matter and the forces and energy associated therewith

Convivial: amicable, fond of feasting, drinking, and good company, sociable

Epoch: era, period marked by distinct character or reckoned from a fixed point or event

Bethesda: a hallowed, sanctified, or holy place, a chapel, holy ground

Samurai: member of hereditary warrior class in feudal Japan, warrior of the Bushido

25th Page

2011-04-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Clithridiate is one of my absolute favorite words.

Viceroy: governor, representative of a sovereign
Cavil: to object or criticize adversely for trivial reasons, flimsy objection or qualm
Permutation: complete change, a transformation, act of altering a set of objects in a group
Numeral: symbol used to represent, denote, or symbolize a number
Isotope: atom whose nucleus contains an abnormal number of neutrons
Orismology: the science of defining technical terms and making those terms
Plastron: under part of a turtle or tortoise shell, breastplate beneath a coat of chain mail
Ululate: loudly lament, howl or wail, as with grief, yell
Alkahest: hypothetical universal solvent sought by the alchemists, azoth
Skewer: to stab, to drive a skewer through, a long, sharpened metal or wooden stick
Anschauung: intuition or perception of sense data with little or no rational interpretation
Misanthropy: hatred, faithlessness, or mistrust of humankind
Synecdoche: a reference to a part as opposed to the whole, girl as “skirt” ship as “sail”
Hermetic: wholly sealed, chiefly against the entry of air, impervious to outside influence
Interval: intervening period of time, period of temporary cessation, pause
Postmortem: of, pertaining to, or occurring in the time following death
Climax: highest or most intense point in the making or resolution of something, summit
Drepaniform: falciform, hooked, curved, or shaped like a sickle, falcate
Aposiopesis: abrupt stop of a thought in a sentence, as if the speaker could not continue
Barathea: soft fabric of silk and cotton, silk and wool, or all wool
Persiflage: frivolous, bantering talk, bantering talk with derisive treatment of a subject

Lachrymose: dolorous, showing sorrow, crying, weeping, sad, bleary, tearful

Conduit: means by which something is transmitted, channel for conveying fluids

Renegade: one who rejects a cause or ideology for another, deserter, outlaw, rebel

Subterfuge: deceptive stratagem or device, deception via artifice to evade, hide, or escape

Ocular: of, pertaining to, or for the eyes, of the nature of an eye, optic

Cashielaws: old Scottish instrument of torture, consisting of a heated iron case for the leg

Umbrage: offense, affront, the shade beneath a tree, shade, suspicion, reason for doubt

Calibrate: to check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard

Detritus: remnants of disintegration, vaporized or eroded matter, loose, leftover material

Philanthropy: the effort or drive to further the well-being of humankind, generosity

Onanism: masturbation, the act of masturbation, coitus interruptus

Manifold: many and varied, of many kinds, multiple, having many features or forms

Perspicacious: having keen mental perception and insight, discerning, keen-sighted

Echt: not fake or counterfeit, real, genuine, authentic

Schwerpunkt: application of decisive force at or on a critical point

Mimesis: imitation or representation of the world, mostly in literature and art, mimicry

Iatrogenic: induced by a physician, be it words, therapy, or treatment

Haruspex: priest who practiced divination through the medium of animal entrails

Vraic: kelp, seaweed, collected seaweed to be used as fertilizers

Crpytozoology: study or search of creatures whose existence has not been substantiated

Goliath: person or thing of massive size and/or power, colossus, behemoth

Impecunious: lacking money, penniless, having very little or no money

Amanuensis: secretary, one who is employed to take dictation or to copy manuscript

Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped, resembling a keyhole

Page 24

2011-04-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

What a hitherto unseen phenomenon. Having dethroned the Prettiest list with delirious biznasty and uncompromising abandon, Coolest now accrues all the revenue related to length and girth with its alarming precedent. What a delight.

Geometry: the pure mathematics of points and lines and curves and surfaces
Colossus: huge statue, something likened to a huge statue, as in size or importance
Posterity: succeeding or future generations collectively, future generations
Stamina: physical or moral strength to deal with illness, fatigue, or hardship, endurance
Animadversion: criticism that is usually adverse and prompted by a degree of hostility
Calamity: great misfortune, misery, disaster, grievous affliction, event which causes such
Bellicose: inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious
Logolepsy: the obsession or an obsession with words, what they mean, or themselves
Malcontent: dissatisfied with existing conditions, a chronically dissatisfied person
Tapestry: heavy cloth woven with rich, varicolored designs or scenes, often hung on walls
Cosmogyral: whirling around the cosmos, traversing or spinning around the cosmos
Electrum: a pale yellow alloy of silver and gold
Quatorzain: a poem of 14 lines resembling a sonnet but lacking the rhyming or structure
Ataraxy: calmness of the mind and emotions, tranquility, state of tranquilization
Emeritus: retired from active service, usually for age, but retaining one's rank or title
Pulchritude: attractiveness, great physical beauty and appeal, gorgeousness
Zither: a type of instrument, similar to the steel guitar or the dulcimer
Daemon: subordinate deity, guardian spirit, demon
Cwm: a valley, dell, field, heath, to copulate with an ewe
Anxiolytic: preventing or reducing anxiety, antianxiety medication, tranquilizer
Pseudomartyr: false, pretended, or affected martyr

Hermeneutics: theory, study, and methodology of interpretation

Enterprise: undertaking, especially one of risk or complication, business organization

Metheglin: type of mead, alcoholic liquor made of fermented honey

Drogulus: a presence with no evidence whatsoever of its presence, thing-in-itself

Coterminous: having the same or coincident boundaries, coextensive in range or scope

Soporific: inducing or tending to induce sleep, drowsy, substance that induces sleep

Ultima: last or final syllable, the last person, place, or thing in a series

Emerald: deep, dark green

Carmagnole: short jacket with wide lapels, spirited dance to a particular song

Mafufunyana: disorder or mental affliction, evil spirits, evil spirits causing illness

Pendulum: body suspended from support so it swings freely under the influence of gravity

Epoxy: two-part adhesive that cures (dries) by chemical interaction between the two parts

Sphragistic: relating to, pertaining to, or of seals and signets

Apostolicity: being of or contemporary with the Apostles in character

Pauldron: either of two metal plates worn with a suit of armor to protect the shoulders

Kamikaze: sacrificial action or attack, attack or action requiring suicide to execute

Imprimatur: a sign or mark of approval, insignia of approval

Seppuku: hara-kiri, ritual suicide by disembowelment formerly practiced by samurai

Oblivion: condition or quality of being completely forgotten, void, forgetfulness

Peregrination: course of travel, journey, extensive voyage, especially on foot

Rhetoric: art or study of using cogent and effective speech, skill in the usage of language

Apostasy: abandonment of one's religious faith, political party, one's principles, or a cause

Centurion: commander of a century (100 soldiers), high-ranking official or leader

Zaibatsu: powerful family-controlled commercial combine of Japan, conglomerate

23rd Round

2011-04-06T01:26:00.000-07:00

I really wish I could figure how to elongate the definition for "abacaxi".

Enamel: vitreous, usually opaque, protective or decorative coating or shell
Pogrom: massacre, organized massacre or persecution of a minority group, genocide
Abacaxi: a pineapple
Nadir: the absolute lowest point, opposite of the zenith or apogee, lowest point
Vitreous: of or resembling glass, as in color, composition, brittleness, or luster, glassy
Cognoscente: person who has expert or superior knowledge in a subject, connoisseur
Heuristic: of or relating to trial analysis using self-teaching tactics to better performance
Planetesimal: small asteroid which orbited the sun before the solar system was made
Lavadero: laundry room, a place to wash gold
Dedimus: a writ giving a private person permission to act as a judge
Jonquil: widely cultivated ornamental plant
Anthracite: glossy, hard coal which burns with a nearly smokeless flame
Dramaturgy: devices used in writing plays to distinguish plays from other literary forms
Coriander: aromatic herb, herb used in a variety of perfumes
Lamprey: eel-shaped fish with a sucking mouth
Quarkonium: physics term, flavorless meson whose makeup are a quark and its antiquark
Bijouterie: general plural of trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof
Recalcitrant: reluctant, difficult to manage or operate, not responsive to treatment, unruly
Quomodocunquize: to make or attempt to make money in any way possible
Ambrosia: food of the gods, something overpoweringly delicious or fragrant
Chrysoberyl: a rare hard yellow green mineral, used as a gemstone

Peradventure: mayhaps, it may be, maybe, possibly, perhaps

Nuclear: deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy

Gaucherie: awkwardness, inexperience, embarrassments

Lethargy: the quality or state of being lazy or indifferent, lassitude, apathy, ennui

Acolyte: ranked clergy member, assistant in liturgical rites

Pabulum: material for intellectual sustenance, food, aliment, nourishment

Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affliction thereof

Manuscript: form of a literary work submitted for publication, especially handwritten

Xysti: pl. covered portico of a gymnasium

Periphery: line that forms the boundary, limited circumference of sight, perimeter

Codicil: addendum, supplement, appendix, or revision to a will, supplement or appendix

Latitudinarian: holding, having, or expressing broad or tolerant views

Integer: any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero

Analemma: sundial, figure-8 indicating sun’s declination

Verecund: bashful, shy, modest, demure

Operose: laborious, done with or requiring much toil, very busy, industrious, travailing

Jocular: characterized by joking, kidding, or facetiousness, given to joking

Perfidy: treachery, deliberate breach of faith, calculated violation of trust, betrayal

Formaldehyde: colorless gaseous or liquid compound, usually used for preservation

Sedition: revolt against authority, insurrection, propaganda inciting revolt

Regimen: a systematic plan designed to improve and maintain health

Hyperbole: figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect

Iniquity: violation of right or duty, wicked act, sin, gross immorality or injustice

Acciaccatura: grace note, an embellishing note usually written in smaller size

22nd Page

2011-04-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm aware that if you consulted an unabridged dictionary, you could invariably find every iota of the stuff posted here. This is meant to be a jumbled point of reference, in ways. And just to showcase specific elements of philology. But the lists are purty big. And I'm quite sure that the words are crommulent.

Jacqueminot: crimson rose
Intaglio: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material
Wroth: angry, wrathful, furious, irate, full of wrath or rage
Diadem: crown worn as a sign of royalty, royal power or dignity, object worn as a crown
Elysian: blissful, delightful, pertaining to the Elysian Fields or Elysium
Treatise: formal essay, systematic, usually extensive written discourse on a subject
Orexis: the feeling and striving aspect of the mind as contrasted with the intellectual
Perplex: to cause to be puzzled over what is not understood or certain, confuse mentally
Thermonuclear: of, relating to, or derived from fusion of atomic nuclei at high heat
Behemoth: something of enormous size and power, huge animal, machine, or creature
Coeval: of the same age, date, or duration, equally old, lasting through the same era
Exhilaration: liveliness, high spirits, elation, state of stimulation, felicity
Paranoia: psychological disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur
Iambic: consisting of iambs or characterized by their predominance
Palingenesis: metempsychosis, doctrine of transmigration of souls
Bulwark: wall of material built for defense, rampart, protection from external danger
Theremin: melodic instrument of the electronic family
Ataxia: loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement, failure of coordination
Xenophobe: person who fears or hates foreigners, strange customs, or strange places
Sempiternal: eternal, endless, lasting forever, ceaseless
Eucalyptus: tall type of Australian tree

Objet d’art: object of art, valuable or highly artistic piece or work

Facsimile: copy or reproduction of an item, typically a book

Coercion: the act of coercing, the use of pressure, threats, blackmail, or intimidation

Extrapolate: to infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information

Hubris: excessive pride, overbearing arrogance, blind vanity

Picayune: of little value, paltry, measly, meager, of minimal or low value

Moratorium: suspension of activity, period of time during when something is not allowed

Enigma: person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous

Gambit: opening move, maneuver, stratagem, or ploy, usually one used at an early stage

Implosion: the act of bursting inward, a volatile collapse with violent results

Symposium: conference for discussion of a particular topic

Quartz: common, gemstone-like material characterized by translucence

Risorgimento: a time of renewal or renaissance, revival

Heliocentric: having or relating to the Sun as the center or core

Escutcheon: shield, shield on a coat of arms, ornamental or protective plate

Vestibule: a small entryway between the outer door and the interior of a building

Cauterize: to burn or sear with a caustic brand, usually for medical purposes

Lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly, to distress, mangle, slash

Rhododendron: ornamental evergreen shrub

Idiosyncrasy: characteristic, habit, mannerism, etc., that is peculiar to an individual

Gymnastic: exercises designed to promote and show strength, balance, and agility

Roseate: rose-colored, rosy, optimistic, cheerful and bright, promising

Fiasco: complete and utter failure, failure, disappointment, social gaffe or failure

Ultimatum: serious, final statement of terms made by one party to another

Doublupdate, I Avoid Technology

2011-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Belabor: to attack, strike, to explain or insist on excessively, scold
Epithelium: type of body tissue
Trapezoid: quadrilateral having two parallel sides
Proscenium: Greek or Roman theater stage, the part of a stage in front of the curtain
Radii: pl. the radius of a circle/sphere is any line segment from its center to its perimeter
Gallimaufry: jumble, hodgepodge, mélange, imbroglio, farrago, miscellany
Vertiginous: of, relating to, typified by, or affected with vertigo or dizziness, whirling
Odium: disgrace from a hateful action, enmity, opprobrium, strong dislike, contempt
Incendiary: causing or capable of causing fire, combustible, inflammatory
Uniaxial: having one, of, relating to, or affecting one axis
Exigent: needing immediate action, urgent, requiring much effort or expense, demanding
Matutinal: of, relating to, or occurring in the morning, early
Rostrum: dais, pulpit, podium, or other elevated platform for public speaking
Apoplexy: stroke, impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage
Causerie: informal discussion or chat, short conversational piece of writing or criticism
Transverse: extending or lying across, in a crosswise direction, at angles to the long axis
Thalassocrat: one who has maritime supremacy, of a ruler, expert seaman, or trader
Dirigisme: economic planning and control by the state
Panopticon: prison designed so that the overseer can see all of the prisoners at all times
Castanet: small, percussion instruments made of hard material which are clicked together
Escritoire: writing desk, desk designed for studies

Impetus: a drive or compelling force, motivation, a reason to do something

Riparian: of, on, or relating to the banks of a natural course of water, stream, or river

Corrigenda: error to be revised, especially a printer's error, list of errors with corrections

Mosaic: artwork, picture, or design made by setting small colored pieces into a surface

Scythestone: stone for sharpening scythes, a whetstone

Aegis: auspices, kindly endorsement and guidance, a shield

Cinnabar: bright red, glowing red

Synapse: junction or network of nerve impulses

Elliptical: of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse, with a word or words omitted

Demigod: the offspring of a god and a mortal, usually gifted with exceptional powers

Chatoyant: like or resembling a cat’s eye

Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten

Polymerization: chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer

Reredos: back of a hearth of a fireplace, ornate screen on the wall at the back of an altar

Acherontic: infernal, gloomy, dismal, moribund, fiery, dark

Gendarmerie: French police force, force of gendarmes

Cyrenaic: pertaining to a philosophical tenet (that pleasure is the only good in life)

Scholium: marginal annotation or comment, annotation, note in an appendix

Hybrid: word made of parts from different languages, offspring of two different things

Guerdon: to reward, a reward, recompense, payment

Termagant: quarrelsome, scolding woman, a shrew, harridan

Vale: the world, life, mortal or earthly life

Doldrums: a spell or state of listlessness or despondency, blues, period of ennui

Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water

Comatose: of, relating to, or affected with coma, unconscious, marked by lethargy, torpid

Quidnunc: one who is curious and given to speculating, especially about trivial things

Espionage: act or practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information

Triumvirate: group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority

Raconteur: one who tells stories and anecdotes with skill, brio, and wit, skilled storyteller

Autumnal: pertaining to, like, relating, or evocative of Autumn

Garrison: body of troops stationed in a fortified place, permanent military post

Erudite: characterized by great knowledge or insight, learned or scholarly

Rubicon: point of no return, limit which, when reached, requires absolute commitment

Vacillate: to waver between actions or decisions, to hesitate

Petard: explosive device used in warfare to breach a wall, kind of firecracker

Rendezvous: meeting at a given time and place, to go to or arrive at a meeting place

Annihilate: to destroy completely, eliminate, kill in large numbers, obliterate

Cerebellum: part of the brain that regulates coordination and voluntary muscle movement

Evanescent: brief, transient, ephemeral

Vehement: zealous, ardent, impassioned, typified by influence of expression or fervor

Seraglio: harem, harem house, brothel, living quarters thereof

Jaguar: large, spotted feline mammal of Central and South America

Polyglot: one who speaks multiple languages, containing matter in several languages

Gossamer: delicate, light, flimsy, transparent and thin, like a spider’s silk

Expostulate: to reason earnestly with someone to dissuade or correct, remonstrate

Denizen: inhabitant, resident, one that frequents a particular place, occupant

Requiescat: prayer for the repose of the soul of the dead or a dead person

Salmagundi: mixture or assortment, potpourri, medley

Tremulous: marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking

Congelifraction: splitting or disintegration of rocks as a result of the freezing of the water

Quintessence: fifth element, perfect embodiment

Rigmarole: complex protocol or procedure, confused, rambling, or incoherent discourse

Opacity: opaqueness, obscurity, impenetrability

Metallurgical: of, pertaining to, or relating to metallurgy

Exegesis: critical explanation, analysis, or interpretation of a text or portion of a text

Colcothar: brownish-red oxide of iron

Fulcrum: point, structure, or support on which a lever pivots

Belvedere: roofed structure, on top of another building, which commands a large view

Parallax: apparent dislocation of an object seen from two points not perceived as the same

Solarium: sunroom, room, gallery, or glassed-in porch exposed to the sun

Vaticinate: prophesy, prognosticate, augur, foretell

Equilibrium: state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces

Kakistocracy: government lead by unscrupulous, unsuitable, or unqualified people

Modicum: small, moderate, or token amount, a limited quantity or amount, small portion

Inenubilable: incapable of being cleared of clouds, unclear, indistinct, inexplicable

Bellwether: leader or indicator of future trends, trendsetter

Testatrix: a female testator, a woman writing her last will and testament

Oyez: “yes”, “hear, hear”, used thrice in a row to conduct the opening of a court of law

Eucalyptus: tall type of Australian tree

Page 19

2011-04-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day, another new page. I can barely contain my shivers of ecstasy.

Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation

Tephra: solid matter that is ejected into the air by an erupting volcano, scoria, dust, ashes

Hiatus: gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity, a break, sabbatical

Delirium: state of mental disarray and unstable consciousness from intoxication or fever

Concourse: large open space for the gathering or passage of crowds, broad thoroughfare

Hiemal: of, pertaining to, like, or relating to winter

Tedium: quality or condition of being tedious, tediousness or boredom

Nihilism: type of philosophy, total and absolute destructiveness or destruction

Catatonia: condition typified by stupor, stereotypy, mania, and/or rigidity of the limbs

Parazonium: long, triangular dagger, wide at the hilt end and coming to a point

Colporteur: book merchant, bible salesman, salesman of religious tracts

Oasis: fertile, vibrant, or green spot in a desert or wasteland

Dioscuric: describing a twin, whether person or event, of a twin, of a duplicate

Symptom: subjective evidence of disease, phenomenon serving as evidence

Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes

Grenadier: soldier who uses and carries grenades, infantryman, one who throws grenades

Malaise: bodily weakness, nondescript illness, vague feeling of discomfort

Colliquate: to change from solid to liquid, to liquefy

Oculus: an architectural part resembling or suggestive of an eye or eyes

Apollonian: serene, calm, or well-balanced, poised and disciplined, pertaining to Apollo

Maudlin: tearfully or weakly emotional, effusively sentimental

Escalade: the act of scaling a wall, usually with a ladder or rope

Paragon: model of excellence or perfection of a kind, a peerless example

Tryst: an agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place, a date

Caballero: skilled horseman, gentleman, cavalier

Numina: pl. presiding divinity or spirit of a place, creative energy, genius

Vacuum: a space entirely devoid of matter, absence of matter, vacuity

Ycelpt: to call, name, named, called, known as

Insomnia: inability to get ample sleep, difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeplessness

Elixir: solution of alcohol and water, substance believed to maintain life indefinitely

Nephritic: of, relating to, or like a kidney or the kidneys, renal, of or having nephritis

Phaeochrous: dusky, shady, subfusc, overcast, obscure

Malfeasance: misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official

Arbitrary: determined by chance, whim, or impulse, not by necessity, reason, or principle

Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent

Egregious: flagrant, conspicuously bad or offensive, glaring, outrageously bad

Intelligentsia: the intellectual elite of a society, group of intellectuals, social class thereof

Pontificalibus: the vestments and accoutrements of a cardinal or pope

Relinquish: voluntarily cease to keep or claim, surrender

Avalanche: fall or slide of a large mass of snow or rock, overwhelming amount, flood

Chiropteran: pertaining to bats, mammalian order

Horologium: an instrument(as a clock) used for measuring time

Allegretto: music term, moderately fast tempo

Cryogenic: of or relating to low temperatures, requiring or suitable to cryogenic storage

Larmoyant: lachrymose, given to tears or weeping, tearful, crying