D.A. abbreviation of "District Attorney," the government prosecutor of criminal cases for a specified judicial district.

1
dab to pat or press lightly, as with a sponge or cotton swab. [6 definitions]
dab2 any of several flatfishes, similar to flounders.
dabble to wet by splashing or dipping. [4 definitions]
dabchick any of various small diving birds belonging to the grebe family.
da capo from the beginning; D.C. (used in music as a direction to repeat a passage).
Dacca the capital of Bangladesh.
dace any of various small freshwater fishes, similar to minnows.
dacha in Russia, a country house.
dachshund one of a German breed of small dogs having long bodies, very short legs, and drooping ears.
Dacron trademark for a synthetic, wrinkle-resistant polyester fiber or fabric.
dactyl in prosody, a metrical unit consisting of one accented or long syllable followed by two unaccented or short
syllables, as in the words "syllable" and "honesty". [2 definitions]
dactylography the study of fingerprints as a basis for identification.
dad (informal) father.
dada (sometimes cap.) a primarily European literary and artistic period of the early twentieth century characterized
by cynicism, anarchy, and a rejection of convention.
daddy (informal) father.
daddy-longlegs (used with a sing. or pl. verb) any of various spiderlike arachnids that have a small, rounded body and
extremely long, thin legs; harvestman.
dado in architecture, the section of a pedestal between the top and bottom moldings. [3 definitions]
Daedalus in Greek mythology, an artist who made wings for himself and his son Icarus to escape from the Labyrinth in
Crete.
daemon a god or secondary deity. [3 definitions]
daffodil a plant with bell-shaped, usu. yellow flowers on tall stems. [2 definitions]
daffodil a plant with bell-shaped, usu. yellow flowers on tall stems. [2 definitions]
daffy (informal) silly, foolish, crazy, or weak-minded in mood or temperament.
daft lacking good sense; insane; witless. [2 definitions]
dagger a short, pointed, swordlike weapon with two sharp edges. [3 definitions]
dago (offensive slang) a person of Italian or sometimes Spanish descent.
daguerreotype an early process of photography that used a silvered metal plate rather than film. [2 definitions]
Dagwood sandwich (informal) a many-layered, ludicrously large sandwich with a wide variety of fillings.
dahlia any of several garden plants having tuberous roots and large showy flowers in a variety of
colors. [2 definitions]
dahoon an evergreen shrub or low tree that bears red berries and is grown in the southeastern United States as a
hedge.
daikon a large white Japanese radish.
Dail Eireann the lower house of parliament in the Republic of Ireland.
daily occurring every day; used every day. [4 definitions]
daily double a bet that may be won only by picking both winners in two different races on the same day, as in horse racing.
daily dozen (informal) a set of twelve or more calisthenic exercises that are performed daily.
daimon variant of daemon.
dainty small and delicate. [4 definitions]
daiquiri a cocktail made of rum, lime juice, and sugar.
dairy a place of business or a building where milk is stored and milk products such as butter and cheese are
made. [4 definitions]
dairy case a large, refrigerated container used for holding and displaying dairy products in a store.
dairy cattle cows that are raised for their milk rather than their meat.
dairying the business of a dairy.
dairying the business of a dairy.
dairymaid a female worker on a dairy farm, esp. one who milks the cows; milkmaid.
dairyman a male owner, manager, or employee of a dairy.
dairy product a type of food made from the milk of certain mammals, primarily that of cows, goats, and sheep.
dairywoman a female owner, manager, or employee of a dairy.
dais a raised platform, esp. at one end of a meeting hall, for speakers or persons being honored.
daisy any of various plants having flowers with yellow centers and white rayed petals. [3 definitions]
Dakar the seaport capital of Senegal.
Dakota (pl.) North and South Dakota (usu. prec. by "the"). [3 definitions]
dal a thick, spiced sauce made with lentils, split peas, or the like, served in Indian cuisine. Dal is usually served
over rice or with soft, flat bread as a main part of a meal.
Dalai Lama traditionally, the high priest of Tibetan Buddhism. (See also Gyatso, Tenzin.)
dalasi the chief monetary unit of Gambia, equaling one hundred bututs.
dale a valley.
daleth the name of the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Dalit a member of the lowest Hindu caste in India.
Dallas a large U.S. city in northeastern Texas on the Trinity River.
dalliance amorous play; flirtation. [2 definitions]
dally to waste time; be idle. [4 definitions]
Dalmatian any of a breed of fairly large dogs that have short white hair spotted with black or liver color.
dal segno from the sign (used in music as a direction to return to the point so marked and repeat a passage).
dalton see "atomic mass unit."
dalton see "atomic mass unit."
1
dam a barrier built usu. across a waterway to restrict flow and raise the water level. [4 definitions]
2
dam a female parent, esp. of a four-legged mammal.
damage harm or injury that reduces usefulness, value, or soundness. [4 definitions]
damaged having sustained harm or injury.
Damascene of or pertaining to Damascus, its residents, or the like. [6 definitions]
Damascus the capital of Syria.
Damascus steel hand-wrought steel, used esp. for sword blades, that is made by repeated folding and welding, thereby
creating a pattern of wavy lines; damask steel.
damask a fine cloth woven of linen, silk, wool, or cotton with a prominent, elaborate pattern. [6 definitions]
damask rose a fragrant pink Asian rose that is an ancestor of hybrid roses and whose oil is often used as a source for attar.
damask steel see "Damascus steel."
dame an honorific term used in the past for a woman in authority, such as a head of household. [3 definitions]
dame school an informal school common to Colonial New England in which rudimentary educational and social skills were
taught to children by a woman in her home. [2 definitions]
dammit used to express anger or frustration.
damn to declare the immorality or unworthiness of; condemn. [11 definitions]
damnable deserving to be condemned. [2 definitions]
damnation the act of damning or condition of being damned. [2 definitions]
damnatory expressing, threatening, or causing condemnation.
damned condemned, esp. to hell. [4 definitions]
damn it used to express anger or frustration.
Damocles in Greek legend, a man who was placed under a sword that hung by a single hair, to learn of the perilous
nature of a ruler's life.
Damocles in Greek legend, a man who was placed under a sword that hung by a single hair, to learn of the perilous
nature of a ruler's life.
damp slightly wet; not completely dry. [8 definitions]
damp-dry to dry (laundry) partially so that some moisture is retained.
dampen to make moist. [3 definitions]
damper a person or thing that damps or dampens, esp. one that restrains or controls. [2 definitions]
damsel a young woman or maiden, esp., in the distant past, one of noble birth.
damselfish any of a group of brightly colored marine fish from the family Pomacentridae, living esp. among coral reefs.
damselfly any of various insects resembling small dragonflies but having wings that fold over the body when they are at
rest.
damson a species of plum tree. [2 definitions]
Dan according to the Old Testament, the fifth son of Jacob. [2 definitions]
Danaides in Greek legend, the daughters of Danaus, king of Argos, who murdered their husbands and were condemned
in Hades to draw water forever with a perforated vessel.
Da Nang a port city in central Vietnam on the China Sea, site of an important U.S. military base during the Vietnam
War.
dance to move the body in a rhythmic sequence, usu. in a prescribed fashion and usu. to music. [9 definitions]
danceable combined form of dance.
dance hall a usu. public establishment that charges an admission price and provides space, music, and sometimes
partners for dancing.
dancer one who dances or whose profession is dancing.
dancing the activity of moving the body to music for enjoyment.
D and C abbreviation of "dilatation and curettage," a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and the uterine
lining is scraped with a curette.
dandelion a low-growing weedy plant with notched leaves and yellow flowers. [2 definitions]
dander flaky scales of skin, feathers, or fur that may cause allergic reactions. [2 definitions]
dandify to make (oneself or another person) look like or become a dandy or fop.
dandify to make (oneself or another person) look like or become a dandy or fop.
dandle to dance (a child) up and down on one's knees or in one's arms. [2 definitions]
dandruff a thin crust that forms on the scalp and is shed in flaky particles.
dandy a man who is greatly concerned about the smartness of his clothing and appearance. [4 definitions]
Dane a native or citizen of Denmark, or a descendant thereof.
Danelaw the series of laws created by Danish invaders and settlers in northeastern England during the ninth and tenth
centuries. [2 definitions]
danger exposure to harm or peril. [2 definitions]
dangerous likely to cause or permit harm; full of risks; unsafe.
dangle to hang loosely, esp. with a swinging motion. [3 definitions]
Daniel according to the Old Testament, a Hebrew prophet employed at the Babylonian court who was cast into a
lions' den as a punishment for disobedience, but emerged unharmed. [2 definitions]
Danish of or pertaining to Denmark or its people, culture, language, or the like. [3 definitions]
Danish pastry a light, flaky pastry that is made of raised dough, filled with cheese, fruit, or the like, and usu. drizzled with
 icing.
dank unpleasantly damp and chilly.
danseuse a female ballet dancer.
Dante an Italian poet; Dante Alighieri (1265-1321).
Danube a river originating in Germany and flowing through central Europe, eventually emptying into the Black Sea.
Danube River a river originating in Germany and flowing through central Europe, eventually emptying into the Black Sea.
dapper neat and stylish in dress and appearance.
dapple a patch or group of spotted markings of different shade or color than their background, or a single such
mark. [4 definitions]
dapple-gray gray spotted with a darker shade. [2 definitions]
DAR abbreviation of "Daughters of the American Revolution."
DAR abbreviation of "Daughters of the American Revolution."
dare to be courageous enough or reckless enough to do something. [4 definitions]
daredevil a person who recklessly risks physical harm by performing dangerous feats. [2 definitions]
daresay to take the risk of saying (used to introduce a statement of what one imagines to be true; used only in the first
person singular in the present tense).
Dar es Salaam the seaport capital of Tanzania.
Darfur a region of western Sudan.
Dari the dialect of Persian spoken in Afghanistan and one of its two official languages, the other being Pashto.
daring willingness to take risks; boldness. [4 definitions]
Darjeeling a variety of black tea grown in the mountainous region around Darjeeling, India.
dark characterized by a lack of light. [7 definitions]
Dark Ages the Middle Ages, esp. from about 476 A.D. to the end of the tenth century, so called because of intellectual,
cultural, and social decline and stagnation.
darken to cause to be dark or darker. [6 definitions]
dark horse an unknown contestant or one who unexpectedly wins a race, esp. a horse race. [2 definitions]
dark-horse of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a contestant or candidate that might win unexpectedly.
dark lantern a lantern with a sliding panel or shutter that can be used to hide the light.
darkly so as to be dark or obscure. [2 definitions]
darkness the absence of light. [4 definitions]
darkroom a room made lightproof and equipped for processing photographic materials.
darky (offensive) a dark-skinned person.
darling a deeply loved person (used esp. in direct address). [5 definitions]
1
darn to mend, esp. by weaving thread or yarn over a hole in fabric. [2 definitions]
1
darn to mend, esp. by weaving thread or yarn over a hole in fabric. [2 definitions]
2
darn (informal) used as a mild form of damned or cursed; darned. [4 definitions]
darned (informal) damned or cursed in a mild way; darn. [2 definitions]
darnel any of several flat-leaved grasses.
darning the act of mending a hole or tear, esp. by using interwoven stitches. [2 definitions]
darning needle a large needle with a big eye, used in darning. [2 definitions]
darshan in Hinduism, an instance of seeing or being in the presence of the divine, thought to be experienced through
seeing a very holy person, sacred object, or holy place. [2 definitions]
dart a small pointed missile, thrown by hand or shot from a blowgun or other device. [6 definitions]
darter a person or thing that darts. [3 definitions]
Darvon trademark for a painkilling drug, propoxyphene hydrochloride, often with phenacetin, caffeine, and aspirin
added.
Darwinian theory Charles Darwin's theory that plants and animals evolved from early primitive life forms with variation caused
by natural selection and survival of the fittest. (See evolution.)
Darwinism the Darwinian theory. [2 definitions]
dash to hurl or thrust (something) violently, esp. so as to break or shatter. [12 definitions]
dashboard in an automobile or other vehicle, a panel below the windshield containing dials, controls, and compartments.
dashi a broth used in Japanese cookery that is typically made from dried bonito, kelp, or sardine, or a combination
of these.
dashiki a loose, often brightly-colored tunic or pullover shirt of African origin.
dashing bold and gallant; exciting; daring. [2 definitions]
dash light a light used to illuminate the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, esp. at night.
dassent (dialectal) a regional pronunciation of "darest not," "darest" being an older second person singular, present
tense form of the verb "dare."
dastard a coward who sneakily does harm. [2 definitions]
dastardly cowardly; mean; sneaky.
dastardly cowardly; mean; sneaky.
dasymeter an instrument for measuring gas density.
dasyure any of various small nocturnal Australian marsupials, including the Tasmanian devil, that eat insects or flesh.
data (used with a sing. or pl. verb) plural form of datum, an individual piece of information that is used to draw a
conclusion.
database a large collection of information arranged for quick retrieval, updating, or the like, esp. such a collection in a
computer.
data processing the recording, organizing, and storing of information, esp. by computers, in accordance with strictly defined
 procedures.
data processor a person who compiles data or enters data into a computer for processing. [2 definitions]
data set a collection of data records to be analyzed.
1
date a specific day or point in time, usu. described by indicating the month, day, and year. [11 definitions]
2
date the edible fruit of the date palm tree of the Middle East.
dated having a date. [2 definitions]
dateless having no date. [3 definitions]
dateline at the beginning of a news article, a line giving the place and usu. the date of its origin.
date line see "International Date Line."
date palm a tall palm tree with a thick trunk, cultivated in tropical and desert regions for its dates.
date rape the act of rape committed by a person who is on a date or in a date-like social situation with the victim.
dative denoting, relating to, or in a grammatical case that usu. marks indirect objects. [2 definitions]
datum an individual piece of information that is used to draw a conclusion. [2 definitions]
daub to smear or cover with soft sticky material such as plaster. [7 definitions]
daughter a person's female offspring, either natural or adopted. [2 definitions]
daughter-in-law the wife of one's son.
daughter-in-law the wife of one's son.
daughterless combined form of daughter.
daunt to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage.
daunting causing or capable of causing hesitation or lessening of determination.
dauntless incapable of being discouraged or frightened off; fearless. [2 definitions]
dauphin during the time of the monarchy, the eldest son of a king of France.
daven to recite a daily prayer or prayers of the Jewish liturgy.
davenport a large upholstered sofa, often one convertible to a bed.
David according to the Old Testament, the second king of Israel, a shepherd as a youth who killed the giant Goliath,
and reputedly the author of many of the Psalms.
davit on a ship, any of various small cranes that project over the side and are used to raise and lower small boats.
Davy Jones a name used by sailors to symbolize the spirit of the sea.
Davy Jones's locker the bottom of the ocean, esp. when referred to as the grave of all the sailors who have died or will die at sea.
daw a small crow native to Europe; jackdaw.
dawdle to walk slowly and aimlessly; linger along the way. [3 definitions]
dawn the first daylight in the morning, or the time at which it occurs. [5 definitions]
dawn on someone to come into one's mind as something newly realized or understood.
dawn redwood a Chinese tree, cultivated in the United States, that resembles the redwood and bears cones but has
deciduous twigs and needles.
day the period between sunrise and sunset or between two successive nights. [5 definitions]
day after day on each day for a certain period of days.
Dayak a member of one of the Indonesian peoples living in the interior of Borneo, or their language.
daybed a couch, usu. armless, that may also be used as a bed, or a bed that serves as a couch.
daybed a couch, usu. armless, that may also be used as a bed, or a bed that serves as a couch.
daybook a book for recording each day's events; diary. [2 definitions]
daybreak the first daylight in the morning; dawn.
day camp a place or program that offers recreational or instructional activities during the daytime for children who are on
vacation from school.
day care daytime care and supervision, in a home or day-care center, esp. for preschool children, or after-school or
vacation care for older children, or supervised daytime care for elderly or disabled people. [2 definitions]
daydream a dreamlike fantasy one has while awake, often characterized by pleasant thoughts or wishful
imaginings. [2 definitions]
Day-Glo trademark for a substance used to produce vivid fluorescence in paints or colors.
day in court the opportunity to be heard or to present one's case, as in a legal proceeding.
day in, day out every day without change; continuously over an indefinite number of days.
day laborer a worker, esp. an unskilled one, who is paid by the day.
day letter in former times, a telegram sent during the day that was cheaper but slower than a regular telegram.
daylight the light of the day, or the time that the sky is or becomes light. [4 definitions]
daylight-saving time standard time that has been advanced by one hour in a given time zone, usu. in the spring and lasting into the
fall, in order to provide one more hour of daylight at the end of each day.
day lily any of several wild and cultivated varieties of lily whose multiple, trumpet-shaped flowers each bloom for a
single day.
daylong lasting the entire day.
day nursery a nursery school in which preschool children, usu. of working parents, receive care and supervision during the
day.
Day of Atonement see "Yom Kippur."
day room a room for recreation, reading, or writing, as in a military barracks, nursing home, or other institution.
days during the daytime regularly.
day school a private school for pupils who live at home and attend classes only during the day. (Cf. boarding
school.) [2 definitions]
daytime the time between dawn and evening.
daytime the time between dawn and evening.
day-to-day occurring daily; routine. [2 definitions]
day-tripper one who makes a day-long trip but does not stay overnight.
daywork work that is completed and paid for on a daily basis, such as the work of a housecleaner.
daze to stun, as by a blow or shock. [3 definitions]
dazed stunned with shock or disbelief. [2 definitions]
dazzle to dim or confuse the vision of, by blinding light. [6 definitions]
dazzling having great billiance; extremely shiny or sparkly. [3 definitions]
dB abbreviation of "decibel," or "decibels," a unit indicating the level of loudness of sound, relative to a standard
level, or indicating relative differences in power levels of electrical signals, equal to ten times the common
logarithm of the ratio of the two levels.
dbl. abbreviation of "double."
2
D.C. abbreviation of "District of Columbia," a federal area on the Maryland side of the Potomac River that
encompasses only the U.S. capital city of Washington (often used informally to refer to the city.)
DC abbreviation of "direct current," an electric current that flows in one direction. (Cf. "AC.")
1
D.C. abbreviation of "da capo," from the beginning (used in music as a direction to repeat a passage).
D.D. abbreviation of "Doctor of Divinity."
D-day the day, kept secret, on which a military attack or other important action is scheduled to take
place. [2 definitions]
DDR abbreviation of "Deutsche Demokratische Republik;" German Democratic Republic; formerly, East Germany.
D.D.S. abbreviation of "Doctor of Dental Surgery."
DDT a powerful pesticide, insoluble in water, currently restricted in the United States because of adverse effects on
the environment; dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane.
DE abbreviation of "Delaware," an eastern U.S. state between Maryland and New Jersey.
de- away from; from; off. [4 definitions]
deacon in certain Christian churches, a clergyman just below a priest in rank. [3 definitions]
deacon in certain Christian churches, a clergyman just below a priest in rank. [3 definitions]
deaconess in certain Protestant churches, a woman selected to assist the ministry, esp. in social services.
deactivate to make inactive or inoperative. [2 definitions]
dead lacking normal life functions; not alive. [16 definitions]
dead as a doornail definitely dead, or beyond hope of revitalizing.
deadbeat (informal) one who avoids paying debts or expenses.
dead center the exact center. [2 definitions]
dead duck (informal) a person or thing that is too deteriorated or ruined to be helped or saved, or that is sure to suffer
ruin or failure.
deaden to make the nerves insensitive to. [3 definitions]
dead end a street, alley, or conduit that is closed at one end, offering no through passage. [2 definitions]
dead-end having one end or outlet closed. [2 definitions]
deadening material used to dull or deaden, esp. to muffle sound. [2 definitions]
deadeye one of a pair of hardwood disks with holes and concave rims through and around which certain rigging ropes
are passed, used esp. to tighten the stays and shrouds of sailing vessels. [2 definitions]
deadfall a trap in which a heavy weight is set to drop on an animal and either stun or kill it. [2 definitions]
deadhead (informal) a person who uses a free ticket for transportation, admission, or the like; nonpaying
customer. [5 definitions]
dead heat a race that ends in a tie between two or more contestants.
dead letter a letter that the post office is unable to deliver or return, usu. because of an incorrect address or the lack of a
return address. [2 definitions]
dead-letter office a postal department to which undeliverable or unreturnable letters and parcels are sent to be opened,
delivered if an address can be found, or destroyed.
deadlight a strong shutter or cover fastened over the interior of a ship's porthole or cabin window in stormy
weather. [3 definitions]
deadline a date or time by which something must be done. [2 definitions]
dead load the fixed or permanent weight of a structure that exerts a uniform, constant pressure on the supports. (Cf. live
load.)
dead load the fixed or permanent weight of a structure that exerts a uniform, constant pressure on the supports. (Cf. live
load.)
deadlock a standstill or stoppage of progress on either side between equally strong or determined
adversaries. [2 definitions]
deadly capable of causing death. [6 definitions]
deadly nightshade see "belladonna."
deadly sins the seven sins believed to cause spiritual death: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth.
dead march a slow, solemn piece of music, esp. a march played during a funeral procession.
deadpan showing no emotion; blank and expressionless. [3 definitions]
dead reckoning the calculation of the position of a ship or airplane on the basis of speed, distance, wind speed, and currents,
rather than on more accurate astronomical observations.
Dead Sea a large salt lake between Israel and Jordan, and the lowest recorded land elevation on earth, at about 1300
feet below sea level.
Dead Sea Scrolls scrolls dating from about 100 B.C. to 70 A.D. that were found in caves above the Dead Sea, and that contain
scriptural and other writings of a Jewish religious community.
dead set against utterly opposed to; strongly against.
dead weight the unrelieved weight of any inert mass, esp. a human or animal body. [3 definitions]
deadwood on a tree, branches or sections of trunk that are dead. [2 definitions]
deaf partly or totally lacking the sense of hearing. [2 definitions]
deafen to cause to become deaf. [2 definitions]
deafening extremely loud, sometimes loud enough to cause hearing loss.
deaf-mute one who can neither hear nor speak. [2 definitions]
deal1 to take specific action about something (usu. fol. by "with"). [15 definitions]
2
deal fir or pine wood, or planks made of such wood.
dealate having lost the wings in combat, through injury, or the like, as certain insects that shed their wings after the
mating flight.
dealer one who buys and sells; trader or merchant. [2 definitions]
dealer one who buys and sells; trader or merchant. [2 definitions]
dealership a sales agency authorized to sell a particular product in a particular area.
dealing (usu. pl.) business transactions; official interactions or relations. [2 definitions]
dealt past tense and past participle of deal1.
dean a college or university official, responsible for administering a department or office of the
institution. [4 definitions]
deanery the position, realm of authority, or residence of a church dean.
dean's list a list of students with the highest overall academic grade averages in a given term.
dear loved or precious. [9 definitions]
dearie (informal, old-fashioned) darling; dear.
dearth a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. [2 definitions]
deary dear one; used as an affectionate, or sometimes patronizing, term of address.
death the end of life; termination of life functions in any living thing. [5 definitions]
deathbed the bed in which a person dies. [3 definitions]
death bell a bell sounded to announce a death.
deathblow a blow that causes death. [2 definitions]
death camas any of various North American plants of the lily family that bear white or greenish flowers and have roots that
are poisonous, esp. to sheep.
death chamber the room in which someone has died, is dying, or is to be put to death.
death cup a poisonous mushroom with white gills and a bulbous cup surrounding the base of the stalk.
death house a prison building where prisoners awaiting execution are housed, and where execution takes place.
death knell the sounding of a death bell. [2 definitions]
deathless not subject to dying; enduring forever; immortal. [2 definitions]
deathless not subject to dying; enduring forever; immortal. [2 definitions]
deathly causing death; fatal; lethal. [4 definitions]
death mask a cast of a corpse's face.
death penalty a sentence of death as punishment for a crime; capital punishment.
death rate the number of deaths per unit of time for a given area or group.
death rattle a gurgling or rattling sound that sometimes issues from a dying person who can no longer cough up mucus in
the throat; rale.
death row a part of a prison where prisoners awaiting execution are housed.
death's-head a human skull, or portrayal thereof, esp. as a symbol of death.
death's head moth a large European hawk moth that has markings on its back resembling a human skull.
death squad a group, such as a firing squad or hired assassins, that carries out executions, esp. political ones.
death tax see "inheritance tax."
deathtrap a place or situation in which death could readily occur, such as an unsafe building.
death warrant an official authorization to carry out execution of a death sentence. [2 definitions]
deathwatch the act of waiting by or near the side of a dead or dying person. [3 definitions]
death wish a usu. unconscious desire for one's own or another's death.
deb (informal) a debutante.
debacle a sudden collapse into disaster; downfall. [3 definitions]
debar to shut out; exclude. [2 definitions]
1
debark to put or go ashore, as from a ship; disembark.
2
debark to take the bark off of (a log).
debase to reduce in value, quality, esteem, or character.
debase to reduce in value, quality, esteem, or character.
debatable open to debate or argument; doubtful.
debate a discussion of two opposing viewpoints, usu. in a formal meeting or assembly. [7 definitions]
debauch to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. [3 definitions]
debauchee one who excessively indulges in sensual pleasures.
debauchery excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, esp. of a sexual nature, or an instance of this.
debenture a corporate or government bond that pays fixed interest and that is backed by the issuer's credit
status. [2 definitions]
debilitate to make feeble; weaken.
debility a state of unusual physical weakness, esp. as the result of disease.
debit an amount of money removed from or owed on an account, or the record of that amount. [5 definitions]
debit card a card issued by the holder's bank used to pay for purchases or withdraw money by an immediate electronic
debiting of funds on deposit in the holder's bank account, and often also allowing transactions at an ATM
machine.
debonair having or marked by a charming and carefree but polite manner; suave.
debouch to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. [4 definitions]
debrief to question (an astronaut, soldier, or the like) in order to obtain any information gathered during a mission.
debris scattered fragments, as after an act of destruction; ruins; rubble. [2 definitions]
debt something owed to another, such as money or services. [3 definitions]
debtless combined form of debt.
debt of honor a debt incurred in gambling.
debtor one who owes a debt to another.
debug (informal) to eliminate errors or malfunctioning parts in, esp. computer programs and computers or other
complex electronic systems. [3 definitions]
debunk to expose or ridicule the falseness or exaggerations of (a claim, theory, or the like).
debunk to expose or ridicule the falseness or exaggerations of (a claim, theory, or the like).
debut a person's first public appearance, as on stage or in concert. [5 definitions]
debutante a girl being formally presented to society.
Dec. abbreviation of "December," the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar year, having thirty-one days.
deca- ten.
decadal relating to the number ten or pertaining to a decade.
decade a unit of time equal to ten years. [2 definitions]
decadence a decline into immorality; loss of moral values. [3 definitions]
decadent characterized by a fall into an inferior state; decaying; degenerate. [3 definitions]
decaffeinated having had the natural caffeine removed; having little or no caffeine.
decagon in geometry, a ten-sided plane figure.
decagram a unit of weight equal to ten grams or 0.353 ounce.
decahedron in geometry, a ten-faced solid figure.
decal a design or picture transferred or made to be transferred from specially prepared paper to glass, metal, wood,
or the like.
decalcify to remove calcium or its compounds from (a bone or the like).
decalcomania the process of making decals.
decaliter a unit of capacity equal to ten liters or 2.642 gallons.
Decalogue the Ten Commandments.
decameter a unit of length equal to ten meters or 32.808 feet.
decamp to go away suddenly or secretly. [2 definitions]
decant to pour (wine or other liquid) carefully, so as not to stir up sediment. [2 definitions]
decant to pour (wine or other liquid) carefully, so as not to stir up sediment. [2 definitions]
decanter a stoppered, decorative glass bottle for serving wine, brandy, or the like.
decapitate to cut off the head of; behead.
decapod one of a group of crustaceans having ten legs, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. [2 definitions]
decarbonate to remove carbon dioxide gas or bubbles from.
decarbonize to remove carbon or soot from.
decarboxylate to remove a carbonyl group from (an organic compound), resulting in the emission of carbon dioxide.
decastere a unit of volume equal to ten steres or cubic meters or 13.079 cubic yards.
decasyllable a word or line of poetry having ten syllables.
decathlete one who participates in a decathlon.
decathlon an athletic contest in which each participant competes in ten different track and field events over a period of
two days.
decay to rot or become rotted; decompose. [8 definitions]
decease the act of dying; death. [2 definitions]
deceased no longer alive; dead. [2 definitions]
decedent in law, one who has died.
deceit the act or practice of misleading, tricking, or cheating. [3 definitions]
deceitful full of deceit; duplicitous. [2 definitions]
deceive to lead (a person) to believe something that is untrue; mislead; trick; defraud. [2 definitions]
decelerate to lower the speed of; decrease in velocity; slow down.
December the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar year, having thirty-one days.
decemvir one of a council of ten members that drew up the first code of Roman laws in 450 B.C. [2 definitions]
decemvir one of a council of ten members that drew up the first code of Roman laws in 450 B.C. [2 definitions]
decency the quality, state, or condition of being decent. [3 definitions]
decennial happening every ten years. [3 definitions]
decent conforming to social standards as regards morality, modesty, good taste, or the like; not obscene or
offensive. [5 definitions]
decentralize to assign the powers and functions of (a central organization or service) to various local branches or
entities. [2 definitions]
deception the act of causing someone to believe an untruth, or the state of being so deceived. [2 definitions]
deceptive able to or tending to deceive; misleading.
decerebrate to separate the brain from the spinal cord of (a person or animal), as by surgery. [3 definitions]
deci- one tenth.
deciare a unit of area equal to ten square meters or 11.96 square yards.
decibel a unit indicating the level of loudness of sound, relative to a standard level, or indicating relative differences in
power levels of electrical signals, equal to ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the two levels.
(abbr.: dB)
decide to arrive at a conclusion about or a settlement of; determine. [7 definitions]
decided unquestionable. [2 definitions]
decidua a mucous membrane that lines the uterus and is cast off at childbirth or during menstruation.
deciduous of trees and shrubs, having leaves that drop off seasonally each year. (Cf. evergreen.) [3 definitions]
decigram a unit of weight equal to one tenth of a gram or 1.543 grains.
decile in statistics, any of the values that divide a frequency distribution into ten groups of equal frequency, or any
one of these groups.
deciliter a unit of capacity equal to one tenth of a liter or 3.39 fluid ounces.
decillion the number represented by the Arabic numeral 1033. [2 definitions]
decimal pertaining to the number ten or to tenths. [5 definitions]
decimal classification a system of organizing books in libraries using numbers with decimals.
decimal classification a system of organizing books in libraries using numbers with decimals.
decimal fraction a fraction whose denominator is some power of ten, indicated by a decimal point before the numerator, such
as .7, equaling seven tenths, or .015, equaling fifteen thousandths. (Cf. common fraction.)
decimal point a period placed before the numerator in a decimal fraction.
decimal system a numbering or measuring system based on the number ten. [2 definitions]
decimate to destroy a large part or number of. [2 definitions]
decimation the act of destroying a large part or number of something.
decimeter a unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter or 3.937 inches.
decipher to convert from a coded form to ordinary language; decode. [2 definitions]
decipherable combined form of decipher.
decision the act of deciding, or the judgement, choice, or resolution that one has come to after considering a
matter. [2 definitions]
decisive having the power or character to make decisions or end disputes. [2 definitions]
decistere a unit of volume equal to one tenth of a stere or cubic meter or 3.532 cubic feet.
deck a horizontal platform or floor that extends from side to side of a ship and that may have other platforms above
or below it. [6 definitions]
deck chair a lightweight folding chair, often with a full-length leg rest, often used on passenger ships.
-decker something that has (so many) decks, layers, or the like. [2 definitions]
deck hand a seaman employed mostly on the deck of a vessel.
deckle a framework or edging piece used in some papermaking to control the size of the sheets.
deckle edge the irregular, untrimmed edge characterizing handmade paper, or an edge made to look like this.
declaim to speak in a formal manner; deliver a speech. [4 definitions]
declamation the act of declaiming. [2 definitions]
declamatory in the manner of one who is declaiming. [2 definitions]
declamatory in the manner of one who is declaiming. [2 definitions]
declaration the act of declaring. [4 definitions]
Declaration of the public document by which the United States of America was declared to be free and independent of
Independence England in 1776.
Declaration of Sentiments the document signed in 1848 by 68 women and 32 men in connection with the first women's rights
convention.
declarative making a statement, assertion, or declaration.
declarative sentence a sentence that makes a statement. There are many examples of declarative sentences, such as, "It is raining
outside."
declare to proclaim or formally announce (the fact of something happening or existing). [7 definitions]
declared war an armed conflict that is precipitated by a formal declaration of war.
declare war on to formally state an intention to wage war against. [2 definitions]
declassify to remove the security classification, such as "top secret," from (an official document, information, or the like).
declension in grammar, the process of listing systematically the inflected forms of an adjective, a noun, or a pronoun by
categories such as case, gender, and number. [3 definitions]
declination a movement, bend, or slope downward. [5 definitions]
decline to refuse in a civil or polite way (to do or to give something). [10 definitions]
declivity a downward or descending slope. (Cf. acclivity.)
decoct to extract a flavor or essence from, by boiling.
decode to convert (a coded message) into ordinary language; decipher. [2 definitions]
décolletage a low neckline, esp. at the front of a woman's garment. [2 definitions]
décolleté of a garment, having a low neckline, esp. at the front. [2 definitions]
decolonization the process or act of freeing a colony or eliminating colonialism.
decolonize to set free (a colony or colonies) from colonial rule.
decompose to break down (a substance) into simpler compounds or component elements. [3 definitions]
decompose to break down (a substance) into simpler compounds or component elements. [3 definitions]
decompose a number in mathematics education, to separate a number into its component place values. For example, to decompose
the number 231 you would write "200+30+1".
decompress to reduce pressure or compression on. [3 definitions]
decompression the act or process of decompressing or being decompressed, as in deep-sea diving. [2 definitions]
decompression sickness a painful and sometimes fatal condition caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood, resulting
from returning to atmospheric pressure too quickly from deep water or a compression chamber;
aeroembolism; bends.
decongestant a medical agent that reduces congestion, as in sinuses or nasal passages.
deconstruction a literary criticism philosophy, introduced in the 1960s, asserting that because words are defined using other
words, the meaning of text has no stable reference and therefore cannot have a fixed meaning. [2 definitions]
decontaminate to clear of impurities or dangerous substances; remove contaminants from. [2 definitions]
decontrol to eliminate control over (something), esp. government control; deregulate. [2 definitions]
décor the style, furnishings, or decorative scheme of a room, building, or the like. [2 definitions]
decorate to make more attractive or interesting by adding ornamental items or designs. [5 definitions]
decoration an act, process, or technique of decorating. [3 definitions]
decorative adding to visual attractiveness; ornamental.
decorator a person who decorates, esp. one whose occupation is designing interior décors.
decorous proper or formal with respect to behavior, manners, appearance, or the like.
decorticate to husk, debark, or peel. [2 definitions]
decorum properness of behavior, manner, appearance, or the like; dignity; propriety.
decoupage the technique of decorating something with cut-out pictures on paper or other material, covered by a flat finish
or varnish. [3 definitions]
decoy something or someone used to lure, entice, or misdirect, as into danger or a trap, esp. an artificial bird or
animal used to lure live birds or animals within gunshot or into a trap. [3 definitions]
decrease to become less in number, amount, size, strength, or the like; diminish. [4 definitions]
decree an official and authoritative order or decision, esp. by a ruler or government. [3 definitions]
decree an official and authoritative order or decision, esp. by a ruler or government. [3 definitions]
decrement the act or process of gradually decreasing or lessening. [2 definitions]
decrepit in poor condition because of old age or much use; dilapidated; worn-out.
decrepitude a weakened, feeble, or dilapidated condition, esp. owing to long use or old age.
decrescendo gradually decreasing in loudness, force, or intensity (usu. used as a musical direction). (Cf.
crescendo.) [5 definitions]
decrescent decreasing or waning, as the moon.
decretal containing, having the nature of, or pertaining to a decree or decrees. [2 definitions]
decretory of, pertaining to, or following a decree. [2 definitions]
decriminalize to make legal; eliminate criminal penalties for.
decry to express strong disapproval of; disparage; condemn.
decumbent leaning or lying down; reclining. [2 definitions]
decuple ten times as great or many; tenfold. [4 definitions]
dedicate to set apart or declare to be for a special use or purpose, as a worthy cause, public benefit, or sacred
activities. [5 definitions]
dedicated committed to a cause or undertaking and devoting great energy, effort, or time to it. [4 definitions]
dedication an act or ceremony of dedicating or of being dedicated. [4 definitions]
dedifferentiation a stage in the regeneration of some tissue, in which specialized cells revert to primitive cells to produce a
blastema.
deduce to draw (a conclusion) by reasoning from given information or general principles. [2 definitions]
deducible able to be concluded or inferred from certain facts or principles.
deduct to subtract (an amount or a part) from another amount or sum. [3 definitions]
deductible able to be deducted. [5 definitions]
deduction something that is subtracted or deducted. [4 definitions]
deduction something that is subtracted or deducted. [4 definitions]
deed an act, exploit, or accomplishment. [4 definitions]
deedless combined form of deed.
deejay one who plays recorded music and provides commentary over the radio or at an event or venue; disc jockey;
DJ.
deem to consider, suppose, or judge. [2 definitions]
de-emphasize to place less emphasis on; reduce the importance of.
deep having great space below or behind a certain point; reaching far down or back; not shallow. [13 definitions]
deep-dish pie a pie, usu. of fruit, baked in a deep dish, often with a crust only on the top.
deepen to make deeper. [2 definitions]
deep-freeze to freeze (food) for storage. [2 definitions]
deep-fry to fry in a deep pan with enough fat or oil to cover what is being cooked.
deeply in a strong and serious way; intensely.
deep-rooted firmly implanted or established.
deep-sea associated with or occurring in the deeper parts of the sea; deepwater.
deep-seated firmly established; ingrained.
deep-set set far in; deeply set. [2 definitions]
deep-six (informal) to cast overboard. [2 definitions]
Deep South the southeastern U.S. region, esp. Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, considered
most typically Southern.
deep structure in transformational grammar, the abstract syntactic pattern that underlies the construction and interpretation of
a sentence.
deepwater associated with or occurring in the deeper parts of a body of water.
deer any of a family of large, swift, hoofed mammals, such as the white-tailed deer or the reindeer, the males of
which usu. have antlers that grow and are shed yearly. [2 definitions]
deer any of a family of large, swift, hoofed mammals, such as the white-tailed deer or the reindeer, the males of
which usu. have antlers that grow and are shed yearly. [2 definitions]
deer mouse any of various large-eared mice of the Western Hemisphere that have long tails and white feet and
undersides.
deerskin leather made from the hide of a deer. [3 definitions]
de-escalate to lessen in intensity, size, or scope.
deface to damage or deform the surface or appearance of; disfigure. [2 definitions]
de facto actual, esp. as opposed to what is believed to be the case or what is formally acknowledged. [3 definitions]
defalcate to misappropriate funds; embezzle.
defamation the act of causing damage to the reputation of a person, group, or institution by making unfavorable and
unjust statements. [2 definitions]
defamatory causing or tending to cause injury to another's reputation; libelous or slanderous.
defame to damage or destroy the reputation of (a person, group, or institution) by making unfavorable and unjust
statements. [2 definitions]
default failure to take positive action; neglect. [14 definitions]
defeat to win a victory over; beat in a game, battle, or the like. [4 definitions]
defeatable combined form of defeat.
defeated feeling or accepting that one has lost or failed. [2 definitions]
defeatism the tendency to expect defeat or accept defeat with resignation.
defeatist one who regards losing or failing as inevitable or accepts it with resignation. [2 definitions]
defecate to expel feces from the bowels. [2 definitions]
defect a flaw, error, or other imperfection. [3 definitions]
defection the act of deserting or renouncing loyalty to something to which one is supposed to be loyal, such as one's
country, duty, religion, or party. [2 definitions]
defective having a flaw, error, or other imperfection. [2 definitions]
defence a spelling of "defense" used in Canada and Britain. See "defense" for more information.
defence a spelling of "defense" used in Canada and Britain. See "defense" for more information.
defend to protect from harm, seizure, or intrusion; guard. [4 definitions]
defendable combined form of defend.
defendant one who is accused or sued in a court of law. (Cf. plaintiff.) [2 definitions]
defender someone who believes in and supports a person, plan, idea, or the like. [4 definitions]
defenestration the act of throwing someone or something out of a window. [2 definitions]
defense the act of defending. [7 definitions]
defenseless combined form of defense.
defenseman in the sports of hockey or lacrosse, a player or a team member who is assigned a position close to the goal in
order to prevent the other team from scoring.
defense mechanism in psychology, an unconscious process that submerges or opposes ideas or actions that would be painful or
inappropriate. [2 definitions]
defensible capable of being defended or justified.
defensive intended for defense or protection, or serving to defend or protect. [6 definitions]
defensive back a player in American football, whose primary role is to deflect or intercept passes. [2 definitions]
1
defer to put off until a later time or date; postpone. [3 definitions]
defer2 to submit or yield to the desire, opinion, or judgment of another.
deference respect for and submission to the desires, opinions, or judgments of another. [2 definitions]
deferential characterized by or showing deference; respectfully submissive.
deferment the act of putting off or delaying; postponement. [2 definitions]
defiance resistance against authority; insubordination; rebellion. [3 definitions]
defiant characterized by a bold disregard or contempt for authority or opposition; refusing to obey.
defiantly in a manner that shows a strong rejection of an idea or authority or an unwillingness to obey.
defiantly in a manner that shows a strong rejection of an idea or authority or an unwillingness to obey.
defibrillate to stop the fibrillation of (a heart), usu. by administering electric shock.
deficiency the quality or condition of lacking something required; insufficiency or incompleteness. [2 definitions]
deficiency disease a disease caused by lack of a specific nutrient in the diet, or by the body's inability to absorb or metabolize it.
deficiency judgment a judicial decision in favor of a creditor for that part of a debt not satisfied by the debtor, esp. following the
foreclosure and sale of a mortgage property.
deficient lacking some essential part, element, substance, or characteristic. [2 definitions]
deficit an amount by which something is less than what is required or expected, esp. the amount by which income is
less than expenses.
deficit financing a governmental policy of borrowing to finance government spending.
defier one who challenges or resists authority.
1
defile to make unclean, foul, or filthy. [5 definitions]
2
defile a narrow passage or valley, as between mountains. [3 definitions]
define to explain or state the meaning of (a word or phrase). [4 definitions]
definite clearly defined or fixed, as opposed to being undecided, undetermined, or general; precise;
exact. [3 definitions]
definite article in English grammar, the article "the," which restricts or particularizes the noun or noun equivalent that it
modifies. (Cf. indefinite article.)
definitely without a doubt; positively. [2 definitions]
definition the act of defining or making clear. [3 definitions]
definitive most reliable, complete, or authoritative. [3 definitions]
deflate to cause to shrink or collapse, esp. by releasing air or gas. [4 definitions]
deflation the action or condition of collapsing or being collapsed or depressed, as by release of contained
air. [2 definitions]
deflect to turn aside or slant away from a straight course; swerve.
deflectable combined form of deflect.
deflectable combined form of deflect.
deflection the act or fact of being deflected. [3 definitions]
deflower to end a woman's virginity by sexual intercourse. [3 definitions]
defog to remove the condensed moisture or fog from (a mirror, windshield, or the like).
defoliant a chemical spray or dust that causes plants' leaves to drop off.
defoliate to remove the leaves of (a tree or the like). [4 definitions]
deforest to remove the trees or forests from.
deforestation the removal of forest or trees from an area of land.
deform to damage or distort the shape or form of; misshape; mutilate. [4 definitions]
deformable combined form of deform.
deformation the act of deforming or condition of being deformed. [2 definitions]
deformed having a disfigured, warped, or distorted shape; misshapen.
deformity the condition of being deformed, misshapen, or distorted. [3 definitions]
defraud to deprive of something by wrongful and usu. unlawful deception; cheat; swindle.
defray to pay or assist in the payment of (costs or the like).
defrayable combined form of defray.
defrock to strip or deprive of the rights, rank, authority, and functions of a particular office or profession, esp. that of
priest; unfrock.
defrost to remove frost or ice from. [3 definitions]
defroster a small heater, usu. in a car, for preventing or removing frost.
deft capable, quick, and clever in action; skillful; dexterous.
defunct no longer in existence or use; dead; extinct.
defunct no longer in existence or use; dead; extinct.
defuse to remove the fuse from (a bomb, mine, or other explosive device). [2 definitions]
defy to resist or challenge openly; act against the wishes or decrees of. [3 definitions]
deg. abbreviation of "degree," or "degrees," a unit of measure, such as that on a temperature scale.
degauss to neutralize (the magnetic field of a steel ship, chassis, or the like) by means of electric coils; demagnetize.
degeneracy the process of declining, or condition of having declined, from an elevated position, or below a normal or
desired state. [2 definitions]
degenerate to decline from an original or former condition; change for the worse in nature or quality;
deteriorate. [6 definitions]
degeneration the process of decline or decay. [4 definitions]
degenerative of, exhibiting, or promoting degeneration.
deglutinate to remove or extract the gluten from.
deglutition the act or process of swallowing.
degradation the act or process of degrading, or the condition of being degraded. [2 definitions]
degrade to bring (someone or something) down in moral or intellectual character; deprave; debase. [8 definitions]
degraded below normal standards; uncivilized or depraved. [2 definitions]
degrading tending to debase or humiliate.
de Grâve a French red or white wine.
degrease to dissolve oil or grease.
degreaser a product that dissolves oil or grease.
degree a stage or step, esp. as part of a course of action or process. [6 definitions]
degree-day a unit that represents one degree of difference, from a standard temperature, in the mean outdoor
temperature on a certain day.
dehisce to split open along a pre-existing line, as the seedpods of certain plants.
dehisce to split open along a pre-existing line, as the seedpods of certain plants.
dehorn to remove the horns of (cattle or the like).
dehumanize to deprive of individuality, spirit, or other human qualities; render routine or mechanical.
dehumidify to reduce the level of atmospheric moisture in.
dehydrate to remove water from (fruits, vegetables, or other foods) for preservation. [4 definitions]
dehydration the act or process of removing water, or the elements of water, from something such as a food or chemical
compound. [2 definitions]
dehydroepiandrosterone a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain that is a precursor of androgens and
estrogens.
dehydrogenase an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen atoms from a molecule.
dehydrogenate to remove hydrogen from (a chemical compound).
de-ice to keep free of ice or remove ice from.
deify to raise to the rank of a god; consider to be a god. [2 definitions]
deign to consider some act to be appropriate or in keeping with one's dignity; condescend. [2 definitions]
Deimos the smaller of the two moons of the planet Mars.
deinstitutionalize to enable (one who has been institutionalized, such as a mental patient) to live away from the institution,
within the community. [2 definitions]
deism the belief, based only on reason and on evidence in nature, and not on any supernatural revelation, in the
existence of a god who created the universe. (Cf. theism.)
deity a god or goddess. [4 definitions]
déjà vu the almost physical sensation, when one is in a place or having an experience, that one has been in that place
or had that experience before.
deject to cause to feel low in spirit; discourage, dishearten, or depress.
dejected having or exhibiting low spirits; discouraged, disheartened, or depressed.
dejection lowness of spirits; depression or melancholy.
de jure according to the law; by right. (Cf. de facto.)
de jure according to the law; by right. (Cf. de facto.)
deka- variant of deca-.
dekagram variant of decagram.
dekameter variant of decameter.
delaine a fine wool used in worsted fabrics. [2 definitions]
Delaney clause an amendment to a U.S. law that prohibits the use of food additives found to cause cancer in animals or
humans.
Delaware an eastern U.S. state between Maryland and New Jersey. (abbr.: DE) [3 definitions]
delay to postpone until a later time. [7 definitions]
dele to remove or delete. [3 definitions]
delectable extremely pleasing; delightful. [2 definitions]
delectation enjoyment; delight; pleasure.
delegate a person who is authorized to speak or act for one or more others, such as a representative to a conference
or convention. [3 definitions]
delegation a group of persons selected to represent others, as at a conference or convention. [3 definitions]
delete to remove or eliminate (written words, sentences, or the like) by crossing out, cutting out, or erasing.
deleterious harmful or injurious, as to health.
deletion the act or an instance of deleting. [2 definitions]
delft a variety of Dutch earthenware that is glazed white and usu. decorated with blue. [2 definitions]
deli (informal) delicatessen.
deliberate said or done intentionally. [5 definitions]
deliberately intentionally or with premeditation. [2 definitions]
deliberation the act of carefully thinking about a matter in order to make a decision; the act of deliberating. [3 definitions]
deliberation the act of carefully thinking about a matter in order to make a decision; the act of deliberating. [3 definitions]
deliberative organized or convened to debate issues formally for the purpose of determining policy. [2 definitions]
delicacy fineness of texture or design. [8 definitions]
delicate agreeable to the senses because of fineness or subtlety. [7 definitions]
delicatessen a shop that sells ready-to-eat foods such as salads, cooked meats, and cheeses. [2 definitions]
delicious extremely pleasing or agreeable, esp. to the sense of taste or smell. [3 definitions]
delight considerable pleasure, satisfaction, or enjoyment. [5 definitions]
delighted filled with delight; exceedingly pleased.
delightful very pleasing; causing delight.
Delilah according to the Old Testament, Samson's mistress, who cut off his hair, which was the source of his
superhuman strength, and delivered him to his enemies the Philistines.
delimit to define or mark the limits or boundaries of; demarcate.
delineate to represent by drawing; sketch out. [2 definitions]
delinquency failure to bear one's responsibilities; dereliction of duty or failure to meet a legal requirement. [3 definitions]
delinquent neglectful of a duty or guilty of an offense or violation of the law. [4 definitions]
deliquesce to melt away; dissolve. [3 definitions]
delirious in, pertaining to, or displaying a temporary state of mental confusion and incoherence, as from a fever or
intoxication. [2 definitions]
delirium a temporary state of mental disturbance sometimes caused by high fever, shock, or intoxication, and
characterized by confusion, hallucinations, delusions, disturbed speech, and the like. [2 definitions]
delirium tremens a condition caused by chronic excessive drinking of alcohol and characterized by hallucinations, trembling,
and anxiety.
deliver to send or bring (something) to an intended destination or recipient. [9 definitions]
deliverable combined form of deliver.
deliverance the act or process of delivering. [3 definitions]
deliverance the act or process of delivering. [3 definitions]
delivery an act of conveying or transporting. [6 definitions]
dell a small, secluded vale or valley, usu. wooded.
Delmonico steak (sometimes l.c.) a beefsteak cut from the forward end of the short loin; club steak.
Delos a small island in the Aegean archipelago sacred as the birth place of the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis.
delouse to kill or remove lice on or from (a person, animal, or thing).
Delphi an ancient town in central Greece; site of the oracle of Apollo.
Delphic of or concerning the oracle of Apollo in ancient Greece.
delphinium a cultivated plant related to the buttercup that bears tall, showy spikes of flowers; larkspur.
Delphinus a summer constellation in the northern sky, located between Pegasus and Aquila; Dolphin.
delta the name of the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. [2 definitions]
delta ray any particle emitted from matter following bombardment by ionizing radiation.
delta wave a low-frequency electric brain wave present during deep sleep in normal adults; delta rhythm.
delta wing the triangular wing of certain usu. supersonic aircraft, which provides not only lift but also horizontal
stabilization.
deltoid a thick, triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint and functions to raise the arm laterally. [3 definitions]
delude to cause to hold a false belief; mislead; deceive.
deluge an inundation of the land by a great quantity of water; flood. [5 definitions]
delusion the act of deluding; or the condition of being deluded. [2 definitions]
delusive tending to mislead or deceive. [2 definitions]
deluxe especially sumptuous, elegant, or expensive. [2 definitions]
delve to make a careful, thoroughgoing search, as for information.
delve to make a careful, thoroughgoing search, as for information.
demagnetize to remove or neutralize the magnetic properties of.
demagogic resembling, pertaining to, or characteristic of a demagogue.
demagogue a leader, esp. a speaker or politician, who attempts to persuade and to gain a following by appealing to the
emotions and prejudices of the public, rather than by rational argument. [2 definitions]
demagoguery the practices or techniques characteristic of or associated with demagogues.
demand to request forcefully. [9 definitions]
demandable combined form of demand.
demand deposit a bank deposit that can be withdrawn with no advance notice.
demanding requiring or demanding a great deal. [2 definitions]
demand-pull of or denoting a type of increase in prices that is caused by increased demand for a limited supply of goods or
services. (Cf. cost-push.)
demarcate to determine or mark the boundaries of; delimit. [2 definitions]
demarcation the determination or marking of boundaries or limits. [2 definitions]
démarche a move, countermove, tactic, or maneuver, esp. in diplomacy.
1
demean to lower in esteem, stature, or dignity; degrade.
2
demean to behave or conduct (oneself) in a certain way.
demeanor the way in which one conducts oneself; deportment. [2 definitions]
demented mentally disturbed; mad; insane. [2 definitions]
dementia mental illness; madness; insanity. [2 definitions]
dementia praecox see "schizophrenia."
demerara (often cap.) a raw light brown sugar of Guyana.
demerit a mark made on a person's record because of some fault, misconduct, offense, or failure, often leading to
punishment or a loss of privileges. [2 definitions]
demerit a mark made on a person's record because of some fault, misconduct, offense, or failure, often leading to
punishment or a loss of privileges. [2 definitions]
demesne land that is owned; estate. [5 definitions]
Demeter in Greek mythology, the goddess of agriculture, marriage, and fertility; Ceres.
demi- half. [2 definitions]
demigod a mythological being who is part divine and part human, such as the offspring of a god and a
human. [3 definitions]
demigoddess a woman considered to be a demigod.
demijohn a large, narrow-necked glass or earthenware bottle that is enclosed in wickerwork.
demilitarize to remove military forces, weapons, and facilities from; make less military. [3 definitions]
demimondaine a woman who belongs to the demimonde; prostitute or woman kept as a mistress.
demimonde a class of women who have fallen into disrepute with conventional society, usu. because of unconventional or
immoral behavior or sexual promiscuity. [3 definitions]
demineralization in physiology, the loss of bodily minerals. [2 definitions]
demise decease; death. [3 definitions]
demisemiquaver in music, a thirty-second note.
demit resign from (a post or function). [2 definitions]
demitasse a small cup of strong black coffee, usu. served after dinner. [2 definitions]
demo something that shows how something works or how something can be used. [2 definitions]
demobilize to disband (a military unit) or remove (ships or the like) from active status. [2 definitions]
democracy a form of government in which power ultimately rests with the people, either directly or through elected
representatives. [3 definitions]
democrat an advocate of the principles of democratic government. [2 definitions]
democratic having or promoting social, economic, and political equality. [3 definitions]
Democratic Party one of the two major United States political parties, founded in 1828.
Democratic Party one of the two major United States political parties, founded in 1828.
Democratic Republic of a country in Central Africa, north of Angola and south of the Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic
the Congo of the Congo was formerly known as Zaire (1971-1997) and as the Belgian Congo (1908-1960). Kinshasa is
the capital; Congo.
democratize to make or become more strongly marked by social, economic, and political equality.
démodé (French) out of fashion; outmoded.
demodulate in telecommunications, to derive the original signal from (a modulated carrier signal); detect.
demographic of or relating to the study of human populations, involving statistical analysis of size, distribution, density,
migration, fertility, and the like. [3 definitions]
demographics the characteristics of human populations, as shown by statistical analysis of their size, distribution, migration,
density, or the like.
demography the study of human populations, involving statistical analysis of size, distribution, density, migration, fertility,
and the like.
demoiselle a young woman or girl. [3 definitions]
demolish to tear down or raze (a building or the like). [4 definitions]
demolition the act or an instance of demolishing or destroying, esp. by means of explosives. [5 definitions]
demolition derby a series of sporting contests in which old automobiles are repeatedly crashed into each other until only one
can still move.
demon an evil spirit; fiend. [4 definitions]
demonetize to stop using (a metal, such as gold) as a measure or standard of monetary values. [2 definitions]
demoniac apparently under the influence of a demon or evil spirit; raging; mad. [3 definitions]
demonic relating to or suggestive of a demon; demoniac. [2 definitions]
demonism the belief in, worship of, or study of demons.
demonolatry the worship of demons; devil worship.
demonology the study of demons or of demon worship. [2 definitions]
demonstrable able to be demonstrated. [2 definitions]
demonstrate to explain or describe, esp. by modeling or using many examples. [4 definitions]
demonstrate to explain or describe, esp. by modeling or using many examples. [4 definitions]
demonstration the act of proving with evidence. [5 definitions]
demonstrative serving to demonstrate or illustrate; explanatory. [5 definitions]
demonstrator a person who demonstrates something. [3 definitions]
demoralize to weaken or destroy the confidence, courage, spirit, or morale of. [3 definitions]
demote to lower in position, grade, class, or rank.
demotic of or relating to the common people; popular. [2 definitions]
demulcent soothing, as an ointment or the like. [2 definitions]
demur to object or indicate opposition to something. [3 definitions]
demure quiet, shy, modest, or reserved in manner. [2 definitions]
demurrage the delay in loading or unloading a ship or other freight carrier beyond a previously specified
time. [2 definitions]
demurrer a plea for the dismissal of a lawsuit based on the alleged insufficiency of the opposition's contentions to
support its claim, or on other legal defects. [3 definitions]
demyelination loss of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells that causes impaired function, as in multiple sclerosis.
demythologize to discount or do away with the mythological characteristics or mythical associations of, as in an attempt to
arrive at a more realistic understanding.
den the resting place or retreat of a large predatory wild animal, such as a wolf or lion; lair. [4 definitions]
denar the chief monetary unit of North Macedonia.
denarius a silver coin of ancient Rome. [2 definitions]
denationalize to remove (an industry or the like) from government control and place in the hands of private
owners. [2 definitions]
denaturalize to strip of citizenship in a country. [2 definitions]
denature to change or remove the natural characteristics or properties of. [3 definitions]
dendrite a crystalline mineral deposit that appears in another mineral or stone in a branching, treelike
form. [2 definitions]
dendrite a crystalline mineral deposit that appears in another mineral or stone in a branching, treelike
form. [2 definitions]
dendritic resembling or having dendrites.
dendro- tree.
dendrology the scientific study of trees and shrubs.
-dendron tree or shrub.
Deneb the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus, having a magnitude of 1.2.
dengue an infectious tropical fever causing a rash and severe pains in the joints.
deniable capable of being denied.
denial a statement or assertion of the falsehood of something. [5 definitions]
denier1 one who denies.
2
denier a unit of weight, indicating the fineness of yarns such as silk, rayon, or nylon, equal to one gram per 9000
meters of yarn. [2 definitions]
denigrate to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. [2 definitions]
denim a sturdy, twilled, usu. cotton cloth used in clothing. [3 definitions]
denitrify to change (nitrates) into free nitrogen and other compounds, as by bacterial action.
denizen an animal, plant, or person living in or frequenting a particular place or area.
Denmark a Scandinavian country comprising a peninsula and nearby islands, bordered by Germany and the North Sea.
denominate to name specifically; denote or designate. [2 definitions]
denomination the act of designating or assigning a classifying name. [4 definitions]
denominational of, relating to, or controlled by a religious denomination; sectarian.
denominative naming or forming a name. [3 definitions]
denominator in arithmetic, the number in a fraction that is below the division line, indicating the number of equal parts into
which the number above is to be divided; divisor.
denominator in arithmetic, the number in a fraction that is below the division line, indicating the number of equal parts into
which the number above is to be divided; divisor.
denotation an explicit, agreed-upon meaning of a word, as distinguished from connotation. (Cf.
connotation.) [3 definitions]
denote to be a mark or signal of; indicate. [3 definitions]
denouement in a novel, play, or film, the final resolution of the plot's complexities and questions. [2 definitions]
denounce to attack or condemn verbally; speak out against; censure. [3 definitions]
de novo (Latin) from the beginning; anew; afresh.
dense having parts closely massed with little space between. [4 definitions]
density the state or condition of being dense. [4 definitions]
1
dent a hollow or depression made in a surface by or as if by pressure or a blow. [3 definitions]
2
dent a projecting, toothlike part, as on a cogwheel.
dental of, related to, or for the teeth. [2 definitions]
dental floss a tough thread, often waxed, esp. made for removing food particles and plaque from between the teeth.
dental hygiene the care and cleaning of teeth, esp. by professional dental hygienists. [2 definitions]
dental hygienist a licensed specialist in preventive dental care, whose practice includes cleaning and x-rays, and who often
works in a dentist's office.
dentate having teeth, toothlike projections, or a notched, toothlike edge.
denti- tooth.
dentifrice a preparation used to clean the teeth; toothpaste.
dentil one of a group of small rectangular blocks resembling teeth, such as those forming a molding or projecting
from under a cornice.
dentine the bonelike material under the enamel of a tooth which constitutes the main part of the tooth.
dentist one who practices dentistry.
dentistry the profession or work of diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases or malformations of the teeth, gums,
and related parts.
dentistry the profession or work of diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases or malformations of the teeth, gums,
and related parts.
dentition the arrangement, including the number and kind, of teeth. [2 definitions]
denture a partial or complete set of artificial teeth; false teeth.
denuclearize to forbid construction, presence, or deployment of nuclear weapons within (a certain jurisdiction).
denudate variant of denude.
denude to strip bare; remove covering from. [2 definitions]
denunciation a verbal attack or condemnation; the act of denouncing. [2 definitions]
Denver the capital of Colorado.
deny to declare (something) false; refuse to agree with or admit; dispute; contradict. [3 definitions]
deodar a tall cedar with drooping branches and fragrant, light red, durable wood, used as timber.
deodorant a preparation for preventing or concealing unwanted odors. [2 definitions]
deodorize to eliminate or conceal the odor of.
deoxidize to remove oxygen from, esp. by freeing chemically bound oxygen.
deoxygenate to remove free oxygen from (a gaseous mixture or a solution).
deoxyribonucleic acid see "DNA."
depart to leave; go away. [4 definitions]
departed no longer present; gone; past; dead. [2 definitions]
department a subdivision of a larger organization or system, such as a government or business. [2 definitions]
departmentalize to separate into departments.
Department of Defense the U.S. federal department of the executive branch of government responsible for national security, military
policy, and military forces. The Department of Defense includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Department of Homeland an executive department of the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect U.S. citizens and
Security property from terrorist assault.
Department of Homeland an executive department of the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect U.S. citizens and
Security property from terrorist assault.
department store a large retail store organized into departments, each of which orders, displays, and sells certain types of
merchandise.
departure the act or an occasion of leaving or going away. [2 definitions]
depend to trust or rely (usu. fol. by "on" or "upon"). [3 definitions]
dependable deserving of trust or confidence; reliable.
dependence the condition of being dependent on another for help or support. [5 definitions]
dependency the condition of being dependent. [2 definitions]
dependent relying on another for help or support. [4 definitions]
dependent clause a clause that is syntactically not a complete sentence and is used typically as an attachment to an
independent clause. A dependent clause adds additional meaning to the independent clause and functions as
a noun, adjective, or adverb.
dependent colony colony in which a majority native population is ruled by a small number of representatives from the controlling
nation.
depersonalize to cause to lose individual identity or characteristics. [2 definitions]
depict to portray or represent, as in a painting, sculpture, or written work.
depiction the way in which something is shown or represented, as in a painting, sculpture, or written work.
depilate to remove hair from (hides, skin, or the like).
depilatory able or designed to remove hair. [2 definitions]
deplane to get off an airplane.
deplete to lessen drastically; exhaust.
depletion the act or process of depleting.
deplorable deserving of contempt, censure, or reproach; very bad; wretched. [2 definitions]
deplore to feel or show strong disapproval of. [2 definitions]
deploy to move, position, or distribute so as to make ready or effective for a particular purpose. [5 definitions]
deploy to move, position, or distribute so as to make ready or effective for a particular purpose. [5 definitions]
deployable combined form of deploy.
deployment an act of deploying, esp. the placement of military forces in preparation for combat.
depolarize to remove, destroy, or counteract polarity or polarization.
deponent someone who makes a sworn statement, esp. in written form.
depopulate to eliminate or decrease vastly the number of people in (a place), as by eviction, disease, or slaughter.
deport to eject from a country under the law.
deportable combined form of deport.
deportation the legal expulsion from a country of an undesirable person, esp. an illegal alien or criminal.
deportment the way someone acts; behavior; demeanor.
depose to deprive of rank or office, esp. from an important position such as that of king. [3 definitions]
deposit to hand over, esp. for safekeeping, as to a bank account. [10 definitions]
depositary a person or firm that is given responsibility for something; trustee. [2 definitions]
deposition a sworn statement, usu. in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. [3 definitions]
depositor a person who deposits something, such as money in a bank.
depository any place used for depositing things, esp. a safe place. [2 definitions]
depot a bus or train station. [2 definitions]
deprave to change for the worse, esp. morally; corrupt; pervert.
depravity moral corruption; wickedness. [2 definitions]
deprecate to disparage or treat as having small value; depreciate. [2 definitions]
deprecatory expressing disapproval; deprecating.
deprecatory expressing disapproval; deprecating.
depreciate to lower the cost or value of, esp. of property for tax purposes, or of money. [3 definitions]
depreciation a decrease in value due to aging, wear, or the like. [4 definitions]
depredation a despoiling, robbing, or preying upon.
depress to cause to be unhappy or dejected. [4 definitions]
depressant causing a slowing of bodily functions, as by the action of a drug. [2 definitions]
depressed sad or very low in spirits; morose. [4 definitions]
depressing causing or having the potential to cause sadness and pessimism.
depression a state of deep sadness or hopelessness that can persist for months or years and is not necessarily triggered
by any particular external events. [7 definitions]
Depression glass glassware mass-produced, molded, and usu. colored during the Depression of the 1930s, and now
considered a collector's item.
depressive tending to depress. [3 definitions]
depressor a medical instrument used to depress a body part such as the tongue. [3 definitions]
deprivation the condition or state of not having something that one needs, esp. a thing that all or most people need, such
as safety, affection, food, and shelter; privation. [3 definitions]
deprive to take a possession or attribute away from; divest of. [2 definitions]
deprived lacking or prevented from having that which is needed, especially such things as food, shelter, education,
protection, and affection.
de profundis (Latin) out of the depths (used to express great sorrow or misery).
deprogram to convince of the error of recently acquired beliefs, esp. those of a religious cult, by coercive means such as
kidnapping, deprivation of sleep, and long interrogation and argumentation.
dept. abbreviation of "department," a subdivision of a larger organization or system, such as a government or
business.
depth the state of being deep. [8 definitions]
depth charge a device set to explode under water, used esp. against submarines.
depthless combined form of depth.
depthless combined form of depth.
depth perception the ability to perceive spatial relationships such as the relative distance of objects from one another or from
the observer.
depth psychology the psychological study of the unconscious mind.
deputation the act or process of choosing one or several people to act on behalf of another person, group, or other entity
such as a government. [2 definitions]
depute to choose as a representative or representatives. [2 definitions]
deputize to authorize to act as an assistant or representative.
deputy someone authorized to be a substitute or assistant. [3 definitions]
deracinate to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; isolate; exile.
derail to cause to go off the tracks. [3 definitions]
derailleur a device on some bicycles that moves the chain onto various gears in order to allow easier or more difficult
pedaling.
derange to cause to be mentally ill. [3 definitions]
deranged mentally ill; insane.
derby any of numerous horse races run every year and often restricted to three-year-old horses. [3 definitions]
derecho a severe and destructive weather event in which an expansive windstorm moves rapidly across a large area in
a relatively straight line, generally accompanied by intense thunderstorms.
deregulate to abolish regulations governing (something); decontrol.
derelict failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. [4 definitions]
dereliction deliberate failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations. [2 definitions]
deride to ridicule or treat with scornful mockery.
de rigueur (French) required by fashion, custom, etiquette, or the like.
derision mockery or ridicule.
derisive ridiculing, mocking, or scoffing.
derisive ridiculing, mocking, or scoffing.
derivation the act, fact, or process of deriving or being derived. [4 definitions]
derivative produced through derivation. [4 definitions]
derive to obtain or extract from an original source (usu. fol. by "from"). [3 definitions]
-derm skin; covering; layer.
1
derma skin, esp. the true, living skin found beneath the epidermis; dermis.
derma2 in Jewish cooking, an intestinal membrane used to hold a bread stuffing for a dish called kishke.
dermatitis the medical condition of inflamed skin.
dermato- skin.
dermatoglyphics the patterns of skin ridges on the palm of the hand and sole of the foot. [2 definitions]
dermatologist a doctor who specializes in the treatment of the skin.
dermatology the branch of medicine concerned with skin and skin disease.
dermatophyte any fungus, such as that of ringworm, that is parasitic on skin.
dermatosis any skin disease.
dermestid any of various small, dull-colored beetles that, in both the adult and larval stages, destroy leather, fur, wool,
and the like.
dermis variant of derma1.
dernier cri last cry (French); the last word; latest fashion.
derogate to detract or take away (usu. fol. by "from"). [2 definitions]
derogatory having the purpose or effect of detracting; disparaging.
derrick a device for lifting and moving heavy loads, usu. consisting of a stationary mast and a rotating boom that
projects upward from its base. [2 definitions]
derrière the buttocks.
derrière the buttocks.
derring-do daring or courageous deeds.
derringer a small pistol that can be easily concealed in a pocket.
derris any of several leguminous plants of the East Indies, whose roots produce the insecticide rotenone.
dervish someone who belongs to any of several Muslim religious groups noted for their ascetic practices and for
dancing and whirling in religious ecstasy.
DES abbreviation of "diethylstilbestrol," a synthetic estrogen formerly used to treat the symptoms of menopause
and to supplement animal feed, but now banned in the United States as carcinogenic.
desalinate to remove salt from, esp. to make sea water drinkable.
desalination the process of removing salt from water, esp. for the purpose of making sea water drinkable; desalinization.
desalinization the process of removing salt from water; desalination.
descant a secondary, usu. higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. [4 definitions]
descend to move downward or to a lower position or state. [7 definitions]
descendant one regarded as the biological offspring of a given ancestor or ancestors. [3 definitions]
descendent proceeding in a downward direction; descending. [2 definitions]
descent the act or process of going downward. [4 definitions]
describe to tell about; give a verbal account of. [2 definitions]
description the act of describing. [3 definitions]
descriptive characterized by description. [2 definitions]
descry to see or make out, esp. something obscured or at a distance. [2 definitions]
Desdemona in the Shakespearean tragedy, Othello, Othello's wife, whom he murders out of unfounded jealousy.
desecrate to violate the sacredness of; treat sacrilegiously.
desecration the act of or an instance of violating the sacredness of something.
desecration the act of or an instance of violating the sacredness of something.
desegregate to eliminate the segregation of races in. [2 definitions]
desegregation the act, result, or policy of eliminating segregation, esp. of racial or ethnic groups.
desensitize to cause to react with less intensity, as to light or other stimuli. [2 definitions]
1
desert a very dry, often sandy area with little or no plant growth. [5 definitions]
2
desert to abandon and thereby be remiss in one's duties or obligations. [3 definitions]
3
desert (often pl.) that which one deserves, esp. something unpleasant.
deserter someone who abandons or forsakes his or her military post, duties, or obligations.
desertification the transformation of fertile land to desert by natural causes, esp. drought, or through human activity such as
deforestation, overgrazing, and the like.
desertify to cause to change from land capable of sustaining plant life and agriculture to desert land that is essentially
barren.
desertion willful abandonment of one's spouse or children, as well as all related legal responsibilities. [2 definitions]
deserve to be qualified for or worthy of; merit. [2 definitions]
deserved rightly earned; merited.
deservedly with justification; rightly.
deserving worthy of praise, regard, assistance, or the like.
desex to remove the sex organs of; castrate or spay. [2 definitions]
desiccant causing dryness. [2 definitions]
desiccate to eliminate the moisture in; dry up. [3 definitions]
desiderate to want, need, or long for.
desideratum something that is needed or wanted.
design to make or draw plans for, esp. the structure or form of. [11 definitions]
design to make or draw plans for, esp. the structure or form of. [11 definitions]
designate to distinguish by means of description, marks, name, or the like; specify. [5 definitions]
designated hitter in the American League in baseball, a team member chosen at the beginning of a game to bat in place of the
pitcher.
designation an act or instance of indicating or pointing out. [3 definitions]
designedly intentionally, on purpose, or by design.
designee one who is designated.
designer a person who plans and creates designs for any of various artistic or commercial works. [2 definitions]
designing intriguing or scheming. [2 definitions]
desirable of a thing or person, having characteristics that are attractive, prized, or valuable and thus causing a wish to
have possession or the opportunity for use. [3 definitions]
desire to want or crave; yearn for. [6 definitions]
desirous having desire; desiring.
desist to stop acting in a certain way.
desk a piece of furniture, usu. having a flat surface and drawers, used for reading and writing. [3 definitions]
desktop the flat, upper working surface of a desk. [4 definitions]
desktop publishing the creation and preparation of text and graphics for publishing using small computers.
desman either of two molelike aquatic mammals found in eastern Europe and western Asia that feed on insects and
have webbed feet and a long snout.
Des Moines the capital of Iowa.
Desmond Tutu South African cleric and leader in the struggle against apartheid, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in
1984 (b.1931).
desolate without those things necessary or desirable for life; bleak; barren. [6 definitions]
desolation the condition of a place or person that is desolate. [4 definitions]
despair the state of being completely without hope. [3 definitions]
despair the state of being completely without hope. [3 definitions]
despairing suffering from or showing despair.
despatch variant of dispatch.
desperado a daring or dangerous outlaw.
desperate having no regard for danger as the result of hopelessness or great need. [4 definitions]
desperately in a desperate way; with a sense of extreme urgency, need, or despair. [2 definitions]
desperation the feeling or condition of someone or something that is desperate.
despicable worthy of hatred or contempt; worthless; low.
despise to hate or feel contempt for.
despite notwithstanding; regardless of. [3 definitions]
despoil to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder.
despoliation the action of forcefully seizing goods or belongings. [2 definitions]
despond to become discouraged and have low spirits, as from loss of hope or courage.
despondency the condition of one who is dejected by hopelessness or loss of courage.
despondent low in spirits; unhappy, depressed, or dejected.
despot a ruler who has complete power and authority. [2 definitions]
despotic of or resembling a tyrant; autocratic or dictatorial.
despotism the rule or practices of a tyrant; autocracy or tyranny. [3 definitions]
despumate to remove scum from; skim. [3 definitions]
desquamate to peel or scale, as the skin in certain pathological conditions.
dessert a sweet or fruit served as the last course of a meal.
dessert a sweet or fruit served as the last course of a meal.
dessertspoon a spoon that is between a tablespoon and a teaspoon in size and is used for eating dessert. [2 definitions]
destabilize to upset the equilibrium of (esp. a government or other organization); unbalance, often with intent to topple.
destination the planned end of a journey, or the place to which goods or baggage are sent. [2 definitions]
destine to specify for or send toward a particular place, end, or purpose. [2 definitions]
destiny that which has happened or must happen to someone or something because of fate or luck. [3 definitions]
destitute having no money or other means of living; impoverished. [2 definitions]
destitution utter poverty, or the extreme want of the necessities of life. [2 definitions]
destroy to damage beyond repair; ruin. [5 definitions]
destroyer someone or something that destroys. [2 definitions]
destroying angel any of several poisonous white mushrooms that grow in damp woodlands in warm weather.
destruct for the purpose of destroying. [3 definitions]
destructible able to be destroyed.
destruction the act of destroying. [3 definitions]
destructive causing chaos or destruction. [2 definitions]
destructive distillation the heating of a substance such as wood or coal with minimal exposure to air, to produce useful byproducts.
desuetude the state of a thing, practice, or custom that has ceased to be used or followed; disuse.
desulfurize to extract or remove the sulfur from.
desultory disordered, disconnected, or unmethodical; aimless. [2 definitions]
detach to separate from some whole. [2 definitions]
detachable combined form of detach.
detachable combined form of detach.
detached not physically connected or attached; separated. [2 definitions]
detachment the condition of someone or something that is detached. [5 definitions]
detail a small item; specific aspect; particular. [8 definitions]
detailed providing a good deal of information including small, but often important, pieces of information; thoroughly
treated or described. [2 definitions]
detain to prevent from going on; stop or delay. [2 definitions]
detainee one who is held in police custody, usu. for questioning or political reasons, without formal charges being filed.
detassel to remove the tassel from (corn) to facilitate cross-pollination in the production of hybrids.
detect to perceive, discover, or uncover. [2 definitions]
detectable able to be discovered or perceived.
detectaphone a device used to eavesdrop on phone conversations.
detection the act of detecting or investigating. [2 definitions]
detective a person, often a police officer, who conducts investigations.
detective story a fictional account of how a crime, usu. a murder, is solved by an amateur or professional detective.
detector something or someone that detects. [2 definitions]
detent a mechanical part that temporarily stops the motion of another, such as a catch that controls a clock's striking
mechanism; pawl.
détente a diminishing of tension, as between hostile nations.
detention the act or process of delaying or imprisoning, or the condition of being so held. [3 definitions]
detention home a place where juvenile offenders are held in custody, esp. while awaiting a court's disposition of their cases.
deter to stop or discourage from some action by arousing doubt or fear. [2 definitions]
deterge to cleanse, wash, or wipe off.
deterge to cleanse, wash, or wipe off.
detergent having the capacity to cleanse. [2 definitions]
deteriorate to decline or become inferior in value or quality; debase. [4 definitions]
determinacy the state of being determinate or determined.
determinant that which is a factor in determining an outcome.
determinate determined by limits or boundaries. [3 definitions]
determination the quality of being determined or resolute. [5 definitions]
determinative able, likely, or acting to determine. [2 definitions]
determine to decide or settle (a question, controversy, or the like) finally and authoritatively. [6 definitions]
determined characterized by determination; resolute. [2 definitions]
determiner someone or something that determines. [2 definitions]
determinism the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably
determined by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist.
deterrence the act or process of deterring. [2 definitions]
deterrent that which deters. [2 definitions]
detest to hate; loathe.
detestable inspiring or deserving strong hatred; abominable.
detestation strong dislike; hatred; loathing. [2 definitions]
dethrone to remove from the throne or other high and powerful position; depose.
detonate to explode or cause to explode suddenly and violently.
detonator a device used to set off explosives. [2 definitions]
detour a departure from the direct course, esp. a temporary route established to avoid road blockage or
repair. [4 definitions]
detour a departure from the direct course, esp. a temporary route established to avoid road blockage or
 repair. [4 definitions]
detox detoxification, as from a toxic or addictive substance. [3 definitions]
detoxify to eliminate poison or the effects of poison from. [2 definitions]
detract to diminish or take away (often fol. by "from"). [2 definitions]
detractor one who criticizes or disparages an idea, cause, or person to undermine support or popularity.
detrain to get off a railroad train. [2 definitions]
detriment that which causes harm, injury, or loss. [2 definitions]
detrimental causing harm, disadvantage, or deterioration.
detritus a mass of small rocks or particles broken up by geological or climatic forces. [2 definitions]
de trop (French) too much or too many; excessive or superfluous.
1
deuce in games and sports, a two, esp. a playing card or face of a die with a value of two. [2 definitions]
2
deuce (informal) the devil (used only as a mild form of swearing).
deuced (informal) confounded; devilish. [2 definitions]
deus ex machina (Latin) god from a machine; in ancient Greek drama, a god brought in by a mechanical contrivance to resolve
a plot or complicated situation. [2 definitions]
deuterium an isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and one neutron in each nucleus; heavy hydrogen. (Cf. protium,
tritium.)
deutero- second; secondary.
deuteron a particle composed of one proton and one neutron that is equivalent to the nucleus of a deuterium atom and
that has a positive charge.
Deuteronomy the fifth book of the Old Testament, which contains a restatement and exposition of the laws of Moses, his
addresses to the Israelites, and an account of his last days.
deutsche mark deutsche mark or deutsche marks (deutschemark or deutschemarks) [2 definitions]
devaluate to decrease the value of. [2 definitions]
devalue to decrease or annul the value, worth, or importance of. [2 definitions]
devalue to decrease or annul the value, worth, or importance of. [2 definitions]
devastate to ravage or lay waste, as by war or natural disaster. [2 definitions]
devastated laid to waste; severely damaged. [2 definitions]
devastating causing devastation or great upset.
devastation the act or an instance of destroying or ruining, or the destruction or ruin thus caused.
devein to remove the vein from the back of (a shrimp).
develop to bring out the potential of; advance to a more complete or more effective condition. [10 definitions]
developable combined form of develop.
developer someone engaged in buying land and developing it for housing, businesses, recreation, or the
like. [2 definitions]
developing gaining in size, maturity, or complexity.
development the process of developing or bringing to a completed state. [4 definitions]
developmental of, pertaining to, or constituting development. [4 definitions]
Devi a Hindu mother goddess. [2 definitions]
deviant different from the average or accepted norm. [2 definitions]
deviate to turn away from a direct or prescribed course. [6 definitions]
deviation difference or divergence, as from a typical pattern, accepted social norms, political orthodoxy, or the
like. [3 definitions]
device something designed or made for a specific purpose, esp. an invention or machine used to perform simple
tasks mechanically or electrically. [3 definitions]
devil (often cap.) in Christian theology, the chief spirit of evil, master of Hell, and enemy of God; Satan (prec. by
"the"). [8 definitions]
devilfish a manta or other very large ray. [2 definitions]
devilish of, like, or suited to a devil. [3 definitions]
devil-may-care breezily careless; happy-go-lucky.
devil-may-care breezily careless; happy-go-lucky.
devilment devilish behavior; mischief.
devil of a very difficult or frustrating.
devilry variant of deviltry.
devil's advocate someone who may not believe in but defends an opposing, weak, or unpopular cause to stimulate
argument. [2 definitions]
devil's darning needle a dragonfly.
devil's food cake a rich, moist chocolate cake, often covered with rich icing.
devil's paintbrush a common perennial weed found in Europe and North America that bears a cluster of orange-red flowers atop
a leafless stalk.
deviltry mischief done without regard for the consequences. [3 definitions]
devious not the straightest, most direct way; winding; roundabout. [2 definitions]
devise to invent or make (a plan, device, or solution of a problem), esp. by a fresh application of known information;
arrange; contrive. [3 definitions]
devitalize to take away the strength, health, or liveliness of; weaken.
devitrify to remove or destroy, wholly or in part, the glassy character or qualities of. [2 definitions]
devoid not having something; totally lacking (usu. fol. by "of").
devoir responsibility; obligation; duty. [2 definitions]
devolution the act or result of devolving; transfer, delegation, or passing down, as of rights or duties. [4 definitions]
devolve to pass on (a duty or the like) to one who follows. [2 definitions]
Devonian of, relating to, or designating the geological period between the Silurian and the Carboniferous of the
Paleozoic Era, from approximately 400 million to 350 million years ago, when large trees and amphibians
appeared and fish were in great abundance. [2 definitions]
devote to give (one's time or attention) to a purpose (usu. fol. by "to"). [3 definitions]
devoted showing or feeling great attachment; ardent. [2 definitions]
devotee an eager or serious follower or enthusiast.
devotee an eager or serious follower or enthusiast.
devotion great attachment; strong affection. [3 definitions]
devotional used in worship or devotions. [3 definitions]
devour to eat or swallow greedily. [4 definitions]
devout earnestly devoted to religion; pious. [3 definitions]
dew water droplets that collect, usu. at night, on cool surfaces. [3 definitions]
Dewar flask a thermos container with a vacuum between, and a reflective surface on the interior of, its double walls, used
esp. to store liquefied gases at constant temperatures.
dewberry a trailing plant of the blackberry family. [2 definitions]
dewclaw a small nonfunctioning claw, hoof, or digit in the upper foot of some mammals.
dewdrop a single drop of dew.
dewlap a drooping fold of skin below the neck in some animals such as cattle or dogs.
dewless combined form of dew.
DEW line a line of radar stations, located along the seventieth parallel in Canada and the United States, that provides
advance notice of approaching hostile aircraft or missiles (acronym for "distant early warning").
dew point the temperature at which water vapor in the air starts to condense into liquid.
dewy damp or wet with, or as if with, dew. [3 definitions]
dexamethasone a drug used to treat allergies and inflammation.
dexter of or on the right side. (Cf. sinister.)
dexterity grace and easy quickness in using the hands or body; skill. [2 definitions]
dexterous skillful in using one's hands, body, or mind; adroit; clever. [2 definitions]
dextral of or located on the right side; right. (Cf. sinistral.) [3 definitions]
dextrin a gummy substance made from starch and used as a thickener or glue.
dextrin a gummy substance made from starch and used as a thickener or glue.
dextro- right.
dextroamphetamine a solid compound used to stimulate the central nervous system and control the appetite.
dextrorotation rotation or turning of the plane of polarized light to the right.
dextrorotatory turning to the right. (Cf. levorotatory.) [2 definitions]
dextrorse growing upward in a spiral from left to right, as many climbing plants. (Cf. sinistrorse.)
dextrose a form of sugar that occurs naturally in plant and animal tissue or is synthesized from starch. (See glucose.)
dextrous variant of dexterous.
DFC abbreviation of "Distinguished Flying Cross."
DH abbreviation of "designated hitter," in the American League in baseball, a team member chosen at the
beginning of a game to bat in place of the pitcher.
dharma in Buddhism and Hinduism, the underlying nature, as of the universe or one's self; essence. [2 definitions]
dhow a vessel having a lateen sail or sails, sometimes having a raised deck at the stern, used primarily by Arabs
along the coast of the Indian Ocean.
DHS an abbreviation for "Department of Homeland Security." The DHS is the part of the U.S. government that
deals with immigration and naturalization. It also tries to protect the country from terrorism.
dhurrie a flat Indian rug coarsely woven of cotton or wool.
DI abbreviation of "drill instructor."
1
di- two; double; twice.
2
di- away; apart.
3
di- through. [2 definitions]
dia- through; across. [2 definitions]
diabetes any of several metabolic diseases affecting the body's use of blood sugars or the intake and excretion of
fluids, such as diabetes mellitus, which requires periodic injections of insulin.
diabetes insipidus a disorder of the pituitary gland, characterized by frequent and excessive urination and intense thirst.
diabetes insipidus a disorder of the pituitary gland, characterized by frequent and excessive urination and intense thirst.
diabetes mellitus a chronic and potentially fatal form of diabetes characterized by insulin deficiency, excess sugar in the blood
and urine, and abnormal thirst and hunger.
diabetic of, having, or resulting from diabetes. [2 definitions]
diabolic of the Devil or a devil.
diabolical having qualities like those of the Devil or a devil; fiendish; malevolent.
diabolism worship of, or soliciting the help of, the devil or demons; Satanism. [2 definitions]
diachronic of or pertaining to changes that occur over time, as in languages. (Cf. synchronic.)
diaconal of or pertaining to a deacon or diaconate.
diaconate the rank, tenure, or office of a deacon. [2 definitions]
diacritic a small distinguishing mark, such as a macron, umlaut, or cedilla, that is added to a letter, esp. to indicate how
it is to be pronounced; diacritical mark.
diacritical serving to signal a difference or distinction. [2 definitions]
diacritical mark a small distinguishing mark, such as a macron, umlaut, or cedilla, that is added to a letter, esp. to indicate how
it is to be pronounced.
diadem a crown or headband symbolizing royal status. [3 definitions]
diadromous veined in a fanlike pattern, as a leaf. [2 definitions]
diaeresis variant of dieresis.
diageotropic of, relating to, or being a plant organ that grows at a right angle to the line of gravity.
diageotropism the tendency of certain plant organs to grow at a right angle to the line of gravity.
diagnosable being of a nature that can be identified or for which a cause can be found; able to be diagnosed.
diagnose to determine the identity of (a disease) by examination. [4 definitions]
diagnoseable combined form of diagnose.
diagnosis the act or process of finding out the nature of an illness or injury by examining its signs and
symptoms. [4 definitions]
diagnosis the act or process of finding out the nature of an illness or injury by examining its signs and
symptoms. [4 definitions]
diagnostic of, concerning, or being a diagnosis. [3 definitions]
diagonal lying in a slanting or oblique position. [5 definitions]
diagram a drawing, plan, or chart that makes clear the parts or workings of something. [4 definitions]
diagrammatic of or in the form of a diagram.
dial a disk or plate, usu. with numbers and a pointer indicating gradations of a measure such as speed, pressure,
or the like. [8 definitions]
dial. abbreviation of "dialect."
dialect a variety of a language that is peculiar to a region, social class, or occupation and that differs from the
standard language in pronunciation, usage, and vocabulary. [2 definitions]
dialectic of or relating to logical analysis and argumentation. [6 definitions]
dialectical of, involving, or by means of dialectic.
dialectical materialism a materialist philosophy and conception of history developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels through their
application of Hegel's dialectical method.
dialectician a person who applies or is skilled in dialectic.
dialectologist a person who specializes in the study of dialects.
dialing code (chiefly British) the digits at the beginning of a telephone number that signify one of a country's telephone
districts; area code.
dialog box a window generated by a computer program that appears on the screen to ask for information from the person
using the computer.
dialogue talk between two or more people or between characters in a play, film, novel, or the like. [5 definitions]
dial tone the steady hum or buzzing sound in a telephone receiver indicating that the line is open and a number may be
dialed.
dial-up related to or being a form of internet access that uses a telephone line to connect a computer to an internet
service provider.
dialysis the separation of substances in a solution by diffusion through a semipermeable membrane, used to eliminate
impurities from the blood in patients with kidney failure.
dialyze to subject to dialysis; separate or obtain by dialysis. [2 definitions]
diamagnetic in physics, of or relating to a group of substances that in a magnetic field become magnetic in an opposite
direction to that of iron.
diamagnetic in physics, of or relating to a group of substances that in a magnetic field become magnetic in an opposite
direction to that of iron.
diamanté decorated with pieces of glittering material or items, such as rhinestones. [2 definitions]
diameter in geometry, a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere and having its ends on the
circumference or surface. [3 definitions]
diametrical entirely opposite; completely different.
diamine any of various chemical compounds containing two amino groups.
diamond a clear, very hard crystalline form of carbon, used in jewelry and in abrasives and cutting tools. [7 definitions]
diamondback any of several rattlesnakes or turtles having diamond-shaped markings.
diamond wedding a sixtieth or seventy-fifth wedding anniversary.
Diana in Roman mythology, a goddess associated with the moon and hunting, and a protector of women; Artemis.
dianthus any of various plants related to pinks, such as the carnation or sweet william.
diapason a rich, swelling passage of harmonious music. [3 definitions]
diapause a physiological state of dormancy occurring between periods of activity.
diaper a baby's undergarment of absorbent cloth or paper folded between the legs and fastened at the
waist. [2 definitions]
diaphanous of fabric or the like, almost transparent; sheer; filmy; delicate. [2 definitions]
diaphoresis perspiration, esp. when heavy or medically caused.
diaphragm in anatomy, a wall of muscle or membranous material separating two spaces, esp. the muscle wall separating
the thorax and abdomen in mammals. [5 definitions]
diaphragmatic of, pertaining to, or like a diaphragm.
diaphysis the shaft or middle part of a long bone.
diarrhea an intestinal condition characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements.
diary a daily record, esp. of a person's experiences, reflections, and private thoughts. [3 definitions]
Diaspora the scattering of Jews among the Gentiles after the Babylonian exile. [3 definitions]
Diaspora the scattering of Jews among the Gentiles after the Babylonian exile. [3 definitions]
diastase an enzyme that changes starch into sugar, found in the seed of grains, malt, and the like; amylase.
diastole in physiology, the normal rhythmic expansion of the heart chambers, during which the chambers fill with
blood. (Cf. systole.)
diastrophism the process by which the surface of the earth changes in shape and levels because of movements of the
earth's crust. [2 definitions]
diathermy medical treatment of localized tissues by heating with electromagnetic waves.
diatom any of various tiny single-celled algae having cell walls of silica.
diatomic of a molecule, composed of two atoms. [2 definitions]
diatonic in music, being or using a standard major or minor scale of eight notes to the octave, without chromatic tones.
diatribe a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing.
diatropism the tendency of some plant organs to assume a position at a right angle to the direction of an external
stimulus.
diazepam a tranquilizing drug, first marketed as Valium, that relaxes the muscles and relieves anxiety and depression.
diazine any chemical compound in which four carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms are arranged in a ring.
dibasic designating an acid having two replaceable hydrogen atoms. [2 definitions]
dibble a small pointed hand tool used to make holes in the ground for bulbs, seeds, or the like. [2 definitions]
dibranchiate any of various tentacled mollusks, such as octopus and squid, that have one pair of gills.
dibs (informal) a right or claim to something. [2 definitions]
dice small cubes with dots on each side numbering one to six, often used in pairs for board games and games of
chance. [4 definitions]
dicephalous two-headed, as an abnormal fetus.
dicey (informal) chancy or dangerous; risky.
dichloride a chemical compound that contains two atoms of chlorine for each other element or group. (See bichloride.)
dichotomy division or separation into two usu. opposed parts, positions, or opinions. [2 definitions]
dichotomy division or separation into two usu. opposed parts, positions, or opinions. [2 definitions]
dichromate a chemical compound that contains two chromium atoms per molecule, characterized by an orange-red color;
bichromate.
dichromatic having or showing two colors. [3 definitions]
1
dichromic able to recognize only two colors; colorblind; dichromatic.
2
dichromic containing two chromium atoms per molecule.
dick (slang) a detective. [3 definitions]
dickcissel a sparrowlike American songbird characterized, in the male, by a yellow breast and a black mark at the throat.
dickens devil; deuce (usu. prec. by "the").
dicker to argue over price or value; bargain; haggle. [2 definitions]
dickey a woman's blouse front for wearing under a jacket or for covering the neckline. [5 definitions]
diclinous of a plant, having the pollen-bearing and seed-bearing organs in separate flowers. [2 definitions]
dicot see "dicotyledon."
dicotyledon a member of a large group of flowering plants that bear two embryonic seed leaves at sprouting, such as
oaks, beans, and cabbages. (Cf. monocotyledon.)
dicoumarin see "Dicumarol."
dicta a plural form of dictum.
Dictaphone trademark for a machine that records dictation so it can be played back for writing or typing later.
dictate to state or order with authoritative force; prescribe definitely. [6 definitions]
dictation the speaking or reading of words for a person to write down or a machine to record. [3 definitions]
dictator a ruler who has supreme and total authority, esp. one who has seized power or who uses it harshly or
selfishly. [3 definitions]
dictatorial domineering or overbearing in manner; imperious. [2 definitions]
dictatorship a country or government under dictatorial rule. [2 definitions]
dictatorship a country or government under dictatorial rule. [2 definitions]
diction word choice and arrangement in speech or writing, esp. as a reflection of forcefulness or
effectiveness. [2 definitions]
dictionary a reference work that contains a list of words of a particular language, usu. in alphabetical order and
supplemented with information about the spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of each word. [3 definitions]
dictum a formal or official pronouncement or declaration. [3 definitions]
Dicumarol a white crystalline powder, produced synthetically or from sweet clover, used in medicine to prevent blood
from clotting; dicoumarin.
did past tense of do1.
didact a person who is fond of instructing others; didactic person.
didactic intended to educate or instruct, esp. in moral values. [2 definitions]
didactics (used with a sing. verb) the science or art of teaching; pedagogy.
diddle1 (informal) to cheat or swindle. [2 definitions]
2
diddle (informal) to jerk or move rapidly back and forth or up and down; jiggle.
didn't contracted form of "did not."
Dido in the ancient Roman epic poem The Aeneid by Virgil, the queen of Carthage who detains Aeneas, then kills
herself after he abandons her. [2 definitions]
didymium a rare metal, once considered an element, consisting of the elements neodymium and
 praseodymium. [2 definitions]
1
die to stop living; become dead. [4 definitions]
die2 an instrument used for forming, cutting, or stamping material such as metal or plastic. [3 definitions]
3
die a small block with six square sides. Each side has between one and six marks on it. Dice are used in many
games.
die away of a sound, to reduce in volume gradually.
die casting the process of forcing molten metal into a metallic mold under pressure to make castings. [2 definitions]
die down to lessen in intensity; to come close to ending or being extinguished.
dieffenbachia any of various poisonous tropical plants, grown as houseplants, characterized by fleshy jointed stems and
large dark green leaves with white spots.
dieffenbachia any of various poisonous tropical plants, grown as houseplants, characterized by fleshy jointed stems and
large dark green leaves with white spots.
die-hard a person who stubbornly refuses to accept defeat or change, abandon a position, or the like. [2 definitions]
dieldrin a highly poisonous, long-lasting insecticide.
dielectric a substance that does not conduct electricity; insulator. [2 definitions]
dielectric heating the heating of electrically nonconducting materials by exposure to a high-frequency, alternating
electromagnetic field, as in the production of plywood.
diencephalon the rearmost portion of the forebrain.
die off (of animals or plants) to die one after another, gradually decreasing the total number within a population.
die out to gradually disappear; fade. [2 definitions]
die press a large machine for cutting or stamping metal.
dieresis a diacritic mark, such as on this letter "o" (ö), placed over the second of two consecutive vowels to show that it
is pronounced separately.
diesel shortened form of "diesel engine," a type of internal-combustion engine that burns fuel oil which is ignited by
being sprayed into a chamber in which highly compressed air, rather than an electric spark, provides the
heat. [3 definitions]
diesel engine a type of internal-combustion engine that burns fuel oil which is ignited by being sprayed into a chamber in
which highly compressed air, rather than an electric spark, provides the heat.
diesinker a person or machine that makes stamping or shaping dies.
Dies Irae (Latin) a medieval hymn, and its opening words, describing the Judgment Day.
diesis see "double dagger."
diestrus in a female mammal, the time between two periods of sexual heat.
diet1 the food and drink ordinarily consumed by a person, animal, or group of such. [6 definitions]
2
diet in some nations, a national or local legislative body.
dietary of or relating to diet.
dietetic of or relating to diet and nutrition. [2 definitions]
dietetics (used with a sing. verb) the science of diet as it relates to nutrition and health.
dietetics (used with a sing. verb) the science of diet as it relates to nutrition and health.
diethylstilbestrol a synthetic estrogen formerly used to treat the symptoms of menopause and to supplement animal feed, but
now banned in the United States as carcinogenic.
dietitian a person who specializes in diet as it relates to nutrition and health.
dif- not. [2 definitions]
differ to not be the same as; be unlike. [3 definitions]
difference the condition of differing; unlikeness. [5 definitions]
different not the same; unlike. [4 definitions]
differentia a distinguishing character or attribute, as of one species of animal or plant in relation to others of the same
genus.
differential being, characterized by, or causing a difference or distinction. [8 definitions]
differential calculus the branch of mathematics that has to do with differentials and their application.
differential equation an equation that contains differentials.
differential gear an arrangement of gears on the rear axle of an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another
during turns.
differentiate to perceive differences or distinctions between. [6 definitions]
differentiation the act of differentiating, or the process or condition of being differentiated. [2 definitions]
differently in another or new way. [2 definitions]
difficult hard to accomplish or understand. [3 definitions]
difficulty the quality or condition of being difficult. [6 definitions]
diffidence reticence; shyness.
diffident unsure of oneself; shy; demure. [2 definitions]
diffract to cause diffraction of, or undergo diffraction.
diffraction modification of light or other waves by partially obstructing them so that they bend around the obstruction and
break into bands of different frequencies.
diffraction modification of light or other waves by partially obstructing them so that they bend around the obstruction and
break into bands of different frequencies.
diffraction grating a set of equidistant parallel lines or grooves made very close together on glass or polished metal, used to
diffract light and produce a spectrum.
diffuse to cause or allow to flow out and spread freely. [9 definitions]
diffusion the spreading or wide scattering of something. [3 definitions]
diffusive marked by diffusion.
dig to make a hole by removing dirt, sand, or the like. [8 definitions]
digest to break down or promote the breaking down of (food) into substances that can be absorbed by body
tissues. [8 definitions]
digestible capable of being digested or absorbed.
digestion the process by which the body converts food into absorbable substances. [3 definitions]
digestive of or pertaining to digestion. [3 definitions]
digestive juice any or all of the fluids produced by the body to digest food, such as secretions by the salivary glands, stomach
walls, pancreas, and liver.
digestive system the parts of the body that work together to break down food so that it can be used by the body as energy. The
human digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
digger a person or a machine, tool, or the like that digs or excavates. [3 definitions]
digger wasp any of various wasps that paralyze spiders and other prey with their stingers, then lay eggs on them in
underground nests.
diggings (often used with a sing. verb) a place where excavation or mining is being done. [2 definitions]
digit a finger or toe. [2 definitions]
digital expressed in the form of numerical digits [5 definitions]
digital audio tape a tape recording made with digital techniques.
digital citizen a person who uses information technology to connect with society and the world.
digital clock a clock that displays the time as digits rather than by hands on a dial.
digital computer the type of computer in widest use, that represents data as discrete electrical signals and operates at high
speed. (Cf. analog computer.)
digital computer the type of computer in widest use, that represents data as discrete electrical signals and operates at high
speed. (Cf. analog computer.)
digitalis the foxglove or any of several related plants. [2 definitions]
digital versatile disc an optical storage format for digital data, resembling a compact disc but with greater storage capacity; digital
video disc; DVD.
digital video disc an optical storage format for digital data, or the physical disc that the data is stored on, resembling a compact
disc but with greater storage capacity; DVD. [2 definitions]
digitate having fingers or toes. [2 definitions]
digitization the process of converting data to digital form.
digitize to convert to digital form.
dignified characterized by dignity of manner or expression; stately.
dignify to give honor or prestige to. [2 definitions]
dignitary one who holds a high office or rank.
dignity one's sense of worth; pride or self-respect, esp. as manifested in one's bearing or behavior. [3 definitions]
dig out to find by searching.
digraph a pair of letters representing a single sound, such as "sh" in "shine".
digress to stray from the main topic; ramble.
digression the act or result of straying from the main topic.
digressive tending to digress or depart from the main subject.
dihedral formed by or having two intersecting planes. [2 definitions]
dihydrotestosterone an androgenic hormone derived from testosterone.
dik-dik any of several extremely small African antelopes.
dike an embankment built to prevent flooding; levee. [6 definitions]
diktat a burdensome, punishing settlement imposed on a defeated party by the victors. [2 definitions]
diktat a burdensome, punishing settlement imposed on a defeated party by the victors. [2 definitions]
dilapidate to become ruined or decayed, as from neglect. [2 definitions]
dilapidated fallen into disrepair or decay, esp. from neglect or overuse.
dilatation in medicine, the state or condition of abnormal enlargement of an organ, cavity, or canal of the body.
dilate to make wider or larger; enlarge; expand. [3 definitions]
dilation the process of enlarging an organ such as the cervix or the pupil of the eye. [2 definitions]
dilator a muscle that dilates a body part, such as the pupil of the eye. [2 definitions]
dilatory tending to delay; slow. [2 definitions]
dildo an object made of rubber, plastic, or the like to simulate an erect penis.
dilemma a problem situation that requires a choice between equally undesirable solutions or that resists satisfactory
solution. [2 definitions]
dilettante one who pursues an activity or interest in a superficial or frivolous way; dabbler. [2 definitions]
diligence careful and sustained effort.
diligent continually attending to and striving to achieve a goal; assiduous; persevering. [2 definitions]
dill an aromatic herb of the celery family, or its fine leaves or seeds used as flavoring or medicine. [2 definitions]
dill pickle a pickled cucumber flavored with dill.
dilly (informal) something exceptional of its kind.
dilly-dally to waste time by hesitating or loitering; dawdle.
diluent causing dilution; diluting. [2 definitions]
dilute to make (a solution) thinner or less concentrated by adding more solvent. [4 definitions]
dilution the act of diluting or state of being diluted. [2 definitions]
diluvial of or caused by a glacier or flood.
diluvial of or caused by a glacier or flood.
dim poorly lighted. [9 definitions]
dime a coin of the United States and Canada equaling ten cents.
dimenhydrinate a crystalline antihistamine used to control motion sickness and allergies.
dime novel a cheap paperback novel with much adventure or romance.
dimension size as measured in a particular direction such as height, width, or depth. [5 definitions]
dimensionless combined form of dimension.
dime store a store that sells mostly inexpensive products; five-and-ten.
diminish to decrease or abate; dwindle. [3 definitions]
diminishable combined form of diminish.
diminished of a musical interval or chord, lower by a semitone or half step.
diminishing becoming smaller; lessening or decreasing.
diminishing returns a proposition in economics that when the amount of one factor of production, such as labor, is increased past
a certain point while the amounts of other factors, such as land or capital, are held constant, additional output
will increase only at a progressively lower and lower rate.
diminuendo gradually decreasing in loudness or force; decrescendo (used as a musical direction). [3 definitions]
diminution the act, process, or result of diminishing; decrease.
diminutive very small; tiny. [4 definitions]
dimity a sheer fabric, usu. of cotton, woven with a fine stripe or check of heavier thread.
dimly to a limited degree of brightness or clarity.
dimmer a device for varying the brightness of an electric light; rheostat. [2 definitions]
dimorphism the existence of two forms of a species that differ in morphology as, for example, in sexual dimorphism of
birds. [3 definitions]
dim-out the dimming or restricted use of light at night, as in a city or on a ship in order to be less visible to enemy
aircraft.
dim-out the dimming or restricted use of light at night, as in a city or on a ship in order to be less visible to enemy
aircraft.
dimple a small natural hollow in the skin, esp. one that forms in the cheeks during a smile. [4 definitions]
dim sum any of various Chinese dishes served in appetizer portions, esp. small dumplings filled with minced
vegetables, meat, or seafood and steamed or fried, or a variety of such dishes served together.
dimwitted (informal) stupid or slow-thinking.
din noise, esp. loud, confused, or dissonant noise. [4 definitions]
dinar the chief monetary unit of Algeria, equaling one hundred centimes. [8 definitions]
dine to eat a meal, especially the evening meal or an elegant one as part of a social occasion. [3 definitions]
dine out to eat dinner away from one's home.
diner one who eats a meal. [3 definitions]
dinette a small section of a room, esp. of a kitchen, that is used as an informal dining area; breakfast
nook. [2 definitions]
ding to ring or make a sound like that of a bell. [2 definitions]
ding-a-ling (informal) a person who is considered stupid, slow-witted, or foolish.
dingbat (informal) a silly or foolish person.
ding-dong the sound of the repeated strokes of a bell. [2 definitions]
dinghy a small boat used to tend a larger one, usu. as a lifeboat or for short trips to shore and back. [2 definitions]
dingo an Australian species of wild dog.
dingus (informal) an object whose name is forgotten or unknown; thingamajig.
dingy dirty or unkempt, as clothing or a living place; grimy. [2 definitions]
dining the activity of eating a meal, esp. the evening meal or an elegant one.
dining car a railroad car in which meals are served to passengers.
dining room a room, usu. in a home or hotel, where meals are eaten.
dining room a room, usu. in a home or hotel, where meals are eaten.
dinkey a small locomotive, used in a railroad yard to shift or haul cars.
dinky (informal) very small; insignificant.
dinner the chief meal of the day. [2 definitions]
dinner jacket a man's semiformal jacket for evening wear; tuxedo. [2 definitions]
dinnerless combined form of dinner.
dinner ring a ring set with a gem or group of gemstones, worn by a woman on formal occasions.
dinnertime the time at which dinner is ready, or the period when dinner is being eaten.
dinnerware dishes, glassware, and silverware used in serving a meal. [2 definitions]
dinoflagellate any of an order of single-celled marine organisms, classified variously as algae and protozoa, that have two
flagella, are usu. luminescent, and include forms responsible for red tide. [2 definitions]
dinosaur one of various extinct reptiles that lived approximately 100 million years ago and included the largest land
creatures. [2 definitions]
dint force or impact.
diocesan of or relating to a diocese. [2 definitions]
diocese a group of churches or an administrative region under the jurisdiction of a bishop; bishopric.
diode a conductor in which electrical current may move in only one direction. [2 definitions]
dioecious esp. of plants, having the male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals.
Dione one of several moons of the planet Saturn.
Dionysian of or relating to Dionysus. [2 definitions]
Dionysus in Greek mythology, the god of wine and of an orgiastic religious cult; Bacchus.
diopter a unit of measure of the refractive power of a lens, equal to the power of a lens with a one-meter focal length.
diorama a scene represented by three-dimensional objects placed in front of a painted background, as in a natural
history museum. [2 definitions]
diorama a scene represented by three-dimensional objects placed in front of a painted background, as in a natural
history museum. [2 definitions]
dioxide a compound containing two atoms of oxygen bound to a single atom of another element.
dioxin a highly poisonous hydrocarbon that occurs as an impurity in some herbicides, defoliants, and other chemical
compounds, and sometimes as a byproduct of incineration.
dip to immerse partially or temporarily in or as if in a liquid; dunk. [15 definitions]
diphenyl a pleasant-smelling crystalline compound used in preserving fruit and making dyes; biphenyl.
diphtheria a severe contagious bacterial infection whose symptoms are high fever and difficulty in breathing.
diphthong a complex sound produced by moving from one vowel sound to another within a single syllable. [2 definitions]
diphthongize to pronounce as or make into a diphthong. [2 definitions]
diplodocus any of various gigantic plant-eating dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period.
diploid in biology, having two of each non-sex-determining chromosome in each cell. [3 definitions]
diploma a document conferring some honor or privilege, esp. a document granted by an educational institution and
certifying that the recipient has completed a course of study or earned a degree.
diplomacy the practice or skill of conducting negotiations between nations or governments. [2 definitions]
diplomat an official employed to conduct negotiations between nations or governments. [2 definitions]
diplomate a person who holds a diploma, esp. a physician or engineer certified as a specialist by a board of respected
professionals.
diplomatic of or pertaining to diplomacy. [2 definitions]
diplomatic immunity exemption from local laws, granted to diplomatic personnel and their dependents while in a foreign country.
diplopia a vision disorder in which two images of the same object are seen, also called double vision.
dipole a pair of electric charges or magnetic poles that are of equal magnitude but opposite polarity. [3 definitions]
dipole antenna a radio or television antenna consisting of two equal rods that extend outward in opposite directions.
dipper someone or something that dips. [4 definitions]
dippy (slang) foolish or eccentric.
dippy (slang) foolish or eccentric.
dipsomania an uncontrollable, usu. periodic craving for alcoholic drink.
dipstick a rod with graduated markings used to measure the depth of a liquid, such as oil in an automobile crankcase.
dipteran of or pertaining to a two-winged insect; dipterous. [2 definitions]
dipterous of or pertaining to a dipteran. [2 definitions]
diptych an ancient writing tablet consisting of two wooden or ivory leaves that are hinged together. [2 definitions]
dire causing, likely to cause, or involving terror or suffering. [3 definitions]
direct to give instructions that lead or guide. [14 definitions]
direct action a form of non-violent political action using immediately available means of communication, disruption, and
confrontation, such as picketing, boycotts, demonstrations, and roadblocks.
direct current an electric current that flows in one direction. (Cf. alternating current.)
direct deposit a way of getting paid so that the money goes straight into your bank account. You receive a notice of deposit
instead of a pay check.
direction the act or an instance of directing. [7 definitions]
directional of, relating to, or indicating a specific direction. [3 definitions]
directional signal any of the lights on a motor vehicle that flash to indicate that the vehicle is about to turn and to show the
direction in which it will turn. Directional signals are located on both the front and rear of the vehicle and are
activated by the driver; turn signal.
direction finder a device for ascertaining the direction of incoming radio waves or signals, consisting of a loop antenna that
rotates.
directionless lacking a clear direction, goal, or purpose.
directive providing direction or indication. [2 definitions]
directly in a direct line or way; straight. [4 definitions]
direct mail advertisements, appeals for donations, and the like, mailed to a large number of people.
direct object in grammar, the element of a sentence that represents the object, goal, or receiver of the action of a verb,
such as "the ball" in "She kicked the ball." (Cf. indirect object, subject.)
director one person, or one of a committee of persons, who guides the affairs of a corporation, association, agency, or
other organization. [3 definitions]
director one person, or one of a committee of persons, who guides the affairs of a corporation, association, agency, or
other organization. [3 definitions]
directorate the office or position of a director. [2 definitions]
directory an index of names, locations, and often other data, such as a listing of telephone subscribers' names,
addresses, and telephone numbers, or a listing of building occupants and their room numbers. [4 definitions]
direct primary election a preliminary election in which candidates for public office are nominated by direct vote of the people. (Cf.
closed primary election.)
direct tax a tax collected by the government directly from the person who must pay it, such as income tax or property
tax.
direful awful; terrible. [2 definitions]
dirge a song or hymn for a funeral or memorial for the dead. [2 definitions]
dirham the chief monetary unit of Morocco, equaling one hundred centimes. [3 definitions]
dirigible an airship that can be steered or guided, such as a blimp. [2 definitions]
dirk a dagger with a long straight blade. [2 definitions]
dirndl a full, gathered skirt, or a dress with such a skirt, usu. in bright colors.
dirt loose earth or soil. [5 definitions]
dirt bike a motorbike equipped to travel off paved roads.
dirt-cheap (informal) extremely inexpensive. [2 definitions]
dirt farmer (informal) a farmer who works his own land without hired help or tenants.
dirty unclean; soiled. [10 definitions]
dirty linen private matters that one would be embarrassed or ashamed to have made public.
dirty tricks (informal) unethical or illegal acts, esp. against a political opponent, designed to disrupt or undermine the
opponent's activities, as during a campaign. [2 definitions]
dirty word a word considered obscene, rude, or offensive in a particular language, culture, or situation; obscenity.
dis (slang) to show disrespect for.
dis- not; lack of. [2 definitions]
dis- not; lack of. [2 definitions]
disa a genus of tropical African orchids, or any plant in this genus.
disability the condition or state of incapacity, esp. as caused by an injury, congenital defect, illness, or the
like. [3 definitions]
disable to cripple or incapacitate. [3 definitions]
disabled no longer operative; incapacitated. [2 definitions]
disabuse to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight.
disadvantage an unfavorable or inferior condition or circumstance. [3 definitions]
disadvantaged suffering from unfavorable or inferior conditions or circumstances, usu. of a material or social nature.
disadvantageous causing detriment; unfavorable.
disaffect to cause to lose affection for, loyalty to, or contentment in an idea, a person, or an organization such as a
government; alienate.
disaffection an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, esp. toward a government, principle, or the like.
disaffiliate to break from or end an alliance, association, or connection with. [2 definitions]
disagree to differ or to have a differing opinion. [3 definitions]
disagreeable causing dislike or offense; unpleasant. [2 definitions]
disagreement a difference of opinion; conflict. [3 definitions]
disallow to refuse to allow or admit; reject. [2 definitions]
disappear to become no longer visible. [3 definitions]
disappearance the act of disappearing or condition of having vanished.
disappoint to fail to fulfill the expectations, wishes, or hopes of. [2 definitions]
disappointed unhappy because of unfulfilled expectations.
disappointing failing to measure up to one's expectations, standards, or wishes.
disappointing failing to measure up to one's expectations, standards, or wishes.
disappointment the act of disappointing. [3 definitions]
disapprobation disapproval.
disapproval the act of censuring or condemning, or the opinion that something should be condemned. [2 definitions]
disapprove to hold an unfavorable opinion (often fol. by "of"). [3 definitions]
disarm to take away the weapons of; divest of the means of attack or defense. [4 definitions]
disarmament the act or process of disarming, esp. the reduction of a country's military force or arsenal.
disarming easing hostility or mistrust; charmingly agreeable.
disarrange to disturb the arrangement or order of.
disarray to upset or throw into disorder or confusion. [4 definitions]
disassemble to take apart. [2 definitions]
disassociate to put to an end an association with (persons, causes, or the like); dissociate.
disaster a sudden calamity, esp. one causing widespread damage or suffering such as an earthquake, flood, oil spill,
or fire. [2 definitions]
disastrous causing grave harm, loss, ruin, or the like; tragic or calamitous.
disavow to deny any knowledge of, responsibility for, or connection with; disclaim. [3 definitions]
disavowable combined form of disavow.
disband of an organized group, to break up or disperse. [2 definitions]
disbar to expel officially from the legal profession.
disbelief a lack of belief; refusal or unwillingness to believe.
disbelieve to refuse to believe in; withhold belief from. [2 definitions]
disburden to unload or relieve (someone or something) of anything burdensome; take a burden from. [3 definitions]
disburden to unload or relieve (someone or something) of anything burdensome; take a burden from. [3 definitions]
disburse to pay out (funds); spend. [2 definitions]
disbursement the act or an instance of paying out. [2 definitions]
1
disc a phonograph record. [2 definitions]
2
disc any thin, flat, circular object, or one that appears flat and circular. [4 definitions]
discard to throw out or away; cast off. [5 definitions]
discardable combined form of discard.
disc brake a brake that operates by use of pressure exerted from two fixed pads against a rotating disc, as in an
automobile.
discern to perceive, make out, or detect. [3 definitions]
discernable combined form of discern.
discernible able to be perceived or distinguished.
discerning exercising good judgment and discrimination; perceptive.
discernment the act or an instance of discerning. [2 definitions]
discharge to shoot or emit. [17 definitions]
dischargeable combined form of discharge.
discharge tube a device that produces light by means of an electric current discharged in gas or vapor.
disc harrow see "disk harrow."
disciple a pupil, adherent, or follower. [2 definitions]
disciplinarian one who supports and imposes strict discipline.
disciplinary of or related to discipline, training, or punishment.
discipline training of the body or mind to bring about desired results, particularly orderliness and
obedience. [7 definitions]
discipline training of the body or mind to bring about desired results, particularly orderliness and
obedience. [7 definitions]
disciplined exercising control over one's self and behavior, particularly in the form of regimens of work, training, and the
like. [2 definitions]
disc jockey one who plays recorded music and provides commentary over the radio or at an event or venue.
disclaim to deny (as any knowledge of, responsibility for, or connection with). [4 definitions]
disclaimer a denial or repudiation of a claim or connection. [3 definitions]
disclose to make known; reveal. [2 definitions]
disclosure the act or process of making known, uncovering, or exposing. [2 definitions]
disco a nightclub for dancing, usu. to recorded music; discotheque. [4 definitions]
discobolus one who throws a discus.
discography the classification or study of phonograph records. [2 definitions]
discoid of the shape of a disk. [3 definitions]
discolor to remove, change, or spoil the color of; cause to fade; stain. [2 definitions]
discoloration a discolored mark or area. [2 definitions]
discombobulate (informal) to confuse or disconcert.
discomfit to upset or confuse. [2 definitions]
discomfiture confusion or discomfort. [2 definitions]
discomfort uneasiness, pain, or distress of mind or body. [3 definitions]
discomfortable combined form of discomfort.
discommode to inconvenience or trouble.
discompose to upset the composure of; perturb; agitate. [2 definitions]
disconcert to upset the calm or self-assurance of; ruffle. [2 definitions]
disconcert to upset the calm or self-assurance of; ruffle. [2 definitions]
disconcerted confused, uneasy, or disturbed.
disconcerting disturbing, confusing, or unsettling; disquieting.
disconnect to break off or interrupt the connection of or between. [3 definitions]
disconnected not connected; separated. [2 definitions]
disconsolate hopelessly unhappy; dejected. [2 definitions]
discontent not content or satisfied; discontented. [4 definitions]
discontented dissatisfied or restlessly unhappy; not contented.
discontinuance the act of stopping or condition of being stopped; interruption. [2 definitions]
discontinue to stop or put an end to. [5 definitions]
discontinuity lack of coherence or continuity. [2 definitions]
discontinuous interrupted or intermittent; not continuous.
discophile one who collects and is esp. knowledgeable about phonograph records.
discord lack of agreement or harmony among persons or things; disagreement; conflict. [3 definitions]
discordance the state or an instance of disagreement or disharmony. [2 definitions]
discordant in conflict or disagreement. [2 definitions]
discotheque a nightclub for dancing, usu. with recorded, amplified music; disco.
discount to deduct (an amount or percentage) from a cost or price. [12 definitions]
discountable combined form of discount.
discountenance to embarrass or disconcert. [2 definitions]
discount house a store that regularly sells merchandise for less than the usual retail prices; discount store.
discount house a store that regularly sells merchandise for less than the usual retail prices; discount store.
discount store see "discount house."
discourage to cause to lose hope or confidence; dishearten. [3 definitions]
discourageable combined form of discourage.
discouragement the act of discouraging, or the condition or an instance of being discouraged. [2 definitions]
discouraging causing one to lose hope, faith, or enthusiasm.
discourse verbal communication; conversation. [4 definitions]
discourteous not having or showing good manners; impolite; rude.
discourtesy impoliteness; rudeness. [2 definitions]
discover to find or see (something unknown) before anyone else. [3 definitions]
discoverable combined form of discover.
discovery the act or consequence of discovering. [2 definitions]
Discovery Day see "Columbus Day."
discredit to harm the reputation of. [6 definitions]
discreditable combined form of discredit.
discreet reserved and judicious, esp. in talking about or otherwise revealing confidential matters;
circumspect. [2 definitions]
discrepancy lack of agreement; difference; inconsistency. [2 definitions]
discrete separate and distinct. [2 definitions]
discretion the freedom or authority to use one's own judgment. [2 definitions]
discretionary left to one's own judgment or decision. [2 definitions]
discriminable able to be differentiated, distinguished, or discriminated.
discriminable able to be differentiated, distinguished, or discriminated.
discriminate to judge or act toward someone on a categorical rather than individual basis (usu. fol. by
"against)". [4 definitions]
discriminating perceiving fine differences or distinctions. [2 definitions]
discrimination the act of discriminating, differentiating, or distinguishing. [3 definitions]
discriminatory demonstrating prejudice against groups or individuals.
discursive ranging over numerous topics, esp. in an orderly or coherent way. [2 definitions]
discus a disk of standardized weight, usu. of wood with a metal rim, thrown for distance in track and field
competitions. [2 definitions]
discuss to talk together about; confer on. [2 definitions]
discussable combined form of discuss.
discussant a participant in a formal discussion.
discussion the act or an instance of discussing, or, collectively, the various things said while discussing.
disdain to regard or treat with contempt; scorn. [3 definitions]
disdainful feeling or showing scorn, contempt, or aloofness.
disease an abnormal physical or mental condition that causes an organism to function wrongly; illness;
sickness. [2 definitions]
diseased affected by disease or illness.
disease resistance in an organism or group of organisms, a quality of low susceptibility to disease.
disease-resistent of or pertaining to disease resistance.
disease-ridden full of or capable of bringing about disease.
disembark to put or go ashore from a ship.
disembarrass to rid or free (someone) from something embarrassing, frustrating, burdensome, or the like; relieve.
disembody to take away or free (the soul or spirit) from the body.
disembody to take away or free (the soul or spirit) from the body.
disembowel to remove the bowels or guts from.
disenchant to make free of enchantment or illusion.
disencumber to remove encumbrances or burdens from.
disenfranchise to deprive (someone) of a right of citizenship, esp. the right to vote; disfranchise. [2 definitions]
disengage to release from engagement, connection, or responsibility. [4 definitions]
disengagement the act of disengaging or state of being disengaged. [2 definitions]
disentangle to free or become free from entanglement or involvement; extricate.
disequilibrium a lack or loss of stability, balance, or equilibrium, esp. in the economy.
disestablish to end or change the established status of. [2 definitions]
disesteem to disfavor, disrespect, or have low regard for. [2 definitions]
disfavor unfavorable regard or opinion; displeasure or disapproval. [4 definitions]
disfigure to mar the appearance or shape of.
disfigurement the act of disfiguring. [2 definitions]
disfranchise to deprive (someone) of a right of citizenship, esp. the right to vote; disenfranchise. [2 definitions]
disgorge to bring up from, or as though from, the mouth or throat; vomit; expel. [3 definitions]
disgrace the state of being in disrespect, dishonor, or disfavor; shame. [3 definitions]
disgraceful bringing about disgrace, or having a shameful nature.
disgruntle to make irritably dissatisfied or discontent.
disgruntled angrily or grumpily unhappy; highly displeased or dissatisfied.
disguise to change or hide the features of, in order to prevent recognition. [5 definitions]
disguise to change or hide the features of, in order to prevent recognition. [5 definitions]
disgust to cause nausea or revulsion in; sicken; repel. [3 definitions]
disgusted feeling or showing disgust; having or showing a strong feeling of loathing or disapproval.
disgusting causing disgust; repulsive; sickening.
dish a container for serving or holding food, usu. open and somewhat flat. [7 definitions]
dishabille a state of partial or complete undress. [2 definitions]
dish antenna a radio antenna with a round, concave reflector, used to receive or send satellite and microwave signals.
disharmony lack of harmony; discord.
dishcloth a cloth for washing dishes; dishrag.
dishearten to depress or destroy the hope or confidence of; discourage; dispirit.
dishevel to undo and let fall loosely (hair or clothing). [2 definitions]
disheveled undone and loosely hanging; unkempt. [2 definitions]
dishful that quantity, usu. of food, that fills any particular dish.
dish it out to deliver (criticism, abuse, or the like) strongly.
dishonest inclined to lie, steal, or cheat; not honest or trustworthy. [2 definitions]
dishonesty the inclination to lie, steal, or cheat; lack of honesty. [2 definitions]
dishonor loss of honor or reputation. [5 definitions]
dishonorable lacking honor or integrity; disgraceful. [2 definitions]
dish out (informal) to give out; distribute.
dishpan a large pan in which dirty dishes, pots, and the like are washed.
dishrag a dishcloth
dishrag a dishcloth.
dishtowel a towel used to dry dishes.
dish up to put (food) into a dish in order to serve. [2 definitions]
dishwasher one who washes dishes, esp. as an occupation. [2 definitions]
disillusion to free or deprive of false beliefs or hopes; destroy the illusions of (someone). [2 definitions]
disillusioned having lost or been stripped of one's hopes or illusions, often resulting in disappointment or sadness.
disincentive something that reduces the motivation or inclination to work or act, esp. an economic deterrent.
disinclination a feeling of distaste; unwillingness or reluctance.
disincline to be or cause to be unwilling or not inclined.
disinfect to cleanse in order to prevent or remove the causes of infection.
disinfectant any chemical substance that destroys infection-causing organisms. [2 definitions]
disinflation a decline of prices in general from an inflated to a more normal level. [2 definitions]
disingenuous not candid or sincere.
disinherit to exclude from or deprive of an inheritance. [2 definitions]
disinjunction a separation or disjoining, or the condition of being separated or disjoined.
disintegrate to come apart; break down into component parts or fragments. [3 definitions]
disinter to dig up or remove from a place of burial; exhume. [2 definitions]
disinterest lack of bias or self-interest; impartiality. [2 definitions]
disinterested not biased or influenced by self-interest; impartial. [2 definitions]
disjoin to separate or disconnect, or become separated or disconnected.
disjoint to separate (something) at the joints. [5 definitions]
disjoint to separate (something) at the joints. [5 definitions]
disjointed not connected or coherent. [2 definitions]
disjunction a separation or disjoining, or the condition of being separated or disjoined.
disjunctive of, causing, or showing disjunction; separating; disjoining; dividing. [5 definitions]
disk drive a device inside or connected to a computer that copies data to and from a hard disc or floppy disc.
diskette see "floppy disk."
disk flower any of the small tubular tightly packed flowers making up the center of the flower head of certain composite
plants, such as the aster or daisy.
disk harrow a farming implement having sharp circular blades set at various angles to breakup plowed soil before planting.
disk jockey see "disc jockey."
disk wheel a wheel with a solid disk instead of spokes between hub and rim, used esp. on automobiles.
dislike to regard with distaste, hostility, or antipathy. [2 definitions]
dislikeable combined form of dislike.
dislocate to put out of place, esp. in relation to other parts. [3 definitions]
dislocation the act of dislocating, or the state of being dislocated. [2 definitions]
dislodge to remove from or force out of a position or location. [2 definitions]
disloyal unfaithful to one's duty or allegiance.
disloyalty the quality, or an instance or act, of being disloyal, treacherous, or traitorous.
dismal cheerless or depressing; gloomy. [2 definitions]
dismantle to tear down; take apart. [2 definitions]
dismay to trouble or disillusion. [4 definitions]
dismember to sever or tear the members or limbs from. [2 definitions]
dismember to sever or tear the members or limbs from. [2 definitions]
dismiss to send away or allow to go away. [4 definitions]
dismissal an act or instance of dismissing. [2 definitions]
dismount to get down from a horse or vehicle. [4 definitions]
Disneyland a theme park in Anaheim, California, the only one of the eleven worldwide Disney theme parks to be
personally developed by Walt Disney.
disobedience the act of refusing or failing to obey.
disobedient refusing or neglecting to obey.
disobey to fail or refuse to obey.
disoblige to neglect to tend to, or to go against the wishes of. [2 definitions]
disorder lack of order; disarrangement. [5 definitions]
disordered in a condition of confusion or disarrangement. [2 definitions]
disorderly disarranged or untidy. [3 definitions]
disorderly conduct a minor legal offense against public order or morality, such as creating a disturbance.
disorganize to upset or destroy the organization, order, or systematic arrangement of.
disorganized lacking order or systematic arrangement; disorderly. [2 definitions]
disorient to cause to lose one's bearings or sense of direction. [2 definitions]
disown to deny a relationship with or ownership of; repudiate.
disparage to depreciate or belittle, esp. in speech. [2 definitions]
disparagement the act or an instance of belittling or depreciating, esp. in speech.
disparate essentially different and distinct.
disparity the condition or an instance of being unlike, unequal, or of different kinds; difference.
disparity the condition or an instance of being unlike, unequal, or of different kinds; difference.
dispassionate without strong feeling or bias; calm; impartial.
dispatch to send off to a specific place or for a specific purpose. [7 definitions]
dispatcher a person who dispatches. [2 definitions]
dispel to drive away or get rid of by, or as if by, scattering in all directions; disperse.
dispensable capable of being omitted; not necessary. [2 definitions]
dispensary a room in an institution, such as a hospital, in which medical supplies are kept and given out. [2 definitions]
dispensation an act or instance of giving out, or the thing given out; distribution. [3 definitions]
dispensatory a book that explains the composition and use of medicines; type of pharmacopoeia.
dispense to give out or distribute. [4 definitions]
dispenser a person or thing that gives or deals out, esp. a device or machine that dispenses items in packages or
specific measured amounts.
dispense with to do without or do away with.
dispersal the act of dispersing or condition of being dispersed; dispersion.
disperse to drive away in all directions; scatter. [5 definitions]
dispersion the process or act of dispersing, or the condition of being dispersed. [4 definitions]
dispirit to take the spirit out of; discourage; depress.
dispirited having low spirits; discouraged; depressed.
displace to force out of a homeland or established place. [4 definitions]
displaceable combined form of displace.
displaced person a person who has become homeless, usu. as a result of having been forced from his or her homeland by war.
displacement the act of displacing, or the condition or extent of being displaced. [4 definitions]
displacement the act of displacing, or the condition or extent of being displaced. [4 definitions]
display to cause to be seen; show; exhibit. [8 definitions]
displayable combined form of display.
display name in computing, a name visible on a computer screen which indicates the user's identity. The display name is
not necessarily the same as the user's "username," which is used in logging in.
displease to annoy, dissatisfy, or disappoint. [2 definitions]
displeased annoyed, unhappy, or dissatisfied.
displeasing causing dissatisfaction, disappointment, annoyance, or other negative reaction.
displeasure the condition or fact of being annoyed, dissatisfied, or disappointed.
disport to amuse (oneself). [4 definitions]
disposable designed for or capable of being disposed of after use. [3 definitions]
disposable income the income that one has for spending, saving, or the like after taxes are deducted.
disposal a giving away or a getting rid of something. [4 definitions]
dispose to make willing or make open to; incline. [4 definitions]
dispose of to give away or get rid of. [2 definitions]
disposer someone or something that disposes.
disposition a predominant or prevailing mood or temperament, as of a person or the weather. [6 definitions]
dispossess to put out of possession or occupancy, esp. of real property.
dispraise to speak ill of; disparage; censure. [2 definitions]
disproof the act of disproving. [2 definitions]
disproportion a lack of proper proportion or relationship in size, quantity, strength, or the like; disparity. [3 definitions]
disproportionate out of proportion, as in quantity or appearance; unbalanced.
disproportionate out of proportion, as in quantity or appearance; unbalanced.
disprove to prove to be untrue, erroneous, or invalid.
disputable able to be disputed or argued; questionable.
disputant one who disputes or contests; arguer; debater. [2 definitions]
disputation the act of disputing; discussion or debate. [2 definitions]
disputatious inclined to quarrel or provoke dispute; argumentative.
dispute to argue or debate about (a question, proposal, or the like). [7 definitions]
disqualification the act or an instance of disqualifying or being disqualified. [2 definitions]
disqualify to make unfit or unqualified. [2 definitions]
disquiet lack of mental calm or peace; anxiety; uneasiness. [2 definitions]
disquietude a state of uneasiness; anxiety.
disquisition a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject.
disregard to refuse to notice or respond to; ignore. [3 definitions]
disrepair the state or condition of needing repair (often prec. by "in").
disreputable in bad repute; not respectable. [2 definitions]
disrepute ill repute or low regard; disgrace or disfavor (usu. prec. by "in" or "into").
disrespect lack of respect; impoliteness; contempt. [2 definitions]
disrespectable combined form of disrespect.
disrespectful exhibiting disrespect; discourteous.
disrobe to take the clothes off; undress.
disrupt to throw into disorder or turmoil. [2 definitions]
disrupt to throw into disorder or turmoil. [2 definitions]
disruption the condition or an instance of disrupting or being disrupted.
disruptive causing or caused by turmoil or disorderly behavior.
dissatisfaction the state or condition of not being satisfied, or a cause of this condition.
dissatisfactory causing displeasure or dissatisfaction.
dissatisfied feeling or showing displeasure or disappointment.
dissatisfy to fail to satisfy, esp. to fail to meet the expectations of; displease; disappoint.
dissect to cut open or apart (a plant or animal) in order to examine or perform surgery on it. [2 definitions]
dissected in botany, containing or consisting of many sections or parts, as some leaves. [3 definitions]
dissection the act of dissecting or fact of being dissected. [2 definitions]
dissemble to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. [3 definitions]
disseminate to spread widely, as though scattering seed.
dissemination the act or process of disseminating.
dissension strong disagreement or contention. [2 definitions]
dissent disagreement, objection, or protest, or a spoken or written declaration thereof. [3 definitions]
dissenter one who dissents. [2 definitions]
dissentient dissenting, esp. from the ruling or majority opinion. [2 definitions]
dissertation a formal and usu. lengthy exposition in speech or writing, esp. a detailed report of research by a candidate for
a doctoral degree.
disservice an act of treating someone badly or less favorably than deserved.
disserviceable combined form of disservice.
dissever to separate, cut off, or sever. [3 definitions]
dissever to separate, cut off, or sever. [3 definitions]
dissidence disagreement, esp. with beliefs or policies established by authorities; dissent.
dissident disagreeing with, dissenting from, or opposing (the opinions or doctrines of others or the authority of some
group or institution). [2 definitions]
dissimilar not alike; different.
dissimilarity lack of similarity; unlikeness. [2 definitions]
dissimilation the act or process of becoming unlike or making dissimilar.
dissimilitude the quality of being dissimilar; unlikeness. [2 definitions]
dissimulate to hide or disguise the true nature of; dissemble. [2 definitions]
dissimulation the act of deceiving or dissembling.
dissipate to cause to disappear by, or as though by, dispersing or dissolving. [4 definitions]
dissipated engaging in, or marked by the bad effects of, overindulgence in pleasure. [2 definitions]
dissipation the act of dissipating, or the condition of being dissipated. [2 definitions]
dissociate to remove from association with (people, causes, and the like); disassociate. [5 definitions]
dissociation the act or an instance of dissociating; separation. [2 definitions]
dissoluble able to be dissolved.
dissolute inclined to, or exhibiting, immoral behavior or dissipation; lacking or ignoring moral restraints.
dissolution the act, process, or result of decomposition, disintegration, or dispersion into parts or elements. [5 definitions]
dissolve to cause to go into solution. [11 definitions]
dissonance lack of harmony; discord, esp. of musical sounds. [2 definitions]
dissonant not in harmony; discordant. [2 definitions]
dissuade to persuade against doing something (often fol. by "from").
dissuade to persuade against doing something (often fol. by "from").
dissyllable variant of disyllable.
dist. abbreviation of "district."
distaff a staff with one cleft end to hold the material from which thread is drawn in spinning by hand or on a spinning
wheel. [3 definitions]
distal located at a distance from the point of origin or attachment, as of a limb or bone. (Cf. proximal.)
distance the measure of separation between things, places, or points in time. [7 definitions]
distance learning a form of education where the students are not in the same place as the teacher. Distance learning often
happens by means of computers.
distant far away in time or space. [3 definitions]
distaste dislike or repugnance.
distasteful unpleasant or offensive.
distemper any of various infectious viral diseases affecting mammals, characterized by fever and by diarrhea, vomiting
and loss of appetite in dogs and cats, and respiratory difficulties in horses. [2 definitions]
distend to swell or cause to swell from, or as if from, internal pressure; balloon.
distention the act of stretching or swelling, or the condition of being so enlarged.
distich two successive lines of verse, usu. forming a self-contained statement; couplet.
distill to subject (a substance) to heat to the point of vaporization, and then to cooling to produce
 condensation. [5 definitions]
distillate the liquid produced by vaporization followed by condensation. [2 definitions]
distillation the process of heating a substance to produce a vapor, which is then cooled and condensed, in order to
purify, concentrate, or extract components from the substance. [2 definitions]
distiller one that distills. [2 definitions]
distillery a factory or business establishment where alcoholic liquors are made by distillation.
distinct clearly different or set apart; separate (often fol. by "from"). [4 definitions]
distinction a mark or feature that distinguishes or sets apart; difference. [3 definitions]
distinction a mark or feature that distinguishes or sets apart; difference. [3 definitions]
distinctive serving to set apart or mark as distinct or unusual.
distinctly in a clear or distinct way. [2 definitions]
distingué having an impressive or distinguished manner or appearance.
distinguish to correctly discern the identity of (each of two or more things) by recognizing how they are different (often fol.
by "from"). [5 definitions]
distinguishable combined form of distinguish.
distinguished marked by excellence or renown; eminent. [2 definitions]
distome any of various parasitic flatworms that have two suckers, one at the front and the other at the rear of the
underside.
distort to twist out of shape; deform the appearance or functioning of. [2 definitions]
distorted twisted or changed from a thing's normal shape, character, or way or behaving. [2 definitions]
distortion the act of distorting or condition of being distorted. [2 definitions]
distract to divert the attention of. [2 definitions]
distractable combined form of distract.
distracted unable to concentrate with full attention, or characterized by such inability. [2 definitions]
distraction the act of distracting or the state of being distracted. [3 definitions]
distrain to seize and hold (property), or the property of (someone), to force payment or settlement, as of a debt, claim,
rent, or the like.
distrainable combined form of distrain.
distraint in law, the act of seizing and holding goods as security against a debt, as for rent, damages, or the like.
distrait not paying attention because of worrying distractions.
distraught anxiously worried; distracted. [2 definitions]
distress physical or emotional stress or suffering, or anything that causes suffering. [4 definitions]
distress physical or emotional stress or suffering, or anything that causes suffering. [4 definitions]
distressed suffering from distress. [3 definitions]
distressful causing distress or anxiety; troubling; worrisome; upsetting.
distressing causing physical or emotional pain, worry, or suffering.
distribute to divide into parts and give out to each of several people, groups, or the like. [3 definitions]
distribution the act of distributing. [6 definitions]
distributive dividing or distributing, or of or involving distribution. [4 definitions]
distributive property in mathematics, a characteristic of numbers that allows you to multiply a group of numbers and get the same
answer you would get if you multiplied each member of the group and then combined the answers. For
example, 4 x (8 + 1 + 5) is equal to (4 x 8) + (4 x 1) + (4 x 5).
distributor someone who distributes goods, esp. a wholesaler. [2 definitions]
district a specific area characterized by its use for a particular purpose. [3 definitions]
district attorney the government prosecutor of criminal cases for a specified judicial district.
district court a U.S. Federal trial court in each judicial district. [2 definitions]
District of Columbia a federal area on the Maryland side of the Potomac River that encompasses only the U.S. capital city of
Washington. (abbr.: DC)
distrust to lack faith or confidence in; be suspicious of. [2 definitions]
distrustful lacking in trust or confidence; doubting; suspicious.
disturb to bother or interrupt by making noise or causing distraction. [3 definitions]
disturbance an act or instance of disturbing. [5 definitions]
disturbed mentally or emotionally unbalanced. [2 definitions]
disturbing causing one to be disturbed; upsetting; unsettling.
disulfate a salt of pyrosulfuric acid, containing two sulfate groups in each molecule; pyrosulfate.
disulfide a chemical compound in which two atoms of sulfur are combined with another element or radical.
disulfide a chemical compound in which two atoms of sulfur are combined with another element or radical.
disunion the termination of union or association; separation or division. [2 definitions]
disunite to break up the union of; divide. [2 definitions]
disunity lack of unity or agreement; dissension.
disuse the state or condition of not being used or practiced any longer.
disused no longer being used.
disyllable a word of two syllables.
ditch a long narrow trench that provides a waterway for drainage or irrigation or a receptacle for something to be
buried in, such as sewer pipes or electric power lines. [7 definitions]
dither a state of excitement, nervousness, or indecision. [2 definitions]
dithyramb in ancient Greece, a wild or impassioned choric hymn in honor of Dionysius. [2 definitions]
ditsy (slang) silly; scatterbrained; inane.
dittany a fuzzy herb related to mint that is native to Crete. [3 definitions]
ditto the same as said or written before; the aforesaid. [5 definitions]
ditto mark a sign (") indicating repetition, usu. placed under the word, numeral, or passage to be repeated.
ditty a short simple song.
ditty bag a small bag, used esp. by sailors, for personal articles, sewing implements, or the like.
ditz (slang) a scatterbrained person.
diuresis an increase in or excessive discharge of urine.
diuretic increasing the amount of urine secreted and discharged. [2 definitions]
diurnal occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. (Cf. nocturnal.) [2 definitions]
div. abbreviation of "division."
div. abbreviation of "division."
diva a renowned female opera singer; prima donna.
divagate to wander about. [2 definitions]
divalent having a chemical valence of two; bivalent.
divan a couch or cushioned seat, usu. without arms and sometimes with pillows backed onto the walls instead of a
backrest.
dive to plunge or swoop downward rapidly, usu. headfirst. [12 definitions]
dive bomber a fighter-bomber designed to drop its bombs while diving toward the target.
diver one who performs dives into water from a springboard or platform, esp. in competition. [3 definitions]
diverge to extend or move away in different directions from a common point. [4 definitions]
divergence a difference that separates. [2 definitions]
divergent deviating, differing, or diverging. [2 definitions]
divers various; several. [2 definitions]
diverse of various types or sorts; assorted. [3 definitions]
diversification the act or process of diversifying.
diversify to give or introduce variety to or into. [2 definitions]
diversion an act or instance of turning aside or deflecting. [3 definitions]
diversity the state or condition of being being varied or consisting of various kinds. [3 definitions]
divert to turn aside or away from something; deflect. [4 definitions]
diverticulitis painful inflammation of a sac that branches off from a hollow organ, esp. the intestine.
diverticulosis a disorder characterized by the presence of many saclike growths protruding outward from the intestinal wall.
diverticulum a tubular pouch or sac that branches out from a body canal, organ, or cavity, occurring as a normal or
abnormal growth.
diverticulum a tubular pouch or sac that branches out from a body canal, organ, or cavity, occurring as a normal or
abnormal growth.
divertimento a light instrumental chamber composition with several short movements, usu. written in the eighteenth
century.
diverting causing amusement or casual interest; entertaining.
divertissement an amusement or entertainment; diversion. [2 definitions]
divest to take rights or property away from; dispossess, esp. by legal means. [4 definitions]
divide to separate into parts or factions. [8 definitions]
divided separated into sections or pieces. [3 definitions]
dividend a pro-rata share of a company's distributed earnings paid to stockholders or insurance
policyholders. [4 definitions]
dividendless combined form of dividend.
divider that which separates, divides, or partitions. [2 definitions]
divination the act of prophecy or revelation by interpreting omens or by supernatural means. [3 definitions]
divine of, from, pertaining to, or characteristic of a god or gods. [12 definitions]
Divine Comedy a rhymed medieval Italian epic poem written by Dante Alighieri, describing his imaginary progression from Hell
through Purgatory to Paradise.
divine office (sometimes caps.) the readings and prayers for the various canonical hours in the Roman Catholic Church.
divine right of kings the doctrine that a monarch's right to rule comes directly from God, not from the people.
diving the activity or sport of propelling oneself into water, usually headfirst.
diving bell a large metal chamber used for underwater work and supplied with air under pressure equal to that of the
surrounding water.
diving board a rigidly supported springboard that projects over water, used for diving.
diving suit any of various outfits worn by underwater divers, esp. a heavy, sealed garment with a detachable helmet that
supplies pumped air.
divining rod a forked stick used by dowsers to search for underground water; dowsing rod.
divinity the quality of being godlike. [4 definitions]
divinity the quality of being godlike. [4 definitions]
divisible capable of being divided, or of being divided equally with no remainder.
division the act of dividing or separating into parts or factions. [7 definitions]
division sign a mathematical sign consisting of a small horizontal line with a dot above and below it, indicating that the
numeral preceding it is to be divided by the numeral following it.
divisive causing division or discord. [2 definitions]
divisor in mathematical division, the number by which another number is to be divided.
divorcé a man whose marriage has been legally ended.
divorce the legal termination of a marriage contract, or the formal separation of spouses in societies without written
laws. [5 definitions]
divorced no longer married because of divorce.
divorcee a woman whose marriage has been legally ended.
divot a piece of turf torn up by a golf club in making a stroke.
divulge to disclose (usu. something confidential or secret).
divvy (informal) to share (often fol. by "up").
Dixie the southern states of the United States, esp. those forming the Confederacy during the Civil
War. [2 definitions]
Dixieland an early style of small-group jazz, characterized by a strict two-beat rhythm and by improvised ensemble and
solo playing. [2 definitions]
diya a small, open-dish oil lamp made of baked clay, used in India and Nepal.
dizzy having a sensation of spinning and loss of balance; giddy. [7 definitions]
DJ one who plays recorded music and provides commentary over the radio or at an event or venue; disc
jockey. [3 definitions]
Djakarta variant of Jakarta.
djellaba a long, loose-fitting garment with a hood and full sleeves, worn especially in northern Africa.
Djibouti an East African country on the Gulf of Aden and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. [2 definitions]
Djibouti an East African country on the Gulf of Aden and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. [2 definitions]
dl abbreviation of "deciliter," or "deciliters," a unit of capacity equal to one tenth of a liter or 3.39 fluid ounces.
D layer the lowest layer of the ionosphere, about forty-five to eighty miles above the earth.
dm abbreviation of "decimeter," or "decimeters," a unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter or 3.937 inches.
DMSO a colorless nontoxic liquid that penetrates the skin rapidly, used as a solvent and sometimes a medicine;
dimethyl sulfoxide.
DMV abbreviation of "Department of Motor Vehicles."
DMZ abbreviation of "demilitarized zone."
DNA abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid; any of several acids occurring mainly in cellular nuclei and involved in
the transmission of hereditary traits and the formation of proteins..
1
do to engage in (some activity); busy oneself with. [13 definitions]
2
do in music, the syllable that denotes the first or last tone of a diatonic scale. (See sol-fa.) [2 definitions]
D.O.A. abbreviation of "dead on arrival."
doable able to be done; possible.
do away with to abolish, discard, or discontinue. [2 definitions]
DOB an abbreviation for "date of birth."
dobbin a horse, esp. a plodding one used as a workhorse.
Doberman pinscher a breed of large dog that has short, smooth, usu. black hair with tan markings, often used as a guard dog.
dobra the chief monetary unit of St. Thomas and Principe, equaling one hundred centimos. [2 definitions]
Dobro trademark for a type of acoustic steel guitar that is held on the lap and fretted with a metal bar or
tube. [2 definitions]
dobsonfly a large insect with four membranous, veiny wings, whose carnivorous larvae live in water. (See hellgrammite.)
doc (informal) doctor, esp. as a term of address.
docent a lecturer at a college or university who is not a regular member of the faculty. [2 definitions]
docent a lecturer at a college or university who is not a regular member of the faculty. [2 definitions]
docile obedient and easy to manage. [2 definitions]
1
dock a wharf or pier, the water bounded by two piers, or such water area together with the piers around
it. [8 definitions]
2
dock the solid or fleshy part of an animal's tail, or the part remaining after the tail has been clipped. [3 definitions]
dock3 an enclosure for the defendant in a criminal trial.
4
dock any of various weedy plants that have broad leaves and long taproots and bear clusters of small greenish or
reddish flowers.
1
dockage a charge for using dock facilities. [3 definitions]
2
dockage a withholding of or deduction from wages. [2 definitions]
docket a list or summary of cases to be heard during a court term. [7 definitions]
dockhand a laborer who works on the docks; longshoreman.
dockside the area beside a dock.
dock spider see "fisher spider."
dockyard an area, usu. near a waterway, with facilities for building or servicing ships.
doctor a person licensed to care for or treat people or animals, such as a physician, dentist, or veterinarian. (abbr.:
Dr.) [6 definitions]
doctoral of or relating to studies for a Ph.D. or other nonmedical doctor's degree.
doctorate the highest academic degree, esp. the Ph.D., awarded for completion of advanced work at the graduate level,
or as an honorary degree, and conferring the title or status of doctor on the recipient; doctor's degree.
doctorless combined form of doctor.
Doctor of Philosophy the highest doctorate awarded by a university, esp. in the humanities or sciences. (abbr.: Ph.D.)
doctor's office a building, or place within a building, used by a single physician or group of physicians, where patients can
consult with or be treated by a doctor on an appointment basis.
doctrinaire dogmatically adhering to a doctrine or theory, regardless of its practicality. [2 definitions]
doctrine something that is advocated or taught; teaching. [3 definitions]
doctrine something that is advocated or taught; teaching. [3 definitions]
docudrama a dramatic reenactment of real events, often enhanced by fictional additions, esp. for television.
document a written or printed paper, often of a legal or official nature, that provides information, evidence, or proof of
something, such as a birth certificate or marriage license. [4 definitions]
documentable combined form of document.
documentary pertaining to, consisting of, or based on written, authoritative information. [2 definitions]
documentation the use of documents as evidence, as to support claims or conclusions, or the documents
themselves. [3 definitions]
DOD abbreviation of "Department of Defense."
dodder to shake or be unsteady on one's feet, as from old age; totter.
doddering shaky or unsteady, esp. in walking.
dodeca- twelve.
dodecagon a two-dimensional geometric figure with twelve angles and twelve sides.
dodecahedron a three-dimensional geometric figure with twelve plane faces.
dodge to avoid something by moving quickly aside or changing direction. [6 definitions]
dodger one who dodges. [2 definitions]
dodo any of several large, clumsy, flightless birds formerly found on islands in the Indian Ocean but now
extinct. [2 definitions]
doe the female of certain mammals, such as deer and related animals, rabbits and hares, and goats.
doer one who does something. [2 definitions]
does third person sing. present tense of do1.
doeskin the hide of a deer, or soft leather made of or like it. [2 definitions]
doesn't contracted form of "does not."
doff to take off (clothing). [3 definitions]
doff to take off (clothing). [3 definitions]
dog a four-legged furry canine mammal related to the wolf and fox, commonly used for a pet. [6 definitions]
dogbane any of several perennial plants with an acrid, milky juice, a bitter root, and bearing bell-shaped flowers.
dog biscuit a hard biscuit for dogs, containing ground meat, bones, meal, and the like.
dogcart a light, two-wheeled, horse-drawn vehicle with seats for two passengers set back-to-back. [2 definitions]
dogcatcher a public employee whose job is to round up strayed or homeless dogs and cats.
dog days the hot, humid days of July and August, when the Dog Star, Sirius, rises and sets with the sun.
doge the chief magistrate elected in the former republics of Venice and Genoa.
dog-ear a bent or folded corner of a page in a book. [2 definitions]
dog-eat-dog marked by ruthless competition; merciless.
dogfight a fierce fight between dogs. [4 definitions]
dog fighting the fighting between dogs that is arranged by humans so that the competition can be watched for
entertainment and/or betted upon. The bringing of dogs together to fight is an illegal activity in all U.S. states
and many other regions of the world.
dogfish any of several small sharks found in coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. [2 definitions]
dogged persistent or stubborn.
doggerel of verse, trivial or mundane in thought, or crude in form. [2 definitions]
doggie bag a bag or box in which a restaurant will pack leftovers of a patron's meal to betaken home, presumably to be
fed to a pet.
doggish like a dog, as in being surly or snappish.
doggone (informal) Damn! or Darn! (used to avoid profanity). [4 definitions]
1
doggy a small dog or puppy.
2
doggy of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a dog. [2 definitions]
doghouse a dog shelter, usu. built to resemble a house.
doghouse a dog shelter, usu. built to resemble a house.
dogie in the western United States, a strayed or motherless calf.
dogleg something bent at a sharp angle, esp. a road or a golf fairway with a sharp curve. [2 definitions]
dogma a system of principles or doctrines, esp. those of a religious sect, or a single doctrine prescribed by some
authority, such as the church. [2 definitions]
dogmatic of, pertaining to, or characteristic of dogma. [2 definitions]
dogmatism an inclination toward or the act of asserting opinions as though they were facts.
dogmatist one who asserts opinions or beliefs as though they were facts.
dogmatize to make dogmatic statements in speech or writing. [2 definitions]
dognap to abduct a dog, esp. in order to sell it for laboratory use.
do good to do things that help or positively affect others.
do-gooder (informal) a social or political reformer who is considered to be naive or impractical.
dog rose a prickly European wild rose that bears pink flowers.
dogsled a sled pulled by a dog, or usu. a team of dogs, used esp. in arctic regions.
Dog Star Sirius.
dog tag a usu. metal identification tag to be attached to a dog's collar. [2 definitions]
dogtooth a canine tooth, in an animal or human.
dogtooth violet any of several related plants of the lily family, esp. one growing in North America that has yellow flowers and
leaves with red mottling.
dogtrot a slow, steady trot like that of a dog.
dogwatch either of two two-hour watches aboard ship that occur between four and eight P.M.
dogwood a tree of the eastern United States that bears clusters of small flowers surrounded by pink or white leaves that
look like petals. [2 definitions]
Doha the seaport capital of Qatar.
Doha the seaport capital of Qatar.
doily a small decorative mat, often of embroidery or lace, used as a protective cover on furniture or dishes.
doing action; effort. [2 definitions]
doit a former copper coin of the Netherlands and Dutch colonies that came into use in the seventeenth
century. [2 definitions]
do-it-yourself of, pertaining to, or designed for use by amateurs, esp. in construction or repair work.
dolce in a soft and sweet manner (used as a musical direction).
doldrums a period or mood of inactivity, listlessness, or mild depression. [2 definitions]
dole a distribution of food, money, or the like to needy people. [4 definitions]
doleful full of sadness, sorrow, or melancholy. [2 definitions]
dolichocephalic having or designating a head longer than it is broad.
doll a small figure usually made of plastic, wood, or cloth that resembles a baby, child, or other person, used esp.
as a child's toy. [4 definitions]
dollar the chief monetary unit of the United States, Canada, and several other countries, equaling one hundred
cents. [3 definitions]
dollar diplomacy a U.S. government policy of promoting national interests by encouraging investment abroad, or of using
governmental power or influence to protect and promote such private investment. [2 definitions]
dollar sign a sign ($) denoting one or more dollars, or indicating that the numbers following are expressed as dollars.
dollhouse a toy house made to a very small scale.
dollop a shapeless lump, blob, or glob. [2 definitions]
doll up (informal) to dress oneself or another in a smart, showy, or alluring manner as for a special social event.
dolly a doll. [6 definitions]
dolma a dish consisting of a vegetable such as a green pepper or grape or cabbage leaf, stuffed with rice, ground
meat, and spices, and cooked.
dolman sleeve a sleeve with a deep armhole that tapers to a fitted opening at the wrist or forearm.
dolmen a prehistoric structure that consists of two or more large stones set vertically and joined by a horizontal
capstone.
dolmen a prehistoric structure that consists of two or more large stones set vertically and joined by a horizontal
capstone.
dolomite a usu. gray, pink, or white mineral, calcium magnesium carbonate, used esp. as a construction material and a
fertilizer. [2 definitions]
dolor a feeling or mood of sorrow, grief, or woe.
doloroso in a sorrowful manner; plaintive (used as a musical direction).
dolorous feeling, showing, or causing grief or sorrow.
dolphin any of several marine mammals having a fishlike body and a toothed, beaklike snout. [2 definitions]
dolt a stupid or foolish person; blockhead.
-dom fact or condition of being. [3 definitions]
domain territory owned or controlled by a single ruler or government; realm. [5 definitions]
domain name a communications identifier and address made up of a series of numbers or letters, shared by all devices in a
domain.
dome a rounded, circular roof or ceiling on a room or building. [7 definitions]
Domesday Book the written record of a census of landowners and their holdings covering all of England, compiled by order of
William the Conqueror about 1086.
domestic of or related to the household or family. [5 definitions]
domesticate to make accustomed to domestic life. [2 definitions]
domesticated of animals, made suited to the needs of humans and living close to humans rather than in the
wild. [2 definitions]
domesticity the state of being accustomed to domestic life. [2 definitions]
domestic relations court in some U.S. states, a court with jurisdiction limited to matters involving a family or household, esp. disputes
involving the custody, support, and welfare of children; family court.
domestic science see "home economics."
domical of or resembling a dome. [2 definitions]
domicile (formal) a place of residence; home. [2 definitions]
dominance the state of being dominant. [2 definitions]
dominance the state of being dominant. [2 definitions]
dominant most in control; ruling; leading. [4 definitions]
dominate to control or govern by the use of power or influence; rule. [5 definitions]
domination the act of dominating. [2 definitions]
dominatrix a prostitute who punishes and humiliates her customers at their request.
domineer to rule or exercise power in an arrogant or arbitrary manner; tyrannize. [3 definitions]
domineering overbearing, despotic, or tyrannical.
Dominica an island country in the West Indies.
Dominican of or relating to St. Dominic or the Dominican friars. [6 definitions]
Dominican Republic a country that occupies the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola in the West Indies. (Cf. Haiti.)
dominion the power or authority to govern or control; sovereignty. [3 definitions]
Dominion Day see "Canada Day."
dominium in law, the ownership, control, and disposition of property, esp. of land.
1
domino one of a set of small, flat, rectangular game pieces, the faces of which bear different numbers of
dots. [2 definitions]
2
domino a long, loose cloak or robe with a hood, worn by clergymen or, often with an eye mask, by
masqueraders. [3 definitions]
domino theory a theory that if one event occurs, such as the fall of one country under Communist control, a chain of related
events will be triggered thereby, such as the fall of neighboring countries.
1
don (cap.) Sir; a title formerly attached to the name of a Spanish aristocrat or gentleman, now used as a courtesy
title. [2 definitions]
2
don to put on (an article of clothing); dress oneself in. [2 definitions]
doña (cap.) Lady or Madam; a title of respect or courtesy used before a married woman's name in Spain or other
Spanish-speaking countries. [2 definitions]
do nails to apply cosmetic polish to fingernails.
donate to give or contribute (something), as to a cause, charity, or group effort. [2 definitions]
donate to give or contribute (something), as to a cause, charity, or group effort. [2 definitions]
donation the act or an instance of giving or contributing, as to a cause. [2 definitions]
Don Budge U.S. tennis player who in 1938 was the first man to win the four tournaments that compose the grand slam of
tennis (b.1915--d.2000).
done past participle of do1. [4 definitions]
donee in law, the receiver of a gift or donation.
done for (informal) dying or dead; doomed. [2 definitions]
done in (informal) extremely tired, physically or mentally; exhausted.
doneness the condition of being done, esp. being fully baked or cooked.
1
dong a low, deep, reverberating sound such as that made by a large bell.
2
dong the chief monetary unit of Vietnam, equaling ten hao.
donjon the fortified inner tower or stronghold of a castle.
Don Juan in Spanish legend and literature, a nobleman famous for his seduction of women. [2 definitions]
donkey a sturdy domestic animal that resembles a horse but is smaller and has longer ears; ass. [3 definitions]
donnish of, like, or characteristic of a university don; pedantic.
donnybrook (sometimes cap.) a noisy fight or brawl; free-for-all.
donor one who gives, contributes, or donates something such as money to an organization, fund, or the
like. [2 definitions]
do-nothing a lazy, unmotivated person; idler or sluggard. [2 definitions]
Don Quixote the idealistic but impractical protagonist and title character of a seventeenth-century Spanish novel by Miguel
de Cervantes.
don't contracted form of "do not."
donut variant of doughnut.
doodad (informal) a term used for a small object or gadget for which one does not know or cannot remember the
name; dingus; contraption. [2 definitions]
doodad (informal) a term used for a small object or gadget for which one does not know or cannot remember the
name; dingus; contraption. [2 definitions]
doodle to draw or scribble aimlessly or absentmindedly. [3 definitions]
doodlebug the larva of an ant lion.
doo-doo (slang) feces; excrement.
doofus (slang) an insulting term for a person considered to be stupid or doing something stupid.
doohickey (informal) a tool or gadget for which one does not know or remember the name; thingamajig.
doom fate or destiny, esp. that of destruction or death. [5 definitions]
doomed approaching a terrible fate such as destruction or death. [3 definitions]
doomsayer one who consistently predicts failure or disaster; pessimist.
doomscrolling the practice of sifting through online news stories and consuming excessively large amounts of news depicting
violence, corruption, or devastation.
doomsday the day on which the Last Judgment is supposed to occur, at the end of the world. [2 definitions]
Doomsday Book variant of Domesday Book.
do one's bit to give one's effort to a particular endeavor, often one that is shared with others; do one's share.
do one's hair to arrange one's own or another person's hair in a particular style.
do one's makeup to apply makeup, usually to the face.
door an opening, esp. in a room or building, through which one enters or leaves; entryway. [5 definitions]
doorbell a bell, buzzer, or other signal at an outside door, as of a house or apartment, sounded to gain admission.
do-or-die showing or necessitating desperate effort. [2 definitions]
do or die to make the ultimate effort.
doorframe the framework of a doorway.
doorjamb one of the vertical sides of a doorframe; doorpost.
doorjamb one of the vertical sides of a doorframe; doorpost.
doorkeeper one whose job is to guard or tend the entrance to a building.
doorknob a rounded handle or knob used to open and close a door.
doorless combined form of door.
doorman one whose job is to tend the entrance of an apartment house, hotel, or other building, and to assist residents
or guests.
doormat a mat placed in front of or inside a door, on which to remove dirt from shoes or feet. [2 definitions]
doornail a large-headed nail formerly used to stud doors.
doorplate a plate, usu. of metal, attached to or next to a door, bearing the room number, name of occupant, or the like.
doorpost either of the upright posts in a doorframe; doorjamb.
door prize a prize awarded to someone attending a public or social event, based on a lottery drawn from admission
tickets or the like.
doorsill the sill of a doorway or entry; threshold.
doorstep a step or series of steps leading up to an outside door.
doorstop any of various devices, such as a weighted object, a wedge, or a rubber-tipped projection, used to control the
position or movement of a door, as to prop it open at a certain width or prevent it from hitting an adjacent wall.
door-to-door conducted or visiting at each home in a given area, such as a political district or sales territory. [2 definitions]
doorway the way of entrance into a room or building.
dooryard a yard at the door of a house.
do over to do (something) again. [2 definitions]
doo-wop a singing style most popular in the 1950s, characterized by a lead singer performing with a chorus singing
nonsense syllables, either with or without instrumental accompaniment.
dopa an amino acid that is converted to dopamine by an enzyme in the bloodstream, an isomer of which, L-dopa, is
used to treat Parkinson's disease.
dopamine an intermediate product in the body's synthesis of many substances, such as melanin, and a neurotransmitter
essential to normal nerve functioning.
dopaminergic releasing, activated by, or involving dopamine.
dopaminergic releasing, activated by, or involving dopamine.
dopant a substance, such as phosphorus, that is added in small amounts to laser crystals and semiconductors to
change their properties.
dope any of various thick liquids or pastes used in construction or manufacturing to lubricate parts, absorb liquid, or
the like. [7 definitions]
doped-up heavily under the influence of drugs.
dopesheet a bulletin containing information on the horses and riders in one day's races at a track; racing
form. [2 definitions]
dopester (informal) one who makes analyses and predictions, as of the outcome of an athletic or political contest.
dopey (informal) sleepy, sluggish, or dazed from or as if from the use of alcohol or drugs. [2 definitions]
doppelgänger the supposed ghostly twin of a living person, esp. one that haunts a real person.
Doppler effect the apparent shift in frequency of waves, as of sound or light, if the source and receptor are in motion relative
to each other. The frequency appears to become greater if they move closer and become less if they move
apart.
d'or (French) of gold.
Doric of, pertaining to, designating, or characteristic of the earliest and simplest order of classical Greek
architecture, later adapted by the Romans, esp. its typical fluted columns with simple capitals. [3 definitions]
d'or, in a field azure (combined French and English) of gold, on a blue background.
dork (slang) an insulting term for a person, often a male, considered unstylish or socially-backward in dress,
manner, or interests. [2 definitions]
dorky (slang) unstylish or socially-backward in dress, manner, or interests; not cool.
dorm (informal) dormitory.
dormant asleep or seemingly asleep; sluggish. [5 definitions]
dormer a window set vertically into a projecting structure on a sloping roof; dormer window. [2 definitions]
dormitory a residential hall, esp. at a college. [2 definitions]
dormouse any of various small European rodents that have furry tails and resemble squirrels in habits and appearance.
Dorothea Dix U.S. social activist, reformer, and Union army Superintendent of Women Nurses, who worked to improve
prison conditions and to provide asylums for the mentally ill (b.1802--d.1887).
dorsal of, upon, near, or related to the back, as an organ or part of an animal. (Cf. ventral.) [2 definitions]
dorsal of, upon, near, or related to the back, as an organ or part of an animal. (Cf. ventral.) [2 definitions]
dorsiflexion flexion that moves a body part in the dorsal (upward) direction.
dorsum the back part of an animal. [2 definitions]
1
dory a small, narrow, flat-bottomed boat that has high flaring sides and a sharply pointed prow.
2
dory either of two fishes of the Atlantic that have narrow, flattened bodies and spiny fins.
dosa in the cooking of southern India, a pancake made from rice flour and ground peas, lentils, or the like.
dos-à-dos do-si-do.
dosage the administration or taking of doses, esp. of medicine. [2 definitions]
do's and don'ts actions or customs, collectively correct or appropriate and wrong or inappropriate, respectively.
dose a specified amount, esp. of medicine, administered or prescribed to be taken at one time or at certain
intervals. [6 definitions]
do-si-do a movement in square dancing in which two dancers approach each other, pass around each other back to
back, and return to their original positions. [4 definitions]
dosimeter a portable instrument that measures amounts of radiation, such as gamma rays or x-rays, to which a person
has been exposed.
do somebody good to have a beneficial effect on someone.
dossier a set of papers or documents that provide detailed information on a particular person or subject.
dot a little mark or spot; speck. [10 definitions]
dotage weakness of mind or foolishness, esp. when accompanying old age; senility. [2 definitions]
dotard one who has become feeble-minded, esp. in old age.
dot-com a company that sells products or services primarily or exclusively online.
dote to have or exhibit excessive fondness or affection, esp. for a person (usu. fol. by "on" or "upon"). [2 definitions]
do the dishes to take care of dirty dishes by washing and possibly also drying.
do the honors to function as a host; serve.
do the honors to function as a host; serve.
do the ironing to press with a hot iron those clothes or other materials that are in need of pressing.
do the laundry to wash clothes and other things that have become dirty, and usually to cause them to dry in some particular
way.
do the trick to accomplish a result that one wants.
do time to spend time in jail or prison as a person convicted of a crime.
doting extremely or excessively affectionate. [2 definitions]
dot matrix a system of forming characters and graphics, as on computer screens or printers, by patterns of closely
spaced dots.
dotted strewn with or having a pattern of dots, or something similar to dots.
dotted swiss a crisp cotton fabric with woven or embroidered dots, used for blouses and curtains.
dotterel any of several plovers, esp. one of Europe and Asia.
dottle the residue of partially burnt tobacco or ash left in a pipe bowl after smoking.
1
dotty (informal) eccentric, weak-minded, or a little crazy; daft. [4 definitions]
dotty2 having dots on the surface; dotted.
Douay Bible an English translation of the Bible, based on the Vulgate and completed in 1610, that was the officially
approved text of the Roman Catholic Church.
double consisting of two times as much; having twice the amount or number. [19 definitions]
double agent a spy employed by both of two opposed or competitive countries, companies, or the like.
double bar two heavy vertical lines on a musical staff used to indicate the end of a piece or of a major subdivision of a
piece.
double-barreled having two barrels mounted side by side, as a shotgun. [2 definitions]
double bass the largest and deepest-toned instrument of the violin family; bass viol; contrabass.
double bassoon see "contrabassoon."
double bind a situation in which a person can satisfy one expectation or demand only by failing to satisfy another;
dilemma.
double bind a situation in which a person can satisfy one expectation or demand only by failing to satisfy another;
dilemma.
double-blind of or designating a method of testing in which both the experimenter and the subjects are ignorant of which
subjects are receiving the active treatment.
double boiler a pot consisting of a lower part, in which water is boiled to create steam, and an upper part that fits snugly into
the top of the lower, in which food can be cooked, warmed, or melted slowly.
double-breasted having the sides overlap each other by a wide margin on the breast or front, and usu. having a double vertical
row of buttons, as a jacket or coat. (Cf. single-breasted.) [2 definitions]
double-check to verify, as by checking twice; recheck. [2 definitions]
double check to check something twice to make sure that it is correct.
double chin one or more fatty folds of flesh beneath the chin.
double-click to press the button of a computer mouse twice in rapid succession.
double-cross (informal) to betray or cheat by acting contrary to a previous agreement.
double cross (informal) a betrayal or swindle accomplished by a course of action contrary to that previously agreed upon
with the victim. [2 definitions]
double dagger a sign consisting of a small vertical line crossed by two smaller horizontal lines, used as a reference mark, as
for a footnote; diesis.
double date (informal) in the United States, a social outing shared by two couples.
double-date to participate in a double date.
double-dealing an act of deception, duplicity, or treachery. [2 definitions]
double-decker a bus, ship, or other conveyance that has two tiers or decks for passengers. [3 definitions]
double-digit of, pertaining to, or denoting a rate greater than ten and less than one hundred percent, esp. used to describe
a high inflation rate.
double dipping the practice, often regarded as unethical, of receiving benefits such as salary, pension, or other compensation
from two organizations simultaneously.
double dribble in basketball, the illegal action of a player who either dribbles the ball with both hands or resumes dribbling
after a complete stop.
double-edged having two cutting edges, as a saw or razor blade. [2 definitions]
double entendre a word or expression that has two meanings, one of them usu. sexually suggestive.
double entry a common bookkeeping system in which each transaction is credited to one account and debited to another.
(Cf. single entry.)
double entry a common bookkeeping system in which each transaction is credited to one account and debited to another.
(Cf. single entry.)
double exposure the act of making two exposures on the same film, photographic plate, or the like. [2 definitions]
double-faced having two faces, fronts, or finished surfaces. [2 definitions]
double feature a movie theater program that offers two feature films for the price of one admission.
double flat a musical sign placed before a note, indicating that its pitch is to be lowered by two semitones.
doubleheader a set of two games played one right after the other, esp. of baseball. [2 definitions]
double indemnity a provision in a life or accident insurance policy that twice the face value of the contract will be paid in the
event of accidental death.
double jeopardy the prosecution of a person for an offense for which he or she has already been tried.
double-jointed having joints that will bend freely and at unusual angles.
double-knit a fabric, usu. synthetic, knit on a machine with two sets of needles so that, as the two single-knit fabrics are
produced, they are also woven together to form a double thickness. [2 definitions]
double negative the use of two negative words in one sentence, considered substandard when intended to express a single
negation.
double-park to park (a vehicle) alongside another that is parked parallel to the curb.
double play in baseball, a single play in which two players are put out.
double pneumonia pneumonia that affects both lungs.
double-quick very quick. [4 definitions]
double-reed of, pertaining to, or designating any woodwind instrument that sounds by means of a pair of reeds that vibrate
against each other. [2 definitions]
double sharp a musical sign placed before a note, indicating that its pitch is to be raised by two semitones.
doubles minus one in mathematics education, involving the addition of consecutive numbers by doubling the larger number and
subtracting one.
double-space to type leaving a blank line after each line of text or copy.
doublespeak obscure or confusing language, esp. when intentionally used.
doubles plus one in mathematics education, involving the addition of consecutive numbers by doubling the smaller number and
adding one
doubles plus one in mathematics education, involving the addition of consecutive numbers by doubling the smaller number and
adding one.
double standard any standard set of principles or code of behavior applied in such a way that one group is favored over
another, such as men over women or whites over blacks.
double-stop to produce two notes simultaneously on a stringed instrument, such as the violin, by drawing the bow across
two strings at once. [2 definitions]
doublet a snug jacket, sometimes sleeveless and sometimes having a short skirt, worn by men during the
Renaissance. [4 definitions]
double take a sudden second look or other delayed reaction indicating that the real significance of a sight, remark, or
situation has just been understood.
double-talk ambiguous language meant to deceive people or evade problems or issues. [3 definitions]
doublethink the simultaneous acceptance of two contradictory statements.
double time a fast military marching pace of one hundred and eighty three-foot steps per minute. [3 definitions]
double-time to move or play in double time.
doubleton in bridge, a pair of cards that are the only ones in a player's hand of a given suit.
double-tongue in playing a wind instrument, the action of touching the tongue alternately to the teeth and hard palate,
producing rapid articulation of notes.
double-tongued hypocritical; deceitful.
doubletree a crossbar on a wagon or coach that has a singletree at each end, used when two horses are to be harnessed
abreast.
double up to share a living space intended for one. [2 definitions]
doubloon a gold coin formerly in circulation in Spain and Spanish America.
doubly to twice the extent or degree; with double the effort or emphasis.
doubt to be uncertain about or believe unlikely. [6 definitions]
doubtable combined form of doubt.
doubtful having or causing doubt. [4 definitions]
doubting Thomas a person who is habitually skeptical or doubtful.
doubtless certainly. [3 definitions]
doubtless certainly. [3 definitions]
douche a stream or jet of water or air directed at or into a part or cavity of the body, in order to cleanse
it. [5 definitions]
dough a thick mixture of flour or meal and a liquid such as water or milk that is prepared for baking into bread,
cookies, or the like. Dough typically also includes some type of oil or fat. [3 definitions]
doughboy (informal) an infantryman, esp. an American in World War I.
doughnut a small, sweet, usu. ring-shaped cake that has been fried in deep fat. [2 definitions]
doughty consistently brave and strong; courageous.
doughy not thoroughly baked. [2 definitions]
Douglas fir a tall evergreen timber tree of western North America that has hard durable wood and short needles, and
bears narrow cones.
Doulichion in Greek mythology, an island nearby Ithaca, Odysseus's home. [2 definitions]
dour sullen, ill-humored, or unfriendly. [3 definitions]
1
douse to place or plunge in water or another liquid; immerse. [4 definitions]
douse2 variant of dowse.
dove1 any of various small pigeons or pigeonlike birds. [4 definitions]
2
dove a past tense of dive.
dovecote a boxlike structure with compartments, usu. mounted above the ground, for housing domesticated pigeons.
Dover the capital of Delaware.
dovetail something resembling a dove's tail in shape, esp. a wedge-shaped part, or tenon, that protrudes from one
piece of wood and fits snugly into a wedge-shaped opening, or mortise, in another piece of wood, forming a
joint. [5 definitions]
dowager the widow of a duke, king, or the like who retains a title or holdings from her dead husband. [2 definitions]
1
dowdy not at all stylish; shabby or dull. [3 definitions]
2
dowdy see "pandowdy."
dowel a peg or pin that is placed into corresponding holes in two pieces of wood in order to fasten them
together. [3 definitions]
dowel a peg or pin that is placed into corresponding holes in two pieces of wood in order to fasten them
together. [3 definitions]
dower the part of a deceased man's property that the law allots to his widow. [4 definitions]
do without to go on with one's life or with one's activity without having something or someone that is important or desired,
or to live without things in general.
Dow Jones industrial trademark for the index of prices of thirty industrial stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and
average averaged daily.
1
down from above to a lower position; toward, in, or into a lower position. [21 definitions]
2
down the fine, soft, fuzzy feathers that cover a young bird or that are found on the underside of adult birds.
down and out without money, friends, or hope.
down-and-out without money, friends, or hope.
down at the heels in a state of shabbiness.
downbeat the first beat of a measure in a piece of music. [3 definitions]
downcast directed or cast downwards, as the eyes. [2 definitions]
downdraft an air current that flows downward.
Down East (sometimes l.c.) New England, esp. the state of Maine.
downer (informal) a drug that depresses or sedates, such as a barbiturate or tranquilizer. [2 definitions]
downfall a drastic decline in status, wealth, or the like; ruin. [3 definitions]
downgrade a slope downward, as in a road. [5 definitions]
downhearted sad or depressed; dejected.
downhill down a hill. [5 definitions]
down-home of, resembling, or characteristic of the qualities associated with rural folk or family, such as hospitality,
simplicity, and warmth.
Downing Street the elected government of Great Britain, so termed because 10 Downing Street is the residence of the prime
minister.
down in the mouth depressed; sad.
down in the mouth depressed; sad.
downlink a channel for receiving transmissions from a spacecraft, or a transmission made on such a channel.
download to transfer (data, files, or programs) from a network or remote computer to one's own computer. [2 definitions]
down payment money to pay for part of the price of something that is very expensive.
downplay to dismiss the significance of; minimize.
downpour a very heavy rain.
downrange in the direction of the point taken as target, away from the launch site, on a missile test range.
downright absolute. [3 definitions]
downshift to shift a motor vehicle's transmission into a lower gear.
downside the lower or under side of something. [2 definitions]
downsize to design and manufacture a smaller version of (a popular product, esp. a car). [3 definitions]
downspout a vertical drainpipe that carries rainwater or melted snow from a roof or gutter to the ground.
Down's syndrome a congenital condition caused by an abnormal number of chromosomes which results in mental retardation
and produces distinctive physical characteristics such as a broad face, flattened head, and slanted eyes.
downstage at or toward the front portion of a stage. [3 definitions]
downstairs at, to, or on a lower floor. [3 definitions]
downstate the southern part of any U.S. state. (Cf. upstate.) [2 definitions]
downstream in the direction that a stream or current is flowing. [3 definitions]
downswing a swing in a downward direction, as of a golf club. [2 definitions]
down the drain to no good purpose; wasted.
downtime a period of time during which a computer, factory, or the like is inactive, usu. to allow for repairs or the like.
down to to the extreme extent of (the smallest thing). [3 definitions]
down to to the extreme extent of (the smallest thing). [3 definitions]
down-to-earth practical, straightforward, sensible, and realistic. [2 definitions]
downtown in, to, or toward the lower part or the business area of a town or city. [3 definitions]
downtrodden oppressed by those in positions of power; tyrannized over; crushed.
downturn a turn or tendency downward, as in business or the economy; decline.
down under (informal) Australia or New Zealand.
downward toward a lower place, state, condition, or the like. [3 definitions]
downwind in the direction that the wind is going; leeward.
downy resembling, or of the softness of, down. [2 definitions]
dowry the money or other property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage. [2 definitions]
dowse to search with a divining rod for underground water or minerals.
dowser a person who uses a divining rod to search for underground water; water witch.
doxology a formal expression of praise to God.
doxycycline a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat infections of bacteria and protozoa.
doyen the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group.
doyenne the senior or highest-ranking female member of a group.
doz. abbreviation of "dozen," or "dozens," a unit of quantity equal to twelve.
doze to sleep lightly, for a short time or fitfully. [3 definitions]
dozen a unit of quantity equal to twelve. [3 definitions]
dozenth twelfth.
doze off to fall into a light sleep.
doze off to fall into a light sleep.
dozy inclined to doze; half asleep; drowsy.
DP abbreviation of "displaced person," a person who has become homeless, usu. as a result of having been
forced from his or her homeland by war.
Dr. abbreviation of "Doctor." [2 definitions]
1
drab a dull gray or a dull grayish or yellowish brown color. [4 definitions]
2
drab a dirty, unkempt woman; slattern. [3 definitions]
dracaena any of several tropical plants of the agave family, often cultivated as a houseplant.
drachm see "drachma."
drachma the former chief monetary unit of Greece, equaling one hundred lepta. [2 definitions]
Draco a circumpolar constellation in the northern sky, located between Ursa Major and Ursa Minor and containing
the former north star used by the Egyptians; Dragon.
Draconian (often l.c.) harshly cruel or rigorous.
Dracula in a late nineteenth-century novel by Bram Stoker, the title character, a vampire, who is able to transform
himself into a bat.
draft a preliminary sketch of a piece of writing; rough draft. [18 definitions]
draftable combined form of draft.
draft board a body of citizens who select men for compulsory U.S. military service.
draft dodger a person who attempts to avoid compulsory military service.
draftee one who has been drafted, esp. for compulsory military service.
draftsman a man who draws detailed plans and designs, as for machines or buildings. [2 definitions]
draftsperson a draftsman or draftswoman.
draftswoman a woman who draws detailed plans and designs, as for machines and buildings. [2 definitions]
drafty having or being subject to drafts or currents of air.
drafty having or being subject to drafts or currents of air.
drag to pull along with force (often partly on the ground); haul. [13 definitions]
draggle to soil or wet by dragging through mud. [3 definitions]
draggy dull, slow-moving, lethargic, or monotonous.
dragnet a net that is dragged along a river or pond bottom or along the ground and used to catch fish or small
animals. [2 definitions]
dragoman in Near Eastern countries, an interpreter or guide.
dragon a mythical animal that is usu. depicted as a monstrous, winged, fire-breathing reptile with claws and a long
tail, often acting as a guardian of a place, treasure, or the like. [2 definitions]
dragonfly any of a large group of brightly colored insects with four long, veined, translucent wings usu. held
perpendicular to a long, narrow body.
dragon's blood any of several deep red resins obtained from trees, esp. from a tropical palm, formerly used in medicine and
now used in photoengraving and varnishes.
dragon tree a tree of the agave family with sword-shaped leaves and orange fruit, one source of dragon's blood.
dragoon a heavily armed cavalryman of seventeenth and eighteenth century Europe. [3 definitions]
drag out to prolong; protract.
drag queen (slang) a male, generally a homosexual, who dresses in a theatrical and exaggerated way as a woman.
drain to remove water or other liquid from, esp. by means of flow through a pipe. [12 definitions]
drainage the act or method of draining. [3 definitions]
drainage basin the natural drainage area of a river system.
drainboard a sloping surface placed next to or in a kitchen sink on which dishes are left to dry.
drainpipe a pipe used for draining liquids, esp. sewage or rainwater.
drake a male duck.
dram a unit of apothecaries' weight equal to sixty grains or one eighth of an ounce. [4 definitions]
drama a theatrical work, esp. one that is serious rather than primarily comedic in nature; play. [5 definitions]
drama a theatrical work, esp. one that is serious rather than primarily comedic in nature; play. [5 definitions]
Dramamine trademark for a drug, dimenhydrinate, used to control nausea caused by the motion of a car, airplane, ship, or
the like.
dramatic of, pertaining to, or possessing drama. [3 definitions]
dramatically in a dramatic manner; with real or feigned emotion. [3 definitions]
dramatics (used with a sing. or pl. verb) dramatic arts such as acting, directing, and stagecraft. [3 definitions]
dramatis personae the characters in a play or other fictional work. [2 definitions]
dramatist one who writes dramas; playwright.
dramatization the act or process of shaping into the form of a drama. [2 definitions]
dramatize to depict in the form of a drama. [2 definitions]
dramaturgy the art and techniques of writing, staging, or producing plays.
drank past tense of drink.
drape to arrange (clothing, curtains, or other fabric) in attractive folds. [6 definitions]
drapeable combined form of drape.
drapery loosely hanging clothing or other cloth. [3 definitions]
drapes a long, heavy curtain or set of curtains.
drastic severe or extreme; radical. [2 definitions]
drastically to an extreme degree; radically.
draught (chiefly British) variant of draft.
Dravidian a family of languages spoken in southern India, Ceylon, and northern Sri Lanka, that includes Tamil, Telegu,
and Malayan. [3 definitions]
draw to move by pulling or dragging. [19 definitions]
draw a blank to be unable to recall or recognize. [2 definitions]
draw a blank to be unable to recall or recognize. [2 definitions]
drawable combined form of draw.
drawback an impediment to the success or desirability of something; negative feature; flaw.
drawbridge a bridge built so that it can be raised or moved in order to either allow tall ships to pass beneath or restrict
passage.
drawee one on whom an order for payment is drawn.
drawer a sliding traylike compartment in a piece of furniture. [3 definitions]
drawing the act of making pictures or designs with a writing instrument such as a pencil. [3 definitions]
drawing board a large, smooth, rectangular board on which paper or canvas is mounted before being drawn upon.
drawing card something or someone, such as a well-known entertainer, that attracts a large audience, patronage, or the
like.
drawing room a formal reception room; parlor. [2 definitions]
drawknife a knife that can be drawn, by means of handles at both ends of the blade, toward the user to shave a surface.
drawl to pronounce or speak slowly, esp. with vowel sounds greatly lengthened. [2 definitions]
drawn past participle of draw. [2 definitions]
drawn butter butter melted, clarified, and often seasoned or thickened for use as a sauce.
drawn work ornamentation of fabric produced by drawing out threads and creating a lacy effect.
draw out to prolong. [2 definitions]
draw poker a version of poker in which players may discard and draw replacements for a specified maximum number of
cards in their original hands after initial bets are made.
draw straws to choose one person from several by having each choose a partly concealed straw, with the shortest straw
indicating the chosen person.
drawstring a cord or the like that is drawn through a sewn channel in fabric and pulled so as to tighten or close an
opening, as of pants, a bag, or the like.
draw the line to set a limit on what is allowed.
draw up to draft; formulate. [2 definitions]
draw up to draft; formulate. [2 definitions]
dray a low but sturdy cart with removable sides that is used for moving bulky or heavy objects. [3 definitions]
drayage conveyance by dray, or the charge for it.
drayman a dray driver.
dread to be very afraid of or deeply apprehensive about. [7 definitions]
dreadful producing great fear, horror, or awe; dread. [2 definitions]
dreadlocks a hairstyle, originally worn by Rastafarians, in which the hair is worn in many long, twisted strands.
dreadnought a large warship equipped with powerful weapons and, usu., heavy armor.
dread to think used to express worry or fear with respect to what might happen or be possible under certain circumstances.
dream a series of images or visions that accompany sleep, or that occur during waking reverie. [13 definitions]
dreamland any wonderful place or situation existing only in dreams or the imagination. [2 definitions]
dreamless combined form of dream.
dreamt a past tense and past participle of "dream."
dream up (informal) to conceive in the imagination.
dream world a world that exists only in the imagination, not in reality.
dreamy like a dream; hazy or indistinct. [4 definitions]
drear in literature, dreary; dismal; boring.
dreary cheerless, bleak, or depressing. [2 definitions]
1
dredge any of numerous pieces of equipment used to clear solid matter from the bottom of a body of water, as by a
scoop or suction pipe. [7 definitions]
2
dredge to roll in or sprinkle with a substance such as flour or sugar so as to make a coating.
dregs a solid or murky residue that sinks to the bottom of some beverages, such as wine and coffee. [2 definitions]
draw up to draft; formulate. [2 definitions]
dray a low but sturdy cart with removable sides that is used for moving bulky or heavy objects. [3 definitions]
drayage conveyance by dray, or the charge for it.
drayman a dray driver.
dread to be very afraid of or deeply apprehensive about. [7 definitions]
dreadful producing great fear, horror, or awe; dread. [2 definitions]
dreadlocks a hairstyle, originally worn by Rastafarians, in which the hair is worn in many long, twisted strands.
dreadnought a large warship equipped with powerful weapons and, usu., heavy armor.
dread to think used to express worry or fear with respect to what might happen or be possible under certain circumstances.
dream a series of images or visions that accompany sleep, or that occur during waking reverie. [13 definitions]
dreamland any wonderful place or situation existing only in dreams or the imagination. [2 definitions]
dreamless combined form of dream.
dreamt a past tense and past participle of "dream."
dream up (informal) to conceive in the imagination.
dream world a world that exists only in the imagination, not in reality.
dreamy like a dream; hazy or indistinct. [4 definitions]
drear in literature, dreary; dismal; boring.
dreary cheerless, bleak, or depressing. [2 definitions]
1
dredge any of numerous pieces of equipment used to clear solid matter from the bottom of a body of water, as by a
scoop or suction pipe. [7 definitions]
dredge2 to roll in or sprinkle with a substance such as flour or sugar so as to make a coating.
dregs a solid or murky residue that sinks to the bottom of some beverages, such as wine and coffee. [2 definitions]
dregs a solid or murky residue that sinks to the bottom of some beverages, such as wine and coffee. [2 definitions]
dreidel a small four-sided top with Hebrew letters marked on the sides. [2 definitions]
drench to sprinkle with or soak in a liquid to the point of saturation; wet. [3 definitions]
dress a girl's or woman's one-piece garment consisting of a blouse connected to the waist of a skirt. [11 definitions]
dressage the practice or methodology of training horses, esp. to obey and execute certain complicated movements.
dress circle the first tier of seats above the ground floor in an opera house, theater, or the like.
dress code a set of rules defining acceptable clothing and appearance for a particular place, occasion, or group.
dressed up wearing fancy or formal clothes, or wearing better or more stylish clothes than one usually wears.
dresser1 one who dresses someone or something. [2 definitions]
2
dresser a piece of furniture with drawers or shelves for storing clothing or other items.
dressing the act of one who dresses. [4 definitions]
dressing-down a severe scolding.
dressing gown a robe worn while relaxing or before becoming fully dressed.
dressing room a room for one or more persons in which to dress, put on makeup, and the like, esp. in a theater or a film or
television studio.
dressing table a stand or table, usu. with a mirror on or hung above it, at which one sits chiefly to apply makeup.
dressmaker someone who makes dresses and the like for a living. [2 definitions]
dress parade a formal parade of military troops in dress uniform.
dress rehearsal a full and uninterrupted rehearsal of a production that includes costumes, scenery, orchestra, and the like,
usu. the last rehearsal before performance.
dress suit a man's formal evening attire.
dress uniform a military uniform worn only on formal occasions.
dress up to dress in formal or fancy clothes.
dress up to dress in formal or fancy clothes.
dressy (informal) formal or fancy in dress; stylish.
drew past tense of draw.
dribble to drip or flow slowly in drops. [8 definitions]
driblet a drop of liquid in a dribble. [2 definitions]
dribs and drabs (informal) tiny and usu. intermittent amounts.
dried having had all the water or moisture removed. [2 definitions]
1
drier someone or something that dries, esp. a machine used to dry clothes. [2 definitions]
2
drier comparative of "dry."
driest a superlative of "dry."
drift to be carried along by an outside force, such as wind or water. [11 definitions]
driftage the act or extent of drifting, as from a set course. [2 definitions]
drifter one who drifts, esp. from one job or home to another.
driftwood wood that has been left upon a beach by water or is floating on water.
drifty of, having, characteristic of, or tending to form drifts.
drill1 a tool consisting of a shaft that has sharp cutting edges and is used to make holes in wood, metal, or the like,
usu. by means of rotation; drill bit. [13 definitions]
2
drill a furrow in the ground made for planting seeds. [5 definitions]
3
drill a sturdy twilled fabric, usu. of cotton.
drillmaster someone who teaches or trains using drill methods, esp. in the military.
drill press a machine for drilling holes in metal.
drillstock the part of a drilling machine or tool that tightens securely around the shank of a bit or drill; chuck.
drillstock the part of a drilling machine or tool that tightens securely around the shank of a bit or drill; chuck.
drily variant of dryly.
drink to swallow liquid. [12 definitions]
drinkable fit to drink; potable. [2 definitions]
drinker one who drinks. [2 definitions]
drinking fountain an appliance or device that supplies a flow of water, sometimes cooled, for drinking, as in a public place.
drip to flow downward in drops. [7 definitions]
drip-dry not requiring ironing if hung while wet, and usu. drying quickly, as certain fabrics or garments; wash-and-
wear. [2 definitions]
dripless combined form of drip.
dripping the act, process, or sound of liquid flowing downward in drops. [2 definitions]
drippy dripping or inclined to drip, as a leaky faucet. [2 definitions]
drive to cause to move through air or a substance by force. [18 definitions]
driveable combined form of drive.
drive-in an outdoor theater at which patrons watch movies from their automobiles. [3 definitions]
drivel foolish or silly speech or ideas. [5 definitions]
driven past participle of drive. [3 definitions]
driver one who drives. [2 definitions]
driverless combined form of driver.
drive shaft a rotating shaft that transmits torque, as in some automobiles from the transmission to the rear axle.
drivethrough a means by which customers can do business with an establishment at its premises without exiting their
vehicles. This mechanism generally consists of a window to the establishment where business is conducted
and a specially designated lane by which cars or other vehicles can access the window and exit once
business is finished. [3 definitions]
drivetrain the assembly that transmits an engine's rotary motion to the actual means of propulsion such as a propeller or
wheel.
drivetrain the assembly that transmits an engine's rotary motion to the actual means of propulsion such as a propeller or
wheel.
driveway a private road that provides access from a street to a building such as a house or garage.
driving aggressively forward-moving; highly active; exciting. [2 definitions]
driving wheel a wheel that transmits power from an engine, either to other wheels, or into propulsive effort, as on a
locomotive engine.
drizzle to rain lightly but continuously. [2 definitions]
drogue an anchor, esp. a canvas sack used for slowing a boat and keeping her prow into the wind. [2 definitions]
droit a legal claim or right. [2 definitions]
droll wryly amusing or humorous.
drollery something funny. [3 definitions]
-drome racecourse. [3 definitions]
dromedary an African or Asian camel with one hump. (Cf. Bactrian camel.)
1
drone a male honeybee or other male bee, whose only function is to impregnate the queen. [3 definitions]
2
drone to produce a low, continuous hum. [5 definitions]
drongo any of a family (Dicruridae) of insectivorous passerine birds with black plumage and a forked tail.
drool to exude saliva from the mouth; drivel. [3 definitions]
droop to hang or sink down; bend limply. [4 definitions]
droopy drooping or inclined to droop. [2 definitions]
drop a small amount of liquid, usu. forming a tiny sphere. [17 definitions]
drop a beat to miss a beat in music, or otherwise lose the rhythm or continuity of something; falter. [2 definitions]
drop by to come for a casual and usually brief visit or errand, generally with little or no planning and often on one's
way to somewhere else.
drop cookie a cookie made by dropping dough from a spoon onto the baking sheet, rather than by shaping or rolling it.
drop cookie a cookie made by dropping dough from a spoon onto the baking sheet, rather than by shaping or rolling it.
drop curtain a stage curtain that is lowered and raised rather than drawn to or from the sides.
drop-down menu a menu in a computer program interface whose title is visible but whose contents are revealed only when the
title is clicked on, allowing a user to choose an item on the menu.
drop-forge to shape (heated metal) with a drop hammer.
drop forging an object made by drop-forging metal.
drop hammer a powered machine consisting of an anvil, on which heated metal is held, and a heavy weight that is raised
and then allowed to drop on the metal in order to shape it.
drop in to come for a casual visit, often without arranging to in advance (often fol. by "on").
drop kick a kick, formerly used in football, in which the kicker drops the ball and kicks it as it begins to rebound. (Cf.
place kick, punt1.)
drop-kick to kick with or make a drop kick.
drop leaf a hinged board attached to the end of a table, which can be used to make the surface larger and which folds
down when not in use.
droplet a small drop, as of water.
drop-off a sudden, sharp slope. [2 definitions]
drop off to drive (someone) to a place and let them get out of the vehicle there. [3 definitions]
dropout someone who has quit school, esp. high school, without graduating. [2 definitions]
drop out to stop participating in something; quit (school or other non-job activity).
drop over to come from a relatively near place to another place for a casual visit.
dropper a device, usu. consisting of a tube that narrows at one end and a bulb for producing suction at the other, used
for taking up a liquid and dispensing it in drops.
drop press see "drop hammer."
drop (someone) a line to write a brief letter or note to (someone).
dropsy an abnormal medical condition characterized by the building up of watery fluid such as lymph or serum in
body tissues or cavities.
droshky a low open horse-drawn carriage used primarily in Russia, or a similar vehicle.
droshky a low open horse-drawn carriage used primarily in Russia, or a similar vehicle.
drosophila the common fruit fly, used esp. in genetic experiments.
dross anything that is worthless or useless; rubbish. [2 definitions]
drought an unusually prolonged lack of rain. [2 definitions]
1
drove past tense of drive.
2
drove a group of animals driven, or gathered for driving, as a herd; flock. [3 definitions]
drover someone who drives animals, esp. sheep or cattle, to a place where they can be sold.
drown to die from lack of oxygen as the result of submersion in a liquid, esp. water. [4 definitions]
drown out to cover up the sound of with a louder sound.
drowse to be nearly asleep. [3 definitions]
drowsy being on the point of falling asleep. [3 definitions]
drub to beat, as with a stick or club. [3 definitions]
drubbing a sound beating or defeat, as in an athletic contest.
drudge someone who works at a boring, repetitious, physically demanding, or menial job. [2 definitions]
drudgery hard, boring, menial, or unpleasant work.
drug a chemical substance used to cure or heal; medicine. [5 definitions]
drug abuse the use of illegal drugs, especially in a habitual or harmful way, or the use of any drug in doses or for
purposes outside their intended medical use.
drug addict one who is physically dependent on regular doses of one or more narcotics.
druggist one who is licensed to prepare and sell prescription drugs; pharmacist.
drug resistance the reduction in effectiveness of a drug in curing an infectious disease or cancer. Drug resistance typically
develops when pathogenic cells or cancerous cells evolve the ability to tolerate a drug used to kill them.
drug-resistant of or relating to a pathogen or cancer that has evolved the ability to tolerate a drug.
drug-resistant of or relating to a pathogen or cancer that has evolved the ability to tolerate a drug.
drugstore in the United States, a store that sells prescription drugs, as well as other items such as vitamins, hair care
products, cosmetics, candy, and magazines.
drug test a test of the body to discover if a person is using drugs that are illegal.
drug-trafficking dealing in the production, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs, esp. the transporting of drugs into countries
where they are prohibited.
druid (often cap.) a member of a priestly order in ancient Celtic lands, such as Gauland the British Isles.
drum any of various hollow musical percussion instruments consisting of a cylindrical body covered at one or both
ends by a tight membrane, and played by beating with sticks or the hands. [10 definitions]
drumbeat the sound made by a drum, esp. when it is rhythmic.
drumbone a musical instrument requiring two or three players that is made of joined sections of plastic pipe, two of which
slide to alter the pitch of sounds made by beating on the pipe with drumsticks. The drumbone was introduced
by the Blue Man Group.
drumfish see "drum."
drumhead the membrane that is stretched over the open end of a drum to form the sounding surface.
drum kit a set of percussion instruments arranged for convenient playing by a drummer in a band, the basic set of
which usu. includes a bass drum, a tom-tom, a snare drum, a high-hat, and a crash cymbal, also called a
drum set.
drumlin an oval or elongated hill formed from glacial debris.
drum major the leader of a marching band or drum corps, who beats time and often performs twirling tricks with a baton.
drum majorette a female drum major.
drummer a musician who plays drums. [2 definitions]
drum out to discharge or drive out for reprehensible behavior.
drum set a collection of percussion instruments arranged for convenient playing by a drummer; drum kit.
drumstick a stick used to play a drum. [2 definitions]
drum up to make a concerted effort to get or stimulate (support, customers, an emotion, or the like).
drunk feeling the debilitating and inhibition-reducing effects of alcohol; intoxicated. [6 definitions]
drunkard one who is frequently drunk.
drunkard one who is frequently drunk.
drunken drunk. [3 definitions]
drupe any of numerous fleshy fruits, such as the apricot, cherry, peach, or almond, usu. having one hard stone.
drupelet a small drupe, as any of the many that compose a raspberry or blackberry.
druthers (informal) preference or choice.
dry free from wetness, dampness, or moisture. [14 definitions]
dryable combined form of dry.
dryad (often cap.) in Greek and Roman mythology, a spirit or deity that presides over the woods; wood nymph.
dry battery a dry cell, or a battery made up of several connected dry cells.
dry cell an electric cell in which the electrolyte is in a paste, treated with an absorbent, or otherwise protected against
spilling.
dry-clean to clean (garments, drapes, or the like) using chemicals other than water.
dry-cleanable combined form of dry-clean.
dry-cleaning a method of cleaning clothes that uses liquid chemicals instead of water.
dry dock a basin-shaped dock that holds a ship and that can be drained or lifted to expose the ship's hull for cleaning or
repairs.
dry-dock to put or go into dry dock, as a ship.
dryer a machine used for removing the moisture from something.
dry-eyed not crying; emotionally unmoved.
dry farming a kind of farming practiced in arid regions without irrigation by growing drought-resistant crops or covering
them with mulch or other substances to prevent the soil's moisture from evaporating.
dry gangrene gangrene that results from an arterial obstruction, characterized by mummification of the affected tissue but
no infection.
dry goods (sometimes used with a sing. verb) textiles, textile products, and related goods for sale.
Dry Ice trademark for solidified carbon dioxide that evaporates as a gas at a very low temperature without passing
through a liquid phase, used as a refrigerant.
Dry Ice trademark for solidified carbon dioxide that evaporates as a gas at a very low temperature without passing
through a liquid phase, used as a refrigerant.
dryly in a matter-of-fact manner.
dry measure a system of units for measuring the volume of dry things such as grains or fruits.
dryness the quality or condition of being dry. [3 definitions]
dry nurse a woman employed to care for another's baby but not to breast-feed it. (Cf. wet nurse.)
dry-nurse to care for (another's baby) without breast-feeding it. (Cf. wet-nurse.)
dry off to make the surface of something dry. [2 definitions]
dry out to lose the moisture that is inside. [3 definitions]
drypoint an engraving technique, used esp. on copper, in which furrows are incised with a hard steel needle so as to
leave a burr at the sides for a softer outline. [2 definitions]
dry rot a fungus decay of seasoned timber that causes it to become brittle and crumble into a dry powder, or the
fungus causing this decay. [3 definitions]
dry run (informal) a military exercise without live ammunition. [2 definitions]
dry up to become completely dry, evaporate so as to cause shrinking or disappearance. [3 definitions]
dry wall a prefabricated wall or panel made of plaster dried between paper sheets or boards; wallboard.
D.S. abbreviation of "dal segno," from the sign (used in music as a direction to return to the point so marked and
repeat a passage).
DSC abbreviation of "Distinguished Service Cross."
DST abbreviation of "daylight saving time," standard time that has been advanced by one hour in a given time
zone, usu. in the spring and lasting into the fall, in order to provide one more hour of daylight at the end of
each day.
d.t.'s abbreviation of "delirium tremens," a condition caused by chronic excessive drinking of alcohol and
characterized by hallucinations, trembling, and anxiety.
dual of or relating to two, esp. having two, often identical, components, people, sections, or the like;
double. [2 definitions]
dual carriageway (chiefly British) a highway divided by a strip of land, with two lanes on either side used by traffic moving in
opposite directions; divided highway.
dualism the state of being twofold; duality. [3 definitions]
dualize to make or conceive of as dual.
dualize to make or conceive of as dual.
dual-purpose serving or designed to serve two purposes; meant to have two functions.
1
dub to award the title of knight to by tapping or striking lightly on the shoulder, usu. with a sword. [2 definitions]
dub2 to push, poke, or thrust at. [4 definitions]
3
dub to add sounds to or replace sounds on (a film or other recording), esp. to replace voices in one language with
those in another. [4 definitions]
dubbin a mixture of oil and fat used to soften and waterproof leather.
dubiety the state of being doubtful or suspicious. [2 definitions]
dubious having or showing doubt; skeptical. [3 definitions]
Dublin the capital of the Republic of Ireland.
ducal of, concerning, or characteristic of a duke or duchy.
ducat any of various gold or silver coins formerly minted in certain European countries.
duce (Italian) leader; commander. [2 definitions]
duchess a woman who is married to or the widow of a duke. [2 definitions]
duchy the region over which a duke or duchess rules.
1
duck any of numerous birds that live in and near water and have webbed feet for swimming and a large flat
bill. [3 definitions]
2
duck to lower one's head or whole body quickly, so as to hide or to avoid a blow or contact with a moving
object. [7 definitions]
3
duck a very strong fabric made of cotton or linen and resembling canvas. [2 definitions]
duckbill a small Australian or Tasmanian mammal that lays eggs, lives in the water, and has a bill resembling that of
ducks; platypus.
duck-billed of an animal, having a broad, flat snout shaped like a duck's bill.
duck-billed dinosaur any dinosaur of the Hadrosauridae family, having a broad, flat snout for grazing.
duckboard boarding placed over a wet floor or mud to provide a dry surface for walking.
duckboard boarding placed over a wet floor or mud to provide a dry surface for walking.
ducking stool a former means of punishment consisting of a chair in which offenders were bound and then repeatedly
plunged into water.
duckling an immature duck.
duckpin a short, thick pin used for a bowling game similar to tenpins. [2 definitions]
duckwalk to walk while in a squatting position; waddle like a duck.
duckweed any of various flowering plants that float freely on ponds and slow streams.
ducky (informal) excellent; delightful; fine.
duct a passage, such as a pipe or tube, through which something, esp. a liquid or gas, flows. [2 definitions]
ductal in anatomy, relating to or originating from a duct, such as a duct in mammary tissue.
ductile able to withstand stress without breaking, as in drawing out into wire or pounding thin. [3 definitions]
ductless combined form of duct.
ductless gland see "endocrine."
duct tape a wide, strong adhesive tape, typically silver in color, originally designed for sealing heating and air-
conditioning ducts but used for a wide variety of purposes.
dud (informal) someone or something that functions poorly or fails in some regard. [3 definitions]
dude (informal) a man who dresses in a showy manner and pays exceptional attention to his appearance;
dandy. [3 definitions]
dude ranch a vacation resort operated like a ranch, offering horseback riding and other similar outdoor pastimes.
dudgeon an angry, resentful, and offended state of mind.
due required as payment; owed as a debt or right. [7 definitions]
duel a formal, arranged fight between two people, usu. with pistols or swords, to defend their honor or settle a
conflict. [3 definitions]
duende (Spanish) a quality that makes one magnetically attractive to others; irresistible charm.
duenna in Portugal or Spain, an older woman hired to accompany, care for, and protect a girl or young
woman. [2 definitions]
duenna in Portugal or Spain, an older woman hired to accompany, care for, and protect a girl or young
woman. [2 definitions]
due process an established set of legal procedures and methods designed to protect citizens against arbitrary action by the
government. U.S. law dictates that all judicial action must follow these consistent procedures and safeguards
in order to protect the rights of individuals.
due process of law the course of legal proceedings established by a government to protect an individual's rights.
dues money that members of a group or club must pay to remain part of the group.
duet a piece of music written for or performed by two singers or instrumentalists. [2 definitions]
due to because of; resulting from.
1
duff decomposing organic matter on the floor of a forest. [2 definitions]
duff2 a thick pudding that is boiled in a cloth bag or steamed and often contains dried fruit and spices.
3
duff (slang) the buttocks.
duffel a heavy woolen cloth with a thick nap. [2 definitions]
duffel bag a large cylindrical canvas bag used to carry clothing and personal items.
duffel coat a hooded knee-length overcoat with frog fasteners that is usu. made of a sturdy wool fabric such as duffel or
loden.
duffer (informal) a clumsy, stupid, or incapable person. [2 definitions]
1
dug the past tense and past participle of dig.
2
dug a female breast or teat.
dugong a large herbivorous sea mammal found in the Indian Ocean that has flipperlike forelimbs and a tail resembling
that of a whale.
dugout a hole in the ground used as a shelter, esp. for protection from bombs, storms, or the like. [3 definitions]
duiker any of several small African antelopes, the males of which have short spiky horns pointing backward.
du jour of the day (French); available or being served today.
duke a high-ranking male nobleman, the ruler of a duchy in Europe or ranked just below a prince in Britain,
although, in Britain, a prince may also be a duke. [2 definitions]
duke it out to fight with fists until one person wins or a matter is settled.
duke it out to fight with fists until one person wins or a matter is settled.
dulcet pleasing to the ear; melodious. [2 definitions]
dulcimer a musical instrument with three or four strings stretched over a long oval soundbox, used esp. by American
folk musicians. [2 definitions]
dulia in Roman Catholic theology, the veneration of saints and angels.
dull lacking in interest, originality, or liveliness; boring. [10 definitions]
dullard an unintelligent person; dolt.
dulse any of several reddish, edible seaweeds with wedge-shaped fronds.
duly in an appropriate or expected manner. [2 definitions]
Duma a Russian legislative assembly that met and was disbanded several times between 1905 and 1917.
dumb unintelligent, or reflecting a lack of intelligent thinking; idiotic; stupid. [4 definitions]
dumbbell a device consisting of two weights at either end of a short bar, used for muscular development by lifting.
dumbfound to confuse, amaze, or astonish.
dumb show a part of a play performed without speech; pantomime. [2 definitions]
dumbwaiter a small, sometimes hand-operated elevator that is used for transporting items such as food or garbage
between floors of a building.
dumdum a bullet designed to cause serious damage by expanding as it hits the target.
Dumet wire a particular type of wire, made of a combination of iron and nickel encased in a copper sleeve, used to create
vacuum seals between glass and metal in items such as incandescent light bulbs.
dummy an object made as a representation or imitation of another object, but without all the functions or qualities of
the original. [8 definitions]
dump to drop abruptly and in one single load. [10 definitions]
dumpling a lump of boiled dough, often served in soup with stewed meat. [2 definitions]
dumps (informal) a mental state characterized by unhappiness and mild depression.
Dumpster trademark for a large metal trash container that is designed to be carried by a special truck.
Dumpster trademark for a large metal trash container that is designed to be carried by a special truck.
dumpster diving (slang) in North America, the practice of rummaging through trash to find useful items that have been
discarded.
dump truck a truck with a bed that can tilt backward to unload its contents through the opened tailgate.
1
dumpy unhappy or depressed.
2
dumpy short and thick; bulky; squat.
dun1 to repeatedly demand payment from. [3 definitions]
2
dun a dull grayish brown color. [3 definitions]
dunce an unintelligent, foolish, or ignorant person.
dunce cap a cone-shaped cap worn in former times by school children as punishment for slowness or laziness.
dunderhead a stupid, idiotic person; dunce; numbskull.
dune a mound or hill of sand built up by the action of wind.
dune buggy a lightweight car, usu. without doors or windows, that has a rear-engine chassis and oversized tires that make
driving over sand dunes easier.
dung solid excrement; feces, esp. nonhuman. [2 definitions]
dungaree a heavy, coarse cotton fabric, usu. blue; denim. [3 definitions]
dung beetle any of various beetles that feed on and breed in dung; scarab.
dungeon a jail or jail cell, esp. a dark, damp one underground.
dunghill a large pile of dung. [2 definitions]
dunk to immerse in a liquid. [4 definitions]
dunk shot in basketball, a shot made by jumping up and thrusting the ball through the hoop from above.
dunlin a small brown and white sandpiper that breeds in northern areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
dunnage loose packing material used for protection or ventilation around cargo on a ship or train. [2 definitions]
dunnage loose packing material used for protection or ventilation around cargo on a ship or train. [2 definitions]
duo a musical composition for two performers, or the two performers themselves. [3 definitions]
duo- two.
duodecimal of, concerning, or based on twelve or twelfths (used esp. to describe a number system with twelve instead of
ten digits). [3 definitions]
duodecimo the page size of a book that is five by seven and a half inches or one twelfth of a printer's sheet. [3 definitions]
duodenal pertaining to or affecting the duodenum.
duodenum the short, rather straight portion of the small intestine nearest to the stomach.
duologue a conversation between two people or characters, esp. in a drama.
duopoly control of a commodity in a market area by two suppliers or producers. (Cf. monopoly.)
duopsony the market condition that exists when there are only two buyers, who can thus exert great influence on price.
(Cf. monopsony, oligopsony.)
dupe a gullible person; one who can be readily misled or fooled. [3 definitions]
duple twofold; double; duplex. [2 definitions]
duplex having two parts; twofold; double. [3 definitions]
duplex apartment an apartment that has rooms on two stories.
duplex house a house that has been divided into two separate living units.
duplicate an exact copy of an original. [7 definitions]
duplicating machine a machine that makes exact copies of printed matter. (See copier, duplicator.)
duplicator a machine that makes copies, esp. of written material; copier.
duplicitous deceitful, treacherous, or double-dealing.
duplicity deceitful speech or action. [2 definitions]
durable not easily worn out; long-lasting; sturdy. [2 definitions]
durable not easily worn out; long-lasting; sturdy. [2 definitions]
durable goods goods that can be used for many years without wearing out, such as household appliances or automobiles.
dural of, pertaining to, or affecting the dura mater.
dura mater the outermost of three fibrous membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. (See arachnoid, pia mater.)
duramen the hard, dead wood in the center of certain trees; heartwood.
durance involuntary and usu. extended confinement, as in a prison.
duration the state or quality of existing over time. [2 definitions]
durbar in India, the court of a prince. [2 definitions]
duress intimidation or coercion. [2 definitions]
durga the Hindu goddess of war.
durian an edible oval fruit with a hard prickly rind, soft flavorful pulp, and an odor considered offensive by
 many. [2 definitions]
during throughout the existence or duration of. [2 definitions]
Duroc (sometimes l.c.) any of a breed of reddish brown hogs with droopy ears.
durra a grain sorghum, grown in Africa and Asia. (See Indian millet, Guinea corn.)
durum a variety of wheat whose flour is the basic ingredient of spaghetti and other pasta.
Dushanbe the capital of Tajikistan.
dusk the time of day just before night; last moments of twilight.
dusky dark or rather dark in hue. [2 definitions]
dust dry, fine particles of soil or other substances. [11 definitions]
dust bowl an area that has become desertlike because of severe dust storms or drought.
dust devil a small whirlwind that raises a narrow column of dust, sand, and debris.
dust devil a small whirlwind that raises a narrow column of dust, sand, and debris.
duster a person or thing that removes dust. [4 definitions]
dusting powder any fine light powder that prevents sticking or, when containing dried chemicals or scents, is used as an
insecticide, medicine, or toiletry.
dust jacket a paper cover to protect a book's binding. [2 definitions]
dustless combined form of dust.
dustpan a shovel-shaped pan with a handle into which dust is swept for disposal.
dust ruffle a floor-length decorative ruffle, usu. made of a light fabric such as cotton, that hangs from a mattress around
three or four sides of a bed.
dust storm a storm of severe winds that sweep up clouds of dust from land dried up by a drought.
dusty full of or covered with dust. [3 definitions]
dusty miller any of various flowering plants and herbs having whitish, downy or woolly foliage.
Dutch of or pertaining to the Netherlands or its people, culture, language, or the like. [5 definitions]
Dutch Belted one of a breed of dairy cattle that have a band of white around the body.
Dutch bob a haircut with bangs and a straight, even cut over the ears.
Dutch boy see "Dutch bob."
Dutch courage (informal) courage as a result of drinking alcoholic beverages.
Dutch cut see "Dutch bob."
Dutch door a door divided into two halves that operate separately so that the top may be opened while the bottom
remains closed.
Dutch elm disease a serious disease of elms that causes yellow, wilted leaves, streaked wood, and ultimately the death of the
tree.
Dutchman's-breeches an herb of eastern North America with finely divided leaves and yellow, pink, or whitish double-spurred
flowers.
Dutchman's-pipe a hardy climbing vine having curved leaves and bearing brownish or purplish flowers resembling a tobacco
pipe.
Dutch metal an alloy of copper and zinc, thin sheets of which resemble gold leaf.
Dutch metal an alloy of copper and zinc, thin sheets of which resemble gold leaf.
Dutch oven a heavy iron or enamel kettle with an arched lid, for the slow cooking of pot roasts, stews, or other
dishes. [3 definitions]
Dutch treat a date or other outing for which each person pays his or her own share.
Dutch uncle (informal) a person who bluntly and severely criticizes or lectures another.
duteous careful to fulfill one's duties; dutiful; obedient.
dutiable subject to import duty or other taxes.
dutiful carrying out one's duties or responsibilities as required or expected. [2 definitions]
duty ethical, legal, or moral obligation. [5 definitions]
duty-free exempt from a duty or tax.
duumvir either of two officers in ancient Rome who exercised jointly the duties of a public office.
duumvirate government authority held by a two-member board, as in ancient Rome. [2 definitions]
duvet a bed covering filled with feathers or other soft material and generally having a removable and washable
cover so that it can be used as both top sheet and quilt.
duvetyn a napped fabric of cotton, silk, wool, or rayon that has a twilled weave.
duxelles a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and seasonings sautéed until all liquid has evaporated and
used esp. in sauces and stuffings.
DVD abbreviation of "digital video disc" or, subsequently, "digital versatile disc."
D.V.M. abbreviation of "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine."
dwarf (outdated; often considered offensive) a much smaller than average person due to a medical condition, esp. if
proportioned so that the person's legs are shorter than his or her torso. [7 definitions]
dwarfism a state or condition of stunted growth.
dwarf star a star of relatively small size and low mass and luminosity. (See white dwarf.)
dweeb (slang) a wimp; nerd; despised person.
dwell to live or stay as a resident; reside. [3 definitions]
dwell to live or stay as a resident; reside. [3 definitions]
dwelling a shelter used for long-term residence; abode; house.
dwelt a past tense and past participle of dwell.
DWI abbreviation of "driving while intoxicated."
dwindle to become or cause to become gradually smaller or less until almost nothing remains; diminish; shrink.
Dy symbol of the chemical element dysprosium.
Dyak variant of Dayak.
dybbuk in Jewish folklore, the soul of a dead person that enters the body of a living person and controls his or her
actions.
dye a liquid used to impart color, as to fabrics, or the substance, usu. a powder, from which the liquid is
made. [5 definitions]
dyeable combined form of dye.
dyed-in-the-wool complete; utter. [2 definitions]
dyed in the wool confirmed or firmly established.
dyeing the process or art of using dye to color fabric.
dyer's woad a yellow-flowered biennial plant whose leaves yield a blue dye.
dyestuff a substance that can be used as or made into a dye.
dying nearing death; losing life. [4 definitions]
1
dyke variant of dike.
2
dyke (offensive slang) a female homosexual; lesbian.
dyna- power.
dynamic characterized by constant activity, forward movement, or change, often with positive results. [5 definitions]
dynamics (used with a sing. verb) a branch of physics that studies how motion and the action of forces affecting motion
interrelate. [3 definitions]
dynamics (used with a sing. verb) a branch of physics that studies how motion and the action of forces affecting motion
interrelate. [3 definitions]
dynamism any of various philosophical theories that hold that natural phenomena are based in force or
energy. [2 definitions]
dynamite a strong explosive made of nitroglycerine or ammonium nitrate. [3 definitions]
dynamo a machine for generating electricity, esp. direct current, from a different source of power. [3 definitions]
dynamo- see "dyna-."
dynamoelectric of or pertaining to the conversion of mechanical energy to electric energy or vice versa.
dynamometer any of several devices for measuring the energy expended by a force.
dynamotor an electric machine that transforms direct current into alternating current.
dynast a ruler, esp. a hereditary one.
dynasty a succession, lasting several generations, of rulers from the same family or group. [2 definitions]
dyne a unit of force equal to the amount of force necessary to give a mass of one gram an acceleration of one
centimeter per second per second.
dys- ill; bad; abnormal; difficult.
dysentery an infectious disease of the lower bowel, causing pain, severe diarrhea, and passage of blood and
mucus. [2 definitions]
dysfunction incomplete or impaired functioning of a body part or organ.
dysfunctional not working normally, as a bodily organ; impaired. [2 definitions]
dyslexia a learning disorder characterized by difficulty in recognizing and understanding written words.
dyslexic one afflicted with dyslexia. [2 definitions]
dysmenorrhea menstruation that is difficult or painful.
dyspareunia sexual intercourse that is difficult or painful.
dyspepsia incomplete or improper digestion of food; indigestion.
dyspeptic pertaining to or afflicted with dyspepsia. [3 definitions]
dyspeptic pertaining to or afflicted with dyspepsia. [3 definitions]
dysphagia difficulty in swallowing.
dysphonia difficulty in making normal speech sounds, as because of hoarseness.
dysphoria a generally unwell feeling, characterized by anxiety, dissatisfaction, discomfort, or restlessness.
dysplasia disordered growth or abnormal development of tissues, bones, or other body parts.
dyspnea difficulty in breathing; shortness of breath.
dysprosium a rare-earth metal chemical element of the lanthanide series that has sixty-sixprotons in each nucleus.
(symbol: Dy)
dysthymia an older name for persistent depressive disorder.
dystopia an imagined state or society in which injustice, oppression, and often terror are the norm and in which,
typically, a totalitarian form of government has control over all aspects of life. (Cf. utopia.) [2 definitions]
dystrophy insufficient or improper nutrition. [2 definitions]