Definitions of Unusual Words

The definition of kibibit

2007-09-12T07:39:00.003-07:00

kibibit

noun
a unit of information equal to 1024 bits

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The definition of kibe

2007-09-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

kibe /kaɪb/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kahyb] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun Medicine/Medical. a chapped or ulcerated chilblain, esp. on the heel.

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[Origin: 1350–1400; ME kybe, perh. < Welsh cibi]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The definition of kibbutz

2007-09-12T07:38:00.001-07:00

kib·butz /kɪˈbʊts, -ˈbuts/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ki-boots, -boots] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -but·zim /-bʊtˈsim/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[-boot-seem] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. (in Israel) a community settlement, usually agricultural, organized under collectivist principles.

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[Origin: 1930–35; < ModHeb kibuṣ; cf. Heb qibbūṣ gathering]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of kibbitz

2007-09-12T07:37:00.002-07:00

kibbitz

verb
make unwanted and intrusive comments [syn: kibitz]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The definition of kiawe

2007-09-12T07:37:00.001-07:00

ki·a·we /kiˈɑveɪ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kee-ah-vey] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun a thorny tree, Prosopis juliflora, of the legume family, native to South America and widely naturalized in Hawaii.

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[Origin: < Hawaiian]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of kiaugh

2007-09-12T07:36:00.001-07:00

kiaugh /kyɑx/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kyahkh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun Scot. trouble or worry.

Also, kauch.

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[Origin: 1780–90; of uncert. orig.]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of kiang

2007-09-12T07:35:00.001-07:00

ki·ang /kiˈɑŋ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kee-ahng] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun a wild ass, Equus kiang, of Tibet and Mongolia.

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[Origin: 1880–85; < Tibetan kyang (sp. rkyang)]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The definition of kiabooca

2007-09-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

ki·a·boo·ca /ˌkaɪəˈbukə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kahy-uh-boo-kuh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun padouk.

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[Origin: 1825–35; orig. uncert.]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of kiaat

2007-09-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

kiaat

noun
deciduous South African tree having large odd-pinnate leaves and profuse fragrant orange-yellow flowers; yields a red juice and heavy strong durable wood [syn: bloodwood tree]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Ki

2007-09-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

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Ki /ki/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun the Sumerian goddess personifying earth: the counterpart of the Akkadian Aruru.

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Technorati Profile

2007-09-09T20:27:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

The Definition of Peperomia

2007-09-09T20:25:00.002-07:00

pep·er·o·mi·a /ˌpɛpəˈroʊmiə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[pep-uh-roh-mee-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun any of numerous tropical and subtropical plants belonging to the genus Peperomia, of the pepper family, cultivated as houseplants for their ornamental foliage.

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[Origin: < NL < Gk péper(i) pepper + (h)om(ós) same (see homo-; the intended sense is prob. that of hómoios like, similar) + NL -ia -ia]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of Penurious

2007-09-09T20:25:00.001-07:00

pe·nu·ri·ous /pəˈnʊəriəs, -ˈnyʊər-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[puh-noor-ee-uhs, -nyoor-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. extremely stingy; parsimonious; miserly.
2. extremely poor; destitute; indigent.
3. poorly or inadequately supplied; lacking in means or resources.

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[Origin: 1590–1600; < ML pénūriōsus. See penury, -ous]

—Related forms
pe·nu·ri·ous·ly, adverb
pe·nu·ri·ous·ness, noun

—Synonyms 1. tight, close, niggardly.
—Antonyms 1. generous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of Penumbra

2007-09-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

pe·num·bra /pɪˈnʌmbrə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[pi-nuhm-bruh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -brae /-bri/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[-bree] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, -bras. 1. Astronomy. a. the partial or imperfect shadow outside the complete shadow of an opaque body, as a planet, where the light from the source of illumination is only partly cut off. Compare umbra (def. 3a).
b. the grayish marginal portion of a sunspot. Compare umbra (def. 3b).

2. a shadowy, indefinite, or marginal area.

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[Origin: 1660–70; < NL, equiv. to L paen- pen- + umbra shade]

—Related forms
pe·num·bral, pe·num·brous, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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Definition of Penultimate

2007-09-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

pe·nul·ti·mate /pɪˈnʌltəmɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation [pi-nuhl-tuh-mit] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. next to the last: the penultimate scene of the play.
2. of or pertaining to a penult.
–noun 3. a penult.

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[Origin: 1670–80; see penult, ultimate]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source pe·nul·ti·mate (pĭ-nŭl'tə-mĭt) Pronunciation Key
adj.
Next to last.
Linguistics Of or relating to the penult of a word: penultimate stress.

n. The next to the last.

[From Latin paenultimus; see penult.]

pe·nul'ti·mate·ly adv.

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The Definition of Abligurition

2007-07-03T10:52:00.001-07:00

Abligurition

\Ab*lig`u*ri"tion\, n. [L. abligurito, fr. abligurire to spend in luxurious indulgence; ab + ligurire to be lickerish, dainty, fr. lingere to lick.] Prodigal expense for food. [Obs.] --Bailey.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Ablepsia

2007-07-03T10:51:00.002-07:00

a·blep·si·a (-blps-) or a·blep·sy (-blps)
n.

Lack of sight; blindness.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

The Definition of Ableism

2007-07-03T10:51:00.001-07:00

a·ble·ism /ˈeɪbəˌlɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ey-buh-liz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun discrimination against disabled people.

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[Origin: 1985–1990]

—Related forms
a·ble·ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source a·ble·ism (ā'bə-lĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
n. Discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities, especially physical disabilities.

a'ble·ist adj. & n.

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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WordNet - Cite This Source ableism

noun
discrimination in favor of the able-bodied

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Ablative Absolute

2007-07-03T10:48:00.002-07:00

ablative absolute
–noun Latin Grammar. a construction not dependent upon any other part of the sentence, consisting of a noun and a participle, noun and adjective, or two nouns, in which both members are in the ablative case, as Latin viā factā, “the road having been made.”

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[Origin: 1520–30]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source ab·la·tive absolute (āb'lə-tĭv) Pronunciation Key
n. In Latin grammar, an adverbial phrase syntactically independent from the rest of the sentence and containing a noun or pronoun plus an adjunct, usually a participle or adjective, with both elements in the ablative case.

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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WordNet - Cite This Source ablative absolute

noun
a constituent in Latin grammar; a noun and its modifier can function as a sentence modifier

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Ablative

2007-07-03T10:48:00.001-07:00

ab·la·tive1 /ˈæblətɪv/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-luh-tiv] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation Grammar
–adjective 1. (in some inflected languages) noting a case that has among its functions the indication of place from which or, as in Latin, place in which, manner, means, instrument, or agent.
–noun 2. the ablative case.
3. a word in that case, as Troiā in Latin Aenéas Troiā vénit, “Aeneas came from Troy.”

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[Origin: 1400–50; late ME < L ablātīvus. See ablate, -ive]

—Related forms
ab·la·ti·val /ˌæbləˈtaɪvəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-luh-tahy-vuhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

The Definition of Ablastemic

2007-07-03T10:47:00.001-07:00

Main Entry: ablas·te·mic
Pronunciation: "A-"blas-'tE-mik, -'tem-ik
Function: adjective
: not germinal : incapable of blastema formation

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source
Ablastemic

\Ab`las*tem"ic\, a. [Gr. 'a priv. + ? growth.] (Biol.) Non-germinal.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
ablastemic

ablastemic: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Ablaqueate

2007-07-03T10:45:00.001-07:00

Ablaqueate

\Ab*la"que*ate\, v. t. [L. ablaqueatus, p. p. of. ablaqueare; fr. ab + laqueus a noose.] To lay bare, as the roots of a tree. [Obs.] --Bailey.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
ablaqueate

ablaqueate: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abiogenesis

2007-07-03T10:43:00.002-07:00

a·bi·o·gen·e·sis (ā'bī-ō-jěn'ĭ-sĭs) Pronunciation Key
n. The supposed development of living organisms from nonliving matter. Also called autogenesis, spontaneous generation.

a'bi·o·ge·net'ic (-jə-nět'ĭk), a'bi·o·ge·net'i·cal adj., a'bi·o·ge·net'i·cal·ly adv., a'bi·og'e·nist (-ŏj'ə-nĭst) n.

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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The American Heritage Science Dictionary - Cite This Source abiogenesis (ā'bī-ō-jěn'ĭ-sĭs) Pronunciation Key
See spontaneous generation.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

The Definition of Abgeordnetenhaus

2007-07-03T10:43:00.001-07:00

Abgeordnetenhaus

\Ab"ge*ord`ne*ten*haus`\, n. [G.] See Legislature, Austria, Prussia.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abeyance

2007-07-03T10:42:00.002-07:00

a·bey·ance /əˈbeɪəns/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bey-uhns] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while.
2. Law. a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance.

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[Origin: 1520–30; < AF; OF abeance aspiration, lit., a gaping at or toward. See a-5, bay2, -ance]

—Synonyms 1. remission, deferral.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source a·bey·ance (ə-bā'əns) Pronunciation Key
n.
The condition of being temporarily set aside; suspension: held the plan in abeyance.
Law A condition of undetermined ownership, as of an estate that has not yet been assigned.

[Anglo-Norman, variant of Old French abeance, desire, from abaer, to gape at : a-, at (from Latin ad-; see ad-) + baer, to gape; see bay2.]

a·bey'ant adj.

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source
abeyance

1528, from Anglo-Fr. abeiance "suspension," also "expectation (especially in a lawsuit)," from O.Fr. abeance "aspiration, desire," noun of condition of abeer "aspire after, gape" from à "at" + ba(y)er "be open," from L. *batare "to yawn, gape" (see abash). Originally in O.Fr. a legal term, "condition of a person in expectation or hope of receiving property;" it turned around in Eng. law to mean "condition of property temporarily without an owner" (1660). Root baer is also the source of English bay (2) "recessed space," as in "bay window."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
WordNet - Cite This Source abeyance

noun
temporary cessation or suspension

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abevacuation

2007-07-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

Abevacuation

\Ab`e*vac"u*a"tion\, n. [Pref. ab- + evacuation.] (Med.) A partial evacuation. --Mayne.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abevacuation

abevacuation: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abetalipoproteinemia

2007-07-03T10:40:00.002-07:00

a·be·ta·lip·o·pro·tein·e·mi·a /ˌeɪbeɪtəˌlɪpəˌproʊtiˈnimiə, -tiəˈni-, -ˌlaɪpə-, ˌeɪbi-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ey-bey-tuh-lip-uh-proh-tee-nee-mee-uh, -tee-uh-nee-, -lahy-puh-, ey-bee-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun Pathology. a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism due to an inability to synthesize betalipoproteins necessary for the transport of triglycerides, leading to diarrhea, steatorrhea, and failure to thrive.

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[Origin: a-6 + betalipoprotein + -emia]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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WordNet - Cite This Source abetalipoproteinemia

noun
a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism; characterized by severe deficiency of beta-lipoproteins and abnormal red blood cells (acanthocytes) and abnormally low cholesterol levels

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
a·be·ta·lip·o·pro·tein·e·mi·a (-bt-lp-prt-nm-, -t--n-)
n.

An inherited disorder characterized by the absence of low-density lipoproteins in the plasma, the presence of acanthocytes in the blood, retinal pigmentary degeneration, malabsorption of fats, and neuromuscular abnormalities. Also called Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

The Definition of Abembryonic

2007-07-03T10:40:00.001-07:00

Main Entry: ab·em·bry·on·ic
Pronunciation: "ab-"em-brE-'än-ik
Function: adjective
: remote from the embryo proper

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abembryonic

abembryonic: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abelmoschus

2007-07-03T10:39:00.002-07:00

abelmoschus

noun
genus of tropical coarse herbs having large lobed leaves and often yellow flowers

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abelmeholah

2007-07-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

A·bel-me·ho·lah /ˌeɪbəlmɪˈhoʊlə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ey-buhl-mi-hoh-luh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun a city in ancient Palestine, east of the Jordan River: the home of Elisha. Judges 7:22; I Kings 4:12; 19:16.

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Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary - Cite This Source
Abel-meholah

Abel-meholah meadow of dancing, or the dancing-meadow, the birth-place and residence of the prophet Elisha, not far from Beth-shean (1 Kings 4:12), in the tribe of Issachar, near where the Wady el-Maleh emerges into the valley of the Jordan, "the rich meadow-land which extends about 4 miles south of Beth-shean; moist and luxuriant." Here Elisha was found at his plough by Elijah on his return up the Jordan valley from Horeb (1 Kings 19:16). It is now called 'Ain Helweh.

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary - Cite This Source
Abel-meholah

Abel-meholah, mourning of sickness

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

The Definition of Abecedarium

2007-07-03T10:38:00.003-07:00

a·be·ce·dar·i·um /ˌeɪbisiˈdɛəriəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ey-bee-see-dair-ee-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -dar·i·a /-ˈdɛəriə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[-dair-ee-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. a primer, esp. for teaching the alphabet.

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[Origin: < ML]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of Abducens

2007-07-03T10:38:00.001-07:00

ab·du·cens (āb-dōō'sənz, -dyōō'-) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. ab·du·cen·tes (āb'dōō-sěn'tēz', -dyōō-)
Either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves that convey motor impulses to the rectus muscle on the lateral side of each eye.

[From Latin abdūcēns, present participle of abdūcere, to take away; see abduct.]

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WordNet - Cite This Source abducens

noun
a small motor nerve supplying the lateral rectus muscle of the eye [syn: abducent]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
Main Entry: ab·du·cens
Pronunciation: ab-'d(y)ü-"senz
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ab·du·cen·tes /"ab-d(y)ü-'sent-(")Ez/
: ABDUCENS NERVE

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abducens

abducens: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abdominocystic

2007-07-03T10:37:00.003-07:00

ab·dom·i·no·cys·tic (b-dm-n-sstk)
adj.

Abdominovesical.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abdominocystic

abdominocystic: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abdominocyesis

2007-07-03T10:37:00.001-07:00

ab·dom·i·no·cy·e·sis (b-dm-n-s-ss)
n.

See abdominal pregnancy.
See secondary abdominal pregnancy.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abdominocyesis

abdominocyesis: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abdominocentesis

2007-07-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

abdominocentesis

noun
centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
ab·dom·i·no·cen·te·sis (b-dm-n-sn-tss)
n.

Surgical puncture of the abdomen by a needle to withdraw fluid; abdominal paracentesis. Also called celiocentesis, celioparacentesis.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abdominocentesis

abdominocentesis: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abbevillian

2007-07-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

Abbe·vill·i·an /æbˌvɪliən, -ˈvɪlyən, ˌæbəˈvɪl-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-vil-ee-uhn, -vil-yuhn, ab-uh-vil-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective of, pertaining to, or typical of an early Lower Paleolithic industry of the middle Pleistocene Epoch in Europe, characterized by the manufacture of large flakes and hand axes; Chellean.

Also, Abbe·vill·e·an.

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[Origin: < F abbevillien (1932); see abbeville, -ian]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source Ab·be·vil·li·an (āb'ə-vĭl'ē-ən) Pronunciation Key
adj. Of or relating to the earliest Paleolithic archaeological sites in Europe, characterized by bifacial stone hand axes.

[After Abbeville, a city of northern France.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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The American Heritage Science Dictionary - Cite This Source Abbevillian (āb'ə-vĭl'ē-ən) Pronunciation Key
Relating to the earliest Paleolithic archaeological sites in Europe, characterized by bifacial stone hand axes.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

The Definition of Abbe Condenser

2007-07-03T10:34:00.002-07:00

Abbe condenser /ˈɑbə, ˈæbi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ah-buh, ab-ee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun Optics. a combination of two or three lenses having a large aperture and used as a condenser for a compound microscope.

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[Origin: named after Ernst Abbe (1840–1905), German physicist]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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WordNet - Cite This Source abbe condenser

noun
a condenser having 2 or 3 lenses with wide aperture for use in microscopes

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
Main Entry: Ab·be condenser
Pronunciation: 'äb-&-, 'ab-E-
Function: noun
: an adjustable substage lens used as a condenser for a compound microscope
Abbe, Ernst Karl (1840–1905) German physicist. Abbe was a professor of physics and mathematics, a director of astronomical and meteorological observatories, and a research director at an optical works. He made a great number of improvements in the design of the microscope. He introduced the apochromatic lens system in 1868, his condenser for compound microscopes in 1870, and an oil immersion lens in 1878.

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.

The Definition of Abbatial

2007-07-03T10:34:00.001-07:00

ab·ba·tial /əˈbeɪʃəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bey-shuhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective of or pertaining to an abbot, abbess, or abbey.

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[Origin: 1635–45; < LL abbātiālis. See abbacy, -al1]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source ab·ba·tial (ə-bā'shəl) Pronunciation Key
adj. Of or having to do with an abbey, abbot, or abbess.

[Middle English abbacyal, from Late Latin abbātiālis, from abbās, abbāt-, abbot; see abbot.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
WordNet - Cite This Source abbatial

adjective
of or having to do with or belonging to an abbey or abbot, or abbess

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abbasid

2007-07-03T10:33:00.002-07:00

Ab·bas·id /əˈbæsɪd, ˈæbəsɪd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bas-id, ab-uh-sid] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun a member of a dynasty of caliphs ruling at Baghdad, a.d. 750–1258, governing most of the Islamic world and claiming descent from Abbas, uncle of Muhammad.

Also, Ab·bas·sid, Ab·bas·side /əˈbæsaɪd, ˈæbəˌsaɪd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bas-ahyd, ab-uh-sahyd] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation.

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[Origin: < Ar (al-)ʿabbās + -id1]
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The Definition of Abbacy

2007-07-03T10:33:00.001-07:00

ab·ba·cy /ˈæbəsi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-see] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -cies. 1. the rank, rights, privileges, or jurisdiction of an abbot.
2. the term of office of an abbot.

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[Origin: 1400–50; late ME abbacie, abbat(h)ie < LL abbātia (cf. abbey), equiv. to abbāt- (see abbot) + -ia -ia]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source ab·ba·cy (āb'ə-sē) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. ab·ba·cies
The office, term, or jurisdiction of an abbot.

[Middle English abbatie, from Late Latin abbātia, from abbās, abbāt-, abbot; see abbot.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

The Definition of Abba Hillel Silver

2007-07-03T10:32:00.002-07:00

Sil·ver /ˈsɪlvər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sil-ver] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun Ab·ba Hillel /ˈæbə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, 1893–1963, U.S. rabbi, born in Lithuania.

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The Definition of Abba Dabba

2007-07-03T10:32:00.001-07:00

ab·ba-dab·ba /ˌæbəˈdæbə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-dab-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun Slang. a person or thing of little importance.

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[Origin: perh. taken from the nonsensical refrain of a popular song “Aba Daba Honeymoon” (1904)]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of Abaya

2007-07-03T10:31:00.002-07:00

a·bay·a (ə-bī'ə) Pronunciation Key
n. A loose, usually black robe worn by Muslim women, especially in Arabic-speaking regions, covering the body from head to toe and often worn with a headscarf and veil.

[Colloquial Arabic 'abāya, from Arabic 'abā'a, variant of 'abā', aba.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source A·ba·ya (ə-bī'ə ) Pronunciation Key
A lake of southwest Ethiopia in the Great Rift Valley south-southwest of Addis Ababa. It was discovered in 1896 and has several inhabited islands.

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
WordNet - Cite This Source abaya

noun
(Arabic) a loose black robe from head to toe; traditionally worn by Muslim women

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abaxile

2007-07-03T10:31:00.001-07:00

Abaxile

Abaxial \Ab*ax"i*al\ ([a^]b*[a^]ks"[i^]*al), Abaxile \Ab*ax"ile\ ([a^]b*[a^]ks"[i^]l),a. [L. ab + axis axle.] (Bot.) Away from the axis or central line; eccentric. --Balfour.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abaxile

abaxile: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abaxial

2007-07-03T10:30:00.004-07:00

ab·ax·i·al /æbˈæksiəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-ak-see-uhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective being or situated away from the axis: the abaxial surface of a leaf.

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[Origin: 1850–55; ab- + axial]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source ab·ax·i·al (āb-āk'sē-əl) Pronunciation Key
adj. Located away from or on the opposite side of the axis, as of an organ or organism.

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
WordNet - Cite This Source abaxial

adjective
facing away from the axis of an organ or organism; "the abaxial surface of a leaf is the underside or side facing away from the stem" [ant: adaxial]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
ab·ax·i·al (b-ks-l) or ab·ax·ile (b-ksl)
adj.

Located away from or on the opposite side of an axis.

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ab·axi·al·ly adv.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
On-line Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abaxial

abaxial: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary

On-line Medical Dictionary, © 1997-98 Academic Medical Publishing & CancerWEB

The Definition of Abawed

2007-07-03T10:30:00.003-07:00

Abawed

\Ab*awed"\ ([a^]b*[add]d"), p. p. [Perh. p. p. of a verb fr. OF. abaubir to frighten, disconcert, fr. L. ad + balbus stammering.] Astonished; abashed. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abatvoix

2007-07-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Abatvoix

\A`bat`voix"\ ([.a]`b[.a]`vw[aum]"), n. [F. abattre to beat down + voix voice.] The sounding-board over a pulpit or rostrum.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abattoir

2007-07-03T10:29:00.002-07:00

ab·at·toir (āb'ə-twär') Pronunciation Key
n.
A slaughterhouse.
Something likened to a slaughterhouse: "The hand of God and mankind's self-inflicted blows seem equally heavy ... giving a strong cumulative impression of the world as an abattoir" (Manchester Guardian Weekly).

[French, from abattre, to strike down, from Old French; see abate.]

The Definition of Abatage

2007-07-03T10:29:00.001-07:00

ab·at·tage /ˌæbəˈtɑʒ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-tahzh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun the slaughter of animals, esp. the slaughter of diseased animals to prevent the infection of others.

Also, abatage.

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[Origin: < F; see abate, -age]
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The Definition of Abatis

2007-07-03T10:27:00.002-07:00

ab·a·tis /ˈæbəˌti, -tɪs, əˈbæti, əˈbætɪs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-tee, -tis, uh-bat-ee, uh-bat-is] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural ab·a·tis /ˈæbəˌtiz, əˈbætiz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-teez, uh-bat-eez] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, ab·a·tis·es /ˈæbəˌtɪsɪz, əˈbætəsɪz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-tis-iz, uh-bat-uh-siz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. 1. an obstacle or barricade of trees with bent or sharpened branches directed toward an enemy.
2. a barbed wire entanglement used as an obstacle or barricade against an enemy.

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[Origin: 1760–70; < F; OF abateis < VL *abatteticius, deriv. of OF abattre (see abate)]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of abatement of a nuisance

2007-07-03T10:27:00.001-07:00

abatement of a nuisance

noun
(law) the removal or termination or destruction of something that has been found to be a nuisance

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of abatable nuisance

2007-07-03T10:26:00.002-07:00

abatable nuisance

noun
a nuisance that can remedied (suppressed or extinguished or rendered harmless); "the continued existence of an abatable nuisance is not authorized under the law"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of abat jour

2007-07-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

a·bat-jour /ˌɑbɑˈʒʊər; Fr. abaˈʒur/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ah-bah-zhoor; Fr. a-ba-zhoor] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -jours /-ˈʒʊərz; Fr. -ˈʒur/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[-zhoorz; Fr. -zhoor] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. 1. a device, as a skylight or reflector, for diverting light into a building.
2. a sloping screen for cutting off the view between an interior or porch and a lower area in front of a building.

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[Origin: 1820–30; < F: lit., it throws down (abat) the daylight (jour). See abate, journey]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of abasia trepidans

2007-07-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

abasia trepidans

noun
abasia due to trembling of the legs

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
abasia trep·i·dans (trp-dnz)
n.

Abasia due to trembling of the legs.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

The Definition of Abaster erythrogrammus

2007-07-03T10:24:00.002-07:00

Abaster erythrogrammus

Hoop \Hoop\, n. [OE. hope; akin to D. hoep, hoepel.] 1. A pliant strip of wood or metal bent in a circular form, and united at the ends, for holding together the staves of casks, tubs, etc.

2. A ring; a circular band; anything resembling a hoop, as the cylinder (cheese hoop) in which the curd is pressed in making cheese.

3. A circle, or combination of circles, of thin whalebone, metal, or other elastic material, used for expanding the skirts of ladies' dresses; crinoline; -- used chiefly in the plural.

Though stiff with hoops, and armed with ribs of whale. --Pope.

4. A quart pot; -- so called because originally bound with hoops, like a barrel. Also, a portion of the contents measured by the distance between the hoops. [Obs.]

5. An old measure of capacity, variously estimated at from one to four pecks. [Eng.] --Halliwell.

Bulge hoop, Chine hoop, Quarter hoop, the hoop nearest the middle of a cask, that nearest the end, and the intermediate hoop between these two, respectively.

Flat hoop, a wooden hoop dressed flat on both sides.

Half-round hoop, a wooden hoop left rounding and undressed on the outside.

Hoop iron, iron in thin narrow strips, used for making hoops.

Hoop lock, the fastening for uniting the ends of wooden hoops by notching and interlocking them.

Hoop skirt, a framework of hoops for expanding the skirts of a woman's dress; -- called also hoop petticoat.

Hoop snake (Zo["o]l.), a harmless snake of the Southern United States (Abaster erythrogrammus); -- so called from the mistaken notion that it curves itself into a hoop, taking its tail into its mouth, and rolls along with great velocity.

Hoop tree (Bot.), a small West Indian tree (Melia sempervirens), of the Mahogany family.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abassis

2007-07-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

Abassis

Abassi \A*bas"si\ ([.a]*b[a^]s"s[i^]), Abassis \A*bas"sis\ ([.a]*b[a^]s"s[i^]s), n. [Ar. & Per. ab[=a]s[=i], belonging to Abas (a king of Persia).] A silver coin of Persia, worth about twenty cents.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abassi

2007-07-03T10:23:00.002-07:00

Abassi

\A*bas"si\ ([.a]*b[a^]s"s[i^]), Abassis \A*bas"sis\ ([.a]*b[a^]s"s[i^]s), n. [Ar. & Per. ab[=a]s[=i], belonging to Abas (a king of Persia).] A silver coin of Persia, worth about twenty cents.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abate

2007-07-03T10:23:00.001-07:00

a·bate /əˈbeɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-beyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, a·bat·ed, a·bat·ing.
–verb (used with object) 1. to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish: to abate a tax; to abate one's enthusiasm.
2. Law. a. to put an end to or suppress (a nuisance).
b. to suspend or extinguish (an action).
c. to annul (a writ).

3. to deduct or subtract: to abate part of the cost.
4. to omit: to abate all mention of names.
5. to remove, as in stone carving, or hammer down, as in metalwork, (a portion of a surface) in order to produce a figure or pattern in low relief.
–verb (used without object) 6. to diminish in intensity, violence, amount, etc.: The storm has abated. The pain in his shoulder finally abated.
7. Law. to end; become null and void.

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[Origin: 1300–50; ME < MF abatre to beat down, equiv. to a- a-5 + batre < LL batere for L battuere to beat; a- perh. also understood as a-3]

—Related forms
a·bat·a·ble, adjective
a·bat·er; Law. a·ba·tor, noun

—Synonyms 1. decrease, weaken. 6. subside.
—Antonyms 1, 6. increase, intensify.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

The Definition of Abatable

2007-07-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Definition of Abash

2007-07-03T10:21:00.001-07:00

a·bash /əˈbæʃ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bash] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object) to destroy the self-confidence, poise, or self-possession of; disconcert; make ashamed or embarrassed: to abash someone by sneering.

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[Origin: 1275–1325; ME abaishen < dial. OF abacher, OF abaissier to put down, bring low (see abase), perh. conflated with AF abaiss-, long s. of abair, OF esba(h)ir to gape, marvel, amaze (es- ex-1 + -ba(h)ir, alter. of baer to open wide, gape < VL *batāre; cf. bay2, bay3)]

—Related forms
a·bash·ment, noun

—Synonyms shame, discompose, embarrass.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definiton of Abandonedly

2007-07-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

a·ban·doned /əˈbændənd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-ban-duhnd] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. forsaken or deserted: an abandoned building; an abandoned kitten.
2. unrestrained or uncontrolled; uninhibited: She danced with abandoned enthusiasm.
3. utterly lacking in moral restraints; shameless; wicked: an abandoned and dissolute ruler.

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[Origin: 1350–1400; ME; see abandon1, -ed2]

—Related forms
a·ban·doned·ly, adverb

—Synonyms 1. discarded, rejected. 3. See immoral.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of Aback

2007-07-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

a·back /əˈbæk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bak] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adverb 1. toward the back.
2. Nautical. so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail or sails.
–adjective Nautical. 3. (of a sail) positioned so that the wind presses against the forward side.
4. (of a yard) positioned so that its sail is laid aback.
—Idiom5. taken aback, surprised and disconcerted: I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.

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[Origin: bef. 1000; ME abak, OE on bæc to the rear. See a-1, on, back1]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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The Definition of Abacist

2007-07-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

ab·a·cist /ˈæbəsɪst/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-sist] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
a person skilled in using an abacus.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME abaciste abacus + -ista -ist]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

The Definition of Adzuki Bean

2007-07-03T10:17:00.003-07:00

ad·zu·ki bean /ædˈzuki/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ad-zoo-kee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1.
a bushy plant, Vigna (Phaseolus) angularis, widely cultivated in Asia.
2.
the edible bean of this plant, from which a flour is made.
Also, adsuki bean.
[Origin: < Japn azuki, earlier aduki]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

The Definition of Aeacides

2007-07-03T10:17:00.001-07:00

Ae·ac·i·des /iˈæsɪˌdiz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ee-as-i-deez] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -dae /-ˌdi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[-dee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. Classical Mythology.
a patronymic for any of the descendants of Aeacus, as Achilles, Peleus, and Telamon.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

The Definition of Need

2007-07-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

need /nid/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[need] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1.
a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation: There is no need for you to go there.
2.
a lack of something wanted or deemed necessary: to fulfill the needs of the assignment.
3.
urgent want, as of something requisite: He has no need of your charity.
4.
necessity arising from the circumstances of a situation or case: There is no need to worry.
5.
a situation or time of difficulty; exigency: to help a friend in need; to be a friend in need.
6.
a condition marked by the lack of something requisite: the need for leadership.
7.
destitution; extreme poverty: The family's need is acute. –verb (used with object)
8.
to have need of; require: to need money. –verb (used without object)
9.
to be under an obligation (used as an auxiliary, typically in an interrogative or in a negative statement, and fol. by infinitive, in certain cases without to; in the 3d pers. sing. the form is need, not needs): He need not go.
10.
to be in need or want.
11.
to be necessary: There needs no apology. —Idiom
12.
if need be, should the necessity arise: If need be, I can type the letters myself.
[Origin: bef. 900; (n.) ME nede, OE néd (WSaxon nīed), c. G Not, ON nauth, Goth nauths; (v.) ME neden, OE néodian, deriv. of the n.] —Related forms
needer, noun
—Synonyms 2, 3. See lack. 3. requirement. 4. Need, necessity imply a want, a lack, or a demand, which must be filled. Need, a word of Old English origin, has connotations that make it strong in emotional appeal: the need to be appreciated. Necessity, a word of Latin origin, is more formal and impersonal or objective; though much stronger than need in expressing urgency or imperative demand, it is less effective in appealing to the emotions: Water is a necessity for living things. 5. emergency. 7. neediness, indigence, penury, privation. See poverty. 8. want, lack.
—Antonyms 7. wealth.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

The Definition of Want

2007-07-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

want /wɒnt, wɔnt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[wont, wawnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object)
1.
to feel a need or a desire for; wish for: to want one's dinner; always wanting something new.
2.
to wish, need, crave, demand, or desire (often fol. by an infinitive): I want to see you. She wants to be notified.
3.
to be without or be deficient in: to want judgment; to want knowledge.
4.
to fall short by (a specified amount): The sum collected wants but a few dollars of the desired amount.
5.
to require or need: The house wants painting. –verb (used without object)
6.
to feel inclined; wish; like (often fol. by to): We can stay home if you want.
7.
to be deficient by the absence of some part or thing, or to feel or have a need (sometimes fol. by for): He did not want for abilities.
8.
to have need (usually fol. by for): If you want for anything, let him know.
9.
to be in a state of destitution, need, or poverty: She would never allow her parents to want.
10.
to be lacking or absent, as a part or thing necessary to completeness: All that wants is his signature. –noun
11.
something wanted or needed; necessity: My wants are few.
12.
something desired, demanded, or required: a person of childish, capricious wants.
13.
absence or deficiency of something desirable or requisite; lack: plants dying for want of rain.
14.
the state of being without something desired or needed; need: to be in want of an assistant.
15.
the state of being without the necessaries of life; destitution; poverty: a country where want is virtually unknown.
16.
a sense of lack or need of something: to feel a vague want. —Idiom
17.
want in or out, Chiefly Midland.
a.
to desire to enter or leave: The cat wants in.
b.
Informal. to desire acceptance in or release from something specified: I talked with Louie about our plan, and he wants in.

The Definition of Abreption

2007-07-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Abreption

\Ab*rep"tion\, n. [L. abreptus, p. p. of abripere to snatch away; ab + rapere to snatch.] A snatching away. [Obs.]

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abrenunciation

2007-07-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Abrenunciation

\Ab`re*nun`ci*a"tion\, n. [LL. abrenuntiatio. See Abrenounce.] Absolute renunciation or repudiation. [Obs.]

An abrenunciation of that truth which he so long had professed, and still believed. --Fuller.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

The Definition of Abrading Stone

2007-07-02T11:05:00.001-07:00

abrading stone

noun
a primitive stone artifact (usually made of sandstone) used as an abrader

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abrachiocephalia

2007-07-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

a·bra·chi·o·ce·pha·li·a (-brk--s-fl-, --br-) or a·bra·chi·o·ceph·a·ly (-brk--sf-l)
n.

Congenital absence of the arms and head. Also called acephalobrachia.

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abrachiocephalia

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The Definition of Aboulia

2007-07-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

a·bou·li·a /əˈbuliə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-boo-lee-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun abulia.

—Related forms
a·bou·lic, adjective
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source a·bou·li·a (ə-bōō'lē-ə, -byōō'-) Pronunciation Key
n. Variant of abulia.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source a·bu·li·a also a·bou·li·a (ə-bōō'lē-ə, -byōō'-) Pronunciation Key
n. Loss or impairment of the ability to make decisions or act independently.

[New Latin, from Greek abouliā, indecision : a-, without; see a-1 + boulē, will; see gwelə- in Indo-European roots.]

a·bu'lic (-lĭk) adj.

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WordNet - Cite This Source aboulia

noun
a loss of will power [syn: abulia]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
a·bou·li·a (-bl-, -by-)
n.

Variant of abulia.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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Main Entry: abu·lia
Variant: or abou·lia /A-'b(y)ü-lE-&, &-/
Function: noun
: abnormal lack of ability to act or to make decisions that is characteristic of certain psychotic and neurotic conditions —abu·lic also abou·lic /-lik/ adjective

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Main Entry: aboulia, aboulic
variant of ABULIA, ABULIC

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aboulia

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The Definition of Aboudikro

2007-07-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

a·bou·dik·ro /ˌɑbuˈdikroʊ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ah-boo-dee-kroh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun the wood of a sapele.

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[Origin: < F, said to be the name of the tree in Abe and Akye (Attié), languages of the Lagoon region of the Ivory Coast]
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The Definition of Abortifacient

2007-07-02T11:01:00.001-07:00

a·bor·ti·fa·cient /əˌbɔrtəˈfeɪʃənt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bawr-tuh-fey-shuhnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. causing abortion.
–noun 2. a drug or device used to cause abortion: a biochemical abortifacient in pill form.

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[Origin: 1870–75; abort + -i- + -facient]
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source a·bor·ti·fa·cient (ə-bôr'tə-fā'shənt) Pronunciation Key
adj. Causing abortion.

n. A substance or device used to induce abortion.

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WordNet - Cite This Source abortifacient

adjective
1. causing abortion

noun
1. a drug (or other chemical agent) that causes abortion

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source
a·bor·ti·fa·cient (-bôrt-fshnt)
adj.

Causing or inducing abortion.

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a·borti·facient n.

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Main Entry: 2abortifacient
Function: noun
: an agent (as a drug) that induces abortion

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Main Entry: 1abor·ti·fa·cient
Pronunciation: &-"bort-&-'fA-sh&nt
Function: adjective
: inducing abortion

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abortifacient

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The Definition of Abominable Snowman

2007-07-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Abominable Snowman
–noun a legendary large, hairy, humanoid creature said to inhabit the Himalayas.

Also called yeti.

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[Origin: 1920–25; spurious trans. of a supposed Tibetan phrase metoh kangmi, prob. an erroneous rendering of Tibetan mi t'om man-bear and k'ang mi snowfield man]
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source abominable snowman
n. A hairy humanlike animal reportedly inhabiting the snows of the high Himalaya Mountains. Also called yeti.

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WordNet - Cite This Source abominable snowman

noun
a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the Himalayas

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abomasus

2007-07-02T11:00:00.001-07:00

ab·o·ma·sus /ˌæbəˈmeɪsəs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-uh-mey-suhs] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -si /-saɪ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[-sahy] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. abomasum.

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Abomasus

Abomasum \Ab`o*ma"sum\, Abomasus \Ab`o*ma"sus\, n. [NL., fr. L. ab + omasum (a Celtic word).] (Anat.) The fourth or digestive stomach of a ruminant, which leads from the third stomach omasum. See Ruminantia.

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abomasus

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The Definition of Aboma

2007-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Aboma

\A*bo"ma\, n. (Zo["o]l.) A large South American serpent (Boa aboma).

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aboma

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The Definition of Abolla

2007-07-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

a·bol·la /əˈbɒlə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bol-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural a·bol·lae /əˈbɒli/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bol-ee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation. a woolen cloak worn by men in ancient Rome.

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[Origin: 1865–70; < L, prob. ult. < Gk ambol, syncopated var. of anabol a throwing back (and about). See anabolism]
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The Definition of ABO Antibodies

2007-07-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Definition of Abnegate

2007-07-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

ab·ne·gate /ˈæbnɪˌgeɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-ni-geyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object), -gat·ed, -gat·ing. 1. to refuse or deny oneself (some rights, conveniences, etc.); reject; renounce.
2. to relinquish; give up.

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[Origin: 1650–60; < L abnegātus denied (ptp. of abnegāre). See ab-, negate]

—Related forms
ab·ne·ga·tion, noun
ab·ne·ga·tor, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source ab·ne·gate (āb'nĭ-gāt') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. ab·ne·gat·ed, ab·ne·gat·ing, ab·ne·gates

To give up (rights or a claim, for example); renounce.
To deny (something) to oneself: The minister abnegated the luxuries of life.

[Latin abnegāre, abnegāt-, to refuse : ab-, away; see ab-1 + negāre, to deny; see ne in Indo-European roots.]

ab'ne·ga'tor n.

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WordNet - Cite This Source abnegate

verb
1. deny oneself (something); restrain, especially from indulging in some pleasure; "She denied herself wine and spirits" [syn: deny]
2. surrender (power or a position); "The King abnegated his power to the ministers"
3. deny or renounce; "They abnegated their gods"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abenaki

2007-07-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ab·e·na·ki (ä'bə-nä'kē, āb'ə-nāk'ē) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. Abenaki or Ab·e·na·kis or Abnaki or Ab·na·kis In all senses also called Wabanaki.

Any of various Native American peoples formerly inhabiting northern New England and southeast Canada, with present-day populations in Maine and southern Quebec.
A member of any of these peoples.
A confederacy of Abenaki and other peoples formed in the mid-18th century in opposition to the Iroquois confederacy and the English colonists.
A member of this confederacy.

A confederacy of Abenaki and other peoples formed in the mid-18th century in opposition to the Iroquois confederacy and the English colonists.
A member of this confederacy.
Either or both of the two Eastern Algonquian languages of the Abenaki peoples.

[Probably Montagnais wabanākiwek, dawn land people, Abenaki.]

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source Ab·na·ki (äb-nä'kē, āb-) Pronunciation Key
n. Variant of Abenaki.

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WordNet - Cite This Source abnaki

adjective
1. of or relating to the Abnakis or their language

noun
1. a member of the Algonquian people of Maine and southern Quebec
2. the Algonquian language spoken by the Abnaki and Penobscot

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

The Definition of Abmodality

2007-07-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

ab·mo·dal·i·ty /ˌæbmoʊˈdælɪti/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-moh-dal-i-tee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -ties. Statistics. the differing of a measurable trait in an individual case from the mean for a population.

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[Origin: ab- + modality]
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The Definition of Abmho

2007-07-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

ab·mho /ˈæbmoʊ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-moh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -mhos. Electricity. the centimeter-gram-second unit of conductance, equivalent to 109 mhos.

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[Origin: ab(ampere) + mho]
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The Definition of Ablutomania

2007-07-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Main Entry: ablutomania
Part of Speech: n
Definition: a passion for getting clean, bathing; a preoccupation with cleanliness
Etymology: Latin abluere 'to wash off'

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ablutomania

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The Definition of Abluent

2007-07-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

ab·lu·ent /ˈæbluənt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-loo-uhnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. serving to cleanse.
–noun 2. a cleansing agent.

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[Origin: 1745–55; < L abluent- (s. of abluéns, prp. of abluere to wash away), equiv. to ab- ab- + -lū- comb. form of lavere to wash + -ent -ent]
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Abluent

\Ab"lu*ent\, a. [L. abluens, p. pr. of. abluere to wash away; ab + luere (lavere, lavare). See Lave.] Washing away; carrying off impurities; detergent. -- n. (Med.) A detergent.

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abluent

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