DI -abbr
- drill instructor
di- -comb form
- twice : twofold : double
- containing two atoms, radicals, or groups
dia -abbr
- diameter
DIA -abbr
- Defense Intelligence Agency
dia- -prefix
- through: across
di·a·base ['dī-ə-,bās] -n, adj
- diorite
- an altered basalt
- a fine-grained rock of the composition of gabbro but with an ophitic texture
di·a·be·tes [,dī-ə-'bē-tēz, -'bē-təs] -n
- any of various abnormal conditions characterized by the secretion and excretion of excessive amounts of urine
- diabetes mellitus
diabetes in·sip·i·dus [-in-'si-pə-dəs] -n
- a disorder of the pituitary gland characterized by intense thirst and by the excretion of large amounts of urine
diabetes mel·li·tus [-'me-lə-təs] -n
- a variable disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors and usu. characterized by inadequate secretion or utilization of insulin, by excessive urine production, by excessive amounts of sugar in the blood and urine, and by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight
di·a·bet·ic [,dī-ə-'be-tik] -adj
- of or relating to diabetes or diabetics
- affected with diabetes
- occurring in or caused by diabetes
- suitable for diabetics
diabetic -n
- a person affected with diabetes
di·a·be·to·gen·ic [,dī-ə-,be-tə-'je-nik, -,bē-] -adj
- producing diabetes
di·a·be·tol·og·ist [,dī-ə-(,)be-'tä-lə-jist, -,bē-] -n
- a specialist in diabetes
di·a·ble·rie [dē-'ä-blə-(,)rē, -'a-blə-] -n
- black magic : sorcery
- a representation in words or pictures of black magic or of dealings with the devil
- demon lore
- mischievous conduct or manner
di·a·bol·i·cal [,dī-ə-'bä-li-kəl] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : devilish
di·ab·o·lism [dī-'a-bə-,li-zəm] -n
- dealings with or possession by the devil
- belief in or worship of devils
- evil character or conduct
di·ab·o·lize [-,līz] -vt
- to represent as or make diabolical
dia·chron·ic [,dī-ə-'krä-nik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or dealing with phenomena (as of language or culture) as they occur or change over a period of time
di·ach·ro·ny [dī-'a-krə-nē] -n
- diachronic analysis
- change extending through time
di·ac·id [(,)dī-'a-səd] -adj
- able to react with two molecules of a monobasic acid or one of a dibasic acid to form a salt or ester used esp. of bases
diacid -n
- an acid with two acid hydrogen atoms
di·ac·o·nal [dī-'a-kə-nᵊl, dē-] -adj
- of or relating to a deacon or deaconess
di·ac·o·nate [-'a-kə-nət, -,nāt] -n
- the office or period of office of a deacon or deaconess
- an official body of deacons
di·a·crit·ic [,dī-ə-'kri-tik] -n
- a mark near or through an orthographic or phonetic character or combination of characters indicating a phonetic value different from that given the unmarked or otherwise marked element
di·a·crit·i·cal [,dī-ə-'kri-ti-kəl] -adj
- serving as a diacritic
- distinctive
- the diacritical elements in culture -- S. F. Nadel
- capable of distinguishing
- students of superior diacritical powers
di·adel·phous [,dī-ə-'del-fəs] -adj
- united by filaments into two fascicles used of stamens
di·a·dem ['dī-ə-,dem, -dəm] -n
- crown
- a royal headband
- crown
- something that adorns like a crown
di·ad·ro·mous [dī-'a-drə-məs] -adj
- migratory between salt and fresh waters
di·aer·e·sis [dī-'er-ə-səs, Brit also -'ir-] -n, adj
- a mark placed over a vowel to indicate that the vowel is pronounced in a separate syllable (as in naiveor Bronte)
- the break in a verse caused by the coincidence of the end of a foot with the end of a word
diag -abbr
- diagonal
- diagram
dia·gen·e·sis [,dī-ə-'je-nə-səs] -n, adj, adv
- recombination or rearrangement of constituents (as of a chemical or mineral) resulting in a new product
- the conversion (as by compaction or chemical reaction) of sediment into rock
dia·geo·tro·pic [,dī-ə-,jē-ə-'trō-pik, -'trä-pik] -adj
- tending to grow at right angles to the line of gravity
- diageotropic branches and roots
di·ag·nose ['dī-ig-,nōs, -,nōz, ,dī-ig-', -əg-] -vb, adj
- to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms
- to diagnose a disease or condition in
- to analyze the cause or nature of
- to make a diagnosis
di·ag·no·sis [,dī-ig-'nō-səs, -əg-] -n
- the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms
- the decision reached by diagnosis
- a concise technical description of a taxon
- investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem
- diagnosis of engine trouble
- a statement or conclusion from such an analysis
diagnosis related group -n
- DRG
di·ag·nos·tic [-'näs-tik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or used in diagnosis
- using the methods of or yielding a diagnosis
- serving to distinguish or identify
diagnostic [-(,)näs-'ti-shən] -n
- the art or practice of diagnosis often used in pl.
- a distinguishing mark
di·ag·o·nal [dī-'a-gə-nᵊl, -'ag-nəl] -adj
- joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same face
- passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron
- inclined obliquely from a reference line (as the vertical)
- wood with a diagonal grain
- having diagonal markings or parts
diagonal -n
- a diagonal straight line or plane
- a diagonal direction
- a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
- something oriented in diagonal position
- slash
di·ag·o·nal·ize [-nə-,līz] -vt, adj, n
- to put (a matrix) in a form with all the nonzero elements along the diagonal from upper left to lower right
di·ag·o·nal·ly [dī-'a-gə-nə-lē, -'ag-nə-lē] -adv
- in a diagonal manner
diagonal matrix -n
- a diagonalized matrix
di·a·gram ['dī-ə-,gram] -n, adj, adv
- a graphic design that explains rather than represents
- a drawing that shows arrangement and relations (as of parts)
- a line drawing made for mathematical or scientific purposes
diagram [-,gramd] -vt
- to represent by or put into the form of a diagram
dia·ki·ne·sis [,dī-ə-kə-'nē-səs, -(,)kī-] -n
- the final stage of the meiotic prophase marked by contraction of the bivalents
di·al ['dī(-ə)l] -n
- the face of a sundial
- timepiece
- the graduated face of a timepiece
- a face upon which some measurement is registered usu. by means of graduations and a pointer
- the thermometer dial reads 70F
- a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine
dial -vb, n
- to measure with a dial
- to manipulate a device (as a dial) so as to operate, regulate, or select
- dial your favorite program
- call
- to manipulate a dial
- to make a telephone call or connection
- dialect
- dialectical
di·a·lect ['dī-ə-,lekt] -n, adj, adv
- a regional variety of language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties and constituting together with them a single language
- the Doric dialect of ancient Greek
- one of two or more cognate languages
- French and Italian are Romance dialect s
- a variety of a language used by the members of a group
- such dialect s as politics and advertising -- Philip Howard
- a variety of language whose identity is fixed by a factor other than geography (as social class)
- spoke a rough peasant dialect
- register
- a version of a computer programming language
- manner or means of expressing oneself : phraseology
dialect atlas -n
- linguistic atlas
dialect geography -n
- linguistic geography
di·a·lec·tic [,dī-ə-'lek-tik] -n
- logic
- discussion and reasoning by dialogue as a method of intellectual investigation
- the Socratic techniques of exposing false beliefs and eliciting truth
- the Platonic investigation of the eternal ideas
- the logic of fallacy
- the Hegelian process of change in which a concept or its realization passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its opposite
- the critical investigation of this process
- development through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism
- the investigation of this process
- the theoretical application of this process esp. in the social sciences
- any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usu. seeks to resolve their conflict
- an intellectual exchange of ideas
- the dialectical tension or opposition between two interacting forces or elements
di·a·lec·ti·cal [,dī-ə-'lek-ti-kəl] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or in accordance with dialectic
- practicing, devoted to, or employing dialectic
- a dialectical philosopher
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a dialect
dialectical materialism -n
- the Marxist theory that maintains the material basis of a reality constantly changing in a dialectical process and the priority of matter over mind
di·a·lec·ti·cian [,dī-ə-,lek-'ti-shən] -n
- one who is skilled in or practices dialectic
- a student of dialects
di·a·lec·tol·o·gist [-'tä-lə-jist] -n
- a specialist in dialectology
di·a·lec·tol·o·gy [-jē] -n, adj, adv
- the systematic study of dialect
- the body of data available for study of a dialect
di·al·lel ['dī-ə-,lel] -adj
- relating to or being the crossing of each of several individuals with two or more others in order to determine the relative genetic contribution of each parent to specific characters in the offspring
dialog box -n
- a window on a computer screen for choosing options or inputting information
di·a·log·ic [,dī-ə-'lä-jik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or characterized by dialogue
di·a·lo·gist [dī-'a-lə-jist; 'dī-ə-,lȯ-gist, -,lä-] -n, adj
- a writer of dialogues
- one who participates in a dialogue
di·a·logue ['dī-ə-,lȯg, -,läg] -n
- a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing
- a conversation between two or more persons
- a similar exchange between a person and something else (as a computer)
- an exchange of ideas and opinions
- organized a series of dialogue s on human rights
- a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution
- a constructive dialogue between loggers and environmentalists
- the conversational element of literary or dramatic composition
- very little dialogue in this film
- a musical composition for two or more parts suggestive of a conversation
dialogue -vb
- to express in dialogue
- to take part in a dialogue
- managers dialoguing with employees
dial tone -n
- a tone emitted by a telephone as a signal that the system is ready for dialing
dialup ['dī(-ə)l-,əp] -adj
- relating to or being a standard telephone line used for computer communications
- accessible via a standard telephone line
- a dialup Internet provider
di·al·y·sate [dī-'a-lə-,zāt, -,sāt] -n
- the material that passes through the membrane in dialysis
di·a·lyse ['dī-ə-,līz] -vb, adj
(variant of dialyze)
- to subject to dialysis
- to undergo dialysis
di·al·y·sis [dī-'a-lə-səs] -n, adj
- the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
- such a separation of colloids from soluble substances
- the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a kidney patient), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein called also hemodialysis
di·a·lyze ['dī-ə-,līz] -vb, adj
- to subject to dialysis
- to undergo dialysis
di·a·lyz·er [-,lī-zər] -n
- an apparatus in which dialysis is carried out
diam -abbr
- diameter
dia·mag·net·ic [,dī-ə-mag-'ne-tik] -adj, n
- having a magnetic permeability less than that of a vacuum : slightly repelled by a magnet
di·a·man·te [,dē-ə-,män-'tā] -n
- a sparkling decoration (as of sequins) or material decorated with this
- a gown trimmed with diamante
di·am·e·ter [dī-'a-mə-tər] -n, adj
- a chord passing through the center of a figure or body
- the length of a straight line through the center of an object
- a unit of enlargement used with a number to indicate magnification by a lens or optical system
- an object one millimeter wide magnified 40 diameter s appears 40 millimeters wide
di·a·met·ric [,dī-ə-'me-trik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or constituting a diameter : located at the diameter
- completely opposed : being at opposite extremes
- in diametric contradiction to his claims
di·amide ['dī-ə-,mīd, dī-'a-məd] -n
- a compound containing two amido groups
di·amine ['dī-ə-,mēn, dī-'a-mən] -n
- a compound containing two amino groups
di·am·mo·ni·um phosphate [,dī-ə-'mō-nē-əm-] -n
- a white crystalline compound (NH 4) 2HPO 4used esp. as a fertilizer and as a fire retardant
di·a·mond ['dī-(ə-)mənd] -n
- native crystalline carbon that is the hardest known mineral, that is usu. nearly colorless, that when transparent and free from flaws is highly valued as a precious stone, and that is used industrially esp. as an abrasive
- a piece of this substance
- crystallized carbon produced artificially
- something that resembles a diamond (as in brilliance, value, or fine quality)
- a square or rhombus-shaped figure usu. oriented with the long diagonal vertical
- a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a red diamond
- the suit comprising cards marked with diamonds
- a baseball infield
- the entire playing field
diamond -vt
- to adorn with or as if with diamonds
- of, relating to, or being a 60th or 75th anniversary or its celebration
di·a·mond·back ['dī-(ə-)mən(d)-,bak] -adj
- having marks like diamonds or lozenges on the back
diamondback moth -n
- a nearly cosmopolitan moth ( Plutella xylostellaof the family Plutellidae) whose larva is a pest on cruciferous plants
diamondback rattlesnake -n
- either of two large and deadly rattlesnakes ( Crotalus adamanteusof the southeastern U.S. and C. atroxof the south central and southwestern U.S. and Mexico) called also diamondback diamondback rattler
diamondback terrapin -n
- any of several terrapins (genus Malaclemys) formerly widely distributed in salt marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts but now much restricted
di·a·mond·if·er·ous [,dī-(ə-)mən-'di-fə-rəs] -adj
- containing diamonds
diamond in the rough
- one having exceptional qualities or potential but lacking refinement or polish
Di·ana [dī-'a-nə] -n
- an ancient Italian goddess of the forest and of childbirth who was identified with Artemis by the Romans
di·an·thus [dī-'an(t)-thəs] -n
- pink
di·a·pa·son [,dī-ə-'pā-zᵊn, -sᵊn] -n
- a burst of sound
- the principal foundation stop in the organ extending through the complete range of the instrument
- the entire compass of musical tones
- range, scope
- registers the full diapason of her responses -- Mindy Aloff
- tuning fork
- a standard of pitch
dia·pause ['dī-ə-,pȯz] -n
- a period of physiologically enforced dormancy between periods of activity
dia·paus·ing [-,pȯ-ziŋ] -adj
- undergoing diapause
di·a·pe·de·sis [,dī-ə-pə-'dē-səs] -n
- the passage of blood cells through capillary walls into the tissues
di·a·per ['dī-pər also 'dī-ə-] -n
- : a fabric with a distinctive pattern:
- a rich silk fabric
- a soft usu. white linen or cotton fabric used for tablecloths or towels
- an allover pattern consisting of one or more small repeated units of design (as geometric figures) connecting with one another or growing out of one another with continuously flowing or straight lines
- a basic garment for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist
- a similar garment esp. for incontinent adults
diaper [-p(ə-)riŋ] -vt
- to ornament with diaper designs
- to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)
diaper rash -n
- skin irritation of the diaper-covered area of an infant esp. from exposure to feces and urinary ammonia
di·a·pha·ne·ity [(,)dī-,a-fə-'nē-ə-tē, ,dī-ə-fə-, -'nā-] -n
- the quality or state of being diaphanous
di·aph·a·nous [dī-'a-fə-nəs] -adj, adv, n
- characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through
- characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ethereal
- painted diaphanous landscapes
- insubstantial, vague
- had only a diaphanous hope of success
dia·phone ['dī-ə-,fōn] -n
- a fog signal similar to a siren but producing a blast of two tones
di·aph·o·rase [dī-'a-fə-,rās, -,rāz] -n
- a flavoprotein enzyme capable of oxidizing the reduced form of NAD
di·a·pho·re·sis [,dī-ə-fə-'rē-səs, (,)dī-,a-fə-] -n
- perspiration
- profuse perspiration artificially induced
di·a·pho·ret·ic [-'re-tik] -adj, n
- having the power to increase perspiration
- perspiring profusely
di·a·phragm ['dī-ə-,fram] -n, adj, adv
- a body partition of muscle and connective tissue
- the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals
- a dividing membrane or thin partition esp. in a tube
- a more or less rigid partition in the body or shell of an invertebrate
- a transverse septum in a plant stem
- a device that limits the aperture of a lens or optical system
- a thin flexible disk (as in a microphone or loudspeaker) that vibrates when struck by sound waves or that vibrates to generate sound waves
- a molded cap usu. of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier
di·aph·y·sis [dī-'a-fə-səs] -n, adj
- the shaft of a long bone
di·a·pir ['dī-ə-,pir] -n, adj
- an anticlinal fold in which a mobile core has broken through brittle overlying rocks
dia·pos·i·tive [,dī-ə-'pä-zə-tiv, -'päz-tiv] -n
- a positive photographic image on transparent material (as glass or film)
di·ap·sid [dī-'ap-səd] -adj
- of, relating to, or including reptiles (as the crocodiles) with two pairs of temporal openings in the skull
diarchy ['dī-,är-kē] -n
(variant of dyarchy)
- a government in which power is vested in two rulers or authorities
di·a·rist ['dī-ə-rəst] -n
- one who keeps a diary
di·a·ris·tic [,dī-ə-'ris-tik] -adj
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a diary
di·ar·rhea [,dī-ə-'rē-ə] -n, adj
- abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools
- excessive flow
di·ar·rhoea [,dī-ə-'rē-ə] -n, adj
(variant of diarrhea)
- abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools
- excessive flow
di·ar·thro·sis [,dī-är-'thrō-səs] -n
- articulation that permits free movement
- a freely movable joint
di·a·ry ['dī-(ə-)rē] -n
- a record of events, transactions, or observations kept daily or at frequent intervals : journal
- a daily record of personal activities, reflections, or feelings
- a book intended or used for a diary
di·as·po·ra [dī-'as-p(ə-)rə, dē-] -n, adj
- the settling of scattered colonies of Jews outside Palestine after the Babylonian exile
- the area outside Palestine settled by Jews
- the Jews living outside Palestine or modern Israel
- the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland
- the black diaspora to northern cities
- people settled far from their ancestral homelands
- the place where these people live
di·a·spore ['dī-ə-,spȯr] -n
- a mineral consisting of aluminum hydrogen oxide
di·a·stase ['dī-ə-,stās, -,stāz] -n
- amylase
- a mixture of amylases from malt
- enzyme
di·a·stat·ic [,dī-ə-'sta-tik] -adj
- relating to or having the properties of diastase
- converting starch into sugar
di·a·ste·ma [,dī-ə-'stē-mə] -n
- a space between teeth in a jaw
di·a·ste·reo·mer [,dī-ə-'ster-ē-ō-(,)mər, -'stir-] -n, adj
- a stereoisomer of a compound having two or more chiral centers that is not a mirror image of another stereoisomer of the same compound
di·as·to·le [dī-'as-tə-(,)lē] -n, adj
- a rhythmically recurrent expansion
- the dilatation of the cavities of the heart during which they fill with blood
di·as·tro·phism [dī-'as-trə-,fi-zəm] -n, adj, adv
- tectonism
di·a·tes·sa·ron [,dī-ə-'te-sə-rən] -n
- a harmony of the four Gospels edited and arranged into a single connected narrative
dia·ther·my ['dī-ə-,thər-mē] -n, adj
- the generation of heat in tissue by electric currents for medical or surgical purposes
di·ath·e·sis [dī-'a-thə-səs] -n, adj
- a constitutional predisposition toward a particular state or condition and esp. one that is abnormal or diseased
di·a·tom ['dī-ə-,täm] -n
- any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomaceous earth
di·a·to·ma·ceous [,dī-ə-tə-'mā-shəs, (,)dī-,a-tə-] -adj
- consisting of or abounding in diatoms or their siliceous remains
diatomaceous earth -n
- a light friable siliceous material derived chiefly from diatom remains and used esp. as a filter
di·atom·ic [,dī-ə-'tä-mik] -adj
- consisting of two atoms : having two atoms in the molecule
di·at·o·mite [dī-'a-tə-,mīt] -n
- diatomaceous earth
dia·ton·ic [,dī-ə-'tä-nik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or being a musical scale (as a major or minor scale) comprising intervals of five whole steps and two half steps
di·a·tribe ['dī-ə-,trīb] -n
- a prolonged discourse
- a bitter and abusive speech or writing
- ironic or satirical criticism
di·az·e·pam [dī-'a-zə-,pam] -n
- a tranquilizer C 16H 13ClN 2O used esp. to relieve anxiety and tension and as a muscle relaxant
di·az·i·non [dī-'a-zi-,nän] -n
- a cholinesterase-inhibiting organophosphate insecticide C 12H 21N 2O 3PS
di·azo [dī-'a-(,)zō, -'ā-] -adj
- relating to or containing the group N 2composed of two nitrogen atoms united to a single carbon atom of an organic radical often used in combination
- relating to or containing diazonium often used in combination
- of or relating to a photograph or photocopy whose production involves the use of a coating of a diazo compound that is decomposed by exposure to light
di·a·zo·ni·um [,dī-ə-'zō-nē-əm] -n
- the monovalent cation N 2 that is composed of two nitrogen atoms united to carbon in an organic radical and that usu. exists in salts used in the manufacture of azo dyes
di·az·o·tize [dī-'a-zə-,tīz] -vt, n
- to convert (a compound) into a diazo compound (as a diazonium salt)
di·ba·sic [(,)dī-'bā-sik] -adj
- having two replaceable hydrogen atoms used of acids
dib·ber ['di-bər] -n
- dibble
dib·ble ['di-bəl] -n
- a small hand implement used to make holes in the ground for plants, seeds, or bulbs
dibble ['di-b(ə-)liŋ] -vt
- to plant with a dibble
- to make holes in (soil) with or as if with a dibble
di·ben·zo·fu·ran [,dī-,ben-zō-'fyu̇-,ran, -fyə-'ran] -n
- a highly toxic chemical compound C 12H 8O that is used in chemical synthesis and as an insecticide and is a hazardous pollutant when chlorinated
dibs ['dibz] -n pl
- money esp. in small amounts
- claim, rights
- I have dibs on that piece of cake
di·bu·tyl phthal·ate [,dī-,byü-tᵊl-'tha-,lāt] -n
- a colorless oily ester C 16H 22O 4used chiefly as a solvent, plasticizer, pesticide, and repellent (as for chiggers and mites)
di·cal·ci·um silicate [(,)dī-'kal-sē-əm-] -n
- a calcium silicate 2CaOSiO 2that is an essential ingredient of portland cement
di·cam·ba [,dī-'kam-bə] -n
- a systemic herbicide C 8H 6Cl 2O 3
di·car·box·yl·ic [,dī-,kär-,bäk-'si-lik] -adj
- containing two carboxyl groups in the molecule
di·cast ['dī-,kast, 'di-] -n
- an ancient Athenian performing the functions of both judge and juror at a trial
dice ['dīs] -n
- die
- a gambling game played with dice
- a small cubical piece (as of food)
- a close contest between two racing-car drivers for position during a race
- to cut into small cubes
- to ornament with square markings
- to bring by playing dice
- to lose by dicing
- to play games with dice
- dice for drinks in the bar -- Malcolm Lowry
- to take a chance
- the temptation to dice with death -- Newsweek
di·cen·tric [(,)dī-'sen-trik] -adj, n
- having two centromeres
dic·ey ['dī-sē] -adj
- risky, unpredictable
dich- -comb form
- in two : apart
di·cha·sium [dī-'kā-z(h)ē-əm, -zhəm] -n
- a cymose inflorescence that produces two main axes
dichlor- -comb form
- containing two atoms of chlorine
di·chlo·ro·ben·zene [(,)dī-,klȯr-ə-'ben-,zēn, -(,)ben-'] -n
- any of three isomeric compounds C 6H 4Cl 2
- paradichlorobenzene
di·chlo·ro·di·flu·o·ro·meth·ane [-,dī-,flu̇r-ə-'me-,thān] -n
- a chlorofluoromethane CCl 2F 2
di·chlo·ro·eth·ane [(,)dī-,klȯ-rō-'e-,thān] -n
- a colorless toxic liquid compound C 2H 4Cl 2that is used chiefly as a solvent
di·chlor·vos [(')dī-'klȯr-,väs, -vəs] -n
- an organophosphorus insecticide and anthelmintic C 4H 7Cl 2O 4P used esp. in veterinary medicine called also DDVP
di·chog·a·my [dī-'kä-gə-mē] -n, adj
- the production of male and female reproductive elements at different times by a hermaphroditic organism in order to ensure cross-fertilization
di·chon·dra [dī-'kän-drə] -n
- any of a genus ( Dichondra) of chiefly tropical perennial herbs of the morning glory family that includes some (esp. D. repensor its varieties) used as a ground cover and a substitute for lawn grasses in warmer parts of the U.S.
dich·otic [(,)dī-'kō-tik] -adj, adv
- relating to or involving the presentation of a stimulus to one ear that differs in some respect (as pitch, loudness, frequency, or energy) from a stimulus presented to the other ear
di·chot·o·mist [dī-'kä-tə-məst also də-] -n
- one that dichotomizes
di·chot·o·mize [-,mīz] -vb, n
- to divide into two parts, classes, or groups
- to exhibit dichotomy
di·chot·o·mous [dī-'kä-tə-məs also də-] -adj, adv, n
- dividing into two parts
- relating to, involving, or proceeding from dichotomy
dichotomous key -n
- a key for the identification of organisms based on a series of choices between alternative characters
di·chot·o·my [dī-'kä-tə-mē also də-] -n
- a division into two esp. mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities
- the dichotomy between theory and practice
- the process or practice of making such a division
- dichotomy of the population into two opposed classes
- the phase of the moon or an inferior planet in which half its disk appears illuminated
- bifurcation
- repeated bifurcation (as of a plant's stem)
- a system of branching in which the main axis forks repeatedly into two branches
- branching of an ancestral line into two equal diverging branches
- something with seemingly contradictory qualities
- it's a dichotomy, this opulent Ritz-style luxury in a place that fronts on a boat harbor -- Jean T. Barrett
di·chro·ic [dī-'krō-ik] -adj
- having the property of dichroism
- dichromatic
di·chro·ism ['dī-(,)krō-,i-zəm] -n
- the property of some crystals and solutions of absorbing one of two plane-polarized components of transmitted light more strongly than the other
- the property of exhibiting different colors by reflected or transmitted light
di·chro·mat ['dī-krō-,mat, (,)dī-'] -n
- one affected with dichromatism
di·chro·mate [(,)dī-'krō-,māt, 'dī-krō-] -n
- a usu. orange to red chromium salt containing the anion Cr 2O 7 2 called also bichromate
di·chro·mat·ic [,dī-krō-'ma-tik] -adj
- having or exhibiting two colors
- of, relating to, or exhibiting dichromatism
di·chro·ma·tism [dī-'krō-mə-,ti-zəm] -n
- partial color blindness in which only two colors are perceptible
di·chro·scope ['dī-krə-,skōp] -n
- an instrument for examining crystals for dichroism
dick ['dik] -n
- fellow, chap
- penis
- detective
dick·cis·sel [dik-'si-səl, 'dik-,] -n
- a common migratory black-throated finch ( Spiza americanaof the family Cardinalidae) of the central U.S.
dick·ens ['di-kənz] -n
- devil, deuce
dick·er ['di-kər] -n
- the number or quantity of 10 esp. of hides or skins
dicker ['di-k(ə-)riŋ] -vi
- bargain
- barter
- an act or session of bargaining
dick·ey ['di-kē] -n
- : any of various articles of clothing: as
- a man's separate or detachable shirtfront
- a small fabric insert worn to fill in the neckline
- the driver's seat in a carriage
- a seat at the back of a carriage or automobile
dickey bird -n
- a small bird
dick·head ['dik-,hed] -n
- a stupid or contemptible person
Dick test ['dik-] -n
- a test to determine susceptibility or immunity to scarlet fever by an injection of scarlet fever toxin
di·cli·nous [(,)dī-'klī-nəs] -adj
- having the stamens and pistils in separate flowers
di·cot ['dī-,kät] -n
- dicotyledon
di·cot·y·le·don [,dī-,kä-tə-'lē-dᵊn] -n, adj
- any of a class or subclass (Magnoliopsida or Dicotyledoneae) of angiospermous plants that produce an embryo with two cotyledons and usu. have floral organs arranged in cycles of four or five and leaves with reticulate venation
di·cou·ma·rin [(,)dī-'kü-mə-rən] -n
- dicumarol
di·crot·ic [dī-'krä-tik] -adj, n
- having a double beat
- being or relating to the second part of the arterial pulse occurring during diastole of the heart or of an arterial pressure recording made during the same period
dict -abbr
- dictionary
Dic·ta·phone ['dik-tə-,fōn] -trademark
- used for a dictating machine
dic·tate ['dik-,tāt, dik-'] -vb
- to give dictation
- to speak or act domineeringly : prescribe
- to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record
- to issue as an order
- to impose, pronounce, or specify authoritatively
- to require or determine necessarily
- injuries dictated the choice of players
- an authoritative rule, prescription, or injunction
- a ruling principle
- according to the dictate s of your conscience
- a command by one in authority
dictating machine -n
- a machine used esp. for the recording of human speech for transcription
dic·ta·tion [dik-'tā-shən] -n
- prescription
- arbitrary command
- the act or manner of uttering words to be transcribed
- material that is dictated or transcribed
- the performing of music to be reproduced by a student
- music so reproduced
dic·ta·tor ['dik-,tā-tər, dik-'] -n
- a person granted absolute emergency power
- one appointed by the senate of ancient Rome
- one holding complete autocratic control
- one ruling absolutely and often oppressively
- one that dictates
dic·ta·to·ri·al [,dik-tə-'tȯr-ē-əl] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or befitting a dictator
- ruled by a dictator
- oppressive to or arrogantly overbearing toward others
dic·ta·tor·ship [dik-'tā-tər-,ship, 'dik-,] -n
- the office of dictator
- autocratic rule, control, or leadership
- a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique
- a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated
- a despotic state
dic·tion ['dik-shən] -n, adj, adv
- verbal description
- choice of words esp. with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness
- vocal expression : enunciation
- pronunciation and enunciation of words in singing
dic·tio·nary ['dik-shə-,ner-ē, -,ne-rē] -n
- a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usu. alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical and idiomatic uses
- a reference book listing alphabetically terms or names important to a particular subject or activity along with discussion of their meanings and applications
- a reference book giving for words of one language equivalents in another
- a computerized list (as of items of data or words) used for reference (as for information retrieval or word processing)
dic·tum ['dik-təm] -n
- : a noteworthy statement: as
- a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion
- an observation intended or regarded as authoritative
- a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case
dicty- -comb form
- net
dic·tyo·some ['dik-tē-ə-,sōm] -n
- any of the membranous or vesicular structures making up the Golgi apparatus
dic·tyo·stele ['dik-tē-ə-,stēl, ,dik-tē-ə-'stē-lē] -n
- a stele in which the vascular cylinder is broken up into a longitudinal series or network of vascular strands around a central pith (as in many ferns)
di·cu·ma·rol [dī-'k(y)ü-mə-,rȯl, -,rōl] -n
- a crystalline compound C 19H 12O 6orig. obtained from spoiled sweet clover hay and used to delay clotting of blood esp. in preventing and treating thromboembolic disease
di·cyn·o·dont [(,)dī-'si-nō-,dänt, -'sī-] -n, adj
- any of a suborder (Dicynodontia) of small herbivorous therapsid reptiles with reduced dentition
did ['dü] -vb, adj
(variant of do)
- to bring to pass : carry out
- put used chiefly in do to death
- perform, execute
- commit
- bring about, effect
- to give freely : pay
- to bring to an end : finish used in the past participle
- to put forth : exert
- did her best to win the race
- to wear out esp. by physical exertion : exhaust
- at the end of the race they were pretty well done
- to attack physically : beat
- kill
- to bring into existence : produce
- do a biography on the general
- used as a substitute verb esp. to avoid repetition
- if you must make such a racket, do it somewhere else
- to play the role or character of
- mimic
- to behave like
- do a Houdini and disappear
- to perform in or serve as producer of
- to treat unfairly
- cheat
- did him out of his inheritance
- : to treat or deal with in any way typically with the sense of preparation or with that of care or attention:
- to put in order : clean
- wash
- did the dishes after supper
- to prepare for use or consumption
- cook
- set, arrange
- to apply cosmetics to
- wanted to do her face before the party
- decorate, furnish
- did the living room in Early American
- to be engaged in the study or practice of
- to work at as a vocation
- to pass over (as distance) : traverse
- to travel at a speed of
- do ing 55 on the turnpike
- tour
- do ing 12 countries in 30 days
- to spend (time) in prison
- has been do ing time in a federal penitentiary
- to serve out (a period of imprisonment)
- did ten years for armed robbery
- to serve the needs of : suit, suffice
- worms will do us for bait
- to approve esp. by custom, opinion, or propriety
- you oughtn't to say a thing like that...it's not done -- Dorothy Sayers
- to treat with respect to physical comforts
- use
- to have sexual intercourse with
- to partake of
- act, behave
- get along, fare
- to carry on business or affairs : manage
- we can do without your help
- to take place : happen
- what's do ing across the street
- to come to or make an end : finish used in the past participle
- to be active or busy
- let us then be up and do ing -- H. W. Longfellow
- to be adequate or sufficient : serve
- to be fitting : conform to custom or propriety
- used as a substitute verb to avoid repetition
- wanted to run and play as children do
used esp. in British English following a modal auxiliary or perfective have - a great many people had died, or would do -- Bruce Chatwin
- used in the imperative after an imperative to add emphasis
- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in legal and parliamentary language and in poetry
- give what she did crave -- Shak.
- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in declarative sentences with inverted word order
- fervently do we pray -- Abraham Lincoln
, in interrogative sentences , and in negative sentences - used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses expressing emphasis
- fuss, ado
- deed, duty
- a festive get-together : affair, party
- battle
- a command or entreaty to do something
- a list of do s and don'ts
- cheat, swindle
- hairdo
- the first tone of the diatonic scale in solmization
- ditto
- double occupancy
di·dact ['dī-,dakt] -n
- a didactic person
di·dac·tic [dī-'dak-tik, də-] -adj, adv, n
- designed or intended to teach
- intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment
- making moral observations
di·dac·tics [-tiks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- systematic instruction : pedagogy
di·dan·o·sine [dī-'da-nə-,sēn] -n
- ddI
did·dle ['di-dᵊl] -vb, n
- to move with short rapid motions
- to waste (as time) in trifling
- hoax, swindle
- to copulate with
- dawdle, fool
- fiddle, toy usu. used with with
- diddled with the machine until it broke
did·dly ['di-dᵊl-ē, 'did-lē] -n
- diddly-squat
did·dlysquat [-,skwät] -n
- the least amount : anything at all
- didn't know diddlysquat about sports -- Sam Toperoff
did·ger·i·doo ['di-jə-rē-,dü, ,di-jə-rē-'] -n
- a large bamboo or wooden trumpet of the Australian aborigines
didn't ['di-dᵊnt, -dᵊn, dial also 'dit-ᵊn(t) or 'dint]
- did not
di·do ['dī-(,)dō] -n
- a mischievous or capricious act : prank, antic often used in the phrase cut didoes
- something that is frivolous or showy
Di·do ['dī-(,)dō] -n
- a legendary queen of Carthage in Virgil's Aeneidwho kills herself when Aeneas leaves her
didst ['dü] -vb, adj
(variant of do)
- to bring to pass : carry out
- put used chiefly in do to death
- perform, execute
- commit
- bring about, effect
- to give freely : pay
- to bring to an end : finish used in the past participle
- to put forth : exert
- did her best to win the race
- to wear out esp. by physical exertion : exhaust
- at the end of the race they were pretty well done
- to attack physically : beat
- kill
- to bring into existence : produce
- do a biography on the general
- used as a substitute verb esp. to avoid repetition
- if you must make such a racket, do it somewhere else
- to play the role or character of
- mimic
- to behave like
- do a Houdini and disappear
- to perform in or serve as producer of
- to treat unfairly
- cheat
- did him out of his inheritance
- : to treat or deal with in any way typically with the sense of preparation or with that of care or attention:
- to put in order : clean
- wash
- did the dishes after supper
- to prepare for use or consumption
- cook
- set, arrange
- to apply cosmetics to
- wanted to do her face before the party
- decorate, furnish
- did the living room in Early American
- to be engaged in the study or practice of
- to work at as a vocation
- to pass over (as distance) : traverse
- to travel at a speed of
- do ing 55 on the turnpike
- tour
- do ing 12 countries in 30 days
- to spend (time) in prison
- has been do ing time in a federal penitentiary
- to serve out (a period of imprisonment)
- did ten years for armed robbery
- to serve the needs of : suit, suffice
- worms will do us for bait
- to approve esp. by custom, opinion, or propriety
- you oughtn't to say a thing like that...it's not done -- Dorothy Sayers
- to treat with respect to physical comforts
- use
- to have sexual intercourse with
- to partake of
- act, behave
- get along, fare
- to carry on business or affairs : manage
- we can do without your help
- to take place : happen
- what's do ing across the street
- to come to or make an end : finish used in the past participle
- to be active or busy
- let us then be up and do ing -- H. W. Longfellow
- to be adequate or sufficient : serve
- to be fitting : conform to custom or propriety
- used as a substitute verb to avoid repetition
- wanted to run and play as children do
used esp. in British English following a modal auxiliary or perfective have - a great many people had died, or would do -- Bruce Chatwin
- used in the imperative after an imperative to add emphasis
- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in legal and parliamentary language and in poetry
- give what she did crave -- Shak.
- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in declarative sentences with inverted word order
- fervently do we pray -- Abraham Lincoln
, in interrogative sentences , and in negative sentences - used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses expressing emphasis
- fuss, ado
- deed, duty
- a festive get-together : affair, party
- battle
- a command or entreaty to do something
- a list of do s and don'ts
- cheat, swindle
- hairdo
- the first tone of the diatonic scale in solmization
- ditto
- double occupancy
di·dym·i·um [dī-'di-mē-əm] -n
- a mixture of rare-earth elements made up chiefly of neodymium and praseodymium and used esp. for coloring glass for optical filters
die ['dī] -vi
- to pass from physical life : expire
- to pass out of existence : cease
- their anger died at these words
- to disappear or subside gradually often used with away, down, or out
- sink, languish
- to long keenly or desperately
- to be overwhelmed by emotion
- to cease functioning : stop
- to end in failure
- the bill died in committee
- to become indifferent
- a small cube marked on each face with from one to six spots and used usu. in pairs in various games and in gambling by being shaken and thrown to come to rest at random on a flat surface often used figuratively in expressions concerning chance or the irrevocability of a course of action
- dado
- : any of various tools or devices for imparting a desired shape, form, or finish to a material or for impressing an object or material: as
- the larger of a pair of cutting or shaping tools that when moved toward each other produce a desired form in or impress a desired device on an object by pressure or by a blow
- a device composed of a pair of such tools
- a hollow internally threaded screw-cutting tool used for forming screw threads
- a mold into which molten metal or other material is forced
- a perforated block through which metal or plastic is drawn or extruded for shaping
die·back ['dī-,bak] -n
- a condition in woody plants in which peripheral parts are killed (as by parasites)
dief·fen·bach·ia [,dē-fən-'ba-kē-ə, ,di-, -'bä-] -n
- any of a genus ( Dieffenbachia) of erect poisonous tropical American plants of the arum family having usu. variegated leaves and often grown as houseplants
diehard ['dī-,härd] -adj, n
- strongly or fanatically determined or devoted
- strongly resisting change
di·el ['dī-əl, -,el] -adj
- involving a 24-hour period that usu. includes a day and the adjoining night
- diel fluctuations in temperature
diel·drin ['dēl-drən] -n
- a white crystalline persistent toxic chlorinated compound C 12H 8Cl 6O used esp. formerly as an insecticide
di·elec·tric [,dī-ə-'lek-trik] -n, adj
- a nonconductor of direct electric current
dielectric constant -n
- permittivity
dielectric heating -n
- the rapid and uniform heating throughout a nonconducting material by means of a high-frequency electromagnetic field
di·en·ceph·a·lon [,dī-ən-'se-fə-,län, ,dī-(,)en-, -lən] -n, adj
- the posterior subdivision of the forebrain
di·ene ['dī-,ēn] -n
- a compound containing two double bonds between carbon atoms
dieoff ['dī-,ȯf] -n
- a sudden sharp decline of a population of animals or plants that is not caused directly by human activity
die off ['dī-'ȯf] -vi
- to die sequentially either singly or in numbers so that the total number is greatly diminished
die out -vi
- to become extinct
dieresis [dī-'er-ə-səs, Brit also -'ir-] -n, adj
(variant of diaeresis)
- a mark placed over a vowel to indicate that the vowel is pronounced in a separate syllable (as in naiveor Bronte)
- the break in a verse caused by the coincidence of the end of a foot with the end of a word
die·sel ['dē-zəl, -səl] -n
- diesel engine
- a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
- diesel fuel
dieselelectric -adj
- of, relating to, or employing a diesel engine for driving an electric generator or for charging batteries
- a dieselelectric locomotive
- dieselelectric submarines
diesel engine -n
- an internal combustion engine in which air is compressed to a temperature sufficiently high to ignite fuel injected into the cylinder where the combustion and expansion actuate a piston
diesel fuel -n
- a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines
die·sel·ing ['dē-zə-liŋ, -sə-] -n
- the continued operation of an internal combustion engine after the ignition is turned off
die·sel·ize ['dē-zə-,līz, -sə-] -vt, n
- to equip with a diesel engine or with diesel-electric locomotives
Di·es Irae [,dē-(,)ās-'ē-,rā] -n
- a medieval Latin hymn on the Day of Judgment sung in requiem masses
di·esis ['dī-ə-səs] -n
- double dagger
di·es·ter ['dī-,es-tər] -n
- a compound containing two ester groups
die·stock ['dī-,stäk] -n
- a stock to hold dies used for cutting threads
di·es·trus [(,)dī-'es-trəs] -n, adj
- a period of sexual quiescence that intervenes between two periods of estrus
di·et ['dī-ət] -n
- food and drink regularly provided or consumed
- habitual nourishment
- the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason
- a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight
- something provided or experienced repeatedly
- a diet of Broadway shows and nightclubs -- Frederick Wyatt
diet -vt, n
- to cause to take food : feed
- to cause to eat and drink sparingly or according to prescribed rules
- to eat sparingly or according to prescribed rules
- reduced in calories
- promoting weight loss (as by depressing appetite)
- a formal deliberative assembly of princes or estates
- any of various national or provincial legislatures
di·e·tary ['dī-ə-,ter-ē, -,te-rē] -n
- the kinds and amounts of food available to or eaten by an individual, group, or population
dietary [,dī-ə-'ter-ə-lē, -'te-rə-] -adj, adv
- of or relating to a diet or to the rules of a diet
dietary law -n
- any of the laws observed by Orthodox Jews that permit or prohibit certain foods
dietary supplement -n
- a product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients (as vitamins or amino acids) that are intended to supplement one's diet and are not considered food
di·e·tet·ic [,dī-ə-'te-tik] -adj, adv
- of or relating to diet
- adapted for use in special diets
di·e·tet·ics [-'te-tiks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- the science or art of applying the principles of nutrition to the diet
di·ether [(,)dī-'ē-thər] -n
- a compound containing two atoms of oxygen with ether linkages
di·eth·yl·car·bam·a·zine [,dī-,e-thəl-kär-'ba-mə-,zēn, -zən] -n
- an anthelmintic administered in the form of its crystalline citrate C 10H 21N 3OC 6H 8O 7esp. to control human filariasis and large nematodes (as heartworms) in dogs and cats
di·eth·yl ether [(,)dī-,e-thəl-] -n
- ether
di·eth·yl·stil·bes·trol [-stil-'bes-,trȯl, -,trōl] -n
- a colorless crystalline synthetic compound C 18H 20O 2used as a potent estrogen but contraindicated in pregnancy for its tendency to cause cancer or birth defects in offspring called also DES stilbestrol
di·eth·yl zinc -n
- a volatile pyrophoric liquid compound C 4H 10Zn used esp. to catalyze polymerization and to deacidify paper
di·e·ti·tian [,dī-ə-'ti-shən] -n
- a specialist in dietetics
diff ['dif] -n
- difference
dif·fer ['di-fər] -vi
- to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
- the law of one state differ s from that of another
- to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary
- the number of cookies in a box may differ
- to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree
- they differ on religious matters
dif·fer·ence ['di-fərn(t)s, 'di-f(ə-)rən(t)s] -n
- the quality or state of being different
- the difference between right and wrong
- an instance of differing in nature, form, or quality
- noted the difference s in color and texture
- a characteristic that distinguishes one from another or from the average
- the element or factor that separates or distinguishes contrasting situations
- distinction or discrimination in preference
- timing is often the difference between success and failure
- disagreement in opinion : dissension
- an instance or cause of disagreement
- unable to settle their difference s
- the degree or amount by which things differ in quantity or measure
- remainder
- a significant change in or effect on a situation
- it makes no difference to me
difference -vt
- differentiate, distinguish
dif·fer·ent ['di-fərnt, 'di-f(ə-)rənt] -adj, n
- partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : dissimilar
- could hardly be more different
often followed by from, than, or chiefly Brit. to - small, neat hand, very different from the captain's tottery characters -- R. L. Stevenson
- vastly different in size than it was twenty-five years ago -- N. M. Pusey
- a very different situation to the...one under which we live -- Sir Winston Churchill
- : not the same: as
- distinct
- various
- different members of the class
- another
- switched to a different TV program
- unusual, special
- she was different and superior
different -adv
- differently
dif·fer·en·tia [,di-fə-'ren(t)-sh(ē-)ə] -n
- an element, feature, or factor that distinguishes one entity, state, or class from another
- a characteristic trait distinguishing a species from other species of the same genus
dif·fer·en·tial [,di-fə-'ren(t)-shəl] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing
- making a distinction between individuals or classes
- based on or resulting from a differential
- functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
- being, relating to, or involving a differential or differentiation
- relating to quantitative differences
- producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
differential -n
- the product of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable
- a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function
- a difference between comparable individuals or classes
- the amount of such a difference
- a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other
- a case covering such an assembly
differential calculus -n
- a branch of mathematics concerned chiefly with the study of the rate of change of functions with respect to their variables esp. through the use of derivatives and differentials
differential diagnosis -n
- the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting with similar signs and symptoms
differential equation -n
- an equation containing differentials or derivatives of functions
differential gear -n
- differential
differential geometry -n
- a branch of mathematics using calculus to study the geometric properties of curves and surfaces
dif·fer·en·ti·ate [,dif-ə-'ren(t)-shē-,āt] -vb, n, adj
- to obtain the mathematical derivative of
- to mark or show a difference in : constitute a difference that distinguishes
- to develop differential characteristics in
- to cause differentiation of in the course of development
- to express the specific distinguishing quality of : discriminate
- to recognize or give expression to a difference
- to become distinct or different in character
- to undergo differentiation
dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion [-,ren(t)-shē-'ā-shən] -n
- the act or process of differentiating
- development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
- modification of body parts for performance of particular functions
- the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent or unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function
- the processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma
dif·fer·ent·ly ['di-fərnt-lē, 'di-f(ə-)rənt-] -adv
- in a different manner
- otherwise
differently abled -adj
- disabled, challenged
dif·fi·cile [,dē-fi-'sēl] -adj
- stubborn, unreasonable
dif·fi·cult ['di-fi-(,)kəlt] -adj, adv
- hard to do, make, or carry out : arduous
- hard to deal with, manage, or overcome
- hard to understand : puzzling
dif·fi·cul·ty [-(,)kəl-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being difficult
- controversy, disagreement
- objection
- something difficult : impediment
- embarrassment, trouble usu. used in pl.
dif·fi·dence ['di-fə-dən(t)s, -fə-,den(t)s] -n
- the quality or state of being diffident
dif·fi·dent [-dənt, -,dent] -adj, adv
- hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
- distrustful
- reserved, unassertive
dif·fract [di-'frakt] -vt
- to cause to undergo diffraction
dif·frac·tion [di-'frak-shən] -n
- a modification which light undergoes esp. in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow openings and in which the rays appear to be deflected
- a similar modification of other waves (as sound waves) or of moving particles (as electrons)
diffraction grating -n
- grating
dif·frac·tom·e·ter [di-,frak-'tä-mə-tər] -n, adj
- an instrument for analyzing the structure of a usu. crystalline substance from the scattering pattern produced when a beam of radiation or particles (as X rays or neutrons) strikes it
dif·fuse [di-'fyüs] -adj, adv, n
- being at once verbose and ill-organized
- a diffuse report from the scene of the earthquake
- not concentrated or localized
- to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely
- extend, scatter
- to spread thinly or wastefully
- to subject to diffusion
- to break up and distribute (incident light) by reflection
- to spread out or become transmitted esp. by contact
- to undergo diffusion
dif·fusepo·rous [di-,fyüs-'pȯr-əs] -adj
- having vessels more or less evenly distributed throughout an annual ring and not varying greatly in size
dif·fus·er [di-'fyü-zər] -n
- : one that diffuses: as
- a device (as a reflector) for distributing the light of a lamp evenly
- a screen (as of cloth or frosted glass) for softening lighting (as in photography)
- a device (as slats at different angles) for deflecting air from an outlet in various directions
- a device for reducing the velocity and increasing the static pressure of a fluid passing through a system
dif·fu·sion [di-'fyü-zhən] -n, adj
- the action of diffusing : the state of being diffused
- prolixity, diffuseness
- the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration
- reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface
- transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering
- the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact
- the softening of sharp outlines in a photographic image
dif·fu·sion·ist [-'fyü-zhə-nəst] -n, adj
- an anthropologist who emphasizes the role of diffusion in the history of culture rather than independent invention or discovery
dif·fu·sive [di-'fyü-siv, -ziv] -adj, adv, n
- tending to diffuse : characterized by diffusion
- diffusive motion of atoms
di·func·tion·al [(,)dī-'fəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a compound with two highly reactive sites in each molecule
dig ['dig] -vb
- to break up, turn, or loosen (as earth) with an implement
- to prepare the soil of
- to bring to the surface by digging : unearth
- to bring to light or out of hiding
- to hollow out or form by removing earth : excavate
- to drive down so as to penetrate : thrust
- poke, prod
- to pay attention to : notice
- understand, appreciate
- couldn't dig the medical jargon
- like, admire
- high school students dig short poetry -- David Burmester
- to turn up, loosen, or remove earth
- to work hard or laboriously
- to advance by or as if by removing or pushing aside material
- thrust, poke
- a cutting remark
- accommodations for living or working
- lodging, hotel
- an archaeological excavation site
- the excavation itself
- digest
dig·a·my ['di-gə-mē] -n
- a second marriage after the termination of the first
di·gas·tric [(,)dī-'gas-trik] -adj
- of, relating to, or being either of a pair of muscles that depress the lower jaw and raise the hyoid bone during swallowing
di·ge·net·ic [,dī-jə-'ne-tik] -adj
- of or relating to a subclass (Digenea) of trematode worms in which sexual reproduction as an internal parasite of a vertebrate alternates with asexual reproduction in a mollusk
di·ge·ra·ti [,di-jə-'rä-(,)tē] -n pl
- persons well versed in computer use and technology
di·gest ['dī-,jest] -n
- : a summation or condensation of a body of information: as
- a systematic compilation of legal rules, statutes, or decisions
- a periodical devoted to condensed versions of previously published articles
- a product of digestion
- to distribute or arrange systematically : classify
- to convert (food) into absorbable form
- to take into the mind or memory
- to assimilate mentally
- to soften, decompose, or break down by heat and moisture or chemical action
- DNA digest ed by restriction enzymes
- to extract soluble ingredients from by warming with a liquid
- to compress into a short summary
- absorb
- the capacity of the U.S. to digest immigrants
- to digest food
- to become digested
di·gest·er [-'jes-tər] -n
- one that digests or makes a digest
- a vessel for digesting esp. plant or animal materials
di·gest·ibil·i·ty [-,jes-tə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the fitness of something for digestion
- the percentage of a foodstuff taken into the digestive tract that is absorbed into the body
di·gest·ible [-'jes-tə-bəl] -adj
- capable of being digested
di·ges·tif [,dē-zhes-'tēf] -n
- an alcoholic drink (as brandy or a liqueur) usu. taken after a meal
di·ges·tion [dī-'jes-chən, də-, -'jesh-] -n
- : the action, process, or power of digesting: as
- the process of making food absorbable by dissolving it and breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds that occurs in the living body chiefly through the action of enzymes secreted into the alimentary canal
- the process in sewage treatment by which organic matter in sludge is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria with the release of a burnable mixture of gases
di·ges·tive [-'jes-tiv] -n
- an aid to digestion esp. of food
digestive -adj, adv
- relating to or functioning in digestion
- having the power to cause or promote digestion
digestive gland -n
- a gland secreting digestive enzymes
dig·ger ['di-gər] -n
- one that digs
- a tool or machine for digging
- a No. American Indian (as a Paiute) who dug roots for food
- an Australian or New Zealand soldier
digger wasp -n
- a burrowing wasp
- any of numerous usu. solitary wasps (superfamily Sphecoidea) that dig nest burrows in the soil and provision them with insects or spiders paralyzed by stinging
dig·gings ['di-giŋz] -n pl
- a place of excavating esp. for ore, metals, or precious stones
- material dug out
- quarters, premises
- lodgings for a student
dight ['dīt] -vt
- dress, adorn
dig in -vt
- to cover or incorporate by burying
- to establish in a dug defensive position
- the platoon was well dug in
- to establish a defensive position esp. by digging trenches
- to go resolutely to work
- to begin eating
- to hold stubbornly to a position
- to scuff the ground for better footing while batting (as in baseball)
dig·it ['di-jət] -n
- any of the Arabic numerals 1 to 9 and usu. the symbol 0
- one of the elements that combine to form numbers in a system other than the decimal system
- a unit of length based on the breadth of a finger and equal in English measure to inch
- any of the divisions in which the limbs of most vertebrates terminate, which are typically five in number but may be reduced (as in the horse), and which typically have a series of phalanges bearing a nail, claw, or hoof at the tip
dig·i·tal ['di-jə-tᵊl] -adj, adv
- of or relating to the fingers or toes
- done with a finger
- a digital rectal examination
- of, relating to, or using calculation by numerical methods or by discrete units
- of, relating to, or being data in the form of esp. binary digits
- of, relating to, or employing digital communications signals
- providing a readout in numerical digits
- relating to an audio recording method in which sound waves are represented digitally (as on magnetic tape) so that in the recording wow and flutter are eliminated and background noise is reduced
- electronic
- characterized by electronic and esp. computerized technology
digital camera -n
- a camera that records images as digital data instead of on film
digital computer -n
- a computer that operates with numbers expressed directly as digits
dig·i·tal·in [,di-jə-'ta-lən also -'tā-] -n
- a white crystalline steroid glycoside C 36H 56O 14obtained from seeds esp. of the common foxglove
- a mixture of the glycosides of digitalis
dig·i·tal·is [-'ta-ləs also -'tā-] -n
- foxglove
- the dried powdered leaf of the common foxglove that contains glycosides which act on the heart and that is a powerful cardiotonic serving esp. to increase the force of myocardial contraction
- any of various cardiac glycosides (as digitalin or digoxin) that are constituents of digitalis or are derived from a related foxglove ( Digitalis lanata)
dig·i·ta·li·za·tion [,di-jə-tə-lə-'zā-shən] -n
- the administration of digitalis until the desired physiological adjustment is attained
- the bodily state so produced
dig·i·ta·lize ['di-jə-tə-,līz] -vt
- to subject to digitalization
dig·i·tal·ize ['di-jə-tə-,līz] -vt
- digitize
digital subscriber line -n
- a high-speed communications connection used for accessing the Internet and carrying short-range transmissions over ordinary telephone lines
digital versatile disc -n
- dvd
digital video disc -n
- dvd
dig·i·tate ['di-jə-,tāt] -adj, adv
- having divisions arranged like those of a bird's foot
digiti- -comb form
- digit : finger
dig·i·ti·grade ['di-jə-tə-,grād] -adj
- walking on the digits with the posterior of the foot more or less raised
dig·i·tize ['di-jə-,tīz] -vt, n
- to convert (as data or an image) to digital form
digitizing tablet -n
- graphics tablet
dig·i·to·nin [,di-jə-'tō-nən] -n
- a steroid saponin C 56H 92O 29occurring in the leaves and seeds of the common foxglove
digi·toxi·gen·in [,di-jə-,täk-sə-'je-nən] -n
- a steroid lactone C 23H 34O 4obtained esp. by hydrolysis of digitoxin
digi·tox·in [,di-jə-'täk-sən] -n
- a poisonous cardiotonic glycoside C 41H 64O 13that is the most active constituent of digitalis
- a mixture of digitalis glycosides consisting chiefly of digitoxin
di·glyc·er·ide [,dī-'gli-sə-rīd] -n
- an ester formed from glycerol by reacting two of its hydroxyl groups with fatty acids
dig·ni·fied ['dig-nə-,fīd] -adj
- showing or expressing dignity
dig·ni·fy ['dig-nə-,fī] -vt
- to give distinction to : ennoble
- to confer dignity upon
- to give undue attention or status to
- won't dignify that remark with a reply
dig·ni·tary ['dig-nə-,ter-ē, -,te-rē] -n, adj
- one who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor
dig·ni·ty ['dig-nə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed
- high rank, office, or position
- a legal title of nobility or honor
- dignitary
- formal reserve or seriousness of manner, appearance, or language
dig out -vt
- find, unearth
- to make hollow by digging
- take off
di·gox·in [di-'jäk-sən, -'gäk-] -n
- a poisonous cardiotonic steroid C 41H 64O 14obtained from a foxglove ( Digitalis lanata) and used esp. to treat atrial fibrillation
di·graph ['dī-,graf] -n, adj, adv
- a group of two successive letters whose phonetic value is a single sound (as eain breador ngin sing) or whose value is not the sum of a value borne by each in other occurrences (as chin chinwhere the value is t sh)
- a group of two successive letters
- ligature
di·gress [dī-'gres, də-] -vi
- to turn aside esp. from the main subject of attention or course of argument
di·gres·sion [-'gre-shən] -n, adj
- the act or an instance of digressing in a discourse or other usu. organized literary work
- a going aside
di·gres·sive [-'gre-siv] -adj, adv, n
- characterized by digressions
dig up -vt
- find, unearth
di·he·dral [(,)dī-'hē-drəl] -n
- dihedral angle
- the angle between an aircraft supporting surface (as a wing) and a horizontal transverse line
dihedral angle -n
- a figure formed by two intersecting planes
di·hy·brid [(,)dī-'hī-brəd] -adj, n
- of, relating to, involving, or being an individual or strain that is heterozygous at two genetic loci
dihydr- -comb form
- combined with two atoms of hydrogen
di·hy·dro·er·got·a·mine [(,)dī-,hī-drō-,ər-'gä-tə-,mēn] -n
- a hydrogenated derivative C 33H 37N 5O 5of ergotamine that is used in the treatment of migraine
di·hy·dro·tes·tos·ter·one [(,)dī-,hī-drō-te-'stäs-tə-,rōn] -n
- a biologically active metabolite C 19H 30O 2of testosterone having similar androgenic activity
dihydroxy- -comb form
- containing two hydroxyl groups
di·hy·droxy·ac·e·tone [,dī-hī-,dräk-sē-'a-sə-,tōn] -n
- a glyceraldehyde isomer C 3H 6O 3used esp. to stain the skin to simulate a tan
Di·jon mustard ['dē-,zhän-, di-'zhän-, dē-'zhōⁿ-] -n
- a prepared mustard made from dark mustard seeds, white wine, and spices
dikdik ['dik-,dik] -n
- any of a genus ( Madoqua) of small antelopes of eastern and southern Africa having an elongated snout
dike ['dīk] -n
- an artificial watercourse : ditch
- a bank usu. of earth constructed to control or confine water : levee
- a barrier preventing passage esp. of something undesirable
- a raised causeway
- a tabular body of igneous rock that has been injected while molten into a fissure
- to surround or protect with a dike
- to drain by a dike
(variant of dyke)
- lesbian
dik·tat [dik-'tät] -n
- a harsh settlement unilaterally imposed (as on a defeated nation)
- decree, order
dil -abbr
- dilute
Di·lan·tin [dī-'lan-tᵊn, də-] -trademark
- used for phenytoin
di·lap·i·date [də-'la-pə-,dāt] -vb, n
- to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin
- furniture is dilapidated by use -- Janet Flanner
- squander
- to become dilapidated
di·lap·i·dat·ed -adj
- decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin esp. through neglect or misuse
di·lat·an·cy [dī-'lā-tᵊn(t)-sē] -n
- the property of being dilatant
di·lat·ant [-tᵊnt] -adj
- increasing in viscosity and setting to a solid as a result of deformation by expansion, pressure, or agitation
di·la·ta·tion [,di-lə-'tā-shən, ,dī-] -n, adj
- amplification in writing or speech
- the condition of being stretched beyond normal dimensions esp. as a result of overwork, disease, or abnormal relaxation
- dilatation of the stomach
- dilation
- the action of expanding : the state of being expanded
- a dilated part or formation
di·late ['dī-,lāt, dī-'] -vb, n, adj
- to describe or set forth at length or in detail
- to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent : distend, widen
- to comment at length : discourse usu. used with on or upon
- to become wide : swell
- the pupil of the eye dilate s and contracts
di·lat·ed -adj
- expanded laterally
- being flat and widened
- expanded normally or abnormally in all dimensions
di·la·tion [dī-'lā-shən] -n
- the act or action of dilating : the state of being dilated : expansion, dilatation
- the action of stretching or enlarging an organ or part of the body
di·la·tive [dī-'lā-tiv, 'dī-,] -adj
- causing dilation : tending to dilate
di·la·tom·e·ter [,di-lə-'tä-mə-tər, ,dī-] -n, adj
- an instrument for measuring expansion
dil·a·to·ry ['di-lə-,tȯr-ē] -adj, adv, n
- tending or intended to cause delay
- characterized by procrastination : tardy
dil·do ['dil-(,)dō] -n
- an object resembling a penis used for sexual stimulation
di·lem·ma [də-'le-mə also dī-] -n, adj
- an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent
- a usu. undesirable or unpleasant choice
- faces this dilemma: raise interest rates and slow the economy or lower them and risk serious inflation
- a situation involving such a choice
- here am I brought to a very pretty dilemma; I must commit murder or commit matrimony -- George Farquhar
- predicament
- lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma -- G. M. Trevelyan
- a problem involving a difficult choice
- the dilemma of liberty versus order -- J. M. Burns
- a difficult or persistent problem
- unemployment...the great central dilemma of our advancing technology -- August Heckscher
dil·et·tante ['di-lə-,tänt, -,tant; ,di-lə-'] -n, adj
- an admirer or lover of the arts
- a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge : dabbler
dil·i·gence ['di-lə-jən(t)s] -n
- persevering application : assiduity
- speed, haste
- the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)
di·li·gence ['di-lə-,zhäⁿs, 'di-lə-jən(t)s] -n
- stagecoach
dil·i·gent ['di-lə-jənt] -adj, adv
- characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort : painstaking
dill ['dil] -n, adj
- any of several plants of the carrot family
- a European herb ( Anethum graveolens) with aromatic foliage and seeds both of which are used in flavoring foods and esp. pickles
- the foliage of dill
- dill pickle
dill pickle -n
- a pickle seasoned with fresh dill
dill weed -n
- dill
dil·ly ['di-lē] -n
- one that is remarkable or outstanding
- for a practical joke, that was a dilly
dil·ly bag ['di-lē-] -n
- an Australian mesh bag made of native fibers
dil·ly·dal·ly ['di-lē-,da-lē] -vi
- to waste time by loitering or delaying : dawdle
dil·ti·a·zem [dil-'tī-ə-(,)zem] -n
- a calcium channel blocker C 22H 26N 2O 4S used esp. in the form of its hydrochloride as a coronary vasodilator
dil·u·ent ['dil-yə-wənt, -yü-ənt] -n
- a diluting agent (as the vehicle in a medicinal preparation)
di·lute [dī-'lüt, də-] -vt, n, adj
- attenuate
- to make thinner or more liquid by admixture
- to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture
- to decrease the per share value of (common stock) by increasing the total number of shares
dilute -adj, n
- weak, diluted
di·lu·tion [dī-'lü-shən, də-] -n
- the action of diluting : the state of being diluted
- something (as a solution) that is diluted
- a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth
- a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares
di·lu·vi·al [də-'lü-vē-əl, dī-] -adj
- of, relating to, or brought about by a flood
dim ['dim] -adj, adv, n
- emitting or having a limited or insufficient amount of light
- dull, lusterless
- lacking pronounced, clear-cut, or vigorous quality or character
- seen indistinctly
- perceived by the senses or mind indistinctly or weakly : faint
- had only a dim notion of what was going on
- having little prospect of favorable result or outcome
- characterized by an unfavorable, skeptical, or pessimistic attitude usu. used in the phrase take a dim view of
- not perceiving clearly and distinctly
- dim-witted
- to make dim or lusterless
- to reduce the light from
- to become dim
- dusk, dimness
- low beam
- dimension
- diminished
- diminuendo
- diminutive
dim bulb -n
- dimwit
dime ['dīm] -n
- a coin of the U.S. worth dollar
- a petty sum of money
- a Canadian 10-cent piece
- a packet containing 10 dollars worth of an illicit drug (as marijuana) called also dime bag
di·men·hy·dri·nate [,dī-,men-'hī-drə-,nāt] -n
- a crystalline antihistamine C 24H 28ClN 5O 3used esp. to prevent nausea (as in motion sickness)
dime novel -n
- a usu. paperback melodramatic novel
- one popular in the U.S. from about the mid-19th century to the early 20th often featuring a Western theme
di·men·sion [də-'men(t)-shən also dī-] -n, adj, adv
- measure in one direction
- one of three coordinates determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time
- one of a group of properties whose number is necessary and sufficient to determine uniquely each element of a system of usu. mathematical entities (as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space)
- the surface of a sphere has two dimension s
- a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property
- the three dimension s of momentum
- the number of elements in a basis of a vector space
- the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size
- a lifelike or realistic quality
- the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope usu. used in pl.
- one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : aspect
- bodily form or proportions
- any of the fundamental units (as of mass, length, or time) on which a derived unit is based
- the power of such a unit
- wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size
- a level of existence or consciousness
dimension [-'men(t)-shə-niŋ] -vt
- to form to the required dimensions
- to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)
di·mer ['dī-mər] -n, adj, vt
- a compound formed by the union of two radicals or two molecules of a simpler compound
- a polymer formed from two molecules of a monomer
di·mer·cap·rol [,dī-mər-'ka-,prȯl, -,prōl] -n
- a compound C 3H 8OS 2developed as an antidote against lewisite and used to treat arsenic, mercury, and gold poisoning called also BAL
dimestore ['dīm-,stȯr] -adj
- inexpensive
- tawdry, second-rate
dime store -n
- five-and-ten
dim·e·ter ['di-mə-tər] -n
- a line of verse consisting of two metrical feet or of two dipodies
di·meth·o·ate [dī-'me-thə-,wāt, -thō-,āt] -n
- an organophosphorous insecticide and miticide C 5H 12NO 3PS 2used esp. on crops and ornamental plants
di·meth·yl [,dī-'me-thəl] -adj
- containing two methyl groups in the molecule often used in combination
di·meth·yl·hy·dra·zine [,dī-,me-thəl-'hī-drə-,zēn] -n
- either of two flammable corrosive isomeric liquids C 2H 8N 2which are methylated derivatives of hydrazine and of which one is used as a rocket fuel
di·meth·yl·ni·tro·sa·mine [-nī-'trō-sə-,mēn] -n
- a carcinogenic nitrosamine C 2H 6N 2O that occurs esp. in tobacco smoke
dimethyl sulfoxide -n
- a compound C 2H 6SO obtained as a by-product in wood-pulp manufacture and used as a solvent and in medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent called also DMSO
di·meth·yl·tryp·ta·mine [-'trip-tə-,mēn] -n
- a naturally occurring or easily synthesized hallucinogenic drug C 12H 16N 2that is chemically similar to but shorter acting than psilocybin called also DMT
dimin -abbr
- diminuendo
di·min·ish [də-'mi-nish] -vb, adj, n
- to make less or cause to appear less
- diminish an army's strength
- to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle
- diminish a rival's accomplishments
- to cause to taper
- to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
- taper
di·min·ished -adj
- made one half step less than perfect or minor
diminishing returns -n pl
- a rate of yield that beyond a certain point fails to increase in proportion to additional investments of labor or capital
- benefits that beyond a certain point fail to increase in proportion to extended efforts
di·min·u·en·do [də-,min-yə-'wen-(,)dō, -yü-'en- also -,mi-nə-'] -adv or adj, n
- decrescendo
dim·i·nu·tion [,di-mə-'nü-shən also -'nyü-] -n
- the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : decrease
di·min·u·tive [də-'mi-nyə-tiv] -n
- a diminutive word, affix, or name
- a diminutive individual
diminutive -adj, adv, n
- indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible used of affixes (as -ette, -kin, -ling ) and of words formed with them (as kitchenette, manikin, duckling ), of clipped forms (as Jim ), and of altered forms (as Peggy )
- exceptionally or notably small : tiny
dim·i·ty ['di-mə-tē] -n
- a sheer usu. corded cotton fabric of plain weave in checks or stripes
DIMM -abbr
- dual in-line memory module
dim·mer ['di-mər] -n
- a device for regulating the intensity of an electric lighting unit
- low beam
di·mor·phic [(,)dī-'mȯr-fik] -adj
- dimorphous
- occurring in two distinct forms
- sexually dimorphic coloration in birds
- combining qualities of two kinds of individuals in one
di·mor·phism [-,fi-zəm] -n
- : the condition or property of being dimorphic or dimorphous: as
- the existence of two different forms (as of color or size) of a species esp. in the same population
- the existence of a part (as leaves of a plant) in two different forms
di·mor·phous [(,)dī-'mȯr-fəs] -adj
- crystallizing in two different forms
- dimorphic
dim·out ['dim-,au̇t] -n
- a restriction limiting the use or showing of lights at night esp. during the threat of an air raid
- a condition of partial darkness produced by this restriction
dim·ple ['dim-pəl] -n, adj
- a slight natural indentation in the surface of some part of the human body
- a depression or indentation on a surface (as of a golf ball)
dimple [-p(ə-)liŋ] -vb
- to mark with dimples
- to exhibit or form dimples
dim sum ['dim-'səm] -n
- traditional Chinese food consisting of a variety of items (as steamed or fried dumplings, pieces of cooked chicken, and rice balls) served in small portions
dim·wit ['dim-,wit] -n
- a stupid or mentally slow person
dimwit·ted [-'wi-təd] -adj, adv, n
- not mentally bright : stupid
din ['din] -n
- a loud continued noise
- a welter of discordant sounds
- a situation or condition resembling a din
- to make a loud noise
- to assail with loud continued noise
- to impress by insistent repetition often used with into
- lessons dinned into us as children
- dinar
DIN -abbr
- German Industrial Standards
di·nar [di-'när, 'dē-,] -n
- a gold coin formerly used in countries of southwest Asia and north Africa
- see rial at
dine ['dīn] -vb
- to take dinner often used with on
- to give a dinner to
- dinner
dine out -vi
- to eat a meal away from home
din·er ['dī-nər] -n
- a person who dines (as in a restaurant)
- dining car
- a restaurant usu. resembling a dining car in shape
din·erout [,dī-nər-'au̇t] -n
- a person who dines out
di·nette [dī-'net] -n
- a small space usu. off a kitchen used for informal dining
- furniture for such a space
ding ['diŋ] -vb
- to dwell on with tiresome repetition
- keeps ding ing it into him that the less he smokes the better -- Samuel Butler 1902
- to make a ringing sound : clang
- to speak with tiresome reiteration
- an instance of minor surface damage (as a dent)
- to cause minor surface damage to
dingaling ['diŋ-ə-,liŋ] -n
- nitwit, kook
ding·bat ['diŋ-,bat] -n
- a typographical symbol or ornament (as *, , or )
- nitwit, kook
dingdong ['diŋ-,dȯŋ, -,däŋ] -n
- the ringing sound produced by repeated strokes esp. on a bell
- nitwit, kook
- to make a ding-dong sound
- to repeat a sound or action tediously or insistently
- marked by a rapid exchange or alternation (as of blows)
dinge ['dinj] -n
- the condition of being dingy
ding·er ['diŋ-ər] -n
- home run
din·ghy ['diŋ-ē, -gē] -n
- an East Indian rowboat or sailboat
- a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat as a tender or a lifeboat
- a small sailboat
- a rubber life raft
din·gle ['diŋ-gəl] -n
- a small wooded valley : dell
din·go ['diŋ-(,)gō] -n
- a wild dog ( Canis dingo) of Australia having a tan or reddish coat that is often considered a subspecies ( C. familiaris dingo) of the domestic dog
din·gus ['diŋ-(g)əs] -n
- doodad
din·gy ['din-jē] -adj, adv, n
- dirty, unclean
- shabby, squalid
dining car -n
- a railroad car in which meals are served
dining room -n
- a room used for eating meals
di·ni·tro [(,)dī-'nī-trō] -adj
- containing two nitro groups often used in combination
di·ni·tro·ben·zene [(,)dī-,nī-trō-'ben-,zēn, -(,)ben-'] -n
- any of three isomeric toxic compounds C 6H 4(NO 2) 2
di·ni·tro·phe·nol [-'fē-,nōl, -fi-'] -n
- any of six isomeric crystalline compounds C 6H 4N 2O 5some of whose derivatives are pesticides
dink ['diŋk] -n
- dinghy
- drop shot
- nitwit, jerk, nerd
- a couple with two incomes and no children
- a member of such a couple
Din·ka ['diŋ-kə] -n
- a member of a pastoral people of the Nile Valley in south central Sudan
- the Nilotic language of the Dinkas
din·key ['diŋ-kē] -n
- a small locomotive
din·kum ['diŋ-kəm] -adj
- authentic, genuine often used with fair
- I was fair dinkum about my interest in their culture -- Percy Trezise
dinkum -adv
- truly, honestly often used with fair often used interjectionally
din·ky ['diŋ-kē] -adj
- overly or unattractively small
- drives a dinky little car
- attractively small : cute
din·ner ['di-nər] -n, adj
- the principal meal of the day
- a formal feast or banquet
- table d'hote
- the food prepared for a dinner
- a packaged meal usu. for quick preparation
- warmed up a frozen dinner
dinner jacket [-'ja-kə-təd] -n, adj
- a jacket for formal evening wear
dinner theater -n
- a restaurant in which a play is presented after the meal is over
din·ner·time ['di-nər-,tīm] -n
- the customary time for dinner
din·ner·ware [-,wer] -n
- tableware other than flatware
di·no ['dī-(,)nō] -n
- dinosaur
- dinosaur
di·no·fla·gel·late [,dī-nō-'fla-jə-lət, -,lāt; -flə-'je-lət] -n
- any of an order (Dinoflagellata) of chiefly marine planktonic usu. solitary unicellular phytoflagellates that include luminescent forms, forms important in marine food chains, and forms causing red tide
di·no·saur ['dī-nə-,sȯr] -n, adj
- any of a group (Dinosauria) of extinct often very large chiefly terrestrial carnivorous or herbivorous reptiles of the Mesozoic era
- any of various large extinct reptiles (as ichthyosaurs) other than the true dinosaurs
- one that is impractically large, out-of-date, or obsolete
dint ['dint] -n
- blow, stroke
- force, power
- dent
- to make a dent in
- to impress or drive in with force
di·nu·cle·o·tide [(,)dī-'n(y)ü-klē-ə-,tīd] -n
- a nucleotide consisting of two units each composed of a phosphate, a pentose, and a nitrogen base
di·oc·e·san [dī-'ä-sə-sən also 'dī-ə-,sē-sᵊn] -n
- a bishop having jurisdiction over a diocese
di·o·cese ['dī-ə-səs, -,sēs, -,sēz] -n, adj
- the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop
di·ode ['dī-,ōd] -n
- an electronic device that has two electrodes or terminals and is used esp. as a rectifier
di·oe·cious [(,)dī-'ē-shəs] -adj, n
- having male reproductive organs in one individual and female in another
- having staminate and pistillate flowers borne on different individuals
di·ol ['dī-,ōl, -,ȯl] -n
- a compound containing two hydroxyl groups
di·ole·fin [dī-'ō-lə-fən] -n
- diene
Di·o·me·des [,dī-ə-'mē-dēz] -n
- one of the Greek heroes of the Trojan War
Di·o·ny·sia [,dī-ə-'ni-zhē-ə, -'nē-, -shē-, -zē-, -sē-] -n pl
- ancient Greek festival observances held in seasonal cycles in honor of Dionysus
- such observances marked by dramatic performances
Di·o·ny·si·ac [-'ni-zhē-,ak, -'nē-, -shē-, -zē-, -sē-] -adj, n
- dionysian
Di·o·ny·sian [-'ni-zhē-ən, -'nē-, -shē-, -zē-, -sē-; -zhən, -shən] -adj
- of or relating to Dionysius
- of or relating to the theological writings once mistakenly attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite
- devoted to the worship of Dionysus
- characteristic of Dionysus or the cult of worship of Dionysus
- being of a frenzied or orgiastic character
Di·o·ny·sus [,dī-ə-'nī-səs, -'nē-] -n
- bacchus
Di·o·phan·tine equation [,dī-ə-'fan-,tīn-, -'fan-tᵊn-] -n
- an indeterminate polynomial equation which has integral coefficients and for which it is required to find all integral solutions
di·op·side [dī-'äp-,sīd] -n, adj
- a green to white mineral that consists of pyroxene containing little or no aluminum
di·op·ter [dī-'äp-tər, 'dī-,äp-] -n
- a unit of measurement of the refractive power of lenses equal to the reciprocal of the focal length in meters
di·op·tric [dī-'äp-trik] -adj
- refractive
- assisting vision by refracting and focusing light
di·ora·ma [,dī-ə-'ra-mə, -'rä-] -n, adj
- a scenic representation in which a partly translucent painting is seen from a distance through an opening
- a scenic representation in which sculptured figures and lifelike details are displayed usu. in miniature so as to blend indistinguishably with a realistic painted background
- a life-size exhibit (as of a wildlife specimen or scene) with realistic natural surroundings and a painted background
di·o·rite ['dī-ə-,rīt] -n, adj
- a granular crystalline igneous rock commonly of acid plagioclase and hornblende, pyroxene, or biotite
Di·os·cu·ri [,dī-əs-'kyu̇r-,ī, dī-'äs-kyə-,rī] -n pl
- the twins Castor and Pollux reunited as stars in the sky by Zeus after Castor's death and regarded as patrons of athletes and sailors
di·ox·ane [dī-'äk-,sān] -n
- a flammable toxic liquid diether C 4H 8O 2used esp. as a solvent
di·ox·ide [(,)dī-'äk-,sīd] -n
- an oxide (as carbon dioxide) containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule
di·ox·in [(,)dī-'äk-sən] -n
- any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur esp. as by-products of various industrial processes (as pesticide manufacture and paper making) and waste incineration
- tcdd
dip ['dip] -vb, adj
- to plunge or immerse momentarily or partially under the surface (as of a liquid) so as to moisten, cool, or coat
- to thrust in a way to suggest immersion
- to immerse (as a sheep or dog) in an antiseptic or parasiticidal solution
- to lift a portion of by reaching below the surface with something shaped to hold liquid : ladle
- to take a portion of (snuff)
- involve
- mortgage
- to lower and then raise again
- dim
- to plunge into a liquid and quickly emerge
- to immerse something into a processing liquid or finishing material
- to suddenly drop down or out of sight
- to drop suddenly before climbing
- to decline or decrease moderately and usu. temporarily
- to lower the body momentarily esp. as part of an athletic or dancing motion
- to withdraw a part of the contents of something by or as if by reaching down inside it used with into
- dipped into his pocket for change
- dipped into the family's savings
- to examine or read something casually or superficially used with into
- to incline downward from the plane of the horizon
- an act of dipping
- a brief plunge into the water for sport or exercise
- : inclination downward:
- pitch
- a sharp downward course : drop
- the angle that a stratum or similar geological feature makes with a horizontal plane
- the angle formed with the horizon by a magnetic needle free to rotate in the vertical plane
- hollow, depression
- something obtained by or used in dipping
- a sauce or soft mixture into which food may be dipped
- a liquid preparation for the dipping of something
- an insecticide or parasiticide for the dipping of animals
- pickpocket
- a stupid or unsophisticated person
- diploma
DIP -abbr
- dual in-line package; dual in-line packaging
di·pep·ti·dase [dī-'pep-tə-,dās, -,dāz] -n
- any of various enzymes that hydrolyze dipeptides but not polypeptides
di·pep·tide [(,)dī-'pep-,tīd] -n
- a peptide that yields two molecules of amino acid on hydrolysis
di·pha·sic [(,)dī-'fā-zik] -adj
- having two phases
di·phen·hy·dra·mine [,dī-,fen-'hī-drə-,mēn] -n
- an antihistamine C 17H 21NO used esp. in the form of its hydrochloride
di·phe·nyl·amine [(,)dī-,fe-nᵊl-ə-'mēn, -,fē-, -nᵊl-'a-mən] -n
- a crystalline pleasant-smelling compound (C 6H 5) 2NH used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes and as an indicator
di·phe·nyl·hy·dan·to·in [-hī-'dan-tə-wən] -n
- phenytoin
di·phos·gene [(,)dī-'fäz-,jēn] -n
- a liquid compound C 2Cl 4O 2used as a poison gas in World War I
di·phos·phate [(,)dī-'fäs-,fāt] -n
- a phosphate containing two phosphate groups
di·phos·pho·gly·cer·ic acid [(,)dī-'fäs-fō-gli-,ser-ik-] -n
- a diphosphate of glyceric acid that is an important intermediate in photosynthesis and in glycolysis and fermentation
di·phos·pho·pyr·i·dine nucleotide [-,pir-ə-,dēn-] -n
- nad
diph·the·ria [dif-'thir-ē-ə, ÷dip-] -n, adj
- an acute febrile contagious disease typically marked by the formation of a false membrane esp. in the throat and caused by a gram-positive bacterium ( Corynebacterium diphtheriae) that produces a toxin causing inflammation of the heart and nervous system
diph·the·roid ['dif-thə-,rȯid] -adj
- resembling diphtheria
diphtheroid -n
- a bacterium (esp. genus Corynebacterium) that resembles the bacterium of diphtheria but does not produce diphtheria toxin
diph·thong ['dif-,thȯŋ, 'dip-] -n, adj
- a gliding monosyllabic speech sound (as the vowel combination at the end of toy) that starts at or near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves to or toward the position of another
- digraph
- the ligature or
diph·thong·ize ['dif-,thȯŋ-,īz, 'dip-] -vb, n
- to change into a diphthong
- to pronounce as a diphthong
diphy- -comb form
- double : bipartite
di·phy·let·ic [,dī-fī-'le-tik] -adj
- derived from two lines of evolutionary descent
di·phy·odont [(,)dī-'fī-ə-,dänt] -adj
- marked by the successive development of deciduous and permanent sets of teeth
dipl- -comb form
- double : twofold
- diploid
di·ple·gia [dī-'plē-j(ē-)ə] -n
- paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body
dip·lo·blas·tic [,dip-lō-'blas-tik] -adj
- having two germ layers used of an embryo or lower invertebrate that lacks a true mesoderm
dip·lo·coc·cus [-'kä-kəs] -n
- any of various encapsulated bacteria (as Streptococcus pneumoniae,a common cause of pneumonia) that usu. occur in pairs and that were formerly grouped in a single taxon (genus Diplococcus) but are now all assigned to other genera
di·plod·o·cus [də-'plä-də-kəs, dī-] -n
- any of a genus ( Diplodocus) of large herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs of the late Jurassic known from remains found in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah
dip·loe ['di-plə-,wē, -plō-,ē] -n, adj
- cancellous bony tissue between the external and internal layers of the skull
dip·loid ['di-,plȯid] -adj, n
- having two haploid sets of homologous chromosomes
diploid -n
- a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by the diploid chromosome number
di·plo·ma [də-'plō-mə] -n
- an official or state document : charter
- a writing usu. under seal conferring some honor or privilege
- a document bearing record of graduation from or of a degree conferred by an educational institution
di·plo·ma·cy [də-'plō-mə-sē] -n
- the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations
- skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility : tact
diploma mill -n
- a usu. unregulated institution of higher education granting degrees with few or no academic requirements
dip·lo·mat ['di-plə-,mat] -n
- one employed or skilled in diplomacy
dip·lo·mate ['di-plə-,māt] -n
- a person who holds a diploma
- a physician qualified to practice in a medical specialty by advanced training and experience in the specialty followed by passing an intensive examination by a national board of senior specialists
dip·lo·mat·ic [,di-plə-'ma-tik] -adj, adv
- paleographic
- exactly reproducing the original
- of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats
- employing tact and conciliation esp. in situations of stress
di·plo·ma·tist [də-'plō-mə-tist] -n
- diplomat
dip·lo·phase ['di-plə-,fāz] -n
- a diploid phase in a life cycle
dip·lo·pia [di-'plō-pē-ə] -n, adj
- a disorder of vision in which two images of a single object are seen (as from unequal action of the eye muscles) called also double vision
dip·lo·pod ['di-plə-,päd] -n
- millipede
dip·lo·tene ['di-plə-,tēn] -n, adj
- a stage of meiotic prophase which follows the pachytene and during which the paired homologous chromosomes begin to separate and chiasmata become visible
dip net ['dip-,net] -n, vt
- a bag net with a handle that is used esp. to scoop fish from the water
dip·no·an ['dip-nə-wən, -nō-ən] -n
- lungfish
dip·o·dy ['di-pə-dē] -n, adj
- a prosodic unit or measure of two feet
di·pole ['dī-,pōl] -n, adj
- a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles of opposite sign separated esp. by a small distance
- a body or system (as a molecule) having such charges or poles
- a radio antenna consisting of two horizontal rods in line with each other with their ends slightly separated
dipole moment -n
- the moment produced by a magnetic or electric dipole
- the product of the distance between the two poles and the magnitude of either pole
dip·per ['di-pər] -n
- : one that dips: as
- a worker who dips articles
- something (as a long-handled cup) used for dipping
- pickpocket
- any of a genus ( Cinclusand esp. C. cinclusof the Old World and C. mexicanusof No. America) of birds that comprise an oscine family (Cinclidae) and include individuals that wade and dive into swift mountain streams in search of food called also water ouzel
- : a group of stars that resembles a dipper: as
- big dipper
- little dipper
dip·py ['di-pē] -adj, n
- foolish
dip·shit ['dip-,shit] -n
- a stupid or incompetent person
dip·so ['dip-(,)sō] -n
- one affected with dipsomania
dip·so·ma·nia [,dip-sə-'mā-nē-ə, -nyə] -n, adj
- an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic liquors
dip·stick ['dip-,stik] -n
- a graduated rod for indicating depth (as of oil in a crankcase)
- nitwit
- a chemically sensitive strip of paper used to identify one or more constituents (as glucose or protein) of urine by immersion
dip·ter·an ['dip-tə-rən] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or being a fly (sense 2a)
dip·tero·carp ['dip-tə-rō-,kärp] -n
- any of a family (Dipterocarpaceae) of tall hardwood tropical trees chiefly of southeastern Asia that have a 2-winged fruit and are the source of valuable timber, aromatic oils, and resins
- a tree of the type genus ( Dipterocarpus)
dip·tych ['dip-(,)tik] -n
- a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces
- a picture or series of pictures (as an altarpiece) painted or carved on two hinged tablets
- a work made up of two matching parts
di·quat ['dī-,kwät] -n
- a powerful herbicide and plant desiccant C 12H 12Br 2N 2used esp. to control aquatic weeds and to desiccate aerial plant parts (as of potatoes) before harvesting
dir -abbr
- direction
- director
di·ram [di-'ram] -n
- see somoni at
dir·dum ['dir-dəm, 'dər-] -n
- blame
dire ['dī(-ə)r] -adj, adv, n
- exciting horror
- dismal, oppressive
- warning of disaster
- desperately urgent
- extreme
di·rect [də-'rekt, dī-] -vb
- to write (a letter) to a person
- to mark with the name and address of the intended recipient
- to impart orally
- to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability
- arguments direct ed at the emotions
- to regulate the activities or course of
- to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of
- to dominate and determine the course of
- to train and lead performances of
- to cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course
- X-rays direct ed through the body
- to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course
- to request or enjoin with authority
- the judge direct ed the jury to acquit
- to show or point out the way for
- signs direct ing us to the entrance
- to point out, prescribe, or determine a course or procedure
- to act as director
direct -adj
- having or being motion in the general planetary direction from west to east : not retrograde
- stemming immediately from a source
- being or passing in a straight line of descent from parent to offspring : lineal
- having no compromising or impairing element
- proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption : straight
- proceeding by the shortest way
- natural, straightforward
- marked by absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence
- making direct observations of nature
- effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives
- consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer
- characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship
- capable of dyeing without the aid of a mordant
- : in a direct way: as
- from point to point without deviation : by the shortest way
- from the source without interruption or diversion
- the writer must take his material direct from life -- Douglas Stewart
- without an intervening agency or step
- buy direct from the manufacturer
direct action -n
- action that seeks to achieve an end directly and by the most immediately effective means (as boycott or strike)
direct broadcast satellite -n
- a television broadcasting system in which satellite transmissions are received by a dish antenna at the viewing location (as a home)
direct current -n
- an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value abbr. DC
direct deposit -n
- a method of payment in which money is transferred to the payee's account without the use of checks or cash
di·rect·ed [də-'rek-təd, dī-] -adj, n
- subject to supervision or regulation
- a directed reading program for students
- having a positive or negative sense
direct examination -n
- the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness
di·rec·tion [də-'rek-shən, dī-] -n, adj
- guidance or supervision of action or conduct : management
- superscription
- an explicit instruction : order
- assistance in pointing out the proper route usu. used in pl.
- asked for direction s to the beach
- the line or course on which something is moving or is aimed to move or along which something is pointing or facing
- directorate
- a channel or direct course of thought or action
- tendency, trend
- a guiding, governing, or motivating purpose
- the art and technique of directing an orchestra, band, or a show (as for stage or screen)
- a word, phrase, or sign indicating the appropriate tempo, mood, or intensity of a passage or movement in music
di·rec·tion·al [-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl] -adj, n
- : of, relating to, or indicating direction in space:
- suitable for detecting the direction from which radio signals come or for sending out radio signals in one direction only
- operating most effectively in a particular direction
- relating to direction or guidance esp. of thought or effort
direction angle -n
- an angle made by a given line with an axis of reference
- such an angle made by a straight line with the three axes of a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system usu. used in pl.
direction cosine -n
- any of the cosines of the three angles between a directed line in space and the positive direction of the axes of a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system usu. used in pl.
direction finder -n
- a radio receiving device for determining the direction of incoming radio waves that typically consists of a coil antenna rotating freely on a vertical axis
di·rec·tive [də-'rek-tiv, dī-] -adj
- serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
- serving to point direction
- directional
- of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client
directive -n
- something that serves to direct, guide, and usu. impel toward an action or goal
- an authoritative instrument issued by a high-level body or official
di·rec·tiv·i·ty [də-,rek-'ti-və-tē, (,)dī-] -n
- the property of being directional
direct lighting -n
- lighting in which the greater part of the light goes directly from the source to the area lit
di·rect·ly [də-'rek(t)-lē, dī-, in sense 2 esp də-'rek-lē or 'drek-lē] -adv
- in a direct manner
- the road runs directly east and west
- in immediate physical contact
- in the manner of direct variation
- without delay : immediately
- the second game followed directly after the first
- in a little while : shortly
- we'll be leaving directly
- immediately after : as soon as
- directly I received it I rang up the shipping company -- F. W. Crofts
directly proportional -adj
- related by direct variation
direct mail -n
- printed matter (as circulars) prepared for soliciting business or contributions and mailed directly to individuals
direct marketing -n
- marketing by means of direct communication with consumers (as through catalogs and telemarketing)
di·rect·ness [də-'rek(t)-nəs, dī-] -n
- the character of being accurate in course or aim
- strict pertinence : straightforwardness
- her directness was disarming -- Robin Cook
direct object -n
- a word or phrase denoting the goal or the result of the action of a verb
Di·rec·toire [dē-(,)rek-'twä(r), -'rek-,] -adj
- of, relating to, or imitative of the style of clothing, furniture, or decoration prevalent in France during the period of the Directory
di·rec·tor [də-'rek-tər, dī-] -n
- : one who directs: as
- the head of an organized group or administrative unit (as a bureau or school)
- one of a group of persons entrusted with the overall direction of a corporate enterprise
- a person who supervises the production of a show (as for stage or screen) usu. with responsibility for action, lighting, music, and rehearsals
- conductor
di·rec·tor·ate [də-'rek-t(ə-)rət, dī-] -n
- the office of director
- a board of directors (as of a corporation)
- membership on a board of directors
- an executive staff (as of a department)
di·rec·to·ri·al [də-,rek-'tȯr-ē-əl, (,)dī-] -adj
- serving to direct
- of or relating to a director or to theatrical or motion-picture direction
- of, relating to, or administered by a directory
director's chair -n
- a lightweight folding armchair with a back and seat usu. of cotton duck
director's cut -n
- a version of a motion picture that is edited according to the director's wishes and that usu. includes scenes cut from the version created for general distribution
di·rec·to·ry [də-'rek-t(ə-)rē, dī-] -adj
- serving to direct
- providing advisory but not compulsory guidance
directory -n
- a book or collection of directions, rules, or ordinances
- an alphabetical or classified list (as of names and addresses)
- a body of directors
- folder
direct primary -n
- a primary in which nominations of candidates for office are made by direct vote
direct product -n
- cartesian product
- a group that is the Cartesian product of two other groups
di·rectre·sponse [də-'rekt-ri-'spän(t)s, dī-] -adj
- of or relating to direct marketing
- directresponse advertising
di·rec·tress [də-'rek-trəs, dī-] -n
- a woman who is a director
di·rec·trice [də-,rek-'trēs] -n
- directress
di·rec·trix [-'rek-triks] -n
- directress
- a fixed curve with which a generatrix maintains a given relationship in generating a geometric figure
- a straight line the distance to which from any point of a conic section is in fixed ratio to the distance from the same point to a focus
direct sum -n
- cartesian product
direct tax -n
- a tax exacted directly from the taxpayer
direct variation -n
- mathematical relationship between two variables that can be expressed by an equation in which one variable is equal to a constant times the other
- an equation or function expressing direct variation
dire·ful ['dī(-ə)r-fəl] -adj, adv
- dreadful
- direful war began again -- Charles Dickens
- ominous
dire wolf -n
- a large extinct wolflike mammal ( Canis dirus) known from Pleistocene deposits of No. America
dirge ['dərj] -n, adj
- a song or hymn of grief or lamentation
- one intended to accompany funeral or memorial rites
- a slow, solemn, and mournful piece of music
- something (as a poem) that has the qualities of a dirge
dir·ham ['dir-həm] -n
- see dinar, riyal at
di·ri·gi·ble ['dir-ə-jə-bəl, də-'ri-jə-] -adj
- capable of being steered
dirigible -n
- airship
di·ri·gisme [di-ri-'zhi-zᵊm, dē-rē-'zhēs-mᵊ] -n, adj
- economic planning and control by the state
dirk ['dərk] -n
- a long straight-bladed dagger
- to stab with a dirk
dirl ['dir(-ə)l, 'dərl] -vi
- tremble, quiver
dirndl ['dərn-dᵊl] -n
- a dress style with tight bodice, short sleeves, low neck, and gathered skirt
- a full skirt with a tight waistband
dirt ['dərt] -n
- excrement
- a filthy or soiling substance (as mud, dust, or grime)
- something worthless
- a contemptible person
- loose or packed soil or sand : earth
- an abject or filthy state : squalor
- corruption, chicanery
- vowed to clean up the dirt in the city government
- licentiousness of language or theme
- scandalous or malicious gossip
- spreading dirt about his ex-wife
- embarrassing or incriminating information
- trying to dig up dirt on her political rivals
dirt·bag ['dərt-,bag] -n
- a dirty, unkempt, or contemptible person
dirt bike -n
- a usu. lightweight motorcycle designed for operation on unpaved surfaces
dirt cheap -adj or adv
- exceedingly cheap
dirt farmer -n
- a farmer who earns a living by farming the land esp. without the help of hired hands or tenants
dirtpoor ['dərt-'pu̇r] -adj
- suffering extreme poverty
dirty ['dər-tē] -adj, adv, n
- not clean or pure
- likely to befoul or defile with dirt
- contaminated with infecting organisms
- containing impurities
- : morally unclean or corrupt: as
- indecent, vulgar
- dishonorable, base
- unsportsmanlike
- acquired by disreputable or illegal means : ill-gotten
- disagreeable, distasteful, or objectionable but usu. necessary (as in achieving a desired result)
- hired a thug to do their dirty work
- abominable, hateful
- highly regrettable
- likely to cause disgrace or scandal
- foggy, stormy
- not clear and bright : dullish
- characterized by a husky, rasping, or raw tonal quality
- conveying ill-natured resentment
- : in a dirty manner: as
- deceptively, underhandedly
- indecently
- to make dirty
- to stain with dishonor : sully
- to debase by distorting the real nature of
- to become soiled
dirty bomb -n
- a bomb designed to release radioactive material
dirty laundry -n
- private matters whose public exposure brings distress and embarrassment called also dirty linen
dirty old man -n
- a lecherous older man
dirty pool -n
- underhanded or unsportsmanlike conduct
dirty rice -n
- a Cajun dish of white rice cooked with chopped or ground giblets
dirty tricks -n pl, n
- underhanded stratagems for obtaining secret information about or sabotaging an enemy or for discrediting an opponent (as in politics)
dirty word -n
- a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
dis ['dis] -vt
- to treat with disrespect or contempt : insult
- to find fault with : criticize
- a disparaging remark or act : insult
- was meant as a tribute, not a dis -- Vibe
- disrespect
- discharge
- discount
- distance
Dis ['dis] -n
- the Roman god of the underworld
dis- -prefix
- do the opposite of
- deprive of (a specified quality, rank, or object)
- exclude or expel from
- opposite or absence of
- not
- completely
- dys-
dis·abil·i·ty [,dis-ə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the condition of being disabled
- inability to pursue an occupation because of a physical or mental impairment
- a program providing financial support to one affected by disability
- went on disability after the injury
- lack of legal qualification to do something
- a disqualification, restriction, or disadvantage
dis·able [dis-'ā-bəl, diz-'ā-] -vt, n
- to deprive of legal right, qualification, or capacity
- to make incapable or ineffective
- to deprive of physical, moral, or intellectual strength
disabled -adj
- incapacitated by illness or injury
- physically or mentally impaired in a way that substantially limits activity esp. in relation to employment or education
dis·abuse [,dis-ə-'byüz] -vt
- to free from error, fallacy, or misconception
di·sac·cha·ri·dase [(,)dī-'sa-kə-rə-,dās, -,dāz] -n
- an enzyme (as maltase or lactase) that hydrolyzes disaccharides
di·sac·cha·ride [(,)dī-'sa-kə-,rīd] -n
- any of a class of sugars (as sucrose) that yields on hydrolysis two monosaccharide molecules
dis·ac·cord [,dis-ə-'kȯrd] -vi, n
- clash, disagree
dis·ac·cus·tom [,dis-ə-'kəs-təm] -vt
- to free from a habit
dis·ad·van·tage [,dis-əd-'van-tij] -n
- loss or damage esp. to reputation, credit, or finances : detriment
- the deal worked to their disadvantage
- an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition
- we were at a disadvantage
- a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : handicap
- his lack of formal schooling was a serious disadvantage
disadvantage -vt
- to place at a disadvantage : harm
dis·ad·van·taged [-tijd] -adj, n
- lacking in the basic resources or conditions (as standard housing, medical and educational facilities, and civil rights) believed to be necessary for an equal position in society
dis·ad·van·ta·geous [(,)dis-,ad-,van-'tā-jəs, -vən-] -adj, adv, n
- constituting a disadvantage
- derogatory, disparaging
dis·af·fect [,dis-ə-'fekt] -vt, n
- to alienate the affection or loyalty of
- to fill with discontent and unrest
dis·af·fect·ed -adj
- discontented and resentful esp. against authority : rebellious
dis·af·fil·i·ate [,dis-ə-'fi-lē-,āt] -vt, n
- disassociate
- to terminate an affiliation
dis·af·firm [,dis-ə-'fərm] -vt, n
- to refuse to confirm : annul, repudiate
- contradict
dis·ag·gre·gate [(,)dis-'a-gri-,gāt] -vt, n, adj
- to separate into component parts
- disaggregate demographic data
- to break up or apart
- the molecules of a gel disaggregate to form a sol
dis·agree [,dis-ə-'grē] -vi
- to fail to agree
- the two accounts disagree
- to differ in opinion
- he disagreed with me on every topic
- to cause discomfort or distress
- fried foods disagree with me
dis·agree·able [-ə-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- causing discomfort : unpleasant, offensive
- marked by ill temper : peevish
dis·agree·ment [,dis-ə-'grē-mənt] -n
- the act of disagreeing
- the state of being at variance : disparity
- quarrel
dis·al·low [,dis-ə-'lau̇] -vt, n
- to deny the force, truth, or validity of
- to refuse to allow
dis·am·big·u·ate [,dis-am-'bi-gyə-,wāt, -gyü-,āt] -vt, n
- to establish a single semantic or grammatical interpretation for
dis·an·nul [,dis-ə-'nəl] -vt
- annul, cancel
dis·ap·pear [,dis-ə-'pir] -vi, n
- to pass from view
- to cease to be : pass out of existence or notice
- to cause the disappearance of
dis·ap·point [,dis-ə-'pȯint] -vb
- to fail to meet the expectation or hope of : frustrate
- the team disappoint ed its fans
- to cause disappointment
- where the show disappoint s most is in the work of the younger generation -- John Ashbery
dis·ap·point·ed [-'pȯin-təd] -adj, adv
- defeated in expectation or hope
- not adequately equipped
dis·ap·point·ing [-'pȯin-tiŋ] -adj, adv
- failing to meet expectations
dis·ap·point·ment [,dis-ə-'pȯint-mənt] -n
- the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed
- one that disappoints
- he's a disappointment to his parents
dis·ap·pro·ba·tion [(,)dis-,a-prə-'bā-shən] -n
- the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved : condemnation
dis·ap·prov·al [,dis-ə-'prü-vəl] -n
- disapprobation, censure
dis·ap·prove [-'prüv] -vt, n, adv
- to pass unfavorable judgment on
- to refuse approval to : reject
- to feel or express disapproval
dis·arm [dis-'ärm, diz-, 'dis-,ärm] -vb, n
- to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile
- disarm ed criticism by admitting her errors
- to win over
- to divest of arms
- to deprive of a means of attack or defense
- to make harmless
- to lay aside arms
- to give up or reduce armed forces
dis·arm·ing [-'är-miŋ-lē] -adj, adv
- allaying criticism or hostility : ingratiating
dis·ar·range [,dis-ə-'rānj] -vt, n
- to disturb the arrangement or order of
- hair disarranged by the wind
dis·ar·ray [,dis-ə-'rā] -n
- a lack of order or sequence : confusion, disorder
- disorderly dress : dishabille
disarray -vt
- to throw into disorder
- undress
dis·ar·tic·u·late [,dis-är-'ti-kyə-,lāt] -vi, n
- to become disjointed
- disjoint
dis·as·sem·ble [,dis-ə-'sem-bəl] -vt, n
- to take apart
- to come apart
- the frame disassemble s into sections
- disperse, scatter
- the crowd began to disassemble
dis·as·so·ci·ate [,dis-ə-'sō-sē-,āt, -shē-] -vt, n
- to detach from association : dissociate
di·sas·ter [di-'zas-tər, -'sas-] -n
- an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star
- a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction
- a sudden or great misfortune or failure
disaster area -n
- an area officially declared to be the scene of an emergency created by a disaster and therefore qualified to receive certain types of governmental aid (as emergency loans and relief supplies)
di·sas·trous [di-'zas-trəs also -'sas-] -adj, adv
- attended by or causing suffering or disaster : calamitous
- terrible, horrendous
dis·avow [,dis-ə-'vau̇] -vt, adj, n
- to deny responsibility for : repudiate
- to refuse to acknowledge or accept : disclaim
- party leaders disavow ed him
dis·band [dis-'band] -vb, n
- to break up the organization of : dissolve
- to break up as an organization : disperse
dis·bar [dis-'bär] -vt, n
- to expel from the bar or the legal profession : deprive (an attorney) of legal status and privileges
dis·be·lief [,dis-bə-'lēf] -n
- the act of disbelieving : mental rejection of something as untrue
dis·be·lieve [-'lēv] -vt, n
- to hold not worthy of belief : not believe
- to withhold or reject belief
dis·ben·e·fit [(,)dis-'be-nə-fit] -n
- something disadvantageous or objectionable : drawback
dis·bud [(,)dis-'bəd] -vt
- to thin out flower buds in order to improve the quality of bloom of
- to dehorn (cattle) by destroying the undeveloped horn bud
dis·bur·den [(,)dis-'bər-dᵊn] -vt, n
- to rid of a burden
- unburden
- disburden your conscience
- unload
- disburden ed their merchandise in the town square
- discharge
- the vessels disburden ed at the dock
dis·burse [dis-'bərs] -vt, n
- to pay out : expend esp. from a fund
- to make a payment in settlement of
- distribute
dis·burse·ment [-'bərs-mənt] -n
- the act of disbursing
- funds paid out
disc ['disk] -n, adj
(variant of disk)
- the seemingly flat figure of a celestial body
- discus
- any of various rounded and flattened animal anatomical structures
- intervertebral disk
- the central part of the flower head of a typical composite made up of closely packed tubular flowers
- : a thin circular object: as
- a phonograph record
- a round flat plate coated with a magnetic substance on which data for a computer is stored
- : optical disk: as
- videodisc
- cd
- one of the concave circular steel tools with sharpened edge making up the working part of a disc harrow or plow
- an implement employing such tools
- to cultivate with an implement (as a harrow or plow) that turns and loosens the soil with a series of discs
disc- -comb form
- disk
- phonograph record
dis·calced [(,)dis-'kalst] -adj
- unshod, barefoot
discant ['des-,kant] -n
(variant of descant)
- a melody or counterpoint sung above the plainsong of the tenor
- the art of composing or improvising contrapuntal part music
- the music so composed or improvised
- soprano, treble
- a superimposed counterpoint to a simple melody sung typically by some or all of the sopranos
- discourse or comment on a theme
- to sing or play a descant
- sing
- comment, discourse
dis·card [dis-'kärd, 'dis-,] -vt, adj, n
- to get rid of esp. as useless or unwanted
- a pile of discard ed tires
- to remove (a playing card) from one's hand
- to play (any card except a trump) from a suit different from the one led
- to discard a playing card
- the act of discarding in a card game
- a card discarded
- one that is cast off or rejected
dis·car·nate [dis-'kär-nət, -,nāt] -adj
- having no physical body : incorporeal
disc brake -n
- a brake that operates by the action of a frictional material pressed against the sides of a rotating disc by a caliper
dis·cern [di-'sərn, -'zərn] -vb, n, adj, adv
- to detect with the eyes
- discern ed a figure approaching through the fog
- to detect with senses other than vision
- discern ed a strange odor
- to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : discriminate
- to come to know or recognize mentally
- unable to discern his motives
- to see or understand the difference
dis·cern·ing [-'sər-niŋ-lē, -'zər-] -adj, adv
- showing insight and understanding : discriminating
dis·cern·ment [di-'sərn-mənt, -'zərn-] -n
- the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
- an act of discerning
dis·charge [dis-'chärj, 'dis-,] -vb, adj, n
- : to relieve of a charge, load, or burden:
- unload
- to release from an obligation
- to release electrical energy from (as a battery or capacitor) by a discharge
- to let or put off
- shoot
- to release from confinement, custody, or care
- to give outlet or vent to : emit
- to dismiss from employment
- to release from service or duty
- to get rid of (as a debt or obligation) by performing an appropriate action (as payment)
- to set aside : annul
- to order (a legislative committee) to end consideration of a bill in order to bring it before the house for action
- to bear and distribute (as the weight of a wall above an opening)
- to bleach out or remove (color or dye) in dyeing and printing textiles
- to cancel the record of the loan of (a library book) upon return
- to throw off or deliver a load, charge, or burden
- to release electrical energy by a discharge
- go off, fire used of a gun
- spread, run
- to pour forth fluid or other contents
- the act of relieving of something that oppresses : release
- something that discharges or releases
- a certification of release or payment
- the state of being discharged or relieved
- the act of discharging or unloading
- legal release from confinement
- a firing off
- a flowing or issuing out
- a rate of flow
- something that is emitted
- the act of removing an obligation or liability
- release or dismissal esp. from an office or employment
- complete separation from military service
- the equalization of a difference of electric potential between two points
- the conversion of the chemical energy of a battery into electrical energy
discharge lamp -n
- an electric lamp in which an enclosed gas or vapor glows or causes a phosphor coating on the lamp's inner surface to glow
discharge tube -n
- an electron tube which contains gas or vapor at low pressure and through which conduction takes place when a high voltage is applied
dis·ci·form ['di-sə-,fȯrm] -adj
- round or oval in shape
dis·ci·ple [di-'sī-pəl] -n
- : one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as
- one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts
- a convinced adherent of a school or individual
- a member of the Disciples of Christ founded in the U.S. in 1809 that holds the Bible alone to be the rule of faith and practice, usu. baptizes by immersion, and has a congregational polity
dis·ci·plin·able [,di-sə-'pli-nə-bəl; 'di-sə-pli-] -adj
- docile, teachable
- subject to or deserving discipline
dis·ci·pli·nar·i·an [,di-sə-plə-'ner-ē-ən] -n, adj
- one who disciplines or enforces order
dis·ci·plin·ary ['di-sə-plə-,ner-ē, esp Brit ,di-sə-'pli-nə-rē] -adj, adv, n
- of or relating to discipline
- designed to correct or punish breaches of discipline
- of or relating to a particular field of study
- disciplinary specialization
dis·ci·pline ['di-sə-plən] -n, adj
- punishment
- instruction
- a field of study
- training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
- control gained by enforcing obedience or order
- orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
- self-control
- a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
discipline -vt, n
- to punish or penalize for the sake of discipline
- to train or develop by instruction and exercise esp. in self-control
- to bring (a group) under control
- to impose order upon
- serious writers discipline and refine their writing styles
dis·ci·plined -adj
- marked by or possessing discipline
disc jockey -n
- an announcer of a radio show of popular recorded music
- one who plays recorded music for dancing at a nightclub or party
dis·claim [dis-'klām] -vb
- to make a disclaimer
- to disavow all part or share
- to utter denial
- to renounce a legal claim to
- deny, disavow
- disclaim ed any knowledge of the contents of the letter
dis·claim·er [-'klā-mər] -n
- a denial or disavowal of legal claim : relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate
- a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer
- denial, disavowal
- repudiation
dis·cla·ma·tion [,dis-klə-'mā-shən] -n
- renunciation, disavowal
dis·cli·max [(,)dis-'klī-,maks] -n
- a relatively stable ecological community often including kinds of organisms foreign to the region and displacing the climax because of disturbance esp. by humans
dis·close [dis-'klōz] -vt, n
- to open up
- to expose to view
- hatch
- to make known or public
- demands that politicians disclose the sources of their income
disclose -n
- disclosure
dis·clos·ing [-'klō-ziŋ] -adj
- being or using an agent (as a tablet or liquid) that contains a usu. red dye that stains dental plaque
dis·clo·sure [dis-'klō-zhər] -n
- the act or an instance of disclosing : exposure
- something disclosed : revelation
dis·co ['dis-(,)kō] -n
- a nightclub for dancing to live and recorded music
- popular dance music characterized by hypnotic rhythm, repetitive lyrics, and electronically produced sounds
disco -vi
- to dance to disco music
dis·cog·ra·pher [dis-'kä-grə-fər] -n
- a person who compiles discographies
dis·cog·ra·phy [-fē] -n, adj, adv
- a descriptive list of recordings by category, composer, performer, or date of release
- the history of recorded music
dis·coid ['dis-,kȯid] -adj
- : relating to or having a disk: as
- situated in the floral disk
- having only disk flowers
- flat and circular like a disc
dis·coi·dal [dis-'kȯi-dᵊl] -adj
- of, resembling, or producing a disk
discoidal cleavage -n
- meroblastic cleavage in which a disk of cells is produced at the animal pole of the zygote (as in bird eggs)
dis·col·or [(,)dis-'kə-lər] -vb
- to alter or change the hue or color of
- to change color esp. for the worse
dis·col·or·ation [(,)dis-,kə-lə-'rā-shən] -n
- the act of discoloring : the state of being discolored
- a discolored spot or formation : stain
dis·com·bob·u·late [,dis-kəm-'bä-b(y)ə-,lāt] -vt, n
- upset, confuse
- inventing cool new ways to discombobulate the old order -- Kurt Andersen
dis·com·fit [dis-'kəm(p)-fət, esp Southern ,dis-kəm-'fit] -vt, adv
- to defeat in battle
- to frustrate the plans of : thwart
- to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : disconcert
discomfit -n
- discomfiture
dis·com·fi·ture [dis-'kəm(p)-fə-,chu̇r, -chər, esp Southern -,t(y)u̇r] -n
- the act of discomfiting : the state of being discomfited
dis·com·fort [dis-'kəm(p)-fərt] -vt, adj
- dismay
- to make uncomfortable or uneasy
discomfort -n
- distress, grief
- mental or physical uneasiness : annoyance
dis·com·mend [,dis-kə-'mend] -vt
- disapprove, disparage
- to cause to be viewed unfavorably
dis·com·mode [,dis-kə-'mōd] -vt
- to cause inconvenience to : trouble
dis·com·pose [,dis-kəm-'pōz] -vt, n
- to destroy the composure of
- to disturb the order of
dis·con·cert [,dis-kən-'sərt] -vt, adj, adv, n
- to throw into confusion
- to disturb the composure of
dis·con·firm [,dis-kən-'fərm] -vt, n
- to deny or refute the validity of
dis·con·for·mi·ty [,dis-kən-'fȯr-mə-tē] -n
- nonconformity
- a break in a sequence of sedimentary rocks all of which have approximately the same dip
dis·con·nect [,dis-kə-'nekt] -vt, n
- to sever the connection of or between
- dissociate
- are disconnect ed from meaningful relationships
- to terminate a connection
- to become detached or withdrawn
- disconnect s into dark moods
disconnect -n
- a lack of or a break in connection, consistency, or agreement
- a huge disconnect...between the nation's capital and the rest of the country -- R. J. Samuelson
dis·con·nect·ed -adj, adv, n
- not connected : separate
- incoherent
dis·con·so·late [dis-'kän(t)-sə-lət] -adj, adv, n
- cheerless
- a clutch of disconsolate houses -- D. H. Lawrence
- dejected, downcast
- the team returned disconsolate from three losses
dis·con·tent [,dis-kən-'tent] -adj
- discontented
discontent -n
- : lack of contentment:
- a sense of grievance : dissatisfaction
- the winter of our discontent -- Shak.
- restless aspiration for improvement
- to make discontented
- one who is discontented : malcontent
dis·con·tent·ed [,dis-kən-'ten-təd] -adj, adv, n
- dissatisfied, malcontent
dis·con·tinu·ance [,dis-kən-'tin-yə-wən(t)s, -yü-ən(t)s] -n
- the act or an instance of discontinuing
- the interruption or termination of a legal action by the plaintiff's not continuing it
dis·con·tin·ue [,dis-kən-'tin-(,)yü] -vb, n
- to break the continuity of : cease to operate, administer, use, produce, or take
- to abandon or terminate by a legal discontinuance
- to come to an end
dis·con·ti·nu·ity [(,)dis-,kän-tə-'nü-ə-tē, -'nyü-] -n
- lack of continuity or cohesion
- gap
- the property of being not mathematically continuous
- an instance of being not mathematically continuous
- a value of an independent variable at which a function is not continuous
dis·con·tin·u·ous [,dis-kən-'tin-yə-wəs, -yü-əs] -adj, adv
- not continuous
- a discontinuous series of events
- not continued : discrete
- discontinuous features of terrain
- lacking sequence or coherence
- having one or more mathematical discontinuities used of a variable or a function
dis·co·phile ['dis-kə-,fī(-ə)l] -n
- one who studies and collects phonograph records or CDs
dis·cord ['dis-,kȯrd] -n
- lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas)
- active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions : strife
- a combination of musical sounds that strikes the ear harshly
- dissonance
- a harsh or unpleasant sound
- disagree, clash
dis·cor·dance [dis-'kȯr-dᵊn(t)s] -n
- the state or an instance of being discordant
- dissonance
dis·cor·dan·cy [-dᵊn-sē] -n
- discordance
dis·cor·dant [-dᵊnt] -adj, adv
- being at variance : disagreeing
- quarrelsome
- relating to a discord
dis·co·theque ['dis-kə-,tek, ,dis-kə-'] -n
- disco
dis·count ['dis-,kau̇nt] -n
- : a reduction made from the gross amount or value of something: as
- a reduction made from a regular or list price
- a proportionate deduction from a debt account usu. made for cash or prompt payment
- a deduction made for interest in advancing money upon or purchasing a bill or note not due
- the act or practice of discounting
- a deduction taken or allowance made
- to make a deduction from usu. for cash or prompt payment
- to sell or offer for sale at a discount
- discount ing last year's model
- to lend money on after deducting the discount
- to leave out of account : disregard
- to minimize the importance of
- shouldn't discount his contributions
- to make allowance for bias or exaggeration in
- to view with doubt
- to take into account (as a future event) in present calculations
- to give or make discounts
- selling goods or services at a discount
- offered or sold at a discount
- reflecting a discount
dis·count·able [dis-'kau̇n-tə-bəl, 'dis-,] -adj
- set apart for discounting
- within the discountable period
- subject to being discounted
dis·coun·te·nance [dis-'kau̇n-tə-nən(t)s, -'kau̇nt-nən(t)s] -vt
- abash, disconcert
- to look with disfavor on : discourage by evidence of disapproval
- discountenanced all bellicose statements
discountenance -n
- disapprobation, disfavor
discount rate -n
- the interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan
- the charge levied by a central bank for advances and rediscounts
dis·cour·age [dis-'kər-ij, -'kə-rij] -vt, adj, n, adv
- to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten
- was discouraged by repeated failure
- to hinder by disfavoring
- trying to discourage absenteeism
- to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something
- tried to discourage her from going
dis·cour·age·ment [-mənt] -n
- the act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged
- something that discourages
dis·course ['dis-,kȯrs, dis-'] -n
- the capacity of orderly thought or procedure : rationality
- verbal interchange of ideas
- conversation
- formal and orderly and usu. extended expression of thought on a subject
- connected speech or writing
- a linguistic unit (as a conversation or a story) larger than a sentence
- social familiarity
- a mode of organizing knowledge, ideas, or experience that is rooted in language and its concrete contexts (as history or institutions)
- to express oneself esp. in oral discourse
- talk, converse
- to give forth : utter
discourse analysis -n
- the study of linguistic relations and structures in discourse
dis·cour·te·ous [(,)dis-'kər-tē-əs] -adj, adv, n
- lacking courtesy : rude
dis·cour·te·sy [-'kər-tə-sē] -n
- rudeness
- a rude act
dis·cov·er [dis-'kə-vər] -vb, adj, n
- to make known or visible : expose
- display
- to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : find
- find out
- discover ed he was out of gas
- to make a discovery
Discoverers' Day -n
- columbus day
dis·cov·ery [dis-'kə-v(ə-)rē] -n
- the act or process of discovering
- disclosure
- display
- exploration
- something discovered
- the usu. pretrial disclosure of pertinent facts or documents by one or both parties to a legal action or proceeding
Discovery Day -n
- columbus day
dis·cred·it [(,)dis-'kre-dət] -vt
- to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve
- to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of
- to deprive of good repute : disgrace
- personal attacks meant to discredit his opponent
discredit -n
- loss of credit or reputation
- I knew stories to the discredit of England -- W. B. Yeats
- lack or loss of belief or confidence : doubt
- contradictions cast discredit on his testimony
dis·cred·it·able [-tə-bəl] -adj, adv
- injurious to reputation : disgraceful
dis·creet [di-'skrēt] -adj, adv, n
- having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and esp. in speech : prudent
- capable of preserving prudent silence
- unpretentious, modest
- the warmth and discreet elegance of a civilized home -- Joseph Wechsberg
- unobtrusive, unnoticeable
- followed at a discreet distance
dis·crep·an·cy [dis-'kre-pən-sē] -n
- the quality or state of being discrepant
- an instance of being discrepant
dis·crep·ant [-pənt] -adj, adv
- being at variance : disagreeing
- widely discrepant conclusions
dis·crete [dis-'krēt, 'dis-,] -adj, adv, n
- constituting a separate entity : individually distinct
- several discrete sections
- consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : noncontinuous
- taking on or having a finite or countably infinite number of values
- a discrete random variable
dis·cre·tion [dis-'kre-shən] -n
- the quality of being discreet : circumspection
- cautious reserve in speech
- ability to make responsible decisions
- individual choice or judgment
- left the decision to his discretion
- power of free decision or latitude of choice within certain legal bounds
- reached the age of discretion
- the result of separating or distinguishing
dis·cre·tion·ary [-'kre-shə-,ner-ē] -adj
- left to discretion : exercised at one's own discretion
- available for discretionary use
- discretionary purchasing power
discretionary account -n
- a security or commodity market account in which an agent (as a broker) is given power of attorney so as to be able to make independent decisions and buy and sell for the principal's account
dis·crim·i·na·bil·i·ty [-,kri-mə-nə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the quality of being discriminable
- the ability to discriminate
dis·crim·i·na·ble [dis-'kri-mə-nə-bəl] -adj, adv
- capable of being discriminated
dis·crim·i·nant [-'kri-mə-nənt] -n
- a mathematical expression providing a criterion for the behavior of another more complicated expression, relation, or set of relations
discriminant function -n
- a function of a set of variables that is evaluated for samples of events or objects and used as an aid in discriminating between or classifying them
dis·crim·i·nate [dis-'kri-mə-,nāt] -vb
- to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of
- distinguish, differentiate
- discriminate hundreds of colors
- to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences
- to distinguish from another like object
- to make a distinction
- discriminate among historical sources
- to use good judgment
- to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit
- discriminate in favor of your friends
- discriminate against a certain nationality
dis·crim·i·nat·ing [-,nā-tiŋ-lē] -adj, adv
- making a distinction : distinguishing
- : marked by discrimination:
- discerning, judicious
- discriminatory
- accused of discriminating practices
dis·crim·i·na·tion [dis-,kri-mə-'nā-shən] -n, adj
- the act of discriminating
- the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently
- the quality or power of finely distinguishing
- the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually
- prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment
dis·crim·i·na·tive [dis-'kri-mə-,nā-tiv, -'kri-mə-nət-] -adj
- making distinctions
- discriminatory
dis·crim·i·na·tor [dis-'kri-mə-,nā-tər] -n
- one that discriminates
- a circuit that can be adjusted to accept or reject signals of different characteristics (as amplitude or frequency)
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry [dis-'kri-mə-nə-,tȯr-ē, -'krim-nə-] -adj, adv
- discriminative
- applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
dis·cur·sive [dis-'kər-siv] -adj, adv, n
- moving from topic to topic without order : rambling
- proceeding coherently from topic to topic
- marked by analytical reasoning
- of or relating to discourse
dis·cus ['dis-kəs] -n
- a heavy disk (as of wood or plastic) that is thicker in the center than at the perimeter and that is hurled for distance as a track-and-field event
- the event
dis·cuss [di-'skəs] -vt, adj, n
- dispel
- to investigate by reasoning or argument
- to present in detail for examination or consideration
- discuss ed plans for the party
- to talk about
- declare
dis·cus·sant [di-'skə-sᵊnt] -n
- one who takes part in a formal discussion or symposium
dis·cus·sion [di-'skə-shən] -n
- consideration of a question in open and usu. informal debate
- a formal treatment of a topic in speech or writing
dis·dain [dis-'dān] -n
- a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior : scorn
disdain -vt
- to look on with scorn
- disdain ed him as a coward
- to refuse or abstain from because of disdain
- disdain ed to answer their questions
- to treat as beneath one's notice or dignity
dis·dain·ful [-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- full of or expressing disdain
dis·ease [di-'zēz] -n, adj
- trouble
- a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms : sickness, malady
- a harmful development (as in a social institution)
dis·econ·o·my [,dis-i-'kä-nə-mē] -n
- a lack of economy
- a factor responsible for an increase in cost
dis·em·bark [,dis-əm-'bärk] -vb, n
- to remove to shore from a ship
- to go ashore out of a ship
- to get out of a vehicle or craft
dis·em·bar·rass [,dis-əm-'bar-əs] -vt
- to free (as oneself) from something troublesome or superfluous
dis·em·body [,dis-əm-'bä-dē] -vt
- to divest of a body, of corporeal existence, or of reality
dis·em·bogue [,dis-im-'bōg] -vb
- to flow or come forth from or as if from a channel
- to pour out from or as if from a container
dis·em·bow·el [,dis-əm-'bau̇(-ə)l] -vt, n
- to take out the bowels of : eviscerate
- to remove the substance of
- a program disembowel ed by spending cuts
dis·em·pow·er [,dis-im-'pau̇(-ə)r] -vt, n
- to deprive of power, authority, or influence : make weak, ineffectual, or unimportant
dis·en·chant [,dis-in-'chant] -vt, n, adj, adv
- to free from illusion
dis·en·chant·ed [-'chan-təd] -adj
- disappointed, dissatisfied
dis·en·cum·ber [,dis-ᵊn-'kəm-bər] -vt
- to free from encumbrance : disburden
dis·en·dow [,dis-in-'dau̇] -vt, n
- to strip of endowment
dis·en·fran·chise [,dis-in-'fran-,chīz] -vt, n
- to deprive of a franchise, of a legal right, or of some privilege or immunity
- to deprive of the right to vote
dis·en·gage [,dis-ᵊn-'gāj] -vb, n
- to release from something that engages or involves
- to release or detach oneself : withdraw
dis·en·gaged [-'gājd] -adj
- detached
dis·en·tail [,dis-in-'tāl] -vt
- to free from entail
dis·en·tan·gle [,dis-in-'taŋ-gəl] -vt, n
- to free from entanglement : unravel
- to become disentangled
dis·en·thrall [,dis-in-'thrȯl] -vt
- to free from bondage : liberate
dis·en·tit·le [,dis-in-'tī-tᵊl] -vt
- to deprive of title, claim, or right
dis·equil·i·brate [,dis-i-'kwi-lə-,brāt] -vt, n
- to put out of balance
dis·equi·lib·ri·um [(,)dis-,ē-kwə-'li-brē-əm, -,e-kwə-] -n
- loss or lack of equilibrium
dis·es·tab·lish [,dis-ə-'stab-lish] -vt, n
- to deprive of an established status
- to deprive of the status and privileges of an established church
dis·es·tab·lish·men·tar·i·an [-,stab-lish-,men-'ter-ē-ən, -mən-] -n, adj
- one who opposes an established order
dis·es·teem [,dis-ə-'stēm] -vt
- to regard with disfavor
disesteem -n
- disfavor, disrepute
di·seuse [dē-'züz, -'zœz] -n
- a woman who is a skilled and usu. professional reciter
dis·fa·vor [(,)dis-'fā-vər] -n
- disapproval, dislike
- practices looked upon with disfavor
- the state or fact of being no longer favored
- disadvantage
disfavor -vt
- to withhold or withdraw favor from
dis·fig·ure [dis-'fi-gyər, esp Brit -'fi-gər] -vt, n
- to impair (as in beauty) by deep and persistent injuries
- a face disfigured by smallpox
- disguise
dis·fran·chise [(,)dis-'fran-,chīz] -vt, n
- disenfranchise
dis·frock [(,)dis-'fräk] -vt
- defrock
disfunction [(,)dis-'fəŋ(k)-shən] -n, adj
(variant of dysfunction)
- impaired or abnormal functioning
- gastrointestinal dysfunction
- abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction within a group
dis·fur·nish [(,)dis-'fər-nish] -vt, n
- to make destitute of possessions : divest
dis·gorge [(,)dis-'gȯrj] -vb
- to discharge by the throat and mouth : vomit
- to discharge or let go of rapidly or forcefully
- the train disgorged its passengers
- to give up on request or under pressure
- refused to disgorge his ill-gotten gains
- to discharge the contents of (as the stomach)
- to discharge contents
- where the river disgorge s into the sea
dis·grace [di-'skrās, dis-'grās] -vt, n
- to humiliate by a superior showing
- to be a source of shame to
- your actions disgraced the family
- to cause to lose favor or standing
- was disgraced by the hint of scandal
disgrace -n
- the condition of one fallen from grace or honor
- loss of grace, favor, or honor
- a source of shame
- your manners are a disgrace
- he's a disgrace to the profession
dis·grace·ful [-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- bringing or involving disgrace
dis·grun·tle [dis-'grən-tᵊl] -vt, n
- to make ill-humored or discontented usu. used as a participial adjective
- they were a very disgruntled crew -- Flannery O'Connor
dis·guise [də-'skīz, dis-'gīz also diz-] -vt, adv, n
- to change the customary dress or appearance of
- to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity
- disfigure
- to obscure the existence or true state or character of : conceal
- unable to disguise his true feelings
disguise -n
- apparel assumed to conceal one's identity or counterfeit another's
- the act of disguising
- form misrepresenting the true nature of something
- an artificial manner : pretense
dis·gust [di-'skəst, dis-'gəst also diz-] -n
- marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful : repugnance
disgust -vb, adj, adv
- to provoke to loathing, repugnance, or aversion : be offensive to
- to cause (one) to lose an interest or intention
- to cause disgust
dis·gust·ful [-fəl] -adj, adv
- provoking disgust
- full of or accompanied by disgust
dis·gust·ing [di-'skəs-tiŋ-lē, dis-'gəs- also diz-] -adj, adv
- causing disgust
dish ['dish] -n
- a more or less concave vessel from which food is served
- the contents of a dish
- food prepared in a particular way
- something one particularly enjoys : cup of tea
- any of various shallow concave vessels
- anything shallowly concave
- a directional receiver having a concave usu. parabolic reflector
- one used as a microwave or radar antenna
- the state of being concave or the degree of concavity
- something that is favored
- entertainment that is just his dish
- an attractive or sexy person
- gossip
- to put (as food for serving) into a dish often used with up
- present usu. used with up
- to make concave like a dish
- to disclose or discuss esp. publicly
- to pass (a basketball) to a teammate often used with off
- gossip
- to disclose private or personal information
- to pass a basketball to a teammate often used with off
dis·ha·bille [,dis-ə-'bēl, -'bil] -n
- negligee
- the state of being dressed in a casual or careless style
- a deliberately careless or casual manner
dis·har·mo·ni·ous [,dis-(,)här-'mō-nē-əs] -adj
- lacking in harmony
dis·har·mo·nize [(,)dis-'här-mə-,nīz] -vt
- to make disharmonious
dis·har·mo·ny [-nē] -n, adj
- lack of harmony : discord
dish·cloth ['dish-,klȯth] -n
- a cloth for washing dishes
dish·clout ['dish-,klau̇t] -n
- dishcloth
dish·dasha [,dish-'dä-shə] -n
- a long usu. white robe traditionally worn by men in the Middle East
dis·heart·en [(,)dis-'här-tᵊn] -vt, adv, n
- to cause to lose spirit or morale
dished ['disht] -adj
- curved in : concave
di·shev·el [di-'shev-əl] -vt, n
- to throw into disorder or disarray
di·shev·eled -adj
- marked by disorder or disarray
dis·hon·est [(,)dis-'ä-nəst also (,)diz-] -adj, adv
- shameful, unchaste
- characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : unfair, deceptive
dis·hon·es·ty [-nə-stē] -n
- lack of honesty or integrity : disposition to defraud or deceive
- a dishonest act : fraud
dis·hon·or [(,)dis-'ä-nər also (,)diz-] -n
- lack or loss of honor or reputation
- the state of one who has lost honor or prestige : shame
- has brought dishonor on his family
- a cause of disgrace
- the nonpayment or nonacceptance of commercial paper by the party on whom it is drawn
dishonor -vt
- to treat in a degrading manner
- to bring shame on
- to refuse to accept or pay (as a bill or check)
dis·hon·or·able [(,)dis-'ä-nə-rə-bəl, -'ä-nər-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- lacking honor : shameful
- not honored
dish out -vt
- to give or dispense freely
dish·pan ['dish-,pan] -n
- a large flat-bottomed pan used for washing dishes
dishpan hands -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- a condition of dryness, redness, and scaling of the hands that results typically from repeated exposure to, sensitivity to, or overuse of cleaning materials (as detergents) used esp. in housework
dish·rag ['dish-,rag] -n
- dishcloth
dish·ware ['dish-,wer] -n
- tableware (as of china) used in serving food
dish·wash·er [-,wȯ-shər, -,wä-] -n
- a worker employed to wash dishes
- a machine for washing dishes
dish·wa·ter [-,wȯ-tər, -,wä-] -n
- water in which dishes have been or are to be washed
dishy ['di-shē] -adj
- attractive, good-looking
- characterized by, full of, or given to gossip or disclosure
dis·il·lu·sion [,dis-ə-'lü-zhən] -n
- the condition of being disenchanted
disillusion [-'lü-zhə-niŋ] -vt, n
- to free from illusion
- to cause to lose naive faith and trust
disillusioned -adj
- disappointed, dissatisfied
dis·in·cen·tive [,dis-in-'sen-tiv] -n
- deterrent
dis·in·cli·na·tion [(,)dis-,in-klə-'nā-shən, -,siŋ-] -n
- a preference for avoiding something : slight aversion
dis·in·cline [,dis-in-'klīn] -vt
- to make unwilling
dis·in·clined -adj
- unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval
dis·in·fect [,dis-in-'fekt] -vt, n
- to free from infection esp. by destroying harmful microorganisms
- cleanse
dis·in·fec·tant [-'fek-tənt] -n
- an agent that frees from infection
- a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms (as bacteria and fungi) esp. on inanimate objects but that may be less effective in destroying spores
dis·in·fest [,dis-in-'fest] -vt, n
- to rid of small animal pests (as insects or rodents)
dis·in·fla·tion [,dis-in-'flā-shən] -n, adj
- a reversal of inflationary pressures
dis·in·for·ma·tion [(,)dis-,in-fər-'mā-shən] -n
- false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth
dis·in·gen·u·ous [,dis-in-'jen-yə-wəs, -yü-əs-] -adj, adv, n
- lacking in candor
- giving a false appearance of simple frankness : calculating
dis·in·her·it [,dis-in-'her-ət, -'he-rət] -vt, n
- to prevent deliberately from inheriting something (as by making a will)
- to deprive of natural or human rights or of previously held special privileges
dis·in·hi·bi·tion [(,)dis-,in-(h)ə-'bi-shən] -n, vt
- loss or reduction of an inhibition (as by the action of interfering stimuli or events)
- disinhibition of a reflex
- disinhibition of violent tendencies
dis·in·te·grate [(,)dis-'in-tə-,grāt] -vt, n, adj
- to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
- to destroy the unity or integrity of
- to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
- to lose unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts
- to undergo a change in composition
- an atomic nucleus that disintegrate s because of radioactivity
dis·in·ter [,dis-in-'tər] -vt, n
- to take out of the grave or tomb
- to bring back into awareness or prominence
- to bring to light : unearth
dis·in·ter·est [(,)dis-'in-trəst; -'in-tə-,rest, -tə-rəst, -tərst; -'in-,trest] -vt
- to cause to regard something with no interest or concern
disinterest -n
- disinterestedness
- lack of interest : indifference
dis·in·ter·est·ed [-təd] -adj, adv
- not having the mind or feelings engaged : not interested
- telling them in a disinterested voice -- Tom Wicker
- disinterested in women -- J. A. Brussel
- no longer interested
- husband and wife become disinterested in each other -- T. I. Rubin
- free from selfish motive or interest : unbiased
- disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of real civilization -- G. M. Trevelyan
dis·in·ter·est·ed·ness [-təd-nəs] -n
- the quality or state of being objective or impartial
dis·in·ter·me·di·a·tion [,dis-,in-tər-,mē-dē-'ā-shən] -n, vb
- the diversion of savings from accounts with low fixed interest rates to direct investment in high-yielding instruments
- the elimination of an intermediary in a transaction between two parties
dis·in·tox·i·cate [,dis-in-'täk-sə-,kāt] -vt, n
- detoxify
dis·in·vest [(,)dis-in-'vest] -vi
- to reduce or eliminate capital investment (as in an industry or area)
dis·in·vest·ment [,dis-in-'ves(t)-mənt] -n
- consumption of capital
- the withdrawing of investment
dis·in·vite [(,)dis-in-'vīt] -vt
- to withdraw an invitation to
dis·join [(,)dis-'jȯin] -vb
- to end the joining of
- to become detached
dis·joint [-'jȯint] -adj
- disjointed
- having no elements in common
- disjoint mathematical sets
disjoint -vt
- to disturb the orderly structure or arrangement of
- to take apart at the joints
- to come apart at the joints
dis·joint·ed [-'jȯin-təd] -adj, adv, n
- being thrown out of orderly function
- lacking coherence or orderly sequence
- an incomplete and disjointed history
- separated at or as if at the joint
dis·junct [dis-'jəŋ(k)t] -adj
- : marked by separation of or from usu. contiguous parts or individuals: as
- discontinuous
- relating to melodic progression by intervals larger than a major second
- any of the alternatives that make up a logical disjunction
- an adverb or adverbial (as luckilyin Luckily we had an extra set or in shortin In short, there is nothing we can do) that is loosely connected to a sentence and conveys the speaker's or writer's comment on its content, truth, or manner
dis·junc·tion [dis-'jəŋ(k)-shən] -n
- a sharp cleavage : disunion, separation
- the disjunction between theory and practice
- : a compound sentence in logic formed by joining two simple statements by or:
- inclusive disjunction
- exclusive disjunction
dis·junc·tive [-'jəŋ(k)-tiv] -adj, adv
- relating to, being, or forming a logical disjunction
- expressing an alternative or opposition between the meanings of the words connected
- the disjunctive conjunction or
- expressed by mutually exclusive alternatives joined by or
- marked by breaks or disunity
- a disjunctive narrative sequence
- stressed and not attached to the verb as an enclitic or proclitic
disjunctive -n
- a disjunctive conjunction
dis·junc·ture [-'jəŋ(k)-chər] -n
- disjunction
disk ['disk] -n, adj
- the seemingly flat figure of a celestial body
- discus
- any of various rounded and flattened animal anatomical structures
- intervertebral disk
- the central part of the flower head of a typical composite made up of closely packed tubular flowers
- : a thin circular object: as
- a phonograph record
- a round flat plate coated with a magnetic substance on which data for a computer is stored
- : optical disk: as
- videodisc
- cd
- one of the concave circular steel tools with sharpened edge making up the working part of a disc harrow or plow
- an implement employing such tools
- to cultivate with an implement (as a harrow or plow) that turns and loosens the soil with a series of discs
disk drive -n
- a device for reading and writing data on a magnetic disk
dis·kette [,dis-'ket] -n
- floppy disk
disk flower -n
- one of the tubular flowers in the disk of a composite plant called also disk floret
disk jockey -n
(variant of disc jockey)
- an announcer of a radio show of popular recorded music
- one who plays recorded music for dancing at a nightclub or party
dis·lik·able [(,)dis-'lī-kə-bəl] -adj
- easy to dislike
dis·like [(,)dis-'līk, 'dis-,] -n
- a feeling of aversion or disapproval
- discord
dislike -vt, n
- to regard with dislike : disapprove
- displease
- to show aversion to
dis·limn [(,)dis-'lim] -vb
- dim
dis·lo·cate ['dis-lō-,kāt, -lə-; (,)dis-'lō-] -vt
- to put out of place
- to displace (a bone) from normal connections with another bone
- to force a change in the usual status, relationship, or order of : disrupt
dis·lo·ca·tion [,dis-(,)lō-'kā-shən, -lə-] -n
- : the act of dislocating : the state of being dislocated: as
- displacement of one or more bones at a joint : luxation
- a discontinuity in the otherwise normal lattice structure of a crystal
- disruption of an established order
dis·lodge [(,)dis-'läj] -vb, n
- to drive from a position of hiding, defense, or advantage
- to force out of a secure or settled position
- dislodged the rock with a shovel
- to leave a place previously occupied
dis·loy·al [(,)dis-'lȯi(-ə)l] -adj, adv
- lacking in loyalty
- showing an absence of allegiance, devotion, obligation, faith, or support
- his disloyal refusal to help his friend
dis·loy·al·ty [-'lȯi(-ə)l-tē] -n
- lack of loyalty
dis·mal ['diz-məl] -adj, adv, n
- disastrous, dreadful
- showing or causing gloom or depression
- lacking merit : particularly bad
dis·man·tle [(,)dis-'man-tᵊl] -vt, n
- to take to pieces
- to destroy the integrity or functioning of
- to strip of dress or covering : divest
- to strip of furniture and equipment
dis·mast [(,)dis-'mast] -vt
- to remove or break off the mast of
dis·may [dis-'mā, diz-] -vt, adv
- to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear)
- must not let ourselves be dismay ed by the task before us
- upset, perturb
- were dismay ed by the condition of the building
dismay -n
- sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear
- sudden disappointment
- perturbation
disme ['dīm] -n
- a U.S. 10-cent coin struck in 1792
dis·mem·ber [(,)dis-'mem-bər] -vt, n
- to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of
- to break up or tear into pieces
dis·miss [dis-'mis] -vt, n, adj, adv
- to permit or cause to leave
- to remove from position or service : discharge
- dismiss ed the thievish servant
- to reject serious consideration of
- to put out of judicial consideration
dis·miss·al [-'mi-səl] -n
- the act of dismissing : the fact or state of being dismissed
dis·mount [(,)dis-'mau̇nt] -vb
- to throw down or remove from a mount or an elevated position
- unhorse
- disassemble
- descend
- to alight from an elevated position (as on a horse)
- to get out of an enclosed craft or vehicle
dismount -n
- the act of dismounting
Dis·ney·esque [,diz-nē-'esk] -adj
- resembling or suggestive of the films, television productions, or amusement parks made by Walt Disney or his organization
Dis·ney·fi·ca·tion [,diz-nē-fə-'kā-shən] -n
- the transformation (as of something real or unsettling) into carefully controlled and safe entertainment or an environment with similar qualities
- the Disneyfication of a downtown
dis·obe·di·ence [,dis-ə-'bē-dē-ən(t)s, -ō-'bē-] -n
- refusal or neglect to obey
dis·obe·di·ent [-ənt] -adj, adv
- refusing or neglecting to obey
dis·obey [,dis-ə-'bā, -ō-] -vb, n
- to be disobedient
- to fail to obey
dis·oblige [,dis-ə-'blīj] -vt
- to go counter to the wishes of
- inconvenience
di·so·di·um phosphate [(,)dī-'sō-dē-əm-] -n
- a sodium phosphate Na 2HPO 4
di·so·mic [(,)dī-'sō-mik] -adj
- having one or more chromosomes present in two copies
- the disomic state is normal in humans
dis·or·der [(,)dis-'ȯr-dər, (,)diz-] -vt
- to disturb the order of
- to disturb the regular or normal functions of
disorder -n
- lack of order
- breach of the peace or public order
- troubled times marked by social disorder s
- an abnormal physical or mental condition
dis·or·dered -adj, adv, n
- morally reprehensible
- unruly
- marked by disorder
- not functioning in a normal orderly healthy way
dis·or·der·ly [-'ȯrd-ər-lē] -adv
- in a disorderly manner
disorderly -adj, n
- engaged in conduct offensive to public order
- charged with being drunk and disorderly
- characterized by disorder
- a disorderly pile of clothes
disorderly conduct -n
- a petty offense chiefly against public order and decency that falls short of an indictable misdemeanor
disorderly house -n
- bordello
dis·or·ga·nize [(,)dis-'ȯr-gə-,nīz] -vt, n
- to destroy or interrupt the orderly structure or function of
dis·or·ga·nized [-,nīzd] -adj
- lacking coherence, system, or central guiding agency : not organized
dis·ori·ent [(,)dis-'ȯr-ē-,ent] -vt
- to cause to lose bearings : displace from normal position or relationship
- to cause to lose the sense of time, place, or identity
- confuse
dis·ori·en·tate [-ē-ən-,tāt, -ē-,en-] -vt, n
- disorient
dis·own [(,)dis-'ōn] -vt, n
- to refuse to acknowledge as one's own
- to repudiate any connection or identification with
- to deny the validity or authority of
disp -abbr
- dispensary
dis·par·age [di-'sper-ij, -'spa-rij] -vt, n, adj, adv
- to lower in rank or reputation : degrade
- to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about
dis·pa·rate ['dis-p(ə-)rət, di-'sper-ət, -'spa-rət] -adj, adv, n
- containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements
- markedly distinct in quality or character
dis·part [(,)dis-'pärt] -vb
- separate, divide
dis·pas·sion [(,)dis-'pa-shən] -n
- absence of passion : coolness
dis·pas·sion·ate [-sh(ə-)nət] -adj, adv, n
- not influenced by strong feeling
- not affected by personal or emotional involvement
- a dispassionate approach to an issue
dis·patch [di-'spach] -vb, n
- to send off or away with promptness or speed
- to send off on official business
- to kill with quick efficiency
- deprive
- to dispose of (as a task) rapidly or efficiently
- defeat
- to make haste : hurry
- a message sent with speed
- an important official message sent by a diplomatic, military, or naval officer
- a news item filed by a correspondent
- : the act of dispatching: as
- dismissal
- the act of killing
- prompt settlement (as of an item of business)
- quick riddance
- a sending off : shipment
- promptness and efficiency in performance or transmission
dispatch case -n
- a case for carrying papers
dis·pel [di-'spel] -vt
- to drive away by or as if by scattering : dissipate
dis·pens·able [di-'spen(t)-sə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being dispensed with
dis·pen·sa·ry [di-'spen(t)s-(ə-)rē] -n
- a place where medicine or medical or dental treatment is dispensed
dis·pen·sa·tion [,dis-pən-'sā-shən, -,pen-] -n, adj
- a general state or ordering of things
- a system of revealed commands and promises regulating human affairs
- a particular arrangement or provision esp. of providence or nature
- an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath
- a formal authorization
- the act of dispensing
- something dispensed or distributed
dis·pen·sa·to·ry [di-'spen(t)-sə-,tȯr-ē] -n
- a medicinal formulary
dis·pense [di-'spen(t)s] -vb
- to deal out in portions
- administer
- to give dispensation to : exempt
- to prepare and distribute (medication)
- to grant dispensation
dis·pens·er [-'spen(t)-sər] -n
- : one that dispenses: as
- a container that extrudes, sprays, or feeds out in convenient units
- a usu. mechanical device for vending merchandise
dis·peo·ple [(,)dis-'pē-pəl] -vt
- depopulate
dis·pers·al [di-'spər-səl] -n
- the act or result of dispersing
- the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another
dis·per·sant [di-'spər-sənt] -n, adj
- a dispersing agent
- a substance for promoting the formation and stabilization of a dispersion of one substance in another
dis·perse [di-'spərs] -vb, adv, n, adj
- to cause to break up
- police dispersed the crowd
- to cause to become spread widely
- to cause to evaporate or vanish
- sunlight dispersing the mist
- : to spread or distribute from a fixed or constant source: as
- disseminate
- to subject (as light) to dispersion
- to distribute (as fine particles) more or less evenly throughout a medium
- to break up in random fashion
- the crowd dispersed on request
- to become dispersed
- dissipate, vanish
- the fog dispersed toward morning
dis·per·sion [di-'spər-zhən, -shən] -n
- diaspora
- the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed
- the scattering of the values of a frequency distribution from an average
- the separation of light into colors by refraction or diffraction with formation of a spectrum
- the separation of radiation into components in accordance with some varying characteristic (as energy)
- a dispersed substance
- a system consisting of a dispersed substance and the medium in which it is dispersed : colloid
dis·per·sive [-'spər-siv, -ziv] -adj, adv, n
- of or relating to dispersion
- the dispersive power of a lens
- tending to disperse
dis·per·soid [-'spər-,sȯid] -n
- finely divided particles of one substance dispersed in another
dis·pir·it [(,)dis-'pir-ət, -'pi-rət] -vt, adj, adv, n
- to deprive of morale or enthusiasm
dis·pit·eous [di-'spi-tē-əs] -adj
- cruel
dis·place [(,)dis-'plās, di-'splās] -vt, adj
- to remove from the usual or proper place
- to expel or force to flee from home or homeland
- to remove from an office, status, or job
- to drive out : banish
- to move physically out of position
- a floating object displace s water
- to take the place of (as in a chemical reaction) : supplant
dis·place·ment [(,)dis-'plā-smənt, di-'splā-] -n
- the act or process of displacing : the state of being displaced
- the volume or weight of a fluid (as water) displaced by a floating body (as a ship) of equal weight
- the difference between the initial position of something (as a body or geometric figure) and any later position
- the volume displaced by a piston (as in a pump or an engine) in a single stroke
- the total volume so displaced by all the pistons in an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)
- the redirection of an emotion or impulse from its original object (as an idea or person) to another
- the substitution of another form of behavior for what is usual or expected esp. when the usual response is nonadaptive called also displacement activity displacement behavior
dis·plant [dis-'plant] -vt
- displace, remove
- supplant
dis·play [di-'splā] -vb, adj
- to put or spread before the view
- to make evident
- to exhibit ostentatiously
- liked to display his erudition
- descry
- show off
- to make a breeding display
- penguins display ed and copulated
display -n
- a setting or presentation of something in open view
- a clear sign or evidence : exhibition
- ostentatious show
- type, composition, or printing designed to catch the eye
- an eye-catching arrangement by which something is exhibited often used with on
- her early paintings are currently on display
- an electronic device (as a cathode-ray tube) that presents information in visual form
- the visual information
- a pattern of behavior exhibited esp. by male birds in the breeding season
dis·please [(,)dis-'plēz] -vb
- to incur the disapproval or dislike of esp. by annoying
- their gossip displease s her
- to be offensive to
- abstract art displease s him
- to give displeasure
- behavior calculated to displease
dis·plea·sure [(,)dis-'ple-zhər, -'plā-] -n
- the feeling of one that is displeased : disfavor
- discomfort, unhappiness
- offense, injury
dis·plode [di-'splōd] -vb, n
- explode
dis·port [di-'spȯrt] -n
- sport, pastime
disport [-mənt] -vb, n
- divert, amuse
- display
- to amuse oneself in light or lively fashion : frolic
dis·pos·able [di-'spō-zə-bəl] -adj, n
- subject to or available for disposal
- remaining to an individual after deduction of taxes and necessary living expenses
- designed to be used once and then thrown away
disposable -n
- something that is disposable
dis·pos·al [di-'spō-zəl] -n
- the power or authority to dispose or make use of as one chooses
- the car was at my disposal
- : the act or process of disposing: as
- orderly placement or distribution
- regulation, administration
- the act or action of presenting or bestowing something
- systematic destruction
- destruction or transformation of garbage
- a device used to reduce waste matter (as by grinding)
dis·pose [di-'spōz] -vb, n
- to give a tendency to : incline
- faulty diet dispose s one to sickness
- to put in place : set in readiness : arrange
- disposing troops for withdrawal
- regulate
- bestow
- to settle a matter finally
- to come to terms
dispose -n
- disposal
- disposition
- demeanor
dis·po·si·tion [,dis-pə-'zi-shən] -n, adj
- : the act or the power of disposing or the state of being disposed: as
- administration, control
- final arrangement : settlement
- the disposition of the case
- transfer to the care or possession of another
- the power of such transferal
- orderly arrangement
- prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination
- temperamental makeup
- the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances
dis·pos·i·tive [di-'spä-zə-tiv] -adj
- directed toward or effecting disposition (as of a case)
dis·pos·sess [,dis-pə-'zes also -'ses] -vt, n
- to put out of possession or occupancy
- dispossess ed the nobles of their land
dis·pos·sessed [-'zest also -'sest] -adj
- deprived of homes, possessions, and security
dis·po·sure [di-'spō-zhər] -n
- disposal, disposition
dis·praise [(,)dis-'prāz] -vt, n, adv
- to comment on with disapproval or censure
dispread [di-'spred] -vt
- to spread abroad or out
dis·prize [(,)dis-'prīz] -vt
- undervalue, scorn
dis·proof [(,)dis-'prüf] -n
- the action of disproving
- evidence that disproves
dis·pro·por·tion [,dis-prə-'pȯr-shən] -n, adj
- lack of proportion, symmetry, or proper relation : disparity
- an instance of such disparity
disproportion -vt
- to make out of proportion : mismatch
dis·pro·por·tion·ate [-sh(ə-)nət] -adj, adv
- being out of proportion
dis·pro·por·tion·ation [-,pȯr-shə-'nā-shən] -n, vi
- the transformation of a substance into two or more dissimilar substances usu. by simultaneous oxidation and reduction
dis·prove [(,)dis-'prüv] -vt, adj
- to prove to be false or wrong : refute
dis·pu·tant [di-'spyü-tᵊnt, 'dis-pyə-tənt] -n
- one that is engaged in a dispute
dis·pu·ta·tion [,dis-pyə-'tā-shən] -n
- the action of disputing : verbal controversy
- continuous disputation between them
- ideological disputation s
- an academic exercise in oral defense of a thesis by formal logic
dis·pu·ta·tious [-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- inclined to dispute
- marked by disputation
- provoking debate : controversial
dis·pute [di-'spyüt] -vb, adj, adv, n
- to engage in argument : debate
- to argue irritably or with irritating persistence
- to make the subject of disputation
- legislators hotly disputed the bill
- to call into question
- her honesty was never disputed
- to struggle against : oppose
- disputed the advance of the invaders
- to contend over
- both sides disputed the bridgehead
- verbal controversy : debate
- quarrel
- physical combat
dis·qual·i·fi·ca·tion [(,)dis-,kwä-lə-fə-'kā-shən] -n
- something that disqualifies or incapacitates
- the act of disqualifying : the state of being disqualified
- disqualification from office
dis·qual·i·fy [(,)dis-'kwä-lə-,fī] -vt
- to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions : make unfit
- to deprive of a power, right, or privilege
- to make ineligible for a prize or for further competition because of violations of the rules
dis·quan·ti·ty [(,)dis-'kwän-(t)ə-tē] -vt
- diminish, lessen
dis·qui·et [(,)dis-'kwī-ət] -vt, adj, adv
- to take away the peace or tranquillity of : disturb, alarm
disquiet -n
- lack of peace or tranquillity : anxiety
- uneasy, disquieted
dis·qui·etude [(,)dis-'kwī-ə-,t(y)üd] -n
- anxiety, agitation
dis·qui·si·tion [,dis-kwə-'zi-shən] -n
- a formal inquiry into or discussion of a subject : discourse
dis·rate [(,)dis-'rāt] -vt
- to reduce in rank : demote
dis·re·gard [,dis-ri-'gärd] -vt
- to pay no attention to : treat as unworthy of regard or notice
disregard [-fəl] -n, adj
- the act of disregarding : the state of being disregarded : neglect
dis·re·lat·ed [,dis-ri-'lā-təd] -adj
- not related
dis·re·la·tion [-'lā-shən] -n
- lack of a fitting or proportionate connection or relationship
dis·rel·ish [(,)dis-'re-lish] -vt
- to find unpalatable or distasteful
disrelish -n
- lack of relish : distaste, dislike
dis·re·mem·ber [,dis-ri-'mem-bər] -vt
- forget
dis·re·pair [,dis-ri-'per] -n
- the state of being in need of repair
- a building fallen into disrepair
dis·rep·u·ta·ble [(,)dis-'re-pyə-tə-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- not reputable
dis·re·pute [,dis-ri-'pyüt] -n
- lack or decline of good reputation : a state of being held in low esteem
dis·re·spect [,dis-ri-'spekt] -vt
- to have disrespect for
- to show or express disrespect or contempt for : insult, dis
- disrespect ed the officer
disrespect [-fəl] -n, adj, adv
- lack of respect
dis·re·spect·able [,dis-ri-'spek-tə-bəl] -adj, n
- not respectable
dis·robe [(,)dis-'rōb] -vb
- to take off one's clothing
- to strip of clothing or covering
dis·rupt [dis-'rəpt] -vt, n, adj, adv
- to break apart : rupture
- to throw into disorder
- agitators trying to disrupt the meeting
- to interrupt the normal course or unity of
diss ['dis] -vt
(variant of dis)
- to treat with disrespect or contempt : insult
- to find fault with : criticize
- a disparaging remark or act : insult
- was meant as a tribute, not a dis -- Vibe
- disrespect
- discharge
- discount
- distance
dis·sat·is·fac·tion [(,)di(s)-,sa-təs-'fak-shən] -n
- the quality or state of being dissatisfied : discontent
dis·sat·is·fac·to·ry [-'fak-t(ə-)rē] -adj
- causing dissatisfaction
dis·sat·is·fied [(,)di(s)-'sa-təs-,fīd] -adj
- expressing or showing lack of satisfaction : not pleased or satisfied
- dissatisfied with his response
dis·sat·is·fy [-,fī] -vt
- to fail to satisfy : displease
dis·save [(,)di(s)-'sāv] -vi
- to use savings for current expenses
dis·seat [(,)di(s)-'sēt] -vt
- unseat
dis·sect [dī-'sekt also di-, 'dī-,] -vb, n
- to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (as an animal) for scientific examination
- to analyze and interpret minutely
- to make a dissection
dis·sect·ed [-'sek-təd] -adj
- cut deeply into fine lobes
- divided into hills and ridges (as by gorges)
dis·sect·ing microscope [-tiŋ-] -n
- a low-magnification stereomicroscope used esp. in examining or dissecting biological specimens
dis·sec·tion [dī-'sek-shən also di-, 'dī-,] -n
- the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected
- an anatomical specimen prepared by dissecting
dis·seise [(,)di(s)-'sēz] -vt, n
- to deprive esp. wrongfully of seisin : dispossess
dis·sei·sin [-'sē-zᵊn] -n
- the act of disseising : the state of being disseised
dis·sem·ble [di-'sem-bəl] -vb, n
- to hide under a false appearance
- to put on the appearance of : simulate
- to put on a false appearance : conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense
dis·sem·i·nate [di-'se-mə-,nāt] -vt, n
- to spread abroad as though sowing seed
- to disperse throughout
disseminated -adj
- widely dispersed in a tissue, organ, or the entire body
- disseminated gonococcal disease
dis·sem·i·nule [di-'sem-ə-,nyül] -n
- a part or organ (as a seed or spore) of a plant that ensures propagation
dis·sen·sion [di-'sen(t)-shən] -n
- disagreement
- partisan and contentious quarreling
dis·sen·sus [(,)di(s)-'sen(t)-səs] -n
- difference of opinion
dis·sent [di-'sent] -vi
- to withhold assent
- to differ in opinion
dissent -n
- : difference of opinion
- heard voices of dissent at the meeting
: as - religious nonconformity
- a justice's nonconcurrence with a decision of the majority called also dissenting opinion
- political opposition to a government or its policies
- attempts to suppress domestic dissent
dis·sent·er [di-'sen-tər] -n
- one that dissents
- an English Nonconformist
dis·sen·tient [di-'sen(t)-sh(ē-)ənt] -adj, n
- expressing dissent
dis·sent·ing [di-'sen-tiŋ] -adj
- of or relating to the English Nonconformists
dis·sen·tious [di-'sen(t)-shəs] -adj
- characterized by dissension or dissent
dis·sep·i·ment [di-'se-pə-mənt] -n
- a dividing tissue : septum
dis·sert [di-'sərt] -vi
- to speak or write at length
dis·ser·tate ['di-sər-,tāt] -vi, n
- dissert
- to write a dissertation
dis·ser·ta·tion [,di-sər-'tā-shən] -n, adj
- an extended usu. written treatment of a subject
- one submitted for a doctorate
dis·serve [(,)di(s)-'sərv] -vt
- to serve badly or falsely : harm
dis·ser·vice [(,)di(s)-'sər-vəs] -n
- ill service : harm
- an unhelpful, unkind, or harmful act
- misinformation that does a disservice to readers
dis·ser·vice·able [di(s)-'sər-və-sə-bəl] -adj
- counterproductive
dis·sev·er [di-'se-vər] -vb, n
- sever, separate
- to come apart : disunite
dis·si·dence ['di-sə-dən(t)s] -n
- dissent, disagreement
dis·si·dent [-dənt] -adj, n
- disagreeing esp. with an established religious or political system, organization, or belief
dis·sim·i·lar [(,)di(s)-'si-mə-lər, -'sim-lər] -adj, n, adv
- unlike
- people with dissimilar backgrounds
dis·sim·i·late [(,)di-'si-mə-,lāt] -vi, adj
- to undergo dissimilation
dis·sim·i·la·tion [(,)di-,si-mə-'lā-shən] -n
- the change or omission of one of two identical or closely related sounds in a word
dis·si·mil·i·tude [,di(s)-sə-'mi-lə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n
- lack of resemblance
dis·sim·u·late [(,)di-'sim-yə-,lāt] -vb, n
- to hide under a false appearance
- smiled to dissimulate her urgency -- Alice Glenday
- dissemble
dis·si·pate ['di-sə-,pāt] -vb, n
- to break up and drive off (as a crowd)
- to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish
- one's sympathy is eventually dissipated -- Andrew Feinberg
- to lose (as heat or electricity) irrecoverably
- to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly
- dissipated the family fortune in reckless business ventures
- to break up and scatter or vanish
- the clouds soon dissipated
- the team's early momentum has dissipated
- to be extravagant or dissolute in the pursuit of pleasure
- to drink to excess
dissipated -adj, adv, n
- given to or marked by dissipation : dissolute
dis·si·pa·tion [,di-sə-'pā-shən] -n
- : the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:
- dispersion, diffusion
- dissolution, disintegration
- wasteful expenditure
- intemperate living
- excessive drinking
- an act of self-indulgence
- one that is not harmful : amusement
dis·si·pa·tive ['di-sə-,pā-tiv] -adj
- relating to dissipation esp. of heat
dis·so·cia·ble [(,)di-'sō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl, -sē-ə-] -adj, n
- separable
dis·so·cial [(,)di(s)-'sō-shəl] -adj
- unsocial, selfish
dis·so·ci·ate [(,)di-'sō-shē-,āt, -sē-] -vb
- to separate from association or union with another
- attempts to dissociate herself from her past
- disunite
- to subject to chemical dissociation
- to undergo dissociation
- to mutate esp. reversibly
dis·so·ci·a·tion [(,)di-,sō-sē-'ā-shən, -shē-] -n, adj
- : the act or process of dissociating : the state of being dissociated: as
- the process by which a chemical combination breaks up into simpler constituents
- one that results from the action of energy (as heat) on a gas or of a solvent on a dissolved substance
- the separation of whole segments of the personality (as in multiple personality disorder) or of discrete mental processes (as in the schizophrenias) from the mainstream of consciousness or of behavior
- the property inherent in some biological stocks (as of certain bacteria) of differentiating into two or more distinct and relatively permanent strains
- such a strain
dissociative identity disorder -n
- multiple personality disorder
dis·sol·u·ble [di-'säl-yə-bəl] -adj
- capable of being dissolved or disintegrated
dis·so·lute ['di-sə-,lüt, -lət] -adj, adv, n
- lacking restraint
- marked by indulgence in things (as drink or promiscuous sex) deemed vices
- the dissolute and degrading aspects of human nature -- Wallace Fowlie
dis·so·lu·tion [,di-sə-'lü-shən] -n
- : the act or process of dissolving: as
- separation into component parts
- decay, disintegration
- death
- termination or destruction by breaking down, disrupting, or dispersing
- the dissolution of the republic
- the dissolving of an assembly or organization
- liquefaction
- a dissolute act or practice
dis·solve [di-'zälv, -'zȯlv also -'zäv or -'zȯv] -vb, adj, n or adj, n
- to cause to disperse or disappear : destroy
- do not dissolve and deface the laws of charity -- Francis Bacon
- to separate into component parts : disintegrate
- to bring to an end : terminate
- annul
- to cause to pass into solution
- melt, liquefy
- to cause to be emotionally moved
- to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve
- detach, loosen
- to clear up
- to become dissipated or decomposed
- break up, disperse
- to fade away
- to become fluid : melt
- to pass into solution
- to be overcome emotionally
- to resolve itself as if by dissolution
- to change by a dissolve
- the scene dissolve s to a Victorian parlor
dissolve -n
- a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen
dis·so·nance ['di-sə-nən(t)s] -n
- lack of agreement
- inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs
- an instance of such inconsistency or disagreement
- a mingling of discordant sounds
- a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord
dis·so·nant [-nənt] -adj, adv
- marked by dissonance : discordant
- incongruous
- harmonically unresolved
dis·suade [di-'swād] -vt, n
- to advise (a person) against something
- to advise against (an action)
- to turn from something by persuasion
- unable to dissuade him from going
dis·sua·sion [di-'swā-zhən] -n
- the action of dissuading
dis·sua·sive [di-'swā-siv, -ziv] -adj, adv, n
- tending to dissuade
dissyllable ['dī-,si-lə-bəl, (,)dī-'sil-; 'di-,sil-, (,)di(s)-'sil-] -n, adj
(variant of disyllable)
- a linguistic form consisting of two syllables
dis·sym·me·try [(,)di(s)-'si-mə-trē] -n, adj
- the absence of or the lack of symmetry
dist -abbr
- distance
- district
dis·taff ['dis-,taf] -n
- a staff for holding the flax, tow, or wool in spinning
- woman's work or domain
- the female branch or side of a family
distaff -adj
- maternal
- the distaff side of the family
- female
dis·tain [dis-'tān] -vt
- stain
- dishonor
dis·tal ['dis-tᵊl] -adj, adv
- situated away from the point of attachment or origin or a central point esp. of the body
- of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is next to the tooth behind it or that is farthest from the middle of the front of the jaw
distal convoluted tubule -n
- the convoluted portion of the vertebrate nephron that lies between the loop of Henle and the nonsecretory part of the nephron and that is concerned esp. with the concentration of urine
dis·tance ['dis-tən(t)s] -n
- discord
- separation in time
- the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
- an extent of area or an advance along a route measured linearly
- an extent of space measured other than linearly
- an extent of advance from a beginning
- expanse
- length of a race or contest
- the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game)
- a long race
- : the quality or state of being distant: as
- spatial remoteness
- personal and esp. emotional separation
- reserve, coldness
- difference, disparity
- a distant point or region
- aesthetic distance
- capacity to observe dispassionately
distance -vt
- to place or keep at a distance
- able to distance themselves from the tragedy
- distance s herself from her coworkers
- to leave far behind : outstrip
- easily distanced the other candidates in the race
- taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students who are not together in a classroom
dis·tant ['dis-tənt] -adj, adv, n
- separated in space : away
- situated at a great distance : far-off
- separated by a great distance from each other : far apart
- far behind
- separated in a relationship other than spatial
- different in kind
- from two very distant backgrounds
- reserved or aloof in personal relationship : cold
- was distant and distracted
- going a long distance
- concerned with remote things
dis·taste [(,)dis-'tāst] -vt
- to feel aversion to
- offend, displease
- to have an offensive taste
distaste -n
- dislike of food or drink
- aversion, disinclination
- annoyance, discomfort
dis·taste·ful [(,)dis-'tāst-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- objectionable because offensive to one's personal taste : unpleasant, disagreeable
- found the job distasteful
- a shady, distasteful character
- objectionable because in poor taste, inappropriate, or unethical
- a harmless stroking...but it seems oddly distasteful in retrospect -- Richard Sandza et al.
- unpleasant to the taste
dis·tel·fink ['dish-tᵊl-,fiŋk, 'dis-] -n
- a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch design motif in the form of a stylized bird
dis·tem·per [dis-'tem-pər] -vt
- to throw out of order
- derange, unsettle
distemper [-p(ə-)rət] -n, adj
- bad humor or temper
- : a disordered or abnormal bodily state esp. of quadruped mammals: as
- a highly contagious virus disease of canines and esp. of dogs that is caused by a morbillivirus (species Canine distemper virus) and is marked by fever, leukopenia, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms called also canine distemper
- strangles
- panleukopenia
- ailment, disorder
- vice and folly are situated not in human nature...but in distemper s of intellect -- George Stade
- a process of painting in which the pigments are mixed with an emulsion of egg yolk, with size, or with white of egg as a vehicle and which is used for painting scenery and murals
- the paint or the prepared ground used in the distemper process
- a painting done in distemper
- any of various water-based paints
- to paint in or with distemper
dis·tem·per·a·ture [di-'stem-p(ə-)rə-,chu̇r, -pə(r)-, -chər, chiefly Southern -,t(y)u̇(ə)r] -n
- a disordered condition
dis·tend [di-'stend] -vb
- extend
- to enlarge from internal pressure : swell
- to become expanded
dis·ten·si·ble [-'sten(t)-sə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being distended
dis·ten·sion [di-'sten(t)-shən] -n
- the act of distending or the state of being distended esp. unduly or abnormally
dis·tich ['dis-(,)tik] -n
- a strophic unit of two lines
dis·ti·chous ['dis-ti-kəs] -adj
- disposed in two vertical rows
dis·till [di-'stil] -vb
- to let fall, exude, or precipitate in drops or in a wet mist
- to subject to or transform by distillation
- distill molasses into rum
- to obtain by or as if by distillation
- able to distill humor from personal loss
- to extract the essence of : concentrate
- to fall or materialize in drops or in a fine moisture
- to appear slowly or in small quantities at a time
- to undergo distillation
- to perform distillation
dis·til·late ['dis-tə-,lāt, -lət; di-'sti-lət] -n
- a liquid product condensed from vapor during distillation
- something concentrated or extracted as if by distilling
dis·til·la·tion [,dis-tə-'lā-shən] -n
- the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation
- a process like distillation
- gradual distillation of the truth
- an instance of such distilling
- something distilled : distillate
dis·till·er [di-'sti-lər] -n
- one that distills esp. alcoholic liquors
dis·till·ery [di-'sti-lə-rē, -'stil-rē] -n
- the works where distilling (as of alcoholic liquors) is done
dis·tinct [di-'stiŋ(k)t] -adj, adv, n
- distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete : separate
- a distinct cultural group
- teaching as distinct from research
- presenting a clear unmistakable impression
- a neat distinct handwriting
- notably decorated
- notable
- a distinct contribution to scholarship
- readily and unmistakably apprehended
- a distinct possibility of snow
- a distinct British accent
dis·tinc·tion [di-'stiŋ(k)-shən] -n
- division
- class
- the distinguishing of a difference
- without distinction as to race, sex, or religion
- the difference distinguished
- the distinction between imply and infer
- something that distinguishes
- the quality or state of being distinguishable
- no distinction of facial features in the twins
- the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy
- a politician of some distinction
- special honor or recognition
- took a law degree with distinction
- an accomplishment that sets one apart
- the distinction of being the oldest to win the title
dis·tinc·tive [di-'stiŋ(k)-tiv] -adj, adv, n
- serving to distinguish
- the distinctive flight of the crane
- having or giving style or distinction
- a distinctive table setting
- capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance
dis·tin·gue [,dēs-,taŋ-'gā, (,)dis-; di-'staŋ-,] -adj
- distinguished esp. in manner or bearing
dis·tin·guish [di-'stiŋ-(g)wish] -vb, n, adj, adv
- to perceive a difference in : mentally separate
- so alike they could not be distinguish ed
- to mark as separate or different
- a policy that distinguish es him from other candidates
- to separate into kinds, classes, or categories
- distinguish words by their part of speech
- to give prominence or distinction to
- distinguish ed themselves in music
- characterize
- recipes distinguish ed by simplicity
- discern
- distinguish ed a light in the distance
- to single out : take special notice of
- to perceive a difference
- distinguish between right and wrong
dis·tin·guished [-(g)wisht] -adj
- marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence
- befitting an eminent person
Distinguished Conduct Medal -n
- a British military decoration awarded for distinguished conduct in the field
Distinguished Flying Cross -n
- a British military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry when flying in operations against an enemy
- a U.S. military decoration awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight
Distinguished Service Cross -n
- a British military decoration awarded for distinguished service against the enemy
- a U.S. Army decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism during operations against an armed enemy
Distinguished Service Medal -n
- a British military decoration awarded for distinguished conduct in war
- a U.S. military decoration awarded for exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a wartime duty of great responsibility
Distinguished Service Order -n
- a British military decoration awarded for special services in action
dis·tort [di-'stȯrt] -vb, n
- to twist out of the true meaning or proportion
- to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition
- a face distort ed by pain
- to cause to be perceived unnaturally
- the new lights distort ed colors
- pervert
- to become distorted
- to cause a twisting from the true, natural, or normal
dis·tor·tion [di-'stȯr-shən] -n, adj
- the act of distorting
- : the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: as
- a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system
- falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal caused by change in the wave form of the original signal
distr -abbr
- distribute; distribution
dis·tract [di-'strakt, 'dis-,trakt] -adj
- insane, mad
- to turn aside : divert
- refused to be distract ed from her purpose
- to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time
- was distract ed by a sudden noise
- to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives
dis·tract·ed -adj, adv
- mentally confused, troubled, or remote
- maddened or deranged esp. by grief or anxiety
dis·trac·tion [di-'strak-shən] -n, adj
- the act of distracting or the state of being distracted
- mental confusion
- something that distracts
- amusement
dis·train [di-'strān] -vb, adj, n
- to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress
- to seize by distress
- to levy a distress
dis·traint [di-'strānt] -n
- the act or action of distraining
dis·trait [di-'strā] -adj
- apprehensively divided or withdrawn in attention : distracted
dis·traite [di-'strāt] -adj
- distrait used esp. of women
dis·traught [di-'strȯt] -adj, adv
- agitated with doubt or mental conflict or pain
- mentally deranged : crazed
- as if thou wert distraught and mad with terror -- Shak.
dis·tress [di-'stres] -n
- seizure and detention of the goods of another as pledge or to obtain satisfaction of a claim by the sale of the goods seized
- something that is distrained
- pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind : trouble
- a painful situation : misfortune
- a state of danger or desperate need
distress [-'stre-siŋ-lē] -vt, adv
- to subject to great strain or difficulties
- homes distress ed by poverty
- to force or overcome by inflicting pain
- to cause to worry or be troubled : upset
- don't let the news distress you
- to mar (as clothing or wood) deliberately to give an effect of age
- offered for sale at a loss
- involving distress goods
dis·tress·ed [-'strest] -adj
- of, relating to, or experiencing economic decline or difficulty
- federal grants for distressed cities
dis·tress·ful [di-'stres-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- causing distress : full of distress
dis·trib·u·tary [di-'stri-byə-,ter-ē, -,te-rē] -n
- a river branch flowing away from the main stream
dis·trib·ute [di-'stri-byüt also -byət Brit also 'dis-tri-,byüt] -vb, n
- to divide among several or many : apportion
- to spread out so as to cover something : scatter
- to give out or deliver esp. to members of a group
- to place or position so as to be properly apportioned over or throughout an area
- 200 pounds distributed on a 6-foot frame
- to use (a term) so as to convey information about every member of the class named
- the proposition all men are mortal distribute s man but not mortal
- to divide or separate esp. into kinds
- to return the units of (as typeset matter) to storage
- to use in or as an operation so as to be mathematically distributive
- to be mathematically distributive
- multiplication distribute s over addition
distributed -adj
- characterized by a statistical distribution of a particular kind
- a normally distributed random variable
- of, relating to, or being a computer network in which at least some of the processing is done by the individual workstations and information is shared by and often stored at the workstations
dis·tri·bu·tion [,dis-trə-'byü-shən] -n, adj
- the act or process of distributing
- the apportionment by a court of the personal property of an intestate
- the position, arrangement, or frequency of occurrence (as of the members of a group) over an area or throughout a space or unit of time
- the natural geographic range of an organism
- : something distributed: as
- a sum of money withdrawn from a fund (as a retirement fund) and given to the beneficiary or holder of the fund
- dividend
- frequency distribution
- probability function
- probability density function
- the pattern of branching and termination of a ramifying structure (as a nerve)
- the marketing or merchandising of commodities
distribution function -n
- cumulative distribution function
dis·trib·u·tive [di-'stri-byü-tiv, -byə-] -adj, adv, n
- : of or relating to distribution: as
- dealing a proper share to each of a group
- diffusing more or less evenly
- referring singly and without exception to the members of a group
- each, either, and none are distributive
- being an operation (as multiplication in a(b c) ab ac) that produces the same result when operating on the whole mathematical expression as when operating on each part and collecting the results
- being or relating to a rule or property concerning a distributive operation
- the distributive property of multiplication with respect to addition
dis·trib·u·tor [di-'stri-byü-tər, -byə-] -n
- one that distributes
- one that markets a commodity
- wholesaler
- an apparatus for directing the secondary current from the induction coil to the various spark plugs of an engine in their proper firing order
dis·trict ['dis-(,)trikt] -n
- a territorial division (as for administrative or electoral purposes)
- the basic administrative unit for local government in Northern Ireland
- an area, region, or section with a distinguishing character
district -vt
- to divide or organize into districts
district attorney -n
- the prosecuting officer of a judicial district
district court -n
- a trial court that has jurisdiction over certain cases within a specific judicial district
dis·trust [(,)dis-'trəst] -n
- the lack or absence of trust
distrust -vt
- to have no trust or confidence in
dis·trust·ful [-'trəs(t)-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- having or showing distrust
dis·turb [di-'stərb] -vb, n, adv
- to interfere with : interrupt
- disturb ing the flow of traffic
- to alter the position or arrangement of
- the items on her desk had been disturb ed
- to upset the natural and esp. the ecological balance or relations of
- wetlands disturb ed by development
- to destroy the tranquillity or composure of
- the noisy lawnmower disturb ed their sleep
- to throw into disorder
- alarm
- to put to inconvenience
- sorry to disturb you at such a late hour
- to cause disturbance
dis·tur·bance [di-'stər-bən(t)s] -n
- the act of disturbing : the state of being disturbed
- a local variation from the average or normal wind conditions
dis·turbed -adj
- showing symptoms of emotional illness
di·sub·sti·tut·ed [(,)dī-'səb-stə-,tü-təd, -,tyü-] -adj
- having two substituent atoms or groups in a molecule
di·sul·fide [(,)dī-'səl-,fīd] -n
- a compound containing two atoms of sulfur combined with an element or radical
- an organic compound containing the divalent group SS composed of two sulfur atoms
di·sul·fi·ram [dī-'səl-fə-,ram] -n
- a compound C 10H 20N 2S 4that causes a severe physiological reaction to alcohol and is used esp. in the treatment of alcoholism
di·sul·fo·ton [dī-'səl-fə-,tän] -n
- a toxic organophosphorus systemic insecticide C 8H 19O 2PS 3
dis·union [(,)dis-'yü-nyən, dish-] -n
- the termination of union : separation
- disunity
dis·unite [(,)dis-yü-'nīt, -yə-, dish-] -vt
- divide, separate
dis·uni·ty [(,)dis-'yü-nə-tē, dish-] -n
- lack of unity
- dissension
dis·use [(,)dis-'yüz, dish-] -vt
- to discontinue the use or practice of
- cessation of use or practice
dis·used [-'yüzd] -adj
- no longer used or occupied : abandoned
dis·util·i·ty [(,)dis-yü-'ti-lə-tē, -yə-, dish-] -n
- the state or fact of being counterproductive
dis·val·ue [(,)dis-'val-(,)yü] -vt
- undervalue, depreciate
- to consider of little value
disvalue -n
- disregard, disesteem
- a negative value
di·syl·la·ble ['dī-,si-lə-bəl, (,)dī-'sil-; 'di-,sil-, (,)di(s)-'sil-] -n, adj
- a linguistic form consisting of two syllables
dit ['dit] -n
- a dot in radio or telegraphic code
ditch ['dich] -n
- a long narrow excavation dug in the earth (as for drainage)
- to enclose with a ditch
- to dig a ditch in
- to make a forced landing of (an airplane) on water
- to get rid of : discard
- to end association with : leave
- his girlfriend ditch ed him
- to dig a ditch
- to crash-land at sea
ditch·dig·ger [-,di-gər] -n
- one that digs ditches
- one employed at menial and usu. hard physical labor
dite ['dīt] -n
- mite, bit
dith·er ['di-thər] -vi, n
- shiver, tremble
- to act nervously or indecisively : vacillate
dither ['di-thə-rē] -n, adj
- a highly nervous, excited, or agitated state : excitement, confusion
di·thio·car·ba·mate [,dī-,thī-ō-'kär-bə-,māt] -n
- any of several sulfur analogs of the carbamates including some used as fungicides
dith·y·ramb ['di-thi-,ram(b)] -n, adj, adv
- a usu. short poem in an inspired wild irregular strain
- a statement or writing in an exalted or enthusiastic vein
di·tran·si·tive [,dī-'tran(t)-sə-tiv, -'tran-zə-] -adj, n
- able to take both a direct and an indirect object
dit·ta·ny ['di-tə-nē] -n
- a pink-flowered mint ( Origanum dictamnus) that is native to Crete
- a No. American mint ( Cunila origanoides) having purplish or white flowers
dit·to ['di-(,)tō] -n
- a thing mentioned previously or above used to avoid repeating a word often symbolized by inverted commas or apostrophes
- a ditto mark
ditto -adj
- having the same characteristics : similar
- as before or aforesaid : in the same manner
- to repeat the action or statement of
- to copy (as printed matter) on a duplicator
dit·ty ['di-tē] -n
- an esp. simple and unaffected song
ditty bag -n
- a bag used esp. by sailors to hold small articles (as needles and thread)
ditty box -n
- a box used for the same purpose as a ditty bag
ditz ['dits] -n
- a ditzy person
dit·zy ['dit-sē] -adj, n
- eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : dizzy
di·ure·sis [,dī-yə-'rē-səs] -n
- an increased excretion of urine
di·uret·ic [,dī-yə-'re-tik] -adj, n, adv
- tending to increase the excretion of urine
di·ur·nal [dī-'ər-nᵊl] -adj, adv
- recurring every day
- having a daily cycle
- of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime
- the city's diurnal noises
- active chiefly in the daytime
- opening during the day and closing at night
diurnal -n
- diary, daybook
- journal
di·u·ron ['dī-yə-,rän] -n
- a persistent herbicide C 9H 10Cl 2N 2O used esp. to control annual weeds
div -abbr
- divided
- dividend
- division
- divorced
di·va ['dē-və] -n
- prima donna
- prima donna
- a usu. glamorous and successful female performer or personality
- a popular female singer
di·va·gate ['dī-və-,gāt, 'di-] -vi, n
- to wander or stray from a course or subject : diverge, digress
di·va·lent [(,)dī-'vā-lənt] -adj
- having a chemical valence of two
- bonded to two other atoms or groups
di·van [di-'van, 'dī-,van, esp in senses 1, 2, & 4 also di-'vän, dī-'van] -n
- the privy council of the Ottoman Empire
- council
- a council chamber
- a large couch usu. without back or arms often designed for use as a bed
- a collection of poems in Persian or Arabic usu. by one author
di·var·i·cate [dī-'ver-ə-,kāt, də, -'va-rə-] -vt
- to spread apart : branch off : diverge
di·var·i·ca·tion [(,)dī-,ver-ə-'kā-shən, də-, -,va-rə-] -n
- the action, process, or fact of divaricating
- a divergence of opinion
dive ['dīv] -vb
- to plunge into water intentionally and esp. headfirst
- to execute a dive
- submerge
- to come or drop down precipitously : plunge
- the temperature is diving
- to plunge one's hand into something
- to descend in a dive
- to plunge into some matter or activity
- she dove into her studies
- to plunge or dash for some place
- to lunge esp. in order to seize something
- to thrust into something
- to cause to dive
- : the act or an instance of diving: as
- a plunge into water executed in a prescribed manner
- a submerging of a submarine
- a steep descent of an airplane at greater than the maximum horizontal speed
- a sharp decline
- a shabby and disreputable establishment (as a bar or nightclub)
- a faked knockout usu. used in the phrase take a dive
- an offensive play in football in which the ballcarrier plunges into the line for short yardage
divebomb ['dīv-,bäm] -vt, n
- to bomb from an airplane by making a steep dive toward the target before releasing the bomb
div·er ['dī-vər] -n
- one that dives
- a person who stays underwater for long periods by having air supplied from the surface or by carrying a supply of compressed air
- any of various birds that obtain food by diving in water
- loon
di·verge [də-'vərj, dī-] -vb
- to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart
- to become or be different in character or form : differ in opinion
- to turn aside from a path or course : deviate
- to be mathematically divergent
- deflect
di·ver·gence [-'vər-jən(t)s] -n
- a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)
- difference, disagreement
- the acquisition of dissimilar characters by related organisms in unlike environments
- a deviation from a course or standard
- the condition of being mathematically divergent
di·ver·gen·cy [-jən(t)-sē] -n
- divergence
di·ver·gent [-jənt] -adj, adv
- diverging from each other
- differing from each other or from a standard
- the divergent interests of capital and labor
- relating to or being an infinite sequence that does not have a limit or an infinite series whose partial sums do not have a limit
- causing divergence of rays
di·vers ['dī-vərz] -adj
- various
divers -pron, pl in constr
- an indefinite number more than one
- with divers of the leaves torn and stitched across -- Charles Dickens
di·verse [dī-'vərs, də-', 'dī-,] -adj, adv, n
- differing from one another : unlike
- people with diverse interests
- composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities
di·ver·si·fy [də-'vər-sə-,fī, dī-] -vb, n
- to make diverse : give variety to
- diversify a course of study
- to balance (as an investment portfolio) defensively by dividing funds among securities of different industries or of different classes
- to increase the variety of the products of
- to produce variety
- to engage in varied operations
di·ver·sion [də-'vər-zhən, dī-, -shən] -n
- the act or an instance of diverting from a course, activity, or use : deviation
- bad weather forced the diversion of several flights
- something that diverts or amuses : pastime
- an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation
- a temporary traffic detour
di·ver·sion·ary [də-'vər-zhə-,ner-ē, dī-, -shə-] -adj
- tending to draw attention away from the principal concern : being a diversion
di·ver·sion·ist [-zhə-nəst, -shə-] -n
- one engaged in diversionary activities
- one characterized by political deviation
di·ver·si·ty [də-'vər-sə-tē, dī-] -n
- the condition of being diverse : variety
- the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization
- programs intended to promote diversity in schools
- an instance of being diverse
di·vert [də-'vərt, dī-] -vb
- to turn aside : deviate
- studied law but divert ed to diplomacy
- to turn from one course or use to another : deflect
- divert traffic to a side street
- distract
- trying to divert her attention
- to give pleasure to esp. by distracting the attention from what burdens or distresses
di·ver·tic·u·li·tis [,dī-vər-,ti-kyə-'lī-təs] -n
- inflammation of a diverticulum
di·ver·tic·u·lo·sis [,dī-vər-,ti-kyə-'lō-səs] -n
- an intestinal disorder characterized by the presence of many diverticula
di·ver·tic·u·lum [,dī-vər-'ti-kyə-ləm] -n, adj
- an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow organ (as the intestine or bladder)
- a pocket or closed branch opening off a main passage
di·ver·ti·men·to [di-,vər-tə-'men-(,)tō, -,ver-] -n
- an instrumental chamber work in several movements usu. light in character
- divertissement
di·vert·ing [də-'vər-tiŋ, dī-] -adj, adv
- providing amusement or entertainment
di·ver·tisse·ment [di-'vər-təs-mənt, -təz-, F dē-ver-tē-smäⁿ] -n
- a dance sequence or short ballet usu. used as an interlude
- divertimento
- diversion, entertainment
Di·ves ['dī-(,)vēz] -n
- a rich man
di·vest [dī-'vest, də-] -vt, n
- to deprive or dispossess esp. of property, authority, or title
- to undress or strip esp. of clothing, ornament, or equipment
- rid, free
- to take away from a person
di·ves·ti·ture [dī-'ves-tə-,chu̇r, -chər, də-, chiefly Southern -t(y)u̇(ə)r] -n
- the act of divesting
- the compulsory transfer of title or disposal of interests (as stock in a corporation) upon government order
di·vide [də-'vīd] -vb, adj
- to separate into two or more parts, areas, or groups
- divide the city into wards
- to separate into classes, categories, or divisions
- divide history into epochs
- cleave, part
- a ship dividing the waves
- to separate into portions and give out in shares : distribute
- to possess, enjoy, or make use of in common
- apportion
- divide s her time between the office and home
- to cause to be separate, distinct, or apart from one another
- fields divided by stone walls
- to separate into opposing sides or parties
- the issues that divide us
- to cause (a parliamentary body) to vote by division
- to subject (a number or quantity) to the operation of finding how many times it contains another number or quantity
- to be used as a divisor with respect to (a dividend)
- to use as a divisor used with into
- to perform mathematical division
- to undergo replication, multiplication, fission, or separation into parts
- to branch out
- to become separated or disunited esp. in opinion or interest
divide -n
- an act of dividing
- a dividing ridge between drainage areas
- a point or line of division or disagreement
divided [də-'vī-dəd-lē] -adj, adv, n
- separated into parts or pieces
- cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib
- having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
- disagreeing with each other : disunited
- directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects
- separated by distance
- familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided -- James Joyce
div·i·dend ['di-və-,dend, -dənd] -n, adj
- : an individual share of something distributed: as
- a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockholders
- a share of surplus allocated to a policyholder in a participating insurance policy
- a resultant return or reward
- our efforts are finally paying dividend s
- bonus
- a number to be divided
- a sum or fund to be divided and distributed
di·vid·er [də-'vī-dər] -n
- one that divides
- an instrument for measuring or marking (as in dividing lines)
- something serving as a partition between separate spaces or areas
di·vidi·vi [,dē-vē-'dē-vē, ,di-vē-'di-vē] -n
- a small tropical American tree ( Caesalpinia coriaria) of the legume family with twisted astringent pods that contain a large proportion of tannin
div·i·na·tion [,di-və-'nā-shən] -n, adj
- the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usu. by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
- unusual insight : intuitive perception
di·vine [də-'vīn] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God or a god
- being a deity
- directed to a deity
- supremely good : superb
- heavenly, godlike
divine -n
- clergyman
- theologian
- to discover by intuition or insight : infer
- to discover or locate (as water or minerals underground) usu. by means of a divining rod
- to practice divination : prophesy
- to perceive intuitively
Divine Liturgy -n
- the eucharistic rite of Eastern churches
Divine Office -n
- the office for the canonical hours of prayer that priests and religious say daily
di·vin·er [də-'vī-nər] -n
- a person who practices divination : soothsayer
- a person who divines the location of water or minerals
divine right -n
- the right of a sovereign to rule as set forth by the theory of government that holds that a monarch receives the right to rule directly from God and not from the people
divine service -n
- a service of Christian worship
- such a service that is not sacramental in character
diving beetle -n
- any of various predatory aquatic beetles (family Dytiscidae) that breathe while submerged using air trapped under their elytra
diving bell -n
- a diving apparatus consisting of a container open only at the bottom and supplied with compressed air by a hose
diving board -n
- springboard
diving duck -n
- any of various ducks (as a bufflehead) that frequent deep waters and obtain their food by diving
diving suit -n
- a waterproof suit with a removable helmet that is worn by a diver who is supplied with air pumped through a tube
divining rod -n
- a forked rod believed to indicate the presence of water or minerals esp. by dipping downward when held over a vein
di·vin·i·ty [də-'vi-nə-tē] -n
- theology
- the quality or state of being divine
- : a divine being: as
- god
- god
- goddess
- fudge made of whipped egg whites, sugar, and nuts
divinity school -n
- a professional school having a religious curriculum esp. for ministerial candidates
di·vis·i·ble [də-'vi-zə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being divided
di·vi·sion [də-'vi-zhən] -n, adj
- the act or process of dividing : the state of being divided
- the act, process, or an instance of distributing among a number : distribution
- a method of arranging or disposing (as troops)
- one of the parts or groupings into which a whole is divided or is divisible
- the condition or an instance of being divided in opinion or interest : disagreement, disunity
- exploited the division s between the two countries
- something that divides, separates, or marks off
- the act, process, or an instance of separating or keeping apart : separation
- the mathematical operation of dividing something
- a self-contained major military unit capable of independent action
- a tactical military unit composed of headquarters and usu. three to five brigades
- the basic naval administrative unit
- a tactical subdivision of a squadron of ships
- a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a wing and lower than an air force
- a portion of a territorial unit marked off for a particular purpose (as administrative or judicial functions)
- an administrative or operating unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization
- the physical separation into different lobbies of the members of a parliamentary body voting for and against a question
- plant propagation by dividing parts and planting segments capable of producing roots and shoots
- a group of organisms forming part of a larger group
- a primary category of the plant kingdom in biological taxonomy that is typically equivalent to a phylum
- a competitive class or category (as in boxing or wrestling)
di·vi·sion·ism [-'vi-zhə-,ni-zəm] -n, n or adj
- pointillism
division of labor
- the breakdown of labor into its components and their distribution among different persons, groups, or machines to increase productive efficiency
division sign -n
- the symbol used to indicate division
- the slash / used to indicate a fraction
di·vi·sive [də-'vī-siv also -'vi- or -ziv] -adj, adv, n
- creating disunity or dissension
di·vi·sor [də-'vī-zər] -n
- the number by which a dividend is divided
di·vorce [də-'vȯrs also dī-] -n
- the action or an instance of legally dissolving a marriage
- separation, severance
- divorce of the secular and the spiritual
divorce [-'vȯr-smənt] -vb, n
- to end marriage with (one's spouse) by divorce
- to dissolve the marriage contract between
- they were divorced last year
- to make or keep separate : separate
- divorce church from state
- to obtain a divorce
di·vor·ce [də-,vȯr-'sā, -'sē, -'vȯr-,] -n
- a divorced man
di·vor·cee [də-,vȯr-'sā, -'sē, -'vȯr-,] -n
- a divorced woman
div·ot ['di-vət] -n
- a square of turf or sod
- a loose piece of turf (as one dug from a golf fairway in making a shot)
di·vulge [də-'vəlj, dī-] -vt, n
- to make public : proclaim
- to make known (as a confidence or secret)
div·vy ['di-vē] -vt
- divide, share usu. used with up
Dix·ie ['dik-sē] -trademark
- used for a paper cup
Dix·ie·crat [-,krat] -n, adj
- a dissident Southern Democrat
- a supporter of a 1948 presidential ticket opposing the civil rights stand of the Democrats
Dix·ie·land [-,land] -n
- jazz music in duple time usu. played by a small band and characterized by ensemble and solo improvisation
DIY [,dē-(,)ī-'wī] -n
- do-it-yourself
di·zen ['dī-zᵊn, 'di-] -vt
- bedizen
di·zy·got·ic [,dī-(,)zī-'gä-tik] -adj
- fraternal
diz·zy ['di-zē] -adj, adv, n
- foolish, silly
- having a whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to fall
- mentally confused
- causing giddiness or mental confusion
- caused by or marked by giddiness
- extremely rapid
- prices climbing at a dizzy rate
dizzy [-zē-iŋ-lē] -vt, adv
- to make dizzy or giddy
- bewilder
- disasters that dizzy the mind