ac -abbr
- account
- acre
- before meals
Ac -abbr
- altocumulus
- actinium
AC -abbr
- air-conditioning
- alternating current
- before Christ
- area code
- athletic club
aca·cia [ə-'kā-shə] -n
- gum arabic
- any of a large genus ( Acacia) of leguminous shrubs and trees of warm regions with leaves pinnate or reduced to phyllodes and white or yellow flower clusters
acad -abbr
- academic; academy
ac·a·deme ['a-kə-,dēm, ,a-kə-'] -n
- a place of instruction
- the academic life, community, or world
- academic
- pedant
ac·a·de·mia [,a-kə-'dē-mē-ə] -n
- academe
ac·a·dem·ic [,a-kə-'de-mik] -n
- a member of an institution of learning
- a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods
- academic subjects
- has no interest in academic s
academic [-mi-kəl] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school esp. of higher learning
- of or relating to performance in academic courses
- very learned but inexperienced in practical matters
- based on formal study esp. at an institution of higher learning
- of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies
- theoretical, speculative
- having no practical or useful significance
- conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy : conventional
academic freedom -n
- freedom to teach or to learn without interference (as by government officials)
ac·a·de·mi·cian [,a-kə-də-'mi-shən, ə-,ka-də-] -n
- a member of an academy for promoting science, art, or literature
- a follower of an artistic or philosophical tradition or a promoter of its ideas
- academic
ac·a·dem·i·cism [,a-kə-'de-mə-,si-zəm] -n
- the doctrines of Plato's Academy
- the skeptical doctrines of the later Academy holding that nothing can be known
- a formal academic quality (as in art or music)
- purely speculative thoughts and attitudes
academic year -n
- the annual period of sessions of an educational institution usu. beginning in September and ending in June
acad·e·my [ə-'ka-də-mē] -n
- a school usu. above the elementary level
- a private high school
- a high school or college in which special subjects or skills are taught
- higher education used with the
- the functions of the academy in modern society
- the school for advanced education founded by Plato
- the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy
- a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature
- a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field
Aca·di·an [ə-'kā-dē-ən, a-] -n, adj
- a native or inhabitant of Acadia
- a descendant of the French-speaking inhabitants of Acadia expelled after the French loss of the colony in 1755
- cajun
acai [,ä-,sä-'ē, -sī-'ē] -n
- a small dark purple fleshy berrylike fruit of a tall slender palm ( Euterpe oleracea) of tropical Central and South America that is often used in beverages
- the palm
acan·tho·ceph·a·lan [ə-,kan(t)-thə-'se-fə-lən] -n, adj
- spiny-headed worm
acan·thus [ə-'kan(t)-thəs] -n
- any of a genus ( Acanthusof the family Acanthaceae, the acanthus family) of prickly perennial herbs chiefly of the Mediterranean region
- an ornamentation (as in a Corinthian capital) representing or suggesting the leaves of the acanthus
ac·a·ri·a·sis [,a-kə-'rī-ə-səs] -n
- infestation with or disease caused by mites
acar·i·cide [ə-'ker-ə-,sīd, -'ka-rə-] -n, adj
- a pesticide that kills mites and ticks
ac·a·rid ['a-kə-rəd] -n, adj
- any of an order (Acari syn. Acarina) of arachnids including the mites and ticks
ac·a·rus ['a-kə-rəs] -n
- mite
- one of a formerly extensive genus ( Acarus)
acat·a·lec·tic [(,)ā-,ka-tə-'lek-tik] -adj, n
- not catalectic
acau·les·cent [,ā-kȯ-'le-sᵊnt] -adj
- having no stem or appearing to have none
acc -abbr
- accusative
ac·cede [ak-'sēd, ik-] -vi
- to become a party (as to an agreement)
- to express approval or give consent : give in to a request or demand
- approach
- to enter upon an office or position
accel -abbr
- accelerando
ac·ce·le·ran·do [(,)ä-,che-lə-'rän-(,)dō; ik-,se-, (,)ak-] -adv or adj
- gradually faster used as a direction in music
accelerando -n
- a gradual increase in tempo
ac·cel·er·ant [ik-'se-lə-rənt, ak-] -n
- a substance used to accelerate a process (as the spreading of a fire)
ac·cel·er·ate [-lə-,rāt] -vb, adv
- to bring about at an earlier time
- accelerate their departure
- to cause to move faster
- to cause to undergo acceleration
- to hasten the progress or development of
- increase
- accelerate food production
- to enable (a student) to complete a course in less than usual time
- to speed up (as a course of study)
- to move faster : gain speed
- the car slowly accelerated
- grow, increase
- inflation was accelerating
- to follow an accelerated educational program
ac·cel·er·a·tion [ik-,se-lə-'rā-shən, (,)ak-] -n
- the act or process of accelerating : the state of being accelerated
- the rate of change of velocity with respect to time
- change of velocity
acceleration of gravity
- the acceleration of a body in free fall under the influence of earth's gravity expressed as the rate of increase of velocity per unit of time and assigned the standard value of 980.665 centimeters per second per second called also g
acceleration principle -n
- a theory in economics: an increase or decrease in income induces a corresponding but magnified change in investment
ac·cel·er·a·tive [ik-'se-lə-,rā-tiv, ak-] -adj
- of, relating to, or tending to cause acceleration : accelerating
ac·cel·er·a·tor [ik-'se-lə-,rā-tər, ak-] -n
- : one that accelerates: as
- a muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action
- a device (as a pedal) for controlling the speed of a motor vehicle engine
- a substance that speeds a chemical reaction
- an apparatus for imparting high velocities to charged particles (as electrons)
- an item of computer hardware that increases the speed at which a program or function operates
ac·cel·er·om·e·ter [ik-,se-lə-'rä-mə-tər, ak-] -n
- an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations
ac·cent ['ak-,sent, ak-'] -vt
- to pronounce with accent : stress
- to mark with a written or printed accent
- to give prominence to : make more prominent
- an articulative effort giving prominence to one syllable over adjacent syllables
- the prominence thus given a syllable
- : a distinctive manner of expression: as
- an individual's distinctive or characteristic inflection, tone, or choice of words usu. used in pl.
- a way of speaking typical of a particular group of people and esp. of the natives or residents of a region
- rhythmically significant stress on the syllables of a verse usu. at regular intervals
- utterance
- a mark (as , , ) used in writing or printing to indicate a specific sound value, stress, or pitch, to distinguish words otherwise identically spelled, or to indicate that an ordinarily mute vowel should be pronounced
- an accented letter
- greater stress given to one musical tone than to its neighbors
- accent mark
- emphasis laid on a part of an artistic design or composition
- an emphasized detail or area
- a small detail in sharp contrast with its surroundings
- a substance or object used for emphasis
- : a mark placed to the right of a letter or number and usu. slightly above it: as
- a double prime
- prime
- special concern or attention : emphasis
accent mark -n
- accent
- accent
- a symbol used to indicate musical stress
- a mark placed after a letter designating a note of music to indicate in which octave the note occurs
ac·cen·tu·al [ak-'sen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl, ik-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or characterized by accent
- based on accent rather than on quantity or syllabic recurrence
ac·cen·tu·ate [ik-'sen(t)-shə-,wāt, ak-] -vt, n
- accent, emphasize
- intensify
- accentuate s the feeling of despair
ac·cept [ik-'sept, ak- also ek-] -vb, adv, n
- to receive willingly
- to be able or designed to take or hold (something applied or added)
- a surface that will not accept ink
- to give admittance or approval to
- accept her as one of the group
- to endure without protest or reaction
- accept poor living conditions
- to regard as proper, normal, or inevitable
- the idea is widely accept ed
- to recognize as true : believe
- refused to accept the explanation
- to make a favorable response to
- to agree to undertake (a responsibility)
- to assume an obligation to pay
- to take in payment
- we don't accept personal checks
- to receive (a legislative report) officially
- to receive favorably something offered usu. used with of
- a heart more disposed to accept of his -- Jane Austen
ac·cept·able [ik-'sep-tə-bəl, ak- also ek-] -adj, n, adv
- capable or worthy of being accepted
- no compromise would be acceptable
- welcome, pleasing
- compliments are always acceptable
- barely satisfactory or adequate
- performances varied from excellent to acceptable
ac·cep·tance [ik-'sep-tən(t)s, ak-] -n
- an agreeing either expressly or by conduct to the act or offer of another so that a contract is concluded and the parties become legally bound
- the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable
- the act of accepting : the fact of being accepted : approval
- the act of accepting a time draft or bill of exchange for payment when due according to the specified terms
- an accepted draft or bill of exchange
- acceptation
ac·cep·tant [-tənt] -adj
- willing to accept : receptive
ac·cep·ta·tion [,ak-,sep-'tā-shən] -n
- acceptance
- favorable reception or approval
- a generally accepted meaning of a word or understanding of a concept
ac·cept·ed -adj, adv
- generally approved or used
ac·cept·er [ik-'sep-tər, ak-] -n
- one that accepts
- acceptor
ac·cep·tive [ak-'sep-tiv] -adj
- acceptable
- receptive
ac·cep·tor [ik-'sep-tər, ak-] -n
- accepter
- one that accepts an order or a bill of exchange
- an atom, molecule, or subatomic particle capable of receiving another entity (as an electron) esp. to form a compound
ac·cess ['ak-,ses also ik-'ses] -n
- onset
- a fit of intense feeling : outburst
- permission, liberty, or ability to enter, approach, or pass to and from a place or to approach or communicate with a person or thing
- freedom or ability to obtain or make use of something
- a way or means of access
- the act or an instance of accessing
- an increase by addition
- a sudden access of wealth
access -vt
- to get at : gain access to
- access ed the computer by phone
ac·ces·si·ble [ik-'se-sə-bəl, ak-, ek-] -adj, n, adv
- providing access
- capable of being reached
- being within reach
- fashions at accessible prices
- easy to communicate or deal with
- capable of being influenced : open
- capable of being used or seen : available
- the collection is not currently accessible
- capable of being understood or appreciated
- the author's most accessible stories
ac·ces·sion [ik-'se-shən, ak-] -n, adj
- increase by something added
- acquisition of additional property (as by growth or increase of existing property)
- something added : acquisition
- the act of assenting or agreeing
- the act of becoming joined : adherence
- the act by which one nation becomes party to an agreement already in force between other powers
- an act of coming near or to : approach, admittance
- the act of coming to high office or a position of honor or power
- a sudden fit or outburst : access
accession -vt
- to record in order of acquisition
ac·ces·so·ri·al [,ak-sə-'sȯr-ē-əl] -adj
- of or relating to an accessory
- of, relating to, or constituting an accession : supplementary
ac·ces·so·rise [ik-'se-sə-,rīz, ak-] -vb
(variant of accessorize)
- to furnish with accessories
- to wear clothing accessories
ac·ces·so·rize [ik-'se-sə-,rīz, ak-] -vb
- to furnish with accessories
- to wear clothing accessories
ac·ces·so·ry [ik-'se-sə-rē, ak-, ek-, -'ses-rē, also ə-'se-] -n
- a person not actually or constructively present but contributing as an assistant or instigator to the commission of an offense called also accessory before the fact
- a person who knowing that a crime has been committed aids or shelters the offender with intent to defeat justice called also accessory after the fact
- a thing of secondary or subordinate importance : adjunct
- an object or device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else
accessory -adj
- assisting as a subordinate
- contributing to a crime but not as the chief agent
- aiding or contributing in a secondary way : supplementary
- present in a minor amount and not essential as a constituent
- an accessory mineral in a rock
accessory fruit -n
- a fruit (as the apple) of which a conspicuous part consists of tissue other than that of the ripened ovary
accessory nerve -n
- either of a pair of motor nerves that are the 11th cranial nerves of higher vertebrates, arise from the medulla and the upper part of the spinal cord, and supply chiefly the pharynx and muscles of the upper chest, back, and shoulders
access time -n
- the time lag between the time stored information (as in a computer) is requested and the time it is delivered
ac·ciac·ca·tu·ra [(,)ä-,chä-kə-'tu̇r-ə] -n
- a discordant note sounded with a principal note or chord and immediately released
ac·ci·dence ['ak-sə-dən(t)s, -,den(t)s] -n
- a part of grammar that deals with inflections
ac·ci·dent ['ak-sə-dənt, -,dent; 'aks-dənt] -n
- an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance
- lack of intention or necessity : chance
- met by accident rather than by design
- an unfortunate event resulting esp. from carelessness or ignorance
- an unexpected and medically important bodily event esp. when injurious
- a cerebrovascular accident
- an unexpected happening causing loss or injury which is not due to any fault or misconduct on the part of the person injured but for which legal relief may be sought
- used euphemistically to refer to an involuntary act or instance of urination or defecation
- a nonessential property or quality of an entity or circumstance
- the accident of nationality
ac·ci·den·tal [,ak-sə-'den-tᵊl] -adj, adv, n
- arising from extrinsic causes : incidental, nonessential
- occurring unexpectedly or by chance
- happening without intent or through carelessness and often with unfortunate results
accidental -n
- a nonessential property
- a note foreign to a key indicated by a signature
- a prefixed sign indicating an accidental
accident insurance -n
- insurance against loss through accidental bodily injury to the insured
accidentprone -adj
- having a greater than average number of accidents
- having personality traits that predispose to accidents
ac·cid·ie ['ak-sə-dē] -n
- acedia
ac·cip·i·ter [ak-'si-pə-tər, ik-] -n, adj or n
- any of a genus ( Accipiter) of medium-sized forest-inhabiting hawks that have short broad wings and a long tail and a characteristic flight pattern of several quick flaps and a glide
ac·claim [ə-'klām] -vb, n
- applaud, praise
- to declare by acclamation
- to shout praise or applause
acclaim -n
- the act of acclaiming
- praise, applause
ac·cla·ma·tion [,a-klə-'mā-shən] -n
- a loud eager expression of approval, praise, or assent
- an overwhelming affirmative vote by cheers, shouts, or applause rather than by ballot
ac·cli·mate ['a-klə-,māt; ə-'klī-mət, -,māt] -vb
- to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation
- to become acclimated
ac·cli·ma·tion [,a-klə-'mā-shən, -,klī-] -n
- the process or result of acclimating
- physiological adjustment by an organism to environmental change
ac·cli·ma·tise [ə-'klī-mə-,tīz] -vb, n
(variant of acclimatize)
- acclimate
ac·cli·ma·tize [ə-'klī-mə-,tīz] -vb, n
- acclimate
ac·cliv·i·ty [ə-'kli-və-tē, a-] -n
- an ascending slope (as of a hill)
ac·co·lade ['a-kə-,lād, -,läd] -n
- a ceremonial embrace
- a ceremony or salute conferring knighthood
- a mark of acknowledgment : award
- an expression of praise
- a brace or a line used in music to join two or more staffs carrying simultaneous parts
ac·com·mo·date [ə-'kä-mə-,dāt] -vb, adj, n
- to make fit, suitable, or congruous
- to bring into agreement or concord : reconcile
- to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service, a loan, or lodgings)
- to make room for
- to hold without crowding or inconvenience
- to give consideration to : allow for
- accommodate the special interests of various groups
- to adapt oneself
- to undergo visual accommodation
ac·com·mo·dat·ing [-,dā-tiŋ-lē] -adj, adv
- willing to please : helpful, obliging
ac·com·mo·da·tion [ə-,kä-mə-'dā-shən] -n, adj
- : something supplied for convenience or to satisfy a need: as
- lodging, food, and services or traveling space and related services usu. used in pl.
- tourist accommodation s on the boat
- overnight accommodation s
- a public conveyance (as a train) that stops at all or nearly all points
- loan
- : the act of accommodating : the state of being accommodated: as
- the providing of what is needed or desired for convenience
- adaptation, adjustment
- a reconciliation of differences : settlement
- the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances effected chiefly by changes in the convexity of the crystalline lens
- the range over which such adjustment is possible
ac·com·mo·da·tion·ist [-'dā-sh(ə-)nist] -n
- one who adapts to or compromises with an opposing view
- a black who adapts to the ideals or attitudes of whites
accommodationist -adj
- favoring or practicing accommodation or compromise
accommodation ladder -n
- a light ladder or stairway hung over the side of a ship for ascending from or descending to small boats
ac·com·pa·ni·ment [ə-'kəm-pə-nē-mənt, -'kəmp-nē-] -n, adj
- an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody
- an addition (as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry : complement
- an accompanying situation or occurrence : concomitant
ac·com·pa·nist [ə-'kəmp-nist, -'kəm-pə-] -n
- one (as a pianist) who plays an accompaniment
ac·com·pa·ny [ə-'kəmp-nē, -'kämp-; -'kəm-pə-, -'käm-] -vb
- to go with as an associate or companion
- to perform an accompaniment to or for
- to cause to be in association
- accompanied their advice with a warning
- to be in association with
- the pictures that accompany the text
- to perform an accompaniment
ac·com·plice [ə-'käm-pləs, -'kəm-] -n
- one associated with another esp. in wrongdoing
ac·com·plish [ə-'käm-plish, -'kəm-] -vt, adj, n
- to bring about (a result) by effort
- have much to accomplish today
- to bring to completion : fulfill
- we can accomplish the job in an hour
- to succeed in reaching (a stage in a progression)
- would starve before accomplish ing half the distance -- W. H. Hudson 1922
- to equip thoroughly
- perfect
ac·com·plished -adj
- proficient as the result of practice or training
- skillfully done or produced
- having many social accomplishments
- established beyond doubt or dispute
ac·com·plish·ment [ə-'käm-plish-mənt, -'kəm-] -n
- the act of accomplishing : completion
- something that has been accomplished : achievement
- a quality or ability equipping one for society
- a special skill or ability acquired by training or practice
ac·cord [ə-'kȯrd] -vb
- to bring into agreement : reconcile
- to grant or give esp. as appropriate, due, or earned
- to arrive at an agreement
- to give consent
- to be consistent or in harmony : agree usu. used with with
- a theory that accord s with the known facts
accord -n
- agreement, conformity
- acted in accord with the company's policy
- a formal reaching of agreement : compact, treaty
- balanced interrelationship : harmony
- assent
- voluntary or spontaneous impulse to act
- gave generously of their own accord
ac·cor·dance [ə-'kȯr-dᵊn(t)s] -n
- agreement, conformity
- in accordance with a rule
- the act of granting
ac·cor·dant [-dᵊnt] -adj, adv
- consonant, agreeing
- harmonious, correspondent
according as -conj
- in accord with the way in which
- depending on how
- depending on whether : if
ac·cord·ing·ly [ə-'kȯr-diŋ-lē] -adv
- in accordance : correspondingly
- consequently, so
according to -prep
- in conformity with
- as stated or attested by
- depending on
ac·cor·di·on [ə-'kȯr-dē-ən] -n
- a portable keyboard wind instrument in which the wind is forced past free reeds by means of a hand-operated bellows
accordion -adj
- folding or creased or hinged to fold like an accordion
ac·cost [ə-'kȯst, -'käst] -vt
- to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way
ac·couche·ment [,a-,küsh-'mäⁿ, ə-'küsh-,] -n
- the time or act of giving birth
ac·cou·cheur [,a-,kü-'shər] -n
- one that assists at a birth
- obstetrician
ac·count [ə-'kau̇nt] -n
- reckoning, computation
- a record of debit and credit entries to cover transactions involving a particular item or a particular person or concern
- a statement of transactions during a fiscal period and the resulting balance
- a statement explaining one's conduct
- a statement or exposition of reasons, causes, or motives
- no satisfactory account of these phenomena
- a reason for an action : basis
- on that account I must refuse
- a formal business arrangement providing for regular dealings or services (as banking, advertising, or store credit) and involving the establishment and maintenance of an account
- client, customer
- money deposited in a bank account and subject to withdrawal by the depositor
- value, importance
- esteem
- stood high in their account
- advantage
- turned her wit to good account
- careful thought : consideration
- have to take many things into account
- a usu. mental record : track
- keep account of all you do
- a description of facts, conditions, or events : report, narrative
- the newspaper account of the fire
- by all account s they're well-off
- performance
- a straightforward account of the sonata
account -vb
- to think of as : consider
- to probe into : analyze
- to furnish a justifying analysis or explanation used with for
- couldn't account for the loss
- to be the sole or primary factor used with for
- the pitcher account ed for all three putouts
- to bring about the capture, death, or destruction of something used with for
- account ed for two rabbits
ac·count·abil·i·ty [ə-,kau̇n-tə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being accountable
- an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
- public officials lacking accountability
ac·count·able [ə-'kau̇n-tə-bəl] -adj, n, adv
- subject to giving an account : answerable
- held her accountable for the damage
- capable of being accounted for : explainable
ac·coun·tan·cy [ə-'kau̇n-tᵊn(t)-sē] -n
- the profession or practice of accounting
ac·coun·tant [ə-'kau̇n-tᵊnt] -n
- one that gives an account or is accountable
- one who is skilled in the practice of accounting or who is in charge of public or private accounts
accountant -adj
- accountable, answerable
- I stand accountant for as great a sin -- Shak.
account executive -n
- a business executive (as in an advertising agency) responsible for dealing with a client's account
ac·count·ing [ə-'kau̇n-tiŋ] -n
- the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions and analyzing, verifying, and reporting the results
- the principles and procedures of accounting
- work done in accounting or by accountants
- an instance of applied accounting or of the settling or presenting of accounts
- account
account payable -n
- the balance due to a creditor on a current account
account receivable -n
- a balance due from a debtor on a current account
ac·cou·tre [ə-'kü-tər] -vt
- to provide with equipment or furnishings : outfit
ac·cou·tre·ment [ə-'kü-trə-mənt, -'kü-tər-mənt] -n
- equipment, trappings
- a soldier's outfit usu. not including clothes and weapons usu. used in pl.
- an accessory item of clothing or equipment usu. used in pl.
- the act of accoutring
- an identifying and often superficial characteristic or device usu. used in pl.
- accoutrement s of power that define our diplomacy -- Elizabeth Drew
ac·cred·it [ə-'kre-dət] -vt, adj, n
- : to give official authorization to or approval of:
- to provide with credentials
- to send (an envoy) with letters of authorization
- to recognize or vouch for as conforming with a standard
- to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice
- to consider or recognize as outstanding
- attribute, credit
ac·crete [ə-'krēt] -vb
- to grow or become attached by accretion
- to cause to adhere or become attached
- accumulate
ac·cre·tion [ə-'krē-shən] -n, adj
- : the process of growth or enlargement by a gradual buildup: as
- increase by external addition or accumulation (as by adhesion of external parts or particles)
- the increase of land by the action of natural forces
- a product of accretion
- an extraneous addition
accretion disk -n
- a disk of usu. gaseous matter surrounding a massive celestial object (as a black hole) in which the matter gradually spirals in toward and accretes onto the object as a result of gravitational attraction
ac·cru·al [ə-'krü-əl] -n
- the action or process of accruing
- something that accrues or has accrued
accrual -adj
- relating to or being a method of accounting that recognizes income when earned and expenses when incurred regardless of when cash is received or disbursed
ac·crue [ə-'krü] -vb, adj, n
- to come into existence as a legally enforceable claim
- to come about as a natural growth, increase, or advantage
- the wisdom that accrue s with age
- to come as a direct result of some state or action
- rewards due to the feminine will accrue to me -- Germaine Greer
- to accumulate or be added periodically
- interest accrue s on a daily basis
- to accumulate or have due after a period of time
acct -abbr
- account; accountant
ac·cul·tur·ate [ə-'kəl-chə-,rāt, a-] -vt
- to change through acculturation
ac·cul·tur·a·tion [ə-,kəl-chə-'rā-shən, a-] -n, adj
- cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture
- a merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact
- the process by which a human being acquires the culture of a particular society from infancy
ac·cu·mu·late [ə-'kyü-m(y)ə-,lāt] -vb
- to gather or pile up esp. little by little : amass
- to increase gradually in quantity or number
ac·cu·mu·la·tion [ə-,kyü-m(y)ə-'lā-shən] -n
- something that has accumulated or has been accumulated
- the action or process of accumulating : the state of being or having accumulated
- increase or growth by addition esp. when continuous or repeated
ac·cu·mu·la·tive [ə-'kyü-m(y)ə-,lā-tiv, -lə-] -adj, adv, n
- cumulative
- an age of rapid and accumulative change
- tending or given to accumulation
ac·cu·mu·la·tor [ə-'kyü-m(y)ə-,lā-tər] -n
- : one that accumulates: as
- a device (as in a hydraulic system) in which a fluid is collected and esp. in which it is kept under pressure as a means of storing energy
- storage battery
- a part (as in a computer) where numbers are totaled or stored
ac·cu·ra·cy ['a-kyə-rə-sē, 'a-k(ə-)rə-] -n
- freedom from mistake or error : correctness
- conformity to truth or to a standard or model : exactness
- degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or a true value
ac·cu·rate ['a-kyə-rət, 'a-k(ə-)rət] -adj, adv, n
- free from error esp. as the result of care
- conforming exactly to truth or to a standard : exact
- able to give an accurate result
ac·cursed [ə-'kərst, -'kər-səd] -adj, adv, n
- being under or as if under a curse
- damnable
accus -abbr
- accusative
ac·cus·al [ə-'kyü-zəl] -n
- accusation
ac·cu·sa·tion [,a-kyə-'zā-shən, -(,)kyü-] -n
- the act of accusing : the state or fact of being accused
- a charge of wrongdoing
ac·cu·sa·tive [ə-'kyü-zə-tiv] -adj
- of, relating to, or being the grammatical case that marks the direct object of a verb or the object of any of several prepositions
- accusatory
accusative -n
- the accusative case of a language : a form in the accusative case
ac·cu·sa·to·ry [ə-'kyü-zə-,tȯr-ē] -adj
- containing or expressing accusation : accusing
ac·cuse [ə-'kyüz] -vb, n, adv
- to charge with a fault or offense : blame
- to charge with an offense judicially or by a public process
- to bring an accusation
ac·cused -n
- one charged with an offense
- the defendant in a criminal case
ac·cus·tom [ə-'kəs-təm] -vt, n
- to make familiar with something through use or experience
ac·cus·tomed [ə-'kəs-təmd] -adj, n
- often used or practiced : customary
- her accustomed cheerfulness
- adapted to existing conditions
- eyes accustomed to the dark
- being in the habit or custom
AC/DC ['ā-(,)sē-'dē-(,)sē] -adj
- bisexual
ace ['ās] -n
- a die face marked with one spot
- a playing card marked in its center with one pip
- a domino end marked with one spot
- a very small amount or degree : particle
- a point scored esp. on a service (as in tennis or handball) that an opponent fails to touch
- a golf score of one stroke on a hole
- a hole made in one stroke
- a combat pilot who has brought down at least five enemy airplanes
- a person who excels at something
- the best pitcher on a baseball team
- to score an ace against (an opponent)
- to make (a hole in golf) in one stroke
- to gain a decisive advantage over : defeat usu. used with out
- to earn a high grade on (as an examination)
- to get an A on
- to perform extremely well in
- of first or high rank or quality
ACE -abbr
- American Council on Education
ace·dia [ə-'sē-dē-ə] -n
- apathy, boredom
ACE inhibitor [,ā-(,)sē-'ē-; 'ās-] -n
- any of a group of antihypertensive drugs (as captopril) that relax arteries and promote renal excretion of salt and water by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme
Acel·da·ma [ə-'sel-də-mə] -n
- the potter's field bought with the money Judas had been paid for betraying Christ
acel·lu·lar [(,)ā-'sel-yə-lər] -adj
- containing no cells
- not divided into cells : consisting of a single complex cell used esp. of protozoa and ciliates
acen·tric [(,)ā-'sen-trik] -adj
- lacking a centromere
aceph·a·lous [(,)ā-'se-fə-ləs, ə-'se-] -adj
- lacking a head or having the head reduced
- lacking a governing head or chief
ace·quia [ə-'sā-kē-ə, ä-] -n
- an irrigation ditch or canal
acerb [ə-'sərb, a-] -adj
- acerbic
ac·er·bate ['a-sər-,bāt] -vt
- irritate, exasperate
acer·bic [ə-'sər-bik, a-] -adj, adv
- acid in temper, mood, or tone
acer·bi·ty [-bə-tē] -n
- the quality of being acerbic
ac·er·o·la [,a-sə-'rō-lə] -n
- any of various West Indian shrubs (genus Malpighiaof the family Malpighiaceae) with mildly acid cherrylike fruits very rich in vitamin C
ace·sul·fameK ['ā-sē-,səl-,fām-'kā] -n
- a white crystalline powder C 4H 4KNO 4S that is a cyclic organic potassium salt, has a sweetness much more intense than sucrose, and is used as a noncaloric sweetener in foods and beverages called also acesulfame potassium
acet- -comb form
- acetic acid : acetic
ac·e·tab·u·lum [-'ta-byə-ləm] -n, adj
- a ventral sucker of a trematode
- the cup-shaped socket in the hipbone
ac·e·tal ['a-sə-,tal] -n
- any of various compounds characterized by the grouping C(OR) 2and obtained esp. by heating aldehydes or ketones with alcohols
ac·et·al·de·hyde [,a-sə-'tal-də-,hīd] -n
- a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde C 2H 4O used chiefly in organic synthesis
acet·amide [ə-'se-tə-,mīd, ,a-sə-'ta-,mīd] -n
- a white crystalline amide C 2H 5NO of acetic acid used esp. as a solvent and in organic synthesis
acet·amin·o·phen [ə-,sē-tə-'mi-nə-fən, ,a-sə-tə-] -n
- a crystalline compound C 8H 9NO 2that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine to relieve pain and fever
ac·et·an·i·lide [,a-sə-'ta-nə-,līd, -ləd] -n
- a white crystalline compound C 8H 9NO that is derived from aniline and acetic acid and is used esp. to relieve pain or fever
ac·e·tate ['a-sə-,tāt] -n
- a salt or ester of acetic acid
- cellulose acetate
- something (as a textile fiber) made from cellulose acetate
- a phonograph recording disk made of an acetate or coated with cellulose acetate
ac·et·azol·amide [,a-sə-tə-'zō-lə-,mīd, -'zä-, -məd] -n
- a diuretic drug C 4H 6N 4O 3S 2used esp. in the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure and of glaucoma and in the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness
ace·tic acid [ə-'sē-tik-] -n
- a colorless pungent liquid acid C 2H 4O 2that is the chief acid of vinegar and that is used esp. in synthesis (as of plastics)
acetic anhydride -n
- a colorless liquid C 4H 6O 3with a pungent odor used in organic synthesis (as of cellulose acetate and aspirin)
ace·ti·fy [ə-'sē-tə-,fī, -'se-] -vt, n
- to turn into acetic acid or vinegar
ace·to·ace·tic acid [,a-sə-(,)tō-ə-'sē-tik-, ə-,sē-tō-] -n
- an unstable acid C 4H 6O 3that is a ketone body found in abnormal quantities in the blood and urine in some conditions (as diabetes)
ac·e·tone ['a-sə-,tōn] -n, adj
- a volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone C 3H 6O used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found in abnormal quantities in diabetic urine
ace·to·ni·trile [ə-,sē-tō-'nī-trəl, ,a-sə-tō-, -,trī(-ə)l] -n
- the colorless liquid nitrile CH 3CN of acetic acid used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a solvent
ace·to·phe·net·i·din [,a-sə-(,)tō-fə-'ne-tə-dən, ə-,sē-tō-] -n
- phenacetin
ace·tous [ə-'sē-təs, 'a-sə-təs] -adj
- relating to or producing vinegar
- sour, vinegary
ace·tyl [ə-'sē-tᵊl, 'a-sə-; 'a-sə-,tēl] -n
- the radical CH 3CO of acetic acid often used in combination
acet·y·late [ə-'se-tᵊl-,āt] -vt, n, adj
- to introduce the acetyl radical into (a compound)
ace·tyl·cho·line [ə-,se-tᵊl-'kō-,lēn, -,sē-; 'a-sə-,tēl-] -n
- a neurotransmitter C 7H 17NO 3released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline
ace·tyl·cho·lin·es·ter·ase [-,kō-lə-'nes-tə-,rās, -,rāz] -n
- an enzyme that occurs esp. in some nerve endings and in the blood and promotes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine
acetyl CoA [-,kō-'ā] -n
- acetyl coenzyme a
acetyl coenzyme A -n
- a compound C 25H 38N 7O 17P 3S formed as an intermediate in metabolism and active as a coenzyme in biological acetylations
acet·y·lene [ə-'se-tᵊl-ən, -tᵊl-,ēn] -n, adj
- a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HCCH used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)
ace·tyl·sa·lic·y·late [ə-,sē-tᵊl-sə-'li-sə-,lāt] -n
- a salt or ester of acetylsalicylic acid
ace·tyl·sal·i·cyl·ic acid [ə-'sē-tᵊl-,sa-lə-,si-lik-] -n
- aspirin
ac·eydeuc·ey [,ā-sē-'dü-sē, -'dyü-] -n
- a variation of backgammon in which a throw of a 1-2 wins extra turns
Achae·an [ə-'kē-ən] -adj
- of, relating to, or characteristic of Achaea
- of or relating to Greece
Achaean -n
- a native or inhabitant of Achaea
- greek
Ach·ae·me·ni·an [,a-kə-'mē-nē-ən] -adj
- of or relating to the Achaemenids
Achae·me·nid [ə-'kē-mə-nəd] -n
- a member of the ruling house of ancient Persia generally considered historically important from the assumption of power by Cyrus the Great (559 b.c.) to the overthrow of Darius III (330 b.c.)
acha·la·sia [,ā-kə-'lā-zh(ē-)ə] -n
- failure of a ring of muscle (as the anal sphincter or one of the esophagus) to relax
Acha·tes [ə-'kā-tēz] -n
- a faithful companion of Aeneas in Virgil's Aeneid
ache ['āk] -vi
- to suffer a usu. dull persistent pain
- to become distressed or disturbed (as with anxiety or regret)
- to feel compassion
- my heart ache s for those poor people
- to experience a painful eagerness or yearning
- a usu. dull persistent pain
- a condition marked by aching
achene [ə-'kēn] -n
- a small dry indehiscent one-seeded fruit (as of a sunflower) developing from a simple ovary and usu. having a thin pericarp attached to the seed at only one point
Ach·er·on ['a-kə-,rän, -rən] -n
- a river in Hades
Acheu·le·an [ə-'shü-lē-ən] -adj
- of or relating to a Lower Paleolithic culture originating in Africa and typified by bifacial tools with round cutting edges
achieve [ə-'chēv] -vb, adj, n
- to carry out successfully : accomplish
- achieve a gradual increase in production
- to get or attain as the result of exertion : reach
- achieved a high degree of skill
- to attain a desired end or aim : become successful
achieved -adj
- brought to or marked by a high degree of development or refinement : finished
achieve·ment [ə-'chēv-mənt] -n
- the act of achieving : accomplishment
- a result gained by effort
- a great or heroic deed
- the quality and quantity of a student's work
Achil·les [ə-'ki-lēz] -n
- the greatest warrior among the Greeks at Troy and slayer of Hector
Achilles' heel -n
- a vulnerable point
Achilles tendon -n
- the strong tendon joining the muscles in the calf of the leg to the bone of the heel called also Achilles
ach·ing ['ā-kiŋ] -adj
- that aches
- causing or reflecting distress, deep emotion, or longing
ach·ing·ly [-lē] -adv
- in an aching manner
- EXTREMELY, EXCEEDINGLY
achi·o·te [,ä-chē-'ō-tē] -n
- a spice made from the red seed of the annatto tree
- the seed from which the spice is made
achi·ral [,ā-'kī-rəl] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image : not chiral
achlor·hyd·ria [,ā-,klȯr-'hi-drē-ə] -n, adj
- absence of hydrochloric acid from the gastric juice
achon·drite [(,)ā-'kän-,drīt] -n, adj
- a stony meteorite without rounded grains
achon·dro·pla·sia [,ā-,kän-drə-'plā-zh(ē-)ə] -n, adj
- a genetic disorder disturbing normal growth of cartilage, resulting in a form of dwarfism characterized by a usu. normal torso and shortened limbs, and usu. inherited as an autosomal dominant trait
achoo [ä-'chü] -interj
- used to represent the sound of a sneeze
ach·ro·mat ['a-krə-,mat] -n
- achromatic lens
ach·ro·mat·ic [,a-krə-'ma-tik, (,)ā-] -adj, adv, n, vt
- refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors
- not readily colored by the usual staining agents
- possessing no hue : being or involving black, gray, or white : neutral
- achromatic visual sensations
- being without accidentals or modulation : diatonic
achromatic lens -n
- a lens made by combining lenses of different glasses having different focal powers so that the light emerging from the lens forms an image practically free of chromatic aberration
achy ['ā-kē] -adj, n
- afflicted with aches
acic·u·lar [ə-'si-kyə-lər] -adj
- shaped like a needle
ac·id ['a-səd] -adj, adv, n
- sour, sharp, or biting to the taste
- sharp, biting, or sour in manner, disposition, or nature
- sharply clear, discerning, or pointed
- piercingly intense and often jarring
- of, relating to, or being an acid
- having the reactions or characteristics of an acid
- derived by partial exchange of replaceable hydrogen
- acid sodium carbonate NaHCO 3
- containing or involving the use of an acid (as in manufacture)
- marked by or resulting from an abnormally high concentration of acid
- relating to or made by a process (as in making steel) in which the furnace is lined with acidic material and an acidic slag is used
- rich in silica
acid ['a-sə-dē] -n, adj
- a sour substance
- any of various typically water-soluble and sour compounds that in solution are capable of reacting with a base to form a salt, redden litmus, and have a pH less than 7, that are hydrogen-containing molecules or ions able to give up a proton to a base, or that are substances able to accept an unshared pair of electrons from a base
- something incisive, biting, or sarcastic
- a social satire dripping with acid
- lsd
ac·idfast ['a-səd-,fast] -adj
- not easily decolorized by acids
ac·id·head [-,hed] -n
- an individual who uses LSD
acid·ic [ə-'si-dik, a-] -adj
- acid-forming
- acid
acid·i·fi·er [ə-'si-də-,fī(-ə)r, a-] -n
- one that acidifies
- a substance used to increase soil acidity
acid·i·fy [-,fī] -vt, n
- to make acid
- to convert into an acid
ac·i·dim·e·ter [,a-sə-'di-mə-tər] -n
- ph meter
acid·i·ty [ə-'si-də-tē, a-] -n
- the quality, state, or degree of being acid
- the state of being excessively acid
acid·o·phil [ə-'si-də-,fil, a-] -n, adj
- a substance, tissue, or organism that stains readily with acid stains
ac·i·do·phil·ic [,a-sə-dō-'fi-lik] -adj
- staining readily with acid stains : acidophil
- preferring or thriving in a relatively acid environment
ac·i·doph·i·lus [,a-sə-'dä-f(ə-)ləs] -n
- a lactobacillus ( Lactobacillus acidophilus) that is added esp. to dairy products (as yogurt and milk) or prepared as a dietary supplement, is part of the normal intestinal and vaginal flora, and is used therapeutically esp. to promote intestinal health
- a preparation containing such bacteria
ac·i·do·sis [,a-sə-'dō-səs] -n, adj
- an abnormal condition characterized by reduced alkalinity of the blood and of the body tissues
acid phosphatase -n
- a phosphatase (as the phosphomonoesterase from the prostate gland) optimally active in acid medium
acid precipitation -n
- precipitation (as rain or snow) having increased acidity caused by environmental factors (as atmospheric pollutants)
acid rain -n
- acid precipitation in the form of rain
acid rock -n
- rock music with lyrics and sound relating to or suggestive of drug-induced experiences
acid snow -n
- acid precipitation in the form of snow
acid test -n
- a severe or crucial test
acid·u·late [ə-'si-jə-,lāt] -vt, n
- to make acid or slightly acid
acid·u·lent [ə-'si-jə-lənt] -adj
- acidulous
acid·u·lous [ə-'si-jə-ləs] -adj
- somewhat acid or harsh in taste or manner
acidwashed ['a-səd-,wȯsht, -,wäsht] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a fabric or a garment that has been treated with a bleach solution to produce a streaked or discolored appearance
ac·i·nar ['a-sə-nər, -,när] -adj
- of, relating to, or comprising an acinus
ac·i·nus ['a-sə-nəs] -n, adj
- any of the small sacs terminating the ducts of some exocrine glands and lined with secretory cells
ack -abbr
- acknowledge; acknowledgment
ackack ['ak-,ak] -n
- an antiaircraft gun
- antiaircraft fire
ackee ['a-,kē, a-'kē] -n
- the fruit of an African tree ( Blighia sapida) of the soapberry family grown in the Caribbean area, Florida, and Hawaii for its white or yellowish fleshy aril that is edible when ripe but is poisonous when immature or overripe and that has a toxic pink raphe attaching the aril to the seed
- the tree
ac·knowl·edge [ik-'nä-lij, ak-] -vt
- to recognize the rights, authority, or status of
- to disclose knowledge of or agreement with
- to express gratitude or obligation for
- to take notice of
- failed to acknowledge my greeting
- to make known the receipt of
- to recognize as genuine or valid
ac·knowl·edged [-lijd] -adj, adv
- generally recognized, accepted, or admitted
ac·knowl·edg·ment [ik-'nä-lij-mənt, ak-] -n
- the act of acknowledging
- recognition or favorable notice of an act or achievement
- a thing done or given in recognition of something received
- a declaration or avowal of one's act or of a fact to give it legal validity
ACL [,ā-(,)sē-'el] -n
- anterior cruciate ligament
ACLS -abbr
- advanced cardiac life support
ACLU -abbr
- American Civil Liberties Union
ac·me ['ak-mē] -n
- the highest point or stage
- one that represents perfection of the thing expressed
ac·ne ['ak-nē] -n, adj
- a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles
- a form found chiefly in adolescents and marked by pimples esp. on the face
acne rosacea -n
- rosacea
acock [ə-'käk] -adj or adv
- being in a cocked position
acoe·lo·mate [(,)ā-'sē-lə-,māt] -n, adj
- an invertebrate lacking a coelom
- one belonging to the group comprising the flatworms and nemerteans and characterized by bilateral symmetry and a digestive cavity that is the only internal cavity
acold [ə-'kōld] -adj
- cold, chilled
- the owl, for all his feathers, was acold -- John Keats
ac·o·lyte ['a-kə-,līt, -kō-] -n
- one who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties
- one who attends or assists : follower
ac·o·nite ['a-kə-,nīt] -n
- monkshood
- the dried poisonous tuberous root of a common monkshood ( Aconitum napellus) used esp. formerly for its medicinal properties (as in relieving pain)
acorn ['ā-,kȯrn, -kərn] -n
- the nut of the oak usu. seated in or surrounded by a hard woody cupule of indurated bracts
acorn squash -n
- an acorn-shaped dark green winter squash ( Cucurbita pepo) with a ridged surface and mildly sweet yellow to orange flesh
acorn woodpecker -n
- a woodpecker ( Melanerpes formicivorus) found from the U.S. Pacific coast south to Colombia that stores acorns in small holes which it digs esp. in the bark of trees
acorn worm -n
- any of a class (Enteropneusta) of burrowing wormlike marine animals having an acorn-shaped proboscis and classified with the hemichordates
acous·tic [ə-'küs-tik] -adj, adv
- : of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds
- acoustic apparatus of the ear
: as - deadening or absorbing sound
- operated by or utilizing sound waves
- of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electronically modified
ac·ous·ti·cian [,a-,kü-'sti-shən, ə-,kü-] -n
- a specialist in acoustics
acous·tics [ə-'küs-tiks] -n pl
- a science that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound
- the qualities that determine the ability of an enclosure (as an auditorium) to reflect sound waves in such a way as to produce distinct hearing
ACP -abbr
- African, Caribbean and Pacific (states)
- American College of Physicians
acpt -abbr
- acceptance
ac·quaint [ə-'kwānt] -vt
- to cause to know personally
- was acquaint ed with the mayor
- to make familiar : cause to know firsthand
ac·quain·tance [ə-'kwān-tᵊn(t)s] -n
- the state of being acquainted
- personal knowledge : familiarity
- the persons with whom one is acquainted
- should auld acquaintance be forgot -- Robert Burns
- a person whom one knows but who is not a particularly close friend
acquaintance rape -n
- rape committed by someone known to the victim
ac·qui·esce [,a-kwē-'es] -vi
- to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively often used with in and sometimes with to
ac·qui·es·cence [-'e-sᵊn(t)s] -n
- the act of acquiescing : the state of being acquiescent
- an instance of acquiescing
ac·qui·es·cent [-'e-sᵊnt] -adj, adv
- inclined to acquiesce
ac·quir·able [ə-'kwī-rə-bəl] -adj
- capable of being acquired
ac·quire [ə-'kwī(-ə)r] -vt
- : to get as one's own:
- to come into possession or control of often by unspecified means
- to come to have as a new or added characteristic, trait, or ability (as by sustained effort or natural selection)
- acquire fluency in French
- bacteria that acquire tolerance to antibiotics
- to locate and hold (a desired object) in a detector
- acquire a target by radar
acquired immune deficiency syndrome -n
- aids
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome -n
- aids
acquired taste -n
- something or someone that is not easily or immediately liked or appreciated
ac·quir·ee [ə-,kwī(-ə)-'rē] -n
- one (as a company) that is acquired : acquisition
ac·quire·ment [ə-'kwī(-ə)r-mənt] -n
- a skill of mind or body usu. resulting from continued endeavor
- the act of acquiring
ac·quir·er [ə-'kwī(-ə)r-ər] -n
- one that acquires
- a company that acquires another company
ac·qui·si·tion [,a-kwə-'zi-shən] -n, adj
- the act of acquiring
- something or someone acquired or gained
- the team announced two new acquisition s
ac·quis·i·tive [ə-'kwi-zə-tiv] -adj, adv, n
- strongly desirous of acquiring and possessing
ac·quit [ə-'kwit] -vt, n
- to pay off (as a claim or debt)
- repay, requite
- to discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation)
- the court acquitted the prisoner
- to conduct (oneself) usu. satisfactorily esp. under stress
- the recruits acquitted themselves like veterans
ac·quit·tal [ə-'kwi-tᵊl] -n
- a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process
ac·quit·tance [ə-'kwi-tᵊn(t)s] -n
- a document evidencing a discharge from an obligation
- a receipt in full
acr- -comb form
- beginning : end : tip
- top : peak : summit
- height
acre ['ā-kər] -n
- a field esp. of arable land or pastureland
- lands, estate
- any of various units of area
- a unit in the U.S. and England equal to 43,560 square feet (4047 square meters)
- a broad expanse or great quantity
acre·age ['ā-k(ə-)rij] -n
- area in acres : acres
acrefoot ['ā-kər-'fu̇t] -n
- the volume (as of irrigation water) that would cover one acre to a depth of one foot
acreinch ['ā-kər-'inch] -n
- one twelfth of an acre-foot
ac·rid ['a-krəd] -adj, n, adv
- sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor : irritating
- deeply or violently bitter : acrimonious
ac·ri·dine ['a-krə-,dēn] -n
- a colorless crystalline compound C 13H 9N occurring in coal tar and important as the parent compound of dyes and pharmaceuticals
acridine orange -n
- a basic orange dye structurally related to acridine and used esp. to stain nucleic acids
ac·ri·fla·vine [,a-krə-'flā-,vēn, -vən] -n
- a yellow dye C 14H 14N 3Cl used as an antiseptic esp. for wounds
ac·ri·mo·ni·ous [,a-krə-'mō-nē-əs] -adj, adv, n
- caustic, biting, or rancorous esp. in feeling, language, or manner
ac·ri·mo·ny ['a-krə-,mō-nē] -n
- harsh or biting sharpness esp. of words, manner, or disposition
ac·ri·tarch ['a-kri-,tärk] -n
- any of a group of fossil one-celled marine planktonic organisms of uncertain and possibly various taxonomic affinities held to represent the earliest known eukaryotes
ac·ro·bat ['a-krə-,bat] -n, adj, adv
- one that performs gymnastic feats requiring skillful control of the body
- one skillful at exercises of intellectual or artistic dexterity
- one adept at swiftly changing or adapting a position or viewpoint
ac·ro·bat·ics [,a-krə-'ba-tiks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- the art, performance, or activity of an acrobat
- a spectacular, showy, or startling performance or demonstration involving great agility or complexity
ac·ro·cen·tric [,a-krō-'sen-trik] -adj, n
- having the centromere situated so that one chromosomal arm is much shorter than the other
ac·ro·lect ['a-krə-,lekt] -n
- the language variety of a speech community closest to the standard or prestige form of a language
acro·le·in [ə-'krō-lē-ən] -n
- a colorless irritant pungent liquid aldehyde C 3H 4O used chiefly in organic synthesis
ac·ro·meg·a·ly [,a-krō-'me-gə-lē] -n, adj or n
- a disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland and marked esp. by progressive enlargement of hands, feet, and face
ac·ro·nym ['a-krə-,nim] -n, adj, adv
- a word (as NATO, radar,or laser) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term
- an abbreviation (as FBI) formed from initial letters : initialism
acrop·e·tal [ə-'krä-pə-tᵊl, a-] -adj, adv
- proceeding from the base toward the apex or from below upward
- acropetal development of floral buds
ac·ro·pho·bia [,a-krə-'fō-bē-ə] -n, adj
- abnormal dread of being in a high place : fear of heights
acrop·o·lis [ə-'krä-pə-ləs] -n
- the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city (as Athens)
- a usu. fortified height of a city or district elsewhere (as in Central America)
ac·ro·some ['a-krə-,sōm] -n, adj
- an anterior prolongation of a spermatozoon that releases egg-penetrating enzymes
across [ə-'krȯs, chiefly dial -'krȯst] -adv
- in a position reaching from one side to the other : crosswise
- to or on the opposite side
- so as to be understandable, acceptable, or successful
- being in a crossed position
- from one side to the opposite side of : over, through
- on the opposite side of
- lives across the street from us
- so as to intersect or pass through at an angle
- sawed across the grain of the wood
- so as to find or meet
- came across your football in the hall closet
- throughout
- obvious interest across the nation -- Robert Goralski
- so as to include or take into consideration all classes or categories
- across differences, they insist, there can be no rational dialogue -- Huston Smith
acrosstheboard -adj
- placed to win if a competitor wins, places, or shows
- an acrosstheboard racing bet
- embracing or affecting all classes or categories : blanket
- an acrosstheboard price increase
acros·tic [ə-'krȯs-tik, -'kräs-] -n, adj, adv
- a composition usu. in verse in which sets of letters (as the initial or final letters of the lines) taken in order form a word or phrase or a regular sequence of letters of the alphabet
- acronym
ac·ryl·am·ide [,a-krəl-'a-,mīd, ə-'kri-lə-] -n
- an amide C 3H 5NO that is derived from acrylic acid, that polymerizes readily, and that is used in the manufacture of synthetic textile fibers
ac·ry·late ['a-krə-,lāt] -n
- a salt or ester of acrylic acid
- acrylic resin
acryl·ic [ə-'kri-lik] -adj
- of or relating to acrylic acid or its derivatives
- made or consisting of an acrylic
acrylic -n
- acrylic resin
- a paint in which the vehicle is an acrylic resin
- a painting done in an acrylic resin
- acrylic fiber
acrylic acid -n
- an unsaturated liquid acid C 3H 4O 2that polymerizes readily to form useful products (as constituents for varnishes and lacquers)
acrylic fiber -n
- a quick-drying synthetic textile fiber made by polymerization of acrylonitrile usu. with other monomers
acrylic resin -n
- a glassy thermoplastic made by polymerizing acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or a derivative of either and used for cast and molded parts or as coatings and adhesives
ac·ry·lo·ni·trile [,a-krə-lō-'nī-trəl, -,trēl] -n
- a colorless volatile flammable liquid nitrile C 3H 3N used chiefly in organic synthesis and for polymerization
ACS -abbr
- American Chemical Society
- American College of Surgeons
act ['akt] -n
- the doing of a thing : deed
- something done voluntarily
- a state of real existence rather than possibility
- the formal product of a legislative body : statute
- a decision or determination of a sovereign, a legislative council, or a court of justice
- the process of doing : action
- a formal record of something done or transacted
- one of the principal divisions of a theatrical work (as a play or opera)
- one of successive parts or performances (as in a variety show or circus)
- the performer or performers in such an act
- a performance or presentation identified with a particular individual or group
- the sum of a person's actions or effects that serve to create an impression or set an example
- a display of affected behavior : pretense
- actuate, animate
- to represent or perform by action esp. on the stage
- feign, simulate
- impersonate
- to play the part of as if in a play
- to behave in a manner suitable to
- to perform on the stage
- to behave as if performing on the stage : pretend
- to take action : move
- act ed favorably on the recommendation
- to conduct oneself : behave
- to perform a specified function : serve
- trees act ing as a windbreak
- to produce an effect : work
- wait for a medicine to act
- to be capable of being performed
- to give a decision or award
- adjourned without act ing on the bill
- active
- actor
- actual
ACT -abbr
- Action for Children's Television
- Association of Classroom Teachers
- Australian Capital Territory
- used for a standardized achievement test to evaluate suitability for college admission
Ac·tae·on [ak-'tē-ən] -n
- a hunter turned into a stag and killed by his own hounds for having seen Artemis bathing
actg -abbr
- acting
ACTH [,ā-(,)sē-(,)tē-'āch] -n
- a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex called also adrenocorticotropic hormone
ac·tin ['ak-tən] -n
- a cellular protein found esp. in microfilaments (as those comprising myofibrils) and active in muscular contraction, cellular movement, and maintenance of cell shape
actin- -comb form
- having a radiate form
- actinic radiation (as X rays)
act·ing ['ak-tiŋ] -n
- the art or practice of representing a character on a stage or before cameras
acting -adj
- holding a temporary rank or position : performing services temporarily
- suitable for stage performance
- prepared with directions for actors
ac·tin·i·an [ak-'ti-nē-ən] -n
- sea anemone
ac·tin·ic [ak-'ti-nik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy esp. in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
ac·ti·nide ['ak-tə-,nīd] -n
- any of the series of elements with increasing atomic numbers that begins with actinium or thorium and ends with lawrencium
ac·tin·i·um [ak-'ti-nē-əm] -n
- a radioactive trivalent metallic element that resembles lanthanum in chemical properties and that is found esp. in pitchblende
ac·tin·o·lite [ak-'ti-nə-,līt] -n
- a bright green or grayish-green mineral of the amphibole group that is a silicate of calcium, magnesium, and iron occurring in fibrous, radiate, or columnar forms
ac·ti·nom·e·ter [,ak-tə-'nä-mə-tər] -n, adj
- any of various instruments for measuring the intensity of incident radiation
- one in which the intensity of radiation is measured by the speed of a photochemical reaction
ac·ti·no·mor·phic [,ak-(,)ti-nō-'mȯr-fik, -tə-nō-; ak-,ti-nō-] -adj, n
- being radially symmetrical and capable of division by any longitudinal plane into essentially symmetrical halves
- an actinomorphic tulip flower
ac·ti·no·my·ces [,ak-(,)ti-nō-'mī-,sēz, -tə-nō-; ak-,ti-nō-] -n
- any of a genus ( Actinomyces) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria that includes usu. commensal and sometimes pathogenic forms inhabiting mucosal surfaces esp. of the oral cavity of warm-blooded vertebrates
ac·ti·no·my·cete [-'mī-,sēt, -mī-'sēt] -n
- any of an order (Actinomycetales) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria (as the actinomyces and streptomyces)
ac·ti·no·my·cin [-'mī-sᵊn] -n
- any of various red or yellow-red mostly toxic polypeptide antibiotics isolated from soil bacteria (esp. Streptomyces antibioticus)
- one used to inhibit DNA or RNA synthesis
ac·ti·no·my·co·sis [-mī-'kō-səs] -n, adj
- infection with or disease caused by actinomyces
- a chronic disease of cattle, swine, and humans characterized by hard granulomatous masses usu. in the mouth and jaw
ac·tion ['ak-shən] -n
- the initiating of a proceeding in a court of justice by which one demands or enforces one's right
- the proceeding itself
- the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency
- : the manner or method of performing:
- an actor's or speaker's deportment or expression by means of attitude, voice, and gesture
- the style of movement of the feet and legs (as of a horse)
- a function of the body or one of its parts
- an act of will
- a thing done : deed
- the accomplishment of a thing usu. over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition
- behavior, conduct
- initiative, enterprise
- an engagement between troops or ships
- combat in war
- an event or series of events forming a literary composition
- the unfolding of the events of a drama or work of fiction : plot
- the movement of incidents in a plot
- the combination of circumstances that constitute the subject matter of a painting or sculpture
- an operating mechanism
- the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates
- the price movement and trading volume of a commodity, security, or market
- the process of betting including the offering and acceptance of a bet and determination of a winner
- financial gain or an opportunity for financial gain
- sexual activity
- the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group
- wants to be where the action is
ac·tion·able ['ak-sh(ə-)nə-bəl] -adj, adv
- subject to or affording ground for an action or suit at law
- capable of being acted on
ac·tion·er ['ak-sh(ə-)nər] -n
- a film dominated by a high degree of exciting action
action figure -n
- a small-scale figure (as of a superhero) used esp. as a toy
ac·tion·less ['ak-shən-ləs] -adj
- marked by inaction : immobile
action painting -n
- abstract expressionism marked esp. by the use of spontaneous techniques (as dribbling, splattering, or smearing)
action potential -n
- a momentary reversal in electrical potential across a plasma membrane (as of a neuron or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus
ac·ti·vate ['ak-tə-,vāt] -vb, n
- : to make active or more active: as
- to make (as molecules) reactive or more reactive
- to convert (as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative
- to make (a substance) radioactive
- to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties
- to set up or formally institute (as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment
- to put (an individual or unit) on active duty
- to become active
activated carbon -n
- a highly adsorbent powdered or granular carbon made usu. by carbonization and chemical activation and used chiefly for purifying by adsorption called also activated charcoal
activation analysis -n
- neutron activation analysis
activation energy -n
- the minimum amount of energy required to convert a normal stable molecule into a reactive molecule
ac·tive ['ak-tiv] -adj, n, adv
- characterized by action rather than by contemplation or speculation
- producing or involving action or movement
- asserting that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb
- hits in he hits the ball is active
- expressing action as distinct from mere existence or state
- quick in physical movement : lively
- marked by vigorous activity : busy
- the stock market was active
- requiring vigorous action or exertion
- having practical operation or results : effective
- disposed to action : energetic
- engaged in an action or activity
- currently erupting or likely to erupt
- characterized by emission of large amounts of electromagnetic energy
- an active galactic nucleus
- engaged in full-time service esp. in the armed forces
- marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use
- capable of acting or reacting : reacting readily
- tending to progress or to cause degeneration
- capable of controlling voltages or currents
- requiring the expenditure of energy
- active calcium ion uptake
- functioning by the emission of radiant energy or sound
- radar is an active sensor
- still eligible to win the pot in poker
- moving down the line : visiting in the set used of couples in contredanses or square dances
active immunity -n
- usu. long-lasting immunity that is acquired through production of antibodies within the organism in response to the presence of antigens
ac·tivema·trix ['ak-tiv-,mā-triks] -adj
- of, relating to, or being an LCD in which each pixel is individually controlled
active site -n
- a region on the surface of an enzyme whose shape permits binding only of a specific molecular substrate that then undergoes catalysis
active transport -n
- the movement of a chemical substance by the expenditure of energy against a gradient in concentration or in electrical potential across a plasma membrane
ac·tive·wear ['ak-tiv-,wer] -n
- SPORTSWEAR
ac·tiv·ism ['ak-ti-,vi-zəm] -n, n or adj, adj
- a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action esp. in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue
ac·tiv·i·ty [ak-'ti-və-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being active
- vigorous or energetic action : liveliness
- : natural or normal function: as
- a process (as digestion) that an organism carries on or participates in by virtue of being alive
- a similar process actually or potentially involving mental function
- an educational procedure designed to stimulate learning by firsthand experience
- an active force
- a pursuit in which a person is active
- a form of organized, supervised, often extracurricular recreation
- an organizational unit for performing a specific function
- its function or duties
act of God
- an extraordinary interruption by a natural cause (as a flood or earthquake) of the usual course of events that experience, prescience, or care cannot reasonably foresee or prevent
ac·to·my·o·sin [,ak-tə-'mī-ə-sən] -n
- a contractile complex of actin and myosin that together with ATP is active during muscular contraction
ac·tor ['ak-tər also -,tȯr] -n, adj
- one that acts : doer
- one who represents a character in a dramatic production
- a theatrical performer
- one who behaves as if acting a part
- one that takes part in any affair
act out -vt
- to represent in action
- children act out what they read
- to translate into action
- unwilling to act out their beliefs
- to express (as an impulse or a fantasy) directly in overt behavior without modification to comply with social norms
- to behave badly or in a socially unacceptable often self-defeating manner esp. as a means of venting painful emotions (as fear or frustration)
ac·tress ['ak-trəs] -n, adj
- a woman who is an actor
Acts ['akts] -n pl but sing in constr
- a book in the New Testament narrating the beginnings of the Christian church called also Acts of the Apostles
ac·tu·al ['ak-ch(ə-w)əl, -sh(ə-w)əl; -chü-əl, -shü-] -adj
- active
- existing in act and not merely potentially
- existing in fact or reality
- actual and imagined conditions
- not false or apparent
- existing or occurring at the time : current
- caught in the actual commission of a crime
actual cash value -n
- money equal to the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged property after depreciation
ac·tu·al·i·ty [,ak-chə-'wa-lə-tē, ,ak-shə-] -n
- the quality or state of being actual
- something that is actual : fact, reality
- possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities -- T. S. Eliot
ac·tu·al·ize ['ak-ch(ə-w)ə-,līz, -sh(ə-w)ə-,līz] -vb, n
- to make actual : realize
- to become actual
ac·tu·al·ly ['ak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē, -sh(ə-w)ə-lē; 'aksh-lē, 'aks-] -adv
- in act or in fact : really
- nominally but not actually independent -- Karl Loewenstein
- won't actually arrive for an hour
- in point of fact used to suggest something unexpected
- he could actually read the Greek
ac·tu·ar·i·al [,ak-chə-'wer-ē-əl, -'wer-rē-, -shə-] -adj, adv
- of or relating to actuaries
- relating to statistical calculation esp. of life expectancy
ac·tu·ary ['ak-chə-,wer-ē, -shə-, -,we-rē-] -n
- clerk, registrar
- a person who calculates insurance and annuity premiums, reserves, and dividends
ac·tu·ate ['ak-chə-,wāt, -shə-] -vt, n
- to put into mechanical action or motion
- to move to action
ac·tu·a·tor ['ak-chə-,wā-tər, -shə-] -n
- one that actuates
- a mechanical device for moving or controlling something
act up -vi
- : to act in a way different from that which is normal or expected: as
- to behave in an unruly, recalcitrant, or capricious manner
- the children were acting up
- show off
- to function improperly
- this typewriter is acting up again
- to become active or acute after being quiescent
- her rheumatism started to act up
ACT UP -abbr
- AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power
acu·ity [ə-'kyü-ə-tē, a-] -n
- keenness of perception : sharpness
acu·le·ate [ə-'kyü-lē-ət] -adj
- relating to or being hymenopterans (as bees, ants, and many wasps) of a division (Aculeata) typically having the ovipositor modified into a stinger
acu·men [ə-'kyü-mən, 'a-kyə-mən] -n
- keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination esp. in practical matters
acu·mi·nate [ə-'kyü-mə-nət] -adj
- tapering to a slender point
acu·pres·sure ['a-kyə-,pre-shər, 'a-kə-] -n
- the application of pressure (as with the thumbs or fingertips) to the same discrete points on the body stimulated in acupuncture that is used for its therapeutic effects (as the relief of tension or pain)
acu·punc·ture [-,pəŋ(k)-chər] -n, vt
- an orig. Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points esp. to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)
acute [ə-'kyüt] -adj, adv, n
- characterized by sharpness or severity
- having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course
- being, providing, or requiring short-term medical care (as for serious illness or traumatic injury)
- lasting a short time
- : ending in a sharp point: as
- being or forming an angle measuring less than 90 degrees
- composed of acute angles
- having the form
- marked with an acute accent
- of the variety indicated by an acute accent
- marked by keen discernment or intellectual perception esp. of subtle distinctions : penetrating
- responsive to slight impressions or stimuli
- felt, perceived, or experienced intensely
- seriously demanding urgent attention
ACV -abbr
- actual cash value
- air-cushion vehicle
acy·clic [(,)ā-'sī-klik, -'si-] -adj
- : not cyclic: as
- not disposed in whorls or cycles
- having an open-chain structure : aliphatic
acy·clo·vir [(,)ā-'sī-klō-,vir] -n
- a cyclic synthetic nucleoside C 8H 11N 5O 3used esp. to treat the symptoms of chicken pox, shingles, and the genital form of herpes simplex
ac·yl ['a-səl] -n
- a radical RCO derived usu. from an organic acid by removal of the hydroxyl from all acid groups often used in combination
ac·yl·ate ['a-sə-,lāt] -vt, n
- to introduce an acyl radical into