ap -abbr
- apostle
- apothecaries'
AP -abbr
- additional premium
- adjective phrase
- airplane
- American plan
- antipersonnel
- arithmetic progression
- armorpiercing
- Associated Press
- author's proof
apace [ə-'pās] -adv
- at a quick pace : swiftly
- abreast used with of or with
- trying to keep apace with changes in technology
Apache [ə-'pa-chē, in sense 3 ə-'pash] -n, adj or n
- a member of a group of American Indian peoples of the southwestern U.S.
- any of the Athabascan languages of the Apache people
- a member of a gang of criminals esp. in Paris
- ruffian
apanage ['a-pə-nij] -n
(variant of appanage)
- a grant (as of land or revenue) made by a sovereign or a legislative body to a dependent member of the royal family or a principal vassal
- a property or privilege appropriated to or by a person as something due
- a rightful endowment or adjunct
ap·a·re·jo [,a-pə-'rā-(,)(h)ō] -n
- a packsaddle of stuffed leather or canvas
apart [ə-'pärt] -adv
- at a little distance
- tried to keep apart from the family squabbles
- away from one another in space or time
- as a separate unit : independently
- viewed apart, his arguments were unsound
- so as to separate one from another
- found it hard to tell the twins apart
- excluded from consideration : aside
- a few blemishes apart, the novel is excellent
- in or into two or more parts : to pieces
- coming apart at the seams
- separate, isolated
- those athletes are a breed apart
- holding different opinions : divided
apart from -prep
- other than : besides, except for
apart·heid [ə-'pär-,tāt, -,tīt] -n
- racial segregation
- a former policy of segregation and political and economic discrimination against non-European groups in the Republic of So. Africa
- separation, segregation
apart·ment [ə-'pärt-mənt] -n, adj
- a room or set of rooms fitted esp. with housekeeping facilities and usu. leased as a dwelling
- a building containing several individual apartments
apartment building -n
- a building containing separate residential apartments called also apartment house
apartment hotel -n
- a hotel containing apartments as well as accommodations for transients
ap·a·thet·ic [,a-pə-'the-tik] -adj, adv
- having or showing little or no feeling or emotion : spiritless
- having little or no interest or concern : indifferent
ap·a·thy ['a-pə-thē] -n
- lack of feeling or emotion : impassiveness
- lack of interest or concern : indifference
ap·a·tite ['a-pə-,tīt] -n
- any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring in various colors as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of phosphate rock and of bones and teeth
- calcium phosphate fluoride
apato·sau·rus [ə-,pa-tə-'sȯr-əs] -n
- brontosaurus
APB -abbr
- all points bulletin
APC [,ā-(,)pē-'sē] -n
- an armored vehicle used to transport military personnel
ape ['āp] -n, adj
- monkey
- one of the larger tailless or short-tailed Old World forms
- any of two families (Pongidae and Hylobatidae) of large tailless semierect primates (as the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon) called also anthropoid anthropoid ape
- mimic
- a large uncouth person
- to copy closely but often clumsily and ineptly
- crazy, wild usu. used in the phrase go ape
apeak [ə-'pēk] -adj or adv
- being in a vertical position
apeman ['āp-,man, -'man] -n
- a primate (as an australopithecine) intermediate in character between Homo sapiens and the higher apes
aper·u [,a-pər-'sü] -n
- a brief survey or sketch : outline
- an immediate impression
- insight
ape·ri·ent [ə-'pir-ē-ənt] -adj, n
- gently moving the bowels : laxative
ape·ri·od·ic [,ā-,pir-ē-'ä-dik] -adj, adv, n
- of irregular occurrence : not periodic
- not having periodic vibrations : not oscillatory
aper·i·tif [ə-,per-ə-'tēf, a-; ,ä-pər-(ə-)'tēf] -n
- an alcoholic drink taken before a meal as an appetizer
ap·er·ture ['ap-ə(r)-,chu̇r, -chər, -,tyu̇r, -,tu̇r] -n
- an opening or open space : hole
- the opening in a photographic lens that admits the light
- the diameter of the stop in an optical system that determines the diameter of the bundle of rays traversing the instrument
- the diameter of the objective lens or mirror of a telescope
apet·al·ous [(,)ā-'pe-tᵊl-əs] -adj
- having no petals
apex ['ā-,peks] -n
- the uppermost point : vertex
- the narrowed or pointed end : tip
- the highest or culminating point
Ap·gar score ['ap-,gär-] -n
- an index used to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of 0, 1, or 2 for each of the five characteristics of color, heart rate, response to stimulation of the sole of the foot, muscle tone, and respiration with 10 being a perfect score
aphaer·e·sis [ə-'fer-ə-səs] -n, adj
- the loss of one or more sounds or letters at the beginning of a word (as in roundfor aroundand coonfor raccoon)
apha·sia [ə-'fā-zh(ē-)ə] -n, n or adj
- loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usu. resulting from brain damage
aph·elion [a-'fēl-yən, ,ap-'hēl-] -n
- the point in the path of a celestial body (as a planet) that is farthest from the sun
aphe·re·sis [,a-fə-'rē-səs] -n, pl
- withdrawal of blood from a donor's body, removal of one or more blood components (as plasma, platelets, or white blood cells), and transfusion of the remaining blood back into the donor called also pheresis
aph·e·sis ['a-fə-səs] -n, adj, adv
- aphaeresis consisting of the loss of a short unaccented vowel (as in lonefor alone)
aphid ['ā-fəd also 'a-fəd] -n
- any of numerous very small soft-bodied homopterous insects (superfamily Aphidoidea) that suck the juices of plants
aphid lion -n
- any of several insect larvae (as a lacewing or ladybug larva) that feed on aphids called also aphis lion
aphis ['ā-fəs also 'a-fəs] -n
- any of a genus ( Aphis) of aphids
- aphid
apho·nia [(,)ā-'fō-nē-ə] -n, adj
- loss of voice and of all but whispered speech
aph·o·rism ['a-fə-,ri-zəm] -n, adj, adv
- a concise statement of a principle
- a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment : adage
aph·o·rize ['a-fə-,rīz] -vi
- to write or speak in or as if in aphorisms
apho·tic [(,)ā-'fō-tik] -adj
- being the deep zone of an ocean or lake receiving too little light to permit photosynthesis
aph·ro·di·si·ac [,a-frə-'dē-zē-,ak, -'di-zē-] -n, adj
- an agent (as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire
- something that excites
Aph·ro·di·te [,a-frə-'dī-tē] -n
- the Greek goddess of love and beauty
api·ar·i·an [,ā-pē-'er-ē-ən] -adj
- of or relating to beekeeping or bees
api·a·rist ['ā-pē-ə-rist, -pē-,er-ist] -n
- beekeeper
api·ary ['ā-pē-,er-ē, -,e-rē] -n
- a place where bees are kept
- a collection of hives or colonies of bees kept for their honey
api·cal ['ā-pi-kəl also 'a-pi-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or situated at an apex
- of, relating to, or formed with the tip of the tongue
- n, l, and r are apical consonants
apical dominance -n
- inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by the terminal bud of a shoot
apical meristem -n
- a meristem at the apex of a root or shoot that is responsible for increase in length
apic·u·late [ə-'pi-kyə-lət, ā-] -adj
- ending abruptly in a small distinct point
api·cul·ture ['ā-pə-,kəl-chər] -n, adj
- the keeping of bees esp. on a large scale
apiece [ə-'pēs] -adv
- for each one : individually
Apis ['ā-pəs] -n
- a sacred bull worshipped by the ancient Egyptians
ap·ish ['ā-pish] -adj, adv, n
- : resembling an ape: as
- extremely silly or affected
- given to slavish imitation
APL [,ā-(,)pē-'el] -n
- a computer programming language designed esp. for the concise representation of algorithms
ap·la·nat·ic [,a-plə-'na-tik] -adj
- free from or corrected for spherical aberration
aplas·tic anemia [(,)ā-'plas-tik-] -n
- anemia that is characterized by defective function of the blood-forming organs (as the bone marrow) and is caused by toxic agents (as chemicals or X-rays) or is idiopathic in origin
aplen·ty [ə-'plen-tē] -adj
- being in plenty or abundance used postpositively
- money aplenty for all their needs
aplenty -adv
- in abundance : plentifully
- very much : extremely
ap·lite ['a-,plīt] -n, adj
- a fine-grained light-colored granite consisting almost entirely of quartz and feldspar
aplomb [ə-'pläm, -'pləm] -n
- complete and confident composure or self-assurance : poise
ap·nea ['ap-nē-ə] -n, adj
- transient cessation of respiration
- sleep apnea
- asphyxia
ap·noea ['ap-nē-ə] -n, adj
(variant of apnea)
- transient cessation of respiration
- sleep apnea
- asphyxia
apo ['a-pō] -n, pl
- apolipoprotein usu. used with a letter or letter and number
APO -abbr
- army post office
apo- -prefix
- away from : off
- detached : separate
- formed from : related to
Apoc -abbr
- Apocalypse
- Apocrypha
- apocryphal
apoc·a·lypse [ə-'pä-kə-,lips] -n
- one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c.to a.d.150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom
- revelation
- something viewed as a prophetic revelation
- armageddon
- a great disaster
- an environmental apocalypse
apoc·a·lyp·tic [ə-,pä-kə-'lip-tik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or resembling an apocalypse
- forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world : prophetic
- foreboding imminent disaster or final doom : terrible
- wildly unrestrained : grandiose
- ultimately decisive : climactic
apoc·a·lyp·ti·cism [-tə-,si-zəm] -n
- apocalyptic expectation
- a doctrine concerning an imminent end of the world and an ensuing general resurrection and final judgment
apoc·a·lyp·tist [ə-'pä-kə-,lip-tist] -n
- the writer of an apocalypse
apo·chro·mat·ic [,a-pə-krō-'ma-tik] -adj
- free from chromatic and spherical aberration
apoc·o·pe [ə-'pä-kə-(,)pē] -n
- the loss of one or more sounds or letters at the end of a word (as in singfrom Old English singan)
apo·crine ['a-pə-krən, -,krīn, -,krēn] -adj
- producing a fluid secretion by pinching off one end of the secretory cell while leaving the rest intact
- produced by an apocrine gland
apoc·ry·pha [ə-'pä-krə-fə] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- writings or statements of dubious authenticity
- books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate but excluded from the Jewish and Protestant canons of the Old Testament
- early Christian writings not included in the New Testament
apoc·ry·phal [-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- of doubtful authenticity : spurious
- of or resembling the Apocrypha
apo·dic·tic [,a-pə-'dik-tik] -adj, adv
- expressing or of the nature of necessary truth or absolute certainty
apod·o·sis [ə-'pä-də-səs] -n
- the main clause of a conditional sentence
apo·en·zyme [,a-pō-'en-,zīm] -n
- a protein that forms an active enzyme system by combination with a coenzyme and determines the specificity of this system for a substrate
apog·a·my [ə-'pä-gə-mē] -n
- development of a sporophyte from a gametophyte without fertilization
apo·gee ['a-pə-(,)jē] -n, adj
- the point in the orbit of an object (as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is at the greatest distance from the center of the earth
- the point farthest from a planet or a satellite (as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it
- the farthest or highest point : culmination
- Aegean civilization reached its apogee in Crete
apo·li·po·pro·tein [,a-pō-,lī-pō-'prō-,tēn, -,li-, -,tē-ən] -n
- a protein that combines with a lipid to form a lipoprotein often used with a letter or letter and number
apo·lit·i·cal [,ā-pə-'li-ti-kəl] -adj, adv, n
- having no interest or involvement in political affairs
- having an aversion to politics or political affairs
- having no political significance
Ap·ol·lin·i·an [,a-pə-'li-nē-ən] -adj
- apollonian
Apol·lo [ə-'pä-(,)lō] -n
- the Greek and Roman god of sunlight, prophecy, music, and poetry
- any of a class of asteroids having an orbit that extends from inside to beyond the earth's orbit
Ap·ol·lo·ni·an [,a-pə-'lō-nē-ən] -adj
- of, relating to, or resembling the god Apollo
- harmonious, measured, ordered, or balanced in character
Apol·lyon [ə-'päl-yən, -'pä-lē-ən] -n
- the angel of the bottomless pit in the Book of Revelation
apol·o·get·ic [ə-,pä-lə-'je-tik] -n
- apologetics
apologetic [-ti-k(ə-)lē] -adj, adv
- offered in defense or vindication
- the apologetic writings of the early Christians
- offered by way of excuse or apology
- regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : contrite
- replied in an apologetic tone
apol·o·get·ics [-tiks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)
- a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity
ap·o·lo·gia [,a-pə-'lō-j(ē-)ə] -n
- a defense esp. of one's opinions, position, or actions
- the finest apologia or explanation of what drives a man to devote his life to pure mathematics -- Brit. Book News
apol·o·gise [-,jīz] -vi, n
(variant of apologize)
- to make an apology
apol·o·gist [ə-'pä-lə-jist] -n
- one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something
apol·o·gize [-,jīz] -vi, n
- to make an apology
ap·o·logue ['a-pə-,lȯg, -,läg] -n
- an allegorical narrative usu. intended to convey a moral
apol·o·gy [ə-'pä-lə-jē] -n
- a formal justification : defense
- excuse
- an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret
- a poor substitute : makeshift
apo·lune ['a-pə-,lün] -n
- the point in the path of a body orbiting the moon that is farthest from the center of the moon
apo·mict ['a-pə-,mikt] -n, adj, adv
- one produced or reproducing by apomixis
apo·mix·is [,a-pə-'mik-səs] -n
- reproduction (as apogamy or parthenogenesis) involving specialized generative tissues but not dependent on fertilization
apo·mor·phine [,a-pə-'mȯr-,fēn] -n
- a crystalline morphine derivative C 17H 17NO 2that is a dopamine agonist and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride for its powerful emetic action
apo·neu·ro·sis [,a-pə-nu̇-'rō-səs, -nyu̇-] -n, adj
- a broad flat sheet of dense fibrous collagenous connective tissue that covers, invests, and forms the terminations and attachments of various muscles
apoph·a·sis [ə-'pä-fə-səs] -n
- the raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it (as in we won't discuss his past crimes)
ap·o·phthegm ['a-pə-,them] -n, adj
(variant of apothegm)
- a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : aphorism
apo·phyl·lite [,a-pə-'fi-,līt, ə-'pä-fə-,līt] -n
- a mineral composed of a hydrous silicate of potassium, calcium, and fluorine that is related to the zeolites and is usu. found in transparent square prisms or white or grayish masses
apoph·y·sis [ə-'pä-fə-səs] -n, adj
- an expanded or projecting part esp. of an organism
ap·o·plec·tic [,a-pə-'plek-tik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or causing stroke
- affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of stroke
- of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke
- greatly excited or angered
- was apoplectic over the news
ap·o·plexy ['a-pə-,plek-sē] -n
- stroke
ap·o·pto·sis [,a-pəp-'tō-səs, -pə-'tō-] -n, adj
- a genetically directed process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or removal of a suppressing agent or stimulus, and is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells called also programmed cell death
apo·ria [ə-'pȯr-ē-ə] -n
- an expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty esp. for rhetorical effect
- a logical impasse or contradiction
- a radical contradiction in the import of a text or theory that is seen in deconstruction as inevitable
aport [ə-'pȯrt] -adv
- on or toward the left side of a ship
apos ['a-pō] -n, pl
(variant of apo)
- apolipoprotein usu. used with a letter or letter and number
apo·se·mat·ic [,a-pə-si-'ma-tik] -adj, adv
- being conspicuous and serving to warn
- aposematic coloration in butterflies
ap·o·si·o·pe·sis [,a-pə-,sī-ə-'pē-səs] -n, adj
- the leaving of a thought incomplete usu. by a sudden breaking off (as in his behavior was-but I blush to mention that)
apos·po·ry ['a-pə-,spȯr-ē, ə-'päs-pə-rē] -n
- production of gametophytes directly from diploid cells of the sporophytes without spore formation (as in certain ferns and mosses)
apos·ta·sy [ə-'päs-tə-sē] -n
- renunciation of a religious faith
- abandonment of a previous loyalty : defection
apos·tate [ə-'päs-,tāt, -tət] -n, adj
- one who commits apostasy
apos·ta·tise [ə-'päs-tə-,tīz] -vi
(variant of apostatize)
- to commit apostasy
apos·ta·tize [ə-'päs-tə-,tīz] -vi
- to commit apostasy
apos·tle [ə-'pä-səl] -n
- : one sent on a mission: as
- one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up esp. of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul
- the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group
- a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
- an ardent supporter : adherent
- the highest ecclesiastical official in some church organizations
- one of a Mormon administrative council of 12 men
Apostles' Creed -n
- a Christian statement of belief ascribed to the Twelve Apostles and used esp. in public worship
apos·to·late [ə-'päs-tə-,lāt, -lət] -n
- the office or mission of an apostle
- an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religion or a doctrine
ap·os·tol·ic [,a-pə-'stä-lik] -adj, n
- of or relating to an apostle
- of, relating to, or conforming to the teachings of the New Testament apostles
- of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles held (as by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox) to be perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be necessary for valid sacraments and orders
- papal
apostolic delegate -n
- an ecclesiastical representative of the Holy See to the Catholic hierarchy of another country
Apostolic Father -n
- a church father of the first or second century a.d.
apos·tro·phe [ə-'päs-trə-(,)fē] -n, adj
- the addressing of a usu. absent person or a usu. personified thing rhetorically
- Carlyle's O Liberty, what things are done in thy name is an example of apostrophe
apostrophe -n, adj
- a mark ' used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive case, or the plural of letters or figures
apos·tro·phise [ə-'päs-trə-,fīz] -vb
(variant of apostrophize)
- to address by or in apostrophe
- to make use of apostrophe
apos·tro·phize [ə-'päs-trə-,fīz] -vb
- to address by or in apostrophe
- to make use of apostrophe
apothecaries' measure -n
- a system of liquid units of measure used chiefly by pharmacists called also apothecary measure
apothecaries' weight -n
- a system of weights used chiefly by pharmacists called also apothecary weight
apoth·e·cary [ə-'pä-thə-,ker-ē, -,ke-rē] -n
- one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes
- pharmacy
apo·the·ci·um [,a-pə-'thē-shē-əm, -sē-] -n, adj
- a spore-bearing structure in many lichens and fungi consisting of a discoid or cupped body bearing asci on the exposed flat or concave surface
ap·o·thegm ['a-pə-,them] -n, adj
- a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : aphorism
ap·o·them ['a-pə-,them] -n
- the perpendicular from the center of a regular polygon to one of the sides
apo·the·o·sis [ə-,pä-thē-'ō-səs, ,a-pə-'thē-ə-səs] -n, vt
- elevation to divine status : deification
- the perfect example : quintessence
- this is the literary apotheosis of the shaggy dog story -- Thomas Sutcliffe
apo·tro·pa·ic [,a-pə-trō-'pā-ik] -adj, adv
- designed to avert evil
app ['ap] -n
- application
- apparatus
- appendix
- appliance
Ap·pa·la·chian [,a-pə-'lā-ch(ē-)ən, -'la-, -sh(ē-)ən] -n
- a native or resident of the Appalachian mountain area
Appalachian dulcimer -n
- dulcimer
ap·pall [ə-'pȯl] -vb
- weaken, fail
- to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay
- we were appall ed by his behavior
ap·pall·ing -adj, adv
- inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust
- living under appalling conditions
Ap·pa·loo·sa [,a-pə-'lü-sə] -n
- any of a breed of rugged saddle horses developed in western No. America and usu. having a white or solid-colored coat with small spots
ap·pa·nage ['a-pə-nij] -n
- a grant (as of land or revenue) made by a sovereign or a legislative body to a dependent member of the royal family or a principal vassal
- a property or privilege appropriated to or by a person as something due
- a rightful endowment or adjunct
ap·pa·rat ['a-pə-,rat, ,ä-pə-'rät] -n
- apparatus
ap·pa·rat·chik [,ä-pə-'rä(t)-chik] -n
- a member of a Communist apparat
- a blindly devoted official, follower, or member of an organization (as a corporation or political party)
- a movie studio apparatchik
ap·pa·ra·tus [,a-pə-'ra-təs, -'rā-] -n
- a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use
- a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together
- an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
- : the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out: as
- the machinery of government
- the organization of a political party or an underground movement
ap·par·el [ə-'per-əl, -'pa-rəl] -vt
- to put clothes on : dress
- adorn, embellish
- accused of apparel ing the truth
apparel -n
- the equipment (as sails and rigging) of a ship
- personal attire : clothing
- something that clothes or adorns
- the bright apparel of spring
ap·par·ent [ə-'per-ənt, -'pa-rənt] -adj, n
- open to view : visible
- clear or manifest to the understanding
- reasons that are readily apparent
- appearing as actual to the eye or mind
- having an indefeasible right to succeed to a title or estate
- manifest to the senses or mind as real or true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be factually valid
- the air of spontaneity is perhaps more apparent than real -- J. R. Sutherland
ap·par·ent·ly [-lē] -adv
- it seems apparent
- the window had apparently been forced open
- apparently, we're supposed to wait here
apparent magnitude -n
- the luminosity of a celestial body (as a star) as observed from the earth
apparent time -n
- the time of day indicated by the hour angle of the sun or by a sundial
ap·pa·ri·tion [,a-pə-'ri-shən] -n, adj
- an unusual or unexpected sight : phenomenon
- a ghostly figure
- the act of becoming visible : appearance
ap·par·i·tor [ə-'per-ə-tər, -'pa-rə] -n
- an official formerly sent to carry out the orders of a magistrate, judge, or court
ap·peal [ə-'pēl] -n
- a legal proceeding by which a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court
- a criminal accusation
- an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication, or decision
- an earnest plea : entreaty
- an organized request for donations
- the power of arousing a sympathetic response : attraction
- movies had a great appeal for him
appeal [-,pē-lə-'bi-lə-tē] -vb, n, adj
- to charge with a crime : accuse
- to take proceedings to have (a lower court's decision) reviewed in a higher court
- to take a lower court's decision to a higher court for review
- to call upon another for corroboration, vindication, or decision
- to make an earnest request
- appeal ed to them for help
- to arouse a sympathetic response
- that idea appeal s to him
ap·peal·ing [ə-'pē-liŋ] -adj, adv
- marked by earnest entreaty : imploring
- having appeal : pleasing
ap·pear [ə-'pir] -vi
- to be or come in sight
- the sun appear s on the horizon
- to show up
- appear s promptly at eight each day
- to come formally before an authoritative body
- must appear in court today
- to have an outward aspect : seem
- to become evident or manifest
- there appear s to be evidence to the contrary
- to come into public view
- first appear ed on a television variety show
- the book appear ed in print a few years ago
- to come into existence
- hominids appear ed late in the evolutionary chain
ap·pear·ance [ə-'pir-ən(t)s] -n
- external show : semblance
- although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality
- outward aspect : look
- outward indication
- trying to keep up appearance s
- a sense impression or aspect of a thing
- the blue of distant hills is only an appearance
- the world of sensible phenomena
- the act, action, or process of appearing
- the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
- something that appears : phenomenon
- an instance of appearing : occurrence
ap·pease [ə-'pēz] -vt, adj, n
- to bring to a state of peace or quiet : calm
- to cause to subside : allay
- pacify, conciliate
- to buy off (an aggressor) by concessions usu. at the sacrifice of principles
ap·pel·lant [ə-'pe-lənt] -adj
- of or relating to an appeal : appellate
appellant -n
- one that appeals
- one that appeals from a judicial decision or decree
ap·pel·late [ə-'pe-lət] -adj
- of, relating to, or recognizing appeals
- having the power to review the judgment of another tribunal
ap·pel·la·tion [,a-pə-'lā-shən] -n
- an identifying name or title : designation
- the act of calling by a name
- a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine
- the area designated by such a name
ap·pel·la·tive [ə-'pe-lə-tiv] -adj, n, adv
- of or relating to a common noun
- of, relating to, or inclined to the giving of names
ap·pel·lee [,a-pə-'lē] -n
- one against whom an appeal is taken
ap·pend [ə-'pend] -vt
- attach, affix
- to add as a supplement or appendix (as in a book)
ap·pend·age [ə-'pen-dij] -n
- an adjunct to something larger or more important : appurtenance
- a usu. projecting part of an animal or plant body that is typically smaller and of less functional importance than the main part to which it is attached
- a limb or analogous part (as a seta)
- a dependent or subordinate person
ap·pen·dant [ə-'pen-dənt] -adj, n
- belonging as a right by prescription used of annexed land in English law
- associated as an attendant circumstance
- attached as an appendage
- a seal appendant to a document
ap·pen·dec·to·my [,a-pən-'dek-tə-mē, ,a-,pen-] -n
- surgical removal of the vermiform appendix
ap·pen·di·cec·to·my [ə-,pen-də-'sek-tə-mē] -n
- appendectomy
ap·pen·di·ci·tis [ə-,pen-də-'sī-təs] -n
- inflammation of the vermiform appendix
ap·pen·dic·u·lar [,a-pən-'di-kyə-lər] -adj
- of or relating to an appendage and esp. a limb
- the appendicular skeleton
ap·pen·dix [ə-'pen-diks] -n
- appendage
- supplementary material usu. attached at the end of a piece of writing
- a bodily outgrowth or process
- vermiform appendix
ap·per·ceive [,a-pər-'sēv] -vt
- to have apperception of
ap·per·cep·tion [-'sep-shən] -n, adj
- introspective self-consciousness
- mental perception
- the process of understanding something perceived in terms of previous experience
ap·per·tain [,a-pər-'tān] -vi
- to belong or be connected as a rightful part or attribute : pertain
ap·pe·tence ['a-pə-tən(t)s] -n
- appetency
ap·pe·ten·cy [-tən(t)-sē] -n, adj
- a fixed and strong desire : appetite
ap·pe·tis·er ['a-pə-,tī-zər] -n
(variant of appetizer)
- a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usu. served before a meal
- something that stimulates a desire for more
ap·pe·tite ['a-pə-,tīt] -n, adj
- any of the instinctive desires necessary to keep up organic life
- the desire to eat
- an inherent craving
- an insatiable appetite for work
- taste, preference
- the cultural appetite s of the time -- J. D. Hart
ap·pe·tiz·er ['a-pə-,tī-zər] -n
- a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is usu. served before a meal
- something that stimulates a desire for more
ap·pe·tiz·ing [-,tī-ziŋ] -adj, adv
- appealing to the appetite esp. in appearance or aroma
- appealing to one's taste
- an appetizing display of merchandise
appl -abbr
- applied
ap·plaud [ə-'plȯd] -vb, adj, adv, n
- to express approval esp. by clapping the hands
- to express approval of : praise
- applaud her efforts to lose weight
- to show approval of esp. by clapping the hands
ap·plause [ə-'plȯz] -n
- marked commendation : acclaim
- the kind of applause every really creative writer wants -- Robert Tallant
- approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)
ap·ple ['a-pəl] -n
- the fleshy usu. rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usu. cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family
- an apple tree
- a fruit (as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple
apple butter -n
- a thick brown spread made by cooking apples with sugar and spices usu. in cider
ap·ple·cart [-,kärt] -n
- a plan, system, situation, or undertaking that may be disrupted or terminated
ap·plecheeked ['a-pəl-,chēkt] -adj
- having cheeks the color of red apples
ap·ple·jack [-,jak] -n
- brandy distilled from hard cider
- an alcoholic beverage traditionally made by freezing hard cider and siphoning off the concentrated liquor
ap·pleknock·er [-,nä-kər] -n
- rustic
apple maggot -n
- a dipteran fly ( Rhagoletis pomonella) whose larva burrows in and feeds esp. on apples
ap·plepie ['a-pəl-'pī] -adj
- excellent, perfect
- of, relating to, or characterized by traditionally American values (as honesty or simplicity)
- is the epitome of applepie wholesomeness
ap·plepol·ish ['a-pəl-,pä-lish] -vb, n
- to attempt to ingratiate oneself : toady
- to curry favor with (as by flattery)
ap·ple·sauce [-,sȯs] -n
- a relish or dessert made of apples stewed to a pulp and sweetened
- bunkum, nonsense
apple scab -n
- a disease of apple trees caused by a fungus ( Venturia inaequalis) producing dark blotches or lesions on the leaves, fruit, and sometimes the young twigs
ap·plet ['a-plət, -(,)plet] -n
- a short computer application esp. for performing a simple specific task
ap·pli·ance [ə-'plī-ən(t)s] -n
- an act of applying
- a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose : attachment
- an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function
- a household or office device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current
- fire engine
- compliance
ap·pli·ca·ble ['a-pli-kə-bəl also ə-'pli-kə-] -adj, n
- capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate
- statutes applicable to the case
ap·pli·cant ['a-pli-kənt] -n
- one who applies
ap·pli·ca·tion [,a-plə-'kā-shən] -n
- : an act of applying:
- an act of putting to use
- application of new techniques
- a use to which something is put
- new application s for old remedies
- a program (as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used
- an act of administering or superposing
- application of paint to a house
- assiduous attention
- succeeds by application to her studies
- request, petition
- an application for financial aid
- a form used in making a request
- the practical inference to be derived from a discourse (as a moral tale)
- a medicated or protective layer or material
- an oily application for dry skin
- capacity for practical use
- words of varied application
ap·pli·ca·tive ['a-plə-,kā-tiv, ə-'pli-kə-] -adj, adv
- applicable, practical
- put to use : applied
ap·pli·ca·tor ['a-plə-,kā-tər] -n
- one that applies
- a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)
ap·pli·ca·to·ry ['a-pli-kə-,tȯr-ē, ə-'pli-kə-] -adj
- capable of being applied
ap·plied [ə-'plīd] -adj
- put to practical use
- applying general principles to solve definite problems
- working in an applied science
ap·pli·que [,a-plə-'kā] -n
- a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material
applique -vt
- to apply (as a decoration or ornament) to a larger surface : overlay
ap·ply [ə-'plī] -vb, n
- to put to use esp. for some practical purpose
- applies pressure to get what he wants
- to bring into action
- to lay or spread on
- to put into operation or effect
- to employ diligently or with close attention
- should apply yourself to your work
- to have relevance or a valid connection
- this rule applies to freshmen only
- to make an appeal or request esp. in the form of a written application
ap·pog·gia·tu·ra [ə-,pä-jə-'tu̇r-ə] -n
- an embellishing note or tone preceding an essential melodic note or tone and usu. written as a note of smaller size
ap·point [ə-'pȯint] -vb
- to fix or set officially
- to name officially
- will appoint her director of the program
- arrange
- to determine the disposition of (an estate) to someone by virtue of a power of appointment
- to provide with complete and usu. appropriate or elegant furnishings or equipment
- a beautifully appoint ed room
- to exercise a power of appointment
ap·poin·tee [ə-,pȯin-'tē, ,a-] -n
- one who is appointed
- one to whom an estate is appointed
ap·point·ive [ə-'pȯin-tiv] -adj
- of, relating to, or filled by appointment
ap·point·ment [ə-'pȯint-mənt] -n
- an act of appointing : designation
- the designation by virtue of a vested power of a person to enjoy an estate
- an arrangement for a meeting : engagement
- an appointment for an interview
- equipment, furnishings usu. used in pl.
- expensive homes with luxurious appointment s
- a nonelective office or position
- holds an academic appointment
ap·por·tion [ə-'pȯr-shən] -vt, adj
- to divide and share out according to a plan
- to make a proportionate division or distribution of
ap·por·tion·ment [-shən-mənt] -n
- an act or result of apportioning
- the apportioning of representatives or taxes among the states according to U.S. law
ap·pose [a-'pōz] -vt
- to put before : apply (one thing) to another
- to place in juxtaposition or proximity
ap·po·site ['a-pə-zət] -adj, adv, n
- highly pertinent or appropriate : apt
ap·po·si·tion [,a-pə-'zi-shən] -n, adj
- a grammatical construction in which two usu. adjacent nouns having the same referent stand in the same syntactical relation to the rest of a sentence (as the poetand Burnsin a biography of the poet Burns)
- the relation of one of such a pair of nouns or noun equivalents to the other
- an act or instance of apposing
- the deposition of successive layers upon those already present (as in cell walls)
- the state of being apposed
ap·pos·i·tive [ə-'pä-zə-tiv, a-] -adj, n, adv
- of, relating to, or standing in grammatical apposition
ap·prais·al [ə-'prā-zəl] -n
- an act or instance of appraising
- a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person
ap·praise [ə-'prāz] -vt, n, adv, adj
- to set a value on : estimate the amount of
- to evaluate the worth, significance, or status of
- to give an expert judgment of the value or merit of
- appraise an actor's career
ap·pre·cia·ble [ə-'prē-shə-bəl, -'pri-sh(ē-)ə-bəl] -adj, adv
- capable of being perceived or measured
- no appreciable difference
ap·pre·ci·ate [ə-'prē-shē-,āt, -'pri- also -'prē-sē-] -vb, n, adj
- to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of
- appreciate the difference between right and wrong
- to value or admire highly
- to judge with heightened perception or understanding : be fully aware of
- must see it to appreciate it
- to recognize with gratitude
- certainly appreciate s your kindness
- to increase the value of
- to increase in number or value
ap·pre·ci·a·tion [ə-,prē-shē-'ā-shən, -,pri- also -,prē-sē-] -n
- judgment, evaluation
- a favorable critical estimate
- sensitive awareness
- recognition of aesthetic values
- an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude
- increase in value
ap·pre·cia·tive [ə-'prē-shə-tiv, -'pri- also -'prē-shē-,ā-] -adj, adv, n
- having or showing appreciation
- was appreciative of his good luck
ap·pre·hend [,a-pri-'hend] -vb
- arrest, seize
- to become aware of : perceive
- to anticipate esp. with anxiety, dread, or fear
- to grasp with the understanding : recognize the meaning of
- understand, grasp
ap·pre·hen·si·ble [,a-pri-'hen(t)-sə-bəl] -adj, adv
- capable of being apprehended
- an easily apprehensible truth
ap·pre·hen·sion [,a-pri-'hen(t)-shən] -n
- the act or power of perceiving or comprehending
- a person of dull apprehension
- the result of apprehending mentally : conception
- according to popular apprehension
- seizure by legal process : arrest
- apprehension of a criminal
- suspicion or fear esp. of future evil : foreboding
- an atmosphere of nervous apprehension
ap·pre·hen·sive [-'hen(t)-siv] -adj, adv, n
- capable of apprehending or quick to do so : discerning
- having apprehension : cognizant
- viewing the future with anxiety or alarm
ap·pren·tice [ə-'pren-təs] -n
- one bound by indenture to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade
- one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling
- an inexperienced person : novice
apprentice -vb
- to set at work as an apprentice
- to bind to an apprenticeship by contract or indenture
- to serve as an apprentice
ap·pressed [a-'prest] -adj
- pressed close to or lying flat against something
- leaves appressed against the stem
ap·pres·so·ri·um [,a-pre-'sȯr-ē-əm] -n
- the flattened thickened tip of a hyphal branch by which some parasitic fungi attach to and penetrate their host
ap·prise [ə-'prīz] -vt
- to give notice to : tell
- they apprised him of his rights
ap·prize [ə-'prīz] -vt
- value, appreciate
appro -abbr
- approval
ap·proach [ə-'prōch] -vb
- to draw closer to : near
- to come very near to : be almost the same as
- its mathematics approach es mysticism -- Theodore Sturgeon
- as the quantity x approach es zero
- to make advances to esp. in order to create a desired result
- was approach ed by several Broadway producers
- to take preliminary steps toward accomplishment or full knowledge or experience of
- approach the subject with an open mind
- to draw nearer
- the time is fast approach ing
- to make an approach in golf
approach -n
- an act or instance of approaching
- approximation
- in this book he makes his closest approach to greatness
- the taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purpose
- experimenting with new lines of approach
- a particular manner of taking such steps
- a highly individual approach to language
- a means of access : avenue
- a golf shot from the fairway toward the green
- the steps taken by a bowler before delivering the ball
- the part of the alley behind the foul line from which the bowler delivers the ball
- the descent of an aircraft toward a landing place
ap·proach·able [ə-'prō-chə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being approached : accessible
- easy to meet or deal with
- friendly and approachable people
ap·pro·bate ['a-prə-,bāt] -vt
- approve, sanction
ap·pro·ba·tion [,a-prə-'bā-shən] -n, adj
- proof
- an act of approving formally or officially
- commendation, praise
ap·pro·pri·ate [ə-'prō-prē-,āt] -vt, adj, n
- to take exclusive possession of : annex
- no one should appropriate a common benefit
- to set apart for or assign to a particular purpose or use
- appropriate money for the research program
- to take or make use of without authority or right
- especially suitable or compatible : fitting
- remarks appropriate to the occasion
ap·pro·pri·a·tion [ə-,prō-prē-'ā-shən] -n, adj
- an act or instance of appropriating
- something that has been appropriated
- money set aside by formal action for a specific use
ap·prov·able [ə-'prü-və-bəl] -adj, adv
- capable or worthy of being approved
ap·prov·al [ə-'prü-vəl] -n
- an act or instance of approving : approbation
ap·prove [ə-'prüv] -vb, adv
- prove, attest
- to have or express a favorable opinion of
- couldn't approve such conduct
- to accept as satisfactory
- hopes she will approve the date of the meeting
- to give formal or official sanction to : ratify
- Congress approved the proposed budget
- to take a favorable view
- doesn't approve of fighting
approved school -n
- a school for juvenile delinquents
approx -abbr
- approximate; approximately
ap·prox·i·mate [ə-'präk-sə-mət] -adj, adv
- located close together
- nearly correct or exact
- to bring near or close
- to bring (cut edges of tissue) together
- to come near to or be close to in position, value, or characteristics
- a child tries to approximate his parents' speech
- to come close usu. used with to
ap·prox·i·ma·tion [ə-,präk-sə-'mā-shən] -n, adj
- the act or process of drawing together
- the quality or state of being close or near
- an approximation to the truth
- an approximation of justice
- something that is approximate
- a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity
appt -abbr
- appoint; appointed; appointment
apptd -abbr
- appointed
ap·pur·te·nance [ə-'pərt-nən(t)s, -'pər-tə-nən(t)s] -n
- an incidental right (as a right-of-way) attached to a principal property right and passing in possession with it
- a subordinate part or adjunct
- the appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony -- Shak.
- accessory objects : apparatus
- the appurtenance s of wealth
ap·pur·te·nant [ə-'pərt-nənt, -'pər-tə-nənt] -adj, n
- constituting a legal accompaniment
- auxiliary, accessory
Apr -abbr
- April
APR -abbr
- annual percentage rate
aprax·ia [(,)ā-'prak-sē-ə] -n, adj
- loss or impairment of the ability to execute complex coordinated movements without muscular or sensory impairment
apres [(,)ä-'prā, 'ä-,prā; 'a-,] -prep
- after usu. used in combination
apresski [,ä-,prā-'skē, ,a-] -n
- social activity (as at a ski lodge) after a day's skiing
apri·cot ['a-prə-,kät, 'ā-] -n
- the oval orange-colored fruit of a temperate-zone tree ( Prunus armeniaca) resembling the related peach and plum in flavor
- a tree that bears apricots
- a variable color averaging a moderate orange
April ['ā-prəl] -n
- the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar
April fool -n
- the butt of a joke or trick played on April Fools' Day
- such a joke or trick
April Fools' Day -n
- April 1 characteristically marked by the playing of practical jokes
apron ['ā-prən, -pərn] -n, adj
- a garment usu. of cloth, plastic, or leather usu. tied around the waist and used to protect clothing or adorn a costume
- : something that suggests or resembles an apron in shape, position, or use: as
- the lower member under the sill of the interior casing of a window
- an upward or downward vertical extension of a bathroom fixture (as a sink or tub)
- an endless belt for carrying material
- an extensive fan-shaped deposit of detritus
- the part of the stage in front of the proscenium arch
- the area along the waterfront edge of a pier or wharf
- a shield (as of concrete or gravel) to protect against erosion (as of a waterway) by water
- the extensive paved part of an airport immediately adjacent to the terminal area or hangars
apron string -n
- the string of an apron usu. used in pl. as a symbol of dominance or complete control
- though 40 years old he was still tied to his mother's apron strings
ap·ro·pos [,a-prə-'pō, 'a-prə-,] -adv
- at an opportune time : seasonably
- by way of interjection or further comment : with regard to the present topic
apropos -adj
- being both relevant and opportune
- apropos of
apropos of -prep
- with regard to : concerning
apro·tic [(,)ā-'prō-tik] -adj
- incapable of acting as a proton donor
apse ['aps] -n
- apsis
- a projecting part of a building (as a church) that is usu. semicircular in plan and vaulted
ap·si·dal ['ap-sə-dᵊl] -adj
- of or relating to an apse or apsis
ap·sis ['ap-səs] -n
- the point in an astronomical orbit at which the distance of the body from the center of attraction is either greatest or least
- apse
apt ['apt] -adj, adv, n
- unusually fitted or qualified : ready
- proved an apt tool in the hands of the conspirators
- having a tendency : likely
- plants apt to suffer from drought
- ordinarily disposed : inclined
- apt to accept what is plausible as true
- suited to a purpose
- being to the point
- keenly intelligent and responsive
- apartment
- aptitude
ap·ter·ous ['ap-tə-rəs] -adj
- lacking wings
ap·ter·yx ['ap-tə-riks] -n
- kiwi
ap·ti·tude ['ap-tə-,tüd, -,tyüd] -n, adj, adv
- inclination, tendency
- an aptitude for hard work
- a natural ability : talent
- capacity for learning
- an aptitude for languages
- general suitability : aptness
aptitude test -n
- a standardized test designed to predict an individual's ability to learn certain skills
APU -abbr
- auxiliary power unit
ap·y·rase ['a-pə-,rās, -,rāz] -n
- any of several enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP to AMP with the liberation of phosphate and energy