Li -symbol
- lithium
LI -abbr
- Long Island
li·a·bil·i·ty [,lī-ə-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being liable
- probability
- something for which one is liable
- pecuniary obligation : debt usu. used in pl.
- one that acts as a disadvantage : drawback
li·a·ble ['lī-ə-bəl, esp in sense 2 often 'lī-bəl] -adj
- obligated according to law or equity : responsible
- subject to appropriation or attachment
- being in a position to incur used with to
- exposed or subject to some usu. adverse contingency or action
- watch out or you're liable to fall
li·aise [lē-'āz] -vi
- to establish liaison
- to act as a liaison officer
li·ai·son ['lē-ə-,zän, lē-'ā-, ÷'lā-ə-] -n
- a binding or thickening agent used in cooking
- a close bond or connection : interrelationship
- an illicit sexual relationship : affair
- communication for establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and cooperation (as between parts of an armed force)
- one that establishes and maintains liaison
- the pronunciation of an otherwise absent consonant sound at the end of the first of two consecutive words the second of which begins with a vowel sound and follows without pause
li·a·na [lē-'ä-nə, -'a-] -n
- any of various usu. woody vines esp. of tropical rain forests that root in the ground
li·ar ['lī(-ə)r] -n
- a person who tells lies
Li·as ['lī-əs] -adj
- liassic
Li·as·sic [lī-'a-sik] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a subdivision of the European Jurassic
lib ['lib] -n
- liberation
- liberal
- librarian, library
li·ba·tion [lī-'bā-shən] -n, adj
- an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity)
- a liquid (as wine) used in a libation
- an act or instance of drinking often ceremoniously
- beverage
- a drink containing alcohol
lib·ber ['li-bər] -n
- a person who supports a liberation movement esp. for women
li·bec·cio [li-'be-chē-,ō, -'be-chō] -n
- a southwest wind in Italy
li·bel ['lī-bəl] -n
- a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought
- a handbill esp. attacking or defaming someone
- a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression
- a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt
- defamation of a person by written or representational means
- the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures
- the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel
libel [-b(ə-)liŋ] -vb, n
- to make libelous statements
- to make or publish a libel against
li·bel·ant ['lī-bə-lənt] -n
- one that institutes a suit by a libel
li·bel·ee [,lī-bə-'lē] -n
- one against whom a libel has been filed in a court
li·bel·ous ['lī-b(ə-)ləs] -adj
- constituting or including a libel : defamatory
lib·er·al ['li-b(ə-)rəl] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts
- of or befitting a man of free birth
- marked by generosity : openhanded
- given or provided in a generous and openhanded way
- ample, full
- lacking moral restraint : licentious
- not literal or strict : loose
- broad-minded
- not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
- of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism
- of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism
- of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual esp. economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives
liberal -n
- : a person who is liberal: as
- one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways
- a member or supporter of a liberal political party
- an advocate or adherent of liberalism esp. in individual rights
liberal arts -n pl
- the medieval studies comprising the trivium and quadrivium
- college or university studies (as language, philosophy, literature, abstract science) intended to provide chiefly general knowledge and to develop general intellectual capacities (as reason and judgment) as opposed to professional or vocational skills
lib·er·al·ise ['li-b(ə-)rə-,līz] -vb, n
(variant of liberalize)
- to make liberal or more liberal
- to become liberal or more liberal
lib·er·al·ism ['li-b(ə-)rə-,li-zəm] -n, n or adj, adj
- the quality or state of being liberal
- a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
- a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usu. based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
- a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties
- such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)
- the principles and policies of a Liberal party
lib·er·al·i·ty [,li-bə-'ra-lə-tē] -n
- the quality or state of being liberal
- an instance of this
lib·er·al·ize ['li-b(ə-)rə-,līz] -vb, n
- to make liberal or more liberal
- to become liberal or more liberal
lib·er·ate ['li-bə-,rāt] -vt, n, adj
- to set at liberty : free
- to free (as a country) from domination by a foreign power
- to free from combination
- liberate the gas by adding acid
- to take or take over illegally or unjustly
- material liberated from a nearby construction site -- Thorne Dreyer
liberated -adj
- freed from or opposed to traditional social and sexual attitudes or roles
lib·er·a·tion [,li-bə-'rā-shən] -n
- the act of liberating : the state of being liberated
- a movement seeking equal rights and status for a group
liberation theology -n
- a religious movement esp. among Roman Catholic clergy in Latin America that combines political philosophy usu. of a Marxist orientation with a theology of salvation as liberation from injustice
lib·er·tar·i·an [,li-bər-'ter-ē-ən, -'te-rē-] -n, adj
- an advocate of the doctrine of free will
- a person who upholds the principles of individual liberty esp. of thought and action
- a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles
lib·er·tin·age ['li-bər-,tē-nij] -n
- libertinism
lib·er·tine ['li-bər-,tēn] -n, adj
- a freethinker esp. in religious matters
- a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality
- one leading a dissolute life
lib·er·tin·ism ['li-bər-,tē-,ni-zəm, -tə-] -n
- the quality or state of being libertine : the behavior of a libertine
lib·er·ty ['li-bər-tē] -n
- : the quality or state of being free:
- the power to do as one pleases
- freedom from physical restraint
- freedom from arbitrary or despotic control
- the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
- the power of choice
- a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege
- permission esp. to go freely within specified limits
- : an action going beyond normal limits: as
- a breach of etiquette or propriety : familiarity
- risk, chance
- took foolish liberties with his health
- a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice
- a distortion of fact
- a short authorized absence from naval duty usu. for less than 48 hours
liberty cap -n
- a close-fitting conical cap used as a symbol of liberty by the French revolutionists and in the U.S. before 1800
liberty pole -n
- a tall flagstaff surmounted by a liberty cap or the flag of a republic and set up as a symbol of liberty
li·bid·i·nal [lə-'bi-də-nəl, -'bid-nᵊl] -adj, adv
- of or relating to the libido
li·bid·i·nous [-də-nəs, -'bid-nəs] -adj, adv, n
- having or marked by lustful desires : lascivious
- libidinal
li·bi·do [lə-'bē-(,)dō also 'li-bə-,dō] -n
- instinctual psychic energy that in psychoanalytic theory is derived from primitive biological urges (as for sexual pleasure or self-preservation) and that is expressed in conscious activity
- sexual drive
li·bra [for 1 & 2a 'lē-brə, sometimes 'lī-brə, for 2b 'lē-brə or 'lēv-rə] -n
- a southern zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Scorpio represented by a pair of scales
- the seventh sign of the zodiac in astrology
- one born under the sign of Libra
- an ancient Roman unit of weight equal to 327.45 grams
- any of various Spanish, Portuguese, Colombian, or Venezuelan units of weight
Li·bran ['lē-brən, 'lī-] -n
- libra
li·brar·i·an [lī-'brer-ē-ən, -'bre-rē-] -n
- a specialist in the care or management of a library
li·brary ['lī-,brer-ē, -,bre-rē; Brit usu & US sometimes -brər-ē; US sometimes -brē, ÷-,ber-ē, -,be-rē] -n
- a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale
- a collection of such materials
- a collection resembling or suggesting a library
- morgue
- a series of related books issued by a publisher
- a collection of publications on the same subject
- a collection of cloned DNA fragments that are maintained in a suitable cellular environment and that usu. represent the genetic material of a particular organism or tissue
library paste -n
- a thick white adhesive made from starch
library science -n
- the study or the principles and practices of library care and administration
li·bra·tion [lī-'brā-shən] -n, adj
- an oscillation in the apparent aspect of a secondary body (as a planet or a satellite) as seen from the primary object around which it revolves
libration point -n
- any of five positions in the plane of a celestial system consisting of one massive body orbiting another at which the gravitational influences of the two bodies are approximately equal
li·bret·tist [lə-'bre-tist] -n
- the writer of a libretto
li·bret·to [lə-'bre-(,)tō] -n
- the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater
- the book containing a libretto
li·bri·form ['lī-brə-,fȯrm] -adj
- resembling phloem fibers
Lib·ri·um ['li-brē-əm] -trademark
- used for a preparation of chlordiazepoxide
Lib·y·an ['li-bē-ən] -n, adj
- a native or inhabitant of Libya
- a language of ancient No. Africa probably ancestral to Berber dialects
lic -abbr
- license
lice ['lau̇s] -n
(variant of louse)
- any of various small wingless usu. flattened insects (orders Anoplura and Mallophaga) parasitic on warm-blooded animals
- a small usu. sluggish arthropod (as a biting louse) that lives on other animals or on plants and sucks their blood or juices
- any of several small arthropods (as a book louse) that are not parasitic
- a contemptible person : heel
- to remove lice from
li·cense ['lī-sᵊn(t)s] -n, adj
- permission to act
- freedom of action
- a permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful
- a document, plate, or tag evidencing a license granted
- a grant by the holder of a copyright or patent to another of any of the rights embodied in the copyright or patent short of an assignment of all rights
- freedom that allows or is used with irresponsibility
- disregard for standards of personal conduct : licentiousness
- deviation from fact, form, or rule by an artist or writer for the sake of the effect gained
license [-sᵊn(t)-sə-bəl] -vt, adj, n
- to issue a license to
- to permit or authorize esp. by formal license
- to give permission or consent to : allow
licensed practical nurse -n
- a person who has undergone training and obtained a license (as from a state) conferring authorization to provide routine care for the sick
licensed vocational nurse -n
- a licensed practical nurse authorized to practice in the states of California or Texas
li·cens·ee [,lī-sᵊn(t)-'sē] -n
- one that is licensed
license plate -n
- a plate or tag (as of metal) attesting that a license has been secured and usu. bearing a registration number
li·cen·sure ['lī-sᵊn-shər, -,shu̇r] -n
- the granting of licenses esp. to practice a profession
- the state of being licensed
licente ['sen-tē] -n
(variant of sente)
- see loti at
li·cen·ti·ate [lī-'sen(t)-shē-ət, esp in sense 2 li-] -n
- a person who has a license granted esp. by a university to practice a profession
- an academic degree ranking below that of doctor given by some European universities
li·cen·tious [lī-'sen(t)-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- lacking legal or moral restraints
- disregarding sexual restraints
- marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness
lichee ['lē-(,)chē, 'lī-] -n
(variant of lychee)
- the oval fruit of a Chinese tree ( Litchi chinensis) of the soapberry family having a hard scaly reddish outer covering and sweet whitish edible flesh that surrounds a single large seed called also lychee nut
- a tree bearing lychees
li·chen ['lī-kən, Brit also 'li-chən] -n, adj
- any of several skin diseases characterized by a papular eruption
- any of numerous complex plantlike organisms made up of an alga and a fungus growing in symbiotic association on a solid surface (as a rock)
li·chen·ol·o·gy [,lī-kə-'nä-lə-jē] -n, adj
- the study of lichens
licht ['līt] -n
(variant of light)
- something that makes vision possible
- the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
- electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
- such radiation that is visible to the human eye
- daylight
- dawn
- : a source of light: as
- a celestial body
- candle
- an electric light
- sight
- spiritual illumination
- inner light
- enlightenment
- truth
- public knowledge
- a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
- saw the matter in a different light
- a particular illumination
- something that enlightens or informs
- shed some light on the problem
- a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
- a set of principles, standards, or opinions
- worship according to one's light s -- Adrienne Koch
- a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
- a leading light among current writers
- a particular expression of the eye
- lighthouse, beacon
- traffic light
- the representation of light in art
- a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
- having light : bright
- not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : pale
- medium in saturation and high in lightness
- served with extra milk or cream
- to become light : brighten usu. used with up
- to take fire
- to ignite something (as a cigarette) often used with up
- to set fire to
- to conduct with a light : guide
- illuminate
- animate, brighten
- having little weight : not heavy
- designed to carry a comparatively small load
- having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
- aluminum is a light metal
- containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
- of little importance : trivial
- not abundant
- easily disturbed
- exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
- resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
- easily endurable
- requiring little effort
- capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
- frivolous
- lacking in stability : changeable
- sexually promiscuous
- free from care : cheerful
- less powerful but usu. more mobile than usual for its kind
- made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
- having a relatively mild flavor
- easily digested
- well leavened
- coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
- dizzy, giddy
- intended chiefly to entertain
- carrying little or no cargo
- producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
- not bearing a stress or accent
- having a clear soft quality
- being in debt to the pot in a poker game
- short
- casual, occasional
- lightly
- with little baggage
- dismount
- settle, alight
- to fall unexpectedly usu. used with on or upon
- to arrive by chance : happen usu. used with on or upon
lic·it ['li-sət] -adj, adv
- conforming to the requirements of the law : not forbidden by law : permissible
lick ['lik] -vb
- to draw the tongue over
- to flicker over like a tongue
- to take into the mouth with the tongue : lap
- to strike repeatedly : thrash
- to get the better of : overcome, defeat
- to lap with or as if with the tongue
- to dart like a tongue
- an act or instance of licking
- a small amount : bit
- a hasty careless effort
- a sharp hit : blow
- a directed effort : crack usu. used in pl. usu. used in the phrase get in one's licks
- a natural salt deposit (as a salt spring) that animals lick
- a block of often medicated saline preparation given to livestock to lick
- a musical figure
- an interpolated and usu. improvised figure or flourish
- a critical thrust : dig, barb
lick·er·ish ['li-k(ə-)rish] -adj, adv, n
- greedy, desirous
- tempting to the appetite
- lecherous
lick·e·tysplit [,li-kə-tē-'split] -adv
- at great speed
lick·ing -n
- a sound thrashing : drubbing
- defeat
lick·spit·tle ['lik-,spi-tᵊl] -n
- a fawning subordinate : toady
lic·o·rice ['li-k(ə-)rish, -k(ə-)rəs] -n
- the dried root of a European leguminous plant ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
- an extract of this used esp. in medicine, liquors, and confectionery
- a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
- a plant yielding licorice
- a related plant
lic·tor ['lik-tər] -n
- an ancient Roman officer who bore the fasces as the insignia of his office and whose duties included accompanying the chief magistrates in public appearances
lid ['lid] -n
- a movable cover for the opening of a hollow container (as a vessel or box)
- eyelid
- the operculum in mosses
- hat
- something that confines, limits, or suppresses : check, restraint
- an ounce of marijuana
- to cover or supply with a lid
li·dar ['lī-,där] -n
- a device that is similar in operation to radar but emits pulsed laser light instead of microwaves
lidded -adj
- having or covered with a lid
- having lids esp. of a specified kind usu. used in combination
lid·less ['lid-ləs] -adj
- having no lid
- watchful
li·do ['lē-(,)dō] -n
- a fashionable beach resort
li·do·caine ['lī-də-,kān] -n
- a crystalline compound C 14H 22N 2O that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a local anesthetic and as an antiarrhythmic agent
lie ['lī] -vi, n
- to be or to stay at rest in a horizontal position : be prostrate : rest, recline
- to assume a horizontal position often used with down
- to reside temporarily : stay for the night : lodge
- to have sexual intercourse used with with
- to remain inactive (as in concealment)
- to be in a helpless or defenseless state
- the town lay at the mercy of the invaders
- to be or remain in a flat or horizontal position upon a broad support
- to have direction : extend
- the route lay to the west
- to occupy a certain relative place or position
- to have a place in relation to something else
- the real reason lie s deeper
- to have an effect through mere presence, weight, or relative position
- remorse lay heavily on him
- to be sustainable or admissible
- to remain at anchor or becalmed
- to have place : exist
- the choice lay between fighting or surrendering
- consist, belong
- the success of the book lie s in its direct style
- responsibility lay with the adults
- remain
- to remain unused, unsought, or uncared for
- lay
- the position or situation in which something lies
- a golf ball in a difficult lie
- the haunt of an animal (as a fish) : covert
- an act or instance of lying or resting
- to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive
- to create a false or misleading impression
- to bring about by telling lies
- lied his way out of trouble
- an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker to be untrue with intent to deceive
- an untrue or inaccurate statement that may or may not be believed true by the speaker
- something that misleads or deceives
- a charge of lying
lieb·frau·milch ['lēp-,frau̇-,milk, 'lēb-, -,milk̲, -,milsh] -n
- a fruity white Rhine wine
lie by -vi
- to remain inactive : rest
lied ['lēt] -n
- a German art song esp. of the 19th century
lie detector -n
- a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying
lie down -vi
- to submit meekly or abjectly to defeat, disappointment, or insult
- won't take that criticism lying down
- to fail to perform or to neglect one's part deliberately
lief ['lēf, 'lēv] -adj
- dear, beloved
- willing, glad
- soon, gladly
liege ['lēj] -adj
- having the right to feudal allegiance or service
- obligated to render feudal allegiance and service
- faithful, loyal
- a vassal bound to feudal service and allegiance
- a loyal subject
- a feudal superior to whom allegiance and service are due
liege man -n
- vassal
- a devoted follower
liein ['lī-,in] -n
- an act of lying down (as in a public place) in organized protest or as a means of forcing compliance with demands
lien ['lēn, 'lē-ən] -n
- a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law
- the security interest created by a mortgage
lie off -vi
- to hold back in the early part of a race
- to keep a little away from the shore or another ship
- to cease work for a time
lie over -vi
- to await disposal or attention at a later time
li·erne [lē-'ərn, -'ern] -n
- a rib in Gothic vaulting that passes from one intersection of the principal ribs to another
lie to -vi
- to stay stationary with head to windward
lieu ['lü] -n
- place, stead
lie up -vi
- to go into or remain in a dock
- to stay in bed or at rest
lieut -abbr
- lieutenant
lieu·ten·an·cy [lü-'te-nən(t)-sē, Brit le(f)-] -n
- the office, rank, or commission of a lieutenant
lieu·ten·ant [-'te-nənt] -n
- an official empowered to act for a higher official
- an aide or representative of another in the performance of duty : assistant
- first lieutenant
- second lieutenant
- a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant junior grade and below a lieutenant commander
- a fire or police department officer ranking below a captain
lieutenant colonel -n
- a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking above a major and below a colonel
lieutenant commander -n
- a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above a lieutenant and below a commander
lieutenant general -n
- a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a major general and whose insignia is three stars
lieutenant governor -n
- : a deputy or subordinate governor: as
- an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of an American state
- the formal head of the government of a Canadian province appointed by the federal government as the representative of the crown
lieutenant junior grade -n
- a commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard ranking above an ensign and below a lieutenant
life ['līf] -n
- the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
- a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings
- an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
- the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual
- one or more aspects of the process of living
- biography
- spiritual existence transcending physical death
- the period from birth to death
- a specific phase of earthly existence
- the period from an event until death
- a judge appointed for life
- a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
- a way or manner of living
- livelihood
- a vital or living being
- person
- many lives were lost in the disaster
- an animating and shaping force or principle
- spirit, animation
- saw no life in her dancing
- the form or pattern of something existing in reality
- the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something
- the expected life of the batteries
- the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle)
- a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
- living beings (as of a particular kind or environment)
- human activities
- animate activity and movement
- the activities of a given sphere, area, or time
- the political life of the country
- one providing interest and vigor
- an opportunity for continued viability
- gave the patient a new life
- god
- something resembling animate life
- a grant saved the project's life
- of or relating to animate being
- lifelong
- using a living model
- of, relating to, or provided by life insurance
lifeanddeath -adj
- involving or culminating in life or death : vitally important as if involving life or death
life belt -n
- a life preserver in the form of a buoyant belt
- safety belt
life·blood ['līf-'bləd, -,bləd] -n
- blood regarded as the seat of vitality
- a vital or life-giving force or component
- freedom of inquiry is the lifeblood of a university
life·boat [-,bōt] -n
- a sturdy buoyant boat (as one carried by a ship) for use in an emergency and esp. in saving lives at sea
life buoy -n
- a ring-shaped life preserver
lifecare ['līf-,ker] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a residential complex for elderly people that provides an apartment, personal and social services, and health care for life
life cycle -n
- the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage
- life history
- a series of stages through which something (as an individual, culture, or manufactured product) passes during its lifetime
life expectancy -n
- the average life span of an individual
life force -n
- elan vital
lifeform ['līf-'fȯrm, -,fȯrm] -n
- the body form that characterizes a kind of organism (as a species) at maturity
- a kind of organism
life·ful ['līf-fəl] -adj
- full of or giving vitality
lifegiv·ing [-,gi-viŋ] -adj
- giving or having power to give life and spirit : invigorating
life·guard [-,gärd] -n, vi
- a usu. expert swimmer employed (as at a beach or a pool) to safeguard other swimmers
life history -n
- a history of the changes through which an organism passes in its development from the primary stage to its natural death
- the history of an individual or thing
life insurance -n
- insurance providing for payment of a stipulated sum to a designated beneficiary upon death of the insured
life jacket -n
- a life preserver in the form of a buoyant vest
life·less ['līf-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- : having no life:
- dead
- inanimate
- lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : insipid
- destitute of living beings
life·like ['līf-,līk] -adj, n
- accurately representing or imitating real life
life·line ['līf-,līn] -n
- : a line (as a rope) used for saving or preserving life: as
- a line along the outer edge of the deck of a boat or ship
- a line used to keep contact with a person (as a diver or astronaut) in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation
- something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life
life list -n
- a record kept of all birds sighted and identified by a birder
life·long ['līf-,lȯŋ] -adj
- lasting or continuing through life
- long-standing
life·man·ship ['līf-mən-,ship] -n
- the skill or practice of achieving superiority or an appearance of superiority over others (as in conversation) by perplexing and demoralizing them
life net -n
- a strong net or sheet (as of canvas) used (as by firefighters) to catch a person jumping from a burning building
life of Ri·ley [-'rī-lē]
- a carefree comfortable way of living
life peer -n
- a British peer whose title is not hereditary
life preserver -n
- a device (as a life jacket or life buoy) designed to save a person from drowning by providing buoyancy in water
- blackjack
lif·er ['lī-fər] -n
- a person sentenced to imprisonment for life
- a person who makes a career of one of the armed forces
- a person who has made a lifelong commitment (as to a way of life)
life raft -n
- a raft usu. made of wood or an inflatable material and designed for use by people forced into the water
life ring -n
- life buoy
life·sav·er ['līf-,sā-vər] -n
- one trained to save lives of drowning persons
- one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need
life·sav·ing [-viŋ] -adj
- designed for or used in saving lives
lifesaving -n
- the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives esp. of drowning persons
life science -n
- a branch of science (as biology, medicine, and sometimes anthropology or sociology) that deals with living organisms and life processes usu. used in pl.
lifesize ['līf-'sīz] -adj
- of natural size : of the size of the original
life span -n
- the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object esp. in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
- the duration of existence of an individual
life·style ['līf-'stī(-ə)l, -,stī(-ə)l] -n
- the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture
lifestyle -adj
- associated with, reflecting, or promoting an enhanced or more desirable lifestyle
lifesupport [-sə-'pȯrt] -adj
- providing support necessary to sustain life
- of or relating to a system providing such support
life support -n
- medical life-support equipment
- the patient was placed on life support
lifesupport system -n
- an artificial or natural system that provides all or some of the items (as oxygen, food, water, control of temperature and pressure, disposition of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health
life table -n
- mortality table
life·time ['līf-,tīm] -n
- the duration of the existence of a living being (as a person or an animal) or a thing (as a star or a subatomic particle)
- life
- an amount accumulated or experienced in a lifetime
lifetime -adj
- lifelong
- of long duration or continuance
- measured or achieved over the span of a career
- a baseball player's lifetime batting average
life vest -n
- life jacket
life·way [-,wā] -n
- life
life·work [-'wərk] -n
- the entire or principal work of one's lifetime
- a work extending over a lifetime
life·world ['līf-,wər(-ə)ld] -n
- the sum total of physical surroundings and everyday experiences that make up an individual's world
life zone -n
- a region characterized by specific plants and animals
LIFO -abbr
- last in, first out
lift ['lift] -n
- heavens, sky
- to raise from a lower to a higher position : elevate
- to raise in rank or condition
- to raise in rate or amount
- to put an end to (a blockade or siege) by withdrawing or causing the withdrawal of investing forces
- revoke, rescind
- steal
- plagiarize
- to take out of normal setting
- lift a word out of context
- to take up (as a root crop or transplants) from the ground
- to pay off (an obligation)
- to move from one place to another (as by aircraft) : transport
- to take up (a fingerprint) from a surface
- ascend, rise
- to appear elevated (as above surrounding objects)
- to dissipate and clear
- the amount that may be lifted at one time : load
- the action or an instance of lifting
- the action or an instance of rising
- elevated carriage (as of a body part)
- the lifting up (as of a dancer) usu. by a partner
- a device (as a handle or latch) for lifting
- an act of stealing : theft
- assistance, help
- a ride esp. along one's way
- a layer in the heel of a shoe
- a rise or advance in position or condition
- a slight rise or elevation
- the distance or extent to which something rises
- : an apparatus or machine used for hoisting: as
- a set of pumps used in a mine
- elevator
- an apparatus for raising an automobile (as for repair)
- ski lift
- an elevating influence
- an elevation of the spirit
- the component of the total aerodynamic force acting on an airplane or airfoil that is perpendicular to the relative wind and that for an airplane constitutes the upward force that opposes the pull of gravity
- an updraft that can be used to increase altitude (as of a sailplane)
- an organized movement of people, equipment, or supplies by some form of transportation
- airlift
lift·gate ['lift-,gāt] -n
- a rear panel (as on a station wagon) that opens upward
lift·man [-,man] -n
- an elevator operator
lift·off [-,ȯf] -n
- a vertical takeoff by an aircraft or a rocket vehicle or missile
lift truck -n
- a small truck for lifting and transporting loads
lig·a·ment ['li-gə-mənt] -n, adj
- a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place
- a connecting or unifying bond
- the law of nations, the great ligament of mankind -- Edmund Burke
li·gand ['li-gənd, 'lī-] -n
- a group, ion, or molecule coordinated to a central atom or molecule in a complex
li·gase ['lī-,gās, -,gāz] -n
- synthetase
li·gate ['lī-,gāt, lī-'] -vt
- to tie with a ligature
- to join together (as DNA or protein chains) by a chemical process
li·ga·tion [lī-'gā-shən] -n
- an act of ligating
- something that binds : ligature
lig·a·ture ['li-gə-,chu̇r, -chər, -,tu̇r, -,tyu̇r] -n
- something that is used to bind
- a filament (as a thread) used in surgery
- something that unites or connects : bond
- the action of binding or tying
- a compound note in mensural notation indicating a group of musical notes to be sung to one syllable
- a printed or written character (as or ) consisting of two or more letters or characters joined together
li·ger ['lī-gər] -n
- a hybrid between a male lion and a female tiger
light ['līt] -n
- something that makes vision possible
- the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
- electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
- such radiation that is visible to the human eye
- daylight
- dawn
- : a source of light: as
- a celestial body
- candle
- an electric light
- sight
- spiritual illumination
- inner light
- enlightenment
- truth
- public knowledge
- a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
- saw the matter in a different light
- a particular illumination
- something that enlightens or informs
- shed some light on the problem
- a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
- a set of principles, standards, or opinions
- worship according to one's light s -- Adrienne Koch
- a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
- a leading light among current writers
- a particular expression of the eye
- lighthouse, beacon
- traffic light
- the representation of light in art
- a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
- having light : bright
- not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : pale
- medium in saturation and high in lightness
- served with extra milk or cream
- to become light : brighten usu. used with up
- to take fire
- to ignite something (as a cigarette) often used with up
- to set fire to
- to conduct with a light : guide
- illuminate
- animate, brighten
- having little weight : not heavy
- designed to carry a comparatively small load
- having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
- aluminum is a light metal
- containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
- of little importance : trivial
- not abundant
- easily disturbed
- exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
- resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
- easily endurable
- requiring little effort
- capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
- frivolous
- lacking in stability : changeable
- sexually promiscuous
- free from care : cheerful
- less powerful but usu. more mobile than usual for its kind
- made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
- having a relatively mild flavor
- easily digested
- well leavened
- coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
- dizzy, giddy
- intended chiefly to entertain
- carrying little or no cargo
- producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
- not bearing a stress or accent
- having a clear soft quality
- being in debt to the pot in a poker game
- short
- casual, occasional
- lightly
- with little baggage
- dismount
- settle, alight
- to fall unexpectedly usu. used with on or upon
- to arrive by chance : happen usu. used with on or upon
light adaptation ['līt-ə-,dap-təd] -n, adj
- the process including contraction of the pupil and decrease in rhodopsin by which the eye adapts to conditions of increased illumination
light air -n
- wind having a speed of 1 to 3 miles (about 1 to 5 kilometers) per hour
light bread ['līt-,bred] -n
- bread in loaves made from white flour leavened with yeast
light breeze -n
- wind having a speed of 4 to 7 miles (about 6 to 11 kilometers) per hour
light·bulb ['līt-,bəlb] -n
- : an electric lamp: as
- one in which a filament gives off light when heated to incandescence by an electric current called also incandescent incandescent lamp
- fluorescent lamp
light chain -n
- either of the two smaller of the four polypeptide chains comprising antibodies
light curve -n
- a graph showing the variation in brightness of a celestial object (as a variable star) over a period of time
lightemitting diode -n
- led
light·en ['lī-tᵊn] -vb, n
- to make light or clear : illuminate
- enlighten
- to make (as a color) lighter
- to shine brightly
- to grow lighter : brighten
- to give out flashes of lightning
lighten ['līt-niŋ, 'lī-tᵊn-iŋ] -vb, n
- to relieve of a burden in whole or in part
- the news lighten ed his mind
- to reduce in weight or quantity : lessen
- to make less wearisome : alleviate
- cheer, gladden
- to become lighter or less burdensome
- to become more cheerful
lighten up -vi
- to take things less seriously
ligh·ter ['lī-tər] -n
- a large usu. flat-bottomed barge used esp. in unloading or loading ships
lighter -vt
- to convey by a lighter
- one that lights or sets a fire
- a device for lighting a fire
- a mechanical or electrical device used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
ligh·ter·age ['lī-tə-rij] -n
- the loading, unloading, or transportation of goods by means of a lighter
- a price paid for lightering
lighterthanair -adj
- of less weight than the air displaced
light·face ['līt-,fās] -n, adj
- a typeface having comparatively light thin lines
- printing in lightface
light·fast [-,fast] -adj, n
- resistant to light and esp. to sunlight
- colorfast to light
lightfin·gered [-,fiŋ-gərd] -adj, n
- showing adroitness in stealing or a tendency to steal esp. by picking pockets or shoplifting
- having a light and dexterous touch : nimble
lightfoot·ed [-,fu̇-təd] -adj
- having a light and springy step
- moving gracefully and nimbly
light guide -n
- an optical fiber used esp. for telecommunication
lighthand·ed ['līt-,han-dəd] -adj, n
- having a light or delicate touch : facile
- a lighthanded translation
lighthead·ed [-,he-dəd] -adj, adv, n
- mentally disoriented : dizzy
- lacking in maturity or seriousness : frivolous
light·heart·ed [-,här-təd] -adj, adv, n
- free from care, anxiety, or seriousness : happy-go-lucky
- cheerfully optimistic and hopeful : easygoing
light heavyweight -n
- a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 175 pounds for professionals and 178 pounds for amateurs
light·house ['līt-,hau̇s] -n
- a structure (as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators
- beacon
light housekeeping -n
- domestic work restricted to the less laborious duties
- housekeeping in quarters with limited facilities for cooking
lighting -n
- illumination
- ignition
- an artificial supply of light or the apparatus providing it
light·less ['līt-ləs] -adj
- receiving no light : dark
- giving no light
light·ly ['līt-lē] -adv
- : in a light manner: as
- with little weight or force : gently
- with indifference or carelessness : unconcernedly
- the problem should not be passed over lightly -- Shelly Halpern
- with little difficulty : easily
- gaily, cheerfully
- in an agile manner : nimbly, swiftly
- the cat leapt lightly onto the table
- in a small degree or amount
light meter -n
- a small and often portable device for measuring illumination
- exposure meter
lightmind·ed ['līt-,mīn-dəd] -adj, adv, n
- lacking in seriousness : frivolous
light·ness [-nəs] -n
- the quality or state of being illuminated : illumination
- the attribute of object colors by which the object appears to reflect or transmit more or less of the incident light
lightness -n
- the quality or state of being light esp. in weight
- lack of seriousness and stability of character often accompanied by casual heedlessness
- the quality or state of being nimble
- an ease and gaiety of style or manner
- a lack of weightiness or force : delicacy
light·ning ['līt-niŋ] -n
- the flashing of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity
- the discharge itself
- a sudden stroke of fortune
lightning -adj
- having or moving with or as if with the speed and suddenness of lightning
- to discharge a flash of lightning
lightning arrester -n
- a device for protecting an electrical apparatus from damage by lightning
lightning bug -n
- firefly
lightning rod -n
- a grounded metallic rod set up on a structure (as a building) to protect it from lightning
- one that serves to divert attack from another
- one that is a frequent target of criticism or focus of controversy
- she has become a convenient lightning rod for voters' discontent with law-and-order issues -- Aric Press et al.
lighto'love [,līt-ə-'ləv] -n
- prostitute
- lover, paramour
light opera -n
- operetta
light out -vi
- to leave in a hurry
- set off
light pen -n
- a pen-shaped device for direct interaction with a computer through a cathode-ray tube display
light pipe -n
- an optical fiber or a solid transparent plastic rod for transmitting light lengthwise
light·plane ['līt-'plān] -n
- a small and comparatively lightweight airplane
- a privately owned passenger airplane
light pollution -n
- artificial skylight (as from city lights) that interferes esp. with astronomical observations
light·proof ['līt-,prüf] -adj
- impenetrable by light
light quantum -n
- photon
- one of luminous radiation
lightrail ['līt-,rāl] -n
- a means of urban railway transportation using trolley cars
light reaction -n
- the phase of photosynthesis that requires the presence of light and that involves photophosphorylation
lights ['līts] -n pl
- the lungs esp. of a slaughtered animal
light·ship ['līt-,ship] -n
- a ship equipped with a brilliant light and moored at a place dangerous to navigation
light show -n
- a kaleidoscopic display of colored lights, slides, and film loops
light·some ['līt-səm] -adj, adv, n
- free from care : lighthearted
- airy, nimble
lightsome -adj
- well lighted : bright
- giving light
lightsout ['līts-'au̇t] -n
- a command or signal for putting out lights
- a prescribed bedtime for persons living under discipline
light table -n
- a device that projects even light through a flat translucent surface over which films or tracings may be spread out and viewed
light therapy -n
- the treatment of medical or psychiatric conditions (as seasonal affective disorder) by the controlled application of light called also light treatment phototherapy
light·tight ['līt-,tīt] -adj
- lightproof
light trap -n
- a device that allows movement of a sliding part or passage of a person (as into a darkroom) but excludes light
- a device for collecting or destroying insects that consists of a bright light in association with a trapping or killing medium
light water -n
- water
light·weight ['līt-,wāt] -n
- one of less than average weight
- a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs
- one of little consequence or ability
lightweight -adj
- lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
- having less than average weight
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
- the lightweight championship
light·wood ['līt-,wu̇d, 'lī-təd] -n
- wood used for kindling
- coniferous wood abounding in pitch
lightyear ['līt-,yir] -n
- a unit of length in astronomy equal to the distance that light travels in one year in a vacuum or about 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers)
- an extremely large measure of comparison (as of distance, time, or quality)
- seems like lightyear s ago
- has lightyear s more talent
- two minutes and yet lightyear s away from the crowded village -- Suzanne Patterson
lign- -comb form
- wood
lig·nan ['lig-,nan] -n
- any of a class of propyl phenolic dimers including many found in plants and noted for having antioxidant and estrogenic activity
lig·ne·ous ['lig-nē-əs] -adj
- of or resembling wood
lig·ni·fy ['lig-nə-,fī] -vb, n
- to convert into wood or woody tissue
- to become wood or woody
lig·nin ['lig-nən] -n
- an amorphous polymer related to cellulose that provides rigidity and together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them
lig·nite ['lig-,nīt] -n, adj
- a usu. brownish black coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
- one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct called also brown coal
lig·no·cel·lu·lose [,lig-nō-'sel-yə-,lōs, -,lōz] -n, adj
- any of several closely related substances constituting the essential part of woody cell walls of plants and consisting of cellulose intimately associated with lignin
lig·no·sul·fo·nate [-'səl-fə-,nāt] -n
- any of various compounds produced from the spent sulfite liquor in the pulping of softwood in papermaking and used esp. for binders and dispersing agents
lig·num vi·tae [,lig-nəm-'vī-tē] -n
- the very hard heavy wood of any of several tropical American guaiacums
- a tree yielding lignum vitae
lig·u·la ['li-gyə-lə] -n
- ligule
- the distal lobed part of the labium of an insect
lig·u·late ['li-gyə-lət, -,lāt] -adj
- furnished with ligules, ligulae, or ligulate corollas
- shaped like a strap
- ligulate corolla of a ray flower
lig·ule ['li-(,)gyül] -n
- : a scalelike projection esp. on a plant: as
- a thin appendage of a foliage leaf and esp. of the sheath of a blade of grass
- a ligulate corolla of a ray floret in a composite head
lig·ure ['li-,gyu̇r, -gyər] -n
- a traditional precious stone that is prob. the jacinth
lik·able ['lī-kə-bəl] -adj, n
- having qualities that bring about a favorable regard : pleasant, agreeable
like ['līk] -vb
- to be suitable or agreeable to
- I like onions but they don't like me
- to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in : enjoy
- to feel toward : regard
- how would you like a change
- to wish to have : want
- to do well in
- this plant like s dry soil
- my car does not like cold weather
- approve
- to feel inclined : choose, prefer
- liking, preference
- something that one likes
- the same or nearly the same (as in appearance, character, or quantity) formerly used with as, unto, of
- it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren -- Heb 2:17(AV)
- closely resembling the subject or original
- the portrait is very like
- likely
- the importance of statistics as the one discipline like to give accuracy of mind -- H. J. Laski
- having the characteristics of : similar to
- it's like when we were kids
- typical of
- comparable to : approximating
- costs something like fifty cents
- in the manner of : similarly to
- as though there would be
- such as
- used to form intensive or ironic phrases
- one that is similar : counterpart, equal
- have...never seen the like before -- Sir Winston Churchill
- kind usu. used with a preceding possessive
- put him and his like to some job -- J. R. R. Tolkien
- one of many that are similar to each other used chiefly in proverbial expressions
- equally
- likely, probably
- you'll try it, some day, like enough -- Mark Twain
- to some extent : rather, altogether
- saunter over nonchalantly like -- Walter Karig
- used interjectionally in informal speech often to emphasize a word or phrase (as in He was, like, gorgeous) or for an apologetic, vague, or unassertive effect (as in I need to, like, borrow some money)
- nearly: approximately
- the actual interest is more like 18 percent
used interjectionally in informal speech with expressions of measurement - it was, like, five feet long
- goes there every day, like
- as if
- middle-aged men who looked like they might be out for their one night of the year -- Norman Mailer
- used in intensive phrases
- in the same way that : as
- they raven down scenery like children do sweetmeats -- John Keats
- in the way or manner that
- the violin sounds like an old masterpiece should
- used interjectionally in informal speech often with the verb be to introduce a quotation, paraphrase, or thought expressed by or imputed to the subject of the verb, or with it's to report a generally held opinion
- so I'm like, Give me a break
- it's like, Who cares what he thinks?
- such as
- a bag like a doctor carries
- when your car has trouble - like when it won't start
used interjectionally in informal speech - often stays up late, until like three in the morning
- came near : was near
- so loud I like to fell out of bed -- Helen Eustis
like·li·hood ['lī-klē-,hu̇d] -n
- probability
- a strong likelihood that he is correct -- T. D. Anderson
like·ly ['lī-klē] -adj
- having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable
- apparently qualified : suitable
- reliable, credible
- promising
- attractive
likely -adv
- in all probability : probably
- those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it -- Halton Arp
likemind·ed ['līk-'mīn-dəd] -adj, adv, n
- having a like disposition or purpose : of the same mind or habit of thought
lik·en ['lī-kən] -vt
- compare
like·ness ['līk-nəs] -n
- copy, portrait
- appearance, semblance
- the quality or state of being like : resemblance
like·wise ['līk-,wīz] -adv
- in like manner : similarly
- in addition
- similarly so with me
- answered likewise to Pleased to meet you
liking -n
- favorable regard : fondness, taste
- had a greater liking for law -- E. M. Coulter
- took a liking to the newcomer
li·ku·ta [li-'kü-tə] -n
- a former monetary unit equal to zaire
li·lac ['lī-,läk, -,lak, -lək] -n
- a widely cultivated European shrub ( Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers
- a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
- a variable color averaging a moderate purple
lil·ied ['li-lēd] -adj
- resembling a lily in fairness
- full of or covered with lilies
Lil·ith ['li-ləth] -n
- a woman who in rabbinic legend is Adam's first wife, is supplanted by Eve, and becomes an evil spirit
- a famous witch in medieval demonology
Lil·li·put ['li-li-(,)pət] -n
- an island in Swift's Gulliver's Travelswhere the inhabitants are six inches tall
Lil·li·pu·tian [,li-lə-'pyü-shən] -adj
- of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput
- small, miniature
- petty
Lilliputian -n
- an inhabitant of Lilliput
- one resembling a Lilliputian
- an undersized individual
lilt ['lilt] -n
- a spirited and usu. cheerful song or tune
- a rhythmical swing, flow, or cadence
- a springy buoyant movement
- to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner
- to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitch
- to move in a lively springy manner
lilt·ing ['lil-tiŋ] -adj, adv, n
- characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence
- cheerful, buoyant
lily ['li-lē] -n
- any of a genus ( Liliumof the family Liliaceae, the lily family) of erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs that are native to the temperate northern hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their showy flowers
- any of various plants of the lily family or of the related amaryllis or iris families
- : any of various plants with showy flowers: as
- a scarlet anemone ( Anemone coronaria) of the Mediterranean region
- water lily
- calla lily
- fleur-de-lis
- resembling a lily in fairness, purity, or fragility
- my lady's lily hand -- John Keats
lilyliv·ered ['li-lē-'li-vərd] -adj
- lacking courage : cowardly
lily of the valley
- a low perennial herb ( Convallaria majalis) of the lily family that has usu. two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers
lily pad -n
- a floating leaf of a water lily
lilywhite ['li-lē-'hwīt, -'wīt] -adj
- white as a lily
- characterized by or favoring the exclusion of blacks esp. from politics
- irreproachable, pure
- a member of a lily-white political organization
Li·ma ['lē-mə]
- a communications code word for the letter l
li·ma bean ['lī-mə-] -n
- a bushy or tall-growing tropical American bean ( Phaseolus limensis) that is widely cultivated for its flat edible usu. pale green or whitish seeds
- sieva bean
- the seed of a lima bean
li·ma·on [,lē-mə-'sōⁿ] -n
- a plane curve whose equation in polar coordinates has one of the forms = acos bor = asin band which reduces to a cardioid when a= b
limb ['lim] -n, adj
- one of the projecting paired appendages (as wings) of an animal body used esp. for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs
- a leg or arm of a human being
- a large primary branch of a tree
- an active member or agent
- extension, branch
- a mischievous child
- dismember
- to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree)
- the outer edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body
- the expanded portion of an organ or structure
- the upper spreading portion of a corolla (as of the phlox) whose lower part consists of a tube of fused petals
lim·ba ['lim-bə] -n
- a tall whitish-trunked West African tree ( Terminalia superba) with straight-grained wood
- the wood of a limba
lim·beck ['lim-,bek] -n
- alembic
limbed ['limd] -adj
- having limbs esp. of a specified kind or number usu. used in combination
lim·ber ['lim-bər] -n
- a two-wheeled vehicle to which a gun or caisson may be attached
limber -adj, adv, n
- capable of being shaped : flexible
- having a supple and resilient quality (as of mind or body) : agile, nimble
- to cause to become limber
- to become limber
limber pine -n
- a pine ( Pinus flexilis) of the western U.S. and Canada that has flexible branches and needles in bundles of five
lim·bic ['lim-bik] -adj
- of, relating to, or being the limbic system of the brain
limbic system -n
- a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned esp. with emotion and motivation
lim·bo ['lim-(,)bō] -n
- an abode of souls that are according to Roman Catholic theology barred from heaven because of not having received Christian baptism
- a place or state of restraint or confinement
- a place or state of neglect or oblivion
- an intermediate or transitional place or state
- a state of uncertainty
limbo -n
- a dance or contest that involves bending over backwards and passing under a horizontal pole lowered slightly for each successive pass
Lim·burg·er ['lim-,bər-gər] -n
- a pungent semisoft surface-ripened cheese
lim·bus ['lim-bəs] -n
- the marginal region of the cornea of the eye by which it is continuous with the sclera
lime ['līm] -n
- birdlime
- a caustic highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesium oxide, that is obtained by calcining forms of calcium carbonate (as shells or limestone), and that is used in building (as in mortar and plaster) and in agriculture called also quicklime
- a dry white powder consisting essentially of calcium hydroxide that is made by treating quicklime with water
- calcium
- to smear with a sticky substance (as birdlime)
- to entangle with or as if with birdlime
- to treat or cover with lime
- lime the lawn in the spring
- of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone
- a linden tree
- linden
- the small globose yellowish green fruit of a widely cultivated spiny tropical Asian citrus tree ( Citrus aurantifolia) with a usu. acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C
- a tree that bears limes
lime·ade [,līm-'ād, 'lī-,mād] -n
- a beverage of sweetened lime juice mixed with plain or carbonated water
lime glass -n
- glass containing a substantial proportion of lime
limejuic·er ['līm-,jü-sər] -n
- englishman
- a British ship
- a British sailor
lime·kiln [-,kil, -,kiln] -n
- a kiln or furnace for reducing limestone or shells to lime by burning
lime·light [-,līt] -n
- a stage lighting instrument producing illumination by means of an oxyhydrogen flame directed on a cylinder of lime and usu. equipped with a lens to concentrate the light in a beam
- the white light produced by such an instrument
- spotlight
- the center of public attention
limelight -vt
- to center attention on : spotlight
li·men ['lī-mən] -n
- threshold
lim·er·ick ['li-mə-rik, 'lim-rik] -n
- a light or humorous verse form of five chiefly anapestic verses of which lines 1, 2, and 5 are of three feet and lines 3 and 4 are of two feet with a rhyme scheme of aabba
lime·stone ['līm-,stōn] -n
- a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned
limetwig ['līm-,twig] -n
- a twig covered with birdlime to catch birds
- snare
lime·wa·ter [-,wȯ-tər, -,wä-] -n
- an alkaline water solution of calcium hydroxide used as an antacid
lim·ey ['lī-mē] -n
- a British sailor
- englishman
limey ['lī-mē] -adj
(variant of limy)
- smeared with or consisting of lime : viscous
- containing lime or limestone
- resembling or having the qualities of lime
lim·i·nal ['li-mə-nᵊl] -adj
- of or relating to a sensory threshold
- barely perceptible
- of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition : in-between, transitional
- in the liminal state between life and death -- Deborah Jowitt
lim·it ['li-mət] -n, adj, adv
- something that bounds, restrains, or confines
- the utmost extent
- a geographic or political boundary
- the place enclosed within a boundary : bounds
- limitation
- a determining feature or differentia in logic
- : a prescribed maximum or minimum amount, quantity, or number: as
- the maximum quantity of game or fish that may be taken legally in a specified period
- a maximum established for a gambling bet, raise, or payoff
- a number whose numerical difference from a mathematical function is arbitrarily small for all values of the independent variables that are sufficiently close to but not equal to given prescribed numbers or that are sufficiently large positively or negatively
- a number that for an infinite sequence of numbers is such that ultimately each of the remaining terms of the sequence differs from this number by less than any given positive amount
- something that is exasperating or intolerable
limit [-mə-tə-bəl] -vt, adj, n
- to assign certain limits to : prescribe
- reserved the right to limit use of the land
- to restrict the bounds or limits of
- the specialist can no longer limit himself to his specialty
- to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent
- we must limit the power of aggressors
lim·i·tary ['li-mə-,ter-ē] -adj
- subject to limits
- of or relating to a boundary
- limiting, enclosing
lim·i·ta·tion [,li-mə-'tā-shən] -n, adj
- an act or instance of limiting
- the quality or state of being limited
- something that limits : restraint
- a certain period limited by statute after which actions, suits, or prosecutions cannot be brought in the courts
lim·i·ta·tive ['li-mə-,tā-tiv] -adj
- limiting, restrictive
lim·it·ed ['li-mə-təd] -adj, adv, n
- confined within limits : restricted
- offering faster service esp. by making a limited number of stops
- characterized by enforceable limitations prescribed (as by a constitution) upon the scope or exercise of powers
- lacking breadth and originality
- a bit limited; a bit thick in the head -- Virginia Woolf
limitedaccess -adj
- having access restricted to a relatively small number of points
limited edition -n
- an issue of something collectible (as books, prints, or medals) that is advertised to be limited to a relatively small number of copies
limited liability -n
- liability (as of a stockholder or shipowner) limited by statute or treaty
limited liability partnership -n
- a partnership in which the partnership is liable as an entity for debts and obligations and the partners are not liable personally
limited partner -n
- a partner in a venture who has no management authority and whose liability is restricted to the amount of his or her investment
limited partnership -n
- a partnership having one or more general partners and one or more limited partners
limited war -n
- a war whose objective is less than the total defeat of the enemy
lim·it·ing ['li-mə-tiŋ] -adj, adv
- functioning as a limit : restrictive
- being an environmental factor (as a nutrient) that limits the population size of an organism
- serving to specify the application of the modified noun
- this in this book is a limiting word
limit point -n
- a point that is related to a set of points in such a way that every neighborhood of the point no matter how small contains another point belonging to the set called also point of accumulation
lim·i·trophe ['li-mə-,trōf, -,trȯf] -adj
- situated on a border or frontier : adjacent
- the area limitrophe to the river
lim·mer ['li-mər] -n
- scoundrel
- prostitute
limn ['lim] -vt, n
- to draw or paint on a surface
- to outline in clear sharp detail : delineate
- describe
- the novel limn s the frontier life of the settlers
lim·net·ic [lim-'ne-tik] -adj
- of, relating to, or inhabiting the open water of a body of freshwater
lim·nol·o·gy [lim-'nä-lə-jē] -n, adj
- the scientific study of bodies of freshwater (as lakes)
limo ['li-(,)mō] -n
- limousine
Li·moges [li-'mōzh] -n
- enamelware or porcelain made at Limoges
lim·o·nene ['li-mə-,nēn] -n
- a widely distributed terpene hydrocarbon C 10H 16that occurs in essential oils (as of oranges or lemons) and has a lemon odor
li·mo·nite ['lī-mə-,nīt] -n, adj
- a native hydrous ferric oxide of variable composition that is an ore of iron
Lim·ou·sin [li-'mü-sin, 'li-mə-,zēn, lē-mü-'zaⁿ] -n
- any of a French breed of medium-sized yellowish-red cattle bred esp. for meat
lim·ou·sine ['li-mə-,zēn, ,li-mə-'] -n
- a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that usu. has a glass partition separating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment
- a large vehicle for transporting passengers to and from an airport
limousine liberal -n
- a wealthy political liberal
limp ['limp] -vi, n
- to walk lamely
- to walk favoring one leg
- to go unsteadily : falter
- to proceed slowly or with difficulty
- the ship limp ed back to port
- a limping movement or gait
- lacking firm texture, substance, or structure
- her hair hung limp about her shoulders
- not stiff or rigid
- weary, exhausted
- lacking in strength, vigor, or firmness : spiritless
lim·pa ['lim-pə] -n
- rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar
lim·pet ['lim-pət] -n
- a marine gastropod mollusk (esp. families Acmaeidae and Patellidae) that has a low conical shell broadly open beneath, browses over rocks or timbers in the littoral area, and clings very tightly when disturbed
- one that clings tenaciously to someone or something
- an explosive device designed to cling magnetically to a metallic surface (as the hull of a ship)
lim·pid ['lim-pəd] -adj, n, adv
- marked by transparency : pellucid
- clear and simple in style
- absolutely serene and untroubled
limp·kin ['lim(p)-kən] -n
- a large brown wading bird ( Aramus guarauna) of southern Georgia, Florida, and Central and So. America that resembles a bittern but has a longer slightly curved bill, longer neck and legs, and white stripes on head and neck
limpwrist·ed ['limp-,ris-təd] -adj
- effeminate
- weak
lim·u·lus ['lim-yə-ləs] -n
- horseshoe crab
limy ['lī-mē] -adj
- smeared with or consisting of lime : viscous
- containing lime or limestone
- resembling or having the qualities of lime
lin -abbr
- lineal; linear
lin·ac ['li-,nak] -n
- linear accelerator
lin·age ['lī-nij] -n
- the number of lines of printed or written matter
lin·al·o·ol [lə-'na-lə-,wȯl, lī-, -,wōl] -n
- a fragrant liquid alcohol C 10H 18O that occurs both free and in the form of esters in many essential oils and is used in perfumes, soaps, and flavoring materials
linch·pin ['linch-,pin] -n
- a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)
- one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit
- the linchpin in the defense's case
Lin·coln ['liŋ-kən] -n
- any of an English breed of long-wooled mutton-type sheep
Lin·coln·i·a·na [(,)liŋ-,kō-nē-'ä-nə, -'a-nə, -'ā-nə] -n pl
- materials relating to Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln's Birthday ['liŋ-kənz-] -n
- February 12 observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.
- the first Monday in February observed as a legal holiday by some states of the U.S.
lin·co·my·cin [,liŋ-kə-'mī-sᵊn] -n
- an antibiotic C 18H 34N 2O 6S obtained from an actinomycete ( Streptomyces lincolnensis)and effective esp. against gram-positive bacteria
Lincs -abbr
- Lincolnshire
lin·dane ['lin-,dān] -n
- a persistent organochlorine insecticide that consists chiefly of the gamma isomer of BHC
lin·den ['lin-dən] -n
- : any of a genus ( Tiliaof the family Tiliaceae, the linden family) of deciduous trees of temperate regions that have cordate leaves and a winglike bract attached to the peduncle of the flower and fruit and that are often planted as ornamental and shade trees: as
- a commonly cultivated European tree ( T. europaeasyn. T. vulgaris) much used for ornamental planting
- a tree ( T. americana) chiefly of the central and eastern U.S. called also basswood
- the light fine-grained white wood of a linden
- basswood
Lin·dy ['lin-dē] -n
- a jitterbug dance originating in Harlem and later developing many local variants called also Lindy Hop
line ['līn] -n, adj
- : a length of cord or cord-like material: as
- a comparatively strong slender cord
- clothesline
- a rope used on shipboard
- a device for catching fish consisting of a cord with hooks and other fishing gear
- scope for activity : rope
- a length of material used in measuring and leveling
- piping for conveying a fluid (as steam)
- a narrow short synthetic tube that is inserted approximately one inch into a vein (as of the arm) to provide temporary intravenous access for the administration of fluid, medication, or nutrients
- a wire or pair of wires connecting one telegraph or telephone station with another or a whole system of such wires
- any circuit in an electronic communication system
- a telephone connection
- an individual telephone extension
- the principal circuits of an electric power system
- a horizontal row of written or printed characters
- a blank row in lieu of such characters
- a unit in the rhythmic structure of verse formed by the grouping of a number of the smallest units of the rhythm (as metrical feet)
- a distinct segment of a computer program containing a single command or a small number of commands
- a short letter : note
- a certificate of marriage
- the words making up a part in a drama usu. used in pl.
- any of the successive horizontal rows of picture elements on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (as a television screen)
- something (as a ridge or seam) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow
- a narrow crease (as on the face) : wrinkle
- the course or direction of something in motion : route
- a state of agreement or conformity : accordance
- a state of order, control, or obedience
- wouldn't let them get out of line
- a boundary of an area
- distinction2
- the fine line between love and hate
- the track and roadbed of a railway
- an amount of cocaine that is arranged in a line to be inhaled through the nose
- a course of conduct, action, or thought
- an official or public position
- a field of activity or interest
- a glib often persuasive way of talking
- limit, restraint
- position in life : lot
- family, lineage
- a strain produced and maintained esp. by selective breeding or biological culture
- a chronological series
- dispositions made to cover extended military positions and presenting a front to the enemy usu. used in pl.
- a military formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other
- naval ships arranged in a regular order
- the combatant forces of an army distinguished from the staff corps and supply services
- the force of a regular navy
- officers of the navy eligible for command at sea distinguished from officers of the staff
- officers of the army belonging to a combatant branch
- an arrangement or placement of persons or objects of one kind in an orderly series
- the persons or objects so positioned
- the line moved slowly at the bank
- a group of public conveyances plying regularly under one management over a route
- a system of transportation together with its equipment, routes, and appurtenances
- the company owning or operating it
- a succession of musical notes esp. considered in melodic phrases
- an arrangement of operations in manufacturing permitting sequential occurrence on various stages of production
- the personnel of an organization that are responsible for its stated objective
- the seven players including center, two guards, two tackles, and two ends who in offensive football play line up on or within one foot of the line of scrimmage
- the players who in defensive play line up within one yard of the line of scrimmage
- a group of three players including a left winger, center, and right winger who play together as a unit in hockey
- : a narrow elongated mark drawn or projected: as
- a circle of latitude or longitude on a map
- equator
- a mark (as on a map) recording a boundary, division, or contour
- any of the horizontal parallel strokes on a music staff on or between which notes are placed
- a mark (as by pencil) that forms part of the formal design of a picture distinguished from the shading or color
- a division on a bridge score dividing the score for bonuses from that for tricks
- a demarcation of a limit with reference to which the playing of some game or sport is regulated usu. used in combination
- a marked or imaginary line across a playing area (as a football field) parallel to the end line
- line of scrimmage
- a straight or curved geometric element that is generated by a moving point and that has extension only along the path of the point : curve
- a defining outline : contour
- a general plan : model usu. used in pl.
- pica used to indicate the size of large type
- the unit of fineness of halftones expressed as the number of screen lines to the linear inch
- merchandise or services of the same general class for sale or regularly available
- a source of information : insight
- betting odds offered by a bookmaker esp. on a sporting event
- a complete game of 10 frames in bowling called also string
- line drive
- to mark or cover with a line or lines
- to depict with lines : draw
- to place or form a line along
- pedestrians line the walks
- to form into a line or lines : align
- to hit (as a baseball) hard and in a usu. straight line
- to hit a line drive in baseball
- to come into the correct relative position : align
- to cover the inner surface of
- to put something in the inside of : fill
- to serve as the lining of
- tapestries lined the walls
- fortify
lin·e·age ['li-nē-ij also 'li-nij] -n
- descent in a line from a common progenitor
- derivation
- a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor
- such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder
lineage ['lī-nij] -n
(variant of linage)
- the number of lines of printed or written matter
lin·e·al ['li-nē-əl] -adj, n, adv
- linear
- composed of or arranged in lines
- consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry
- relating to or derived from ancestors : hereditary
- descended in a direct line
- belonging to one lineage
- of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage
lin·e·a·ment ['li-nē-ə-mənt] -n, adj
- an outline, feature, or contour of a body or figure and esp. of a face usu. used in pl.
- a linear topographic feature (as of the earth) that reveals a characteristic (as a fault or the subsurface structure)
- a distinguishing or characteristic feature usu. used in pl.
lin·e·ar ['li-nē-ər] -adj, n, adv
- of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and esp. a straight line : straight
- involving a single dimension
- of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
- of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
- characterized by an emphasis on line
- composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
- consisting of a straight chain of atoms
- elongated with nearly parallel sides
- having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
- of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
Linear A [-'ā] -n
- a linear form of writing used in Crete from the 18th to the 15th centuries b.c.
linear accelerator -n
- a device in which charged particles are accelerated in a straight line by successive impulses from a series of electric fields
linear algebra -n
- a branch of mathematics that is concerned with mathematical structures closed under the operations of addition and scalar multiplication and that includes the theory of systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, and linear transformations
Linear B [-'bē] -n
- a linear form of writing employing syllabic characters and used at Knossos on Crete and on the Greek mainland from the 15th to the 12th centuries b.c.for documents in Mycenaean Greek
linear combination -n
- a mathematical entity (as 4 x 5 y 6 z) which is composed of sums and differences of elements (as variables, matrices, or functions) esp. when the coefficients are not all zero
linear dependence -n, adj
- the property of one set (as of matrices or vectors) having at least one linear combination of its elements equal to zero when the coefficients are taken from another given set and at least one of its coefficients is not equal to zero
linear equation -n
- an equation of the first degree in any number of variables
linear function -n
- a mathematical function in which the variables appear only in the first degree, are multiplied by constants, and are combined only by addition and subtraction
- linear transformation
linear independence -n, adj
- the property of a set (as of matrices or vectors) having no linear combination of all its elements equal to zero when coefficients are taken from a given set unless the coefficient of each element is zero
linear interpolation -n
- estimation of a function (as a logarithm) by assuming that it is a straight line between known values
lin·e·ar·ise ['li-nē-ə-,rīz] -vt, n
(variant of linearize)
- to give a linear form to
- to project in linear form
lin·e·ar·ize ['li-nē-ə-,rīz] -vt, n
- to give a linear form to
- to project in linear form
linear measure -n
- a measure of length
- a system of measures of length
linear motor -n
- a motor that produces thrust in a straight line by direct induction rather than with the use of gears called also linear induction motor
linear perspective -n
- perspective
linear programming -n
- a mathematical method of solving practical problems (as the allocation of resources) by means of linear functions where the variables involved are subject to constraints
linear regression -n
- the process of finding a straight line (as by least squares) that best approximates a set of points on a graph
linear space -n
- vector space
linear transformation -n
- a transformation in which the new variables are linear functions of the old variables
- a function that maps the vectors of one vector space onto the vectors of the same or another vector space with the same field of scalars in such a way that the image of the sum of two vectors equals the sum of their images and the image of the product of a scalar and a vector equals the product of the scalar and the image of the vector
lin·e·a·tion [,li-nē-'ā-shən] -n
- the action of marking with lines : delineation
- outline
- an arrangement of lines
line·back·er ['līn-,ba-kər] -n
- a defensive football player who lines up immediately behind the line of scrimmage to make tackles on running plays through the line or defend against short passes
line·back·ing [-,ba-kiŋ] -n
- the action or art of playing linebacker
line·breed·ing [-,brē-diŋ] -n, adj
- the interbreeding of individuals within a particular line of descent usu. to perpetuate desirable characters
line·cast·er [-,kas-tər] -n
- a machine that casts metal type in lines
line·cut ['līn-,kət] -n
- a photoengraving of a line drawing
line dance -n
- contredanse
- a dance performed by a group usu. in single file
- a dance in which the dancers stand in ranks while performing a particular set of steps in unison
line drawing -n
- a drawing made in solid lines
line drive -n
- a batted baseball hit in a nearly straight line usu. not far above the ground
line engraving -n
- an engraving cut by hand directly in the plate
line graph -n
- a graph in which points representing values of a variable for suitable values of an independent variable are connected by a broken line
linehaul ['līn-,hȯl] -n
- the transporting of items or persons between terminals
line item ['līn-'ī-təm] -n, adj
- an appropriation that is itemized on a separate line in a budget
lineitem veto -n
- the power of a government executive to veto specific items in an appropriations bill without vetoing the bill altogether
line judge -n
- a football linesman whose duties include keeping track of the official time for the game
line·man ['līn-mən] -n
- one who sets up or repairs electric wire communication or power lines called also linesman
- a player in the forward line of a team
- a football player in the line
lin·en ['li-nən] -adj
- made of flax
- made of or resembling linen
linen -n
- cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster
- thread or yarn spun from flax
- clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric
- paper made from linen fibers or with a linen finish
line of credit
- the maximum credit allowed a buyer or borrower
- an agreement providing credit up to a certain amount
line of duty
- all that is authorized, required, or normally associated with some field of responsibility
line officer -n
- a commissioned officer assigned to the line of the army or navy
line of force
- a line in a field of force (as a magnetic or electric field) whose tangent at any point gives the direction of the field at that point
line of scrimmage
- an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down
line of sight
- a line from an observer's eye to a distant point
- the line between two points
- the straight path between a transmitting antenna (as for radio or television signals) and a receiving antenna when unobstructed by the horizon
line out -vt
- to indicate with or as if with lines : outline
- to arrange in an extended line
- belt
- to move rapidly
- to make an out by hitting a baseball in a line drive that is caught
line printer -n
- a high-speed printing device (as for a computer) that prints each line as a unit rather than character by character
lin·er ['lī-nər] -n
- one that makes, draws, or uses lines
- a ship belonging to a regular line
- an airplane belonging to an airline
- line drive
- something with which lines are made
liner [-ləs] -n, adj
- one that lines or is used to line or back something
- jacket
li·ner·board ['lī-nər-,bȯrd] -n
- a thin cardboard used for the flat facings of corrugated containerboard
liner notes -n pl
- comments or explanatory notes about a recording printed on the jacket or an insert
line score -n
- a score of a baseball game giving the runs, hits, and errors made by each team
lines·man ['līnz-mən] -n
- lineman
- an official who assists a referee (as in football or hockey) esp. in determining if a ball, puck, or player is out-of-bounds or offside
line squall -n
- a squall or thunderstorm occurring along a cold front
line storm -n
- an equinoctial storm
line·up ['lī-,nəp] -n
- a list of players taking part in a game (as of baseball)
- the players on such a list
- an alignment (as in entertainment or politics) of persons or things having a common purpose, distinction, or bond
- the show's star-studded lineup
- line
- a television programming schedule
- a line of persons arranged esp. for inspection or for identification by police
line up -vi
- to assume an orderly linear arrangement
- to align oneself
- he lined up with the liberals against the bill
- to put into alignment
- to arrange for
- line up support for a candidate
ling ['liŋ] -n
- any of various fishes (as a hake or burbot) of the cod family
- lingcod
- a heath plant
- a common Old World heather ( Calluna vulgaris)
Lin·ga·la [liŋ-'gä-lə] -n
- a Bantu language widely used in trade and public affairs in the Congo River area
lin·gam ['liŋ-gəm] -n
- a stylized phallic symbol that is worshipped in Hinduism as a sign of generative power and that represents the god Shiva
Lin·ga·yat [liŋ-'gä-yət] -n
- a member of a Saiva sect of southern India marked by wearing of the lingam and characterized by denial of caste distinctions
ling·cod ['liŋ-,käd] -n
- a large often greenish-fleshed fish ( Ophiodon elongatus) of the Pacific coast of No. America that is an important food and sport fish and belongs to the same family as the greenlings
lin·ger ['liŋ-gər] -vb, n, adv
- to be slow in parting or in quitting something : tarry
- fans linger ed outside the door
- to remain alive although gradually dying
- to remain existent although often waning in strength, importance, or influence
- to be slow to act : procrastinate
- to move slowly : saunter
- delay
- to pass (as a period of time) slowly
lin·ge·rie [,län-jə-'rā, ,läⁿ-zhə-, -'rē; 'laⁿ-zhə-(,)rē, 'län-jə-, 'läⁿ-zhə-, -,rā] -n, adj
- linen articles or garments
- women's intimate apparel
lin·go ['liŋ-(,)gō] -n
- : strange or incomprehensible language or speech: as
- a foreign language
- the special vocabulary of a particular field of interest
- language characteristic of an individual
ling·on·ber·ry ['liŋ-ən-,ber-ē] -n
- the fruit of the mountain cranberry
- mountain cranberry
lin·gua ['liŋ-gwə] -n
- a tongue or an organ resembling a tongue
lin·gua fran·ca ['liŋ-gwə-'fraŋ-kə] -n
- a common language consisting of Italian mixed with French, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports
- any of various languages used as common or commercial tongues among peoples of diverse speech
- something resembling a common language
- movies are the lingua franca of the twentieth century -- Gore Vidal
lin·gual ['liŋ-gwəl also 'liŋ-gyə-wəl] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or resembling the tongue
- lying near or next to the tongue
- relating to or being the surface of tooth next to the tongue
- produced by the tongue
- linguistic
lin·gui·ca [liŋ-'gwē-sə] -n
- a spicy Portuguese sausage
lin·gui·ne [liŋ-'gwē-nē] -n
- narrow flat pasta
lin·guist ['liŋ-gwist] -n
- a person accomplished in languages
- one who speaks several languages
- a person who specializes in linguistics
lin·guis·tic [liŋ-'gwis-tik] -adj, adv
- of or relating to language or linguistics
linguistic atlas -n
- a publication containing a set of maps on which speech variations are recorded called also dialect atlas
linguistic form -n
- a meaningful unit of speech (as a morpheme, word, or sentence) called also speech form
linguistic geography -n
- local or regional variations of a language or dialect studied as a field of knowledge called also dialect geography
lin·guis·ti·cian [,liŋ-gwə-'sti-shən] -n
- linguist
lin·guis·tics [liŋ-'gwis-tiks] -n pl but sing in constr
- the study of human speech including the units, nature, structure, and modification of language
lin·i·ment ['li-nə-mənt] -n
- a liquid or semiliquid preparation that is applied to the skin as an anodyne or a counterirritant
lin·ing ['lī-niŋ] -n
- material that lines or that is used to line esp. the inner surface of something (as a garment)
- the act or process of providing something with a lining
link ['liŋk] -n
- : a connecting structure: as
- a single ring or division of a chain
- one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length
- cuff link
- bond
- an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
- a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end
- the fusible member of an electrical fuse
- : something analogous to a link of chain: as
- a segment of sausage in a chain
- a connecting element or factor
- found a link between smoking and cancer
- a unit in a communication system
- an identifier attached to an element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements
- one (as a hyperlink) in a computer file
- to couple or connect by or as if by a link
- to become connected by or as if by a link often used with up
- the band link ed up with a new record label
- a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets
- to skip smartly along
link·age ['liŋ-kij] -n
- : the manner or style of being united: as
- the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
- bond
- the quality or state of being linked
- the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together
- a system of links
- a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced
- link
- the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another
linkage group -n
- a set of linked genes at different loci on the same chromosome
link·boy ['liŋk-,bȯi] -n
- an attendant formerly employed to bear a light for a person on the streets at night
linked ['liŋ(k)t] -adj
- marked by linkage and esp. genetic linkage
- having or provided with links
linking verb -n
- a word or expression (as a form of be, become, feel,or seem) that links a subject with its predicate
link·man ['liŋk-mən] -n
- linkboy
- a broadcasting moderator or anchorman
links ['liŋ(k)s] -n pl
- sand hills esp. along the seashore
- golf course
- a golf course on linksland
links·land ['liŋ(k)s-,land] -n
- seaside terrain that is characterized by rolling hills of sand and is often used as the site of golf courses
links·man ['liŋ(k)s-mən] -n
- one who plays golf
link·up ['liŋ-,kəp] -n
- establishment of contact : meeting
- the linkup of two spacecraft
- something that serves as a linking device or factor
- a functional whole resulting from the linking up of separate elements
- an instructional TV linkup
linn ['lin] -n
- waterfall
- precipice
Lin·nae·an [lə-'nē-ən, -'nā-; 'li-nē-] -adj
- of, relating to, or following the systematic methods of the Swedish botanist Linnaeus who established the system of binomial nomenclature
lin·net ['li-nət] -n
- a common small brownish Old World finch ( Acanthis cannabina) of which the male has red on the breast and crown during breeding season
li·no ['lī-(,)nō] -n
- linoleum
li·no·cut ['lī-nō-,kət] -n
- a print made from a design cut into a mounted piece of linoleum
li·no·le·ate [lə-'nō-lē-,āt] -n
- a salt or ester of linoleic acid
lin·o·le·ic acid [,li-nə-'lē-ik-, -'lā-] -n
- a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C 18H 32O 2found esp. in semidrying oils (as corn oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals
lin·o·le·nic acid [-'lē-nik-, -'lā-] -n
- a liquid unsaturated fatty acid C 18H 30O 2found esp. in drying oils (as linseed oil) and essential for the nutrition of some animals
li·no·leum [lə-'nō-lē-əm, -'nōl-yəm] -n
- a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usu. pigments
- a material similar to linoleum
Li·no·type ['lī-nə-,tīp] -trademark
- used for a typesetting machine that produces each line of type in the form of a solid metal slug
lin·sang ['lin-,saŋ] -n
- either of two small nocturnal chiefly forest-dwelling viverrid Asian mammals ( Prionodon pardicolorand P. linsang) having an elongated slender muzzle and long tail
- a related mammal ( Poiana richardsoni) of Africa
lin·seed ['lin-,sēd] -n
- flaxseed
linseed oil -n
- a yellowish drying oil obtained from flaxseed and used esp. in paint, varnish, printing ink, and linoleum
lin·seywool·sey [,lin-zē-'wu̇l-zē] -n
- a coarse sturdy fabric of wool and linen or cotton
lin·stock ['lin-,stäk] -n
- a staff having a pointed foot (as for sticking into the ground) and a forked tip and formerly used to hold a lighted match for firing cannon
lint ['lint] -n, adj
- a soft fleecy material made from linen usu. by scraping
- fuzz consisting esp. of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric
- a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple
lin·tel ['lin-tᵊl] -n
- a horizontal architectural member spanning and usu. carrying the load above an opening
lint·er ['lin-tər] -n
- a machine for removing linters
- the fuzz of short fibers that adheres to cottonseed after ginning
lint·white ['lint-,hwīt, -,wīt] -n
- linnet
linz·er torte ['lin(t)-sər-, 'lin-zər-] -n
- a baked buttery torte made with chopped almonds, sugar, and spices and filled with jam or preserves
li·on ['lī-ən] -n, adj
- a large heavily built social cat ( Panthera leo) of open or rocky areas chiefly of sub-Saharan Africa though once widely distributed throughout Africa and southern Asia that has a tawny body with a tufted tail and a shaggy blackish or dark brown mane in the male
- any of several large wildcats
- cougar
- leo
- a person felt to resemble a lion (as in courage or ferocity)
- a person of outstanding interest or importance
- a member of a major national and international service club
li·on·ess ['lī-ə-nəs] -n
- a female lion
li·on·fish ['lī-ən-,fish] -n
- any of several scorpaenid fishes (genus Pterois) of the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific that are brilliantly striped and barred with elongated fins and venomous dorsal spines
li·on·heart·ed ['lī-ən-,här-təd] -adj
- courageous, brave
li·on·ise ['lī-ə-,nīz] -vt, n
(variant of lionize)
- to treat as an object of great interest or importance
- to show the sights of a place to
li·on·ize ['lī-ə-,nīz] -vt, n
- to treat as an object of great interest or importance
- to show the sights of a place to
lion's den -n
- a place or state of extreme disadvantage, antagonism, or hostility
- a young reporter thrown into the lion's den
lion's share -n
- the largest portion
- received the lion's share of the research money
lip ['lip] -n, adj
- either of two fleshy folds that surround the mouth in humans and many other vertebrates and are organs of human speech essential to certain articulations
- the red or pinkish margin of the human lip
- back talk
- a fleshy edge or margin (as of a wound)
- labium
- labellum
- a limb of a labiate corolla
- the edge of a hollow vessel or cavity
- : a projecting edge: as
- the beveled upper edge of the mouth of an organ flue pipe
- the sharp cutting edge on the end of a tool (as an auger)
- a short spout (as on a pitcher)
- edge
- embouchure
- insincere
- produced with the participation of the lips : labial
- to touch with the lips
- kiss
- utter
- to lap against : lick
- to hit (a putt) so that the ball hits the edge of the cup but fails to drop in usu. used with out
- to hit the edge of the cup without dropping in used with out
lip- -comb form
- fat : fatty tissue : fatty
li·pa ['lē-,pä, -pə] -n
- see kuna at
li·pase ['lī-,pās, -,pāz] -n
- an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycerides
lip·id ['li-pəd] -n, adj
- any of various substances that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents (as chloroform and ether), that are usu. insoluble in water, that with proteins and carbohydrates constitute the principal structural components of living cells, and that include fats, waxes, phosphatides, cerebrosides, and related and derived compounds
Lip·i·tor ['li-pə-tȯr] -trademark
- used for a preparation of atorvastatin
Lip·iz·zan [,li-pət-'sän] -n
- any of a breed of spirited horses developed from Spanish, Italian, Danish, and Arab stock that are usu. born with a dark coat that lightens to white with age
liplock ['lip-, läk] -n
- a long amorous kiss
li·po·gen·e·sis [,lī-pə-'je-nə-səs] -n
- the formation of fat
- the formation of fatty acids from acetyl coenzyme A in the living body and esp. in adipose tissue and the liver
li·po·ic acid [lī-'pō-ik-, li-] -n
- any of several microbial growth factors
- a fatty acid C 8H 14O 2S 2that is essential for the oxidation of alpha-keto acids (as pyruvic acid) in metabolism
li·poid ['lī-,pȯid, 'li-] -adj
- resembling fat
lipoid -n
- lipid
li·pol·y·sis [lī-'pä-lə-səs, li-] -n, adj
- the hydrolysis of fat
li·po·ma [lī-'pō-mə, li-] -n, adj
- a tumor of fatty tissue
li·po·phil·ic [,lī-pə-'fi-lik, ,li-] -adj
- having an affinity for lipids (as fats)
li·po·poly·sac·cha·ride [,lī-pō-,pä-li-'sa-kə-,rīd, ,li-] -n
- a large molecule consisting of lipids and sugars joined by chemical bonds
li·po·pro·tein [-'prō-,tēn, -'prō-tē-ən] -n
- a conjugated protein that is a complex of protein and lipid
li·po·some ['lī-pə-,sōm, 'li-] -n, adj
- an artificial vesicle composed of one or more concentric phospholipid bilayers and used esp. to deliver microscopic substances (as drugs or DNA) to body cells
li·po·suc·tion ['li-pə-,sək-shən, 'lī-] -n
- surgical removal of local fat deposits (as in the thighs) esp. for cosmetic purposes
li·po·tro·pic [,lī-pō-'trō-pik, ,li-, -'trä-] -adj
- promoting the physiological utilization of fat
- lipotropic dietary factors
li·po·tro·pin [-'trō-pən] -n
- either of two protein hormones of the pituitary gland that function in the mobilization of fat reserves
lipped ['lipt] -adj
- having a lip or lips esp. of a specified kind or number often used in combination
lip·pen ['li-pən] -vb
- trust, rely
- entrust
Lippes loop ['li-pəs-, -pēz-] -n
- an S-shaped plastic intrauterine device
lipping -n
- outgrowth of bone in liplike form at a joint margin
- a piece of wood set in an archer's bow where a flaw has been cut out
- embouchure
lip·py ['li-pē] -adj
- given to back talk
lipread ['lip-,rēd] -vb, n
- to understand by lipreading
- to use lipreading
lipreading -n
- the interpreting of speech by watching the speaker's lip and facial movements without hearing the voice
lip service -n
- an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds usu. used with pay
lip·stick ['lip-,stik] -n, adj
- a waxy solid usu. colored cosmetic in stick form for the lips
- a stick of such cosmetic with its case
lipsynch ['lip-,siŋk] -vt, n
- to pretend to sing or say in synchronization with recorded sound
- to lip-synch something
liq -abbr
- liquid
- liquor
li·quate ['lī-,kwāt] -vt, n
- to cause (a more fusible substance) to separate out of a combination or mixture by the application of heat
- liquate lead from its ore
liq·ue·fac·tion [,li-kwə-'fak-shən] -n
- the process of making or becoming liquid
- the state of being liquid
- conversion of soil into a fluidlike mass during an earthquake or other seismic event
liquefied petroleum gas -n
- a compressed gas that consists of flammable hydrocarbons (as propane and butane) and is used esp. as fuel or as raw material for chemical synthesis
liq·ue·fy ['li-kwə-,fī] -vb, n
- to reduce to a liquid state
- to become liquid
li·ques·cent [li-'kwe-sᵊnt] -adj
- being or tending to become liquid : melting
li·queur [li-'kər, -'ku̇r, -'kyu̇r] -n
- a usu. sweetened alcoholic liquor (as brandy) flavored with fruit, spices, nuts, herbs, or seeds
liq·uid ['li-kwəd] -adj, n, adv
- flowing freely like water
- having the properties of a liquid : being neither solid nor gaseous
- shining and clear
- being musical and free of harshness in sound
- smooth and unconstrained in movement
- articulated without friction and capable of being prolonged like a vowel
- consisting of or capable of ready conversion into cash
- capable of covering current liabilities quickly with current assets
liquid -n
- a liquid consonant
- a fluid (as water) that has no independent shape but has a definite volume and does not expand indefinitely and that is only slightly compressible
liq·uid·am·bar [,li-kwə-'dam-bər] -n
- storax
- any of a genus ( Liquidambar) of deciduous No. American and Asian trees (as the sweet gum) of the witch-hazel family with monoecious flowers and a spiny globose fruit composed of many woody capsules each having two carpels
liq·ui·date ['li-kwə-,dāt] -vb, n
- to determine by agreement or by litigation the precise amount of (indebtedness, damages, or accounts)
- to determine the liabilities and apportion assets toward discharging the indebtedness of
- to settle (a debt) by payment or other settlement
- to make clear
- to do away with
- to convert (assets) into cash
- to liquidate debts, damages, or accounts
- to determine liabilities and apportion assets toward discharging indebtedness
liq·ui·da·tor ['li-kwə-,dā-tər] -n
- one that liquidates
- an individual appointed by law to liquidate assets
liquid crystal -n
- an organic liquid whose physical properties resemble those of a crystal in the formation of loosely ordered molecular arrays similar to a regular crystalline lattice and the anisotropic refraction of light
liquid crystal display -n
- lcd
liq·uid·ize ['li-kwə-,dīz] -vt
- to cause to be liquid
liquid measure -n
- a unit or series of units for measuring liquid capacity
li·quor ['li-kər] -n
- : a liquid substance: as
- a usu. distilled rather than fermented alcoholic beverage
- a watery solution of a drug
- bath
liquor ['li-k(ə-)riŋ] -vb
- to dress (as leather) with oil or grease
- to make drunk with alcoholic liquor usu. used with up
- to drink alcoholic liquor esp. to excess usu. used with up
li·quo·rice ['li-k(ə-)rish, -k(ə-)rəs] -n
(variant of licorice)
- the dried root of a European leguminous plant ( Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers
- an extract of this used esp. in medicine, liquors, and confectionery
- a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
- a plant yielding licorice
- a related plant
li·ra ['lir-ə, 'lē-rə] -n
- the basic monetary unit of Italy until 2002
- the former Israeli pound
- the basic monetary unit of Malta until 2008
li·ri·ope [lə-'rī-ə-(,)pē] -n
- any of a genus ( Liriope) of stemless Asian herbs of the lily family that are widely cultivated as ground cover for their grasslike leaves and small white, blue, or violet flowers
lir·i·pipe ['lir-ə-,pīp] -n
- a pendent part of a tippet
- tippet, scarf
lisente ['sen-tē] -n
(variant of sente)
- see loti at
lisle ['lī(-ə)l] -n
- a smooth tightly twisted thread usu. made of long-staple cotton
lisp ['lisp] -vb, n
- to pronounce the sibilants s and z imperfectly esp. by turning them into th and
- to speak falteringly, childishly, or with a lisp
- to utter falteringly or with a lisp
- a speech defect or affectation characterized by lisping
- a sound resembling a lisp
LISP ['lisp] -n
- a computer programming language that is designed for easy manipulation of data strings and is used extensively for work in artificial intelligence
lis·some ['li-səm] -adj, adv, n
- easily flexed
- lithe
- nimble
list ['list] -vb
- please, suit
- wish, choose
- inclination, craving
- listen
- to listen to : hear
- : a band or strip of material: as
- listel
- selvage
- a narrow strip of wood cut from the edge of a board
- an arena for combat (as jousting)
- a field of competition or controversy
- limit, boundary
- stripe
- to cut away a narrow strip from the edge of
- to prepare or plant (land) in ridges and furrows with a lister
- a deviation from the vertical : tilt
- the extent of such a deviation
- to tilt to one side
- to tilt to one side in a state of equilibrium (as from an unbalanced load)
- to cause to list
- a simple series of words or numerals (as the names of persons or objects)
- an official roster : roll
- catalog, checklist
- the total number to be considered or included
- to make a list of : enumerate
- to include on a list : register
- to place (oneself) in a specified category
- list s himself as a political liberal
- recruit
- enlist
- to become entered in a catalog with a selling price
- a car that list s for 12,000
lis·tel ['lis-tᵊl, lis-'tel] -n
- a narrow band in architecture : fillet
lis·ten ['li-sᵊn] -vb, n
- to give ear to : hear
- to pay attention to sound
- to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration
- to be alert to catch an expected sound
listen -n
- an act of listening
lis·ten·able ['lis-nə-bəl, 'li-sᵊn-ə-] -adj
- agreeable to listen to
lis·ten·er·ship ['lis-nər-,ship, 'li-sᵊn-ər-] -n
- the audience for a radio program or recording
- the number or kind of that audience
listen in [,lis-nər-'in, ,li-sᵊn-ər-] -vi, n
- to tune in to or monitor a broadcast
- to listen to a conversation without participating in it
- eavesdrop
listening post -n
- a center for monitoring electronic communications (as of an enemy)
list·er ['lis-tər] -n
- one that lists or catalogs
lister -n
- a double-moldboard plow often equipped with a subsoiling attachment and used mainly where rainfall is limited
lis·te·ri·o·sis [lis-,tir-ē-'ō-səs] -n
- a serious encephalitic disease of a wide variety of animals that is caused by a bacterium ( Listeria monocytogenes) and that in animals is often fatal but in humans is usu. not fatal
list·ing ['lis-tiŋ] -n
- an act or instance of making or including in a list
- something that is listed
list·less ['list-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit
- a listless melancholy attitude
list price -n
- the basic price of an item as published in a catalog, price list, or advertisement before any discounts are taken
LIST·SERV ['list-,sərv] -trademark
- used for software for managing e-mail transmissions to and from a list of subscribers
lit ['līt] -n
(variant of light)
- something that makes vision possible
- the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
- electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
- such radiation that is visible to the human eye
- daylight
- dawn
- : a source of light: as
- a celestial body
- candle
- an electric light
- sight
- spiritual illumination
- inner light
- enlightenment
- truth
- public knowledge
- a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
- saw the matter in a different light
- a particular illumination
- something that enlightens or informs
- shed some light on the problem
- a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
- a set of principles, standards, or opinions
- worship according to one's light s -- Adrienne Koch
- a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
- a leading light among current writers
- a particular expression of the eye
- lighthouse, beacon
- traffic light
- the representation of light in art
- a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
- having light : bright
- not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : pale
- medium in saturation and high in lightness
- served with extra milk or cream
- to become light : brighten usu. used with up
- to take fire
- to ignite something (as a cigarette) often used with up
- to set fire to
- to conduct with a light : guide
- illuminate
- animate, brighten
- having little weight : not heavy
- designed to carry a comparatively small load
- having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
- aluminum is a light metal
- containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
- of little importance : trivial
- not abundant
- easily disturbed
- exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle
- resulting from a very slight pressure : faint
- easily endurable
- requiring little effort
- capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
- frivolous
- lacking in stability : changeable
- sexually promiscuous
- free from care : cheerful
- less powerful but usu. more mobile than usual for its kind
- made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
- having a relatively mild flavor
- easily digested
- well leavened
- coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
- dizzy, giddy
- intended chiefly to entertain
- carrying little or no cargo
- producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
- not bearing a stress or accent
- having a clear soft quality
- being in debt to the pot in a poker game
- short
- casual, occasional
- lightly
- with little baggage
- dismount
- settle, alight
- to fall unexpectedly usu. used with on or upon
- to arrive by chance : happen usu. used with on or upon
lit·a·ny ['li-tə-nē, 'lit-nē] -n
- a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
- a resonant or repetitive chant
- a litany of cheering phrases -- Herman Wouk
- a usu. lengthy recitation or enumeration
- a familiar litany of complaints
- a sizable series or set
litchi ['lē-(,)chē, 'lī-] -n
(variant of lychee)
- the oval fruit of a Chinese tree ( Litchi chinensis) of the soapberry family having a hard scaly reddish outer covering and sweet whitish edible flesh that surrounds a single large seed called also lychee nut
- a tree bearing lychees
lit crit ['lit-,krit] -n
- literary criticism
lite ['līt] -adj
- light
- diminished or lacking in substance or seriousness
- being an innocuous or unthreatening version often used postpositively
- it is film noir lite -- James Greenberg
li·ter ['lē-tər] -n
- a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter
lit·er·a·cy ['li-t(ə-)rə-sē] -n
- the quality or state of being literate
lit·er·al ['li-t(ə-)rəl] -adj, n
- according with the letter of the scriptures
- adhering to fact or to the ordinary construction or primary meaning of a term or expression : actual
- liberty in the literal sense is impossible -- B. N. Cardozo
- free from exaggeration or embellishment
- characterized by a concern mainly with facts
- of, relating to, or expressed in letters
- reproduced word for word : exact, verbatim
literal -n
- a small error usu. of a single letter (as in writing)
lit·er·al·ism ['li-t(ə-)rə-,li-zəm] -n, adj
- adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression
- fidelity to observable fact : realism
lit·er·al·ize ['li-t(ə-)rə-,līz] -vt, n
- to make literal
lit·er·al·ly ['li-tə-rə-lē, 'li-trə-lē, 'li-tər-lē] -adv
- in a literal sense or manner : actually
- took the remark literally
- in effect : virtually
- will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice -- Norman Cousins
lit·er·ary ['li-tə-,rer-ē] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning or literature
- bookish
- of or relating to books
- well-read
- of or relating to authors or scholars or to their professions
literary executor -n
- a person entrusted with the management of the papers and unpublished works of a deceased author
lit·er·ate ['li-tə-rət also 'li-trət] -adj, adv, n
- educated, cultured
- able to read and write
- versed in literature or creative writing : literary
- lucid, polished
- having knowledge or competence
literate -n
- an educated person
- a person who can read and write
li·te·ra·ti [,li-tə-'rä-(,)tē] -n pl
- the educated class
- intelligentsia
- persons interested in literature or the arts
lit·er·a·tim [,li-tə-'rā-təm, -'rä-] -adv or adj
- letter for letter
- printed literatim from the manuscript -- I. A. Gordon
lit·er·a·tion [,li-tə-'rā-shən] -n
- the representation of sound or words by letters
lit·er·a·tor ['li-tə-,rā-tər, ,li-tə-'rä-,tȯr] -n
- litterateur
lit·er·a·ture ['li-tə-rə-,chu̇r, 'li-trə-,chu̇r, 'li-tə(r)-,chu̇r, -chər, -,tyu̇r, -,tu̇r] -n
- literary culture
- the production of literary work esp. as an occupation
- writings in prose or verse
- writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
- an example of such writings
- what came out, though rarely literature, was always a roaring good story -- People
- the body of written works produced in a particular language, country, or age
- the body of writings on a particular subject
- printed matter (as leaflets or circulars)
- the aggregate of a usu. specified type of musical compositions
lit·er·a·tus [,li-tə-'rä-təs] -n
- a member of the literati
lith -abbr
- lithographic; lithography
lith- -comb form
- stone
li·tharge ['li-,thärj, li-'] -n
- a fused lead monoxide
- lead monoxide
lithe ['līth, 'līth] -adj, adv, n
- easily bent or flexed
- characterized by easy flexibility and grace
- treading with a lithe silent step
- athletically slim
- the most lithe and graspable of waists -- R. P. Warren
lithe·some ['līth-səm, 'līth-] -adj
- lissome
li·thi·a·sis [li-'thī-ə-səs] -n
- the formation of stony concretions in the body (as in the gallbladder)
lith·ic ['li-thik] -adj
- stony
- of, relating to, or being a stone tool
lith·i·fy ['li-thə-,fī] -vb, n
- to change to stone : petrify
- to convert (unconsolidated sediment) into solid rock
- to become changed into stone
lith·i·um ['li-thē-əm] -n
- a soft silver-white element of the alkali metal group that is the lightest metal known and that is used esp. in alloys and glass, in chemical synthesis, and in storage batteries
- a salt of lithium (as lithium carbonate) used in psychiatric medicine
lithium carbonate -n
- a crystalline salt Li 2CO 3used in the glass and ceramic industries and in medicine esp. in the treatment of bipolar disorder
lithium fluoride -n
- a crystalline salt LiF used esp. in making prisms and ceramics and as a flux
lithium ni·o·bate [-'nī-ə-,bāt] -n
- a crystalline material LiNbO 3whose physical properties change in response to pressure or the presence of an electric field and which is used in fiber optics and as a synthetic gemstone
litho ['lī-(,)thō] -n
- lithograph
- lithography
lith·o·graph ['li-thə-,graf] -vt, n
- to produce, copy, or portray by lithography
lithograph [,li-thə-'gra-fik] -n, adj, adv
- a print made by lithography
li·thog·ra·phy [li-'thä-grə-fē] -n
- the process of printing from a plane surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent
- the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits
li·thol·o·gy [li-'thä-lə-jē] -n, adj, adv
- the study of rocks
- the character of a rock formation
- a rock formation having a particular set of characteristics
lith·o·phane ['li-thə-,fān] -n
- porcelain impressed with figures that are made distinct by transmitted light
- an object of this material
lith·o·phyte ['li-thə-,fīt] -n
- a plant that grows on rock
lith·o·pone ['li-thə-,pōn] -n
- a white pigment consisting essentially of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate
lith·o·sol ['li-thə-,säl, -,sȯl] -n
- any of a group of shallow azonal soils consisting of imperfectly weathered rock fragments
lith·o·sphere ['li-thə-,sfir] -n, adj
- the solid part of a celestial body (as the earth)
- the outer part of the solid earth composed of rock essentially like that exposed at the surface, consisting of the crust and outermost layer of the mantle, and usu. considered to be about 60 miles (100 kilometers) in thickness
li·thot·o·my [li-'thä-tə-mē] -n
- surgical incision of the urinary bladder for removal of a stone
lith·o·trip·sy ['li-thə-,trip-sē] -n
- the breaking (as by shock waves or crushing with a surgical instrument) of a calculus in the urinary system into pieces small enough to be voided or washed out
lith·o·trip·ter ['li-thə-,trip-tər] -n
- a device for performing lithotripsy
- a noninvasive device that pulverizes stones by focusing shock waves on a patient immersed in a water bath
Lith·u·a·nian [,li-thə-'wā-nē-ən, -nyən, chiefly Brit ,lith-yü-] -n, adj
- a native or inhabitant of Lithuania
- the Baltic language of the Lithuanian people
lit·i·gant ['li-ti-gənt] -n, adj
- one engaged in a lawsuit
lit·i·gate ['li-tə-,gāt] -vb, adj, n
- to carry on a legal contest by judicial process
- dispute
- to contest at law
li·ti·gious [lə-'ti-jəs, li-] -adj, adv, n
- disputatious, contentious
- prone to engage in lawsuits
- subject to litigation
- of, relating to, or marked by litigation
lit·mus ['lit-məs] -n
- a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator
- the critical factor in a litmus test
- litmus test
litmus paper -n
- unsized paper colored with litmus and used as an indicator
litmus test -n
- a test in which a single factor (as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive
li·to·tes ['lī-tə-,tēz, 'li-, lī-'tō-,tēz] -n
- understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (as in not a bad singer or not unhappy)
litre ['lē-tər] -n
(variant of liter)
- a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter
Litt B -abbr
- bachelor of letters; bachelor of literature
Litt D -abbr
- doctor of letters; doctor of literature
lit·ten ['li-tᵊn] -adj
- being lighted
lit·ter ['li-tər] -n, adj
- a covered and curtained couch provided with shafts and used for carrying a single passenger
- a device (as a stretcher) for carrying a sick or injured person
- material used as bedding for animals
- material used to absorb the urine and feces of animals
- the uppermost slightly decayed layer of organic matter on the forest floor
- the offspring at one birth of a multiparous animal
- trash, wastepaper, or garbage lying scattered about
- trying to clean up the roadside litter
- an untidy accumulation of objects
- a shabby writing-desk covered with a litter of yellowish dusty documents -- Joseph Conrad
litter -vt
- bed
- to give birth to a litter of (young)
- to strew with scattered articles
- to scatter about in disorder
- to lie about in disorder
- their upside-down hats litter ed the top of the bar -- Michael Chabon
- to mark with objects scattered at random
- a book litter ed with misprints
- to give birth to a litter
- to strew litter
lit·te·rae hu·ma·ni·o·res ['li-tə-,rī-hü-,mä-nē-'ȯr-,ās] -n pl
- humanities
lit·ter·a·teur [,li-tə-rə-'tər, ,li-trə-, -'tu̇r] -n
- a literary person
- a professional writer
lit·ter·bag ['li-tər-,bag] -n
- a bag used (as in an automobile) for temporary refuse disposal
lit·ter·bug [-,bəg] -n
- one who litters a public area
lit·ter·er ['li-tər-ər] -n
- litterbug
lit·ter·mate ['li-tər-,māt] -n
- one of the offspring in a litter in relation to the others
lit·tle ['li-tᵊl] -adj, n
- : not big: as
- small in size or extent : tiny
- young
- was too little to remember
- small in comparison with related forms used in vernacular names
- having few members or inhabitants
- small in condition, distinction, or scope
- big business trampling on the little fellow
- narrow, mean
- the pettiness of little minds
- pleasingly small
- used as an intensive
- : not much: as
- existing only in a small amount or to a slight degree
- short in duration : brief
- existing to an appreciable though not extensive degree or amount used with a
- had a little money in the bank
- small in importance or interest : trivial
little ['les] -adv
- in only a small quantity or degree : slightly
- facts that were little known at the time
- not at all
- cared little for their neighbors
- rarely, infrequently
- a small amount, quantity, or degree
- practically nothing
- a short time
- a short distance
Little Bear -n
- ursa minor
little bitty -adj
- small, tiny
little bluestem -n
- a forage grass ( Schizachyrium scopariumsyn. Andropogon scoparius) of eastern and central No. America
little brown bat -n
- a small widely distributed insectivorous No. American bat ( Myotis lucifugus) with brown fur
little by little -adv
- by small degrees or amounts : gradually
Little Dipper -n
- the seven principal stars in Ursa Minor
little finger -n
- the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first
little guy -n
- little man
Little Hours -n pl
- the offices of prime, terce, sext, and none forming part of the canonical hours
Little Ice Age -n
- an episode of glacial expansion whose maximum extension occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries
little leaf -n
- : any of various plant disorders characterized by small and often chlorotic and distorted foliage
Little League -n
- a commercially sponsored baseball league for boys and girls from 8 to 12 years old
little magazine -n
- a literary usu. noncommercial magazine that features works esp. of writers who are not well-known
little man -n
- the ordinary individual
lit·tle·neck ['li-tᵊl-,nek] -n
- a young quahog suitable to be eaten raw called also littleneck clam
Little Office -n
- an office in honor of the Virgin Mary like but shorter than the Divine Office
little people -n pl
- tiny imaginary beings (as fairies, elves, and leprechauns) of folklore
- children
- people of unusually small size
- common people
little slam -n
- the winning of all tricks except one in bridge
little theater -n
- a small theater for low-cost dramatic productions designed for a relatively limited audience
little toe -n
- the outermost and smallest digit of the foot
little woman -n
- wife
lit·to·ral ['li-tə-rəl; ,li-tə-'ral, -'räl] -adj
- of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore esp. of the sea
littoral -n
- a coastal region
- the shore zone between high tide and low tide points
lit up -adj
- drunk
li·tur·gi·cal [lə-'tər-ji-kəl, li-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or having the characteristics of liturgy
- using or favoring the use of liturgy
li·tur·gics [-jiks] -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- the practice or study of formal public worship
li·tur·gi·ol·o·gist [-,tər-jē-'ä-lə-jist] -n
- liturgist
li·tur·gi·ol·o·gy [-jē] -n
- liturgics
lit·ur·gist ['li-tər-jist] -n
- one who adheres to, compiles, or leads a liturgy
- a specialist in liturgics
lit·ur·gy ['li-tər-jē] -n
- a eucharistic rite
- a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
- a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances
liv·abil·i·ty [,li-və-'bi-lə-tē] -n
- survival expectancy : viability used esp. of poultry and livestock
- suitability for human living
liv·able ['li-və-bəl] -adj, n
- suitable for living in, on, or with
- endurable
live ['liv] -vb
- to be alive : have the life of an animal or plant
- to continue alive
- to maintain oneself : subsist
- to occupy a home : dwell
- they had always lived in the country
- to be located or stored
- the silverware live s here
- to attain eternal life
- though he die, yet shall he live -- Jn 11:25(RSV)
- to conduct or pass one's life
- to remain in human memory or record
- the past live s in us all -- W. R. Inge
- to have a life rich in experience
- cohabit
- to pass through or spend the duration of
- act out, practice often used with out
- to live out their fantasies
- to exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm in
- lived life to the fullest
- to experience firsthand
- to be thoroughly absorbed by or involved with
- having life : living
- existing in fact or reality : actual
- spoke to a real live celebrity
- : exerting force or containing energy: as
- afire, glowing
- connected to electric power
- charged with explosives and containing shot or a bullet
- armed but not exploded
- imparting or driven by power
- being in operation
- abounding with life : vivid
- being in a pure native state
- of bright vivid color
- of continuing or current interest
- not yet printed from or plated
- not yet typeset
- of or involving a presentation (as a play or concert) in which both the performers and an audience are physically present
- a nightclub with live entertainment
- broadcast directly at the time of production
- being in play
- at the actual time of occurrence : during, from, or at a live production
- the program was broadcast live
liveac·tion ['līv-'ak-shən] -adj
- of, relating to, or featuring cinematography that is not produced by animation
livebear·er ['līv-,ber-ər] -n
- a fish that brings forth living young rather than eggs
- any of a family (Poeciliidae) of numerous small surface-feeding fishes (as a molly or swordtail)
livebox [-,bäks] -n
- a box or pen suspended in water to keep aquatic animals alive
livedin ['livd-,in] -adj
- of or suggesting long-term human habitation or use
- a comfortable livedin room
- showing the effects of age or experience
live down -vt
- to live so as to wipe out the memory or effects of
- made a mistake and couldn't live it down
livefor·ev·er ['liv-fə-,re-vər] -n
- sedum
livein ['liv-,in] -adj, n
- living in one's place of employment
- involving or involved with cohabitation
live in -vi
- to live in one's place of employment : live in another's home
live·li·hood ['līv-lē-,hu̇d] -n
- means of support or subsistence
- the quality or state of being lively
live load -n
- the load to which a structure is subjected in addition to its own weight
live·long ['liv-,lȯŋ] -adj
- whole, entire
live·ly ['līv-lē] -adj, adv, n
- living
- briskly alert and energetic : vigorous, animated
- lively children racing for home
- active, intense
- takes a lively interest in politics
- brilliant, fresh
- imparting spirit or vivacity : stimulating
- many a peer of England brews livelier liquor than the Muse -- A. E. Housman
- quick to rebound : resilient
- responding readily to the helm
- full of life, movement, or incident
- lively streets at carnival time
liv·en ['lī-vən] -vb
- enliven often used with up
- he...liven ed up the editorial page -- Current Biog.
- to become lively
live oak ['līv-] -n
- : any of several American evergreen oaks: as
- a medium-sized oak ( Quercus virginiana) of southeastern No. America often cultivated as a shelter and shade tree and noted for its extremely hard tough durable wood
- any of several oaks of the western U.S. with evergreen foliage and hard durable wood
liv·er ['li-vər] -n
- a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea)
- any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and prob. concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes
- a determinant of the quality or temper of a man
- the liver of an animal (as a calf or chicken) eaten as food
- a grayish reddish brown called also liver brown liver maroon
- one that lives esp. in a specified way
- resident
liver fluke -n
- any of various trematode worms (as Fasciola hepatica) that invade the mammalian liver
liv·er·ied ['li-və-rēd, 'liv-rēd] -adj
- wearing a livery
liv·er·ish ['li-və-rish, 'liv-rish] -adj, n
- resembling liver esp. in color
- suffering from liver disorder : bilious
- peevish, irascible
liver sausage -n
- a sausage containing cooked ground liver and pork trimmings called also liver pudding
liver spots -n pl
- age spots
liv·er·wort ['li-vər-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n
- any of a class (Hepaticae) of bryophytic plants characterized by a thalloid gametophyte or sometimes an upright leafy gametophyte that resembles a moss
- hepatica
liv·er·wurst ['li-və(r)-,wərst also -,vu̇(r)st; sometimes -,vu̇sht] -n
- liver sausage
liv·ery ['li-və-rē, 'liv-rē] -n
- the apportioning of provisions esp. to servants : allowance
- the distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of rank
- a servant's uniform
- distinctive dress : garb
- an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership
- one's retainers or retinue
- the members of a British livery company
- the act of delivering legal possession of property
- the feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay
- livery stable
- a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent
livery -adj
- resembling liver
- suggesting liver disorder
livery company -n
- any of various London craft or trade associations that are descended from medieval guilds
liv·ery·man ['li-və-rē-mən, 'liv-rē-] -n
- a freeman of the City of London entitled to wear the livery of the company to which he belongs
- a liveried retainer
- the keeper of a vehicle-rental service
livery stable -n
- a stable where horses and vehicles are kept for hire and where stabling is provided called also livery barn
lives ['līf] -n
(variant of life)
- the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
- a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings
- an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
- the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual
- one or more aspects of the process of living
- biography
- spiritual existence transcending physical death
- the period from birth to death
- a specific phase of earthly existence
- the period from an event until death
- a judge appointed for life
- a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
- a way or manner of living
- livelihood
- a vital or living being
- person
- many lives were lost in the disaster
- an animating and shaping force or principle
- spirit, animation
- saw no life in her dancing
- the form or pattern of something existing in reality
- the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something
- the expected life of the batteries
- the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle)
- a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
- living beings (as of a particular kind or environment)
- human activities
- animate activity and movement
- the activities of a given sphere, area, or time
- the political life of the country
- one providing interest and vigor
- an opportunity for continued viability
- gave the patient a new life
- god
- something resembling animate life
- a grant saved the project's life
- of or relating to animate being
- lifelong
- using a living model
- of, relating to, or provided by life insurance
live steam -n
- steam direct from a boiler and under full pressure
live·stock ['līv-,stäk] -n
- animals kept or raised for use or pleasure
- farm animals kept for use and profit
live·trap [-,trap] -vt
- to capture (an animal) in a live trap
live trap -n
- a trap for catching an animal alive and uninjured
live wire -n, adj
- an alert, active, or aggressive person
liv·id ['li-vəd] -adj, n
- discolored by bruising : black-and-blue
- the livid traces of the sharp scourges -- Abraham Cowley
- ashen, pallid
- this cross, thy livid face, thy pierced hands and feet -- Walt Whitman
- reddish
- a fan of gladiolas blushed livid under the electric letters -- Truman Capote
- very angry : enraged
- was livid at his son's disobedience
living -adj, n
- having life
- active, functioning
- exhibiting the life or motion of nature : natural
- the wilderness is a living museum...of natural history -- NEA Jour.
- live
- full of life or vigor
- true to life : vivid
- televised in living color
- suited for living
- involving living persons
- very used as an intensive
- scared the living daylights out of me
- the condition of being alive
- means of subsistence : livelihood
- estate, property
- benefice
- conduct or manner of life
- the collegiate way of living -- J. B. Conant
living death -n
- life emptied of joys and satisfactions
living fossil -n
- an organism (as a horseshoe crab or a ginkgo tree) that has remained essentially unchanged from earlier geologic times and whose close relatives are usu. extinct
liv·ing·ly ['li-viŋ-lē] -adv
- in a vital manner : realistically
living room -n
- a room in a residence used for the common social activities of the occupants
- lebensraum called also living space
living standard -n
- standard of living
living trust -n
- a trust that becomes effective during the lifetime of the settlor called also inter vivos trust
living unit -n
- an apartment or house for use by one family
living wage -n
- a subsistence wage
- a wage sufficient to provide the necessities and comforts essential to an acceptable standard of living
living will -n
- a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery
livre ['lēvrᵊ] -n
- an old French monetary unit equal to 20 sols
- a coin representing one livre
- the pound of Lebanon
lix·iv·i·ate [lik-'si-vē-,āt] -vt, n
- to extract a soluble constituent from (a solid mixture) by washing or percolation
liz·ard ['li-zərd] -n
- any of a suborder (Lacertilia) of reptiles distinguished from the snakes by a fused inseparable lower jaw, a single temporal opening, two pairs of well differentiated functional limbs which may be lacking in burrowing forms, external ears, and eyes with movable lids
- any relatively long-bodied reptile (as a crocodile or dinosaur) with legs and tapering tail
- leather made from lizard skin
lizard's tail -n
- a perennial herb ( Saururus cernuusof the family Saururaceae) of eastern No. American wetlands having spikes of tiny white flowers