WO -abbr
- warrant officer
woad ['wōd] -n
- a European herb ( Isatis tinctoria) of the mustard family formerly grown for the blue dyestuff yielded by its leaves
- this dyestuff
wob·ble ['wä-bəl] -vb, n, adj
- to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and clumsily from side to side
- tremble, quaver
- waver, vacillate
- to cause to wobble
wobble -n
- a hobbling or rocking unequal motion (as of a wheel unevenly mounted)
- an uncertainly directed movement
- an intermittent variation (as in volume of sound)
Wob·bly ['wä-blē] -n
- a member of the Industrial Workers of the World
WOC -abbr
- without compensation
Wo·den ['wō-dᵊn] -n
- odin
wodge ['wäj] -n
- a bulky mass or chunk : lump, wad
woe ['wō] -interj
- used to express grief, regret, or distress
- a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief
- ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction
woe·be·gone ['wō-bi-,gȯn also -,gän] -adj, n
- strongly affected with woe : woeful
- exhibiting great woe, sorrow, or misery
- being in a sorry state
- woebegone tattered clothes
woe·ful ['wō-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- full of woe : grievous
- involving or bringing woe
- lamentably bad or serious : deplorable
wog ['wäg, 'wȯg] -n
- a dark-skinned foreigner
- one from the Middle East or Far East
wok ['wäk] -n
- a large bowl-shaped cooking utensil used esp. in stir-frying
woke ['wāk] -vb, n
(variant of wake)
- to be or remain awake
- to remain awake on watch esp. over a corpse
- to stay up late in revelry
- awake often used with up
- to stand watch over (as a dead body)
- to hold a wake over
- to rouse from or as if from sleep : awake often used with up
- stir, excite
- woke up latent possibilities -- Norman Douglas
- to arouse conscious interest in : alert usu. used with to
- woke the public to the risks
- the state of being awake
- an annual English parish festival formerly held in commemoration of the church's patron saint
- vigil
- the festivities orig. connected with the wake of an English parish church usu. used in pl. but sing. or pl. in constr.
- an annual holiday or vacation usu. used in pl. but sing. or pl. in constr.
- a watch held over the body of a dead person prior to burial and sometimes accompanied by festivity
- the track left by a moving body (as a ship) in a fluid (as water)
- a track or path left
- aftermath
woken ['wāk] -vb, n
(variant of wake)
- to be or remain awake
- to remain awake on watch esp. over a corpse
- to stay up late in revelry
- awake often used with up
- to stand watch over (as a dead body)
- to hold a wake over
- to rouse from or as if from sleep : awake often used with up
- stir, excite
- woke up latent possibilities -- Norman Douglas
- to arouse conscious interest in : alert usu. used with to
- woke the public to the risks
- the state of being awake
- an annual English parish festival formerly held in commemoration of the church's patron saint
- vigil
- the festivities orig. connected with the wake of an English parish church usu. used in pl. but sing. or pl. in constr.
- an annual holiday or vacation usu. used in pl. but sing. or pl. in constr.
- a watch held over the body of a dead person prior to burial and sometimes accompanied by festivity
- the track left by a moving body (as a ship) in a fluid (as water)
- a track or path left
- aftermath
wold ['wōld] -n
- a usu. upland area of open country
- a hilly or rolling region used in names of various English geographic areas
wolf ['wu̇lf] -n, adj
- any of several large predatory canids (genus Canis) that live and hunt in packs and resemble the related dogs
- gray wolf
- the fur of a wolf
- a fierce, rapacious, or destructive person
- a man forward, direct, and zealous in amatory attentions to women
- dire poverty : starvation
- keep the wolf from the door
- the maggot of a warble fly
- dissonance in some chords on organs, pianos, or other instruments with fixed tones tuned by unequal temperament
- an instance of such dissonance
- a harshness due to faulty vibration in various tones in a bowed instrument
- to eat greedily : devour
wolf·ber·ry ['wu̇lf-,ber-ē] -n
- a white-berried No. American shrub ( Symphoricarpos occidentalis) of the honeysuckle family
wolf dog -n
- any of various large dogs formerly kept for hunting wolves
- the offspring of a wolf and a domestic dog
wolf·er ['wu̇l-fər] -n
- a hunter of wolves
Wolff·ian duct ['wu̇l-fē-ən-] -n
- the duct of the mesonephros that persists in the female chiefly as part of a vestigial organ and in the male as the duct system leaving the testis and including the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and ejaculatory duct
wolf·fish ['wu̇lf-,fish] -n
- any of several large marine bony fishes (genus Anarhichasof the family Anarhicadidae) of cold northern waters having strong canine teeth in the front of the jaws and molar teeth on the sides and that feed chiefly on shellfish, starfish, and sea urchins
wolf·hound ['wu̇lf-,hau̇nd] -n
- any of several large dogs used esp. formerly in hunting large animals (as wolves)
wolf·ish ['wu̇l-fish] -adj, adv, n
- suggestive of a wolf
- wolfish mongrel dogs -- Hoffman Birney
- a wolfish and withdrawn youth -- Marshall Frady
- befitting or characteristic of a wolf
- of or relating to wolves
wolf pack -n
- a group of submarines that make a coordinated attack on shipping
wol·fram ['wu̇l-frəm] -n
- wolframite
- tungsten
wol·fram·ite ['wu̇l-frə-,mīt] -n
- a brown to black mineral consisting of a tungstate of iron and manganese occurring esp. in monoclinic crystals and used as a source of tungsten
wolfs·bane ['wu̇lfs-,bān] -n
- any of several monkshoods (esp. Aconitum napellusor A. lycoctonum)
wolf spider -n
- any of various active wandering ground spiders (family Lycosidae)
wolf tree -n
- a very large forest tree that has a wide-spreading crown and inhibits or prevents the growth of smaller trees around it
wolf whistle -n
- a distinctive 2-toned whistle sounded by a boy or man to express sexual admiration for a girl or woman in his vicinity
wol·las·ton·ite ['wu̇-lə-stə-,nīt, 'wä-] -n
- a triclinic mineral consisting of a native calcium silicate occurring usu. in cleavable masses
Wo·lof ['wō-,lȯf] -n
- a Niger-Congo language of Senegambia
wol·ver·ine [,wu̇l-və-'rēn] -n
- a carnivorous usu. solitary mammal ( Gulo gulo) of the weasel family of northern forests and associated tundra that is dark brown with a light brown band on each side of the body and is noted for its strength
- the fur of the wolverine
- a native or resident of Michigan used as a nickname
wom·an ['wu̇-mən, esp Southern 'wō- or 'wə-] -n, adj
- an adult female person
- a woman belonging to a particular category (as by birth, residence, membership, or occupation) usu. used in combination
- womankind
- distinctively feminine nature : womanliness
- a woman who is a servant or personal attendant
- wife
- mistress
- girlfriend
wom·an·hood [-,hu̇d] -n
- the state of being a woman
- the distinguishing character or qualities of a woman or of womankind
- women, womankind
wom·an·ise ['wu̇-mə-,nīz] -vb, n
(variant of womanize)
- to make effeminate
- to pursue casual sexual relationships with multiple women
wom·an·ish ['wu̇-mə-nish] -adj, adv, n
- associated with or characteristic of women rather than men
- suggestive of a weak character : effeminate
wom·an·ism ['wu̇-mə-,ni-zəm] -n, n or adj
- a form of feminism focused esp. on the conditions and concerns of black women
wom·an·ize ['wu̇-mə-,nīz] -vb, n
- to make effeminate
- to pursue casual sexual relationships with multiple women
wom·an·kind ['wu̇-mən-,kīnd] -n sing but sing or pl in constr
- female human beings : women esp. as distinguished from men
wom·an·like [-,līk] -adj
- womanly
womanlike -adv
- in the manner of a woman
wom·an·ly [-lē] -adj, n
- having qualities generally associated with a woman
- appropriate in character to a woman
woman of letters
- a woman who is a scholar
- a woman who is an author
woman of the street
- prostitute
wom·an·pow·er ['wu̇-mən-,pau̇(-ə)r] -n
- women available and prepared for work (as in industry or a particular line of endeavor)
woman's rights -n pl
- legal, political, and social rights for women equal to those of men
- feminism
woman suffrage -n
- possession and exercise of suffrage by women
womb ['wüm] -n, adj
- uterus
- a cavity or space that resembles a womb in containing and enveloping
- a place where something is generated
wom·bat ['wäm-,bat] -n
- any of several stocky burrowing Australian marsupials (genera Vombatusand Lasiorhinusof the family Vombatidae) resembling small bears
wom·en·folk ['wi-mən-,fōk] -n pl
- women
wom·en·kind [-,kīnd] -n
- womankind
women's rights -n pl
- woman's rights
women's room -n
- ladies' room
women's studies -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- the multidisciplinary study of the social status and societal contributions of women and the relationship between power and gender
wommera ['wu̇-mə-rə] -n
(variant of woomera)
- a wooden rod with a hooked end used by Australian aborigines for throwing a spear
won ['wən, 'wōn] -vi
- dwell , abide
won ['win] -vb, adj
(variant of win)
- to get possession of by effort or fortune
- to obtain by work : earn
- striving to win a living from the sterile soil
- to gain in or as if in battle or contest
- to be the victor in
- to make friendly or favorable to oneself or to one's cause often used with over
- won him over with persuasive arguments
- to induce to accept oneself in marriage
- was unable to win the woman he loved
- to obtain (as ore, coal, or clay) by mining
- to prepare (as a vein or bed) for regular mining
- to recover (as metal) from ore
- to reach by expenditure of effort
- to gain the victory in a contest : succeed
- to succeed in arriving at a place or a state
- victory
- first place at the finish (as of a horse race)
won·der ['wən-dər] -n
- a cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel
- it's a wonder you weren't killed
- the pyramid is a wonder to behold
- miracle
- the quality of exciting amazed admiration
- rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience
- a feeling of doubt or uncertainty
wonder [-d(ə-)riŋ] -vb, n
- to be in a state of wonder
- to feel surprise
- to feel curiosity or doubt
- wonder ing about the future
- to be curious or in doubt about
- : wondrous, wonderful: as
- exciting amazement or admiration
- effective or efficient far beyond anything previously known or anticipated
wonder drug -n
- miracle drug
won·der·ful ['wən-dər-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- exciting wonder : marvelous, astonishing
- a sight wonderful to behold
- unusually good : admirable
won·der·land ['wən-dər-,land, -lənd] -n
- an imaginary place of delicate beauty or magical charm
- a place that excites admiration or wonder
won·der·ment [-mənt] -n
- a cause of or occasion for wonder
- astonishment, surprise
- curiosity about something
won·der·work [-də(r)-,wərk] -n
- a marvelous act, work, or accomplishment
won·derwork·er [-,wər-kər] -n
- one that performs wonders
won·derwork·ing [-kiŋ] -adj
- producing wonders
won·drous ['wən-drəs] -adj, adv, n
- that is to be marveled at : extraordinary
wonk ['wäŋk, 'wȯŋk] -n, adj
- a person preoccupied with arcane details or procedures in a specialized field
- nerd
won·ky ['wäŋ-kē] -adj
- unsteady, shaky
- awry, wrong
wont ['wȯnt, 'wōnt also 'wənt, 'wänt] -adj
- accustomed, used
- got up early as he is wont to do
- inclined, apt
- revealing as letters are wont to be -- Gladys M. Wrigley
- accustom, habituate
- to have the habit of doing something
- habitual way of doing : use
won't ['wōnt; NewEng, upstate NY, nPa ,wənt, 'wənt; greater NYC 'wünt; eSC 'wünt, 'wu̇nt]
- will not
wont·ed ['wȯn-təd, 'wōn- also 'wən- or 'wän-] -adj, adv, n
- usual or ordinary esp. by reason of established habit
- spoke with his wonted slowness
won·ton ['wän-,tän] -n
- filled pockets of noodle dough served boiled in soup or fried
woo ['wü] -vb, n
- to sue for the affection of and usu. marriage with : court
- to solicit or entreat esp. with importunity
- to seek to gain or bring about
- to court a woman
wood ['wüd, 'wōd, 'wu̇d] -adj
- violently mad
- a dense growth of trees usu. greater in extent than a grove and smaller than a forest often used in pl. but sing. or pl. in constr.
- woodland
- the hard fibrous substance consisting basically of xylem that makes up the greater part of the stems, branches, and roots of trees or shrubs beneath the bark and is found to a limited extent in herbaceous plants
- wood suitable or prepared for some use (as burning or building)
- something made of wood
- a golf club having a thick wooden head
- a golf club having a similar head made of metal
- wooden
- suitable for cutting or working with wood
- living, growing, or existing in woods
- to gather or take on wood
- to cover with a growth of trees or plant with trees
wood alcohol -n
- methanol
wood anemone -n
- any of several anemones
- one ( Anemone quinquefolia) of No. America with solitary often pink-tinged flowers
wood bet·o·ny [-'be-tə-nē] -n
- a lousewort ( Pedicularis canadensis) of eastern No. America with yellow or reddish flowers in bracted spikes
wood·bine ['wu̇d-,bīn] -n
- any of several honeysuckles
- a Eurasian twining shrub ( Lonicera periclymenum)
- virginia creeper
wood·block [-,bläk] -n, adj
- woodcut
woodbor·ing [-,bȯr-iŋ] -adj
- excavating galleries in wood in feeding or in constructing a nest used chiefly of an insect
wood carving [-,kär-vər] -n
- the art of fashioning or ornamenting objects of wood by cutting with a sharp handheld implement
- an object of wood so fashioned or ornamented
wood·chat shrike ['wu̇d-,chat-] -n
- a black-and-white European shrike ( Lanius senator) with a red crown and nape called also woodchat
wood·chop·per [-,chä-pər] -n
- one engaged in chopping wood and esp. in chopping down trees
wood·chuck [-,chək] -n
- a grizzled thickset marmot ( Marmota monax) chiefly of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern U.S. called also groundhog
wood·cock ['wu̇d-,käk] -n
- a widespread Old World woodland game bird ( Scolopax rusticola) of the sandpiper family that has a long bill and large eyes
- a smaller related woodland game bird ( S. minorsyn. Philohela minor) of eastern No. America
- simpleton
wood·craft [-,kraft] -n
- skill and practice in anything relating to the woods and esp. in maintaining oneself and making one's way in the woods
- skill in shaping or constructing articles from wood
wood·cut [-,kət] -n
- a relief printing surface consisting of a wooden block with a usu. pictorial design cut with the grain
- a print from a woodcut
wood·cut·ter [-,kə-tər] -n
- one that cuts wood
wood·cut·ting [-,kə-tiŋ] -n
- the action or occupation of cutting wood or timber
- the producing of woodcuts
wood duck -n
- a showy American duck ( Aix sponsa) which nests in tree cavities and the males of which have a large crest and iridescent plumage varied with green, purple, black, white, and chestnut
wood ear -n
- : any of several ear- or cup-shaped basidiomycetous fungi (genus Auricularia) that grow on wood: as
- an edible brownish fungus ( A. auricula) of No. America
- a cultivated usu. dark brown edible fungus ( A. polytricha) used in Chinese cooking
wood·ed ['wu̇-dəd] -adj
- covered with growing trees
wood·en ['wu̇-dᵊn] -adj, adv, n
- made or consisting of wood
- lacking ease or flexibility : awkwardly stiff
wood engraving -n
- a relief printing surface consisting of a wooden block with a usu. pictorial design cut in the end grain
- a print from a wood engraving
wood·en·head ['wu̇-dᵊn-,hed] -n
- blockhead
wood·en·head·ed [,wu̇-dᵊn-'he-dəd] -adj
- dense, stupid
wooden Indian -n
- a wooden image of a standing American Indian brave used esp. formerly as a sign for a cigar store
wood·en·ware ['wu̇-dᵊn-,wer] -n
- articles made of wood for domestic use
wood frog -n
- a common No. American frog ( Rana sylvatica) that inhabits chiefly moist woodlands and is dark brown, yellowish-brown, or pink with a black stripe on each side of the head
wood·land ['wu̇d-lənd, -,land] -n
- land covered with woody vegetation : timberland, forest
woodland -adj
- growing, living, or existing in woodland
- of, relating to, or being woodland
wood·lore ['wu̇d-,lȯr] -n
- knowledge of the woods
wood·lot [-,lät] -n
- a restricted area of woodland usu. privately maintained as a source of fuel, posts, and lumber
wood louse -n
- a terrestrial isopod crustacean (suborder Oniscoidea) with a flattened elliptical body often capable of being rolled into a ball called also pill bug sow bug
wood·man ['wu̇d-mən] -n
- woodsman
- a member of either of two independent benevolent and fraternal societies
wood·note [-,nōt] -n
- verbal expression that is natural and artless
wood nymph -n
- a nymph living in woods called also dryad
wood·peck·er ['wu̇d-,pe-kər] -n
- any of numerous birds (family Picidae) with zygodactyl feet, stiff spiny tail feathers used in climbing or resting on tree trunks, a usu. extensible tongue, a very hard bill used to drill the bark or wood of trees for insect food or to excavate nesting cavities, and generally showy parti-colored plumage
wood pigeon -n
- a large chiefly European pigeon ( Columba palumbus) with a whitish patch on each side of the neck and wings edged with white called also ringdove
wood·pile [-,pī(-ə)l] -n
- a pile of wood (as firewood)
wood pulp -n
- pulp from wood used in making cellulose derivatives (as paper or rayon)
wood pussy -n
- skunk
wood rat -n
- any of numerous soft-furred cricetid rodents (esp. genus Neotoma) of No. and Central America that have well-furred tails, large ears, and a characteristic tendency to hoard food and debris on or near their dens called also pack rat
wood ray -n
- xylem ray
wood·ruff ['wu̇d-(,)rəf] -n
- any of a genus ( Asperula) of Old World herbs of the madder family
- sweet woodruff
wood·shed [-,shed] -n
- a shed for storing wood and esp. firewood
- a place, means, or session for administering discipline
woodshed -vi
- practice
- to practice on a musical instrument
wood shot -n
- a golf shot played with a wood
- a stroke in a racket game in which the ball or shuttlecock is hit with the frame of the racket rather than the strings
woods·man ['wu̇dz-mən] -n
- a person who frequents or works in the woods
- one skilled in woodcraft
wood sorrel -n
- any of a genus ( Oxalisof the family Oxalidaceae, the wood-sorrel family) of herbs with acid sap, compound leaves, and regular flowers having five usu. white, purple, or yellow petals
- either of two stemless herbs ( O. montanaof No. America and O. acetosellaof Eurasia) with trifoliolate leaves
wood stork -n
- a white stork ( Mycteria americana) with black wing flight feathers and tail that frequents wooded swamps from the southeastern U.S. to Argentina called also wood ibis
wood·stove ['wu̇d-,stōv] -n
- a stove that uses wood for fuel
wood sugar -n
- xylose
woodsy ['wu̇d-zē] -adj
- characteristic or suggestive of woods
- the woodsy flavor of mushrooms
wood thrush -n
- a large woodland thrush ( Hylocichla mustelina) of eastern No. America that is rusty brown on the head and back, has white underparts marked with large black spots, and is noted for its loud clear song
wood tick -n
- : any of several ixodid ticks: as
- a widely distributed tick ( Dermacentor andersonii) of western No. America that is a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- american dog tick
wood turning -n
- the art or process of fashioning wooden pieces or blocks into various forms and shapes by means of a lathe
wood turpentine -n
- turpentine
wood warbler -n
- warbler
wood·wind ['wu̇d-,wind] -n
- any of a group of wind instruments (as a clarinet, flute, oboe, or saxophone) that are characterized by a cylindrical or conical tube of wood or metal usu. ending in a slightly flared bell, that produce tones by the vibration of one or two reeds in the mouthpiece or by the passing of air over a mouth hole, and that usu. have finger holes or keys by which the player may produce all the tones within an instrument's range
- the woodwind section of a band or orchestra
wood·work [-,wərk] -n
- work made of wood
- interior fittings (as moldings or stairways) of wood
- a place or state of concealment, seclusion, or anonymity
- witnesses came out of the woodwork when a reward was offered
wood·work·ing [-,wər-kiŋ] -adj
- used for woodworking
woodworking [-kər] -n
- the act, process, or occupation of working wood into a useful or desired form
wood·worm ['wu̇d-,wərm] -n
- an insect larva (as of a furniture beetle) that bores esp. in dead wood
- an infestation of woodworms
woody ['wu̇-dē] -adj, n
- abounding or overgrown with woods
- of or containing wood or wood fibers : ligneous
- having woody parts : rich in xylem and associated structures
- characteristic of or suggestive of wood
- a wood-paneled station wagon
woof ['wu̇f, 'wüf] -n
- weft
- woven fabric
- the texture of such a fabric
- a basic or essential element or material
- to make the low gruff sound typically produced by a dog
- to express oneself in a usu. stylized boastful or aggressive manner
- a low gruff sound typically produced by a dog
- a low note emitted by sound reproducing equipment
woof·er ['wu̇-fər] -n
- a loudspeaker usu. larger than a tweeter, responsive only to the lower acoustic frequencies, and used for reproducing sounds of low pitch
woohoo ['wü-'hü, ,wü-] -interj
- used to express exuberant delight or approval
wool ['wu̇l] -n
- the soft wavy or curly usu. thick undercoat of various hairy mammals and esp. the sheep made up of a matrix of keratin fibers and covered with minute scales
- a product of wool
- a woven fabric or garment of such fabric
- a dense felted pubescence esp. on a plant : tomentum
- a filamentous mass usu. used in combination
wooled ['wu̇ld] -adj
- having wool esp. of a specified kind used in combination
wool·en ['wu̇-lən] -adj
- made of wool
- of or relating to the manufacture or sale of woolen products
woolen -n
- a fabric made of wool and esp. of woolen yarns having a fuzzy or napped face (as for use in clothing or blankets)
- garments of woolen fabric usu. used in pl.
wool fat -n
- wool grease esp. after refining : lanolin
wool·gath·er ['wu̇l-,ga-thər, -,ge-thər] -vi, n
- to engage in woolgathering
wool·gath·er·ing [-,ga-th(ə-)riŋ, -,ge-th(ə-)riŋ] -n
- indulgence in idle daydreaming
wool grease -n
- a fatty slightly sticky wax coating the surface of the fibers of sheep's wool
wool·ly ['wu̇-lē] -adj, adv, n
- resembling wool
- of, relating to, or bearing wool
- lacking in clearness or sharpness of outline
- marked by mental confusion
- marked by boisterous roughness or lack of order or restraint
- where the West is still woolly -- Paul Schubert
used esp. in the phrase wild and woolly - a garment made from wool
- underclothing of knitted wool usu. used in pl.
- sheep
woolly adel·gid [-ə-'del-jəd] -n
- : either of two aphids (genus Adelges) with a white woolly coating that have been accidentally introduced into No. America:
- one ( A. piceae) native to Europe that is a serious pest of fir trees
- one ( A. tsugae) native to Asia that is a serious pest of hemlocks
woolly aphid -n
- any of several aphids (esp. genus Eriosoma) covered with a dense coat of white filaments called also woolly aphis
woolly bear -n
- any of various rather large very hairy moth caterpillars
- one of a tiger moth
wool·lyhead·ed [,wu̇-lē-'he-dəd] -adj
- having hair suggesting wool
- marked by vague or confused perception or thinking
woolly mammoth -n
- a heavy-coated mammoth ( Mammuthus primigenius) formerly inhabiting the colder parts of the northern hemisphere
woolly monkey -n
- either of two large monkeys ( Lagothrix lagotrichaand L. flavicauda) chiefly of the Amazon basin that have short woolly hair, long limbs, and a long prehensile tail
woolly spider monkey -n
- a large monkey ( Brachyteles arachnoides) of southeastern Brazil with woolly hair, long limbs, a long prehensile tail, and a thumb which is absent or rudimentary
wool·pack ['wu̇l-,pak] -n
- a wrapper of strong fabric into which fleeces are packed for shipment
- the complete package of wool and wrapper
wool·sack [-,sak] -n
- woolpack
- a cushion that is the official seat of the Lord Chancellor or his deputy in presiding over the House of Lords
wool·shed [-,shed] -n
- a building or group of buildings (as on an Australian ranch) in which sheep are sheared and wool is prepared for market
wool·skin [-,skin] -n
- a sheepskin having the wool still on it
wool·sort·er's disease ['wu̇l-,sȯr-tərz-] -n
- pulmonary anthrax resulting esp. from inhalation of bacterial spores from contaminated wool or hair
woom·era ['wu̇-mə-rə] -n
- a wooden rod with a hooked end used by Australian aborigines for throwing a spear
woops ['(w)u̇(ə)ps] -interj
(variant of oops)
- used typically to express mild apology, surprise, or dismay
woo·zy ['wü-zē, 'wu̇-] -adj, adv, n
- mentally unclear or hazy
- seems a little woozy, not quite knowing what to say -- J. A. Lukacs
- affected with dizziness, mild nausea, or weakness
- having a soft, indistinct, or unfocused quality : vague, fuzzy
- woozy...prose and vaguely beneficent statements -- Roz Kaveney
wop ['wäp] -n
- italian
Worces·ter ['wu̇s-tər] -n
- low-fired porcelain containing a frit and steatite produced at Worcester, England, from about 1751 called also Worcester china Worcester porcelain
Worces·ter·shire sauce ['wu̇s-tə(r)-,shir-, -shər- also -,shī(-ə)r-] -n
- a pungent sauce whose ingredients include soy, vinegar, and garlic called also Worcestershire
word ['wərd] -n
- something that is said
- talk, discourse
- putting one's feelings into word s
- the text of a vocal musical composition
- a brief remark or conversation
- would like to have a word with you
- a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usu. without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use
- the entire set of linguistic forms produced by combining a single base with various inflectional elements without change in the part of speech elements
- a written or printed character or combination of characters representing a spoken word
- the number of word s to a line
sometimes used with the first letter of a real or pretended taboo word prefixed as an often humorous euphemism - the first man to utter the f word on British TV -- Time
- we were not afraid to use the d word and talk about death -- Erma Bombeck
- any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark
- a number of bytes processed as a unit and conveying a quantum of information in communication and computer work
- order, command
- don't move till I give the word
- logos
- gospel
- the expressed or manifested mind and will of God
- news, information
- sent word that he would be late
- rumor
- the act of speaking or of making verbal communication
- saying, proverb
- promise, declaration
- a quarrelsome utterance or conversation usu. used in pl.
- they had word s and parted
- a verbal signal : password
- used interjectionally to express agreement
- speak
- to express in words : phrase
- a carefully word ed reply
word·age ['wər-dij] -n
- words
- verbiage
- the number or quantity of words
- wording
wordassociation test -n
- a test of personality and mental function in which the subject is required to respond to each of a series of words with the first word that comes to mind or with a word of a specified class of words (as antonyms)
word·book ['wərd-,bu̇k] -n
- vocabulary, dictionary
word class -n
- a linguistic form class whose members are words
- part of speech
wordforword -adj
- being in or following the exact words : verbatim
- a wordforword translation
word for word -adv
- in the exact words : verbatim
wordhoard ['wərd-,hȯrd] -n
- a supply of words : vocabulary
word·ing ['wər-diŋ] -n
- the act or manner of expressing in words : phraseology
word·less ['wərd-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- not expressed in or accompanied by words
- silent, speechless
- sat wordless throughout the meeting
word·mon·ger [-,məŋ-gər, -,mäŋ-] -n
- a writer who uses words for show or without particular regard for meaning
wordmon·ger·ing [-g(ə-)riŋ] -n
- the use of empty or bombastic words
wordofmouth [,wərd-ə(v)-'mau̇th] -adj
- orally communicated
- generated from or reliant on oral publicity
word of mouth
- oral communication
- oral often inadvertent publicity
word order -n
- the order or arrangement of words in a phrase, clause, or sentence
word·play ['wərd-,plā] -n
- playful use of words : verbal wit
word processing -n, vb
- the production of typewritten documents (as business letters) with automated and usu. computerized typing and text-editing equipment
word processor -n
- a keyboard-operated terminal usu. with a video display and a magnetic storage device for use in word processing
- software (as for a computer system) to perform word processing
word·smith ['wərd-,smith] -n
- a person who works with words
- a skillful writer
word square -n
- a series of words of equal length arranged in a square pattern to read the same horizontally and vertically
word stress -n
- the manner in which stresses are distributed on the syllables of a word called also word accent
word wrap -n
- a word processing feature that automatically transfers a word for which there is insufficient space from the end of one line of text to the beginning of the next
wordy ['wər-dē] -adj, adv, n
- using or containing many and usu. too many words
- of or relating to words : verbal
wore ['wer] -vb, n
(variant of wear)
- to bear or have on the person
- to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance
- to carry on the person
- to hold the rank or dignity or position signified by (an ornament)
- exhibit, present
- commend the book for wear ing its research so lightly -- Brad Leithauser
- to show or fly (a flag or colors) on a ship
- to cause to deteriorate by use
- to impair or diminish by use or attrition : consume or waste gradually
- letters on the stone worn away by weathering
- to produce gradually by friction or attrition
- to exhaust or lessen the strength of : weary, fatigue
- to cause (a ship) to go about with the stern presented to the wind
- to accept or tolerate without complaint : put up with usu. used in negative constructions
- your mates wouldn't wear it -- Colin MacInnes
- take on
- to endure use : last under use or the passage of time
- material that will wear for years
- to retain quality or vitality
- to diminish or decay through use
- the heels of his shoes began to wear
- to diminish or fail with the passage of time
- the effect of the drug wore off
- to grow or become by attrition or use
- to change to an opposite tack by turning the stern to the wind
- the act of wearing : the state of being worn : use
- clothes for everyday wear
- clothing or an article of clothing usu. of a particular kind
- clothing worn for a special occasion or popular during a specific period
- fashion, vogue
- wearing quality : durability under use
- the result of wearing or use : diminution or impairment due to use
work ['wərk] -n
- : activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something:
- sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
- the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood
- a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
- energy expended by natural phenomena
- the result of such energy
- sand dunes are the work of sea and wind
- the transference of energy that is produced by the motion of the point of application of a force and is measured by multiplying the force and the displacement of its point of application in the line of action
- something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising
- something that results from the use or fashioning of a particular material
- a fortified structure (as a fort, earthen barricade, or trench)
- structures in engineering (as docks, bridges, or embankments) or mining (as shafts or tunnels)
- a place where industrial labor is carried on : plant, factory
- the working or moving parts of a mechanism
- something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill
- this book is the work of many hands
- something produced by the exercise of creative talent or expenditure of creative effort : artistic production
- an early work by a major writer
- performance of moral or religious acts
- effective operation : effect, result
- wait for time to do its healing work
- manner of working : workmanship, execution
- the material or piece of material that is operated upon at any stage in the process of manufacture
- everything possessed, available, or belonging
- the whole work s, rod, reel, tackle box, went overboard
- ordered pizza with the work s
- subjection to drastic treatment : all possible abuse usu. used with get or give
- used for work
- suitable or styled for wear while working
- involving or engaged in work
- to bring to pass : effect
- to fashion or create a useful or desired product by expending labor or exertion on : forge, shape
- to make or decorate with needlework
- embroider
- to prepare for use by stirring or kneading
- to bring into a desired form by a gradual process of cutting, hammering, scraping, pressing, or stretching
- to set or keep in motion, operation, or activity : cause to operate or produce
- to solve (a problem) by reasoning or calculation often used with out
- to cause to toil or labor
- work ed their horses nearly to death
- to make use of : exploit
- to control or guide the operation of
- switches are work ed from a central tower
- to carry on an operation or perform a job through, at, in, or along
- the peddler work ed the corner
- a sportscaster hired to work the game
- to greet and talk with in a friendly way in order to ingratiate oneself or achieve a purpose
- politicians work ing the crowd
- to pay for or achieve with labor or service
- work ed my way through college
- work ed my way up in the company
- to get (oneself or an object) into or out of a condition or position by gradual stages
- contrive, arrange
- we can work it so that you can take your vacation
- to practice trickery or cajolery on for some end
- work ed the management for a free ticket
- excite, provoke
- work ed myself into a rage
- to exert oneself physically or mentally esp. in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity
- to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations
- work ed all day over a hot stove
- to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary
- to function or operate according to plan or design
- hinges work better with oil
- to exert an influence or tendency
- to produce a desired effect or result : succeed
- to make way slowly and with difficulty : move or progress laboriously
- work ed up to the presidency
- to sail to windward
- to permit of being worked : react in a specified way to being worked
- to be in agitation or restless motion
- ferment
- to move slightly in relation to another part
- to get into a specified condition by slow or imperceptible movements
work·able ['wər-kə-bəl] -adj, n
- capable of being worked
- practicable, feasible
work·a·day ['wər-kə-,dā] -adj
- of, relating to, or suited for working days
- ordinary, prosaic
work·a·hol·ic [,wər-kə-'hȯ-lik, -'hä-] -n, adj
- a compulsive worker
workaround ['wərk-ə-,rau̇nd] -n
- a plan or method to circumvent a problem (as in computer software) without eliminating it
work·bag ['wərk-,bag] -n
- a bag for implements or materials for work
- a bag for needlework
work·bas·ket [-,bas-kət] -n
- a basket for needlework
work·bench [-,bench] -n
- a bench on which work esp. of mechanics, machinists, and carpenters is performed
work·boat [-,bōt] -n
- a boat used for work purposes (as commercial fishing and ferrying supplies) rather than for sport or for passenger or naval service
work·book [-,bu̇k] -n
- a worker's manual
- a booklet outlining a course of study
- a record of work done
- a student's book of problems to be solved directly on the pages
work·box [-,bäks] -n
- a box for work instruments and materials
work camp -n
- : a camp for workers: as
- prison camp
- a short-term group project in which individuals from one or more religious organizations volunteer their labor
work·day ['wərk-,dā] -n, adj
- a day on which work is performed as distinguished from a day off
- the period of time in a day during which work is performed
worked ['wərkt] -adj
- that has been subjected to some process of development, treatment, or manufacture
worked up -adj
- emotionally aroused : excited
work·er ['wər-kər] -n
- one that works esp. at manual or industrial labor or with a particular material often used in combination
- a member of the working class
- any of the sexually underdeveloped and usu. sterile members of a colony of social ants, bees, wasps, or termites that perform most of the labor and protective duties of the colony
workerpriest -n
- a French Roman Catholic priest who for missionary purposes spends part of each weekday as a worker in a secular job
workers' compensation [-'kämp] -n
- a system of insurance that reimburses an employer for damages that must be paid to an employee for injury occurring in the course of employment called also workers' comp -kamp
work ethic -n
- a belief in work as a moral good
work·fare ['wərk-,fer] -n
- a welfare program in which recipients are required to perform usu. public-service work
work farm -n
- a farm on which persons guilty of minor law violations are confined
work·folk ['wərk-,fōk] -n pl
- working people
- farm workers
work·force ['wərk-,fȯrs] -n
- the workers engaged in a specific activity or enterprise
- the number of workers potentially assignable for any purpose
work·horse ['wərk-,hȯrs] -n
- a horse used chiefly for labor as distinguished from driving, riding, or racing
- a person who performs most of the work of a group task
- a hardworking person
- something that is markedly useful, durable, or dependable
- horse
work·house [-,hau̇s] -n
- poorhouse
- a house of correction for persons guilty of minor law violations
work in -vt
- to insert or cause to penetrate by repeated or continued effort
- to interpose or insinuate gradually or unobtrusively
- worked in a few topical jokes
work·ing ['wər-kiŋ] -n
- the manner of functioning or operating : operation usu. used in pl.
- the inner working s of the government
- an excavation or group of excavations made in mining, quarrying, or tunneling usu. used in pl.
working -adj
- engaged in work esp. for wages or a salary
- adequate to permit work to be done
- assumed or adopted to permit or facilitate further work or activity
- spent at work
- being in use or operation
working asset -n
- an asset other than a capital asset
working capital -n
- : capital actively turned over in or available for use in the course of business activity:
- the excess of current assets over current liabilities
- all capital of a business except that invested in capital assets
workingclass -adj
- of, relating to, deriving from, or suitable to the class of wage earners
working class -n
- the class of people who work for wages usu. at manual labor
working day -n
- workday
working dog -n
- a dog suitable by size, breeding, or training for useful work (as draft or herding) esp. as distinguished from one suitable primarily for pet, show, or sporting use
working fluid -n
- a fluid working substance
work·ing·man ['wər-kiŋ-,man] -n
- one who works for wages usu. at manual labor
working papers -n pl
- official documents legalizing the employment of a minor
working substance -n
- a usu. fluid substance that through changes of temperature, volume, and pressure is the means of carrying out thermodynamic processes or cycles (as in a heat engine)
work·ing·wom·an ['wər-kiŋ-,wu̇-mən] -n
- workwoman
work·less ['wər-kləs] -adj, n
- being without work : unemployed
work·load ['wərk-,lōd] -n
- the amount of work or of working time expected or assigned
- students with a heavy workload
- the amount of work performed or capable of being performed (as by a mechanical device) usu. within a specific period
work·man ['wərk-mən] -n
- workingman
- artisan
work·man·like [-,līk] -adj
- characterized by the skill and efficiency typical of a good workman
- competent and skillful but not outstanding or original
- an adequate...reporter who turned out workmanlike copy -- Tom Clancy
work·man·ly [-lē] -adj
- workmanlike
work·man·ship [-,ship] -n
- something effected, made, or produced : work
- the art or skill of a workman
- the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making
- a vase of exquisite workmanship
work·mate ['wərk-,māt] -n
- a fellow worker
workmen's compensation insurance -n
- workers' compensation
work of art
- a product of one of the fine arts
- a painting or sculpture of high artistic quality
- something giving high aesthetic satisfaction to the viewer or listener
work off -vt
- to dispose of or get rid of by work or activity
work·out ['wərk-,au̇t] -n
- a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness for athletic competition, ability, or performance
- a test of one's ability, capacity, stamina, or suitability
- an undertaking or plan intended to resolve a problem of indebtedness esp. in lieu of bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings
work out -vt
- to bring about by labor and exertion
- work out your own salvation -- Phil 2:12 (AV)
- to solve (as a problem) by a process of reasoning or calculation
- to devise, arrange, or achieve by resolving difficulties
- after many years of wrangling, worked out a definite agreement -- A. A. Butkus
- develop
- the final situation is not worked out with psychological profundity -- Leslie Rees
- to discharge (as a debt) by labor
- to exhaust (as a mine) by working
- to prove effective, practicable, or suitable
- how this will actually work out I don't know -- Milton Kotler
- to amount to a total or calculated figure used with at or to
- to engage in a workout
- works out regularly at the gym
work over -vt
- to subject to thorough examination, study, or treatment
- shelf stock worked over by shoppers
- to do over : rework
- saved the play by working the first act over
- to beat up or manhandle with thoroughness
work·peo·ple ['wərk-,pē-pəl] -n pl
- workers, employees
work·piece [-,pēs] -n
- a piece of work in process of manufacture
work·place [-,plās] -n
- a place (as a shop or factory) where work is done
work print -n
- a completely edited motion-picture print used as a guide in cutting the original negative from which the final production prints will be made
work·room ['wərk-,rüm, -,ru̇m] -n
- a room used for work
work·shop [-,shäp] -n
- a small establishment where manufacturing or handicrafts are carried on
- workroom
- a usu. brief intensive educational program for a relatively small group of people that focuses esp. on techniques and skills in a particular field
work song -n
- a song sung in rhythm with work
work·sta·tion [-,stā-shən] -n
- an area with equipment for the performance of a specialized task usu. by a single individual
- an intelligent terminal or personal computer usu. connected to a computer network
- a powerful microcomputer used esp. for scientific or engineering work
work stoppage -n
- concerted cessation of work by a group of employees usu. more spontaneous and less serious than a strike
workstudy program -n
- a program planned to give high school or college students work experience
work·ta·ble ['wərk-,tā-bəl] -n
- a table for holding working materials and implements
- a small table with drawers and other conveniences for needlework
worktorule -n
- the practice of working to the strictest interpretation of the rules as a job action
work·up ['wərk-,əp] -n
- an intensive diagnostic study
workup ['wərk-,əp] -n
- an unintended mark on a printed sheet caused by the rising of spacing material
work up -vt
- to stir up : rouse
- to produce by mental or physical work
- worked up a sweat in the gym
- to rise gradually in intensity or emotional tone
work·week ['wərk-,wēk] -n
- the hours or days of work in a calendar week
work·wom·an [-,wu̇-mən] -n
- a woman who works
world ['wər(-ə)ld] -n
- the earthly state of human existence
- life after death used with a qualifier
- the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it
- individual course of life : career
- the inhabitants of the earth : the human race
- the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come
- secular affairs
- the system of created things : universe
- a division or generation of the inhabitants of the earth distinguished by living together at the same place or at the same time
- a distinctive class of persons or their sphere of interest or activity
- human society
- a part or section of the earth that is a separate independent unit
- the sphere or scene of one's life and action
- living in your own little world
- an indefinite multitude or a great quantity or distance
- makes a world of difference
- the whole body of living persons : public
- announced their discovery to the world
- kingdom
- a celestial body (as a planet)
- of or relating to the world
- extending or found throughout the world : worldwide
- brought about world peace
- involving or applying to part of or the whole world
- internationally recognized : renowned, distinguished
- a world authority on gemstones
world beat -n
- world music usu. hyphenated when used attributively
worldbeat·er ['wərl(d)-,bē-tər] -n
- one that excels all others of its kind : champion
worldclass -adj
- being of the highest caliber in the world
world federalism -n
- federalism on a worldwide basis
- the principles and policies of the World Federalists
- the body or movement composed of World Federalists
world federalist -n
- an adherent or advocate of world federalism
- a member of a movement arising after World War II advocating the formation of a federal union of the nations of the world with limited but positive governmental powers
world·ling ['wər(-ə)ld-liŋ, 'wərl-liŋ] -n
- a person engrossed in the concerns of this present world
world·ly ['wər(-ə)ld-lē, 'wərl-lē] -adj, n
- of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs
- worldly-wise
world·lymind·ed [,wərl(d)-lē-'mīn-dəd] -adj, n
- devoted to or engrossed in worldly interests
world·lywise ['wərl(d)-lē-,wīz] -adj
- possessing a practical and often shrewd understanding of human affairs
world music -n
- popular music originating from or influenced by non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm usu. hyphenated when used attributively
world power -n
- a political unit (as a nation or state) powerful enough to affect the entire world by its influence or actions
world premiere -n
- the first regular performance (as of a theatrical production) anywhere in the world
World Series -n
- a contest or event that is the most important or prestigious of its kind
- the World Series of the equestrian world
world's fair -n
- an international exposition featuring exhibits and participants from all over the world
worldshak·ing ['wərl(d)-,shā-kiŋ] -adj
- earthshaking
world soul -n
- an animating spirit or creative principle related to the world as the soul is to the individual being
world·view [-,vyü] -n
- weltanschauung
world war -n
- a war engaged in by all or most of the principal nations of the world
- either of two such wars of the first half of the 20th century
worldwea·ry ['wərld-,wir-ē] -adj, n
- feeling or showing fatigue from or boredom with the life of the world and esp. material pleasures
world·wide [-'wīd] -adj
- extended throughout or involving the entire world
worldwide -adv
- throughout the world
World Wide Web -n
- a part of the Internet accessed through a graphical user interface and containing documents often connected by hyperlinks called also Web
worm ['wərm] -n, adj
- earthworm
- an annelid worm
- : any of numerous relatively small elongated usu. naked and soft-bodied animals (as a grub, pinworm, tapeworm, shipworm, or slowworm)
- a human being who is an object of contempt, loathing, or pity : wretch
- something that torments or devours from within
- snake, serpent
- helminthiasis usu. used in pl.
- : something (as a mechanical device) spiral or vermiculate in form or appearance: as
- the thread of a screw
- a short revolving screw whose threads gear with the teeth of a worm wheel or a rack
- archimedes' screw
- a conveyor working on the principle of such a screw
- a usu. small self-contained and self-replicating computer program that invades computers on a network and usu. performs a destructive action
- to move or proceed sinuously or insidiously
- to proceed or make (one's way) insidiously or deviously
- worm their way into positions of power -- Bill Franzen
- to insinuate or introduce (oneself) by devious or subtle means
- to cause to move or proceed in or as if in the manner of a worm
- to wind rope or yarn spirally round and between the strands of (a cable or rope) before serving
- to obtain or extract by artful or insidious questioning or by pleading, asking, or persuading usu. used with out of
- finally worm ed the truth out of him
- to treat (an animal) with a drug to destroy or expel parasitic worms
wormeat·en ['wərm-,ē-tᵊn] -adj
- eaten or burrowed by worms
- pitted
- worn-out, antiquated
worm·er ['wər-mər] -n
- a drug used in veterinary medicine to worm an animal
worm fence -n
- a zigzag fence consisting of interlocking rails supported by crossed poles called also snake fence Virginia fence
worm gear -n
- worm wheel
- a gear of a worm and a worm wheel working together
worm·hole ['wərm-,hōl] -n
- a hole or passage burrowed by a worm
- a hypothetical structure of space-time envisioned as a long thin tunnel connecting points that are separated in space and time
worm·seed [-,sēd] -n
- : any of various plants whose seeds possess anthelmintic properties: as
- any of several artemisias
- a widely naturalized tropical American goosefoot ( Chenopodium ambrosioides)
worm'seye ['wərmz-,ī] -adj
- seen from ground level or from the lowest levels of a hierarchy
- the bird's-eye view of the executive and the worm'seye view of the employee -- Current Biog.
worm snake -n
- a small terrestrial colubrid snake ( Carphophis amoenus) of the eastern U.S. that is dark above and pinkish red below
worm wheel -n
- a toothed wheel gearing with the thread of a worm
worm·wood ['wərm-,wu̇d] -n
- artemisia
- a European plant ( Artemisia absinthium) that has silvery silky-haired leaves and drooping yellow flower heads and yields a bitter dark green oil used in absinthe
- something bitter or grievous : bitterness
wormy ['wər-mē] -adj
- containing, abounding in, or infested with or as if with worms
- damaged by worms : worm-eaten
- resembling or suggestive of a worm
worn ['wer] -vb, n
(variant of wear)
- to bear or have on the person
- to use habitually for clothing, adornment, or assistance
- to carry on the person
- to hold the rank or dignity or position signified by (an ornament)
- exhibit, present
- commend the book for wear ing its research so lightly -- Brad Leithauser
- to show or fly (a flag or colors) on a ship
- to cause to deteriorate by use
- to impair or diminish by use or attrition : consume or waste gradually
- letters on the stone worn away by weathering
- to produce gradually by friction or attrition
- to exhaust or lessen the strength of : weary, fatigue
- to cause (a ship) to go about with the stern presented to the wind
- to accept or tolerate without complaint : put up with usu. used in negative constructions
- your mates wouldn't wear it -- Colin MacInnes
- take on
- to endure use : last under use or the passage of time
- material that will wear for years
- to retain quality or vitality
- to diminish or decay through use
- the heels of his shoes began to wear
- to diminish or fail with the passage of time
- the effect of the drug wore off
- to grow or become by attrition or use
- to change to an opposite tack by turning the stern to the wind
- the act of wearing : the state of being worn : use
- clothes for everyday wear
- clothing or an article of clothing usu. of a particular kind
- clothing worn for a special occasion or popular during a specific period
- fashion, vogue
- wearing quality : durability under use
- the result of wearing or use : diminution or impairment due to use
wornout ['wȯrn-'au̇t] -adj
- exhausted or used up by or as if by wear
wor·ri·ment ['wər-ē-mənt, 'wə-rē-] -n
- an act or instance of worrying
- trouble, worry
wor·ri·some [-səm] -adj, adv, n
- causing distress or worry
- inclined to worry or fret
- investors feeling worrisome
wor·ry ['wər-ē, 'wə-rē] -vb, adv, n
- choke, strangle
- to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping esp. at the throat
- to shake or pull at with the teeth
- a terrier worry ing a rat
- to touch or disturb something repeatedly
- to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling
- to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment : torment
- to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort
- to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious
- strangle, choke
- to move, proceed, or progress by unceasing or difficult effort : struggle
- to feel or experience concern or anxiety : fret
- worry ing about his health
worry -n
- mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usu. for something impending or anticipated : anxiety
- an instance or occurrence of such distress or agitation
- a cause of worry : trouble, difficulty
worry beads -n pl
- a string of beads that can be fingered to keep one's hands occupied
worry line -n
- a crease or wrinkle on the forehead or between the eyebrows
wor·ry·wart ['wər-ē-,wȯrt, 'wə-rē-] -n
- a person who is inclined to worry unduly
worse ['wərs] -adj
- of more inferior quality, value, or condition
- more unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful
- more faulty, unsuitable, or incorrect
- less skillful or efficient
- bad, evil, or corrupt in a greater degree : more reprehensible
- being in poorer health : sicker
- one that is worse
- threatened expulsion and worse
- in a worse manner : to a worse extent or degree
- what is worse
wors·en ['wər-sᵊn] -vb
- to make worse
- to become worse
- the weather began to worsen
wors·er ['wər-sər] -adj or adv
- worse
- I cannot hate thee worser than I do -- Shak.
wor·ship ['wər-shəp also 'wȯr-] -n
- a person of importance used as a title for various officials (as magistrates and some mayors)
- reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power
- an act of expressing such reverence
- a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
- extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem
worship -vb, n
- to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power
- to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion
- a celebrity worshipped by her fans
- to perform or take part in worship or an act of worship
wor·ship·ful ['wər-shəp-fəl also 'wȯr-] -adj, adv, n
- notable, distinguished
- used as a title for various persons or groups of rank or distinction
- giving or expressing worship or veneration
wor·ship·less [-shəp-ləs] -adj
- lacking worship or worshippers
worst ['wərst] -adj
- most corrupt, bad, evil, or ill
- most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful
- most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived
- has the worst table manners
- least skillful or efficient
- the worst person for the job
- most wanting in quality, value, or condition
- to the extreme degree of badness or inferiority
- to the greatest or highest degree
- groups who need the subsidies worst lose out -- T. W. Arnold
- one that is worst
- to get the better of : defeat
worstcase -adj
- involving, projecting, or providing for the worst possible circumstances or outcome of a given situation
wor·sted ['wu̇s-təd, 'wər-stəd] -n, adj
- a smooth compact yarn from long wool fibers used esp. for firm napless fabrics, carpeting, or knitting
- a fabric made from worsted yarns
wort ['wərt, 'wȯrt] -n
- plant
- an herbaceous plant usu. used in combination
- a sweet liquid drained from mash and fermented to make beer and whiskey
worth ['wərth] -vi
- become usu. used in the phrase woe worth
- having monetary or material value
- estimable
- monetary value
- farmhouse and lands of little worth
- the equivalent of a specified amount or figure
- the value of something measured by its qualities or by the esteem in which it is held
- a literary heritage of great worth
- moral or personal value
- trying to teach human worth
- merit, excellence
- a field in which we have proved our worth
- wealth, riches
- equal in value to
- having assets or income equal to
- deserving of
worth·ful ['wərth-fəl] -adj
- full of merit
- a good and worthful person
- having value
- the worthful aspects of their culture
worth·less ['wərth-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- lacking worth : valueless
- useless
- worthless to continue searching
- contemptible, despicable
worth·while [-'hwī(-ə)l, -'wī(-ə)l] -adj, n
- being worth the time or effort spent
- worthy
wor·thy ['wər-thē] -adj, adv, n
- having worth or value : estimable
- honorable, meritorious
- having sufficient worth or importance
worthy -n
- a worthy or prominent person
wot ['wit] -vb
(variant of wit)
- know
- to come to know : learn
- mind, memory
- reasoning power : intelligence
- sense usu. used in pl.
- alone and warming his five wit s, the white owl in the belfry sits -- Alfred Tennyson
- mental soundness : sanity usu. used in pl.
- mental capability and resourcefulness : ingenuity
- astuteness of perception or judgment : acumen
- the ability to relate seemingly disparate things so as to illuminate or amuse
- a talent for banter or persiflage
- a witty utterance or exchange
- clever or apt humor
- a person of superior intellect : thinker
- an imaginatively perceptive and articulate individual esp. skilled in banter or persiflage
would [wəd, əd, d, 'wu̇d] -vb
- wished, desired
- wish for : want
- strongly desire : wish
- I would I were young again
often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction - would that I had heeded your advice
- used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference
- he would sooner die than face them
- used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent
- those who would forbid gambling
- used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference
- as ye would that men should do to you -- Lk 6:31 (AV)
- used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention
- used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action
- we would meet often for lunch
- used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice
- would put it off if he could
- used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility
- if he were coming, he would be here now
- used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice)
- used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time
- would have won if I had not tripped
- could
- the barrel would hold 20 gallons
- used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected
- used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty
- the explanation...would seem satisfactory
- should
- knew I would enjoy the trip
- would be glad to know the answer
wouldbe ['wu̇d-'bē] -adj
- desiring, intending, professing, or having the potential to be
would·est [wəl, (ə)l, ᵊl, 'wil] -vb
(variant of will)
- desire, wish
- used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent, or in negative constructions refusal
- no one would take the job
- if we will all do our best
- will you please stop that racket
- used to express frequent, customary, or habitual action or natural tendency or disposition
- will get angry over nothing
- will work one day and loaf the next
- used to express futurity
- tomorrow morning I will wake up in this first-class hotel suite -- Tennessee Williams
- used to express capability or sufficiency
- the back seat will hold three passengers
- used to express probability and often equivalent to the simple verb
- that will be the babysitter
- used to express determination, insistence, persistence, or willfulness
- I have made up my mind to go and go I will
- used to express inevitability
- used to express a command, exhortation, or injunction
- you will do as I say, at once
- to have a wish or desire
- : desire, wish: as
- disposition, inclination
- where there's a will there's a way
- appetite, passion
- choice, determination
- something desired
- a choice or determination of one having authority or power
- request, command
- the part of a summons expressing a royal command
- the act, process, or experience of willing : volition
- mental powers manifested as wishing, choosing, desiring, or intending
- a disposition to act according to principles or ends
- the collective desire of a group
- the power of control over one's own actions or emotions
- a legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposal of his or her property or estate after death
- a written instrument legally executed by which a person makes disposition of his or her estate to take effect after death
- to order or direct by a will
- will ed that her property be divided among her children
- to dispose of by or as if by a will : bequeath
- will ed his entire estate to this wife
- to determine by an act of choice
- decree, ordain
- intend, purpose
- to cause or change by an act of will
- believed he could will himself to succeed
- to try to do so
- to exercise the will
- choose
wouldn't ['wu̇-dᵊnt, -dᵊn, dial also 'wu̇-tᵊn(t) or ,wu̇nt]
- would not
wouldst [wəl, (ə)l, ᵊl, 'wil] -vb
(variant of will)
- desire, wish
- used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent, or in negative constructions refusal
- no one would take the job
- if we will all do our best
- will you please stop that racket
- used to express frequent, customary, or habitual action or natural tendency or disposition
- will get angry over nothing
- will work one day and loaf the next
- used to express futurity
- tomorrow morning I will wake up in this first-class hotel suite -- Tennessee Williams
- used to express capability or sufficiency
- the back seat will hold three passengers
- used to express probability and often equivalent to the simple verb
- that will be the babysitter
- used to express determination, insistence, persistence, or willfulness
- I have made up my mind to go and go I will
- used to express inevitability
- used to express a command, exhortation, or injunction
- you will do as I say, at once
- to have a wish or desire
- : desire, wish: as
- disposition, inclination
- where there's a will there's a way
- appetite, passion
- choice, determination
- something desired
- a choice or determination of one having authority or power
- request, command
- the part of a summons expressing a royal command
- the act, process, or experience of willing : volition
- mental powers manifested as wishing, choosing, desiring, or intending
- a disposition to act according to principles or ends
- the collective desire of a group
- the power of control over one's own actions or emotions
- a legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposal of his or her property or estate after death
- a written instrument legally executed by which a person makes disposition of his or her estate to take effect after death
- to order or direct by a will
- will ed that her property be divided among her children
- to dispose of by or as if by a will : bequeath
- will ed his entire estate to this wife
- to determine by an act of choice
- decree, ordain
- intend, purpose
- to cause or change by an act of will
- believed he could will himself to succeed
- to try to do so
- to exercise the will
- choose
wound ['wünd, archaic or dial 'wau̇nd] -n
- an injury to the body (as from violence, accident, or surgery) that typically involves laceration or breaking of a membrane (as the skin) and usu. damage to underlying tissues
- a cut or breach in a plant usu. due to an external agent
- a mental or emotional hurt or blow
- something resembling a wound in appearance or effect
- a rift in or blow to a political body or social group
- to cause a wound to or in
- to inflict a wound
wound ['wind, archaic or poetic 'wīnd] -n, adj, adv
(variant of wind)
- a natural movement of air of any velocity
- the earth's air or the gas surrounding a planet in natural motion horizontally
- an artificially produced movement of air
- solar wind, stellar wind
- a destructive force or influence
- a force or agency that carries along or influences : tendency, trend
- withstood the wind s of popular opinion -- Felix Frankfurter
- breath
- breath
- the pit of the stomach : solar plexus
- gas generated in the stomach or the intestines
- compressed air or gas
- air
- : something that is insubstantial: as
- mere talk : idle words
- nothing, nothingness
- vain self-satisfaction
- air carrying a scent (as of a hunter or game)
- slight information esp. about something secret : intimation
- musical wind instruments esp. as distinguished from strings and percussion
- players of wind instruments
- a direction from which the wind may blow : a point of the compass
- one of the cardinal points
- the direction from which the wind is blowing
- to detect or follow by scent
- to expose to the air or wind : dry by exposing to air
- to make short of breath
- to regulate the wind supply of (an organ pipe)
- to rest (as a horse) in order to allow the breath to be recovered
- to scent game
- to pause for breath
- to cause (as a horn) to sound by blowing : blow
- to sound (as a call or note) on a horn
- wound a rousing call -- R. L. Stevenson
- to produce a sound on a horn
- weave
- entangle, involve
- to introduce sinuously or stealthily : insinuate
- to encircle or cover with something pliable : bind with loops or layers
- to turn completely or repeatedly about an object : coil, twine
- to hoist or haul by means of a rope or chain and a windlass
- to move (a ship) by hauling on a capstan
- to tighten the spring of
- to make tighter : tighten, tune
- crank
- to raise to a high level (as of excitement or tension) usu. used with up
- to cause to move in a curving line or path
- to turn the course of
- to lead (a person) as one wishes
- to cause (as a ship) to change direction : turn
- to turn (a ship) end for end
- to traverse on a curving course
- the river wind s the valley
- to effect by or as if by curving
- bend, warp
- to have a curving course or shape : extend in curves
- to proceed as if by winding
- to move so as to encircle something
- to turn when lying at anchor
- a mechanism (as a winch) for winding
- an act of winding : the state of being wound
- coil, turn
- a particular method of winding
wound·ed ['wün-dəd] -n pl
- wounded persons
wounded -adj
- injured, hurt by, or suffering from a wound
wound·less ['wün(d)-ləs] -adj
- free from wounds : unwounded
- invulnerable
- the woundless air -- Shak.
wove ['wēv] -vb
(variant of weave)
- to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn)
- to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads
- to interlace (as threads) into cloth
- to make (as a basket) by intertwining
- spin used of spiders and insects
- to interlace esp. to form a texture, fabric, or design
- to produce by elaborately combining elements : contrive
- to unite in a coherent whole
- to introduce as an appropriate element : work in usu. used with in or into
- to direct (as the body) in a winding or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
- to work at weaving : make cloth
- to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
- something woven
- woven cloth
- any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics
- to move waveringly from side to side : sway
woven ['wēv] -vb
(variant of weave)
- to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn)
- to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads
- to interlace (as threads) into cloth
- to make (as a basket) by intertwining
- spin used of spiders and insects
- to interlace esp. to form a texture, fabric, or design
- to produce by elaborately combining elements : contrive
- to unite in a coherent whole
- to introduce as an appropriate element : work in usu. used with in or into
- to direct (as the body) in a winding or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
- to work at weaving : make cloth
- to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course esp. to avoid obstacles
- something woven
- woven cloth
- any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics
- to move waveringly from side to side : sway
wo·ven ['wō-vən] -n
- a woven fabric
wove paper ['wōv-] -n
- paper made with a revolving roller covered with wires so woven as to produce no fine lines running across the grain
wow ['wau̇] -interj
- used to express strong feeling (as pleasure or surprise)
- a striking success : hit
- to excite to enthusiastic admiration or approval
- a performance that wow ed the critics
- a distortion in reproduced sound consisting of a slow rise and fall of pitch caused by speed variation in the reproducing system
wow·ser ['wau̇-zər] -n
- an obtrusively puritanical person