Plural unchanged: sheep. "Black sheep" = family outcast. "Wolf in sheep's clothing" = disguised threat. "Counting sheep": supposedly helps you sleep.
a domesticated farm animal kept for wool and meat
The shepherd counted the sheep.
"Stag party" (UK) = bachelor party. "Stag": adult male of various deer species. "Stag movie": old term for adult film.
1an adult male deer
A stag emerged from the forest.
Plural unchanged: deer. "Oh deer!": pun on "oh dear!". "Deer in the headlights": frozen with fear. Many species.
a four-legged grazing animal with antlers
A deer crossed the road.
Famous as Sherlock Holmes's hat. Designed for deer hunting in the Scottish Highlands. Has front and back brims and ear flaps.
2a cap with brims at front and back, like Sherlock Holmes's
He wore a tweed deerstalker.
Same as caribou (American name). Domesticated by indigenous peoples (Sami). Famous: Santa's reindeer (Rudolph). Only deer where females also have antlers.
3a deer with large antlers found in northern regions
Santa's sleigh is pulled by reindeer.
Plural unchanged: moose. North American name; in Europe called "elk". Largest deer species. Common in Canada and Alaska.
4the largest deer, with broad flat antlers
A moose stood by the lake.
In North America: a large deer (Cervus canadensis), smaller than moose. In Europe: the same species as the American moose. Confusingly different references!
5(US) a large deer; (Europe) what Americans call a moose
A herd of elk grazed in Yellowstone.
French origin: final "t" silent. "Build rapport": common business/therapy phrase. Different from "chemistry" (more romantic) and "camaraderie" (group bonding).
a close, harmonious relationship
The teacher had great rapport with her students.
From Greek "apokalypsis" (revelation). "Apocalypse Now": Coppola's Vietnam War film. "Zombie apocalypse": pop culture genre.
a complete destruction of the world
They feared the coming apocalypse.
"Post-apocalyptic": popular fiction genre (Mad Max, The Road). Implies catastrophic or revelatory.
describing or predicting the end of the world
He gave an apocalyptic warning.
"Cure for cancer": long-sought medical goal. "The Cure": gothic rock band. "Curing meat": preserving with salt/smoke.
a remedy for a disease or condition
They are searching for a cure.
to relieve a disease; to preserve food by salting or smoking
The medicine cured her illness.
Antonym: incurable.
able to be cured
Most skin cancers are curable if caught early.
American name; UK: "bulrush" or "reedmace". Brown sausage-shaped flower spike. Common in wetlands. Edible parts used by indigenous peoples.
a tall reed-like plant with a brown furry flower head
Cat-tails grew along the pond.
"Hacksaw Ridge": 2016 war film (Battle of Okinawa). "Hacksaw Jim Duggan": pro wrestler.
a saw with a fine-toothed blade for cutting metal
He used a hacksaw to cut through the pipe.
the watery fluid that circulates through a plant, carrying nutrients
Maple syrup is made by boiling down tree sap.
(informal) a foolish person who is easily deceived
Only a sap would fall for that trick twice.
to gradually weaken or drain someone's strength or energy
The long illness sapped his energy.
From "sap" (tree fluid) + diminutive "-ling". Reforestation efforts plant saplings. Also figurative: a young promising person.
a young tree
They planted saplings in the park.
"Revel in": common construction. "Revelry" (noun): boisterous partying. Different from "reveal" (homophone-ish but unrelated).
to take great pleasure in something
He reveled in his success.
boisterous, unrestrained merrymaking or festivity
The revelry lasted until dawn.
Formal: common in legal/parliamentary contexts. "This court is adjourned": judge's catchphrase. From Old French "ajorner" (a day).
to suspend a meeting until a later time
The court adjourned for lunch.
a temporary break in a meeting
The judge ordered a brief adjournment.
From French. Note: final "-t" silent. Often used for bullets in gun fights, ball games. Also figurative: "the criticism ricocheted".
to bounce off a surface
The bullet ricocheted off the wall.
Note pronunciation: /LEP-ərd/, not /LEE-ə-pard/. "A leopard can't change its spots": proverb. Distinct from jaguar (rosettes have central spots) and cheetah (solid spots).
a large spotted wild cat of Africa and Asia
The leopard hunted at night.
From the cuckoo bird (which lays eggs in others' nests). Historical Shakespearean insult. Modern internet usage shortened to "cuck": often misogynistic political insult.
the husband of an unfaithful wife
Othello fears becoming a cuckold.
"Iced coffee", "iced tea": cold drinks. "Iced out" (slang) = wearing lots of diamonds. "Iced" (mob slang) = killed.
chilled with ice; coated with icing
She ordered iced tea.
US: also called "frosting". "The icing on the cake": extra bonus making something great even better.
a sweet coating on cakes
She spread icing on the cake.
Past: felt. "Feel": both physical (touch) and emotional. "Feel up" (vulgar) = grope. "Feels" (slang noun, plural) = emotions: "all the feels".
to be aware of through the senses or emotions
I feel cold.
From Latin "hibernare" (to winter). Bears famously hibernate, but technically they enter "torpor" (lighter version). Computing: "hibernate" mode saves state to disk.
(of animals) to spend winter in a deep sleep
Bears hibernate through the winter.
a state of deep sleep in which some animals spend the winter
The bear emerged from hibernation in spring.
From Latin "dormire" (sleep): same root as "dormitory". "Dormant volcano" vs "active" vs "extinct". "Dormant account": bank account with no activity.
in a state of rest; temporarily inactive
The volcano has been dormant for years.
a state of temporary inactivity
The seeds can remain in dormancy for years.
Distinct from horns (permanent, made of keratin). Antlers are bone, shed and regrown each year. Only male cervids have them (except reindeer, females too).
a branched horn on the head of a deer
The deer's antlers were impressive.
"Ignorance is bliss": proverb (Thomas Gray). "Willful ignorance": deliberately not knowing. Legal: "ignorance of the law is no excuse".
lack of knowledge or information
His ignorance of the topic was obvious.
Implies lack of knowledge, not stupidity. In British English, can also imply rude ("don't be ignorant"). Related noun: ignorance.
lacking knowledge or awareness
He's ignorant of the facts.
Compact cassette: dominant audio format 1970s-90s, replaced by CDs. "Mixtape": personalized compilation. Revival in indie music recently.
a small case containing magnetic tape
He listened to his favorite cassette.
Sprains affect ligaments; strains affect muscles or tendons. "Sprained ankle": most common sprain. RICE treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
an injury caused by overstretching a joint
He suffered an ankle sprain.
From Czech "píšťala" (whistle, then small firearm). Distinct from "revolver" (rotating cylinder). "Pistol-whip" = beat with a pistol.
a small handgun
He kept a pistol in the drawer.
"Munitions factory": wartime production facility. Includes guns, bombs, ammunition. "Live munitions": real, dangerous.
military weapons and supplies
The factory produced munitions during the war.
American term. Also: "Beanie Babies", 1990s plush toy craze. "Beanie" can also mean a propeller cap.
a small close-fitting knitted hat
He pulled on a wool beanie.
Canadian/French term. Also: tall white chef's hat ("toque blanche"). In Canada specifically, this is the everyday word for a beanie.
(Canadian) a knitted winter hat
She wore a toque in the cold.
Famous examples: VW Golf, Honda Civic, Mini Cooper. Popular in Europe; less so in US (where SUVs and sedans dominate).
a car with a rear door that opens upward
She drove a small red hatchback.
"The Pilgrims": capital P, refers to 1620 Mayflower English colonists (Thanksgiving origin). Modern: any religious traveler (Hajj to Mecca, Lourdes, Santiago).
a person on a religious journey
Pilgrims travel to Mecca each year.
The Hajj (Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) is required of Muslims once in their lifetime. The person on the journey is a "pilgrim".
a journey to a sacred place for religious reasons
He made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
a journey to a place of personal significance
She made a pilgrimage to Elvis's home, Graceland.
Formal. Often: "encumbered by debt". "Unencumbered": common opposite, frequent in real estate (no liens).
to restrict or burden
He was encumbered by heavy luggage.
a burden or impediment; (law) a claim or liability attached to property
He traveled light, free of any encumbrances.
Past: hid. Past participle: hidden. "Hide and seek": classic children's game. "Hide the truth" = conceal.
to put or keep out of sight
She hid the present in the closet.
the skin of an animal
They made boots from the hide.
Named because end resembles a crow's beak. "Crowbar", also slang verb: force open. Famous Half-Life video game weapon.
an iron bar used as a lever
He pried open the crate with a crowbar.
UK: "black treacle" (similar). Used in baking, BBQ sauce, gingerbread. "Slow as molasses in January": Southern simile.
a thick dark syrup left from refining sugar
The recipe calls for molasses.
to speak to God, especially to give thanks or ask for something
She prayed for guidance before the surgery.
"Lord's Prayer": central Christian prayer. "Hail Mary": Catholic prayer; also football term for desperate long pass. "Doesn't have a prayer" = no chance.
a spoken or silent request to God
He whispered a prayer.
"Vindicated by history": common phrase. Different from "vindictive" (vengeful). Often used in legal contexts: cleared of suspicion.
to clear of blame or to prove right
The evidence vindicated him.
the act of clearing someone of blame, or proof that they were right
The acquittal was a complete vindication.
OTC: aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen. Prescription: opioids (now controversial). "Opioid epidemic": US public health crisis.
a medicine that reduces pain
She took a painkiller for her headache.
Named after the Mediterranean island Sardinia. "Packed like sardines": crowded together. Iconic canned food.
a small oily fish often canned
He opened a tin of sardines.
"Tinderbox": figurative for explosive situation. "Tinder": also the popular dating app (named after igniting attraction).
dry material that catches fire easily
He gathered tinder for the fire.
Older/cowboy-era term. Modern equivalent: sleeping bag. "Roll out the bedroll": common Western fiction phrase.
bedding rolled up for carrying
He spread out his bedroll under the stars.
Related: accelerator (the pedal or control that speeds up an engine - see the gas-pedal/accelerator entry).
to increase in speed
The car accelerated down the highway.
to cause something to happen sooner or develop more quickly
The new policy will accelerate economic growth.
the rate of change of velocity; the act of speeding up
The sports car has impressive acceleration.
Arson investigators look for accelerant traces. Common ones: gasoline, kerosene, alcohol. Different from "accelerator" (more general speed-up).
a substance used to start or speed up a fire
Investigators found traces of accelerant.
From French "penser" (to think). Suggests quiet, slightly sad reflection: more inward than "thoughtful".
engaged in deep, often sad thought
She had a pensive look.
From Latin "ducere" (to lead). Anatomical (tear ducts, bile duct) or mechanical (HVAC ducts). Famous: Office Space duct-tape scenes.
a tube or passage for air, liquid, or wires
The air conditioning duct was clogged.
Iconic gray fabric-backed adhesive. "Fix it with duct tape": common joke. Originally developed for military use in WWII.
strong silver-gray adhesive tape
He patched the hose with duct tape.
From "kick the bucket" = to die. Popularized by 2007 film "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
a list of things to do before one dies
Visiting Japan is on my bucket list.
From Greek "paidagogia" (boy-leading, slaves who escorted children to school). Modern field of education theory and practice.
the method and practice of teaching
She specializes in language pedagogy.
relating to teaching
He has innovative pedagogic methods.
relating to teaching
The school uses progressive pedagogical approaches.
Often mildly disapproving: suggests a strict, pedantic, or old-fashioned teacher.
a teacher, especially a strict or pedantic one
The old pedagogue insisted on rote memorization.
Sometimes used affectionately ("you bonehead!"). "Bonehead play": sports term for stupid mistake.
a stupid person (informal)
Don't be such a bonehead.
Friday the 13th, walking under ladders, broken mirrors, black cats crossing your path - common Western superstitions.
a belief in supernatural causation not based on reason or evidence
It's a superstition that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
Athletes famously superstitious (lucky socks, pre-game rituals). Friday the 13th, walking under ladders, broken mirrors: common superstitions.
believing in supernatural influences
She's superstitious about black cats.
Incest taboo: nearly universal across cultures. Royal incest (Egyptian Pharaohs, Habsburgs) led to inbreeding problems. Game of Thrones-famous storyline.
sexual relations between close family members
The book deals with the topic of incest.
Also figurative: "incestuous industry", too close-knit, insular. Common in critiques of insular professional or cultural worlds.
involving incest; (figurative) excessively close
The political scene is incestuous.
From Greek "holokauston" (wholly burnt). Capitalized "The Holocaust" specifically refers to Nazi genocide of ~6 million Jews. "Nuclear holocaust": total destruction.
large-scale destruction; (capitalized) the Nazi mass murder of Jews
Her grandparents survived the Holocaust.
From Latin "candidatus" (clothed in white, Roman candidates wore white togas). "Job candidate", "presidential candidate". "Long-shot candidate": unlikely winner.
a person seeking a job or position
There are three candidates for the position.
"Announce one's candidacy": formal entry into a race. "Suspend one's candidacy": quit a race.
the state of being a candidate
He announced his candidacy for mayor.
Common in sketch comedy (SNL, Saturday Night Live), summer camps, school assemblies. Shorter than full play, often topical.
a short comic performance
The students wrote a funny skit.
From Latin "vivax" (lively). Same root as "vivid", "vital", "viva". Typically used about women (gendered convention). "Vivacious personality".
attractively lively and animated
She had a vivacious personality.
the quality of being lively and animated
Her vivacity charmed everyone.
Also as adjective: "backwoods town", sometimes pejorative, suggesting unsophisticated. American frontier history evokes "backwoodsmen".
remote forested areas
They lived in the backwoods of Vermont.
Romanticized in American folklore (Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone). Implies frontier rural skills and rugged independence.
a man who lives in or comes from remote forested areas
He was a true backwoodsman.
From Latin "atrox" (savage). Often: "war atrocities". Common in news of conflicts, genocide. "Mass atrocities" : international law category.
an extremely cruel act, especially in war
The atrocities shocked the world.
horrifyingly wicked
He was charged with atrocious crimes.
of a very poor quality; appalling
The weather was atrocious during the trip.
Plural: concertos or concerti. Famous: Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, Vivaldi's Four Seasons (a set of four violin concertos).
a musical composition for a solo instrument with orchestra
She played a violin concerto.
Often pejorative when about politicians ("pandering"). Positive when about entertainers, food, music. "That song was a real crowd-pleaser".
a person or thing that is popular with many people
His latest film is a real crowd-pleaser.
American spelling. "Get the ax" = be fired. "Ax to grind": selfish motive behind action.
(US) a tool with a sharp blade for chopping
He chopped wood with an ax.
British spelling (and acceptable in US too). "AXE": also major men's body spray brand.
(UK) a tool with a sharp blade for chopping
She raised the axe.
"Walking a tightrope": figurative for tense balancing act, often political or diplomatic. Famous: Philippe Petit walked between WTC Towers (1974).
a tightly stretched rope on which acrobats perform
The acrobat walked the tightrope.
From French. "Presidential aide", "teacher's aide", "nurse's aide". "Aide-de-camp": military officer assisting a senior commander. Homophone of "aid".
an assistant, especially to a politician
The senator's aide briefed the press.
Pejorative US slang. Similar: redneck, hillbilly, rube. Often urban-coastal disparagement of rural people. Sometimes reclaimed.
(insulting) an unsophisticated country person
He felt out of place, a hick in the big city.
Often used about politics, meetings, children. From "fracture" (broken): fractious groups tend to break into factions.
irritable and difficult; quarrelsome
The committee was fractious all afternoon.
Fishing reel, film reel. "Reel": Scottish/Irish folk dance. "Reels": Instagram short video format (TikTok competitor).
a cylindrical device for winding thread or cable
He cast the line from the fishing reel.
to walk unsteadily; to feel dazed
He was reeling from the news.
Past tense and past participle of "bend". "Bent on" = determined to do something. UK slang: "bent" = dishonest (e.g., "bent cop").
not straight; determined
He was bent on revenge.
Past tense unchanged: slit. "Slit one's wrists": self-harm. "Slit skirt": with a vertical slit. "Mail slot": slit in a door.
a long narrow cut or opening
He peered through the slit in the door.
"Take with a grain of salt" = be skeptical. "Salt of the earth": good honest person. "Worth one's salt" = deserving one's pay (Roman salaries paid in salt).
a white substance used to flavor food
Please pass the salt.
to remove salt from (something)
A plant built to desalt seawater.
to remove salt from (seawater)
The facility desalinates millions of gallons of water daily.
the process of removing salt from seawater
Desalination plants provide fresh water.
containing or impregnated with salt
Saline solution.
"What kind of": common question opener. "Kind of" (informal: "kinda"), qualifier. "One of a kind": unique.
a type, sort, or variety
What kind of dog is that?
showing care or concern for others
That was very kind of you.
inconsiderate or harsh; not kind
That was an unkind thing to say.
the quality of being generous, considerate, and caring toward others
Thank you for your kindness.
"Sort of": qualifier ("sort of cold today"). "Out of sorts" = feeling unwell or grumpy. Programming: "sort", fundamental algorithm.
a type or kind
What sort of music do you like?
to arrange in groups by type
She sorted the laundry by color.
"Wedded bliss", "marital bliss": happy marriage (often used ironically). "Ignorance is bliss": proverb.
perfect happiness
It was sheer bliss to be on vacation.
"Blissful ignorance": common phrase suggesting happiness comes from not knowing. "Marital bliss": newlywed happiness (sometimes ironic).
extremely happy
They spent a blissful weekend together.
"Bless you!": said after someone sneezes. "God bless America": common patriotic phrase. "Blessed": past tense, also adjective (pronounced /ˈblesəd/ when adj.).
to ask God's favor on
The priest blessed the congregation.
Two pronunciations: /blest/ (one syllable) = the past form of "to bless"; /ˈblesəd/ (two syllables) = a religious/literary adjective.
made holy; consecrated
The blessed water was used in the ceremony.
"The Blessed Virgin Mary": Catholic title for Mary. "Blessed are the meek": from the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount).
fortunate or favored
We are blessed with good health.
"Blessing in disguise": apparent misfortune that turns out well. "Count your blessings": be grateful.
a prayer asking for divine favor
The priest gave them his blessing.
a beneficial thing
Good health is a blessing.
"Drapes" (US) = heavier curtains. Fashion: "drape" describes how fabric falls ("this dress drapes nicely").
to arrange cloth loosely on or over something
She draped a shawl over her shoulders.
(of fabric) to hang or fall in a particular way
This dress drapes beautifully.
Usually plural "drapes" (US) = heavy curtains; the more common British word is "curtains".
(usually plural, US) a long heavy curtain
She pulled the drapes shut before the movie started.
Queen Elizabeth II: longest-reigning British monarch (1952-2022). Chess: most powerful piece. "Drag queen": performer. Queen: legendary rock band.
the female ruler of an independent state
The queen waved to the crowd.
Similar to "fad": suggests short-lived, intense popularity. Notable crazes: hula hoops (1950s), Pokémon Go (2016), fidget spinners (2017).
a sudden and short-lived enthusiasm
The hula hoop craze swept the country.
Stronger than "crazy": suggests temporary madness or possession. "Crazed killer": common true-crime phrase.
appearing wildly insane
He had a crazed look in his eyes.
Originally an agricultural tool for threshing grain. "Flail around" = move wildly without purpose. Also figurative: "the company is flailing".
to wave arms or legs wildly
He flailed in the water.
The original agricultural tool: two sticks joined by a short chain or strap, swung to thresh grain by hand.
a tool with a wooden handle and a swinging stick, used to thresh grain
Farmers once beat wheat with a flail to separate the grain.
Casual shortening of "basketball". "Let's shoot some b-ball": invitation to play. Common in hip-hop lyrics.
informal for basketball
They played some b-ball at the court.
From Latin "remordere" (bite back). Stronger than "regret": implies deep moral self-reproach. "Buyer's remorse": regret after purchase.
deep regret for wrongdoing
He showed no remorse for his crimes.
feeling deep regret
He was remorseful after the argument.
Two senses: (1) without remorse for one's actions, (2) relentless, unstoppable ("remorseless march of time").
without regret; relentless
The killer was remorseless.
From Greek "mono-" (one) + "theos" (god). Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) are monotheistic. Antonym: polytheism (many gods).
the belief in only one God
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are forms of monotheism.
believing in or relating to only one God
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic religions.
From Greek "oikos" (house). Productive prefix: ecosystem, ecology, ecotourism, eco-friendly, eco-warrior. Reflects environmental movement of the 1970s onward.
prefix relating to the environment or ecology
Eco-friendly products are increasingly popular.
"Dune buggy": recreational off-road vehicle. "Beach buggy". As adjective: "buggy software", full of bugs.
a small four-wheeled vehicle
The kids rode in the beach buggy.
American term, somewhat dated. Modern: "stroller" (US) or "pushchair" (UK). UK "pram" (perambulator): for newborns.
a wheeled vehicle for transporting a baby
She pushed the baby buggy through the park.
From Old French. Fabric stores sell "remnants" (leftover bolt-ends, cheap). Also figurative: "remnant of a forgotten era".
a small remaining part
They preserved the remnant of the old wall.
a human being regarded as an individual
She's a kind person.
"Don't take it personally": common reassurance. "Personal trainer", "personal best", "personal space". Distinct from "personnel" (employees).
belonging to or relating to a particular person
That's a personal matter.
From Latin "murus" (wall). Famous: Diego Rivera (Mexican muralist), Banksy (street art). Distinct from graffiti (more political/illicit).
a large painting on a wall
The mural covered the entire side of the building.
"Stilt walkers": circus performers. "Stilt houses": built on stilts above water/floods (common in Southeast Asia). Plural "stilts" usually used.
a long pole that raises a person or building
The house was built on stilts.
Common in literary criticism. "Stilted dialogue" = wooden, awkward. Also describes formal artificial behavior.
stiff and formal in style
His writing was stilted and awkward.
Originally a household servant. Now strongly pejorative: implies sycophantic, willing servility. Common in political insults: "capitalist lackey".
a servile follower of someone powerful
He surrounded himself with lackeys.
"L" silent (like "balm"). Ancient Egyptians famous for embalming pharaohs (mummies). Modern: standard funeral preparation in many cultures.
to preserve a corpse from decay
Ancient Egyptians embalmed their pharaohs.
"Standing ovation": audience stands to applaud. "Receive an ovation": common theater/concert phrase. From Latin "ovare" (rejoice).
a long sustained applause
The audience gave her a standing ovation.
From Italian "vermicelli" (little worms). Slightly thinner than spaghetti. Used in Asian cuisine too: rice vermicelli (bún in Vietnamese).
a type of thin pasta
She served vermicelli with tomato sauce.
Originally a trademark (Cellophane, by DuPont): now genericized. From cellulose. Common in flower bouquets, candy wrapping, food packaging.
a thin transparent material used for wrapping
The flowers were wrapped in cellophane.
Military: tactical withdrawal. Mechanical: release a connection. Modern: "disengage from social media".
to release; to withdraw from involvement
He disengaged the safety lock.
emotionally detached or uninvolved
He seemed disengaged from the conversation.
the act of withdrawing or releasing
His political disengagement worried his friends.
From Greek "a-" (without) + "pathos" (feeling). "Voter apathy": common political concern. Different from depression (which involves negative emotion).
lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
There was widespread apathy about the election.
showing no interest or enthusiasm
The students seemed apathetic.
From Latin "octavus" (eighth). Frequency doubles each octave (A440 to A880). Piano: 88 keys span ~7 octaves. "Sing in octaves" = harmony.
a musical interval of eight notes
She sang an octave higher.
Formal/legal. Common in court rulings, official declarations: "I hereby declare...". Adds gravitas to pronouncements.
as a result of this; by this means
I hereby resign from my position.
"B" silent: homophone of "plum". From Latin "plumbum" (lead): plumb lines used lead weights. "Plumb crazy": completely crazy.
exactly vertical
The wall isn't plumb.
to explore or examine carefully
He plumbed the depths of her despair.
a person who installs and repairs the pipes and fittings of water supply, sanitation, or heating systems
We had to call a plumber to fix the leak.
the system of pipes, tanks, fittings, and other apparatus required for the water supply, heating, and sanitation in a building
The plumbing was freezing up.
Two senses: chemistry (solid to gas without becoming liquid, like dry ice) and psychology (Freudian concept, channel impulses into productive activities).
to redirect (impulses) into socially acceptable activities
He sublimated his anger into art.
the redirection of an impulse into a socially acceptable activity; (chemistry) the change of a solid directly into a gas
Freud saw art as a form of sublimation.
"Earth's crust": outermost geological layer. "Pie crust", "bread crust". "Upper crust" = high society. Pizza crust styles: thin, deep dish, stuffed.
the hard outer part of bread; a hard outer layer
He cut off the bread crust.
Originally nautical: equatorial region of calms where sailing ships could be stuck. Now mostly figurative: "in the doldrums" = depressed or stagnant.
a state of inactivity or depression
The economy is in the doldrums.
From Latin "prae" (before) + "posterus" (after): literally "before-after", reversed. "Preposterous claim": common collocation in dismissals.
completely contrary to reason; absurd
That's a preposterous suggestion.
Acronym: RAdio Detection And Ranging. Developed in WWII. "Off the radar" / "under the radar" = unnoticed. "Radar gun": police speed measurement.
a system for detecting objects using radio waves
The radar tracked the incoming plane.
From French/Greek ("carte" = card/map). Modern: digital cartography uses GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Famous: Mercator projection (1569).
the science of making maps
He specialized in cartography.
a person who makes maps
The cartographer charted the new territory.
From Latin "paene" (almost) + "insula" (island). Famous: Iberian, Italian, Korean, Florida, Yucatán peninsulas.
a piece of land jutting out into water
Italy is a peninsula.
Originally Greek philosophical school (Diogenes, lived in a barrel). Modern: distrustful person. Different from "skeptic" (more about evidence than motives).
a person who believes people are motivated by self-interest
He's become a real cynic over the years.
"Healthy cynicism": moderate skepticism, often positive. "Cynicism" tends to be deeper and more global than "skepticism".
a belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest
Her cynicism only grew with experience.
From the ancient Greek Cynic philosophers, who rejected wealth and social conventions. Modern sense (distrust of human motives) is much narrower.
believing that people are motivated by self-interest
She has a cynical view of politics.
in a cynical manner
He smiled cynically at the announcement.
Planetary orbits are elliptical (Kepler's laws). "Ellipsis": different word (the "..." punctuation). "The Oval Office" is roughly elliptical.
a regular oval shape
The planet's orbit is an ellipse.
"Elliptical machine": gym cardio equipment. "Elliptical speech": indirect, hinting. "Elliptical galaxy": type of galaxy.
shaped like an ellipse; (of speech) using few words
He gave an elliptical answer.
"Pinball Wizard": song from The Who's rock opera Tommy. NYC banned pinball machines 1942-1976 (deemed gambling).
a game played on a sloped board with a ball
He spent hours playing pinball.
Classic 1980s/90s arcade staple. Themed machines (Star Wars, Addams Family, Twilight Zone) are highly collectible.
a coin-operated game machine for pinball
The bar had three pinball machines.
From French "roulette" (small wheel). "Russian roulette": extremely dangerous game with a revolver. American wheel has 38 pockets; European 37 (single zero).
a gambling game with a spinning wheel
He bet $100 on roulette.
"Hot air balloon": first manned flight 1783 (Montgolfier brothers). "Balloon payment": large final loan payment. "Trial balloon": testing public reaction.
a thin rubber bag inflated with gas; a hot-air aircraft
The kids played with colorful balloons.
the sport of flying in hot air balloons
They went ballooning over Cappadocia.
a person who flies hot air balloons
The balloonist landed in a field.