Symbol of strength and endurance. "Mighty oak": common phrase. Acorns produce oaks. Wine is often aged in oak barrels.
a large tree producing acorns
An old oak stood in the field.
Female monastic. Vows: poverty, chastity, obedience. "Habit" = nun's outfit. "Mother Teresa": famous Catholic nun.
a woman in a religious order
The nuns ran the orphanage.
"The new normal": phrase popularized post-2008 financial crisis and again during pandemic. Statistical: "normal distribution" = bell curve.
usual, typical, or expected
It's normal to feel nervous.
Overlaps with "normal" in many contexts. "Regular customer": frequent visitor. "Regular Joe": average guy. "Regular show": TV catchphrase.
happening at fixed intervals; usual
He goes to the gym on a regular basis.
From "an ekename", misanalyzed as "a nekename". "Eke" meant "also": so "nickname" = "additional name".
a familiar or humorous name given to a person
His friends nicknamed him "Sparky".
"Empty nest syndrome": sadness when children leave home. "Nest egg": money saved for future. "Bird's nest soup": Chinese delicacy made from swiftlet saliva.
a structure built by a bird to lay eggs
The robin built a nest in our tree.
"If necessary" - common conditional phrase. Antonym: unnecessary.
required to be done or present; essential
Water is necessary for life.
"Necessity is the mother of invention": proverb. "Bare necessities": minimum needed for life (Jungle Book song).
something that is needed
Water is a necessity of life.
"Navy blue": dark blue color (from British navy uniforms). "US Navy", "Royal Navy". "Navy SEALs": elite special forces.
a nation's military force at sea
He served in the navy for ten years.
of, in, or relating to a navy or navies
A naval officer.
"Native speaker": first-language speaker. "Native plant": indigenous to area. Capitalized: "Native American" (indigenous peoples of the Americas).
associated with the place where one was born
English is her native language.
a person born in a particular place
He's a native of California.
"Power nap": short revitalizing nap (typically 20 min). "Cat nap": very brief sleep. Spanish "siesta": afternoon nap tradition.
a short sleep
He took a nap after lunch.
Acronym of NAphthenic + PALMitic acids. Notoriously used in Vietnam War. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning": Apocalypse Now (1979).
a flammable jelly used in incendiary weapons
Napalm was used extensively in Vietnam.
Technically a fungus, not a plant. "Mushroom cloud": nuclear explosion shape. "Magic mushrooms": psilocybin-containing varieties. "Spring up like mushrooms": appear rapidly.
a fungus with a round cap on a stem
She picked wild mushrooms in the forest.
Short for "mushroom". Often refers specifically to psychedelic mushrooms (containing psilocybin) in casual drug culture.
(informal) a mushroom, especially a psychedelic one
They tried shrooms at the festival.
Legal distinctions: 1st-degree (premeditated), 2nd-degree (intentional but not planned), manslaughter (unintentional). "Murder mystery": popular genre. Collective: "a murder of crows".
the unlawful intentional killing of one person by another
He was charged with murder.
to kill someone unlawfully and intentionally
She was murdered in cold blood.
From Latin "multi-" (many) + "plicare" (fold). Math: opposite of divide. Biology: reproduce. "Multiplication table": basic arithmetic memorization.
to perform multiplication; to increase greatly in number
Multiply 3 by 4.
the process of multiplying numbers
She's still learning multiplication.
"Multiple-choice": test format with options. "Multiple sclerosis" (MS): autoimmune disease. "Multiple personality disorder": older term, now "dissociative identity disorder".
having or involving several parts
He suffered multiple injuries.
Famously polarizing: many English speakers find this word viscerally unpleasant. "Moist towelette": small wet wipe.
slightly wet
The cake was moist and delicious.
The "t" is silent. "-en" suffix forms verbs from adjectives (moisten, soften, harden).
to make slightly wet
Moisten the cloth before wiping.
"Moisture content": common in food science. Antonym: dryness.
tiny drops of water
The window was covered in moisture.
British spelling: moisturise. Mostly used in skincare context.
to add moisture to (especially skin)
She moisturizes her face every morning.
Massive skincare category. "Day cream", "night cream", "SPF moisturizer": common subcategories.
a cream or lotion that adds moisture to the skin
She uses an organic moisturizer.
So named (possibly apocryphal) because Christian missionaries reportedly taught it to indigenous peoples as the only "proper" position.
a sexual position with the woman lying on her back
It is often considered the conventional position.
Commonly misspelled "miniscule" (by analogy with "mini"). Originally from Latin "minusculus" (rather small). Means smaller than tiny.
extremely small
The chance of winning is minuscule.
From Latin "minor" (less). Symbol: -. Antonym: plus. "Minus" also informal for "without" ("I came back minus one shoe").
made smaller by subtraction of
Ten minus three is seven.
Expresses possibility ("it might rain") or asks permission formally ("might I ask"). Past form of "may".
used to express possibility
It might rain later.
"With all his might" - common phrase. "Might makes right" - controversial proverb about power.
great strength or power
He pushed with all his might.
Slightly archaic/literary. "The mighty" (as noun) = powerful people. "Mighty oak", "mighty river": traditional collocations. "How the mighty have fallen."
having great power or strength
The mighty river flooded the village.
Also called carousel. Figurative: "financial merry-go-round", endless cycle. Always hyphenated.
a revolving platform with seats for children
The kids loved the merry-go-round.
From French/Italian "carosello". Also "baggage carousel": rotating airport luggage belt. More elegant-sounding than "merry-go-round".
a merry-go-round; a rotating airport baggage belt
They waited at the baggage carousel.
"On the mend" = recovering. "Mend fences" = repair relationships. "Make do and mend": WWII austerity slogan.
to repair something damaged
She mended the torn shirt.
Old domestic chore: pile of items needing mending. "On the mending" / "on the mend": recovering.
items that need to be repaired
She kept a basket of mending.
Past tense: melted. Archaic past participle: molten (now an adjective). "Melt in your mouth": very tender. "Melting pot": society blending cultures.
to change from solid to liquid by heat
The snow began to melt.
An archaic past participle of "melt" (modern past participle: melted). Used almost exclusively for very hot liquefied materials. "Molten chocolate cake": dessert with liquid center.
made liquid by heat; melted
The volcano poured out molten lava.
Types: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, casaba. Botanically related to cucumbers and squash. Symbol of summer in many cultures.
a large round fruit with sweet juicy flesh
She cut the melon into wedges.
"Medium rare": steak cooked midway. "Medium-sized": middle dimensions.
of middle size or extent
He ordered a medium coffee.
Plural: media or mediums. Also: a person claiming to communicate with the dead.
a means by which something is communicated
Film is a powerful medium.
Plural of "medium". Increasingly treated as singular in journalism contexts ("the media is"). "Social media": internet platforms for sharing.
the main means of mass communication
The media covered the story extensively.
Olympic medals: gold, silver, bronze. "Medal of Honor": highest US military award. Homophone-confusable with "meddle" (interfere).
a metal disc given as an award
She won a gold medal at the Olympics.
"What do you mean?" - common clarifying question. "I mean it" - emphasizing sincerity.
to intend to express or convey (a particular sense)
What do you mean by that?
Two common senses spelled identically: unkind, or a statistical average.
unkind or unfair to others
Don't be mean to your sister.
calculated as an average
The mean temperature in July is 30 degrees.
the sense or significance of something
The meaning of the word was unclear.
"Meaningful conversation", "meaningful relationship", "meaningful change": common pairings. "A meaningful look": silent communication.
having serious importance or value
They had a meaningful discussion.
Note pronunciation: /ˈmedoʊ/, "ea" is /e/, not /iː/. Romantic/pastoral associations. Different from "field" (any open land): meadows are specifically grassy.
a field of grass and wildflowers
Cows grazed in the meadow.
"Leave your mark" - have a lasting impact. "Mark" - former German currency (Deutsche Mark).
a visible sign or symbol on a surface
There was a mark on the wall.
to make a visible sign on; to grade or evaluate
The teacher marked the exams overnight.
"Permanent marker": Sharpie brand. "Genetic marker": biology. "Marker post": boundary.
a pen with a felt tip, or a sign indicating position
She wrote on the whiteboard with a marker.
"A marked man" = someone targeted for harm.
clearly noticeable; pronounced
There has been a marked improvement in her grades.
Capitalized: March = the third month (named after Mars, Roman god of war). "Marching orders": instructions to depart. "March to the beat of one's own drum": be independent.
to walk with regular steps, especially in a group
The soldiers marched in formation.
an organized walk by people protesting
They organized a march for civil rights.
Famous: Carrara marble (Michelangelo's David). "Marble" the children's game: small glass spheres. "Lose one's marbles": go crazy.
a hard stone used for sculpture and buildings
The statue was carved from marble.
Increasingly seen as gendered/outdated; "humankind" or "humanity" preferred. Famous: Neil Armstrong's "one giant leap for mankind".
all human beings
This invention will benefit mankind.
Gender-neutral alternative to "mankind". Increasingly preferred in modern writing.
all human beings considered together
Humankind faces a common future.
Old-fashioned for "unmarried woman". Modern usage: domestic worker. "Maid of honor": bride's chief attendant. "Old maid": pejorative archaism.
a female servant
The hotel hired a new maid.
From "lug" (to drag). Always uncountable in standard English. "Carry-on luggage": what you take onto a plane.
bags and cases used for travel
Their luggage was lost at the airport.
On trains and buses: overhead storage. On cars: roof-mounted exterior rack.
a rack on a vehicle for carrying luggage
He put the bags on the luggage rack.
"Lord of the Rings": Tolkien novel. "Lord" capitalized = God (Christian). UK "House of Lords": upper chamber of Parliament.
a man with a noble title
He was made a lord.
a person of great power or authority
The mafia overlord.
of, relating to, or suitable for a lord; haughty and imperious
A lordly manner.
"Captain's log": Star Trek catchphrase. "Log cabin": rustic dwelling. Computing: "log file" records events. "Log in" / "log out": session authentication.
a thick piece of cut wood
He threw another log on the fire.
an official record of events
The captain kept a log of the voyage.
"Lock, stock, and barrel" = entirely (from gun parts). "Lock of hair": sentimental keepsake. "Under lock and key" = secured. "Padlock", "combination lock".
a device for fastening that requires a key
He changed the lock on the door.
to fasten with a lock
Don't forget to lock the door.
the exclusion of employees by their employer from their place of work until certain terms are agreed to
The strike resulted in a lock-out.
"Be located" (passive): typical for describing place. "Locate" (active): to find.
to find the exact place of
I can't locate my keys.
to disturb the normal arrangement or position of (something, typically a joint in the body)
He dislocated his shoulder.
disturbance from a proper, original, or usual place or state
The dislocation of the supply chain.
"On location" - filming outside a studio, at a real place.
a particular place or position
The store's location is convenient.
Two senses share origin: a hall, then specifically the political hall where lobbyists meet legislators. "Lobby music": bland background music.
a large entrance area of a building
We met in the hotel lobby.
a group that tries to influence legislators
The gun lobby is powerful in Washington.
to try to influence legislators
They lobbied for stricter laws.
In US politics, registered lobbyists must disclose their activities. Many former politicians become lobbyists: "revolving door" criticism.
a person paid to influence political decisions
He works as a lobbyist for pharmaceutical companies.
"B" silent. "Out on a limb" = in a risky position (from sitting on a tree branch). "Life and limb": risk to life and bodily integrity.
an arm or leg, or a large tree branch
He lost a limb in the war.
Not the same word as "lightening" (making lighter). "Lightning never strikes the same place twice": myth (actually it does). "Lightning-fast": very quick.
a flash of bright light during a thunderstorm
Lightning struck the tree.
American name. Also called "firefly". The light is produced by chemical reaction (bioluminescence): usually used to attract mates.
a beetle that produces flashes of light
Children caught lightning bugs in jars.
American term: "lightning rod", more common. Invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1752. Figurative: "lightning rod for criticism" = magnet for attacks.
a metal rod that protects a building from lightning
The church installed a lightning conductor.
Famous: Lighthouse of Alexandria (ancient wonder). Mostly automated now, no human keepers. Symbolic: "lighthouse in the storm", source of hope/guidance.
a tower with a powerful light to warn ships
The lighthouse warned ships of the rocks.
"Once-in-a-lifetime": extraordinary, unrepeatable. "Lifetime achievement award": for a body of work. "Lifetime guarantee": for the product's life, not yours.
the length of time one is alive
He met the president in his lifetime.
"Lick wounds": recover from defeat. "Lick someone's boots" = suck up. "A lick of paint" = thin coat. "Lick into shape" = improve roughly.
to pass the tongue over a surface
The dog licked his face.
Past tense: leaped or leapt (UK preference for leapt). "Look before you leap": proverb. "Leap of faith": taking risk despite uncertainty. "Leap year": Feb 29.
to jump high or far
She leaped over the fence.
a large jump or sudden movement
It was a giant leap forward.
Common kitchen countertop material. "Set in granite" = firmly decided. Yosemite's El Capitan is famous granite.
a very hard igneous rock
The monument was carved from granite.
Pencil "lead" is actually graphite (not lead, no toxicity). One of the carbon allotropes; the others include diamond and graphene.
a soft black form of carbon used in pencils
The pencil lead is made of graphite.
"Leak" also figurative: secret information disclosed ("leak to the press"). WikiLeaks: controversial leak-publishing site.
to allow liquid to escape through a hole
The roof leaked during the storm.
the gradual escape of liquid
The pipe showed signs of leakage.
In journalism/politics: person who deliberately discloses secret information. Edward Snowden is a famous leaker.
a person who deliberately reveals secret information
The leaker was eventually identified.
having a leak; allowing liquid to escape
The bucket was leaky.
"Lawn mower": grass-cutting machine. "Get off my lawn!": stereotypical old-man complaint. "Lawn party" / "lawn bowling": outdoor activities.
an area of mowed grass
He mowed the lawn every Saturday.
"Money laundering", financial crime: making illegally obtained money appear legitimate. "Air dirty laundry in public" = reveal private problems.
clothes to be washed or that have been washed
She did the laundry on Saturdays.
Often used pejoratively: implies tedious, long, miscellaneous enumeration. "He recited a laundry list of complaints."
a long unstructured list of items
She had a laundry list of demands.
"Better late than never" - proverb. "The late Mr. Smith" - a polite way to refer to someone who has died.
arriving or happening after the expected time
He was late for the meeting.
after the expected or usual time
She arrived late.
Synonym: recently. Often used in questions: "Have you seen him lately?". Implies sometime in the immediate past.
recently; in the recent past
He's been very quiet lately.
"Record label": music company. "Designer label": fashion brand. "Label maker": device for printing adhesive labels. Verb usage common: "label as".
a small piece of paper or fabric attached to identify something
Read the label before using.
to attach a label to; to categorize
They labeled him as a troublemaker.
"K" silent. "Tie the knot" = get married. "Knot" also = unit of sea speed (1 nautical mile/hour). "Knot in one's stomach": anxiety.
a fastening formed by looping rope
He tied a tight knot.
"K" silent. Past tense: knitted or knit. "Knit one's brow" = frown. "Close-knit" = tight community. Distinct from crochet (single hook).
to make fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles
She knitted a sweater for her grandson.
the activity of making knitted fabric
Knitting is a relaxing hobby.
Usually used in pairs. Sizes vary by yarn thickness and pattern.
a long pointed stick used for knitting
She bought a set of bamboo knitting needles.
clothing made by knitting
The store specializes in winter knitwear.
Initial "k" silent. Chess piece: moves in an L-shape. Modern: honored individuals get knighted by the British monarch ("Sir" before their name).
a man given a non-hereditary title (Sir) by a sovereign
He was knighted for his services.
a medieval mounted warrior
The knights jousted in the tournament.
"First aid kit", "tool kit", "survival kit". "Drum kit": set of drums. UK "football kit" = team uniform. "Kit and caboodle": entire collection.
a set of articles for a specific purpose
She carried a sewing kit.
Music: piano-like instrument. Computing: input device, typically QWERTY layout (1873). "Keyboard warrior": aggressive online commenter.
the set of keys on a piano or computer
He sat at the keyboard and began to play.
a person who plays a keyboard instrument
The band hired a new keyboardist.
Symbol of Australia, appears on coat of arms. Babies ("joeys") live in mother's pouch. "Roo": affectionate short form.
a large Australian marsupial that hops
The kangaroo bounded across the field.
Origin uncertain: possibly from improvised gold-rush courts "jumping" claims like kangaroos. Always pejorative.
an unofficial court that disregards justice
The trial was a kangaroo court.
Originally a nautical term for old rope. Slang: heroin ("junkie" = addict). Different word: "junk" (Chinese sailing ship), separate etymology.
things considered worthless
The garage was full of junk.
Below investment grade (BB or lower). Higher yield to compensate for higher default risk. Popularized in 1980s by Michael Milken.
a high-risk, high-yield corporate bond
Junk bonds offer higher returns but more risk.
Coined 1972. Typically: chips, fries, soda, candy. Associated with obesity, diabetes, and "food deserts" (areas lacking healthy options).
food with little nutritional value
He eats too much junk food.
Physical equivalent of email spam. Often coupons, catalogs, political flyers. In email: just called "spam".
unwanted promotional mail
He threw out all the junk mail.
Originally for heroin addicts. Now metaphorical: "news junkie", "adrenaline junkie" = obsessed with something.
a drug addict; a person obsessed with something
He's a coffee junkie.
Antonym: senior. Suffix "Jr." or "Junior" appended to a son's name when same as father's. School: "junior" = 3rd-year in US high school/college.
of lower rank or younger age
He's a junior member of the team.
the liquid part of a fruit or vegetable
She squeezed fresh orange juice.
to extract juice from
He juiced three oranges for breakfast.
Often used metaphorically: "juicy gossip", "juicy details", interesting, especially scandalous. "Juicy contract": lucrative deal.
full of juice
The peach was sweet and juicy.
"Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step": Lao Tzu. Modern: "customer journey" (marketing). "Hero's journey": narrative structure.
the act of traveling from one place to another
It's a long journey to the coast.
"Jewel in the crown": most prized possession. "Family jewels": slang for testicles (humorous euphemism).
a precious stone, often used in jewelry
The crown was set with jewels.
American spelling: "jewelry" (one L, no E in middle). The British spelling is more etymological (from "jewel" + "-ery").
items of personal ornament
She wore expensive jewellery.
American spelling (one "l", no middle "e"). British: jewellery.
items of personal ornament
She keeps her jewelry in a locked box.
"Jet lag": fatigue from time zone changes. "Jet set": wealthy frequent flyers. "Jet black": very dark (from jet, the gemstone).
an aircraft powered by jet engines
They flew on a private jet.
a fast stream of liquid or gas
A jet of water shot from the pipe.
Caused by rapid transmeridian travel. Takes roughly one day per time zone crossed to recover.
extreme tiredness and other physical effects felt by a person after a long flight across several time zones
I'm still suffering from jet lag.
Many distinct senses: fruit preserve, traffic jam, music jam (improvised session), to be in a jam (predicament).
a thick spread made from cooked fruit
She makes strawberry jam every summer.
a difficult situation
We're in a real jam.
to push or squeeze tightly
He jammed the papers into his bag.
to play music in an informal session
The band likes to jam after rehearsal.
Originally a brand (US military WWII), now generic for similar 4WD vehicles. Etymology: possibly from "GP" (general purpose). Always capitalized when referring to the brand.
a small sturdy off-road vehicle
They drove a Jeep through the desert.
Originated New Orleans, early 20th century, African American innovation. Famous: Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, John Coltrane. "And all that jazz" = etcetera.
a music style with strong rhythms and improvisation
He plays jazz on the saxophone.
Common kitchen item: usually with screw-top lid. "Jam jar", "mason jar", "cookie jar". UK informal: "go for a jar" = have a beer.
a cylindrical glass container
She opened a jar of pickles.
Different word historically. "Jarring" = shockingly out of place. "Jar one's nerves": shake one's composure.
to shock or disturb
The loud noise jarred him from sleep.
British: "gaol" (archaic spelling, same pronunciation). Distinct from "prison": jail typically holds short-term/awaiting trial; prison holds longer sentences.
a place where people are confined as punishment
He spent six months in jail.
Also a verb in tech: "jailbreak an iPhone" = bypass software restrictions. Famous: Alcatraz 1962 escape.
an escape from jail
The famous jailbreak was made into a movie.
Slightly dated, mildly humorous. "-bird" suffix from old slang for prisoner.
a person who is or has been in jail
He'd been a jailbird since his teens.
Trade banned by most countries (CITES, 1989) to protect elephants. "Ivory tower": academic detachment. "Ivory Coast" / Côte d'Ivoire: African country.
the hard white material from elephant tusks
The piano keys were made of ivory.
Noun form: invitation. Informal noun "invite" (with stress on first syllable: /ˈɪnvaɪt/) is increasingly common, purists prefer "invitation".
to ask someone to come or do something
They invited us to the wedding.
offering the promise of an attractive or enjoyable experience
An inviting smell of coffee.
"RSVP" - respond to an invitation. "An open invitation" - a standing offer.
a request to attend an event or do something
She sent out wedding invitations.
"Federal Bureau of Investigation": FBI. "Investigative journalism": in-depth reporting. From Latin "vestigare" (to track, same root as "vestige").
to examine carefully to find facts
The police investigated the crime.
"Under investigation" - common phrase. "Criminal investigation", "internal investigation" - common collocations.
the action of investigating something
The police launched a full investigation.
"Private investigator" (PI): independent detective hired by individuals. Famous fictional PIs: Sherlock Holmes, Sam Spade, Veronica Mars.
a person who investigates something
Police investigators arrived at the scene.
relating to investigation
The committee has investigatory powers.
"Take inventory": count stock. Different etymology from "inventor": same Latin root (invenire, to find) but different paths.
a complete list of items in stock
They did an inventory at the end of the year.
Mnemonic: stalaCtite has C (Ceiling); stalaGmite has G (Ground). Forms over millennia from dripping mineral water.
an icicle-shaped formation hanging from a cave ceiling
Stalactites hung from the cavern ceiling.
Rises from the cave floor; often paired with a stalactite above (matched cone and inverted-cone). They may eventually meet to form a column.
a mineral formation rising from a cave floor
Stalagmites grew up from the floor of the cave.
Past tense and past participle: stung. "Bee sting", "jellyfish sting". Figurative: "the criticism stung". "Sting operation" = police entrapment of criminals.
to wound with a sharp poisoned point
A bee stung him on the neck.
a sharp burning pain or its cause
He felt the sting of the wasp.
Homophone-ish with "hurdle" (jump/obstacle): different word. Suggests dangerous speed.
to move very fast in a wild uncontrolled way
The car hurtled down the highway.
Red variety of corundum (same mineral as sapphire). Birthstone for July. "Ruby red": common color name. "Ruby slippers": Wizard of Oz.
a precious red gemstone
She wore a ruby ring.
Common for wedding rings, awards, watches. "Engrave" also figurative: "engraved in memory" = unforgettable.
to cut letters or designs into a hard surface
He engraved her name on the ring.
having a design or words cut into it
She received an engraved trophy.
Famous: Albrecht Dürer (German Renaissance). Modern: laser engravers (industrial, hobby).
a person or tool that engraves
The engraver inscribed her name on the trophy.
In UK English, often pure compliment. In US English, can carry a slightly sarcastic edge ("too clever for his own good"). "Clever Hans": famous "counting" horse.
quick to understand or skillful
She's a clever student.
Old-fashioned and somewhat loaded: historically used in racially stereotyping ways. Use with care; "olive-skinned" or "dark-skinned" often preferable.
having a dark complexion
He was a tall swarthy man.
Often used figuratively: "burnish one's image" / "burnish credentials" = improve reputation.
to polish by rubbing
He burnished the silver candlesticks.
polished and shining
The wood had a burnished glow.
Often used of toddlers, drunks, or the elderly. "Totter on the brink": also figurative for unstable systems (economies, governments).
to move unsteadily as if about to fall
The toddler tottered across the room.
Famous: Japanese unagi (eel), British jellied eels. Electric eel: actually a knifefish. "Slippery as an eel" = evasive person.
a long snake-like fish
He served grilled eel for dinner.
Historically thought to be the seat of bad temper or melancholy. "Vent one's spleen" = release pent-up anger. Can be removed without dying (the body adapts).
an organ near the stomach that filters blood
His spleen was removed after the injury.
"Tawny owl", "tawny port" (aged port wine). Often poetic. Same family as "tan" but more golden.
of a warm sandy brown color
She had tawny hair.
From Greek "apotheoun" (to deify). Two senses: literal deification (rare) or highest point of development. Formal.
the highest or culminating point
His career reached its apotheosis with the Oscar.
Archaic for "pharmacist". Famous in Romeo and Juliet (Romeo buys poison from one). Modern revival in brand names for upscale natural products.
(historical) a person who prepared and sold medicines
The apothecary mixed the herbs carefully.
Mostly tin (over 85%) with small amounts of copper, antimony, and historically lead. Used for tankards, plates, candle holders.
a gray alloy of tin and other metals
The mug was made of pewter.
"Go whole hog" = do something completely. "Hog the road" = drive selfishly. "Hog" also = motorcycle (esp. Harley). "Wild hog" = boar.
a domesticated pig, especially a large one
They raise hogs on the farm.
to keep or use too much of something selfishly
He's hogging all the popcorn.
Pejorative and often sexist. Common in fairy tales and folklore ("sea hag", "old hag"). "Hag-ridden": afflicted by nightmares.
an ugly old woman, often supposed to be a witch
The story featured a wicked hag.
Mostly British/Australian. Roughly equivalent to American "guy" or "dude". "A decent bloke": common compliment.
(British) a man
He's a friendly bloke.
Synonym: stutter. "The King's Speech" (2010 film): about King George VI's stammer. Often triggered by nervousness or specific sounds.
to speak with sudden involuntary pauses
He stammered an apology.
Lighter than rain. Cooking: "drizzle olive oil" = pour in a thin stream. "Lemon drizzle cake": UK classic.
light fine rain
A cold drizzle fell all afternoon.
to rain lightly; to pour in a thin stream
She drizzled syrup over the pancakes.
Includes pistols and revolvers. Distinct from long guns (rifles, shotguns). Most common firearm in US homicides.
a small gun that can be held in one hand
He kept a handgun for self-defense.
From Latin "animus" (mind, soul, spirit). In Jungian psychology: the masculine aspect of a woman's psyche. Common legal/political use: a hostile motive.
hostility or hatred
His writing showed clear animus toward the government.
More common in everyday speech than "animus". Often "no animosity": used in reconciliation statements.
strong hostility
There was deep animosity between the rivals.
Famous in Scout movement: World Scout Jamboree held every four years. Otherwise often used informally for any large festive gathering.
a large lively party or gathering
The town held a summer jamboree.
Legal phrase: "aid and abet", common in criminal law for accomplice charges. Usually used in this fixed phrase.
to encourage or help in wrongdoing
He was charged with aiding and abetting the robbery.
Safety varies widely by location. "Tap water" emphasizes the source contrast with "bottled water". UK: "tap water"; some US regions: "city water".
water from a household faucet
Is tap water safe to drink here?
Military, school, legislative settings. "Roll-call vote": each member's vote individually recorded.
the reading of a list of names to check attendance
The teacher took roll call.
Informal. Also spelled "razzamatazz". Often used dismissively about excessive marketing or show business glitter.
showy publicity or display
The product launch had all the razzmatazz of a Hollywood premiere.
Latin. Almost always used in the phrase "in absentia": meaning while absent. Legal: a defendant tried "in absentia" is tried without being present.
absence (used in the phrase "in absentia")
He was convicted in absentia.
Notable examples: Heaven's Gate (1997 mass suicide), Aum Shinrikyo (Tokyo subway sarin attack), Branch Davidians (Waco siege).
a religious group expecting the imminent end of the world
The doomsday cult predicted the end in 2012.
Caused by varicella-zoster virus. Childhood illness with itchy blisters. Vaccine widely available since 1995. Reactivation later in life causes shingles.
a contagious disease with itchy spots
All three kids caught chickenpox.