Nouns denoting acts or actions

1-hitter: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only one hit
11-plus: (formerly in Britain) an examination taken by 11 and 12 year old students to select suitable candidates for grammar school
2-hitter: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 2 hits
3-hitter: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 3 hits
4-hitter: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team 4 hits
5-hitter: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team 5 hits
a capella singing: singing without instrumental accompaniment
A-scan ultrasonography: the use of ultrasonography to measure the length of the eyeball
abandonment: the voluntary surrender of property (or a right to property) without attempting to reclaim it or give it away
abandonment: withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility
abandonment: the act of giving something up
abasement: depriving one of self-esteem
abatement: the act of abating
abatement of a nuisance: (law) the removal or termination or destruction of something that has been found to be a nuisance
abbreviation: shortening something by omitting parts of it
abdominal breathing: breathing in which most of the respiratory effort is done by the abdominal muscles
abdominocentesis: centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis
abdominoplasty: cosmetic surgery of the abdomen to remove wrinkles and tighten the skin over the stomach
abduction: (physiology) moving of a body part away from the central axis of the body
abduction: the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member; if a man's wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife
abidance: the act of abiding (enduring without yielding)
abidance: acting according to certain accepted standards
abidance: the act of dwelling in a place
ablactation: the act of substituting other food for the mother's milk in the diet of a child or young mammal
ablation: surgical removal of a body part or tissue
able-bodiedism: discrimination in favor of the able-bodied
ablution: the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels
abnegation: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others
abnormality: behavior that breaches the rule or etiquette or custom or morality
abolishment: the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)
abomination: an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence
abort: the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
aborticide: the act of destroying a fetus
abortion: termination of pregnancy
about turn: act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation
about-face: a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
abreaction: (psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions
abrogation: the act of abrogating; an official or legal cancellation
abruption: an instance of sudden interruption
abscission: the act of cutting something off
abscondment: the act of running away secretly (as to avoid arrest)
abseil: (mountaineering) a descent of a vertical cliff or wall made by using a doubled rope that is fixed to a higher point and wrapped around the body
absence: failure to be present
absence without leave: unauthorized military absence
absenteeism: habitual absence from work
absolution: the act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance
abstinence: act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
abstraction: the act of withdrawing or removing something
abuse: cruel or inhumane treatment
abuse: improper or excessive use
academicianship: the position of member of an honorary academy
acceleration: the act of accelerating; increasing the speed
accenting: the act of giving special importance or significance to something
acceptance: the act of taking something that is offered
acceptance sampling: a statistical procedure for accepting or rejecting a batch of merchandise or documents; involves determining the maximum number of defects discovered in a sample before the entire batch is rejected
acceptance: the act of accepting with approval; favorable reception
access: the act of approaching or entering
accession: the act of attaining or gaining access to a new office or right or position (especially the throne)
accommodation: (physiology) the automatic adjustment in focal length of the natural lens of the eye
accommodation: the act of providing something (lodging or seat or food) to meet a need
accommodation reflex: reflex changes in the eyes that enable an object to be focused on the retina
accompaniment: the act of accompanying someone or something in order to protect them
accomplished fact: an irreversible accomplishment
accomplishment: the action of accomplishing something
accordance: the act of granting rights
accountancy: the occupation of maintaining and auditing records and preparing financial reports for a business
accountantship: the position of accountant
accreditation: the act of granting credit or recognition (especially with respect to educational institution that maintains suitable standards)
accrual: the act of accumulating
acculturation: the adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture
ace: a serve that the receiver is unable to reach
acedia: apathy and inactivity in the practice of virtue (personified as one of the deadly sins)
acidimetry: volumetric analysis using standard solutions of acids to measure the amount of a base present
acquired reflex: an acquired response that is under the control of (conditional on the occurrence of) a stimulus
acquiring: the act of acquiring something
acquisition: the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something
acquittal: a judgment of not guilty
acrobatic feat: a stunt performed by an acrobat
acrobatics: the performance of stunts while in flight in an aircraft
acrobatics: the gymnastic moves of an acrobat
act of terrorism: the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear
acting: the performance of a part or role in a drama
actinometry: measuring the intensity of electromagnetic radiation (especially of the sun's rays)
actinotherapy: (medicine) the treatment of disease (especially cancer) by exposure to a radioactive substance
action: the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field
action: something done (usually as opposed to something said)
action: an act by a government body or supranational organization
action replay: the immediate rebroadcast of some action (especially sports action) that has been recorded on videotape
action: a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong
action: a military engagement
Actium: the naval battle in which Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian's fleet under Agrippa in 31 BC
activating: the activity of causing to have energy and be active
activation: making active and effective (as a bomb)
active air defense: air defense by the use aircraft or missiles or artillery or electronic countermeasures
activity: any specific behavior
actual eviction: the physical ouster of a tenant from the leased premises; the tenant is relieved of any further duty to pay rent
actual possession: (law) immediate and direct physical control over property
actual sin: a sin committed of your own free will (as contrasted with original sin)
actualisation: making real or giving the appearance of reality
actuation: the act of propelling
actus reus: activity that transgresses moral or civil law
acupuncture: treatment of pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin
ad blitz: an organized program of advertisements
adagio: a slow section of a pas de deux requiring great skill and strength by the dancers
adaptation: (physiology) the responsive adjustment of a sense organ (as the eye) to varying conditions (as of light)
addiction: (Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master
addition: the act of adding one thing to another
addition: the arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers
adduction: (physiology) moving of a body part toward the central axis of the body
adenoidectomy: surgical removal of the adenoids; commonly performed along with tonsillectomy
adherence: faithful support for a cause or political party or religion
adjournment: the act of postponing to another time or place
adjournment: the termination of a meeting
adjudication: the final judgment in a legal proceeding; the act of pronouncing judgment based on the evidence presented
adjunction: an act of joining or adjoining things
adjustment: the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)
adjustment: the act of adjusting something to match a standard
administration: a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group's business affairs)
administration: the act of administering medication
administration: the act of governing; exercising authority
administration: the act of meting out justice according to the law
administrative hearing: a hearing that takes place outside the judicial process before hearing examiners who have been granted judicial authority specifically for the purpose of conducting such hearings
administrivia: the tiresome but essential details that must be taken care of and tasks that must be performed in running an organization
admiralty: the office of admiral
admiration: a favorable judgment
admission: the act of admitting someone to enter
admixture: the act of mixing together
ado: a rapid active commotion
adoption: a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit)
adoption: the appropriation (of ideas or words etc) from another source
adoration: the act of admiring strongly
adoration: the worship given to God alone
adornment: the action of decorating yourself with something colorful and interesting
adoxography: fine writing in praise of trivial or base subjects
adrenalectomy: surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands
adrenergic agonist eyedrop: a treatment for glaucoma; the eyedrops reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor and increasing its drainage through the uveoscleral pathway
adult education: a course (via lectures or correspondence) for adults who are not otherwise engaged in formal study
adulteration: the act of adulterating (especially the illicit substitution of one substance for another)
adultery: extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations
advance: the act of moving forward (as toward a goal)
advance: increase in price or value
advancement: gradual improvement or growth or development
advent: arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)
adventure: a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
advertising: the business of drawing public attention to goods and services
advisory service: a consulting service in which a CPA develops findings and conclusions and recommendations that are presented to the client for consideration and decision making
advocacy: active support of an idea or cause etc.; especially the act of pleading or arguing for something
Aegadean Isles: islands west of Sicily (now known as the Egadi Islands) where the Romans won a naval victory over the Carthaginians that ended the first Punic War in 241 BC
aegis: kindly endorsement and guidance
Aegospotamos: a river in ancient Thrace (now Turkey); in the mouth of this river the Spartan fleet under Lysander destroyed the Athenian fleet in the final battle of the Peloponnesian War (404 BC)
aeration: the act of charging a liquid with a gas making it effervescent
aerial: a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
aerobic exercise: exercise that increases the need for oxygen
aeronautical engineering: the activity of designing and constructing aircraft
aerophagia: swallowing air (usually followed by belching and discomfort and flatulence)
aerophilately: the collection and study of airmail stamps
affaire d'honneur: a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
affairs: transactions of professional or public interest
affectation: a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
affiliation: the act of becoming formally connected or joined
affirmation: a judgment by a higher court that the judgment of a lower court was correct and should stand
affixation: formation of a word by means of an affix
affixation: the act of attaching or affixing something
afforestation: the conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest (originally for the purpose of hunting)
affray: a noisy fight
affront: a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect
affusion: the act of baptizing someone by pouring water on their head
aftercare: care and treatment of a convalescent patient
agape: a religious meal shared as a sign of love and fellowship
ageism: discrimination on the basis of a person's age
agency: thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
agglomeration: the act of collecting in a mass; the act of agglomerating
aggrandisement: the act of increasing the wealth or prestige or power or scope of something
aggravated assault: a reckless attack with intent to injure seriously (as with a deadly weapon)
aggravation: action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse
aggravation: unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment
aggregation: the act of gathering something together
aggression: deliberately unfriendly behavior
aggression: the act of initiating hostilities
aggression: violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked
aggro: (informal British usage) aggravation or aggression
Agincourt: a battle in northern France in which English longbowmen under Henry V decisively defeated a much larger French army in 1415
agitation: the act of agitating something; causing it to move around (usually vigorously)
agitation: disturbance usually in protest
agon: a festivity in ancient Greece at which competitors contended for prizes
agribusiness: a large-scale farming enterprise
agriculture: the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
agrypnia: a vigil before certain feasts (as e.g. Easter)
AI: the introduction of semen into the oviduct or uterus by some means other than sexual intercourse
aid: the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
aid: the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
aikido: a Japanese martial art employing principles similar to judo
aim: the action of directing something at an object
air attack: an attack by armed planes on a surface target
air cover: the use of military aircraft to provide protection against attack by enemy aircraft during ground or naval operations
air defense: defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles or to nullify their effectiveness
air reconnaissance: reconnaissance either by visual observation from the air or through the use of airborne sensors
air transport: transportation by air
air: travel via aircraft
airborne patrol: a patrol provided by aircraft
aircraft landing: landing an aircraft
airdrop: delivery of supplies or equipment or personnel by dropping them by parachute from an aircraft
airing: a short excursion (a walk or ride) in the open air
airing: the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air
airlift: transportation of people or goods by air (especially when other means of access are unavailable)
airplane maneuver: a maneuver executed by an aircraft
airplane mechanics: the craft of building and repairing airplanes
Alamo: a siege and massacre at a mission in San Antonio in 1836; Mexican forces under Santa Anna besieged and massacred American rebels who were fighting to make Texas independent of Mexico
alcohol abuse: excessive use of alcohol and alcoholic drinks
algometry: measuring sensitivity to pain or pressure
alienation: (law) the voluntary and absolute transfer of title and possession of real property from one person to another
alienation: the action of alienating; the action of causing to become unfriendly
alienation of affection: a tort based on willful and malicious interference with the marriage relation by a third party without justification or excuse
alignment: the act of adjusting or aligning the parts of a device in relation to each other
alimentation: the act of supplying food and nourishment
aliyah: (Judaism) immigration of Jews to Israel
alkalimetry: volumetric analysis using standard solutions of alkali to measure the amount of acid present
all fours: card games in which points are won for taking the high or low or jack or game
allegiance: the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action
alleviation: the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
alliance: the act of forming an alliance or confederation
allocation: the act of distributing by allotting or apportioning; distribution according to a plan
allocation: (computer science) the assignment of particular areas of a magnetic disk to particular data or instructions
allopathy: the usual method of treating disease with remedies that produce effects differing from those produced by the disease itself
allowance: the act of allowing
allurement: the act of enticing a person to do something wrong (as an offer of sex in return for money)
alms: money or goods contributed to the poor
almsgiving: making voluntary contributions to aid the poor
alphabetisation: the act of putting in alphabetical order
Alpinism: mountain climbing (not restricted to the Alps)
alteration: the act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification)
altering: the sterilization of an animal
alternation: successive change from one thing or state to another and back again
alternative medicine: the practice of medicine without the use of drugs; may involve herbal medicines or self-awareness or biofeedback or acupuncture
amalgamation: the combination of two or more commercial companies
ambages: (archaic) roundabout or mysterious ways of action
ambassadorship: the post of ambassador
amble: a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
ambulation: walking about
ambuscade: the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
amelioration: the act of relieving ills and changing for the better
amendment: the act of amending or correcting
amends: something done or paid in expiation of a wrong
American football game: a game played by two teams of 11 players on a rectangular field 100 yards long; teams try to get possession of the ball and advance it across the opponents goal line in a series of (running or passing) plays
American War of Independence: the revolution of the American Colonies against Great Britain; 1775-1783
Americanism: a custom that is peculiar to the United States or its citizens
amnesty: the formal act of liberating someone
amnio: (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
amortisation: payment of an obligation in a series of installments or transfers
amortisation: the reduction of the value of an asset by prorating its cost over a period of years
amphibious assault: an amphibious operation attacking a land base that is carried out by troops that are landed by naval ships
amphibious demonstration: an amphibious operation conducted for the purpose of deceiving the enemy and leading him into a course of action unfavorable to him
amphibious landing: a military action of coordinated land, sea, and air forces organized for an invasion
amphibious operation: a military operation by both land and sea forces
amplification: (electronics) the act of increasing voltage or power or current
amplification: addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail
amputation: a surgical removal of all or part of a limb
amusement: an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
amygdalotomy: psychosurgery in which amygdaloid fibers that mediate limbic system activity are severed (in cases of extreme uncontrollable violence)
anaerobic exercise: exercise that builds muscles through tension
anagrams: a game whose object is to form words from a group of randomly chosen letters
anal intercourse: intercourse via the anus, committed by a man with a man or woman
analogy: drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect
analysis: an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole
analysis: a set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud
anamnestic reaction: renewed rapid production of an antibody on the second (or subsequent) encounter with the same antigen
anaplasty: surgery concerned with therapeutic or cosmetic reformation of tissue
anastylosis: the archeological reassembly of ruined monuments from fallen or decayed fragments (incorporating new materials when necessary)
anathematisation: the formal act of pronouncing (someone or something) accursed
anatomy: a detailed analysis
ancestor worship: worship of ancestors
anchorage: the act of anchoring
anemography: recording anemometrical measurements
anemometry: measuring wind speed and direction
anger: belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins)
angiography: roentgenographic examination of blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque contrast medium; produces an angiogram
angioplasty: an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or unblock a coronary artery
angling: fishing with a hook and line (and usually a pole)
angry walk: a stiff or threatening gait
angulation: the act of making angulate (having corners)
angulation: the precise measurement of angles
animal husbandry: breeding and caring for farm animals
animal-worship: the worship of animals
animalisation: an act that makes people cruel or lacking normal human qualities
animation: the making of animated cartoons
animation: the activity of giving vitality and vigour to something
animation: general activity and motion
annealing: hardening something by heat treatment
annexation: the formal act of acquiring something (especially territory) by conquest or occupation
annexation: incorporation by joining or uniting
annihilation: destruction by annihilating something
annotating: the act of adding notes
annoyance: the act of troubling or annoying someone
annulment: (law) a formal termination (of a relationship or a judicial proceeding etc)
anointing of the sick: a Catholic sacrament; a priest anoints a dying person with oil and prays for salvation
anointing: the act of applying oil or an oily liquid
answer: a nonverbal reaction
antagonism: (biochemistry) interference in or inhibition of the physiological action of a chemical substance by another having a similar structure
anthropolatry: the worship of human beings
anthropometry: measurement and study of the human body and its parts and capacities
anthropophagy: human cannibalism; the eating of human flesh
anti-takeover defense: resistance to or defense against a hostile takeover
anti-war movement: a campaign against entering or continuing a war
antiaircraft fire: firing at enemy aircraft
antic: a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
anticipatory breach: a breach of contract committed prior to the time of required performance
anticoagulation: the administration of an anticoagulant drug to retard coagulation of the blood
antifeminism: activity indicative of belief in the superiority of men over women
antipyresis: medication with antipyretics to treat a fever
antitrust case: a legal action brought against parties who are charged with limiting free competition in the market place
any-and-all bid: a takeover bid where the acquirer offers to buy any and all shares outstanding
apache dance: a violent fast dance in French vaudeville (an apache is a member of the French underworld)
apache devil dance: a ritual dance of the Apache
apery: the act of mimicking; imitative behavior
apheresis: a procedure in which blood is drawn and separated into its components by dialysis; some are retained and the rest are returned to the donor by transfusion
apiculture: the cultivation of bees on a commercial scale for the production of honey
apostasy: the act of abandoning a party for cause
apostleship: the position of apostle
apotheosis: the elevation of a person (as to the status of a god)
apparition: an act of appearing or becoming visible unexpectedly
appeal: (law) a legal proceeding in which the appellant resorts to a higher court for the purpose of obtaining a review of a lower court decision and a reversal of the lower court's judgment or the granting of a new trial
appearance: the act of appearing in public view
appearance: formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
appearance: pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression
appeasement: the act of appeasing (as by acceding to the demands of)
appendectomy: surgical removal of the vermiform appendix
application: the action of putting something into operation
application: the work of applying something
application: a diligent effort
application: the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose
appointment: the job to which you are (or hope to be) appointed
appointment: (law) the act of disposing of property by virtue of the power of appointment
appointment: the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
apposition: the act of positioning close together (or side by side)
appraisal: an expert estimation of the quality, quantity, and other characteristics of someone or something
appreciation: an increase in price or value
apprehension: the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal)
apprenticeship: the position of apprentice
approach: a relatively short golf shot intended to put the ball onto the putting green
approach: the act of drawing spatially closer to something
approach: ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation
appropriation: a deliberate act of acquisition of something, often without the permission of the owner
approval: the formal act of approving
approximation: the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue
April fool: a practical joke or trick played on the first day of April
aquaculture: rearing aquatic animals or cultivating aquatic plants for food
aquatics: sports that involve bodies of water
aquatint: a method of etching that imitates the broad washes of a water color
aquiculture: a technique of growing plants (without soil) in water containing dissolved nutrients
Arab-Israeli War: tension between Arabs and Israeli erupted into a brief war in June 1967; Israel emerged as a major power in the Middle East
Arab-Israeli War: Egypt and Syria attacked Israel in October 1973 (on Yom Kippur); Israel counterattacked and drove the Syrians back and crossed the Suez Canal into Egypt
arbitrage: a kind of hedged investment meant to capture slight differences in price; when there is a difference in the price of something on two different markets the arbitrageur simultaneously buys at the lower price and sells at the higher price
arbitrament: the act of deciding as an arbiter; giving authoritative judgment
arboriculture: the tending of and caring for trees
arborolatry: the worship of trees
archery: the sport of shooting arrows with a bow
architecture: the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their esthetic effect
area bombing: an extensive and systematic bombing intended to devastate a large target
arithmetic operation: a mathematical operation involving numbers
arm exercise: exercise designed to strengthen the arm muscles
Armageddon: any catastrophically destructive battle
armament: the act of equiping with weapons in preparation for war
armed combat: an engagement fought between two military forces
armed forces censorship: military censorship of personal communications to or from persons in the armed forces
armed robbery: robbery at gunpoint
arms control: a limitation on the size and armament of the armed forces of a country
arms deal: a deal to provide military arms
aromatherapy: the therapeutic use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in baths or massage
arousal: mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse
arousal: the act of arousing
arrangement: the act of arranging and adapting a piece of music
arrival: the act of arriving at a certain place
arrival: accomplishment of an objective
arrogation: seizure by the government
arson: malicious burning to destroy property
art class: a class in which you learn to draw or paint
art: the creation of beautiful or significant things
arterial blood gases: measurement of the pH level and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in arterial blood; important in diagnosis of many respiratory diseases
arteriography: roentgenographic examination of arteries
arthrocentesis: removal of fluid from a joint by centesis
arthrodesis: the surgical fixation of a joint which is intended to result in bone fusion
arthrography: roentgenographic examination of a joint after injection of radiopaque contrast medium; produces an arthrogram
arthroplasty: surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint
arthroscopy: a minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint; the surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision
articulation: the act of joining things in such a way that motion is possible
artifice: a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
artificial respiration: an emergency procedure whereby breathing is maintained artificially
artillery fire: fire delivered by artillery
arts and crafts: the arts of decorative design and handicraft
asbestos abatement: the removal of asbestos from a public building
ascending: the act of changing location in an upward direction
ascesis: rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint
aspersion: an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
aspersion: the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare)
asphyxiation: killing by depriving of oxygen
aspiration: the act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
ass: slang for sexual intercourse
assassination: murder of a public figure by surprise attack
assault: a threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be able to cause bodily harm if not stopped
assault: close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
assault and battery: an assault in which the assailant makes physical contact
assault: the crime of forcing a person to submit to sexual intercourse against his or her will
assay: a quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components; frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.
assemblage: the social act of assembling
assembly: the act of constructing something (as a piece of machinery)
assertiveness training: a method of psychotherapy that reinforces you for stating negative and positive feelings directly
assessment: the act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event
assignation: a secret rendezvous (especially between lovers)
assigning: the act of distributing something to designated places or persons
assignment: an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor)
assignment: a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces)
assist: (sports) the act of enabling another player to make a good play
assisted suicide: suicide of a terminally ill person that involves an assistant who serves to make dying as painless and dignified as possible
associateship: the position of associate (as in an office or academy)
association: the act of consorting with or joining with others
association football: a football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal
assortative mating: mating of individuals having more traits in common than likely in random mating
assortment: the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type
assumption: the act of assuming or taking for granted
assumption: the act of taking possession of or power over something
astrolatry: the worship of planets or stars
astronavigation: navigating according to the positions of the stars
at-bat: (baseball) a turn trying to get a hit
athletic game: a game involving athletic activity
athletic training: the course of practice and exercise and diet undertaken by an athlete
athletics: participation in sports events as an extracurricular activity
athletics: an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
atomisation: annihilation by reducing something to atoms
atomisation: separating something into fine particles
atonement: the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity)
atrocity: an act of atrocious cruelty
attachment: the act of fastening things together
attack: an offensive move in a sport or game
attack: strong criticism
attack: the act of attacking
attack: (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
attack: a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase
attainder: cancellation of civil rights
attainment: arrival at a new stage
attainment: the act of achieving an aim
attempt: earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
attendance check: a call of students' names in a classroom
attendance: the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)
attention: a courteous act indicating affection
attestation report: a consulting service in which a CPA expresses a conclusion about the reliability of a written statement that is the responsibility of someone else
attitude: a theatrical pose created for effect
Attorney General of the United States: the position of the head of the Justice Department and the chief law enforcement officer of the United States
attorneyship: the position of attorney
attrition: the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction
auction pitch: an all-fours game in which the first card led is a trump
auction: a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge
auction: the public sale of something to the highest bidder
audible: a football play is changed orally after both teams have assumed their positions at the line of scrimmage
audiometry: measuring sensitivity of hearing
audit: a methodical examination or review of a condition or situation
audition: a test of the suitability of a performer
augmentation: the act of augmenting
auscultation: listening to sounds within the body (usually with a stethoscope)
Australian crawl: a swimming stroke; arms are moved alternately overhead accompanied by a flutter kick
authentication: validating the authenticity of something or someone
authorisation: the act of conferring legality or sanction or formal warrant
authorship: the act of creating written works
authorship: the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing
auto limitation: social control achieved as a manifestation of self-will or general consent
auto mechanics: the craft of building and repairing automobiles
auto racing: the sport of racing automobiles
auto-da-fe: the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish Inquisition)
autoeroticism: using you own body as a sexual object
autogenic therapy: training patients in self-induced relaxation
autolatry: the worship of yourself
automation: the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware
automatism: any reaction that occurs automatically without conscious thought or reflection (especially the undirected behavior seen in psychomotor epilepsy)
automotive engineering: the activity of designing and constructing automobiles
autoplasty: surgical repair by using tissue from another part of the patient's own body
autosexing: (especially of domestic fowl) breeding to reveal differential sex characteristics at hatching
autosuggestion: a system for self-improvement developed by Emile Coue which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s
autotomy: spontaneous removal or casting off of a body part (as the tail of a lizard or claw of a lobster) especially when the organism is injured or under attack
avarice: reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
avenue: a line of approach
aversion therapy: any technique of behavior modification that uses unpleasant stimuli in a controlled fashion to alter behavior in a therapeutic way; primarily used for alcoholism or drug abuse (but with little success)
aversion: the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away
averting: the act of preventing something from occurring
avocation: an auxiliary activity
avoidance: deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening
avulsion: a forcible tearing or surgical separation of one body part from another
awakening: the act of waking
award: a grant made by a law court
away game: a game played away from home
B-scan ultrasonography: the use of ultrasonography to view structure in the back of the eye
babbitting: lining a surface or bearing with Babbitt metal
babel: a confusion of voices and other sounds
Babinski reflex: extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons
baby: a project of personal concern to someone
baby sitting: the work of a baby sitter; caring for children when their parents are not home
Babylonian Captivity: the deportation of the Jews to Babylonia by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC
baccarat: a card game played in casinos in which two or more punters gamble against the banker; the player wins who holds 2 or 3 cards that total closest to nine
bacchanal: a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity
Bacchanalia: an orgiastic festival in ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus (= Bacchus)
back: (American football) the position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage
back circle: a feat in which an acrobat arches the back from a prone position and bends the knees until the toes touch the head
back door: a secret or underhand means of access (to a place or a position)
back exercise: exercise designed to strengthen the back muscles
backbend: an acrobatic feat in which the trunk is bent backward from a standing position until the hands touch the floor
backfire: a miscalculation that recoils on its maker
backgammon: a board game for two players; pieces move according to throws of the dice
backhand drive: a hard straight return made on the backhand side
backhand: a return made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
backhander: a backhanded blow
backing: the act of providing approval and support
backlash: an adverse reaction to some political or social occurrence
backpacking: carrying something in a pack on the back
backsliding: a failure to maintain a higher state
backstop: a precaution in case of an emergency
backstroke: a swimming stroke that resembles the crawl except the swimmer lies on his or her back
bacteriological warfare: the use of harmful bacteria as a weapon
badgering: the act of harassing someone
badminton: a game played on a court with light long-handled rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a net
bag: an activity that you like or at which you are superior
bagatelle: a table game in which short cues are used to knock balls into holes that are guarded by wooden pegs; penalties are incurred if the pegs are knocked over
bailiffship: the office of bailiff
bailment: the delivery of personal property in trust by the bailor to the bailee
bait and switch: a deceptive way of selling that involves advertising a product at a very low price in order to attract customers who are then persuaded to switch to a more expensive product
bait casting: the single-handed rod casting of a relatively heavy (artificial) bait
baiting: harassment especially of a tethered animal
baking: cooking by dry heat in an oven
baking: making bread or cake or pastry etc.
Bakke decision: a ruling by the Supreme Court on affirmative action; the Court ruled in 1978 that medical schools are entitled to consider race as a factor in their admission policy
balancing: getting two things to correspond
balk: an illegal pitching motion while runners are on base
Balkan Wars: two wars (1912-1913) that were fought over the last of the European territories of the Ottoman Empire and that left the area around Constantinople (now Istanbul) as the only Ottoman territory in Europe
ball: a pitch that is not in the strike zone
ball game: a field game played with a ball (especially baseball)
ball hawking: a skillful maneuver in catching balls or in stealing the ball from the opposing team
ball: a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs
ball-breaker: a job or situation that is demanding and arduous and punishing
ballet: a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers
ballooning: flying in a balloon
ballot: a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
ballottement: a palpatory technique for feeling a floating object in the body (especially for determining the position of a fetus by feeling the rebound of the fetus after a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus)
ballroom dance: any of a variety of social dances performed by couples in a ballroom
balls-up: something badly botched or muddled
band aid: hurried repair
bandaging: the act of applying a bandage
banditry: the practice of plundering in gangs
bang: a conspicuous success
banging: the act of subjecting to strong attack
banishment: rejection by means of an act of banishing or proscribing someone
bank: a flight maneuver; aircraft tips laterally about its longitudinal axis (especially in turning)
bank closing: act of closing down a bank because of a fiscal emergency or failure
bank examination: an examination of the affairs and records of a bank by a state or federal bank examiner
bank run: the concerted action of depositors who try to withdraw their money from a bank because they think it will fail
bank shot: a basketball shot that bounces off of the backboard before passing through the hoop
bank withdrawal: the withdrawal of money from your account at a bank
banking: engaging in the business of keeping money for savings and checking accounts or for exchange or for issuing loans and credit etc.
banking: transacting business with a bank; depositing or withdrawing funds or requesting a loan etc.
banking game: any gambling game in which bets are laid against the gambling house or the dealer
bankruptcy: a legal process intended to insure equality among the creditors of a corporation declared to be insolvent
Bannockburn: a battle in which the Scots under Robert the Bruce defeated the English and assured the independence of Scotland
banqueting: eating an elaborate meal (often accompanied by entertainment)
banzai attack: a mass attack of troops without concern for casualties; originated by Japanese who accompanied it with yells of `banzai'
baptism: a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth
bar: the act of preventing
barbarisation: an act that makes people primitive and uncivilized
barbarism: a brutal barbarous savage act
barbecuing: roasting a large piece of meat on a revolving spit out of doors over an open fire
bardolatry: the idolization of William Shakespeare
bareboating: boating by chartering a bareboat and providing your own crew and provisions
baring: the removal of covering
barium enema: enema in which a contrast medium (usually barium sulfate) is injected into the rectum and X-rays are taken to search for lesions
baronetage: the state of a baronet
barracking: shouting to interrupt a speech with which you disagree
barrage jamming: electronic jamming over a wide range of frequencies simultaneously
barrage: the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target
barratry: (maritime law) a fraudulent breach of duty by the master of a ship that injures the owner of the ship or its cargo; includes every breach of trust such as stealing or sinking or deserting the ship or embezzling the cargo
barratry: the offense of vexatiously persisting in inciting lawsuits and quarrels
barratry: the crime of a judge whose judgment is influenced by bribery
barratry: traffic in ecclesiastical offices or preferments
barrel roll: a roll in which the plane follows a spiral course
barring: the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto
barter: an equal exchange
basal body temperature method: natural family planning in which the fertile period of the woman's menstrual cycle is inferred by noting the rise in basal body temperature that typically occurs with ovulation
base hit: (baseball) the successful act of striking a baseball in such a way that the batter reaches base safely
base on balls: (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
baseball play: (baseball) a play executed by a baseball team
baseball score: the score of a baseball game
baseball swing: in baseball; a batter's attempt to hit a pitched ball
basic training: the initial period of training for new military personnel; involves intense physical activity and behavioral discipline
basket rummy: a form of rummy using two decks of cards and four jokers; jokers and deuces are wild; the object is to form groups of the same rank
basket: a score in basketball made by throwing the ball through the hoop
basketball play: a play executed by a basketball team
basketball score: the score in a basketball game
basketball shot: throwing the basketball toward the hoop
basketball: a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop
basketry: the craft of basket making
bastardisation: an act that debases or corrupts
bastardy proceeding: a lawsuit filed to determine the father of a child born out of wedlock (and to provide for the support of the child once paternity is determined)
bastinado: a form of torture in which the soles of the feet are beaten with whips or cudgels
basting: moistening a roast as it is cooking
bath: a soaking and washing in a bathtub
bathe: the act of swimming for pleasure or recreation
bathing: immersing the body in water or sunshine
bathing: the act of washing yourself (or another person)
bathymetry: measuring the depths of the oceans
batting: (baseball) the batter's attempt to get on base
battle of Atlanta: a siege in which Federal troops under Sherman cut off the railroads supplying the city and then burned it; 1864
battle of Austerlitz: a decisive battle during the Napoleonic campaigns (1805); the French under Napoleon defeated the Russian armies of Czar Alexander I and the Austrian armies of Emperor Francis II
battle of Boyne: a battle in the War of the Grand Alliance in Ireland in 1690; William III defeated the deposed James II and so ended the Catholicism that had been reintroduced in England by the Stuarts
Battle of Britain: the prolonged bombardment of British cities by the German Luftwaffe during World War II and the aerial combat that accompanied it
battle of Brunanburh: a battle in 937 when Athelstan defeated the Scots
Battle of Bull Run: either of two battles during the American Civil War (1861 and 1862); Confederate forces defeated the Federal army in both battles
battle of Bunker Hill: the first important battle of the American War of Independence (1775) which was fought at Breed's Hill; the British defeated the colonial forces
battle of Caporetto: battle of World War I (1917); Italians were defeated by the Austrian and German forces
battle of Chattanooga: in the American Civil War (1863) the Union armies of Hooker, Thomas, and Sherman under the command of Ulysses S. Grant won a decisive victory over the Confederate Army under Braxton Bragg
battle of Chickamauga: a Confederate victory in the American Civil War (1863); Confederate forces under Braxton Bragg defeated Union forces
battle of Cowpens: battle in the American Revolution; Americans under Daniel Morgan defeated the British
battle of Crecy: the first decisive battle of the Hundred Years' War; in 1346 the English under Edward III defeated the French under Philip of Valois
battle of Cunaxa: battle in 401 BC when the Artaxerxes II defeated his younger brother who tried to usurp the throne
battle of Cynoscephalae: the battle that ended the second Macedonian War (197 BC); the Romans defeated Philip V who lost his control of Greece
Battle of El Alamein: a pitched battle in World War II (1942) resulting in a decisive Allied victory by British troops under Montgomery over German troops under Rommel
Battle of Flodden Field: a battle in 1513; the English defeated the invading Scots and James IV was killed
Battle of Fontenoy: a battle in 1745 in which the French army under Marshal Saxe defeated the English army and their allies under the duke of Cumberland
Battle of Fredericksburg: an important battle in the American Civil War (1862); the Union Army under A. E. Burnside was defeated by the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee
Battle of Gettysburg: a battle of the American Civil War (1863); the defeat of Robert E. Lee's invading Confederate Army was a major victory for the Union
Battle of Granicus River: the battle in which Alexander won his first major victory against the Persians (334 BC)
Battle of Guadalcanal: a battle in World War II in the Pacific (1942-1943); the island was occupied by the Japanese and later recaptured by American forces
battle of Hastings: the decisive battle in which William the Conqueror (duke of Normandy) defeated the Saxons under Harold II (1066) and thus left England open for the Norman Conquest
battle of Hohenlinden: a battle during the Napoleonic Wars (1800); the French defeated the Austrians
battle of Ipsus: a battle between the successors of Alexander the Great (301 BC); Lysimachus and Seleucus defeated Antigonus and Demetrius
battle of Issus: a battle (333 BC) in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persians under Darius III
Battle of Jena: the battle in 1806 in which Napoleon decisively defeated the Prussians
battle of Jutland: an indecisive naval battle in World War I (1916); fought between the British and German fleets off the northwestern coast of Denmark
Battle of Kerbala: a battle in 680 in which the grandson of Mohammed and his followers were killed
Battle of Lake Trasimenus: a battle in 217 BC in which Hannibal ambushed a Roman army led by Flaminius
battle of Langside: (1568) Catholic forces supporting Mary Queen of Scots were routed by Protestants
Battle of Lepanto: Turkish sea power was destroyed in 1571 by a league of Christian nations organized by the Pope
battle of Leuctra: Thebes defeated Sparta in 371 BC; the battle ended Sparta's military supremacy in Greece
battle of Lule Burgas: the principal battle of the Balkan Wars (1912); Bulgarian forces defeated the Turks
battle of Lutzen: a battle in the Thirty Years' War (1632); Swedes under Gustavus Adolphus defeated the Holy Roman Empire under Wallenstein; Gustavus Adolphus was killed
Battle of Magenta: a battle in 1859 in which the French and Sardinian forces under Napoleon III defeated the Austrians under Francis Joseph I
Battle of Maldon: a battle in which the Danes defeated the Saxons in 991; celebrated in an old English poem
battle of Marathon: a battle in 490 BC in which the Athenians and their allies defeated the Persians
battle of Marston Moor: a battle in 1644 in which the Parliamentarians under the earl of Manchester defeated the Royalists under Prince Rupert
Battle of Midway: naval battle of World War II (June 1942); American planes based on land and on carriers decisively defeated a Japanese fleet on its way to invade the Midway Islands
battle of Minden: a battle in the Seven Years' War (1759) in which the English forces and their allies defeated the French
Battle of Monmouth Court House: a pitched battle in New Jersey during the American Revolution (1778) that ended with the withdrawal of British forces
Battle of Naseby: a battle in 1645 that settled the outcome of the first English Civil War as the Parliamentarians won a major victory over the Royalists
battle of Navarino: a decisive naval battle in the War of Greek Independence (1827); the Turkish and Egyptian fleet was defeated by an allied fleet of British and French and Russian warships
battle of Omdurman: a battle (1898) in which an English and Egyptian army under Kitchener defeated the Sudanese
battle of Panipat: battle in which the ruler of Afghanistan defeated the Mahrattas in 1761
battle of Pharsalus: Caesar defeated Pompey in 48 BC
battle of Philippi: Octavian and Mark Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC
battle of Pittsburgh Landing: the second great battle of the American Civil War (1862); the battle ended with the withdrawal of Confederate troops but it was not a Union victory
battle of Plassey: the victory in 1757 by the British under Clive over Siraj-ud-daula that established British supremacy over Bengal
battle of Plataea: a defeat of the Persian army by the Greeks at Plataea in 479 BC
battle of Poitiers: the battle in 1356 in which the English under the Black Prince defeated the French
Battle of Puebla: a battle in which Mexican forces defeated the French in 1862
Battle of Pydna: a major victory by the Romans over the Macedonians in 168 BC; resulted in the downfall of the ancient Macedonian kingdom
Battle of Ravenna: a battle between the French and an alliance of Spaniards and Swiss and Venetians in 1512
Battle of Rocroi: a battle in the Thirty Years' War (1643); the French defeated the Spanish invaders
battle of Rossbach: a battle in the Seven Years' War (1757); Prussian forces under Frederick the Great defeated the armies of France and Austria
battle of Saratoga: a battle during the American Revolution (1777); the British under Burgoyne were defeated
battle of Sempach: the Swiss Confederation escaped Hapsburg domination by their victory in 1386
battle of Solferino: an indecisive battle in 1859 between the French and Sardinians under Napoleon III and the Austrians under Francis Joseph I
battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse: a battle between the armies of Grant and Lee during the Wilderness Campaign
battle of St Mihiel: a battle in the Meuse-Argonne operation in World War I (1918); the battle in which American troops launched their first offensive in France
battle of Tannenberg: a battle in World War I (1914); decisive German victory over the Russians
battle of Tertry: a battle in France in 687 among the descendants of Clovis
battle of Teutoburger Wald: a battle in 9 AD in which the Germans under Arminius annihilated three Roman Legions
battle of Tewkesbury: the final battle of the War of the Roses in 1471 in which Edward IV defeated the Lancastrians
Battle of the Ardennes Bulge: a battle during World War II; in December 1944 von Rundstedt launched a powerful counteroffensive in the forest at Ardennes and caught the Allies by surprise
battle of the Bismarck Sea: a naval battle in World War II; Allied land-based bombers destroyed a Japanese convoy in the Bismarck Sea in March 1943
battle of the Chemin-des-Dames: a battle in World War I (May 1918); the Germans tried to attack before the American numbers were too great to defeat; the tactical success of the Germans proved to be a strategic failure
battle of the Coral Sea: a Japanese defeat in World War II (May 1942); the first naval battle fought entirely by planes based on aircraft carriers
Battle of the Little Bighorn: a battle in Montana near the Little Bighorn River between United States cavalry under Custer and several groups of Native Americans (1876); Custer was pursuing Sioux led by Sitting Bull; Custer underestimated the size of the Sioux forces (which were supported by Cheyenne warriors) and was killed along with all his command
Battle of the Marne: a World War I battle in northwestern France where the Allies defeated the Germans in 1918
battle of the Philippine Sea: a naval battle in World War II (1944); a decisive naval victory for the United States fleet over the Japanese who were trying to block supplies from reaching American troops on Leyte
Battle of the Somme: battle in World War I (1916)
Battle of the Somme: battle of World War II (1944)
Battle of the Spanish Armada: in the English Channel a small fleet of British ships successfully defeated the large armada sent from Spain by Philip II to invade England
battle of Thermopylae: a famous battle in 480 BC; a Greek army under Leonidas was annihilated by the Persians who were trying to conquer Greece
battle of Trafalgar: a naval battle in 1805 off the southwest coast of Spain; the French and Spanish fleets were defeated by the English under Nelson (who was mortally wounded)
battle of Trasimeno: a battle in central Italy where Hannibal defeated the Romans under Flaminius in 217 BC
battle of Valmy: the French defeated the Austrian and Prussian troops in 1792 (with a famous cannonade from the French artillery)
battle of Verdun: a battle in World War I (1916); in some of the bloodiest fighting in World War I the German offensive was stopped
battle of Wagram: a battle in the Napoleonic campaigns (1809); Napoleon defeated the Austrians
Battle of Wake Island: in December 1941 the island was captured by the Japanese after a gallant last-ditch stand by a few hundred United States marines
Battle of Waterloo: the battle on 18 June 1815 in which Prussian and British forces under Blucher and the Duke of Wellington routed the French forces under Napoleon
battle of wits: a contest in which intelligence rather than violence is used
battle of Zama: the battle in 202 BC in which Scipio decisively defeated Hannibal at the end of the second Punic War
battle royal: a noisy riotous fight
battle: a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
battle: an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
battle: an energetic attempt to achieve something
battledore: an ancient racket game
battue: a hunt in which beaters force the game to flee in the direction of the hunter
battue: indiscriminate slaughter
bawling: loud cries made while weeping
bazaar: a sale of miscellany; often for charity
beachhead: an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments
beagling: hunting rabbits with beagles
beanball: a baseball deliberately thrown at the batter's head
beano: a game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards
bear hug: a wrestling hold with arms locked tightly around the opponent
bear hug: a takeover bid so attractive that the directors of the target company must approve it or risk shareholder protest
bearing false witness: criminal offense of making false statements under oath
beat: a stroke or blow
beat: the act of beating to windward; sailing as close as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing
beatification: (Roman Catholic Church) an act of the Pope who declares that a deceased person lived a holy life and is worthy of public veneration; a first step toward canonization
beatification: the action of rendering supremely blessed and extremely happy
beating: the act of inflicting corporal punishment with repeated blows
beating: the act of overcoming or outdoing
beau geste: a gracious (but usually meaningless) gesture
beautification: the act of making something more beautiful
beauty treatment: enhancement of someone's personal beauty
bed rest: confinement to bed continuously (as in the case of some sick or injured persons)
beginning: the act of starting something
beguilement: an entertainment that provokes pleased interest and distracts you from worries and vexations
beguine: a ballroom dance that originated in the French West Indies; similar to the rumba
behalf: as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as `on behalf of' rather than `in behalf of')
behavior modification: psychotherapy that seeks to extinguish or inhibit abnormal or maladaptive behavior by reinforcing desired behavior and extinguishing undesired behavior
behavior: (psychology) the aggregate of the responses or reactions or movements made by an organism in any situation
behavior: manner of acting or controlling yourself
beheading: execution by cutting off the victim's head
beheading: killing by cutting off the head
bel canto: a style of operatic singing
belch: a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth
belching: the forceful expulsion of something from inside
beleaguering: the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
belittling: the act of belittling
bell ringer: something that exactly succeeds in achieving its goal
bell ringing: playing a set of bells that are (usually) hung in a tower
belligerency: fighting; acts of overt warfare
belly dance: a Middle Eastern dance in which the dancer makes sensuous movements of the hips and abdomen
belly flop: a dive in which the abdomen bears the main force of impact with the water
belt: the act of hitting vigorously
bench press: a weightlift in which you lie on your back on a bench and press weights upward
bender: revelry in drinking; a merry drinking party
bender: a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter
bending: the act of bending something
benediction: the act of praying for divine protection
benefaction: an act intending or showing kindness and good will
benefit of clergy: sanction by a religious rite
benignity: a kind act
bent hang: a hang performed with the elbows bent
Berith: the Jewish rite of circumcision performed on a male child on the eighth day of his life
Berlin airlift: airlift in 1948 that supplied food and fuel to citizens of west Berlin when the Russians closed off land access to Berlin
berth: a job in an organization
Bertillon system: a system or procedure for identifying persons
best: the supreme effort one can make
bestiality: sexual activity between a person and an animal
bestowal: the act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift
bet: the act of gambling
beta blocker eyedrop: a treatment for glaucoma; the eyedrops reduce intraocular pressure by reducing the production of aqueous humor
betise: a stupid mistake
betrayal: an act of deliberate betrayal
betrothal: the act of becoming betrothed or engaged
bezique: a card game played with a pack of forty-eight cards (two of each suit for high cards); play resembles whist
bhakti: (Hinduism) loving devotion to a deity leading to salvation and nirvana; open to all persons independent of caste or sex
Bible-worship: the worship of the Bible
bicycling: riding a bicycle
bid: an attempt to get something
bidding contest: a series of competing bids
biff: (boxing) a blow with the fist
bifurcation: the act of splitting into two branches
big science: scientific research that requires massive capital investment but is expected to yield very significant results
bigamy: the offense of marrying someone while you have a living spouse from whom no valid divorce has occurred
bill: the entertainment offered at a public presentation
bill of review: a proceeding brought to obtain an explanation or an alteration or a reversal of a decree by the court that rendered it
billiards: any of several games played on rectangular cloth-covered table (with cushioned edges) in which long tapering cue sticks are used to propel ivory (or composition) balls
Binet-Simon Scale: the first intelligence test
binge: an occasion for excessive eating or drinking
binge: any act of immoderate indulgence
bingle: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at first base
biodefence: procedures involved in taking defensive measures against attacks using biological agents
biogenesis: the production of living organisms from other living organisms
biological research: scientific research conducted by biologists
biological terrorism: terrorism using the weapons of biological warfare
biologism: use of biological principles in explaining human especially social behavior
biomedical cloning: nuclear transplantation of a patient's own cells to make an oocyte from which immune-compatible cells (especially stem cells) can be derived for transplant
biopiracy: biological theft; illegal collection of indigenous plants by corporations who patent them for their own use
bioremediation: the act of treating waste or pollutants by the use of microorganisms (as bacteria) that can break down the undesirable substances
birdnesting: hunting for birds' nests to get the eggs
birling: rotating a log rapidly in the water (as a competitive sport)
birth control: limiting the number of children born
bisection: dividing into two equal parts
bisexuality: sexual activity with both men and women
bishopry: the office and dignity of a bishop
bitchery: aggressive remarks and behavior like that of a spiteful malicious woman
bite: a portion removed from the whole
bite: the act of gripping or chewing off with the teeth and jaws
bivouacking: the act of encamping and living in tents in a camp
biz: your occupation or line of work
Black Maria: a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
black market: an illegal market in which goods or currencies are bought and sold in violation of rationing or controls
black operation: a covert operation not attributable to the organization carrying it out
blackening: changing to a darker color
blackjack: a gambling game using cards; the object is to hold cards having a higher count than those dealt to the banker up to but not exceeding 21
blackmail: extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information
blandishment: the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery
blasphemy: blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character
blast: a very long fly ball
blastoff: the launching of a missile or spacecraft to a specified destination
blaxploitation: the exploitation of black people (especially with regard to stereotyped roles in movies)
blaze: noisy and unrestrained mischief
bleach: the act of whitening something by bleaching it (exposing it to sunlight or using a chemical bleaching agent)
blend: the act of blending components together thoroughly
blending: a gradation involving small or imperceptible differences between grades
Blenheim: the First Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy defeated the French in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession
blind alley: (figurative) a course of action that is unproductive and offers no hope of improvement
blind flying: using only instruments for flying an aircraft because you cannot see through clouds or mists etc.
blind stitching: stitching that is not easily seen or noticed
blindman's bluff: a children's game in which a blindfolded player tries to catch and identify other players
blink: a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly
blitz: a swift and violent military offensive with intensive aerial bombardment
blitz: (American football) defensive players try to break through the offensive line
block grant: a grant of federal money to state and local governments to support social welfare programs
block vote: a vote proportional in magnitude to the number of people that a delegate represents
block: the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
blockade: a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy
blockage: the act of blocking
blockbuster: an unusually successful hit with widespread popularity and huge sales (especially a movie or play or recording or novel)
blood count: the act of estimating the number of red and white corpuscles in a blood sample
blood feud: a feud in which members of the opposing parties murder each other
blood sport: sport that involves killing animals (especially hunting)
blood transfusion: the introduction of blood or blood plasma into a vein or artery
blood typing: determining a person's blood type by serological methods
Bloodless Revolution: the revolution against James II; there was little armed resistance to William and Mary in England although battles were fought in Scotland and Ireland (1688-1689)
bloodletting: formerly used as a treatment to reduce excess blood (one of the four humors of medieval medicine)
bloodshed: the shedding of blood resulting in murder
bloomer: an embarrassing mistake
blot: an act that brings discredit to the person who does it
blow: a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
blow: forceful exhalation through the nose or mouth
blowjob: slang for fellatio
blowout: a gay festivity
blue wall: the secrecy of police officers who lie or look the other way to protect other police officers
bluff: the act of bluffing in poker; deception by a false show of confidence in the strength of your cards
blush: sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)
board game: a game played on a specially designed board
boarding: the act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft
boat racing: the sport of racing boats
boating: water travel for pleasure
bob: a short abrupt inclination (as of the head)
bobble: the momentary juggling of a batted or thrown baseball
bobsledding: riding on a bobsled
bocce: Italian bowling played on a long narrow dirt court
body English: a motion of the body by a player as if to make an object already propelled go in the desired direction
bodywork: the work of making or repairing vehicle bodies
Boer War: either of two wars: the first when the Boers fought England in order to regain the independence they had given up to obtain British help against the Zulus (1880-1881); the second when the Orange Free State and Transvaal declared war on Britain (1899-1902)
bohemianism: conduct characteristic of a bohemian
boiling: cooking in a liquid that has been brought to a boil
BOLD FMRI: functional magnetic resonance imaging that relies on intrinsic changes in hemoglobin oxygenation
bolero: a Spanish dance in triple time accompanied by guitar and castanets
bolivia: a form of canasta in which sequences can be melded
bolt: a sudden abandonment (as from a political party)
bolt: the act of moving with great haste
bombardment: the act (or an instance) of subjecting a body or substance to the impact of high-energy particles (as electrons or alpha rays)
bombardment: an attack by dropping bombs
bombing: the use of bombs for sabotage; a tactic frequently used by terrorists
bombing run: that part of the flight that begins with the approach to the target; includes target acquisition and ends with the release of the bombs
bond trading: trading in bonds (usually by a broker on the floor of an exchange)
bondage: sexual practice that involves physically restraining (by cords or handcuffs) one of the partners
bonding: fastening firmly together
book fair: bazaar at which books are sold or auctioned off in order to raise funds for a worthy cause
bookbinding: the craft of binding books
booking: employment for performers or performing groups that lasts for a limited period of time
booking: the act of reserving (a place or passage) or engaging the services of (a person or group)
bookkeeping: the activity of recording business transactions
boondoggle: work of little or no value done merely to look busy
boost: the act of giving a push
boost: the act of giving hope or support to someone
boot: a form of foot torture in which the feet are encased in iron and slowly crushed
boot sale: an outdoor sale at which people sell things from the trunk of their car
boot: the act of delivering a blow with the foot
bootlegging: the act of making or transporting alcoholic liquor for sale illegally
bootlegging: the act of selling illegally or without permission
boozing: the act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess
bopeep: a game played with young children; you hide your face and suddenly reveal it as you say boo!
boring: the act of drilling
boring: the act of drilling a hole in the earth in the hope of producing petroleum
Borodino: Napoleon defeated the Russians in 1812 in a pitched battle at a village in western Russia west of Moscow, but irreparably weakened his army
borrowing: obtaining funds from a lender
bosie: a cricket ball bowled as if to break one way that actually breaks in the opposite way
bosom: a close affectionate and protective acceptance
bossism: domination of a political organization by a party boss
Boston Tea Party: demonstration (1773) by citizens of Boston who (disguised as Indians) raided three British ships in Boston harbor and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the harbor; organized as a protest against taxes on tea
Bosworth Field: the battle that ended the Wars of the Roses (1485); Richard III was killed and Henry Tudor was crowned as Henry VII
botanical medicine: the use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes (especially plants that are not part of the normal diet)
bottle collection: collecting bottles for reuse
bottle collection: the activity of collecting bottles
bounce: a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
Bouvines: in 1214 the French under Philip Augustus defeated a coalition formed against him in one of the greatest battles of the middle ages
bow: a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
bowdlerisation: the act of deleting or modifying all passages considered to be indecent
bowdlerisation: written material that has been bowdlerized
Bowdlerism: censorship in the form of prudish expurgation
bowing: managing the bow in playing a stringed instrument
bowl: the act of rolling something (as the ball in bowling)
bowling: (cricket) the act of delivering a cricket ball to the batsman
bowling: the playing of a game of tenpins or duckpins etc
bowling: a game in which balls are rolled at an object or group of objects with the aim of knocking them over or moving them
bowling score: the score in a bowling match
bowls: a bowling game played on a level lawn with biased wooden balls that are rolled at a jack
box: a blow with the hand (usually on the ear)
boxing: fighting with the fists
boxing: the enclosure of something in a package or box
boycott: a group's refusal to have commercial dealings with some organization in protest against its policies
brachiation: swinging by the arms from branch to branch
brain drain: depletion or loss of intellectual and technical personnel
brain surgery: any surgical procedure involving the brain
brainstorming: a group problem-solving technique in which members spontaneously share ideas and solutions
brainwashing: forcible indoctrination into a new set of attitudes and beliefs
braising: cooking slowly in fat in a closed pot with little moisture
branching: the act of branching out or dividing into branches
branding: the act of stigmatizing
brawl: a noisy fight in a crowd
Braxton-Hicks contraction: painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency
breach: a failure to perform some promised act or obligation
breach of contract: a breach of a legal duty; failure to do something that is required in a contract
breach of duty: a breach of due care
breach of promise: failure to keep a promise (of marriage)
breach of the covenant of warranty: a failure of the seller's guarantee of good title
breach of the peace: any act of molesting, interrupting, hindering, agitating, or arousing from a state of repose or otherwise depriving inhabitants of the peace and quiet to which they are entitled
breach of trust: violation (either through fraud or negligence) by a trustee of a duty that equity requires of him
breach of trust with fraudulent intent: larceny after trust rather than after unlawful taking
breach of warranty: a breach that occurs when an item is deficient according to the terms of a warranty
break: a sudden dash
break: the opening shot that scatters the balls in billiards or pool
break dance: a form of solo dancing that involves rapid acrobatic moves in which different parts of the body touch the ground; normally performed to the rhythm of rap music
break: (tennis) a score consisting of winning a game when your opponent was serving
break: the act of breaking something
break: an escape from jail
break: an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
break: any frame in which a bowler fails to make a strike or spare
break: a pause from doing something (as work)
break-in: trespassing for an unlawful purpose; illegal entrance into premises with criminal intent
breakaway: the act of breaking away or withdrawing from
breakdown: the act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue
breaking away: departing hastily
breaking wind: a reflex that expels intestinal gas through the anus
breakthrough: making an important discovery
breakthrough: a penetration of a barrier such as an enemy's defense
breakup: the termination or disintegration of a relationship (between persons or nations)
breast feeding: nourishing at the breast
breaststroke: a swimming stroke; the arms are extended together in front of the head and swept back on either side accompanied by a frog kick
breath: the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
breathing out: the act of expelling air from the lungs
breathing: the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
breech birth: delivery of an infant whose feet or buttocks appear first
breeding: the production of animals or plants by inbreeding or hybridization
breeding: helping someone grow up to be an accepted member of the community
breeding: the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
breeze: any undertaking that is easy to do
brewing: the production of malt beverages (as beer or ale) from malt and hops by grinding and boiling them and fermenting the result with yeast
bribery: the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage
bricklaying: the craft of laying bricks
bricolage: construction of something by whatver material are available
bridal: archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast
bridge: any of various card games based on whist for four players
bridge whist: the earliest form of bridge; the dealer could name the trump suit
bridle: the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
bringing: the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
Britishism: a custom that is peculiar to England or its citizens
broad jump: the act of jumping as far as possible from a running start
broadening: the action of making broader
broadening: the act of making something wider
broadside: the simultaneous firing of all the armament on one side of a warship
broil: cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)
bronchospasm: a spasm of the bronchi that makes exhalation difficult and noisy; associated with asthma and bronchitis
bronco busting: breaking a bronco to saddle
brouhaha: a confused disturbance far greater than its cause merits
browning: cooking to a brown crispiness over a fire or on a grill
browse: the act of feeding by continual nibbling
brush: contact with something dangerous or undesirable
brush: the act of brushing your hair
brush: the act of brushing your teeth
brush: a minor short-term fight
brush-off: a curt or disdainful rejection
brushup: practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory
brutalisation: the activity of treating someone savagely or viciously
bruxism: involuntarily or unconsciously clenching or grinding the teeth, typically during sleep
bubble bath: a bath in which you add something to foam and scent the bath water
bubble dance: a solo dance similar to a fan dance except large balloons are used instead of fans
buccaneering: hijacking on the high seas or in similar contexts; taking a ship or plane away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it
buck-and-wing: a solo tap dance emphasizing sharp taps
buddy system: a cooperative practice of pairing two or more people together for mutual assistance or safety (especially in recreational swimming)
budget cut: the act of reducing budgeted expenditures
Buena Vista: a pitched battle in the Mexican War in 1847; United States forces under Zachary Taylor defeated the Mexican forces under Santa Anna at a locality in northern Mexico
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show: a spectacular show organized in 1883 by William F. Cody that featured horseback riding and marksmanship on a large scale; toured the United States and Europe
buffoonery: acting like a clown or buffoon
building: the act of constructing something
building: the commercial activity involved in repairing old structures or constructing new ones
buildup: the act of building up an accumulation
bull: a serious and ludicrous blunder
bull's eye: in target shooting: a score made by hitting the center of the target
bullet: (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity
bullfighting: the activity at a bullfight
bully pulpit: a public office of sufficiently high rank that it provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter
bullying: the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something
bunco: a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
bundling: the act of binding something into a bundle
bundling: the act of shoving hastily
bunny hug: a syncopated ballroom dance formerly popular in the US
bunt: (baseball) the act of hitting a baseball lightly without swinging the bat
burden of proof: the duty of proving a disputed charge
bureaucratic procedure: needlessly time-consuming procedure
burglary: entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property
burial: concealing something under the ground
burn: damage inflicted by fire
burning: a form of torture in which cigarettes or cigars or other hot implements are used to burn the victim's skin
burning: execution by fire
burning: the act of burning something
burning: execution by electricity
burnup: the amount of fuel used up (as in a nuclear reactor)
burst: the act of exploding or bursting
burst: a sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason)
burst: rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
business: the volume of commercial activity
business activity: activity undertaken as part of a commercial enterprise
business deal: a particular instance of buying or selling
business life: a career in industrial or commercial or professional activities
business: the activity of providing goods and services involving financial and commercial and industrial aspects
business: incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect
business: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
busman's holiday: a holiday where you do the same things you do at work
buss: the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
bust-up takeover: a leveraged buyout in which the target company's assets are sold to repay the loan that financed the takeover
busywork: active work of little value
butchering: the business of a butcher
butchery: the savage and excessive killing of many people
butt welding: creating a butt joint by welding
butterfly: a swimming stroke in which the arms are thrown forward together out of the water while the feet kick up and down
buy-and-bust operation: an undercover operation by narcotics detectives to catch unsuspecting drug dealers
buyback: the act of purchasing back something previously sold
buyer's market: a market in which more people want to sell than want to buy
buying: the act of buying
buyout: acquisition of a company by purchasing a controlling percentage of its stock
buzz: a confusion of activity and gossip
BW: the use of bacteria or viruses or toxins to destroy men and animals or food
BW defense: defense against biological warfare
bye-election: a special election between regular elections
C-section: the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)
cabalism: adherence to some extreme traditional theological concept or interpretation
cabaret: a series of acts at a night club
CABG: open-heart surgery in which the rib cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery and improve the blood supply to the heart
cabinet minister: the job of a senior minister who is a member of the cabinet
cabinetmaking: the craft of a joiner
cabinetry: the craft of making furniture (especially furniture of high quality)
cabotage: navigation in coastal waters
cadetship: the position of cadet
cakewalk: a strutting dance based on a march; was performed in minstrel shows; originated as a competition among Black dancers to win a cake
cakewalk: an easy accomplishment
calculation: the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods
calendar method: natural family planning in which ovulation is assumed to occur 14 days before the onset of a period (the fertile period would be assumed to extend from day 10 through day 18 of her cycle)
calf roping: capturing a calf with a lasso and binding its feet
calibration: the act of checking or adjusting (by comparison with a standard) the accuracy of a measuring instrument
caliphate: the office of a caliph
calisthenics: light exercises designed to promote general fitness
calisthenics: the practice of calisthenic exercises
call: (sports) the decision made by an umpire or referee
call: a visit in an official or professional capacity
call: a brief social visit
call fire: fire delivered on a specific target in response to a request from the supported unit
call: the option to buy a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
call-back: the recall of an employee after a layoff
calling together: the act of convoking
calling: the particular occupation for which you are trained
callosectomy: severing the corpus callosum so that communication between the cerebral hemispheres is interrupted (in cases of severe intractable epilepsy)
calorimetry: measurement of quantities of heat
camber: the alignment of the wheels of a motor vehicle closer together at the bottom than at the top
camel racing: the sport of racing camels
camera care: keeping a camera in good working order
camouflage: the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance
campaign: a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end
campaign: an overland journey by hunters (especially in Africa)
campaign: several related operations aimed at achieving a particular goal (usually within geographical and temporal constraints)
campaigning: the campaign of a candidate to be elected
canalisation: the production of a canal or a conversion to canals
canalisation: management through specified channels of communication
cancan: a high-kicking dance of French origin performed by a female chorus line
cancellation: the act of cancelling; calling off some arrangement
candlepin bowling: a bowling game using slender bowling pins
canfield: a form of solitaire that involves gambling
Cannae: ancient city is southeastern Italy where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 216 BC
canned hunt: a hunt for animals that have been raised on game ranches until they are mature enough to be killed for trophy collections
cannibalism: the practice of eating the flesh of your own kind
cannon: a shot in billiards in which the cue ball contacts one object ball and then the other
cannonade: intense and continuous artillery fire
cannulation: the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ
canonisation: (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church) the act of admitting a deceased person into the canon of saints
canter: a smooth three-beat gait; between a trot and a gallop
cantillation: liturgical chanting
capacity: a specified function
capacity: the maximum production possible
Cape Passero: a naval battle in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Passero in which the Spanish navy was destroyed by France and England while attempting to recover Sicily and Sardinia from Italy (1719)
caper: a playful leap or hop
caper: gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement
caper: a crime (especially a robbery)
capital offense: a crime so serious that capital punishment is considered appropriate
capital punishment: putting a condemned person to death
capitalisation: the act of capitalizing on an opportunity
capitalisation: an estimation of the value of a business
capitalisation: the sale of capital stock
capitulation: the act of surrendering (usually under agreed conditions)
capriole: (dressage) a vertical jump of a trained horse with a kick of the hind legs at the top of the jump
captaincy: the post of captain
capture: the removal of an opponent's piece from the chess board
capture: the act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property
capture: the act of taking of a person by force
car care: keeping a car in good working order
caravanning: the practice of taking holidays in a caravan
carbon dating: a chemical analysis used to determine the age of organic materials based on their content of the radioisotope carbon 14; believed to be reliable up to 40,000 years
card game: a game played with playing cards
card trick: a trick performed with playing cards
cardiac massage: an emergency procedure that employs rhythmic compression of the heart (either through the chest wall or, during surgery, directly to the heart) in an attempt to maintain circulation during cardiac arrest
cardinalate: the office of cardinal
cardiography: diagnostic procedure consisting of recording the activity of the heart electronically with a cardiograph (and producing a cardiogram)
cardiopulmonary exercise: exercise intended to strengthen the circulatory system
cardiospasm: a spasm of the cardiac sphincter (between the esophagus and the stomach); if the cardiac sphincter does not relax during swallowing the passage of food into the stomach is obstructed
care delivery: the provision of health care
care: attention and management implying responsibility for safety
care: activity involved in maintaining something in good working order
careen: pitching dangerously to one side
career: the general progression of your working or professional life
careerism: the practice of advancing your career at the expense of your personal integrity
carelessness: failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances
caress: a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it)
caressing: affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
carioca: a lively ballroom dance that resembles the samba
carjacking: the violent theft of an occupied car
carnal abuse: any lascivious contact by an adult with the sexual organs of a child (especially not involving sexual intercourse)
carnal abuse: sexual intercourse with a person (girl or boy) who has not reached the age of consent (even if both parties participate willingly)
carnal knowledge: sexual activity between individuals, especially the insertion of a man's penis into a woman's vagina until orgasm and ejaculation occur
carnival: a festival marked by merrymaking and processions
carnival: a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment
carnival: a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
carol: a joyful song (usually celebrating the birth of Christ)
caroling: singing joyful religious songs (especially at Christmas)
carpentry: the craft of a carpenter: making things out of wood
carriage trade: trade from upper-class customers
carrot: promise of reward as in
carry: the act of carrying something
carrying into action: the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it
carrying out: the act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order
cartage: the work of taking something away in a cart or truck and disposing of it
cartography: the making of maps and charts
cartwheel: acrobatic revolutions with the body turned sideways and the arms and legs outstretched like the spokes of a wheel
carving: removing parts from hard material to create a desired pattern or shape
carving: creating figures or designs in three dimensions
case load: the number of cases handled in a given period of time (as by a court or agency)
case study: a detailed analysis of a person or group from a social or psychological or medical point of view
case: a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
casework: close sociological study of a maladjusted person or family for diagnosis and treatment
casino: a card game in which cards face up on the table are taken with eligible cards in the hand
cast: the act of throwing a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and reel
cast: a violent throw
cast: the act of throwing dice
castigation: verbal punishment
casting: the choice of actors to play particular roles in a play or movie
casting lots: making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn
casting vote: the deciding vote cast by the presiding officer to resolve a tie
casting: the act of creating something by casting it in a mold
castle: interchanging the positions of the king and a rook
castration: surgical removal of the testes or ovaries (usually to inhibit hormone secretion in cases of breast cancer in women or prostate cancer in men)
castration: neutering a male animal by removing the testicles
castration: the deletion of objectionable parts from a literary work
CAT: a method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross-sectional scans along a single axis
cat and mouse: a game for children in which the players form a circle and join hands; they raise their hands to let a player inside the circle or lower their hands to bar a second player who is chasing the first
cat's cradle: a game played with string looped over the fingers
catalog buying: buying goods to be shipped through the mail
cataract surgery: eye surgery that involves removing all or part of the lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant
catch: a cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth
catch: the act of catching an object with the hands
catcher: the position on a baseball team of the player who is stationed behind home plate and who catches the balls that the pitcher throws
catching: (baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team
catching: becoming infected
catching: the act of detecting something; catching sight of something
catechesis: oral religious instruction (as before baptism or confirmation)
catechetical instruction: teaching religious principles by questions and answers
catering: providing food and services
catharsis: purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
catheterisation: the operation of introducing a catheter into the body
catnap: sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
cattle breeding: breeding cattle
cattle drive: driving a bovine herd (as cows or bulls or steers)
Caudine Forks: a battle in the Apennines in 321 BC in which the Samnites defeated the Romans
causation: the act of causing something to happen
cauterisation: the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing
CBC: counting the number of white and red blood cells and the number of platelets in 1 cubic millimeter of blood
ceding back: the act of ceding back
ceding: the act of ceding
celebration: any joyous diversion
celebration: the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual
celestial guidance: a method of controlling the flight of a missile or spacecraft by reference to the positions of celestial bodies
celibacy: abstaining from sexual relations (as because of religious vows)
celiocentesis: removal of fluid from the abdomen by centesis
celioscopy: endoscopic examination of the abdomen through the abdominal wall
cell-mediated immune response: an immune response (chiefly against viral or fungal invasions or transplanted tissue) that involves T cells
cellular respiration: the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic molecules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs
censoring: deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances
censoring: counterintelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy
census: a periodic count of the population
center: a position on a basketball team of the player who participates in the jump that starts the game
center: (American football) the position of the player on the line of scrimmage who puts the ball in play
center: the position on a hockey team of the player who participates in the face off at the beginning of the game
center field: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the central third of the outfield
centering: (American football) putting the ball in play by passing it (between the legs) to a back
centesis: (surgery) the act of puncturing a body cavity or organ with a hollow needle in order to draw out fluid
centralisation: gathering to a center
centralisation: the act of consolidating power under a central control
cephalometry: measurement of human heads
ceramics: the art of making and decorating pottery
ceremonial dance: a dance that is part of a religious ritual
ceremony: any activity that is performed in an especially solemn elaborate or formal way
ceremony: the proper or conventional behavior on some solemn occasion
certification: the act of certifying or bestowing a franchise on
cha-cha: a modern ballroom dance from Latin America; small steps and swaying movements of the hips
Chaeronea: a battle in which Philip II of Macedon defeated the Athenians and Thebans (338 BC) and also Sulla defeated Mithridates (86 BC)
chair: the position of professor
chairmanship: the position of chairman
chalk talk: a talk that uses a blackboard and chalk
Chalons-sur-Marne: the battle in which Attila the Hun was defeated by the Romans and Visigoths in 451
champerty: an unethical agreement between an attorney and client that the attorney would sue and pay the costs of the client's suit in return for a portion of the damages awarded
chance: a risk involving danger
chance-medley: an unpremeditated killing of a human being in self defense
chancellorship: the office of chancellor
Chancellorsville: a major battle in the American Civil War (1863); the Confederates under Robert E. Lee defeated the Union forces under Joseph Hooker
chandelle: a flight maneuver consisting of a steep climbing turn executed to gain altitude while changing direction
change: the action of changing something
change of color: an act that changes the light that something reflects
change of course: a change in the direction that you are moving
change of direction: the act of changing the direction in which something is oriented
change of integrity: the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something
change of magnitude: the act of changing the amount or size of something
change of shape: an action that changes the shape of something
change of state: the act of changing something into something different in essential characteristics
change ringing: ringing tuned bells in a fixed order that is continually changing
change-of-pace: a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball
channel: a way of selling a company's product either directly or via distributors
chanoyu: an ancient ritual for preparing and serving and drinking tea
chanting: the act of singing in a monotonous tone
chapel: a service conducted in a place of worship that has its own altar
chaplaincy: the position of chaplain
Chapultepec: a pitched battle in the Mexican War that resulted in a major victory for American forces over Mexican forces at a locality south of Mexico City (1847)
characterization: acting the part of a character on stage; dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture
charade: making a false outward show
charades: guessing game in which one player pantomimes a word or phrase for others to guess
charge: an impetuous rush toward someone or something
charge: a special assignment that is given to a person or group
charity: an activity or gift that benefits the public at large
charity shot: an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul
charlatanism: the dishonesty of a charlatan
Charleston: an American ballroom dance in syncopated rhythm; popular early in the 20th century
charm campaign: a campaign of flattery and friendliness (by a company, politician, etc.) to become more popular and gain support
chase: the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
chasse: (ballet) quick gliding steps with one foot always leading
cheap shot: an illegal and unsportsmanlike act of unnecessary violence
cheat: a deception for profit to yourself
cheat: the act of swindling by some fraudulent scheme
check: obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
check: (chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king
check: the act of inspecting or verifying
check-in: the act of reporting your presence (as at an airport or a hotel)
checkers: a checkerboard game for two players who each have 12 pieces; the object is to jump over and so capture the opponent's pieces
checkmate: a chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king
checkup: a thorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person
chemical analysis: the act of decomposing a substance into its constituent elements
chemical defence: procedures involved in taking defensive measures against attacks using chemical agents
chemical engineering: the activity of applying chemistry to the solution of practical problems
chemical operations: warfare using chemical agents to kill or injure or incapacitate the enemy
chemical terrorism: terrorism using the chemical agents of chemical warfare; can undermine the personal security of citizens
chemosurgery: use of chemical to destroy diseased or malignant tissue; used in treatment of skin cancer
chemotaxis: movement by a cell or organism in reaction to a chemical stimulus
chemotherapy: the use of chemical agents to treat or control disease (or mental illness)
chess move: the act of moving a chess piece
chess opening: a recognized sequence of moves at the beginning of a game of chess
chess: a board game for two players who move their 16 pieces according to specific rules; the object is to checkmate the opponent's king
chew: biting and grinding food in your mouth so it becomes soft enough to swallow
Cheyne-Stokes respiration: abnormal respiration in which periods of shallow and deep breathing alternate
chicane: the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
chieftaincy: the position of chieftain
child abuse: the physical or emotional or sexual mistreatment of children
child care: a service involving care for other people's children
child neglect: failure of caretakers to provide adequate emotional and physical care for a child
child pornography: the illegal use of children in pornographic pictures or films
child's game: a game enjoyed by children
child's play: activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules
childbirth-preparation class: a course that teaches pregnant women to use breathing and concentration and exercise techniques to use during labor
chiller: excitation that makes your hair stand up or that chills your bones
chin-up: an arm exercise performed by pulling yourself up on a horizontal bar until your chin is level with the bar
Chinaman: a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg
Chinese chequers: a board game in which each player tries to move a set of marbles through a set of holes from one point of a six-pointed star to the opposite point
Chinese Revolution: the republican revolution against the Manchu dynasty in China; 1911-1912
Chino-Japanese War: a war between China and Japan (1894 and 1895) over the control of the Korean Peninsula; China was overwhelmingly defeated at Port Arthur
chip: (golf) a low running approach shot
chip: the act of chipping something
chiropractic: a method of treatment that manipulates body structures (especially the spine) to relieve low back pain or even headache or high blood pressure
chlorination: disinfection of water by the addition of small amounts of chlorine or a chlorine compound
choice: the act of choosing or selecting
choke hold: a restraining hold; someone loops the arm around the neck of another person in a tight grip, usually from behind
choking: the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe
cholangiography: roentgenographic examination of the bile ducts after a contrast medium has been injected
cholecystectomy: surgical removal of the gall bladder (usually for relief of gallstone pain)
cholelithotomy: removal of gallstone through an incision in the gallbladder
chomping: the act of chewing noisily
chop: a tennis return made with a downward motion that puts backspin on the ball
chop: a grounder that bounces high in the air
chore: a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee
choreography: a show involving artistic dancing
christening: giving a Christian name at baptism
Christian liturgy: the Christian worship services
chromosome mapping: (genetics) the process of locating genes on a chromosome
chrysotherapy: the use of chemicals containing gold for treating diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
church: a service conducted in a house of worship
cinch: a form of all fours in which the players bid for the privilege of naming trumps
cinematography: the act of making a film
circle: movement once around a course
circuit: a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
circularisation: circulating printed notices as a means of advertising
circulation: the spread or transmission of something (as news or money) to a wider group or area
circumcision: the act of circumcising; surgical removal of the foreskin of males
circumcision: the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite
circumduction: a circular movement of a limb or eye
circumnavigation: traveling around something (by ship or plane)
circumscription: the act of circumscribing
circumvention: the act of evading by going around
circumvolution: the act of turning or winding or folding around a central axis
circus: a performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals
city planning: determining and drawing up plans for the future physical arrangement and condition of a community
civic duty: the responsibilities of a citizen
civil action: legal action to protect a private civil right or to compel a civil remedy (as distinguished from criminal prosecution)
civil censorship: military censorship of civilian communications (correspondence or printed matter of films) entering or leaving of circulating within territories controlled by armed forces
civil contempt: a failure to follow a court order that benefits someone else
civil defense: activities organized by civilians for their own protection in time of war or disaster
civil disobedience: a group's refusal to obey a law because they believe the law is immoral (as in protest against discrimination)
civil marriage: a marriage performed by a government official rather than by a clergyman
civil suit: a lawsuit alleging violations of civil law by the defendant
civil war: a war between factions in the same country
civil wrong: (law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
civility: the act of showing regard for others
claim: demand for something as rightful or due
clamber: an awkward climb
clampdown: sudden restriction on an activity
clandestine operation: an intelligence operation so planned and executed as to insure concealment
clanger: a conspicuous mistake whose effects seem to reverberate
clarification: the act of removing solid particles from a liquid
clasp: the act of grasping
class action: a lawsuit brought by a representative member of a large group of people on behalf of all members of the group
class period: a regularly scheduled session as part of a course of study
class struggle: conflict between social or economic classes (especially between the capitalist and proletariat classes)
class: education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
classical ballet: a style of ballet based on precise conventional steps performed with graceful and flowing movements
classification: restriction imposed by the government on documents or weapons that are available only to certain authorized people
classroom project: a school task requiring considerable effort
classwork: the part of a student's work that is done in the classroom
clawback: finding a way to take money back from people that they were given in another way
clean: a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
cleaning: the act of making something clean
clear sailing: easy unobstructed progress
clearance: permission to proceed
clearance sale: a sale to reduce inventory
clearing: the act of freeing from suspicion
cleavage: the act of cleaving or splitting
clemency: leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
clerkship: the job of clerk
click: depression of a button on a computer mouse
client-centered therapy: a method of psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers in which the client determines the focus and pace of each session
cliff diving: diving into the water from a steep overhanging cliff
climax: the moment of most intense pleasure in sexual intercourse
climb: the act of climbing something
clinch: (boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily
clinch: a tight or amorous embrace
clinical test: a rigorously controlled test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on human subjects; in the United States it is conducted under the direction of the FDA before being made available for general clinical use
clip: a sharp slanting blow
clip: the act of clipping or snipping
clipping: cutting down to the desired size or shape
clitoridectomy: excision of the clitoris
clock golf: a form of golf in which you putt from positions arranged on the circumference of a circle around the hole
clog: a dance performed while wearing shoes with wooden soles; has heavy stamping steps
cloning: a general term for the research activity that creates a copy of some biological entity (a gene or organism or cell)
close call: something achieved (or escaped) by a narrow margin
close support: close-in firing by one unit against an enemy engaged by another unit
close supporting fire: fire on enemy troops or weapons or positions that are near the supported unit and are the most immediate and serious threat to it
close: the concluding part of any performance
close-order drill: (military) military drill of troops in standard marching (shoulder-to-shoulder)
close-quarter fighting: hand-to-hand fighting at close quarters
closed primary: a primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote
closed-heart surgery: heart surgery in which a small incision is made (the chest cavity is not opened)
closedown: termination of operations
closeout: a sale intended to dispose of all remaining stock
closing off: the act of isolating something; setting something apart from others
closing: approaching a particular destination; a coming closer; a narrowing of a gap
closing: a concluding action
closing: the act of closing something
clyster: an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
co-op: a jointly owned commercial enterprise (usually organized by farmers or consumers) that produces and distributes goods and services and is run for the benefit of its owners
co-optation: the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the existing membership)
co-optation: the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee's consent)
coaching: the job of a professional coach
coaction: act of working jointly
coalescence: the union of diverse things into one body or form or group; the growing together of parts
coast: the act of moving smoothly along a surface while remaining in contact with it
cobbling: the shoemaker's trade
cockfighting: participation in the sport of matching gamecocks in a cockfight
cocooning: retreating to the seclusion of your home (as for privacy or escape)
codification: the act of codifying; arranging in a systematic order
coding: act of writing in code or cipher
coeducation: education of men and women in the same institutions
coercion: the act of compelling by force of authority
coercion: using force to cause something to occur
cognovit judgement: a judgment entered after a written confession by the debtor without the expense of ordinary legal proceedings
cohabitation: the act of living together and having a sexual relationship (especially without being married)
coin collecting: the collection and study of money (and coins in particular)
coinage: the act of inventing a word or phrase
coitus interruptus: a method of birth control in which coitus is initiated but the penis is deliberately withdrawn before ejaculation
cold shoulder: a refusal to recognize someone you know
cold storage: refrigerated storage for preservation
cold turkey: complete and abrupt withdrawal of all addictive drugs or anything else on which you have become dependent
collaboration: act of cooperating traitorously with an enemy that is occupying your country
collapse: the act of throwing yourself down
collar: a figurative restraint
collateral fraud: fraud that prevents a party from knowing their rights or from having a fair opportunity of presenting them at trial
collation: careful examination and comparison to note points of disagreement
collation: assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence
collectivisation: the organization of a nation or economy on the basis of collectivism
collimation: the accurate adjustment of the line of sight of a telescope
collision course: a course of action (following a given idea) that will lead to conflict if it continues unabated
colonialism: exploitation by a stronger country of weaker one; the use of the weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country
colonic: a water enema given to flush out the colon
colonisation: the act of colonizing; the establishment of colonies
colonoscopy: visual examination of the colon (with a colonoscope) from the cecum to the rectum; requires sedation
coloration: choice and use of colors (as by an artist)
coloratura: singing with florid ornamentation
colorimetric analysis: quantitative chemical analysis by color using a colorimeter
coloring: the act or process of changing the color of something
colostomy: a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus
comb: the act of drawing a comb through hair
comb-out: the act of carefully weeding out unwanted things or people
comb-out: the act of removing tangles from you hair with a comb
combat intelligence: intelligence that is required for the planning and conduct of tactical operations
combat mission: a mission to capture or defend something
combat: the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
combination: the act of arranging elements into specified groups without regard to order
combination: the act of combining things to form a new whole
combined operation: a military operation carried out cooperatively by two or more allied nations or a military operation carried out by coordination of sea, land, and air forces
comeback: return by a celebrity to some previously successful activity
comedown: decline to a lower status or level
comedy ballet: a ballet that stresses the drama with features of comedy
comfort: assistance, such as that provided to an enemy or to a known criminal
comfort: the act of consoling; giving relief in affliction
coming together: the social act of assembling for some common purpose
coming together: the act of joining together as one
coming upon: a casual meeting with a person or thing
COMINT: technical and intelligence information derived from foreign communications by other than the intended recipients
command guidance: a method of controlling the flight of a missile by commands originating from the ground or from another missile
commandership: the position or office of commander
commerce: transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
commercial bribery: bribery of a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into a transaction
commercialisation: the act of commercializing something; involving something in commerce
commission: the act of granting authority to undertake certain functions
commission: the act of committing a crime
commitment: an engagement by contract involving financial obligation
commitment: the official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
committal service: service committing a body to the grave
committal to writing: the activity of putting something in written form
commotion: the act of making a noisy disturbance
communalism: loyalty and commitment to the interests of your own minority or ethnic group rather than to society as a whole
communalism: the practice of communal living and common ownership
communications technology: the activity of designing and constructing and maintaining communication systems
communisation: the organization of a nation of the basis of communism
communisation: a change from private property to public property owned by the community
communisation: changing something from private to state ownership or control
community service: an unpaid service for the benefit of the public that is performed by lawbreakers as part (or all) of their sentence
community service: a service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions
commutation: the travel of a commuter
commutation: the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another:
commutation: (law) the reduction in severity of a punishment imposed by law
commute: a regular journey of some distance to and from your place of work
compaction: the act of crushing
comparative negligence: (law) negligence allocated between the plaintiff and the defendant with a corresponding reduction in damages paid to the plaintiff
comparing: the act of examining resemblances
compensation: the act of compensating for service or loss or injury
compensatory spending: spending money raised by borrowing; used by governments to stimulate their economy
competence hearing: a hearing to determine legal capacity (to determine whether the defendant can understand the charges and cooperate with a lawyer in preparing a defense)
competition: the act of competing as for profit or a prize
compilation: the act of compiling (as into a single book or file or list)
complement fixation: an immune response in which an antigen-antibody combination inactivates a complement (so it is unavailable to participate in a second antigen-antibody combination)
complementary medicine: the practice of medicine that combines traditional medicine with alternative medicine
completion: (American football) a successful forward pass in football
compliance: the act of submitting; usually surrendering power to another
complication: the act or process of complicating
composing: musical creation
compressing: applying pressure
compression: encoding information while reducing the bandwidth or bits required
compromise verdict: a verdict resulting from improper compromises between jurors on material issues
compromise: a middle way between two extremes
comptrollership: the position of comptroller
computer game: a game played against a computer
computer programing: creating a sequence of instructions to enable the computer to do something
computer technology: the activity of designing and constructing and programming computers
computerization: the control of processes by computer
Comstockery: censorship because of perceived obscenity or immorality
concatenation: the act of linking together as in a series or chain
concealing: the activity of keeping something secret
concentrated fire: fire from two or more weapons directed at a single target or area (as fire by batteries of two or more warships)
concentration: bringing together military forces
concentration: strengthening the concentration (as of a solute in a mixture) by removing diluting material
conception: the act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
conceptualisation: inventing or contriving an idea or explanation and formulating it mentally
conchology: the collection and study of mollusc shells
conciliation: the act of placating and overcoming distrust and animosity
conclusion of law: a finding as to the applicability of a rule of law to particular facts
conclusion: the act of making up your mind about something
conclusion: the act of ending something
concoction: the act of creating something (a medicine or drink or soup etc.) by compounding or mixing a variety of components
concourse: a coming together of people
concubinage: cohabitation without being legally married
concurrence: acting together, as agents or circumstances or events
concurrent negligence: (law) negligence of two of more persons acting independently; the plaintiff may sue both together or separately
condemnation: (law) the act of condemning (as land forfeited for public use) or judging to be unfit for use (as a food product or an unsafe building)
condemnation: (criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed
condensation: the act of increasing the density of something
conditioned avoidance: a conditioned response that anticipates the occurrence of an aversive stimulus
conditioner: exercise that conditions the body
condonation: a pardon by treating the offender as if the offense had not occurred
conducting: the direction of an orchestra or choir
conducting: the way of administering a business
confectionery: the occupation and skills of a confectioner
confession: (Roman Catholic Church) the act of a penitent disclosing his sinfulness before a priest in the sacrament of penance in the hope of absolution
confinement: the act of restraining of a person's liberty by confining them
confinement: the act of keeping something within specified bounds (by force if necessary)
confirmation: a sacrament admitting a baptized person to full participation in the church
confirmation: a ceremony held in the synagogue (usually at Pentecost) to admit as adult members of the Jewish community young men and women who have successfully completed a course of study in Judaism
confluence: a flowing together
confrontation: a focussed comparison; bringing together for a careful comparison
confrontation: the act of hostile groups opposing each other
confusion: an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended
confusion: a mistake that results from taking one thing to be another
conga: a Latin American dance of 3 steps and a kick by people in single file
conge: an abrupt and unceremonious dismissal
conge: formal permission to depart
congregating: the act of congregating
conjugation: the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes
conjugation: the act of making or becoming a single unit
conjuration: an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
connecting flight: a flight with an intermediate stop and a change of aircraft (possibly a change of airlines)
connection: shifting from one form of transportation to another
connection: the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)
conquering: the act of conquering
conquest: success in mastering something difficult
conquest: an act of winning the love or sexual favor of someone
conscription: compulsory military service
consecration: a solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal)
consecration: (religion) sanctification of something by setting it apart (usually with religious rites) as dedicated to God
conservancy: the official conservation of trees and soil and rivers etc.
conservation: the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources
consideration: a considerate and thoughtful act
consignment: the delivery of goods for sale or disposal
consolidation: the act of combining into an integral whole
constipation: the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
constitution: the act of forming or establishing something
constitutional: a regular walk taken as a form of exercise
constraint: the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others
constriction: the action or process of compressing
construction: drawing a figure satisfying certain conditions as part of solving a problem or proving a theorem
constructive eviction: action by a landlord that compels a tenant to leave the premises (as by rendering the premises unfit for occupancy); no physical expulsion or legal process is involved
constructive fraud: comprises all acts or omissions or concealments involving breach of equitable or legal duty or trust or confidence
constructive possession: (law) having the power and intention to have and control property but without direct control or actual presence upon it
consuetude: a custom or usage that has acquired the force of law
consulship: the post of consul
consultancy: the practice of giving expert advice within a particular field
consultation: the act of referring or consulting
consulting service: service provided by a professional advisor (e.g., a lawyer or doctor or CPA etc.)
consumer research: marketing research that yields information about the motives and needs of different classes of consumers
consumerism: a movement advocating greater protection of the interests of consumers
consummation: the act of bringing to completion or fruition
consummation: the completion of marriage by sexual intercourse
consumption: the act of consuming something
consumption: the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)
contact: close interaction
contact sport: a sport that necessarily involves body contact between opposing players
contact: the act of touching physically
containment: the act of containing; keeping something from spreading
contamination: the act of contaminating or polluting; including (either intentionally or accidentally) unwanted substances or factors
contemplation: a long and thoughtful observation
contempt: a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
contempt of Congress: deliberate obstruction of the operation of the federal legislative branch
contempt of court: disrespect for the rules of a court of law
contest: a struggle between rivals
continuance: the act of continuing an activity without interruption
continuing education: a program of instruction designed primarily for adult students who participate part-time
continuing trespass: trespass that is not transient or intermittent but continues as long as the offending object remains
continuous receiver watch: a watch established for the reception of traffic of interest to the unit maintaining the watch
contortion: the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
contra danse: a type of folk dance in which couples are arranged in sets or face one another in a line
contraception: birth control by the use of devices (diaphragm or intrauterine device or condom) or drugs or surgery
contract killing: a murder carried out on agreement with a hired killer
contract: a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks he bid
contraction: the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
contraction: (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
contracture: an abnormal and usually permanent contraction of a muscle
contrast: the act of distinguishing by comparing differences
contravention: coming into conflict with
contretemps: an awkward clash
contribution: a writing for publication especially one of a collection of writings as an article or story
contribution: act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity
contribution: the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result
contributory negligence: (law) behavior by the plaintiff that contributes to the harm resulting from the defendant's negligence
contrivance: the act of devising something
control: the activity of managing or exerting control over something
control: (physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc
controllership: the position of controller
contumacy: willful refusal to appear before a court or comply with a court order; can result in a finding of contempt of court
contumacy: obstinate rebelliousness and insubordination; resistance to authority
contusion: the action of bruising
convening: the act of convening
conventionalisation: the act of conventionalizing; conforming to a conventional style
convergence: the act of converging (coming closer)
conversion: a successful free throw or try for point after a touchdown
conversion: the act of changing from one use or function or purpose to another
conversion: act of exchanging one type of money or security for another
conversion: a spiritual enlightenment causing a person to lead a new life
conveyance: act of transferring property title from one person to another
conveyance: the act of moving something from one location to another
conviviality: a boisterous celebration; a merry festivity
convolution: the action of coiling or twisting or winding together
convoy: the act of escorting while in transit
cookery: the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
cooperation: the practice of cooperating
cooperation: joint operation or action
coordination: the regulation of diverse elements into an integrated and harmonious operation
copout: a failure to face some difficulty squarely
coprophagia: eating feces; in human a symptom of some kinds of insanity
copying: an act of copying
copyright infringement: a violation of the rights secured by a copyright
coquetry: playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
corn dance: a rain dance of Amerindians
corneal graft: a surgical procedure in which part or all of a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by healthy corneal tissue from a donor
corner kick: a free kick from the corner awarded to the other side when a player has sent the ball behind his own goal line
cornhusking: the act of removing the husks from ears of corn
corporal punishment: the infliction of physical injury on someone convicted of committing a crime
corporate finance: the financial activities of corporation
correction: treatment of a specific defect
correction: the act of disciplining
correction: the act of offering an improvement to replace a mistake; setting right
correctional rehabilitation: providing penal custody or probation or parole for convicted offenders
corrections: the social control of offenders through a system of imprisonment and rehabilitation and probation and parole
Corregidor: the peninsula and island in the Philippines where Japanese forces besieged American forces in World War II; United States forces surrendered in 1942 and recaptured the area in 1945
correspondence course: a course offered (by mail) by a correspondence school
corrugation: the act of shaping into parallel ridges and grooves
corruption: inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony)
corruption: destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity
corvee: unpaid labor (as for the maintenance of roads) required by a lord of his vassals in lieu of taxes
cosmetic surgery: plastic surgery to remove wrinkles and other signs of aging from your face; an incision is made near the hair line and skin is pulled back and excess tissue is excised
cosmetology: the practice of beautifying the face and hair and skin
cosmolatry: the worship of the cosmos
cost accounting: keeping account of the costs of items in production
cost analysis: breaking down the costs of some operation and reporting on each factor separately
cost cutting: the act of cutting costs
costing: cost accounting
cotilion: a lively dance originating in France in the 18th century
cottage industry: small-scale industry that can be carried on at home by family members using their own equipment
coughing up: the act of expelling (food or phlegm) by coughing
councillorship: the position of council member
counsellorship: the position of counselor
count: the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
countdown: counting backward from an arbitrary number to indicate the time remaining before some event (such as launching a space vehicle)
counter: a return punch (especially by a boxer)
counter-sabotage: counterintelligence designed to detect and counteract sabotage
counteraction: action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action
counterattack: an attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy advance units etc.
counterattack: (chess) an attack that is intended to counter the opponent's advantage in another part of the board
counterbattery fire: fire delivered to neutralize or destroy indirect fire weapon systems
counterblow: a return blow; a retaliatory blow
counterbombardment: bombardment intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons
countercharge: a retaliatory charge
counterclaim: a claim filed in opposition to another claim in a legal action
countercoup: a sudden and decisive overthrow of a government that gained power by a coup d'etat
countercurrent: actions counter to the main group activity
counterdemonstration: a demonstration held in opposition to another demonstration
counterespionage: spying on the spies
counterfire: fire intended to neutralize or destroy enemy weapons
counterinsurgency: actions taken by a government to defeat insurgency
counterintelligence: intelligence activities concerned with identifying and counteracting the threat to security posed by hostile intelligence organizations or by individuals engaged in espionage or sabotage or subversion or terrorism
countermarch: (military) a march in the reverse direction or back along the same route
countermeasure: an action taken to offset another action
countermine: (military) a tunnel dug to defeat similar activities by the enemy
countermortar fire: mortar fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons
counteroffensive: a large scale offensive (more than a counterattack) undertaken by a defending force to seize the initiative from an attacking force
counterpreparation fire: intensive prearranged fire delivered when the immanence of enemy attack is discovered
counterrevolution: a revolution whose aim is to reverse the changes introduced by a previous revolution
countershot: a return shot; a retaliatory shot
countersubversion: the aspect of counterintelligence designed to detect and prevent subversive activities
countersuit: a suit brought against someone who has sued you
coup: a brilliant and notable success
coup d'oeil: a quick look
coup de grace: the blow that kills (usually mercifully)
coup de main: an attack without warning
coup: a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force
courante: a court dance of the 16th century; consisted of short advances and retreats
course credit: recognition by a college or university that a course of studies has been successfully completed; typically measured in semester hours
course of lectures: a series of lectures dealing with a subject
course: a mode of action
coursework: work assigned to and done by a student during a course of study; usually it is evaluated as part of the student's grade in the course
coursing: hunting with dogs (usually greyhounds) that are trained to chase game (such as hares) by sight instead of by scent
court game: an athletic game played on a court
court tennis: an ancient form of tennis played in a four-walled court
court: respectful deference
court-martial: a trial that is conducted by a military court
courtesy: a courteous or respectful or considerate act
couture: high fashion designing and dressmaking
couvade: a custom among some peoples whereby the husband of a pregnant wife is put to bed at the time of bearing the child
cover: a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)
cover: fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations
cover: the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
cover-up: concealment that attempts to prevent something scandalous from becoming public
covered option: a put or call option backed by the shares underlying the option
covering: the act of protecting something by covering it
covert operation: an intelligence operation so planned as to permit plausible denial by the sponsor
cozenage: a fraudulent business scheme
CPR: an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
crab: a stroke of the oar that either misses the water or digs too deeply
crack: the act of cracking something
crack: a usually brief attempt
crackdown: severely repressive actions
cradlesong: the act of singing a quiet song to lull a child to sleep
craft fair: a fair at which objects made by craftsmen are offered for sale
craft: the skilled practice of a practical occupation
cranberry culture: the cultivation of cranberries
craniotomy: a surgical opening through the skull
crap game: playing craps
craps: a gambling game played with two dice; a first throw of 7 or 11 wins and a first throw of 2, 3, or 12 loses and a first throw of any other number must be repeated to win before a 7 is thrown, which loses the bet and the dice
crapshoot: a risky and uncertain venture
crash dive: a rapid descent by a submarine
crash landing: an emergency landing under circumstances where a normal landing is impossible (usually damaging the aircraft)
crash: the act of colliding with something
crawl: a very slow movement
crawl: a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
craziness: foolish or senseless behavior
creating by mental acts: the act of creating something by thinking
creating by removal: the act of creating by removing something
creating from raw materials: the act of creating something that is different from the materials that went into it
Creation: (theology) God's act of bringing the universe into existence
creation: the human act of creating
creation: the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
credit: used in the phrase `to your credit' in order to indicate an achievement deserving praise
credit hour: a unit of academic credit; one hour a week for an academic semester
cremation: the incineration of a dead body
crenelation: the action of constructing ramparts with gaps for firing guns or arrows
crib: the cards discarded by players at cribbage
crib: a card game (usually for two players) in which each player is dealt six cards and discards one or two
cricket: a game played with a ball and bat by two teams of 11 players; teams take turns trying to score runs
crime: an evil act not necessarily punishable by law
crime: (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
Crimean War: a war in Crimea between Russia and a group of nations including England and France and Turkey and Sardinia; 1853-1856
criminal congress: forbidden or tabu sexual intercourse between individuals
criminal contempt: an act of disrespect that impedes the administration of justice
criminal maintenance: the unauthorized interference in a legal action by a person having no interest in it (as by helping one party with money or otherwise to continue the action) so as to obstruct justice or promote unnecessary litigation or unsettle the peace of the community
criminal negligence: (law) recklessly acting without reasonable caution and putting another person at risk of injury or death (or failing to do something with the same consequences)
criminal possession: (law) possession for which criminal sanctions are provided because the property may not lawfully be possessed or may not be possessed under certain circumstances
criminal prosecution: the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior
criminal suit: a lawsuit alleging violations of criminal law by the defendant
criminalisation: legislation that makes something illegal
crisis intervention: psychotherapy that focuses on acute critical situations (depressive episodes or attempted suicides or drug overdoses) with the aim of restoring the person to the level of functioning before the crisis
crocheting: creating a garment of needlework
cronyism: favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications)
crooning: the act of singing popular songs in a sentimental manner
crooning: singing in a soft low tone
crop-dusting: the dispersion of fungicides or insecticides or fertilizer on growing crops (often from a low-flying aircraft)
croquet: a game in which players hit a wooden ball through a series of hoops; the winner is the first to traverse all the hoops and hit a peg
cross dressing: the practice of adopting the clothes or the manner or the sexual role of the opposite sex
cross: (genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids
cross-country jumping: riding horses across country over obstructions to demonstrate horsemanship
cross-country skiing: the sport of skiing across the countryside (rather than downhill)
cross-fertilisation: interchange between different cultures or different ways of thinking that is mutually productive and beneficial
cross-pollination: stimulating influence among diverse elements
crossbreeding: reproduction by parents of different races (especially by white and non-white persons)
crosscheck: an illegal check (chopping at an opponent's arms or stick)
crossfire: fire from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross
crossing: traveling across
crossing: a voyage across a body of water (usually across the Atlantic Ocean)
crouch: the act of bending low with the limbs close to the body
crowd control: activity of controlling a crowd
crucifix: a gymnastic exercise performed on the rings when the gymnast supports himself with both arms extended horizontally
crucifixion: the act of executing by a method widespread in the ancient world; the victim's hands and feet are bound or nailed to a cross
crucifixion: the infliction of extremely painful punishment or suffering
cruel and unusual punishment: punishment prohibited by the 8th amendment to the U.S. Constitution; includes torture or degradation or punishment too severe for the crime committed
cruelty: a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
cruise: an ocean trip taken for pleasure
Crusade: any of the more or less continuous military expeditions in the 11th to 13th centuries when Christian powers of Europe tried to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims
crushing: forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
crutch: anything that serves as an expedient
crying: the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
cryocautery: application of a substance that destroys tissue by freezing it
cryosurgery: the use of extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen) to destroy unwanted tissue (warts or cataracts or skin cancers)
Cuban Revolution: the revolution led by Fidel Castro and a small band of guerrilla fighters against a corrupt dictatorship in Cuba; 1956-1959
cuckoldry: the practice of making cuckolds; sexual conquests of married women
cuddle: a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
culdoscopy: endoscopic examination of a woman's pelvic organs by the insertion of a culdoscope through the vagina
cultism: devotion to the doctrine or a cult or to the practices of a cult
cultism: religious zeal; the willingness to serve God
cultivation: socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners
cultivation: (agriculture) production of food by preparing the land to grow crops (especially on a large scale)
cultivation: the act of raising or growing plants (especially on a large scale)
culture: the raising of plants or animals
culture: (biology) the growing of microorganisms in a nutrient medium (such as gelatin or agar)
cumulative vote: an election in which each person has as many votes as there are positions to be filled and they can all be cast for one candidate or can be distributed in any manner
cunctation: the act of procrastinating; putting off or delaying or defering an action to a later time
cunnilinctus: oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris
cup tie: an eliminating game between teams in a cup competition
cupboard love: a show of affection motivated by selfishness
cupping: a treatment in which evacuated cups are applied to the skin to draw blood through the surface
curacy: the position of a curate
curatorship: the position of curator
curb service: service provided to customers who remain in their vehicles
curettage: surgery to remove tissue or growths from a bodily cavity (as the uterus) by scraping with a curette
Curietherapy: the use of radium in radiation therapy
curling: a game played on ice in which heavy stones with handles are slid toward a target
current intelligence: intelligence of all types and forms of immediate interest; usually disseminated without delays for evaluation or interpretation
curtailment: the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable
curtailment: the act of withholding or withdrawing some book or writing from publication or circulation
curtain raiser: any preliminary activity
curvet: a light leap by a horse in which both hind legs leave the ground before the forelegs come down
custodianship: the position of custodian
custody: holding by the police
custody battle: litigation to settle custody of the children of a divorced couple
custody case: a legal action to determine custody (usually of children following a divorce)
custody: (with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
custom: habitual patronage
custom: accepted or habitual practice
cut: the act of reducing the amount or number
cut: an unexcused absence from class
cut: the act of penetrating or opening open with a sharp edge
cut: the act of cutting something into parts
cut: the division of a deck of cards before dealing
cut: the act of shortening something by chopping off the ends
cut: (sports) a stroke that puts reverse spin on the ball
cut-and-thrust: fighting with knives
cut-in: (film) a still picture that is introduced and that interrupts the action of a film
cut-in: (broadcasting) a local announcement inserted into a network program
cut-rate sale: an occasion (usually brief) for buying at specially reduced prices
cutback: a reduction in quantity or rate
cutting: the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
cutting: the act of diluting something
cyber-terrorism: an assault on electronic communication networks
cybercrime: crime committed using a computer and the internet to steal a person's identity or sell contraband or stalk victims or disrupt operations with malevolent programs
cycling: the sport of traveling on a bicycle or motorcycle
cyclodestructive surgery: an eye operation that treats glaucoma by destroying the ciliary body with a laser
cytophotometry: the study of chemical compounds inside a cell by means of a cytophotometer
D and C: a surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia in which the cervix is dilated and the endometrial lining of the uterus is scraped with a curet; performed to obtain tissue samples or to stop prolonged bleeding or to remove small tumors or to remove fragments of placenta after childbirth or as a method of abortion
dab: a light touch or stroke
dacoity: robbery by a gang of armed dacoits
daily double: a single bet on two horse races in the same day
daily round: the usual activities in your day
dairy farming: the business of a dairy
daisy cutter: a batted or served ball that skims along close to the ground
dalliance: the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
damage control: an effort to minimize or curtail damage or loss
damage: the act of damaging something or someone
damage: any harm or injury resulting from a violation of a legal right
dampening: the act of making something slightly wet
damper: a depressing restraint
dance lesson: a lesson in dancing
dance of death: a medieval dance in which a skeleton representing death leads a procession of others to the grave
dance step: a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance
dance: taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
danger: a venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury
dangling: the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)
Dardanelles campaign: the unsuccessful campaign in World War I (1915) by the English and French to open a passage for aid to Russia; defeated by the Turks
dark adaptation: the process of adjusting the eyes to low levels of illumination; cones adapt first; rods continue to adapt for up to four hours
dark field illumination: a form of microscopic examination of living material by scattered light; specimens appear luminous against a dark background
darning: the act of mending a hole in a garment with crossing threads
dart: a sudden quick movement
darts: a game in which small pointed missiles are thrown at a dartboard
dash: a quick run
dashing hopes: an act (or failure to act) that disappoints someone
data encryption: (computer science) the encryption of data for security purposes
database management: creation and maintenance of a database
date rape: rape in which the rapist is known to the victim (as when they are on a date together)
dating: use of chemical analysis to estimate the age of geological specimens
daubing: the application of plaster
dawah: missionary work for Islam
day care: childcare during the day while parents work
day game: a game played in daylight
de-escalation: (war) a reduction in intensity (of a crisis or a war)
deactivation: the act of deactivating or making ineffective (as a bomb)
deactivation: breaking up a military unit (by transfers or discharges)
dead reckoning: navigation without the aid of celestial observations
dead-man's float: a floating position with the face down and arms stretched forward
deadly sin: an unpardonable sin entailing a total loss of grace
deal: the act of apportioning or distributing something
deal: the act of distributing playing cards
dealing: method or manner of conduct in relation to others
dealing: the act of transacting within or between groups (as carrying on commercial activities)
dealings: social or verbal interchange (usually followed by `with')
deanery: the position or office of a dean
death: the act of killing
debarkation: the act of passengers and crew getting off of a ship or aircraft
debarment: the act of prevention by legal means
debasement: changing to a lower state (a less respected state)
debridement: surgical removal of foreign material and dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote healing
debunking: the exposure of falseness or pretensions
debut: the act of beginning something new
decalcomania: the art of transfering designs from specially prepared paper to a wood or glass or metal surface
decampment: breaking camp
decantation: the act of gently pouring off a clear liquor (as from its original bottle) without disturbing the lees
deceit: the act of deceiving
deceleration: the act of decelerating; decreasing the speed
decentralisation: the spread of power away from the center to local branches or governments
decimalisation: the act of changing to a decimal system
decimation: destroying or killing a large part of the population (literally every tenth person as chosen by lot)
decipherment: the activity of making clear or converting from code into plain text
deck tennis: game played mainly on board ocean liners; players toss a ring back and forth over a net that is stretched across a small court
declassification: reduction or removal by the government of restrictions on a classified document or weapon
decolonisation: the action of changing from colonial to independent status
decompressing: relieving pressure (especially bringing a compressed person gradually back to atmospheric pressure)
decompression: restoring compressed information to its normal form for use or display
decontamination: the removal of contaminants
decoration: the act of decorating something (in the hope of making it more attractive)
decortication: removal of the outer covering of an organ or part
decoupage: the art of decorating a surface with shapes or pictures and then coating it with varnish or lacquer
decrease: the act of decreasing or reducing something
decriminalisation: legislation that makes something legal that was formerly illegal
deduction: the act of reducing the selling price of merchandise
deduction: the act of subtracting (removing a part from the whole)
deeds: performance of moral or religious acts
deep fording: fording at a deep place in the stream
deep supporting fire: fire on objectives not in the immediate vicinity of your forces but with the objective of destroying enemy reserves and weapons and interfering with the enemy command and supply and communications
deer hunt: hunting deer
deerstalking: stalking deer
defacement: the act of damaging the appearance or surface of something
defalcation: the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to your care but actually owned by someone else
default: loss due to not showing up
default judgement: a judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant defaults (fails to appear in court)
defecation reflex: normal response to the presence of feces in the rectum
defence: the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury
defence: protection from harm
defence: (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
defence: a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
defenestration: the act of throwing someone or something out of a window
deference: a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
deferment: act of putting off to a future time
defiance: a defiant act
defibrillation: treatment by stopping fibrillation of heart muscles (usually by electric shock delivered by a defibrillator)
deflation: the act of letting the air out of something
deflection: a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
defloration: the act of depriving a woman of her virginity (especially by rupturing the hymen through sexual intercourse)
defloration: an act that despoils the innocence or beauty of something
defoliation: causing the leaves of trees and other plants to fall off (as by the use of chemicals)
deforestation: the removal of trees
defrayal: the act of paying money
deglutition: the act of swallowing
degustation: taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality
dehumanisation: the act of degrading people with respect to their best qualities
dekko: British slang for a look
delay: the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
delectation: act of receiving pleasure from something
delegacy: the appointment of a delegate
delegating: authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions
deletion: the act of deleting something written or printed
deliberate defence: a defense organized before contact is made with the enemy and while time for organization is available; usually includes a fortified zone (with pillboxes) and communication systems
delineation: representation by drawing or painting etc
delinquency: an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor
deliverance: recovery or preservation from loss or danger
delivery: the voluntary transfer of something (title or possession) from one party to another
delivery: the act of delivering a child
delivery: (baseball) the act of throwing a baseball by a pitcher to a batter
delusion: the act of deluding; deception by creating illusory ideas
demand: the act of demanding
demand feeding: feeding a baby or animal whenever it shows a need
demarche: a move or step or maneuver in political or diplomatic affairs
demobilisation: act of changing from a war basis to a peace basis including disbanding or discharging troops
democratisation: the action of making something democratic
demolishing: complete destruction of a building
demolition: the act of demolishing
demonetisation: ending something (e.g. gold or silver) as no longer the legal tender of a country
demonolatry: the acts or rites of worshiping devils
demonstration: a show of military force or preparedness
demonstration: a public display of group feelings (usually of a political nature)
demonstration: a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view
demoralisation: destroying the moral basis for a doctrine or policy
demotion: act of lowering in rank or position
demurrage: detention of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure
denationalisation: changing something from state to private ownership or control
denigration: the act of expressing disapproval (especially of yourself)
densitometry: measuring the optical density of a substance by shining light on it and measuring its transmission
dental care: care for the teeth
dental practice: the practice of dentistry
dental procedure: a procedure employed by a dentist
departure: the act of departing
depersonalisation: representing a human being as a physical thing deprived of personal qualities or individuality
depilation: the act of removing hair (as from an animal skin)
depletion: the act of decreasing something markedly
deployment: the distribution of forces in preparation for battle or work
deportation: the expulsion from a country of an undesirable alien
deportation: the act of expelling a person from their native land
deposit: the act of putting something somewhere
deposition: the act of deposing someone; removing a powerful person from a position or office
depravity: a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
depreciation: a decrease in price or value
depredation: an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding
depression: pushing down
deprivation: act of depriving someone of food or money or rights
deracination: to move something from its natural environment
deracination: the act of pulling up or out; uprooting; cutting off from existence
derangement: the act of disturbing the mind or body
deregulating: the act of freeing from regulation (especially from governmental regulations)
dereliction: willful negligence
derision: the act of deriding or treating with contempt
derivation: the act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin
derivation: drawing off water from its main channel as for irrigation
derivation: drawing of fluid or inflammation away from a diseased part of the body
dermabrasion: removal of scars or tattoos by anesthetizing the skin surface and then sanding or scraping off some of the outer skin layer
derogation: (law) the partial taking away of the effectiveness of a law; a partial repeal or abolition of a law
derring-do: brave and heroic feats
descent: the act of changing your location in a downward direction
desegregation: the action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community
desensitisation procedure: a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and other behavior problems involving anxiety; client is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished
design: the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
designation: the act of designating or identifying something
desktop publishing: (computer science) the use of microcomputers with graphics capacity to produce printed materials
despatch: killing a person or animal
despatch: the act of sending off something
desperate measure: desperate actions taken as a means to an end
despite: contemptuous disregard
despoilation: the act of stripping and taking by force
destabilisation: the action of destabilizing; making something less stable (especially of a government or country or economy)
destruction fire: fire delivered for the sole purpose of destroying material objects
destruction: the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
detachment: the act of releasing from an attachment or connection
detecting: a police investigation to determine the perpetrator
detente: the easing of tensions or strained relations (especially between nations)
detention: a punishment in which a student must stay at school after others have gone home
determination: the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
deterrence: the act or process of discouraging actions or preventing occurrences by instilling fear or doubt or anxiety
detonation: the act of detonating an explosive
detoxification: treatment for poisoning by neutralizing the toxic properties (normally a function of the liver)
detoxification: a treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol intended to remove the physiological effects of the addictive substances
detraction: the act of discrediting or detracting from someone's reputation (especially by slander)
detribalisation: the act of causing tribal people to abandon their customs and adopt urban ways of living
detribalisation: the decline or termination of tribal organization
detrition: effort expended in moving one object over another with pressure
devaluation: an official lowering of a nation's currency; a decrease in the value of a country's currency relative to that of foreign countries
devaluation: the reduction of something's value or worth
devastation: plundering with excessive damage and destruction
development: act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
development: the act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful
deviance: deviate behavior
deviationism: ideological defection from the party line (especially from orthodox communism)
device: any clever maneuver
devilment: reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
devilry: wicked and cruel behavior
devising: the act that results in something coming to be
devitalisation: the act of reducing the vitality of something
devoir: formal expression of respect
devolution: the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government)
devotion: (usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually spoken silently)
devotion: commitment to some purpose
devotional: a short religious service
diagnosing: identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon
diagnostic procedure: a procedure followed in making a medical diagnosis
diagramming: providing a chart or outline of a system
dialysis: separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
diathermy: a method of physical therapy that involves generating local heat in body tissues by high-frequency electromagnetic currents
dichotomisation: the act of dividing into two sharply different categories
didactics: the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
Dien Bien Phu: the French military base fell after a siege by Vietnam troops that lasted 56 days; ended the involvement of France in Indochina in 1954
diet: the act of restricting your food intake (or your intake of particular foods)
differential blood count: counting the number of specific types of white blood cells found in 1 cubic millimeter of blood; may be included as part of a complete blood count
differential diagnosis: a systematic method of diagnosing a disorder (e.g., headache) that lacks unique symptoms or signs
differentiation: the mathematical process of obtaining the derivative of a function
difficulty: an effort that is inconvenient
diffusion: the act of dispersing or diffusing something
dig: the act of digging
dig: the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow
digging up: the act of digging something up out of the ground (especially a corpse) where it has been buried
digital communications technology: the design and construction of communications technology that transmits information in digital form
digitalisation: the administration of digitalis for the treatment of certain heart disorders
digression: wandering from the main path of a journey
dihybrid cross: hybridization using two traits with two alleles each
dilatation: the act of expanding an aperture
dilution: weakening (reducing the concentration) by the addition of water or a thinner
dining: the act of eating dinner
dink: a soft return so that the tennis ball drops abruptly after crossing the net
dint: interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of'
dip: a gymnastic exercise on the parallel bars in which the body is lowered and raised by bending and straightening the arms
dip: a brief swim in water
direct action: a protest action by labor or minority groups to obtain their demands
direct fire: fire delivered on a target that is visible to the person aiming it
direct flight: a flight with one or more intermediate stops but no change of aircraft
direct marketing: marketing via a promotion delivered directly to the individual prospective customer
direct primary: a primary where voters directly select the candidates who will run for office
direct support: a mission requiring one force to support another specific force and authorizing it to answer directly the supported force's request for assistance
direct supporting fire: fire delivered in support of part of a force (as opposed to general supporting fire delivered in support of the force as a whole)
directed study: a course of study that is supervised and controlled by a specialist in the subject
directed verdict: a verdict entered by the court in a jury trial without consideration by the jury
direction: the act of setting and holding a course
direction: the act of managing something
directorship: the position of a director of a business concern
dirty pool: conduct that is unfair or unethical or unsportsmanlike
dirty trick: an unkind or aggressive trick
dirty tricks: underhand commercial or political behavior designed to discredit an opponent
dirty war: an offensive conducted by secret police or the military of a regime against revolutionary and terrorist insurgents and marked by the use of kidnapping and torture and murder with civilians often being the victims
dirtying: the act of soiling something
disability insurance: social insurance for the disabled
disappearance: the act of leaving secretly or without explanation
disappearance: gradually ceasing to be visible
disapproval: the act of disapproving or condemning
disarmament: act of reducing or depriving of arms
disassembly: the act of taking something apart (as a piece of machinery)
disassortative mating: mating of individuals having traits more dissimilar than likely in random mating
disaster: an act that has disastrous consequences
disbandment: the act of disbanding
disbarment: the act of expelling a lawyer from the practice of law
disbursal: the act of spending or disbursing money
discard: (cards) the act of throwing out a useless card or of failing to follow suit
discard: getting rid something that is regarded as useless or undesirable
discharge: the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
discharge: the act of discharging a gun
discharge: a formal written statement of relinquishment
discharge: the act of venting
discipleship: the position of disciple
discipline: training to improve strength or self-control
discoloration: the act of changing the natural color of something by making it duller or dingier or unnatural or faded
disconnection: the act of breaking a connection
discontinuance: the act of discontinuing or breaking off; an interruption (temporary or permanent)
discord: strife resulting from a lack of agreement
discount business: the business of selling merchandise at a discount
discouragement: the act of discouraging
discourtesy: a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
discovered check: a check on the opponent's king that is delivered by moving a piece out of the line of attack by a queen or rook or bishop
discovery: the act of discovering something
discrimination: unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
disembowelment: the act of removing the bowels or viscera; the act of cutting so as to cause the viscera to protrude
disenfranchisement: the act of withdrawing certification or terminating a franchise
disengagement: to break off a military action with an enemy
disentanglement: the act of releasing from a snarled or tangled condition
disestablishment: the act terminating an established state of affairs; especially ending a connection with the Church of England
disfranchisement: the discontinuation of a franchise; especially the discontinuation of the right to vote
disgorgement: the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
dishonesty: lack of honesty; acts of lying or cheating or stealing
dishonorable discharge: a discharge from the armed forces for a grave offense (as sabotage or espionage or cowardice or murder)
dishwashing: the act of washing dishes
disinfection: treatment to destroy harmful microorganisms
disinfestation: the activity of getting rid of vermin
disinheritance: the act by a donor that terminates the right of a person to inherit
disinvestment: the withdrawal of capital from a country or corporation
dislodgement: forced removal from a position of advantage
dismissal: a judgment disposing of the matter without a trial
dismount: the act of dismounting (a horse or bike etc.)
disobedience: the failure to obey
disorganisation: the disturbance of a systematic arrangement causing disorder and confusion
disparagement: the act of speaking contemptuously of
dispensation: the act of dispensing (giving out in portions)
dispensation: an exemption from some rule or obligation
displacement: act of removing from office or employment
displacement: act of taking the place of another especially using underhanded tactics
displacement: the act of uniform movement
display: something shown to the public
disposal: the act or means of getting rid of something
dispossession: the expulsion of someone (such as a tenant) from the possession of land by process of law
disproof: the act of determining that something is false
disqualification: the act of preventing someone from participating by finding them unqualified
disregard: willful lack of care and attention
disruption: the act of causing disorder
dissection: detailed critical analysis or examination one part at a time (as of a literary work)
dissection: cutting so as to separate into pieces
dissent: the act of protesting; a public (often organized) manifestation of dissent
disservice: an act intended to help that turns out badly
dissipation: dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure
dissipation: useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly
dissociation: the act of removing from association
dissolution of marriage: an annulment of a marriage
distemper: a method of painting in which the pigments are mixed with water and a binder; used for painting posters or murals or stage scenery
distension: the act of expanding by pressure from within
distortion: the mistake of misrepresenting the facts
distortion: the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
distraction: the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something
distraint: the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim
distributed fire: fire dispersed so as to engage effectively an area target
distribution: the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning
distribution: the commercial activity of transporting and selling goods from a producer to a consumer
disturbance: the act of disturbing something or someone; setting something in motion
disunion: the termination or destruction of union
divarication: branching at a wide angle
dive: a headlong plunge into water
dive: a steep nose-down descent by an aircraft
dive-bombing: a bombing run in which the bomber releases the bomb while flying straight toward the target
divergence: the act of moving away in different direction from a common point
diversification: the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered)
diversion: an attack calculated to draw enemy defense away from the point of the principal attack
diversion: an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
diversionary landing: an amphibious diversionary attack
divestiture: the sale by a company of a product line or a subsidiary or a division
Divine Office: canonical prayers recited daily by priests (e.g. the breviary of the Roman Catholic Church)
divine service: the act of public worship following prescribed rules
division: the act or process of dividing
division: an arithmetic operation that is the inverse of multiplication; the quotient of two numbers is computed
division: the act of dividing or partitioning; separation by the creation of a boundary that divides or keeps apart
divorce: the legal dissolution of a marriage
do-si-do: a square-dance figure; two dancers approach each other and circle back to back before returning to their original places
dockage: the act of securing an arriving vessel with ropes
doctor: children take the roles of physician or patient or nurse and pretend they are at the physician's office
documentation: documentary validation
doddle: an easy task
dodge: a quick evasive movement
dodging: nonperformance of something distasteful (as by deceit or trickery) that you are supposed to do
dog breeding: breeding dogs
dog paddle: an elementary swimming stroke imitating a swimming dog
dog show: a competitive exhibition of dogs
dogfight: a violent fight between dogs (sometimes organized illegally for entertainment and gambling)
dogfight: an aerial engagement between fighter planes
dogfight: disorderly fighting
dogtrot: a steady trot like that of a dog
dolce far niente: carefree idleness
dole: money received from the state
dolphin kick: a swimming kick; an up and down kick of the feet together
domestic flight: a flight that begins and ends in the same country
domestic terrorism: terrorism practiced in your own country against your own people
domestic violence: violence or physical abuse directed toward your spouse or domestic partner or other members of a household
domestication: accommodation to domestic life
domesticity: domestic activities or life
domination: social control by dominating
dominoes: any of several games played with small rectangular blocks
donkeywork: hard monotonous routine work
dormancy: quiet and inactive restfulness
dorsiflexion: the act of bending backward (of the body or a body part)
dosimetry: measuring the dose of radiation emitted by a radioactive source
double blind: a test procedure in which the identity of those receiving the intervention is concealed from both the administrators and the subjects until after the test is completed; designed to reduce or eliminate bias in the results
double cross: an act of betrayal
double dribble: an illegal dribble in basketball (the player uses both hands to dribble or the player starts to dribble a second time after coming to a stop)
double Dutch: the difficult version of jump rope in which players jump over two ropes that are swung in a crisscross manner by two turners
double entry: bookkeeper debits the transaction to one account and credits it to another
double fault: (tennis) two successive faults in serving resulting in the loss of the point
double feature: two games instead of one (especially in baseball when the same two teams play two games on the same day)
double jeopardy: the prosecution of a defendant for a criminal offense for which he has already been tried; prohibited in the fifth amendment to the United States Constitution
double leg circle: a gymnastic exercise performed on the pommel horse when the gymnast (with legs together) swings his legs in a circle while alternating hands on the pommels
double play: the act of getting two players out on one play
double reverse: (American football) a running play in which a first reverse is followed by a second reverse
double stopping: stopping two strings and producing two notes at the same time
double take: a delayed reaction indicating surprise
double: raising the stakes in a card game by a factor of 2
double: a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base
double-blind experiment: an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects of the experiment nor the persons administering the experiment know the critical aspects of the experiment
double-dealing: acting in bad faith; deception by pretending to entertain one set of intentions while acting under the influence of another
doubles: tennis played with two players on each side
doubles: badminton played with two players on each side
douche: irrigation with a jet of water or medicated solution into or around a body part (especially the vagina) to treat infections or cleanse from odorous contents
dousing: the act of wetting something by submerging it
doweling: fastening by dowels
down: (American football) a complete play to advance the football
down-bow: a downward stroke from the heel to the tip of the bow
downshift: a change to a lower gear in a car or bicycle
downshift: a change from a financially rewarding but stressful career to a less well paid but more fulfilling one
downspin: a swift and dangerous downturn
downswing: a swing downward of a golf club
downswing: a worsening of business or economic activity
downtick: a transaction in the stock market at a price below the price of the preceding transaction
doze: a light fitful sleep
draft: the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
draft: a large and hurried swallow
drafting: writing a first version to be filled out and polished later
drafting: the creation of artistic pictures or diagrams
drafting: the craft of drawing blueprints
drag: the act of dragging (pulling with force)
drag: a slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke)
drain: a gradual depletion of energy or resources
drain: emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it
dramatic performance: the act of performing a drama
dramatics: participation in theatrical productions as an extracurricular activity
dramatisation: conversion into dramatic form
dramatisation: a dramatic representation
draw: (American football) the quarterback moves back as if to pass and then hands the ball to the fullback who is running toward the line of scrimmage
draw: poker in which a player can discard cards and receive substitutes from the dealer
draw: the act of drawing or hauling something
draw: a golf shot that curves to the left for a right-handed golfer
drawing: act of getting or draining something such as electricity or a liquid from a source
drawing: players buy (or are given) chances and prizes are distributed by casting lots
drenching: the act of making something completely wet
dress rehearsal: a full uninterrupted rehearsal in costumes shortly before the first performance
dressage: maneuvers of a horse in response to body signals by the rider
dressing: processes in the conversion of rough hides into leather
dressing: the activity of getting dressed; putting on clothes
dressmaking: the craft of making dresses
dribble: the propulsion of a ball by repeated taps or kicks
drifting: aimless wandering from place to place
drill: (military) the training of soldiers to march (as in ceremonial parades) or to perform the manual of arms
drill: systematic training by multiple repetitions
drinking bout: a long period of drinking
drinking: the act of consuming liquids
drip culture: a hydroponic method of growing plants by allowing nutrient solutions to drip slowly onto an inert medium in which the plants are growing
drip feed: the administration of a solution (blood or saline or plasma etc.) one drop at a time
drive: (sports) a hard straight return (as in tennis or squash)
drive: the act of driving a herd of animals overland
drive: hitting a golf ball off of a tee with a driver
drive: the act of applying force to propel something
drive: a journey in a vehicle (usually an automobile)
drive-by killing: homicide committed by shooting from a moving automobile
drive-by shooting: shooting someone from a car as it is driven past the victim
driving: the act of controlling and steering the movement of a vehicle or animal
Drogheda: in 1649 the place was captured by Oliver Cromwell, who massacred the Catholic inhabitants
drollery: a quaint and amusing jest
drop: the act of dropping something
dropkick: (football) kicking (as for a field goal) in which the football is dropped and kicked as it touches the ground
drug abuse: excessive use of drugs
drug bust: seizure of illegal drugs by the police
drug traffic: traffic in illegal drugs
drug war: conflict between law enforcement and those who deal in illegal drugs
drug withdrawal: the termination of drug taking
drugging: the administration of a sedative agent or drug
drumbeat: a vehement and vociferous advocacy of a cause
drumming: the act of playing drums
dry cleaning: the act of cleaning (fabrics) with a solvent other than water
dry run: a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
dry walling: the activity of building stone walls without mortar
dry-gulching: the act of killing from ambush
duck hunting: hunting ducks
duckpins: a bowling game using a pin smaller than a tenpin but proportionately wider
ducks and drakes: a game in which a flat stone is bounced along the surface of calm water
due care: the care that a reasonable man would exercise under the circumstances; the standard for determining legal duty
due process: (law) the administration of justice according to established rules and principles; based on the principle that a person cannot be deprived of life or liberty or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards
duel: any struggle between two skillful opponents (individuals or groups)
duet: (ballet) a dance for two people (usually a ballerina and a danseur noble)
dumb show: a performance using gestures and body movements without words
dummy whist: a form of whist with three players; four hands are dealt with the hand opposite the dealer being face up
dumping: selling goods abroad at a price below that charged in the domestic market
dune cycling: bicycling or motorcycling on sand dunes
dunk: a basketball shot in which the basketball is propelled downward into the basket
Dunkerque: an amphibious evacuation in World War II (1940) when 330,000 Allied troops had to be evacuated from the beaches in northern France in a desperate retreat under enemy fire
dupery: something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
duplication: the act of copying or making a duplicate (or duplicates) of something
dust contamination: the act of contaminating with dust particles
duster: a pitch thrown deliberately close to the batter
dutch auction: a method of selling in which the price is reduced until a buyer is found
Dutch treat: a dinner where each person pays for his own
duty: work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons
duty: the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
dyeing: the use of dye to change the color of something permanently
dynamic headroom: the capacity of a system to reproduce loud sounds without distortion
e-commerce: commerce conducted electronically (as on the internet)
E-LASIK: a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
earned run: a run that was not scored as the result of an error by the other team
earthing: fastening electrical equipment to earth
ease: freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
easiness: the quality of being easy in behavior or style
eating: the act of consuming food
ecarte: a card game for 2 players; played with 32 cards and king high
ecclesiasticism: excessive adherence to ecclesiastical forms and activities
ECCM: electronic warfare undertaken to insure effective friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum in spite of the enemy's use of electronic warfare
echo: an imitation or repetition
echo sounding: determining the location of something by measuring the time it takes for an echo to return from it
echocardiography: a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study to structure and motions of the heart
echoencephalography: a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study the anatomy of the brain
echography: using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram); commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs
echolalia: (psychiatry) mechanical and meaningless repetition of the words of another person (as in schizophrenia)
ECM: electronic warfare undertaken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum
ecological terrorism: violence carried out to further the political or social objectives of the environmentalists
economic mobilisation: mobilization of the economy
economic strangulation: punishment of a group by cutting off commercial dealings with them
economy of scale: the saving in cost of production that is due to mass production
economy: an act of economizing; reduction in cost
ecotourism: tourism to exotic or threatened ecosystems to observe wildlife or to help preserve nature
ECT: the administration of a strong electric current that passes through the brain to induce convulsions and coma
editorship: the position of editor
education: the profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university)
edutainment: entertainment that is intended to be educational
effacement: withdrawing into the background; making yourself inconspicuous
effectuation: the act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something); carrying into effect
effleurage: a rhythmic stroking
effort: use of physical or mental energy; hard work
effort: a notable achievement
effusion: flow under pressure
ego trip: an act undertaken to increase your own power and influence or to draw attention to your own importance
egress: the act of coming (or going) out; becoming apparent
eightsome: a Scottish reel for eight dancers
eisteddfod: any of several annual Welsh festivals involving artistic competitions (especially in singing)
ejection: the act of forcing out someone or something
ejection: the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting
elaboration: developing in intricate and painstaking detail
elbowing: jostling with the elbows
eldership: the office of elder
election: a vote to select the winner of a position or political office
election: the act of selecting someone or something; the exercise of deliberate choice
election fraud: misrepresentation or alteration of the true results of an election
elective: a course that the student can select from among alternatives
electric healing: the therapeutic application of electricity to the body (as in the treatment of various forms of paralysis)
electric shock: the use of electricity to administer punishment or torture
electric shock: a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body
electrical work: the craft of an electrician
electrification: the act of providing electricity
electrification: the activity of thrilling or markedly exciting some person or group
electrocautery: application of a needle heated by an electric current to destroy tissue (as to remove warts)
electrocution: killing by electric shock
electrolysis: removing superfluous or unwanted hair by passing an electric current through the hair root
electromagnetic intrusion: the deliberate insertion of electromagnetic energy into transmission paths with the objective of confusing or deceiving operators
electromyography: diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders with the use of an electromyograph
electron microscopy: microscopy with the use of electron microscopes
electronic deception: the deliberate use of electromagnetic energy in a manner intended to convey misleading information
electronic imitative deception: the introduction of electromagnetic energy into enemy systems that imitates enemy emissions
electronic jamming: deliberate radiation or reflection of electromagnetic energy for the purpose of disrupting enemy use of electronic devices or systems
electronic manipulative deception: actions to eliminate revealing telltale indicators that could be used by the enemy (or to convey misleading indicators)
electronic reconnaissance: the detection and identification and evaluation and location of foreign electromagnetic radiations (other than radioactive)
electronic simulative deception: actions to represent friendly notional or actual capabilities to mislead hostile forces
electronic surveillance: surveillance by electronic means (e.g. television)
electrosurgery: surgery performed with electrical devices (as in electrocautery)
elementary education: education in elementary subjects (reading and writing and arithmetic) provided to young students at a grade school
elimination: the act of removing an unknown mathematical quantity by combining equations
elimination: the murder of a competitor
elimination: the act of removing or getting rid of something
ELINT: intelligence derived from electromagnetic radiations from foreign sources (other than radioactive sources)
ELISA: an assay that relies on an enzymatic conversion reaction and is used to detect the presence of specific substances (such as enzymes or viruses or antibodies or bacteria)
elongation: the act of lengthening something
elopement: the act of running away with a lover (usually to get married)
eluding: the act of avoiding capture (especially by cunning)
emanation: the act of emitting; causing to flow forth
emancipation: freeing someone from the control of another; especially a parent's relinquishing authority and control over a minor child
embalmment: preservation (of a dead body) by treating with balsams and drugs and other chemicals
embellishment: the act of adding extraneous decorations to something
embodiment: giving concrete form to an abstract concept
embolectomy: surgical removal of an embolus (usually from an artery)
embrace: the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
embryonic stem-cell research: biological research on stem cells derived from embryos and on their use in medicine
EMDA: therapy that uses a local electric current to introduce the ions of a medicine into the tissues
emendation: a correction by emending; a correction resulting from critical editing
emergence: the act of emerging
emergency landing: an unscheduled airplane landing that is made under circumstances (engine failure or adverse weather) not under the pilot's control
emergency procedure: (medicine) a procedure adopted to meet an emergency (especially a medical emergency)
emigration: migration from a place (especially migration from your native country in order to settle in another)
emirate: the office of an emir
empiricism: the application of empirical methods in any art or science
empiricism: medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings
emplacement: the act of putting something in a certain place
employee-owned business: a commercial enterprise owned by the people who work for it
employment: the act of giving someone a job
employment: the act of using
employment: the occupation for which you are paid
emptying: the act of removing the contents of something
emulation: effort to equal or surpass another
en passant: (chess) a chess pawn that is moved two squares can be captured by an opponent's pawn commanding the square that was passed
enactment: the passing of a law by a legislative body
encasement: the act of enclosing something in a case
encephalography: roentgenography of the brain after spinal fluid has been replaced by a gas (usually oxygen); produces an encephalogram
enclosing: the act of enclosing something inside something else
encoding: the activity of converting data or information into code
encore: an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand
encroachment: influencing strongly
encroachment: entry to another's property without right or permission
end: (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
end: the part you are expected to play
end run: (American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running around the end of the line
endarterectomy: surgical removal of the inner lining of an artery that is clogged with atherosclerosis
endearment: the act of showing affection
endeavor: a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
endorsement: the act of endorsing
endoscopy: visual examination of the interior of a hollow body organ by use of an endoscope
endowment: the act of endowing with a permanent source of income
endurance contest: any long and arduous undertaking
endurance riding: riding for long hours over long distances
enervation: surgical removal of a nerve
enfilade: gunfire directed along the length rather than the breadth of a formation
enfolding: the action of enfolding something
enforcement: the act of enforcing; ensuring observance of or obedience to
engagement: the act of sharing in the activities of a group
engineering: the practical application of technical and scientific knowledge to commerce or industry
English Civil War: civil war in England between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists under Charles I; 1644-1648
engorgement: eating ravenously or voraciously to satiation
engraving: making engraved or etched plates and printing designs from them
enhancement: an improvement that makes something more agreeable
Eniwetok: World War II (February 1944); American infantry landed and captured a Japanese stronghold
enlargement: the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
enlisting: the act of getting recruits; enlisting people for the army (or for a job or a cause etc.)
enlistment: the act of enlisting (as in a military service)
ennoblement: the act of raising someone to the nobility
enormity: an act of extreme wickedness
enquiry: a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
enrichment: act of making fuller or more meaningful or rewarding
enrollment: the act of enrolling
enslavement: the act of making slaves of your captives
entail: the act of entailing property; the creation of a fee tail from a fee simple
entering: the act of entering
enterostomy: surgical operation that creates a permanent opening through the abdominal wall into the intestine
enticement: the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire
entr'acte: a brief show (music or dance etc) inserted between the sections of a longer performance
entrapment: a defense that claims the defendant would not have broken the law if not tricked into doing it by law enforcement officials
entree: an entrance, especially a theatrical entrance onto a stage or as if onto a stage
enucleation: surgical removal of something without cutting into it
environmentalism: the activity of protecting the environment from pollution or destruction
envy: spite and resentment at seeing the success of another (personified as one of the deadly sins)
epidural injection: injection of an anesthetic substance into the epidural space of the spinal cord in order to produce epidural anesthesia
epikeratophakia: using a piece of donated corneal tissue to repair the eye of someone who has had a cataract removed
episiotomy: surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth
equal temperament: the division of the scale based on an octave that is divided into twelve exactly equal semitones
equalisation: the act of making equal or uniform
equalizer: a score that makes the match even
equating: the act of regarding as equal
equestrian sport: a sport that tests horsemanship
equilibration: stabilization by bringing into equilibrium
equitation: the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements
equivocation: falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language
erasure: deletion by an act of expunging or erasing
erecting: the act of building or putting up
ergotropism: an affinity for work
erotica: creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire
errand: a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
error: a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
error: (baseball) a failure of a defensive player to make an out when normal play would have sufficed
escalade: an act of scaling by the use of ladders (especially the walls of a fortification)
escalation: an increase to counteract a perceived discrepancy
escapade: any carefree episode
escape: a means or way of escaping
escape: an avoidance of danger or difficulty
escape mechanism: a form of behavior that evades unpleasant realities
escape: an inclination to retreat from unpleasant realities through diversion or fantasy
escape: the act of escaping physically
ESM: electronic warfare undertaken under direct control of an operational commander to locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition
espionage: the systematic use of spies to get military or political secrets
ESR: microwave spectroscopy in which there is resonant absorption of radiation by a paramagnet
essay: a tentative attempt
estimate: a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody
ethnic cleansing: the mass expulsion and killing of one ethnic or religious group in an area by another ethnic or religious group in that area
etiolation: the act of weakening by stunting the growth or development of something
etiolation: (botany) the act of causing a plant to develop without chlorophyll by growing it without exposure to sunlight
euchre: a card game similar to ecarte; each player is dealt 5 cards and the player making trump must take 3 tricks to win a hand
eupnea: normal relaxed breathing
eurhythmics: the interpretation in harmonious bodily movements of the rhythm of musical compositions; used to teach musical understanding
euthanasia: the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)
evacuation: the act of evacuating; leaving a place in an orderly fashion; especially for protection
evaluation: act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of
evasion: the act of physically escaping from something (an opponent or a pursuer or an unpleasant situation) by some adroit maneuver
evasion: the deliberate act of failing to pay money
evasive action: an action aimed at evading an opponent
eversion: the act of turning inside out
evil eye: a look that is believed to have the power of inflicting harm
evil: morally objectionable behavior
evildoing: the act of transgressing; the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
evisceration: surgical removal of an organ (or the contents of an organ) from a patient
evisceration: altering something (as a legislative act or a statement) in such a manner as to reduce its value
EW: military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine or exploit or reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum
exacerbation: violent and bitter exasperation
exacta: a bet that you can pick the first and second finishers in the right order
exaction: act of demanding or levying by force or authority
exaggeration: the act of making something more noticeable than usual
examination: the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
examination: the act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned
example: a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
exasperation: actions that cause great irritation (or even anger)
excavation: the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth
excess: excessive indulgence
exchange: the act of giving something in return for something received
exchange: (chess) the capture by both players (usually on consecutive moves) of pieces of equal value
exchange: (chess) gaining (or losing) a rook in return for a knight or bishop
exchange transfusion: slow removal of a person's blood and its replacement with equal amounts of a donor's blood
exchange: reciprocal transfer of equivalent sums of money (especially the currencies of different countries)
exchange: the act of changing one thing for another thing
exchange: (sports) an unbroken sequence of several successive strokes
excision: the act of banishing a member of a church from the communion of believers and the privileges of the church; cutting a person off from a religious society
excitation: something that agitates and arouses
exculpation: the act of freeing from guilt or blame
excursion: a journey taken for pleasure
execution: unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being
exemption: an act exempting someone
exenteration: surgical removal of the organs within a body cavity (as those of the pelvis)
exercise: an action, often used negatively and without consequences
exercise set: several exercises intended to be done in series
exercise: the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
exfiltration operation: a clandestine rescue operation to bring a defector or refugee or an operative and family out of danger
exhaustion: the act of exhausting something entirely
exhibition: the act of exhibiting
exhibition game: a game whose outcome is not recorded in the season's standing
exhibitionism: the perverse act of exposing and attracting attention to your own genitals
exit: the act of going out
exodus: a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment
exoneration: the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure etc.
expanding upon: adding information or detail
expectoration: the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)
expedient: a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one
expedition: a journey organized for a particular purpose
expedition: a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
expending: the act of spending money for goods or services
experiment: a venture at something new or different
experiment: the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
experimental procedure: the specific techniques used in conducting a particular experiment
exploitation: an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
exploration: a careful systematic search
exploration: to travel for the purpose of discovery
exploratory survey: exploring in order to gain information
explosion: a golf shot from a bunker that typically moves sand as well as the golf ball
exponentiation: the process of raising a quantity to some assigned power
exportation: the commercial activity of selling and shipping goods to a foreign country
exposure: the act of exposing film to light
exposure: presentation to view in an open or public manner
exposure: the act of subjecting someone to an influencing experience
exposure: abandoning without shelter or protection (as by leaving an infant out in the open)
exposure therapy: a form of behavior therapy in which a survivor confronts feelings or phobias or anxieties about a traumatic event and relives it in the therapy situation
express: rapid transport of goods
expression: the act of forcing something out by squeezing or pressing
expropriation: taking out of an owner's hands (especially taking property by public authority)
expulsion: squeezing out by applying pressure
extemporisation: a performance given extempore without planning or preparation
extension: act of expanding in scope; making more widely available
extension: act of stretching or straightening out a flexed limb
extension course: a course offered as part of an extension service
extension: an educational opportunity provided by colleges and universities to people who are not enrolled as regular students
extenuation: to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious
exteriorisation: embodying in an outward form
extermination: the act of exterminating
extinction: the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning
extortion: the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)
extortion: unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority)
extra point: in American football a point awarded for a successful place kick following a touchdown
extracapsular surgery: cataract surgery in which only the front of the lens is removed; the back of the lens capsule remains intact and provides support for the lens implant
extraction: the action of taking out something (especially using effort or force)
extracurricular activity: educational activities not falling within the scope of the regular curriculum
extradition: the surrender of an accused or convicted person by one state or country to another (usually under the provisions of a statute or treaty)
extramarital sex: sexual intercourse between individuals who are not married to one another
extravagance: excessive spending
extravaganza: any lavishly staged or spectacular entertainment
eye contact: contact that occurs when two people look directly at each other
eye movement: the movement of the eyes
eye operation: any surgical procedure involving the eyes
eye-beaming: a radiant glance of the eye
eyedrop: a method of irrigating the eye used by ophthalmologists
eyeful: a full view; a good look
fabrication: writing in a fictional form
fabrication: the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
fabrication: the act of making something (a product) from raw materials
face lift: a renovation that improves the outward appearance (as of a building) but usually does not involve major changes
face saver: an act that avoids a loss of face (of dignity or prestige)
face-off: (ice hockey) the method of starting play; a referee drops the puck between two opposing players
facial: care for the face that usually involves cleansing and massage and the application of cosmetic creams
facilitation: act of assisting or making easier the progress or improvement of something
facility: something designed and created to serve a particular function and to afford a particular convenience or service
facility: a service that an organization or a piece of equipment offers you
facing: providing something with a surface of a different material
fade: a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer
failing: failure to reach a minimum required performance
failure: an unexpected omission
failure: an act that fails
fair ball: (baseball) a ball struck with the bat so that it stays between the lines (the foul lines) that define the width of the playing field
fair catch: (American football) a catch of a punt on the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not run and so should not be tackled
fair hearing: a hearing that is granted in extraordinary situations where the normal judicial process would be inadequate to secure due process because the person would be harmed or denied their rights before a judicial remedy became available (as in deportation or loss of welfare benefits)
fair trade: trade that is conducted legally
fair trade: trade that satisfies certain criteria on the supply chain of the goods involved, usually including fair payment for producers; often with other social and environmental considerations
faith: loyalty or allegiance to a cause or a person
faith cure: care provided through prayer and faith in God
fake: (football) a deceptive move made by a football player
fakery: the act of faking (or the product of faking)
fall: a lapse into sin; a loss of innocence or of chastity
fall: a sudden drop from an upright position
false imprisonment: (law) confinement without legal authority
false pretence: (law) an offense involving intent to defraud and false representation and obtaining property as a result of that misrepresentation
false verdict: a manifestly unjust verdict; not true to the evidence
falsehood: the act of rendering something false as by fraudulent changes (of documents or measures etc.) or counterfeiting
falsification: a willful perversion of facts
falter: the act of pausing uncertainly
familiarity: an act of undue intimacy
family medicine: medical practice that provides health care regardless of age or sex while placing emphasis on the family unit
family therapy: any of several therapeutic approaches in which a family is treated as a whole
fan dance: a solo dance in which large fans are manipulated to suggest or reveal nakedness
fan tan: a Chinese gambling game; a random number of counters are placed under a bowl and you gamble on how many will be left (0, 1, 2, or 3 modulo 4)
fandango: a provocative Spanish courtship dance in triple time; performed by a man and a woman playing castanets
fantan: a card game in which you play your sevens and other cards in sequence in the same suit as the sevens; you win if you are the first to use all your cards
farandole: a lively dance from Provence; all the dancers join hands and execute various figures
fare-stage: a section along the route of a bus for which the fare is the same
farewell: the act of departing politely
farming: agriculture considered as an occupation or way of life
faro: a card game in which players bet against the dealer on the cards he will draw from a dealing box
fartlek: a method of athletic training (especially for runners) in which strenuous effort and normal effort alternate in a continuous exercise
fashion: characteristic or habitual practice
fast break: (basketball) a rapid dash to get a shot as soon as possible after taking possession of the ball
fast one: a cunning or deceitful action or device
fast track: a rapid means of achieving a goal
fast: abstaining from food
Fat Tuesday: a carnival held in some countries on Shrove Tuesday (the last day before Lent) but especially in New Orleans
fatherhood: the status of a father
fatherhood: the status of a religious leader
fatigue: labor of a nonmilitary kind done by soldiers (cleaning or digging or draining or so on)
fatism: discrimination against people who are overweight
fatwa: a ruling on a point of Islamic law that is given by a recognized authority
fault: (sports) a serve that is illegal (e.g., that lands outside the prescribed area)
faux pas: a socially awkward or tactless act
favor: an act of gracious kindness
feather: turning an oar parallel to the water between pulls
featherbedding: the practice (usually by a labor union) of requiring an employer to hire more workers than are required
February Revolution: the revolution against the czarist government which led to the abdication of Nicholas II and the creation of a provisional government in March 1917
federalisation: the act of being put under federal control
federation: the act of constituting a political unity out of a number of separate states or colonies or provinces so that each member retains the management of its internal affairs
fee splitting: payment (usually by doctors or lawyers) of part of the fee in return for the referral
feel: manual stimulation of the genital area for sexual pleasure
feigning: the act of giving a false appearance
feint: any distracting or deceptive maneuver (as a mock attack)
fell: the act of felling something (as a tree)
fellatio: oral stimulation of the penis
felo-de-se: an act of deliberate self destruction
felony: a serious crime (such as murder or arson)
feminism: the movement aimed at equal rights for women
fencing: the art or sport of fighting with swords (especially the use of foils or epees or sabres to score points under a set of rules)
fenestration: surgical procedure that creates a new fenestra to the cochlea in order to restore hearing lost because of osteosclerosis
feria: (in Spanish speaking regions) a local festival or fair, usually in honor of some patron saint
ferry: transport by boat or aircraft
festival: an organized series of acts and performances (usually in one place)
fetal movement: motion of a fetus within the uterus (usually detected by the 16th week of pregnancy)
fetch: the action of fetching
fetich: excessive or irrational devotion to some activity
fetichism: sexual arousal or gratification resulting from handling a fetish (or a specific part of the body other than the sexual organs)
fetometry: measurement of a fetus (especially the diameter of the head)
fetoscopy: prenatal diagnosis that allows direct observation of a fetus in the uterus and the withdrawal of fetal blood
feud: a bitter quarrel between two parties
feudal lordship: the position and authority of a feudal lord
fibbing: a trivial act of lying or being deliberately unclear
fibrillation: act or process of forming fibrils
fiduciary duty: the legal duty of a fiduciary to act in the best interests of the beneficiary
field game: an outdoor game played on a field of specified dimensions
field general: (American football) the position of the football player in the backfield who directs the offensive play of his team
field goal: a score in American football; a score made by kicking the ball between the opponents' goal posts
field hockey: a game resembling ice hockey that is played on an open field; two opposing teams use curved hockey sticks try to drive a ball into the opponents' net
field press censorship: security review of news (including all information or material intended for dissemination to the public) subject to the jurisdiction of the armed forces
field sport: a sport that is played outdoors
field trial: a test of young hunting dogs to determine their skill in pointing and retrieving
field trip: a group excursion (to a museum or the woods or some historic place) for firsthand examination
field work: an investigation carried out in the field rather than in a laboratory or headquarters
field: a particular kind of commercial enterprise
fielder's choice: a play made on a ground ball in which the fielder chooses to put out an advancing runner instead of the batter
fielding: (baseball) handling the ball while playing in the field
FIFO: inventory accounting in which the oldest items (those first acquired) are assumed to be the first sold
Fifth Crusade: a Crusade under papal control from 1218 to 1221 that achieved military victories but failed when dissension arose over accepting the terms they had been offered
fight: a boxing or wrestling match
figuration: decorating with a design
figuration: representing figuratively as by emblem or allegory
figure: a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating
figure eight: a skating figure that carves an 8 in the ice
figure skating: ice skating where the skates trace outlines of selected figures
filial duty: duty of a child to its parents
filibuster: (law) a tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches
filicide: the murder of your own son or daughter
filing: the act of using a file (as in shaping or smoothing an object)
filing: preservation and methodical arrangement as of documents and papers etc.
filling: the act of filling something
film festival: a cinematic festival that features films (usually films produced during the past year)
film making: the production of movies
filtration: the act of changing a fluid by passing it through a filter
filtration surgery: eye surgery that opens a passage allowing excess aqueous humor to drain into surrounding tissues; a treatment for glaucoma
final decision: a judgment disposing of the case before the court; after the judgment (or an appeal from it) is rendered all that remains is to enforce the judgment
finalisation: the act of finalizing
finance: the commercial activity of providing funds and capital
finance: the management of money and credit and banking and investments
financial audit: an attestation that the client's financial statement is accurate
financing: the act of financing
finding: the decision of a court on issues of fact or law
finding of fact: (law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment
fine-tooth comb: a method of examining in minute detail
finger-painting: painting by using the fingers to spread the paint
finger-roll: a basketball shot that rolls off the tips of the fingers into the basket
fingering: touching something with the fingers
fingering: the placement of the fingers for playing different notes (or sequences of notes) on a musical instrument
fingerprinting: the procedure of taking inked impressions of a person's fingerprints for the purpose of identification
finish: the act of finishing
fire control: preparation for the delivery of shellfire on a target
fire drill: an exercise intended to train people in duties and escape procedures to be followed in case of fire
fire sale: a sale of merchandise supposedly damaged by fire
fire sale: a sale of assets at very low prices typically when the seller faces bankruptcy
fire watching: (during World War II in Britain) watching for fires started by bombs that dropped from the sky
fire: the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
fire-worship: the worship of fire
fireman: play in which children pretend to put out a fire
fireman's carry: the act of carrying a person over your shoulder
firewall: (colloquial) the application of maximum thrust
firing: the act of setting something on fire
first aid: emergency care given before regular medical aid can be obtained
first base: the initial stage in accomplishing something
first battle of Ypres: battle in World War I (1914); heavy but indecisive fighting as the Allies and the Germans both tried to break through the lines of the others
First Crusade: a Crusade from 1096 to 1099; captured Jerusalem and created a theocracy there
first step: the first of a series of actions
first strike: the initial use of nuclear weapons to attack a country that also has nuclear weapons; considered feasible only when the attacker can destroy the other country's ability to retaliate
First World War: a war between the allies (Russia, France, British Empire, Italy, United States, Japan, Rumania, Serbia, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Montenegro) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria) from 1914 to 1918
first: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed at first of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate)
fish-worship: the worship of fish
fishing: the occupation of catching fish for a living
fishing: the act of someone who fishes as a diversion
fistfight: a fight with bare fists
fits and starts: repeated bursts of activity
fitting: putting clothes on to see whether they fit
fives: a game resembling handball; played on a court with a front wall and two side walls
fix: something craved, especially an intravenous injection of a narcotic drug
fix: an exemption granted after influence (e.g., money) is brought to bear
fix: the act of putting something in working order again
fix: a determination of the place where something is
fixation: the activity of fastening something firmly in position
fixation: (histology) the preservation and hardening of a tissue sample to retain as nearly as possible the same relations they had in the living body
fixed intonation: the intonation of keyboard instruments where the pitch of each note is fixed and cannot be varied by the performer
flagellation: beating as a source of erotic or religious stimulation
flagellation: beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment
flamenco: a style of dancing characteristic of the Andalusian Gypsies; vigorous and rhythmic with clapping and stamping of feet
flare: (baseball) a fly ball hit a short distance into the outfield
flare: a short forward pass to a back who is running toward the sidelines
flash butt welding: butt welding by creating an electric arc between the two pieces which melts and joins them; used for joining segments of metal pipe
flex: the act of flexing
flexible sigmoidoscopy: visual examination (with a sigmoidoscope) of the lower third of the colon in a search for polyps
flexion: act of bending a joint; especially a joint between the bones of a limb so that the angle between them is decreased
flicker: the act of moving back and forth
flight: a scheduled trip by plane between designated airports
flight control: control from ground stations of airplanes in flight by means of messages transmitted to the pilot electronically
flight: an instance of traveling by air
flinch: a reflex response to sudden pain
fling: the act of flinging
fling: a brief indulgence of your impulses
flip: a dive in which the diver somersaults before entering the water
flip: a sudden, quick movement
flip: (sports) the act of throwing the ball to another member of your team
flip: an acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return
flip: the act of flipping a coin
flip-flop: a backward somersault
flit: a secret move (to avoid paying debts)
floatation: financing a commercial enterprise by bond or stock shares
floating: the act of someone who floats on the water
flood control: (engineering) the art or technique of trying to control rivers with dams etc in order to minimize the occurrence of floods
flood: the act of flooding; filling to overflowing
flood: a large flow
flooding: a technique used in behavior therapy; client is flooded with experiences of a particular kind until becoming either averse to them or numbed to them
floriculture: the cultivation of flowering plants
flounce: the act of walking with exaggerated jerky motions
flow: the act of flowing or streaming; continuous progression
fluff: a blunder (especially an actor's forgetting the lines)
fluorescence microscopy: light microscopy in which the specimen is irradiated at wavelengths that excite fluorochromes
fluoridation: the addition of a fluoride to the water supply (to prevent dental decay)
fluoroscopy: examination of body structures using a fluoroscope
flutter kick: a swimming kick; the legs are moved rapidly up and down without bending the knees
flux: in constant change
fly casting: casting an artificial fly as a lure
fly: (baseball) a hit that flies up in the air
fly-by: a flight at a low altitude (usually of military aircraft) over spectators on the ground
fly-fishing: angling with an artificial fly as a lure
flying colors: complete success
flying mare: a wrestling maneuver
flying visit: a visit that last for only a very short time
fMRI: a form of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain that registers blood flow to functioning areas of the brain
focalisation: the act of bringing into focus
foiling: an act of hindering someone's plans or efforts
fold: the act of folding
foliation: the production of foil by cutting or beating metal into thin leaves
foliation: the work of coating glass with metal foil
folk dance: a style of dancing that originated among ordinary people (not in the royal courts)
follow-on: an immediate second innings forced on a cricket team scoring a prescribed number of runs fewer than its opponents in the first innings
follow-through: carrying some project or intention to full completion
follow-through: the act of carrying a stroke to its natural completion
followup: an activity that continues something that has already begun or that repeats something that has already been done
followup: a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment
fomentation: application of warm wet coverings to a part of the body to relieve pain and inflammation
fomentation: deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)
fool's errand: a fruitless mission
foot: travel by walking
football play: (American football) a play by the offensive team
football score: the score in a football game
football: any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal
footfault: a fault that occurs when the server in tennis fails to keep both feet behind the baseline
footstep: the act of taking a step in walking
footwork: skillful maneuvering or dealing
footwork: the manner of using the feet
forage: the act of searching for food and provisions
foray: an initial attempt (especially outside your usual areas of competence)
foray: a sudden short attack
forbearance: a delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges; refraining from acting
forbiddance: the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)
force: a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base
force: an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
forced feeding: feeding that consists of the delivery of a nutrient solution (as through a nasal tube) to someone who cannot or will not eat
forceps delivery: delivery in which forceps are inserted through the vagina and used to grasp the head of the fetus and pull it through the birth canal; since the forceps can injure the fetus this procedure has generally given way to cesarean deliveries
ford: the act of crossing a stream or river by wading or in a car or on a horse
foreclosure: the legal proceedings initiated by a creditor to repossess the collateral for loan that is in default
forehand drive: (sports) hard straight return made on the forehand side (as in tennis or badminton or squash)
forehand: (sports) a return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke (as in tennis or badminton or squash)
foreign direct investment: a joint venture between a foreign company and a United States company
foreign direct investment: investing in United States businesses by foreign citizens (often involves stock ownership of the business)
foremanship: the position of foreman
forensics: scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes
forestalling: the act of preventing something by anticipating and disposing of it effectively
forfeit: the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
forgery: criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument with intent to defraud
forging: shaping metal by heating and hammering
forgiveness: the act of excusing a mistake or offense
forgoing: the act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)
forlorn hope: a hopeless or desperate enterprise
formalisation: the act of making formal (as by stating formal rules governing classes of expressions)
formalism: the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms
formality: compliance with formal rules
formation: creation by mental activity
formation: the act of fabricating something in a particular shape
fornication: voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other
forsaking: the act of forsaking
Fort Ticonderoga: a pitched battle in which American revolutionary troops captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775
fortification: the addition of an ingredient for the purpose of enrichment (as the addition of alcohol to wine or the addition of vitamins to food)
forward: a position on a basketball, soccer, or hockey team
forwarding: the act of sending on to another destination
forwarding: the advancement of some enterprise
Fosbury flop: jumping over the bar backwards and head first
fossilisation: becoming inflexible or out of date
foster care: supervised care for delinquent or neglected children usually in an institution or substitute home
foul: an act that violates the rules of a sport
foul ball: (baseball) a ball struck with the bat so that it does not stay between the lines (the foul lines) that define the width of the playing field
foul play: unfair or dishonest behavior (especially involving violence)
four-card monte: a gambling card game of Spanish origin; 3 or 4 cards are dealt face up and players bet that one of them will be matched before the others as the cards are dealt from the pack one at a time
Fourth Crusade: a Crusade from 1202 to 1204 that was diverted into a battle for Constantinople and failed to recapture Jerusalem
fox hunting: mounted hunters follow hounds in pursuit of a fox
foxtrot: a ballroom dance in quadruple time; combines short and long and fast and slow steps fixed sequences
fractionation: separation into portions
frame: one of the ten divisions into which bowling is divided
frame-up: an act that incriminates someone on a false charge
framing: formulation of the plans and important details
Franco-Prussian War: a war between France and Prussia that ended the Second Empire in France and led to the founding of modern Germany; 1870-1871
frank breech: position of a fetus in which the buttocks are present at the maternal pelvic outlet
fraternisation: associating with others in a brotherly or friendly way; especially with an enemy
fratricide: the murder of your sibling
fratricide: fire that injures or kills an ally
fraud: intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
fraud in fact: actual deceit; concealing something or making a false representation with an evil intent to cause injury to another
fraud in law: fraud that is presumed from the circumstances although the one who commits it need not have had any evil intent
fraud in the factum: fraud that arises from a disparity between the instrument intended to be executed and the instrument actually executed; e.g., leading someone to sign the wrong contract
fraud in the inducement: fraud which intentionally causes a person to execute an instrument or make an agreement or render a judgment; e.g., misleading someone about the true facts
fraudulent scheme: an illegal enterprise (such as extortion or fraud or drug peddling or prostitution) carried on for profit
free kick: (soccer) a place kick that is allowed for a foul or infringement by the other team
free time: time that is free from duties or responsibilities
free trade: international trade free of government interference
freeing: the act of liberating someone or something
freeze: fixing (of prices or wages etc) at a particular level
freeze: an interruption or temporary suspension of progress or movement
freight: transporting goods commercially at rates cheaper than express rates
French and Indian War: a war in North America between France and Britain (both aided by American Indian tribes); 1755-1760
French kiss: an openmouthed kiss in which your tongue is inserted into the other's mouth
French leave: an abrupt and unannounced departure (without saying farewell)
French lesson: instruction in the French language
French Revolution: the revolution in France against the Bourbons; 1789-1799
fresco: a durable method of painting on a wall by using watercolors on wet plaster
Freudian slip: a slip-up that (according to Sigmund Freud) results from the operation of unconscious wishes or conflicts and can reveal unconscious processes in normal healthy individuals
friendly takeover: a takeover that is welcomed by the management of the target company
frightening: the act of inspiring with fear
frisk: the act of searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs
frog kick: a swimming kick; knees are drawn upward and outward so the legs can be brought together when fully extended
front-porch campaign: a campaign in which the candidate makes speeches but does not travel
frontal lobotomy: surgical interruption of nerve tracts to and from the frontal lobe of the brain; often results in marked cognitive and personality changes
frottage: masturbation by rubbing against another person (as in a crowd)
fruition: something that is made real or concrete
frying: cooking in fat or oil in a pan or griddle
fueling: the activity of supplying or taking on fuel
fulfillment: the act of consummating something (a desire or promise etc)
full gainer: a dive in which the diver throws the feet forward to complete a full backward somersault and enters the water feet first and facing away from the diving board
full nelson: a wrestling hold in which the holder puts both arms under the opponent's arms and exerts pressure on the back of the neck (illegal in amateur wrestling)
fullback: (American football) an offensive position in the backfield
fulmination: the act of exploding with noise and violence
fumble: (sports) dropping the ball
fumigation: the application of a gas or smoke to something for the purpose of disinfecting it
fun: violent and excited activity
fun: activities that are enjoyable or amusing
funambulism: walking on a tightrope or slack rope
function: the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
fund-raising campaign: a campaign to raise money for some cause
fundamental analysis: (stock exchange) the use of fundamentals as an investment strategy
furnishing: the act of providing a house or room with furniture and other removable items such as shelves, carpets, appliances, etc.
furor: a sudden outburst (as of protest)
fusion: the act of fusing (or melting) together
fusion cooking: cooking that combines ingredients and techniques and seasonings from different cuisines
fusion: correction of an unstable part of the spine by joining two or more vertebrae; usually done surgically but sometimes done by traction or immobilization
G-Jo: treatment of symptoms by applying pressure with the fingers to specific pressure points on the body
gag reflex: normal reflex consisting of retching; may be produced by touching the soft palate in the back of the mouth
gait: a person's manner of walking
gait: a horse's manner of moving
gallantry: polite attentiveness to women
gallop: a fast gait of a horse; a two-beat stride during which all four legs are off the ground simultaneously
galvanisation: either the work of covering with metal by the use of a galvanic current or the coating of iron with zinc to protect it from rusting
galvanisation: stimulation that arouses a person to lively action
gambit: a chess move early in the game in which the player sacrifices minor pieces in order to obtain an advantageous position
gambit: a maneuver in a game or conversation
gamble: a risky act or venture
gambling game: a game that involves gambling
gambling: the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
game: an amusement or pastime
game: a contest with rules to determine a winner
game: a single play of a sport or other contest
game: frivolous or trifling behavior
gang fight: a fight between rival gangs of adolescents
gantlet: a form of punishment in which a person is forced to run between two lines of men facing each other and armed with clubs or whips to beat the victim
gape: a stare of amazement (usually with the mouth open)
garage sale: an outdoor sale of used personal or household items held on the seller's premises
garbage collection: the collection and removal of garbage
gardening: the cultivation of plants
gash: a strong sweeping cut made with a sharp instrument
gasp: a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
gassing: the deliberate act of poisoning some person or animal with gas
gastrectomy: surgical removal of all or part of the stomach
gastric lavage: washing out the stomach with sterile water or a saltwater solution; removes blood or poisons
gastroenterostomy: surgical creation of an opening between the stomach wall and the small intestines; performed when the normal opening has been eliminated
gastrogavage: feeding a nutrient solution into the stomach through a tube through a surgically created opening
gastromy: surgical incision into the stomach
gastronomy: the art and practice of choosing and preparing and eating good food
gastroscopy: visual examination of the stomach by means of a gastroscope inserted through the esophagus
gastrostomy: surgical creation of an opening through the abdominal wall into the stomach (as for gastrogavage)
gather: the act of gathering something
gavotte: an old formal French dance in quadruple time
gay lib: the movement aimed at liberating homosexuals from legal or social or economic oppression
gayness: a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the same sex
gaze: a long fixed look
GCA: aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar
gender role: the overt expression of attitudes that indicate to others the degree of your maleness or femaleness
general election: a national or state election; candidates are chosen in all constituencies
general verdict: an ordinary verdict declaring which party prevails without any special findings of fact
generalcy: the office and authority of a general
generation: the production of heat or electricity
generation: the act of producing offspring or multiplying by such production
generosity: acting generously
genetic fingerprinting: the procedure of analyzing the DNA in samples of a person's body tissue or body fluid for the purpose of identification
genetic screening: analyzing a group of people to determine genetic susceptibility to a particular disease
genital torture: blunt or penetrating trauma or rape (vaginal or anal)
genocide: systematic killing of a racial or cultural group
gentrification: the restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in the displacement of low-income residents)
geophagia: eating earth, clay, chalk; occurs in some primitive tribes, sometimes in cases of nutritional deficiency or obsessive behavior
geotropism: an orienting response to gravity
German lesson: instruction in the German language
Germanism: a custom that is peculiar to Germany or its citizens
gerrymander: an act of gerrymandering (dividing a voting area so as to give your own party an unfair advantage)
gesture: motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
gesture: something done as an indication of intention
get: a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
getaway: a rapid escape (as by criminals)
getting even: a reciprocal group action
ghost dance: a religious dance of Native Americans looking for communication with the dead
gift: the act of giving
gig: a booking for musicians
gin: a form of rummy in which a player can go out if the cards remaining in their hand total less than 10 points
gip: (sometimes offensive) an act of swindling or cheating
give-and-go: a basketball maneuver; one offensive player passes the ball to another, then runs toward the basket to take a return pass
give-and-take: mutual interaction; the activity of reciprocating or exchanging (especially information)
giving: disposing of property by voluntary transfer without receiving value in return
glamorisation: the act of glamorizing; making something or someone more beautiful (often in a superficial way)
glare: an angry stare
glide: the activity of flying a glider
glissade: (ballet) a gliding or sliding step in ballet
glorification: the act of glorifying (as in worship)
glorification: a portrayal of something as ideal
gluttony: eating to excess (personified as one of the deadly sins)
glyptography: carving or engraving (especially on stones)
Go Fish: a card game for two players who try to assemble books of cards by asking the opponent for particular cards
go: a board game for two players who place counters on a grid; the object is to surround and so capture the opponent's counters
go-around: an approach that fails and gives way to another attempt
go-slow: a form of protest by workers in which they deliberately slow down in order to cause problem from their employers
goal: a successful attempt at scoring
goal-kick: (association football) a kick by the defending side after the attacking side sends the ball over the goal-line
goal-kick: (rugby) an attempt to kick a goal
goalie: the defensive position on an ice hockey or soccer or lacrosse team who stands in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players from scoring
going ashore: debarkation from a boat or ship
going to Jerusalem: a child's game in which players march to music around a group of chairs that contains one chair less than the number of players; when the music abruptly stops the players scramble to sit and the player who does not find a chair is eliminated; then a chair is removed and the march resumes until only the winner is seated
going: advancing toward a goal
going-out-of-business sale: a sale of all the tangible assets of a business that is about to close
going-over: a careful and thorough inspection
gold rush: a large migration of people to a newly discovered gold field
goldbrick: anything that is supposed to be valuable but turns out to be worthless
goldbricking: the evasion of work or duty
golden parachute: giving top executives lucrative benefits that must be paid by the acquirer if they are discharged after a takeover
golf lesson: a lesson in playing golf
golf shot: the act of swinging a golf club at a golf ball and (usually) hitting it
golf: a game played on a large open course with 9 or 18 holes; the object is use as few strokes as possible in playing all the holes
golfing: playing golf
gonioscopy: an examination of the front part of the eye to check the angle where the iris meets the cornea; it is used to distinguish between open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma
good turn: a favor for someone
goose bump: reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation
goose step: a manner of marching with legs straight and swinging high
gouge: the act of gouging
governorship: the office of governor
gradation: the act of arranging in grades
grading: changing the ground level to a smooth horizontal or gently sloping surface
grading: evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score
grading: the act of arranging in a graduated series
graduation: the successful completion of a program of study
graft: the act of grafting something onto something else
Gram's procedure: a staining technique used to classify bacteria; bacteria are stained with gentian violet and then treated with Gram's solution; after being decolorized with alcohol and treated with safranine and washed in water, those that retain the gentian violet are Gram-positive and those that do not retain it are Gram-negative
grammatolatry: the worship of words
grand circle: a gymnastic exercise performed on the horizontal bar by swinging around it with the body fully extended
grand larceny: larceny of property having a value greater than some amount (the amount varies by locale)
grand tour: a sightseeing tour of a building or institution
grand tour: an extended cultural tour of Europe taken by wealthy young Englishmen (especially in the 18th century) as part of their education
grant: the act of providing a subsidy
grant-in-aid: a grant from a central government to a local government
granulation: the act of forming something into granules or grains
grapple: the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat
grappling: the sport of hand-to-hand struggle between unarmed contestants who try to throw each other down
grasping: the act of gripping something firmly with the hands (or the tentacles)
gratification: the act or an instance of satisfying
gravimetric analysis: quantitative analysis by weight
gravimetry: the measurement of specific gravity
gravure: the act of intaglio printing
gray market: an unofficial market in which goods are bought and sold at prices lower than the official price set by a regulatory agency
graze: the act of grazing
grazing fire: fire approximately parallel to the ground; the center of the cone of fire does rise above 1 meter from the ground
grazing: the act of brushing against while passing
great care: more attention and consideration than is normally bestowed by prudent persons
Greco-Roman wrestling: a style of wrestling where the wrestlers are forbidden to tackle or trip or use holds below the waist
greenmail: (corporation) the practice of purchasing enough shares in a firm to threaten a takeover and thereby forcing the owners to buy those shares back at a premium in order to stay in business
greyhound racing: the sport of racing greyhounds
grind: the act of grinding to a powder or dust
grooming: activity leading to skilled behavior
groove: a settled and monotonous routine that is hard to escape
grooving: the cutting of spiral grooves on the inside of the barrel of a firearm
grope: the act of groping; and instance of groping
ground attack: an attack by ground troops
ground ball: (baseball) a hit that travels along the ground
ground stroke: a tennis return made by hitting the ball after it has bounced once
groundbreaking: the ceremonial breaking of the ground to formally begin a construction project
groundwork: preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation
group action: action taken by a group of people
group participation: participation by all members of a group
group practice: (medicine) the practice of medicine by a group of physicians who share their premises and other resources
group psychotherapy: psychotherapy in which a small group of individuals meet with a therapist; interactions among the members are considered to be therapeutic
grouping: the activity of putting things together in groups
guard: (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
guard: a position on a basketball team
guard: the duty of serving as a sentry
guard: a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
guardianship: the responsibility of a guardian or keeper
guerrilla theater: dramatization of a social issue; enacted outside in a park or on the street
guessing game: a game in which participants compete to identify some obscurely indicated thing
guidance: the act of guiding or showing the way
gulp: a spasmodic reflex of the throat made as if in swallowing
gulping: the drinking of large mouthfuls rapidly
gumming: ineffectual chewing (as if without teeth)
gun: the discharge of a firearm as signal or as a salute in military ceremonies
gun control: efforts to regulate or control sales of guns
gunfight: a fight involving shooting small arms with the intent to kill or frighten
gunfire: the act of shooting a gun
gunrunning: the smuggling of guns and ammunition into a country secretly and illegally
gymnastic exercise: (gymnastics) an exercise designed to develop and display strength and agility and balance (usually performed with or on some gymnastic apparatus)
gymnastic exercise: a sport that involves exercises intended to display strength and balance and agility
gynaeolatry: the worship of women
gyration: the act of rotating in a circle or spiral
habanera: a Cuban dance in duple time
habit: (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition
habitation: the act of dwelling in or living permanently in a place (said of both animals and men)
habitual abortion: repeated spontaneous abortion (often for no known reason)
habituation: a general accommodation to unchanging environmental conditions
habitude: habitual mode of behavior
hackwork: professional work done according to formula
Had crime: (Islam) serious crimes committed by Muslims and punishable by punishments established in the Koran
haematemesis: vomiting blood
haemodialysis: dialysis of the blood to remove toxic substances or metabolic wastes from the bloodstream; used in the case of kidney failure
haemorrhoidectomy: surgical procedure for tying hemorrhoids and excising them
haemostasia: surgical procedure of stopping the flow of blood (as with a hemostat)
hagiolatry: the worship of saints
hair care: care for the hair: the activity of washing or cutting or curling or arranging the hair
hair coloring: the act of dyeing or tinting one's hair
haircut: the act of cutting the hair
hairweaving: the act of interweaving a hairpiece with your own hair
half gainer: a dive in which the diver throws the feet forward and up to complete a half backward somersault and enters the water facing the diving board
half nelson: a wrestling hold in which the holder puts an arm under the opponent's arm and exerts pressure on the back of the neck
half volley: a tennis return made by hitting the ball immediately after it bounces
halfback: (American football) an offensive back usually positioned behind the quarterback and to the side of the fullback
halma: a board game in which players try to move their pieces into their opponent's bases
hammer: the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows)
hammerlock: a wrestling hold in which the opponent's arm is twisted up behind his back
hamming: poor acting by a ham actor
Hampton Roads: a naval battle of the American Civil War (1862); the indecisive battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac
hand job: slang for masturbation
hand: physical assistance
handball: a game played in a walled court or against a single wall by two or four players who strike a rubber ball with their hands
handicraft: a craft that requires skillful hands
handing over: the act of passing something to another person
handling: manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
handling: the action of touching with the hands (or the skillful use of the hands) or by the use of mechanical means
handling: the management of someone or something
handoff: (American football) a play in which one player hands the ball to a teammate
handout: giving money or food or clothing to a needy person
handover: act of relinquishing property or authority etc
handspring: an acrobatic feat in which a person goes from a standing position to a handstand and back again
handstand: the act of supporting yourself by your hands alone in an upside down position
handwriting: the activity of writing by hand
hang: a gymnastic exercise performed on the rings or horizontal bar or parallel bars when the gymnast's weight is supported by the arms
hang gliding: gliding in a hang glider
hanging: a form of capital punishment; victim is suspended by the neck from a gallows or gibbet until dead
hangover: something that has survived from the past
hank panky: illicit sexual intercourse
harakiri: ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society
harassing fire: fire designed to disturb the rest of enemy troops and to curtail movement and to lower enemy morale
harassment: the act of tormenting by continued persistent attacks and criticism
hard sell: forceful and insistent advertising
hardball: baseball as distinguished from softball
hardening: the act of making something harder (firmer or tighter or more compact)
hare and hounds: an outdoor game; one group of players (the hares) start off on a long run scattering bits of paper (the scent) and pursuers (the hounds) try to catch them before they reach a designated spot
harlotry: offering sexual intercourse for pay
harmonisation: singing in harmony
harvest: the gathering of a ripened crop
harvest: the season for gathering crops
haste: the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner
hasty defence: a defense organized while in contact with the enemy or when time is limited
hat: an informal term for a person's role
hat trick: (sports) three consecutive scores by one player or three scores in one game (as in cricket or ice hockey etc.)
hatha yoga: yogic exercises (popular in the West) that combine difficult postures (which force the mind to withdraw from the outside world) with controlled breathing
hauling: the activity of transporting goods by truck
havoc: violent and needless disturbance
Hawaiian dancing: a Polynesian rain dance performed by a woman
hawking: the act of selling goods for a living
haying: the harvesting of hay
haying: the season for cutting and drying and storing grass as fodder
haymaking: cutting grass and curing it to make hay
haymaking: taking full advantage of an opportunity while it lasts
head trip: the act of satisfying your own desires and giving yourself pleasure
head: oral stimulation of the genitals
header: a headlong jump (or fall)
header: (soccer) the act of hitting the ball with your head
headlock: a wrestling hold in which the opponent's head is locked between the crook of your elbow and the side of your body
headmastership: the position of headmaster
headmistressship: the position of headmistress
headshake: the act of turning your head left and right to signify denial or disbelief or bemusement
headship: the position of head
headship: the position of headmaster or headmistress
headshot: a shot aimed at a person's head
headshot: an attempt to put the soccer ball into the net by using the head
headstand: an acrobatic feat in which a person balances on the head (usually with the help of the hands)
health care: social insurance for the ill and injured
health care: the preservation of mental and physical health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession
hearing: (law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
hearing: the act of hearing attentively
heart surgery: any surgical procedure involving the heart
heave: the act of lifting something with great effort
heave: throwing something heavy (with great effort)
heave: the act of raising something
heave: an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting
heaving: breathing heavily (as after exertion)
heavy lifting: difficult work
Hebrew lesson: instruction in the Hebrew language
hecatomb: a great sacrifice; an ancient Greek or Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen
Heimlich manoeuvere: an emergency procedure to help someone who is choking because food is lodged in the trachea
heist: the act of stealing
Hejira: the flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 which marked the beginning of the Muslim era; the Muslim calendar begins in that year
heliolatry: the worship of the sun
heliotherapy: therapeutic exposure to sunlight
heliotropism: an orienting response to the sun
hell raising: making trouble just for the fun of it
helm: (figurative) a position of leadership
help desk: a service that provides information and assistance to the users of a computer network
herbal medicine: the use of medicinal herbs to prevent or treat disease or promote health
heritage: hereditary succession to a title or an office or property
heroics: ostentatious or vainglorious or extravagant or melodramatic conduct
heterosexism: discrimination in favor of heterosexual and against homosexual people
heterosexualism: a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the opposite sex
hi-fi: the reproduction of sound with little or no distortion
hibernation: the act of retiring into inactivity
hide and go seek: a game in which a child covers his eyes while the other players hide then tries to find them
high colonic: an enema that injects large amounts of fluid high into the colon for cleansing purposes
high finance: large and complex financial transactions (often used with the implication that those individuals or institutions who engage in them are unethical)
high jinks: noisy and mischievous merrymaking
high jump: the act of jumping as high as possible over a horizontal bar
High Mass: a solemn and elaborate Mass with music
high tech: highly advanced technological development (especially in electronics)
high treason: a crime that undermines the offender's government
high-angle fire: fire from a cannon that is fired at an elevation greater than that for the maximum range
high-low: poker in which the high and low hands split the pot
higher education: education provided by a college or university
highjack: seizure of a vehicle in transit either to rob it or divert it to an alternate destination
highjacking: robbery of a traveller or vehicle in transit or seizing control of a vehicle by the use of force
highland fling: a vigorous Scottish reel
highway robbery: robbery of travellers on or near a public road
hijab: the custom in some Islamic societies of women dressing modestly outside the home
hike: a long walk usually for exercise or pleasure
hinderance: the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
hire: the act of hiring something or someone
hiring freeze: a freeze on hiring
historiography: the writing of history
history lesson: a lesson in the facts of history
hit: (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
hit: a connection made via the internet to another website
hit: a murder carried out by an underworld syndicate
hit: the act of contacting one thing with another
hitch: the uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg
hobbyism: a devotion to hobbies
hockey: a game played on an ice rink by two opposing teams of six skaters each who try to knock a flat round puck into the opponents' goal with angled hockey sticks
hold-down: a limitation or constraint
holding: the act of retaining something
holdout: the act of hiding playing cards in a gambling game so they are available for personal use later
holistic medicine: medical care of the whole person considered as subject to personal and social as well as organic factors
holocaust: an act of mass destruction and loss of life (especially in war or by fire)
Holocaust: the mass murder of Jews under the German Nazi regime from 1941 until 1945
Holy Communion: the act of participating in the celebration of the Eucharist
holy order: the sacrament of ordination
home banking: banking in which transactions are conducted by means of electronic communication (via telephone or computer)
home game: a game played at home
home invasion: burglary of a dwelling while the residents are at home
home run: a base hit on which the batter scores a run
home study: a course of study carried out at home rather than in a classroom
homecoming: an annual school or university reunion for graduates
homecoming: a coming to or returning home
homemaking: the management of a household
homeopathy: a method of treating disease with small amounts of remedies that, in large amounts in healthy people, produce symptoms similar to those being treated
homework: preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
homicide: the killing of a human being by another human being
homogenisation: the act of making something homogeneous or uniform in composition
honor killing: an ancient tradition still sometimes observed; a male member of the family kills a female relative for tarnishing the family image
honorable discharge: a discharge from the armed forces with a commendable record
honoring: conformity with law or custom or practice etc.
hoofing: dancing in which the steps are more important than gestures or postures
hook: a short swinging punch delivered from the side with the elbow bent
hook: a basketball shot made over the head with the hand that is farther from the basket
hooky: failure to attend (especially school)
hooliganism: willful wanton and malicious destruction of the property of others
hop: the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
hopscotch: a game in which a child tosses a stone into an area drawn on the ground and then hops through it and back to regain the stone
horizontal combination: absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in the same level of production and sharing resources at that level
hornpipe: a British solo dance performed by sailors
horse breeding: breeding horses
horse racing: the sport of racing horses
horse trade: the swapping of horses (accompanied by much bargaining)
horseback riding: travel by being carried on horseback
horseplay: rowdy or boisterous play
horseshoes: a game in which iron rings (or open iron rings) are thrown at a stake in the ground in the hope of encircling it
horseshow: a competitive exhibition of horses
horsewhipping: the act of whipping with a horsewhip
hospice: a program of medical and emotional care for the terminally ill
hospital care: placing in medical care in a hospital
hostile fire: fire that injures or kills an enemy
hostile takeover: a takeover that is resisted by the management of the target company
hot seat: a difficult position where you are subjected to stress and criticism
hotfoot: a practical joke that involves inserting a match surreptitiously between the sole and upper of the victim's shoe and then lighting it
house: play in which children take the roles of father or mother or children and pretend to interact like adults
house arrest: confinement to your own home
house painting: the occupation of a house painter
house-raising: construction by a group of neighbors
housecleaning: the act of cleaning the rooms and furnishings of a house
housecleaning: (figurative) the act of reforming by the removal of unwanted personnel or practices or conditions
housekeeping: the work of cleaning and running a house
housewifery: the work of a housewife
housing start: the act of starting to construct a house
howler: a glaring blunder
HRT: hormones (estrogen and progestin) are given to postmenopausal women; believed to protect them from heart disease and osteoporosis
huffing: an act of forcible exhalation
Human Genome Project: an international study of the entire human genetic material
human reproductive cloning: the reproductive cloning of a sentient human being; generally considered ethically unacceptable
humanisation: the act of making more human
humming: the act of singing with closed lips
humoral immune response: an immune response (chiefly against bacterial invasion) that is mediated by B cells
humoring: the act of indulging or gratifying a desire
hunch: the act of bending yourself into a humped position
Hundred Years' War: the series of wars fought intermittently between France and England; 1337-1453
hunger strike: a voluntary fast undertaken as a means of protest
hunt: the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport
hunt: the work of finding and killing or capturing animals for food or pelts
hunt: the activity of looking thoroughly in order to find something or someone
hurdle: the act of jumping over an obstacle
hurling: a traditional Irish game resembling hockey; played by two teams of 15 players each
hurrying: changing location rapidly
hustings: the activities involved in political campaigning (especially speech making)
hydropathy: the internal and external use of water in the treatment of disease
hydroplane racing: racing in high-speed motor boats
hymnody: the act of singing psalms or hymns
hyperemesis: severe and excessive vomiting
hyperemesis gravidarum: hyperemesis during pregnancy; if severe it can result in damage to the brain and liver and kidney
hyperextension: greater than normal extension
hyperpnea: energetic (deep and rapid) respiration that occurs normally after exercise or abnormally with fever or various disorders
hyperventilation: an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs; can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued
hyphenation: connecting syllables and words by hyphens
hyphenation: division of a word especially at the end of a line on a page
hypnoanalysis: the use of hypnosis in conjunction with psychoanalysis
hypnogenesis: the induction of sleep or hypnosis
hypnopedia: teaching during sleep (as by using recordings to teach a foreign language to someone who is asleep)
hypnotherapy: the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy
hypnotism: the act of inducing hypnosis
hypophysectomy: surgical removal of the pituitary gland
hypopnea: slow or shallow breathing
hypostatisation: regarding something abstract as a material thing
hypsography: measurement of the elevation of land above sea level
hysterectomy: surgical removal of the uterus
hysteroscopy: visual examination of the uterus and uterine lining using an endoscope inserted through the vagina
hysterotomy: surgical incision into the uterus (as in cesarean section)
ice show: any entertainment performed by ice skaters
ice skating: skating on ice
icebreaker: a beginning that relaxes a tense or formal atmosphere
icing: (ice hockey) the act of shooting the puck from within your own defensive area the length of the rink beyond the opponent's goal
iconolatry: the worship of sacred images
identity theft: the co-option of another person's personal information (e.g., name, Social Security number, credit card number, passport) without that person's knowledge and the fraudulent use of such knowledge
idleness: having no employment
idol worship: the worship of idols; the worship of physical objects or images as gods
idolisation: the act of worshiping blindly and to excess
ileostomy: surgical procedure that creates an opening from the ileum through the abdominal wall to function as an anus; performed in cases of cancer of the colon or ulcerative colitis
illegal possession: possession of controlled substances
image compression: the compression of graphics for storage or transmission
imaging: (medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body
imitation: copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else
immersion: a form of baptism in which part or all of a person's body is submerged
immigration: migration into a place (especially migration to a country of which you are not a native in order to settle there)
imminent abortion: the appearance of symptoms that signal the impending loss of the products of conception
immobilisation: fixation (as by a plaster cast) of a body part in order to promote proper healing
immobilisation: the act of limiting movement or making incapable of movement
immolation: killing or offering as a sacrifice
immune reaction: a bodily defense reaction that recognizes an invading substance (an antigen: such as a virus or fungus or bacteria or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies specific against that antigen
immunisation: the act of making immune (especially by inoculation)
immunohistochemistry: an assay that shows specific antigens in tissues by the use of markers that are either fluorescent dyes or enzymes (such as horseradish peroxidase)
immunotherapy: therapy designed to produce immunity to a disease or to enhance resistance by the immune system
impact: the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat
impaction: a sharp collision produced by striking or dashing against something
impairment: damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality
impalement: the act of piercing with a sharpened stake as a form of punishment or torture
impasto: painting that applies the pigment thickly so that brush or palette knife marks are visible
imperative: some duty that is essential and urgent
imperialism: any instance of aggressive extension of authority
impersonation: pretending to be another person
impersonation: imitating the mannerisms of another person
impetus: the act of applying force suddenly
implantation: a surgical procedure that places something in the human body
implantation: the act of planting or setting in the ground
importation: the commercial activity of buying and bringing in goods from a foreign country
imposition: the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
impounding: placing private property in the custody of an officer of the law
impoverishment: the act of making someone poor
impress: the act of coercing someone into government service
impression: the act of pressing one thing on or into the surface of another
impression: an impressionistic portrayal of a person
imprisonment: putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment
imprisonment: the act of confining someone in a prison (or as if in a prison)
impropriety: an indecent or improper act
improvement: the act of improving something
improvisation: an unplanned expedient
in-fighting: boxing at close quarters
in-fighting: conflict between members of the same organization (usually concealed from outsiders)
inactivity: being inactive; being less active
inaugural: the ceremonial induction into a position
inauguration: the act of starting a new operation or practice
inborn reflex: an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus
inbreeding: the act of mating closely related individuals
incarnation: the act of attributing human characteristics to abstract ideas etc.
incentive option: an option granted to corporate executives if the company achieves certain financial goals
incest: sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry (as between a parent and a child)
Inchon: a battle in the Korean War (1950); United States forces landed at Inchon
incineration: the act of burning something completely; reducing it to ashes
incision: the cutting of or into body tissues or organs (especially by a surgeon as part of an operation)
incitation: an act of urging on or spurring on or rousing to action or instigating
inclination: the act of inclining; bending forward
incline bench press: a bench press performed on an inclined bench
inclusion: the act of including
incomplete abortion: termination of pregnancy without expulsion of all of the products of conception
incorporation: including by incorporating
incorporation: consolidating two or more things; union in (or into) one body
increase: the act of increasing something
incubation: maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development
inculcation: teaching or impressing upon the mind by frequent instruction or repetition
incumbency: the office of an incumbent
incumbency: a duty that is incumbent upon you
incurrence: the act of incurring (making yourself subject to something undesirable)
incurring: acquiring or coming into something (usually undesirable)
incursion: the mistake of incurring liability or blame
incursion: the act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers)
incursion: an attack that penetrates into enemy territory
incurvation: the action of creating a curved shape
indecent exposure: vulgar and offensive nakedness in a public place
indelicacy: an impolite act or expression
indemnification: an act of compensation for actual loss or damage or for trouble and annoyance
indentation: the act of cutting into an edge with toothlike notches or angular incisions
indexation: a system of economic regulation: wages and interest are tied to the cost-of-living index in order to reduce the effects of inflation
indexing: the act of classifying and providing an index in order to make items easier to retrieve
Indian Mutiny: discontent with British administration in India led to numerous mutinies in 1857 and 1858; the revolt was put down after several battles and sieges (notably the siege at Lucknow)
indignity: an affront to one's dignity or self-esteem
indirect fire: fire delivered on a target that is not itself used as the point of aim for the weapons
indirect immunofluorescence: a method of using fluorescence microscopy to detect the presence of an antigen indirectly
indirection: deceitful action that is not straightforward
indirection: indirect procedure or action
indiscretion: a petty misdeed
indoctrination: teaching someone to accept doctrines uncritically
induced abortion: a deliberate termination of pregnancy
inducement: act of bringing about a desired result
induction: the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time)
induction of labor: (obstetrics) inducing the childbirth process artificially by administering oxytocin or by puncturing the amniotic sac
induction: an act that sets in motion some course of events
indulgence: the remission by the pope of the temporal punishment in purgatory that is still due for sins even after absolution
industrial arts: a course in the methods of using tools and machinery as taught in secondary schools and technical schools
industrial enterprise: the development of industry on an extensive scale
industry: the organized action of making of goods and services for sale
inertial guidance: a method of controlling the flight of a missile by devices that respond to inertial forces
infant feeding: feeding an infant
infanticide: murdering an infant
infantilism: infantile behavior in mature persons
infiltration: a process in which individuals (or small groups) penetrate an area (especially the military penetration of enemy positions without detection)
inflaming: arousal to violent emotion
inflation: the act of filling something with air
inflation therapy: therapy in which water or oxygen or a drug is introduced into the respiratory tract with inhaled air
infliction: an act causing pain or damage
influence: causing something without any direct or apparent effort
information gathering: the act of collecting information
infraction: a crime less serious than a felony
infrared therapy: the use of infrared radiation (as by infrared lamps or heating pads or hot water bottles) to relieve pain and increase circulation to a particular area of the body
infringement: an act that disregards an agreement or a right
infusion: the act of infusing or introducing a certain modifying element or quality
infusion: (medicine) the passive introduction of a substance (a fluid or drug or electrolyte) into a vein or between tissues (as by gravitational force)
ingratiation: the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments
inhibition: (psychology) the conscious exclusion of unacceptable thoughts or desires
iniquity: an unjust act
injection: the forceful insertion of a substance under pressure
injection: the act of putting a liquid into the body by means of a syringe
injury: wrongdoing that violates another's rights and is unjustly inflicted
injury: an act that causes someone or something to receive physical damage
innings: the batting turn of a cricket player or team
inoculating: the act of protecting against disease by introducing a vaccine into the body to induce immunity
inoculation: taking a vaccine as a precaution against contracting a disease
inquest: an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death
inroad: an encroachment or intrusion
inroad: an invasion or hostile attack
inscription: the activity of inscribing (especially carving or engraving) letters or words
insemination: the act of sowing (of seeds in the ground or, figuratively, of germs in the body or ideas in the mind, etc.)
insemination: the introduction of semen into the genital tract of a female
insertion: the act of putting one thing into another
inside job: some transgression committed with the assistance of someone trusted by the victim
inside loop: a loop consisting of a climb followed by inverted flight followed by a dive that returns to horizontal flight
insider trading: buying or selling corporate stock by a corporate officer or other insider on the basis of information that has not been made public and is supposed to remain confidential
insistence: the act of insisting on something
insolence: an offensive disrespectful impudent act
inspection and repair: periodic maintenance on a car or machine
inspection: a formal or official examination
inspectorship: the office of inspector
inspiration: arousing to a particular emotion or action
inspissation: the act of thickening
installation: the act of installing something (as equipment)
instillation: the introduction of a liquid (by pouring or injection) drop by drop
instruction: the profession of a teacher
instructorship: the position of instructor
instrument flying: navigation of an airplane solely by instruments
instrument landing: an aircraft landing made entirely by means of instruments
instrument: the means whereby some act is accomplished
instrumental music: music produced by playing a musical instrument
instrumentation: the act of providing or using the instruments needed for some implementation
instrumentation: the act of arranging a piece of music for an orchestra and assigning parts to the different musical instruments
insubordination: an insubordinate act
insufflation: an act of blowing or breathing on or into something
insulation: the act of protecting something by surrounding it with material that reduces or prevents the transmission of sound or heat or electricity
insulin shock: the administration of sufficient insulin to induce convulsions and coma
insurance claim: demand for payment in accordance with an insurance policy
insurgence: an organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict
insurrection: organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
integrated logistic support: the pooling of specific resources by subscribing nations for the support of some joint operation
integration: an operation used in the calculus whereby the integral of a function is determined
intelligence: the operation of gathering information about an enemy
intemperance: consumption of alcoholic drinks
intemperance: excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence
intensification: action that makes something stronger or more extreme
intensification: the act of increasing the contrast of (a photographic film)
intensive care: close monitoring and constant medical care of patients with life-threatening conditions
intention: an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out
inter-service support: action by one military service to provide logistic (or administrative) support to another military service
interaction: a mutual or reciprocal action; interacting
interagency support: provision of logistic (or administrative) support by one or more of the military services to one or more departments or agencies of the United States government
interception: the act of intercepting; preventing something from proceeding or arriving
interception: (American football) the act of catching a football by a player on the opposing team
intercession: the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)
intercommunion: participation in Holy Communion by members of more than one church (eg Catholic and Orthodox)
interconnection: (computer science) the act of interconnecting (wires or computers or theories etc.)
interdiction fire: fire directed to an area to prevent the enemy from using that area
interest: a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
interference: (American football) blocking a player's path with your body
interim overhaul: an overhaul between the regular times for overhauling
interior decorating: the trade or act of decorating the interior of a building or room, especially with regard to color combination, paint, fabrics, carpeting, etc.
interjection: the action of interjecting or interposing an action or remark that interrupts
interlock: the act of interlocking or meshing
intermediation: the act of intervening for the purpose of bringing about a settlement
intermission: the act of suspending activity temporarily
internal control: an accounting procedure or system designed to promote efficiency or assure the implementation of a policy or safeguard assets or avoid fraud and error etc.
international affairs: affairs between nations
international flight: a flight that takes off in one country and lands in another
international logistic support: arrangements made between nations to assist each other
international terrorism: terrorism practiced in a foreign country by terrorists who are not native to that country
internationalisation: the act of bringing something under international control
internship: the position of a medical intern
interpenetration: the action of penetrating between or among
interpenetration: mutual penetration; diffusion of each through the other
interplay: reciprocal action and reaction
interposition: the act or fact of interposing one thing between or among others
interpretation: the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance
interpretative dance: a form of modern dance in which the dancer's movements depict an emotion or tell a story
intersection: the act of intersecting (as joining by causing your path to intersect your target's path)
interspersal: the act of combining one thing at intervals among other things
intervention: (law) a proceeding that permits a person to enter into a lawsuit already in progress; admission of person not an original party to the suit so that person can protect some right or interest that is allegedly affected by the proceedings
intervention: care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)
intestinal bypass: surgical operation that shortens the small intestine; used in treating obesity
intifada: an uprising by Palestinian Arabs (in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank) against Israel in the late 1980s and again in 2000
intonation: singing by a soloist of the opening piece of plainsong
intonation: the production of musical tones (by voice or instrument); especially the exactitude of the pitch relations
intracapsular surgery: cataract surgery in which the entire lens is removed
intradermal injection: an injection into the skin
intramuscular injection: an injection into a muscle
intravenous injection: an injection into a vein
intrinsic fraud: fraud (as by use of forged documents or false claims or perjury) that misleads a court or jury and induces a finding for the one perpetrating the fraud
intrusion: entrance by force or without permission or welcome
inunction: anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
invasion: the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder
invasion of Iwo: a bloody and prolonged operation on the island of Iwo Jima in which American marines landed and defeated Japanese defenders (February and March 1945)
invasion of privacy: the wrongful intrusion by individuals or the government into private affairs with which the public has no concern
invention: the act of inventing
inventory accounting: accounting that controls and evaluates inventory
inventory control: supervision of the supply and storage and accessibility of items in order to insure an adequate supply without excessive oversupply
inventory: making an itemized list of merchandise or supplies on hand
inversion: a term formerly used to mean taking on the gender role of the opposite sex
inversion: turning upside down; setting on end
inverted hang: a hang performed on the rings with the body upside down
investigating: the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
investing: the act of investing; laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit
investiture: the ceremonial act of clothing someone in the insignia of an office; the formal promotion of a person to an office or rank
investment: the act of putting on robes or vestments
invigilation: keeping watch over examination candidates to prevent cheating
invocation: the act of appealing for help
IPO: a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
IQ test: a psychometric test of intelligence
Iran-Iraq War: a dispute over control of the waterway between Iraq and Iran broke out into open fighting in 1980 and continued until 1988, when they accepted a UN cease-fire resolution
iridectomy: an eye operation that treats closed-angle glaucoma by surgical removal of part of the iris of the eye
iridotomy: a surgical procedure that makes an incision in the iris of the eye in order to enlarge the pupil or to treat closed-angle glaucoma
ironing: the work of using heat to smooth washed clothes in order to remove any wrinkles
irreverence: a disrespectful act
irrigation: (medicine) cleaning a wound or body organ by flushing or washing out with water or a medicated solution
irrigation: supplying dry land with water by means of ditches etc
irruption: a sudden violent entrance; a bursting in
isolation: a country's withdrawal from international politics
isometric exercise: muscle-building exercises (or a system of musclebuilding exercises) involving muscular contractions against resistance without movement (the muscles contracts but the length of the muscle does not change)
isotonic exercise: exercise in which opposing muscles contract and there is controlled movement (tension is constant while the lengths of the muscles change)
issuance: the act of providing an item for general use or for official purposes (usually in quantity)
issue: the act of issuing printed materials
Isthmian Games: the ancient Panhellenic games held biennially on the Isthmus of Corinth in the first and third years of each Olympiad
itemisation: the act of making a list of items
iteration: doing or saying again; a repeated performance
itineration: journeying from place to place preaching or lecturing; a preaching tour or lecturing tour
IV: administration of nutrients through a vein
IVP: performing pyelography with intravenous injection of a contrast medium
Ivry la Bataille: a battle (1590) in which the Huguenots under Henry IV defeated the Catholics under the duke of Mayenne
IW: the use of information or information technology during a time of crisis or conflict to achieve or promote specific objectives over a specific adversary or adversaries
jab: a quick short straight punch
jab: a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
jackknife: a dive in which the diver bends to touch the ankles before straightening out
jacks: a game in which jackstones are thrown and picked up in various groups between bounces of a small rubber ball
jackstraws: a game in which players try to pick each jackstraw (or spillikin) off of a pile without moving any of the others
jag: a bout of drinking or drug taking
jai alai: a Basque or Spanish game played in a court with a ball and a wickerwork racket
jail delivery: the use of force to liberate prisoners
jam session: an impromptu jazz concert
Japanese stranglehold: a wrestling hold in which the opponent's arms are crossed in front of his own neck to exert pressure on his windpipe
jazz festival: a festival that features performances by jazz artists
jehad: a holy struggle or striving by a Muslim for a moral or spiritual or political goal
jejunostomy: surgical creation of an opening between the jejunum and the anterior abdominal wall; will allow artificial feeding
jerk: raising a weight from shoulder height to above the head by straightening the arms
jerk: an abrupt spasmodic movement
jerk: a sudden abrupt pull
jerry-building: construction of inferior buildings for a quick profit
jest: activity characterized by good humor
jig: any of various old rustic dances involving kicking and leaping
jiggle: a slight irregular shaking motion
jitterbug: a jerky American dance that was popular in the 1940s
jiujitsu: a method of self-defense without weapons that was developed in China and Japan; holds and blows are supplemented by clever use of the attacker's own weight and strength
job: a damaging piece of work
job: the performance of a piece of work
job: the responsibility to do something
job action: a temporary action by workers to protest management decision or to make demands
jog trot: an easy gait of a horse; midway between a walk and a trot
jog: a slow pace of running
jog: a slight push or shake
jogging: running at a jog trot as a form of cardiopulmonary exercise
joint venture: a venture by a partnership or conglomerate designed to share risk or expertise
jostle: the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)
journalism: the profession of reporting or photographing or editing news stories for one of the media
journey: the act of traveling from one place to another
joyride: a ride in a car taken solely for pleasure
judgement in personam: a judgment rendered against an individual (or corporation) for the payment of money damages
judgement in rem: a judgment pronounced on the status of some particular subject or property or thing (as opposed to one pronounced on persons)
judgement on the merits: judgment rendered through analysis and adjudication of the factual issues presented
judgement on the pleadings: a judgment rendered by the court prior to a verdict because no material issue of fact exists and one party or the other is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law
judgement: (law) the determination by a court of competent jurisdiction on matters submitted to it
judgeship: the position of judge
judicial proceeding: a legal proceeding in a court; a judicial contest to determine and enforce legal rights
judicial review: review by a court of law of actions of a government official or entity or of some other legally appointed person or body or the review by an appellate court of the decision of a trial court
judicial torture: torture that is sanctioned by the state and executed by duly accredited officials
judo: a sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling; developed in Japan
juggle: the act of rearranging things to give a misleading impression
juggle: throwing and catching several objects simultaneously
jugglery: artful trickery designed to achieve an end
jugglery: the performance of a juggler
jumble sale: a sale of donated articles
jump ball: (basketball) the way play begins or resumes when possession is disputed; an official tosses the ball up between two players who jump in an effort to tap it to a teammate
jump rope: a child's game or a cardiopulmonary exercise in which the player jumps over a swinging rope
jump shot: (basketball) a player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump
jump: the act of jumping; propelling yourself off the ground
jump: descent with a parachute
jump: a sudden involuntary movement
jumping: the act of participating in an athletic competition in which you must jump
jumping up and down: jumping in one spot (as in excitement)
jumping-off point: a beginning from which an enterprise is launched
jumpstart: starting an automobile engine that has a weak battery by means of jumper cables to another car
junket: a trip taken by an official at public expense
junketing: taking an excursion for pleasure
jury duty: the civic duty to serve on a jury
justice: judgment involved in the determination of rights and the assignment of rewards and punishments
justification: the act of defending or explaining or making excuses for by reasoning
jut: the act of projecting out from something
karaoke: singing popular songs accompanied by a recording of an orchestra (usually in bars or nightclubs)
karate: a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent
keeping: conformity or harmony
Kegel exercises: exercises for women designed to improve the ability to hold urine
Kennesaw Mountain: battle of the American Civil War (1864); Union forces under William Tecumseh Sherman were repulsed by Confederate troops under Joseph Eggleston Johnston
keratoscopy: examination of the cornea with a keratoscope to detect irregularities in its anterior surface
keratotomy: surgical incision into the cornea
key stroke: the stroke of a key; one depression of a key on a keyboard
khanate: the position of a khan
kia quen: a form of foot torture used by the Chinese in which the victim's foot was placed between three pieces of bamboo and systematically squeezed
kick in the butt: punishment inflicted by kicking the victim in the behind
kick turn: a standing turn made in skiing; one ski is raised to the vertical and pivoted backward to become parallel with the other ski but headed in the opposite direction and then the other ski is aligned with the first
kick up: raising the feet backward with the hands on the ground; a first movement in doing a handstand
kick: a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics
kickoff: (football) a kick from the center of the field to start a football game or to resume it after a score
kidnapping: (law) the unlawful act of capturing and carrying away a person against their will and holding them in false imprisonment
kill: the destruction of an enemy plane or ship or tank or missile
kill: the act of terminating a life
kinesis: a movement that is a response to a stimulus but is not oriented with respect to the source of stimulation
kip: a gymnastic exercise performed starting from a position with the legs over the upper body and moving to an erect position by arching the back and swinging the legs out and down while forcing the chest upright
kiss: a light glancing touch
kittee: a form of torture used by American Indians in which sensitive parts of the body were squeezed between two boards until the victim could bear no more
klondike: a form of solitaire that begins with seven piles of cards with the top cards facing up; descending sequences of cards of alternating colors are built on these piles; as aces become available they are placed above the seven piles; the object is to build sequences in suit from ace to king as the remaining cards are dealt out one at a time
knee bend: exercising by repeatedly assuming a crouching position with the knees bent; strengthens the leg muscles
knee jerk: a reflex extension of the leg resulting from a sharp tap on the patellar tendon
kneel: supporting yourself on your knees
knife thrust: a strong blow with a knife or other sharp pointed instrument
knight's service: land tenure by service to the lord as a knight
knitting: creating knitted wear
knock on: (rugby) knocking the ball forward while trying to catch it (a foul)
knockdown: a blow that knocks the opponent off his feet
knuckleball: a baseball pitch thrown with little speed or spin
KO: a blow that renders the opponent unconscious
Korean War: a war between North and South Korea; South Korea was aided by the United States and other members of the United Nations; 1950-1953
kung fu: a Chinese martial art
Kwajalein: an amphibious assault in the Pacific in World War II (January 1944); American forces landed and captured a Japanese air base
Kwanzaa: a festival featuring African-American culture; celebrated between Christmas and New Year
labor market: the market in which workers compete for jobs and employers compete for workers
labor of love: productive work performed voluntarily without material reward or compensation
labor: productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
labor: any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
lace making: the act or art of making handmade lace
laceration: the act of lacerating
lacrosse: a game invented by American Indians; now played by two teams who use long-handled rackets to catch and carry and throw the ball toward the opponents' goal
lactation: feeding an infant by giving suck at the breast
lag: the act of slowing down or falling behind
lamentation: the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief
lamination: bonding thin sheets together
laminectomy: surgical removal of the bony arches on one or more vertebrae
lancers: a quadrille for 8 or 16 couples
land development: making an area of land more useful
land reform: a redistribution of agricultural land (especially by government action)
land-office business: very large and profitable volume of commercial activity
landfall: the first sighting of land from the sea after a voyage (or flight over water)
landing: the act of coming to land after a voyage
landing: the act of coming down to the earth (or other surface)
landing approach: the approach to a landing field by an airplane
landler: a moderately slow Austrian country dance in triple time; involves spinning and clapping
landscape gardening: working as a landscape gardener
language lesson: a period of instruction learning a language
language teaching: teaching people to speak and understand a foreign language
lap choly: removal of the gall bladder through small punctures in the abdomen to permit the insertion of a laparoscope and surgical instruments
lap of honour: a lap by the winning person or team run to celebrate the victory
lap: touching with the tongue
laparoscopy: laparotomy performed with a laparoscope that makes a small incision to examine the abdominal cavity (especially the ovaries and Fallopian tubes)
laparotomy: surgical incision into the abdominal wall; often done to examine abdominal organs
lapidation: the act of pelting with stones; punishment inflicted by throwing stones at the victim (even unto death)
lapse: a mistake resulting from inattention
larceny: the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
large order: a formidable task or requirement
laryngectomy: surgical removal of part or all of the larynx (usually to treat cancer of the larynx)
laryngismus: laryngeal spasm caused by the sudden contraction of laryngeal muscles
laser trabecular surgery: eye surgery that makes many tiny laser burns in an area that will increase the drainage of aqueous humor
lash: a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object
LASIK: a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
last: a person's dying act; the final thing a person can do
last hurrah: a final performance or effort (especially before retirement)
last mile: the last walk of a condemned person to the execution place
last resort: an expedient adopted only in desperation
last respects: the act of expressing respect for someone who has died
last rites: rites performed in connection with a death or burial
last straw: the final irritation that stretches your patience beyond the limit
lateral: a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer
laughter: the activity of laughing; the manifestation of joy or mirth or scorn
launch: the act of propelling with force
launching: the act of moving a newly built vessel into the water for the first time
laundering: washing clothes and bed linens
lavage: washing out a hollow organ (especially the stomach) by flushing with water
lavation: the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)
law enforcement: ensuring obedience to the laws
law practice: the practice of law
law: the learned profession that is mastered by graduate study in a law school and that is responsible for the judicial system
lawmaking: the act of making or enacting laws
lawn tennis: a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
laxation: the act of making something less tight
laying on: the act of contacting something with your hand
laying on of hands: laying hands on a person's head to invoke spiritual blessing in Christian ordination
laying on of hands: the application of a faith healer's hands to the patient's body
laying waste: destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined
layoff: the act of laying off an employee or a work force
layout: the act of laying out (as by making plans for something)
layover: a brief stay in the course of a journey
layup: a basketball shot made with one hand from a position under or beside the basket (and usually banked off the backboard)
laziness: relaxed and easy activity
lead: the playing of a card to start a trick in bridge
lead: a position of being the initiator of something and an example that others will follow (especially in the phrase `take the lead')
leadership: the activity of leading
leading astray: the act of enticing others into sinful ways
leaner: (horseshoes) the throw of a horseshoe so as to lean against (but not encircle) the stake
leaning: the act of deviating from a vertical position
leapfrog: a game in which one child bends down and another leaps over
leapfrog: advancing as if in the child's game, by leaping over obstacles or competitors
learned profession: one of the three professions traditionally believed to require advanced learning and high principles
learned reaction: a reaction that has been acquired by learning
lease-lend: the transfer of goods and services to an ally to aid in a common cause
least effort: the least effortful way to do something
lechery: unrestrained indulgence in sexual activity
lecture demonstration: presentation of an example of what the lecturer is discoursing about
lecture: teaching by giving a discourse on some subject (typically to a class)
lectureship: the post of lecturer
left: a turn toward the side of the body that is on the north when the person is facing east
left field: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the left third of the outfield (looking from home plate)
leg: (nautical) the distance traveled by a sailing vessel on a single tack
leg curl: an exercise designed to strengthen the flexor muscles of the leg
leg exercise: exercise designed to strengthen the leg muscles
leg extensor: an exercise designed to strengthen the extensor muscles of the leg
leg: a section or portion of a journey or course
leg-pull: as a joke: trying to make somebody believe something that is not true
legal duty: acts which the law requires be done or forborne
legal proceeding: (law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
legal separation: (law) the cessation of cohabitation of man and wife (either by mutual agreement or under a court order)
legalisation: the act of making lawful
legateship: the post or office of legate
legislatorship: the office of legislator
legitimation: the act of rendering a person legitimate
leisure: freedom to choose a pastime or enjoyable activity
lending: disposing of money or property with the expectation that the same thing (or an equivalent) will be returned
lengthening: the act of prolonging something
lenience: lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers
lesbianism: female homosexuality
lesson: a unit of instruction
lesson: a task assigned for individual study
let: a serve that strikes the net before falling into the receiver's court; the ball must be served again
letting down: the act of causing something to move to a lower level
lever hang: a hang performed on the rings with the body stationary in a horizontal position
leverage: investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)
leveraged buyout: a buyout using borrowed money; the target company's assets are usually security for the loan
levitation: the act of raising (a body) from the ground by presumably spiritualistic means
levy: the act of drafting into military service
lexicography: the act of writing dictionaries
Lexington and Concord: the first battle of the American Revolution (April 19, 1775)
Leyte invasion: a battle in World War II; the return of United States troops to the Philippines began with landings on Leyte Island in October 1944; the battle marked first use of kamikaze aircraft by the Japanese
libation: the act of pouring a liquid offering (especially wine) as a religious ceremony
liberalisation: the act of making less strict
liberation: the attempt to achieve equal rights or status
librarianship: the position of librarian
license: the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
lie-in: a long stay in bed in the morning
lieu: the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
lieutenancy: the position of a lieutenant
life class: an art class using a live human model
lifesaving: saving the lives of drowning persons
lifework: the principal work of your career
LIFO: inventory accounting in which the most recently acquired items are assumed to be the first sold
lift: a ride in a car
lift: the act of giving temporary assistance
ligation: (surgery) tying a duct or blood vessel with a ligature (as to prevent bleeding during surgery)
ligature: the act of tying or binding things together
light adaptation: the process of adjusting the eyes to relatively high levels of illumination; the pupil constricts and the cones system is operative
light reflex: reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller
light show: a display of colored lights moving in shifting patterns
lightening: changing to a lighter color
lighterage: the transportation of goods on a lighter
lighting: the craft of providing artificial light
likening: the act of comparing similarities
limitation: an act of limiting or restricting (as by regulation)
limited war: a war whose objective is less than the unconditional defeat of the enemy
lindy: an energetic American dance that was popular in the 1930s (probably named for the aviator Charles Lindbergh)
line: acting in conformity
line backer: (American football) the position of a defensive football player who plays close behind the line of scrimmage
line double: a double resulting from a line drive
line drive: (baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter
line management: administration of the activities contributing directly to an organization's output
line of duty: all that is normally required in some area of responsibility
line of least resistance: the easiest way
line single: a single resulting from a line drive
line triple: a triple resulting from a line drive
lineation: the act of marking or outlining with lines
lineman: (American football) the position of a player on a football team who is stationed on the line of scrimmage
lingering: the act of tarrying
linguistic performance: (linguistics) a speaker's actual use of language in real situations; what the speaker actually says, including grammatical errors and other non-linguistic features such as hesitations and other disfluencies (contrasted with linguistic competence)
lining: the act of attaching an inside lining (to a garment or curtain etc.)
linkage: the act of linking things together
lip sync: combining audio and video recording in such a way that the sound is perfectly synchronized with the action that produced it; especially synchronizing the movements of a speaker's lips with the sound of his speech
lipectomy: plastic surgery involving the breakdown and removal of fatty tissue
liposuction: lipectomy (especially for cosmetic purposes) in which excess fatty tissue is removed from under the skin by suction
lipreading: perceiving what a person is saying by observing the movements of the lips
liquidation: termination of a business operation by using its assets to discharge its liabilities
lis pendens: a pending lawsuit
literature: the profession or art of a writer
lithography: the act of making a lithographic print
lithotomy: surgical removal of a stone (calculus)
Little Office: a Roman Catholic office honoring the Virgin Mary; similar to but shorter than the Divine Office
liturgy: a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
livery: the care (feeding and stabling) of horses for pay
load-shedding: cutting off the electric current on certain lines when the demand becomes greater than the supply
loading: the labor of putting a load of something on or in a vehicle or ship or container etc.
loan approval: formal authorization to get a loan (usually from a bank)
lob: an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc
lob: the act of propelling something (as a ball or shell etc.) in a high arc
lobbyism: the practice of lobbying; the activities of a lobbyist
lobectomy: surgical removal of a lobe from any organ of the body (as the lung or brain)
lock: any wrestling hold in which some part of the opponent's body is twisted or pressured
lockage: passage through a lock in a canal or waterway
lockdown: the act of confining prisoners to their cells (usually to regain control during a riot)
locking: the act of locking something up to protect it
lockout: a management action resisting employee's demands; employees are barred from entering the workplace until they agree to terms
lockstep: a manner of marching in file in which each person's leg moves with and behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead
lockstep: a standard procedure that is followed mindlessly
locomotion: self-propelled movement
lodging: the act of lodging
loft bombing: a bombing run in which the bomber approaches the target at a low altitude and pulls up just before releasing the bomb
logging: the work of cutting down trees for timber
logic programing: creating a program that enables the computer to reason logically
logistic assessment: a judgment of the logistic support required for some particular military operation
logistic assistance: assistance between and within military commands
logistics: handling an operation that involves providing labor and materials be supplied as needed
logrolling: act of exchanging favors for mutual gain; especially trading of influence or votes among legislators to gain passage of certain projects
long division: the operation of division in which the sequence of steps are indicated in detail
long fly: a gymnastic exercise involving a long leap from a vaulting horse
long haul: a journey over a long distance
long shot: a venture that involves great risk but promises great rewards
long whist: a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
longways: country dancing performed with couples in two long lines facing each other
look: the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
look-over: a swift cursory examination or inspection
looking: the act of searching visually
lookout: the act of looking out
loop: a flight maneuver; aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane
loose end: work that is left incomplete
looting: plundering during riots or in wartime
Lord's Supper: the traditional Passover supper of Jesus with his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion
lordolatry: the worship of a lord because of his rank or title
loss: the act of losing someone or something
lost cause: a defeated cause or a cause for which defeat is inevitable
love match: a marriage for love's sake; not an arranged marriage
love: sexual activities (often including sexual intercourse) between two people
low level flight: flight at very low altitudes
Low Mass: a Mass recited without music
lowering: the act of causing to become less
lubrication: an application of a lubricant to something
Lucknow: the British residents of Lucknow were besieged by Indian insurgents during the Indian Mutiny (1857)
lucky dip: a game in which prizes (e.g., candies or coins) are concealed in a container and for a small sum a player can draw one out at random
lucky dip: a selection or decision purely at random
Ludi Saeculares: the centennial rites and games of ancient Rome that marked the commencement of a new generation (100 years representing the longest life in a generation); observances may have begun as early as the 5th century BC and lasted well into the Christian era
ludo: a simple board game in which players move counters according to the throw of dice
luff: the act of sailing close to the wind
luging: riding a light one-man toboggan
lumbar puncture: removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
lumbering: the trade of cutting or preparing or selling timber
lumpectomy: surgical removal of a tumor without removing much of the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes; performed in some cases of breast cancer
lunching: the act of eating lunch
lunge: the act of moving forward suddenly
lunge: (fencing) an attacking thrust made with one foot forward and the back leg straight and with the sword arm outstretched forward
lurch: abrupt up-and-down motion (as caused by a ship or other conveyance)
lurch: an unsteady uneven gait
lust: self-indulgent sexual desire (personified as one of the deadly sins)
lustrum: a ceremonial purification of the Roman population every five years following the census
luxuriation: an activity that affords excessive pleasure and enjoyment
lymphangiography: roentgenographic examination of lymph nodes and lymph vessels after injection of a radiopaque contrast medium; produces a lymphangiogram
lynch law: the practice of punishing people by hanging without due process of law
lynching: putting a person to death by mob action without due process of law
Macedonian War: one the four wars between Macedonia and Rome in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, which ended in the defeat of Macedonia and its annexation as a Roman province
maculation: the act of spotting or staining something
magistracy: the position of magistrate
maglev: high-speed rail technology; train is suspended on a magnetic cushion above a magnetized track and so travels free of friction
magnification: the act of expanding something in apparent size
Mah-Jongg: Chinese game played by 4 people with 144 tiles
maiden flight: the first flight of its kind
maiden voyage: the first voyage of its kind
mail call: a call of names of those receiving mail
mail fraud: use of the mails to defraud someone
mailing: the transmission of a letter
maintenance: the act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence
major surgery: any surgical procedure that involves anesthesia or respiratory assistance
make: the act of mixing cards haphazardly
make-believe: the enactment of a pretense
make-do: something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency
makeover: a complete reconstruction and renovation of something
makeover: an overall beauty treatment (involving a person's hair style and cosmetics and clothing) intended to change or improve a person's appearance
makeready: final preparation and adjustments
male orgasm: an orgasm accompanied by the sensation of ejaculation of semen
malfeasance: wrongful conduct by a public official
malingering: evading duty or work by pretending to be incapacitated
malpractice: a wrongful act that the actor had no right to do; improper professional conduct
malpractice: professional wrongdoing that results in injury or damage
malversation: misconduct in public office
mambo: a Latin American dance similar in rhythm to the rumba
mammography: a diagnostic procedure to detect breast tumors by the use of X rays
mammothermography: the use of thermography to detect breast tumors (which appear as hot spots)
management control: an internal control performed by one or more managers
managership: the position of manager
mandate: the commission that is given to a government and its policies through an electoral victory
maneuver: a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill
maneuver: a military training exercise
maneuver: a move made to gain a tactical end
Manhattan Project: code name for the secret United States project set up in 1942 to develop atomic bombs for use in World War II
manhood: the status of being a man
manhunt: an organized search (by police) for a person (charged with a crime)
manicure: professional care for the hands and fingernails
Manila Bay: a naval battle in the Spanish-American War (1898); the American fleet under Admiral Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet
manipulation: exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
manslaughter: homicide without malice aforethought
Mantineia: the site of three famous battles among Greek city-states: in 418 BC and 362 BC and 207 BC
manual labor: labor done with the hands
manual: (military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
manumission: the formal act of freeing from slavery
marbles: a children's game played with little balls made of a hard substance (as glass)
march: a steady advance
march: the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)
Marengo: a battle in 1800 in which the French under Napoleon Bonaparte won a great victory over the Austrians
mariticide: the murder of a husband by his wife
market analysis: marketing research that yields information about the marketplace
market capitalisation: an estimation of the value of a business that is obtained by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current price of a share
market gardening: the growing of vegetables or flowers for market
market penetration: the extent to which a product is recognized and bought by customers in a particular market
market research: research that gathers and analyzes information about the moving of good or services from producer to consumer
market: the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold
marketing: the commercial processes involved in promoting and selling and distributing a product or service
marketing: shopping at a market
marketing: the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money
marking: the act of making a visible mark on a surface
marriage: the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony
marshalship: the post of marshall
martial art: any of several Oriental arts of weaponless self-defense; usually practiced as a sport
martyr operation: killing or injuring others while annihilating yourself; usually accomplished with a bomb
mask: activity that tries to conceal something
masonry: the craft of a mason
Mass: (Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Churches) the celebration of the Eucharist
mass production: the production of large quantities of a standardized article (often using assembly line techniques)
mass spectroscopy: the use of spectroscopy to determine the masses of small electrically charged particles
massage: kneading and rubbing parts of the body to increase circulation and promote relaxation
masse: a shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically; the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball
mastectomy: surgical removal of a breast to remove a malignant tumor
mastering: the act of making a master recording from which copies can be made
masterpiece: an outstanding achievement
mastership: the position of master
masterstroke: an achievement demonstrating great skill or mastery
mastery: the act of mastering or subordinating someone
mastoidectomy: surgical removal of some or all of the mastoid process
mastopexy: plastic surgery to lift or reshape the breasts
masturbation: manual stimulation of the genital organs (of yourself or another) for sexual pleasure
match play: golf scoring by holes won
matchmaking: mediation in order to bring about a marriage between others
matchup: the pairing of people or things as for comparison or competition
material breach: a breach serious enough to destroy the value of the contract and to give a basis for an action for breach of contract
materials handling: act of loading and unloading and moving goods within e.g. a factory especially using mechanical devices
maternalism: motherly care; behavior characteristic of a mother; the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children
mathematical operation: (mathematics) calculation by mathematical methods
matric: admission to a group (especially a college or university)
matricide: the murder of your mother
matrimony: the ceremony or sacrament of marriage
matrix addition: the addition of matrices
matrix inversion: determination of a matrix that when multiplied by the given matrix will yield a unit matrix
matrix multiplication: the multiplication of matrices
matrix operation: a mathematical operation involving matrices
matrix transposition: the interchange of each row of a square matrix with the corresponding column
maximation: the act of raising to the highest possible point or condition or position
maximization: the mathematical process of finding the maximum value of a function
mayhem: the willful and unlawful crippling or mutilation of another person
mayoralty: the position of mayor
mazurka: a Polish national dance in triple time
McCarthyism: unscrupulously accusing people of disloyalty (as by saying they were Communists)
meander: an aimless amble on a winding course
means test: an inquiry into the financial position of someone applying for financial aid
measure: the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
measure: any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
meat grinder: any action resulting in injury or destruction
meat packing: wholesale packaging of meat for future sale (including slaughtering and processing and distribution to retailers)
mechanics: the technical aspects of doing something
medal play: golf scoring by total strokes taken
meddling: the act of altering something secretly or improperly
medevac: the evacuation of persons (usually by air transportation) to a place where they can receive medical care
Medicaid: health care for the needy; a federally and state-funded program
medical aid: professional treatment for illness or injury
medical diagnosis: identification of a disease from its symptoms
medical practice: the practice of medicine
medical procedure: a procedure employed by medical or dental practitioners
medical prognosis: a prediction of the course of a disease
Medicare: health care for the aged; a federally administered system of health insurance available to persons aged 65 and over
medication: the act of treating with medicines or remedies
medicine: punishment for one's actions
medicine: the learned profession that is mastered by graduate training in a medical school and that is devoted to preventing or alleviating or curing diseases and injuries
medium: an occupation for which you are especially well suited
megavitamin therapy: therapy based on a theory that taking very large doses of vitamins will prevent or cure physical or psychological disorders
meniscectomy: surgical removal of the meniscus of the knee
mental measurement: a generic term used to cover any application of measurement techniques to the quantification of mental functions
mental test: any standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or memory or intelligence or aptitude or personality etc
mercy: alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed
meshugaas: (Yiddish) craziness; senseless behavior or activity
messiahship: the position of messiah
metalwork: the activity of making things out of metal in a skillful manner
metamorphosis: a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft
metamorphosis: a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
Metaurus River: a battle during the second Punic War (207 BC); Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal was defeated by the Romans which ended Hannibal's hopes for success in Italy
meteortropism: an effect of climate on biological processes (as the effect on joint pains etc.)
meter reading: the act of measuring with meters or similar instruments
method: an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed
metrazol shock: the administration of sufficient Metrazol to induce convulsions and coma
metrication: the act of changing from imperial units of measurement to metric units: meters, grams, seconds
metrification: writing a metrical composition (or the metrical structure of a composition)
Meuse-Argonne operation: an American operation in World War I (1918); American troops under Pershing drove back the German armies which were saved only by the armistice on November 11
Mexican Revolution: a revolution for agrarian reforms led in northern Mexico by Pancho Villa and in southern Mexico by Emiliano Zapata (1910-1911)
Mexican War: after disputes over Texas lands that were settled by Mexicans the United States declared war on Mexico in 1846 and by treaty in 1848 took Texas and California and Arizona and New Mexico and Nevada and Utah and part of Colorado and paid Mexico $15,000,000
Michelson-Morley experiment: a celebrated experiment conducted by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley; their failure to detect any influence of the earth's motion on the velocity of light was the starting point for Einstein's theory of relativity
micrometry: measuring with a micrometer
microscopy: research with the use of microscopes
microsurgery: surgery using operating microscopes and miniaturized precision instruments to perform intricate procedures on very small structures
microwave spectroscopy: the use of spectroscopy to study atomic or molecular resonances in the microwave spectrum
micturition reflex: relaxation of the urethral sphincter in response to increased pressure in the bladder
mid-off: the fielding position in cricket closest to the bowler on the off side
mid-on: the fielding position in cricket closest to the bowler on the on side
midwifery: assisting women at childbirth
migration: the movement of persons from one country or locality to another
mikvah: (Hebrew) a ritual purification and cleansing bath that Orthodox Jews take on certain occasions (as before Sabbath or after menstruation)
militainment: entertainment with military themes in which the Department of Defense is celebrated
militarisation: act of assembling and putting into readiness for war or other emergency:
military censorship: all types of censorship conducted by personnel of the armed forces
military ceremony: a military custom performed in observance of some event or anniversary
military control: the control of a country by military forces of a foreign power
military drill: training in marching and the use of weapons
military mission: an operation that is assigned by a higher headquarters
military operation: activity by a military or naval force (as a maneuver or campaign)
military press: a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then smoothly lifted overhead
military service: land tenure by service in the lord's army
military training: training soldiers in military procedures
mimicry: the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators
mind game: deliberate actions of calculated psychological manipulation intended to intimidate or confuse (usually for competitive advantage)
mind game: any game designed to exercise the intellect
mine disposal: the disposal of explosive mines
minelaying: laying explosive mines in concealed places to destroy enemy personnel and equipment
minesweeping: the activity of detecting and disposing of marine mines
mingling: the action of people mingling and coming into contact
miniature golf: a novelty version of golf played with golf balls and putters on a miniature course featuring many obstacles
miniaturisation: act of making on a greatly reduced scale
minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery: heart surgery in which a coronary bypass is performed on the beating heart by the use of small instruments and cameras threaded through small incisions
minimisation: the act of reducing something to the least possible amount or degree or position
minister: the job of a head of a government department
ministration: assistance in time of difficulty
ministry: the work of a minister of religion
Ministry of Transportation test: a compulsory annual test of older motor vehicles for safety and exhaust fumes
minor surgery: any surgical procedure that does not involve anesthesia or respiratory assistance
mintage: act or process of minting coins
minuet: a stately court dance in the 17th century
minus: an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated
miotic eyedrop: a treatment for glaucoma; the eyedrops increase the outflow of aqueous humor by constricting the pupil
miracle-worship: the worship of miracles
misapplication: wrong use or application
misappropriation: wrongful borrowing
misbehavior: improper or wicked or immoral behavior
miscalculation: a mistake in calculating
miscarriage: a natural loss of the products of conception
misconduct: bad or dishonest management by persons supposed to act on another's behalf
miscount: an inaccurate count
miscue: a faulty shot in billiards; the cue tip slips off the cue ball
miscue: a minor inadvertent mistake usually observed in speech or writing or in small accidents or memory lapses etc.
misdeal: an incorrect deal
misdirection: management that is careless or inefficient
misfeasance: doing a proper act in a wrongful or injurious manner
misgovernment: government that is inefficient or dishonest
mission impossible: an extremely dangerous or difficult mission
mission: the organized work of a religious missionary
misstep: an unintentional but embarrassing blunder
mistreatment: the practice of treating (someone or something) badly
mistrial: a trial that is invalid or inconclusive
mitigation: the action of lessening in severity or intensity
mitsvah: (Judaism) a good deed performed out of religious duty
mixed farming: growing crops and feed and livestock all on the same farm
mnemonic: a device (such as a rhyme or acronym) used to aid recall
mobilisation: act of marshaling and organizing and making ready for use or action
mock: the act of mocking or ridiculing
mockery: humorous or satirical mimicry
modality: a method of therapy that involves physical or electrical therapeutic treatment
model: the act of representing something (usually on a smaller scale)
modeling: a preliminary sculpture in wax or clay from which a finished work can be copied
moderatorship: the position of moderator
modern ballet: a style of ballet that admits a wider variety of movements
modern dance: a style of theatrical dancing that is not as restricted as classical ballet; movements are expressive of feelings
modernisation: making modern in appearance or behavior
modernism: practices typical of contemporary life or thought
modified radical mastectomy: removal of a breast and the pectoralis minor and some lymph nodes in the adjacent armpit
modulation: the act of modifying or adjusting according to due measure and proportion (as with regard to artistic effect)
modus operandi: an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
molestation: the act of subjecting someone to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity (especially women or children)
mollification: the act of appeasing someone or causing someone to be more favorably inclined
momism: excessive protection
monetisation: establishing something (e.g. gold or silver) as the legal tender of a country
money laundering: concealing the source of illegally gotten money
moneymaking: the act of making money (and accumulating wealth)
monitoring: the act of observing something (and sometimes keeping a record of it)
monkey business: mischievous or deceitful behavior
monoculture: the cultivation of a single crop (on a farm or area or country)
monohybrid cross: hybridization using a single trait with two alleles (as in Mendel's experiments with garden peas)
monolatry: the worship of a single god but without claiming that it is the only god
monopolisation: domination (of a market or commodity) to the exclusion of others
Monopoly: a board game in which players try to gain a monopoly on real estate as pieces advance around the board according to the throw of a die
moon shot: the launching of a spacecraft to the moon
moon-worship: the worship of the moon
moonwalk: a kind of dance step in which the dancer seems to be sliding on the spot
moonwalk: an exploratory walk by an astronaut on the surface of the moon
moot: a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
mopping: cleaning with a mop
moral obligation: an obligation arising out of considerations of right and wrong
morale booster: anything that serves to increase morale
moralisation: the act of making moral (or more moral)
moralism: judgments about another person's morality
Moro reflex: a normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs
morris dance: any of various English folk dances performed by dancers in costume
mortar fire: artillery fire delivered by a mortar
mortification: (Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or discomfort inflicted on yourself)
motility: a change of position that does not entail a change of location
motion study: an analysis of a specific job in an effort to find the most efficient method in terms of time and effort
motion: the act of changing location from one place to another
motivating: the act of motivating; providing incentive
motor control: control of muscles
motorcycling: riding a motorcycle
motoring: the act of driving an automobile
motorisation: the act of motorizing (equiping with motors or with motor vehicles)
mottling: the act of coloring with areas of different shades
mound: the position on a baseball team of the player who throws the ball for a batter to try to hit
mountain climbing: the activity of climbing a mountain
mousetrap: (American football) a play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then blocked off as the runner goes through the place the lineman vacated
move: the act of deciding to do something
move: (game) a player's turn to take some action permitted by the rules of the game
move: the act of changing your residence or place of business
movement: the act of changing the location of something
moving in: the act of occupying or taking possession of a building
MPEG: a set of standards adopted by the moving pictures experts group for the compression of digital video and audio data or a file of data compressed according to those standards
MRI: the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
mud bath: a bath in warm mud (as for treating rheumatism)
mudra: ritual hand movement in Hindu religious dancing
mug's game: a futile or unprofitable endeavor
mugging: assault with intent to rob
multiple voting: the act of voting in more than one place by the same person at the same election (illegal in U.S.)
multiplication: an arithmetic operation that is the inverse of division; the product of two numbers is computed
mumble-the-peg: a game in which players throw or flip a jackknife in various ways so that the knife sticks in the ground
mummification: embalmment and drying a dead body and wrapping it as a mummy
munch: a large bite
murder conviction: conviction for murder
mush: a journey by dogsled
music: musical activity (singing or whistling etc.)
music lesson: a lesson in performing music
musical chairs: a rearrangement that has no practical effect or significance
musical performance: the act of performing music
muster call: a call of the names of personnel at a military assembly
mutiny: open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)
mycophagy: the practice of eating fungi (especially mushrooms collected in the wild)
mydriasis: reflex pupillary dilation as a muscle pulls the iris outward; occurs in response to a decrease in light or certain drugs
myelography: roentgenography of the spinal cord to detect possible lesions (usually after injection of a contrast medium into the subarachnoid space)
myotactic reflex: reflex contraction of a muscle when an attached tendon is pulled; important in maintaining erect posture
myotomy: surgical incision or division of a muscle
myringectomy: surgical removal of the eardrum
myringoplasty: surgical repair of a perforated eardrum with a tissue graft
myringotomy: surgical incision into the eardrum (to relieve pressure or release pus from the middle ear)
mystification: the activity of obscuring people's understanding, leaving them baffled or bewildered
nail pulling: a form of torture in which the fingernails or toenails are removed
naked option: a put or call option for which the seller or buyer has no underlying security position
name: by the sanction or authority of
Napoleon: a card game similar to whist; usually played for stakes
Napoleonic Wars: a series of wars fought between France (led by Napoleon Bonaparte) and alliances involving England and Prussia and Russia and Austria at different times; 1799-1815
naprapathy: a drugless method of treatment based on the belief that disease symptoms arise from problems with ligaments and connective tissues
narcoterrorism: the financing of terrorist activities by participation in the drug trade
narrowing: the act of making something narrower
nasogastric feeding: feeding consisting of delivering liquid nutrients through a tube passing through the nose and into the stomach
national assistance: benefits paid to bring incomes up to minimum levels established by law
national censorship: censorship under civil authority of communications entering or leaving or crossing the borders of the United States or its territories or possessions
national insurance: social insurance program in Britain; based on contributions from employers and employees; provides payments to unemployed and sick and retired people as well as medical services
national service: compulsory service in the military during peacetime
nationalisation: the action of rendering national in character
nationalisation: the action of forming or becoming a nation
natural: (craps) a first roll of 7 or 11 that immediately wins the stake
natural family planning: any of several methods of family planning that do not involve sterilization or contraceptive devices or drugs; coitus is avoided during the fertile time of a woman's menstrual cycle
naturalisation: the introduction of animals or plants to places where they flourish but are not indigenous
naturalisation: changing the pronunciation of a borrowed word to agree with the borrowers' phonology
naturalisation: the proceeding whereby a foreigner is granted citizenship
naturism: going without clothes as a social practice
naturopathy: a method of treating disease using food and exercise and heat to assist the natural healing process
nauch: an intricate traditional dance in India performed by professional dancing girls
naught: complete failure
naval battle: a pitched battle between naval fleets
naval blockade: the interdiction of a nation's lines of communication at sea by the use of naval power
naval campaign: an operation conducted primarily by naval forces in order to gain or extend or maintain control of the sea
navigation: ship traffic
navigation: the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place
navigation: the work of a sailor
near thing: something that barely avoids failure or disaster
neck exercise: exercise designed to strengthen the neck muscles
necrophagia: feeding on corpses or carrion
needlecraft: work (such as sewing or embroidery) that is done with a needle
negative chemotaxis: movement away from a chemical stimulus
neglect of duty: (law) breach of a duty
negotiation: the activity or business of negotiating an agreement; coming to terms
nelson: any of several wrestling holds in which an arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind and the hand exerts pressure on the back of the neck
Nemean Games: the ancient Panhellenic games held biennially at Nemea in the second and fourth years of each Olympiad
neocolonialism: control by a powerful country of its former colonies (or other less developed countries) by economic pressures
nephrectomy: surgical removal of a kidney
nephrotomy: incision into a kidney (usually to remove a kidney stone)
nepotism: favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)
netball: a team game that resembles basketball; a soccer ball is to be thrown so that it passes through a ring on the top of a post
netting: creating nets
neurectomy: surgical removal of all or part of a nerve
neuromarketing: marketing based on studies of consumers' sensorimotor, cognitive, and affective responses
neuroplasty: plastic surgery of the nerves
neurosurgery: any surgery that involves the nervous system (brain or spinal cord or peripheral nerves)
neurotropism: an affinity for neural tissues
neutralisation: action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war
neutralisation: (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation)
neutrality: nonparticipation in a dispute or war
neutralization fire: fire that is delivered in order to render the target ineffective or unusable
new deal: a reapportioning of something
Newmarket: a gambling card game in which chips are placed on the ace and king and queen and jack of separate suits (taken from a separate deck); a player plays the lowest card of a suit in his hand and successively higher cards are played until the sequence stops; the player who plays a card matching one in the layout wins all the chips on that card
newspapering: journalism practiced for the newspapers
newspeak: deliberately ambiguous and contradictory language used to mislead and manipulate the public
nibble: gentle biting
nick: a small cut
night game: a game played under artificial illumination at night
night life: the activity of people seeking nighttime diversion (as at the theater, a nightclub, etc.)
night life: the entertainment available to people seeking nighttime diversion
night-stop: a break in a journey for the night
nightcap: the final game of a double header
nightwork: work to be done at night
nihil obstat: authoritative approval
nim: game in which matchsticks are arranged in rows and players alternately remove one or more of them; in some versions the object is to take the last remaining matchstick on the table and in other versions the object is to avoid taking the last remaining matchstick on the table
ninepins: a bowling game that is played by rolling a bowling ball down a bowling alley at a target of nine wooden pins
ninjitsu: the traditional Japanese method of espionage; involves stealthy movements and the use of camouflage
nip: a small sharp bite or snip
nisus: an effortful attempt to attain a goal
no ball: unlawfully delivered ball in cricket
no-brainer: anything that requires little thought
no-hit game: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team no hits
no-trump: a version of contract bridge in which no suit is designated as trump for the duration of the hand
noblesse oblige: the obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically)
noctambulation: walking by a person who is asleep
nod: the act of nodding the head
nomenklatura: the system of patronage in communist countries; controlled by committees in the Communist Party
nomination: the act of officially naming a candidate
non pros: a judgment entered in favor of the defendant when the plaintiff has not continued his action (e.g., has not appeared in court)
non-engagement: withdrawing from the activities of a group
nonacceptance: the act of refusing an offer
nonaccomplishment: an act that does not achieve its intended goal
nonappearance: failure to appear (especially as at court)
nonattendance: the failure to attend
nonconformance: failure to conform to accepted standards of behavior
nonconformism: the practice of nonconformity
none: a service in the Roman Catholic Church formerly read or chanted at 3 PM (the ninth hour counting from sunrise) but now somewhat earlier
nonfeasance: a failure to act when under an obligation to do so; a refusal (without sufficient excuse) to do that which it is your legal duty to do
nonobservance: a lack of conformity with law or custom or practice etc.
nonprofit: an organization chartered for other than profit-making activities
nonproliferation: the prevention of something increasing or spreading (especially the prevention of an increase in the number of countries possessing nuclear weapons)
nonresistance: group refusal to resort to violence even in defense against violence
nonstop: a flight made without intermediate stops between source and destination
nonviolence: peaceful resistance to a government by fasting or refusing to cooperate
normalisation: the imposition of standards or regulations
Norman Conquest: the invasion and settlement of England by the Normans following the battle of Hastings (1066)
North American Free Trade Agreement: an agreement for free trade between the United States and Canada and Mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years
nose job: cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of your nose
notation: the activity of representing something by a special system of marks or characters
notification: an accusation of crime made by a grand jury on its own initiative
noughts and crosses: a game in which two players alternately put crosses and circles in one of the compartments of a square grid of nine spaces; the object is to get a row of three crosses or three circles before the opponent does
nourishment: the act of nourishing
novation: (law) the replacement of one obligation by another by mutual agreement of both parties; usually the replacement of one of the original parties to a contract with the consent of the remaining party
novelisation: converting something into the form of a novel
novena: a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days
nuclear deterrence: the military doctrine that an enemy will be deterred from using nuclear weapons as long as he can be destroyed as a consequence
nuclear terrorism: the use of a nuclear device by a terrorist organization to cause massive devastation or the use (or threat of use) of fissionable radioactive materials
nude dancing: erotic dancing with little or no clothing
nullification: the act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something
number crunching: performing complex and lengthy numerical calculations
numbers: an illegal daily lottery
nursing: the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm
nursing care: care by a skilled nurse
nurturance: physical and emotional care and nourishment
nutation: uncontrolled nodding
nystagmus: involuntary movements of the eyeballs; its presence or absence is used to diagnose a variety of neurological and visual disorders
obedience: the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
obedience: behavior intended to please your parents
obfuscation: darkening or obscuring the sight of something
object-oriented programing: creating a program that can use and support objects
objectification: the act of representing an abstraction as a physical thing
objection: (law) a procedure whereby a party to a suit says that a particular line of questioning or a particular witness or a piece of evidence or other matter is improper and should not be continued and asks the court to rule on its impropriety or illegality
Oblation: the act of offering the bread and wine of the Eucharist
oblation: the act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity
obscenity: an obscene act
obscurantism: a deliberate act intended to make something obscure
observance: the act of observing; taking a patient look
observation: the act of making and recording a measurement
observed fire: fire for which the point of impact (the burst) can be seen by an observer; fire can be adjusted on the basis of the observations
obstruction: the act of obstructing
obstruction: getting in someone's way
obstruction of justice: impeding those who seek justice in a court (as by trying to influence or intimidate any juror or witness or officer of the court); can result in a finding of contempt of court
obstructionism: deliberate interference
obtainment: the act of obtaining
occult: supernatural practices and techniques
occupancy: an act of being a tenant or occupant
occupation: any activity that occupies a person's attention
occupational therapy: therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life, especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities in spite of impairments or limitations in physical or mental functions
ocean trip: an act of traveling by water
oculism: the craft of an oculist
odyssey: a long wandering and eventful journey
offence: a transgression that constitutes a violation of what is judged to be right
offence: the action of attacking an enemy
Offertory: the part of the Eucharist when bread and wine are offered to God
office: a religious rite or service prescribed by ecclesiastical authorities
Office of the Dead: an office read or sung before a burial mass in the Roman Catholic Church
official immunity: personal immunity accorded to a public official from liability to anyone injured by actions that are the consequence of exerting official authority
officiating: the act of umpiring
officiation: the performance of a religious or ceremonial or public duty
offside: (sport) the mistake of occupying an illegal position on the playing field (in football, soccer, ice hockey, field hockey, etc.)
oil change: replacing dirty oil with clean
oil conservation: the conservation of petroleum resources
oil painting: the art or method of painting with oil paints
Okinawa campaign: a campaign in the closing days of World War II in the Pacific (April to June 1945); in savage close-quarter fighting United States marines and regular army troops took the island from the Japanese; considered the greatest victory of the Pacific campaign for the Americans
Oktoberfest: an autumn festival that involves merrymaking and drinking beer
old maid: a card game using a pack of cards from which one queen has been removed; players match cards and the player holding the unmatched queen at the end of the game is the loser (or `old maid')
old sledge: a form of all fours in which a total of seven points is game
old-age insurance: insurance paid to the elderly
Olympian Games: the ancient Panhellenic celebration at Olympia in honor of Zeus; held every 4 years beginning in 776 BC
omission: a mistake resulting from neglect
omophagia: the eating of raw food
on the road: travelling about
one-and-one: a foul shot that must be made in order to earn the right to a second foul shot
one-night stand: a performance in one place on one night only
one-night stand: a brief sexual encounter lasting only for a single night
one-step: an early ballroom dance; precursor to the fox-trot
one-upmanship: the practice of keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor
oophorectomy: surgical removal of one of both ovaries
oophorosalpingectomy: surgical removal of one or both ovaries and the corresponding Fallopian tubes
open primary: a primary in which any registered voter can vote (but must vote for candidates of only one party)
open sesame: any very successful means of achieving a result
open-heart surgery: heart surgery in which the rib cage is spread open, the heart is stopped and blood is detoured through a heart-lung machine while a heart valve or coronary artery is surgically repaired
opencast mining: the mining of ore or coal from an open mine
opening: becoming open or being made open
opening: the act of opening something
operating procedure: a procedure for operating something or for dealing with a given situation
operation: a business especially one run on a large scale
operation: the activity of operating something (a machine or business etc.)
operation: a planned activity involving many people performing various actions
Operation Desert Storm: the United States and its allies defeated Iraq in a ground war that lasted 100 hours (1991)
operation: a process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work
operation: a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body
operations research: research designed to determine most efficient way to do something
operations: financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records
ophiolatry: the worship of snakes
ophthalmectomy: surgical removal of an eye
ophthalmoscopy: examination of the interior of an eye using an ophthalmoscope
opinion: the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)
opposition: the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
oppression: the act of subjugating by cruelty
optimisation: the act of rendering optimal
optometry: the practice of an optometrist
oral contraception: contraception achieved by taking oral contraceptive pills
orchestration: an arrangement of events that attempts to achieve a maximum effect
orchidectomy: surgical removal of one or both testicles
orchiopexy: operation to bring an undescended testicle into the scrotum
orchotomy: surgical incision into the testis to obtain material for analysis (as in cases of abnormally low sperm count)
ordeal: a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control; escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence
order arms: a position in the manual of arms; the rifle is held vertically on the right side with the butt on the ground; often used as a command
order: the act of putting things in a sequential arrangement
ordinance: the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders
organ transplant: an operation moving an organ from one organism (the donor) to another (the recipient)
organisation: the activity or result of distributing or disposing persons or things properly or methodically
organisation: the act of organizing a business or an activity related to a business
orgy: secret rite in the cults of ancient Greek or Roman deities involving singing and dancing and drinking and sexual activity
orientation: the act of orienting
orientation: a course introducing a new situation or environment
origami: the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes representing objects (e.g., flowers or birds)
original sin: a sin said to be inherited by all descendants of Adam
ornamentalism: the practice of ornamental display
orthodontic treatment: dental treatment that corrects irregularities of the teeth or of the relation of the teeth to surrounding anatomy; treatment is usually by braces or mechanical aids
orthoptics: treatment of defects of binocular vision (such as strabismus and amblyopia) by nonsurgical measures (especially by exercises to strengthen the eye muscles)
oscitance: an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom
osteoclasis: treatment of a skeletal deformity by intentionally fracturing a bone
osteopathy: therapy based on the assumption that restoring health is best accomplished by manipulating the skeleton and muscles
osteotomy: surgical sectioning of bone
ostomy: surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening for the elimination of bodily wastes
ostracism: the act of excluding someone from society by general consent
otoplasty: reconstructive surgery of the auricle of the external ear
ouster: a wrongful dispossession
ouster: the act of ejecting someone or forcing them out
out: (baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball
outburst: a sudden violent disturbance
outdoor game: an athletic game that is played outdoors
outercourse: sexual stimulation without vaginal penetration
outfitting: the act of renovating and fitting out a ship
outlet: activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion
output: production of a certain amount
outrage: a wantonly cruel act
outrage: the act of scandalizing
outreach: the act of reaching out
outside loop: a loop consisting of a dive followed by inverted flight followed by a climb that returns to horizontal flight
over-the-shoulder bombing: a special case of loft bombing in which the bomb is released past the vertical so it is tossed back to the target
overachievement: better than expected performance (better than might have been predicted from intelligence tests)
overcapitalisation: (business) too much capitalization (the sale of more stock than the business warrants)
overcast: a cast that falls beyond the intended spot
overexertion: excessive exertion; so much exertion that discomfort or injury results
overexploitation: exploitation to the point of diminishing returns
overexposure: the act of exposing film to too much light or for too long a time
overexposure: the act of exposing someone excessively to an influencing experience
overfeeding: excessive feeding
overflight: a flight by an aircraft over a particular area (especially over an area in foreign territory)
overhand pitch: a baseball pitch in which the hand moves above the shoulder
overhaul: the act of improving by renewing and restoring
overhead: a hard return hitting the tennis ball above your head
overkill: any effort that seems to go farther than would be necessary to achieve its goal
overlordship: the position of overlord
overpayment: the act of paying too much
overproduction: too much production or more than expected
overreaction: an excessive reaction; a reaction with inappropriate emotional behavior
oversight: management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group
oversimplification: an act of excessive simplification; the act of making something seem simpler than it really is
overt operation: the collection of intelligence openly without concealment
overtaking: going by something that is moving in order to get in front of it
overthrow: the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)
overturn: the act of upsetting something
overturn: an improbable and unexpected victory
overwork: the act of working too much or too long
ovulation method: natural family planning in which the fertile period is inferred from changes in the character and quantity of cervical mucus; ovulation is marked by an increase in mucus that becomes sticky and then clearer and slippery
own goal: (soccer) a goal that results when a player inadvertently knocks the ball into the goal he is defending
ownership: the act of having and controlling property
pac-man strategy: the target company defends itself by threatening to take over its acquirer
pace lap: the first lap of a car race that prepares the cars for a fast start
pace: a step in walking or running
pachinko: a Japanese pinball game played on a vertical board
pachisi: an ancient board game resembling backgammon; played on a cross-shaped board
pacing: walking with slow regular strides
pack riding: riding with a pack
package holiday: a tour arranged by a travel agent; transportation and food and lodging are all provided at an inclusive price
packaging: the business of packing
paederasty: sexual relations between a man and a boy (usually anal intercourse with the boy as a passive partner)
paedophilia: a sexual attraction to children
pageant: an elaborate representation of scenes from history etc; usually involves a parade with rich costumes
paintball: a game that simulates military combat; players on one team try to eliminate players on the opposing team by shooting capsules of paint at them
painting: creating a picture with paints
painting: the act of applying paint to a surface
pairing: the act of grouping things or people in pairs
pall-mall: a 17th century game; a wooden ball was driven along an alley with a mallet
palliation: easing the severity of a pain or a disease without removing the cause
pallone: an Italian game similar to tennis
palpation: a method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional)
palpebration: repeated blinking or winking (especially if uncontrolled and persistent)
pancreatectomy: surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas
pandiculation: yawning and stretching (as when first waking up)
panhysterectomy: surgical removal of the uterus and the ovaries and oviducts and cervix and related lymph nodes
panto: an abbreviation of pantomime
paper route: the job of delivering newspapers regularly
paperhanging: the application of wallpaper
papermaking: the craft of making paper
paperwork: work that involves handling papers: forms or letters or reports etc.
papism: offensive terms for the practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church
parade: a visible display
paragliding: gliding in a parasail
paraphilia: abnormal sexual activity
parcel: the allotment of some amount by dividing something
parcellation: the division into parcels
Parcheesi: a modern board game based on pachisi
pargeting: ornamental plastering
parimutuel: betting where winners share the total amount wagered
parking: the act of maneuvering a vehicle into a location where it can be left temporarily
parlay: a series of wagers in which the winnings from one wager are used as a stake for the subsequent wagers
parlor game: a game suitable for playing in a parlor
parole: (law) a conditional release from imprisonment that entitles the person to serve the remainder of the sentence outside the prison as long as the terms of release are complied with
parricide: the murder of your own father or mother
parry: (fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword
part-singing: singing with three or more voice parts
partial breach: a breach that does not destroy the value of the contract but can give rise to a claim for damages
partial verdict: (criminal law) a finding that the defendant is guilty of some charges but innocent of others
party game: a game to amuse guests at a party
party spirit: devotion to a political party
pas: (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
pas de quatre: (ballet) a dance for four people
pas de trois: (ballet) a dance for three people
pas seul: (ballet) a solo dance or dance figure
paso doble: a ballroom dance in fast duple time
pass: a flight or run by an aircraft over a target
pass: (American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
pass: success in satisfying a test or requirement
passage: a bodily reaction of changing from one place or stage to another
passage: a journey usually by ship
passage: the act of passing from one state or place to the next
passed ball: a pitch that the catcher should have caught but did not; allows a base runner to advance a base
passing shot: a tennis return that passes an opponent who has approached the net
passive air defense: air defense by the use of deception or dispersion or protective construction
Passover supper: (Judaism) the ceremonial dinner on the first night (or both nights) of Passover
pasteurisation: partial sterilization of foods at a temperature that destroys harmful microorganisms without major changes in the chemistry of the food
pastorate: the position of pastor
patching: the act of mending a hole in a garment by sewing a patch over it
patent infringement: violation of the rights secured by a patent
path: a course of conduct
patience: a card game played by one person
patricide: the murder of your father
patrol: the activity of going around or through an area at regular intervals for security purposes
patronage: (politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
patronage: the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers
pattern: a customary way of operation or behavior
pause: temporary inactivity
pavage: the act of applying paving materials to an area
pavan: a stately court dance of the 16th and 17th centuries
pawn: borrowing and leaving an article as security for repayment of the loan
pay cut: the act of reducing a salary
payback: the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life
payment: an act of requiting; returning in kind
peace initiative: opening move in negotiating a peace treaty
peace march: a protest march against (a particular) war and in favor of peace
peacekeeping: the activity of keeping the peace by military forces (especially when international military forces enforce a truce between hostile groups or nations)
Peasant's Revolt: a widespread rebellion in 1381 against poll taxes and other inequities that oppressed the poorer people of England; suppressed by Richard II
peasanthood: the state of being a peasant
pedicure: professional care for the feet and toenails
peek: a secret look
Peloponnesian War: a war in which Athens and its allies were defeated by the league centered on Sparta; 431-404 BC
pelvimetry: measurement of the dimensions of the bony birth canal (to determine whether vaginal birth is possible)
penalisation: the act of punishing
penance: a Catholic sacrament; repentance and confession and atonement and absolution
penance: voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing
penetration: the act (by a man) of inserting his penis into the vagina of a woman
penetration: the act of entering into or through something
penny ante: a business deal on a trivial scale
penny ante: poker played for small stakes
peonage: the practice of making a debtor work for his creditor until the debt is discharged
perambulation: a walk around a territory (a parish or manor or forest etc.) in order to officially assert and record its boundaries
perception: becoming aware of something via the senses
percolation: the act of making coffee in a percolator
percolation: the filtration of a liquid for extraction or purification
percussion: the act of exploding a percussion cap
percussion: the act of playing a percussion instrument
percussion: tapping a part of the body for diagnostic purposes
peregrination: traveling or wandering around
perfect game: a game in which a pitcher does not allow any opposing player to reach base
perfection: the act of making something perfect
perforation: the act of punching a hole (especially a row of holes as for ease of separation)
performance: any recognized accomplishment
performance: the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment
perfumery: the art of making perfumes
perfusion: pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue (especially by way of blood vessels)
perineotomy: surgical incision into the perineum
permissive waste: (law) reduction in the value of an estate caused by act or neglect
permutation: the act of changing the arrangement of a given number of elements
permutation: act of changing the lineal order of objects in a group
permutation: complete change in character or condition
persecution: the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)
perseverance: the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior
Persian Gulf War: a war fought between Iraq and a coalition led by the United States that freed Kuwait from Iraqi invaders; 1990-1991
personal care: care for someone who is disabled or is otherwise unable to care for themselves; can including bathing and cooking and managing bodily functions
personal foul: a foul that involves unnecessarily rough contact (as in basketball or football)
personality test: any test that is intended to assess personality
pervaporation: the concentration of a colloidal solution whose colloid will not pass through a semipermeable membrane; solution is placed in a bag of the membrane and the solvent is evaporated off
perversion: the action of perverting something (turning it to a wrong use)
perversion: an aberrant sexual practice
PET: using a computerized radiographic technique to examine the metabolic activity in various tissues (especially in the brain)
pet sitting: the work of a pet sitter; caring for pets in their own home while their owners are away from home
Petersburg Campaign: the final campaign of the American Civil War (1864-65); Union forces under Grant besieged and finally defeated Confederate forces under Lee
petit larceny: larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale)
petrissage: massage of the skin which is gently lifted and squeezed
petroglyph: a carving or line drawing on rock (especially one made by prehistoric people)
phacoemulsification: extracapsular surgery for cataracts in which ultrasonic sound breaks the cortex and nucleus of the lens into small fragments that are then vacuumed away through a small tube
phalloplasty: reconstructive surgery on the penis to repair congenital abnormality or injury
phase I clinical trial: a clinical trial on a few persons to determine the safety of a new drug or invasive medical device; for drugs, dosage or toxicity limits should be obtained
phase II clinical trial: a clinical trial on more persons than in phase I; intended to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment for the condition it is intended to treat; possible side effects are monitored
phase III clinical trial: a large clinical trial of a treatment or drug that in phase I and phase II has been shown to be efficacious with tolerable side effects; after successful conclusion of these clinical trials it will receive formal approval from the FDA
phase IV clinical trial: sometimes the FDA approves a drug for general use but requires the manufacturer to continue to monitor its effects; during this phase the drug may be tried on slightly different patient populations than those studied in earlier trials
phase-out: the act or instance of a planned discontinuation
philanthropic gift: voluntary promotion of human welfare
philately: the collection and study of postage stamps
phlebectomy: surgical removal or all or part of a vein; sometimes done in cases of severe varicose veins
phlebotomy: surgical incision into a vein; used to treat hemochromatosis
phonics: teaching reading by training beginners to associate letters with their sound values
photocoagulation: surgical procedure that uses an intense laser beam to destroy diseased retinal tissue or to make a scar that will hold the retina in cases of detached retina
photography: the occupation of taking and printing photographs or making movies
photography: the act of taking and printing photographs
photogravure: using photography to produce a plate for printing
photometry: measurement of the properties of light (especially luminous intensity)
phototherapy: the use of strong light to treat acne or hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn
phototropism: an orienting response to light
phrase: dance movements that are linked in a single choreographic sequence
phrasing: the grouping of musical phrases in a melodic line
physiatrics: therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities
physical rehabilitation: providing help for disabled persons; the removal or reduction of disabilities
physician-assisted suicide: assisted suicide where the assistant is a physician
physiological nystagmus: small involuntary tremors of the eyeballs; when it is eliminated by stabilizing the image on the retina, visual perception fades rapidly from fatigue of the retinal receptors
piaffe: a cadenced trot executed by the horse in one spot
piano lesson: a lesson in playing the piano
pick: a basketball maneuver; obstructing an opponent with one's body
pick-off: a baseball play in which a base runner is caught off base and tagged out
picket: a form of military punishment used by the British in the late 17th century in which a soldier was forced to stand on one foot on a pointed stake
picking: the act of picking (crops or fruit or hops etc.)
pickings: the act of someone who picks up or takes something
pickup: the act of taking aboard passengers or freight
pickup: the act or process of picking up or collecting from various places
pictorial representation: visual representation as by photography or painting
piecework: work paid for according to the quantity produced
piggyback: the act of carrying something piggyback
pigsticking: the sport of hunting wild boar with spears
piked reverse hang: a reverse hang performed on the rings
pilferage: the act of stealing small amounts or small articles
pilgrimage: a journey to a sacred place
pillage: the act of stealing valuable things from a place
pillow fight: a child's game of fighting with pillows
pilot program: activity planned as a test or trial
pilotage: the occupation of a pilot
pinball: a game played on a sloping board; the object is to propel marbles against pins or into pockets
pinch: a squeeze with the fingers
Ping-Pong: a game (trademark Ping-Pong) resembling tennis but played on a table with paddles and a light hollow ball
piping: playing a pipe or the bagpipes
piquet: a card game for two players using a reduced pack of 32 cards
piracy: the act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own
pirouette: (ballet) a rapid spin of the body (especially on the toes as in ballet)
pisha paysha: (Yiddish) a card game for two players one of whom is usually a child; the deck is place face down with one card face upward; players draw from the deck alternately hoping to build up or down from the open card; the player with the fewest cards when the deck is exhausted is the winner
piss-up: vulgar expression for a bout of heavy drinking
pit stop: a brief stop at a pit during an automobile race to take on fuel or service the car
pit stop: a stop during an automobile trip for rest and refreshment
pitch: the action or manner of throwing something
pitch: a high approach shot in golf
pitched battle: a fierce battle fought in close combat between troops in predetermined positions at a chosen time and place
pitching: (baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team
pitching change: replacing a pitcher in baseball
pivot: the act of turning on (or as if on) a pivot
pivot shot: a one-handed basketball shot made while whirling on the pivot foot
place bet: a bet that a horse will finish a race no worse than second
place kick: (sports) a kick in which the ball is placed on the ground before kicking
place-worship: the worship of places
placebo: (Roman Catholic Church) vespers of the office for the dead
placement: contact established between applicants and prospective employees
placer mining: mining valuable minerals from a placer by washing or dredging
planking: the work of covering an area with planks
planning: the act or process of drawing up plans or layouts for some project or enterprise
planning: an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action
plant closing: act of shutting down operation of a plant
plantar reflex: flexion of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front in persons over the age of 2 years; under 2 years the results should be extension of the toes (Babinski reflex)
planting: putting seeds or young plants in the ground to grow
planting: the act of fixing firmly in place
plasmapheresis: plasma is separated from whole blood and the rest is returned to the donor
plateletpheresis: platelets are separated from whole blood and the rest is returned to the donor
plating: the application of a thin coat of metal (as by electrolysis)
play: a preset plan of action in team sports
play: utilization or exercise
play therapy: form of psychotherapy for children that uses play situations for diagnosis or treatment
play: the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
play: (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession
playback: the act of reproducing recorded sound
playing: the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation
playing: the act of playing a musical instrument
playoff game: one game in the series of games constituting a playoff
plea: an answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed
pleasantry: an agreeable or amusing remark
pleasing: the act of one who pleases
pleasure: an activity that affords enjoyment
pleasure: sexual gratification
pleating: the act of folding in parallel folds
plebiscite: a vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance
Plevna: the town was taken from the Turks by the Russians in 1877 after a siege of 143 days
plod: the act of walking with a slow heavy gait
ploughing: tilling the land with a plow
pluck: the act of pulling and releasing a taut cord
plum: a highly desirable position or assignment
plumbery: the occupation of a plumber (installing and repairing pipes and fixtures for water or gas or sewage in a building)
plunderage: the act of plundering (especially the embezzlement of goods on shipboard)
plunk: (baseball) hitting a baseball so that it drops suddenly
pluralism: the practice of one person holding more than one benefice at a time
PM: an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
pneumonectomy: surgical removal of a lung (usually to treat lung cancer)
poaching: cooking in simmering liquid
pocket billiards: any of various games played on a pool table having 6 pockets
pocket veto: indirect veto of legislation by refusing to sign it
pogrom: organized persecution of an ethnic group (especially Jews)
point duty: the control of traffic by a policeman stationed at an intersection
poison pill: the target company defends itself by making its stock less attractive to an acquirer
poisoning: the act of giving poison to a person or animal with the intent to kill
poke check: knocking the puck away by jabbing at it with the hockey stick
poker: any of various card games in which players bet that they hold the highest-ranking hand
polarography: an electrochemical method of chemical analysis
police action: a local military action without declaration of war; against violators of international peace and order
police investigation: the investigation of criminal activities
polishing: the work of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing or waxing it
politics: the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
politics: the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government
polity: shrewd or crafty management of public affairs
polka: a Bohemian dance with 3 steps and a hop in fast time
poll: the counting of votes (as in an election)
polo: a game similar to field hockey but played on horseback using long-handled mallets and a wooden ball
polypectomy: surgical removal of a polyp
pony-trekking: a sport in which people ride across country on ponies
pop fly: a short high fly ball
popularisation: the act of making something attractive to the general public
popularity contest: competition (real or figurative) for popular support
population: the act of populating (causing to live in a place)
population control: control over the growth of population; a government program
porcupine provision: a measure undertaken by a corporation to discourage unwanted takeover attempts
pork-barreling: acquisition of government money for benefits to a specific locale
Port Arthur: a battle in the Chino-Japanese War (1894); Japanese captured the port and fortifications from the Chinese
port-access coronary bypass surgery: heart surgery in which a coronary bypass is performed by the use of small instruments and tiny cameras threaded through small incisions while the heart is stopped and blood is pumped through a heart-lung machine
portage: carrying boats and supplies overland
porterage: the transportation of burdens by porters
portfolio: the role of the head of a government department
portraiture: the activity of making portraits
posing: (photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
position: the act of positing; an assumption taken as a postulate or axiom
position: (in team sports) the role assigned to an individual player
positive chemotaxis: movement toward a chemical stimulus
possession: (sport) the act of controlling the ball (or puck)
post: the delivery and collection of letters and packages
post office: a children's game in which kisses are exchanged for pretended letters
post-rotational nystagmus: nystagmus caused by suddenly stopping the rapid rotation of the body; large slow movements of the eyeballs are in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation
potassium-argon dating: geological dating that relies on the proportions of radioactive potassium in a rock sample and its decay product, argon
potation: the act of drinking (especially an alcoholic drink)
potshot: a shot taken at an easy or casual target (as by a pothunter)
pottery: the craft of making earthenware
pounce: the act of pouncing
power dive: a dive of an airplane that is accelerated both by gravity and by the power of the engine
power play: a play in which there is a concentration of players in one location on the field of play
power play: (ice hockey) a play in which one team has a numerical advantage over the other as a result of penalties
power play: an aggressive attempt to compel acquiescence by the concentration or manipulation of power
power trip: (slang) a self-aggrandizing action undertaken simply for the pleasure of exercising control over other people
power walking: a form of cardiopulmonary exercise consisting of rapid walking accompanied by vigorous swinging of the arms
practical joke: a prank or trick played on a person (especially one intended to make the victim appear foolish)
practice: the exercise of a profession
practice: translating an idea into action
praetorship: the office of praetor
prance: a proud stiff pompous gait
pratfall: a fall onto your buttocks
prayer meeting: a service at which people sing hymns and pray together
prayer: the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
pre-emptive strike: a surprise attack that is launched in order to prevent the enemy from doing it to you
precedence: the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony)
precentorship: the position of precentor
preceptorship: the position of preceptor
preclinical phase: a laboratory test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on animal subjects; conducted to gather evidence justifying a clinical trial
predation: the act of preying by a predator who kills and eats the prey
predetermination: the act of determining or ordaining in advance what is to take place
preemption: a prior appropriation of something
prefabrication: the manufacture of sections of a building at the factory so they can be easily and rapidly assembled at the building site
prefecture: the office of prefect
preferment: the act of preferring
prefixation: formation of a word by means of a prefix
prelacy: the office or station of a prelate
premiership: the office of premier
prenatal diagnosis: any of the diagnostic procedures used to determine whether a fetus has a genetic abnormality
preoccupancy: the act of taking occupancy before someone else does
preparation fire: fire delivered on a target in preparation for an assault
preparation: the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
prepayment: payment in advance
presence: the act of being present
presentation: the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward)
preservation: the activity of protecting something from loss or danger
presidency: the office and function of president
President of the United States: the office of the United States head of state
press: the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
press-up: an arm exercise performed lying face to the floor and pushing the body up and down with the arms
prestidigitation: manual dexterity in the execution of tricks
presumption: a kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming
preventive attack: a strike that is carried out in order to deter expected aggression by hostile forces
preventive medicine: the branch of medicine concerned with preventing disease
price cut: cutting the price of merchandise to one lower than the usual or advertised price
price freeze: a freeze of prices at a given level
price-fixing: control (by agreement among producers or by government) of the price of a commodity in interstate commerce
prick: the act of puncturing with a small point
pride: unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)
primary care: the medical care received on first contact with the medical system (before being referred elsewhere)
primary censorship: armed forces censorship performed by personnel of a military unit on the personal communications of persons assigned to that unit
primary health care: health care that is provided by a health care professional in the first contact of a patient with the health care system
primary: a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen
primateship: the office of primate
priming: the act of making something ready
primping: careful or finicky grooming
primrose path: a life of ease and pleasure
principalship: the post of principal
printing: the business of producing printed material for sale or distribution
printmaking: artistic design and manufacture of prints as woodcuts or silkscreens
priorship: the office of prior
prisoner of war censorship: military censorship of communication to and from prisoners of war and civilian internees held by the armed forces
prisoner's base: a children's game; two teams capture opposing players by tagging them and taking them to their own base
private practice: the practice of a profession independently and not as an employee
private treaty: a sale of property at a price agreed on by the seller and buyer without an intervening agency
probate: the act of proving that an instrument purporting to be a will was signed and executed in accord with legal requirements
probation: (law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them; a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court
probe: an exploratory action or expedition
probe: an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity
procedure: a mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
procedure: a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
procession: the group action of a collection of people or animals or vehicles moving ahead in more or less regular formation
proclamation: the formal act of proclaiming; giving public notice
proconsulate: the position of proconsul
proctoplasty: reconstructive surgery of the anus or rectum
proctorship: the position of proctor
proctoscopy: visual examination of the rectum and the end of the colon by means of a proctoscope
procural: the act of getting possession of something
product development: improving an existing product or developing new kinds of products
product introduction: the introduction (usually by an advertising campaign) of a new product or product line
product research: marketing research that yields information about desired characteristics of the product or service
production: (law) the act of exhibiting in a court of law
production: the creation of value or wealth by producing goods and services
production: (economics) manufacturing or mining or growing something (usually in large quantities) for sale
production: the act or process of producing something
profanation: degradation of something worthy of respect; cheapening
profession: an occupation requiring special education (especially in the liberal arts or sciences)
professional baseball: playing baseball for money
professional basketball: playing basketball for money
professional boxing: boxing for money
professional football: football played for pay
professional golf: playing golf for money
professional tennis: playing tennis for money
professional wrestling: wrestling for money
program trading: a trading technique involving large blocks of stock with trades triggered by computer programs
program: a performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation
programing: setting an order and time for planned events
projective device: any personality test designed to yield information about someone's personality on the basis of their unrestricted response to ambiguous objects or situations
prolonged interrogation: a form of psychological torture inflicted by questioning the victim for hours
prolusion: exercising in preparation for strenuous activity
promenade: a march of all the guests at the opening of a formal dance
promenade: a square dance figure; couples march counterclockwise in a circle
promiscuity: indulging in promiscuous (casual and indiscriminate) sexual relations
promotion: act of raising in rank or position
pronation: rotation of the hands and forearms so that the palms face downward
proof: the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
propaedeutic: a course that provides an introduction to an art or science (or to more advanced study generally)
prophylaxis: the prevention of disease
proportional representation: representation of all parties in proportion to their popular vote
proportional sampling: the population is divided into subpopulations (strata) and random samples are taken of each stratum
proposition: a task to be dealt with
propping up: the act of propping up with shores
props: proper respect
proration: the proportional limitation of production or distribution of something (e.g. crude oil or natural gas) to some fractional part of the total capacity of each producer
prorogation: discontinuation of the meeting (of a legislative body) without dissolving it
prosecution: the continuance of something begun with a view to its completion
proselytism: the state of being a proselyte; spiritual rebirth resulting from the zeal of crusading advocacy of the gospel
prostatectomy: surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland
prostration: the act of assuming a prostrate position
prostration: abject submission; the emotional equivalent of prostrating your body
protection: the activity of protecting someone or something
protection: the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition
protection: payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence
protectorship: the position of protector
protest march: occasion when you can express opposition by marching (usually on some government institution) without a license
providence: the guardianship and control exercised by a deity
provision: the activity of supplying or providing something
prowl: the act of prowling (walking about in a stealthy manner)
proxy fight: a measure used by an acquirer to gain control of a takeover target; acquirer tries to persuade other shareholders that the management of the target should be replaced
pruning: the act of trimming a plant
psychological operation: military actions designed to influence the perceptions and attitudes of individuals, groups, and foreign governments
psychological warfare: the use of psychological tactics to destroy the opponents' morale
psychosurgery: brain surgery on human patients intended to relieve severe and otherwise intractable mental or behavioral problems
psychotherapy: the treatment of mental or emotional problems by psychological means
pub crawl: a tour of bars or public houses (usually taking one drink at each stop)
public assistance: governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need
public office: a position concerning the people as a whole
public service: employment within a government system (especially in the civil service)
public violence: a public act of violence by an unruly mob
public-relations campaign: an advertising campaign intended to improve public relations
publication: the communication of something to the public; making information generally known
publication: the business of issuing printed matter for sale or distribution
puffing: blowing tobacco smoke out into the air
pull: a sustained effort
pull: the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you
pullback: (military) the act of pulling back (especially an orderly withdrawal of troops)
pulverisation: annihilation by pulverizing something
pump priming: introducing water into a pump to improve the seal and start the water flowing
punch-up: a fistfight
punctilio: strict observance of formalities
punctuation: the use of certain marks to clarify meaning of written material by grouping words grammatically into sentences and clauses and phrases
puncture: the act of puncturing or perforating
Punic War: one of the three wars between Carthage and Rome that resulted in the destruction of Carthage and its annexation by Rome; 264-241 BC, 218-201 BC, 149-146 BC
punt: (football) a kick in which the football is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground
puppetry: a stilted dramatic performance (as if by puppets)
purchase: the acquisition of something for payment
purgation: the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge
purgation: a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites
purge: an abrupt or sudden removal of a person or group from an organization or place
purge: an act of removing by cleansing; ridding of sediment or other undesired elements
purification: the act of cleaning by getting rid of impurities
purification: the act of purging of sin or guilt; moral or spiritual cleansing
purveyance: the act of supplying something
push: an effort to advance
push back: the act of forcing the enemy to withdraw
push: the act of applying force in order to move something away
pushball: a game using a leather ball six feet in diameter; the two side try to push it across the opponents' goal
put: the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
putout: an out resulting from a fielding play (not a strikeout)
putt: hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
pyelography: roentgenography of the kidney and ureters (usually after injection with a radiopaque dye)
pyramiding: a fraudulent business practice involving some form of pyramid scheme e.g., the chain of distribution is artificially expanded by an excessive number of distributors selling to other distributors at progressively higher wholesale prices until retail prices are unnecessarily inflated
pyrography: the act of producing drawings on wood or leather by using heated tools or a fine flame
pyrotechnics: the craft of making fireworks
pyrrhic: an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare
Pythian Games: the ancient Panhellenic celebration at Delphi held every four years in the third year of the Olympiad in honor of Apollo
quadrature: the construction of a square having the same area as some other figure
quadrille: a square dance of 5 or more figures for 4 or more couples
qualification: the act of modifying or changing the strength of some idea
quality control: maintenance of standards of quality of manufactured goods
quantification: the act of discovering or expressing the quantity of something
quantisation: the act of dividing into quanta or expressing in terms of quantum theory
quantitative analysis: chemical analysis to determine the amounts of each element in the substance
quarantine: isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
quarrying: the extraction of building stone or slate from an open surface quarry
quarter: clemency or mercy shown to a defeated opponent
quartering: dividing into four equal parts
quest: the act of searching for something
quick march: marching at quick time
quickstep: a ballroom dance with both quick and slow steps
quitclaim: act of transferring a title or right or claim to another
quiver: the act of vibrating
quo warranto: a hearing to determine by what authority someone has an office or franchise or liberty
quotation: the practice of quoting from books or plays etc.
quotient verdict: an improper and unacceptable kind of compromise verdict
rabbinate: the office or function of a rabbi
rabbit punch: a short chopping blow to the back of the neck
race riot: a riot caused by hatred for one another of members of different races in the same community
racial discrimination: discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
racial profiling: a form of racism consisting of the (alleged) policy of policemen who stop and search vehicles driven by persons belonging to particular racial groups
racing: the sport of engaging in contests of speed
rack: a form of torture in which pain is inflicted by stretching the body
rack: a rapid gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately
racketeering: engaging in a racket
racquetball: a game played on a handball court with short-handled rackets
radar fire: gunfire aimed a target that is being tracked by radar
radial keratotomy: radial pattern of incisions in the cornea that cause the cornea to bulge; performed to correct myopia
radiation: the act of spreading outward from a central source
radical chic: an affectation of radical left-wing views and the fashionable dress and lifestyle that goes with them
radical mastectomy: removal of a breast and the underlying muscles (pectoralis major and pectoralis minor) and lymph nodes in the adjacent armpit
radio observation: an observation made with a radio telescope
radioactive dating: measurement of the amount of radioactive material (usually carbon 14) that an object contains; can be used to estimate the age of the object
radiography: photography that uses other kinds of radiation than visible light
radiology: (radiology) examination of the inner structure of opaque objects using X rays or other penetrating radiation
radiophotography: transmission of photographs by radio waves
raffle: a lottery in which the prizes are goods rather than money
rag: a boisterous practical joke (especially by college students)
raid: an attempt by speculators to defraud investors
rail technology: the activity of designing and constructing and operating railroads
rain dance: a ritual dance intended to bring rain
rainmaking: activity intended to produce rain
raise: increasing the size of a bet (as in poker)
rally: the feat of mustering strength for a renewed effort
rallying: the act of mobilizing for a common purpose
Ramadan: (Islam) a fast (held from sunrise to sunset) that is carried out during the Islamic month of Ramadan
rampage: violently angry and destructive behavior
ranching: farming for the raising of livestock (particularly cattle)
random sampling: the selection of a random sample; each element of the population has an equal chance of being selected
randomisation: a deliberately haphazard arrangement of observations so as to simulate chance
rank order: an arrangement according to rank
ransacking: a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion)
ransom: payment for the release of someone
ransom: the act of freeing from captivity or punishment
rape conviction: conviction for rape
rape: the act of despoiling a country in warfare
rapprochement: the reestablishing of cordial relations
raree-show: a street show
rat race: an exhausting routine that leaves no time for relaxation
rationalisation: the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency
rationalisation: (mathematics) the simplification of an expression or equation by eliminating radicals without changing the value of the expression or the roots of the equation
rationalisation: systematic organization; the act of organizing something according to a system or a rationale
rationing: the act of rationing
razmataz: any exciting and complex play intended to confuse (dazzle) the opponent
rbi: a run that is the result of the batter's performance
re-afforestation: the restoration (replanting) of a forest that had been reduced by fire or cutting
re-creation: the act of creating again
re-establishment: restoration to a previous state
re-formation: forming again (especially with improvements or removal of defects); renewing and reconstituting
reach: the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
reaction: doing something in opposition to another way of doing it that you don't like
reaction: a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some antecedent stimulus or agent
reading assignment: the reading of a passage assigned by the teacher
readjustment: the act of adjusting again (to changed circumstances)
readmission: the act of admitting someone again
reaffiliation: affiliation anew
real-estate business: the business of selling real estate
realisation: a sale in order to obtain money (as a sale of stock or a sale of the estate of a bankrupt person) or the money so obtained
realisation: the completion or enrichment of a piece of music left sparsely notated by a composer
reallocation: a new apportionment (especially a new apportionment of congressional seats in the United States on the basis of census results)
reappearance: the act of someone appearing again
rearmament: the act of arming again
rearrangement: changing an arrangement
reassembly: assembling again
reassignment: assignment to a different duty
reassurance: the act of reassuring; restoring someone's confidence
rebellion: refusal to accept some authority or code or convention
rebound: a reaction to a crisis or setback or frustration
rebound: the act of securing possession of the rebounding basketball after a missed shot
rebuff: a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
rebuilding: building again
reburial: the act of burying again
recalculation: the act of calculating again (usually to eliminate errors or to include additional data)
recall: the act of removing an official by petition
recapitulation: (music) the repetition of themes introduced earlier (especially when one is composing the final part of a movement)
recapture: a legal seizure by the government of profits beyond a fixed amount
recapture: the act of taking something back
recce: reconnaissance (by shortening)
receding: the act of becoming more distant
receipt: the act of receiving
receivership: the office of a receiver
receivership: a court action that places property under the control of a receiver during litigation so that it can be preserved for the benefit of all
reception: (American football) the act of catching a pass in football
recidivism: habitual relapse into crime
reciprocal inhibition: a method of behavior therapy based on the inhibition of one response by the occurrence of another response that is mutually incompatible with it; a relaxation response might be conditioned to a stimulus that previously evoked anxiety
reciprocal: hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype
reciprocation: alternating back-and-forth movement
reciprocation: the act of making or doing something in return
reciprocity: mutual exchange of commercial or other privileges
recirculation: circulation again
recission: (law) the act of rescinding; the cancellation of a contract and the return of the parties to the positions they would have had if the contract had not been made
reclamation: the recovery of useful substances from waste products
reclamation: rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course
reclamation: the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation
reclassification: classifying something again (usually in a new category)
reclining: the act of assuming or maintaining a reclining position
recoding: converting from one code to another
recognition: designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body
recommencement: beginning again
reconnaissance by fire: a method of reconnaissance in which fire is placed on a suspected enemy position in order to cause the enemy to disclose his presence by moving or returning fire
reconnaissance in force: an offensive operation designed to discover or test the enemy's strength (or to obtain other information)
reconnaissance: the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy)
reconstruction: the activity of constructing something again
record: an extreme attainment; the best (or worst) performance ever attested (as in a sport)
record: the sum of recognized accomplishments
recording: the act of making a record (especially an audio record)
recount: an additional (usually a second) count; especially of the votes in a close election
recourse: act of turning to for assistance
recovery: the act of regaining or saving something lost (or in danger of becoming lost)
recreation: activity that refreshes and recreates; activity that renews your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation
rectification: determination of the length of a curve; finding a straight line equal in length to a given curve
rectorate: the office or station of a rector
recusal: (law) the disqualification of a judge or jury by reason of prejudice or conflict of interest; a judge can be recused by objections of either party or judges can disqualify themselves
recusancy: refusal to submit to established authority; originally the refusal of Roman Catholics to attend services of the Church of England
recusation: (law) an objection grounded on the judge's relationship to one of the parties
recycling: the act of processing used or abandoned materials for use in creating new products
red flag: something that irritates or demands immediate action
red herring: any diversion intended to distract attention from the main issue
redaction: the act of putting something in writing
redemption: (theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil
redeployment: the withdrawal and redistribution of forces in an attempt to use them more effectively
redetermination: determining again
redeye: a night flight from which the passengers emerge with eyes red from lack of sleep
rediscovery: the act of discovering again
redistribution: distributing again
redress: act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil
reduction: the act of reducing complexity
redundancy: repetition of an act needlessly
reduplication: the act of repeating over and again (or an instance thereof)
reelection: election again
reenactment: performing a role in an event that occurred at an earlier time
reenforcement: a military operation (often involving new supplies of men and materiel) to strengthen a military force or aid in the performance of its mission
reenlistment: a renewed enlistment
reentry: the act of entering again
referendum: a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate
referral: the act of referring (as forwarding an applicant for employment or referring a matter to an appropriate agency)
refit: outfitting a ship again (by repairing or replacing parts)
reflexology: massage to relieve tension by finger pressure; based on the belief that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head that are connected to every part of the body
refocusing: focusing again
reform: a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses
reform: self-improvement in behavior or morals by abandoning some vice
reform: a campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices
refresher: a course that reviews and updates a topic for those who have not kept abreast of developments
refrigeration: deliberately lowering the body's temperature for therapeutic purposes
refund: the act of returning money received previously
regaining: getting something back again
regency: the office of a regent
regeneration: the activity of spiritual or physical renewal
regicide: the act of killing a king
regimentation: the imposition of order or discipline
registration fire: fire delivered to obtain accurate data for subsequent effective engagement of targets
regress: returning to a former state
regularisation: the act of bringing to uniformity; making regular
regulating: the act of controlling or directing according to rule
regulatory offence: crimes created by statutes and not by common law
rehabilitation: the treatment of physical disabilities by massage and electrotherapy and exercises
rehabilitation: the restoration of someone to a useful place in society
rehabilitation: vindication of a person's character and the re-establishment of that person's reputation
rehearing: the act of hearing again
rehearsal: (psychology) a form of practice; repetition of information (silently or aloud) in order to keep it in short-term memory
reimposition: imposition again
reinforcement: an act performed to strengthen approved behavior
reinstatement: the act of restoring someone to a previous position
reinterpretation: a new or different interpretation
rejection: the act of rejecting something
rejuvenation: the act of restoring to a more youthful condition
relation: (usually plural) mutual dealings or connections among persons or groups
relaxation: a method of solving simultaneous equations by guessing a solution and then reducing the errors that result by successive approximations until all the errors are less than some specified amount
relay: the act of passing something along from one person or group to another
release: the act of allowing a fluid to escape
release: (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
relegation: mild banishment; consignment to an inferior position
relegation: the act of assigning (someone or something) to a particular class or category
relief: the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
relief: aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped
religious ceremony: a ceremony having religious meaning
religious rite: an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
relinquishing: the act of giving up and abandoning a struggle or task etc.
relocation: the transportation of people (as a family or colony) to a new settlement (as after an upheaval of some kind)
remand: the act of sending an accused person back into custody to await trial (or the continuation of the trial)
remarriage: the act of marrying again
remilitarisation: the act of militarizing again
remise: (fencing) a second thrust made on the same lunge (as when your opponent fails to riposte)
remission: (law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court)
remotion: the act of removing
removal: dismissal from office
remuneration: the act of paying for goods or services or to recompense for losses
Renaissance: the revival of learning and culture
rendering: giving in acknowledgment of obligation
rendezvous: a meeting planned at a certain time and place
rendition: handing over prisoners to the country in which a crime was committed
renege: the mistake of not following suit when able to do so
renewal: the act of renewing
rent: the act of rending or ripping or splitting something
rental: the act of paying for the use of something (as an apartment or house or car)
reordering: a rearrangement in a different order
reorganisation: the imposition of a new organization; organizing differently (often involving extensive and drastic changes)
reorganization: an extensive alteration of the structure of a corporation or government
repatriation: the act of returning to the country of origin
repeating: the act of doing or performing again
replacement: the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another
repletion: eating until excessively full
replication: the repetition of an experiment in order to test the validity of its conclusion
replication: the act of making copies
repositing: depositing in a warehouse
repositioning: the act of placing in a new position
repossession: the action of regaining possession (especially the seizure of collateral securing a loan that is in default)
representation: an activity that stands as an equivalent of something or results in an equivalent
representation: the act of representing; standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf
repression: the act of repressing; control by holding down
reprieve: the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
reprisal: a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
reproductive cloning: making a full living copy of an organism; requires a surrogate mother
republication: the act of publishing again
repulsion: the act of repulsing or repelling an attack; a successful defensive stand
Requiem: a Mass celebrated for the dead
required course: a course that all students are required to take
requisition: seizing property that belongs to someone else and holding it until profits pay the demand for which it was seized
res gestae: things done
resale: the selling of something purchased
rescue operation: an operation organized to free from danger or confinement
research: systematic investigation to establish facts
research project: research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses
resection: surgical removal of part of a structure or organ
reservation: the act of keeping back or setting aside for some future occasion
reshipment: the act of shipping again (especially by transferring to another ship)
reshuffle: a redistribution of something
reshuffle: shuffling again
residency: the position of physician who is receiving special training in a hospital (usually after completing an internship)
resistance: the military action of resisting the enemy's advance
resistance: group action in opposition to those in power
resisting arrest: physical efforts to oppose a lawful arrest; the resistance is classified as assault and battery upon the person of the police officer attempting to make the arrest
resolution: a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner
resolution: finding a solution to a problem
respiration: a single complete act of breathing in and out
rest-cure: rest as a medical treatment for stress or anxiety etc.
restitution: the act of restoring something to its original state
restoration: the act of restoring something or someone to a satisfactory state
Restoration: the re-establishment of the British monarchy in 1660
restraint: the act of controlling by restraining someone or something
restraint of trade: any act that tends to prevent free competition in business
resurgence: bringing again into activity and prominence
resurrection: a revival from inactivity and disuse
resurvey: a new survey or study
resuscitation: the act of reviving a person and returning them to consciousness
retail: the selling of goods to consumers; usually in small quantities and not for resale
retailing: the activities involved in selling commodities directly to consumers
retake: a shot or scene that is photographed again
retaliation: action taken in return for an injury or offense
retaliatory eviction: an eviction in reprisal for the tenant's good-faith complaints against the landlord; illegal in many states
retirement: withdrawal from your position or occupation
retirement: withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation
retraction: the act of pulling or holding or drawing a part back
retraining: training for a new occupation
retreat: (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
retreat: the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
retrial: a new trial in which issues already litigated and to which the court has already rendered a verdict or decision are reexamined by the same court; occurs when the initial trial is found to have been improper or unfair due to procedural errors
retribution: the act of correcting for your wrongdoing
retrofit: the act of adding a component or accessory to something that did not have it when it was manufactured
retroflection: the act of bending backward
return: the act of going back to a prior location
return: (American football) the act of running back the ball after a kickoff or punt or interception or fumble
return: a tennis stroke that sends the ball back to the other player
reunification: the act of coming together again
reveille: a signal to get up in the morning; in the military it is a bugle call at sunrise
revel: unrestrained merrymaking
revenue sharing: distribution of part of the federal tax income to states and municipalities
reverence: an act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy)
reversal: a judgment by a higher court that the judgment of a lower court was incorrect and should be set aside
reversal: a change from one state to the opposite state
reversal: turning in the opposite direction
reversal: the act of reversing the order or place of
reverse: (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
reverse hang: a hang with the arms extended in back
reverse split: a decrease in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity
review: (law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)
revocation: the act (by someone having the authority) of annulling something previously done
revolution: the overthrow of a government by those who are governed
rhinoscopy: examination of the nasal passages (either through the anterior nares or with a rhinoscope through the nasopharynx)
rhinotomy: surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the nose to drain accumulated pus
rhizotomy: surgical procedure in which spinal nerve roots are cut; done (anterior roots) to relieve intractable pain or (posterior roots) to stop severe muscle spasms
rhumba: a folk dance in duple time that originated in Cuba with Spanish and African elements; features complex footwork and violent movement
rhumba: a ballroom dance based on the Cuban folk dance
ribbing: the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances
riffle: shuffling by splitting the pack and interweaving the two halves at their corners
rigamarole: a long and complicated and confusing procedure
right: a turn toward the side of the body that is on the south when the person is facing east
right field: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the right third of the outfield (looking from home plate)
ring containment: a strategy of defense in cases of bioterrorism; vaccination only of people exposed and others who are in contact with them
ring dance: a folk dance; dancers form a circle
ring vaccination: administering vaccine only to people in close contact with an isolated infected patient; prevents the spread of a highly infectious disease by surrounding the patient with a ring of immunization
ring-a-rosy: a children's game in which the players dance around in a circle and at a given signal all squat
ringer: (horseshoes) the successful throw of a horseshoe or quoit so as to encircle a stake or peg
rinse: washing lightly without soap
rinse: the act of giving a light tint to the hair
rinse: the removal of soap with clean water in the final stage of washing
riot control: the measures taken to control a riot
riposte: (fencing) a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying the opponents lunge
rising trot: the rider rises from the saddle every second stride
risk arbitrage: arbitrage involving risk; as in the simultaneous purchase of stock in a target company and sale of stock in its potential acquirer; if the takeover fails the arbitrageur may lose a great deal of money
rite of passage: a ritual performed in some cultures at times when an individual changes status (as from adolescence to adulthood)
rite: any customary observance or practice
ritual: the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
ritual: stereotyped behavior
ritual killing: the act of killing (an animal or person) in order to propitiate a deity
ritualism: exaggerated emphasis on the importance of rites or ritualistic forms in worship
road: a way or means to achieve something
road construction: the construction of roads
road rage: violence exhibited by drivers in traffic
road show: a show on tour
roasting: cooking (meat) by dry heat in an oven (usually with fat added)
robbery: larceny by threat of violence
robbery conviction: conviction for robbery
robotic telesurgery: microsurgery in which the surgeon performs surgery by manipulating the hands of a robot
rock climbing: the sport or pastime of scaling rock masses on mountain sides (especially with the help of ropes and special equipment)
rocket firing: the launching of a rocket or missile under its own power
rodeo: an exhibition of cowboy skills
role: normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting
roleplaying: acting a particular role (as in psychotherapy)
roll: a flight maneuver; aircraft rotates about its longitudinal axis without changing direction or losing altitude
roll: walking with a swaying gait
roll call: calling out an official list of names
rollback: reducing prices back to some earlier level
roller: a grounder that rolls along the infield
roller skating: skating on wheels
rollerblading: skating using Rollerblades
rolling: the act of robbing a helpless person
rolling: propelling something on wheels
rollover: the act of changing the institution that invests your pension plan without incurring a tax penalty
romanticisation: the act of indulging in sentiment
roofing: the craft of a roofer
rooting reflex: reflex consisting of head-turning and sucking movements elicited in a normal infant by gently stroking the side of the mouth or cheek
rope-a-dope: a boxing tactic: pretending to be trapped against the ropes while your opponent wears himself out throwing punches
roping: capturing cattle or horses with a lasso
Rorschach test: a projective tests using bilaterally symmetrical inkblots; subjects state what they see in the inkblot
rotary motion: the act of rotating as if on an axis
rotational nystagmus: nystagmus caused by the body rotating rapidly; large slow movements of the eyeballs are in the direction of rotation
rouge et noir: a card game in which two rows of cards are dealt and players can bet on the color of the cards or on which row will have a count nearer some number
roughness: harsh or severe speech or behavior
roulette: a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in
round: (often plural) a series of professional calls (usually in a set order)
round dance: a ballroom dance characterized by revolving movement
round trip: a trip to some place and back again
round: the activity of playing 18 holes of golf
round-the-clock patrol: a continuous nonstop patrol
rounders: an English ball game similar to baseball
roundhouse: a hook delivered with an exaggerated swing
rounding: (mathematics) a miscalculation that results from rounding off numbers to a convenient number of decimals
roundup: the activity of gathering livestock together so that they can be counted or branded or sold
roundup: the systematic gathering up of suspects by the police
routemarch: a long training march for troops
roving: travelling about without any clear destination
row: the act of rowing as a sport
royal casino: a form of casino in which face cards have extra point values
Royal National Eisteddfod: an eisteddfod with competitions in music and drama and poetry and the fine arts
royal road: an auspicious way or means to achieve something
royalism: adherence or attachment to a monarchy or to the principle of monarchal government
rub up: a review that refreshes your memory
rub: the act of rubbing or wiping
rubber stamp: routine authorization of an action without questions
rubber-necking: going about to look at places of interest
rubdown: the act of rubbing down, usually for relaxation or medicinal purposes
rubidium-strontium dating: geological dating based on the proportions of radioactive rubidium into its decay product strontium; radioactive rubidium has a half-life of 47,000,000,000 years
ruff: (card games) the act of taking a trick with a trump when unable to follow suit
ruffianism: violent lawless behavior
rugby: a form of football played with an oval ball
ruggedisation: the act of making a piece of equipment rugged (strengthening to resist wear or abuse)
rulership: the position of ruler
rum: a card game based on collecting sets and sequences; the winner is the first to meld all their cards
rumination: (of ruminants) chewing (the cud)
rumination: regurgitation of small amounts of food; seen in some infants after feeding
run: a regular trip
run: a short trip
run: the act of running; traveling on foot at a fast pace
run: (American football) a play in which a player attempts to carry the ball through or past the opposing team
run: a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
run: the act of testing something
run-through: an uninterrupted rehearsal
run-up: the approach run during which an athlete gathers speed
running: the act of administering or being in charge of something
running away: the act of leaving (without permission) the place you are expected to be
running: the act of participating in an athletic competition involving running on a track
runoff: a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner
rupture: the act of making a sudden noisy break
rush: (American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
Russian bank: solitaire with two players using separate packs
Russian Revolution: the coup d'etat by the Bolsheviks under Lenin in November 1917 that led to a period of civil war which ended in victory for the Bolsheviks in 1922
Russian roulette: a stunt in which you spin the cylinder of a revolver that is loaded with only one bullet and then point the muzzle at your head and pull the trigger
Russo-Japanese War: Japanese victory in the war with Russia (1904-1905) gave Japan power over Korea and Manchuria
rustication: the action of retiring to and living in the country
rustication: temporary dismissal of a student from a university
rustication: banishment into the country
rustication: the construction of masonry or brickwork in a rustic manner
rustling: the stealing of cattle
saber rattling: the ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used)
sabotage: a deliberate act of destruction or disruption in which equipment is damaged
saccade: a rapid, jerky movement of the eyes between positions of rest
sack: the plundering of a place by an army or mob; usually involves destruction and slaughter
sacrament: a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it; the two Protestant ceremonies are baptism and the Lord's Supper; in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church there are seven traditional rites accepted as instituted by Jesus: baptism and confirmation and Holy Eucharist and penance and holy orders and matrimony and extreme unction
sacrament of the Eucharist: a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine
sacrifice: (baseball) an out that advances the base runners
sacrifice fly: a sacrifice made by hitting a long fly ball
safe harbor: the target company defends itself by acquiring a company so onerously regulated that it makes the target less attractive
safe sex: sexual activity (especially sexual intercourse) with the use of measures (such as latex condoms) to avoid the transmission of disease (especially AIDS)
safety: a score in American football; a player is tackled behind his own goal line
safety squeeze: the runner on third base waits to start home until the batter has bunted successfully
sailing: the departure of a vessel from a port
sailing: riding in a sailboat
sainthood: the status and dignity of a saint
Saipan: US forces captured the island from the Japanese in July 1944; it was an important air base until the end of World War II
sale: a particular instance of selling
sale: the general activity of selling
Salerno: a battle in World War II; the port was captured by United States troops in September 1943
sales campaign: an advertising campaign intended to promote sales
sales resistance: resistance by potential customers to aggressive selling practices
sally: a venture off the beaten path
sally: a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
salpingectomy: surgical removal of one or both Fallopian tubes
salt mine: a job involving drudgery and confinement
salting: the act of adding salt to food
salvage: the act of rescuing a ship or its crew or its cargo from a shipwreck or a fire
salvage: the act of saving goods or property that were in danger of damage or destruction
salvation: saving someone or something from harm or from an unpleasant situation
salvation: a means of preserving from harm or unpleasantness
salve: anything that remedies or heals or soothes
samba: a form of canasta using three decks of cards and six jokers
samba: a lively ballroom dance from Brazil
sampling: (statistics) the selection of a suitable sample for study
sampling: measurement at regular intervals of the amplitude of a varying waveform (in order to convert it to digital form)
sanctification: a religious ceremony in which something is made holy
sanction: the act of final authorization
sanction: a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards
sanitation: making something sanitary (free of germs) as by sterilizing
Santiago de Cuba: a naval battle in the Spanish-American War (1898); the United States fleet bottled up the Spanish ships in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba and destroyed them when they tried to escape
saraband: a stately court dance of the 17th and 18th centuries; in slow time
sashay: a square dance figure; partners circle each other taking sideways steps
satiation: the act of achieving full gratification
satisfaction: act of fulfilling a desire or need or appetite
saturation: the act of soaking thoroughly with a liquid
Saturnalia: an orgiastic festival in ancient Rome in honor of Saturn
Satyagraha: the form of nonviolent resistance initiated in India by Mahatma Gandhi in order to oppose British rule and to hasten political reforms
saunter: a careless leisurely gait
save: (sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring
scalage: the act of scaling in weight or quantity or dimension
scalage: estimation of the amount of lumber in a log
scald: the act of burning with steam or hot water
scaling: ascent by or as if by a ladder
scaling: act of measuring or arranging or adjusting according to a scale
scamper: rushing about hastily in an undignified way
scan: the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
scanning: the act of systematically moving a finely focused beam of light or electrons over a surface in order to produce an image of it for analysis or transmission
scat: singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
scatology: (medicine) the chemical analysis of excrement (for medical diagnosis or for paleontological purposes)
scatophagy: the eating of excrement or other filth
scatter: the act of scattering
schedule feeding: feeding a baby or animal according to a fixed schedule (e.g., every 4 hours)
scheduled fire: prearranged fire delivered at a predetermined time
scheduled maintenance: maintenance at a regularly scheduled time
schematisation: the act of reducing to a scheme or formula
schism: division of a group into opposing factions
schlep: a tedious or difficult journey
school assignment: a school task performed by a student to satisfy the teacher
schooling: the training of an animal (especially the training of a horse for dressage)
schooling: the act of teaching at school
schottische: a German round dance resembling a slow polka
schtick: (Yiddish) a prank or piece of clowning
schtick: (Yiddish) a contrived and often used bit of business that a performer uses to steal attention
schtick: (Yiddish) a devious trick; a bit of cheating
scission: the act of dividing by cutting or splitting
scissor grip: a wrestling hold in which you wrap your legs around the opponents body or head and put your feet together and squeeze
scissors: a gymnastic exercise performed on the pommel horse when the gymnast moves his legs as the blades of scissors move
scissors kick: a kick used in the sidestroke; legs are brought together in a scissoring motion
sclaff: a poor golf stroke in which the club head hits the ground before hitting the ball
sclerotomy: surgical incision of the sclerotic coat of the eye
SCNT: moving a cell nucleus and its genetic material from one cell to another
scoop shot: a basketball shot made with an underhand scooping motion
Scopes trial: a highly publicized trial in 1925 when John Thomas Scopes violated a Tennessee state law by teaching evolution in high school; Scopes was prosecuted by William Jennings Bryan and defended by Clarence Darrow; Scopes was convicted but the verdict was later reversed
scorched-earth policy: the target company defends itself by selling off its crown jewels
scorcher: a very hard hit ball
score: the act of scoring in a game or sport
score: a seduction culminating in sexual intercourse
Scottish reel: a lively dance of Scottish Highlanders; marked by circular moves and gliding steps
scouring: moving over territory to search for something
scouring: the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water
scouting trip: an expedition undertaken to gain information
Scrabble: a board game in which words are formed from letters in patterns similar to a crossword puzzle; each letter has a value and those values are used to score the game
scramble: an unceremonious and disorganized struggle
screen pass: a short forward pass in which the receiver is protected by a screen of blockers
screen test: a filmed audition of an actor or actress
screening: testing objects or persons in order to identify those with particular characteristics
screwball: a pitch with reverse spin that curves toward the side of the plate from which it was thrown
screwup: the complete mismanagement or mishandling of a situation
scrimmage: (American football) practice play between a football team's squads
scrum: (rugby) the method of beginning play in which the forwards of each team crouch side by side with locked arms; play starts when the ball is thrown in between them and the two sides compete for possession
scrutiny: a prolonged intense look
scuba diving: skin diving with scuba apparatus
scud: the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
scuff: the act of scuffing (scraping or dragging the feet)
sculling: rowing by a single oarsman in a racing shell
scumble: the application of very thin coat of color over the surface of a picture
scut work: trivial, unrewarding, tedious, dirty, and disagreeable chores
sea bathing: bathing in the sea or ocean
sea-duty: naval service aboard a ship at sea
seafaring: travel by water
sealing: the act of treating something to make it repel water
search: boarding and inspecting a ship on the high seas
search: an investigation seeking answers
search and destroy mission: an operation developed for United States troops in Vietnam; troops would move through a designated area destroying troops as they found them
search and rescue mission: a rescue mission to search for survivors and to rescue them
search mission: a mission to discover something
searching fire: fire distributed in depth by successive changes in the elevation of the gun
seasoning: the act of adding a seasoning to food
seating: the service of ushering people to their seats
Secession: the withdrawal of eleven southern states from the Union in 1860 which precipitated the American Civil War
secession: formal separation from an alliance or federation
seclusion: the act of secluding yourself from others
second battle of Ypres: battle in World War I (1915); Germans wanted to try chlorine (a toxic yellow gas) as a weapon and succeeded in taking considerable territory from the Allied salient
Second Crusade: a Crusade from 1145 to 1147 that failed because of internal disagreements among the crusaders and led to the loss of Jerusalem in 1187
second fiddle: a secondary role or function
second nature: acquired behavior that is practiced so long it seems innate
second wind: the return of relatively easy breathing after initial exhaustion during continuous exertion
Second World War: a war between the Allies (Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, USSR, Yugoslavia) and the Axis (Albania, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Rumania, Slovakia, Thailand) from 1939 to 1945
second: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the second of the bases in the infield
secondary censorship: armed forces censorship of the personal communications of officers or civilian employees or enlisted personnel not subject to primary censorship
secondary education: education beyond the elementary grades; provided by a high school or college preparatory school
secondment: the detachment of a person from their regular organization for temporary assignment elsewhere
secret ballot: a vote in which each person's choice is secret but the totaled votes are public
Secretary of Agriculture: the position of the head of the Department of Agriculture
Secretary of Commerce: the position of the head of the Department of Commerce
Secretary of Commerce and Labor: head of a former executive department created in 1903 and divided into two departments in 1913
Secretary of Defense: the position of the head of the Department of Defense
Secretary of Education: the position of the head of the Education Department
Secretary of Energy: the position of the head of the Department of Energy
Secretary of Health and Human Services: the position of the head of the Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary of Health Education and Welfare: head of a former executive department created in 1953 and divided into two departments in 1979
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: the position of the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of Labor: the position of the head of the Department of Labor
Secretary of State: the position of the head of the State Department
Secretary of the Interior: the position of the head of the Department of the Interior
Secretary of the Navy: head of a former executive department; combined with the War Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947
Secretary of the Treasury: the position of the head of the Treasury Department
Secretary of Transportation: the position of the head of the Department of Transportation
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: the position of the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary of War: head of a former executive department; combined with the Navy Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947
secretaryship: the position of secretary
Section Eight: a discharge from the US Army based on unfitness or character traits deemed undesirable
secularisation: the activity of changing something (art or education or society or morality etc.) so it is no longer under the control or influence of religion
secularisation: transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession
security intelligence: intelligence on the identity and capability and intentions of hostile individuals or organizations that may be engaged in espionage or sabotage or subversion or terrorism
security: measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc.
sedition: an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disruption or overthrow of the government
seduction: enticing someone astray from right behavior
seeking: an attempt to acquire or gain something
segregation: the act of segregating or sequestering
segue: the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
seismography: the measurement of tremors and shocks and undulatory movements of earthquakes
seizure: the taking possession of something by legal process
selective jamming: electronic jamming of a specific channel or frequency
self-abuse: manual stimulation of your own genital organ for sexual pleasure
self-analysis: the application of psychotherapeutic principles to the analysis of your own personality
self-annihilation: the act of killing yourself
self-assertion: the act of asserting yourself in an aggressive manner
self-control: the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses
self-defence: the act of defending yourself
self-destruction: the act of destroying yourself
self-discovery: discovering your own individuality
self-flagellation: self-punishment inflicted by whipping
self-fulfillment: the fulfillment of your capacities
self-help: the act of helping or improving yourself without relying on anyone else
self-improvement: the act of improving yourself
self-organisation: organizing yourself (especially organizing your own labor union)
self-preservation: preservation of yourself from harm; a natural or instinctive tendency
self-punishment: punishment inflicted on yourself
self-renewal: the act of renewing yourself (or itself)
self-service: the practice of serving yourself (as in a grocery or cafeteria)
selflessness: acting with less concern for yourself than for the success of the joint activity
sell: the activity of persuading someone to buy
seller's market: a market in which more people want to buy than want to sell
selloff: a sale of a relatively large number of assets (stocks or bonds or commodities) at a low price typically done to dispose of them rather than as normal trade
sellout: the selling of an entire stock of something
sellout: a betrayal of one's principles principles, country, cause, etc.
seminar: a course offered for a small group of advanced students
senatorship: the office of senator
sending: the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
sensitisation: rendering an organism sensitive to a serum by a series of injections
sensory activity: activity intended to achieve a particular sensory result
sensory deprivation: a form of psychological torture inflicted by depriving the victim of all sensory input
separation: the act of dividing or disconnecting
separation: the social act of separating or parting company
separation: sorting one thing from others
separationism: advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state
septation: the division or partitioning of a cavity into parts by a septum
septectomy: surgical removal of all or part of a septum (especially the nasal septum or atrial septum)
sequence: the action of following in order
serialisation: publication in serial form
sericulture: the production of raw silk by raising silkworms
serigraphy: the act of making a print by the silkscreen method
serve: (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
service: work done by one person or group that benefits another
service: (law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him
service: employment in or work for another
service: the performance of duties by a waiter or servant
service: an act of help or assistance
service call: a trip made by a repairman to visit the location of something in need of service
service cutback: the act of reducing service
service: the act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone
service: the act of mating by male animals
services: performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
session: a meeting devoted to a particular activity
set: the act of putting something in position
set shot: a two-handed basketball shot from a stationary position
set-to: a brief but vigorous fight
Seven Years' War: a war of England and Prussia against France and Austria (1756-1763); Britain and Prussia got the better of it
Seventh Crusade: a Crusade initiated in 1248 after the loss of Jerusalem in 1244 and defeated in 1249
severance: the act of severing
sewage disposal: the disposal of sewage
Seward's Folly: the transaction in 1867 in which the United States Secretary of State William Henry Seward purchased Alaska from Russia
sewing: joining or attaching by stitches
sex crime: a statutory offense that provides that it is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat
sex: activities associated with sexual intercourse
sex-change operation: surgical procedures and hormonal treatments designed to alter a person's sexual characteristics so that the resemble those of the opposite sex
sexcapade: a sexual escapade; an illicit affair
sexism: discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex
sexploitation: the commercial exploitation of sex or sexuality or explicit sexual material
sexual discrimination: discrimination (usually in employment) that excludes one sex (usually women) to the benefit of the other sex
sexual harassment: unwelcome sexual behavior by a supervisor toward an employee
sexual immorality: the evil ascribed to sexual acts that violate social conventions
shadowboxing: sparring with an imaginary opponent (for exercise or training)
shadowing: the act of following someone secretly
shag: a lively dance step consisting of hopping on each foot in turn
shake: a reflex motion caused by cold or fear or excitement
shake: causing to move repeatedly from side to side
shakedown: extortion of money (as by blackmail)
shakedown: a very thorough search of a person or a place
shaking: the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
shallow fording: fording at a shallow place
shamble: walking with a slow dragging motion without lifting your feet
shampoo: the act of washing your hair with shampoo
shank: a poor golf stroke in which the heel of the club hits the ball
shape-up: a way of hiring longshoremen by the day; applicants gather around a union boss who selects those to be hired
share-out: a distribution in shares
shattering: the act of breaking something into small pieces
shave: the act of removing hair with a razor
shearing: removing by cutting off or clipping
sheepshearing: act of shearing sheep
sheepshearing: a festival held at the time sheep are normally sheared
sheet-metal work: the craft of doing sheet metal work (as in ventilation systems)
shell game: a swindling sleight-of-hand game; victim guesses which of three things a pellet is under
shellfire: shooting artillery shells
shielding: the act of shielding from harm
shift: the act of moving from one place to another
shift: the act of changing one thing or position for another
shimmy: lively dancing (usually to ragtime music) with much shaking of the shoulders and hips
shingling: the laying on of shingles
shinney: a simple version of hockey played by children on the streets (or on ice or on a field) using a ball or can as the puck
ship building: the construction of ships
shipping: the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials
Shirodkar's operation: a surgical procedure in which a suture is used to close the cervix in a pregnant woman; is performed when the cervix has failed to retain previous pregnancies
shirring: baking shelled eggs
shock therapy: treatment of certain psychotic states by the administration of shocks that are followed by convulsions
shoeshine: the act of shining shoes
shoestring catch: (baseball) a running catch made near the ground
shogi: a form of chess played on a board of 81 squares; each player has 20 pieces
shoot: the act of shooting at targets
shoot-down: murder by shooting someone down in cold blood
shooting: killing someone by gunfire
shooting: the act of firing a projectile
shop: a course of instruction in a trade (as carpentry or electricity)
shoplifting: the act of stealing goods that are on display in a store
shopping: searching for or buying goods or services
shore duty: naval service at land bases
short covering: the purchase of securities or commodities by a short seller to close out a short sale
short division: the operation of division in which the sequence of steps is performed without writing them out
short sale: sale of securities or commodity futures not owned by the seller (who hopes to buy them back later at a lower price)
short: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed between second and third base
shortening: act of decreasing in length
shot: an attempt to score in a game
shot: a blow hard enough to cause injury
shot: informal words for any attempt or effort
shot: (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
shove: the act of shoving (giving a push to someone or something)
shove-halfpenny: a game in which coins or discs are slid by hand across a board toward a mark
shovelboard: a game in which players use long sticks to shove wooden disks onto the scoring area marked on a smooth surface
show: the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
show trial: a trial held for show; the guilt of the accused person has been decided in advance
shower: washing yourself by standing upright under water sprayed from a nozzle
showjumping: riding horses in competitions over set courses to demonstrate skill in jumping over obstacles
shrift: the act of being shriven
shrinking: the act of becoming less
shudder: an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
shufti: a quick look around (originally military slang)
shy: a quick throw
side-glance: a glance sideways
sideshow: a minor show that is part of a larger one (as at the circus)
sideslip: an unexpected slide
sideslip: a flight maneuver; aircraft slides sideways in the air
sidestep: a step to one side (as in boxing or dancing)
sidestroke: a swimming stroke in which the arms move forward and backward while the legs do a scissors kick
siege of Orleans: a long siege of Orleans by the English was relieved by Joan of Arc in 1429
siege of Syracuse: the Athenian siege of Syracuse (415-413 BC) was eventually won by Syracuse
siege of Syracuse: the Roman siege of Syracuse (214-212 BC) was eventually won by the Romans who sacked the city (killing Archimedes)
siege of Vicksburg: a decisive battle in the American Civil War (1863); after being besieged for nearly seven weeks the Confederates surrendered
siege of Yorktown: in 1781 the British under Cornwallis surrendered after a siege of three weeks by American and French troops; the surrender ended the American Revolution
siesta: a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
sifting: the act of separating grain from chaff
sight: the act of looking or seeing or observing
sighting: the act of observing
SIGINT: intelligence information gathered from communications intelligence or electronics intelligence or telemetry intelligence
sigmoidectomy: surgical removal of part or all of the sigmoid colon (usually to remove a malignant tumor)
silent treatment: an aloof refusal to speak to someone you know
simple mastectomy: removal of a breast leaving the underlying muscles and the lymph nodes intact
simplification: elimination of superfluous details
simulation: the act of imitating the behavior of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous (especially for the purpose of study or personnel training)
sin: an act that is regarded by theologians as a transgression of God's will
sinecure: an office that involves minimal duties
singalong: informal group singing of popular songs
singing: the act of singing vocal music
single combat: a fight between two people
single entry: a simple bookkeeping system; transactions are entered in only one account
singles: tennis played with one person on each side
singles: badminton played with one person on each side
sinker: a pitch that curves downward rapidly as it approaches the plate
sip: a small drink
sit-down: a strike in which workers refuse to leave the workplace until a settlement is reached
sit-in: a form of civil disobedience in which demonstrators occupy seats and refuse to move
sit-up: a stomach exercise in which a person sits up from a supine position without using the arms for leverage
site visit: a visit in an official capacity to examine a site to determine its suitability for some enterprise
sitting: the act of assuming or maintaining a seated position
sitting trot: the rider sits still in the saddle
Sixth Crusade: a Crusade from 1228 to 1229 led by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II who fell ill and was excommunicated by the Pope; by negotiation Frederick II was able to crown himself king of Jerusalem
sixty-nine: oral sex practiced simultaneously by two people
skank: a rhythmic dance to reggae music performed by bending forward and extending the hands while bending the knees
skateboarding: the sport of skating on a skateboard
skating: the sport of gliding on skates
skedaddle: a hasty flight
skeet: the sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird
ski jumping: the act of performing a jump on skis from a high ramp overhanging a snow covered slope
skiing: a sport in which participants must travel on skis
skimming: failure to declare income in order to avoid paying taxes on it
skimming: the act of removing floating material from the surface of a liquid
skin care: care for the skin
skin diving: underwater swimming without any more breathing equipment than a snorkel
skinny-dip: a naked swim
skip: a gait in which steps and hops alternate
skit: a short theatrical episode
skull practice: teaching strategy to an athletic team
skydiving: performing acrobatics in free fall before pulling the ripcord of a parachute
slam dance: a form of dancing in which dancers slam into one another; normally performed to punk rock
slam dunk: a forceful dunk
slap: the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand
slapshot: a fast shot made with a short powerful swing of the hockey stick
slating: the act of laying slates for a roof
slaughter: the killing of animals (as for food)
slave trade: traffic in slaves; especially in Black Africans transported to America in the 16th to 19th centuries
slaveholding: the practice of owning slaves
slavery: work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay
sledding: the sport of riding on a sled or sleigh
sleep deprivation: a form of psychological torture inflicted by depriving the victim of sleep
sleep talking: uttering speech while asleep
sleeper: an unexpected hit
sleeping: the suspension of consciousness and decrease in metabolic rate
slicing: the act of cutting into slices
slider: a fastball that curves slightly away from the side from which it was thrown
slight care: such care as a careless or inattentive person would exercise
slinging: throwing with a wide motion (as if with a sling)
slippage: failing to hold or slipping out of place
smack: an enthusiastic kiss
smacker: a loud kiss
smacker: a very powerful blow with the fist
smell: the act of perceiving the odor of something
smoke screen: an action intended to conceal or confuse or obscure
smoke: the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
smooth: the act of smoothing
smuggling: secretly importing prohibited goods or goods on which duty is due
snafu: an acronym often used by soldiers in World War II: situation normal all fucked up
snake dance: a ceremonial dance (as by the Hopi) in which snakes are handled or invoked
snakes and ladders: a board game for children who use dice to move counters up ladders and down snakes
snap: the act of snapping the fingers; movement of a finger from the tip to the base of the thumb on the same hand
snap roll: a fast roll
snatch: a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted overhead in one rapid motion
snick: a glancing contact with the ball off the edge of the cricket bat
sniff: sensing an odor by inhaling through the nose
sniffle: the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested)
snipe: a gunshot from a concealed location
snipe hunt: an elaborate practical joke in which the unsuspecting victim hunts a snipe and is typically left in the dark holding a bag and waiting for the snipe to run into it
snivel: whining in a tearful manner
snogging: (British informal) cuddle and kiss
snooker: a form of pool played with 15 red balls and six balls of other colors and a cue ball
snore: the act of snoring or producing a snoring sound
snorkel diving: skin diving with a snorkel
snowboarding: the act of sliding down a snow-covered slope while standing on a snowboard
soak: washing something by allowing it to soak
soar: the act of rising upward into the air
sob: convulsive gasp made while weeping
sobriety: abstaining from excess
socage: land tenure by agricultural service or payment of rent; not burdened with military service
social activity: activity considered appropriate on social occasions
social control: control exerted (actively or passively) by group action
social dancing: dancing as part of a social occasion
social insurance: government provision for unemployed, injured, or aged people; financed by contributions from employers and employees as well as by government revenue
Social Security: social welfare program in the U.S.; includes old-age and survivors insurance and some unemployment insurance and old-age assistance
social service: an organized activity to improve the condition of disadvantaged people in society
social work: any of various services designed to aid the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children
socialisation: the act of meeting for social purposes
socialisation: the action of establishing on a socialist basis
soft sell: suggestive or persuasive advertising
soft-shoe: tap dancing wearing shoes that have soft soles
softball: a game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer
soil conservation: protection of soil against erosion or deterioration
sojourn: a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)
solfege: a voice exercise; singing scales or runs to the same syllable
solfege: singing using solfa syllables to denote the notes of the scale of C major
solicitorship: the position of solicitor
solo: a flight in which the aircraft pilot is unaccompanied
solo: any activity that is performed alone without assistance
solo blast: a home run with no runners on base
solution: the successful action of solving a problem
song: the act of singing
SOP: a prescribed procedure to be followed routinely
sophistication: falsification by the use of sophistry; misleading by means of specious fallacies
sortie: (military) an operational flight by a single aircraft (as in a military operation)
sorting: grouping by class or kind or size
soul: the human embodiment of something
sound ranging: locating a source of sound (as an enemy gun) by measurements of the time the sound arrives at microphones in known positions
sound reproduction: the reproduction of sound
sounding: the act of measuring depth of water (usually with a sounding line)
sovereign immunity: an exemption that precludes bringing a suit against the sovereign government without the government's consent
space travel: a voyage outside the Earth's atmosphere
space walk: any kind of physical activity outside a spacecraft by one of the crew
spade casino: a form of casino in which spades have the value of one point
spadework: dull or routine preliminary work preparing for an undertaking
span: the act of sitting or standing astride
Spanish Civil War: civil war in Spain in which Franco succeeded in overthrowing the republican government; during the war Spain became a battleground for fascists and socialists from all countries; 1936-1939
Spanish-American War: a war between the United States and Spain in 1898
spank: a slap with the flat of the hand
spanking: the act of slapping on the buttocks
spar: making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer
spare: a score in tenpins; knocking down all ten after rolling two balls
sparge: the act of sprinkling or splashing water
spasm: (pathology) sudden constriction of a hollow organ (as a blood vessel)
spasmolysis: the relaxation or relief of muscle spasms
spatter: the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
spaying: neutering a female by removing the ovaries
speakership: the position of Speaker
special verdict: a verdict rendered on certain specific factual issues posed by the court without finding for one party or the other
specialisation: the special line of work you have adopted as your career
specialisation: the act of specializing; making something suitable for a special purpose
specific performance: the performance of a legal contract as specified by its terms
specification: a restriction that is insisted upon as a condition for an agreement
spectacle: a blunder that makes you look ridiculous; used in the phrase `make a spectacle of' yourself
spectator sport: a sport that many people find entertaining to watch
spectrographic analysis: the use of spectroscopes to analyze spectra
speech therapy: any therapy intended to correct a disorder of speech
speed skating: competitive skating on speed skates (usually around an oval course)
spelaeology: the pastime of exploring caves
spending cut: the act of reducing spending
spending spree: a brief period of extravagant spending
sperm count: the act of estimating the number of spermatozoa in an ejaculate
spiccato: bowing in such a way that the bow bounces lightly off the strings
spin: a distinctive interpretation (especially as used by politicians to sway public opinion)
spin: a short drive in a car
spin the bottle: a game in which a player spins a bottle and kisses the person that it points to when it stops spinning
spin the plate: a game in which something round (as a plate) is spun on edge and the name of a player is called; the named player must catch the spinning object before it falls or pay a forfeit
spin: rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral
spin: the act of rotating rapidly
spinning: creating thread
spiral: flying downward in a helical path with a large radius
spiritualisation: the act of making something spiritual; infusing it with spiritual content
spirometry: the use of a spirometer to measure vital capacity
spitball: an illegal pitch in which a foreign substance (spit or Vaseline) is applied to the ball by the pitcher before he throws it
splash: the act of scattering water about haphazardly
splashdown: a landing of a spacecraft in the sea at the end of a space flight
splenectomy: surgical removal of the spleen
split: extending the legs at right angles to the trunk (one in front and the other in back)
split ticket: a ballot cast by a voter who votes for candidates from more than one party
split: an increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity
split-brain technique: brain surgery on animals in which the corpus callosum (and sometimes the optic chiasm) is severed so that communication between the cerebral hemispheres is interrupted
splitsville: separation or breakup or divorce
spoil: the act of spoiling something by causing damage to it
spoliation: (law) the intentional destruction of a document or an alteration of it that destroys its value as evidence
sponge bath: you wash your body with a sponge or washcloth instead of in a bathtub
sponsorship: the act of sponsoring (either officially or financially)
spoonfeeding: feeding someone (as a baby) from a spoon
spoonfeeding: teaching in an overly simplified way that discourages independent thought
sport: the occupation of athletes who compete for pay
sporting life: active interest in gambling on sports events
spot check: a check on work performance or product quality made at random times without warning
spot pass: a pass to a designated spot on the field; the receiver should arrive at that spot the same time the ball does
spot welding: creating an overlapping joint by welding at small points
spray painting: applying paint with a sprayer
spraying: the application of a liquid in the form of small particles ejected from a sprayer
spread eagle: a skating figure executed with the skates heel to heel in a straight line
spread: act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time
spring break: a week or more of recess during the spring term at school
spring-cleaning: the activity of cleaning a house thoroughly at the end of winter
spying: keeping a secret or furtive watch
spying: the act of keeping a secret watch for intelligence purposes
squandering: spending resources lavishly and wastefully
squandermania: prodigious squandering (usually by a government)
square dance: American country dancing in which couples form squares
square-bashing: drill on a barracks square
squash: a game played in an enclosed court by two or four players who strike the ball with long-handled rackets
squat: the act of assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent and the buttocks near the heels
squeeze: the act of forcing yourself (or being forced) into or through a restricted space
squeeze play: a baseball play in which a runner on third base tries to score as the batter bunts the pitch
squeeze: the act of gripping and pressing firmly
squint: the act of squinting; looking with the eyes partly closed
squirm: the act of wiggling
stabilisation: the act of stabilizing something or making it more stable
stabilisation: the act of making something (as a vessel or aircraft) less likely to overturn
staging: travel by stagecoach
staging: getting rid of a stage of a multistage rocket
staining: (histology) the use of a dye to color specimens for microscopic study
stakeout: surveillance of some place or some person by the police (as in anticipation of a crime)
stalk: the act of following prey stealthily
stalk: a hunt for game carried on by following it stealthily or waiting in ambush
stall: a tactic used to mislead or delay
stampede: a headlong rush of people on a common impulse
stand: a stop made by a touring musical or theatrical group to give a performance
stand: a defensive effort
standdown: (military) a temporary stop of offensive military action
standing: the act of assuming or maintaining an erect upright position
Stanford-Binet test: revision of the Binet-Simon Scale
stapedectomy: surgical removal of the stapes of the middle ear
stare: a fixed look with eyes open wide
stargazing: observation of the stars
start: a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)
starter: a culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough
startle reaction: a complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise); involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions
startup: the act of setting in operation
starvation: the act of depriving of food or subjecting to famine
state-sponsored terrorism: terrorism practiced by a government against its own people or in support of international terrorism
Stations of the Cross: (Roman Catholic Church) a devotion consisting of fourteen prayers said before a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' passage from Pilate's house to his crucifixion at Calvary
stay: continuing or remaining in a place or state
steal: a stolen base; an instance in which a base runner advances safely during the delivery of a pitch (without the help of a hit or walk or passed ball or wild pitch)
stealing: avoiding detection by moving carefully
steam fitting: care (installation and maintenance) of equipment for ventilating or heating or refrigerating
steel engraving: the act of engraving on a steel plate
steer roping: capturing a steer with a lasso
steerage: the act of steering a ship
stem: a turn made in skiing; the back of one ski is forced outward and the other ski is brought parallel to it
stem-cell research: research on stem cells and their use in medicine
stenography: the act or art of writing in shorthand
step: the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down
stepping stone: any means of advancement
sterilisation: the procedure of making some object free of live bacteria or other microorganisms (usually by heat or chemical means)
sterilisation: the act of making an organism barren or infertile (unable to reproduce)
stewardship: the position of steward
stick: threat of a penalty
stickball: a form of baseball played in the streets with a rubber ball and broomstick handle
stiffening: the act of becoming stiff
stimulation: the act of arousing an organism to action
sting operation: a complicated confidence game planned and executed with great care (especially an operation implemented by undercover agents to apprehend criminals)
sting: operation designed to catch a person committing a criminal act
stinger: a sharp stinging blow
stint: an individual's prescribed share of work
stirring: agitating a liquid with an implement
stock issue: (corporation law) the authorization and delivery of shares of stock for sale to the public or the shares thus offered at a particular time
stocking: the activity of supplying a stock of something
stockpiling: accumulating and storing a reserve supply
stocktake: an instance of stocktaking
stomach exercise: an exercise designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles
stomp: a dance involving a rhythmical stamping step
stonewalling: stalling or delaying especially by refusing to answer questions or cooperate
stoop: an inclination of the top half of the body forward and downward
stop: the act of stopping something
stopping: the kind of playing that involves pressing the fingers on the strings of a stringed instrument to control the pitch
storage: the commercial enterprise of storing goods and materials
storage: the act of storing something
storm: a direct and violent assault on a stronghold
stowage: the act of packing or storing away
strabotomy: the surgical operation of cutting a muscle or tendon of the eye in order to correct strabismus
straddle: the option to buy or sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date; consists of an equal number of put and call options
straddle: a gymnastic exercise performed with a leg on either side of the parallel bars
strafe: an attack of machine-gun fire or cannon fire from a low flying airplane
straight and narrow: the way of proper and honest behavior
straight hang: a hang performed on the rings or parallel bars with the body erect and the arms at the sides
straight poker: poker in which each player gets 5 cards face down and bets are made without drawing any further cards
straight ticket: a ballot cast by a voter who votes for all the candidates of one party
straight-arm: (American football) the act of warding off a tackler by holding the arm fully extended with the hand against the opponent
strain: an intense or violent exertion
stranglehold: a wrestling hold in which the arms are pressed against the opponent's windpipe
strangulation: (pathology) constriction of a body part so as to cut off the flow of blood or other fluid
strapado: a form of torture in which the hands are tied behind a person's back and they are lifted off the ground by a rope tied to their wrists, then allowed to drop until their fall is checked with a jerk by the rope
strategic buyout: an acquisition based on analysis of the benefits of consolidation in anticipation of increased earning power
strategic intelligence: intelligence that is required for forming policy and military plans at national and international levels
stratification: the act or process or arranging persons into classes or social strata
stratification: the placing of seeds in damp sand or sawdust or peat moss in order to preserve them or promote germination
strengthening: the act of increasing the strength of something
stretch: extension to or beyond the ordinary limit
stretch: exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent
stretching: act of expanding by lengthening or widening
stride: significant progress (especially in the phrase `make strides')
strife: bitter conflict; heated often violent dissension
strike: an attack that is intended to seize or inflict damage on or destroy an objective
strike: (baseball) a pitch that the batter swings at and misses, or that the batter hits into foul territory, or that the batter does not swing at but the umpire judges to be in the area over home plate and between the batter's knees and shoulders
strike: a score in tenpins: knocking down all ten with the first ball
strike: a group's refusal to work in protest against low pay or bad work conditions
strikebreaking: confrontational activities intended to break up a strike by workers
strikeout: an out resulting from the batter getting three strikes
strip cropping: cultivation of crops in strips following the contours of the land to minimize erosion
strip poker: poker in which a player's losses are paid by removing an article of clothing
strip search: searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs by having them remove their clothes
strip: a form of erotic entertainment in which a dancer gradually undresses to music
strip-Jack-naked: a card game for two players in which the object is to win all of the other player's cards
striping: the act of marking with stripes
stroke: a single complete movement
stroke: any one of the repeated movements of the limbs and body used for locomotion in swimming or rowing
stroke: a light touch with the hands
struggle: strenuous effort
stud: poker in which each player receives hole cards and the remainder are dealt face up; bets are placed after each card is dealt
studentship: the position of student
study: a detailed critical inspection
stumping: campaigning for something by making political speeches (stump speeches)
stunt: a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat; usually done to gain attention
stupefaction: the action of stupefying; making dull or lethargic
stylisation: the act of stylizing; causing to conform to a particular style
sub-test: one of a battery of related tests
subbing: working as a substitute for someone who is ill or on leave of absence
subcutaneous injection: an injection under the skin
subdivision: the act of subdividing; division of something previously divided
subjoining: the act of supplementing
submarine ball: a pitch thrown sidearm instead of overhead
subrogation: (law) the act of substituting of one creditor for another
subscription: the act of signing your name; writing your signature (as on a document)
subscription: a pledged contribution
subsistence farming: farming that provides for the basic needs of the farmer without surpluses for marketing
subvention: the act or process of providing aid or help of any sort
subversion: the act of subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government
success: an attainment that is successful
succession: acquisition of property by descent or by will
succussion: shaking a person to determine whether a large amount of liquid is present in a body cavity
suck: the act of sucking
sucker punch: an unexpected punch
suckling reflex: reflex behavior in newborn mammals; includes finding and grasping the nipple in the mouth and sucking on it and swallowing the milk
suction curettage: a method of induced abortion; prior to the 14th week of gestation the embryo and placenta are removed by applying suction to the dilated cervix
suffixation: formation of a word by means of a suffix
suicide bombing: a terrorist bombing carried out by someone who does not hope to survive it
suicide pill: a poison pill with potentially catastrophic implications for the company it is intended to protect
suicide squeeze: the runner on third base starts home as the pitcher delivers the ball
sumo: a Japanese form of wrestling; you lose if you are forced out of a small ring or if any part of your body (other than your feet) touches the ground
sun bathing: immersing the body in sunlight
sun dance: a ceremonial dance performed by Amerindians at the summer solstice
Sunday punch: a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing
Sunnah: (Islam) the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of Muhammad and interpretations of the Koran
superannuation: the act of discharging someone because of age (especially to cause someone to retire from service on a pension)
supererogation: an effort above and beyond the call of duty
superfecta: a bet that you can pick the first four finishers in a race in the right order
superposition: the placement of one thing on top of another
superposition: (geometry) the placement of one object ideally in the position of another one in order to show that the two coincide
superscription: the activity of superscribing
supersedure: act of replacing one person or thing by another especially one held to be superior
supination: rotation of the hands and forearms so that the palms face upward
supping: ingestion of liquid food with a spoon or by drinking
support: aiding the cause or policy or interests of
support: the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
support: the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
supporting fire: fire delivered by supporting units to protect or assist a unit in combat
suppressive fire: fire on or about a weapon system to degrade its performance below what is needed to fulfill its mission objectives
surf casting: casting (artificial) bait far out into the ocean (up to 200 yards) with the waves breaking around you
surfacing: emerging to the surface and becoming apparent
surfboarding: the sport of riding a surfboard toward the shore on the crest of a wave
surge: a sudden or abrupt strong increase
surgical contraception: contraception by surgical sterilization
surgical strike: an attack (usually without prior warning) intended to deal only with a specific target
surprisal: the act of surprising someone
surrender: the delivery of a principal into lawful custody
surveillance: close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)
surveillance of disease: the ongoing systematic collection and analysis of data about an infectious disease that can lead to action being taken to control or prevent the disease
surveying: the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map
survival: something that survives
survivors insurance: insurance paid to surviving spouses
suspension: a temporary debarment (from a privilege or position etc)
suttee: the act of a Hindu widow willingly cremating herself on the funeral pyre of her dead husband
suturing: surgical joining of two surfaces
swaddling clothes: restrictions placed on the immature
swallow dive: a dive in which the diver arches the back with arms outstretched before entering the water
swat: a sharp blow
Swedish massage: massage combined with a system of active and passive exercises for the muscles and joints
sweep: a movement in an arc
sweeping: the act of cleaning with a broom
sweepstakes: a lottery in which the prize consists of the money paid by the participants
sweetening: the act of adding a sweetener to food
swerve: the act of turning aside suddenly
swim: the act of swimming
swimming kick: a movement of the legs in swimming
swimming stroke: a method of moving the arms and legs to push against the water and propel the swimmer forward
swing: a square dance figure; a pair of dancers join hands and dance around a point between them
swing: a sweeping blow or stroke
swing: changing location by moving back and forth
swipe: a sweeping stroke or blow
switch: a basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other
switcheroo: a sudden unexpected switch
swiz: British slang for a swindle
swoop: a swift descent through the air
swoop: a very rapid raid
sword dance: any of various dances by men who step nimbly over swords or flourish them in the air
syllabication: forming or dividing words into syllables
symbolatry: the worship of symbols
symbolisation: the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning
symbolising: the act of representing something with a symbol
sympathectomy: surgical interruption of a nerve pathway in the sympathetic nervous system
sympathetic strike: a strike in support of other workers who are on strike; a strike not resulting from direct grievances against the workers' employer
synchronisation: an adjustment that causes something to occur or recur in unison
synchronisation: coordinating by causing to indicate the same time
syndication: selling (an article or cartoon) for publication in many magazines or newspapers at the same time
syndication: organizing into or administering as a syndicate
systematism: the habitual practice of systematization and classification
table game: a game that is played on a table
tabulation: the act of putting into tabular form
tack: sailing a zigzag course
tack: (nautical) the act of changing tack
tackle: (American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground
tackle: (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
tae kwon do: a Korean martial art similar to karate
tag: a game in which one child chases the others; the one who is caught becomes the next chaser
tag: (sports) the act of touching a player in a game (which changes their status in the game)
tai chi: a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health
tailback: (American football) the position of the offensive back on a football team who lines up farthest from the line of scrimmage
tailoring: the occupation of a tailor
take: the act of photographing a scene or part of a scene without interruption
take-in: the act of taking in as by fooling or cheating or swindling someone
take-up: the action of taking up as by tightening or absorption or reeling in
takeaway: the act of taking the ball or puck away from the team on the offense (as by the interception of a pass)
takeoff: a departure; especially of airplanes
takeover: a change by sale or merger in the controlling interest of a corporation
takeover attempt: an attempt to take control of a corporation
takeover bid: an offer to buy shares in order to take over the company
talk: the act of giving a talk to an audience
tango: a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin
tankage: the act of storing in tanks
tanning: making leather from rawhide
tap dance: a dance step tapped out audibly with the feet
tap: the act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information
tap-off: the act of starting a basketball game with a jump ball
tapering: the act of gradually lowering the size or amount
tapotement: massage in which the body is tapped rhythmically with the fingers or with short rapid movements of the sides of the hand; used to loosen mucus on the chest walls of patients with bronchitis
tarantella: a lively whirling Italian dance for two persons
Tarawa-Makin: battles in World War II in the Pacific (November 1943); United States Marines took the islands from the Japanese after bitter fighting
Tarchanoff phenomenon: a change in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety; can be measured either by recording the electrical resistance of the skin or by recording weak currents generated by the body
target practice: practice in shooting at targets
taste: a kind of sensing; distinguishing substances by means of the taste buds
tattoo: the practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and staining
taunt: aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing
tax avoidance: the minimization of tax liability by lawful methods
tax collection: the collection of taxes
tax cut: the act of reducing taxation
tax evasion: the deliberate failure to pay taxes (usually by making a false report)
taxation: the imposition of taxes; the practice of the government in levying taxes on the subjects of a state
taxis: a locomotor response toward or away from an external stimulus by a motile (and usually simple) organism
taxis: the surgical procedure of manually restoring a displaced body part
taxonomy: practice of classifying plants and animals according to their presumed natural relationships
Tazir crime: (Islam) minor crimes committed by Muslims; crimes that are not mentioned in the Koran so judges are free to punish the offender in any appropriate way
teachership: the position of teacher
teaching reading: teaching beginners to read
team sport: a sport that involves competition between teams of players
team teaching: a method of coordinated classroom teaching involving a team of teachers working together with a single group of students
teamwork: cooperative work done by a team (especially when it is effective)
tear: the act of tearing
teasing: playful vexation
technical analysis: (stock exchange) analysis of past price changes in the hope of forecasting future price changes
technical: (basketball) a foul that can be assessed on a player or a coach or a team for unsportsmanlike conduct; does not usually involve physical contact during play
technology: the application of the knowledge and usage of tools (such as machines or utensils) and techniques to control one's environment
teeoff: the act of hitting a golf ball from the teeing ground at the start of each hole
teetotaling: abstaining from alcohol
telecommerce: the use of the telephone as an interactive medium for promotion and sales
telecommuting: employment at home while communicating with the workplace by phone or fax or modem
telemark: a turn made in skiing; the outside ski is placed ahead and turned gradually inwards
telemetry: automatic transmission and measurement of data from remote sources by wire or radio or other means
telephone order: receiving orders via telephone
telephotography: photography using a telephoto lens
telephotography: transmission and reproduction of photographs and charts and pictures over a distance
teleportation: a hypothetical mode of instantaneous transportation; matter is dematerialized at one place and recreated at another
TELINT: intelligence derived from the interception and processing and analysis of foreign telemetry
temperament: an adjustment of the intervals (as in tuning a keyboard instrument) so that the scale can be used to play in different keys
temperance: the act of tempering
tenderisation: the act of making meat tender by pounding or marinating it
tennis lesson: a lesson in playing tennis
tennis shot: the act of hitting a tennis ball with a tennis racket
tenpin bowling: bowling down an alley at a target of ten wooden pins
tension: the action of stretching something tight
terrain intelligence: tactical intelligence on the natural and man-made characteristics of an area
terrestrial guidance: a method of controlling the flight of a missile by devices that respond to the strength and direction of the earth's gravitational field
territorialisation: the act of organizing as a territory
territoriality: the behavior of a male animal that defines and defends its territory
terror: the use of extreme fear in order to coerce people (especially for political reasons)
terrorisation: an act of terrorism
terrorist attack: a surprise attack involving the deliberate use of violence against civilians in the hope of attaining political or religious aims
tessellation: the careful juxtaposition of shapes in a pattern
tessellation: the act of adorning with mosaic
test case: a representative legal action whose outcome is likely to become a precedent
test: the act of undergoing testing
testcross: a cross between an organism whose genotype for a certain trait is unknown and an organism that is homozygous recessive for that trait so the unknown genotype can be determined from that of the offspring
testimonial immunity: an exemption that displaces the privilege against self-incrimination; neither compelled testimony or any fruits of it can be used against the witness who therefore can no longer fear self-incrimination
testing: an examination of the characteristics of something
testing: the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works
tetanus: a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses
tetherball: a game with two players who use rackets to strike a ball that is tethered to the top of a pole; the object is to wrap the string around the pole
Texas leaguer: (baseball) a fly ball that falls between and infielder and an outfielder
thaneship: the position of thane
thanks: with the help of or owing to
the devil: something difficult or awkward to do or deal with
the way of the world: the manner in which people typically behave or things typically happen
Thematic Apperception Test: a projective technique using black-and-white pictures; subjects tell a story about each picture
theology: the learned profession acquired by specialized courses in religion (usually taught at a college or seminary)
theoterrorism: terrorism for a religious purpose
therapeutic abortion: a legally induced abortion for medical reasons (as when the mother's life is threatened)
therapy: (medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.)
thermocautery: cautery (destruction of tissue) by heat
thermography: diagnostic technique using a thermograph to record the heat produced by different parts of the body; used to study blood flow and to detect tumors
thermogravimetry: the measurement of changes in weight as a function of changes in temperature used as a technique of chemically analyzing substances
thermometry: the measurement of temperature
thermotherapy: the use of heat to treat a disease or disorder; heating pads or hot compresses or hot-water bottles are used to promote circulation in peripheral vascular disease or to relax tense muscles
thermotropism: an orienting response to warmth
thing: an action
third battle of Ypres: battle in World War I (1917); an Allied offensive which eventually failed because tanks bogged down in the waterlogged soil of Flanders; Germans introduced mustard gas which interfered with the Allied artillery
Third Crusade: a Crusade from 1189 to 1192 led by Richard I and the king of France that failed because an army torn by dissensions and fighting on foreign soil could not succeed against forces united by religious zeal
third: the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the third of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate)
Thirty Years' War: a series of conflicts (1618-1648) between Protestants and Catholics starting in Germany and spreading until France and Denmark and Sweden were opposing the Holy Roman Empire and Spain
thoracentesis: removal of fluid from the chest by centesis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
thoracotomy: surgical incision into the chest walls opening up the pleural cavity
thoroughbred racing: the sport of racing thoroughbred horses
thrash: a swimming kick used while treading water
three-bagger: a base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base
three-point landing: a landing in which all three wheels of the aircraft touch the ground at the same time
three-point turn: the act of turning a vehicle around in a limited space by moving in a series of back and forward arcs
three-ring circus: a circus with simultaneous performances in three rings
threshing: the separation of grain or seeds from the husks and straw
thrill: something that causes you to experience a sudden intense feeling or sensation
thrombectomy: surgical removal of a blood clot (thrombus) from a blood vessel
thrombolytic therapy: therapy consisting of the administration of a pharmacological agent to cause thrombolysis of an abnormal blood clot
throne: the position and power of an exalted person (a sovereign or bishop) who is entitled to sit in a chair of state on ceremonial occasions
throw: the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist)
throw: casting an object in order to determine an outcome randomly
throw-in: (rugby) an act or instance of throwing a ball in to put it into play
thuggee: murder and robbery by thugs
thuggery: violent or brutal acts as of thugs
thump: a heavy blow with the hand
thwack: a hard blow with a flat object
thyroidectomy: surgical removal of the thyroid gland
tickle: the act of tickling
tiddlywinks: a game in which players try to flip plastic disks into a cup by pressing them on the side sharply with a larger disk
tightening: the act of making something tighter
tiling: the application of tiles to cover a surface
tillage: the cultivation of soil for raising crops
tilling: cultivation of the land in order to raise crops
time exposure: exposure of a film for a relatively long time (more than half a second)
timework: work paid for at a rate per unit of time
timing: the regulation of occurrence, pace, or coordination to achieve a desired effect (as in music, theater, athletics, mechanics)
tinning: the application of a thin layer of soft solder to the ends of wires before soldering them
tinning: the application of a protective layer of tin
tinting: the act of adding a tinge of color
tip in: a basketball shot made by tapping the rebounding ball back into the basket
tit for tat: an equivalent given in return
titillation: an agreeable arousal
titivation: sprucing up; making decorative additions to
titration: a measured amount of a solution of unknown concentration is added to a known volume of a second solution until the reaction between them is just complete; the concentration of the unknown solution (the titer) can then be calculated
TKO: a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
TLC: considerate and solicitous care
tobogganing: riding on a long light sled with low handrails
toe dance: a dance performed on tiptoe
toe-in: the alignment of the front wheels of a motor vehicle closer together at the front than at the back
toehold: a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints
toilet training: training a young child to use the toilet
toilet: the act of dressing and preparing yourself
toke: a puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette
token economy: a form of behavior therapy that has been used in some mental institutions; patients are rewarded with tokens for appropriate behavior and the tokens may be cashed in for valued rewards
tolerance: the act of tolerating something
toleration: official recognition of the right of individuals to hold dissenting opinions (especially in religion)
tombola: a lottery in which tickets are drawn from a revolving drum
tonometry: the measurement of intraocular pressure by determining the amount of force needed to make a slight indentation in the cornea
tonsillectomy: surgical removal of the palatine tonsils; commonly performed along with adenoidectomy
tonsure: shaving the crown of the head by priests or members of a monastic order
tool-and-die work: the craft of making special tools and dies
tooth: a means of enforcement
topiary: making decorative shapes by trimming shrubs or trees
topical prostaglandin eyedrop: a treatment for glaucoma; the eyedrops increase the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway
torture: the deliberate, systematic, or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons in an attempt to force another person to yield information or to make a confession or for any other reason
toss: an abrupt movement
total hysterectomy: surgical removal of the uterus and cervix
touch football: a version of American football in which the ball carrier is touched rather than tackled
touch: the act of putting two things together with no space between them
touchback: (American football) a play in which the opposing team has kicked the football into your end zone
touchdown: a score in American football; being in possession of the ball across the opponents' goal line
touchdown: a landing (as the wheels touch the landing field); especially of airplanes
tour de force: a masterly or brilliant feat
tourism: the business of providing services to tourists
tow: the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
TPN: administration of a nutritionally adequate solution through a catheter into the vena cava; used in cases of long-term coma or severe burns or severe gastrointestinal syndromes
tracheostomy: a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air; performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes
tracing: the act of drawing a plan or diagram or outline
tracing: the discovery and description of the course of development of something
track and field: participating in athletic sports performed on a running track or on the field associated with it
track record: the fastest time ever recorded for a specific distance at a particular racetrack
tracking: the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind
traction: (orthopedics) the act of pulling on a bone or limb (as in a fracture) to relieve pressure or align parts in a special way during healing
trade: the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
tradeoff: an exchange that occurs as a compromise
trading: buying or selling securities or commodities
traditionalism: adherence to tradition (especially in cultural or religious matters)
traffic: buying and selling; especially illicit trade
traffic control: control of the flow of traffic in a building or a city
trail riding: riding along a roughly blazed path
transactional immunity: a broader form of use immunity that also protects the witness from any prosecution brought about relating to transactions to which they gave testimony
transfer: the act of transfering something from one form to another
transfer: transferring ownership
transfiguration: the act of transforming so as to exalt or glorify
transformation: (genetics) modification of a cell or bacterium by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA
transformation: the act of changing in form or shape or appearance
transfusion: the action of pouring a liquid from one vessel to another
transfusion reaction: reaction of the body to a transfusion of blood that is not compatible with its own blood; an adverse reaction can range from fever and hives to renal failure and shock and death
transgression: the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit
transmission: the act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted
transmogrification: the act of changing into a different form or appearance (especially a fantastic or grotesque one)
transmutation: an act that changes the form or character or substance of something
transorbital lobotomy: a method of performing prefrontal lobotomy in which the surgical knife is inserted above the eyeball and moved to cut brain fibers
transplant: the act of removing something from one location and introducing it in another location
transposition: (electricity) a rearrangement of the relative positions of power lines in order to minimize the effects of mutual capacitance and inductance
transposition: (music) playing in a different key from the key intended; moving the pitch of a piece of music upwards or downwards
transposition: (mathematics) the transfer of a quantity from one side of an equation to the other along with a change of sign
transshipment: the transfer from one conveyance to another for shipment
trap block: (American football) an illegal block
travel: the act of going from one place to another
traversal: travel across
traversal: taking a zigzag path on skis
treading water: a stroke that keeps the head above water by thrashing the legs and arms
treasure hunt: a game in which players try to find hidden articles by using a series of clues
treasurership: the position of treasurer
tree surgery: treatment of damaged or decaying trees
trek: a journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
trek: any long and difficult trip
trench warfare: a struggle (usually prolonged) between competing entities in which neither side is able to win
trench warfare: a type of armed combat in which the opposing troops fight from trenches that face each other
trend setting: the initiating or popularizing of a trend or fashion
trephination: an operation that removes a circular section of bone from the skull
trespass: a wrongful interference with the possession of property (personal property as well as realty), or the action instituted to recover damages
trespass de bonis asportatis: an action brought to recover damages from a person who has taken goods or property from its rightful owner
trespass on the case: an action brought to recover damages from a person whose actions have resulted indirectly in injury or loss
trespass quare clausum fregit: the defendant unlawfully enters the land of the plaintiff
trespass viet armis: trespass with force and arms resulting in injury to another's person or property
triage: sorting and allocating aid on the basis of need for or likely benefit from medical treatment or food
trial: (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law
trial and error: experimenting until a solution is found
triangulation: a method of surveying; the area is divided into triangles and the length of one side and its angles with the other two are measured, then the lengths of the other sides can be calculated
tribadism: a form of lesbianism that simulates heterosexual intercourse
tribalisation: the act of making tribal; unification on a tribal basis
tribuneship: the position of tribune
tribute: payment by one nation for protection by another
trick: (card games) in a single round, the sequence of cards played by all the players; the high card is the winner
trick: an attempt to get you to do something foolish or imprudent
trifurcation: the act of splitting into three branches
trimming: the act of adding decoration
trine immersion: baptism by immersion three times (in the names in turn of the Trinity)
trip: a light or nimble tread
trip: a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
triple play: the act of getting three players out on one play
Trojan War: (Greek mythology) a great war fought between Greece and Troy; the Greeks sailed to Troy to recover Helen of Troy, the beautiful wife of Menelaus who had been abducted by Paris; after ten years the Greeks (via the Trojan Horse) achieved final victory and burned Troy to the ground
troll: angling by drawing a baited line through the water
troop movement: movement of military units to a new location
trophotropism: an orienting response to food
tropism: an involuntary orienting response; positive or negative reaction to a stimulus source
trot: a gait faster than a walk; diagonally opposite legs strike the ground together
truck farming: growing vegetables for the market
truckling: the act of obeying meanly (especially obeying in a humble manner or for unworthy reasons)
trudge: a long difficult walk
truncation: the act of cutting short
truncation: the replacement of an edge or solid angle (as in cutting a gemstone) by a plane (especially by a plane that is equally inclined to the adjacent faces)
truncation error: (mathematics) a miscalculation that results from cutting off a numerical calculation before it is finished
trust busting: (law) government activities seeking to dissolve corporate trusts and monopolies (especially under the United States antitrust laws)
trusteeship: the position of trustee
tsuris: (Yiddish) aggravating trouble
Tsushima: a naval battle in the Russo-Japanese War (1905); the Japanese fleet defeated the Russian fleet in the Korean Strait
tubal ligation: a sterilization procedure with women; both Fallopian tubes are tied in two places and the tubes removed in between the ligations
tug-of-war: any hard struggle between equally matched groups
tuition: teaching pupils individually (usually by a tutor hired privately)
tumble: an acrobatic feat of rolling or turning end over end
tune: the adjustment of a radio receiver or other circuit to a required frequency
tune-up: adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance
tuning: (music) calibrating something (an instrument or electronic circuit) to a standard frequency
turf war: a bitter struggle for territory or power or control or rights
turkey trot: an early ragtime one-step
Turkish bath: you sweat in a steam room before getting a rubdown and cold shower
turn: taking a short walk out and back
turn: the act of turning away or in the opposite direction
turn: the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
turn: turning or twisting around (in place)
turnaround: act or process of unloading and loading and servicing a vessel or aircraft for a return trip
turning: act of changing in practice or custom
turning: the activity of shaping something on a lathe
turnout: (ballet) the outward rotation of a dancer's leg from the hip
turnout: attendance for a particular event or purpose (as to vote in an election)
TURP: removal of significant amounts of prostate tissue (as in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia)
twiddle: a series of small (usually idle) twists or turns
twist: social dancing in which couples vigorously twist their hips and arms in time to the music; was popular in the 1960s
twist: the act of winding or twisting
two-handed backhand: a backhand shot made holding the racquet in both hands
two-step: a ballroom dance in duple meter; marked by sliding steps
two-tier bid: a takeover bid where the acquirer offers to pay more for the shares needed to gain control than for the remaining shares
tympanoplasty: surgical correction or repair of defects or injuries in the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear
typification: the act of representing by a type or symbol; the action of typifying
typography: the craft of composing type and printing from it
typology: classification according to general type
tyrannicide: killing a tyrant
u-turn: complete reversal of direction of travel
ultimate frisbee: a game between two teams whose players try to toss a Frisbee to one another until they cross the opponents goal; possession changes hands when the Frisbee is intercepted or touches the ground or goes out of bounds
umbrella: having the function of uniting a group of similar things
umbrella: a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets
underachievement: poorer than expected performance (poorer than might have been predicted from intelligence tests)
undercover operation: an operation involving secret work within a community or institution
undercut: a cut made underneath to remove material
underexposure: inadequate publicity
underexposure: the act of exposing film to too little light or for too short a time
Underground Railroad: secret aid to escaping slaves that was provided by abolitionists in the years before the American Civil War
underpayment: the act of paying less than required
underproduction: inadequate production or less than expected
undertaking: the trade of a funeral director
undoing: an act that makes a previous act of no effect (as if not done)
undoing: loosening the ties that fasten something
unearned run: a run that was scored as a result of an error by the other team
unemployment compensation: payment by a United States agency to unemployed people
unionisation: act of forming labor unions
United States Civil War: civil war in the United States between the North and the South; 1861-1865
unitisation: conversion of an investment trust into a unit investment trust
unitisation: the act of packaging cargo into unit loads
unitisation: the joint development of a petroleum resource that straddles territory controlled by different companies
unloading: the labor of taking a load of something off of or out of a vehicle or ship or container etc.
unobserved fire: fire for which the point of impact (the bursts) cannot be observed
unwritten law: law based on customary behavior
up-bow: an upward stroke from the tip to the heel of the bow
update: the act of bringing someone or something up to date
updating: the act of changing something to bring it up to date (usually by adding something)
upgrade: the act of improving something (especially machinery) by raising it to a higher grade (as by adding or replacing components)
upholstery: the craft of upholstering
uppercut: a swinging blow directed upward (especially at an opponent's chin)
UPPP: surgical resection of unnecessary palatal and oropharyngeal tissue to open the airway; intended to cure extreme cases of snoring (with or without sleep apnea)
uptick: a transaction in the stock market at a price above the price of the preceding transaction
upturn: an upward movement or trend as in business activity
uranalysis: (medicine) the chemical analysis of urine (for medical diagnosis)
uranoplasty: surgical correction of a defect of the palate
urban renewal: the clearing and rebuilding and redevelopment of urban slums
urging: the act of earnestly supporting or encouraging
ushering in: the introduction of something new
usurpation: wrongfully seizing and holding (an office or powers) by force (especially the seizure of a throne or supreme authority)
usury: the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest
uterine contraction: a rhythmic tightening in labor of the upper uterine musculature that contracts the size of the uterus and pushes the fetus toward the birth canal
utility: the service (electric power or water or transportation) provided by a public utility
uxoricide: the murder of a wife by her husband
vacation: the act of making something legally void
vacationing: the act of taking a vacation
vaginismus: muscular contraction that causes the vagina to close; usually an anxiety reaction before coitus or pelvic examination
valediction: the act of saying farewell
valet parking: a service provided (at a club or restaurant or airport etc.) whereby a patron leaves a car at the entrance and an attendant parks and retrieves it
valse: a ballroom dance in triple time with a strong accent on the first beat
value judgement: an assessment that reveals more about the values of the person making the assessment than about the reality of what is assessed
valvotomy: incision into a stenosed cardiac valve to relieve the obstruction
vampirism: the actions or practices of a vampire
vanishing: a sudden disappearance from sight
vaporisation: annihilation by vaporizing something
variance: an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)
variance: an activity that varies from a norm or standard
variation: the act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard
variolation: the obsolete process of inoculating a susceptible person with material taken from a vesicle of a person who has smallpox
vasectomy: surgical procedure that removes all or part of the vas deferens (usually as a means of sterilization); is sometimes reversible
vasoconstriction: decrease in the diameter of blood vessels
vasodilation: dilation of blood vessels (especially the arteries)
vasosection: surgical incision into or division of the vas deferens
vasovasostomy: a surgical procedure that attempts to restore the function of the vas deferens after a vasectomy
vegetation: inactivity that is passive and monotonous, comparable to the inactivity of plant life
veneering: the act of applying veneer
venial sin: a pardonable sin regarded as entailing only a partial loss of grace
venipuncture: (medicine) puncture of a vein through the skin in order to withdraw blood for analysis or to start an intravenous drip or to inject medication or a radiopaque dye
venography: roentgenographic examination of veins
venture: any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
venture: a commercial undertaking that risks a loss but promises a profit
verbal creation: creating something by the use of speech and language
version: manual turning of a fetus in the uterus (usually to aid delivery)
vertical bank: a bank so steep that the plane's lateral axis approaches the vertical
vertical combination: absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution
vesper: a late afternoon or evening worship service
veto: a vote that blocks a decision
vexatious litigation: litigation shown to have been instituted maliciously and without probable cause
viatical settlement: sale of an insurance policy by a terminally ill policy holder
viatication: purchasing insurance policies for cash from terminally ill policy holders
vice: a specific form of evildoing
vice crime: a vice that is illegal
vice-presidency: the office and function of a vice president
viceroyship: the position of viceroy
victimless crime: an act that is legally a crime but that seem to have no victims
victory celebration: a celebration following a victory in a battle or sports competition
Vietnam War: a prolonged war (1954-1975) between the communist armies of North Vietnam who were supported by the Chinese and the armies of South Vietnam who were supported by the United States
viewing: a vigil held over a corpse the night before burial
vigil: the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)
vigil: a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
vigilantism: the actions of a vigilance committee in trying to enforce the laws
villainy: a criminal or vicious act
viniculture: the cultivation of grapes and grape vines; grape growing
violin lesson: a lesson in playing the violin
Virginia reel: an American country dance which starts with the couples facing each other in two lines
virtual reality: a hypothetical three-dimensional visual world created by a computer; user wears special goggles and fiber optic gloves etc., and can enter and move about in this world and interact with objects as if inside it
viscometry: the measurement of viscosity
visit: the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
visit: the act of going to see some person in a professional capacity
visit: the act of visiting in an official capacity (as for an inspection)
visitation: an official visit for inspection or supervision
visiting: the activity of making visits
vitiation: nullification by the destruction of the legal force; rendering null
vitrectomy: a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous humor and replace it with saline solution
vivisection: the act of operating on living animals (especially in scientific research)
viziership: the position of vizier
vocal music: music that is vocalized (as contrasted with instrumental music)
vocational rehabilitation: providing training in a specific trade with the aim of gaining employment
voice: a means or agency by which something is expressed or communicated
voicing: the act of adjusting an organ pipe (or wind instrument) so that it conforms to the standards of tone and pitch and color
volition: the act of making a choice
volley: a tennis return made by hitting the ball before it bounces
volleyball: a game in which two teams hit an inflated ball over a high net using their hands
volumetric analysis: quantitative analysis by the use of definite volumes of standard solutions or reagents
volumetric analysis: determination of the volume of gases (or changes in their volume) during combination
vote: the opinion of a group as determined by voting
voyage: a journey to some distant place
voyeurism: a perversion in which a person receives sexual gratification from seeing the genitalia of others or witnessing others' sexual behavior
vulgarisation: the act of rendering something coarse and unrefined
vulvectomy: surgical removal of part or all of the vulva
waddle: walking with short steps and the weight tilting from one foot to the other
wading: walking with your feet in shallow water
wage freeze: a freeze of wages at a given level
wait: the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
walk: a slow gait of a horse in which two feet are always on the ground
walk: the act of walking somewhere
walk: careers in general
walk: the act of traveling by foot
walk-through: the act of walking in order to view something
walk-through: a first perfunctory rehearsal of a theatrical production in which actors read their lines from the script and move as directed
walkabout: nomadic excursions into the bush made by an Aborigine
walkabout: a public stroll by a celebrity to meet people informally
walkabout: a walking trip or tour
walkout: a strike in which the workers walk out
walkout: the act of walking out (of a meeting or organization) as a sign of protest
walkover: backbends combined with handstands
wallop: a severe blow
war: a concerted campaign to end something that is injurious
war crime: a crime committed in wartime; violation of rules of war
war dance: a ceremonial dance performed before a battle or after a victory
war game: a simulation of a military operation intended to train military commanders or to demonstrate a situation or to test a proposed strategy
War of 1812: a war (1812-1814) between the United States and England which was trying to interfere with American trade with France
War of Greek Independence: the Greeks rebelled against Turkish rule in 1821; with the support of England and France and Russia they won independence in 1828 at Navarino (although the country included only half its present size)
War of the Austrian Succession: Prussia and Austria fought over Silesia and most of the rest of Europe took sides; 1740-1748
War of the League of Augsburg: an aggressive war waged by Louis XIV against Spain and the Holy Roman Empire and England and Holland and other states (1689-1697)
War of the Spanish Succession: a general war in Europe (1701-1714) that broke out when Louis XIV installed his grandson on the throne of Spain; England and Holland hoped to limit Louis' power
war: an active struggle between competing entities
war: the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
wardenship: the position of warden
wardership: the position of warder
warm up: performing mild exercises to prepare for some more strenuous activity
warpath: a course leading to warfare or battle
Wars of the Roses: struggle for the English throne (1455-1485) between the house of York (white rose) and the house of Lancaster (red rose) ending with the accession of the Tudor monarch Henry VII
wash: any enterprise in which losses and gains cancel out
washing-up: the washing of dishes etc after a meal
waste of effort: a useless effort
waste of material: a useless consumption of material
waste of money: money spent for inadequate return
waste of time: the devotion of time to a useless activity
watch night: a devotional service (especially on New Year's Eve)
water conservation: the conservation of water resources
water development: making an area of water more useful
water polo: a game played in a swimming pool by two teams of swimmers who try to throw an inflated ball into the opponents' goal
water-skiing: skiing on water while being towed by a motorboat
watercolor: the art or technique of painting with watercolors
watering: wetting with water
wave: a movement like that of a sudden occurrence or increase in a specified phenomenon
waxing: the application of wax to a surface
way: a journey or passage
wayfaring: traveling (especially on foot)
weakening: the act of reducing the strength of something
wear: the act of having on your person as a covering or adornment
weaving: creating fabric
weight gaining: bodybuilding that increases muscle mass and body weight
weightlift: bodybuilding by exercise that involves lifting weights
welding: fastening two pieces of metal together by softening with heat and applying pressure
wetting: the act of making something wet
wheeze: breathing with a husky or whistling sound
whiff: a strikeout resulting from the batter swinging at and missing the ball for the third strike
whispering campaign: the organized dissemination of derogatory rumors designed to discredit a candidate
whistle-stop tour: a tour by a candidate as part of a political campaign in which a series of small towns are visited
whistling: the act of whistling a tune
white backlash: backlash by white racists against black civil rights advances
white man's burden: the supposed responsibility of the white race to provide care for their non-white subjects
white sale: a sale of household linens
whitewash: a specious or deceptive clearing that attempts to gloss over failings and defects
whole-word method: teaching reading by training beginners to associate printed words with spoken words
wholesale: the selling of goods to merchants; usually in large quantities for resale to consumers
whoopee: noisy and boisterous revelry
widegrip pushup: a pushup with the arms widely separated
wild pitch: an errant pitch that the catcher cannot be expected to catch and that allows a base runner to advance a base
wild-goose chase: the fruitless pursuit of something unattainable
wildcat strike: a strike undertaken by workers without approval from the officials of their union
Wilderness Campaign: American Civil War; a series of indecisive battles in Grant's campaign (1864) against Lee in which both armies suffered terrible losses
wilding: an outrageous rampage usually involving sexual attacks by men on women
wilt: causing to become limp or drooping
wind: breath
window dressing: the decoration of shop windows
window-washing: the activity of washing windows
wine making: the craft and science of growing grapes and making wine
wing shooting: shooting game birds that are flying (on the wing)
wingback: (American football) the position of the offensive back who lines up behind or outside the end
wings: a means of flight or ascent
winning: succeeding with great difficulty
wipeout: a spill in some sport (as a fall from a bicycle or while skiing or being capsized on a surfboard)
wiring: the work of installing the wires for an electrical system or device
witch-hunt: searching out and harassing dissenters
witching: the use or practice of witchcraft
withdrawal: the act of taking out money or other capital
withdrawal: the act of withdrawing blood, tumors, etc.
withdrawal: the act of ceasing to participate in an activity
withdrawal: the act of withdrawing
withholding: the act of deducting from an employee's salary
withholding: the act of holding back or keeping within your possession or control
womanhood: the status of a woman
word game: any game involving the formation or alteration or discovery of words
word play: playing on words or speech sounds
work: activity directed toward making or doing something
work flow: progress (or rate of progress) in work being done
work load: work that a person is expected to do in a specified time
work to rule: a job action in which workers cause a slowdown by doing only the minimum amount required by the rules of the workplace
work-in: occasion when workers continue to work as a protest against e.g. proposed dismissal or closure of the factory
work-study program: an educational plan in which students alternate between paid employment and formal study
workshop: a brief intensive course for a small group; emphasizes problem solving
world record: the best record in the whole world
world war: a war in which the major nations of the world are involved
worrying: the act of moving something by repeated tugs or pushes
worsening: changing something with the result that it becomes worse
worship: the activity of worshipping
worst: the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of
wound: the act of inflicting a wound
wrestling hold: a hold used in the sport of wrestling
write-in: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate who is not listed on the ballot
write-off: the act of cancelling from an account a bad debt or a worthless asset
writing assignment: an assignment to write something
wrong-site surgery: a surgical operation performed on the wrong part of the body
X-radiation: obtaining images by the use of X rays
X-ray photography: radiography that uses X-rays to produce a roentgenogram
X-ray therapy: the therapeutic use of X rays
xenotransplant: a surgical procedure in which tissue or whole organs are transfered from one species to another species
xerography: forming an image by the action of light on a specially coated charged plate; the latent image is developed with powders that adhere only to electrically charged areas
xeroradiography: radiography using X-rays and xerographic (rather than roentgenographic) techniques
Yalu River: a battle in the Korean War (November 1950); when UN troops advanced north to the Yalu River 200,000 Chinese troops crossed the river and drove them back
yodeling: singing by changing back and forth between the chest voice and a falsetto
yoga: a system of physical, breathing and meditation exercises practiced to promote control of the body and mind
youth crusade: political or religious or social reform movement or agitation consisting chiefly of young people
zero-sum game: a game in which the total of all the gains and losses is zero
zizz: a nap
zone fire: artillery or mortar fire delivered in a constant direction at several quadrant elevations
zoning: dividing an area into zones or sections reserved for different purposes such as residence and business and manufacturing etc
zoophilia: a sexual attraction to animals