la n. the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
laager n. (South African) a camp defended by a circular formation of wagons
lab n. a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
labdanum n. a dark brown to greenish oleoresin that has a fragrant odor and is used as a fixative in perfumes; obtained as a juice from certain rockroses
label n. a brief description given for purposes of identification; the label Modern is applied to many different kinds of architecture@v. assign a label to; designate with a label; attach a tag or label to; label these bottles; pronounce judgment on
labeled adj. bearing or marked with a label or tag; properly labeled luggage
labelled adj. bearing or marked with a label or tag
labial n. a consonant whose articulation involves movement of the lips@adj. of or relating to the lips of the mouth; labial stops; relating to or near the female labium
labialize v. pronounce with rounded lips
labiate adj. having lips or parts that resemble lips
labile adj. open to change; liable to change; an emotionally labile person; (chemistry, physics, biology) readily undergoing change or breakdown
labium n. any of the four lip-shaped folds of the female vulva
labor n. a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages; there is a shortage of skilled labor in this field; productive work (especially physical work done for wages)@v. exert oneself
laboratory n. a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
labored adj. lacking natural ease; a labored style of debating; requiring or showing effort; the subject made for labored reading
laborer n. someone who works with their hands
laboring adj. doing arduous or unpleasant work; the bent backs of laboring slaves picking cotton
laborious adj. characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort; spent many laborious hours on the project
laboriously adv. in a laborious manner; their lives were spent in committee making decisions for others to execute on the basis of data laboriously gathered for them
laboriousness n. the quality of requiring extended effort
laborsaving adj. designed to replace or conserve human and especially manual labor; laborsaving devices like washing machines
labour n. a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages; concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of labor to the birth of a child; productive work (especially physical work done for wages)@v. work hard; exert oneself
laboured adj. lacking natural ease; requiring or showing effort
labourer n. someone who works with their hands
labouring adj. doing arduous or unpleasant work
labourious adj. characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
laboursaving adj. designed to replace or conserve human and especially manual labor
labrocyte n. a large connective tissue cell that contains histamine and heparin and serotonin which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammation
laburnum n. a leguminous shrub or tree with hanging clusters of yellow flowers
labyrinth n. complex system of paths or tunnels; a complex system of interconnecting cavities; concerned with hearing and equilibrium
labyrinthian adj. resembling a labyrinth in form or complexity
labyrinthine adj. relating to or affecting or originating in the inner ear; labyrinthine deafness; resembling a labyrinth in form or complexity; a labyrinthine network of tortuous footpaths
labyrinthitis n. inflammation of the inner ear; can cause vertigo and vomiting
labyrinthodont n. an amphibian of the superorder Labyrinthodontia
lac n. resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects; used in e.g. varnishes and sealing wax
lace v. twine or twist together; make by braiding; do lacework; draw through eyes or holes; lace the shoelaces; add alcohol beverages@n. a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
lacebark n. small tree or shrub of New Zealand having a profusion of axillary clusters of honey-scented paper-white flowers and whose bark is used for cordage
laced adj. closed with a lace; snugly laced shoes; edged or streaked with color; white blossoms with purple-laced petals; having alcohol added; a cup of brandy-laced coffee; trimmed or decorated with lace
lacelike adj. made of or resembling lace
lacepod n. annual herb having pinnatifid basal leaves and slender racemes of small white flowers followed by one-seeded winged silicles
lacerate v. cut or tear irregularly@adj. irregularly slashed and jagged as if torn; lacerate leaves; having edges that are jagged from injury
lacerated adj. having edges that are jagged from injury
laceration n. a torn ragged wound; the act of lacerating
lacertid n. Old World terrestrial lizard
lacewing n. any of two families of gauzy-winged insects (Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae); larvae feed on insect pests such as aphids
lacewood n. variably colored and sometimes variegated hard tough elastic wood of a sycamore tree
lacework n. work consisting of (or resembling) lace fabric
lachrymal adj. relating to or located near the organ that produces tears
lachrymation n. shedding tears
lachrymatory adj. relating to or prompting tears
lachrymose adj. showing sorrow
lacinate adj. having edges irregularly and finely slashed; a lacinate leaf
lacing n. a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
lack n. the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable; there is a serious lack of insight into the problem@v. be without; be without, lack; be deficient in
lackadaisical adj. lacking spirit or liveliness; a lackadaisical attempt; idle or indolent especially in a dreamy way; she was annoyingly lackadaisical and impractical
lackadaisically adv. in an idle and lackadaisical manner; he was hanging around the house lackadaisically
lackey n. a male servant (especially a footman); a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
lacking adj. not existing; innovation has been sadly lacking; inadequate in amount or degree; lacking in stamina
lackluster adj. lacking brilliance or vitality; a dull lackluster life; lacking luster or shine; staring with lackluster eyes
lacklustre adj. lacking brilliance or vitality; lacking luster or shine
laconic adj. brief and to the point; effectively cut short
laconically adv. in a dry laconic manner; he said dryly
laconicism n. terseness of expression
laconism n. terseness of expression
lacquer v. coat with lacquer; coat with lacquer; as of wooden objects@n. a black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish; a hard glossy coating
lacquerware n. a decorative work made of wood and covered with lacquer and often inlaid with ivory or precious metals
lacrimal adj. relating to or located near the organ that produces tears
lacrimation n. shedding tears
lacrimator n. a gas that makes the eyes fill with tears but does not damage them; used in dispersing crowds
lacrimatory adj. relating to or prompting tears
lacrosse n. 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
lactalbumin n. albumin occurring in milk
lactate v. of infants
lactating adj. producing or secreting milk; lactating cows
lactation n. the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
lacteal adj. relating to or consisting of or producing or resembling milk; lacteal fluids@n. any of the lymphatic vessels that convey chyle from the small intestine to the thoracic duct
lactic adj. of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey); lactic acid
lactobacillus n. gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that produce lactic acid esp. in milk
lactoflavin n. a B vitamin that prevents skin lesions and weight loss
lactose n. a sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk; cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose
lacuna n. a blank space or missing part; an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
lacustrine adj. of or relating to or living near lakes
lacy adj. made of or resembling lace; a lacy gown; having open interstices or resembling a web
lad n. a boy or man; a male child (a familiar term of address to a boy)
ladanum n. a soft blackish-brown resinous exudate from various rockroses used in perfumes especially as a fixative
ladder n. two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down; a row of unravelled stitches@v. come unraveled or undone as if by snagging, of stockings
laddie n. a male child (a familiar term of address to a boy)
lade v. remove with or as if with a ladle; of liquids; fill or load
laden v. remove with or as if with a ladle; of liquids; fill or load@adj. filled with a great quantity; table laden with food; burdened psychologically or mentally; laden with grief
ladened adj. filled with a great quantity; `ladened' is not current usage
lading n. goods carried by a large vehicle
ladle v. remove with or as if with a ladle; of liquids@n. a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; used to transfer liquids
lady n. a polite name for any woman; a woman of refinement; a woman of aristocratic family
ladybeetle n. small round bright-colored and spotted beetle that usually feeds on aphids and other insect pests
ladybird n. small round bright-colored and spotted beetle that usually feeds on aphids and other insect pests
ladybug n. small round bright-colored and spotted beetle that usually feeds on aphids and other insect pests
ladyfinger n. small finger-shaped sponge cake
ladyfish n. game fish resembling the tarpon but smaller
ladylike adj. befitting a woman of good breeding; ladylike manners
ladylikeness n. behavior befitting a lady
ladylove n. a beloved lady
ladyship n. the condition of being a lady; rank of lady
laelia n. any of various spectacular plants of the genus Laelia having showy flowers in many colors
laevulose n. a simple sugar found in honey and in many ripe fruits
lag n. the act of slowing down or falling behind; the time between one event, process, or period and another@v. hang (back) or fall (behind) in movement, progress, development, etc.; lock up in jail; cover with lagging to prevent heat loss
lagan n. goods (or wreckage) on the sea bed that is attached to a buoy so that it can be recovered
lagend n. goods (or wreckage) on the sea bed that is attached to a buoy so that it can be recovered
lager n. (South African) a camp defended by a circular formation of wagons; beer stored for aging
laggard adj. inclined to waste time and lag behind; wasting time@n. someone who takes more time than necessary
lagging n. used to wrap around pipes or boilers or laid in attics to prevent loss of heat
lagniappe n. a small gift (especially one given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase)
lagomorph n. relative large gnawing animals; distinguished from rodents by having two pairs of upper incisors specialized for gnawing
lagoon n. a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral
laguna n. a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral
lagune n. a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral
lah n. the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
lahar n. an avalanche volcanic water and mud down the slopes of a volcano
laic adj. concerning those not members of the clergy; set his collar in laic rather than clerical position
laicize v. reduce to lay status; of institutions and buildings
laid adj. set down according to a plan:a carefully laid table with places set for four people
lain past part of lie
lair n. the habitation of wild animals
laird n. (Scotland) a landowner
laity n. everyone except the clergy
lake n. a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land; a purplish red pigment prepared from lac or cochineal; any of numerous bright translucent organic pigments
lakefront n. land bordering a lake
lakeshore n. the shore of a lake
lakeside n. the shore of a lake
lakh n. the cardinal number that is the fifth power of ten
lally n. steel cylinder filled with concrete
lallygag v. be about
lam v. take to one's heels; cut and run; give a thrashing to; beat hard@n. a rapid escape (as by criminals); after the expose he had to take it on the lam
lama n. a Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism
lamasery n. a monastery for lamas
lamb n. young sheep; a person easily deceived or cheated (especially in financial matters); a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child); the flesh of a young domestic sheep eaten as food@v. give birth to a lamb, of ewes
lambast v. beat with a cane; censure severely or angrily; is archaic
lambaste v. beat with a cane; censure severely or angrily; is archaic
lambchop n. chop cut from a lamb
lambda n. the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet
lambency n. an appearance of reflected light
lambent adj. softly bright or radiant; lambent tongues of flame
lambert n. a cgs unit of illumination equal to the brightness of a perfectly diffusing surface that emits or reflects one lumen per square centimeter
lambkill n. North American dwarf shrub resembling mountain laurel but having narrower leaves and small red flowers; poisonous to young stock
lambkin n. a very young lamb
lamblike adj. like a lamb in meekness and gentleness
lambrequin n. a scarf that covers a knight's helmet; short and decorative hanging for a shelf edge or top of a window casing
lambskin n. the skin of a lamb with the wool still on; skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on
lame adj. pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness; a lame argument; (of horses) disabled in the feet or legs; disabled in the feet or legs@v. deprive of the use of a limb, esp. a leg@n. a fabric interwoven with threads of metal
lamedh n. the 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
lamella n. any of the radiating leaflike spore-producing structures on the underside of the cap of a mushroom or similar fungus; a thin membrane that is one of the calcified layers that form bones; thin plate
lamellibranch adj. bivalve@n. marine or freshwater mollusks having a soft body with platelike gills enclosed within two shells hinged together
lamely adv. in a weak and unconvincing manner; `I don't know, Edward,' she answered lamely
lameness n. disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
lament v. express grief verbally; regret strongly@n. a cry of sorrow and grief; a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person; a mournful poem; a lament for the dead
lamentable adj. an archaic word for mournful; very bad; a lamentable decision
lamentably adv. in an unfortunate or deplorable manner
lamentation n. a cry of sorrow and grief
lamented adj. mourned or grieved for
lamenter n. a person who is grieving over someone who has died
lamenting adj. vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression; lamenting sinners
lamia n. (folklore) a corpse that rises at night to drink the blood of the living
lamina n. pl. -nae or -nas; a thin plate or scale
laminar adj. arranged in or consisting of laminae
laminate v. create laminate by putting together several thin sheets of a material; press or beat (metals) into thin sheets; cover with a thin sheet; laminate the table@n. a material made by bonding two or more sheets or layers
laminated adj. consisting of laminae; especially composed of layers of firmly united material -- laminate v. -- laminate n. -- laminate adj. -- lamination n.
lamination n. bonding thin sheets together
laminectomy n. surgical removal of the bony arches on one or more vertebrae
laminitis n. inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
lammergeier n. the largest Eurasian bird of prey; having black feathers hanging around the bill
lammergeyer n. the largest Eurasian bird of prey; having black feathers hanging around the bill
lamp n. an artificial source of visible illumination; a piece of furniture holding one or more electric light bulbs
lampblack n. a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
lamplight n. light from a lamp
lamplighter n. (when gas was used for streetlights) a person who lights and extinguishes streetlights
lamplit adj. lighted by a lamp; our lamplit mountain retreat
lampoon v. ridicule with satire@n. a composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way
lampooner n. mimics literary or musical style for comic effect
lamppost n. a metal post supporting an outdoor lamp (such as a streetlight)
lamprey n. primitive eellike freshwater or anadromous cyclostome having round sucking mouth with a rasping tongue
lampshade n. a protective ornamental covering used to screen a light bulb from direct view
lampshell n. marine animal with bivalve shell having a pair of arms bearing tentacles for capturing food; found worldwide
lanai n. (Hawaii) a veranda or roofed patio often furnished and used as a living room
lanate adj. covered with dense cottony hairs or hairlike filaments; the woolly aphid has a lanate coat resembling cotton
lance n. a long pointed rod used as a weapon; an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish; a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade@v. move quickly, as if by cutting one's way; pierce with a lance, as in a knights' fight
lancelet n. small translucent lancet-shaped burrowing marine animal; primitive forerunner of the vertebrates
lancelike adj. of a leaf shape; shaped like a lance head; narrow; pointed at each end
lanceolate adj. of a leaf shape; shaped like a lance head; narrow; pointed at each end
lancer n. (formerly) a cavalryman armed with a lance
lancers n. a quadrille for 8 or 16 couples
lancet n. an acutely pointed arch, like a lance; a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
lancetfish n. large elongate scaleless oceanic fishes with sharp teeth and a long sail-like dorsal fin
lancewood n. durable straight-grained wood of the lacewood tree; used for building and cabinetwork and tools; source of most of the lancewood of commerce
land v. reach or come to rest; cause to come to the ground; of aircraft; bring into a different state; this may land you in jail@adj. relating to or characteristic of or occurring on land; land vehicles@n. the land on which real estate is located
landau n. a four-wheeled covered carriage with a roof divided into two parts (front and back) that can be let down separately
landed adj. owning or consisting of land or real estate; the landed gentry
landfall n. the seacoast first sighted on a voyage (or flight over water); the first sighting of land from the sea after a voyage (or flight over water)
landfill n. a low area that has been filled in
landgrave n. a count who had jurisdiction over a large territory in medieval Germany
landholder n. a holder or proprietor of land
landholding n. ownership of land; the state or fact of owning land; a holding in the form of land
landing n. an intermediate platform in a staircase; a place where boats can land people or goods; the act of coming down to the earth (or other surface); the plane made a smoothe landing; the act of coming to land after a voyage
landlady n. a landowner whose leases to others
landler n. music in triple time for dancing the landler; a moderately slow Austrian country dance in triple time; involves spinning and clapping
landless adj. owning no land; the landless peasantry
landlocked adj. surrounded entirely or almost entirely by land; a landlocked country
landlord n. a landowner whose leases to others
landlubber n. a person who lives and works on land; an inexperienced sailor; a sailor on the first voyage
landlubberly adj. inexperienced in seamanship
landman n. a person who lives and works on land
landmark n. the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape; the church steeple provided a convenient landmark; an event marking a unique or important historical change or one on which important developments depend
landmass n. a large continuous extent of land
landowner n. a holder or proprietor of land
landrover n. a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain
landscape v. embellish with plants; do landscape gardening@n. an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view; a painting depicting an expanse of natural scenery; a genre of art dealing with the depiction of natural scenery
landscaped adj. (of land) improved by gardening or landscape architecture; carefully landscaped gardens
landscaping n. working as a landscape gardner
landscapist n. someone who paints landscapes
landside n. a side piece opposite the moldboard
landslide n. an overwhelming electoral victory; Roosevelt defeated Hoover in a landslide; a slide of a large mass of dirt and rock down a mountain or cliff
landslip n. a slide of a large mass of dirt and rock down a mountain or cliff
landsman n. a person who lives and works on land; an inexperienced sailor; a sailor on the first voyage
landward adv. toward land; landward, miles of rough grass marshes melt into low uplands
landwards adv. toward land
lane n. a narrow path or road; a well-defined track or path; for e.g. swimmers or lines of traffic
langbeinite n. a mineral consisting of potassium magnesium double sulphate; used as a fertilizer
langlauffer n. a cross-country skier
langley n. unit of solar radiation
langouste n. warm-water lobsters without claws; those from Australia and South Africa usually marketed as frozen tails; caught also in Florida and California
langoustine n. caught in European waters; slenderer than American lobster
langsat n. East Indian tree bearing an edible yellow berry
langset n. East Indian tree bearing an edible yellow berry
langsyne n. past times remembered with nostalgia@adv. at a distant time in the past (chiefly Scottish)
language n. a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols; the language introduced is standard throughout the text; communication by word of mouth; he uttered harsh language
languid adj. lacking spirit or liveliness; a languid mood
languidly adv. in a languid and lethargic manner; the men languidly put on their jackets
languish v. lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief; have a yen for; become feeble
languor n. a relaxed comfortable feeling; a feeling of lack of interest or energy; an unusual lack of energy
languorous adj. lacking spirit or liveliness; a hot languorous afternoon
languorously adv. in a languorous manner
langur n. slender long-tailed monkey of Asia
laniard n. a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon; a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle; a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships
lank adj. long and thin and often limp; grown lank with fasting; long and lean
lankiness n. a tall and thin physique
lanky adj. tall and thin and having long slender limbs; a lanky kid transformed almost overnight into a handsome young man; ungracefully tall and thin
lanolin n. a yellow viscous animal oil extracted from wool; a mixture of fatty acids and esters; used in some ointments and cosmetics; a salve containing a fatty substance obtained from the wool of sheep
lansa n. East Indian tart yellow berrylike fruit
lansat n. East Indian tart yellow berrylike fruit
lanseh n. East Indian tart yellow berrylike fruit
lanset n. East Indian tart yellow berrylike fruit
lantana n. a flowering shrub
lantern n. light in a transparent protective case
lanternfish n. small fish having rows of luminous organs along each side; some surface at night
lanternfly n. large brightly marked tropical insect with a process like a snout that was formerly thought to emit light
lanthanide n. any element of the lanthanide series (atomic numbers 57)
lanthanon n. any element of the lanthanide series (atomic numbers 57)
lanthanum n. a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
lanyard n. a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon; a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle; a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships
lap n. the upper side of the thighs of a seated person; an area of control or responsibility; the job fell right in my lap@v. lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another; pass the tongue over
laparoscope n. a slender endoscope inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall in order to perform minor surgery
laparoscopy n. laparotomy performed with a laparoscope
laparotomy n. surgical incision into the abdominal wall
lapboard n. used on the lap as a table or desk
lapdog n. a dog small and tame enough to be held in the lap
lapel n. at the front of a coat; continuation of the coat collar
lapful n. the quantity that can be held in the lap
lapidarian adj. inscribed on stone; a lapidarian record
lapidarist n. an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them
lapidary adj. of or relating to precious stones or the art of working with them; lapidary art@n. an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them; a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones
lapidate v. kill by throwing stones at
lapidify v. change into stone
lapidist n. a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones
lapin n. the fur of a rabbit; castrated male rabbit
lappet n. a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards; a small lap on a garment or headdress; medium-sized hairy moths; larvae are lappet caterpillars
lapping n. covering with an overlapping design as with tiles or shingles
lapse n. a mistake resulting from inattention; a break or intermission in the occurrence of something@v. pass into a specified state or condition; end, at least for a long time; drop to a lower level; as in one's morals or standards
lapsed adj. no longer active or practicing; a lapsed Catholic
lapsing n. a failure to maintain a higher state
laptop n. a computer small enough to use in your lap
lapwing n. large crested Old World plover having wattles and spurs
larboard n. the left side of a ship or aircraft to someone facing the bow or nose@adj. on the left-hand side of a vessel or aircraft when facing forward
larcener n. a person who commits larceny
larcenist n. a person who commits larceny
larcenous n. having a disposition to steal
larceny n. the act of stealing
larch n. wood of a larch tree; any of numerous conifers of the genus Larix all having deciduous needlelike leaves
lard v. prepare or cook with lard; lard meat; add details to@n. soft white semisolid fat obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of the hog
larder n. a supply of food especially for a household; a small room for storing foods or wines
lares and penates n. pl. household gods; personal or household effects
large adj. above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent; a large city; fairly large or important in effect; influential@adv. at a distance, wide of something (as of a mark)@n. a garment size for a large person
largely adv. in large part; mainly or chiefly; These accounts are largely inactive
largemouth n. a large black bass; the angle of the jaw falls behind the eye
largeness n. the property of having a relatively great size
larger adj. large or big relative to something else
largess n. a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously; extremely liberal generosity of spirit
largesse n. a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously; extremely liberal generosity of spirit
largest adj. greatest in size of those under consideration; maximal in amount
larghetto adj. (of tempo) less slow and broad than largo
larghissimo adj. (of tempo) as slow and broad as possible
largish adj. somewhat large
largo adj. very slow in tempo and broad in manner@n. a movement that is to be performed in a slow and broad manner
lariat n. a long noosed rope used to catch animals
larid n. long-winged web-footed aquatic bird of the gull family
lark v. play or romp around@n. North American yellow-breasted songbirds; small songbirds resembling larks; any of numerous predominantly Old World birds noted for their singing; any carefree episode
larkspur n. any of numerous cultivated plants of the genus Delphinium
larn v. acquire or gain knowledge or skills
larrup v. give a spanking to; subject to a spanking
larva n. the immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose
larvacean n. any member of the class Larvacea
larval adj. immature of its kind; especially being or characteristic of immature insects in the newly hatched wormlike feeding stage; larval societies; relating to or typical of a larva; the larval eye
larvicide n. a chemical used to kill larval pests
laryngeal adj. of or relating to or situated in the larynx; laryngeal infection
laryngectomy n. surgical removal of part or all of the larynx (usually to treat cancer of the larynx)
laryngitis n. inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx; characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing
laryngopharynx n. the lower part of the pharynx
laryngoscope n. a medical instrument for examining the larynx
larynx n. a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea; contains elastic vocal cords that are the source of the vocal tone in speech
lasagna n. baked dish of layers of lasagna pasta with sauce and cheese and meat or vegetables; very wide flat strips of pasta
lasagne n. baked dish of layers of lasagna pasta with sauce and cheese and meat or vegetables; very wide flat strips of pasta
lascar n. an East Indian sailor
lascivious adj. driven by lust; preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires
lasciviously adv. in a lascivious manner
lasciviousness n. feeling morbid sexual desire
laser n. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation; produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
lash n. the flexible part of a whip; a quick blow with a whip@v. beat severely with a whip or rod; lash about; flick sharply, as of animals' tails; strike as if by whipping; bind with a rope, chain, or cord; lash the horse
lasher n. a driver who urges the animals on with lashes of a whip
lashing adj. violently urging on by whipping or flogging; looked at the lashing riders@n. beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment; rope that is used for fastening something to something else
lashings n. a large number or amount
lasiocampid n. medium-sized stout-bodied neutral-colored moths comb-like antennae
lass n. a girl or young woman who is unmarried
lassie n. a girl or young woman who is unmarried
lassitude n. a state of comatose torpor; a feeling of lack of interest or energy; lack of vitality or energy
lasso n. a long noosed rope used to catch animals@v. catch with a lasso, as of cows
last v. be long@adv. more recently than any other time@n. the concluding time; the last or lowest in an ordering or series; he was the last to leave; a person's dying act; the last thing a person can do; he breathed his last@adj. immediately past
lasting adj. continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place; existing for a long time; a long-lasting friendship; (biology) retained; not shed; lasting a long time without change; a lasting relationship
lastingly adv. in an enduring or permanent manner
lastingness n. permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force
lastly adv. the item at the end
lat n. a broad flat muscle on either side of the back
latakia n. an aromatic Turkish smoking tobacco
latch n. a spring-loaded doorlock that can only be opened from the outside with a key; a fastening for a door or gate: a bar that can be lowered or slid into a groove@v. fasten with a latch
latched adj. firmly fastened or secured against opening
latchet n. a strap, thong, or lace for fastening a shoe or sandal
latchkey n. a key for raising or drawing back a latch (especially on an outside door)
latchstring n. a string that can be passed through a hole in a door for raising the latch from outside
late adj. being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time; late evening@adv. later than usual or than expected; the train arrived late; to an advanced time; talked late into the evening
latecomer n. someone who arrives late
lateen n. a triangular sail used especially in the Mediterranean@adj. rigged with a triangular (lateen) sail
lately adv. in the recent past; lately the rules have been enforced
latency n. (computer science) the time it takes for a specific block of data on a data track to rotate around to the read/write head; the time that elapses between a stimulus and the response to it; the state of being not yet evident or active
lateness n. quality of coming late or later in time
latent adj. potentially existing but not presently evident or realized; a latent fingerprint; not presently active; latent infection
later adj. coming at a subsequent time or stage; later developments@adv. happening at a time subsequent to a reference time; he's going to the store but he'll be back here later; at some eventual time in the future; I'll see you later
lateral n. a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer@adj. situated at or extending to the side; the lateral branches of a tree; lying away from the median and sagittal plane of a body; lateral lemniscus
laterality n. the property of using one hand more than the other; superior development of one side of the body
laterally adv. to or by or from the side; such women carry in their heads kinship knowledge of six generations depth and extending laterally among consanguineal kin as far as the grandchildren of second cousin
laterite n. a red soil produced by rock decay; contains insoluble deposits of ferric and aluminum oxides
latest adj. in accord with the most modern ideas or styles; wears only the latest styles; up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date; the very latest scientific discoveries
latex n. a milky exudate from certain plants that coagulates on exposure to air; a water-base paint having a latex binder
lath n. a narrow thin strip of wood used as backing for plaster or to make latticework
lathe n. a machine for shaping metal or wood; the workpiece turns about a horizontal axis against a fixed tool
lathee n. a heavy stick (often bamboo) bound with iron; used by police in India
lather v. cover with soap; beat severely with a whip or rod; form a lather; rub soap all over, usually with the purpose of cleaning@n. the froth produced by soaps or detergents; agitation resulting from active worry; a workman who puts up laths
lathery adj. resembling lather or covered with lather
lathi n. a heavy stick (often bamboo) bound with iron; used by police in India
latinate adj. derived from or imitative of Latin
latinise v. write in the latin alphabet
latinize v. translate into Latin; cause to adopt catholicism
latish adj. somewhat late
latitude n. the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself; freedom from normal restraints in conduct:; allowed his children considerable latitude in how they spent their money
latitudinal adj. of or relating to latitudes north or south
latitudinarian adj. unwilling to accept authority or dogma (especially in religion)@n. a person who is broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct)
latke n. made of grated potato and egg with a little flour
latria n. worship given to God alone
latrine n. a public toilet in a military area
latter n. the second of two or the second mentioned of two@adj. referring to the the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several); in the latter case; more advanced in time or nearer to the end in a sequence
latterly adv. in the recent past; the spelling was first affected, but latterly the meaning also
lattice n. an arrangement of points or particles or objects in a regular periodic pattern in 2 or 3 dimensions; small opening (like a window in a door) through which business can be transacted; an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal
latticed adj. having a pattern of fretwork or latticework
latticelike adj. having a pattern of fretwork or latticework
latticework n. an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal
laud v. praise, glorify, or honor
laudable adj. worthy of high praise; applaudable efforts to save the environment
laudably adv. in an admirable manner
laudanum n. a tincture of opium or any preparation in which opium is the main ingredient
laudator n. someone who communicates high praise
laudatory adj. full of or giving praise; a laudatory remark
lauder n. someone who communicates high praise
laugh n. the sound of laughing; a facial expression characteristic of a person laughing; his face wrinkled in a silent laugh of derision; a humorous anecdote or remark@v. produce laughter
laughable adj. arousing or provoking laughter; it would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
laughably adv. so as to arouse or deserve laughter; her income was laughably small, but she managed to live well
laugher n. an easy victory
laughing adj. showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness; laughing children
laughingly adv. with laughter; while laughing; he told the story laughingly
laughingstock n. a victim of ridicule or pranks
laughter n. the sound of laughing; the act of laughing; the manifestation of joy or mirth of scorn; he enjoyed the laughter of the crowd
lauhala n. Polynesian screw pine
launce n. very small silvery eellike schooling fishes that burrow into sandy beaches
launch v. set up or found; propel with force; launch the space shuttle; launch for the first time; launch on a maiden voyage; launch a ship; put up; begin with vigor; take off or begin@n. an open-deck (or half-decked) motorboat
launcher n. a device capable of launching a rocket; launches aircraft from a warship
launching n. the act of moving a newly-built vessel into the water for the first time; the act of beginning something new; the act of propelling with force
launchpad n. a platform from which rockets or space craft are launched
launder v. cleanse with a cleaning agent, such as soap, and water; convert illegally obtained funds into legal ones
launderette n. a laundry where coin-operated washing machines are available to individual customers
laundering n. washing clothes and bed linens
laundress n. a working woman who takes in washing
laundry n. garments or white goods that can be cleaned by laundering; where clothes are washed and ironed
laundryman n. operates industrial washing machine
laundrywoman n. a working woman who takes in washing
laureate adj. worthy of the greatest honor or distinction@n. someone honored for great achievements; figuratively someone crowned with a laurel wreath
laurel n. any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
laureled adj. crowned with or as if with laurel symbolizing victory
laurelled adj. crowned with or as if with laurel symbolizing victory
laurels n. a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction; the state of being honored; (in ancient Greece) a wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory
laurelwood n. tropical American tree; valued for its hard durable wood
lav n. a room equipped with washing and toilet facilities
lava n. rock that in its molten form issues from volcanos
lavabo n. a basin for washing the hands (`wash-hand basin' is a British term)
lavage n. washing out a hollow organ (especially the stomach) by flushing with water
lavalier n. a jewelled pendant worn on a chain around the neck
lavaliere n. a jewelled pendant worn on a chain around the neck
lavalliere n. a jewelled pendant worn on a chain around the neck
lavation n. the natural process of washing
lavatory n. a room equipped with washing and toilet facilities; a bathroom or lavatory sink that is permanently installed and supplied with water; a toilet that is cleaned of waste by the flow of water through it
lave v. cleanse (one's body) with soap and water
lavender adj. of a pale purple color@n. any of various Old World aromatic shrubs or subshrubs with usually mauve or blue flowers; widely cultivated
laver n. (Old Testament) a large basin used by a priest in an ancient Jewish Temple to perform ritual ablutions; edible red seaweeds; seaweed with edible translucent crinkly green fronds
lavish adj. very generous; distributed gifts with a lavish hand; characterized by extravagance and profusion; a lavish buffet@v. expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns
lavishly adv. in a wasteful manner; the United States, up to the 1920s, used fuel lavishly, mainly because it was so cheap; in a rich and lavish manner; lavishly decorated
lavishness n. the quality possessed by something that is excessively expensive; excessive spending
law n. the collection of rules imposed by authority; civilization presupposes respect for the law; one of a set of rules governing a particular activity or a legal document setting forth such a rule; there is a law against kidnapping
lawbreaker n. someone who violates the law
lawcourt n. a room in which justice is administered according to the laws
lawful adj. conformable to or allowed by law; lawful methods of dissent; according to custom or rule or natural law; having a legally established claim; the true and lawful king; authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
lawfully adv. in a manner acceptable to common custom; by law; conforming to the law; we are lawfully wedded now
lawfulness n. the quality of conforming to law
lawgiver n. a maker of laws; someone who gives a code of laws
lawless adj. without law or control; lax in enforcing laws; disobedient to or defiant of law; lawless bands roaming the plains
lawlessly adv. in an illegal manner
lawlessness n. a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government); illegality as a consequence of unlawful acts
lawmaker n. a maker of laws; someone who gives a code of laws
lawmaking n. the act of legislating
lawman n. an officer of the law
lawn n. a field of cultivated and mowed grass
lawrencium n. a radioactive transuranic element synthesized from californium
lawsuit n. (law) a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
lawyer n. a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
lawyerbush n. stout-stemmed trailing shrub of New Zealand that scrambles over other growth
lax adj. lacking in rigor or strictness; such lax and slipshod ways are no longer acceptable; (phonetics) pronounced with muscles relatively relaxed (e.g., the vowel sound in `bet'); not taut or rigid; not stretched or held tight; a lax rope
laxative adj. stimulating evacuation of feces@n. a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels
laxity n. the quality of being lax and neglectful
laxly adv. in a permissively lenient manner
laxness n. the quality of being lax and neglectful
lay v. put into a certain place:; also with abstract objects and locations; put in a horizontal position; lay the books on the table@adj. concerning those not members of the clergy@n. a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
layabout n. person who does no work
layby n. a paved area beside a main road where cars can stop temporarily
layer v. make or form a layer; layer the different colored sands@n. a single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance; a relatively thin sheetlike expanse or region lying over or under another
layered adj. with one layer on top of another
layette n. a complete outfit (clothing and accessories) for a new baby
laying n. the production of eggs (especially in birds)
layman n. someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
layoff n. the act of laying off an employee or a work force
layout n. a plan or design of something that is laid out; the act of laying out (as by making plans for something)
layover n. a brief stay in the course of a journey
layperson n. someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
lazar n. a person afflicted with leprosy
lazaret n. a hospital for persons with infectious diseases (especially leprosy)
lazarette n. a hospital for persons with infectious diseases (especially leprosy)
lazaretto n. a hospital for persons with infectious diseases (especially leprosy); a small locker at the stern of a boat or between decks of a ship
laze v. spent time in idleness
lazily adv. in a slow and lazy manner; I watched the blue smoke drift lazily away on the still air; in an idle manner
laziness n. inactivity resulting from a dislike of work; apathy and inactivity in the practice of virtue (personified as one of the deadly sins)
lazuli n. an azure blue semiprecious stone
lazuline n. a light shade of blue
lazy adj. moving slowly and gently; up a lazy river; disinclined to work or exertion; too lazy to wash the dishes
lazybones n. (informal) a lazy person
lea n. a unit of length of thread or yarn; a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
leach n. the process of leaching@v. cause (a liquid) to leach or percolate; permeate; penetrate gradually; of liquids; remove substances form by a percolating liquid; leach the soil
leaching n. the process of leaching
lead v. take somebody somewhere; We lead him to our chief; result in; tend to or result in; This remark lead to further arguments among the guests; travel in front of@n. an advantage held by a competitor in a race: he took the lead at the last turn
leaded adj. (of panes of glass) fixed in place by means of thin strips of lead; leaded windowpanes; treated or mixed with lead; leaded gasoline; (printing) having thin strips of lead between the lines of type
leaden adj. darkened with overcast; the sky was leaden and thick; made heavy or weighted down with weariness; his leaden arms; (of movement) slow and laborious; leaden steps; lacking lightness or liveliness; a leaden conversation
leader n. a person who rules or guides or inspires others; a featured article of merchandise sold at a loss in order to draw customers
leaderless adj. lacking a leader; an leaderless mob running riot in the streets
leaders n. the body of people who lead a group
leadership n. the activity of leading; his leadership inspired the team; the body of people who lead a group; the national leadership adopted his plan; the status of a leader; they challenged his leadership of the union
leading adj. indicating the most important performer or role; the leading man; greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement; the country's leading poet@n. a thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
leadless adj. not treated with lead
leadplant n. shrub of sandy woodlands and stream banks of western United States having hoary pinnate flowers and dull-colored racemose flowers; thought to indicate the presence of lead ore
leadwort n. plant with lead-blue flowers
leaf n. the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants; a sheet of any written or printed material@v. look through a book or other written material; turn over the pages of; leaf a book; turn over pages; leaf through a book
leafage n. the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
leafed adj. having leaves or leaves as specified; often used in combination; a fully leafed tree
leafhopper n. small leaping insect that sucks the juices of plants
leafing n. the process of forming leaves
leafless adj. having no leaves
leaflet n. a thin triangular flap of a heart valve; part of a compound leaf; a small book usually having a paper cover
leaflike adj. resembling a leaf
leafminer n. any of various small moths or dipterous flies whose larvae burrow into and feed on leaf tissue esp. of the family Gracilariidae
leafroller n. moth whose larvae form nests by rolling and tying leaves with spun silk
leafstalk n. the slender stem that supports the blade of a leaf
leafy adj. having or covered with leaves; leafy trees
league n. an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members; an association of states or organizations or individuals for common action; an obsolete unit of distance of variable length (usually 3 miles)@v. unite to form a league
leak v. tell anonymously; be leaked@n. an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape; one of the tires developed a leak; soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables caused by fungi; a euphemism for urination
leakage n. the unwanted discharge of a fluid from some container
leaking adj. (of ships and boats) permitting leakage
leakproof adj. having no leaks
leaky adj. permitting leaks or leakage; a leaky roof; (of ships and boats) permitting leakage; permitting liquids to penetrate; a tarpaulin too leaky to be of much use; used informally; unable to retain urine
leal adj. (archaic or Scottish) faithful and true
lean v. to incline or bend from a vertical position; cause to lean or incline@adj. lacking excess flesh; lacking in mineral content or combustible material; lean ore@n. the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
leaning adj. departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal; the leaning tower of Pisa@n. an inclination to do something; a natural inclination; the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
leanness n. the property of having little body fat
leap n. a light springing movement upwards or forwards; an abrupt transition; a successful leap from college to the major leagues; a sudden and decisive increase@v. move forward by leaps and bounds; pass abruptly from one state or topic to another
leapfrog v. jump across; progress by large jumps instead of small increments@n. advancing as if in the game of leapfrog; one child bends down and another leaps over
leaping n. a light springing movement upwards or forwards@adj. moving upward and forward in a quick motion or series of motions; or characterized by leaps; a leaping gait
learn v. acquire or gain knowledge or skills; get to know or become aware of; commit to memory; learn by heart; be a student of a certain subject; impart skills or knowledge to; learn is not standard; find out or learn with certainty
learned adj. having or showing profound knowledge; a learned jurist; highly educated; having extensive information or understanding; (psychology) established by conditioning or learning; acquired by learning; learned skills
learnedly adv. with erudition; in an erudite manner
learnedness n. profound knowledge
learner n. someone (especially a child) who learns (as from a teacher); works for an expert to learn a trade
learning n. the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge; profound knowledge
lease n. property that is leased or rented out or let; a contract granting use or occupation of property during a specified time for a specified payment@v. let for money; of housing; hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services
leased adj. hired for the exclusive temporary use of a group of travelers
leasehold n. land or property held under a lease
leaseholder n. a tenant who holds a lease
leash n. a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal; the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one@v. fasten with a rope
least adj. (superlative of `little' used with mass nouns@n. lowest or smallest in size or degree or importance: least said soonest mended@adv. used to form the superlative
leastways adv. if nothing else; (`leastwise' is informal; `leastways' is colloquial)
leastwise adv. if nothing else; (`leastwise' is informal; `leastways' is colloquial)
leather n. an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and tanning
leatherback n. wide ranging marine turtle with flexible leathery carapace; largest living turtle
leathered adj. resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable
leatherette n. a fabric made to look like leather
leatherfish n. any of several brightly colored tropical filefishes
leatherjack n. any of several New World tropical fishes having tiny embedded scales
leatherjacket n. any of several brightly colored tropical filefishes; any of several New World tropical fishes having tiny embedded scales; tough-skinned larva of certain crane flies
leatherleaf n. stiff leathery-leaved fern of western North America having ovate fronds parted to the midrib; north temperate bog shrub with evergreen leathery leaves and small white cylindrical flowers
leatherlike adj. resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable
leatherneck n. a member of the US Marine Corps
leatherwood n. shrub or small tree of southeastern United States to West Indies and Brazil; grown for the slender racemes of white flowers and orange-crimson foliage
leatherwork n. work made of leather
leathery adj. resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable
leave n. the period of time during which you are absent from work or duty; a ten day's leave to visit his mother@v. go away from a place; At what time does your train leave? She didn't leave until midnight; leave behind
leaved adj. having leaves or leaves as specified; often used in combination; four-leaved clover
leaven v. cause to puff up with a leaven; of dough@n. a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid; an influence that works subtly to lighten or modify something
leavened adj. made light by aerating, as with yeast or baking powder; often used as a combining form; leavened bread
leavening n. an influence that works subtly to lighten or modify something; his sermons benefited from a leavening of humor; a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
leaver n. someone who leaves
leaves pl. of leaf
leaving n. act of departing
leavings n. pl. remnant, residue
lebensraum n. space sought for occupation by a nation whose population is expanding
lecanopteris n. any of several bizarre ferns of the genus Lecanopteris having swollen hollow rhizomes that provide homes for symbiotic ants
lecanora n. any lichen of the genus Lecanora; some used in dyeing; some used for food
lechartelierite n. a mineral form of vitreous or glassy silica; formed by the melting of quartz sand (as by lightning or a meteorite)
lechatelierite n. colorless glass made of almost pure silica
lecher n. man with strong sexual desires
lecherous adj. given to excessive indulgence in sexual activity; a lecherous gleam in his eye
lecherousness n. a strong sexual desire
lechery n. unrestrained indulgence in sexual activity
lechwe n. tawny-colored African antelope inhabiting wet grassy plains; a threatened species
lecithin n. a yellow phospholipid found in egg yolk and in many plant and animal cells; used commercially as an emulsifier
lectern n. a desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer
lectin n. any of several plant glycoproteins that act like specific antibodies but are not antibodies in that they are not evoked by an antigenic stimulus
lector n. a public lecturer at certain universities
lecture n. a speech that is open to the public; he attended a lecture on telecommunications; a lengthy rebuke; a good lecture was my father's idea of discipline@v. deliver a lecture or talk; Did you ever lecture at Harvard?
lecturer n. a public lecturer at certain universities; someone who lectures professionally
lectureship n. the post of lecturer
lecturing n. teaching by giving a discourse on some subject (typically to a class)
led adj. having leadership guidance
lederhosen n. pl. knee-length leather trousers worn especially in Bavaria
ledge n. a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
ledgeman n. a quarry worker who splits off blocks of stone
ledger n. a record in which commercial accounts are recorded; an accounting book as a physical object
lee adj. towards the side away from the wind@n. the side of something that is sheltered from the wind
leech n. carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end; a follower who hangs around in hope of gain or advantage@v. draw blood
leechee n. Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed; often dried
leechlike adj. of plants or persons; having the nature or habits of a parasite or leech; living off another; his indolent leechlike existence
leek n. plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves; used in cooking; believed derived from the wild Allium ampeloprasum; related to onions; white cylindrical bulb and flat dark-green leaves
leer n. a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls; a suggestive or sneering look or grin@v. look suggestively or obliquely; look or gaze with a sly, immodest, or malign expression: They leer, they simper at her shame: Gay
leering adj. showing sly or knowing malice in a glance; (of a glance) sidelong and slyly lascivious; leering drugstore cowboys
leery adj. openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
lees n. the sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage
leeward adv. toward the wind; they were sailing leeward@n. the direction in which the wind is blowing; the side of something that is sheltered from the wind@adj. on the side away from the wind; on the leeward side of the island
leeway n. a permissible difference
left adv. toward or on the left@adj. being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north; my left hand; left center field; on the left when facing downstream@n. location near or direction toward the left side
leftfield n. the part of the outfield on the catcher's left
leftish adj. tending toward the political left
leftist n. a person who belongs to the political left@adj. believing in or supporting tenets of the political left
leftover adj. not used up; leftover meatloaf; uneaten and saved for eating later; leftover food served at a later meal@n. a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
lefty n. a person who uses the left hand with greater skill than the right; a baseball pitcher who throws the ball with the left hand
leg n. a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part between the knee and ankle; a structure in animals that is similar to a human leg and used for locomotion; one of the supports for a piece of furniture
legacy n. (law) a gift of personal property by will
legal adj. established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules; of or relating to jurisprudence; legal loophole; having legal efficacy or force; relating to or characteristic of the profession of law; the legal profession
legalese n. a style that uses the abstruse technical vocabulary of the law
legalisation n. the act of legalizing
legalism n. strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit
legality n. lawfulness by virtue of conformity to a legal statute
legalization n. the act of legalizing
legalize v. make legal
legally adv. by law; conforming to the law; in a legal manner; he acted legally
legate n. a member of a legation
legatee n. someone to whom a legacy is bequeathed
legateship n. the post or office of legate
legation n. the post or office of legate; a permanent diplomatic mission headed by a minister
legato adv. connecting the notes; in music; play this legato, please@adj. (music) without breaks between notes; smooth and connected; a legato passage
legend n. a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events; brief description accompanying an illustration
legendary adj. so celebrated as to having taken on the nature of a legend; the legendary exploits of the arctic trailblazers; celebrated in fable or legend; legendary exploits of Jesse James
leger n. a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
legerdemain n. an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
legerity n. the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble
legged adj. having legs of a specified kind or number; four-legged animals
leggin n. a covering for the leg -- usually pl.
legging n. a covering for the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)
leggy adj. (of plants) having tall spindly stems; having long legs
leghorn n. a stiff straw hat with a flat crown
legibility n. distinctness that makes perception easy; writing (print or handwriting) that can be easily read
legible adj. (of handwriting, print, etc.) able to be read; legible handwriting
legibly adv. in a legible manner; you must write legibly
legin n. a covering for the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)
legion n. archaic terms for army; association of ex-servicemen; a large military unit; a vast multitude
legionary n. a soldier who is a member of a legion (especially the French Foreign Legion)
legionnaire n. a soldier who is a member of a legion (especially the French Foreign Legion)
legislate v. make laws, bills, etc.
legislating n. the act of legislating
legislation n. a law enacted by a legislative body; the act of legislating
legislative adj. relating to a legislature or composed of members of a legislature; legislative council; of or relating to or created by legislation; legislative proposal
legislatively adv. by legislation; legislatively determined
legislator n. someone who makes or enacts laws
legislatorship n. the office of legislator
legislature n. persons who make or amend or repeal laws
legitimacy n. lawfulness by virtue of being authorized or in accordance with law; undisputed credibility
legitimate v. make legal@adj. of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful; in accordance with reason or logic; in accordance with recognized or accepted standards or principles; legitimate advertising practices
legitimately adv. in a manner acceptable to common custom; you cannot do this legitimately!; in a lawfully recognized manner; let's get married so our child can be born legitimately
legitimatize v. make legal
legitimize v. make legal
legless adj. not having legs; a legless man in a wheelchair
leglike adj. resembling or functioning like a leg; leglike appendages
legman n. a newspaperman assigned usually to gather information; an assistant who gathers information and runs errands
legume n. an erect or climbing bean or pea plant of the family Leguminosae
leguminious adj. of or resembling the legumes; leguminious plants
leguminous adj. relating to or consisting of legumes
lei n. a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
leipoa n. Australian moundbird; incubates eggs naturally in sandy mounds
leishmaniasis n. a tropical infection caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania
leisure adj. free from duties or responsibilities; he writes in his leisure hours@n. time available for ease and relaxation; his job left him little leisure; freedom to choose a pastime or enjoyable activity; he lacked the leisure for golf
leisured adj. free from duties or responsibilities
leisureliness n. slowness by virtue of being leisurely
leisurely adj. not hurried or forced; at a leisurely (or easygoing) pace@adv. in an unhurried way or at one's convenience; he traveled leisurely
leitmotif n. a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas)
leitmotiv n. a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas)
lek n. the basic unit of money in Albania
lekvar n. a sweet filling made of prunes or apricots
lemanderin n. hybrid between mandarin orange and lemon having very acid fruit with orange peel
lemma n. a subsidiary proposition that is assumed to be true in order to prove another proposition; the lower and stouter of the two glumes immediately enclosing the floret in most Gramineae; the head of an annotation or gloss
lemming n. any of various short-tailed furry-footed rodents of circumpolar distribution
lemniscus n. a bundle of sensory nerve fibers going to the thalamus
lemon n. yellow oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh; a strong yellow color; a small evergreen tree that originated in Asia but is widely cultivated for its fruit; a distinctive tart flavor characteristic of lemons
lemonade n. sweetened beverage of diluted lemon juice
lemonlike adj. tasting sour like a lemon
lemonwood n. hard tough elastic wood of the lemonwood tree; used for making bows and fishing rods; South African evergreen having hard tough wood
lemony adj. tasting sour like a lemon
lempira n. the basic unit of money in Honduras; equal to 100 centavos
lemur n. large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long furry tails
lend v. of a quality, as in; give temporarily; let have for a limited time; have certain characteristics of qualities for something; be open to: This story would lend itself well to serialization on television; be vulnerable to
lender n. someone who lends money or gives credit in business matters
lending n. disposing of money or property with the expectation that the same thing (or an equivalent) will be returned
length n. the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest horizontal dimension of something that is fixed in place; the length of the table was 5 feet; continuance in time; he complained about the length of time required
lengthen v. make longer; become long or longer; In Spring, the days lengthen
lengthened adj. drawn out or made longer spatially; lengthened skirts are fashionable this year
lengthening n. the act of prolonging something@adj. increasing in length; the lengthening days of February
lengthily adv. in a lengthy or prolix manner; the argument went on lengthily
lengthiness n. amount or degree or range to which something extends; the consequence of being lengthened in duration
lengthways adj. running or extending in the direction of the length of a thing@adv. in the direction of the length
lengthwise adj. running or extending in the direction of the length of a thing; the lengthwise dimension@adv. in the direction of the length; He cut the paper lengthwise
lengthy adj. relatively long in duration; tediously protracted; a lengthy visit from her mother-in-law
lenience n. mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant; a disposition to yield to the wishes of someone; lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers
leniency n. mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant; a disposition to yield to the wishes of someone; lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers
lenient adj. tolerant or lenient; not strict; lenient rules; characterized by tolerance and mercy
leniently adv. in a permissively lenient manner; he felt incensed that Tarrant should have been treated so leniently given his crime
lenify v. cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
lenitive n. remedy that eases pain and discomfort@adj. moderating pain or sorrow by making it easier to bear
lenity n. mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant
lens n. a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images; biconvex transparent body situated behind the iris in the eye; it focuses light waves on the retina
lenten adj. of or relating to or suitable for Lent; lenten food
lenticular adj. convex on both sides; lentil-shaped
lentiform adj. convex on both sides; lentil-shaped
lentil n. round flat seed of the lentil plant; the fruit or seed of a lentil plant
lentissimo adj. (of tempo) very slow
lento adv. in music; Play this lento, please@adj. (of tempo) slow
leoncita n. small South American marmoset with silky fur and long nonprehensile tail
leone n. the basic unit of money in Sierra Leone; equal to 100 cents
leonine adj. of or characteristic of or resembling a lion
leopard n. the pelt of a leopard; large feline of African and Asian forests usually having a tawny coat with black spots
leopardbane n. any of several herbs of the genus Dononicum having alternate often clasping stem leaves cultivated for their long stalks of yellow flower heads
leopardess n. female leopard
leotard n. a close-fitting garment worn especially by dancers and acrobats
leper n. a person afflicted with leprosy; a pariah who is avoided by others
lepidobotrys n. African tree often classified in other families; similar to the Costa Rican caracolito in wood structure as well as in fruit and flowers and leaves and seeds
lepidocrocite n. a red to reddish brown mineral consisting of iron oxide hydroxide (FeO(HO)); often found in iron ores together with goethite
lepidolite n. a mineral of the mica group; an important source of lithium
lepidomelane n. a mica that is a biotite containing iron
lepidophobia n. a morbid fear of snakes
lepidopteran n. insect that in the adult state has four wings more or less covered with tiny scales
lepidopterist n. an entomologist who specializes in the collection and study of butterflies and moths
lepidopteron n. insect that in the adult state has four wings more or less covered with tiny scales
lepidote adj. (biology) rough to the touch; covered with scales or scurf
lepiota n. any fungus of the genus Lepiota
leporid n. rabbits and hares
leporide n. red breed of domestic rabbits; hybrid between Old_World_rabbit and hare
leppy n. motherless calf in a range herd of cattle
leprechaun n. a mischievous elf in Irish folklore
leprose adj. (biology) rough to the touch; covered with scales or scurf
leprosy n. chronic granulomatous communicable disease occurring in tropical and subtropical regions
leprous adj. relating to or resembling or having leprosy
leptocephalus n. slender transparent larva of eels and certain fishes
leptodactylid n. toothed frogs: terrestrial or aquatic or arboreal
leptomeninges n. the two innermost layers of the meninges; cerebrospinal fluid circulates between these innermost layers
lepton n. 100 lepta equal 1 drachma; an elementary particle that participates in weak interactions; has a baryon number of 0
leptorhine adj. having a long narrow nose
leptorrhine adj. having a long narrow nose
leptorrhinian adj. having a long narrow nose
leptorrhinic adj. having a long narrow nose
leptospira n. important pathogens causing Weil's disease or canicola fever
leptospirosis n. an infectious disease cause by leptospira and transmitted to humans from domestic animals; characterized by jaundice and fever
leptosporangium n. a sporangium formed from a single epidermal cell; characteristic of the Filicales or of almost all modern ferns
leptotene n. the first stage of the prophase of meiosis
lerot n. dormouse of southern Europe and northern Africa
lesbian n. a female homosexual@adj. of female homosexuality
lesbianism n. female homosexuality
lesion n. any visible abnormal structural change in a bodily part; any break in the skin or an organ caused by violence or surgical incision
lespedeza n. shrubby or herbaceous plants widely used for forage, soil improvement, and especially hay in southern United States
less adj. (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree@adv. used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs@n. smaller in amount or degree: the less I see of you the better
lessee n. a tenant who holds a lease
lessen v. decrease in size, extent, or range; make smaller; sink or fall to a lower level
lessened adj. impaired by diminution; decreased in severity; made less harsh
lessening adj. becoming less in dimension or degree; the lessening distance between us@n. a change downward
lesser adj. of less size or importance; the lesser anteater; smaller in size or amount or value; the lesser powers of Europe@n. the smaller in amount or degree esp of two alternatives: the lesser of the two evils
lesson n. a unit of instruction; punishment intended as a warning to others; the significance of a story or event; a task assigned for individual study; he did the lesson for today
lessor n. someone who grants a lease
lest adv. for fear that; she tiptoed lest her mother should hear her; that (after verbs explicitly expressing fear etc.); he worried lest he should be late
let n. a serve that strikes the net before falling into the receiver's court@v. make it possible through lack of action for something to happen; actively cause something to happen; I let it be known that I was not interested; give permission
letdown n. a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
lethal adj. of an instrument of certain death; lethal weapon
lethality n. the quality of being deadly
lethargic adj. deficient in alertness or activity; bullfrogs became lethargic with the first cold nights
lethargically adv. without energy; in a lethargic manner; he hung around the house lethargically
lethargy n. a state of comatose torpor; lack of vitality or energy; an unusual lack of energy
letter v. win an athletic letter, in sports; set down or print with letters; mark letters on or mark with letters@n. a written message addressed to a person or organization; wrote an indignant letter to the editor
lettercard n. a postcard that folds so the message is inside
lettered adj. able to read and write well; highly educated; having extensive information or understanding
letterhead n. a sheet of stationery with name and address of the organization printed at the top
lettering n. letters inscribed on something
letterman n. an athlete who has earned a letter in a school sport
letterpress n. printing from a plate with raised characters
letters n. the literary culture; this book shows American letters at its best; scholarly attainment; he is a man of letters
letting n. property that is leased or rented out or let
lettuce n. any of various plants of the genus Lactuca; leaves of any of various plants of Lactuca_sativa
letup n. a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished; there was never a letup in the noise
leu n. the basic unit of money in Romania
leucine n. a white crystalline amino acid that is essential for nutrition; obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins
leucocyte n. blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
leucocytozoan n. parasitic in birds
leucocytozoon n. parasitic in birds
leucopenia n. an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
leucorrhea n. discharge of mucous material from the vagina; often an indication of infection
leucothoe n. any plant of the genus Leucothoe; grown for their beautiful white flowers; glossy foliage contains a poisonous substance similar to that found in genus Kalmia
leukaemia n. malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
leukemia n. malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
leukocyte n. blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
leukoderma n. a congenital skin condition characterized by spots or bands of unpigmented skin
leukopenia n. an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
leukorrhea n. discharge of mucous material from the vagina; often an indication of infection
lev n. the basic unit of money in Bulgaria
levant v. run off without paying a debt
levanter n. an easterly wind in the western Mediterranean area
levee n. a barrier constructed to contain the flow or water or to keep out the sea
level v. aim at; level criticism or charges at somebody@adj. having a horizontal surface in which no part is higher or lower than another; acres of level farmland@n. a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality:
leveler n. a radical who advocates the abolition of political or economic or social inequalities
levelheaded adj. exercising or showing good judgment
leveling n. changing the ground level to a smooth horizontal or gently sloping surface; complete destruction of a building; the act of making equal or uniform
leveller n. a radical who advocates the abolition of political or economic or social inequalities
lever v. to move or force, esp. in an effort to get something open; ,@n. a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum; a simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum; a flat metal tumbler in a lever lock
leverage n. the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever; strategic advantage@v. supplement with leverage; leverage the money that is already available; provide with leverage
leveraging n. investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)
leveret n. a young hare especially one in its first year
leviathan n. the largest or most massive thing of its kind; it was a leviathan among redwoods; monstrous sea creature symbolizing evil in the Old Testament
levis n. (Levi's is a trademark) a brand of jeans
levitate v. be suspended in the air
levitation n. the phenomenon of a person or thing rising into the air by apparently supernatural means
levity n. feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness; lightness of manner
levorotary adj. rotating to the left
levorotatory adj. rotating to the left
levulose n. a simple sugar found in honey and in many ripe fruits
levy n. a charge imposed and collected; the act of drafting into military service@v. impose and collect; levy a fine; cause to assemble or enlist
lewd adj. suggestive of or tending to moral looseness; lewd whisperings of a dirty old man; driven by lust; preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires
lewdly adv. in a lewd and obscene manner
lewdness n. the trait of behaving in an obscene manner
lexeme n. a minimal unit (as a word or stem) in the lexicon of a language; `go' and `went' and `gone' and `going' are all members of the English lexeme `go'
lexical adj. of or relating to words; lexical decision task; of or relating to dictionaries
lexicalize v. make or coin into a word; Gemuetlichkeit
lexically adv. by means of words; lexically represented
lexicographer n. a compiler or writer of a dictionary
lexicographic adj. of or relating to lexicography
lexicographical adj. of or relating to lexicography
lexicography n. the act of writing dictionaries
lexicologist n. a compiler or writer of a dictionary
lexicology n. the branch of linguistics that studies the lexical component of language
lexicon n. a language user's knowledge of words; a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
lexicostatistic adj. pertaining to statistical methods used in studying the relations between languages; lexicostatistic techiques
lexis n. all of the words in a language; all word forms having meaning or grammatical function
ley n. a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
li n. Chinese distance measure; approximately 0.5 kilometers
liability n. the state of being legally obliged and responsible; possession that is owed to someone else; a financial condition of being indebted; the quality of being something that holds you back
liable adj. at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant; she is liable to forget; subject to legal action; liable to criminal charges; (often followed by `to') likely to be affected with; liable to diabetes
liaise v. act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
liaison n. a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship; a channel for communication between groups; he provided a liaison with the geurillas
liana n. a woody climbing usually tropical plant
liar n. a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
libation n. (facetious) a serving of an alcoholic beverage; a serving (of wine) poured out in honor of a deity; the act of pouring a liquid offering (especially wine) as a religious ceremony
libber n. a supporter of feminism
libel v. make slanderous statements against@n. a tort consisting of false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
libeler n. one who attacks the reputation of another by slander or libel
libellous adj. (used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign
libelous adj. (used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign
liberal adj. showing or characterized by broad-mindedness; a liberal newspaper; having political or social views favoring reform and progress@n. a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
liberalisation n. the act of making less strict
liberalism n. a political orientation that favors progress and reform; an economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market and the gold standard
liberalistic adj. having or demonstrating belief in the essential goodness of man and the autonomy of the individual; favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority
liberality n. an inclination to favor progress and individual freedom; the trait of being generous in behavior and temperament
liberalization n. the act of making less strict
liberalize v. make liberal or more liberal, of laws and rules
liberally adv. freely in a nonliteral manner; he embellished his stories liberally; in a generous manner; he gave liberally to several charities
liberalness n. an inclination to favor progress and individual freedom; the trait of being generous in behavior and temperament
liberate v. give equal rights to; of women and minorities; grant freedom to; free from confinement; grant freedom to
liberated adj. (of a gas e.g.) released from chemical combination; freed from bondage; free from traditional social restraints; a liberated lifestyle
liberating adj. tending to set free
liberation n. the act of liberating someone or something; the act of terminating someone's employment
liberator n. someone who releases people from captivity or bondage
libertarian n. someone who believes the doctrine of free will
libertarianism n. an ideological belief in freedom of thought and speech
libertine n. a person (usually a man) who is morally unrestrained@adj. unrestrained by convention or morality
liberty n. immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence; freedom of choice: liberty of opinion; personal freedom from servitude or confinement or oppression; leave granted to a sailor or naval officer
libidinal adj. belonging to the libido; libidinal impulses
libidinous adj. driven by lust; preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires; libidinous orgies
libido n. (psychoanalysis) a Freudian term for sexual urge or desire
librarian n. a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services
librarianship n. the position of librarian
library n. a room where books are kept; they had brandy in the library; a collection of literary documents or records kept for reference or borrowing; a facility built to contain books and other materials for reading and study
librate v. vibrate, as of a swing before it comes to a total rest
librettist n. author of words to be set to music
libretto n. the words of an opera or musical play
lice pl. of louse
licence v. authorize officially@n. freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
licenced adj. given official approval to act
licencee n. someone to who a license is granted
license n. a legal document giving official permission to do something; freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech); excessive freedom; lack of due restraint@v. authorize officially
licensed adj. given official approval to act; licensed pharmacist
licensee n. someone to who a license is granted
licentiate n. holds a license (degree) from a (European) university
licentious adj. lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrained; coarse and licentious men
licentiously adv. in a licentious and promiscuous manner
licentiousness n. the quality of being lewd and lascivious; dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure
lichee n. Chinese tree cultivated especially in Philippines and India for its edible fruit; sometimes placed in genus Nephelium; Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed; often dried
lichen n. any thallophytic plant of the division Lichenes; occur as crusty patches or bushy growths on tree trunks or rocks or bare ground etc.
lichgate n. a roofed gate to a churchyard, formerly used as a temporary shelter for the bier during funerals
lichi n. Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed; often dried
licit adj. sanctioned by custom or morality especially sexual morality; a wife's licit love; authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
licitly adv. in a manner acceptable to common custom
licitness n. the quality of strictly conforming to law
lick v. beat thoroughly in a competition or fight; pass the tongue over; find the solution to (a problem or question):; understand the meaning of@n. a salt deposit that animals regularly lick; touching with the tongue; (boxing) a blow with the fist
licked adj. (informal) having been got the better of; I'm pretty beat up but I don't feel licked yet
licking n. an unsuccessful ending
licorice n. deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves; widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots
lid n. either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye; a movable cover (hinged or separate) for closing the opening of a container; protects from weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
lidded adj. having or covered with a lid or lids; often used in combination; milk is left in a large lidded mug; having a lid; milk in a heavy lidded mug
lidless adj. not having or covered with a lid or lids; a lidless container; having no lid; a lidless container; without having the eyes closed or covered by the eyelids
lido n. (British) a recreational facility including a swimming pool for water sports
lidocaine n. a local anesthetic (trade name Xylocaine) used topically on the skin and mucous membranes
lie n. a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth@v. be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position; be lying, be prostrate; be in a horizontal position; l; originate (in); be and remain in a particular state or condition
liebfraumilch n. Rhenish-type wine from especially Hesse in western Germany
lied n. a German art song of the 19th century
lief adv. in a willing manner@adj. (`lief' is archaic) very willing; was lief to go
liege adj. owing or owed feudal allegiance and service; one's liege lord@n. a person holding a fief
liegeman n. a person holding a fief
lien n. the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged; a large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses
lienal adj. of or relating to the spleen
lieu n. the function or position properly or customarily occupied or served by another:; in lieu of
lieutenancy n. the position of a lieutenant
lieutenant n. a commissioned military officer; an officer in a police force; an assistant with power to act when his superior is absent
life n. a characteristic state or mode of living; social life; the experience of living; the course of human events and activities; he could no longer cope with the complexities of life
lifeblood n. the blood considered as the seat of vitality; an essential or life-giving force; water is the lifeblood of India
lifeboat n. a strong boat designed to rescue people from a sinking ship
lifeguard n. an attendant employed at a beach or pool to protect swimmers from accidents
lifeless adj. deprived of life; no longer living; a lifeless body; destitute or having been emptied of life or living beings; after the dance the littered and lifeless ballroom echoed hollowly
lifelessly adv. without animation or vitality; lifelessly he performed the song; in a lifeless manner; as if dead
lifelessness n. not having life
lifelike adj. evoking lifelike images within the mind; a lifelike portrait; natural looking
lifeline n. a crease on the palm; its length is said by palmists to indicate how long you will live
lifelong adj. continuing through life; a lifelong friend; from lifelong habiti; his lifelong study of Greek art
lifer n. a prisoner serving a term of life imprisonment
lifesaver n. an attendant employed at a beach or pool to protect swimmers from accidents
lifesaving n. saving the lives of drowning persons; he took a course in lifesaving
lifespan n. the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)
lifestyle n. a manner of living that reflects the person's values and attitudes
lifetime n. the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)
lifework n. the principal work of your career
lift n. the act of giving temporary assistance; the event of something being raised@v. raise from a lower to a higher position; take hold of something and move it to a different location; lift the box onto the table; move upwards; lift one's eyes
lifted adj. held up in the air
lifter n. an athlete who lifts barbells
liftman n. a man employed to operate and elevator; in England they call an elevator man a liftman
liftoff n. the initial ascent of a rocket from its launching pad
ligament n. a sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilages or supporting muscles or organs; any connection or unifying bond
ligan n. goods (or wreckage) on the sea bed that is attached to a buoy so that it can be recovered
ligand n. an atom or molecule or radical or ion that forms a complex around a central atom
ligation n. tying with a ligature (as in surgery)
ligature n. used by surgeons to bind a vessel (as to constrict the flow of blood); something used to tie
liger n. offspring of a male lion and a female tiger
light v. make lighter or brighter; begin to smoke@adv. with few burdens; experienced travellers travel light@n. (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation@adj. of comparatively little physical weight or density
lightbulb n. a glass bulb containing a wire filament (usually tungsten) that emits light when heated
lighted adj. set afire or burning; the lighted candles; provided with artificial light; looked up at the lighted windows
lighten v. make more cheerful; make more cheerful; make lighter or brighter; become brighter; become lighter
lightening n. changing to a lighter color
lighter v. transport by lighter@n. a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire; a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires; a boat with a flat bottom for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
lighterage n. the charge for carrying goods in lighters
lighterman n. someone who operates a barge
lightface n. a type having light thin lines (as in this) -- lightfaced adj.
lightheadedness n. a reeling sensation; feeling about to fall; a frivolous lack of prudence
lighthearted adj. carefree and happy and lighthearted; her lighthearted nature
lighthouse n. a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships
lighting n. having abundant light or illumination: or as long as the lighting was good; apparatus for supplying artificial light effects for the stage or a film
lightless adj. giving no light; lightless stars `visible' only to radio antennae; without illumination; came up the lightless stairs
lightlessness n. total absence of light
lightly adv. without good reason; one cannot say such things lightly; with few burdens; with little weight or force; she kissed him lightly on the forehead; indulging with temperance; we eat lightly in the morning
lightness n. the property of being comparatively small in weight; the lightness of balsa wood; having a light color; the visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures
lightning n. emission of light due to electricity discharging from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth
lightproof adj. impenetrable by light
lights n. pl. the lungs especially of a slaughtered animal
lightship n. a ship equipped like a lighthouse and anchored where a permanent lighthouse would be impracticable
lightsome adj. moving easily and quickly; nimble; a lightsome buoyant step; carefree and happy and lighthearted; trilling songs with a lightsome heart
lightsomely adv. moving with quick light steps; she walked lightsomely down the long staircase; in a light-hearted manner
lightsomeness n. the cheerful feeling you have when nothing is troubling you; the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble; the trait of being lighthearted and frivolous
lightweight n. a boxer who weighs no more than 135 pounds; someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous@adj. having relatively little weight; lightweight fabrics; having no importance or influence; a lightweight intellect
lightwood n. tall Australian acacia yielding highly valued black timber
ligne n. a linear unit (1/40 inch) used to measure diameter of buttons
ligneous adj. (botany) consisting of or containing lignin or xylem; ligneous (or woody) tissue
lignified adj. made hard like wood as the result of the deposition of lignin in the cell walls
lignin n. a complex polymer; the chief non-carbohydrate constituent of wood; binds to cellulose fibers to harden and strengthen cell walls of plants
lignite n. intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
lignosae n. a category in some early taxonomies
lignum n. woody tissue
likable adj. (of characters in literature or drama) evoking empathic or sympathetic feelings; easy to like; agreeable; an attractive and likable young man
like adj. resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination; suits of like design; equal in amount or value@v. prefer or wish to do something; Would you like to come along to the movies?
likeable adj. (of characters in literature or drama) evoking empathic or sympathetic feelings; easy to like; agreeable
liked adj. found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form; a well-liked teacher
likelihood n. the probability of a specified outcome
likeliness n. the probability of a specified outcome
likely adj. has a good chance of being the case or of coming about; these services are likely to be available to us all before long; likely but not certain to be or become true or real; a likely result@adv. with considerable certainty
liken v. consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous
likeness n. similarity in appearance or character or nature between persons or things: man created God in his own likeness; a graphic image of a person or thing
likening n. the act of comparing similarities
likewise adv. in like or similar manner; in addition; equally
liking n. a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment; I've always had a liking for reading
likuta n. 100 makuta equal 1 zaire
lilac adj. of a pale purple color@n. any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
lilangeni n. the basic unit of money in Swaziland; equal to 100 cents
liliaceous adj. of or pertaining to or characteristic of plants of the family Liliaceae
liliopsid n. a monocotyledonous flowering plant
lilliputian adj. very small; a lilliputian chest of drawers; (informal terms) small and of little importance; our worries are lilliputian compared with those of countries that are at war@n. a very small person (resembling a Lilliputian)
lilt v. articulate in a very careful and rhythmic way@n. a jaunty rhythm in music
lilting adj. characterized by a buoyant rhythm; an easy lilting stride
lily n. any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
lilyturf n. Asiatic perennial tufted herb with grasslike evergreen foliage and clusters of dark mauve grapelike flowers; grown as ground cover
limb n. one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
limbeck n. alembic
limbed adj. having or as if having limbs (especially limbs of a specified kind); (usually used in combination; strong-limbed)
limber v. attach the limber, as to a cannon@adj. (used of e.g. personality traits) readily adaptable; a limber imagination; (used of persons' bodies) capable of moving or bending freely
limbic adj. of or relating to or forming a limbus
limbless adj. having no limbs
limbo n. the state of being disregarded or forgotten; an imaginary place for lost or neglected things; (theology) the abode of infants who die before baptism
limbus n. a border or edge of any of various body parts distinguished by color or structure
lime n. a caustic substance (Ca(OH)2) produced by heating limestone; a white crystalline oxide used in the production of calcium hydroxide@v. spread birdlime on branches to catch birds
limeade n. sweetened beverage of lime juice and water
limekiln n. a kiln used to reduce naturally occuring forms of calcium carbonate to lime
limelight n. a focus of public attention; he enjoyed being in the limelight; a lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light; formerly used for stage lighting
limen n. the smallest detectable sensation
limerick n. a humorous verse form of 5 anapestic lines with a rhyme scheme aabba
limestone n. a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals
limewater n. solution of calcium hydroxide in water used as an antacid
limey n. a man of English descent
limit n. the greatest possible degree of something:; to the limit of his ability; final or latest limiting point; as far as something can go; the boundary of a specific area@v. place limits on; place under restrictions; limit access to
limitation n. a principle that limits the extent of something; the quality of being limited or restricted; the greatest amount of something that is possible or allowed; it is growing rapidly with no limitation in sight
limited adj. small in range or scope; limited war; subject to limits or subjected to limits; including only a part; mediocre; not excessive; having a specific function or scope; not unlimited; a limited list of choices
limiter n. a circuit that limits the amplitude of a waveform
limiting adj. restricting the scope or freedom of action; (grammar) strictly limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase@n. the grammatical relation that exists when a word qualifies the meaning of the phrase
limitless adj. without limits in extent or size or quantity; having no limits in range or scope; the limitless reaches of outer space; seemingly boundless in amount, number, degree, or especially extent; a limitless supply of money
limitlessness n. the quality of being infinite; without bound or limit
limn v. trace the shape of; make a portrait of
limner n. a painter of portraits
limning n. a drawing of the outlines of forms or objects
limnology n. the scientific study of bodies of fresh water for their biological and physical and geological properties
limo n. a large luxurious car; usually drive by a chauffeur
limonene n. a liquid terpene with a lemon odor; found in lemons and oranges and other essential oils
limonite n. a widely occurring iron oxide ore; a mixture of goethite and hematite and lepidocrocite
limousine n. a large luxurious car; usually drive by a chauffeur
limp adj. lacking in strength or firmness or resilience; gave a limp handshake@n. the uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg@v. walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
limpa n. a rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar
limpet n. mollusk with a low conical shell; any of various usually marine gastropods with low conical shells; found clinging to rocks in littoral areas
limpid adj. clear and bright; limpid blue eyes; transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity; could see the sand on the bottom of the limpid pool; (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable; writes in a limpid style
limpidity n. free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression; passing light without diffusion or distortion
limpidly adv. in a clear and lucid manner
limping n. disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
limpkin n. wading bird of Florida, Cuba and Jamaica having a drooping bill and a distinctive wailing call
limply adv. without rigidity; the body was hanging limply from the tree
limpness n. a flabby softness
linac n. ions are accelerated along a linear path by voltage differences on electrodes along the path
linage n. the number of lines in a piece of printed material; a rate of payment for written material that is measured according to the number of lines submitted
linalool n. a colorless fragrant liquid found in many essential oils
linchpin n. a central cohesive source of support and stability:; he is the linchpin of this firm; a pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on
lincomycin n. an antibiotic obtained from a Streptomyces bacterium and used in the treatment of certain penicillin-resistant infections
lindane n. an agricultural insecticide
linden n. soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees; used in making crates and boxes and in carving and millwork
lindy n. an energetic American dance that was popular in the 1930s (probably named for the aviator Charles Lindbergh)
line n. a formation of people or things beside one another@v. be in line with; form a line along; of trees along a river, etc.; cover the interior of, as of garments; make a mark or lines on a surface
lineage n. the descendants of one individual; his entire lineage has been warriors; the kinship relation between an individual and the individual's progenitors; the number of lines in a piece of printed material
lineal adj. in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child; lineal ancestors; arranged in a line
lineally adv. by an unbroken line of descent; she is related lineally to the Royal Family
lineament n. a characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something; the characteristics parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin
linear adj. (mathematics) directly proportional; of or in or along or relating to a line; involving a single dimension; a linear foot; (electronics) of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input; linear amplifier
linearity n. the property of having one dimension
linearize v. make linear or get into a linear form
linearly adv. in a linear manner; linearly polarized radiation; in a linear fashion; it grew linearly
lineation n. the act of marking or outlining with lines
linebacker n. a defensive football player who takes a position close behind the linemen
linecut n. a print obtained from a line drawing; a block that has been etched or engraved
lined adj. bordered by a line of things; tree lined streets; (used especially of skin) their lined faces were immeasurably sad; having a lining or liner or a liner; often used in combination; a lined skirt
linelike adj. resembling a line
lineman n. one of the players on the line of scrimmage; the surveyor who marks positions with a range pole; a person who installs or repairs electrical or telephone lines
linemen n. the football players who line up on the line of scrimmage
linen n. a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant; a high-quality paper made of linen fibers or with a linen finish; white goods or clothing made with linen cloth
linendraper n. (British) a retail dealer in yard goods
liner n. the act of hitting a baseball so that it flies straight out from the batter; the batter hit a liner to the shortstop; a piece of material that is used as the inside surface of a garment
linesman n. the official (in tennis or soccer) who watches the lines; a person who installs or repairs electrical or telephone lines
lineup n. (baseball) a list of batters in the order in which they will bat; a line of persons arranged by police for inspection or identification
ling n. water chestnut whose spiny fruit has two rather than 4 prongs; common Old World heath represented by many varieties; low evergreen grown widely in the northern hemisphere
lingam n. the Hindu phallic symbol of Siva
lingberry n. low evergreen shrub of high north temperate regions of Europe and Asia and America bearing red edible berries
lingcod n. flesh of lean-fleshed fish caught off the Pacific coast of the United States; food fish of Northern Pacific waters related to greenlings
lingenberry n. low evergreen shrub of high north temperate regions of Europe and Asia and America bearing red edible berries
linger v. remain present although waning or gradually dying; be about; leave slowly and hesitantly; take one's time; proceed slowly; move to and fro
lingerer n. someone who lingers aimlessly in or about a place
lingerie n. women's underwear and nightclothes
lingering n. the act of lingering@adj. continuing for a long time; a lingering sense of guilt
lingeringly adv. in a slow, leisurely or prolonged way
lingo n. a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves); they don't speak our lingo
lingonberry n. low evergreen shrub of high north temperate regions of Europe and Asia and America bearing red edible berries; tart red berries similar to American cranberries but smaller
lingua n. a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
lingual adj. consisting of or related to language; lingual diversity; pertaining to or resembling or lying near the tongue; lingual inflammation
lingually adv. with respect to language; a lingually diverse population
linguine n. pasta in long slender flat strips
linguini n. pasta in long slender flat strips
linguist n. a specialist in linguistics; a person who speaks more than one language
linguistic adj. consisting of or related to language; linguistic behavior; of or relating to the scientific study of language; linguistic theory
linguistically adv. with respect to the science of linguistics; linguistically interesting data; with respect to language; linguistically impaired children
linguistics n. the scientific study of language; the humanistic study of language and literature
liniment n. a medicinal liquid that is rubbed into the skin to relieve muscular stiffness and pain
lining n. a covering that protects an inside surface; a piece of material that is used as the inside surface of a garment; providing something with a surface of a different material; the act of attaching an inside lining (to a garment or curtain etc.)
link n. the means of connection between things linked in series; a fastener that serves to join or link; the state of being connected; a connecting shape@v. make a logical or causal connection; connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces
linkage n. an associative relation; (genetics) traits that tend to be inherited together as a consequence of an association between their genes; a mechanical system of rods or springs or pivots that transmits power or motion
linkboy n. (formerly) an attendant hired to carry a torch for pedestrians in dark streets
linked adj. connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
linkman n. (formerly) an attendant hired to carry a torch for pedestrians in dark streets
links n. a large landscaped area for playing golf
linksman n. someone who plays the game of golf
linkup n. a fastener that serves to join or link
linnet n. small finch originally of the western United States and Mexico; small Old World finch whose male has a red breast and forehead
lino n. a floor covering
linocut n. a print made from a linocut; a design carved in relief into a block of linoleum
linoleum n. a floor covering
linotype n. a keyboard-operated typesetting machine that casts an entire line as a single slug of metal
linseed n. the seed of flax used as a source of oil
lint n. fine ravellings of cotton or linen fibers; cotton or linen fabric with the nap raised on one side; used to dress wounds
lintel n. horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or window
lion n. large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male; a celebrity who is lionized (much sought after)
lioness n. a female lion
lionet n. a small or young lion
lionfish n. brightly striped fish of the tropical Pacific having elongated spiny fins
lionhearted adj. extraordinarily courageous
lionize v. assign great social importance to
lip n. fleshy folds of tissue as those surrounding the mouth; an impudent or insolent rejoinder; the top edge of a vessel
liparis n. an orchid of the genus Liparis having few leaves and usually fairly small yellow-green or dull purple flowers in terminal racemes
lipase n. an enzyme secreted in the digestive tract that catalyzes the breakdown of fats
lipfern n. any of various terrestrial ferns of the genus Cheilanthes; cosmopolitan in arid and semi-arid temperate or tropical regions
lipid n. any oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
lipide n. any oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
lipless adj. without a lip or lips
liplike adj. having lips or parts that resemble lips
lipoid n. any oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
lipoma n. a tumor consisting of fatty tissue
lipophilic adj. (chemistry) having an affinity for lipids
lipoprotein n. a conjugated protein having a lipid component; the principal means for transporting lipids in the blood
lipotropic adj. (chemistry) having an affinity for lipids
lipped adj. having a lip or lips; a lipped bowl
lipread v. interpret by lipreading; of deaf people
lipreading n. perceiving what a person is saying by observing the movements of the lips
lipstick v. form by tracing with lipstick; apply lipstick to@n. a cosmetic used to color the lips
liquefaction n. the conversion of a solid or a gas into a liquid
liquefiable adj. capable of being liquefied
liquefied adj. reduced to a liquid state; liquefied petroleum gas; reduced to liquid form by heating
liquefy v. become liquid; make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating; liquefy the silver; become liquid or fluid; of a solid substance, when heated
liquescent adj. becoming liquid
liqueur n. strong highly flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal
liquid n. a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure@adj. existing as or have characteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow; water and milk and blood are liquid substances; filled or brimming with tears
liquidambar n. aromatic exudate from the sweet gum tree; any tree of the genus Liquidambar
liquidate v. get rid of; kill; eliminate by paying off; as of debts
liquidation n. terminating a business operation; the act of exterminating; the murder of a competitor
liquidator n. a criminal who performs unlawful premeditated killing of a human being; a person (usually appointed by a court of law) who liquidates assets or preserves them for the benefit of affected parties
liquidise v. make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating
liquidity n. the state in which a substance exhibits a characteristic readiness to flow with little or no tendency to disperse and relatively high incompressibility; the property of flowing easily; being in cash or easily convertible to cash
liquidize v. get rid of all one's merchandise; make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating
liquidizer n. an electrically powered mixer with whirling blades that mix or chop or liquefy foods
liquidness n. the state in which a substance exhibits a characteristic readiness to flow with little or no tendency to disperse and relatively high incompressibility; the property of flowing easily
liquifiable adj. capable of being liquefied
liquified adj. changed from a solid to a liquid state; reduced to a liquid state; reduced to liquid form by heating
liquify v. make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating; become liquid or fluid; of a solid substance, when heated
liquor n. distilled rather than fermented; a liquid substance that is a solution (or emulsion or suspension) used or obtained in an industrial process; the liquid in which vegetables or meat have be cooked
liquorice n. deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves; widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots
lira n. the basic unit of money on Malta; equal to 100 cents; the basic unit of money in Turkey; the basic unit of money in Italy; equal to 100 centesimi
lisinopril n. an antihypertensive drug (trade name Zestril)
lisle n. a fabric woven with lisle thread; a strong tightly twisted cotton thread (usually made of long-staple cotton)
lisp v. speak with a lisp@n. a speech defect that involves pronouncing s like voiceless th and z like voiced th
lisper n. a speaker who lisps
lispingly adv. with a lisp; she spoke lispingly
lissom adj. gracefully slender; moving and bending with ease
lissome adj. gracefully slender; moving and bending with ease
lissomeness n. the gracefulness of a person or animal that is flexible and supple
list v. give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of; include in a list; give the names of@n. a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics); the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
listed adj. on a list; officially entered in a roll or list
listen v. hear with intention; listen and pay attention; pay close attention to; give heed to
listener n. someone who listens attentively
listening n. the act of hearing attentively; you can learn a lot by just listening@adj. attending to or alert for sound; be wary of listening ears
lister n. a plow with a double moldboard designed to move dirt to either side of a central furrow
listing n. a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics); the act of making a list of items
listless adj. lacking zest or vivacity; he was listless and bored; marked by low spirits; showing no enthusiasm; reacted to the crisis with listless resignation
listlessly adv. in a listless manner; they shook hands rather listlessly
listlessness n. a feeling of lack of interest or energy; inactivity resulting from torpidity and lack of vigor or energy
lists n. pl. an arena for jousting or for combat
lit adj. provided with artificial light; a brightly lit room; set afire or burning; a lit firecracker
litany n. any long and tedious address or recital; the patient recited a litany of complaints
litchee n. Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed; often dried
litchi n. Chinese tree cultivated especially in Philippines and India for its edible fruit; sometimes placed in genus Nephelium; Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed; often dried
lite adj. having relatively few calories; light (or lite) beer
liter n. a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints)
literacy n. the ability to read and write
literal n. a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind@adj. being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something; without interpretation or embellishment; a literal translation of the scene before him
literalism n. the doctrine of realistic (literal) portrayal in art or literature; a disposition to interpret statements in their literal sense
literalize v. make literal; literalize metaphors
literally adv. in a literal sense; literally translated; (intensifier before a figurative expression) without exaggeration; our eyes were literally pinned to TV during the Gulf war
literalness n. adhereing to the concrete construal of something
literary adj. of or relating to or dealing with good literature; literary criticism; knowledgeable about literature; a literary style
literate adj. able to read and write; able to read and write@n. a person who can read and write
literati n. the literary intelligentsia
literatim adv. letter for letter; the message was transcribed literatim
literature n. creative writing of recognized artistic value; the humanistic study of a body of literature; he took a course in French literature; published writings in a particular style on a particular subject; the technical literature
lithe adj. gracefully slender; moving and bending with ease
litheness n. the gracefulness of a person or animal that is flexible and supple
lithesome adj. gracefully slender; moving and bending with ease
lithiasis n. the formation of stones (calculi) in an internal organ
lithic adj. of or containing lithium; relating to or composed of stone; lithic sandstone
lithium n. a soft silver-white univalent element of the alkali metal group; the lightest metal known; occurs in several minerals
lithoglyptics n. the art of engraving on precious stones
lithograph n. a print produced by lithography; printing by lithography; a flat surface (of stone or metal) is treated to absorb or repel ink in the desired pattern@v. make by lithography
lithographer n. a printmaker who uses lithography
lithographic adj. of or produced by or involved in lithography; lithographic reproduction
lithography n. a method of planographic printing from a metal or stone surface; the act of making a lithographic print
lithomancy n. divination by means of stones or stone talismans
lithomantic adj. of or relating to lithomancy
lithophyte n. plant that grows on rocks or stony soil and derives nourishment from the atmosphere
lithophytic adj. (botany) or or relating to lithophytes
lithops n. any plant of the genus Lithops native to Africa having solitary yellow or white flowers and thick leaves that resemble stones
lithosphere n. the solid part of the earth
lithotomy n. surgical removal of a stone (calculus)
lithuresis n. passing small stones with the urine
litigant n. a party to a lawsuit
litigate v. institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
litigation n. a judicial proceeding
litigator n. a party to a lawsuit
litigious adj. of or relating to litigation; inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits; a litigious and acrimonious spirit
litmus n. a coloring material that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions; used as an acid-base indicator; absorbent paper full of litmus; it is turned red by acids and blue by alkalis
litoral n. the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
litote n. an understatement that expresses an affirmative thought negatively
litotes n. understatement, esp. expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary
litre n. a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or approximately 1.76 pints)
litter n. the offspring at one birth of a multiparous mammal; rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places); a chair or bed carried on two poles by bearers@v. strew; make a place messy by strewing garbage around
litterateur n. a writer of literary works
litterbasket n. a bin (usually in or outside a public building) into which the public can put rubbish
litterbin n. a bin (usually in or outside a public building) into which the public can put rubbish
litterbug n. a person who litters public places with refuse
littered adj. filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish; the storm left the driveway littered with sticks and debris
litterer n. a person who litters public places with refuse
little adj. limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent; a little dining room; (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or at least some@adv. not much@n. a small amount or duration
littleneck n. a quahog when young and small; usually eaten raw; a young quahog suitable to be eaten raw
littleness n. the property of having a relatively small size
littler adj. small or little relative to something else
littlest adj. having or being distinguished by diminutive size
littoral n. the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean@adj. of or relating to a coastal or shore region
liturgical adj. of or relating to or in accord with liturgy
liturgist n. an authority on liturgies
liturgy n. a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
livable adj. fit or suitable to live in or with; livable conditions
live adv. not recorded@adj. actually being performed (or--for the audience--present) at the time of viewing@v. make one's home or live in; lead a certain kind of life; live in a certain style; continue to live, endure or last; stay alive
liveable adj. fit or suitable to live in or with
livelihood n. the financial means whereby one lives; he could no longer earn his own livelihood
liveliness n. general activity and motion; animation and energy in action or expression
livelong n. perennial northern temperate plant with toothed leaves and heads of small purplish-white flowers@adj. (of time) constituting the full extent or duration; all the livelong day
lively adj. full of life and energy; a lively discussion; full of zest or vigor; quick and energetic; a lively gait; rebounds readily; a lively tennis ball; filled with events or activity; a lively period in history; full of spirit
liven v. make lively; let's liven up this room a bit
liveness n. having animal life as distinguished from plant life
liver n. large reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity; secretes bile and functions in metabolism; liver of an animal used as meat; someone who lives in a place; a liver in cities
liveried adj. wearing livery; liveried footmen stood on the palace steps
liverish adj. suffering from or suggesting a liver disorder or gastric distress; irritable as if suffering from indigestion
liverleaf n. any of several plants of the genus Hepatica having 3-lobed leaves and white or pinkish flowers in early spring; of moist and mossy subalpine woodland areas of north temperate regions
liverwort n. any of numerous small green nonvascular plants of the class Hepaticopsida growing in wet places and resembling green seaweeds or leafy mosses
liverwurst n. sausage containing ground liver
livery adj. suffering from or suggesting a liver disorder or gastric distress@n. a uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs; the voluntary transfer of something (title or possession) from one party to another
liveryman n. a worker in a livery stable
lives pl. of life
livestock n. not used technically; any animals kept for use or profit
livid adj. ash-colored or anemic looking from illness or emotion; a face livid with shock; (of a light) imparting a deathlike luminosity; livid lightning streaked the sky; (informal) furiously angry; willful stupidity makes him absolutely livid
lividity n. a state of fury so great the face becomes discolored; unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
lividly adv. in a livid manner
lividness n. unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
living adj. pertaining to living persons; within living memory; true to life; lifelike; the living image of her mother; dwelling or inhabiting@n. the experience of living; the course of human events and activities; people who are still living
livingroom n. a room in a private house where people can sit and talk and relax
liza n. similar to the striped mullet and takes its place in the Caribbean region
lizard n. relatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail; a man who idles about in the lounges of hotels and bars in search of women who would support him
lizardfish n. tropical fishes with large mouths in lizard-like heads; found worldwide
llama n. wild or domesticated South American cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
llano n. an open grassy plain especially of Spanish America
lo interj. used especially to call attention
loach n. slender freshwater fishes of Eurasia and Africa resembling catfishes
load v. fill or load; load a car; provide with munition; fill by packing tightly; place a load on@n. something to be borne or conveyed; a quantity that can be processed or transported at one time; goods carried by a large vehicle
loaded adj. filled with a great quantity; a tray loaded with dishes; (of weapons) charged with ammunition; a loaded gun; (of statements or questions) charged with associative significance and often meant to mislead or influence; a loaded question
loader n. a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
loading n. something to be borne or conveyed; a quantity that can be processed or transported at one time; the ratio of the gross weight of an airplane to some factor determining its lift@adj. designed for use in loading e.g. cargo
loads n. a large number or amount
loadstar n. guiding star; a star that is used as a reference point in navigation of astronomy; something that serves as a model or guide
loadstone n. magnetite that possess polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically; magnetite that has polarity
loaf n. a shaped mass of baked bread@v. be lazy or idle; be about
loafer n. person who does no work
loafing n. having no employment
loam n. a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
loamless adj. having no loam; a stony loamless yard
loamy adj. consisting of or having the character of loam; richy loamy soil
loan n. the provision of money temporarily (usually at interest); a word borrowed from another language; e.g. `blitz' is a German word borrowed into modern English@v. give temporarily; let have for a limited time
loanblend n. a word that is composed of parts from different languages (e.g., `monolingual' has a Greek prefix and a Latin root)
loaner n. someone who lends money or gives credit in business matters
loanword n. a word borrowed from another language; e.g. `blitz' is a German word borrowed into modern English
loasa n. any of various perennial South American plants of the genus Loasa having stinging hairs and showy white or yellow or reddish-orange flowers
loath adj. unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom; loath to admit a mistake; (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed; loath to go on such short notice
loathe v. find repugnant
loathing n. hate coupled with disgust
loathly adj. highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust
loathsome adj. causing or able to cause nausea; highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust; a loathsome disease
loathsomeness n. the quality of being disgusting to the senses or emotions
lob v. propel in a high arc; lob the tennis ball@n. an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc; the act of propelling something (as a ball or shell etc.) in a high arc
lobar adj. of or relating to or affecting a lobe; lobar pneumonia
lobate adj. having or resembling a lobe or lobes; a lobate tongue; having deeply indented margins but with lobes not entirely separate from each other
lobated adj. having or resembling a lobe or lobes
lobby v. detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors@n. a large entrance or reception room or area; a group of people who try actively to influence legislation
lobbyist n. someone who tries to persuade legislators to vote for bills they favor
lobe n. a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part
lobectomy n. surgical removal of a lobe from any organ of the body (as the lung or brain)
lobed adj. having deeply indented margins but with lobes not entirely separate from each other
lobefin n. any fish of the order Crossopterygii; most known only in fossil form
lobelia n. any plant or flower of the genus Lobelia
loblolly n. thick gruel
lobotomy n. surgical interruption of nerve tracts to and from the frontal lobe of the brain
lobscouse n. a stew of meat and vegetables and hardtack that is eaten by sailors
lobscuse n. a stew of meat and vegetables and hardtack that is eaten by sailors
lobster n. flesh of a lobster; any of several edible marine crustaceans of the families Homaridae and Nephropsidae and Palinuridae
lobsterback n. British soldier; so-called because of his red coat, esp. during the Revolutionary War
lobsterman n. a person whose occupation is catching lobsters
lobular adj. of or relating to or resembling a lobule
lobularity n. the property of having lobules
lobule n. a small lobe or subdivision of a lobe
lobworm n. marine worms having a row of tufted gills along each side of the back; often used for fishing bait
local n. bus or train that stops at all stations or stops@adj. relating to applicable to or concerned with a city or town or district rather than a larger area; local taxes; having subordinate authority or serving the needs of a limited district
locale n. the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
localisation n. a determination of the location of something
localise v. restrict something to a particular area
localism n. a phrase or pronunciation that is peculiar to a particular locality; a partiality for some particular place
locality n. a surrounding or nearby region; it is a rugged locality
localization n. a determination of the location of something
localize v. identify the location or place of; concentrate on a particular place or spot; restrict something to a particular area; locate
localized adj. (medicine) confined or restricted to a particular location; the localized infection formed a definite abscess; made local or oriented locally; a decentralized and localized political authority
locally adv. by a particular locality; it was locally decided; to a restricted area of the body
locate v. discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining; Can you locate your cousins in the Midwest?; determine or indicate the place, site, or limits of; Our sense of sight enables us to locate objects in space
located adj. situated in a particular spot or position; valuable centrally located urban land
locating n. the act of putting something in a certain place or location; a determination of the location of something
location n. a point or extent in space; the act of putting something in a certain place or location; a determination of the location of something
locative n. the case indicating where the action described by the verb occurred
locator n. a person who fixes the boundaries of land claims
loch n. a long narrow inlet of the sea in Scotland (especially when it is nearly landlocked) and in Ireland; Scottish and Irish words for lake
lock v. fasten with a lock; lock the bike to the fence; keep engaged; become rigid or immoveable; of bones; Don't lock your knees in this exercise; hold in a locking position@n. a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed
lockage n. passage through a lock
lockbox n. a fireproof metal box (usually in a bank) for storing valuables
locked adj. firmly fastened or secured against opening; a locked closet
locker n. a storage compartment for clothes and valuables; usually it has a lock; a trunk for storing personal possessions; usually kept at the foot of a bed (as in a barracks)
locket n. a small ornamental case; usually contains a picture or a lock of hair and is worn on a necklace
locking n. the act of locking something up to protect it
lockjaw n. an acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles are a symptom
lockkeeper n. a worker in charge of a lock (on a canal)
lockman n. a worker in charge of a lock (on a canal)
lockmaster n. a worker in charge of a lock (on a canal)
locknut n. a supplementary nut that is screwed down on a primary nut to prevent it from loosening
lockout n. a management action resisting employee's demands; employees are barred from entering the workplace until they agree to terms
lockring n. a washer that prevents a nut from loosening
locksmith n. someone who makes or repairs locks
lockstep n. a mode of marching in step by a body of men moving in a very close single file
lockstitch n. a machine stitch in which the top thread interlocks with the bobbin thread
lockup n. a jail in a local police station; the act of locking something up to protect it
loco adj. informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
locoism n. a disease of livestock caused by locoweed poisoning; characterized by weakness and lack of coordination and trembling and partial paralysis
locomote v. change location; move, travel, or proceed
locomotion n. the power or ability to move; self-propelled movement
locomotive n. self-propelled engine used to draw trains along railway tracks@adj. of or relating to locomotion
locomotor adj. of or relating to locomotion
locoweed n. any of several leguminous plants of western North America causing locoism in livestock
locum n. someone (physician or clergyman) who substitutes temporarily for another member of the same profession
locus n. the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
locust n. migratory grasshoppers of warm regions having short antennae; hardwood from any of various locust trees; any of various hard-wooded trees of the family Leguminosae
locution n. a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
lode n. a deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks
lodestar n. guiding star; a star that is used as a reference point in navigation of astronomy; something that serves as a model or guide
lodestone n. magnetite that possess polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically; magnetite that has polarity
lodge n. a formal association of people with similar interests; a small (rustic) house used as a temporary shelter; any of various native American dwellings@v. be a lodger; stay temporarily; fix, force, or implant; lodge a bullet in the table
lodgement n. bringing a charge or accusation against someone; the state or quality of being lodged or fixed even temporarily
lodgepole n. shrubby 2-needled pine of coastal northwestern United States; red to yellow-brown bark fissured into small squares
lodger n. a tenant in someone's house
lodging n. housing collectively; structures in which people are housed; the state or quality of being lodged or fixed even temporarily; the act of lodging
lodgings n. temporary living quarters
lodgment n. bringing a charge or accusation against someone; the state or quality of being lodged or fixed even temporarily: the lodgment of the balloon in the tree
loess n. a fine-grained unstratified accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind
loft v. store in a a loft; propel through the air; kick or strike high in the air, of a ball@n. a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space; an open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
loftily adv. in a lofty manner; she bore herself loftily
loftiness n. the condition of being high or lofty; impressiveness in scale or proportion
lofty adj. of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style; a noble and lofty concept; of imposing height; especially standing out above others; lofty mountains; having or displaying great dignity or nobility; lofty ships
log v. enter into a log, as on ships and planes@n. a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches; large log at the back of a hearth fire; the exponent required to produce a given number@adj. (of roads) made of logs laid down crosswise
logagraphia n. a loss of the ability to write or to express thoughts in writing because of a brain lesion
loganberry n. red-fruited bramble native toStates (Oregon to Baja California); large red variety of the dewberry
logarithm n. the exponent required to produce a given number
logarithmic adj. or or relating to or using logarithms; logarithmic function
logarithmically adv. in a logarithmic manner; data plotted logarithmically with respect to time is shown in Figure 2
logbook n. a book in which the log is written
loge n. the forward section of a theater mezzanine; private area in a theater or grandstand where a small group can watch the performance
logger n. a lumberman who cuts logs into lengths after the trees have been felled
loggerhead n. these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence; very large carnivorous sea turtle; wide ranging in warm open seas
loggerheaded adj. used informally
loggia n. an open-sided roofed arcade or gallery along the front or side of a building; often at an upper level
logginess n. a dull and listless state resulting from weariness
logging n. the work of cutting down trees for timber
logic n. the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference; reasoned and reasonable judgment; it made a certain kind of logic; the principles that guide reasoning within a given field or situation; economic logic requires it; a system of reasoning
logical adj. capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning; a logical mind; in accordance with reason or logic; a logical conclusion
logicality n. correct and valid reasoning
logically adv. according to logical reasoning; logically, you should now do the same to him; in a logical manner; he acted logically under the circumstances
logicalness n. correct and valid reasoning
logician n. a person skilled at symbolic logic
logicism n. the philosophical theory that all of mathematics can be derived from formal logic
login v. enter a computer
loginess n. a dull and listless state resulting from weariness
logistic adj. of or relating to logistics; logistic requirements
logistical adj. of or relating to logistics
logistician n. a person skilled at symbolic logic
logistics n. handling an operation that involves providing labor and materials be supplied as needed
logjam n. any stoppage attributable to unusual activity; the legislation ran into a logjam; an immovable mass of logs blocking a river
logo n. a company emblem or device
logogram n. a single symbol that represents an entire word or phrase
logograph n. a single symbol that represents an entire word or phrase
logomach n. someone give to disputes over words
logomachist n. someone give to disputes over words
logomania n. pathologically excessive (and often incoherent) talking
logorrhea n. pathologically excessive (and often incoherent) talking
logotype n. a company emblem or device
logrolling n. act of exchanging favors for mutual gain; especially trading of influence or votes among legislators to gain passage of certain projects; rotating a log rapidly in the water (as a competitive sport)
logwood n. very hard brown to brownish-red heartwood of a logwood tree; used in preparing a purplish red dye
logy adj. stunned or confused and slow to react (as from blows or drunkenness or exhaustion)
lohan n. a Buddhist who has attained nirvana
loin n. a cut of meat taken from the side and back of an animal between the ribs and the rump; each side of the backbone between the hipbone and the ribs in humans as well as quadrupeds
loincloth n. covering for the loins
loins n. the lower part of the abdomen just above the external genital organs; the region of the hips and groin and lower abdomen; each side of the backbone between the hipbone and the ribs in humans as well as quadrupeds
loir n. large European dormouse
loiter v. be about; The high school students like to loiter in the Central Square
loiterer n. someone who lingers aimlessly in or about a place
loligo n. somewhat flattened cylindrical squid
loll v. hang loosely or laxly; be lazy or idle
lolling adj. lying in a relaxed manner
lollipop n. ice cream or water ice on a small wooden stick; hard candy on a stick
lollop v. walk clumsily and with a bounce
lolly n. ice cream or water ice on a small wooden stick; in England a popsicle is called an ice lolly
lollygag v. be about
lollypop n. a lump of hard candy on a stick
lomatia n. any of various ornamental evergreens of the genus Lomatia having attractive fragrant flowers
loment n. pods constricted between seeds and breaking apart when ripe into one-seed segments
lone adj. lacking companions or companionship; he was alone when we met him; characterized by or preferring solitude in mode of life; a lone wolf; being the only one; single and isolated from others; the lone doctor in the entire county
loneliness n. the state of being alone in solitary isolation; sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned; a disposition toward being alone
lonely adj. lacking companions or companionship; a lonely fisherman stood on a tuft of gravel; marked by dejection from being alone; felt sad and lonely; separated from or unfrequented by others; remote or secluded; a lonely crossroads
loner n. a person who avoids the company of others
lonesome adj. being the only one; single and isolated from others; a lonesome pine; marked by dejection from being alone; lonesome when her husband is away
lonesomeness n. a disposition toward being alone
long adv. for an extended time or at a distant time@adj. primarily temporal sense@v. desire strongly or persistently@n. a comparatively long time
longan n. tree of southeastern Asia to Australia grown primarily for its sweet translucent-fleshed edible fruit resembling litchi nuts; sometimes placed in genera Euphoria or Nephelium
longanberry n. tree of southeastern Asia to Australia grown primarily for its sweet translucent-fleshed edible fruit resembling litchi nuts; sometimes placed in genera Euphoria or Nephelium; Asian fruit similar to litchi
longanimity n. good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
longanimous adj. showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment; was longanimous in the face of suffering
longbeard n. a fat-bellied stoneware drinking jug with a long neck; decorated with a caricature of Cardinal Bellarmine (17th century)
longboat n. the largest boat carried by a merchant sailing vessel
longbow n. a powerful wooden bow drawn by hand; usually 5-6 feet long; used in medieval England
longbowman n. a medieval English archer who used a longbow
longer adj. having the greater length of two or the greatest length of several; the longer (or long) edge of the door@adv. for more time; can I stay bit longer?
longest adj. having the greater length of two or the greatest length of several; the hypotenuse is the longest (or long) side of a right triangle@adv. for the most time; she stayed longest
longevity n. duration of service: her longevity as a star; the property of being long-lived
longhand adj. having words written out in full by hand; longhand writing@n. handwriting in which letters are set down in full and cursively connected within words
longhorn n. long-horned beef cattle formerly common in southwestern United States
longicorn n. long-bodied beetle having very long antennae
longing n. prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
longingly adv. in a yearning manner; he spent the rest of the act gazing longingly over my right shoulder at the illuminated word `Exit'
longish adj. somewhat long
longitude n. an imaginary great circle on the surface of the earth passing through the north and south poles at right angles to the equator; all points on the same meridian have the same longitude
longitudianl adj. of or relating to length; extending lengthwise -- longitudinally adv.
longitudinal adj. of or relating to lines of longitude; longitudinal reckoning by the navigator; running lengthwise; a thin longitudinal strip; over an extended time; a longitudinal study of twins
longitudinally adv. across time; We studied the development of the children longitudinally; in the direction of the length; with respect to longitude; longitudinally measured
longlegs n. long-legged three-toed black-and-white wading bird of inland ponds and marshes or brackish lagoons
longness n. spatial extent; duration as an extension
longroot n. deep-rooted perennial of southeastern United States
longshoreman n. a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
longshot n. a photograph taken from a distance
longsighted adj. capable of seeing to a great distance; planning prudently for the future
longsightedness n. abnormal condition in which vision for distant objects is better than for near objects
longstanding adj. having existed for a long time; a longstanding friendship
longtime adj. of long duration; a longtime friend
longueur n. a period of dullness or boredom (especially in a work of literature or performing art)
longways n. country dancing performed with couples in two long lines facing each other@adv. in the direction of the length
longwise adv. in the direction of the length
longyi n. a long piece of brightly colored cloth (cotton or silk) used as clothing (a skirt or loincloth or sash etc.) in India and Pakistan and Burma
lontar n. tall fan palm of Africa and India and Malaysia yielding a hard wood and sweet sap that is a source of palm wine and sugar; leaves used for thatching and weaving
loo n. a toilet in England
loofa n. dried fibrous part of the gourd-like fruit of a plant of the genus Luffa; used as a washing sponge or strainer
loofah n. dried fibrous part of the gourd-like fruit of a plant of the genus Luffa; used as a washing sponge or strainer; the bathroom loofah
look v. perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards; give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect@n. the expression on a person's face; a look of triumph; the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
lookdown n. similar to moonfish but with eyes high on the truncated forehead
looker n. a very attractive or seductive looking woman
looking adj. appearing to be as specified; usually used as combining forms; left their clothes dirty looking@n. the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually; he gave it a good looking at; the act of searching visually
lookout n. a person employed to watch for something to happen; an elevated post affording a wide view; a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings; the act of looking out
lookup n. an operation that determines whether one or more of a set of items has a specified property; they wrote a program to do a table lookup
loom n. a machine for weaving yarn into a textile@v. come into view indistinctly, often threateningly; appear very large; hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
loon n. a worthless lazy fellow; large somewhat primitive fish-eating diving bird of the northern hemisphere having webbed feet placed far back; related to the grebes; a person with confused ideas; incapable of serious thought
looney n. someone deranged and possibly dangerous
loony adj. informal or slang terms for mentally irregular@n. someone deranged and possibly dangerous
loop n. a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines; anything with a round or oval shape that is closed or nearly closed@v. move in loops; make a loop in, as of rope or string
looped adj. like the pattern basic to the human fingerprint
looper n. small hairless caterpillar having legs on only its front and rear segments; mostly larvae of moths of the family Geometridae
loophole n. an ambiguity (especially one in the text of a law or contract) that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation; a small hole in a fortified wall; for observation or discharging weapons
loopy adj. informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
loose adv. without restraint@v. grant freedom to; free from confinement; turn loose or free from restraint; let loose mines@adj. not restrained or confined or attached; a pocket full of loose bills; not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
looseleaf adj. being or having leaves that can be easily removed or rearranged; a looseleaf notebook
loosely adv. in a relaxed manner; not rigid; his hands lay loosely; in a loose manner; a union of loosely federated states; without regard to specific details or exceptions; knitted in a loose manner; loosely knit
loosen v. make loose or looser; loosen the tension on a rope; disentangle and raise the fibers of; make less dense; become loose or looser
loosened adj. straightened out
looseness n. movement or space for movement
loosening n. an occurrence of control or strength weakening; : the loosening of his grip; the act of making something less tight
loosestrife n. any of numerous herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lythrum; any of various herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lysimachia
loot n. goods or money obtained illegally; informal terms for money@v. take illegally; of intellectual property; steal goods; take as spoils
looted adj. wrongfully emptied or stripped of anything of value; the robbers left the looted train
looter n. someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
looting n. plundering during riots or in wartime
lop v. cut off from a whole; cut back the growth of, of bushes and trees
lope v. run easily@n. a slow pace of running; an smooth 3-beat gait; between a trot and a gallop
lopped adj. (of plants or trees) having the top or outer parts cut off; lopped-off branches
lopsided adj. out of proportion in shape; turned or twisted toward one side
lopsidedly adv. in a crooked lopsided manner; he smiled lopsidedly
lopsidedness n. an oblique or slanting asymmetry
loquacious adj. full of trivial conversation
loquaciously adv. in a chatty loquacious manner; `When I was young,' she continued loquaciously, `I used to do all sorts of naughty things'
loquaciousness n. the quality of being wordy and talkative
loquacity n. the quality of being wordy and talkative
loquat n. evergreen tree of warm regions having fuzzy yellow olive-sized fruit with a large free stone; native to China and Japan; yellow olive-sized semitropical fruit with a large free stone and relatively little flesh; used for jellies
lorchel n. a large fungus of the family Helvellaceae
lord n. a person who has general authority over others; a titled peer of the realm@v. make a lord of someone
lordless adj. having no lord or master
lordliness n. formality in bearing and appearance; overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
lordly adj. of or befitting a lord; heir to a lordly fortune; having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy; his lordly manners were offensive
lordolatry n. worship of a lord because of his rank or title
lordosis n. an abnormal inward (forward) curvature of the vertebral column
lordotic adj. having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)
lordship n. the authority of a lord
lore n. knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote: early peoples passed on plant and animal lore through legend
lorgnette n. eyeglasses that are held to the eyes with a long handle
lorica n. a hard protective sheath as secreted by certain protoctists e.g.
lorikeet n. any of various small lories
lorn adj. pitiable in circumstances especially through abandonment; left forlorn
lorry n. a large low horse-drawn wagon without sides; a large truck designed to carry heavy loads; usually without sides
lory n. small brightly colored Australasian parrots having a brush-tipped tongue for feeding on nectar and soft fruits
lose v. fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense; fail to keep in mind or in sight; fail to win; suffer the loss of a person through death or removal; place (something) where one cannot find it again
loser n. a contestant who loses the contest; a person with a record of failing; a gambler who loses a bet
losing adj. not victorious; on the losing team
losings n. something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
loss n. the act of losing; everyone expected him to win so his loss was a shock; something that is lost; the car was a total loss; the amount by which the cost of a business exceeds its revenue; the company operated at a loss last year
losses n. something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
lost n. people who are destined to die soon@adj. no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered; a lost child; having lost your bearings; confused as to time or place or personal identity
lot v. divide into lots, as of land, for example@n. (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent:; a lot of money; a parcel of land having fixed boundaries; he bought a lot on the lake; an unofficial association of people or groups
lota n. a globular water bottle used in Asia
loth adj. unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom; (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
loti n. the basic unit of money is Lesotho
lotion n. any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin; liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin; a lotion for dry skin
lotos n. a fruit held in Greek legend to cause dreamy content and forgetfulness; a water lily used in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art and religious symbolism; any of several forage plants related to the clovers
lots n. a large number or amount; made lots of new friends
lotte n. fishes having large mouths with a wormlike filament attached for luring prey
lottery n. players buy chances and prizes are distributed according to the drawing of lots
lotto n. a game in which numbered balls are drawn and random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards
lotus n. native to eastern Asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers; white Egyptian lotus: water lily of Egypt to southeastern Africa; held sacred by the Egyptians
louche adj. of questionable taste or morality; a louche nightclub
loud adj. characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity; a group of loud children; tastelessly showy; loud sport shirts; used chiefly as a direction or description in music@adv. with relatively high volume
loudly adv. with relatively high volume; the band played loudly; in manner that attracts attention; used as a direction in music; to be played relatively loudly
loudmouth n. a person who causes trouble by speaking indiscreetly
loudmouthed adj. having an offensively loud voice or a noisy manner; tactless
loudness n. the magnitude of sound (usually in a specified direction); tasteless showiness
loudspeaker n. converts electrical signals into sounds loud enough to be heard at a distance
lough n. a long narrow inlet of the sea in Scotland (especially when it is nearly landlocked) and in Ireland; Scottish and Irish words for lake
lounge n. an upholstered seat for more than one person; a public waiting room (as in a hotel or airport)@v. sit or recline comfortably; be about
lounger n. someone who wastes time
lounging adj. lying in a relaxed manner
loupe n. a small magnifying glass (usually set in an eyepiece) used by jewelers and horologists
lour v. set lower; make lower or quieter
louse n. wingless usually flattened blood-sucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals; has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect; any of several small insects esp. aphids that feed by sucking the juices from plants
lousiness n. infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus) resulting in severe itching
lousy adj. (informal) very bad; a lousy play; infested with lice; burned their lousy clothes; vile; despicable; a dirty (or lousy) trick
lout n. an awkward stupid person
loutish adj. ill-mannered and coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearance; the loutish manners of a bully
louvar n. large silvery fish found worldwide in warm seas but nowhere common; resembles a whale and feeds on plankton
louver n. one of a set of parallel slats in a door or window to admit air and reject rain
louvered adj. supplied with louvers for ventilation; a louvered door
louvre n. one of a set of parallel slats in a door or window to admit air and reject rain
lovable adj. having characteristics that attract love or affection; a mischievous but lovable child
lovage n. native to southern Europe; cultivated for its edible stalks and foliage and seeds; stalks eaten like celery or candied like Angelica; seeds used for flavoring or pickled like capers
lovastatin n. an oral drug (trade name Mevacor) to reduce blood cholesterol levels; used when dietary changes have proved inadequate
love n. a strong positive emotion of regard and affection; his love for his work; any object of warm affection or devotion@v. have a great affection or liking for; I love French food; get pleasure from; I love cooking
lovebird n. small Australian parakeet usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred in many colors; small African parrot noted for showing affection for their mates
loved adj. held dear; his loved companion of many years
loveless adj. without love; a loveless marriage; receiving no love; a loveless childhood
loveliness n. the quality of being good looking and attractive
lovelorn adj. unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love
lovely adj. appealing to the emotions as well as the eye; lovable especially in a childlike or naive way@n. a very pretty girl who works as a photographer's model
lovemaking n. sexual activities (often including sexual intercourse) between two people; his lovemaking disgusted her
lover n. a person who loves or is loved; an ardent follower
loverlike adj. like or in the manner of a lover
loverly adj. like or in the manner of a lover
lovesick adj. languishing because of love; strong men behaving like lovesick boys
lovesickness n. a pining for a loved one
lovesome adj. having or displaying warmth or affection
lovesong n. a song about love or expressing love for another person
loving adj. feeling or showing love and affection; loving parents
lovingly adv. with fondness; with love
lovingness n. a loving feeling; a quality proceeding from feelings of affection or love
low n. an air mass of lower pressure@adj. less than normal in degree or intensity or amount; low prices; literal meanings@adv. in a low position@v. make a low noise, characteristic of bovines
lowan n. Australian moundbird; incubates eggs naturally in sandy mounds
lowball v. make a low estimate
lowborn adj. of humble birth or origins; a topsy-turvy society of lowborn rich and blue-blooded poor
lowbred adj. (of persons) lacking in refinement or grace
lowbrow n. a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits@adj. characteristic of a person who is not cultivated or does not have intellectual tastes; lowbrow tastes
lowbrowed adj. characteristic of a person who is not cultivated or does not have intellectual tastes
lowdown n. pertinent and especially guarded information
lower n. the lower of two berths@v. move something or somebody to a lower position; set lower; lower a rating; make lower or quieter; cause to drop or sink@adj. (usually preceded by `no)' lower in esteem; inferior in rank or status
lowercase adj. relating to small (not capitalized) letters that were kept in the lower half of a compositor's type case
lowerclassman n. an undergraduate who is not yet a senior
lowered adj. below the surround or below the normal position; with lowered eyes
lowering adj. darkened by clouds@n. the act of causing to become less; the act of causing something to move to a lower level
loweringly adv. in a menacing or scowling way; he looked up loweringly
lowermost adj. farthest down
lowest adv. in the lowest position; nearest the ground; the branch with the big peaches on it hung lowest@adj. minimal in magnitude; lowest wages; at the bottom; lowest or last; lowest in rank or importance
lowland n. low level country@adj. of relatively low or level country
lowlife n. a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
lowly adj. low or inferior in station or quality; a lowly parish priest; inferior in rank or status; a lowly corporal; used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
lowness n. the condition of being low; lacking height
lox n. brine-cured salmon
loxodrome n. a line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction
loyal adj. steadfast in allegiance or duty; loyal subjects; inspired by love for your country; unwavering in devotion to friend or vow or cause; loyal supporters
loyalist n. a person who is loyal to their allegiance (especially in times of revolt)
loyally adv. with loyalty; in a loyal manner; government will not be efficient unless the people as a whole accept leadership loyally and enthusiastically
loyalty n. the quality of being loyal; feelings of allegiance; the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; they felt no loyalty to a losing team
lozenge n. a small aromatic or medicated candy; a dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet
luau n. a Hawaiian feast
lubber n. an awkward stupid person; an inexperienced sailor; a sailor on the first voyage
lubberly adj. clumsy and unskilled; a big stupid lubberly fellow; inexperienced in seamanship; of all landlubbers the most lubberly
lube v. apply lubricants to'
lubricant n. a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
lubricate v. apply a lubricant to; lubricate my car; apply lubricants to' lubricate my car engine
lubricated adj. smeared with oil or grease to reduce friction
lubrication n. an application of a lubricant to something
lubricator n. a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
lubricious adj. having a smooth or slippery quality; the skin of cephalopods is thin and lubricious; characterized by lust; eluding the lubricious embraces of her employer
lucent adj. softly bright or radiant; the lucent moon
lucerne n. important European leguminous forage plant with trifoliate leaves and blue-violet flowers grown widely as a pasture and hay crop
lucid adj. (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable; lucid directions; having a clear mind; a lucid moment in his madness; capable of thinking and expressing yourself in a clear and consistent manner; a lucid thinker
lucidity n. free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression; a lucid state of mind; not confused
lucidly adv. in a clear and lucid manner; this is a lucidly written book
lucifer n. thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
luciferin n. pigment occurring in luminescent organisms (as fireflies); emits heatless light when undergoing oxidation
luck n. your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you):; the luck of the Irish
luckily adv. by good fortune
luckless adj. having or bringing misfortune
lucky adj. blessed with good fortune; considered himself lucky that the tornado missed his house; having or bringing good fortune; my lucky day; tending to favor or bring good luck; lucky stars
lucrative adj. producing a good profit
lucre n. informal terms for money; the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time
lucubration n. a solemn literary work that is the product of laborious cogitation; laborious cogitation
luculent adj. (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
lucullan adj. characterized by extravagance and profusion; a lucullan feast
ludicrous adj. broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce; ludicrous green hair; so devoid of wisdom or good sense as to be laughable; it is ludicrous to call a cottage a mansion
ludicrously adv. so as to arouse or deserve laughter
ludo n. (British) a simple board game in which players move counters according to the throw of dice
luff n. sailing close to the wind@v. sail close to the wind; flap when the wind is blowing equally on both sides; of sails
luffa n. dried fibrous part of the gourd-like fruit of a plant of the genus Luffa; used as a washing sponge or strainer
lug n. a four-cornered sail hoisted from a yard that is oblique to the mast; a projecting piece that is used to lift or support or turn something; marine worms having a row of tufted gills along each side of the back@v. carry with difficulty
luge v. move along on a toboggan@n. a racing sled for one or two people
luger n. someone who races the luge
luggage n. used to carry belongings when traveling
lugger n. a small fishing boat rigged with one or more lugsails
luging n. riding a light one-man toboggan
lugsail n. a four-cornered sail hoisted from a yard that is oblique to the mast
lugubrious adj. excessively mournful
lugubriously adv. in a sorrowful lugubrious manner; his long face lugubriously reflecting a hidden and unexpressed compassion
lugubriousness n. excessive sadness and mournfulness
lugworm n. marine worms having a row of tufted gills along each side of the back; often used for fishing bait
lukewarm adj. moderately warm; he hates lukewarm coffee; feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm; gave only lukewarm support to the candidate
lukewarmly adv. in an unenthusiastically lukewarm manner; he was lukewarmly received by his relatives
lukewarmness n. a warmness resembling the temperature of the skin; lack of passion, force or animation
lull n. a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished; a period of calm weather; there was a lull in the storm@v. calm by deception; become quiet or less intensive; make calm or still
lullaby n. a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep; a quiet song that lulls a child to sleep
lulling adj. causing to become tranquil
lulu n. a very attractive or seductive looking woman
lumbago n. backache affecting the lumbar region or lower back; can be caused by muscle strain or arthritis or vascular insufficiency or a ruptured intervertebral disc
lumbar adj. of or relating to or near the part of the body between the ribs and the hipbones; lumbar vertebrae
lumber v. move heavily or clumsily; cut lumber, as in woods and forests@n. the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material; an implement used in baseball by the batter
lumbering adj. slow and laborious because of weight; moved with a lumbering sag-bellied trot
lumberjack n. a person works at lumbering
lumberman n. a person works at lumbering
lumbermill n. a mill for dressing logs and lumber
lumberyard n. a place where lumber is stocked for sale
lumen n. a unit of luminous flux equal to the amount of light given out through a solid angle of 1 steradian by a point source of 1 candela intensity radiating uniformly in all directions
luminance n. the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light
luminary n. a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
luminescence n. light not due to incandescence; occurs at low temperatures; light from nonthermal sources
luminescent adj. emitting light not caused by heat
luminosity n. the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light; its luminosity is measured relative to that of our sun
luminous adj. softly bright or radiant; a sky luminous with stars
luminousness n. the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light
lummox n. an awkward stupid person
lump v. put together indiscriminately; lump together all the applicants; lump, group, or chunk together@n. a compact mass; abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement; an awkward stupid person; a large piece of something without definite shape
lumpectomy n. surgical removal of a tumor without removing much of the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes; performed in some cases of breast cancer
lumpen adj. mentally sluggish
lumper n. a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
lumpfish n. clumsy soft thick-bodied North Atlantic fish with pelvic fins fused into a sucker; edible roe used for caviar
lumpish adj. mentally sluggish
lumpsucker n. any of several very small lumpfishes
lumpy adj. like or containing small stick lumps; having lumps; not smooth and even in texture; lumpy gravy
lunacy n. obsolete terms for legal insanity
lunar adj. of or relating to or associated with the moon; lunar surface
lunate adj. resembling the new moon in shape
lunatic n. an insane person; a reckless impetuous irresponsible person@adj. (informal) some insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon
lunation n. the period between successive new moons (29.531 days)
lunch n. a midday meal@v. eat lunch; take the midday meal; provide lunch for
luncheon n. a midday meal
luncheonette n. a place where light lunches are sold
luncher n. someone who is eating lunch
lunching n. the act of eating lunch
lunchroom n. a restaurant (in a facility) where lunch can be purchased
lunchtime n. the time for eating lunch; he observed a regular lunchtime
lunette n. temporary fortification like a detached bastion; oval or circular; to allow light into a dome or vault
lung n. either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
lunge v. make a thrusting forward movement@n. the act of moving forward suddenly
lungen n. tree of southeastern Asia to Australia grown primarily for its sweet translucent-fleshed edible fruit resembling litchi nuts; sometimes placed in genera Euphoria or Nephelium
lunger n. a person with pulmonary tuberculosis
lungfish n. air-breathing fish having an elongated body and fleshy paired fins; certain species construct mucus-lined mud coverings in which to survive drought
lungi n. a long piece of brightly colored cloth (cotton or silk) used as clothing (a skirt or loincloth or sash etc.) in India and Pakistan and Burma
lungyi n. a long piece of brightly colored cloth (cotton or silk) used as clothing (a skirt or loincloth or sash etc.) in India and Pakistan and Burma
lunisolar adj. relating to or attributed to the moon and the sun or their mutual relations
lunkhead n. these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence
lunula n. the crescent-shaped area at the base of the human fingernail; a crescent-shaped metal ornament of the Bronze Age
lunule n. the crescent-shaped area at the base of the human fingernail
lupin n. any plant of the genus Lupin; bearing erect spikes of usually purplish-blue flowers
lupine n. any plant of the genus Lupin; bearing erect spikes of usually purplish-blue flowers@adj. of or relating to or characteristic of wolves
lupus n. any of several forms of ulcerative skin disease
lurch v. walk as if unable to control one's movements; move abruptly; move slowly and unsteadily; loiter about, with no apparent aim; defeat by a lurch, as in certain card games; leave someone who needs or counts on you@n. an unsteady uneven gait
lurcher n. someone waiting in concealment
lurching adj. walking unsteadily
lure v. provoke someone to do something through promises or persuasion@n. qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward; anything that serves as an enticement; something used to lure victim into danger
lurid adj. horrible in fierceness or savagery; lurid crimes; glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism; lurid details of the accident; shining with an unnatural red glow as of fire seen through smoke; a lurid sunset
luridly adv. in a lurid manner; it was luridly described in the book as the place where mystics took refuge
luridness n. the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes; unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress); the quality of being ghastly
lurk v. lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner; be about; wait in hiding to attack
lurker n. someone waiting in concealment
lurking adj. concealed and unsuspected; lurking dangers; marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed; a lurking prowler
luscious adj. having strong sexual appeal; extremely pleasing to the sense of taste
lusciously adv. so as to produce a delightful taste
lusciousness n. extreme appetizingness
lush adj. produced or growing in extreme abundance; characterized by extravagance and profusion; full of juice; lush fruits@n. a person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
lushness n. the property of being lush and abundant
lust n. a strong sexual desire; self-indulgent sexual desire (personified as one of the deadly sins)@v. have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
luster n. a quality that outshines the usual; the visual property of something that shines with reflected light; a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain
lusterless adj. lacking brilliance or vitality; a lusterless performance; lacking luster or shine; lusterless hair
lusterlessness n. the property of having little or no contrast
lusterware n. pottery with a metallic sheen produced by adding metallic oxides to the glaze
lustful adj. characterized by lust; her sensuous grace roused his lustful nature; driven by lust; preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires; vigorously passionate
lustfully adv. in a lustful manner; he looked at the young woman lustfully
lustfulness n. a strong sexual desire
lustily adv. in a healthy manner; the young plants grew lustily
lustiness n. the property of strong in constitution
lustral adj. purificatory
lustrate v. purify by means of a ritual; also used in post-Communist countries to refer to the political cleansing of former officials
lustre n. a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain; a quality that outshines the usual; the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
lustreless adj. lacking brilliance or vitality; lacking luster or shine
lustrous adj. made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow; she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves; brilliant; set a lustrous example for others to follow; reflecting light; lustrous auburn hair
lustrum n. a period of five years; (ancient Rome) a ceremonial purification of the Roman population every five years following the census
lusty adj. vigorously passionate; endowed with or exhibiting great bodily or mental health
lutanist n. a musician who plays the lute
lute n. a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid; a plucked instrument having a pear-shaped body, a usually bent neck, and a fretted fingerboard
lutecium n. a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; usually occurs in association with yttrium
lutefisk n. (Scandinavian) dried cod soaked in a lye solution before boiling to give it a gelatinous consistency
lutein n. yellow carotenoid pigments in plants and animal fats and egg yolks
lutenist n. a musician who plays the lute
lutetium n. a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; usually occurs in association with yttrium
lutfisk n. (Scandinavian) dried cod soaked in a lye solution before boiling to give it a gelatinous consistency
luting n. a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid
lutist n. a musician who plays the lute
lux n. a unit of illumination equal to 1 lumen per square meter; 0.0929 foot candle
luxation n. displacement or misalignment of a joint or organ
luxe adj. elegant and sumptuous; a deluxe car
luxuria n. self-indulgent sexual desire (personified as one of the deadly sins)
luxuriance n. the property of being lush and abundant
luxuriant adj. marked by complexity and richness of detail; produced or growing in extreme abundance
luxuriantly adv. in an abundant and luxuriant manner; whiskers grew luxuriantly from his ample jowls; in an elegantly luxuriant way; this suave, culture-loving and luxuriantly good-looking M.P.represents the car-workers of Coventry
luxuriate v. become extravagant; indulge (oneself) luxuriously; enjoy to excess; thrive profusely or flourish extensively
luxurious adj. furnishing gratification of the senses; enjoyed a luxurious suite with a crystal chandelier and thick oriental rugs; rich and superior in quality
luxuriously adv. in an indulgently luxurious manner; she sprawled out luxuriously on the sofa; in a rich manner
luxuriousness n. wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
luxury adj. elegant and sumptuous; a luxury condominium@n. something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity; the quality possessed by something that is excessively expensive; wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
lwei n. 100 lwei equal 1 kwanza
lycaenid n. any of various butterflies of the family Lycaenidae
lycanthrope n. a monster able to change appearance from human to wolf
lycanthropy n. (folklore) the magical ability of a person to assume the characteristics of a wolf
lycee n. a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college; usually grades 9 to 12
lyceum n. a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college; usually grades 9 to 12; a public building for lectures and concerts
lychee n. Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed; often dried
lychgate n. a roofed gate to a churchyard, formerly used as a temporary shelter for the bier during funerals
lychnis n. mostly perennial herbs with sticky stems that catch insects; widespread in north temperate zone
lycopod n. primitive evergreen mosslike plant with spores in club-shaped strobiles
lye n. a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
lygaeid n. a true bug: usually bright-colored; pest of cultivated crops and some fruit trees
lying n. the deliberate act of deviating from the truth@adj. given to lying; a lying witness
lymantriid n. dull-colored moth whose larvae have tufts of hair on the body and feed on the leaves of many deciduous trees
lymph n. a coagulable fluid containing white blood cells (lymphocytes) that is conveyed to the blood stream by lymphatic vessels
lymphangioma n. angioma consisting of a mass of lymphatic vessels
lymphatic adj. of or relating to or produced by lymph
lymphoblast n. an immature lymphocyte
lymphocyte n. an agranulocytic leukocyte that normally makes up a quarter of the white blood cell count but increases in the presence of infection
lymphocytic adj. of or relating to lymphocytes; lymphocytic leukemia
lymphoid adj. resembling lymph or lymphatic tissues
lymphoma n. a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant; one of the four major types of cancer
lynch v. kill without legal sanction; by a mob
lynching n. putting to death by mob action without due process of law
lynchpin n. a central cohesive source of support and stability; a pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on
lynx n. short-tailed wildcats with usually tufted ears; valued for their fur
lyonnaise adj. cooked with onions
lyophilised adj. used of tissue or blood or serum or other biological substances; dried by freezing in a high vacuum
lyophilize v. to dry (blood, serum, tissue, etc.) by freezing in a high vacuum
lyophilized adj. used of tissue or blood or serum or other biological substances; dried by freezing in a high vacuum
lyrate adj. of a leaf shape; having curvature suggestive of a lyre
lyre n. a harp used by ancient Greeks for accompaniment
lyrebird n. Australian bird that resembles a pheasant; the courting male displays long tail feathers in a lyre shape
lyreflower n. garden plant having deep-pink drooping heart-shaped flowers
lyric adj. expressing deep personal emotion; (music; of a singer or singing voice) being light in volume and modest in range; a lyric soprano@n. the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number@v. write lyrics for (a song)
lyrical adj. suitable for or suggestive of singing; expressing deep personal emotion; the dancer's lyrical performance
lyricality n. the property of being suitable for singing
lyrically adv. in a lyrical manner; she danced the part of the Black Swan very lyrically
lyricism n. the property of being suitable for singing; unrestrained and exaggerated enthusiasm
lyricist n. a person who writes the words for songs
lysine n. an essential amino acid; occurs especially in gelatin and casein
lysis n. (biochemistry) dissolution or destruction of cells such as blood cells or bacteria
