You would like to give word a happy home but with so many words in the English Language, you feel a bit lost.
Have a look at our Collins dictionary online. Here you can see for yourself every word in our database, and whether it’s available to adopt. You’ll soon feel inspired.
c
the third letter and second consonant of the modern English alphabet
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C-
cargo transport
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C-spanner
a sickle-shaped spanner having a projection at the end of the curve, used for turning large narrow nuts that have an indentation into which the projection on the spanner fits
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c.
carat
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c.c.c.
cwmni cyfyngedig cyhoeddus; a public limited company in Wales
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c.i.f.
cost, insurance, and freight (included in the price quoted)
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c.i.f.c.i.
cost, insurance, freight, commission, and interest (included in the price quoted)
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c.w.o.
cash with order
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c/-
care of
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C/A
capital account
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c/d
carried down
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c/f
carried forward
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C/N
credit note
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c/o
care of
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C1
a person whose job is supervisory or clerical, or who works in junior management
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C2
a skilled manual worker, or a manual worker with responsibility for other people
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C3
in poor health or having a poor physique
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C4
a type of plastic explosive
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ca
Canada
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ca'canny
moderation or wariness
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ca.
circa
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caa
a Scot word for call
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Caaba
a variant spelling of Kaaba
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cab
a taxi
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cabal
a small group of intriguers, esp one formed for political purposes
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cabala
a variant spelling of kabbalah
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cabalism
A derivative of cabala
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caballero
a Spanish gentleman
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cabana
a tent used as a dressing room by the sea
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cabaret
a floor show of dancing, singing, or other light entertainment at a nightclub or restaurant
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cabbage
any of various cultivated varieties of the plant Brassica oleracea capitata, typically having a short thick stalk and a large head of green or reddish edible leaves: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)
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Cabbagetown
a former slum area of Toronto, now known for its Victorian architecture and thriving arts community
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cabbageworm
any caterpillar that feeds on cabbages, esp that of the cabbage white
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cabbala
a variant spelling of kabbalah
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cabbalism
A derivative of cabbala
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cabbie
a cab driver
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Chris Difford
Reason for adoption: i love it
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CABE
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
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caber
a heavy section of trimmed tree trunk thrown in competition at Highland games (tossing the caber)
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cabezon
a large food fish, Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, of North American Pacific coastal waters, having greenish flesh: family Cottidae (bullheads and sea scorpions)
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Cabimas
a town in NW Venezuela, on the NE shore of Lake Maracaibo. Pop: 284 000 (2005 est)
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cabin
a small simple dwelling; hut
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Cabinda
an exclave of Angola, separated from the rest of the country by part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaïre). Pop: 174 000 (1993 est). Area: 7270 sq km (2807 sq miles)
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cabinet
a piece of furniture containing shelves, cupboards, or drawers for storage or display
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cabinet-maker
a craftsman specializing in the making of fine furniture
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cabinetwork
the making of furniture, esp of fine quality
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cable
a strong thick rope, usually of twisted hemp or steel wire
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cable-laid
(of a rope) made of three plain-laid ropes twisted together in a left-handed direction
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cablegram
a more formal name for cable
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cablet
a small cable, esp a cable-laid rope that has a circumference of less than 25 centimetres (ten inches)
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cableway
a system for moving people or bulk materials in which suspended cars, buckets, etc, run on cables that extend between terminal towers
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cabman
the driver of a cab
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cabob
a variant of kebab
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cabochon
a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted
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caboodle
a lot, bunch, or group (esp in the phrases the whole caboodle, the whole kit and caboodle)
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Jon Harvey
Reason for adoption: Because I like the idea of getting the whole caboodle making the future happen
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caboose
a guard's van, esp one with sleeping and eating facilities for the train crew
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cabotage
coastal navigation or shipping, esp within the borders of one country
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cabover
of or denoting a truck or lorry in which the cab is over the engine
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cabretta
a soft leather obtained from the skins of certain South American or African sheep
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cabrilla
any of various serranid food fishes, esp Epinephelus analogus, occurring in warm seas around Florida and the Caribbean
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cabrio
short for cabriolet
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cabriole
a type of furniture leg, popular in the first half of the 18th century, in which an upper convex curve descends tapering to a concave curve
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cabriolet
a small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with two seats and a folding hood
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cacao
a small tropical American evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, having yellowish flowers and reddish-brown seed pods from which cocoa and chocolate are prepared: family Sterculiaceae
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cacciatore
prepared with tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and other seasonings
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Cáceres
a city in W Spain: held by the Moors (1142--1229). Pop: 87 088 (2003 est)
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cachalot
another name for sperm whale
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cache
a hidden store of provisions, weapons, treasure, etc
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cachepot
an ornamental container for a flowerpot
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cachet
an official seal on a document, letter, etc
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cachexia
a generally weakened condition of body or mind resulting from any debilitating chronic disease
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cachinnate
to laugh loudly
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cachinnation
raucous laughter
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cachou
a lozenge eaten to sweeten the breath
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cachucha
a graceful Spanish solo dance in triple time
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cacique
Native American chief in a Spanish-speaking region
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caciquism
(esp in Spanish America) government by local political bosses
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cack-handed
left-handed
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cackermander
a friend
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cackle
(esp of a hen) to squawk with shrill notes
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cackleberry
a slang word for egg
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cacky
of or like excrement
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caco-
bad, unpleasant, or incorrect
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cacodemon
an evil spirit or devil
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cacodyl
an oily poisonous liquid with a strong garlic smell; tetramethyldiarsine. Formula: [(CH3)2As]2
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cacoepy
bad or mistaken pronunciation
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cacoethes
an uncontrollable urge or desire, esp for something harmful; mania
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cacogenic
A derivative of cacogenics
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cacogenics
another name for dysgenics
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cacography
bad handwriting
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cacology
a bad choice of words; faulty speech
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Robert Page
Reason for adoption: We like it!
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cacomistle
a catlike omnivorous mammal, Bassariscus astutus, of S North America, related to but smaller than the raccoons: family Procyonidae, order Carnivora (carnivores). It has yellowish-grey fur and a long bushy tail banded in black and white
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cacophonous
jarring in sound; discordant; harsh
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cacophony
harsh discordant sound; dissonance
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cactoblastis
a moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, that was introduced into Australia to act as a biological control on the prickly pear
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cactus
any spiny succulent plant of the family Cactaceae of the arid regions of America. Cactuses have swollen tough stems, leaves reduced to spines or scales, and often large brightly coloured flowers
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mrs Michelle Ross
Reason for adoption: He is the 'Cactus Man'!
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cacuminal
relating to or denoting a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue turned back towards the hard palate
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cad
a man who does not behave in a gentlemanly manner towards others
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cadaga
a eucalyptus tree, E. torelliana, of tropical and subtropical Australia, having a smooth green trunk
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cadaster
an official register showing details of ownership, boundaries, and value of real property in a district, made for taxation purposes
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cadaver
a corpse
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cadaverine
a toxic diamine with an unpleasant smell, produced by protein hydrolysis during putrefaction of animal tissue. Formula: NH2(CH2)5NH2
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cadaverous
of or like a corpse, esp in being deathly pale; ghastly
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CADCAM
computer-aided design and manufacture
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caddie
an attendant who carries clubs, etc, for a player
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caddis
a type of coarse woollen yarn, braid, or fabric
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Caddoan
a family of Native American languages, including Pawnee, formerly spoken in a wide area of the Midwest, and probably distantly related to Siouan
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caddy
a small container, esp for tea
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cade
a juniper tree, Juniperus oxycedrus of the Mediterranean region, the wood of which yields an oily brown liquid (oil of cade) used to treat skin ailments
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cadelle
a widely distributed beetle, Tenebroides mauritanicus, that feeds on flour, grain, and other stored foods, as well as on other insects: family Trogositidae
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cadence
the beat or measure of something rhythmic
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cadency
the line of descent from a younger member of a family
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cadent
having cadence; rhythmic
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cadenza
a virtuoso solo passage occurring near the end of a piece of music, formerly improvised by the soloist but now usually specially composed
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cadet
a young person undergoing preliminary training, usually before full entry to the uniformed services, police, etc, esp for officer status
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cadge
to get (food, money, etc) by sponging or begging
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cadger
a person who cadges
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cadi
a judge in a Muslim community
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Cádiz
a port in SW Spain, on a narrow peninsula that forms the Bay of Cádiz at the E end of the Gulf of Cádiz founded about 1100 bc as a Phoenician trading colony; centre of trade with America from the 16th to 18th centuries. Pop: 134 989 (2003 est)
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cadmium
a malleable ductile toxic bluish-white metallic element that occurs in association with zinc ores. It is used in electroplating, alloys, and as a neutron absorber in the control of nuclear fission. Symbol: Cd; atomic no: 48; atomic wt: 112.411; valency: 2; relative density: 8.65; melting pt: 321.1°C; boiling pt: 767°C
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Cadmus
a Phoenician prince who killed a dragon and planted its teeth, from which sprang a multitude of warriors who fought among themselves until only five remained, who joined Cadmus to found Thebes
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cadre
the nucleus of trained professional servicemen forming the basis for the training of new units or other military expansion
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caduceus
a staff entwined with two serpents and bearing a pair of wings at the top, carried by Hermes (Mercury) as messenger of the gods
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caducibranchiate
(of many amphibians, such as frogs) having gills during one stage of the life cycle only
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caducity
perishableness
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caducous
(of parts of a plant or animal) shed during the life of the organism
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CAE
computer-aided engineering
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caecilian
any tropical limbless cylindrical amphibian of the order Apoda (or Gymnophiona), resembling earthworms and inhabiting moist soil
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Caelian
the southeasternmost of the Seven Hills of Rome
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Caelum
a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Eridanus
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Caen
an industrial city in NW France. Pop: 113 987 (1999)
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caenogenesis
the development of structures and organs in an embryo or larva that are adaptations to its way of life and are not retained in the adult form
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Caenozoic
a variant spelling of Cenozoic
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caeoma
an aecium in some rust fungi that has no surrounding membrane
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Caerleon
a town in SE Wales, in Newport county borough on the River Usk: traditionally the seat of King Arthur's court. Pop: 9392 (2001)
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Caernarfon
a port and resort in NW Wales, in Gwynedd on the Menai Strait: 13th-century castle. Pop: 9726 (2001)
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Caernarvonshire
(until 1974) a county of NW Wales, now part of Gwynedd
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Caerphilly
a market town in SE Wales, in Caerphilly county borough: site of the largest castle in Wales (13th--14th centuries). Pop: 31 060 (2001)
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caesalpinoid
of, relating to, or belonging to the Caesalpinoideae, a mainly tropical subfamily of leguminous plants that have irregular flowers: includes carob, senna, brazil, cassia, and poinciana
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Caesar
any Roman emperor
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Caesaraugusta
the Latin name for Zaragoza
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Caesarea
an ancient port in NW Israel, capital of Roman Palestine: founded by Herod the Great
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Caesarean
of or relating to any of the Caesars, esp Julius Caesar (100--44 bc), Roman general, statesman, and historian
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Caesarism
an autocratic system of government
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caesious
having a waxy bluish-grey coating
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caesium
a ductile silvery-white element of the alkali metal group that is the most electropositive metal. It occurs in pollucite and lepidolite and is used in photocells. The radioisotope caesium-137, with a half-life of 30.2 years, is used in radiotherapy. Symbol: Cs; atomic no: 55; atomic wt: 132.90543; valency: 1; relative density: 1.873; melting pt: 28.39±0.01°C; boiling pt: 671°C
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caespitose
growing in dense tufts
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caesura
(in modern prosody) a pause, esp for sense, usually near the middle of a verse line
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CAF
cost and freight
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cafard
a feeling of severe depression
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café
a small or inexpensive restaurant or coffee bar, serving light meals and refreshments
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cafeteria
a self-service restaurant
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cafetiere
a kind of coffeepot in which boiling water is poured onto ground coffee and a plunger fitted with a metal filter is pressed down, forcing the grounds to the bottom
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caff
a slang word for café
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caffeinated
with no natural caffeine removed
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caffeine
a white crystalline bitter alkaloid responsible for the stimulant action of tea, coffee, and cocoa: a constituent of many tonics and analgesics. Formula: C8H10N4O2
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caftan
a variant spelling of kaftan
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cag
short for cagoule
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cag-handed
a variant of cack-handed
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caganer
a figure of a squatting defecating person, a traditional character in Catalan Christmas crèche scenes
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cage
an enclosure, usually made with bars or wire, for keeping birds, monkeys, mice, etc
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cageling
a bird kept in a cage
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cagey
not open or frank; cautious; wary
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Cagliari
a port in Italy, the capital of Sardinia, on the S coast. Pop: 164 249 (2001)
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cagmag
done shoddily; left incomplete
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cagoule
a lightweight usually knee-length type of anorak
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cahoots
partnership; league (esp in the phrases go in cahoots with, go cahoot)
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CAI
computer-aided instruction
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Caiaphas
the high priest at the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching and during the trial of Jesus (Luke 3:2; Matthew 26)
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cailleach
an old woman
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caiman
a variant spelling of cayman
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cain
(in Scotland and Ireland) payment in kind, usually farm produce paid as rent
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cainogenesis
a variant spelling of caenogenesis
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cainogenetic
A derivative of cainogenesis
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Cainozoic
a variant of Cenozoic
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caïque
a long narrow light rowing skiff used on the Bosporus
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caird
a travelling tinker; vagrant
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Cairene
of or relating to Cairo or its inhabitants
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cairn
a mound of stones erected as a memorial or marker
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cairngorm
a smoky yellow, grey, or brown variety of quartz, used as a gemstone
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Cairns
a port in NE Australia, in Queensland. Pop: 98 981 (2001)
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Cairo
the capital of Egypt, on the Nile: the largest city in Africa and in the Middle East; industrial centre; site of the university and mosque of Al Azhar (founded in 972). Pop: 11 146 000 (2005 est)
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caisson
a watertight chamber open at the bottom and containing air under pressure, used to carry out construction work under water
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Caithness
(until 1975) a county of NE Scotland, now part of Highland
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caitiff
a cowardly or base person
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cajeput
a variant spelling of cajuput
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cajole
to persuade (someone) by flattery or pleasing talk to do what one wants; wheedle; coax
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Cajun
a native of Louisiana descended from 18th-century Acadian immigrants
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cajuput
a small myrtaceous tree or shrub, Melaleuca leucadendron, native to the East Indies and Australia, with whitish flowers and leaves
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cake
a baked food, usually in loaf or layer form, typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Miss SAM PEARCE
Reason for adoption: because I like baking it & eating it & it makes Mum's The Boss meetings special
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cakewalk
a dance based on a march with intricate steps, originally performed by African-Americans with the prize of a cake for the best performers
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CAL
computer-aided (or -assisted) learning
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cal.
calibre
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Calabar
a port in SE Nigeria, capital of Cross River state. Pop: 418 000 (2005 est)
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calabash
a tropical American evergreen tree, Crescentia cujete, that produces large round gourds: family Bignoniaceae
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calabogus
a mixed drink containing rum, spruce beer, and molasses
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calaboose
a prison; jail
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calabrese
a variety of green sprouting broccoli
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Calabria
a region of SW Italy: mostly mountainous and subject to earthquakes. Chief town: Reggio di Calabria. Pop: 2 007 392 (2003 est). Area: 15 080 sq km (5822 sq miles)
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Calabrian
of or relating to Calabria or its inhabitants
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caladium
any of various tropical plants of the aroid genus Caladium, which are widely cultivated as potted plants for their colourful variegated foliage
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Calais
a port in N France, on the Strait of Dover: the nearest French port to England; belonged to England 1347--1558. Pop: 77 333 (1999)
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calalu
the edible leaves of various plants, used as greens or in making thick soups
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calamanco
a glossy woollen fabric woven with a checked design that shows on one side only
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calamander
the hard black-and-brown striped wood of several trees of the genus Diospyros, esp D. quaesita of India and Sri Lanka, used in making furniture: family Ebenaceae
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calamari
squid cooked for eating, esp cut into rings and fried in batter
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calamine
a pink powder consisting of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, (iron(III) oxide), used medicinally in the form of soothing lotions or ointments
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calamint
any aromatic Eurasian plant of the genus Satureja (or Calamintha), having clusters of purple or pink flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
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calamite
any extinct treelike plant of the genus Calamites, of Carboniferous times, related to the horsetails
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calamitous
causing, involving, or resulting in a calamity; disastrous
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calamity
a disaster or misfortune, esp one causing extreme havoc, distress, or misery
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calamondin
a small citrus tree, Citrus mitis, of the Philippines
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calamus
any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus, some species of which are a source of rattan and canes
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calando
(to be performed) with gradually decreasing tone and speed
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calandria
a cylindrical vessel through which vertical tubes pass, esp one forming part of an evaporator, heat exchanger, or nuclear reactor
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calash
a horse-drawn carriage with low wheels and a folding top
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calathea
any plant of the S. American perennial genus Calathea, many species of which are grown as greenhouse or house plants for their decorative variegated leaves, esp the zebra plant (C. zebrina), the leaves of which are purplish below and dark green with lighter stripes above: family Marantaceae
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calathus
a vase-shaped basket represented in ancient Greek art, used as a symbol of fruitfulness
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calaverite
a metallic pale yellow mineral consisting of a telluride of gold in the form of elongated striated crystals. It is a source of gold in Australia and North America. Formula: AuTe2
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calc-
a variant of calci-
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calc-tufa
another name for tufa
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calcaneus
the largest tarsal bone, forming the heel in man
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calcar
a spur or spurlike process, as on the leg of a bird or the corolla of a flower
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calcareous
of, containing, or resembling calcium carbonate; chalky
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calcariferous
having a spur or spurs
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calceiform
shaped like a shoe or slipper
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calceolaria
any tropical American scrophulariaceous plant of the genus Calceolaria: cultivated for its speckled slipper-shaped flowers
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calces
a plural of calx
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Calchas
a soothsayer who assisted the Greeks in the Trojan War
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calci-
indicating lime or calcium
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calcic
of, containing, or concerned with lime or calcium
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calcicole
any plant that thrives in lime-rich soils
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calciferol
a fat-soluble steroid, found esp in fish-liver oils, produced by the action of ultraviolet radiation on ergosterol. It increases the absorption of calcium from the intestine and is used in the treatment of rickets. Formula: C28H43OH
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calciferous
forming or producing salts of calcium, esp calcium carbonate
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calcific
forming or causing to form lime or chalk
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calcification
the process of calcifying or becoming calcified
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calcifuge
any plant that thrives in acid soils but not in lime-rich soils
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calcify
to convert or be converted into lime
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calcimine
a white or pale tinted wash for walls
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calcine
to heat (a substance) so that it is oxidized, reduced, or loses water
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calcinosis
the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in the tissues of the body
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calcite
a colourless or white mineral (occasionally tinged with impurities), found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, in veins, in limestone, and in stalagmites and stalactites. It is used in the manufacture of cement, plaster, paint, glass, and fertilizer. Composition: calcium carbonate. Formula: CaCO3. Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral)
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calcitonin
a hormone secreted by the thyroid that inhibits the release of calcium from the skeleton and prevents a build-up of calcium in the blood
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calcium
a malleable silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust (3.6 per cent), occurring esp as forms of calcium carbonate. It is an essential constituent of bones and teeth and is used as a deoxidizer in steel. Symbol: Ca; atomic no: 20; atomic wt: 40.078; valency: 2; relative density: 1.55; melting pt: 842±2°C; boiling pt: 1494°C
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calcrete
another name for caliche
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calcsinter
another name for travertine
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calcspar
another name for calcite
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calculable
that may be computed or estimated
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calculate
to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute
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calculated
undertaken after considering the likelihood of success or failure
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calculating
selfishly scheming
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calculation
the act, process, or result of calculating
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calculator
a device for performing mathematical calculations, esp an electronic device that can be held in the hand
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calculous
of or suffering from a calculus
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calculus
a branch of mathematics, developed independently by Newton and Leibniz. Both differential calculus and integral calculus are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero
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Calcutta
a port in E India, capital of West Bengal state, on the Hooghly River: former capital of the country (1833--1912); major commercial and industrial centre; three universities. Pop: 4 580 544 (2001)
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caldarium
(in ancient Rome) a room for taking hot baths
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caldera
a large basin-shaped crater at the top of a volcano, formed by the collapse or explosion of the cone
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Calderdale
a unitary authority in N England, in West Yorkshire. Pop: 193 200 (2003 est). Area: 364 sq km (140 sq miles)
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caldron
a variant spelling of cauldron
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calèche
a variant of calash
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Caledonia
the Roman name for Scotland
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Caledonian
of or relating to Scotland
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calefacient
causing warmth
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calefactory
giving warmth
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calendar
a system for determining the beginning, length, and order of years and their divisions
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr CHRIS MEADS
Reason for adoption: 50TH BIRTHDAY GIFT ON 13TH MAY 2010
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calender
a machine in which paper or cloth is glazed or smoothed by passing between rollers
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calends
the first day of each month in the ancient Roman calendar
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calendula
any Eurasian plant of the genus Calendula, esp the pot marigold, having orange-and-yellow rayed flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)
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calenture
a mild fever of tropical climates, similar in its symptoms to sunstroke
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calf
the young of cattle, esp domestic cattle
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calfskin
the skin or hide of a calf
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Calgary
a city in Canada, in S Alberta: centre of a large agricultural region; oilfields. Pop: 879 277 (2001)
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Calgon
a chemical compound, sodium hexametaphosphate, with water-softening properties, used in detergents
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Cali
a city in SW Colombia: commercial centre in a rich agricultural region. Pop: 2 583 000 (2005 est)
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Caliban
a brutish or brutalized man
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calibrate
to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc)
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calibre
the diameter of a cylindrical body, esp the internal diameter of a tube or the bore of a firearm
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calices
the plural of calix
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caliche
a bed of sand or clay in arid regions cemented by calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, and other soluble minerals
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calicle
a variant spelling of calycle
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calico
a white or unbleached cotton fabric with no printed design
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calicular
A derivative of calicle
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Calicut
the former name for Kozhikode
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calif
a variant spelling of caliph
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Calif.
California
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califate
a variant spelling of caliphate
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califont
a gas water heater
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California
a state on the W coast of the US: the third largest state in area and the largest in population; consists of a narrow, warm coastal plain rising to the Coast Range, deserts in the south, the fertile central valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the east; major industries include the growing of citrus fruits and grapes, fishing, oil production, electronics, information technology, and films. Capital: Sacramento. Pop: 35 484 453 (2003 est). Area: 411 015 sq km (158 693 sq miles)
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Californian
of or relating to California or its inhabitants
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californium
a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from curium. Symbol: Cf; atomic no: 98; half-life of most stable isotope, 251Cf: 800 years (approx.)
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caliginous
dark; dim
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Calimere
a cape on the SE coast of India, on the Palk Strait
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calipash
the greenish glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the upper shell, considered a delicacy
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calipee
the yellow glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the lower shell, considered a delicacy
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caliper
the usual US spelling of calliper
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caliph
the title of the successors of Mohammed as rulers of the Islamic world, later assumed by the Sultans of Turkey
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caliphate
the office, jurisdiction, or reign of a caliph
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calisaya
the bark of any of several tropical trees of the rubiaceous genus Cinchona, esp C. calisaya, from which quinine is extracted
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calisthenic
A derivative of calisthenics
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calisthenics
a variant spelling (esp US) of callisthenics
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calix
a cup; chalice
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calk
a variant spelling of caulk
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call
to speak or utter (words, sounds, etc) loudly so as to attract attention
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call-and-response
a form of interaction between a speaker and one or more listeners, in which every utterance of the speaker elicits a verbal or non-verbal response from the listener or listeners
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calla
any southern African plant of the aroid genus Zantedeschia, esp Z. aethiopica, which has a white funnel-shaped spathe enclosing a yellow spadix
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callable
(of a security) subject to redemption before maturity
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callais
a green stone found as beads and ornaments in the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age of W Europe
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Callanetics
a system of exercise involving frequent repetition of small muscular movements and squeezes, designed to improve muscle tone
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callant
a youth; lad
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Callao
a port in W Peru, near Lima, on Callao Bay: chief import centre of Peru. Pop: 407 904 (1998 est)
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callboy
a person who notifies actors when it is time to go on stage
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caller
a person or thing that calls, esp a person who makes a brief visit
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calli-
beautiful
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calligraphy
handwriting, esp beautiful handwriting considered as an art
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calling
a strong inner urge to follow an occupation, etc; vocation
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calliope
a steam organ
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calliopsis
another name for coreopsis
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callipash
a variant spelling of calipash
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calliper
an instrument for measuring internal or external dimensions, consisting of two steel legs hinged together
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callistemon
another name for bottlebrush
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callisthenics
light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc
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Callisto
a nymph who attracted the love of Zeus and was changed into a bear by Hera. Zeus then set her in the sky as the constellation Ursa Major
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callop
an edible freshwater fish, Plectroplites ambiguus, of Australia, often golden or pale yellow in colour
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callose
a carbohydrate, a polymer of glucose, found in plants, esp in the sieve tubes
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callosity
hardheartedness
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callous
unfeeling; insensitive
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callow
lacking experience of life; immature
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callus
an area of skin that is hard or thick, esp on the palm of the hand or sole of the foot, as from continual friction or pressure
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calm
almost without motion; still
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Neil Robinson
Reason for adoption: Its a healthy way to live...
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calmative
(of a remedy or agent) sedative
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calmodulin
a protein found in most living cells; it regulates many enzymic processes that are dependent on calcium
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calomel
a colourless tasteless powder consisting chiefly of mercurous chloride, used medicinally, esp as a cathartic. Formula: Hg2Cl2
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calorescence
the absorption of radiation by a body, subsequently re-emitted at a higher frequency (lower wavelength)
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caloric
of or concerned with heat or calories
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calorie
a unit of heat, equal to 4.1868 joules (International Table calorie): formerly defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C under standard conditions. It has now largely been replaced by the joule for scientific purposes
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calorific
of, concerning, or generating heat
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calorimeter
an apparatus for measuring amounts of heat, esp to find specific heat capacities, calorific values, etc
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calorize
to coat (a ferrous metal) by spraying with aluminium powder and then heating
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calotte
a skullcap worn by Roman Catholic clergy
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calotype
an early photographic process invented by W. H. Fox Talbot, in which the image was produced on paper treated with silver iodide and developed by sodium thiosulphite
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caloyer
a monk of the Greek Orthodox Church, esp of the Basilian Order
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calpac
a large black brimless hat made of sheepskin or felt, worn by men in parts of the Near East
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Calpe
the ancient name for (the Rock of) Gibraltar
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calque
another word for loan translation
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Caltanissetta
a city in central Sicily: sulphur mines. Pop: 61 438 (2001)
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Caltech
the California Institute of Technology
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caltrop
any tropical or subtropical plant of the zygophyllaceous genera Tribulus and Kallstroemia that have spiny burs or bracts
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calumet
a less common name for peace pipe
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calumniate
to slander
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calumnious
of or using calumny
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calumny
the malicious utterance of false charges or misrepresentation; slander; defamation
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calutron
a device used for the separation of isotopes
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Calvados
a department of N France in the Basse-Normandie region. Capital: Caen. Pop: 659 893 (2003 est). Area: 5693 sq km (2198 sq miles)
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calvaria
the top part of the skull of vertebrates
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calvary
a representation of Christ's crucifixion, usually sculptured and in the open air
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calve
to give birth to (a calf)
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calves
the plural of calf
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Calvinism
the theological system of John Calvin (original name Jean Cauvin, Caulvin, or Chauvin.; 1509--64), the French theologian and leader of the Protestant Reformation, and his followers, characterized by emphasis on the doctrines of predestination, the irresistibility of grace, and justification by faith
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calvities
baldness
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calx
the powdery metallic oxide formed when an ore or mineral is roasted
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calyces
a plural of calyx
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calycine
relating to, belonging to, or resembling a calyx
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calycle
a cup-shaped structure, as in the coral skeleton
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calypso
a popular type of satirical, usually topical, West Indian ballad, esp from Trinidad, usually extemporized to a percussive syncopated accompaniment
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calypsonian
a performer or writer of calypsos
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calyptra
a membranous hood covering the spore-bearing capsule of mosses and liverworts
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calyptrogen
a layer of rapidly dividing cells at the tip of a plant root, from which the root cap is formed. It occurs in grasses and many other plants
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calyx
the sepals of a flower collectively, forming the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud
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calzone
a dish of Italian origin consisting of pizza dough folded over a filling of cheese and tomatoes, herbs, ham, etc
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cam
a slider or roller attached to a rotating shaft to give a particular type of reciprocating motion to a part in contact with its profile
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cama
the hybrid offspring of a camel and a llama
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Camagüey
a city in E central Cuba. Pop: 320 000 (2005 est)
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camail
a neck and shoulders covering of mail worn with and laced to the basinet
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caman
the wooden stick used to hit the ball
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camaraderie
a spirit of familiarity and trust existing between friends
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Camargue
a delta region in S France, between the channels of the Grand and Petit Rhône: cattle, esp bulls for the Spanish bullrings, and horses are reared
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camarilla
a group of confidential advisers, esp formerly, to the Spanish kings; cabal
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camass
any of several North American plants of the liliaceous genus Camassia, esp C. quamash, which has a cluster of blue or white flowers and a sweet edible bulb
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Camb.
Cambridge
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Cambay
an inlet of the Arabian Sea on the W coast of India, southeast of the Kathiawar Peninsula
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camber
a slight upward curve to the centre of the surface of a road, ship's deck, etc
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cambist
a dealer or expert in foreign exchange
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cambium
a meristem that increases the girth of stems and roots by producing additional xylem and phloem
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Cambodia
a country in SE Asia: became part of French Indochina in 1887; achieved self-government in 1949 and independence in 1953; civil war (1970--74) ended in victory for the Khmer Rouge, who renamed the country Kampuchea (1975) and carried out extreme-radical political and economic reforms resulting in a considerable reduction of the population; Vietnamese forces ousted the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and set up a pro-Vietnamese government who reverted (1981) to the name Cambodia; after Vietnamese withdrawal in 1989 a peace settlement with exiled factions was followed in 1993 by the adoption of a democratic monarchist constitution restoring Prince Sihanouk to the throne. The country contains the central plains of the Mekong River and the Cardamom Mountains in the SW. Official language: Khmer; French is also widely spoken. Currency: riel. Capital: Phnom Penh. Pop: 14 482 000 (2004 est). Area: 181 000 sq km (69 895 sq miles)
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Cambodian
of or relating to Cambodia or its inhabitants
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cambogia
another name for gamboge
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camboose
a cabin built as living quarters for a gang of lumbermen
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Camborne-Redruth
a former (until 1974) urban district in SW England, in Cornwall: formed in 1934 by the amalgamation of the neighbouring towns of Camborne and Redruth. Pop: 39 936 (2001)
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Cambrai
a town in NE France: textile industry: scene of a battle in which massed tanks were first used and broke through the German line (November, 1917). Pop: 33 738 (1999)
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cambrel
a variant of gambrel
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Cambria
the Medieval Latin name for Wales
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Cambrian
of, denoting, or formed in the first 65 million years of the Palaeozoic era, during which marine invertebrates, esp trilobites, flourished
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cambric
a fine white linen or cotton fabric
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Cambridge
a city in E England, administrative centre of Cambridgeshire, on the River Cam: centred around the university, founded in the 12th century: electronics, biotechnology. Pop: 117 717 (2001)
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Cambridgeshire
a county of E England, in East Anglia: includes the former counties of the Isle of Ely and Huntingdon and lies largely in the Fens: Peterborough became an independent unitary authority in 1998. Administrative centre: Cambridge. Pop (excluding Peterborough): 571 000 (2003 est). Area (excluding Peterborough): 3068 sq km (184 sq miles)
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Cambs
Cambridgeshire
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camcorder
a video camera and recorder combined in a portable unit
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Camden
a borough of N Greater London. Pop: 210 700 (2003 est). Area: 21 sq km (8 sq miles)
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came
the past tense of come
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camel
either of two cud-chewing artiodactyl mammals of the genus Camelus: family Camelidae. They are adapted for surviving long periods without food or water in desert regions, esp by using humps on the back for storing fat
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Ms Elizabeth Hare
Reason for adoption: Nabbie likes Camels
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cameleer
a camel-driver
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camelid
of or relating to camels
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camellia
any ornamental shrub of the Asian genus Camellia, esp C. japonica, having glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers, usually white, pink or red in colour: family Theaceae
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camelopard
an obsolete word for giraffe
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Camelopardus
a faint extensive constellation in the N hemisphere close to Ursa Major and Cassiopeia
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Camelot
(in Arthurian legend) the English town where King Arthur's palace and court were situated
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Camembert
a rich soft creamy cheese
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Camenae
a group of nymphs originally associated with a sacred spring in Rome, later identified with the Greek Muses
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cameo
a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief
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camera
an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr James Beston
Reason for adoption: Because it is the most important word to her, outside of her family.
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camera-shy
having an aversion to being photographed or filmed
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cameral
of or relating to a judicial or legislative chamber
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cameraman
a person who operates a film or television camera
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camerlengo
a cardinal who acts as the pope's financial secretary and the papal treasurer
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Cameroon
a republic in West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: became a German colony in 1884; divided in 1919 into the Cameroons (administered by Britain) and Cameroun (administered by France); Cameroun and the S part of the Cameroons formed a republic in 1961 (the N part joined Nigeria); became a member of the Commonwealth in 1995. Official languages: French and English. Religions: Christian, Muslim, and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Yaoundé. Pop: 16 296 000 (2004 est). Area: 475 500 sq km (183 591 sq miles)
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Cameroun
the French name for Cameroon
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camiknickers
women's knickers attached to a camisole top
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camion
a lorry, or, esp formerly, a large dray
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camisado
(formerly) an attack made under cover of darkness
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camise
a loose light shirt, smock, or tunic originally worn in the Middle Ages
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camisole
a woman's underbodice with shoulder straps, originally designed as a cover for a corset
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camlet
a tough waterproof cloth
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camo
short for camouflage
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Miss Michelle Orton
Reason for adoption: Because it's a shortened version of his name!!!
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camogie
a form of hurling played by women
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camomile
any aromatic plant of the Eurasian genus Anthemis, esp A. nobilis, whose finely dissected leaves and daisy-like flowers are used medicinally: family Asteraceae (composites)
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camoodi
a Caribbean name for anaconda
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Camorra
a secret society organized in about 1820 in Naples, which thrives on blackmail and extortion
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camouflage
the exploitation of natural surroundings or artificial aids to conceal or disguise the presence of military units, equipment, etc
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camp
a place where tents, cabins, or other temporary structures are erected for the use of military troops, for training soldiers, etc
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camp-drafting
a competitive test, esp at an agricultural show, of horsemen's skill in drafting cattle
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campagna
another word for champaign
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campaign
a series of coordinated activities, such as public speaking and demonstrating, designed to achieve a social, political, or commercial goal
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Campania
a region of SW Italy: includes the islands of Capri and Ischia. Chief town: Naples. op.: 5 725 098 (2003 est). Area: 13 595 sq km (5248 sq miles)
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campanile
(esp in Italy) a bell tower, not usually attached to another building
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campanology
the art or skill of ringing bells musically
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campanula
any N temperate plant of the campanulaceous genus Campanula, typically having blue or white bell-shaped flowers
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campanulaceous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Campanulaceae, a family of temperate and subtropical plants, including the campanulas, having bell-shaped nodding flowers
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campanulate
(esp of flower corollas) shaped like a bell
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Campeche
a state of SE Mexico, on the SW of the Yucatán peninsula: forestry and fishing. Capital: Campeche. Pop: 205 000 (2005 est). Area: 56 114 sq km (21 666 sq miles)
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camper
a person who lives or temporarily stays in a tent, cabin, etc
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camper van
a motor caravan
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campestral
of or relating to open fields or country
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campfire
an outdoor fire in a camp, esp one used for cooking or as a focal point for community events
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camphene
a colourless crystalline insoluble optically active terpene derived from pinene and present in many essential oils. Formula: C10H16
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camphire
an archaic name for henna
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camphor
a whitish crystalline aromatic terpene ketone obtained from the wood of the camphor tree or made from pinene: used in the manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a liniment and treatment for colds. Formula: C10H16O
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camphorate
to apply, treat with, or impregnate with camphor
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campimetry
a technique for assessing the central part of the visual field
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Campinas
a city in SE Brazil, in São Paulo state: centre of a rich agricultural region, producing esp coffee. Pop: 2 640 000 (2005 est)
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campion
any of various caryophyllaceous plants of the genera Silene and Lychnis, having red, pink, or white flowers
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campo
level or undulating savanna country, esp in the uplands of Brazil
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Campobello
an island in the Bay of Fundy, off the coast of SE Canada: part of New Brunswick province. Area: about 52 sq km (20 sq miles). Pop: 1195 (2001)
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camporee
a local meeting or assembly of Scouts
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Campos
a city in E Brazil, in E Rio de Janeiro state on the Paraíba River. Pop: 388 000 (2005 est)
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campus
the grounds and buildings of a university
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campy
effeminate; affected in mannerisms, dress, etc
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campylobacter
a rod-shaped bacterium that causes infections in cattle and man. Unpasteurized milk infected with campylobacter is a common cause of gastroenteritis
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CAMRA
Campaign for Real Ale
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camshaft
a shaft having one or more cams attached to it, esp one used to operate the valves of an internal-combustion engine
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camwood
a W African leguminous tree, Baphia nitida, whose hard wood was formerly used in making a red dye
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can
used as an auxiliary to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Christopher Holder
Reason for adoption: Because I Can!
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can't
cannot
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can-do
confident and resourceful in the face of challenges
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can-opener
another name for tin-opener
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Can.
Canada
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Cana
the town in Galilee, north of Nazareth, where Jesus performed his first miracle by changing water into wine (John 2:1, 11)
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Canaan
an ancient region between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean, corresponding roughly to Israel: the Promised Land of the Israelites
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Canaanite
a member of an ancient Semitic people who occupied the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest
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Canaanitic
a group of ancient languages belonging to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family and including Canaanite, Phoenician, Ugaritic, and Hebrew
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Canada
a country in North America: the second largest country in the world; first permanent settlements by Europeans were made by the French from 1605; ceded to Britain in 1763 after a series of colonial wars; established as the Dominion of Canada in 1867; a member of the Commonwealth. It consists generally of sparsely inhabited tundra regions, rich in natural resources, in the north, the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Canadian Shield in the east, and vast central prairies; the bulk of the population is concentrated along the US border and the Great Lakes in the south. Languages: English and French. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Canadian dollar. Capital: Ottawa. Pop: 31 743 000 (2004 est). Area: 9 976 185 sq km (3 851 809 sq miles)
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Canadarm
a type of robotic arm, developed in Canada, used on space vehicles
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Canadian
of or relating to Canada or its people
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Canadianism
the Canadian national character or spirit
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canaigre
a dock, Rumex hymenosepalus, of the southern US, the root of which yields a substance used in tanning
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canakin
a variant spelling of cannikin
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canal
an artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, water power, etc
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canaliculus
a small channel, furrow, or groove, as in some bones and parts of plants
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canalize
to provide with or convert into a canal or canals
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canapé
a small piece of bread, toast, etc, spread with a savoury topping
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Canara
a variant spelling of Kanara
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canard
a false report; rumour or hoax
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Canarese
a variant spelling of Kanarese
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canary
a small finch, Serinus canaria, of the Canary Islands and Azores: a popular cagebird noted for its singing. Wild canaries are streaked yellow and brown, but most domestic breeds are pure yellow
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canasta
a card game for two to six players who seek to amass points by declaring sets of cards
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canaster
coarsely broken dried tobacco leaves
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Canaveral
a cape on the E coast of Florida: site of the US Air Force Missile Test Centre, from which the majority of US space missions have been launched
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Canberra
the capital of Australia, in Australian Capital Territory: founded in 1913 as a planned capital. Pop: 309 799 (2001)
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cancan
a high-kicking dance performed by a female chorus, originating in the music halls of 19th-century Paris
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cancel
to order (something already arranged, such as a meeting or event) to be postponed indefinitely; call off
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cancellate
having a spongy or porous internal structure
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cancellation
the fact or an instance of cancelling
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cancer
any type of malignant growth or tumour, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division: it may spread through the lymphatic system or blood stream to other parts of the body
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cancerophobia
a morbid dread of being afflicted by cancer
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cancrizans
See crab canon
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cancroid
resembling a cancerous growth
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Cancún
a coastal resort in SE Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula. Pop: 457 000 (2004 est)
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candela
the basic SI unit of luminous intensity; the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 1012 hertz and that has a radiant intensity in that direction of (1/683) watt per steradian
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candelabrum
a large branched candleholder or holder for overhead lights
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candent
an archaic word for incandescent
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candescent
glowing or starting to glow with heat
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Candia
the Italian name for Iráklion
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candid
frank and outspoken
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Johnny Proctor
Reason for adoption: Because it is her favourite word
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candida
any yeastlike parasitic fungus of the genus Candida, esp C. albicans, which causes thrush (candidiasis)
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candidate
a person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc
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candied
impregnated or encrusted with or as if with sugar or syrup
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Candiot
of or relating to Candia (Iráklion) or Crete; Cretan
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candle
a cylindrical piece of wax, tallow, or other fatty substance surrounding a wick, which is burned to produce light
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Miss Stephanie Baillie
Reason for adoption: For Uncle Keith: A representation of the birthday cake that we can not send you through the post.
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candle-tree
another name for wax myrtle
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candleberry
another name for wax myrtle
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candlefish
a salmonoid food fish, Thaleichthys pacificus, that occurs in the N Pacific and has oily flesh
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candlelight
the light from a candle or candles
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Candlemas
Feb 2, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple: the day on which the church candles are blessed. In Scotland it is one of the four quarter days
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candlenut
a euphorbiaceous tree, Aleurites mollucana, of tropical Asia and Polynesia
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candlepin
a bowling pin, as used in skittles, tenpin bowling, candlepins, etc
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candlepins
a type of bowling game, employing a smaller ball than tenpins, in which three balls are allowed to a frame and fallen pins are not removed from the alley
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candlepower
the luminous intensity of a source of light in a given direction: now expressed in candelas but formerly in terms of the international candle
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candlestick
a holder, usually ornamental, with a spike or socket for a candle
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candlewick
unbleached cotton or muslin into which loops of yarn are hooked and then cut to give a tufted pattern. It is used for bedspreads, dressing gowns, etc
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candlewood
the resinous wood of any of several trees, used for torches and candle substitutes
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Candomblé
any of a number of similar religious cults in Brazil that combine elements of Roman Catholicism with elements of West African, especially Yoruba, and South American Indian religions
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candour
the quality of being open and honest; frankness
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candy
confectionery in general; sweets, chocolate, etc
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candy-striped
(esp of clothing fabric) having narrow coloured stripes on a white background
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candyfloss
a very light fluffy confection made from coloured spun sugar, usually held on a stick
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candytuft
either of two species of Iberis grown as annual garden plants for their umbels (``tufts'') of white, red, or purplish flowers
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cane
the long jointed pithy or hollow flexible stem of the bamboo, rattan, or any similar plant
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Canea
the chief port of Crete, on the NW coast. Pop: 50 000 (latest est)
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canebrake
a thicket of canes
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canegrub
any of various grubs that are a pest of sugar cane, especially, in Australia, the greyback canegrub, Dermolepida albohirtum
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canella
the fragrant cinnamon-like inner bark of a West Indian tree, Canella winterana (family Canellaceae) used as a spice and in medicine
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canescent
white or greyish due to the presence of numerous short white hairs
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canfield
a gambling game adapted from a type of patience
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cangue
(formerly in China) a large wooden collar worn by petty criminals as a punishment
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Canicula
another name for Sirius
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canicular
of or relating to the star Sirius or its rising
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canikin
a variant spelling of cannikin
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canine
of or resembling a dog; doglike
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caning
a beating with a cane as a punishment
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canister
a container, usually made of metal, in which dry food, such as tea or coffee, is stored
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canker
an ulceration, esp of the lips or lining of the oral cavity
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cankerous
having cankers
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cankerworm
the larva of either of two geometrid moths, Paleacrita vernata or Alsophila pometaria, which feed on and destroy fruit and shade trees in North America
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cankle
a thickened area between the calf and ankle in an overweight person, obscuring where one ends and the other begins
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CanLit
Canadian Literature
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canna
any of various tropical plants constituting the genus Canna, having broad leaves and red or yellow showy flowers for which they are cultivated: family Cannaceae
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cannabin
a greenish-black poisonous resin obtained from the Indian hemp plant
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cannabinoid
any of the narcotic chemical substances found in cannabin
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cannabis
the hemp plant, esp Indian hemp (Cannabis indica)
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Cannae
an ancient city in SE Italy: scene of a victory by Hannibal over the Romans (216 bc)
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canned
preserved and stored in airtight cans or tins
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cannelloni
tubular pieces of pasta filled with meat or cheese
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cannelure
a groove or fluting, esp one around the cylindrical part of a bullet
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canner
a person or organization whose job is to can foods
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cannery
a place where foods are canned
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Cannes
a port and resort in SE France: developed in the 19th century from a fishing village; annual film festival. Pop: 67 304 (1999)
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cannibal
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings
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cannibalism
the act of eating human flesh or the flesh of one's own kind
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cannibalize
to use (serviceable parts from one machine or vehicle) to repair another, esp as an alternative to using new parts
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cannikin
a small can, esp one used as a drinking vessel
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canning
the process or business of sealing food in cans or tins to preserve it
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Cannock
a town in W central England, in S Staffordshire: Cannock Chase (a public area of heathland, once a royal preserve) is just to the east. Pop: 65 022 (2001)
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cannon
an automatic aircraft gun of large calibre
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cannonade
an intense and continuous artillery bombardment
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cannonball
a projectile fired from a cannon: usually a solid round metal shot
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cannoneer
(formerly) a soldier who served and fired a cannon; artilleryman
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cannonry
a volley of artillery fire
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cannot
an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc; can not
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cannula
a narrow tube for insertion into a bodily cavity, as for draining off fluid, introducing medication, etc
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cannulate
to insert a cannula into
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canny
shrewd, esp in business; astute or wary; knowing
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canoe
a light narrow open boat, propelled by one or more paddles
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canoewood
another name for the tulip tree
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canola
a cooking oil extracted from a variety of rapeseed developed in Canada
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canon
a Church decree enacted to regulate morals or religious practices
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canoness
a woman belonging to any one of several religious orders and living under a rule but not under a vow
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canonical
belonging to or included in a canon of sacred or other officially recognized writings
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canonicals
the vestments worn by clergy when officiating
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canonicate
the office or rank of a canon; canonry
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canonicity
the fact or quality of being canonical
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canonist
a specialist in canon law
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canonize
to declare (a person) to be a saint and thus admit to the canon of saints
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canonry
the office, benefice, or status of a canon
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canoodle
to kiss and cuddle; pet; fondle
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mrs Diane Beech
Reason for adoption: Because its fun x
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Canopus
the brightest star in the constellation Carina and the second brightest star in the sky. Visual magnitude: -0.7; spectral type: F0II; distance: 313 light years
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canopy
an ornamental awning above a throne or bed or held over a person of importance on ceremonial occasions
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canorous
tuneful; melodious
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Canossa
a ruined castle in N Italy, in Emilia near Reggio nell'Emilia: scene of the penance done by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV before Pope Gregory VII
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cans
an informal name for headphones
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Canso
a cape in Canada, at the NE tip of Nova Scotia
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canst
when used with the pronoun thou or its relative form, a form of can
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cant
insincere talk, esp concerning religion or morals; pious platitudes
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Cant.
Canterbury
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Cantab.
Cantabrigiensis
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cantabile
(to be performed) in a singing style, i.e. flowingly and melodiously
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Cantabrigian
of, relating to, or characteristic of Cambridge or Cambridge University, or of Cambridge, Massachusetts, or Harvard University
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Cantal
a department of S central France, in the Auvergne region. Capital: Aurillac. Pop: 148 359 (2003 est). Area: 5779 sq km (2254 sq miles)
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cantala
a tropical American plant, Agave cantala, similar to the century plant: family Agavaceae (agaves)
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cantaloupe
a cultivated variety of muskmelon, Cucumis melo cantalupensis, with ribbed warty rind and orange flesh
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cantankerous
quarrelsome; irascible
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cantata
a musical setting of a text, esp a religious text, consisting of arias, duets, and choruses interspersed with recitatives
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cantatrice
a female singer, esp a professional soloist
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canteen
a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc, providing meals for large numbers of people
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canter
an easy three-beat gait of horses, etc, between a trot and a gallop in speed
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canterbury
a late 18th-century low wooden stand with partitions for holding cutlery and plates: often mounted on casters
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cantharid
any beetle of the family Cantharidae, having a soft elongated body; though found frequenting flowers, they are carnivorous
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cantharides
a diuretic and urogenital stimulant or irritant prepared from the dried bodies of Spanish fly (family Meloidae, not Cantharidae), once thought to be an aphrodisiac
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canthus
the inner or outer corner or angle of the eye, formed by the natural junction of the eyelids
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canticle
a nonmetrical hymn, derived from the Bible and used in the liturgy of certain Christian churches
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cantilena
a smooth flowing style in the writing of vocal music
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cantilever
a beam, girder, or structural framework that is fixed at one end and is free at the other
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cantillate
to chant (passages of the Hebrew Scriptures) according to the traditional Jewish melody
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cantillation
the traditional notation representing the various traditional Jewish melodies to which scriptural passages are chanted
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cantina
a bar or wine shop, esp in a Spanish-speaking country
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cantle
the back part of a saddle that slopes upwards
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canto
a main division of a long poem
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canton
any of the 23 political divisions of Switzerland
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Cantonese
the Chinese language spoken in the city of Canton, Guangdong and Guanxi provinces, Hong Kong, and elsewhere outside China
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cantonment
a large training camp
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cantor
a man employed to lead synagogue services, esp to traditional modes and melodies
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cantorial
of or relating to a precentor
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cantoris
(in antiphonal music) to be sung by the cantorial side of a choir
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cantrip
a magic spell
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Cantuar.
Cantuariensis
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cantus
a medieval form of church singing; chant
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canty
lively; brisk; in good spirits
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Canuck
a Canadian
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canula
a variant spelling of cannula
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canvas
a heavy durable cloth made of cotton, hemp, or jute, used for sails, tents, etc
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canvasback
a North American diving duck, Aythyra valisineria, the male of which has a white body and reddish-brown head
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canvass
to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from
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canyon
a gorge or ravine, esp in North America, usually formed by the down-cutting of a river in a dry area where there is insufficient rainfall to erode the sides of the valley
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canyoning
the sport of travelling down a river situated in a canyon by a variety of means including scrambling, floating, swimming, and abseiling
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canzona
a type of 16th- or 17th-century contrapuntal music, usually for keyboard, lute, or instrumental ensemble
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canzone
a Provençal or Italian lyric, often in praise of love or beauty
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canzonetta
a short cheerful or lively song, typically of the 16th to 18th centuries
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caoutchouc
another name for rubber
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cap
a covering for the head, esp a small close-fitting one made of cloth or knitted
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cap-a-pie
(dressed, armed, etc) from head to foot
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cap-and-trade
denoting a scheme which allows companies with high greenhouse gas emissions to buy an emission allowance from companies which have fewer emissions, in a bid to reduce the overall impact to the environment
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Cap-Haitien
a port in N Haiti: capital during the French colonial period. Pop: 134 000 (2005 est)
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cap.
capital
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capability
the quality of being capable; ability
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capable
having ability, esp in many different fields; competent
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capacious
capable of holding much; roomy; spacious
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Ms Christina Swaine
Reason for adoption: It is like our friendship!
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capacitance
the property of a system that enables it to store electric charge
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capacitate
to make legally competent
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capacitor
a device for accumulating electric charge, usually consisting of two conducting surfaces separated by a dielectric
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capacity
the ability or power to contain, absorb, or hold
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caparison
a decorated covering for a horse or other animal, esp (formerly) for a warhorse
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cape
a sleeveless garment like a cloak but usually shorter
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capelin
a small marine food fish, Mallotus villosus, occurring in northern and Arctic seas: family Osmeridae (smelts)
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Capella
the brightest star in the constellation Auriga; it is a yellow giant and a spectroscopic binary. Visual magnitude: 0.08; spectral type: G6III and G2III; distance: 42 light years
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capellmeister
a person in charge of an orchestra, esp in an 18th-century princely household
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caper
a playful skip or leap
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mrs jennifer fenton
Reason for adoption: Because having a mate like Tracy Jayne has led to capers galore! xx
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capercaillie
a large European woodland grouse, Tetrao urogallus, having a black plumage and fan-shaped tail in the male
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Capernaum
a ruined town in N Israel, on the NW shore of the Sea of Galilee: closely associated with Jesus Christ during his ministry
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capers
the flower buds of the caper plant, which are pickled and used as a condiment
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capeskin
a soft leather obtained from the skins of a type of lamb or sheep having hairlike wool
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Capetian
a member of the dynasty founded by Hugh Capet (?938--996 ad), king of France (987--96), which ruled France from 987--1328 a.d
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capias
(formerly) a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to arrest a named person
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capillaceous
having numerous filaments resembling hairs or threads
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capillarity
a phenomenon caused by surface tension and resulting in the distortion, elevation, or depression of the surface of a liquid in contact with a solid
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capillary
resembling a hair; slender
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capita
See per capita
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capital
the seat of government of a country or other political unit
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capitalism
an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, characterized by the freedom of capitalists to operate or manage their property for profit in competitive conditions
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capitalist
a person who owns capital, esp capital invested in a business
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capitalization
the act of capitalizing
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capitalize
to take advantage (of); profit (by)
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capitally
in an excellent manner; admirably
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capitate
shaped like a head, as certain flowers or inflorescences
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capitation
a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per head
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capitellum
an enlarged knoblike structure at the end of a bone that forms an articulation with another bone; capitulum
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Capitol
the temple on the Capitoline
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Capitoline
the most important of the Seven Hills of Rome. The temple of Jupiter was on the southern summit and the ancient citadel on the northern summit
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capitular
of or associated with a cathedral chapter
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capitulary
any of the collections of ordinances promulgated by the Frankish kings (8th--10th centuries ad)
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capitulate
to surrender, esp under agreed conditions
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capitulation
the act of capitulating
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capitulum
a racemose inflorescence in the form of a disc of sessile flowers, the youngest at the centre. It occurs in the daisy and related plants
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capiz
the bivalve shell of a mollusc (Placuna placenta) found esp in the Philippines and having a smooth translucent shiny interior: used in jewellery, ornaments, lampshades, etc
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caplet
a medicinal tablet, usually oval in shape, coated in a soluble substance
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caplin
a variant of capelin
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capo
a device fitted across all the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc, so as to raise the pitch of each string simultaneously
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capoeira
a movement discipline combining martial art and dance, which originated among African slaves in 19th-century Brazil
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capon
a castrated cock fowl fattened for eating
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caponata
(in Sicilian cookery) a dish of fried seasoned aubergine and other vegetables, served as an appetizer
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caponize
to make (a cock) into a capon
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caporal
a strong coarse dark tobacco
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Caporetto
the Italian name for Kobarid
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capot
the winning of all the tricks by one player
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capote
a long cloak or soldier's coat, usually with a hood
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Cappadocia
an ancient region of E Asia Minor famous for its horses
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Cappadocian
of or relating to Cappadocia (an ancient region of E Asia Minor) or its inhabitants
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capparidaceous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Capparidaceae (or (Capparaceae), a family of plants, mostly shrubs including the caper, of warm tropical regions
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cappelletti
small squares of pasta containing a savoury mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables
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cappuccino
coffee with steamed milk, sometimes served with whipped cream or sprinkled with powdered chocolate
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capreolate
possessing or resembling tendrils
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Capri
an island off W Italy, in the Bay of Naples: resort since Roman times. Pop: 8000 (latest est). Area: about 13 sq km (5 sq miles)
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capriccio
a lively piece composed freely and without adhering to the rules for any specific musical form
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capriccioso
to be played in a free and lively style
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caprice
a sudden or unpredictable change of attitude, behaviour, etc; whim
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capricious
characterized by or liable to sudden unpredictable changes in attitude or behaviour; impulsive; fickle
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Mike McKie
Reason for adoption: Because its HER word
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Capricorn
the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbol , having a cardinal earth classification and ruled by the planet Saturn. The sun is in this sign between about Dec 22 and Jan 19
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Capricornia
the regions of Australia in the tropic of Capricorn
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Capricornus
a faint zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Sagittarius and Aquarius
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caprification
a method of pollinating the edible fig by hanging branches of caprifig flowers in edible fig trees. Parasitic wasps in the caprifig flowers transfer pollen to the edible fig flowers
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caprifig
a wild variety of fig, Ficus carica sylvestris, of S Europe and SW Asia, used in the caprification of the edible fig
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caprifoliaceous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Caprifoliaceae, a family of N temperate shrubs, small trees, and climbers including honeysuckle, elder, and guelder-rose
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caprine
of or resembling a goat
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capriole
a high upward but not forward leap made by a horse with all four feet off the ground
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caprolactam
a white crystalline cyclic imine used in the manufacture of nylon. Formula: C5H10NHCO
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caps.
capital letters
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capsaicin
a colourless crystalline bitter alkaloid found in capsicums and used as a flavouring in vinegar and pickles. Formula: C18H27O3N
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Capsian
a late Palaeolithic culture, dating from about 12 000 bc, found mainly around the salt lakes of Tunisia. The culture is characterized by the presence of microliths, backed blades, and engraved limestone slabs
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capsicum
any tropical American plant of the solanaceous genus Capsicum, such as C. frutescens, having mild or pungent seeds enclosed in a pod-shaped or bell-shaped fruit
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capsid
any heteropterous bug of the family Miridae (formerly Capsidae), most of which feed on plant tissues, causing damage to crops
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capsize
to overturn accidentally; upset
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capsomere
any of the protein units that together form the capsid of a virus
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capstan
a machine with a drum that rotates round a vertical spindle and is turned by a motor or lever, used for hauling in heavy ropes, etc
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capstone
one of a set of slabs on the top of a wall, building, etc
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capsulate
within or formed into a capsule
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capsule
a soluble case of gelatine enclosing a dose of medicine
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capsulize
to state (information) in a highly condensed form
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Capt.
Captain
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captain
the person in charge of and responsible for a vessel
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caption
a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend
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captious
apt to make trivial criticisms; fault-finding; carping
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captivate
to hold the attention of by fascinating; enchant
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captive
a person or animal that is confined or restrained, esp a prisoner of war
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captivity
the condition of being captive; imprisonment
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captopril
an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure
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captor
a person or animal that holds another captive
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capture
to take prisoner or gain control over
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Capua
a town in S Italy, in NW Campania: strategically important in ancient times, situated on the Appian Way. Pop: 19 041 (2001)
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capuche
a large hood or cowl, esp that worn by Capuchin friars
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capuchin
any agile intelligent New World monkey of the genus Cebus, inhabiting forests in South America, typically having a cowl of thick hair on the top of the head
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caput
the main or most prominent part of an organ or structure
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capybara
the largest rodent: a pig-sized amphibious hystricomorph, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, resembling a guinea pig and inhabiting river banks in Central and South America: family Hydrochoeridae
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Caquetà
the Japurá River from its source in Colombia to the border with Brazil
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car
a self-propelled road vehicle designed to carry passengers, esp one with four wheels that is powered by an internal-combustion engine
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carabao
another name for water buffalo
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carabid
any typically dark-coloured beetle of the family Carabidae, including the bombardier and other ground beetles
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carabin
variants of carbine
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carabineer
variants of carbineer
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carabiner
a variant spelling of karabiner
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caracal
a lynxlike feline mammal, Lynx caracal, inhabiting deserts of N Africa and S Asia, having long legs, a smooth coat of reddish fur, and black-tufted ears
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caracara
any of various large carrion-eating diurnal birds of prey of the genera Caracara, Polyborus, etc, of S North, Central, and South America, having long legs and naked faces: family Falconidae (falcons)
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Caracas
the capital of Venezuela, in the north: founded in 1567; major industrial and commercial centre, notably for oil companies. Pop: 3 276 000 (2005 est)
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caracole
a half turn to the right or left
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caracul
the black loosely curled fur obtained from the skins of newly born lambs of the karakul sheep
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carafe
an open-topped glass container for serving water or wine at table
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carageen
a variant spelling of carrageen
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carambola
a tree, Averrhoa carambola, probably native to Brazil but cultivated in the tropics, esp SE Asia, for its edible fruit
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caramel
burnt sugar, used for colouring and flavouring food
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caramelize
to convert or be converted into caramel
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carangid
any marine percoid fish of the family Carangidae, having a compressed body and deeply forked tail. The group includes the jacks, horse mackerel, pompano, and pilot fish
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carapace
the thick hard shield, made of chitin or bone, that covers part of the body of crabs, lobsters, tortoises, etc
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carat
a measure of the weight of precious stones, esp diamonds. It was formerly defined as 3.17 grains, but the international carat is now standardized as 0.20 grams
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caravan
a large enclosed vehicle capable of being pulled by a car or lorry and equipped to be lived in
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caravanserai
(in some Eastern countries esp formerly) a large inn enclosing a courtyard providing accommodation for caravans
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caravel
a two- or three-masted sailing ship, esp one with a broad beam, high poop deck, and lateen rig that was used by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries
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caraway
an umbelliferous Eurasian plant, Carum carvi, having finely divided leaves and clusters of small whitish flowers
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carb
short for carburettor
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carbamate
a salt or ester of carbamic acid. The salts contain the monovalent ion NH2COO--, and the esters contain the group NH2COO--
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carbamazepine
an anticonvulsant drug used in the management of epilepsy
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carbamide
another name for urea
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carbamidine
another name for guanidine
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carbanion
a negatively charged organic ion in which most of the negative charge is localized on a carbon atom
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carbaryl
an organic compound of the carbamate group: used as an insecticide, esp to treat head lice
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carbazole
a colourless insoluble solid obtained from coal tar and used in the production of some dyes. Formula: C12H9N
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carbeen
an Australian eucalyptus tree, E. tessellaris, having drooping branches and grey bark
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carbene
a neutral divalent free radical, such as methylene: CH2
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carbide
a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element
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carbimazole
a drug that inhibits the synthesis of the hormone thyroxine, used in the management of hyperthyroidism
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carbine
a light automatic or semiautomatic rifle of limited range
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carbineer
(formerly) a soldier equipped with a carbine
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carbo-
carbon
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carbocyclic
(of a chemical compound) containing a closed ring of carbon atoms
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carbohydrate
any of a large group of organic compounds, including sugars, such as sucrose, and polysaccharides, such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch, that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the general formula Cm(H2O)n: an important source of food and energy for animals
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carbolated
containing carbolic acid
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carbolize
another word for phenolate
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carbon
a nonmetallic element existing in the three crystalline forms: graphite, diamond, and buckminsterfullerene: occurring in carbon dioxide, coal, oil, and all organic compounds. The isotope carbon-12 has been adopted as the standard for atomic wt; carbon-14, a radioisotope with a half-life of 5700 years, is used in radiocarbon dating and as a tracer. Symbol: C; atomic no: 6; atomic wt: 12.011; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 1.8--2.1 (amorphous), 1.9--2.3 (graphite), 3.15--3.53 (diamond); sublimes at 3367±25°C; boiling pt: 4827°C
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Carbon Neutral
One of the many phrases relating to the effort to stem Climate Change.
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carbonaceous
of, resembling, or containing carbon
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carbonade
a stew of beef and onions cooked in beer
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carbonado
a piece of meat, fish, etc, scored and grilled
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Carbonari
members of a secret political society with liberal republican aims, originating in S Italy about 1811 and particularly engaged in the struggle for Italian unification
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carbonate
a salt or ester of carbonic acid. Carbonate salts contain the divalent ion CO32--
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carbonation
absorption of or reaction with carbon dioxide
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carbonette
a ball of compressed coal dust used as fuel
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carbonic
(of a compound) containing carbon, esp tetravalent carbon
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carboniferous
yielding coal or carbon
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carbonize
to turn or be turned into carbon as a result of heating, fossilization, chemical treatment, etc
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carbonyl
of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group =CO
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carborexic
a person who is regarded as being obsessed with reducing their carbon footprint. etymology blend of carbon + anorexic
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Carborundum
any of various abrasive materials, esp one consisting of silicon carbide
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carboxyhaemoglobin
haemoglobin coordinated with carbon monoxide, formed as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. As carbon monoxide is bound in preference to oxygen, tissues are deprived of oxygen
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carboxylase
any enzyme that catalyses the release of carbon dioxide from certain acids
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carboxylate
any salt or ester of a carboxylic acid having a formula of the type M(RCOO)x, where M is a metal and R an organic group, or R1COOR2, where R1 and R2 are organic groups
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carboy
a large glass or plastic bottle, usually protected by a basket or box, used for containing corrosive liquids such as acids
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carbuncle
an extensive skin eruption, similar to but larger than a boil, with several openings: caused by staphylococcal infection
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carburation
the process of mixing a hydrocarbon fuel with a correct amount of air to make an explosive mixture for an internal-combustion engine
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carburet
to combine or mix (a gas) with carbon or carbon compounds
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carburettor
a device used in petrol engines for atomizing the petrol, controlling its mixture with air, and regulating the intake of the air-petrol mixture into the engine
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carburize
to increase the carbon content of (the surface of a low-carbon steel) so that the surface can be hardened by heat treatment
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carby
short for carburettor
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carbylamine
another name for isocyanide
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carcajou
a North American name for wolverine
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carcanet
a jewelled collar or necklace
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carcass
the dead body of an animal, esp one that has been slaughtered for food, with the head, limbs, and entrails removed
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Carcassonne
a city in SW France: extensive remains of medieval fortifications. Pop: 43 950 (1999)
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Carchemish
an ancient city in Syria on the Euphrates, lying on major trade routes; site of a victory of the Babylonians over the Egyptians (605 bc)
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carcinogen
any substance that produces cancer
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carcinogenesis
the development of cancerous cells from normal ones
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carcinoma
any malignant tumour derived from epithelial tissue
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carcinomatosis
a condition characterized by widespread dissemination of carcinomas or by a carcinoma that affects a large area
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card
a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard, usually rectangular, with varied uses, as for filing information in an index, bearing a written notice for display, entering scores in a game, etc
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card-carrying
being an official member of a specified organization
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Card.
Cardinal
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cardamom
a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves
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cardboard
a thin stiff board made from paper pulp and used esp for making cartons
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cardboardy
like cardboard, esp in stiffness, texture, or taste
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cardholder
a person who owns a credit or debit card
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cardiac
of or relating to the heart
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Prof John Camm
Reason for adoption: My family has given it to me as a birthday present
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cardialgia
pain in or near the heart
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cardie
short for cardigan
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Cardiff
the capital of Wales, situated in the southeast, in Cardiff county borough: formerly an important port; seat of the Welsh assembly (1999); university (1883). Pop: 292 150 (2001)
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cardigan
a knitted jacket or sweater with buttons up the front
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Cardiganshire
a former county of W Wales: became part of Dyfed in 1974; reinstated as Ceredigion in 1996
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cardinal
any of the members of the Sacred College, ranking next after the pope, who elect the pope and act as his chief counsellors
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cardinalate
the rank, office, or term of office of a cardinal
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cardinality
the property of possessing a cardinal number
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carding
the process of preparing the fibres of cotton, wool, etc, for spinning
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cardio-
heart
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cardiocentesis
surgical puncture of the heart
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cardiogram
short for electrocardiogram
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cardiograph
an instrument for recording the mechanical force and form of heart movements
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cardioid
a heart-shaped curve generated by a fixed point on a circle as it rolls around another fixed circle of equal radius, a. Equation: r = a(1 -- cos ), where r is the radius vector and is the polar angle
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cardiology
the branch of medical science concerned with the heart and its diseases
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mrs Helen Brennan
Reason for adoption: Because I want my sister to "own" her specialism for a year
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cardiomegaly
another name for megalocardia
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cardiomyopathy
a disease of the heart muscle usually caused by a biochemical defect or a toxin such as alcohol
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cardioplegia
deliberate arrest of the action of the heart, as by hypothermia or the injection of chemicals, to enable complex heart surgery to be carried out
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cardiopulmonary
of, relating to, or affecting the heart and lungs
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cardiothoracic
of or relating to the heart and the chest
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cardiovascular
of or relating to the heart and the blood vessels
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carditis
inflammation of the heart
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cardoon
a thistle-like S European plant, Cynara cardunculus, closely related to the artichoke, with spiny leaves, purple flowers, and a leafstalk that may be blanched and eaten: family Asteraceae (composites)
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cardphone
a public telephone operated by the insertion of a phonecard instead of coins
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cards
any game or games played with cards, esp playing cards
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cardsharp
a professional card player who cheats
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carduaceous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Carduaceae, a subfamily of composite plants that includes the thistle
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cardy
a variant spelling of cardie
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care
to be troubled or concerned; be affected emotionally
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careen
to sway or cause to sway dangerously over to one side
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career
a path or progress through life or history
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careerist
a person who values success in his career above all else and seeks to advance it by any possible means
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carefree
without worry or responsibility
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careful
cautious in attitude or action; prudent
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caregiver
a person who has accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbour or relative
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careless
done with or acting with insufficient attention; negligent
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careline
a telephone service set up by a company or other organization to provide its customers or clients with information about its products or services
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carer
a person who has accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbour or relative
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caress
a gentle touch or embrace, esp one given to show affection
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Ms Michelle Willis
Reason for adoption: It is something I enjoy
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caret
a symbol () used to indicate the place in written or printed matter at which something is to be inserted
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caretaker
a person who is in charge of a place or thing, esp in the owner's absence
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Ms Imogen Usher
Reason for adoption: lovely Mr Dim and lots of happy holidays. Plus Pootle was taken!
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careworn
showing signs of care, stress, worry, etc
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carfare
the fare that a passenger is charged for a ride on a bus, etc
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carfax
a place where principal roads or streets intersect, esp a place in a town where four roads meet
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carfuffle
a variant spelling of kerfuffle
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cargo
goods carried by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle; freight
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carhop
a waiter or waitress at a drive-in restaurant
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Caria
an ancient region of SW Asia Minor, on the Aegean Sea: chief cities were Halicarnassus and Cnidus: corresponds to the present-day Turkish districts of S Aydin and W Mugla
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Carib
a member of a group of American Indian peoples of NE South America and the Lesser Antilles
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Caribbean
of, or relating to, the Caribbean Sea and its islands
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Caribbees
a former name for the Lesser Antilles
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Cariboo
a region in the W foothills of the Cariboo Mountains, scene of a gold rush beginning in 1860
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caribou
a large deer, Rangifer tarandus, of Arctic regions of North America, having large branched antlers in the male and female: also occurs in Europe and Asia, where it is called a reindeer
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caricature
a pictorial, written, or acted representation of a person, which exaggerates his characteristic traits for comic effect
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CARICOM
Caribbean Community and Common Market
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caries
progressive decay of a bone or a tooth
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CARIFTA
Caribbean Free Trade Area
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carillon
a set of bells usually hung in a tower and played either by keys and pedals or mechanically
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carillonneur
a person who plays a carillon
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carina
a keel-like part or ridge, as in the breastbone of birds or the fused lower petals of a leguminous flower
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carinate
having a keel or ridge; shaped like a keel
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caring
feeling or showing care and compassion
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Anthony Peacock
Reason for adoption: My wife is the most caring person I know.
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Carinthia
a state of S Austria: an independent duchy from 976 to 1276; mainly mountainous, with many lakes and resorts. Capital: Klagenfurt. Pop: 559 440 (2003 est). Area: 9533 sq km (3681 sq miles)
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carioca
a Brazilian dance similar to the samba
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Cariocan
a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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cariogenic
(of a substance) producing caries, esp in the teeth
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cariole
a small open two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle
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carious
(of teeth or bone) affected with caries; decayed
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carjack
to attack (a driver in a car) in order to rob the driver or to steal the car for another crime
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cark
an archaic word for worry
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carl
another word for churl
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carlin
another name for pug
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carline
a Eurasian thistle-like plant, Carlina vulgaris, having spiny leaves and flower heads surrounded by raylike whitish bracts: family Asteraceae (composites)
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carling
a fore-and-aft beam in a vessel, used for supporting the deck, esp around a hatchway or other opening
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Carlisle
a city in NW England, administrative centre of Cumbria: railway and industrial centre. Pop: 71 773 (2001)
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Carlist
(in Spain) a supporter of Don Carlos or his descendants as the rightful kings of Spain
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Carlovingian
a variant of Carolingian
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Carlow
a county of SE Republic of Ireland, in Leinster: mostly flat, with barren mountains in the southeast. County town: Carlow. Pop: 46 014 (2002). Area: 896 sq km (346 sq miles)
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Carlsbad
a variant spelling of the German name for Karlovy Vary
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Carlton
a town in N central England, in S Nottinghamshire. Pop: 48 493 (2001)
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carmagnole
a dance and song popular during the French Revolution
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carman
a man who drives a car or cart; carter
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Carmarthen
a market town in S Wales, the administrative centre of Carmarthenshire: Norman castle. Pop: 14 648 (2001)
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Carmarthenshire
a county of S Wales, formerly part of Dyfed (1974--96): on Carmarthen Bay, with the Cambrian Mountains in the N: generally agricultural (esp dairying). Administrative centre: Carmarthen. Pop: 176 000 (2003 est). Area: 2398 sq km (926 sq miles)
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Carme
a nymph who was one of Diana's attendants and mother of Britomaris by Jupiter
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Carmel
a mountain ridge in NW Israel, extending from the Samarian Hills to the Mediterranean. Highest point: about 540 m (1800 ft)
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Carmelite
a member of an order of mendicant friars founded about 1154; a White Friar
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carminative
able to relieve flatulence
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carmine
a vivid red colour, sometimes with a purplish tinge
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Carnac
a village in NW France: noted for its many megalithic monuments, including alignments of stone menhirs
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carnage
extensive slaughter, esp of human beings in battle
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Tom Edwards
Reason for adoption: Because it is clearly the best word.....FACT!
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carnal
relating to the appetites and passions of the body; sensual; fleshly
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carnallite
a white or sometimes coloured mineral consisting of a hydrated chloride of potassium and magnesium in orthorhombic crystalline form: a source of potassium and also used as a fertilizer. Formula: KCl.MgCl2.6H2O
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carnaroli
a variety of short-grain rice used for risotto
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Carnarvon
a variant spelling of Caernarfon
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carnassial
of, relating to, or designating the last upper premolar and first lower molar teeth of carnivores, which have sharp edges for tearing flesh
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Carnatic
a region of S India, between the Eastern Ghats and the Coromandel Coast: originally the country of the Kanarese; historically important as a rich and powerful trading centre; now part of Madras state
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carnation
a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Dianthus caryophyllus, cultivated in many varieties for its white, pink, or red flowers, which have a fragrant scent of cloves
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carnauba
a Brazilian fan palm, Copernicia cerifera
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carnelian
a red or reddish-yellow translucent variety of chalcedony, used as a gemstone
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carnet
a customs licence authorizing the temporary importation of a motor vehicle
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carnify
(esp of lung tissue, as the result of pneumonia) to be altered so as to resemble skeletal muscle
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Carniola
a region of N Slovenia: a former duchy and crownland of Austria (1335--1919); divided between Yugoslavia and Italy in 1919; part of Yugoslavia (1947--92)
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carnival
a festive occasion or period marked by merrymaking, processions, etc: esp in some Roman Catholic countries, the period just before Lent
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carnivalesque
characteristic of, suitable for, or like a carnival
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carnivore
any placental mammal of the order Carnivora, typically having large pointed canine teeth and sharp molars and premolars, specialized for eating flesh. The order includes cats, dogs, bears, raccoons, hyenas, civets, and weasels
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carnivorous
(esp of animals) feeding on flesh
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carnotite
a radioactive yellow mineral consisting of hydrated uranium potassium vanadate: occurs in sedimentary rocks and is a source of uranium, radium, and vanadium. Formula: K2(UO2)2(VO4)2.3H2O
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carny
to coax or cajole or act in a wheedling manner
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carob
an evergreen leguminous Mediterranean tree, Ceratonia siliqua, with compound leaves and edible pods
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caroche
a stately ceremonial carriage used in the 16th and 17th centuries
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carol
a joyful hymn or religious song, esp one (a Christmas carol) celebrating the birth of Christ
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Carolina
a former English colony on the E coast of North America, first established in 1663: divided in 1729 into North and South Carolina, which are often referred to as the Carolinas
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Caroline
characteristic of or relating to Charles I (1600--49) or Charles II (1630--85), Stuart kings of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the society over which they ruled, or their government
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Carolingian
of or relating to the Frankish dynasty founded by Pepin the Short (died 768 ad), son of Charles Martel (?688--741 ad), which ruled in France from 751--987 ad and in Germany until 911 a.d
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Carolinian
a variant of Caroline
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carolus
any of several coins struck in the reign of a king called Charles, esp an English gold coin from the reign of Charles I
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carom
a shot in which the cue ball is caused to contact one object ball after another
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carotene
any of four orange-red isomers of an unsaturated hydrocarbon present in many plants (-carotene is the orange pigment of carrots) and converted to vitamin A in the liver. Formula: C40H56
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carotenoid
any of a group of red or yellow pigments, including carotenes, found in plants and certain animal tissues
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carotid
either one of the two principal arteries that supply blood to the head and neck
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carousal
a merry drinking party
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carouse
to have a merry drinking spree; drink freely
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carousel
a circular magazine in which slides for a projector are held: it moves round as each slide is shown
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carp
a freshwater teleost food fish, Cyprinus carpio, having a body covered with cycloid scales, a naked head, one long dorsal fin, and two barbels on each side of the mouth: family Cyprinidae
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carpaccio
an Italian dish of thin slices of raw meat or fish
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carpal
any bone of the wrist
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Carpatho-Ukraine
another name for Ruthenia
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carpel
the female reproductive organ of flowering plants, consisting of an ovary, style (sometimes absent), and stigma. The carpels are separate or fused to form a single pistil
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Carpentaria
a shallow inlet of the Arafura Sea, in N Australia between Arnhem Land and Cape York Peninsula
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carpenter
a person skilled in woodwork, esp in buildings, ships, etc
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carpentry
the art or technique of working wood
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carpet
a heavy fabric for covering floors
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carpet-sweeper
a household device with a revolving brush for sweeping carpets
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carpetbag
a travelling bag originally made of carpeting
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carpetbagger
a politician who seeks public office in a locality where he has no real connections
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carpeting
carpet material or carpets in general
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carpi
the plural of carpus
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carping
tending to make petty complaints; fault-finding
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carpo-
(in botany) indicating fruit or a reproductive structure that develops into part of the fruit
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carpogonium
the female sex organ of red algae, consisting of a swollen base containing the ovum and a long neck down which the male gametes pass
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carpology
the branch of botany concerned with the study of fruits and seeds
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carpometacarpus
a bone in the wing of a bird that consists of the metacarpal bones and some of the carpal bones fused together
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carpool
another term for carshare
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr David Oddy
Reason for adoption: I like it
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carpooling
A derivative of carpool
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carpophagous
feeding on fruit
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carpophore
the central column surrounded by carpels in such flowers as the geranium
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carport
a shelter for a car usually consisting of a roof built out from the side of a building and supported by posts
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carpospore
a sexual spore produced by red algae after fertilization of the carpogonium
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carpus
the eight small bones of the human wrist that form the joint between the arm and the hand
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carr
an area of bog or fen in which scrub, esp willow, has become established
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carrack
a galleon sailed in the Mediterranean as a merchantman in the 15th and 16th centuries
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carrageen
an edible red seaweed, Chondrus crispus, of North America and N Europe
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carrageenan
a carbohydrate extracted from carrageen, used to make a beverage, medicine, and jelly, and as an emulsifying and gelling agent (E407) in various processed desserts and drinks
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Carrantuohill
a mountain in SW Republic of Ireland, in Macgillicuddy's Reeks in Kerry: the highest peak in Ireland. Height: 1041 m (3414 ft)
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Carrara
a town in NW Italy, in NW Tuscany: famous for its marble. Pop: 65 034 (2001)
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carrefour
a public square, esp one at the intersection of several roads
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carrel
a small individual study room or private desk, often in a library, where a student or researcher can work undisturbed
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carriage
a railway coach for passengers
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carriageway
the part of a road along which traffic passes in a single line moving in one direction only
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Carrickfergus
a town in E Northern Ireland, in Carrickfergus district, Co Antrim; historic settlement of Scottish Protestants on Belfast Lough; Norman castle. Pop: 27 201 (2001)
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carrier
a person, thing, or organization employed to carry goods, passengers, etc
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carriole
a variant spelling of cariole
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carrion
dead and rotting flesh
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carronade
an obsolete naval gun of short barrel and large bore
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carrot
an umbelliferous plant, Daucus carota sativa, with finely divided leaves and flat clusters of small white flowers
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Miss Shelley Holmes
Reason for adoption: because he doesn't like carrots so now he will own one!!!
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carroty
of a reddish or yellowish-orange colour
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carrousel
a variant spelling of carousel
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carry
to take or bear (something) from one place to another
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carry-in
of or relating to a type of after-sales service in which the customer must take the product to the service provider for repair
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carryall
a light four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage usually designed to carry four passengers
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carrycot
a light cot with handles, similar to but smaller than the body of a pram and often attachable to an unsprung wheeled frame
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carrying-on
unconventional or questionable behaviour
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carse
a riverside area of flat fertile alluvium
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carshare
to take turns in driving fellow commuters to and from work or friends' children to school and back, so as to avoid the unnecessary use of several underoccupied vehicles
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carsick
nauseated from riding in a car or other vehicle
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Carstensz
a former name of Mount Jaya
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cart
a heavy open vehicle, usually having two wheels and drawn by horses, used in farming and to transport goods
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cartage
the process or cost of carting
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Cartagena
a port in NW Colombia, on the Caribbean: centre for the Inquisition and the slave trade in the 16th century; chief oil port of Colombia. Pop: 1 002 000 (2005 est)
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carte
a variant spelling of quarte
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cartel
a collusive international association of independent enterprises formed to monopolize production and distribution of a product or service, control prices, etc
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cartelize
to form or be formed into a cartel
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Cartesian
of or relating to the works of René Descartes (1596--1650), the French philosopher and mathematician
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cartful
the amount a cart can hold
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Carthage
an ancient city state, on the N African coast near present-day Tunis. Founded about 800 bc by Phoenician traders, it grew into an empire dominating N Africa and the Mediterranean. Destroyed and then rebuilt by Rome, it was finally razed by the Arabs in 697 a.d
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Carthaginian
of or relating to Carthage (an ancient N African city state) or its inhabitants
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carthorse
a large heavily built horse kept for pulling carts or carriages
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Carthusian
a member of an austere monastic order founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 near Grenoble, France
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cartilage
a tough elastic tissue composing most of the embryonic skeleton of vertebrates. In the adults of higher vertebrates it is mostly converted into bone, remaining only on the articulating ends of bones, in the thorax, trachea, nose, and ears
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cartload
the amount a cart can hold
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cartogram
a map showing statistical information in diagrammatic form
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cartography
the art, technique, or practice of compiling or drawing maps or charts
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cartomancy
the telling of fortunes with playing cards
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carton
a cardboard box for containing goods
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cartoon
a humorous or satirical drawing, esp one in a newspaper or magazine, concerning a topical event
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mr Clive Collins
Reason for adoption: Because I'm a cartoonist!
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cartoonish
like a cartoon, esp in being one-dimensional, brightly coloured, or exaggerated
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cartophily
the hobby of collecting cigarette cards
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cartouche
a carved or cast ornamental tablet or panel in the form of a scroll, sometimes having an inscription
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cartridge
a cylindrical, usually metal casing containing an explosive charge and often a bullet, for a rifle or other small arms
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cartulary
a collection of charters or records, esp relating to the title to an estate or monastery
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cartwheel
the wheel of a cart, usually having wooden spokes and metal tyres
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cartwright
a person who makes carts
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caruncle
a fleshy outgrowth on the heads of certain birds, such as a cock's comb
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carve
to cut or chip in order to form something
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carvel
another word for caravel
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carvel-built
(of a vessel) having a hull with planks made flush at the seams
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carven
an archaic or literary past participle of carve
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carver
a carving knife
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carvery
an eating establishment at which customers pay a set price and may then have unrestricted helpings of food from a variety of meats, salads, and other vegetables
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carving
a figure or design produced by carving stone, wood, etc
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caryatid
a column, used to support an entablature, in the form of a draped female figure
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caryo-
a variant of karyo-
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caryophyllaceous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Caryophyllaceae, a family of flowering plants including the pink, carnation, sweet william, and chickweed
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caryopsis
a dry seedlike fruit having the pericarp fused to the seed coat of the single seed: produced by the grasses
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CAS
Children's Aid Society
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casaba
a kind of winter muskmelon having a yellow rind and sweet juicy flesh
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Casablanca
a port in NW Morocco, on the Atlantic: largest city in the country; industrial centre. Pop: 3 523 000 (2003)
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Casanova
any man noted for his amorous adventures; a rake
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casbah
a variant spelling of kasbah
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cascabel
a knoblike protrusion on the rear part of the breech of an obsolete muzzle-loading cannon
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cascade
a waterfall or series of waterfalls over rocks
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cascara
a shrub or small tree, Rhamnus purshiana of NW North America, whose bark is a source of cascara sagrada: family Rhamnaceae
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cascarilla
a West Indian euphorbiaceous shrub, Croton eluteria, whose bitter aromatic bark is used as a tonic
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case
a single instance, occurrence, or example of something
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case-harden
to form a hard surface layer of high carbon content on (a steel component) by heating in a carburizing environment with subsequent quenching or heat treatment
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case-sensitive
distinguishing between upper-case and lower-case letters
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casease
a proteolytic enzyme formed by certain bacteria that activates the solution of albumin and casein in milk and cheese
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caseate
to undergo caseation
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caseation
the formation of cheese from casein during the coagulation of milk
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casebook
a book in which records of legal or medical cases are kept
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casebound
another word for hardback
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casefy
to make or become similar to cheese
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casein
a phosphoprotein, precipitated from milk by the action of rennin, forming the basis of cheese: used in the manufacture of plastics and adhesives
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caseinogen
the principal protein of milk, converted to casein by rennin
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caseload
the number of cases constituting the work of a doctor, solicitor, social worker, etc over a specified period
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casemate
an armoured compartment in a ship or fortification in which guns are mounted
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casement
a window frame that is hinged on one side
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caseose
a peptide produced by the peptic digestion of casein
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caseous
of or like cheese
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casern
(formerly) a billet or accommodation for soldiers in a town
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Caserta
a town in S Italy, in Campania: centre of Garibaldi's campaigns for the unification of Italy (1860); Allied headquarters in World War II. Pop: 75 208 (2001)
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casework
social work based on close study of the personal histories and circumstances of individuals and families
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caseworm
another name for a caddis worm
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cash
banknotes and coins, esp in hand or readily available; money or ready money
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cash-and-carry
sold or operated on a basis of cash payment for merchandise that is not delivered but removed by the purchaser
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cash-book
a journal in which all cash or cheque receipts and disbursements are recorded
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cash-for-questions
of, involved in, or relating to a scandal in which some MPs were accused of accepting bribes to ask particular questions in Parliament
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cash-strapped
short of money; impoverished
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cashback
a discount offered in return for immediate payment
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cashew
a tropical American anacardiaceous evergreen tree, Anacardium occidentale, bearing kidney-shaped nuts that protrude from a fleshy receptacle
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cashier
a person responsible for receiving payments for goods, services, etc, as in a shop
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cashless
functioning, operated, or performed without using coins or banknotes for money transactions but instead using credit cards or electronic transfer of funds
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cashmere
a fine soft wool from goats of the Kashmir area
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cashpoint
a cash dispenser
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casimere
a variant spelling of cassimere
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casing
a protective case or cover
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casino
a public building or room in which gaming takes place, esp roulette and card games such as baccarat and chemin de fer
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cask
a strong wooden barrel used mainly to hold alcoholic drink
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casket
a small box or chest for valuables, esp jewels
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Caslon
a style of type designed by William Caslon, English type founder (1692--1766)
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Caspar
(in Christian tradition) one of the Magi, the other two being Melchior and Balthazar
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casque
a helmet or a helmet-like process or structure, as on the bill of most hornbills
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cassaba
a variant spelling of casaba
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Cassandra
a daughter of Priam and Hecuba, endowed with the gift of prophecy but fated never to be believed
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cassareep
the juice of the bitter cassava root, boiled down to a syrup and used as a flavouring, esp in West Indian cookery
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cassata
an ice cream, originating in Italy, usually containing nuts and candied fruit
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cassation
(esp in France) annulment, as of a judicial decision by a higher court
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cassava
any tropical euphorbiaceous plant of the genus Manihot, esp the widely cultivated American species M. esculenta (or utilissima) (bitter cassava) and M. dulcis (sweet cassava)
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Cassel
a variant spelling of Kassel
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casserole
a covered dish of earthenware, glass, etc, in which food is cooked and served
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cassette
a plastic container for magnetic tape, as one inserted into a tape deck
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cassia
any plant of the mainly tropical leguminous genus Cassia, esp C. fistula, whose pods yield cassia pulp, a mild laxative
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cassimere
a woollen suiting cloth of plain or twill weave
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cassino
a card game for two to four players in which players pair cards from their hands with others exposed on the table
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Cassiopeia
the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda
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cassis
a blackcurrant cordial
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cassiterite
a black or brown mineral, found in igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins. It is a source of tin. Composition: tin oxide. Formula: SnO2. Crystal structure: tetragonal
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cassock
an ankle-length garment, usually black, worn by priests and choristers
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cassoulet
a stew originating from France, made from haricot beans and goose, duck, pork, etc
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cassowary
any large flightless bird of the genus Casuarius, inhabiting forests in NE Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands, having a horny head crest, black plumage, and brightly coloured neck and wattles: order Casuariiformes
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casspir
an armoured military vehicle
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cast
to throw or expel with violence or force
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cast-off
thrown away; abandoned
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castable
able to be cast; suitable for casting
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Castalia
a spring on Mount Parnassus: in ancient Greece sacred to Apollo and the Muses and believed to be a source of inspiration
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castanets
curved pieces of hollow wood, usually held between the fingers and thumb and made to click together: used esp by Spanish dancers
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castaway
a person who has been shipwrecked
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caste
any of the four major hereditary classes, namely the Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra into which Hindu society is divided
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castellan
a keeper or governor of a castle
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castellated
having turrets and battlements, like a castle
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caster
a person or thing that casts
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castigate
to rebuke or criticize in a severe manner; chastise
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Castile
a former kingdom comprising most of modern Spain: originally part of León, it became an independent kingdom in the 10th century and united with Aragon (1469), the first step in the formation of the Spanish state
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Castilian
the Spanish dialect of Castile; the standard form of European Spanish
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casting
an object or figure that has been cast, esp in metal from a mould
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castle
a fortified building or set of buildings, usually permanently garrisoned, as in medieval Europe
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Castlebar
the county town of Co Mayo, Republic of Ireland; site of the battle (1798) between the French and British known as Castlebar Races. Pop: 11 371 (2002)
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castled
like a castle in construction; castellated
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Castleford
a town in N England, in Wakefield unitary authority, West Yorkshire on the River Aire. Pop: 37 525 (2001)
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Castlereagh
a district of E Northern Ireland, in Co Down. Pop: 66 076 (2003 est). Area.: 85 sq km (33 sq miles)
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castor
the brownish aromatic secretion of the anal glands of a beaver, used in perfumery and medicine
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castrate
to remove the testicles of; emasculate; geld
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castrato
(in 17th- and 18th-century opera) a male singer whose testicles were removed before puberty, allowing the retention of a soprano or alto voice
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Castries
the capital and chief port of St Lucia. Pop: 14 000 (2005 est)
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Castrop-Rauxel
an industrial city in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop: 78 208 (2003 est)
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casual
happening by accident or chance
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casualization
the altering of working practices so that regular workers are re-employed on a casual or short-term basis
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casualty
a serviceman who is killed, wounded, captured, or missing as a result of enemy action
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casuarina
any tree of the genus Casuarina, of Australia and the East Indies, having jointed leafless branchlets: family Casuarinaceae
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casuist
a person, esp a theologian, who attempts to resolve moral dilemmas by the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases
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casuistry
the resolution of particular moral dilemmas, esp those arising from conflicting general moral rules, by careful distinction of the cases to which these rules apply
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cat
a small domesticated feline mammal, Felis catus (or domesticus), having thick soft fur and occurring in many breeds in which the colour of the fur varies greatly: kept as a pet or to catch rats and mice
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Mrs Linda Thom
Reason for adoption: They are superior beings and should be worshipped.
View the word page here.
cat's-ear
any of various European plants of the genus Hypochoeris, esp H. radicata, having dandelion-like heads of yellow flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)
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cat's-eye
any of a group of gemstones, esp a greenish-yellow variety of chrysoberyl, that reflect a streak of light when cut in a rounded unfaceted shape
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cat's-foot
a European plant, Antennaria dioica, with whitish woolly leaves and heads of typically white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)
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cat's-paw
a person used by another as a tool; dupe
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cat's-tail
another name for reed mace
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cat-o'-mountain
another name for catamount
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cat-o'-nine-tails
a rope whip consisting of nine knotted thongs, used formerly to flog prisoners
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cat-train
a train of sleds, cabooses, etc, pulled by a caterpillar tractor, used chiefly in the north during winter to transport freight
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cat.
catalogue
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cata-
down; downwards; lower in position
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catabasis
a descent or downward movement
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catabolism
a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism
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catabolite
a substance produced as a result of catabolism
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catacaustic
(of a caustic curve or surface) formed by reflected light rays
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catachresis
the incorrect use of words, as luxuriant for luxurious
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cataclasis
the deformation of rocks by crushing and shearing
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cataclinal
(of streams, valleys, etc) running in the direction of the dip of the surrounding rock strata
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cataclysm
a violent upheaval, esp of a political, military, or social nature
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catacomb
an underground burial place, esp the galleries at Rome, consisting of tunnels with vaults or niches leading off them for tombs
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catadioptric
involving a combination of reflecting and refracting components
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catadromous
(of fishes such as the eel) migrating down rivers to the sea in order to breed
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catafalque
a temporary raised platform on which a body lies in state before or during a funeral
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Catalan
a language of Catalonia, quite closely related to Spanish and Provençal, belonging to the Romance group of the Indo-European family
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catalase
an enzyme that catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
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catalectic
(of a line of verse) having an incomplete final foot
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catalepsy
a state of prolonged rigid posture, occurring for example in schizophrenia or in hypnotic trances
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catalo
a variant spelling of cattalo
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catalogue
a complete, usually alphabetical list of items, often with notes giving details
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Catalonia
a region of NE Spain, with a strong separatist tradition: became an autonomous region with its own parliament in 1979; an important agricultural and industrial region, with many resorts. Pop: 7 012 600 (2003 est). Area: 31 929 sq km (12 328 sq miles)
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catalpa
any bignoniaceous tree of the genus Catalpa of North America and Asia, having large leaves, bell-shaped whitish flowers, and long slender pods
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catalyse
to influence (a chemical reaction) by catalysis
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catalysis
acceleration of a chemical reaction by the action of a catalyst
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catalyst
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change
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catalytic
of or relating to catalysis; involving a catalyst
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catamaran
a sailing, or sometimes motored, vessel with twin hulls held parallel by a rigid framework
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catamenia
another word for menses
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catamenial
A derivative of catamenia
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catamite
a boy kept for homosexual purposes
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catamount
any of various medium-sized felines, such as the puma or lynx
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catananche
any of the hardy perennial genus Catananche, from S Europe; some, esp C. caerulea, are grown for their blue-and-white flowers that can be dried as winter decoration: family Asteraceae
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Catania
a port in E Sicily, near Mount Etna. Pop: 313 110 (2001)
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Catanzaro
a city in S Italy, in Calabria. Pop: 95 251 (2001)
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cataphora
the use of a word such as a pronoun that has the same reference as a word used subsequently in the same discourse
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cataphoresis
another name for electrophoresis
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cataphoretic
A derivative of cataphoresis
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cataphyll
a simplified form of plant leaf, such as a scale leaf or cotyledon
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cataplasia
the degeneration of cells and tissues to a less highly developed form
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cataplasm
another name for poultice
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cataplexy
sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by severe shock
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catapult
a Y-shaped implement with a loop of elastic fastened to the ends of the two prongs, used mainly by children for shooting small stones, etc
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cataract
a large waterfall or rapids
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catarrh
inflammation of a mucous membrane with increased production of mucus, esp affecting the nose and throat in the common cold
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catarrhine
(of apes and Old World monkeys) having the nostrils set close together and opening to the front of the face
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catastrophe
a sudden, extensive, or notable disaster or misfortune
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catastrophism
an old doctrine, now discarded, that the earth was created and has subsequently been shaped by sudden divine acts which have no logical connection with each other rather than by gradual evolutionary processes
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catatonia
a state of muscular rigidity and stupor, sometimes found in schizophrenia
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Catawba
a member of a North American Indian people, formerly of South Carolina, now almost extinct
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catbird
any of several North American songbirds of the family Mimidae (mockingbirds), esp Dumetella carolinensis, whose call resembles the mewing of a cat
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catboat
a sailing vessel with a single mast, set well forward and often unstayed, and a large sail, usually rigged with a gaff
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catcall
a shrill whistle or cry expressing disapproval, as at a public meeting, etc
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catch
to take hold of so as to retain or restrain
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catch-22
a situation in which a person is frustrated by a paradoxical rule or set of circumstances that preclude any attempt to escape from them
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catch-all
something designed to cover a variety of situations or possibilities
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catch-as-catch-can
a style of wrestling in which trips, holds below the waist, etc, are allowed
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catchcry
a well-known, frequently used phrase, esp one associated with a particular group, etc
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catcher
a person or thing that catches, esp in a game or sport
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catchfly
any of several caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Silene that have sticky calyxes and stems on which insects are sometimes trapped
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catching
infectious
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catchment
the act of catching or collecting water
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catchpenny
designed to have instant appeal, esp in order to sell quickly and easily without regard for quality
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catchpole
(in medieval England) a sheriff's officer who arrested debtors
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catchup
a variant spelling (esp US) of ketchup
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catchweight
of or relating to a contest in which normal weight categories have been waived by agreement
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catchword
a word or phrase made temporarily popular, esp by a political campaign; slogan
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catchy
(of a tune, etc) pleasant and easily remembered or imitated
Sorry this word has been given a happy home by: Ms Vera Yu
Reason for adoption: 'Catchy' is a name of a Naturally 7 song which is ... catchy!
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catcon
catalytic converter
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catechetical
of or relating to teaching by question and answer
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catechin
a soluble yellow solid substance found in catechu and mahogany wood and used in tanning and dyeing. Formula: C15H14O6
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catechism
instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church
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catechize
to teach or examine by means of questions and answers
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catechol
a colourless crystalline phenol found in resins and lignins; 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. It is used as a photographic developer. Formula: C6H4(OH)2
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catecholamine
any of a group of hormones that are catechol derivatives, esp adrenaline and noradrenaline
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catechu
a water-soluble astringent resinous substance obtained from any of certain tropical plants, esp the leguminous tree Acacia catechu of S Asia, and used in medicine, tanning, and dyeing
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catechumen
a person, esp in the early Church, undergoing instruction prior to baptism
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categorial
of or relating to a category
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categorical
unqualified; positive; unconditional
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categorize
to place in a category; classify
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category
a class or group of things, people, etc, possessing some quality or qualities in common; a division in a system of classification
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catena
a connected series, esp of patristic comments on the Bible
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catenane
a type of chemical compound in which the molecules have two or more rings that are interlocked like the links of a chain
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catenary
the curve assumed by a heavy uniform flexible cord hanging freely from two points. When symmetrical about the y-axis and intersecting it at y = a, the equation is y = a cosh x/a
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catenate
to arrange or be arranged in a series of chains or rings
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catenoid
the geometrical surface generated by rotating a catenary about its axis
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catenulate
(of certain spores) formed in a row or chain
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cater
to provide what is required or desired (for)
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cater-cornered
diagonally placed; diagonal
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cater-cousin
a close friend
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cateran
(formerly) a member of a band of brigands and marauders in the Scottish highlands
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caterer
a person who caters, esp one who as a profession provides food for large social events, etc
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catering
the trade of a professional caterer
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caterpillar
the wormlike larva of butterflies and moths, having numerous pairs of legs and powerful biting jaws. It may be brightly coloured, hairy, or spiny
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caterwaul
to make a yowling noise, as a cat on heat
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