Spelling Flashcards

à la carte

A style of dining where each dish is ordered separately rather than as part of a set menu.

aardvark

A nocturnal burrowing mammal native to Africa with a long snout and large ears that feeds primarily on ants and termites.

Abadan

A city in Iran known for its oil refinery and strategic location.

abate

To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity; to lessen.

abhorrence

A feeling of repulsion or disgust; a strong aversion.

able-bodied

Physically fit and capable of performing manual labor or other physical activities.

abscissa

The horizontal coordinate in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, representing the distance from the vertical axis.

absorbefacient

A substance capable of causing absorption, especially into tissue or cells.

acanthus

A plant of the genus Acanthus, known for its ornamental leaves and thorny appearance, often used in architecture.

acciaccatura

A musical ornament or grace note played quickly before the main note, typically in classical music.

acclimatization

The process of adjustment to a new climate or environment.

accumbent

Referring to a lying down position; reclining.

acerbity

Sharpness of tone, temper, or manner; bitterness.

achondroplasia

A genetic disorder resulting in dwarfism due to improper cartilage formation.

acolyte

A person assisting a priest or minister in a religious service.

actinomycosis

A chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, affecting tissues in the body.

ad hominem

An argument attacking a person's character rather than addressing the argument itself.

ad nauseam

A phrase meaning to a point of nausea; to the point of excessive repetition.

adamant

Firm in purpose or opinion; unyielding and inflexible.

addlepated

Confused or muddled; being scatterbrained or forgetful.

adenoma

A benign tumor formed from glandular tissue.

admiralty

The rank or office of an admiral, or a specific area of law governing naval forces and maritime issues.

adulate

To excessively praise or admire.

adumbration

A foreshadowing or a subtle hint; a shadowy or indistinct representation.

adventuresome

Willing to take risks or try new experiences; bold in spirit.

adynamia

A state of physical weakness or loss of strength.

aerophobia

An irrational fear of flying or airplanes.

affianced

Engaged to be married.

agglomerate

To collect or form into a mass or cluster.

aggravation

An increase in the severity of a problem or situation; annoyance or irritation.

agitato

A musical term indicating a fast, agitated tempo.

agog

Very eager or excited to hear or see something.

aileron

A hinged flight control surface on an aircraft wing used to control the roll of the aircraft.

akinesia

The loss of the power of voluntary movement, often used in relation to certain neurological disorders.

albuterol

A medication used to treat asthma and other conditions by relaxing the muscles in the airways.

aldermancy

Divination or forecasting the future by interpreting patterns of insects or other natural signs.

algebraic

Pertaining to algebra or involving algebraic expressions.

aliment

Something that nourishes or sustains; food.

alla breve

A musical time signature indicating two beats per measure, typically notated with a cut common time signature.

allude

To refer to something indirectly or casually.

altazimuth

A type of telescope mount or coordinate system that allows for both horizontal and vertical movement.

altruistic

Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

Alzheimer’s disease

A progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline.

amarelle

A type of tart plum or cherry, often used in cooking or preserves.

Americanize

To adapt or influence to make more American in character or form.

amoxicillin

An antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

amperage

The strength of an electric current expressed in amperes.

amphisbaena

A mythical creature depicted as a serpent with a head at either end.

amulet

An object worn for protection or luck, often inscribed with a charm.

amygdaline

Pertaining to almonds or resembling almonds, often used in botany or medicine.

anacrusis

An unaccented note or notes at the beginning of a musical phrase.

analogous

Similar or comparable in certain respects, making a comparison possible.

anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

anathematize

To condemn or curse formally, often in a religious context.

andesite

A fine-grained volcanic rock, often used in construction.

Andorra

A small landlocked principality in the eastern Pyrenees mountains.

anemia

A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

anemometry

The measurement of wind speed and direction.

Anglophile

A person who is fond of or admires English culture, history, and people.

anguished

Experiencing severe mental or physical pain or distress.

ankylosis

Abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones.

annular ligament

A band of connective tissue that surrounds a joint, particularly in the fingers and toes.

anopheles

A genus of mosquitoes known as vectors for malaria.

Antarctica

The southernmost continent, containing the geographic South Pole, characterized by its ice-covered terrain.

antepenultimate

Referring to the third from the end in a series.

anthropometry

The study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

anticyclone

A weather system characterized by high pressure and calm, dry conditions.

antimacassar

A cloth placed over the back of a chair to protect the fabric from oil and dirt.

antinome

A contradiction or opposition between two established laws or conditions.

antiphony

A form of vocal music in which two distinct choirs or groups alternate in singing.

antiphrasis

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used in a way that is opposite to its literal meaning.

aortography

An imaging technique used to visualize the aorta.

aperçu

A brief and insightful observation or description.

aplomb

Self-confidence or assurance in one's manner.

apolitical

Not interested or involved in politics.

appertain

To relate to or concern something; to belong to.

appoggiatura

A melodic grace note that is approached by a leap and usually resolves down to a main note.

apprehensible

Capable of being understood; intelligible.

aquamarine

A blue or turquoise variety of beryl, often used as a gemstone.

Aquarius

The zodiac sign for those born between January 20 and February 18, associated with the Water Bearer.

Aramaic

An ancient Semitic language that was widely used in the Near East and is known from biblical texts.

archaeopteryx

An early bird-like dinosaur regarded as a crucial link between reptiles and birds.

archdiocese

A district under the direct jurisdiction of an archbishop.

arenaceous

Composed of sand; sandy in texture.

argumentation

The process of reasoning systematically in support of an idea or action.

Aristophanes

An ancient Greek playwright known for his comedic works, particularly during the Golden Age of Athens.

arrogance

An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner.

artifact

An object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest.

ascetic

A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence for religious reasons.

asocial

Avoiding social interactions or not participating in social events.

aspidistra

A plant with long, broad leaves often used as a houseplant.

assimilable

Capable of being absorbed or incorporated; fitting in.

astragal

A term used in anatomy relating to a bone in the ankle joint; also refers to a decorative molding.

atamasco lily

A flowering plant native to the southeastern United States, recognized for its striking purple flowers.

atomism

A philosophical theory that states that everything is composed of indivisible units called atoms.

au-courant

Fully informed; up-to-date on relevant topics or ideas.

aubergine

A plant also known as the eggplant, valued for its edible fruit, often used in cooking.

Auckland

A major city in New Zealand located on the North Island, known for its vibrant culture and natural scenery.

Augean

Referring to an extremely difficult or laborious task, often used in historical contexts.

auricular

Related to the ear or the sense of hearing.