nandhakumarms/qualc-wiktionary-en huggingface dataset:
Word: miserere Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Middle English miserere, a borrowing from Latin miserēre (“have pity”), first word of the 51st Psalm (50th in the older Greek and Latin numbering), translating Ancient Greek ἐλέησον (eléēson) and Biblical Hebrew חָנֵּנִי (ḥānnēnî), inflected form of חָנַן (ḥānan, “have mercy”). 1. An expression of lamentation or complaint. 2. A medieval dagger, used for the mercy stroke to a wounded foe; misericord. 3. A small projecting boss or bracket on the underside of the hinged seat of a church stall, intended to give some support to a standing worshipper when the seat is turned up; a misericord. 4. Ileus.
Word: misericord Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From 1200–1250, from Middle English misericorde (“an act of clemency”) from Old French, from Latin misericordia (“pity”). Doublet of misericordia. Pronunciation: /mɪˈzɛɹɪkɔːd/, /mɪˈzɛɹɪkɔɹd/ 1. Relaxation of monastic rules. Labels: countable, uncountable 2. The room in a monastery for monks granted such relaxation. Labels: countable, uncountable 3. A ledge, sometimes ornately carved, attached to a folding church seat to provide support for a person standing for long periods; a subsellium. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: 1969, M. D. Anderson, The Iconography of British Misericords, G. L. Remnant, A Catalogue of Misericords in Great Britain, page xxiii, Misericords are a very humble form of medieval art and it is unlikely that the most distinguished carvers of any period were employed in making them, except, perhaps, during their apprentice years. Example: A misericord - a hinged projection on the underside of a choir seat - dates from about 1200 and is possibly the oldest in England. 4. A medieval dagger, used for the mercy stroke to a wounded foe. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: The word misericordia implies an act of mercy but despite its amiable name, it refers to coercing or forcing a spirit to pass through the Gates of Death. In the age of medieval chivalry, knights carried a dagger called the misericorde that was used to strike the coup de grâce upon mortally wounded foes so that they did not have to suffer. The term “misericordia” carries a similar import in necromancy.
Word: Westphalia Part of Speech: name Etymology: Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin Westphalia, from Middle Low German Westvâlen, ultimately from the root of German Westfalen, which see. Related to Low German Westfaolen. Pronunciation: /wɛstˈfeɪ̯ljə/ 1. Westfalen, a subdivision (“Landschaftsverband”) of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. 2. Westfalen (a region of Germany in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony) 3. A former realm of Germany. Labels: historical Example: Since the reign of Charlemagne, this country is divided into High and Low Germany... the provinces of Lower Germany towards the north conſiſt of the Low Country of the Rhine, Triers, Cologn, Mentz, Weſtphalia, Heſſe, Brunſwic, Miſnia, Luſatia, High Saxony upon the Elbe, Low Saxony upon the Elbe, Mecklenburg, Lauenburg, Brandenburg, Magdeburg, and Pomerania. 4. A city in Iowa. 5. A city in Kansas. 6. A village in Michigan. 7. A city in Missouri.
Word: Westphalian Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree English Westphalia Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Italic *-nos Latin -nus Latin -ānus Old French -ainder. Middle English -an English -an English Westphalian From Westphalia + -an. Pronunciation: /wɛstˈfeɪljən/ 1. Of or pertaining to the Westphalia region or its people and culture. Labels: not-comparable Example: Then comes the imperative necessity of eating smoked Westphalian ham for breakfast: this is on the principle that imitation is the most delicate flattery. 2. Of or pertaining to Westphalian Low German. Labels: not-comparable 3. Of or pertaining to the Peace of Westphalia of 1648 which established a new system of political order in Central Europe, based on the concept of co-existing sovereign states. Labels: not-comparable Example: The long stagnation and despotism under the Chinese world order in East Asia before the late 19th century are thus pretentiously repackaged as China's alternative to the Western-dominated, Westphalian system of international relations.
Word: Westphalian Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree English Westphalia Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Italic *-nos Latin -nus Latin -ānus Old French -ainder. Middle English -an English -an English Westphalian From Westphalia + -an. Pronunciation: /wɛstˈfeɪljən/ 1. A native or inhabitant of Westphalia, a geographic region, part of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. 2. One of the major dialect groups of West Low German spoken in Westphalia. 3. A warmblood horse bred in the Westphalia region.
Word: Westphalian Part of Speech: name Etymology: Etymology tree English Westphalia Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Italic *-nos Latin -nus Latin -ānus Old French -ainder. Middle English -an English -an English Westphalian From Westphalia + -an. Pronunciation: /wɛstˈfeɪljən/ 1. A European phase of the upper Carboniferous period.
Word: morosely Part of Speech: adv Etymology: Etymology tree English morose Middle English -ly English -ly English morosely From morose + -ly. 1. In a morose or sulky manner; gloomily. Example: "Oh, dry up,' said Arnold morosely.
Word: Et-Tell Part of Speech: name Etymology: From Arabic تَلّ (tall, “hillock”); see tell (“mound over an ancient settlement”). 1. An archaeological site in Israel popularly thought to be the biblical city of Ai.
Word: equilibrious Part of Speech: adj 1. in equilibrium; balanced
Word: empty suit Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Derived from unfavorable observations that ineffective professionals are memorable only for their attire and not their accomplishments at the workplace. First use appears c. 1950 in the New York Times. 1. An ineffective or incompetent person in a place of authority. Labels: also, derogatory, idiomatic, slang 2. A politician who has not fulfilled any campaign promises. Example: John Doe is an empty suit running on an anti-populist platform.
Word: drop cap Part of Speech: noun 1. A large initial letter that drops below the first line of a paragraph, usually used at the beginning of a section or chapter of a book.
Word: Yuwaaliyaay Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From a Pama-Nyungan language. 1. An Australian Aboriginal people of New South Wales. Labels: plural, plural-only 2. An extinct Pama-Nyungan Australian Aboriginal suffixing language or dialect, within the Wiradjuric group, formerly spoken by these people; often considered a dialect of Gamilaraay. Labels: plural, plural-only
Word: Yuwaaliyaay Part of Speech: adj Etymology: From a Pama-Nyungan language. 1. Of the Yuwaaliyaay people or language. Labels: not-comparable
Word: Euahlayi Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From a Pama-Nyungan language. 1. An Australian Aboriginal people of New South Wales. Labels: plural, plural-only
Word: Euahlayi Part of Speech: name Etymology: From a Pama-Nyungan language. 1. Their language or dialect.
Word: Euahlayi Part of Speech: adj Etymology: From a Pama-Nyungan language. 1. Of the Euahlayi people or language. Labels: not-comparable
Word: punx Part of Speech: noun 1. Punks (members of punk subculture). Labels: plural, plural-normally, pronunciation-spelling, slang
Word: alban Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Borrowed from French albane (in the form alban, respelt after the German Alban), from the Latin albus (“white”) + the French -ane (“-an”). Pronunciation: /ˈalbən/, [ˈalbn̩] 1. A white crystalline resinous substance extracted from gutta-percha by the action of alcohol or ether. Labels: archaic, uncountable
Word: Khrushchev Part of Speech: name Etymology: From Russian Хрущёв (Xruščóv), usually written Хрущев (Xruščev) (see note about Russian letter ё (jo)). Pronunciation: /ˈkrʊʃ.t͡ʃɒf/, /ˈkruːʃ-/, /-t͡ʃɒv/, /-t͡ʃɛv/ 1. English transliteration of the Russian surname Хрущёв (Xruščóv); usually refers to the Russian revolutionary and Soviet Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU(b) Nikita Khrushchev. Example: A built-in remedy for Khrushchev and Kennedy.
Word: retro-fitted Part of Speech: adj 1. Alternative spelling of retrofitted. Labels: alt-of, alternative
Word: retros Part of Speech: noun 1. plural of retro Labels: form-of, plural
Word: retrofitted Part of Speech: verb 1. simple past and past participle of retrofit Labels: form-of, participle, past
Word: retrofitted Part of Speech: adj 1. fitted or installed at a later date
Word: fooling Part of Speech: verb Pronunciation: /ˈfuːlɪŋ/ 1. present participle and gerund of fool Labels: form-of, gerund, participle, present
Word: fooling Part of Speech: noun Pronunciation: /ˈfuːlɪŋ/ 1. The act of one who fools; foolish behaviour. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: c. 1775, Janet Schaw, Journal of a Lady of Quality I laugh at him and use every little Art in my power to make him view things in a more cheerful light, but he knows better than I do, and tho' his good nature and politeness make him appear to be diverted with my foolings, I am sensible they do not amuse his melancholy.
Word: spare tyre Part of Speech: noun 1. An extra tyre carried in case one of the vehicle's tyres is damaged or deflated. 2. A large paunch and rolls of fat around the waist. Labels: figuratively
Word: spare tyres Part of Speech: noun 1. plural of spare tyre Labels: form-of, plural
Word: blind leading the blind Part of Speech: phrase Etymology: The concept is ancient, found in several cultures. It occurs in the Upanishads, written between 800 BCE and 200 BCE: : Abiding in the midst of ignorance, thinking themselves wise and learned, fools go aimlessly hither and thither, like blind led by the blind. — Katha Upanishad A similar expression exists in the Buddhist Pali Canon, composed in North India, and preserved orally until it was committed to writing during the Fourth Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka in 29 BCE, and in the works of Horace, a leading Roman lyric poet during the time of Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE), who wrote of caecus caeco dux (“the blind leader of the blind”). The saying also appears in the King James Version of the Bible (1611), Gospel of Matthew, 15:14: : Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 1. A situation in which an unqualified person is attempting to guide, advise, or train others. Labels: idiomatic Example: Grandma teaching you to drive is like the blind leading the blind. Example: "The Lord preserve us from evil times. . . . Without his grace, we are the blind leading the blind."
Word: rhapsode Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Borrowed from Ancient Greek ῥαψῳδός (rhapsōidós). Pronunciation: /ˈɹæpˌsoʊd/ 1. One who performs the poetry of a poet for an audience; not necessarily a writer of poetry. Example: Socrates: And do the Epidaurians have contests of rhapsodes at the festival? 2. The interpreter of a poem.
Word: safe-deposit box Part of Speech: noun 1. A fireproof metal box for holding personal valuables; (usually specifically) one stored in a secure vault such as a bank vault or (in some countries) a post office.. Example: Near-synonyms: safe, strongbox, lockbox
Word: banyan Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Portuguese baniano, from Arabic بَنِيَان (baniyān), from Gujarati વાણિયો (vāṇiyo, “merchant”), from Sanskrit वाणिज (vāṇijá), from earlier वणिज् (vaṇíj, “merchant, trader”). The name appears to have been first bestowed popularly on a famous tree of this species growing near Bandar Abbas, under which the Bannians, or Hindu traders settled at that port, had built a little pagoda. Doublet of bunnia. Pronunciation: /ˈbæn.jæn/, /ˈbæn.jən/ 1. An Indian trader, merchant, cashier, or money changer. 2. A tropical Indian fig tree, Ficus benghalensis, that has many aerial roots. Example: When doubling a point, which was covered with a heavy growth of the banian mangrove, which extended into deep water, we discovered a party of Kubu Orangs fishing from off a pack of drift that had lodged against the inward trend of the northern shore. Example: We climb and then descend; we pass by the great banyan which, like Atlas, settling himself powerfully on his contorted haunches, seems awaiting with knee and shoulder the burden of the sky. 3. Various other trees of the Ficus subgenus Urostigma, especially Ficus pertusa (Central American banyan) and Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan or Malayan banyan). 4. A type of loose gown worn in India. 5. A vest; an undershirt; a singlet. Labels: India, Pakistan Example: It was an honest letter, written by an honest man, then stewing in the Plains on two hundred rupees a month (for he allowed his wife eight hundred and fifty), and in a silk banian and cotton trousers. 6. A camping excursion on shore, to give a ship's crew a break from shipboard routine. Labels: UK, dated, slang
Word: aerial root Part of Speech: noun 1. Any adventitious root that grows from a plant stem above ground. Example: The most extraordinary trees of the forest are, however, a kind of fig, the aerial roots of which form a pyramid near a hundred feet high, terminating just where the tree branches out above, so that there is no real trunk.
Word: banzai Part of Speech: adj Etymology: From Japanese 万歳(ばんざい) (banzai, “long live..., huzzah, hurrah”), from Middle Chinese 萬歲 (mjonᴴ sjwejᴴ), from Old Chinese 萬歲 (*mans s-qʷʰats, “10,000 years [of life]”, i.e. “immortality”), from 萬 /万 (wàn, “10,000”) 歲 /岁 (suì, “year (of age)”). Compare Mandarin 萬歲／万岁 (wànsùi). Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːnˈzaɪ/, /ˈbænˈzaɪ/ 1. Thrill-seeking; wild. Example: Still, the Seca II isn't meant to be a racebike, and power is adequate for all but the most banzai backroad blitzing.
Word: banzai Part of Speech: intj Etymology: From Japanese 万歳(ばんざい) (banzai, “long live..., huzzah, hurrah”), from Middle Chinese 萬歲 (mjonᴴ sjwejᴴ), from Old Chinese 萬歲 (*mans s-qʷʰats, “10,000 years [of life]”, i.e. “immortality”), from 萬 /万 (wàn, “10,000”) 歲 /岁 (suì, “year (of age)”). Compare Mandarin 萬歲／万岁 (wànsùi). Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːnˈzaɪ/, /ˈbænˈzaɪ/ 1. A cry or cheer of enthusiasm, or to celebrate victory.
Word: banzai Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Japanese 万歳(ばんざい) (banzai, “long live..., huzzah, hurrah”), from Middle Chinese 萬歲 (mjonᴴ sjwejᴴ), from Old Chinese 萬歲 (*mans s-qʷʰats, “10,000 years [of life]”, i.e. “immortality”), from 萬 /万 (wàn, “10,000”) 歲 /岁 (suì, “year (of age)”). Compare Mandarin 萬歲／万岁 (wànsùi). Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːnˈzaɪ/, /ˈbænˈzaɪ/ 1. A cry or cheer of "banzai", to express enthusiasm or celebrate victory. 2. Clipping of banzai charge. Labels: abbreviation, alt-of, clipping
Word: banzai Part of Speech: verb Etymology: From Japanese 万歳(ばんざい) (banzai, “long live..., huzzah, hurrah”), from Middle Chinese 萬歲 (mjonᴴ sjwejᴴ), from Old Chinese 萬歲 (*mans s-qʷʰats, “10,000 years [of life]”, i.e. “immortality”), from 萬 /万 (wàn, “10,000”) 歲 /岁 (suì, “year (of age)”). Compare Mandarin 萬歲／万岁 (wànsùi). Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːnˈzaɪ/, /ˈbænˈzaɪ/ 1. To carry out a banzai charge (against). Labels: ambitransitive
Word: barcarole Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Borrowed from French barcarolle, from Venetan barcaroƚa (“song sung by a boatman”), from barca (“bark, barge, boat”), ultimately from Egyptian bꜣjr (“transport ship; type of fish”). Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːkəɹəʊl/, /ˌbɑːkəˈɹəʊl/, /ˈbɑɹkəˌɹoʊl/ 1. A Venetian folk song traditionally sung by gondoliers, often in ⁶⁄₈ or ¹²⁄₈ time with alternating strong and weak beats imitating a rowing motion. Example: Venice! dear beautiful Venice! scene of harmony and love! where all was gayety and mirth, revelry and pleasure, with what warm feelings do I recall thee to my memory; day and night were the gondoliers singing barcarolles, or the verses of [Torquato] Tasso and [Ludovico] Ariosto to Venetian airs; […] Example: In Venice! This night is so delicious—its air / Full of moonlight and passionate snatches of song, […] / —with a song full of dole, / A forlorn barcarole, / As my gondola glides. 2. A piece of music composed in imitation of such a song. Example: A Barcarolle, with variations for the Pianoforte and flute, ad lib. by [Jean Théodore] Latour, opens with an introduction of great feeling and elegance. The Barcarolle is composed by [Jacques Féréol] Mazas, the great violinist, and has been played by him at the Philharmonic Concerts, and is original and graceful. Example: But perhaps the best airs are those of Italy (particularly the Venetian) and Spain. […] The bolero, the barcarole, the canzonetta, and romance, have all the gaiety, softness, tenderness, and chivalry, which we associate with the troubadours, the gay squires, and sprightly dames, of the early ages of poetry and music.
Word: gondolier Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Italian gondoliere, through French gondolier. By surface analysis, gondola + -ier. Pronunciation: /ˌɡɒndəˈlɪə(ɹ)/, /ˌɡɑndəˈlɪɹ/ 1. A boatperson who propels a gondola, especially in Venice. Example: Not even the gondoliers can escape him. He impersonates people and then refuses to pay for the gondola ride, saying, "Rickety-tickety tack, tomorrow I'll pay you back!" He runs away laughing and clapping his hands.
Word: gondoliere Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Directly from Italian gondoliere. 1. Alternative form of gondolier. Labels: alt-of, alternative Example: A thousand lamps, from the illuminated squares of the city, reflected their burnished hues along the wave, and the mellow chaunt of the gondolieres kept time to the gentle plashing of their oars. Example: Try the risi-bisi, a thick soup and traditional in Venice as the gondolieres.
Word: beachhead Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From beach + head. Pronunciation: /ˈbiːt͡ʃhɛd/ 1. An area of hostile territory (especially on a beach) that, when captured, serves for the continuous landing (or movement into position) of further troops and material 2. A coastal landing place. Labels: broadly Example: [...] the SR is confident of Newhaven's appeal as a starting point convenient for Southern England generally and of Dieppe's attraction as a beachhead from which motorists' routes to the principal holiday areas from the French coastline will be shortened. 3. An initial success that ensures the possibility of further advances in a project; a foothold. Labels: broadly Example: Muslim influence in Arakan was of great cultural and political importance. In effect, Arakan was the beachhead for Muslim penetration into other parts of Burma even if it never achieved the same degree of importance it did in Arakan. As a result of the close land and sea contacts maintained between the two countries, Muslims played a key role in the history of the Kingdom of Arakan.
Word: bed-and-breakfast Part of Speech: noun 1. Alternative form of bed and breakfast. Labels: alt-of, alternative Example: Ms. Soar’s parents bought the property in 1976, and the couple moved in 15 years ago. They’ve spent much of that time struggling to maintain the sprawling estate, operating a bed-and-breakfast, a farm shop, a cider business, a bakery, a pork store and various other commercial ventures to support its upkeep.
Word: bed-and-breakfast Part of Speech: verb 1. To stay in a bed and breakfast. Labels: intransitive Example: We bed-and-breakfasted around Ireland and everywhere had placed before us great slashed loaves of soda bread made with coarse brown flour, buttermilk and bicarbonate of soda. 2. To engage in a bed-and-breakfast deal. Example: However, other assets (e.g. works of art) are still sometimes bed-and-breakfasted for tax purposes.
Word: bellhop Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Shortening of bellhopper. Pronunciation: /ˈbɛlˌhɒp/, /ˈbɛlˌhɑp/ 1. An employee of a hotel who carries a guest's luggage and runs errands. Example: Now, the bellhop's tears keep flowin' And the desk clerk's dressed in black. Well, they've been so long on Lonely Street Well, they'll never, they'll never look back.
Word: bellhop Part of Speech: verb Etymology: Shortening of bellhopper. Pronunciation: /ˈbɛlˌhɒp/, /ˈbɛlˌhɑp/ 1. To work as a bellhop. Labels: intransitive
Word: bellybutton Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰelǵʰ- Proto-Indo-European *-is Proto-Indo-European *bʰólǵʰis Proto-Germanic *balgiz Proto-West Germanic *balgi Old English bielġ Middle English bely English belly English button English bellybutton From belly + button. 1. The navel or umbilicus. Labels: informal Example: Always used to have pain about navel when a boy (used to call it bellybutton ache)[…] Example: Some people can’t even bear the thought of picking the fluff out of their bellybuttons - these people suffer from what is known as omphalophobia.
Word: beltway Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From belt + way. Pronunciation: /ˈbɛltˌweɪ/ 1. A freeway that encircles a city. Labels: US
Word: betel Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Borrowed from Portuguese bétele, from Malayalam വെറ്റില (veṟṟila) or Tamil வெற்றிலை (veṟṟilai). Pronunciation: /ˈbiːtəl/ 1. Either of two (parts of) plants often used in combination Labels: uncountable, usually Example: Her face was flushed with the tingling effect of betel leaves. 2. Either of two (parts of) plants often used in combination: Labels: uncountable, usually 3. Either of two (parts of) plants often used in combination: Labels: uncountable, usually 4. A quid (chewing preparation) containing these and other plant materials; paan. Labels: uncountable, usually Example: In a small Bamboo case, prettily carved and ornamented, the Dyak carries his sirih and lime for betel chewing, and his little long-bladed knife has a Bamboo sheath. Example: He went to the rail to spit out a scarlet mouthful of betel […]
Word: betel palm Part of Speech: noun 1. An Asiatic palm, Areca catechu, whose seeds are betel nuts.
Word: betel pepper Part of Speech: noun 1. An Asiatic plant, Piper betle, whose leaves are used to wrap betel nuts for chewing.
Word: bicarb Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Clipping of bicarbonate. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪˌkɑɹb/ 1. Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻). Labels: countable, informal, uncountable 2. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Labels: countable, informal, uncountable
Word: Zoltan Part of Speech: name Etymology: From Hungarian Zoltán, from szultán (“sultan”), from Ottoman Turkish سلطان (sultan), from Arabic سُلْطَان (sulṭān, “ruler”). Doublet of sultan. 1. A male given name from Hungarian Zoltán.
Word: bimetallism Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ Proto-Indo-European *dwi- Proto-Italic *dwi- Latin bi-bor. English bi- English metallism English bimetallism From bi- + metallism. 1. The use of a monetary standard based upon two different metals, traditionally gold and silver usually in a fixed ratio of values. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: As in China, bi-metallism exacerbated rural unrest in Nguyen Vietnam.
Word: bimetallist Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From bi- + metal + -ist. 1. An advocate of bimetallism
Word: bimetallist Part of Speech: adj Etymology: From bi- + metal + -ist. 1. Advocating bimetallism
Word: bindweed Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From bind + weed. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪndwiːd/ 1. Any of several trailing vine-like plants in the family Convolvulaceae with funnel-shaped flowers: Labels: countable, uncountable Example: the slender bindweed wound about with its pale and delicate flowers—so delicate, yet so deadly; and one or two late flowers yet put forth their wan blossoms, pining as if gentle exiles of the spring, and yet very, very lovely. 2. Any of several trailing vine-like plants in the family Convolvulaceae with funnel-shaped flowers: Labels: countable, uncountable 3. Any of several trailing vine-like plants in the family Convolvulaceae with funnel-shaped flowers: Labels: countable, uncountable 4. Any of several plants of species in other families with similar appearance: Labels: countable, uncountable 5. Any of several plants of species in other families with similar appearance: Labels: countable, uncountable
Word: biochemically Part of Speech: adv Etymology: Etymology tree English biochemical Middle English -ly English -ly English biochemically From biochemical + -ly. 1. With reference to biochemistry. Labels: not-comparable
Word: biochemist Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Back-formation from biochemistry. Pronunciation: /ˌbʌɪə(ʊ)ˈkɛmɪst/ 1. A chemist whose speciality is biochemistry
Word: biodegradability Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlom Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlis Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English degradable English biodegradable Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-ts Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ts Latin -itāsder. Old French -itebor. Middle English -ite English -ity English biodegradability From biodegradable + -ity. 1. The capacity of a material to decompose over time as a result of biological activity, especially to be broken down by microorganisms. Labels: countable, uncountable
Word: biodegradable Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlom Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlis Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English degradable English biodegradable From bio- + degradable. Pronunciation: /(ˌ)baɪoʊdəˈɡɹeɪdəbl̩/, /(ˌ)baɪədəˈɡɹeɪdəbl̩/ 1. Capable of being decomposed by biological activity, especially by microorganisms. Example: Similar studies of rats have employed four different intracranial resorbable, slow sustained release systems—surgical foam, a thermal gel depot, a microcapsule or biodegradable polymer beads.
Word: biodegradable Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlom Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlis Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English degradable English biodegradable From bio- + degradable. Pronunciation: /(ˌ)baɪoʊdəˈɡɹeɪdəbl̩/, /(ˌ)baɪədəˈɡɹeɪdəbl̩/ 1. Any material that can be decomposed by biological activity.
Word: biodegrade Part of Speech: verb Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade English biodegrade From bio- + degrade. 1. To decompose as a result of biological action, especially by microorganisms. Example: PLA decomposes slowly, but plants can help the material biodegrade five to seven times faster in the soil, Kato says.
Word: bioethics Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English ethics English bioethics From bio- + ethics. 1. The branch of ethics that studies the implications of biological and biomedical advances. Labels: uncountable Example: This graded appreciation of the developing moral status of human life, especially during its prenatal stages, is deeply relevant to some of the most important bioethics debates of our day. Example: 2006, Florencia Luna, Arleen L. F. Salles, One: Latin American Bioethics: Some Reflections, Florencia Luna (editor), Bioethics and Vulnerability: A Latin American View, page 9, Bioethics has been defined as the critical and systematic reflection on ethical issues in healthcare, biological and medical research, and public health. […] In the United States, the emergence of modern bioethics has been characterized by a shift away from the religious and medical considerations that initially dominated the discourse to more philosophical and legal concepts.
Word: biomedical Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- Proto-Indo-European *med-der. Proto-Italic *medēōrder. Latin medeor Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icus Latin medicus Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Medieval Latin medicālisbor. French médicalbor. English medical English biomedical From bio- + medical. Pronunciation: /ˌbaɪəʊˈmɛdɪk(ə)l/, /ˌbaɪoʊˈmɛdɪk(ə)l/, /ˌbɑɪəʉˈmedɪk(ə)l/, /ˌbɑɪɐʉˈmedɪk(ə)l/ 1. Of or pertaining to biomedicine. Labels: not-comparable Example: The research problem was biomedical in nature but the research approach adopted was multidisciplinary, with biomedical, psychological and anthropological aspects. Despite joint efforts, our biomedical colleagues felt that [...] Example: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have come to be defined as biomedical in nature.
Word: biomedical Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- Proto-Indo-European *med-der. Proto-Italic *medēōrder. Latin medeor Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icus Latin medicus Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Medieval Latin medicālisbor. French médicalbor. English medical English biomedical From bio- + medical. Pronunciation: /ˌbaɪəʊˈmɛdɪk(ə)l/, /ˌbaɪoʊˈmɛdɪk(ə)l/, /ˌbɑɪəʉˈmedɪk(ə)l/, /ˌbɑɪɐʉˈmedɪk(ə)l/ 1. A product of the biomedicine industry.
Word: biomedicine Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English medicine English biomedicine From bio- + medicine. 1. The application of biology and physiology to clinical medicine. Labels: countable, uncountable 2. The branch of medicine that studies the effects of environmental stress on organisms (most often in space travel). Labels: countable, uncountable 3. A medicine created with the use of living organisms. Labels: countable
Word: Pub. L. Part of Speech: noun 1. Abbreviation of public law. Labels: abbreviation, alt-of, uncountable
Word: EFL Part of Speech: noun 1. Initialism of English as a foreign language. Labels: abbreviation, alt-of, initialism, uncountable Example: Near-synonyms: ESL (broadly synonymous), EAL
Word: EFL Part of Speech: name 1. Initialism of English Football League. Labels: abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
Word: pancakes Part of Speech: noun Pronunciation: /ˈpænkeɪks/ 1. plural of pancake Labels: form-of, plural
Word: diphthongal Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ Proto-Indo-European *dwi- Proto-Hellenic *dwi- Ancient Greek δι- (di-) Ancient Greek φθέγγομαι (phthéngomai) Ancient Greek φθόγγος (phthóngos) Ancient Greek δῐ́φθογγος (dĭ́phthongos)der. Latin diphthongusbor. French diphtongueder. English diphthong English -al English diphthongal From diphthong + -al. Pronunciation: /dɪfˈθɔŋɡəl/ 1. Pertaining to or characterized by a diphthong. Labels: not-comparable Example: ‘This,’ the colonel said […] ‘is a lampshade. It looks like an ordinary lampshade. It was taken from the bedside lamp of Frau Koch. It’s genuine human skin.’ It sounded more gruesome spoken in his diphthongal southern manner—skee-ern.
Word: biofeedback Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From bio- + feedback. First appears c. 1970 in the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪoʊ.fiːdˌbæk/ 1. A technique of gaining greater awareness of the many physiological functions of one's own body by using electronic or other instruments, and with the goal of being able to manipulate the body's systems at will. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: Biotics must develop conscious control over their nervous systems, sending specific electrical impulses to the element zero nodules embedded in their nerves. They are taught to use their implants and amps with biofeedback devices and physical mnemonics. Specific gestures or muscle movements fire the proper sequence of nerves to activate a certain skill. 2. Being mindful of one's own sensations for similar purposes (irrespective of technological devices). Labels: countable, uncountable
Word: biologically Part of Speech: adv Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βίος (bíos) Proto-Indo-European *leǵ- Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-i-eh₂ Proto-Hellenic *-íā Ancient Greek -ῐ́ᾱ (-ĭ́ā) Ancient Greek -λογῐ́ᾱ (-logĭ́ā)bor. Latin -logia New Latin biologialbor. English biology Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ic Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al Middle English -ical English -ical English biological Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English biologically From biological + -ly. 1. In a biological manner. Labels: not-comparable Example: Working with a concept formulated in New Jersey, Open Marsh Water Management, techniques were developed that controlled mosquitoes biologically, rather than chemically, resulting in minimal physical impacts to the treated marshes, […] Example: ... and have built vast greenhouses dedicated to breeding and harvesting ladybirds to control pests biologically rather than chemically. 2. With regard to biology. Labels: not-comparable
Word: bionically Part of Speech: adv Etymology: Etymology tree English bionic Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al Middle English -ly Middle English -ally English -ally English bionically From bionic + -ally. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪɒnɪklɪi/ 1. in a bionic manner 2. with regard to bionics
Word: biophysical Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English physical English biophysical From bio- + physical. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪəʊˌfɪzɪkəl/ 1. Of or pertaining to a combination of biology and physics. Labels: not-comparable Example: We would conclude our remarks upon Dr. Harris’s work by simply saying that it is interesting and suggestive, and well worthy of careful perusal, not only by those interested in the many observations relating to the phenomena of the latent period accompanying the stimulation of living matter, but also by those interested in the larger if less accurately conditioned field of biophysical philosophy. Example: As to the immediate results of operation we find in our earlier series the mortality was formidably high, but that in our last 108 cases of gastroenterostomy and resection we have adopted methods of management and of technic based on biophysical concepts elsewhere published, embracing in particular anticipatory intervention — that is, treatment and management to forestall danger — the indication being based on statistical probabilities rather than on established indication of the case in hand. 2. Of or pertaining to biophysics. Labels: not-comparable
Word: biophysicist Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *bʰuHyéti Ancient Greek φῠ́ω (phŭ́ō) Proto-Indo-European *-tis Ancient Greek -τις (-tis) Ancient Greek -σῐς (-sĭs) Ancient Greek φύσις (phúsis) Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Hellenic *-kos Ancient Greek -κός (-kós) Ancient Greek -ικός (-ikós) Ancient Greek φυσικός (phusikós)der. Latin physicusder. Middle English phisik English physic English physics Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō) Proto-Hellenic *-tās Ancient Greek -τής (-tḗs) Ancient Greek -ῐστής (-ĭstḗs)bor. Latin -istader. Old French -istebor. Middle English -ist English -ist English physicist English biophysicist From bio- + physicist. 1. A biologist or physicist whose speciality is biophysics.
Word: biorhythm Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- Proto-Indo-European *ser-? Proto-Indo-European *srew- Proto-Indo-European *sru-dʰ-mo-s Proto-Hellenic *hrutʰmós Ancient Greek ῥῠθμός (rhŭthmós)bor. Latin rhythmusder. English rhythm English biorhythm First coined 1960, from bio- + rhythm. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪ.oʊˌɹɪð.əm/ 1. Any cyclic biological or physiological pattern or activity. 2. Any of three sinusoidal graphs, normally plotted by a computer, containing a person's birthdate as an origin, that are claimed to provide meaningful information about emotional levels, physical energy levels, and mental or psychic sensitivity. Example: Gay Biorhythms. Be Sure, Be Safe. Biorhythms charted for 1 year. Graphs or calendar. For more information write GCN Box 706.
Word: biotechnological Part of Speech: adj Etymology: From biotechnology + -ical or bio- + technological. Pronunciation: /ˈbaɪəʊˌtɛk.nə.lɒdʒ.ɪk.əl/ 1. Of or pertaining to biotechnology. Labels: not-comparable
Word: biretta Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Borrowed from Italian biretta, berretta. Doublet of beret. 1. A square cap, originally with four ridges across the top, surmounted by a tuft, worn by Roman Catholic clergy (and by some in the Anglican Church). A three-sided biretta is worn by Roman Catholic clergy for liturgical celebrations. Example: It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers. Example: To right and left, embedded in their stalls, the other canons sit reverently engrossed, birettas hung on the walls behind; […]
Word: Anglican Church Part of Speech: name 1. Any of the churches worldwide that are in communion with the Church of England, have the same doctrine, and have the Archbishop of Canterbury as supreme head. 2. A church that practices Anglicanism.
Word: birthstone Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From birth + stone. 1. Any of twelve gemstones traditionally associated with the month of one's birth. 2. Any of a similar list of less costly substitutes.
Word: black-tie Part of Speech: adj 1. Moderately formal; usually requiring a dinner jacket (tuxedo) for men. Labels: idiomatic Example: There is black-tie dinner at the Castle this evening. Example: The event was originally planned to take place as a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane, as in previous years.
Word: white-tie Part of Speech: adj 1. Of an event: very formal; usually requiring a tailcoat for men. Labels: idiomatic, not-comparable
Word: blaster Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Germanic Proto-Indo-European *-o- Proto-Indo-European *-nom Proto-Indo-European *-onom Proto-Germanic *-aną Proto-Germanic *blēstijaną Proto-West Germanic *blēstijan Old English blǣstan Middle English blasten English blast Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āzios Latin -āriusnom. Latin -āriusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old English -ere Middle English -ere English -er English blaster From blast + -er. Pronunciation: /ˈblɑːs.tə/, /ˈblæs.təɹ/ 1. Anything that, or anyone who blasts. Example: infrared blaster 2. A device to detonate an explosive, often consisting of a box with a handle to be pressed down. 3. An unspecified powerful hand weapon, usually one that fires an energy pulse or beam. Example: Blast out the lakes and canals—whittle down the peaks and mounds with atomic blasters—file them into the shape of gigantic buildings. Example: One slender hand clung near a singular jewel, like a great white snow crystal, that hung from her throat. And the other, with a practiced and familiar grip, held a barytron blaster of the newest legion design. An unwilling little glisten had come into the violet eyes. Her blond head flung angrily. She caught her breath, and lifted the barytron blaster. Its bright tube pointed straight between his shoulders. He would never even know. 4. A sand wedge. Labels: slang Example: The "blaster" type of club has been blamed for doing its share in making golf courses look ridiculous,[…] Example: The person who has a sand wedge - the blaster - for these shots has a distinct advantage.
Word: hens Part of Speech: noun 1. plural of hen Labels: form-of, plural
Word: blini Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Russian блины́ (bliný), plural of блин (blin, “pancake”). 1. A small pancake, of Russian origin, made from buckwheat flour; traditionally served with melted butter, sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon.
Word: blini Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From Russian блины́ (bliný), plural of блин (blin, “pancake”). 1. plural of blin Labels: form-of, plural
Word: blintze Part of Speech: noun 1. Alternative spelling of blintz. Labels: alt-of, alternative
Word: bloomers Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Named after American women's-rights activist Amelia Bloomer (1818–1894). 1. Any of several forms of women’s divided garment for the lower body. Labels: dated, plural, plural-only Example: Fanny, knowing this, had made up her mind to go straight to Horn & Udell. Now, Horn & Udell are responsible for the bloomers your small daughter wears under her play frock, in place of the troublesome and extravagant petticoat of the old days. Example: Moreover, the family realized perfectly that Alix would have clipped her thick hair, and taken to bloomers or knickerbockers outright, […] 2. Women’s underpants with short legs; knickers or drawers. Labels: informal, plural, plural-only
Word: bloomers Part of Speech: noun 1. plural of bloomer Labels: form-of, plural
Word: bongos Part of Speech: noun 1. plural of bongo Labels: form-of, plural
Word: bongos Part of Speech: verb 1. third-person singular simple present indicative of bongo Labels: form-of, indicative, present, singular, third-person
Word: bosomy Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree English bosom Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Germanic *-gaz Proto-West Germanic *-g Old English -iġ Middle English -y English -y English bosomy From bosom + -y. Pronunciation: /ˈbʊz(ə)mi/, /ˈbʊzmi/, /ˈbʊzəmi/ 1. Full of sheltered hollows or recesses. Example: […] I beheld, in momentary sun, / One of thy hills gleam bright and bosomy, / Just like that orb of orbs, a human one, / Let forth by chance upon a lover's eye. Example: For thee 'tis ill; / Although thou know'st it not. Thou ne'er shall see / The bosomy sail that brings thee safety here. / We are not idiots, comrades! 2. Having a large bosom. Example: The essence of a tandem team is surely that it should be well balanced, sporting in appearance and that the horses themselves should at all events convey the impression of being able to do a long stage with ease and comfort. Now there can be nothing "sporting" about a beefy, bosomy, bad-shouldered tandem leader, who picks his fore feet up as high as he can, hangs them down again with a straight thrust on the ground, but a very little distance in advance of the spot from which he took them up. Example: Who invented your library? […] I've toned it up with a lot of those "stage favourites" magazines. You know the kind—"Mary Mush as Magdalene," and all that bosomy sort of stuff; warm, but not incendiary.
Word: botanic Part of Speech: adj Etymology: From the Medieval Latin botanicus, perhaps via the French botanique, from the Ancient Greek βοτανικός (botanikós), from βοτάνη (botánē, “herb, pasture”). Pronunciation: /bəˈtæn.ɪk/ 1. Of or pertaining to botany. Labels: not-comparable
Word: botanic Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From the Medieval Latin botanicus, perhaps via the French botanique, from the Ancient Greek βοτανικός (botanikós), from βοτάνη (botánē, “herb, pasture”). Pronunciation: /bəˈtæn.ɪk/ 1. Any substance of botanical origin. Example: the use of botanics in cosmetic products
Word: botanically Part of Speech: adv Etymology: Etymology tree English botany Proto-Indo-European *-ikos Proto-Italic *-ikos Latin -icuslbor. Old French -iquebor. Middle English -ic Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al Middle English -ical English -ical English botanical Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English botanically From botanical + -ly. 1. in a botanical manner Labels: not-comparable 2. regarding botany Labels: not-comparable
Word: bougainvillea Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From taxonomic name Bougainvillea, from French Bougainville + -a. Named after French admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729–1811). Pronunciation: /ˌbuː.ɡənˈvɪl.ɪ.ə/, /ˌbu.ɡənˈvɪl.jə/, /ˌboʊ.ɡənˈvɪl.jə/ 1. Any of several South American flowering shrubs or lianas, of the genus Bougainvillea, having three showy, colorful bracts attached below each group of three inconspicuous flowers. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: He arrives bearing flowers as though he's come to court me. Tonight he brings me bougainvillea. It is always a surprise. Example: He is outside in his garden, surrounded by bougainvillea bursting with color.
Word: end of day Part of Speech: noun 1. The time when a project should be completed; e.g. 5 pm Labels: uncountable 2. The period when banking transactions are cleared Labels: uncountable
Word: suprarenal gland Part of Speech: noun 1. The adrenal gland, which is located just above the kidney in humans.
Word: ravisher Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From ravish + -er. 1. One who ravishes. Example: […] and saw with the eyes of memory kind gentlewomen in Covent Garden wooing from their balconies with sucking mouths and the pox fouled wenches of the taverns and young wives that, gaily yielding to their ravishers, clipped and clipped again. Example: Tonight she wanted to be the ravisher and the ravishee. She wanted to throw her hands up in the air and say “I am woman, hear me roar.” And she wanted to swallow the gorgeous guy moving toward them whole.
Word: rawness Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree English raw Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English rawness From raw + -ness. 1. The property of being raw. Labels: countable, uncountable Example: The day broke gray and dull. The clouds hung heavily, and there was a rawness in the air that suggested snow. Example: Now, in spite of all sorts of defects, all sorts of woollinesses and rawnesses, the American novel is superior to either the English or the French; it is indeed superior, I think, to any European novel […]
Word: raucously Part of Speech: adv Etymology: Etymology tree English raucous Middle English -ly English -ly English raucously From raucous + -ly. 1. In a raucous manner; loudly.
Word: ratings Part of Speech: noun 1. plural of rating Labels: form-of, plural
Word: raspy Part of Speech: adj Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- Proto-Indo-European *(s)kreb /*(s)krebʰ- Proto-Germanic *hrepsaną /*hrepspaną Proto-Germanic *hrespaną Proto-Germanic *hraspōną Frankish *hraspōnbor. Vulgar Latin *raspāre Old French rasperbor. Middle English raspen English rasp Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Germanic *-gaz Proto-West Germanic *-g Old English -iġ Middle English -y English -y English raspy From rasp + -y. Pronunciation: /ˈɹɑː.spɪ/, /ˈɹæs.pi/ 1. Rough, raw. Example: His incessant coughing made his voice sound raspy. Example: “This,” [Ambassador Robert Lighthizer] stressed in his raspy voice, “is the key economic policy battle of patriotic Americans in the upcoming generation.” 2. Irritable. Example: I don't wish to get raspy, so let's change the subject.