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THE FACTS ON FILE DICTIONARY OFForeign Wordsand PhrasesSECOND EDITION

THE FACTS ON FILE DICTIONARY OFForeign Wordsand PhrasesSECOND EDITIONMARTIN H. MANSERAssociate Editors: David H. PickeringAlice Grandison

The Facts On File Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases, Second EditionCopyright © 2008 by Martin H. ManserAll rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or byany means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informationstorage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Forinformation contact:Facts On File, Inc.An imprint of Infobase Publishing132 West 31st StreetNew York NY 10001Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataManser, Martin H.The Facts on File dictionary of foreign words and phrases / Martin H. Manser ; associateeditors: Alice Grandison and David H. Pickering. — 2nd ed / Martin H. Manser ; associateeditors: Alice Grandison and David H. Pickering.p. cm. — (Writers library)Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN-13: 978-0-8160-7035-0 (alk. paper) 1. English language —Foreign words andphrases—Dictionaries. I. Pickering, David, 1958– II. Grandison, Alice. III. Factson File, Inc. IV. Title. V. Title: Dictionary of foreign words and phrases.PE1670.M26 2008422'.403—dc22 2007029711Facts on File Books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantitiesfor businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special SalesDepartment in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755.You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at http://www.factsonfile.comVisit the author’s website at http://www.martinmanser.comText design adapted by Kerry CaseyPrinted in the United States of AmericaVB BVC 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1This book is printed on acid-free paper and contains 30% post-consumer recycledcontent.

ContentsPreface to the New EditionviiIntroductionixForeign Words and Phrases1Index445

Pr e fa c e t o t h eNe w E d i t i o nThe text of this second dictionary has been expanded to take into account the ongoingpro cess of globalization. Over 500 entries have been added, including expressionsthat have become more frequently used in contemporary En glish, such asretro and sudoku; more prefixes and suffixes, especially those that are currently veryproductive, such as eco- and -fest; terms relating to food, such as conchiglie, panini,and stollen; and terms relating to religions, such as Eid, Parousia, and Veda.The opportunity has been also taken to delete certain entries that have becomefirmly and fully assimilated into En glish and to amend the very occasional error inthe original edition.Ac know ledg mentsI wish to record my thanks to my daughter Hannah for her help in compiling theindex, and to David Pickering and Alice Grandison for their excellent editorialwork on the first and second editions respectively.Martin H. Manservii

In t r o d u c ti o nThe American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson described the English languageas “the sea which receives tributaries from every region under heaven.” Thisdictionary has been compiled as an accessible guide to expressions that are derivedfrom foreign languages. Some such words and phrases have been fully assimilatedinto the language (igloo, bonanza); others are still thought of as foreign (de rigueur,magnum opus).Words and phrases that have become part of the English language cover a widerange of fields: entertainment (anime, flamenco, soirée), food and drink (blini, filo, goulash,latte, stollen), language and literature (litotes, portmanteau, Sturm und Drang), law(force majeure, tort, virgo intacta), music (allegro, nocturne, tabla), politics and economics(arbitrage, glasnost, laissez-faire, ombudsman), and religion and philosophy (chi, CorpusChristi, Diwali, Koran, Rosh Hashanah).HeadwordsEntries are arranged in strict alphabetical order. Letter-by-letter alphabetical orderis followed:fusillifutonfu yungHyphens are ignored:faux amisfaux-naïffaux pasix

INTRODUCTIONAccents are included in the headword if that is how the word is usually renderedin English:cafécoup d’étatpiùWords with the same spelling but with different etymologies are shown as separateentries:forte 1 (fortay, fortay) french [ fort strong] noun a person’s speciality orstrong pointforte 2 (fortay, fortay) italian [derived from Latin fortis strong] adjective inmusic. . .Variant spellings of the headword are shown:coup d’état (koo dayta, koo dbta), coup d’etat french. . .coupé (koopay), coupe french. . .PronunciationA pronunciation of the word or phrase in American English is shown for each entry,except for cross-references.A respelling system is used to show pronunciations:a (cab)b (about, robber)ah (car)air (bear)ay (day, state)b (but)ch (chip)d (danger)e (sell)ee (feet)eer (clear)er (thirst)f (fine)g (get)h (hand)i (ill)i (try)j (jolly)x

INTRODUCTIONk (can)kh (loch)ks (mix)kw (quell)l (lie)m (mole)n (nine)ng (longer)n(g) (restaurant, bon ton)o (fog)o (telephone)oi (ploy)oo (glue)oor (poor)or (sore)ow (cow)p (pink)r (red)s (silent)sh (shut)t (tip)th (theater)TH (this)u (luck)uu (bulletin)v (very)w (wet)y (young)yoo (unisex)yoor (European)z (fizz)zh (fusion)Stress is shown by an underscore in the pronunciation:flügelhorn (floogblhorn) german. . .fons et origo (fonz et origo) latin. . .Where a word or phrase has more than one pronunciation, these are given, separatedby a comma:fondant (fondon(g), fondbnt) french. . .In Latin words, pronunciation of the letter “v” has been shown as “v”:vexillum (veksilbm) latin. . .It should be noted, however, that some Latin scholars prefer the alternativepronunciation “w,” as in (weksilbm). The existence of this alternative should beunderstood.xi

INTRODUCTIONEtymologyThe language of origin is shown in small capitals after the pronunciation:jodhpurs (jodpbrs) hindi [after Jodhpur, India] plural noun a style of ridingbreeches. . .Kaaba (kabb) arabic [cubic building] noun the square stone shrine. . .The meaning of the word or phrase in the original language is given after the languageof origin:ménage à trois (maynahzh a twa, menahzh a twa) french [household ofthree] noun phrase a domestic arrangement in which three people live togetherin the same household (usually understood to imply a sexual relationship. . .kiosk (keeosk) french [kiosque, derived from Turkish kiushk pavilion, ultimatelyfrom Persian kushk portico] noun a small stall, booth, pavilion. . .Significant changes in spelling between the original language and English are shownin the etymology:feme covert (feem kovbrt) french [covered woman, from femme woman andcouverte covered] noun phrase. . .feme sole (feem sol) french [single woman, from femme woman and seulealone] noun phrase. . .Eponymous words include the name (with birth and death dates) that they arederived from:jacquard (zhakard) french [after Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1752–1834),inventor of the Jacquard loom] noun a piece of fabric woven on a Jacquardloom, or the loom on which such material is made. . .Toponymous words include the place-name that they are derived from:faience (fayons) french [after Faenza, Italy] noun colorful tin-glazedearthenware. . .marathon (marbthbn, marbthon) greek [after Marathon, Greece, where theGreeks defeated the Persians in 490 b.c., the news of the victory being rushedto Athens by a long-distance runner] noun a long-distance race run over acourse of 26 miles 385 yards. . .xii

Additional background information may be included in the etymology:INTRODUCTIONveni, vidi, vici (vaynee, veedee, veechee) latin [I came, I saw, I conquered,as quoted by Julius Caesar (100–44 b.c.) on his victory over Pharnaces, kingof Pontus, at Zela in 47 b.c.] interjection. . .Grammatical informationThe part of speech is shown for all entries, indicating the grammatical behavior ofthe English word or phrase:obi (obee) japanese [belt] noun a sash worn round the waist as part of traditionalJapanese dress. . .siesta (seeestb) spanish [from Latin sexta hora sixth hour, noon] noun a middayor afternoon nap or short rest. . .Words that function as plural nouns in English are shown thus:facetiae (fbseeshii) latin [plural of facetia a jest, witticism] plural noun witticismsor short, typically pornographic, stories. . .Where the word or phrase is used in English with more than one part of speechthese are shown after a swung dash (~):fête (fayt), fete french [festival] noun a festival, fair, or party: “‘Will you be atMadame Rolandaky’s fete?’ asked Anna, to change the conversation” (Leo Tolstoy, AnnaKarenina, 1873–77). ~verb to celebrate or pay honor to.Headwords that consist of more than one word in English are given the part ofspeech “. . .phrase”:jolie laide (zholee layd) french [pretty ugly] noun phrase a woman whois deemed sexually attractive despite the fact that she is not conventionallybeautiful. . .laborare est orare (laborahree est orahree) latin [to work is to pray] verbphrase hard work is a form of prayer.Grammatical information—especially plurals of nouns—is given whenever it is notclear what the form might be:falsetto (folseto) italian [diminutive of falso false] noun (plural falsetti, folsetee)a singer with a high-pitched voice, above tenor. . .xiii

INTRODUCTIONfeu de joie (fo db zhwa) french [fire of joy] noun phrase (plural feux de joie)a fusillade of guns fired in salute. . .The pronunciation of plurals is shown, except where they are pronounced in thesame way as the singular form or where the pronunciation follows normal Englishrules:faux pas (fo pa) french [false step] noun phrase (plural faux pas, fo pahz) amistake or social blunder. . .fungus (fungbs) latin [probably derived from Greek sphoggos or spoggos,sponge] noun (plural fungi, fungee, funjee, fungi) a class of. . .sphinx (sfinks) greek [after the Sphinx winged monster of Greek mythology,probably from sphiggein to draw tight] noun (plural sphinxes or sphinges, sfinjeez)a winged female monster with a woman’s head and a lion’s body. . .septum (septbm) latin [from sepire to enclose] noun (plural septa, septb) (inanatomy) a partition that separates two chambers. . .DefinitionsThe English meaning of the word or phrase of foreign origin is given:xivkaffeeklatsch (kafeeklach, kafiklach) german [coffee gossip] noun informalconversation over cups of coffee, or a meeting at which such conversationtakes place. . .In some cases, developments of the meaning of the word or phrase are explained:smorgasbord (smorgbsbord) swedish [smörgås sandwich and bord table] nouna buffet including a wide variety of hot and cold dishes, such as meat and fishdishes, pickles, cheeses, and salads, and, by extension, any mixture of diverseelements: “The committee came up with a compromise, a smorgasbord of initiatives andresolutions.”moiré (moray, mwahray), moire (moray, mwahray, mwahr) french [moirerto give a watered appearance to] noun a watered fabric or a fabric or othermaterial with a rippled or wavy texture, or appearance; can also refer to theshimmering patterns produced when geometric patterns are superimposed oneach other slightly out of alignment.passe-partout (paspertoo, paspahrtoo), passepartout french [passeverywhere] noun a master key or pass that allows the holder to cross borders

INTRODUCTIONetc. at will; can also refer to a frame or border in which a picture may bedisplayed.Background or usage information is also sometimes included in the definition:j’accuse (zhakooz) french [I accuse] noun phrase an allegation or charge,typically against official injustice (in imitation of Émile Zola’s famous articlebeginning with the words “J’accuse” published in the newspaper L’Aurore onJanuary 13, 1898, and relating to the Dreyfus affair, alleging that a Jewisharmy officer convicted of treason had been wrongly condemned by theFrench military.)jacquerie (zhakree, zhakbree) french [derived from the archetypal peasantname Jacques] noun a peasant uprising, specifically the 1358 Jacquerie revolt innorthern France, or the peasantry in general. . .per procurationem (per prokyoorateeonbm) latin [by agency] adverbphrase by proxy, on the authority of a deputy or agent. ~abbreviated forms perpro, p.p. Strictly speaking, when used in a letter the abbreviation p.p.should precede the name of the person signing the letter. “In modern usagethe abbreviation is frequently interpreted as ‘for and on behalf of’ and placedbefore the name of the person on whose behalf the letter is signed. This ‘incorrect’sequence is so well-established that the correct usage could lead to misunderstanding”(Bloomsbury GoodWord Guide, edited by Martin H. Manser.)Occasionally words and phrases are described as slang or informal as appropriate:cojones (kbhoniz) spanish [from cojón testicle] plural noun (slang) balls, guts,courage.cushy (kuushee) hindi [from khush pleasant] adjective (informal) easy, pleasant,untaxing. . .ExamplesMany entries have examples to show the use of the word or phrase. Some examplesare constructed as typical uses of the word or phrase; others are citations fromworks of English literature and the Oxford English Dictionary:façon de parler (fason(g) db pahrlay) french [way of speaking] noun phrase(plural façons de parler) a manner of speech or a formulaic phrase or figureof speech: “Interlopers from the rich end of town were immediately identifiable by theirfaçon de parler.”xv

INTRODUCTIONkursaal (kersarl) german [Kur cure and Saal hall, room] noun a public buildingat a health resort: “Down the road a piece was a Kursaal—whatever that maybe—and we joined the human tide to see what sort of enjoyment it might afford. It wasthe usual open-air concert, in an ornamental garden, with wines, beer, milk, whey, grapes,etc. . .” (Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880).Abbreviated and derived formsAbbreviated (shortened), derived and related forms are shown as appropriate:per annum (per anbm) latin [through the year] adverb phrase annually, yearly,every year, for each year, by the year: “The enterprise brings in over two milliondollars per annum.” ~abbreviated forms p.a., per an.nemine contradicente (neminay kontrbdikentay) latin [no one contradicting]adverb phrase unanimously, with no one dissenting. ~abbreviated formnem. con.: The resolution was passed nem. con.fiancé (feeonsay, feeonsay) french [past participle of fiancer to betroth,promise] noun a man who is engaged to be married: “Even if you are engaged, I amsure your fiancé would wish you to go into society rather than be bored to death” (LeoTolstoy, War and Peace, 1863–69). ~noun, feminine fiancée (feeonsay, feeonsay)a woman who is engaged to be married.siffleur (siflbr) french [whistler, siffler to whistle] noun a person whowhistles (especially one who entertains publicly by whistling). ~noun, femininesiffleuse (siflerz).Cross-referencesCross-references are supplied at alternative points where users might expect anentry, except where the cross-reference would be immediately next to the mainentry.shivaree See charivari.shmooze See schmooze.IndexThe index at the back of the book lists the main headwords of words and phrases inalphabetical order of the source language.xvi

IntroductionConclusionWe hope that users of this book will find it to be not only an informative work ofreference but also a fascinating guide for anyone who enjoys delving into the treasuretrove of English words.Martin H. ManserAlice GrandisonDavid H. Pickeringxvii

åååaåabacus (abbkbs) latin [from Greekabax slab] noun (plural abacuses orabaci, abbsee, abbkee) a simpleinstrument on which mathematicalcalculations can be done by movingbeads or balls along rods, wires, orgrooves.à bas (a ba) french [toward below]interjection down with (someone orsomething)!abattoir (abbtwahr) french [slaughterhouse,from abattre to beat down,to fell] noun a slaughterhouse forthe killing and preparation of freshmeat.abba (abb) aramaic [father] nounfather (used in the New Testament torefer to God).abbé (abay) french [from Latinabbas abbot] noun title used by amember of the French secular clergy(specifically a priest who does nothave any official duties): “It was herethat the brave Abbé wrote a book with hisown blood, with a pen made of a piece ofiron hoop, and by the light of a lamp madeout of shreds of cloth soaked in greaseobtained from his food. . .” (Mark Twain,Innocents Abroad, 1869).à bientôt (a beeanto) french [untilsoon, before long] interjection solong! until next time! good-bye!ab initio (ab bnisheeo) latin [fromthe beginning] adverb phrase fromthe start, from the outset.à bon chat, bon rat (a bon sha bon ra)french [to a good cat, a good rat]adverb phrase used to express the ideathat it takes cunning to get the betterof cunning.ab origine (ab brijbnee) latin [fromthe beginning] adverb phrase from thebeginning of creation, from the beginningof the world. “‘If one is ab origine afool, one becomes so more than ever, seeingthat, however much one may try not to forgetwhat one has learnt, there will dawn uponone, sooner or later, the revelation that one’sknowledge is all rubbish’” (Ivan Turgenev,Fathers and Sons, 1862).1

aborigineaborigine (abbrijbnee) latin [aborigine from the beginning] noun amember of the indigenous peopleof a particular region (especially ofAustralia). ~adjective of or relatingto aborigine peoples or aborigineculture: “These cave paintings are amongthe finest examples of aborigine art everdiscovered.”ab ovo (ab ovo) latin [from the egg]adverb phrase from the beginning.“Is it possible that we are so absolutely,so innocently, so ridiculous? ab ovo”(D. H. Lawrence, Mornings in Mexico,1927).abseil (absayl) german [abseilen,from ab down and Seil rope] verb tolower oneself quickly down a cliff, wall,etc. by sliding down a rope; to rappel: “Amember of the mountain rescue team abseileddown to the injured climbers, attached themto ropes, and hauled them to safety.”ab urbe condita (ab erbay kondeetb)latin [since the city was founded]adverb phrase from the founding ofthe city of Rome (used in Romandating systems). ~abbreviated formA.U.C.A.C.See ante christum.academia (akbdeemeeb) latin[from Greek akademia academy, fromAkademos, the grove where Platotaught his pupils] noun the academicworld, academic life in general: “Hespent his whole adult life in the rarefiedworld of academia.”acanthus (bkanthbs) latin [fromGreek akanthos, from ake point] nouna plant with prickly leaves; also anacanthus leaf used as a design, especiallyon the capitals of Corinthiancolumns.a cappella (a kbpelb), a capela italian[at chapel, in chapel style] adverbphrase (in music) unaccompanied,without instrumental backing: “Thegroup was obliged to sing a cappella afterthe accompanist failed to turn up.” ~adjectivephrase (in music) unaccompanied,without instrumental backing.accelerando (achelbrando) italian[accelerating, from Latin accelerandum]adverb (in music) getting faster.~adjective (in music) getting faster:“‘Arabia’s time at last has come!’ He isinterrupted by a chorus of triumphantArabs (twelve-eight time, accelerando)”(Honoré de Balzac, Gambara, 1837).~noun (in music) a gradual increase inspeed. ~abbreviated form accel.accolade (akblayd) french [embrace,accoler to embrace, from Italian accollareto embrace about the neck] nounan award, a salute, a public acknowledgmentof achievement: “The Child Mordredwas properly rebuked and denied theaccolade, though, like the others, he seemedto have assumed the title already” (BoothTarkington, Penrod, 1914).2

actus Deiaccouchement (bkooshmon(g))french [delivery, labor, from accoucherto give birth] noun confinement inchildbirth, labor, lying-in.accoutrement (bkootrbmbnt, bkootbrmbnt),accouterment french[equipment] noun accessories, trappings,equipment: “She sat on the floor,surrounded by all the accoutrements ofcollege life.”à cheval (a shbval) french [on horseback]adverb phrase astride, with a legon each side; can also refer to a ployin gambling in which stakes are placedsimultaneously on two chances.achkan (atchkan) hindi [ackan] nouna knee-length coat in the style wornby men in India and neighboringcountries: “Several movie stars have beenphotographed in recent months wearing anachkan, the latest fad to hit the fashionpages.”achtung (akhtoong, aktbng) german[attention] interjection look out!watch out!: “Achtung, guys, the foreman’scoming over.”acme (akmee) greek [from akmehighest point, culmination] noun thehighest point of something, thezenith, the peak of perfection: “Therewas not a sound of life save that acmeand sublimation of all dismal sounds, thehark of a fox, its three hollow notes beingrendered at intervals of a minute with theprecision of a funeral bell” (ThomasHardy, Far from the Madding Crowd,1874).acrophobia (akrbfobeeb) greek [fromakron summit and phobos fear] nounan irrational fear of heights.acropolis (akropblbs) greek [akropolisupper city, akros peak and polis city]noun a citadel or raised, usually fortifiedpart of a city (after the Acropolisin Athens): “Further on, some remains ofa gigantic aqueduct; here the high base ofan Acropolis, with the floating outline of aParthenon; there traces of a quay, as if anancient port had formerly abutted on theborders of the ocean, and disappeared withits merchant vessels and its war-galleys”(Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Under theSea, 1870).acte gratuit (akt gratwee) french[gratuitous act] noun phrase (pluralactes gratuits) a gratuitous, impulsive,or random action.actualité (aktyooalitay) french [currentevents] noun the objective factsof the matter, the truth: “The assertionsof the minister appeared to be at conflictwith the evident actualité of the politicalsituation.”actus Dei (aktbs dayee) latin [act ofGod] noun phrase an act of God, anact of nature (typically a storm, earthquake,or other unpredictable naturalcatastrophe or phenomenon over3

actus reuswhich human beings have no control):“If the court rules that the flood was anactus Dei, the insurance company won’thave to pay out.”actus reus (aktbs raybs) latin [aguilty act] noun phrase (in law) awrongful act giving rise to legal proceedings:“The prosecution argued thatwithout a valid actus reus no crime hadactually been committed.”acumen (akybmbn) latin [a point,sharpness, from acuere to sharpen, fromacus needle] noun (plural acumina,akyoomeenb) shrewdness, discernment,insight, acuteness of perception:“He sung a good song, told a good story, andcould crack a severe jest with all the acumenof Shakespeare’s jesters, though withoutusing, like them, the cloak of insanity” (WalterScott, The Antiquary, 1816).A.D.See anno domini; ante diem.ad absurdum (ad abserdbm) latin[to an absurd thing] adverb phrase tothe point of absurdity: “The professorseemed determined to pursue his theoryad absurdum.”adagio (bdahjeeo, bdahzheeo) italian[at ease, from ad to and agio ease]adverb (in music) at a relaxed, slowtempo. ~noun a piece of music writtenin a relaxed, slow tempo. ~adjective ofor relating to such a piece of music:“The boots beat time with his head, as helooked gently round at Mr. Trott with asmile of pity, and whistled an adagio movement”(Charles Dickens, Sketches by Boz,1836–37).ad astra per ardua (ad astrb per ahrdyoob)latin [to the stars throughdifficulty] adverb phrase through difficultyto the stars (advising that thosewho seek to attain an ambitious targetmust expect difficulties along the way):“Grandfather looked with resigned dismayupon the wreckage of his prototype glider:‘Ad astra per ardua,’ he said to himself.” Seealso per ardua ad astra.A.D.C.See aide-de-camp.addendum (bdendbm) latin [thatwhich must be added, neuter of addendus,gerundive of addere to add] noun(plural addenda, bdendb) an addition,an appendix, something addedto a book, document, etc.: “‘But theytasted just as good,’ added Bob, by way ofnote or addendum, after a moment’s pause”(George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss,1860). ~abbreviated form add.adeste, fideles (adestay fi dayleez)latin [be present, faithful ones] interjectionphrase “O, come, all ye faithful!”,the opening line of a well- knownChristmas carol.ad eundem (ad eebndbm) latin[ab bre viation of ad eundem gradum tothe same grade] adverb phrase to thesame degree, rank, or class (usuallyin reference to honorary degrees4

ad initiumawarded by a university or otherins titution to those who have studiedelsewhere). ~abbreviated form adeund.à deux (a db) french [by two] adjectivephrase for two people, involvingtwo people (usually in privatetogether). ~adverb phrase privatelybetween just two people: “They dinedà deux each evening in a cosy restaurantup a narrow back street.”à deux mains (a db man) french [bytwo hands] adverb phrase (in music)to be played with both hands.ad extremum (ad ikstraymbm) latin[to the extreme] adverb phrase to theextreme, to the last.ad finem (ad feenbm) latin [to theend] adverb phrase to the end (abibliographical instruction in a textadvising the reader to read from a certainpoint to the end of the passage).~abbreviated form ad fin.ad hoc (ad hok) latin [to this, forthis] adverb phrase for this specialpurpose, in this particular case.~adjective phrase improvised or dedicatedto a specifi c end or purpose:“The governor has decided to set up an adhoc committee to look into the problem.”ad hominem (ad hombnbm) latin [tothe person] adverb phrase appealingto a person’s emotions rather than tohis or her intellect; can also refer toa personal attack on someone ratherthan a considered criticism of his orher views or deeds. ~adjective phrasepersonal, aimed at or directed againstan individual.ad idem (ad idem) latin [to thesame thing] adjective phrase agreed,in agreement, on the same point.adieu (adyoo, adyb) french [withGod] interjection (plural adieus oradieux, adyoo, adyb, adyooz, adybz)go with God! good-bye!: “And, farewell,friends; / Thus Thisbe ends: Adieu, adieu,adieu” (William Shakespeare, A MidsummerNight’s Dream, c. 1595). ~noun afarewell, a leave- taking.Adi Granth (ahdee grbnt), Granth,Granth Sahib (grbnt saheeb) hindi[the first book] noun phrase the sacredScriptures of Sikhism, a collection ofhymns and religious poetry.ad infinitum (ad infbnitbm) latin [tothe infinite] adverb phrase withoutend, indefinitely: “I think I rave in a kindof exquisite delirium. I should wish now toprotract this moment ad infinitum; but Idare not” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre,1847). ~adjective phrase without end,indefinitely.ad initium (ad inisheebm) latin [atthe beginning] adverb phrase at thebeginning, from the start. ~abbreviatedform ad init.5

ad interimad interim (ad intbrim) latin [tomeanwhile] adverb phrase for thetime being, meanwhile, temporarily:“The assistant principal will run theschool ad interim until a new principal isappointed.” ~adjective phrase temporary.~abbreviated form ad int.adios (adeeos) spanish [with God]interjection good-bye! farewell!: “‘Apretty scholar,’ laughed the Lakeman.‘Adios, Senor!’ and leaping into the sea,he swam back to his comrades” (HermanMelville, Moby-Dick, 1851).ad lib (ad lib), ad-lib latin [abbreviationof ad libitum at pleasure] adverbphrase without restraint, spontaneously.~adjective phrase unrestrained,spontaneous. ~verb to deliver a spontaneous,extemporized speech or performance:“The actors were forced to adlib until the stagehands could free thejammed curtain.” ~noun something said,written, or done spontaneously.ad litem (ad litbm) latin [for thesuit] adjective phrase (in law) as legalguardian for another. ~adverb phrase(law) as legal guardian for another.ad litteram (ad litbram) latin [to theletter] adverb phrase to the letter,exactly.ad locum (ad lokbm) latin [to theplace] adverb phrase (in bibliographicalreferences) at the place. ~abbreviatedform ad loc.ad majorem Dei gloriam (ad mbyorbmdayee gloreebm) latin [for thegreater glory of God] adverb phrasefor the greater glory of God (mottoof the Jesuit order). ~abbreviated formA.M.D.G.ad nauseam (ad nozeebm) latin [tosickness] adverb phrase interminably,to an excessive or sickening degree: “Sherattled on about her discovery ad nauseam.”adobe (bdobee) spanish [adobar toplaster, from Arabic at-tub brick] nouna simple brick made from sun-driedearth or straw, or a building made ofsuch bricks: “The house and several outbuildingswere constructed of adobe, which,according to Belding, retained the summerheat on into winter, and the winter cold oninto summer” (Zane Grey, Desert Gold,1913).Adonis (bdonis) greek [after thebeautiful youth of Greek and Romanmythology with whom the goddess oflove Aphrodite fell in love] noun anexceptionally handsome young man:“‘Humph! my beau must be an Adonisindeed, Matilda, the admired of all beholders,if I am to be contented with him alone”(Anne Brontë, Agnes Grey, 1845).ad personam (ad personbm) latin[to the person] adverb phrase (of anargument) designed to appeal to aperson’s emotions rather than to theirintellect. ~adjective phrase of or relatingto such an appeal.6

aeonad referendum (ad refbrendbm) latin[for referring] adverb phrase for furtherconsideration (usually by a higherauthority).ad rem (ad rem) latin [to the thing]adverb phrase to the purpose, relevantly,to the point: “The evidenceoffered in the company’s defense was hardlyad rem.” ~adjective phrase relevant.adroit (bdroit) french [à towardand droit right, from Latin directusstraight] adjective clever, dexterous,skillful, resourceful: “He toldher about the election, and Anna knewhow by adroit questions to bring him towhat gave him most pleasure—his ownsuccess” (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina,1874–76).ad valorem (ad vblorbm) latin[according to strength] adjectivephrase in proportion to the value ofthe goods or property: “The new taxwill be raised ad valorem.” ~abbreviatedform ad val.ad verbum (ad verbbm) latin [to aword] adverb phrase verbatim, wordfor word, to the word: “The reportertook down the statement ad verbum.”~adjective phrase verbatim, word forword, to the word.ad vivum (ad veevbm) latin [accordingto life] adverb phrase (of portraitsetc.) from life, lifelike. ~adjectivephrase lifelike.advocatus diaboli (advbkahtbs deeabblee)latin [advocate of the devil]noun phrase (plural advocati diaboli,advbkahtee deeabblee) a devil’sadvocate, a person appointed to fi ndfaults (originally, an offi cial of theRoman Catholic Church appointedto question a nominee’s suitabilityfor beatifi cation or canonization).adzuki (adzuukee) japa nese [fromazuki] noun a variety of bean, reddishin color and sweet in flavor, thatis pop u lar in Japa nese cuisine.aegis (eejbs), egis greek [aigis goatskin,a reference to the goatskin shieldof the god Zeus] noun auspices,sponsorship, patronage, authority,protection, direction, guidance: “It’s anew series of books produced under the aegisof the Department of Education.”aegrotat (igrotat) latin [he is sick,from aegrotare to be ill] noun a certificateconfirming that a student istoo ill to attend an examination, lecture,etc.; can also refer to a degreeawarded to a student despite the factthat he or she has missed examinationsthrough illness: “The teacher was reluctantto give the boys an aegrotat in case itserved as a precedent.”aeon (eeon), eon greek [aion age]noun an age, an immensely longperiod of time: “Certainly, too, we shallawake, and live again and again shall sleep,and so on and on, through periods, spaces,7

affaireand times, from aeon unto aeon, till theworld is dead, and the worlds beyond theworld are dead, and naught liveth savethe Spirit that is Life” (H. Rider Haggard,She, 1887).affaire (bfair) french [affair, abbreviatedfrom affaire d’amour love affairor affaire de coeur affair of the heart,à faire to do] noun a love affair orscandal, sensation, event: “The nextday’s paper had these additional particulars.‘The Tragedy in the Rue Morgue.Many individuals have been examined inrelation to this most extraordinary andfrightful affair,’ (The word ‘affaire’ has notyet, in France, that levity of import whichit conveys with us). . .” (Edgar Allan Poe,“The Murders in the Rue Morgue,”1841).affaire d’amouraffaire de coeurSee affaire.See affaire.affaire d’honneur (bfair doner)french [affair of honor] noun phrase(plural affaires d’honneur) an argumentor confl ict involving a challengeto a person’s honor, a duel: “Theyoung duke considered the insult an affaired’honneur and immediately challenged hiscritic to a duel.”afficionadoSee aficionado.affidavit (afbdayvit) latin [he/shehas made an oath, from affidare todeclare on oath] noun a writtenstatement made under an oath beforea magistrate of other court official:“Will you do me the favor to mention (as itmay interest her) that I have somethingto tell her on her return in reference tothe person who copied the affidavit in theChancery suit, which so powerfully stimulatedher curiosity” (Charles Dickens,Bleak House, 1852–53).afflatus (bflaytbs) latin [act of blowingor breathing on, from afflare toblow on] noun (plural afflatus orafflatuses) inspiration or knowledge(especially when apparently impartedfrom divine or supernatural sources):“Through me the afflatus surging andsurging, through me the current / andindex” (Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass,1855).aficionado (bfishbnahdo, bfiseebnahdo),afficionado spanish [amateur, fromthe past participle of aficionar to inspireaffection, ultimately from Latin affectiofavorable disposition] noun a personwho has a particular interest in orenthusiasm for something: “He likes tothink of himself as an aficionado of thearts.” ~noun, feminine aficionada (bfishbnahdb,bfiseeb nahdb), afficionada awoman who has a particular interest inor enthusiasm for something.à fond (a fon(g)) french [to bottom]adverb phrase thoroughly, completely.a fortiori (ay forsheeoree, ay forteeoree)latin [from the stronger] adverb8

agogphrase with greater reason or force,much more, even more so, all themore. ~adjective phrase more certain,more conclusive.aga (ahgb) agha turkish [master,lord, from Mongolian aqa] noun(formerly) the rank of a militarycommander in the Ottoman Empire;also used more generally as a courtesytitle in rural Turkish commu nities:“Then the Princess bade an aga of theeumuchry go down and barter the oldlamp for a new lamp” (Richard Burton,“Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp,”Arabian Nights, 1885–88). Aga khan isthe title of the spiritual leader of theNizari sect of Ismaili Muslims.agape (agahpay, agbpay) greek [brotherlylove] noun (plural agapes oragapae, agbpee) a love feast or feastof fellowship among early Christians;can also refer to God’s love for thehuman race.agent provocateur (azhon(g) provokbter, ayjbnt provokbter) french[provoking agent] noun phrase (pluralagents provocateurs) a spy, a secretagent who incites others to commitincriminating acts while pretendingto be in sympathy with them: “Theproper business of an ‘agent provocateur’is to provoke. As far as I can judge fromyour record kept here, you have done nothingto earn your money for the last threeyears” (Joseph Conrad, The Secret Agent,1907).aggiornamento (bjornbmento) italian[updating, from aggiornare to update]noun the modernization or updatingof an institution or organization.agitprop (ajbtprop) russian [agitatsiyaagitation and propagandy propaganda]noun propaganda, especially that of apolitical (orginally, communist) kind:“Severe penalties were imposed on anyone suspectedof actively spreading agitprop againstthe government.”agnostic (bgnostik) greek [agnostosunknown, coined by the biologistT. H. Huxley (1825–95)] noun a personwho professes uncertainty aboutthe existence or nonexistence of God.~adjective of or relating to agnosticism:“‘Oah yes. I have met him severaltimes at Benares, and also at Buddh Gaya,to interrogate him on religious points anddevil-worship. He is pure agnostic—sameas me’” (Rudyard Kipling, Kim, 1901).Agnus Dei (agnbs dayee) latin [Lambof God] noun phrase the Lamb ofGod, Jesus Christ; can also refer tothe Christian symbol of the lamband flag, representing Christ, or to amusical setting of a Christian prayerfor peace beginning with these wordsthat forms a part of the Mass. See ecceagnus dei.agog (bgog) french [en gogues inmirth] adjective eager, enthusiastic,excited: “They found the stone houseagog with excitement” (Lucy Maud9

agoraMontgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909).~adverb eagerly, enthusiastically,excitedly.agora (agbrb) greek [assembly, ageireinto gather] noun (plural agorasor agorae, agbree) a marketplace orgathering place.agoraphobia (agrbfobeeb, agbrbfobeeb)greek [fear of the marketplace,from agora marketplace and phobosfear, coined by German psychologistCarl Westphal in 1871] noun anirrational fear of open spaces: “Agoraphobiakept the old woman inside herhouse for most of the last thirty years ofher life.”ahimsa (bhimsb) sanskrit [nonviolence,from a non and himsa violence]noun the doctrine of refrainingfrom causing harm to any living thing,as propounded by the Buddhist, Hindu,and Jain religions.à huis clos (a wee klo) french [in aclosed door] adverb phrase in secret,behind closed doors: “The meeting washeld à huis clos.”aide-de-camp (ayd db kom(g)),aid- de-camp french [assistant ofthe camp] noun (plural aides-decamp)an assistant, especially amilitary aide: “The general’s aide-decampwas ordered to communicate withthe enemy’s headquarters.” ~abbreviatedform A.D.C.aide-mémoire (ayd memwahr) french[memory aid, from aider to aid andmémoire memory] noun (plural aidemémoires)something that servesas a reminder, a means of jogging thememory, a memorandum: “At the endof the talk the great man checked his aidemémoire,a tiny piece of paper, to see if therewas anything he had omitted.”aigrette (aygret, aygret) french[egret’s plume] noun a tuft of feathersor spray of gems worn in the hairor on a hat: “The admirable roundness ofthe wrist was well set off by a bracelet whichencircled it, and which also was ornamentedand clasped by a magnificent aigrette ofjewels—telling, in words that could not bemistaken, at once of the wealth and fastidioustaste of the wearer.” (Edgar Allan Poe,“The Spectacles,” 1844).aiguille (aygweel, aygwee) french[needle] noun a needle-like pinnacleof rock.aikido (ikeedo) japanese [mutualspirit art, from ai together, ki spirit,and do way] noun Japanese art ofself-defense in which an opponent’smomentum is turned against him.aileron (aylbron) french [aile wing]noun a hinged flap along the trailingedge of an aircraft wing that isadjusted as the aircraft banks in orderto maintain balance: “Inspection of thewreckage after the crash revealed that oneof the ailerons was missing.”10

albinoaïoli (iolee) french [from Provençalai garlic and oli oil] noun garlicflavored mayonnaise.akita (bkeetb) japa nese [after Akita,Japan, where the breed originated]noun a breed of large, powerful dogof Japa nese origin. It was the authorHelen Keller who first introduced theakita to the United States.à la (b lb), a la french [to the, à lamode de in the manner of] prepositionafter the manner of, in the mannerof, in the style of, as done by: “Theywere singing and dancing in the rain à laGene Kelly.”à la carte (b lb kahrt), a la cartefrench [by the menu, by the bill offare] adverb phrase from a menu onwhich each item is separately priced.~adjective phrase from a menu onwhich each item is separately priced:“Because it was his birthday, he decidedto treat them both to dishes from the à lacarte menu.” ~abbreviated form a.l.c.à la française (b lb fronsayz, a lbfronsez) french [from à la mode françaisein the French manner] adjectivephrase in the French style, after theFrench fashion. ~adverb phrase in theFrench style, after the French fashion:“Every detail of the décor was done à lafrançaise.”à la grecque (b lb grek) french [inthe Greek manner] adjective phrasefood served in a sauce of olive oil,lemon juice, and seasoning.à la mode (b lb mod), a la modefrench [according to the fashion]adjective phrase fashionable, stylish,chic, up-to-date: “The luxuriously richare not simply kept comfortably warm, butunnaturally hot; as I implied before, they arecooked, of course à la mode.” (Henry DavidThoreau, Walden; or, Life in the Woods,1854). Also, served with ice cream:“. . . apple pie à la mode.”à la recherche du temps perdu (b lbrbshairsh doo ton pairdoo) french[in search of lost time] adverb phraseremembrance of things past (after aseven- part novel of that name [1913–27] by Marcel Proust).à la russe (b lb roos) french [in theRussian manner] adverb phrase in theRussian manner. ~adjective phrase inthe Russian manner.albino (albino) portuguese [fromSpanish albo white, itself from Latinalbus white] noun a human beingor other living creature that is congenitallydeficient in pigment (usuallyresulting in a pale skin, colorless hair,and pink eyes): “‘Griffin,’ answered theVoice—‘a younger student, almost analbino, six feet high, and broad, with a pinkand white face and red eyes—who won themedal for chemistry’” (H. G. Wells, TheInvisible Man, 1897). ~adjective of orrelating to albinism.11

a.l.c.a.l.c.See à la carte.alcazar (alkazbr) spanish [from Arabical-kasr the captain] noun a Spanishpalace or fortress: “The great towerof the alcazar still bears the scars ofancient bombardments.”al dente (al dentay, al dentee) italian[to the tooth] adjective phraselightly cooked (so as to remain slightlyfi r m). ~adverb phrase lightly cooked(so as to remain slightly firm): “Thevegetables should be cooked al dente, sothat they are still crisp to eat.”alea jacta est (aleeb yaktb est) latin[the die has been cast, attributed toJulius Caesar (100–44 b.c.) when hecrossed the Rubicon] noun phrase thedie is cast, it is too late to go back.al fine (al feenee) italian [to theend] adverb phrase (music) to the endof the piece.alfresco (alfresko), al fresco italian[in the open] adjective open-air.~adverb in the open air, out-of-doors:“If the weather stays fine we shall eatalfresco.”algebra (aljbbrb) arabic [al-jabr thereduction] noun a form of arithmeticin which letters are substituted fornumbers but continue to be treatedin a mathematical way, or a bookcontaining such calculations: “His studiesin binary code and Boolean algebracontributed to the devising of computercircuitry that is crucial to modern digitaltelecommunications.”alias (ayleebs, aylybs) latin [abbreviationof alias dictus at other timescalled, otherwise] noun (plural aliases,ayleebsiz, aylybsiz) an assumed name.~adverb also called, otherwise knownas: “This dreadful threat had the desiredeffect, and through the two remainingfi elds the three pair of small legs trottedon without any serious interruption, notwith standing a small pond full of tadpoles,alias ‘bullheads,’ which the lads looked atwistfully” (George Eliot, Adam Bede,1859).alibi (albbi) latin [elsewhere, aliusother] noun (in law) a defensive pleathat a person was elsewhere at thetime that an offense was committed;also used more generally to refer toany excuse designed to escape punishmentor blame: “‘Writing? Rot! What’she writing? He’s breaking you in, my dear;that’s what he’s doing: establishing analibi’” (Edith Wharton, Glimpses of theMoon, 1922).aliyah (ahleeyah), aliya hebrew [aliyaascent] noun the immigration ofJews to Israel.alla breve (alb brev, alb brayvee) italian[according to the breve] nounphrase (in music) a symbol indicatingthat a passage should be played induple or quadruple time, with two12

alopeciaminim beats in a bar. ~adverb phrase (inmusic) to be played in duple or quadrupletime, with two minim beats ina bar. ~adjective phrase (in music) ofor relating to a passage to be playedin duple or quadruple time, with twominim beats in a bar.Allahu akbar (alahoo akbahr) arabic[Allah is great, from al ilah the God]noun phrase God is great (Islamicchant).allée (alay) french [Old French alerto go] noun a tree-lined walk througha garden or park.allegretto (albgreto) italian [diminutiveof allegro merry] adverb (inmusic) to be played at a medium-fastpace. ~adjective (in music) mediumfast.~noun (plural allegrettos or allegretti,albgretee) a medium-fast pace,or a piece of music to be played at amedium-fast pace: “I have heard an Italianconductor (no longer living) take theadagio of that symphony at a lively allegretto,slowing down for the warmer majorsections into the speed and manner of theheroine’s death song in a Verdi opera. . .”(George Bernard Shaw, Treatise on Parentsand Children).allegro (blegro, blaygro) italian[merry] noun (plural allegri, blegree,blaygree) a piece of music writtento be played at a brisk pace. ~adverb(in music) to be played at a brisk pace.~adjective (in music) brisk, lively.alleluiaSee hallelujah.alligator (albgaytbr) spanish [el lagartothe lizard, ultimately from Latin lacertuslizard] noun a broad-snouted reptileof the crocodilian group, native to theSoutheastern United States and-otherparts of the world: “Under the shore hisboat was tied, / And all her listless crew /Watched the gray alligator slide / Into thestill bayou” (Henry W. Longfellow, “TheQuadroon Girl,” 1842).alma mater (almb mahtbr, almbmaytbr) latin [fostering mother]noun phrase (plural alma maters oralmae matres, almb mahtrbz, almbmaytreez) a school, college, or universitywhere a person has been educated:“The U. is my own Alma Mater,and I am proud to be known as an alumni,but there are certain instructors therewho seem to think we ought to turn theconduct of the nation over to hoboes androustabouts” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt,1922).aloe vera (alo veerb) latin [truealoe, aloe and vera true] noun phrasean aloe, the source of an extract usedin the preparation of skin-care andother health products.aloha (blohah) hawaiian [aloha love]interjection a customary word ofgreeting or farewell among Hawaiians.alopecia (blbpeeshb) greek [fromalopekia fox mange, from alopex fox]13

alpacanoun total or partial loss of hair,usually caused by a medical condition:“My sister lost all her body hair at the ageof 16 through alopecia.”alpaca (alpakb) spanish [Aymara allpaqa]noun a sheeplike domesticatedmammal (Lama pacos) of South America,and the fine wool for which it isprized: “The peasants piled the muleshigh with bales of alpaca.”alpenstock (alpenstok) german [Alpstick,from Alpen Alps and stock staff]noun a long iron-tipped staff traditionallyused by mountain walkers:“The last we saw of him he was stridinginto the mist, stabbing the path ahead withhis ancient alpenstock.”alpha (alfb) greek [first letter of theGreek alphabet] noun the first letterof the Greek alphabet, used to indicatethe first in a sequence or ranking.al segno (al saynyo) italian [fromthe sign] adverb phrase (in music) repeatfrom the sign indicating thebeginning of a particular passage.alter ego (oltbr eego, oltbr ego) latin[another I] noun phrase (plural alteregos) a person’s second or otherself, or an intimate friend: “Over themonths they became very close, behavingalmost as each other’s alter ego.”alto (alto) italian [high, from Latinaltus high] noun a contralto singeror a musical instrument with a lowerrange than treble or soprano. ~adjectiveof or relating to a voice or musicalinstrument with an alto range: “Theyare offering lessons on the alto saxophone.”alumnus (blbmnbs) latin [pupil, fosterson, from alere to nourish] noun(plural alumni, blbmnee, or alumnae,blbmnnee, blbmni) a former studentof a particular school, college, university,or other organization: “Hewas rewarded by seeing Maggie let herwork fall and gradually get so absorbedin his wonderful geological story that shesat looking at him, leaning forward withcrossed arms and with an entire absence ofself-consciousness, as if he had been thesnuffiest of old professors and she a downylippedalumnus” (George Eliot, TheMill on the Floss, 1860). ~noun, femininealumna (blbmnb) a woman who hasattended a particular school, college,university, or other organization.A.M.See ante meridiem.amanuensis (bmanyooensis) latin[secretary, from servus a manu slavewith secretarial duties] noun (pluralamanuenses, bmanyooenseez) aperson who is employed to take dictationor make copies of manuscript:“Nicholas briefly replied, that he wantedto know whether there was any such postto be had, as secretary or amanuensis to agentleman” (Charles Dickens, NicholasNickleby, 1838–39).14

amenamaretto (ambreto) italian [diminutiveof amaro bitter] noun (plural amaretti,ambretee) a type of macaroonmade with bitter almonds, or a liqueurmade with almonds: “The cardinal usuallyenjoys a small glass of amaretto afterdinner.”amateur (ambter, ambchbr) french[lover, from Italian amatore lover, ultimatelyfrom Latin amare to love]noun a person who pursues a particularinterest, line of study, sport,or other activity on an unpaid, nonprofessionalbasis, usually out of pureenthusiasm for it; can also refer tosomeone who lacks experience orcompetence in something, especiallyin comparison to a professional: “Ohno, Lady Caroline. I have only had onehusband as yet. I suppose you look uponme as quite an amateur” (Oscar Wilde,A Woman of No Importance, 1893).~adjective of or relating to an amateurpursuit, or to someone who lacksprofessional expertise or competencein something.amazon (ambzbn), Amazon greek[Amazon] noun a member of a mythologicalrace of female warriors (fabledto cut off a breast in order to pull theirbows) and by extension any physicallypowerful or imposing female: “‘I maynot be a Amazon, Miss Floy, and wouldn’tso demean myself by such disfigurement,but anyways I’m not a giver up, I hope’”(Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son,1846–48).ambiance (ombeeons, ambeeons),ambience french [atmosphere,ambiant ambient, ultimately fromLatin ambire to go round] noun theatmosphere or character of a particularplace, person, or thing; or, moregenerally, the immediate environmentor surroundings: “She stood quitemotionless for a minute or two, taking inthe ambiance of the place.”ambrosia (ambrozhb, ambrozeeb)latin [immortality, from Greekambrotos immortal] noun the elixir ofthe gods (variously identified as eitherfood, drink, or perfume) in Romanand Greek mythology, and thus anythingwith a delightful taste or scent:“And as I sat I fell into conversation with agod-like stranger who sipped some goldenambrosia” (Robert Service, Ballads of aBohemian, 1920).A.M.D.G.gloriam.amebaSee ad majorem deiSee amoeba.âme damnée (am damnee) french[damned soul] noun phrase (plural âmesdamnées) a willing servant or devotee,a stooge.amen (aymen, ahmen) latin [fromHebrew amen truly, verily] interjectionso be it (spoken at the end of aprayer or to express approval): “Forthine is the kingdom, the power, and theglory, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Lord’s15

amende honorablePrayer). ~noun an expression ofapproval or assent.amende honorable (bmend onbrahblb)french [honorable amends] nounphrase (plural amendes honorables)a public apology or open acknowledgmentof error.Americano (amerbkahno) italian[American] noun coffee made fromequal mea sures of espresso and hotwater.amicus curiae (ameekbs kyooriee,ameekbs kyooreei) latin [a friend ofthe court] noun phrase (plural amicicuriae, ameekee kyooriee, ameeseekyooreei) an individual or organizationinvited by a court to advise on acase in which the individual or organizationis not otherwise involved.~abbreviated form am. cur.amigo (ameego, bmeego) spanish[friend, from Latin amicus] nounfriend, comrade: “It is a fan I am lookingfor. I cannot understand how Antoniacould—Well! Have you found it, amigo?”(Joseph Conrad, Nostromo, 1904).amnesia (amneezhb, amneezeeb) greek[forgetfulness] noun forgetfulness orloss of memory due to brain injury,illness, or other condition: “Researchis being undertaken to determine whetherpeople who suffer from amnesia canstill remember their general knowledgeof objects.”amoeba (bmeebb), ameba latin [fromGreek amoibe change] noun (pluralameobas or amoebae, bmeebee) asingle-celled water-dwelling microorganismwith a constantly changingshape belonging to a large genus ofprotozoans: “The Life Force either willnot or cannot achieve immortality except invery low organisms: indeed it is by no meansascertained that even the amoeba is immortal”(George Bernard Shaw, Treatise onParents and Children).amok (bmbk, bmok), amuck malay[amoq frenzied] adverb in a wild,frenzied, uncontrollable manner: “Itis true, I might have resisted forcibly withmore or less effect, might have run ‘amok’against society; but I preferred that societyshould run ‘amok’ against me, it being thedesperate party” (Henry David Thoreau,Walden; or, Life in the Woods, 1854).~adjective wild, frenzied, uncontrollable.amontillado (bmontilahdo) spanish[in the manner of Montilla, Andalusia]noun a pale-colored mediumdry Spanish sherry: “Luchresi cannottell Amontillado from Sherry” (EdgarAllan Poe, “The Cask of Amontillado,”1846).amoretto (ambreto) italian [diminutiveof amore love, ultimately fromLatin amor love] noun (plural amorettosor amoretti, ambretee) a cupidor cherub: “Carved amoretti adorn thetomb at each corner.”16

- anaamoroso (ambroso) italian [fromLatin amorosus amorous, from amorlove] noun (plural amorosos or amorosi,ambrosee) a lover, a gallant;also the name of a sweetened olorososherry: “Singular though it may seem,Winterbourne was vexed that the younggirl, in joining her amoroso, should notappear more impatient” (Henry James,Daisy Miller, 1879). ~adverb (in music)to be played tenderly. ~adjective (inmusic) tender.amor omnia vincitomnia.See amor vincitamor patriae (amor patriee) latin[love of country] noun phrase patriotism,love of one’s country.amor vincit omnia (amor vinchitomneeb), amor omnia vincit latin[love conquers all] noun phrase loveconquers all, love overcomes all difficulties: “We spent our wedding nightin a huge four-poster bed on which wasinscribed the legend ‘amor vincit omnia’.”amour (amoor) french [love, ultimatelyfrom Latin amare to love]noun a love affair or a lover: “Thepapers will quickly tire of reporting heramours.”amourette (ambret) french [littlelove affair] noun a brief, relativelyinsignifi cant, love affair: “‘My dearMenteith,’ said Montrose, very kindly, ‘wereyou one of the gay cavaliers of Whitehall,who are, in their way, as great self-seekersas our friend Dalgetty, should I need toplague you with inquiring into such anamourette as this?’” (Walter Scott, ALegend of Montrose, 1819).amour propre (amoor proprb)french [love of oneself] noun phraseself-esteem, self-love, vanity: “I smiledinwardly; and strange to say, though myamour propre was excited not disagreeablyby the conquest, my better feelings remaineduntouched” (Charlotte Brontë, The Professor,1857).amphora (amfbrb) latin [from Greekamphoreus, from amphi around andphoreus bearer] noun (plural amphorasor amphorae, amfbree, amfbri) atwo-handled jar or vase with a narrowneck and oval body, of a typeassociated with ancient Greek culture:“This potsherd had, in my judgment,once been a part of an ordinaryamphora of medium size” (H. RiderHaggard, She, 1887).amuckSee amok.amuse- bouche (bmyuuzboosh), amusegueule(bmyuuzgbl) french [amusethe mouth] noun (plural amusebouches,amuse- gueules) (in cooking)a small savory item served as anappetizer before a meal: “We had anamuse- bouche of field- mushroom soup.”- ana (ahnb) latin [neuter pluralof -anus, an adjective ending] suffix17

anabasisdenoting things relating to a person orthing, e.g., Shakespeareana, Victoriana.anabasis (anahbbsbs) greek [a goingup, inland march, recalling a retreatby Greek warriors from the PersianEmpire, as recorded in the Anabasisof Xenophon (c. 430–c. 355 b.c.)]noun (plural anabeses, anahbbsees) amilitary advance or expedition, especiallyone going inland or up-countryin difficult circumstances.anaemiaanaesthesiaSee anemia.See anesthesia.analecta (anblektb) greek [analektathings gathered up, from ana up andlegein to gather] plural noun a collectionof short literary sayings orobservations.analgesia (anbljeezheeb, anbljeezeeb)greek [painlessness, from an not andalgos pain] noun insensibility to painthrough the use of drugs or otherremedies.analysis (bnalbsbs) greek [a breakingup, from analyein to break up]noun (plural analyses, bnalbseez) adetailed examination or study of something,or the breaking down of a thinginto its constituent elements: “Marillawas not given to subjective analysis ofher thoughts and feelings” (Lucy MaudMontgomery, Anne of Green Gables,1908).anaphora (bnafbrb) greek [carry ingback or repetition, from ana back andpherein to bear ] noun (in rhetoric)the repetition of a word or phrase atthe beginning of successive sentences,lines, or clauses.anaphrodisiac (anafrbdizeebk) greek[not belonging to Aphrodite] adjectivediscouraging sexual desire:“The seeds of the poppy are traditionallybelieved to have an anaphrodisiac effectupon those who consume them.” See alsoaphrodisiac.anathema (bnathbmb) greek [somethingdevoted to evil, from anatithenaito set up] noun (plural anathemas oranathemata, bnathbmahtb) a curse,or a person or thing that inspires loathingin others: “Lydia was sure that Lucywas a great deal too good for him. Ceciliahad wondered where he would go to—aform of anathema which had brought downa rebuke from her mother” (Anthony Trollope,The Eustace Diamonds, 1873).ancien régime (onsyon(g) rayzheem)french [old regime] noun phrase (pluralanciens régimes) the system ofgovernment of France prior to the1789 revolution and, by extension, anyformer social or political system orother mode of things that has becomeoutdated: “The ancien régime was utterlyswept away when the army took over.”andante (andantay, andantee) italian[walking, present participle of18

Anglomaniaandare to go] adverb (in music) to beplayed moderately slowly. ~adjective (inmusic) moderately slow. ~noun (pluralandantes) a piece of music to beplayed at a moderately slow pace: “Thegrand piano was a splendid instrument, thesymphony was well performed. At least, so itseemed to Nekhludoff, who knew and likedthat symphony. Listening to the beautifulandante, he felt a tickling in his nose, hewas so touched by his many virtues” (LeoTolstoy, Resurrection, 1899–1900).andantino (andanteeno) italian[diminutive of andante walking] adverb(in music) to be played at a paceslightly faster than andante. ~adjective(in music) slightly faster than andante.~noun a musical piece to be played atan andantino pace.androgynous (androjbnbs) greek[androgynos hermaphrodite] adjectiveof neither one sex nor the other,or having the characteristics of bothsexes: “No one will suppose that the marsupialsstill remained androgynous, afterthey had approximately acquired theirpresent structure” (Charles Darwin, TheDescent of Man, 1871).android (android) greek [androeidesmanlike] noun a robot with a humanform: “The space station of the future willbe operated largely by robots, possibly inthe form of androids.”anemia (bneemeeb), anaemia latin[from Greek anaimia bloodlessness]noun a lack of blood or a shortage ofred blood cells in the blood, resultingin a pasty complexion; also used moregenerally to refer to anything deemedbloodless or lacking in vitality: “Thedoctors diagnosed anemia and the patientwas confined to bed.”anesthesia (anbstheezhb), anaesthesialatin [from Greek anaisthesia insensibility,from aisthanesthai to perceive]noun a loss of sensation (throughthe use of drugs or other techniques):“The patients began to emerge from theiranesthesia after some 12 hours.”angelus (angblbs) latin [angel, abbreviationof Angelus Domini angel ofthe lord, from Greek aggelos messenger]noun a devotional prayer onthe subject of the Incarnation that isrecited in Catholic churches in themorning, at noon, and at sunset eachday (named after the opening word);can also refer to the bell rung whenthe prayer is recited: “The sound of theangelus bell tolling in the village churchdrifted to them on the noonday breeze.”angina pectoris (anjinb pektoris)latin [strangling of the chest, fromGreek anchone strangling and pectorisof the breast] noun phrase a heartdisease causing painful spasms in thechest.Anglomania (anglomayneeb) latin[from Anglus En glish and maniamadness] noun an excessive19

Anglophiliaadmiration for En gland and En glishpeople.Anglophilia (anglofileeb) latin [fromLatin Anglus En glish and Greek philosfriend] noun a love or admiration forEn gland and En glish people.Anglophobia (anglofobeeb) latin [fromAnglus En glish and Greek phobos fear]noun a hatred or fear of En gland andEn glish people.angst (ankst) german [Angst fear,anguish, dread] noun a feeling ofapprehension, anxiety, or insecurity:“His music shows a barely disguisedangst.”anima (anbmb) latin [soul] noun(plural animas or animae, anbmi)the self, a person’s inner self, or thefeminine aspect of an individual’spersonality (such as in psychoanalysis).anima mundi (anbmb mbndee) latin[mind of the world] noun phrase worldsoul, the underlying power that controlsthe universe.animato (anbmahto) italian [animated,from Latin animatus] adverb(in music) to be played with animation.~adjective (in music) animated.anime (anbmay) japa nese [animation]noun a style of animated filmoriginating in Japan, often depicting ascience- fiction story.animus (anbmbs) latin [mind] noun(plural animuses or animi, anbmee,anbmi) the mind, the spirit; canalso refer to ill will or hostilitytoward someone or something. Alsoused in psychoanalysis to refer to themasculine aspect of an individual’sperson ality: “Dorothea had observedthe animus with which Will’s part in thepainful story had been recalled more thanonce; but she had uttered no word, beingchecked now, as she had not been formerlyin speaking of Will, by the consciousnessof a deeper relation between themwhich must always remain in consecratedsecrecy” (George Eliot, Middlemarch,1871–72).ankh (ank) egyptian [life, nh live]noun a cross topped by a loop (asymbol of life in ancient Egypt).annex (bneks), annexe french [OldFrench annexe joined, ultimately fromLatin annectere to bind to] noun somethingadded on as an expansion orappendix of the main part (typicallyan extension to a house): “The workshopwas housed in an annex at the back of thebuilding.” ~verb to attach; to incorporate(territory) into one’s own.anno Domini (ano dombnee) latin[in the year of the Lord] adverb phrasein the year of the Lord (used inChristian chronology, indicating thenumber of years that have passedsince the birth of Christ). ~abbreviatedform A.D.20

anteanno hegirae (ano hijiree, ano hijbree)latin [in the year of the Hegira] adverbphrase in the year of the migration(used in Islamic chronology, indicatingthe number of years that have passedsince the Hegira migration to Medinaled by the prophet Muhammad in a.d.622). ~abbreviated form a.h.anno regni (ano regnee) latin [inthe year of the reign] adverb phrase inthe year of the reign (of a particularmonarch). ~abbreviated form a.r.annus horribilis (anbs horibilis)latin [horrible year, based on annusmirabilis] noun phrase a year of misfortuneand disaster: “After matrimonialtroubles in the royal family and afire at Windsor Castle, Queen ElizabethII said that 1992 had been an annushorribilis.”annus mirabilis (anbs mirahbblbs)latin [wonderful year, after JohnDryden’s poem Annus Mirabilis: The Yearof Wonders (1667)] noun phrase (pluralanni mirabiles, anee mirahbbleez)a remarkable year, a year of wonders:“With regard to astronomy, this year hasbeen something of an annus mirabilis.”anonymous (bnonbmbs) latin [fromGreek anonymos anonymous, from anon and onyma name] adjective notnamed, unidentified, of unknownauthorship; can also refer to anythingthat lacks distinctiveness, character,or originality: “The performers lookedout from the stage onto a sea of anonymousspectators.”anorak (anbrak) danish [from Inuitannoraaq] noun a weatherproof hoodedpullover jacket: “The climbers weredressed in anoraks, wooly hats, and climbingboots.”anorexia (anbrekseeb) latin [noappetite, from Greek a non and orexisappetite] noun loss of appetite.anorexia nervosa (anbrekseeb nervosb)latin [nervous loss of appetite] nounphrase an eating disorder in whichsufferers develop an obsessive desireto lose weight, even at the risk oftheir own health. “Self-induced vomitinghas been associated with the psychiatricdiagnosis of anorexia nervosa and a newlyproposed disorder named bulimia” (Journalof the American Medical Association,1978).Anschluss (anshlbs) german [connection,political union, from anschliessento join] noun (plural Anschlussesor Anschlüsse) a political or economicunion of two countries (oftenapplied specifically to the annexationof Austria by Germany in 1938):“Memories of the 1938 Anschluss stillcloud diplomatic relations between thetwo countries.”ante (antee) latin [before] noun astake put up by a player in gambling,or more generally any payment made21

antebellumin advance: “The one-eyed man upped theante by $1,000.”antebellum (anteebelbm), antebellum,ante bellum latin [fromante bellum before the war] adjectiveof or relating to the period before theoutbreak of a war (often referringspecifically to the Civil War): “‘On MyJourney Home,’ hymn by Isaac Watts, found inmany of the southern country songbooks ofthe ante bellum period” (Harriet BeecherStowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 1852).antechamber (anteechaymbbr) french[from Italian anti before and Frenchchambre room] noun an anteroom, anouter room leading to another principalroom, a waiting room: “He wasbeckoned into the vast, drafty antechamberand had to wait until the prince appearedan hour later.”ante Christum (antee kristbm) latin[before Christ] adverb phrase beforeChrist (sometimes used as an alternativeto b.c. in Christian chronologyto refer to the period before Christ’sbirth). ~abbreviated form A.C.ante diem (antee deeem) latin[before the day] adverb phrase beforethe day appointed; early. ~adjectivephrase of or relating to something donebefore the time appointed. ~abbreviatedform A.D.ante meridiem (antee mbrideebm)latin [before noon] adjective phrasebefore noon, in the morning, betweenmidnight and midday. ~abbreviatedform A.M.ante mortem (antee mortbm), antemortemlatin [before death] adjectivephrase before death, preceding death.antenna (antenb) latin [sail yard,from Greek keraioi horns] noun (pluralantennae, antenee, anteni) oneof a pair of appendages (or feelers)on the heads of crustaceans, insects,and other creatures; can also refer toa radio or television aerial or, moregenerally, to any special sensitivity orreceptiveness: “With a frightful qualm,I turned, and I saw that I had grasped theantenna of another monster crab that stoodjust behind me.” (H. G. Wells, The TimeMachine, 1895).ante partum (antee pahrtbm) antepartumlatin [before birth] adjectivephrase before childbirth.ante rem (antee rem) latin [beforethe thing] adverb phrase (in philosophy)existing previously to somethingelse. ~adjective phrase alreadyexisting.anthrax (anthraks) greek [coal orcarbuncle] noun a deadly bacterialdisease that affects mainly sheep andcattle, but can also be transmitted tohumans: “The troops are being vaccinatedagainst anthrax, in case of a biologicalattack.”22

aperitifanti (antee) greek [against] prepositionopposed to, against: “Many parentsare anti smoking considering the graverisks to their children’s health.” ~noun aperson who is opposed to someone orsomething.anti- (antee) greek [against] prefixagainst, opposing, e.g. antiwar; alsocounteracting, preventing, e.g., antibacterial.antipasto (anteepasto) italian[before food] noun (plural antipasti,anteepastee) an appetizer or dishof hors d’oeuvres in the Italian style,often served as the fi rst course of ameal: “The meal began with an antipastoof mixed home-cured salami, cheeses, andraw vegetables.”antipodes (antipbdeez), Antipodesgreek [antipous having the feetopposite] noun the opposite sideof the earth and the peoples who livethere (often taken to refer to Australasiaand its inhabitants): “. . .he,coming up from the antipodes ratherunsteadily, after an apparently violentjourney, proved to be Mr Wopsle in ahigh-crowned hat, with a necromanticwork in one volume under his arm”(Charles Dickens, Great Expectations,1860–61).antithesis (antithbsbs) greek [opposition,antitithenai to oppose] noun(plural antitheses, antithbseez) acounter-thesis, a contrast of ideas,the opposite of something: “So far frombeing a Bishop Blougram (as the rumourwent) he was, in fact, the very antithesis ofthat subtle and worldly-wise ecclesiastic”(Lytton Strachey, Eminent Victorians,1918).A.O.C.See appellation contrôlée.à outrance (a ootrons), à l’outrancefrench [to excess] adverb phrase tothe limit, to the utmost, to death,unsparingly: “She persecuted her formerhusband à outrance.”apartheid (bpahrtit, bpahrtayt) afrikaans[apartness, from Dutch apartapart and heid hood] noun a policyof racial segregation (usually referringspecifically to the policy of theformer government of South Africa):“The discredited policy of apartheid hasleft a bitter legacy among its victims.”~adjective of or relating to a policy ofracial segregation.aperçu (apbrsoo, apbrsee) french[a-glimpse, past participle of apercevoirto perceive] noun a brief summary,sketch, or outline, or an immediateimpression or understanding of something.aperitif (bperbteef), apéritif french[aperient, ultimately from Latin apertusopen] noun an alcoholic drinkconsumed as an appetizer: “The guestswere offered an aperitif on the terracebefore coming inside for the main meal.”23

apexapex (aypeks) latin [extremity, summit]noun (plural apexes or apices,aypbseez) the peak, summit, or culminationof something: “At sound ofthis, the cry of Life plunging down fromLife’s apex in the grip of Death, the fullpack at Buck’s heels raised a hell’s chorusof delight” (Jack London, Call of theWild, 1903).apfelstrudel (apfblstroodbl) german[apple whirlpool] noun a dessertcomprising flaky pastry with an applefi lling: “She paled a little at the suggestionthat a plateful of apfelstrudel would notinterfere with her diet.”aphasia (bfayzhb) greek [aphatosspeechless] noun loss or impairmentof the power to understand writtenor spoken language (through psychologicaltrauma or damage to thebrain).aphrodisiac (afrbdeezeeak) greek[aphrodisia sexual pleasures, neuterplural of aphrodisios of Aphrodite]noun a food, drug, perfume, lotion,or anything else that is reputed toarouse sexual desire: “This question ofthe Censorship reminds me that I have toapologize to those who went to the recentperformance of Mrs Warren’s Professionexpecting to find it what I have just calledan aphrodisiac” (George Bernard Shaw,Mrs Warren’s Profession, “The Author’sApology,” 1898). ~adjective of or relatingto something that is reputed toarouse sexual desire.à pied (a peeay) french [by foot]adverb phrase walking, on foot: “Becausethe horses are exhausted we shall have toproceed à pied.”aplomb (bplom) french [perpendicularity,from à plomb according tothe plummet] noun poise, self-assurance,self-confidence: “Jude Fawley, withthe self-conceit, effrontery, and aplomb ofa strong-brained fellow in liquor, threwin his remarks somewhat peremptorily. . .”(Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure,1895).apnea (apneeb), apnoea greek [analektathings gathered up, from ana upand legein to gather] noun a temporarycessation of breathing during sleep: “Itcan be frightening for parents if their babystops breathing because of sleep apnea.”apocrypha (bpokrbfb), Apocryphagreek [things hidden away, fromapokryphos obscure, from apokrypteinto hide] noun writings or statementsof uncertain authorship or doubtfulauthenticity (often referring specificallyto the collection of Jewish writingsfrom the period between about300 b.c. and a.d. 100). Certain booksthat were included in early Latin andGreek versions of the Scriptures wereexcluded from the Hebrew Scriptures.The Roman Catholic Church confirmedthe acceptance of most of the books aspart of the Scriptures. The Protestantview is that the books of the Apocryphashould be read “for example of life and24

apparatus criticusinstruction of manners” rather than toestablish doctrine.apogee (apbjee), apogée french[from the earth, from Greek apogaion,neuter of apogaois far from the earth]noun the highest point, peak, orculmination of something; can alsorefer to the most distant point in theorbit of an object around the earth:“Seek ye Bombast Paracelsus, / Read whatFlood the Seeker tells us / Of the Dominantthat runs / Through the cycles of theSuns— / Read my story last and see /Luna at her apogee.” (Rudyard Kipling,“Consequences,” 1886).à point (a pwan(g)) french [to thepoint] adverb phrase to the point, justenough.apologia (apblojeeb) greek [a speechin defense] noun (plural apologias orapologiae, apblojeei) a written apologyor defense of a position, opinion,or action: “The bishop published an apologiain defense of his decision.”a posteriori (ah postbreeoree, aypostbreeoree) latin [from the latter]adjective phrase inductive, empirical,based on observed facts. ~adverbphrase empirically, inductively.apostrophe 1 (bpostrbfee) greek[from apostrophos turning away] noun apunctuation mark (’) used to indicatepossession, e.g., Jack’s car, or omissionof one or more letters, e.g., haven’t.apostrophe 2 (bpostrbfee) greek [fromapo from and strophe turning] noun(in rhetoric) a passage in a speech orpoem that is addressed to a person orobject, as a digression.apotheosis (bpotheeosbs) greek [deification,from apotheoun to deify] noun(plural apotheoses, bpotheeoseez)the quintessence of something, theperfect model or ideal; in its originalsense can refer to the deification ofa human being: “She disappeared in akind of sulphurous apotheosis, and when afew years later Medora again came back toNew York, subdued, impoverished, mourninga third husband, and in quest of a stillsmaller house, people wondered that herrich niece had not been able to do somethingfor her.” (Edith Wharton, The Ageof Innocence, 1920).app.See appendix.apparatchik (apbratchik) russian[agent of the bureaucracy, fromapparat political machine] noun (pluralapparatchiks or apparatchiki,apbratchikee) a person who blindlyobeys the demands of his or hersuperiors, usually within a partypolitical context (often referring tothe Communist establishment of theformer Soviet Union): “The presidentappeared briefly, surrounded by apparatchiks.”apparatus criticus (apbrbtbs kritbkbs)latin [critical equipment] noun phrase25

appassionato(plural apparatus critici, apbrbtbskritbsi) additional material in a documentoffering variant readings andversions of a text or critical commentupon it.appassionato (bpasibnahto) italian[impassioned] adjective (in music)with passion or feeling.appellation contrôlée (apblayshbn kontrolay)french [controlled designation]noun phrase controlled name,a guarantee on French wine bottles(or food) confirming that the wineoriginates from a particular regionand has been made in accordance withthat region’s standards of production.~abbreviated form A.O.C.appendix (bpendiks) latin [addition,supplement, from appendere toweigh] noun (plural appendixes orappendices, bpendbseez) an appendageor supplement, usually referringto additional material attached to theend of a book or other piece of writing:“This testimony, so long as I live,and so long as my descendants have anylegal right in my books, I shall cause tobe republished, as an appendix to everycopy of those two books of mine in whichI have referred to America” (CharlesDickens, American Notes, 1842). Inanatomy, the vermiform appendixis a wormlike tube, closed at theend, that extends from the cecum ofthe large intestine. ~abbreviated formapp., appx., apx.appliqué (bpleekay) french [applied,past participle of appliquer to puton, ultimately from Latin applicare toapply] noun an artistic or decorativetechnique in which cut-out patchesof cloth or paper are attached to alarger piece of material: “My auntmade a beautiful appliquéd quilt for thenew baby.” ~verb to decorate materialin such a way.appoggiatura (bpojbtoorb) italian[from appoggiare to lean on] noun (pluralappoggiaturas or appoggiature,bpojbtooray) (in music) a grace notethat precedes and delays a main note,taking one half to two thirds of itstime value.appxSee appendix.après (apray) french [after] prepositionafter, following.après moi le déluge (apray mwahlb deloozh, apray mwah lb delooj)french [after me the deluge] adverbphrase when we have gone, disasterwill follow; used to indicate that theexisting order of things is unlikely tolast after one’s own period of influence:“‘Après moi le déluge,’ murmuredthe president as he surveyed the massedranks of his opponents.” The less commonvariant après nous le deluge(apray noo lb delooj) is attributed toMadame de Pompadour (1721–64),predicting the fall of France againstthe Prussians in 1757.26

Aquariusaprès-ski (apray skee) french [afterskiing] noun a time of relaxationand social activity after a day’s skiing.~adjective of or relating to socialactivity after a day’s skiing: “Manypeople seem to go up into the mountainsjust for the après-ski fun and games.”a priori (ay preeoree, ah prioree)latin [from the former] adjective phrasedeductive, presumptive, de rived byreasoning, rather than being based onactual observed facts: “The most plausibleinstances of a priori concepts are the formalconcepts of logic” (The Fontana Dictionaryof Modern Thought). ~adverb phrase intuitively,presumptively, deductively.apropos (aprbpo) french [à proposto the purpose] adverb opportunely,pertinently, seasonably, incidentally,by the way. ~adjective relevant, pertinent,opportune, appropriate. ~prepositionà propos concerning, regarding,with respect to: “You shall go there oneday, and find them blundering throughhalf the nautical terms in Young’s Dictionary,apropos of the ‘Nancy’ having rundown the ‘Sarah Jane,’ or Mr Peggotty andthe Yarmouth boatmen having put off ina gale of wind with an anchor and cableto the ‘Nelson’ Indiaman in distress. . .”(Charles Dickens, David Copperfield,1849–50).apx.See appendix.aqua (bkwb) latin [water] noun (pluralaquae, akwi, akwee) water; alsoa light bluish-green color: “He drives apale aqua sports car.”aqua fortis (akwb fortis), aquafortislatin [strong water] noun phrase nitricacid: “The dissolving of silver inaqua fortis, and gold in aqua regia, andnot vice versa, would be then perhaps nomore difficult to know than it is to asmith to understand why the turningof one key will open a lock, and notthe turning of another.” (John Locke,Essay Concerning Human Understanding,1690).aqua regia (akwb rejb) latin [royalwater] noun phrase (plural aquaeregiae, akwi rejeei) a concentratedmixture of nitric and hydrochloricacid used to dissolve gold, platinum,and other metals.aquarium (bkwaireebm) latin[aquarius pertaining to water] noun(plural aquariums or aquaria,bkwaireeb) a water-filled tank, pond,or other container for keeping livefi sh, plants, and other aquatic life; canalso refer to a place where a collectionof such aquatic plants and animals arekept: “The aquarium has been restockedwith a dozen or so exotic fish of varioussizes.”Aquarius (bkwaireebs) latin [ofwater] noun (in astronomy) theWater Bearer, a large constellation inthe southern hemi sphere; (in astrology)the 11th sign of the zodiac,27

aquatintoccurring between Capricorn andPisces.aquatint (akwbtint) italian [acquatinta dyed water] noun an etchingprocess permitting the reproductionof tones resembling watercolorwashes; an artwork made by such aprocess: “He came home with a fine aquatintof the house and garden.”aqua vitae (akwb veeti) latin [waterof life] noun phrase brandy, whiskey,or another type of strong alcoholicliquor: “Ah, where’s my man? give me someaqua vitae: / These griefs, these woes, thesesorrows make me old” (William Shakespeare,Romeo and Juliet, c. 1595).arabesque (arbbesk) french [fromItalian arabesco Arabic] noun an artisticor decorative style characterizedby elaborate, intertwined, fl owinglines and scrollwork; also refers toa ballet posture in which the dancerstands with one leg extended horizontallybackward and, in music, toa passage that is heavily ornamented:“Not Art but Nature traced these lovelylines, / And carved this graceful arabesqueof vines; / No organ but the wind heresighs and moans, / No sepulchre concealsa martyr’s bones.” (Henry W. Longfellow,“My Cathedral,” 1880). ~adjectivedecorated with arabesques.arabica (brabikb) latin [feminineform of the adjective Arabicus Arabic]noun coffee produced from the arabicaplant, which is grown chiefly inLatin America and in Central and EastAfrica: “This coffee is made from the finestarabica beans from Brazil.”arbiter (ahbitbr) latin [judge, mediator]noun a judge, a mediator withpower to decide a dispute; can alsorefer to a person who enjoys greatinfluence over something: “To whomthese most adhere / He rules a moment:Chaos umpire sits, / And by decision moreembroils the fray / By which he reigns: nexthim, high arbiter, / Chance governs all.”(John Milton, Paradise Lost, 1667).arbiter elegantiae (ahrbiter eliganteei)latin [from arbiter elegantiarumjudge of elegance] noun phrase (pluralarbitri elegantiae, ahbitree eliganteei)an authority on taste or social etiquette.arbitrage (ahrbbtrahzh) french [fromarbitrer to judge] noun (in economics)the practice of buying securities inone market and immediately resellingthem in another, in order to make aprofit from the price differences.arboretum (ahrbbreetbm) latin [plantationof trees, from arbor tree] noun(plural arboretums or arboreta,ahbbreetb) a plot of land where raretrees and shrubs are cultivated for scientificor educational purposes: “Thearboretum has been open to the public sincethe spring and has proved a popular touristattraction.”28

ariaarborio (ahrboreeo) italian [afterArborio, Italy] noun an Italian varietyof round- grained rice with a highsoluble- fat content, traditionally usedfor making risotto.arcadia (ahrkaydeeb) greek [afterArcadia, a mountainous region ofancient Greece] noun a place wherea peaceful life of rustic pleasure canbe enjoyed: “If you were not born inArcadia, you linger in fancy on its margin;your thoughts are busied with the flutes ofantiquity, with daffodils, and the classicpoplar, and the footsteps of the nymphs,and the elegant and moving aridity ofancient art” (Robert Louis Stevenson,The Wrecker, 1892).arcana (ahrkahnb) latin [plural ofarcanum mystery, from arcanus secret,from arca chest] plural noun mysteriousfacts or secrets (typically tobe revealed only to a select few);sometimes referring specifi cally tothe elixirs formerly sought by alchemists:“He endeavored to initiate me intothe bewildering arcana of their religiousexperiences.”arc de triomphe ark db treeomf)french [arch of triumph] noun (pluralarcs de triomphe) a triumphal arch.archipelago (arkbpelbgo) italian[arcipelago chief sea] noun a largebody of water containing numerousislands, or an island chain: “The wholearchipelago was swamped by a tidal wave.”argot (ahrgbt, ahrgo) french [slang,jargon] noun the language, vocabulary,and idiom of a particular groupor class of people, often devised asa means of private communication:“. . .the argot of the French underworld.”argumentum ad hominem (ahrgyoomentbmad hombnbm) latin [reasoningto the person] noun phrase(plural argumenta ad hominem,ahrgyoomentb ad hombnbm) a personalattack, or an argument thataims to appeal to a person’s emotionsrather than to their intellect: “Thirdly,a third way is to press a man with consequencesdrawn from his own principles orconcessions. This is already known underthe name of argumentum ad hominem”(John Locke, Essay Concerning HumanUnderstanding, 1690).argumentum ex silentio (ahrgyoomentbm eks silenteeo, ahgyoomentbmeks silentsheeo) latin [argument fromsilence] noun phrase (plural argumentaex silentio) an argument based on alack of evidence to the contrary.aria (ahreeb) italian [air, melody,ultimately from Greek aer air] noun atune or melody, specifically one featuringa solo voice with instrumentalaccompaniment: “At a piano, singing anaria from Bellini, sat a young and verybeautiful woman, who, at my entrance,paused in her song, and received me withgraceful courtesy.” (Edgar Allan Poe,29

Aries“The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof.Fether,” 1845).Aries (aireez) latin [ram] noun (inastronomy) the Ram, a small constellationin the northern hemi sphere;(in astrology) the first sign of thezodiac, occurring between Pisces andTaurus.armada (ahrmahdb) spanish [fromLatin armata army, fleet, from armatus,past participle of armare to arm]noun a fleet of warships or, moregenerally, a large group of boats, vehicles,or aircraft: “To secure the possessionof this land required the co-operation ofa land force, which I agreed to furnish.Immediately commenced the assemblagein Hampton Roads, under Admiral D. D.Porter, of the most formidable armadaever collected for concentration upon onegiven point” (Ulysses S. Grant, PersonalMemoirs, 1885).Armageddon (ahrmbgedbn) greek[from Hebrew har megiddon hill ofMegiddo, the site of the final battlebetween good and evil predicted inthe Book of Revelation 16:16, possiblyderived from Megiddo, N Israel] nouna decisive final battle or confrontation,expected to lead to the utter annihilationof one or both sides: “Privately themanager feared that the forthcoming gamewould prove the team’s Armageddon.”armoire (ahrmwahr) french [fromLatin armarium] noun a tall cupboardor wardrobe: “The best item in the auctioncatalog was, in his opinion, a Frencharmoire with elaborate carvings.”arpeggio (ahrpejeeo, ahrpejo) italian[like a harp, arpegiare to play on theharp, arpa harp] noun (plural arpeggios)a rapid series of notes of a chordplayed on a musical instrument: “Lise,my daughter, was sitting before a book,and the old nurse, with my youngest child,was beside the table, turning the cover ofsomething or other. In the parlor I hearda slow arpeggio, and his voice, deadened,and a denial from her” (Leo Tolstoy, TheKreutzer Sonata, 1889).arrière-pensée (areeair-ponsay)french [behind-thought, arrièrebehind and pensée thought] noun ( pluralarrière-pensèes) an afterthought,a mental reservation, a concealedthought, an ulterior motive.arrivé (areevay) french [havingarrived, past participle of arriver toarrive] noun a person who has risenrapidly to fame or success. ~adjectivesuccessful.arrivederci (areevbderchee, areevbdairchee)italian [until we meetagain] interjection goodbye for now,farewell for the present, until nexttime: “The youth left with a final ‘arrivederci’and a wave of his hand.”arriviste (ariveest), arrivist french[go-getter, from arriver to arrive]30

asphyxianoun an upstart, an ambitious newcomerseeking success, wealth, socialstatus, or critical praise: “The old handswere inclined to dismiss him as an emptyheadedarriviste interested only in themoney to be made.”arrondissement (brondismon(g))french [roundness, district, arrondirto make round] noun a chief divisionof a French department, oran administrative ward of a Frenchcity: “Within three months of settling inthe Rue Vanneau, Madame Marneffe hadentertained Monsieur Crevel, who by thattime was Mayor of his arrondissement andOfficer of the Legion of Honor” (Honoréde Balzac, Cousin Bette, 1846–47).~abbreviated form arron.arroyo (broio) spanish [stream, gutter]noun a watercourse, gully, orcreek.arsenal (ahrsnbl, ahrsbnbl) italian[arsenale dock, ultimately from Arabicdar sina’ah workshop] noun a storeof weapons and munitions or, moregenerally, any store or reserve: “Shestill had a few weapons left in the arsenalwith which to impress her superiors.”ars gratia artis (ahrz grahteeb ahrtis)latin [art for the sake of art] nounphrase art for art’s sake (rather thanfor financial reward).ars longa, vita brevis (ahrz longb veetbbrevis) latin [art long, life short]noun phrase art is long, life is short(emphasizing that a work of art outlivesits creator): “‘Ars longa,’ said CaptainWragge, pathetically drifting intoLatin—‘vita brevis! Let us drop a tearon the lost opportunities of the past, andtry what the present can do to console us’”(Wilkie Collins, No Name, 1862).artiste (ahrteest) french [performer]noun a performing artist, an entertainer:“The show featured several promisingnew artistes.”art nouveau (ahrt noovo) french[new art, originally named after ashop in Paris] noun phrase the ornamentaland artistic style characterizedby fl owing lines and foliate designsthat became popular in the late 19thcentury: “Art nouveau relished the sinuousline.”arugula (bruugblb) italian [fromdialect arucula, ultimately from Latineruca colewort] noun a Mediterraneanplant of the cabbage family usedin salads, also known as “rocket.”ashram (ashram) sanskrit [asramahermitage] noun a hermitage or religiousretreat in India, or any group ofpeople sharing similar spiritual aims:“Her parents met in a hippie ashram runby an emaciated Indian guru with a tastefor cheap bourbon.”asphyxia (asfikseeb, bsfikseeb) greek[stopping of the pulse, a non and sphyxis31

assassinpulsation] noun suffocation resultingfrom a lack of oxygen or an excess ofcarbon dioxide in the body.assassin (bsasin) arabic [hashshashin,hashshash one who takes hashish]noun a person who commits murder,typically for political motives orfor payment (originally a referenceto members of a secret Muslim orderthat murdered Christians during theCrusades while under the influenceof hashish): “Police across the nation havebeen warned to keep a sharp lookout forthe assassins.”assegai (asbgi), assagai arabic [azzaghaya]noun an iron-tipped spearof the type used by the Zulu warriorsof southern Africa.asthma (asmb) greek [from aazeinto breathe with open mouth] noun achronic respiratory disorder in whichwheezing and difficulty in breathingare experienced as a result of muscularspasm of the bronchi. It is oftenassociated with allergies: “People withasthma should avoid smoky atmospheres.”asylum (bsilbm) latin [from Greekasylos inviolable and sylon right ofseizure] noun a place of retreat orsanctuary, or the granting of officialprotection to a refugee by a nation,embassy etc.; can also refer to an institutionwhere the mentally or physicallyill may be treated or confined: “Amerchant in Hopeton last winter donatedthree hundred yards of wincey to the asylum.Some people said it was because hecouldn’t sell it, but I’d rather believe thatit was out of the kindness of his heart,wouldn’t you?” (Lucy Maud Montgomery,Anne of Green Gables, 1908).atelier (ateleeay) french [workshop,studio, Middle French astelier woodpile,a diminutive of astele splinter]noun an artist’s or craftsman’s studioor workshop: “Above this floor was alarge atelier, which had been increased insize by pulling down the partitions—apandemonium, in which the artist and thedandy strove for preeminence” (AlexandreDumas, The Count of Monte Cristo,1844).a tempo (ah tempo) italian [in time]adverb phrase (in music) returningto the original tempo.atman (atmbn) sanskrit [breath,soul] noun in Hinduism, the spiritor innermost essence of an individual,or the world soul.atoll (atol) maldivian [atolu] noun acoral island comprising a centrallagoon surrounded by a reef: “Theatoll was devastated by its use for nucleartests over two decades.”à tort et à travers (a tor ay a travair)french [with wrong and with fault]adverb phrase at random, haphazardly,indiscriminately, recklessly,heedlessly.32

auditoratrium (aytreebm) latin [centralcourt] noun (plural atriums or atria,aytreeb) the central room in aRoman house and, subsequently,the main hall or portico of a modernhouse (often with a glass roof):“Standing in the shade of the dull passage,and looking through the doorway,he beheld the atrium of a Roman house,roomy and rich to a fabulous degree ofmagnificence” (Lew Wallace, Ben Hur,1880). Also, one of the upper chambersof the heart.à trois (a twa) french [for three]adverb phrase for three persons: “Theydecided to spend the evening à trois.”attaché (atbshay, btashay) french[attached, past participle of attacher toattach] noun a person with expertisein a particular field (sometimespertaining to trade or the military)who works with the diplomatic staffof an embassy or legation: “He hadnow finished his breakfast; but he wasdrinking a small cup of coffee, which hadbeen served to him on a little table in thegarden by one of the waiters who lookedlike an attaché” (Henry James, DaisyMiller, 1879).aubade (obahd) french [Old Provençalaubada, auba dawn] noun apiece of music or a poem celebratingthe dawn or written to be performedat daybreak: “His series ofaubades are now considered among hisfinest poems.”auberge (obairzh) french [shelter,Provençal alberga lodging] noun aFrench inn or tavern: “I have no goal.When I am weary I stop at some / auberge;/ when I am rested I go on again” (RobertService, Ballads of a Bohemian,1920).au beurre (o ber) french [with butter]adjective phrase (in French cuisine)cooked in butter.A.U.C.See ab urbe condita.au contraire (o kontrair) french [tothe contrary] adverb phrase on thecontrary: “The suave young man shookhis head and murmured, ‘Au contraire, mydear fellow, au contraire.’”au courant (o kooron(g)) french[in the current] adjective phrase upto-date,well-informed, conversant,abreast, cognizant: “The senator has beenkept au courant with events ever since thecrisis started.”audio (odeeo) latin [I hear, fromaudire to hear] adjective of or relatingto the broadcasting or reproductionof sound: “We were listening to audioclips from our favorite sitcom.” ~nounthe broadcasting or reproduction ofsound: “I found a website that offers Russiantuition with audio.”auditor (oditbr) latin [hearer, auditusact of hearing, audire to hear] noun aperson who has the authority to33

auditoriumexamine and verify financial accounts,or more generally any person whohears or listens: “I was an involuntaryspectator and auditor of whatever was doneand said in the kitchen of the adjacentvillage inn—a wholly new and rare experienceto me” (Henry David Thoreau,Civil Disobedience, 1849).auditorium (odbtoreebm) latin [lectureroom, place for listeners] noun(plural auditoriums or auditoria,ordbtoreeb) the part of a theateror other public building where theaudience sits: “But the populace, seeingin that title an allusion damaging toBarbicane’s project, broke into the auditorium,smashed the benches, and compelledthe unlucky director to alter his playbill”(Jules Verne, From the Earth to theMoon, 1865).au fait (o fay) french [to the point]adjective phrase well-informed, conversant,familiar, competent, expert:“She claimed to be au fait with the layoutof the palace.”Aufklärung (owfklahrbng) german[clearing up] noun enlightenment(usually referring specifically to thephilosophical movement called theEnlightenment that swept Europeanculture during the 18th century):“Indeed there would have been somethingpeculiarly fitting in the idea that theboy-actor, whose beauty had been so vitalan element in the realism and romance ofShakespeare’s art, should have been the firstto have brought to Germany the seed of thenew culture, and was in his way the precursorof that Aufklärung or Illumination ofthe eighteenth century. . .” (Oscar Wilde,Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, 1891).au fond (o fon(g)) french [to thebottom] adverb phrase at heart, fundamentally,basically, deep down, onthe whole.auf Wiedersehen (owf veedbrzayn)german [till seeing again] interjectionfarewell! good-bye!: “‘Auf Wiedersehen,darling,’ she called out as sheascended the stairs.”au gratin (o grahtbn, o gratbn)french [with the burnt scrapingsfrom the pan] adjective phrase (inFrench cuisine) covered with gratedcheese or breadcrumbs and browned:“. . . cauliflower au gratin.”au lait (o lay) french [with milk]adjective phrase (in French cuisine)prepared or served with milk: “Theyfi nished the evening with a café au laitand a chocolate.”au naturel (o natbrel, o nachbrel)french [in the natural] adverb phrasein a natural condition, naked, bare,plain: “The guests were shocked to seetheir host appear au natural on the topbalcony.”au pair (o pair) french [on eventerms] noun phrase (plural au pairs,34

auspiceso pairz) a young man or woman(usually of foreign nationality) wholives with a family free of chargein exchange for performing variousdomestic duties, often so as to learnthe family’s native language: “We arehoping that the au pair will do the ironingfor us.” ~adjective phrase of or relating tosuch an arrangement or to a personinvolved in such an exchange.au pied de la lettre (o peeay db laletrb) french [to the foot of theletter] adverb phrase to the letter,literally.au poivre (o pwahvrb) french [withpepper] adjective phrase (in Frenchcuisine) cooked with pepper: “Steakau poivre was the only item on the menuthat he fancied.”aura (orb) greek [breeze] noun(plural auras or aurae, ori) anatmosphere, an emanation, a distinctiveimpression, character, or quality:“Enough, then, that I not only recognizedmy natural body for the mere aura and effulgenceof certain of the powers that made upmy spirit, but managed to compound a drugby which these powers should be dethronedfrom their supremacy, and a second form andcountenance substituted. . .” (Robert LouisStevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekylland Mr. Hyde, 1886).au revoir (o rbvwah, or rbvwah)french [till seeing again] interjectiongood-bye! until we meet again!~noun an expression of farewell: “Theyparted with a volley of au revoirs andshakes of the hand.”aurora (brorb) latin [after Aurora,Roman goddess of the dawn] noun(plural auroras or aurorae, broree)dawn, or the light of dawn: “We sat inthe aurora of a sunrise which was to putout all the stars” (Ralph Waldo Emerson,“The Poet”, 1844).aurora australis (brorb ostraylis)latin [southern dawn] noun phrasethe southern lights, the aurora visiblein the Southern Hemisphere.aurora borealis (brorb boreealis)latin [northern dawn, coined byFrench physicist and philosopherPierre Gassendi (1592–1655)] nounphrase the northern lights, the auroravisible in the Northern Hemisphere.au sérieux (o sereeb) french [withseriousness] adverb phrase seriously.auspices (ospbsbz, ospbseez) latin[plural of auspex diviner by birds, fromavis bird and specere to look at] pluralnoun patronage, guidance: “The ideaof her being indebted to Mrs Elton for whatwas called an introduction—of her goinginto public under the auspices of a friend ofMrs Elton’s—probably some vulgar, dashingwidow, who, with the help of a boarder,just made a shift to live!” (Jane Austen,Emma, 1815).35

auteurauteur (oter) french [author] nouna film director whose influence overthe filmmaking process is such thathe is effectively also the author of thepiece: “Like other auteurs of his generation,he rewrote screenplays to the extentthat they were barely recognizable as anythingbut his own work.”auto- (oto) greek [from autos self,same] prefix self, e.g., autobiography;also automatic, e.g., autopi lot.autobahn (otobahn) german [expressway,Auto car and Bahn road]noun (plural autobahns or autobahnen,otobahnbn) an expressway ina German -speaking country: “Germanautobahns are generally easier onthe driver than expressways elsewhere inEurope.”auto-da-fé (oto-db-fay, owto-db-fay)portuguese [act of faith] noun (pluralautos-da-fé, owtoz db fay) thepronouncement of judgment uponheretics by the Inquisition, followedby their public execution.automaton (ortombtbn) greek[ auto matos self-acting] noun (pluralautomatons or automata, ortombtb)a robot, a self-operating mechanicaldevice, a person who acts in an involuntary,machinelike way: “‘Mason!—theWest Indies!’ he said, in the tone one mightfancy a speaking automaton to enounce itssingle words; ‘Mason!—the West Indies!’he reiterated. . .” (Charlotte Brontë, JaneEyre, 1847).automobile (ortbmbbeel) french[from Greek auto self and Latin mobilemovable] noun a motor vehicle: “Thisis the age of the automobile.”autoroute (ortoroot) french [carroute, automobile car and route route]noun an expressway in a Frenchspeakingcountry.autostrada (ortostrahdb) italian [carstreet, automobile car and stradastreet] noun (plural autostradasor auto strade (ortostrahday) anexpressway in an Italian-speakingcountry.autres temps, autres moeurs (otrbton(g) otrb mer) french [othertimes, other customs] interjectionone should change one’s behavior tosuit one’s environment or circumstances.avalanche (avblanch) french [alpineFrench dialect lavanche a mountainsidesnowfall, from avaler to go down]noun a sudden rush, flood, or fall ofsomething (originally a fall of snow,rock, or earth down a mountainside):“Polly was startled on entering the Shaws’door, by Maud, who came tumbling downstairs, sending an avalanche of words beforeher. . .” (Louisa May Alcott, An Old-Fashioned Girl, 1870).36

à votre santéavant-garde (avon(g)-gard, avontgard)french [vanguard] noun (pluralavant-gardes) those pioneers whoare in the forefront of a particularfield or movement, typically courtingcontroversy with their unorthodoxmethods and progressive views. ~adjectiveof or relating to those who are atthe forefront of a particular field ormovement: “Such avant-garde thinkinghas caused uproar in the halls of academe.”avanti (bvantee) italian [before]interjection forward! fi rst: ‘Avanti!Yes! That is all cares for. To be first somewhere—somehow—tobe first with theseEnglish” (Joseph Conrad, Nostromo,1904).avatar (avbtahr) sanskrit [avataradescent, avatari he descends] nounthe incarnation of a Hindu god inearthly form and by extension theembodiment of any idea or philosophicalconcept; can also refer to a newphase in a person’s or other en tity’sexistence: “. . .and honest Alan, who wasa grim old fire-eater in his day has in thisnew avatar no more desperate purpose thanto steal some young gentleman’s attentionfrom his Ovid, carry him awhile into theHighlands and the last century, and packhim to bed with some engaging images tomingle with his dreams” (Robert LouisStevenson, Kidnapped, 1886). It canalso refer to an image, either static oranimated, used to represent an Internetuser, as on a forum.ave (ahvay) latin [hail] interjectionhail! farewell! welcome!ave atque vale (ahvay atkwee vahlay)latin [hail and farewell] interjectionhello and good-bye!avec plaisir (avek playzeer) french[with pleasure] adverb phrase withpleasure: “The man smiled when hereceived the order to kill his rival. ‘Avecplaisir,’ he replied, with a smirk.”ave Maria (ahvay mbreeb) latin [hailMary] noun phrase hail Mary (theopening words of a prayer to the VirginMary).Avesta (bvestb) persian [from apastäkhymns of praise] noun the sacredScriptures of Zoroastrianism.avoirdupois (avbrdbpoyz) french [tohave weight, Old French avoir depois goods sold by weight] noun aseries of units of weight based on apound of 16 ounces: “Janet is a dearsoul and very nice looking; tall, but notover-tall; stoutish, yet with a certainrestraint of outline suggestive of a thriftysoul who is not going to be overlavisheven in the matter of avoirdupois” (LucyMaud Montgomery, Anne of the Island,1915).à votre santé (a votrb sontay) french[to your health] interjection to yourhealth! (a drinking toast).37

ayatollahayatollah (ibtolb) persian [ayatullahsign of God, from Arabic aya signand allah God] noun a leader of theMuslim Shiite religion in Iran; alsoused more generally of any personof influence or power: “The ayatollahshave ruled that all international contactmust be subject to their scrutiny.”Ayurveda (ahyoorvaydb) sanskrit[knowledge of long life, from ayus lifeand veda knowledge] noun a traditionalHindu medical system, whichis based on the belief that good healthstems from a balance of energies,and which uses diet, herbal medicine,yoga, and meditation.38

åååbåbaas (bahs) dutch [master] nounmaster, boss (especially in former useby black employees of white Europeansin South Africa): “‘Baas,’ he gasped,‘Baas, how did you know?’ ‘I knew,’ I repliedgrandly, ‘in the same way that I knoweverything. Show me the diamond’” (H.Rider Haggard, Finished, 1917).babu (bahboo), baboo hindi [father]noun a courtesy title addressed toHindu gentlemen, or to Hindu clerkswho speak English (or derogativelyof Hindus who have only superficialknowledge of English): “He had thenoise of the Bay of Bengal and a BengaliBabu for company; nothing more.” (RudyardKipling, “His Chance in Life,”1887).babushka (bbbooshkb) russian [grandmother,baba old woman] noun an oldRussian woman, or a triangular foldedheadscarf of the sort typically wornby such women: “Ivan’s daughter-in-lawreplied: ‘You see, babushka, my hen flew intoyour yard this morning. Did she not lay anegg there?’” (Leo Tolstoy, The KreutzerSonata, 1889).baccalaureate (bakbloreeat) french[baccalauréat diploma, from Latin baccalaureusbachelor, itself ultimatelyfrom bacca lauri laurel berry] noun abachelor’s degree, as awarded by universitiesand colleges. ~abbreviatedform Bac.baccarat (bakbrb) french [from baccara(of unknown meaning)] nouna card game in which players gambleagainst the dealer: “Here, amid the blazeof crowded baccarat tables, he caughtsight of Lord Hubert Dacey, seated withhis habitual worn smile behind a rapidlydwindling heap of gold” (Edith Wharton,The House of Mirth, 1905).bacchanalia (bakbnayleeb) latin[things connected with Bacchus, theGreek and Roman god of wine] noun(plural bacchanalia or bacchanalias)a wild, festive gathering of music,dance, and drinking originally celebratedin honor of Bacchus but now inmore general usage: “The morning afterthe bacchanalia in the saloon of the palace,the divan was covered with young patricians”(Lew Wallace, Ben Hur, 1880).39

acillusbacillus (bbsilbs) latin [small staff,baculus staff] noun (plural bacilli,bbsili, bbsilee) a rod-shaped bacteriumof a class including numeroussaprophytes and parasites, many ofwhich cause diseases: “Scientists haveworked around the clock trying to isolatethe bacillus.”backsheeshSee baksheesh.bacterium (bakteereebm) latin [fromGreek bakteria staff] noun (pluralbacteria, bakteereeb) an example ofa very large, widely-distributed groupof parasitic or saprophytic single-celledmicroorganisms important for theirroles in biochemical and patheno genicprocesses: “Antibiotics are used to treatinfections caused by bacteria.”badinage (badbnahzh) french [joking,from badiner to joke, itself frombadar to gape] noun humorous banter,playful repartee: “They enjoyedlistening to the badinage of the old men,who had obviously known one another foryears and years.”bagatelle (bagbtel) french [trifl e,from Italian bagatella] noun oneof several games in which playersattempt to roll balls into scoring areasand by extension any trifling or frivolousmatter: “‘A billion dollars? A merebagatelle!’ he scoffed.” Also used to referto a short, lighthearted musical compositionor poem.bagel (baygbl) yiddish [from beygel,itself possibly from German böugelring] noun a hard ring-shaped roll:“We had bagels and lox for breakfast.”bagnio (banyo) italian [from bagnobath, itself from Latin balneum bath]noun a public bath or Asian prison(recalling the Turks’ use of the Romanbaths at Constantinople as a prison).Also an alternative term for a brothelor bordello: “How the prodigal drinksand sports at the bagnio” (W. M. Thackeray,English Humourists, 1858).baguette (baget) french [rod, fromItalian bacchetto, itself from Latin baculumstaff] noun a long, thin roll orloaf of white bread and, by extension,a gem cut into a rectangular shape.bain-marie (ban(g) mbree) french[bath of Maria, from Latin balneumMariae, from Greek kaminos Mariasfurnace of Maria (legendary Jewishalchemist identified as Miriam, sisterof Moses)] noun (plural bainsmarie)a type of double saucepanin which food can be heated slowlyover hot water, or a dish preparedin such a vessel: “While Sylvie and theman were upstairs, Mlle. Michonneau, whocame down first, poured the contents of thephial into the silver cup belonging to Vautrin—itwas standing with the others inthe bain-marie that kept the cream hot forthe morning coffee” (Honoré de Balzac,Le Père Goriot, 1834).40

andannabaklava (bahklbvah) turkish nouna dessert comprising thin pastry, nuts,and honey or syrup.baksheesh (baksheesh, baksheesh),backsheesh persian [bakhshish present,bakhshidan to give] noun a bribe,gratuity, or tip paid to secure orreward another’s service (originally inthe Middle East alone, but now usedmore widely): “Add a hundred for the costof the last trip—Gad, won’t Torp stare tosee me!—a hundred and thirty-two leavesseventy-eight for baksheesh—I shall needit—and to play with” (Rudyard Kipling,The Light that Failed, 1890).balaclava (balbklahvb) russian [afterBalaclava, Crimea, site of a battlein the Crimean War, 1881] noun aknit covering for the head and neckafter the type originally worn bysoldiers fighting in the Crimea: “Mostof the climbers wore sweaters and thickbalaclavas to protect themselves from thecold.”balalaika (balblikb) russian [stringedinstrument] noun a triangular, threestringedmusical instrument of Russianorigin: “All of a sudden there wasa great uproar of shouting, singing andthe balalaika, and from the tavern anumber of big and very drunken peasantscame out, wearing red and blue shirts andcoats thrown over their shoulders” (FyodorDostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment,1866).ballerina (balbreenb) italian [femaleballet dancer, ballare to dance] nouna female ballet dancer.ballista (bblistb) latin [from Greekballein to throw] noun (plural ballistae,bblistee) in historical warfare,a large military engine resembling ahuge crossbow formerly used to hurlstones, bolts, or other missiles at anenemy: “If his mother were there in livingburial, what could he do for her? By thestrong hand, nothing. An army might beatthe stony face with ballista and ram, andbe laughed at.” (Lew Wallace, Ben Hur,1880).balti (boltee) urdu [bucket] nouna style of Indian cookery of northernPakistani origins in which highlyspiced food is prepared in metal pans.bambino (bambeeno) italian [bambochild, simple] noun (plural bambinosor bambini, bambeenee) a child,a baby (occasionally referring specificallyto the infant Christ).bandanna (bandanb) hindi [badhnutie-dyeing] noun a large, colorfulhandkerchief usually worn around thehead or neck: “He took Judge Thorntonaside and whispered the important questionto him,—in his distress of mind,mistaking pockets and taking out his bandannainstead of his white handkerchiefto wipe his forehead” (Oliver WendellHolmes, Elsie Venner, 1861).41

andolierbandolier (bandbleer), bandoleerfrench [from Old Spanish bando band,sash] noun a leather belt worn overthe shoulder and across the breast,usually in order to carry cartridges fora gun: “One, having taken off his shako,carefully loosened the gathers of its liningand drew them tight again; another, rubbingsome dry clay between his palms, polishedhis bayonet; another fingered the strap andpulled the buckle of his bandolier, whileanother smoothed and refolded his leg bandsand put his boots on again” (Leo Tolstoy,War and Peace, 1863–69).banquette (banket) french [fromItalian banchetta, itself from banca bench]noun a long upholstered bench; canalso refer to a raised step running alongthe inside of a parapet or trench or toa sidewalk: “The four sides of the stockadehad been manned by that time. Lingard,ascending the banquette, looked out andsaw the lagoon shrouded in white, withoutas much as a shadow on it, and so still thatnot even the sound of water lapping the shorereached his ears” (Joseph Conrad, TheRescue, 1920).banshee (banshee), banshie irish[bean sidhe fairy woman] noun in Irishand Scottish folklore, a supernaturalspirit that utters unearthly wails as awarning of approaching death in thefamily: “They were a species of tutelarysprite, or Banshee; although winged andfeathered differently from most other guardianangels” (Nathaniel Hawthorne, TheHouse of the Seven Gables, 1851).banzai (banzi) japanese [from Chinese,ten thousand years] interjectionmay you live ten thousand years (usedas a battle cry or as a cheer): “Allthe people cheered and shouted ‘Banzai’to the Emperor.” ~adjective reckless,suicidal.barcarole (bahkbrol, bahkbrol), barcarollefrench [from Italian barcaruolcaboatman’s song, from barcabarge] noun the traditional song ofVenetian gondoliers with a rhythmsuggestive of rowing. By extension anypiece of music with a similar beat.bar mitzvah (bah mitzvb) hebrew[bar miswah son of the law] nounphrase a religious ceremony atwhich a Jewish boy is recognized ashaving come of age with responsibilityfor his own religious and ethicalduties, celebrated on his 13th birthday:“A boy’s bar mitzvah is one of themost im portant days in his life.” See alsobat mitzvah.baroque (bbrok, barok) french [barroqueirregularly shaped, from Portuguesebarroco irregularly shapedpearl] noun an ornamental style inthe arts that flourished in Europe inthe 17th and 18th centuries. ~adjectiveof or relating to such a style or,more generally, grotesque, complex,or exaggerated: “Other pictures were twowatercolors in baroque frames; one beingthe Amalfi monk on a pergola wall, whilethe second was a yard-wide display of iris42

asqueblossoms” (Booth Tarkington, Alice Adams,1921).barouche (bbroosh) german [Barutsche,from Italian baroccio, ultimatelyfrom Latin birotus two-wheeled] nouna four-wheeled horse-drawn carriagewith two double seats facing eachother under a folding hood for thepassengers and a single seat in frontfor the driver: “He gave me his arm,and the two officers courteously bowed meout, and we found at the door a phaetonor barouche with a postilion and posthorses” (Charles Dickens, Bleak House,1852–53).barrage (barazh) french [barrer tobar] noun a barrier placed in a watercourseto alter the flow, or alternativelya shower or discharge of words,explosives, protests, etc.: “Strike medead / If the Huns ain’t strafing the roadahead / So the convoy can’t get through! /A barrage of shrap, and us alone; / fourrush-cases—you hear ’em moan?” (RobertService, Ballads of a Bohemian,1920). ~verb to shower with words,explosives, protests, etc.barre (bahr) french [from Latinbarra] noun a horizontal bar used bydancers for their exercises.barré (bahray) french [barred, pastparticiple of barrer] noun a methodof playing a chord on a guitar or otherstringed instrument with the forefingerlaid across all the strings.barrette (bbret) french [little bar]noun an ornamental clip or pin forholding the hair in place.barrio (bareeo) spanish [from Arabicbarri of the open country] noun adistrict within a larger urban conglomerationin a Spanish-speaking country(or a Spanish-speaking district withina U.S. town or city): “A crime wave hasswept through the barrios of the city inrecent months.”bas bleu (ba blb) french [blue stocking]noun phrase (plural bas bleus)a bluestocking, a woman with strongintellectual or academic interests.basilica (bbsilbkb, bbzilbkb) latin[royal palace, from Greek basilikeroyal, from basileus king] noun aChristian church, typically one witha nave higher than its aisles: “While,contrasting strangely with the wondrousradiance around them, the huge bronzepine-tree in the middle of the Place, andthe wide front of the Basilica, rose up ingloomy shadow, indefinite and exaggerated,lowering like evil spirits over the joyousbeauty of the rest of the scene. . .” (WilkieCollins, Antonina, 1850).basmati (bazmahtee, bazmatee) hindi[fragrant] noun a variety of aromaticlong-grain rice: “Basmati is best servedwith curry.”basque (bask) french [after theBasque region of the western Pyrenees,43

as-relieffrom Latin Vasco] noun a tight-fi t-ting bodice for women: “The actresswore a bright red basque and fishnetstockings.”bas-relief (bah rbleef, bah rbleef, basrbleef), bas relief french [low relief,bas low and relief raised work, fromItalian basso-rilievo low relief] noun(plural bas reliefs) a form of sculpturein which the carved image projectsslightly above the surface of the surroundingwood or stone, or an exampleof such work: “The whole story of thepharoah’s reign is carved in bas-relief on astone column.”bassinet (basbnet), bassinette french[bassin basin] noun a wickerworkbed or carrying basket for a baby witha curved hood, or a baby carriagewith a similar shape: “The baby wascarried into the room in an old-fashionedbassinet.”basso profundo (baso profundo)italian [deep bass] noun phrase (pluralbassos profundos or bassi produndi,basee profundee) (in music) a richheavy bass voice, or a singer withsuch a voice.bastille (basteel) french [after theBastille fortress prison in Paris,from Old Provençal bastida fortified town, itself from bastir to build]noun a strong prison or jail, especiallyone with a stern appearance orreputation.bathos (baythos) greek [depth] nounthe lowest point, the nadir of something,an anticlimax, humiliation; alsosimilar to pathos, indicating sentimentalismor a descent into triteness: “I wasquite willing to answer your uncle any questionshe could ask about money. Indeed, I hadno secret from him on any subject. But whenhe subjected me to cross-examination, forcingme into a bathos of poverty, as he thought,I broke down” (Anthony Trollope, Ayala’sAngel, 1881).batik (bateek) javanese [painted] nounhand-printed dyed fabric of a type firstproduced in Java, Indonesia. ~adjectiveof or relating to fabric of this type.bat mitzvah (baht mitzvb), hebrew[bat miswah daughter of the law] nounphrase a religious ceremony at whicha Jewish girl is recognized as havingcome of age with responsibility forher own religious and ethical duties,for a girl aged 12 or 13: “A girl’s batmitzvah is one of the most important daysin her life.” See also bar mitzvah.Bauhaus (bowhows) german [architecturehouse, after the school forarchitecture founded by WalterGropius (1883–1969) in 1919] adjectiveof or relating to the principlesof the German Bauhaus school ofarchitecture, aiming for a synthesis ofart and technology.bayonet (baybnet) french [after Bayonne,France, where such weapons44

edouinwere fi rst made] noun a steel bladethat may be attached to the muzzle of arifle for use in close combat: “The regimentadvanced with fixed bayonets.” ~verbto stab an enemy with a bayonet.bayou (biyoo, bio) french [creek,Louisiana French from Choctaw bayuksmall stream] noun a marshy creekor small river: “On Saturday, early in themorning, the beauty of the place graced ourcabin, and proud of her fair freight the gallantlittle boat glided up the bayou” (MarkTwain, Life on the Mississippi, 1883).bazaar (bbzah) persian [bazar market]noun an oriental market and,by extension, a department store orarcade of shops; can also refer to a fairfor the sale of miscellaneous or secondhandgoods (often to raise moneyfor charity): “We visited the charmingbook bazaar in Istanbul.”béarnaise (baybrnayz, bairnayz)french [after Béarn, France] nouna rich sauce made with egg yolks,butter, wine, vinegar, and seasonings.~adjective a dish prepared with sucha sauce.beau (bo) french [beautiful, fromLatin bellus pretty] noun (plural beausor beaux, boz) a woman’s maleescort or boyfriend; occasionally alsoused to refer to a fashionable manwho prides himself on his appearanceor clothing: “The other girls did not thinkvery much of their friend’s latest beau.”beau geste (bo zhest) french [finegesture] noun phrase (plural beau gestesor beaux gestes) a noble deed orgenerous gesture.beau ideal (bo ideebl) french [beauidéal ideal beauty] noun phrase (pluralbeau ideals) a model or conceptionof perfect beauty.beau monde (bo mond) french [fi neworld] noun phrase (plural beaumondes,bo mondz, or beauxmondes, bo mond) the world offashion and high society: “The CountessLidia Ivanovna was a friend of herhusband’s, and the center of that oneof the coteries of the Peterburg beaumonde with which Anna was, throughher husband, in the closest rapport” (LeoTolstoy, Anna Karenina, 1874–76).beaux arts (bo zah), beaux-artsfrench [beautiful arts] plural nounthe fine arts: “Over the decades he hascarefully nurtured a reputation as a connoisseurof les beaux arts.”béchamel (bayshbmel) french [afterits creator, the 18th-century Frenchcourtier Louis de Béchamel, stewardof Louis XIV] noun a rich whitesauce, often flavored with carrots,onions, and seasoning: “The meat wasserved in a simple béchamel sauce.”bedouin (bedooin), beduin french[from Arabic badawi desert-dweller]noun a nomadic Arab of the desert45

egumregions of North Africa, Syria, or theArabian Peninsula: “The story was thatshe had been kidnapped by bedouin tribesmen,but her parents refused to believe anysuch thing.”begum (baygbm) hindi [begam] nouna Muslim noblewoman; also used asa courtesy title for a married Muslimwoman: “He went to India with his capital,and there, according to a wild legend inour family, he was once seen riding on anelephant, in company with a Baboon; butI think it must have been a Baboo—or aBegum” (Charles Dickens, David Copperfield,1849–50).behemoth (bbheembth, bee bmbth)hebrew [beasts] noun a creature orsomething else of monstrous dimensionsor strength: “And the hippopotamiheard my call, and came, with the behemoth,unto the foot of the rock, androared loudly and fearfully beneath themoon.” (Edgar Allan Poe, “Silence—AFable,” 1845).beige (bayzh) french noun a yellowishbrown color (similar to that ofundyed wool). ~adjective of or relatingto such a color: “She selected a beige dressfor her mother’s inspection.”bel canto (bel kanto) italian [beautifulsinging] noun phrase a style ofoperatic singing in which emphasis isgiven to purity and smoothness of toneas well as excellence of technique.belladonna (belbdonb) italian [belladonna fair lady; the juice was formerlyused cosmetically to enlarge thepupils] noun the deadly nightshadeplant, or the drug produced from it,which contains atropine.belle (bel) french [beautiful, thefeminine of beau beautiful, fine, fromLatin bellus beautiful] noun a beautifulgirl or woman: “That evening she wasdefinitely the belle of the ball.”Belle Époque (bel epok) french[beautiful epoch] noun phrase thegolden age, the fine age (usually referringto life in France or England,loosely spanning the last decade ofthe 19th century and the first decadeof the 20th century): “His memories ofthe Belle Époque were dominated by hisrecollections of hours spent in an intimateParis bistro.”belles-lettres (bel letrb), belles lettresfrench [fine letters] plural noun phrasethe world of literature, especiallywriting of a serious or sophisticatednature: “And notwithstanding, moreover,a certain habitual contempt for his understanding,especially on affairs of geniusand taste, on which Blattergowl was apt tobe diffuse, from his hope of one day fightinghis way to a chair of rhetoric or belleslettres. . .” (Walter Scott, The Antiquary,1816).belvedere (belvbdeer) italian [fairsight, from bel beautiful and vedere46

ête noireto see] noun a structure, such as asummer house, that is positioned so asto provide a fine view.Benedictus (benidiktbs) latin [praisebe, blessed, past participle of benedicereto commend, bless] the song orhymn of thanksgiving (Luke 1:68–79)uttered by Zacharias at the birth of hisson John the Baptist.bene esse (benee essee) latin [to bewell] noun phrase well-being, welfare,or prosperity.bento (bento) japa nese [boxed meal]noun a container with separate compartments,used for take- out Japa nesefood.ben trovato (ben trovahto) italian[well found] adjective phrase appropriate,characteristic, even if not actuallytrue (of stories, etc.): “It was agood anecdote, although I suspect it was bentrovato rather than factually accurate.”berceuse (bairsbz) french [feminineform of berceur one who rocks a cradle,from bercer to rock to sleep] nouna lullaby.beret (beray) french [from Gasconberret cap] noun a round peakless flatsoft woolen cap of a type traditionallyworn by French peasants and workers,but since widely adopted as an item ofmilitary uniform and appropriated byhigh fashion: “The outfit was completedwith various accessories in pink and a redberet worn at a jaunty angle.”berg (berg) afrikaans [from Dutchberg] noun a mountain: “The leader ofthe expedition eyed the distant bergs withmisgivings.”beri- beri (bereeberee) sinhalese[from beri weakness] noun a tropicaldisease caused by a deficiency ofthiamine, resulting in inflammationof the nerves, paralysis, edema of theextremities, and heart failure.berserk (bbrzerk) old norse [fromberserkr, itself from bjorn bear and serkrshirt, a reference to ancient Vikingwarriors who worked themselves intoa frenzy before going into battleconvinced of their invulnerability]adjective frenzied, wild, mad: “Theyoung man’s berserk behavior at the airportsurprised his friends.”beta (baytb, beetb) greek [secondletter of the Greek alphabet] nounthe second letter of the Greek alphabet,used to indicate the second in asequence or ranking.bête noire (bet nwahr, bayt nwahr)french [black beast] noun phrase (pluralbêtes noires, bet nwahrz, baytnwahrz) a person or thing that isgreatly detested or feared by a particularindividual or body: “The question ofEurope has been the British government’sbête noire for several years now.”47

eybey (bay) turkish [chief, gentleman,beg governor] noun the rank ofprovincial governor in the OttomanEmpire or alternatively that of ruler ofTunisia, also formerly used as a courtesytitle in Egypt and Turkey: “Theytell me of California and Texas, of Englandand the Indies, of the Hon. Mr. ——— ofGeorgia or of Massachusetts, all transientand fleeting phenomena, till I am readyto leap from their court-yard like theMameluke bey” (Henry David Thoreau,Walden; or, Life in the Woods, 1854).bhaji (bahjee) hindi [fried vegetables,bhrajj to fry] noun in Indiancuisine, a fritter made with onions orother vegetables: “She was disappointedthat the dinner for two did not includeonion bhajis.”bhangra (bangrb) panjabi noun atraditional Punjabi folkdance or alternativelya genre of popular dancemusic combining traditional Punjabimusical styles with modern funk orrock music.bhindi (bindee) hindi [okra] noun(in Indian cuisine) another name forokra.bi- (bi) latin [from bis twice, two]prefix two or twice, e.g., bicoastal,bimonthly.bibelot (beebblo) french [trinket,bel beautiful] noun (plural bibelots,beebbloz) a trinket, curio, or smalldecorative object: “. . .the thrill of snappingup a jewel or a bibelot or a new‘model’ that one’s best friend wanted.”(Edith Wharton, Glimpses of the Moon,1922).bibliomania (bibleeomayneeb) greek[book passion, biblio book and maniaenthusiasm] noun an obsessive interestin collecting books: “One look insidethe old man’s library confirmed her suspicionthat she was dealing with an advancedcase of bibliomania.”biceps (biseps) latin [two- headed]noun (plural biceps) a muscle withtwo heads, especially the large muscleat the front of the upper arm: “Thelifeguard was flexing his biceps to impressthe women at the beach.”bidet (beeday) french [small horse,bider to trot] noun a bathroom fixtureused for washing the genital andanal regions: “His grandmother never figuredout what the bidet was really for andused it to wash her underwear in.”bien entendu (beean(g) ontondoo)french [well heard] adverb phrasenaturally, of course, it goes withoutsaying.bijou (beezhoo) french [from Bretonbizou ring] adjective delicate,small but elegant: “I soon found BrionyLodge. It is a bijou villa, with a gardenat the back, but built out in front rightup to the road, two stories.” (Arthur48

ivouacConan Doyle, “A Scandal in Bohemia”from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,1891).bildungsroman (bildungsrombn) german[Bildung education and Romanbook] noun a novel in which thepsychological and spiritual developmentof a youthful central character isthe main subject.billabong (bilbbong) australianaboriginal [after the Billibang (Bell)River, billa water and bang channel]noun a side channel of a river, a stagnantbackwater, or a dry streambedthat fills with water only at certaintimes: “The search party following thefootprints in the mud through a maze ofmarshy billabongs.”billet-doux (bilee doo, bilay doo)french [sweet note] noun (pluralbillets-doux, bilay dooz, bilee dooz)a love letter: “She kept all her billetsdoux,tied up in blue ribbon.”biltong (biltong) afrikaans [fromDutch bil rump and tong tongue]noun strips of dried meat.bimbo (bimbo) italian [baby] noun(plural bimbos or bimboes) a slangterm for a physically attractive butapparently unintelligent young woman(or, more rarely, young man): “Anywoman who succeeds as a top model has towork hard to convince the press not to labelher a bimbo.”bio- (bio) greek [from bios life]prefix relating to life, e.g., biography,biology.biretta (bbretb), beretta, birrettaitalian [from beretta, ultimatelyfrom Latin birrus cloak with a hood]noun a stiff square cap of a type wornby Roman Catholic and other clergy:“‘Beautiful!’ remarked Bickley, ‘but whydon’t you put on your surplice and biretta?’(Being very High-Church Bastin did weara biretta on festival Sundays at home).” (H.Rider Haggard, When the World Shook,1919).biriyani (bireeanee), biryani, birianiurdu [from Persian biriyan fried,grilled] noun in Indian cuisine, a dishof spiced meat or vegetables, servedwith rice.bistro (beestro, bistro) french[café] noun a café, small restaurant,or wine bar: “Judy knows all the fashionablebars and bistros in town.”bivouac (bivooak, bivbwak, bivwack)french [extra watch, from SwissGerman biwacht, from bi by andwacht guard, referring originally tothe patrols voluntarily undertakenby citizens of Aargau and Zürich inSwitzerland during the 18th century]noun a rudimentary encampment inthe open air (usually without a tent ormore substantial shelter): “We reckonedthe improvements of the art of war amongthe triumphs of science, and yet Napoleon49

odhrán (borahn) irish gaelic [perhapsfrom bodhor soft, dull- sounding]noun a shallow frame drum, usuallyplayed with a short stick, espebizarreconquered Europe by the bivouac, whichconsisted of falling back on naked valor,and disencumbering it of all aids.” (RalphWaldo Emerson, Essays, 1841). ~verbto make a bivouac shelter or to spendtime in such an encampment.bizarre (bbzahr, bizahr) french [fromItalian bizzarro angry] adjective extraordinary,odd, weird, eccentric, outlandish,peculiar, grotesque: “His posturecombines a surreal exaggerated style with abizarre sense of humor.” ~noun somethingof a bizarre nature.blancmange (blbmonj, blbmonzh)french [blanc manger white food] nouna gelatinous milk-based dessert dish.blanquette (blonket) french [blancwhite] noun a meat or fish stew preparedin a white sauce: “They serve a verygood blanquette of veal at that restaurant.”blasé (blahzay), blase french [satiated,exhausted, past participle ofblaser to exhaust, to satiate] ad jectiveunconcerned, indifferent, apathetic:“One gets pale, and old, and sadly faggedout, with all this dissipation, pleasant asit is. I feel quite blasé, already” (LouisaMay Alcott, An Old-Fashioned Girl,1870).blini (bleenee) rus sian [pancakes]plural noun (singular blin, bleen)small pancakes made from buckwheatflour, usually served with sourcream.blitz (blits) german [Blitzkrieg lightningwar] noun an intensive aerialattack or other military campaignrelying on surprise and overwhelmingforce; any energetic, concentratedeffort to get something done: “Hisbedroom was transformed following a blitzby his mother and the cleaning lady.” ~verbto launch a sudden violent attack onan enemy, or to conduct any intensecampaign: also to grind or purée foodin a food processor or blender: “Blitzthe tomatoes and chillis in a food processoruntil smooth.”bloc (blok) french [block, fromDutch blok or German block] noun acombination of individuals, groups,political parties, or nations in pursuitof shared interests or to providemutual support: “The parties of the lefthave joined in a bloc to overwhelm thegovernment.”bodega (bodaygb) spanish [fromGreek apotheke storehouse] noun awine merchant’s shop or a bar in aSpanish-speaking country: “I saw JohnHenry Menton casually in the Bodegajust now and it will cost me a fall if Idon’t . . . wait awhile. . . . We’re on theright lay, Bob, believe you me” (JamesJoyce, Ulysses, 1922). Also, a Hispanicgrocery store.50

ona fidecially in traditional Irish and Scottishmusic.Boer (bor, bob) dutch [farmer,countryman] noun an Afrikaner, aSouth African of Dutch or Huguenotlineage. ~adjective of or relating to theBoer community in South Africa.boeuf bourguignon (bbf bor geenyon(g))french [beef of Burgundy]noun phrase a beef casserole cookedin red wine.boîte (bwat) french [box] nounnightclub or small restaurant.bok choy (bok choi), pak choi (pakchoi) chinese [from Cantonese dialectpaak ts’oi white vegetable] nounphrase Chinese cabbage with longwhite stalks and smooth green leaves,both edible.bolas (bolbs), bola (bolb) spanish[bola ball] noun (plural bolas orbolases, bolbsbz) a weighted cordthrown to bring down livestock, etc.:“Although the ostrich in its habits is so shy,wary, and solitary, and although so fleet inits pace, it is caught without much difficultyby the Indian or Gaucho armed withthe bolas” (Charles Darwin, The Voyageof the Beagle, 1839).abolero (bblairo) spanish noun avariety of traditional Spanish danceor the music played to accompanyit: “The waltz, some delicious measure,lapsing, bathing me in bliss,/Thebolero to tinkling guitars and clatteringcastanets” (Walt Whitman, Leaves ofGrass, 1855). Can also refer to a shortjacket with an open front worn byboth men and women.Bolshevik (bolshevik), bolshevikrussian [member of the majority,bolshoi big] noun a member or supporterof the Russian Social DemocraticParty that staged the 1917November Revolution in Russia and,by extension, any individual suspectedof holding radical left-wing or revolutionaryviews: “Her uncle would havenothing to do with her new boyfriend,having decided from the outset that he wasa bolshevik with undersirable views aboutthe monarchy.” ~adjective of or relatingto the Bolshevik political movementor Bolshevik principles. ~abbreviatedform bolshie, bolshy.bombe (bom, bomb) french [bomb]noun a frozen ice-cream dessert,usually made in a rounded bomblikemold.bona fide (bonb fidee) latin [ingood faith] adverb phrase donein good faith, sincerely. ~adjectivephrase genuine, valid, legitimate, sincere,honest: “But on the other hand, ifa man through any cause falls into bonafi de misfortune the State supports him inthe position of life to which he belongs”(H. Rider Haggard, Allan Quatermain,1887).51

ona fidesbona fides (bonb fideez, bonb fidz)latin [good faith] noun phrasegood faith, sincerity, honesty; can alsorefer to a person’s credentials: “Thecustoms officials had checked his bona fidesat length at the border post.”bonanza (bbnanzb) spanish [fairweather, ultimately from Greekmalakos soft] noun a lucky successor fount of great prosperity orprofi t (originally applied chiefl y toproductive gold and silver mines):“The campaign will likely turn into yetanother multimillion-dollar bonanza forthe advertisers.” ~adjective of or relatingto such a source of great wealthor prosperity.bon appétit (bon apbtee) french[good appetite] interjection enjoyyour meal: “The waiter wished them bonappétit and left them to their own company.”See also buon appetito.bonbon (bonbon), bon-bon french[bon good] noun a candy with a fondantcenter: “Oh! thank you, Arthur;and may I have the bonbon too? I hadno notion that Lady Clementina likedsweets. I thought she was far too intellectual”(Oscar Wilde, Lord Arthur Savile’sCrime, 1891).bongo (bongo) spanish [of AmericanSpanish origin] noun (plural bongosor bongoes) a drum, usuallyone of a pair, that is played with thehands.bonhomie (bonbmee) french [bonhommegood-natured man] nounfriendliness, affability, geniality, goodnature, a friendly manner: “There issome defect in one of his feet. His addressis frank, and his whole manner noticeablefor bonhomie” (Edgar Allan Poe,“Von Kempelen and His Dis covery,”1850).bonjour (bonzhoor) french [goodday] interjection hello, good day.bon marché (bon(g) mahshay) french[good market] adjective cheap.bon mot (bon(g) mo) french [goodword] noun phrase (plural bons motsor bon mots, bon(g) moz) a quip,clever remark, witticism: “Many of thefamous man’s celebrated bon mots wereinspired by his dislike of strong-willedwomen.”bonne (bon) french [feminine of bongood] noun a French maidservant ornursemaid.bonne bouche (bon boosh), bonnebouchefrench [good mouth] nounphrase (plural bonnes bouches) adelicacy, a titbit, a morsel of food.bonne femme (bon fam) french[good wife, in the manner of a goodhousewife] adjective phrase in cookery,words to describe a dish preparedsimply and garnished with fresh vegetablesand herbs.52

ordellobonsai (bonsi, bonzi) japanese [trayplanting, from bon tray and sai to plant]noun the art of growing dwarfedplants and trees, or an example of thisart: “She first became interested in bonsaias a very young girl.”bonsoir (bonswahr) french [goodnight] interjection good evening,good night: “‘No, you can tell them totake away the samovar,’ answered NikolaiPetrovich, and he got up to meet her. PavelPetrovich said ‘bonsoir’ to him abruptly,and went to his own study” (Ivan Turgenev,Fathers and Sons, 1862).bon ton (bon(g) ton(g)) french[good tone] noun phrase (plural bonstons) a fashionable style, in the styleof high society, good taste.bon vivant (bon(g) veevon(g)) french[a good living person] noun phrase(plural bons vivants or bon vivants)a person who enjoys good living, ora person with refined, sophisticatedtastes, an epicure: “He is something of abon vivant—I doubt that he has ever eatena hamburger in his life.”bon viveur (bon(g) viver) french[good liver] noun phrase (plural bonsviveurs or bon viveurs) a personwho indulges freely in the good thingsin life: “His father is a bon viveur of the oldschool, rarely home before the early hours.”bon voyage (bon(g) voiahzh, bon(g)vwoiyahzh) french [good voyage]interjection farewell, have a pleasanttrip: “The old lady wished them bon voyagewith tears in her eyes.”boomerang (boombrang) australianaboriginal [from Kamilaroi bumarin]noun a bent hardwood throwingclub used as a self-returning weaponby native Australians and since widelyadopted as a plaything. Also appliedto any remark, act, or scheme thatseems likely to rebound on its originator:“What she had undertaken invain conquest of Glenn’s pride and FloHutter’s Western tolerance she had foundto be a boomerang.” (Zane Grey, Callof the Canyon, 1921). ~verb to actlike a boomerang, rebounding on theoriginator.boondocks (boondoks) tagalog[mountain] plural noun rough, relativelyinaccessible, remote country,a rural region or region that isconsidered remote or distant froma main center of activity; sometimesabbreviated colloquially to boonies:“The firm is to relocate somewhere out inthe boondocks.”Boötes (booteez) greek [from Bootesox driver] noun (in astronomy) aconstellation in the northern hemisphere,containing the bright star Arcturus.bordello (bordelo) italian [brothel,from Latin bordellum] noun a brothel:“The two young men suddenly realized that53

orschtwhat they had assumed was a boardinghouse was really a bordello.”borscht (borsht), borsch, bortschrussian [borshch] noun a hot or coldsoup made from beets and oftenserved with sour cream.bossa nova (bosb novb) portuguese[new trend] noun phrase a genre ofrhythmic Brazilian dance music similarto the samba but with a strongerjazz element, or a dance performedto such music.bouclé (booklay), boucle french[curly, past participle of boucler tocurl] noun an uneven woven or knittedyarn with a looped or curled ply:“I am knitting a cozy scarf in blue mohairbouclé.”boudoir (boodwah) french [place tosulk in, from bouder to sulk, to pout]noun a woman’s bedroom or privatedressing room: “A light was shiningthrough the door of the little hall-roomwhich served Janey as a dressing-room andboudoir, and her brother rapped impatientlyon the panel” (Edith Wharton,The Age of Innocence, 1920).bouffant (boofon(g)) french [frompresent participle of bouffer to puff, toswell] noun a piled-up or puffed-outhairstyle or dress style. ~adjective ofor relating to such a style: “Everyonewore towering bouffant hairstyles in thosedays.”bouillabaisse (booybbes, booybbayz)french [from Modern Provençalbouiabaisso, itself from boui boil andabaisso down] noun in French cuisine,a highly seasoned fish stew cooked inwater or white wine.bouillon (booyon(g)) french [fromOld French boillir to boil] noun inFrench cuisine, a thin soup or stockmade from lean beef.boulevard (boolbvahrd) french[rampart, from Middle Dutch bolwercbulwark] noun a street or avenue,especially one that is broad and elegantin appearance: “They spent theafternoon strolling along the fashionableParis boulevard.”boulevardier (boolbvahrdeeay, boo lbvahrdeeb) french [person of theboulevard] noun a person who frequentsthe fashionable boulevards ofa city, a person of taste and urbanity:“For an instant he stood, resplendent, withthe leisurely air of a boulevardier concoctingin his mind the route for his eveningpleasures” (O. Henry, Strictly Business,1910).bouquet (bookay) french [thicket,from bois wood] noun a bunch ornosegay of flowers: “She rustled forwardin radiant loveliness, smiling and chattering,carrying a large bouquet, and attendedby Mr Giovanelli” (Henry James, DaisyMiller, 1879). It can also refer tothe aroma of wine or perfume, and54

Brahmanmore generally to any complimentaryremark or praise.bouquet garni (bookay gahrnee)french [garnished bouquet] nounphrase (plural bouquets garnis, bookayzgahrnee) a selection of herbsbound together and used to flavorsoups, meat dishes, and other foods.bourgeois (boorzhwah, buzhwah)french [middle-class, from OldFrench borjois] adjective mid dleclass,materialistic, capitalistic, reactionary,mediocre: “It’s ridiculous to sayof a man got up in correct tailor clothes, butthere was a funereal grace in his attitudeso that he might have been reproduced inmarble on a monument to some womanin one of those atrocious Campo Santos:the bourgeois conception of an aristocraticmourning lover” (Joseph Conrad, TheArrow of Gold, 1919). ~noun a man whobelongs to the middle classes or whoespouses conventional middle-classvalues. ~noun, feminine bourgeoise(boorzhwahz, buzhwahz) a woman ofthe middle classes.bourgeoisie (borzhwahzee, boorzhwahzee)french [the bourgeois class]noun the middle classes: “It is when itcalls itself aristocracy or aestheticism or asuperiority to the bourgeoisie that its inherentweakness has in justice to be pointed out”(G. K. Chesterton, Heretics, 1908).bourse (boors) french [purse] nouna European money market or stockexchange (especially the Paris stockexchange): “So instead of going to theFolies Bergère I spent all evening in theOmnium Bar near the Bourse. . .” (RobertService, Ballads of a Bohemian,1920).boutique (booteek french [shop,from Old Provençal botica, ultimatelyfrom Greek apotheke storehouse] nouna shop selling fashionable specialtiesand luxury items: “This jacket camefrom a wonderful little boutique we foundlast week.”boutonnière (bootbneer) french[buttonhole, from bouton button] nouna flower or posy worn in a lapel buttonhole.bouzouki (bbzookee) greek [frommpouzouki, from Turkish bozuk spoiled,roughly made] noun a Greek musicalstringed instrument with a long neck.boyar (boiyahr), boyard russian[from boyarin grandee, lord] noun amember of the senior Russian aristocracy(prior to the reign of Peter theGreat): “. . .doubtless more than one agedlady sighs as she drives by the desertedpalace of the boyar and recalls the olddays and her vanished youth” (Ivan Turgenev,A Hunter’s Notes, 1847–51).See boeuf bourgui-bourguignongnon.Brahman, Brahmin (brahmbn, brambn)sanskrit [from brahman sacred55

asserieutterance] noun a Hindu of thehighest priestly caste: “Take notice,further, that the law, so born with them,forbade a man of one caste becoming amember of another; the Brahman couldnot enter a lower order; if he violatedthe laws of his own grade, he became anoutcast, lost to all but outcasts like himself” (Lew Wallace, Ben Hur, 1880).Hence, a person of considerableintellect and learning: “He is one ofthe Brahmins whose influence over thepresident has come in for criticism inrecent months.”brasserie (brasree, brasbree) french[brewery, from Middle French brasserto brew] noun a small informal restaurantserving wine, beer, and relativelysimple dishes: “The city has plentyof bars and brasseries where it is possibleto spend a lively evening in excellentcompany.”bratwurst (bratwerst, bratverst, bratversht)german [from brat spit andwurst sausage] noun a German porksausage.bravado (brbvahdo) spanish [frombravada, itself from Old Italian bravareto show off, to challenge] noun apretense of bravery, bluster, boasting,swaggering: “They may add, too, that atTrafalgar it was in effect nothing less than achallenge to death; and death came; and thatbut for his bravado the victorious Admiralmight possibly have survived the battle. . .”(Herman Melville, Billy Budd, 1924).bravo (brahvo) italian [brave, courageous]interjection (plural bravos)well done! good! ~noun a shout ofapproval or approbation, a cheer.~feminine brava (brahvb) a shoutpraising a female performer.bravura (brbvoorb) italian [bravery,from bravo brave] noun a brilliant,stylish, or spirited display of virtuosity,technical skill, daring, or agility:“The conductor launched with greatbravura into a brilliant interpretation ofBeethoven’s Ninth Symphony.” ~adjectiveshowy, ostentatious, ornate.bric-a-brac (brik-b-brak), bric-àbracfrench [from à bric et à bracat random] noun a miscellaneouscollection of items (typically inexpensiveornaments or curios), bitsand pieces, odds and ends, knickknacks:“The shop was full of bric-abrac,ranging from ornamental brassesand memorabilia to bits of militaryuniform and old books.”bricolage (breekolazh, brikolazh)french [from bricoler to putter about]noun a construction made with whateveris conveniently at hand.brio (breeo) italian noun verve,vivacity, liveliness: “The band performedwith great brio.”brioche (breeosh) french [from brierto knead] noun in French cuisine, alight, sweet bread, roll, or bun: “The56

utonly things he could find to eat were a stalebrioche and an apple.”briquette (briket), briquet french[from brique brick] noun a brickshapedblock or slab of coal dust,charcoal, or other material suitable asfuel: “He piled a few charcoal briquettesup under the barbecue.”brochette (broshet) french [frombroche spit, pointed tool] noun askewer, or food cooked on a skewer.brogue (brog) irish [from barrogaccent] noun a regional dialect orlocal accent: “‘The question lies in anutshell,’ said Laurence, with that sweetConnaught brogue which always came tohim when he desired to be effective—‘hereit is’” (Anthony Trollope, Phineas Finn,1869).bronchus (bronkbs) greek [frombronchos windpipe and bronchia bronchia]noun (plural bronchi, bronki)either of the two branches of the windpipe,which lead to the lungs.bronco (bronko), broncho spanish[rough, wild] noun a mustang, a wildor only partly broken horse.brouhaha (broohahhah) french[uproar] noun uproar, hubbub, fuss,commotion: “‘Yes,’ he answered, modestly,‘I enjoy the brouhaha, if you choose to considerit such, of all this quarrelsome menagerieof noise-making machines, brought intoorder and harmony by the presiding genius,the leader. . .’” (Oliver Wendell Holmes,Over the Teacups, 1891).bruin café (brown kafay) dutch[brown pub] noun a traditional- styleDutch café or bar with walls that arestained brown from many years oftobacco smoke.brunet, brunette (broonet) french[from brun brown] noun a personwith brown hair: “That night hedreamed again about the mysterious brunette.”~adjective brown, dark.bruschetta (broosketb) italian [fromRoman dialect bruscare to roast overcoals] noun sliced Italian breadrubbed with garlic and olive oil andgrilled, usually topped with tomatoesand basil: “Many Italian restaurants servebruschetta as an appetizer.”brusque (brbsk, broosk) french[from Italian brusco sour, tart, itself fromLatin bruscus butcher’s broom (a spinyplant)] adjective abrupt, blunt, short,offhand: “Marilla, brusque and tearless,pecked Anne’s-cheek and said she supposedthey’d hear from her when she got settled.”(Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of theIsland, 1915).brut (broot) french [rough, raw]adjective (of wine, champagne, etc.)very dry: “Under an assumed name hedrank, I’ve just been informed by my butler,an entire pint bottle of my Perrier-Jouet,57

utum fulmenBrut, ’89; wine I was specially reserving formyself ” (Oscar Wilde, The Importance ofBeing Earnest, 1895).brutum fulmen (brootbm fblmbn)latin [random thunderbolt] noun(plural bruta fulmina, brootb fblmeenb)an empty threat, a merenoise. “The sermons of priests these daysare often seen simply as bruta fulmina.”bubo (byuubo) latin [from Greekbubon groin, swelling in the groin]noun an inflamed swelling of thelymph nodes in the groin or armpit,sometimes associated with bubonicplague.buckaroo (bbkbroo, bbkbroo), buckeroospanish [from vaquero cowboy,itself from Latin vaca cow] noun acowboy, a cowherd.budo (buudo) japa nese [way of thewarrior] noun a Japa nese word forthe martial arts, collectively.buenas noches (bwenbs notchbs)spanish [good night] noun phrasegood night: “Maria wished us all buenasnoches and went off to bed.”buffet (bbfay) french [sideboard,from Old French bufet] noun aninformal meal laid out on a sideboardor table with the intention that dinershelp themselves to food; can also referto the sideboard or sidetable itself orto a place where snacks and light mealsare served: “Bartley took his arm and theywent together into the station buffet” (WillaCather, Alexander’s Bridge, 1912).bulgur (bblgbr), bulghur turkish[from Persian bulgur bruised grain]noun dried cracked wheat.bulimia (bbleemeeb) greek [boulimiagreat hunger] noun a pathologicalcraving for food, or an eating disorderin which bouts of compulsive overeatingare followed by self-inducedvomiting, resulting in weight loss ordepression.Bundesrat (boondbsrat) german [fromBund federation and Rat council]noun the upper house of the Germanand Austrian parliaments.Bundestag (boondbstahg) german[from Bund federation and tagen tomeet] noun the lower house of theGerman parliament.bungalow (bbngblo) hindi [frombangla in the Bengal style] noun asingle-story house: “The bungalow wassold eventually to an elderly couple witha dog.”buon appetito (bon apbteeto) italian[good appetite] interjection enjoyyour meal. See also bon appétit.bureau (byooro) french [desk,ultimately from Latin burra shaggycloth] noun (plural bureaus, byooroz,58

ushidoor bureaux byooro) a writing deskwith drawers, or a low chest of drawers.Can also refer to an official administrativeunit, office, or governmentdepartment, or to a branch of a newsservice or other commercial agency:“Tourist information can be found at thevisitors’ bureau.”bureaucracy (byoorokrbsee) french[from bureaucratie, from bureau, desk,offi ce] noun offi cialdom, especiallywith regard to unwieldy governmentorganizations that appear to be excessivelybound by their own rules andregulations: “The politicians plan to reducebureaucracy in our schools.”bureau de change (byooro db shonzh)french [office of change] noun (pluralbureaux de change) foreignexchange office, currency exchangeoffice: “They got a good rate of exchangeat the local bureau de change.”burger (bergb) german [abbreviationof hamburger, after Hamburger ofHamburg, Germany] noun a fl at,round patty of fried or grilled groundbeef, typically served in a soft bun:“She had eaten only a burger and friessince the weekend.”burka (berkb), burkha, burqa urdu[from Arabic] noun a long loose outergarment that covers the whole bodyand face, apart from a net- covered areaaround the eyes, worn by some Muslimwomen in public.burlesque (berlesk) french [comic,droll, from Italian burlesco, from burlajoke] noun a caricature, parody,travesty, mockery, exaggeration, distortion(originally a theatrical genreor piece of writing aiming to ridiculethrough humor): “Most of themagazine consisted of political burlesquesand skits.” ~adjective mocking, parodying,jocular. ~verb to mock, parody,caricature.burqaSee burka.burrito (bbreeto) mexican spanish[young donkey, from Spanish burrodonkey] noun (in Mexican cuisine) atortilla folded around a filling of meat,cheese, or beans, and baked.burro (bbro, booro) spanish [fromborrico, itself from Latin burricus smallhorse] noun a donkey, especially oneused as a pack animal: “The sailors, theIndian, and the stolen burro were neverseen again” (Joseph Conrad, Nostromo,1904).bursa (bersb) latin [bag or pouch]noun (plural bursas or bursae, bersee)(in anatomy) a fluid- filled pouch orsac of fibrous tissue in a joint. The fluidreduces friction in parts that moveagainst each other.bushido (buushbdo) japa nese [frombushi warrior and do way] noun thetraditional code of honor of the Japanesesamurai.59

ustierbustier (bbsteeay, boosteeby) french[from buste bust, ultimately from Latinbustum tomb] noun a tight-fi ttingstrapless bodice or top for women.butte (byoot) french [knoll] nounan isolated hill or mountain with steepsides and a flat, narrow top: “Above himhe saw the black fringe of pinon and pine,and above that the bold peak, bare, yellow,like a desert butte” (Zane Grey, Lone StarRanger, 1915).bwana (bwahnb) kiswahili [fromArabic abuna our father] noun master,boss, sir.60

åååcåc., ca.See circa.cabal (kbbal) french [from cabaleintrigue, ultimately from Hebrew qabbalahreceived lore, revived in En glandin 1672 in reference to the politicalgrouping comprising the ministersClifford, Arlington, Buckingham,Ashley, and Lauderdale, whose initialsformed the word cabal] noun a groupof persons who engage together inpublic intrigue: “‘And now,’ he continued,turning to Lady Mary and speaking inEnglish, ‘let me be asking of our gallantsyonder what make them to be in cabal withhighwaymen’” (Booth Tarkington, MonsieurBeaucaire, 1900).caballa (kbbahlb, kabblb), cabbala,cabbalah, kabala, kabbala hebrew[from qabbalah received lore] noun abody of secret or occult knowledge(originally referring specifi cally tomedieval rabbinical teachings): “Theold man had been schooled in the secrets ofthe caballa as a young man.”caballero (kabblairo, kabbyairo) spanish[horseman, from Latin caballariushostler] noun a skilled horseman,cavalier, or gentleman in a Spanish-speakingcountry: “The General,bewildered and dismayed by the resoundingstreets, welcomed his deliverer as acaballero with a most disinterested heart”(O. Henry, Strictly Business, 1910).cabana (kbbanb, kbbanyb) spanish[from cabaña hut] noun a simple beachhouse, often with an open side facingthe seashore or a swimming pool, or anysimple cabin offering basic shelter.cabaret (kabbray, kabbray) french[restaurant, nightclub, ultimately fromOld Picard camberet little room] nouna nightclub or restaurant where customersseated at tables can enjoy music,dancing, and other entertainment; canalso refer to the floor show presentedat such a venue: “That blond-haired chapacross the way / With sunny smile and voiceso mellow, / He sings in some cheap cabaret,/ Yet what a gay and charming fellow!”(Robert Service, Ballads of a Bohemian,1920).cabbalaSee caballa.61

cabriolecabriole (kabreeol) french [caper]noun (in ballet) a leap in which oneleg is extended and the other drawnup next to it; can also refer to thecurved, tapering leg of a piece offurniture.cabriolet (kabreeolay) french [diminutiveof cabriole caper] noun a one-horsecarriage with two wheels and a foldinghood and, by extension, a car (orconvertible) with a folding top: “It waswithin a week of the close of the month ofJuly, that a hackney cabriolet, number unrecorded,was seen to proceed at a rapid paceup Goswell Street. . .” (Charles Dickens,Pickwick Papers, 1837).cacciatore (kachbtoree) italian[hunter] adjective (in Italian cuisine)cooked with tomatoes and herbs (andsometimes also with wine): “The latestaddition to their range of frozen foods is achicken cacciatore.”cache (kash) french [hiding-place,from cacher to hide] noun a secretstore or hiding-place, or the thingshidden in such a place: “The cache hadbeen found and rifled; the seven hundredthousand pounds were gone!” (RobertLouis Stevenson, Treasure Island,1883). ~verb to hide items in a secretplace.cachepot (kashpo, kashbpo), cachepotfrench [pot hiding place, fromcacher to hide and pot pot] noun anornamental container for a flowerpot.cachet (kashay) french [seal, stamp,from cacher to hide, to press] nounprestige, recognition, honor (originallya seal or other mark of officialapproval): “Though he is too modest toadmit it, Lord Doak gives a cachet to oursmart quartier such as it has not receivedsince the ever-memorable visit of the Earlof Sittingbourne” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt,1922).cachou (kbshoo, kashoo) french[from Portuguese cachu, from Malaykacu] noun a pastille or lozenge takento sweeten the breath: “He was eatingcachous to disguise the smell of cigarettes.”cadastre (kbdastbr), cadaster french[land survey, from Italian catastro list,ultimately from Greek katastichonnotebook] noun an official registerof land ownership com piled for taxpurposes.cadaver (kbdavbr) latin [from cadereto fall] noun a corpse, a human body:“The stale cadaver blocks up the passage—the burial waits no longer. / Allons! yettake warning!” (Walt Whitman, Leavesof Grass, 1855).caddy (kadee) malay [from kati] noun(plural caddies) a small box, chest,or tin in which tea is stored: “Hergrandmother kept the key in an old caddythat still smelled of stale tea leaves.”cadeau (kado) french [gift] noun(plural cadeaux) a present: “Sir, you62

caféhave now given me my ‘cadeau’; I amobliged to you: it is the meed teachers mostcovet—praise of their pupils’ progress”(Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847).cadenza (kbdenzb) italian [cadence]noun (in music) an elaborate orimprovised passage towards the end ofa composition allowing a performerto demonstrate his or her technicalskill: “A few brass instruments awake in theorchestra, announcing the Prophet’s firsttriumph (in a broken cadenza)” (Honoréde Balzac, Gambara, 1837).cadet (kbdet) french [from Gasconcapdet chief, ultimately from Latincaput head] noun a person who isstudying at a military academy orin training to join one of the armedservices or the police, or more generallya younger brother or son orthe younger branch of a family: “Itwas the night of a little party at theDoctor’s, which was given on the occasionof Mr Jack Maldon’s departure forIndia, whither he was going as a cadet,or something of that kind: Mr Wickfieldhaving at length arranged the business”(Charles Dickens, David Copperfield,1849–50).cadre (kadray, kahdray, kahdree,kahdb) french [framework, executive,from Italian quadro, from Latinquadrus square] noun a core group oftrained personnel working togetheras a unit within a larger organization;also, a group of activists in acommunist or other revolutionary,organization.caduceus (kbdooseebs, kbdjooshbs)latin [from Greek karykeion herald’sstaff, from karyx herald] noun (pluralcaducei, kbdooseei, kbdyoosheei)a staff decorated with a representationof two entwined snakes andtwo wings, as carried by heralds andused as an insignia of the medical profession:“O thou great thunder-darter ofOlympus, / Forget that thou art Jove, theking of gods and, / Mercury, lose all theserpentine craft of thy / Caduceus, if yetake not that little, little less / Than littlewit from them that they have!” (WilliamShakespeare, Troilus and Cressida,c. 1601).caesura (sizoorb), cesura latin [actof cutting, from caedere to cut] noun(plural caesuras or caesurae, sizooree,sizhooree) a pause, specifi -cally a break in the middle of a line ofverse marking an interruption in therhythm: “In Old English verse the caesurawas used rather monotonously to indicatethe half line.” (J. A. Cuddon, A Dictionaryof Literary Terms, 1976).café (kbfay), cafe french [coffee,from Turkish kahve] noun a coffeeshop, a small restaurant where snacks,drinks, and light meals are available:“We stopped at the first café we came toand entered. An old woman seated us ata table and waited for orders.” (MarkTwain, Innocents Abroad, 1869).63

café au laitcafé au lait (kafay o lay) french[coffee with milk] noun phrase (pluralcafés au lait) coffee served with milk(often hot milk). ~adjective phrase of thecolor of café au lait, pale brown.café noir (kafay nwahr) french[black coffee] noun phrase (plural cafésnoirs) coffee served without milkor cream.cafeteria (kafbteereeb) spanish [fromAmerican Spanish cafetería coffeehouse,ultimately from French cafécoffee] noun a restaurant or lunchroomwhere customers usually selectfood at a counter or serve themselvesand then eat at tables.cafetière (kafeteeair) french [coffee-pot,from café coffee] noun acoffeemaking machine, a coffee percolator.caftan (caftan), kaftan turkish [fromPersian qaftan] noun a full-lengthcotton or silk garment with longsleeves, as worn by men throughoutthe Middle East: “‘And here is yourservant,’ he added, indicating a boy withclose-cropped hair, who had come in withhim, wearing a long blue caftan with holesin the elbows and a pair of boots which didnot belong to him” (Ivan Turgenev, Fathersand Sons, 1862).cagoule (kbgool), kagoule french[cowl] noun a lightweight waterproofcoat that is put on over the head: “Theboys pulled their cagoules off over theirheads once the rain had stopped.”caisson (kayson) french [from caissecase or chest] noun a watertightstructure that enables underwaterconstruction work, such as laying thefoundations for a bridge, to be carriedout; also a floating structure thatcloses the entrance to a dry dock, abasin, or a canal lock.calabrese (kalbbrayzee) italian [fromCalabria, SW Italy] noun a variety ofgreen sprouting broccoli, originatingin Italy.calamari (kalbmahree) italian [pluralof calamaro, from Latin calamariumink pot] plural noun (in Italian cuisine)a dish of squid.caldera (kaldairb, koldairb) spanish[from Latin caldaria cauldron] noun awide volcanic crater caused by thecollapse of the cone of a volcano:“The helicopter flew low over the lava-filledcaldera.”caliber (kalbbbr) french [from OldItalian calibro, itself from Arabic qalibshoemaker’s last] noun the diameterof a bullet or artillery shell, or thebore of a gun used to fire such bulletsor shells; may also refer to thediameter of any cylindrical object“‘Shore it’s funny how a bullet can floor64

cameoa man an’ then not do any damage,’ saidLadd. ‘I felt a zip of wind an’ somethin’like a pat on my chest an’ down I went.Well, so much for the small caliber withtheir steel bullets. Supposin’ I’d connectedwith a .405!’” (Zane Grey, Desert Gold,1913). Can also be used more generallyto express a degree of excellence,importance, merit, or moral quality:“The caliber of the students in this class isvery impressive.”calico (kalbko) hindu [after Calicut,India] noun a white cotton cloth originallyof Indian manufacture; can alsorefer to a blotched or piebald animal(the patterns supposedly resemblingprinted calico cloth). ~adjective of orrelating to calico cloth or patterns:“Arrayed in a new calico dress, with clean,white apron, and high, well-starched turban,her black polished face glowing with satisfaction,she lingered, with needless punctiliousness,around the arrangements of the table,merely as an excuse for talking a little to hermistress” (Harriet Beecher Stowe, UncleTom’s Cabin, 1852).caliph (kaylif), calif, khalifa arabic[from khalifah successor] noun titleborne by a successor of Muhammadas the head of Islam.calliope (kblibpee, kaleeop) greek[after Calliope, the Greek muse ofheroic poetry, from kalliope beautifulvoice] noun a steam-operated pipeorgan: “Claude and his mules rattled intoFrankfort just as the calliope went screamingdown Main Street at the head of thecircus parade” (Willa Cather, One ofOurs, 1922).calvados (kalvbdos) french [afterCalvados, France] noun apple brandy,traditionally made in the Calvadosregion of Normandy.calyx (kayliks) latin [from Greekkalyx husk, shell, from kaluptein tohide] noun (plural calyxes or calyces,kaylbseez) the outer whorl of sepalsof a flower.calzone (kalzon, kalzoni) italian[pant leg] noun (plural calzones or calzoni,kalzonee) a pizza base foldedover, with a filling of tomatoes, cheese,herbs, meat, etc., and baked.camaraderie (kambrahdbree, kamrahdree)french [comradeship, fromcamarade comrade] noun friendship,comradeship, good fellowship, mutualtrust: “There was a great sense of camaraderiein the theater that evening.”camarilla (kambrilb, kambreeb) spanish[small room, diminutive of camarachamber] noun a clique, a cabal, agroup of scheming advisers.cameo (kameeo) french [from OldFrench camau] noun a small gem ormedallion carved in relief, or alternativelya short sequence or small role in65

camera lucidaa play, film, or book: “Her face, encompassedby the blackness of the recedingheath, showed whitely, and without halflights,like a cameo” (Thomas Hardy, TheReturn of the Native, 1878).camera lucida (kambrb loosbdb) latin[light chamber] noun phrase an opticaldevice that projects a virtual imageof an object onto a plane surface bymeans of a prism so that it can betraced.camera obscura (kambrb obskoorb)latin [dark room] noun phrase (pluralcamera obscuras) an optical devicethat projects an image of an objectonto a surface in a darkened enclosureby means of a lens: “Academics debatethe extent of the use of the camera obscurain renaissance art.”ça m’est égal (sa met aygahl) french[that is equal to me] interjection it’sall the same to me, I don’t mind.camisole (kambsol) french [fromProvençal camisolla, from camisashirt] noun a sleeveless underbodicefor women, or a short négligéjacket: “Mrs O’Dowd, the good housewife,arrayed in curl papers and a camisole,felt that her duty was to act, andnot to sleep, at this juncture” (WilliamMakepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair,1847–48).camorra (kbmorb), Camorra italian[a shirt, or possibly from Spanishcamorra dispute, quarrel] noun asecret criminal organization, oftenreferring specifically to a clandestinesociety that was founded in Naples,Italy, around 1820: “The local hoods hadgathered together to form a sort of camorrato protect their interests.”camouflage (kamefl ahzh, kamefl ahj)french [disguise, from camoufler todisguise, to cover up] noun the useof paint, netting, or other means todisguise military equipment by makingit merge into the immediate surroundings;also used more generally ofany attempt to conceal something ordeceive others. ~adjective of or relatingto a design, pattern, or combination ofcolors intended to disguise or concealsomething. ~verb to disguise somethingin such a manner: “You can camouflage allyou want to, but you know darn well thatthese radicals, as you call ’em, are opposed tothe war. . .” (Sinclair Lewis, Main Street,1920). ~abbreviated form cam.campanile (kampbneelee) italian [belltower, from campana bell] noun (pluralcampaniles or campanili, kampbneelee)a freestanding bell tower:“The campanile next to the cathedral wasbadly damaged in the earthquake.”campesino (kampbseeno) spanish[field-worker, from campo fi eld, country,ultimately from Latin campus fi eld]noun (plural campesinos, kampbseenoz)a Latin American farmeror peasant.66

Canis Minorcampus (kampbs) latin [field, plain]noun (plural campuses or campi,kampee) the site of a university,college, or school, including associatedbuildings and grounds, or theuniversity or college itself: “The grouphad the right to hold meetings on the campuswithout prior official approval.”canaille (kbni, kbnayl) french [fromItalian canaglia pack of dogs, fromcane dog] noun the general populace,the masses, the rabble, the mob:“Canaille / of the gutter, up! Away! /You’ve battened on me for a bitter-longday; / But I’m driving you forth, andforever and aye, / Hunger and Thirst andCold” (Robert Service, Ballads of aBohemian, 1920).canapé (kanbpay, kanbpee) french[sofa, from Latin canopeum mosquitonet] noun an appetizer, usually in theform of a piece of bread, toast, or acracker topped with cheese, caviar,anchovies, meat spread, or other morsels:“He helped himself from a plate ofcanapés as he waited for the lady of thehouse to come down.”canard (kbnahrd) french [duck,from vendre des canards à moitié tohalf-sell ducks] noun a hoax, anunfounded report; can also refer inaeronautics to a small airfoil locatedin front of the wing of some aircraft toincrease stability: “The idea that staringat the moon induces madness is a canard ofconsiderable longevity.”cancan (kankan) french [from canardduck] noun a lively dance, originallyfrom France, in which female dancersperform series of high kicks whilewearing full ruffl ed skirts: “Crowdsfl ocked to the theater to see the scandalousnew dance called the cancan.”Cancer (kansbr) latin [crab] noun(in astronomy) the Crab, a constellationin the northern hemi sphere;(in astrology) the fourth sign of thezodiac, occurring between Geminiand Leo.candelabrum (kandblahbrbm) latin[from candela candle] noun (pluralcandelabra, kandblahbrb) a branchedornamental candlestick or light holder:“An eight-branched candelabrum stood on alittle table near the head of a sofa.”ça ne fait rien (sa nb fay reean(g))french [that means nothing] nounphrase it does not matter.Canis Major (kaynis mayjbr) latin[large dog] noun phrase (in astronomy)the Great Dog, a constellation inthe southern hemi sphere, which liespartly in the Milky Way and whichcontains Sirius, the Dog Star.Canis Minor (kaynis minbr) latin[small dog] noun phrase (in astronomy)the Little Dog, a small constellationin the northern hemi sphere,which lies partly in the MilkyWay.67

cannellinicannellini (kanbleenee) italian [shorttubes] noun a variety of bean, similarin size to the kidney bean but creamywhitein color, which is pop u lar especiallyin Italian cuisine: “I bought somecannellini beans to make soup.”cannelloni (kanblonee) italian [fromcannello cane stalk] plural noun (inItalian cuisine) a variety of tubeshapedor rolled pasta with a meat,fi sh, cheese, or other filling, servedin sauce.cantabile (kantahbilay, kantahbilee)italian [from Latin cantabilis thatmay be sung] adverb (in music) in afl owing manner. ~adjective (in music)smooth, flowing. ~noun a passage ofmusic in a smooth, flowing style.cantaloupe (kantblop) french [afterCantalupo, the former papal villa nearRome where the first European cantaloupemelons were grown] noun avariety of melon with orange flesh.cantata (kbntahtb) latin [feminineof cantatus, past participle of cantare tosing] noun (in music) a compositionfor one or more voices, usually combiningsolos, choruses, and recitatives,with instrumental accompaniment: “Heconducted me into a chamber, where I founda great quantity of music: he gave me someto copy, particularly the cantata he hadheard me singing, and which he was shortlyto sing himself ” (Jean-Jacques Rousseau,Confessions, 1782–89).cantatrice (kantbtrees) french/italian[female singer, from Latin cantatrix,feminine of cantator singer]noun (plural cantatrices, kantbtreeseez,or cantatrici, kantbttreechee)a female opera singer, or other professionalsinger.cantina (kanteenb) spanish [canteen,from Italian cantina wine cellar] nouna barroom or saloon; can also refer inItaly to a wine shop.canto (kanto) italian [song, fromLatin cantus song] noun a division ofa long poem: “This last work comprisedan epic poem of several dozen cantos.”canton (kantbn) french [from Italiancanto corner, from Latin canthuscorner] noun a small district or anadministrative division of a country(specifically of France or Switzerland):“Voters in several cantons have recentlyshown a new enthusiasm for candidatesrepresenting the far right.”cantor (kantor) latin [singer, fromcanere to sing] noun a choir leader;in Jewish religious services, an officialwho chants or sings and also leads theprayers in a synagogue.canyon (kanybn) spanish [from cañóntube, ultimately from Latin cannareed] noun a narrow, steep-sidedvalley: “They crossed the gap between themulti-story buildings, which gave greatcanyon-like elevations.”68

carafecapo (kapo) italian [chief, fromLatin caput head] noun the head ofa branch of the Mafia, or of a similarcriminal organization: “The capos meetregularly to decide what to do about rivalson the waterfront.”capoeira (kapooairb) portuguese[possibly of African origin] noun acombination of martial art and dance,originally developed by African slavesin Brazil in the 19th century. A practitionerof capoeira is a capoeiristo(male) or capeoirista (female).caponata (kapbnahtb) italian [fromSicilian dialect capunata] noun (inSicilian cookery) a relish made fromchopped eggplant and other vegetables,olive oil, and seasoning, usuallyserved as an antipasto.cappuccino (kapbcheeno) italian[Capuchin, referring to the color ofthe habit worn by Capuchin monks]noun an espresso coffee topped withfrothy milk or cream.capriccio (kbpreecheeo) italian[caprice, ultimately from capro goat]noun (in music) a piece of instrumentalmusic written in a lively, flowingstyle; can also refer to any whim, trick,or prank: “Will this capriccio hold in thee?art sure?” (William Shakespeare, All’sWell That Ends Well, c. 1602).caprice (kbprees) french [fromItalian capriccio shudder, head withthe hair standing on end, from capohead and riccio hedgehog] noun awhim, fancy, an unpredictable changeof mind, impulsiveness: “Adam darednot plead again, for Dinah’s was not thevoice of caprice or insincerity” (GeorgeEliot, Adam Bede, 1859).Capricorn (kaprbkorn) latin [goat]noun (in astronomy) the Goat, aconstellation in the southern hemisphere;(in astrology) the fourth signof the zodiac, occurring between Sagittariusand Aquarius.carabiner (karbbeenbr) german[abbreviation of Karabinerhaken carabiner’shook] noun a spring-hingedoblong metal ring used by climbersto connect ropes: “The leading climberran the rope through a carabiner andwaited for the next man to join him onthe ledge.”carabiniere (karbbineeair) italian[soldier armed with a carbine, fromFrench carabine carbine] noun (pluralcarabinieri, karbbineeairee) amember of the Italian national policeforce.carafe (kbraf, kbrahf) french [fromItalian caraffa, itself from Arabicgharrafah drinking vessel] noun afl ask, usually made of glass, fromwhich water, wine, or other beveragesmay be served: “His eye fell upona carafe of water on a chair at his bedside;he seized upon it with a shaking hand69

caravanseraiand drank half its contents before he setit down” (Booth Tarkington, His OwnPeople, 1907).caravanserai (karbvansbri), caravansarypersian [from karwan caravanand sarai inn, palace] noun a typeof hostelry in the Middle East constructedround a central court wherecaravans of travelers can rest at night:“The necromancer acknowledged his kindnessin many words and, thanking him forhis good offices, returned to his cell in thecaravanserai” (Richard Burton, “Aladdin;or, The Wonderful Lamp,” ArabianNights, 1885–88).carbonara (kahrbonahrb) italian [inthe manner of a charcoal maker] noun(in Italian cuisine) a dish of hotpasta served in a sauce with suchingredients as cheese, bacon, or ham.carcinoma (kahrsbnomb) greek [karkinomacancer, itself from karkinos crab]noun (plural carcinomas or carcinomata,kahrsbnombtb) a canceroustumor of epithelial origin, specificallyone that is malignant in nature.caries (kaireez) latin [decay] pluralnoun tooth or bone decay: “Treatmentsfor dental caries have made hugetechnological strides in the last decade.”carillon (karilbn, kareeahn, kbrilybn)french [bells, from Old French quarregnonpeal of four bells, from Latinquaternio set of four] noun a musicalinstrument comprising a set of chromaticallytuned bells that are struckby hammers connected to a keyboard,or a piece of music written for suchan instrument.caritas (karitas) latin [love, care] nouncharity, Christian love.carousel (karbsel, karbzel), carrouselfrench [a knight’s tournament,from carrousel, from Italian carosello]noun a merry-go-round; can alsorefer to a circular conveyor belt, as atan airport: “The children clamored for aride on the carousel.”carpaccio (kahrpahcho) italian [afterVittorio Carpaccio (c. 1455- 1522), aVenetian paint er, noted for his red pigmentsreminiscent of raw meat] noun(in Italian cuisine) an hors d’oeuvreconsisting of thinly sliced raw beef orfish served with a sauce.carpe diem (kahrpay deeem) latin[seize the day, quoting the Romanpoet Horace (65–8 b.c.)] noun phraseseize the opportunity when it presentsitself, no time like the present,do not waste time: “‘Carpe diem,’ hesaid laughing. Do you know what ‘carpediem’ means? . . . This is what it means. Asan hour for joy has come, do not let anytrouble interfere with it’” (Anthony Trollope,Ayala’s Angel, 1881).carte blanche (kahrt blonsh, kahrtblonch) french [white card] noun70

casbahphrase (plural cartes blanches) freelicense to do what one wishes, fulldiscretionary power, freedom ofaction; can also refer to a documentleft blank for another party to fi llin as he or she wishes: “I only askyou to give me carte blanche. I’m notgoing to offer you my protection . . .Though, indeed, why shouldn’t I protectyou?” (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina,1873–77).carte des vins (kahrt day van(g))french [list of wines] noun phrase awine list.carte de visite (kahrt db vizeet), cartede-visitefrench [visiting card] nounphrase (plural cartes de visite) a visitingcard, a calling card: “The strangerdeclined to leave behind his carte de visite,indicating instead that he would callagain later.”carte d’identité (kahrt didontbtay)french [identity card] noun phrase(plural cartes d’identité) an identitycard, ID card: “The soldier demandedto see their cartes d’identité.”carte du jour (kahrt doo zhoor)french [card of the day] noun phrase(plural cartes du jour) a menu: “Thewaiter produced the carte du jour for theirinspection.”cartel (kahrtel) french [coalition,from Italian cartello placard] noun acoalition of political or commercialgroups in pursuit of their own interests;“The government is looking intoaccusations that the companies are operatingas a cartel.” Can also refer to awritten agreement between warringnations.cartouche (kahrtoosh), cartouchfrench [from Italian cartoccio, fromcarta paper] noun in Egyptian hieroglyphics,an oblong outline enclosingthe name of a pharoah of ancientEgypt and by extension an ornamentalframe, usually in the shape of a scroll;“Whether this was the cartouche of theoriginal Kallikrates, or of some prince orPharaoh from whom his wife Amenartaswas descended, I am not sure. . .” (H.Rider Haggard, She, 1887). Can alsorefer to a gun cartridge with a papercase.casa (kahsb, kasb) spanish/italian[cottage] noun a house, a dwelling:“‘My casa is your casa,’ the man said witha grin.”Casanova (kasbnovb) italian [afterthe Italian adventurer and lover GiacomoGirolamo Casanova (1725–98)]noun a man who has a reputation asa seducer of women: “As a young man,the count had been considered somethingof a Casanova.”casbah (kazbah), kasbah arabic [qasbah]noun the native quarter of aNorth African town.71

cascaracascara (kaskahrb) spanish [abbreviatedfrom cascara sagrada sacred bark,from cascar to crack] noun the driedbark of a buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana)used as a purgative.casino (kbseeno) italian [little house,from Latin casa house] noun a roomor building used for gambling andother amusements: “All these tricks andturns of the show were upon him with aspring as he descended the Casino stepsand paused on the pavement at its doors”(Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth,1905).Cassandra (kbsandrb, kbsahndrb)greek [Kassandra, the prophetessdaughter of King Priam of Troy] nouna person who habitually predicts misfortune,a prophet or pro phetess ofdoom: “I do not know why, but his wanderingwords struck me cold; the proverbialfuneral bell at the marriage feast was nothingto them. I suppose it was because in afl ash of intuition I knew that they wouldcome true and that he was an appointedCassandra” (H. Rider Haggard, Whenthe World Shook, 1919).casserole (kasbrol) french [saucepan,ultimately from Greek kyathosladle] noun a cooking pot with a lid,or a dish baked or served in such apot: “‘Just be so good as to let me get tothe fire, Mr Hunsden; I have something tocook.’ (An interval occupied in settling acasserole on the fire; then, while she stirredits contents:). . .” (Charlotte Brontë, TheProfessor, 1857). ~verb to cook food ina casserole.cassette (kbset, kaset) french[diminutive of casse case] noun a fl atcontainer or case loaded with photographicfilm, magnetic tape, or similarmaterial to facilitate ease of use: “Therewere 40 or 50 audio cassettes on the displaytable.”cassis (kbsees) french [blackcurrant]noun blackcurrant liqueur:“She poured some cassis into the wine inthe vain hope that this would make it morepalatable.”cassoulet (kasblay) french [diminutiveof cassolo stew pan, ultimatelyfrom casso ladle] noun a casseroleof meat baked with white beans andherbs.castrato kastrahto, kbstrahto) italian[castrated, past participle of castrareto castrate] noun (plural castratos orcastrati, kastrahtee, kbstrahtee) asinger who has been castrated at anearly age in order to retain his highpitchedsinging voice in adulthood:“Whereat the castrato cried out and said:‘Allah! Allah! O my lord, these are sandalsfor the treading of thy feet, so thou maystwend to the wardrobe.’” (Richard Burton,“Story of the Larrikin and the Cook,”Arabian Nights, 1885–88).casus belli (kahsbs belee, kaysbsbeli) latin [occasion of war] noun72

catharsisphrase an event or situation that isseen as justifying or causing hostilitiesor that is used as an excuse for declaringwar: “The invasion of the island couldconstitute a casus belli in the eyes of theinternational community.”catachresis (katbkreesbs) greek [misuse,from katachresthai to misuse] noun(plural catachreses, katb kreeseez) theuse of a word in the wrong context,misuse of language.catafalque (katbfolk, katbfalk) italian[from catafalco, probably fromcatafalicum scaffold] noun an elaboratestructure erected over or aroundthe coffi n at a funeral or lying instate, or a structure on which thecoffi n is placed or carried in procession:“The dead president lay upon thecatafalque, surrounded by his grievingpeople.”catalysis (kbtalbsis) greek [katalueinto dissolve] noun (plural catalyses,kbtalbseez) the chemical process ofincreasing the rate of a reaction withoutconsuming or chemically changingthe material concerned; also usedmore widely to refer to the provocationor encouragement of an exchangebetween parties or the precipitationof change in general.catamaran (katbmbran, katbmbran)tamil [from kattumaram tied wood,from kattu to tie and maram wood,tree] noun a boat with twin hulls:“The technology of the catamaran hasadvanced so far that it is now possible tosail around the world in such vessels.”catastrophe (kbtastrbfee) greek[overturning, from katastrephein tooverturn] noun a calamity, disaster,or total failure; can also refer tothe dénouement of a novel, play, orother story: “The region faces economiccatastrophe with the loss of thousandsof jobs.”catatonia (katbtoneea) greek [fromkata down and tonos tension] noun acondition associated with schizophrenia, characterized by periods ofimmobility, stiffening of the limbs,and mania: “The patient became hysterical,later slipping into catatonia.”catechesis (katbkeesis) greek [katekhesisinstruction by mouth] noun (pluralcatacheses, katbkeeseez) oralinstruction, often referring specificallyto the teaching of Christianity.catechumen (katbkyoombn) french[from Latin catechumenus, itself fromGreek katechoumenos being instructed]noun a convert to Christianity priorto baptism, or one being taught inChristian doctrine before joining thechurch.catharsis (kbtharsis), katharsis greek[purifi cation, from katharsis, fromkathairein to cleanse] noun (pluralcatharses, kbtharseez) purification73

catheterof the emotions: “The whole episodeserved as something of a catharsis in theyoung man’s life.”catheter (kathbtbr, kathtbr) greek[kathienai to send down] noun a hollowtube through which fluids maybe injected into or withdrawn froma body or by means of which a passagewayor canal may be kept open:“He was shocked to see his aunt in hospital,dependent upon catheters and drugs.”caudillo (kotheeyo, kotheelyo) spanish[small head, from Latin capitellum,diminutive of caput head] noun (pluralcaudillos, kotheeyoz, kotheelyoz)a military or political leader in aSpanish-speaking country.causa sine qua non (cowzb sinay kwahnon) latin [cause without which not]noun phrase (plural causae sine quibusnon, cowzi sinee kweebbs non) theimmediate and indispensable cause ofsomething happening: “Poverty is thecausa sine qua non of most acts of vandalismand other petty crimes.” See also sinequa non.cause célèbre (koz sbleb, koz sblebrb),cause celebre french [celebratedcase] noun (plural causes célèbres,causes celebres) a notorious affair,scandal, case, person, or thing: “‘It’sdifficult to say what it is, but it may yetbe a cause célèbre,’ said the Assistant Commissioner”(Joseph Conrad, The SecretAgent, 1907).causerie (kozbree) french [chat]noun an informal chat; also a shortpiece of writing in an informal style.ça va sans dire (sa va son deer)french [that goes without saying]interjection it goes without saying,it stands to reason.cavatina (kavbteenb) italian [fromcavata producing tone from a musicalinstrument] noun (in music) asimple aria, or a melodic instrumentalcomposition, with no repetition ofwords or phrases.caveat (kaveeat) latin [let him beware,from cavere to be on guard] noun awarning to others to beware or tobe careful, a proviso: “He recommendeda vacation in Europe, but then qualifiedthe recommendation with a lengthy listof caveats.”caveat emptor (kaveeat emptor)latin [let the buyer beware] interjectionbuyer beware, at the buyer’sown risk (a warning to a purchaserthat he or she can have no recourse tothe law if due care is not exercised inmaking a purchase): “But I say that if mystory be right the doctrine of Caveat emptordoes not encourage trade” (Anthony Trollope,Phineas Redux, 1876). ~abbreviatedform c.e.cave canem (kayvee kaynbm) latin[beware of the dog] interjection bewareof the dog.74

c’est la vieCdt.c.e.See commandant.See caveat emptor.cedilla (sbdilb) spanish [diminutiveof zeda, letter Z] the diacriticalmark as on ç in French, Portuguese,and other languages to show that it hasthe sound of s.ceilidh (kaylee) gaelic [from OldIrish céilide visit] noun a Scottish orIrish barn dance, usually featuring livefolk music: “There is a ceilidh in the villagehall every Friday during the summer.”ceinture (sant(y)oor, sanchbr) french[from Latin cinctura girdle, from cingereto gird] noun a belt or sash wornround the waist.census (sensbs) latin [register ofcitizens and property, from censereto assess] noun (plural censuses,sensbsiz) an offi cial count of thepopulation of a city, region, or nation:“The 1991 census found that 47 percentof Brazilians considered themselves black orbrown; 51 percent said they were white.”cerebellum (serbbelbm) latin [littlebrain, diminutive of cerebrum brain]noun (plural cerebellums or cerebella,serbbelb) the lower rear part of thebrain that controls the muscles, posture,balance, and various mental processes.cerebrum (sereebrbm) latin [brain]noun (plural cerebrums or cerebra,sereebrb) the front, main part ofthe brain that is considered the seat ofconscious mental processes, includingmovement, memory, and speech.cerise (sbrees, sbreez) french [cherry]noun a cherry red color. ~adjectiveof or relating to such a color: “Shehunted along the stale-smelling corridorswith their wallpaper of cerise daisies andpoison-green rosettes, streaked in whitespots from spilled water, their frayed redand yellow matting, and rows of pine doorspainted a sickly blue” (Sinclair Lewis,Main Street, 1922).certiorari (sersheebrahree)latin [to beinformed] noun (plural certioraris)a writ issued by a superior courtordering the production of the recordsof a lower court or other judicialbody to enable inspection for irregularities.cervix (serviks) latin [neck] noun(plural cervices, serviseez) the neckof the womb, a narrow opening leadingfrom the vagina into the womb:“Effective screening for cancer of the cervixhas greatly reduced the death rate.”c’est la guerre (say la gair) french[that is the war] interjection that iswhat happens in wartime, we mustresign ourselves to the situation.c’est la vie (say la vee) french [thatis life] interjection that is what happensin life, life is like that, we must75

cesuraresign ourselves to the situation, suchis life; used to express resignationwhen confronted with an unpleasantor difficult situation: “We spent yearscampaigning for a new expressway. Nowthat it’s been built, the volume of traffic iseven greater and noisier—oh well, c’est lavie, I suppose.”cesuraSee caesura.cetera desunt (ketbrb deesbnt, setbrbdeesbnt) latin [the other things aremissing] noun phrase the rest is missing(usually referring to missing portionsof manuscript).ceteris paribus (ketbris paribbs, setbrisparibbs) latin [other things beingequal] adverb phrase other things beingequal, assuming nothing else changes.~abbreviated form cet. par.ceud mìle fàílte (keeoot meelbfahbltyb) scottish gaelic [a hundredthousand welcomes] interjection phrasea hundred thousand welcomes!, agreeting.ceviche (sbveechay, sbveechee) spanish[from cebiche fish stew] noun (in LatinAmerican cuisine) raw fish marinatedin lime juice and spices and served asan appetizer.cf.See confer.cha-cha (chah-chah), cha-cha-chaspanish [imitative of the rhythm ofthe dance] noun a lively ballroomdance of Latin American origin, or themusic that accompanies it.chacun à son goût (shakbn a son(g)goo) french [each to his own taste]interjection everyone to his or herown taste, there is no accounting fortaste: “‘I can’t believe he likes that music,’she sighed, ‘but chacun à son goût, as theFrench say.’”chador (chadah, chadb), chaddar,chadar, chuddar urdu [from Persiancadar sheet, veil] noun a large clothworn as a headscarf, veil, and shawl byMuslim women: “Many of the youngerwomen protested publicly against the wearingof the chador.”chagrin (shbgran(g)) french [roughskin] noun a sense of anxiety or ruefulnessprovoked by embarrassment,humiliation, or disappointment. ~verbto provoke such a feeling in a person:“‘But,’ he added, with an air of chagrin,which he endeavored, though unsuccessfully,to conceal, ‘had I been aware that whatI then believed a soldier’s conduct couldbe so construed, shame would have beenadded to the list of reasons’” (James FenimoreCooper, The Last of the Mohicans,1826).chaise (shayz) french [chair] nouna light horse-drawn carriage, typicallywith two wheels and a folding hood:“For now the chaise creaked upon its springs,76

chansonand Mrs. Varden was inside; and now itcreaked again, and more than ever, and thelocksmith was inside; and now it boundedonce, as if its heart beat lightly, and Dollywas inside. . .” (Charles Dickens, BarnabyRudge, 1841).chaise longue (shayz long) french[long chair] noun (plural chaiselongues or chaises longues) a typeof sofa or couch with a single backrestat one end: “At length, upon a peremptorycall for ‘Madame Lalande,’ she aroseat once, without affectation or demur, fromthe chaise longue upon which she had satby my side, and, accompanied by one ortwo gentlemen and her female friend of theopera, repaired to the piano in the maindrawing-room” (Edgar Allan Poe, “TheSpectacles,” 1844).chakra (chukrb) sanskrit [from cakrawheel] noun (in yoga philoso phy) anyone of the seven centers of spiritualpower in the human body: “There areseven chakras in a line running from the baseof the spine to the top of the head.”chalet (shalay, shalay) french [fromOld French chasel farmstead] noun aSwiss-style wooden house reminiscentof the huts originally built by Alpineherdsmen; sometimes also used forany wooden cottage or house (especiallyvacation houses): “‘Much worse,’said Agatha. ‘I think we had better get underthe veranda of the old chalet. It is not halfa minute’s walk from here’” (George BernardShaw, An Unsocial Socialist, 1887).chambré (shombray, shombray)french [past participle of chambrerto bring to room temperature] adjectiveat room temperature (specificallyreferring to wine).chamois (shamee, shamwah), chammy,shammy french [after the chamoisantelope] noun a piece of soft leathermade from the skin of the chamoisantelope, or from sheepskin: “The childrenhelped clean the car with a chamoisleather.”chancre (shankbr) french [fromLatin cancer tumor or crab] noun ahard, painless swelling, usually onthe genitals, which is the first sign ofsyphilis.chandelier (shandbleer) french [candlestick]noun a branched candlestickor light fitting suspended froma ceiling: “Over the well of the staircasehangs a great chandelier with wax lights,which illumine a large eighteenth-centuryFrench tapestry. . .” (Oscar Wilde, AnIdeal Husband, 1895).chanson (shonson(g)) french [song,from Latin cantio song] noun asong (especially one suitable formusic hall or cabaret): “In France, forinstance, he would write a chanson; / InEngland a six canto quarto tale; / InSpain, he’d make a ballad or romanceon / The last war—much the same inPortugal. . .” (Lord Byron, Don Juan,1819–24).77

chanson de gestechanson de geste (shonson(g) dbzhest) french [song of heroic deeds]noun phrase (plural chansons de geste)an epic poem about heroic deeds ofthe type written by medieval Frenchpoets.chanteuse (shonte(r)z, shontooz)french [a female singer] noun afemale singer of ballads or other popularsongs: “However, the management isappreciative if they accept the invitation ofsome dignitary of the army, of administration,or of finance, who seeks the honor ofhearing from the chanteuse, in a privateroom and with a company of friends notdisposed to melancholy, the Bohemiansongs of the Vieux Derevnia” (Gaston Leroux,The Secret of the Night, 1914).ChanukahSee hanukkah.chaos (kayos) greek [from khaoschasm, gulf] noun a state of utterconfusion or disorganization (originallyreferring to the disordered condition ofthe universe when it was first formed):“As Rose stood by him watching the easewith which he quickly brought order out ofchaos, she privately resolved to hunt up herold arithmetic and perfect herself in the fourfirst rules, with a good tug at fractions, beforeshe read any more fairy tales” (Louisa MayAlcott, Eight Cousins, 1875).chaparajos (shapbrayhos, chapbrayhos),chaparejos spanish [fromchaparreras, from chaparro dwarf evergreenoak] plural noun strong leatherleggings worn over the trousers bywestern ranch hands to protectthemselves from thorny vegetation.~abbreviated form chaps.chaparral (shapbral) spanish [fromchaparro dwarf evergreen oak] nounan impenetrable thicket of dwarf evergreenoaks or other shrubs and trees:“One winter he was out in the Pink Cliffswith a Mormon named Shoonover, an’ theyrun into a lammin’ big grizzly track, freshan’ wet. They trailed him to a clump ofchaparral, an’ on goin’ clear round it, foundno tracks leadin’ out” (Zane Grey, Last ofthe Plainsmen, 1908).chapati (chbpahtee), chappati hindi[from capati, from capana to roll out]noun (in Indian cuisine) a round flatcake of unleavened bread.chapeau (shapo, shbpo) french [hat]noun (plural chapeaus or chapeaux)a hat.chaperon (shapbron), chaperonefrench [hood, cape] noun an olderperson who acts as an escort inpublic for young unmarried womento ensure that they do not get intotrouble or misbehave: “‘It is a sortof thing,’ cried Mrs. Elton emphatically,‘which I should not have thought myselfprivileged to inquire into. Though, perhaps,as the Chaperon of the party—Inever was in any circle. . .” (Jane Austen,Emma, 1815). ~verb to act as a chaperonfor someone.78

chasseurchapsSee chaparajos.charabanc (sharbbang) french [fromchar à bancs carriage with benches]noun a motor coach: “He smiled ironically,looking at the raven horse, and wasalready deciding in his own mind that thissmart trotter in the charabanc was onlygood for promenade. . .” (Leo Tolstoy, AnnaKarenina, 1874–76).charade (shbrayd, shbrahd) french[riddle, from Provençal charrado chat,entertainment] noun an absurd pretense,a farce, a pointless or emptyact: “What charade Colonel Dent andhis party played, what word they chose,how they acquitted themselves, I no longerremember. . .” (Charlotte Brontë, JaneEyre, 1847). Can also refer to a parlorgame in which the players try toguess a solution from clues acted outin mime.chargé d’affaires (shahrzhay dbfair)french [one charged with affairs]noun (plural chargés d’affaires) adiplomatic rank below that of ambassador(especially one who assumes theduties of an ambassador or ministerwhen the latter is absent): “Matterswere left in the hands of a chargé d’affairesuntil a new ambassador was appointed.”~abbreviated form chargé.charisma (kbrizmb) greek [fromkharisma favor, from kharis grace] noun(plural charismas or charismata,kbrizmbtb) personal charm, magnetism,star appeal, personal aura: “He isthe only presidential candidate with anypersonal charisma at all.”charivari (shivaree, shivaree), shivareefrench [possibly from Latincaribaria headache] noun a raucousmock serenade or cacophony (originallyraised by the local populace,using pots, pans, and other noise makersto express disapproval of a marriage):“Wants to know if they can’t berun in for this awful crime. It seems theymade a dreadful charivari at the villageboundary, threw a quantity of spell-bearingobjects over the border, a buffalo’sskull and other things . . .” (RudyardKipling, “The Enlightenments of Pagett,M.P.”).charlotte (shahrlbt) french [possiblyafter the girls’ name Charlotte] nouna dessert dish comprising layers ofstewed fruit and custard or otherfi lling layered with breadcrumbs,sponge cake, or biscuits: “. . . applecharlotte.”chassé (shasay), sashay french[chased, from chasser to chase] noun adance step in which one foot slidesinto the place of the other. ~verb toperform such a step.chasseur (shaser) french [hunter,from chasser to chase] noun a hunter;can also refer to a light cavalryman(especially in the French army): “Afterpassing a chasseur regiment and in the79

chassislines of the Kiev grenadiers—fine fellowsbusy with similar peaceful affairs—nearthe shelter of the regimental commander,higher than and different from the others,Prince Andrew came out in front of aplatoon of grenadiers before whom lay anaked man” (Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace,1863–69).chassis (chasee, shasee) french [fromchâssis, ultimately from Latin capsacase] noun (plural chassis) the basicframe of a motor vehicle, aircraft,or other machine, around which thebody is constructed: “The factory makesthe basic chassis for the new car, but thebody is built elsewhere.”château (shato), chateau french[mansion, from Latin castellum castle]noun (plural châteaus or châteaux)a French castle, mansion, or countryhouse; can also refer to a winegrowingestate.chatelaine (shatblayn) french [fromchâtelaine, feminine of chatelain castellan,ultimately from Latin castellanusoccupant of a castle] noun the lady ofthe manor, the mistress of a château orof some other large household or establishment.Can also refer to a clasp wornat the waist to which may be attachedkeys, a purse, a watch, and other items:“Daisy found it impossible to keep her eyesoff her ‘pitty aunty,’ but attached herself likea lap dog to the wonderful chatelaine fullof delightful charms” (Louisa May Alcott,Little Women, 1868–9).chaud-froid (shofrwah) french [hotcold:the hot cooked meat is allowedto become cold before it is served]noun a dish of cold meat in an aspicsauce.chauffeur (shofbr, shofer) french[stoker, from chauffer to heat] noun aperson who is employed to drive aprivate motor vehicle: “Rumors beganto circulate about her friendship with thechauffeur.” ~verb to work as the driverof a motor vehicle.chef (shef) french [head, abbreviatedfrom chef de cuisine head of thekitchen] noun a cook in a restaurantor hotel: “The hotel has advertised for anew chef.”chef d’oeuvre (shay dervrb, shayderv), chef-d’oeuvre french [leadingwork] noun phrase (plural chefsd’oeuvre) a masterpiece (especiallyin the arts): “Critics consider this work tobe his chef d’oeuvre.”chemin de fer (shbman(g) db fair)french [railroad] noun phrase (pluralchemis de fer a variety of baccarat(card game).chemise (shbmeez) french [shirt,from Latin camisia shirt] noun aloose-fitting one-piece undergarmentor dress for women: “A chemise buttonedupon the right shoulder, and passingloosely over the breast and back and underthe left arm, but half concealed her person80

chezabove the waist, while it left the armsentirely nude” (Lew Wallace, Ben Hur,1880).chenille (shbneel) french [hairy caterpillar,ultimately from Latin canis dog]noun a fabric or yarn with a velvetypile used in embroidery, etc.: “She hadthe mark of a scald on her bosom, which ascanty piece of blue chenille did not entirelycover, this scar sometimes drew my attention,though not absolutely on its own account”(Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Confessions,1782–89).cheongsam (chongsam) chinese[from Mandarin changshan long gown]noun an oriental-style dress with aslit skirt and high neck.cherchez la femme (shairshay la fam)french [find the woman] interjectionlook for the woman (in the beliefthat where there is trouble a womanis generally found to be at the bottomof it), find the underlying cause:“The journalist winked at him knowingly.‘Cherchez la femme,’ he whispered, wagginghis forefinger.”chérie (shbree) french [dear] noundarling: “I love every minute I spend withyou, ma chérie.”cherub (cherbb) hebrew [from kerubhsupernatural being] noun (plural cherubs,cherubim, cherbbim) an angelof a type usually depicted as a small,rather plump, winged child; by extension,any child with an angelic dispositionor appearance: “Winged figuresrepresenting cherubim were located above theark of the covenant in the Most Holy Place”(M. Selman, M. Manser, Macmillan Dictionaryof the Bible, 1998).che sarà, sarà (kay sbrah sbrah) italian[what will be will be] interjection whatwill happen will happen regardless ofwhat anyone does: “The old man threwup his hands in a gesture of resignation:‘che sarà, sarà.’”chevalier (shbvblir) french [horseman,ultimately from Latin caballushorse] noun a cavalier or knight and,by extension, any honorable or chivalrousman: “Among certain grizzled seagossipsof the gun decks and forecastle wenta rumor perdue that the Master-at-armswas a chevalier who had volunteered intothe King’s Navy by way of compoundingfor some mysterious swindle whereof he hadbeen arraigned at the King’s Bench” (HermanMelville, Billy Budd, 1924).chevron (shevron) french [rafter,probably from Latin caprio rafter]noun a V-shaped figure or pattern(as used in heraldry, badges of militaryrank, or signposts): “Bad bends on theroad are clearly marked by large chevronsigns.”chez (shay) french [from Latin casacottage] preposition at the house of,at the home of: “Come and dine chezmoi tonight.”81

chichi (ki), ch’i, qi chinese [qì breathor energy] noun (in Eastern medicineand Eastern philosophy) the lifeforce believed to circulate around thebody and to be the basis of physicaland spiritual well- being.chiaroscuro (keeahrbskooro) italian[bright dark, from chiaro clear andoscuro obscure] noun the interplayof light and shade (as in paintings).~adjective of or relating to the interplayof light and shade: “Not that Mr.Wakem had not other sons besides Philip,but towards them he held only a chiaroscuroparentage, and provided for themin a grade of life duly beneath his own”(George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss,1860).chiasmus (kiazmbs, keeazmbs) greek[chiasmos, from chiazein to place crosswise,to mark with a chi] noun (pluralchiasmi, kiazmi, keeazmi) a figureof speech in which two grammaticalelements in a pair of parallel phrases orclauses are reversed, as in “He went toLondon, to Los Angeles went she.”chic (sheek) french [style, probablyfrom German Schick skill] noun stylishness,elegance, vogue. ~adjectivestylish, fashionable, in vogue, elegant,smart: “The new mall features chic boutiquesand restaurants.”chicane (shikayn) french [subter fuge,deception, from chicaner to quibble]noun a sharp double-bend on amotor-racing track: “Several cars cameoff the track at the frist chicane.”Chicano (chikahno, shikahno) spanish[from mexicano Mexican] noun anAmerican of Mexican origin, especiallya male. ~adjective of or relatingto Chicanos, Mexican American.~noun, feminine chicana (chikahnb,shikan nb) an American girl or womanof Mexican origin.chichi (sheeshee, cheechee) french[pretentiousness] noun affectedmanners, preciosity, fussiness. ~adjectiveprecious, pretentious, fussy, afftected:“She moved into a chichi littleapartment on the edge of town.”chiffon (shifon, shifon) french [rag,from chiffe old rag] noun a soft sheerfabric of silk, nylon, rayon, or similarmaterial. ~adjective of or relating tosuch fabric: “He was confronted by threesmall girls in yellow chiffon dresses.”chignon (sheenyon) french [fromMiddle French chaignon chain, nape,from Latin catena chain] noun a knotor coil of hair worn by women at thenape of the neck: “The form of her headwas so good that she could dare to carryit without a chignon, or any adventitiousadjuncts from an artistes shop” (AnthonyTrollope, The Eustace Diamonds, 1873).chi kungchileSee qigong.See chili.82

chop sueychile con carne See chili con carne.chili (chilee), chile, chilli spanish[from chile, from Nahuatl chilli]noun hot pepper made from the podof the pepper Capsicum annuum (var.longum), or a meat or vegetable dishprepared with hot peppers or hot peppersauce.chili con carne (chilee kon kahnee),chilli con carne, chile con carnespanish [chili with meat] noun phrasea Mexican stew of ground beef andusually beans, prepared with choppedchili peppers.chilliSee chili.chilli con carnecarne.See chili conchimera (kimeerb, kbmeerb), chimaeragreek [chimaira she-goat, monster]noun an illusion, a phantasm, awild fancy, an imaginary creature ormonster or a creature made up of severaldifferent species: “In the middle ofthese cogitations, apprehensions, and reflections,it came into my thoughts one day thatall this might be a mere chimera of my own,and that this foot might be the print of myown foot, when I came on shore from myboat. . .” (Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe,1719–20).chinoiserie (sheenwahzree, sheenwahzbree,sheenwahzbree) french[from chinois Chinese] noun a stylein the decorative arts and furnitureimitative of Chinese designs: “A fad forchinoiserie pervaded all branches of decorativeart in England in the wake of expandedtrade contacts with the Far East.”chinook (shbnook) salishan [fromc’inuk] noun a warm, moist windthat blows from the ocean onto thenorthwest coast of the United States;also a warm, dry wind that blowsdown the eastern side of the RockyMountains.chinos (cheenoz) spanish [from chinotoasted] plural noun trousers of cottontwill cloth: “He selected a white shirtand a pair of chinos from the pile of clotheson the bed.”chintz (chints) hindi [from chit] noun(plural chintzes) a printed calico(originally of Indian origin) or glazedcotton fabric: “The gentle breeze stirredthe yellow chintz curtains.”chipolata (chipblahtb) french [fromItalian cipollata dish of onions] nouna small sausage.Chi-Rho (ki-ro, kee-ro) greek [fromthe Greek letters chi and ro] noun(plural Chi-Rhos) monogram representingthe name of Christ (after thefi r st two letters of the name).chop suey (chop sooee) chinese[from Cantonese tsaap sui mixed bits]noun phrase (plural chop sueys) (in83

chorizoChinese cuisine) a dish of rice mixedwith meat, fish, bean sprouts, bambooshoots, water chestnuts, onions,mushrooms, and soy sauce.chorizo (chbreezo, chbreeso) spanishnoun a highly seasoned pork sausage.chose (shoz) french [thing] noun(in law) an item of personal property.chow mein (chow mayn) chinese[from chao mian fried noodles] nounphrase (in Chinese cuisine) a dish offried noodles mixed with meat, mushrooms,and vegetables.chrysalis (krisblis) latin [from Greekchrysallis] noun (plural chrysalises orchrysalides, krisalideez) the pupa ofa moth or butterfly; also the hard casethat encloses the pupa: “The caterpillarbecomes a chrysalis before emerging as anadult moth.”chuddarSee chador.chutney (chbtnee) hindi [from chatni]noun a savory sauce or relish containingfruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices:“They served chicken curry with rice andmango chutney.”chutzpah (hbtspb, kbtspb), chutzpayiddish [from Hebrew huspah] nounself-confidence, audacity, effrontery,gall: “The child even had the chutzpahto volunteer to go to the police stationhimself.”ciabatta (chbbatb) italian [slipper]noun a type of unleavened Italianwhite bread made with wheat fl our,yeast, and olive oil, and baked in along, broad, fl attish loaf: “We had minestronefor lunch, with hot ciabatta.”ciao (chow) italian [I am your slave,from Latin sclavus slave] interjectiongood-bye, farewell, greetings, hello:“‘Ciao, my friends, I will be back in themorning,’ he called over his shoulder.”ciborium (siboreebm) latin [drinkingcup] noun (plural ciboria, siboreeb)(in Christianity) a receptaclewith an arched cover used to hold theconsecrated wafers of the Eucharist;(in architecture) a canopy over thehigh altar in a church, normally consistingof a dome supported on fourcolumns.cicatrice (sikbtrees) latin [feminineof cicatrix] noun a scar, or a markresembling a scar: “Captain Mitchellexhibited willingly the long cicatrice ofa cut over his left ear and temple, madeby a razor-blade fastened to a stick. . .”(Joseph Conrad, Nostromo, 1904).cicerone (sisbronee) italian [after theRoman orator Cicero (106–43 b.c.)]noun (plural cicerones or ciceroni)a guide who conducts tourists on asightseeing tour: “Here renewed greetingspassed: the young ladies shook hands;and Oldbuck, completely in his element,placed himself as guide and cicerone at84

clairvoyancethe head of the party, who were now toadvance on foot towards the object of theircuriosity” (Walter Scott, The Antiquary,1816).cicisbeo (cheechbzbayo) italian noun(plural cicisbeos or cicisbei, cheechbzbayee)the male lover of a marriedwoman: “He was moreover the cicisbeo,or rather the complaisant chevalier of theCountess of Boufflers, a great friend also toD’Alembert, and the Chevalier de Lorenziwas the most passive instrument in herhands” (Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Confessions,1782–89).ci-devant (see-dbvon) french [formerly,heretofore] adjective former,late. ~adverb formerly.cigarillo (sigbrilo, sigbreeyo) spanish[cigarette, from cigarro cigar] noun asmall cigar about the size of a cigarette.cilantro (silantro) spanish [from Latincoriandrum] noun coriander leaves usedas a seasoning or a garnish, especially inMexican cuisine.cineast (sineeast, sineebst), cineaste,cinéaste french [from ciné cinemaand -aste (after enthusiaste enthusiast)]noun a person with an enthusiasmfor the cinema; can also refer to amoviemaker.cinéma vérité (sinbmb veritay) french[cinema truthfulness] noun phrase astyle of moviemaking emphasizingrealism: “That movie is now regarded asa masterpiece of cinéma vérité.”cinquecento (chinkweechento) italian[five hundred] noun the 16th century(especially in relation to Italianart, literature, and history). See alsoquattrocento.circa (serkb) latin [around] prepositionaround, about, approximately(especially in relation to dates): “Thewriter William Browne was born circa1590.” ~abbreviated form c., ca., cir.cire perdue (seer pairdoo) french[lost wax] noun phrase a techniqueof bronze casting in which a moldis contructed around a wax model,which is then melted and replacedby metal.citron pressé (seetron presay) french[pressed or squeezed lemon] nounphrase (plural citrons pressés, seetronpresay) lemonade made from freshlysqueezed lemon juice, sugar, water, andice cubes: “I stopped at a cafe for a refreshingglass of citron pressé.”clairvoyance (klairvoiybns) french[clear-sightedness, from clair clearand voyant seeing] noun the powerto perceive objects that cannot bedetected through the natural senses,or intuitive knowledge of things:“He was wondering all the time over theextraordinary clairvoyance of the publisher,85

claquewho had looked through so many thickfolds, broadcloth, lining, brown paper, andseen his poems lying hidden in his breastpocket”(Oliver Wendell Holmes, TheGuardian Angel, 1867).claque (klak) french [applauders,from claquer to clap] noun a group ofpeople who are hired to applaud a performanceand, by extension, any groupof sycophantic or self-seeking admirers:“‘Wever, Monsieur Braulard, the leaderof the claque, got him out of that. He wearsgold earrings, and he lives by doing nothing,hanging on to women, who are fools aboutthese good-looking scamps’” (Honoré deBalzac, Cousin Bette, 1846–47).claqueur (klaker) french [applauder,from claquer to clap] noun a person whois hired as a member of a claque: “Suchwere his tastes and passions: his antipathieswere not less lively. He detested three things:a Jesuit, a gendarme, and a claqueur ata theater” (William Makepeace Thackeray,The Paris Sketch Book of Mr. M. A.Titmarsh, 1840).claret (klarbt) french [clear] nouna full-bodied red wine of a type producedin the Bordeaux region ofFrance. ~adjective deep red (after thecolor of claret wine): “The curtains wereof a deep claret color.”clàrsach (klahrsbkh) scottish gaelic[harp] noun the Celtic harp, a smallharp with wire strings, played mainlyin traditional Scottish and Irish music:“At the folk club we heard a wonderful Scottishsinger accompanied on the clàrsach.”cliché (kleeshay, kleeshay), clichefrench [stereotype, from clicher tostereotype] noun an overused or triteexpression, idea, theme, or character:“His speech was full of clichés andbad jokes.” ~adjective hackneyed, stereotyped,trite.clientele (klibntel, kleebntel), clientèlefrench [from clientèle, ultimatelyfrom Latin cliens client] nounthe patrons or customers of a commercialestablishment: “The clientele ofthe hotel were largely traveling salesmenand drifters.”clique (kleek, klik) french [set,gang, from cliquer to make a noise,from Middle Dutch klikken to click]noun an exclusive group of peoplewho work together in pursuit of theircommon interest: “A man once came aconsiderable distance to ask me to lectureon Slavery; but on conversing with him, Ifound that he and his clique expected seveneighths of the lecture to be theirs, and onlyone eighth mine; so I declined” (HenryDavid Thoreau, Life Without Principle,1863).clochard (kloshar) french [fromclocher to limp] noun a vagrant ortramp.cloche (klosh) french [bell] nouna glass or plastic cover used to protect86

cognoscenteyoung plants in cold weather; can alsorefer to a type of woman’s hat vaguelyin the shape of a bell: “She wore bobbedhair under a cloche hat.”cloisonné (kloizbnay, klahzbnay), cloisonnefrench [past participle of cloisonnerto partition] noun a type ofenamelwork, usually applied to metal.~adjective of or relating to such enamelwork:“He picked up the cloisonnévase.” (Sinclair Lewis, Main Street,1920).co- (ko) latin [from cum with] prefixtogether with, e.g., coworker, coeducation.cocotte (kokot) french [hen, darling,from coq rooster] noun a prostitute,a woman of easy virtue: “‘Getalong to your sovereign mistress,’ she saidto him (there was at that time in Wiesbadena certain princess di Monaco, who lookedsurprisingly like a cocotte of the poorersort); ‘what do you want to stay with aplebeian like me for?’” (Ivan Turgenev,Torrents of Spring, 1870).coda (kodb) italian [tail, from Latincauda tail] noun the concluding partof a piece of music, literature, or ballet:“At this moment a harlequin and columbine,dancing to the music of the band in thegarden, which has just reached the coda ofa waltz, whirl one another into the room.”(George Bernard Shaw, You Never CanTell, 1899).codex (kodeks) latin [tablet, blockof wood, from caudex tree trunk] noun(plural codices, kodiseez, kohdiseez)a manuscript book containing ancientor medieval texts; can also refer toany collection of rules.cogito, ergo sum (kogito airgo sum)latin [I think, therefore I am, coinedby French philosopher René Descartes(1596–1650)] interjection Ithink, therefore I am (used to expressthe notion that the fact that an individualis capable of thought constitutes aproof of his or her existence).cognac (konyak, konyak) french[after Cognac, France] noun a superiorbrandy made in the departmentsof Charente and Charente-Maritime,France: “The general never went on campaignwithout at least a couple of cases ofgood cognac.”cognomen (kognombn, kognbmbn)latin [from nomen name] noun (pluralcognomens or cognomina, kognombnb)a name or title (often referringspecifically to a surname or familyname): “He had been long identified withthe Bailie, and he was vain of the cognomenwhich he had now worn for eight years; andhe questioned if any of his brethren in theCouncil had given such universal satisfaction”(Walter Scott, Chronicles of theCanongate, 1827).cognoscente (konybshentee, kognbshentee,konybsentee, kognbsentee)87

colloquium (kblokweebm) latin [conversation]noun (plural colloquiumsor colloquia, kblokweeb) an acacoiffeuritalian [a person who knows, fromLatin cognoscere to know] noun (pluralcognoscenti, konybshentee, kognbshentee,konybsentee, kognbsentee)a person with expert knowledge ofsomething (especially of the fine arts),a connoisseur: “The gallery became verypopular with the cognoscenti of the artworld.”coiffeur (kwafer) french [hairdresser,from coiffer to dress the hair]noun a male hairstylist: “Hearingwhy he had come, the Princess was halfhumorously,half-seriously angry withhim, and sent him home to dress and notto hinder Kitty’s hairdressing, as Charlesthe coiffeur was just coming” (LeoTolstoy, Anna Karenina, 1874–76).~noun, feminine coiffeuse (kwaferz)a female hairstylist.coiffure (kwafyur) french [hairstyle,from coiffer to dress the hair] noun ahairstyle: “No wonder that with heradmirably dressed, abundant hair, thicklysprinkled with white threads and adding toher elegant aspect the piquant distinctionof a powdered coiffure. . .” (Joseph Conrad,Chance, 1914).coitus (kobtbs, koeetbs, koitbs) latin[union, from coire to go together] nounsexual intercourse.coitus interruptus (kobtbs intbrbptbs,koeetbs intbrbptbs, koitbs intbrbptbs)latin [interrupted sexual intercourse]noun phrase sexual intercourse inwhich the penis is withdrawn beforeejaculation to avoid conception.cojones (kbhoniz) spanish [from cojóntesticle] plural noun (slang) balls,guts, courage.collage (kolazh) french [gluing, fromcoller to glue] noun an artistic techniquein which pieces of paper, fabric,or other materials are glued onto asurface to create an image or pattern:“The class worked together on thecollage over several weeks.” Can alsorefer more generally to any muddledor confusing miscellany of ideas orimpressions.collecteana (kolektayneeb) latin[collected things, neuter plural ofcollectaneus collected] plural nouncollected writings, an anthology ofwritten passages.collegium (kblegeebm, kblaygeebm)latin [college, guild] noun (pluralcollegiums or collegia, kblegeeb,kblaygeeb) a group in which powerand authority is divided equally amongthe members.col legno (kol legno) italian [withthe wood] adverb phrase (of violinsand other stringed instruments) playedwith the wooden back of the bow.88

commandeerdemic conference or seminar duringwhich specialists each deliver theirviews on a particular subject: “Thesociety will host a colloquium on the topicof historical linguistics next spring.”cologneSee eau de cologne.colophon (kolofon) latin [fromGreek kolophon summit or finishingtouch] noun a publisher’s imprint oremblem, which usually appears on thetitle page of a book.coloratura (kblbrbtoorb, kblbrbchoorb)italian [colored, from the pastparticiple of Latin colorare to color]noun (in vocal music) an elaborateornamentation, or a singer who specializesin such music. ~adjective ofor relating to such ornamentation:“She developed into a very fine coloraturasoprano, appearing at leading opera housesthroughout Europe.”colossus (kblosbs) latin [from Greekkolossos a huge statue] noun (pluralcolossuses or colossi, kblosee) agiant, or a thing of gigantic proportions:“‘Dombey,’ said the Major, defiantly,‘I know better; a man of your mark—theColossus of commerce—is not to be interrupted’”(Charles Dickens, Dombey andSon, 1846–48).colostrum (kblastrbm) latin [beestings]noun the thin, milky fl uidproduced by the mother’s breastsafter childbirth, before the productionof true milk. It is rich in antibodiesand protein: “Colostrum is verynutritious and it also protects the babyfrom disease.”coma (komb) greek [koma deep sleep]noun a state of deep unconsciousnessproduced by injury, illness, ordrugs; can also refer more generallyto a state of lethargy or inactivity: “Thehousehold convulsion had made her herselfagain. The temporary coma had ceased, andactivity had come with the necessity for it”(Thomas Hardy, Far From the MaddingCrowd, 1874).comedienne (kbmeedien) french[from comédienne actress in comedy]noun a woman comedian: “They hungmainly on the problematical good-willof an ancient comedienne, with whomMrs. Farlow had a slight acquaintance. . .”(Edith Wharton, The Reef, 1912).commandant (kombndbnt) french[commander, from commander to command]noun a commanding officer:“It was not the Colonel that broughtBobby out of Simla, but a much moreto be respected Commandant” (RudyardKipling, “Only A Subaltern,” 1888).~abbreviated form Cdt., Comdt.commandeer (kombndeer) afrikaans[from French commander to command]verb to take possession of propertyor goods by force; to force a personinto military service: “Among them wasthe pimply clerk, who had been inspired to89

commandocommandeer a pitchfork from a hardwarestore” (Booth Tarkington, The Conquestof Canaan, 1905).commando (kbmando) afrikaans[from kommando military unit, fromDutch commando command, fromPortuguese comandar to command,ultimately from Latin commandare tocommand] noun a specialized militaryunit trained to carry out raidson an enemy, or a member of such aunit: “The commandos were sent in first todisrupt enemy communications.”comme ci, comme ça (kom see komsa) french [like this, like that] adverbphrase so-so, middlingly.commedia dell’arte (kbmaydeeb delahrtay, kbmeedeeb delahrtay) italian[comedy of art] noun phrase agenre of largely improvised theatricalcomedy featuring stock charactersand slapstick action that firstbecame popular in 16th-century Italy:“Many of the characteristics of the Italiancommedia dell’arte were absorbedinto the English pantomime via the harlequinade.”comme il faut (kom eel fo) french[as it should be] adverb phrase properly,as necessary, as dictated byaccepted standards. ~adjective phraseproper, as it should be: “I implore you,my dear Miss Vavasor, to remember whatyou owe to God and man, and to carry outan engagement made by yourself, that is inall respects comme il faut, and which willgive entire satisfaction to your friends andrelatives.” (Anthony Trollope, Can YouForgive Her?, 1864).commis (kbmee) french [deputy,from commettre to employ] adjectivejunior or apprentice: “The commis chefassists the chef in the preparation and serviceof food.”commissar (kombsah) french [fromRussian komissar, from German Kommissar,ultimately from Latin commissariusagent] noun a person who headsa government department or occupiesa senior political position (especiallyin communist countries).commissariat (kombsareeat) latin[from commissarius agent] noun aboard of commissioners, or a governmentdepartment (especially in acommunist country); can also referto an organization responsible forproviding supplies for an army: “Cropsin the region were confiscated on the orderof the army commissariat.”commissionaire (kbmishbnair), commissionnairefrench [from Latincommittere to commit] noun a uniformeddoor-attendant at a hotel,theater, etc.: “. . .I am sure she and herdaughter enjoyed themselves hugely inthe shops, from one of which I shall neverforget Irene emerging proudly with acommissionaire, who conducted her underan umbrella to the cab where I was lying90

compte renduin wait” (J. M. Barrie, The Little WhiteBird, 1902).commode (kbmod) french [suitable,convenient, from Latin commodus fi t ,useful] noun a small chest of drawers;can also refer to a piece offurni ture housing a chamber pot orwashbasin: “The drawers of her commodestood open, giving glimpses of daintytrifles, which she was tying up with brightribbons” (Louisa May Alcott, Rose inBloom, 1876).communard (komyoonahrd french[ultimately from Latin communis]noun a person who lives in a commune(originally a supporter of the1871 Paris Commune).communiqué (komyoonbkay) french[communicated, past participle ofcommuniquer to communicate] noun anofficial bulletin or press release: “Thepress department has issued several communiquéssince yesterday.”compadre (kompahdray) spanish[godfather] noun a benefactor,accomplice, companion, friend.compagnon de voyage (kompanyon(g)db voiyazh) french [companion ofthe-voyage] noun phrase a travelingcompanion.compendium (kompendeebm) latin[profit, shortcut, from compendere toweigh together] noun (plural compendiumsor compendia, kompendeeb)a collection or compilation of writings,table games, etc.; can also referto a summary or abstract of a largerwork: “An easy substitute for this laborwas found in a digest or compendium of thework noticed, with copious extracts—or astill easier, in random comments upon suchpassages as accidentally met the eye of thecritic, with the passages themselves copiedat full length” (Edgar Allan Poe, “Exordium,”1842).compere (kompair), compère french[godfather] noun a master of ceremonies,a host of a television or radioprogram. ~verb to announce the actsduring a theatrical entertainment or atelevision or radio program: “The nextdecision to be made was who to choose tocompere the show.”compos mentis (kompbs mentbs)latin [master of one’s mind] adjectivephrase sane, lucid, of sound mind:“Personally, I doubt that the old lady istotally compos mentis.”compote (kompot) french [fromLatin compostus, from componere toput together] noun a dessert consistingof fruit preserved or stewedin syrup: “She served up a delicious freshfruit compote.”compte rendu (kompt rondoo) french[account rendered] noun phrase (pluralcomptes rendus) a financial statementor, more generally, a report or91

consummary: “In this manner I went throughthe whole extent of the science; and thewritten outline of it which resulted frommy daily compte rendu, served him afterwardsas notes from which to write his Elementsof Political Ecomony” (John StuartMill, Autobiography, 1873).conSee contra.con amore (kon bmoray) italian[with love] adverb phrase (in music)tenderly; can also mean in a widercontext with love, with enthusiasm,with delight.con brio (kon breeo) italian [withvigor] adverb phrase (in music) to beplayed briskly, energetically.concerto (konchairto) italian [fromconcertare to bring into harmony] noun(plural concertos or concerti, konchairtee)a musical composition, usuallyin three movements, written forone or more soloist instruments andorchestra: “The new concerto was greetedwith wild enthusiasm.”concerto grosso (konchairto groso,konchairto groso) italian [big concerto]noun phrase (plural concertigrossi, konchairtee grosee, konchairteegrosee) an orchestral compositionin which solo instruments arebacked by a full orchestra.concessionaire (konseshbnair), concessionnairefrench [concessionary,from concession, ultimately from Latinconcedere to concede] noun the owneror operator of a concession permittingthe running of a refreshment stand,souvenir both, or other small businessoutlet: “All the concessionaires runningstands in the foyer have been invited to ameeting to discuss the problem.”conchiglie (konkeelyay) italian [littleshells, from Latin concha shell]noun pasta made in the shape of smallshells: “I ordered conchiglie with salmonand spinach.”concierge (konsyairzh) french [janitor,ultimately from Latin conservusfellow slave] noun a person whoserves as doorkeeper or porter for anapartment building or hotel.concordat (kbkordat) french [fromthe past participle of Latin concordareto agree] noun an agreement, a compact(especially one between a governmentand a religious body referring toecclesiastical matters): “The Concordatafterwards, in the sixteenth century, gaveto the kings of France the absolute rightof presenting to all the great, or what arecalled the consistorial, benefices of the GallicanChurch” (Adam Smith, The Wealthof Nations, 1776).concours d’élégance (konkor delegons)french [contest of elegance]noun phrase a parade of automobilesin which the vehicles are judged onthe grounds of appearance.92

confrériecondominium (kondbmineebm) latin[joint ownership, from dominiumdomain]noun plural condominiums orcondominia, kondbmineeb) a typeof apartment building or complex inwhich residents own individual unitsof the property and pay common maintenancecharges; can also refer to a territorythat is jointly controlled by twoor more other states: “They moved intoa new condominium overlooking the river.”~abbreviated form condo (kondo).condottiere (kondoteeairee) italian[from condotta a contract, ultimatelyfrom condurre to hire, toconduct] noun (plural condottieri,kondoteeairee) a mercenary soldier(referring originally to the mercenariesemployed by many pos tmedievalEuropean armies).conduit (kondwit, kondoobt, kondwbt,kondit) french [pipe, culvert]noun a pipe, channel, or ditch forconveying water or other liquids; canalso be used more generally of anymeans of distribution of money, goodsor information: “. . .therefore I give theeleave and licence to go when thou wiltto my fountain, my conduit, and there todrink freely of the blood of my grape, formy conduit doth always run wine” (JohnBunyan, The Holy War, 1682).con espressione (kon espreseeonee,kon espreseeonay) italian [withexpression] adverb phrase (in music)to be played expressively, with feeling.confer (kbnfer) latin [compare, fromconferre to bring together] verb comparewith (instruction to a reader toconsult a relevant passage elsewhere).~abbreviated form cf.confetti (kbnfetee) italian [plural ofconfetto candy, from Latin confectus,past participle of conficere to prepare]plural noun tiny scraps of coloredpaper in a variety of shapes thatare traditionally tossed in celebration,such as over a newly marriedcouple by guests at the wedding:“The happy couple were still pickingpieces of confetti out of their hair thefollowing morning.”confidant (konfbdont, konfbdont)french [from Italian confidenate confident] noun a person in whomanother confides: “Fix made up his mindthat, if worst came to worst, he would makea confidant of Passepartout, and tell himwhat kind of a fellow his master reallywas” (Jules Verne, Around the World in80 Days, 1873). ~noun, feminine confidantea woman in whom anotherconfides.confrere (konfrair), confrère french[colleague, from Latin confrater brother]noun a comrade, a colleague,a fellow: “Ha, ha! You see? You are myconfrere” (Booth Tarkington, MonsieurBeaucaire, 1900).confrérie (konfreree) french [confraternity,brotherhood] noun an93

con motoassociation of individuals who sharethe same interests or who work in thesame trade.con moto (kon moto) italian [withmovement] adverb phrase (in music)to be played in a spirited manner.connoisseur (konbser, konbsoor)french [Old French for connaisseurgood judge, ultimately from Latincognoscere to know] noun an expert,a person who has a thorough knowledgeof a particular subject: “‘Don’tsay no,’ returned the little woman, lookingat me with the aspect of a connoisseur; ‘alittle bit more eyebrow?’” (Charles Dickens,David Copperfield, 1849–50).conquistador (konkeestbdor, kbnkeestbdor,konkistbdor, kbnkweestbdor)spanish [conqueror, ultimately fromLatin conquirere] noun (plural conquistadorsor conquistadores,konkees tb doreez, kbnkweestbdorez,konkis tbdorez, kbnkwistbdorez) aperson who conquers (originallyreferring specifically to the Spanishconquerors of Latin America): “Thewhole building, which, for all I know, mayhave been contrived by a Conquistadorfarmer of the pearl fishery three hundredyears ago, is perfectly silent” (JosephConrad, Nostromo, 1904).consensus (kbnsensbs) latin [agreement,from consentire to assent] noun(plural consensuses, kbnsensbseez)unanimity, general agreement,accord: “All parties eventually reacheda consensus on their future approach totobacco products.”conservatoire (konservbtwahr)french [from Italian conservatorioconservatory, ultimately from Latinconservare to keep] noun an academyof music or another of the performingarts (especially in France): “Theson was a fellow student of mine at theConservatoire. He was killed the secondwinter of the war” (Willa Cather, One ofOurs, 1922).console (konsol) french [possiblyfrom consolider to consolidate] noun acontrol panel for an electric or electronicsystem; can also refer to thekeyboard of an organ or to a cabinethousing a television or other apparatus:“The technicians took the top off theconsole and started to inspect the tangle ofwires inside the machine.” Also, a smallmachine, usually connected to a televisionset, on which video games maybe played.consommé (konsbmay) french [pastparticiple of consommer to complete,from Latin consummare to finish up]noun a clear soup made with meatstock: “The thin consommé had done littleto satisfy their hunger.”consortium (konsorsh(e)fm, konsorteebm)latin [fellowship] noun(plural consortiums or consortia,konsorsh(e)fm, konsorteeb) an94

contretempsassociation, society, or group oforganizations formed to pursueshared interests: “The consortium haveheld a meeting and have agreed to delayfurther progress on the project.”con spirito (kon spirbto, kon spirbto)italian [with spirit] adverb phrase(in music) to be played in a livelymanner.consul (konsbl) latin [possibly fromconsulere to consult] noun a diplomatwho represents his or her country’scommercial interests abroad and whoprovides assistance as required to hisor her state’s citizens in that country:“The consul managed to sort out visas forall the tourists but could not help withtransportation.”contagion (kontayjbn) latin [comtogether and tangere to touch] noun acontagious disease or infection; canalso refer more widely to the workingany kind of influence: “He had caughtthe contagion of the excitement, and he feltthat in some way he must do a great thingfor John Thornton” (Jack London, TheCall of the Wild, 1903).conte (kont) french [story] nounshort adventure story or tale.continuum (kontinyoobm) latin[neuter of continuus continuous,from continere to hold together] noun(plural continuums or continua,kontinyoob) a continuous whole,aor an unbroken series, sequence, orprogression.contra (kontrb) latin [against] prepositionagainst, in opposition to.~adverb on the contrary, contrariwise.~abbreviated form con.contralto (kontralto) italian [fromcontra against and alto high] noun (pluralcontraltos) a singer with a rangebelow mezzo-soprano but abovetenor: “The choir is very short of contraltos.”~adjective of or relating to acontralto voice or part.contra mundum (kontrb mbndbm)latin [against the world] adverb phrasecontrary to general opinion, opposingeveryone: “‘It’s a game,’ he said,‘an odd game—but the chances are allfor me, Mr. Griffin, in spite of your invisibility.Griffin contra mundum—with avengeance!’” (H. G. Wells, The InvisibleMan, 1897).contrapposto (kontrbposto) italian[set opposite, ultimately from Latincontraponere to contrapose] noun (pluralcontrapposti, kontrbposttee) (inart and sculpture) a pose in which theupper body is turned in a differentdirection from the lower body.contretemps (kontrbton(g)) french[against time, from contre counter andtemps time] noun an unfortunateevent, a moment of embarrassmentor humiliation; can also refer to a95

conversazionedifference of opinion, an argument:“There had been one contretemps; for aman and his wife had driven up while theywere still emptying their revolvers intothe silent body” (Arthur Conan Doyle,“The Valley of Fear,” 1914–15).conversazione (konvbrsatseeonee)italian [conversation] noun (pluralconversaziones or conversazioni,konvbrsateeonee) a social gatheringfor conversation, particularly aboutthe arts or culture: “On entering uponthe twenty-fifth year of his incumbencyin Marylebone, and the twenty-eighth ofhis ministry in the diocese of London, itwas thought a good idea to have an ‘EveningConversazione and Fete’” (OliverWendell Holmes, Over the Teacups,1891).coolie (koolee), cooley hindi [fromkuli] noun an unskilled laborer(especially one from the Far East):“The rickshaw was pulled by an elderlycoolie with a long white beard.”coprolalia (koprblayleeb) greek[from kopros dung and lalia speech]noun (in psychiatry) the involuntary,repetitive use of obscene language,especially as a characteristicof Tourette’s syndrome or schizophrenia.coq au vin (cok o van(g)) french[cock in wine] noun phrase (in Frenchcuisine) chicken cooked in wine.coquette (coket) french [feminineof coquet, diminutive of coq cock] nouna flirtatious woman, a woman who trifleswith men’s affections: “She thoughtshe had a good deal of the coquette in her,and I’ve no doubt that with time and trainingshe would have become a very dangerouslittle person, but now she was far too transparentand straightforward by nature evento tell a white lie cleverly” (Louisa MayAlcott, An Old Fashioned Girl, 1870).coram (korbm) latin [before] prepositionin the presence of, before.cor anglais (kor on(g)lay) french[English horn] noun phrase (plural corsanglais, korz on(g)lay) the Englishhorn, a woodwind instrument in theoboe family, slightly lower in pitchthan the oboe.corbel (korbbl) french [from Latincorvus raven] noun (in architecture)a stone block projecting from a walland supporting a structure above it:“The house had many original featuresincluding decorative corbels.”cordillera (kordblyerb, kordblerb)spanish [mountain chain, from cordilla,diminutive of Latin chorda cord]noun a series of parallel mountainridges (often referring specifically toranges in the Andes).cordon (kordbn) french [cord, band]noun a line of persons or militaryposts to prevent passage: “A mockery to96

corps de balletthe yeomen over ale, / And laughter to theirlords: but those at home, / As hunters rounda hunted creature draw / The cordon closeand closer toward the death, / Narrow’dher goings out and comings in. . .” (AlfredLord Tennyson, Enoch Arden, 1864).~verb to set up a cordon to preventpassage.cordon bleu (kordon blb) french[blue ribbon] noun phrase (plural cordonsblues) a person of superiorskill, rank, or distinction. ~adjectiveof or relating to a person or event ofthe first order or rank: “Her son is nowworking as a cordon bleu chef.”cordon sanitaire (kordon sanetair)french [sanitary cordon] noun phrase(plural cordon sanitaires or cordonssanitaires) a protective barrier setup against a threat of some kind (typicallyagainst infection or against invasionby a hostile nation): “The policehave set up a cordon sanitaire around thehospital.”cornea (korneeb) latin [from corneatela horny tissue] noun the transparentmembrane that covers the frontsurface of the eyeball: “In laser eyesurgery, a laser beam corrects vision byreshaping the cornea.”corniche (korneesh) french [fromcornice cornice] noun a coastal roadbuilt along the edge of a cliff andoften commanding panoramic views:“‘I can’t very well ride out alone. A solitaryamazon swallowing the dust and the saltspray of the Corniche promenade wouldattract too much attention’” (JosephConrad, The Arrow of Gold, 1919).cornucopia (kornbkopeeb, kornybkopeeb)latin [from cornu copiae hornof plenty] noun (in decorative art) agoat’s horn filled with fruit, flowers,and corn, representing abundance;also used more generally to refer toany abundant supply or inexhaustiblestore of something: “But now if he havelost his cornucopia of ready-money, whatelse had he to lose?” (Thomas Carlyle,The French Revolution, 1837).corona (kbronb) latin [garland,crown] noun (plural coronas or coronae,kbronee) a luminous glow orhalo around the sun, moon, or otherluminous object: “The sun’s corona wasclearly visible during the eclipse.”corps (kor) french [body, staff, fromLatin corpus body] noun (plural corps,korz) a military unit comprising twoor more divisions; can also refer to anysubstantial body of individuals workingin cooperation or engaged in the sameactivity: “In the spring of 1917 I againserved with my Corps; but on the entry of theUnited States into the War I joined the armyof my country” (Robert Service, Balladsof a Bohemian, 1920).corps de ballet (kor db balay) french[company of the ballet] noun phrasecorps de ballet, kor db balay, korz db97

corps d’élitebalay) a ballet ensemble (excludingthe principal dancers and soloists):“The announcement provoked protests fromthe corps de ballet.”corps d’élite (kor dayleet) french[élite body] noun phrase (plural corpsd’élite, kor dayleet, korz dayleet) abody of picked troops (or other selectpersonnel): “The marines have long beenconsidered a corps d’élite among the armedforces.”corps diplomatique (kor diplombteek)french [diplomatic body] nounphrase the diplomatic staff of a particulargovernment: “He quickly realizedhe had offended the etiquette of the internationalcorps diplomatique.”Corpus Christi (korpbs kristee)latin [body of Christ] noun phrase aRoman Catholic festival celebrated onthe Thursday after Trinity Sunday inhonor of the Eucharist.corpus delicti (korpbs dblikti, korpbsdbliktee) latin [body of the crime]noun phrase (plural corpora delicti,korporb dblikti, korporb dbliktee) thephysical object on which a crime hasbeen committed, or the sum of theevidence indicating that an offensehas taken place: “The prosecution needsto establish a corpus delicti if they are towin this case.”corral (kbrahl) spanish [enclosure,from corro ring, probably ultimatelyfrom Latin currale enclosure for vehicles]noun a fenced area for keepinglivestock; can also refer to a ring ofwagons positioned for defense: “I keepremembering locoed horses I used to see onthe range when I was a boy. They changedlike that. We used to catch them and putthem up in the corral, and they developedgreat cunning” (Willa Cather, Alexander’sBridge, 1912). ~verb to enclose livestockin a pen or to marshal support,votes, and the like; can also refer to thedrawing up of wagons in a circle fordefense.corrida (kbreedb) spanish [act of running]noun a bullfight, or the sport ofbullfighting in general.corrigendum (korbjendbm) latin [thatwhich must be corrected, from corrigereto correct] noun (plural corrigenda,korbjendb) a correction toa printed text, usually detailed on aseparate sheet.corroboree (kbrobbree) australianaboriginal [from Dharuk garaabara]noun a lively festivity held by nativeAustralians to mark important events;by extension, any noisy gathering ordisturbance.corsage (korsahzh) french [bust orbodice, from Latin corpus] noun aspray of flowers pinned to a woman’sdress or worn on the wrist; also thebodice or waist of a dress: “Julia’s date98

cotillionbrought her a beautiful corsage to wear tothe prom.”cortege (kortezh), cortège french[from Italian corteggio, from corteggiareto court] noun a retinue of attendants(often referring specifically to a funeralprocession): “The torch-bearers shook theirtorches, scattering a shower of sparks intothe river, and the cortege moved off, leavingAlmayer agitated but greatly relieved bytheir departure.” (Joseph Conrad, Almayer’sFolly, 1894).corvette (korvet) french [from MiddleDutch korf basket, kind of ship]noun a fast, lightly armed escortship smaller than a frigate or destroyerbut larger than a gunboat: “I chose thisplace, because, having served last in alittle corvette, I knew I should feel more athome where I had a constant opportunityof knocking my head against the ceiling.”(Charles Dickens, The Mystery of EdwinDrood, 1870).Cosa Nostra (kosb nostrb) italian[our thing] noun phrase a criminal or ganiza tion that operates in the UnitedStates and is believed to be related tothe Mafia: “I saw a gangster movie aboutthe Cosa Nostra.”cosmonaut (kozmbnot) russian[universe sailor, from kosmonavt, fromGreek kosmos cosmos and navt sailor]noun an astronaut in the Russian (formerlySoviet) space program: “Threecosmonauts were killed in the explosion.”cosmos (kozmbs, kozmos) greek[universe, world, order] noun theuniverse (especially when regardedas a harmonious whole): “Astronomersare probing the hidden secrets of thecosmos.”Cossack (kosak) russian [from Turkickozak adventurer] noun a personfrom southern Russia, especially aman serving with one of the Cossacklight cavalry units in prerevolutionaryRussia; also (lowercased) usedcolloquially to mean a wild person,someone who lashes out suddenly andviolently in a heavy-handed manner:“At the foot of the hill lay wasteland overwhich a few groups of our Cossack scoutswere moving.” (Leo Tolstoy, War andPeace, 1863–69).costumier (kostyoomeeb) french[from costumer to costume] noun aperson who sells or makes clothing,especially theatrical costumes.coterie (kotbree) french [tenantsholding land together] noun anexclusive circle of friends or colleagues:“I do not give this as the gossipof a coterie; I am persuaded that it is thebelief of a very considerable portion of thecountry” (Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi,1883).cotillion (kotilybn, kbtilybn), cotillonfrench [from cotillon petticoat]noun a ballroom dance similar to thequadrille, or a formal ball.99

couchantcouchant (koochon(g)) french [lyingdown, present participle of coucher tolie down] adjective lying down, in aprone position (as used in referenceto animals in heraldic designs): “Themain column is surrounded by four hugelions couchant.”couchette (kooshet) french [littlebed] noun a sleeping compartmentin a train, ferry, or other vehicle, ora bed in such a compartment: “On thetrain to Paris I shared a couchette withsome Australian backpackers.”coulis (koolee) french [flowing]noun (in French cuisine) a saucemade from puréed vegetables or fruit:“The ice cream was served with a deliciousbanana coulis.”coup (koo) french [stroke, ultimatelyfrom Greek kolphos blow withthe fist] noun (plural coups, kooz) amasterstroke, a successful act, feat, ormove: “Getting such a big star to join thesquad is a considerable coup for the team.”See also coup d’état.coup de grâce (koo db gra, koo dbgras), coup de grace french [strokeof mercy] noun phrase (plural coups degrbce, koo db gras) a final, fatal blow,a death blow, a decisive, finishing actor event: “. . .the young Count of Tierra-Nueva brought the bull to his knees, andhaving obtained permission from the Infantato give the coup de grace, he plunged hiswooden sword into the neck of the animalwith such violence that the head cameright off, and disclosed the laughing faceof little Monsieur de Lorraine, the son ofthe French Ambassador at Madrid” (OscarWilde, A House of Pomegranates, 1891).coup de main (koo db man(g)) french[stroke of the hand] noun phrase (pluralcoups de main, koo db man(g)) asurprise attack, a raid.coup d’état (koo dayta, koo dbta),coup d’etat french [stroke of state]noun phrase (plural coups d’état, koodayta, or coups d’états, koo daytaz)the overthrowing of a governmentby the use of force, a revolution;can also refer to a sudden change ingovernment policy: “The rebels stageda coup d’état but failed to win internationalrecognition for the new regime.”~abbreviated form coup.coup de théâtre (koo db tayatrb),coup de theatre french [stroke oftheater] noun phrase (plural coups dethéâtre, koo db tayatrb) a sudden,dramatic turn of events during a theatricalperformance and by extensionany unexpected, sensational actionor event; can also refer to a brillianttheatrical success.coup d’oeil (koo doi) french [strokeof the eye] noun phrase (plural coups d’oeil, koo doi) a glance, a quick look.coupé (koopay), coupe (koop) french[past participle of couper to cut] noun100

cravatan enclosed automobile with twodoors and two or four seats (originallyreferring to a horse-drawn carriagewith seats for just two passengers).courier (kbreebr) french [ultimatelyfrom Latin currere to run] noun amessenger (especially a diplomatwho carries offi cial messages to andfro); can also refer to a tourist’sguide or representative of a travelagency: “The post of the morning hadbrought a letter to the secretary from acourier then at Venice. It contained startlingnews of Ferrari” (Wilkie Collins,The Haunted Hotel, 1879). ~verb tosend by courier.couscous (kooskoos) french [fromArabic kuskus, from kaskasa to beat] noun(in Tunisian cuisine) a dish of semolinaserved with meat or vegetables.couture (kootoor) french [fromOld French cousture sewing, ultimatelyfrom Latin consuere to sewtogether] noun the making and sellingof fashionable clothing for women,dressmaking: “I went to an exhibition ofAmerican couture of the 1950s.”couturier (kootoorebr, kootooreea)french [dressmaker] noun a person,or business, manufacturing and sellingfashionable clothing: “In his youth heranked among the most respected couturiersin Paris.” ~noun, feminine couturiere(kootooreebr) a female couturier.coyote (kiyotee) spanish [fromNahuatl coyotl] noun a wolflike NorthAmerican animal (Canis latrans), aprairie wolf: “Jack strained his hearing,yet caught no sound, except the distantyelp of a coyote” (Zane Grey, Heritage ofthe Desert, 1910).craíc (krak) irish gaelic [crack]noun (informal) good fun, enjoyment,or informal entertainment: “Youshould have come to the party – it wasgreat craíc!” Can also mean conversation,gossip, or news: “What’s the craíc?”“Paul’s got a new girlfriend.”cranium (krayneebm) latin [fromGreek kranion skull, from kara head]noun (plural craniums or crania,krayneeb) the skull: “In the gorillaand certain other monkeys, the craniumof the adult male presents a stronglymarkedsagittal crest, which is absent inthe female. . .” (Charles Darwin, TheDescent of Man, 1871).crapeSee crepe.cravat (krbvat) french [from cravate,itself from Cravate Croatian,where the fashion for such necktiesoriginated] noun a necktie orband worn around the neck: “Hewas dressed in knickerbockers, with redstockings, which displayed his poor littlespindle-shanks; he also wore a brilliantred cravat.” (Henry James, DaisyMiller, 1879).101

crèchecrèche (kresh, kraysh) french [manger,crib] noun a day nursery foryoung children: “The crèche is licensed totake up to 40 children at any one time.”credo (kreedo, kraydo) latin [Ibelieve] noun a creed, a set of doctrinesor principles (often in referenceto Christian belief, especially to theApostles’ or Nicene Creed): “Selfsufficiencybecame the credo by which theyplanned their lives.”crème (krem), creme french [cream]noun (in French cuisine) cream.crème brûlée (krem broolay) french[scorched cream] noun phrase (inFrench cuisine) a dessert dish of custardcream topped with caramelizedsugar.crème caramel (krem karbmel)french [caramel cream] noun phrase(in French cuisine) a custard servedwith caramel sauce.crème de la crème (krem db la krem,krem db lb krem) french [cream ofthe cream] noun phrase the very best,the best of the best: “No one wouldbuy. Caviare. Do the grand. Hock in greenglasses. Swell blowout. Lady this. Powderedbosom pearls. The elite. Creme de la creme.”(James Joyce, Ulysses, 1922).crème de menthe (krem db menth,krem-, -mint) french [cream ofa sweet mint-mint] noun phrasefl avored liqueur.crème fraîche (krem fresh), crèmefraiche french [fresh cream] nounphrase (in French cuisine) a thickened,slightly soured cream: “Crème fraîchecan be used as a substitute for sour cream.”Creole (kreeol) french [from créole,from Spanish criollo, itself from Portuguesecrioulo white person born inthe colonies] noun a person born inthe West Indies or Latin America ofEuropean descent, or more generallya person of mixed French or Spanishand black descent; can also refer to thelanguage spoken by the black populationof southern Louisiana. ~adjectiveof or relating to the creoles or to creoleculture: “Society loves creole natures,and sleepy, languishing manners, so thatthey cover sense, grace, and good-will;the air of drowsy strength, which disarmscriticism. . .” (Ralph Waldo Emerson,“Manners,” 1844).crepe (krayp), crêpe, crape french[from Old French crespe curled, frizzed,ultimately from Latin crispus curled]noun a light fabric or paper with a crinkledsurface; can also refer to a typeof thin pancake; also a type of rubberespecially used for shoe soles. ~adjectiveof or relating to crepe fabric.crêpe suzette (krayp soozet) french[probably after Suzette, the nickname102

criterionof early-20th century French actressSuzanne Reichenberg] noun phrase (pluralcrêpes suzette or crêpe suzettes)(in French cuisine) a dessert dishcomprising a folded or rolled, thinpancake with a hot orange- butter filling,traditionally served in flamingliqueur.crescendo (krbshendo) italian[increasing, from Latin crescere to grow]noun (plural crescendos or crescendi,krbshendee) (in music) a gradualincrease in volume; also used morewidely to describe any increase in intensity,force, or loudness: “For Anne the realexcitement began with the dismissal of schooland increased therefrom in crescendo until itreached to a crash of positive ecstasy in theconcert itself ” (Lucy Maud Montgomery,Anne of Green Gables, 1908). ~adverb (inmusic) to be played with increasing volume.~abbreviated form cres., cresc.cretin (kretin) french [from crétinwretch, ultimately from Latin christianusChristian] noun an idiot, alout, a fool, also, a person sufferingfrom cretinism, a congenital thyroiddeficiency.crevasse (krbvas) french [from OldFrench crevace] noun a fissure (oftenreferring to a crevice or chasm in aglacier); can also refer to a breachin a riverbank or levee: “Mountainclimbers must be careful not to fall intoa crevasse.”cri de coeur (kree db ker), cri ducoeur french [cry of the heart] nounphrase (plural cris de coeur) a cryfrom the heart, a passionate appeal, anexpression of genuine desire or emotion:“Her protest at her treatment was areal cri de coeur.”crime passionnel (kreem pasybnel)french [passion-related crime]noun (plural crimes passionnels) acrime of passion, a murder or othercrime prompted by love, sexual jealousy,or other emotions: “The papersinterpreted the affair as a crime passionneland accordingly gave it plenty ofcoverage.”crise de coeur (kreez db ker) french[crisis of heart] noun phrase (plural crisesde coeur) an emotional crisis.crise de conscience (kreez db konsyons)french [crisis of conscience]noun phrase a crisis of conscience:“The bishop suffered something of a crise deconscience in the wake of the executions.”crise de foi (kreez db fhwah) french[crisis of faith] noun phrase a crisis offaith, a severe attack of doubt.criterion (kriteereebn) greek [fromkriterion standard, test, from krineinto judge] noun (plural criterions orcriteria, kriteereeb) a standard bywhich something may be judged; canalso refer to a characteristic feature or103

critiquetrait: “By what objective criteria can youmeasure a child’s education?”critique (krbteek, kriteek) french[from Greek kritike criticism] noun acritical analysis or discussion: “Marianne’sindignation burst forth as soon as hequitted the room; and as her vehemence madereserve impossible in Elinor, and unnecessaryin Mrs. Jennings, they all joined in a veryspirited critique upon the party” (Jane Austen,Sense and Sensibility, 1811).crochet (kroshay) french [from OldFrench croche hook] noun a type ofneedlework in which a hooked needleis used to interlock looped stitches.~verb to produce crochet work.croissant (krwason(g)) french [crescent]noun a flaky pastry roll, oftenbaked in a crescent shape: “Breakfastconsisted of a large cup of coffee and somecroissants.”croix de guerre (krwa db gair) french[cross of war] noun phrase a Frenchmilitary decoration first awarded in1915.cromlech (kromlek) welsh [bentstone] noun a dolmen or circle ofdolmens; can also refer to any megalithictomb.croque-monsieur (krokmbsyer)french [munch-sir] noun a toastedham and cheese sandwich: “I stopped at asidewalk café and ordered a croque- monsieurwith coffee.”croquette (kroket) french [fromcroquer to crunch] noun a small ballof ground meat, fish, or potato coatedin breadcrumbs and fried.crostini (krosteenee) italian [littlecrusts, from crosta crust] plural noun(in Italian cuisine) small, thin slices oftoasted or fried bread with a savorytopping, served as an appetizer: “I hada glass of wine and crostini with chickenliver.”croupier (kroopeebr, kroopeea)french [rider on the croup of ahorse] noun a member of the staffat a gambling casino who collectsbets and pays out money at a gamingtable: “At that moment the croupierraked it all up, and carried it all away;but Alice did not see that this had beendone” (Anthony Trollope, Can You ForgiveHer?, 1864).crouton (krootbn) french [fromcroûton, diminutive of croûte crust]noun a small piece of fried or toastedbread served with soup or as a garnish.crudités (kroodeetay, kroodbtay)french [plural of crudité rawness,ultimately from Latin cruditas indigestion]plural noun pieces of raw104

cummerbundvegetable served as an hors d’oeuvre:“Dinner began with crisp crudités servedwith a sour-cream dipcrux (krbks) latin [cross, torture]noun (plural cruxes, krbksiz or cruces,krooseez) the main point (of anargument or theory) or a problem, adifficulty; can also refer to a climacticmoment of some kind: “This bit of thepath was always the crux of the night’sramble, though, before starting, her apprehensionsof danger were not vivid enoughto lead her to take a companion” (ThomasHardy, Far From the Madding Crowd,1874).Cuba libre (kuubb leebray) spanish[free Cuba] noun a cocktail madeof rum, cola, and lime juice, with ice.cuesta (kwestb) spanish [slope, fromLatin costa side, rib] noun a hill orridge with a sharp drop on one side.cui bono (kwee bono) latin [towhose advantage?, as quoted by theRoman orator Cicero (106–43 b.c.)]interjection who stands to gain?(expressing the theory that responsibilityfor an act usually rests withthe person who stands to profi t mostfrom it).cuisine (kwizeen) french [kitchen,cooking, from Latin coquere to cook]noun cookery, the preparation offood (especially when considered asan art): “Raw fish is a feature of Japanesecuisine.”cul-de-sac (kbl-db-sak) french [bottomof the sack] noun (plural cul-desacsor culs-de-sac) a street thatcomes to a dead end, a blind alley:“And so, as I came trotting out of thatcul de sac, full of satisfaction with myown cleverness, he turned the corner andI walked right into his handcuffs” (MarkTwain, A Connecticut Yankee, 1889).culottes (koolots, kyulots, -lots)french [knee-breeches] plural nouna divided skirt. See also sansculotte.culpa (kblpb) latin [fault, blame] noun(plural culpae) neglect or negligencethat is punishable by law.cum (kbm) latin [with] prepositionalong with, together with, and: “. . . anapartment cum studio.”cum laude (kbm lowdb, kbm lowde)latin [with praise] adverb phrase withhonors, with distinction: “He graduatedcum laude from college at the ripe old ageof 21.” ~adjective phrase with honors,with distinction. See also magna cumlaude, summa cum laude.cummerbund (kbmbrbbnd) hindi[from kamarband loin band, fromPersian kamar waist and band band]noun a broad waistband worn aspart of a man’s formal dress; also used105

cupolain women’s fashion: “He appeared onthe terrace wearing a white jacket and redcummerbund.”cupola (kyoopblb) italian [from Latincupula little cask, from cupa cask] nouna rounded vault or dome constructedon a circular base or, more generally,any small tower or similar structure ona roof: “The cupola of the cathedral, whichis seen at its best from the bridge abouttwenty paces from the chapel, glittered inthe sunlight, and in the pure air every ornamenton it could be clearly distinguished”(Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment,1866).curettage (kyoorbtahzh) french [fromcurer to clean, from Latin curare toheal] noun (in surgery) the removalof unhealthy tissue from an organ or abody cavity by scraping with a spoonshapedinstrument called a curette:“Dilatation and curettage is often carriedout for diagnostic purposes on women withgynaecological problems.”curia (kyooreeb) latin [court, senatehouse] noun (plural curias or curiae,kyooreei) a court of justice,or the senior administration of theRoman Catholic church.curragh (kbrb, kbrbk), currach irishgaelic [coracle] noun a large coracleof a type used in western Ireland.curriculum (kbrikyblbm) latin [running,course, from currere to run] noun(plural curriculums or curricula,kbrikyblb) a program of study, therange of courses offered by an educationalestablishment: “From two sidesthis system of education was beginning tobe assailed by the awakening public opinionof the upper middle classes. On theone hand, there was a desire for a moreliberal curriculum; on the other, therewas a demand for a higher moral tone”(Lytton Strachey, Eminent Victorians,1918).curriculum vitae (kbrikyblbm veeti)latin [course of life] noun phrase (pluralcurricula vitae, kbrikyblb veeti) aformal summary of a person’s career,experience, or qualifications to date,~abbreviated form c.v.curry (kbree) tamil [from kari sauce]noun (plural curries) a highly spiceddish prepared in the Indian manner;also, the sauce or powder used to preparethis dish: “The chicken curry wasso spicy it made my eyes water.” ~verb toprepare a dish of curry.cursor (kersb) latin [runner, fromcurrere to run] noun a slide or othermovable implement used to mark aposition in surveying, mathematics,and other fields; also, a flashing elementor cue on a computer monitor toindicate position.cushy (kuushee) hindi [from khushpleasant] adjective (informal) easy,106

czarpleasant, untaxing: “His cousin hadlanded a very cushy job with an insurancecompany.” c.v. See curriculumvitae.cwm (koom, kuum) welsh [valley]noun (in geology) a steep- sided hollowat the head of a mountain valley,formed by erosion: “In spring and summerwe often walk up to the cwm.”czar (zahr), tsar russian [from tsar,ultimately from Latin Caesar emperor]noun the emperor of Russia; also usedmore widely of any high-ranking officialwho wields considerable authority:“Metrov repeated a saying that had reachedhim through a most trustworthy source,reported as having been uttered on thissubject by the Czar and one of the ministers.”(Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina, 1874–76).107

ååådåda capo (dah kapo, db kapo) italian[from the head] adverb phrase inmusic, repeat from the beginning: “Itwas one of his favorite caravansaries, and sosilent and swift would be the service and sodelicately choice the food, that he regrettedthe hunger that must be appeased by the‘dead perfection’ of the place’s cuisine.Even the music there seemed to be alwaysplaying da capo” (O. Henry, StrictlyBusiness, 1910). ~adjective phrase of orrelating to a passage of music to berepeated from the beginning. ~abbreviatedform D.C., d.c.d’accord (dakor) french [of accord]interjection all right, OK.dacha (dachb), datcha russian [grantof land] noun (plural dachas, datchas)in Russia, a country cottage or villaused for summer retreats and otheroccasions: “The count and his familyplanned to spend the summer at theirdacha in the hills.”dachshund (dbkshund, dbksbnt) german[badger dog] noun a breed oflong-bodied, short-legged dogs ofGerman origin: “The black cat was dozingin the sunlight at her feet, and Joe’sdachshund was scratching a hole underthe scarlet geraniums and dreaming ofbadgers” (Willa Cather, Troll Garden andOther Stories, 1905).dacoit (dbkoit), dakoit hindi [fromdakait, itself from daka gang-robbery]noun a bandit of India or Myanmar(Burma), usually a member of a gangof such robbers; also used morewidely of any armed robber or thug.Dada (dahdah) french [hobby horse]noun a Eu ro pe an movement in artand literature of the early 20th century,which rejected artistic and culturalconventions in favor of absurdityand incongruity.dado (daydo) italian [die, cube] noun(plural dados, dadoes) (in architecture)the pedestal of a columnbetween the cornice and the base,or alternatively the lower part of aninterior wall when decorated differentlyfrom the upper part: “A visitor. . . would, if his taste lay that way, admire109

dahlthe wall decoration of Lincrusta Waltonin plum color and bronze lacquer, withdado and cornice; the ormolu consoles inthe corners; the vases on pillar pedestals ofveined marble with bases of polished blackwood, one on each side of the window. . .”(George Bernard Shaw, You Never CanTell, 1898).dahlSee dal.Dáil (doil), Dáil Eirann (doil airbn)irish gaelic [assembly (of Ireland)]noun the lower house of the parliamentof the Republic of Ireland.dal (dahl), dahl hindi [split pulses]noun (in Indian cooking) spiced andoften pureed legumes.Dalai Lama (dali lahmb, dala lahmb)mongolian [from dalai ocean andlama priest] noun the spiritual headof Tibetan Buddhism: “The Dalai Lamaappeared briefly before the cameras aftermeeting the queen.”dal segno (dal saynyo) italian [fromthe sign] adverb phrase (in music),repeat from the sign indicating thebeginning of a particular passage.~abbreviated form D.S.dame d’honneur (dam doner) french[lady of honor] noun phrase a lady-inwaitingor maid of honor.damnosa hereditas (damnosb hereditas)latin [ruinous inheritance] nounphrase an unrewarding or otherwiseburdensome inheritance: “To be left theguardian of Mameena! Talk of a ‘damnosahereditas,’ a terrible and mischievous inheritance—why,this was the worst that everI heard of ” (H. Rider Haggard, Child ofStorm, 1913).damnum (damnbm) latin [damage,loss] noun (plural damna, damnb) legalterm for a loss, wrong, or damagesustained by a person or property.dan (dan) japanese noun one ofseveral advanced grades of proficiencyin judo, karate, and other martialarts; also applied to a person who hasattained one of these grades: “Sambecame a first dan in karate at the tenderage of eight.”danse macabre (dahns mbkahbrb)french [macabre dance] noun phrase(plural danses macabres) the danceof death: “The danse macabre, with itsprancing skeletons and lamenting mortals,was a favorite subject of medievalartists.”danseur (donser) french [from danserto dance] noun a male ballet dancer.~noun, feminine danseuse (donstz) aballerina.dariole (dareeol) french [custardtart] noun a small cooking moldshaped like a flowerpot; a sweet orsavory dish cooked and sometimesserved in such a mold.110

debrisdashiki (dasheekee) west african[probably from Yoruban dansiki] nouna loose, brightly colored pullover shirtof a type widely worn in West Africaand the United States.data (daytb, datb, dahtb) latin [pluralof datum, neuter past participleof dare to give] noun facts, details,information: “We are left to interpretthe vast amounts of data produced bycomputers.”daube (dob) french noun a stewof braised meat cooked with vegetables,wine, herbs, and spices: “The kingopened his eyes with delight, and, whilecutting some of the faisan en daube, whichwas being handed to him, he said: ‘Thatis a dish I should very much like to taste,Monsieur du Vallon. Is it possible! a wholelamb!’” (Alexandre Dumas, Louise de laVallière, 1850).dauphin (dofan(g), dofan(g)) french[from Old French daulphin, originallya family name adopted as a title ofthe lords of Viennois or Dauphiné]noun title borne by the eldest sonof a king of France: “Yes, my friend, it istoo true—your eyes is look-in’ at this verymoment on the pore disappeared Dauphin,Looy the Seventeen, son of Looy the Sixteenand Marry Antonette.” (Mark Twain,Huckleberry Finn, 1884). ~noun, femininedauphine (dofeen) title borne bya dauphin’s wife.D.C., d.c.See da capo.debacle (deebahkbl, deebakbl), débâcle(daybahkbl) french [collapse,from débâcler to clear] noun a comprehensivedisaster, fi asco, or defeat:“But it may yet be asked, how has thesolid basalt been moved? Geologists formerlywould have brought into playthe violent action of some overwhelmingdebacle; but in this case such a suppositionwould have been quite inadmissible.. .” (Charles Darwin, Voyage ofthe Beagle, 1839).de bene esse (dee benay esay) latin[of well-being] adverb phrase valid forthe time being (a legal term used specificallyof evidence taken in advancefrom a person who is expected to betoo ill to come to court personally,to be referred to if he or she is in factunable to attend court when the caseeventually gets under way).debonair (debbnair) french [fromdébonnaire good-natured, itself fromde bon aire of good nature, of goodfamily] adjective suave, urbane,nonchalant, carefree: “Ah! what availsthat she was fair, / Luminous, blithe,and debonair? / The storm has strippedher of her leaves;/ The Lily floats nolonger!—She hath perished” (WilliamWordsworth, “The Egyptian Maid,”1835).debris (dbbree, daybree, daybree),débris french [from Middle Frenchdébriser to break to pieces] noun (plural111

debutdebris or débris, dbbreez, daybreez,daybreez) fragments, remnants,wreckage, ruins, rubbish: “We examinedthe debris of the old shanty scatteredabout by the storm.”debut (daybyoo, dayboo), débutfrench [beginning, from débuter tomake the first stroke] noun a firstappearance (in the theater or in society,for example): “Thenceforth, certain ofherself, certain of her friends in the house,certain of her voice and her success, fearingnothing, Carlotta flung herself into her partwithout restraint of modesty . . . She wasno longer Margarita, she was Carmen. Shewas applauded all the more; and her debutwith Faust seemed about to bring her a newsuccess, when suddenly . . . a terrible thinghappened” (Gaston Leroux, Phantom ofthe Opera, 1911). ~verb to make a firstappearance or to introduce somethingor someone in public for the firsttime.debutante (debyootont) french [presentparticiple of débuter to make thefir st stroke] noun, feminine a youngwoman making her first appearance(in society or on the stage, for example):“Some weeks elapse; and, duringthis interval, the public, at a loss where toprocure an opinion of the debutante, havenecessarily no opinion of him at all for thenonce” (H. W. Longfellow, “The SpanishStudent,” 1842–43). ~noun, masculinedebutant (debyootant) a person makinga debut.déclassé (dayclasay) french [degraded,past participle of déclasser to degrade]adjective lower, inferior, degraded.~noun a person who has been degradedor reduced in status or social standing.~noun, feminine déclassée.décolletage (daykolbtahzh, dekolbtahzh,daykoltahzh, dekoltahzh)french [low-cut neck, from décolleterto expose the neck] noun alow-cut neckline of a woman’s dress,that leaves the shoulders and neckexposed: “He could not help but admireher décolletage as she made her grandentrance into the ballroom.”décolleté (daykolbtay, dekolbtay)french [low-necked, past participleof décolleter to expose the neck] adjectivehaving a low-cut neckline orwearing a low-cut neckline that leavesthe neck and shoulders exposed.decor (daykor, dekor), décor french[decoration, from décorer to decorate]noun decoration, furnishings or (inthe theater) the setting or scenery:“The decor needs some attention but otherwisethe apartment is ready for immediateoccupation.”decorum (dikorbm) latin [neutersingular of decorus seemly, from decorbeauty, grace] noun propriety, goodconduct, polite behavior, or seemliness:“Miss Churchill, however, being ofage, and with the full command of her112

de haut en basfortune—though her fortune bore no proportionto the family-estate—was not tobe dissuaded from the marriage, and ittook place, to the infinite mortification ofMr. and Mrs. Churchill, who threw her offwith due decorum” (Jane Austen, Emma,1816).decoupage (daykoopazh), découpagefrench [act of cutting out, fromdecouper to cut up] noun an artistictechnique in which pictures or patternsare constructed out of pieces of cut-outpaper, fabric, or other material.decoy (deekoi, dikoi) dutch [fromde kooi the cage] noun someone orsomething that is used as a lure: “Nowharkee, mate; you will not beg, you will notrob; so be it. But I will tell you what youWILL do. You will play decoy whilst I beg”(Mark Twain, The Prince and the Pauper,1882). ~verb to lure or entice throughthe use of a decoy.decrescendo (deekrbshendo) italian[decreasing, present participle ofdecrescere to decrease] noun (pluraldecrescendos (in music) anin struction for a particular passageto be played with a gradual reductionin volume: “After the gradual cessationof all sound and movement on the faithfulriver, only the ringing of ships’ bellsis heard, mysterious and muffled in thewhite vapour from London Bridge rightdown to the Nore, for miles and miles ina decrescendo tinkling, to where the estuarybroadens out into the North Sea. . .”(Joseph Conrad, The Mirror of the Sea,1906). ~adverb to be played withdecreasing volume.de facto (di fakto, day fakto) latin[from the act] adverb phrase actually,in reality. ~adjective phrase actual, ineffect: “Although neither side had declaredwar, a de facto state of war between the twocountries existed.”Defensor FideiSee fidei defensor.de fide (day feeday) latin [from faith]noun phrase as a matter of faith, of thefaith.dégagé (daygahzhay) french [past participleof dégager to set free] adjectivenonchalant, carefree, relaxed, unconstrained,disinterested.de gustibus non est disputandum (daygoostibbs non est dispyootandbm)latin [concerning tastes, it is not tobe disputed] noun there is no pointarguing about other people’s tastes:“One of the most deplorably false of them isthe antique adage, De gustibus non est disputandum—thereshould be no disputingabout taste” (Edgar Allan Poe, Balladsand Other Poems, 1842). ~abbreviatedform de gustibus.de haut en bas (db o ton ba) french[from top to bottom] adverb phrasearrogantly, contemptuously, in a113

Dei gratiacondescending manner: “The landladylooked at him de haut en bas, rather pitying,and at the same time, resenting hisclear, fierce morality” (D. H. Lawrence,Sons and Lovers, 1913).Dei gratia (dayee grahteeb) latin [bythe grace of God] adverb phrase bythe grace of God, by divine favor (usuallyreferring to rule by divine right):“The monarch or the sovereign assemblyonly hath immediate authority from Godto teach and instruct the people; and noman but the sovereign receiveth his powerDei gratia simply; that is to say, fromthe favor of none but God. . .” (ThomasHobbes, Leviathan, 1651). ~abbreviatedform D.G.déjà vu (dayzhah voo, dayzhah vyoo)french [already seen] noun phrase thepsychological phenomenon in which aperson has the sense of having experiencedsomething before, even thoughto the best of his or her knowledgethey have never actually done so. Alsoused of anything that is overly familiar,hackneyed, or unoriginal: “The wholeshow had a distinct air of déjà vu, withhardly an original idea in it.”de jure (dee jtree, day yooree) latin[from right] adverb phrase by right: “Inall things which regard the external relationsof the individual, he is de jure amenableto those whose interests are concerned,and if need be, to society as their protector”(John Stuart Mill, On Liberty, 1859).~adjective phrase legitimate, lawful.del.See delineavit.del credere (del kraydbree) italian [ofbelief or trust] adjective phrase (inlaw) denoting a selling agent whoreceives a high commission for guaranteeingpayment by the customers tothe person or company that he or sherepresents.delicatessen (delikbtesbn) german[plural of Delikatesse delicacy] noun astore or counter in a store sellingready-to-eat food products: “The newsupermarket boasts an excellent delicatessen,with a wide range of meat and cheeses.”~abbreviated form deli.delineavit (delineeayvit) latin [he/she drew it] noun he/she drew it(identifying the artist of a particulardrawing or painting). ~abbreviatedform del.delirium (dblireebm) latin [from delirareto deviate, to leave the furrow]noun (plural deliriums or deliria,dblirib) a state of mental disturbanceor frenzied excitement: “Thepatient had passed into a state of deliriumand had become extremely agitated.”delirium tremens (dblireebm tremens)latin [trembling madness] noun violentdelirium characterized by uncontrollabletrembling, a consequence ofprolonged alcohol abuse: “They—thatis, Vronsky—had a trainer, an Englishman,first-rate in his own line, but a114

demi-pensiondrunkard. He’s completely given up todrink—delirium tremens—and the familywere cast on the world.” (Leo Tolstoy,Anna Karenina, 1873–77). ~abbreviatedform d.t.’s.delphic (delfik) greek [after the Oraclededicated to Apollo in the ancientGreek city of Delphi] adjective ambiguous,obscure: “The old man’s replywas positively delphic, leaving us nonethe wiser.”delta (deltb) greek [fourth letter ofthe Greek alphabet] noun somethingtriangular in shape (thus resembling thetriangular symbol for the Greek letterdelta), especially the roughly triangulararea of land enclosed or traversed bythe mounths of a river: “Always Florida’sgreen peninsula—always the priceless deltaof Louisiana—always the cotton-fields ofAlabama and Texas, Always California’sgolden hills and hollows, and the silvermountains of New Mexico—always softbreath’dCuba. . .” (Walt Whitman, Leavesof Grass, 1891–92).deluxe (diluks, deeluks), de luxefrench [of luxury] adjective luxurious,elegant, choice, superior ortop quality: “We stayed in a deluxe hotelin London and were treated like royalty.”~adverb luxuriously, sumptuously.dementia (dimenchb) latin [madness,from demens mad] noun (pluraldementias or dementiae, dimen sheei)mental disorder, or a state of fanaticism,folly, or wildness borderingon insanity: “It seemed to him that everyconviction, as soon as it became effective,turned into that form of dementia thegods send upon those they wish to destroy”(Joseph Conrad, Nostromo, 1904).demimondaine (dbmeemondayn,demeemondayn), demi-mondainefrench [from demi-monde half-world]noun (plural demimondaines ordemi-mondaines) a woman of thedemi monde, living on the fringes ofrespectable society and thus not veryrespectable herself.demimonde (demeemond), demimondefrench [from demi-mondehalf-world] noun a class of womenliving on the fringes of respectablesociety, usually of doubtful reputationand often maintained by wealthy lovers;also used more loosely of prostitutesin general: “The doctor was agood-looking man and still young. He hada superb practice among the gay world,and being very merry by nature and readyto laugh and joke in the friendliest waywith the demimonde ladies with whom,however, he never went farther, he chargedvery high fees and got them paid with thegreatest punctuality” (Émile Zola, Nana,1880).demi-pension (dbmi ponsyon(g), demiponsyon(g)) french [half-board]noun in French-speaking countries,a hotel offering bed, breakfast, andone other meal each day.115

Deo gratias (dayo grahtibs, dayograhsibs) latin [thanks to God] interdemi-secdemi-sec (dbmi sek, demi sek) french[half dry] adjective medium dry (ofwine).demitasse (demeetas) french [halfcup]noun a small coffee-cupdémodé (daymoday) french [outmoded,past participle of démoder to goout of fashion] adjective out of date,outmoded, obsolete, unfashionable.demoiselle (demwbzel) french[unmarried woman] noun (plural demoisellesor desmoiselles a younglady or girl: “The darkness came on fast.We must camp, of course. I found a goodshelter for the demoiselle under a rock, andwent off and found another for myself.”(Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee inKing Arthur’s Court, 1889).de mortuis nil nisi bonum (day mortyooisnil neesi bonbm) latin [aboutthe dead, nothing except good] nounphrase do not speak ill of the dead:“De mortuis nil nisi bonum is an excellentinjunction—even if the dead in questionbe nothing but dead small beer.” (EdgarAllan Poe, “Never Bet The Devil YourHead,” 1845). ~abbreviated form demortuis.denim (denim, denbm) french [shortfor serge de Nîmes, serge of Nîmes, ahardwearing material first made inNimes, France] noun durable cottonfabric originally used chiefly forworking clothes, but now in wide usefor work and casual clothing. ~adjectiverelating to a garment made ofsuch fabric: “The park and streets werebuzzing with strikers, young men in bluedenim shirts, old men with caps.” (SinclairLewis, Babbitt, 1922).de nos jours (day no zhoor) french[of our days] adjective phrase of ourtime, contemporary: “He is not the firstpoet to have been labelled the Lord Byronde nos jours.”denouement (daynoomon(g), daynoomon(g)),dénouement french [untying,unraveling, from desnouer to untie]noun the final outcome or issue of aplot or situation: “He was not sorry forthe denouement of his visit: he only wishedit had come sooner, and spared him a certainwaste of emotion.” (Edith Wharton, TheAge of Innocence, 1920).de novo (di novo, day novo, dee novo)latin [from new] adverb phrase overagain, afresh, anew: “None of my writ ingshave been either so carefully com posed, orso sedulously corrected as this. After it hadbeen written as usual twice over, we kept itby us, bringing it out from time to time, andgoing through it de novo, reading, weighing,and criticizing every sentence” (John StuartMill, Autobiography, 1873).deoch an doris See doch-an- dorris.116

desaparecidojection thanks be to God. ~abbreviatedform D.G.Deo volente (dayo volentay, deeovolentee) latin [God be willing] adverbphrase God willing, if God wills.~abbreviated form D.V.dépassé (daypasay) french [passed]adjective surpassed, outmoded, outdated,out-of-date. See also passé.depot (deepo, depo) french [fromdépôt deposit, depository, itself fromLatin depositum, neuter past participleof deponere to place, put away]noun a store, cache, or place wheresupplies or vehicles are kept. Alsoused to refer to a train or bus stationor other commercial center or base:“Bill fell asleep on the last bus and wokeup in the depot.”de profundis (day profundis) latin[from the depths, the opening wordsof Psalm 130] adverb phrase out ofthe depths (usually, of sorrow ordespair).déraciné (dayrasinay) french [uprooted,past participle of déraciner touproot] adjective displaced, dislodged,uprooted.de rigueur (db reeger) french [instrictness] adjective phrase required,compulsory, obligatory, expected:“Every one has subjects of conversation,ladies for instance . . . people in highsociety always have their subjects of conversation,c’est de rigueur, but people of themiddle sort like us, thinking people thatis, are always tongue-tied and awkward.”(Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment,1866).dernier cri (dernyay cree) french[last cry] noun phrase the latest fashion,the last word in fashion, style ordesign: “They wore dresses and skirts thatthey were told were the dernier cri.”derriere (dereeair), derrière french[back part, behind] noun (slang) thebuttocks, behind, rear, posterior: “Heaimed a kick at his tormentor’s derrierebut thought better of it at the lastmoment.”dervish (dervish) turkish [beggar,from Persian darvish religious mendicant]noun a member of one of severalascetic Muslim religious ordersbound by vows of poverty and austerity;usually associated with religiousfanatics who dance feverishly andwhirl about as part of their religiousdevotions: “It befell one day of the daysthat as he was sitting about the quarterat play with the vagabond boys, behold, adervish from the Maghrib, the Land of theSetting Sun, came up and stood gazing forsolace upon the lads” (Richard Burton,“Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp,”Arabian Nights, 1885–88).desaparecido (desapbrbseedo) spanish[disappeared one] noun (plural117

descansodesaparecidos) the disappeared (usuallyreferring to the thousands ofArgentine citizens who vanished,allegedly on the orders of the country’sauthoritarian military rulers,during the 1970s and early 1980s).descanso (deskanso) spanish [restingplace, from descansar to rest] noun aroadside memorial to mark the site ofan automobile accident.deshabille (dayzbbeel, dayzbbil), dishabille(disbbeel, disbbil), déshabillé(dayzbbeeyay) french [undressed,past participle of déshabiller to undress]noun casual dress, or a state of partialundress. “Madame Hohlakov hadbeen slightly ailing for the last threeweeks: her foot had for some reason swollenup, and though she was not in bed, shelay all day half-reclining on the couch inher boudoir, in a fascinating but decorousdeshabille.” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky, TheBrothers Karamazov, 1880).desideratum (disidbrahtbm, dizidbrahtbm)latin [neuter of desideratus,past participle of desiderare to desire]noun (plural desiderata, disidbrahtb,dizidbrahtb) a requirement, or somethingneeded or desired as essential:“The thing that will logically extinguishhim is perhaps still a desideratum in Constitutionalcivilization” (Thomas Carlyle,The French Revolution, 1837).De Stijl (db stil) dutch [the style(the name of the group’s magazine)]noun phrase an artistic movementthat originated in the Netherlands inthe 1920s, characterized by the use ofrectangular shapes and primary colorsplus black and white.détente (daytont, detont, daytahnt),detente french [relaxation, easing]noun (plural détentes) a period ofrelaxation in tension, usually referringto political relations between opposednations (and the policies connectedwith this): “An uneasy détente existedbetween the management and the rebelliousworkforce as the two sides consideredtheir future strategies.”detour (deetoor, ditoor) french[détour turning away, from détornerto divert, turn away] noun a deviationfrom the direct or normalcourse or route. ~verb to make sucha deviation from the direct or normalcourse or route: “‘Yes, that’s to betaken for granted,’ retorted the celebrateddoctor, again glancing at his watch. ‘Begpardon—but is the Iauzsky bridge finishedyet, or must one still make adetour?’ he asked” (Leo Tolstoy, AnnaKarenina, 1874–76).detritus (ditritbs) latin [rubbingaway, from the past participle of Latindeterere to wear away] noun (pluraldetritus) debris, remnants, particles,rubbish as in “the emotionaldetritus of a failed marriage.” Also usedin geology to describe sand, gravel,and rocks produced by erosion: “The118

dhowgeologists examined vast mounds of detritusacross the valley.”de trop (db tro) french [of too much]adjective phrase superfl uous, toomuch, excessive, unwelcome: “Juliafelt uncomfortable—she felt herself to bede trop; and making an incoherent excuse,she had scarcely taken a seat on a sofa,before she arose, left the room, and ran upstairs again.” (James Fenimore Cooper,Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief,1843).deus ex machina (daybs eks makinb,daybs eks masheenb) latin [a godout of a machine] noun phrase (pluraldei ex machina, dayee eks makinb,dayee eks masheenb) an artifi cialending or convenient but contrivedsolution to a difficulty (referring tothe traditional appearance in classicaldrama of a god, lowered on an artificialcloud, toward the end of a playto resolve the action on the stage):“It is the deus ex machina who, by suspendingthat resistance, makes the fall ofthe curtain an immediate necessity, sincedrama ends exactly where resistance ends.”(George Bernard Shaw, Mrs. Warren’sProfession, 1898).Deus vobiscum (daybs vobiskbm)latin [God with you] noun phrasemay God be with you: “‘Nay, then,if wilful will to water, wilful mustdrench.—Deus vobiscum, most doughtyAthelstane!’—he concluded, loosening thehold which he had hitherto kept upon theSaxon’s tunic.” (Walter Scott, Ivanhoe,1819).deva (dayvb) sanskrit [a god, a shiningone] noun in Hindu, Buddhistand Vedic mythology, a god or divinespirit.devoré (dbvoray) french [devoured]noun a velvet or satin fabric witha raised pattern etched with acid.~adjective denoting such a fabric: “Theprincess wore a midnight- blue eve ninggown in devoré velvet.”D.G.See dei gratia; deo gratias.dharma (dahrmb, dermb) sanskrit[law, statute, decree] noun in Hinduand Buddhist philosophy, the fundamentallaw of the universe and anindividual’s duty to live accordingto the basic principles of nature anduniversal truth.dhoti (dotee) hindi noun (plural dhotis)a man’s loincloth, as worn by Indianmen: “A strange old man in a dhoti glaredbalefully at the tourists as they leveled theircameras at him.”dhow (dow), dow arabic [dawa,probably from Marathi daw] noun alateen-rigged Arabian sailing boat withone or two masts and a low waist: “Agentle breeze fills the huge sails of ourdhow, and draws us through the water thatripples musically against our sides.” (H.Rider Haggard, She, 1887).119

diaeresisdiaeresis (dibreesis), dieresis greek[diairesis division, from diairein todivide] noun (plural diaereses, dibreeseez,diereses) a sign placed over avowel denoting that it should be pronouncedas an independent syllable;also used in poetry to mark a placewhere the end of a foot coincideswith the end of a word.diagnosis (dibgnosis) greek [diagignoskeinto distinguish] noun (pluraldiagnoses, dibgnoseez) an analysis,investigation or examination, or thedecision resulting from such analysis:“A more exact diagnosis can only be madeif we obtain a blood sample.”diamanté (deebmahntay) french [likea diamond, from diamant diamond]adjective of or relating to fabric decoratedwith sequins or artificial jewels toachieve a sparkling effect: “She acceptedthe award with a white-toothed smile, athousand lights reflecting on her fabulousdiamanté gown.”diaspora (diaspbrb, deeaspbrb) greek[a scattering, dispersion, from diaspeireinto scatter] noun the Jewishcommunity resident in parts of theworld other than Israel; by extensionany group of people linked by nationalityor religion who have dispersedand settled far from their originalhomeland.diastole (diastblee) greek [separationor expansion] noun the resting stageof the heart muscle, when the chambersfill with blood, as opposed tosystole.diatribe (dibtrib) greek [spending oftime] noun a bitter, abusive verbalattack: “The Senator launched a bitterdiatribe against the gun laws.”dibbukSee dybbuk.dictum (diktbm) latin [neuter ofdictus word] noun (plural dictums ordicta, diktb) a statement, formalpronouncement, saying, or maxim:“Apart from her studies Anne expandedsocially, for Marilla, mindful of theSpencervale doctor’s dictum, no longervetoed occasional outings” (Lucy MaudMontgomery, Anne of Green Gables,1908).didgeridoo (dijbreedoo), didjeridoo,didgeridu australian aboriginal[Yolngu language, of imitative origin]noun an aboriginal wind instrumentcomprising a long wooden or bambootube.dieresisSee diaeresis.dies irae (deeayz eeray, deeayz eerb)latin [day of wrath] noun phrase theDay of Judgment, or the name of amedieval hymn on the theme of theLast Judgment, frequently sung orrecited at requiem masses; also usedmore generally in relation to any dayof reckoning.120

Ding an sichdies non (dieez non) latin [non day]noun phrase in the commercial orlegal world, a day on which no businessis done.Dieu et mon droit (dyb ay mon(g) dwa)french [God and my right] noun phraseGod is my right (motto on the royalarms of England dating from the reignof Richard I).diktat (diktat) german [somethingdictated, from Latin dictare to dictate]noun an official order or command,often severe and inflexible in nature:“The director issued an immediate diktatprohibiting any further experiments withouthis express permission.”dilemma (dblemb, dilemb) latin [probablyfrom Greek dilemmatos involvingtwo assumptions, an ambiguousproposition] noun a difficult choicebetween two equally imperfect alternatives,or a problematic, even perilouspredicament in which such achoice must be made: “The Canadianthen said, ‘Sir, we must do all we can toget out of this dilemma. Let us signal them.They will then, perhaps, understand thatwe are honest folks’” (Jules Verne, 20,000Leagues Under the Sea, 1870).dilettante (dilbtont, dilbtant, dilbtant,dilbtont) italian [a lover, presentparticiple of dilettare to delight]noun (plural dilettantes or dilettanti,dilbtantee, dilbtontee) a lover orconnoisseur of the arts, usually anamateur who has enthusiasm but littleserious knowledge or professionalexperience of the artistic world: “Hehad dawdled over his cigar because he wasat heart a dilettante, and thinking over apleasure to come often gave him a subtlersatisfaction than its realization” (EdithWharton, The Age of Innocence, 1920).~adjective having a superficial knowledgeof the arts.diminuendo (diminyoowendo) italian[diminishing, from Latin diminuendum,gerund of diminuere to lessen]adverb (in music) decreasing in volume.~adjective decreasing in volume.~noun a gradual decrease in volume:“He moved his left hand out into the air asif he were suggesting a diminuendo to anorchestra” (Willa Cather, The Song of theLark, 1915).dim sum (dim sbm) chinese [from dimspeck and sum heart] noun a traditionalsteamed Chinese food comprisingsmall portions of such items as cookedchicken, dumplings, and rice balls andusually served as a snack meal.dinero (dinairo) spanish [money, fromLatin denarius silver coin] noun (slang)money: “It was a pretty fishy arrangement,but he was seduced by the promise that hewould receive plenty of dinero for his contributionto the enterprise.”Ding an sich (ding an zik, ding an zish)german [a thing in itself] noun phrase(plural Dinge an sich) in philosophy,121

dinghythe underlying reality beneath superficialappearances.dinghy (dingee) hindi [from dingismall boat] noun (plural dinghies) asmall rowing or sailing boat, sometimesinflatable and often used as atender or lifeboat for a larger vessel.dingo (dingo) australian aboriginal[Dahruk language, wild dog]noun a species of wild dog (Canisdingo) of Australia.diorama (dibrahmb) greek [dia throughand orama view, imitative of panorama]noun a scenic painting, stage or filmsetting, tableau or display with threedimensionalfigures: “The memory hasas many moods as the temper, and shifts itsscenery like a diorama.” (George Eliot,Middlemarch, 1871–72).diploma (dbplomb) latin [passport,from Greek diploma folded paper, fromdiploun to double] noun (plural diplomasor diplomata, diplomahtb) anofficial document, usually awarded bya school, college, university, or othereducational institution, certifying thatthe recipient has graduated from thatinstitution, and giving details of an academicqualification, honor, or privilegeconferred upon the holder: “I’m expectingto receive my college diploma next year.”dipsomania (dipsbmayneeb, dipsb maynyb)latin [madness of thirst, fromGreek dipsa thirst and Latin maniamadness] noun a craving for alcohol,alcoholism: “Her husband is apleasant man, but his the pallor of hischeeks and the redness of his nose suggestsdipsomania.”Directoire (deerektwahr, deerekt-wah)french [after the Directoire groupof five officials who ruled France inthe years 1795–99] adjective of orrela ting to the style of decorationreminiscent of classical Greek andRoman design that was popular inFrance during the last decade of the18th century: “I am glad to see thatmany of the most charming women in Parisare returning to the idea of the Directoirestyle of dress.” (Oscar Wilde, ShorterProse Pieces).dirigisme (dirizhizbm), dirigismfrench [planning, from diriger todirect] noun (plural dirigismes) economicand social planning, especiallycontrol of the economy and societyby the state.dirndl (durndbl) german [from Dirnegirl] noun a full skirt gathered at thewaistband, resembling that of the traditionalAlpine peasant costume.discotheque (diskbtek, diskbtek), discothèquefrench [record library,from disque record, infl uenced bybibliothèque library] noun a venue orevent for dancing to pop music: “The122

divawhole team was photographed by the pressgoing into a discotheque the night beforethe big game.” ~abbreviated form disco(disko).diseuse (deezerz) french [one whotells, feminine of diseur, from direto say] noun a professional womanspeaker or reciter: “She is making quitea reputation as a diseuse at intimate comedyvenues around the country.”dishabilleSee deshabille.disjecta membra (disjektb membrb)latin [scattered limbs] noun phrasescattered, remains, usually referringto fragments of a literary work orother written material: “She led the waywestward past a long line of areas which,through the distortion of their paintlessrails, revealed with increasing candourthe disjecta membra of bygone dinners. . .”(Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth,1905).distingué (deestangay, distangay, distangay)french [past participle ofdistinguer to distinguish] adjective distinguishedin manner or appearance,illustrious, elegant: “He has taken towearing a frock coat and floral waistcoatin the mistaken belief that this makeshim look distingué.” ~adjective, femininedistinguée.distrait (distray, distray) french [distracted,past participle of destraire, fromLatin distrahere to distract, pull asunder]adjectiv distracted, absentminded:“Stapleton was talking with animation, butthe baronet looked pale and distrait. Perhapsthe thought of that lonely walk across the illomenedmoor was weighing heavily upon hismind” (Arthur Conan Doyle, The Houndof the Baskervilles, 1902). ~adjective, femininedistraite (distrayt, distrayt).ditto (dito) italian [having been said,from Tuscan dialect detto said, fromLatin dicere to say] adverb as before,as aforesaid, likewise. ~noun (pluraldittos) the aforesaid, somethingalready mentioned (to avoid repetitionat length): “‘I shouldn’t!’ Aliceexclaimed indignantly. ‘Besides, if I’M onlya sort of thing in his dream, what areYOU, I should like to know?’ ‘Ditto’ saidTweedledum. ‘Ditto, ditto’ cried Tweedledee”(Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass, 1871). ~verb to repeat somethingalready mentioned or done, to make aduplicate copy of something. ~adjectivesimilar. ~abbreviated form do.diva (deevb) italian [goddess, fromLatin divus god] noun (plural divas,deevbz, or dive, deevee) a primadonna, a distinguished female singerin opera, concerts, or other performances:“And it had needed Carlotta’sincomprehensible and inexcusable absencefrom this gala night for the little Daae, at amoment’s warning, to show all that she coulddo in a part of the program reserved for theSpanish diva!” (Gaston Leroux, Phantom123

Divaliof the Opera, 1910). It can also refer toany person, especially a woman, whois known for being self-important,vain, over-sensitive, petulant, or temperamental:“Even her friends concedethat she can be difficult, being a bit of adiva, hot-tempered and imperious.”DivaliSee diwali.divan (divan) turkish [from Persiandiwan bench, account book] noun acouch suitable for use as a bed, usuallylacking either headboard or footboard:“The woman stretched out on thedivan and sighed deeply.”divertimento (divertimento) italian[diversion, from divertire to divert]noun (plural divertimenti, divertimentee,or divertimentos) a lightinstrumental chamber work in severalmovements, or an entertainment oramusement of any kind.divertissement (divertismbnt, divertizmbnt,divertismon(g)) french[diversion, amusement] noun anentertainment or diversion of any kind,or, in music, an operatic interlude(often in the form of a brief ballet) or aseries of operatic extracts played on thesame program: “In the carnival followingthe conclusion of the year 1753, the Devinwas performed at Paris, and in this intervalI had sufficient time to compose the overtureand divertissement.” (Jean-Jacques Rousseau,Confessions, 1782–89).divorcé (divorsay, divorsee, divorsay)french [divorced, past participle ofdivorcer to divorce] noun a divorcedman: “She married a divorcé with twochildren.” ~noun, feminine divorcée(divorsee, divorsay, divorsay) adivorced woman.Diwali (dbwahlee), Divali (dbvahlee)hindi [from Sanskrit dipavali row oflights] noun the Hindu and Sikh festivalof lights, held in October andNovember.dixit (diksit) latin [he has spoken]verb referring to a statement alreadymade.djellabadjinndo.See jellaba.See jinni.See ditto.doch-an-dorris (dok bn doris), deochan doris scottish gaelic [drink ofthe door] noun a parting drink.doctrinaire (doktrbnair) french[pedantic, illiberal, from doctrinedoctrine] adjective dogmatic, dictatorial.~noun a person who holdsstrict views or adheres to a particulartheory or doctrine, regardless ofpractical considerations: “Who wantsto be consistent? The dullard and the doctrinaire,the tedious people who carry outtheir principles to the bitter end of action,124

dominoto the reductio ad absurdum of practice.”(Oscar Wilde, Intentions, 1891).dogma (dogmb) greek [dokein toseem] noun (plural dogmas, dogmbz,or dogmata, dogmahtb) an establishedopinion, prescribed doctrine,or code of belief: “Stooping over, hekissed on the fair cheek his fellow-man, afelon in martial law, one who though onthe confines of death he felt he could neverconvert to a dogma; nor for all that did hefear for his future.” (Herman Melville,Billy Budd, 1924).dojo (dojo) japa nese [from do wayand jo place] noun a place fortraining in Japa nese martial arts, suchas judo and karate: “My karate instructoropened his first dojo in Tokyo in 1990.”dolce (dolchay) italian [sweet] adjectivesoft, smooth. ~adverb in music,to be played in a soft or smoothmanner.dolce vita (dolchi veetb) italian [sweetlife] noun phrase the soft life, a life ofself-indulgence and luxury: “In hismind’s eye he saw himself in a villa overlookingthe sea, cocktail in hand, livingthe dolce vita.”dolma (dolmb) turkish [filling] noun(plural dolmas or dolmades, dolmahdeez)(in Greek and Turkish cuisine) avine or cabbage leaf stuffed with meatand rice.dolmen (dolmbn) french [from Bretontol table and men stone] noun amegalithic monument consisting of ahuge stone slab supported by two ormore stone pillars, often built originallyas a burial chamber: “Again, M.Dupont found thirty per cent of perforatedbones in the caves of the Valley of the Lesse,belonging to the Reindeer period; whilst M.Leguay, in a sort of dolmen at Argenteuil,observed twenty-five per cent to be perforated;and M. Pruner-Bey found twenty-sixper cent in the same condition in bones fromVaureal.” (Charles Darwin, The Descentof Man, 1871). See also cromlech.doloroso (dolbroso) italian [painful]adjective in music, plaintive, soft,and pathetic.domicile (dombsil, dombsil) french[home, from Latin domus home] nouna formal word for a home or residence:“Military families tend to havefrequent changes of domicile.”dominatrix (dominaytriks) latin [shewho dominates, feminine of dominatorhe who dominates] noun (pluraldominatrices, dominaytriseez) awoman who dominates her partner insadomasochistic sex, or more generallya woman who is domineering incharacter.domino (domino) spanish [from Latindominus master] noun (plural dominosor dominoes) a long hooded cloak,125

Dominus vobiscumoften with half mask, as worn at costumeparties and masquerades: “Whatdoes your blockhead father when he andMrs. Rudge have laid their heads together,but goes there when he ought to be abed,makes interest with his friend the doorkeeper,slips him on a mask and domino,and mixes with the masquers.” (CharlesDickens, Barnaby Rudge, 1841). Also,a small rectangular block, dividedinto halves, with zero to six dots ineach half, used in the game of dominoes.Dominus vobiscum (dominbs vobiskbm)latin [the Lord with you] nounphrase May the Lord be with you.don (don) spanish [from Latin dominusmaster] noun a Spanish noblemanor gentleman. Also used as a title foruniversity professors in Britain andmore widely applied to any person ofconsequence, including high-rankingmembers of the Mafia: “The dons whorule the waterfront would never allow suchinterference from the unions in their murkyaffairs.”doner kebab (donbr kbbab, donbrkbbab) turkish [rotating kebab]noun phrase a Turkish dish comprisingslices of meat cut from a large piece oflamb roasted on a rotating spit.Don Juan (don wahn, don joobn)spanish [after the legendary Spanishnobleman and rake Don Juan]noun a good-looking man who has areputation as a libertine and seducerof women: “Tales of his many sexual conquestsappeared to confirm his reputaton asthe Don Juan of the district.”donnée (donay) french [given, femininepast participial adjective of donnerto give] noun a given fact orbasic assumption.doppelgänger (dopblgangbr), doppelgangergerman [double-goer,from doppel double and gänger goer]noun a person’s spectral double,also sometimes applied to a personwho is strikingly similar in appearanceto another individual: “The stranger wasso similar in appearance to the king thathe might have been his doppelgänger.”do-si-do (do see do), do-se-dofrench [from dos-à-dos back-to-back]noun a square dance sequence inwhich partners circle one anotherback-to-back.dossier (dosyay, doseeay) french[bundle of documents, from dos back]noun a file of papers relating to aparticular subject: “The police officerlooked through a whole dossier of evidenceabout the crimes.”double entendre (dooblb ontondrb)french [double meaning] noun phrase(plural double entendres) a wordor phrase that can be interpreted ashaving more than one meaning, one126

dressageof which is usually risqué in nature:“This was greeted with an irreverent laugh,and the youth blushed deeply, and tried tolook as if he had meant to insinuate whatknowing people called a ‘double entendre’”(Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence,1920).douche (doosh) french [from Italiandoccia, from doccia water pipe]noun a jet of water or a device forproducing a jet of water: “He fixed apail of water up in a tree, with a bit ofribbon fastened to the handle, and whenDaisy, attracted by the gay streamer, triedto pull it down, she got a douche bath thatspoiled her clean frock and hurt her littlefeelings very much” (Louisa May Alcott,Little Men, 1871). ~verb to direct a jetof water at something.dowSee dhow.doyen (doibn, dwayen) french [fromLatin decanus dean, oldest member]noun a person with expert knowledgeor unrivaled experience in aparticular field and thus consideredsenior to others in the same group orcategory of people. ~noun, femininedoyenne (doien, dwayen) a womanwith particular knowledge or experienceof a subject: “. . . the doyenne of thetalk show.”draconian (drbkoneebn), Draconiangreek [after the authoritarian Athenianlawgiver Drakon, or Draco]adjective severe, harsh, cruel: “Willthe courts ever stop issuing draconian punishmentsfor such petty crimes?”dragée (drazhay) french [from OldFrench dragie, possibly from Latintragemata sweetmeats] noun a sugarcoatednut or sweet with a hard sugarcoating; also applied to sugar-coatedpills containing drugs or medicine.dramatis personae (drambtis personee,drambtis personi) latin [charactersof a drama] noun phrase the castof a play or other public performance,or the characters in a novel, poem, ordrama; also used more widely of theparticipants involved in any particularevent: “I am afraid we should get a gooddeal confused even in reading our Shakespeareif we did not look back now and thenat the dramatis personae” (Oliver WendellHolmes, Over the Teacups, 1891).dramaturge (drambterj), dramaturg(drambterg) greek [dramatourgosdrama worker] noun a dramatist, aperson with skills and experience oftheatrical writing and techniques.dreck (drek) yiddish [from drekexcrement, from German Dreck fi lth]noun (slang) trash, especially shoddymerchandise: “That store sells a load ofold dreck!”dressage (drbsahzh, dresahj) french[dressing, preparing, from dresser totrain] noun the practice of traininghorses to perform drill movements127

droitwith minimal guidance by the rider, ora competition in which such skills aredisplayed and tested: “The team cameaway with gold medals in the showjumpingand dressage events.”droit (droit, drwah) french [right,from neuter of Latin directus just,straight] noun a legal right or claim,or the law in general.droit du seigneur (drwah due saynyoor),droit de seigneur french[right of the lord] noun phrase thesupposed right of a feudal lord toclaim the virginity of his vassal’sbride on her wedding night: “Shewas a commoner, and had been sent hereon her bridal night by Sir Breuse SancePite, a neighboring lord whose vassal herfather was, and to which said lord shehad refused what has since been calledle droit du seigneur, and, moreover, hadopposed violence to violence and spilthalf a gill of his almost sacred blood.”(Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee,1889).D.S.See dal segno.duce (doochay), Duce italian [leader,title borne by Fascist dictator BenitoMussolini (1883–1945), from Latindux leader] noun leader (generallyused derogatively). See also führer.duenna (dooenb, dyooenb) spanish[governess, from Latin domina mistress]noun a Spanish or Portuguesegoverness, usually a woman of matureyears who traditionally acted as chaperonto younger unmarried women:“Well; what do you think my senior duennadid—the female one, I mean? She tookmy own carriage, and posted off after Mr.Palliser as hard as ever she could, leavingthe male duenna on the watch.” (AnthonyTrollope, Can You Forgive Her?, 1864).duffle (dbfbl), duffel dutch [afterthe town of Duffel, Belgium] noun acoarse woolen material used formaking bags, coats, and other items~adjective of or relating to garmentsmade of such material: “The captainarrived on the bridge in a blue duffle coatand steel helmet.”dulce et decorum est (dblchay etdekorbm est) latin [abbreviatedform of dulce et decorum est pro patriamori it is sweet and fi tting to die forone’s country, from the Odes of theGreek poet Horace (65–8 b.c.)] nounphrase it is right and proper to diefor one’s own country: “Sacred to thememory of George Osborne, Junior, Esq.,late a Captain in his Majesty’s—theregiment of foot, who fell on the 18th ofJune, 1815, aged 28 years, while fightingfor his king and country in the gloriousvictory of Waterloo. Dulce et decorum estpro patria mori.” (William MakepeaceThackeray, Vanity Fair, 1847–48).duma (doomb), douma russian[council] noun the lower house ofthe postcommunist Russian legislature128

dybbuk(formerly the national legislature inprerevolutionary Russia).dumdum (dbmdbm), dum dum hindi[after the arsenal in the town of DumDum, near Calcutta, India] noun a typeof hollow-nosed bullet that expandsexplosively on hitting its target, withdevastating effect: “The dumdum bulletsused by the rebels inflicted serious woundsupon government troops.”dummkopf (dbmkopf) german [dumbhead, from dumm stupid and Kopfhead] noun a blockhead, stupid person,idiot.dungarees (dbngbreez) hindi [fromdugri] plural noun a set of workingcoveralls made from coarse hardwearingdenim fabric: “Most of the workerswear dungarees and broad-brimmedhats when toiling in the fields.”duomo (dwomo) italian [dome, fromLatin domus house] noun (plural duomosor duomi, dwomee) an Italiancathedral: “Even in our own day a Milanesemerchant could leave five hundredthousand francs to the Duomo, to regildthe colossal statue of the Virgin that crownsthe edifice” (Honoré de Balzac, CousinBette, 1846).duplex (doopleks) latin [twofold]noun an apartment with rooms ontwo floors, or otherwise divided intotwo separate parts: “His brother lives ina luxurious duplex with commanding viewsof the city.” ~adjective twofold, double,having two parts.durbar (derbahr) hindi [from darbarcourt, from Persian dar door and baraudience] noun a formal reception orcourt held in the presence of royalty:“The ambassador presented his new attachéto the prince at a durbar the followingweek.”duvet (d(y)oovay, d(y)oovay) french[down] noun a thick quilt used as abed covering instead of blankets andsheets: “She pulled the duvet up over herhead and told him she intended to stay inbed all day.”D.V.See deo volente.dybbuk (dibbk), dibbuk yiddish[from Hebrew dibbuq ghost, fromdabaq to cling] noun (plural dybbuks,dibbuks, dybbukim or dibukkim,dibbkeem) in Jewish mythology,a malevolent wandering spirit thatseeks to possess living mortals andcan only be driven out by exorcism.129

åååeåeau de Cologne (o db kblon), eau-de-Cologne french [water of Cologne,after Cologne, Germany] noun phrase(plural eaux de Cologne, o db kblon,oz db kblon) a scented perfume firstmanufactured at Cologne, Germany:“He doused himself liberally in eau deCologne and admired himself in the mirror.”~shortened form cologne.eau de Nil (o db neel), eau-de-Nilfrench [water of the Nile] nounphrase a pale green color: “Her facehad turned the same hue of eau-de-Nil asher dress.”eau de toilette (o db twahlet) french[toilet water] noun phrase a lightlyscented perfume: “The pure perfumewas too expensive, so I bought the eau detoilette.”eau de vie (o db vee), eau-de-viefrench [water of life, after Latin aquavitae] noun phrase (plural eaux de vie,o db vee, oz db vee) a clear brandydistilled from fermented fruit juice:“He kindles this heap in a twinkling, andproduces a jorum of hot brandy and water;for that bottle of his keeps company withthe seasons, and now holds nothing butthe purest eau de vie.” (Charles Dickens,Pictures from Italy, 1846).Ecce Agnus Dei (ekee agnbs dayee)latin [behold the lamb of God]interjection phrase (in Christianity)“Behold the Lamb of God!”, the wordsuttered by John the Baptist when hesaw Jesus approaching the river Jordanfor his baptism.ecce homo (echee, eksee homo) latin[see the person] interjection beholdthe man. ~noun phrase a depictionof Jesus wearing a crown of thorns(recalling the words spoken to thecrowd by Pontius Pilate when Jesuswas brought before him): “The partytook note of the sacred spot, and movedon. We passed under the ‘Ecce Homo Arch,’and saw the very window from whichPilate’s wife warned her husband to havenothing to do with the persecution of theJust Man”. (Mark Twain, The InnocentsAbroad, 1869).131

effendi (efendee) turkish [master,from Greek authentes lord, master]noun a title of respect reserved formen of authority, education, or propertyin Arab or eastern Mediterraeccesignumecce signum (ekee signbm) latin [seethe sign] interjection behold the sign(or proof).echelon (eshblon(g), echblon(g)),échelon french [rung of a ladder,from échelle ladder] noun a militaryformation in which units are staggeredin a series of steps, or, moregenerally, any step, level, or grade, orthe individuals who have attained thatgrade: “After years in the junior post, sheeventually made her way into the upperechelons of the organization.”echt (ekt) german [genuine] adjectivegenuine, authentic, pure: “The old ladywas an echt Russian countess.”éclair (ayklair, eklair, iklair) french[lightning] noun a pastry filled withwhipped cream or custard and toppedwith icing: “He resolutely refused toconsider adopting any diet that precludedconsumption of chocolate éclairs.”éclat (aykla) french [splinter, burst,from éclater to burst out] noun brilliantsuccess, radiance, splendor, adazzling effect, acclaim, or an ostentatiousor pompous display: “The distressingexplanation she had to make toHarriet, and all that poor Harriet wouldbe suffering, with the awkwardness offuture meetings, the difficulties of continuingor discontinuing the acquaintance, ofsubduing feelings, concealing resentment,and avoiding éclat, were enough to occupyher in most unmirthful reflections sometime longer. . .” (Jane Austen, Emma,1816).eco- (eeko, eko) greek [from oikoshouse] prefix ecol ogy or the environment,e.g., eco- friendly, ecowarrior.ecru (aykroo, ekroo), écru french[raw, unbleached] noun a lightbrown, unbleached color. ~adjectiveunbleached, beige in color.edelweiss (aydblvis) german [fromedel noble and weiss white] noun amountain plant with small white flowersthat is native to Eu rope.editio princeps (ayditeeo prinkeps,idisheeo prinseps) latin [first edition]noun phrase (plural editiones principes,ayditeeonbs prinkbpbs, idisheeoneezprinsbpbs) the first printededition of a literary work previouslyknown only in manuscript form: “Hehad the scent of a slow-hound, sir, and thesnap of a bull-dog. He would detect you anold black-letter ballad among the leaves ofa law-paper, and find an editio princepsunder the mask of a school Corderius.”(Walter Scott, The Antiquary, 1816).~abbreviated form E.P., e.p.132

elixirnean cultures: “The shopkeeper eyed thestranger suspiciously. ‘Can I be of service,effendi?’ he inquired in a hostile tone.”effleurage (eflbrahzh) french [fromeffleurer to stroke lightly] noun astroking movement in massage, madewith the pads of the fingertips or thepalms of the hands.effluvium (efiooveebm) latin [a flowingout] noun (plural effluviums oreffluvia, eflooveeb) an outflowingof some kind, especially of evil-smellingwaste material.e.g.See exempli gratia.ego (eego, ego) latin [I] noun (pluralegos) the self or self-respect,self-esteem, egotism, arrogance: “Hisfather’s ego had been bruised by theencounter, and no words passed betweenthem all the way home.”Eid (eed), Id arabic [id feast] nounthe Muslim festival that marks the endof Ramadan, the month of fasting ( fullform Eid ul-Fitr); also the festival thatmarks the end of the annual pilgrimageto Mecca ( full form Eid ul-Adha),remembering the willingness of Ibrahim(Abraham) to sacrifice his son.eidolon (idolbn) greek [phantom,idea] noun (plural eidolons or eidola,idolb) an insubstantial image, orideal.eisteddfod (istedfod) welsh [session,from eistedd to sit and bod being] noun(plural eisteddfods or eisteddfodau,istedfodi) a competitive Welsh festivalof the arts: “This year’s eisteddfodincludes appearances by many performersfrom beyond Welsh borders.”élan (aylahn, elan) french [outburst,impetus, from élancer to hurl,rush forth] noun enthusiasm, spirit,vivacity, zest.élan vital (aylahn veetahl) french[vital spirit] noun phrase the lifeforce, the creative principle, motivatingpower.El Dorado (el dbrahdo), Eldoradospanish [the gilded one, after thefabled city of gold sought by 16thcenturySpanish conquistadores inSouth America] noun a place wherefabulous wealth or opportunity isreputed to be found: “The town hasbecome a real El Dorado for those seekingpeace and quiet in an exotic setting.”elite (ayleet, eleet), élite french[choice, pick, past participle of élire tochoose] noun the choice, the cream,or the best part of something, oftenreferring to the most select persons insociety: “Many people still think that Englandis run by a small, privileged elite.”elixir (eliksbr) arabic [al-iksir, probablyfrom Greek xerion drying powder]133

ellipsisnoun a medicinal preparation, formerlyone alleged to have the powerto cure all ills, to bestow the gift ofeverlasting life, or to have the powerof turning base metal into gold: “As,put the case, / That some great Man, instate, he have the Gout, / Why you but sendthree droppes of your Elixir, / You help himstraight: There you have made a Friend”(Ben Jonson, The Alchemist, 1610).ellipsis (ilipsis) greek [omission, fromelleipsis ellipse, from elleipein to leaveout] noun (plural ellipses, ilipseez) aseries of dots, asterisks, or othermarks indicating the omission of oneor more words in a piece of writing,a pause, or a sudden change in topic;such an omission.Elohim (elohim, eloheem) hebrew[plural Eloah gods] noun (in theHebrew Bible) a Hebrew term forGod.El Niño (el neenyo), el Niño spanish[the Christ child, referring to thecoincidence of the phenomenon withthe Christmas period] noun phrase(plural El Niños, el neenyoz) asouthward fl ow of warm surfacewater that occurs periodically inthe east Pacifi c, exerting a profoundinfl uence upon world weather patternsand ecology. Also, La Niña, aclimactic fl uctuation in the equatorialpacifi c that results in coolerwater than usual off of coastal Peruand Ecuador: “Scientists have tentativelyblamed the rise in rainfall upon the climacticchanges resulting from El Niño.”Elysium (ilizeebm) greek [from Elysionpedion plain, field] noun (pluralElysiums or Elysia, ilizeeb) the paradisewhere the dead dwell accordingto Greek and Roman mythology;by extension, any place or state ofcontentment: “I suppose this Halifaxwould have appeared an Elysium, thoughit had been a curiosity of ugly dullness”(Charles Dickens, American Notes,1842). ~adjective Elysian (ilizeebn)of or relating to Elysium, or anythingblissful or delightful.embarcadero (embahrkbdairo) spanish[from embarcar to embark] noun alanding place where ships may loadand unload.embargo (embahrgo, imbahrgo) spanish[attachment, arrest, from embargarto bar, to restrain] noun (plural embargoes,embahrgoz, imbahrgoz) a prohibitionor impediment to something,especially an official order preventingcommercial contacts with a particularstate: “The company is accused of trying tobreak the oil embargo.” ~verb to imposean embargo, thus preventing commercialactivity or transportation.embarras de choix (ombara db shwa)french [embarrassment of choice]noun phrase a bewildering variety134

émigréof options, too much to choose from:“At the market there was an embarras dechoix—a huge variety of fruit and vegetablesfrom every corner of the globe.”embarras de richesse (ombara dbreeshes) french [embarrassment ofwealth] noun phrase (plural embarrasde richesses) an embarrassmentof riches, an overabundance ofwealth, information, opportunities,or resources.embolus (embblbs) latin [piston,from Greek embolus stopper] noun(plural emboli, embblee) a substance,such as a blood clot or aforeign body, that travels through thebloodstream until it causes an obstructionby blocking a blood vessel: “Postsurgery,moving about will reduce the riskof pulmonary embolus.”embonpoint (om(g)bon(g)pwan(g))french [from en bon point in goodcondition] noun plumpness, stoutness(often referring to a woman).~adjective plump, stout.embouchure (ombooshoor) french[from s’emboucher to put into themouth, discharge by mouth] noun theposition of a musician’s mouth and lipsand tongue in playing a wind instrument;also refers to the mouthpiece ofa wind instrument: “The child needs topractice her embouchure if she is to progressfurther on the clarinet.”embourgeoisement (emboorzhwahzmbnt)french [from embourgeoiserto make bourgeois] noun the adoptionof bourgeois values, interests, oropinions: “The old man shook his headsadly, regretting the embourgeoisement ofhis children’s generation.”embrasure (imbrayzhb, embrayzhb)french [from embraser to widen anopening] noun an opening in a wallor parapet for the firing of cannon, ormore generally a recess for a door orwindow: “She sat with him in the adjoiningroom, in the embrasure of the window,for the rest of the evening” (Henry James,Daisy Miller, 1879).embroglioSee imbroglio.emeritus (imeritbs) latin [welldeserved,past participle of emererito deserve] adjective of or relatingto an honorary title retained afterretirement: “Unlike most of his contemporaries,he refused to use the honorarytitle of professor emeritus except whenundertaking public speaking engagements.”~noun (plural emeriti, imeritee,imeriti) a person who afterretirement retains an honorary titleequivalent to that held during hisor her working life. ~noun, feminineemerita (emeritb).émigré (emigray), emigré french[past participle of émigrer to emigrate]noun an emigrant, a person135

éminence griseobliged to live in exile: “The émigrésgather in the same bar most evenings toexchange nostalgic memories of the oldcountry.” ~noun, feminine émigrée,emigrée. ~adjective of or relating toan émigré or a life in exile.éminence grise (embnons greez)french [gray eminence, after thenickname of Cardinal Richelieu’sconfederate Père Joseph François duTremblay (1577–1638)] noun (pluraléminences grises) a confi dentialagent who exerts enormous infl u-ence behind the scenes without holdingany offi cial position: “For years thewily old man had acted as a sort of éminencegrise, pulling strings and bendingears on behalf of the president.”emir (emeer, aymeer) arabic [amircommander] noun a ruler, lord, orcommander in an Islamic country.emporium (imporeebm, emporeebm)greek [emporion place of trade, market]noun (plural emporiums oremporia, imporeeb, emporeeb) acommercial center or store, a retailoutlet: “San Francisco was no longerthe legendary city of 1849—a city ofbanditti, assassins, and incendiaries, whohad flocked hither in crowds in pursuit ofplunder; a paradise of outlaws, where theygambled with gold-dust, a revolver in onehand and a bowie-knife in the other: itwas now a great commercial emporium”(Jules Verne, Around the World in 80Days, 1873).en avant (on avon(g)) french [inadvance] interjection phrase forward,onward: “The officers ordered the companyforward with shouts of ‘en avant!’and much brandishing of swords.”en banc (on bon(g)) french [on thebench] adverb phrase in full court.~adjective phrase in full court.en bloc (on blok) french [in a block]adverb phrase all together, collectively,as a body: “The estate of Silas Deemer beingin the hands of an administrator who hadthought it best to dispose of the ‘business,’ thestore had been closed ever since the owner’sdeath, the goods having been removed byanother ‘merchant’ who had purchased themen bloc” (Ambrose Bierce, Can SuchThings Be?). ~adjective phrase made ordone as one, all together.en brochette (on broshet) french[on a skewer] adjective phrase cookedon a skewer: “Oysters en brochette is apopular Creole dish.”enceinte (onsant) french [pregnant,from Latin inciens being with young,from Greek enkyos pregnant] adjectivepregnant: “I mean that M. de Nargonne,your first husband, being neither a philosophernor a banker, or perhaps being both,and seeing there was nothing to be got outof a king’s attorney, died of grief or angerat fi nding, after an absence of nine months,that you had been enceinte six” (AlexandreDumas, The Count of Monte Cristo,1844–45).136

enfant terribleenchanté (onshontay) french[en chanted, past participle ofenchanter to charm, to enchant, fromLatin incantare to chant a magic formulaagainst] adjective charmed,enchanted, delighted (usually inresponse when being introduced tosomeone).enchilada (enchblahdb) spanish [feminineof enchilado, past participle ofenchilar to season with chili] noun afi lled tortilla rolled and baked withchili sauce.en clair (on klair) french [in clear]adverb phrase in plain language,clearly. ~adjective phrase clear, unambiguous.enclave (onklayv) french [enclosure,from enclaver to enclose] noun aregion, area, or community that isentirely enclosed within foreign territoryor otherwise alien surroundings:“The hotel provided an enclave forthe expatriate community.”encomium (enkomeebm) greek[enkomion eulogy, panegyric] noun(plural encomiums or encomia,enkomeeb) an expression of praise,a eulogy: “‘This part was raised by orderof the first of the Seleucidae. Three hundredyears have made it part of the rock it restsupon.’ The defence justified the encomium.High, solid, and with many bold angles,it curved southwardly out of view” (LawWallace, Ben Hur, 1880).encore (onkor) french [again, oncemore, possibly from Latin hanc horamwithin this hour] interjection again!(in requesting that a performancebe repeated). ~noun a request by anaudience for a performance of somekind to be repeated, or the repeatedperformance itself; a request forthe performers to follow up with aper formance of an additional (usuallybrief) work. “No doubt he hadapplauded for an ‘encore’ when he dancedwith Ella Dowling, gave Ella the samegenial look, and said, ‘That’s splendid!’When the ‘encore’ was over, Alice spoketo him for the first time” (Booth Tarkington,Alice Adams, 1921). ~verb torepeat a performance, or request thatit be repeated.en croûte (on kroot) french [in crust]adverb phrase cooked in. ~adjectivephrase cooked in pastry: “The next itemon the menu was boeuf en croûte, beautifullypresented surrounded with glazedvegetables.”en famille (on famee) french [infamily] adverb phrase at home, withone’s family, informally: “I always callher Henny, en famille, and I look uponyou as almost one of us since our travels”(James Fenimore Cooper, Autobiographyof a Pocket-Handkerchief, 1843).enfant terrible (onfon(g) tbreeb,onfon(g) tbreeblb) french [terriblechild] noun phrase (plural enfants terribles)an unruly child or a person137

enfant trouvéwho is known for unorthodox oroutrageous behavior, often applied toavant-garde figures in the arts world:“‘Am I worse than other people, or better?I think I’m worse.’ ‘Enfant terrible, enfantterrible!’ repeated Betsy” (Leo Tolstoy,Anna Karenina, 1874–76).enfant trouvé (onfon(g) troovay)french [found child] noun phrase(plural enfants trouvés) an abandonedchild with unknown parents,a foundling.en fête (on fet) french [in festival]adjective phrase in a festive mood orholiday spirit, or wearing gala attire.enfilade (enfblayd) french [fromenfiler to thread on a string] noun inmilitary jargon, a position offeringcommand over the entire length of aline, or gunfire directed from such aposition: “As soon as the first line left thetrenches it was subjected to an enfilade fromthe right flank.” ~verb to rake the entirelength of a line of troops with gunfire.engagé (ongazhay) french [engaged,past participle of engager to engage]adjective committed (to a politicalcause, for example).en garde (on gard) french [onguard] beware, watch out! (traditionallyused as a challenge in fencing):“The two rivals raised their blades andwith challenges of ‘en garde’ circled oneanother warily.”enigma (enigmb) greek [ainigma,from ainos fable] noun (plural enigmasor enigmata, enigmahtb) a mysteryor puzzle, something or someoneconsidered diffi cult to understand:“She had drawn lines in the shape of a crossover the sphinx and sent him a message tosay that the solution of the enigma was thecross” (Ivan Turgenev, Fathers and Sons,1862).en masse (on mas) french [in amass] adverb phrase in a body, asa whole, as one, collectively: “Thenthe March family turned out en masse,and Jo exerted herself to some purpose,for people not only came, but stayed,laughing at her nonsense, admiring Amy’staste, and apparently enjoying themselvesvery much” (Louisa May Alcott, LittleWomen, 1868–69).ennui (onwee) french [annoyance,from Latin in odio, from mihi in odioest it is hateful to me] noun (pluralennuis) boredom, tedium, listlessness:“She threw down the book and surrenderedherself to the ennui that had beenthreatening her all morning.” ~adjectiveennuyant (onweeon) french [boring,present participle of ennuyer to bore]boring.Enosis (inosis) greek [from henosisunion, from henoun to unite] noun apolitical movement seeking the unionof Greece and Cyprus.en papilloteSee papillote.138

entourageen passant (on pason(g)) french [inpassing] adverb phrase in passing, incidentally,by the way: “We merely suggest,en passant, that some of our best citizensmight deem it a wonderful and beauteousthing if, in addition to paying the fine, Mr.Louden could serve for the loyal Happy hissix months in the Bastile!” (Booth Tarkington,Conquest of Canaan, 1905).en pension (on ponsyon(g), on ponshon(g))french [in board and lodging]adverb phrase living in lodgingsor as a boarder. ~adjective phrase livingin lodgings or as a boarder.en plein air (on plan air) french [infull air] adverb phrase in the open air.enragé (onrazhay) french [enraged,mad, past participle of enrager toenrage] noun a fanatic or enthusiast.en rapport (on rapor) french [inconnection, in contact] adjectivephrase in harmony, in agreement:“It would appear that the negotiators arenow en rapport about the future course ofthe project.”en route (on root) french [on theway] adverb phrase on the way, alongthe way, in transit: “The documents areen route and will be with you by tomorrow.”~adjective phrase on the way, along theway, in transit.ensemble (onsombbl) french [together,from Latin insimul at the sametime] noun a group (of musicians,actors, or performers) working as awhole to produce a single effect; alsoapplied to parts of machinery and setsof clothing: “The whole ensemble wastopped off with a jaunty little cloche hatwith a yellow feather stuck in it.”en suite (on sweet) french [in succession]adverb phrase in a series, insuccession, in a row, or connected,leading to another, or part of a matchingset. ~adjective phrase in a series,in succession, or connected, leadingto another, or part of a matching set:“They want to reserve a bedroom with anen suite bathroom.”entente (ontont) french [arrangement,understanding] noun anagreement or understanding betweennations on a common course ofaction.entente cordiale (ontont kordeeal)french [cordial understanding,hearty agreement] noun phrase (pluralententes cordiales) a cordialor friendly agreement or workingrelationship, especially between governments:“The entente cordiale betweenBritain and France in 1904 formed thebasis of Anglo-French cooperation in WorldWar I.”entourage (ontoorahzh, ontoorahzh)french [circle of friends, fromentourer to surround] noun a person’sretinue, attendants, or associates, or139

entrepôt (ontrbpo) french [warehouse,from entreposer to put between,to store] noun a storehouse or anintermediate port or staging post fortrade, where goods for import andexport may be stored temporarily:“The great trade of Rouen and Bordeauxseems to be altogether the effect of theirsituation. Rouen is necessarily the entrepotof almost all the goods which are broughteither from foreign countries, or from themaritime provinces of France, for the conentr’actemore rarely a person’s surroundingsor environment: “The queen arrivedwith her entourage around midnight.”entr’acte (ontrakt) french [betweenthe acts, from entre between and acteact] noun an interval during a play,or a dance or piece of music playedduring such an interval: “A trio of fiddlersentertained the audience during theentr’acte.”en train (on tran(g)) french [in train]adverb phrase in train, under way,afoot.en travesti (on travestee) french [intravesty] adverb phrase wearing theclothes of the opposite sex: “As an actorhe was always being asked to perform entravesti, usually in light comedy and revue.”entrechat (ontrbshah) french [fromItalian capriola intrecciata complicatedcaper] noun in ballet, a leap duringwhich a dancer strikes the heelstogether or crosses the legs severaltimes in quick succession.entrecôte (ontrbkot), entrecotefrench [between rib] noun a sirloinsteak cut from between theribs: “The minister dined off an entrecotesteak, washed down with a bottle of goodred wine.”entrée (ontray, ontray), entree french[entrance] noun an entrance, or permissionto enter; alternatively, the firstpart of a piece of music or public performance:“The old woman racked herbrains trying to decide which connection sheshould exploit to secure the best entrée intosociety for her young niece.” Also refers tothe main course of a meal (originally adish served between the fish course andthe main meat course).entremets (ontrbmayz, ontrbmayz)french [between-dish, from Latinintermissus, past participle of intermittereto intermit] plural noun a sidedish, a dish served between the maincourses of a meal (sometimes referringto the dessert).entre nous (ontrb noo) french[between us] adverb phrase betweenourselves, in confidence: “His answerwas, ‘I have given out that she is to sailon Saturday next; but I may let you know,entre nous, that if you are there by Mondaymorning, you will be in time, but donot delay longer’” (Benjamin Franklin,Autobiography, 1793).140

épéesumption of the great city of Paris” (AdamSmith, Wealth of Nations, 1776).entrepreneur (ontrbprbner) french[from entreprendre to undertake] nouna person who pursues an independentcourse in business, typically setting upand running his or her own projectsor companies: “He was a bold entrepreneurwho enjoyed arranging profitablebusiness deals.”entrez (ontray) french [you enter]verb enter (in response to a knockon the door etc.): “Next day at teno’clock Levin, who had already gone hisrounds, knocked at the room where Vassenkahad been put for the night. ‘Entrez!’ Veslovskycalled to him” (Leo Tolstoy, AnnaKarenina, 1874–76).environs (envirbnz, envibrbnz) french[area, vicinity, plural of environ surrounding]plural noun the immediatevicinity or neighborhood, often referringto the outlying areas of an urbandistrict: “The unsalubrious environs didlittle to encourage patrons to venture outto the restaurant.”envoi (envoi), envoy french [message,from envoyer to send] noun theconcluding words or section of a pieceof poetry or other writing, often acommendation or dedication fromthe author.en voyage (on voyahzh) french [ona journey] adverb phrase while traveling:“The lamps are lighted up all of asudden. The music plays the old air fromJohn of Paris, Ah quel plaisir d’etre en voyage”(William Makepeace Thackeray,Vanity Fair, 1847).eo nomine (eeo nominee) latin [bythat name, ablative of id nomen thatname] adverb phrase by or under thatname, in that name.E.p., e.p.See editio princeps.épater les bourgeois (aypatay layborzhwa) french [to amaze the bourgeois,attributed to Alexandre Privated’Anglemont (d. 1859)] adverbphrase in order to shock conventionalsociety: “You refer to things notgenerally known by your readers withoutexplanation—a thing which inferiorpeople do to ‘épater les bourgeois’” (OliverWendell Holmes, Letters).epaulette (epblet, epblet), epauletfrench [from épaulette, from épauleshoulder, ultimately from Latin spatulaspoon (after the shape)] noun anornamental shoulder piece commonlyattached to military uniforms, rangingfrom a simple loop or tab to a moreelaborate trimming indicating the rankof officer: “As a major he wore a smartscarlet uniform with gold epaulettes.”épée (epay, aypay) french [fromLatin spatha spoon, sword] noun afencing or duelling sword with atriangular blade having a sharp point141

ephemerabut no cutting edge: “He picked up thefallen épée and found that there was bloodon the point.”ephemera (efembrb) greek [pluralof ephemeron on a day] noun (pluralephemeras or ephemerae, efembree)something of transitory nature or significance;also applied to collectionsof everyday printed or written items(such as tickets or posters) that werenever intended to last beyond theirimmediate use: “He had a vast collectionof railroad travel ephemera.”epithalamium (epbthblaymeebm)greek [epithalamion bridal chamber]noun (plural epithalamiums or epithalamia,epbthblaymeeb) a songor poem written in celebration of awedding.epitome (epitbmee) greek [epitemneinto cut short] noun a summaryor abstract of a written document,or the embodiment of something:“Thus Uncle Venner was a miscellaneousold gentleman, partly himself, but, ingood measure, somebody else; patchedtogether, too, of different epochs; anepitome of times and fashions” (NathanielHawthorne, The House of the SevenGables, 1851).e pluribus unum (ay ploorbbbs oonbm)latin [out of many, one] noun phraseone out of many (motto of the UnitedStates of America): “The more youexamine the structure of the organs andthe laws of life, the more you will findhow resolutely each of the cell-republicswhich make up the E pluribus unum of thebody maintains its independence” (OliverWendell Holmes, Medical Essays,1883).ergo (ergo) latin [therefore] adverbtherefore, hence, consequently: “. . .hethat loves my / flesh and blood is myfriend: ergo, he that kisses / my wife is myfriend” (William Shakespeare, All’s Wellthat Ends Well, c. 1602).Eros (eebros) greek [after Eros, theGreek god of love, from eros sexuallove] noun sexual desire, the personificationof erotic enjoyment; alsoused to refer to the sexual urge.erotica (erotikb) greek [erotika] nounworks of art, literature, and othermedia that depict sexual love: “Hiscollection of erotica was much admired byhis friends.”errare humanum est (erahree hoomahnbmest) latin [to err is human]noun phrase it is only human to makemistakes: “In short, doctor, although Iknow you to be the most conscientiousman in the world, and although I placethe utmost reliance in you, I want, notwithstandingmy conviction, to believethis axiom, errare humanum est” (AlexandreDumas, The Count of MonteCristo, 1844).142

esplanadeerratum (erahtbm) latin [from erratus,neuter past participle of errare to err]noun (plural errata, erahtb) an error,a mistake (especially in a printed orwritten work; also, a printed list identifyingsuch errors and giving their corrections):“I wrote him an ingenuous letterof acknowledgment, crav’d his forbearancea little longer, which he allow’d me, and assoon as I was able, I paid the principal withinterest, and many thanks; so that erratumwas in some degree corrected” (BenjaminFranklin, Autobiography, 1793).ersatz (ersats, erzats) german [fromErsatz substitute, replacement] nouna substitute or inferior imitation.~adjective substitute, imitation, fake,inferior: “He grimaced as he swalloweda mouthful of gray ersatz coffee, then putthe cup down.”escabeche (eskbbechee) spanish [pickled,from Arabic sakba] noun (inMexican cuisine) a spicy marinademade with vinegar or citrus juice,onion, jalapeño peppers, and seasonings,used to flavor and preserve fishor meat.escargot (eskahgo) french [snail,from Provençal escaragol] noun anedible snail.escritoire (eskrbtwah) french [writingdesk, from Latin scriptorium]noun a writing table, writing desk,or bureau: “The note arriving at maturity,the diddler, with the diddler’s dog,calls upon the friend, and the promise topay is made the topic of discussion. Thefriend produces it from his escritoire, andis in the act of reaching it to the diddler,when up jumps the diddler’s dog anddevours it forthwith” (Edgar Allan Poe,“The Devil in the Belfry,” 1839).esophagus (isofbgbs), oesophagusgreek [from oisophagos, from oiseinto be going to carry and phagein toeat] noun (plural esophagi isofbgi,isofbji) the canal leading from themouth to the stomach; the gullet.esoterica (eesoterikb) greek [fromesoterika inner things] noun mysteriousor arcane items reserved forinspection by a select few; often referringspecifically to pornographic writings:“The rest of the shelves were filledwith volumes of esoterica, ranging fromdiaries to bestselling blockbusters.”espadrille (espbdril, espbdril) french[from Provençal espardilhos, ultimatelyfrom Greek sparton rope] noun atype of sandal with a canvas upperand a flexible rope sole: “The sailorswore espadrilles and barely made a soundas they ran about the decks.”esplanade (esplbnayd, esplbnayd)french [level space, from Italian spianareto level] noun a stretch of levelground suitable for walkers, usuallyrunning alongside a shore, river, or143

espressivoroad: “Rearward of the structure whichgraced the entrance-way—a purely Grecianpile—he stood upon a broad esplanadepaved with polished stone. . .” (LewWallace, Ben Hur, 1880).espressivo (espreseevo, espresivo)italian [expressive, from Latin exprimereto express] adverb in music, aninstruction for a passage to be playedwith expression. ~adjective in music,expressive.espresso (espreso) italian [from caffèespresso pressed out coffee, squeezedcoffee] noun strong coffee brewedby forcing steam or boiling waterthrough ground coffee beans: “Thewoman chose a seat near the door andordered an espresso from one of the waiters.”~adjective of or relating to suchcoffee, or a place where such coffeeis served.esprit (espree) french [spirit, fromLatin spiritus spirit] noun livelinessof wit or vivacity, sprightliness, zest:“The interviewers are usually impervious tosuch demonstrations of charm and esprit.”esprit de corps (espree de kor) french[spirit of body] noun phrase teamspirit, public spirit, the enthusiasm,devotion, or sense of honor sharedby the members of a particulargroup or organization: “It’s not thatI don’t approve of the Mingotts’ espritde corps; but why Newland’s engagementshould be mixed up with that Olenskawoman’s comings and goings I don’t see,”Mrs. Archer grumbled to Janey, the onlywitness of her slight lapses from perfectsweetness” (Edith Wharton, The Age ofInnocence, 1920).esprit de l’escalier (espree db leskalyay),esprit d’escalier french [witof the stair, attributed to the Frenchphilosopher Denis Diderot (1713–84)]noun phrase a clever or witty rejoinderthat a person thinks of only after theopportunity for it has passed.- esque (esk) french [in the style of]suffix in the style of or similar to,e.g., Kafkaesque, Reubenesque.esse (esee) latin [being, from esseto be] noun in philosophy, the essentialbeing or essence of someone orsomething.estaminet (estaminay) french [fromWalloon staminé byre] noun a smallcafé, bistro, or bar: “‘There’s not muchto do here, by way of amusement,’ said theMajor. ‘A movie show tonight, and youcan get anything you want at the estaminet,—theone on the square, opposite theEnglish tank, is the best’” (Willa Cather,One of Ours, 1922).estrus (estrbs), oestrus (eestrbs)greek [oistros gadfly, frenzy] noun aperiod during the monthly cycle infemale mammals marking the pointwhen they will most readily acceptmates and are most likely to conceive;144

et tu, Brute?heat; the rut: “The dog should come intoestrus within a few days.”et al.See et alibi; et alii.et alibi (et albbi) latin [and elsewhere]adverb phrase and elsewhere(used in bibliographical references).~abbreviated form et al.et alii (et aleei), et alia (et aleeb)latin [and others] adverb phrase andothers. ~abbreviated form et al.et cetera (et setbrb, et setrb) latin[and others] adverb phrase and therest, and so on, and so forth: “To him,Patroclus; tell him I humbly desire the /valiant Ajax to invite the most valorousHector / to come unarmed to my tent, andto procure / safe-conduct for his person ofthe magnanimous / and most illustrioussix-or-seven-times-honored / captain-generalof the Grecian army, Agamemnon, /et cetera” (William Shakespeare, Troilusand Cressida, c. 1601). ~noun phrase(plural etceteras) odds and ends, sundries,extras. ~abbreviated form etc.ethos (eethos) greek [custom, character]noun the character, nature,values, or beliefs of an individual,group, region, or age: “Virtue, then,being of two kinds, intellectual and moral,intellectual virtue in the main owes bothits birth and its growth to teaching (forwhich reason it requires experience andtime), while moral virtue comes about asa result of habit, whence also its name(ethike) is one that is formed by a slightvariation from the word ethos (habit)”(Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, fourthcentury b.c.).etiquette (etiket, etikbt) french [frométiquette ticket, label] noun the rulesof personal conduct that individuals areexpected to observe in polite societyor in ceremonial circumstances: “. . .thefew gun-room officers there at the timehad, in due observance of naval etiquette,withdrawn to leeward the moment CaptainVere had begun his promenade on the deck’sweather-side. . .” (Herman Melville, BillyBudd, 1924).et sequens (et sekwenz) latin [abbreviationof et sequentes and the followingone] noun phrase and the following(in bibliographical references, etc.).~abbreviated form et seq. (plural etseqq. or et sqq.).- ette (et) french [small] suffix denotingsmallness, e.g., kitchenette, or femininegender, e.g., majorette.et tu, Brute? (et too brootay) latin[and you, Brutus?, from the accusationreputedly leveled by the dyingJulius Caesar against his friend Brutusafter the latter revealed himselfas one of the conspirators involvedin Caesar’s assassination] interjectionyou also, Brutus? (an accusation ofbetrayal leveled against a friend suspectedof betraying the speaker, usuallyspoken in jest).145

étudeétude (ayt(y)ood), etude french[study] noun a musical compositionwritten or played as a technical exerciseor for the sake of displaying virtuosity:“He consented to play two briefChopin études for the assembled company,but refused point-blank to play anythingfrom his new opera.”euphoria (yooforeeb) greek [euphoroshealthy] noun a state of well-beingor a feeling of elation, exhilaration,joy, optimism: “Euphoria swept over himwhen he heard the news of his success.”eureka (yooreekb) greek [fromGreek heureka I have found it, as supposedlyuttered by Archimedes (287–212 b.c.) while in his bath when heworked out the principle of specificdiscovery] interjection an expressionof triumph usually uttered on makinga discovery of some kind: “Whenhe remembered suddenly his steward’swife he must have exclaimed eureka withparticular exultation” (Joseph Conrad,Chance, 1914).euthanasia (yoothbnayzeeb) greek [agood death, from eu good and thanatosdeath] noun the practice of procuringthe painless death of someonefacing terminal illness; mercy killing:“The review board asked the doctor toexplain his views on euthanasia.”événement (evenbmon(g)) french[event, happening, as applied to thestudent riots and strikes that tookplace in Paris and elsewhere in 1968]noun an outbreak of public disorder,civil unrest: “The événements of 1968exerted a profound and lasting influenceupon the French psyche.”ex 1 (eks) latin [former], noun (pluralexes, eksiz) a person who formerlyheld a particular post or position; aformer spouse, partner, lover: “She hasfew good things to say about her ex.”ex 2 (eks) latin [out of, from] prepositionout of, from, free from, without,excluding.ex aequo (eks ikwo ) latin [from theequal] adverb phrase equally or on anequal footing.ex animo (eks animo) latin [fromthe heart] adverb phrase in earnest,sincerely, heartily.ex ante (eks antee) latin [from before]adjective phrase predicted, based onprior expectations. ~adverb phrase inadvance, beforehand.ex cathedra (eks kbtheedrb) latin[from the chair] adverb phrase withofficial authority, authoritatively: “Anaged shepherd whom they had used as aguide, or who had approached them fromcuriosity, listened with mouth agape to thedissertations on foss and vellum, ports dextra,sinistra, and decumana, which Sir JohnClerk delivered ex cathedra, and his learnedvisitor listened with the deference to the146

exempli gratiadignity of a connoisseur on his own ground”(Walter Scott, The Antiquary, 1816).~adjective phrase official, authoritative.excelsior (ekselseeor, ekselseebr) latin[higher, from excelsus high] interjectionupward! higher! (motto of New YorkState).excerpta (ekserptb, ekzerptb) latin[extracts, things selected] pluralnoun extracts, clippings, selections(of a book, piece of music, etc.): “Thecommittee was presented with a file ofexcerpta from the national press.”excreta (ekskreetb) latin [thingsseparated, neuter plural of excretusseparated, from excernere to excrete]plural noun waste matter, excretions(especially body waste, feces, urine,excrement).ex curia (eks kooreeb) latin [out ofcourt] adverb phrase away from court.~adjective phrase away from court.excursus (ekskersbs) latin [excursion,from excurrere to run out]noun (plural excursus or excurses,ekskerseez) in written documents, anappendix or digression in which a topicis explored in further detail: “Naffertonfiled that, and asked what sort of peoplelooked after Pig. This started an ethnologicalexcursus on swineherds, and drew fromPinecoffin long tables showing the proportionper thousand of the caste in the Derajat”(Rudyard Kipling, “Pig,” 1887).ex delicto (eks dblikto) latin [from acrime] adverb phrase as a consequenceof an offense or fault. ~adjective phraseof or relating to the consequence ofan offense or fault.exeat (ekseeat) latin [let him or hergo out, third person singular presentsubjunctive of exire to go out]noun in the theater, a stage directionindicating that a particular charactershould leave the stage.exegesis (eksbjeesis) greek [explanation,interpretation, from exegeisthaito explain, to interpret] noun (pluralexegeses, eksbjeeseez) an explanationor critical examination of a text(especially scriptural texts): “He was apreacher renowned for his careful exegesisof the New Testament letters.”exemplar (ekzemplahr, ekzemplbr)latin [from exemplum example, model]noun an ideal example or standardspecimen: “Boldwood’s deep attachmentwas a matter of great interest amongall around him; but, after having beenpointed out for so many years as theperfect exemplar of thriving bachelorship,his lapse was an anticlimax somewhatresembling that of St. John Long’s deathby consumption in the midst of his proofsthat it was not a fatal disease” (ThomasHardy, Far from the Madding Crowd,1874).exempli gratia (ekzemplee grayshb)latin [for the sake of example] adverb147

exemplumphrase for example, for instance.~abbreviated form e.g.exemplum (ekzemplbm) latin [example,model] noun (plural exempla,ekzemplb) example, model; alsoused to refer to a short story with amessage or moral.exeunt (ekzeebnt) latin [they go out,from exire to go out] noun a stagedirection indicating that two or morecharacters leave the stage. ~verb twoor more characters leave the stage(stage direction).exeunt omnes (ekzeebnt omnayz)latin [they all go out, from exire togo out] verb phrase all the charactersleave the stage (stage direction).ex facie (eks fayshee) latin [fromthe face] adverb phrase apparently, onthe face of it.ex gratia (eks grayshb) latin [fromgrace] adjective phrase as a favor, voluntary,gratuitory: “The company madeseveral ex gratia payments on the understandingthat the money would not be usedto buy shares in their rivals.” ~adverb phraseas a favor, voluntarily, gratuitously.ex hypothesi (eks hipothbsee) latin[from a hypothesis] adverb phrase byhypothesis, hypothetically, supposedly.exigeant (ekzijbnt), exigent french[from Latin exigere to exact] adjectiveexacting, demanding, requiringimmediate attention.exit (ekzit, egzit) latin [he or shegoes out, from exire to go out] noun astage direction indicating that a characterleaves the stage; also in moregeneral usage for any way out ordeparture: “The comedian made a rapidexit from the stage, pausing only to snarla sharp word at his tormentors.” ~verba character leaves the stage (stagedirection, but also in more generalusage).ex libris (eks leebris, eks libris) latin[from the books] noun phrase fromthe library of (as printed on bookplatesidentifying a book’s owner).~abbreviated form ex lib.ex nihilo (eks neeblo, eks niblo) latin[out of nothing, from ex nihilo nihil fitnothing is made out of nothing] adverbphrase from nothing: “He believes thatGod created the universe ex nihilo.” ~adjectivephrase from nothing.exodus (eksbdbs, egzbdbs) greek [exoutof and hodos way] noun (pluralexoduses, eksbdbsiz, egzbdbsiz)an emigration or mass departure:“They were part of the exodus of Jewsfrom Eastern Europe.” ~abbreviated formexod.ex officio (eks bfisheeo, eks bfiseeo),ex officiis (eks bfi sheeis, eks bfi -seeis) latin [from the offi ce] adverb148

expressophrase by virtue of a person’s offi ceor position. ~adjective phrase by virtueof a person’s offi ce or position:“Ten chances but you plead your owncause, man, for I may be brought up bya sabre, or a bow-string, before I makemy pack up; then your road to Meniewill be free and open, and as you will bepossessed of the situation of comforter exofficio, you may take her with the tearin her ee’, as old saws advise” (WalterScott, Chronicles of the Canongate,1827). ~noun phrase a person whoacts in an ex offi cio role. ~abbreviatedform ex off.exordium (egzordeebm) latin [introduction,from exordiri to begin]noun (plural exordiums or exordia,egzordeeb) the beginningor introduction (usually of a pieceof writing or speech): “‘Mr. Varden,’returned the other, perfectly composedunder this exordium; ‘I beg you’ll takea chair. Chocolate, perhaps, you don’trelish? Well! it IS an acquired taste,no doubt” (Charles Dickens, BarnabyRudge, 1841).exotica (egzotikb) latin [from exotika,from the neuter plural of Latinexoticus exotic] noun objects or thingsof an exotic or mysterious nature:“Various items of exotica spilled out of thesuitcase.”ex parte (eks pahrtee), ex-parte latin[from a side] adverb phrase from oron one side only (especially in legalproceedings). ~adjective phrase onesided,partisan.ex pede Herculem (eks pedee herkyoolbm)latin [from the foot, Hercules]adverb phrase to work out theentirety of something from a smallpiece of information about it (recallinghow the Greek mathematicianPythagoras attempted to calculate theheight of Hercules form the size ofhis foot).exposé (ekspozay), expose french[exposition, report, past participleof exposer to set out, display] noun anexposure of sensational or discreditingfacts (usually in the media);also applied more generally of anyexplanation of facts or ideas: “Fulldetails of their affair appeared in asearing exposé in the newspapers thefollowing day.”ex post (eks post) latin [from after]adjective phrase based on fact; factual,objective. ~adverb phrase retrospectively.ex post facto (eks post fakto), expostfacto latin [from somethingdone afterward] adjective phrase afterthe fact, retrospective: “An actdone . . . may be made good by matter expost facto, that was not so at first” (Tomlin’sLaw Dictionary, 1835). ~adverbphrase retrospectively.expressoSee espresso.149

ex professoex professo (eks profeso) latin [fromthe professed thing, profi teri todeclare] adverb phrase professedly,as claimed: “. . .you will have somedifficulty in understanding why the leadingsociety of Soulanges (all the town,in fact) thought this quasi-queen abeauty,—unless, indeed, you rememberthe succinct statement recently made ‘exprofesso,’ by one of the cleverest womenof our time, on the art of making hersex beautiful by surrounding accessories”(Honoré de Balzac, Sons of the Soil,1823–26).ex proprio motu (eks propreeo motoo)latin [by one’s own motion] adverbphrase voluntarily, of a person’s ownaccord.ex silentio (eks silenteeo, eks silensheeo)latin [from silence] adverbphrase lacking evidence to the contrary.extempore (ekstempbree), ex temporelatin [from ex tempore out of thetime, ablative of tempus time] adverbin an extemporaneous, unpremeditated,unprepared manner: “SNUGHave you the lion’s part written? prayyou, if it / be, give it me, for I am slowof study. / QUINCE You may do itextempore, for it is nothing but roaring”(William Shakespeare, A MidsummerNight’s Dream, c. 1595). ~adjectiveextemporaneous, unpremeditated,unprepared.extra muros (ekstrb myooros) latin[beyond the walls] adjective phrase external,outside the walls. ~adjectiveextramural concerned with theexternal policies of an organization orinstitution.extraordinaire (ekstrordinair) french[extraordinary] adjective extraordinary,remarkable, unusual: “It wasa fantastic performance by a showmanextraordinaire.”extravaganza (ekstravbganzb) italian[from estravaganza extravagance] nouna lavish or spectacular display, event,show, or entertainment: “In a minute ortwo afterwards he rose from his chair, pacedthe room at a very rapid rate, which washis practice in certain moods of mind, thenmade a dead halt, and bursting into anextravaganza of laughter, ‘James,’ cried he,‘I’ll tell you what Byron should say to mewhen we are about to accost each other. . .’”(J. G. Lockhart, Life of Sir Walter Scott,1837–38).extra vires (ekstrb vireez) latin[beyond power] adjective phrase beyondthe scope of a body’s legalauthority. ~adverb phrase beyond thescope of a body’s legal authority.ex-voto (eks voto), ex voto latin[from ex voto from a vow] noun (pluralex-votos) a votive offering or gift:“On every picture ‘Ex voto’ was painted inyellow capitals in the sky. Though votive150

ex-votoofferings were not unknown in Pagan Temples,and are evidently among the manycompromises made between the false religionand the true, when the true was in its infancy,I could wish that all the other compromiseswere as harmless” (Charles Dickens, Picturesfrom Italy, 1845). ~adjective phrasevotive, according to a vow.151

åååfåf See forte (2).façade (fbsahd) french [front] nounthe front of a building, or a false orsuperficial appearance: “The indistinctsummit of the facade was notched andpronged by chimneys here and there, andupon its face were faintly signified theoblong shapes of windows, though onlyin the upper part” (Thomas Hardy, FarFrom the Madding Crowd, 1874).facetiae (fbseesheei) latin [plural offacetia a jest, witticism] plural nounwitticisms or short, typically pornographic,stories: “At the head of the‘Facetiae’ in the morning’s paper, Lousteauinserted the following note. . .” (Honoréde Balzac, A Distinguished Provincial atParis, 1839).facile princeps (fbkilb prinkeps, fbsileeprinseps) latin [easily fi rst] nounphrase clearly the first or foremost,the leader in a particular field: “I saw agood deal of Robert Brown, ‘facile PrincepsBotanicorum,’ as he was called by Humboldt”(Charles Darwin, Autobiography,1887).façon de parler (fason(g) db pahrlay)french [way of speaking] noun phrase(plural façons de parler) a mannerof speech or a formulaic phrase orfi gure of speech: “Interlopers from thewealthy end of town were immediatelyidentifiable by their façon de parler.”facsimile (fbksimilee) latin [imperativeof facere to make and simile like]noun a faithful replica or precisereproduction of something, often acopy of written material transmittedelectronically: “Each utensil—spoon,fork, knife, plate—had a letter engravedon it, with a motto above it, of which thisis an exact facsimile: MOBILIS IN MOBILIN” (Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Underthe Sea, 1869). ~abbreviated form fax(faks).facta non verba (faktb non verbb)latin [deeds not words] noun phrasethe time has come to take actionrather than simply talk about doingsomething.factotum (faktotbm) latin [imperativeof facere to do and totum all]153

fadonoun (plural factotums) a person oremployee who has responsibility fora range of general tasks or activities;a person who does all his master’swork: “‘Dmitri! Eh, Dmitri! Gallop off toour Moscow estate,’ he said to the factotumwho appeared at his call” (Leo Tolstoy,War and Peace, 1863–69).fado (fahdo, fahdoo) portuguese[fate, from Latin fatum] noun a melancholyPortuguese folk song. A fadosinger is a fadisto (male) or fadista(female): “We went to a marvellous fadoeve ning on vacation in Portugal.”faience (fayons) french [after Faenza,Italy] noun colorful tin-glazed earthenwareof the type developed at thetown of Faenza, Italy, sometimesapplied to any type of glazed ceramic:“The smile, you see, is perfect—wonderful/ As mere Faience! a table ornament / Tosuit the richest mounting” (George Eliot,Middlemarch, 1871–72).fainéant (fayneeon(g)) french [thirdperson singular of faire to do and néantnothing] noun a lazy person or idler:“And then, out comes the red truth; and hedares to tell me, to my face, that my patentmust be suppressed for the present, for fearof disgusting that rascally coward andfainéant. . .” (Walter Scott, Waverly,1814). ~adjective lazy, indolent.fait accompli (fayt bkomplee, fetbkomplee) french [accomplishedfact] noun phrase (plural faits accomplis,fayt bkompleez, fet bkompleez)a deed that is irreversibly done orsettled by the time others first knowabout it: “Europe adjusts itself to afait accompli, and so does an individualcharacter—until the placid adjustmentis disturbed by a convulsive retribution”(George Eliot, Adam Bede, 1859).fajita (faheetb) mexican spanish[diminutive of faja sash, belt] noun adish of marinated beef or chicken cutinto strips and served in sauce as thefi lling of a flour tortilla.fakir (fbkeer, fayker) arabic [poorman] noun a Muslim or Hindu religiousascetic or mendicant monk:“Then he occupied himself with the educationof this son, and when the boy waxedstrong and came to the age of seven, hebrought him a fakir, a doctor of law andreligion, to teach him in his own house,and charged him to give him a good educationand instruct him in politeness andgood manners” (Richard Burton, “TheTale of Three Apples,” Arabian Nights,1885–88). Also used as a negativeterm for a charlatan or fake.falafel (fblahfbl) arabic noun a ballor patty of spiced ground vegetablesor beans, fried and typically servedwith pita bread.falsetto (folseto) italian [diminutiveof falso false] noun (plural falsetti,folsetee) a singer with a highpitchedvoice, above tenor. ~adjective154

farouchesung in an artificially high-pitchedvoice, above tenor: “Someone could beheard within dancing frantically, markingtime with his heels to the sounds of the guitarand of a thin falsetto voice singing ajaunty air” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crimeand Punishment, 1866).fandango (fandango) spanish noun(plural fandangos, fandangoes) alively Spanish or South Americandance usually performed by twodancers accompanied by guitar andcastanets; also applied to the musicitself. Also used satirically of foolish,ridiculous, or improper behavior orspeech.fanfaronade (fanfarbnayd) french[bragging, derived from Spanish fanfarrónbraggart] noun empty boasting orbluster: “The rivals for governor tried tooutwit one another with their fanfaronades.”fantasia (fantayzhb) italian [fantasy]noun a musical compositiondistinguished by its fanciful structureor else incorporating selections fromother works: “His new work, a fantasiathat rejected the conventional forms of theday, was received with some puzzlement byits first audience.”farandole (farbndol) french [probablyderived from Portuguese fa makeand roundelo round dance] noun alively communal chain dance from Provençal,France, or the music associatedwith it.farce (fahrs) french [stuffing] nouna stage comedy featuring ridiculoussituations and exaggerated characters,and thus “stuffed” for laughs, or moregenerally a state of affairs that hasdescended into laughable chaos: “Afterthe bride broke down in giggles the ceremonywas quickly reduced to a farce.”farceur (fahrser) french [derivedfrom farcer to joke] noun a writer orperformer of farce, or more broadlya practical joker or trickster: “. . .andJake Offutt (a gang-politician, a smallmanufacturer, a tobacco-chewing old farceurwho enjoyed dirty politics, businessdiplomacy, and cheating at poker) hadonly ten per cent. . .” (Sinclair Lewis,Babbitt, 1922).farci (fahrsee) french [past participleof farcir to stuff] adjective stuffed,usually with forcemeat.farfalle (fahrfalay, fahrfalee) italian[butterflies] noun pasta made in theshape of bow- ties or butterflies: “Childrentend to like farfalle because it lookslike butterflies.”farouche (faroosh) french [wild,derived from Latin foras out of doors]adjective wild, or shy, sullen, unsociable:“But he was by nature farouche; hissoul revolted against dinner parties andstiff shirts; and the presence of ladies—especially of fashionable ladies—filledhim with uneasiness” (Lytton Strachey,Eminent Victorians, 1918).155

farragofarrago (fbrahgo) latin [mixed fodder]noun (plural farragos or farragoes)a jumble, confused mixture, orhodgepodge: “The less I understood ofthis farrago, the less I was in a positionto judge of its importance; and an appealso worded could not be set aside withouta grave responsibility” (Robert LouisStevenson, The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, 1886).fartlek (fahrtlek) swedish [speedplay] noun a system of training usedespecially by distance runners, inwhich speed and intensity are continuallyvaried within each session.fascia (fayshb, faysheeb) latin [band]noun (plural fasciae, fayshiee, orfascias, fayshbz) an instrumentalpanel, dashboard or, in architecture,a horizontal piece of boarding, bandof wood, or nameplate above a shopwindow: “He ran an appreciative handover the walnut fascia so evocative of a forgottenera of motoring.” Also, in anatomy,a sheet of connective tissue surroundinga muscle or organ. It can also referto a protective casing covering thefront of a cellphone.fata morgana (fahtb morgahnb) italian[fairy Morgana] noun phrase Morganle Fay, the treacherous fairy sorceressidentifi ed as the sister of thelegendary King Arthur and sometimesdescribed as living in Calabria,Italy. Also, a mirage, especiallyone seen in the Straits of Messinabetween southern Italy and Sicily;by extension anything that is illusoryin nature.fatwa (fbtwb) arabic [legal ruling,from afta to give a legal decision] nounruling or decree issued by a religiousauthority on a point of Islamic law:“The ayatollah’s fatwa was widely condemnedin the Western press.”fauna (fahnb) latin [after Fauna,Roman goddess of the groves] noun(plural faunas or faunae, fahnee,fahni) animal life, especially therange of wildlife typical of a givenplace or environment, as distinctfrom the fl ora (plant life) of the area:“But it appeared that she had come onceas a small child, when the geography ofthe place was entirely different, and thefauna included certainly flamingoes and,possibly, camels” (Virginia Woolf, Nightand Day, 1919).faute de mieux (fot db meeb) french[want of better] adverb phrase forwant of better, in the absence of anythingbetter being available. ~adjectivephrase accepted in the absenceof a better alternative: “He has takensomething more than his fair share inthe cathedral services, and has played thevioloncello daily to such audiences as hecould collect, or, faute de mieux, to noaudience at all” (Anthony Trollope, TheWarden, 1855).156

fecitfauteuil (fotoi, fotoi) french [armchair]noun an upholstered chairwith arms, typically such a seat in atheater: “Already the cold sweat startedon my brow, already I glanced back overmy shoulder at the closed door, when, tomy unspeakable relief, my eye, wanderingmildly in the direction of the stove, restedupon a second figure, seated in a largefauteuil beside it” (Charlotte Brontë, TheProfessor, 1857).fauve (fov) french [wild animal]noun an artist associated with fauvism,an early-20th-century schoolof art favoring the unrestrained useof color. ~adjective of or relating tofauvism or artists associated with themovement.fauvism (fovisbm) french [from fauvewild animal] noun an early-20th-centuryFrench art movement favoring theunrestrained use of color.faux (fo) french [false] adjectiveartifi cial or imitation, used especiallyin relation to fashion and interiordesign: “You have a ‘faux air’ of Nebuchadnezzarin the fields about you, thatis certain: your hair reminds me of eagles’feathers; whether your nails are grownlike birds’ claws or not, I have not yetnoticed” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre,1847).faux amis (foz amee) french [falsefriends] noun phrase words fromtwo different languages that havedifferent meanings despite beingmisleadingly similar or identical inappearance: “The French word ‘assister’and the English word ‘assist’ are fauxamis apt to cause confusion; French ‘assister’means ‘to attend.’”faux-naïf (fo-nieef) french [from fauxfalse and naïf ingenuous] noun a personwho makes a pretense of innocence.~adjective of or relating to aperson or work of art purposely projectinga misleadingly simple or art lessappearance.faux pas (fo pa) french [falsestep] noun phrase (plural faux pas, fopahz) a mistake or social blunder:“She blushed crimson, suddenly consciousof the faux pas she had committed in mentioninghis name.”favela (favelb) portuguese [afterFavela, the name of a hill near Rio deJaneiro, Brazil] noun a humble shelteror shanty typical of the slums locatedon the outskirts of many cities.faxSee facsimile.fecit (faykit) latin [he/she made,he/she did] verb made by, done by(usually in relation to a work of art):“Certainly, sir; for the Dutch Antiquariesclaim Caligula as the founder of a lighthouse,on the sole authority of the lettersC.C.P.F., which they interpret Caius Caligula157

feldsherPharum Fecit” (Walter Scott, The Antiquary,1816).feldsher (feldshbr) german [feld fieldand scherer barber or surgeon] noun amedical auxiliary or medical practitionerlacking formal qualifications.felix culpa (fayliks kulpa) latin [happyfault] noun phrase a lucky mistake orerror that turns out to have beneficialconsequences.felucca (feluukb) italian noun asingle-sailed boat of the Mediterraneanregion, still in use today onthe Nile: “She had wanted to annex thatapparently quiet and steady young man,affectionate and pliable, an orphan fromhis tenderest age, as he had told her, withno ties in Italy except an uncle, owner andmaster of a felucca, from whose ill-usagehe had run away before he was fourteen”(Joseph Conrad, Nostromo, 1904).feme covert (feem kovbrt) french[covered woman, from femme womanand couverte covered] noun phrase amarried woman who enjoys protectionin law through her husband.feme sole (feem sol) french [singlewoman, from femme woman and seulealone] noun phrase a legal term foran unmarried woman, widow, ordivorcée, or formerly a woman whotrades in business independently ofher husband.femme de chambre (fam db shombrb,fem db shombrb) french [woman ofthe chamber] noun phrase a chambermaid,a lady’s maid: “The femme dechambre arrived to turn down the bed.”femme du monde (fam db mond,fem db mond) french [woman ofthe world] noun phrase a worldlywoman, or a woman of sophisticationor society: “In Paris she quickly acquireda reputation as a femme du monde, playinghost to scores of artists and, more importantly,their aristocratic patrons.”femme fatale (fam fatal, fem fatal)french [fatal woman] noun phrase(plural femmes fatales, fam fatal, femfatal, fam fatals, fem fatals) a dangerouslyseductive woman likely touse her mysterious allure to enticeadmirers into difficult situations: “Shespecialized in playing the kind of unflappablefemme fatale who provokes dutifulwives to heights of jealous fury.”femme savante (fam savon(g))french [learned woman] noun phrasean erudite or scholarly woman (oftenused derogatively): “In the process ofwinning recognition as a femme savante,she unfortunately had discarded the lasttraces of the little charm she had oncehad.”feng-shui (fung shway, feng shooee)chinese [from feng wind and shuiwater] noun belief system based on158

fête champêtrethe notion that buildings and landscapefeatures are inhabited by spiritswho must be appeased so that peoplecan live in harmony with the environment.Introduced to the West inrecent years as a lifestyle skill, asexpressed through interior decorationin particular: “Put quite simply, feng shuiis a method of arranging our environmentto be as beneficial as possible to us” (RichardCraze, Feng Shui, 1999).ferae naturae (feri natyoori) latin[of wild nature] adjective phraseundomesticated (used especially ofwild animals): “The lower classes, in thisduel of Authority with Authority, Greekthrottling Greek, have ceased to respect theCity-Watch: Police-satellites are markedon the back with chalk (the M signifiesmouchard, spy); they are hustled, huntedlike ferae naturae” (Thomas Carlyle,History of the French Revolution, 1837).fest (fest) german [feast] noun acelebration or festive gathering: “Oneof the liveliest banquets that has recentlybeen pulled off occurred last night in theannual Get-Together Fest of the ZenithReal Estate Board, held in the VenetianBall Room of the O’Hearn House” (SinclairLewis, Babbitt, 1922).- fest (fest) german [festival] suffix(informal) denoting an occasion ormeeting, e.g., songfest, or a prolongedbout of a par tic u lar activity, e.g.,blubfest.festina lente (festeenb lentb) latin[make haste slowly] noun phrase morehaste, less speed: “Recollect yourself,I pray, And be careful what you say—As the ancient Romans said, festinalente” (Gilbert and Sullivan, Iolanthe,1882).Festschrift (festshrift) german [fromFest celebration and Schrift writing]noun a celebratory volume of writingsby various authors compiled asa special commemorative tribute to ascholar, often on his or her retirement:“This volume, a Festschrift presented to theprofessor on his 60th birthday, contains 15papers written by appreciative scholars.”feta (fetb) greek [from tyri phetaslice of cheese] noun crumblywhite cheese made from sheep’s orgoat’s milk: “A Greek salad alwaysincludes olives and feta.”fête (fayt, fet), fete french [festival]noun a festival, fair, or party: “‘Willyou be at Madame Rolandaky’s fete?’ askedAnna, to change the conversation” (Leo Tolstoy,Anna Karenina, 1873–77). ~verb tocelebrate or pay honor to.fête champêtre (fet shompetrb)french [rural festival] noun phrase agarden party or pastoral entertainment:“To-morrow morning, sir, we givea public breakfast—a fête champêtre—toa great number of those who have renderedthemselves celebrated by their works159

fête galanteand talents” (Charles Dickens, PickwickPapers, 1837).fête galante (fet galon(g)) french[courteous festival] noun phrase ruralor outdoors entertainment.fettucine (fetoocheenee) italian[diminutive of fetta slice or ribbon]plural noun a form of ribbon-shapedpasta, also the name for a dish of this.fetus (feetbs) latin [offspring] nounan unborn child, usually from threemonths after conception, or otherunborn or unhatched vertebrate: “It isnow possible to detect a range of physicalabnormalities through examination of theunborn fetus.”feu d’artifice (fo dahrtifis) french[fire of artifice] noun phrase (plural feuxd’artifice, fo dahtifis) a firework orfirework display.feu de joie (fo db zhwa) french[fire of joy] noun phrase (plural feux dejoie) a fusillade of guns fired in salute,or more generally a celebration.feuilleton (fbybton(g), foiybton(g),fooiton(g)) french [diminutive offeuillet sheet of paper] noun a sectionof a newspaper devoted to entertainment,or a novel or other literary workpublished in installments: “‘The presshas fallen heir to the Woman,’ exclaimedRastignac. ‘She no longer has the quality ofa spoken feuilleton—delightful calumniesgraced by elegant language’” (Honoréde Balzac, Another Study of Woman,1842).fez (fez) turkish [after the town ofFez, Morocco] noun (plural fezzesor fezes) a flat-topped brimless felthat, often red and decorated with a tassel,worn by men in various countriesof the eastern Mediterranean: “He waswearing another elegant English suit witha bright little fez on his head” (Ivan Turgenev,Fathers and Sons, 1862).FF.See fortissimo.fiancé (feeonsay, feeonsay) french[past participle of fi ancer to betroth,promise] noun a man who isengaged to be married: “Even if youare engaged, I am sure your fiancé wouldwish you to go into society rather thanbe bored to death” (Leo Tolstoy, Warand Peace, 1863–69). ~noun, femininefiancée (feeonsay, feeonsay) a womanwho is engaged to be married.fiasco (feeasko) italian [from farefi asco to make a bottle] noun (pluralfiascoes) a disastrous or chaoticfailure: “Lucetta was rather addicted toscribbling, as had been shown by thetorrent of letters after the fiasco in theirmarriage arrangements, and hardly hadElizabeth gone away when another notecame to the Mayor’s house from High-Place Hall” (Thomas Hardy, The Mayorof Casterbridge, 1886).160

filet mignonfiat (feeat, feebt) latin [let it be done]noun an order, decree, or authorization,typically as issued by an officialorganization, but sometimes used ofold saws and sayings: “But ‘he thatmarries her marries her name.’ This fiatsomewhat soothed himself and wife”(Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Enoch Arden,1864).fiat justicia (feeat yoostikb, feebtyoostikb) latin [let justice be done]interjection phrase let justice bedone!fiat lux (feeat luks, feebt luks) latin[let light be made] interjection phrase(in the Hebrew Bible) “let there belight!”, the words uttered by Godwhen He created light.fibula (fibyblb) latin [brooch] noun(plural fibulas or fibulae, fibyblee,fibybli) the outer and narrower ofthe two bones of the lower leg, fromthe knee to the ankle: “My motherfell down the stairs and fractured herfi b ula.”fiche (feesh) french [slip of paper]noun a microfi che, a documentreduced to compressed form on asmall piece of paper, plastic, or othermaterial.Fidei Defensor (fidii difensor), DefensorFidei latin [defender of the faith]noun phrase a title conferred by thepapacy upon Henry VIII prior to theReformation, and subsequently borneby succeeding English monarchs.fieri facias (fibree faysheebs) latin[cause to be made] noun phrase (inlaw) a writ commanding a sheriff toseize the goods of a debtor to fulfilla judgment made against the debtor.~abbreviated form fi.fa.fiesta (feeestb) spanish [feast] nouna religious festival or public holidayheld to mark the feast day of a saint,and thus any festival or holiday: “Theywent on strike regularly (every bull-fightday), a form of trouble that even Nostromoat the height of his prestige couldnever cope with efficiently; but the morningafter each fiesta, before the Indianmarket-women had opened their matparasols on the plaza, when the snows ofHiguerota gleamed pale over the townon a yet black sky, the appearance of aphantom-like horseman mounted on asilver-gray mare solved the problem oflabor without fail” (Joseph Conrad,Nostromo, 1904).fi.fa.See fieri facias.filet (feelay, filit) french [net] noundecorative lace with a square mesh.filet mignon (feelay meenyon(g))french [small fillet] noun phrase athick slice of tender meat cut fromthe small end of a beef tenderloin: “Forbreakfast I had a grilled filet mignon andsome scrambled eggs.”161

filioquefilioque (filiokway) latin [and to theSon] noun extract of the NiceneCreed, which asserts that the HolySpirit emanates both from God theFather and his Son. The notion isrejected by the Eastern OrthodoxChurch, and thus the term can alsobe used to denote a point of issuebetween two disagreeing parties.filius populi (fi libs popyooli) latin[son of the people] noun phrase anillegitimate son.fille de joie (fee db zhwa) french[girl of pleasure] noun phrase (pluralfilles de joie) a prostitute: “He hadseen Venice, Milan, Florence, Bologna, andNaples leisurely, as he wished to see them,as a dreamer of dreams, and a philosopher;careless of the future, for an artist looks tohis talent for support as the fille de joiecounts upon her beauty” (Honoré deBalzac, Cousin Pons, 1847).film noir (film nwahr) french [blackfilm] noun phrase a cinema genre characterizedby dark themes and somberatmosphere, typically depicting thecriminal underworld: “As a director heproved to be one of the masters of film noir.”filo (feelo), phyllo greek [fromphullo leaf] noun a type of pastrydough usually cooked in layers of verythin sheets.fils (fees) french [son] adjectivejunior, sometimes appended to surnameswhere father and son share thesame first name in order to distinguishbetween them: “George Bush fils becamepresident of the United States like hisfather before him.”finale (finahlee) italian [final] nounthe end or closing part of something:“This wretched note was the finale ofEmma’s breakfast” (Jane Austen, Emma,1816).finca (finkb) spanish [from fi ncar tocultivate] noun (in Spain and LatinAmerica) a country estate, ranch, orfarm: “I spent two weeks in a finca inAndalusia last summer.”fin de guerre (fan db gair) french[end of war] adjective phrase of orrelating to the period immediately followingwarfare: “Traders reopened theirshops in an ebullient fin de guerre wave ofoptimism.”fin de saison(fan db sayzon(g))french[end of season] noun phrase the endof the social season. ~adjective phraseof or relating to the end of the socialseason: “The gathering had an unmistakablefin de saison atmosphere about it.”fin de siècle (fan db seeairkbl) french[end of the century] adjective phrase ofor relating to the last years of a century,usually to the end of the 19th centuryand typically hinting at an overridingatmosphere of decadence and anxietyinspired by a heightened sense of162

flèchechanging times: “The rooms were decoratedin a florid, fin de siècle style.”fines herbes (feenz erb, feen erb)french [fine herbs] plural noun amixture of fresh chopped herbs usedas seasoning in cookery.finesse (fines, feenes) french [delicacy,perception] noun refi nement,skill, or adroitness in doing something,or a trick or stratagem employedin the course of a game or dispute:“Having conceived the idea he proceededto carry it out with considerable finesse”(Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound ofthe Baskervilles, 1902).finis (finis, finee, finee), fini latin[limit, end, conclusion] noun theend or conclusion of something: “NextYear . . . must be the finis of this longagnostic tragedy” (Thomas Carlyle, TheHistory of Frederick II of Prussia calledFrederick the Great, 1865).fino (feeno) spanish [fine] nounpale, very dry sherry.fjord (feeord, fyord), fiord norwegian[derived from fjördr fi r th] noun anarrow, deep, steep-sided inlet of thesea (often referring to such inlets alongthe Norwegian coast): “From our newCape Horn in Denmark, a chain of mountains,scarcely half the height of the Alps,would run in a straight line due southward;and on its western flank every deep creekof the sea, or fiord, would end in ‘bold andaastonishing glaciers’” (Charles Darwin,The Voyage of the Beagle, 1839).fl.See floruit.flagellum (fl ajelbm) latin [diminutiveof fl ag r u m scourge] noun (pluralflagellums or flagella, fl ajelb) awhiplike appendage, as encounteredin various plants, animals, and microorganisms.flagrante delictodelicto.See in flagranteflak (flak) german [abbreviated formof Fliegerabwehrkanonen, from Fliegerfl ye r, Abwehr defense, and Kanonencannons] noun antiaircraft fire; or,by extension, critical comments orother opposition: “The fighters divedthrough a curtain of flak from the antiaircraftbattery.”flambé (flombay) french [past participleof fl amber to flame, to singe]adjective of or relating to a dishserved in flaming liquor. ~verb to prepareor serve food in burning liquor.flamenco (flbmenko) spanish [Fleming,of the gypsies] noun a livelygypsy dance of Andalusian origin, alsothe guitar music to which it is usuallydanced.flèche (flesh) french [arrow] nouna small, slender spire of wood orstone rising from a roof.163

fleur-de-lisfleur-de-lis (fl er-db-lee, fl er-db-lees)french [flower of the lily] noun aheraldic or artistic floral device basedon the iris, best known as a symbol ofthe royal family of France.boats or ships, or more generally asubstantial number of things: “After thefl otilla was chased away from the coast,the villagers dispersed and returned totheir homes.”flor.See floruit.fluSee influenza.flora (florb) latin [after Flora, theRoman goddess of fl owers, from fl o sfl ower] noun (plural floras or florae,fl o r i) plant life, especially therange of plants typical of a givenplace or environment, as distinctfrom the fauna (animal life) of thearea, or a catalog of plants associatedwith a particular place or environment:“The most isolated islands oncepossessed a far more abundant flora thanthey now have.”floreat (floriat) latin [may he/she/it flourish] interjection a wish thatsomeone or something will prosperor thrive, as sometimes encounteredin slogans and mottoes: “FloreatRegina!”floruit (fl orooit) latin [he/she/itfl ourished] verb fl ourished, as sometimesgiven in biographies of artistswhose birth and death dates areunsure: “St. Hugh of Lincoln (floruit1170–1200).” ~noun the period oftime during which a person or thingfl ourished. ~abbreviated form fl.; flor.flotilla (fl btilb) spanish [diminutiveof fl ota fl eet] noun a small fleet offlügelhorn (floogblhorn) german[from Flügel wing and Horn horn]noun a valved brass wind instrumentwith a larger bore than a cornet.foehn (fern), föhn german [warmwind] noun a warm, dry windoften encountered in the lee of theAlps.föhnSee foehn.foie gras (fwah gra) french [fatliver] noun phrase paté made fromthe liver of a specially fattened goose:“And even then I didn’t know whom I hadthere, opposite me, busy now devouring aslice of pate de foie gras” (Joseph Conrad,The Arrow of Gold, 1919).folie à deux (folee a db) french [madnessby two] noun phrase a foolish,delusional, or mistaken belief that isshared by two closely associated persons:“The prosecution’s version of eventssuggested the existence of a folie à deuxbetween the two defendants.”folie de grandeur (folee db gronder)french [madness by greatness] nounphrase (plural folies de grandeur)164

fortissimodelusions of grandeur: “He [CliveJames] said he ‘snivelled at his desk’ andhe wrote what even some of his friends sawas his suicide note. ‘It might have beenfolie de grandeur [to write it], but I don’tthink so. On that occasion I was as close asa pathologically solipsistic man can be toself denial. All I could see even in the mirrorwas her [Princess Diana’s] face’ (theGuardian, May 29, 2001).fondant (fondbnt) french [presentparticiple of fondre to melt] noun asoft creamy paste of sugar, water, andflavoring commonly used as cake icingor in confectionery: “The top of the cakewas decorated with candles set in thick pinkfondant.”fondue (fondyoo, fondyoo) french[past participle of fondre to melt]noun a traditional Swiss dish offl avored melted cheese into whichpieces of bread, meat, and fruit maybe dipped: “The fondue craze lastedperhaps three years before falling intoapparently permanent disfavor amongNew York’s fashionable middle-class hostesses.”Also, a dish in which pieces offood are dipped into hot broth ormelted chocolate.fons et origo (fonz et origo) latin[fount and origin] noun phrase theoriginal source or foundation of something:“He fixed the old man with a stonyglare, clearly considering him the fons etorigo of all his present afflictions.”force de frappe (fors db frap) french[strike force] noun phrase a militarystrike force, specifically a force capableof delivering a nuclear attack.force majeure (fors mazher) french[superior force] noun phrase an irresistibleor uncontrollable power, oran unforeseen event such as the outbreakof war that prevents partiesto a contract from completing theirobligations as planned: “Their insurancepolicy did not apply in cases of forcemajeure.”forte 1 (fortay, fortay) french [fromfort strong] noun a person’s specialtyor strong point: “As far the piano is concerned,sentiment is my forte. I keep sciencefor Life” (Oscar Wilde, The Importanceof Being Earnest, 1895).forte 2 (fortay, fortay) italian [derivedfrom Latin fortis strong] adjective (inmusic) loud. ~adverb (in music) playedor sung loudly: “She had to sing forte inorder to be heard above the roar of the sea.”~abbreviated form f.fortissimo (fortisimo) italian [superlativeof forte, ultimately from Latinfortis strong] adjective (in music)very loud. ~adverb (in music) playedor sung very loudly: “But now, immediatelybefore the third quatrain or chorus,sung fortissimo, with emphatic raps of thetable, which gave the effect of cymbalsand drum together, Alick’s can was filled,and he was bound to empty it before165

forumthe chorus ceased” (George Eliot, AdamBede, 1859). ~abbreviated form ff.forum (forbm) latin [derived fromfores door] noun ((plural forums orfora, forb) a public square or meetingplace, or a publication, program,Internet messageboard, or othermedium for public discussion: “Whatis called eloquence in the forum is commonlyfound to be rhetoric in the study”(Henry David Thoreau; Walden; or, Lifein the Woods, 1854).fosse (fos) french [from Latin fossa]noun a ditch or moat.foyer (foiybr, foiay) french [hearth]noun an entrance hallway or lobby,particularly of a hotel, theater, orother large building: “‘Gentlemen, gentlemen,’he stammered, ‘do please makehaste. They’ve just rung the bell in the publicfoyer’” (Émile Zola, Nana, 1880).fracas (frakah, frakbs) french [din,derived from Italian fracassare to shatter]noun an outbreak of noise,uproar, clamor, often the result of aquarrel or brawl: “And at the beginningof the whole fracas I said – I’ve said rightalong – that we ought to have enteredthe war the minute Germany invadedBelgium” (Sinclair Lewis, Main Street,1920).Fraktur (fraktoor) german [breaking,so called because of the curlicuesthat broke up the continuous line of aword] noun a style of typeface formerlyused for typesetting German.framboise (frombwaz, frombwahz)french [raspberry] noun a liqueurmade from raspberries, or somethingwith a color of raspberry. ~adjective ofor relating to a raspberry color.franco (franko) italian [free] adverb(in law) free.franc-tireur (fron(g)-tirer) french[free shooter] noun a sharpshooteror guerrilla fighting independently ofthe regular armed forces: “The columnwas harried by franc-tireurs all the way tothe coast.”franglais (fronglay) french [fromfrançais French and anglais English]noun an informal variety of theFrench language in which much use ismade of British and American wordsand phrases: “Nothing arouses the wrathof a certain breed of patriotic Frenchmanso much as the idea that practicality willforce pure French to submit to such bastardizedforms as franglais.”frankfurter (frankferter) german[after Frankfurt am Main, Germany]noun a cured, usually skinless,cooked beef or pork sausage (alsocalled hot dog).frappé (frapay) french [past participleof frapper to strike, to chill] adjectivechilled or partly frozen. ~noun a166

frottagedrink served iced or chilled or thickenedwith crushed ice: “. . . frappécoffee.”frappucccino (frapbcheeno) italian[from French frappé iced and Italiancappuccino frothy coffee] noun atrademark used for a blend of coffee,milk, ice, and flavorings: “I had a bageland a frappuccino for breakfast.”Fraticelli (fratbchelee) italian [littlebrethren] plural noun groups of mendicantfriars, who separated from theFranciscan Order between the 13thand 15th centuries in protest againstthe wealth of the Catholic Church.Frau (frow) german [woman] nouna title borne by a German marriedwoman.fräulein froilin) german [diminutiveof Frau woman] noun an unmarriedGerman woman, or a governess.fresco (fresko) italian [fresh, cool]noun (plural frescoes) an artistictechnique in which paint is applieddirectly to moist plaster, or a paintingexecuted in this manner: “The articlesof furniture, which stood out from thewalls, were duplicated on the floor distinctlyas if they floated upon unrippledwater; even the panelling of the walls, thefi gures upon them in painting and basrelief,and the fresco of the ceiling wererefl ected on the floor” (Lew Wallace, BenHur, 1880).fricassee (frikbsee) french [femininepast participle of fricasser to cut up andstew in sauce] noun a dish in whichthe meat is sliced and fried or stewedin a white sauce. ~verb to preparemeat in such a way.frijoles refritos (freeholeez rayfreetoz)spanish [refried beans] plural noun(in Mexican cuisine) a dish of pinto orblack beans that have been cooked andthen mashed and fried.frisson (freeson(g)) french [shiver,derived from Latin frigere to be cold]noun a thrill or shudder of excitementor emotion: “The news of his deathcaused a frisson of fear to run down herspine.”frites (freet) french [from pommesfrites fried potatoes] plural nounFrench fries: “We ordered steak withsalad and frites.”fromage frais (fromarzh fray) french[fresh cheese] noun phrase soft curdcheese: “The child took a small pot offromage frais from her lunchbox.”frottage (frptahzh) french [friction,derived from frotter to rub] noun thepractice of rubbing one’s body againstother people for the purposes ofsexual excitement; alternatively, theartistic technique of making impressionsof textured material by rubbinga pencil over a sheet of paper laid ontop of it.167

fruits de merfruits de mer (frwee db mair) french[fruits of the sea] noun phrase a dish ofseafood usually comprising a varietyof shellfish.fugu (fuuguu) japa nese noun a poisonouspufferfi sh eaten as a delicacy,especially in Japa nese cuisine,after the poisonous parts have beenremoved.fugue (fyoog) french [flight, derivedfrom Latin fuga flight] noun a contrapuntalmusical composition based onrepetitions and elaborations of one ormore themes: “The spot at which theirinstrumentation rose loudest was a placecalled Ten Hatches, whence during highsprings there proceeded a very fugue ofsounds” (Thomas Hardy, The Mayor ofCasterbridge, 1886).führer (fyoorbr) german [leader,derived from Old High German fuorento lead] noun title assumed in 1934by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler (1889–1945), and since used of any official orbureaucrat who behaves in a despoticmanner.fulcrum (fulkrbm) latin [bedpost,derived from fulcire to prop] noun(plural fulcrums or fulcra, fulkrb) aprop, or the point of support onwhich a lever turns or hinges: “Thehead and neck were moved frequently, andapparently with force; and the extendedwings seemed to form the fulcrum on whichthe movements of the neck, body and tailacted” (Charles Darwin, The Voyage ofthe Beagle, 1839).fungus (fungbs) latin [probablyderived from Greek sphoggos or spoggos,sponge] noun (plural fungi, fungee,funjee, fungi) a class of spore-producing,chlorophyll-lacking plantlikeorganisms including mildews, molds,mushrooms, rusts, and yeasts: “I wasstartled by a great patch of vivid scarlet onthe ground, and going up to it found it to bea peculiar fungus, branched and corrugatedlike a foliaceous lichen, but deliquescinginto slime at the touch. . .” (H. G. Wells,The Island of Dr. Moreau, 1896).funicular (fyoonikyoolbr, fbnikyoolb)italian [derived from Latin funis rope]noun a cable railroad in which anascending car is usually counterbalancedby another descending car. ~adjective ofor relating to such a railroad system:“It is possible to reach the top of the cliff bymeans of a short funicular railroad.”furioso (fyoorioso) italian [furious,violent] adverb with great strengthor vigor, especially in music. ~adjectivevigorous, forceful.furore (fyooror) italian [rage, derivedfrom Latin furere to rage] noun ageneral commotion, fuss, or uproar,variously motivated by anger, indignation,excitement, or enthusiasm: “Joewas not of the nation that keeps us foreverin a furore with fugues and fruit” (O.Henry, Strictly Business, 1910).168

fu yungfuselage (fyoosblazh) french [derivedfrom fuselé spindle-shaped] noun thecentral body section of an aircraft,including the cargo and crew areas:“The fuselage of the plane was pepperedwith bulletholes.”fusillade (fyoozblayd, fyoozblahd)french [derived from fusiller toshoot] noun a volley of shots firedsimul taneously or in quick succession;by extension, any similar noise, suchas applause, or sustained barrage (ofcriticisms, etc.): “At all events it drewfrom him a furious fusillade of artilleryand musketry, plainly heard but not felt byus” (Ulysses S. Grant, Personal Memoirs,1885–86).fusilli (fyoosili) italian [diminutiveof Italian dialect fuso spindle] nouna type of twisted or spiral-shapedpasta.futon (footon) japanese noun alow-slung wooden bed frame witha cotton-fi lled mattress, or simplythe mattress itself laid out on a maton the fl oor for sleeping: “No fashionablemodern home is complete without afuton that can be folded away when notin use.”fu yung (foo yung) chinese [hibiscus]noun phrase a Chinese dish ofeggs cooked with beansprouts, onions,and various other ingredients.169

ååågågaffe (gaf ) french [blunder] nouna social or diplomatic blunder orindiscretion; also used more generallyof any mistake: “The ambassador madefutile attempts to prevent the press fromhearing about his unfortunate gaffe.”gaga (gahgah) french [crazy] adjectivecrazy, insane, foolish, senile, orwildly enthusiastic: “All the kids wentcompletely gaga when they learned of theirteam’s success.”gala (gaylb, galb, gahlb) italian [merrymaking,derived via Spanish fromMiddle French gale festivity, pleasure]noun (plural galas) a celebration orfestival. ~adjective of or relating tosuch a celebration or festivity: “Itwas to be a gala occasion and every man,woman and child in the settlement hadassembled on the green” (Zane Grey,Betty Zane, 1904).galabiya (galbbiyb), gallabiya, galabieh,galabia arabic [Egyptianvariant of jallabiyya] noun a long,loose-fitting gown of the type widelyworn in Egypt and other Arabiancountries: “His wife chose a black galabiyahwith gold spangles to take home asa souvenir of the trip.”galant (galbnt, galant, gblon(g)t)french [gallant] adjective courteous,charming, polite, or gentlemanly:“War is one of the gifts of life; but, alas!no war appears so very necessary whentime has laid its soothing hand uponthe passionate misunderstandings andthe passionate desires of great peoples.‘Le temps,’ as a distinguished Frenchmanhas said, ‘est un galant homme’”(Joseph Conrad, The Mirror of theSea, 1906).galette (galet) french [flat cake] nouna thin pastry cake, usually with a fruitor chocolate filling.gallabiyaSee galabiya.galleon (galeebn) spanish [fromgaleón] noun a large square-riggedsailing ship that constituted significantparts of the navies of Spain, England,and other countries between the 15thand 18th centuries: “But, seeing that the171

galleriatreasure must fall into the enemy’s hands,he burnt and scuttled every galleon, whichwent to the bottom with their immenseriches” (Jules Verne, 20,000 LeaguesUnder the Sea, 1869).galleria (galbreeb) italian [gallery]noun a shopping arcade, or a shopwithin such an arcade: “His mothernow works in a stylish galleria sellingdesigner clothing to the nouveau riche ofthe town.”gallimaufry (galbmorfree) french[from Middle French galimafrée stew]noun (plural gallimaufries) a hodgepodge,medley or jumble: “Master,there is three carters, three shepherds, /three neat-herds, three swine-herds, thathave made themselves / all men of hair,they call themselves Saltiers, and they havea dance which the wenches / say is a gallimaufryof gambols, because they are /not in’t. . .” (William Shakespeare, TheWinter’s Tale, 1611).gambit (gambit) italian [from gambettoact of tripping someone, fromgamba leg] noun a calculated moveor stratagem, or an opening remarkin a conversation or negotiation: “Sonow once again you know exactly howwe stand, and it is clear that I must plansome fresh opening move, for this gambitwon’t work” (Arthur Conan Doyle,“The Adventure of the Illustrious Client,”The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,1891–93).gamelan (gamblan) javanese [fromgamel to strike or hammer] noun anIndonesian orchestra composed mainlyof percussion instruments, includingxylophones, gongs, drums, chimes,and marimbas, plus strings and woodwind.gamin (gambn, gamin) french [meaningunknown] noun a street urchinor waif: “The gamin—the street Arab—of Paris is the dwarf of the giant. Let usnot exaggerate, this cherub of the guttersometimes has a shirt, but, in that case,he owns but one; he sometimes has shoes,but then they have no soles; he sometimeshas a lodging, and he loves it, for he findshis mother there; but he prefers the street,because there he finds liberty” (VictorHugo, Les Misérables, 1862).gamine (gameen, gameen) french[feminine of gamin] noun a small girlwho spends much of her time in thestreets. ~adjective of or relating to a girlor young woman with a mischievous,playful manner.ganglion (gangleebn) greek [cystliketumor] noun (plural ganglionsor ganglia, gangleeb) a benign cysticswelling on a tendon: “If you hit aganglion with a heavy book, it shoulddisperse.”ganja (ganjb) hindi [hemp] nounmarijuana.172

gateaugarage (gbrahzh, garahj) french [actof docking, from garer to dock] nouna shelter or repair shop for motor vehicles:“This morning he was darkly preparedto find something wrong, and he felt belittledwhen the mixture exploded sweet and strong,and the car didn’t even brush the door-jamb,gouged and splintery with many bruisingsby fenders, as he backed out of the garage”(Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt, 1922). ~verbto keep in a garage, or to take a motorvehicle to a garage for repair, etc.garam masala (gbrbm mbsahlb) urdu[hot spices] noun phrase a mixture ofground spices used in Indian cuisine.garbanzo (gahrbanz o) spanish [fromarvanço] noun a chickpea: “Garbanzosare a high- fiber low- cholesterol food.”garçon (gahrson(g)) french [boy,servant] noun a waiter: “Garçon, fetcha brandy quick . . . / There! I’m feelingbetter now. / Let’s collaborate, we two. /You the Mummer, I the Bard; / Oh, whatripping stuff we’ll do, / Sitting on theBoulevard!” (Robert Service, Ballads ofa Bohemian, 1920).garderobe (gahrdrob) french [fromgarder to keep and robe dress] noun(in architecture) a wardrobe or astoreroom for clothes, or a lavatory, ina medieval building.garni (gahrnee, gahrnee) french [garnished]adjective of or relating to adish served with a garnish or sauce ofsome kind.Gastarbeiter (gastahrbitbr) german[guestworker] noun (plural Gastarbeiter,Gastarbeiters) a foreignor immigrant worker (especially oneworking in Germany): “There have beenseveral serious riots in recent weeks overthe issue of Gastarbeiters, who are accusedof taking jobs that would otherwise go toGerman workers.”Gasthaus (gasthows) german [guesthouse]noun (plural Gasthaüser,gasthoizbr) a guesthouse or inn(especially one in Germany).gastronome (gastrbnom) french[from gastronomie gastronomy, itselfderived from Greek gastronomia stomachlaw] noun a person with a loveof and serious interest in good food:“‘But first,’ he hastily continued, perceiving,with the unerring instinct of an oldgastronome, that the inviting refreshmentsonVetranio’s table had remained untouched,‘permit me to fortify my exhausted energiesby a visit to your ever-luxurious board’”(Wilkie Collins, Antonina, 1850).gateau (gato), gâteau french [cake]noun (plural gateaus, gatoz, gateauxor gâteaux, gato) a rich, oftenmultilayered, cake: “She felt her determinationto stick to the diet start to fail asshe stared at the enormous gateau, oozingcream and melting chocolate.”173

gauchegauche (gosh) french [left, clumsy,awkward] adjective lacking in grace,elegance, tact, or social experience: “Iwish I had Her constant cheek; I wish thatI could sing / All sorts of funny little songs,/ Not quite the proper thing. / I’m verygauche and very shy, / Her jokes aren’tin my line; / And, worst of all, I’m seventeen/ While She is forty-nine” (RudyardKipling, “My Rival,” 1886).gaucherie (goshbree) french [lefthandedness,clumsiness, derived fromgauche left, clumsy, awkward] noun atactless, awkward, or clumsy act ormanner: “He had made his entrance intothe ‘great world’ and he meant to hold hisplace in it as one ‘to the manor born.’ Itspeople should not find him lacking: hewould wear their manner and speak theirlanguage—no gaucherie should betrayhim, no homely phrase escape his lips”(Booth Tarkington, His Own People,1907).gaucho (gowcho) spanish [probablyfrom Araucanian kaucu] noun (pluralgauchos, gowchoz) a cowboy ofthe South American pampas, typicallyof mixed European and AmericanIndian descent: “The boy was littleelse than a young Gaucho when he firstcame to Rockland; for he had learnedto ride almost as soon as to walk, andcould jump on his pony and trip up arunaway pig with the bolas or noosehim with his miniature lasso at an agewhen some city-children would hardly betrusted out of sight of a nursery-maid”(Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elsie Venner,1859–60).gaudeamus igitur (gowdeeahmoosigbtoor) latin [let us rejoice therefore]interjection phrase let us thereforerejoice!gavotte (gbvot) french [from OldProvençal gavot person from Gap, inthe French Alps] noun a dance ofFrench peasant origin, or the music toaccompany such a dance.gazette (gbzet, gazet) french [newspaper,from Italian gazetta, referringto news sheets that were sold for theprice of a gazeta (a low-value Venetiancoin)] noun a newspaper, periodical,or journal: “If it had concerned eitherof the political parties, depend upon it, itwould have appeared in the Gazette withthe earliest intelligence” (Henry DavidThoreau, Walden, 1854).gazpacho (gbspacho) spanish noun(plural gazpachos) a spicy Spanishsoup prepared from tomatoes,peppers, and other chopped rawvegetables, usually served cold: “Areaping-hook fits my hand better thana governor’s scepter; I’d rather have myfi ll of gazpacho than be subject to themisery of a meddling doctor. . .” (Miguelde Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote,1605).gefilte (gbfiltb) yiddish [stuffed, filled]adjective stuffed (usually referring to174

genesisgefilte fish, balls of minced fish cookedin fish stock or tomato sauce).gegenschein (gaygbnshin) german[counterglow, from gegen against andSchein shine, light] noun a faint glowin the sky that sometimes appearsopposite the sun, probably as theresult of sunlight reflecting on dustparticles.geisha (gayshb) japanese [art person,from gei art and sha person] noun (pluralgeisha or geishas) a Japanesegirl or woman who is specially trainedin the arts of conversation, song anddance to provide entertaining companyfor men.Gemini ( jemini) latin [twins] pluralnoun (in astronomy) the Twins, aconstellation in the northern hemisphere,containing the stars Castorand Pollux; (in astrology) the thirdsign of the zodiac, occurring betweenTaurus and Cancer.gemutlich (gemootlik, gemootlish),gemütlich german [pleasant, comfortable]adjective agreeable, friendly,genial, sociable.gendarme (zhan(g)dahrm) french[policeman, ultimately from gensd’armes men of arms] noun (pluralgendarmes) a police officer (especiallyone in a French-speakingcountry): “Burgo, when he first got tothe door leading out of the salon, hadpaused a moment, and, turning round,had encountered the big gendarme closeto him” (Anthony Trollope, Can YouForgive Her?, 1864). ~abbreviated formgend.gendarmerie (zhan(g)dahrmbree)french [constabulary, derived fromgendarme policeman] noun a policestation, or the police force as awhole (especially in a French-speakingcountry): “Mounted Gendarmeriegallop distracted; are fired on merelyas a thing running; galloping over thePont Royal, or one knows not whither”(Thomas Carlyle, History of the FrenchRevolution, 1837).generalissimo (jenbrblisimo) italian[chief general, superlative of generalegeneral] noun (plural generalissimos)the commander in chief of the combinedarmed forces or of two or morearmies: “Old-Dragoon Drouet is our engineerand generalissimo; valiant as a RuyDiaz:—Now or never, ye Patriots, for theSoldiery is coming; massacre by Austrians,by Aristocrats, wars more than civil, it alldepends on you and the hour!” (ThomasCarlyle, History of the French Revolution,1837).genesis (jenbsis) greek [gignesthaito be born] noun (plural geneses,jenbseez) the beginning, origin, orcreation of something: “‘Could younot prevail to know the genesis of projection,as well as the continuation of it?’Nature, meanwhile, had not waited for the175

geniediscussion, but, right or wrong, bestowedthe impulse, and the balls rolled” (RalphWaldo Emerson, “Nature,” 1836).genie (jeenee) french [génie, fromArabic jinni demon] noun (pluralgenies, genii, jeeneei) a supernaturalbeing of Arabian and Muslimmythology, credited with the powerto cast spells, change shape, and performmagic; also used of anyone whodemonstrates an unusual talent togrant wishes or get difficult thingsdone: “I see him yet standing there like apigmy out of the Arabian Nights before thehuge front of some malignant genie. Hewas daring destiny, and he was unafraid”(Jack London, The Sea-Wolf, 1904).genius (jeenybs, jeeneebs) latin[guardian spirit, inclination, from gignereto beget] noun (plural geniuses,genii, geneei) the attendant spiritof a place or person; by extension, anyunusual talent, ability or intel lectualcapacity or the person who possessesit: “‘Anne says Paul is a genius,’ said Mrs.Sloane. ‘He may be. You never know whatto expect of them Americans,’ said Mrs.Andrews. Mrs. Andrews’ only acquaintancewith the word ‘genius’ was derived from thecolloquial fashion of calling any eccentricindividual ‘a queer genius’” (Lucy MaudMontgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909).genius loci (losee, lokee) latin [thetuterlary deity of a place] noun phrase(plural genii loci, jeeneei losee,jeeneei lokee) the attendant spiritof, or the pervading atmosphere orassociations of, a particular place: “Hewas a soldier. His sudden appearance wasto darkness what the sound of a trumpetis to silence. Gloom, the genius loci at alltimes hitherto, was now totally overthrown,less by the lantern-light than by what thelantern lighted” (Thomas Hardy, Farfrom the Madding Crowd, 1874).genre (zhonrb, zhahnrb, jonrb) french[kind, sort, gender] noun (pluralgenres) a category, kind, style, orspecies of artistic, literary, or othercreative work, or more generally anygenus, sort, or type. “His clothes werenew and the indescribable smartness of theircut, a genre which had never been obtrudedon her notice before, astonished Mrs. Fyne,who came out into the hall with her hat on;for she was about to go out to hear a newpianist (a girl) in a friend’s house” (JosephConrad, Chance, 1913).genteel (jenteel, zhonteel) french[from gentil gentle] adjective polite,elegant, stylish, or aristocratic: “‘True,true.’ said Joseph Poorgrass. ‘The Balls werealways a very excitable family. I knowedthe boy’s grandfather—a truly nervousand modest man, even to genteel refinery”(Thomas Hardy, Far from the MaddingCrowd, 1874).genus (jeenbs, jenbs) latin [birth,race, kind] noun (plural genuses, genera,jenbrb) a kind, class, or groupsharing identical or similar characteristics(especially living organisms):176

ghee“Cats and lynxes belong to the genusFelis.”geopolitik (jeeopolitik), Geopolitikgerman [geopolitics] noun thestudy of the influence of geography,economy, and other forces upon politicsand policies that are based uponsuch considerations.gesellschaft (gezelshahft) german[companionship, society] noun (pluralgesellschafts, gesellschaften) aclass of social integration based uponimpersonal relationships, or a societyconstructed upon such relationships.gesso (jeso) italian [gypsum] noun(plural gessoes) a paste of plasterof paris or gypsum used as a basein-painting or gilding or in makingbas-reliefs.gestalt (gbshtalt, gbshtolt, gbstalt)german [shape, form] noun (pluralgestalts, gestalten, gbshtaltbn,gbsholtbn, gbstaltbn) a structure orpattern of biological, psychological,or physical elements combining tocreate something greater than the sumof its constituent parts.gestapo (gestahpo, gestapo) german[from Geheime Staatspolizei secretstate police] noun (plural gestapos)a secret-police organization or othercovert agency suspected of underhandtactics, especially one sharingsimilarities with the ruthless Gestapopolice that operated in Nazi Germany:“The social service agency wasaccused of behaving like the Gestapo,splitting up families and causing muchneedless distress.”gesundheit (gbzunthit) german[health] interjection a response wishinggood health to someone who hasjust sneezed.geyser (gizer) icelandic [after theGeyser hot spring in Iceland, fromgeysa to rush forth] a natural hot springfrom which hot water and steamgushes periodically and, by extension,a gas-operated hot-water heater: “Now,unless the sandbank had been submitted tothe intermittent eruption of a geyser, theGovernor Higginson had to do neither morenor less than with an aquatic mammal,unknown till then, which threw up fromits blow-holes columns of water mixed withair and vapour” (Jules Verne, 20,000Leagues Under the Sea, 1869).gharry (garee) hindi [from gari horsedrawncart] noun (plural gharries) ahorse-drawn cab or carriage of a typetraditionally used in India and othercountries.ghat (gat), ghaut hindi [from ghat]noun in India, a flight of steps leadingdown to the riverbank, used for bathing,cremations, and other rituals.ghee (gee), ghi hindi [from Sanskritghrta, past participle of ghr to sprinkle]177

ghettonoun clarified liquid butter, as usedin Indian cuisine.ghetto (geto) italian [Jewish quarter,from Venetian dialect gheto foundry,referring to the section of Venice witha foundry where most of Venice’s Jewswere forced to live] noun (plural ghettos,ghettoes) a quarter of a city inwhich members of the Jewish or otherminority community are obliged tocongregate for political, legal, economic,or other reasons: “He passed overthe river, and saw the lanterns hanging tothe masts of the ships. He passed over theGhetto, and saw the old Jews bargainingwith each other, and weighing out money incopper scales” (Oscar Wilde, The HappyPrince and Other Tales, 1888). Also usedmore generally to refer to any slumquarter.ghiSee ghee.ghoul (gool) arabic [from ghul] nounin Arabian legend, an evil demon thatrobs graves to feed on the dead; alsoused more generally of any monster,demon, or someone who has similarcharacteristics or tastes: “Do you supposeI eat like an ogre or a ghoul, that youdread being the companion of my repast?”(Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847).gigolo (jigblo, zhigblo) french [ladies’man] noun (plural gigolos) a manwho dances with women for money,or is paid or otherwise rewarded toact as a companion, escort, or loverof wealthy (typically older) women:“As a young man he tried to make endsmeet by offering himself as a gigolo to thebored wives of rich businessmen.”gigot (jigbt, zheego) french [fromgigue fi ddle, from its shape] noun (pluralgigots, jigbts, zheegoz) a leg ofmeat (usually lamb or mutton).gingham (gin(g)bm) french [fromMalay genggang striped cloth] noundyed cotton fabric with a plain weave:“The brown gingham and the blue printwill do you for school when you begin togo” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne ofGreen Gables, 1908). ~adjective of orrelating to such fabric.ginseng (jinseng, jinseng) chinese[from ren man and shen herb] nounthe perennial herb (Panax schinseng orPanax quinquefolius) having an aromaticroot with various purported medicinalproperties.giocoso (zheebkoso) italian [merry]adverb in music, an instruction toplay a passage merrily or joyously.girandole (jirbndol) french [fromItalian girandola from late Latin gyrareto gyrate] noun a revolving or radiatingfirework or jet of water, or alternativelyan ornate candelabrum orcluster design in jewelry: “‘Ingenious,’remarked Hunsden; ‘whether true or not is178

glissandoanother question. Meantime, don’t you feelyour little lamp of a spirit wax very pale,beside such a girandole as Lucia’s?” (CharlotteBrontë, The Professor, 1857).giro (jiro) italian [from Greek gyroscircuit] noun a European bankingsystem that facilitates the directtransfer of funds between accountholders without the transfer of actualcash: “Payments will be made by giro toreduce the risk of claimants getting theirmoney late.”gite (zheet), gîte french [lodging]noun a holiday home of the typewidely offered to visitors in ruralparts of France and other Frenchspeakingcountries: “Last year we spentthe summer in a gite on the Frenchcoast.”glacé (glasay) french [past participleof glacer to freeze, to ice] adjective ofor relating to something that has aglossy or glazed surface, as though frozen:“Maria Nikolaevna was dressed thatday very much ‘to her advantage,’ as ourgrandmothers used to say. She wore a pinkglacé silk dress, with sleeves à la Fontange,and a big diamond in each ear” (Ivan Turgenev,Torrents of Spring, 1870).glacis (glasee) french [slippery place,from glacer to slip, ultimately fromLatin glacies ice] noun (plural glacisesor glacis, glaseez) a gentle downwardslope from a fortification.glasnost (glaznost) russian [publicity,public information] noun officialgovernment policy promoting unrestraineddiscussion of important issuesand freedom of news and information,as adopted by the Soviet regime in the1980s: “The press demanded greater accessto secret government files, arguing that anyrefusal would be tantamount to a denialof the spirit of glasnost that the country’sleaders professed themselves to be so eagerto promote.”glaucoma (glowkomb, glokomb) latin[cataract, from Greek glaucoma, fromglaukos bluish- gray] noun (in medicine)a disease of the eye in whichthere is gradual loss of vision causedby increased pressure on the opticnerve: “My grandmother developed glaucomaand eventually lost her sight.”glissade (glisayd) french [slide, fromglisser to slip] noun in dancing, a slidingor gliding step as though on ice.Also used to refer to an expanse of iceon a mountainside: “Along their tracklay the villages of the hill-folk—mudand earth huts, the timbers now and thenrudely carved with an axe—clinging likeswallows’ nests against the steeps, huddledon tiny flats half-way down a threethousand-footglissade . . .” (RudyardKipling, Kim, 1901).glissando (glisando) italian [sliding,from French glisser to slip, to slide]noun (plural glissandos, glissandi,179

goiter (goitbr), goitre french [Frenchgoître, from Latin guttur throat] nounenlargement of the thyroid gland, proglockenspielglisandee) in music, a rapid slide upor down a scale. ~adjective of or relatingto a passage of music to be playedin such a manner.glockenspiel (glokbnspeel, glokbnshpeel)german [bell-play, from Glockebell and Spiel play] noun a musicalinstrument in which tuned metal barsare struck with two mallets.gloire (glwah) french [glory] nounglory, especially the glory of Franceas a nation: “Thousands of French soldierswere sacrificed on the Somme in the causeof ‘la gloire,’ there being little prospectotherwise of any material gain.”gloria See gloria in excelsis; gloriapatri.Gloria in Excelsis (gloreeb in ekschelsis,gloreeb in ekselsis) latin [glory onhigh] noun phrase a Christian prayer inpraise of God on high (the “greater doxology”).~abbreviated form gloria. Also,a sacred musical setting of this prayer.Gloria Patri (gloreeb patree) latin[glory to the Father] noun phrase aChristian prayer in praise of Godthe Father (the “lesser doxology”).~abbreviated form gloria, G.P.glossolalia (glosblayleeb) greek [fromglossa tongue and lalia talk] noun (pluralglossolalias) speaking in tongues,the gift of tongues (as employed inPentecostal churches).gnocchi (nokee, nyokee) italian[plural of gnocco, from nocchio knot inwood] plural noun a type of potato,fl our, or semolina dumplings, usuallyserved in sauce.gnome (nom) greek [thought, fromgignoskein to know] noun (plural, gnomae,nomi, or gnomes) a maxim,adage, proverb, or aphorism.gnomon (nombn) greek [interpreter,from gignoskein to know] noun thepointer on a sundial, or any pillar,column, or shaft erected verticallyfor similar purposes: “Exactly as thegnomon of the official dial up in thecitadel pointed the second hour half gone,the legion, in full panoply, and with allits standards on exhibit, descended fromMount Sulpius. . .” (Lew Wallace, BenHur, 1880).gnu (nuu) khoikhoi [possibly afterthe sound made by the animal] noun(plural gnus or gnu) a large Africanantelope with a long, oxlike head, amane and beard, and a long tuftedtail.go (go) japanese noun Japaneseboard game played on a checkeredblack-and-white board in which playersattempt to gain control of thegreater area of territory.180

goulashducing a swelling in the front of theneck and sometimes protrusion of theeyes: “A deficiency of iodine in the diet canlead to goiter.”golem (golbm, golbm) yiddish [fromgoylem, fool, derived from Hebrewgolem shapeless mass] noun an artificial human being of Jewish legend,usually described as a figure of clayendowed with life through magic:“The children’s grandmother had been forbiddento frighten the children with talesabout the golem, but she was soon prevailedupon to forget the injunction.”gondola (gondblb) italian [Venetiandialect, probably from Middle Greekkontoura small vessel] noun a long,narrow, flat-bottomed boat with ahigh pointed prow and stern, as seenon the canals of Venice: “The Venetiangondola is as free and graceful, in its glidingmovement, as a serpent. It is twenty orthirty feet long, and is narrow and deep,like a canoe; its sharp bow and stern sweepupward from the water like the hornsof a crescent with the abruptness of thecurve slightly modified” (Mark Twain,Innocents Abroad, 1869). Also appliedto the passenger compartment of anairship or dirigible, which sometimesbears a vague resemblance in shapeto the boats of Venice, and to theenclosed cars suspended from cablesas on ski lifts.gong (gong) malaysian [imitativeof the sound a gong makes] noun adisk-shaped percussion instrumentthat is struck with a padded hammerto produce sound: “Oh, Timballoo! howhappy we are, / We live in a sieve anda crockery jar! / And all night long, inthe starlight pale, / We sail away, with apea-green sail, / And whistle and warblea moony song / To the echoing sound of acoppery gong” (Louisa May Alcott, EightCousins, 1875).Götterdämmerung (gertbdamb rung),götterdämmerung german [twilightof the gods, the title of the climacticopera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle]noun (plural Götterdammerüngen,gertb dambrun gbn) the end of theworld, or the total collapse of a political,social or economic system, withits accompanying chaos.gouache (gwahsh) french [from Italianguazzo, puddle] noun in art, atechnique of painting with opaquewater-soluble pigment, a picturepainted with such pigment or the pigmentitself: “Lydie, who had been taughtmusic by Schmucke, was herself a musiciancapable of composing; she could wash in asepia drawing, and paint in gouache andwater-color” (Honoré de Balzac, Scenesfrom a Courtesan’s Life, 1839–47).goujon (goozhon(g) french [fromLatin gobius goby] noun a strip of fishor chicken, usually deep-fried.goulash goolash) hungarian [fromgulyashus herdsman’s meat] noun a181

gourmandhighly seasoned meat and vegetablestew: “She prepared them a hearty goulash,conscious that it might be days beforethey ate their next hot meal.”gourmand (goormond, goormond)french [greedy, gluttonous, fromMiddle French gourmant] noun aglutton, a person who loves foodand drink to excess: “Look at yourknife-handle, there, my civilized andenlightened gourmand, dining off thatroast beef, what is that handle madeof ?—what but the bones of the brotherof the very ox you are eating?” (HermanMelville, Moby Dick, 1851). ~noun,feminine gourmande (plural gourmandes).gourmandise (goormondeez) french[from gourmand] noun gluttony, orappreciation of and indulgence ingood food and drink: “‘Oh, if I waspermitted a vice it would be the gourmandise!’Could I resist that? No. I gaveher a gooseberry” (Mark Twain, Horse’sTale, 1907).gourmet (goormay) french [fromgroumet wine taster] noun an epicure,a connoisseur of food anddrink: “Indeed, when she had her ownsupper, she joined the Kennicotts, and howludicrous it was to suppose that Maud wasa gourmet of emotions Carol saw in thefact that she talked not to one of the townbeaux but to the safe Kennicott himself!”(Sinclair Lewis, Main Street, 1920).~adjective of or relating to fi ne foodand drink or to a person with aninterest in and knowledge of goodfood and drink.goy (goi) yiddish [from Hebrew goypeople, nation] noun (plural goys orgoyim, goibm) a derogatory termfor a non-Jew or Gentile: “Relentlesspersecution of Jews, century after century,in nation after nation, left a legacy of bittersayings: ‘Dos ken nor a goy’ (‘That, onlya goy is capable of doing’)” (L. Rosten,The Joys of Yiddish, 1968).G.P.See gloria patri; grand prix.gracias (graseebs, grathibs) spanish[thanks] noun thank you: “She seemedthe incarnation of girlish scorn and wilfulpassion. ‘Gracias, senor,’ she replied, mockingly.‘Adios.’ Then she flashed out of hissight” (Zane Grey, Desert Gold, 1913).gracioso (graseeoso) spanish [agreeable,amusing] noun (plural graciosos)a buffoon or clown in traditionalSpanish comedy.gradatim (gradaytim, graydaytim)latin [by steps] adverb by degrees,gradually.Graf (grahf) german [count] noun(plural Grafen, grahfbn) a rank ofGerman nobility: “Graf von FerdinandZeppelin was a well-known pioneer of flight.”~noun, feminine Gräfin (grahfbn).182

grandiosograffiti (grbfeetee) italian [plural ofgraffito, from graffiare to scratch] pluralnoun words or symbols painted, writtenor incised on a wall or other surface(usually one in general public view):“No one knew for certain who was responsiblefor the graffiti on the lavatory door, but severalpeople had their suspicions.”grand coup (gron(g) koo) french[big blow] noun phrase (plural grandscoups) a bold move or decisivestroke: “The acquisition of the companyby its main rivals was a stunning grandcoup that took the markets entirely bysurprise.” See also coup.grand cru (gron(g) kroo) french[great vintage] noun phrase (pluralgrands crus) fine wine, wine ofsuperior quality.grande cuisine (grond kwizeen)french [grand cooking] noun phrasehigh quality or fashionable cooking: “Itwas a meal in the best traditions of Frenchgrand cuisine, with the best ingredientsand mouth-watering sauces.”grande dame (grond dahm) french[great lady] noun phrase (pluralgrandes dames, grond dahms) amature woman of considerablestatus or infl uence, typically ofdistinguished bearing and noblebirth: “Still she did not forget thatAnna, her sister-in-law, was the wife ofone of the most important personages inPetersburg, and was a Petersburg grandedame” (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina,1874–76).grandee (grandee) spanish [fromgrande great, large] noun a highrankingnobleman, originally of Spanishor Portuguese society but now usedmore widely of any high-ranking orinfluential person: “I was bound to seemore of him, so I invited him to come outto Marco’s Sunday, and dine with us. Marcowas appalled, and held his breath: and whenthe grandee accepted, he was so grateful thathe almost forgot to be astonished at the condescension”(Mark Twain, A ConnecticutYankee in King Arthur’s Court, 1889).grande passion (grond pasyon(g)french [grand passion] noun phrase(plural grandes passions) an intenselove affair or overwhelming passionfor someone or something: “But a reallygrande passion is comparatively rare nowadays.It is the privilege of people who havenothing to do” (Oscar Wilde, A Woman ofNo Importance, 1893).Grand Guignol (gron(g) ginyol)french [great punch, after the GrandGuignol Theater, Paris] noun phrase amelodramatic style of theatrical entertainmentof particularly bloody orgruesome character.grandioso (grandeeoso) italian [fromLatin grandis grand] adverb in music, tobe played in a majestic, broad manner.183

grand jeté~adjective of or relating to music of animposing, noble style.grand jeté (gron(g) jbtay) french[big leap] noun phrase (plural grandsjetés) in ballet, a big jump or leap(occasionally used more widely of anymajor advance or move): “He completedhis solo with a grand jeté performed withapparently effortless ease.”grand luxe (gron(g) looks) french[great luxury] noun phrase the heightof luxury.grand mal (gron(g) mal) french [greatsickness] noun phrase severe epilepsy.See also petit mal.grand prix (gron(g) pree), GrandPrix french [big prize] noun phrase(plural grands prix, gron(g) preez)a contest at the highest level, oftenreferring to international FormulaOne motor racing but also applicableto equestrianism, cycling, tennis, andother activities: “Do you remember, mydear Madame de Camps, that in 1831you and I went together to the Beaux-Artsto see the exhibition of works which werecompeting for the Grand Prix in sculpture?”(Honoré de Balzac, Deputy of Arcis,1847). ~abbreviated form G.P.grand seigneur (gron(g) senyoor)french [great lord] noun (pluralgrands seigneurs) a great noblemanor aristocrat, typically of Frenchbackground: “Mills hardly deigned toanswer that he didn’t know anything abouthis cousin’s movements. ‘A grand seigneurcombined with a great connoisseur,’ opinedthe other heavily” (Joseph Conrad, TheArrow of Gold, 1919).grand siècle (gron(g) seeyeklb) french[the great century] noun phrase (pluralgrands siècles) the classical orgolden age, often referring speci ficallyto the reign of Louis XIV of France(1638–1715).Granth, Granth Sahib See adigranth.gran turismo (gran tyoorizmo) italian[great touring] noun phrase highperformance,high-specifi cation (ofautomobiles). ~abbreviated form G.T.grappa (grapb) italian [Italian dialectfor grape stalk] noun brandy distilledfrom the remains of the grapesafter winemaking.gratin (gratbn, grahtbn) french [fromgrater to grate] noun a method ofcooking in which grated cheese orbreadcrumbs is sprinkled on food andthen cooked to form a thin browncrust: “The waiters reported that theyobjected to their breakfasts, and especially tothe eggs. Thereupon (to translate the Frenchman’sown way of putting it) he exhaustedhimself in exquisite preparations of eggs.Eggs à la tripe, au gratin . . . and so on”(Wilkie Collins, I Say No, 1884).184

grisettegratis (gratis, grahtis) latin [ablativeplural of gratia favor] adverb freely,gratuitously: “They spoke to me withgreat humanity, and said, they were surethe captain would carry me gratis toLisbon, whence I might return to my owncountry . . .” (Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’sTravels, 1726). ~adjective free, withoutcharge.gravadlaxSee gravlax.gravamen (grbvahmbn) latin [burden,from gravare to weigh on, oppress]noun (plural gravamens or gravamina,grbvahmbnb) the substanceor gist of a complaint, accusation, orgrievance.gravida (gravbdb) latin [feminine ofgravidus, from gravis heavy] noun (pluralgravidas or gravidae, gravbdee) apregnant woman.gravitas (gravitas) latin [seriousness]noun gravity, solemnity, or highseriousness: “The inspector listened totheir story with suitable gravitas.”gravlax (gravlaks), gravlaks, gravadlax(gravadlaks) swedish [buriedsalmon] noun salmon cured withsalt, dill, and other spices.grazioso (gratseeoso) italian [gracious]adverb in music, an instructionfor a passage of music to beplayed gracefully. ~adjective of orrelating to a passage of music to beplayed gracefully.grenadine (grenbdeen, grenbdeen)french [from grenade pomegranate]noun a cordial syrup flavored withpomegranate juice: “To make a TequilaSunrise you need tequila, grenadine, orangejuice, and ice.”grimace (grimbs, grimays) french[from grimache] noun a facial expressionof disapproval or disgust: “‘You’rea damned rogue,’ says the old gentleman,making a hideous grimace at the door ashe shuts it. ‘But I’ll lime you, you dog,I’ll lime you!’” (Charles Dickens, BleakHouse, 1852–53). ~verb to make sucha face.gringo (gringo) spanish [foreigner,gibberish, from griego Greek, stranger]noun (plural gringos) a foreigner inSpain or in Spanish-speaking LatinAmerica, usually applied to whiteskinnednon-Hispanics, especiallyof Anglo-Saxon background: “Thepeasants could not make up their mindswhether the stranger was the man theyhad been waiting for or just another lazygringo down on his luck.” ~adjective ofor relating to a gringo or anythingforeign.grisette (grizet) french [cheap,unbleached cloth, as worn by Frenchshopgirls, from gris grey] noun (pluralgrisettes) a French working girlor shopgirl, typically coquettish in185

grissinicharacter. Also applied to such youngwomen who supplemented theirincome with part-time prostitution:“Still Adrienne thought herself the obligedparty, in times as critical as those whichthen hung over France, in being permittedto toil for a sum that would barely supplya grisette, accustomed all her life to privations,with the coarsest necessaries.” (JamesFenimore Cooper, Autobiography of aPocket-Handkerchief, 1843).grissini (griseenee) italian [breadstick]plural noun (singular grissino,griseeno) long, thin, crisp Italianbreadsticks.gros point (gro pwan(g)) french[large point] noun phrase a formof embroidery in which stitches areworked over a double-thread canvas.grotesque (grotesk) french [fromItalian grottesco of a grotto or cave]adjective bizarre, fanciful, distorted,or hideous: “The effect is said to beunspeakably absurd: and if I may judgefrom a print of this ceremony which I havein my possession; and which I am informedby those who have visited the chapel, isperfectly accurate; it must be infinitelygrotesque.” (Charles Dickens, AmericanNotes, 1842).grotto (groto) italian [cavern] nouna cavern, or an artificial recess orretreat with cave-like qualities: “Theyretreated by the same passage which hadadmitted them to the prior’s secret seat ofobservation, and when they issued from thegrotto into the wood, the birds which beganto chirp, and even to sing, announced thatthe dawn was advanced.” (Walter Scott,The Antiquary, 1816).G.T.See gran turismo.guacamole (gwakbmolee) spanish[from Nahuatl ahuacatl avocado andmolli sauce] noun a Mexican dishof pureed or mashed avocado mixedwith seasonings.guano (gwahno) spanish [from Quechuahuanu dung, fertilizer] noun(plural guanos) a natural fertilizermade from the droppings of seabirdsor bats: “Of course they might be madeinto guano, and Cape Cod is not so fertilethat her inhabitants can afford to dowithout this manure,—to say nothing ofthe diseases they may produce.” (HenryDavid Thoreau, Cape Cod, 1865).guapacha (gwbpahchb) spanish [possiblyfrom Cuban Spanish guaposo boldor dashing] noun a modern Afro-Cuban dance that is a fusion of thecha- cha and street hiphop.gueridon (geridbn(g)), guéridonfrench [after Gueridon, a traditionalcharacter in French farces and songs]noun a small (usually round andoften elaborately carved) ornamentaltable or stand.186

guruguerrilla (gerilb, gbrilb) spanish [littlewar, diminutive of guerra war] noun(plural guerrillas) an irregular soldier,typically one belonging to a bandof such fighters and usually engaged inraids and acts of sabotage behind enemylines. ~adjective of or relating to suchfighters or their campaigns and tactics:“That aim was attained in the first place ofitself, as the French ran away, and so it wasonly necessary not to stop their flight. Secondlyit was attained by the guerrilla warfarewhich was destroying the French.” (LeoTolstoy, War and Peace, 1863–69).guillotine (gilbteen, geebteen) french[after French physician Joseph IgnaceGuillotin (1738–1814), who proposedthe use of the guillotine duringthe French Revolution] noun adecapitating machine in which thehead of the condemned prisoner iscleanly severed by a heavy falling bladewith a diagonal cutting edge: “Accordingto the received code in such matters,it would have been nothing short of duty,in a politician, to bring every one of thosewhite heads under the axe of the guillotine”(Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter,1850). Also used of smaller devicesdesigned to cut paper. ~verb to cut offsomeone’s head (or a piece of paper,etc.) using a guillotine.gulag (goolag) russian [from Glavnoeupravlenie ispravitel no-trudovykh lagereichief administration of correctivelabor camps] noun a Soviet prisoncamp, one of a system of such campsset up by the Communist regimein the USSR for the confi nement ofpolitical prisoners and other criminals:“Thousands of dissidents were carriedoff from their homes and sent toa miserable death in the gulags, theirdisappearance barely noticed by the foreignpress.”gung-ho (gung ho) chinese [fromgonghé, from Zhongguo Gongye HezuoShe Chinese Industrial CooperativeSociety, but interpreted as meaning“work together” and adopted as aslogan by U.S. Marines during WorldWar II] adjective eager, enthusiastic,overzealous: “The colonel was very gunghoabout their chances of victory.”Gurkha (gerkb) nepalese [after theGurkha people of Nepal] noun amember of the warlike Rajput clanof Nepal, often referring to soldiersfrom Nepal serving in the British orIndian army: “The Gurkhas establisheda fearsome reputation in the jungle campaignsagainst the Japanese.”guru (gooroo, gbroo) hindi [fromguru heavy, venerable] noun in Hinduism,a spiritual guide or religiousteacher, but also used in a much widercontext of any influential instructor orpopular expert: “‘I am no Khitai, but aBhotiya (Tibetan), since you must know—a lama—or, say a guru in your tongue.’ ‘Aguru from Tibet,’ said Kim. ‘I have not seen187

gustosuch a man. They be Hindus in Tibet, then?’”(Rudyard Kipling, Kim, 1901).gusto (gusto) italian [taste, pleasure]noun enthusiasm, vigor, vitality, relish,enjoyment, delight: “Penrod broughtthe bottle down, surprisingly full after somuch gusto, but withheld it from Sam;and the two scuffled for its possession.”(Booth Tarkington, Penrod, 1914).gutta-percha (gbtb perchb) malaysian[from getah sap, latex and percha scrap,rag] noun a rubbery plastic substancederived from the latex of variousMalaysian trees, variously used indentistry, electrical insulation, andelsewhere.gymSee gymnasium.gymkhana (jimkahnb) hindi [fromgedkhana ball court] noun a festivalof sporting contests and athleticdisplays, most often a series of competitiveequestrian events: “Miss Vennerdid not know what magnum opus meant;but she knew that Captain Kerrington hadwon three races at the last Gymkhana.”(Rudyard Kipling, “Wressley of theForeign Office,” 1887).gymnasium (jimnayzeebm) greek[gymnazein to exercise naked] noun(plural gymnasiums or gymnasia,jimnayzeeb) an indoor sports facilitysuitable for a range of sports andgymnastics: “The Zenith Athletic Clubis not athletic and it isn’t exactly a club,but it is Zenith in perfection. It has anactive and smoke-misted billiard room,it is represented by baseball and footballteams, and in the pool and the gymnasiuma tenth of the members sporadically try toreduce.” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt, 1922).~shortened form: gym.188

åååhåh.a.See hoc anno.habanera (habbnairb, abbnairb) spanish[from danza habanera dance ofHavana] noun a slow Cuban dance insimple duple time, or the music thataccompanies it.habeas corpus (haybeebs korpbs) latin[you should have the body] noun phrasea common law writ under which aparty may be summoned to court, orelse protected against illegal imprisonmentthrough investigation of thelegitimacy of that person’s detention:“Trip up a policeman in such a scramble, andhe will take it in good spirit; but mention thewords ‘Habeas Corpus,’ and he’ll lock youup if he can.” (Anthony Trollope, PhineasFinn, 1869).habendum (hbbendbm) latin [that isto be had, from habere to have] noun (inlaw) the part of a deed that gives detailsof how the property is to be assigned tothe purchaser.habitat (habitat) latin [he, she, orit inhabits] noun a place or environmentthat a particular person, plant,or animal normally frequents; oftenreferring to a person’s domestic surroundings:“The Arctic is the naturalhabitat of the polar bear.”habitué (habichyooay, hbbichyooay)french [past participle of habituerto frequent] noun a person whoregularly frequents a particular placeor kind of place, such as nightclubsor theaters: “‘Darm their nasty ways,’said Tony to Mr. Larry Twentyman, whowas one of the popular habitués of thehunt; ‘they runs one a top of another’sbrushes, till there ain’t a ’ound livingknows t’other from which” (AnthonyTrollope, Ayala’s Angel, 1881).hacienda(haseeendb) spanish [derivedfrom Latin faciendus, things to bedone, gerundive of facere to do]noun a large Spanish-style countryestate or plantation, or the mainbuilding within such an estate: “Ourfi rst day’s ride was northward alongthe seacoast. After dark we reached theHacienda of Quintero, the estate whichformerly belonged to Lord Cochrane.”189

hac lege(Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle,1839).hac lege (hac legay) latin [with thislaw] adverb phrase under this law orregulation.Hades (haydeez), hades greek [afterHaides, god of the underworld] nounthe underworld, or hell, or the godwho rules the abode of the dead: “Shestood fearfully at the extreme edge of astupendous cliff, where it sheered dark andforbidding, down and down, into whatseemed red and boundless depths of Hades.”(Zane Grey, Call of the Canyon, 1924).hadjhadjiSee hajj.See hajji.hafiz (hahfiz) persian [from Arabichafiz, one who memorizes or guards]noun a Muslim who has memorizedthe Koran.Haggadah (hbgahdb) hebrew [tale ortelling] noun (in Judaism) traditionalJewish lore, which forms the nonlegalpart of the Talmud; also the Hebrewtext recited and discussed at the seder,on the first two nights of the Passovermeal.ha-ha (hah hah) french [from haha,probably inspired by the cry of surprisethat might greet the discoveryof a concealed barrier] noun a ditchwith a sunken retaining wall, usedin parks and gardens to create a barrierto livestock without defacing thelandscape: “Farm animals were kept out ofthe park by the discreet use of a ha-ha.”haiku (hikoo) japanese [from haiamusement, entertainment and kusentence] noun (plural haiku or haikus)a Japanese verse form consistingof three unrhymed lines with a totalof 17 syllables (5-7-5), typically onthe topic of nature or the seasons: “Shespent the morning trying to compose ahaiku about a raindrop on a leaf. ”hajj (haj), hadj arabic [pilgrimage]noun the pilgrimage to the sacredmosque at Mecca that all Muslimsare expected to make during theirlifetimes as a matter of religious duty:“Devotees may excuse themselves from makingthe hajj on the grounds of physical disabilityor a range of other inconveniences.”hajji (hajee), hadji arabic [pilgrim]noun ( feminine hajja, hajb, or hadja)a person who has successfully completedthe pilgrimage to the sacredmosque at Mecca that all Muslims areexpected to make during their lifetimesas a matter of religious duty.haka (hakb) maori noun a ceremonialwar dance of the Maori people ofNew Zealand: “The New Zealand rugbysquad is famous for its performance of thehaka before major internationals matches.”190

Hanukkahhakim 1 (hahkim), hakeem arabic[ruler, from hakama to pass judgment]noun (plural hakims or hakeems) ajudge, ruler, or administrator in aMuslim country: “The hakim said thatat any time we may return to the Plains,for we do no more than skirt the pleasantplaces. The hakim is full of learning; but heis in no way proud” (Rudyard Kipling,Kim, 1901).hakim 2 (hbkeem) arabic [wise man]noun (plural hakims) a physician in aMuslim country.halakah (halakb, halbkah), halacha(hebrew [that which one walks by,way, from halak, to walk] noun thatpart of Talmudic writing that dealswith Jewish religious law.halal (hblal), hallal arabic [lawful,according to religious law] adjectiveof or relating to meat slaughteredand prepared in a ritual manneraccording to Islamic holy law: “Thestore carries an impressive range ofhalal meats.” ~noun meat that hasbeen slaughtered and prepared in aritual manner according to Islamicholy law.halcyon (halseebn, halsybn) greek[alkuon kingfisher] adjective peaceful,calm, prosperous, or idyllic. ~noun inGreek myth, a legendary bird that wasbelieved to calm the waves by magicin order to nest at sea during the wintersolstice, often identified with thekingfisher: “Then for the teeming quietest,happiest days of all! / The broodingand blissful halcyon days!” (Walt Whitman,“Halcyon Days,” Leaves of Grass,1891–92 version).hallalSee halal.hallelujah (halaylooyb, halilooyb), halleluiah,alleluia hebrew [praise yethe Lord, from hallelu praise and YahGod] interjection an expression ofpraise, joy, or thanks: “In heaven, allthe redeemed are shouting ‘Hallelujah!’”~noun a shout or song of praise, joy,or thanksgiving.hamartia (hbmahrteeb) latin [failureor fault] noun (in literature) a tragicflaw leading to the downfall of a heroor heroine.hände hoch (handee hok) german[hands up] noun phrase an instructionto a prisoner to put his or her hands inthe air to indicate surrender, in imitationof Allied troops to captured Germansoldiers in the two world wars:“The boy pointed his stick threateningly andgrowled ‘hände hoch!’ just as he had seensoldiers in the movies do.”Hanukkah (hanukb), Hanukah,Chanukah hebrew [dedication]noun an eight-day Jewish holidaycommemorating the rededication ofthe Temple of Jerusalem in 165 b.c.191

hara-kirihara-kiri (harb kiree), hari-kari (hareekaree) japanese [from hara belly andkiri cutting] noun Japanese traditionof ritual suicide by disembowelmentand cut throat, associated with thearistocratic samurai class; also formerlyemployed as a form of capitalpunishment imposed by feudal courtsin Japan. Commonly applied today toany apparently deliberate self-harmingact or policy: “The opposition reveledin the government’s apparent act ofhara-kiri, knowing that these latest taxincreases would lose millions of votes inthe election.”Hare Krishna (haree krishnb) hindi[O Krishna] noun phrase a religiousmovement based on Hindu principles,founded by Surami Prabhupadaand dedicated to worship of the godKrishna, or one of its adherents: “Asa teenager she had flirted with the idea oftaking up Hare Krishna.”harem (harbm, herbm) turkish[sanctuary, derived from Arabic haramsomething forbidden] noun thewives, concubines, and various femaleservants and relatives of a singleMuslim man, or the part of a buildingin which they live, often secludedfrom contact with the outside world.Also applied to female animals ofcertain species who share a singlemate.haricots verts (hariko vair) french[green beans, possibly after Aztecayacotli] plural noun a variety of bean(Phaseolus vulgaris) with edible greenpods.hari-kariSee hara-kiri.hashish (hasheesh, hasheesh, hashish),hasheesh arabic [from hasis, dryherb] noun the concentrated resinof the female cannabis plant (Cannabissativa) that has a narcotic effectif smoked, chewed, or drunk: “Havingneither opium nor hashish on hand,and being desirous of filling his brainwith twilight, he had had recourse tothat fearful mixture of brandy, stout,absinthe, which produces the most terribleof lethargies” (Victor Hugo, LesMisérables, 1862). ~abbreviated formhash.hasta la vista (astb la veestb) spanish[until the sight] interjection good-bye,until we meet again, or, see you again:“He rose his arm in salute as he drove away,calling a final ‘Hasta la vista, baby’ overhis shoulder.”hasta luego (astb looaygo) spanish[until later] interjection phrase see youlater!hasta mañana (astb manyanb) spanish[until tomorrow] interjection seeyou tomorrow.hatha yoga (hatb yogb) sanskrit[from hatha force and yoga yoga] nounphrase a system of physical exercise192

haut tonand breathing control that developedas a Hindu discipline.hausfrau (howsfrow) german [wife,from Haus house and Frau woman]noun (plural hausfraus or hausfrauen,howsfrowbn) a housewife: “Theirhost was a hausfrau with a brittle smileand bad teeth.”haute bourgeoisie (ot boorzhahzee)french [high bourgeoisie] nounphrase the upper middle or professionalclass.haute couture (ot kootoor, ot koochoor)french [high sewing] nounphrase high fashion, or the top designhouses that dictate current fashionand the products they produce: “Fewpeople can afford to fill their wardrobewith examples of modern haute couture.”~abbreviated form couture.haute cuisine (ot kwizeen) french[high cooking] noun phrase elaborateor fashionable, high-quality cuisine,as offered at the best restaurants andhotels: “The hotel is noted for its hautecuisine, the work of its internationallyfamous chef.”haute école (ot ekol) french [highschool] noun phrase in horse riding,an advanced level of dressage;sometimes applied to music and otherarts.haute mondeSee haut monde.haute noblesse (ot nobles) french[high nobility] noun the upper echelonsof the nobility.haute politique (ot politeek) french[high politics] noun phrase politics asconducted at the most senior or rarefiedlevels: “The two ambassadors weredeep in conversation on matters of hautepolitique.”hauteur (oter, hoter) french [fromhaut high] noun haughtiness, arrogance,or condescension of manner:“Now they were men and women of theworld, very supercilious men and women;the boys condescended to Babbitt, theywore evening-clothes, and with hauteurthey accepted cigarettes from silver cases”(Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt, 1922).haut monde (o mond), haute monde(ot mond) french [high world] nounphrase fashionable or high society.haut-relief (oreleef) french [highrelief] noun a sculpture or carving inhigh relief: “The pulpit is decorated withfigures of angels in haut-relief.”haut ton (o ton(g)) french [hightone] noun phrase high fashion: “Anair of extreme haut ton, however, pervadedher whole appearance; she wore ina graceful and degage manner, a largeand beautiful winding-sheet of the finestIndia lawn. . .” (Edgar Allan Poe, “KingPest”). ~abbreviated form ton.193

H.C.H.C. See honoris causa; horsconcours.hegemony (hejembnee hegembnee,hejemonee) greek [from hegemonleader] noun domination or influenceover others: “Moscow regards itsenergy partnership with the EU as animportant instrument with which to restorehegemony over the Commonwealth ofIndependent States” (Guardian, November21, 2000).hegira (hejeerb, hejbrb), hejira, hijra(hijrb) arabic [from hijrah fl ight,departure] noun a journey madeto escape danger or unpleasantness,after the journey made by theprophet Muhammad from Mecca toMedina in a.d. 622 to escape persecution(marking the start of theMuslim era): “‘This is the argumentof my opera.’ He paused. ‘The first act,’he went on, ‘shows Mahomet as a porterto Kadijah, a rich widow with whomhis uncle placed him. He is in love andambitious. Driven from Mecca, he escapesto Medina, and dates his era from hisfl ight, the Hegira’” (Honoré de Balzac,Gambara, 1837).Heimweh (himvay) german [homewoe] noun homesickness.hejabSee hijab.heldentenor (heldbntbnor, heldbntenbr)german [hero tenor, fromHeld hero] noun (in music) a manwith a powerful tenor voice of widerange, suitable for heroic roles inopera.helix (heeliks) greek [from eilyein toroll, wrap] noun (plural helixes, heeliksez,or helices, heeliseez) a spiralor coil: “The whole external shell may beconsidered a rudiment, together with thevarious folds and prominences (helix andanti-helix, tragus and anti-tragus, &c.)which in the lower animals strengthen andsupport the ear when erect, without addingmuch to its weight” (Charles Darwin,The Descent of Man, 1871).herculean (herkyooleebn, herkyb -leebn) latin [after Hercules, itselfmeaning glory of Hera, from GreekHera and kleos glory] adjective of orrelating to something colossal, mammoth,or daunting in scale, power,intensity, or diffi culty, in referenceto the legendary Greek hero Hercules:“Cataloging the thousands of newlibrary books is certainly a herculeantask.”hernia (herneeb) latin [rupture]noun the protrusion of an organ orother body part through the structurethat encloses it: “The herniabecame larger and more painful when hecoughed.”herpes (herpeez) latin [from herpeinto creep] noun a group of inflammatoryviral diseases of the skin andnervous system.194

hinterlandHerr (hair) german [mister, sir,lord, master] noun (plural Herren,heren) courtesy title among Germanspeakers for a man.Herrenvolk (herbnfok, herbnfolk) german[master race] noun a people whobelieve they are superior to all otherraces and destined to rule the world, aconcept espoused by the Nazi Party inGermany in the 1930s and 1940s.HezbollahSee hizbollah.hiatus (hiaytbs) latin [opening, cleft,gap, from hiare to yawn] noun (pluralhiatuses, hiaytbsiz) an interruptionor break in continuity or time: “Thelong street which connected Moonstonewith the depot settlement traversed in itscourse a considerable stretch of rough opencountry, staked out in lots but not built upat all, a weedy hiatus between the townand the railroad” (Willa Cather, TheSong of the Lark, 1915).hibachi (hibachi) japanese [from hifi re and hachi bowl] noun a Japanesepot or brazier for burning charcoalfor heating purposes; also a variety ofportable outdoor cooking equipmentresembling a barbecue.hic et ubique (hic et oobikway) latin[here and everywhere] adverb phrasehere and everywhere.hic iacet (hic yaket), hic jacet latin[here lies] noun phrase here lies, anepitaph or inscription on a tombstone.~abbreviated form H.J.hic sepultus (hic sepultbs), hic sepultusest (hic sepultbs est) latin[here buried, here is buried] nounphrase here is buried, an epitaph orinscription on a tombstone. ~abbreviatedform H.S.hidalgo (hidalgo) spanish [from OldSpanish fi jo dalgo, son of something,son of property] noun (plural hidalgos,hidalgoz) a member of the lowerSpanish aristocracy, or someone whobehaves like an aristocrat or aspiresto become one: “A procession of nobleboys, fantastically dressed as TOREADORS,came out to meet her, and the young Countof Tierra-Nueva, a wonderfully handsomelad of about fourteen years of age, uncoveringhis head with all the grace of a bornhidalgo and grandee of Spain, led hersolemnly in to a little gilt and ivory chairthat was placed on a raised dais above thearena” (Oscar Wilde, A House of Pomegranates,1891).hijab (hbjab), hejab arabic [curtainor veil] noun a headscarf that concealsthe hair and neck, sometimeswith a face veil, worn by some Muslimwomen.hijraSee hegira.hinterland (hintbrland, hintbrlbnd)german [hinder land, the landbehind] noun an interior region or195

hippodromepart of the countryside remote fromthe city: “Few venture into the hinterlandfor fear of wolves and roaming bands ofbrigands.”hippodrome (hipbdrom) greek [hipposhorse and dromos racecourse] noun acourse for chariot or horse races and,by extension, an arena or theaterused for a variety of entertainments:“And Aladdin also took horse with hisMamelukes, he mounting a stallion whoselike was not among the steeds of the Arabal-Arba, and he showed his horsemanshipin the hippodrome, and so playedwith the jarid that none could withstandhim. . .” (Richard Burton, “Aladdin; or,The Wonderful Lamp,” Arabian Nights,1885–88).Hizbollah (hizbolb), Hizbullah (hizbulb),Hezbollah (hezbolb) arabic[party of god] noun a militant ShiiteMuslim organization.H.J.See hic iacet.H.M.P. See hoc monumentumposuit.hoc anno (hok ano) latin [in thisyear] noun phrase in this year. ~abbreviatedform h.a.hoc loco (hok loko) latin [in thisplace] adverb phrase in this place.hoc monumentum posuit (hok monyoomentbmpozyooit) latin [he/she erected this monument] nounphrase he/she erected this monument.~abbreviated form H.M.P.hoc tempore (hok temporay, hoktempbray) latin [at this time] adverbphrase at this time.hoc titulo (hok tityoolo) latin[with this title] adverb phrase underthis title (used in bibliographicalreferences).hoi polloi (hoi pbloi) greek [the many]noun phrase the common herd, theordinary people, the masses: “The costof the tickets for the concert was ridiculouslyhigh in an attempt to keep out thehoi polloi.”Holi (holee) hindi [after Holika, alegendary female demon] noun aHindu spring festival in honor ofKrishna, celebrated with bonfires andcarnival- like merrymaking.hollandaise (holbndayz) french [fromhollandais, Dutch] noun a rich saucemade with butter, eggs, lemon juiceor vinegar, and white wine, oftenserved with fish. ~adjective of a dishserved with such a sauce: “Eggs Benedictconsists of an English muffin halvedand topped with bacon, a poached egg, andhollandaise sauce.”hombre (hombray, ombray) spanish[man] noun informal term for a man,an equivalent of “guy” or “fellow.”196

homunculushomme d’affaires (hom dafairz, omdafairz) french [man of affairs] nounphrase (plural hommes d’affaires) aprofessional or business man: “Thispromotion established his reputation as anhomme d’affaires with access to people ofinfluence throughout the banking world.”homme de lettres (hom db letrb, omdb letrb) french [man of letters]noun (plural hommes de lettres) aliterary man: “There are plenty of menof the world who ought to be aware, sincethe knowledge of such subtle distinctionsis their province, that you cannot insult aFrench writer more cruelly than by callinghim un homme de lettres—a literaryman” (Honoré de Balzac, Le CousinPons, 1847).homme d’esprit (hom despree, omdespree) french [man of wit] noun(plural hommes d’esprit) a wittyman or a man with a strong sense ofhumor: “The passing of his legendaryhomme d’esprit was greatly regretted bymany people, who missed his debonairhumor.”homme du monde (hom doo mond,om doo mond) french [man of theworld] noun (plural hommes dumonde) a gentleman or man-abouttown,a man who moves in high society:“Her uncle was a suave homme dumonde who stayed up till dawn several timesa week gambling and drinking with thecream of society.”homme du peuple (hom doo peplb,om doo peplb) french [man of thepeople] noun (plural hommes dupeuple) a man of humble origins,or one who acts as though he comesfrom the ranks of the ordinary people:“As a candidate for governor, heworked hard to retain his image as anhomme du peuple.”homme moyen sensuel (hom moiyensensyooel, om moiyen sensyooel)french [average sensual man] nounphrase an average man of normalappetites and desires, the man in thestreet.homo (homo) latin [human being]noun (plural homos) the genus towhich the human race belongs, oran individual member of the humanrace. Also used as a slang term for ahomosexual.Homo sapiens (homo sapibnz) latin[wise man, from homo human beingand sapiens wise, intelligent] nounphrase the primate species to whichhuman beings belong, human beingsregarded as a species.homo sui juris (homo sooi jooris,homo sooi yooris) latin [a human ofone’s own law] noun phrase a personwho is deemed in law to be in fullcontrol of his or her own affairs.homunculus (hombnkyblbs) latin[diminutive of homo human being]197

honchonoun (plural homunculi, hombnkyblee)a little man or person ofdiminutive proportions: “Then came ayelling, a crashing among the branches,and a little pink homunculus rushed by usshrieking” (H. G. Wells, The Island of Dr.Moreau, 1896).honcho (honcho) japanese [squadleader, from han squad and cho head,chief] noun (plural honchos) a personin charge, typically the boss orhead of a company or organization:“Lucas has been the head honcho aroundhere since the death of the chairman.”honi soit qui mal y pense (onee swakee mal ee pons) french [shamedbe he who thinks bad of it] nounphrase shame on him who thinksevil of it, the motto of the Order ofthe Garter: “And nightly, meadow-fairies,look you sing, / Like to the Garter’s compass,in a ring: / The expressure that itbears, green let it be, / More fertile-freshthan all the field to see; / And ‘Honi soitqui mal y pense’ write / In emerald tufts,fl owers purple, blue and white . . .” (WilliamShakespeare, The Merry Wives OfWindsor, 1597).honorarium (onbraireebm) latin [thatwhich is honorary] noun (plural honorariumsor honoraria, onbraireeb)a gift or reward made to someone forservices rendered on an otherwiseunpaid, voluntary basis: “That his bill,including the honorarium of the barristers,would sooner or later be paid out of theestate, he did not doubt—but a compromisewould make the settlement easyand pleasant” (Anthony Trollope, LadyAnna, 1873–4).honoris causa (onoris cowzb) latin [forthe sake of honor] adverb phrase asa token of respect, usually applyingto degrees and other qualificationsawarded on an honorary basis. ~abbreviatedform H.C., h.c.hookah (hookb), hooka arabic [fromhuqqah bottle of a water pipe] noun avariety of tobacco pipe with a longfl exible tube by means of which thesmoke of burning tobacco, marijuana,or other substance is drawn througha container of water and thus cooled:“She stretched herself up on tiptoe, andpeeped over the edge of the mushroom,and her eyes immediately met those of alarge caterpillar, that was sitting on thetop with its arms folded, quietly smoking along hookah, and taking not the smallestnotice of her or of anything else” (LewisCarroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,1865).hoop-la (hooplah), houp-la french[hey there] interjection exclamationto draw attention to some physicalmovement or trick: “The ringmastershouted ‘hoop-la’ every time the dogjumped over the stool.” ~noun a hullabalooor commotion, or alternatively agame in which participants attempt towin prizes by tossing hoops over pegsor other objects.198

hourihors concours (or konkoor) french[out of the competition] adverb phrasein the manner of a person or thingthat cannot compete. ~adjective notcompeting for a prize, excluded fromcompetition; or without equal, beyondcomparison. ~abbreviated form H.C.hors de combat (or db kombb) french[out of combat] adverb phrase disabled,out of action, or unable toparticipate further: “As there was notime to be lost, the scout immediately setabout effecting so necessary a precaution;and when he had gagged the Indian, hisenemy might safely have been consideredas ‘hors de combat’” (James FenimoreCooper, The Last of the Mohicans,1826). ~adjective phrase of or relatingto someone or something in such acondition.hors de question (or db kestyon(g))french [out of the question] adverbphrase out of the question.hors d’oeuvre (or dervrb, or derv)french [outside of the work] noun(plural hors d’oeuvres or horsd’oeuvre) a savory dish served asan appetizer before the main course;by extension, any preliminary eventor incident: “The guests will be offereda choice of hors d’oeuvres made with thefreshest ingredients.”hosanna (hozanb), hosannah greek[from Hebrew hoshiahnna pray saveus] interjection praise the Lord: “AtJesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem,the crowds shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Sonof David!’” ~noun a shout of praiseaddressed to God.hospice (hospis, hospbs) french[po orhouse, hospital] noun (pluralhospices, hospisiz, hospbsiz) a hospitalfor patients close to death: “Theold woman was cared for in a hospiceduring the final months of her life.”Alternatively, a lodging for travelers,pilgrims, or the homeless, typicallyrun by a religious order.hôtel de ville (otel db vil) french[town hall] noun phrase (plural hôtelsde ville) a town hall in a Frenchspeakingcountry: “Saint Antoine’s bloodwas up, and the blood of tyranny and dominationby the iron hand was down—downon the steps of the Hotel de Ville where thegovernor’s body lay—down on the sole ofthe shoe of Madame Defarge where shehad trodden on the body to steady it formutilation” (Charles Dickens, A Tale ofTwo Cities, 1859).hotelier (hotelyer, otelyay) hôtelierfrench [hotelkeeper] noun theowner or manager of a hotel: “Shequickly recognized the new arrival as aninternationally famous businessman andhotelier.”houp-laSee hoop-la.houri (hooree, heree), huri persian[huri, from Arabic ahwar, having199

howdahblack eyes] noun one of the lovelyyoung virgins who according to Muslimmythology attend upon devoutbelievers in paradise; by extension,any beautiful young woman: “GrandfatherSmallweed has been graduallysliding down in his chair since his lastadjustment and is now a bundle of clotheswith a voice in it calling for Judy. Thathouri, appearing, shakes him up in theusual manner and is charged by the oldgentleman to remain near him.” (CharlesDickens, Bleak House, 1852–53).howdah (howdb) urdu [from Arabichawdaj] noun a covered seat or littermounted on the back of an elephantor camel: “When thou art old, Kala Nag,there will come some rich rajah, and hewill buy thee from the Government, onaccount of thy size and thy manners, andthen thou wilt have nothing to do butto carry gold earrings in thy ears, and agold howdah on thy back, and a red clothcovered with gold on thy sides, and walkat the head of the processions of the King”(Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book,1894–95).howitzer (howitsbr) dutch [fromCzech houfnice ballista, catapult]noun a short-barreled cannon usedto fi re shells at a steep angle: “Thebarbers snatched steaming towels from amachine like a howitzer of polished nickeland disdainfully flung them away after asecond’s use” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt,1922).H.S.See hic sepultus.hubris (hyoobris), hybris greek [fromhybris violence provoked by insolence]noun arrogant pride or excessive selfconfidence:“His critics were apt to accusehim of excessive hubris, but he remainedpopular among other writers of his generation.”hula (hoolb), hula-hula (hoolb-hoolb)hawaiian noun a Polynesian dancefeaturing rhythmic gyrations of the hipsand fluid arm movements.humanum est errare (hoomahnbmest erahree) latin [to err is human]noun to make a mistake is a humancharacteristic: “‘Prince, humanum esterrare, but. . .’ replied the doctor, swallowinghis r’s, and pronouncing the Latin wordswith a French accent” (Leo Tolstoy, Warand Peace, 1863–69).humerus (hyuumbrbs) latin [shoulder]noun (plural humeri, hyuumbri)the bone of the upper arm, from theshoulder to the elbow: “I bumped myhumerus on the edge of the table.”hummus (hbmbs, hoombs) arabic[chickpeas] noun ground mixture ofchickpeas, sesame paste, and seasoningsof Middle Eastern origin, commonlyused as a dip or sandwich spread.huriSee houri.200

hypochondriachusky (hbskee) inuit [abbreviationof Huskemaw or Uskemaw Eskimo]noun (plural huskies) a breed ofheavy-coated working dog of Arcticregions.hussar (hbzah) hungarian [highwayrobber, from Serbo-Croat husar pirate]noun a light cavalryman, after thelight cavalry units that formed part ofthe Hungarian armed forces from the15th century: “If you’d been a cadet in thearmy, or a young hussar, you wouldn’t havetalked like that, but would have drawnyour sabre to defend all Russia” (FyodorDostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov,1880).hutzpahhybrisSee chutzpah.See hubris.Hydra (hidrb), hydra greek [hudrawater serpent] noun (plural hydras)in Greek and Roman mythology, anine-headed monster killed by Herculesthat had the power to replaceeach severed head with two new onesunless the wound was cauterized; alsoused of any situation that gets yet morecomplicated each time action is takento resolve a particular aspect of it:“Before the passage, horrid Hydra stands, /And Briareus with all his hundred hands;/ Gorgons, Geryon with his triple frame;/ And vain Chimaera vomits empty flame”(Virgil, Aeneid, c. 19 b.c.).hydrophobia (hidrofobib) greek[hudrophobos water-fearing] noun rabies,or the morbid fear of water thataccompanies the disease: “‘Water!’ criedthe captain; ‘he never drinks it; it’s a sort offi ts to him; fresh water throws him into thehydrophobia; but go on—go on with thearm story’” (Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, 1851).hyper- (hipbr) greek [over] prefixover or excessively, e.g., hyperactive,hypercritical.hyperbole (hiperbolee) greek [overshooting,excess, from hyper overand ballein to throw] noun (pluralhyperboles) extravagant exaggerationor overstatement: “‘I’d marrythe W—of Babylon rather than do anythingdishonourable! No reflection onyou, my dear. It is a mere rhetorical figure– what they call in the books, hyperbole’”(Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure,1895).hypochondriac (hipokondriak) greek[hypochondria under the cartilage,the abdomen] noun a person whosuffers from hypochondria, depressioncaused by imaginary physicalailments (originally believed to beseated in the abdomen): “He wasclearly a confirmed hypochondriac, and Iwas dreamily conscious that he was pouringforth interminable trains of symptoms,and imploring information as to thecomposition and action of innumerable201

hypostasisquack nostrums, some of which he boreabout in a leather case in his pocket”(Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign ofFour, 1890).hypostasis (hipostbsis) greek [hyphistasthaito stand under, support] noun(plural hypostases, hipostbseez)sediment in a fl uid; in philosophy,the foundations of reality; in theology,the union of the divine andhuman natures in the person of JesusChrist.hypothesis (hipothbsis) greek [hypotithenaito suppose, put under] noun(plural hypotheses, hipothbseez) atheory or proposition advanced forthe sake of argument or in orderto test its validity: “Several differenthypotheses have been proposed to explainthe origins of human language.”202

åååiåi.a.See in absentia; inter alia.ibidem (ibidem, ibbdem) latin [inthe same place] adverb in the sameplace, often used in footnotes toin dicate references to the same book,chapter or page of a book, or author~abbreviated form ib. or ibid.ich dien (ik deebn) german [I serve]noun I serve, the motto of thePrince of Wales: “He bore as his crestthree white ostrich feathers, with themotto ICH DIEN, signifying in English‘I serve.’ This crest and motto were takenby the Prince of Wales in remembrance ofthat famous day, and have been borne bythe Prince of Wales ever since.” (CharlesDickens, A Child’s History of England,1854).I Ching (ee ching) chinese [fromyi’jing book of changes] nounphrase an ancient Chinese book ofdivination, based on a set of eighttrigrams and 64 hexagrams, alongwith commentaries, which embodiesTaoist and Confucian philosophy.icon (ikon) greek [eikon likeness,from eikenai to resemble] noun a pictorialrepresentation, often a religiousimage and an object of reverence or(in computing) a symbol representingan option for selection, and moregenerally any person, event, or thingthat achieves symbolic or cult status:“Since her death, Princess Diana has beenrevered almost as an icon.”id (id) latin [it] noun in psychoanalytictheory, the part of the psychein which an individual’s inherited,instinctive impulses reside: “Freud’swritings on the id had a lasting effectupon analysis, and their influence is stillprofound today.”Idid.See eid.see idem.idée fixe (iday feeks) french [fi xedidea] noun phrase (plural idées fixes)an obsession or set idea: “The dukehas some idée fixe about marrying acommoner.”203

idée reçueidée reçue (iday resoo, eeday resoo)french [received idea] noun phrase(plural idées reçues) a view oropinion that is generally accepted andrarely subjected to critical analysis,even though it may be outdated orotherwise invalid.idem (idem, idem) latin [the same]pronoun something already mentioned(as in a document), usually a referenceto an author or book previously cited:“Freda Johnson, Revolution in Farming,1985; idem, Agricultural Techniques,1997.” ~abbreviated form id.idem quod (idem kwod, idem kwod)latin [the same through the same]pronoun the same as, namely. ~abbreviatedform I.Q. or i.q.idem sonans (idem sonans, idemsonans) latin [sounding the same]adjective in legal terminology, therule that the wrong spelling of animportant word in a document doesnot invalidate the document, if themistakenly spelled word sounds thesame as the intended word.id est (id est) latin [that is] adverbphrase that is, that is to say. ~abbreviatedform i.e.idiot savant (idyo savon(g)) french[learned idiot] noun phrase (pluralidiots savants or idiot savants) aperson who displays brilliance in aparticular field, despite being otherwiseslow, ignorant, or mentallydefi cient: “The doctor made one of thefi rst real studies of the mysterious geniusof those who have often been dubbed‘idiots savants.’”i.e.See id est.igloo (igloo) inuit [from iglu house]noun (plural igloos) a temporarydome-shaped Inuit shelter made fromblocks of packed snow; also used ofsimilarly-shaped structures made inother materials: “It takes just a fewhours to complete an igloo using traditionalice saws.”ignis fatuus (ignis fachbwbs) latin[foolish fire] noun phrase (plural ignesfatui, ignez fachbwee) a will-of-thewisp,a ghostly phosphorescent lightresulting from burning methane emittedby decomposing organic materialoccasionally seen over marshy ground;also used more generally to refer toanything deceptive or misleading:“When they were clear of the priory, andhad gained the little meadow in whichit stands, Dousterswivel could perceive thetorches which had caused him so muchalarm issuing in irregular procession fromthe ruins, and glancing their light, like thatof the ignis fatuus, on the banks of the lake”(Walter Scott, The Antiquary, 1816).ignoramus (ignbraymbs) latin [wedo not know] noun (plural ignoramuses,ignbraymbsiz, or ignorami,ignbray mee) a stupid or ignorant204

imbroglioperson: “I get your idea, Sandy. Hecouldn’t interest me. He would be anignoramus in such things—he would boreme, and I would bore him” (Mark Twain,Captain Stormfield, 1909).ignorantia juris neminem excusat(ignorantia yooris neminem eksyoozat)latin [ignorance of the law excusesno one] noun phrase ignorance ofthe law does not constitute a validdefense for a person who breaks thelaw.IHS (i aych es) latin [from IesusHominum Salvator Jesus, Savior of Men]abbreviation Christian symbol forJesus.ikebana (ikabahnb, ikeebahnb, ikibahnb))japanese [flower arranging,from ikeru to arrange and hana flower]noun the Japanese art of fl owerarranging.illuminati (iloominahtee) italian [pluralof illuminato, enlightened, fromLatin illuminatus lighted, illuminated]plural noun those who have, or claimto have, special knowledge of a subject:“The prophets are employed in excusingthe ways of men. Most reverend seniors,the illuminati of the age, tell me, with agracious, reminiscent smile, betwixt anaspiration and a shudder, not to be too tenderabout these things—to lump all that,that is, make a lump of gold of it” (HenryDavid Thoreau, Life Without Principle,1863).imago (imahgo, imaygo) latin [image,copy] noun (plural imagoes, imahgoz,imaygoz, or imagines, imahgbneez,imaygbneez, imayjb neez) an insect inits mature, winged state of development;also an idealized, unconsciousself-image.imago Dei (imaygo dayee, imahgodayee) latin [image of God] nounphrase (in Christianity and Judaism)the concept that human beings arecreated in the image of God.imam (imahm, eemahm) arabic[leader, from amma to lead the way]noun the officiating priest who leadsthe prayers in a mosque, or moregenerally a religious, political,or ideological leader in a Muslimcountry, in the case of Shiite Islamclaiming descent from Muhammadhimself.imbroglio (imbrolio), embroglioitalian [muddle, from imbrogliare toentangle, confuse] noun (plural imbroglios,embroglios) a state of confusionresulting in embarrassment,perplexity, misunderstanding, orbrawling: “It was appointed of Fate that,in this wide-weltering, strangely growing,monstrous stupendous imbroglio of ConventionBusiness, the grand First-Parent ofall the questions, controversies, measuresand enterprises which were to be evolvedthere to the world’s astonishment, shouldbe this Question of King Louis” (Thomas205

impCarlyle, History of the French Revolution,1837).impSee imprimatur.impasse (impas, ampas) french [deadlock,dilemma, from im not and passerto pass] noun deadlock, or a predicamentfrom which there is no apparentescape; also, a road that comes to adead end: “Negotiations between the twosides in the trade dispute have reached animpasse.”impasto (impasto) italian [fromimpastare to make into a paste] noun(plural impastos) an artistic techniquein which pigment is thicklyapplied to the canvas or panel, or thepigment itself thus applied; also usedto refer to a style of ceramics in whichthe decoration is raised in relief.impedimenta (impedimentb) latin[from impedimentum impediment,hindrance] plural noun equipment,luggage, or supplies, especially whenviewed as encumbrances creating anobstacle to progress: “When retrieved,our impedimenta would consist of herparasol and dressing-bag, and my dressing-case.My stick and gloves were in thehall, and I decided to let them go” (DornfordYates, The Brother of Daphne,1914).impetigo (impbtigo) latin [fromimpetere to attack] noun an acute,contagious bacterial skin infection,characterized by pustules and scabs:“The doctor prescribed an ointment for herimpetigo.”impetus (impbtbs) latin [assault, fromimpetere to attack] noun (plural impetusor impetuses) forward motion or animpulse, stimulus, incentive, or drivingforce: “The new principal’s fresh thinkinghas provided the impetus to improve schoolstandards.”impresario (imprbsahrio, imprbzahrio)italian [from impresa undertaking,enterprise] noun (plural impresarios)a person who produces, promotes,manages, or conducts an opera, concert,or theatrical company or whoputs on or sponsors entertainment ofsome kind: “Among the directors of thetheater was a rich and luxurious generalofficer, in love with an actress, for whosesake he had made himself an impresario”(Honoré de Balzac, Two Brothers,1830).imprimatur (imprbmahtbr, imprimahtbr)latin [let it be printed] noun(plural imprimaturs) in the RomanCatholic church, a license permittingthe printing or publishing ofa religious work; more generally,any expression of official approval forsomething. Also used of the publisher’sname and address, together withthe date of publication, that is usuallyprinted on the title page of a book.~abbreviated form imp.206

in cameraimprimis (impreemis, imprimis) latin[from im primis among the first] adverbin the first place (usually introducinga list of items): “This inventory Iafterwards translated into English, andis, word for word, as follows: ‘IMPRIMIS,In the right coat-pocket of the greatman-mountain’ (for so I interpret thewords QUINBUS FLESTRIN) ‘after thestrictest search, we found only one greatpiece of coarse-cloth, large enough to be afoot-cloth for your majesty’s chief room ofstate” (Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels,1726).impromptu (impromtoo, imprompchoo)french [extemporaneously,from Latin in promptu in readiness]noun (plural impromptus) a musicalcomposition or something else that isput together without prior planningor preparation. ~adjective of or relatingto something that is put togetherwithout prior planning or preparation:“He had hardly returned from themarquee with the prize in his hand, whenit began to be understood that Wiry Benproposed to amuse the company, before thegentry went to dinner, with an impromptuand gratuitous performance—namely, ahornpipe. . .” (George Eliot, Adam Bede,1859). ~adverb done or improvised onthe spur of the moment, without priorplanning or preparation.imshi (imshee), imshee arabic[imperative of misi to go] verb goaway (originally military slang):“‘Go! Imshi, Vootsak,—get out!’ The mandeparted, staggering and dazed” (RudyardKipling, The Light That Failed,1890).in absentia (in absenchyb) latin [inabsence] adverb phrase in the absenceof a person or persons etc. ~abbreviatedform I.A. or i.a.in abstracto (in abstrakto) latin [inthe abstract] adverb phrase from anabstract point of view.inamorata (inambrahtb) italian [pastparticiple of innamorare to enamour,inspire with love] noun (pluralinamoratas) a female lover or girlfriend:“Mme. Coquenard recognized herpresent, and could not at first comprehendthis restitution; but the visit of Porthossoon enlightened her. The anger whichfi red the eyes of the Musketeer, in spite ofhis efforts to suppress it, terrified his sensitiveinamorata” (Alexandre Dumas,The Three Musketeers, 1844). ~noun,masculine inamorato (inamb rahto)(plural inamoratos) a male lover orboyfriend.in articulo mortis (in arhtikyoolomortis) latin [in the moment ofdeath] adverb phrase at the point ofdeath, in extremis.in camera (in kambrb) latin [in achamber] adverb privately, secretly,behind closed doors: “The committeemet in camera to debate the question atlength.” ~adjective private, secret.207

incipitincipit (insipit, inkipit, insipit, inkipit)latin [it begins, third-person singularpresent indicative of incipere to begin]noun here begins, the first words ofa manuscript, as employed in manymedieval documents and books.incognito (inkogneeto) italian [fromLatin incognitus unknown, from in unandcognoscere to know] adverb with aconcealed or false identity: “When mygoods had been all sold, I left Paris to goand live incognito as a parlor-boarder inthe Convent of the Ursuline nuns of Pondevaux”(Wilkie Collins, The Fair Penitent,1857). ~adjective of or relatingto a concealed or false identity. ~noun(feminine incognita, inkogneetb, pluralincognitos, incognitas) a personwho goes under a concealed or falseidentity.incommunicado (inkomyoonikahdo),incomunicado spanish [from incomunicadonot in communication, thepast participle of incomunicar to depriveof communication] adverb withoutaccess to communication, or in solitaryconfinement: “The hostages were heldincommunicado for several weeks.” ~adjectivewithout means of communication.inconnu (ankbnoo, ankbnoo) french[stranger] noun (plural inconnus) astranger or unknown person: “. . .rushingat the rate of double drink-money: anUnknown ‘Inconnu on horseback’ shrieksearnestly some hoarse whisper, not audible,into the rushing Carriage-window, andvanishes, left in the night.” (Thomas Carlyle,History of the French Revolution,1837).in concreto (in konkreeto) latin [inconcrete] adverb phrase set in concrete,from a concrete point of view.in corpore (in korpbray) latin [in thebody] adverb phrase in substance.incubus (inkybbbs) latin [a personwho lies upon, from incubare to lie on]noun (plural incubi, inkybbee, or incubuses,inkybbbsez) a supernaturaldemon reputed to have sexual intercoursewith women while they areasleep or to induce oppressive nightmares,or any person who behaves ina similarly stealthy, demonic manner:“. . .I thought she might assist me with herexperience; never dreaming she would provea usurper, a tyrant, an incubus, a spy, andeverything else that’s detestable” (AnneBrontë, Agnes Grey, 1847).incunabulum (inkyoonahbyoolbm)latin [swaddling clothes or bandsholding a baby in a cradle] noun (pluralincunabula, inkyoonahbyoolb) abook printed prior to the 16th century,or anything else belonging toan early period or at an early stage ofdevelopment.in curia (in kyoorib) latin [in court]adverb phrase in open court.208

infantaindecorum (indikorbm) latin [thatwhich is unbecoming, from neutersingular of indecorus unseemly] nounlack of decorum, or impropriety:“One would say, that Nature, likeuntrained persons, could not sit still withoutnestling about or doing somethingwith her limbs or features, and that highbreeding was only to be looked for in trimgardens, where the soul of the trees is illat ease perhaps, but their manners areunexceptionable, and a rustling branch orleaf falling out of season is an indecorum”(Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elsie Venner,1861).Index Librorum Prohibitorium (indekslibrorbm prohibitorbm) latin [indexof prohibited books] noun phrase theRoman Catholic Church’s official list ofbooks that members of the church areforbidden to read.inertia (inershb, inersheeb) latin[lack of skill, inactivity] noun astate of rest, motionlessness, apathy,or inactivity: “For the first few days hereproached himself for his inertia; thenhe began to seek reasons for justifyingit” (Edith Wharton, Glimpses of theMoon, 1922).in esse (in esee) latin [in existence]adjective phrase existing, in actualfact.in exSee in extenso.in excelsis (in ekschelsis, in ekselsis)latin [on high, in the highest] adverbphrase superlatively, in the highest orutmost degree.in extenso (in ekstenso) latin [inlength, from extensus, the past participleof extendere to stretch out] adverbphrase in full, in its entirety. ~abbreviatedform in ex.in extremis (in ekstreemis, inikstreemis) latin [in the extreme]adverb phrase at the point of death,in extreme diffi culty, in extreme circumstances:“In the interests of secrecy,he was told only to use the radio inextremis.”inf.See infra.in facie curiae (in fasee kooreei) latin[in the face of the court] adverb phrasebefore the court.in facto (in fakto) latin [in fact]adverb phrase in actual fact.infanta (infantb) spanish/portuguese[feminine of infante infant]noun (plural infantas) a youngerdaughter of a Spanish or Portugueseking (and thereby not the heir to thethrone), or the wife of an infante:“Although she was a real Princess andthe Infanta of Spain, she had only onebirthday every year, just like the childrenof quite poor people, so it was naturally209

infantea matter of great importance to the wholecountry that she should have a really fineday for the occasion” (Oscar Wilde, AHouse of Pomegranates, 1891).infante (infantee, infantb) spanish/portuguese [infant] noun (pluralinfantes) a younger son of a Spanishor Portuguese king (and thereby notthe heir to the throne): “. . .I will makethe same to take no rest, and to roam theseven regions of the earth more thoroughlythan the Infante Don Pedro of Portugal everroamed them, until I have disenchanted her”(Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, DonQuixote, 1605).inferno (inferno) italian [hell, fromLatin infernus below] noun (pluralinfernos or inferni, infernee) hell,or a place that suggests comparisonwith hell or the fires of hell: “All thestories that can be found in old manuscriptswill never prevent the going out of the firesof the legendary Inferno” (Oliver WendellHolmes, Over the Tea-Cups, 1891).in flagrante delicto (in fl bgrantaydilikto) latin [while the crime isblazing] adverb phrase caught outwhile doing something forbidden ordisapproved of, typically used of acouple surprised while engaging inillicit sexual activity: “Nana, her armsround Prulliere’s neck, was drawing himtoward her when Fontan, with comicallyfurious mimicry and an exaggerated imitationof the face of an outraged husbandwho surprises his wife in flagrantedelicto, appeared at the back of thegrotto” (Émile Zola, Nana, 1880).influenza (inflooenzb) italian [influence,from medieval Latin influentia,inspired by the belief that epidemicsare due to the influence of the stars]noun a contagious viral disease, thesymptoms of which include fever,weakness, muscular aches and pains,and inflammation of the respiratorymucous membrane, or any diseasegiving rise to similar ailments: “Howsorry I am! But colds were never so prevalentas they have been this autumn. Mr.Wingfield told me that he has never knownthem more general or heavy—except whenit has been quite an influenza” (Jane Austen,Emma, 1815). ~abbreviated formflu (floo).infra (infrb, infrar) latin [below,under] adverb later or below, a bibliographicalreference directing thereader to something following in thetext. ~abbreviated form inf.infra dig (infrb dig) latin [frominfra dignitatem, below dignity] adjectivephrase undignified, beneath one’sdignity: “He considered the suggestion thathe do the work himself decidedly infra dig.”ingénue (anjbnoo, hanzhbnoo), ingenuefrench [feminine of ingénu ingenuous,innocent] noun (plural ingénues) anaive, unsophisticated young womanor girl, or the role of such a woman ina play, or an actress specializing in such210

innuendoparts: “The fact is, the old lady believedRebecca to be the meekest creature in theworld, so admirably, on the occasions whenher father brought her to Chiswick, usedRebecca to perform the part of the ingenue;and only a year before the arrangement bywhich Rebecca had been admitted into herhouse, and when Rebecca was sixteen yearsold, Miss Pinkerton majestically, and with alittle speech, made her a present of a doll . . .”(William Makepeace Thackeray, VanityFair, 1847–48). ~adjective of or relatingto someone of a naive, unsophisticatedcharacter.in infinitum (in infinitbm) latin [intothe endless] adverb phrase to infinity,without end.in jure (inyoori, in jooray) latin [inlaw] adverb phrase according to law, incourt: “The barrister suggested that his client’sargument had little strength in jure.”in lieu, in lieu ofin loc. cit.See lieu.See in loco citato.in loco (in loko) latin [in place]adverb phrase instead of, in place of.~abbreviated form in loc.in loco citato (in loko sitahto) latin[in the place cited] adverb phrase inthe place mentioned. ~abbreviated formin loc. cit.in loco parentis (in loko pbrentis)latin [in the place of a parent] adverbphrase assuming the authority orresponsibility of a parent: “Teachers actin loco parentis during school hours.”in medias res (in meedibs rayz) latin[into the middle of things] adverbphrase into the heart of the matter,into the midst of everything, withoutpreamble (especially of a narrativeor plot): “‘I will even do as Horace says,sir,’ I answered, smiling, ‘and carry you inmedias res.’ He nodded as if he was wellpleased, and indeed his scrap of Latinhad been set to test me” (Robert LouisStevenson, Kidnapped, 1886).in memoriam (in mbmoribm) latin[for memory] adverb phrase in memoryof, to the memory of, or a poemor notice in memory of a deceasedperson: “A statue was raised in memoriamof the great hero.”in nomine (in nominay, in nominee)latin [in the name] proposition phrasein the name of.innuendo (inyooendo, inyoowendo)latin [by hinting, from innuere tohint, signify, nod to] noun (pluralinnuendos, innuendoes) an insinuation,hint, or oblique allusion:“‘Anyhow, he—eventually—marriedher.’ There were volumes of innuendoin the way the ‘eventually’ was spaced,and each syllable given its due stress”(Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence,1920).211

in ovoin ovo (in ovo) latin [in the egg]adverb phrase in embryo, or at anembryonic stage of development: “Theproject seemed doomed to fail while stillin ovo.”in parvo (in pahrvo) latin [in little]adverb phrase in microcosm, in miniature,on a small scale.in perpetuum (in perpetyoobm, inperpetjoobm) latin [in perpetuity]adverb phrase for ever, for all time,in perpetuity: “Under the terms of hiswill, the charity was to receive $1,000 perannum in perpetuum.”in personam (in personam) latin[against the person] adverb phrase legalterm for an action to enforce aliability or obligation against a particularindividual: “The city council hopesto institute a legal action in personamagainst the mayor.”in petto (in peto) italian [in thebreast] adverb phrase in private,secretly (especially in relation to theappointment of cardinals by the Popein private rather than before the governingbody of the church).in posse (in posee) latin [in beingable] adjective phrase in possibility,potentially (rather than actuallyexisting).in principio (in princhipeeo, inprinsipeeo) latin [in origin] adverbphrase at fi rst, in the beginning.~abbreviated form in pr.in propria persona (in proprib personb)latin [in one’s own person]adverb phrase personality, in one’sown proper person (specifically, inlaw, instead of being represented by alawyer): “It was so seldom that I met MissWyllys, that for a time my mind was undecided.But, of course, I should have writtenyou word, if anything had been finally settled;even if you had not come to look afterme in propria persona” (Susan FenimoreCooper, Elinor Wyllys, 1846).in re (in ray, in ree) latin [in thething, in the matter] preposition phraseconcerning, in the matter of.in rem (in rem) latin [against athing] adjective phrase against a thing(especially in relation to legal actionsconcerning rights to, the status of, andthe titles to property): “The companylaunched an action in rem against severalindividuals who were alleged to have committedbreaches of copyright.”in rerum natura (in rayrbm nachyoorb)latin [in the nature of things]adverb phrase in the physical world,existing, genuine: “Answer—and foronce in thy long, useless, and evil life, let itbe in the words of truth and sincerity,—hast thou such a coach?—is it in rerumnatura?—or is this base annunciation amere swindle on the incautious to beguilethem of their time, their patience, and212

insouciancethree shillings of sterling money of thisrealm?” (Walter Scott, The Antiquary,1816).INRI (inree) latin [abbreviation ofJesus Nazarenus Rex Judaerum Jesus theNazarene King of the Jews, the wordsinscribed on Christ’s cross on theorders of Pontius Pilate] noun Jesusof Nazareth, King of the Jews.in s.See in situ.in saecula saeculorum (in sekyoolbsekyoolorbm) latin [to the ages ofages] adverb phrase for ever, for alltime, to eternity: “Humans will striveto push back the limits of knowledge insaecula saeculorum.”in se (in say) latin [in itself] adverbphrase in itself, of itself, intrinsically(used chiefl y in philosophicaldiscussion).inshallah (inshalah), in sha Allaharabic [if Allah wills] interjection ifAllah wishes, by the grace of God:“Shams al-Din replied, ‘Thy slave shallstand in thy presence tomorrow, Inshallah,if it be God’s will.’” (Richard Burton,trans., “The Tale of the Three Apples,”Arabian Nights, 1885–88).insignia (insigneeb) latin [plural ofinsigne badge, mark, derived frominsignis distinguished by a mark] noun(plural insignia or insignias) abadge or official emblem of rank,honor, or authority: “Any landsmanobserving this gentleman, not conspicuousby his stature and wearing no pronouncedinsignia, emerging from his cabin to theopen deck, and noting the silent deferenceof the officers retiring to leeward, mighthave taken him for the King’s guest, a civilianaboard the King’s-ship, some highlyhonorable discreet envoy on his way to animportant post” (Herman Melville, BillyBudd, 1924).in situ (in sityoo) latin [in position]adverb phrase in its natural or originalposition: “Everything has been leftin situ in case the forensic experts need tomake a record.” ~abbreviated form in s.insomnia (insomneeb) latin [frominsomnis sleepless] noun inability toget adequate sleep, sleeplessness: “Mr.Gould, senior, did not desire the perpetualpossession of that desolate locality; in fact,the mere vision of it arising before his mindin the still watches of the night had thepower to exasperate him into hours of hotand agiated insomnia” (Joseph Conrad,Nostromo, 1904).insouciance (insooseeons, insoosyons)french [heedlessness, from in andsoucier to trouble, disturb] noun nonchalance,unconcern, indifference: “Bythe selection of horses, the magnificenceof the chariot, the attitude, and display ofperson—above all, by the expression of thecold, sharp, eagle features, imperializedin his countrymen by sway of the worldthrough so many generations, Ben-Hur213

instanterknew Messala unchanged, as haughty,confident, and audacious as ever, thesame in ambition, cynicism, and mockinginsouciance” (Lew Wallace, Ben Hur,1880).instanter (instantb) latin [urgently,vehemently] adverb instantly, immediately,at once: “‘It’s gude to have afriend at court,’ he said, continuing hisheartless harangues to the passive auditor,who neither heard nor replied to them;‘few folk but myself could hae sorted yeout a seat like this—the Lords will be hereincontinent, and proceed instanter to trial’”(Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian,1818).in statu quo (in statyoo kwo, in stachookwo) latin [in the state inwhich, abbreviated from in statuquo ante in the original state] adverbphrase in the former condition, inthe same states as before, as always:“‘And what state is your militia actuallyin?’ ‘Awful! It is what my boss, the judge,sometimes calls a “statu quo”’” (JamesFenimore Cooper, Autobiography of aPocket-Handkerchief, 1843).int.intactaSee interim.See virgo intacta.intaglio (intaleeo, intahleeo, intagleeo)italian [engraving, from intagliareto engrave, cut] noun (pluralintaglios or intagli) an engravingor figure sunk in relief in stone orother hard material; also applied tosuch images printed or stamped inrelief on paper. ~adjective of or relatingto such an image: “It was an antiqueintaglio stone in an Etruscan setting,—awild goose flying over the Campagna.”(Oliver Wendell Holmes, MortalAntipathy, 1885).int. al.See inter alia.in tandem (in tandbm) latin [in inand tandem at length] adverb phrasetogether or in conjunction: “The PoliceDepartment is working in tandem with theFBI on this case.”intelligentsia (intelijentseeb, intelbjentseeb)russian [intelligentsiya,from Latin intelligentia intelligence]noun (plural intelligentsias) theintellectual or cultural elite withina society or nation: “The worst menaceto sound government is not the avowedsocialists but a lot of cowards who workunder cover—the long-haired gentry whocall themselves ‘liberals’ and ‘radicals’ and‘non-partisan’ and ‘intelligentsia’ and Godonly knows how many other trick names!”(Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt, 1922).inter- (intbr) latin [between oramong] prefix between or among, e.g.,intercollegiate, interbreeding.inter alia (intbr ayleeb, intbr ahleeb)latin [among other things] adverbphrase together with other things,in addition to other things: “If you are214

inter vivosgoing to be in London for a few days, Ibelieve you can be very useful to me, at aconsiderable expense and trouble to yourself,in the way of buying accoutrements;inter alia, a sword and a saddle,—not, youwill understand, for my own use” (ThomasCarlyle, Life of John Sterling, 1851).~abbreviated form i.a. or int. al.inter alios (intbr ayleeos, intbrahleeos) latin [among others] adverbphrase among other people, amongother persons.interim (intbrim, intbrbm) latin[meanwhile] noun (plural interims)an interlude or interval of time: “Inthe interim until the new law is passedwe shall continue to sell these productsas before.” ~adjective temporary, provisional,for the meantime. ~adverbmeanwhile. ~abbreviated form int.intermezzo (intbmetso) italian [intermediatething, from Latin intermediusintermediate] noun (pluralintermezzo, intbmetso, or intermezzi,intbmetsee) a brief interludeor diversion, or in music a shortmovement between major sectionsof an opera or other lengthy composition:“As they lifted the casket,Paine began playing on the orchestrelleSchubert’s ‘Impromptu,’ which was Jean’sfavorite. Then he played the Intermezzo;that was for Susy; then he played theLargo; that was for their mother” (MarkTwain, What is Man and Other Essays,1906).inter nos (intbr nos) latin [betweenus] adverb phrase between ourselves.internuncio (intbrnunseeo) italian[internunzio, from Latin inter betweenand nuntius messenger] noun (pluralinternuncios) a go-between, mediator,or messenger between two parties;also a rank borne by a papalrepresentative or ambassador: “He wasasked by the president to act as internunciobetween the two sides.”inter partes (intbr pahrteez) latin[between parties] adjective phrase betweenthe parties (usually parties toa legal case).interregnum (intbregnbm) latin [frominter between and regnum reign] noun(plural interregnums or interregna,intbregnb) the period between twosuccessive reigns or regimes, or atemporary interruption or pause inthe normal run of things: “Upon adim, warm, misty day, toward the close ofNovember, and during the strange interregnumof the seasons which in Americais termed the Indian Summer, Mr. Bedloedeparted as usual for the hills” (EdgarAllan Poe, “A Tale of the RaggedMountains,” 1844).inter se (intbr say), inter sese latin[among themselves] adverb phrase betweenthemselves, among themselves.inter vivos (intbr vivos, intbr veevos,intbr wivos, intbr weevos) latin215

intifada[between the living] adverb phrase betweenliving persons (especially inrelation to gifts made between partieswho are both still alive). ~adjectivephrase of or relating to deals or giftsmade between living parties.intifada (intifahdb) arabic [shakingoff] noun an uprising (specifically,the Palestinian rebellion against theIsraeli occupation in 1987): “The intifadaprovoked fears that the whole ofthe region would be ignited in a wave ofviolence.”in toto (in toto) latin [on the whole]adverb phrase completely, entirely,totally, wholly: “The enterprise cost himseveral million dollars in toto.”intra muros (intrb myooros) latin[within the walls] adjective phrase internal,relating to the internal politicsof an organization or institution.in transit (in tranzit) latin [from intransitu in passage] adverb phrase onthe way: “The parcel is in transit andshould be with you tomorrow.” ~abbreviatedform in trans.intra vires (intrb vireez, intrb wireez)latin [within the powers] adverb phrasewithin the scope, within the powers(usually in relation to the authorityof a court, corporation, or governmentbody): “The Secretary argued thathis decision was intra vires, but criticsargued that he had acted beyond hispowers.”introit (introit) french [from Latinintroitus entrance] noun an entranceor the opening of a religious office orpassage of sacred music: “The choristerchants with joy the introit for paschaltime.”in utero (in yootbro) latin [in theuterus] adverb phrase in the womb,before birth: “Serious defects can now bedetected while the baby is still in utero.”~adjective phrase of or relating to lifein the womb or before birth.inv.See invenit.in vacuo (in vakyooo, in wak yooo)latin [in a vacuum] adverb phrase ina vacuum, without context.invenit (invaynit, inwaynit) latin [he/she invented it] verb he/she inventedit, discovered it, designed it. ~abbreviatedform inv. or invt.invenit et delineavit (invaynit et delineeahvit,inwaynit et delinee ahvit)latin [he/she designed and drew it]verb he/she designed and drew it.~abbreviated form inv. et del.inv. et del. See invenit et deli neavit.in vino veritas (in veeno veritas, inweèno weritas) latin [in wine, truth]216

- itisnoun phrase there is truth in wine (or,a person who drinks alcohol is morelikely to reveal the truth of things).in vitro (in veetro, in weetro) latin[in glass] adverb phrase in a test tube,outside the living body, in an artificialenvironment. ~adjective phrase of orrelating to an environment outsidethe living body: “Big advances have beenmade in the field of in vitro fertilizationin recent years.”in vivo (in veevo, in weewo) latin[in the living] adverb phrase withinthe living body (of a plant or animal).~adjective phrase of or relating to anenvironment within the living body (ofa plant or animal).invt.See invenit.iota (iotb) greek [ninth letter of theGreek alphabet, considered the smallestof the letters] noun a very smallamount, a scrap or bit: “I do not believeone iota of what you have said.”ipse dixit (ipsee diksit, ipsay diksit)latin [he himself said it] noun phrase(plural ipse dixits) an unprovedassertion or saying.ipso facto (ipso fakto) latin [by thefact itself] adverb phrase by the veryfact, by that very fact, thereby: “Theroom was empty, so, ipso facto, this couldnot have been the way they had come.”irredenta (ireedentb) italian [unredeemed,from irredenta Italia unredeemedItaly] noun (plural irre dentas)a territory that has close historical,cultural, or ethnic links with a particularstate while not being part ofit politically: “They annexed Tibet, butthey had argued themselves into the beliefthat this was ancient Chinese territory,China irredenta” (Punch, February 1,1967).- ista (eestb) spanish [from Latin,ultimately from Greek - istes] suffixdenoting a supporter or follower ofsomeone or something, e.g., Sandinista,fashionista.- itis (itis) greek [feminine form ofadjectives ending in - ites] suffix denotingan inflammatory disease, e.g.,arthritis; also used jocularly to referto a condition or a state of mind thatis like an illness in some way, e.g.,lazyitis.217

åååjåjabot (zhabo) french [bird’s crop]noun an ornamental lace or clothfrill, as attached to the neckband ofmen’s shirts in the 18th century oras attached to the front of women’sblouses and dresses in modern times:“About Vida’s new jabot which made her lookthirty-two (Vida’s estimate) or twenty-two(Raymie’s estimate) . . .” (Sinclair Lewis,Main Street, 1920).j’accuse (zhakooz) french [I accuse]noun phrase an allegation or charge,typically against official injustice (inimitation of Émile Zola’s famous articlebeginning with the words “J’accuse”published in the newspaper L’Auroreon January 13, 1898, and relating tothe Dreyfus affair, alleging that a Jewisharmy officer convicted of treasonhad been wrongly condemned by theFrench military).jacquard (zhakahrd) french [afterJoseph-Marie Jacquard (1752–1834),inventor of the Jacquard loom] noun apiece of fabric woven on a Jacquardloom, or the loom on which suchmaterial is made: “. . .from a hand loomto a Jacquard—a Jacquard that weavesfair forms and wondrous flowers beyondArachne’s utmost dream . . .” (RobertGreen Ingersoll, A Thanksgiving Sermon,1897).jacquerie (zhakree, zhakbree) french[derived from the archetypal peasantname Jacques] noun a peasant uprising,specifically the 1358 Jacquerierevolt in northern France, or the peasantryin general: “Look around and considerthe Eves of all the world that we know,consider the faces of all the world that weknow, consider the rage and discontent towhich the Jacquerie addresses itself withmore and more of certainty every hour”(Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities,1859).j’adoube (zhadoob) french [I repair,I adjust] interjection a formulaicexpression used by chess players tosignify that they wish to adjust theposition of a piece on the board withoutactually moving it to anothersquare.219

jardinière (jardiniair, zhardiniair)french [female gardener, from jardingarden] noun an ornamental ceramicflowerpot or flowerpot holder: “Mrs.Newland Archer’s drawing-room was generjägerjäger (yaygbr) german [from jagento hunt, to pursue] noun a sharpshooterin the German or Austrianarmies, or a hunter or footman inhuntsman’s costume.jai alai (hi li, hi bli) basque [fromjai holiday, festival, and alai merry]noun a game resembling handball,played on a three-walled court by twoor four players who use a long, curvedwicker basket strapped to the wristto catch and throw a small, hard ballagainst the front wall.jalapeño (halbpeeno, hal bpeenyo) spanish[of Jalapa, Mexico] noun a small,dark green hot chili pepper.jalousie (jalbsee) french [jealousy]noun a variety of blind or shutterwith adjustable horizontal slatsallowing light and air into a roombut blocking bright sunlight and rain:“Shafts of pale sunlight seeped between theslats of the jalousies.”jambalaya (jambblib) french [fromProvençal French jambalaia dish ofrice, ham, and seafood] noun a muddleor jumble, or the Louisiana dishafter which it takes its name.janissary (janbsbree) turkish [fromyeni new and ceri soldier] noun amember of an élite corps of soldiers;originally a unit of the Turkish armyfounded in the 14th century: “. . .inPumpernickel itself, the last Transparencybut three, the great and renowned VictorAurelius XIV built a magnificent bridge,on which his own statue rises, surroundedby water-nymphs and emblems of victory,peace, and plenty; he has his foot on the neckof a prostrate Turk—history says he engagedand ran a Janissary through the body atthe relief of Vienna by Sobieski. . .” (WilliamMakepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair,1847–48).janitor (janitbr) latin [doorkeeper,derived from janus arch, door] nouna caretaker, porter, or other personentrusted with the cleaning and maintenanceof a building: “Among the manybillets which I have filled in America duringmy wandering life, I was once janitorand sweeper out of the laboratory at YorkCollege” (Arthur Conan Doyle, “AStudy in Scarlet,” 1887).japonaiserie (zhapbnayzbree) french[from japonais Japanese] noun a decorativeor artistic style based on Japanesemotifs and characteristics; alsofurniture and decorative objects inthis style: “Salerooms in London and NewYork were suddenly swamped with items ofjaponaiserie.”220

jeunesse doréeally thought a great success. A gilt bamboojardiniere, in which the primulas and cinerariaswere punctually renewed, blockedthe access to the bay window. . .” (EdithWharton, The Age of Innocence, 1920).Can also refer to a garnish for meatmade with glazed, diced, or boiledvegetables.jaspé (zhaspay) french [marbled]adjective mottled, marbled, veined,or variegated.jawohl (yavol) german [yes indeed]interjection yes, affirmative (usuallyspoken in response to a command):“The foreman looked at the manager withdistaste. ‘Jawohl, mein führer,’ he mutteredunder his breath.”jehadSee jihad.jellaba (jelabb), djellaba arabic[gown] noun a loose-fi tting longsleeved,often hooded, gown of thetype commonly worn by men in Egyptand other parts of North Africa.je ne sais quoi (zhb nb say kwa) french[I do not know what] noun phrase anindefinable or inexpressible quality orcharacteristic, as of style or appearance:“I still think the recipe lacks thatcertain je ne sais quoi.”jet d’eau (zhe do) french [jet ofwater] noun phrase an ornamental fountainor the pipe from which it rises.jeté (zhbtay) french [past participleof jeter to jump] noun (in ballet) a hopor jump from one leg to another, withone foot extended forward: “The dancerexecuted a jeté with athletic precision, armsraised and head turned sideways.”jeu de mots(zhb db mo) french [playof words] noun phrase a play onwords, or pun.jeu d’esprit (zhb despree) french[play of wit] noun phrase a witticismor an example of clever, humorouswriting.jeune premier (zhbn premyb) french[fi rst young man] noun phrase anactor who takes the juvenile lead in aplay or movie, usually performing thepart of a young hero or lover: “Perceivingall the advantages of such a connection,Lucien played his lover’s part as wellas it could have been acted by Armand,the latest jeune premier at the ComedieFrancaise” (Honoré de Balzac, Scenesfrom a Courtesan’s Life, 1839–47). Alsoused in a wider context for any youngman who emerges as a leading talentor personality among his contemporaries.jeunesse dorée (zhbnes doray) french[gilded youth] noun phrase the wealthy,sophisticated, and fashionable young.Originally applied to the wealthy youngcounterrevolutionaries who combinedto bring Robespierre’s Reign of Terror221

jihadto an end in France in 1794: “But theyoung man of today has no bad quarterof an hour. ‘You are a mercantile old brickwith money and a daughter. I am a jeunessedorée—gilded by blood and fashion, thoughso utterly impecunious!’” (Anthony Trollope,Ayala’s Angel, 1881).jihad (jihad) arabic [struggle, effort,contest] noun a crusade or holywar that is launched as a matter ofreligious duty in defense of Islamicprinciples or beliefs; can also referto any personal crusade based onspiritual conviction: “The ayatollahsannounced a jihad against their ideologicalenemies.”jinni (jeenee, jinee), djinn arabic[demon] noun a supernatural beingof Arabian and Muslim mythology,credited with the power to cast spells,change shape, and perform magic: “Andbehold, it was a Jinni, huge of heightand burly of breast and bulk, broad ofbrow and black of blee, bearing on hishead a coffer of crystal” (Richard Burton,trans., “Story of King Shahryar and hisBrother,” Arabian Nights, 1885–88).jodhpurs (jodpbrs) hindi [after Jodhpur,India] plural noun a style of ridingbreeches cut wide at the hip andclose-fitting at the calf: “She stared withhorror at the splash of mud on her previouslypristine jodhpurs.”joie de vivre (zhwa db veevrb) french[joy of living] noun phrase enjoymentof life or general enthusiasm for living:“This setback did nothing to dent hiscustomary joie de vivre.”jojoba (hbhobb) spanish noun ashrub or small tree (Simmondsia chinensis)native to SW North America,and the liquid wax produced from itsedible seeds, which has various commercialuses.jolie laide (zholee layd) french[pretty ugly] noun phrase a womanwho is deemed sexually attractivedespite the fact that she is not conventionallybeautiful: “Strangely, the terriblescars on the face of his ‘jolie laide’ onlyserved to heighten his fascination.”jongleur (zhongler) french [jester,derived from Old French jogleourjuggler] noun an itinerant medievalentertainer or minstrel, usuallyskilled in performing songs, poetry,and acrobatics: “She hastily ran overthe contents, which were expressed bothin Arabic and French, and when she haddone, she laughed in bitter anger. ‘Nowthis passes imagination!’ she said; ‘nojongleur can show so deft a transmutation!’”(Walter Scott, The Talisman,1825).jour de fête (zhoor db fet) french[day of festival] noun phrase a festivalor birthday.journal intime (zhoornal anteem)french [intimate journal] noun222

juliennephrase a diary or other confessionalwriting.jubilate (joobblahtay, yoobblahtay)latin [rejoice] noun a joyous outburstof song or triumphant shouting:“The soothing sanity and blithenessof completion, / the pomp and hurriedcontest-glare and rush are done; / Nowtriumph! transformation! jubilate!” (WaltWhitman, Leaves of Grass, 1891–92).Can also refer specifically to Psalm 100and musical settings of this psalm.judo (joodo) japanese [from juweak, gentle and do art, way] noun aJapanese martial art in which participantswrestle using balance and leverageto throw their opponent: “Childrenare being offered the chance to try judoand other martial arts at school.”Jugendstil (yoogbnsteel, yoog bnshteel)german [from Jugend youth and Stilstyle] noun a German name for theart nouveau style or movement in thearts.juggernaut (jbgbrnot) hindi [fromJagannath, lord of the world, whosefestival is marked by the hauling ofa huge many-wheeled wagon] nounan unstoppable force or object thatcrushes everything in its path; byextension, commonly applied toheavy trucks: “. . .if you are patientbecause you think it a duty to meet insultwith submission, you are an essential sap,and in no shape the man for my money;if you are patient because your nature isphlegmatic, flat, inexcitable, and that youcannot get up to the pitch of resistance,why, God made you to be crushed; and liedown by all means, and lie flat, and letJuggernaut ride well over you” (CharlotteBrontë, The Professor, 1857).ju-jitsu (joojitsoo) japanese [from juweak, gentle and jutsu arts] noun aJapanese and Chinese system ofunarmed combat reliant upon the useof wrestling holds, throws, and blowsto the body of an opponent.juju (joojoo) hausa [probably fromFrench jouer to play] noun a fetish,amulet, or charm, or the supernaturalpower associated with suchobjects: “Fear of the power of juju preventedmany of the locals from speakingto the police.”jujube (joojoob, joojoobee) french[from Greek zizuphos zizyphus tree]noun a tree (genus Ziziphus) of thebuckthorn family and the edible plumlikefruit it produces. Also the name ofa fruit-flavored gumdrop or lozengeoriginally flavored with fruit from thejujube tree.julienne (joolien, zhoolien) french[after the girl’s name Julienne] nouna dish of vegetables cut into strips, ora consommé made with vegetablesprepared in this manner. ~adjectiveof or relating to a dish, garnish, orsoup consisting of vegetables cut into223

Junkerstrips: “The main dish was served with aside dish of julienne vegetables.”Junker (yunkbr, yoonkbr) german[from Old German juncherro younglord] noun a young Prussian aristocrat,typically one representing thetraditional militaristic values of theGerman landowning nobility: “‘I wasn’tlong in the artillery; I’m a junker, in reserve,’he said, and he began to explain how he hadfailed in his examination.” (Leo Tolstoy,Anna Karenina, 1873–77).junta (huuntb, juntb) spanish/portuguese[feminine of junto joined]noun a political faction or cliquethat assumes political power, typicallyafter a military coup or revolution,or by extension any group ofpeople operating in close associationfor a common purpose: “The militaryjunta seized control of the television stationlast night.”jura in re (zhoorb in ray) latin [rightsagainst something] noun phrase rightsin a matter.jure divino (zhooree diveeno) latin[by divine right] adverb phrase bydivine right, with the authority ofGod.jure humano (zhooree hyoomahno)latin [by human law] adverb phraseby human law, rather than divine rightor natural justice.jure mariti (zhooree mareetee) latin[by right of a husband] adverb phraseby the right of a husband, through thehusband.jure uxoris (zhooree bksoris) latin[by right of a wife] adverb phrase bythe right of a wife, through the wife.jus (zhoo) french [ juice] noun (inFrench cuisine) a sauce: “We orderedlamb with red wine jus for dinner.”jus canonicum (ybs kbnonikbm) latin[canon law] noun phrase church law,ecclesiastical law: “The bishops sought tomaintain the precedence of jus canonicum.”jus civile (ybs siveelee) latin [civillaw] noun phrase civil law, domesticlaw.jus cogens (ybs kojens) latin [compellinglaw] noun phrase in internationallaw, a law that must be observedwhatever the circumstances or wishesof the parties involved.jus divinum (ybs diveenbm) latin[divine law] noun phrase divine law:“. . .the more scrupulous Presbyterians, whoheld that even the pronouncing the nameof the ‘Lords Spiritual’ in a Scottish pulpitwas . . . an acknowledgment of prelacy,and that the injunction of the legislaturewas an interference of the civil governmentwith the jus divinum of Presbytery. . .”224

juvenilia(Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian,1818).jus gentium (ybs genteebm, ybs jenteebm)latin [law of nations] nounphrase international law.jus mariti (ybs mareetee) latin [rightof a husband] noun phrase the legalrights of a husband over the propertyof his wife.jus naturae (ybs natyoori, ybs natyooree)latin [law of nature] nounnatural law, the law common to allmankind, established on basic principlesof right and wrong: “In strict philosophy, alimitation of the rights of war seems to implynonsense and contradiction. Grotius himselfis lost in an idle distinction between the jusnaturae and the jus gentium, between poisonand infection” (Edward Gibbon, The Historyof the Decline and Fall of the RomanEmpire, 1776–88).jus primae noctis (ybs preemi noktis)latin [right of the first night] noundroit du seigneur, the right of a feudallord to claim the virginity of hisvassal’s bride on her wedding night:“The right of a baron to deflower the bridesof his underlings on their wedding nighthas frequently been questioned as a matterof historical fact.”jusqu’au bout (zhbsko boo) french[up to the end] adverb phrase to thevery end; until a conclusion is reached:“In 1916, the generals were unanimous intheir belief that the campaign should bepursued jusqu’au bout.”jus sanguinis (ybs sangwinis) latin[right of blood] noun phrase in law, therule that a child’s citizenship dependsupon that of its parents: “The argumentover the child’s nationality was eventuallydecided on the basis of jus sanguinis.”jus soli (ybs solee) latin [right ofthe soil] noun phrase in law, the rulethat a child’s citizenship depends onits place of birth: “The court eventuallyaccepted his plea for citizenship on thegrounds of jus soli.”juste milieu (jbst milyb) french [fairmean] noun phrase the happy mediumor middle course, used especially ofgovernment policy: “You will put him ina fury; he’ll try to be calm, though inwardlyfuming; but, all the same, you will enlightena man of talent as to the peril in whichhe really stands; and you will also havethe satisfaction of laming the horses of the‘juste-milieu’ in their stalls. . .” (Honoréde Balzac, Daughter of Eve, 1838–39).juvenilia (joovbnileeb) latin [youthfulthings, neuter plural of juvenilisyoung] plural noun the immatureworks of a composer, artist, or writer,or alternatively works intended primarilyfor the young: “In later yearsthe old man found this and other of hisjuvenilia embarrassing in the extreme.”225

åååkåKaaba (kahbb) arabic [cubic building]noun the square stone shrinein the court of the great mosque atMecca, Saudi Arabia to which all Muslimsturn in their daily prayers: “For apilgrimage is what it is. The devotees comefrom the very ends of the earth to worshiptheir prophet in his own Kaaba in his ownMecca.” (Mark Twain, What is Man andOther Essays, 1906).kabaddi (kubbdee) tamil [of uncertainorigin] noun a sport of Indianorigin in which two teams of sevenplayers take turns to try to tag or capturemembers of the opposing teamwhile holding their breath and chanting“kabaddi.”kabalakabobSee caballa.See kebab.kabuki (kbbookee) japanese [songand dance art] noun a genre of traditionalJapanese drama combiningdance, stylized movement, and music:“Several European writers were influencedby performances of kabuki in the earlyyears of the century.”kaddish (kahdish) aramaic [fromqaddis holy] noun a Jewish liturgicalprayer spoken in each of the threedaily services in synagogues and alsoin the course of mourning rituals: “Themourners listened to the recital of the kaddishin complete silence.”kaffeeklatsch (kafeeklach, kafi klach)german [coffee gossip] noun informalconversation over cups of coffee,or a meeting at which suchconversation takes place: “Her clothesalways smelled of savory cooking, exceptwhen she was dressed for church or kaffeeklatsch,and then she smelled of bayrum or of the lemon-verbena sprig whichshe tucked inside her puffy black kidglove.” (Willa Cather, The Song of theLark, 1915).kaffiyeh (kbfeeyb), keffiyeh arabic[after Al Kufa, Iraq] noun an Arabicheaddress comprising a folded squareof cloth kept in place by a cord: “Street227

kaftanhawkers pressed the band of tourists withkaffiyehs to take home as souvenirs.”kaftankagouleSee caftan.See cagoule.kai (ki) maori [food] noun food:“The soldiers were offered some kai at thecanteen.”kairos (kiros) greek [right time]noun the most propitious time forsomething, or the critical point.kaiser (kizbr) german [emperor,ruler, derived from Latin Caesaremperor] noun title borne by the formeremperor of Germany and Austria:“A remarkable man this Von Bork—a manwho could hardly be matched among allthe devoted agents of the Kaiser” (ArthurConan Doyle, “His Last Bow,” 1917).kakemono (kakbmono) japanese[hanging object] noun a verticalJapanese calligraphic scroll or picture,usually unframed and paintedon paper or silk: “The museum hasacquired several fine examples of Japanesekakemono.”kama (kahmb) sanskrit [love] nounlove.Kama Sutra (kahmb sootrb) sanskrit[love rule] noun the title of an ancientSanskrit treatise on the subject of sexualtechnique and thus any referencesource detailing sexual practices: “Hewas surprised to find a new edition ofthe Kama Sutra in the library’s referencesection.”kamerad (kambrad, kambrahd) german[comrade] interjection I surrender:“When it got nothing by screamingand stiffening, however, it suddenly grewquiet; regarded him with pale blue eyes,and tried to make itself comfortable againsthis khaki coat. It put out a grimy littlefi st and took hold of one of his buttons.‘Kamerad, eh?’ he muttered, glaring at theinfant. ‘Cut it out!’” (Willa Cather, Oneof Ours, 1922).kamikaze (kamikahzee) japanese[divine wind, recalling a typhoon thatfortuitously scattered the invadingfl eet of Kublai Khan in 1281] noun apilot in a Japanese suicide squadron,as employed against Allied shippingin the latter stages of World War II;since applied more widely to anyonewho behaves with suicidal recklessnesswith regard to their own safety.~adjective of or relating to a suicideattack, or to a person who shows littleregard for his or her own welfare:“The kamikaze tactics of the Japaneseair force caused considerable consternationamong the crews.”kana (kahnb) japanese [false character]noun a Japanese system ofsyllabic writing that includes charactersuseful for the transliteration offoreign words.228

karmakanaka (kbnakb, kanbkb) hawaiian[person] noun a South Pacifi cislander or native Hawaiian: “I seeonly one mistake: the cook is not aChinaman; he is a Kanaka, and, I think,a Hawaiian” (Robert Louis Stevenson,The Wrecker, 1892).kangaroo (kangbroo) australianaborigine [from Guugu Yimidhirrganurru] noun an herbivorous leapingmarsupial (family Macropodidae)of Australia and New Guinea, distinguishedby its small head, sturdy hindlegs, and long, thick tail.kanji (kanjee) japanese [from Chinesehan zi Chinese characters] noun aJapanese system of writing based onChinese characters.kaolin (kayolin) chinese [after Gaolinghill, Jiangxi province, China, fromgaoling high hill] noun a high qualitywhite clay used in ceramics manufactureand medicine, first imported toEurope from Gaoling hill in China:“The supply of kaolin was severely disruptedby the outbreak of war.”kapellmeister (kbpelmistbr) german[choir master] noun a choir or orchestradirector: “Rosamond played admirably.Her master at Mrs. Lemon’s school(close to a county town with a memorablehistory that had its relics in church andcastle) was one of those excellent musicianshere and there to be found in ourprovinces, worthy to compare with manya noted Kapellmeister in a country whichoffers more plentiful conditions of musicalcelebrity.” (George Eliot, Middlemarch,1871–72).kaput (kbpuut, kbpoot) german [tired,exhausted, derived from French êtrecapot to be without tricks in piquet]adjective finished, defeated, destroyed,dead, broken, unable to function, orhopelessly outmoded: “The radio wentkaput after the accident.”karakul (karbkbl) russian [afterthe village of Karakul, Uzbekistan]noun a breed of hardy, wiry-coatedsheep from Uzbekistan, raised primarilyfor the curly fleeces of newbornlambs of the breed.karaoke (kareeokee) japanese [emptyorchestra] noun the pastime of singingalong with a prerecorded backingtrack; also the electronic deviceused to play the recorded backgroundmusic. ~adjective of or relating to suchmusic-making: “A karaoke machine wasinstalled in the bar and proved an instantsuccess.”karate (kbrahtee) japanese [emptyhand] noun a system of defensiveunarmed combat in which anopponent is disabled with kicks andpunches: “She had been trained in karatesince childhood.”karma (kahrmb) sanskrit [fate,deed] noun destiny, fate, or, in Hindu229

karoshiand Buddhist theory, the influencethat an individual’s actions has uponhis or her migration to a new planeof existence: “They are diametricallyopposed to the philosophy of Karma andof reincarnation, which are the tenets oftheosophy” (Mary Baker Eddy, Pulpitand Press, 1895).karoshi (kbroshee) japanese noun[from karo overwork and shi death]death through overwork.kasbahSee casbah.kashrut (kashroot) hebrew [fitting]noun the body of Jewish dietary lawsencompassing both the preparationand consumption of food.katakana (katbkahnb) japanese [sidekana] noun a form of the kana writingsystem, which incorporates symbolsfor many foreign words andscientific terms.katharsisSee catharsis.katzenjammer (katzbnjambr) german[from Katze cat and Jammer wailing,distress] noun a harsh noise or confusedand discordant uproar, as of thecaterwauling of cats; can also referto a hangover, headache, or distress ingeneral.kayak (kiak) inuit [from qayak]noun a one- or two-person Eskimocanoe made of animal skins and propelledby paddles, with one or morecircular openings for the occupants.Also used of any other small boatbased on a similar design. ~verb topaddle such a canoe: “In the end, theysettled on kayaking for two weeks in theRockies.”kebab (kibab, kbbab), kabob, kebob(kibbb, kbbbb) arabic [possiblyderived via Turkish kebap from Persian]noun cubes of marinated meatgrilled or roasted with vegetables ona skewer: “That evening, they dined offkebabs covered in chili sauce.”kedgeree (kejbree) hindi [from Sanskritkhicca] noun a dish of rice,beans, lentils, and white or smokedfi sh, sometimes served with hardboiledeggs and cream: “In former times,hunters in England would have kedgereefor breakfast before their day’s sportingactivities.”keffiyehSee kaffiyeh.kendo (kendo) japanese [sword art]noun Japanese sport of fencing withtwo-handed bamboo swords: “Interestin the Japanese art of kendo has increasedsignificantly in recent years.”kepi (kepee, kaypee) french [fromGerman kappi cap] noun a peakedmilitary cap, with a flat top and clothvisor to shield the neck from sunburn:“The chin strap of his kepi was gilt, and onhis sleeve there was a little strip of gold”230

kiddush(Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, The Four Horsemenof the Apocalypse, 1919).khaki (kakee, kahkee) urdu [dustcolored]noun a dusty brownish yellowcolor, as widely used for militaryuniforms. ~adjective of or relating tothis color, or to uniforms or othergarments of a khaki color: “But littlethey cared for the Native Press, / Theworn white soldiers in Khaki dress, / Whotramped through the jungle and campedin the byre, / Who died in the swamp andwere tombed in the mire, who gave up theirlives, at the Queen’s Command, / For thePride of their Race and the Peace of theLand.” (Rudyard Kipling, “The Balladof Boh Da Thone,” 1888).khalifaSee caliph.khan (kahn) turkish [from hanprince] noun a ruler of certain partsand peoples of medieval central Asia,including China and Mongolia: “Butto our subject: a brave Tartar khan— /Or ‘sultan,’ as the author (to whose nod /In prose I bend my humble verse) dothcall / This chieftain—somehow would notyield at all . . .” (Lord Byron, Don Juan,1819–24).khat (kat) arabic [from qat] noun ashrub (Catha edulis) grown in Africaand the Middle East for its leaves andbuds, which have stimulant propertieswhen chewed or drunk as tea: “Thebearers sat in the shade, chewing khat andbrushing away the flies.”kia-ora (keeb orb) maori [be well]interjection good luck, or an expressionof greeting.kibbutz (kibuuts) hebrew [from qibbusgathering] noun (plural kibbutzim,kibuutsim) a communal settlement orcollective farm in Israel run as a cooperativeby and on behalf of its ownmembers: “Several students arranged tospend their vacation working on a kibbutzin the Holy Land.”kibbutznik (kibuutsnik) hebrew[from qibbus gathering] noun a memberof a kibbutz: “A mob of angry kibbutzniksblocked the main entrance intothe settlement.”kibitzer (kibitsbr, kbbitsbr) yiddish[from German kiebitzen to be anonlooker, from Kiebitz lapwing, peewit,or onlooker] noun a person whooffers unwanted advice or opinions,particularly to players of card games.kiblah (kiblb) arabic [from qiblathat which is opposite] noun thedirection in which Muslims turn topray (specifically, toward the Kaabaat Mecca).kiddush (kidoosh, kidbsh) hebrew[from qiddush sanctification] noun aformal blessing pronounced on holydays by the head of the household inJewish homes, usually over wine orbread: “The priest led them in the recitalof the kiddush for one last time.”231

kirsch (keersh) german [from Kirschecherry and Wasser water] noun a drybrandy made in Germany and Switkimonokimono (kbmono) japanese [clothes,from ki wearing and mono thing]noun a long robe with a broad sashand wide sleeves, the traditional Japanesedress, or more generally anyloose-fitting dressing gown or robein a vaguely Japanese style: “Mrs. Dyerwas superfeminine in the kimono in whichshe received Carol. Her skin was fine, pale,soft, suggesting a weak voluptuousness”(Sinclair Lewis, Main Street, 1920).kinder, kirche, küche (kindbr kerkbkookb, kindbr kerchb koochb) german[children, church, cooking]noun phrase the domestic concernsof motherhood, religious duty, andhousehold responsibilities that are thetraditional domain of German womanhood,as fostered by the Nazi regimein the 1930s but now considered outdated:“Certain women were vilified forputting hedonistic pursuits before kinder,kirche, küche.”kindergarten (kindbgahrtbn) german[children’s garden, from Kinderchildren and Garten garden] noun anursery school or class for childrenof preschool age: “The foreign wordsin these two letters, the first of which waswritten during a visit to the kindergartenfor the blind, she had been told monthsbefore, and had stowed them away in hermemory” (Helen Keller, Story of MyLife, 1903). ~adjective of or relatingto schools or classes for children ofpre-school age.kinesis (kbneesis, kineesis) greek[movement] noun movement ormotion, the undirected movement ofan organism as a response to an externalstimulus.kinetic (kinetik, kinetik) greek [fromkinein to move] adjective of or relatingto the motion of physical bodiesand the forces involved; can also referto anything that has its own natural,precipitate forward motion: “He studiedthe kinetic energy of moving water.”kiosk (keeosk) turkish [from kiushkpavilion, ultimately from Persian kushkportico] noun a small stall, booth,pavilion, or other modest structure,usually with open sides and typicallyused for selling merchandise to thepublic or to provide shelter for publictelephones: “Sometimes about thepainted kiosk / The mimic soldiers strutand stride, / Sometimes the blue-eyedbrigands hide / In the bleak tangles of thebosk” (Oscar Wilde, Charmides and OtherPoems, 1913).kir (keebr) french [named afterCanon Félix Kir, who devised therecipe] noun an alcoholic drink comprisingwhite wine and cassis: “Theyoffered the doctor a small glass of kir,which he accepted with a smile.”232

knapsackzerland from the fermented juice ofthe black morello cherry: “He wantedto joke about it, but she swept off, lookinglike a queen. Clarisse, who had proppedherself against a wall in order to drink aquiet glass of kirsch, was seen to shrug hershoulders” (Émile Zola, Nana, 1880).kismet (kizmet, kizmbt, kizmit)turkish [from Arabic qismah portion,lot] noun fate, fortune, destiny: “It’spredestined on the face of it. Yes, tell himit’s Kismet. Kismet, mallum? (Fate! Do youunderstand?)” (Rudyard Kipling, Kim,1901).kithara (kithbrb) greek noun anancient Greek and Roman stringedinstrument resembling a lyre with abox-shaped body.kitsch (kich) german [trash] nounsomething that appeals to popular,often sentimental, taste but is generallyregarded as lacking any realartistic merit or taste. ~adjective of orrelating to something that appeals topopular taste while lacking any realartistic merit or taste: “The woman’sroom was full of kitsch ornaments andknickknacks from her summer vacations.”kiwi (keewee) maori noun a flightlessbird of New Zealand; also, thenational symbol of the country and byextension a nickname for anyone fromNew Zealand: “The Kiwis fly in next weekfor a rugby tour of three countries.” Also, afruit with a brownish hairy skin, sweetgreen flesh, and black seeds.kleptomania (kleptomaynyb, kleptbmaynyb)greek [madness of a thief,from kleptes thief and mania mania]noun a compulsion to steal, regardlessof economic benefit or of the riskinvolved: “. . . just as when a youthfulnobleman steals jewellery we call the actkleptomania, speak of it with a philosophicalsmile, and never think of his being sent tothe house of correction as if he were a raggedboy who had stolen turnips.” (George Eliot,Middlemarch, 1871–72).klutz (klbts) yiddish [from klotswooden beam, from Middle HighGerman kloz lumpy mass] noun anoaf, fool, or clumsy person: “‘The manis a klutz,’ Levi observed with a shrug. ‘Abig disappointment to his mother.’”knackwurst (nokwerst, nokverst)german [from knacken to crackle andWurst wurst] a variety of Germanseasoned sausage: “He ordered a plateof knackwurst and rye bread to accompanythe tankard of golden beer.”knapsack (napsak) german [fromGerman and Danish knappen to makea snapping sound, to eat and sack sack]noun a bag used to carry personalbelongings, clothing, or supplies onthe back: “The moment he read it, hepacked his knapsack, bade adieu to hisfellow pedestrians, and was off to keep233

Knessethis promise, with a heart full of joy andsorrow, hope and suspense” (Louisa MayAlcott, Little Women, 1868–69).Knesset (kbnesit, nesit) hebrew [gathering]noun the parliament of Israel:“There was uproar in the Knesset when theannouncement was made.”knout (nowt) russian [knut, fromOld Norse knútr knot] noun a scourgeor whip for flogging: “So the Tatars havetaught us, and they left us the knout as aremembrance of it” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky,The Brothers Karamazov, 1880).koan (koahn) japanese [public matter,from ko public and an matter, proposition]noun (in Zen Buddhism) a paradoxicalriddle that may be employedfor the purposes of meditation.kobold (kobold, kobbld) german[goblin] noun in German folklore,a mischievous breed of goblin thatlives underground, typically in silvermines and similar places, or alternativelyin the home: “In remote areas,domestic mishaps are to this day oftenblamed on the malevolent interference ofa kobold, or goblin.”kofta (koftb) urdu [from koftahpounded meat] noun (in MiddleEastern cuisine) a meat or fish rissole.kohl (kol) arabic [from kuhl] noun atype of black makeup for the eyes,derived from powdered lead suphideor antimony sulphide, as developedat an early date in Egypt and Arabia:“Then she turned them over and behold, thekitchen wall clave asunder, and therefromcame a young lady, fair of form, oval offace, perfect in grace, with eyelids whichkohl lines enchase.” (Richard Burton,“The Fisherman and the Jinni,” ArabianNights, 1885–88).kohlrabi (kolrahbee) german [fromItalian cavolo rapa cabbage turnip]noun a variety of cabbage (Brassicaoleracea gongylodes) with a turnip-likeedible stem.koine (koinee) greek [feminine singularof koinos common, ordinary]noun the Greek language as spokenin the eastern Mediterranean area inthe Hellenistic and Roman periods,and by extension the standard languageor dialect of a particular area.kolkhoz (kolkoz) russian [collectivefarm, from kollektivnoe collectiveand khozyaistvo farm] noun a collectivefarm, as organized in the formerSoviet Union: “For decades, agriculturalrevenue depended largely upon the kolkhoz,an inherently inefficient setup thatserved only to encourage the lazy andself-serving.”Kol Nidre (kol nidray, kol nidrb) aramaic[all the vows] noun phrase anAramaic prayer sung on the eve ofYom Kippur (after the opening wordsof the prayer): “The pillar of the cloud234

krakenappears. A fife and drum band is heardin the distance playing the Kol Nidre.”(James Joyce, Ulysses, 1922).konzertstück (kontsairtshtook) german[concert piece] noun (in music)a concert piece for solo instrumentand orchestra, often a short concerto.kop (kop) afrikaans [from Dutchkop head] noun an isolated hill orpeak: “Sentries were posted on the kopoverlooking the village in case of a surpriseattack.”Koran (kbrahn), Quran, Qur’an arabic[kuran reading] noun the sacredbook of Islam, believed by Muslimsto be the word of God as dictated tothe prophet Muhammad and writtenin Arabic.kore (koray) greek [maiden, girl]noun in Greek art, a statue of afully-clothed young woman: “The bestfi nd of the day was a Greek kore, in nearperfectcondition.”korma (kormb) urdu [from Turkishkavurma] noun a mild curry dish ofmeat or fish: “The korma was excellent,served with naan bread and chutney.”kosher (koshb) yiddish [from Hebrewkaser, fi t, proper] noun foodthat has been prepared and cooked insuch a way to meet the requirementsof Jewish dietary law. ~adjective of orrelating to food that has been preparedand cooked in a ritual manneraccording to Jewish dietary law. Moregenerally applied to anything that hasbeen honestly acquired or otherwisepasses muster and is not in some wayfake or illegitimate: “Are you sure thesedesigner suits are kosher?”kouros (kooros) greek [from korosboy] noun in Greek art, a statue ofa naked boy or young man.kowtow (kowtow, kowtow) chinese[from kou to knock and tou head]verb to submit slavishly to thewishes of another or generally toact in a fawning, obsequious manner(a reference to the ancient Chinesecustom of indicating reverenceto another person by kneeling andtouching the ground with one’s forehead):“He was reluctant to kowtow tothe management in such a humiliatingmanner.”kraal (krahl) afrikaans [from Portuguesecurral pen, enclosure] noun astockade for domestic livestock, or anenclosed village community in centralor southern Africa: “Cattle belonging tothe tribe are kept safe from lions in a kraalof thorns.” ~verb to enclose animals insuch a pen.kraken (kraykbn, krahkbn) norwegiannoun in Norwegian legend,a mythical sea monster of vast proportions:“There seems some ground toimagine that the great Kraken of Bishop235

kultur (kuultoor) german [fromLatin cultura culture] noun culture,particularly state-controlled cultureor culture that contributes towardthe evolution of society in general.Sometimes taken to refer specificallyto German culture during the Naziera, which adherents considered superiorto that of other nations: “SuddenI heard my Captain say: / ‘Voila! Kulturhas passed this way, / And left us a monukremlinPontoppodan may ultimately resolve itselfinto Squid” (Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, 1851).kremlin (kremlin), Kremlin russian[kreml citadel] noun the citadel of aRussian city or town, or specificallythe center of the government (and,by extension, the top echelon of theCommunist Party) in Moscow duringthe Soviet era: “The interpreteraddressed an old porter and asked if itwas far to the Kremlin.” (Leo Tolstoy,War and Peace, 1863–69). Occasionallyemployed in jocular use withreference to any government or managementhead office.kriegspiel (kreegspeel) german [wargame]noun a wargame in whichmilitary forces are represented bysmall blocks moved about on a map,used for training purposes.krill (kril) norwegian (from krilfi s h fry) noun a small planktoniccrustacean or other larval creaturethat provides the basic diet for manylarger ocean-dwelling animals andfi sh: “Each year the fleet harvests thousandsof tons of krill.”kris (krees) malay [from keris] nouna traditional dagger with a jagged serpentineblade: “Hassim unsheathed hiskris and held it in his hand” (Joseph Conrad,The Rescue, 1920).kudos (k(y)oodos, k(y)oodos) greek[from kydos, glory, praise] noun fame,prestige, renown, reputation, as won inrecognition of some deed or achievement:“In the first place, Bellairs hadmade his last advance with a smile of gratifiedvanity, and I could see the creaturewas glorying in the kudos of an unusualposition and secure of ultimate success.”(Robert Louis Stevenson, The Wrecker,1892).kukri (kookree) nepali [from khukuri]noun the broad, curved knifeof the Ghurkas: “The leader of the brigandsdrew his kukri menacingly acrosshis throat.”kulak (koolak) russian [fi st, tightfisted person, from Turkic kul hand]noun a wealthy peasant farmer ormerchant in prerevolutionary Russia,a class subsequently made a particulartarget of the Stalinists: “The kulaksfound few defenders among the peasantswho had formerly been their vassals.”236

Kyrie eleisonment’” (Robert Service, Ballads of aBohemian, 1921).Kulturkampf (kuulterkampf, kuultbkampf)german [from kultur cultureand kampf conflict] noun the culturalstruggle between civil andreligious authorities, especially overeducation and religious posts (usuallyreferring specifically to the clashesthat took place between the RomanCatholic Church and Bismarck’s governmentin Germany during the late19th century).Kulturkreis (kuulterkris) german [culturecircle] noun an area of culture,or culture in general.kümmel (koombl) german [carawayseed, from Old High German kumincumin] noun a colorless cordial orsweet liqueur flavored with cumin andcaraway seeds.kung fu (kbng foo) chinese [fromgong merit and fu master] noun theChinese art of unarmed self-defense:“Kung fu incorporates several disciplines,including judo and karate.”kunstlied (koonstleed) german [artsong] noun (plural kunstlieder,koonstleedbr) an art song.kursaal (kersahl) german [from Kurcure and Saal hall, room] noun apublic building at a health resort:“Down the road a piece was a Kursaal—whatever that may be—and we joined thehuman tide to see what sort of enjoymentit might afford. It was the usual open-airconcert, in an ornamental garden, withwines, beer, milk, whey, grapes, etc. . .”(Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880).kvass (kbvas) russian [from kvas]noun a weak beer distilled fromfermented rye and other cereals inparts of eastern Europe: “As they werewalking back over the cut grass, the oldman called Levin’s attention to the littlegirls and boys who were coming from differentdirections, hardly visible throughthe long grass, and along the road towardthe mowers, carrying sacks of bread thatstretched their little arms, and luggingsmall pitchers of kvass, stopped up withrags” (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina,1873–77).kvetch (kbvech) yiddish [from kvetshnto squeeze, to pinch, from Germanquetschen to crush, to press] verb togripe or complain at length: “Oh, stopkvetching and just get on with it.” ~noun aperson who is always complaining or isin some other way objectionable.Kyogen (kiojen) japanese noun abrief comic interlude performed in thecourse of an evening of Noh drama.Kyrie eleison (kireeay elayzon) greek[from kyrie lord and eleeson to have mercy,to have pity] noun in the Christian237

kyuchurch, a short prayer beginning withthese words, often set to music: “Thenotes of the Kyrie eleison soared up into thevaults of the cathedral roof. ”kyu (kyoo) japanese [class] nounone of six grades of profi ciency inJapanese martial arts such as karateand judo.238

ååålåla (la) french [the] adjective the(usually preceding the name of awoman and variously suggestingadmiration or contempt for the personconcerned): “Her voice equalled thatof la Dietrich herself. ”laager (lahgbr) afrikaans [from GermanLager, itself from Old Germanlegar couch] nounan encampment ofwagons or armed vehicles drawn upin a defensive position, or more generallyany defensive or entrenchedposition or policy: “In front of thehouse . . . was arranged an arc of wagons,placed as they are in a laager andprotected underneath by earth thrownup in a mound and by boughs of themimosa thorn” (H. Rider Haggard,Marie, 1912).labarum (labbrbm) latin [from Greeklabaron] noun (plural labara, labbrb)the military standard adopted byEmperor Constantine I after his conversionto Christianity, with Christiansymbols added to the Roman militarysymbols.laborare est orare (laborahree estorahree) latin [to work is to pray]verb phrase hard work is a form ofprayer.labyrinth (labbrinth) greek [fromlabyrinthos maze] noun a maze orany intricate or complicated situation(recalling the Cretan maze constructedby Daedulus in which lurkedthe dreaded Minotaur): “Not becauseParis was not Rome, nor because it wasParis; but because hidden away somewherein that vast unheeding labyrinth was thehalf-forgotten part of himself that wasSusy. . .” (Edith Wharton, Glimpses of theMoon, 1922).lachrymae rerum See lacrimaererum.laconic (lbkonik) greek [lakonikosLaconian, of Laconia, the Greek districtof which Sparta was the capital,referring to the terseness of speechwith which the inhabitants were traditionallyassociated] adjective usingminimal words, terse, concise: “He239

lacrimae rerumexplained the situation in a few laconicphrases.”lacrimae rerum (lakrimi rayrbm),lachrymae rerum latin [tearsof things, quoting the Aeneid by theRoman poet Virgil (70–19 b.c.)] nounphrase the sadness of life, the tragedythat is inherent in ordinary humanexistence.lacuna (lbkoonb, lbkyoonb) latin[pool, pit, gap, from lacus lake] noun(plural lacunas or lacunae, lbkooni,lbkyooni) a gap, a blank space, a hiatus,a missing part, a defect.lager (lahgbr) german [from Lagerbierbeer made for keeping, fromLager storehouse and Bier beer] nouna light beer that matures in storage(as originally made in Germany orBohemia): “The bar was well stocked withimported lager.”lagniappe (lanyap) louisiana french[from American Spanish la ñapa thegift, from Quechua, something added]noun something given as a bonus orgratuity: “The morning after the Great PanhandleMishandle, instead of doing electionpostmortems, the news industry received aspectacular lagniappe: a fractious postelectioncampaign, made and played for TV. ”(Time, November 20, 2000).lagoon (lbgoon) french [from lagune,itself from Italian laguna pit, pool,ultimately from Latin lacus lake]noun a large pool of shallow water,often alongside a much larger bodyof water: “Some ghostly night when hidesthe moon, / I slip into the milk-warmwater / And softly swim the stale lagoon”(Robert Service, Ballads of a Bohemian,1921).laisser-faireSee laissez-faire.laissez-aller (lesay-alay), laisserallerfrench [allow to go] nouncarelessness, abandon, absence ofrestraint.laissez-faire (lesay-fair), laisser-fairefrench [let do, allow to act] noun apractice, philosophy, or doctrine allowingan individual, company, or industryto behave with complete freedom ofchoice and action (often referring toeconomic policy): “Where your Priesthas no tongue but for plate-licking: andyour high Guides and Governors cannotguide; but on all hands hear it passionatelyproclaimed: Laissez faire; Leave usalone of your guidance, such light is darkerthan darkness; eat you your wages, andsleep!” (Thomas Carlyle, Sartor Resartus,1833–34). ~adjective of or relating tosuch a practice, philosophy, doctrine,or policy: “In the 20th century, in westerneconomies, laissez-faire policies have beenlargely abandoned for mixed economies”(Macmillan Encyclopedia).laissez-passer (lesay-pasay) french[let pass] noun (plural laissez-passers)240

langlaufa permit, a pass allowing an individualto go through a checkpoint:“The Government, which is only a simpleadministration, has only hitherto beencalled upon to put in practice the oldadage, Laissez faire, laissez passer, inorder to favor that irresistible instinctwhich pushes the people of America to thewest” (William Makepeace Thackeray,Paris Sketch Book of Mr. M. A. Titmarsh,1840).lama (lahmb) tibetan [from blama]noun a Buddhist monk or religiousteacher of Tibet or Mongolia: “Thestreets of New York were crowded that yearwith Hindu seers, lamas from Tibet, and allother manner of eastern sages.”lamé (lahmay) french [laminated,from Old French lame gold or silverwire, ultimately from Latin laminathin sheet] noun a type of brocadedfabric in which the yarns are interwovenwith metallic thread. ~adjectiveof or relating to such fabric: “His sisterlooked sensational in a gold lamé dress.”lamentoso (lamentoso) italian[lamenting] adverb (in music) mournfully.~adjective (in music) mournful:“The band played a lamentoso air in responseto the general mood of depression that hadsettled on everyone.”lamia (laymeeb) latin [from lamyrosgluttonous, referring to the Lamia, adevouring monster of Greek legendwith a woman’s body] noun (plurallamias or lamiae, laymiee) a femaledemon, a witch.lamina (lambnb) latin [layer] noun(plural laminas or laminae, laminee,lamini) a layer, a thin plate or scale:“The pigment epithelium has traditionallybeen considered as a layer of theretina” (T. L. Lentz, Cell Fine Structure,1971).landau (landow, lando) german[after Landau, Bavaria] noun a fourwheeled,horse-drawn carriage withremovable front and rear hoods and araised seat for the driver (as originallymade in Landau, Bavaria):“A shining landau stopped before theentrance. The lady rose. I took her hand,and bowed” (O. Henry, Strictly Business,1910).Landsturm (lantshterm) german [landstorm] noun (plural Landstürme,lantshtermb) conscription in timeof war; a reserve force called up atsuch a time (especially in Germanspeakingcountries).Landwehr (lantvair) german [landdefense, militia] noun militia, reserveforces (especially in German-speakingcountries).langlauf (langlowf) german [longrun, from lang long and Lauf race]noun a cross-country ski race: “Thelanglauf competition was hotly contestedby all the Nordic teams.”241

langoustinelangoustine (langbsteen) french[diminutive of langouste lobster, itselffrom Old Provençal lagosta, ultimatelyfrom Latin locusta locust] noun aNorway lobster (especially when consideredas a food item): “Unfortunatelythe menu did not include the local specialityof langoustines.”lapis lazuli (lapis laz(h)blee) latin[from lapis stone and lazulum, fromArabic lazward] noun a semipreciousstone of a rich azure color,or the color azure itself: “The ringcomprised a small piece of lapis lazuli ina gold setting.”lapsus (lapsbs) latin [fall, slip] nouna lapse, an error, a slip: “Now if the‘court,’ and ‘camp,’ and ‘grove,’ be not /Recruited all with constant married men, /Who never coveted their neighbor’s lot, / Isay that line’s a lapsus of the pen. . .” (LordByron, Don Juan, 1819–24).lapsus calami (lapsbs kalbmi) latin[slipping of the reed] noun phrase aslip of the pen, a written error.lapsus linguae (lapsbs lingwee)latin [slipping of the tongue] nounphrase a slip of the tongue, a verbalerror.lapsus memoriae (lapsbs memoriee)latin [slipping of the memory] nounphrase a slip of the memory, a lapseof memory.lardon (lahrdbn), lardoon (lahdoon)french [piece of fat pork, from OldFrench lard bacon] noun (in Frenchcuisine) a strip of bacon or salt porkthat is inserted into another piece ofmeat, poultry, or game to provideextra fat and flavoring.largesse (lahrzhes, lahrjes), largessfrench [generosity, ultimatelyfrom Latin largus liberal in giving]noun generosity, liberality, or aninstance of such generosity or liberality:“The procession was brought to aclose, by some dozen indomitable warriorsof different nations, riding two and two,and haughtily surveying the tame populationof Modena: among whom, however,they occasionally condescended to scatterlargesse in the form of a few handbills”(Charles Dickens, Pictures from Italy,1846).larghetto (lahrgeto) italian [a littlelargo, somewhat slow] adverb (inmusic) fairly slowly (to be playedslower than andante). ~adjective(in music) slow. ~noun a passage ofmusic written to be played at a fairlyslow pace.largo (lahrgo) italian [slow, broad,ultimately from Latin largus large,abundant] adverb (in music) veryslowly, with dignity. ~adjective (inmusic) very slow, dignified. ~noun apassage of music written to be playedat a very slow, dignified pace.242

lattelariat (lareebt) spanish [from la reatathe rope, ultimately from reatar to tieagain] noun a lasso used to catch ortether livestock: “The stranger loopedhis lariat over the saddle and dismountedslowly.”larmoyant (lahrmoiybnt, lahrmoiyon(g))french [tearful, fromlarmoyer to be tearful] adjective lachrymose,tear-jerking, sentimental: “Hetold her a somewhat larmoyant tale aboutlost love and then demanded supper inloud tones.”larva (lahrvb) latin [ghost, mask] noun(plural larvas or larvae, lahvee, lahvi)the immature, wingless form ofnumerous insects prior to developmentinto the adult form.larynx (larinks) greek [larunx]noun (plural larynxes or larynges,lbrinjeez) the upper part of thetrachea or windpipe in air-breathingvertebrates that in many species containsthe vocal chords: “The sopranowas unable to appear due to an infectionof the larynx.”lasagne (lbzanyb) italian [plural oflasagna, probably ultimately from Latinlasanum chamber pot] noun a form ofpasta shaped into thin sheets or broadstrips, or a recipe incorporating suchpasta layered with cheese, tomatoes,meat, and other ingredients.lascar (laskbr) portuguese [fromHindi lashkari military, from lashkararmy] noun an Indian sailor: “TheLascar pretended that six years before,during a stay at Vanikoro, he had seen twoEuropeans that belonged to some vesselsthat had run aground on the reefs someyears ago” (Jules Verne, 20,000 LeaguesUnder the Sea, 1870).lasso (laso, lbsoo) spanish [fromlazo, itself from Latin laqueus snare]noun (plural lassos or lassoes) aleather rope with a running noose atone end used for catching livestock.~verb to capture an animal using alasso: “They managed to lasso the lasttwo steers and drag them back to thecorral.”latex (layteks) latin [fl uid] noun(plural latexes or latices, laytbseez)a milky fluid obtained from varioustrees and plants and used in the manufactureof rubber, gutta-percha, andother products, or a form of syntheticrubber or plastic used in clothing,paint manufacture, etc.: “All the topswimmers favor latex swimwear.”latria (latrib, latreeb) latin [fromGreek latreia, from latruein to serve]noun (in Roman Catholicism) thesupreme worship that is due exclusivelyto God.latte (lahtay) italian [from caffè lattemilk coffee] noun espresso coffee243

Lebensraum (laybbnzrowm) german[living space] noun additional terrilaudatortemporis actiserved in a tall cup, filled to the topwith steamed hot milk. A skinny latteis a latte made with skimmed milk: “Weordered two lattes to go.”laudator temporis acti (lowdaytbrtempbris akti) latin [a praiser of timespast] noun phrase a person who praisesthe way things were in the past.laureate (loreebt) latin [from laureatuscrowned with laurel, from laurealaurel wreath] noun a person whohas received official honors in recognitionof some achievement, usuallyin the academic sphere: “Nature crowdedthem for him with imagery such as noLaureate could copy in the cold mosaicof language” (Oliver Wendell Holmes,Elsie Venner, 1859–60). ~adjective of orrelating to someone who has receivedofficial honors in recognition of his orher achievements.laus Deo (lows dayo) latin [praise toGod] interjection praise be to God.~abbreviated form L.D.lava (lahvb) italian [from Latin labesfall] noun molten rock from a volcanoor from cracks in the earth’ssurface: “Lava gushed from fissures in theside of the volcano.”lavabo (lbvahbo) latin [I shall wash,from lavare] noun a ceremony duringthe Roman Catholic Mass in whichcelebrants ritually wash their handsafter offering oblations, or the prayerspoken at this point in the Mass.May also refer more generally to anyhandbasin, washroom, or lavatory.layette (layet) french [baby linen,diminutive of laye box, drawer, fromMiddle Dutch laege] noun a completeset of clothing, bedding, andother items for newborn babiesobtained in advance of the birth of achild: “She began to assemble a layette inadvance of the happy event.”lazaretto (lazbreto) italian [fromlazareto, derived from Nazaretto, aquarantine station by the Santa Mariadi Nazaret church in Venice and fromlazaro leper] noun a hospital or otherinstitution for patients suffering fromleprosy or other infectious diseases,or more generally any place of quarantine:“Why, my dear, what would anyman think of having his house turned intoan hotel, habited by freaks who dischargehis servants, borrow his money, and insulthis neighbors? This place is shunned likea lazaretto!” (Willa Cather, The TrollGarden and Other Stories, 1905).l’chaim (lokhim), lechayim hebrew[to life] interjection to your health, tolife (a drinking toast).L.D.See laus deo.244

leitmotivtory required by a nation in order tocontinue economic development orto defend the overall interests of thestate or other community (usuallyreferring specifi cally to the argumenton these lines quoted by Nazi Germanyas justifi cation for territorialexpansion before and during WorldWar II).lechayimSee l’chaim.lector (lektbr, lektor) latin [reader,from legere to read] noun an assistantwho reads lessons during a religiousservice; may also refer to a readeror lecturer at a college or university:“The lector droned on and on, his voiceseeking out plaintive echoes in the farreaches of the cathedral vault.”lederhosen (laydbrhozbn) german[from Middle High German Lederleather and Hosen trousers] nounleather shorts with suspenders, of atype traditionally worn in Bavaria andneighboring Alpine areas: “The onlyaspect of the role he did not like was thefact that he had to wear a pair of tightfitting German lederhosen.”legato (ligahto) italian [tied, bound,past participle of legare to bind] adverb(in music) smoothly. ~adjective (inmusic) smooth, connected. ~noun apassage of music written to be playedin a smooth manner, or the practice ofplaying music in such a manner.legerdemain (lejbrdbmain) french[from Middle French léger de mainlight of hand] noun sleight of hand,trickery, deception, adroitness, skill.~adjective of or relating to suchdeception or trickery: “. . .you jugglingmountebank! This is some legerdemaintrick of yours to get off from the performanceof your promise, as you have sooften done before” (Walter Scott, TheAntiquary, 1816).legionnaire (leejbnair), legionairefrench [from légionnaire, ultimatelyfrom Latin legionarius legionary]noun a member of a legion (such asthe French Foreign Legion): “The formerlegionnaires meet once a year for a formalreunion dinner at which they exchangememories of past glories.” ~noun Legionnairea member of the AmericanLegion.legume (legyoom, ligyoom) french[from légume, ultimately from Latinlegumen leguminous plant, pulse, itselffrom legere to gather] noun a vegetableor the fruit or seed of a leguminousplant used for food; can also refer toleguminous plants in general.leitmotiv (litmoteef), leitmotifgerman [leading motive, from Leitmotiv,from leiten to lead and Motiv motive]noun a basic recurring theme orimage underlying a piece of music,opera, or literary work: “The repeated245

levée en masse (levay on(g) mas), levyen masse french [rising in mass]noun phrase (plural levées en massesor levies en masse) a mass uprising(usually referring to a popular or mililemmause of this leitmotiv throughout the workhelps to unify the whole composition.”lemma (lemb) greek [from lambaneinto take] noun (plural lemmasor lemmata, lembtb) the theme orsubject of a composition, indicated asa heading or title.lento (lento) italian [slow, ultimatelyfrom Latin lentus sluggish, slow] adverbin music) slowly. ~adjective (in music)slow. ~noun a piece of music writtento be played at a slow pace.Leo (leeo) latin [lion] noun (inastronomy) the Lion, a large constellationin the northern hemi sphere,near Ursa Major; (in astrology) thefi fth sign of the zodiac, occurringbetween Cancer and Virgo.leprechaun (leprbkon) irish gaelic[from leipreachán little person, itselfultimately from Old Irish luchorpán,from lu small and chorp body] noun abreed of mischievous elf or goblin inIrish folklore reputed to know thelocation of hidden treasure: “The storygoes that the old man offended a leprechaunand was at once carried off to asubterranean kingdom, never to return.”lèse-majesté (layz-majbstee, lez-majbstee,leez-majbstee), lese majestyfrench [from lese majesté, ultimatelyfrom Latin laesa majestas injuredmajesty] noun (plural lèse-majestés)disrespect, insulting behavior, anaffront to dignity or status (originallyhigh treason or another seriousoffense committed against a sovereignor sovereign power): “Such an actof lèse-majesté could not go unpunished.”l’état, c’est moi (layta say moi) french[the state, it is I, quoting the Frenchking Louis XIV (1638–1715)] nounphrase I am the state (meaning, thecontrol of the state, company, organizationrests with me); typically quotedin criticism of someone who believeshe or she wields supreme power.lettre de cachet (letrb db kashay)french [letter of seal] noun phrase(plural lettres de cachet) a sealedletter, a letter with an official seal(often referring to one granting permissionfor a person to be detainedwithout trial or sent into exile).levee (levee) french [from levée actof raising, feminine past participle oflever to raise] noun an embankmentor ridge raised to prevent flooding;can also refer to such an embankmentbuilt up naturally by silting: “Waterfi nally poured over the top of the levee andthe town was rapidly inundated.”246

liberté, égalité, fraternitétary uprising or mobilization againstan invader or other external enemy).leviathan (lbvibthbn) hebrew [liwyathancoiling up] noun a biblical seamonster and hence any large seagoingcreature or anything huge or vastlycomplicated: “You wonder for a long timehow she goes on, for there seems to be nobodyin charge of her; and when another of thesedull machines comes splashing by, you feelquite indignant with it, as a sullen cumbrous,ungraceful, unshiplike leviathan: quiteforgetting that the vessel you are on board of,is its very counterpart” (Charles Dickens,American Notes, 1842). ~adjective huge,vast, massively complicated.levy en masseSee levée en masse.lex (leks) latin [law] noun (pluralleges, leejeez) law, statute.lex aeterna (leks ayternb) latin[eternal law] noun phrase eternal law,the law of God.lexicon (leksbkahn, leksbkbn) greek[from lexikon, neuter of lexikos ofwords] noun (plural lexicons or lexica,leksbkb) a dictionary or otheralphabetically arranged wordbookcontaining the vocabulary of a language,or more generally any inventory,record, or repertoire: “‘I’ll bebetter able to tell you when I find outwhat it is,’ said Priscilla, casting aside aGreek lexicon and taking up Stella’s letter”(Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of theIsland, 1915).lexis (leksis) greek [word] nounthe total stock of words in a language.lex loci (leks losee) latin [law ofthe place] noun phrase the law of thecountry where a contract is made orwhere some other event relevant to alegal case takes place.lex talionis (leks tbleeonis) latin[law of recompense] noun phrase thelaw of retaliation, “an eye for an eye.”liaison (leebzbn, leeayzon) french[joining, linking, connection, from lierto bind] noun a close (often sexual)relationship between two individuals;more generally any cooperative interrelationshipinvolving two or moreparties: “Their liaison lasted several yearsbut eventually foundered over their inabilityto compromise.”lib.See libretto.liberté, égalité, fraternité (libairtayaygalitay fraternitay) french [liberty,equality, fraternity] noun phrase liberty,equality, brotherhood (an expressionof the ideals of freedom originallycoined as a slogan of French revolutionariesin the late 18th century):“The young man died with the words ‘liberté,égalité, fraternité’ on his lips.”247

libidolibido (libeedo) latin [desire, lust,longing, from libere to please]noun sexual desire, or the psychicdrive in general: “He complained that hislibido needed a boost.”Libra (leebrb) latin [balance orscales] noun (in astronomy) the Balance,a constellation in the southernhemi sphere; (in astrology) the seventhsign of the zodiac, occurring betweenVirgo and Scorpio.libretto (libreto) italian [diminutiveof libro book] noun (plural librettos orlibretti, libretee) the text for anopera, musical, or other form of theatricalentertainment with music, oran actual book or booklet containingthis: “The libretto of the opera had lainforgotten on top of the wardrobe for some50 years.” ~abbreviated form lib.licit (lisit) latin [from licitus permitted,past participle of licere to be permitted]adjective permitted, lawful.lido (leedo) italian [shore, beach,from Latin litus] noun a bathingbeach, beach resort, or an outdoorswimming pool open to the public:“He saw them together on the Lido and(those writing fellows are horrible) hewrote what he calls a vignette (I supposeaccidentally, too) under that very title”(Joseph Conrad, The Arrow of Gold,1919).lied (leed) german [song] noun (plurallieder, leedbr) an art song performedby a solo voice with pianoaccompaniment (as developed by Austrianand German Romantic composersof the 19th century).lien (len, leebn) french [bond, tie,fetter, ultimately from Latin ligare tobind] noun a legal charge, right, orobligation concerning property thatusually comes to an end only whensome debt or other duty is finallydischarged: “Mr. Casaubon was out of thequestion, not merely because he declinedduty of this sort, but because Featherstonehad an especial dislike to him as the rectorof his own parish, who had a lien on theland in the shape of tithe. . .” (GeorgeEliot, Middlemarch, 1871–72).lieu (loo) french [place, stead, ultimatelyfrom Latin locus place] nounplace, stead. ~adverb in lieu instead.~preposition in lieu of instead of,in the place of: “The company offeredreplacement tickets in lieu of refunding themoney she had paid.”limbo (limbo) latin [ablative of limbusborder, edge] noun a supernaturalregion between hell and heavenwhere unbaptized souls must spendeternity, according to Roman Catholictheology, and, by extension, anyindeterminate place that lies betweentwo more definite locations or anystate of uncertainty, oblivion, or passivity:“The family was condemned toremain in agonizing limbo until the courtcame to its decision.”248

litoteslimousine (limbzeen, limbzeen) french[cloak, after Limousin, France] nouna large, luxurious car, often one inwhich the driver is separated fromthe passengers by a glass partition:“On her 10th birthday she persuadedher parents to hire a limousine in whichshe could ride round town, waving to herenvious friends.”lingerie (lonzhbray, lonjbray, lonzhbree,lonjbree) french [from MiddleFrench linge linen, ultimately fromLatin lineus made of linen] noun underwearand nightwear for women:“Lingerie and nightwear are now on saleon the top floor of the store.”lingua franca (lingwb frankb) italian[Frankish language] noun phrase (plurallingua francas or linguae francae,lingwee frankee) a commonlanguage adopted as a means ofcommunication among people whospeak various different native languages(originally a mixture of Italian,French, Spanish, Greek, Turkish,and Arabic formerly spoken in portsaround the Mediterranean): “. . .notunderstanding a word of German, Latin,or French, he had been obliged to haverecourse to his Greek, Turkish, and theLingua Franca, which did not procurehim much in the country he was travelingthrough; his proposal, therefore, tome was, that I should accompany him inthe quality of secretary and interpreter.”(Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Confessions,1782–89).linguine (lingweenee), linguiniitalian [plural of linguina, diminutiveof lingua tongue] noun (in Italiancuisine) a variety of pasta shapedinto narrow ribbons, or a dish of suchpasta.liqueur (likbr, likyoobr) french [fromOld French licour liquid] noun astrong, sweetened alcoholic drink flavoredwith spices, fruit, herbs, orother substances.literati (litbrahtee) italian [fromLatin literatus literate] plural noun theintelligentsia, the educated class,especially people interested in literatureand the arts: “The prize committee’sannouncement received a cool receptionamong the city’s literati.”literatim (litbrahtim), litteratimlatin [letter for letter, from litteraletter] adverb letter for letter, literally:“Now this is fine—it is rich!—andwe have half a mind to punish this youngscribbler for his egotism by really publishinghis effusion verbatim et literatim, ashe has written it” (Edgar Allan Poe,“Ligeia,” 1833). ~adjective letter forletter, literal.litotes (litoteez) greek [litos simpleor meager] noun a fi gure of speechthat uses an understatement, oftena negative assertion, for emphasis,e.g., “someone not a million milesaway” to mean “someone in closeproximity.”249

litterae humanioreslitterae humaniores (litbri hyoomaneeorayz)latin [more humane letters]plural noun the humanities.litterateur (litbrater, litrater), littérateurfrench [person of letters,ultimately from Latin litterae letters,literature] noun a literary person(usually referring to a professionalwriter of literature or literary critic):“Among her numerous suitors was JulienBossuet, a poor litterateur, or journalist ofParis” (Edgar Allan Poe, “The PrematureBurial,” 1844).litteratimSee literatim.llano (lahno, lano) spanish [plain,ultimately from Latin planum plain,level] noun an open grassy plain(often referring specifi cally to thegrasslands of central America or SWUnited States).locale (lokal) french [local] noun alocality, a place, especially the settingor site of a story or event: “‘To Friendship,sir!’ said Miss Vere; ‘and why on thisgloomy and sequestered spot, rather thanelsewhere?’ ‘O, the propriety of the locale iseasily vindicated,’ replied her father, with asneer’” (Walter Scott, The Black Dwarf,1816).loc. cit.See in loco citato.loch (lokh, lok) scottish gaelic[akin to Latin lacus lake] noun a lakeor inlet of the sea largely surroundedby land (usually referring specificallyto such bodies of water in Scotland):“The road along the edge of the loch isusually busy with buses and cars carryingtourists hoping to catch a glimpse of thelegendary monster.”loco (loko) spanish [crazy] adjective(slang) mad, crazy.loco citatoSee in loco citato.locum tenens (lokbm teenenz, lokbmtenenz) latin [holding a place] nounphrase (plural locum tenentes, lokbmtinenteez) a temporary substitute,a person who assumes the dutiesand responsibilities of another on atemporary basis (usually a doctor ormember of the clergy): “A locum tenenswas called in to cover for the doctor,who was recovering from his operation.”~abbreviated form locum.locus (lokbs) latin [place, locality]noun (plural loci, losee, loki, lokee)a place, location, center of attention.locus classicus (lokbs klasikbs) latin[classic passage, classical place] nounphrase (plural loci classici, lokee klasbsi,lokee klasbki, lokee klasbkee) aclassic example (often referring to awritten passage considered a standardauthority on or illustration of a particularsubject).locus standi (lokbs standee) latin[place of standing] noun phrase(plural loci standi, lokee standee)250

louverlegal term for an acknowledged orrecognized position or status or theright of a person to be heard by acourt.loggia (lojeeb, lojb) italian [lodge]noun a roofed open gallery or arcade,often overlooking an open court: “Wesat chatting cheerily in the library lastnight, and she wouldn’t let me look intothe loggia, where she was making Christmaspreparations” (Mark Twain, What isMan and Other Essays, 1906).logos (logos) greek [word, speech]noun (plural logoi, logoi) (in ancientGreek philosophy) the rational principlethat governs the universe; also,in Christian theology, the Word ofGod: “There are those who have seen therim and outer seeming of the logos thereare those who have glimpsed and in enthusiasmpossessed themselves of some segmentand portion of the Logos. . .” (SinclairLewis, Babbitt, 1922).lollo rosso (lolo roso) italian [redlettuce] noun a variety of lettucewith curly, red- edged leaves.longueur (longer) french [length]noun a period of dullness or tedium,usually referring to a boring passagein a written work or musical composition:“We had a pleasant evening,although the play had its longueurs.”loofah (loofb) arabic [from luf ] nouna tropical plant of the gourd familybelonging to the genus Luffa, or thefi brous skeleton of its fruit (traditionallyused as a sponge to scrub theskin): “He rubbed his back vigorously witha loofah and then washed off the suds withclean water.”loquitur lokwitbr) latin [he says,from loquor to speak] verb he/shespeaks. ~abbreviated form loq.lorgnette (lornyet) french [fromlorgner to take a sidelong look at, tosquint at] noun a pair of spectaclesor opera glasses mounted on a handle:“The old lady squinted at the child throughher lorgnette and frowned.”lotus (lotbs), lotos greek [fromlotos] noun (plural lotuses) (in Greeklegend) a fruit that induces a state ofdreamy forgetfulness in anyone whoeats it (sometimes identified as thefruit of the jujube or elm tree). Alsothe name of a genus of leguminousherbs or shrubs and of various waterlilies with significance in ancient Egyptianand Hindu art.louche (loosh) french [cross-eyed,ultimately from Latin luscus blind inone eye] adjective dubious, shifty,disreputable: “The next time she camehome she was accompanied by a ratherlouche young man whom her parents dislikedintensely.”louver (loovbr), louvre french nouna shutter with wooden or plastic slats251

lucus a non lucendodesigned to allow the passage of airinto a room but to exclude rain orsun or ensure privacy (originally asimilar structure placed on the roofof medieval buildings to provide ventilation).lucus a non lucendo (lookbs a nonlookendo) latin [a grove from itsnot shining] noun phrase an illogicalor absurd derivation or pieceof reasoning (in this instance basedupon the coincidental similarity ofthe Latin words lucus grove and lucereto shine).ludicrous (loodikrbs) latin [fromludicrus sportive, from ludus play,sport] adjective amusingly absurd,ridiculous, laughable, foolish: “He triedto adopt a heroic pose, but only succeededin making himself look ludicrous.”ludo (loodo) latin [I play] noun achildren’s board game played withdice and counters.Luftwaffe (luuftvafb, luuftwafb) german[air force] noun the Germanair force between the years 1935 and1945.luge (loozh) french [sled] noun asmall sled or toboggan used incompetitions on specially designeddownhill courses, or the sport itself:“He came off the luge at a terrifying speedon the fastest part of the run.” ~verb toride on such a sled or toboggan.lumbago (lumbaygo) latin [fromlumbus loin] noun a form of muscularrheumatism affecting the lumbarregion of the back.lumpen (lumpbn) german [fromLumpen rags, tatters] adjective of orrelating to individuals who belong toa subclass of society characterized bypoverty and ignorance.lumpenproletariat (lumpbnprolbtaireebt)german [from Lumpen rags,tatters, and French prolétariat poorworking class, coined by the Germanpolitical writer Karl Marx (1818–83)]noun the poverty-stricken, uneducatedmasses.lupus (luupbs) latin [wolf] noun anulcerous skin condition with severalmanifestations, including onethat is due to direct infection withtuberculosis and one that is due to anauto immune reaction to sunlight.lusus naturae (loosbs natyoori, loosbsnatyooree) latin [game of nature]noun phrase a freak of nature, anatural curiosity. ~abbreviated formlusus.luxe (luks) french [luxury, fromLatin luxus luxury] noun elegance,luxury.lycée (leesay) french [ultimatelyfrom Greek lukeion gymnasium] nouna public secondary school maintained252

lyceumby the government in a French-speakingcountry.lyceum (liseebm, liseebm) greek[from lukeion gymnasium, after theLyceum grove of Apollo Lykeios nearAthens where Aristotle taught pupils]noun a lecture hall, or an associationorganizing educational talks, concerts,and other events.253

åååmåM. See monsieur.macabre (mbkahb, mbkahbrb, mbkahbb)french [deathly, ghastly, fromdanse macabre dance of death, originallydanse de Macabré dance of Maccabaeus]adjective gruesome, ghastly, grim,unpleasant, dreadful, concerning death:“The clouded moon cast a macabre light overthe dreadful scene.”macaroni (makbronee), maccaroniitalian [from maccheroni, plural ofmaccherone, ultimately from Greekmakaria barley food] noun (plural macaronisor macaronies) a variety ofpasta shaped into hollow tubes, or adish of such pasta served with cheeseand other ingredients.macchiato (makeeahto) italian[marked] noun espresso coffee ina small cup, topped with a scoop offoamed milk.macédoine (masbdwahn) french[Macedonian, referring to the mixedethnic groups who lived in the empireof the Macedonian king Alexander theGreat] noun a mixture of choppedfruit or vegetables; by extension, anyconfused mixture or medley: “The meatcame with a macédoine of lightly cookedvegetables.”machete (mbshetee, mbchetee) spanish[from macho hammer] noun alarge, broad-bladed knife used to hacka way through undergrowth, as aweapon, and for various other purposes:“Several of the terrorists carriedlethal-looking machetes with shiny silverblades.”machismo (mbcheezmo, mbkeezmo,mbkismo, mbchizmo) spanish [masculinity,from macho male] nounexaggerated masculinity or masculinepride, toughness.macho (macho) spanish [male] adjectiveaggressively male, ostentatiouslyvirile, tough: “This film will go downwell with those who like their heroes machoand well-muscled.”machtpolitik (makhtpoliteek), Machtpolitik, german [power politics] noun255

macramépower politics, the use of force toachieve political aims.macramé (mbkrahmay), macramefrench [from Turkish makrama napkin,tablecloth, towel, ultimately fromArabic miqramah coverlet, bedspread]noun a variety of lace or other fabricmade by knotting threads or cords ingeometrical patterns. ~adjective of orrelating to macramé fabric.macro (makro) greek [from makroslong] adjective large; largescale,comprehensive (often used incombination with other words): “Suchconsiderations are relatively unimportanton the scale of international macroeconomics.”macula (makjoolb) latin [spot] noun(plural maculae, makjoolee, makjooli)a discolored spot on the skin, which isnot raised above the surface; also thecentral part of the ret i na in the eye,where vision is clearest.madame (madbm, mbdam, madam),madam french [my lady] noun (pluralmadames or mesdames, maydam,maydahm) a courtesy title used fora married or mature woman: “The shopassistant bowed politely. ‘Perhaps madamewould care to follow me.’” ~abbreviatedform Mme.madeleine (madblbn, madblayn)french [possibly after the Frenchpastry cook Madeleine Paumier] nouna small rich sponge cake flavored withlemon and baked in the shape of ashell.mademoiselle (madmwbzel, madbmwbzel,madbmbzel, mamzel) french[my young lady] noun (plural mademoisellesor mesdemoiselles,maydmwbzel, maydbmwbzel, maydbmbzel)a courtesy title for a youngunmarried girl or woman. ~abbreviatedform Mlle.Madonna (mbdonb) italian [fromOld Italian ma donna, my lady] nounthe Virgin Mary, or a statue or pictorialrepresentation of her; also useda respectful form of address for anItalian woman: “The Madonna has beenreturned to the church for the first timesince it disappeared during the war.”madrasa (mbdrasb), madrasah,medrese (medresay) arabic [fromdarasah to study] noun a college forIslamic religious instruction.madrigal (madrigbl) italian [unaccompaniedsong, from madrigale, ultimatelyfrom Latin matricalis mother]noun a part-song for a small numberof unaccompanied voices.maelstrom (mayblstrom) dutch[whirling stream, from malen to grind,to whirl around, and strom stream]noun a powerful whirlpool, or moregenerally any turbulent or disruptivestate of affairs: “What passed during that256

“Magnificat”night—how the boat escaped from theeddies of the maelstrom—how Ned Land,Conseil, and myself ever came out of thegulf, I cannot tell.” (Jules Verne, 20,000Leagues Under the Sea, 1870).maestoso (mistoso, mistozo) italian[majestic, from Latin majestas majesty]adverb (in music) majestically. ~adjective(in music) majestic, stately: “ThenKadijah announces to the populace theProphet’s interviews with the Angel Gabriel(maestoso sostenuto in F Major)” (Honoréde Balzac, Gambara, 1837).maestro (mistro) italian [master,ultimately from Latin magister master]noun (plural maestros or maestri,mistree) an eminent composer, orchestraconductor, teacher of music,or other distinguished figure in thearts: “All the musicians in the orchestrahave the greatest respect for their esteemedmaestro.”maffiamaffiosoSee mafia.See mafioso.mafia (mafeeb), maffia italian[boldness, bragging] noun a Siciliansecret society, or an equivalent criminalorganization in the United Statesor elsewhere; may also refer to anyorganization or group of people suspectedof using underhand or criminaltactics: “The bosses of the companyhave been accused of acting like some kindof mafia outfit.”mafioso (mafeeoso, mafeeozo), maffiosoitalian [from mafia boldness,bragging] noun (plural mafiosos ormafiosi, mafeeosee, mafeeozee)a member of the mafi a: “When hecarried his violin case to work he wasimmediately arrested on suspicion ofbeing a mafioso.”magiSee magus.magma (magmb) greek [thickunguent, from massein to knead]noun (plural magmas or magmata,magmahtb) molten rock beneath thecrust of the earth or another planet or,more generally, any paste of solid andliquid material or sediment.magna cum laude (magnb kbm lowdb,magnb kbm lodee) latin [with greatpraise] adverb phrase with greatdistinction: “Their son graduated magnacum laude.” ~adjective phrase with greatdistinction.“Magnificat” (“magnifi kat,” manyifikat)latin [he/she magnifies, frommagnificare to magnify] noun theprayer spoken by the Virgin Mary atthe Annunciation (Luke 1:46–55) andthe canticle or hymn based on this, ormore generally any expression of religiousdevotion: “Robert of Sicily, brotherof Pope Urbane / And Valmond, Emperorof Allemaine, / Apparelled in magnificentattire, / With retinue of many a knightand squire, / On St John’s eve, at vespers,proudly sat / And heard the priests chant257

magnificothe Magnificat. . .” (Henry W. Longfellow,“King Robert of Sicily,” 1863).magnifico (magnifiko, manyifiko)italian [magnifi cent] noun (pluralmagnificos or magnificoes) a distinguishedor eminent person, usuallyone who holds high office, a grandee.magnifique (maneefeek) french[magnifi cent] adjective wonderful,great: “The chef smacked his lips withsatisfaction and with a cry of ‘magnifique!’grasped his assistant in his huge embrace.”magnum (magnbm) latin [neuter ofmagnus great] noun a large wine bottlewith a capacity of 1.5 liters (1.6quarts): “The winner will be presentedwith a magnum of champagne.”magnum opus (magnbm opbs) latin[great work] noun phrase (plural magnumopuses or magna opera, magnbopbrb, magnb opbrb) a masterpiece,the greatest work of a particular artist,composer, or writer: “His last symphonyis generally considered his magnumopus.”magus (maygbs) latin [from Greekmagos] noun (plural magi, mayji) amember of the priesthood of ancientMedea or Persia; can also refer moregenerally to an astrologer, sorcerer,or wise man (usually referring to oneof the three wise men, the Magi, whopaid homage to the newborn Jesus):“The practical intellects of the world didnot much heed him, or carelessly reckonedhim a metaphysical dreamer: but to therising spirits of the young generation hehad this dusky sublime character; and satthere as a kind of Magus, girt in mysteryand enigma. . .” (Thomas Carlyle, Life ofJohn Sterling, 1851).maharaja (mahbrahjb, mahbrahzhb),maharajah hindi [great raja, greatking] noun a Hindu prince with astatus above that of rajah: “The maharajagreeted the party at the entrance tohis palace.”maharani (mahbrahnee), maharaneehindi [from maharajni, great rani,great queen] noun the wife of amaharaja, or a Hindu princess with astatus above that of rani.maharishi (mahbreeshee, mahahreeshee)sanskrit [from maharsi great seer,from mahat great and rsi sage] noun aHindu sage or spiritual teacher: “Everysentence that passed from the maharishi’s lipswas studiously written down and eagerly communicatedto his devotees.”mahatma (mbhatmb) sanskrit [greatsoul, from mahatman great-souled]noun a person who is widely reveredas being wise or high-minded, also acourtesy title for such a person.Mahdi (mahdee) arabic [from mahdiyhe who is rightly guided, fromhada to guide aright] noun a Muslimmessiah or messianic leader.258

majordomomahjong (mahzhon(g), mahjon(g)),mahjongg chinese [from dialectma jiang sparrows, after the sparrowdesign on some mahjong counters]noun a game of Chinese originplayed by four persons with 136 or144 rectangular tiles and dice.maillot (mio, mayo) french nountights worn by dancers or gymnasts;may also refer to a jersey or to awoman’s one-piece bathing suit.maiolicaSee majolica.maison (mayzon(g)) french [house]noun a house, usually referring toa fashion house or other commercialenterprise.maison de couture (mayzon(g) dbkootoor) french [house of fashion]noun phrase a fashion house: “Theestablished maisons de couture have produceda bewildering variety of designs forthe coming winter season.”maisonette (mayzbnet), maisonnettefrench [from maisonnette, diminutiveof maison house] noun a smallhouse or self-contained apartment(usually on more than one fl oor):“Such maisonettes are much sought-afterby newlyweds and others working in thecity.”mai tai (mi ti) tahitian [from maitaigood] noun phrase a cocktail containinglight rum, curaçao, and fruitjuices: “I developed a taste for mai taiduring a trip to Hawaii.”maître d’hôtel (maytrb dotel, metrbdotel, mayt dotel, met dotel), maitred’hôtel french [master of hotel]noun phrase (plural maîtres d’hôtel)a headwaiter, head cook, steward, ormajordomo of a hotel or restaurant:“The maître d’hôtel showed them to aquiet table in a secluded corner of the mainrestaurant.” ~abbreviated form maître d’(maytrb dee, metrb dee).Majlis (majlis) arabic [assembly]noun the parliament of Iran and variousother Middle Eastern and NorthAfrican countries.majolica (mbjolikb), maiolica (mbyolikb,miyolikb) italian [from maiolica,after Maiorica Majorca] noun a typeof richly colored Italian earthenwarepottery with a decorated tin glaze.majordomo (majbrdomo) spanish[from mayordomo, ultimately fromLatin major domus chief of the house]noun a steward or butler, the headof the staff of a large household or theperson in charge of arrangements fora particular event: “. . .Etienne saw thebailiff, the captain and lieutenant of theguard, with certain of their men-at-arms,the chaplain, the secretaries, the doctor,the majordomo, the ushers, the steward, thehuntsmen, the gamekeeper, the grooms, andthe valets” (Honoré de Balzac, Hated Son,1831–6).259

makimonomakimono (makimono) japanese[rolled object] noun a horizontalJapanese scroll painting.malade imaginaire (malahd imajbnair,malahd imazhbnair) french [imaginaryinvalid] noun phrase (pluralmalades imaginaires, malahd imajbnair,malahd imazhbnair) a hypochondriac,a person with an imaginaryillness: “Joly was the ‘malade imaginaire’junior. What he had won in medicinewas to be more of an invalid than adoctor” (Victor Hugo, Les Misérables,1862).maladroit (malbdroit) french [badlyskilled, from mal bad and adroitskilled] adjective inept, clumsy, awkward:“It is easy enough to spoil the livesof our neighbours without taking so muchtrouble: we can do it by lazy acquiescenceand lazy omission, by trivial falsities forwhich we hardly know a reason, by smallfrauds neutralised by small extravagances,by maladroit flatteries and clumsily improvisedinsinuations” (George Eliot, TheMill on the Floss, 1860).mala fide (malb fidee, malb fidb)latin [with bad faith] adverb phrasewith or in bad faith, fraudulently.~adjective phrase deceitful, malicious,fraudulent, dishonest.mala fides (malb fideez, malb fidayz)latin [bad faith] noun phrase badfaith, an intent to deceive, cheat, ordefraud.malaise (mblayz, malayz) french[discomfort] noun a sense of uneaseor a general feeling of ill health, lack ofenergy, debility, possibly marking theonset of a disease: “To-day, in mysteriousmalaise, he raged or rejoiced with equal nervousswiftness, and to-day the light of springwas so winsome that he lifted his head andsaw” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt, 1922).malapropos (malbprbpo) french [frommal à propos badly to the purpose, notto the point] adverb inappropriately,inopportunely. ~adjective inappropriate,inopportune, unreasonable: “‘AndI know that he was suspelled or expended,I don’t remember which, but it was somethingbad, and Aunt Clara cried,’ addedJamie all in one breath, for he possessed afatal gift of making malapropos remarks,which caused him to be a terror to his family”(Louisa May Alcott, Rose in Bloom,1876).malaria (mblaireeb) italian [frommala aria bad air] noun a diseasetransmitted by the bite of anophelinemosquitos carrying parasitic protozonsof the genus Plasmodium that inducesperiodic attacks of fever and chills.mal de mer (mal db mer, mal db mair)french [malady of sea] noun phraseseasickness: “She spent the entire voyageconfined to her cabin by mal de mer.”mal du pays (mal doo pay) french[sickness of the country] noun phrasehomesickness.260

mandalamal du siècle (mal doo seeyekbl)french [dislike of the century] nounphrase world weariness, wearinessof life, disgust with the world.malentendu (malontondoo) french[misheard] noun a misunderstanding,a mistake. ~adjective mistaken,misapprehended.malgré (malgray, malgray) french[despite] preposition despite, in spiteof, notwithstanding: “I had, as I said,left the podesta with Sheeny’s portmanteau,and, unwilling to part with some of thearticles it contained—some shirts, a bottleof whisky, a few cakes of Windsor soap, etc.etc.,—I had carried it thus far on myshoulders, but now was compelled to sacrifice it malgré moi” (William M. Thackeray,The Adventures of Major Gahagan,1838).mambo (mahmbo) american spanish[probably from Haitian creolemambo to talk] noun a ballroomdance of Latin American origin, similarto the rumba and the cha-cha.mamma mia (mahmb meeb) italian[my mother] interjection my mother!(an exclamation of surprise or amazement):“The new car drew gasps of‘mamma mia!’ from several of the automotivewriters attending the event.”mammon (mambn) latin [fromGreek mamona, ultimately from Aramaicmamona riches] noun materialwealth or possessions, a personificationof money and other riches: “‘Well,he thought that since he couldn’t serve Godand Mammon he’d better stick to Mammon,’said Miss Cornelia crisply” (LucyMaud Montgomery, Anne’s House ofDreams, 1917).mammoth (mambth) russian [frommamont or mamot] noun an exampleof a genus of extinct Pleistocene elephantscharacterized by long curvingtusks and hairy coats and, by extension,anything vast or monumentalin scale or difficulty. ~adjective vast,huge, immense, daunting: “The engineerswere faced with a mammoth task andlittle time to do what was necessary.”mañana (manyanb, mbyahnb) spanish[tomorrow, from cras mañana tomorrowearly, ultimately from Latin manein the morning] noun tomorrow,the indefinite future: “In this countryeverything gets put off until ‘mañana,’which could mean anything from tomorrowto some time next month or even later.”~adverb at an unspecified time in thefuture.manchego (manchaygo) spanish [of LaMancha] noun a semifirm cheese madefrom sheep’s milk in the La Mancharegion of Spain.mandSee mandamus.mandala (mandblb) sanskrit [frommandalam circle] noun in Hindu or261

mandamusBuddhist religion, a circular geometricalsymbol representing the universe.mandamus (mandaymbs) latin [wecommand, from mandare] noun (pluralmandamuses) a writ from a superiorcourt ordering an inferior bodyto carry out an official act or duty:“A mandamus was once moved for, saysDoctor Burn, to compel the churchwardensand overseers to sign a certificate; but thecourt of King’s Bench rejected the motionas a very strange attempt” (Adam Smith,Wealth of Nations, 1776). ~abbreviatedform mand.mandarin (mandbrin) chinese [fromSanskrit mantrin counsellor, frommantra counsel] noun a public official,a bureaucrat (originally referringto officials of the Chinese Empire butnow taken more generally to apply tosenior civil servants or governmentofficials): “Rose said she would be kind;but had not the least idea how to entertainthe queer guest, who looked as if hehad walked out of one of the rice-paperlandscapes on the wall, and sat nodding ather so like a toy Mandarin that she couldhardly keep sober” (Louisa May Alcott,Eight Cousins, 1875).mandolin (mandblin, mandblin), mandolineitalian [from mandolino,diminutive of mandola] noun a musicalinstrument of the lute family.manège (manezh, mbnezh, manayzh),manege french [from Italian maneggiotraining of a horse, ultimately fromLatin manus hand] noun the art ofhorsemanship or a place where suchskills are taught; may also refer tothe movements or paces of a trainedhorse.manet (manet) latin [he/she remains]verb he/she remains on stage (stagedirection).manga (mangb) japanese noun aJapanese comic book or story in cartoonstrip form: “Publishers are planningmanga versions of Shakespeare andclassic children's books.”mange-tout (monzh-too, monj-too)french [eat-all] noun (plural mangetouts)a form of pea in which thepeas are cooked and eaten in theirpods.mangrove(mangrov) portuguese[from mangue mangrove, itself fromSpanish mangle] noun a tropicalmaritime tree or shrub of the genusRhizophora that often grows in densemasses forming mangrove swamps:“Venomous snakes and alligators are justtwo of the dangers awaiting those whoare foolish enough to wander into themangroves.”mania (mayneeb, maynyb) greek[madness, from mainesthai to be mad]noun a state of excitement, passion,or enthusiasm amounting to mentaldisorder or frenzy; may also refer to262

mantrathe object of such a passion or desire:“She revealed a mania for detail, for gettingthe little things right.”manifesto (manbfesto) italian[denunciation, from manifestare toshow, to display] noun (plural manifestosor manifestoes) a writtendeclaration of beliefs, intentions, orviews issued by an individual, politicalparty, or other organization: “Iwrote and published a manifesto in theReview, in which I took the very highestground in his behalf, claiming for himnot mere acquittal, but praise and honour”(John Stuart Mill, Autobiography,1873).manna (manb) greek [from Aramaicmannâ, ultimately from Hebrew man]noun a miraculous supply of foodprovided by God for the Israelitesduring their flight from Egypt andhence any apparently miraculous andunexpected gift or supply of goodthings: “To the hard-pressed industry thenew government order was manna fromheaven.”mannequin (manbkin) french [fi g-urine, from Dutch mannekijn littleman] noun a dressmaker’s, tailor’s,or artist’s dummy, or a person whomodels clothing.mano a mano (mahno a mahno)spanish [hand to hand] adjective phrase,adverb phrase hand to hand, face toface. ~noun phrase a confrontation.manoir (manwah) french [manor,from manoir to dwell] noun a Frenchmanor house.ma non troppo (mah non tropo)italian [but not too much] adverbphrase (in music) but not toomuch.manqué (mon(g)kay) french [missed,past participle of manquer to lack,from Italian manco lacking, left-handed]adjective would-be, un fulfilled, frustrated,failed, unsuccessful: “He deniesit, but I suspect he is a novelist manqué.”~noun, feminine manquée.mantilla (manteeyb, mantilb) spanish[diminutive of manta cloak, ultimatelyfrom Latin mantellum mantle] noun alight scarf or shawl of a type traditionallyworn by women in Spanishand Latin American countries, usuallycovering the head and shoulders:“The black lace Maud has justtaken off the green one will do to edgethe violet, and with your nice silk mantillayou are complete, don’t you see?”(Louisa May Alcott, An Old-FashionedGirl, 1870).mantra (mantrb) sanskrit [sacredcounsel, from manyate to think] nounin Hinduism and other eastern philosophiesa mystical incantation, invocation,or prayer and thus, by extension,any watchword, personal slogan, orbelief: “Caution in all things is her personalmantra.”263

maquettemaquette (maket) french [fromItalian macchietta speck, ultimatelyfrom Latin macula spot] noun asmall preliminary model of a buildingor sculpture: “Each architect willbe required to produce a maquette of thefi nished building for consideration by thecompetition judges.”maquillage (makeeyahzh) french[from maquiller to stain, from OldFrench mascurer to darken] nounmakeup, cosmetics.maquis (makee) french [from Italianmacchia thicket] noun (plural maquis,makee, makeez) dense, scrubbyundergrowth of the type commonlyfound around the shores of the Mediterraneanand on the island of Corsica;may also refer to the Corsican guerrillafighters who resisted Germaninvasion from the safety of the maquisduring World War II: “Few patrols daredto venture into the maquis in pursuit of theresistance groups who used it as a base fortheir subversive activities.”maraca (mbrahkb, mbrakb) portuguese[maracá, from Tupi] noun a LatinAmerican percussion instrument madefrom a dried, hollowed- out gourd containingpebbles, beans, or beads, andshaken by a handle, usually in pairs, tomake a rattling sound: “The singer wasaccompanied on guitar and maracas.”marathon (marbthon) greek [afterMarathon, Greece, where the Greeksdefeated the Persians in 490 b.c.,the news of the victory being rushedto Athens by a long-distance runner]noun a long-distance race runover a course of 26 miles 385 yards(42.2 kilometers); by extension, anyendurance contest or challenge thatrequires prolonged effort or concentration:“The setbacks turned the projectinto something of a marathon for membersof the research team.”märchen (mairkbn) german [littletale] noun (plural märchen) a fairystory or folk tale.Mardi Gras (mahrdee grah) french[fat Tuesday] noun phrase a carnivalor other festivity marking Shrove Tuesday;may also refer more generally toany carnival or fair: “The streets werecrowded with people enjoying the MardiGras.”mare (mahray) latin [sea] noun (pluralmaria, mahreeb) (in astronomy)a large, smooth, dark area on the surfaceof moon or a planet.mare clausum (mahray klowzbm,mahray klorzbm) latin [closed sea]noun phrase (plural maria clausa,mahreeb klowzb, mahreeb klorzb)a body of water that is under the exclusivejurisdiction of one nation andbarred to others: “The Russians declaredthe sea a mare clausum and challenged anyforeign vessels venturing into it.”264

marinademare liberum (mahray leebbrbm) latin[free sea] noun phrase (plural marialibera, mahray leebbrb) a body ofwater that is open to all nations.marginalia (mahjbnayleeb) latin [marginalthings, from marginalis] pluralnoun marginal notes in a text or,more generally, anything of a nonessentialor peripheral nature: “Details ofvariant readings of the text may be foundin the marginalia.”mariaSee mare.mariachi (mareeahchee) mexicanspanish [possibly from French mariagemarriage] noun a Mexican streetband or individual member of such aband, or the type of music played bysuch musicians: “No wedding in this partof the world would be complete without amariachi band.”mariage blanc (mareeazh blon(g))french [white marriage] noun phrase(plural mariages blancs) a marriagein which the partners have no sexualrelationship.mariage de convenance (mareeazhdb konvbnons) french [marriageof convenience] noun phrase (pluralmariages de convenance) a marriageof convenience, a marriagecontracted for the purposes of fi nancialgain, expediency, or reasonsother than mutual affection or love:“The merging of the two businesses wasconsidered a mariage de convenance byshareholders in both concerns.”mari complaisant (maree komplayzon(g))french [complacent husband]noun phrase (plural mariscomplaisants) a husband whois aware of his wife’s adultery butchooses to tolerate it.marijuana (marbwahnb), marihuanamexican spanish [from mariguana ormarihuana, perhaps from the namesMaria Juana Mary Jane] noun thedried leaves and flowers of the hempor cannabis plant, which have an intoxicatingeffect when smoked in cigarettesor chewed.marimba (mbrimbb) bantu [xylophone]noun a type of percussioninstrument of southern African origin,resembling a xylophone.marina (mbreenb) italian/spanish[of the sea, ultimately from Latin marinusmarine] noun a harbor or mooringplace with facilities for yachts orpleasure boats.marinade (marbnayd) french [frommariner to pickle, to marinate, perhapsultimately from Italian marinareto marinate] noun a savory sauce inwhich meat, fish, and other food issoaked before cooking. ~verb to soakfood in a savory sauce before cookingit; to marinate: “Leave the meat to marinadein the sauce overnight.”265

marionettemarionette (mareebnet) french [puppet,from Marion, a diminutive ofMarie] noun a puppet operated byhand, strings, or wires: “Computeroriginatedimages are gradually takingthe place of hand-operated marionettes inchildren’s television and films.”marmite (mahrmit, mahrmeet)french [hypocritical, in allusion tothe hidden contents of the liddedcooking pot, from marmotter to mutterand mite cat] noun an earthenwarecooking pot.marque (mahrk) french [mark,from marquer to mark, to brand]noun a brand or make of product:“This car bears the emblem of one of themost famous marques in the automotiveindustry.”marrons glacés (maron glasay)french [glazed chestnuts] plural nounchestnuts preserved in and glazedwith sugar: “I was given a box of marronsglacés at Christmas.”mascara (mbskarb) spanish [frommaschera mask] noun a cosmetic forcoloring the eyelashes: “He could tellfrom the state of her mascara that she hadbeen crying again.”mascarpone (maskbrponee) italian[from mascarpa whey cheese] noun asoft, mild Italian cream cheese: “Mascarponeis often used in making desserts,such as tiramisu.”massage (masahzh, masahj) french[rub down, from masser to massage,from Arabic massa to stroke] noun thepractice of rubbing, kneading, tapping,and stroking the skin for therapeuticor pleasurable purposes. ~verb toadminister a massage or, alternatively,to flatter someone or to manipulatedata or figures: “The government has beenaccused of massaging the figures relating toillegal immigrants.”masseur (maser) french [one whomassages, from masser to massage,from Arabic massa to stroke] noun aperson who gives massages. ~noun,feminine masseuse (maserz) a femalemasseur.massif (maseef, masif ) french [frommassif massive] noun a substantialmountain or group of mountains:“Dark clouds loomed over the peaks ofthe massif.”mastaba (mastbbb), mastabah arabic[from mastabah stone bench] nounan ancient Egyptian tomb rectangularin shape with sloping walls and a flatroof: “The first archaeologist to locatethe king’s mastaba was a Frenchmanwith relatively little knowledge of ancientEgypt.”matador (matbdor) spanish [onewho kills, from matar to kill, ultimatelyfrom Latin mactator slayer]noun a bullfighter who actually killsthe bull in a bullfight: “The entry of the266

mausoleummatador is usually greeted with a roar ofcheering and salutes from the crowd.”matelot (matlo, matblo) french[ultimately from Middle Dutch mattenootbedmate] noun a sailor: “I hadbeen given to understand long before thathe had the rating of a second-class ableseaman (matelot leger) in the fleet whichsailed from Toulon for the conquest of Algeriain the year of grace 1830” (JosephConrad, Some Reminiscences).mater (matbr, maytb) latin [mother]noun mother.materfamilias (maytbrfbmileebs) latin[mistress of the house, from matermother and familia household] nouna woman who is the head of a householdor family. See also paterfamilias.materia medica (mbteereeb medikb)latin [medical matter, from Greekhule iatrike healing material] nounphrase drugs, medicines, and otheringredients used as medical remedies,or the study of such substances: “Dr.Duncan’s lectures on Materia Medicaat 8 o’clock on a winter’s morning aresomething fearful to remember” (CharlesDarwin, Autobiography, 1887).matériel (mbteeriel), materiel french[material] noun the equipment, supplies,ammunition, or other apparatusused by an army or other organizationor institution: “The wagons were loadedhigh with guns and other matériel for thewestern front.”matinee (matbnay), matinée french[from matin morning, ultimately fromLatin matin morning, after the goddessof morning Matuta] noun a theatricalperformance, movie showingor social event that takes place in thedaytime (especially an afternoon performance):“Demand for tickets was sohigh that the management decided to addseveral extra matinees.”matrix (maytriks) latin [female animalused for breeding] noun (pluralmatrixes or matrices, maytriseez)the womb, or any place in whichsomething can develop and grow; canalso refer in mathematics to a rectangulararray of figures arranged in rowsand columns: “The little, interestingshapes had vanished from the scene; allthat remained was a vast, dark matrix ofsorrow and tragedy. . .” (D. H. Lawrence,Sons and Lovers, 1913).matzo (mahtsb, mahtso), matzahyiddish [from matse, from Hebrewmassah cake of unleavened bread] noun(plural matzos, mahtsbz, mahtsoz, ormatzoth, mahtsot, mahtsoth) unleavenedbread eaten at Passover.mausoleum (mosbleebm, mozbleebm)latin [from Greek mausoleion, afterthe 4th-century b.c. ruler Mausolusof Caria with reference to hismagnificent tomb at Halicarnassus]267

mauvais quart d’heurenoun (plural mausoleums or mausolea,mosbleeb, mozbleeb) a largetomb, usually comprising a substantialstone structure for housing the deadabove ground: “Strange goings-on havebeen reported in the vicinity of the family’svast old mausoleum, ranging from ghostlylights to unearthly shrieks.”mauvais quart d’heure (movay kahder) french [bad quarter of an hour]noun phrase (plural mauvais quartsd’heure) an unpleasant or unfortunatebut shortlived period of time:“The new administration has has a roughride lately, but senators know that everypresident is doomed to suffer a mauvaisquart d’heure from time to time.”maven (mayvbn), mavin yiddish[from meyvn, itself from Hebrew mebhinunderstanding] noun an expert,someone with expert knowledge, aconnoisseur.maxima cum laude (maksimb kbmlowday) latin [with the greatestpraise] adverb phrase with greatestdistinction (referring to awards foracademic excellence). ~adjective phrasewith greatest distinction.maximum (maksimbm) latin [neuterof maximus greatest, largest]noun (plural maximums or maxima,maksimb) the greatest value,amount, or quality, or the highestpoint or upper limit possible. ~adjectivehighest, greatest, largest: “Thebombing was intended to cause the maximumpossible disruption.”mayday (mayday) french [fromm’aider help me] noun a distress call(as used in radio messages): “The wirelessoperator radioed a single mayday anhour later but failed to give details of theship’s position or condition.”mayonnaise (maybnayz, maybnayz)french [from mahonnais, afterMahon, capital of Minorca] noun athick dressing made with egg yolks,vegetable oils, vinegar or lemon juice,and seasonings.mazel tov (mahzbl tof, mbzbl tof),mazal tov yiddish [good star, fromHebrew mazzal star] interjection goodluck! congratulations!mazourkaSee mazurka.mazuma (mbzoomb) yiddish [frommazume cash, from zimmen to prepare]noun (slang) money, cash.mazurka (mbzerkb), mazourka(mbzoorkb) polish [mazurek, after theMasuria region of Poland] noun aPolish folk dance in triple time resemblingthe polka, or music written inthe same tempo: “Prince Schegolskoy, akammerjunker, had just come from Petersburgthen . . . he danced the mazurka withme and wanted to make me an offer nextday” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime andPunishment, 1866).268

medusamea culpa (mayb kulpb) latin [myfault, from the Christian prayer confiteor] interjection it is my fault, I amto blame: “And now Lady Midlothianhad punished it after another fashion, andAlice went out of the Countess’s presencewith sundry inward exclamations of ‘meaculpa,’ and with many unseen beatingsof the breast” (Anthony Trollope, CanYou Forgive Her?, 1864). ~noun phrasean admission of personal fault orblame.mecca (mekb) arabic [after Mecca,Saudi Arabia, referring to the city’s statusas a site of pilgrimage for Muslims]noun a focus of activity or attention:“Memphis is a mecca for Elvis fans fromaround the world.”meconium (mbkoneebm) latin [poppyjuice] noun the first feces, dark greenin color, passed by a newborn baby.medallion (mbdalybn), medaillonfrench [from médaillon, itself fromItalian medaglia medal] noun a largemedal or a decorative panel or tabletbearing a portrait, figure in relief, orother emblem: “The medallion fetcheda record price when it was auctioned inLondon recently.”media (meedeeb) latin [plural ofmedium middle, intermediate] nounthe press or television, radio, newspapers,and magazines in general: “Themedia have bombarded the president’s officewith demands for interviews all week.” Seealso medium.medico (mediko) italian/spanish[ultimately from Latin medicus physician]noun a physician, doctor,medical practitioner: “With some curiosityas to what could have sent a brothermedico to us at such an hour, I followedHolmes into our sanctum” (Arthur ConanDoyle, “The Resident Patient,” 1893).mediocre (meedeeokbr) french[from médiocre, itself from Latin mediocris,from medius middle and Old Latinocris stony mountain] adjective ofmoderate or low quality, value, performance,or ability, indifferent, secondrate,unexceptional, ordinary: “Thequality of the finished product was mediocreat best.”medium (meedeebm) latin [neuterof medius middle, intermediate] noun(plural mediums or media, meedeeb)a middle or average condition ordegree; can also refer to a substanceused as a means of transmission of aforce or effect, to a means of artisticexpression, to a means of communication,information, or entertainment,or to anything or anyone that acts asan intermediary or agency betweenothers. See also media.medreseSee madrasa.medusa (mbdoosb, mbdyoosb,mbdoozb, mbdyoozb) greek [after269

meerschaumthe legendary gorgon Medousa, whohad snakes for hair and could turn anymortal beholder to stone] noun aterrifying or ugly woman: “I thoughtMedusa had looked at you, and thatyou were turning to stone.” (CharlotteBrontë, Jane Eyre, 1847).meerschaum (meershbm, meershom)german [from Meer sea and Schaumfoam, ultimately from Persian kef-idaryasea foam] noun a traditional Germantobacco pipe with a curved stemand large bowl made from speiolite orhydrated magnesium silicate clay.mega (megb) greek [great, frommegas large] interjection (slang) great!cool! excellent! awesome! ~adjective(slang) great, large.mega- (megb) greek [great, frommegas large] prefix very large in sizeor amount, e.g., megalith, also onemillion, e.g., megahertz.megalomania (megblomayneeb, megblomaynyb) greek [enthusiasm forgreat things] noun a delusive beliefin one’s own importance or influencein the world, or a mania for grandioseprojects and effects.megalopolis (megblopblis) greek [agreat city] noun a large city or heavilypopulated metropolitan area.meiosis (miosis) greek [a lessening,from meioun to diminish, from meionless] noun (plural meioses, mioseez)understatement, a fi gure of speechin which the importance or scale ofsomething or someone is underemphasized(the opposite of hyperbole);can also refer to a cellular processconcerning the organization of chromosomesin gamete-producing cells.- meister (mistbr) german [master]suffix denoting a person who is skilledor knowledgeable in a specified area ofactivity, e.g., poolmeister.mela (melb, maylb) sanskrit [gathering]noun an intercultural festivaloriginating in the Indian subcontinent:“The annual Glasgow Mela brings togetherperformers from Glasgow’s Indian, Pakistani,Afro-Caribbean, and Chinese communities.”melancholia (melbnkoleeb) greek[from melankholia melancholy, frommelas black and khole bile] noun pathologicaldepression, or a general melancholy,pensiveness, foreboding,depression of the spirits: “If no one visitsme soon, I shall die of melancholia.”mélange (maylonzh, melahnj) french[mixture, blend, from mêler to mix]noun a mixture or medley of miscellaneousitems or elements.melee (melay, maylay), melée, mêléefrench [conflict, struggle, from mêlerto mix] noun a confused struggle or270

memsahibcontest, a chaotic hand- to-hand fight,or more generally any confused mixtureof disparate elements or stateof turmoil: “But Uncas, who had vainlysought him in the melee, bounded forwardin pursuit; Hawkeye, Heyward and Davidstill pressing on his footsteps” (James FenimoreCooper, The Last of the Mohicans,1826).membrum virile (membrbm vireelee)latin [male member] noun phrasethe penis.memento (mbmento) latin [re member,imperative of meminisse toremember] noun (plural mementos ormementoes) something that servesto remind a person of something;a keepsake, a souvenir, a warning: “Ibrought back a boomerang as a mementoof Australia.”memento mori (mbmento moree,mbmento mori) latin [remember todie] noun phrase remember you mustdie; can also refer to something thatserves to remind a person of his orher own mortality: “He kept the bulletas a kind of memento mori, producing it atdinner parties when the hilarity of otherguests began to irritate him.”memoSee memorandum.memoir (memwahr) french [frommemoire memory, from Latin memoria]noun an autobiographical or biographicalrecord, a memorandum, oran official note or report: “She wrotean interesting memoir about her early lifebut refused to reveal any details about herfi r st marriage.”memorabilia (membrbbileeb, membrbbeeleeb,memrbbilyb, membrbbeelyb)latin [things that deserve remembrance,neuter plural of memorabilismemorable, from memorare to bringto mind] plural noun mementos,souvenirs, and relics that provokememories: “The old man’s house wasfull of memorabilia dating back to hisyouth.”memorandum (membrandbm) latin[to be remembered, neuter singularof memorandus, gerundive of memorareto bring to mind] noun (pluralmemorandums or memoranda,membrandb) a written reminder,note, record, or communication:“The extent of the secretary of state’sinvolvement in the affair was exposed ina memorandum to his assistant.” ~abbreviatedform memo (memo).memsahib (memsahb, memsaheeb)hindi [from English ma’am and Hindisahib master] noun a courtesy titleaddressed to a white European womanof high status living in India: “Lispethtook to Christianity readily, and did notabandon it when she reached womanhood,as do some Hill girls. Her own people hatedher because she had, they said, become amemsahib and washed herself daily; andthe Chaplain’s wife did not know what to271

ménagedo with her” (Rudyard Kipling, “TheConvert,” 1888).ménage (maynahzh) french [household,housekeeping, from OldFrench mesnage dwelling, ultimatelyfrom Latin mansio mansion] noun ahousehold, a domestic establishment;can also refer to housekeeping orhousework.ménage à trois (maynahzh a twa,menahzh a twa) french [householdof three] noun phrase a domesticarrangement in which three peoplelive together in the same household(usually understood to imply a sexualrelationship involving a husband andwife and the lover of one or both ofthem): “The ménage à trois that the writerset up with his two lovers became the subjectof much local gossip.”menagerie (mbnajbree, mbnazhbree)french [from ménagerie, managementof a household or farm] noun a collectionof exotic animals or a zoo orother place where they are kept forexhibition; by extension, any collectionof diverse individuals, animals, orbirds: “A substantial portion of the tycoon’sfortune was devoted to maintaining hismenagerie of wild animals and birds.”menhir (menheer) french [longstone, from Breton men stone and hirlong] noun a prehistoric standingstone or monolith: “The countryside inthis part of France is dotted with menhirs,many of them standing in groups of two orthree huge stones resting on one another.”meniscus (mbniskbs) greek [meniskoscrescent] noun (plural meniscusesor menisci, mbniskee) the convexor concave upper surface of a liquidin a tube caused by surface tension;by extension any crescent or crescent-shapedbody (such as a lens withcrescent-shaped section).meno (mayno) italian [less] adverb(in music) less, used in directions, e.g.,meno mosso (to be played less rapidly).menopause (menbpoz) french [fromménopause cessation of menstruation,from Greek men month, moon and pausisstopping, pause] noun the periodin a woman’s life when menstruationceases: “Side effects of menopause can easilybe mistaken for symptoms of disease.”menorah (mbnorb) hebrew [candlestick]noun a candelabrum withseven or nine candles, as traditionallyused in Jewish religious celebrations.mensch (mensh) yiddish [from mentshhuman being, from Old High Germanmennisco person] noun a personof integrity, rectitude, or honor.menses (menseez) latin [months,plural of mensis month] noun menstruationor the menstrual flow.272

mestizomens rea (menz reeb) latin [guiltymind] noun phrase criminal intent:“The prosecutors must establish that thedefendant had the appropriate mens reaif they are to have any hope of securing aguilty verdict.”mens sana in corpore sano (menzsahnb in korporay sahno) latin [asound mind in a sound body, from SatiresX by Juvenal (c. a.d. 60–117)] nounphrase a healthy mind in a healthybody.mentor (mentor, mentbr) greek [afterthe legendary character Mentor, tutorto Odysseus’s son Telemachus] noun atutor, coach, guide, or trusted counseloror adviser: “. . . the occurrence atthe mess, petty if it were, was a welcome oneto that peculiar conscience assigned to bethe private mentor of Claggart.” (HermanMelville, Billy Budd, 1924).merci (mairsee) french [thank you]interjection thanks.meringue (mbrang) french [ofunknown origin, possibly fromGerman Mering cake of Mehringen]noun a sweet dessert topping orconfection comprising egg whitesand sugar that have been beaten untilstiff and then baked.mesa (maysb) spanish [table, fromLatin mensa table] noun a steep, flattopped,tablelike geological formationof a type commonly found in the desertsof SW United States.mésalliance (mayzalyons, mayzblibns),mesalliance french [misalliance]noun a marriage or other match contractedbetween members of differentsocial classes and thus consideredunsuitable: “To a mesalliance of that kindevery globule of my ancestral blood spoke inopposition” (Ambrose Bierce, Can SuchThings Be? 1893).mesdamesmesdemoisellesSee madame.See mademoiselle.messiah (mbsib), Messiah greek[from massias, ultimately from Hebrewmashiah anointed one, from mashahto anoint] noun a savior or spiritualleader who is expected to redeemhis people (often referring specifi -cally to Jesus Christ): “Members ofthe cult regarded Jones as a messiahbut failed to recognize the dangers herepresented.”messieursSee monsieur.mestizo (mesteezo) spanish [mixed,ultimately from Latin miscere to mix]noun (plural mestizos or mestizoes)a person of mixed European andNative American ancestry. ~noun,feminine mestiza (mesteezb) a femaleof mixed European and NativeAmerican ancestry.273

metamorphosismetamorphosis (metbmorfosis) greek[transformation, from metamorphounto transform] noun (plural metamorphoses,metbmorfoseez) a changeor transformation in form, structure,appearance, shape, character, condition,or circumstance or the processby which such a change takes place(often referring specifically to biologicalprocesses): “The commercial center ofthe city has undergone a complete metamorphosisin the last six months.”metastasis (mbtastbsis) greek [mathistanaito change, to remove] noun (pluralmetastases, mbtastbseez) a changein position, state, or form (oftenreferring specifically to the spread ofcancer and other diseases within thebody).metathesis (metathbsbs) greek[metatithenai to transpose] noun (pluralmetatheses, metathbseez) a changeof condition or place; may also referto the transposition of letters, syllables,or sounds in a word or to achemical reaction involving the interchangeof atoms between two differentmolecules.Methuselah (mbth(y)oozblb) hebrew[after Methuselah, the biblical patriarchand ancestor of Noah who livedin the age of 969] noun a very oldman: “He may get the job, although criticsconsider him a bit of a Methuselah.” Also,a large wine bottle with a capacity of6 liters (6.5 quarts).métier (metyay, meteeay), metierfrench [trade, occupation, fromLatin ministerium work, ministry] nountrade, vocation, profession, forte: “Providinghelpful advice is his métier; actuallydoing something is generally beyond hiscapabilities.”metro (metro), Metro french [frommétro, abbreviated form of chemin defer métropolitain metropolitan railroad]noun a subway or underground railroad(sometimes referring specificallyto the Paris subway system): “Commuterswere unable to get into the metrobecause of smoke from the fire.”metropolis (mbtropblis) greek[mother city, from meter mother andpolis city] noun (plural metropolisesor metropoles, mbtropbleez) a cityor large urban area, often the chiefcity or capital of a state, province,or country: “But, in the first place, NewYork was a metropolis, and perfectly awarethat in metropolises it was ‘not the thing’to arrive early at the opera. . .” (EdithWharton, The Age of Innocence, 1920).meum et tuum (maybm et toobm)latin [mine and yours] noun phraselegal term for the principle of privateproperty.meunière (me(r)nyer) [abbreviatedform of à la meunière in the manner of amiller’s wife] adjective rolled in flourand sautéed in butter (usually referringto fish recipes): “. . . sole meunière.”274

micromeze (mbzay, mayzay) turkish [appetizer,from Persian maza to relish] noun(plural meze or mezes) (in EasternMediterranean cuisine) a selection ofhot and cold bite- size savory dishesserved as an appetizer before a mealor as an accompaniment to an alcoholicdrink such as raki: “The mezesincluded stuffed vegetables and pastries,chicken and fish goujons, salads, anddips.”mezzanine (mezbneen, mezbneen)french [mid-story, from Italianmezzanino, ultimately from Latinmedianus middle, median] noun anintermediate story of a buildingconnecting two larger stories; mayalso refer to the lowest of the balconiesin a theater: “. . .water closeton mezzanine provided with opaquesinglepane oblong window, tipup seat,bracket lamp, brass tierod brace, armrests,footstool and artistic oleograph oninner face of door. . .” (James Joyce,Ulysses, 1922). ~adjective of or relatingto such an intermediate story orbalcony.mezza voce (metsah vochay) italian[half voice] adverb phrase (in music)in a moderate tone, restrained, atmedium volume. ~adjective phrase (inmusic) in a moderate tone, restrained,at medium volume.mezzo forte (metso fortay, medsofortee) italian [half strong] adverbphrase (in music) moderately loudly.~adjective phrase (in music) moderatelyloud.mezzo piano (metso peeahno, medsopeeahno) italian [half soft] adverbphrase (in music) moderately softly.~adjective phrase (in music) moderatelysoft.mezzo-soprano (metso-sbprahno) italian[middle soprano, from mezzohalf and soprano soprano] noun (pluralmezzo-sopranos or mezzo-soprani,metso-sbprahnee) a female singeror other woman with a voice betweenthat of soprano and contralto. ~adjectiveof or relating to such a voice.miasma (miazmb, meeazmb) greek[pollution, defi lement, from miaineinto pollute] noun (plural miasmasor miasmata, miazmbtb, meeazmbtb)a vaporous exhalation, emanation,infl uence, or atmosphere, typicallynoxious, polluting, or corrupting incharacter: “The historic atmosphere wasthere, certainly; but the historic atmosphere,scientifically considered, was nobetter than a villainous miasma” (HenryJames, Daisy Miller, 1879).mi casa es su casa (mee kahsb es sookahsb) spanish [my house is yourhouse] interjection phrase make yourselfat home!, an expression of welcome.micro (mikro) greek [from mikrossmall] adjective microscopic, verysmall.275

micro-micro- (mikro) greek [small] prefix small, e.g., microchip, microclimate.mignon (meenyon) french [smalland sweet] adjective small anddelicately pretty. ~adjective, femininemignonne.migraine (migrayn) french [sickheadache, from Latin hemicrania painin one side of the head, from Greekhemikrania, from hemi half and kranioncranium] noun a medical conditionin which sufferers are afflicted bysevere, throbbing headaches and possiblynausea and vomiting: “She decidedto stay at home because she felt a migrainecoming on.”mikado (mikahdo) japanese [honorablegate] noun an emperor of Japan:“It is situated in the bay of Yeddo, and at buta short distance from that second capital ofthe Japanese Empire, and the residence of theTycoon, the civil Emperor, before the Mikado,the spiritual Emperor, absorbed his office inhis own.” (Jules Verne, Around the World in80 Days, 1873).miles gloriosus (meelayz gloreeosbs)latin [boastful soldier] noun phrase(plural milites gloriosi, meelbtayzgloreeosee) a boastful soldier (formerlya stock character of stage comedy).milieu (meelyb, milyoo) french[midst, from Old French mi middleand lieu place] noun (plural milieus ormilieux, meelyb, milyoo, meelybz,milyooz) the background, setting,or environment for an event or development;may also refer to a particularsocial class or group of people sharingsimilar ideas and outlook: “He feltsecure within his own social milieu.”militia (mblishb) latin [military service,the military] noun a body ofcivilians who receive military trainingand can be called up to assistthe regular armed forces in times ofemergency, the reserves, or nationalguard: “The militia was called out to helpward off the possibility of border incursions.”Also refers to a self-styled paramilitaryforce that engages in rebel orterror activities.mille-feuille (meel-foi) french [athousand leaves] noun (in Frenchcuisine) a dish comprising layers ofpuff pastry and filling (of jam, cream,salmon, or other ingredients).millefleur (meelfler, meelfloor), millefleursfrench [from mille fleurs athousand fl owers] noun decoratedwith a pattern of tiny fl owers orplants (usually referring to tapestry,porcelain, or other media); may alsorefer to a perfume distilled from theblooms of a mixture of flowers.millennium (mbleneebm) latin [athousand years, from mille thousandand annus year] noun (plural millenniumsor millennia, mbleneeb) a276

mirperiod of 1,000 years, or the 1,000thanniversary of something: “No one wasreally sure how to celebrate the start of thenew millennium.”milonga (mblongb) targentinianspanish [from the African languageQuimbunda, plural of mulonga wordor lyric] noun an Argentinian dancein 2/4 time, a forerunner of the tango,or the music that accompanies it,which was originally a solo song sungby a gaucho; also a place or an eventwhere people go to dance the tango ormilonga. A practitioner of milonga isa milonguero (male) or milonguera(female).mimesis (mbmeesbs, mimeesbs) greek[imitation, from mimeisthai to imitate,from mimos mime] noun (pluralmimeses, mbmeeseez, mimeeseez)imitation or mimicry.minaret (minbret) turkish [minare,from Arabic manarah lighthouse] nouna tall tower of a mosque from the balconyof which the faithful are called toprayer in the Islamic world: “The callsof the muezzin from the minaret echoedround the whole quarter.”minestrone (minbstronee, minbstron)italian [from minestrare to serve, dishup, ultimately from Latin minister servant]noun a thick soup made withvegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs:“The waiter sprinkled Parmesan cheese onthe minestrone.”minimum (minimbm) latin [neuterof minimus smallest] noun (pluralminimums or minima, minimb) thesmallest value, amount, or quality, orthe lowest point or lowest limit possible.~adjective lowest, least, smallest:“He failed to make the minimumweight for the heavyweight division.”minnesinger (minbsingbr) german[love singer] noun a German lyricpoet and singer, usually of aristocraticorigin, who performed love songsas part of a guild in the 12th–14thcenturies.minuscule (minbskyool, minbskyool)french [minute, tiny, from Latinminusculus rather small] adjective verysmall, minute, insignifi cant: “Hefelt minuscule under the shadow of theHimalayas.”minutia (mbnoosheeb, minoosheeb)latin [trifl es, details, from minutiasmallness] noun (plural minutiae,mbnooshiee, minoosheei) minor ortrivial detail or matter.minyan (minybn) hebrew [number,count] noun (plural minyans or minyanim,minybneem) a quorum of 10adults required for communal worshipby Jewish tradition.mir (meer) russian [community]noun a peasant village commune inprerevolutionary Russia.277

mirabile dictumirabile dictu (mbrahbblee diktoo)latin [wonderful in the saying] interjectionwonderful to relate, strangeto say: “This year—mirabile dictu!—produced but one novel; and it is notimpossible that the author had takendeeply into his mind, though he wouldnot immediately act upon them, certainhints about the danger of ‘overcropping,’which have been alluded to as droppingfrom his publishers in 1823” (J. G.Lockhart, The Life of Sir Walter Scott,1837–38).mirage (mirahzh) french [illusion,from mirer to look at, ultimately fromLatin mirare to wonder at] noun anoptical illusion often taking theappearance of a body of water in thedistance and, by extension, anythingillusory and unattainable: “As usual,his hopes of wealth and a big house bythe sea had turned out to be nothing morethan a mirage.”misSee miserere.miscellanea (misblayneeb, misb laynyb)latin [mixed things, from the neuterplural of miscellaneus, from miscellusmixed] plural noun a miscellany ofdiverse objects, writings, or articles:“The latest volume of the great man’s writingsinclude some of his last poems, amongother miscellanea.”mise en place (meez on plas) french[putting in place] noun phrase thepreparation of ingredients, flatware,and cookware before the beginning ofser vice: “Having the mise en place preparedin advance enables the chef to cookwithout interruptions.”mise-en-scène (meez-on-sen, meezon-sayn),mise en scène french[putting in scene] noun phrase (pluralmise-en-scènes) a setting or thescenery for a theatrical productionor, more generally, the context ormilieu for an event or occurrence:“As a director he had definite ideasabout the mise-en-scène he wanted for theproduction.”miserere (mizbreeree, mizbrairee,mizbreree) latin [have pity, frommisereri to be merciful, from miserwretched] noun the 50 Psalm inthe Vulgate, or a musical setting of it,or a cry for mercy, a general lamentor complaint: “He then, in the plainestterms, advised me to have recourse to thediscipline of flagellation, every Friday,using the cat-o’-nine-tails on my bareshoulders for the length of time that itwould take to repeat a Miserere” (WilkieCollins, A Fair Penitent, 1857). ~abbreviatedform mis.misericordia (mbzerbkordeeb, mbserbkordeeb)latin [pity, mercy, frommisericors merciful] noun mercy,compassion: “The women, screaming‘Misericordia!’ ran right into the room,and, falling on their knees against thewalls, began to cross themselves convulsively”(Joseph Conrad, Nostromo, 1904).278

modus operandimisogyny (mesojbnee) greek [frommisein to hate and gyne woman]noun hatred of women: “As he grewolder he grew more and more decided in hismisogyny.”mistral (mistrbl, mistrahl) french[master wind, from Provençal mistralmasterful, ultimately from Latinmagistralis of a teacher] noun a cold,dry, northerly wind that blows acrosssouthern France during the winterseason: “There were few tourists on theseafront now that the mistral had startedto blow.”Mlle.Mme.See mademoiselle.See madame.moccasin (mokbsbn) algonquian[from mockasin] noun a soft leathershoe or boot with no heel of a typetraditionally worn by Native Americansand trappers: “The infant paddedabout the house in soft-soled fur-linedmoccasins.”moderato (modbrahto) italian [fromLatin moderatus] adverb (in music) ata moderate pace: “‘Allegro!’ he calledout to the postilions at every ascent. ‘Moderato!’he cried as they descended” (AlexandreDumas, The Count of Monte Cristo,1844–45). ~adjective (in music) moderate,at a moderate pace.modicum (modikbm) latin [a moderateamount, neuter of modicus moderate,from modus mode, measure]noun a small or moderate portion orquantity, a limited amount: “She hopedto emerge from the affair with at least amodicum of self-respect.”modiste (modeest) french [frommode mode, style] noun a person whomakes and sells fashionable clothing,hats, and other items: “‘Ah, but you seesome of these sensible inventions come fromthe brain of a fashionable modiste, whowill make you more lovely, or what youvalue more—‘stylish’ outside and comfortablewithin” (Louisa May Alcott, EightCousins, 1875).modulus (modyoolbs) latin [a smallmeasure, diminutive of modus mode]noun (plural moduluses or moduli,modyoolee) (in physics) a coefficient;(in mathematics) a number divided intoanother number in a congruence relation;(in architecture) a unit of lengthby which proportions are expressed.modus (modbs) latin [way, method]noun (plural modi, modi) a method,way, procedure.modus operandi (modbs opbrandee,modbs opbrandi) latin [mode ofoperating] noun phrase (plural modioperandi, modee opbrandee, modeeopbrandi, modi opbrandee, modiopbrandi) a method or procedure, away of doing things: “An example of thelawyer’s modus operandi was provided by histreatment of his client.”279

modus vivendimodus vivendi (modbs vivendee,modbs vivendi) latin [mode of living]noun phrase (plural modi vivendi,modee vivendee, modee vivendi,modi vivendee, modi vivendi) amanner of living, a way of life, apractical working arrangement: “Onewould almost have supposed Henchard tohave had policy to see that no better modusvivendi could be arrived at with Farfraethan by encouraging him to become hisson-in-law” (Thomas Hardy, The Mayorof Casterbridge, 1886).mogul (mogbl), moghul persian[from mughal, from Mongolian mongyolmongol] noun an Indian Muslimof Mongolian, Turkish, or Persiandescent or, more generally, a magnateor prominent personality in businessor the media: “Small concerns liketheirs are at the mercy of the Wall Streetmoguls.”mohair (mohair) italian [from mocaiarro,from Arabic mukhayyar] nouna type of fabric or yarn made fromthe silky coat or fleece of the Angoragoat. ~adjective of or relating to suchfabric: “She refused to part with her oldmohair coat.”moi (mwa) french [me] pronounme, I, myself.moire (mwahr) french [from mouairemohair] noun a watered fabric(usually mohair or silk). ~adjective ofor relating to such fabric: “We see theladies go out shopping . . . waiting whilethey make the nice young clerks pulldown tons and tons of silks and velvetsand moire antiques and those things. . .”(Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad,1869).moiré (moray, mwahray), moire(moray, mwahray, mwah) french[from moirer to give a watered appearanceto] noun a watered fabric or afabric or other material with a rippledor wavy texture, or appearance; canalso refer to the shimmering patternsproduced when geometric patternsare superimposed on each otherslightly out of alignment.mollahSee mullah.molto (molto) italian [neuter ofmultus much] adverb (in music) very,much: “‘Signor Kirkwood well,—moltobene,’ said Paolo. ‘Why does he keep out ofsight as he does?’ asked the doctor” (OliverWendell Holmes, Mortal Antipathy,1885).momentum (momentbm, mbmentbm)latin [movement] noun (pluralmo men tums or momenta, momentb,mbmentb) the impetus or forcegenerated by a body in motion: “Themomentum of a pendulum is governed bycertain fundamental laws of physics.”mon ami (mon bmee) french [myfriend] noun phrase (plural mes amis,mez bmee) my friend.280

mons venerismon cher (mon shair) french [mydear] noun phrase my dear.mondaine (mondayn) french [fashionable,worldly] noun a fashionablewoman, a woman of the world: “It ismany weary months before the small Englishlady—etiquette-bound as the most worldwornmondaine—is at home in foreign‘society’” (Westminster Gazette, May 28,1902). ~adjective fashionable, worldly.mono- (mono) greek [from monosalone] prefix one or single, e.g.,monogamy, monorail.monocoque (monbkok) french [frommono one and coque eggshell] noun atype of vehicle construction in whichthe body and chassis are one or inwhich the outer covering bears all theload: “Many modern boat designers favorthe inbuilt strength and simplicity of themonocoque.”monologue (monblog), monologfrench [speaking alone, from Greekmono one and logos speaking] noun adrama or part of a drama in which justone character speaks, a soliloquy: “Hedelivered the monologue in a single spotlightfrom the edge of the stage.”monsieur (mbsyer) french [my lord,sir] noun (plural messieurs, mesyb)a Frenchman of high social status,or a conventional term of addressfor any gentleman. ~abbreviatedform M.monsignor (mbnseenyor, mbnseenybr)italian [my lord, from monsignore,from French monseigneur] noun(plural monsignors or monsignori,monsaynyoree) an honorifi c titleborne by Roman Catholic priestsor prelates: “Upon this the duke . . .communicated his designs to eight of hismost trusted followers, among whom wereDon Michele and the Monsignor d’Euna,who was afterwards cardinal. . .” (NiccolòMachiavelli, The Prince, 1532).monsoon (monsoon) dutch [frommonssoen, from Portuguese monção,from Arabic mawsim time, season]noun the rainy season in tropical andsubtropical climates, characterized bystrong winds and heavy rainfall: “Theonset of the monsoon was signaled by toweringrainclouds and a rising wind.”mons pubis (monz pyoobbs) latin[pubic eminence] noun phrase (pluralmontes pubis, monteez pyoobbs) arounded mass of fatty tissue abovethe pubic bones (usually referring tofemales).monstre sacré (monstrb sakray)french [sacred monster] noun phrase(plural monstres sacrés) a controversial,eccentric, or otherwisenotable public figure who generallyprovokes strong, often antagonistic,feelings.mons veneris (monz venbris) latin[mountain of Venus] noun phrase the281

montagemons pubis in the female; can alsorefer to the ball of the thumb.montage (montazh, montahj) french[assembly, putting together, frommonter to mount] noun (in the arts) acollection of images gathered togetherin a single composition; may also referto a series of film clips edited togetherin a movie or, more generally, to anyheterogeneous misture: “Her latest workis a montage of monochrome images projectedonto the wall of a cathedral.”mont de piété (mon db peeaytay),mont-de-piété french [mount ofpiety, from a mistranslation of Italianmonte di pietà loan of pity] noun phrase(plural monts de piété) a pawnbroker’sshop, especially a state-run organizationlending money to the poor atreasonable rates of interest: “Valuableeffects were there daily sold for a twentiethpart of their original cost, and the vicomtessesaw her little stores diminish daily; for theMont de Piété was obliged to regulate its ownproceedings by the received current valuesof the day” (James Fenimore Cooper,Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief,1843).montera (montairb), montero(montairo) spanish [hunter, frommonte mountain] noun a round hatwith ear flaps, as traditionally worn byhunters in Spain and elsewhere.mon vieux (mon(g) vyb) french [myold man] noun phrase my old friend.moquette (moket) french [possiblyfrom Italian mocaiardo mohair]noun a fabric with a velvety pileused for carpets and upholstery.morale (mbral, mbrahl) french[from moral] noun the emotional ormental attitude of an individual orgroup: “The morale of the team dippedwith the news that their captain had beeninjured and would be unable to play inthe big game.”moratorium (morbtoreem) latin[thing causing delay, neuter of moratoriusdilatory, from morari to delay] noun(plural moratoriums or moratoria,morbtoreeb) a respite or suspensionof activity or a formally authorizedpostponement in the fulfillment ofan obligation or repayment of a debt:“The government has placed a moratoriumon further research until the possible risksinvolved have been evaluated.”morceau (morso) french [frommorsel morsel, ultimately fromLatin mordere to bite] noun (pluralmorceaux, morso, morsoz) a briefliterary or musical work: “There wereseveral side-dishes on the table, containingwhat appeared to be the ordinary Frenchrabbit—a very delicious morceau, which Ican recommend” (Edgar Allan Poe, “TheSystem of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether,”1845).mordant (mordbnt) french [biting,present participle of mordre to bite,282

mot justeultimately from Latin mordere to bite]adjective biting, caustic, cutting, incisive,acute, pungent, sarcastic: “As areviewer she was renowned for her mordantcritiques of contemporary fashionand design.”mores (morayz, moreez) latin [pluralof mos custom] plural noun habits,manners, morals, and attitudes (oftenin relation to a particular society orgroup): “The mores of teenagers todayare all too often the subject of concern totheir elders.”morgue (morg) french [mortuary,after the Parisian mortuary called LaMorgue] noun a place where deadbodies are kept before burial or disposal:“The family was shocked to hearthat the old man’s body had mysteriouslyvanished from the morgue.” By extension,any place where there is nothinggoing on; can also refer to a storeof clippings, photographs, or otherarchive material in a newspaper office,movie studio, etc.morituri te salutant (moritooree taysalootont), morituri te salutamus(moritooree tay salootahmbs) latin[we who are about to die salute you]interjection the traditional saluteof Roman gladiators to the Romanemperor before fighting in the arena(often quoted by people facing a dauntingchallenge of some kind): “Often faraway there I thought of these two, guardingthe door of Darkness, knitting black wool asfor a warm pall, one introducing, introducingcontinuously to the unknown, the otherscrutinizing the cheery and foolish faceswith unconcerned old eyes. Ave! Old knitterof black wool. Morituri te salutant” (JosephConrad, Heart of Darkness, 1902).moron (moron) greek [neuter ofmoros foolish, stupid] noun a stupid,foolish, or mentally retarded person:“Most people agree that young men whoindulge in such mindless vandalism aremorons and barbarians.”mortadella (mortbdelb) italian [fromLatin farcimen murtatum sausage flavoredwith myrtleberries] noun atype of Italian pork sausage containingsmall cubes of fat, and flavoredwith myrtleberries and spices, usuallyserved in slices.mot (mo) french [word, saying]noun a quip or a pithy or witty saying:“The evening produced several memorablemots, which were duly jotted down for thebenefit of posterity.” See also bon mot.motif (moteef) french [motive] nouna central or recurring theme in amusical composition, literary work,or speech: “The design of the fabricwas based around the central motif of afi re-breathing dragon with red and goldscales.”mot juste (mo joost) french [rightword] noun phrase (plural mots justes,mo joost) an appropriate choice of283

motu proprioword or phrase: “He paused briefly in histalk, trying to find the mot juste to expresswhat he was attempting to explain.”motu proprio (motoo propreeo)latin [by one’s own motion] adverbphrase of one’s own accord, of one’sown volition: “What the Council haddone was merely to assent to a definitionof the dogma of the Infallibility of theRoman Pontiff which Pius IX had hadissued, proprio motu, a few days before”(Lytton Strachey, Eminent Victorians,1918). ~noun phrase a papal edictaddressed by the pope to the RomanCatholic Church or a part of it.moue (moo) french [pout] noun agrimace or pout: “She made a moue ofgrave disappointment.”moules marinières (muul marinyair)french [sailor’s mussels] pluralnoun mussels cooked and served intheir shells in a sauce made of butter,dry white wine, and onions, traditionallyeaten in France and Belgiumwith a side of French fries.moussaka (moosbkah, moosakb),mousaka greek [from mousakas, itselffrom Arabic musakka] noun (in MiddleEastern cuisine) a dish of groundmeat and sliced eggplant in a seasonedcheese sauce.mousse (moos) french [froth, moss]noun a chilled light dessert dishmade with whipped flavored milkor cream, gelatin, and egg whites;also a preparation for styling thehair.moustacheSee mustache.mozzarella (motsbrelb) italian [frommozzare to cut off] noun a mild whiteItalian curd cheese with a rubberyconsistency, originally made fromwater-buffalo milk, but now mostoften made from cow’s milk: “Mozzarellais the cheese most often used tomake pizza.”muchacho (moochahcho) spanish[probably from mocho cropped, shorn]noun a boy or young man (oftenaddressed to male servants). ~noun,feminine muchacha (moochahcha) agirl, young woman, or young femaleservant.mucus (myuukbs) latin [nasal secretions,related to Greek mussesthai toblow the nose, from mukter nose]noun the slimy lubricating and protectivesecretion of the mucous membranes,which line cavities or passagesin the body: “Increased mucus in thenasal passages is a symptom of the commoncold.”muesli (myoozlee) german [diminutiveof German Mus soft food, mush]noun a breakfast cereal of Swissorigin, incorporating nuts, rolledoats, and fruit.284

mustachemuezzin (mooezbn, myooezbn,mwezbn) arabic [from muaddinproclaimer, from addana to call toprayer] noun a Muslim public crierwho summons the faithful to prayerfi ve times a day from the minaret ofa mosque: “There—still high elevatedabove the rest of the company, to whom hevivaciously cries—he seems some TurkishMuezzin calling the good people to prayersfrom the top of a tower.” (Herman Melville,Moby-Dick, 1851).mufti (muftee) arabic [possiblyfrom mufti interpreter of Islamic law]noun ordinary civilian dress (asopposed to military uniform, clericaldress, or other official garb).mujahideen (moojahideen), mujahedin,mujahedeen arabic [plural ofmujahid person who wages holy war]plural noun guerrilla fighters dedicatedto the cause of Islam.mulatto (m(y)blato, m(y)blahto)spanish [from mulato young mule,from mulo mule] noun a personof mixed black and white descent.~noun, feminine mulatta (m(y)blatb,m(y)blahtb) a female of mixed blackand white descent.mullah (muulb), mulla, mollahturkish [from molla, itself fromArabic mawla master, lord] noun ascholar or teacher of Islamic law anddoctrine: “He made Kim learn wholechapters of the Koran by heart, till hecould deliver them with the very rolland cadence of a mullah.” (RudyardKipling, Kim, 1901).multi- (multee) latin [from multusmuch or many] prefix many, e.g.,multimedia, multitalented.multum in parvo (mbltbm in pahvo)latin [much in a little thing] nounphrase much in little (referring tosomething that is small in scale butmuch bigger in signifi cance), as in “amultum-in-parvo pocket-knife” (ThomasHardy, The Hand of Ethelberta,1876).mumbo jumbo (mbmbo jbmbo)mandingo [after Mumbo Jumbo, amasked deity of the Mandingo peoplesof W Africa] noun gibberishor nonsensical, meaningless languageor ritual; may also refer to superstitionor witchcraft: “Many doctors stillconsider alternative remedies a load ofmumbo jumbo.”musique concrète (myoozeek konkret)french [concrete music] nounphrase a style of modern electronicmusic in which recorded naturaland instrumental sounds are combinedand modified to form a musicalcomposition.mustache (mbstash, mbstash), moustachefrench [from Old Italian mustaccio,ultimately from Greek moustaki,from mystax upper lip, moustache]285

mustachionoun hair grown by some men abovethe upper lip.mustachio (mbstasheeo, mbstahsheeo)spanish [from mostacho, itself fromItalian mustaccio] noun a mustache(usually referring to a particularlylarge and luxuriant one): “His face,greatly sunburnt, was more than half hiddenby whisker and mustachio.” (EdgarAllan Poe, “The Murders in the RueMorgue,” 1841).mutatis mutandis (myootahtbsmyootandbs) latin [with the thingsthat must be changed having beenchanged] adverb phrase with the necessarychanges having been made,with consideration of the respectivedifferences: “What is said of the armyhere is to be taken also to apply, mutatismutandis, to the air force and the navy.”(S. E. Finer, Man on Horseback, 1962).muzhik (moozek, moozik), muzjikrussian noun a peasant in prerevolutionaryRussia: “A czarina who shouldsee a muzhik trying on her imperial son’sblue ribbon would wear no other face.”(Victor Hugo, Les Misérables, 1862).myopia (miopeeb) greek [blinkedsight] noun nearsightedness, shortsightedness;may also refer moregenerally to any lack of foresight orvision.myriad (mireead) italian [from myrioicountless, ten thousand] noun agreat number ~adjective innumerable,without number: “She was faced withmyriad choices.”mysterioso (misteerioso) italian[mysterious] adverb (in music) withmystery, in a mysterious manner.mystique (misteek) french [mysticsystem] noun an atmosphere ofmystery or reverence surrounding aplace, personality, object, or event:“The mystique surrounding European royaltyhas remained largely intact despiterecent attacks by the press.”mythos (mithos) greek [from muthosstory, myth] noun (plural mythoi,mithoi) a myth or mythology ingeneral; may also refer to the plot ortheme of a book or play.286

ååånånaanSee nan.Nabis (nabee) french [from Hebrewnabhi prophets] plural noun a smallgroup of French artists of the late 19thcentury, including Bonnard, Vuillard,and Maillol, who, inspired by Gauguin,favored symbolism and broadsurfaces of pure color rather than thenaturalism of the impressionists.nabob (naybob) portuguese [fromnababo, ultimately from Arabic naibgovernor] noun an Indian provincialgovernor of the Mogul Empire;by extension, any person possessinggreat wealth or occupying a positionof importance (usually referring tosomeone with strong Indian connections):“. . .Signor Torre del Greco, whoextinguished Vesuvius by pouring into itthe Bay of Naples; Spahi, the Persianambassador; and Tul Wil Shan, the exilednabob of Nepaul, whose saddle is the newmoon” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Manners,”1844).nacelle (nbsel) french [small boat,ultimately from Latin navis ship]noun a streamlined bulge on an airplanewing or fuselage housing anengine or other item of machinery,or alternatively the basket or car ofa balloon or airship. May also refermore generally to any similar bulge ona motor vehicle or boat.nacho (nahcho, nacho) spanish [possiblyfrom nacho fl at-nosed or a diminutiveof the name Ignacio, after theMexican chef Ignacio Anaya] noun atortilla chip coated with melted cheese,peppers, or spices: “Nachos are the latesttrendy snack on the bar menu.”nacre (naykbr) french [from Italiannaccara drum] noun mother-of-pearl.nadSee nadir.nada (nahdb, nadb) spanish [nothing,from Latin res nata insignificantthing] noun nothing, nonexistence:“The man shrugged his shoulders. ‘There isno money left. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.’”nadir (naydeer, naydbr) french [fromArabic nazir opposite] noun the287

naïflowest point of something (in astronomy,the area of a sphere oppositethe zenith): “In the most illustrious livesas in the most obscure, in animals as insecretary-generals, there is a zenith andthere is a nadir, a period when the fur ismagnificent, the fortune dazzling.” (Honoréde Balzac, Bureaucracy). ~abbreviatedform nad.naïf (nieef), naif french [inborn,natural, ultimately from Latin nativusnative] noun a naive person, aninnocent. ~adjective naive.naissant (naysont) french [beingborn] adjective in an early stage ofdevelopment, coming into being: “Thisis just one of several naissant projects beingconsidered by the company.”naive (nieev), naïve french [innocent,gullible, from naïf inborn, natural,ultimately from Latin nativusnative] adjective innocent, credulous,gullible, unsuspecting, unaffected,unsophisticated: “She is more naive thanshe pretends.”naïveté (nieevtay, nieevbtay, nieevtay,nieevbtay), naivete, naiveté french[inborn character, from naïf inborn,natural] noun a naive comment orattitude or naivety in general.nan (nahn), naan hindi [from Persian]noun a variety of round, flat,unleavened bread commonly eaten inthe Indian subcontinent.narcissism (nahrsisizbm) greek[after the legendary Narcissus, whofell in love with his own reflection]noun self-love, an obsessive admirationof or approving interest in oneself:“After his coworkers accused him of narcissismhe hardly dared even look in a mirror.”narcosis (nahrkosis) greek [from narkosisbenumbing, itself from narkounto make numb] noun (plural narcoses,nahrkoseez) a state of unconsciousnessor stupor as induced by drugs.natura abhorret vacuo (nachoorbabhoret vakyooo) latin [natureshrinks back from something empty]noun phrase nature abhors a vacuum.natura naturans (nachoorb nachyooranz)latin [creating nature] nounphrase the creative power of nature:“But taking timely warning, and leavingmany things unsaid on this topic, let usnot longer omit our homage to the EfficientNature, natura naturans, the quickcause, before which all forms flee as thedriven snows. . .” (Ralph Waldo Emerson,Essays, 1841).nausea (nozeeb, noseeb, nozhb,noshb) latin [seasickness, ultimatelyfrom Greek nautes sailor] noun afeeling that one is going to vomit; canalso refer more generally to any sensationof loathing or disgust.n.b., N.B.See nota bene.288

nemesisnéSee née.nebbish (nebish) yiddish [fromnebekh poor, unfortunate, from Czechnebohý] noun a weak or ineffectualperson. ~adjective weak, timid,ineffectual.nebula (nebyblb) latin [mist, cloud]noun (plural nebulas or nebulae,nebyblee, nebybli) in astronomy, agalaxy or a cloud of interstellar gas ordust; can also refer more generally toany hazy image or cloud: “They placedthe calf beside its mother again, took upthe lantern, and went out, the light sinkingdown the hill till it was no more thana nebula” (Thomas Hardy, Far From theMadding Crowd, 1874).necrophilia (nekrbfileeb) greek [fondnessfor corpses] noun an eroticinterest in sexual intercourse withdead bodies.necropolis (nekropblis) greek [cityof the dead] noun (plural necropolises,necropoles, nekropbleez, necropoleis,nekropbliz, or necropoli, nekropbli,nekropblee) a cemetery,especially in an ancient town or city:“The step drew nearer, and a guardian ina braided cap walked listlessly throughthe room like a ghost stalking through anecropolis” (Edith Wharton, The Age ofInnocence, 1920).necrosis (nbkrosis, nekrosis) greek[state of death, from nekroun to kill]noun (plural necroses, nbkroseez,nekroseez) the death or decay ofan organ or tissue through diseaseor injury.nectar (nektbr) greek [from nektar,the legendary drink of the gods inGreek and Roman mythology] nouna sweet or delicious liquid, oftenreferring specifically to the sweetexcretions of certain plants, as collectedby bees to make honey.née (nay), nee french [feminine ofné born, past participle of naître tobe born] adjective born (referringto the maiden name of a womanbefore marriage): “... Jacqueline Kennedy,née Bouvier.” ~adjective, masculinené (nay) formerly called (referring tothe original name of a person, group,organization, or country).negligee (neglbzhay, neglbzhay), negligéfrench [from négligé, past participleof négliger to neglect] noun alight dressing gown for women, usuallymade of sheer material; can alsorefer more generally to casual orinformal attire: “She gave her mother ahideous pink negligee for her birthday.”See nemine contradi-nem. con.cente.nemesis (nembsis) greek [retribution,after Nemesis, the Greekgoddess of divine retribution] noun(plural nemeses, nembseez) an act289

nemine contradicenteof retribution or punishment, or theagent of this: “But, clearly, the old orderwas already in part reversed. The Nemesisof the delicate ones was creeping onapace” (H. G. Wells, The Time Machine,1895).nemine contradicente (neminay kontrbdikentay)latin [no one contradicting]adverb phrase unanimously, withno one dissenting. ~abbreviated formnem. con.: The resolution was passednem con.neo- (neeo) greek [new] prefix new,or a modern form of, e.g., neologism,neo- Nazi.neon (neeon) greek [neuter of neosnew] noun an inert gaseous elementused in electric lighting, the lightsthemselves, or the lighting thus produced.~adjective of or relating to suchlighting or to colors reminiscent ofvibrant neon lighting: “All the operatingrooms now have neon lighting.”ne plus ultra (nay plbs bltrb, nee plbsbltrb) latin [no more beyond] nounphrase (plural ne plus ultras) theacme, apex, or highest point; theultimate achievement or example ofsomething: “A little south of east wasPalos, where Columbus weighed anchor,and farther yet the pillars which Herculesset up; concerning which when weinquired at the top of our voices whatwas written on them,—for we had themorning sun in our faces, and could notsee distinctly,—the inhabitants shoutedNe plus ultra (no more beyond). . .”(Henry David Thoreau, Cape Cod,1865).n’est-ce pas? (nes pa) french [is itnot?] interrogative is that not so?netsuke (netskee, netsookee) japanesenoun (plural netsuke or netsukes)an intricately carved toggle of ivory,wood, etc., originally suspended by acord from the sash of the traditionalJapanese kimono.neurosis (noorosis, nyoorosis) greek[neuron nerve] noun (plural neuroses,nooroseez, nyooroseez) a mild mentalor emotional disturbance affectingthe personality or, more generally,any state of anxiety or obsession: “Hisneurosis got worse and worse through thewinter.”nevus (neevbs) latin [birthmark]noun (plural nevi, neevi) a birthmark,mole, or other blemish on theskin.nexus (neksbs) latin [binding, linking,from nectere to bind] noun (pluralnexus or nexuses, neksbsbz) a connection,a link; a cluster or connectedseries; may also refer to the center orfocus of something: “. . .how a book, LeControl Social, had the effect of makingFrenchmen begin to drown one anothercannot be understood without an explanationof the causal nexus of this new force290

niqabwith the event.” (Leo Tolstoy, War andPeace, 1863–69).niche (nich) french [recess, retreat,from nicher to nest, ultimately fromLatin nidus nest] noun a recess,alcove, or cranny; a place or positionin which a person or thing is snuglyor comfortably lodged, a position ofadvantage in a marketplace etc., aplace of safety or retreat: “The partnershiphas occupied a prominent niche in themarket for several months now.” ~verb toplace in a niche.nickel (nikbl), nickle swiss german[probably from German Kupfernickelcopper demon, from Kupfer copperand Nickel goblin] noun a hard silverwhitemetal commonly used in alloysand as a catalyst or a five-cent coin.~verb to coat or cover with nickel.niente (neeentay) italian [nothing]adverb (in music) with thesound gradually fading away, used indirections.nihil ad rem (nihil ad rem, nihil adrem) latin [nothing to the matter]adjective phrase irrelevant, beside thepoint.nihil obstat (nihil obstat, nihilobstat) latin [nothing hinders] adjectivephrase (in the Roman CatholicChurch) approval from an official censorindicating that a book is free ofdoctrinal or moral error and, moregenerally, any statement of officialapproval.- nik (nik) rus sian [on the patternof sputnik, ultimately from Yiddish- nik, a suffix denoting an agent] suffix denoting a person associated witha specified quality, belief or activity,e.g., beatnik, no- goodnik.nil desperandum (nil despbrandbm)latin [nothing to be despaired, quotingthe Odes of Horace (65–8 b.c.)]interjection do not despair, neverdespair.nimbus (nimbbs) latin [cloud, rainstorm]noun (plural nimbuses ornimbi, nimbee) a cumulus raincloudor more generally any cloud,vapor, atmosphere, or halo: “In abouta minute and a half I was fringed out withan electrical nimbus that flamed aroundfor miles and miles and lit up all spacelike broad day” (Mark Twain, CaptainStormfield, 1909).ninja (ninjb) japanese [preservingperson, from nin preserve, endureand ja person] noun (plural ninja orninjas) a fighter trained in Japanesemartial art (originally a class ofmercenaries trained as assassins andsaboteurs in 14th-century Japan).niqab (nikahb) arabic noun a facialveil worn by some Muslim women,consisting of a length of fabric wrappedaround the head but not covering the291

nirvanaeyes, or else one with a net- coveredarea around the eyes.nirvana (nervahnb, nbrvahnb) sanskrit[a blowing out, extinguishing] noun astate of bliss or of spiritual enlightenment(inspired by the liberation of thesoul achieved after death accordingto Buddhist philosophy): “That shop isnirvana for those in search of high fashionat bargain prices.”nisei (neesay, neesay) japanese [secondgeneration] noun (plural nisei orniseis) a child of Japanese immigrantsto the United States (usuallyreferring to one who has been bornand educated in the U.S.).nisi (nisi) latin [unless] adjective notfi nal (a legal term indicating that acourt order or decree, etc. will takeeffect at a stipulated time, all otherconditions having been fulfilled or nochallenges to it having been received):“‘Well; and what is it about?’ he said afterkissing her. ‘That the decree nisi in the caseof Phillotson versus Phillotson and Fawley,pronounced six months ago, has just beenmade absolute’” (Thomas Hardy, Judethe Obscure, 1895).No (no), Noh japanese [ability, talent]noun a stylized form of classicalJapanese drama incorporating maskedcharacters, dance, and song.noblesse (nobles) french [nobility,ultimately from Latin nobilis wellknown,highborn] noun nobility ofrank or birth, the aristocracy (especiallywith reference to the nobilityof France).noblesse oblige (nobles obleezh)french [nobility obligates] noun phrasethe belief that nobility of rank or birthbrings with it obligations to maintainhigh standards of personal moralityand honor: “It is your name, and youcannot be rid of it. It is yours of right, asmy name has been mine of right; and notto assert it, not to live up to it, not to beproud of it, would argue incredible baseness.Noblesse oblige” (Anthony Trollope, LadyAnna, 1873–4).nocturne (noktern) french [nocturnal,from Latin nocturnus] noun awork of art depicting evening ornight, or (in music) a composition forthe piano that is pensive or dreamlikein character: “Play me something. Playme a nocturne, Dorian, and, as you play,tell me, in a low voice, how you have keptyour youth” (Oscar Wilde, The Picture ofDorian Gray, 1891).Noel (noel), Noël french [fromnoël Christmas, carol, ultimately fromLatin natalis birthday] Christmas, ora Christmas carol.NohSee no.noir (nwahr) french [black] adjectiveblack (often with reference toblack humor).292

nomen nudumnoisette (nwazet, nwbzet) french[diminutive of nois choice cut of meat,ultimately from noix nut] noun asmall cut of lean meat; also a hazelnutchocolate.nol. con.See nolo contendere.nolens volens (nolenz volenz) latin[unwilling willing] adverb phrasewhether willing or not, willy-nilly.noli me tangere (nolee mee tanjbree)latin [do not touch me] noun phrase(plural noli me tangeres) a warningagainst touching or interfering withsomething or someone; may also referto an object or person that should notbe touched or, alternatively, to a pictorialrepresentation of Jesus Christappearing to Mary Magdalene afterthe resurrection.nolle prosequi (nolee prosekwee)latin [to be unwilling to pursue] nounphrase a legal term indicating that nofurther action is to be taken in regardto a particular case or suit. ~abbreviatedform nolle pros. or nol. pros.nolo contendere (nolo kontendbree)latin [I do not wish to contend] nounphrase (plural nolo contenderes) alegal term indicating that a defendantin a case has decided neither to admitnor to deny the charges. ~abbreviatedform nol. con.nol. pros.See nolle prosequi.nom de guerre (nom db gair) french[war name] noun phrase (plural nomsde guerre) a pseudonym or assumedname under which a person takes partin some enterprise: “How odd and unfairit is: wicked impostors go around lecturingunder my nom de guerre and nobody suspectsthem; but when an honest man attempts animposture, he is exposed at once” (MarkTwain, Life on the Mississippi, 1883).nom de plume (nom db ploom)french [pen name] noun phrase (pluralnoms de plume) a pseudonym orassumed name under which a personpublishes a piece of writing: “Shedecided to release her second novel under anom de plume.”nom de théâtre (nom db tayahtrb)french [theatrical name] noun phrase(plural noms de théâtre) a pseudonymor stage name under which aperson performs in the theater.nomen (nomen) latin [name] noun(plural nomina, nominb) name (usuallyreferring to a person’s surname).nomen dubium (nomen doobeebm)latin [doubtful name] noun phrase(plural nomina dubia, nominb doobeeb)in taxonomy, a doubtful oruncertain identification of a specimen,recognizing the possibility that theidentification may be incorrect.nomen nudum (nomen noodbm, nomennyoodbm) latin [naked name] noun293

nonchalancephrase (plural nomina nuda, nominbnoodb) in taxonomy, a proposedname for a group of species detailsof which have yet to be officiallypublished.nonchalance (nonshalons, nonshalons)french [carelessness, heedlessness,from nonchaloir to disregard]noun unconcern, indifference, coolness:“The family greeted the news withnonchalance.”nonchalant (nonshalon(g), nonshalon(g))french [careless, heedless,from nonchaloir to disregard] adjectiveunconcerned, indifferent, cool,casual, unexcited: “His nonchalant mannerinfuriated her.”non compos mentis (non kompbs mentis)latin [not having mastery of one’smind] adjective phrase not of soundmind, not in one’s right mind, mentallydisturbed: “Several of the youngerpartners began to speculate that the oldman was non compos mentis.” ~abbreviatedform non compos.nondescript (nondbskript) latin [fromnon not and descriptus described] adjectivewithout distinguishing features,dull, drab: “They agreed that the officeshould be decorated throughout in fairlynondescript colors.”non licet (non liset) latin [it is notlawful] adjective phrase not permitted,unlawful.nonpareil (nonpbrel) french [notalike] noun someone or somethingthat is considered unique or withoutequal; also a tiny ball of white orcolored sugar used in confectionerydecoration, or a flat round piece ofchocolate covered in these. ~adjectiveof or relating to someone or somethingwithout equal, unique, unrivaled:“‘Then she is as honest and genuine asshe looks,’ rejoined my guardian, ‘and itis impossible to say more for her.’ ‘She’sColour-Sergeant of the Nonpareil battalion,’said Mr. Bagnet. . .” (Charles Dickens,Bleak House, 1852–53).non placet (non playset, nonplayset) latin [it does not please]noun phrase a negative vote against aproposal, an expression of dissent.nonplus (nonplbs) latin [from nonplus not more] verb to perplex,baffle, puzzle, put at a loss: “. . .Rosewas one of the children who observe andmeditate much, and now and then nonplustheir friends by a wise or curious remark”(Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins,1875).non sequitur (non sekwiter, nonsekwitoor) latin [it does not follow]noun phrase (plural non sequiturs) astatement or conclusion that does followlogically on from what precededit: “The professor is well known for his nonsequiturs and illogicalities.” ~abbreviatedform non seq.294

nouveau romannon troppo (non tropo) italian [nottoo much] adverb phrase (in music)not too much, without excess.~adjective phrase (in music) not toomuch.nori (noree) japa nese [Porphyra seaweed]noun an edible seaweed oftenused in Japa nese cuisine in thin driedsheets, especially for wrapping sushi oras a garnish.nostalgia (nostaljb, nbstaljb, nbstahljb)greek [homesickness, from nostosreturn home and algeo to be in pain]noun sentimental yearning for timespast, real or imagined: “Nostalgia is apastime best enjoyed by the very old.”nostrum (nostrbm) latin [from nosterour] noun (plural nostrums) a patentmedicine of a secret or dubiouscharacter and hence any unprovenremedy, panacea, or pet scheme:“. . .and now all the inheritance is topass away, merely because one good worthygentleman would not be contented toenjoy his horses, his hounds, and his bottleof claret, like thirty or forty predecessors,but must . . . try every new nostrum thathas been tabled by the quackish improversof the time” (J. G. Lockhart, Life of SirWalter Scott, 1837–38).nota bene (notb benee, notb beenee)latin [mark well] verb phrase notewell, observe particularly. ~abbreviatedforms n.b., N.B.notabilia (notbbileeb) latin [thingsworthy of note, plural of notabilisnotable] plural noun notable items,things worthy of notice: “This websitespecializes in theatrical notabilia.”nougat (noogbt) french [from OldProvençal nogat, ultimately from Latinnux nut] noun a variety of confectionin which pieces of nut or fruit areembedded in sugar paste.nous (noos) greek [mind, intellect]noun mind, reason, intelligence,common sense: “She does not have sufficient nous to solve the problem for herself.”nouveau (noovo, noovo) french[from Middle French novel new]adjective new, recently arrived oracquired, fresh, up to date.nouveau riche (noovo reesh) french[new rich] noun phrase (plural nouveauxriches, noovo reesh) a richperson whose wealth has been relativelyrecently acquired; a parvenu,an upstart: “The nouveaux riches havefew real friends, and their greatest enemiesare others among their number.” ~adjectivephrase of or relating to the newly rich.nouveau roman (noovo romon(g))french [new novel] noun phrase (pluralnouveaux romans) a novelwritten in a postmodern prose stylethat rejects formalities of plot andcharacterization.295

nouvellenouvelle (noovel) french [new] nouna short novel, a novella.nouvelle cuisine (noovel kwizeen)french [new cooking] noun phrase astyle of cookery that emphasizes theuse of light, healthy sauces, freshingredients, and attractive presentationof food: “Lavishly finished photographsof nouvelle cuisine dishes arean essential ingredient of most bestsellingmagazines.”nouvelle vague (noovel vahg) french[new wave] noun phrase (plural nouvellesvagues) a cinematic styleoriginating in France in the late 1950sand characterized by the use of innovativecamera work and relativelyunknown actors; since revived periodicallyin describing various newtrends and movements in the arts.nova (novb) latin [feminine of novusnew] noun (plural novas or novae,novee, novi) astronomical term fora star that suddenly increases massivelyin brightness and then fadesgradually to its original dim state:“Astronomers have identified three newnovas as a result of their latest search indeep space.”novella (novelb, nbvelb) italian [feminineof novello new] noun (plural novellasor novelle, novelee) a shortnovel: “His novellas were generally betterreceived than his longer works.”nuance (nooons, nyooons) french[shade, hue, from nuer to make shadesof color, ultimately from Latin nubescloud] noun a subtle quality or variation,a nicety: “They preserve a socialtradition of which I should be sorry to losethe least perfume. Of course I don’t expectyou, just at first, to feel the difference, tosee the nuance.” (Edith Wharton, TheReef, 1912).nucleus (nookleebs, nyookleebs) latin[kernel, nut] noun (plural nucleusesor nuclei, nookleei) a central pointaround which everything else gathersor revolves; can also refer more specificallyto the kernel of a cell or tothe core of an atom.nuit blanche (nwee blonzh) french[white night] noun phrase (plural nuitsblanches) a sleepless night: “Theweeks passed half-real, not much pain, notmuch of anything, perhaps a little relief,mostly a nuit blanche. Paul went restlessfrom place to place.” (D. H. Lawrence,Sons and Lovers, 1913).nulli secundus (nblee sekundbs) latin[second to none] adjective phrase thefi r st-class, of the first rank.numero uno (noombro oono, nyoombrooono) italian [number one]noun phrase number one; the best,most important, or prominent personor thing: “Her grandfather likes to thinkhe is still numero uno in the organization.”296

nymphomanianunc dimittis (nungk dbmitis) latin[now lettest thou depart, from theopening words of the Song of Simeonin Luke 2:29–32] noun phrase a canticleor prayer said at evensong andcompline, or music written to accompanythis; may also refer generally toany dismissal or permission to depart.nunchaku (nbnchbkoo, nbnchahkoo)japanese [from Okinawa dialect]noun in Japanese martial art, a typeof weapon comprising two sticks connectedby a short strap or chain.nuncio (nbnseeo, nuunseeo) italian[from nunzio, ultimately from Latinnuntius messenger] noun a papallegate who represents the papacy ina foreign country or who undertakesspecial missions on behalf of thePope: “I arranged with the Nuncio . . .that we should receive written informationof Romayne’s state of health, andon that understanding we returned toEn gland” (Wilkie Collins, The BlackRobe, 1881).nuoc mam (nwok mahm) viet nam ese[fi sh sauce or pickling brine, fromnuoc water and mam salted fish] nounphrase a spicy, salty fish sauce, usedin South East Asian cuisine as a seasoning.nymphomania (nimfbmayneeb, nimfbmaynyb)greek [madness of the bride,from numph bride and mania madness]noun excessive sexual desire in thefemale.297

åååoåO.A.M.D.G. See omnia ad majoremdei gloriam.ob.See obiit.obbligato (oblbgahto), obligato italian[obligatory, past participle of obbligareto oblige] adjective (in music)obligatory, indispensable, not to beomitted. ~noun (plural obbligatosor obbligati, oblbgahtee) a passageof music written to accompany asolo or the main melody. ~abbreviatedform obb.obi (obee) japanese [belt] noun asash worn round the waist as part oftraditional Japanese dress: “Carpentershad torn out the partition between frontparlor and back parlor, thrown it into a longroom on which she lavished yellow and deepblue; a Japanese obi with an intricacy of goldthread on stiff ultramarine tissue, which shehung as a panel against the maize wall . . .”(Sinclair Lewis, Main Street, 1922).obiit (obeeit), obit latin [he/she/itdied] noun (in epitaphs) died. ~abbreviatedform ob.obiit sine prole (obeeit sinay prolay),obit sine prole latin [he/she/it diedwithout offspring] noun phrase (ingenealogy) died without offspring.~abbreviated form o.b.s.p., o.s.p.obitSee obiit.obiter (obitb) latin [meanwhile, incidentally]adverb in passing, by theway. ~adjective incidental.obiter dictum (obitbr diktbm) latin[something said by the way] nounphrase (plural obita dicta, obitbdiktb) an incidental remark, observation,or opinion: “The judge madehis opinion clear in an obiter dictum, butthis cannot be considered a precedent forfuture cases.”obit sine proleSee obiit sine prole.objet d’art (obzhay dar) french [artobject] noun phrase (plural objetsd’art) a work of art, an objectof artistic value, a curio: “The storewindow was full of trinkets and objetsd’art.”299

oeil-de-boeuf (er db bbf) french[ox’s eye] noun phrase (plural oeilsobjettrouvéobjet trouvé (obzhay troovay) french[found object] noun phrase (pluralobjets trouvés) a natural object,usually found by chance, that is consideredto have artistic or aestheticvalue in itself.obligatoSee obbligato.obscurum per obscurius (obskyoorbmper obskyooribs) latin [the obscureby the still more obscure] nounphrase (in logic) an explanation ofthe obscure that is even more obscurethan what it attempts to explain.o.b.s.p.See obiit sine prole.ocarina (okbreenb) italian [fromoca goose (referring to its gooselikeshape)] noun a crude musical windinstrument comprising an oval bodywith several fingerholes and a mouthpiece:“The child picked up the ocarinaand produced three ethereal, piping notes.”odalisque (odblisk) turkish [odalikchambermaid, from oda chamber]noun a female slave or concubine ina harem; may also refer more generallyto any sexually attractive female:“He beheld about her shoulders the ambertresses of the ‘Odalisque bathing’; she hadthe long waist of the medieval chatelaines;she resembled, too, the ‘Pale Woman of Barcelona’;but above all she was the Angel!”(Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary,1857).odeon (odeebn), odeum greek [fromoideion place for song] noun (pluralodeons or odea, odeeb) a theateror concert hall.odium (odeebm) latin [hatred, fromodisse to hate] noun opprobrium,infamy, disrepute, unpopularity, hatred,detestation; may also refer to the stateof being hated or disliked or to anobject inspiring such feelings: “It tookmany years for the party to shake off theodium of corruption following accusationsof electoral fraud.”odyssey (odbsee) greek [after Homer’sepic poem the Odyssey, describingthe voyages of Odysseus] noun anepic or lengthy voyage or period ofwandering (actual or spiritual): “Shehad not realized that research into herfamily history would take her on such aremarkable odyssey through her country’shistory.”Oedipus complex (edbpbs kompleks,eedbpbs kompleks) greek [after thelegendary Oedipus, the prince ofThebes, unknowingly killed his fatherand married his mother] noun phrase(in psychology) a personality disorderin which the subject becomesobsessively jealous or hostile towardthe parent of the same sex or feelssexual desire for the other parent.300

ombudsmande-boeuf ) a small, round windowor alternatively a small antechamberin a palace.oesophagusoestrusSee esophagus.See estrus.oeuvre (ervrb) french [work, product]noun a literary or artistic work,or a large body of work (usuallyreferring to the life work of an artist,composer, or writer): “The first symphonyis still considered the maestro’s mostsignificant oeuvre.”olé (olay) spanish [hurray] interjectionbravo! (shout of approval at somefeat or accomplishment, traditionallyshouted as a salute by crowds atbullfi ghts).olim (olim) latin [formerly] adverbformerly, at one time, in times past.olla podrida (olb podreedb) spanish[rotten pot] noun phrase (plural ollaspodridas) (in Spanish and LatinAmerican cuisine) a richly seasonedmeat and vegetable stew containing awide variety of ingredients; may alsorefer more generally to any miscellanyor medley of incongruous objects.- ology (olbjee) latin [from - logia,from Greek logos word] suffix thescience or study of, e.g., mythology,psychology.oloroso (olbroso) spanish [fragrant]noun a full-bodied medium-sweetSpanish sherry.olympiad (blimpeead) greek [afterOlympia, Greece, where the OlympicGames were held in ancient times]noun the celebration of the OlympicGames, held every four years; itreferred originally to the four-yearintervals between the games: “The lastolympiad proved a financial and publicrelations triumph and set a new standardfor future organizers.”Olympian (blimpeebn) greek [afterOlympia, Greece, where the OlympicGames were held in ancienttimes] adjective of or relating to theOlympic Games or to Olympus, thehome of the gods in classical mythology;may also refer more generally toanyone whose imposing characteror remarkable achievements suggestgodlike status: “The blacksmith drewhimself up to his full height and glaredwith Olympian fury at his tormentors.”om (om) sanskrit [from the syllablesa, u, m, representing the threemain Hindu deities] interjection mantraintoned by Hindus and TibetanBuddhists during meditative contemplationof ultimate reality.ombudsman (ombuudzmbn) swedish[from ombud representative] noun(plural ombudsmen) a government301

O.M.D.G.official or other authority who investigatescomplaints against other publicofficials and bodies: “It has just beenannounced that the affair is to be investigatedby the ombudsman.”O.M.D.G. See omnia ad majoremdei gloriam.omega (omaygb, omegb, omeegb)greek [from o mega large o] noun thelast letter of the Greek alphabet, used toindicate the end or the last of a series.omertà (omertah) italian [dialectvariant of umiltà humility] noun thecode of silence observed by membersof the mafia and other similar criminalorganizations.om mani padme hum (om mbneepbdmay hoom) sanskrit [oh goddessManipadma] interjection mantraintoned by Tibetan Buddhists as aprayer or aid during meditation.omnia ad Majorem Dei Gloriam(omneeb ad miyorbm dayee gloreebm)latin [all to the greater glory ofGod] noun phrase everything to thegreater glory of God (the motto ofthe order of St. Francis). ~abbreviatedforms O.A.M.D.G., O.M.D.G.omnia vincit amoromnia.See amor vincitomnibus (omnibbs) latin [for all,dative plural of omnis all] noun abook or television or radio programin which several stories or episodesare brought together: “Some new storieswill appear in an omnibus of the greatman’s writings to be published next month.”~adjective of or relating to a publicationor program containing severalitems.omusubi (omoosuubee) japa nese [riceballs] plural noun triangular or ovalrice balls with a savory filling, usuallyserved wrapped in nori (edible seaweed)as a snack in Japa nese cuisine,also known as onigiri.on dit (on(g) dee), on-dit french[one says, it is said] noun phrase (pluralon dits) a piece of gossip, arumor.onigiri (pneegeeree) japa nese [riceballs] plural noun triangular or ovalrice balls with a savory filling, usuallyserved wrapped in nori (edible seaweed)as a snack in Japa nese cuisine,also known as omusubi.onomatopoeia (onbmatbpeeb) greek[from onomatopoiia making of a word]noun the formation of a word throughimitation of the sound associated withthe subject in question. The soundof the word suggests its meaning:“The words ‘buzz,’ ‘hiss,’ and ‘cuckoo’ areexamples of onomatopoeia.”onus (onbs) latin [burden, load]noun (plural onuses, onbsiz) a burden,302

opusduty, obligation, or blame; the burdenof proof: “Now that the allegations havebeen made public, the onus is on the governmentto prove it acted correctly.”op.op. cit.See opera; opus.See opere citato.opera (opbrb) italian [work] nouna form of musical drama consisting ofrecitatives, arias, and choruses withfull orchestral accompaniment, oran example of this; may also refer toa theater or other organization presentingsuch performances: “For manypeople, a night at the opera is an experienceonly to be enjoyed if someone else ispaying.” ~abbreviated form op.opéra bouffe (opbrb boof) french[from Italian opera buffa comic opera]noun phrase a genre of satiricalcomic opera.opera buffa (opbrb boofb) italian[comic opera] noun phrase a genre offarcical comic opera of a type popularin Italy in the 18th century.opéra comique (opbrb komeek)french [comic opera] noun phrase aform of opera in which musical passagesare interspersed with spokendialogue.opera seria (opbrb sereeb) italian[serious opera] noun phrase (pluraloperas seria or operie serie) aform of opera dealing with heroic ormythological characters or incidents.opere citato (opbray sitahto) latin[in the work cited] adverb phrase (inbibliographical references) in thework previously cited. ~abbreviatedform op. cit.operetta (opbretb) italian [diminutiveof opera work] noun a genre ofromantic comic opera; a short lightopera: “The two men each wrote severaloperettas with other partners before startingon their celebrated collaboration.”opprobrium (oprobreebm) latin[disgrace, infamy, from opprobare toreproach] noun (plural opprobriumsor opprobria) contempt, distaste,reproach, or something giving riseto disgrace or shame: “Bartle spoke theselast words in a rasping tone of reproach, andlooked at Vixen, who poked down her headand turned up her eyes towards him witha keen sense of opprobrium. . .” (GeorgeEliot, Adam Bede, 1859).optimum (optbmbm) latin [best]adjective greatest, best, most favorable:“Everything has been carefullyplanned to ensure the optimum chanceof the safe return of the shuttle to earth.”~noun the greatest amount or degreepossible.opus (opbs) latin [work, deed] noun(plural opuses, opbsiz, or opera,303

opus Deiopbrb) an artistic work (especially inreference to a musical composition):“No one expected the composer’s next opus totake the form of a comic opera.” ~abbreviatedforms op., Op.opus Dei (opbs dayee) latin [workof God] noun phrase God’s work(usually referring specifically to theobligation of the human race to payworship to God); also the name of aRoman Catholic organization foundedin Spain in 1928.orangery (orbnjree, orinjree), orangeriefrench [from oranger orangetree] noun a greenhouse, conservatory,or other structure suitablefor the cultivation of orange trees:“. . .the servant . . . led him by wayof the orangery to my uncle’s privateapartments” (Joseph Conrad, SomeReminiscences).oratorio (orbtoreeo) italian [afterthe Oratory of St. Philip Neri inRome, from Latin oratorium oratory]noun a variety of musical compositionfeaturing full choir and orchestra,usually based on a religious orbiblical story and staged withoutcostumers or scenery: “The choir performsan oratorio in the local church atChristmas every year.”ordre du jour (ordrb doo zhoor)french [order of the day] nounphrase an agenda for a meeting orday’s proceedings.oregano (bregbno, orbgahno) spanish[wild marjoram] noun a perennialmint (Origanum vulgare) used as seasoningor in the form of an aromaticoil; can also refer to plants of the generaLippia and Coleus.organum (orgbnbm) latin [fromGreek organon instrument or organ]noun (plural organa, orgbnb) (inmedieval music) a form of vocal harmonizationin which a plainsong melodyis combined with one, two, orthree other parts.origami (orbgahmee) japanese [paperfolding, from ori fold and kami paper]noun the Japanese art of foldingpaper into the shape of birds or animals:“The art of origami is taught tochildren throughout Japan starting atprimary school age.”osso bucco (oso booko) italian[pierced bone] noun phrase (in Italiancuisine) a dish comprising a shinof veal with marrowbone cooked inwine.o.s.p.See obiit sine prole.ossia (oseeb) italian [from o sia orlet it be] conjunction (in music) orelse, used to introduce an alternateversion of a section or passage.ostinato (ostbnahto) italian [obstinate,from Latin obstinatus] noun (pluralostinatos or ostinati, ostbnahtee) (in304

outrémusic) a melodic passage that isrepeated throughout a musical composition.~adjective repeated over andover again, recurring.Ostpolitik (ostpolitik) german [eastpolicy] noun politics dealing withthe countries of eastern Europe, formerlyunder Soviet domination.o tempora! o mores! (o tempbrb omorayz) latin [o the times! o themanners!, quoting the Catilinam ofCicero (106–43 b.c.)] interjection ohwhat times! what manners! (usuallylamenting the standards of the contemporaryworld).ottava (otahvb) italian [octave]adverb (in music) an octave higheror lower than written. ~adjective(in music) an octave higher or lowerthan written.ottava rima (otahvb reemb) italian[octave rhyme] noun phrase (pluralottava rimas, otahvb reembz) (inheroic poetry) a stanza of eight-,10-, or 11-syllable lines in which thefi r st six lines rhyme alternately andthe last two form a rhyming couplet:“Wherefore, as a memorial of them, Ibought there several Legends of FemaleSaints and Martyrs, and of other Ladiesquite the reverse, and held up as warnings;all of which are written in ottavarima, and sold for three halfpence apiece”(Thomas Carlyle, Life of John Sterling,1851).ottocento (otochento) italian [eighthundred] noun the 19th century inItaly, with particular reference to Italianculture of that period.ottoman (otbmbn) french [probablyfrom Italian ottomano, itself afterOsman, I founder of the OttomanEmpire] noun an upholstered seat,couch, or sofa, usually lacking a back;may also refer to an upholstered footstoolor to a variety of corded silkor rayon fabric: “Take the armchair,Miss Cuthbert. Anne, you sit here on theottoman and don’t wiggle” (Lucy MaudMontgomery, Anne of Green Gables,1908).oubliette (oobleeet) french [fromoublier to forget] noun a small dungeonwith a trapdoor opening, inwhich prisoners may be confined andforgotten: “The royal prisoner was threatenedwith incarceration in the castle oublietteif he refused to sign the charter.”outrance (ootrahns) french [excess,from outrer to pass beyond] noun thelast extremity, the utmost: “The battlewill be a l’outrance, sith the said offencewas of a deadly sort, admitting of no composition”(Mark Twain, A ConnecticutYankee in King Arthur’s Court, 1889).outré (ootray) french [exaggerated,past participle of outrer to carry toexcess] adjective bizarre, unconventional,eccentric: “The more outré andgrotesque an incident is the more carefully305

ouzoit deserves to be examined, and the verypoint which appears to complicate a caseis, when duly considered and scientificallyhandled, the one which is most likely toelucidate it.” (Arthur Conan Doyle, TheHound of the Baskervilles, 1902).ouzo (oozo) greek noun an aniseed-flavoredGreek liqueur.ovum (ovbm) latin [egg] noun (pluralova, ovb) the female reproductiveegg, cell, or gamete.oxymoron (okseemorbn) greek [neuterof oxymoros pointedly foolish] noun(plural oxymorons or oxymora,okseemorb) a saying, expression, orword in which apparently contradictoryelements or ideas are combined:“The phrase ‘a loving enemy’ was just one ofseveral oxymorons that peppered his speech.”oyez (oyes, oyez, oiyay, oyay), oyesfrench [hear ye, imperative plural ofoïr, from Latin audire to hear] interjectionhear this! (as uttered by towncriers, court officers, etc.).oy vay (oi vay) yiddish interjectionejaculation expressing surprise, despair,or delight.306

åååpåp. See piano.p.a.P.A.See par avion; per annum.See par avion.pace (paysee, pahchay, pahkay) latin[with peace, ablative of pax peace]preposition with all due respect to,with due deference to.pachaSee pasha.pachuco (pbchooko) spanish [flashilydressed] noun a Mexican Americanyouth with a taste for fashionableclothing (usually referring to membersof Mexican American gangs); canalso refer to the slang argot used bysuch gangs.pachyderm (pakiderm) greek [pachydermosthick-skinned] noun an elephant,rhinoceros, hippopotamus, pig,or other example of thick-skinnednonruminant hoofed mammals.pacifico (pbsifiko) spanish [peaceful]noun a person of peaceful characteror intentions, a pacifist: “Journalistsdetected a waning in the influence of thepacificos in the senate.”paddy (padee) malay [from padi]noun rice, or a piece of wetland inwhich rice is grown.padre (pahdray, pahdree) spanish/italian/portuguese [from Latinpater father] noun a priest; oftenreferring to a chaplain in the armedforces: “The padre was summoned to givethe dying man the last rites.”padrone (pbdronee) italian [protector,owner, from Latin patronuspatron] noun (plural padrones,pbdroneez, or padroni, pbdronee)a master, boss, employer, or patron;may also refer to an Italian hotelproprietor or innkeeper: “But this:that I, a confidential man and a Corsican,should have to ask your pardon forbringing on board your vessel, of which Iwas Padrone, a Cervoni, who has betrayedyou—a traitor!—that is too much.”(Joseph Conrad, The Mirror of the Sea,1906).307

paeanpaean (peebn) greek [hymn of thanksgivingaddressed to Apollo, fromPaian, the Greek name for Apollo]noun a tribute or expression ofpraise, triumph, or thanksgiving: “Thisquickly took us out of range of Red-Eye,and the last we saw of him was far out ona point of land, where he was jumping upand down and chanting a paean of victory”(Jack London, Before Adam, 1906).paisan (pizahn) italian [from paisanopeasant] noun (informal) a fellowcountrymanor friend, used as a termof address between people of Italianor Spanish origin: “Hey, paisan! Howyou doin’?”paisano (pizahno) spanish [peasant,from French paysan] noun a peasantof Spanish or Italian origin; also usedas a term of address between peopleof Spanish or Italian origin.paedophiliaSee pedophilia.pak choiSee bok choy.paella (payelb, payay(l)b) spanish[pot, pan, ultimately from Latinpatella small pan] noun (in Spanishcuisine) a dish of rice, meat, seafood,and vegetables flavored withsaffron.pagoda (pbgodb) portuguese [temple,probably ultimately from Persianbutkada idol temple] noun a Buddhistor Hindu temple or sacred building,usually taking the form of a tower withseveral stories and upcurving roofs;can also refer to any other tower of asimilar design.pain au chocolat (pan o shokblah)french [bread with chocolate] nounphrase a rectangular piece of flakypastry baked with chocolate inside: “Webought fresh croissants and pain au chocolatfor breakfast.”pakora (pbkorb) hindi [dish of vegetablesin gram flour] noun an Indiansnack or appetizer consisting of piecesof vegetable or meat in seasoned batter,deep- fried, and usually servedwith a spicy dipping sauce.paladin (palbdin) french [from Italianpaladino courtier, from Latin palatinusofficer of the palace] noun aheroic champion or knight errant:“Stories are still told of the great deeds performedby the paladins of Charlemagne’scourt.”palais de danse (palay db dons)french [palace] noun phrase dancepalace, public ballroom. ~abbreviatedform palais.palazzo (pblatso) italian [from Latinpalatium palace] noun (plural palazzosor palazzi, pblatsee) a palace, mansion,or other large house in Italy, or inthe Italian style: “But, without this occupation,the life of Vronsky and of Anna, who308

pandemicwondered at his loss of interest in it, struckthem as intolerably tedious in an Italiantown; the palazzo suddenly seemed so obtrusivelyold and dirty. . .” (Leo Tolstoy, AnnaKarenina, 1874–76).palisade (palbsayd) french [from palissade,from Latin palus stake] noun apointed stake or row of pointed stakesused as a defensive barrier: “The riverslid along noiselessly as a shade, the swellingreeds and sedge forming a flexiblepalisade upon its moist brink” (ThomasHardy, Far From the Madding Crowd,1874).palladium (pblaydeebm) greek [palladionstatue of Pallas Athena] noun(plural palladiums or palladia,pblaydeeb) a statue of Pallas Athenathat was venerated in classical timesas the guardian of Troy; since appliedto anything considered a safeguard orprotection.palomino (palbmeeno) spanish [fromLatin palumbinus like a dove] noun ahorse with a tan-colored coat and whitemane and tail, or a light tan color.pampas (pampbs) spanish [fromQuecha pampa plain] plural noun agrassy plain, a prairie (usually referringspecifi cally to the extensivegrasslands of South America): “Thereare few cowboys working in the traditionalway on the pampas of SouthAmerica today.” May also refer to ayellow-green color.pan- (pan) greek [all] prefi x allor all- inclusive, e.g., panacea, pan-American.panacea (panbseeb) greek [panakeiacure-all, from panakes all-healing]noun a remedy for all ills, a universalremedy, a cure-all: “Her faith in hersolution as a panacea for the world’s illswas touching but shortlived.”panache (pbnash) french [from Italianpennachio plume, tuft, ultimatelyfrom Latin pinnaculum small wing]noun a small tuft of feathers on ahat or helmet and, by extension, flamboyance,style, verve, or confidence:“They made their entrance with a certainpanache, swords jangling and capes flappingin the breeze.”panatela (panbtelb), panatella, panetelaspanish [a long thin biscuit, ultimatelyfrom Latin panis bread] noun along, slender variety of cigar.pancetta (panchetb) italian [diminutiveof pancia belly, paunch] noun (inItalian cuisine) a variety of unsmokedbacon.pandemic (pandemik) greek [pandemosof all the people] noun awidespread outbreak, as of diseaseor panic: “Fears were raised that thecases already reported would inevitablymultiply and develop into a pandemic.”~adjective widespread, worldwide,universal.309

pandemoniumpandemonium (pandbmoneebm) greek[evil spirit] noun hell, the infernalregions; may also refer more generallyto any state of uproar, dis order, ortumult.panditSee pundit.panegyric (panbj¯ irik) greek [paneyrikosof or for a festival assembly]noun a eulogy, a hymn of praise:“Such men . . . who take all their kindnessas a matter of course, and not as a subjectfor panegyric” (George Eliot, AdamBede, 1859).panem et circeneses (panbm et serkenzeez,panbm et kerkenzayz) latin[bread and circuses] noun phrase breadand circuses, symbolizing food andentertainment (the pro vision of whichhas cynically been thought to be sufficientto keep the common populaceunder control since classical times).panetelaSee panatela.panini (pbneenee) italian [shortbread] noun a type of Italian flatbread made with extra-virgin oliveoil, often served grilled with a savoryfi lling: “I ordered a grilled chicken paninifor lunch.”pannacotta (panbkotb) italian[cooked cream] noun a set creamydessert made from cream, milk,sugar, and gelatin, originating inPiedmont, N Italy, and sometimesserved with fruit or a chocolate orcaramel sauce.panorama (panbramb, panbrahmb)greek [from pan all and horamasight] noun a wide-ranging, comprehensive,or all-round view, acyclorama; may also refer to a continuallychanging scene: “The yantagepoint offered a stunning panorama, withan unbroken view to the horizon in alldirections.”pantheon (pantheebn) greek [afterthe Pantheon temple in Rome, fromthe Greek pantheion temple of allgods, from pan and theos god] noun atemple dedicated to all the gods orotherwise honoring the dead; may alsorefer to the most celebrated personsconnected with a particular profession,art, trade, or sport: “His namejoins that of other greats in the pantheonof baseball.”panzer (panzbr, pantsbr) german[tank, armor, coat of mail, from OldFrench panche belly] noun a tank (usuallyreferring to the tanks of theGerman army in World War II): “TheGerman panzers rolled across the borderat dawn and met little resistance.” ~adjectiveof or relating to a panzer tank orpanzer tank force.papabile (papabeelee, papabili) italian[likely to be pope] adjective ofor relating to someone who is considereda likely candidate for pope.310

paranoia~noun (plural papabili, papabeelee) alikely candidate for pope.paparazzo (papbratso) italian [aftera fictional photographer called Paparazzoin the film La DolceVita (1960) byFederico Fellini (1920–93)] noun (pluralpaparazzi, papbratsee) an independentor freelance press photographerwho specializes in photo graphing therich and famous, regardless of theirconsent: “The princess was hounded bypaparazzi all her life.”papier-mâché (payper mbshay, papyaymashay) french [chewed paper] nouna mixture of pulped paper and glueor flour used as a modeling material:“The children made masks out of papiermâché.”~adjective of or relating tosuch material; can also refer moregenerally to anything artificial, fake,or unreal.papillote (papeeyot, papeelot) french[from papillon butterfly] noun a greasedpaper wrapper in which meat or otherfood is cooked: “The fish was cooked enpapillote.” ~adjective of or relating tosuch a wrapper.papoose (papoos) narragansett[from papoòs] noun a young child orbaby (originally one of Native Americanparentage).paprika (pbpreekb) hungarian [fromSerbo-Croat papar ground pepper]noun a condiment made from theground dried pods of cultivated sweetpeppers. ~adjective of or relating to adish flavored with paprika.papyrus (pbpirbs) greek [papurospaper reed] noun (plural papyruses orpapyri, pbpiree) a variety of sedge(Cyperus papyrus) grown in the NileValley and, by extension, a form ofpaper made from such grasses oranything written on scrolls made ofthis material. ~adjective of or relatingto such grasses or paper made fromthem: “Instead of speech with a Pythia ora Sibyl, they will sell you a plain papyrusleaf, hardly dry from the stalk, and bid youdip it in the water of a certain fountain,when it will show you a verse in which youmay hear of your future” (Lew Wallace,Ben Hur, 1880).par (pahr) latin [one that is equal,a match] noun equality, a commonlevel, an average norm, or an acceptedstandard (specifically a golf term, andused more generally by extension):“His game was below par last season.”par.See parenthesis.paralysis (pbralbsis) greek [wrongloosening, from paralyeing to loosen,to disable] noun (plural paralyses,pbralbseez) a loss of the ability to feelor move; by extension, any powerlessnessor inability or failure to act.paranoia (parbnoib) greek [madness,derangement, from paranous demented]311

paraphernalianoun a mental disorder characterizedby delusions of grandeur or of persecutionor involving obsessive distrust ofothers.paraphernalia (parbfbnaylyb) greek[parapherna bride’s property beside thedowry] plural noun an individual’spersonal belongings or, more generally,any miscellaneous collection ofaccessories, effects, equipment, orfurnishings: “The lorry was loaded withall the paraphernalia necessary for anArctic expedition.”parasol (parbsol) french [from Italianparasole, from parare to shield andsole sun] noun a light, portable sunshaderesembling an umbrella: “Each ofthe ladies carried a parasol to shield theirdelicate skin from the blazing sun.”paratha (pbrahtb) hindi noun (inIndian cuisine) a flat cake of unleavenedbread.par avion (pahr aveebn) french [byairplane] adverb phrase by air (relatingto letters and other items to be sent byairmail). ~abbreviated from P.A., p.a.par éminence (pahr embnons) french[by eminence] adverb phrase preeminently.parenthesis (pbrenthbsis) greek [actof inserting, from parentithenaito insert] noun (plural parentheses,pbren thbseez) a digression orexplanatory word or phrase insertedinto a text to provide additional information:“‘Not much, I fear,’ returned mymother. ‘Not so much as I could wish.But Mr. Copperfield was teaching me—’(‘Much he knew about it himself!’) saidMiss Betsey in a parenthesis.” (CharlesDickens, David Copperfield, 1849–50).~abbreviated form par.par excellence (pahr eksblons) french[by excellence] adjective phrase thebest of its kind, preeminent: “He is agreat guy, and a raconteur par excellence.”~adverb phrase particularly, above allothers.par exemple (pahr egsompbl) french[for example] adverb phrase for example,for instance. ~abbreviated formp.e., p. ex.parfait (pahrfay) french [perfect]noun a frozen flavored custardmade with whipped cream andsyrup, or a dessert comprising layersof ice cream, fruit, syrup, andwhipped cream and usually served ina tall glass.pariah (pbrib) tamil [from paraiyanhereditary drummer] noun a memberof a low caste in India; by extension,any social outcast: “After thescandal he became a pariah, barred fromall the houses in fashionable Boston.”pari passu (paree pasoo, pareepasoo) latin [with equal step] adverb312

parthenogenesisphrase at an equal rate of progress,equally, on an equal footing, side byside, without bias: “The proceeds ofthe deal will be distributed pari passubetween the relatives.”parka (pahkb) aleut [skin jacket,from northern Russian dialect] nouna hooded weatherproof jacket (asoriginally worn by Eskimos).parkour (pahrkoor) french [fromparcours course, from Latin percursusrunning through] noun a physicaldiscipline, usually practiced in urbanareas, in which participants attemptto complete the course in the fastestand most direct manner possible,overcoming what ever obstacles theyencounter by a variety of techniquesinvolving running, jumping, climbing,and dropping; also known as “freerunning.” ~abbreviated form PK.parmigiana (pahrmeejahnb) italian[of Parma] adjective made with ortopped with Parmesan cheese: “EggplantParmigiana is a pop u lar Neapolitandish.”parole (pbrol) french [word, promise,ultimately from Latin parabolaspeech, parable] noun the releaseof a convicted prisoner on conditionof good behavior: “When he had communicatedthis bright idea, which had itsorigin in the perusal by the village croniesof a newspaper, containing, among othermatters, an account of how some officerpending the sentence of some court-martialhad been enlarged on parole, Mr.Willet drew back from his guest’s ear. . .”(Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge,1841). Can also refer to a passwordor watchword known only to sentriesor guards. ~verb to release a prisoneron parole.Parousia (pahruuzeeb) greek [presence]noun (in Christian theology)the Second Coming of Jesus Christ toEarth, prophesied to take place at theend of the ages.parquet (pahrkay, pahrkay) french[small enclosure, from parc park]noun a type of flooring consistingof inlaid wood blocks; can also referto the ground floor in a theater or tothe area immediately in front of thestage. ~verb to lay a floor of woodenblocks.parterre (pahrtair) french [from parterre on the ground] noun a formalornamental garden or a level area onwhich a house of village is built; canalso refer to the ground fl oor of atheater: “The charms of a parterre aredaily be-rhymed in verse, and vaunted inprose, but the beauties of a vegetable gardenseldom meet with the admiration theymight claim” (Susan Fenimore Cooper,Elinor Wyllys, 1846).parthenogenesis (pahrthbnojenbsis)greek [parthenos virgin and Latingenesis genesis] noun reproduction in313

partimwhich the egg develops without beingfertilized (common among certainclasses of plants and invertebrates).partim (pahrtim) latin [in part]adverb in part.parti pris (pahrtee pree) french[side taken] noun phrase (plural partispris) prejudice, bias, partiality, apreconceived opinion. ~adjective phraseprejudiced, biased, partial.partita (pahrteetb) italian [dividedinto parts, from partire to divide] noun(plural partitas or partite, pahteetay)(in music) an instrumental suite comprisingvariations written for a soloplayer or chamber ensemble.parvenu (pahrvbnoo, pahrvbnyoo)french [one who has arrived, pastparticiple of parvenir to arrive] nouna person who has only recentlyacquired wealth, status, or power; anupstart, one of the nouveaux riches.~noun, feminine parvenue a femaleparvenu. ~adjective of or relating tosuch an upstart: “Only old CatherineMingott, with her absence of moral prejudicesand almost parvenu indifference tothe subtler distinctions, might have bridgedthe abyss. . .” (Edith Wharton, The Age ofInnocence, 1920).pas (pa) french [pace, step, fromLatin passus step] noun right of precedence,the right to go first; can alsorefer to a step in classical dance.pas de chat (pa db sha) french [stepof cat] noun phrase a catlike forwardspringingleap in classical ballet: “Thedancer executed a perfect pas de chat andstruck a pose of cheerful defiance at thefront of the stage.”pas de deux (pa db db, pa db doo)french [step of two] noun phrase aduet for two dancers; may also referto a relationship or activity in whichtwo people or things participate: “Thelovers were engaged in a kind of pas dedeux, oblivious of everyone around them.”pas devant (pa dbvon(g)) french[not in front of] adverb phrase notin front of the children (or otherspresent), not appropriate in presentcompany.pasha (pahshb, pashb, pbshah), pachaturkish [from pasa, ultimately fromPersian padshah king, lord] noun aperson of consequence or high officein northern Africa or Turkey: “AndLansing and Strefford were left to watchthe departure of the happy Pasha ensconcedbetween attentive beauties” (Edith Wharton,Glimpses of the Moon, 1922).paso doble (paso doblay) spanish[double step] noun phrase (plural pasodobles) a brisk ballroom dancebased on Latin American rhythms, orthe music accompanying this.pasquinade (paskwbnayd) french[from Italian pasquinato, after Pasquino,314

patatas bravasthe name of a statue in Rome wherelampoons were posted] noun a satireor lampoon, usually anonymous.pass.See passim.passacaglia (pahsbkahlyb) italian[from Spanish pasar to pass and callestreet] noun a musical compositionconsisting of continuous variationsover a ground bass in slow triple time;also a courtly dance performed tosuch music.passé (pasay) french [past, pastparticiple of passer to pass] adjectiveoutmoded, outdated, behind thetimes, antiquated, past one’s prime:“The philosophy of the interwar generationwas dismissed as passé by the enfants terriblesthat emerged after the liberation.”passe-partout (paspertoo, paspahrtoo),passepartout french[pass everywhere] noun a master keyor pass that allows the holder to crossborders at will; can also refer to aframe or border in which a picturemay be displayed.pas seul (pa se(r)l, pa sbl) french[solo step] noun phrase (plural passeuls) a dance or sequence of stepsfor a solo performer.passim (pasim, pasbm) latin [scattered,from passus, past participle ofpandere to spread] adverb mentionedhere and there, mentioned in variousplaces (in bibliographical notes).~abbreviated form pass.pastiche (pasteesh) french [from Italianpasticcio pasty] noun a compositework of art incorporating selectionsfrom other works, or a work of art createdin imitation of the style of anotherartist, author, or composer.pastille (pastbl, pastil) french [fromLatin pastillus small loaf] noun a fl a -vored or medicated lozenge or candy:“. . .its rooms and passages steamed withhospital smells, the drug and the pastillestriving vainly to overcome the effluviaof mortality” (Charlotte Brontë, JaneEyre, 1847).pastis (pastees) french [jumble]noun a French liqueur flavored withaniseed.pastorale (pastbrahl, pastbral) italian[shepherdlike, from pastore shepherd]noun (plural pastorales or pastorali,pastbrahlee) an opera or otherinstrumental or vocal composition ona rural theme.pastrami (pbstrahmee) yiddish [fromRomanian pastrama pressed and curedmeat, possibly of Turkish origin] nouna highly seasoned shoulder cut ofsmoked beef.patatas bravas (pbtahtbs brahvbs)spanish [fierce potatoes] plural nouncrispy fried potato cubes topped with315

patisserie (pbtisbree) french [frompâtisserie pastry, bakery, from pasticierto make pastry, ultimately from Latinpasta paste] noun a pastry or a bakpâtéa spicy tomato sauce, often served asan element of tapas.pâté (patay), pate french [paste]noun a rich spread made withchopped or seasoned meat, liver, orfi sh.pâté de foie gras (patay db fwah gra)french [pbté of fat liver] noun phrase(plural pâtés de foie gras) a richpâté made with fatted goose liver.patella (pbtelb) latin [diminutive ofpatina shallow dish] noun (plural patellasor patellae, pbtelee, pbteli) akneecap; can also refer in botany, zoology,etc. to any panlike or cuplikeshape: “The x-ray clearly showed a fractureof the patella.”pater (patbr) latin [father] noun father;may also be used as an abbreviatedform of paternoster.paterfamilias (patbrfbmileebs, pahtbrfbmileebs,paytbrfbmileebs) latin[from pater father and familias household]noun (plural patresfamilias,patreez fbmileebs, pahtreezfbmileebs,paytreezfbmileebs) the father of afamily, the head of a household.paternoster (pahtbrnostbr, patbrnostbr)latin [from pater noster our father,from the opening words of the Lord’sPrayer] noun the Lord’s Prayer, ormusic written to accompany it; canalso refer to any form of words recitedas a prayer or charm.pathétique (patheteek) french [moving]adjective (in music) moving,with feeling.pathos (paythos, paythos, pathos)greek [feeling, emotion, suffering,from pathein to experience, to suffer]noun a feeling or expression of sympathyor pity, or something that evokespity, compassion, or tenderness: “Thepathos of the plight of the refugees wasin escapable and overwhelming.”patina (pbteenb, patbnb) italian[shallow dish] noun a green film thatappears naturally on copper or bronzewith time through oxidation and henceany surface shine or gloss that an objectacquires with age or exposure to acids:“He glanced once at his favorite tree, elmtwigs against the gold patina of sky, andfumbled for sleep as for a drug” (SinclairLewis, Babbitt, 1922).patio (pateeo) spanish [outdoor space]noun a courtyard, terrace, or otherarea adjoining a house that is suitablefor various outdoor activities, such aseating meals or relaxing in the sun:“She was waiting for her husband on thepatio, a cocktail in each hand.”316

pedophiliaery where French pastries are madeor sold: “A good patisserie is an essentialfeature of the typical French townscape.”patois (patwah) french [roughspeech, possibly from Old Frenchpatoier to handle roughly] noun (pluralpatois, patwahz) a nonstandard dialect,the language of a particular socialgroup or trade, jargon.pavane (pbvan), pavan french [fromItalian dialect panano of Padua] nouna formal, stately court dance of the16th century, or music written toaccompany this.pax (paks, pahks) latin [peace, harmony]noun peace, especially peace ininternational relations; may also refer tothe kiss of peace during the Mass.pax Romana (paks romahnb, pahksromahnb) latin [Roman peace] nounphrase the period of peace and prosperitythat existed under the rule ofancient Rome; may also refer generallyto ancient Roman culture andcivilization.pax vobiscum (paks vobiskbm, pahksvobiskbm) latin [peace with you]interjection peace be with you: “Ashe opened the door, the Milesian featuresof Father McShane presented themselves,and from their center proceeded the clericalbenediction in Irish-sounding Latin, Paxvobiscum!” (Oliver Wendell Holmes,Elsie Venner, 1859–60).paysan (payzan) french [country]noun a peasant or a person from thecountry (usually in a French-speakingcountry). ~adjective peasant style: “Thispaysan style of cookery has become verypopular among chefs in recent years.”p.c.p.d.p.e.See percent.See per diem.See par exemple.peccadillo (pekbdilo) spanish [littlesin, diminutive of pecado sin] noun(plural peccadillos or peccadilloes)a minor vice, a trifling offense orpetty fault: “The papers are always fullof revelations about the peccadillos ofpublic figures.”peccavi (pekahvee) latin [I havesinned] interjection an acknowledgmentof sin or error: “‘O, I say, Maggie,’said Tom at last, lifting up the stand, ‘wemust keep quiet here, you know. If we breakanything, Mrs. Stelling’ll make us cry peccavi’”(George Eliot, The Mill on theFloss, 1860). ~noun an admission orconfession of sin or error.pecorino (pekbreeno) italian [ofewes, from pecora sheep] noun asharp-flavored hard Italian cheesemade from sheep’s milk, mainly usedon pasta dishes.pedophilia (peedbfileeb) greek [paichild and philia loving] noun perverse317

peignoirsexual desire for children: “The oldman disappeared from the area after hewas accused of pedophilia.”peignoir (paynwahr, penwahr) french[garment worn while combing thehair, from peigner to comb] noun awoman’s loose dressing gown, bathrobe,or negligee.peloton (pelbton) french [from Latinpila ball] noun the main pack or fieldof riders in a bicycle race.penchant (penchbnt) french [presentparticiple of pencher to incline,ultimately from Latin pendere to weigh]noun a strong inclination or taste, aliking or leaning for something: “Theywere going from end to end of the countryin all manner of useful missionary capacities;their penchant for wandering, andtheir experience in it, made them altogetherthe most effective spreaders of civilizationwe had” (Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankeein King Arthur’s Court, 1889).pendulum (pendyoolbm, penjoolbm)latin [hanging thing, from pendulushanging, swinging] noun (pluralpendulums or pendula, pendyoolb,penjoolb) a weight suspended insuch a way that it can swing freelyfrom side to side under the force ofgravity (as employed in clocks); canalso refer more generally to anythingthat oscillates between opposites:“Public opinion is the pendulum by whichpolitical success is measured in a moderndemocracy.”penetralia (penbtrayleeb) latin [innermostthings, neuter plural of penetralisinner] noun the innermost or mostprivate, hidden parts or recesses ofsomeone or something: “‘Yea,’ was theconcise reply of the Cameronian leader, ina voice which seemed to issue from the verypenetralia of his person.” (Walter Scott,Waverley, 1814).penne (penay) italian [plural ofpenna pen, quill] noun a variety ofpasta shaped into diagonally cut cylinders,or a dish incorporating suchpasta.pensée (ponsay) french [thought]noun a thought, idea.pension (penshbn) french [ultimatelyfrom Latin pendere to pay] noun aboardinghouse or small hotel offeringaccommodation at a fixed rate(in France or various other Europeancountries): “She sought seclusion from thepublic gaze in a shabby pension in unfashionablecentral France.”pentathlon (pentathlbn, pentathlahn)greek [five contests, from penta fi veand athlon contest] noun an athleticevent in which contests competein fi ve different disciplines (crosscountry,running, fencing, shooting,horseback riding, and swimming).318

perestroikaper (per) latin [through, by] prepositionthrough, by means of, for each,during, according to, as instructed:“Please carry out the tasks per the directionson the sheet provided.”per annum (per anbm) latin [throughthe year] adverb phrase annually,yearly, every year, for each year, bythe year: “The enterprise brings in overtwo million dollars per annum.” ~abbreviatedforms p.a., per an.per ardua ad astra (per ahrdyoob adastrb) latin [through difficulties tothe stars] noun phrase through difficulties to the stars (the motto ofBritain’s Royal Air Force). See also adastra per ardua.per capita (per kapitb) latin [by heads]adverb phrase for each person, by eachperson, equally among individuals.~adjective phrase for each person, byeach person: “The jury is consideringpaying a per capita sum to all those whoare represented in the lawsuit.”percent (persent), per cent latin[from per centum by hundred] adjectivephrase in the hundred, for orin every hundred: “She was awarded athree percent salary increase.” ~abbreviatedform p.c.per contra (per kontrb) latin [by theopposite side (of the ledger)] adverbphrase on the contrary, by way ofcontrast, on the other hand. ~abbreviatedform per con.per curiam (per kyooreeam) latin[by a court] adjective phrase (in law)denoting a decision correctly madeby a court, which therefore sets apre ce dent.per diem (per deebm, per dibm) latin[by the day] adverb phrase daily, eachday, by the day, day by day: “And havingfinished burnishing his arms, he sate downpatiently to compute how much half a dollarper diem would amount to at the end of asix months’ campaign. . .” (Walter Scott, ALegend of Montrose, 1819). ~noun phrase(plural per diems) a daily payment, fee,or allowance. ~abbreviated form p.d.perdu (perdoo, perdyoo), perduefrench [lost, past participle of perdreto lose] adjective out of sight, concealed,hidden, undiscovered, unnoticed,secluded.père (pair) french [father] adjectivefather, senior, older.perestroika (perbstroikb) russian[restructuring, reconstruction] nounthe economic and bureaucratic reformprogram that was introduced in theSoviet Union in the 1980s; may alsorefer to any economic or politicalreorganization: “A policy of culturalperestroika is needed to revitalize the artsin modern eastern Europe.”319

pergolapergola (pergblb) italian [from Latinpergula projecting roof, from pergere tocome forward] noun a trellis, arbor,or other similar structure: “They foundthe old man sitting in a rocking chair inthe pergola, a gun resting on his lap.”peri- (peree) greek [around or about]prefix around or surrounding, e.g.,perimenopause, perinatal.per incuriam (per inkyooreeam) latin[through lack of care] adjective phrase (inlaw) denoting a decision made by acourt without due regard to the factsor the law, which a subsequent courtfinds to be mistaken, and which thereforedoes not set a pre ce dent.peripeteia (perbpbteeb, perbpbtib),peripetia greek [falling around,from peripiptein to fall around, tochange suddenly] noun an abruptreversal of circumstances or changeof fortune.periphrasis (pbrifrbsbs) greek [periphrazeinto declare] noun (pluralperiphrases, pbrifrbseez) circumlocution,a roundabout means ofexpression.per mensem (per mensbm) latin [bythe month] adverb phrase monthly,each month, by the month, everymonth.perpetuum mobile (perpetyoobmmobili, perpetyoobm mobilay) latin[perpetually moving thing] noun phraseperpetual motion or a machine thatruns by perpetual motion.per proSee per procurationem.per procurationem (per prokyo orateeonbm)latin [by agency] adverbphrase by proxy, on the authority ofa deputy or agent. ~abbreviated formsper pro, p.p. Strictly speaking whenused in a letter the abbreviation p.p.should precede the name of the personsigning the letter. “In modernusage the abbreviation is frequentlyinterpreted as ‘for and on behalf of’and placed before the name of theperson on whose behalf the letter issigned. This ‘incorrect’ sequence isso well-established that the correctusage could lead to misunderstanding”(Bloomsbury Good Word Guide,edited by Martin H. Manser).per quod (per kwod) latin [by which]adverb phrase (in law) whereby orby reason of which, i.e., based onexternal circumstances: “The statementis not slander per se but slander per quod –its defamatory nature is not immediatelyapparent, but depends on knowledge ofextrinsic facts.”per se (per say, per see) latin [byitself] adverb phrase in or by itselfor themselves, intrinsically, as such:“Should computer hacking per se be outlawedas a crime?”320

petitepersiflage (persiflahzh) french[from persifler to banter, from perthrough and siffler to whistle] nounlighthearted, frivolous conversation;banter, teasing.persona (personb) latin [actor’smask, character in a play] noun (pluralpersonas or personae, personee,personi) an individual’s character orpersonality; a public or private guise orrole: “The great actor’s last appearance wasin the persona of a mouse in an eminentlyforgettable Broadway comedy.”persona grata (personb grahtb, personbgratb) latin [an acceptableperson] noun phrase (plural personagrata or personae gratae, personeegrahtee) an individual who is consideredpersonally acceptable or admissible(usually relating to the status ofindividuals in diplomatic relations).persona non grata (personb nongrahtb, personb non gratb) latin [anunacceptable person] noun phrase (pluralpersona non grata or personaenon gratae, personee non grahtee)an individual who is considered personallyunacceptable or inadmissible(often relating to the status of individualsin diplomatic relations): “Theauthorities decreed that the journalistwas now persona non grata, and he madepreparations to leave the country.”personnel (persbnel) french [staff,from Latin personalis personal] pluralnoun the employees or staff of anorganization or company: “The personnelof the organization will have to bereduced by half if these financial targetsare to be met.”per stirpes (per sterpeez) latin [bydescendants, from per through andstirps family, descendants] adverb phraseby stocks or branches (legal term referringto the assignment of equal sharesamong the inheritors of an estate).pesto (pesto) italian [pounded,from pestare to pound] noun (in Italiancuisine) a sauce made with freshcrushed basil, garlic, pine nuts, gratedcheese, and olive oil.pétillant (petiyon(g)) french [sparkling,lively] adjective slightly sparkling(of wine).petit bourgeois (pbtee borzhwah)french [little citizen] noun phrase (pluralpetits bourgeois) a member ofthe petite bourgeoisie (the lower middleclass). ~noun phrase, feminine petitebourgeoise (pbteet borzhwahz) afemale member of the petite bourgeoisie.~adjective phrase of or relating tothe petite bourgeoisie, conventional.petite (pbteet) french [little, feminineof petit] adjective trim, slight,small (usually referring to a woman’sfigure): “She was an attractive girl withblonde hair and a petite figure.”321

petite bourgeoisiepetite bourgeoisie (pbteet borzhwahzee)french [little bourgeoisie]noun phrase the lower middle class,characterized by limited, conventionalopinions and attitudes: “Thecountry’s leaders were terrified of offendingthe petite bourgeoisie, and decidednot to act.”petit four (petee for, pbtee for)french [small oven] noun phrase (pluralpetit fours or petits fours) asmall cake or biscuit (often servedwith coffee at the end of a meal).petit mal (pbtee mal) french [littlesickness] noun phrase epilepsy in itsmilder form: “The emperor’s adviserswere worried that one day their leaderwould display the symptoms of petit mal inpublic.” See also grand mal.petit pain (pbtee pan(g)) french[little bread] noun phrase (plural petitspains) a small bread roll.petit point (pbtee pwan(g)) french[small point] noun phrase a tentstitch or a piece of embroidery madewith such small stitches.petits pois (pbtee pwah) french[small peas] plural noun small younggreen peas.p. ex. See par exemple.peyote (payotee) mexican spanish[from Nahuatl peyotl] noun asmall spineless cactus of Mexico andthe southwest United States; also ahallucinogenic drug prepared frommescal buttons, the tubercles of thepeyote.phaeton (faybtbn) greek [after Phaëthon,the son of the sun god Heliosin Greek legend, his name fromphaethon shining] noun a light fourwheeledhorse-drawn open carriage;subsequently applied to touring cars:“Yonder, where that phaeton with thewell-clipped pair of grays has stopped—standing at their heads now—is a Yorkshiregroom. . .” (Charles Dickens, AmericanNotes, 1842).phalanx (faylanks, falanks) greek[battle line] noun (plural phalanxesor phalanges, faylanjeez, falanjeez) aformation of troops in close array; byextension, any closely massed bodyof people, animals, or things: “Theprotesters were faced with a phalanx ofpolice officers backed by a rank of armoredvehicles.”phallus (falbs) greek [phallos penis,symbol of the penis] noun (pluralphalluses or phalli, fali, falee) thepenis, or a representation or symbolof the penis.pharmacopoeia (farmbkbpeeb), pharmacopeiagreek [pharmakopoiiapreparation of drugs] noun a bookde scribing drugs and their preparation,or a stock of such drugs.322

pianissimopharynx (farinks) greek [pharunx]noun (plural pharynxes or pharynges,fbrinjeez) the cavity lined withmucous membrane that connects thenose and mouth to the esophagus.phenomenon (fbnombnbn) greek[phainesthai to appear] noun (pluralphenomenons or phenomena,fbnombnb) an observable happening,event, or fact, especially one thatis considered out of the ordinary: “Thenew book gives fresh scientific explanationsof natural phenomena.” Can also referto individuals who have distinguishedthemselves through their talent orintelligence.- phile (fil) greek [from philos loving]suffix love or fondness for, e.g.,Anglophile, bibliophile.phobia (fobeeb) greek [phobos fear]noun an exaggerated or irrationalfear or dislike of someone orsomething: “Her anxiety about caloriesamounts almost to a phobia toward foodof all kinds.”- phobia (fobeeb) latin [from Greekphobos fear] suffix irrational fear ordislike of: claustrophobia, homophobia.phoenix (feeniks) greek [from phoinix]noun (plural phoenixes) inclassical mythology, a bird that every500 years burns itself to ashes in afi re in order to rise reborn from thefl ames; can refer more generally toanyone or anything that rises anewafter some setback or disaster: “Thecity has risen like a phoenix from the ashesof the old town.”phylloSee filo.phylum (filbm) greek [phylon tribe,race] noun (plural phylums or phyla,filb) a primary division of the animalor plant kingdoms; also applicable inclassifying languages: “Prof. Huxley . . .says that he considers the phylum or linesof descent of the Vertebrata to be admirablydiscussed by Haeckel, although he differson some points” (Charles Darwin, TheDescent of Man, 1871).physique (fbzeek) french [physical,bodily, ultimately from Latin physicusof nature] noun the physical structureand characteristics of an individual:“The ladies present admired thestrongman’s magnificent physique.”pi (pi) greek [from pei, an abbreviationof periphereia periphery] nounthe 16th letter of the Greek alphabet;also the name for the mathematicalnumber expressing the ratio ofthe circumference of a circle to itsdiameter and of a symbol representingthis.pianissimo (peebnisbmo) italian[very softly] adverb (in music) to beplayed or sung very softly. ~adjective (inmusic) very soft. ~noun (plural pianissimosor pianissimi, peeb nisbmee) (in323

pianomusic) a very soft passage. ~abbreviatedform pp.piano (peeano, peeahno) italian[soft, ultimately from Latin planussmooth] adverb (in music) tobe played or sung softly. ~adjective(in music) soft ~abbreviated formp. ~noun a keyboard instrument(a pianoforte) capable of beingplayed either softly or loudly, themetal strings within the body beingsounded by hammers operated whenthe keys are depressed and the volumebeing controlled by the pressureon the keys and through the useof foot pedals.piazza (peeatzb) italian [broadstreet] noun (plural piazzas or piazze,peeatzee) a large open square inthe middle of a town or city (usuallyreferring to Italian towns); may alsorefer more widely to any roofed galleryor arcade: “The piazza was suddenlyfull of dancing, singing people.”pibroch (peebrbkh) scottish gaelic[from piobaireachd art of piping]noun a piece of mournful or martialmusic for the Scottish bagpipes with aseries of variations on a theme.picaresque (pikbresk, peekbresk)french [from Spanish picaresco] adjectiveof or relating to a rogue or rascal;may also refer to a type of novel writtenin a wandering, illogical style: “Hissquare face was confident, his foxy mustachewas picaresque.” (Sinclair Lewis,Main Street, 1920).piccolo (pikblo) italian [from fl autopiccolo small flute] noun a small flutepitched an octave higher than an ordinaryflute.picot (peeko) french [small point,from piquer to prick] noun a smallloop of ribbon or lace forming part ofan ornamental edging to a fabric.pièce de résistance (pies db rezistons,pies db rayzistons) french [piece ofresistance] noun phrase (plural piècesde résistance) the chief attraction,the main event or most importantitem (often referring to theprincipal dish of a meal): “The dessertturned out to be the chef’s pièce derésistance.”pièce d’occasion (pies dokayzhbn)french [a piece of occasion] nounphrase (plural pièces d’occasion)a literary or musical work created fora particular occasion.pièce noire (pies nwahr) french[black piece] noun phrase (plural piècesnoires) a play or movie with agloomy, pessimistic, or tragic tone.pièce rose (pies roz) french [rosypiece] noun phrase (plural pièces roses)a play, movie, or other artistic workwith an entertaining, optimistictone.324

piquantpied-à-terre (peeayd b tair) french[foot to ground] noun phrase (pluralpieds-à-terre) a temporary lodgingor occasional residence; a homebase: “They live in the countryside buthave a pied-à-terre in London.”pierrot (peebro), Pierrot french[diminutive of Pierre Peter] noun awhite-faced clown of traditionalFrench pantomime, typically dressedin a loose-fitting all-white costume:“She decided to buy a small pierrot doll totake home as a souvenir.”pietà (peeaytah), Pietà italian [pity,from Latin pietas piety] noun an artisticrepresentation of the Virgin Marygrieving over the crucified Christ.pilaf (pilaf, peelaf), pilaff, pilau(pilow, peelow), pilaw (pilaw, peelaw)turkish [from Persian pilav boiled riceand meat] noun (in Middle Eastern andIndian cuisine) a dish of seasonedrice and meat, fish, and vegetables.piña colada (peenyb kblahdb), pinacolada (peenb kblahdb) spanish[strained pineapple] noun phrase analcoholic drink made with rum, pineapplejuice, and cream of coconut.piñata (peenyahtb) spanish [fromItalian pignatta, from Latin pinea pinecone] noun a container filled withcandies and small toys and suspendedfrom the ceiling at a party, especially achildren’s party, for blindfolded gueststo hit with a stick until it breaks openand the contents fall out.pince-nez (pans nay) french [frompincer to pinch and nez nose] nounspectacles that are clipped to the noseby a spring: “His aunt, as aunts are all tooapt to do, stared at him witheringly over herpince-nez.”pinetum (pineetbm) latin [pinegrove, from pinus pine] noun (pluralpineta, pineetb) a plantation of pinetrees or other coniferous trees: “Thepinetum includes many rare species.”pinto (pinto) spanish [spotted,painted] noun (plural pintos or pintoes)a horse or pony having a coatwith white patches. ~adjective pied,mottled, skewbald.pinxit (pinksit) latin [he/she painted]noun he/she painted it (referring tothe artist of a painting). ~abbreviatedform pinx., pnxt.pipette (pipet), pipet french [diminutiveof pipe pipe, cask] noun a tubeinto which a small quantity of liquid orgas can be withdrawn and retained formeasuring, as widely used in scientificlaboratories: “The professor drew some ofthe liquid up into a pipette and scrutinizedthe contents quizzically.”piquant (peekon(g)) french [stinging,stimulating, present participle of325

piquepiquer to prick, to sting] adjective spicy,tasty, appetizing, tart, bitter, pungent;may also refer to a character who isdeemed witty or provocative: “The meatwas served in a wonderful piquant sauce.”pique (peek) french [from piquerto prick] noun resentment, woundedvanity, annoyance: “She flounced out ofthe room in a fit of pique.” ~verb to irritate,provoke, offend, annoy, vex.piqué (peekay) french [pricked] nouna stiff fabric woven with a raised orribbed pattern.piripiri (pireepiree) portuguese[from a Bantu language, pepper]noun a very spicy sauce made withred chilli peppers, used in Portuguese,African, and Brazilian cuisine:“My chicken piripiri was so hot I felt likemy mouth was on fire.”pirouette (pirooet) french [whirl,possibly from pivot pivot and girouetteweathervane] noun a rapid full turnof the body (as in ballet). ~verb to spinthe body in such a manner: “And gayestof all was Mrs. Darling, who would pirouetteso wildly that all you could see of herwas the kiss, and then if you had dashed ather you might have got it” (J. M. Barrie,Peter Pan, 1904).pis aller (peez alay), pis-aller french[to go worst] noun phrase (plural pisallers, peez alay, peez alayz) anexpedient, a last resort.Pisces (piseez) latin [fi shes] pluralnoun (in astronomy) the Fishes,a large constellation mainly in thenorthern hemi sphere; (in astrology)the 12th sign of the zodiac, occurringbetween Aquarius and Aries.piscine (pisin) latin [from piscis fi sh]adjective of or relating to a fish orfi shes: “A new system has been developedfor the diagnosis of piscine diseases in fishfarms.”pissoir (piswahr) french [from pisserto urinate] noun a public urinal(especially one in a French-speakingcountry).piste (peest) french [track, frompistare to trample down, to pound]noun a downhill ski run: “The avalanchethreatened to engulf several skiers onthe piste.”pita (peetb), pitta greek [bread,cake] noun (in Mediterranean and Arabcuisine) a flat oval-shaped unleavenedbread often eaten stuffed withmeat or vegetables.piton (peeton(g)) french [eye-bolt]noun a metal spike or peg used inmountaineering to secure ropes to arock or ice surface.Pittura Metafisica (pitoorb metbfizikb)italian [metaphysical painting]noun phrase an Italian art movementfounded in 1917 by Giorgio326

plateaude Chirico and Carlo Carrà. Using arealistic style and the juxtaposition ofunlikely objects, the paint ers created adreamlike atmosphere.più (pyoo, peeoo) italian [plus]adverb (in music) more: “piu forte.”pizzeria (peetsbreeb) italian [frompizza] noun a restaurant or otherestablishment where pizzas are madeor served: “The pizzeria has become apopular meeting place for students.”pizzicato (pitsikahto) italian [plucking,past participle of pizzicare topluck] noun (plural pizzicatos or pizzicati,pitsikahtee) a piece of musicplucked rather than played with abow. ~adverb (in music) plucked.~adjective (in music) plucked.PKSee parkour.placebo (plbseebo) latin [I shallplease] noun (plural placebos orplaceboes) a medication or othertreatment that soothes a patient psychologicallywithout having any realeffect on any actual physical complaint;can also refer more generallyto anything that soothes or placates:“This announcement by the president isnothing more than a placebo designed tocalm worried supporters.”placenta (plbsentb) latin [fromGreek plakous fl at cake] noun avascular structure in the uterus of apregnant woman or other mammal,which nourishes the fetus through theumbilical cord, and which is expelledafter the birth of the baby; also knownas “afterbirth”: “Many animals eat theirplacenta to gain nutrition.”placet (playset, plaket) latin [itpleases] noun an expression or voteof approval or assent.plaque (plak) french [metal sheet,from plaquier to plate, from MiddleDutch placke piece] noun a flat plateor tablet of metal, porcelain, wood, orother material: “The president unveiled aplaque in memory of the soldiers who diedin the war.” Can also refer to an ornamentalbrooch, ornament, or badge,or to a sticky deposit on the surfaceof a tooth.plasma (plazmb) latin [mold, fromGreek plassein to shape] noun thecolorless fluid part of blood or lymph,in which the corpuscles and plateletsare suspended: “A plasma transfusionincreases the amount of blood- clottingfactors in a patient who bleeds excessively.”plat du jour (pla db zhoor) french[plate of the day] noun phrase (pluralplats du jour) a dish that is identifiedas the dish of the day in a restaurant.plateau (plato, plato) french [platter,from plat fl at, ultimately from327

plauditGreek platus broad, flat] noun (pluralplateaus or plateaux, platoz, platoz)a level area of elevated tableland; canalso refer to any period, condition,or level of stability: “She felt she hadreached a plateau in her life and could notsee any way forward.”plaudit (plodit) latin [from plaudereto applaud] noun a round of applauseor expression of approval: “The castgraciously acknowledged the plaudits ofthe spectators before leaving the stage.”plaza (plazb, plahzb) spanish [fromLatin platea broad street] noun apublic square or other open area in atown or city; can also refer to a shoppingcenter.plebs (plebs) latin [common people]plural noun the common people,the populace, the ordinary citizens.~adjective plebeian of or relating tothe common people.plectrum (plektrbm) greek [plektron,from plessein to strike] noun (pluralplectrums or plectra, plektrb) apick used for playing a guitar or otherstring instrument.pleno jure (pleeno joobree) latin[with full right] adverb phrase withcomplete authority.plenum (plenbm, pleenbm) latin[neuter of plenus full] noun (plural plenumsor plena, plenb, pleenb) a fullmeeting of a legislative body or otherassociation or group; can also referto the full membership of an organization:“The matter will be discussedat the next full plenum of the executivecommittee.”plethora (plethbrb) greek [plethorefullness, from plethein to be full]noun a state of superfl uity, overabundance,profusion, glut, or excess:“... a plethora of electronic gadgets.”plié (pleeay) french [past participleof plier to bend] noun a ballet posein which the dancer adopts a stancewith knees bent, back straight, andfeet out-turned.plus ça change (ploo sa shanzh)french [abbreviation of plus ça change,plus c’est la même chose the more thingschange the more they are the samething, originally coined by the Frenchjournalist Alphonse Karr (1808–90)]noun phrase the more things change,the more they remain the same.p.m. See post meridiem; postmortem.pnxt.See pinxit.poco (poko, poko) italian [little,from Latin paucus few] adverb (inmusic) somewhat, to a slight degree.poco a poco (poko a poko, poko apoko) italian [little by little] adverb328

politicophrase (in music)little.gradually, little bypodium (podeebm) latin [balcony,height] noun (plural podiums orpodia, podeeb) a dais, lectern, orraised platform for the use of a publicspeaker or orchestra conductor(originally a raised area in amphitheatersof the classical world): “Severalshots were fired at the podium beforethe security men managed to disarm theintruder.”pogrom (pogrbm, pograhm) russian[devastation] noun a systematicmassacre or program of persecutiondirected against a civilian population(usually referring to massacresof Jewish people): “Millions diedin the pogroms organized by Stalin’sunderlings.”poi (poi) hawaiian noun (in Hawai iancookery) a thick purple paste madefrom baking and pounding the root ofthe taro and leaving it to ferment.point d’appui (pwan(g) dapwee)french [point of support] noun phrase(plural points d’appui) base, foundation,prop; may also refer to a fulcrumor strategic point.pointe (pwan(g)t) french [frompointe du pied tiptoe] noun (in ballet)a pose in which the dancer balances ontiptoe (on or en pointe).pointillism (pwanteelisbm, pointblisbm),pointillisme french [frompointiller to stipple] noun an impressionisticartistic technique in whichcolor is applied in small strokes ordots.polder (poldbr) dutch [from MiddleDutch polre] noun an area of lowlyingland that has been reclaimedfrom the sea, a lake, or other bodyof water (usually applying to certainareas of the Netherlands): “Changes inthe climate threaten to return the poldersof the Low Countries to the sea.”polenta (polentb, pblentb) italian[pearl barley] noun (in Italian cuisine)a paste, dough, or porridgemade from cornmeal (originally pearlbarley or barley meal).politburo (politbyooro), politbureaurussian [from polibyuro, frompoliticheskoe byuro political bureau]noun the executive committee of aCommunist party; by extension, anygroup in control of an organizationor state.politesse (polites) french [cleanness,ultimately from Italian pulire topolish, to clean] noun formal politeness,decorousness, good manners.politico (pblitiko) italian/spanish[from Latin politicus political] noun(plural politicos or politicoes) apolitician or political activist: “The329

polkaunion has been infiltrated by politicosbelonging to extremist parties of the left.”polka (polkb) czech [either fromPolka Polish woman, feminine of PolakPole, or from pulka half-step] noun alively ballroom dance ultimately ofBohemian origin, or music writtento accompany this: “She would havebeen more so if she had seen her reprehensiblebrother-in-law dancing a triumphalpolka down the hall with Rose in honorof having silenced the enemy’s battery foronce” (Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins,1875).polonaise (polbnayz) french [feminineof polonais Polish] noun a formalprocessional dance of Polish origin, ormusic written to accompany this.poltergeist (poltbrgist) german [noisyghost, from poltern to knock, to disturb,and geist spirit] noun a varietyof ghost that communicates its presencethrough rappings and the movingof furniture and other objectsrather than through actual manifestation:“The family complained that thepoltergeist was keeping them awake atnight, and they insisted on being movedto a new house.”poly- (polee) greek [from polusmuch, many] prefix many, e.g., polygamy,polymath.pompon (pompon) french [frompompe tuft of ribbons] noun an ornamentalball of wool, ribbons, or silkworn as a decoration for clothing orhats.poncho (poncho) spanish [fromAraucanian pontho] noun a blanketlikeor waterproof cloak with a holethat can be slipped over the head:“When the sky clouded over, the hiker wasglad he had packed his poncho.”pons asinorum (ponz asinorbm) latin[bridge of asses, referring to a geometryproposition put forward bythe Greek mathematician Euclid (fl .300 b.c.)] noun phrase a stumblingblock or a test of ability of understanding.Pontifex Maximus (pontifeks maksimbs)latin [greatest bridge- maker]noun phrase (in the Roman CatholicChurch) a title of the pope; originallythe priest who presided over theprincipal college of priests in ancientRome.poppadam (popbdbm), popadam,poppadam, poppadum tamil [frompappatam, possibly from paruppa atamlentil cake] noun a circular wafer ofcrispy spiced dough eaten with curryor other Indian food.poppycock (popeekok) dutch [fromdialect pappekak soft dung] nounnonsense, rubbish: “The major insistedthat he had never heard such poppycockin all his life.”330

poseurporcini (porcheenee) italian [littlepigs] noun (plural porcini) a wildmushroom with a rich nutty flavorand a meaty texture.por favor (por favor) spanish [fora favor] adverb phrase please, if youplease.portamento (portbmento) italian[carry ing] noun (plural portamentosor portamenti, portbmentee) (inmusic) a smooth slide from onetone to another, especially in singingor in playing a bowed instrument.port de bras (por db bra) french[carriage of the arm] noun phrase(plural ports de bras) techniquerelating to movement of the arms inballet.portfolio (portfoleeo) italian [fromportafoglio, from portare to carry andfoglio sheet, leaf] noun a set of documents,drawings, or photographs, ora case in which these are carried: “Theart student carried his work home fromschool in a portfolio under his arm.” Canalso apply to the collective responsibilitiesof functions of a governmentofficial or other figure of authority orto the various securities held by aninvestor in the stock market.portico (portiko) italian [from Latinporticus porch, from porta gate] noun(plural porticos or porticoes) a colonnade,covered walkway, or a coveredentrance to a building: “It stood at oneend of the main street, its classic porticoand small-paned windows looking downa flagged path between Norway spruces tothe slim white steeple of the Congregationalchurch” (Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome,1911).portiere (portyer, porteeb) french[from portière] noun a curtain hangingacross a doorway as a screen or tokeep out drafts.portmanteau (portmanto) french[from portemanteau, from porter tocarry and manteau mantle, cloak]noun (plural portmanteaus or portmanteaux,portmanto, portmantoz)a large suitcase or bag: “As he reachedthe foot of the slope, an elderly horseman,with his portmanteau strapped behindhim, stopped his horse when Adam hadpassed him, and turned round to haveanother long look at the stalwart workmanin paper cap, leather breeches, anddark-blue worsted stockings” (GeorgeEliot, Adam Bede, 1859). ~adjective ofor relating to a term created by combiningtwo other words: “‘Smog’ is aportmanteau word, formed from ‘smoke’and ‘fog.’”posada (pbsahdb spanish [from posarto lodge] noun an inn or hotel in aSpanish-speaking country.poseur (pozer) french [poser, fromposer to pose] noun a person whomakes out to be something other than331

possehe or she really is; an affected person,a fraud, a snob, a show-off: “Even hisbest friends admit that he has alwaysbeen a bit of a poseur.” ~noun, feminineposeuse (pozerz) a female poseur.posse (posee) latin [to have power,from posse comitatus power of thecountry] noun a group of peoplerecruited to assist a sheriff in times ofemergency, usually to pursue criminals;may refer more generally to anyband of people working together inpursuit of a common interest: “Therewas no shortage of volunteers to join theposse to hunt down the infamous gunfighter.”post- (post) latin [after, behind] prefix after, e.g., postnatal, postwar.post bellum (post belbm), postbellumlatin [after the war] adjectivephrase of or relating to the periodimmediately following a war.post coitum (post koitbm, postkoitbm) latin [after intercourse]adjective phrase following sexual intercourse.~adverb phrase following sexualintercourse.poste restante (post restahnt) french[mail remaining] noun phrase in Britain,an address written on a pieceof mail to indicate that it should bekept at a specified post offi ce until itis collected by the addressee; also thepost- office department that deals withsuch mail. The American and Canadianequivalent is “general delivery”:“When I was traveling around Eu rope,my parents used to send mail to the posterestante in each city I visited.”post factum (post faktbm) latin[after the fact] adverb phrase retrospective,after the event.post hoc (post hok) latin [after this]adverb phrase henceforth, after this.~adjective phrase consequent, afterthe fact.posthumous (poschbmbs, postybmbs,postyoombs), posthumus latin [frompostumus late-born, last] adjective afterthe death of the person concerned:“Both officers received posthumous medalsfor their courage in rescuing wounded menunder fire.”post meridiem (post mbrideebm)latin [after noon] adjective phrase afterthe hour of noon, in the afternoonor evening, between midday and midnight.~abbreviated form p.m., p.m.postmortem (post mortbm) latin[after death] noun an autopsy; mayalso refer more generally to any analysisof an event after it has ended: “Anofficial postmortem failed to reveal the causeof the accident.” ~adjective phrase after thedeath of the person concerned, afterthe event. ~adverb phrase post mortemafter death. ~abbreviated form p.m.332

pousse-cafépost partum (post pahrtbm), postpartum,postpartum latin [afterbirth] adjective phrase followingchild birth, relating to the periodafter birth.postscriptum (postskriptbm) latin[written after, from postscribere towrite after] noun (plural postscripta,postskriptb) a postscript, a noteadded at the end of a letter, article, orother work: “I offered him the report onthe ‘Suppression of Savage Customs,’ withthe postscriptum torn off. ” (Joseph Conrad,Heart of Darkness, 1902). ~abbreviatedform PS.potage (potahzh) french [what isput in a pot, from pot pot] noun athick soup: “‘Will you take some potage,Miss ah—Miss Blunt?’ said Mr. Crawley.‘Capital Scotch broth, my dear,’ said SirPitt, ‘though they call it by a French name’”(William Makepeace Thackeray, VanityFair, 1847–48).pot-au-feu (pot o fb) french [poton the fire] noun (plural pot-au-feux)(in French cuisine) a dish of boiledmeat and vegetables.poteen (pbteen, pbcheen) irishgaelic [poitín little pot] noun (inIreland) illicitly distilled liquor, typicallymade from potatoes, and usuallyvery strong.pot pourri (po pbree, po pbree), potpourrifrench [rotten pot] noun amixture of dried flower heads andpetals, herbs, and spices that are placedin a room in order to fill it with scent;can also refer more generally to anymedley or miscellaneous collection:“The book is a pot pourri of recollectionsand memories of a bygone age.”pouf (poof), pouffe french [frompouf something inflated] noun an ottoman,a footstool, a large firm cushion.poulet (poolay) french [chicken]noun a chicken (especially in referenceto a chicken-based dish).pourboire (poorbwahr) french [frompour boire for drinking] noun a tip orgratuity.pour encourager les autres (poronkoorahzhay layz otrb) french [toencourage the others, quoting theFrench writer Voltaire (1694–1778)]adverb phrase as an example to others(usually referring to the punishmentor humiliation of an individual as alesson to others to do better): “Thegeneral feeling was that the captainhad been sacrificed pour encourager lesautres.”pourparler (porpahrlay) french [todiscuss] noun a preliminary discussion(especially with regard to internationaldiplomacy).pousse-café (poos kafay) french[push coffee, coffee chaser] noun an333

powwowafter-dinner drink in which severaldifferently colored liqueurs arepoured into a glass so as to formseparate layers.powwow (powwow) narragansett[from powwaw shaman] noun a NativeAmerican medicine man or shaman;can also refer to a traditional NativeAmerican ceremony or social gatheringand, by extension, to any socialget-together or discussion meeting.~verb to hold a social gathering ordiscuss something: “Tom Sawyer calledthe hogs ‘ingots,’ and he called the turnipsand stuff ‘julery,’ and we would go to thecave and powwow over what we had done,and how many people we had killed andmarked” (Mark Twain, The Adventures ofHuckleberry Finn, 1884).pp.p.p.See pianissimo.See per procurationem.praecognitum (preekogneetbm) latin[something learned beforehand, frompraecognoscere to know beforehand]noun (plural praecognita, preekogneetb)something that must beknown before something else can beunderstood.praenomen (preenombn) latin [prename]noun (plural praenomens orpraenomina, preenombnb) a firstname, a forename, a personal name(originally the first of the three namesborne by males in ancient Rome).praesidiumSee presidium.praetorium (preetoreebm) latin [frompraetorius belonging to a praetor] noun(plural praetoria, preetoreeb) thequarters of the praetorian guard inRome; by extension, the court or palaceof any ruler in classical times or thetent of a Roman general in a militarycamp.praline (prahleen, prayleen) french[after the French soldier Marshal dePlessis-Praslin (1598–1675), whosecook created the first praline mixtures]noun a confection made fromchopped nuts and caramelized sugar,or a chocolate filled with such a mixture.pralltriller (praltrilbr) german [bouncingtrill] noun a musical ornamentconsisting of a quick alternation of thewritten tone and the tone above it.praxis (praksbs) greek [action, doing,from prassein to do, to practice] noun(plural praxes, prakseez) action,practice, customary way of doingthings; may also refer to the exerciseof a particular art, science, orskill.pre- (pree) latin [from prae- before]prefix before, e.g., predate, prejudge.precentor (preesentbr) latin [frompraecentor leader of the music] noun a334

prêt-à-portercleric who is in charge of the vocalmusic in a church or cathedral.précis (praysee, praysee) french[precise] noun (plural précis, prayseez)a concise summary of the mainpoints of an argument or theory: “Studentswere asked to prepare a précis of theinaugural speech.” ~verb to summarizesomething.premier (prbmeer, prbmeebr, preemeebr,premeebr) french [first,chief, leading] adjective the first inimportance, rank, or quality; the earliest.~noun a prime minister, a chiefminister, head of state: “Plans are beingmade for a summit conference between thepresident and the premiers of several Europeancountries.”premier cru (prbmeeb kroo, prbmybkroo) french [fi rst growth] nounphrase (plural premiers crus) a topqualitywine.premier danseur (prbmeeb donser,prbmyb donser) french [firstdancer] noun phrase (plural premiersdanseurs) the principal maledancer in a ballet company. ~nounphrase, feminine première danseuse(prbmeeb donserz, prbmyb donserz)the principal ballerina in a balletcompany.premiere (premeeair), premièrefrench [feminine of premier fi r st] nouna first performance or exhibition ofsomething: “Many of Hollywood’s finestturned out for the premiere of the movie.”~adjective principal, fi rst, chief, leading.~verb to present a fi rst performanceor exhibition of something.presidium (presideebm, prezidee bm),praesidium russian [from prezidium,ultimately from Latin praesidiumgarrison] noun (plural presidiumsor presidia, presideeb, prezideeb)the executive committee of an organizationor state (especially, formerly,a communist state): “The matter willbe brought before the presidium nextweek.”prestissimo (prestisbmo) italian[from presto quick] adverb (in music)faster than presto. ~adjective veryfast.presto (presto) italian [fast, soon,ultimately from Latin praesto at hand]interjection there! voila! see!: “Therewas not one thing to remind us that wewere in Russia. We walked for some littledistance, reveling in this home vision, andthen we came upon a church and a hackdriver,and presto! the illusion vanished!”(Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad, 1869).~adverb (in music) quickly, fast; immediately,suddenly. ~adjective (in music)fast, rapid; immediate, sudden. ~nouna piece of music written to be playedat a rapid pace.prêt-à-porter (pret a portay) french[ready to wear] noun ready-to-wear335

pretzelclothing, off-the-rack clothes, readymade.~adjective of or relating toready-to-wear clothing.pretzel (pretzbl) german [fromBrezel, ultimately from Latin bracellusbracelet] noun a German variety ofhard, glazed, salted bread traditionallybaked in loose knots and othershapes.preux chevalier (prb shbvaleeb) french[valiant knight] noun phrase a chivalrousknight, a gallant knight.prie-dieu (pree-dyb) french [prayGod] noun (plural prie-dieux) a prayerstool with a raised shelf at which thefaithful kneel to pray in church; canalso refer to a type of low armlessupholstered chair with a low seat anda high straight back.prima ballerina (preemb balbreenb)italian [leading ballerina] noun phrasethe principal ballerina in a ballet company;a ballerina of the first rank: “As agirl she had dreamed of the moment whenshe would advance into the spotlight in thepink tutu of a prima ballerina.”prima donna (preemb donb) italian[first lady] noun phrase a principalfemale singer in an opera companyor concert group; can also refer toany person who is known for beingself-important, vain, over-sensitive,petulant, or temperamental: “Becauseof the financial pressures, few directorshave much patience with prima donnas inthe modren theater.”prima facie (primb fayshee, preembfayshb, primb faysee, preemb fayseeb)latin [at first sight] adverb phrase atfi r st view, on the face of it, on the surface.~adjective phrase valid, true, selfevident,apparent, legally satisfactory:“To many people, the suspect’s attempts tofl ee the scene were prima facie evidence ofhis guilt.”primavera (preembvairb) italian[from alla primavera in the spring style]adjective denoting a pasta dish that ismade with a variety of sliced vegetables:“One of the house specialties is pastaprimavera.”primigravida (primbgravidb) latin[from primus first and gravidus pregnant]noun (in medicine) a womanwho is pregnant for the first time.primogenitor (primojenbtb) latin[from primus fi r st and genitor begetter]noun ancestor, forefather.primum mobile (primbm mobblee,preembm mobblee) latin [first movingthing] noun phrase (plural primummobiles) a prime mover, a mainfount of activity, energy, or motion.primus inter pares (primbs intbpahreez, preembs intb pahreez) latin[first among equals] noun phrase firstamong equals.336

progenitorprix fixe (pree feeks, pree fi ks)french [fixed price] noun phrase anentire meal that is charged at a fixedprice, a fixed-price menu: “The restauranthas two menus, one à la carte and theother operating on a prix fixe basis.”pro (pro) latin [for, in favor of] nounan argument or evidence in favor ofa proposition or theory: “We couldspend all evening debating the pros andcons of the situation.” ~preposition for,in support of, in favor of. ~adjectivesupporting, favoring. ~adverb in favor,favoring, in affirmation.pro- 1 (pro) latin [in front of or inbehalf of] prefix in favor of, supporting,e.g., pro- British, pro- life.pro- 2 (pro) greek [before] prefi xbefore, forward, e.g., proactive, prologue.pro bono publico (pro bono publiko)latin [for the public good] adjectivephrase for the good of society, inthe interests of everyone (often referringto legal work done for no fee).~abbreviated form pro bono.procès-verbal (prosay verbahl) french[proceedings, verbal trial] noun (pluralprocès-verbaux, prosay verbo) anoffi cial written record of legal orother proceedings.proconsul (prokonsbl) latin [frompro consule for the consul] noun agovernor or military commander ofa province of ancient Rome; may alsorefer to an administrator of a colony,dependency, or occupied territory:“Do you know, I always, from the verybeginning, regretted that it wasn’t yoursister’s fate to be born in the secondor third century a.d., as the daughterof a reigning prince or some governoror proconsul in Asia Minor” (FyodorDostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment,1866).profiterole (prbfitbrol) french[diminutive of profit profit] noun asmall puff pastry with a cream orother filling, often covered in chocolatesauce.pro forma (pro formb) latin [forform, in accordance with form] adjectivephrase for the sake of form, as amatter of form, as a formality ~nounan invoice sent in advance of goodssupplied: “Full details of the shipmentare given on a pro forma sent separatelyby post.”progenitor (projenbtbr, prbjenbtbr)latin [from progignere to beget]noun a direct ancestor or forefather;may refer more generally to any originator,predecessor, or precursor: “Thisother-self of mine is an ancestor, a progenitorof my progenitors in the early line of myrace, himself the progeny of a line thatlong before his time developed fingers andtoes and climbed up into the trees” (JackLondon, Before Adam, 1906). ~noun,337

prognosisfeminine progenitrix (projenbtriks,prbjenbtriks) a female ancestor orforebear.prognosis (prognosis) greek [foreknowledge,from progignoskein toknow before] noun (plural prognoses,prognoseez) a forecast, prediction,or prognostication (often referringto the predicted course of a disease):“The doctor was kind, but his prognosis wasnot good.”prolegomenon (prolbgombnon) greek[from progegein to say beforehand] noun(plural prolegomena, prolbgombnb) apreface or introduction to a book,often in the form of a preliminarydiscussion or treatise.proletariat (prolbtaireeat) french[from prolétariat, ultimately fromLatin proles progeny] noun the laboringclass or, more generally, the lowersocial classes in society: “But as amember of a revolutionary proletariat—which he undoubtedly was—he nourisheda rather inimical sentiment against socialdistinction” (Joseph Conrad, The SecretAgent, 1907).prologue (prolog), prolog greek[prologos speech before] noun theintroductory section of a work, suchas a play, novel, or opera, sometimesseparate from the main work: “Atschool we studied Chaucer’s General Prologueto The Canterbury Tales.”promenade (prombnayd, prombnahd)french [a walk, form promener to takefor a walk] noun a place to walk orride; may also refer to a formal ballor to a procession of guests at such aball. ~verb to walk about in public, oras if in public view.pronto (pronto) spanish [from Latinpromptus prompt] adverb promptly,immediately, quickly, without delay.propaganda (propbgandb) italian[that which must be spread, after thecongregatio de propaganda fide organizationof the Roman Catholic Church,which works to propagate Catholicfaith] noun information, rumor,ideas, or doctrines that are deliberatelypromoted in order to furtheror to undermine a particular cause,person, or organization. Can alsorefer to the process of spreading suchinformation.prophylactic (profblaktik) greek[from prophylaktikos, from prophylasseinto be on guard] noun somethingthat wards off disease or preventspregnancy (often referring to specificallyto a condom). ~adjective of orrelating to the prevention of diseaseor pregnancy.pro rata (pro rahtb) latin [accordingto the rate, from pro rate parte inaccordance with the calculated part]adverb phrase proportionately, in338

protégéproportion: “Any profits arising fromthe investment will be distributed pro rata.”~adjective phrase proportional, sharedproportionally. ~abbreviated form p.r.proscenium (prbseeneem, pro seeneem)greek [proskenion in front of the scene]noun (plural prosceniums or proscenia,prbseeneeb, proseeneeb) thestage in ancient Greek and Romantheaters; in the modern theater itcan refer either to the front part ofthe stage in front of the curtains or,more often, to the arch that framesthe stage itself, dividing the playingarea from the forestage and the auditorium:“The role of the conventionalproscenium has changed out of all recognitionin modern theater, with numerousperformances taking place in the roundand even in the midst of audiences.”prosciutto (proshooto) italian [frompresciutto ham, from prae pre and asciuttodried out] noun (plural prosciuttos orprosciutti, pro shootee) a variety ofdry-cured spiced Italian ham.prosit (prozbt, prosbt), prost(prost) german [from Latin prositmay it be beneficial] interjection goodhealth, cheers (a German drinkingtoast).prospectus (prbspektbs, prospektbs)latin [prospect, outlook, from prospicereto look forward] noun (pluralprospectuses, prbspektbsbz, prospektbsbz)a brochure, pamphlet, orpreliminary document containing aforecast and other details about afuture project, enterprise, or literarywork or describing a stock offering ora mutual fund: “The company’s prospectuswas impressive, but the investors stillhad their doubts.”prosthesis (prostheesis, prosthbsbs)greek [prostithenai to add to] noun(plural prostheses, prostheeseez) anartifi cial limb or other artifi cialreplacement for a body part.protean (proteebn, proteebn) greek[after the classical Greek sea god Proteus,who could change his shape atwill] adjective versatile, variable:“Donald appeared not to see her at all,and answered her wise little remarkes withcurtly indifferent monosyllables, his looksand faculties hanging on the woman whocould boast of a more Protean variety in herphase, moods, opinions, and also principles,than could Elizabeth” (Thomas Hardy,The Mayor of Casterbridge, 1886).protégé (protezhay, protbzhay) french[protected person, past participle ofprotéger to protect] noun a pupil, anindividual who enjoys the protection,patronage, sponsorship, or guidance ofanother more experienced or influentialperson: “He spent years as the CEO’sprotégé, patiently awaiting the day whenhe would step into the limelight himself.”~noun, feminine protégée.339

pro temporepro tempore (pro tempbree) latin[for a time] adverb phrase for the timebeing. ~abbreviated form pro tem.proviso (prbvizo) latin [provided,past participle of providere to provide]noun (plural provisos or provisoes aclause or article detailing a condition,qualification, stipulation, limitation,or exception in an agreementor legal document: “To this Lady Tringleadded her proviso, that she should have thechoice” (Anthony Trollope, Ayala’s Angel,1881).provolone (provblonee, provblon)italian [from provola buffalo’s-milkcheese] noun a soft mellow Italiansmoked cheese made from cow’smilk: “Would you like provolone or Americancheese on your cheese steak?”proximo (proksbmo) latin [fromproximo mense in the next month]adjective of or relating to the nextmonth. ~abbreviated form prox.pruritus (prooritbs) latin [itching]noun (in medicine) an intense itchingof the skin, which may be a symptomof various conditions.PSSee postscriptum.pseudo (soodo) greek [false] adjectivefalse, fake, counterfeit, spuri ous;can also refer to a person who isaffected or pretentious. ~noun aperson who pretends to be morethan he or she is (especially intellectually).Often combined, as a prefi x,with other words, e.g., pseudo intellectual,pseudoscience.pseudo- (suudo) greek [from pseudesfalse] prefix false, not genuine, e.g.,pseudo- intellectual, pseudonym.psoriasis (sbribsis) greek [itchingdisease, from psora itch] noun anoninfectious chronic skin diseasecharacterized by red itchy patchescovered with silvery scales.psyche (sikee) greek [from psukhesoul, spirit, ghost, breath] noun themind, the soul, the self, the ego, thepersonality.psycho- (siko) greek [from psuchebreath, spirit, or mind] prefix of orrelating to the mind, e.g., psychoanalysis,psychopath.puckaSee pukka.pudendum (pyoodendbm) latin[from pudendus something shameful,gerundive of pudere to be ashamed]noun (plural pudenda, pyoodendb)the external genitalia (usually referringto females).pueblo (pweblo, pooeblo) spanish[village, ultimately from Latin populuspeople] noun a Native American340

Purimcommunal dwelling typical of thosefound in certain parts of the SWUnited States; also, a Native Americanvillage in the same region.puerperium (pyoobrpeereebm) latin[childbirth, from puerperus in labor]noun (in medicine) a period of aroundsix weeks after childbirth, duringwhich the mother’s reproductiveorgans return to their former state.puisne (pyoonee) french [born afterward,younger] adjective subordinate,inferior, junior, associate, later.puissance (pweesons, pyoobsons)french [power, from puissant powerful]noun power, authority, influence,sway: “And after these King Arthur for aspace / And through the puissance of hisTable Round, / Drew all their petty princedomsunder him” (Alfred, Lord Tennyson,Idylls of the King, 1859).pukka (pbkb), pucka hindi [frompakka cooked, ripe, mature] adjectivegenuine, authentic, real, reliable,fi r st-class: “Honest, sir, this is a pukkaantique Queen Anne bedstead.”puma (p(y)oomb) spanish [fromQuechua] noun a cougar, a mountainlion.pumpernickel (pbmpbrnikbl) german[from pumpern to break windand Nickel goblin] noun a variety ofdark, heavy German bread made fromwholemeal rye flour.pundit (pbndit), pandit hindi [frompandita learned] noun a teacher orlearned person; by extension, a criticor other informed observer or expert:“Political pundits are predicting an overwhelmingvictory for the president.”pupa (pyoopb) latin [girl, doll]noun (plural pupas or pupae, pyoopee)an insect in the inactive immaturestage between larva and adult,during which many changes occur.purdah (perdb) urdu [from pardascreen, veil] noun the seclusion ofwomen from the public gaze in orthodoxMuslim and Hindu society (inprivate quarters or with faces hiddenby veils in public) and hence any stateof seclusion or enforced isolation: “Thereleased hostages are being kept in purdahuntil they have been fully debriefed.”puree (pyooray, pyooree), puréefrench [from purée, itself from purerto purify, to strain] noun a thick pastemade from pulped vegetables, fruit,or other ingredients. ~verb to preparesuch a paste.Purim (poorim) hebrew [frompurim, plural of pur lot, from thecasting of lots by Haman] noun a Jewishholiday that commemorates the341

putschdeliverance of the Jews from Haman’splanned massacre, as recor ded in theBook of Esther.putsch (puch) swiss german [insurrection]noun a secretly plotted andusually unexpected and possibly violentattempt to overthrow a government oreliminate political opponents: “Most ofthe political opposition was eliminated in aputsch later that spring.”putto (puuto) italian [boy, probablyultimately from Latin putus boy] noun(plural putti, puutee) a representationof a naked or seminaked boy,angel, or cherub (a standard characterof Renaissance art).putz (puutz, puts) german [decoration,from Yiddish] noun (slang) afool or an unpleasant person (originallyslang for a penis).pyrexia (pirekseeb) latin [fromGreek purexis, from pur fi re ]noun (inmedicine) a raised body temperature,or fever.pyromania (piromayneeb, piro maynb)greek [madness for fire] noun anobsessive urge to start fires.pyrrhic (pirik) latin [after Pyrrhus,a king of Epirus whose army sufferedheavy casualties against the Romansat Apulum in 279 b.c.] adjective attoo great a cost (usually referring tovictories gained only with heavy lossesto the winning side): “The press hailedthe success of the negotiations, but everyoneknew it was a pyrrhic victory.”342

åååqåQ.E.D. See quod erat demonstrandum.Q.E.F.qiSee quod erat faciendum.See ch’i.qigong, chi kung (chee gong) chinese[from qi energy and gong exercise]noun a Chinese system ofcoordinated exercises and breathingpatterns designed to promote bothphysical and mental health.q.s.See quantum sufficit.qua (kway, kwah) latin [by, with, orfrom whom] preposition (formal) inthe capacity of, as: “The article focuseson Clint Eastwood qua director rather thanqua actor.”Quadragesima, Quadrigesima (kwodrbjesimb)latin [fortieth] noun(in Christianity) the first Sunday inLent, i.e., the 40th day before Easter;formerly used to refer to Lent as awhole.quadrille (kwodril, kwbdril) french[small square, from Spanish cuadrillasquare block, from cuadro square]noun a riding display or alternativelya square dance for four couples(or music written to accompany sucha dance): “‘. . .you can have no idea whata delightful thing a Lobster Quadrilleis!’ ‘No, indeed,’ said Alice. ‘What sort ofa dance is it?’” (Lewis Carroll, Alice’sAdventures in Wonderland, 1865).quaere (kwiree) latin [to ask, imperativeof quaerere to question, to inquire]noun a query, a question.quant. suff.See quantum sufficit.quantum (kwontbm) latin [neuter ofquantus how much, how great] noun(plural quanta, kwontb) an amount,quantity, portion, share, part. ~adjectivelarge, significant, abrupt: “Recentadvances in electronics represent a quantumleap in technology.”quantum meruit (kwontbm merooit)latin [so much as he/she has343

quantum sufficitdeserved] noun phrase as much as heor she is entitled to (usually relatingto sums of money due for servicesrendered or work done).quantum sufficit (kwontbm sbfi s it)latin [as much as suffices] noun phraseas much as is needed, to a sufficientextent. ~abbreviated forms q.s., quant.suff.quarantine (kworbnteen) french[from quarantaine, from quarante forty]noun a period of isolation (originallylasting 40 days) that may be imposedon any person, animal, or ship to preventthe spread of disease or pests: “Thedog was kept in quarantine until it was clearthat it was not infected.” ~verb to place aperson, animal, or ship in isolation toprevent the spread of disease or pests.quark (kwahrk) german [curd] nouna low-fat curd cheese of Germanorigin.quartier (kahrtyay) french [fromLatin quartus fourth] noun a quarter,district, area (usually of a city): “Myfather gave me a profuse allowance, andI might have lived (had I chosen) in theQuartier de l’Etoile and driven to my studiesdaily” (Robert Louis Stevenson, TheWrecker, 1892).quarto (kworto) italian [from quartusfourth] noun a size of paper measuring9 1 ⁄2 by 12 inches (241 by 305mm), or a book printed on pagesof this size: “The maps were printed onquarto pages and had lost little of theiroriginal color.”quasi (kwayzi, kwaysi, kwahzee,kwahsee) latin [as it were, justas if] adjective resembling, virtual(often used in combination with otherwords): “It was clear to him that the policesuspected him of running a quasicasino inhis restaurant.” ~adverb seemingly, insome sense.quasi- (kwayzi) latin [as if] prefixalmost, apparently but not really, e.g.,quasi- judicial, quasi- religious.quatrain (kwotrayn) french [fromquatre four] noun a stanza of fourlines, either rhymed or unrhymed, themost common kind having alternaterhymes.quattrocento (kwotrochento), quatrocentoitalian [four hundred]noun the 15th century (usuallyrelating to Italian history or the arts).~adjective of or relating to the 15thcentury. See also cinquecento.quel (kel), quelle french [what]adjective what: “Quelle horreur!”quelque chose (kelkb shoz) french[some thing] noun phrase something,something extra, the necessary extrathing: “I think the whole outfit still lacksquelque chose, but I can’t quite put myfi n ger on it.”344

qui vivequenelle (kbnel) french [from GermanKnödel dumpling] noun apoached dumpling of ground meat orfish served in a cream sauce.que sera, seraSee che sarà, sarà.questionnaire (kweschbnair, kwestybnair)french [list of questions, fromquestionner to question] noun a documentcomprising a series of questions,a survey based on such a series ofquestions: “She was accosted in the streetby an overbearing woman carrying a questionnaireabout her shopping habits.”quiche (keesh) french [from Alsatiandialect Küchen cake] noun asavory pie made with milk, eggs,cheese, and other ingredients.quidnunc (kwidnbnk) latin [fromquid nunc? what now?] noun a busybody,a gossip.quid pro quo (kwid pro kwo) latin[what for what] noun phrase (pluralquid pro quos, quids pro quos,or quids pro quo) something forsomething, one thing in return foranother, a deal by which somethingis given or received in exchange forsomething else: “Most companies willinevitably expect something in return forrelaxing the rules on lunch breaks—somekind of quid pro quo.”quién sabe (kyen sahba) spanish [whoknows?] interjection who knows?quieta non movere (kweeaytb nonmovairee) latin [not to disturb calmthings] noun phrase let a sleeping doglie, leave well enough alone.quietus (kwieetbs, kwiaytbs) latin[from quietus est he is quit] noundeath or a cessation of activity; mayalso refer to the final settlement of adebt or obligation: “The guns fell silent,and for several hours the whole front linewas in the grip of an uneasy quietus.”quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (kwiskbstodiet ipsos kbstodeez) latin [whowill guard the guards?, quoted fromthe Satires of Juvenal (c. 60–117 a.d.)]interjection who will guard the guardsthemselves? (or, who will check thatthe guards themselves observe thelaw?).quisling (kwisling) norwegian [afterVidkun Quisling (1887–1945), theNorwegian prime minister who wasexecuted for collaborating with theNazis during World War II] noun acollaborator with the enemy, a traitor:“Accused by his workmates of beinga coward and a quisling, the youth ranfrom the building and hid in the parkinglot.”qui vive (kee veev) french [longlive who? (used as a challenge byFrench sentries)] noun phrase a stateof alertness, awareness, or watchfulness.345

quoadquoad (kwoad) latin [as far as, asmuch as] preposition in regard to,with respect to.quod erat demonstrandum (kwod eratdemonstrandbm) latin [which wasto be proven] noun phrase what hadto be demonstrated, which was to beproved. ~abbreviated form Q.E.D.quod erat faciendum (kwod eratfasheeendbm, kwod erat fakeeendbm)latin [which was to be done] nounphrase what had to be done, whichwas to be done. ~abbreviated form Q.E.F.quodlibet (kwodlbbet) latin [whatpleases, from quod what and libet itpleases] noun a point or thesis advancedfor discussion; may also refer in musicto any lighthearted, humorous compositionor medley.quod vide (kwod veeday) latin [tosee] verb phrase (plural quae vide, kwiveeday) see this, which see (used inbibliographical references). ~abbreviatedform q.v.quo jure (kwo yooray, kwo jooray)latin [with what right?] adverbphrase by what right?, by whatauthority?quondam (kwondbm, kwondam) latin[at one time, formerly] adjective former,sometime: “The animal itself wasas peaceful and well-behaved as that fatherof all picture-wolves, Red Riding Hood’squondam friend, whilst moving her confidence in masquerade” (Bram Stoker,Dracula, 1897).quorum (kworbm) latin [of which]noun a group of people (usually referringto the minimum number of individualsrequired to attend a meetingof an organization in order to satisfyrequirements of legal competence):“The number of members at the meeting wasthree people below the quorum, so it had tobe abandoned.”quota (kwotb) latin [what part innumber, from quota pars how greata part] noun a proportional part orshare; may also refer to a maximumnumber, amount, or quantity allowed:“The government announced measuresto make sure that the quota of immigrantsallowed into the country was notexceeded.”quo vadis (kwo vahdis) latin [towhat place are you going? (recallingthe words spoken by Christ toPeter when the latter tried to leaveRome to escape execution] verb phrasewhere are you going?Quranq.v.See koran.See quod vide.346

ååårår. See recto.rabbi (rabi) hebrew [my master]noun the leader of a Jewish congregation;may also refer to a masteror teacher, specifically a scholar whoexpounds upon Jewish law: “The rabbiwas waiting for them at the synagogue.”raconteur (rakonter, rakontoor)french [from raconter to tell] nouna teller of anecdotes and stories: “Inmanner, something of the grand seigneurstill clung to him, so that he even rippedyou up with an air, and I have been toldthat he was a raconteur of repute.” (J. M.Barrie, Peter Pan, 1904). ~noun, feminineraconteuse (rakonterz) a femaleteller of anecdotes and stories.radius (raydeebs) latin [ray] noun(plural radiuses or radii, raydeei)a straight line running from thecenter of a circle or sphere to thecircumference or surface; can alsorefer fi guratively to any bounded orcircumscribed area: “A simple calculationproduced both the radius and thecircumference of the circle.”raffia (rafeeb) malagasy [after apalm of the genus Raphia] noun thesoft fiber of palm leaves that is commonlyused in basketwork and othercrafts.raga (rahgb) sanskrit [color, tone]noun a melodic pattern or mode intraditional Indian music, or an improvisationbased upon a traditional raga:“Like many Western musicians of his generation,he became interested in learningthe techniques of the Indian raga, eventraveling to India itself to hear such musicplayed in its original context.”ragout (ragoo) french [from ragoûterto revive the taste] noun (in Frenchcuisine) a rich, highly seasoned stewof meat and vegetables; may also refermore generally to any mixture of miscellaneousitems: “Here are also somedolphins’ livers, which you take to beragout of pork.” (Jules Verne, 20,000Leagues Under the Sea, 1870).raison d’état (rezon(g) dayta) french[reason of state] noun phrase (pluralraisons d’etat) a reason connected347

aison d’êtrewith the interests of the state ornational security.raison d’être (rezon(g) detrb) french[reason to be] noun phrase (pluralraisons d’être) a reason, motivation,or justification for the existence of athing: “She was more than just a lover tohim, she was his raison d’être.”raisonné (rayzonay) french [pastparticiple of raisonner to reason] adjectivereasoned out: “It has given us acatalogue raisonné of the substances foundupon our planet, and shown how everythingliving and dead is put together fromthem” (Oliver Wendell Holmes, MedicalEssays, 1883).raita (rieetb) hindi [from rayta] noun(in Indian cuisine) a dish of choppedvegetables in yogurt or curd.raj (rahj) hindi [from Sanskrit rajya]noun rule, sovereignty (usually referringspecifically to British rule in Indiain the 19th century—the Raj): “Memoriesof the Raj are still strong in aristocraticIndian society.”raja (rahjb, rahjah, rahzhb, rahzhah),rajah hindi [from Sanskrit rajanking, probably ultimately from Latinrex king] noun an Indian prince orking; also applied to rulers and otherpersons of authority in Malaysian andJavanese society: “The raja arrived withall the panoply appropriate to his status.”raki (rahkee) turkish [from raqi]noun a strong alcoholic spirit distilledin eastern Eu rope or the MiddleEast, usually from grain and flavoredwith aniseed.raku (rahkoo) japanese [ease, enjoyment]noun a variety of Japanese potterywith a lead glaze.rallentando (ralbntando) italian[slowing down, from rallentare to slowdown again, to abate] adverb graduallydecreasing in speed. ~adjectiveslowing down.Ramadan (rambdahn) arabic [monthof dryness] noun the sacred ninthmonth of the Muslim year, duringwhich the faithful fast and observeother restrictions between the hours ofsunrise and sunset.ramekin (ramkin, rambkin), ramequinfrench [from Low German ramcream] noun an individual portion ofcheese or some other appetizing foodprepared in a small dish, and thus alsothe dish itself: “The chef expertly pouredthe prepared mixture into exquisite chinaramequins from which the guests ate usingdelicate silver spoons.”ranchero (ranchairo) spanish [rancher,from rancho small ranch] noun arancher or ranch hand (usually workingon a ranch in Mexico): “The saloonwas packed with cowboys and rancheros,348

aviolitheir clothes and hair the color of the dustin which they had ridden all day.”rani (rahnee), ranee hindi [queen,from Sanskrit rajni, feminine of rajanking] noun an Indian queen, or thewife (or widow) of a rajah.rapido (rapido, rapeedo) italian[rapidly] adverb (in music) rapidly.~adjective (in music) rapid.rappel (rbpel, rapel) french [recall,from rapeler to recall] verb (in mountaineering)to execute a controlleddescent by sliding down a rope, toabseil. ~noun a descent down a rope,an abseil.rapport (rapor, rbpor) french [fromrapporter to bring back] noun a relationship,typically one in which thoseconcerned are in harmony or agreementor otherwise share the sameoutlook or feelings: “The two strangersquickly fell into conversation and soonestablished an easy rapport.”rapporteur (raporter) french [reporter,from rapporter to bring back]noun a person who communicatesreports of a meeting or other proceedings.~noun, feminine rapporteuse(raporterz).rapprochement (raproshmon(g))french [from rapprocher to bringtogether] noun the establishment, orreestablishment, of harmonious relationsbetween two parties: “Reportsfrom the negotiations in Washington suggestthat the two sides may finally havereached a rapprochement.”rara avis (rairb ayvbs, rahrb ayvbs)latin [rare bird] noun phrase (pluralrara avises or rarae aves, rahriahvayz) a rarity, a remarkable personor thing.ratatouille (ratatooee, ratatwee)french [from ratouiller to disturb andtatouiller to stir] noun (in Provençalcuisine) a stew made from tomatoes,eggplant, zucchini, onions, green peppers,herbs, and (sometimes) meat.rathskeller (ratskelbr) german [fromRatskellar city-hall basement restaurant]noun a bar or restaurant housed in acellar or basement.ratio decidendi (raysho desidendee)latin [reason of deciding] noun phrase(in law) the reason or grounds for adecision.rationale (rashbnal) latin [neuter ofrationalis, from ratio reason] noun areasoned statement of principles, orthe basis or underlying reason forsomething: “There seemed to be no wayto understand the rationale behind suchactions.”ravioli (raveeolee) italian [plural ofraviolo little turnip] noun (in Italiancuisine) a dish of pasta squares stuffed349

avissantwith meat or cheese or other filling,usually served in sauce.ravissant (ravison(g)) french [fromravir to seize, to enchant] adjective ravishing,delightful, enchanting.re (ree, ray) latin [ablative of resthing] preposition with regard to,regarding, concerning, in the case of.See also in re.realpolitik (rayalpoliteek), Realpolitikgerman [from real real and Politikpolitics] noun practical politics,political realism (as opposed to theoreticalor ideological politics): “Suchhumanistic considerations have little impactin the world of modern realpolitik.”rebus (reebbs) latin [by things] noun(plural rebuses) a representation ofa word, syllable, or phrase by picturesor other symbols.réchauffé (rayshofay) french [warmedover,reheated] noun a rehash, or a dishof reheated food. ~adjective rehashed,reheated.recherché (rbshairshay, rbshairshay)french [select, past participle ofrechercher to seek out] adjective choice,rare, exotic, or, more negatively,obscure, affected, pretentious: “’Twixtthe original and Oriental decorations, thestrange and delicious food, and the personalitiesboth of the distinguished guests, thecharming hostess and the noted host, neverhas Zenith seen a more recherché affairthan the Ceylon dinner-dance given lastevening by Mr. and Mrs. Charles McKelveyto Sir Gerald Doak.” (Sinclair Lewis,Babbitt, 1922).recitativo (resbtateevo) italian [fromrecitare to recite] noun (plural recitativosor recitativi, resbtateevee) (inmusic) recitative.réclame (rayklahm) french [advertising,from réclamer to appeal, to askfor] noun showmanship, publicity,or public acclaim.reconnaissance (rekonbsons) french[recognition] noun a preliminaryscouting or examination of a position,area, or situation for military or otherpurposes: “Two aircraft were dispatchedto carry out a reconnaissance of the frontline.”recto (rekto) latin [ablative of rectusright] noun a right-hand page in abook or other document. ~abbreviatedform r. See also verso.rector (rektbr) latin [leader, director,from regere to direct] noun a Protestantclergyman or a Roman Catholicpriest in charge of a church or congregation;can also refer to the headof certain educational establishments:“The rector of the university dismissed theallegations in a statement released to thepress later that day.”350

egimereculer pour mieux sauter (rbkyoolaypor meeb sortay) french [to drawback in order to leap better] nounphrase a tactical withdrawal madein order to launch a new assaulton something, a setback that can beturned to one’s own advantage.redingote (redingot) french [fromEnglish riding coat] noun originally,a long double-breasted overcoat formen; now applied to long coats forwomen (usually with a cutaway frontor a front panel in a contrastingcolor): “. . .about two o’clock we beholdhim, ‘in walnut-coloured great-coat,redingote noisette,’ descending throughthe Place Vendome. . .” (Thomas Carlyle,History of the French Revolution,1837).reductio ad absurdum (ridbkteeo adabserdbm, ridbksheeo ad abserdbm)latin [reduction to the absurd] nounphrase reduction to the point ofabsurdity; in logic, the refutation of aproposition by following it through toridiculous extremes.redivivus (redbvivbs, redbveevbs)latin [reused, renewed] adjective reborn,brought back to life, resurrected.reductio ad impossibile (ridbkteeo adimposibeelay) latin [reduction tothe impossible] noun phrase reductionto the point of impossibility;in logic, the refutation of an argumentby taking it to its impossibleconclusion.referendum (refbrendbm) latin [somethingto be referred, from referre torefer] noun (plural referendums orreferenda, refbrendb) a plebiscite orpopular vote, often seeking approval ofa measure already passed or proposedby a government or other legislativebody: “Any changes to the constitutionwould have to be approved by referendum.”regalia (rbgaylyb) latin [kingly thing,neuter plural of regalis regal] nounthe emblems or symbols of royalty;may also refer to any insignia or accoutermentsassociated with authority orindicative of elevated status, or to anycostume worn on a special occasion:“They loved to travel to London to see thestate occasions with officials dressed inregalia.”regatta (rbgatb) italian [from regatacontest, struggle] noun a boat race,or series of races: “The king was a regularparticipant in yachting regattas off the Isleof Wight.”regime (rayzheem, rejeem), régimefrench [system, ultimately from Latinregimen] noun a method of government,or a particular government inpower; may also refer more generallyto any system or pattern of action: “Thenew regime has yet to win internationalrecognition.”351

egimenregimen (rejbmbn, rezhbmbn) latin[rule, from regere to rule] noun asystematic plan or regulated mode oflife or course of action, such as a dietor course of exercise; may also refergenerally to any regime or government:“He attacked his noble guest withoutscruple on the severity of his regimen.”(Walter Scott, The Antiquary, 1816).regina (rejinb) latin [queen] nounqueen, a reigning female monarch.regisseur (rayzhiser), régisseurfrench [from régir to direct, ultimatelyfrom Latin regere to rule]noun a person who presents a workof theater or ballet; an artistic director.regius (reejbs) latin [royal, from rexking] adjective royal (indicating that auniversity professorship was bestowedoriginally by royalty or by virtue ofroyal patronage): “He was appointedRegius Professor of Philosophy at the relativelyyoung age of 33.”regnum (regnbm) latin [from regnareto reign] noun (plural regna,regnb) kingdom.Reich (rik, rish) german [kingdom,state] noun (plural Reiche, rikb) astate or empire, usually referring specificallyto the Holy Roman Empire(the First Reich, ended 1806), theNational German Empire (the SecondReich, 1871–1919), or the Third Reichin Nazi Germany (1933–45).reiki (raykee) japa nese [universallife energy] noun a natural- healingsystem originating in Japan, in whichthe practitioner is believed to channelchi energy into the recipient’s bodyby gently touching various parts of hisor her body.rel.See reliquiae.relais (rblay) french noun (in France)a café or restaurant, sometimes alsooffering accommodation.relievo (rileevo) italian [from rilevareto raise] noun relief, a style ofmolding or carving in which figuresare sculpted on a flat background.religieuse (rblijeeerz, rblizheeerz)french [from religieux religious] nouna nun or other woman belonging to areligious order: “Here Reposes in God,Caroline de Clery, a Religieuse of St. Denisaged 83 years—and blind” (Mark Twain,A Tramp Abroad, 1880).religieux (rblijeeb, rblizheeb) french[religious] noun a monk or otherman belonging to a religious order.religioso (relijeeozo) italian [religious]adverb (in music) with religiousfeeling. ~adjective devotional,religious.reliquiae (relikweei, relikwiee) latin[from relinquere to leave behind] nounrelics, remains of the dead: “It was left352

eportageto the lawyers to sort out the reliquiae ofthe estate.” ~abbreviated form rel.remanet (rembnet) latin [it remains]noun (in law) a case that remains tobe heard.renaissance (renbsons, rbnaysons)french [rebirth] noun the revivalof the arts and culture that tookplace in Europe in the postmedievalperiod, and hence any revival orrebirth: “Interest in early chamber musichas undergone something of a renaissancein the last decade.”rencontre (ron(g)kontrb) french[encounter, fight] noun a clash, combat,or other hostile meeting betweenopposed parties.rendezvous (rondivoo, rondayvoo)french [meeting place, from rendezvouspresent yourselves] noun (pluralrendezvous, rondivooz, rondayvooz)a prearranged meeting, or the placewhere such a meeting is to take place.~verb to meet at a prearranged placeand time: “The raiding party was supposedto rendezvous with the Resistance atmidnight, but no one turned up.”rentier (rontyay) french [from rente,ultimately from Latin rendita paid]noun a person whose income comesfrom property or investments.repartee (repertee, repahrtee, repah r-tay) french [from repartir to retort]noun a witty, clever reply, or light,witty conversation: “She quickly tiredof his empty-headed repartee and soughtmore rewarding company.”repechage (repbshahzh, repbshahzh)french [from rêpechage secondchance, reexamination, from rêpecherto fish out, to rescue] noun (in sport)a trial heat in which losers in an earlyround have another chance to qualifyfor the later stages of a competition.~adjective of or relating to such a heat.repertoire (repbtwah) french [fromrépertoire repertory] noun a selectionof rehearsed performances, skills,methods, or fields of knowledge fromwhich a performer or theatrical companyand so forth may choose: “A slightsmile passed over Polly’s face as she returnedher thanks for the new pupil, for she remembereda time when Mrs. Shaw consideredher ‘sweet songs’ quite unfit for a fashionableyoung lady’s repertoire” (Louisa MayAlcott, An Old-Fashioned Girl, 1870).répétiteur (repetiter, repetitoor)french [tutor, coach] noun a musiccoach, or a person who conducts balletor opera rehearsals.répondez s’il vous plaît (raypondayseel voo play) french [reply, if youplease] verb phrase please reply.~abbreviated form R.S.V.P.reportage (repbrtahzh, reportahzh,riportbj) french [from reporter to353

epousséreport] noun reporting of the news,or the style or manner in which thenews is reported: “Standards of reportagevary from paper to paper and all toooften tend to reflect the journalistic andabilities and style of the editor.”repoussé (rbpoosay, rbpoosay) french[pushed back] noun a form of decorativemetalwork, in which patternsare raised in relief by hammering orpressing on the reverse side. ~adjectiveof or relating to such metalwork.reprise (rbpreez) french [renewal,repeat, from reprendre to take back]noun a repetition, recapitulation,renewal, or resumption of an action,performance, or theme: “A lack oftime saved them from a reprise of thewhole performance.”requiem (rekweebm, raykweebm)latin [from requies quiet, rest, the firstword of the introit of the Latin massfor the dead] noun a mass for thedead, or a solemn chant or dirge inhonor of the dead (or a musical settingof this): “The composer’s requiem ranksamong the greatest works of the century.”requiescat (rekweeeskat, raykweeeskat)latin [may he (or she) rest] interjectionrest (a prayer for the repose ofthe dead).requiescat in pace (rekweeeskat inpahchay, raykweeeskat in pahchay)latin [may he (or she) rest in peace]interjection rest in peace (a prayerfor the repose of the dead): “God helphim, over whose dead soul in his livingbody must be uttered the sad supplication,Requiescat in pace!” (Oliver WendellHolmes, Elsie Venner, 1859–60). ~abbreviatedform R.I.P.res cogitans (rayz kogitanz, rayzkojitanz) latin [thinking thing] nounphrase the mind, the soul, somethingthat thinks.reservoir (rezervwahr) french [tank,holder, from reserver to reserve]noun a supply, reserve or store ofsomething (often referring specifi -cally to an artifi cial lake where wateris stored for the public supply): “Thecommission has a reservoir of funds forsuch projects.”res gestae (rayz gesti, reez jestee)latin [things done] noun phrase (inlaw) the facts of a case; can also refermore generally to events in the past,things done, achievements.residuum (rbzidjbwbm) latin [theremainder, from residuus remaining]noun (plural residuums or residua,rbzidjbwb) residue or remainder,something left over: “An unexplainedresiduum of change must be left to theassumed uniform action of those unknownagencies, which occasionally induce stronglymarked and abrupt deviations of structurein our domestic productions” (CharlesDarwin, The Descent of Man, 1871).354

etrores ipsa loquitur (rayz ipsb lokwiter)latin [the matter itself speaks] nounphrase (in law) the facts speak forthemselves.res judicata (rayz joodikahtb) latin[judged matter] noun phrase (in law) acase that has been decided by a courtand cannot be reopened.res non verba (rayz non verbb) latin[things not words] noun phrase deedsnot words, action not talk.res publica (rayz puublikb) latin[public affair] noun phrase a commonwealth,a republic, the state.restaurateur (restbrbter), restauranteur(restbronter) french [ultimatelyfrom Latin restaurator restorer] nounthe owner or manager of a restaurant:“By day he was Quigg, the restaurateur.By night he was the Margrave—theCaliph—the Prince of Bohemia. . .” (O.Henry, Strictly Business, 1910).restitutio in integram (restichootioin intbgram) latin [restoration tothe uninjured state] noun phrase (inlaw) the restoration of an injuredparty or parties to their formercondition.résumé (rezbmay, rezbmay, rayzbmay,rayzbmay) french [resumed,past participle of résumer to resume]noun a summary or abstract (oftenreferring specifically to a person’scurriculum vitae): “She gave him aquick résumé of the plot so far and satback to watch his reaction.”resurgam (rezergam) latin [I shallrise again] interjection (among Christians)I shall rise again (signifyingbelief in resurrection of the faithfulafter death): “Her grave is in Brocklebridgechurchyard: for fifteen years after her death itwas only covered by a grassy mound; but nowa grey marble tablet marks the spot, inscribedwith her name, and the word ‘Resurgam’”(Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847).reticule (retikyool) french [ultimatelyfrom Latin reticulum network] noun awoman’s purse or small net bag closedby a drawstring; can also refer in opticsto a grid of fine lines arranged in theeyepiece of sights or other opticalinstruments.retina (retbnb, retnb) latin [probablyultimately from rete net] noun (pluralretinas or retinae, retbnee, retbni)the sensory membrane lining the eyethat receives images formed by the lensand communicates them to the brain:“Such injuries to the retina usually healthemselves within a few weeks.”retro (retro) french [from rétrograderetrograde] adjective denoting, ormodeled on, a style or an object associateda period in the recent past: “Wewent to a retro diner with 1950s decor and1950s hits in the jukebox.”355

etrousséretroussé (rbtroosay, rbtroosay)french [turned-up, past participle ofretrousser to turn up] adjective turnedup(usually referring to the shape of aperson’s nose).retsina (retseenb) greek [from retinepine resin] noun a resin-flavoredGreek white wine.revanche (rbvonsh) french [fromMiddle French revenche revenge] nounrevenge, retaliation (usually relatingto policies concerning the reclamationof lost territory).reveille (revblee) french [fromréveillez, imperative of réveiller toawaken] noun a bugle call, drum roll,or other signal marking the time toget up, as in military camps: “Thetwo soldiers were ordered to report tothe commander at reveille the followingmorning.”revenant (revbnbnt, revbnon(g))french [one returning, present participleof revenir to return] noun aperson or spirit who returns afterdeath or after a long absence, a ghost;may also refer to a person whosecharacter or behaviour recalls a pastage: “For granting even that Religion weredead . . . or that it now walked as goblinrevenant with Bishop Talleyrand of Autun;yet does not the Shadow of Religion, theCant of Religion, still linger?” (ThomasCarlyle, History of the French Revolution,1837).revenons à nos moutons (rbvbnon(g)ah no mooton(g)) french [let usreturn to our sheep] interjection phraselet’s get back to the subject!, a misquotationof “Revenons à ces moutons!”,a line from the anonymous comedyLa Farce de Maistre Pierre Pathelin (c.1460).reverie (revbree, revree) french [fromrêverie daydream, from rêver to dream]noun a daydream, an idle fancy or anabstract, dreamy, meditative state ofmind: “She went into a reverie, trying toimagine herself on a beach with the soundof the waves in her ears.”revue (rbvyoo) french [review,survey] noun a variety of theatricalentertainment comprising songs,sketches, and dancing: “Toward the endof her career she became a star of cabaretand revue.”rex (reks) latin [king] nounreigning male monarch.king, arhadamanthine (radbmanthin) greek[after Rhadamanthus, the son of Zeusand Europa in Greek mythology,who became a judge in the underworld]adjective infl exibly severeor strict: “As a judge he dispensed justicewith rhadamanthine rigor, becomingnotorious for the length of sentences heimposed.”rhombus (rombbs) greek [rhomboslozenge] noun (plural rhombuses or356

iposterhombi, rombi, rombee) a parallelogramwith four equal sides andtwo acute and two obtuse angles:“. . . in this artiste’s hands meat assumedthe flavor of fish, fish of mushrooms, macaroniof gunpowder; to make up for this, nota single carrot went into the soup withouttaking the shape of a rhombus or a trapezium”(Ivan Turgenev, A Hunter’s Notes,1847–51).ricksha (rikshah), rickshaw japanese[from jinrikisha person-powervehicle] noun a traditional Japanesehooded two-wheeled vehicle drawnby one or two people: “A ricksha conveyedthe ambassador to the residency.”ricochet (rikbshay) french [torebound] noun a rebound. ~verbto rebound, glance off, bounce back:“The bullet ricocheted off the oil barreland hit the light, throwing the wholeroom into complete darkness.”ricotta (rikotb) italian [recooked,from ricuocere to cook again] noun avariety of Italian soft, white, unripened,unsalted whey cheese; may alsoapply to a type of cheese made fromwhole or skimmed milk.rictus (riktbs) latin [open mouth,from ringi to open the mouth] nounthe mouth orifice; a gaping grin orgrimace: “A rictus of cruel malignity litup greyly their old bony faces” (JamesJoyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a YoungMan, 1914–15).rien ne va plus (reean(g) nb vaploo) french [no more goes] interjectionno more bets (announcementmade by the croupier in roulettewhen the wheel starts to spin).rigatoni (rigbtonee) italian [fromrigato furrowed] noun (in Italiancuisine) a type of pasta shaped intohollow fluted tubes.rigor mortis (rigbr mortis) latin[stiffness of death] noun phrase thestiffening of the body that takes placeafter death: “Rigor mortis had set in, andit was with difficulty that the corpse waswrestled into a body bag.”rijsttafel (ristahfbl) dutch [from rijstrice and tafel table] noun (in Indonesiancuisine) a meal comprisingvarious meat, vegetable, and seafooddishes accompanied by rice.rinforzando (rinfortsando) italian[present participle of rinforzare tostrengthen] adverb (in music) a suddencrescendo. ~adjective with a suddencrescendo.rio (reeo) spanish [river] nounR.I.P.See requiescat in pace.river.riposte (ripost) french [counterthrust,from Italian riposta answer]noun a swift or clever retaliatoryremark, retort, or action: “‘Pace giveslife,’ was the riposte” (Oscar Wilde, The357

isorgimentoPicture of Dorian Gray, 1890). ~verbto make such a retort or retaliatoryresponse.risorgimento (reezorjimento) italian[rising again, from risorgere to riseagain] noun (plural risorgimentos orrisorgimenti, reezorjimentee) arevival or renaissance (often referringspecifically to the Risorgimentomovement that resulted in the unificationof Italy in the 19th century).risotto (rizoto) italian [from risorice] noun (in Italian cuisine) a seasoneddish of rice cooked in meatstock.risqué (riskay) french [risky, pastparticiple of risquer to risk] adjectivedaring, indelicate, improper, indecent:“The old man made a few risquéremarks about the waitress but otherwisebehaved himself reasonably well.”rissole (risol) french [from OldFrench ruissole, ultimately from Latinrussus red] noun a variety of meatballcoated in breadcrumbs and fried.ritardando (ritahrdando) italian[present participle of ritardare toslow down, ultimately from Latinretardare to retard] adverb (in music)slowing in tempo. ~adjective becomingslower.rite de passage (reet db pasahzh)french [rite of passage] noun phrase(plural rites de passage) a landmarkin life marking the transition fromone state of being to another, or aceremony or ritual celebrating this:“Getting one’s first car is one of those ritesde passage that seems commonplace enoughto the person concerned, but it is muchmore significant to the parents.”ritenuto (reetbnuuto) italian [retained,restrained] adverb (in music) to beplayed with an immediate reduction intempo, used in directions.ritornello (ritornelo) italian [fromritorno return] noun (plural ritornellosor ritornelli, ritornelee) a shortinstrumental refrain or interlude in amusical composition.riviera (riveeairb, rivyairb)) italian[coast, after the Riviera coast of SEFrance] noun a coastal resort area:“In the perpetual purposeless rush of theirdays, the feverish making of winter plans,hurrying off to the Riviera or St. Moritz,Egypt or New York, there was no time tohunt up the vanished or to wait for thelaggard” (Edith Wharton, Glimpses of theMoon, 1922).rivière (riveeair, rivyair) french[river] noun a necklace of diamondsor other precious stones.robe de chambre (rob db shombrb)french [bedroom robe] noun phrasea dressing gown or negligée: “Undressingis a woe; our robe de chambre / May358

oman de gestesit like that of Nessus, and recall /Thoughts quite as yellow, but less clearthan amber” (Lord Byron, Don Juan,1819–24).roche moutonnée (rosh mootbnay)french [fleecy rock, from roche rockand mouton sheep] noun phrase (pluralroches moutonnées) a rocky outcropthat has been rounded and smoothedby glacial erosion.rococo (rokoko, rokbko) french[from rocaille pebblework] noun anartistic or musical style featuringfanciful curved forms and elaboratedecoration. ~adjective of or relatingto such an artistic or musical style;ornate, elaborate, extravagant, florid:“The picture frame was an extraordinaryrococo affair in dark mahogany, completewith trailing vines and fruit.”rodeo (rodeeo, rbdayo) spanish [corral,from rodear to surround, ultimatelyfrom Latin rotare to rotate] noun aroundup of livestock, or a public demonstrationor competition in whichriders display their skills at ropingcattle or breaking horses: “He narrowlyescaped serious injury at his first rodeo whenhe was tossed straight over the rails by abucking stallion.”rogan josh (rogbn josh) urdu [fromrogan jos or raugan-jos stewed in ghee]noun phrase (in Indian cuisine) a dishof curried meat cooked in a spicysauce.roi fainéant (rwa fayneeon(g)) french[do-nothing king] noun phrase (pluralrois fainéants) a person who exercisespower in name only, or who istoo lazy to exercise any power he orshe actually has.roi soleil (rwa solay) french [sunking] noun phrase (plural rois soleils)an eminent person (often referringspecifically to Louis XIV of France,who adopted the Sun as an emblem).rollmop (rolmop) german [fromRollmops, from rollen to roll and Mopsa pug dog] noun a raw fillet of herring,rolled up around onion slices andpickled in spiced vinegar.romaine (romayn) french [feminineform of romain Roman] noun a varietyof lettuce with a slender head andlong crisp leaves.roman à clef (romon(g) a klay)french [novel with a key] noun phrase(plural romans à clef ) a novel inwhich real events or people are thinlydisguised as fiction.roman à thèse (romon(g) a tayz)french [novel with a thesis] nounphrase (plural romans à thèse) anovel that presents or argues a particularthesis, a novel with a strongdidactic intent.roman de geste (romon(g) db zhest)french [romance of heroic deeds]359

Romanesquenoun phrase (plural romans degeste) an epic poem on chivalric orheroic themes, chanson de geste: “Theadventures of Charlemagne and his paladinsbecame the subject of many a romande geste and are still told today.”Romanesque (rombnesk) french [inthe Roman style] adjective of or relatingto a style of architecture, in imitationof Roman architecture, that wasprevalent in Eu rope c. 900–1200, characterizedby round arches, groin vaults,barrel vaults, rectangular faces, andsquare-edged projections.roman-fleuve (romon(g) fle(r)v)french [river novel] noun (pluralromans-fleuves) a novel based ona leisurely exploration of family life(or of some other close-knit community).roman policier (romon(g) poleeseeay)french [police novel] noun phrase(plural romans policiers) a detectivestory, particularly one by a Frenchauthor.rondeau (rondo, rondo) french[from rond round] noun (plural rondeaux,rondo, rondoz) a verseform usually comprising 10 or 13lines, in three stanzas, with the thefi r st line used as a repeated refrain;may also refer to a type of popularsong of medieval French origin: “Atthat moment Lloyd Mallam, the poet,owner of the Hafiz Book Shop, was finishinga rondeau to show how diverting waslife amid the feuds of medieval Florence,but how dull it was in so obvious a placeas Zenith.” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt,1922).rondo (rondo) italian [from Frenchrond round] noun a piece of instrumentalmusic with a repeating refrainor theme, often comprising the lastmovement of a concerto or sonata.ronin (ronin) japa nese [drifting person]noun (plural ronin or ronins)(in Japa nese history) a wandering formersamurai with no master, followingthe fall of his feudal lord.rosé (rozay) french [pink] noun apale red-colored table wine made fromred grapes from which the skins havebeen removed during fermentation.~adjective pinkish or pale red in color:“The sky had turned a delicate rosé colorand the mountains had taken on a distinctpurple hue.”Rosh Hashanah (rosh hbshahnb, roshhbshahnb) hebrew [head of the year]noun the Jewish New Year.rösti (rbshtee, rostee) swiss german[fried grated potatoes] noun a Swissdish of grated potatoes, sometimesmixed with onions, bacon, or cheese,formed into a patty, and fried.360

ouleaurostrum (rostrbm) latin [beak, fromrodere to gnaw, also applied to theprow of a ship and hence to a platformin the Forum of ancient Romedecorated with the prows of defeatedenemy ships and used by public orators]noun (plural rostrums or rostra,rostrb) a platform or piece of stagingfrom which a person may deliver aspeech or performance (often referringspecifically to the stand fromwhich a conductor directs an orchestra):“As the speaker mounted the rostrum alarge over-ripe tomato exploded with satisfyinggusto against the microphone stand.”rôti (rotee) french [roast] noun (inFrench cuisine) a dish of roasted meat.~adjective roasted.rotisserie (rotisbree, rotisree) french[from rôtir to roast] noun a type ofoven in which food may be rotated ona spit while being roasted; may alsorefer to a restaurant or shop servingbarbecued or roast meats.rotunda (rotbndb) latin [feminine ofrotundus round, circular] noun a circularbuilding, typically topped by adome; may also refer to a large circularhall or other area in a hotel or otherpublic building: “The corridor opened outon the central rotunda of the library, wherethe main reading room was situated.”roué (rooay) french [broken on thewheel (referring to the punishmentthought by some to be suitable forpleasure-seeking profligates)] noun arake, a debauchee, a man with a reputationfor dissolute living: “Her father had foryears cultivated the air of an old roué, thoughin reality he was usually in bed by ten o’clockwith a good book and a cup of cocoa.”rouge (roozh) french [red] noun areddish cosmetic powder or creamused to color the cheeks or lips:“The little girl watched intently as hermother dabbed a little rouge on her cheeks.”~verb to color the cheeks or lips withrouge.rouge-et-noir (roozh ay nwahr) french[red and black] noun phrase a cardgame in which bets are placed on atable marked with two red and twoblack diamond spots.roulade (roolahd) french [act ofrolling, from rouler to roll] noun (inFrench cuisine) a cooking techniquein which food is prepared in the formof a roll and served sliced: “The mealwas finished with generous slices of icecream roulade.”rouleau (roolo) french [from rôleroll (referring originally to the rollof paper from which actors formerlylearned their parts)] noun (pluralrouleaus or rouleaux, roolo,rooloz) a small roll or cylinder ofcoins or other objects: “Early in themorning, the rouleau of gold was left at361

oulettemy door in a little box, with my name onthe outside.” (Charles Dickens, A Tale ofTwo Cities, 1859).roulette (roolet) french [smallwheel, from rouelle wheel] noun agambling game played with a revolvingwheel divided into numbered compartments,participants betting on thenumber where a spinning ball willfinally come to rest; may also refer tothe revolving wheel itself.routier (rooteeay) french [ultimatelyfrom Latin rumpere to break]noun a long-distance truck driver ina French-speaking country.roux (roo) french [browned, frombeurre roux brown butter] noun amixture of flour and butter used tothicken soups and sauces.R.S.V.P.plaît.See répondez s’il vousrubella (roobelb) latin [feminineof rubellus reddish] noun Germanmeasles.Rubicon (roobikbn) latin [after theRubicon river in northern Italy, whichJulius Caesar crossed with his troopsin 49 b.c., thus declaring his challengeagainst the Senate] noun a decisive,irrevocable step; can also refer to anyboundary or limitation: “With this decisionthe president effectively crossed theRubicon: if he failed to win the day therewould be no going back.”rubric (roobrik) latin [from rubricared earth] noun the title, heading,instructions, or similar material at thebeginning of a text (formerly oftenprinted in red); may also refer to anygloss or other explanatory materialin a text: “‘We Confess a Mistake’ was therubric above the leader, and she uttered acry of triumph, for she thought the mistakewas what she had just been reading, andthat the editorial would apologize for theincomprehensible journalistic error uponthe first page” (Booth Tarkington, TheConquest of Canaan, 1905).ruche (roosh) french [beehive, ultimatelyfrom Latin rusca tree bark]noun a frill, pleat, or gathered strip offabric suitable for use as trimming fora dress or curtains: “A cluster of tea-rosebuds at the bosom and a ruche reconciledMeg to the display of her pretty, white shoulders,and a pair of high-heeled silk bootssatisfied the last wish of her heart” (LouisaMay Alcott, Little Women, 1868).rucksack (ruksak, rooksak) german[from Rucken back and Sack sack]noun a knapsack: “The rucksacks werepiled up in the corner and all the membersof the party sat down to eat.”rumba (rbmbb) spanish [probably ofAfrican origin] noun a Cuban-styleballroom dance, or music written toaccompany it.362

utabagaruse de guerre (rooz db gair) french[ruse of war] noun phrase a trick todeceive an enemy in time of war;by extension, any justifiable ruse ortrick: “Her lover forgave himself for hislow deception on the grounds that it was asimple ruse de guerre.”rus in urbe (rus in erbay) latin [thecountry in the city] noun phrase animpression of the countryside transportedinto an urban area (such asthrough the planting of trees): “Thepainting of an idyllic landscape on the sidewall of a decrepit tenement constituted afeeble attempt to create the impression ofrus in urbe.”rutabaga (ruutbbaygb) swedish [fromdialect rotabagge root bag] noun alarge bulbous root vegetable with yellowishflesh.363

åååsåS. See senor; signor; signora.S.A., s.a.See sine anno.Sabbath (sabbth) hebrew [fromshabbath rest] noun the seventh dayof the week, traditionally a time ofrest and worship (Sunday amongChristians, Saturday among Jews):“There was much resistance to openingstores on the Sabbath.”sabot (sabo, sabo) french [fromOld French çabot, ultimately fromArabic sabbat sandal] noun a traditionalwooden shoe or type of sandalwith a wooden sole and sides.sabotage (sabbtahzh, sabbtahj) french[from saboter to make a noise withsabots, to destroy with sabots(wooden shoes)] noun a deliberateact of destruction of property, typicallyas part of a campaign to hinderan enemy; may also refer more generallyto any subversive or destructiveact. ~verb to commit an act ofsabotage: “The men decided to sabotagethe management’s attempts to regain controlof negotiations.”saboteur (sabbter) french [fromsaboter to make a noise with sabots, todestroy with sabots (wooden shoes)]noun a person who commits acts ofsabotage.sabra (sahbrb) hebrew [from sabbarprickly pear] noun a native bornIsraeli.sadhu (sahdoo), saddhu sanskrit[good man] noun a Hindu holy manor sage.saeva indignatio (sivb indignahteeo)latin [fierce indignation] noun phrasestrong indignation (usually in responseto human folly).safari (sbfahree) kiswahili [from Arabicsafar journey] noun a journey,tour, or expedition; a hunting tripin pursuit of wild animals. ~adjectivesand-colored, beige (the color of traditionalsafari clothes): “In the end he365

sagachose a broad-brimmed hat and a safaricoloredjacket for the trip.”saga (sahgb) old norse [tale, saw]noun a prose narrative recountingheroic events and fi gures of Icelandicand Norwegian legend; by extension,any lengthy tale of epic char acter:“It took some time but eventually theyprevailed upon their hostess to sharewith them the epic saga of her earlylove life.”Sagittarius (sajitaireebs) latin [archer]noun (in astronomy) the Archer, alarge constellation in the southernhemi sphere; (in astrology) the ninthsign of the zodiac, occurring betweenScorpio and Capricorn.sahib (saheeb, sahib, saheeb) hindi[from Arabic sahib master, friend]noun sir, master (term of respect forEuropeans used in colonial India).sake (sakee, sahkee), saké japanesenoun a Japanese alcoholic drinkmade from fermented rice.salaam (sblahm) arabic [peace] nouna salutation or ceremonial greetingused in the East (often in the form ofa low bow, with the right hand placedon the forehead): “Abdulla understoodthe meaning of that silence, and rose totake leave with a grave salaam” (JosephConrad, Almayer’s Folly, 1894). ~verbto make such a greeting.salami (sblahmee) italian [plural ofsalame, from salare to salt] noun atype of highly seasoned pork and beefsausage.saliva (sblivb) latin [spittle] nounthe secretion of the salivary glands,which moistens the mouth, preparesfood for swallowing, and aids digestion:“Saliva provides natural protectionagainst tooth decay.”salle (sal) french [room] nounhall or other large room.salon (salon(g)) french [fromItalian salone, itself from sala hall]noun a drawing room, living room,or reception room; may also referto a fashionable social gathering orexhibition of artistic works held insuch surroundings and, by extension,to any fashionable business establishmentor shop: “I want to come back toLondon. I want to have a charming househere. I want to have a salon” (OscarWilde, An Ideal Husband, 1895).salsa (salsb) spanish [sauce, ultimatelyfrom Latin salsus salted]noun a spicy sauce made from tomatoes,onions, and hot peppers; mayalso refer to a modern variety ofCaribbean dance music and dancestyle associated with such music: “Thesounds of salsa music and laughter driftedout of the harbor-front bars.”a366

samosasalut (saloo) french [salute, ultimatelyfrom Latin salutare to greet]interjection a greeting, salutation, ortoast.Salve Regina (salvay rbjinb, salvayrbjeenb) latin [hail, queen] interjectionphrase (in the Roman CatholicChurch) a hymn or prayer beginningwith the words “Salve Regina,” inhonor of the Virgin Mary, said or sungafter compline and from Trinity Sundayuntil Advent.sal volatile (sal volatilee) latin[swift salt] noun phrase smelling salts(ammonium carbonate).salwar kameez (salwahr kbmeez)persian/urdu/arabic [from Persianand Urdu shalwar and Arabickamis, from Latin camisia shirt] nounphrase a long tunic or shirt wornover a pair of light pleated trousers,baggy at the top and narrow at theankles, worn by both women andmen in the Indian subcontinent: “Isat down beside a group of men dressed intheir traditional salwar kameez and peelingoranges.”samba (sambb, sahmbb) portuguesenoun a Brazilian dance of Africanorigin or a Latin American ballroomdance based on it; may also refer tomusic written to accompany it: “Theydanced the samba until the sun rose overthe distant mountains.”sambuca (sambookb) italian [fromLatin sambucus elder tree] noun anItalian anise- fl avored liqueur madefrom elderberries. A flaming sambucais served in a shot glass, litand allowed to burn, and then extinguishedand drunk while still warm.samfooSee samfu.samfu (samfuu), samfoo chinese[from Cantonese dialect shaam coatand foo pants] noun a lightweight suitconsisting of a high- necked jacket andloose pants, worn by Chinese women.samisen (sameesen) japa nese [fromChinese san three and xìan string]noun a traditional Japa nese musicalinstrument with three strings, along neck, and a square body, whichis played by plucking with a largeplectrum.samizdat (samizdat) russian [abbreviatedfrom of samizdatel’stvo, fromsam self and izdatel’stvo publishinghouse] noun an underground pressor a clandestine system of publishingand distributing literature that hasbeen officially suppressed (originallyreferring to such activity in the formerSoviet Union).samosa (sbmosb) persian/urdunoun (in Indian cuisine) an appetizingtriangular pastry filled with meator vegetables.367

samovarsamovar (sambvahr) russian [selfboiler,from samo self and varit’ to boil]noun a traditional Russian tea urn,commonly made of copper: “. . .thedrawing room, a large room with darkwalls, downy rugs and a brightly lightedtable, gleaming with the light of candles,the whiteness of napery, the silver of thesamovar and the tea service of transparentporcelain” (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina,1874–76).sampan (sampan) chinese [threeboards, from saam three and baanboard, plank] noun a flat-bottomedChinese boat steered by a stern oar oroars: “A large sampan floated majesticallyout of the harbor on the evening breeze.”samurai (sambri, samybri) japanese[warrior] noun a member of thetraditional Japanese military caste orfeudal nobility. ~adjective of or relatingto the samurai class of warriors:“The old man took down the samurai swordthat hung over the fireplace and held it outto his visitor for inspection.”san (san) japanese [diminutive ofsama honorable] noun a courtesytitle affi xed to a person’s name orother titles.sanatorium (sanbtoreebm) latin[healing place, neuter of sanatoriuscurative] noun (plural sanatoriumsor sanatoria, sanbtoreeb) an institutionwhere the sick may receivetherapy or medical treatment; mayalso refer to a health resort or to amedical center within a school orother establishment: “The school sanatoriumwas crowded with victims of thevirus.” ~abbreviated form san.sanctum (sanktbm) latin [neuter ofsanctus sacred, holy] noun (plural sanctumsor sancta, sanktb) a sacredplace, a private study or retreat fromthe world: “‘I beg your pardon, Mr.Traddles . . . I was not aware that there wasany individual, alien to this tenement, inyour sanctum’” (Charles Dickens, DavidCopperfield, 1849–50).sanctum sanctorum (sanktbm sanktorbm)latin [translation of Hebrewqodes haqqodasim holy of holies] nounphrase (plural sancta sanctorum,sanktb sanktorbm) the holy of holies(the most holy place) in the JewishTemple in ancient Jerusalem, or asacred shrine in any church or temple;may also apply to any sanctum or privateretreat.sangfroid (son(g)fwah), sang-froidfrench [cold blood] noun composure,coolheadedness, impertubability,equanimity, self-possession (especiallyunder pressure): “His lack of reaction toher anger was typical of his British ‘stiffupper lip’ and old-fashioned sangfroid.”sangria (sangreeb) spanish [bleeding]noun a Spanish drink madewith sweet red wine, fruit, spices,and soda water.368

sarcomaSanhedrin (sanhedrin) hebrew[from Greek sunedrion council] nounthe supreme judicial and and ecclesiasticalcouncil in ancient Jerusalem.sans (sonz, sanz) french [without,ultimately from Latin sine without,influenced by absentia absence] prepositionwithout, devoid of.sansculotte (sanzkoolot, sanzkyoolot),sans-culotte french [fromsans-culotte without knee-breeches,referring to members of the lowerclasses in late-18th-century France]noun a radical political extremist,revolutionary, or anarchist (referringoriginally to republican radicals at thetime of the French Revolution); mayalso refer more generally to any memberof the lowest ranks of society.sans-gêne (son(g) zhen) french[without embarrassment] noun phraselack of self-restraint, disregard ofpolite conventions.sans pareil (son(g) paray) french[without equal] adjective phrase withoutequal, unequaled: “He built a reputationas a linguistic authority sans pareil.”sans peur (son(g) per) french [withoutfear] adjective phrase withoutfear, fearless.sans recours (son(g) rbkoor) french[without recourse] adverb phrase (inlaw) without responsibility: “If a billof exchange is endorsed sans recours, theendorser is not responsible for paying it.”sans souci (son(g) soosee) french[without worry] adjective phrase carefree.Santeria (santbreeb, sahntbreeb) spanish[holiness] noun an African Cubanreligion that combines elements oftraditional Yoruba beliefs and customswith certain aspects of Roman Catholicism,worshiping a supreme deity aswell as other deities. Animal sacrifice isone of the more controversial practicesof Santeria.saraband (sarbband), sarabandefrench [from Spanish zarabanda(ultimately of oriental origin)] nouna stately Spanish court dance intriple time, or music written toaccompany it.sarangi (sbrangee, sbrungee) hindi[100 colors] noun an Indian threestringedmusical instrument, playedwith a bow.sarapeSee serape.sarcoma (sahrkomb) greek [sarkomafleshy growth, from sarkoun to growflesh] noun (plural sarcomas or sarcomata,sahkombtb) a malignantgrowth or tumor: “The doctors examinedthe sarcoma and decided to operate withoutdelay.”369

sarcophagussarcophagus (sahkofbgbs) greek [sarkophagosfl esh-eating stone (referringto the belief that dead flesh could beconsumed by limestone)] noun (pluralsarcophaguses or sarcophagi,sahkofbgi) a stone coffin or, moregenerally, a coffin of any kind: “Thesarcophagus of the pharoah was removed,along with other grave goods, later thatday.”sari (sahree), saree hindi [fromSanskrit sati strip of cloth] noun atraditional Indian dress for womencomprising a long piece of cotton, silkor other lightweight cloth wrappedover the shoulder and around the waist:“The bride wore a richly decorated gold sari,her hair covered by a bright red silk shawl.”sarong (sbrong) malay [sheath, quiver]noun a skirt or dress comprising along strip of cloth wrapped aroundthe body (traditionally worn by bothmen and women of the Malay Archipelagoand parts of the Pacific butnow more widely worn as beachwearfor women).sarsaparilla (saspbrilb, sasbpbrilb)spanish [from zarzaparrilla, fromzarza bush, bramble and parilla,diminutive of parra vine] noun a softdrink flavored with an extract fromthe dried roots of a tropical plant ofthe genus Smilax.sartor resartus (sahrtor resahrtbs)latin [the tailor retailored, from thetitle of the work by Thomas Carlyle(1795–1881) first published in 1833–34] noun phrase a person when consideredas being molded by the societyin which he or she lives.sashaySee chassé.sashimi (sbsheemee) japa nese [piercedbody] noun (in Japa nese cuisine) adish of thinly sliced raw fish, servedwith soy sauce for dipping and a garnish,such as shredded white radish:“We had tuna sashimi with cucumber saladfor dinner.”sassafras (sasbfras) spanish [fromLatin saxifraga saxifrage] noun adeciduous tree of North America witharomatic leaves and bark; also anextract of its leaves or bark, used as afl avoring and in making perfume andmedicines. Sassafras shoots are used inmaking root beer.Satan (saytbn) hebrew [adversary]noun the Devil, the chief evil spiritin Judaic and Christian religions.satay (satay) malay [from satai orsate] noun (in Indonesian and Malaysiancuisine) a dish comprising piecesof meat grilled on a skewer servedwith spicy peanut sauce.saturnalia (satbnayleeb, saternaylyb)latin [neuter plural of saturnalis ofSaturn] noun the festival of Saturn inancient Rome and thus, by extension,370

savantan unrestrained celebration or orgy:“They had been so for generations, and itwas only gradually that the CambridgeSaturnalia were replaced by the decenciesand solemnities of the present sober anniversary.”(Oliver Wendell Holmes, Overthe Teacups, 1891).satyagraha (sbtyahgrbhb, sbtybgrbhb)sanskrit [from satya truth and agrahapersistence] noun a policy of passiveresistance (often specifically referringto the nonviolent political campaignsof Mahatma Gandhi against Britishrule in India): “The policy of satyagrahawon the mahatma many reluctant admirersin the West.”satyr (saytbr) greek [from satyros]noun a race of woodland deities ofGreek mythology described as halfhuman and half goat or half horse andas having lascivious natures; may alsorefer more generally to any lecherousor lascivious male: “In his private life thegreat man showed all the gross tastes of aGrecian satyr.”sauerkraut (sowbrkrowt) german[from sauer sour and Kraut greens]noun a traditional German dish offinely chopped pickled salted cabbage.sauna (sonb, sonb,) finnish noun ahot steam bath in which steam isproduced by pouring water on hotstones: “By mid-afternoon the heat ofthe sun had turned the engine shed intoa sauna.”sauté (sotay, sotay) french [pastparticiple of sauter to jump] noun adish that has been fried quickly in hotfat. ~adjective of or relating to foodprepared in such a way. ~verb to fryfood quickly in hot fat.sauve qui peut (sov kee pb) french[save himself whoever can] noun ageneral panic, headlong flight, a disorderedstampede, a case of everyonefor themselves: “‘Sauve qui peut, is mymotto,’ continued Mr. Stryker. ‘I shall takecare of myself; though I have no objectionthat the rest of the world should profit by myexcellent example; they may improve on mymodel, if they please’” (Susan FenimoreCooper, Elinor Wyllys, 1846).savanna (sbvanb), savannah spanish[from zavana, from Taino zabana]noun an extensive treeless plain; mayalso refer to a tropical or subtropicalgrassland with scattered trees: “Purplerainclouds piled up toward the west, theirshadows spreading across the savanna.”savant (savon(g), sbvant, savbnt)french [knowing, present participleof savoir to know] noun a learnedperson, a sage, a scholar: “This thoughtcomes to me as, sitting on a bench near theband-stand, I see an old savant who talks toall the children” (Robert Service, Balladsof a Bohemian, 1920).371

savoir fairesavoir faire (savwah fair), savoirfairefrench [to know how to do]noun phrase assured confidence insocial situations, the ability to knowhow to behave, tact: “It would be doinginjustice to Miss Wardour’s savoir faire,to suppose she was not aware that such aquestion would lead to an answer of nolimited length.” (Walter Scott, The Antiquary,1816).savoir vivre (savwahr veevrb), savoirvivrefrench [to know how to live]noun phrase knowledge of the ways ofthe world, sophistication, etiquette.sayonara (siybnahrb) japanese [if itbe so] interjection good-bye, farewell.~noun a good-bye, a farewell.sc.See sculpsit.scagliola (skalyolb, skalyolb) italian[little chip, diminutive of scaglia chipof marble] noun a variety of imitationmarble used for flooring, columns,and other items: “For the morningsun fell aslant on the great glass globe withgold fish in it, which stood on a scagliolapillar in front of the ready-spread bachelorbreakfast-table, and by the side of thisbreakfast-table was a group which wouldhave made any room enticing.” (GeorgeEliot, Adam Bede, 1859).scaldSee skald.scenario (sbnahreeo) italian [fromLatin scaenarium place for erectingstages, itself from scena stage]noun the plot or synopsis of aplay, fi lm, opera, or novel, or moregenerally any planned or possiblesequence of future events: “This latestturn of events suggested a whole newscenario.”schadenfreude (shahdbnfroydb), Schadenfreudegerman [from Schadendamage, harm and Freude joy] nounpleasure derived from the difficultiesof others.schema (skeemb) greek [from skhemashape, form] noun (plural schemasor schemata, skeembtb, skeemahtb)an outline, synopsis, plan, diagram,model, or framework of something.schemozzleSee shemozzle.scherzando (skertsando) italian [joking,from scherzare to joke] adverb(in music) playfully, in a jokingmanner. ~adjective playful, sportive.~noun (plural scherzandos or scherzandi,skertsandee) a playful pieceof music.scherzo (skertso) italian [joke] noun(plural scherzos or scherzi, skertsee)a lively passage of instrumental musicwritten in a humorous, playful style:“For my misty meditation, at the secondchangin-station, Suffered sudden dislocation,fled before the tuneless jar Of a Wagnerobbligato, scherzo, doublehand staccato.”372

schnorrer(Rudyard Kipling, “As the Bell Clinks,”1886).schizophrenia (skitsbfreeneeb) greek[divided mind, from schizein to splitand phren mind] noun a psychoticdisorder in which the subject exhibitssigns of a split personality.schlemiel (shlbmeel), shlemiel yiddish[from shlemil, ultimately fromthe Hebrew name Shelumiel God ismy welfare] noun a fool, a clumsy orunlucky dolt.schlepp (shlep), schlep, shlep iddish[probably from German schleppen todrag] verb to toil along, to drag, haul,or carry: “The youth shrugged his shouldersand schlepped down the street, scrapingup dust with his boots.”schlock (shlok), shlock yiddish [probablyfrom shlak apoplectic stroke, itselffrom shlogn to strike] noun goodsor other material of inferior quality.~adjective poor, trashy, inferior.schloss (shlos), Schloss german[castle] noun a castle (usually referringto one in a German-speaking country):“They walked about the streets and thewooded hills, they drove in cabs, they boatedon the river, they sipped beer and coffee,afternoons, in the Schloss gardens” (MarkTwain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880).schmaltz (shmolts), schmalz, shmaltzgerman [from Schmalz rendered fat,lard] noun sentimentality (usuallyreferring to excessive sentiment inwriting or music): “The schmaltz thatpermeated popular music in the immediatepostwar period came to an abrupt end withthe advent of rock ’n’ roll.”schmatteSee shmatte.schmooze (shmooz), shmooze yiddish[from shmues chat, itself fromHebrew shemuoth news, rumor] verbto gossip or chat informally. ~nouninformal chat or gossip.schmuck (shmuk), shmuck yiddish[from shmok penis] noun a fool, ajerk, a simpleton: “After this last outburst,all present agreed that the strangerwas some schmuck from out of town andthat it would be best just to ignore him.”schnapps (shnaps), schnaps german[from Schnaps dram of liquor]noun strong Holland gin, or a spiritresembling it.schnell (shnel) german [fast, quick]interjection quickly adver fast, quickly.schnitzel (shnitzbl) german [shaving,chip, slice] noun (in German cuisine)a seasoned veal cutlet fried in breadcrumbs.schnorrer (shnorbr) yiddish [fromGerman, Schmurrer beggar] noun abeggar, a scrounger, a parasite.373

schnozzleschnozzle (shnozbl), shnozzle yiddish[from shnoits snout] noun anose. ~abbreviated form schnozz.schola cantorum (skolb kantorbm)latin [school of singers] noun phrase(plural scholae cantorum, skoleekantorbm, skolay kantorbm,) a singingschool, a choir school, or a groupof singers; can also refer to the areain which the choir sits in early churchbuildings.schottische (skoteesh) german [fromder schottische Tanz the Scottish dance]noun a 19th- century German dancesimilar to a slow polka; also the musicthat accompanies it.schtickschulSee shtick.See shul.schuss (shoos) german [shot] noun(in skiing) a straight downhill run attop speed. ~verb to ski down a slopeat top speed.schwarmerei (shvermbri), schwärmereigerman [from schwärmen toswarm] noun excessive sentimentor enthusiasm (often referring toyouthful infatuation with someone orsomething).Schweinhund (shvinhbnt, shwinhbnt),schweinhund german [pigdog]noun swine, pig, bastard (as a termof abuse).scilicet (skeeliket, silbset, silbset)latin [surely, from scire to know andlicet it is permitted] adverb to wit,namely, that is to say. ~noun a specifyingclause in a document or agreement.scintilla (sintilb) latin [spark] nouna spark, a trace, a minute particle, atiny amount: “Not a scintilla of thesewas lost on Porthos; and at every one heuttered an exclamation which betrayedto his friend that he had not lost sightof the idea which possessed his brain”(Alexandre Dumas, Twenty Years After,1845).scire facias (siree faysheebs) latin[you should cause to know] nounphrase a judicial writ requiring aparty to show why a judgment or otherdecision should not be enforced againstthem.sciroccoSee sirocco.Scorpio (skorpeeo) latin [scorpion]noun (in astronomy) the Scorpion,a constellation in the southern hemisphere;(in astrology) the eighth signof the zodiac, occurring betweenLibra and Sagittarius.scriptorium (skriptoreebm) latin[from scribere to write] noun (pluralscriptoriums or scriptoria, skriptoreeb)a room in a medieval monasterywhere manuscripts were copiedout by scribes, hence any writing room:374

sedilia“The young scholar was taken to the scriptorium,where he might see the older monks atwork on sacred texts.”sculpsit (skblpsit) latin [he/she carvedit] verb he or she carved or engraved it(used to identify the sculptor responsiblefor a particular work). ~abbreviatedform sc., sculp., sculps.S.D., s.d.See sine die.séance (sayons, sayons) french [sitting,from seoir to sit] noun a spiritualistmeeting during which sittersattempt to communicate with the spiritworld: “The four of them agreed to hold aséance to attempt to contact the ghost of thenotorious pirate.”sebum (seebbm) latin [grease] nounthe fatty secretion of the sebaceousglands, which lubricates the hair andskin and affords protection against bacterialinfection: “Excess sebum productioncan cause acne.”sec (sek) french [dry, ultimatelyfrom Latin siccus dry] adjective (ofchampagne) moderately dry. ~noun amoderately dry champagne: “The butlerreturned from the cellar with a bottle ofsec.”secretaire (sekrbtair) french [fromsécretaire, ultimately from Latin secretumsecret] noun a writing desk or bureauwith a range of drawers, pigeonholes,and (sometimes) secret compartmentsin which letters and other documentsare kept: “But his confidential friend andattendant, Monsieur Fiche, proved that thering had been presented to the said Madamede Belladonna two days before the Marquis’sdeath, as were the bank-notes, jewels, Neapolitanand French bonds, &c., found inhis lordship’s secretaire and claimed byhis heirs from that injured woman” (WilliamMakepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair,1847).secretariat (sekrbtaireeat) french[from sécretariat offi ce of secretary,ultimately from Latin secretarius confidential offi cer] noun the offi ce ofsecretary, or the clerical or administrativestaff of a large organization(often referring to a governmentdepartment): “Orders for the immediateevacuation of the village were issued bythe secretariat.”Seder (saydbr) hebrew [from sedherorder] noun (in Judaism) a ritual serviceand ceremonial meal held on thefi rst night of the first two nights ofPassover: “The Seder commemorates theexodus of Jewish slaves from Egypt thousandsof years ago.”sedilia (sbdileeb) latin [plural ofsedile seat, from sedere to sit] pluralnoun a group of three stone seatsfor the officiating clergy, often set ina recess in the south chancel wall of achurch.375

segnosegno (saynyo) italian [sign] noun(plural segnos or segni, saynyee) (inmusic) a sign indicating the positionfrom which a passage of music is to berepeated.segue (segway, saygway) italian[there follows, from seguire to follow]verb to proceed from one piece ofmusic to another without a pause: “Thebest radio disc jockeys can segue from onerecord to another with such skill that it isimpossible to tell where one song ends andanother begins.” ~noun an unbroken transitionfrom one piece of music, subject,activity, level, or condition to another.seicento (saychento) italian [sixhundred] noun the 17th century(usually in relation to Italian arts andculture).seigneur (saynyer, senyer) french[senior, elder] noun a man of rankor authority, a gentleman, an aristocrat(originally referring specificallyto the lord of a feudal manor): “‘Willyour cousin come south this year, to thatbeautiful villa of his at Cannes?’ . . . ‘Agrand seigneur combined with a great connoisseur,’opined the other heavily” (JosephConrad, The Arrow of Gold, 1919).semi- (semee) latin [from Greekhemi-] prefi x half, e.g., semicircle,semifinal.semiosis (simeeosbs, semeeosbs,semiosbs) greek [observation ofsigns, from semeioun to observe signs]noun the process of signifi cation(variously applied in language, linguistics,or biology).semper fidelis (sempbr fidaylis) latin[ever faithful] adjective phrase alwaysdependable, always trustworthy(motto of the United States MarineCorps). ~abbreviated form semper fi.semplice (semplichay, semplichee)italian [from Latin simplex simple]adjective (in music) simple, plain.~adverb (in music) simply, plainly.sempre (sempray) italian [from Latinsemper always] adverb (in music)always, throughout.senatus populusque Romanus (senahtbspopyooluskway romahnbs) latin[the senate and Roman people] nounphrase the senate and the Romanpeople (as quoted in official decrees).~abbreviated form S.P.Q.R.senhor (sinyor) portuguese [superior,lord, from Latin senex old] noun(plural senhors or senhores, sin yoreezh,sinyoreez) respectful formof address for a man (especially onein a Portuguese-speaking country).~abbreviated form Snr.senhora (sinyorb) portuguese [mistress,feminine of senhor superior,lord, from Latin senex old]noun respectful form of address376

sepsisfor a married woman (especially onein a Portuguese-speaking country).~abbreviated form Snra.senhorita (seenybreetb) portuguese[young lady, diminutive of senhora mistress]noun respectful form of addressfor an unmarried woman (especiallyone in a Portuguese-speaking country).~abbreviated form Snrta.senor (saynyor), señor spanish [lord,master] noun (plural senors or señores,saynyorayz) respectful form ofaddress for a man (especially one in aSpanish-speaking country). ~abbreviatedforms S., Sñr., Sr.senora (saynyor), señora spanish[lady, feminine of señor lord, master]noun (plural senoras or señoras,saynyoraz) respectful form of addressfor a married woman (especially onein a Spanish-speaking country). ~abbreviatedforms Sñra., Sra.senorita (saynybreetb), señorita spanish[young lady, diminutive of señoralady] noun (plural senoritas or señoritas,saynybreetbz) respectful formof address for an unmarried woman(especially one in a Spanish-speakingcountry): “The senoritas gathered in atight knot as the guitars struck up for thefi rst dance.” ~abbreviated forms Sñrta.,Srita., SRTA, Srta.sensu stricto (sensoo strikto), strictosensu latin [in the strict sense]adverb phrase strictly, strictly speaking.~adjective phrase in a strict sense.sententia (sentenshb) latin [feeling,opinion, from sentire to feel] noun(plural sententiae, sentenshiee) anaphorism, maxim, or saying.senza (senzb) italian [probably fromLatin absentia absence] noun (inmusic) without.sepia (seepeeb) greek [cuttlefish,ink] noun a faded brown color (reminiscentof the brown color of theink released by cuttlefish). ~adjectiveof or relating to such a color (oftenreferring to sepia-tinted photographs,drawings etc): “It reminded me of a sepiapainting I had once seen done from theink of a fossil Belemnite that must haveperished and become fossilized millionsof years ago” (H. G. Wells, The TimeMachine, 1895).sepoy (seepoi) urdu [from sepahisoldier] noun (in colonial India) anIndian soldier in the ser vice of theBritish or another Eu ro pe an power.seppuku (sepookoo, sepbkoo) japanese[abdomen-cutting, from setsu tocut and fuku abdomen] noun harakiri.sepsis (sepsis) greek [decay, fromsepein to putrefy] noun (plural sepses,sepseez) blood poisoning, a toxiccondition caused by bacterial infection377

Septuagint(often referring specifically to setpicemia):“The surgeon did what little hecould, but sepsis had set in and the taskappeared hopeless.”Septuagint (septoobjint) latin [fromseptuaginta seventy] noun the ancientGreek translation of the HebrewScriptures, including the Apocrypha,said to have been translated by 72scholars working in de pen dently.septum (septbm) latin [from sepireto enclose] noun (plural septa, septb)(in anatomy) a partition that separatestwo chambers or tissues, suchas the tissue between the nostrils:“Habitually snorting cocaine will eventuallyerode the septum.”seq.See sequitur.sequestrator (sekwbstraytbr) latin[one who receives as a third party, atrustee] noun (in law) a person whotakes legal possession of another’sproperty and holds it temporarilyuntil a debt is paid or other claimshave been met.sequitur (sekwiter) latin [it follows]noun a consequence or logical conclusion.~abbreviated form seq.seraglio (sbralyo, sbrahlyo) italian[from serraglio enclosure, ultimatelyfrom Turkish saray palace, mansion]noun a harem, or the palace of a sultan;may also refer to the women ofa harem: “But if not, I will first strangleyou—I learned the art from a Polonianheyduck, who had been a slave in the Ottomanseraglio—and then seek out a modeof retreat.” (Walter Scott, A Legend ofMontrose, 1819).serape (sbrahpee, sbrapee), sarapespanish [from Mexican Spanish sarape]noun a brightly colored woolenshawl draped around the shoulders(as worn by men in Central Americancountries).seraph (serbf) hebrew [back formationof seraphim order of angels] noun(plural seraphim, serbfi m , serbfeem,seraphs) a member of the highestorder of angels in celestial hierarchies.serenade (serbnayd) french [fromsérénade song in the open air, itselffrom Italian serenata, from sereno clear,calm] noun a song or instrumentalcomposition addressed to a lover orother individual; can also refer to amusical composition written for asmall instrumental group. ~verb toaddress such a composition to a loveror other individual: “Each evening thelovers were serenaded by a nightingalesinging in the bushes below their balcony.”seriatim (sireeaytbm) latin [in aseries, from series chain, from serereto join] adverb in a series, serially,in succession, one by one: “I take twovolumes (and no man could do it in less) to378

shamanexamine the theories of all the philosophersin the world, ancient and modern, on theVital Principle. I take two more (and littleenough) to scatter every one of the theories,seriatim, to the winds.” (Wilkie Collins,After Dark, 1856). ~adjective followingin a series.serum (seerbm) latin [whey] noun(plural serums or sera, seerb) awatery fluid, such as whey, bloodserum, or plant juices: “Fresh suppliesof blood serum were rushed to the hospitalwhen the scale of the emergency becameevident.”serviette (serveeet) french [a towel,from servir to serve] noun a table napkin:“The table was laid with fine china andcrisp white serviettes in silver rings.”sesquipedalia (seskwbpbdaylyb) latin[from sesquipedalis a foot and a half] pluralnoun long, multisyllabic words.settecento (seteechento) italian[seven hundred] noun the 18th century(usually with reference to Italianart and culture of the period).sforzando (sfortsahndo, sfortsando)italian [from sforzare to force] adjective(in music) forceful, with emphasis.~adverb to be played with special emphasis,forcefully. ~noun (plural sforzandosor sforzandi, sfortsahndee, sfortsandee)a note, or sequence of notes intended tobe played in such a manner.sfumato (sfoomahto) italian [pastparticiple of sfumare to evaporate]noun (in painting) a hazy or blurredoutline, a gradual shift in tone orcolor. ~adjective painted in a hazy,soft, indistinct manner.sgraffito (skrafeeto, zgrafeeto) italian[past participle of sgraffire to scratchaway] noun (plural sgraffiti, zgrafeetee,skrafeetee) an artistic technique inwhich an image is created by scratchingaway a top layer of clay or plasterto expose a different color beneath(usually relating to pottery); may alsorefer to a piece of pottery decoratedin such a manner.shah (shah) persian [king] noun titleformerly borne by the ruler of Iran(originally Persia).shaikhSee sheikh.shako (shako, shayko) hungarian[csákó peaked, ultimately from GermanZacken peak, point] noun (pluralshakos or shakoes) a style ofpeaked military hat with a high crownplume: “The captain removed his plumedshako and bowed low to the ladies as theyadvanced into the room.”shalom (shahlom, shblom) hebrew[peace] interjection peace (used as agreeting or farewell).shaman (shahmbn, shaymbn) russian[from Tungusian saman] noun a379

shammypriest, medicine man, or healer whoprofesses to have communication withthe spirit world and to be able to usemagic to cure illnesses or foretellthe future: “The old woman rejected theadvice of the doctors and instead called inthe local shaman.”shammySee chamois.sharia (shareeb), shari’a, shariat, sheria,sheriat arabic [from shar’iahlawfulness] noun the body ofIslamic law derived from the Koran:“The new government insisted upon strictobservance of the sharia throughout thecountry.”sharif (shbreef ), shareef, shereef,sherif arabic [from sarif illustrious,noble] noun a person who claimsdescent from Muhammad through hisdaughter Fatima—thus, by extension,any ruler or other figure of authorityin an Arabic country. ~noun, femininesharifa (shbreefb) the wife of a sharif.shashlik (shahshlik, shahshlik), shashlick,shaslik russian [from shashlyk,probably ultimately from Crimean Tatarsis skewer] noun (in eastern Europeanand Asian cuisine) a kebab of seasonedmutton.shebeen (shbbeen) irish [from síbínillicit whiskey] noun an unlicenseddrinking den or other establishmentwhere alcohol is sold illegally:“Rumor had it that the men met togethereach night at an illegal shebeen, butthe police never found out where it tookplace.”sheesh kebabSee shish kebab.shegetz (shagits) yiddish [sheygetsnon-Jewish boy, from Hebrew shequesblemish, abomination] noun (pluralshkotsim, shkortsim) insulting termfor a non-Jewish man or boy, or for aJewish man or boy who is judged tohave lapsed in his religious obligations.sheikh (sheek, shayk), sheik, sheykh,shaikh arabic [from shaykh old man,chief, ultimately from saka to grow old]noun an Arab chief or other figure ofauthority, such as the head of a familyor community.shekel (shekbl) hebrew [from sheqel,itself from saqal to weigh] noun inhistorical and modern Israel, a coinequivalent to a certain weight of goldor silver, and thus money or riches ingeneral: “You are a Jew, and of the line ofDavid. It is not possible you can find pleasurein the payment of any tax except theshekel given by ancient custom to Jehovah”(Lew Wallace, Ben Hur, 1880).Shema (shbmah) hebrew [hear]noun the central affirmation of Jewishbelief and a declaration of faith inone God, beginning with the words“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God isone Lord” (from Deuteronomy 6:4).380

shillelaghshemozzle (shbmozbl), schemozzleyiddish [from Hebrew shellomazzalbad luck] noun a confused muddleor altercation, uproar. ~verb to make ahasty retreat, to escape.Sheol (sheeol) hebrew [from she’ol]noun (in ancient Hebrew theology)the abode of the dead.sherbet (sherbbt), sherbert (sherbbrt)turkish [from Persian sharbat, fromArabic sharbah drink] noun a colddrink made with sweetened fruit juiceor effervescent sherbet powder; alternatively,a fruit-flavored ice made withmilk, egg white, or gelatin. See alsosorbet.sheria, sheriatSee sharia.sherpa (sherpb) tibetan [from sharpainhabitant of an eastern country]noun a member of a Nepalese peopleinhabiting the southern TibetanHimalayas, long known for their skillas mountain climbers and guides: “Thesherpas get little recognition for riskingtheir lives accompanying internationalexpeditions up Himalayan peaks.”sheykhSee sheikh.shiatsu (sheeatsoo), shiatzu japanese[finger pressure, abbreviated form ofshiatsuryoho, from shi finger, atsu pressureand ryoho treatment] noun atype of massage in which specific areasof the body are kneaded with the fingersand palms.shibboleth (shibblbth, shibbleth)hebrew [from shibbolet stream, flood]noun a catchword or slogan that isassociated with a particular group,sect, or class but is generally deridedby others as being devoid of meaning,a truism or platitude; can also refer toa custom or usage that is peculiar to aparticular group, class, or nationality:“It was as if she had just awakened to theassurance she was beloved. That was theshibboleth—the cry by which she soundedthe closed depths of her love and calledto the stricken life of a woman’s insatiatevanity” (Zane Grey, Call of the Canyon,1924).shih-tzu (shittsuu, sheetsuu) chinese[from shizi lion] noun a small sturdydog with a long silky coat, short legs,and a tail that curls upward.shiksa (shiksb), shikse yiddish [feminineof sheygets non-Jewish boy, fromHebrew sheqes blemish, abomination]noun insulting term for a non-Jewishwoman or girl, or for a Jewish womanor girl who is judged to have lapsed inher religious obligations.shillelagh (shblaylee), shillalah irish[after Shillelagh, Ireland] noun a cudgel:“The constable laid out the last ofthe troublemakers with a hefty blow of hisshillelagh.”381

shish kebabshish kebab (shish kbbahb), sheeshkebab turkish [from şişkebabi, fromşiş spit and kebab roast meat] nounphrase (in Turkish cuisine) a dishcomprising pieces of marinated meatand vegetables cooked on a skewer.shivareeshlemielshlepshlockshmaltzSee charivari.See schlemiel.See schlepp.See schlock.See schmaltz.shmatte (shmatb), schmatte yiddish[from schmatte, itself from Polishszmata rag] noun rag (usually referringto ragged clothing).shmoozeshmuckshnozzleSee schmooze.See schmuck.See schnozzle.shofar (shofahr) hebrew noun (pluralshofars or shofroth, shofrot)(in Judaism) a wind instrument madefrom a ram’s horn, which is used insynagogue rituals.shogun (shogbn) japanese [from shogungeneral, from Chinese jiang jungeneral] noun an hereditary militaryruler or warlord in Japan prior to themid-19th century: “The shoguns wieldedsupreme power among their followers butdissipated much of their energy in pettysquabbles with their rivals.”shtetl (shtetbl) yiddish [little town]noun (plural shtetls or stetlach,shtetlahk) formerly, a small Jewishtown or village in Eastern Eu rope:“The musical Fiddler on the Roof isset in the shtetl of Anatevka in TsaristRus sia.”shtick (shtik), shtik, schtick yiddish[from shtik pranks, piece] noun astage routine, gimmick, or gag; canalso refer to a person’s individualinterest or activity.shtoom (shtbm) yiddish [from Germanstumm silent] adjective silent,dumb, mute: “The gang members agreedto keep shtoom if they were questioned bythe police.”shufti (shooftee, shbftee), shufty arabic[from sufti have you seen?, fromsafa to see] noun a look, a glance,a peep: “They decided to have a quickshufti round the building to see if anyonewas left inside.”shul (shuul), schul yiddish [fromGerman Schule school] noun a synagogue.sibyl (sibbl) greek [from sibullaprophetess] noun a female seer orprophetess of ancient Greece orRome; subsequently applied more382

siffleurgenerally to any female fortuneteller,sorceress, or wise person:“The emperor consulted a sibyl to findout what the future might have in storefor him.”sic (sik) latin [so, thus] adverbthus, so written, as follows (usuallyindicating that something unlikely,questionable, or misspelled has beencopied exactly from the original).sic passim (sik pasim) latin [thus,so throughout] adverb phrase sothroughout, the same wherever found(referring to a recurring word or ideain a particular text or other work).sic semper tyrannis (sik sempbrtiranis) latin [thus always to tyrants]interjection this is how tyrants end(as quoted by John Wilkes Booth ashe assassinated Abraham Lincoln in1865, and since adopted as the mottoof the state of Virginia).sic transit gloria mundi (sik tranzitgloreeb mbndee) latin [thus passesaway the glory of the world, as quotedby the German religious writerThomas à Kempis (1380–1471)] interjectionsee how worldly glory andsuccess does not last.siddha (sidhb) sanskrit noun (inthe Jain religion) a person who hasattained a high level of spiritualperfection.siècle (seeekbl) french [century,ultimately from Latin saeculum generation]noun a century, or moregenerally an age or era: “With the coronationof the new king began a siècle d’orin French history.”sieg heil (zeek hil) Sieg heil german[hail victory] interjection hail victory(shout of acclamation adopted by theGerman Nazi party in the 1930s).~noun such a shout of acclamation:“The protestors laid siege to the governor’soffice, daubing slogans on the walls andsoluting him mockingly with sieg heils.”sierra (sierb, seeairb) spanish [saw,ultimately from Latin serra saw] nouna range of mountains, especially onewith a jagged, sawlike outline: “She coloredinvisibly, with a warmth against whichthe breeze from the sierra seemed to havelost its cooling power in the sudden meltingof the snows” (Joseph Conrad, Nostromo,1904).siesta (seeestb) spanish [from Latinsexta hora sixth hour, noon] noun amidday or afternoon nap or short rest,particularly one taken in a hot country:“He always took a siesta after lunch in thebars of Barcelena.”siffleur (siflbr) french [whistler,from siffler to whistle] noun a personwho whistles (especially one whoentertains publicly by whistling).~noun, feminine siffleuse (siflerz).383

signorsignor (seenyor, seenyor) italian[from signore, ultimately from Latinsenior superior, lord] noun (plural signorsor signori, seenyoree) title of respectaddressed to a man of superior socialstanding. ~abbreviated forms S., Sig.signora (seenyorb) italian [feminineof signore, ultimately from Latin seniorsuperior, lord] noun (plural signoras orsignore, seenyoray) title of respectaddressed to a married woman ofsuperior social standing. ~abbreviatedforms S., Sig.signorina (seenyoreenb) italian[young lady, diminutive of signora,ultimately from Latin senior superior,lord] noun (plural signorinas orsignorine, seenyoreenee) title ofrespect addressed to an unmarriedwoman of superior social standing.silhouette (silbwet) french [afterthe French controller of finances andauthor Étienne de Silhouette (1709–67), possibly in reference to the shortlivedtenure of his office] noun adark image seen against a lighter background,or the outline of a personor object. ~verb to depict someoneor something in outline: “The castleloomed over them, silhouetted against thesetting sun.”silo (silo) spanish [from Latin sirus,ultimately from Greek siros pit] nouna cylindrical bin, pit or tower used tostore silage, crops, or other material;can also refer to an underground storagesilo for guided missiles: “At noonthey drove into her first farmyard, a privatevillage, a white house with no porches savea low and quite dirty stoop at the back,a crimson barn with white trimmings, aglazed brick silo, an ex-carriage-shed, nowthe garage of a Ford, an unpainted cowstable‐.. .” (Sinclair Lewis, Main Street,1920).s’il vous plaît (seel voo play) french[if it pleases you] adverb phrase please,if you please. ~abbreviated form S.V.P.simile (simblee) latin [somethingsimilar, from the neuter of similis like,similar] noun a figure of speech inwhich two otherwise dissimilar thingsare compared (usually introduced by“as” or “like”): “‘As sharp as mustard’ and‘as quiet as a mouse’ are similes.”similiter (similitair) latin [in likemanner] noun (in law) the form bywhich either party, in pleading, acceptshis or her opponent’s tendered issue,also known as “joinder in issue.”simpatico (simpatiko) italian/spanish[sympathetic, ultimately fromLatin sympathia sympathy, itself fromGreek sumpathes having a fellow-feeling]adjective sympathetic, congenial,agreeable, likable: “Ray Kennedyused to know about all their little doings,but since his death there was no onewhom‐the Mexicans considered simpatico”384

sirocco(Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark,1915).sine (sin) latin [from sinus curve]noun a trigonometric function equalto the ratio between the length of theside opposite an acute angle in a rightangledtriangle and the length of thehypotenuse.sine anno (sinay ano) latin [without ayear] adverb phrase undated. ~abbreviatedforms S.A., s.a.sine causa (sinay kozb, sinay kowzb)latin [without cause] adverb phrasefor no reason.sine die (sinay deeay) latin [withoutday] adverb phrase indefinitely,without a date being fixed for a futuremeeting or action: “The court adjournedsine die.” ~adjective indefinite. ~abbreviatedforms S.D., s.d.sine prole (sinay prolay) latin [withoutoffspring] adverb phrase withoutissue, without children: “He died sineprole.” ~abbreviated form S.P., s.p.sine qua non (sinay kwah non) latin[without which not] noun phrasesomething essential, something indispensable:“Humility is the sine qua nonof their religion.” ~adjective phrase essential,indispensable.sinfonia (sinfoneeb, sinfbneeb) italian[from Latin symphonia symphony,instrumental harmony, ultimatelyfrom Greek sumphonos harmonious]noun an overture to a larger musicalcomposition; may also refer to asmall-scale symphony or to a smallorchestra.sinfonia concertante (sinfbneeb konsertantay)italian [symphony in concertostyle] noun phrase a concertowritten for more than one solo instrument.sinfonietta (sinfbnyetb, sinfonyetb)italian [diminutive of sinfonia, fromLatin symphonia symphony, instrumentalharmony, ultimately fromGreek sumphonos harmonious] nouna relatively small-scale symphony;may also refer to a small symphonyorchestra.singspiel (singspeel, zingshpeel) german[from singen to sing and Spielplay] noun (plural singspiels or singspiele,singspeelb, zingshpeelb) agenre of musical entertainment combiningsongs and comic dialogue thatbecame popular in Germany in thelate 18th century.sirocco (sbroko), scirocco (shbroko)italian [from Arabic sharq east]noun a hot dry wind that blows fromNorth Africa into the northern Mediterraneanregion at certain times ofyear; may also be used to refer tosimilar oppressive hot winds in otherparts of the world: “The sirocco came385

sitzkriegearly that year, driving tourists out of thecoastal resorts.”sitzkrieg (sitskreeg), Sitzkrieg german[seat war, sitting war, fromsitzen to sit and krieg war, imitatingblitzkrieg lightning war] noun a waror other confrontational situation inwhich no actual hostilities are takingplace or in which a major confl ict isavoided.si vis pacem, para bellum (see vispahchem parb belbm) latin [if youwant peace, prepare for war] verbphrase if you wish for peace, getready for war.skald (skold), scald old norse [fromOld Norse skald] noun a composer,poet, or traveling minstrel in ancientScandinavia.smorgasbord (smorgbsbord) swedish[from smörgås sandwich and bord table]noun a buffet including a wide varietyof hot and cold dishes, such asmeat and fish dishes, pickles, cheeses,and salads; by extension, any mixtureof diverse elements: “The committeecame up with a compromise, a smorgasbordof initiatives and resolutions.”smorzando (smortsando) italian[present participle of smorzare toextinguish] adverb (in music) dyingaway. ~noun (plural smorzandos orsmorzandi, smortsandee) a passage ofmusic in which the sound dies away.Snr.Sñr.Snra.See senhor.See senor.See senhora.skoal (skol) danish [from skaal cup,bowl] interjection a drinking toast—health!Sñra.Snrta.See senora.See senhorita.slainte (slahntshb) gaelic [from slàintemhór good health] interjection adrinking toast—health!slalom (slahlbm) norwegian [fromslalåm sloping track] noun (in skiing)a zigzag downhill course in which competitorsmust steer through flags orother markers: “She fell in the downhillevent, but took second place in the slalom.”~verb to ski downhill on a zigzag coursedelineated by flags or other markers.Sñrta.See senorita.sobriquet (sobrikay, sobriket, sobrikay,sobriket), soubriquet french[nickname] noun a nickname or epithet:“. . . as he had a rather flightlyand dissolute mode of conversing, andfurthermore avowed that among his intimatefriends he was better known by thesobriquet of ‘The Artful Dodger,’ Oliverconcluded that, being of a dissipated andcareless turn, the moral precepts of his386

sonatabenefactor had hitherto been thrown awayupon him” (Charles Dickens, OliverTwist, 1837).soi-disant (swah-deezon(g)) french[saying oneself] adjective so-called,self-styled, supposed, would-be: “Hewas too little of an aristocrat to join theclub of Royal True Blues, and too little ofa democrat to fraternise with an affiliatedsociety of the soi-disant Friends of thePeople, which the borough had also thehappiness of possessing” (Walter Scott,The Antiquary, 1816).soigné (swahnyay), soignée french[past participle of soigner to take careof] noun well-groomed, sleek, elegant:“She was accompanied by a youngman in a bottle-green velvet suit, wellspokenand soigné in appearance.”soiree (swahray), soirée french[evening period, ultimately from Latinserus late] noun a party or other socialgathering held in the evening: “My auntis holding a little soiree on Thursday eveningand I promised I would go.”solarium (solareebm, sblaireebm) latin[sun porch] noun (plural solariums orsolaria, solareeb, sblaireeb) a glassenclosedporch or other room; mayalso refer to a room where guests orpatients may be exposed to real orartificial sunlight.solfège (solfezh) french [from Italiansolfeggio] noun (in music) a vocalexercise using the sol- fa syllables,such as do, re, and mi.solfeggio (solfejeeo) italian [fromsolfeggiare to use sol- fa] noun (pluralsolfeggios or solfeggi, solfejee) anotherterm for solfège.solitaire (solitair, solitair) french[from Latin solitarius solitary, alone]noun a card or board game playedby a single player; may also refer to aring or other piece of jewelry set witha single diamond, or to a person wholives a solitary life: “He selected a magnificentsolitaire for his wife and a goldwatch for his daughter.”sombrero (sombrairo) spanish [fromsombra shade] noun a wide-brimmedhat traditionally worn in Mexico andother parts of Central America: “Thefi eld workers all wore huge straw sombrerosto protect them from the blazing heat.”sommelier (sbmelyay) french [packanimal driver, ultimately from Latinsagma packsaddle] noun a winewaiter.sonata (sbnahtb) italian [that whichis sounded, from sonare to sound]noun an instrumental musical compositionfor one or two instruments,usually comprising three or four contrastingmovements; a musical formthat comprises the statement, development,and recapitulation of two ormore themes.387

sonatinasonatina (sonbteenb) italian [diminutiveof sonata that which is sounded,from sonare to sound] noun (plural sonatinasor sonatine, sonbteenee) asmall-scale or simplified sonata.son et lumière (son ay loomyair)french [sound and light] noun anopen-air theatrical entertainmentcomprising a recorded narration withaccompanying light and sound effects,usually presented in a historical buildingor site: “The history of the town wastold in a spectacular son et lumière stagedbelow the castle walls.”sophomore (sofbmor, sofmor) greek[possibly from sophos wise and morosfoolish] noun a second-year studentat a university, college, or secondaryschool: “I feel as if I didn’t belonganywhere yet. I put in my Freshman andSophomore years at Redmond two yearsago” (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anneof the Island, 1915).soprano (sbprano, sbprahno) italian[from sopra above] noun (plural sopranosor soprani, sbpranee, sbprahnee)the highest singing voice in a choir,belonging to boys, women, and castratos;may also refer to a musicalinstrument with a high range.~adjective of or relating to a sopranoor a soprano part: “Despite his unpromisingappearance the boy was revealed tohave a superb soprano voice.”sorbet (sorbay, sorbit) french [ultimatelyfrom Turkish serbet sherbet]noun a fruit-flavored ice (variouslyserved as a dessert or between coursesto clear the palate): “The children finishedthe meal with lemon sorbets andanother round of milkshakes.” See alsosherbet.sordino (sordeeno) italian [fromsordo silent, ultimately from Latin surdusdeaf, mute] noun (plural sordini,sordeenee) a mute used to changethe sound of a musical instrument.sortie (sortee, sortee) french [goingout, from sortir to escape] noun asmall-scale raid, sally, or foray launchedagainst an enemy (especially onemounted from a defensive position);may also refer more generally to anyouting or exploratory trip: “However,on his second sortie, on the 27th of November,Gideon Spilett, who had ventured aquarter of a mile into the woods, towardthe south of the mountain, remarked thatTop scented something” (Jules Verne,The Mysterious Island, 1874). ~verb tolaunch an attack upon an enemy.sostenuto (sostbnooto) italian [pastparticiple of sostenere to sustain] adverb(in music) sustained, prolonged.~adjective sustained, pro longed.~noun (plural sostenutos or sostenuti,sostbnootee) a passage of musicin which the notes are sustained orprolonged.388

sovietsotto voce (soto vochee) italian [fromsottovoce under voice] adverb phraseunder the breath, in an undertone,very softly. ~adjective phrase underthe breath, in a low voice, silent: “Theattorney made one or two sotto voce observationsto his assistant and then stood toaddress the court.”sou (soo) french [ultimately fromLatin solidus solid] noun a fi vecentimepiece, or more figuratively atiny sum of money: “I wouldn’t give youa sou for that old car of yours.”soubrette (soobret) french [fromProvençal soubreto conceited, fromsoubret coy] noun a coquettish youngwoman or lady’s maid (usually referringto such a character in a stagecomedy or comic opera): “Susanappeared after breakfast in the study, herhead bound with a kerchief of bright pattern. . . so that she suggested somethingbetween a gypsy, a jaunty soubrette, andthe fille du regiment” (Oliver WendellHolmes, The Guardian Angel, 1867).soubriquetSee sobriquet.souchong (suuchong) chinese [smallkind] noun a fine type of black Chinatea with large leaves: “The ladies meetevery Tuesday afternoon to sip souchongfrom china cups.”soufflé (sooflay, sooflay) french [pastparticiple of souffler to blow, to puffup] noun (in French cuisine) a sweetor savory dish including egg yolksand beaten egg whites among theingredients that is baked until it puffsup. ~adjective of or relating to sucha dish.souk (suuk), suq arabic [from suk]noun an open- air market or bazaarin North Africa or the Middle East:“I bought a fabulous carpet in the souk inCasablanca.”soupçon (soopson(g), soopson(g))french [suspicion] noun a trace,a bit, a tiny amount: “He accepted herversion of events, but later admitted toharboring a soupçon of doubt.”sous (soo) french [under, fromLatin subtus below, under] adjectiveassistant, subordinate, deputy:“Preparation of the meal became the responsibilityof the sous-chef.”souvenir (soovbneebr, soovbneebr)french [to remember, ultimatelyfrom Latin subvenire to come to mind]noun a memento, reminder, keepsake:“The box was stuffed with postcards,photographs, letters, and various souvenirsof childhood holidays.”soviet (soviet, soviet) russian [fromsovet council] noun an elected legislativecouncil in a communist country(usually referring to the former SovietUnion); also used more generally to389

sovkhozrefer to the government and peopleof the former Soviet Union. ~adjectiveof or relating to a soviet system, or tothe Soviet Union itself.sovkhoz (sovkoz, sovkos), sovkhosrussian [from sovetskoe khozyaistvosoviet farm] noun (plural sovkhozesor sovkhozy, sovkozee, sovkosee)a state-owned farm in the formerSoviet Union (specifically one in whichthe workers were paid wages).S.P., s.p.See sine prole.spaghetti (spbgetee) italian [pluralof spaghetto, itself from spago cord,string, ultimately from Latin spacus]noun a variety of pasta made in longslender strings and thus, by extension,a dish of such pasta (variouslycooked with meats, sauces, and otheringredients).spätlese (shpaytlayzb) german [lateharvest] noun (plural spätleses or spätlesen,shpaytlayzbn) a sweet whitewine produced in Germany fromgrapes picked late in the season.spécialité de la maison (spesyalitay dbla mayzon(g)), specialité de la maisonfrench [specialty of the house]noun phrase the house specialty, a dishpresented as the best that a particularrestaurant has to offer; may also refermore generally to any unusual or distinctivething, quality, or skill: “Highlyillustrated wildlife books are the spécialitéde la maison.” ~abbreviated form spécialité.specie (speeshee, speesee) latin [fromin specie in kind] noun cash, moneyin the form of coin: “She was glad toown the bracelet, and enchanted with theeffect it produced on her slim wrist; yet,even while admiring it, and rejoicing thatit was hers, she had already transmuted itinto specie, and reckoned just how far itwould go toward the paying of domesticnecessities” (Edith Wharton, Glimpses ofthe Moon, 1922).specter (spektbr) french [ghost,from spectrum appearance] noun aghost, an apparition; may also refer toanything of an illusory or imaginarynature.spectrum (spektrbm) latin [appearance]noun (plural spectrums or spectra,spektrb) the band of colorsinto which light splits when passedthrough a prism; may also refer to anyrange or sequence of things, ideas, orinterests.speculum (spekyblbm) latin [mirror,from specere to look at] noun (pluralspeculums or specula, spekyblb) amirror, reflector, or other medicalinstrument used to inspect bodilyorifices or canals.sphinx (sfinks) greek [after the Sphinxwinged monster of Greek mythology,probably from sphiggein to draw tight]390

sputniknoun (plural sphinxes or sphinges,sfinjeez) a winged female monsterwith a woman’s head and a lion’s bodythat was reputed to kill anyone whocould not answer the riddle it posed;by extension, may also refer to anypuzzling or enigmatic object or person:“Misery and death, this was certain;beyond that we knew not, and I confess Iwas very much afraid. But as I realizedthen, it is useless to question that eternalSphinx, the future” (H. Rider Haggard,Allan Quatermain, 1887).spiel (speel, shpeel) german [fromspielen to play] noun chatter, talk(especially the patter or glib persuasivenessof a salesperson, fraudster, orcon artist): “The old man sighed deeply andabruptly told the salesman to cut the spieland tell him the price.” ~verb to talk persuasively,to deceive through glib talk.spiritoso (spirbtoso) italian [spirited]noun (in music) animated,lively.spirituel (spirichbwel, spireetwel),spirituelle french [spiritual] adjectiverefined, witty, sprightly, ethereal.sportif (sportif) french [sporting]adjective sporty, sports-loving,designed for or suitable for sportsor casual wear.S.P.Q.R. See senatus populusqueromanus.sprachgefühl (shprakgefuul) german[language feeling] noun anintuitive feel for idiomatic appropriatenessin a language.Sprechgesang (shprekgezan(g)) german[speech song] noun (in music)a style of vocal delivery halfwaybetween speech and song.springbok (springbok) afrikaans[leaping goat] noun a small gazelleof southern Africa, which leaps highin the air when disturbed; also a nicknamefor a sportsperson representingSouth Africa in international competitions,especially a member of the SouthAfrican rugby union team: “The Springboksare playing the Kiwis on Saturday.”spritzer (spritzbr) german [fromspritzen to splash] noun an alcoholicdrink comprising white wine and sodawater.spritzig (spritzig) german [fromspritzen to splash] adjective sparkling(referring to wine).spumante (spoomantee) italian[sparkling, abbreviated from Astispumante] noun a sparkling whitewine made in the Italian provinceof Asti.sputnik (spuutnik, sputnik) russian[traveling companion] noun an artificial satellite (as applied to early391

sputumSoviet spacecraft): “With the launch ofthe first sputniks, the space race was on.”sputum (spyootbm, spootbm) latin[neuter past participle of spuere to spit]noun (plural sputa, spyootb, spootb)spittle, saliva, mucus, and other excretionsfrom the respiratory passages.Sr.Sra.See senor.See senora.Srita., SRTA, Srta.See senorita.Stabat Mater Dolorosa (stahbat mahtbrdolbrosb) latin [the grieving motherwas standing] noun phrase the openingwords of a hymn on the subjectof the Virgin Mary at Christ’s cross;may also refer to a musical setting ofthis hymn. ~abbreviated form StabatMater.staccato (stbkahto) italian [detached,past participle of staccare to detach]adjective disconnected, disjointed,abrupt, jerky: “A series of staccato tapson the west window brought Anne flyingin from the yard, eyes shining, cheeksfaintly flushed with pink, unbraided hairstreaming behind her in a torrent ofbrightness.” (Lucy Maud Montgomery,Anne of Green Gables, 1908). ~adverbin a disconnected, disjointed manner.~noun a passage of music writtento be played in a disconnected,disjointed manner. ~abbreviated formsstac., stacc.stalag (stalag) german [abbreviatedfrom Stammlager base camp] noun aprison camp (usually referring to sucha camp for captured enemy soldiers inNazi Germany).stanza (stanzb) italian [abode,room] noun a verse of other groupof lines from within a longer poem:“All but the first few opening stanzas ofthis epic work were lost in a fire a centurylater.”stasis (staysbs, stasbs) greek [histasthaito stand] noun (plural stases,stayseez, staseez) a static state, acondition of equilibrium or stagnation:“Events may soon hand young Georgea victory that eluded old George. But other,more profound things have altered. First,the belief in a new world order that saw aninternational coalition of forces voyage tothe Gulf and a United Nations freed fromcold war stasis, sanction action” (Guardian,February 20, 2001).status (staytbs, statbs) latin [standing,rank, from stare to stand] noun astate or condition of someone orsomething; can also refer to the standingor rank of a person within a communityor before the law, or moregenerally to a state of affairs: “Thelieutenant delivered his status report assoon as he reached the base.”status quo (staytbs kwo, statbs kwo)latin [state in which] noun phrase anexisting state of affairs: “These events,392

stoicthough alarming, are not expected to alterthe status quo.”stein (stin) german [from Steingutstoneware] noun a large beer mug(typically one made from earthenware);can also refer to the amount ofbeer held by such a mug.stela (steelb), stele (steelee) greek[stele standing stone] noun (pluralsteles or stelae, steelee) a carvedor inscribed stone pillar or slabrecording the deeds of monarchs orother information about the ancientworld (sometimes also serving as agravestone).steppe (step) russian [from step] nounan extensive treeless plain (often referringto the grasslands of southeasternEurope and central Asia): “Snowstormsswept the steppe for days at a time, makingtravel impossible.”stereo (stereeo, steereeo) greek [fromstereos solid] noun recorded soundreproduced using two or more speakers.stet (stet) latin [let it stand, fromstare to stand] verb leave unchanged,do not delete (used as an instruction oncorrected manuscripts or other text).stigma (stigmb) greek [stizein to tattoo,to prick] noun (plural stigmasor stigmata, stigmahtb, stigmbtb) abrand, stain, or mark of shame ordisgrace; may also refer specifically tothe wounds sustained by Christ on thecross: “They hint that all whales alwayssmell bad. Now how did this odious stigmaoriginate?” (Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, 1851).stiletto (stbleto) italian [diminutiveof stylo stylus, dagger] noun (plural stilettosor stilettoes a dagger with along, slender blade; may also refer toa pointed instrument used to pierceholes in fabric, or to the high, taperingheel of some women’s shoes.stimulus (stimyblbs) latin [spur, incentive]noun (plural stimuluses or stimuli,stimybli, stimyblee) a stimulant,an incentive, something that incites,provokes, or arouses: “It is hoped thatthis investment will prove a stimulus togrowth throughout the industry.”stipendium (stipendeebm) latin[stipend, wages] noun (plural stipendiumsor stipendia, stipen deeb)salary, pay: “The old man is paid a smallstipendium to look after the family graves.”stirps (sterps) latin [stem, stock,lineage] noun (plural stirpes, sterpayz,sterpeez) a branch of a familyof plants, animals, or people, oran individual from whom others aredescended.stoic (stoik) greek [from stoikos ofthe portico, referring to the PaintedPortico at Athens where Zeno taught393

stollenhis pupils] noun a person who subscribesto the philosophical view thatthe individual should be free of all passionand guided by natural law (afterthe teaching of the Greek philosopherZeno); may refer more generally to anyperson who seems unmoved by painor pleasure. ~adjective of or relating tostoic principles: “The child received thenews with stoic indifference.”stollen (stolbn, stolbn) german [fromStollen wooden post or prop] noun arich, sweet, spicy German bread containingnuts and dried fruits: “We alwayshave stollen on Christmas morning.”stoop (stoop) dutch [from stoep step]noun a small porch, platform, orveranda at the top of some steps infront of the entrance to a house, townhouse,or apartment building: “Herparents were waiting for her on the stoop.”strabismus (strbbizmbs) greek [strabismossquinting condition, from strabossquint-eyed] noun an eye conditionin which binocular vision is impaired.stratum (straytbm, stratbm) latin[spread, bed, from sternare to spreadout] noun (plural stratums or strata,strahtb, stratb) a layer or bed of rock,earths, or tissue; also used more generallyto refer to any of a series of layers,levels, stages, or gradations.stretto (streto), stretta (stretb) italian[narrow, close] noun (plural strettosor stretti, stretee) (in music) apart of a fugue in which voices or subjectsoverlap; may also refer to the finalsection of a piece of music, typicallyplayed at an increasingly fast pace.stricto sensuSee sensu stricto.stromboli (strombolee) italian [afterStromboli, an island in Italy] noun apizza base folded over, with a filling oftomatoes, mozzarella cheese, herbs,meat, etc, and baked, somewhat similarto a calzone but larger.strudel (stroodbl, shtroodbl) german[whirlpool] noun a type of pastrycomprising thin layers of flaky pastryrolled and baked, with a fruit orcheese filling.stucco (stbko) italian [from OldHigh German stukki crust] noun (pluralstuccos or stuccoes) a fine plasterused for decorative architectural moldings,or the moldings themselves; canalso refer to a coarse plaster or cementused to coat exterior walls.stupa (stoopb) sanskrit [from stupa]noun a dome-shaped Buddhistshrine.stupor (stoopb, styoopb) latin [stupidity,astonishment, from stupere]noun a state of dullness, apathy,lethargy, stupefaction, or inability tothink: “Most of the passengers slumped intheir seats with expressions of stupor.”394

sub specie aeternitatisSturm und Drang (shterm uuntdran(g)) german [storm and stress,after the title of a play by Germanplaywright Friedrich von Klinger(1752–1831)] noun phrase an 18thcenturymovement in German literaturecharacterized by strong emotionsand the conflict between the individualand society; may also refer moregenerally to any state of turmoil oremotional turbulence.stygian (stijbn) greek [from stygios,after the River Styx, which wasbelieved to flow through the underworldof Greek mythology] adjectiveof or relating to the River Styx,or, more generally, dark, gloomy,forbidding, hellish: “In the meanwhileall the shore rang with the trump of bullfrogs,the sturdy spirits of ancient winebibbersand wassailers, still unrepentant,trying to sing a catch in their Stygianlake—if the Walden nymphs will pardonthe comparison . . .” (Henry DavidThoreau, Walden; or, Life in the Woods,1854).stylus (stilbs) latin [from stilusspike, pen] noun (plural styluses orstyli, stili) an instrument used forwriting, marking, or incising; mayalso refer to the needle used to playvinyl records or to various needle-likecutting implements.suave (swahv) french [pleasant,sweet, from Latin suavis gentle] adjectivesophisticated, urbane, gracious,smooth: “The popular image of the secretagent is a suave young man in sunglassesand a finely tailored suit, but the realityis different.”sub- (sub) latin [under or near] prefixunder, below, e.g., subtext, subzero.subito (soobito) italian [suddenly,from subitus sudden] adverb (inmusic) suddenly, abruptly, quickly.sub judice (sbb yoodikay, sbbjoodbsee) latin [under a judge] adverbphrase before the court, currentlyunder consideration by the court (andtherefore not to be discussed elsewhere):“He declined to comment furtheras the matter was still sub judice.”subpoena (sbbpeenb) latin [from subpoena under penalty] noun a legalwrit requiring a person to appearbefore a court. ~verb to serve a writon someone requiring them to attenda court.sub rosa (sbb rozb) latin [under therose, a reference to the rose as asymbol of the Egyptian god Horus,representing secrecy] adverb phrasesecretly, in confidence: “The deliberationsof the committee were highly sensitive,and it was understood by all presentthat their discussions were strictly subrosa.” ~adjective secret, confidential.sub specie aeternitatis (sbb spekeeayternbtahtis) latin [under the aspect395

substratumof eternity] adverb phrase in its essentialform or nature; viewed in a universalperspective.substratum (substraytbm, substratbm)latin [spread underneath, neuter ofsubstratus, from substernere to spreadunder] noun (plural substratums orsubstrata, substraytb, substratb) anunderlying layer or level, a foundationor basis: “The evening sun seemed toshine more yellowly there than anywhereelse this autumn—stretching its rays, asthe hours grew later, under the lowestsycamore boughs, and steeping the groundfloor of the dwelling, with its green shutters,in a substratum of radiance whichthe foliage screened from the upper parts”(Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge,1886).sub voce (sbb vochay) latin [underthe word] adverb phrase under thegiven word or heading (as used in textreferences). ~abbreviated form s.v.succès de scandale (sbksay db skandal)french [success of scandal] nounphrase something that becomes apopular success through the notorietyit attracts: “The writers enjoyed a succèsde scandale with their next show, whichfeatured full frontal nudity.”succès d’estime (sbksay desteem)french [success of esteem] nounphrase something that attracts criticalpraise but fails to win popularfavor.succès fou (sbksay foo) french[mad success] noun phrase a hugesuccess.succotash (sukbtash) narragansett[from msiquatash broken pieces] nouna dish of corn and lima beans boiledtogether, sometimes with pieces ofpork.SuccothSee sukkoth.succubus (sbkybbbs), succuba latin[from succubare to lie under] noun(plural succubuses or succubi,sbkybbi, sbkybbee) a demon, particularlyone supposed to assume femaleform in order to seduce men whilethey sleep: “The poet went mad in his oldage, refusing to sleep for fear that he wouldbe preyed upon by a succubus.”sudoku (soodokuu) japa nese [fromsu number and doku singular] noun alogic- based number puzzle in whichnumbers 1 to 9 must be entered ina grid in such a way that no numberis duplicated in any column, row, orinternal square.suede (swayd), suède french [fromgants de Suède Swedish gloves] nounleather with a soft napped surface.~adjective made of suede.sui generis (sooi jenbris, sooee jenbris)latin [of its own kind] adjectivephrase unique, peculiar, in a class byitself: “. . . as for the Lords o’ Session . . .396

suppressio veriI would have ye ken, for your ain regulation,that to raise scandal anent them,whilk is termed to murmur again them,is a crime sui generis,—sui generis, Mr.Deans—ken ye what that amounts to?”(Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian,1818).sui juris (sooi jooris, sooee yooris)latin [of one’s own right] adjectivephrase of full legal age and capacity,legally responsible for one’s ownaffairs.suite (sweet) french [retinue, ultimatelyfrom Latin sequere to follow]noun retinue, the personal staff of amonarch or other dignitary; may alsorefer to a set or series of rooms, matchingfurniture, musical compositions, orother things considered as constitutinga single unit: “There were just enoughpeople left in the long suite of rooms tomake their progress conspicuous . . .” (EdithWharton, The House of Mirth, 1905).sukiyaki (skeeyahkee, sookeeyahkee)japanese [from suki slice and yaki broil]noun (in Japanese cuisine) a dish offried beef and vegetables cooked in soysauce and sugar.Sukkoth (sookbs, sookot), Succoth,Sukkot hebrew [huts or thickets]noun a Jewish harvest festival heldover eight days, beginning on the 15thday of Tishri, to commemorate theperiod when the ancient Israelites wanderedin the wilderness, also known asthe “Feast of Tabernacles.”sultan (sbltan) arabic [ruler, power]noun title borne by the monarchof a Muslim country. ~noun, femininesultana (sbltahnb) the wife or otherclose female relative of a sultan.summa cum laude (sbmb kbm lowdb,sbmb kbm lowdee, sbmb kuumlordb) latin [with highest praise]adverb phrase with highest distinction(usually referring to a degree, diploma,or other academic qualification): “Shegraduated summa cum laude but had greatdifficulty finding a job in which she couldapply her knowledge.” ~adjective phrasewith highest distinction.summum bonum (sbmbm bonbm)latin [highest good, as defined bythe Roman orator Cicero (106–43b.c.)] noun phrase (plural summabona, sbmb bonb) (in philosophy)the supreme good.sumo (soomo) japanese [from sumo]noun a Japanese style of wrestlingin which two opponents attempt toforce each other out of the ring or tothe ground.super- (suupbr) latin [above orover] prefix above, over, or beyond,e.g., superhero, superstar.suppressio veri (sbpresheeo vairi)latin [suppression of what is true]397

supranoun phrase (plural suppressionesveri, sbpresheeoneez vairi) (in law)a misrepresentation of the truth, suppressionof true facts.supra (sooprb) latin [above, beyond,before] adverb above, earlier in thetext (used in written documents); canalso mean besides or in addition to.~adjective additional, extra.suprême (sooprem) french [supreme,ultimately from Latin superus upper]noun (in French cuisine) a richcream sauce in which chicken andother meats may be prepared.supremo (sbpreemo, soopreemo)spanish [from generalissimo supremosupreme general, from Latin supremusuppermost] noun a supreme leaderor commander in chief, a personwho occupies a position of ultimaterank or authority: “The only person whocan make such a decision is the supremohimself.”suqSee souk.sursum corda (sersbm kordb) latin[up hearts, from the opening wordsof the Eucharistic prayer or a correspondingversicle] noun phrase liftup your hearts; also applied moregenerally to any cry of exhortationor to anything inspiriting.sushi (sooshe) japanese noun (inJapanese cuisine) a dish of cold riceand vinegar shaped or rolled into smallpieces mixed or topped with raw fishor shellfish, and sometimes wrappedin seaweed.susurrus (sbsbrbs) latin [hum, whisper]noun a low murmur, rustling,or whispering (often suggestive ofmalicious rumors or an undercurrentof discontent): “This was their rural chapel.Aloft, through the intricate arches /Of its aerial roof, arose the chant of theirvespers, / Mingling its notes with the softsusurrus and sighs of the branches” (HenryW. Longfellow, Evangeline, 1847).suttee (sutee, sutee) sanskrit [fromsati faithful wife, from sat good] nounthe Hindu tradition that a man’s wifeshould willingly throw herself ontothe funeral pyre of her husband whenhe is cremated; may also refer to awoman who immolates herself in thisway: “The family expected that his widowwould commit suttee in the time-honoredmanner, but when the fire was lit she wasnowhere to be found.”suum cuique (soobm kweekway)latin [to each one’s own] noun phraseto each his due, to each his own.s.v.See sub voce.svelte (svelt) italian [svelto plucked,past participle of svellere to pluck out]adjective slender, lithe, sleek; mayalso refer to a person who is noted forhis or her urbanity or suavity.398

systoleS.V.P.See s’il vous plaît.swami (swahmee) hindi [from Sanskritsvamin master, lord] noun aHindu mystic or religious teacher.swastika (swostikb) sanskrit [fromsvasti well-being] noun a form of across of ancient origin with all fourarms extended at right angles in aclockwise direction (originally a symbolof good luck but now reviled as asymbol of Nazi Germany in the 1930sand 1940s).symbiosis (simbeeosbs, simbiosbs)greek [symbioun to live together]noun (plural symbioses, simbeeoseez,simbioseez) a cooperative relationshipbetween two dissimilar organisms(or persons, communities, or organizations)from which both parties gainsome advantage: “The two species benefitfrom the symbiosis that exist betweenthem—one getting food and the other,protection.”sympathique (simpateek) french[sympathetique] adjective agreeable,likeable, suitable (of a person, place,or situation): “The old lady found hernephew very sympathique and promisedherself she would leave him some moneyin her will.”symposium (simpozeebm) greek[symposion, from sympinein to drinktogether] noun (plural symposiumsor symposia, simpozeeb) a formalmeeting or conference duringwhich speeches are made and ideasexchanged on a particular subject orgroup of subjects; may also refer to apublication comprising a collectionof essays or papers on a particularsubject.syncope (sinkbpee) greek [fromsunkope cutting up] noun (in medicine)a temporary loss of con sciousness,caused by a sudden fall in bloodpressure, a faint.synopsis (sbnopsis) greek [comprehensiveview, from synopsesthai to begoing to see together] noun (pluralsynopses, sbnopseez) an abstract,outline, or condensed summary of anarrative, treatise, or plot: “She sentthe publisher a synopsis of her new novelbut did not get an immediate reply.”synthesis (sinthbsis) greek [sytithenaito put together] noun (sinthbseez)the combination or joining togetherof separate parts or elements into acoherent whole.systole (sistblee) greek [from sustelleinto contract] noun the contractionof the heart, during which theheart muscle contracts and pumpsblood into the arteries, as opposed todiastole.399

tååå åt. See tempore.tabbouleh (tbbuulee,tbbuulb), tabouleharabic [from tabbula] noun asalad dish, originating in the Lebanon,made of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, scallions,mint, parsley, lemon juice, andseasoning.tabla (tahblb) hindi [from Arabic tabldrum] noun a North Indian percussioninstrument consisting of a pair ofsmall drums played with the hands.tableau (tablo, tablo) french [picture]noun (plural tableaus or tableaux) apicture or a striking grouping of figuresin a picture, on the stage, or elsewhere:“One of her hands was stretched towards himinvoluntarily, and it was in that attitudethat he long remembered her . . . one handout-stretched like that of a figure in a tableau.. .” (Booth Tarkington, Conquest ofCanaan, 1905).tableau vivant(tablo veevon(g))french [living picture] noun phrase(plural tableaux vivants) a groupingof one or more motionless, posed,silent figures upon a stage (oftendepicting some scene from literatureor legend): “Young men flocked to seethe scandalous tableaux vivants stagedthere, ogling at nude models arranged inclassical scenes.”table d’hôte (tahbbl dot) french[host’s table] noun phrase (plural tablesd’hôte) a meal of several coursesserved to guests at a hotel or othereating place at a fixed price (and sometimesalso at a fixed time).taboo (tbboo), tabu tongan [fromtabu] noun a social convention orother prohibition against saying ordoing something (originally becauseof fear of punishment by the supernatural):“That evening she decided tobreak the family taboo against speakingone’s mind.” ~adjective of or relatingto something that is consideredforbidden, banned, or sociallyimproper.taboulehSee tabbouleh.401

tabula rasatabula rasa (tabyblb rahzb, tabyblbrahsb) latin [scraped tablet] nounphrase (plural tabulae rasae, tabyblirahzi, tabybli rahsi) a tablet fromwhich written symbols have beenscraped away and thus, by extension,a blank mind or anything ina pristine state: “If one once allowsthe possibility of making all the past atabula rasa—no property, no family—then labor would organize itself. But youhave nothing. . .” (Leo Tolstoy, AnnaKarenina, 1874–76).tacet (tahket, tayset, taset) latin [issilent, from tacere to be silent] adverb(in music) be silent (instruction to aplayer to remain silent during a particularpassage). ~noun silence, pause.tacit (tasit) latin [from tacitus silent]adjective silent, expressed withoutwords or speech, implied, inferred,understood: “She seemed to shrink fromthe tacit condemnation of Rosamond’sopinion which such a confidence on herpart would have implied.” (Wilkie Collins,“After Dark,” 1856).taco (tahko) spanish noun (in Mexicancuisine) a fried tortilla rolled andfi lled with seasoned meat, cheese,beans, and other ingredients.taedium vitae (teedeebm vitee,tideebm weeti) latin [weariness oflife] noun phrase weariness of life,loathing of life, suicidal boredom:“. . .as Domitian, had wandered through acorridor lined with marble mirrors, lookinground with haggard eyes for the reflectionof the dagger that was to end his days, andsick with that ennui, that terrible taediumvitae, that comes on those to whom lifedenies nothing . . .” (Oscar Wilde, ThePicture of Dorian Gray, 1890).tae kwon do (ti kwon do, ti kwon do)korean [art of hand and foot fighting,from t’ae to trample, kwon fist,and to way] noun phrase a martial artsimilar to karate (of Korean origin).tagineSee tajine.tagliatelle (talybtelay) italian [fromtagliare to cut] noun fettucine, avariety of pasta shaped into narrowstrips.tahini (tbheenee) arabic [from tahanato grind] noun a smooth sesame-seedpaste, originating in the Middle East,used to make hummus.tai chi (ti chee), t’ai chi chinese [abbreviatedfrom tai chi chuan extreme limitboxing] noun phrase ancient Chinesesystem of meditative exercise.taiga (tigb) russian [from Mongoliantaiga] noun an area of swampy coniferousforest (usually referring to thearea between the steppes and tundraof Siberia): “The wildlife of the taigahas only recently attracted the attention ofdocumentary filmmakers.”402

tant mieuxtaipan (tipan) chinese [from Cantonesedialect daaihbaan] noun aforeigner who is the head of a largebusiness firm in China or in a Chinesespeakingcountry.tajine (tbzheen), tagine french [fromArabic tajin frying pan] noun a shallowcircular cooking pot made ofheavy clay and with a conical lid,used in North African cooking; astew made with meat, vegetables,and spices, cooked in such a pot.tallith (tahlbs, talbt, talbth), tallishebrew [cover, cloak] noun (pluraltalliths or tallithim) a shawl withfringed corners worn over the shouldersby Jewish men during morningprayers.Talmud (tahlmbd, talmbd) hebrew[from talmudh instruction] noun thecentral texts of Jewish tradition, comprisingthe Mishnah and the Gemara:“‘But it was written—in the Talmud—that you should involve yourself in theinscrutable and gloomy Fate which it is mymission to accomplish, and which wreathesitself—e’en now—about in temples”(Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit,1843).Tamagotchi (tambgochee) japanese[lovable egg] noun trade name for atype of electronic toy programmed toimitate the demands and behavior of apet animal.tamale (tbmahlee) spanish [fromMexican Spanish tamal, from Nahuatltamalli steamed cornmeal dough]noun (in Mexican cuisine) a dishof seasoned ground meat rolled andsteamed in cornmeal dough and cornhusks.tamari (tbmahree) japanese noun akind of rich dark-colored soy saucemade without wheat.tandoori (tandooree) hindi [fromtandur tandoor oven] adjective (inIndian cuisine) of or relating to a dishcooked over charcoal in a tandoor (acylindrical clay oven): “We ate somedelicious chicken tandoori, followed by icecream and coffee.” ~noun a dish cookedover charcoal in a tandoor (a cylindricalclay oven).tango (tango) spanish [possibly ofAfrican origin] noun a syncopatedLatin American ballroom dance, ormusic written to accompany it: “Hisattempts to dance the tango provokedlaughter at the tables.” ~verb to performsuch a dance.tanka (tankb) japanese [short song]noun (plural tanka or tankas) aJapanese verse form marking anoccasion.tant mieux (ton(g) myb) french [somuch better] interjection so muchthe better: “I have bundled together thismanuscript, and have added to it a few403

tantomore verses, written in hospitals. Let itrepresent me. If I can find a publisher forit, tant mieux. If not, I will print it at myown cost . . .” (Robert Service, Ballads ofa Bohemian, 1920).tanto (tanto) italian [so much,from Latin tantum so much] adverb(in music) so, so much.tant pis (ton(g) pee) french [somuch worse] interjection so muchthe worse: “‘Tant pis!’ said her Ladyship,‘I hope it may do her good!’ Then, in alower tone, but still loud enough for me tohear, ‘I noticed her; I am a judge of physiognomy,and in hers I see all the faults ofher class’” (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre,1847).tantra (tantrb) sanskrit [wrap] nounan example of Buddhist or Hindureligious writing (typically on thesubjects of mysticism, mediation, orsexual practices).tao (dow, tow) chinese [way, path]noun (in Taoist philosophy) theguiding principle of all reality, asevidenced by the processes of nature,and the path of virtuous conduct anindividual should follow in order toachieve harmony with the universe.Taoiseach (teesbk, teesbkh) irishgaelic [chief or leader] noun thePrime Minister of the Republic ofIreland.tapas (tapas) spanish [plural of tapacover] plural noun hors d’oeuvres,appetizing snacks (as served withdrinks in Spanish bars).taramasalata (tarbmasblahtb) greek[from taramas preserved roe and salatasalad] noun (in Greek cui sine) a dishof pink-colored creamy paste madefrom the smoked roe of gray mulletor cod combined with olive oil, lemonjuice, and garlic.tarantella (tarbntelb), tarantelle italian[after Taranto, Italy] noun alively Italian folk dance traditionallybelieved to be effective as a cure forthe bite of a tarantula spider, or musicwritten to accompany it.tarboosh (tahboosh), tarbush, tarbouchearabic [from Turkish tarbus,itself from Persian sarpus, from sarhead and pus cover] noun a tasselledred felt hat resembling a fez widelyworn by Muslim men (sometimesas part of a turban): “Then he pushedhis way in among the crowd, a veritablebeauty of a man in the finest apparel,wearing tarboosh and turban and a longsleevedrobe purfled with gold” (RichardBurton, Arabian Nights, 1885–88).tarot (taro) french [from Italiantarocchi, itself of unknown origin]noun a set of 78 playing cards usedfor fortunetelling purposes. ~adjectiveof or relating to tarot cards.404

temperatarte tatin (tahrt tatan(g)) french[from tarte tart and Tatin after Stéphanieand Caroline Tatin, who inventedit] noun phrase an upside- down appletart consisting of sliced apple in caramelizedsugar, covered with pastryand baked. The tart is then invertedbefore serving.tartine (tahrteen) french [from tartetart] noun a slice of toast servedspread with butter or jam.tastevin (tastbvon(g)) french [fromtâtevin wine-taster] noun a shallow cup(often silver) used for tasting wines.tatami (tatahmee) japanese noun(plural tatami or tatamis) a strawmat used as a floor covering in Japanesehomes.Taurus (torbs) latin [bull] noun (inastronomy) the Bull, a large constellationin the northern hemi sphere,near Orion; (in astrology) the secondsign of the zodiac, occurring betweenAries and Gemini.taverna (tavernb) greek [from Latintaberna tavern] noun a café or bar(especially one in Greece): “The tavernaswere full of drunken soccer fans roaringtheir club anthems into the night.”techno- (tekno) greek [from tekhneart or skill] prefix of or relating totechnology: technobabble, technophobia.Te Deum (tay daybm, tee deebm)latin [from te deum laudamus thee,God, we praise] noun phrase (pluralTe Deums) we praise you God, theopening words of a liturgical hymn ofpraise to God, and thus the hymn itselfor any celebration of thanksgiving.teepeeSee tepee.telamon (telbmbn) greek [telamones,after the mythological hero Telamon]noun (plural telamones, telbmo neez) amale statue used as a suppor ting columnin classical architecture.telekinesis (telikbneesis, telikineesis)greek [movement at a distance]noun the production of motion inobjects by spiritual or supernaturalrather than physical means: “Telekinesisseemed to be the only explanation left for themovement of the chair across the room.”telos (telos, teelos) greek [end, probablyfrom tellein to accomplish] noun(plural teloi) an ultimate end, aim,or purpose.temp.See tempo; tempore.tempera (tempbrb) italian [temper,from temperare to temper] noun aprocess of painting using pigmentmixed with egg yolk or other mediumsrather than oil; may also referto the pigment itself: “He bought a fine405

tempoRenaissance portrait of an Italian matronin tempera.”tempo (tempo) italian [time, fromLatin tempus time] noun (plural temposor tempi, tempee) the pace at whicha piece of music is played, or moregenerally the speed at which anythingis done: “Maggie could look at Stephen. . . and he could even ask her to play hisaccompaniment for him, since Lucy’s fingerswere so busy with that bazaar-work;and lecture her on hurrying the tempo,which was certainly Maggie’s weak point.”(George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss,1860). ~abbreviated form temp.tempore (temporay) latin [in thetime of] preposition in the time of(referring in chronologies to thereigns of particular monarchs whenthe exact dates are obscure). ~abbreviatedforms t., temp.tempus fugit (tempbs fyoojit, tempbsfyoozhit) latin [time flees] interjectiontime flies, time passes quickly:“The author of the famous saying Tempusfugit (you understand Latin, of course)was, I take leave to think, an idle man.”(Wilkie Collins, “The Legacy of Cain,”1889).tenet (tenbt, teenbt) latin [heholds, from tenere to hold] noun abelief, opinion, or principle generallyaccepted as true (usually referring toideas common to the members of aparticular organization or profession):“Lord Fawn, at Fawn Court, could not dowrong. That was a tenet by which she wasobliged to hold fast.” (Anthony Trollope,The Eustace Diamonds, 1873).tenon (tenbn) french [from tenir tohold, from Latin tenere] noun a projectionon the end of a piece of wood,made to slot into a hole, called a mortise,cut in another piece of wood: “Amortar and tenon is a strong joint often usedin furniture making.”tepee (teepee), teepee, tipi dakotasioux [from ti to dwell and pi usedfor] noun a conical tent of cloth orhides stretched over a frame of poles,a wigwam (as used by AmericanPlains Indians): “The chief received hisguests in his tepee, surrounded by his mosttrusted advisers.”tequila (tbkeelb) spanish [afterTequila, Mexico] noun an Mexicanliquor distilled from the fermentedmash of agave.terminus (terminbs) latin [boundary,end] noun (plural terminusesor termini, termini, terminee) anultimate goal or destination (often astation or other finishing point of atravel route); may also refer to thetip or extremity of something: “Thiswas the terminus of the ‘Cape Cod Railroad,’though it is but the beginning ofthe Cape” (Henry David Thoreau, CapeCod, 1865).406

terrineterminus ad quem (terminbs ad kwem)latin [end to which] noun phrase adestination, purpose, or goal; mayalso refer to a deadline or other finishingpoint.terminus ante quem (terminbs anteekwem) latin [end before which]noun phrase the finishing point of aperiod, the latest possible date thatsomething could have happened.terminus a quo (terminbs ah kwo)latin [end from which] noun phrase apoint of origin, a starting point.terminus post quem (terminbs postkwem) latin [end after which] nounphrase the earliest possible date thatsomething could have happened, theearliest possible start of a period.terpsichorean (terpsikbreebn, terpsikoreebn)greek [after Terpsichore,the Greek muse of dancing and choralsong] adjective of or related to dancing:“Young children spent many hoursbeing trained in music and the terpsichoreanarts.”terra alba (terb albb) latin [whiteearth] noun phrase white pulverizedgypsum (as used in various manufacturingprocesses); may also refer topipeclay, kaolin, magnesia, and othersubstances.terracotta (terbkotb) italian [fromterra cotta baked earth] noun a fi redreddish glazed or unglazed clay usedfor earthenware, or an item of potteryor decorative ware made fromsuch material. ~adjective of or relatingto terracotta material, or reddish-brownin color: “The tree grewin a vast terracotta pot decorated withclassical figures.”terra firma (terb fermb) latin [solidland] noun phrase dry land, fi rmground: “The sailors were glad to reachterra firma at last.”terra incognita (terb inkogneetb, terbinkognbtb) latin [unknown land]noun phrase (plural terrae incognitae,teri inkogneeti) unknown territory,an unexplored field of studyor knowledge: “From this point on theresearchers were in terra incognita.”terra nova (terb novb) latin [newland] noun phrase new land, newlyreclaimed land.terrazzo (tbratzo, tbratso) italian[terrace, balcony] noun (plural terrazzi,tbratzee, tbratsee) a polishedmosaic floor made with chips of marbleor granite set in mortar.terrine (tbreen, tereen) french[earthenware pot, from Old Frenchterrin earthen, from Latin terra earth]noun a tureen or earthenware dish inwhich food is prepared; can also referto a mixture of meat, fish, or vegetablescooked or served in a terrine: “They407

tertium quidwere served a cold salmon terrine for theirfi rst course.”tertium quid (tersheebm kwid, terteebmkwid) latin [a third something,from Greek triton ti some thirdthing] noun phrase a middle coursebetween two choices, somethingintermediate between two things, athird party: “For these reasons, and forothers which need not appear, I declineto state positively whether there was anythingirretrievably wrong in the relationsbetween the Man’s Wife and the TertiumQuid.” (Rudyard Kipling, “At the Pit’sMouth,” 1888).terza rima (tertsb reemb) italian[third rhyme] noun phrase a verseform comprising rhyming triplets ofiambic pentameters (the middle lineof each triplet rhyming with the firstand third lines of the following triplet):“As a poet he was unsurpassed as amaster of epic verse, most of which wascomposed in terza rima.”tessera (tesbrb) latin [probably fromGreek tessares four (a reference tothe four corners of tablets or tiles)]noun (plural tesserae, tesbree, tesbri)a small tablet, tile, or block (as used inmosaic work or, in ancient Rome, fortickets and tallies): “After arranging thewatches, he ordered the tessera to be givento the rest of the troops; when the buglesounded for the second watch they were tomuster round him in silence.” (Livy, Historyof Rome, fi r st century b.c.).testator (testaytbr) latin [from testarito testify] noun (in law)a personwho has made a legally binding will.testatrix (testaytriks) latin [feminineform of testator] noun (in law)a woman who has made a legally bindingwill.testimonium (testbmoneebm) latin[evidence, testimony] noun (plural testimoniumsor testimonia, testb moneeb)(in law) a concluding clause ofa document detailing the manner ofits execution; may also refer moregenerally to any offi cial certifi cate orto a letter supporting the suitabilityof an individual for holy orders.tetanus (tetbnbs) latin noun abacterial disease in which a woundbecomes infected, characterized byrigidity and spasms of the muscles,also known as “lockjaw.”tête-à-tête (tayt b tayt, tet b tet)french [head to head] noun a privateconversation between two parties:“As the girl’s father, he felt it wastime he had a tête-à-tête with his daughter’sclose friend.” ~adjective face-toface.~adverb privately, face-to-face.tetragrammaton (tetrbgrambtbn)greek [four letters, neuter of tetragrammatoshaving four letters] nounthe four Hebrew letters (YHWH orJHVH) used to represent the nameof God.408

tiaraT.G.V.See train à grande vitesse.theatrum mundi (theeatrbm mbndee)latin [theater of the world] nounphrase the representation of life as atheatrical entertainment, the theateras a mirror of the world.thé dansant (tay donson(g)) french[dancing tea] noun phrase (plural thésdansants) a tea dance.Theotokos (theeotbkbs) greek [fromtheos god and -tokos having given birthto] noun (especially in the EasternOrthodox Church) Mother of God, atitle of the Virgin Mary.thesaurus (thbsorbs) latin [treasury,store, collection, from Greek thesauros]noun (plural thesauruses orthesauri, thbsori, thbsoree) a typeof dictionary that lists words andtheir synonyms (and, sometimes, antonyms);may also refer to a classifiedlist of terms or keywords relating toa particular subject: “Each student willbe expected to buy a good dictionary anda thesaurus.”thesis (theesbs) greek [act of layingdown] noun (plural theses,theeseez) a position or propositionadvanced for discussion and proof(often in the form of a dissertationor essay based on research by theauthor): “Those who heard him read hisThesis at the Medical Commencement willnot soon forget the impression made by hisfine personal appearance and manners,nor the universal interest excited in theaudience. . .” (Oliver Wendell Holmes,Elsie Venner, 1859–60).thespian (thespeebn) greek [afterThespis, the earliest recognized actorin Greek classical theater] noun anactor: “Vergil Gunch thundered, ‘Whenwe manage to grab this celebrated Thespianoff his lovely aggregation of beautifulactresses—and I got to admit Ibutted right into his dressing-room andtold him how the Boosters appreciatedthe high-class artistic performance he’sgiving us. . .” (Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt,1922). ~adjective of or relating to thetheater.thorax (thoraks) greek [chest] noun(plural thoraxes or thoraces, thorbseez) the part of the body that isenclosed by the ribs, the chest; alsothe middle part of an insect’s body,between the head and the abdomen, towhich the wings and legs are attached.threnos (threenos) greek [funerallament] noun (plural threnoi, threenoi)a song of lamentation, an elegy,or threnody.tiara (teeahrb) greek [crown] nouna decorative (often expensively bejewelled)headband worn by women: “Shelifted her hand to the tiara of bright jewelsradiant on her head, and, plucking it offwith a force that dragged and strained her409

tibiarich black hair with heedless cruelty, andbrought it tumbling wildly on her shoulders,cast the gems upon the ground.” (CharlesDickens, Dombey and Son, 1846–48).tibia (tibeeb) latin [shin bone] noun(plural tibiae, tibeei) the inner andlarger of the two bones of the humanleg, from knee to ankle, the shinbone.tic (tik) french [from Italian ticchio]noun an involuntary facial twitch ormannerism; may also be used moregenerally of any unconscious quirk oflanguage or behavior: “The suspect wasdescribed as tall and thin, with a shock ofred hair and a pronounced tic.”tic douloureux (tik doolbroo, tikdoolbrb) french [painful tic] nounphrase a painful spasm (especially ofthe facial muscles), trigeminal neuralgia:“Mr. Weller communicated this secretwith great glee, and winked so indefatigablyafter doing so, that Sam began to thinkhe must have got the tic douloureux in hisright eyelid.” (Charles Dickens, PickwickPapers, 1836).tika (teekb, tikb) hindi [from Hinditika or Panjabi tikka] noun a markon the forehead (especially of awoman) identifying a Hindu’s casteor social status.tikka (tikb, teekb) panjabi noun (inIndian cuisine) a dish of spiced meator vegetables cooked on a skewer.tilak (teelbk) sanskrit [from tilaka]noun a mark on the forehead identifyinga Hindu’s caste or social status.tilde (tildb) spanish [from Latin titulustitle] noun the diacritical mark (ason ñ) used in certain languages such asSpanish and Portuguese to indicate apalatal nasal sound or nasalization.timbre (tambbr, tambrb), timberfrench [bell struck by a hammer,from Greek tymbanon kettledrum]noun the resonance, tone, or otherqualities or characteristics of a particularsound, voice, or instrument:“There was an interval of a second or twobetween each word, and a sort of ‘ring,ring, ring,’ in the note of the voice, like thetimbre of a bell” (Rudyard Kipling, “Inthe House of Suddhoo,” 1888).timpani (timpbnee) italian [pluralof timpano kettledrum] plural nouna set of kettledrums.tinnitus (tinitbs) latin [ringing, fromtinnire to ring] noun a medical conditionresulting in a continuous ringingin the ears.tipiSee tepee.tirade (tirayd, tirayd) french [shot,from Italian tirare to draw, to shoot]noun a prolonged outburst of denunciation(usually referring to har anguing,vehement speech, typically onefull of insults and invective): “I stared410

tomatilloat her. How provoking she was! So I wenton to finish my tirade” (Joseph Conrad,Chance, 1914).tirailleur (tiriyer) french [fromtirailler to fire in skirmishing order]noun a sharpshooter or skirmisher(usually referring to such troops inthe French army during the NapoleonicWars): “A line of French tirailleursapproached the British positions from thesouth but were easily beaten off.”tiramisu (tirbmeesoo, tirbmizoo)italian [from tira mi su pull me up]noun (in Italian cuisine) a dessertdish made with ladyfingers, mascarponecheese, powdered chocolate, andespresso.tiroSee tyro.tisane (tizan) french [ultimatelyfrom Greek ptisane crushed barley]noun an infusion of dried herbsor other ingredients used to makeherbal teas or other drinks (oftenconsumed for their supposed medicinalqualities).tmesis (tmeesis) greek [cutting]noun (plural tmeses, tmeeseez) theinsertion of a word between two syllablesor elements of another word,e.g., “old” in any- old- how.toccata (tbkahtb) italian [touched,from toccare to touch] noun a virtuosomusical composition for organ andharpsichord (or other keyboard instruments):“On the balcony, late in the evening,while the others were listening indoors to thelow modulations of a young composer whohad embroidered his fancies on Browning’s‘Toccata,’ Susy found her chance” (EdithWharton, Glimpses of the Moon, 1922).tofu (tofoo) japanese [from Chinesedoufu, from dou beans and fu rot, turnsour] noun bean curd.toga (togb) latin [gown, garment]noun a loose wrap or gown (of a typeworn originally by citizens in ancientRome): “They unearthed the statue of aRoman patrician, complete with flowingtoga.”toilette (twahlet) french [diminutiveof toile cloth] noun the processof dressing and grooming; may alsorefer to a particular costume or style ofdress: “The old lady insisted upon finishingher toilette before going downstairs to beinterviewed by the detectives.”tokamak (tokbmak), tokomak russian[from toroidal’naya kamera s aksial’nymmagnitnym polem toroidal chamber withan axial magnetic field] noun a toroidaldevice for producing controllednuclear fusion.tomatillo (tombteeyo, tombteelyo)spanish [little tomato] noun thesmall, edible, green, yellow, or purplefruit of the Mexican ground cherry.411

tombolatombola (tombolb) italian [tombolareto tumble, to turn a somersault]noun a lottery drum from whichwinning tickets are drawn.tonSee haut ton.tonneau (tono, tuno) french [barrel,cask] noun (plural tonneaus ortonneaux) the seating compartmentof an automobile (or the reararea of such a compartment); mayalso refer to the removable hood ofa convertible automobile: “Her eyes,shining under a white veil, met his forjust the instant before she was quite by,and when the machine had passed a littlehandkerchief waved for a moment from theside of the tonneau where she sat.” (BoothTarkington, His Own People, 1907).tontine (tonteen) french [after Italianbanker Lorenzo Tonti (1635–95)]noun a fi nancial arrangement inwhich investors contribute equally toa common fund to be inherited by thesole survivor of the group.topee (topee, topee), topi hindi[hat] noun a pith helmet: “Several menwore sunhats or topees to protect themselvesfrom the glare.”toque (tok) french [soft hat, fromSpanish toca headdress or Portuguesetocca cap] noun a style of soft, brimlesshat for women: “The pale blue hazeof an autumn day crept between the treetrunksof the Park and made a backgroundfor the gray dress, the black velvet toqueabove the black hair, and the resolute profil e .” (Rudyard Kipling, The Light ThatFailed, 1890). May also refer to thetall, brimless hats traditionally wornby chefs.Torah (torb) hebrew [instruction,teaching] noun the fi ve books ofthe Pentateuch; the sacred texts andrabbinical interpretation of Jewishreligious law and wisdom.torchère (torshair) french [fromtorche torch] noun a tall ornamentalstand for a candlestick.toreador (toreebdor) spanish [fromtorear to fight bulls, from toro bull]noun a bullfi ghter: “Her new loverarrived at the party in the dress of a Spanishtoreador.”torque (tork) french [from Latintorquere to twist] noun a twistingor turning force: “This machine measuresthe amount of torque put on anaircraft’s wing.” ~verb to twist or causeto twist.tort (tort) french [from Latin tortuswrong or injustice] noun (in law) acivil wrong carried out against oneperson by another, for which the victimis entitled to claim damages.torte (tortb, tort) german [tart,pastry, probably from Italian tortacake] noun (plural tortes or torten,412

tourniquettortbn) a frosted cake or tart madewith eggs, nuts, or dry breadcrumbs.tortellini (tortbleenee) italian [pluralof tortellino small cake, from tortacake] plural noun a variety of pastashaped into small squares, rolled intorings, and filled with meat or cheese.tortilla (torteeyb) spanish [diminutiveof torta cake] noun (in Mexicancookery) a round, thin cake madewith unleavened cornmeal or wheatfl our bread, usually filled with meat,cheese, or beans.torus (torbs) latin [swelling] noun(plural toruses or tori, tori) (inarchitecture) a large rounded molding,especially one used on the baseof a column.tostada (tostahdb), tostado (tostahdo)spanish [toasted, from tostar to toast]noun (in Mexican cuisine) a deepfriedor toasted tortilla, often toppedwith refried beans, ground or slicedmeat, sour cream, and other ingredients.totem (totbm) algonquian [fromototeman his totem] noun an objectvenerated as the emblem of a family,clan, or tribe (or a carved or painteddepiction of such an object): “Kim,with slightly raised head, was still staringat his totem on the table, when the chaplainstepped on his right shoulder-blade”(Rudyard Kipling, Kim, 1901).toties quoties (toteeayz kwoteeayz)latin [so often as often] adverb phraseas often as, repeatedly, as occasiondemands.toto caelo (toto silo) latin [by thewhole heaven] adverb phrase in anentirely different fashion, utterly.touché (tooshay) french [touched,past participle of toucher to touch]interjection good thrust! (acknowledgmentof a hit in fencing and, byextension, of any success, accusation,witticism, or rejoinder).toupee (toopay) french [from toupetforelock] noun a wig or other hairpieceworn to conceal a bald patch:“The wind dislodged the old man’s toupee,giving him a comic air.”tour de force (toor db fors) french[feat of strength] noun phrase (pluraltours de force) a remarkable performanceor feat of skill, ingenuity,or strength: “The following year hedelivered a tour de force in the role ofHamlet.”tournedos (ternbdo) french [fromtourner to turn and dos back] noun asmall fi llet of beef cut from thetenderloin.tourniquet (ternbket) french [turnstile,from tourner to turn] noun abandage or other device applied to alimb to check blood flow: “The nurse413

tout de suitetied a tourniquet around the girl’s arm tostop the bleeding.”tout de suite (toot sweet) french[all in succession, immediately] adverbphrase immediately, at once, now,right away: “‘I want someone over heretout de suite,’ he roared, before slamming thephone down.”tout ensemble (toot on(g)somblb)french [everything together] nounphrase the overall effect, the wholething (referring to a work of art, forexample).tout le monde (too lb mond) french[all the world] noun phrase all theworld, everybody.traceur (trasbr) french [from tracerto trace, draw, go fast] noun a personwho participates in the extremesport of parkour.tragedienne (trbjeedeeen) french[from tragédienne actress in tragedy]noun an actress who plays roles intragic drama: “As a tragedienne she hasfew equals on the modern stage.”trahison des clercs (trayzon(g) dayclairk) french [treachery of theclerks, from the book La Trahison desClercs (1927) by Julien Benda] nounphrase the treason of intellectuals(through the betrayal or compromiseof academic standards, for political orother motives).train à grande vitesse (tran(g) a grondveetes) french [high speed train]noun phrase a high speed train inFrance. ~abbreviated from T.G.V.tranche (tronch) french [slice, fromtrancherto cut] noun a portionor installment of something (usuallyrelating to finance); can alsorefer to a block of shares or bonds:“The payment will be made in threetranches.”tranche de vie (tronch db vee)french [slice of life] noun phrase arepresentation of real life (usuallyrelating to literature or art).trans- (trans, tranz) latin [across]prefix across, beyond, e.g., transatlantic;also through, e.g., transparent.trattoria (tratbreeb) italian [from trattorerestaurateur, from traiter to treat]noun (plural trattorias or trattorie,tratbreeay) a restaurant (especiallyan Italian-style restaurant): “They spenteach evening of their vacation at the localtrattoria.”trauma (trowmb, tromb) greek[wound] noun (plural traumas or traumata,trowmbtb) a physical woundor injury; may also refer to a state ofmental disorder resulting from emotionalor physical stress: “This childhoodtrauma continued to haunt her in adultlife.”414

triptychtrecento (traychento) italian [threehundred] noun the 14th century(especially in relation to Italian cultureof the period).trek (trek) afrikaans [from Dutchtrekken to pull, to haul] noun a journey,trip, or migration (originally ajourney undertaken by ox wagon).~verb to undertake an arduous journey(originally by ox wagon), tomigrate: “They trekked for miles throughthe jungle before they found the crashsite.”tremolo (tremblo) italian [tremulous,from Latin tremere to tremble]noun (in music) vibrato, a tremulousor vibrating effect produced by a musicalinstrument or voice.très (tray) french [very] adverb toomuch, very. ~adjective very: “Her outfitwas judged très chic by those who ought toknow.”tri- (tri) latin [from tres] prefi xthree, e.g., tricentennial, trimester.triage (treeahzh, treeahzh) french[sorting, sifting, from trier to sort out]noun the sorting of patients intothree categories on arrival at a hospitalor emergency aid station according tothe nature and severity of their injuryor illness; may also be applied to thesorting and prioritization of projects,commodities, and so on.tricolor (trikulbr), tricolour french[three colors] noun a flag made upof blocks of three different colors,specifically the French national flag,which consists of bands of blue, white,and red.tricorne (trikorn), tricorn french[three-cornered] noun a threecorneredhat, a cocked hat. ~adjectiveof or relating to such a hat.tricot (treeko, trikbt) french [fromtricoter to knit] noun a fine warpknittedfabric used in clothing, or aform of twilled cloth made from woolor wool and cotton.triforium (triforeebm) latin [fromtri- three and foris doorway] noun (pluraltriforia, triforeeb) an arcade orgallery in the wall, above the archesbetween the body of a church and theaisles.trio (treeo) italian [from tre three]noun a set of three objects or people;may also refer to a musical compositionwritten for three voices or instruments:“The three men decided to forma trio, playing jazz in clubs all along thewest coast.”triptych (triptik), triptyque greek[from triptychos having three folds]noun a picture painted on three foldingpanels and, by extension, anythingcomprising three parts: “The painting415

triskaidekaphobiacomprises a triptych, painted on three hugewooden panels.”triskaidekaphobia (triskbdekbfo beeb)greek [treiskaideka thirteen and phobosfear] noun fear of the numberthirteen.triste (treest) french [sad, fromLatin tristis sad] adjective sad, melancholy,mournful, miserable, wistful,dull.tristesse (treestes) french [sadness,sorrow] noun sadness, sorrow, melancholy,unhappiness.triumvir (tribmver) latin [from triumvirum of three men] noun (plural triumvirsor triumviri, tribmveri,tribmveree) a member of a commissionor ruling body of three (i.e.,a triumvirate).trivia (triveeb) latin [plural of triviumplace where three roads meet,influenced by trivialis trivial, commonplace,vulgar] plural noun unimportantdetails or facts, trifles: “The bookunearthed a lot of trivia about the greatman’s private life but little about his realcharacter.”troika (troikb) russian [group ofthree, from troe three] noun a Russiancarriage or vehicle drawn bythree horses abreast; by extension,any group of three people or things(especially a ruling body comprisingthree people): “The prime minister, thedefense minister, and the war ministerformed a troika, effectively running thecountry without reference to others.”troll (trol) old norse [demon] noun(in Scandinavian folklore) an ugly,malevolent creature, portrayed aseither a giant or a dwarf, that livesin a cave.trompe l’oeil (tromp loi, tromploiee) french [deceive the eye] nounphrase a technique in visual art bymeans of which a viewer is trickedinto thinking what is painted is real;an optical illusion: “The staircase hadbeen decorated with a trompe l’oeil viewdesigned to deceive a visitor into thinkinghe was entering a vast temple.” ~adjectiveof or relating to such an effect.troppo (tropo) italian [too much]adverb (in music) too much.trottoir (trotwah) french [from trotterto trot] noun a sidewalk, a pavement.troubador (troobbdor) french [composer,from trobar to compose] nounan itinerant poet or musician of aclass who wandered parts of Franceand northern Italy in the medievalperiod, celebrating chivalry andcourtly love, and, by extension, anypoet or musician.416

tycoontroupe (troop) french [company,herd, band] noun a company,group, troop (of performers): “Shejoined a troupe of traveling actors and,despite her young age, was allowed theoccasional solo spot.” ~verb to gather ortravel in a group.trousseau (trooso, trooso) french[outfit, diminutive of trousse bundle]noun (plural trousseaus or trousseaux)the clothes, linen, householdgoods, and other possessions ofa bride at the time she gets married:“Her trousseau included a lot of kitchenwareand other practical items.”tsarSee czar.tsetse (tsetse, tetsee), tzetze tswana[fly] noun a bloodsucking African flythat transmits various diseases, includingsleeping sickness, to humans andother mammals by biting.tsunami (soonahmee) japanese [harborwave, from tsu harbor and nami wave]noun (plural tsunami or tsunamis) atidal wave (the result of an earthquakeof volcanic eruption): “People livingalong the coast had little chance to escapethe terrifying tsunami that surged in fromthe ocean.”tufa (tuuf b) italian [from tufo, fromLatin tophus] noun a soft porous rockcomposed of calcium carbonate depositedfrom mineral springs with a highdissolved calcium content.tumulus (toomyblbs, tyoomyblbs) latin[from tumere to swell] noun (pluraltumuli, toomybli, toomyblee, tyoomybli,tyoomyblee) an artificial hillockor mound (often marking the siteof an ancient grave or barrow): “Archaeologistsopened the tumulus but found littleevidence of anything pre-Roman.”tundra (tbndrb) russian [marshyplain] noun a cold, treeless plain witha marshy surface over permafrost, typicalof arctic and subarctic regions orto mountain areas above the treeline:“Special skills are needed to survive in thetundra for more than a few days.”tu quoque (too kwokee, tyoo kwokee)latin [you too] noun phrase (plural tuquoques) you too (a retort redirectinga charge or criticism at theperson who made it).tutti (tootee) italian [all] adverb(in music) all together. ~adjective alltogether.tutu (tootoo) french [from cucubackside, diminutive of cul buttocks]noun a short skirt with stiffened frillsof a type worn by ballet dancers.tycoon (tikoon) japanese [from taikungreat lord, prince, from Chinese dagreat and jun prince] noun a wealthy417

typhoonbusinessman or magnate (originallya shogun of imperial Japan): “We weretold that her uncle is a tycoon somewhereout east.”typhoon (tifoon) portuguese [fromtufão, possibly from Greek tuphonviolent storm, influenced by Chinesetai fung big wind] noun a tropicalcyclone or whirlwind: “Three ships werelost in a typhoon that struck the islandsthree days later.”tyro (tiro), tiro latin [from tiroyoung soldier] noun a novice, abeginner.tzetzeSee tsetse.tzigane (seegahn) hungarian [czigány]noun a Hungarian Gypsy, aRomany. ~adjective of or relating toHungarian Gypsies or Gypsy culture(especially Gypsy music).418

åååuåüber- (uubbr) german [over, above]prefi x extremely or denoting anextreme example of something, e.g.,überbabe, überhip.über alles (oobbr alez) german[above all] adverb phrase over everythingelse, above all else (usually associatedwith the former German nationalanthem, first verse: “Deutschland überalles” ).Übermensch (oobbrmensh) german[over person, from the title of aphilosophical treatise by FriedrichNietzsche (1844–1900)] noun (pluralÜbermenschen, oobbrmenshbn)superman (representing a supremeform of human being): “The notion ofa kind of aryan super human, or Übermensch,was taken up with enthusiasm bythe Nazi leadership.”uberrima fides (yooberimb fideez)latin [of the fullest faith] nounphrase the utmost good faith, completehonesty (used chiefly as a legalterm).ubi sunt (oobee soont) latin [whereare they] noun phrase (plural ubi sunts)nostalgia for the past, for vanishedtimes, people, or places.ubi supra (oobee sooprb) latin [whereabove] adverb phrase where mentionedabove, in the page or passagepreviously referred to (used in bibliographicalreferences). ~abbreviatedform u.s.U-boat (yuubot) german [fromU-Boot, short for Unterseeboot underseaboat] noun a German submarine,especially in World Wars I and II: “TheBritish liner, the Lusitania, was sunk by aGerman U-boat in 1915.”u.d.See ut dictum.Uilleann pipes (ilbn pips) irish gaelic[from píob uilleann pipe of the elbow]plural noun Irish bagpipes, played,usually while sitting down, by squeezingbellows under the arm: “The singerwas accompanied on keyboards, fiddle, Uilleannpipes, whistle, and frets.”419

ultra (ultrb) latin [beyond, above,exceeding] adjective extreme, radical,excessive. ~noun an extremist, aradical (usually with reference to poliuitlanderuitlander (ootlandbr, ootlahndbr)afrikaans [from Middle Dutch utelanderoutlander, foreigner] noun aforeigner (formerly referring specificallyto a person of British origin livingin the Transvaal or Orange Free State):“The Boers resented the presence of so manyuitlanders, chiefly Britons, in their villagesand violence was inevitable.”ukeleleSee ukulele.ukiyo-e (ookeeoyay) japanese [fleetingworld, from ukiyo fl eeting and yoworld] noun a movement in Japaneseart of the 17th, 18th, and 19thcenturies, typically depicting domesticand everyday scenes.ukulele (yookblaylee), ukelele hawaiian[jumping flea, from uku fl eaand lele jumping] noun a small fourstringedguitar originally of Portugueseorigin but usually associatedwith Hawaii, where such instrumentsbecame very popular: “The girl’s grandfatherhad enjoyed a career as a singer inrevue, often accompanying himself on abattered old ukulele.”ult.See ultimo.ulterior (ulteereebr) latin [father,beyond] adjective further, future,remoter, thither; may also refer tosomething that goes beyond what isopenly said or otherwise revealed:“Several observers suspected that the presidenthad an ulterior motive.”ultima ratio (ultimb rahteeo, ultimbraysheeo) latin [the last plan] nounphrase the last resort, the final argument,the final sanction.ultima Thule (ultimb thyoolee) latin[farthest Thule] noun phrase the mostremote part or limit of the discoverableworld, formerly identified asIreland, Norway, or Iceland but originallya reference to the northernmostregion of ancient Greece; may alsorefer generally to any remote objectiveor point.ultimatum (ultbmaytbm) latin [neuterof ultimatus fi nal] noun (plural ultimatumsor ultimata, ultbmaytb)a final demand or proposition, therefusal of which will result in the endof negotiations or other immediateaction: “The invaders delivered an ultimatum,demanding the surrender of allsurviving forces before midnight.”ultimo (ultbmo) latin [in the last,from ultimo mense in the last month]adjective of or relating to the precedingmonth: “‘We will then,’ continuedmy father, ‘resume the subject of mineof the 1-st ultimo, to which you sentme an answer which was unadvised andunsatisfactory’” (Walter Scott, Rob Roy,1817). ~abbreviated form ult., ulto.420

urbstics): “The new policy failed to attract thesupport of ultras within the party.”ultra- (ultrb) latin [beyond] prefixextremely, e.g., ultraconservative, ultramodern.ultra vires (ultrb vireez) latin[beyond power] adverb phrase beyondthe power or scope of a particular legislativeauthority or other legal bodyor official: “The government’s decision wasdeclared ultra vires by the courts.”umbilicus (umbilikbs, umbblikbs) latin[navel] noun (plural umbilicuses orumbilici, bmbilikee, bmbblisee) navel,bellybutton; may refer moregenerally to the core or center ofsomething.umbra (umbrb) latin [shade,shadow] noun (plural umbras orumbrae, umbree, umbri) a shadedarea (often referring specifi callyto the shadow cast by a celestialbody); sometimes also used to referto an inseparable companion or otherperson who persistently shadowssomeone else: “Radio communicationwith the spacecraft was temporarily lostas it passed through the moon’s umbra.”umlaut (uumlowt) german [fromum around and Laut sound] noun avowel change in which the sound isinfluenced through assimilation withthe following syllable, or the diacriticalmark, (as on ä) representing sucha change.Umwelt (umvelt) german [environment]noun the environment, thesurrounding world, milieu.uni- (yuunee) latin [from unus one]prefix one, e.g., unicycle, unilateral.Untermensch (uuntbrmensh) german[under person] noun (plural Untermenschen,uuntbmenshbn) a raciallyinferior person (usually associatedwith the racial policies of Nazi Germany).uomo universale (womo yooniversahlee)italian [universal man] nounphrase (plural uomini universali,womini yooniversahlee) a personwith knowledge of or expertise ina wide range of fi elds, a Renaissanceman: “The count liked to think ofhimself as a uomo universale, althoughhis critics considered him a pompousdilettante.”urbi et orbi (erbee et orbee) latin[for the city and the world] adverbphrase (relating to proclamations issuedby the Roman Catholic Church)to be observed by Roman Catholicsaround the world.urbs (erbz) latin [city] noun thecity, modern urban society: “Trends inmodern rock are dominated by the urbs.”421

Ursa MajorUrsa Major (ersb mayjbr) latin [largebear] noun phrase (in astronomy) theGreat Bear, a large constellation inthe northern hemi sphere, of whichthe seven brightest stars form the BigDipper, also called (especially in GreatBritain) the Plough.Ursa Minor (ersb minbr) latin [smallbear] noun phrase (in astronomy)the Little Bear, a constellation in thenorthern hemi sphere, which containsthe north celestial pole and the Polaris,the pole star. The brightest starsform the Little Dipper.u.s.See ubi supra; ut supra.ut dictum (oot diktbm) latin [as said]adverb phrase as directed. ~abbreviatedforms u.d., ut dict.uterus (yuutbrbs) latin [belly orwomb] noun (plural uteri, yuutbri)a hollow muscular organ within thepelvic cavity of a woman or otherfemale mammal, in which the fetusdevelops during pregnancy, thewomb.ut infra (oot infrb) latin [as below]adverb phrase see below (used in bibliographicalreferences). ~abbreviatedform ut inf.utopia (yootopeeb) greek [afterUtopia, the idealized island societyenvisaged by Sir Thomas More (1478–1535) in his treatise Utopia (1516),from Greek ou no and topos place]noun an imaginary place or situationin which ideal conditions prevail: “Thenew regime represented a kind of utopia forscientists eager to pursue research withoutofficial interference.”ut supra (oot sooprb) latin [as above]adverb phrase see above, as previously(used in bibliographical references).~abbreviated forms u.s., ut sup.422

åååvåv. See verso; versus; vide.vacuum (vakyoom, vakyoobm) latin[vacant, neuter of vacuus empty] noun(plural vacuums or vacua, vakyoob)an empty space, a void or state of isolation;also used as an abbreviation ofvacuum cleaner: “His resignation left avacuum in the party leadership.” ~adjectiveof or relating to a vacuum. ~verb to usea vacuum cleaner or some other devicecapable of creating a vacuum.vade in pace (vaydee in pahchay)latin [go in peace] verb phrase go inthe peace of God.vade mecum (vaydee meekbm, vahdeemaykbm) latin [go with me] noun(plural vade mecums) a manual orother small reference book; may alsorefer to anything useful habitually carriedabout the person: “Over the courseof their holiday the wine guide becametheir vade mecum.”vae victis (vi viktis) latin [woe to theconquered, quoting the Roman historianLivy (59 b.c.–a.d. 17)] interjectionwoe to the vanquished (a demandfor-an enemy to be humiliated afterdefeat).vale (vahlay) latin [from valere to bewell] interjection farewell, good-bye.~noun a greeting or farewell.valet (valay, valay, valbt) french[young nobleman, page, ultimatelyfrom Latin vassallus manservant]noun a man’s personal servant, or aperson employed by a hotel or otherinstitution to perform various domesticservices on behalf of customers:“But I quitted France five years ago, and,wishing to taste the sweets of domestic life,took service as a valet here in England”(Jules Verne, Around the World in 80Days, 1873). ~verb to act as a valet tosomeone, or to clean something fora customer (typically clothes or thecustomer’s car).valet de chambre (valay db shombrb)french [chamber valet] noun phrase(plural valets de cham bre) a man’s423

valet de placepersonal servant, whose duties typicallyinclude care of clothes and otherdomestic chores: “The duke sent a messagevia his valet de chambre.”valet de place (valay db plas) french[manservant of place] noun phrase acourier, a person who acts as a guidefor tourists.Valhalla (valhalb) old norse [Valhollhall of the slain, from valr battle-slainwarriors and holl hall] noun (inNorse mythology) the great hall ofOdin in which dead heroes feastwith the gods and recount theiradventures; may also refer moregenerally to heaven or the afterlife:“The Vikings showed no fear, dying in thefull expectation of dining with the godsin Valhalla.”valise (vblees) french [from Italianvaligia, itself from Latin valesia]noun a suitcase or portmanteau:“That evening Miss Barry gave Dianaa silver bangle bracelet and told thesenior members of the household that shehad unpacked her valise” (Lucy MaudMontgomery, Anne of Green Gables,1908).vamoose (vbmoos) spanish [fromvamos let us go] verb to leave quickly,to make a rapid exit: “The kids vamoosedas soon as they saw the owners returning.”Vanitas (vanitas) latin [vanity] noun(in 17th-century Dutch art) a still lifefeaturing various emblems of mortalityand the transience of life.vanitas vanitatum (vanitas vanitahtbm)latin [vanity of vanities, asquoted in Ecclesiastes] interjectionvanity of vanities (quoted as a cautionagainst human pride and remindingthe ambitious of the futility of existence):“Ah! Vanitas Vanitatum! whichof us is happy in this world? Which of ushas his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?”(William Makepeace Thackeray, VanityFair, 1847–48).vaporetto (vapbreto) italian [diminutiveof vapore steamboat] noun(plural vaporettos or vaporetti, vapbretee)in Venice a motorboat used asa form of public transport on a canal(usually for short journeys): “Theparty opted to take the vaporetto to thesquare of St. Mark’s.”vaquero (vakairo) spanish [fromvaca cow] noun a cowboy or cattledriver in Spanish-speaking Centralor South America: “In this gorgeousuniform, with his bull neck, his hookednose flattened on the tip upon a blueblack,dyed moustache, he looked like adisguised and sinister vaquero” (JosephConrad, Nostromo, 1904).varia lectio (vaireeb lekteeo) latin[different reading] noun phrase (pluralvariae lectiones, vaireei lekteeoneez)a variant reading (of a text).424

velourvariorum (vaireeorbm, vahreeorbm)latin [of various persons, abbreviatedfrom editio cum notis variorum editionwith notes of various persons]noun an edition of a text (often thecomplete works of an author) publishedtogether with notes or variantreadings. ~adjective of or relating tosuch an edition: “During the whole bygoneweek he had been resolving to set this afternoonapart for a special purpose,—there-reading of his Greek Testament—his newone, with better type than his old copy,following Griesbach’s text as amended bynumerous correctors, and with variorumreadings in the margin” (Thomas Hardy,Jude the Obscure, 1895).vaudeville (vordvil, vodvil, vordbvil,vodbvil) french [light comedy song,ultimately from vau-de-Vire valley ofVire (an area in NW France formerlywell known for such music)] noun atheatrical entertainment comprising aseries of varied musical, comedy, andother acts: “Many stars of vaudeville successfullymade the transition to film comedy.”~adjective of or relating to such anentertainment.vaya con Dios (viya kon deeos) spanish[go with God] interjection Godgo with you.Veda (vaydb, veedb) sanskrit [fromvedah knowledge] noun any of theoldest scriptural texts of Hindu, writtenin Sanskrit and originating inancient India.vedette (vedet) french [from Italianvedetta, itself from vedere to seeand probably ultimately from Spanishvelar to keep watch] noun a mountedsentinel posted in front of a militaryposition, a scout; may also refer to alight patrol boat or launch.veld (velt, felt), veldt afrikaans[from Dutch veld fi eld] noun opengrassland (usually referring to thegrassy plains of South Africa): “Tothe left stretched a vast expanse of rich,undulating veld or grass land, whereonwe could just make out countless herds ofgame or cattle, at that distance we couldnot tell which” (H. Rider Haggard, KingSolomon’s Mines, 1885).veleta (vbleetb), valeta spanish[weathervane] noun a fast-pacedtraditional Spanish round dance inwhich couples dance alongside oneanother.veloce (vaylochay) italian [from Latinvelox quick] adverb (in music) quickly,rapidly. ~adjective quick, rapid.velodrome (velbdrom) french [bicyclecourse] noun an arena or stadiumthat has an oval cycle- racing trackwith steeply banked sides; also thetrack itself.velour (vbloor), velours french[velvet, ultimately from Latin villushair] noun a variety of heavy fabricresembling velvet.425

veloutévelouté (vbluutay) french [velvety]noun a rich white sauce made froma light stock thickened with a rouxof butter and flour: “Dinner was roastchicken served with chicken velouté.”vendetta (vendetb) italian [revenge,from Latin vindicta vengeance] nouna blood feud, a prolonged campaignof vengeance waged by one family,organization, or individual againstanother: “I had some talk with himabout the war times; but presently thediscourse fell upon ‘feuds,’ for in no partof the South has the vendetta flourishedmore briskly, or held out longer betweenwarring families, than in this particularregion.” (Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi,1883).venez-ici (vbnayz-eesee) french[come here] adjective seductive,alluring, tempting.veni, vidi, vici (vaynee veedee veechee)latin [I came, I saw, I conquered,as quoted by Julius Caesar (100–44b.c.) on his victory over Pharnaces,king of Pontus, at Zela in 47 b.c.]interjection I came, I saw, I conquered.venire facias (vbniree faysheebs) latin[to cause to come] noun phrase ajudicial writ ordering a sheriff toassemble a body of suitable peoplefrom which a jury may be chosen.ventouse (ventuus) french [cuppingglass] noun a device sometimes usedfor delivering babies, consisting of avacuum suction cup which is attachedto the baby’s head: “The baby’s head hadnot moved into the right position, so theconsultants decided to carry out a ventousedelivery.”ventre à terre (vontrb a tair) french[belly to the ground] adverb phraseprone, flat on the ground; may also referto depictions of animals in flight, withtheir legs horizontal to the ground.Venus (veenbs) latin [after Venus,the Roman goddess of love] nounthe goddess of love; may also be usedto refer to any women who is admiredfor her beauty or charm.vera causa (veerb kowzb) latin [truecause] noun phrase (plural verae causae,veeri kowzi) (in philosophy) the realcause of something happening.veranda (vbrandb), verandah hindi[from Portuguese varanda railing,balustrade, ultimately from Latin vararod] noun an open-sided gallery orportico attached to the outside of abuilding: “Her grandparents were waitingin the shade of the veranda.”verbatim (verbaytbm) latin [wordfor word, from verbum word] adverbword for word, in the exact words, precisely:“At the heart of the bill, introduced426

vers d’occasionon December 2 last year, is the new definition[of terrorism] copied verbatim from the FBI.”(Guardian, May 10, 2000).verbatim et literatim (verbaytbm etlitbrahtbm) latin [word for word andletter for letter] adverb exactly aswritten. ~adjective exactly as written.~abbreviated form verb. et lit.verboten (verbotbn) german [forbidden]adjective forbidden, prohibited,not allowed.verbum sapienti (verbbm sapeeen tee)latin [abbreviated from verbum sapientisat est a word to the wise is sufficient]interjection enough said, a wise persondoes not need to be told everythingin order to understand. ~abbreviatedform verbum sap., verb. sap.Verfremdungseffekt (verfremdbngsefekt)german [alienation effect,coined by German playwright BertoldBrecht (1898–1956)] nounalienation effect, distancing effect (atheatrical theory that argues that anaudience should not be allowed tobecome emotionally involved in whatthey are shown, so that they may absorbany polemic message more clearly).verismo (vayreezmo) italian [verism]noun realism (usually relatingto realism or naturalism in the arts,particularly in Italian opera of the late19th/early 20th centuries.vérité (verbtay) french [truth,abbreviated from cinema vérité] nounfi lmmaking in which the higheststandards of realism are aimed for.verkrampte (verkramptb), verkrampafrikaans [cramped, narrow] adjectivepolitically or socially con servative,reactionary (usually relatingto South African politics). ~noun areactionary, a political conservative.vermicelli (vermbchelee, vermbselee)italian [plural of vermicello, diminutiveof verme worm] noun (in Italiancuisine) a variety of pasta shapedinto long fine strings: “Katusha and MaryPavlovna, both wearing top-boots and withshawls tied round their heads . . . viedwith one another, offering their goods,hot meat pie, fish, vermicelli, buckwheatporridge, liver, beef, eggs, milk” (LeoTolstoy, Resurrection, 1899).Véronique (verbneek), Veroniquefrench [after the personal nameVéronique Veronica] noun any dishprepared with white seedless grapes.vers de société (vair db soseebtay)french [society verse] noun phrase atype of ironic light verse usually dealingwith fashionable, topical issues.vers d’occasion (vair dokayzhon(g))french [verse of occasion] noun phraseoccasional verse, light verse writtento celebrate a particular event.427

veto (veeto) latin [I forbid] noun(plural vetoes) an official prohibition,an interdiction, a final decision thatnullifies an earlier one (often relatingto a blockage placed upon a governmentalor legislative vote or act): “ThatI have some claim to the exercise of a vetohere, would not, I believe, be denied by anyreasonable person cognizant of the relationsbetween us. . .” (George Eliot, Middleverslibrevers libre (vair leebrb) french [freeverse] noun phrase (plural vers libres,vair leebrbz) free verse, poetry thatrejects the usual conventions of rhyme,meter, and so on: “Many poets of the oldergeneration deplored the explosion in verslibre that took place after the war.”verso (verso) latin [abbreviated fromverso folio the page being turned, fromvertere to turn] noun a left-hand pagein a book (or the reverse side of a coin).~abbreviated form v. See also recto.versus (versbs, versbz) latin [against,towards] preposition against, in contrastto: “This last conflict was in essence afinal confrontation based on the old worldversus the new.” ~abbreviated form v., vs.vertebra (vertbbrb) latin [from vertereto turn] noun (plural vertebrae,vertbbree) one of the series of smallbones that form the spinal column: “Inhumans the spinal column is made up of33 vertebrae.”vertex (verteks) latin [whirl, crown,summit, from vertere to turn]noun (plural vertexes or vertices,vertbseez) the point of a figure oppositethe base; the highest point or summitof something: “Our courses were converginglike the sides of an angle, the vertex of whichwas at the edge of the fog-bank.” (Jack London,The Sea-Wolf, 1904).vertigo (vertigo) latin [from vertereto turn] noun a sensation of giddinessor confusion (as induced by fearof heights): “The effort was too great; hebegan to sway from side to side, as fromvertigo, and before I could spring from mychair to support him his knees gave wayand he pitched awkwardly forward and fellupon his face.” (Ambrose Bierce, CanSuch Things Be? 1893).verve (verv) french [fancy, animation]noun spirit, enthusiasm, vivacity,vitality, energy: “The band playedwith verve as the evening came to aclose.”vesica piscis (vesikb piskis) latin[bladder of a fish] noun phrase (pluralvesicae piscis, vesikee piskis) (inmedieval Christian art) a pointedoval figure forming an aureole, whichencloses the figure of, for example,Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary.vestigium (vestijeebm) latin [footprint,track] noun (plural vestigia,vestijeeb) a vestige, a trace (oftenreferring to a vestigial structure inanatomy).428

vichyssoisemarch, 1871–72). ~verb to impose sucha prohibition or interdiction.vexata quaestio (veksahtb kwisteeo,veksaytb kwisteeo) latin [vexedquestion] noun phrase (plural vexataequaestiones, veksahtee kwisteeoneez)a vexed question, somethingunder debate: “These queries, I confess,are not easily answered: at all events,a satisfactory reply to them might costmore trouble than would, if properlyconsidered, the whole vexata quaestioto which they have reference.” (EdgarAllan Poe, “The Rationale of Verse,”1843).vexillum (veksilbm) latin [banner,from vehere to carry] noun (pluralvexilla, veksilb) a Roman militarystandard or banner; (in Christian art) awhite flag with a red cross, carried byJesus Christ as a symbol of the Resurrection.v.i.See vide infra.via (vib, veeb) latin [way] prepositionby way of, by means of, throughthe medium of: “She traveled to Australiavia Singapore.”Via Dolorosa (vib dolbrozb) italian[sorrowing way] noun phrase the routethrough Jerusalem taken by Christ as hecarried his cross to the crucifixion andthus, by extension, any prolonged orarduous trial or ordeal.via media (vib meedeeb, veeb maydeeb)latin [middle way] noun phrase amiddle way, a compromise.viaticum (viatikbm, veeatikbm)latin [travel provisions, from via road]noun (plural viatica, viatikb, veeatikb)(in Christianity) the Eucharist, asadministered to a person who is neardeath, to give him or her strength forthe voyage to eternity.vibrato (vibrahto, vibrahto) italian[past participle of vibrare to vibrate]noun (in music) a tremulous effectproduced by rapid variation in pitch.~adverb tremulously.viceroy (visroi) french [from vice-roiin place of the king] noun a governoror other ruler of a country, colony, orprovince who acts as representativeof an absent monarch: “And so unmeasureableis the ambition of princes, thathe seemed to think of nothing less thanreducing the whole empire of Blefuscu intoa province, and governing it, by a viceroy. . .” (Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels,1726).vice versa (visee versb, vis versb)latin [the position being reversed]adverb phrase conversely, with theorder reversed: “This sauce goes well withfish, and vice versa.” ~abbreviated form v.v.vichyssoise (visheeswahz, veesheeswahz)french [from vichyssois of429

victor ludorumVichy, abbreviated from crême vichyssoiseglacée iced cream soup of Vichy]noun (in French cuisine) a cold soupmade with leeks or onions, potatoes,cream, and chicken stock.victor ludorum (viktb loodorbm)latin [victor of the games] nounphrase the overall winner of a competition(usually relating to sports):“After this last victory he was crownedvictor ludorum.”vide (videe, veeday) latin [imperativesingular of videre to see] verb see,refer to (a direction to a reader toconsult a particular passage or text).~abbreviated forms v., vid.vide ante (videe antee, veeday antay)latin [see before] verb phrase seeabove, see previous (a direction to areader to consult an earlier passagein a text).vide infra (videe infrb, veeday infrb)latin [see below] verb phrase seebelow (a direction to a reader to consultan subsequent passage in a text).~abbreviated form v.i.videlicet (videlbset, videlbset, vidayliket)latin [it is permitted to see,from videre to see and licet it ispermitted] adverb that is to say,namely, to wit: “One of the Macphersons,named Alexander, one of Rob’s originalprofession, videlicet, a drover, buta man of great strength and spirit. . .”(Walter Scott, Rob Roy, 1817). ~nounan explanatory note (usually referringto a note in a legal document).~abbreviated form viz.video (videeo) latin [I see, fromvidere to see] adjective of or relatingto the electronic transmission orreception of visual images. ~nounabbreviation for video recorder, videocamera,or videotape: “The wholeincident was caught on video.”vide supra (videe sooprb, veedaysooprb) latin [see above] verb phrasesee above (a direction to a reader toconsult a previous passage in a text).~abbreviated form v.s.vie en rose (vee on(g) roz) french[life in rose, often associated with thesong “La vie en rose” sung by Frenchsinger Edith Piaf (1915–63)] nounphrase life as seen through rose-tintedspectacles, a naive view of the world.vi et armis (vee et ahrmees) latin [byforce and arms] adverb phrase violently,by force of arms.vigilante (vijblantee) spanish [watchman,guard, from Latin vigilans, fromvigilare to keep watch] noun a memberof a volunteer committee of ordinarycitizens assembled to suppress crimeand punish lawbreakers in a particularlocality (usually when the authoritiesare perceived to have failed to do so):“The police warned that they would not430

vin blanctolerate the presence of vigilantes in thearea.” ~adjective of or relating to suchvigilante groups or actions.vigneron veenybron(g)) french[from vigne vine, vineyard] noun awinegrower, a person who growsgrapevines.vignette (vinyet, veenyet) french[small vine, diminutive of vigne vine]noun a scene, anecdote, sketch, or episode(as in a film or story); may alsorefer to an ornamental design on thetitle or chapter pages of a book, to anarchitectural decoration comprisingintertwined leaves or branches, or toa portrait photograph or other picturein which the central image fadesat the edges into the background:“After calling at one or two flat places,with low dams stretching out into thelake, whereon were stumpy lighthouses,like windmills without sails, the wholelooking like a Dutch vignette, we cameat midnight to Cleveland, where we layall night, and until nine o’clock nextmorning.” (Charles Dickens, AmericanNotes, 1842).villa (vilb) latin [country house]noun a large country house or estate(often referring to the houses ofwealthy citizens of ancient Rome); mayalso refer to a vacation home or torelatively modest rural or suburbandetached or semidetached residences(usually with their own yard or gardenspace): “They used the money to buy a substantialvilla on the French Riviera.”ville (vil) french [town] nountown or village.vim (vim) latin [accusative of visstrength] noun enthusiasm, energy,spirit: “‘I wouldn’t give a dog I liked to thatBlewett woman,’ said Matthew with unusualvim” (Lucy Maud Mont gomery, Anne ofGreen Gables, 1908).vin (van(g)) french [wine] nounwine (especially French wine).vinaigrette (vinbgret) french [fromvinaigre vinegar] noun a dressing formeats, fish, or salad made with oil andvinegar, onions, parsley, and herbs;may also refer to a small ornamentalbox used to store smelling salts orother aromatic preparations: “‘But thistreating servants as if they were exotic flowers,or china vases, is really ridiculous,’ saidMarie, as she plunged languidly into thedepths of a voluminous and pillowy lounge,and drew toward her an elegant cut-glassvinaigrette” (Harriet Beecher Stowe,Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 1852). ~adjective ofor relating to a dish served with such adressing or sauce.vin blanc (van(g) blon(g)) french[white wine] noun phrase white wine(especially white wine of French origin):“Then when he had drunk up the bottleof petit vin blanc, she gave him her hand,a431

vindalooand took him up to the drawing-room. . .”(William Makepeace Thackeray, VanityFair, 1847–48).vindaloo (vindbloo) portuguese [probablyfrom Indo-Portuguese vinh d’alhowine of garlic] noun a highly spicedcurried dish of Indian origin made withmeat or fish and incorporating garlicand vinegar among other ingredients:“The restaurant is particularly famous for itsfiery vindaloos, which only the bravest dinerscan look in the eye.” ~adjective of or relatingto such a curry.vin de table (van(g) db tahblb) french[table wine] noun phrase wine suitablefor drinking with a meal: “Sheordered some cheap vin de table, consideringthis homecoming hardly worthy ofbetter fare.”vin du pays (van(g) db pay) french[wine of the country] noun phrase awine of local origin.vingt-et-un (vantaybn(g)) french[twenty-one] noun the card gameblackjack (or pontoon).vinho verde (veeno verdee) portuguese[green wine] noun phrase aPortuguese wine with a greenish color(indicating that it has been bottledearly in the maturing process).vino (veenno) italian/spanish [wine,from Latin vinum vine] noun wine.vin ordinaire (van(g) ordbnair) french[ordinary wine] noun phrase cheap,ordinary table wine suitable foreveryday consumption (rather thanmore expensive classic vintages):“They dined off bread and cheese washeddown with a very acceptable if modestvin ordinaire.”vin rouge (van(g) roozh) french[red wine] noun phrase red wine(especially red wine of French origin).virago (vbrahgo) latin [manlikewoman, from vir man] noun (pluralviragos or viragoes) a fierce orbrash, overbearing woman; a womanof great strength, courage, or indomitability:“All he discovered was a strange,fat woman, a sort of virago, who had,apparently, been put in as a caretaker bythe man of affairs” (Joseph Conrad, TheArrow of Gold, 1919).Virgo (vergo) latin [virgin] noun(in astronomy) the Virgin, a large constellationon the celestial equator; (inastrology) the sixth sign of the zodiac,occurring between Leo and Libra.virgo intacta (vergo intaktb) latin[untouched virgin] noun phrase avirgin, a female who has never hadsexual intercourse: “The police doctordeclared the girl was still virgo intacta,and the charge of rape was dropped.”virtu (vertoo) italian [from virtùvirtue] noun a love of or enthusiasm432

vistafor curios or works or art; may alsorefer to curios or objets d’art themselves:“With the cessation of the call, thegallery was cleared of the soldiery; manyof whom, as they dared not appear in theranks with visible plunder in their hands,fl ung what they had upon the floor, untilit was strewn with articles of richest virtu”(Lew Wallace, Ben Hur, 1880).virtuoso (vertyoooso, vertyooozo)italian [virtuous, skilled] noun (pluralvirtuosos or virtuosi, vertyooosee,vertyoooee) a person with interestor expertise in a particular field,especially the fine arts; a connoisseur.~adjective expert, skilled: “Her dreamsof fame as a virtuoso violinist weredashed by the injuries she received in theaccident.”virus (virbs) latin [venom] noun aninfective microorganism or complexmolecule that reproduces in livingcells, especially one that causes diseasein humans, animals, or plants;may also refer to a disease caused bysuch microorganisms or more generallyto anything that tends to corruptor poison: “The panic spread like a virusthrough the population.”vis (vis) latin [strength] noun (pluralvires, vireez) force, power, energy.visa (veezb, veesb) latin [videre tosee] noun an official endorsementon a passport permitting the holderpassage: “They had to queue for hoursto get the necessary visas to enter thecountry.”visage (vizij) french [face, fromLatin visus sight] noun (literary) aperson’s face or facial expression: “Theboys trembled before the stern visage of theheadmaster.”vis-à-vis (veez-a-vee, vees-a-vee)french [face-to-face] prepositionface-to-face with, in relation to, ascompared with, regarding. ~noun acounterpart or opposite number; mayalso refer to a date, partner, or escortor to a private conversation betweentwo partners. ~adverb opposite, faceto face.viscera (visbrb) latin [from viscusorgan] plural noun the internalorgans of the body; may also refermore generally to the interior or innercontents of something: “He meant to bea unit who would make a certain amountof difference toward that spreading changewhich would one day tell appreciablyupon the averages, and in the mean timehave the pleasure of making an advantageousdifference to the viscera of his ownpatients” (George Eliot, Middle-march,1871–72).vista (vistb) italian [sight, fromvisto, past participle of vedere to see]noun a prospect or extensive view ofsomething (real or imaginary): “Thisdiscovery opened up new vistas for researchscientists around the globe.”433

vogue (vog) french [style, fashion,ultimately from voguer to row (origivisvivavis viva (vis vivb) latin [living force]noun phrase the principal in mechanicsthat the power of an object equalsits weight or mass multiplied by thesquare of its velocity.viva (veevb) italian/spanish [longlive, ultimately from Latin vivere tolive] interjection hurrah! long live!(an expression of acclamation orapproval, often followed by the nameof the person or ideal being landed).vivace (veevahchay, veevahchee)italian [vivacious] adverb (in music)brisk, spirited, vivacious. ~adjectivebrisk, spirited, vivacious.vivarium (vivahreebm) latin [park,preserve, warren, from vivus alive]noun (plural vivariums or vivaria,vivahreeb) a terrarium for smallanimals or fish.vivat (vivat, veevat) latin [may heor she live, from vivere to live] interjectionhurrah! long live! (an expressionof acclamation or approval): “Andas soon as they had got out, in theirsoaked and streaming clothes, they shouted‘Vivat!’ and looked ecstatically at the spotwhere Napoleon had been but where he nolonger was and at that moment consideredthemselves happy.” (Leo Tolstoy, War andPeace, 1863–69).viva voce (vivb vosee, veevb vochay)latin [with the living voice] adverbphrase by word of mouth, orally.~adjective phrase oral: “The old crudeviva voce system of Henchard, in whicheverything depended upon his memory, andbargains were made by the tongue alone,was swept away.” (Thomas Hardy, TheMayor of Casterbridge, 1886). ~nounphrase an oral examination. ~abbreviatedform viva (vivb), v.v.vive (veev) french [may he, she,or it live, from vivre to live] interjectionhurrah! long live! (an expressionof acclamation or approval): “There werefour French delegates in a brake and one, aplump smiling young man, held, wedged on astick, a card on which were printed the words:Vive l’Irlande!” (James Joyce, A Portrait ofthe Artist as a Young Man, 1914–15).vive la différence (veev la difbrons)french [long live the difference]interjection long live the difference(usually celebrating the differencesbetween the two sexes).vixit (viksit) latin [he/she lived]verb he/she lived (inscribed on tombstonesbefore the deceased person’sdates).viz.See videlicet.vodka (vodkb) russian [from vodawater] noun a strong, colorlessliquor made from a mash of rye,wheat, other cereals, or potatoes.434

voodoonally a reference to rowing styles)]noun popularity, fashion, style, orsomething that is recognized as beingcurrently popular or in fashion: “Mr.Trabb then bent over number four, and in asort of deferential confidence recommendedit to me as a light article for summer wear,an article much in vogue among the nobilityand gentry. . .” (Charles Dickens,Great Expectations, 1860–61).voilà (vwalah), voila french [seethere, there it is] interjection there!(expression drawing attention to somethingjust completed or revealed):“‘Voila!’ she exclaimed as she whipped thecloth off the finished cake.”voir dire (vwar deer) french [tospeak the truth] noun phrase (in law)a preliminary examination of a witnessor juror to establish their competencyto take part in a case; mayalso refer to an oath taken by a witnessor juror that they will speak thetruth.vol-au-vent (vol-o-von(g), vol-bvon(g))french [flight in the wind]noun a small round pastry shell filledwith meat, fish, or seafood in sauce(served hot or cold): “The guests will beoffered champagne cocktails and vol-auventson the terrace.”volens (volenz) latin [willing] adjective(in law) consenting (usually tothe risk of injury).volente Deo (volentee dayo) latin[God willing] adverb phrase Godwilling.volk (folk), Volk afrikaans [fromDutch volk people, race] noun thepeople (often referring specificallyto the Afrikaner population of SouthAfrica or to the German nation duringthe Nazi period).volte-face (volt fas) french [fromItalian voltafaccia about-face, fromvoltare to turn] noun an about-face,a reversal in policy, opinion, or attitude:“The press attacked this apparentvolte-face in government policy.”vomitorium (vomitoreebm) latin[neuter of vomitorius vomitory (referringto the disgorging of spectators)]noun (plural vomitoria, vomitoreeb)a passage or other entrance leading toor from the seats in an amphitheater,stadium, or theater.voodoo (voodoo), Vodun louisianacreole [from voodou, itself probablyfrom Ewe vodu demon, guardianspirit] noun a folk religion of Haitiderived ultimately from African polytheismand ancestor worship; mayalso refer to a spell, charm, or hex,or to black magic practices in general.~adjective of or relating to such worshipor rituals, or to black magic ingeneral: “The voodoo cult continues toflourish despite the condemnation of localchurches.”435

VoortrekkerVoortrekker (vortrekbr) afrikaans[from voor before and trekken to trek]noun a Boer pioneer, especially oneof the South African settlers of Dutchdescent who joined the Great Trek of1838.vorlage (forlahgb) german [forwardposition] noun (plural vorlages orvorlagen, forlahgbn) the positionassumed by a skier, with the bodyleaning forward but with the heelsstill resting on the skis.vortex (vorteks) latin [whirlpool]noun (plural vortexes, vorteksez, orvortices, vortbseez) a mass of particles,fluid, or vapor revolving aboutan axis; may also refer to any sceneof frenetic activity or to anythingelse resembling a whirlpool or eddy:“Now his imagination spun about thehand as about the edge of a vortex; butstill he made no effort to draw nearer.”(Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence,1920).used in building the curved part ofan arch.vox populi (voks popyooli, voks popyoolee,voks popblee) latin [voiceof the people] noun phrase popularsentiment, general opinion.vox populi, vox dei (voks popyooleevoks dayee) latin [voice of the people,voice of God] interjection phrase “thevoice of the people is the voice ofGod,” an ancient proverb.voyeur (voier) french [one whosees, from voir to see] noun a personwho obtains sexual gratification fromclandestine observation of sexualactivity; may also refer to any personwho probes into the private affairs ofothers: “The accusation that the professorwas a secret voyeur caused considerableunrest among parents of students at thecollege.”vs.See versus.voussoir (vuuswahr) french [fromLatin volvere to roll or turn] noun (inarchitecture) a wedge- shaped stonev.s.v.v.See vide supra.See vice versa; viva voce.436

åååwåwadi (wodee) arabic [from wadiyriver bed, valley] noun a shallowdepression in a desert region, or thebed or a stream or river that is dry atcertain times of year: “The rain filledthe wadi and within minutes the landscapewas transformed.”wagon-lit (vagon(g)-lee) french [fromwagon railroad car and lit bed] noun(plural wagon-lits or wagons-lits,vagon(g)-lee, vagon(g)-leez) a railroadsleeping car (usually referringto the rail systems of France or othercontinental European countries).waldsterben (valtshterbbn) german[from Wald forest and sterben to die]noun (in ecol ogy) the widespreaddisease and death of forest trees,believed to be the result of air pollution,first observed in central Eu ropein the 1970s.wallah (wolb), walla hindi [one incharge, from Sanskrit pala protector]noun a person who is associatedwith a particular job or other activity(typically a relatively low-rankingservant).Walpurgisnacht (valpergbsnakt) german[Walpurgis Night, named afterthe English St. Walburga (died 779)]noun (in German-speaking countries)the eve of May Day, whenwitches are reputed to assemble for asecret Sabbath each year; occasionallyalso used to refer to any nightmarishor orgiastic situation.wampum (wompbm) algonquian[abbreviated form of wampumpeag,from wampan white and api string]noun strings of beads and polishedshells as formerly used as moneyby native Americans and hence, byextension, money in general: “Had shenever worn that painted robe before? Was itthe first time that these strings of wampumhad ever rattled upon her neck and arms?”(Oliver Wendell Holmes, The GuardianAngel, 1867).wanderjahr (vondbyahr), Wanderjahrgerman [wander year, fromwander wander and Jahr year] noun437

wanderlust(plural wanderjahrs or wanderjahre,vondbyahrb) a year of wanderingor travel (usually referring to oneundertaken by a young person orapprentice).wanderlust (wondbrlbst) german[desire for wandering, from wandernto wander and Lust desire] noun anenthusiasm for wandering or travel:“Her father was periodically seized witha wanderlust that took the family aroundthe world.”wasabi (wosbbee) japanese noun(in Japanese cuisine) a pungent pasteresembling horseradish in flavor, preparedfrom the thick green root ofan Asian plant and often served as acondiment with raw fish: “I always havewasabi with my sushi and noodles.”wazir (wbzeebr) arabic [helper] nouna vizier, a high-ranking state official ofthe Ottoman Empire.Wehrmacht (vairmakt) german[defense force] noun the Germanarmed forces (specifically relatingto the German army in the years1935–45).weltanschauung (veltanshowbn(g)),Weltanschauung german [worldview, from Welt world and Anschauungview] noun (plural weltanschauungsor weltanschauungen, veltanshowbnbn)a comprehensive view of theworld, a philosophical viewpoint thatencompasses the whole of world historyor civilization: “These ideas wereslowly transformed over the years into aweltanschauung that became the old man’sgospel and creed.”weltpolitik (veltpolitik), Weltpolitikgerman [world politics] noun internationalpolitics or policy: “The journalwas full of opinions about the lastest developmentsin weltpolitik.”weltschmerz (veltshmerts), Weltschemrzgerman [world pain] nounapathy or mental distress at the state ofthe world; also used more generally torefer to any mood of sentimental yearningor sadness: “‘I wonder—’ Carol wasplunged back into last night’s Weltschmerz.‘I wonder if these farmers aren’t bigger thanwe are?’” (Sinclair Lewis, Main Street,1920).westpolitik (vestpolitik), Westpolitikgerman [west policy] noun thepolicy of former communist easternEuropean countries towardincreased political and trading linkswith Western nations: “The progress ofwestpolitik was slow at first but gatheredpace as individual governments began torealize the opportunities for economicadvancement.”wickiup (wikeebp), wickyup algonquian[from wikiyapi lodge, dwelling]noun a form of temporary wigwamlikehut or shelter made of brushwood438

wurst(as used originally by nomadic NativeAmericans of the West and SouthwestUnited States): “Ten steps away was alittle wickiup, a dim and formless shelterof rags and old horse-blankets, a dulllight showing through its chinks.” (MarkTwain, “Double-Barreled DetectiveStory,” 1902).wiener schnitzel (veenbr shnitzbl,weenbr snitzbl) german [Viennesecutlet] noun phrase (in German cuisine)a breaded veal cutlet or escalope.wigwam (wigwam) algonquian[dwelling] noun a rough hut consistingof hides, mats, rush, or bark laidover an arched framework of poles (asused as temporary housing by nativeAmericans of the Great Lakes region):“You can trim up to any extent, and be asfree and easy as squaws in a wigwam, forthis corner is set apart for you ladies and wenever cross the line uncle is drawing untilwe ask leave.” (Louisa May Alcott, EightCousins, 1875).wissenschaft (visenshaft), Wissenschaftgerman [knowledge, scholarship]noun the pursuit of knowledgeor learning.wok (wok) chinese [from wohk] noun(in oriental cuisine) a deep bowlshapedfrying pan.wonton (wonton) cantonese [fromwahn-tan] noun (in Chinese cuisine)a small pocket of dough with an appetizingfilling (usually served in soup).wunderbar (vbndbbahr) german[wonderful] interjection wonderful!excellent! great! ~adjective wonderful,excellent, great.wunderkind (vbndbrkint, wbndbrkint),Wunderkind german [wonderchild] noun (plural wunderkinds orwunder kinder, vbndbrkindb, wbn dbr -kinda) a child prodigy, a personwho excels at something while stillrelatively young: “The young painterquickly won recognition as a wunderkindof the New York art scene.”wurst (werst, wersht), Wurst german[mixture] noun (in German cuisine)German or Austrian sausage.439

ååx, yåxenophobia (zenbfobeeb, zeen bfobeeb)greek [fear of foreign things, fromxénos stranger and phobos fear] nounfear or hatred of foreigners: “Thesewritings illustrate how patriotism can betransformed into xenophobia.”Yahweh (yahway), Yahveh (yahvay)hebrew [from YHWH with addedvowels] noun a name for God, anexpansion of the four Hebrew lettersYHWH. See also tetragrammaton;yhwh.yakuza (ybkoozb) japanese [gangster,from ya eight, ku nine and zathree (the lowest possible hand ina Japanese gambling game)] nouna member of a Japanese crime organization,a gangster involved in organizedcrime in Japan: “Frustrated by hiswork as a lawyer’s clerk, he dreamed ofbecoming a yakuza.”yang (yang) chinese [sun, masculinity]noun (in Chinese philosophy)the masculine principle in nature,associated with heat, dryness, orlight.yantra (yantrb) sanskrit [suppor ter,fastener, from yam to hold, to support]noun a geometric design usedas an aid in meditation.yarmulke (yahmbkb), yarmelke yiddish[from Polish jarmulka and Ukrainianyarmulka skullcap, probably fromTurkish yagmurluk rainwear] nouna prayer cap of the type traditionallyworn by male Orthodox Jews.yashmak (yashmak), yasmak, yashmacarabic [from Turkish yaşmak tohide oneself] noun a veil of the typeworn by Muslim women in public toconceal all of the face except the eyes:“Why do they hide their ears with seaweedhair? And Turks their mouth, why? Her eyesover the sheet, a yashmak” (James Joyce,Ulysses, 1922).yenta (yentb), yente yiddish [afterthe personal name Yente] noun agossip, a busybody, a person whomeddles in the affairs of others.yeshiva (ybsheevb), yeshivah hebrew[from yashab to sit] noun (plural441

yetiyeshivas or yeshivot, ybsheevot) aJewish college or seminary wherestudents are offered instruction, especiallyin sacred texts.yeti (yetee) tibetan [from yeh-tehlittle manlike creature] noun abominablesnowman (a legendary apelikecreature supposed to live in remoteparts of the Himalayas): “Numerousmagazines published the photographs,which purported to show the footprints ofa yeti.”YHWH (yahway), YHVH (yahvay)hebrew noun the transliteration ofletters of the tetragrammaton, used torepresent the name of God. See alsotetragrammaton; yahweh.yin (yin) chinese [moon, femininity]noun (in Chinese philosophy)the feminine principle in nature,associated with cold, dampness, ordark.ylang-ylang (eelan(g)-eelan(g)) tagalog[from ilang-ilang] noun a tree oftropical Asia, Cananga odorata, prizedfor a perfume obtainable from itsgreenish-yellow leaves.yoga (yogb) sanskrit [from yogahunion, yoking, from yunakti he yokes]noun a Hindu philosophy, the aim ofwhich is the attainment of peace andunderstanding through suppression ofphysical and mental activity; can alsorefer to a system of exercises designedto increase physical self-control andspiritual well-being: “Classes in yoga areavailable at several local venues.”yogi (yogee) sanskrit [from yogahunion, yoking] noun a person whopractices yoga; also used to refer moregenerally to any person noted for hisor her wise, mystical, or contemplativecharacter: “‘Beggars a plenty have Imet, and holy men to boot, but never sucha yogi nor such a disciple,’ said the woman”(Rudyard Kipling, Kim, 1901).Yom Kippur (yom kipoor, yom kipoor,yom kipbr) hebrew [day of atonement]noun the holiest Jewish holidaymarked by fasting and prayer:“Business was suspended for the feast ofYom Kippur.”yoni (yonee) sanskrit [vulva] nounHindu symbol based on a stylized representationof the female genitalia andused to identify the female principlein nature.yurt (yert), yourt russian [fromyurta, itself from Turkic jurt] noun atype of circular tent made from skinsor felt stretched over a lattice framework(as used by nomads in centralAsia); sometimes also applied to ahut partly sunk into the surroundingearth and covered with soil and turf.442

åååzåzabaglione (zahbblyonee) italian[possibly ultimately from Latin sabaiaan Illyrian drink] noun (in Italiancuisine) a whipped dessert madewith egg yolks, sugar, and Marsalawine.zaftig (zaftig, zoftig), zoftig yiddish[from zaftik juicy, succulent, itselffrom German saftig juicy] adjectiveplump, well-rounded (usuallyreferring to a woman’s figure).zeitgeist (zitgist), Zeitgeist german[time spirit, from Zeit time and Geistspirit] noun the prevailing spirit ofthe time (variously taking in the morals,culture, and intellectual fashionsof a particular era): “Often have I fanciedhow, in thy hard life-battle, thou wert shotat, and slung at, wounded, hand-fettered,hamstrung, browbeaten and bedevilledby the Time-Spirit (Zeitgeist) in thyselfand others. . .” (Thomas Carlyle, SartorResartus, 1833–34).Zen (zen) japanese [religious meditation,from Chinese chan meditation]noun a form of Buddhism in whichdevotees aspire toward enlightenmentthrough meditation and selfcontemplation:“She took up Zen duringher 50s and still enjoys meditation, eventhough she has long since lost interest inEastern mysticism.”zenana (zbnahnb) hindi [ultimatelyfrom Persian zan woman] noun inIndia and neighboring countries, thepart of a house where women live inseclusion; a harem.zephyr (zefbr) greek [after Zephyrus,god of the west wind in Greek mythology]noun a light breeze (especiallyone blowing from the west): “He felt azephyr curling about his cheek, and turned.It was Bathsheba’s breath—she had followedhim, and was looking into the samechink” (Thomas Hardy, Far from the MaddingCrowd, 1874).zeugma (zoogmb) greek [yoking] afigure of speech in which a word modifiesor governs two or more wordswhen it applies to only one of themor is appropriate to each one but in a443

zitherdifferent way: “Charles Dickens’s sentence‘Mr. Pickwick took his hat and his leave’ isan example of zeugma.”zither (zithbr), zithern greek [fromGreek kithara stringed musical instrument]noun a string instrument witha flat body and 30 to 40 strings: “Theplangent strumming of a zither filled theevening quiet.”zoftigSee zaftig.zollverein (zolvbrin), Zollverein german[customs union, from Zoll tolland Verein union] noun a tariffunion, a trading arrangement underwhich participating states abandoncustoms duties between themselves,while maintaining them with regardto states outside the union (referringoriginally to the tariff union that wasset up between German states in the19th century).zombie (zombee) bantu [ghost] nounone of the undead (a person raised fromthe dead by voodoo or other supernaturalpower and obliged to wanderthe earth as a menacing automaton);may also refer more generally to anyperson who seems to have lost all selfwillor otherwise acts in an apathetic,unresponsive manner: “The news of hismother’s death seemed to have reduced himto little more than a zombie.”zucchini (zookeenee) italian [smallgourds, from zucca gourd or head]noun (plural zucchini or zucchinis)a summer squash with an elongatedcylindrical shape and smooth, darkgreen skin: “Zucchini is one of the mainingredients in ratatouille.”444

445AFRIKAANSapartheidbergbiltongcommandeercommandokopkraallaagerspringboktrekuitlanderveldverkramptevolkVoortrekkerALEUTparkaALGONQUIANmoccasintotemwampumwickiupwigwamARABICalgebraAllahu akbarassassinassegaicaliphcasbahdhowEidelixiremirfakirfalafelfatwagalabiyaghoulhajjhajjihakimhalalhashishhegirahijabHizbollahhookahhummusimamimshiinshallahintifadajellabajihadjinniKaabakaffi yehKafi rkebabkhatkiblahkohlKoranloofahmadrasaMahdiMajlismastabameccamuezzinmuftimujahideenniqabRamadansalaamsalwar kameezshariasharifsheikhshuftisouksultantabboulehtahinitarbooshwadiwaziryashmakARAMAICabbakaddishKol NidreAUSTRALIANABORIGINALbillabongboomerangcorroboreedidgeridoodingokangarooBANTUmarimbazombieBASQUEjai alaiCHINESEbok choycheongsamchichop sueyIn d e x

INDEXchow meindim sumfeng-shuifu yungginsenggung-hoI Chingkaolinkowtowkung fumahjongmandarinqigongsamfusampanshih-tzusouchongtai chitaipantaowokwontonyangyinCZECHpolkaDAKOTA SIOUXtepeeDANISHanorakskoalDUTCHbaasBoerbruin cafédecoyDe Stijlduffl ehowitzermaelstrommonsoonpolderpoppycockrijsttafelstoopEGYPTIANankhFINNISHsaunaFRENCHà basabattoirabbéà bientôtà bon chat, bon rataccoladeaccouchementaccoutrementà chevalacte gratuitactualitéà deuxà deux mainsadieuadroitaffaireaffaire d’honneurà fondagent provocateuragogà huis closaide-de-campaide-mémoireaigretteaiguilleaileronaïolià laà la carteà la françaiseà la grecqueà la modeà la recherche dutemps perduà la russealléeamateurambianceâme damnéeamende honorableamouramouretteamour propreamuse-boucheancien régimeannexantechamberà outranceaperçuaperitifà piedaplombapogeeà pointappelationcontrôléeappliquéaprèsaprès moi ledélugeaprès-skiaproposarabesquearbitragearc de triompheargotarmoirearrière-penséearrivéarrivistearrondissementartisteart nouveauatelierà tort et à traversà troisattachéaubadeaubergeau beurreau contraireau courantau faitau fondau gratinau laitau naturelau pairau pied de la lettreau poivreau revoirau sérieuxauteurautomobileautorouteautres temps,autres moeursavalancheavant-gardeavec plaisiravoirdupoisà votre santébaccalaureatebaccaratbadinagebagatellebaguettebain-mariebandolierbanquettebarcarole446

INDEXbaroquebarragebarrebarrébarrettebas bleubasquebas-reliefbassinetbastillebayonetbayoubéarnaisebeaubeau gestebeau idealbeau mondebeaux artsbéchamelbedouinbeigebelleBelle Époquebelles-lettresberceuseberetbête noirebibelotbidetbien entendubijoubillet-douxbistrobivouacbizarreblancmangeblanquetteblaséblocboeuf bourguignonboîtebombebon appétitbonbonbonhomiebonjourbon marchébon motbonnebonne bouchebonne femmebonsoirbon tonbon vivantbon viveurbon voyageboucléboudoirbouffantbouillabaissebouillonboulevardboulevardierbouquetbouquet garnibourgeoisbourgeoisiebourseboutiqueboutonnièrebrasseriebric-a-bracbricolagebriochebriquettebrochettebrouhahabrunettebrusquebrutbuffetbureaubureaucracybureau de changeburlesquebustierbuttecabalcabaretcabriolecabrioletcachecachepotcachetcachoucadastrecadeaucadetcadrecafécafé au laitcafé noircafetièrecagoulecaissoncalibercalvadoscamaraderiecameoça m’est égalcamisolecamoufl agecanaillecanapécanardcancança ne fait riencantaloupecantatricecantoncapricecarafecarilloncarouselcarte blanchecarte des vinscarte de visitecarte d’identitécarte du jourcartelcartouchecasserolecassettecassiscassouletcatechumencause célèbrecauserieça va sans direceinturecerisec’est la guerrec’est la viechacun à son goûtchagrinchaisechaise longuechaletchambréchamoischancrechandelierchansonchanson de gestechanteusechapeauchaperoncharabanccharadechargé d’affairescharivaricharlottechasséchasseurchassischâteauchatelainechaud-froid447

INDEXchauffeurchefchef d’oeuvrechemin de ferchemisechenillecherchez lafemmechériechevalierchevronchezchicchicanechichichiffonchignonchinoiseriechipolatachoseci-devantcineastcinéma véritécire perduecitron presséclairvoyanceclaqueclaqueurclaretclichéclientelecliqueclochardclochecloisonnécocottecognaccoiffeurcoiffurecollagecomediennecommandantcomme ci, commeçacomme il fautcommiscommissarcommissionairecommodecommunardcommuniquécompagnon devoyagecomperecompotecompte renduconcessionaireconciergeconcordatconcoursd’éléganceconduitconfi dantconfrereconfrérieconnoisseurconservatoireconsoleconsommécontecontretempscoq au vincoquettecor anglaiscorbelcordoncordon bleucordon sanitairecornichecorpscorps de balletcorps d’élitecorpsdiplomatiquecorsagecortegecorvettecostumiercoteriecotillioncouchantcouchettecouliscoupcoup de grâcecoup de maincoup d’étatcoup de théâtrecoup d’oeilcoupécouriercouscouscouturecouturiercravatcrèchecrèmecrème brûléecrème caramelcrème de la crèmecrème de menthecrème fraîcheCreolecrepecrêpe suzettecretincrevassecri de coeurcrime passionelcrise de coeurcrise deconsciencecrise de foicritiquecrochetcroissantcroix de guerrecroque-monsieurcroquettecroupiercroutoncruditéscuisinecul-de-sacculottescurettaged’accordDadadame d’honneurdanse macabredanseurdarioledaubedauphindebacledebonairdebrisdebutdebutantedéclassédécolletagedécolletédecordecoupagedégagéde haut en basdéjà vudeluxedemimondainedemimondedemi-pensiondemi-secdemitassedémodédemoiselledenimde nos joursdenouement448

INDEXdépassédepotdéracinéde rigueurdernier criderrieredeshabilledétentedetourde tropdevorédiamantéDieu et mon droitDirectoiredirigismediscothequediseusedistinguédistraitdivertissementdivorcédoctrinairedolmendomiciledonnéedo-si-dodossierdouble entendredouchedoyendragéedressagedroitdroit du seigneurduveteau de Cologneeau de Nileau de toiletteeau de vieechelonéclairéclatecrueffl eurageélanélan vitaleliteembarras de choixembarras derichesseembonpointembouchureembourgeoisementembrasureémigrééminence griseen avanten bancen blocen brochetteenceinteenchantéen clairenclaveencoreen croûteen familleenfant terribleenfant trouvéen fêteenfi ladeengagéen gardeen masseennuien passanten pensionen plein airenragéen rapporten routeensembleen suiteententeentente cordialeentourageentr’acteen trainen travestientrechatentrecôteentréeentremetsentre nousentrepôtentrepreneurentrezenvironsenvoien voyageépater lesbourgeoisepauletteépéeescargotescritoireespadrilleesplanadeespritesprit de corpsesprit de l’escalier-esqueestaminetetiquette-etteétudeévénementexigeantexposéextraordinairefaçadefaçon de parlerfaiencefainéantfait accomplifanfaronadefarandolefarcefarceurfarcifarouchefaute de mieuxfauteuilfauvefauvismfauxfaux amisfaux-naïffaux pasfeme covertfeme solefemme dechambrefemme du mondefemme fatalefemme savantefêtefête champêtrefête galantefeu d’artifi cefeu de joiefeuilletonfi a nc éfi c h efi letfi let m i g nonfi l le de joiefi l m noi rfi l sfi n de g uer refi n de s a i s onfi n de s ièclefi ne s herbe sfi ne s sefl a mb éfl è c h efl eu r - de -l i s449

INDEXfoie grasfolie à deuxfolie de grandeurfondantfondueforce de frappeforce majeurefortefossefoyerfracasframboisefranc-tireurfranglaisfrappéfricasseefrissonfritesfromage fraisfrottagefruits de merfuguefuselagefusilladegaffegagagalantgalettegallimaufrygamingaminegaragegarçongarderobegarnigastronomegateaugauchegaucheriegavottegazettegendarmegendarmeriegeniegenregenteelgigologigotginghamgirandolegiteglacéglacisglissadegloiregoitergouachegoujongourmandgourmandisegourmetgrand coupgrand crugrande cuisinegrande damegrande passionGrand Guignolgrand jetégrand luxegrand malgrand prixgrand seigneurgrand sièclegratingrenadinegrimacegrisettegros pointgrotesquegueridonguillotinehabituéha-haharicots vertshaute bourgeoisiehaute couturehaute cuisinehaute écolehaute noblessehaute politiquehauteurhaut mondehaut-reliefhaut tonhollandaisehomme d’affaireshomme de lettreshomme d’esprithomme du mondehomme du peuplehomme moyensensuelhoni soit qui mal ypensehoop-lahors concourshors de combathors de questionhors d’oeuvrehospicehôtel de villehotelieridée fi xeidée reçueidiot savantimpasseimpromptuinconnuingénueinsoucianceintroitjabotj’accusejacquardjacqueriej’adoubejalousiejambalayajaponaiseriejardinièrejaspéje ne sais quoijet d’eaujetéjeu de motsjeu d’espritjeune premierjeunesse doréejoie de vivrejolie laidejongleurjour de fêtejournal intimejujubejuliennejusjusqu’au boutjuste milieukepikirlalagniappelagoonlaissez-allerlaissez-fairelaissez-passerlamélangoustinelardonlargesselarmoyantlayettelegerdemainlegionnairelegumelèse-majestél’état, c’est moilettre de cachet450

INDEXleveelevée en masseliaisonliberté, égalité,fraternitélienlieulimousinelingerieliqueurlitterateurlocalelongueurlorgnettelouchelouverlugeluxelycéemacabremacédoinemacramémadamemadeleinemademoisellemagnifi quemaillotmaisonmaison de couturemaisonettemaître d’hôtelmalade imaginairemaladroitmalaisemalaproposmal de mermal du paysmal du sièclemalentendumalgrémanègemange-toutmannequinmanoirmanquémaquettemaquillagemaquisMardi Grasmariage blancmariage deconvenancemari complaisantmarinademarionettemarmitemarquemarrons glacésmassagemasseurmassifmatelotmatérielmatineemauvais quartd’heuremaydaymayonnaisemedallionmediocremélangemeleememoirménageménage à troismenageriemenhirmenopausemercimeringuemésalliancemétiermetromeunièremezzaninemignonmigrainemilieumille-feuillemillefl eurminusculemiragemise en placemise-en-scènemistralmodistemoimoiremoirémon amimon chermondainemonocoquemonologuemonsieurmonstre sacrémontagemont de piétémon vieuxmoquettemoralemorceaumordantmorguemotmotifmot justemouemoules marinièresmoussemusique concrètemustachemystiqueNabisnacellenacrenadirnaïfnaissantnaivenaïveténéenegligeen’est-ce pas?nichenoblessenoblesse obligenocturneNoelnoirnoisettenom de guerrenom de plumenom de théâtrenonchalancenonchalantnonpareilnougatnouveaunouveau richenouveau romannouvellenouvelle cuisinenouvelle vaguenuancenuit blancheobjet d’artobjet trouvéoeil-de-boeufoeuvreon ditopéra bouffeopéra comiqueorangeryordre du jourottomanoublietteoutrance451

INDEXoutréoyezpain au chocolatpaladinpalais de dansepalisadepanachepapier-mâchépapilloteparasolpar avionpar éminencepar excellencepar exempleparfaitparkourparoleparquetparterreparti prisparvenupaspas de chatpas de deuxpas devantpasquinadepassépasse-partoutpas seulpastichepastillepastispâtépâté de foie graspathétiquepatisseriepatoispavanepaysanpeignoirpelotonpenchantpenséepensionperdupèrepersifl agepersonnelpétillantpetit bourgeoispetitepetite bourgeoisiepetit fourpetit malpetit painpetit pointpetit poisphysiquepicaresquepicotpièce de résistancepièce d’occasionpièce noirepièce rosepied-à-terrepierrotpince-nezpipettepiquantpiquepiquépirouettepis allerpissoirpistepitonplaqueplat du jourplateaupliéplus ça changepoint d’appuipointepointillismpolitessepolonaisepomponport de brasportiereportmanteauposeurposte restantepotagepot-au-feupot-pourripoufpouletpourboirepour encouragerles autrespourparlerpousse-cafépralineprécispremierpremier crupremier danseurpremierepret-a-porterpreux chevalierprie-dieuprix fi xeprocès-verbalprofi teroleproletariatpromenadeprotégépuisnepuissancepureequadrillequarantinequartierquatrainquelquelque chosequenellequestionnairequichequi vivreraconteurragoutraison d’étatraison d’êtreraisonnéramekinrappelrapportrapporteurrapprochementratatouilleravissantréchaufférecherchéréclamereconnaissancereculer pourmieux sauterredingoteregimeregisseurrelaisreligieusereligieuxrenaissancerencontrerendezvousrentierreparteerepechagerepertoirerépétiteurrépondez s’il vousplaîtreportagerepousséreprisereservoir452

INDEXrestaurateurrésuméreticuleretroretroussérevanchereveillerevenantrevenons à nosmoutonsreverierevuericochetrien ne va plusriposterisquérissolerite de passagerivièrerobe de chambreroche moutonnéerococoroi fainéantroi soleilromaineroman à clefroman à thèseroman de gesteRomanesqueroman-fl euveroman policierrondeaurosérôtirotisserierouérougerouge-et-noirrouladerouleaurouletteroutierrouxrucheruse de guerresabotsabotagesaboteursallesalonsalutsangfroidsanssansculottesans-gênesans pareilsans peursans recourssans soucisarabandsautésauve qui peutsavantsavoir fairesavoir vivreséancesecsecretairesecretariatseigneurserenadeserviettesièclesiffl eursilhouettes’il vous plaîtsobriquetsoi-disantsoignésoireesolfègesolitairesommelierson et lumièresorbetsortiesousoubrettesouffl ésoupçonsoussouvenirspécialité de lamaisonspecterspirituelsportifsuavesuccès de scandalesuccès d’estimesuccès fousuedesuitesuprêmesympathiquetableautableau vivanttable d’hôtetajinetant mieuxtant pistarottarte tatintartinetastevintenonterrinetête-à-têtethé dansanttictic douloureuxtimbretiradetirailleurtisanetoilettetonneautontinetoquetorchèretorquetorttouchétoupeetour de forcetournedostourniquettout de suitetout ensembletout le mondetraceurtragediennetrahison des clercstrain à grandevitessetranchetranche de vietrèstriagetricolortricornetricottristetristessetrompe l’oeiltrottoirtroubadortroupetrousseaututuvaletvalet de chambrevalet de placevalisevaudevillevedettevelodromevelour453

INDEXveloutévenez-iciventouseventre à terrevéritéVéroniquevers de sociétévers d’occasionvers libreverveviceroyvichyssoisevie en rosevigneronvignettevillevinvinaigrettevin blancvin de tablevin du paysvingt-et-unvin ordinairevin rougevisagevis-à-visvivevive la différencevoguevoilàvoir direvol-au-ventvolte-facevoussoirvoyeurwagon-litGAELIC/IRISH/SCOTTISHbansheebodhránbrogueceilidhceud mìle fàílteclàrsachcraícDáilcurraghdoch-an-dorisleprechaunlochpibrochpoteenshebeenshillelaghslainteTaoiseachUilleann pipesGERMANabseilachtungalpenstockangstAnschlussapfelstrudelAufklärungauf WiedersehenautobahnbaroucheBauhausbildungsromanblitzbratwurstBundesratBundestagburgercarabinerdachshunddelicatessendiktatDing an sichdirndldoppelgängerdummkopfechtedelweissersatzfeldsherfest-festFestschriftfl a kfl ü gel h or nfoehnFrakturfrankfurterFraufräuleinführerGastarbeiterGasthausgegenscheingemutlichgeopolitikgesellschaftgestaltgestapogesundheitglockenspielGötterdämmerungGrafhände hochhausfrauHeimwehheldentenorHerrHerrenvolkhinterlandich dienjägerjawohlJugendstilJunkerkaffeeklatschkaiserkameradkapellmeisterkaputkatzenjammerkinder, kirche,küchekindergartenkirschkitschknackwurstknapsackkoboldkohlrabikonzertstückkriegspielkulturKulturkampfKulturkreiskümmelkunstliedkursaallagerlandauLandsturmLandwehrlanglaufLebensraumlederhosenleitmotivliedLuftwaffelumpenlumpenproletariatmachtpolitikmärchenmeerschaum-meisterminnesingermueslinickelOstpolitikpanzer454

455INDEXpoltergeistpralltrillerpretzelprositpumpernickelputschputzquarkrathskellerrealpolitikReichrollmopröstirucksacksauerkrautschadenfreudeschlossschmaltzschnappsschnellschnitzelschottischeschussschwarmereiSchweinhundsieg heilsingspielsitzkriegspätlesespielsprachgefühlSprechgesangspritzerspritzigstalagsteinstollenstrudelSturm und DrangtorteüberüberallesÜbermenschU-boatumlautUmweltUntermenschverbotenVerfremdungseffektvorlagewaldsterbenWalpurgisnachtwanderjahrwanderlustWehrmachtweltanschauungweltpolitikweltschmerzwestpolitikwiener schnitzelwissenschaftwunderbarwunderkindwurstzeitgeistzollvereinGREEKacmeacrophobiaacropolisAdonisaegisaeonagapeagnosticagoraagoraphobiaalopeciaalphaamazonamnesiaanabasisanalectaanalgesiaanalysisanaphoraanaphrodisiacanathemaandrogynousandroidanthraxantiantiantipodesantithesisaphasiaaphrodisiacapneaapocryphaapologiaapostropheapotheosisarcadiaArmageddonasphyxiaasthmaauraautoautomatonbathosbetabibliomaniabio-BoötesbouzoukibronchusbulimiacalliopecarcinomaCassandracatachresiscatalysiscatastrophecatatoniacatechesiscatharsiscatheterchaoscharismachiasmuschimeraChi-RhocomacoprolaliacosmoscriteriondelphicdeltadiaeresisdiagnosisdiasporadiastolediatribedioramadogmadraconiandramaturgeecoeidolonellipsisElysiumemporiumencomiumenigmaEnosisephemeraepithalamiumepitomeEroseroticaesophagusesotericaestrusethoseuphoriaeurekaeuthanasia

456INDEXexegesisexodusfetafi logangliongenesisglossolaliagnomegnomongymnasiumHadeshalcyonhegemonyhelixhippodromehoi polloihosannahubrisHydrahydrophobiahyperhyperbolehypochondriachypostasishypothesisiconiota-itiskairoskinesiskinetickitharakleptomaniakoinekorekouroskudosKyrie eleisonlabyrinthlaconiclarynxlemmalexiconlexislitoteslogoslotuslyceummacromagmamaniamannamarathonmedusamegamegamegalomaniamegalopolismeiosismelancholiameniscusmentormessiahmetamorphosismetastasismetathesismetropolismiasmamicromicromimesismisogynymonomoronmoussakamyopiamythosnarcissismnarcosisnecrophilianecropolisnecrosisnectarnemesisneoneonneurosisnostalgianousnymphomaniaodeonodysseyOedipus complexolympiadOlympianomegaonomatopoeiaouzooxymoronpachydermpaeanpalladiumpanpanaceapandemicpandemoniumpanegyricpanoramapantheonpapyrusparalysisparanoiaparaphernaliaparenthesisParousiaparthenogenesispathospedophiliapentathlonperiperipeteiaperiphrasisphaetonphalanxphalluspharmacopoeiapharynxphenomenon-philephobia-phobiaphoenixphylumpipitaplectrumplethorapolypraxisproprognosisprolegomenonprologueprophylacticprosceniumprosthesisproteanpseudopseudopsoriasispsychepsychopyromaniaretsinarhadamanthinerhombussarcomasarcophagussatyrschemaschizophreniasemiosissepiasepsissibylsophomoresphinxstasis

457INDEXstelastereostigmastoicstrabismusstygiansymbiosissymposiumsyncopesynopsissynthesissystoletaramasalatatavernatechnotelamontelekinesistelosterpsichoreantetragrammatonTheotokosthesisthespianthoraxthrenostiaratmesistraumatriptychtriskaidekaphobiautopiaxenophobiazephyrzeugmazitherHAUSAjujuHAWAIIANalohahulakanakapoiukuleleHEBREWaliyahbar mitzvahbat mitzvahbehemothcaballacherubElohimHaggadahhalakahhallelujahHanukkahkashrutkibbutzkibbutznikkiddushKnessetl’chaimleviathanmenorahMethuselahminyanPurimrabbiRoshHashanahSabbathsabraSanhedrinSatanSederseraphshalomshekelShemaSheolshibbolethshofarSukkothtallithTalmudTorahYahwehyeshivaYHWHYom KippurHINDIachkanAdi GranthbabubandannabasmatibegumbhajibhindibungalowcalicochapatichintzchutneycooliecummerbundcushydacoitdaldekkodhotidinghyDiwalidumdumdungareesdurbarganjagharryghatgheegurugymkhanaHare KrishnaHolijodhpursjuggernautkedgereemaharajamaharanimemsahibnanpakoraparathapukkapunditraitarajrajaranisahibsarangisariswamitablatandooritikatopeeverandawallahzenanaHUNGARIANgoulashhussarpaprikashakotziganeICELANDICgeyserINUIThuskyiglookayak

INDEXITALIANa cappellaaccelerandoadagioaggiornamentoal denteal fi nealfrescoalla breveallegrettoallegroal segnoaltoamarettoamorettoAmericanoamorosoandanteandantinoanimatoantipastoappassionatoappoggiaturaaquatintarborioarchipelagoariaarpeggioarrivederciarsenalarugulaa tempoautostradaavantibagnioballerinabambinobasso profundobel cantobelladonnabelvedereben trovatobimbobirettabordellobravobravurabriobruschettabuon appetitocacciatorecadenzacalabresecalamaricalzonecamorracampanilecannellinicannellonicantabilecantatricecantocapocaponatacappuccinocapricciocarabinierecarbonaracarpacciocasaCasanovacasinocastratocatafalquecavatinache sarà saràchiaroscurociabattaciaociceronecicisbeocinquecentocodacognoscentecol legnocoloraturacommedia dell’artecon amorecon brioconcertoconcerto grossoconchigliecondottierecon espressioneconfetticon motocon spiritocontraltocontrappostoconversazioneCosa Nostracrescendocrostinicupolada capodadodal segnodecrescendodel crederedilettantediminuendodittodivadivertimentodolcedolce vitadolorosoduceduomoespressivoespressoextravaganzafalsettofantasiafarfallefata morganafeluccafettucinefi a s c ofi n a lefortefortissimofrancofrappuccinoFraticellifrescofunicularfuriosofurorefusilligalagalleriagambitgeneralissimogessoghettogiocosogiroglissandognocchigondolagraffi tigrandiosogran turismograppagraziosogrissinigrottogustoilluminatiimbroglioimpastoimpresarioinamoratoincognitoinfernoinfl uenzain petto458

INDEXintagliointermezzointernuncioirredentakarezzalamentosolarghettolargolasagnelattelavalazarettolegatolentolibrettolidolingua francalinguineliteratiloggialollo rossomacaronimacchiatoMadonnamadrigalmaestosomaestromafi amafi osomagnifi comajolicamalariamamma miamandolinmanifestoma non troppomarinamascarponemedicomenomezza vocemezzo fortemezzo pianomezzo-sopranominestronemoderatomohairmoltomonsignormortadellamozzarellamyriadmysteriosonientenon tropponovellanumero unonuncioobbligatoocarinaomertàoperaopera buffaopera seriaoperettaoratorioossiaosso buccoostinatoottavaottava rimaottocentopadrepadronepaisanpalazzopancettapaninipannacottapapabilepaparazzoparmigianapartitapassacagliapastoralepatinapecorinopennepergolapestopianissimopianopiazzapiccolopietàPittura Metafi sicapiùpizzeriapizzicatopocopoco a pocopolentapoliticoporciniportamentoportfolioporticoprestissimoprestoprima ballerinaprima donnaprimaverapropagandaprosciuttoprovoloneputtoquartoquattrocentorallentandorapidoraviolirecitativoregattarelievoreligiosoricottarigatonirinforzandorisorgimentorisottoritardandoritenutoritornellorivierarondosalamisambucascagliolascenarioscherzandoscherzosegnosegueseicentosemplicesempresenzaseragliosettecentosforzandosfumatosgraffi tosignorsignorasignorinasimpaticosinfoniasinfoniaconcertantesinfoniettasiroccosmorzandosolfeggiosonatasonatinasopranosordinosostenuto459

INDEXsotto vocespaghettispiritosospumantestaccatostanzastilettostrettostrombolistuccosubitosveltetagliatelletantotarantellatemperatempoterracottaterrazzoterza rimatimpanitiramisutoccatatombolatortellinitrattoriatrecentotremolotriotroppotufatuttiuomo universalevaporettovelocevendettaverismovermicellivibratovinovirtuvirtuosovistavivavivacezabaglionezucchiniJAPANESEadzukiaikidoakitaanimebanzaibentobonsaibudobushidodandojofugufutongeishagohaikuhara-kirihibachihonchoikebanajudoju-jitsukabukikakemonokamikazekanakanjikaraokekaratekaroshikatakanakendokimonokoankyogenkyumakimonomangamikadonetsukeninjaniseiNonorinunchakuobiomusubionigiriorigamirakureikiricksharoninsakesamisensamuraisansashimisayonaraseppukushiatsushogunsudokusukiyakisumosushiTamagotchitamaritankatatamitofutsunamitycoonukiyo-ewasabiyakuzaZenJAVANESEbatikgamelanKHOIKHOIgnuKISWAHILIbwanasafariKOREANtae kwon doLATINabacusab initioab origineaborigineab ovoab urbe conditaacademiaacanthusactus Deiactus reusacumenad absurdumad astra per arduaaddendumadeste, fi delesad eundemad extremumad fi nemad hocad hominemad idemad infi nitumad initiumad interimad libad litemad litteram460

INDEXad locumad majorem Deigloriamad nauseamad personamad referendumad remad valoremad verbumad vivumadvocatus diaboliaegrotataffi davitaffl atusa fortioriAgnus Deialea jacta estaliasalibialma materaloe veraalter egoalumnusamanuensisambrosiaamenamicus curiaeamoebaamor patriaeamor vincit omniaamphora-anaanemiaanesthesiaangelusangina pectorisAnglomaniaAnglophiliaAnglophobiaanimaanima mundianimusanno Dominianno hegiraeanno regniannus horribilisannus mirabilisanonymousanorexiaanorexia nervosaanteantebellumante Christumante diemante meridiemante mortemantennaante-partumante remapexa posterioriapparatus criticusappendixa prioriaquaaqua fortisaqua regiaaquariumAquariusaqua vitaearabicaarbiterarbiter elegantiaearboretumarcanaargumentum adhominemargumentum exsilentioAriesars gratia artisars longa, vitabrevisasylumatriumaudioauditorauditoriumauroraaurora australisaurora borealisauspicesaveave atque valeave MariabacchanaliabacillusbacteriumballistabasilicaBenedictusbene essebibicepsbona fi debona fi desbrutum fulmenbubobursacadavercaduceuscaesuracalyxcamera lucidacamera obscuracampusCancercandelabrumCanis MajorCanis MinorcantatacantorCapricorncariescaritascarpe diemcasus bellicausa sine qua noncaveatcaveat emptorcave canemcensuscerebellumcerebrumcertioraricervixcetera desuntceteris paribuschrysalisciboriumcicatricecircacocodexcogito, ergo sumcognomencoituscoitus interruptuscollecteanacollegiumcolloquiumcolophoncolossuscolostrumcommissariatcompendiumcompos mentiscondominiumconferconsensusconsortiumconsulcontagioncontinuumcontracontra mundumcoramcornea461

INDEXcornucopiacoronaCorpus Christicorpus delicticorrigendumcraniumcredocruxcui bonoculpacumcum laudecuriacurriculumcurriculum vitaecursordamnosa hereditasdamnumdatade bene essedecorumde factode fi dede gustibus non estdisputandumDei gratiade juredelineavitdeliriumdelirium tremensdementiade mortuis nil nisibonumde novoDeo gratiasDeo volentede profundisdesideratumdetritusdeus ex machinaDeus vobiscumdictumdies iraedies nondilemmadiplomadipsomaniadisjecta membradixitdominatrixDominus vobiscumdramatis personaedulce et decorumestduplexEcce Agnus Deiecce homoecce signumeditio princepseffl uviumegoembolusemerituseo nominee pluribus unumergoerrare humanumesterratumesseet alibiet aliiet ceteraet sequenset tu, Brute?exex aequoex animoex anteex cathedraexcelsiorexcerptaexcretaex curiaexcursusex delictoexeatexemplarexempli gratiaexemplumexeuntexeunt omnesex facieex gratiaex hypothesiexitex librisex nihiloex offi cioexordiumexoticaex parteex pede Herculemex postex post factoex professoex proprio motuex silentioextemporeextra murosextra viresex-votofacetiaefacile princepsfacsimilefacta non verbafactotumfarragofasciafaunafecitfelix culpaferae naturaefestina lentefetusfi atfi at ju s t ic i afi at lu xfi bu l aFidei Defensorfi e r i fa c i a sfi l io quefi l iu s p opu l ifi n i sfl a gel lu mfl or afl ore atfl or u itfons et origoforumfulcrumfungusgaudeamus igiturGeminigeniusgenius locigenusglaucomaGloria in ExcelsisGloria Patrigradatimgratisgravamengravidagravitashabeas corpushabendumhabitathac legehamartiaherculeanherniaherpeshiatushic et ubiquehic iacethic sepultus462

INDEXhoc annohoc locohoc monumentumposuithoc temporehoc titulohomoHomo sapienshomo sui jurishomunculushonorariumhonoris causahumanum esterrarehumerusibidemididemidem quodidem sonansid estignis fatuusignoramusignorantia jurisneminem excusatIHSimagoimago Deiimpedimentaimpetigoimpetusimprimaturimprimisin absentiain abstractoin articulo mortisin cameraincipitin concretoin corporeincubusincunabulumin curiaindecorumIndex LibrorumProhibitoriuminertiain essein excelsisin extensoin extremisin facie curiaein factoin fl agrante delictoinfrainfra digin infi nitumin jurein locoin loco citatoin loco parentisin medias resin memoriamin nomineinnuendoin ovoin parvoin perpetuumin personamin possein principioin propria personain rein remin rerum naturaINRIin saecula saeculorumin seinsigniain situinsomniainstanterin statu quoin tandeminterinteraliainter aliosinteriminter nosinter partesinterregnuminter seinter vivosin totointra murosin transitintra viresin uteroin vacuoinvenitinvenit et delineavitin vino veritasin vitroin vivoipse dixitipso factojanitorjubilatejura in rejure divinojure humanojure maritijure uxorisjus canonicumjus civilejus cogensjus divinumjus gentiumjus maritijus naturaejus primae noctisjus sanguinisjus solijuvenilialabarumlaborare est orarelacrimae rerumlacunalamialaminalapis lazulilapsuslapsus calamilapsus linguaelapsus memoriaelarvalatexlatrialaudator temporisactilaureatelaus DeolavabolectorLeolexlex aeternalex locilex talionislibidoLibralicitlimboliteratimlitterae humanioreslocum tenenslocuslocus classicuslocus standiloquiturlucus a nonlucendoludicrousludo463

INDEXlumbagolupuslusus naturaemaculamagna cum laudeMagnifi catmagnummagnum opusmagusmala fi demala fi desmammonmandamusmanetmaremare clausummare liberummarginaliamatermaterfamiliasmateria medicamatrixmausoleummaxima cum laudemaximummea culpameconiummediamediummembrum virilemementomemento morimemorabiliamemorandummensesmens reamens sana in corporesanomeum et tuummiles gloriosusmilitiamillenniumminimumminutiamirabile dictumiscellaneamisereremisericordiamodicummodulusmodusmodus operandimodus vivendimomentummons pubismons venerismoratoriummoresmorituri te salutantmotu propriumucusmultimultumin parvomutatis mutandisnatura abhorretvacuonatura naturansnauseanebulanemine contradicentene plus ultranevusnexusnihil ad remnihil obstatnil desperandumnimbusnisinolens volensnoli me tangerenolle prosequinolo contenderenomennomen dubiumnomen nudumnon compos mentisnondescriptnon licetnon placetnonplusnon sequiturnostrumnota benenotabilianovanucleusnulli secundusnunc dimittisobiitobiit sine proleobiterobiter dictumobscurum perobscuriusodiumolim-ologyomnia ad MajoremDei Gloriamomnibusonusopere citatoopprobriumoptimumopusopus Deiorganumo tempora! omores!ovumpacepanem et circensesparpari passupartimpassimpatellapaterpaterfamiliaspaternosterpaxpax Romanapax vobiscumpeccavipendulumpenetraliaperper annumper ardua ad astraper capitapercentper contraper curiamper diemper incuriamper mensemperpetuum mobileper procurationemper quodper sepersonapersona gratapersona non grataper stirpes-phobiapinetumpinxitPiscespiscineplaceboplacentaplacetplasmaplauditplebspleno jure464

INDEXplenumpodiumpons asinorumPonti fex Maximuspossepostpostbellumpost coitumpost factumpost hocposthumouspost meridiempostmortempost partumpostscriptumpraecognitumpraenomenpraetoriumpreprecentorprima facieprimigravidaprimogenitorprimum mobileprimus inter paresproproprobono publicoproconsulpro formaprogenitorpro rataprospectuspro temporeprovisoproximoprurituspudendumpuerperiumpupapyrexiapyrrhicquaQuadragesimaquaerequantumquantum meruitquantum suffi citquasiquasiquidnuncquid pro quoquieta nonmoverequietusquis custodietipsos custodes?quoadquod eratdemonstrandumquod eratfaciendumquodlibetquod videquo jurequondamquorumquotaquo vadisradiusrara avisratio decidendirationalererebusrectorectorredivivusreductio adabsurdumreductio adimpossibilereferendumregaliaregimenreginaregiusregnumreliquiaeremanetrequiemrequiescatrequiescat in paceres cogitansres gestaeresiduumres ipsa loquiturres judicatares non verbares publicarestitutio in integramresurgamretinarexrictusrigor mortisrostrumrotundarubellaRubiconrubricrus in urbesaeva indignatioSagittariussalivaSalve Reginasal volatilesanatoriumsanctumsanctum sanctorumsartor resartussaturnaliaschola cantorumscilicetscintillascire faciasScorpioscriptoriumsculpsitsebumsediliasemisemperfi delissenatuspopulusqueRomanussensu strictosententiaSeptuagintseptumsequestratorsequiturseriatimserumsesquipedaliasicsic passimsic semper tyrannissic transit gloriamundisimilesimilitersinesine annosine causasine diesine prolesine qua nonsi vis pacem, parabellumsolariumspeciespectrumspeculumsputum465

INDEXStabat MaterDolorosastatusstatus quostetstimulusstipendiumstirpsstratumstuporstylussubsubjudicesubpoenasub rosasub specie aeternitatissubstratumsub vocesuccubussui generissui jurissumma cum laudesummum bonumsupersuppressioverisuprasursum cordasusurrussuum cuiquetabula rasatacettacittaedium vitaeTaurusTe Deumtemporetempus fugittenetterminusterminus adquemterminus antequemterminus a quoterminus postquemterra albaterra fi r m aterra incognitaterra novatertium quidtesseratestatortestatrixtestimoniumtetanustheatrum mundithesaurustibiatinnitustogatorustoties quotiestoto caelotranstritriforiumtriumvirtriviatumulustu quoquetyrouberrima fi desubi suntubi supraulteriorultima ratioultima Thuleultimatumultimoultraultraultraviresumbilicusumbrauniurbiet orbiurbsUrsa MajorUrsa Minorut dictumuterusut infraut supravacuumvade in pacevade mecumvae victisvaleVanitasvanitas vanitatumvaria lectiovariorumveni, vidi, vicivenire faciasVenusvera causaverbatimverbatim et litteratimverbum sapientiversoversusverbebravertexvertigovesica piscisvestigiumvetovexata quaestiovexillumviaVia Dolorosavia mediaviaticumvice versavictor ludorumvidevide antevide infravidelicetvideovide supravi et armisvillavimviragoVirgovirgo intactavirusvisvisavisceravis vivavivariumvivatviva vocevixitvolensvolente Deovomitoriumvortexvox populivox populi, vox DeiLOUISIANACREOLEvoodooMALAGASYraffi aMALAYamokcaddygonggutta-percha466

467INDEXkrispaddysarongsatayMALDIVIANatollMANDINGOmumbo jumboMAORIhakakaikia-orakiwiMONGOLIANDalai LamaNARRAGANSETTpapoosepowwowsuccotashNEPALESEGurkhakukriNORWEGIANfjordkrakenkrillquislingslalomOLD NORSEberserksagaskaldtrollValhallaPANJABIbhangratikkaPERSIANAvestaayatollahbaksheeshbazaarcaravanseraihafi zhourimogulsalwar kameezsamosashahPOLISHmazurkaPORTUGUESEalbinoauto-da-fébossa novacapoeirafadofavelainfantainfantejuntalascarmangrovemaracanabobpadrepagodapiripirisambasenhorsenhorasenhoritatyphoonvindaloovinho verdeRUSSIANagitpropapparatchikbabushkabalaclavabalalaikabliniBolshevikborschtboyarcosmonautcossackczardumaglasnostgulagintelligentsiakarakulknoutkolkhozkremlinkulakkvassmammothmirmuzhik-nikperestroikapogrompolitburopresidiumsamizdatsamovarshamanshashliksovietsovkhozsputniksteppetaigatokamaktroikatundravodkayurtSALISHANchinookSANSKRITahimsaashramatmanavatarAyurvedaBrahmanBrahminchakradevadharmahatha yogakamaKama Sutrakarmamaharishimahatmamandalamantramelanirvanaomom mani padmehumragasadhusatyagrahasiddhastupasutteeswastikatantra

INDEXtilakVedayantrayogayogiyoniSINHALESEberi-beriSPANISHadiosadobeafi cionadoalcazaralligatoralpacaamigoamontilladoarmadaarroyobarriobodegabolasbolerobonanzabongobravadobroncobuckaroobuenas noches-burritoburrocaballerocabanacafeteriacalderacamarillacampesinocantinacanyoncasacascaracaudillocedillacevichecha-chachaparajoschaparralChicanochilichili concarnechinoschorizocigarillocilantrocojonescompadreconquistadorcordilleracorralcorridacoyoteCuba librecuestadesaparecidodescansodinerodominodonDon JuanduennaEl DoradoEl Niñoembarcaderoembargoenchiladaescabechefajitafandangofi e s t afi nc afi nofl a me nc ofl ot i l l afrijoles refritosgalleongarbanzogauchogazpachograciasgraciosograndeegringoguacamoleguanoguapachaguerrillahabanerahaciendahasta la vistahasta luegohasta mañanahidalgohombreincommunicadoinfantainfante-istajalapeñojojobajuntalariatlassollanolocomachetemachismomachomajordomomambomañanamanchegomano a manomantillamariachimarijuanamarinamascaramatadormedicomesamestizomi casa es sucasamilongamonteramuchachomulattomustachionachonadaoléolla podridaolorosooreganopachucopacifi copadrepaellapaisanopalominopampaspanatelapaso doblepatatas bravaspatiopeccadillopeyotepiña coladapiñatapintoplazapoliticoponchopor favorposada468

469INDEXprontopueblopumaquién saberancheroriorodeorumbasalsasangriaSanteriasarsaparillasassafrassavannasenorsenorasenoritaserapesierrasiestasilosimpaticosombrerosupremotacotamaletangotapastequilatildetomatillotoreadortortillatostadavamoosevaquerovaya con DiosveletavigilantevinovivaSWEDISHfartlekgravlaxombudsmanrutabagasmorgasbordTAGALOGboondocksylang-ylangTAHITIANmai taiTAMILcatamarancurrykabaddipariahpoppadamTIBETANlamasherpayetiTONGANtabooTSWANAtsetseTURKISHagabaklavabeybulgurcaftandervishdivandolmadoner kebabeffendifezharemjanissarykhankioskkismetmezeminaretmullahodalisquepashapilafrakisherbetshish kebabURDUbaltibiriyaniburkachadorgaram masalahowdahkhakikoftakormapurdahrogan joshsalwar kameezsamosasepoyVIETNAMESEnuoc mamWELSHcromlechcwmeisteddfodWEST AFRICANdashikiYIDDISHbagelchutzpahdreckdybbukgefi ltegolemgoykibitzerklutzkosherkvetchmatzomavenmazel tovmazumamenschnebbishoy vaypastramischlemielschleppschlockschmoozeschmuckschnorrerschnozzleshegetzshemozzleshiksashmatteshtetlshtickshtoomshulyarmulkeyentazaftig