Gre Wordlist 5 : Astral - Barb

1.astral	relating to the stars	Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin astralis, from Latin astrum star, from Greek astronomer 1 : of, relating to, or coming from the stars <astral influences> <unusual astral occurrences> 2 : of or relating to a mitotic or meiotic aster 3 : of or consisting of a supersensible substance held in theosophy to be next above the tangible world in refinement 4 a : VISIONARY b : elevated in station or position : EXALTED - as·tral·ly /-tr&-lE/ adverb
2.astringent	binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism	Function: adjective Etymology: probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight -- more at STRAIN 1 : able to draw together the soft organic tissues : STYPTIC, PUCKERY <astringent lotions> <an astringent fruit> 2 : suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : AUSTERE <dry astringent comments>; also : PUNGENT, CAUSTIC - as·trin·gent·ly adverb
3.astronomical	enormously large or extensive	Function: adjective 1 : of or relating to astronomy 2 : enormously or inconceivably large or great <astronomical numbers> - as·tro·nom·i·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
4.astute	wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin astutus, from astus craft : having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity <an astute observer> <astute remarks>; also : CRAFTY, WILY synonym see SHREWD - as·tute·ly adverb - as·tute·ness noun
5.asunder	into parts; apart; V. sunder	Function: adverb or adjective 1 : into parts <torn asunder> 2 : apart from each other in position <wide asunder>
6.asylum	place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure 1 : an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : SANCTUARY 2 : a place of retreat and security : SHELTER 3 a : the protection or inviolability afforded by an asylum : REFUGE b : protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency enjoying diplomatic immunity 4 : an institution for the care of the destitute or sick and especially the insane
7.asymmetric	not identical on both sides of a dividing central line	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical 1 : not symmetrical 2 usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups - asym·met·ri·cal·ly /-tri-k(&-)lE/ adverb - asym·me·try /(")A-'si-m&-trE/ noun
8.atavism	resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic	Function: noun Etymology: French atavisme, from Latin atavus ancestor, from at- (probably akin to atta daddy) + avus grandfather -- more at UNCLE 1 a : recurrence in an organism of a trait or character typical of an ancestral form and usually due to genetic recombination b : recurrence of or reversion to a past style, manner, outlook, or approach <architectural atavism> 2 : one that manifests atavism : THROWBACK - at·a·vis·tic /"a-t&-'vis-tik/ adjective - at·a·vis·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
9.atheistic	denying the existence of God; N. atheism	Function: noun : one who believes that there is no deity - athe·is·tic /"A-thE-'is-tik/ or athe·is·ti·cal /"A-thE-'is-ti-k&l/ adjective - athe·is·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
10.atone	make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): atoned; aton·ing Etymology: Middle English, to become reconciled, from at on in harmony, from at + on one transitive senses 1 obsolete : RECONCILE 2 : to supply satisfaction for : EXPIATE intransitive senses : to make amends
11.atrocity	brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 : the quality or state of being atrocious 2 : an atrocious act, object, or situation <the ... sufferings and atrocities of trench warfare -- Aldous Huxley>
12.atrophy	wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -phies Etymology: Late Latin atrophia, from Greek, from atrophos ill fed, from a- + trephein to nourish 1 : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue; also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant 2 : a wasting away or progressive decline : DEGENERATION <the atrophy of freedom> <was not a solitude of atrophy, of negation, but of perpetual flowering -- Willa Cather> - atro·phic /(")A-'trO-fik/ adjective - atrophy /'a-tr&-fE, -"fI/ verb
13.attentive	alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration	Function: adjective 1 : MINDFUL, OBSERVANT <attentive to what he is doing> 2 : heedful of the comfort of others : SOLICITOUS 3 : offering attentions in or as if in the role of a suitor - at·ten·tive·ly adverb - at·ten·tive·ness noun
14.attenuate	make thin; weaken	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Latin attenuatus, past participle of attenuare to make thin, from ad- + tenuis thin -- more at THIN transitive senses 1 : to make thin or slender 2 : to make thin in consistency : RAREFY 3 : to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of : WEAKEN 4 : to reduce the severity, virulence, or vitality of intransitive senses : to become thin, fine, or less - at·ten·u·a·tion /-"ten-y&-'wA-sh&n/ noun
15.attest	testify; bear witness	Function: verb Etymology: Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness -- more at TESTAMENT transitive senses 1 a : to affirm to be true or genuine; specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witness b : to authenticate officially 2 : to establish or verify the usage of 3 : to be proof of : MANIFEST <her record attests her integrity> 4 : to put on oath intransitive senses : to bear witness : TESTIFY <attest to a belief> synonym see CERTIFY - at·tes·ta·tion /"a-"tes-'tA-sh&n, "a-t&-'stA-/ noun - at·test·er /&-'tes-t&r/ noun
16.attribute	essential quality; V: ascribe; explain	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow -- more at TRIBUTE 1 : an inherent characteristic; also : an accidental quality 2 : an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power>; especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture 3 : a word ascribing a quality; especially : ADJECTIVE synonym see QUALITY
17.attrition	rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition	Function: noun Etymology: Latin attrition-, attritio, from atterere to rub against, from ad- + terere to rub -- more at THROW 1 [Middle English attricioun, from Medieval Latin attrition-, attritio, from Latin] : sorrow for one's sins that arises from a motive other than that of the love of God 2 : the act of rubbing together : FRICTION; also : the act of wearing or grinding down by friction 3 : the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack 4 : a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death - at·tri·tion·al /-'tri-sh(&-)n&l/ adjective
18.atypical	not normal; not typical	Function: adjective : not typical : IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL - atyp·i·cal·i·ty /"A-"ti-p&-'ka-l&-tE/ noun - atyp·i·cal·ly /(")A-'ti-pi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
19.audacious	daring; bold; N. audacity	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French audacieux, from audace boldness, from Latin audacia, from audac-, audax bold, from audEre to dare, from avidus eager -- more at AVID 1 a : intrepidly daring : ADVENTUROUS <an audacious mountain climber> b : recklessly bold : RASH 2 : contemptuous of law, religion, or decorum : INSOLENT 3 : marked by originality and verve - au·da·cious·ly adverb - au·da·cious·ness noun
20.audit	examination of accounts of a business; official examination; V.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin auditus act of hearing, from audire 1 a : a formal examination of an organization's or individual's accounts or financial situation b : the final report of an audit 2 : a methodical examination and review - au·dit·able /-di-t&-b&l/ adjective
21.augment	increase; add to	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French augmenter, from Late Latin augmentare, from Latin augmentum increase, from augEre to increase -- more at EKE transitive senses 1 : to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense <the impact of the report was augmented by its timing> 2 : to add an augment to 3 : SUPPLEMENT <augmented her scholarship by working nights> intransitive senses : to become augmented synonym see INCREASE - aug·ment·er or aug·men·tor /-'men-t&r/ noun
22.augury	omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries 1 : divination from auspices or omens; also : an instance of this 2 : OMEN, PORTENT
23.august	impressive; majestic	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin augustus; akin to Latin augur : marked by majestic dignity or grandeur - au·gust·ly adverb - au·gust·ness /o-'g&s(t)-n&s, 'o-(")g&s(t)-/ noun
24.aureole	sun's corona; halo; bright circle of light	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English aureole heavenly crown worn by saints, from Medieval Latin aureola, from Latin, feminine of aureolus golden, diminutive of aureus 1 a : a radiant light around the head or body of a representation of a sacred personage b : something resembling an aureole <an aureole of hair> 2 : RADIANCE, AURA <an aureole of youth and health> 3 : the luminous area surrounding the sun or other bright light when seen through thin cloud or mist : CORONA 4 : a ring-shaped zone around an igneous intrusion - aureole transitive verb
25.auroral	pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural auroras or au·ro·rae /-(")E/ Etymology: Latin -- more at EAST 1 : DAWN 2 capitalized : the Roman goddess of dawn -- compare EOS 3 : a luminous phenomenon that consists of streamers or arches of light appearing in the upper atmosphere of a planet's magnetic polar regions and is caused by the emission of light from atoms excited by electrons accelerated along the planet's magnetic field lines - au·ro·ral /-&l/ adjective - au·ro·re·an /-E-&n/ adjective
26.auspicious	favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices	Function: adjective 1 : affording a favorable auspice : PROPITIOUS <made an auspicious beginning> 2 : attended by good auspices : PROSPEROUS <an auspicious year> synonym see FAVORABLE - aus·pi·cious·ly adverb - aus·pi·cious·ness noun
27.austere	forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin austerus, from Greek austEros harsh, severe; akin to Greek hauos dry -- more at SERE 1 a : stern and cold in appearance or manner b : SOMBER, GRAVE <an austere critic> 2 : morally strict : ASCETIC 3 : markedly simple or unadorned <an austere office> <an austere style of writing> 4 : giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets> 5 of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging synonym see SEVERE - aus·tere·ly adverb - aus·tere·ness noun
28.authenticate	prove genuine	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing : to prove or serve to prove the authenticity of synonym see CONFIRM - au·then·ti·ca·tion /-"then-ti-'kA-sh&n/ noun - au·then·ti·ca·tor /-'then-ti-"kA-t&r/ noun
29.authoritarian	subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another's will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority <had authoritarian parents> 2 : of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people - authoritarian noun - au·thor·i·tar·i·an·ism /-E-&-"ni-z&m/ noun
30.authoritative	having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive	Function: adjective 1 a : having or proceeding from authority : OFFICIAL <authoritative church doctrine> b : showing evident authority : DEFINITIVE <a most authoritative literary critique> 2 : DICTATORIAL 2 - au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adverb - au·thor·i·ta·tive·ness noun
31.autocratic	having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or being an autocracy : ABSOLUTE <an autocratic government> 2 : characteristic of or resembling an autocrat : DESPOTIC <an autocratic ruler> - au·to·crat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
32.automaton	mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -atons or au·tom·a·ta /-m&-t&, -m&-"tä/ Etymology: Latin, from Greek, neuter of automatos 1 : a mechanism that is relatively self-operating; especially : ROBOT 2 : a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions 3 : an individual who acts in a mechanical fashion
33.autonomous	self-governing; N. autonomy	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek autonomos independent, from aut- + nomos law -- more at NIMBLE 1 : of, relating to, or marked by autonomy 2 a : having the right or power of self-government b : undertaken or carried on without outside control : SELF-CONTAINED <an autonomous school system> 3 a : existing or capable of existing independently <an autonomous zooid> b : responding, reacting, or developing independently of the whole <an autonomous growth> 4 : controlled by the autonomic nervous system synonym see FREE - au·ton·o·mous·ly adverb
34.autopsy	examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -sies Etymology: Greek autopsia act of seeing with one's own eyes, from aut- + opsis sight, appearance -- more at OPTIC 1 : an examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death or the character and extent of changes produced by disease 2 : a critical examination, evaluation, or assessment of someone or something past - autopsy transitive verb
35.auxiliary	offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin auxiliaris, from auxilium help; akin to Latin augEre to increase -- more at EKE 1 a : offering or providing help b : functioning in a subsidiary capacity <an auxiliary branch of the state university> 2 of a verb : accompanying another verb and typically expressing person, number, mood, or tense 3 a : SUPPLEMENTARY b : constituting a reserve <an auxiliary power plant> 4 : equipped with sails and a supplementary inboard engine
36.avalanche	great mass of falling snow and ice	Function: noun Etymology: French, from French dialect lavantse, avalantse 1 : a large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift motion down a mountainside or over a precipice 2 : a sudden great or overwhelming rush or accumulation of something <office workers tied down with an avalanche of paperwork> 3 : a cumulative process in which photons or accelerated charge carriers produce additional photons or charge carriers through collisions (as with gas molecules)
37.avarice	greediness for wealth	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin avaritia, from avarus avaricious, from avEre to crave -- more at AVID : excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain : GREEDINESS, CUPIDITY
38.avenge	take vengence for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): avenged; aveng·ing Etymology: Middle English avengen, probably from a- (as in abaten to abate) + vengen to avenge, from Old French vengier -- more at VENGEANCE 1 : to take vengeance for or on behalf of 2 : to exact satisfaction for (a wrong) by punishing the wrongdoer - aveng·er noun
39.aver	state confidently; declare as true	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): averred; aver·ring Etymology: Middle English averren, from Middle French averer, from Medieval Latin adverare to confirm as authentic, from Latin ad- + verus true -- more at VERY 1 a : to verify or prove to be true in pleading a cause b : to allege or assert in pleading 2 : to declare positively
40.averse	reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin aversus, past participle of avertere : having an active feeling of repugnance or distaste <averse to strenuous exercise> synonym see DISINCLINED - averse·ly adverb - averse·ness noun
41.aversion	firm dislike	Function: noun 1 obsolete : the act of turning away 2 a : a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from it <regards drunkenness with aversion> b : a settled dislike : ANTIPATHY <expressed an aversion to parties> c : a tendency to extinguish a behavior or to avoid a thing or situation and especially a usually pleasurable one because it is or has been associated with a noxious stimulus 3 : one that is the object of aversion
42.avert	prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French avertir, from Latin avertere, from ab- + vertere to turn -- more at WORTH 1 : to turn away or aside (as the eyes) in avoidance 2 : to see coming and ward off : AVOID
43.aviary	enclosure for birds; large cage	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ar·ies Etymology: Latin aviarium, from avis bird; akin to Greek aetos eagle : a place for keeping birds confined
44.avid	greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity	Function: adjective Etymology: French or Latin; French avide, from Latin avidus, from avEre to desire, crave; akin to Welsh ewyllys desire, Old Irish con-oí he protects 1 : desirous to the point of greed : urgently eager : GREEDY <avid for publicity> 2 : characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit <avid readers> synonym see EAGER - av·id·ly adverb - av·id·ness noun
45.avocation	secondary or minor occupation	Function: noun Etymology: Latin avocation-, avocatio, from avocare to call away, from ab- + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice -- more at VOICE 1 archaic : DIVERSION, DISTRACTION 2 : customary employment : VOCATION 3 : a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one's vocation especially for enjoyment : HOBBY
46.avow	declare openly; N. avowal	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French avouer, from Latin advocare 1 : to declare assuredly 2 : to declare openly, bluntly, and without shame <ever ready to avow his reactionary outlook> synonym see ACKNOWLEDGE, ASSERT - avow·er /-'vau(-&)r/ noun
47.avuncular	of or like an uncle	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin avunculus maternal uncle -- more at UNCLE 1 : of or relating to an uncle 2 : suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality <avuncular indulgence> - avun·cu·lar·i·ty /&-"v&[ng]-ky&-'la-r&-tE/ noun - avun·cu·lar·ly /&-'v&[ng]-ky&-l&r-lE/ adverb
48.awe	solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse agi; akin to Old English ege awe, Greek achos pain 1 : an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime <stood in awe of the king> <regard nature's wonders with awe> 2 archaic a : DREAD, TERROR b : the power to inspire dread
49.awl	pointed tool used for piercing	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English al, from Old Norse alr; akin to Old High German Ala awl, Sanskrit ArA : a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood) [awl illustration]
50.awry	distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.	Function: adverb or adjective 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction : ASKEW 2 : off the correct or expected course : AMISS
51.axiom	self-evident truth requiring no proof	Function: noun Etymology: Latin axioma, from Greek axiOma, literally, something worthy, from axioun to think worthy, from axios worth, worthy; akin to Greek agein to weigh, drive -- more at AGENT 1 : a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit 2 : a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference : POSTULATE 1 3 : an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth
52.azure	sky blue	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English asur, from Old French azur, probably from Old Spanish, modification of Arabic lAzaward, from Persian lAzhuward 1 archaic : LAPIS LAZULI 2 a : the blue color of the clear sky b : the heraldic color blue 3 : the unclouded sky - azure adjective
53.babble	chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous sounds like water running gently over rounded stone; N.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): bab·bled; bab·bling /-b(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English babelen, probably of imitative origin intransitive senses 1 a : to talk enthusiastically or excessively b : to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds 2 : to make sounds as though babbling transitive senses 1 : to utter in an incoherently or meaninglessly repetitious manner 2 : to reveal by talk that is too free - babble noun - bab·ble·ment /-b&l-m&nt/ noun - bab·bler /-b(&-)l&r/ noun
54.bacchanalian	drunken	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural bacchanalia Etymology: Latin, from Bacchus 1 plural, capitalized : a Roman festival of Bacchus celebrated with dancing, song, and revelry 2 : ORGY 2, 3 - bac·cha·na·lian /-'nAl-y&n/ adjective or noun
55.badger	pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal	Function: noun Etymology: probably from badge; from the white mark on its forehead 1 a : any of various burrowing mammals (especially Taxidea taxus and Meles meles) that are related to the weasels and are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere b : the pelt or fur of a badger 2 capitalized : a native or resident of Wisconsin -- used as a nickname
56.badinage	teasing conversation; banter; joking talk	Function: noun Etymology: French : playful repartee : BANTER
57.baffle	frustrate; perplex	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): baf·fled; baf·fling /-f(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: probably alteration of Middle English (Sc) bawchillen to denounce, discredit publicly 1 : to defeat or check (as a person) by confusing or puzzling : DISCONCERT 2 : to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle synonym see FRUSTRATE - baf·fle·ment /-f&l-m&nt/ noun - baf·fler /-f(&-)l&r/ noun - baf·fling·ly /'ba-fli[ng]-lE/ adverb
58.bait	harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse beita; akin to Old English b[AE]tan to bait, bItan to bite transitive senses 1 a : to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks b : TEASE 2 a : to harass (as a chained animal) with dogs usually for sport b : to attack by biting and tearing 3 a : to furnish with bait b : ENTICE, LURE 4 : to give food and drink to (an animal) especially on the road intransitive senses, archaic : to stop for food and rest when traveling - bait·er noun synonyms BAIT, BADGER, HECKLE, HECTOR, CHIVY, HOUND mean to harass by efforts to break down. BAIT implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim <baited the chained dog>. BADGER implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy <badgered her father for a car>. HECKLE implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker <drunks heckled the stand-up comic>. HECTOR carries an implication of bullying and domineering <football players hectored by their coach>. CHIVY suggests persecution by teasing or nagging <chivied the new student mercilessly>. HOUND implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing <hounded by creditors>.
59.baleful	evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look	Function: adjective 1 : deadly or pernicious in influence 2 : foreboding evil : OMINOUS synonym see SINISTER - bale·ful·ly /-f&-lE/ adverb - bale·ful·ness /-f&l-n&s/ noun
60.balk	stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English balke, from Old English balca; akin to Old High German balko beam, Latin fulcire to prop, Greek phalanx log, phalanx 1 : a ridge of land left unplowed as a dividing line or through carelessness 2 : BEAM, RAFTER 3 : HINDRANCE, CHECK 4 a : the space behind the balkline on a billiard table b : any of the outside divisions made by the balklines 5 : failure of a player to complete a motion; especially : an illegal motion of the pitcher in baseball while in position
61.ballast	heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast	Function: noun Etymology: probably from Low German, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish & Swedish barlast ballast; perhaps akin to Old English bær bare & to Old English hlæst load, hladan to load -- more at LADE 1 : a heavy substance used to improve the stability and control the draft of a ship or the ascent of a balloon 2 : something that gives stability (as in character or conduct) 3 : gravel or broken stone laid in a railroad bed or used in making concrete 4 : a device used to provide the starting voltage or to stabilize the current in a circuit (as of a fluorescent lamp) - in ballast of a ship : having only ballast for a load
62.balm	something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English basme, baume, from Old French, from Latin balsamum balsam 1 : a balsamic resin; especially : one from small tropical evergreen trees (genus Commiphora of the family Burseraceae) 2 : an aromatic preparation (as a healing ointment) 3 : any of several aromatic plants of the mint family; especially : LEMON BALM 4 : a spicy aromatic odor 5 : a soothing restorative agency
63.balmy	soft and mild (of air); fragrant	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): balm·i·er; -est 1 a : having the qualities of balm : SOOTHING b : MILD 2 : CRAZY, FOOLISH - balm·i·ly /-m&-lE/ adverb - balm·i·ness /-mE-n&s/ noun
64.banal	hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich\'ed	Function: adjective Etymology: French, from Middle French, of compulsory feudal service, possessed in common, commonplace, from ban : lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : TRITE synonym see INSIPID - ba·nal·i·ty /b&-'na-l&-tE also bA- or ba-/ noun - ba·nal·ize /b&-'na-"lIz, ba-, -'n[a']-; bA-'na-; 'bA-n&l-"Iz/ transitive verb - ba·nal·ly /b&-'nal-lE, ba-, -'n[a']l-; bA-'nal-; 'bA-n&l-(l)E/ adverb
65.bandy	discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy words with	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ban·died; ban·dy·ing Etymology: probably from Middle French bander to be tight, to bandy, from bande strip -- more at BAND transitive senses 1 : to bat (as a tennis ball) to and fro 2 a : to toss from side to side or pass about from one to another often in a careless or inappropriate manner b : EXCHANGE; especially : to exchange (words) argumentatively c : to discuss lightly or banteringly d : to use in a glib or offhand manner -- often used with about <bandy these statistics about with considerable bravado -- Richard Pollak> 3 archaic : to band together intransitive senses 1 obsolete : CONTEND 2 archaic : UNITE
66.bane	posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bana; akin to Old High German bano death 1 a obsolete : KILLER, SLAYER b : POISON c : DEATH, DESTRUCTION <stop the way of those that seek my bane -- Philip Sidney> d : WOE 2 : a source of harm or ruin : CURSE <national frontiers have been more of a bane than a boon for mankind -- D. C. Thomson>
67.bantering	joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter	Function: verb Etymology: origin unknown transitive senses 1 : to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner 2 archaic : DELUDE 3 chiefly Southern & Midland : CHALLENGE intransitive senses : to speak or act playfully or wittily - ban·ter·er /-t&r-&r/ noun - ban·ter·ing·ly /'ban-t&-ri[ng]-lE/ adverb
68.barb	sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other object; openly cutting remark	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English barbe barb, beard, from Middle French, from Latin barba -- more at BEARD 1 : a medieval cloth headdress passing over or under the chin and covering the neck 2 a : a sharp projection extending backward (as from the point of an arrow or fishhook) and preventing easy extraction; also : a sharp projection with its point similarly oblique to something else b : a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment 3 : 2BARBEL 4 : any of the side branches of the shaft of a feather -- see FEATHER illustration 5 : a plant hair or bristle ending in a hook