Gre Wordlist 43 : sequester - somatic

1.sequester	isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -tered; se·ques·ter·ing /-t(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English sequestren, from Middle French sequestrer, from Latin sequestrare to hand over to a trustee, from sequester third party to whom disputed property is entrusted, agent, from secus beside, otherwise; akin to Latin sequi to follow 1 a : to set apart : SEGREGATE b : SECLUDE, WITHDRAW 2 a : to seize especially by a writ of sequestration b : to place (property) in custody especially in sequestration 3 : to hold (as a metallic ion) in solution usually by inclusion in an appropriate coordination complex
2.sere	sear; parched; dry	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sEar dry; akin to Old High German sOrEn to wither, Greek hauos dry, Lithuanian sausas 1 : being dried and withered 2 archaic : THREADBARE
3.serendipity	gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes of Serendip	Function: noun Etymology: from its possession by the heroes of the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip : the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for
4.serenity	calmness; placidity; ADJ. serene	Function: noun : the quality or state of being serene
5.serpentine	winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex. serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French serpentin, from Late Latin serpentinus, from Latin serpent-, serpens 1 : of or resembling a serpent (as in form or movement) 2 : subtly wily or tempting 3 a : winding or turning one way and another b : having a compound curve whose central curve is convex - ser·pen·tine·ly adverb
6.serrated	having a sawtoothed edge; Ex. serrated leaf	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ser·rat·ed; ser·rat·ing Etymology: Late Latin serratus, past participle of serrare to saw, from Latin serra : to mark or make with serrations <a serrated knife>
7.servile	slavish; cringing; N. servility	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin servilis, from servus slave 1 : of or befitting a slave or a menial position 2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : ABJECT synonym see SUBSERVIENT - ser·vile·ly /-v&(l)-lE, -"vIl-lE/ adverb - ser·vile·ness /-v&l-n&s, -"vIl-/ noun - ser·vil·i·ty /(")s&r-'vi-l&-tE/ noun
8.servitude	slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin servitudo slavery, from servus slave 1 : a condition in which one lacks liberty especially to determine one's course of action or way of life 2 : a right by which something (as a piece of land) owned by one person is subject to a specified use or enjoyment by another
9.sever	separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra pay given an employee upon leaving a position	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): sev·ered; sev·er·ing /'sev-ri[ng], 'se-v&-/ Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French severer, from Latin separare -- more at SEPARATE transitive senses : to put or keep apart : DIVIDE; especially : to remove (as a part) by or as if by cutting intransitive senses : to become separated synonym see SEPARATE
10.severity	harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ. severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): se·ver·er; -est Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin severus 1 a : strict in judgment, discipline, or government b : of a strict or stern bearing or manner : AUSTERE 2 : rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement : STRINGENT, RESTRICTIVE 3 : strongly critical or condemnatory : CENSORIOUS <a severe critic> 4 a : maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline b : establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes <a severe logician> 5 : sober or restrained in decoration or manner 6 a : inflicting physical discomfort or hardship : HARSH <severe winters> b : inflicting pain or distress : GRIEVOUS <a severe wound> 7 : requiring great effort : ARDUOUS <a severe test> 8 : of a great degree <severe depression> - se·vere·ly adverb - se·vere·ness noun - se·ver·i·ty /s&-'ver-&-tE/ noun synonyms SEVERE, STERN, AUSTERE, ASCETIC mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. SEVERE implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness <severe military discipline>. STERN stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character <stern arbiters of public morality>. AUSTERE stresses absence
11.sextant	navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)	Function: noun Etymology: New Latin sextant-, sextans sixth part of a circle, from Latin, sixth part, from sextus sixth : an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude) [sextant illustration]
12.shackle	chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English schakel, from Old English sceacul; akin to Old Norse skokull pole of a cart 1 : something (as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms 2 : something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters -- usually used in plural 3 : a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms 4 : a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms
13.sham	pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; impostor; pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.	Function: noun Etymology: perhaps from English dialect sham shame, alteration of English shame 1 : a trick that deludes : HOAX 2 : cheap falseness : HYPOCRISY 3 : an ornamental covering for a pillow 4 : an imitation or counterfeit purporting to be genuine 5 : a person who shams synonym see IMPOSTURE
14.shambles	(place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess; Ex. After the hurricane, the coast was a shambles.	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): sham·bled; sham·bling /-b(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: shamble bowed, malformed : to walk awkwardly with dragging feet : SHUFFLE - shamble noun
15.shard	fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sceard; akin to Old English scieran to cut -- more at SHEAR 1 a : a piece or fragment of a brittle substance; broadly : a small piece or part b : SHELL, SCALE; especially : ELYTRON 2 usually sherd : fragments of pottery vessels found on sites and in refuse deposits where pottery-making peoples have lived 3 : highly angular curved glass fragments of tuffaceous sediments
16.shaving	very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): shaved; shaved or shav·en /'shA-v&n/; shav·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English scafan; akin to Lithuanian skobti to pluck, Latin scabere to scratch, and perhaps to Greek koptein to cut -- more at CAPON transitive senses 1 a : to remove a thin layer from b : to cut off in thin layers or shreds : SLICE c : to cut off closely 2 a : to sever the hair from (the head or another part of the body) close to the roots b : to cut off (hair or beard) close to the skin 3 a : to discount (a note) at an exorbitant rate b : DEDUCT, REDUCE 4 : to come close to or touch lightly in passing intransitive senses 1 : to cut off hair or beard close to the skin 2 : to proceed with difficulty : SCRAPE
17.sheaf	bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural sheaves /'shEvz/ Etymology: Middle English sheef, from Old English scEaf; akin to Old High German scoub sheaf, Russian chub forelock 1 : a quantity of the stalks and ears of a cereal grass or sometimes other plant material bound together 2 : something resembling a sheaf of grain <a sheaf of papers> - sheaf·like /'shEf-"lIk/ adjective
18.sheathe	place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for a blade	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): sheathed; sheath·ing Etymology: Middle English shethen, from shethe sheath 1 : to put into or furnish with a sheath 2 : to plunge or bury (as a sword) in flesh 3 : to withdraw (a claw) into a sheath 4 : to case or cover with something (as sheets of metal) that protects - sheath·er /'shE-[th]&r, -th&r/ noun
19.sherbet	flavored dessert ice	Function: noun Etymology: Turk & Persian; Turkish serbet, from Persian sharbat, from Arabic sharbah drink 1 : a cold drink of sweetened and diluted fruit juice 2 : an ice with milk, egg white, or gelatin added
20.shimmer	shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently; Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water; N.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): shim·mered; shim·mer·ing /'shi-m&-ri[ng], 'shim-ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English schimeren, from Old English scimerian; akin to Old English scInan to shine -- more at SHINE intransitive senses 1 : to shine with a soft tremulous or fitful light : GLIMMER 2 : to reflect a wavering sometimes distorted visual image transitive senses : to cause to shimmer synonym see FLASH
21.shirk	avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger	Function: verb Etymology: origin unknown intransitive senses 1 : to go stealthily : SNEAK 2 : to evade the performance of an obligation transitive senses : AVOID, EVADE <shirk one's duty> - shirk·er noun
22.shoddy	made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick	Function: noun Etymology: origin unknown 1 a : a reclaimed wool from materials that are not felted that is of better quality and longer staple than mungo b : a fabric often of inferior quality manufactured wholly or partly from reclaimed wool 2 a : inferior, imitative, or pretentious articles or matter b : pretentious vulgarity
23.shrew	scolding woman; very small mouselike animal	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English shrewe evil or scolding person, from Old English scrEawa shrew (animal) 1 : any of a family (Soricidae) of small chiefly nocturnal insectivores related to the moles and distinguished by a long pointed snout, very small eyes, and velvety fur 2 : an ill-tempered scolding woman - shrew·like /-"lIk/ adjective
24.shrewd	clever; astute	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English shrewed, from shrewe + 1-ed 1 archaic : MISCHIEVOUS 2 obsolete : ABUSIVE, SHREWISH 3 obsolete : OMINOUS, DANGEROUS 4 a : SEVERE, HARD <a shrewd knock> b : SHARP, PIERCING <a shrewd wind> 5 a : marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen <shrewd common sense> b : given to wily and artful ways or dealing <a shrewd operator> - shrewd·ly adverb - shrewd·ness noun synonyms SHREWD, SAGACIOUS, PERSPICACIOUS, ASTUTE mean acute in perception and sound in judgment. SHREWD stresses practical, hardheaded cleverness and judgment <a shrewd judge of character>. SAGACIOUS suggests wisdom, penetration, and farsightedness <sagacious investors got in on the ground floor>. PERSPICACIOUS implies unusual power to see through and understand what is puzzling or hidden <a perspicacious counselor saw through the child's facade>. ASTUTE suggests shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomatic skill <an astute player of party politics>.
25.shun	keep away from; avoid deliberately; Ex. She has been shunned by her neighbors.	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): shunned; shun·ning Etymology: Middle English shunnen, from Old English scunian : to avoid deliberately and especially habitually synonym see ESCAPE - shun·ner noun
26.shunt	move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an accident; N.	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, to flinch transitive senses 1 a : to turn off to one side : SHIFT <was shunted aside> b : to switch (as a train) from one track to another 2 : to provide with or divert by means of an electrical shunt 3 : to divert (blood) from one part to another by a surgical shunt 4 : SHUTTLE <shunted the missiles from shelter to shelter> intransitive senses 1 : to move to the side 2 : to travel back and forth <shunted between the two towns> - shunt·er noun
27.shyster	lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner	Function: noun Etymology: probably from German Scheisser, literally, defecator : one who is professionally unscrupulous especially in the practice of law or politics : PETTIFOGGER
28.sibling	brother or sister	Function: noun 1 : SIB 2; also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent 2 : one of two or more things related by a common tie or characteristic
29.sibylline	prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)	Function: noun Usage: often capitalized Etymology: Middle English sibile, sybylle, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French sibile, from Latin sibylla, from Greek 1 : any of several prophetesses usually accepted as 10 in number and credited to widely separate parts of the ancient world (as Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, and Italy) 2 a : a female prophet b : FORTUNE-TELLER - si·byl·ic or si·byl·lic /s&-'bi-lik/ adjective - sib·yl·line /'si-b&-"lIn, -"lEn/ adjective
30.sidereal	relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin sidereus, from sider-, sidus star, constellation : of, relating to, or expressed in relation to stars or constellations : ASTRAL
31.silt	sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English cylte, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish sylt salt marsh; akin to Old High German sulza salt marsh, Old English sealt salt 1 : loose sedimentary material with rock particles usually 1/20 millimeter or less in diameter; also : soil containing 80 percent or more of such silt and less than 12 percent of clay 2 : a deposit of sediment (as by a river) - silty /'sil-tE/ adjective
32.simian	monkeylike; N: ape or monkey	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin simia ape, from simus snub-nosed, from Greek simos : of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes
33.simile	comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, comparison, from neuter of similis : a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as (as in cheeks like roses) -- compare METAPHOR
34.simper	smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): sim·pered; sim·per·ing /-p(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish dialect simper affected, coy intransitive senses : to smile in a silly manner transitive senses : to say with a simper <simpered an apology> - sim·per·er /-p&r-&r/ noun
35.simplistic	oversimplified	Function: adjective 1 : SIMPLE 2 : of, relating to, or characterized by simplism : OVERSIMPLE <adequate, if occasionally simplistic, historical background -- Harlow Robinson> - sim·plis·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
36.simulate	feign; imitate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: Latin simulatus, past participle of simulare to copy, represent, feign, from similis like -- more at SAME 1 : to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive : IMITATE 2 : to make a simulation of (as a physical system) synonym see ASSUME - sim·u·la·tive /-"lA-tiv/ adjective
37.sinecure	well-paid position with little responsibility; CF. sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif	Function: noun Etymology: Medieval Latin sine cura without cure (of souls) 1 archaic : an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls 2 : an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income
38.sinewy	(of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone	Function: adjective 1 : full of sinews : as a : TOUGH, STRINGY <sinewy meat> b : STRONG <sinewy arms> 2 : marked by the strength of sinews <a demanding sinewy intelligence -- Helen Dudar>
39.singular	being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd; Ex. singular beauty/behavior	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English singuler, from Middle French, from Latin singularis, from singulus only one -- more at SINGLE 1 a : of or relating to a separate person or thing : INDIVIDUAL b : of, relating to, or being a word form denoting one person, thing, or instance c : of or relating to a single instance or to something considered by itself 2 : distinguished by superiority : EXCEPTIONAL <an artist of singular attainments> 3 : being out of the ordinary : UNUSUAL <on the way home we had a singular adventure> 4 : departing from general usage or expectation : PECULIAR, ODD <the air had a singular chill> 5 a of a matrix : having a determinant equal to zero b of a linear transformation : having the property that the matrix of coefficients of the new variables has a determinant equal to zero synonym see STRANGE - sin·gu·lar·ly adverb
40.sinister	evil; ominous	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English sinistre, from Latin sinistr-, sinister on the left side, unlucky, inauspicious 1 archaic : UNFAVORABLE, UNLUCKY 2 archaic : FRAUDULENT 3 : singularly evil or productive of evil 4 a : of, relating to, or situated to the left or on the left side of something; especially : being or relating to the side of a heraldic shield at the left of the person bearing it b : of ill omen by reason of being on the left 5 : presaging ill fortune or trouble 6 : accompanied by or leading to disaster - sin·is·ter·ly adverb - sin·is·ter·ness noun synonyms SINISTER, BALEFUL, MALIGN mean seriously threatening evil or disaster. SINISTER suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer <a sinister aura haunts the place>. BALEFUL imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly <exerting a corrupt and baleful influence>. MALIGN applies to what is inherently evil or harmful <the malign effects of racism>.
41.sinuous	twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin sinuosus, from sinus 1 a : of a serpentine or wavy form : WINDING b : marked by strong lithe movements 2 : INTRICATE, COMPLEX - sin·u·ous·ly adverb - sin·u·ous·ness noun
42.skeptic	sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view; ADJ. skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism	Function: noun Etymology: Latin or Greek; Latin scepticus, from Greek skeptikos, from skeptikos thoughtful, from skeptesthai to look, consider -- more at SPY 1 : an adherent or advocate of skepticism 2 : a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles
43.skiff	small light sailboat or rowboat	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English skif, from Middle French or Old Italian; Middle French esquif, from Old Italian schifo, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English scip ship : any of various small boats; especially : a flat-bottomed rowboat
44.skimp	provide or use scantily; live very economically; Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly	Function: adjective Etymology: perhaps alteration of scrimp : SKIMPY
45.skinflint	miser; stingy person	Function: noun : a person who would save, gain, or extort money by any means : MISER, NIGGARD
46.skirmish	minor fight; minor battle in war; V.	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English skyrmissh, alteration of skarmish, from Middle French escarmouche, from Old Italian scaramuccia 1 : a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements 2 a : a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties
47.skittish	inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious; Ex. charming but skittish young woman; CF. skit	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English 1 a : lively or frisky in action : CAPRICIOUS b : VARIABLE, FLUCTUATING 2 : easily frightened : RESTIVE <a skittish horse> 3 a : COY, BASHFUL b : marked by extreme caution : WARY - skit·tish·ly adverb - skit·tish·ness noun
48.skulduggery	(skullduggery) dishonest behavior or action; Ex. skulduggery in the election	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ger·ies Etymology: origin unknown : a devious device or trick; also : underhanded or unscrupulous behavior
49.skulk	move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city.	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish skulke to shirk, play truant 1 : to move in a stealthy or furtive manner 2 a : to hide or conceal something (as oneself) often out of cowardice or fear or with sinister intent b chiefly British : MALINGER synonym see LURK - skulk·er noun
50.slacken	slow up; loosen; make or become slack	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): slack·ened; slack·en·ing /'sla-k&n-i[ng]/ transitive senses 1 : to make less active : slow up <slacken speed at a crossing> 2 : to make slack (as by lessening tension or firmness) <slacken sail> intransitive senses 1 : to become slack or slow or negligent : slow down 2 : to become less active : SLACK synonym see DELAY
51.slag	glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter	Function: noun Etymology: Middle Low German slagge : the dross or scoria of a metal
52.slake	satisfy (thirst); quench; sate	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): slaked; slak·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old English slacian, from sleac slack intransitive senses 1 archaic : SUBSIDE, ABATE 2 : to become slaked : CRUMBLE <lime may slake spontaneously in moist air> transitive senses 1 archaic : to lessen the force of : MODERATE 2 : SATISFY, QUENCH <slake your thirst> <will slake your curiosity> 3 : to cause (as lime) to heat and crumble by treatment with water : HYDRATE
53.slander	defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements; V. ADJ. slanderous	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): slan·dered; slan·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/ : to utter slander against : DEFAME synonym see MALIGN - slan·der·er /-d&r-&r/ noun
54.slapdash	hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)	Function: adjective : HAPHAZARD, SLIPSHOD
55.sleazy	shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex. sleazy back-street hotel/fabric	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): slea·zi·er; -est Etymology: origin unknown 1 a : lacking firmness of texture : FLIMSY b : carelessly made of inferior materials : SHODDY 2 a : marked by low character or quality <sleazy tabloids> b : SQUALID, DILAPIDATED <sleazy bars> - slea·zi·ly /-z&-lE/ adverb - slea·zi·ness /-zE-n&s/ noun
56.sleeper	one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable	Function: noun 1 : one that sleeps 2 : a piece of timber, stone, or steel on or near the ground to support a superstructure, keep railroad rails in place, or receive floor joists : STRINGPIECE 3 : SLEEPING CAR 4 : someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value <the low-budget film became the summer's sleeper> 5 : children's pajamas usually with feet -- usually used in plural 6 chiefly British : a small earring or stud worn to keep the hole of a pierced ear from closing 7 : MOLE 4
57.sleight	dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse sl[oe]gth, from sl[oe]gr sly -- more at SLY 1 : deceitful craftiness; also : STRATAGEM 2 : DEXTERITY, SKILL
58.slew	large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): slew /'slü/; also esp in sense 2 slayed; slain /'slAn/; slay·ing Etymology: Middle English slen, from Old English slEan to strike, slay; akin to Old High German slahan to strike, Middle Irish slachta stricken transitive senses 1 : to kill violently, wantonly, or in great numbers; broadly : to strike down : KILL 2 : to delight or amuse immensely <slayed the audience> intransitive senses : KILL, MURDER synonym see KILL - slay·er noun
59.slight	insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small importance	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, smooth, slight, probably from Middle Dutch slicht; akin to Old High German slIhhan to glide -- more at SLICK 1 a : having a slim or delicate build : not stout or massive in body b : lacking in strength or substance : FLIMSY, FRAIL c : deficient in weight, solidity, or importance : TRIVIAL 2 : small of its kind or in amount : SCANTY, MEAGER synonym see THIN - slight·ly adverb - slight·ness noun
60.slipshod	slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex. slipshod work	Function: adjective Etymology: 1slip 1 a : wearing loose shoes or slippers b : down at the heel : SHABBY 2 : CARELESS, SLOVENLY
61.slither	slip or slide	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English slideren, from Old English slidrian, frequentative of slIdan to slide intransitive senses 1 : to slide on or as if on a loose gravelly surface 2 : to slip or slide like a snake transitive senses : to cause to slide
62.sloth	slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness; ADJ. slothful: lazy; indolent	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural sloths /with ths or [th]z/ Etymology: Middle English slouthe, from slow slow 1 a : disinclination to action or labor : INDOLENCE b : spiritual apathy and inactivity <the deadly sin of sloth> 2 : any of the slow-moving arboreal edentate mammals that comprise two genera (Bradypus and Choloepus), inhabit tropical forests of So. and Central America, hang from the branches back downward, and feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits -- compare THREE-TOED SLOTH, TWO-TOED SLOTH [sloth illustration]
63.slough	(of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N: outer layer that is shed	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English slogh, from Old English slOh; akin to Middle High German slouche ditch 1 a : a place of deep mud or mire b (1) : SWAMP (2) : an inlet on a river; also : BACKWATER (3) : a creek in a marsh or tide flat 2 : a state of moral degradation or spiritual dejection - sloughy /-E/ adjective
64.slovenly	untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod; N. sloven: one who is habitually untidy or careless	Function: adjective 1 a : untidy especially in personal appearance b : lazily slipshod <slovenly in thought> 2 : characteristic of a sloven <slovenly habits> - slo·ven·li·ness noun - slovenly adverb
65.sluggard	lazy person	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English sluggart : an habitually lazy person
66.sluggish	lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic; CF. slug: nail with no shell	Function: adjective 1 : averse to activity or exertion : INDOLENT; also : TORPID 2 : slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment) 3 a : markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth b : economically inactive or slow - slug·gish·ly adverb - slug·gish·ness noun
67.sluice	artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English sluse, alteration of scluse, from Middle French escluse, from Late Latin exclusa, from Latin, feminine of exclusus, past participle of excludere to exclude 1 a : an artificial passage for water (as in a millstream) fitted with a valve or gate for stopping or regulating flow b : a body of water pent up behind a floodgate 2 : a dock gate : FLOODGATE 3 a : a stream flowing through a floodgate b : a channel to drain or carry off surplus water 4 : a long inclined trough usually on the ground; especially : such a contrivance paved usually with riffles to hold quicksilver for catching gold
68.slur	slander; insult to one's character or reputation; V.	Function: noun Etymology: obsolete English dialect slur thin mud, from Middle English sloor; akin to Middle High German slier mud 1 a : an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo : ASPERSION b : a shaming or degrading effect : STAIN, STIGMA 2 : a blurred spot in printed matter : SMUDGE
69.slur	pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble	Function: noun Etymology: obsolete English dialect slur thin mud, from Middle English sloor; akin to Middle High German slier mud 1 a : an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo : ASPERSION b : a shaming or degrading effect : STAIN, STIGMA 2 : a blurred spot in printed matter : SMUDGE
70.smattering	slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount; Ex. smattering of German	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English smateren intransitive senses : to talk superficially : BABBLE transitive senses 1 : to speak with spotty or superficial knowledge <smatters French> 2 : to dabble in - smat·ter·er /-t&r-&r/ noun
71.smelt	melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): smelled /'smeld/; or smelt /'smelt/; smell·ing Etymology: Middle English transitive senses 1 : to perceive the odor or scent of through stimuli affecting the olfactory nerves : get the odor or scent of with the nose 2 : to detect or become aware of as if by the sense of smell 3 : to emit the odor of intransitive senses 1 : to exercise the sense of smell 2 a (1) : to have an odor or scent (2) : to have a characteristic aura or atmosphere : SMACK <the accounts... seemed to me to smell of truth -- R. S. Bourne>; also : SEEM, APPEAR <the story didn't smell right> b (1) : to have an offensive odor : STINK (2) : to be of bad or questionable quality <all this from the moral point of view smells -- A. F. Wills> - smell·er noun - smell a rat : to have a suspicion of something wrong
72.smirk	conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else's misfortune); V.	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English smearcian to smile; akin to Old English smerian to laugh : to smile in an affected or smug manner : SIMPER - smirk noun
73.smolder	smoulder; burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state; Ex. smoldering anger	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): smol·dered or smoul·dered; smol·der·ing or smoul·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English smolderen to smother, from smolder smoke, smudge; akin to Middle Dutch smOlen to smolder 1 a : to burn sluggishly, without flame, and often with much smoke b : to be consumed by smoldering -- often used with out 2 : to exist in a state of suppressed activity <hostilities smoldered for years> 3 : to show suppressed anger, hate, or jealousy <eyes smoldering with hate>
74.snicker	half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V.	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): snick·ered; snick·er·ing /-k(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: origin unknown : to laugh in a covert or partly suppressed manner : TITTER - snick·er·er /-k&r-&r/ noun - snick·ery /-k(&-)rE/ adjective
75.snivel	complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle; Ex. Don't come back sniveling to me.	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -eled or -elled; -el·ing or sniv·el·ling /'sni-v&-li[ng], 'sniv-li[ng]/ Etymology: Middle English, from (assumed) Old English snyflan; akin to Dutch snuffelen to snuffle, snuffen to sniff 1 : to run at the nose 2 : to snuff mucus up the nose audibly : SNUFFLE 3 : to cry or whine with snuffling 4 : to speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner - sniv·el·er /'sni-v&-l&r, 'sniv-l&r/ noun
76.sobriety	moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English sobrietie, from Middle French sobrieté, from Latin sobrietat-, sobrietas, from sobrius : the quality or state of being sober
77.sodden	thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English soden, from past participle of sethen to seethe 1 a : dull or expressionless especially from continued indulgence in alcoholic beverages <sodden features> b : TORPID, SLUGGISH <sodden minds> 2 a : heavy with or as if with moisture or water <the sodden ground> b : heavy or doughy because of imperfect cooking <sodden biscuits> - sod·den·ly adverb - sod·den·ness /-d&n-(n)&s/ noun
78.sojourn	temporary stay; V: stay for a time	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English sojorn, from Old French, from sojorner : a temporary stay <a sojourn in the country>
79.solace	comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): so·laced; so·lac·ing 1 : to give solace to : CONSOLE 2 a : to make cheerful b : AMUSE 3 : ALLAY, SOOTHE <solace grief> - so·lace·ment /-m&nt/ noun - so·lac·er noun
80.solder	repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: metal alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten state to join metallic parts	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English soudure, from Middle French, from souder to solder, from Latin solidare to make solid, from solidus solid 1 : a metal or metallic alloy used when melted to join metallic surfaces; especially : an alloy of lead and tin so used 2 : something that unites
81.solecism	nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social etiquette	Function: noun Etymology: Latin soloecismus, from Greek soloikismos, from soloikos speaking incorrectly, literally, inhabitant of Soloi, from Soloi, city in ancient Cilicia where a substandard form of Attic was spoken 1 : an ungrammatical combination of words in a sentence; also : a minor blunder in speech 2 : something deviating from the proper, normal, or accepted order 3 : a breach of etiquette or decorum - so·le·cis·tic /"sä-l&-'sis-tik, "sO-/ adjective
82.solemnity	seriousness; gravity	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties 1 : formal or ceremonious observance of an occasion or event 2 : a solemn event or occasion 3 : a solemn condition or quality <the solemnity of his words>
83.solicit	entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain; Ex. solicit votes; CF. solicitor: one who solicits; chief law officer	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, to disturb, take charge of, from Middle French solliciter, from Latin sollicitare to disturb, from sollicitus anxious, from sollus whole (from Oscan; akin to Greek holos whole) + citus, past participle of ciEre to move -- more at SAFE, -KINESIS transitive senses 1 a : to make petition to : ENTREAT b : to approach with a request or plea 2 : to urge (as one's cause) strongly 3 a : to entice or lure especially into evil b : to proposition (someone) especially as or in the character of a prostitute 4 : to try to obtain by usually urgent requests or pleas intransitive senses 1 : to make solicitation : IMPORTUNE 2 of a prostitute : to offer to have sexual relations with someone for money synonym see ASK
84.solicitous	anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous to do something; N. solicitude	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin sollicitus 1 : manifesting or expressing solicitude <a solicitous inquiry about his health> 2 : full of concern or fears : APPREHENSIVE <solicitous about the future> 3 : meticulously careful <solicitous in matters of dress> 4 : full of desire : EAGER - so·lic·i·tous·ly adverb - so·lic·i·tous·ness noun
85.soliloquy	talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. monologue: soliloquy; long speech by one person (often monopolizing a conversation)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -quies Etymology: Late Latin soliloquium, from Latin solus alone + loqui to speak 1 : the act of talking to oneself 2 : a dramatic monologue that gives the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections
86.solitude	state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary: existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded; single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary piece of proof	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin solitudin-, solitudo, from solus 1 : the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : SECLUSION 2 : a lonely place (as a desert) synonyms SOLITUDE, ISOLATION, SECLUSION mean the state of one who is alone. SOLITUDE may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates <a few quiet hours of solitude>. ISOLATION stresses detachment from others often involuntarily <the isolation of the village in winter>. SECLUSION suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life <lived in pastoral seclusion>.
87.solstice	point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin solstitium, from sol sun + -stit-, -stes standing; akin to Latin stare to stand -- more at SOLAR, STAND 1 : either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its distance from the celestial equator is greatest and which is reached by the sun each year about June 22d and December 22d 2 : the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs about June 22d to begin summer in the northern hemisphere and about December 22d to begin winter in the northern hemisphere
88.soluble	able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, capable of being loosened or dissolved, from Late Latin solubilis, from Latin solvere to loosen, dissolve -- more at SOLVE 1 : susceptible of being dissolved in or as if in a liquid and especially water 2 : subject to being solved or explained <soluble questions>
89.solvent	able to pay all depths; N. solvency	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin solvent-, solvens, present participle of solvere to dissolve, pay 1 : able to pay all legal debts 2 : that dissolves or can dissolve <solvent action of water> - sol·vent·ly adverb
90.solvent	substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable of dissolving another substance	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin solvent-, solvens, present participle of solvere to dissolve, pay 1 : able to pay all legal debts 2 : that dissolves or can dissolve <solvent action of water> - sol·vent·ly adverb
91.somatic	pertaining to the body; bodily; physical	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek sOmatikos, from sOmat-, sOma 1 : of, relating to, or affecting the body especially as distinguished from the germ plasm or the psyche 2 : of or relating to the wall of the body : PARIETAL - so·mat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb