Gre Wordlist 44 : somber - sublime

1.somber	dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF. shadow	Function: adjective Etymology: French sombre 1 : so shaded as to be dark and gloomy 2 a : of a serious mien : GRAVE b : of a dismal or depressing character : MELANCHOLY c : conveying gloomy suggestions or ideas 3 : of a dull or heavy cast or shade : dark colored - som·ber·ly adverb - som·ber·ness noun
2.somnambulist	sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism	Function: noun 1 : an abnormal condition of sleep in which motor acts (as walking) are performed 2 : actions characteristic of somnambulism - som·nam·bu·list /-list/ noun - som·nam·bu·lis·tic /(")säm-"nam-by&-'lis-tik/ adjective - som·nam·bu·lis·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
3.somnolent	half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English sompnolent, from Middle French, from Latin somnolentus, from somnus sleep; akin to Old English swefn sleep, Greek hypnos 1 : of a kind likely to induce sleep <a somnolent sermon> 2 a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : DROWSY b : SLEEPY 2 <somnolent rivers> - som·no·lent·ly adverb
4.sonorous	resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin sonorus; akin to Latin sonus sound 1 : producing sound (as when struck) 2 : full or loud in sound 3 : imposing or impressive in effect or style 4 : having a high or an indicated degree of sonority <sonorous sounds such as \ä\ and \o\> - so·no·rous·ly adverb - so·no·rous·ness noun
5.sophist	teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning; N. sophism: plausible but fallacious argument	Function: noun Etymology: Latin sophista, from Greek sophistEs, literally, expert, wise man, from sophizesthai to become wise, deceive, from sophos clever, wise 1 capitalized : any of a class of ancient Greek teachers of rhetoric, philosophy, and the art of successful living prominent about the middle of the 5th century B.C. for their adroit subtle and allegedly often specious reasoning 2 : PHILOSOPHER, THINKER 3 : a captious or fallacious reasoner
6.sophisticated	worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex; N. sophistication; V. sophisticate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin sophisticatus, past participle of sophisticare, from Latin sophisticus sophistic, from Greek sophistikos, from sophistEs sophist 1 : to alter deceptively; especially : ADULTERATE 2 : to deprive of genuineness, naturalness, or simplicity; especially : to deprive of naïveté and make worldly-wise : DISILLUSION 3 : to make complicated or complex
7.sophistry	seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism	Function: noun 1 : subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation 2 : SOPHISM 1
8.sophomoric	immature; half-baked; like a sophomore	Function: adjective 1 : conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature 2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a sophomore <a sophomoric prank>
9.soporific	sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy	Function: adjective Etymology: probably from French soporifique, from Latin sopor deep sleep; akin to Latin somnus sleep -- more at SOMNOLENT 1 a : causing or tending to cause sleep b : tending to dull awareness or alertness 2 : of, relating to, or marked by sleepiness or lethargy
10.sordid	filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin sordidus, from sordes dirt -- more at SWART 1 : marked by baseness or grossness : VILE <sordid motives> 2 a : DIRTY, FILTHY b : WRETCHED, SQUALID 3 : meanly avaricious : COVETOUS 4 : of a dull or muddy color synonym see MEAN - sor·did·ly adverb - sor·did·ness noun
11.spangle	small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English spangel, diminutive of spang shiny ornament, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse spong spangle; akin to Old English spang buckle, Middle Dutch spannen to stretch 1 : a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation especially on clothing 2 : a small glittering object or particle
12.sparse	not thick; thinly scattered; scanty	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): spars·er; spars·est Etymology: Latin sparsus spread out, from past participle of spargere to scatter -- more at SPARK : of few and scattered elements; especially : not thickly grown or settled synonym see MEAGER - sparse·ly adverb - sparse·ness noun - spar·si·ty /'spär-s&-tE, -stE/ noun
13.spartan	without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living condition/life	Function: noun 1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Sparta 2 : a person of great courage and self-discipline - Spar·tan·ism /-"i-z&m/ noun
14.spasmodic	fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst of energy or emotion	Function: adjective Etymology: New Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmOdEs, from spasmos 1 a : relating to or affected or characterized by spasm b : resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence <a spasmodic jerk> 2 : acting or proceeding fitfully : INTERMITTENT 3 : subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : EXCITABLE synonym see FITFUL - spas·mod·i·cal·ly /-di-k(&-)lE/ adverb
15.spat	squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
16.spate	sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English 1 : FRESHET, FLOOD 2 a : a large number or amount <a spate of books on gardening> b : a sudden or strong outburst : RUSH <a spate of anger>
17.spatial	relating to space	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin spatium space : relating to, occupying, or having the character of space - spa·ti·al·i·ty /"spA-shE-'a-l&-tE/ noun - spa·tial·ly /'spA-sh(&-)lE/ adverb
18.spatula	broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing	Function: noun Etymology: Late Latin, spoon, spatula -- more at EPAULET : a flat thin usually metal implement used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, or lifting
19.spawn	lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French espaundre, from Old French espandre to spread out, expand, from Latin expandere intransitive senses 1 : to deposit spawn 2 : to produce young especially in large numbers transitive senses 1 a : to produce or deposit (eggs) -- used of an aquatic animal b : to induce (fish) to spawn c : to plant with mushroom spawn 2 : BRING FORTH, GENERATE - spawn·er noun
20.specious	seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, visually pleasing, from Latin speciosus beautiful, plausible, from species 1 obsolete : SHOWY 2 : having deceptive attraction or allure 3 : having a false look of truth or genuineness : SOPHISTIC - spe·cious·ly adverb - spe·cious·ness noun
21.spectral	ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : GHOSTLY 2 : of, relating to, or made by a spectrum - spec·tral·ly /'spek-tr&-lE/ adverb
22.spectrum	colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of modern thoughts	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural spec·tra /-tr&/; or spectrums Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, appearance -- more at SPECTER 1 a : a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order b : any of various continua that resemble a spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) : ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (2) : RADIO SPECTRUM (3) : the range of frequencies of sound waves (4) : MASS SPECTRUM c : the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum 2 a : a continuous sequence or range <a wide spectrum of interests> b : kinds of organisms associated with a particular situation (as an environment) or susceptible to an agent (as an antibiotic)
23.spendthrift	someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: accumulated wealth	Function: noun : a person who spends improvidently or wastefully - spendthrift adjective
24.sphinx	-like enigmatic; mysterious	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural sphinx·es or sphin·ges /'sfin-"jEz/ Etymology: Latin, from Greek Sphinx, Sphix 1 a capitalized : a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle b : an enigmatic or mysterious person <she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination> 2 : an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head 3 : HAWKMOTH - sphinx·like /-"lIk/ adjective
25.splice	join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of tape; N.	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): spliced; splic·ing Etymology: obsolete Dutch splissen; akin to Middle Dutch splitten to split 1 a : to unite (as two ropes) by interweaving the strands b : to unite (as lengths of magnetic tape) by lapping two ends together or by applying a piece that laps upon two ends and making fast 2 : to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing 3 : to combine (genetic material) from either the same organism or different organisms <use enzymes to cut and splice genes> - splic·er noun
26.spontaneity	lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated; happening without being planned	Function: noun 1 : the quality or state of being spontaneous 2 : voluntary or undetermined action or movement; also : its source
27.spoonerism	accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. ``Let me sew you to your sheet'' for ``Let me show you to your seat''; CF. William Spooner	Function: noun Etymology: William A. Spooner died 1930 English clergyman & educator : a transposition of usually initial sounds of two or more words (as in tons of soil for sons of toil)
28.sporadic	occurring irregularly; intermittent	Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin sporadicus, from Greek sporadikos, from sporadEn here and there, from sporad-, sporas scattered; akin to Greek speirein to sow -- more at SPERM : occurring occasionally, singly, or in scattered instances synonym see INFREQUENT - spo·rad·i·cal·ly /-di-k(&-)lE/ adverb
29.sportive	playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or frolic; CF. sportsmanlike	Function: adjective 1 a : FROLICSOME, PLAYFUL b : ARDENT, WANTON 2 : of or relating to sports and especially field sports - sport·ive·ly adverb - sport·ive·ness noun
30.spruce	neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be spruce for your job interview; V.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): spruced; spruc·ing transitive senses : to make spruce -- often used with up intransitive senses : to make oneself spruce <spruce up a bit>
31.spry	(esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): spri·er or spry·er /'sprI(-&)r/; spri·est or spry·est /'sprI-&st/ Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect sprygg spry : NIMBLE 1 <a spry 75-year-old> - spry·ly adverb - spry·ness noun
32.spurious	false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spurious arguments	Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin spurius false, from Latin, of illegitimate birth, from spurius, noun, bastard 1 : of illegitimate birth : BASTARD 2 : outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : FALSE 3 a : of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : FORGED b : of a deceitful nature or quality - spu·ri·ous·ly adverb - spu·ri·ous·ness noun
33.spurn	reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all offers of help.	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spurnan; akin to Old High German spurnan to kick, Latin spernere to spurn, Greek spairein to quiver intransitive senses 1 obsolete a : STUMBLE b : KICK 2 archaic : to reject something disdainfully transitive senses 1 : to tread sharply or heavily upon : TRAMPLE 2 : to reject with disdain or contempt : SCORN synonym see DECLINE - spurn·er noun
34.squabble	minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor quarrel; Ex. squabbling children	Function: noun Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect skvabbel dispute : a noisy altercation or quarrel usually over trifles
35.squalor	condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story	Function: noun Etymology: Latin, from squalEre : the quality or state of being squalid
36.squander	waste; spend foolishly	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): squan·dered; squan·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/ Etymology: origin unknown transitive senses 1 : to spend extravagantly or foolishly : DISSIPATE 2 : to cause to disperse : SCATTER 3 : to lose (as an advantage or opportunity) through negligence or inaction intransitive senses : DISPERSE, SCATTER - squan·der·er /-d&r-&r/ noun
37.squat	short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V. N.	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): squat·ted; squat·ting Etymology: Middle English squatten, from Middle French esquatir, from es- ex- (from Latin ex-) + quatir to press, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin coactire to press together, from Latin coactus, past participle of cogere to drive together -- more at COGENT transitive senses 1 : to cause (oneself) to crouch or sit on the ground 2 : to occupy as a squatter intransitive senses 1 : to crouch close to the ground as if to escape observation <a hare squatting in the grass> 2 : to assume or maintain a position in which the body is supported on the feet and the knees are bent so that the buttocks rest on or near the heels 3 : to be or become a squatter
38.staccato	played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause	Function: adjective Etymology: Italian, from past participle of staccare to detach, from s- ex- (from Latin ex-) + attaccare to attack, attach, perhaps from Old French estachier -- more at ATTACH 1 a : cut short or apart in performing : DISCONNECTED <staccato notes> b : marked by short clear-cut playing or singing of tones or chords <a staccato style> 2 : ABRUPT, DISJOINTED - staccato adverb - staccato noun
39.stagnant	(of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex. stagnant industrial output	Function: adjective 1 a : not flowing in a current or stream <stagnant water> b : STALE <long disuse had made the air stagnant and foul -- Bram Stoker> 2 : not advancing or developing - stag·nan·cy /-n&n(t)-sE/ noun - stag·nant·ly adverb
40.staid	serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the funeral ceremony	Function: adjective Etymology: from past participle of 3stay : marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint : SOBER, GRAVE synonym see SERIOUS - staid·ly adverb - staid·ness noun
41.stalemate	deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked	Function: noun Etymology: obsolete English stale stalemate + English 1mate 1 : a drawing position in chess in which only the king can move and although not in check can move only into check 2 : a drawn contest : DEADLOCK; also : the state of being stalemated
42.stalwart	physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination; Ex. stalwart supporter; N: stalwart follower	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, alteration of stalworth, from Old English st[AE]lwierthe serviceable : marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit <stalwart common sense> synonym see STRONG - stal·wart·ly adverb - stal·wart·ness noun
43.stamina	power of endurance; strength; staying power	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural stamens also sta·mi·na /'stA-m&-n&, 'sta-/ Etymology: Latin, warp, thread, from stare to stand -- more at STAND : a microsporophyll of a seed plant; specifically : the pollen-producing male organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament -- see FLOWER illustration
44.stanch	stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gushing wound	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English staunchen, from Middle French estancher, perhaps from (assumed) Vulgar Latin stanticare, from Latin stant-, stans, present participle 1 : to check or stop the flowing of <stanched her tears>; also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound) 2 archaic : ALLAY, EXTINGUISH 3 a : to stop or check in its course <trying to stanch the crime wave> b : to make watertight : stop up - stanch·er noun
45.stanza	division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)	Function: noun Etymology: Italian, stay, abode, room, stanza, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin stantia stay -- more at STANCE : a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually recurring pattern of meter and rhyme : STROPHE - stan·za·ic /stan-'zA-ik/ adjective
46.static	having no motion; unchanging; lacking development; N. stasis: stable state	Function: adjective Etymology: New Latin staticus, from Greek statikos causing to stand, skilled in weighing, from histanai to cause to stand, weigh -- more at STAND 1 : exerting force by reason of weight alone without motion 2 : of or relating to bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium 3 : showing little change <a static population> 4 a : characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression b : producing an effect of repose or quiescence <a static design> 5 a : standing or fixed in one place : STATIONARY b of water : stored in a tank but not under pressure 6 : of, relating to, or producing stationary charges of electricity : ELECTROSTATIC 7 : of, relating to, or caused by radio static - stat·i·cal /-ti-k&l/ adjective - stat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
47.statute	law enacted by the legislature	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum law, regulation, from Latin, neuter of statutus, past participle of statuere to set up, station, from status position, state 1 : a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government 2 : an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule 3 : an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority synonym see LAW
48.statutory	created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute; Ex. statutory age limit	Function: adjective 1 : of or relating to statutes 2 : enacted, created, or regulated by statute <a statutory age limit> - stat·u·to·ri·ly /"sta-ch&-'tOr-&-lE, -'tor-/ adverb
49.steadfast	steadily loyal; unswerving; steady	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from stede + fæst fixed, fast 1 a : firmly fixed in place : IMMOVABLE b : not subject to change <the steadfast doctrine of original sin -- Ellen Glasgow> 2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : LOYAL synonym see FAITHFUL - stead·fast·ly adverb - stead·fast·ness /-"fas(t)-n&s, -f&s(t)-/ noun
50.stealth	action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English stelthe; akin to Old English stelan to steal 1 a archaic : THEFT b obsolete : something stolen 2 : the act or action of proceeding furtively, secretly, or imperceptibly <the state moves by stealth to gather information -- Nat Hentoff> 3 : the state of being furtive or unobtrusive 4 : an aircraft-design characteristic consisting of oblique angular construction and avoidance of vertical surfaces that is intended to produce a very weak radar return
51.steep	soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath; ADJ: precipitous	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English stepe, from Old English stEap high, steep, deep; akin to Middle High German stief steep 1 : LOFTY, HIGH -- used chiefly of a sea 2 : making a large angle with the plane of the horizon 3 a : mounting or falling precipitously <the stairs were very steep> b : being or characterized by a rapid and intensive decline or increase 4 : extremely or excessively high <steep prices> - steep·ish /'stE-pish/ adjective - steep·ly adverb - steep·ness noun synonyms STEEP, ABRUPT, PRECIPITOUS, SHEER mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. STEEP implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult <a steep hill> <a steep dive>. ABRUPT implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level <a beach with an abrupt drop-off>. PRECIPITOUS applies to an incline approaching the vertical <the river winds through a precipitous gorge>. SHEER suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse <sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers>.
52.stellar	pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance	Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin stellaris, from Latin stella star -- more at STAR 1 a : of or relating to the stars : ASTRAL b : composed of stars 2 : of or relating to a theatrical or film star <stellar names> 3 a : PRINCIPAL, LEADING <a stellar role> b : OUTSTANDING <a stellar student> <a stellar performance>
53.stem	stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English stefn, stemn stem of a plant or ship; akin to Old High German stam plant stem and probably to Greek stamnos wine jar, histanai to set -- more at STAND 1 a : the main trunk of a plant; specifically : a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots b : a plant part (as a branch, petiole, or stipe) that supports another (as a leaf or fruit) c : the complete fruiting stalk of a banana plant with its bananas 2 a : the main upright member at the bow of a ship b : the bow or prow of a ship -- compare STERN 3 : a line of ancestry : STOCK; especially : a fundamental line from which others have arisen 4 : the part of an inflected word that remains unchanged except by phonetic changes or variations throughout an inflection 5 : something held to resemble a plant stem: as a : a main or heavy stroke of a letter b : the short perpendicular line extending from the head of a musical note c : the part of a tobacco pipe from the bowl outward d : the cylindrical support of a piece of stemware (as a goblet) e : a shaft of a watch used for winding - from stem to stern : THROUGHOUT, THOROUGHLY
54.stem	_from arise from; originate from	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English stefn, stemn stem of a plant or ship; akin to Old High German stam plant stem and probably to Greek stamnos wine jar, histanai to set -- more at STAND 1 a : the main trunk of a plant; specifically : a primary plant axis that develops buds and shoots instead of roots b : a plant part (as a branch, petiole, or stipe) that supports another (as a leaf or fruit) c : the complete fruiting stalk of a banana plant with its bananas 2 a : the main upright member at the bow of a ship b : the bow or prow of a ship -- compare STERN 3 : a line of ancestry : STOCK; especially : a fundamental line from which others have arisen 4 : the part of an inflected word that remains unchanged except by phonetic changes or variations throughout an inflection 5 : something held to resemble a plant stem: as a : a main or heavy stroke of a letter b : the short perpendicular line extending from the head of a musical note c : the part of a tobacco pipe from the bowl outward d : the cylindrical support of a piece of stemware (as a goblet) e : a shaft of a watch used for winding - from stem to stern : THROUGHOUT, THOROUGHLY
55.stentorian	(of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a loud herald in the Iliad	Function: adjective : extremely loud synonym see LOUD
56.stereotype	one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice; Ex. stereotype of the happy slave; V: make a stereotype of; represent by a stereotype; Ex. It is wrong to stereotype people; Ex. stereotyped answer	Function: transitive verb 1 : to make a stereotype from 2 a : to repeat without variation : make hackneyed b : to develop a mental stereotype about - ste·reo·typ·er noun
57.stickler	perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right	Function: noun 1 : one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something <a stickler for the rules> 2 : something that baffles or puzzles : POSER, STICKER
58.stifle	suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English : the joint next above the hock in the hind leg of a quadruped (as a horse or dog) corresponding to the human knee -- see HORSE illustration
59.stigma	token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural stig·ma·ta /stig-'mä-t&, 'stig-m&-t&/; or stig·mas Etymology: Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo -- more at STICK 1 a archaic : a scar left by a hot iron : BRAND b : a mark of shame or discredit : STAIN c : an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease 2 a stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b : PETECHIA 3 a : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal b : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate -- see FLOWER illustration - stig·mal /'stig-m&l/ adjective
60.stilted	bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal	Function: transitive verb : to raise on or as if on stilts
61.stint	set limits in amount or number; be thrifty; ADJ. stinting, unstinting; CF. stint:savings	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styntan to blunt, dull; akin to Old Norse stuttr scant intransitive senses 1 archaic : STOP, DESIST 2 : to be sparing or frugal transitive senses 1 archaic : to put an end to : STOP 2 a : to restrain within certain limits : CONFINE b : to restrict with respect to a share or allowance 3 : to assign a task to (a person) - stint·er noun
62.stint	supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation; Ex. two-year stint in the army; Ex. without stint	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styntan to blunt, dull; akin to Old Norse stuttr scant intransitive senses 1 archaic : STOP, DESIST 2 : to be sparing or frugal transitive senses 1 archaic : to put an end to : STOP 2 a : to restrain within certain limits : CONFINE b : to restrict with respect to a share or allowance 3 : to assign a task to (a person) - stint·er noun
63.stipend	pay for services	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, alteration of stipendy, from Latin stipendium, from stip-, stips gift + pendere to weigh, pay : a fixed sum of money paid periodically for services or to defray expenses
64.stipple	paint or draw with dots or short strokes	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): stip·pled; stip·pling /-p(&-)li[ng]/ Etymology: Dutch stippelen to spot, dot 1 : to engrave by means of dots and flicks 2 a : to make by small short touches (as of paint or ink) that together produce an even or softly graded shadow b : to apply (as paint) by repeated small touches 3 : SPECKLE, FLECK - stip·pler /-p(&-)l&r/ noun
65.stipulate	state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stipulated payment in advance	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: Latin stipulatus, past participle of stipulari to demand some term in an agreement intransitive senses 1 : to make an agreement or covenant to do or forbear something : CONTRACT 2 : to demand an express term in an agreement -- used with for transitive senses 1 : to specify as a condition or requirement of an agreement or offer 2 : to give a guarantee of - stip·u·la·tor /-"lA-t&r/ noun
66.stock	standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common; Ex. stock sizes of paper; Ex. stock excuse/character; N: goods for sale in a shop; OP. unique	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English stok, from Old English stocc; akin to Old High German stoc stick 1 a archaic : STUMP b archaic : a log or block of wood c (1) archaic : something without life or consciousness (2) : a dull, stupid, or lifeless person 2 : a supporting framework or structure: as a plural : the frame or timbers holding a ship during construction b plural : a device for publicly punishing offenders consisting of a wooden frame with holes in which the feet or feet and hands can be locked c (1) : the wooden part by which a shoulder arm is held during firing (2) : the butt of an implement (as a whip or fishing rod) (3) : BITSTOCK, BRACE d : a long beam on a field gun forming the third support point in firing 3 a : the main stem of a plant : TRUNK b (1) : a plant or plant part united with a scion in grafting and supplying mostly underground parts to a graft (2) : a plant from which slips or cuttings are taken 4 : the crosspiece of an anchor -- see ANCHOR illustration 5 a : the original (as a person, race, or language) from which others derive : SOURCE b (1) : the descendants of one individual : FAMILY, LINEAGE (2) : a compound organism -- compare CLONE c : an infraspecific group usually having unity of descent d (1) : a related group of languages (2) : a language family 6 a (1) : the equipment, materials, or supplies of an establishment (2) : LIVESTOCK b : a store or supply accumulat
67.stockade	wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier	Function: noun Etymology: Spanish estacada, from estaca stake, pale, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English staca stake 1 : a line of stout posts set firmly to form a defense 2 a : an enclosure or pen made with posts and stakes b : an enclosure in which prisoners are kept
68.stodgy	dull; stuffy; boringly conservative; Ex. stodgy book	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): stodg·i·er; -est 1 : having a rich filling quality : HEAVY <stodgy bread> 2 : moving in a slow plodding way especially as a result of physical bulkiness 3 : BORING, DULL <out on a peaceful rather stodgy Sunday boat trip -- Edna Ferber> 4 : extremely old-fashioned : HIDEBOUND <received a pompously Victorian letter from his stodgy father -- E. E. S. Montagu> 5 a : DRAB b : DOWDY - stodg·i·ly /'stä-j&-lE/ adverb - stodg·i·ness /'stä-jE-n&s/ noun
69.stoic	stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief; N. CF. stoicism	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin stoicus, from Greek stOïkos, literally, of the portico, from Stoa (PoikilE) the Painted Portico, portico at Athens where Zeno taught 1 capitalized : a member of a school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium about 300 B.C. holding that the wise man should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submissive to natural law 2 : one apparently or professedly indifferent to pleasure or pain
70.stoke	stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): stoked; stok·ing Etymology: Dutch stoken; akin to Middle Dutch stuken to push transitive senses 1 : to poke or stir up (as a fire) : supply with fuel 2 : to feed abundantly intransitive senses : to stir up or tend a fire (as in a furnace) : supply a furnace with fuel
71.stolid	dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin stolidus dull, stupid : having or expressing little or no sensibility : UNEMOTIONAL synonym see IMPASSIVE - sto·lid·i·ty /stä-'li-d&-tE, st&-/ noun - stol·id·ly /'stä-l&d-lE/ adverb
72.stratagem	deceptive scheme; clever trick	Function: noun Etymology: Italian stratagemma, from Latin strategema, from Greek stratEgEma, from stratEgein to be a general, maneuver, from stratEgos general, from stratos camp, army (akin to Latin stratus, past participle, spread out) + agein to lead -- more at STRATUM, AGENT 1 a : an artifice or trick in war for deceiving and outwitting the enemy b : a cleverly contrived trick or scheme for gaining an end 2 : skill in ruses or trickery synonym see TRICK
73.stratified	divided into classes; arranged into strata; V. stratify	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing Etymology: New Latin stratificare, from stratum + Latin -ificare -ify transitive senses 1 : to form, deposit, or arrange in strata 2 a : to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or social strata b : to divide into a series of graded statuses intransitive senses : to become arranged in strata
74.stratum	layer of earth's surface; layer of society; PL. strata	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural stra·ta /'strA-t&, 'stra-/ Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, spread, bed, from neuter of stratus, past participle of sternere to spread out -- more at STREW 1 : a bed or layer artificially made 2 a : a sheetlike mass of sedimentary rock or earth of one kind lying between beds of other kinds b : a region of the sea or atmosphere that is analogous to a stratum of the earth c : a layer of tissue <deep stratum of the skin> d : a layer in which archaeological material (as artifacts, skeletons, and dwelling remains) is found on excavation 3 a : a part of a historical or sociological series representing a period or a stage of development b : a socioeconomic level of society comprising persons of the same or similar status especially with regard to education or culture 4 : one of a series of layers, levels, or gradations in an ordered system <strata of thought> 5 : a statistical subpopulation usage The plural strata has occasionally been used as a singular since the 18th century and is sometimes given the plural stratas <there was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of -- Ezra Pound> <a Roman burial ground suggests stratas of corruption and decay -- Connie Fletcher, Booklist>. Current evidence shows senses 2, 3b, and 4 so used, with 3b the most common. Singular strata is persistent but not frequent. It may someday establish itself as a singular like agenda, but its current status is something less than established.
75.strew	spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter; Ex. flower girl strewing rose petals	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): strewed; strewed or strewn /'strün/; strew·ing Etymology: Middle English strewen, strowen, from Old English strewian, strEowian; akin to Old High German strewen to strew, Latin struere to heap up, sternere to spread out, Greek stornynai 1 : to spread by scattering 2 : to cover by or as if by scattering something <strewing the highways with litter> 3 : to become dispersed over as if scattered 4 : to spread abroad : DISSEMINATE
76.striated	marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved; Ex. striated rocks; V. striate; N. stria: thin groove or line	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): stri·at·ed; stri·at·ing : to mark with striations or striae
77.stricture	severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin strictura, from Latin strictus, past participle 1 a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage; also : the narrowed part b : a constriction of the breath passage in the production of a speech sound 2 : something that closely restrains or limits : RESTRICTION <moral strictures> 3 : an adverse criticism : CENSURE
78.strident	loud and harsh; insistent; N. stridency	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin strident-, stridens, present participle of stridere, stridEre to make a harsh noise : characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound <a strident voice>; also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality <strident slogans> synonym see LOUD, VOCIFEROUS - stri·dent·ly adverb
79.stringent	(of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money; Ex. stringent economic conditions	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin stringent-, stringens, present participle of stringere 1 : TIGHT, CONSTRICTED 2 : marked by rigor, strictness , or severity especially with regard to rule or standard 3 : marked by money scarcity and credit strictness synonym see RIGID - strin·gent·ly adverb
80.strut	pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important manner	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): strut·ted; strut·ting Etymology: Middle English strouten, from Old English strutian to exert oneself; akin to Middle High German strozzen to be swollen intransitive senses 1 : to become turgid : SWELL 2 a : to walk with a proud gait b : to walk with a pompous and affected air transitive senses : to parade (as clothes) with a show of pride - strut·ter noun - strut one's stuff : to display one's best work : SHOW OFF
81.strut	supporting bar; CF. airplane wingÀ̳ª building µîÀ» support	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): strut·ted; strut·ting Etymology: Middle English strouten, from Old English strutian to exert oneself; akin to Middle High German strozzen to be swollen intransitive senses 1 : to become turgid : SWELL 2 a : to walk with a proud gait b : to walk with a pompous and affected air transitive senses : to parade (as clothes) with a show of pride - strut·ter noun - strut one's stuff : to display one's best work : SHOW OFF
82.studied	carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark	Function: adjective 1 : carefully considered or prepared : THOUGHTFUL 2 : KNOWLEDGEABLE, LEARNED 3 : produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation : CALCULATED <studied indifference> - stud·ied·ly adverb - stud·ied·ness noun
83.stultify	make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hinder; Ex. stultifying effect of uninteresting work; Ex. stultify free expression	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing Etymology: Late Latin stultificare to make foolish, from Latin stultus foolish; akin to Latin stolidus stolid 1 : to allege or prove to be of unsound mind and hence not responsible 2 : to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical 3 a : to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective : NEGATE b : to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on - stul·ti·fi·ca·tion /"st&l-t&-f&-'kA-sh&n/ noun
84.stupefy	stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing Etymology: Middle English stupifien, from Middle French stupefier, modification of Latin stupefacere, from stupEre to be astonished + facere to make, do -- more at DO 1 : to make stupid , groggy, or insensible 2 : ASTONISH, ASTOUND - stu·pe·fy·ing·ly /-i[ng]-lE/ adverb
85.stupor	state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from stupEre 1 : a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility <drunken stupor> 2 : a state of extreme apathy or torpor resulting often from stress or shock : DAZE synonym see LETHARGY
86.stygian	unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF. Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead	Function: adjective Usage: often capitalized Etymology: Latin stygius, from Greek stygios, from Styg-, Styx Styx 1 : of or relating to the river Styx 2 : extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
87.stymie	thwart; present an obstacle; stump	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): sty·mied; sty·mie·ing Etymology: Scots stimie, stymie to obstruct a golf shot by interposition of the opponent's ball : to present an obstacle to : stand in the way of
88.suavity	urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and courteous	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): suav·er; -est Etymology: Middle French, pleasant, sweet, from Latin suavis -- more at SWEET 1 : smoothly though often superficially gracious and sophisticated 2 : smooth in texture, performance, or style - suave·ly adverb - suave·ness noun - sua·vi·ty /'swä-v&-tE/ noun synonyms SUAVE, URBANE, DIPLOMATIC, BLAND, SMOOTH, POLITIC mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. SUAVE suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. URBANE implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. DIPLOMATIC stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. BLAND emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. SMOOTH suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. POLITIC implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.
89.subaltern	subordinate	Function: adjective Etymology: Late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub- + alternus alternate, from alter other (of two) -- more at ALTER 1 : particular with reference to a related universal proposition <"some S is P" is a subaltern proposition to "all S is P"> 2 : SUBORDINATE
90.subdue	less intense; quieter; Ex. subdued lighting; Ex. subdue: conquer; make less intense; quiet; Ex. subdue one's anger	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): sub·dued; sub·du·ing Etymology: Middle English sodewen, subduen (influenced in form and meaning by Latin subdere to subject), from Middle French soduire to seduce (influenced in meaning by Latin seducere to seduce), from Latin subducere 1 : to conquer and bring into subjection : VANQUISH 2 : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : CURB <subdued my foolish fears> 3 : to bring under cultivation 4 : to reduce the intensity or degree of : tone down synonym see CONQUER - sub·du·er noun
91.subjective	influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective sensation of the ghostly presence	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a subject : as a obsolete : of, relating to, or characteristic of one that is a subject especially in lack of freedom of action or in submissiveness b : being or relating to a grammatical subject; especially : NOMINATIVE 2 : of or relating to the essential being of that which has substance, qualities, attributes, or relations 3 a : characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind : PHENOMENAL -- compare OBJECTIVE 1b b : relating to or being experience or knowledge as conditioned by personal mental characteristics or states 4 a (1) : peculiar to a particular individual : PERSONAL <subjective judgments> (2) : modified or affected by personal views, experience, or background <a subjective account of the incident> b : arising from conditions within the brain or sense organs and not directly caused by external stimuli <subjective sensations> c : arising out of or identified by means of one's perception of one's own states and processes <a subjective symptom of disease> -- compare OBJECTIVE 1c 5 : lacking in reality or substance : ILLUSORY - sub·jec·tive·ly adverb - sub·jec·tive·ness noun - sub·jec·tiv·i·ty /-"jek-'ti-v&-tE/ noun
92.subjugate	conquer; bring under control	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin subjugatus, past participle of subjugare, from sub- + jugum yoke -- more at YOKE 1 : to bring under control and governance as a subject : CONQUER 2 : to make submissive : SUBDUE - sub·ju·ga·tion /"s&b-ji-'gA-sh&n/ noun - sub·ju·ga·tor /'s&b-ji-"gA-t&r/ noun
93.sublimate	refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -mat·ed; -mat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin sublimatus, past participle of sublimare 1 a : SUBLIME 1 b archaic : to improve or refine as if by subliming 2 : to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its primitive form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable - sub·li·ma·tion /"s&-bl&-'mA-sh&n/ noun
94.sublime	causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): sub·limed; sub·lim·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis transitive senses 1 : to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form 2 [French sublimer, from Latin sublimare] a (1) : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor (2) : to render finer (as in purity or excellence) b : to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth intransitive senses : to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state - sub·lim·able /-'blI-m&-b&l/ adjective - sub·lim·er noun