Details Title: 3,500 GRE Words Description: N/A Total Flash Cards: 623 Created: 06/28/2009 07:46:23		New Users: To study from this flashcard set, or to create your own your own study flash cards, REGISTER HERE. Existing Users: CLICK HERE. Additional General Vocab Flashcards
Cards in this set: Term abase Definition lower, degrade,humiliate Term abate Definition subside or moderate Term abreviate Definition shorten Term abdicate Definition give up, renounce Term aberrant Definition abnormal or deviant Term aberration Definition abnormality Term abet Definition assist, encourage Term abeyance Definition suspended action Term abhor Definition detest or hate Term abject Definition lacking pride, wretched Term abjure Definition renounce upon oath, disavow Term ablution Definition washing Term abnegation Definition renunciation, self sacrifice Term abolish Definition cancel, put an end to Term abominable Definition detestable, extremely unpleasant Term abominate Definition loath or hate Term aboriginal Definition first of its kind, primitive Term abortive Definition unsuccessful Term abrasive Definition rubbing away, grind down Term abridge Definition condense or shorten Term abrogate Definition abolish Term abscission Definition removal by cutting off Term abscond Definition depart secretly and hide Term absolute Definition complete, totally unlimited Term absolve Definition pardoned Term abstain Definition refrain Term abstemious Definition sparing in eating and drinking Term abstinence Definition restraint from eating or drinking Term abstruse Definition obscure, profound Term abusive Definition coarsely insulating, physically harmful Term abut Definition boarder upon, adjoin Term abysmal Definition bottomless Term abyss Definition enormous chasm, vast Term academic Definition related to school, not practical or directly useful Term accede Definition agree Term accelerate Definition move faster Term accessible Definition easy to approach, obtainable Term accessory Definition additional object, useful but not essential Term acclaim Definition applaud, announce with great approval Term acclimate Definition adjust to climate or environment, adapt Term acclivity Definition sharp upslope of a hill Term accolade Definition award or merit Term accommodate Definition obligee or help someone, adjust Term accomplice Definition partner in crime Term accord Definition agreement Term accost Definition approach and speak first to a person Term accoutre Definition equip Term accretion Definition growth, increase Term accrue Definition come about by addition Term acerbic Definition bitter or sour in nature, sharp and cutting Term acerbity Definition bitterness of speech and temper Term acetic Definition vinegary Term acidulous Definition slightly sour, sharp, caustic Term acknowledge Definition recognize, admit Term acme Definition peak, pinnacle, highest point Term acoustics Definition sciene of sound, quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in Term acquiesce Definition assent, agree passively Term acquittal Definition deliverance from a charge Term acrid Definition sharp, bitterly pungent Term acrimonious Definition bitter in words or manner Term acrophobia Definition fear of heights Term actuarial Definition calculating, pertaining to insurance statistics Term actuate Definition motivate Term acuity Definition sharpness Term acumen Definition mental keenness Term acute Definition quick and perceptive, keen, brief and severe Term adage Definition wise saying, proverb Term adamant Definition hard, inflexible Term adapt Definition alter, modify Term addendum Definition addition, appendix to book Term addiction Definition compulsive, habitual need Term addle Definition muddle, drive crazy, become rotten Term address Definition direct a speech to, deal with or discuss Term adept Definition expert at Term adhere Definition stick fast Term adherent Definition supporter, follower Term adjacent Definition adjoining, neighboring Term adjunct Definition something (generally nonessential or inferior) added on or attached Term adjuration Definition solemn urging Term adjutant Definition staff officer assisting the commander, assistant Term admonish Definition warn, reprove Term adorn Definition decorate Term adroit Definition skillful Term adulation Definition flattery, admiration Term adulterate Definition make impure by adding inferior or tainted substances Term advent Definition arrival Term adventitious Definition accidental, casual Term adversary Definition opponent, enemy Term adverse Definition unfavorable, hostile Term adversity Definition poverty, misfortune Term advert Definition refer Term advocacy Definition support, active pleading on behalf of someone or something Term aegis Definition shield, defese Term aerie Definition nest of a large bird of prey Term aesthetic Definition artistic, dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful Term affable Definition easily approachable Term affected Definition artificial, pretended, assumed in order to impress Term affidavit Definition written statement made under oath Term affiliation Definition joining, associating with Term affinity Definition kinship Term affirmation Definition positive assertion, confirmation, solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath Term affix Definition attach or add on, fasten Term affliction Definition state of distress, cause of suffering Term affluence Definition abundance, wealth Term affront Definition insult, offense, intentional act of disrespect Term agape Definition openmouthed Term agenda Definition items of buisiness at a meeting Term agglomeration Definition collection, heap Term aggrandize Definition increase or intensify, raise in power, wealth, rank or honor Term aggregate Definition gather, accumulate Term aggressor Definition attacker Term aghast Definition horrified, dumbfounded Term agility Definition nimbleness Term agitate Definition stir up, disturb Term agnostic Definition one who is skeptical of the existence of a god or any ultimate reality Term agog Definition highly excited, intensely curious Term agrarian Definition pertaining to land or its cultivation Term alacrity Definition cheerful promptness, eagerness Term alchemy Definition medieval form of speculative thought that aimed to transform base metals into silver or gold and to discover a means of prolonging life Term alcove Definition nook, recess Term alias Definition an assumed name Term alienate Definition make hostile, separate Term alimentary Definition supply, nourishment Term alimony Definition payments made to and ex-spouse after divorce Term allay Definition calm pacify Term allege Definition state without proof Term allegiance Definition loyalty Term allegory Definition story in which characters are used as symbols, fable Term alleviate Definition relieve Term alliteration Definition repetition of beginning sound in poetry Term allocate Definition assign Term alloy Definition mixture as of metals Term alloy Definition mix, make less pure, lesson or moderate Term allude Definition refer indirectly Term allure Definition entice, attract Term allusion Definition indirect reference Term alluvial Definition pertaining to soil deposits left by running water Term aloof Definition apart, reserved Term aloft Definition upward Term altercation Definition noisy quarrel, heated dispute Term altruistic Definition unselfishly generous, concerned for others Term amalgamate Definition combine, unite into one body Term amass Definition collect Term amazon Definition female warrior Term ambidextrous Definition capable of using either hand with equal ease Term ambience Definition environment, atmosphere Term ambiguous Definition unclear or doubtful meaning Term ambivalence Definition the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes Term amble Definition moving at an easy pace Term ambrosia Definition food of the gods Term ambulatory Definition able to walk, not bedridden Term ameliorate Definition improve Term amenable Definition readily managed or wiling to be led, answerable to accountable legally Term amend Definition correct, change Term amenities Definition convenient features, courtesies Term amiable Definition agreeable lovable, warmly friendly Term amicable Definition politely friendly, not quarrelsome Term amiss Definition wrong, faulty Term amity Definition friendship Term amnesia Definition loss of memory Term amnesty Definition pardon Term amoral Definition not moral Term amorous Definition moved by sexual love, loving Term amorphous Definition formless, lacking shape or definition Term amphibian Definition able to living in both land and in water Term amphitheater Definition oval building with tiers of seats Term ample Definition abundant Term amplify Definition broaden or clarify by expanding, intensify, make stronger Term amputate Definition cut off part of body, prune Term amok/ amuck Definition in a state of rage Term amulet Definition charm, talisman Term anachronism Definition something or someone misplaced in time Term analgesic Definition causing insensitivity or pain Term analogous Definition comparable Term analogy Definition similarity, parallelism Term anarchist Definition person who seeks to overturn the established government, advocate for abolishing authority Term anarchy Definition absence of governing body, state of disorder Term anathema Definition solemn curse, someone of something regarded as a curse Term ancestry Definition family descent Term anchor Definition secure of fasten firmly Term ancillary Definition serving as an aid or accessory, auxiliary Term anecdote Definition short account of an amusing or interesting event Term anemia Definition condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles Term anesthetic Definition substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness Term anguish Definition acute pain, extreme suffering Term angular Definition sharp-cornered, stiff in manner Term animadversion Definition critical remark Term animated Definition lively, spirited Term animosity Definition active enmity Term animus Definition hostile feeling or intent Term annals Definition records, history Term anneal Definition reduce bitterness and improve toughness by heating and cooling Term annex Definition attach, take possession of Term annihilate Definition destroy Term annotate Definition comment, make explanatory notes Term annuity Definition yearly allowance Term annul Definition make void Term anodyne Definition drug that relieves pain, opiate Term anoint Definition consecrate Term anomalous Definition abnormal, irregular Term anomaly Definition irregularity Term anonymity Definition state of being nameless, anonymousness Term antagonism Definition hostility, active resistance Term antecede Definition precede Term antecedents Definition preceding events or circumstance that influence what come later, ancestors or early background Term antediluvian Definition antiquated, extremely ancient Term anthem Definition song of praise or patriotism Term anthology Definition book of literary selections by various authors Term anthropoid Definition manlike Term anthropologist Definition student of the history and science of humankind Term anthropomorphic Definition having human form or characteristics Term antic Definition extravagantly odd Term anticlimax Definition letdown in thought or emotion Term antidote Definition remedy to counteract a poison or disease Term antipathy Definition aversion, dislike Term antiquated Definition obsolete, outdated Term antiseptic Definition substance that prevents infection Term antithesis Definition contrast, direct opposite of or to Term anvil Definition iron block used in hammering out metals Term apathy Definition lack of caring, indifference Term ape Definition imitate or mimic Term aperture Definition opening, hole Term apex Definition tip, summit, climax Term aphasia Definition loss of speech due to injury of illness Term aphorism Definition pithy maxim or saying Term apiary Definition a place where bees are kept Term aplomb Definition poise, assurance Term apocalyptic Definition prophetic, pertaining to revelations Term apocryphal Definition spurious, not authentic, invented rather than true Term apogee Definition highest point Term apolitical Definition having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs Term apologist Definition one who writes in defense of a cause or institution Term apostate Definition one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs Term apothecary Definition druggist Term apothegm Definition pity, compact saying Term apotheosis Definition elevation to godhood, an ideal example of something Term appall Definition dismay, shock Term apparition Definition ghost, phantom Term appease Definition pacify or soothe, relieve Term appellation Definition name, title Term append Definition attach Term application Definition diligent attention Term apposite Definition appropriate, fitting Term appraise Definition estimate value of Term appreciate Definition be thankful for, increase in worth, be thoroughly conscious of Term apprehend Definition arrest, dread, perceive Term apprehensive Definition fearful discerning Term apprise Definition inform Term approbation Definition approval Term appropriate Definition acquire, take possession of for ones own use Term appurtenances Definition subordinate possessions Term apropos Definition to the point and timely Term aptitude Definition fitness, talent Term aquiline Definition curved, hooked Term arabesque Definition style of decoration involving intertwined plants and abstract curves, ballet position Term arable Definition fit for growing crops Term arbiter Definition person with power to decide a matter in dispute, judge Term arbitrary Definition unreasonable or capricious, tyrannical Term arbitrate Definition act as judge Term arboretum Definition place where different varieties of trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited Term arcade Definition a covered passageway, usually lined with shops Term arcane Definition secret, mysterious, known only to the initiated Term archaeology Definition study of artifacts and relics of early mankind Term archaic Definition antiquated Term archetype Definition prototype, primitive pattern Term archipelago Definition group of closely located islands Term archives Definition public records Term ardor Definition heat, passion, zeal Term arduous Definition hard, strenuous Term argot Definition slang Term aria Definition operatic solo Term arid Definition dry, barren Term aristocracy Definition hereditary nobility Term armada Definition fleet of warships Term aromatic Definition fragrant Term arraign Definition charge in court, indict Term array Definition marshal, draw up in order , clothe adorn Term arrears Definition being in debt Term arrest Definition stop or check, seize of capture Term arrhythmic Definition lacking rhythm or regularity Term arrogance Definition pride, haughtiness Term arroyo Definition gully Term arsenal Definition storage place for military equipment Term artful Definition cunning, crafty, sly Term articulate Definition effective, distinct Term artifact Definition object made by human beings, either handmade or mass-produced Term artifice Definition deception, trickery Term artisan Definition manually skilled worker; craftsman, as opposed to artist Term artless Definition without guile; open and honest Term ascendancy Definition controlling influence Term ascertain Definition find out for certain Term ascetic Definition practicing self-denial; austere Term ascribe Definition refer, attribute, assign Term aseptic Definition preventing infection; having a cleansing effect Term ashen Definition ash colored; deadly pale Term asinine Definition stupid Term askance Definition with a sideways or indirect look Term askew Definition crookedly; slanted; at an angle Term asperity Definition sharpness of temper Term aspersion Definition slanderous remark Term aspirant Definition seeker after position or status Term aspire Definition seek to attain; long for Term assial Definition assault Term assay Definition analyze; evaluate Term assent Definition agree; accept Term assert Definition state strongly or positively; insist on or demand recognition of Term assessment Definition estimation; appraisal Term assiduous Definition diligent Term assimilate Definition absorb; cause to become homogenous Term assuage Definition ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger) Term assumption Definition something taken for granted; the taking over of taking possession of Term assurance Definition promise or pledge; certainty; self confidence Term asteroid Definition small planet Term astigmatism Definition eye defect that prevents proper focus Term astral Definition relating to the stars Term astringent Definition binding; causing contradiction; harsh or severe Term astronomical Definition enormously large or extensive Term astute Definition wise; shrewd; keen Term asunder Definition into parts, apart Term asylum Definition place of refuge or shelter; protection Term asymmetric Definition not identical on both sides of a dividing central line Term atavism Definition resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type Term atheist Definition one who denies the existence of god Term atone Definition make amends for; pay for Term atrocity Definition brutal deed Term atrophy Definition wasting away Term attentive Definition alert and watchful; considerate; thoughtful Term attenuate Definition make thinner; weaken or lessen Term attest Definition testify; bear witness Term attribute Definition essential quality; ascribe or explain Term attrition Definition gradual decrease in numbers; reduction in the work force without firing employees Term atypical Definition not normal Term audacious Definition daring; bold Term audit Definition examination of accounts Term augment Definition increase; add to Term augury Definition omen; prophecy Term august Definition impressive; majestic Term aureole Definition sun's corona; halo Term auroral Definition pertaining to the aurora borealis Term austere Definition forbiddingly stern; severely simple and unornamented Term authenticate Definition prove genuine Term authoritarian Definition subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating anothers will Term authoritative Definition having absolute, unchecked power; dictatorial Term automaton Definition mechanism that imitate actions of humans Term autonomous Definition self-governing Term autopsy Definition examination of a dead body; postmortem Term auxiliary Definition offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary Term avalanche Definition great mass of falling snow and ice Term avarice Definition greediness for health Term avenge Definition take vengeance for something Term aver Definition assert confidently or declare; as used in law, state formally as a fact Term averse Definition reluctant; disinclined Term aversion Definition form of dislike Term avert Definition prevent; turn away Term aviary Definition enclosure for birds Term avid Definition greedy; eager for Term avocation Definition secondary or minor occupation Term avow Definition declare openly Term avuncular Definition like an uncle Term awe Definition solemn wonder Term awl Definition pointed tool used for piercing Term awry Definition distorted; crooked Term axiom Definition self- evident truth requiring no proof Term azure Definition sky blue Term babble Definition chatter idly Term bacchanalian Definition drunken Term badger Definition pester; annoy Term badinage Definition teasing conversation Term baffle Definition frustrate; perplex Term bait Definition harass; tease Term baleful Definition threatening; menacing; sinister; foreshadowing evil Term balk Definition stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue Term ballast Definition heavy substance used to add stability or weight Term balm Definition something that relieves pain Term balmy Definition mild; fragrant Term banal Definition hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality Term bandy Definition discuss lightly or glibly; exchange words heatedly Term bane Definition curse; cause of ruin Term baneful Definition destructive; causing ruin or death Term bantering Definition good-naturedy ridiculing Term barb Definition sharp projection from fishhook or other object; openly cutting remark Term bard Definition poet Term barefaced Definition shameless; bold; unconcealed Term baroque Definition highly ornate Term barrage Definition barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion Term barrister Definition counselor-at-law Term barterer Definition trader Term bask Definition luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth Term bastion Definition stronghold; something seen as a source of protection Term bate Definition let down; restrain Term bauble Definition trinket; trifle Term bawdy Definition indecent; obscene Term beatific Definition showing or producing joy; blissful Term beatify Definition bless or sanctify; proclaim someone dead to be one of the blessed Term beatitude Definition blessedness; state of bliss Term bedizen Definition dress with vulgar finery Term bedraggle Definition wet thoroughly Term beeline Definition direct; quick route Term befuddle Definition confuse thoroughly Term beget Definition father; produce; give rise to Term begrudge Definition resent Term beguile Definition mislead or delude; cheat; pass time Term behemoth Definition huge creature; something of monstrous size of power Term beholden Definition obligated; indebted Term behoove Definition be necessary or proper for; be incumbent upon Term belabor Definition explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally Term belated Definition delayed Term beleaguer Definition besiege or attack Term belie Definition contradict; give a false impression Term belittle Definition disparage; deprecate Term bellicose Definition warlike; pugnacious; naturally inclined to fight Term belligerent Definition quarrelsome Term bemoan Definition lament; express disapproval of Term bemused Definition confused; lost in thought; preoccupied Term benediction Definition blessing Term benefactor Definition gift giver; patron Term beneficent Definition kindly; doing good Term beneficial Definition helpful; useful Term beneficiary Definition person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy Term benevolent Definition generous; charitable Term benign Definition kindly; favorable; not malignant Term benison Definition blessing Term bent Definition determined; natural talent or inclination Term bequeath Definition leave to someone by means of a will; hand down Term berate Definition scold strongly Term bereavement Definition state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved Term bereft Definition deprived of; lacking Term berserk Definition frenzied Term beseech Definition beg; plead with Term beset Definition harass or trouble; hem in Term besiege Definition surround with armed forces; harass Term besmirch Definition soil, defile Term bestial Definition beast-like; brutal; inhuman Term bestow Definition confer Term betoken Definition signify; indicate Term betray Definition be unfaithful; reveal Term betroth Definition become engaged to marry Term bevy Definition large group Term bicameral Definition two-chambered, as a legislative body Term bicker Definition quarrel Term biennial Definition every 2 years Term bifurcated Definition divided into 2 branches; forked Term bigotry Definition stubborn intolerance Term bilious Definition suffering from a liver complaint; peevishly ill humored Term bilk Definition swindle; cheat Term billowing Definition swelling out in waves; surging Term bivouac Definition temporary encampment Term bizarre Definition fantastic; violently contrasting Term blanch Definition bleach; whiten Term bland Definition soothing or mild; agreeable Term blandish Definition cajole; coax with flattery Term blandishment Definition flattery Term blare Definition loud, harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light Term blase Definition bored with pleasure or dissipation Term blasphemy Definition irreverence; sacrilege; cursing Term blatant Definition extremely obvious; loudly offensive Term bleak Definition cold or cheerless; unlikely to be favorable Term blighted Definition suffering from a disease; destroyed Term blithe Definition carefree and unconcerned; cheerful and gay Term bloated Definition swollen or puffed as with water or air Term blowhard Definition talkative boaster Term bludgeon Definition club; heavy-headed weapon Term bluff Definition rough but good-natured; pretense, deception Term blunder Definition error Term blurt Definition utter impulsively Term bluster Definition blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully Term bode Definition foreshadow; portend Term bogus Definition counterfeit; not authentic Term bohemian Definition unconventional Term boisterous Definition violent; rough; noisy Term bolster Definition support; reinforce Term bolt Definition door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric Term bombardment Definition attack Term bombastic Definition pompous; using inflated language Term boon Definition blessing; benefit Term boorish Definition rude; insensitive Term bouillon Definition clear beef soup Term bountiful Definition abundant; graciously generous Term bourgeois Definition middle class; selfishly materialistic; dully conventional Term bovine Definition cow like; plaid and dull Term bowdlerize Definition expurgate Term boycott Definition refrain from buying or using Term brackish Definition somewhat saline Term braggadocio Definition boasting Term braggart Definition boaster Term brandish Definition wave around; flourish Term bravado Definition swagger; assumed air of defiance Term brawn Definition muscular strength; sturdiness Term brazen Definition insolent Term breach Definition breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap Term breadth Definition width; extent Term brevity Definition conciseness Term brindled Definition tawny or grayish with streaks or spots Term bristling Definition rising like bristles; showing irritation Term brittle Definition easily broken; difficult Term broach Definition introduce; open up Term brocade Definition rich, figured fabric Term brochure Definition pamphlet Term brooch Definition ornamental clasp Term brook Definition tolerate; endure Term browbeat Definition bully; intimidate Term browse Definition graze; skim or glance at casually Term brunt Definition main impact or shock Term brusque Definition blunt; abrupt Term buccaneer Definition pirate Term bucolic Definition rustic; pastoral Term buffet Definition table with food set out for people to serve themselves Term buffoonery Definition clowning Term bugaboo Definition bugbear; object of baseless terror Term bullion Definition gold and silver in form of bars Term bulwark Definition earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends Term bungle Definition mismanage; blunder Term buoyant Definition able to float; cheer and optimistic Term bureaucracy Definition over-regulated administrative system marked by red tape Term burgeon Definition grow forth; send out buds Term burlesque Definition give an imitation that ridicules Term burnish Definition make shiny by rubbing, polish Term buttress Definition support; prop up Term buxom Definition full-bosomed; plump; jolly Term cabal Definition small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests Term cache Definition hiding place Term cacophonous Definition discordant; inharmonious Term cadaver Definition corpse Term cadaverous Definition like a corpse; pale Term cadence Definition rhythmic rise and fall; beat Term cadge Definition beg; mooch; panhandle Term cajole Definition coax; wheedle Term calamity Definition disaster; misery Term calculated Definition deliberately planned; likely Term caldron Definition large kettle Term caliber Definition ability; quality Term calligraphy Definition beautiful writing; excellent penmanship Term callous Definition hardened; unfeeling Term callow Definition youthful; immature; inexperienced Term calorific Definition heat-producing Term calumny Definition malicious misrepresentation; slander Term camaraderie Definition good-fellowship Term cameo Definition shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special appearance in a minor role in a film Term camouflage Definition disguise; conceal Term canard Definition false or unfounded story; fabricated report Term candor Definition frankness; open honesty Term canine Definition related to dogs; doglike Term canker Definition any ulcerous sore; any evil Term canny Definition shrewd; thrifty Term canon Definition collection or authoritative like of books; rule or principle, frequently religious Term cant Definition insincere expressions of piety; jargon of thieves Term cantankerous Definition ill-humored; irritable Term cantata Definition story best set to music Term canter Definition slow gallop Term canto Definition division of a long poem Term canvass Definition determine or seek opinions. votes, etc. Term capacious Definition spacious Term capacity Definition mental or physical ability Term capillary Definition having a very fine bore Term capitulate Definition surrender Term caprice Definition whim Term capricious Definition unpredictable; fickle Term caption Definition title; chapter heading; text under illustration Term captious Definition faultding Term carafe Definition glass water bottle; decanter Term carapace Definition shell covering the back Term carat Definition unit of weight for precious tones; measure of fineness of gold Term carcinogenic Definition causing cancer Term cardinal Definition chief Term cardiologist Definition doctor specializing in aliments of the heart Term careen Definition lurch; sway from side to side Term caricature Definition distortion; burlesque Term carillon Definition a set of bells capable of being played Term carnage Definition destruction of life Term carnal Definition fleshy Term carnivorous Definition meat-eating Term carousal Definition drunken revel Term carping Definition petty criticism; fault-finding Term carrion Definition rotting flesh of a dead body Term cartographer Definition map-maker Term cascade Definition small waterfall Term caste Definition one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society Term castigation Definition punishment; severe criticism Term casualty Definition serious or fatal accident Term cataclysm Definition deluge; upheaval Term catalyst Definition agent that influences the pace of a chemical reaction while it remains unaffected and unchanged; person or thing that causes action Term catapult Definition slingshot; hurling machine Term cataract Definition great waterfall; eye abnormality Term catastrophe Definition calamity; disaster Term catcall Definition shout of disapproval; boo Term catechism Definition book for religious instruction; instruction by question and answer Term categorical Definition without exceptions; unqualified; absolute Term catharsis Definition purging or cleansing of any passage of the body Term cathartic Definition purgative Term catholic Definition universal; wide-ranging liberal Term caucus Definition private meeting of member of a party to select officers or determine policy Term caulk Definition to make watertight Term causal Definition implying a cause and effect relationship Term caustic Definition burning; sarcastically biting Term cauterize Definition burn with hot iron or caustic Term cavalier Definition casual and offhand; arrogant Term cavalcade Definition procession; parade Term cavil Definition make frivolous objections Term cede Definition yield to; surrender formally Term celerity Definition speed, rapidity Term celestial Definition heavenly Term celibate Definition abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried Term censor Definition overseer of morals; person who eliminates inappropriate matter Term censorious Definition critical Term censure Definition blame; criticize Term centaur Definition mythical figure, half man and half horse Term centigrade Definition denoting a widely used temperature scale Term centrifugal Definition radiating; departing from the center Term centrifuge Definition machine that separates substances by whirling them Term centripetal Definition tending toward the center Term centurion Definition roman army officer Term cerebral Definition pertaining to the brain or intellect Term cerebration Definition thought Term ceremonious Definition marked by formality Term certitude Definition certainty Term cessation Definition stoppage Term cession Definition yielding to another; ceding Term chafe Definition warm by rubbing; make sore Term chaff Definition worthless products of an endeavor Term chaffing Definition bantering; joking Term chagrin Definition vexation; disappointment Term chalice Definition goblet; consecrated cup Term chameleon Definition lizard that changes color in different situations