|
mabble to wrap up
mabsoot happy
macadamize to cover a road with small
broken stones
macarism a beatitude; taking
pleasure in another's joy
macarize to declare to be happy or
blessed
macaronic characterized by a mixture
of two languages; muddled or mixed-up
macerate to steep or soak; to break
up; to emaciate
macerator a person who fasts and
becomes emaciated
machair low-lying sandy beach
machairodont sabre-toothed
machiaphobia the fear of war
machicolation space between corbels in a
parapet
machicotage the embellishment of the
solo part of plain song by the insertion of ornaments between the
authentic tones
machinule tool used by surveyors to
obtain right angle
macies atrophy
macilent lean; excessively thin,
lacking in substance
mackabroin a hideous old woman; an old
hag
mackinaw heavy napped and felted
wool cloth
mackintosh lightweight rubberized
waterproof cotton
macon smoked salted mutton
macquereau pimp, procurer
macrobian any organism which has a
long life
macrobiote long-lived organism
macrocephalic having an abnormally large
head
macrocephalous having a large head
macrocosm large and complex structure
considered as a whole
macrography viewing an object with the
naked eye
macrologist a boring conversationalist,
usually met at parties
macrologist a dull conversationalist,
usually met at dinners and parties
macrology long and tedious talk;
prolonged discourse without ideas; superfluity of words
macrology much talk with little to
say; redundancy; pleonasm
macromancy fortunetelling by studying
the largest object in the area
macromania delusion that objects are
larger than natural size
macron the horizontal line above a
vowel to symbolize a long sound
macrophobia the fear of prolonged
waiting
macropodine of, like or pertaining to
kangaroos
macropterous having large wings or fins
macroscian one with a long shadow; one
who inhabits polar regions
microseism an earthquake
macrotous big-eared
macrotous having great big ears
macroverbumsciolist a person who is ignorant of
large words; a person who pretends to know a word, then secretly refers
to a dictionary
macrural having a long tail
mactation killing or slaughter of a
sacrificial victim
macular spotted; patchy
maculate marked with spots;
blotched; besmirched, defiled, impure
maculation the act of spotting or
staining
maculomancy fortunetelling using spots
maculose spotted
madapollam fine cotton cloth
madarosis loss of eyelashes or
eyebrows
madder red dye made from brazil
wood; a reddish or red-orange colour
madefy to moisten or make wet
maderization wine becoming rusty in
colour and flat in taste
madescent growing damp
madid wet; dank
madoline vegetable slicer with
adjustable blade
madras fine plain-woven cotton or
silk
maelid apple-nymph
maenad a woman participant in
orgiastic Dionysian rites
maenadic furious; bacchanalian
maffick to celebrate exuberantly
and boisterously, after Relief of Mafeking in South Africa
mafflard a stammering or blundering
fool
maffle mumble, stammer; to cause
to become confused or bewildered
magadis ancient bridged stringed
instrument
maggotorium place where maggots are
bred for sale to fishers
magianism teachings or philosophy of
the magi
magiric relating to cookery; the
art of cooking
magirics art of cookery
magirist an excellent cook
magirology the science of cooking
magisterial in the manner of a teacher
or magistrate
magisterium teaching function of the
Catholic church
magistral of, like or pertaining to a
master or teacher
magnality wonderful or great thing
magnanerie art of raising silkworms
magnetics study of magnetism
magnetograph instrument for recording
measurements of magnetic fields
magnetometer instrument for measuring
intensity of magnetic fields
magneton unit of the quantized
magnetic moment of a particle
magnicaudate having a long tail
magnificat canticle in praise of the
virgin mary
magniloquent speaking in a grand or
pompous style
magnisonant high-sounding
magpiety garrulousness
mahala Setswana (Botswana) for
free, no charge
mahout one who rides or drives
elephants
maidan open plain; open space near
a town
maieutic relating to or resembling
the Socratic method of eliciting new ideas from another
maieuticophobia the fear of childbirth
maieutics midwifery
maillot tights worn by a ballet
dancer
mainmast sailing ship's principal
mast
mainour stolen goods discovered on
thief
mainpernor one who gives mainprise
mainprise surety for the appearance
of a prisoner at trial
mainsail principal sail on a ship's
mainmast
mainsheet rope by which mainsail is
trimmed and secured
mainstay stay that extends from the
main-top to the foot of the foremast
majolica elaborate glazed Italian
pottery
majuscule a large (capital) letter;
uppercase; so, majuscular
malabathrum dried leaf used in ancient
times to make perfumed ointments
malacissation the process of making
something soft and pliable
malacodermous soft skinned
malacoid made of a soft or fleshy
substance
malacology study of molluscs
malacophilous pollinated by snails
malacophonous soft-voiced
malagma emollient plaster
malaguena Spanish dance performed by
a couple, similar to the fandango
malapert impudently bold; saucy
malapropism misapplication of words
without mispronunciation
malapropos in an inappropriate or
inopportune way
malar of, like or pertaining to
the cheek
malariology study of malaria
malaxage softening of clay by
kneading it
malaxate to soften by kneading,
rubbing or mixing with a liquid
malaxophobia the fear of love play,
especially in women
malchus short cutting sword
malebolge a pool of filth; a hellish
place or condition
maledicent one who is addicted to
abusive speech; cursing
maledictaphobia the fear of bad words
malefic having an unfavorable or
malignant influence; baleful; malicious
malfeasance evil-doing; illegal
activities
malgré in spite of
maliferous harmful; unhealthy
malinger to feign sickness in order
to avoid duty or work
malism the belief that the world
is evil
malison curse, malediction
malist one who feels that this
world is a bad place
malkin 1. an untidy woman;
slattern
malkin 2. cat; hare
malleation hammering; a hammer-mark or
dent
malleiform shaped like a hammer
mallemaroking the carousing of seamen on
board Greenland whaling ships
mallophagous eating wool or fleece
malloseismic suffering from frequent and
severe earthquakes
malm calcareous loam used in
making brick
malmsey sweet perfumed wine
malnoia a vague feeling of mental
discomfort
malophile one who loves apples
maltha thick mineral pitch
maltster one who makes or deals in
malt
malvaceous of, like or pertaining to
the mallow family of plants
malversation corruption in an office,
trust or commission; corrupt administration
mambo Cuban ballroom dance
resembling the rumba or cha-cha
mamelle rounded hill
mamelon rounded hill or
protuberance
mameluke a member of an Arabic
military class, originally composed of slaves; a slave
mammalogy study of mammals
mammer to stammer; to waver; to be
undecided
mammetry idolatry; idols
collectively
mammiferous having breasts
mammiform shaped like a breast
mammila nipple
mammiliform shaped like a nipple
mammock scrap or shred; a broken
piece
mammogenic promoting growth of the
milk glands
mammon riches; the wealthy; the
upper classes
mammonism devotion to pursuit of
wealth
mammose shaped like a breast
mammothrept a child who is raised and
spoiled by their grandmother
mamzer illegitimate child
manal of, like or pertaining to
the hand
manchet a muffin made of fine wheat
mancinism the condition of being
left-handed
mancipation legal transfer by actual or
symbolic sale
manciple steward of a college or
monastery; purveyor
mandament command; order
mandamus writ instructing that an
action should be performed
mandarism government with a large
bureaucracy
mandative of, like or pertaining to
commands or leadership
mandibuliform shaped like a mandible or
jaw-bone
mandorla oval panel containing a
work of art; elliptical halo around holy person
mandrel axle of a circular saw
mandriarch founder or leader of a
monastic order
manducable edible or soft enough to
chew
manducate to chew or eat
mandylion loose outer garment worn
over armour
mančge the art of horsemanship
manganiferous bearing manganese
mangonel medieval war engine for
throwing stones
manicate having a woolly growth that
can be peeled off
Manichaean characterized by a belief
in religious or philosophical dualism
manicism left-handedness
maniform having the shape of a hand
maniple clerical vestment worn on
the left arm
manometer instrument for measuring
pressure of a liquid or gas
manqué having had unfulfilled
ambition; failing to achieve expectation
manqué short of or frustrated in
the fulfillment of one's aspirations or talents
manrope rope used as a handrail on
a ship
mansionary residence; mansions
manso a meek, tame, or cowardly
person or animal, esp. a tame or timid bull
mansuetude the quality or state of
being gentle; meekness, tameness
mansworn perjured
mantelletta knee-length sleeveless
garment worn by Catholic cardinals and bishops
mantic of, like or pertaining to
fortunetelling; prophetic; divinely inspired
manticratic of the rule by the
prophet's family or clan
mantissa decimal part of logarithm
mantology fortune-telling
manubrial shaped like a handle
manubrium any handle-like structure
manuduction careful guidance; leading
by hand
manumission emancipation; freedom from
slavery
manurance cultivation
manustupration masturbation
manxome fearsome, monstrous;
related to the Manx cat
mappemond map of the world
maquette a sculptor's small
preliminary model or sketch; a model of a room or building
maquis guerrilla resistance force
marabout 1. a Muslim hermit or
saint, esp. in northern Africa; a dervish monk believed to have
supernatural power
marabout 2. thin downy silk
maraging process by which alloy is
slowly cooled in the air
marah bitterness; something
bitter
marasmus wasting away of the body;
emaciation due to malnutrition
marc 1. the pulpy residue left
after a fruit has been pressed
marc 2. brandy made from the
residue of wine grapes after pressing
marcella cotton or linen in twill
weave
marcescent withering without falling
off
marcesible likely to fade or wither
marchpane old name for marzipan
marcidity state of great leanness
marcottage propagation of trees by
stripping ring of bark and covering with moss
maremma marsh; miasma
margaric pearl-like
margarite a pearl
margaritiferous pearl-bearing
margaritomancy fortunetelling using pearls
maricolous living in the sea
mariculture cultivation of aquatic
flora and fauna
marigenous produced by or in the sea
marigraph instrument for recording
tide levels
mariolatry worship of the virgin
mother
mariology study of the virgin mary
maritage right of feudal lord to
arrange marriages of vassals
mariticide the murder of a husband by
his wife
maritodespotism tyrranical rulership of a
woman by her husband
maritorious excessively devoted to
one's husband
marivaudage preciosity in literary
style or expression
marl clay used as fertilizer
marline small rope wound about
larger rope to keep it from fraying
marmalize to thrash; to crush or
destroy; to defeat decisively
marmarosis conversion of limestone
into marble
marmoreal resembling marble, as in
smoothness, whiteness, or hardness
marocain ribbed crepe fabric
marplot one who frustrates or ruins
a plan or undertaking by his meddling
marquetry furniture inlaid with
multicoloured wood, ivory, or metal
marquisette sheer meshed cloth
marrano Jew converted to
Christianity to avoid persecution
marry expression of surprised
agreement
martello circular fort for coastal
defence
martext a blundering preacher who
stumbles through a sermon
martinet a strict disciplinarian;
one who adheres to rules
martingale strap between horse's
forelegs to keep its head down
martlet heraldic representation of
a bird without feet
martyrium shrine erected in memory of
a martyr
martyrolatry excessive devotion to
martyrs
martyrology study of martyrs
marver marble or iron slab on
which molten glass is rolled
mascaron grotesque face on a
door-knocker
maschalephidrosis massive sweating of the
armpits
mascle diamond-shaped plate or
scale
mascon concentration of dense mass
beneath the moon's surface
masculinist an advocate of men's
rights, opp. feminist
maskirovka use of deception or
camouflage as military stratagem
masseter muscle used to move the
lower jaw
masterate degree or title of a master
masticate to chew; to knead
mechanically
mastigophobia the fear of whipping or
being whipped
mastigophorer a fellow worthy to be
whipped
mastigophoric carrying or wielding a whip
mastigophorous bearing a whip
mastoid like a nipple or teat
mastology study of mammals
matachin Spanish ritualised
sword-dance or battle dance
mataeology needless or foolish
conversation
mataeotechny an unprofitable art or
science
matelassé having a quilted
ornamentation; fabric with raised pattern as if quilted
matelot sailor
materialism belief that matter is the
only extant substance
materteral suggestive of an aunt; cf.
avuncular
mathemancy fortunetelling by counting
or mathematics
mathematicaster minor or inferior
mathematician
mathesis mental discipline; learning
or science, esp. mathematics
matinal of, like or pertaining to
the morning
matins prayer service held in
early morning hours
matrass long-necked chemical flask
matrical of, like or pertaining to a
womb or a matrix
matricular of, like or pertaining to a
register
matriherital of, like or pertaining to
inheritance along the female line
matriotism love for country or other
institution when regarded as a mother
matripotestal of, like or pertaining to
the power of mothers
matroclinic more like the mother than
the father
matronolagnia an attraction to older
women, especially ones who have children
matryoshka Russian hollow wooden doll
mattery purulent
mattock pickaxe for loosening soil
mattoid semi-insane; a semi-insane
person; a borderline psychopath
maturescent becoming mature
matutinal of, like or pertaining to
the morning; happening early in the day
matutolagnia antemeridian sexual desire
matutolypea getting up on the wrong
side of the bed
maudle to make maudlin; to talk in
a maudlin manner
maudlin tearfully sentimental
mauger 1. thin, emaciated
mauger 2. ill will; spite
maugre in spite of;
notwithstanding
maukin a Scottish scullery maid
maulstick stick used by painters to
steady the hand
maunder 1. to grumble; to drivel;
to mutter
maunder 2. to wander slowly and
idly
maundy 1. the celebration of
washing the feet of the poor (on Maundy Thursday)
maundy 2. alms distributed in
connection with this celebration
maundy 3. feast
mavrodaphne sweet dark red Greek wine
mawk maggot
mawkish excessively or feebly
sentimental; also, having a faint, sickly taste
maxillary of, like or pertaining to a
jaw
maximalism uncompromising adherence to
extreme demands
maxixe Brazilian ballroom dance
resembling the two-step
maxwell unit of magnetic flux
maya illusion; the world of
phenomena
mayhap perhaps
mazarine rich blue or reddish-blue
colour
mazer hardwood drinking bowl
mazology mammalogy; study of mammals
mazopathia any disease of the placenta
mazuma money, cash
mazurka Polish folk dance in
moderate triple measure
mazut petroleum residue after
distillation
mazy dizzy; confused;
labyrinthine; convoluted
mazzard wild sweet cherry
mazzebah ancient Jewish sacred stone
pillar
mbalax West African popular music
mbaqanga jazz-influenced Southern
African popular music style
meable easily penetrable
meacock a meak man who dotes on his
wife, or is henpecked
meatus opening of a passage or
canal
mecate old Mexican measure of
about one-tenth of an acre
mechanism belief that life is
explainable by mechanical forces
mechanolatry worship of machines
mechanomorphic having the form of a
machine
mechanophobia the fear of machinery
mecometer instrument for measuring
length
meconium first feces of a newborn
child
meconology study of or treatise
concerning opium
meconomancy fortunetelling using sleep
meconophagist consumer of opium or heroin
mediagenic able to present a good
image in the media
medianic of, like or pertaining to
spiritualists, mediums or prophets
medicament externally applied curative
treatment
medicaster a medical quack; charlatan
meditabund absorbed in meditation
medius the middle finger
medullary consisting of or resembling
marrow or pith
medusiform resembling a jellyfish
meed a merited gift or reward
meet fitting; proper
megacerine extinct giant deer
megachiropteran of, like or pertaining to
fruit bats
megalith large rough stone used as a
monument
megalonisus a tendency to exaggerate
megalophobia the fear of large things
megalophonous of imposing sound;
clamourous
megamalophile one who really loves apples
or the Big Apple
megameter instrument for determining
longitude by observing stars
megaprosopous having a large face
megascope instrument for projecting
an enlarged image
megascopic visible to the naked eye
megatherial resembling the megatherium;
fig., ponderous unwieldy (the megatherium is an extinct, giant slothlike
creature)
megathermic surviving only in tropical
climates
megistotherm plant requiring very high
temperatures
megrim migraine, vertigo,
dizziness, whim, low spirits
mehari camel used for racing
meiosis understatement of size or
importance for rhetorical effect
meiotic deliberately understated
mekometer range-finder
mel honey
melalgia pain in the limbs
melanic black; very dark
melaniferous containing or bearing
melanin
melano abnormally dark person or
animal
melanochroic dark-skinned
melasma dark patch of skin
meldometer instrument for measuring
melting points of substances
meldrop a drop of mucus at the end
of the nose
meleagrine belonging to a genus of
American gallinaceous birds; pertaining to or like a turkey
melic to be sung; lyric
melichrous having a honey-like colour
meline canary-yellow
meliorism the belief that the world
tends to become better and that humans can aid its betterment
meliphagous feeding upon honey
melisma tune; melodic
embellishment; ornamentation
melismatic florid in melody
melissophobia the fear of bees
melittology study of bees
meliturgy honey-making or bee-keeping
mellaginous of, like or pertaining to
or resembling honey
mellification honey-making
melliloquent pertaining to a smooth
talker or a con artist (literally honey-tongued)
mellisonant sweet-sounding
mellisugent honey-sucking
mellivorous honey-eating
melolagnia an amorous feeling inspired
by music
melologue recitation with musical
accompaniment
melomania craze for music
melomaniac an abnormally dedicated
musical fan
melopepon any of various kinds of
squash
melophobia the fear of music
melopoeia composition of music
melton strong and smooth heavy
woollen cloth
membral of, like or pertaining to
the limbs rather than the trunk
meme an idea which spreads
memoriter from memory; by heart
memorous memorable
menald speckled; spotted
menarche first menstruation
menckenian characterized by vitriolic
social criticism
mendaciloquence lying as a fine art; adroit
prevarication
mendaciloquent able to tell artful or
skilled lies
mendacious characterized by deception
or falsehood or divergence from absolute truth
mendacity insincerity; inclination to
tell falsehoods
mendicant member of impoverished
religious order
mendiloquence artful lying
menhir a single upright rude
monolith of usually prehistoric origin
menisciform shaped like a crescent
meniscus crescent-shaped object;
concave lens
menology a calendar of the feastdays
of saints and martyrs
mensal of, like or pertaining to
the dinner-table; monthly
mensch a human being, a person of
integrity and honor
menstruum a substance that dissolves
a solid or holds it in suspension; solvent
mensuration measuring to find the
dimensions of things
mental of, like or pertaining to
the chin
mentalism belief that the world can
be explained as aspect of the mind
mentatiferous telepathic
mentation thought; cogitation;
cognition
menticide the undermining or
destruction of a person's mind or will, esp. by systematic means such as
mental and physical torture, extensive interrogation, suggestion,
training, and narcotics; brainwashing
mentimutation the act of changing one's
mind
mentum the chin
mephitic foul-smelling
meracious pure, unadulturated; hence,
strong, racy
mercedary pertaining to the giving or
receiving of wages
mercer dealer in small wares or
textiles
mercurial volatile; fluctuating
merdivorous dung-eating
merdurinous composed of urine and feces
merengue Caribbean ballroom dance in
which feet are frequently dragged
mereology study of part-whole
relationships
meretricious 1. of or relating to a
prostitute; having the nature of prostitution
meretricious 2. tawdrily and falsely
attractive; trash; pretentious
merino soft wool of the merino
sheep; any soft merino-like wool or wool and cotton cloth
merinthophobia the fear of being tied and
bound
merism rhetorical device of
contrasting two parts of a whole
meristic divided into parts or
segments
meritocracy rulership by the most
skilled leader
merkin pubic wig
merlon narrow wall in battlement
between embrasures
merocracy government by a part of the
citizenry
merogenesis segmentation
meromorphic fractional
meronym word whose relation to
another is a part to the whole
meropia partial blindness
merry-andrew one who entertains people
by means of antics and buffoonery
mersion dipping; as in baptism
merycism rumination
mésalliance unsuitable marriage
meseems it seems to me
meshugaas insanity, madness; usu.
used in a lighter vein
mesial middle
mesic adapted to life with a
moderate supply of moisture
mesnalty feudal estate
mesochroic having skin colour
intermediate between light and dark
mesocracy government by the middle
classes
mesology ecology
mesomorphic being big-boned and
muscular
mesonoxian belonging or pertaining to
midnight
mesopygion relating to the cleavage of
the buttocks
mesotherm plant living only in
moderate climates
mesquin mean; ungracious
messaline soft lightweight silk with
a satin weave
messianism belief in a single messiah
or saviour
messuage house with land and
auxiliary buildings
metabasis transition; transfer
metabiosis reliance of an organism on
another for environment
metachronism an error of dating an event
too late
metachrosis ability of animals to
change colour
metage official weighing of goods;
charge for such weighing
metagnomy fortunetelling
metagnostic incomprehensible; beyond
understanding
metagraphy transliteration
metagrobolize to mystify; to puzzle out
metagrobologist one who does or makes
puzzles
metalepsis metonymy of a double or
indirect kind
metalliferous bearing metal
metallogenic metal occurring as an ore
as opposed to in rocks
metallogeny study of the origin and
distribution of metal deposits
metallography study of the structure and
constitution of metals
metallophobia the fear of metals
metallurgy study of alloying and
treating metals
metameric of, like or pertaining to
serial division or segmentation of body
metamorphosable that which is able or
liable to change form
metanalysis a reanalysis of the
division between sounds or words resulting in different constituents (as
in the development of an apron from a napron)
metanalysis incorrect placement of 'n'
at start of word following a nindefinite article
metanoia repentance; fundamental
change in character
metanomen metaphorical name
metaphony umlaut; change in vöwel
sound due to nearby consonant
metaphrase turning of prose into verse
or vice versa
metaphrast one who produces a
metaphrase
metaphysics study of principles of
nature and thought
metaphysis change in form;
metamorphosis
metaplasm alteration in spelling of a
word
metapneustic having one's respiratory
organs in one's butt
metapolitics study of politics in theory
or abstract
metapsychology study of nature of the mind
metastasis removal from one place to
another
metastasize to spread to other parts of
the body by metastasis; in extended use, to change form or matter; to
transform
metasthenic having strong haunches or
hindquarters
metastrophe mutual exchange
metathesis transposition of sounds or
letters of a word
métayage system of agricultural
labour with share of produce as wages
metempirical beyond the scope of
knowledge
metempsychosis passing of soul after death
into another body
metemptosis the suppression of a (leap)
day in the calendar to prevent the date of the new moon being set a day
too late
metensomatosis movement of soul into new
body before or after death
meteorism abdominal cramps and
swelling due to flatulence
meteoritics the study of meteors
meteorograph instrument recording a
variety of meteorological observations
meteoromancy fortunetelling by studying
meteors
meteorophobia the fear of meteors
methanometer instrument for detecting
presence of methane
metheglin mead; honey ale
methinks I believe; I think
methomania morbid craving for alcohol
methysis drunkenness
metic an alien resident of an
ancient Greek city who had some civil privileges
meticulosity the quality or state of
being meticulous; meticulousness
métier profession, occupation,
calling or business
metonymy a figure of speech in which
one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely
associated, as in the use of Washington for the United States government
or of the sword for military power
metonymy figurative use of word to
name an attribute of its subject
metope front, forehead or frontal
surface
metopic of, like or pertaining to
the forehead
metopomancy fortunetelling using the
forehead or face
metoposcopy fortune-telling or
judgement of character by the lines of the forehead
metrics study of versification
metrocracy government by mothers or
women; matriarchy
metrology science of weights and
measures
metromania insatiable desire for
writing verse
metronymy system of naming after the
mother's or female line
metrophobia the hatred or fear of
poetry
metropolitan archbishop holding
authority over other bishops
metrosexual an urban male with a strong
aesthetic sense who spends a great deal of time and money on his
appearance and lifestyle
metutials a small, irritating chore
which must be performed before other work can commence
meuse space through which animal
track passes
mew to shed, moult or change
mewling crying feebly
mezzobrow a middlebrow, in a
fashionable and superior way
mezzotint method of copper engraving
with even gradation of tones
mho unit of electrical
conductance
miasma foul vapours from rotting
matter; unwholesome air
micaceous consisting of or made of
mica
micawberish characteristic of an
improvident person who lives in expectation of an upturn in his fortunes
mickle great, much
micrander dwarf male plant
microanatomy study of microscopic
tissues
microbarograph instrument for recording
minute changes in atmospheric pressure
microbiology study of microscopic
organisms
microcalorimeter instrument for measuring
tiny quantities of heat
microcephalic having a very small head
microclimatology study of local climates
micrograph instrument used to write on
a very small scale
microlipet very small portion; someone
who gets worked up about trivial things; a nitpicker
microlith very small stone tool
micrologist a specialist in micrology
micrology attention to petty details
or distinctions; nitpicking
micromancy fortunetelling using small
objects
micromania pathological
self-deprecation or belief that one is very small
micrometer instrument for measuring
very small distances
micronometer instrument for measuring
short periods of time
micronymy the use of short terms or
names in scientific nomenclature
micropalaeontology study of microscopic
fossils
microphagous feeding on small creatures
or plants
microphobia the fear of small things
microphyllous having small leaves
microphytology study of very small plant
life
micropodal having extremely small feet
micropolis small city
micropsia disease causing objects to
appear smaller than actual size
micropyle microscopic orifice
microscopy study of minute objects
microseismograph instrument for recording
small or distant earthquakes
microseismometer instrument for measuring
small or distant earthquakes
microsomatous having a small body
microtome instrument used to cut very
small sections of something
micrurgy dissection under
magnification or under a microscope
micturition the act of urinating
mida larva of the bean-fly
midden old Scottish word for
dung-hill or refuse heap
midinette shop-girl
midlenting custom of giving gifts to
parents on mid-lent sunday
mien air or look; manner
mignon small and dainty
migraineur one who suffers from
migraines
mil unit of 1/1000 inch used
for measuring thickness of wire
milce-witter knowing mercy
mileometer instrument for recording
distance travelled in miles
miliary like or concerning millet
seeds
militaster soldier without skill or
ability
milleflori glassware made of coloured
rods embedded in clear glass
millenarian 1. apocalyptic
millenarian 2. of or relating to 1000
years
millenarianism belief that an ideal
society will be produced in the near future
millesimal thousandth; consisting of
thousandth parts
milliad millennium; period of a
thousand years
milliammeter instrument for recording
very small electrical currents
millihelen the quantity of beauty
required to launch precisely one ship
millionocracy government by millionaires
millocracy government by mill owners
milquetoast very timid; unassertive
person
milt fish spawn
milvine of, like or pertaining to
kites and similar birds
mim affectedly shy or modest,
demure; also, affecting great moderation in eating and drinking
mim prim, demure
mimature mimicry
mimetic imitative; of, like or
pertaining to mimicry
miminy-piminy ridiculously delicate or
over-refined; finicky
mimography written representation of
signs
mimp to speak in a prissy
manner, usually with pursed lips
minacious meanacing, threatening;
minatory
minargent alloy of copper, silver and
aluminum
minatory having a menacing quality;
threatening
minauderie display of affectation
mineralogy study of minerals
minger an ugly or unattractive
person, esp. a woman
mingy mean, stingy
miniaceous colour of reddish lead
miniate to decorate with rubrics;
to illuminate a manuscript
miniaturist one who paints miniature
pictures
minify to diminish, in appearance
or reality
minim unit of liquid volume equal
to 1/480 fluid ounces
minimifidian having virtually no faith,
almost faithless
minimism inclination to reduce a
dogma to the least possible
minimuscular tiny
minium vermilion; red lead
minimus the little finger or toe
miniver ermine in winter coat;
ermine or squirrel fur
minnesinger medieval troubadour or poet
minster church associated with a
monastery
minuend number from which another
is to be subtracted
minuet slow and stately baroque
dance in 3/4 time
minutious paying undue attention to
minutiae
miosis abnormal contraction of the
pupil of the eye
miothermic of, like or pertaining to
temperature conditions of the present day
mirabile dictu incredible
mirabilia wonders
mirabiliary a person who deals in
marvels, a miracle-worker; a collector of marvelous things
mirabilist one who works wonders; a
conjuror
mirador belvedere or watchtower;
architectural feature with good view
mird to meddle
miridically amazingly, remarkably
mirific wonder-working; marvellous
mirliton reed pipe
misacceptation misinterpretation
misandronist a person who believes men
are the source of all problems
misandry a hatred of men
misanthrope one who hates or distrusts
mankind
misapodysis the fear of being undressed
or seen undressed
misarchist one who hates any form of
authority
misaunter misadventure or mishap
misbeseem to be unsuited or
unsuitable to
miscegene person of mixed racial
heritage
miscellanarian writer of miscellanies
miscible capable of being mixed;
mixable
mise-en-scene narrowly, a stage setting;
broadly, visual style
miserabilism a philosophy of pessimism;
self-indulgent pessimism; gloomy negativity
misericord ledge in church to lean
against while standing; forgiveness or mercy
misfeasance doing of a lawful act in a
wrongful manner
mishanter misadventure; misfortune;
mishap
mislight to lead astray by a light
misocainea an abnormal aversion to new
things or ideas
misocapnic hating tobacco or its smoke
misocapnist one who hates the smell of
tobacco smoke
misoclere one who hates the clergy
misodoctakleidist someone who hates
practicing the piano
misogallic hating France or the French
misogamist one who hates marriage
misogynist one who hates or distrusts
women
misologist a hater of knowledge and
enlightenment
misology a hatred of argument,
reasoning or enlightenment
misomaniac a person who hates
everything
misomath a hater of math or science
misoneism a hatred, fear or
intolerance of innovation or change
misoneist a hater of things which are
new
misopaedia hatred of children
misopedia a severe dislike of
children, esp one's own
misopedist one who detests children
misopolemiac a hater of war and strife
misoscopist 1. a hater of beauty
misoscopist 2. a recluse
misosophist one who hates all wisdom or
learning
misosophy hatred of knowledge or
wisdom
misotheism hatred of God or deities
misotramontanist one who hates "whatever is
beyond the mountain" (the unknown)
misotyrannist one who hates tyranny
misoxene one who hates strangers
misoxeny the dislike of strangers
misprise to scorn; to slight; to
undervalue
misprision 1. neglect of an official
duty
misprision 2. concealing of treason or
felony by one who did not participate in the act
misprision 3. seditious conduct
against the governement or courts
misprize to hold in contempt;
despise; undervalue
missal book containing complete
service for mass
mistemious marked by the misuse of
alcohol; drunken
mistetch bad habit
mistigris variation of poker where
blank card can have any value
misyoke to yoke or marry unsuitably
mitching skulking, lurking; playing
truant
miter the tall pointed hat worn
by bishops and abbots
mithridate an antidote against poison
mithridatism immunity to poison by
taking increasingly large doses
miticide agent which kills mites
mitogenic causing cell division
mitrailleur machine-gunner
mitrate shaped like a mitre or
bonnet
mitriform mitre-shaped
mittimus warrant granted for sending
a charged person to jail
mixen dunghill
mixotrophic combining different modes
of nutrition
mizmaze labyrinth; bewilderment
mizzen three-masted vessel; aft
sail of such a vessel
mizzenmast mast aft or next aft of the
mainmast in a ship
mizzle 1. to rain in very fine
drops; drizzle
mizzle 2. to depart suddenly;
absquatulate
mnemon unit of memory, largely
hypothetical
mnemonist one from whose memory
nothing is erased
mnemophobia the fear of memories
mnemotechny system for improving memory
mnesic of, like or pertaining to
memory
moanworthy worthy of moans; lamentable
mobocracy government by mobs or
crowds
mockado inferior quality woollen
fabric
modalism belief in unity of father,
son and holy spirit
modena crimson
modillion ornamental bracket under
corinthian or other column
modish fashionable; stylish
modiste a maker or seller of
fashionable dresses and hats
modius cylindrical headdress of
the Gods
modoc a person who takes up
aviation for reasons of self-promotion or social prestige; also, a pilot
who talks boastfully about flying, but rarely flies
modulus number leaving same
remainder when divided into two others
moeurs the behaviour, customs, or
habits of a people or a group of people
mofette volcanic opening in the
earth emitting carbon dioxide
mofussil provincial; rural
mog to move away; jog
mogadore ribbed silk used in making
neckties
mogigraphia writing only with
difficulty; writer's cramp
mogilalia speaking only with
difficulty
mogue to deceive, fool, trick; to
play a joke on, make fun of
mohair fabric made from silky hair
of angora goats
moider 1. to perplex, bewilder
moider 2. to distract, bother
moider 3. to talk incoherently; be
delirious
moider 4. to wander about
aimlessly or confusedly
moiety one of two equal parts;
about half of something
moil hard work; drudgery;
confusion, turmoil
moilsome laborious
moineau small flat bastion that
protects fortification when being built
moira individual destiny, will of
the gods; fate
moiré watered appearance on cloth
or metal
moirologist a hired mourner; one hired
to mourn at funerals
mokita the truth that everyone
knows but no one talks about
molariform shaped like a molar
mole the molecular weight of a
substance expressed in grams; gram molecule
molendinaceous resembling a windmill
molendinar of, like or pertaining to a
mill or miller
molendinary mill
moleskin heavy durable cotton
molimen great effort, especially in
performing natural functions
moliminous massive, cumbrous; weighty,
momentous
molinary of, like or pertaining to
mills or grinding
molinology study of mills and milling
mollescent softening
molligrant a wailing lamentation;
complaint
mollipilose downy; soft; having soft
plumage
mollities softness; softening
mollitious luxurious; sensuous
mollitude softness; effeminacy;
weakness
mollock to cavort; spec. to engage
in sexual play
molluscicide killing of mollusks
mollycoddle an effeminate man
molochize to sacrifice
molossus verse foot of three long
syllables
molybdosis lead poisoning
molysomophobia the fear of contamination
mome 1. a stupid, boring person
mome 2. grave, solemn
momentaneous momentary; instantaneous
momilogy study of mummies
momiology the study of mummies
momist a fault-finder
mommixity fuss, bother
momus satirist; critic
mon Japanese family crest
monachise to cause to become a monk
monachism monasticism
monadism theory that there exist
ultimate units of being
monandry marriage to only one man at
a time
monanthous having only a single flower
monarsenous having one male for several
females (zoological); an unbalanced number at a dinner
party or at dances
monaxial having only one axis
mondain worldly; fashionable; such
a person
mondegreen the mishearing of a song
lyric
monepic comprising only one word or
single-word sentences
monergism theory that the holy spirit
alone can act
moneyocracy government by the monied
classes
mongery trafficking or marketing,
especially in discreditable ways
mongo an object retrieved from
rubbish; a scavenger
monial a nun
moniliform shaped like a string of
beads
monish to admonish; to give
counsel, warning, or criticism
monism belief that all things can
be placed in one category
monition caution; warning
monitory letter containing a warning
monkery monks in general;
monasticism; behaviour of monks
monkey's wedding a South African term
meaning sunshine while it’s raining
monoblepsia colour-blindness for all
but one colour
monocarpic producing fruit only once
monocerous having only one horn
monochord musical instrument having
only one string
monochroic of one colour
monochromasy complete colour-blindness
monochronic contemporaneous
monocracy government by one
individual
monoculture growing of one agricultural
crop only
monoculus one-eyed person
monodont one-tusked
monodrama one-man show; play having
only one actor
monody mournful ode or poem
performed by a single mourner
monoecious having both male and female
reproductive organs
monogenesis origin of offspring from
identical parent
monogenism the belief that all humans
are descended from two people
monogoneutic having only a single brood
or litter
monogony asexual reproduction
monoideism obsession or fixation on a
single idea or thought
monolatry worship of one God without
excluding belief in others
monoliteral comprising only one letter
monolith large single stone in form
of monument, obelisk or column
monology habit of offering
soliloquies or monologues
monomachy single combat; a duel
monomania abnormal obsession with a
single thought or idea
monomath someone who knows all about
a single subject and nothing else
monomorphic having only one form
monomyth an archetypal myth; a theme
that underlies a number of superficially different myths; the hero's
journey
monoousian having the same substance
monopathophobia the fear of a specific
disease
monophagous feeding on only one type of
food
monophobia the fear of being alone or
of a single thing
monophylletic derived from common
ancestry or parentage
monophysitism belief that Christ was
primarily divine but in human form
monopode one-footed person with foot
large enough to be a sunshade
monopolylogue dramatic work in which one
actor plays many roles
monopsony a market situation in which
there is only one buyer
monopsychism belief that individuals
have a single eternal soul
monopteron circular temple with one
ring of columns
monoptote word with one form for all
cases; indeclinable noun
monorhyme series of lines all rhyming
together
monoschemic having the same metrical
pattern throughout
monostichous in one line; in one row
monostrophe poem in which all stanzas
share an identical structure
monostylar consisting of a single
shaft
monosy separation of parts
normally fused
monotheism belief in only one God
monotheletism belief that Christ had only
one will
monothelious polyandrous
monotroch wheelbarrow
monoxylon canoe made from one log
monstrance vessel used to expose the
eucharist
montane mountainous;
mountain-dwelling
montant vertical member in
panelling or framing
montero huntsman
montgolfier balloon using fire for
propulsion
monticle a little hill
monticolous mountain-dwelling
montiform shaped like a mountain
montre visible pipes of an organ
monture mounting, setting or frame
mook an incompetant or stupid
person, a gullible person; a contemptible person
mooncalf 1. false conception or
fleshy mass in the womb
mooncalf 2. simpleton, blockhead
moonglade the track made by moonlight
on water
moonraker topmost sail of a ship,
above the skyscraper
moorlog deposit of decayed woody
material under a marsh
moot meeting; gathering;
meeting-hall
mopsical short-sighted
moquette thick piled fabric used in
upholstery and carpeting
mor humus layer formed by slow
decomposition in acidic soil
mora delay
morassic of, like or pertaining to a
morass
morate moral; respectable; good
manners
morbidezza an extreme delicacy and
softness
morbiferous disease-bringing
morbific causing or producing
disease; pathogenic
morbilli measles
morbilliform like or resembling measles
morbus disease
morcellate to divide into small
portions
mordacious biting or given to biting;
biting or sharp in manner; caustic
mordant biting and sarcastic in
manner, thought or style
mordent rapidly alternating a tone
with one half-tone lower; reverse trill
moreen stout corded wool or cotton
morel dark-coloured horse;
blackish colour
moresco a Moorish dance or
morris-dance
morgan unit of inferred distance
between genes on a chromosome
morganatic of, like or pertaining to a
marriage between those of unequal rank
morganise to secretly do away with
morgen unit of land area slightly
more than two acres
morgue haughtiness; arrogance
moria folly
morient dying
moriform shaped like a mulberry
morigeration obedience, compliance,
obsequiousness; deferential behaviour
morigerous obedient, compliant,
submissive
morion open helmet without visor
morioplasty restoration of lost parts
of the body
morkin animal that has died by
accident
morling sheep dead from disease;
its wool
mormal inflamed sore
morne dismal; gloomy; sombre
morologist 1. a boring fool who speaks
utter nonsense; a foolish talker
morologist 2. a student of fools or
folly
morology 1. the study of foolish and
nonsensical talking
morology 2. deliberate nonsense or
foolishness for effect
morosis pathological
feeble-mindedness
morosophy foolish pretence of wisdom
morphallaxis regeneration in a changed
form
morphean of, like or pertaining to
dreams
morphew skin eruption
morphinomania habitual craving or desire
for morphine
morphogenesis origin or development of a
body part or organ
morphology study of forms and the
development of structures
morphometry measurement of form or
shape
morphonomy laws governing biological
morphology
morphotic of, like or pertaining to
formation or development
morris vigorous English dance
performed by costumed men
morro rounded hill or headland
morsal of, like or pertaining to
the cutting edge of a knife
morse walrus
morsitation act of biting or gnawing
morsure a bite
mortalism belief that the soul is
mortal
mortiferous death-bringing; fatal
mortise hole or recess made in wood
to receive a tenon
mortmain restrictive influence of
the past on the present
moschate having a musky odour
moschiferous producing musk
mosh to engage in uninhibited,
frenzied activities with others near the stage at a rock concert
mosh pit the place near the stage at
a rock concert where moshing occurs
mosker a person who pawns articles
for more than their real value
moslings thin strips taken off when
dressing skins
motable constantly moving
motatorious in constant motion
motatory continually moving
motch to eat little, slowly,
quietly and secretly; to consume or waste imperceptibly
mother dregs, sediment; scum;
mold; esp. the lees or sediment of wine; the scum rising to the surface
of wine or beer
mothery thick, moldy
motiferous conveying motion
motile capable of moving
spontaneously as a whole
motograph old telegraph or telephone
receiver
motrix female motor
motte artificial mound upon which
a castle is built
mottle to variegate blotchily
moucharaby projecting latticed window
mouchard police spy
moue a sulky or disdainful
expression; a pout
mouillé sounded in a liquid manner;
palatized
moulage an impression made for use
as evidence in a criminal investigation
mouldwarp mole
moulin shaft in a glacier caused
by water running down a crack
moulinet machine for bending a
crossbow
mountebank 1. a person who sells quack
medicines from a platform
mountebank 2. a boastful unscrupulous
pretender; charlatan
mountenance amount; distance
mountweazel a bogus entry purposely
inserted into a reference work; a copyright trap
mournival set of four things, esp. a
set of 4 kings, queens, jacks or aces in one card hand
mousseline 1. fine sheer fabric
mousseline 2. very fine glassware
mouton sheepskin processed to look
like the fur of another animal
movent moving; capable of causing
motion
mow to make a grimace
moya volcanic mud
mozzetta short cape with ornamental
hood worn by Catholic prelates
mucago mucus; mucilage
mucedinous mouldy; mildewy
muchity great size or bulk
mucid mouldy; musty
muciferous conveying or secreting
mucus
mucilage any sticky substance
mucivorous feeding on plant juices
muckle great, much
mucopurulent composed entirely of mucus
and pus
mucorrhoea discharge of mucus
mucronate terminating in a sharp
point
mucrone stiff sharp point forming
an abrupt end
mucroniform like, having or resembling
a sharp point
muculency acting very snotty
muculent slimy; moist, and
moderately viscous; resembling mucus
mudlark 1. an urchin who grubs for
a living along the tide flats of the English Thames
mudlark 2. someone who scavenges in
river mud for items of value (riverside equivalent of a beachcomber)
mudsill a person of the lowest
stratum of society
muff a dull, stupid person
muffineer dish for keeping muffins
hot
muffish foolish; incompetent;
clumsy
muffishness foolishness; awkwardness
muffism the action characteristic
of a muff or incompetent person; foolishness
mugient bellowing; braying
mugwump a bolter from the Rep.
party in 1884; a political independent
mulciberian of, like or pertaining to
metalworking
mulct to swindle; to obtain by
fraud; to take money from, by taxation or by trickery
mulctuary punishable by a fine
muleta the red cape used by
matadors
muleteer mule-driver
muliebrile womanly; feminine
muliebrity the state of being a woman;
womanhood; femininity
mulierosity an excessive fondness for
women; also, mulierose; excessively fond of women
mulism obstinate quirk or habit
mull 1. soft fine sheer cotton
or silk fabric
mull 2. to moisten leather to
make it more supple
muller flat heavy stone or iron
pulverizing tool
mullet five-pointed star in
heraldry; ridiculous hairstyle
mulley hornless
mulligrubs a state of depression of
spirits; a fit of megrims or spleen; the morbs
mullion upright division between
window panes
mullock waste earth or rock from a
mine
mulm organic sediment at bottom
of an aquarium
mulse boiled wine with honey
multanimous having a many-sided mind
multarticulate many-jointed
multeity manifoldness; very great
numerousness
multicapitate many-headed
multicipital many-headed
multifarious having great diversity;
manifold
multifid having many divisions
multiflorous many-flowered
multilocation appearance in many places
simultaneously
multiloculate many-chambered
multiloquent talkative; garrulous
multiparous having given birth to
multiple children
multiplicative indicating repetition or
augmentation
multipotent having the power to do many
things
multiscience knowledge of many things
multisonant producing many or very loud
sounds
multisonous composed of many different
sounds
multisulcate many-furrowed
multitarian having many forms but one
central essence
multivious having many ways or roads;
going in many directions
multivious leading in many directions;
offering many different paths
multivocal having many meanings
multivolent having several differing
opinions; disagreeing
multivoltine having several broods in
one season
multure fee for grinding grain
mumchance silent; unable to speak
mummery a performance by mummers
(pantomimes); a ridiculous, hypocritical or pretentious ceremony
mumping to obtain by begging or
scrounging; the acceptance of small bribes
mumpsimus someone who obstinately
clings to old ways, in spite of the clearest evidence that s/he is wrong
mundation the act of cleaning or the
state of being clean
mundicidious likely or able to destroy
the world
mundificative a cleansing or purifying
medicine
mundify to cleanse; to purify; to
heal
mundivagant wandering through the
world; world-wandering
mundungus foul-smelling tobacco
mungo 1. waste produced in a
woollen-mill
mungo 2. a ‘dumpster diver’; one
who extracts valuable things from trash
munificence magnificent liberality in
giving
munify to fortify
muniment means of defence; record
fortifying or proving a claim
munting vertical framing piece
between door panels
muonium positively-charged muon
attached to an electron
murage tax for the upkeep of walls
murally by means of walls; on or
from a wall
murcid slothful
murcous having the thumb cut off
murdermonger 1. a writer or purveyor of
murder stories
murdermonger 2. a person who commits or
incites murder; a professional murderer
murdrum 1. the killing of someone
in a secret manner
murdrum 2. a fine imposed by the
Crown on a manor or hundred (district) in which such a killing had been
committed (also called the murder fine)
murenger official in charge of
ensuring city walls are repaired
murgeon a grimace or a wry face
muriated pickled; preserved
muriatic briny
muricate rough or warty with sharp
points
muriform resembling a mouse or rat
murine of, like or pertaining to
mice and rats
muriphobia the fear of mice or rats
murmuration 1. the act of murmuring;
the uttering of low continuous sounds or complaining noises
murmuration 2. rumoring; the action of
spreading rumors
murmuration 3. a flock of starlings
murrain epidemic or plague
affecting livestock
murrhine clear glassware containing
pieces of coloured glass
murth a great quantity, an
abundance a murth of cold
musaceous of, pertaining to, or
resembling bananas or plantains
musal of, like or pertaining to
poetry or the muses
musard a dreamer; an absent-minded
person
muscariform shaped like a brush
muscicapine of, like or pertaining to
flycatchers and related birds
muscicide substance for killing flies
muscid of, like or pertaining to
house-flies
muscoid of, like or pertaining to
mosses; moss-like
muscology the study of mosses
museology the science of museum
curatorship, including the collection and care of antiques
musicaster a mediocre musician
muslin plain-woven fine cotton
musomania obsession with music
musophobia the fear of mice or rats
musophobist a person who regards poetry
with suspicious dislike
musrol nose-band of a bridle
mussitate to mutter
mussitation muttering to oneself
soundlessly; murmuring
mustelid otters, badgers and weasels
musteline characteristic of a weasel
or similar fur-bearing mammals such as badger and otter
mutagenesis origin or induction of
mutation
mutatis mutandis with the necessary changes
having been made; the respective differences having been considered
mutative indicating a change of
place or state
mutchkin old unit of liquid
measurement equal to 3/4 of an imperial pint
mutic lacking normal defensive
parts or organs
mutivity tendency to alter
mutualism belief in mutual dependence
of society and the individual
mutuatitial borrowed; something which
is borrowed
muzhik a Russian peasant
muzzy muddled or confused in
mind; lacking in clarity, dull, gloomy
mvule kind of African tree like a
mulberry; hard wood of that tree
myasthenia muscular weakness or
debility
mycetism fungus poisoning
mycology study of funguses
mycophagous eating fungus
mycosis disease due to the growth
of a fungus
mycteric of, like or pertaining to
the nostrils
mycterism a disdainful gibe or scoff;
a sneer; a taunting
myctophobia the fear of darkness or of
the night
mydriasis morbid dilatation of the
pupil of the eye
myelic of, like or pertaining to
the spinal cord
myogenic having a muscular origin
myograph instrument for recording
muscular contractions
myology study of muscles
myomancy foretelling the future
using the movement of mice
myophobia the fear of mice
myosis excessive contraction of
the pupil of the eye
myoxine of, like or pertaining to
dormice
myriacanthous having many prickles
myriadigamous pertaining to someone who
is willing to marry all kinds of people
myriadth being a one-ten-thousandth
part of a whole
myriarchy government by ten thousand
individuals
myringa eardrum
myringoscope instrument for viewing the
eardrum
myriorama picture consisting of many
interchangeable parts
myristicivorous feeding upon nutmegs
myrmecoid antlike
myrmecology the study of ants
myrmecophagid of, like or pertaining to
anteaters
myrmecophagous feeding on ants
myrmecophilous having a symbiotic
relationship with ants
myrmecophobia the fear of ants
myrmicine of, like or pertaining to
ants
myrmidon a loyal follower, a
subordinate who follows orders unquestioningly or pitilessly
myrmidonize to make hard, to harden
myropologist one who sells perfume
mysophobia an abnormal fear of filth
mystacial resembling a mustache
mystagogical of, like or pertaining to
religious ritual initiation
mysteriosophy system of knowledge
concerning secrets and mysteries
mysterium a hypothetical substance to
which a galactic radio emission at 1665 megahertz was attributed until
it was identified as an exceptionally strong component of a set of four
lines emitted by the hydroxyl radical, OH
mytacism the incorrect or excessive
use of the letter M
mythoclast destroyer of myths
mythogenesis origin of myths
mythography descriptive study or
representation of myths
mythomane one who is prone to lie or
believe in lies
mythomania an excessive or abnormal
propensity for lying and exaggerating
mythopoeic giving rise to myths
myxophobia the fear of slime
|
