G abbreviation of "general audiences," a film rating signifying that a film is appropriate for viewers of all ages.

1
g abbreviation of "gram," or "grams," the basic unit of weight in the metric system, equal to one thousandth of a
kilogram or 15.43 grains.
2
g the seventh letter of the English alphabet. [2 definitions]
3
g abbreviation of "gravity," or "gravities," the force by which a planet or other such body tends to draw objects
toward its center.
Ga symbol of the chemical element gallium.
GA abbreviation of "Georgia," a southeastern U.S. state on the Atlantic coast between South Carolina and Florida.
ga. abbreviation of "gauge," a standard of measuring, as for the distance between railroad tracks, the thickness of
wire, or the inner diameter of shotgun barrels.
gab (informal) to talk idly or at length about something unimportant. [2 definitions]
gabardine a sturdy fabric of rayon, cotton, or wool twill.
gabble to speak rapidly and unclearly; jabber; babble. [5 definitions]
gabby (informal) tending to talk too much or too long; talkative.
gabby (informal) tending to talk too much or too long; talkative.
gaberdine a long, loose, coarsely woven coat worn by Jewish men in the Middle Ages. [2 definitions]
gabfest (informal) a gathering for the purpose of talking and exchanging gossip.
gabion a round wicker basket filled with stones or earth, used in building fortifications. [2 definitions]
gable the upper triangular section of an outer building wall, formed by two sloping roof sections. [2 definitions]
gabled having a gable; built with gables.
gable roof a roof with two surfaces that slope down and out from a ridge to form a gable at each end.
Gabon a country in west central Africa, on the Atlantic coast between Cameroon and Congo.
Gaborone the capital of Botswana.
Gabriel according to the Bible, an angel regarded as a messenger of God and the bearer of good news, who in later
writings is referred to as an archangel.
1
gad to roam aimlessly or restlessly from place to place.
2
gad a long stick or prod used for driving cattle; goad. [3 definitions]
gadabout a person who roams from place to place, often seeking gossip or amusement.
gadfly any of various flies, such as the horsefly or botfly, that bite and pester livestock. [3 definitions]
gadget a small mechanical or electronic device, esp. an unusual or ingenious one.
gadgeteer one who designs and builds or who enjoys using gadgets.
gadgetry gadgets, collectively.
gadolinium a metal chemical element of the rare-earth group that has sixty-four protons in each nucleus. (symbol: Gd)
gadwall a widely distributed duck native to North America that has gray or brown plumage.
Gaea in Greek mythology, the goddess personifying the earth who gave birth to the Titans.
Gael a Gaelic-speaking Celt of Scotland, Ireland, or the Isle of Man.
Gael a Gaelic-speaking Celt of Scotland, Ireland, or the Isle of Man.
Gaelic the Celtic language spoken in Scotland. [4 definitions]
gaff a metal hook with a handle, used to land large fish. [6 definitions]
gaffe a crude social error; blunder; faux pas.
gaffer a lighting technician on a television or film set. [2 definitions]
1
gag to prevent (someone) from speaking or crying out by securing something across or inside the
mouth. [8 definitions]
2
gag (informal) to tell jokes; make funny remarks. [2 definitions]
gaga (informal) crazy or ecstatic.
1
gage an object, such as a glove, thrown down as a symbol of a promise or challenge to fight. [2 definitions]
2
gage variant of gauge.
gage3 any of several types of plum, usu. having a light green skin.
gaggle a flock of geese when not in the air. [2 definitions]
gagman a person who writes comic material, such as jokes, gags, and skits, for entertainers.
gag rule a rule or law that restricts discussion of a particular topic, as in a legislative body.
Gaia hypothesis a scientific hypothesis that the entire earth, including its atmosphere, is a self-regulating organism.
gaiety a feeling or air of happiness or cheer. [3 definitions]
gaily in a cheerful or merry manner. [2 definitions]
gain to acquire. [9 definitions]
gainer one that gains. [2 definitions]
gainful producing profit or gain; lucrative.
gain ground to advance or gain acceptance.
gain ground to advance or gain acceptance.
gainsay to deny or contradict. [2 definitions]
'gainst contracted form of "against."
gait a manner of walking or running. [3 definitions]
gaiter a covering of leather or heavy cloth for the ankle and often the lower leg. [3 definitions]
gal (informal) a girl or woman.
gal. abbreviation of "gallon" or "gallons."
gala suited to a festive celebration. [2 definitions]
galactic of or pertaining to a galaxy, esp. the Milky Way. [2 definitions]
galactic noise radio waves originating from within the Milky Way.
galactorrhea the abnormal or excessive flow of milk from a breast.
galactose a simple sugar that is a component of lactose.
Galahad in Arthurian legend, the noblest of knights, who gained the Holy Grail. [2 definitions]
galangal a plant of the ginger family with aromatic roots used in medicine and flavoring, or its roots. [2 definitions]
galantine a white meat, boned and stuffed, cooked, chilled, and served in aspic.
galanty show a shadow play performed by throwing the shadows of puppets on a screen or wall.
Galápagos Islands a group of Ecuadorian islands in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 miles off the west coast of South America, known
for their large number of endemic species and their pivotal role in Charles Darwin's research.
Galápagos penguin any of a family of penguins endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
Galápagos red bat any of a family of red bats endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
Galatea in Greek and Roman mythology, a statue of a woman brought to life by Aphrodite because Pygmalion, who made
the statue, fell in love with it.
galatea a sturdy cotton cloth, either striped or solid, used for children's clothing or the like.
galatea a sturdy cotton cloth, either striped or solid, used for children's clothing or the like.
Galatians a book of the New Testament, consisting of a letter written by the apostle Paulto the Christians of Galatia.
galaxy a system of billions of stars and other matter held relatively close to each other by gravity and separated from
other such systems by vast distances. [3 definitions]
galbanum a bad-smelling gum resin, obtained from various Asian plants of the umbel family.
gale a strong wind, esp. one of about thirty to sixty miles per hour. [2 definitions]
galena a grayish mineral consisting mainly of lead sulfide and constituting the chief ore of lead.
Galileo Galilei an Italian astronomer and physicist (b.1564--d.1642).
galiot a small, swift galley propelled by sails and oars, formerly used on the Mediterranean Sea. [2 definitions]
gall1 something bitter to experience. [4 definitions]
2
gall to damage or make sore by rubbing or chafing. [5 definitions]
3
gall an abnormal swelling or growth on a plant, caused by an insect, injury, bacterium, or the like.
gallant courageous, spirited, or chivalrous. [7 definitions]
gallantry admirable courage. [3 definitions]
gallbladder a small muscular sac that is attached to the liver and that stores bile.
galleass a large, three-masted, heavily-armed fighting galley used in the Mediterranean in the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries.
galleon a large three-masted sailing ship used esp. by the Spaniards in the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries.
gallery a long, narrow room, hallway, or promenade that is covered and open at one or both ends. [7 definitions]
galley a large, low ship of ancient and medieval times that was propelled by oars and sometimes by sails. [3 definitions]
galley proof a printer's proof taken from type in a galley to allow for correction of errors before final pages are assembled.
galley slave a slave or convict forced to work at an oar on a galley. [2 definitions]
gallfly any of various insects that deposit eggs in plant stems or tree bark causing the formation of galls in which the
larvae feed.
gallfly any of various insects that deposit eggs in plant stems or tree bark causing the formation of galls in which the
larvae feed.
Gallic of or pertaining to France or its people, culture, or the like; French.
gallic acid a clear, crystalline acid derived from tannin, used in photography and in inks and dyes.
Gallicism a French expression or idiom when adopted by another language. [2 definitions]
Gallicize (sometimes l.c.) to make or become like the French in character, thought, language, or the like.
gallimaufry a jumbled mixture; hodgepodge.
gallinacean a gallinaceous bird.
gallinaceous belonging to a variety of birds that nest on the ground, including turkeys, chickens, pheasants, and grouse.
galling causing vexation or irritation.
gallinule any of a variety of marsh birds characterized by long, webless toes and dark plumage.
galliot variant of galiot.
gallipot a small glazed jar formerly used by druggists for medicines or the like.
gallium a silvery metal chemical element that has thirty-one protons in each nucleus, usu. forms a trivalent ion, and is
often used in pure form in high-temperature thermometers because it melts at just above room temperature and
remains liquid up to 1983 degrees Celsius. (symbol: Ga)
gallivant to roam about seeking amusement; gad.
gall midge any of several small, two-winged insects that form galls on plants; gall gnat.
gall mite any of various four-legged mites that form galls on plants.
gallnut a gall that resembles a nut, esp. as found on an oak tree; nutgall.
gallon in the US, a unit of capacity equal to four quarts, eight pints, or 3.7854 liters. (abbr.: gal.) [3 definitions]
gallonage amount or capacity measured in gallons.
galloon a braid or trimming made of lace, metallic thread, or worsted.
gallop to ride a horse at full speed. [6 definitions]
gallop to ride a horse at full speed. [6 definitions]
gallows a wooden frame from which one or more nooses are suspended for the execution by hanging of condemned
prisoners. [3 definitions]
gallows bird (informal) one who deserves to be put to death by hanging.
gallows humor morbidly humorous treatment of a serious or frightening situation.
gallstone a small stonelike concretion abnormally formed in the gall bladder or a bile passage.
galluses (informal) a pair of suspenders.
gall wasp any of various wasps whose larvae form galls on plants, esp. roses and oaks.
galop a lively nineteenth-century dance in two-four time. [2 definitions]
galore in great numbers; abundantly.
galosh (usu. pl.) a high-topped waterproof overshoe.
galvanic causing or caused by electricity, esp. when produced chemically. [2 definitions]
galvanism electricity, esp. when chemically produced. [2 definitions]
galvanize to subject to or stimulate by an electric current. [3 definitions]
galvanometer an instrument that detects and measures small electric currents.
galyak a flat, glossy fur made from lamb or kid pelts.
gam a school or group of whales.
gama grass any of several tall, reedlike perennial American grasses used for animal feed.
Gambia River a river that rises in North Guinea in western Africa and flows westward through Senegal and The Gambia to the
Atlantic Ocean.
gambier an astringent extract obtained from various southern Asian vines, used in tanning and dyeing.
gambit a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, esp. one that involves some sacrifice on one's
part. [3 definitions]
gamble to bet money or other stakes on the outcome of a game, race, or any other game of chance or skill. [6 definitions]
gamble to bet money or other stakes on the outcome of a game, race, or any other game of chance or skill. [6 definitions]
gamboge a brownish gum resin obtained from certain trees of southern Asia, yielding a yellow pigment that is also used as
a cathartic. [2 definitions]
gambol to run, leap, or skip about; frisk; frolic. [2 definitions]
gambrel a horse's hock. [2 definitions]
gambrel roof a gable roof with two slopes on each side, the upper flat and the lower steep.
game something done for amusement; diversion; pastime. [9 definitions]
Game Boy a brand name for any of several handheld game consoles manufactured by Nintendo beginning in 1989.
gamecock a rooster trained and often bred for fighting.
gamefish any fish that is commonly caught for sport.
gamekeeper a person employed to breed and protect game birds and other wildlife on private grounds or on a game preserve.
game law a law regulating hunting and fishing, enacted to preserve game.
game plan a strategy or course of action planned before a game of sport, esp. football. [2 definitions]
game point the stage in a game, esp. in a racket sport, when the next point scored will be the last and deciding
one. [2 definitions]
game show a television show in which participants play various games of chance, skill, or memory in order to win prizes.
gamesmanship the art or act of using questionable, though legal, tactics to win at games or contests.
gamesome having or showing a desire to play; frisky; frolicsome.
gamester one who habitually gambles.
gamete a mature reproductive cell, such as an egg or sperm, that is capable of uniting with another cell to form a new
organism.
game theory mathematical analysis of strategies for maximizing gains and minimizing losses, applied to games of strategic
competition and to corporate, military, and other decision-making problems.
gameto- gamete or reproductive cell.
gametocyte a cell that divides to produce gametes.
gametocyte a cell that divides to produce gametes.
gametophore a plant part that produces gametes.
gametophyte the sexual, gamete-bearing form of a plant that undergoes the alternation of generations. (Cf. sporophyte.)
gamin an unsupervised or homeless boy who wanders about in the streets; urchin.
gaming the practice of gambling; playing of games of chance. [2 definitions]
gamma the name of the third letter of the Greek alphabet.
gamma globulin a protein in blood serum that contains antibodies used in the prevention of a number of infectious diseases, such
as measles and hepatitis.
gamma ray electromagnetic radiation of high energy and frequency, produced by reactions of radioactive atoms or by high
energy electrons interacting with matter.
gammon1 a win in backgammon in which the loser has not managed to remove any pieces. [2 definitions]
2
gammon a ham that has been smoked or cured. [2 definitions]
gamo- united; joined.
gamopetalous having fused or partly fused petals that form a tubelike corolla, such as that of the morning-glory.
gamophyllous having leaves that are united along their edges.
-gamous having (such) a number of spouses or type of marriage. [2 definitions]
gamut the whole extent or range of anything. [2 definitions]
-gamy marriage, or union for propagation. [2 definitions]
gamy having the strong taste or smell characteristic of the meat of wild animals, esp. of meat that has started to
spoil. [2 definitions]
gander the male of any variety of goose. (Cf. goose.)
Gandhiism the social and political theories and practices of Gandhi, esp. those of nonviolent resistance.
Ganesh Hindu god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, represented as a short, fat man with an elephant's head.
Ganesha alternate spelling of Ganesh.
Ganesha alternate spelling of Ganesh.
gang1 any group of people, such as those who associate for social or criminal purposes. [3 definitions]
gang2 the valueless minerals, rocks, or the like found mixed with valuable ore; gangue.
Ganges a river that flows eastward across northern India and central Bangladesh and into the Indian Ocean.
Ganges River a river that flows eastward across northern India and central Bangladesh and into the Indian Ocean; Ganges.
gang hook a fishhook consisting of several hooks that are joined at their shanks.
gangland the criminal world.
ganglion any concentrated mass of nerve cells outside the brain or spine, serving as the source of nerve
impulses. [2 definitions]
gangly tall, slender, and awkward; gangling.
gangplank a board or other movable walkway used for getting on or off a ship; gangway.
gangrene death or rotting of a part of a living organism caused by faulty circulation, disease, or injury. [2 definitions]
gangrenous of or pertaining to tissue in a living body that is dead or decaying due to impaired blood flow.
gangster someone who belongs to a criminal gang, esp. one who participates in organized crime; mobster.
gangue the valueless minerals, rocks, or the like found mixed with valuable ore; gang.
gang up on (informal) to criticize or attack (someone) as a group.
gangway a path into, out of, around, or through something; passageway. [4 definitions]
ganja a highly resinous form of marijuana.
gannet any of several large, fish-eating ocean birds.
ganoid belonging to a group of fishes, some extinct, that have hard armorlike scales. [2 definitions]
1
gantlet a portion of railroad tracks made up of two separate but overlapping tracks, usu. constructed at a narrow place,
such as a tunnel or bridge. [3 definitions]
2
gantlet see "gauntlet1."
gantlet2 see "gauntlet1."
gantry a framework resembling a bridge that goes over railroad tracks and holds signals or that contains rails for a
movable crane. [2 definitions]
Ganymede in Greek mythology, a young Trojan abducted by Zeus to be the cupbearer to the gods. [2 definitions]
gaol (chiefly British) variant of "jail."
gap a space or opening made by or as if by breaking or separating. [5 definitions]
gape to stare in surprise, awe, or wonder, esp. with the mouth open. [5 definitions]
gar any of various freshwater fish of North and Central America that have hard scales, a long thin body, and a long,
toothed snout.
garage a building or part of a building designed to house cars, trucks, and the like. [3 definitions]
garage door a door for a garage, usually set on rollers in tracks that allow the door to be raised to an overhead position or
lowered to close the entry.
garage sale a sale of used or unwanted things, held at a private home.
Garand rifle a semiautomatic, clip-fed rifle, which was standard issue of the U.S. Army in World War II and the Korean War; M-
1.
garb clothes, esp. those characteristic of a particular profession, way of life, or the like. [3 definitions]
garbage anything that is or ought to be discarded as worthless, esp. spoiled or unwanted food; rubbish. [3 definitions]
garbage can a large, usu. cylindrical container for household rubbish.
garbanzo the chickpea.
garble to mix up, distort, or confuse (a message, translation, or the like); cause to be disordered or
unintelligible. [3 definitions]
garçon (French) a waiter or male servant. [2 definitions]
garden an area of land used for cultivating plants such as flowers, vegetables, or herbs. [6 definitions]
garden apartment an apartment building or apartment set in a landscaped area.
gardener a person whose occupation is caring for outdoor plants, lawns, and the like. [2 definitions]
gardenia any of a number of shrubs or trees native to Asia, usu. grown for their large, pleasant-smelling white or yellow
flowers. [2 definitions]
gardenia any of a number of shrubs or trees native to Asia, usu. grown for their large, pleasant-smelling white or yellow
flowers. [2 definitions]
gardening the activity of planting or cultivating a garden.
garden-variety not out of the ordinary; typical; common.
garfish a gar.
Gargantua in the sixteenth-century French satire Gargantua and Pantagruel by Rabelais, a giant king with prodigious
appetites.
gargantuan (sometimes cap.) of enormous proportions; huge; gigantic.
gargle to tip the head back and exhale through a liquid held at the back of the throat, as with a medication or
mouthwash. [7 definitions]
gargoyle a macabre or grotesque sculpture of an animal or person, often carved as an architectural
ornament. [2 definitions]
garish marked by excessive or tasteless color or decoration; gaudy; flashy. [2 definitions]
garland a wreath, chain, or string made to be worn for celebration or decoration, esp. one made of flowers, leaves, vines,
or the like. [3 definitions]
garlic a perennial plant related to the onion and grown for its strong-smelling, distinctive-tasting bulb. [3 definitions]
garment any piece of clothing. [2 definitions]
garner to accumulate, acquire, or receive in abundance. [3 definitions]
garnet any of several fairly common, hard silicate minerals that occur in various colors and are sometimes used as
abrasives and gems. [2 definitions]
garnish to add a decoration or decorations to; adorn. [5 definitions]
garnishee to confiscate by legal order (a salary, bank account, property, or the like) to satisfy an unpaid debt;
garnish. [3 definitions]
garnishment a legal notice directing someone not to dispose of a defendant's money or property until the court case involving
the defendant is completed. [2 definitions]
garniture a decorative embellishment; trimming.
garpike a gar.
garret a room or apartment in an attic, esp. such a room that has a sloping roof. [2 definitions]
garrison a military force that is assigned to a fort, village, or the like. [4 definitions]
garrison a military force that is assigned to a fort, village, or the like. [4 definitions]
garrote any device used for strangulation, esp. a cord or wire. [5 definitions]
garrulous given to talking excessively. [2 definitions]
garter a circular elastic band used to hold up a stocking or shirt sleeve. [3 definitions]
garter belt a beltlike undergarment of cloth or elastic with four garters sewn to it, used by some women for holding up
stockings.
garter snake any of numerous small harmless striped snakes common in North America.
gas matter that is neither liquid nor solid and expands or contracts rapidly and uniformly with temperature
changes. [14 definitions]
gas burner the nozzle at the end of a gas fixture; gas jet.
gas chamber a sealed room in which prisoners are executed by means of poisonous gas.
gasconade extravagantly boastful talk; bravado. [2 definitions]
gaseous in the form of or resembling a gas. [2 definitions]
gas fitter a person who installs and repairs gas pipes and fixtures.
gash a long and deep cut, such as a wound. [2 definitions]
gasify to convert into or become a gas.
gas jet a burner, pipe, or other apertured fitting at the end of a gas fixture. [2 definitions]
gasket any of numerous rings, seals, or the like used to make a joint watertight or airtight, as in a pipe or machine.
gaslight the light emitted by a burning gas such as methane. [3 definitions]
gaslighting psychological manipulation that attempts to make a person or persons believe that they are losing their sanity or
that their memories or valid suspicions are false.
gas main a large pipe that conducts gas into smaller pipes.
gas mantle an incombustible meshwork hood for a gas jet or kerosene wick that gives off a brilliant incandescent light when a
flame is lit within it.
gas mask a device worn over the face that has a built-in chemical air filter to protect the wearer from inhaling poisonous
gases or noxious fumes.
gas mask a device worn over the face that has a built-in chemical air filter to protect the wearer from inhaling poisonous
gases or noxious fumes.
gasohol a mixture of gasoline with a small amount of ethyl alcohol, used esp. to power cars.
gasoline a volatile, flammable liquid of hydrocarbons, derived from petroleum and used primarily as fuel for internal-
combustion engines.
gasometer a container that both holds and measures gas. [2 definitions]
gasp a sudden, brief, convulsive taking in of air through the mouth, as in shock or a condition of
breathlessness. [3 definitions]
gas plant see "dittany."
gas station a place where gas, oil, and other supplies for running a car can be bought; filling station; service station.
gassy containing, filled with, or like a gas.
gastric of or concerning the stomach.
gastric juice a colorless liquid, containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes, that is secreted by glands in the lining of the
stomach; digestive fluid.
gastric ulcer an open sore in the stomach lining, caused by the corrosive action of gastric juice.
gastritis an abnormal inflammation of the lining or other part of the stomach.
gastro- stomach.
gastroenteritis inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the stomach and intestines.
gastrointestinal of, concerning, or having an effect on the stomach and intestines.
gastronome a connoisseur of fine cuisine; gourmet.
gastronomy the study or practice of eating well.
gastropod any of a wide variety of mollusks, such as the snail or limpet, usu. having a large muscular organ for
creeping. [2 definitions]
gastrovascular simultaneously serving both a digestive and a circulatory function.
gastrula an embryo in an early stage of development consisting of two saclike layers of cells that enclose a central cavity.
gasworks (used with a sing. verb) a plant at which gas is generated for use in heating and, esp. formerly, in lighting.
gasworks (used with a sing. verb) a plant at which gas is generated for use in heating and, esp. formerly, in lighting.
gate a part of a fence or wall that swings vertically or horizontally to close and open. [3 definitions]
gâteau a layer cake or pastry shell filled with custard, mousse, or the like. [2 definitions]
gate-crasher (informal) someone who attends a party, performance, or the like without being asked or buying a ticket.
gatefold in a book or magazine, an oversize page folded to fit the format and so bound that it can be opened out for
viewing.
gatehouse a house built next to or over a gate, often used as a keeper's lodging. [2 definitions]
gatekeeper a person who supervises the passage of traffic through a gate.
gate-leg table a table with gatelike leg units that swing out from the frame to support hinged leaves.
gatepost an upright post on which a gate is hung by hinges or to which it is attached when closed.
gateway an opening or passageway that may be closed by means of a gate. [2 definitions]
gather to bring together into one place or assembly. [12 definitions]
gathering anything that is gathered or collected. [4 definitions]
Gatling gun an early machine gun with a revolving cluster of barrels, each of which was automatically loaded and fired when
the cluster was rotated.
GATT abbreviation of "General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade."
gauche deficient in manners or other conventions of social behavior; boorish; crude.
gaucherie an act, behavior, or expression that is gauche. [2 definitions]
gaucho a South American cowboy, esp. one from Argentina.
gaud a cheap, flashy ornament.
gaudy tastelessly or excessively ornamented or colored; flashy; garish.
gauge to make an estimate of or a judgment concerning; judge. [7 definitions]
Gaul an ancient region of Europe, now comprising France and parts of surrounding countries, or a comparable sector
of the ancient Roman Empire. [2 definitions]
Gaul an ancient region of Europe, now comprising France and parts of surrounding countries, or a comparable sector
of the ancient Roman Empire. [2 definitions]
Gauleiter a leader in control of a Nazi district during World War II. [2 definitions]
gaunt exceptionally thin and bony. [2 definitions]
1
gauntlet a metal glove worn as part of a suit of armor. [2 definitions]
gauntlet2 a form of punishment or humiliation, used esp. in former times by the military, in which two rows of people beat
someone who is forced to run between them. [3 definitions]
gauss a unit of magnetic induction equal to one maxwell or line of magnetic flux per square centimeter.
Gaussian of or pertaining to a function named after the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss that represents statistical data
as a symmetrical bell-shaped curve. [4 definitions]
Gaussian distribution a function named after the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss that represents statistical data as a symmetrical
function bell-shaped curve; normal distribution function.
gauze a thin, nearly transparent cloth or other material with a loose or open weave. [2 definitions]
gauze pad a piece of thin, cotton, woven material that is used to cover a wound.
gauzy thin, light, and transparent; gauzelike.
gavage forced feeding using a tube to introduce food into the stomach.
gave past tense of give.
gavel a small hammer, usu. wooden, used by a judge or someone presiding over a meeting or auction to get attention,
call for order, or signal a sale.
gavial a large crocodilian reptile, found in India and Indonesia, that has a long narrow snout.
gavotte a dance, formerly popular esp. in early modern France, similar to but faster than a minuet. [2 definitions]
gawk to look at someone or something fixedly and somewhat dopily; gape. [2 definitions]
gawky ungainly; awkward; clumsy.
gay of or in a happy, joyous mood; festive; merry. [4 definitions]
gayety variant of gaiety.
gayly variant of gaily.
gayly variant of gaily.
Gaza Strip a disputed area on the east coast of the Mediterranean that was occupied by Israel in 1967.
gaze to look intently. [2 definitions]
gazebo a small roofed structure, usu. round or polygonal and without sides, built in a garden, on a hill, or the like for
relaxing or picnicking.
gazelle any of several graceful African and Asian antelopes with ringed, slightly curved horns.
gazette a newspaper or other journal.
gazetteer a dictionary of geographical names.
gazpacho a cold soup made by mixing finely chopped raw tomatoes, sweet peppers, onions, garlic, and flavorings.
G.B. abbreviation of "Great Britain," the main island of the United Kingdom, off the coast of France, occupied by
England, Scotland, and Wales, and including some adjacent islands. (Cf. United Kingdom.)
G clef the treble clef.
Gd symbol of the chemical element gadolinium.
GDR abbreviation of "German Democratic Republic," a European country, formerly also known as East Germany,
located between West Germany and Poland, and in 1990 reunited with West Germany.
Ge symbol of the chemical element germanium.
gear a mechanical part that transmits, and may change, motion from another part by means of interlocking teeth on the
two moving parts. [8 definitions]
gearbox the gears and housing that constitute a transmission, esp. of a motor vehicle.
gearing a system or assemblage of gears for transmitting motion. [2 definitions]
gearless combined form of gear.
gear lever (chiefly British) a lever used to change the arrangement of gears, esp. in an automobile transmission; gearshift.
gear ratio the relationship between the speeds of two gears.
gearshift a lever used to change the arrangement of gears, esp. in an automobile transmission.
gear stick (chiefly British) a lever used to change the arrangement of gears, esp. in an automobile transmission; gearshift.
gear stick (chiefly British) a lever used to change the arrangement of gears, esp. in an automobile transmission; gearshift.
gear up to make preparations; get ready for.
gearwheel a wheel with a toothed edge in a system of gears; cogwheel.
gecko any of various small, soft-skinned, insect-eating lizards that have a short body, large head, and suction pads on
the feet and are found in tropical and subtropical regions.
GED abbreviation of "general equivalency diploma."
1
gee turn right! (used in directing a horse or work animal). (Cf. haw3.) [2 definitions]
gee2 used as a mild exclamation of wonder or surprise.
geek a person who is considered to be socially different or awkward, esp. because of being overly
intellectual. [3 definitions]
geeky characteristic of or resembling a geek.
geese pl. of goose.
gee up go faster! (used in directing a horse or work animal).
gee whiz used to express surprise, objection, or the like.
gefilte fish chopped fish mixed with egg, meal, and seasoning, boiled, and served chilled, often as balls.
Geiger counter an instrument that detects radiation by means of a gas that ionizes when in the presence of radioactive
emanations, and that also measures it by a device that counts the electrical pulses emitted by the ionized gas.
geisha a Japanese woman who is trained as a dancer, musician, and conversationalist, and who is paid to entertain and
provide companionship for men.
gel a non-separating chemical mixture that resembles jelly. (See colloid.) [3 definitions]
gelable combined form of gel.
gelati an Italian frozen dessert made of milk, sugar, gelatin, and flavoring.
gelatin an animal protein that is used in glue, on film, and in making edible gels from liquids, such as jellies or
aspics. [3 definitions]
gelatinize to make or change into gelatin or jelly. [3 definitions]
gelatinous like jelly or gelatin, esp. in consistency. [2 definitions]
gelatinous like jelly or gelatin, esp. in consistency. [2 definitions]
geld to remove the testicles of (a horse or other animal); castrate.
gelding a castrated male horse.
gelid exceptionally cold or icy.
gelignite a blasting explosive containing nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, and the like; gelatin dynamite.
gem a precious stone that has been cut and polished; jewel. [4 definitions]
Gemara the second part of the Talmud that contains an expansion of and comments on the Mishnah.
geminate to exist as, arrange, or form into a pair; double. [2 definitions]
Gemini a spring zodiacal constellation located between Taurus and Cancer and containing two bright stars, Castor and
Pollux; Twins. [3 definitions]
gemma in biology, a group of cells or a bud that separates from its parent to develop into a new individual.
gemmate having, or reproducing by, gemmae. [2 definitions]
gemmule in biology, a bud or small gemma capable of developing into a new individual.
gemology the science of gems.
gemsbok a large antelope of southern Africa that has long straight horns and a tufted tail.
gemstone a precious stone fine enough to cut and polish for jewelry.
gemütlich (German) agreeable; cordial; congenial.
gemütlichkeit (German) friendliness; cordiality; agreeableness.
-gen producer, or production. [2 definitions]
Gen. abbreviation of "General," an officer of high military rank in the U.S. and other armed forces.
gendarme a police officer, esp. in France. [2 definitions]
gendarmerie gendarmes collectively, or a body thereof.
gendarmerie gendarmes collectively, or a body thereof.
gender the sex of a person or animal. [3 definitions]
gender gap a difference between the attitudes or values of men and women as evidenced in voting patterns, public opinion
polls, and the like.
genderless combined form of gender.
gender-specific linked to or determined by sex.
gene a section of a chromosome that determines the structure of a single protein or part of one, thereby influencing a
particular hereditary characteristic, such as eye color, or a particular biochemical reaction.
genealogy a chart or record showing the ancestors and lines of hereditary descent of a person or group; family
tree. [2 definitions]
gene pool the total of all the hereditary characteristics on which a single species draws.
genera a plural form of genus.
general relating to or characteristic of all or most of some thing or group; not referring to, connected with, or limited to any
one particular thing. [5 definitions]
general admission a class of admission fee, usu. for open seating or seats not in the reserved sections, as in a theater.
general assembly in some U.S. states, the state legislature. [3 definitions]
General Court the state legislature of Massachusetts or New Hampshire. [2 definitions]
generalcy the rank, office, or authority of a general.
general delivery mail held at the post office for pickup. [2 definitions]
general election a final election on the national, state, or local level to select one candidate from among those previously
 nominated in a primary election, at a party convention, or by some other procedure. [2 definitions]
generalissimo in some countries, a general who commands all the armed forces.
generalist a person having knowledge, skills, or interest in a number of different fields.
generality an indefinite or unspecific statement. [3 definitions]
generalization the act of generalizing. [2 definitions]
generalize to infer (a general principle or idea) from specific facts. [5 definitions]
generalize to infer (a general principle or idea) from specific facts. [5 definitions]
generally for the most part. [3 definitions]
general officer any military officer who ranks above colonel.
general of the army the highest ranking officer in the U.S. Army during World War II. (Cf. fleet admiral.)
general practitioner a practicing physician who does not specialize in any specific field of medicine but treats a variety of medical
problems.
general-purpose having many uses; useful in a general way.
generalship skill in leading a large military force, esp. in wartime. [2 definitions]
general staff a group of officers who assist a high commander in planning and supervising military operations.
general store a small retail store that sells a wide range of merchandise but is not divided into departments.
general strike a strike by the entire labor force of an industry, country, or the like.
generate to cause to be brought into being. [2 definitions]
generation the entire body of people who were born at roughly the same time. [5 definitions]
generation gap the lack of understanding or alienation that exist between members of one generation and the next as a result of
differing attitudes, experiences, values, and fashions, as well as the difference in age.
Generation X the generation following the post-WWII baby boom, esp. those born in the U.S. and Canada in the 1960s and
1970s.
generative of or pertaining to the production of offspring; procreative. [2 definitions]
generative grammar a grammar system in which a limited, fixed set of rules can generate or describe an infinitely large variety of
sentences in a language.
generator someone or something that generates. [3 definitions]
generatrix a point, line, or plane that generates a geometric figure when set in motion, such as a line that generates a plane.
generic of, concerning, or applying to all elements of a particular class. [4 definitions]
generosity willing readiness to give. [3 definitions]
generous willing to give or share, or giving more than necessary; unselfish. [4 definitions]
generous willing to give or share, or giving more than necessary; unselfish. [4 definitions]
-genesis production; origin.
genesis the beginning or origin of something. [2 definitions]
genet any of several carnivorous mammals related to the civet, with yellowish or grayish fur, dark spots, and a long
ringed tail. [2 definitions]
genetic of or concerning the science of heredity. [3 definitions]
genetically through the genes; in accordance with genetic makeup [3 definitions]
genetic code the rules governing the order in which amino acids are added to a nascent protein as it is being synthesized
according to the order of nucleotides in DNA and RNA molecules.
genetic drift evolutionary change because of mutations that result from random changes in gene frequency in a small
population and that become established in that population.
genetic engineering the science or practice of altering the genetic code transmitted by living organisms by splicing and recombining
specific genetic units from their DNA.
genetics (used with a sing. verb) the science of heredity, esp. of the influence of genes on the appearance, development,
and evolution of organisms. [2 definitions]
Geneva Convention one of a number of international agreements, first made in Geneva, Switzerland in 1864, establishing rules for the
care of the dead and wounded and the humane treatment of prisoners of war.
Genghis Khan a Mongol leader of armies that conquered much of Asia and part of eastern Europe (b.1162?--d.1227).
genial cheerfully friendly. [2 definitions]
-genic generating; forming; producing. [3 definitions]
genie in Islamic mythology, a usu. impish supernatural being, often in human form, that will do one's bidding, esp. grant
one's wishes; jinn; jinni.
genital of or concerning reproduction or the sexual reproductive organs, esp. the external ones.
genitalia the organs involved in sexual reproduction, esp. the external ones.
genitals the organs of reproduction, esp. the external ones.
genitive of, relating to, or denoting a grammatical case that usu. indicates possession, source, or other such
relationship. [3 definitions]
genitourinary of or concerning the organs of sexual reproduction and urination.
genius extraordinary power of intellect, esp. as shown in artistic or scientific work. [5 definitions]
genius extraordinary power of intellect, esp. as shown in artistic or scientific work. [5 definitions]
genocide the intentional attempt to exterminate all members of a certain race, nationality, or ethnic group.
genome a complete, single set of chromosomes.
genotype the genetic makeup of a living creature. (Cf. phenotype.) [2 definitions]
-genous generating; yielding; producing. [2 definitions]
genre a particular type, sort, or category. [3 definitions]
genre painting a kind of painting in which everyday subjects or scenes are treated realistically.
gens in ancient Rome, a patrilineal clan having a common name and worshiping a common ancestor. [2 definitions]
gent (informal) a man; gentleman.
genteel displaying traits such as refinement and politeness that are traditionally associated with wealth and
education. [2 definitions]
gentian any of a large variety of European and American plants that bear colorful, usu. blue or yellow
flowers. [2 definitions]
gentile (sometimes cap.) a person who is not Jewish, esp. a Christian. [4 definitions]
gentility the quality or state of one who is genteel; refinement of manners and behavior. [2 definitions]
gentle without harshness, aggressiveness, or violence. [7 definitions]
gentlefolk people of good family and breeding, usu. of high social standing.
gentleman a courteous and honorable man. [4 definitions]
gentleman-farmer a wealthy man who farms for pleasure rather than for income.
gentlemanly like, characteristic of, or befitting a gentleman; well-mannered.
gentlemen's an unwritten agreement that is binding through the parties' pledge of honor but not enforceable by
agreement law. [2 definitions]
gentlewoman a courteous and honorable woman. [3 definitions]
gently softly or mildly; not harshly.
gently softly or mildly; not harshly.
gentrification the process by which buildings in decaying neighborhoods are bought and renovated by relatively wealthy people,
thus causing the displacement and sometimes homelessness of poor people.
gentrify to restore or upgrade (a deteriorated neighborhood) by renovation of existing homes and the like, usu. resulting in
the displacement of poor residents by more affluent ones.
gentry people who come from families of high social standing. [2 definitions]
genuflect to bend the knee so as to worship or show reverence. [2 definitions]
genuine true to what is claimed or believed about a thing; authentic. [2 definitions]
genus one of the categories used in classifying living organisms, larger than a species but smaller than a
family. [2 definitions]
-geny origin; production; generation.
geo- earth.
geocentric of, concerning, or measured from the center of the earth. [2 definitions]
geochemical of, pertaining to, or involving geochemistry.
geochemistry the scientific study of the chemical composition of Earth or other celestial bodies and how this chemical
composition changes. [2 definitions]
geochronology the order of events in the earth's history as revealed by geological studies.
geode a hollow, usu. globular stone, the cavity of which is lined with crystals.
geodesic of or concerning the study or properties of lines and other geometric constructions defined on curved
surfaces. [3 definitions]
geodesy the science concerned with measuring the size, shape, area, and curvature of the entire earth or of large parts of
it and with locating specific geographical points.
geodetic of, pertaining to, or determined by geodesy. [2 definitions]
Geoffrey Chaucer an English poet (b.1340?--d.1400).
geographer one who studies, researches, or maps the earth's surface as a profession.
geographical of or concerning geography. [2 definitions]
geography the science of the earth's surface, including its physical features, climate, resident populations, political divisions,
agriculture, natural resources, and the like. [2 definitions]
geography the science of the earth's surface, including its physical features, climate, resident populations, political divisions,
agriculture, natural resources, and the like. [2 definitions]
geologic of, pertaining to, or according to geology.
geological of or pertaining to the makeup of the earth or to its history. [2 definitions]
geologist one who studies or works professionally in the field of geology, or earth science.
geology the study of the physical structure, composition and development of the earth or other solid astronomical bodies,
esp. with regard to rocks and land forms. [2 definitions]
geomagnetism the earth's magnetic properties. [2 definitions]
geometric of or concerning geometry. [2 definitions]
geometric progression a sequence of terms, such as 1, 4, 16, 64, 256, in which the ratio of each term to its predecessor is always the
same.
geometrid of, pertaining to, or belonging to a family of broad-winged moths, the larvae of which are called measuring
worms. [2 definitions]
geometry the mathematical study of planar or spatial objects such as points, lines, planes, and solid figures. [3 definitions]
geomorphology the study of the origin, development, and configuration of topographic forms.
geophagy the practice of eating earthy matter such as clay or chalk, as during a famine or as a symptom of mental illness.
geophone a sensitive electronic receiver designed to detect seismic vibrations.
geophysics (used with a sing. verb) the branch of physics that deals with matters relevant to geology and includes
oceanography, meteorology, seismology, and the like.
geopolitics (used with a sing. verb) the study of the political and economic relationships among nations.
George Bernard Shaw an Irish-born British playwright and critic (b.1856--d.1950).
George Foreman U.S. heavyweight boxer who twice won the World Heavyweight Championship (b. 1949).
George Herman Ruth see "Babe Ruth."
George Orwell an English author; Eric Blair (b.1903--d.1950).
Georgetown the capital of Guyana.
georgette a sheer fabric of silk or rayon crepe with a dull, slightly crinkled surface.
georgette a sheer fabric of silk or rayon crepe with a dull, slightly crinkled surface.
George Washington the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in the U.S. War of Independence and the first President of the
United States (1789-1797). During his presidency, Washington focused on bringing a spirit of unity to the newly
formed nation, creating a new capital, and expanding U.S. territory westward (b.1732--d.1799).
Georgia a Near Eastern country between Turkey and Russia; formerly a republic of the Soviet Union. [2 definitions]
Georgian of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the period of British history from the reign of George I through that of George
IV, or the style, as of architecture, of that period. [6 definitions]
Georg Wilhelm a German philosopher (b.1770--d.1831).
Friedrich Hegel
geostatic of or pertaining to the pressure that surface rock exerts. [2 definitions]
geostationary of or pertaining to a satellite or spacecraft that travels around the earth's equator at a speed equal to the earth's
rotation so as to maintain a constant relation to points on the earth's surface.
geotaxis the movement of a freely moving organism toward or against gravitational pull.
geothermal of or concerning the heat produced internally by the earth.
geothermal energy heat energy produced in the interior of the earth, or energy derived from earth's heat.
geotropism movement or growth of a living organism in response to gravity, such as the downward growth of plant roots.
gephyrophobia an abnormal fear of crossing bridges.
ger. abbreviation of "gerund," in English, a form derived from a verb by the addition of the suffix "-ing" that functions as
a noun.
geranium any of various garden plants that have roundish divided leaves and bear showy clusters of red, pink, or white
blossoms.
gerbil any of a variety of small African and Asian burrowing rodents often kept as pets.
gerfalcon variant of gyrfalcon.
geriatric of or concerning geriatrics. [2 definitions]
geriatrics (used with a sing. verb) the science concerned with the medical problems that tend to occur in old
age. [2 definitions]
germ a microscopic organism, esp. a bacterium or virus that causes illness; pathogen. [3 definitions]
German of or pertaining to Germany or its people, culture, language, or the like. [3 definitions]
german having the same parents (usu. used in combination). [2 definitions]
german having the same parents (usu. used in combination). [2 definitions]
German Democratic see "East Germany."
Republic
germander any of various herbs of Europe and America, usu. aromatic and with spikes of reddish or purplish flowers.
germane having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant.
Germanic of or pertaining to the Teutons; Teutonic. [3 definitions]
germanium a tetravalent metal chemical element that has thirty-two protons in each nucleus and occurs naturally as a
contaminant of coal, but can be purified for use in transistors and as a component of high-quality optical glass.
(symbol: Ge)
Germanize to become or cause to become German in character, language, attitude, or the like.
German measles a mild contagious viral disease, characterized by swollen glands, fever, and a rash, and dangerous to fetuses in
the first three months of pregnancy.
German shepherd one of a breed of large dogs having a thick brownish or black coat, often used as guard dogs and as guide dogs
for the blind; Alsatian.
German silver any of several alloys of copper, zinc, and nickel used for utensils, drawing instruments, and the like; nickel silver.
Germany a central European country, reunited in 1990, bordered by the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France,
Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
germ cell a cell whose principal function is reproduction; egg or sperm cell.
germicide a substance capable of killing or used to kill germs.
germinal of, concerning, or like a germ or germ cell. [2 definitions]
germinate to start or cause to start a process of growth or development; sprout.
germ layer any of the three primary cell layers in an embryo which differentiate into various body parts as the fetus develops.
germ plasm the protoplasm of the germ cells containing chromosomes.
germ warfare the deliberate contamination of an enemy's territory with disease germs.
gerontocracy government by a group of elders. [2 definitions]
gerontology the science concerned with the physical and emotional changes associated with aging. (See geriatrics.)
Gerry Jackson founder and station manager of SW Radio Africa, Zimbabwe's only independent radio station, which is broadcast
from London, England.
Gerry Jackson founder and station manager of SW Radio Africa, Zimbabwe's only independent radio station, which is broadcast
from London, England.
gerrymander the manipulation, or the result of the manipulation, of the boundaries of election districts so as to favor a particular
political party. [2 definitions]
gerund in English, a form derived from a verb by the addition of the suffix "-ing" that functions as a noun.
gestalt in psychology, a cognitive pattern that is whole and unified and cannot be predicted or inferred from its individual
elements, even when they are considered together.
Gestalt psychology a psychological theory that holds that experience is composed of gestalts and that an organism's response to a
situation cannot be analyzed as a sum of its elements.
Gestapo the terrorist secret police force of Germany during the Nazi regime.
gestate to carry in the uterus following conception. [3 definitions]
gestation the time that an organism spends developing in a womb, egg, or the like before being born. [2 definitions]
gesticulate to make hand movements, esp. so as to be more emphatic or expressive while speaking. [2 definitions]
gesticulation the act or an instance of using hand movements, as to add emphasis or expressiveness to speech. [2 definitions]
gesture a movement of one's body, limbs, or face that expresses emotion or feeling or reinforces speech. [4 definitions]
gesundheit good health to you! (addressed to one who has sneezed).
get to gain; obtain; acquire. [17 definitions]
get across to make (a point or idea) clearly understood to a listener or reader. [2 definitions]
get ahead to advance; succeed.
get along to survive or manage. [2 definitions]
get around to to reach the point in time when one becomes able to do something.
getaway an escape, esp. from the police. [5 definitions]
get away to escape and become free. [3 definitions]
get away with to avoid being caught or punished for doing something wrong.
get away with murder (informal) to avoid punishment for wrongdoing, or avoid detection of such, even if the wrongdoing is serious
(generally used metaphorically rather than literally).
get away with murder (informal) to avoid punishment for wrongdoing, or avoid detection of such, even if the wrongdoing is serious
(generally used metaphorically rather than literally).
get a wiggle on (informal) hurry up.
get back to return, esp. to return home. [4 definitions]
get back at to do something bad or unpleasant to (someone) in return for something bad or unpleasant that this person has
done to one previously.
get back to to return a call or message, or to resume a conversation with (someone) at a later time, esp. by
telephone. [2 definitions]
get behind to be late in doing things that continually need to be done, or to not make the amount of progress that one plans
or needs to make; not keep to the expected or necessary pace (often fol. by "in").
get by to survive or keep going at the most basic level.
get carried away to become excited, agitated, or enthusiastic to the point that one goes too far in one's speech or actions, losing
the ability to see logically what is real, practical, or sufficient.
get down to move one's body to a lower place or position. [7 definitions]
get dressed to put clothes on.
get even to exact revenge; retaliate (often fol. by "with").
get in to manage to go in; enter. [3 definitions]
get in touch to contact or restore communication (usu. fol. by "with").
get lost to lose one's way. [2 definitions]
get off to leave (a public vehicle) after riding. [10 definitions]
get off on (slang) to get excited or aroused by; take pleasure in.
get off the ground to launch or begin something successfully.
get on to mount, board, or step onto. [5 definitions]
get one's act together (informal) to behave more responsibly.
get one's goat to irritate, annoy, or anger. [2 definitions]
get one's way to manage to obtain one's particular wish or preference, regardless of the wishes or objections of others.
get one's way to manage to obtain one's particular wish or preference, regardless of the wishes or objections of others.
get on someone's to annoy or cause agitation in (someone).
nerves
get out to leave or be allowed to leave. [3 definitions]
get out of to escape having to do (something that one does not wish to do).
get over to recover from (something).
get rid of to discard, remove, or make disappear (esp. something that is bad or considered to have no value).
get (something) one's to manage to have (something) the way that one wants or prefers, regardless of the desires or objections of
way others.
get the gate to be rejected.
get the show on the (slang) to begin; get started.
road
get through to manage to reach the end of (a difficult or challenging experience). [5 definitions]
get to to arrive at (a destination), or to travel to and arrive at (a destination). [5 definitions]
get to first base (informal) to make initial progress or have some initial success.
get-together a gathering of a few people for social purposes.
get together to meet (another person or other people) and spend time together. [4 definitions]
getup (informal) a set or combination of clothing and decoration; outfit; costume. [2 definitions]
get up to stand up. [2 definitions]
get up on the wrong to be in an irritable temper, as from the earliest part of the day.
side of the bed
get wind of to receive hints or rumors of.
gewgaw a small, worthless ornament; trinket; bauble.
geyser a spring that erupts periodically, spewing up a stream of hot water, steam, or mud.
GFCI an abbreviation for "ground fault circuit interrupter." A GFCI is a device that shuts down an electric circuit when it
 senses a sudden loss of power. It protects people from severe electric shocks.
GFCI an abbreviation for "ground fault circuit interrupter." A GFCI is a device that shuts down an electric circuit when it
senses a sudden loss of power. It protects people from severe electric shocks.
G-force (often l.c.) a unit of inertial stress on a body that is subjected to rapid acceleration, equal to about thirty-two feet
per second per second.
Ghana a West African country on the Atlantic coast between the Ivory Coast and Togo.
ghastly inducing fear; terrifying. [3 definitions]
ghat in India, a mountain pass.
ghee the liquid butter that remains after the milk of cows or buffaloes has been boiled, used esp. in India.
gherkin a variety of small cucumber used for pickling. [3 definitions]
ghetto a part of a town or city in which members of a particular race, religion, nationality, ethnic group, or the like are
forced by law to live. [3 definitions]
ghetto blaster (slang) a portable stereo player.
ghettoize to segregate in, or as if in, a restricted area such as a slum. [2 definitions]
Ghibelline a member of an aristocratic faction in medieval Italy that supported the authority of the German emperors over the
papacy. (Cf. Guelph.)
ghost the spirit of someone who has died, esp. one that is believed to have returned to earth to haunt a place or living
people. [7 definitions]
ghost gear fishing gear that is lost or illegally dumped into the oceans by commercial fishing companies.
ghostly of, typical of, or similar to a ghost, esp. in whiteness, eeriness, or elusiveness.
ghost net a fishing net that is lost or abandoned in the ocean by commercial fishermen.
ghost town a town that has been completely abandoned, esp. a former boom town of the American West.
ghostwriter someone who writes one or more books, speeches, or the like under the name of and as the agent for another
person.
ghoul an evil demon, esp. one of Islamic legend that eats people and corpses. [3 definitions]
GHz abbreviation of "gigahertz," a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz.
GI designating standard equipment, apparel, or the like issued to U.S. military personnel (originally an abbreviation
for "galvanized iron," and subsequently considered to be an abbreviation for "government issue"). [4 definitions]
giant a legendary being who looks like a man of an enormous size and strength. [5 definitions]
giant a legendary being who looks like a man of an enormous size and strength. [5 definitions]
giant anteater see "ant bear."
giantess a female giant. [2 definitions]
giantism the state of being a giant. [2 definitions]
giant panda a large, bearlike, carnivorous animal with black-and-white fur and black rings around the eyes, native to China
and Tibet.
giant powder dynamite made of nitroglycerin, sulfur, sodium nitrate, rosin, and usu. kieselguhr, and used for blasting.
giant star a star of great mass and luminosity.
giant tortoise any of the species of large land turtles found in tropical regions, such as the Galapagos and Seychelles Islands.
Giant tortoises can reach four feet in length and weigh 500 pounds.
giardia any parasitic protozoan of the genus Giardia that colonizes the intestines of humans and other vertebrates and
may cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.
giardiasis infection of the intestines by any parasitic protozoan of the genus Giardia associated with diarrhea, abdominal
pain, and weight loss.
gibber to talk incoherently or foolishly; chatter. [2 definitions]
gibberish written or spoken words that are unintelligible, needlessly obscure, or without coherent meaning.
gibbet a structure built for execution by hanging and for the public exhibition of those hanged, consisting of a vertical
post to which a horizontal beam is attached at the top; gallows. [2 definitions]
gibbon any of a group of small, tree-dwelling Asian apes with long arms.
gibbous of a planet or the moon, rounded outward at both edges; between half full and full in illumination.
gibe to make mocking or derisive comments. [3 definitions]
giblet (usu. pl.) the edible inner organs of a bird, usu. the gizzard, heart, and liver.
Gibraltar a small peninsula, consisting mainly of a rocky mountain, at the southern tip of Spain. [3 definitions]
giddy light-headed or dizzy. [3 definitions]
giddyap a usu. shouted command urging a horse to begin moving or increase speed.
gift something given freely; present. [3 definitions]
gift something given freely; present. [3 definitions]
gift certificate a coupon that is purchased and then given as a gift, entitling the receiver to select goods or services totaling the
amount specified on the coupon.
gifted endowed with a special quality, talent, or ability.
gift of tongues see "speaking in tongues."
gift shop a usually small store, especially one at a hospital or in a tourist area, that specializes in selling things that serve
well as presents.
gift voucher (chiefly British) a coupon that is purchased and then given as a gift, entitling the receiver to select goods or
services totaling the amount specified on the coupon; gift certificate.
gift-wrap to wrap (something) with decorative ribbons and paper for a gift. [2 definitions]
1
gig a small, two-wheeled carriage pulled by a single horse. [3 definitions]
2
gig a spear designed for catching frogs or fish. [3 definitions]
giga- one billion.
gigabyte a unit of electronic storage capacity or memory equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes or approximately one billion bytes.
(abbr.: G or GB)
gigahertz a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz. (abbr.: GHz)
gigantic exceptionally big; huge, as a giant.
gigantism abnormal growth of the whole body or parts of the body, usu. due to dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
gigaton a unit of power used in measuring the force of nuclear weapons, equal to the explosive force of a billion tons of
TNT.
gigawatt a unit of power equal to one billion watts.
giggle to laugh in a lighthearted, silly, or nervous way with short, convulsive sounds. [2 definitions]
gigolo a man who receives money from a usu. wealthy woman in exchange for his sexual favors and companionship.
gigot a leg of mutton, lamb, veal, or the like.
Gila monster a large poisonous lizard of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, with a stubby tail and scaly
rings of black and orange, yellow, or pink covering its skin.
Gila River a U.S. river flowing west from southwestern New Mexico through Arizona to the southwest corner of the state,
where it joins with the Colorado River.
Gila River a U.S. river flowing west from southwestern New Mexico through Arizona to the southwest corner of the state,
where it joins with the Colorado River.
Gila River Relocation a U.S. internment camp located on the Gila River Indian Reservation that was built for the internment of
Center Japanese-Americans during World War II. At its peak, there were over 13,000 people forcibly living there.
gild to cover or coat with gold. [2 definitions]
Gilded Age in U.S. history, the post-Civil War era, characterized by rapid industrialization, economic expansion, and
widespread corruption in business and government.
gilding the art or process of applying gilt or a similar substance to a surface. [3 definitions]
1
gill the breathing organ of fish and other animals that live in water, consisting of a platelike, saclike, or feathery
protrusion. [5 definitions]
2
gill in the US, a unit of capacity equal to one fourth of a pint, four fluid ounces, or 118.3 milliliters. [2 definitions]
gill fungus a fleshy fungus with blade-shaped gills on the underside of its cap; mushroom.
gill net a net set upright in the water in order to catch fish by the gills.
gillyflower any of a number of plants bearing fragrant flowers, such as the wallflower or carnation.
1
gilt a past tense and past participle of gild. [4 definitions]
2
gilt a young female pig that has not yet produced offspring.
gilt-edged having edges coated with or as if with gold. [2 definitions]
gimbals (sometimes sing.; used with a sing. verb) a device using pivots that supports something such as a compass on a
ship and keeps it level even when the support is in motion.
gimcrack a gaudy object of no value. [2 definitions]
gimel the name of the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
gimlet a tool used to make holes, consisting of a shaft with a sharp, spiral tip attached to a handle at a right
angle. [3 definitions]
gimlet-eyed having a penetrating or watchful look.
gimmick a novel feature or offer with little purpose other than to attract people to a product. [3 definitions]
gimp a flat, narrow piece of cloth, braided cord, or the like used as a trim on clothing or curtains.
1
gin an alcoholic liquor made from grain distilled with juniper berries. [2 definitions]
gin1 an alcoholic liquor made from grain distilled with juniper berries. [2 definitions]
2
gin a machine designed to remove the seeds from raw cotton; cotton gin. [2 definitions]
3
gin see "gin rummy."
ginger the spicy root of an originally Asian plant, often used as a spice or flavoring in cooking. [3 definitions]
ginger ale a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger.
ginger beer a carbonated drink similar to ginger ale but flavored with fermented ginger.
gingerbread a type of cake or cookie flavored with ginger and sweetened with molasses. [3 definitions]
gingerly in a careful or cautious manner; warily. [2 definitions]
gingersnap a small, round, crisp cookie made with ginger and molasses.
gingham a cotton cloth made from dyed yarn and often having a pattern, such as checks or stripes.
gingivitis reddening and swelling of the gums.
ginkgo a deciduous ornamental tree, native to China, with fan-shaped leaves and edible fruit and seeds.
Ginnie Mae (informal) the Government National Mortgage Association, a Federal agency that buys mortgages in quantity from
lenders and then, by offering securities to the public, sells interests in them. [2 definitions]
gin rummy a card game for two players in which the aim is to be the first to discard all of one's cards in three-of-a-kind or
sequenced sets.
ginseng the aromatic root of any of several related Asian plants, or a preparation made from it, used for medicinal
purposes. [2 definitions]
gip variant of gyp.
Gipsy variant of Gypsy.
giraffe a spotted, cud-chewing, four-footed African mammal with exceptionally long legs and neck.
gird to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. [3 definitions]
girder a heavy beam, usu. made of steel or wood, that serves as a horizontal support in a bridge or building.
girdle an undergarment worn chiefly by women to support and shape the hips, abdomen, and buttocks. [7 definitions]
girdle an undergarment worn chiefly by women to support and shape the hips, abdomen, and buttocks. [7 definitions]
girl a female child or adolescent. [3 definitions]
girl Friday a female employee, aide, or assistant who faithfully attends to a variety of tasks.
girlfriend (informal) a female with whom one has a romantic relationship. [2 definitions]
girlhood the state or period of being a girl.
girlie (informal) featuring or depicting nude or nearly nude young women, esp. in a tasteless way.
girlish of, like, pertaining to, or suitable for girls.
Girl Scout a member of a U.S. youth organization for girls.
girt a past tense and past participle of gird.
girth the length around something, esp. the waist or abdomen; circumference. [4 definitions]
gismo variant of gizmo.
gist the essential part or idea, as of an argument or written work. [2 definitions]
1
git a spelling of the word "get" that represents a pronunciation primarily associated with the southern and western
U.S. [2 definitions]
git2 (chiefly British; informal) an annoying or despicable person.
Gitega the capital of Burundi.
gittern a cittern.
give to bestow or present. [13 definitions]
give a damn (informal) to care more than a little; be concerned.
give-and-take the act, process, or practice of compromising. [2 definitions]
giveaway a word or action that betrays or reveals, usu. unintentionally. [2 definitions]
give away to surrender possession of (something) or give as a gift. [4 definitions]
give away to surrender possession of (something) or give as a gift. [4 definitions]
give a wide berth to to stay out of the way of.
giveback a reduction in workers' salaries, benefits, or rights agreed to by a union during labor negotiations in exchange for
some other concession by management or in recognition of depressed economic conditions.
give back to return (something) to someone after taking, using, or borrowing. [3 definitions]
give birth (of a female human or animal) to deliver offspring into the world.
give in to agree to something that one is reluctant to agree to (usu. fol. by "to"). [4 definitions]
given past participle of give. [6 definitions]
given name a person's first name, given at birth or baptism, as distinguished from one's family name. (Cf. surname.)
give off to release into the air; emit.
give one's eyeteeth to give one's most valued possession, as for something that one greatly desires.
give out to distribute (something), usually by hand. [3 definitions]
give rise to to lead to; cause.
give (someone) a to refrain from giving (someone) a punishment or negative consequence, although such punishment or
break consequence would normally be expected. [3 definitions]
give (someone) a buzz(informal) to telephone (someone).
give someone a hand to help (someone) with a particular task.
give (someone) a ring (informal) to telephone (someone).
give someone the (slang) to express anger or contempt by extending the middle finger upward.
finger
give someone the slip to elude; escape.
give the gate to reject.
give up to stop (an activity), often reluctantly. [4 definitions]
give up the ghost to lose one's life; die.
give up the ghost to lose one's life; die.
give way to withdraw. [3 definitions]
gizmo (informal) something nameless or whose name is forgotten, esp. a mechanical gadget or part; thingamajig.
gizzard an enlarged, muscular portion of the digestive tract of birds in which partially digested food is finely ground with
the aid of abrasive particles. [2 definitions]
glabrous having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth.
glacé having a glazed, frosted, or glossy surface; candied or iced. [2 definitions]
glacial of, concerning, coming from, or marked by the presence of glaciers or other large ice masses. [5 definitions]
glacial epoch see "ice age."
glaciate to envelop or cover with ice or glaciers; freeze. [3 definitions]
glaciation the process or condition of being covered by glaciers or ice sheets.
glacier a very large accumulation of ice formed in cold regions from compacted snow and moving very slowly outward or
downward on a slope.
glaciology the scientific study of the nature, formation, and movements of glaciers. [2 definitions]
glacis a gradual slope or incline.
glad happy or delighted, often with a sense of relief or fulfilled hope; pleased. [3 definitions]
gladden to cause to be glad.
glade a clearing in a forest.
glad hand (informal) a hearty but often insincere or hypocritical welcome, greeting, reception, or the like.
glad-hand (informal) to greet in a hearty but insincere manner.
gladiator a man in ancient Rome who fought, often to the death and usu. under compulsion, for the amusement of an
audience. [3 definitions]
gladiola gladiolus.
gladiolus any of numerous plants of the iris family that have colorful flowers growing on long, erect stems, or a flower or a
 stem of flowers from such a plant.
gladiolus any of numerous plants of the iris family that have colorful flowers growing on long, erect stems, or a flower or a
stem of flowers from such a plant.
gladsome inducing happiness or gladness. [2 definitions]
Gladstone bag a hinged piece of luggage that opens flat to two compartments of equal size.
glair the raw white of an egg used in glazing or sizing, or a similar viscous substance.
glamorize to cause to be glamorous. [2 definitions]
glamorous full of or characterized by fascination, allure, or excitement.
glamour a quality of excitement, desirability, and compelling attractiveness in one's appearance or manner.
glamourless combined form of glamour.
glance to look quickly. [6 definitions]
gland any of various organs or cells that produce secretions in a living organism. [2 definitions]
glanders (used with a sing. verb) a contagious disease of horses, mules, and the like that is communicable to humans and
is characterized by a mucous discharge from the nostrils and ulcers or swellings in the respiratory tract and lymph
nodes.
glandless combined form of gland.
glandular of, having, or resembling a gland or glands. [2 definitions]
glandular fever see "infectious mononucleosis."
glans the rounded tip of the clitoris or penis.
1
glare a steady, blinding light. [6 definitions]
2
glare a smooth, glassy surface of or like ice.
glaring blindingly bright. [4 definitions]
glary harshly dazzling; glaring.
glasnost an official Russian policy of openness and candor in social and political discussions.
glass a hard, breakable, usu. transparent material made from silica and metallic oxides and used for windows, bottles,
mirrors, and the like. [5 definitions]
glass a hard, breakable, usu. transparent material made from silica and metallic oxides and used for windows, bottles,
mirrors, and the like. [5 definitions]
glass blowing the art or process of shaping glass by blowing air through a tube that holds a mass of molten glass at one end.
glasses shortened form of "eyeglasses."
glassful the quantity a glass can hold when full.
glassine a thin, tough, nearly transparent paper used in packaging, as for book jackets and envelope windows.
glassless combined form of glass.
glass snake any of several limbless lizards of the southern United States or of Europe and Asia, having a tail that snaps or
breaks off easily.
glassware objects made of glass, esp. for a table setting.
glass wool fibers of spun glass that resemble wool and are used in insulation and air filters.
glasswort any of several fleshy plants that are found in salt marshes or the like, having succulent stems and scalelike
leaves, the ash of which was formerly used in making glass.
glassy having qualities of glass, such as smoothness, slipperiness, or transparency. [2 definitions]
glaucoma a progressively disabling disease of the eye marked by increased pressure in and hardening of the eyeball.
glaucous of or pertaining to a light bluish green color. [2 definitions]
glaze to install glass in (a window). [9 definitions]
glazier a person who is trained to install window glass.
glazing the act of cutting and fitting glass in a window or the like. [3 definitions]
gleam a slight, sudden, or brief flash or beam of light; glint. [5 definitions]
glean to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. [4 definitions]
gleanable combined form of glean.
gleanings something that is gleaned or collected bit by bit.
glee a feeling of delight, joy, or gaiety. [2 definitions]
glee a feeling of delight, joy, or gaiety. [2 definitions]
glee club a choral group that sings glees and other short choral pieces.
gleeful exuberantly joyful; merry.
glen a narrow secluded valley, esp. between mountains.
glengarry (sometimes cap.) a Scottish cap creased lengthwise on the top and often having short ribbons in the back.
Glen plaid (sometimes l.c.) a plaid pattern involving thin crisscrossing stripes of black or gray and white, and sometimes one
or more muted colors. [2 definitions]
glib speaking or prone to speak easily and fluently, esp. in a careless or thoughtless manner, with little concern for the
truth. [3 definitions]
glide to move in a smooth and seemingly effortless manner. [9 definitions]
glider someone or something that glides. [3 definitions]
glimmer a slight, dim, or unsteady light; flicker; gleam. [4 definitions]
glimmering a faint, flickering light; glimmer. [3 definitions]
glimpse a quick look; momentary or partial view. [4 definitions]
glint a brief flash or flicker of reflected light, as from a mirror or smooth metal surface. [4 definitions]
glissade a controlled, skillful slide down a snowy or icy slope while on skis, a toboggan, or the like. [3 definitions]
glissando performed by playing or sounding a rapid succession of consecutive tones of a scale, as by sliding one or more
fingers over the keys of a piano. [3 definitions]
glisten to shine with reflected light, sometimes sparkling and sometimes softly lustrous. [2 definitions]
glitch (informal) a minor problem, mishap, malfunction, or defect, as in a machine or plan. [2 definitions]
glitter to shine brightly, with sparkling or lustrous reflected light. [6 definitions]
glitz (informal) extreme showiness or gaudy, ostentatious sophistication.
glitzy (informal) shining or sparkling as with glitter; glittery. [2 definitions]
gloaming late evening; dusk; twilight.
gloaming late evening; dusk; twilight.
gloat to feel or express pleasure, pride, or satisfaction, often at someone else's expense. [2 definitions]
glob a small drop, ball, or blob; globule. [2 definitions]
global having to do with the whole earth; worldwide; universal. [3 definitions]
globalism the policy or attitude of putting global or worldwide concerns before national ones.
globalization the process or idea of the world becoming more like that of a single nation with one shared economy and culture
rather than separate, distinct countries.
global positioning a navigational device, usu. hand-held or installed in a vehicle, that uses the Global Positioning System, a global
device satellite positioning system, or other similar means to determine one's exact location.
Global Positioning a public satellite navigation system designed and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense that provides an
System accurate global time reference and is used to determine a precise location on Earth.
global village the world considered as a single community, made so by modern air travel, mass media, and the like.
global warming an increase in global temperatures believed to be caused in part by the greenhouse effect.
globe the earth (usu. prec. by "the"). [6 definitions]
globefish any of various fishes that have or are capable of assuming a spherical, globular shape, such as the ocean sunfish
and the puffer.
globetrotter someone who travels often and has been to many parts of the world.
globoid shaped approximately like a globe; globular. [2 definitions]
globose shaped like a globe; globular; globoid.
globular in the shape of a globe or globule; spherical. [3 definitions]
globule a very small drop, ball, or spherical mass.
globulin in many plant and animal tissues, any of a number of simple proteins that will dissolve in a weak solution of salt
and water, though not in water alone, and will coagulate when heat is applied.
glockenspiel a percussion instrument composed of a set of graduated metal bars, mounted in a lyre-shaped frame, that are
struck with hammers.
glögg a hot Swedish punch made of red wine, sherry, brandy, sugar, and spices, garnished with orange peel, almonds,
and raisins.
glomerate formed into a tight, rounded mass.
glomerate formed into a tight, rounded mass.
glomerular of, pertaining to, or produced by a glomerulus.
glomerulonephritis any of a group of kidney diseases characterized by inflammation of the renal glomeruli.
glomerulus in anatomy, a globular structure of entwined vessels, fibers, or neurons, such as the glomerulus in the kidney that
filters blood.
gloom lack of light; darkness or dimness. [5 definitions]
gloomy dim or dark; dreary or dismal. [3 definitions]
glop (informal) any messy, gooey, sticky substance, thick liquid, or the like.
glorification the act of glorifying, or the state of being glorified. [2 definitions]
glorify to give great praise, honor, or glory to, esp. in worship; exalt; extol. [3 definitions]
glorious having or meriting great praise, fame, honor, or glory; illustrious. [4 definitions]
glory great honor, distinction, praise, or renown. [8 definitions]
glory days a time in the past when someone or something flourished.
gloss1 a shine or sheen on a surface; luster. [4 definitions]
2
gloss an explanatory note, such as a translation of an unusual, foreign, or technical expression, placed between the
lines or in the margin of a text or manuscript. [3 definitions]
glossary a list of unusual, difficult, or technical words and their definitions, usu. placed at the end of a book. [2 definitions]
glossolalia see "speaking in tongues."
glossy having a smooth, shiny surface or appearance. [5 definitions]
glottal of or articulated in the glottis.
glottal stop a speech sound made by momentarily closing the glottis and then abruptly releasing it.
glottis the elongated opening between the vocal cords in the upper portion of the larynx.
glove a covering for the hand, usu. made of cloth or leather and having separate sections for each finger and the
thumb. [5 definitions]
glove a covering for the hand, usu. made of cloth or leather and having separate sections for each finger and the
thumb. [5 definitions]
glove compartment a small storage area built into an automobile's dashboard, usu. on the passenger's side.
glover one who makes or sells gloves.
glow light given off by something very hot but flameless, or light that appears to be given off in this way. [6 definitions]
glower to look or stare with sullenness, anger, or animosity; scowl. [2 definitions]
glowworm any of several insects of the beetle family with abdominal organs that give off light, such as the larvae or wingless
females of the firefly.
gloxinia any of several tropical houseplants with large downy leaves and bell-shaped flowers of various colors.
glucose a form of sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, plants, and animal tissues; grape sugar. [2 definitions]
glucoside any of several chemical compounds that yield glucose when treated with an acid or enzyme.
glue a thick, sticky liquid used as an adhesive, such as the substance derived from hoofs, skins, and other animal
proteins by boiling these in water. [2 definitions]
glue sniffing the potentially brain-damaging act or practice of inhaling the fumes of certain types of glue, such as model
airplane glue, and thereby becoming intoxicated, giddy, or the like.
gluey like glue; sticky. [2 definitions]
glum in low spirits; sad, sullen, or gloomy. [2 definitions]
glume one of two bracts on a spikelet of grass or sedge.
gluon in physics theory, a massless particle or type of energy that binds quarks together and thus forms protons,
neutrons, and the like.
glut to supply (a market) with much more of a particular article than there is demand for. [5 definitions]
glutamate a salt or ester of glutamic acid.
glutamic acid a nonessential amino acid found in proteins that is used as a salt flavoring on meats and other foods.
glutamine a nonessential amino acid that is a component of proteins.
gluteal of, relating to, or near the muscles of the buttocks.
gluten a protein found in certain cereal grains, esp. wheat, that gives dough an elastic texture. [2 definitions]
gluten a protein found in certain cereal grains, esp. wheat, that gives dough an elastic texture. [2 definitions]
gluten-free of a diet or food substance, not containing gluten, which is an elastic substance that occurs in certain cereal
grains and gives dough an elastic texture.
gluteus any of the three major muscles in the buttocks.
glutinous sticky, as glue.
glutton someone who eats an excessive amount, or one who both eats and drinks excessively. [2 definitions]
gluttonous inclined to eat excessively; voracious.
gluttony the habit or an instance of excessive eating and drinking.
glycemic of or pertaining to glucose in the blood.
glyceride an ester of glycerol that is the main component of fatty tissue.
glycerin a sweet colorless or yellowish syrupy alcohol; glycerol.
glycerol a sweet colorless or yellowish syrupy alcohol derived from fats or oils, used as a sweetener, solvent, and
antifreeze, and in the making of soap, cosmetics, medicines, and explosives.
glycine a simple, nonessential amino acid found in proteins.
glyco- sugar; sweet.
glycogen a white substance, similar to starch, that is the principal storage material for carbohydrates in animals; animal
starch.
glycol a chemical compound used as a solvent and as an antifreeze in automobiles; ethylene glycol. [2 definitions]
glycoprotein a protein that has carbohydrate molecules attached.
glycoside any of a group of sugar compounds that yield a sugar and one or more other substances on hydrolysis.
GM abbreviation of "genetically modified."
G-man an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; government man.
GMO abbreviation of "genetically modified organism."
gnarl a knotty bulge on a tree. [2 definitions]
gnarl a knotty bulge on a tree. [2 definitions]
gnarled bent and twisted, as a tree's branches or trunk. [2 definitions]
gnash to grind (the teeth) together. [3 definitions]
gnat any of numerous very small flying insects, some of which bite or sting.
gnaw to bite or chew repeatedly on. [6 definitions]
gnawing (often pl.) a dull and persistent pain; pang.
gneiss a metamorphic rock made up of minerals similar to those in granite but arranged in bands that differ in color,
some bands containing feldspar and quartz and others containing hornblende and mica.
GNMA abbreviation of "Government National Mortgage Association," a Federal agency that buys mortgages in quantity
from lenders and then, by offering securities to the public, sells interests in them; Ginnie Mae.
gnocchi small dumplings made from flour, semolina, or potatoes, usu. served with a sauce or with grated cheese.
1
gnome one of a group of little old men of folklore and fairy tales who live inside the earth and guard precious
treasure. [2 definitions]
2
gnome a short, pithy, wise saying; aphorism.
gnomic short and pithy, as an aphorism.
gnomon the column on a sundial that casts a shadow and thus indicates the time of day.
-gnomy the art or science of knowing or interpreting.
-gnosis knowledge.
gnosis spiritual knowledge. (See Gnosticism.)
gnostic of, pertaining to, or having knowledge, esp. spiritual understanding. [3 definitions]
Gnosticism an early Christian religious movement whose adherents believed in salvation through spiritual knowledge
(gnosis), in the evil nature of the material world, and in the incorporeality of Jesus Christ, and which was
condemned as a heresy by the Church Fathers.
GNP abbreviation of "gross national product," the total market or monetary value of all the goods and services that a
nation produces, usu. in one year.
gnu a large African antelope with an oxlike head, horns curving downward and outward, a beard and short mane, and
a long tail.
go1 to proceed; travel. [28 definitions]
go1 to proceed; travel. [28 definitions]
2
go a Japanese game of strategy played with counters on a segmented board.
go about to proceed with (something) in a certain way, or in a correct way. [2 definitions]
goad something that spurs a person to action; stimulus. [4 definitions]
go after to pursue (someone or something).
go-ahead (informal) a signal that it is all right to proceed. [2 definitions]
go ahead to proceed with one's plan or intention; go forward without further waiting or hesitation.
goal a result or end that one desires and works for; aim or purpose. [3 definitions]
goalie in sports, a goalkeeper.
goalkeeper the player who is responsible for defending his or her team's goal in soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and the like.
goalless combined form of goal.
go along to move or flow ahead; proceed. [2 definitions]
go along with to do what others want or plan to do regardless of whether one agrees or not. [3 definitions]
goalpost in football, either of two upright posts supported by a crossbar, defining an area through which a field goal or
conversion must be kicked. [2 definitions]
goaltender on a team, a defensive position assigned to protect the goal, esp. in soccer, hockey, or lacrosse.
Goa powder see "araroba."
go around to go from one person or place to another; circulate. [2 definitions]
goat any of various agile four-legged animals that produce milk, having hollow horns with a backward curve, rough and
usu. straight hair, and a short tail. [5 definitions]
goatee a small beard on a man's chin, often trimmed to a tuft or point and resembling the beard of a goat.
goatherd a person who herds or tends goats.
goatskin the hide or skin of a goat, esp. as used for leather. [2 definitions]
goatskin the hide or skin of a goat, esp. as used for leather. [2 definitions]
goatsucker any of several mostly nocturnal birds that have large mouths and feed on insects or fruit, such as the whippoorwill
and nightjar.
1
gob a rounded mass or lump. [2 definitions]
gob2 (informal) a sailor in the U.S. Navy.
go back to return to a place, person, topic of discussion, or activity previously engaged in. [3 definitions]
go back on to retract (a promise, statement, or decision).
go back to the drawing to start at the very beginning again; begin anew.
board
gobbet a piece or fragment, esp. of raw meat. [2 definitions]
1
gobble to eat in a hasty, greedy, and sometimes noisy manner (often fol. by "up"). [3 definitions]
2
gobble to make a chortling, throaty sound like that of a turkey. [2 definitions]
gobbledygook wordy, unclear language, with roundabout expressions and generally meaningless phrases.
1
gobbler a male turkey.
gobbler2 a person or thing that gobbles or consumes food or drink quickly and voraciously.
Gobelin of, like, or designating a tapestry, usu. a richly pictorial one, made at a factory in France that was established in
the fifteenth century by a family of dyers and weavers. [2 definitions]
go-between one who acts as a messenger or mediator between two people, groups, or sides.
Gobi a desert in northern China and southwestern Mongolia.
Gobi Desert a large arid region in northern China and southwestern Mongolia.
goblet a drinking glass with a base and stem, used esp. for wine.
goblin in folklore and fairy tales, a small, ugly creature that does evil or mischief to humans.
gobo a dark screen used to reduce the amount of light that reaches a motion picture or television camera
lens. [2 definitions]
goby any of numerous marine and freshwater fishes with united pelvic fins that form a sucking disk.
goby any of numerous marine and freshwater fishes with united pelvic fins that form a sucking disk.
go-by (informal) an intentional passing by or slight; snub.
go-cart a small, lightweight, gas-powered, four-wheeled vehicle used for racing or recreation; kart. [4 definitions]
go crazy (informal) to lose one's sanity. [2 definitions]
god in various mythologies such as those of Greece and Rome, a being believed to have supernatural powers and
therefore worshiped, esp. a male deity believed to control some part of nature or life in the world. [6 definitions]
godchild a child whom a godparent promises at baptism to assume partial responsibility for, esp. in overseeing his or her
religious education.
goddaughter a female godchild.
goddess a female being believed to have supernatural powers; female god. [3 definitions]
go-devil a rotary tool used to clean out an oil pipeline. [4 definitions]
godfather a male godparent. [2 definitions]
God-fearing fearful and respectful of God. [2 definitions]
godforsaken (sometimes cap.) desolate; dismal; remote. [2 definitions]
God-given (sometimes l.c.) considered to be given by God. [2 definitions]
godhead (cap.) the essential nature of God. [3 definitions]
godhood the state of being a god; divinity.
Godiva an eleventh-century English noblewoman who, according to legend, rode naked through the streets of Coventry to
win relief for the people from a burdensome tax; Lady Godiva.
godless without belief in any god; atheistic.
godlike like, suitable to, or of the nature of God or a god; divine.
godly characterized by reverence and love for God and respect for the ethical teachings of scripture; pious; devout.
godmother a female godparent.
go down to decrease or descend. [5 definitions]
go down to decrease or descend. [5 definitions]
godparent an adult who promises at baptism to assume partial responsibility for a child, esp. to oversee his or her religious
education.
God's acre a graveyard, esp. one next to a church; churchyard; cemetery.
godsend something needed or desired that comes or happens, as if sent by God.
godson a male godchild.
Godspeed good fortune and success (used as a wish to a person beginning a journey, venture, or the like).
Godthaab the capital of Greenland.
go Dutch (informal) to go on an outing, or order a meal, for which each person pays his or her own share.
Godwin Austen see "K2."
godwit any of several shorebirds having a long, slightly upturned bill.
goer one that goes. [2 definitions]
goes the present tense of go.
gofer (slang) an employee whose main function is running errands.
go for all the marbles (slang) to risk a great deal hoping for a big gain.
go for the jugular to attempt to inflict a seriously wounding or fatal blow; attempt to defeat decisively.
Gog and Magog according to the Book of Revelation of the New Testament, the two nations, personified, that Satan is to lead in
battle against the kingdom of God at Armageddon.
go-getter (informal) an energetic, aggressive, enterprising person.
goggle one of a pair of protective lenses with a shielding framework, worn to protect the eyes from debris, strong wind,
harsh light, chlorinated water, and the like. [6 definitions]
goggle-eyed having wide-open, bulging, or rolling eyes, as one who is surprised or amazed. [2 definitions]
goggles protective lenses held within a shielding framework, worn to protect the eyes from debris, strong wind, harsh light,
chlorinated water, and the like.
go-go (informal) of or related to discotheques or to the lively music or dancing at discotheques. [3 definitions]
go-go (informal) of or related to discotheques or to the lively music or dancing at discotheques. [3 definitions]
go green of a company or institution, to begin to operate in a way that helps to protect the environment.
Goidelic of or belonging to the Q-Celtic group of languages. [2 definitions]
go in of information, to enter one's mind. [4 definitions]
going the act or process of leaving; departure. [6 definitions]
going-over a thorough inspection. [2 definitions]
goings-on (informal) happenings; events. [2 definitions]
go in on to join with others in connection with (something).
goiter a visible swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck, caused by iodine deficiency.
Go Kart trademark for a particular type of kart.
gold a precious yellow metal chemical element that has seventy-nine protons in each nucleus, that occurs in pure form
as a very dense, lustrous, highly malleable solid, and that is often mixed with other metals to make it harder and
stronger. (symbol: Au) [11 definitions]
gold bug any of several North American beetles having a shiny or gold luster. [2 definitions]
gold certificate a certificate or note representing a share of the U.S. gold reserve, formerly issued to and redeemable by the
public, but now issued only to Federal Reserve Banks.
Gold Coast an area along the west central coast of Africa that formerly was a British territory and now is part of Ghana.
gold digger a person who digs for or mines gold. [2 definitions]
gold dust gold in the form of fine particles or a powder.
golden deep yellow and shiny. [3 definitions]
golden age (sometimes cap.) in Greek and Roman mythology, the first age of humans, in which people lived peacefully,
prosperously, and innocently. [3 definitions]
golden ager (informal) an elderly person, esp. one who has retired or is of retirement age.
golden calf according to the Old Testament, a gold statue of a calf that the Israelites worshiped while Moses was on Mount
Sinai. [2 definitions]
Golden Delicious a variety of yellow apple grown esp. in the United States, or the tree that bears this fruit.
Golden Delicious a variety of yellow apple grown esp. in the United States, or the tree that bears this fruit.
golden eagle a large eagle that has golden brown feathers on its head and neck and is found in the mountainous areas of the
Northern Hemisphere.
goldeneye either of two diving ducks of Eurasia or North America, having a short black bill, black and white plumage, and
bright yellow eyes.
Golden Fleece in Greek mythology, the fleece of a golden, winged ram which is the object of the expedition of Jason and the
Argonauts. [2 definitions]
golden handshake (informal) an amount of money or other special incentive offered to an employee as an inducement to retire early.
golden mean the prudent, moderate course between extremes; happy medium. [2 definitions]
golden oldie (informal) a song, record, movie, or the like that was very popular in the past and continues to be so.
golden parachute (informal) a contract or agreement that guarantees top executives of a company severance pay or other
compensation in the event that they lose their jobs as a result of an acquisition by or merger with another
company, or the severance pay so offered.
golden retriever any of an English breed of large hunting dog with long ears and a thick, wavy, reddish or golden coat.
goldenrod any of various plants that bloom in late summer or early fall with fronds of small, usu. yellow flowers atop tall stiff
stems.
golden rule a rule of conduct that is usu. phrased "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
goldenseal a North American woodland plant of the buttercup family, having large round leaves and a thick yellow rootstock
and bearing small greenish white flowers. [2 definitions]
golden section in mathematics and the fine arts, a relationship between two dimensions of a plane figure, or two segments of a
line, such that the ratio of the smaller to the larger is the same as that of the larger to the sum of the two, or
about .62 to 1.00.
golden wedding a fiftieth wedding anniversary.
gold-filled made of a base metal with an outer layer of gold.
gold-finch any of several small North American birds, the males of which are yellow with black wings, tail, and
forehead. [2 definitions]
goldfinch a small finch with yellow and black markings, found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
goldfish a small, usu. orange or yellow freshwater fish bred in numerous varieties and often kept in ponds or aquariums.
gold foil gold that has been beaten into thin sheets, slightly thicker than gold leaf.
goldilocks (used with a sing. verb) (cap.) in a European folk tale, a young girl with blond hair who visits the house of three
bears. [3 definitions]
gold leaf gold rolled or beaten into extremely thin sheets, used esp. for gilding.
gold leaf gold rolled or beaten into extremely thin sheets, used esp. for gilding.
gold medal the award for winning first place in an Olympic or other competition, with silver and bronze medals going to
second and third place winners.
gold mine a place where gold ore is mined. [2 definitions]
gold plate tableware or containers made of or plated with gold. [2 definitions]
gold-plate to cover with a layer of gold or electroplate with gold.
gold rush a sudden, hasty rush of people to an area where gold has been recently discovered.
goldsmith one who makes or sells objects of gold.
gold standard a monetary system in which a set amount of gold is established as the measure of the value of the currency.
gold star a small golden star displayed as a sign that someone in one's family or organization has been killed in
war. [2 definitions]
golem in Jewish folklore, a man-made and humanlike figure brought to life by supernatural, occult forces.
golf a game in which a small white ball is hit with various special clubs into each of a series of holes, usu. nine or
eighteen, spaced far apart over an outdoor course, the object being to do so with as few strokes as
possible. [2 definitions]
golf cart a small, motorized vehicle designed for transportation on a golf course.
golf club in golf, any of a set of long slender clubs with wooden or metal heads for hitting the ball. [2 definitions]
golf course a large area of land laid out with fairways, greens, hazards, and the like on which golf is played.
Golgi apparatus Golgi body.
Golgi body an organelle consisting of a series of flattened saccules, vesicles, and vacuoles that is active in the modification
and transport of proteins.
Golgotha according to the New Testament, the site on which Jesus Christ was crucified; Calvary. [2 definitions]
goliard one of the wandering students of the late Middle Ages who composed satirical Latin verses and songs; jester.
Goliath according to the Old Testament, the giant warrior, sent forth by the Philistine army, who was slain by David with a
slingshot.
golly used as an exclamation of mild surprise, wonder, puzzlement, or the like.
golosh variant of galosh.
golosh variant of galosh.
Gomorrah according to the Old Testament, an ancient city of Canaan in the time of Abraham that was destroyed by God
because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
-gon a geometric figure that has (such or so many) angles.
gonad a sex gland that produces sperm or eggs; testis or ovary.
gonadotropin any of a group of pituitary hormones involved in regulation of growth, sexual development, and reproduction.
gondola a long, narrow boat with a flat bottom and high curved ends, controlled by a boatman standing at the stern and
used on the waterways of Venice, Italy. [5 definitions]
gondolier the boatman who controls a gondola, usu. with an oar or pole at the stern.
gone past participle of go1. [9 definitions]
gone on (informal) infatuated with; helplessly in love with.
goner (informal) someone or something that is lost, ruined, doomed, or dead.
gonfalon a flag or banner hanging from a crossbar, esp. one used as a standard by the medieval Italian republics.
gong a large metallic disk that makes a deep resonant sound when struck with a stick or mallet. [2 definitions]
goniometer an optical instrument that measures angles, esp. in crystals or other solids. [2 definitions]
goniometry the science or theory dealing with the measurement of angles.
gonna contraction of "going to" used in some types of writing to reflect how the two words of the expression "be going to"
are often pronounced in rapid, informal speech.
gonococcus the bacterium that causes gonorrhea.
gonorrhea a contagious venereal disease, involving inflammation of the genital organs and urinary tract, transmitted mainly
by sexual intercourse.
-gony genesis or generation; manner of coming into existence.
gonzo (slang) esp. in journalism, bizarre, exaggerated, and intentionally subjective.
goo (informal) a thick, wet, or sticky substance. [2 definitions]
goober in the southern United States, a peanut.
goober in the southern United States, a peanut.
good having qualities that are desired, enjoyed, or beneficial; desirable. [25 definitions]
good afternoon used to say hello or good-bye in the afternoon.
Good Book the Bible (usu. prec. by "the").
goodbye used to signify or acknowledge a departure or the end of a telephone call. [2 definitions]
good cheer cheerful, optimistic, or courageous spirits. [3 definitions]
Good Conduct Medal in the U.S. military, a medal awarded to servicemen for dutifulness, efficiency, and loyalty.
good day used as expression of greeting or farewell in the daytime.
good evening used to say hello or good-bye during the evening.
good faith a state of honesty, sincerity, and good intentions (usu. prec. by "in").
good-for-nothing having little value; worthless; useless. [2 definitions]
Good Friday the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorated by Christians for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
good guy (informal) the leading, and morally decent, character of a fictional story. [4 definitions]
good-hearted having a kind, considerate, and generous nature.
good humor a pleasant, cheerful, amiable mood.
good-humored having or showing a happy, friendly, or pleasant state of mind; good-natured.
goodish somewhat good. [2 definitions]
good-looking attractive or pleasing in appearance; beautiful or handsome.
good looks attractive personal appearance; handsomeness; beauty.
goodly large; substantial; considerable. [2 definitions]
good morning used as an expression of greeting or farewell in the morning.
good morning used as an expression of greeting or farewell in the morning.
good nature a pleasant, cheerful, amiable disposition; geniality.
good-natured having or showing a pleasant, cheerful, easygoing, or friendly character or mood.
goodness the quality or condition of being good. [3 definitions]
good night used as an expression of farewell at night.
good riddance used to express relief that someone or something is gone or done with.
goods movable property; possessions. [2 definitions]
good Samaritan a person who compassionately and unselfishly helps others in distress.
Good Shepherd in the New Testament, a figurative reference to Jesus Christ as the leader and guardian of his people.
good-sized fairly large; ample.
good-tempered having a good temper; not easily angered or irritated; amiable; good-natured.
good turn a helpful act; favor.
good will an attitude of friendliness or kindness; benevolence. [3 definitions]
goody (informal; usu. pl.) something that is very pleasing, delightful, or desirable, esp. something sweet or delicious to
eat. [2 definitions]
goody-goody a person who is or pretends to be exceedingly good or virtuous, esp. in order to impress others. [2 definitions]
gooey (informal) resembling or covered with goo; gluey; sticky; muddy. [2 definitions]
goof (informal) a foolish mistake; blunder. [4 definitions]
goof around (informal) to amuse oneself, esp. by doing silly or frivolous things.
go off to explode. [8 definitions]
go off on a tangent to switch suddenly from a main topic or course of action to another that is irrelevant.
go off on (someone) (informal) to explode in anger or outrage at someone, usually with a burst of speech.
go off on (someone) (informal) to explode in anger or outrage at someone, usually with a burst of speech.
goof-off (informal) someone who habitually wastes time or avoids responsibility; shirker.
goof off to waste time, pass time idly, or avoid doing one's work
goofy (informal) typical of a goof; silly, stupid, or foolish.
Google a U.S. corporation that developed a popular and distinctive internet search engine. [3 definitions]
1
gook (informal) dirt, slime, grime, or sludge. [2 definitions]
gook2 (derogatory slang) a non-white person, esp. one of East Asia.
goon (informal) someone hired to frighten, harm, or kill an adversary; hoodlum; thug.
go on to continue. [6 definitions]
gooney bird (informal) an albatross.
go on record to make an official or formal statement of one's position.
goose a wild or domesticated water bird that resembles a duck but is usu. larger and has a longer neck and legs and a
more pointed bill. [6 definitions]
gooseberry an edible green berry that grows on a prickly shrub related to the currant. [3 definitions]
goose bump roughness of the skin that looks like the skin of a plucked goose. Goose bumps last only for a short while and are
caused by cold or fear.
goose flesh a temporary, roughened condition of the skin in which the papillae become erect as a result of fear, surprise, cold,
or the like; goose bumps; goose pimples.
goosefoot any of various weedy plants that bear small green flowers.
goose grease the melted fat of a goose.
gooseneck a slender object or part that curves like the neck of a goose, such as flexible metal pipe or the flexible stems of
certain lamps.
goose pimple a small bump on the skin caused by cold or fear.
goose step a marching step in which the legs are swung high and the knees kept stiff and straight.
go out to exit; leave a place temporarily. [6 definitions]
go out to exit; leave a place temporarily. [6 definitions]
go over to review, discuss, or consider (something). [2 definitions]
go overboard to do far too much out of excessive enthusiasm or anxiety; go to extremes.
go over with a fine- to scrutinize in minute detail and with great care.
tooth comb
GOP abbreviation of "Grand Old Party," an alternative term for the Republican Party.
gopher a short-tailed burrowing rodent of North and Central America that has external cheek pouches; pocket
gopher. [2 definitions]
Gordian knot in Greek legend, a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia and cut by Alexander the Great, after an oracle had said it
could be untied only by the next ruler of Asia. [2 definitions]
Gordon Hirabayashi an American of Japanese descent who, during World War II, was one of only a few Japanese-Americans to
openly defy the relocation orders of the U.S. Government. He challenged the constitutionality of the application of
curfews for minority groups, and his case eventually went to the Supreme Court, where he was unanimously ruled
against in Hirabayashi v. United States in 1943 (b.1918--2012).
Gordon setter any of a Scottish breed of medium-sized hunting dog having a soft, silky black and tan coat.
1
gore blood, esp. clotted blood that has issued from a wound.
2
gore to injure by stabbing with a horn, antler, tusk, or the like.
3
gore a triangular or narrowing panel of cloth sewn into a dress, sail, or the like to increase its fullness.
gorge a narrow space between rocky cliffs, usu. with a stream at the bottom; ravine. [6 definitions]
gorgeous exceptionally beautiful; splendid.
gorget a piece of armor used to protect the throat. [4 definitions]
Gorgon in Greek mythology, any of three monster sisters that have snakes for hair and can turn beholders into
stone. [2 definitions]
Gorgonzola a type of cheese, originally from Italy, characterized by its cream color, blue-green veins, and sharp taste.
gorilla the largest of all apes, native to Africa and a plant-eater that lives on the ground. [3 definitions]
gormand variant of gourmand.
gormandize to eat voraciously and excessively; gorge.
gorp a mixture of raisins, nuts, dry cereal, and the like eaten as a high-energy snack; trail mix.
gorp a mixture of raisins, nuts, dry cereal, and the like eaten as a high-energy snack; trail mix.
gorse any of various shrubs native to Europe having spiny leaves and bearing yellow flowers; furze.
gory covered with blood; bloody. [2 definitions]
gosh used to express surprise, interest, or the like.
goshawk any of a number of large broad-winged hawks, formerly used for falconry.
Goshen according to the Old Testament, the fertile land of the Israelites in Egypt that was spared from the last of the
seven plagues visited on that country. [2 definitions]
gosling a very young goose. [2 definitions]
gospel (often cap.) the teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles. [6 definitions]
gossamer a delicate spider web, esp. one that has become attached to a plant or is floating freely in the air. [3 definitions]
gossip talk, rumor, or speculation about other people, esp. about their personal affairs. [4 definitions]
got past tense and a past participle of get.
Goth a member of a Germanic people who invaded the Roman Empire during the third through fifth centuries
A.D. [2 definitions]
Gothic of or relating to the style of architecture that was popular from the twelfth through the mid-sixteenth century in
Europe, characterized by its pointed arches and ribbed vaults. [7 definitions]
Gothic arch a pointed arch.
go through to gain final and official approval. [7 definitions]
go through with to continue on with (something) until it is a reality.
go to any lengths to ignore possible danger, discomfort, or inconvenience in pursuing a goal.
go to pieces to lose emotional or mental stability or control; collapse.
go to pot to go to ruin; become ruined.
go to rack and ruin to become dilapidated, as through neglect; decay.
go to seed of a plant, to reach the stage of producing seeds. [2 definitions]
go to seed of a plant, to reach the stage of producing seeds. [2 definitions]
go to the bathroom (informal; polite) to use a toilet, or to relieve oneself without a toilet.
go to the dogs (informal) to seriously decline or deteriorate; degenerate.
gotten a past participle of get.
gotu kola a small creeping plant used in herbal medicine; Centella. [2 definitions]
gouache a technique of painting by using a mixture of opaque watercolors and a gum preparation. [3 definitions]
Gouda a mild, yellow, semisoft cheese, usu. coated in red wax.
gouge a type of chisel with a blade shaped like a scoop, used primarily on wood. [7 definitions]
goulash a Hungarian dish made of stewed meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and usu. served with
noodles. [2 definitions]
go under to completely fail as a business.
go up to increase. [2 definitions]
go up in smoke to end or disappear abruptly before a goal can be realized; fail to be carried out.
gourami any of various freshwater fishes native to Asia, often brightly colored and popular for keeping in aquariums.
gourd the fruit of any of a number of plants related to the squash, esp. the dried and decorative shells of some
varieties. [3 definitions]
gourde the chief monetary unit of Haiti, equaling one hundred centimes.
gourmand someone who takes great pleasure in eating and drinking, often to excess.
gourmet someone who appreciates and is knowledgeable about well-prepared food, fine wines, and the like. [2 definitions]
gout a painful disorder characterized by the accumulation of uric acid salts in the joints. [2 definitions]
gouty of, pertaining to, or characteristic of gout. [4 definitions]
Gov. abbreviation of "Governor," one who governs a political unit, esp. a U.S. state. [2 definitions]
govern to rule over or in by political or sovereign authority. [5 definitions]
govern to rule over or in by political or sovereign authority. [5 definitions]
governable combined form of govern.
governance the act, process, manner, or power of exercising authority and control; government. [2 definitions]
governess a woman hired to care for and teach the child or children of a family.
government the direction and control exercised politically over people living in a community, state, or nation. [4 definitions]
governor one who governs a political unit, esp. a U.S. state. [2 definitions]
governor general a governor of a large region, area, or territory who has jurisdiction over other governors or deputy governors.
governorship the office, functions, jurisdiction, or term of a governor.
govt. abbreviation of "government."
go whole hog (informal) to do something as completely as possible, without holding back.
go with to date (someone); go out with. [2 definitions]
go without saying to be so clearly true or evident that there is no need to mention (something); used to emphasize one's certainty
about or the obviousness of something.
go with the flow to conform with the way everybody else is doing things. [2 definitions]
gown a dress, esp. one worn on formal occasions. [4 definitions]
go wrong to malfunction, go badly, or cause failure or difficulty (often fol. by "with"). [2 definitions]
goy (often derogatory) a non-Jewish person.
GP abbreviation of "general practitioner," a practicing physician who does not specialize in any specific field of
medicine but treats a variety of medical problems.
GPA abbreviation of "grade-point average."
GPS abbreviation of "Global Positioning System," a public satellite navigation system designed and controlled by the
U.S. Department of Defense that provides an accurate global time reference and is used to determine a precise
location on Earth.
grab to take hold of suddenly, forcefully, or roughly. [7 definitions]
grab bag a container filled with wrapped items, such as party favors, to be drawn or purchased without prior knowledge of
the contents. [2 definitions]
grab bag a container filled with wrapped items, such as party favors, to be drawn or purchased without prior knowledge of
the contents. [2 definitions]
grabby tending to or inclined to grab things; greedy.
grace beauty, harmony, or charm in bearing, appearance, or motion. [10 definitions]
grace cup a cup passed around for toasts after grace at the end of a meal. [2 definitions]
graceful marked by grace or beauty of movement, manner, or behavior.
graceless marked by lack of grace or appropriateness, or lack of consideration for the feelings of others.
grace note a note in music that is essential neither to the harmony nor the melody but rather is added for ornamentation.
grace period extra time allowed after a specified date or term has passed, during which an obligation, such as the repayment of
a debt or the return of something borrowed, may be fulfilled without penalty.
gracias (Spanish) thank you.
gracile slender. [2 definitions]
gracious inclined to do what is polite, kind, right, or considerate. [5 definitions]
grackle any of a number of North American blackbirds with long tails and shiny black feathers. [2 definitions]
grad (informal) someone who has graduated from a school; graduate.
gradate to pass almost imperceptibly from one degree to another, as in shades of color.
gradation a series of steps or stages that follow one another gradually and systematically. . [3 definitions]
-grade walking or advancing in (such) a manner.
grade a level, degree, or rank in a scale. [9 definitions]
grade crossing the place where one railroad track intersects another, or intersects a road at the same level.
gradeless combined form of grade.
grade point average a measure of academic achievement arrived at by dividing the total number of grade points earned by a student
during a particular period by the total number of credits the student attempted.
grader a person or thing that grades. [3 definitions]
grader a person or thing that grades. [3 definitions]
grade school see "elementary school."
gradient the amount by which an incline deviates from the horizontal; slope. [4 definitions]
gradual occurring evenly by degrees.
gradualism the belief, principle, or policy of attaining a change in something, such as political structure, through slow stages
rather than drastic steps.
gradually by small steps or degrees.
graduate to be given a degree or diploma upon completing studies at a school, college, or university. [6 definitions]
graduated arranged in successive stages. [2 definitions]
graduation the act or process of graduating. [4 definitions]
Graecism variant of Grecism.
Graeco- see "Greco-."
graffito something written, scratched, or drawn on a wall or the like, esp. in a public place by a private individual not hired
or authorized to do so. [2 definitions]
1
graft a detached portion of a plant, such as a shoot, that is placed into a slit or the like on another plant so as to
become a living part of it. [9 definitions]
2
graft the act or procedure of obtaining financial gain illegally or unethically as a result of one's position of power or
influence, esp. in government. [4 definitions]
graham a flour made from the entire wheat kernel. [2 definitions]
Grail in medieval legend, the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, traditionally a symbol of Christian purity and
the object of spiritual quests; Holy Grail. [2 definitions]
grain collectively, the small hard seeds of cereal plants such as wheat or rice, used for food and often ground into
flour. [11 definitions]
grain alcohol ethyl alcohol, esp. that made from grain.
grain elevator a storage building, usu. tall and cylindrical, in which grain is lifted, conveyed, and discharged by mechanical
devices.
grain-fed of or pertaining to cattle that are fed a diet consisting primarily of corn and soy grains, or to beef produced by such
cattle.
grainless combined form of grain.
grainless combined form of grain.
grainy having grains or a texture resembling grains. [2 definitions]
-gram something drawn or written; record.
1
gram the basic unit of weight in the metric system, equal to one thousandth of a kilogram or 15.43 grains. (abbr.: g)
2
gram any of several plants, such as the chickpea, used as fodder.
gram atom the quantity of an element with a weight in grams numerically equal to its atomic weight; gram-atomic weight.
graminivorous feeding on grass, grains, or seeds.
grammar the study of formal aspects of language, such as sentence structure, the use and function of words, and word
sounds. [4 definitions]
grammarian a person who specializes in the study or teaching of grammar.
grammar school see "elementary school." [2 definitions]
grammatical of or relating to grammar. [2 definitions]
gram molecule the quantity of a substance with a weight in grams numerically equal to its molecular weight; mole; gram-
molecular weight.
Grammy any of various awards given annually in the United States by the National Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences for outstanding achievement in the recording industry.
gramophone a machine for playing phonograph records, esp. an old-fashioned one.
grampus a marine mammal closely related to the dolphin. [2 definitions]
Gram's method a method of classifying bacteria by staining them with a violet dye, the retention or loss of which determines their
classification.
Granada Relocation a U.S. internment camp, also known as Camp Amache, located in southeastern Colorado that was built for the
Center internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. At its peak, there were 7,300 people forcibly living there.
granary a structure built to store grain, esp. grain that has been threshed. [2 definitions]
grand impressive in size or appearance; majestic; stately. [6 definitions]
grand- one generation away.
grandam a grandmother. [2 definitions]
grandam a grandmother. [2 definitions]
Grand Army of the an organization founded in 1866 by men who had served in the Union Army or Navy during the U.S. Civil War.
Republic
grandaunt see "great-aunt."
Grand Canyon a long deep gorge of the Colorado River in northwestern Arizona.
grandchild a child of one's child.
granddad (informal) a grandfather.
granddaughter a female child of one's child.
grand duchess the wife or widow of a grand duke. [3 definitions]
grand duchy a territory or country ruled by a grand duke or duchess.
grand duke a man who rules a grand duchy. [2 definitions]
grande dame (French) a grand or great lady, esp. one of advanced age; lady of aristocratic manner.
grandee a Spanish or Portuguese nobleman of the highest rank. [2 definitions]
grandeur the quality of being majestic, splendid, or grand.
grandfather the male parent of one's parent. [3 definitions]
grandfather clause a clause in certain laws, agreements, or the like that exempts from a control or restriction those already engaged
in an act that the new law now forbids. [2 definitions]
grandfather clock a pendulum clock in a tall, narrow cabinet.
grandfatherly of or concerning a grandfather or grandfathers. [2 definitions]
grandiloquence speech that is pretentious, pompous, or excessively mannered.
grandiloquent speaking or expressed in a pretentious, pompous, or excessively ornate fashion.
grandiose pretentious, pompous, or excessively grand. [2 definitions]
grandioso in a grand, majestic style (used as a musical direction).
grandioso in a grand, majestic style (used as a musical direction).
grand jury a jury made up of citizens who are gathered to determine whether there is enough evidence against accused
persons to indict them and bring them to trial. A grand jury is typically composed of twenty-three people but the
number may vary.
Grand Lama see "Dalai Lama."
grand larceny the theft of goods or property exceeding a certain amount of money set by law. (Cf. petty larceny.)
grandma (informal) the female parent of one's parent; grandmother.
grand mal a kind of epilepsy characterized by convulsions and loss of consciousness. (Cf. petit mal).
Grand Master the head of a military or fraternal order. [2 definitions]
grandmother the female parent of one's parent. [2 definitions]
grandmotherly of or concerning a grandmother or grandmothers. [2 definitions]
grandnephew a son of one's niece or nephew; great-nephew.
grandniece a daughter of one's niece or nephew; great-niece.
grand opera a usu. serious opera that has the entire text set to music.
grandpa (informal) the male parent of one's parent; grandfather.
grandparent the father or mother of one's parent.
grand piano the largest of pianos, usu. supported on three legs and having a large harp-shaped case in which the strings are
strung horizontally.
Grand Prix (sometimes l.c.) any of several automobile races over a long, difficult course, esp. an international one using the
same course each year.
grand slam in bridge, the taking of all thirteen tricks by the bidder. (Cf. little slam.) [4 definitions]
grandson the male child of one's child.
grandstand the rows of seats for spectators at a sports stadium, racetrack, or the like; often, a roofed section of the
stands. [5 definitions]
grand tour an extended tour of Europe, esp. continental Europe, formerly taken as the culmination and completion of study
by young, wealthy, often aristocratic men of England or America. [2 definitions]
granduncle see "great-uncle."
granduncle see "great-uncle."
grange a farm, including its farmhouse and other buildings. [3 definitions]
granger a farmer. [2 definitions]
graniferous grain-bearing.
granite a coarse-grained igneous rock usu. composed of silica-rich minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and small amounts
of mica or amphibole, commonly used for building, sculpture, and the like. [2 definitions]
graniteware a variety of household ironware with a hard gray enamel coating that resembles granite. [3 definitions]
granivorous eating grains and seeds.
granny (informal) the female parent of one's parent; grandmother. [5 definitions]
granny knot a knot begun like a square knot, but in which the second interlace is the reverse of that of a square knot.
Granny Smith a variety of apple with a green skin, crisp texture, and tart taste.
granola a dry, often baked mixture of grains, raisins, nuts, honey, and the like, eaten as a snack or breakfast cereal.
granolith a concrete used for paving and made of crushed granite and cement.
grant to present or bestow, esp. what is requested or desired. [6 definitions]
grantable combined form of grant.
granted admittedly (used when admitting that something is true).
grantee in law, a person to whom a grant is made.
grant-in-aid a grant of funds made by the federal government to a state or by a foundation to an individual or group, that
provides financial aid for a project or program.
grantor in law, one who makes a grant.
granular made up of, containing, or resembling small particles or grains. [2 definitions]
granulate to make into small particles or grains. [3 definitions]
granulation tissue tissue that forms in ulcers and often in healing wounds, consisting of small bumps of newly forming capillaries;
proud flesh.
granulation tissue tissue that forms in ulcers and often in healing wounds, consisting of small bumps of newly forming capillaries;
proud flesh.
granule a small particle or grain.
granuloma a mass of granulation tissue caused by inflammation.
grape a smooth-skinned, juicy, berrylike fruit, either green, red, or purple, that grows in clusters on woody vines, and that
is crushed and fermented to make wine. [3 definitions]
grapefruit a large, juicy citrus fruit having a yellow rind and tart yellow or pink pulp. [2 definitions]
grape hyacinth any of various hardy plants of the lily family that are native to Europe and Asia and bear thick clusters of blue or
white globular flowers.
grape ivy a climbing vine having hairy, trifoliate leaves, related to the grape and grown as a houseplant.
grapeshot formerly, a cluster of small iron balls shot from cannons.
grape sugar see "glucose."
grapevine a grape-bearing vine. [2 definitions]
-graph something drawn or written. [2 definitions]
graph a diagram that expresses a relationship between two or more variable quantities or factors by lines, bars, dots, or
 the like. [5 definitions]
-grapher one who writes or records in (such) a way or about (such) a topic.
-graphic of or relating to (such) a method of recording, printing, or transmitting. [2 definitions]
graphic of or related to pictorial or typographical representations such as photography, painting, and
printing. [7 definitions]
graphic arts arts such as etching or photography in which limited multiples of an image, each considered an original, are
printed from the plate, screen, block, or piece of film on which the artist creates the image. [2 definitions]
graphic organizer a chart or other visual means of displaying relationships between pieces of information.
graphics (used with a sing. verb) the art of making mathematically accurate drawings, esp. in engineering. [3 definitions]
graphite a soft black or gray form of carbon, used in lead pencils, dry lubricants, and many other industrial products.
graphology the study of handwriting, esp. as a means of providing insight into the writer's personality.
graph paper paper printed with a uniform pattern of small squares on which to draw diagrams or plot graphs.
graph paper paper printed with a uniform pattern of small squares on which to draw diagrams or plot graphs.
-graphy writing or representation produced in (such) a way or by (such) means. [2 definitions]
grapnel a small anchor with three or more pointed hooks or flukes. [2 definitions]
grappa an Italian brandy distilled from the pulpy residue of grapes that have been pressed to make wine.
grapple a metal hook with several claws used to drag objects closer or secure them; grapnel. [6 definitions]
grappling hook see "grapnel."
grappling iron see "grapnel."
grapy of, made of, or tasting of grapes.
grasp to take hold of with or as with a hand. [9 definitions]
graspable combined form of grasp.
grasp at a straw to seek anything, no matter how flimsy, that might save one from a predicament.
grasp at straws to seek anything, no matter how flimsy, that might save one from a predicament.
grasping overly eager to obtain material goods, sometimes to the point of ruthlessness; greedy. [2 definitions]
grass a green plant with narrow flat leaves and jointed stems, often covering lawns and meadows. [8 definitions]
grass carp a large East Asian carp that feeds on weeds and was brought to the United States to help clear plant-clogged
rivers and lakes.
grass cloth a coarse cloth made of plant fibers such as jute or hemp, used for table linens or as a textured wall covering.
grass-fed of or pertaining to cattle that eat a diet consisting primarily of grass, or to beef produced by such cattle.
grasshopper any of numerous plant-eating insects with long hind legs adapted for jumping.
grassland a large tract of land mainly covered by perennial grasses and having few trees or shrubs.
grassless combined form of grass.
grassroots originating with or operating among the common people.
grassroots originating with or operating among the common people.
grass roots (used with a sing. or pl. verb) the common mass of people, esp. those in local areas as opposed to the political or
cultural centers. [2 definitions]
grass snake any of several common small harmless snakes, such as the garter or green snake.
grass tree any of several related Australian plants having thick, woody stems and stiff, grasslike leaves, and bearing spikes
of white flowers.
grass widow a woman who is separated or divorced from her husband. [2 definitions]
grass widower a man who is separated or divorced from his wife. [2 definitions]
grassy covered with grass. [2 definitions]
1
grate a framework of crossed or parallel bars that serves as a covering, guard, or the like. [4 definitions]
2
grate to make a sharp rasping noise, as of scraping. [5 definitions]
grateful feeling or showing appreciation for kindnesses or benefits; thankful. [2 definitions]
gratefully with appreciation for another's kindness or for benefits received.
grater a kitchen device with a jagged surface that allows one to reduce food substances to shreds.
gratification the act of gratifying, or the condition or feeling of being gratified. [2 definitions]
gratify to give pleasure or satisfaction to (someone). [2 definitions]
gratifying causing pleasure or satisfaction, esp. after the accomplishment of something.
1
grating a framework of crossed or parallel bars that covers an opening; grate.
grating2 (of a sound) harsh, jarring, or discordant. [2 definitions]
gratis without charging money; freely. [2 definitions]
gratitude the state or feeling of being thankful or appreciative; gratefulness.
gratuitous given or done without sufficient reason or justification; unwarranted. [2 definitions]
gratuitous contract a contract benefitting only one of the parties.
gratuitous contract a contract benefitting only one of the parties.
gratuity extra money given voluntarily for services rendered; tip.
graupel precipitation in the form of snow pellets.
gravamen in law, the essential part of a complaint or accusation, which usu. weighs most heavily against the accused.
1
grave a hole dug in the ground for burying a dead body. [4 definitions]
grave2 having great seriousness or importance; causing deep concern; critical. [4 definitions]
3
grave to carve or incise; engrave. [2 definitions]
4
grave in music, slow and solemn. [2 definitions]
grave accent a diacritical mark (à), placed over a vowel to indicate length or low pitch, or to indicate secondary stress of a
syllable. (Cf. acute accent.)
gravedigger a person who digs graves for a living.
gravel a loose mixture of small stones, pebbles, and sometimes sand. [4 definitions]
gravel-blind almost, but not completely, blind. (Cf. sand-blind, stone-blind.)
gravelly full of or like gravel. [2 definitions]
graven a past participle of grave3.
graven image an idol or fetish, esp. one carved from wood or stone.
Graves' disease a disorder characterized by excessive thyroid secretion that causes enlargement of the thyroid and higher basal
metabolism and pulse rate.
graveside the area beside a grave. [2 definitions]
gravesite the location of a grave or graves; a place of burial.
gravestone a stone placed as a marker at a person's grave.
graveyard a tract of ground for burying the dead; cemetery.
graveyard shift (informal) a work shift that extends through the early morning hours, often beginning at midnight. [2 definitions]
graveyard shift (informal) a work shift that extends through the early morning hours, often beginning at midnight. [2 definitions]
gravid pregnant.
gravimeter a device for measuring the specific gravity of a solid or liquid. [2 definitions]
gravimetric of or concerning the measurement of weight.
gravitas a sense of great seriousness or weightiness. [2 definitions]
gravitate to move toward or be attracted to something by or as if by a force of gravity.
gravitation the force of mutual attraction, as between planets, stars, or particles. [3 definitions]
gravitational having to do with gravity, the force by which a planet or other similar body in space tends to draw objects toward
its center.
graviton in physics, a theoretical particle that acts as the unit of gravitational energy.
gravity the force by which a planet or other such body tends to draw objects toward its center. [4 definitions]
gravure a method of photomechanical printing by engraved plates. [2 definitions]
gravy juice that drips from cooking meat, or a sauce made by thickening and seasoning this juice. [2 definitions]
gravy boat an elongated, boat-shaped dish, often with a pouring spout, that is used for serving gravy or sauce.
gray the color of an overcast sky; an achromatic color between black and white. [8 definitions]
graybeard an old man, esp. one that is wise or has a gray beard.
grayhound variant of greyhound.
graylag a wild gray goose native to marshy areas of Europe.
grayling any of various small-mouthed freshwater fishes related to the trout, that have large, brightly colored dorsal
fins. [2 definitions]
gray market a market operating outside of normal channels, as in imports or babies available for adoption.
gray matter the grayish nerve tissue of the brain and spinal cord, consisting largely of nerve cells and fibers. (Cf. white
matter.) [2 definitions]
gray squirrel any of various common squirrels that have gray fur and are native to North America.
gray squirrel any of various common squirrels that have gray fur and are native to North America.
graywater wastewater from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and washing machines, esp. when such water is recycled as for use in
gardening or for flushing toilets.
gray whale a medium-sized mostly gray or black whalebone whale of the North Pacific.
gray wolf a large grayish wolf that hunts in packs, formerly common in North America; timber wolf.
1
graze to feed on growing grass and herbage, as cattle and horses. [4 definitions]
graze2 to touch or brush lightly in passing. [5 definitions]
grazing land on which to graze; pasture. [2 definitions]
grazioso in a graceful, elegant manner (used as a musical direction).
GRE abbreviation of "Graduate Record Examination."
grease a semisolid oily substance, often used as a lubricant. [4 definitions]
grease cup a lubricant container mounted over a bearing.
greaseless combined form of grease.
grease monkey (slang) a mechanic, esp. one who works on cars or airplanes.
grease paint theatrical makeup that is a mixture of grease and a pigment, used by clowns, stage actors, and the like.
grease pencil a pencil made of compressed grease mixed with pigment, usu. wrapped in paper that unwinds in a spiral to
expose the tip, used esp. to write on slick surfaces.
greaser one that greases. [3 definitions]
grease someone's (informal) to give money to someone, usu. as a bribe.
palm
greasewood a thorny shrub native to western North America that contains a small amount of oil and is often used for
fuel. [2 definitions]
greasy covered with grease, as clothes or machine parts. [3 definitions]
great very large in size or number. [8 definitions]
great- one generation away.
great- one generation away.
great anteater see "ant bear."
great ape any of the family of apes that most closely resemble man in anatomy, such as the gorilla, chimpanzee, and
orangutan.
great auk a large flightless North Atlantic auk that became extinct in the mid-nineteenth century.
great-aunt a sister of one's grandmother or grandfather; grandaunt.
Great Barrier Reef the largest coral reef system in the world, located in the Coral Sea off the northeastern coast of Australia.
Great Bear the constellation Ursa Major.
Great Britain the main island of the United Kingdom, off the coast of France, occupied by England, Scotland, and Wales, and
including some adjacent islands. (Cf. United Kingdom.) [2 definitions]
great calorie see "calorie."
great circle a circle on a sphere that is in a plane passing through the center of the sphere. [2 definitions]
greatcoat a heavy overcoat.
Great Dane any of a breed of very large muscular short-haired dogs that have pointed ears and a square muzzle.
Great Depression the decade of the 1930s in the United States and other countries, characterized by extreme economic hardship;
the Depression.
greater than in mathematics, being a quantity larger than the quantity that follows.
greater than or equal in mathematics, being a quantity equal to or larger than the quantity that follows.
to
greater than or equal in mathematics, a symbol (≥) indicting that the value before the sign is equal to or greater than the value after the
to sign sign.
greater than sign in mathematics, a symbol (>) indicting that the value before the sign is larger than the value after the sign.
great-grandchild a child of one's grandson or granddaughter.
great-grandfather the grandfather of a person's mother or father.
great-grandmother the grandmother of a person's mother or father.
great-grandparent a parent of one's grandmother or grandfather.
great-grandparent a parent of one's grandmother or grandfather.
Great Green Wall a multinational African initiative to fight desertification and land degradation by modification of land use, water
harvesting, and the planting and maintenance of trees primarily along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, a
belt of land that stretches across the width of the continent. [2 definitions]
great gross a unit of quantity equal to twelve gross.
greathearted having a generous nature; magnanimous. [2 definitions]
great horned owl a large gray and brown North American owl that has two large earlike tufts of blackish feathers.
Great Lakes a group five large interconnected freshwater lakes on the border between the United States and Canada. The
Great Lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. [2 definitions]
great laurel a large wild rhododendron of the eastern United States that has thick glossy dark green leaves and bears clusters
of white or pink flowers.
greatly very much. [2 definitions]
Great Mogul the title of the emperor of the former Mongol empire that was established in India in 1526. [2 definitions]
Great Nebula the brightest and closest of nebulae, located in the constellation of Orion.
great-nephew a son of one's nephew or niece; grandnephew.
great-niece a daughter of one's nephew or niece; grandniece.
Great Pacific Garbage a vast accummulation of debris made up primarily of tiny plastic particles floating in the upper column of water in
Patch the north central region of the Pacific Ocean.
Great Pyramid of Giza a limestone and granite pyramid, which is the oldest and only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World, built circa 2500 B.C.E. as a memorial and tomb for King Khufu, the second king of the fourth Egyptian
dynasty.
Great Sandy Desert a desert region in northwestern Australia.
great seal the chief seal of a government or state, used to stamp official documents.
great-uncle the brother of one's grandfather or grandmother; granduncle.
Great Victoria Desert a desert region in southwestern Australia.
Great Vowel Shift a series of shifts in English vowel sounds that took place from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century and changed
the vowel system of Middle English into that of Modern English.
Great Wall of China a defensive fortification in northern China which stretches for thousands of miles. Parts of the structure were built
as early as the seventh century BCE. These and other parts were connected in the third century, beginning the
creation of what became considered the Great Wall. Later parts were eventually added, especially in the
fourteenth through seventeenth centuries.
Great War World War I.
Great War World War I.
great white shark any of the family of large predatory fishes of the world's temperate coastal regions that has a white underbelly,
multiple rows of rotating teeth, and an average size of 13 feet (4 m.) in length and 4000 pounds (1814 kg.) in
weight.
greaves (used with a sing. or pl. verb) the remaining residue when animal fat is melted down for tallow or the like;
cracklings.
grebe any of several diving birds related to loons and having lobed rather than webbed feet.
Grecian Greek. [2 definitions]
Grecian profile a facial profile in which the forehead and nose form an almost straight, unbroken line.
Grecism the spirit of Greek art, culture, thought, or the like. [3 definitions]
Grecize to give Greek characteristics, form, or style to something. [3 definitions]
Greco- Greek.
Greco-Roman of or relating to both Greece and Rome.
Greece a Balkan country on the Mediterranean between the Aegean and Adriatic Seas.
greed extreme desire for wealth, possessions, or the like, beyond what one needs or deserves; avarice.
greedy extremely desirous of wealth or possessions without regard to the desires of others. [3 definitions]
Greek of or pertaining to Greece or its people, culture, language, or the like. [6 definitions]
Greek Cross a cross in which the horizontal and vertical bars are of equal length and intersect at their midpoints at right angles.
Greek fire an incendiary material used in warfare by Byzantine Greeks in the Middle Ages.
greekless combined form of greek.
Greek-letter of, pertaining to, or designating a society, such as a fraternity or sorority, whose name consists of Greek letters.
Greek Orthodox the national church of Greece, which is a part of the Eastern Orthodox Church. [2 definitions]
Church
green the color of emeralds or of young, growing foliage; the color lying between yellow and blue on the
spectrum. [17 definitions]
green alga any of numerous algae with green coloring, such as sea lettuce.
green alga any of numerous algae with green coloring, such as sea lettuce.
greenback a piece of U.S. paper money.
green bean a type of kidney bean characterized by its long thin green pod. [2 definitions]
greenbrier any of various climbing plants of the lily family, having prickly stems and thick oval leaves, and often bearing black
berries.
green card a registration card that allows an alien to live and be employed in the United States.
green corn young ears of sweet corn.
green dragon a wildflower of eastern North America that bears tiny flowers at the base of a long thin spike surrounded by
narrow leaves.
greenery green vegetables or foliage.
green-eyed (informal) afflicted with envy; jealous.
greengage a type of plum characterized by its gold-green skin and flesh and its sweet taste.
greenhorn a youthful or inexperienced person. [2 definitions]
greenhouse a building or enclosure, usu. having a glass roof and walls, for growing and tending plants in a controlled
atmosphere.
greenhouse effect the warming trend on the surface and in the lower atmosphere of a planet, held by scientists to occur when solar
radiation is trapped, as by emissions from the planet.
greenhouse gas any atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy and contributes to the greenhouse effect.
greening any of various types of apple whose skin remains green when the fruit is ripe.
Greenland the largest island in the world, a self-governing possession of Denmark between Iceland and the northeastern
coastal islands of Canada.
green light the green-colored light that signifies that oncoming traffic has the right of way. [2 definitions]
green mold any of various fungi whose spores are greenish.
green monkey any of several small, ground-dwelling West African monkeys whose gray hair has a greenish tinge.
green onion a variety of onion that is picked while very young, has a long green stem, and is often eaten raw; scallion.
green pepper the fruit of the bell or sweet pepper before it turns red. [2 definitions]
green pepper the fruit of the bell or sweet pepper before it turns red. [2 definitions]
greenroom a lounge or waiting room provided in some theaters and concert halls for actors or musicians when they are
offstage.
greens fee the charge for playing on a golf course.
green snake any of several small greenish nonpoisonous North American snakes.
green-stick fracture a type of fracture to which children are esp. vulnerable, in which a long bone breaks only partway through.
greensward turf on which green grass is growing.
green tea tea made from leaves that were not allowed to ferment before being heated.
green thumb an ability to make plants grow and prosper.
green turtle a large marine turtle, common in warmer waters, whose flesh is often used to make turtle soup or other dishes.
greenwash to present one's business enterprise as being more concerned about the preservation of the environment than it
really is.
greenwashing the practice of presenting one's business enterprise as being more concerned about the preservation of the
environment than it really is.
Greenwich a borough of London, England, through which the prime meridian passes.
Greenwich time the solar time that is determined at the prime meridian through Greenwich, England, and that is used to calculate
and regulate time throughout most of the world; Greenwich mean time.
greenwood a woodland that is lush with green foliage.
greet to meet or address with friendly or respectful words. [3 definitions]
greeting words or gestures used to greet or to convey a message of friendliness or respect. [3 definitions]
greeting card a card that is imprinted with a design or picture and often a verse, sent on a holiday or special occasion to a
friend, relative, or the like.
gregarious fond of socializing with others; sociable. [2 definitions]
Gregorian calendar the calendar introduced by Gregory XIII in 1582, succeeding the Julian calendar, and presently in use in most of
the world.
Gregorian chant the monophonic plainsong formerly widely used in Roman Catholic ritual.
Gregor Johann an Austrian monk and botanist who founded genetics (b.1822--d.1884).
Mendel
Gregor Johann an Austrian monk and botanist who founded genetics (b.1822--d.1884).
Mendel
gremlin an imaginary mischief-maker on whom mechanical problems can be blamed.
Grenada an island country in the eastern West Indies north of Trinidad and Tobago.
grenade a small missile thrown or shot from a rifle-mounted launcher at a target after being primed to
 explode. [2 definitions]
grenadier formerly, an elite foot soldier or a soldier specializing in using grenades. [2 definitions]
grenadine1 a thin fabric worked in an open mesh weave.
2
grenadine a red syrup made from the juice of pomegranates or red currants and used in drinks.
Grenadines a large group of islands in the eastern Caribbean, some of which belong to Grenada and others to Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines.
grew past tense of grow.
grey variant of gray.
greyhound a member of a breed of dog that has a narrow body and head, long legs, and speed in running.
gribble any of several small saltwater crustaceans that bore into wood underwater, often causing great damage.
grid a framework or grating of crisscrossed or parallel bars. [5 definitions]
grid bias the potential difference applied between the control grid of an electron tube and a cathode.
grid current the flow of electrons from the grid to the cathode of a vacuum tube.
griddle a flat pan or flat heated surface used in cooking. [2 definitions]
griddlecake a thin cake cooked on or as if on a griddle; pancake.
gridiron a flat framework of parallel or crisscrossed metal bars, used to support foods for broiling. [4 definitions]
gridlock a traffic jam in which congestion in a grid of streets blocks movement in all directions. [2 definitions]
grief intense sorrow or distress, esp. over a loss; anguish. [3 definitions]
grief-stricken suffering from much grief; sorrowing.
grief-stricken suffering from much grief; sorrowing.
grievance an injustice considered a cause for complaint, or the complaint resulting from such an injustice.
grievance committee a committee empowered to settle grievances, as between labor and management, according to formal procedures
established by prior agreement.
grieve to feel intense sorrow; mourn. [2 definitions]
grievous causing emotional or physical suffering; painful. [3 definitions]
griffin a mythical monster depicted in art with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
griffon a variant of griffin.
grift the act or process of swindling or cheating in order to obtain money or property. [4 definitions]
grifter a person who engages in a confidence game or a cheat in order to obtain money or property.
grigri a charm or fetish, usu. African or associated with voodoo.
grill a framework or grating of parallel metal bars used to support foods for broiling; gridiron. [7 definitions]
grille a grating, often of metal, used as a screen, barrier, or decoration over an opening such as a window or the
ventilation area of an engine.
grilled cooked on a grill or gridiron.
grilled cheese shortened form of "grilled cheese sandwich," a cheese sandwich, usually made with white bread, that has been
toasted in a skillet until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown on the outer sides.
grilled cheese a cheese sandwich, usually made with white bread, that has been toasted in a skillet until the cheese is melted
sandwich and the bread is golden brown on the outer sides.
grillroom a restaurant or part of a restaurant where grilled foods are a specialty.
grillwork a grille, or material functioning as or resembling a grille.
grilse a young male salmon that has returned to fresh water for its first spawning.
grim stern and unrelenting; harsh. [3 definitions]
grimace a contorted facial expression that shows pain, disgust, or contempt. [2 definitions]
grimalkin a cat, esp. an old female cat. [2 definitions]
grimalkin a cat, esp. an old female cat. [2 definitions]
grime dirt, soot, or the like, esp. clinging to or embedded in a surface. [2 definitions]
grimly in a grim manner; firmly and cheerlessly, and without giving rise to hope of a change of mind or change of fate.
grimy covered or filled with grime; extremely dirty.
grin to smile broadly, so that the teeth are revealed. [5 definitions]
grind to crush or make by crushing into fine particles. [12 definitions]
grinder a person or machine that grinds. [3 definitions]
grindstone a stone wheel that is rotated to sharpen implements or weapons, grind grain, or sand and shape items by
abrasion.
grin like a Cheshire catto smile in a mysterious or inscrutable manner.
grip a firm grasp, or the pressure of such a grasp. [14 definitions]
gripe (informal) to complain continually; nag; grumble. [6 definitions]
grippe influenza.
griseofulvin an antibiotic taken by mouth, esp. for fungus infections of the skin.
gris-gris variant of grigri.
grisly giving rise to fear, horror, or repugnance; gruesome.
grist grain to be ground, or enough grain for grinding at one time. [2 definitions]
grist for the mill something that can be used to advantage or for one's purposes.
gristle cartilage, esp. in meat used for food.
gristmill a mill that grinds grain, esp. grain brought by customers.
grit tiny abrasive particles, as of sand. [7 definitions]
grits hominy that has been hulled and coarsely ground.
grits hominy that has been hulled and coarsely ground.
gritty composed of, containing, or similar to grit. [2 definitions]
grivet a small, long-tailed monkey of North Africa that has olive-gray fur and a dark face and paws, and that lives on the
ground.
grizzle to make or become gray or somewhat gray.
grizzled gray or somewhat gray. [2 definitions]
grizzly partly or somewhat gray in color. [2 definitions]
grizzly bear a large, fierce bear found in northwestern parts of North America, with a coat that varies from grayish to brown.
groan a low-pitched, prolonged sound expressing pain, grief, disapproval, or the like. [6 definitions]
groat a silver coin formerly minted in England worth four pence.
groats hulled kernels of grain, esp. barley, buckwheat, or oats, often coarsely broken up.
grocer one who sells food and other supplies for household use; one who owns or manages a grocery store.
groceries food and other supplies for the home that people buy at a store.
grocery a store in which food and other supplies for household use are sold. [2 definitions]
grocery store a store in which food and other supplies for household use are sold.
grog any alcoholic drink, esp. a mixture of rum with water.
grogginess the state of being groggy; the state of being confused, dazed, or slow to return to consciousness or wakefulness.
groggy dazed, confused, or off-balance as a result of a blow or fall, anesthesia, or the like.
groin the hollow of the joint between the thigh and the abdomen, including the external genitalia. [4 definitions]
grommet a plastic or metal eyelet reinforcing a hole through which a fastener, lace, or the like may be
passed. [3 definitions]
groom a man who is about to be or has just been married; bridegroom. [7 definitions]
groomsman in a wedding ceremony, an attendant of the bridegroom, such as the best man or an usher.
groomsman in a wedding ceremony, an attendant of the bridegroom, such as the best man or an usher.
groove a long narrow furrow or indentation in a surface. [7 definitions]
groovy (slang; old-fashioned) very pleasing; wonderful; great.
grope to feel about or feel one's way with the hands, as if blind. [5 definitions]
grosbeak any of a variety of finches that have a heavy conical bill adapted for cracking seeds.
groschen formerly, the smaller monetary unit of Austria. (Cf. schilling.) [3 definitions]
gros de Londres (often l.c.) a lightweight ribbed silk fabric on which the ribs alternate between wide and narrow or between colors.
grosgrain a heavy material woven from silk or rayon and featuring crosswise or horizontal ribbing. [2 definitions]
gros point a large needlepoint stitch across two horizontal and two vertical threads. [2 definitions]
gross unmitigated or without qualifications such as deductions; total; absolute. (Cf. net 2.) [9 definitions]
gross national product the total market or monetary value of all the goods and services that a nation produces, usu. in one year.
gross out (slang) to disgust (someone) through revolting images or descriptions or by being something that is nauseating.
gross weight the entire weight of a package, shipment, or the like, including materials such as packaging.
grosz the smaller monetary unit of Poland. (Cf. zloty.)
grotesque unnatural, distorted, or ugly in character or appearance. [4 definitions]
grotto a cave or cavern, or an artificial construction or excavation resembling a cave.
grotty (chiefly British; informal) very shabby, unpleasant, or dirty. [2 definitions]
grouch to express discontent and bad humor; grumble; sulk. [3 definitions]
grouchy tending to be irritable and complaining; bad-tempered.
1
ground the earth's solid surface; land. [13 definitions]
2
ground past tense and past participle of grind. [3 definitions]
ground2 past tense and past participle of grind. [3 definitions]
ground ball in baseball, a batted ball that quickly strikes the ground and bounces or rolls; grounder. (Cf. fly ball.)
ground bass a repeated bass passage that provides a background for changing music in the upper registers.
ground beef beef that has been put through a grinder for use in such things as hamburgers, meatloaf, and meat sauces.
ground beetle any of numerous, usu. dark beetles that are often found under rocks, fallen logs, or debris and that feed on other
insects.
groundbreaking a ceremonial commencement of a building or construction project, when the first ground is broken with a
shovel. [2 definitions]
ground control the system, or its technology or operators, that guides the flights of aircraft or spacecraft from stations on the
ground.
ground cover any of numerous low-growing plants that grow thickly and cover the ground, and often prevent soil erosion where
there is little grass. [2 definitions]
ground crew the persons that maintain and service aircraft on the ground.
grounded aware of; concerned with, or experiencing the ordinary problems of real life that most people
experience. [2 definitions]
grounder see "ground ball."
ground floor the floor of a building closest to ground level; first floor. [2 definitions]
ground glass glass that diffuses light because its surface has been ground or etched. [2 definitions]
groundhog see "woodchuck."
Groundhog Day February 2, on which tradition asserts that a certain groundhog comes out of its hole, and that if it sees its
shadow, six more weeks of winter weather will follow.
groundless not having a logical foundation; unsubstantiated.
groundling an animal or plant that moves or lives close to the ground. [2 definitions]
ground loop a sharp, unexpected, and often uncontrolled turn of an aircraft moving on the ground, as during landing.
groundnut any of several plants having edible underground nuts or tubers, such as the peanut.
ground plan a floor plan of a building. [2 definitions]
ground rule (usu. pl.) basic rules governing the behavior in a given situation, esp. as concerns the playing of a game on a
particular field, course, or court.
ground rule (usu. pl.) basic rules governing the behavior in a given situation, esp. as concerns the playing of a game on a
particular field, course, or court.
grounds tiny pieces of solid matter, such as coffee, that settle at the bottom of a liquid. [2 definitions]
groundsel any of various weeds that bear small yellow flowers.
groundsill the lowest horizontal timber in the framework of a building.
groundskeeper a person responsible for the maintenance of the grounds of an estate, park, sports field, or the like.
ground squirrel any of various burrowing rodents, such as chipmunks, that differ from true squirrels in having cheek pouches and
shorter fur.
groundswell a wide, slow-moving ocean swell, caused by a distant earthquake or storm. [2 definitions]
ground troops soldiers sent to carry out combat or security duties on land, carrying personal weapons.
ground water the water beneath the earth's surface that supplies springs and wells.
ground wave a radio wave traveling on or near the earth's surface and affected by its curvature, atmosphere, and the like.
ground wire a wire acting as a conductor of an electric current to the ground.
groundwork the preparations or basis for an undertaking.
ground zero the land or water surface directly above or below the point at which a nuclear bomb explodes.
group a collection of things, ideas, or people that are assembled, connected, or related; body; cluster; set. [5 definitions]
groupable combined form of group.
grouper any of a variety of fishes of the sea bass family, found in tropical and subtropical oceans.
group home a house or other dwelling in which a relatively small group of individuals with disabilities live and receive services
to help with their care and to foster independence to the degree possible.
groupie (informal) one who tries to attach oneself to an admired group such as a rock band, as by following the group to
public concerts and parties. (See camp follower.)
group therapy psychotherapy that uses group discussions of common problems, feelings, and the like as a method of treatment,
usu. under the guidance of a therapist.
groupthink the practice of or tendency toward conformity of thought, opinion, attitudes, or the like, as among members of a
profession.
1
grouse any of a variety of plump game fowls that have mottled plumage and are distinguished by often elaborate male
courtship displays.
1
grouse any of a variety of plump game fowls that have mottled plumage and are distinguished by often elaborate male
courtship displays.
grouse2 (informal) to complain. [2 definitions]
grout a coarse mortar used to fill in the crevices between tiles or in masonry or stonework. [2 definitions]
grove a small wooded area, esp. one with little ground cover. [2 definitions]
grovel to demean or humble oneself; abase oneself. [3 definitions]
grow to become larger by the process of natural development. [8 definitions]
grower a person who grows or raises something, esp. plants or crops. [2 definitions]
growing increasing or becoming larger.
growing pains pain in the joints and limbs of children, often attributed by laymen to rapid growth. [2 definitions]
growl to utter a deep, guttural sound expressing hostility, as a dog. [6 definitions]
grown having reached maturity. [2 definitions]
grownup an adult person.
grown-up having reached adulthood or maturity. [2 definitions]
grow out of to grow too large to wear something. [2 definitions]
growth the process of growing. [3 definitions]
growth plate the area of growth at each end of the long bones of children and adolescents, also known as the epiphyseal plate
or physis.
grow up to move from childhood to adulthood.
grub the slow-moving, wormlike larva of a beetle or similar insect. [8 definitions]
grubby dirty or unkempt. [3 definitions]
grubstake tools and provisions advanced to a person planning a mining operation or similar venture, in exchange for a share
of the expected profits. [2 definitions]
grudge a feeling of resentment harbored against someone because of a real or imagined injustice. [4 definitions]
grudge a feeling of resentment harbored against someone because of a real or imagined injustice. [4 definitions]
grudging reluctant or unwilling.
gruel thin boiled oatmeal.
grueling extremely tiring or demanding; arduous.
gruesome repugnantly frightful; horrid.
gruff low and hoarse-sounding. [2 definitions]
grumble to mutter dissatisfaction or complaints. [5 definitions]
grump a complaining, ill-tempered person. [3 definitions]
grumpy in a bad mood; irritable.
grungy (slang) dirty, messy, run-down; unpleasant.
grunion a small edible fish found in coastal waters of southwestern North America.
grunt to utter the short deep guttural sound of a hog. [7 definitions]
Gruyère a mild, pale yellow cheese of Switzerland.
gryphon a variant of griffin.
G-string a very brief garment covering the pubic area, worn by striptease dancers.
G-suit a full-body garment designed to nullify the effects of high acceleration by exerting pressure on the lower part of
the body, worn esp. by astronauts.
GT abbreviation of "grand touring (car)."
guacamole a thick Mexican sauce made principally of mashed avocados, salsa or hot peppers, and onions.
guacharo a nocturnal tropical South American bird from whose young is derived an oil used for cooking and lighting.
guaco any of several tropical South American plants that yield a medicinal substance used to treat snakebite.
guaiacum any of a family of tropical trees bearing blue or purple flowers and encapsulated fruit. [3 definitions]
guaiacum any of a family of tropical trees bearing blue or purple flowers and encapsulated fruit. [3 definitions]
Guam the largest of the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific, and a U.S. territory.
guan any of several large fowls of Central and South America that live in jungles and feed on fruit.
guanaco a reddish brown woolly ruminant animal that is related to the llama and alpaca.
Guangzhou a seaport and provincial capital on the southern coast of China; Canton.
guanidine a strongly basic water-soluble crystalline compound used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, and other
industrial products.
guanine in biochemistry, a purine constituent of nucleic acids.
guano the nitrogen-rich excrement of sea birds or bats, used as fertilizer. [2 definitions]
guarana a substance containing caffeine and tannin that is made from the seeds of a South American shrub of the
soapberry family, used as a stimulant. [2 definitions]
guarani the chief monetary unit of Paraguay, equaling one hundred centimos.
guarantee an assurance, esp. in writing, that something is of salable quality and will perform satisfactorily or be repaired or
exchanged at the seller's or manufacturer's expense. [11 definitions]
guarantor one that gives a pledge of quality, warranty, or the like. [2 definitions]
guaranty an agreement, assurance, or pledge regarded as security for an obligation; surety. [5 definitions]
guard to protect from danger or harm. [8 definitions]
guardant of an animal on a heraldic shield, depicted with the head facing the viewer and the body in profile.
guarded wary; cautious. [2 definitions]
guardhouse a structure used by guard personnel as a headquarters or temporary detention area.
guardian a person who guards or protects. [3 definitions]
guardrail a protective railing, as on a young child's bed or the edge of a cliff.
guardroom a room used by guards when they are on duty but not in the field. [2 definitions]
guardsman one who serves as part of a force that guards. [2 definitions]
guardsman one who serves as part of a force that guards. [2 definitions]
Guatemala a Central American country south of Mexico. [2 definitions]
guava one of several tropical or subtropical American shrubs that bear white flowers and edible fruits. [2 definitions]
guayule a small woody shrub, with sap from which rubber can be made. [2 definitions]
gubernatorial of or pertaining to the office of governor or to a governor.
gudgeon1 any of several small freshwater fishes that are easily caught, often used for bait. [2 definitions]
2
gudgeon a metal pin or shaft on the end of an axle, on which the wheel turns. [2 definitions]
Guelph a member of a medieval Italian political faction that supported the pope against the German emperors. (Cf.
Ghibelline.)
guenon any of several African monkeys that have long tails, long hind legs, and grayish hair, such as the green monkey or
grivet.
Guernsey an island of the United Kingdom in the English Channel near the northwest tip of France; Isle of
Guernsey. [2 definitions]
guerrilla one of an unofficial or loosely organized group of soldiers who stage unconventional or surprise attacks against
an enemy.
guess to form an opinion of without enough evidence to be certain. [6 definitions]
guessable combined form of guess.
guesswork the process of arriving at an answer through making guesses or conjectures.
guest a person who is hosted by another; one who receives hospitality from another. [2 definitions]
guest of honor a person attending an event, such as a dinner, put on in his or her honor. [2 definitions]
guff foolish talk; nonsense. [2 definitions]
guffaw a burst of loud or boisterous laughter. [2 definitions]
Guglielmo Marconi an Italian physicist who invented wireless telegraphy (b.1874--d.1937).
guidance the act of guiding. [3 definitions]
guide to direct along an unfamiliar course. [11 definitions]
guide to direct along an unfamiliar course. [11 definitions]
guidebook a book that offers travel or tourist information, maps, and the like.
guided missile a missile that is capable of being guided throughout its flight until arrival at its target. (See ballistic missile.)
guide dog a specially trained dog used by a blind person as an aid and companion; seeing-eye dog.
guideline (often pl.) an indicator of a procedure or course to be followed.
guidepost a sign along a road showing direction or distance. [2 definitions]
Guides a world-wide organization for girls that teaches practical skills and independence (prec. by "the").
guideway a channel or groove that defines the path for something moving through it. [2 definitions]
guide word a word printed at the top of the page in a reference book, usu. to indicate the first or last entry on that page;
catchword.
guidon a small flag carried for military identification or signaling. [2 definitions]
guild an organization of people having a common pursuit or hobby. [2 definitions]
guilder the English name for the chief monetary unit of Netherlands Antilles and, formerly, the chief monetary unit of the
Netherlands, equaling one hundred cents. [2 definitions]
guildhall the hall where a guild or corporation meets; town hall.
guildsman a member of a guild.
guile deceitfulness, treachery, or skillful cunning; wiliness.
guileful intentionally deceptive; wily.
guileless without guile; sincere.
guillemot any of several black and white, narrow-billed sea birds found in northern regions.
guillotine a device having a sharp blade that is dropped vertically between two guide posts in order to sever the head of the
condemned person underneath. [2 definitions]
guilt the fact of having committed a crime, misdeed, or other offense. [2 definitions]
guiltless without guilt; sinless; innocent.
guiltless without guilt; sinless; innocent.
guilty characterized by or feeling guilt or regret. [2 definitions]
Guinea a country on the Atlantic coast of Africa between Senegal and the Ivory Coast.
guinea a monetary unit of the United Kingdom, currently used only in limited circumstances, equaling twenty-one
shillings, or 105 pence. [3 definitions]
Guinea-Bissau a country on the Atlantic coast of Africa between Guinea and Senegal.
Guinea corn any of several types of grain sorghum, esp. durra.
guinea fowl any of several pheasantlike birds native to Africa, esp. one with black feathers and white spots that is raised
domestically for its eggs and flesh.
guinea hen a female guinea fowl. [2 definitions]
guinea pig a small, tailless rodent, often domesticated as a pet or used in scientific experiments. [2 definitions]
Guinea worm a long thin parasitic nematode worm of tropical Africa and Asia that lives under the skin of humans and other
mammals.
Guinevere in Arthurian legend, the wife of King Arthur and secret lover of Lancelot.
Guinness Book of a book published yearly since 1955 compiling thousands of world records including both human achievements
World Records and natural phenomena.
guise external appearance or semblance, esp. if deceptive. [2 definitions]
guitar a stringed musical instrument with a large soundbox, a long fretted neck, and five, six, or twelve strings that are
strummed or plucked. [2 definitions]
guitarfish any of several sharklike ocean fish that are related to skates and rays and are shaped like a guitar.
guitarist a person who plays the guitar, esp. as a performer.
gulag a Soviet forced labor camp, as for political prisoners. [2 definitions]
gulch a stony ravine with steep sides, esp. one having a seasonal stream running through it.
gulden the chief currency of Netherlands Antilles and, formerly, the chief currency of the Netherlands; guilder.
gules the color red in heraldic arms, indicated in an engraving by vertical lines.
gulf a large area of ocean partly surrounded by land. [4 definitions]
gulf a large area of ocean partly surrounded by land. [4 definitions]
Gulf of Mexico an area of the Atlantic Ocean that is bounded by the southern coast of the United States, the eastern coast of
Mexico, and the island of Cuba.
Gulf of Thailand an arm of the South China Sea that borders Thailand, Cambodia, and small parts of Vietnam and Malaysia.
Gulf of Tonkin a shallow arm of the South China Sea lying between Vietnam and China, purportedly the site of North Vietnamese
attacks on US ships that precipitated the United States' entry into the Vietnam War in 1964.
gulfweed any of a variety of brown seaweeds found in the Gulf Stream and Caribbean, bearing spherical air bladders.
1
gull any of a variety of web-toed aquatic birds characterized by long pointed wings, agile flight, and mostly gray and
white plumage.
2
gull to trick; cheat. [2 definitions]
Gullah any of a group of former slaves and their descendants living on the Sea Islands of Georgia or in nearby coastal
areas. [2 definitions]
gullet the throat or part of the throat, esp. the esophagus or pharynx. [3 definitions]
gullible readily believing and thus easily tricked or deceived.
gully a ravine or valley worn away by a watercourse or flooding and still serving as a drainage course for
overflow. [3 definitions]
gulp to choke or gasp, between, or as if between, swallows. [5 definitions]
1
gum one of a variety of sticky substances exuded by certain plants; resin. [10 definitions]
gum2 (often pl.) the flesh and connective tissue covering that part of the jawbone in which the teeth are
set. [2 definitions]
gum ammoniac see "ammoniac."
gum arabic a sticky resin exuded from several varieties of the African acacia trees that is used in medicine and candies and
as a thickener.
gumbo the okra plant, or its fruit pods used as food. [3 definitions]
gumboil a small boil or abscess on the gum, that is associated with tooth decay.
gumdrop a small chewy candy made of flavored gum arabic or gelatin and usu. coated with granulated sugar.
gummy of or resembling gum in texture or consistency. [2 definitions]
gumption (informal) bold initiative; resourcefulness. [2 definitions]
gumption (informal) bold initiative; resourcefulness. [2 definitions]
gum resin a mixture of gum and resin that exudes from certain trees and plants.
gumshoe a rubber shoe, such as an overshoe for wearing in wet weather. [2 definitions]
gum tree any tree that exudes gum, such as the eucalyptus, tupelo, or sapodilla.
gumwood the wood of a gum tree, esp. the eucalyptus or sweet gum.
gun an apparatus with a tube made of metal from which bullets, shells, or other missiles are fired. [7 definitions]
gunboat a small armed boat used in shallow waters.
gunboat diplomacy the use or threat of small-scale military intervention to further one nation's interests in another nation.
gun control the practice or policy of enacting and enforcing laws that impose stricter regulations on the sale, possession, and
use of guns.
guncotton highly explosive nitrocellulose, made from cotton and used as a propellant and explosive.
gunfight a fight or duel in which guns, esp. pistols, are used. [2 definitions]
gunfire the firing of a gun.
gung-ho (informal) extremely enthusiastic and loyal, often in a naive way.
gunlock the mechanism in some firearms by which the charge is exploded.
gunman a person armed with a gun or skilled in the use of guns, esp. a professional killer.
gunmetal any of various metal alloys that have a dark gray, bluish gray, or black finish. [3 definitions]
gunnel the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship; gunwale.
gunner a soldier, sailor, or the like who operates or helps to operate artillery. [2 definitions]
gunnery the science of making and using guns, esp. heavy artillery. [3 definitions]
gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, a noncommissioned officer ranking below a master or first sergeant and above a staff
sergeant.
gunny a strong, coarse fabric made of hemp or jute; burlap. [2 definitions]
gunny a strong, coarse fabric made of hemp or jute; burlap. [2 definitions]
gunnysack a large sack made of burlap.
gunplay an exchange of gunfire, usu. in a civilian setting.
gunpoint the front end of a firearm's barrel.
gunpowder an explosive used to propel a gun projectile, esp. the explosive made from potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal;
black powder.
gun room a room for storing or displaying guns.
gunrunning smuggling of guns, ammunition, or other military supplies into a country.
guns and butter a symbolic representation of government spending for military or civilian needs.
gunship an armed helicopter used in support of ground forces.
gunshot the firing of a gun or the sound made by it. [4 definitions]
gun-shy easily frightened by the sound of gunfire, as a dog. [2 definitions]
gunsmith one who makes or repairs guns.
gunstock the handle of a rifle or shotgun.
gunwale the upper edge of a boat's or ship's side or bulwark.
guppy a small, often brightly colored freshwater minnow that is native to northern South America and the West Indies,
and often kept in aquariums.
gurgle to flow out in a noisy, bubbling stream. [4 definitions]
Gurkha a Nepalese Rajput. [2 definitions]
gurnard any of a family of marine fishes having enlarged pectoral fins with which they can glide through the air for short
distances; flying gurnard or butterfly fish. [2 definitions]
gurney a padded hospital stretcher on wheels, used to transport patients.
guru in Hinduism and some forms of Buddhism, a personal religious instructor and spiritual guide. [4 definitions]
gush to flood out abundantly and with considerable force, as a liquid being released from compression;
spurt. [7 definitions]
gush to flood out abundantly and with considerable force, as a liquid being released from compression;
spurt. [7 definitions]
gusher one that gushes. [2 definitions]
gushy characterized by or inclined toward excessive emotional or sentimental display in communication or behavior.
gusset a triangular piece inserted at a curve to strengthen it or improve the fit, as in a garment. [2 definitions]
gussy (informal) to dress in one's best clothes, or to dress in an exaggeratedly showy manner (usu. fol. by
"up"). [2 definitions]
gust a sudden rush or blast of wind. [3 definitions]
gustatory of or pertaining to the sense of taste or the act of tasting.
gusto vigorous or hearty enjoyment or appreciation.
gusty marked by gusts, as of wind or rain. [2 definitions]
gut the food canal or a part of it, esp. the stomach or intestines. [11 definitions]
gutbucket jazz played in a raucous, unsophisticated style.
gutless (informal) lacking courage or determination.
gutsy (informal) bold; courageous. [2 definitions]
gutta-percha the latex exuded from a variety of related Malaysian trees, used to make various cements and coatings.
gutter a shallow channel or trough for draining water, as under the eaves of a roof or along the edge of a road or
street. [10 definitions]
guttersnipe a person deemed to come from or have the attributes of the lowest class of society. [2 definitions]
guttural of, pertaining to, or produced in the throat. [4 definitions]
guy1 (informal) a male person; man; fellow. [2 definitions]
guy2 a rope or similar device used to guide or secure something. [2 definitions]
Guyana a South American country on the northeast Atlantic coast between Venezuela and Suriname; formerly British
Guiana.
Guy Fawkes Day November 5, a holiday in the UK on the anniversary of Guy Hawkes' failed attempt in 1605 to blow up the House
of Lords, celebrated with bonfires and fireworks.
Guy Fawkes Day November 5, a holiday in the UK on the anniversary of Guy Hawkes' failed attempt in 1605 to blow up the House
of Lords, celebrated with bonfires and fireworks.
guzzle to drink or eat rapidly and in large gulps, as if greedy or in great need. [3 definitions]
gybe variant of jibe1.
gym (informal) a gymnasium. [4 definitions]
gymnasium a building or large room designed and equipped for physical education and for athletic and gymnastic games and
contests. [3 definitions]
gymnast one skilled in gymnastics.
gymnastic of or relating to gymnastics.
gymnastics (used with a pl. verb) physical exercises used to develop and demonstrate muscular strength, agility, and control,
esp. with the aid of special equipment such as the parallel bars, the horse, and the high bar. [3 definitions]
gymno- naked; bare.
gymnosperm any of a large division of seed plants having seeds not enclosed within an ovary, such as the conifers, seed ferns,
and gingko. (Cf. angiosperm.)
gym shoe a rubber-soled canvas shoe intended to be worn for indoor sports; sneaker.
gynandromorph an individual exhibiting the physical characteristics of both sexes.
gyneco- female.
gynecocracy government by a woman or women.
gynecologist a medical doctor who specializes in gynecology.
gynecology the branch of medicine that deals with the reproductive system and endocrinology of women.
gynephobia irrational fear of women.
gyniatrics (used with a sing. verb) the branch of medicine that deals with disorders peculiar to women.
gyno- female.
gynoecium the female reproductive organs of a flower; carpel, or carpels collectively; pistil, or pistils collectively.
gynophore a stalk that supports a flower's pistil or pistils.
gynophore a stalk that supports a flower's pistil or pistils.
-gynous of or pertaining to females or female organs.
-gyny the state of having or otherwise relating to (such or so many) females. [2 definitions]
gyp (informal) to cheat, swindle, or defraud. [3 definitions]
gypsophila any of various plants that bear delicate clusters of small white or pink flowers; baby's breath.
gypsum a mineral, hydrated calcium sulfate, that resembles chalk and is used to make plaster of Paris, plaster and
wallboard, and fertilizers.
Gypsy one of a nomadic people, originally from India, now found throughout the world. [3 definitions]
gypsy moth a moth having as its larva a hairy caterpillar that is extremely destructive to foliage.
gyrate to move or revolve on or around a fixed point or axis, or in a circle or spiral; rotate; spin.
gyration the act of gyrating; rotation.
gyre a ring, circle, or spiral. [2 definitions]
gyrfalcon any of several large falcons found in or near the arctic, having white, gray, and black plumage.
1
gyro a gyroscope. [2 definitions]
2
gyro a sandwich made of pita bread stuffed with meat roasted on a rotating spit or skewer and various vegetables and
condiments.
gyro- spinning; spiral.
gyrocompass a navigational device with a gyroscope rotor that maintains a stable orientation toward true north.
gyroscope a device with a rotating wheel or disk, mounted on an axis that can turn freely in various or all directions, so that
the wheel or disk can maintain a stable orientation in space despite any movement in its supports or surrounding
parts.
gyrostabilizer a stabilizing device on planes and ships, consisting of a heavy, vertically mounted gyroscope whose spinning
reduces the side-to-side motion of the craft.
gyrus a winding and twisted ridge, esp. on the surface of the brain.