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2012

CLASSROOM PRONOUNCER GUIDE

CONTENTS Merriam-Webster Pronunciation Symbols ................................................................................ 2 Guidelines Regarding Pronunciation .......................................................................................... 3 Tips for Conducting Your Classroom Spelling Bee .................................................................... 4 Rules for Local Spelling Bees .......................................................................................................5 Words 1–225: 2012 School Spelling Bee Study List Words.......................................................10 Words 226-250: Words Selected from Webster’s Third* ......................................................... 38 Alphabetical Index .....................................................................................................................41 Numerical Index ....................................................................................................................... 43 *Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster

©2011, Scripps National Spelling Bee All rights reserved.

Merriam-Webster Pronunciation Symbols

Merriam-Webster Pronunciation Symbols

E..........banana, collect SE, TE.....humdrum H..........as in one pronunciation used by r-droppers for bird

(alternative \Ei\) D..........two-value symbol equivalent to the unstressed variants \E\,

\i\, as in habit, duchess (\ShabDt\ = \ShabEt, -bit\) F...........immediately preceding \l\, \n\, \m\, \N\, as in battle, mitten,

and in one pronunciation of cap and bells \-Fm-\, lock and key \-FN-\; immediately following \l\, \m\, \r\, as in one pronunciation of French table, prisme, titre

Ei.........as in one pronunciation used by r-droppers for bird (alternative \H\)

Er ........operation; stressed, as in bird as pronounced by speakers who do not drop r; stressed and with centered period after the \r\, as in one pronunciation of burry (alternative \Hr\) and in one pronunciation of hurry (alternative \E·r\); stressed and with centered period after \Er\ as in one pronunciation of hurry (alternative \Er·\)

a..........mat, map C..........day, fade, date, aorta B..........bother, cot; most American speakers have the same vowel in

father, cart A..........father as pronounced by speakers who do not rhyme it with

bother; farther and cart as pronounced by r-droppers aa ........bad, bag, fan as often pronounced in an area having New

York City and Washington, D.C., on its perimeter; in an emphatic syllable, as before a pause, often \aaE\

ai.........as in some pronunciations of bag, bang, pass aU........now, loud, some pronunciations of talcum b..........baby, rib ch........chin, nature \SnCchE(r)\ (actually, this sound is \t\ + \sh\) d..........elder, undone Z .........as in the usual American pronunciation of latter, ladder e..........bet, bed SG, TG ....beat, nosebleed, evenly, sleepy G..........as in one pronunciation of evenly, sleepy, envious,

igneous (alternative \i\) ee ........(in transcriptions of foreign words only) indicates a vowel

with the quality of e in bet but long, not the sound of ee in sleep: en arrière \BMnAryeer\

eU........as in one pronunciation of elk, helm f ..........fifty, cuff g..........go, big h..........hat, ahead hw.......whale as pronounced by those who do not have the same

pronunciation for both whale and wail i ..........tip, one pronunciation of banish (alternative unstressed \G\),

one pronunciation of habit (alternative \E\; see D)

I ..........site, side, buy (actually, this sound is \B\ + \i\, or \A\ + \i\) iU ........as in one pronunciation of milk, film j ..........job, gem, edge, procedure \prESsGjE(r)\ (actually, this sound is

\d\ + \zh\)

k..........kin, cook, ache k..........as in one pronunciation of loch (alternative \k\), as in German

ich-laut l ..........lily, pool m ........murmur, dim, nymph n..........no, own M ..........indicates that a preceding vowel is pronounced with the nasal

passages open, as in French un bon vin blanc \QMbPMvaMblBM\ N..........sing \SsiN\, singer \SsiNE(r)\, finger \SfiNgE(r)\, ink \SiNk\ P..........bone, snow, beau; one pronunciation of glory O..........saw, all, saurian; one pronunciation of horrid Q.........French bQuf, German Hölle R.........French feu, German Höhle Oi ........coin, destroy, strawy, sawing PP........(in transcriptions of foreign words only) indicates a vowel

with the quality of o in bone but longer, not the sound of oo in food: comte \kPPMt\

p..........pepper, lip r ..........rarity, one pronunciation of tar s ..........source, less sh ........with nothing between, as in shy, mission, machine, special

(actually, this is a single sound, not two); with a stress mark between, two sounds as in death’s-head \SdethsThed\

t ..........tie, attack; one pronunciation of latter (alternative \Z\) th ........with nothing between, as in thin, ether (actually, this is a

single sound, not two); with a stress mark between, two sounds as in knighthood \SnItThUd\

th ........then, either (actually, this is a single sound, not two) V..........rule, fool, youth, union \SyVnyEn\, few \SfyV\ U..........pull, wood, curable \SkyUrEbEl\ W ........German fVllen, hVbsch X ........French rue, German fVhlen v..........vivid, give w.........we, away y..........yard, cue \SkyV\, union \SyVnyEn\ Y ..........(in transcriptions of foreign words only) indicates that during

articulation of the sound represented by the preceding character the tip of the tongue has substantially the position it has for the articulation of the first sound of yard, as in French digne \dGnY\

yV........youth, union, cue, few yU........curable z..........zone, raise zh........with nothing between, as in vision, azure \SazhE(r)\ (actually,

this is a single sound, not two); with a stress mark between, two sounds as in rosehill \SrPzThil\

S...........mark preceding a syllable with primary (strongest) stress: \SpenmEnTship\

T...........mark preceding a syllable with secondary (next-strongest) stress: \SpenmEnTship\

( ) indicate that what is symbolized between is present in some utterances but not in others: factory \Sfakt(E)rG \

Guidelines Regarding Pronunciation

Guidelines Regarding Pronunciation

Pronunciation

For many words in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster (Webster’s Third), more than one pronunciation is offered. In this classroom pronouncer guide, the chief pronunciation for a word is most often the first pronunciation given in this dictionary. Occasionally, however, the word panel has chosen to assign the dictionary’s second or third pronunciation as the chief pronunciation. This decision has been made whenever the panel has reason to think that a certain pronunciation has become the most prevalent one since this dictionary was first published. Many of the variations in pronunciation listed in Webster’s Third are included in this publication as alternate pronunciations and are listed in square brackets under the chief pronunciation. These alternate pronunciations are all the variants in the dictionary’s pronunciation data that differ phonemically from the chief pronunciation. Minor phonetic variations that are described in the dictionary pages are not included here, however, such as pronunciations that differ only in the level of stress on given syllables. In addition, this publication has not included the voluminous treatment of r-dropping and vowel variations before /r/ such as those that are found in certain geographical dialects of American English. Experience has shown that this information about nuances of phonetic variation in pronunciation can be the cause for confusion for spellers and pronouncers alike. Nevertheless, every pronunciation in Webster’s Third that can offer any clues about spelling is listed as an alternate pronunciation herein. The phrase no alternate pronunciations means simply that, while the dictionary entry may or may not contain further details about phonetic differences in different dialects, the word in question has no other pronunciations that differ phonemically from the chief pronunciation that is provided.

Tips for Conducting Your Classroom Spelling Bee

Tips for Conducting Your Classroom Spelling Bee Help your students prepare by:

• giving your students the grade-specific 100-word study list from the log-in section of spellingbee.com, and

• providing the full 2012 School Spelling Bee Study List to your students if they seek a challenge.

Become familiar with the organization of this guide, in which:

• words 1-225 were selected from the 2012 School Spelling Bee Study List and

• words 226-250 were selected from were selected from Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster.

Decide at what point in this guide to begin your classroom bee. We recommend that you:

• begin Grade 1 classroom spelling bees with word 1 (page 10), • begin Grade 2 classroom spelling bees with word 26 (page 13), • begin Grade 3 classroom spelling bees with word 51 (page 16), • begin Grade 4 classroom spelling bees with word 76 (page 19), • begin Grade 5 classroom spelling bees with word 101 (page 22), • begin Grade 6 classroom spelling bees with word 126 (page 25), • begin Grade 7 classroom spelling bees with word 151 (page 28), and • begin Grade 8 classroom spelling bees with word 176 (page 31).

As pronouncer, be sure to:

• review the words on this list prior to your bee, and

• refer to the Merriam-Webster Pronunciation Symbols (page 2) if you need assistance interpreting diacritical markings.

As judge, keep in mind that:

• you may consult our Rules for Local Spelling Bees (page 5) if you need rules (pay special attention to Rule 10 for instruction regarding end-of-bee procedure) and

• you may wish to have a copy of Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster, available for reference. If you do not have a copy of Webster’s Third, the preferred alternative is Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, eleventh edition, copyright 2003, Merriam-Webster.

Resources

• Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster • Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, eleventh edition, copyright 2003, Merriam-Webster • Log-in section of spellingbee.com:

o Grade-specific study lists o 2012 School Spelling Bee Study List

Rules for Local Spelling Bees

Rules for Local Spelling Bees Preface

We encourage spellers, parents, teachers, and spelling bee officials to read these rules prior to any spelling bee.

These rules are guidelines designed to assist spelling bee officials and spellers at the local level. Spellers should check with their local spelling bee officials for the rules in effect in their area. Spelling bee officials include the pronouncer, judges, coordinator, and sponsor.

While local spelling bee officials have the prerogative to amend Rules 2 through 11, amendments—particularly any amendments to the end-of-bee procedure—should be undertaken only with careful consideration of the various outcomes that may result from the amendments.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee has no authority over the conduct of local spelling bees (namely, spelling bees other than the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the Washington, D.C. area). Consequently, the national office will not render judgments relating to the conduct of local spelling bees. Individuals bearing complaints about the conduct of local spelling bees should register their concerns with local spelling bee officials. DECISIONS OF LOCAL SPELLING BEE OFFICIALS ARE FINAL.

These Rules for Local Spelling Bees are not the rules in effect at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. area. When a local spelling bee official says, “We use the national rules,” he or she is probably indicating that the Rules for Local Spelling Bees are in effect.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee in the Washington, D.C. area operates under a significantly different set of rules called the Contest Rules of the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee. These rules contain provisions that are specific to unique conditions at the event in the Washington, D.C. area. Their successful implementation at the local level is considered impossible and therefore is not recommended.

Rules

1. Eligibility: A speller qualifying for the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the Washington, D.C. area must meet these requirements:

(1) The speller must not have won a Scripps National Spelling Bee championship in the Washington, D.C. area. (2) The speller must attend a school that is officially enrolled with the Scripps National Spelling Bee. (3) The speller must not have passed beyond the eighth grade on or before February 1, 2012. (4) The speller must not have repeated fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth grade for the purpose of extending spelling bee eligibility. If the speller has repeated fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth grade, the speller must notify the Scripps National Spelling Bee of the circumstances of grade repetition by March 23, 2012; and the Scripps National Spelling Bee will, at its sole discretion, determine the speller’s eligibility status on or before April 30, 2012.

(5) The speller—or the speller’s parent, legal guardian, or school official acting on the speller’s behalf—must not have declared to another entity an academic classification higher than eighth grade for any purpose, including high school graduation equivalency or proficiency examinations and/or examinations such as the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.

(6) The speller must not have earned the legal equivalent of a high school diploma.

(7) The speller must not have completed or have been enrolled in more than six high school–level courses or two college-level courses on or before April 30, 2012.

(8) The speller must not eschew normal school activity to study for spelling bees. The Scripps National Spelling Bee defines normal school activity as adherence to at least four courses of study other than language arts, spelling, Latin, Greek, vocabulary, and etymology for at least four hours per weekday for 34 of the 38 weeks between August 30, 2011, and May 21, 2012.


(9) The speller must not have reached his/her 15th birthday on or before August 31, 2011.

(10) The speller must have won a final local spelling bee on or after February 1, 2012. (11) Once having been disqualified at any level of a sponsor’s spelling bee program between June 2011 and April 2012, the speller remains disqualified for the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee and may not seek advancement in the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee program through another sponsor and/or enrollment in another school.

(12) The speller, upon qualifying for the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the Washington, D.C. area, must submit a completed Champion Bio Form, a Certification of Eligibility Form, a signed Appearance Consent and Release Form, and a hard copy of a photo to the Scripps National Spelling Bee no later than March 27, 2012. The speller will notify the Bee—at least 24 hours prior to the first day of competition in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.—if any of the statements made on the Certification of Eligibility Form are no longer true or require updating. The speller’s sponsor will provide access to the necessary forms.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee may disqualify prior to or during competition any speller who is not in compliance with any of its eligibility requirements; and it may—at any time between the conclusion of the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee and April 30, 2013—require any speller who is found to have not been in compliance with any of the eligibility requirements to forfeit the prizes, rank, and other benefits accorded to the speller as a result of participation in the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee. 2. Format: The spelling bee is conducted in rounds. Each speller remaining in the spelling bee at the start of a round spells one word in each round—except in the case of a written, multiple choice, or online test. The spelling bee may be conducted orally or in writing or in a manner that is a combination of the two; however, if the spelling bee officials specify an oral format, the speller may not demand a written format except under the conditions of Rule 4. 3. Word list: Local spelling bee officials are responsible for selecting the word lists for use at each local spelling bee. Many local spelling bee officials use word lists generated by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. These lists include the School Spelling Bee Study List, many words that appear in the current edition of Spell It! as well as some “end-of-bee” words. All words on Scripps National Spelling Bee word lists are entries in Webster’s

Third New International Dictionary and its addenda section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster, the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. 4. Special needs: Spelling bee officials will strive to provide accommodation for spellers who have physical challenges. All requests for spelling bee officials to accommodate special needs involving sight, hearing, speech, or movement should be directed to spelling bee officials well in advance of the spelling bee date. The judges have discretionary power to amend oral and/or written spelling requirements on a case-by-case basis for spellers with diagnosed medical conditions involving sight, hearing, speech, or movement. 5. Pronouncer’s role: The pronouncer strives to pronounce words according to the diacritical markings in Scripps National Spelling Bee word lists and Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and its addenda section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster.

Homonyms: If a word has one or more homonyms, the pronouncer indicates which word is to be spelled by defining the word.

Speller’s requests: The pronouncer responds to the speller’s requests for a definition, sentence, part of speech, language(s) of origin, and alternate pronunciation(s). When presented with requests for alternate pronunciations, the pronouncer or an aide to the pronouncer checks for alternate pronunciations in either Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and its addenda section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster or Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, eleventh edition. The pronouncer does not entertain root word questions, requests for alternate definitions, or requests for markedly slower pronunciation.

Pronouncer’s sense of helpfulness: The pronouncer may offer word information—without the speller having requested the information—if the pronouncer senses that the information is helpful and the information is presented in the entry for the word in a 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee word list or Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and its addenda section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster.

6. Judges’ role: The judges uphold the rules and determine whether or not words are spelled correctly. They also render final decisions on appeals in accordance with Rule 11. They are in complete control of the competition, and their decision is final on all questions.

Interaction with the speller: Because seeing the speller’s lip movements may be critical in detecting misunderstandings or misspellings, the judges encourage spellers to face them when pronouncing and spelling the word.


Notice of rules: The judges ensure that all spellers and audience members are given an opportunity to receive a complete copy of the rules prior to the start of the spelling bee. Misunderstandings: The judges participate in the exchange of information between the speller and pronouncer if they feel that clarification is needed. Also, the judges listen carefully to the speller’s pronunciation of the word; and, if they sense that the speller has misunderstood the word, the judges work with the speller and pronouncer until they are satisfied that reasonable attempts have been made to assist the speller in understanding the word. While the judges are responsible for attempting to detect a speller’s misunderstanding, it is sometimes impossible to detect a misunderstanding until a spelling error has been made. The judges are not responsible for the speller’s misunderstanding.

Pronouncer errors: The judges compare the pronouncer’s pronunciation with the diacritical markings in the word list. If the judges feel that the pronouncer’s pronunciation does not match the pronunciation specified in the diacritical markings, the judges direct the pronouncer to correct the error as soon as it is detected.

Disqualifications for reasons other than clear misspelling: The judges will disqualify a speller (1) who refuses a request to start spelling; (2) who does not approach the microphone when it is time to receive the word; (3) who does not comply with the eligibility requirements; (4) who engages in unsportsmanlike conduct; (5) who, in the process of retracing a spelling, alters the letters or sequence of letters from those first uttered; or (6) who, in the process of spelling, utters unintelligible or nonsense sounds.

Speller activities that do not merit disqualification: The judges may not disqualify a speller (1) for failing to pronounce the word either before or after spelling it, (2) for asking a question, or (3) for noting or failing to note the capitalization of a word.

7. Speller’s role: The speller makes an effort to face the judges and pronounce the word for the judges before spelling it and after spelling it. The speller while facing the judges makes an effort to utter each letter distinctly and with sufficient volume to be understood by the judges. The speller may ask the pronouncer to say the word again, define it, use it in a sentence, provide the part of speech, provide the language(s) of origin, and/or provide an alternate pronunciation or pronunciations.

Misunderstandings: The speller is responsible for any misunderstanding of the word unless (1) the pronouncer never provided a correct pronunciation; (2) the pronouncer provided incorrect information regarding the definition, part of speech, or language of origin; or (3) the speller correctly spelled a homonym of the word and the pronouncer failed to either offer a definition or distinguish the homonyms.

8. Correction of a misspelling: The pronouncer and judges will not ask the speller to correct another speller’s misspelling, even in end-of-bee circumstances. 9. Misspelling: Upon incorrectly spelling a word, the speller immediately drops out of the competition, except as provided in Rule 10. 10. End-of-bee procedure:

If all spellers in a round misspell: If none of the spellers remaining in the spelling bee at the start of a round spells a word correctly during that round, all remain in the competition and a new round begins.

Ties: All spellers eliminated in the same round are tied for the same place. After the champion has been determined, spelling bee officials may opt to conduct tiebreakers (of their own design) if tiebreakers are necessary for the awarding of prizes or the determination of qualifying spellers for the next level of competition.

If only one speller in a round spells correctly: If only one speller spells correctly in a round, a new one-word round begins and the speller is given an opportunity to spell the next word on the list (anticipated championship word). If the speller succeeds in correctly spelling the anticipated championship word in this one-word round, the speller is declared the champion.

Example: In Round 12 there are four spellers. Spellers 6 and 21 misspell. Speller 30 spells correctly. Speller 42 misspells. So, Speller 30 is the only speller in the round to spell correctly. Speller 30 begins Round 13—a one-word round—and is offered the anticipated championship word. Speller 30 correctly spells the anticipated championship word and is declared champion.

Example: Two spellers spell in Round 10. Speller 14 misspells. Speller 25 spells correctly. Speller 25 begins Round 11—a one-word round—and is offered the anticipated championship word. Speller 25 correctly spells the anticipated championship word and is declared champion.


Example: Two spellers spell in Round 16. Speller 3 spells correctly. Speller 9 misspells. Speller 3 begins Round 17—a one-word round—and is offered the anticipated championship word. Speller 3 correctly spells the anticipated championship word and is declared champion.

VERY IMPORTANT: If a speller misspells the anticipated championship word in a one-word round: A new round begins with ALL the spellers who spelled (correctly and incorrectly) in the previous round. These spellers spell in their original order.

Example: In Round 8 there are three spellers. Speller 12 spells correctly and Spellers 23 and 37 misspell. Round 9—a one-word round—begins, and Speller 12 is offered the anticipated championship word. Speller 12 misspells the anticipated championship word. Round 10 begins and includes Spellers 12, 23, and 37. The rules prescribe that spellers 12, 23, and 37 spell in their original order; so Speller 12 gets the next word on the list even though Speller 12 misspelled the previous word on the list. Round 10 is not complete until all three spellers have spelled.

Tip: Spelling bee officials may find it helpful to designate a record keeper or judge to track the progress of spellers throughout the rounds. The record keeper’s information will be helpful in preventing end-of-bee confusion. 11. Appeals: The speller’s parent(s), legal guardian, or teacher may appeal to the judges for the speller’s reinstatement provided that the appeal is in compliance with the appeal protocol. The judges render a final decision on the appeal in accordance with the reinstatement protocol.

Appeal protocol

A written appeal must be hand delivered to the designated official (usually the spelling bee coordinator/director). The deadline for delivering an appeal is before the speller affected would have received his/her next word had he/she stayed in the spelling bee; however, to minimize disruptions to the spelling bee, every effort should be made to deliver an appeal by the end of the round in which the speller was eliminated. When five or fewer spellers remain, the written appeal requirement is suspended, and an oral appeal must be made before the speller would have received his/her next word had he/she stayed in the spelling bee. A written appeal must provide the speller’s name, the word in question, and the reason the speller should be reinstated.

While the competition is in session, individuals who have filed appeals may not directly approach the judges unless explicit permission to approach the judges has been given. The judges will contact the speller if they decide to reinstate the speller. To minimize disruption to the pace of the spelling bee and the concentration of the spellers, the judges are under no obligation to stop the spelling bee in order to discuss with the speller’s parent(s), legal guardian, or teacher a denied appeal. The judges’ decisions are final and are subject neither to review nor to reversal by the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s headquarters office.

Reinstatement protocol

Pronouncer mispronunciation: An appeal claiming that a speller’s elimination from the spelling bee was due to pronunciation error should be denied unless there is agreement that the pronouncer never offered a correct pronunciation.

Alternate pronunciations: An appeal claiming that the pronouncer did not offer alternate pronunciations should be denied unless it is determined that the speller requested alternate pronunciations and the pronouncer did not accommodate the speller’s request for alternate pronunciations and it appears that the speller’s spelling almost matches the correct spelling.

Speller’s misunderstanding: An appeal claiming that the speller’s elimination from the spelling bee was due to the speller’s not understanding the word [its pronunciation(s) and/or other information about the word] should be denied. It is the speller’s responsibility to understand the word. Speller offered correct spelling, as indicated in Webster’s Third: An appeal claiming that the speller correctly spelled the word should be denied unless an audio recording of the bee’s proceedings or bee officials’ recollections clearly indicate that the word was indeed spelled correctly.

Exception: If the speller’s spelling is listed in Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and its addenda section, Merriam-Webster, copyright 2002, the speller should be reinstated if all of the following three criteria are met: (1) The pronunciations of the words are identical, (2) the definitions of the words are identical, and (3) the words are clearly identified as being standard variants of each other. Spellings at other locations having temporal labels (such as archaic, obsolete), stylistic labels (such as substand, nonstand), or regional labels (such as North, Midland, Irish) which differ from main entry spellings not having these status labels will not be accepted as correct.


Speller offered correct spelling, as indicated in a dictionary other than Webster’s Third: An appeal claiming that the speller spelled the word correctly according to a dictionary other than Webster’s Third New International Dictionary and its addenda section, copyright 2002, Merriam-Webster, should be denied.

Homonym: An appeal claiming that the speller’s elimination was unfair because the speller’s word is a homonym should be denied unless the pronouncer failed to define the word and the speller correctly spelled a homonym of the word.

Incorrect or unsolicited information: An appeal claiming that the speller’s elimination was unfair because the pronouncer offered incorrect or unsolicited information about the word should be denied unless it is determined that the pronouncer indeed gave factually incorrect information and it appears that the speller’s spelling would have been correct if not for the incorrect or unsolicited information provided by the pronouncer.

Bee officials failed to correct a misunderstanding: An appeal claiming that the speller misspelled because the judges and/or pronouncer failed to correct the speller’s mispronunciation of the word should be denied. It is sometimes impossible to detect a speller’s mispronunciation or misunderstanding, and ultimately it is the responsibility of the speller to understand and correctly pronounce the word.

Disqualification request: An appeal seeking to dislodge another speller from the spelling bee should be denied.

2012 Classroom Pronouncer Guide

Words 1–225 are Scripps National Spelling Bee School Level Study Words.

1. crate \ SkrCt \

[no alternate pronunciation(s)]

noun

a container used to transport wares.

Hal cut a hole in the side of a shipping crate and used it as a doghouse.

2. large \ SlBrj \

[ \ SlAj \ ]

adjective

exceeding most other things of like kind in bulk, capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of constituent units.

Compared to saddle horses, Belgians and Clydesdales are quite large.

3. salt \ SsOlt \


noun

any of a class of compounds typified by sodium chloride that are derived from acids by replacement of part or all of the acid hydrogen by a metal or radical acting like a metal.

Before taking chemistry, Tak thought that all salt was the same.

4. tack \ Stak \


verb

nail, pin, or affix with small sharp-pointed, broad-headed nails.

The landlady told Tristan that renters who tack anything to the wall risk losing part of their security deposit.

5. cub \ SkEb \

[ \ SkUb \ ]

noun

a young person; especially : an awkward or ill-mannered boy.

Mr. Downes called every student that passed through his classroom a “young cub.”

6. gasp \ Sgasp \

[ \ Sgaa(E)sp, Sgaisp, SgAsp \ ]

noun

catch the breath convulsively and audibly.

Mary caught her breath in a short gasp and felt herself turn pale.

7. strong \ SstrON \

[ \ SstrBN \ ]

adjective

having great muscular power.

Johnny is as strong as a bull.

This is the recommended starting point for Grade 1 Classroom Spelling Bees. There is no rule stating that you must proceed word-for-word from this list.

You may skip a word if you sense that the word may present a problem at your bee.

If a word has a homonym or near homonym, the word’s homonym status is probably noted at the word’s entry in this guide. We encourage you to include these words in your bee,

provided you indicate the word’s homonym or near homonym status to the speller.

If you think a word is a homonym and yet a homonym is not listed, please check Webster’s Third New International Dictionary for further information or skip the word.

It is possible that we did not note the fact that the word is a homonym.


8. cram \ Skram \

[ \ Skraa(E)m \ ]

verb

study intensively or under pressure especially for an examination.

Sarah wonders if students who cram the night before major tests truly retain the material.

9. file \ SfIl \

[ \ SfIEl \ ]

noun

a hardened steel tool that has cutting ridges and is used for forming or smoothing surfaces.

The file slowly smoothed the burrs off the metal bar’s edge.

10. rake \ SrCk \


noun

a hand tool used for gathering leaves, grass, or other material, or for loosening or smoothing the surface of the ground.

Vera told her son never to leave a rake with its teeth pointed upward.

11. mess \ Smes \


noun [The definition provided is not the one most commonly associated with this word.]

sufficient quantity (of a specified kind of food) for a dish or a meal.

Janie went out to the garden and picked a mess of green beans for supper.

12. study \ SstEdG \


verb

apply the mind to the acquirement of knowledge.

Flora and her roommate agreed that they would study for the exam together.

13. even \ SGvEn \


adjective

being any member of a sequence of positive integers beginning with two and counting by twos : being always exactly divisible by two.

When an even number is multiplied by either an even number or an odd number, the result is always an even number.

14. scan \ Sskan \

[ \ Sskaa(E)n \ ]

verb

look through or over hastily.

Students who scan their notes for a few minutes before a test sometimes have less text anxiety than they would otherwise have.

15. dare \ Sda(E)r \

[ \ Sde(E)r, SdE(E)r \ ]

verb

be sufficiently bold, brave, or courageous to.

None of the members of the cruise party dare to deny the merits of the ship.

16. brace \ SbrCs \


noun

a crank-shaped instrument with handles and a chuck for holding and turning auger bits.

Gerald bore a hole in the metal sheet with a brace.


17. trunk \ StrENk \


noun

a piece of luggage that has a rigid frame and is too large for being carried by hand.

Riannon’s trunk survived the trip in one piece.

18. proud \ SpraUd \


adjective

highly satisfied or pleased : elated.

Mike was proud to be a member of the municipal police force.

19. shine \ SshIn \


verb

emit rays of light.

In the mountains the stars shine brighter than they ever do in the city.

20. twice \ StwIs \


adverb

for a first and second time : on two occasions.

After Reginald wrecked the car twice, his parents took his driving privileges away for three months.

21. ballroom \ SbOlTrVm \

[ \ SbOlTrUm \ ]

noun

a large room for dances.

Karin’s birthday party was held in the ballroom of the Plaza Hotel.

22. cakewalk \ SkCkTwOk \


noun

a stage dance developed from walking steps, especially a high-stepping prance with a backward tilt.

The cakewalk was originally performed in competitions where the prize was a cake.

23. grapevine \ SgrCpTvIn \


noun

a sidewise waltz step in which one foot keeps crossing first before and then behind the other.

The grapevine migrated into ballroom dancing from folk dancing.

24. homework \ ShPmTwErk \


noun

preparatory reading or research.

Steve had to do quite a bit of homework before he could make an effective presentation on his assigned topic.

25. locker \ SlBkE(r) \


noun

a container used for safekeeping or storage.

Thun kept all his belongings in the locker at the foot of his bed.


26. muse \ SmyVz \


verb [has homonyms: meuse, mews]

become absorbed in thought.

In the opening scene of the movie, the two best friends sit on the beach and muse on what they will do with their lives.

27. cherry \ ScherG \

[ \ Scheri \ ]

adjective [has homonym: chary]

of a variable color averaging a moderate red that has a hint of yellow.

Santa is often portrayed with cherry cheeks.

28. tongs \ StBNz \

[ \ StONz \ ]

plural noun

an instrument for taking hold of objects for ease and convenience of handling.

Wendi could not find the tongs, so she turned the frankfurters with a fork.

29. batter \ SbaZE(r) \

[ \ SbatEr \ ]

noun [has homonym: badder]

a mixture (as for cake or waffles) that consists of flour, liquid, and other ingredients and is thin enough to pour or drop from a spoon.

Gordon mixed batter for waffles while Julie sliced fruit and made bacon.

30. drawer \ SdrOr \

[ \ SdrOEr \ ]

noun

a sliding box or receptacle that is opened by pulling out and closed by pushing in.

Shaq checked every drawer in the kitchen until he found the silverware.



The following word is a homonym. Inform speller that this word is a homonym and provide, without being asked by the speller to do so, the word’s part of speech and definition.




31. tough \ StEf \


adjective [has homonym: tuff]

extremely difficult to cope with or comprehend.

The questions on the final exam were so tough that only the well-prepared students got a passing grade.

32. bagpipe \ SbagTpIp \

[ \ Sbaa(E)gTpIp, SbaigTpIp \ ]

noun

a musical instrument consisting of a double reed melody pipe and one or more single reed drone pipes that are sounded by air from a flexible bag.

To avoid disturbing her neighbors, Deirdre went to a deserted clearing in the woods to practice the bagpipe.

33. stern \ SstErn \


adjective

having a serious and strict manner.

Darryl always looks more stern when he wears glasses.

34. hamper \ ShampE(r) \

[ \ ShaampE(r), ShaimpEr \ ]

noun

a basket or box with a cover for packing, storing, or transporting food and other articles.

Liz put the hamper next to the others in the back of the van.

35. gravy \ SgrCvG \

[ \ SgrCvi \ ]

noun

any of several thickened sauces served especially with meat or potatoes.

The so-called “red-eye” gravy often served with ham and biscuits is usually made with strong coffee or cola.

36. firefly \ SfIrTflI \

[ \ SfIErTflI \ ]

noun

a winged nocturnal insect usually producing a bright soft intermittent light.

When the light of the captured firefly started to dim, Nell decided it was time to set the bug free.

37. handcuffs \ ShandTkEfs \

[ \ Shaa(E)ndTkEfs \ ]

plural noun

metal fastenings that can be locked around the wrists and are usually connected by a chain or bar.

The convicted felon was taken to prison in handcuffs.

38. frugal \ SfrVgEl \


adjective

economical in the use or expenditure of resources : not wasteful.

The “Golden Fleece Award” was created by Senator William Proxmire, who sought to make the federal government more frugal.

39. pitcher \ SpichE(r) \


noun

a container for holding and pouring out liquids.

The hand-blown glass pitcher was too fragile to be used for pouring, so Aunt Beth used it as a vase instead.



40. windchill \ SwindTchil \


noun

a still-air temperature with the same cooling effect on exposed human flesh as a given combination of temperature and wind speed.

Winds ripped the air at 60 miles an hour, and the windchill dropped to 50 degrees below zero.

41. crutch \ SkrEch \


noun

a support to aid the disabled in walking.

Under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird.

42. ginger \ SjinjE(r) \


adjective

having the reddish brown color of the spice ginger.

Mrs. Collins would die if anyone knew that her ginger hair is actually gray.

43. chowder \ SchaUdE(r) \


noun

a soup or stew of seafood (as clams or white-fleshed sea fishes) usually made with milk and containing salt pork or bacon, onions, and potatoes and sometimes other vegetables.

Dean and Susan went to the beach to collect clams for chowder.

44. drifting \ SdriftiN \


adjective

disposed to move aimlessly.

Drifting loners were rounded up as suspects after the shooting.

45. fleet \ SflGt \


noun

a number of warships under a single command : a naval force.

Naval Intelligence learned that terrorists were noting information about the movement of the fleet.

46. solve \ SsBlv \

[ \ SsOlv \ ]

verb

find an answer, solution, or explanation for.

The algebra teacher says that students who solve five of the word problems within ten minutes will get a homework pass.

47. nibble \ SnibEl \


verb

bite lightly.

Deer nibble on the leaves of plants.

48. sunflower \ SsEnTflaU(E)r \


adjective

of or resembling any of various plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil.

The brown iris was slashed with yellow, the color of sunflower honey.


49. clinic \ Sklinik \

[ \ SklinGk \ ]

noun

a form of group practice in which several physicians work in cooperative association.

Sondra took the baby to the pediatric clinic for a checkup.

50. chapter \ SchaptE(r) \


noun

a main division of a book usually beginning on a new page.

Jill begged for permission to finish reading the chapter before going to bed.

51. pudding \ SpUdiN \

[ \ SpUdGN \ ]

noun

a usually boiled or baked sweetened dessert of a soft, spongy, or thick creamy consistency.

After Gage had his wisdom teeth removed, he ate only rice pudding and milkshakes for three days.

52. herbs \ Serbz \

[ \ Sherbz \ ]

plural noun

plants or plant parts valued for their medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities.

Karl guarded carefully the secret of which herbs he put in his barbecue sauce.

53. apron \ SCprEn \


noun

an article made of cloth or other material usually worn on the front of the body and tied around the waist with strings and used to protect the clothing, to cover the body, or to adorn a costume.

Mrs. Hobbs wears her special red and green plaid apron only when she is cooking her Christmas Day dinner.

54. jewel \ SjVEl \

[ \ SjUEl \ ]

noun [has near homonym: joule]

a precious stone; especially : a stone cut and polished for use as an ornament.

The Hope Diamond is a famous jewel thought to be unlucky.

55. scramble \ SskrambEl \

[ \ SskraambEl \ ]

verb

prepare (eggs) by stirring during frying.

After she burned the meatloaf, Arlene said she would scramble some eggs for dinner.



The following word could be confused with another word similar in sound and/or spelling. Ensure that the speller has a clear understanding of the word’s pronunciation.


56. beaming \ SbGmiN \


adjective

marked by or expressive of extreme and unreserved joy, happiness, or satisfaction.

The beaming actress thanked the audience profusely for applauding.

57. kitchen \ SkichDn \


noun

a room or some other space (as a wall area or separate building) with facilities for cooking : a place for preparing meals.

Joey spent several hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.

58. wreck \ Srek \


noun

the destruction or injury of a vessel by being cast up on shore or on rocks or by being disabled by the force of winds or waves.

The wreck of the mail steamer Rhone occurred early in the nineteenth century.

59. cusp \ SkEsp \


noun

a point or apex.

Teddy attached a bright red tassel to the cusp of the dunce cap.

60. wooden \ SwUdFn \


adjective

made or consisting wholly or sometimes partially of the hard fibrous substance that makes up the greater part of the stems and branches of trees.

The auctioneer said that the huge wooden chest was made out of just six boards.

61. garnish \ SgBrnish \


verb

add decorative or savory touches to.

Rita will garnish the platter of smoked salmon with fresh dill.

62. wizard \ SwizErd \


noun

a genius or prodigy especially in a particular field of endeavor.

Jack has the reputation of being the class’s math wizard.

63. keyhole \ SkGThPl \


noun

a hole or aperture for receiving a key.

In the dark, Demmie could not find the keyhole.

64. grumpy \ SgrEmpG \

[ \ SgrEmpi \ ]

adjective

moodily cross : surly : ill-humored.

The new cashier was trained in ways to deal with grumpy customers.

65. harmless \ ShBrmlDs \


adjective

lacking capacity or intent to injure.

The snake was a harmless little thing that would not hurt anyone and seemed in a hurry to get out of the room.


66. twirl \ StwErl \

[ \ StwErEl \ ]

verb

revolve rapidly.

Janet hopes Gregory will not twirl her too fast around the dance floor.

67. lonely \ SlPnlG \


adjective

being without company.

Allie took a picture of a lonely fisherman on the pier.

68. serious \ SsirGEs \

[ \ SsGrGEs \ ]

adjective [has homonyms: cereous, Cereus]

grave in disposition, appearance, or manner.

Even the perennially serious clergyman showed some lightheartedness at the church picnic.

69. migrate \ SmITgrCt \


verb

pass periodically from one region or climate to another for feeding or breeding.

Some birds migrate south to find warmer weather during winter.

70. shovel \ SshEvEl \


noun

a hand implement consisting of a broad scoop with a handle used to lift and throw material.

Josephine bought a shovel at her neighbor’s garage sale.

71. feeble \ SfGbEl \


adjective

markedly lacking in normal strength or endurance : weak : debilitated.

Hal quickly realized that his grandmother was much more feeble than she was the last time he saw her.

72. folly \ SfBlG \


noun

a thoughtless act or irrational idea : an unconsidered or unwise procedure.

Mr. Luttrell’s scheme was the despairing folly of a powerful man who cannot bear to grow old.

73. drizzle \ SdrizEl \


noun

a fine misty rain; specifically : a light rain of very small drops.

The rain increased suddenly, pounding hollowly against the umbrella, then just as suddenly faded back to a drizzle.

74. wombat \ SwBmTbat \

[ \ SwOmTbat \ ]

noun

any of several stocky Australian marsupials resembling small bears.

The wombat lives in burrows, which it digs with its strong foreclaws.



75. pupil \ SpyVpDl \


noun

a child or young person in school or in the charge of a tutor or instructor : a student.

Every year at least one pupil in Miss Simpson’s kindergarten class is already a skilled reader.

76. skillet \ SskilDt \


noun

a frying pan.

A high-quality deep skillet has many uses in the kitchen.

77. butterflies \ SbEZErTflIz \

[ \ SbEtErTflIz \ ]

plural noun

any of several slender-bodied diurnal insects that have very large broad wings which are often strikingly colored and patterned.

The formerly still field erupted with beautiful red butterflies.

78. disgust \ dDsSgEst \

[ \ dDSskEst \ ; nonstandard pron(s): \ dDzSgEst \ ]

verb [could be confused with discussed]

provoke (one) to loathing, repugnance, or aversion.

Even though Evelyn is a political science major, the machinations of electoral politics disgust her.

79. simmer \ SsimE(r) \


verb

stew gently with a bubbling sound below or just at the boiling point.

After the carrots simmer in the broth for several minutes, the chef will add the other vegetables.

80. mumble \ SmEmbEl \


verb

make speech sounds that are hard to understand because of minimal displacement of the speech organs from their rest position : utter words in a low confused indistinct manner.

Children who mumble in Miss Taylor’s class are quickly told that they should speak up.

81. leftovers \ SleftTPvE(r)z \


plural noun

fragments of food remaining from a meal.

The waiter brought Elbert a container for his leftovers.





82. aboard \ ESbPrd \


adverb [could be confused with abort]

on, onto, or within a ship, railway car, or passenger vehicle.

Spotting dorsal fins in the distance, Jeff swam back to the sailboat and pulled himself aboard.

83. mural \ SmyUrEl \

[ \ SmyVrEl \ ]

adjective

applied to and made integral with a wall surface.

Mural plaques on each building on the Ile St.-Louis give important historical facts about the buildings.

84. intense \ DnStens \

[ \ DnStents \ ]

adjective [could be confused with plural noun intents]

existing in a strained or extreme degree.

Mr. Siberell’s slight twitch was a sign of intense anxiety.

85. relish \ Srelish \

[ \ SrelGsh \ ]

noun

a savory pickled or preserved food prepared from mixed chopped vegetables or fruits and usually served with meat.

Cameron put ketchup, onions, and pickle relish on his hot dog.

86. weigh \ SwC \


verb [has homonyms: way, whey]

evaluate : ponder.

Kevin is one of those people who weigh carefully the potential consequences of their decisions.

87. dismal \ SdizmEl \


adjective

marked by, showing, or causing gloom, dejection, somberness, or depression of spirits.

The children who forgot their gloves spent a dismal recess looking out the window at the snow.

88. cement \ sDSment \

[ \ sGSment \ ; nonstandard pron(s): \ SsGTment \ ]

verb

join, unite, or cause to adhere by or as if by means of a binding element or agency.

After Byron chooses the tiles for his mosaic, he will cement them in place on the pattern using a strong glue.

89. rascal \ SraskEl \


noun

a mean, unprincipled, or dishonest person.

The children cheered during the movie when the rascal fell to his doom.





90. twitter \ StwiZEr \

[ \ StwitEr \ ]

verb

utter the successive chirping notes of a bird.

The parakeets fill the petstore with song when they twitter.

91. rabies \ SrCbGz \


noun

an acute virus disease of warm-blooded animals that attacks chiefly the nervous system, is fatal when untreated, and is transmitted with infected saliva usually through the bite of an animal affected with the disease.

Local health officials feared an outbreak of rabies after discovering two infected raccoons in a residential area.

92. wardrobe \ SwOrTdrPb \


noun

a room or closet where clothes are kept or stored.

Henrietta screamed when her brother jumped out of the wardrobe.

93. trio \ StrG(T)P \


noun

a group or set of three.

Ben belongs to a well-known trio of musicians that plays for wedding receptions.

94. mallet \ SmalDt \


noun

a tool with a large head for striking a surface without marring it.

Ray used a rubber mallet to put the wheel cover back in place after he changed the flat tire.

95. nephew \ Sne(T)fyV \

[no alternate pronunciation(s); nonstandard pron(s): \ Sne(T)vyV \ ]

noun

the son of a brother or sister.

Griffin took his nephew to the zoo for the afternoon.

96. absorb \ EbSzOrb \

[ \ EbSsOrb, abSzOrb \ ]

verb

take up by various means (as by capillary, osmotic, solvent, or chemical action).

The membranes of the intestine absorb nutrients that then pass into the bloodstream.

97. treadmill \ StredTmil \


noun

a device operated by walking on an endless belt for the purpose of exercise.

Walking on a treadmill in his apartment was convenient, but Sam preferred to get his exercise outside, weather permitting.

98. kidney \ SkidnG \

[ \ Skidni \ ]

noun

one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that serve to excrete waste products.

In an effort to save his daughter’s life, the prisoner sued the state to be allowed to give her his only kidney.


99. demanding \ dDSmandiN \

[ \ dGSmandiN, dDSmaa(E)ndiN, dDSmAndiN \ ]

adjective

unremittingly severe or difficult in making requests.

Although the guests were extremely demanding, Joyce enjoyed working at the Ritz.

100. caper \ SkCpEr \


noun

a capricious or madcap escapade : a prank or antic.

Roberto’s little caper resulted in a three-day suspension from school.

101. journal \ SjErnFl \


noun

a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use.

Victoria burst into tears when she discovered that her brother had read her journal.

102. cabinet \ SkabnDt \

[ \ SkabEnDt \ ]

noun

an upright case or cupboardlike repository.

Safety-conscious parents of young children put cleaning supplies out of reach or in a locked cabinet.

103. posture \ SpBschEr \


noun

characteristic position or bearing of the body.

A dancer’s posture is as important in ballroom dancing as it is in ballet.

104. ransom \ Sran(t)sEm \


noun

the money, price, or consideration paid or demanded for the release of a captured person.

The amount of the ransom was unreasonable even for Mr. Bennett’s vast financial resources.

105. talons \ StalEnz \


plural noun

the claws of a bird of prey.

The eagle’s beak and talons are indeed a formidable sight.

106. patriot \ SpCtrGEt \

[ \ SpCtrGTBt \ ]

noun

a person who loves his country and defends and promotes its interests.

The foreign spy convinced others that he was a flag-waving patriot.




107. humane \ hyVSmCn \

[ \ yVSmCn \ ]

adjective

marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for other human beings or animals.

Sharon received an award for her humane treatment of stray pets.

108. stellar \ SstelE(r) \


adjective

of, relating to, or derived from the stars.

Rapid stellar rotation can modify the structure of a star’s atmosphere.

109. eyelet \ SIlDt \


noun

a small hole usually round designed to receive a cord, lace, pin, or button shank or used only for decoration (as in embroidery).

Without putting the shoestring through a single eyelet of her sneakers, Kate knew that it would be too short.

110. oasis \ PSCsDs \

[ \ SPEsDs \ ]

noun

a small isolated fertile area that is surrounded by general barrenness and typically marked by trees or other greenery and that has a water supply.

The caravan rested for two days at the oasis.

111. uniform \ SyVnETfOrm \


noun

dress of a distinctive design or fashion adopted by or prescribed for members of a particular group (as an armed service or a social or work group) and serving as a means of identification.

Soldiers in uniform proudly marched in the Fourth of July parade.

112. fragrance \ SfrCgrEn(t)s \


noun

a sweet smell or pleasing odor especially delicate or evanescent.

The fragrance of mulled cider wafted down the hallway.

113. stomach \ SstEmDk \


noun

an enlargement of the alimentary canal of a vertebrate between the esophagus and the first part of the small intestine that provides various digestive enzymes and grinds and mixes food materials by its muscular action.

Andrea claims that there is always room in her stomach for ice cream.

114. tissue \ Sti(T)shV \

[ \ Stish(T)yV, Sti(T)shU, Stish(T)yU \ ]

noun

an aggregate of cells usually of a particular kind or kinds together with their intercellular substance that form one of the structural materials out of which the body of a plant or an animal is built up.

The three types of muscle tissue in the human body are visceral muscle, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle.


115. wriggle \ SrigEl \


verb

move the body or a bodily part to and fro with short writhing motions like a worm.

Snakes that wriggle through tall grass find their way into many of Zakia’s bad dreams.

116. prevail \ prGSvCl \

[ \ prDSvCl \ ]

verb

be or become effective or effectual : be successful.

The attorney is confident that justice will prevail in the case.

117. terrific \ tESrifik \

[no alternate pronunciation(s); nonstandard pron(s): \ tESrifGk \ ]

adjective

unusually fine or gratifying : exciting admiration or enthusiasm.

David had a hunch that his SAT score would be terrific.

118. delighted \ dDSlIZDd \

[ \ dDSlItDd, dGSlIZDd \ ]

adjective

highly pleased : gratified : joyous.

The delighted visitors couldn’t help laughing at the monkey’s antics.

119. foreground \ SfP(E)rTgraUnd \


noun

the part of a scene that is nearest to and in front of the spectator.

Although there were many actors in the scene, the main action was taking place in the foreground.

120. mortar \ SmOrZEr \


noun

something that binds or holds together.

Sam watched as the brickmason expertly set the bricks into the hardening mortar.

121. kindergarten \ SkindErTgBrtFn \

[ \ SkindErTgBrdFn \ ]

adjective

of or relating to an elementary level or initial phase.

After her request to skip from the sixth to the eighth grade was denied, Kathleen was openly scornful of the kindergarten math problems the teacher kept assigning.

122. question \ Skwes(h)chEn \

[ \ SkweshEn \ ]

verb

express doubt about : dispute.

Subordinates who question Sergeant McGonigle’s orders can expect dire consequences.

123. veil \ SvCl \


noun [has homonym: vale]

a length of light sheer fabric or netting worn over the head or face or attached for protection or ornament to a hat or headdress.

After arriving at the church, the bride frantically announced that she had forgotten her veil.



124. calculator \ SkalkyETlCZE(r) \

[ \ SkalkyETlCtEr \ ]

noun

a device used for computing amounts.

Mr. Jensen permitted each student to use a calculator during the exam.

125. therapy \ StherEpG \


noun

treatment of disease in animals or plants by agents or methods that serve or help to terminate disease and restore health.

The oncologist recommended laser therapy for the cancer patient.

126. confection \ kEnSfekshEn \


noun [has near homonym: convection]

a delicacy; usually : a preparation of fruits, nuts, roots, or other morsels with sugar.

Turkish delight is a chewy confection often flavored with finely chopped nuts and rosewater.

127. toilsome \ StOilsEm \


adjective

marked by or full of effort.

Tula set herself the toilsome job of cleaning the garage.

128. tourism \ StUTrizEm \


noun

the economic activities associated with and dependent upon those that travel from place to place for pleasure or culture.

Ski tourism is a major source of income in Switzerland and Austria.

129. unreadable \ TEnSrGdEbEl \


adjective

lacking attraction or interest as material for reading : alien or dull in vein or spirit.

Two years ago Joy found the novel unreadable, but now she cannot put it down.

130. peruse \ pESrVz \


verb

read; specifically : read through or read over with some attention and typically for the purpose of discovering or noting one or more specific points.

Jan will peruse several journals in the hope of getting needed material for further research.





131. widget \ SwijDt \


noun

an unnamed article considered for purposes of hypothetical example as the typical product of a company.

On Trudy’s graph, each star represents one widget.

132. cleave \ SklGv \


verb

adhere firmly, loyally, and unwaveringly.

The minister said that even though doubt is a natural human failing, it is imperative that believers still cleave to the doctrines of the church.

133. realty \ SrGEltG \


noun

land and its permanently affixed buildings or other structures together with its improvements and its natural assets (as minerals, crops, waters) and with the inclusion of rights that follow ownership of the land.

Aurora built a large business in corporate realty.

134. blizzard \ SblizErd \


noun

a severe and prolonged snowstorm.

Last winter many of Uncle Harold’s cattle perished in a blizzard.

135. larceny \ SlBrsFnG \


noun

the unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property without the consent of its lawful possessor.

When Tina first saw Victor’s art collection, she suspected him of larceny.

136. recruit \ rDSkrVt \

[ \ rGSkrVt \ ]

noun

a newly enlisted or drafted member of the armed services; specifically : an enlistee or draftee of the lowest grade in the army.

The recruit quickly adapted to military life during the first few days of basic training.

137. defunct \ dDSfEN(k)t \

[ \ dGSfEN(k)t \]

adjective

having finished the course of life or existence : dead : extinct.

The mechanical adding machine became defunct following the advent of the pocket calculator.

138. delved \ Sdelvd \


verb

dug into : explored by or as if by digging.

As an amateur archaeologist, Vernon delved into many creek beds for artifacts.

139. plague \ SplCg \


noun

an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality.

For several months in 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome was considered by some to be a twenty-first–century plague.


140. fanzine \ fanSzGn \


noun

a periodical publication that is written and edited by science-fiction and fantasy enthusiasts.

Brendan’s articles for a popular fanzine were good enough to win the attention of an agent, who got him a book deal.

141. hurriedly \ ShErDdlG \

[ \ ShErGdlG \ ]

adverb

quickly : hastily.

The Joneses hurriedly left their home when they received the reverse 911 call informing them of the fire danger.

142. carpenter \ SkBrpEntE(r) \


noun

a person who builds or repairs with wood.

Matthew hired a carpenter to construct four bookcases.

143. evidence \ SevEdEn(t)s \

[SevETden(t)s]

noun

something legally submitted to a competent tribunal as a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter of fact under investigation before it.

The suspect’s fingerprints on the murder weapon were sufficient evidence for his arrest.

144. thermostat \ SthErmETstat \


noun

an automatic device for regulating temperature (as by opening or closing the damper of a heating furnace or by regulating supply of gas).

During the winter David keeps his home’s thermostat set at 72 degrees.

145. clarinet \ TklarESnet \

[ \ SklarEnDt \ ]

noun [could be confused with differently pronounced variant clarionet]

an orchestral and band instrument having a cylindrical tube with moderately flaring end and a strong flexible violinlike tone.

In Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” the cat is represented by a musical theme played on a clarinet.

146. exotic \ igSzBZik \

[ \ egSzBZik, ikSsBZik \ ]

adjective

from another country : not native to the place where found.

Little did Gretchen know that the exotic bird she bought had been illegally smuggled into the country.



147. pyramid \ SpirETmid \


noun

an ancient massive structure of huge stone blocks found especially in Egypt having typically a square ground plan, outside walls in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top, and inner sepulchral chambers.

Rico became speechless when he spotted a pyramid on the desert horizon.

148. pungent \ SpEnjEnt \


adjective

causing a sharp sensation : pricking : irritating : acrid.

The pungent odor of wet dog sent the guests out for fresh air.

149. envoy \ SBnTvOi \

[ \ SenTvOi \ ]

noun [has homonym: envoi]

any person delegated to represent one sovereign or government in its relations with another.

The “Enterprise” conveyed the envoy to the peace conference without incident.

150. trespass \ StreTspas \

[ \ StrespEs \ ]

verb

cross an established boundary line.

People who trespass on Farmer Brown’s property might have a surprise encounter with rock salt from his muzzle-loader.

151. ecstatic \ ekSstaZik \

[ \ DkSstaZik, ekSstatik \ ]

adjective

caused by, expressing, or causing a state of exaltation or rapturous delight.

Maria was ecstatic when her boyfriend proposed to her.

152. syllable \ SsilEbEl \


noun

a unit of spoken language that consists of one or more vowel sounds alone or of a consonant sound alone or of either accompanied by one or more consonant sounds preceding or following.

When spelling long words, some spellers find it helpful to proceed syllable by syllable.

153. emphasize \ Sem(p)fETsIz \


verb

give special consideration of or place stress or insistence upon.

Teachers emphasize the importance of handing in assignments on time.





154. hostile \ ShBstFl \

[ \ ShBTstIl, ShB(T)stil, ShOstFl \ ]

adjective [has homonym: hostel]

marked by antagonism or unfriendliness.

The relationship between Jack and his brother has been hostile for about two years.

155. brochure \ brPSshUr \

[no alternate pronunciation(s); nonstandard pron(s): \ SbrPshEr \ ]

noun

a pamphlet or a booklet; also : an article published in such form.

Cynthia just received a brochure from the local travel agency.

156. calzone \ kalSzPn \

[ \ kalSzP(T)nC, kalSzP(T)nG, kBlSzOnC \ ]

noun [One of alternate pronunciations could be confused with plural calzoni.]

a baked or fried turnover of pizza dough stuffed with various fillings usually including cheese.

Jenna’s calzone was so large that it nearly covered her plate.

157. matrimony \ SmatrETmPnG \

[ \ SmatrEmEnG \ ]

noun

the union of two individuals in a special kind of social and legal dependence.

The Las Vegas chapel specialized in instant matrimony.

158. gourmet \ TgUrSmC \

[ \ TgPrSmC \ ]

noun

a connoisseur in eating and drinking.

At the market the gourmet chose his ingredients with the greatest of care.

159. puree \ pyVSrC \

[ \ pyUSrC, pyESrC \ ; nonstandard pron(s): \ pESrC,

pyVSrG \ ]

verb

boil soft and then rub through a sieve.

Geneva will puree vegetables for the baby when he is six months old.

160. pursuit \ pErSsVt \


noun

a chasing with haste.

The patrol car sped off in pursuit of the robbers.

161. serenade \ TserESnCd \


verb

entertain with or perform music in honor of.

The football team will serenade its coach during the pep rally.




162. condiment \ SkBndEmEnt \


noun

something usually pungent, acid, salty, or spicy added to or served with food to enhance its flavor or to give added flavor : a seasoning.

Mustard is the condiment usually served on hot pastrami sandwiches.

163. elegant \ SelDgEnt \

[ \ SelGgEnt \ ]

adjective

characterized by tasteful richness especially of design or ornamentation : luxurious or sumptuous in a refined way.

The debutante’s escort was dressed in an elegant silk-lined tuxedo.

164. leisure \ SlGzhE(r) \

[ \ SlezhEr \ ]

noun

time at one’s command that is free of engagements or responsibilities.

When Tim retired, he found many ways to occupy his leisure.

165. juvenile \ SjVvETnIl \

[ \ SjVvEnFl, SjVvE(T)nil \ ]

adjective

of, relating to, or having the characteristics of youth or a young person.

Many breakfast-cereal advertisements are geared to a juvenile audience.

166. allocation \ TalESkCshEn \

[ \ TalPSkCshEn \ ]

noun

apportionment for specific purposes or to particular persons or organizations.

The allocation of powers in the United States Constitution is clearly defined.

167. frivolous \ Sfriv(E)lEs \


adjective

of little weight or importance.

Mr. Peterson offered only frivolous remarks at the hearing.

168. disappoint \ TdisESpOint \


verb

thwart or defeat the expectation or hope of.

The quarterly report of company earnings will disappoint the stockholders.

169. allergenic \ TalE(r)Sjenik \


adjective

of or relating to a substance that produces an exaggerated or pathological reaction marked by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, and skin rashes.

Eating too many tomatoes caused Horace’s allergenic reaction.

170. desperately \ SdespErDtlG \


adverb

with an intensified or all-out last-ditch effort in refusal to give up a struggle or purpose.

Firefighters tried desperately to rescue every person in the burning house.


171. jubilant \ SjVbElEnt \


adjective

manifesting or expressing exultation or gladness.

The home team’s fans were jubilant when the batter hit the winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.

172. accrued \ ESkrVd \

[ \ aSkrVd \ ]

verb

collected : accumulated.

Helen has accrued 30 days of personal leave at work.

173. technician \ tekSnishEn \


noun

one who has special usually practical knowledge especially of a mechanical or scientific subject and has learned the special skills of an occupation.

An electronics technician keeps the department’s computers in good operating condition.

174. potassium \ pEStasGEm \

[ \ pPStasGEm, pEStasyEm \ ]

noun

an element of the alkali metal group.

Bananas and potatoes are good dietary sources of potassium.

175. ulterior \ TElStirGEr \


adjective

not apparent : hidden.

When Sherman volunteered to walk the dog, his ulterior motive was to escape the boring conversation in the house.

176. inflammable \ DnSflamEbEl \


adjective

capable of being easily set on fire.

Inflammable hair products carry a warning label.

177. controversy \ SkBntrETvErsG \

[no alternate pronunciation(s); nonstandard pron(s):

\ kEnStrBvErsi \ ]

noun

a difference marked especially by the expression of opposing views : a dispute.

The controversy embroiling the public school principal and the editor of the school newspaper concerned First Amendment rights.

178. leniency \ SlGnGEnsG \

[ \ SlGnyEnsG, SlenGEnsG \ ]

noun

compassion or kindness extended to someone instead of strictness or severity.

At his sentencing the convicted felon expressed remorse and pleaded for leniency.




179. siege \ SsGj \


noun

the operations of an army around or before a fortified place for the purpose of compelling its surrender or of reducing it by assault after systematic blockade, advances, and bombardment.

The defenders were confident they could outlast the siege because the castle had an underground source of fresh water.

180. compromise \ SkBmprETmIz \


verb

come to a settlement or agreement by mutual concession.

The warring factions have decided that they will compromise in order to end hostilities.

181. incidental \ Tin(t)sESdentFl \


adjective

occurring merely by chance or without intention or calculation : occurring as a minor concomitant.

Patsy’s incidental expenses on her business trip included $20 in gratuities.

182. feign \ SfCn \


verb

give a sham appearance of.

In an emergency, Maris will feign composure to save her pride.

183. fedora \ fDSdPrE \

[ \ fDSdOrE \ ]

noun

a soft felt hat with a low crown creased lengthwise and with or without a high roll on the side brim.

Brent stepped into the spotlight and pulled his fedora low over one eye.

184. dilemma \ dDSlemE \

[ \ dISlemE \ ]

noun

a choice or a situation involving choice between equally unsatisfactory alternatives.

The retailer’s dilemma was whether to lower prices or to accept sluggishness of sales.

185. correspondence \ TkOrESspBndEn(t)s \

[ \ TkBrESspBndEn(t)s \ ]

noun [has homonym: plural noun correspondents]

the written or printed messages exchanged by those who communicate.

Looking for information, the biographer combed his subject’s correspondence.

186. whimsical \ ShwimzDkEl \

[ \ SwimzDkEl \ ]

adjective

resulting from or determined by sudden unpredictable impulses.

The author has written a volume of whimsical poetry that is delightful reading for kids and parents alike.


187. fluoride \ SflPrTId \

[ \ SflUETrId, SflUErDd, SflOTrId \ ]

noun

a binary compound of a nonmetallic element that is one of the most powerful oxidizing agents known, attacking water, most metals, and organic compounds.

The addition of fluoride to drinking water is denounced by some and advocated by others.

188. loathe \ lPL \


verb [Adjective can be spelled l-o-a-t-h, l-o-t-h, l-o-a-t-h-e.]

feel strong aversion for : detest or abhor.

Many of the students at Ridgeview Middle School loathe pop music.

189. exaggerate \ igSzajETrCt \

[ \ egSzajETrCt \ ]

verb

misrepresent on the side of largeness (as of size, extent, or value) : overstate the truth.

Fishermen often exaggerate when describing the size of their catches.

190. auditorium \ TOdEStPrGEm \

[ \ TOdEStOrGEm \ ]

noun

a room, hall, or entire building specially designed for stage and film presentations, concerts, lectures, and audio-visual features and activities.

A new curtain for the stage of the auditorium was purchased with money raised by the students.

191. hospice \ ShBspDs \


noun

a facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill.

Many counselors who work in a hospice become very close to the families of their patients.

192. ecosystem \ SekPTsistDm \

[ \ SGkPTsistDm \ ]

noun

an ecological community considered together with the nonliving factors of its environment as a unit.

The fact that his diesel tank was an ecosystem in itself came home to Ray when the algae clogged fuel filter after fuel filter.

193. carnage \ SkBrnij \


noun

great destruction of life (as in battle) : great bloodshed.

The carnage on the battlefield at Antietam in 1862 was the greatest for a single day in American combat history.

194. epilepsy \ SepETlepsG \


noun

a chronic nervous disorder of humans and other animals that involves changes in the state of consciousness and of motion.

Epilepsy is sometimes caused by glandular disturbances.



195. gloaming \ SglPmiN \


noun

twilight : dusk.

Bart heard the robins singing in the gloaming.

196. surrealist \ sESrGElDst \


noun

one that adheres to, practices, or follows the practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery in art or literature by means of unnatural juxtapositions and combinations.

Andre’s grandfather was a well-known French surrealist.

197. philosophize \ fDSlBsETfIz \


verb

seek a rational basis for fact and experience : reflect : theorize.

Jermain will philosophize about any topic if given the opportunity.

198. gouge \ SgaUj \

[no alternate pronunciation(s); nonstandard pron(s): \ SgVj \ ]

noun

a chisel used especially for scooping or cutting holes, channels, or grooves (as in wood or stone).

Adrian used a gouge to incise a leaf pattern on the bench.

199. tentativeness \ StentEZivnDs \

[ \ StentEtivnDs \ ]

noun

the quality or state of being uncertain or hesitant.

The immense importance of the game accounted for much of the players’ tentativeness and overdeliberateness.

200. phylum \ SfIlEm \


noun

one of the usually primary divisions of the animal kingdom.

Insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda.

201. posthumous \ SpBschEmEs \

[ \ pBSstyVmEs, pBSstVmEs, pPSstyVmEs \ ]

adjective

published after the death of the author.

The novelist’s posthumous works became his most popular ones.

202. tutelage \ StVZFlij \

[ \ StyVZFlij \ ]

noun

instruction; especially : individual instruction accompanied by close personal attention and a conscious attempt at guidance.

Evan made astounding progress under the tutelage of his new trumpet teacher.

203. debris \ dESbrG \

[ \ dCSbrG, deSbrG \ ]

noun

the remains of something broken down or destroyed.

Scattered debris lies where majestic homes stood before last week’s tornado.


204. scythe \ SsIL \

[ \ SsIth \ ]

noun

an implement used for mowing grass, grain, or other crops and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle.

A worker used a scythe to cut the tall grass growing alongside the road.

205. retrospect \ SretrETspekt \


\ SrGtrEspekt \ ]

verb

practice the act of surveying the past.

People who retrospect usually appreciate the value of learning from mistakes.

206. beatific \ TbGEStifik \


adjective

marked by an appearance of complete bliss or utter benignity.

The hockey player appeared beatific as he related how he made the winning goal.

207. vehemence \ SvGEmEn(t)s \


\ SvGhEmEn(t)s, SvCEmEn(t)s, vDShGmEn(t)s]

noun

the quality or state of being scathingly hostile.

The reformer lashed out at his critics with uncharacteristic vehemence.

208. behemoth \ bDShGmEth \

[ \ bGShGmEth, SbGETmOth \ ]

noun

something of oppressive or monstrous size or power.

Anwar’s wrestling opponent was a behemoth of a man.

209. cartilage \ SkBrZFlij \


noun

a translucent elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of the embryos and very young of vertebrates and is for the most part converted into bone in the higher forms.

Hans had a small piece of cartilage removed from his elbow.

210. ensemble \ BnSsBmbEl \

[ \ SBMTsBmbEl, BMSsBMbl(F), BMSsBMb(lE) \ ]

noun

a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers.

The principals in the play were ably supported by the ensemble.

211. polenta \ pPSlentE \


noun

mush originally made of chestnut meal but now principally of cornmeal or sometimes of semolina or farina.

Polenta is cooked very slowly on top of the stove and can be cut into slices after it cools.

212. mortgage \ SmOrgij \


noun

a conveyance of property upon condition that operates as a lien or charge securing the payment of the money or the performance of an obligation.

Mr. and Mrs. Case took their family out to dinner to celebrate making the final payment on their home’s mortgage.


213. circumlocution \ TsErkEmlPSkyVshEn \


noun

the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea.

The attorney’s circumlocution caused one of the jurors to doze off.

214. afghan \ SafTgan \

[ \ SafgEn \ ]

noun

a blanket or shawl of colored wool, knitted or crocheted in strips or squares which are joined by sewing or crocheting.

Mrs. Campbell knitted a striped afghan as a housewarming present for her new neighbors.

215. cellophane \ SselETfCn \


noun

a transparent sheet or tube of regenerated cellulose used chiefly as a wrapper for packaging food and merchandise.

Nina refuses to buy tomatoes packaged in cellophane.

216. timorously \ Stim(E)rEslG \


adverb

in a manner showing fear or apprehension.

Pam timorously responded to her name and said that she had not finished her book report.

217. pituitary \ pDStVETterG \

[ \ pDStyVETterG \ ]

adjective

of or relating to the small oval reddish gray endocrine organ attached to the base of the brain.

The pituitary gland produces various internal secretions which exert a controlling and regulating influence on growth and development.

218. jambalaya \ TjEmbESlIE \

[ \ TjEmbESlByE \ ]

noun

rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters and usually tomato and seasoned with herbs.

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without sampling a bowl of spicy jambalaya.

219. extemporaneous \ TekTstempESrCnGEs \


adjective

composed, performed, or uttered on or as if on the spur of the moment.

Suzi gave an extemporaneous talk about bonsai at the craft club meeting.

220. carbohydrates \ TkBrbPShITdrCts \

[ \ TkBrbEShITdrCts, TkBrbEShITdrDts \ ]

plural noun

neutral compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen including the sugars and starches.

The nutrition facts indicated that the candy bar would provide Sheila with over half her recommended daily allowance of carbohydrates.


221. cholera \ SkBlErE \

[ \ SkBlrE \ ]

noun

any of several diseases of man and domestic animals usually marked by severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Cholera is a major public health concern in many tropical countries.

222. mezzanine \ SmezFnTGn \


noun

the lowest balcony in a theater.

Melinda says that she enjoys the view from the mezzanine better than the view from the orchestra.

223. tableau \ StaTblP \

[ \ Staa(E)TblP \ ]

noun [Plural form can be pronounced similarly.]

a static depiction usually presented on a stage with participants in appropriate costume.

The final scene is a tableau in which the family is gathered at the gravesite.

224. stroganoff \ SstrOgETnOf \


adjective [A familiar pronunciation is not listed in Webster’s Third.]

sliced thin and cooked in a sauce of meat stock, sour cream, mustard, onion, and condiments.

Erica prepared beef stroganoff for the mayor’s visit.

225. extraordinarily \ ikTstrO(r)dFnSerDlG \

[ \ ekTstrOrdFnSerDlG \ ]

adverb

in a manner beyond what is usual, regular, common, or customary.

Dr. Miller told us that Brutus was extraordinarily frisky this morning.



Words 226–250 are selected from Webster’s Third. 226. negotiable \ nDSgPshEbEl \

[ \ nDSgPshGEbEl, nGSgPshEbEl \ ] adjective

that can be transferred or assigned in return for equivalent value.

Leah wondered if the old bills she found in the trunk were still negotiable.

227. attorneys \ EStErnGz \

[no alternate pronunciation(s)] plural noun

agents qualified to act by legal process and for those who bring or answer legal actions in legal proceedings.

Under the state’s law of civil discovery, the hospital had to hand over all relevant documents to the attorneys for the plaintiff.

228. dynamo \ SdInETmP \

[no alternate pronunciation(s)] noun

a direct-current generator.

The old car had a dynamo powered by the front tire.

229. potable \ SpPZEbEl \

[no alternate pronunciation(s)] adjective

suitable, safe, or prepared for drinking.

Chemicals are often added to water supplies to make them potable.

230. revenue \ SrevETnV \

[ \ SrevETnyV \ ] noun

the income that comes back from an investment (as in real or personal property).

The revenue from Maria’s rental property enabled her to buy a vacation cabin.

231. aluminum \ ESlVmEnEm \

[ \ ElSyVmEnEm \ ] noun

a bluish silver-white metallic element that is the most abundant metal in Earth’s crust.

Aluminum is usually alloyed with other metals because it is soft and not very strong.

232. inaugurate \ DSnOgyETrCt \

[ \ DSnOgETrCt \ ] verb

introduce or induct into an office with suitable ceremonies or solemnities : invest with power or authority in a formal manner.

The United States will inaugurate a president in January every four years.

233. serrated \ SseTrCZDd \


notched or toothed on the edge.

Under the microscope, dust mites appear to be hairy monsters with serrated claws.

234. frabjous \ SfrabjEs \


wonderful.

Vonda thought happily that her graduation party was the final event of a simply frabjous day.


235. repetitious \ TrepEStishEs \


marked by the act of saying or doing again something already said or done.

Bettina complained that her piano lessons were repetitious.

236. itinerary \ IStinETrerG \

[no alternate pronunciation(s); nonstandard pron(s): \ DStinETrerG,

IStinErG \ ]

noun

a sketch of the prospective course of a journey or trip.

The senator’s itinerary called for ten stops in two days.

237. neutralize \ SnVtrETlIz \

[ \ SnyVtrETlIz \ ] verb

make chemically neither acid nor base.

Glen hopes that the antacid will neutralize the cause of his indigestion.

238. gyromancy \ SjIrETmantsG \

[ \ SjIrETmansG \ ] noun

divination in which one walking in or around a circle falls from dizziness and prognosticates from the place of the fall.

In one form of gyromancy, a circle is marked with the alphabet so that words may be formed as the diviner falls on the letters.

239. dalliance \ SdalGEn(t)s \

[ \ SdalyEn(t)s \ ] noun

frivolous action.

Melba told Herb to stop his dalliance with the computer and to do something constructive such as taking out the garbage.

240. cruciverbalist \ TkrVsESvErbElDst \


a person skillful in creating or solving crossword puzzles.

Angela was named “Cruciverbalist of the Month” by her crossword club.

241. Chihuahua \ chDSwB(T)wB \

[ \ shDSwB(T)wB \ ] noun

a very small round-headed large-eared short-coated dog reputed to predate Aztec civilization.

A popular fast food restaurant chain once used a talking Chihuahua in its advertisements.

242. jocundity \ jPSkEndEZG \

[ \ jPSkEndEtG \ ] noun

the quality or state of being cheerful and lively.

Mr. Clifton’s Monday-morning jocundity was contagious.

243. meandrous \ mGSandrEs \


winding : flexuous : rambling.

Over thousands of years the river had cut a meandrous channel through the plain.

244. scalene \ SskCTlGn \

[ \ skCSlGn \ ] adjective

having the sides unequal—used of a triangle.

The boat’s sail formed a scalene triangle.


245. lichen \ SlIkDn \

[no alternate pronunciation(s)] noun [has homonym: liken]

any of numerous complex plants that are made up of an alga and a fungus growing in symbiotic association on various solid surfaces (as rocks or the bark of trees).

Sean used a mixture of green paint and sawdust to simulate lichen on his model train layout.

246. tickicidal \ TtikESsIdFl \


destroying or controlling any of several wingless parasitic insects.

The exterminator used a tickicidal agent to eliminate the pests.

247. beignet \ bCnSyC \

[no alternate pronunciation(s)] noun [Plural form can be pronounced identically.]

a small quantity of batter fried in deep fat or sautéed.

Carla coated her last beignet with all the powdered sugar that remained on the plate.

248. habanero \ ThBbESnerP \

[ \ ThBbESnyerP, TBbESnerP \ ] noun [could be confused with habanera]

a very hot roundish chili pepper that is usually orange when mature.

The habanero is often used for seasoning in Caribbean cuisine.

249. xerophyte \ SzirETfIt \


a plant structurally adapted for life and growth with a limited water supply especially by means of mechanisms that limit transpiration or that provide for the storage of water.

Jane knows from the plant’s appearance that it is a xerophyte, but she does not know that it is commonly called “prickly pear.”

250. entomophagous \ TentESmBfEgEs \


feeding on insects.

Many entomophagous birds migrate to warmer climates before winter starts.




Alphabetical Index

A

aboard – 82. absorb – 96. accrued – 172. afghan – 214. allergenic – 169. allocation – 166. aluminum – 231. apron – 53. attorneys – 227. auditorium – 190. B

bagpipe – 32. ballroom – 21. batter – 29. beaming – 56. beatific – 206. behemoth – 208. beignet – 247. blizzard – 134. brace – 16. brochure – 155. butterflies – 77. C

cabinet – 102. cakewalk – 22. calculator – 124. calzone – 156. caper – 100. carbohydrates – 220. carnage – 193. carpenter – 142. cartilage – 209. cellophane – 215. cement – 88. chapter – 50. cherry – 27. Chihuahua – 241. cholera – 221. chowder – 43. circumlocution – 213. clarinet – 145. cleave – 132.

clinic – 49. compromise – 180. condiment – 162. confection – 126. controversy – 177. correspondence – 185. cram – 8. crate – 1. cruciverbalist – 240. crutch – 41. cub – 5. cusp – 59. D

dalliance – 239. dare – 15. debris – 203. defunct – 137. delighted – 118. delved – 138. demanding – 99. desperately – 170. dilemma – 184. disappoint – 168. disgust – 78. dismal – 87. drawer – 30. drifting – 44. drizzle – 73. dynamo – 228. E

ecosystem – 192. ecstatic – 151. elegant – 163. emphasize – 153. ensemble – 210. entomophagous – 250. envoy – 149. epilepsy – 194. even – 13. evidence – 143. exaggerate – 189. exotic – 146. extemporaneous – 219.

extraordinarily – 225. eyelet – 109. F

fanzine – 140. fedora – 183. feeble – 71. feign – 182. file – 9. firefly – 36. fleet – 45. fluoride – 187. folly – 72. foreground – 119. frabjous – 234. fragrance – 112. frivolous – 167. frugal – 38. G

garnish – 61. gasp – 6. ginger – 42. gloaming – 195. gouge – 198. gourmet – 158. grapevine – 23. gravy – 35. grumpy – 64. gyromancy – 238. H

habanero – 248. hamper – 34. handcuffs – 37. harmless – 65. herbs – 52. homework – 24. hospice – 191. hostile – 154. humane – 107. hurriedly – 141.

I

inaugurate – 232. incidental – 181. inflammable – 176. intense – 84. itinerary – 236. J

jambalaya – 218. jewel – 54. jocundity – 242. journal – 101. jubilant – 171. juvenile – 165. K

keyhole – 63. kidney – 98. kindergarten – 121. kitchen – 57. L

larceny – 135. large – 2. leftovers – 81. leisure – 164. leniency – 178. lichen – 245. loathe – 188. locker – 25. lonely – 67.

Alphabetical Index

M

mallet – 94. matrimony – 157. meandrous – 243. mess – 11. mezzanine – 222. migrate – 69. mortar – 120. mortgage – 212. mumble – 80. mural – 83. muse – 26. N

negotiable – 226. nephew – 95. neutralize – 237. nibble – 47. O

oasis – 110. P

patriot – 106. peruse – 130. philosophize – 197. phylum – 200. pitcher – 39. pituitary – 217. plague – 139. polenta – 211. posthumous – 201. posture – 103. potable – 229. potassium – 174. prevail – 116. proud – 18. pudding – 51. pungent – 148. pupil – 75. puree – 159. pursuit – 160. pyramid – 147.

Q

question – 122. R

rabies – 91. rake – 10. ransom – 104. rascal – 89. realty – 133. recruit – 136. relish – 85. repetitious – 235. retrospect – 205. revenue – 230. S

salt – 3. scalene – 244. scan – 14. scramble – 55. scythe – 204. serenade – 161. serious – 68. serrated – 233. shine – 19. shovel – 70. siege – 179. simmer – 79. skillet – 76. solve – 46. stellar – 108. stern – 33. stomach – 113. stroganoff – 224. strong – 7. study – 12. sunflower – 48. surrealist – 196. syllable – 152.

T

tableau – 223. tack – 4. talons – 105. technician – 173. tentativeness – 199. terrific – 117. therapy – 125. thermostat – 144. tickicidal – 246. timorously – 216. tissue – 114. toilsome – 127. tongs – 28. tough – 31. tourism – 128. treadmill – 97. trespass – 150. trio – 93. trunk – 17. tutelage – 202. twice – 20. twirl – 66. twitter – 90. U

ulterior – 175. uniform – 111. unreadable – 129. V vehemence – 207. veil – 123.

W wardrobe – 92. weigh – 86. whimsical – 186. widget – 131. windchill – 40. wizard – 62. wombat – 74. wooden – 60. wreck – 58. wriggle – 115. X xerophyte – 249.

Numerical Index

1. crate 2. large 3. salt 4. tack 5. cub 6. gasp 7. strong 8. cram 9. file 10. rake 11. mess 12. study 13. even 14. scan 15. dare 16. brace 17. trunk 18. proud 19. shine 20. twice 21. ballroom 22. cakewalk 23. grapevine 24. homework 25. locker 26. muse 27. cherry 28. tongs 29. batter 30. drawer 31. tough 32. bagpipe 33. stern 34. hamper 35. gravy 36. firefly 37. handcuffs 38. frugal 39. pitcher 40. windchill 41. crutch 42. ginger 43. chowder 44. drifting 45. fleet 46. solve 47. nibble 48. sunflower 49. clinic 50. chapter

51. pudding 52. herbs 53. apron 54. jewel 55. scramble 56. beaming 57. kitchen 58. wreck 59. cusp 60. wooden 61. garnish 62. wizard 63. keyhole 64. grumpy 65. harmless 66. twirl 67. lonely 68. serious 69. migrate 70. shovel 71. feeble 72. folly 73. drizzle 74. wombat 75. pupil 76. skillet 77. butterflies 78. disgust 79. simmer 80. mumble 81. leftovers 82. aboard 83. mural 84. intense 85. relish 86. weigh 87. dismal 88. cement 89. rascal 90. twitter 91. rabies 92. wardrobe 93. trio 94. mallet 95. nephew 96. absorb 97. treadmill 98. kidney 99. demanding 100. caper

101. journal 102. cabinet 103. posture 104. ransom 105. talons 106. patriot 107. humane 108. stellar 109. eyelet 110. oasis 111. uniform 112. fragrance 113. stomach 114. tissue 115. wriggle 116. prevail 117. terrific 118. delighted 119. foreground 120. mortar 121. kindergarten 122. question 123. veil 124. calculator 125. therapy 126. confection 127. toilsome 128. tourism 129. unreadable 130. peruse 131. widget 132. cleave 133. realty 134. blizzard 135. larceny 136. recruit 137. defunct 138. delved 139. plague 140. fanzine 141. hurriedly 142. carpenter 143. evidence 144. thermostat 145. clarinet 146. exotic 147. pyramid 148. pungent 149. envoy 150. trespass

151. ecstatic 152. syllable 153. emphasize 154. hostile 155. brochure 156. calzone 157. matrimony 158. gourmet 159. puree 160. pursuit 161. serenade 162. condiment 163. elegant 164. leisure 165. juvenile 166. allocation 167. frivolous 168. disappoint 169. allergenic 170. desperately 171. jubilant 172. accrued 173. technician 174. potassium 175. ulterior 176. inflammable 177. controversy 178. leniency 179. siege 180. compromise 181. incidental 182. feign 183. fedora 184. dilemma 185. correspondence 186. whimsical 187. fluoride 188. loathe 189. exaggerate 190. auditorium 191. hospice 192. ecosystem 193. carnage 194. epilepsy 195. gloaming 196. surrealist 197. philosophize 198. gouge 199. tentativeness 200. phylum

201. posthumous 202. tutelage 203. debris 204. scythe 205. retrospect 206. beatific 207. vehemence 208. behemoth 209. cartilage 210. ensemble 211. polenta 212. mortgage 213. circumlocution 214. afghan 215. cellophane 216. timorously 217. pituitary 218. jambalaya 219. extemporaneous 220. carbohydrates 221. cholera 222. mezzanine 223. tableau 224. stroganoff 225. extraordinarily 226. negotiable 227. attorneys 228. dynamo 229. potable 230. revenue 231. aluminum 232. inaugurate 233. serrated 234. frabjous 235. repetitious 236. itinerary 237. neutralize 238. gyromancy 239. dalliance 240. cruciverbalist 241. Chihuahua 242. jocundity 243. meandrous 244. scalene 245. lichen 246. tickicidal 247. beignet 248. habanero 249. xerophyte 250. entomophagous

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