Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with A

Showing words 1,0811,200 of 3,162. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

algonquian

adj

Relating to a family of North American Indian languages formerly spoken across a vast area, or to the peoples speaking these languages.

[ælˈɡɑːŋkwiən]

algorithm

n

A set of rules or instructions for solving a problem or completing a task, especially by a computer.

[ˈælɡərɪðəm]

algorithmic

adj

Relating to or using algorithms; involving a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end.

[ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk]

alias

n

A false or assumed name, especially one used by a criminal.

[ˈeɪ.li.əs]

alibi

n

A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place.

[ˈæl.ə.baɪ]

alien

adj

Belonging to a foreign country or nation.

[ˈeɪliən]

alienable

adj

(of property or a right) able to be transferred to new ownership.

[ˈeɪ.li.ə.nə.bəl]

alienate

v

to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged

[ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt]

alienated

adj

Feeling isolated or estranged from a group or activity.

[ˈeɪliəneɪtɪd]

alienating

adj

Causing someone to feel isolated or estranged.

[ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪ.t̬ɪŋ]

alienation

n

the feeling of being isolated or separated from a group or an activity to which one should belong.

[ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃn]

alienist

n

A psychiatrist or medical expert who assesses the mental competence of a defendant or witness in a court of law, especially in historical contexts.

[ˈeɪ.li.ə.nɪst]

alienness

n

The quality or state of being alien, strange, or foreign.

[ˈeɪ.li.ən.nəs]

alight

v

To step down from a vehicle or from a horse.

[əˈlaɪt]

align

v

To arrange things in a straight line or in the correct position relative to each other.

[əˈlaɪn]

aligned

adj

Arranged in a straight line or in correct relative positions.

[əˈlaɪnd]

alignment

n

The arrangement of things in a straight line or in correct relative positions.

[əˈlaɪnmənt]

alike

adj

very similar; almost the same

[əˈlaɪk]

alimentary

adj

Relating to nourishment or nutrition.

[ˌæləˈment(ə)ri]

alimony

n

An allowance for support that a court orders one spouse to pay to the other after a legal separation or divorce.

[ˈæl.əˌmoʊ.ni]

aliquot

adj

Denoting or representing an exact divisor of a quantity, especially an integer that divides another integer without leaving a remainder.

[ˈælɪkwɑːt]

alive

adj

living; not dead

[əˈlaɪv]

aliveness

n

the state or condition of being alive, especially in a full, energetic, or conscious way.

[əˈlaɪvnəs]

aliyah

n

the immigration of Jews to Israel

[ˈɑːliˌɑː]

alizarin

n

A red crystalline compound formerly obtained from madder root and now synthesized, used as a dye.

[əˈlɪzərɪn]

alkali

n

a chemical substance that reacts with acids to form a salt and has a ph greater than 7.

[ˈælkəˌlaɪ]

alkaline

adj

Having the properties of an alkali; containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7.

[ˈælkəlaɪn]

alkalinity

n

the state or quality of being alkaline; the amount of alkali present in a solution.

[ˌælkəˈlɪnəti]

alkaloid

n

any of a large group of nitrogen-containing organic compounds, often of plant origin, which typically have physiological effects on humans and other animals (e.g., morphine, caffeine, nicotine).

[ˈælkəlɔɪd]

alkyd

n

a synthetic resin used in paints and varnishes, made by combining a polyhydric alcohol with a polybasic acid.

[ˈælkɪd]

all

det

used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing

[ɔːl]

all-access

adj

allowing entry, use, or participation without restriction or limitation

[ˌɔːl ˈækses]

all-ages

adj

Suitable for or intended to be enjoyed by people of all ages, especially children and adults.

[ˌɔːl ˈeɪdʒɪz]

all-aluminum

adj

Made entirely of the metal aluminum.

[ˌɔːl əˈluːmɪnəm]

All-American

adj

Representing the best qualities or ideals of the United States, especially in appearance, character, or achievement.

[ˌɔl əˈmɛrɪkən]

all-around

adj

involving or having skill in many different areas or subjects

[ˌɔl əˈraʊnd]

all-beef

adj

Consisting entirely of beef, with no other meat or filler ingredients.

[ˈɔːl biːf]

all-black

adj

Completely black in color.

[ˌɔːl ˈblæk]

all-business

adj

completely serious and focused on work or a task, with no time for casual or social matters

[ˌɔːl ˈbɪznəs]

all-carbon

adj

Made entirely from carbon or carbon-based materials.

[ɔːl ˈkɑːrbən]

all-cash

adj

Involving or consisting entirely of money in the form of cash, without the use of credit, financing, or other assets.

[ˌɔːl ˈkæʃ]

all-city

adj

Involving, representing, or including the entire city, especially in the context of sports or competitions.

[ˌɔːl ˈsɪti]

all-clear

n

a signal that a dangerous situation has ended and it is safe to return to normal activities

[ˌɑːl ˈklɪr]

all-conference

adj

Designating an athlete who has been selected for a conference-wide all-star team, especially in North American collegiate sports.

[ˌɔːlˈkɑːnf(ə)rəns]

all-consuming

adj

Taking up all of one's time and attention; completely absorbing or dominating.

[ˌɔːl kənˈsuːmɪŋ]

all-cotton

adj

Made entirely of cotton fabric or fiber.

[ˌɔːl ˈkɑːtn̩]

all-day

adj

Lasting for, occupying, or available throughout the entire day.

[ˌɑːl ˈdeɪ]

all-defensive

adj

Relating to or focused entirely on defensive strategies or play, especially in sports.

[ˌɔːl dɪˈfɛnsɪv]

all-digital

adj

Using or involving only digital technology, with no analogue components or processes.

[ˌɔːl ˈdɪdʒɪtl̩]

all-district

adj

Including or involving all the districts of a particular area, especially in the context of sports or competitions.

[ˌɔːl ˈdɪstrɪkt]

all-electric

adj

Powered entirely by electricity; not using any other source of power such as gasoline.

[ˌɔːl ɪˈlɛktrɪk]

all-embracing

adj

including or considering everything or everyone; comprehensive.

[ˌɑːl ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ]

all-encompassing

adj

Including or covering everything or everyone; comprehensive.

[ˌɔːl ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ]

all-expense-paid

adj

(of a trip, holiday, etc.) having all costs, such as travel, accommodation, and food, paid for by someone else, typically as a prize or a benefit.

[ˌɔːl ɪkˈspens peɪd]

all-expenses-paid

adj

(of a trip, holiday, etc.) having all the costs paid for by someone else, especially an employer or sponsor

[ˌɔːl ɪkˈspensɪz peɪd]

all-female

adj

Consisting entirely of women or girls.

[ˌɔːl ˈfiːmeɪl]

all-german

adj

Relating to or involving all of Germany or its people.

[ˌɔːl ˈdʒɜːrmən]

all-girl

adj

Consisting entirely of girls or young women.

[ˈɔːl ɡɜrl]

all-important

adj

extremely important; vital

[ˌɔːl ɪmˈpɔːrtnt]

all-in-one

adj

combining two or more items or functions into a single unit

[ˌɔːl ɪn ˈwʌn]

all-inclusive

adj

including everything or everyone, especially all the costs or services involved in a price

[ˌɔːl ɪnˈkluːsɪv]

all-knowing

adj

Knowing everything; having complete or infinite knowledge.

[ˌɔːlˈnoʊɪŋ]

all-male

adj

Consisting of, intended for, or involving only men or boys.

[ˌɔːl ˈmeɪl]

all-metal

adj

Made entirely of metal.

[ˌɔːl ˈmetl]

all-mountain

adj

(of a bicycle, skis, etc.) designed to be suitable for a wide variety of terrain and conditions, rather than being specialized for one specific type.

[ˌɑːl ˈmaʊn.t̬ən]

all-natural

adj

Made from ingredients that are found in nature and not made or changed artificially.

[ˌɔːl ˈnætʃrəl]

all-nba

adj

Designating a player selected for one of the three honorary teams (First, Second, or Third Team) composed of the best performers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for a given season.

[ˌɔːl ɛn biː ˈeɪ]

all-new

adj

Completely new; entirely different from what existed before.

[ˌɔːl ˈnuː]

all-news

adj

Relating to or being a media format, especially a radio or television station, that broadcasts only news content.

[ˌɔːl ˈnuːz]

all-night

adj

Lasting for the whole night.

[ˌɔːl ˈnaɪt]

all-nighter

n

A period of staying awake all night, especially to study or work.

[ˌɑːl ˈnaɪt̬ər]

all-optical

adj

Relating to or using only light and optical components, without conversion into electronic signals.

[ˌɔːl ˈɑːptɪkəl]

all-or-nothing

adj

Describing a situation or approach where there are only two possible outcomes: complete success or total failure, with no middle ground or partial result.

[ˌɔl ɔr ˈnʌθɪŋ]

all-out

adj

involving the maximum effort or commitment

[ˌɔːl ˈaʊt]

all-over

adj

Covering the entire surface of something.

[ˌɔːl ˈoʊvər]

all-party

adj

Involving or representing all the political parties in a country or assembly.

[ˌɔːl ˈpɑːrti]

all-pervasive

adj

present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place

[ˌɔːl pərˈveɪsɪv]

all-points

adj

Involving or covering all possible points, locations, or aspects.

[ˈɔːl pɔɪnts]

all-powerful

adj

Having complete power; omnipotent.

[ɔːl ˈpaʊərf(ə)l]

all-pro

adj

Designating a player selected for an all-star team, especially in professional sports.

[ˌɔːl ˈproʊ]

all-purpose

adj

Suitable for many different uses or functions.

[ˌɔːl ˈpɜːrpəs]

all-round

adj

Having a wide range of abilities or uses; versatile or comprehensive.

[ˌɑːl ˈraʊnd]

all-russian

adj

Of or relating to the whole of Russia; involving or intended for all of Russia.

[ˌɔːl ˈrʌʃən]

all-season

adj

suitable for or usable in all seasons of the year.

[ˌɔːl ˈsiːzn̩]

all-seeing

adj

seeing or observing everything; having unlimited awareness or knowledge.

[ˌɔːl ˈsiːɪŋ]

all-sky

adj

Covering or involving the entire visible sky.

[ˈɔːl skaɪ]

all-sports

adj

Relating to or involving all types of sports.

[ˈɔːl spɔːrts]

all-star

adj

consisting of or involving the best or most famous performers in a particular field, especially sports or entertainment

[ˈɔːl stɑːr]

all-state

adj

Relating to or involving all the states of a particular country, especially the United States.

[ˈɔːl steɪt]

all-stater

n

A high school athlete who has been selected to represent their state in a prestigious all-star competition or team.

[ˈɔːlˌsteɪtər]

all-suite

adj

(of a hotel or other accommodation) consisting entirely of suites

[ˌɔːl ˈswiːt]

all-terrain

adj

Designed or suitable for use on all types of ground, including rough and uneven surfaces.

[ˌɔːl təˈreɪn]

all-time

adj

having achieved the highest level or record in history

[ˈɔːltaɪm]

all-too-brief

adj

lasting for a disappointingly short time; regrettably short.

[ˌɔːl tuː ˈbriːf]

all-too-common

adj

Used to describe something that happens or exists so frequently that it is regrettable, predictable, or unremarkable.

[ˌɔːl tuː ˈkɑːmən]

all-too-familiar

adj

Used to describe something that is known or recognized very well, often in a way that is negative, boring, or unwelcome.

[ˌɑːl tuː fəˈmɪl.i.jɚ]

all-too-human

adj

Used to describe a common human weakness or failing that is seen as very typical and unsurprising.

[ˌɔːl tuː ˈhjuːmən]

all-too-real

adj

Used to emphasize that something, often something unpleasant or frightening, is undeniably true or genuine.

[ˌɔːl tuː ˈriːəl]

all-tournament

adj

Designating a player or team selected as the best in an entire tournament, often in recognition of outstanding performance.

[ˌɔːlˈtʊrnəmənt]

all-union

adj

Relating to or encompassing the entire Soviet Union.

[ˌɔːlˈjuːnjən]

all-volunteer

adj

Composed entirely of volunteers, without any conscripted or paid members.

[ˌɔːl vɑːlənˈtɪr]

all-weather

adj

designed or able to be used in all types of weather conditions.

[ˌɔːl ˈweðər]

all-wheel

adj

Relating to or involving all the wheels of a vehicle, typically describing a drive system that can power all wheels.

[ˌɔːl ˈwiːl]

all-wheel-drive

n

A system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously for improved traction.

[ˌɔːl wiːl ˈdraɪv]

all-white

adj

Consisting entirely of white people or things; exclusively white.

[ˌɑːl ˈwaɪt]

all-world

adj

Including or involving the entire world; global or worldwide in scope.

[ˌɔːl ˈwɜɹld]

allay

v

to make (an unpleasant feeling) less strong

[əˈleɪ]

allegation

n

A statement that someone has done something wrong or illegal, but which has not been proved.

[ˌæl.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən]

allege

v

To state that someone has done something illegal or wrong without giving proof.

[əˈlɛdʒ]

alleged

adj

said or thought to be true or to have happened, but not yet proven

[əˈledʒd]

allegedly

adv

according to what has been claimed or stated by others, without having been proven.

[əˈlɛdʒɪdli]

allegiance

n

loyalty or commitment to a superior, government, group, or cause.

[əˈliːdʒəns]

allegorical

adj

consisting of or forming an allegory; using symbols to represent abstract ideas.

[ˌælɪˈɡɔːrɪkl]

allegorically

adv

in a way that uses or contains allegory; symbolically.

[ˌæl.əˈɡɔːr.ɪ.kəl.i]

allegorize

v

to interpret or represent something as an allegory.

[ˈæl.ə.ɡə.raɪz]

allegory

n

a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

[ˈæləɡɔːri]

allegro

adv

(of a piece of music) to be played in a quick, lively tempo

[əˈleɡroʊ]

allele

n

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

[əˈliːl]

allelopathy

n

The harmful effect of one living plant (usually through chemical substances released into the environment) on another living plant.

[əˌliːloʊˈpæθi]

alleluia

interj

An exclamation of praise to God.

[ˌæləˈluːjə]
English Words Starting with A – Page 10 | OpenEtymology