Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with A

Showing words 2,5212,640 of 3,162. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

artifactual

adj

Relating to or being an artifact, especially one that is misleading or arises from the process of observation or investigation.

[ˌɑːrtɪˈfæktʃuəl]

artifice

n

the use of clever and often dishonest methods to deceive or trick people

[ˈɑːrtɪfɪs]

artificer

n

a skilled maker or inventor; a craftsman or craftswoman.

[ɑːrˈtɪfɪsər]

artificial

adj

Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural.

[ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l]

artificial-intelligence

n

The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

[ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns]

artificiality

n

the quality of being artificial; something that is not natural or genuine.

[ˌɑːrtɪˌfɪʃiˈæləti]

artificially

adv

in a way that is made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

[ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəli]

artillery

n

Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land.

[ɑːrˈtɪləri]

artilleryman

n

a soldier in the artillery; a gunner.

[ɑːrˈtɪlərimən]

artisan

n

a person who is skilled at making things by hand, especially in a traditional way.

[ˈɑːrtəzən]

artisanal

adj

Relating to or characteristic of an artisan; made in a traditional or non-mechanized way.

[ˈɑːrtɪzənəl]

artist

n

A person who creates paintings, drawings, or other works of art, especially as a profession.

[ˈɑːrtɪst]

artist-in-residence

n

An artist, especially a visual artist, musician, or writer, who is invited to work for a specific period within a host institution such as a university, museum, or community organization.

[ˌɑːrtɪst ɪn ˈrezɪdəns]

artiste

n

a professional entertainer, such as a singer or dancer, especially one with great skill and style.

[ɑːrˈtiːst]

artistic

adj

having or showing natural creative skill or the ability to create things.

[ɑːrˈtɪstɪk]

artistically

adv

in a way that shows skill and imagination in creating things, especially in art.

[ɑːrˈtɪstɪkli]

artistry

n

the skill of an artist

[ˈɑːrtɪstri]

artless

adj

Without guile or deception; innocent and honest.

[ˈɑːrtləs]

artlessly

adv

In a manner that is natural, simple, and without any attempt to deceive or pretend.

[ˈɑːrtləsli]

arts-based

adj

Relating to or using the arts as a primary method or foundation.

[ˈɑrts beɪst]

artsy

adj

showing an excessive or affected interest in the arts, often in a way that is pretentious.

[ˈɑːrtsi]

artwork

n

works of art, such as paintings, drawings, or sculptures, considered as a group.

[ˈɑːrt.wɜːrk]

arty

adj

showing an ostentatious or pretentious interest in the arts; having artistic or aesthetic interests, often in an affected or showy way.

[ˈɑːrti]

arugula

n

a plant with long, green leaves that have a strong, peppery flavor, often used in salads

[əˈruːɡjələ]

arum

n

Any plant of the genus Arum, especially the common wild arum (Arum maculatum) of Europe, having arrow-shaped leaves and a flowering spike enclosed in a pale green or purple spathe.

[ˈɛrəm]

Aryan

n

A member of the peoples speaking an Indo-European language who invaded northern India in the 2nd millennium BC.

[ˈɛriən]

arytenoid

adj

Relating to or denoting a pair of cartilages at the back of the larynx, to which the vocal cords are attached.

[ˌærəˈtiːnɔɪd]

as

adv

to the same degree or amount; equally

[æz]

as-needed

adj

Done, used, or available only when necessary or required.

[ˌæz ˈniːdɪd]

as-tested

adj

Describing a product, system, or component in the exact condition and configuration in which it was evaluated, with performance data corresponding to that specific state.

[æs ˈtɛstɪd]

as-yet-unnamed

adj

Not yet given a name; still without a name.

[ˌæz jet ʌnˈneɪmd]

asbestos

n

A soft, fibrous mineral that is highly resistant to heat and fire, formerly used in building materials.

[æsˈbɛstəs]

asbestos-containing

adj

containing or holding asbestos as a component or ingredient.

[æsˈbestəs kənˈteɪnɪŋ]

asbestos-related

adj

connected to or caused by asbestos, a fibrous mineral known to be hazardous to health.

[æsˈbestəs rɪˈleɪtɪd]

asbestosis

n

A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, resulting in inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue.

[ˌæzbɛsˈtoʊsɪs]

ascend

v

To go up or climb something.

[əˈsend]

ascendance

n

The state of being in power, control, or a position of dominance.

[əˈsɛndəns]

ascendancy

n

a position of power, influence, or control.

[əˈsendənsi]

ascendant

adj

rising in power or influence.

[əˈsendənt]

ascendency

n

A position of power, influence, or controlling force.

[əˈsendənsi]

ascender

n

A part of a lowercase letter that extends above the main body, as in 'b', 'd', or 'h'.

[əˈsɛndər]

ascending

adj

Moving, going, or sloping upward.

[əˈsendɪŋ]

ascension

n

The act of rising or moving upwards.

[əˈsenʃn]

ascent

n

the act of climbing or moving upwards; a journey up a mountain

[əˈsent]

ascertain

v

To find out or learn something with certainty.

[ˌæsərˈteɪn]

ascertainable

adj

Able to be discovered or found out for certain.

[ˌæsərˈteɪnəbəl]

ascetic

adj

Practicing strict self-denial or self-discipline, especially for spiritual reasons.

[əˈsetɪk]

asceticism

n

the practice of avoiding physical pleasures and living a simple life, often for religious reasons.

[əˈset̬.ɪ.sɪ.zəm]

ASCII

n

A standard code for representing text characters in computers and communication equipment, using numbers to represent letters, digits, punctuation marks, and control signals.

[ˈæskiː]

ascites

n

The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling.

[əˈsaɪtiːz]

ascot

n

A man's broad necktie or scarf, typically patterned, that is looped under the chin and worn folded over so that the ends lie flat.

[ˈæskət]

ascribe

v

to say or think that something is caused by a particular thing or person

[əˈskraɪb]

ascribed

v

To attribute something to a particular cause or source.

[əˈskraɪbd]

ascription

n

The act of attributing something to a particular cause or source.

[əˈskrɪpʃn]

ascriptive

adj

Relating to or involving the act of ascribing or attributing a quality, status, or characteristic to someone or something.

[əˈskrɪptɪv]

aseptic

adj

free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; completely clean and sterile.

[eɪˈseptɪk]

aseptically

adv

in a manner free from contamination by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

[ˌeɪˈseptɪkli]

asexual

adj

Not involving, characterized by, or relating to sexual activity, attraction, or reproduction.

[eɪˈsekʃuəl]

asexually

adv

In a manner that does not involve sexual processes, reproduction, or attraction.

[eɪˈsɛkʃuəli]

ash

n

the soft grey or black powder that is left after something, especially tobacco, wood, or coal, has burnt

[æʃ]

ash-blond

adj

(of hair) very pale blond, almost greyish or whitish in colour.

[ˈæʃ blɑːnd]

ashamed

adj

feeling shame or embarrassment because of one's actions, characteristics, or associations.

[əˈʃeɪmd]

ashen

adj

of the pale gray color of wood ash.

[ˈæʃ(ə)n]

ashen-faced

adj

having a very pale face, especially because of illness, shock, or fear

[ˈæʃn̩ˌfeɪst]

ashkenazi

n

A member of the Jewish people who historically lived in and whose traditions developed in central and eastern Europe.

[ˌɑːʃkəˈnɑːzi]

ashkenazic

adj

relating to or characteristic of the ashkenazim, a jewish people of central and eastern europe.

[ˌɑːʃkəˈnɑːzɪk]

ashore

adv

to or onto the land from the sea or a river

[əˈʃɔːr]

ashram

n

A place of religious retreat or community life for Hindus, often under the guidance of a spiritual teacher.

[ˈɑːʃrəm]

ashtray

n

A small dish or container for tobacco ash and cigarette butts.

[ˈæʃˌtreɪ]

ashy

adj

covered with or resembling ash; pale gray in color like ashes.

[ˈæʃi]

asia-pacific

adj

Relating to or involving the countries of Asia and the Pacific region.

[ˌeɪʒə pəˈsɪfɪk]

Asian

adj

From, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Asia.

[ˈeɪʒ(ə)n]

Asian-American

adj

Of or relating to Americans of Asian ancestry or to their culture.

[ˌeɪʒən əˈmɛrɪkən]

asian-inspired

adj

Showing the influence of the styles, techniques, or ingredients of Asia or Asian cultures.

[ˌeɪʒən ɪnˈspaɪərd]

asian-owned

adj

Describing a business, property, or enterprise that is owned by a person or people of Asian descent.

[ˌeɪʒn ˈoʊnd]

asian-style

adj

Characteristic of or resembling the customs, manners, or aesthetics associated with Asia or its peoples.

[ˈeɪʒən staɪl]

asiatic

adj

Relating to or characteristic of Asia or its people, customs, or languages.

[ˌeɪʒiˈætɪk]

aside

adv

to or on one side

[əˈsaɪd]

asinine

adj

extremely stupid or foolish

[ˈæsɪnaɪn]

ask

v

To say something in order to get an answer or some information.

[æsk]

askance

adv

With a side glance; sideways.

[əˈskæns]

askari

n

A local soldier serving in the army of a European colonial power, especially in East Africa.

[əˈskɑri]

askew

adv

Not in a straight or level position; crookedly.

[əˈskjuː]

asking

v

(present participle of ask) To say something in order to obtain an answer or information.

[ˈæskɪŋ]

aslant

adv

at a slant; obliquely

[əˈslænt]

asleep

adj

in a state of sleep

[əˈsliːp]

asocial

adj

avoiding social interaction; not sociable.

[ˌeɪˈsoʊʃl]

asparagus

n

a tall plant with long, thin, green stems that are eaten as a vegetable.

[əˈsperəɡəs]

aspartame

n

An artificial, low-calorie substance used as a sweetener in foods and drinks.

[ˈæspɑːrteɪm]

aspect

n

a particular part or feature of something

[ˈæspekt]

aspen

n

A type of poplar tree with leaves that flutter easily in the wind.

[ˈæspən]

aspergillosis

n

A disease, especially of the lungs, caused by infection with a fungus of the genus *Aspergillus*.

[ˌæspərdʒɪˈloʊsɪs]

asperity

n

Harshness of tone or manner; severity.

[æˈsperəti]

asperse

v

To spread false or damaging accusations about someone; to slander.

[əˈspɜːrs]

aspersion

n

An attack on someone's reputation or good name, often by making false or misleading statements.

[əˈspɜːrʒən]

asphalt

n

a black, sticky substance used especially for making the surface of roads

[ˈæsfɔːlt]

asphyxia

n

A condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation.

[æsˈfɪksiə]

asphyxiate

v

to cause someone to die or become unconscious by blocking their breathing or depriving them of oxygen.

[əsˈfɪksiˌeɪt]

asphyxiation

n

The condition of being deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death; suffocation.

[əsˌfɪksiˈeɪʃn]

aspic

n

A savory jelly made from meat stock, used as a garnish or to contain pieces of meat, seafood, or vegetables.

[ˈæspɪk]

aspirant

n

a person who has a strong desire to achieve something important, such as a high position or an honor.

[əˈspaɪrənt]

aspirate

v

To pronounce a sound with an audible puff of breath.

[ˈæspəreɪt]

aspirated

adj

(Phonetics) Pronounced with an audible, breathy release of air, as in the initial sound of 'pit' or 'tin' in English.

[ˈæspəˌreɪt̬ɪd]

aspiration

n

A strong desire to achieve something high or great.

[ˌæspəˈreɪʃn]

aspirational

adj

Relating to or characterized by a strong desire to achieve something high or great.

[ˌæspəˈreɪʃənl]

aspire

v

To have a strong desire to achieve or become something, typically something ambitious.

[əˈspaɪər]

aspirin

n

A common drug used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.

[ˈæspərɪn]

aspiring

adj

Having a strong desire to achieve something or to be successful in a particular activity or profession.

[əˈspaɪrɪŋ]

ass

n

A donkey.

[æs]

ass-kicking

adj

Extremely effective, forceful, or impressive.

[ˈæsˌkɪkɪŋ]

assail

v

To attack someone violently or criticize them strongly.

[əˈseɪl]

assailant

n

A person who attacks another person physically or verbally.

[əˈseɪlənt]

assassin

n

A person who murders an important person for political or religious reasons.

[əˈsæs.ən]

assassinate

v

To murder (a prominent person) by a sudden or secret attack, often for political or religious reasons.

[əˈsæsəˌneɪt]

assassinated

verb (past tense, past participle)

Murdered (a prominent person) by a sudden or secret attack, often for political or religious reasons.

[əˈsæsəˌneɪtɪd]

assassination

n

The murder of an important person, especially for political or religious reasons.

[əˌsæsəˈneɪʃən]

assault

n

A violent physical or verbal attack.

[əˈsɒlt]

assault-weapons

n

A term, not a formal legal classification, used to describe certain semi-automatic firearms with features similar to those used by military forces.

[əˈsɔːlt ˌwɛpənz]

assaulted

v

(past tense and past participle of assault) to make a violent physical attack on someone

[əˈsɒltɪd]

assaultive

adj

characterized by a violent physical or verbal attack

[əˈsɒltɪv]
English Words Starting with A – Page 22 | OpenEtymology