Alphabetical word directory
English words starting with C
Showing words 1,921–2,040 of 4,877. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.
cleverly
advin an intelligent and skillful way
cleverness
nThe ability to understand and learn quickly and easily; intelligence.
clevis
nA U-shaped metal piece with holes at the ends to allow a pin or bolt to pass through, used for attaching or fastening.
cliche
na phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
cliched
adj(of a phrase, idea, or piece of writing) having been used so often that it is no longer original or interesting
cliché
nA phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
click
vto make a short, sharp sound
click-click
nA repeated clicking sound.
clicker
nA person or device that makes a clicking sound.
clicking
v(present participle) Making a short, sharp sound like a switch being operated.
client
nA person or organization using the services of a professional person or company.
client-centered
adjFocusing on the needs and preferences of the client as the central priority.
client-server
adjDescribing a model of computing or network architecture in which tasks or workloads are divided between providers of a resource or service (servers) and requesters of that service (clients).
clientele
nThe customers of a shop, restaurant, or other business, considered as a group.
clientelistic
adjRelating to or characterized by a system where powerful patrons offer benefits to a group of loyal supporters (clients) in exchange for their political backing or services.
cliff
na high area of rock with a very steep side, often at the edge of the sea or a river
cliff-hanger
nA story, situation, or contest that is very exciting because its outcome is uncertain until the very end.
cliff-top
nThe very top edge of a cliff.
cliffhanger
nA story or situation that is exciting because its ending or result is uncertain until the very end.
cliffside
nThe steep face or slope of a cliff.
climactic
adjRelating to or forming an exciting and important event or point in a story or situation, especially the climax.
climate
nThe general weather conditions that are typical of a particular region or area over a long period.
climate-change
nA long-term change in the Earth's climate, especially a change due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature.
climate-control
nA system for regulating and maintaining the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a confined space, such as a building or vehicle.
climate-controlled
adjHaving the temperature and humidity regulated by a mechanical system.
climatic
adjrelating to the climate of a region or the general climate.
climatically
advin a way that relates to climate
climatological
adjRelating to the scientific study of climate, especially over long periods of time.
climatologist
nA scientist who studies climates and climate change.
climatology
nThe scientific study of climate.
climax
nthe most exciting, effective, or important point in a story, situation, or process.
climb
vTo go up or ascend, especially by using the hands and feet.
climber
nA person or animal that climbs, especially as a sport or hobby.
climbing
nThe sport or activity of ascending mountains, rocks, or other steep surfaces.
clime
nA region considered with reference to its climate.
clinch
vto finally agree on or settle a deal, argument, etc., especially after a long discussion
clincher
nA fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively.
clindamycin
nA semisynthetic antibiotic used especially to treat serious infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.
cline
nA continuous gradation in form or character between two extremes within a species or other group.
cling
vTo hold on tightly to someone or something.
clinging
adjTending to adhere to a surface or object.
clingy
adjtending to stay very close to someone and dependent on them, often in a way that is annoying or shows emotional neediness.
clinic
nA place where people receive medical treatment or advice, especially one that is smaller than a hospital and often specializes in a particular area of medicine.
clinic-based
adjLocated in, operating from, or organized around a clinic
clinical
adjRelating to the observation and treatment of actual patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies.
clinically
advin a way that is based on direct observation and treatment of patients, rather than only theory or laboratory research
clinician
nA health professional, such as a doctor or nurse, who works directly with patients rather than in a laboratory or in research.
clinique
nA brand name for a range of cosmetics and skincare products, often sold in department stores and known for its dermatologist-inspired formulations.
clink
vTo make a short, sharp, ringing sound, like that of small pieces of metal or glass being struck together.
clinker
nThe stony residue from burnt coal or from a furnace.
clinking
adjMaking a sharp, ringing sound like that of glass or metal striking together.
clinton-era
adjRelating to or characteristic of the period when Bill Clinton was President of the United States (1993–2001).
clintonesque
adjcharacteristic of or reminiscent of the style, policies, or persona of bill clinton, the 42nd president of the united states.
clintonian
adjrelating to or characteristic of the political principles or policies associated with former u.s. president bill clinton, often emphasizing centrist, pragmatic, and economically focused policies.
clip
vTo cut something, especially with scissors or shears, to make it shorter or neater.
clip-clop
nThe rhythmic sound made by the hooves of a horse, especially on a hard surface.
clip-on
adjDesigned to be attached by means of a clip.
clipboard
na small board with a clip at the top for holding papers and providing a portable writing surface.
clipless
adj(of a bicycle pedal or shoe) designed to attach securely without the use of a separate clip or strap.
clipped
adjShortened or trimmed.
clipper
nA fast sailing ship of the 19th century, used for trade and voyages.
clipping
nA small piece that has been cut off something, especially from a plant or a piece of paper.
clique
nA small, exclusive group of people who do not readily allow others to join them.
clit
nA short form for clitoris.
clitoral
adjRelating to or located on the clitoris.
clitoridectomy
nA surgical operation to remove all or part of the clitoris.
clitoris
nA small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the front of the vulva.
cloaca
na common cavity at the end of the digestive tract in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fishes, into which the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive ducts open.
cloak
na type of loose outer garment that has no sleeves, fastens at the neck, and is worn over other clothes.
cloak-and-dagger
adjInvolving or characteristic of mystery, intrigue, or espionage.
cloaked
adjcovered with a cloak or similar garment.
cloaking
nThe action of covering or concealing something, especially with a cloak or a similar covering.
cloakroom
na room in a public building where coats, hats, luggage, etc. can be left temporarily.
clobber
vTo hit someone or something very hard
cloche
nA close-fitting, bell-shaped hat, popular in the 1920s.
clock
na device that shows the time of day, typically by means of hands or changing numbers on a dial, and is often kept in a room or worn on the wrist.
clocking
nThe act of recording or measuring the time, speed, or distance of something, especially in sports or work.
clockmaker
na person who makes or repairs clocks and watches
clockwise
advIn the direction in which the hands of a clock move around.
clockwork
nThe mechanism inside a clock that makes it work, consisting of many small gears and springs.
clod
nA lump of earth or clay
clog
nA shoe with a thick, usually wooden, sole
clogged
adjblocked with or as if with a thick, wet substance that prevents movement or flow.
clogger
na person who makes or repairs clogs (wooden-soled shoes).
clogging
nThe action of blocking or obstructing something, especially a pipe or passage.
cloisonne
nA decorative technique for enamelware or other materials in which colored areas are separated by thin metal strips or wires fixed edgewise to the surface.
cloister
na covered passage with arches around a square garden, typically in a convent, monastery, or cathedral
cloistered
adjLiving in or as if in a convent or monastery; secluded from the world.
clomp
vTo walk with a loud, heavy, clumsy step.
clonal
adjRelating to or being a clone; genetically identical.
clone
nAn organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.
cloned
adj(of an organism) produced as an identical genetic copy of another organism.
clonidine
na synthetic drug used primarily to treat high blood pressure and certain types of pain, and to manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal and menopausal hot flashes.
cloning
nThe process of producing an exact genetic copy of a living organism, cell, or piece of genetic material.
clop
nA short, sharp sound made by a hard object hitting a hard surface, especially the sound of a horse's hoof on the ground.
close
vto move something so that it covers an opening; to shut
close-cropped
adj(of hair, grass, etc.) cut very short
close-ended
adjHaving a fixed or limited set of possible answers or outcomes, not allowing for open discussion or unexpected results.
close-fitting
adj(of clothing) fitting tightly and showing the shape of the body
close-knit
adjdescribing a group of people who are closely linked by shared interests, loyalty, and warm feelings
close-minded
adjNot willing to consider different ideas or opinions; having a closed mind.
close-mouthed
adjNot willing to talk much or give information; secretive.
close-quarters
adjinvolving or happening at very close range
close-range
adjinvolving or designed for use at a very short distance
close-set
adjpositioned very near to each other
close-up
nA photograph or film sequence taken at close range and showing the subject on a large scale.
closed
adjNot open or allowing access; shut.
closed-cell
adj(of foam or a similar material) consisting of individual, non-interconnecting gas pockets, making it rigid and impermeable.
closed-circuit
adjrelating to or being a television system that transmits signals over a limited area (as within a building) and is not publicly broadcast
closed-door
adjConducted in private, away from public view or participation.
closed-down
adj(of a business or factory) having stopped operating permanently
closed-end
adj(of an investment fund) issuing a fixed number of shares which are traded on a stock market, as opposed to issuing and redeeming shares on demand.
closed-ended
adj(of a question) allowing only a limited set of answers, typically 'yes' or 'no'
closed-in
adjDescribing a place that feels cramped, confined, and lacking space or a view.
closed-loop
adjDescribing a system or process where the output is continuously monitored and fed back to adjust the input, creating a self-regulating cycle.
closed-minded
adjNot willing to consider different ideas or opinions; having a mind closed to new arguments or ideas.
closed-off
adjNot open or communicative; emotionally or socially withdrawn.
closed-up
adjShut or fastened securely, preventing entry or exit.
closely
advWith very little space or time in between; in a way that involves careful attention to detail.
closeness
nThe state of being physically near to someone or something.