Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with C

Showing words 121240 of 4,877. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

caliche

n

A layer of calcium carbonate or other mineral salts that forms in the soil of arid regions.

[kəˈliːtʃi]

calico

n

a type of cotton cloth that is usually plain white or unbleached

[ˈkælɪkoʊ]

california-style

adj

Relating to or characteristic of the informal, relaxed, healthy, and often innovative lifestyle, culture, or aesthetics associated with California, especially Southern California.

[ˌkælɪˈfɔːrniə staɪl]

Californian

adj

Relating to or characteristic of the US state of California or its inhabitants.

[ˌkælɪˈfɔːrniən]

caliper

n

an instrument with two legs, used for measuring the diameter or thickness of something.

[ˈkælɪpər]

calipers

n

An instrument with two legs, used for measuring the diameter or thickness of something.

[ˈkæləpərz]

caliph

n

a title used for a Muslim ruler who was both a political and religious leader, considered a successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

[ˈkeɪlɪf]

caliphate

n

A state ruled by a caliph, the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of the Prophet Muhammad.

[ˈkeɪləfeɪt]

calisthenics

n

A system of exercises intended to develop physical strength and grace, performed without special equipment.

[ˌkælɪsˈθenɪks]

call

v

to give someone or something a name

[kɔːl]

call-and-response

n

A form of interaction, common in music, preaching, or work songs, where a leader's phrase (call) is answered by a group's phrase (response).

[ˌkɔːl ən rɪˈspɑːns]

call-center

n

An office or department where a large number of telephone calls are handled, especially for customer service or sales.

[ˈkɔːl ˌsentər]

call-in

n

A radio or television program during which listeners or viewers telephone the studio to participate, ask questions, or give opinions.

[ˈkɔːl ɪn]

call-up

n

An order for someone to join the armed forces, especially in a time of war or emergency.

[ˈkɔːl ʌp]

calla

n

A plant of the arum family, typically having a large white sheath surrounding a yellow spike.

[ˈkælə]

callable

adj

(of a security) able to be redeemed by the issuer before its maturity date.

[ˈkɔːləbl̩]

callaloo

n

A thick soup or stew made in the Caribbean with leafy greens, okra, and often coconut milk, crab, or other ingredients.

[ˌkæləˈluː]

callback

n

A request for the return of a person or thing, especially a product returned to the manufacturer because of a defect.

[ˈkɑːlbæk]

called

adj

Having a particular name or title.

[kɑːld]

caller

n

A person who makes a telephone call or a short visit.

[ˈkɔːlər]

calligrapher

n

a person who is skilled in the art of beautiful handwriting

[kəˈlɪɡrəfər]

calligraphic

adj

Relating to or done in beautiful, elegant handwriting (calligraphy).

[ˌkælɪˈɡræfɪk]

calligraphy

n

The art of producing beautiful handwriting, often with a special pen or brush.

[kəˈlɪɡrəfi]

calling

n

A strong urge towards a particular way of life or career, especially one involving helping other people.

[ˈkɔːlɪŋ]

calliope

n

A keyboard musical instrument resembling an organ but producing sound by forcing steam or compressed air through a series of whistles.

[kəˈlaɪəpi]

callous

adj

Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

[ˈkæləs]

calloused

adj

(of skin) made rough and hard, usually by hard work or injury

[ˈkæləst]

callously

adv

In a way that shows an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

[ˈkæləsli]

callousness

n

The quality of being insensitive and cruel towards the feelings of others.

[ˈkæləsnəs]

callow

adj

Lacking adult maturity or experience; immature.

[ˈkæloʊ]

callus

n

A thickened and hardened area of skin, especially on the hand or foot, caused by repeated friction or pressure.

[ˈkaləs]

callused

adj

Having an area of hardened and thickened skin, typically from repeated friction or pressure.

[ˈkæljuːst]

calm

adj

Not excited, nervous, or upset; peaceful and quiet

[kɑːm]

calming

adj

having the effect of making someone feel less worried, upset, or excited.

[ˈkɑːmɪŋ]

calmly

adv

in a quiet and relaxed way, without being nervous, upset, or angry.

[ˈkɑːmli]

calmness

n

the state or quality of being free from agitation, excitement, or strong emotion; tranquility.

[ˈkɑːmnəs]

caloric

adj

relating to heat or calories.

[kəˈlɔːrɪk]

calorie

n

a unit for measuring the amount of energy that food will produce

[ˈkæl.ər.i]

calorie-burning

adj

relating to or causing the expenditure of energy (calories) by the body

[ˈkæləri bɜːrnɪŋ]

calorie-dense

adj

(of a food or diet) containing a high number of calories relative to its weight or volume.

[ˈkæləri dɛns]

calorimeter

n

An apparatus for measuring the amount of heat involved in a chemical reaction or other process.

[ˌkæl.əˈrɪm.ə.t̬ɚ]

calumniate

v

to make false and malicious statements about someone; to slander.

[kəˈlʌmniˌeɪt]

calumny

n

The making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.

[ˈkæləmni]

calve

v

(of a cow or other large animal) to give birth to a calf

[kæv]

calving

n

the process of giving birth to a calf

[ˈkævɪŋ]

calvinist

n

A follower of the theological doctrines of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.

[ˈkælvɪnɪst]

calvinistic

adj

Relating to or following the strict Protestant theological teachings of John Calvin, especially emphasizing predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God.

[ˌkælvɪˈnɪstɪk]

calypso

n

a type of music, originally from trinidad, characterized by improvised lyrics on topical subjects and a syncopated, often rhythmic accompaniment.

[kəˈlɪp.soʊ]

calyx

n

The ring of small green leaves (sepals) that protect a flower bud and support the petals of an open flower.

[ˈkeɪlɪks]

calzone

n

A type of folded pizza that is baked and has a filling of cheese, meat, vegetables, etc.

[kælˈzoʊni]

cam

n

A projection on a rotating part in machinery, designed to convert circular motion into linear motion or to change the timing of valve operation in an engine.

[kæm]

camaraderie

n

a feeling of friendship and trust among people who spend a lot of time together or share an experience.

[ˌkɑːməˈrɑːdəri]

camber

n

A slight upward curve in the middle of a surface, especially of a road or a ship's deck.

[ˈkæmbər]

cambium

n

A layer of actively dividing cells in the stems and roots of many plants, responsible for secondary growth.

[ˈkæmbiəm]

Cambodian

adj

Of or relating to Cambodia, its people, or their language.

[kæmˈboʊ.di.ən]

cambrian

adj

Relating to the earliest period of the Paleozoic era, when most major groups of animals first appeared in the fossil record.

[ˈkæmbriən]

camcorder

n

a portable video camera that records both pictures and sound onto a single device.

[ˈkæmˌkɔːrdər]

camel

n

A large animal with a long neck and one or two humps on its back, used for riding or carrying goods in desert countries.

[ˈkæml]

camel's-hair

n

A soft, thick, yellowish-brown fabric, traditionally made from the hair of a camel and used for coats and jackets.

[ˈkæməlz her]

camel-colored

adj

having a light yellowish-brown color similar to that of a camel's hair.

[ˈkæməlˌkʌlərd]

camel-hair

n

a soft, thick, usually brownish-yellow fabric made from or resembling the hair of a camel.

[ˈkæməl her]

camellia

n

a shrub with glossy evergreen leaves and showy white, pink, or red flowers, native to eastern and southern Asia.

[kəˈmiːliə]

cameo

n

a small piece of jewelry, typically oval, with a carved portrait or scene in relief on a background of a different color.

[ˈkæmioʊ]

camera

n

a device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals.

[ˈkæmərə]

camera-ready

adj

(of artwork, text, or other material) prepared in a form suitable for immediate photographic reproduction, as for printing.

[ˈkæm(ə)rə ˌredi]

camera-shy

adj

nervous or uncomfortable about being photographed or filmed.

[ˈkæm(ə)rə ˌʃaɪ]

camera-toting

adj

carrying a camera, especially in a noticeable or habitual way

[ˈkæm(ə)rə ˌtoʊtɪŋ]

cameraman

n

a person whose job is to operate a camera for making films or television programmes

[ˈkæm.rə.mæn]

camerawork

n

The way in which a camera is used, especially the choice of shots and camera movements, when making a film or video.

[ˈkæm.rə.wɝːk]

cameroonian

adj

Of or relating to Cameroon, its people, or their culture.

[ˌkæməˈruːniən]

cami

n

A short, sleeveless undergarment for women, typically worn under a sheer blouse or dress.

[ˈkæmi]

camisole

n

a short, loose piece of underwear for women, worn on the top half of the body.

[ˈkæm.ɪ.soʊl]

camo

n

A pattern, material, or covering used to disguise soldiers, military equipment, etc., by making them blend in with their surroundings.

[ˈkæmoʊ]

camomile

n

A small plant with white and yellow flowers that are often used to make a herbal tea.

[ˈkæməˌmaɪl]

camouflage

n

the way in which the colour or shape of an animal or plant appears to mix with its natural environment to prevent it from being seen and attacked

[ˈkæm.ə.flɑːʒ]

camouflaged

adj

Hidden or disguised by means of camouflage.

[ˈkæməflɑːʒd]

camp

n

A place where people stay in tents or temporary shelters, often for a holiday or for a particular purpose.

[kæmp]

camp-out

n

an occasion when people sleep outside in tents or other temporary shelters, especially for enjoyment

[ˈkæmp aʊt]

campaign

n

A series of organized activities or military operations intended to achieve a particular goal.

[kæmˈpeɪn]

campaign-finance

n

The money raised and spent to promote a candidate, political party, or policy initiative in an election.

[kæmˈpeɪn ˈfaɪnæns]

campaigner

n

A person who actively works to achieve a particular social or political goal.

[kamˈpeɪnər]

campaigning

n

The activity of working in an organized and active way towards a goal, especially a political or social one.

[kamˈpeɪnɪŋ]

campanile

n

A bell tower, especially one that is freestanding rather than attached to a church or other building.

[ˌkæmpəˈnili]

campanula

n

A plant of a genus that includes the harebell, Canterbury bell, and other bellflowers, typically having blue, purple, or white bell-shaped flowers.

[kæmˈpænjələ]

camper

n

a person who stays in a tent or other temporary shelter while on holiday

[ˈkæmpər]

campesino

n

a peasant or rural worker in a spanish-speaking country, especially in latin america.

[ˌkæmpəˈsiːnoʊ]

campfire

n

An outdoor fire made at a campsite, used for warmth, cooking, or as a social focus.

[ˈkæmpfaɪər]

campground

n

An area of land where people can camp, often having toilets, fire pits, and other basic facilities.

[ˈkæmpɡraʊnd]

camphor

n

a white substance with a strong smell, used in medicine and to keep insects away

[ˈkæmfər]

camping

n

The activity of living in a tent or other temporary shelter on holiday or for pleasure.

[ˈkæmpɪŋ]

campion

n

A plant of the pink family, typically having pink or white flowers with notched petals.

[ˈkæmpiən]

campo

n

a large area of open grassland in south america, especially in argentina.

[ˈkæmpoʊ]

campsite

n

A place used for camping, especially one with basic facilities.

[ˈkæmpsaɪt]

campus

n

The grounds and buildings of a university or college.

[ˈkæmpəs]

campus-based

adj

Having a physical location or primary operations centered on a university or college campus.

[ˈkæmpəs beɪst]

campus-like

adj

Resembling or characteristic of a university or college campus in atmosphere, layout, or appearance.

[ˈkæmpəs laɪk]

campus-wide

adj

including or affecting an entire campus

[ˈkæmpəsˌwaɪd]

campy

adj

Amusing or amusingly exaggerated in a way that is considered to be humorous because it is artificial, theatrical, or outlandish.

[ˈkæmpi]

campylobacter

n

A genus of bacteria that are curved or spiral-shaped, often causing food poisoning and gastroenteritis in humans and animals.

[ˌkæmpɪloʊˈbæktər]

camshaft

n

A shaft with one or more cams attached to it, especially one operating the valves in an internal combustion engine.

[ˈkæmʃæft]

can

modal

to be able to

[kæn]

can't-miss

adj

certain to be successful or to be enjoyed; unmissable

[ˈkænt mɪs]

canaanite

n

A member of a Semitic people inhabiting ancient Canaan before the Israelite conquest.

[ˈkeɪnəˌnaɪt]

Canadian

adj

Relating to Canada or its people.

[kəˈneɪ.di.ən]

canadian-american

adj

Relating to or involving both Canada and the United States, or their citizens and cultures.

[kəˈneɪ.di.ən əˈmɛr.ɪ.kən]

canadian-style

adj

Characteristic of or resembling the customs, practices, or qualities associated with Canada.

[kəˈneɪ.di.ən staɪl]

canal

n

An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation.

[kəˈnæl]

canal-wall-down

noun phrase

A surgical procedure to treat glaucoma by creating an opening in the wall of Schlemm's canal to allow aqueous humor to drain more freely.

[kəˈnæl wɔːl daʊn]

canape

n

A small piece of bread or pastry with a savory topping, served as an appetizer.

[ˈkænəpi]

canard

n

a false story or piece of information that is spread to deceive people

[kəˈnɑːrd]

canary

n

A small, yellow songbird, often kept as a pet.

[kəˈner.i]

canary-yellow

adj

Of a bright, light yellow colour resembling that of a canary bird.

[kəˈneri ˈjeloʊ]

canasta

n

a card game of the rummy family, usually played by two pairs of partners with two decks of cards.

[kəˈnæstə]

cancel

v

To decide that something planned will not happen or continue.

[ˈkæns(ə)l]

canceled

verb (past tense, past participle)

To decide that something that was planned will not happen

[ˈkænsəld]

cancellation

n

the act of cancelling something

[ˌkænsəˈleɪʃn]

cancelled

v

to decide that something that has been arranged will not now happen or take place

[ˈkænsəld]

cancer

n

a serious disease in which cells in a part of the body grow in an uncontrolled way, often causing death

[ˈkænsər]

cancer-causing

adj

having the ability or property of causing cancer; carcinogenic.

[ˈkænsərˌkɔːzɪŋ]

cancer-fighting

adj

used to describe something, especially a substance or treatment, that works against cancer

[ˈkænsər ˌfaɪtɪŋ]
English Words Starting with C – Page 2 | OpenEtymology