Alphabetical word directory
English words starting with C
Showing words 121–240 of 4,877. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.
caliche
nA layer of calcium carbonate or other mineral salts that forms in the soil of arid regions.
calico
na type of cotton cloth that is usually plain white or unbleached
california-style
adjRelating to or characteristic of the informal, relaxed, healthy, and often innovative lifestyle, culture, or aesthetics associated with California, especially Southern California.
Californian
adjRelating to or characteristic of the US state of California or its inhabitants.
caliper
nan instrument with two legs, used for measuring the diameter or thickness of something.
calipers
nAn instrument with two legs, used for measuring the diameter or thickness of something.
caliph
na title used for a Muslim ruler who was both a political and religious leader, considered a successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
caliphate
nA state ruled by a caliph, the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of the Prophet Muhammad.
calisthenics
nA system of exercises intended to develop physical strength and grace, performed without special equipment.
call
vto give someone or something a name
call-and-response
nA form of interaction, common in music, preaching, or work songs, where a leader's phrase (call) is answered by a group's phrase (response).
call-center
nAn office or department where a large number of telephone calls are handled, especially for customer service or sales.
call-in
nA radio or television program during which listeners or viewers telephone the studio to participate, ask questions, or give opinions.
call-up
nAn order for someone to join the armed forces, especially in a time of war or emergency.
calla
nA plant of the arum family, typically having a large white sheath surrounding a yellow spike.
callable
adj(of a security) able to be redeemed by the issuer before its maturity date.
callaloo
nA thick soup or stew made in the Caribbean with leafy greens, okra, and often coconut milk, crab, or other ingredients.
callback
nA request for the return of a person or thing, especially a product returned to the manufacturer because of a defect.
called
adjHaving a particular name or title.
caller
nA person who makes a telephone call or a short visit.
calligrapher
na person who is skilled in the art of beautiful handwriting
calligraphic
adjRelating to or done in beautiful, elegant handwriting (calligraphy).
calligraphy
nThe art of producing beautiful handwriting, often with a special pen or brush.
calling
nA strong urge towards a particular way of life or career, especially one involving helping other people.
calliope
nA keyboard musical instrument resembling an organ but producing sound by forcing steam or compressed air through a series of whistles.
callous
adjShowing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
calloused
adj(of skin) made rough and hard, usually by hard work or injury
callously
advIn a way that shows an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
callousness
nThe quality of being insensitive and cruel towards the feelings of others.
callow
adjLacking adult maturity or experience; immature.
callus
nA thickened and hardened area of skin, especially on the hand or foot, caused by repeated friction or pressure.
callused
adjHaving an area of hardened and thickened skin, typically from repeated friction or pressure.
calm
adjNot excited, nervous, or upset; peaceful and quiet
calming
adjhaving the effect of making someone feel less worried, upset, or excited.
calmly
advin a quiet and relaxed way, without being nervous, upset, or angry.
calmness
nthe state or quality of being free from agitation, excitement, or strong emotion; tranquility.
caloric
adjrelating to heat or calories.
calorie
na unit for measuring the amount of energy that food will produce
calorie-burning
adjrelating to or causing the expenditure of energy (calories) by the body
calorie-dense
adj(of a food or diet) containing a high number of calories relative to its weight or volume.
calorimeter
nAn apparatus for measuring the amount of heat involved in a chemical reaction or other process.
calumniate
vto make false and malicious statements about someone; to slander.
calumny
nThe making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.
calve
v(of a cow or other large animal) to give birth to a calf
calving
nthe process of giving birth to a calf
calvinist
nA follower of the theological doctrines of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.
calvinistic
adjRelating to or following the strict Protestant theological teachings of John Calvin, especially emphasizing predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God.
calypso
na type of music, originally from trinidad, characterized by improvised lyrics on topical subjects and a syncopated, often rhythmic accompaniment.
calyx
nThe ring of small green leaves (sepals) that protect a flower bud and support the petals of an open flower.
calzone
nA type of folded pizza that is baked and has a filling of cheese, meat, vegetables, etc.
cam
nA 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.
camaraderie
na feeling of friendship and trust among people who spend a lot of time together or share an experience.
camber
nA slight upward curve in the middle of a surface, especially of a road or a ship's deck.
cambium
nA layer of actively dividing cells in the stems and roots of many plants, responsible for secondary growth.
Cambodian
adjOf or relating to Cambodia, its people, or their language.
cambrian
adjRelating to the earliest period of the Paleozoic era, when most major groups of animals first appeared in the fossil record.
camcorder
na portable video camera that records both pictures and sound onto a single device.
camel
nA large animal with a long neck and one or two humps on its back, used for riding or carrying goods in desert countries.
camel's-hair
nA soft, thick, yellowish-brown fabric, traditionally made from the hair of a camel and used for coats and jackets.
camel-colored
adjhaving a light yellowish-brown color similar to that of a camel's hair.
camel-hair
na soft, thick, usually brownish-yellow fabric made from or resembling the hair of a camel.
camellia
na shrub with glossy evergreen leaves and showy white, pink, or red flowers, native to eastern and southern Asia.
cameo
na small piece of jewelry, typically oval, with a carved portrait or scene in relief on a background of a different color.
camera
na device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals.
camera-ready
adj(of artwork, text, or other material) prepared in a form suitable for immediate photographic reproduction, as for printing.
camera-shy
adjnervous or uncomfortable about being photographed or filmed.
camera-toting
adjcarrying a camera, especially in a noticeable or habitual way
cameraman
na person whose job is to operate a camera for making films or television programmes
camerawork
nThe way in which a camera is used, especially the choice of shots and camera movements, when making a film or video.
cameroonian
adjOf or relating to Cameroon, its people, or their culture.
cami
nA short, sleeveless undergarment for women, typically worn under a sheer blouse or dress.
camisole
na short, loose piece of underwear for women, worn on the top half of the body.
camo
nA pattern, material, or covering used to disguise soldiers, military equipment, etc., by making them blend in with their surroundings.
camomile
nA small plant with white and yellow flowers that are often used to make a herbal tea.
camouflage
nthe 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
camouflaged
adjHidden or disguised by means of camouflage.
camp
nA place where people stay in tents or temporary shelters, often for a holiday or for a particular purpose.
camp-out
nan occasion when people sleep outside in tents or other temporary shelters, especially for enjoyment
campaign
nA series of organized activities or military operations intended to achieve a particular goal.
campaign-finance
nThe money raised and spent to promote a candidate, political party, or policy initiative in an election.
campaigner
nA person who actively works to achieve a particular social or political goal.
campaigning
nThe activity of working in an organized and active way towards a goal, especially a political or social one.
campanile
nA bell tower, especially one that is freestanding rather than attached to a church or other building.
campanula
nA plant of a genus that includes the harebell, Canterbury bell, and other bellflowers, typically having blue, purple, or white bell-shaped flowers.
camper
na person who stays in a tent or other temporary shelter while on holiday
campesino
na peasant or rural worker in a spanish-speaking country, especially in latin america.
campfire
nAn outdoor fire made at a campsite, used for warmth, cooking, or as a social focus.
campground
nAn area of land where people can camp, often having toilets, fire pits, and other basic facilities.
camphor
na white substance with a strong smell, used in medicine and to keep insects away
camping
nThe activity of living in a tent or other temporary shelter on holiday or for pleasure.
campion
nA plant of the pink family, typically having pink or white flowers with notched petals.
campo
na large area of open grassland in south america, especially in argentina.
campsite
nA place used for camping, especially one with basic facilities.
campus
nThe grounds and buildings of a university or college.
campus-based
adjHaving a physical location or primary operations centered on a university or college campus.
campus-like
adjResembling or characteristic of a university or college campus in atmosphere, layout, or appearance.
campus-wide
adjincluding or affecting an entire campus
campy
adjAmusing or amusingly exaggerated in a way that is considered to be humorous because it is artificial, theatrical, or outlandish.
campylobacter
nA genus of bacteria that are curved or spiral-shaped, often causing food poisoning and gastroenteritis in humans and animals.
camshaft
nA shaft with one or more cams attached to it, especially one operating the valves in an internal combustion engine.
can
modalto be able to
can't-miss
adjcertain to be successful or to be enjoyed; unmissable
canaanite
nA member of a Semitic people inhabiting ancient Canaan before the Israelite conquest.
Canadian
adjRelating to Canada or its people.
canadian-american
adjRelating to or involving both Canada and the United States, or their citizens and cultures.
canadian-style
adjCharacteristic of or resembling the customs, practices, or qualities associated with Canada.
canal
nAn artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation.
canal-wall-down
noun phraseA surgical procedure to treat glaucoma by creating an opening in the wall of Schlemm's canal to allow aqueous humor to drain more freely.
canape
nA small piece of bread or pastry with a savory topping, served as an appetizer.
canard
na false story or piece of information that is spread to deceive people
canary
nA small, yellow songbird, often kept as a pet.
canary-yellow
adjOf a bright, light yellow colour resembling that of a canary bird.
canasta
na card game of the rummy family, usually played by two pairs of partners with two decks of cards.
cancel
vTo decide that something planned will not happen or continue.
canceled
verb (past tense, past participle)To decide that something that was planned will not happen
cancellation
nthe act of cancelling something
cancelled
vto decide that something that has been arranged will not now happen or take place
cancer
na serious disease in which cells in a part of the body grow in an uncontrolled way, often causing death
cancer-causing
adjhaving the ability or property of causing cancer; carcinogenic.
cancer-fighting
adjused to describe something, especially a substance or treatment, that works against cancer