Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with C

Showing words 721840 of 4,877. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

catechism

n

a summary of the principles of christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of christians.

[ˈkætəˌkɪzəm]

catechist

n

A person who instructs others in Christian principles, typically using a catechism.

[ˈkædəˌkɪst]

catechize

v

To instruct someone in the principles of Christian religion by means of question and answer, typically by using a catechism.

[ˈkædəˌkaɪz]

catecholamine

n

any of a group of amines (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones or neurotransmitters.

[ˌkætɪˈkoʊləˌmiːn]

catechumen

n

A person who is receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of Christianity before baptism and admission to the church.

[ˌkædəˈkjumən]

categorical

adj

expressed clearly and in a way that shows that you are very sure about what you are saying; allowing no doubt or exception.

[ˌkæt̬.əˈɡɔːr.ɪ.kəl]

categorically

adv

In a way that is completely clear and firm, allowing no doubt or exception.

[ˌkæt̬.əˈɡɔːr.ɪ.kəl.i]

categorization

n

The process of putting people or things into categories.

[ˌkæt̬.ə.ɡə.rəˈzeɪ.ʃən]

categorize

v

to put people or things into groups according to what type they are

[ˈkæt̬.ə.ɡə.raɪz]

categorized

v

To put people or things into groups according to their type or qualities; to classify.

[ˈkæt̬.ə.ɡə.raɪzd]

category

n

a group of people or things with shared characteristics

[ˈkæt̬.ə.ɡɔːr.i]

catenary

n

the curve formed by a chain or rope hanging freely from two fixed points.

[ˈkætəˌneri]

cater

v

to provide food and drinks for a social event

[ˈkeɪtər]

caterer

n

a person or company that provides food and drink for events or parties

[ˈkeɪtərər]

catering

n

the activity of providing food and drink for a large number of people at events such as weddings or business meetings.

[ˈkeɪtərɪŋ]

caterpillar

n

The long, worm-like larva of a butterfly or moth, having a segmented body and several pairs of legs.

[ˈkætərˌpɪlər]

caterwaul

v

to make a shrill, wailing noise like that of a cat

[ˈkætərwɔːl]

catfight

n

a fierce argument or fight between women, often characterized by spiteful or malicious behavior.

[ˈkætfaɪt]

catfish

n

a type of fish with long whisker-like growths around its mouth that lives in rivers or lakes.

[ˈkætfɪʃ]

catharsis

n

the process of releasing strong feelings, for example through plays or other artistic activities, as a way of providing relief from anger, suffering, or other powerful emotions

[kəˈθɑːrsɪs]

cathartic

adj

providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions

[kəˈθɑːrtɪk]

cathedral

n

The principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's official throne (cathedra).

[kəˈθiːdrəl]

cathedral-like

adj

resembling or characteristic of a cathedral, especially in being grand, impressive, or imposing.

[kəˈθiːdrəlˌlaɪk]

catheter

n

a thin tube that is inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow drainage, injection of fluids, or access for surgical instruments.

[ˈkæθɪtər]

cathexis

n

the concentration of mental energy on a particular person, idea, or object, especially to an unhealthy degree.

[kəˈθeksɪs]

cathode

n

the electrode in an electrical device where reduction occurs; the negative terminal in a battery or the positive terminal in an electrolytic cell.

[ˈkæθ.oʊd]

cathode-ray

adj

Relating to or consisting of a stream of electrons emitted from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube.

[ˈkæθ.oʊd ˌreɪ]

cathodic

adj

relating to or acting as a cathode (a negatively charged electrode).

[kəˈθɑːdɪk]

Catholic

adj

Including or involving a wide variety of things; universal.

[ˈkæθ(ə)lɪk]

catholic-jewish

adj

Relating to or involving both the Catholic and Jewish faiths, traditions, or people.

[]

Catholicism

n

The faith, practice, and system of government of the Catholic Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church.

[kəˈθɑːlɪsɪzəm]

catholicity

n

The quality of being universal, comprehensive, or all-embracing.

[ˌkæθəˈlɪsɪti]

cathouse

n

A house or building where cats are kept, such as a cattery.

[ˈkæt.haʊs]

cation

n

A positively charged ion, which is attracted to the cathode (negative electrode) in electrolysis.

[ˈkætaɪən]

catkin

n

A long, thin, soft, hanging flower or cluster of flowers found on trees such as willows and hazels.

[ˈkætkɪn]

catlike

adj

Resembling or characteristic of a cat, especially in being graceful, quiet, or stealthy.

[ˈkætˌlaɪk]

catmint

n

a low-growing plant of the mint family, with fragrant leaves that are attractive to cats.

[ˈkætmɪnt]

catnap

n

A short, light sleep, especially during the day.

[ˈkætnæp]

catnip

n

a strong-smelling plant of the mint family, with downy leaves and spikes of white or pinkish flowers that are attractive to cats.

[ˈkætnɪp]

catsuit

n

a close-fitting one-piece garment, typically made of a stretchy material, covering the torso and legs, and sometimes the arms.

[ˈkæt.suːt]

catsup

n

a thick, cold sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, used as a condiment.

[ˈkæt.səp]

cattail

n

a tall, slender plant that grows in wet areas, with long, flat leaves and a dense, brown, cylindrical flower head that resembles a cat's tail.

[ˈkæt.teɪl]

cattle

n

Animals such as cows, bulls, and oxen that are kept on farms for their milk or meat.

[ˈkætl]

cattleman

n

a man who owns or looks after cattle, especially on a ranch.

[ˈkætlmən]

catty

adj

(of a remark or person) spiteful or malicious in a subtle way.

[ˈkæti]

catwalk

n

a narrow walkway or stage, especially one high above the ground, used by models in a fashion show.

[ˈkæt.wɑːk]

Caucasian

adj

Relating to the white race of humankind, as classified according to physical features.

[kɑːˈkeɪ.ʒən]

caucus

n

A meeting of members of a political party or group to select candidates, plan strategy, or make decisions about legislative matters.

[ˈkɑːkəs]

caucus-goer

n

A person who attends a political caucus.

[ˈkɔːkəs ˌɡoʊər]

caudal

adj

Relating to or situated near the tail or the posterior part of the body.

[ˈkɔːd(ə)l]

caudillo

n

a military or political leader, especially a dictator, in a spanish-speaking country.

[kaʊˈdiːoʊ]

caught

v

Past tense and past participle of catch.

[kɔːt]

caul

n

A membrane or amniotic sac that sometimes covers a baby's head at birth.

[kɑːl]

cauldron

n

A large, deep metal pot for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.

[ˈkɑːldrən]

cauliflower

n

A variety of cabbage with a large, dense, white head of undeveloped flowers, eaten as a vegetable.

[ˈkɑː.lɪˌflaʊ.ər]

caulk

v

To fill a crack or seam with a waterproof filler to make it watertight or airtight.

[kɑːk]

caulking

n

A waterproof material used to fill cracks and seams, especially in structures like ships, windows, or pipes.

[ˈkɔːkɪŋ]

causal

adj

Relating to or acting as a cause.

[ˈkɑːzl]

causality

n

the relationship between a cause and its effect, or the principle that everything has a cause.

[kɔːˈzæləti]

causally

adv

In a way that relates to or involves a cause-and-effect relationship.

[ˈkɑːzəli]

causation

n

The action of causing something; the relationship between a cause and its effect.

[kɔːˈzeɪʃn]

causative

adj

acting as a cause or agent; producing an effect.

[ˈkɔːzətɪv]

cause

n

A person or thing that makes something happen

[kɑːz]

cause-and-effect

adj

Denoting or relating to a relationship between events or actions where one is the direct result of the other.

[ˌkɔːz ən(d) ɪˈfekt]

cause-effect

n

The relationship between an action or event (the cause) and a second event (the effect), where the first event is understood to be responsible for the second.

[ˈkɑːz əˌfekt]

causeway

n

A raised road or track across low or wet ground or a stretch of water.

[ˈkɑːz.weɪ]

caustic

adj

Capable of burning or corroding organic tissue by chemical action.

[ˈkɑːstɪk]

caustically

adv

In a sarcastic, scathing, or bitterly critical manner.

[ˈkɔːstɪkli]

cauterize

v

To burn a wound or part of the body with heat or a chemical substance in order to stop bleeding or prevent infection.

[ˈkɔːtəraɪz]

cautery

n

The process of burning a part of the body to remove or close off a part of it, especially to stop bleeding.

[ˈkɔːtəri]

caution

n

Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes.

[ˈkɑːʃn]

cautionary

adj

serving as a warning

[ˈkɔːʃəneri]

cautious

adj

careful to avoid potential problems or dangers

[ˈkɔːʃəs]

cautiously

adv

in a careful way that avoids risk or danger

[ˈkɔːʃəsli]

cautiousness

n

the quality of being careful to avoid danger or risks

[ˈkɔːʃəsnəs]

cava

n

A type of Spanish sparkling wine, typically white or rosé, made using the same method as champagne.

[ˈkɑːvə]

cavalcade

n

A formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles.

[ˈkævəlˌkeɪd]

cavalier

adj

showing a lack of proper concern; offhand

[ˌkævəˈlɪr]

cavalierly

adv

in a way that shows a lack of proper concern or seriousness

[ˌkævəˈlɪrli]

cavalry

n

(in the past) soldiers who fought on horseback

[ˈkævəlri]

cavalryman

n

a soldier who fights on horseback, especially in the past.

[ˈkævəlrimən]

cave

n

a large hole in the side of a hill, cliff, or mountain, or one that is underground

[keɪv]

cave-in

n

a sudden collapse of the roof or sides of a cave, mine, or other underground space.

[ˈkeɪv ɪn]

cave-like

adj

Resembling or characteristic of a cave.

[ˈkeɪvˌlaɪk]

caveat

n

a warning or caution about a specific point, especially one that qualifies an agreement or statement.

[ˈkæv.i.æt]

caved-in

adj

Having collapsed or fallen inward.

[ˌkeɪvd ˈɪn]

caveman

n

a prehistoric human who lived in caves, especially one of the early Stone Age.

[ˈkeɪvmæn]

caver

n

A person who explores caves as a sport or hobby.

[ˈkeɪvər]

cavern

n

A large cave, especially one that is dark and deep.

[ˈkævərn]

cavernous

adj

resembling a large cave in size, appearance, or atmosphere.

[ˈkævərnəs]

caviar

n

The pickled roe (eggs) of a large fish, especially the sturgeon, eaten as a delicacy.

[ˈkæv.i.ɑːr]

cavil

v

To make petty or unnecessary objections.

[ˈkævəl]

caving

n

The sport or pastime of exploring caves.

[ˈkeɪvɪŋ]

cavitation

n

The formation of an empty space within a solid object or body of liquid, especially the formation of bubbles in a liquid when the pressure is reduced.

[ˌkævɪˈteɪʃn]

cavity

n

a hole or empty space in a solid object

[ˈkævəti]

cavort

v

to jump or move around in a lively, excited, or energetic way

[kəˈvɔːrt]

caw

v

To make the loud, harsh cry typical of a crow or raven.

[kɔː]

cawing

n

The harsh, grating cry of a crow, rook, or similar bird.

[ˈkɔːɪŋ]

cay

n

A small, low island composed largely of coral or sand.

[keɪ]

cayenne

n

a very hot, red powder made from dried chilies, used to flavor food.

[kaɪˈen], [keɪˈen]

cayman

n

A tropical American reptile similar to an alligator, with a heavily armoured belly.

[ˈkeɪmən]

cd-quality

adj

Having the high standard of sound reproduction associated with a compact disc.

[ˌsiːˈdiː ˈkwɑːləti]

CD-ROM

n

A compact disc on which large amounts of data, such as text, images, or software, can be stored and read by a computer.

[ˌsiː diː ˈrɑːm]

ceanothus

n

A North American shrub of the buckthorn family, typically having small blue or white flowers and often used as an ornamental plant.

[siːəˈnoʊθəs]

cease

v

to stop happening or continuing; to stop something from happening or continuing.

[siːs]

cease-fire

n

a temporary stopping of fighting, typically during a war

[ˈsiːs faɪər]

ceaseless

adj

continuing without ever stopping

[ˈsiːsləs]

ceaselessly

adv

without stopping; continuously

[ˈsiːsləsli]

cedar

n

a tall, wide evergreen tree with needle-like leaves and hard, reddish, sweet-smelling wood.

[ˈsiːdɚ]

cedar-lined

adj

bordered or edged with cedar trees

[ˈsiːdər laɪnd]

cede

v

To give up power or territory, often by formal agreement.

[siːd]

ceded

v

To give up power or territory, often formally or reluctantly.

[ˈsiːdɪd]

ceftriaxone

n

A broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

[sɛfˈtraɪəksoʊn]

ceiba

n

a very tall tropical tree of the silk-cotton family, with large seed pods containing silky fibers.

[ˈseɪbə]

ceilidh

n

a social event with traditional gaelic music, singing, dancing, and storytelling.

[ˈkeɪli]

ceiling

n

The top inside surface of a room.

[ˈsiːlɪŋ]

ceiling-high

adj

Extremely high; reaching or approaching a maximum limit.

[ˈsiːlɪŋ haɪ]

ceiling-mounted

adj

Attached to or fixed on a ceiling.

[ˈsiːlɪŋ maʊntɪd]

cel

n

A unit in a spreadsheet or table formed by the intersection of a row and a column.

[sel]

celadon

n

A pale grayish-green color.

[ˈsɛlədɑːn]
English Words Starting with C – Page 7 | OpenEtymology