Alphabetical word directory
English words starting with C
Showing words 721–840 of 4,877. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.
catechism
na summary of the principles of christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of christians.
catechist
nA person who instructs others in Christian principles, typically using a catechism.
catechize
vTo instruct someone in the principles of Christian religion by means of question and answer, typically by using a catechism.
catecholamine
nany of a group of amines (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones or neurotransmitters.
catechumen
nA person who is receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of Christianity before baptism and admission to the church.
categorical
adjexpressed clearly and in a way that shows that you are very sure about what you are saying; allowing no doubt or exception.
categorically
advIn a way that is completely clear and firm, allowing no doubt or exception.
categorization
nThe process of putting people or things into categories.
categorize
vto put people or things into groups according to what type they are
categorized
vTo put people or things into groups according to their type or qualities; to classify.
category
na group of people or things with shared characteristics
catenary
nthe curve formed by a chain or rope hanging freely from two fixed points.
cater
vto provide food and drinks for a social event
caterer
na person or company that provides food and drink for events or parties
catering
nthe activity of providing food and drink for a large number of people at events such as weddings or business meetings.
caterpillar
nThe long, worm-like larva of a butterfly or moth, having a segmented body and several pairs of legs.
caterwaul
vto make a shrill, wailing noise like that of a cat
catfight
na fierce argument or fight between women, often characterized by spiteful or malicious behavior.
catfish
na type of fish with long whisker-like growths around its mouth that lives in rivers or lakes.
catharsis
nthe 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
cathartic
adjproviding psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions
cathedral
nThe principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's official throne (cathedra).
cathedral-like
adjresembling or characteristic of a cathedral, especially in being grand, impressive, or imposing.
catheter
na thin tube that is inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow drainage, injection of fluids, or access for surgical instruments.
cathexis
nthe concentration of mental energy on a particular person, idea, or object, especially to an unhealthy degree.
cathode
nthe electrode in an electrical device where reduction occurs; the negative terminal in a battery or the positive terminal in an electrolytic cell.
cathode-ray
adjRelating to or consisting of a stream of electrons emitted from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube.
cathodic
adjrelating to or acting as a cathode (a negatively charged electrode).
Catholic
adjIncluding or involving a wide variety of things; universal.
catholic-jewish
adjRelating to or involving both the Catholic and Jewish faiths, traditions, or people.
Catholicism
nThe faith, practice, and system of government of the Catholic Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church.
catholicity
nThe quality of being universal, comprehensive, or all-embracing.
cathouse
nA house or building where cats are kept, such as a cattery.
cation
nA positively charged ion, which is attracted to the cathode (negative electrode) in electrolysis.
catkin
nA long, thin, soft, hanging flower or cluster of flowers found on trees such as willows and hazels.
catlike
adjResembling or characteristic of a cat, especially in being graceful, quiet, or stealthy.
catmint
na low-growing plant of the mint family, with fragrant leaves that are attractive to cats.
catnap
nA short, light sleep, especially during the day.
catnip
na strong-smelling plant of the mint family, with downy leaves and spikes of white or pinkish flowers that are attractive to cats.
catsuit
na close-fitting one-piece garment, typically made of a stretchy material, covering the torso and legs, and sometimes the arms.
catsup
na thick, cold sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, used as a condiment.
cattail
na 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.
cattle
nAnimals such as cows, bulls, and oxen that are kept on farms for their milk or meat.
cattleman
na man who owns or looks after cattle, especially on a ranch.
catty
adj(of a remark or person) spiteful or malicious in a subtle way.
catwalk
na narrow walkway or stage, especially one high above the ground, used by models in a fashion show.
Caucasian
adjRelating to the white race of humankind, as classified according to physical features.
caucus
nA meeting of members of a political party or group to select candidates, plan strategy, or make decisions about legislative matters.
caucus-goer
nA person who attends a political caucus.
caudal
adjRelating to or situated near the tail or the posterior part of the body.
caudillo
na military or political leader, especially a dictator, in a spanish-speaking country.
caught
vPast tense and past participle of catch.
caul
nA membrane or amniotic sac that sometimes covers a baby's head at birth.
cauldron
nA large, deep metal pot for boiling liquids or cooking over an open fire.
cauliflower
nA variety of cabbage with a large, dense, white head of undeveloped flowers, eaten as a vegetable.
caulk
vTo fill a crack or seam with a waterproof filler to make it watertight or airtight.
caulking
nA waterproof material used to fill cracks and seams, especially in structures like ships, windows, or pipes.
causal
adjRelating to or acting as a cause.
causality
nthe relationship between a cause and its effect, or the principle that everything has a cause.
causally
advIn a way that relates to or involves a cause-and-effect relationship.
causation
nThe action of causing something; the relationship between a cause and its effect.
causative
adjacting as a cause or agent; producing an effect.
cause
nA person or thing that makes something happen
cause-and-effect
adjDenoting or relating to a relationship between events or actions where one is the direct result of the other.
cause-effect
nThe 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.
causeway
nA raised road or track across low or wet ground or a stretch of water.
caustic
adjCapable of burning or corroding organic tissue by chemical action.
caustically
advIn a sarcastic, scathing, or bitterly critical manner.
cauterize
vTo burn a wound or part of the body with heat or a chemical substance in order to stop bleeding or prevent infection.
cautery
nThe process of burning a part of the body to remove or close off a part of it, especially to stop bleeding.
caution
nCare taken to avoid danger or mistakes.
cautionary
adjserving as a warning
cautious
adjcareful to avoid potential problems or dangers
cautiously
advin a careful way that avoids risk or danger
cautiousness
nthe quality of being careful to avoid danger or risks
cava
nA type of Spanish sparkling wine, typically white or rosé, made using the same method as champagne.
cavalcade
nA formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles.
cavalier
adjshowing a lack of proper concern; offhand
cavalierly
advin a way that shows a lack of proper concern or seriousness
cavalry
n(in the past) soldiers who fought on horseback
cavalryman
na soldier who fights on horseback, especially in the past.
cave
na large hole in the side of a hill, cliff, or mountain, or one that is underground
cave-in
na sudden collapse of the roof or sides of a cave, mine, or other underground space.
cave-like
adjResembling or characteristic of a cave.
caveat
na warning or caution about a specific point, especially one that qualifies an agreement or statement.
caved-in
adjHaving collapsed or fallen inward.
caveman
na prehistoric human who lived in caves, especially one of the early Stone Age.
caver
nA person who explores caves as a sport or hobby.
cavern
nA large cave, especially one that is dark and deep.
cavernous
adjresembling a large cave in size, appearance, or atmosphere.
caviar
nThe pickled roe (eggs) of a large fish, especially the sturgeon, eaten as a delicacy.
cavil
vTo make petty or unnecessary objections.
caving
nThe sport or pastime of exploring caves.
cavitation
nThe 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.
cavity
na hole or empty space in a solid object
cavort
vto jump or move around in a lively, excited, or energetic way
caw
vTo make the loud, harsh cry typical of a crow or raven.
cawing
nThe harsh, grating cry of a crow, rook, or similar bird.
cay
nA small, low island composed largely of coral or sand.
cayenne
na very hot, red powder made from dried chilies, used to flavor food.
cayman
nA tropical American reptile similar to an alligator, with a heavily armoured belly.
cd-quality
adjHaving the high standard of sound reproduction associated with a compact disc.
CD-ROM
nA compact disc on which large amounts of data, such as text, images, or software, can be stored and read by a computer.
ceanothus
nA North American shrub of the buckthorn family, typically having small blue or white flowers and often used as an ornamental plant.
cease
vto stop happening or continuing; to stop something from happening or continuing.
cease-fire
na temporary stopping of fighting, typically during a war
ceaseless
adjcontinuing without ever stopping
ceaselessly
advwithout stopping; continuously
cedar
na tall, wide evergreen tree with needle-like leaves and hard, reddish, sweet-smelling wood.
cedar-lined
adjbordered or edged with cedar trees
cede
vTo give up power or territory, often by formal agreement.
ceded
vTo give up power or territory, often formally or reluctantly.
ceftriaxone
nA broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
ceiba
na very tall tropical tree of the silk-cotton family, with large seed pods containing silky fibers.
ceilidh
na social event with traditional gaelic music, singing, dancing, and storytelling.
ceiling
nThe top inside surface of a room.
ceiling-high
adjExtremely high; reaching or approaching a maximum limit.
ceiling-mounted
adjAttached to or fixed on a ceiling.
cel
nA unit in a spreadsheet or table formed by the intersection of a row and a column.
celadon
nA pale grayish-green color.