Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with M

Showing words 841960 of 2,958. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

meat-eating

adj

feeding on or consuming the flesh of animals; carnivorous

[ˈmiːt iːɾɪŋ]

meat-free

adj

containing no meat; suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

[ˈmiːt friː]

meat-packing

n

The business or process of slaughtering animals and preparing their meat for sale.

[ˈmiːtˌpækɪŋ]

meat-processing

n

The business or process of preparing and packing meat for sale.

[ˈmiːt ˌproʊsesɪŋ]

meatball

n

a small ball of ground or minced meat, often cooked in a sauce or soup.

[ˈmiːtbɑːl]

meathead

n

a stupid or foolish person.

[ˈmiːthed]

meatless

adj

containing no meat

[ˈmiːtləs]

meatloaf

n

a baked dish of ground meat mixed with other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, typically formed into the shape of a loaf.

[ˈmiːt.loʊf]

meatus

n

a natural body opening or passage, especially one leading to the interior of the body.

[miˈeɪtəs]

meaty

adj

Containing a lot of meat

[ˈmiːti]

mecca

n

a place that attracts many people with a shared interest or background

[ˈmekə]

mechanic

n

A person whose job is repairing machines, especially vehicle engines.

[məˈkænɪk]

mechanical

adj

Relating to or operated by a machine or machinery.

[məˈkænɪkəl]

mechanically

adv

in a way that relates to or is operated by a machine or physical force

[mɪˈkænɪkli]

mechanics

n

The branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment.

[məˈkænɪks]

mechanisation

n

The process of changing from using human or animal labour to using machines.

[ˌmekənəˈzeɪʃən]

mechanise

v

To change a process so that it is done by machines rather than by people.

[ˈmekənaɪz]

mechanism

n

A system of parts working together in a machine; a piece of machinery.

[ˈmekənɪzəm]

mechanist

n

A person who believes in or advocates the theory that all natural phenomena, including life and consciousness, can be explained by the laws of physics and chemistry (i.e., mechanism).

[ˈmekənɪst]

mechanistic

adj

relating to or explaining phenomena in terms of physical or biological causes, without considering purpose or consciousness.

[ˌmekəˈnɪstɪk]

mechanization

n

The process of changing from using human or animal labor to using machines.

[ˌmekənəˈzeɪʃn]

mechanize

v

To change a process so that machines do the work instead of people or animals.

[ˈmekənaɪz]

mechanized

adj

Equipped with machinery, especially to replace human or animal labor.

[ˈmekənaɪzd]

meconium

n

The dark greenish fecal material that accumulates in the fetal intestines and is discharged shortly after birth.

[mɪˈkoʊ.ni.əm]

medal

n

a flat piece of metal, usually shaped like a coin, that is given to someone who has won a competition or who has done something very brave

[ˈmed.l̩]

medal-winning

adj

having won a medal or medals in a competition, especially a sporting event.

[ˈmed.əl ˌwɪn.ɪŋ]

medalist

n

A person who has won a medal in a competition, especially in sports.

[ˈmed.əl.ɪst]

medallion

n

a piece of jewelry in the shape of a large medal, worn on a chain around the neck.

[məˈdæl.jən]

meddle

v

To try to change or have an influence on something that is not your responsibility, especially by criticizing or giving unwanted advice.

[ˈmedl]

meddler

n

a person who tries to get involved in other people's affairs in an unwelcome or annoying way.

[ˈmed.lər]

meddlesome

adj

Having a tendency to interfere in other people's affairs.

[ˈmedlsəm]

meddling

adj

interfering in other people's affairs in an unwanted or unwelcome way

[ˈmedlɪŋ]

medevac

n

The emergency evacuation of sick or wounded people, especially from a battlefield or disaster area, for medical treatment elsewhere.

[ˈmedəvæk]

media

n

The main ways that large numbers of people receive information and entertainment, such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet

[ˈmiːdiə]

media-driven

adj

Determined or heavily influenced by the media, especially news and broadcasting organizations.

[ˈmiːdiə drɪvn̩]

media-saturated

adj

Describing an environment, society, or person that is filled or overwhelmed with a large amount of media content and communication.

[ˈmiːdiə ˌsætʃəreɪtɪd]

media-savvy

adj

Skilled at using the media effectively and understanding how it works.

[ˈmiːdiə ˌseɪvi]

mediaeval

adj

Relating to the Middle Ages, the period in European history from about the 5th to the 15th century.

[ˌmidiˈivəl]

mediagenic

adj

Having an appearance, personality, or manner that is appealing and effective on television, in photographs, or in other media.

[ˌmiːdiəˈdʒenɪk]

medial

adj

Situated in or relating to the middle.

[ˈmiːdiəl]

medial-lateral

adj

Relating to or involving the middle and the side of a body or structure.

[ˈmiːdiəl ˈlætərəl]

medially

adv

In a medial position; toward the middle.

[ˈmiːdiəli]

median

adj

relating to, located in, or extending toward the middle.

[ˈmiːdiən]

median-priced

adj

Having a price that is in the middle range of a set of prices; neither the cheapest nor the most expensive.

[ˈmiːdiən praɪst]

mediastinal

adj

Relating to the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity between the lungs.

[ˌmiːdiəˈstaɪnəl]

mediastinum

n

The area in the chest between the lungs that contains the heart, large blood vessels, windpipe, esophagus, and other structures.

[ˌmiːdiəˈstaɪnəm]

mediate

v

To try to end a disagreement between two or more people or groups by talking to them and trying to find things that everyone can agree on.

[ˈmiːdɪeɪt]

mediated

adj

(of an agreement, dispute, etc.) settled or brought about by an independent person or party who helps the opposing sides to reach a compromise.

[ˈmiːdɪeɪtɪd]

mediating

v

Attempting to resolve a dispute between two or more conflicting parties.

[ˈmiː.di.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ]

mediation

n

The process of trying to end a disagreement between two or more people or groups by talking to them and trying to find things that everyone can agree on.

[ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn]

mediational

adj

Relating to or involving mediation, the process of intervening to help resolve a dispute or conflict.

[ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃənl]

mediator

n

a person or organization that tries to help two other people or groups who disagree to reach an agreement.

[ˈmiː.di.eɪ.t̬ər]

medic

n

A person who is trained to give medical treatment, especially in the armed forces.

[ˈmedɪk]

Medicaid

n

A U.S. government program, financed by federal and state taxes, that provides health insurance for people with low incomes.

[ˈmɛdɪˌkeɪd]

medical

adj

Relating to the science or practice of medicine.

[ˈmed.ɪ.kəl]

medical-care

n

The provision of services for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness or injury.

[ˈmedɪkl ker]

medical-device

n

An instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, reagent for in vitro use, software, material, or other similar or related article, intended by the manufacturer to be used, alone or in combination, for human beings for one or more of the specific medical purposes of diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of disease.

[ˈmed.ɪ.kəl dɪˈvaɪs]

medical-school

n

A college or institution where students are trained to become doctors and surgeons.

[ˈmedɪkl skuːl]

medical-surgical

adj

Relating to or combining the fields of medicine and surgery.

[ˈmedɪkəl ˈsɜːrdʒɪkəl]

medicalization

n

The process by which human conditions and problems come to be defined and treated as medical issues, requiring medical intervention.

[ˌmed.ɪ.kəl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən]

medically

adv

In a way that relates to the science or practice of medicine.

[ˈmed.ɪ.kəl.i]

medicament

n

A substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug.

[məˈdɪkəmənt]

medicare

n

A U.S. government program that provides health insurance for people aged 65 and older, and for some younger people with disabilities.

[ˈmɛdɪˌkɛr]

medicate

v

To treat a person or a disease with medicine.

[ˈmedɪkeɪt]

medicated

adj

Treated or impregnated with a medicinal substance.

[ˈmɛdɪˌkeɪtɪd]

medication

n

A substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug.

[ˌmɛdɪˈkeɪʃən]

medicinal

adj

Having healing properties; relating to or used in medicine.

[məˈdɪsənl]

medicinally

adv

in a way that relates to or is used in the treatment or prevention of disease

[məˈdɪsənəli]

medicine

n

The science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

[ˈmed.ə.sən]

medico

n

A doctor or medical student.

[ˈmedɪkoʊ]

medico-legal

adj

Relating to both medicine and the law.

[ˌmedɪkoʊ ˈliːɡl]

medieval

adj

Relating to the Middle Ages, the period in European history from about the 5th to the 15th century.

[ˌmidiˈivəl]

medievalism

n

A system of belief and practice inspired by the Middle Ages.

[ˌmidiˈiːvəlɪzəm]

medievalist

n

A scholar who studies the Middle Ages.

[ˌmiːdɪˈiːvəlɪst]

medigap

n

A type of private health insurance in the United States designed to cover some of the healthcare costs not paid by the federal Medicare program.

[ˈmɛdɪɡæp]

medina

n

the old, non-european quarter of a north african city, typically walled with narrow, maze-like streets.

[məˈdiːnə]

mediocre

adj

of only moderate quality; not very good.

[ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər]

mediocrity

n

The quality of being average or not very good.

[ˌmiːdiˈɑːkrəti]

meditate

v

To focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.

[ˈmed.ə.teɪt]

meditation

n

The practice of focusing your mind in silence, especially for religious reasons or to relax.

[ˌmed.əˈteɪ.ʃən]

meditational

adj

Relating to or involving deep thought or reflection, especially for spiritual purposes or relaxation.

[ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃənəl]

meditative

adj

involving or absorbed in deep thought, especially about spiritual matters.

[ˈmed.ə.teɪ.t̬ɪv]

meditatively

adv

In a way that involves deep or serious thought and concentration.

[ˈmed.ə.teɪ.t̬ɪv.li]

meditator

n

a person who meditates, especially as a regular practice.

[ˈmed.ə.teɪ.t̬ɚ]

Mediterranean

adj

Relating to the Mediterranean Sea or the countries around it.

[ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən]

mediterranean-style

adj

Characteristic of or imitating the culture, cuisine, architecture, or lifestyle associated with the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

[ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən staɪl]

medium

n

A means or method for communicating or expressing something

[ˈmiːdiəm]

medium-bodied

adj

(especially of wine) having a moderate or medium level of body, richness, or intensity of flavor.

[ˈmiːdiəm ˈbɑːdid]

medium-grain

adj

(of rice) having a grain size and texture between short-grain and long-grain varieties, typically becoming tender and slightly sticky when cooked.

[ˈmiːdiəm ɡreɪn]

medium-high

adj

Being at a level that is between medium and high; moderately high.

[ˌmiːdiəm ˈhaɪ]

medium-hot

adj

Moderately hot; having a temperature or spiciness level between medium and hot.

[ˈmiːdiəm hɑːt]

medium-large

adj

Of a size between medium and large.

[ˈmiːdiəm ˈlɑːrdʒ]

medium-length

adj

Of a size or duration that is between short and long.

[ˈmiːdiəm leŋθ]

medium-low

adj

Between medium and low in amount, level, or degree.

[ˌmiːdiəm ˈloʊ]

medium-priced

adj

Having a price that is neither very high nor very low; moderately priced.

[ˈmiːdiəm praɪst]

medium-range

adj

relating to or covering a distance that is neither very short nor very long

[ˈmiːdiəm reɪndʒ]

medium-security

adj

(of a prison or other institution) having security measures that are between the minimum and maximum levels, typically for inmates or detainees who are not considered high-risk but still require significant control.

[ˈmiːdiəm səˈkjʊrəti]

medium-size

adj

Of a size that is neither very large nor very small; intermediate in size.

[ˈmiːdiəm saɪz]

medium-sized

adj

Of a size that is neither large nor small; intermediate in size.

[ˈmiːdiəm saɪzd]

medium-term

adj

relating to a period of time that is neither short nor long, typically a few months to a few years in the future

[ˈmiːdiəm tɜːrm]

medium-weight

adj

Of a weight that is neither light nor heavy; intermediate in weight.

[ˈmiːdiəm weɪt]

medkit

n

A small container or bag holding basic medical supplies for giving first aid.

[ˈmedkɪt]

medlar

n

A small brown apple-like fruit that is eaten when it has begun to decay.

[ˈmɛdlər]

medley

n

A varied mixture of people or things.

[ˈmɛdli]

medulla

n

The innermost region of an organ or tissue, especially when it is distinct from the outer part.

[məˈdʌlə]

medullary

adj

Relating to or resembling the medulla of a body part, especially the bone marrow or the inner region of an organ.

[ˈmɛdəˌleri, məˈdʌləri]

medusa

n

(in Greek mythology) a monstrous creature with snakes for hair, whose gaze could turn people to stone.

[məˈduːsə]

meek

adj

quiet, gentle, and always ready to do what other people want without expressing your own opinion

[miːk]

meekly

adv

in a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner.

[ˈmiːkli]

meekness

n

the quality of being quiet, gentle, and unwilling to argue or express your opinions

[ˈmiːknəs]

meerkat

n

A small, social, burrowing mongoose with grey fur, a pointed face, and a long tail, native to southern Africa, known for standing upright on its hind legs to watch for danger.

[ˈmɪrkat]

meerschaum

n

a soft white clay-like mineral, a hydrous magnesium silicate, used especially for making tobacco pipes.

[ˈmɪrʃəm]

meet

v

To come into the presence or company of someone by chance or arrangement.

[miːt]

meeting

n

An event where people come together to discuss things or make decisions.

[ˈmiːtɪŋ]

meetinghouse

n

a building used for public worship and meetings, especially by certain Christian groups such as Quakers.

[ˈmiːtɪŋhaʊs]

mega

adj

Very large or great

[ˈmeɡə]

mega-hit

n

a product, especially a film, song, or show, that is extremely popular and commercially successful.

[ˈmeɡə hɪt]

mega-merger

n

A very large merger, especially one between giant corporations.

[ˈmeɡəˌmɜːrdʒər]

mega-project

n

a very large-scale and complex project, typically involving major construction, engineering, or development work and requiring substantial investment and resources.

[ˈmeɡəˌprɑːdʒekt]

megabuck

n

A sum of one million dollars or, more generally, a very large amount of money.

[ˈmeɡəbʌk]
English Words Starting with M – Page 8 | OpenEtymology