Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with P

Showing words 2,2812,400 of 4,254. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

polyposis

n

A medical condition characterized by the development of numerous polyps, especially in the mucous membrane of the colon.

[ˌpɑːlɪˈpoʊsɪs]

polypropylene

n

A synthetic resin which is a polymer of propylene, used for films, fibres, or moulding materials.

[ˌpɑːliˈproʊpəliːn]

polyptych

n

a painting, typically an altarpiece, consisting of more than three hinged panels.

[ˈpɑːlɪptɪk]

polyrhythmic

adj

consisting of two or more different rhythms played or sung simultaneously.

[ˌpɑː.liˈrɪð.mɪk]

polysaccharide

n

A carbohydrate whose molecules are composed of a large number of monosaccharide units bonded together.

[ˌpɑː.liˈsæk.ə.raɪd]

polysemy

n

The fact of having more than one meaning

[pəˈlɪsəmi]

polystyrene

n

A very light, usually white plastic used especially for making containers and for protecting delicate objects inside packages.

[ˌpɑːliˈstaɪriːn]

polysyllabic

adj

(of a word) having more than one syllable.

[ˌpɑː.li.sɪˈlæb.ɪk]

polytechnic

adj

relating to or teaching a variety of technical and scientific subjects.

[ˌpɑː.liˈtek.nɪk]

polytheism

n

The belief in or worship of more than one god.

[ˈpɑː.li.θi.ɪ.zəm]

polytheistic

adj

Believing in or worshipping more than one god.

[ˌpɑː.li.θiˈɪs.tɪk]

polyunsaturated

adj

(of a fat or oil) containing several double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in its molecule, and therefore considered more healthy in the diet than saturated fat.

[ˌpɑːliʌnˈsætʃəreɪtɪd]

polyurethane

n

a synthetic resin or plastic used especially in tough chemical-resistant coatings, adhesives, and foams.

[ˌpɑːliˈjʊrəθeɪn]

polyvalent

adj

having multiple different values, functions, or meanings.

[ˌpɑː.liˈveɪ.lənt]

pom-pom

n

A decorative ball or tuft of strands of yarn, fabric, or other material, used especially on clothing, hats, or as a cheerleading accessory.

[ˈpɑːm pɑːm]

pomade

n

a scented ointment or cream for styling and smoothing the hair.

[pəˈmeɪd]

pomegranate

n

A round fruit with a tough reddish skin, containing many seeds surrounded by juicy red flesh.

[ˈpɑːmɪɡrænɪt]

pommel

n

the upward curving or projecting part at the front of a saddle.

[ˈpɑːm(ə)l]

pomp

n

The impressive clothes, decorations, music, etc., that are traditional for an important official or public ceremony.

[pɑːmp]

pompadour

n

a hairstyle in which the hair is brushed up high from the forehead, typically worn by men.

[ˈpɑːmpədɔːr]

pompano

n

a deep-bodied food fish of warm seas, especially one of the western Atlantic.

[ˈpɑːmpənoʊ]

pompeian

adj

of or relating to the ancient roman city of pompeii or its culture.

[pɑːmˈpeɪən]

pompon

n

a small, soft ball or tuft of wool, silk, feathers, or other material, used as a decoration on clothing, hats, or shoes.

[ˈpɑːmpɑːn]

pomposity

n

the quality of being too serious and showing that you think you are very important

[pɑːmˈpɑː.sə.t̬i]

pompous

adj

affectedly grand, solemn, or self-important in style or manner.

[ˈpɑːmpəs]

pompously

adv

in a way that is full of self-importance and intended to attract attention or admiration

[ˈpɑːmpəsli]

Ponce

n

A man who lives off the earnings of a prostitute; a pimp.

[pɑːns]

poncho

n

A garment made of a single large piece of thick cloth, typically wool, with a slit in the middle for the head.

[ˈpɑːn.tʃoʊ]

pond

n

A small area of still water, typically one formed naturally.

[pɑːnd]

ponder

v

To think about something carefully for a period of time.

[ˈpɑːndər]

ponderable

adj

Capable of being weighed or measured; having appreciable weight or significance.

[ˈpɑːndərəbl̩]

ponderosa

n

A very tall pine tree (Pinus ponderosa) of western North America, having long needles and thick bark.

[ˌpɑːndəˈroʊsə]

ponderous

adj

slow and clumsy because of great weight

[ˈpɑːn.dɚ.əs]

ponderously

adv

In a slow, clumsy, or laborious manner because of great weight or size.

[ˈpɑːn.dɚ.əs.li]

pondweed

n

A plant that grows in ponds and slow-moving streams.

[ˈpɑːndwiːd]

pone

[noun]

A baked or fried cornbread, often unsweetened, of Native American origin.

[poʊn]

pong

n

A short, sharp, hollow sound like something hitting a hard surface.

[pɑːŋ]

pontiff

n

The Pope, the Bishop of Rome as head of the Roman Catholic Church.

[ˈpɑːntɪf]

pontifical

adj

relating to or characteristic of a pontiff, especially the pope

[pɑːnˈtɪf.ɪ.kəl]

pontificate

v

To speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way.

[pɑːnˈtɪfɪkeɪt]

pontoon

n

A flat-bottomed boat or hollow structure used to support a temporary bridge or floating platform.

[pɑːnˈtuːn]

pony

n

A small breed of horse.

[ˈpoʊni]

pony-tailed

adj

Having hair tied in a ponytail.

[ˈpoʊ.ni ˌteɪld]

ponytail

n

A hairstyle in which the hair is drawn back and tied at the back of the head so that it hangs down like a horse's tail.

[ˈpoʊ.ni.teɪl]

poo

n

A child's word for excrement

[puː]

pooch

n

A dog, especially one of mixed breed or a dog whose breed is not known.

[puːtʃ]

poodle

n

a breed of dog with thick curly hair that is often clipped in a decorative pattern.

[ˈpuːdl̩]

poof

interj

Used to represent a sudden disappearance or a puff of smoke or air.

[pʊf]

poofy

adj

(of hair, fabric, etc.) having a soft, light, and rounded appearance; fluffy or puffed out.

[ˈpuːfi]

pooh-pooh

v

to express contempt for or dismiss something as foolish or unimportant

[ˌpuː ˈpuː]

pool

n

A small area of still water, especially one that has formed naturally.

[puːl]

pooled

adj

Combined or collected into a common fund or supply for shared use by a group.

[puːld]

pooling

n

The act of combining resources, money, information, etc. for shared use by a group.

[ˈpuːlɪŋ]

poolroom

n

A room where the game of pool is played.

[ˈpuːlruːm]

poolside

n

The area immediately adjacent to a swimming pool.

[ˈpuːlsaɪd]

poop

n

Solid waste from the bowels; feces.

[puːp]

pooped

adj

(informal) extremely tired; exhausted

[puːpt]

poopy

adj

(informal) Soiled with or smelling of excrement.

[ˈpuːpi]

poor

adj

having very little money; not having enough money for basic needs

[pʊr]

poor-performing

adj

achieving results that are below an acceptable or expected standard

[ˈpʊr pərˈfɔrmɪŋ]

poor-quality

adj

of a low or inferior standard

[ˌpʊr ˈkwɑːləti]

poorhouse

n

a house where very poor people in the past were sent to live and were given food and work, paid for by the public

[ˈpʊrˌhaʊs]

poorly

adv

In an unsatisfactory or inadequate manner.

[ˈpʊrli]

pop

v

to make a short, sharp, explosive sound

[pɑːp]

pop-art

n

A style of art, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, that uses images and objects from popular culture and advertising, often in a humorous or ironic way.

[ˈpɑːp ɑːrt]

pop-cultural

adj

Relating to or characteristic of popular culture.

[ˌpɑːp ˈkʌltʃərəl]

pop-culture

n

The commercial culture based on popular taste, encompassing mass-produced entertainment, media, fashion, and trends.

[ˈpɑːp ˌkʌltʃər]

pop-eyed

adj

Having eyes that are wide open with surprise, excitement, or astonishment.

[ˈpɑːp ˌaɪd]

pop-music

n

A type of music, usually recorded, with strong rhythmic patterns and simple tunes, that is popular with many people.

[ˈpɑːp ˌmjuːzɪk]

pop-out

adj

Designed to be easily removed or detached, often by being pushed outward.

[ˈpɑːp aʊt]

pop-rock

n

a style of popular music that combines elements and appeal of pop music with rock and roll instrumentation and attitude.

[ˈpɑːp rɑːk]

pop-up

adj

Describing something that appears or operates quickly and often temporarily.

[ˈpɑːp ʌp]

popcorn

n

a type of corn that bursts open and puffs up when heated.

[ˈpɑːp.kɔːrn]

pope

n

the leader of the roman catholic church, who is also the bishop of rome.

[poʊp]

popery

n

The beliefs, practices, and system of government associated with the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church, often used in a derogatory or hostile way by opponents.

[ˈpoʊpəri]

poplar

n

A tall, thin tree with triangular leaves that tremble in the wind, often grown for its wood or for decoration.

[ˈpɑː.plɚ]

poplin

n

A strong plain-woven fabric, typically of cotton, with a corded surface.

[ˈpɑːplɪn]

popliteal

adj

Relating to or situated in the hollow area at the back of the knee.

[ˌpɑːplɪˈtiːəl]

popover

n

A light, hollow muffin made from a thin batter that puffs up high during baking.

[ˈpɑːpˌoʊvər]

poppa

n

An informal term for father.

[ˈpɑːpə]

popped

v

Made a short, sharp, explosive sound

[pɑːpt]

popper

n

A small device or container that makes a popping sound, such as a toy or a utensil for popping corn.

[ˈpɑːpər]

poppet

n

A small figure of a human being used in sorcery and witchcraft.

[ˈpɑːpɪt]

popping

adj

Making a short, sharp, explosive sound

[ˈpɑːpɪŋ]

poppy

n

A plant with large, delicate flowers that are typically red and have black seeds, or the flower itself.

[ˈpɑːpi]

poppy-seed

n

The small, round, black or grey seed of the poppy plant, used as a flavouring and decoration in baking.

[ˈpɑːpi siːd]

poppycock

n

nonsense; foolish talk.

[ˈpɑː.pi.kɑːk]

popsicle

n

a piece of flavored ice or ice cream on a stick.

[ˈpɑːpsɪkl̩]

populace

n

the ordinary people who live in a particular country or place

[ˈpɑːpjʊləs]

popular

adj

liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group

[ˈpɑːpjələr]

popularity

n

The state of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.

[ˌpɑː.pjəˈler.ə.t̬i]

popularization

n

The act of making something liked, known, or available to many people.

[ˌpɑːpjələrəˈzeɪʃn]

popularize

v

To make something liked, admired, or used by many people.

[ˈpɑːpjələraɪz]

popularized

v

To make something liked, admired, or used by many people.

[ˈpɑːpjələraɪzd]

popularizer

n

A person who makes something, especially a complex subject or idea, accessible and appealing to the general public.

[ˈpɑːpjələraɪzər]

popularly

adv

By most people; generally.

[ˈpɑːpjələrli]

populate

v

to live in an area and form its population

[ˈpɑː.pjə.leɪt]

populated

adj

(of a place) having inhabitants; lived in.

[ˈpɑːpjəleɪtɪd]

population

n

All the people who live in a particular area, city, or country

[ˌpɑːpjuˈleɪʃn]

population-based

adj

(of a study, policy, or approach) relating to or involving an entire population or a large, defined group of people.

[ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən beɪst]

population-control

n

The official policy or practice of managing the rate of growth and size of a population, especially by limiting the number of births.

[ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən kənˈtroʊl]

populism

n

A type of politics that claims to represent the opinions and wishes of ordinary people, often by contrasting them with an elite.

[ˈpɑːpjəlɪzəm]

populist

n

A person, especially a politician, who claims to represent the interests and opinions of ordinary people.

[ˈpɑːpjəlɪst]

populous

adj

(of a country, region, or place) having a large population; densely populated.

[ˈpɑːpjələs]

porcelain

n

A hard, white, translucent ceramic material made by firing a pure clay and then often glazing and decorating it.

[ˈpɔːrs(ə)lɪn]

porch

n

A covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building.

[pɔːrtʃ]

porcine

adj

Relating to or resembling pigs or swine.

[ˈpɔːrsaɪn]

porcupine

n

A large rodent covered with long, sharp, protective spines or quills.

[ˈpɔːr.kjə.paɪn]

pore

n

A very small opening in the skin of a person or animal, or on the surface of a plant, through which liquids or gases can pass.

[pɔːr]

pork

n

the meat from a pig, especially when not cured or processed.

[pɔːrk]

pork-barrel

n

The use of government funds for projects designed to please voters or legislators and win votes.

[ˈpɔːrk ˌbærəl]

porker

n

a young pig raised and fattened for food.

[ˈpɔːrkər]

porkpie

n

A savory pie with a filling of seasoned chopped pork.

[ˈpɔːrkpaɪ]

porky

adj

Resembling or characteristic of pork; fat or fleshy.

[ˈpɔːrki]

porn

n

Sexually explicit material intended to cause sexual excitement.

[pɔːrn]

porno

n

Pornography; sexually explicit material.

[ˈpɔːrnoʊ]

pornographer

n

a person who produces or sells pornographic material.

[pɔːrˈnɑːɡrəfər]

pornographic

adj

describing or showing sexual acts in a way that is intended to cause sexual excitement.

[ˌpɔːr.nəˈɡræf.ɪk]

pornography

n

Books, magazines, films, etc. that are designed to cause sexual excitement by showing naked people or sexual acts.

[pɔːrˈnɑːɡrəfi]

porosity

n

The state or quality of being porous; having many small holes that allow liquid or air to pass through.

[pɔːˈrɑːsɪti]
English Words Starting with P – Page 20 | OpenEtymology