Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with P

Showing words 601720 of 4,254. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

pathogen

n

A microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, that can cause disease.

[ˈpæθədʒən]

pathogenesis

n

The process by which a disease develops, from its initial cause to its final effects on the body.

[ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnəsɪs]

pathogenetic

adj

Relating to the origin and development of a disease.

[ˌpæθoʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk]

pathogenic

adj

Capable of causing disease.

[ˌpæθəˈdʒenɪk]

pathogenicity

n

The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

[ˌpæθ.ə.dʒəˈnɪs.ə.t̬i]

pathognomonic

adj

Specifically characteristic or distinctive of a particular disease or condition.

[ˌpæθəɡˈnɑːmənɪk]

pathologic

adj

Relating to or caused by disease.

[ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪk]

pathological

adj

Relating to or caused by a physical or mental disease.

[ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl]

pathologically

adv

In a way that relates to or is caused by a physical or mental disease.

[ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkli]

pathologist

n

A doctor who specializes in examining cells, tissues, and body fluids to diagnose diseases and understand their causes.

[pəˈθɑːlədʒɪst]

pathology

n

The scientific study of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.

[pəˈθɑːlədʒi]

pathophysiology

n

The functional changes that accompany a particular disease or syndrome.

[ˌpæθoʊˌfɪziˈɑːlədʒi]

pathos

n

A quality in a situation, person, or work of art that evokes feelings of pity, sympathy, or sadness.

[ˈpeɪθɑːs]

pathway

n

a track that is made by or for people walking, especially one through the countryside

[ˈpæθ.weɪ]

patience

n

The ability to stay calm and not become annoyed when dealing with problems or with difficult people, or when something takes a long time.

[ˈpeɪʃns]

patient

adj

Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

[ˈpeɪʃnt]

patient-controlled

adj

(of a medical device or system, especially for pain relief) designed to be operated by the person receiving treatment, typically allowing them to self-administer a dose of medication within safe, pre-set limits.

[ˈpeɪʃənt kənˈtroʊld]

patient-focused

adj

Concentrating on the needs, preferences, and well-being of the patient as the central priority.

[ˈpeɪʃnt ˈfoʊkəst]

patient-physician

n

The relationship or interaction between a person receiving medical care and the doctor providing it.

[ˈpeɪʃənt fɪˈzɪʃən]

patiently

adv

In a way that shows the ability to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

[ˈpeɪʃntli]

patina

n

a thin layer that forms on the surface of some metals, especially copper or bronze, usually green or brown, that is caused by a chemical reaction over a long period of time.

[pəˈtiːnə]

patio

n

A paved outdoor area adjoining a house, used for dining or recreation.

[ˈpætioʊ]

patisserie

n

A shop where French pastries and cakes are sold.

[ˌpɑːtɪsəˈriː]

patois

n

A form of a language, especially French, spoken by the common people in a particular region, differing from the standard language.

[ˈpætwɑː]

patriarch

n

the male head of a family or tribe.

[ˈpeɪtriɑːrk]

patriarchal

adj

relating to or characteristic of a system, society, or government controlled by men, especially fathers or older men.

[ˌpeɪtriˈɑːrkl]

patriarchate

n

the office, jurisdiction, or residence of a patriarch, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

[ˈpeɪtriɑːrkət]

patriarchy

n

a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.

[ˈpeɪtriɑːrki]

patrician

n

a person of high social rank; an aristocrat.

[pəˈtrɪʃən]

patrilateral

adj

Relating to or connected with the father's side of a family.

[ˌpeɪtrɪˈlætərəl, ˌpætrɪˈlætərəl]

patrilineage

n

Descent through the male line; a line of descent from a male ancestor.

[ˌpeɪtrɪˈlɪniɪdʒ, ˌpætrɪˈlɪniɪdʒ]

patrilineal

adj

relating to or based on relationship to the father or descent through the male line.

[ˌpeɪtrɪˈlɪniəl]

patrilocal

adj

relating to or denoting a custom in marriage where the couple lives with or near the husband's family or tribe.

[ˌpeɪtrɪˈloʊkl]

patrimonial

adj

relating to or inherited from one's father or male ancestor.

[ˌpætrɪˈmoʊniəl]

patrimony

n

property inherited from one's father or male ancestor.

[ˈpætrɪmoʊni]

patriot

n

a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

[ˈpeɪtriət]

patriotic

adj

having or expressing a great love of your country

[ˌpeɪtriˈɑːtɪk]

patriotically

adv

in a way that shows love for and loyalty to one's country

[ˌpeɪ.triˈɑː.t̬ɪ.kəl.i]

patriotism

n

love for your country and a desire to support and defend it

[ˈpeɪtriəˌtɪzəm]

patristic

adj

Relating to the early Christian theologians or the study of their writings.

[pəˈtrɪstɪk]

patristics

n

The branch of Christian theology that deals with the study of the early Christian theologians known as the Church Fathers and their writings.

[pəˈtrɪstɪks]

patrol

v

To go around an area or building at regular times to guard it and check for trouble.

[pəˈtroʊl]

patroller

n

A person or vehicle that moves regularly around an area to guard or observe it.

[pəˈtroʊlər]

patrolman

n

a police officer who patrols a specific area or beat.

[pəˈtroʊlmən]

patrolwoman

n

a female police officer who patrols a specific area on foot or in a vehicle.

[pəˈtroʊlˌwʊmən]

patron

n

A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause.

[ˈpeɪtrən]

patron-client

noun phrase

A social, economic, or political relationship in which a person of higher status (patron) provides protection, resources, or opportunities to a person of lower status (client) in return for loyalty, support, or services.

[ˈpeɪtrən ˈklaɪənt]

patronage

n

The support, especially financial, that is given to a person or organization by a patron.

[ˈpeɪtrənɪdʒ]

patroness

n

A woman who gives money and support to an artist, organization, or charity.

[ˈpeɪtrənəs]

patronise

v

To behave in a way that is kind and helpful but that shows you think you are more intelligent or important than other people.

[ˈpeɪtrənaɪz]

patronize

v

to be a regular customer of a business or to use a service

[ˈpeɪtrənaɪz]

patronizing

adj

showing that you think you are better or more intelligent than someone else, often by speaking or behaving in a way that seems kind but is actually insulting.

[ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋ]

patronizingly

adv

in a manner that shows a superior or condescending attitude towards others, as if treating them as less intelligent or important.

[ˈpeɪtrənaɪzɪŋli]

patronymic

adj

Derived from the name of a father or male ancestor.

[ˌpætrəˈnɪmɪk]

patsy

n

a person who is easily cheated, deceived, or blamed for something, especially one who is set up to take the blame for others.

[ˈpætsi]

patter

v

To make a series of quick, light, tapping sounds.

[ˈpætər]

pattern

n

a repeated decorative design

[ˈpætərn]

patterned

adj

Having a decorative design or arrangement of shapes and colors.

[ˈpætərnd]

patterning

n

the forming of fixed or regular arrangements of things, especially in a way that is repeated.

[ˈpætərnɪŋ]

patting

v

(present participle of pat) to touch someone or something gently and repeatedly with a flat hand, usually in a friendly or affectionate way.

[ˈpætɪŋ]

patty

n

A small, flat cake of minced or finely chopped food, especially meat.

[ˈpæti]

paucity

n

The fact that there is too little of something; scarcity.

[ˈpɔːsəti]

paunch

n

a large or protruding belly; a potbelly.

[pɔːntʃ]

paunchy

adj

Having a large or protruding belly; potbellied.

[ˈpɑːn.tʃi]

pauper

n

a very poor person.

[ˈpɔːpər]

pauperization

n

the act or process of making someone very poor; the state of being made very poor.

[ˌpɔːpərəˈzeɪʃn]

pause

n

A temporary stop in action or speech.

[pɔːz]

pave

v

To cover a surface with flat stones, bricks, or concrete to make a solid, level area for walking or driving on.

[peɪv]

paved

adj

Covered with a hard, level surface, typically made of stone, concrete, or asphalt.

[peɪvd]

pavement

n

a hard surface of a road or path, especially one made of flat stones or concrete.

[ˈpeɪvmənt]

paver

n

a person who lays paving stones or asphalt

[ˈpeɪvər]

pavid

adj

trembling with fear; timid; fearful.

[ˈpævɪd]

pavilion

n

a decorative building or temporary structure used for public entertainment or exhibitions.

[pəˈvɪljən]

paving

n

a surface made of flat stones, bricks, or concrete.

[ˈpeɪvɪŋ]

pavlovian

adj

Relating to or characteristic of the theories of Ivan Pavlov, especially the concept of conditioning where a reflex response becomes associated with a previously unrelated stimulus.

[pævˈloʊviən]

paw

n

the foot of an animal that has claws or nails, such as a cat, dog, or bear

[pɑː]

pawn

n

One of the 16 chess pieces of each color, of the lowest value, that move forward one square at a time but capture diagonally.

[pɔːn]

pawnbroker

n

A person who lends money at interest on the security of personal property that is deposited with them.

[ˈpɔːnbroʊkər]

pawnshop

n

A shop where a pawnbroker operates, lending money at interest on the security of personal property which is left as a pledge.

[ˈpɑːn.ʃɑːp]

pawpaw

n

a north american tree with purple flowers and edible yellow fruit.

[ˈpɑːpɑː]

pax

n

a period of general peace, especially one imposed by a powerful state or authority.

[pæks]

pay

v

To give money to someone for goods, services, or to settle a debt.

[peɪ]

pay-as-you-go

adj

Relating to a system in which you pay for a service at the time you use it, rather than in advance or by subscription.

[ˌpeɪ əz jə ˈɡoʊ]

pay-for-performance

n

A system of compensation where payment is directly linked to measurable results or achievements.

[ˌpeɪ fər pərˈfɔːrməns]

pay-per-view

n

A system in which you pay to watch a particular television programme, especially a film or a sports event, at the time it is shown.

[ˌpeɪ pər ˈvjuː]

pay-to-play

adj

Requiring payment in order to participate or gain access.

[ˌpeɪ tə ˈpleɪ]

pay-tv

n

A system of television broadcasting in which viewers must pay a subscription or fee to receive the signal and watch the channels.

[ˌpeɪ ˌtiː ˈviː]

payable

adj

(of a bill of exchange or promissory note) requiring payment on a certain date; due.

[ˈpeɪəbl̩]

payback

n

An act of revenge or retaliation for a wrong or injury.

[ˈpeɪbæk]

paycheck

n

A check given to an employee in payment of salary or wages.

[ˈpeɪˌtʃek]

payday

n

the day on which someone receives their pay, especially wages

[ˈpeɪdeɪ]

payee

n

A person to whom money is paid or is to be paid.

[peɪˈiː]

payer

n

A person or organization that pays or is responsible for paying something, especially a bill or tax.

[ˈpeɪər]

paying

v

(present participle of pay) Giving someone money for work done, goods received, or a debt owed.

[ˈpeɪɪŋ]

payload

n

The part of a vehicle's load, especially an aircraft or rocket, that earns revenue or serves the primary purpose of the mission, as distinct from the equipment or personnel required to operate it.

[ˈpeɪloʊd]

paymaster

n

A person or organization that pays another, especially an employer or the treasurer of a group who pays wages or salaries.

[ˈpeɪˌmæstər]

payment

n

An amount of money that is paid or received.

[ˈpeɪmənt]

payoff

n

the result of a set of actions, or an explanation at the end of something

[ˈpeɪɔːf]

payola

n

The practice of bribing someone, especially in the music or broadcasting industry, in exchange for the promotion of a product or service.

[peɪˈoʊlə]

payor

n

A person or entity that makes a payment, especially one who is legally obligated to do so.

[ˈpeɪər]

payout

n

a large payment of money, especially as compensation or a prize.

[ˈpeɪaʊt]

payphone

n

A public telephone that is operated by coins or a credit card.

[ˈpeɪfoʊn]

payroll

n

A list of a company's employees and the amount of money they are to be paid.

[ˈpeɪroʊl]

payroll-tax

n

A tax levied by a government directly on the wages and salaries of employees, typically withheld by the employer.

[ˈpeɪroʊl tæks]

PC

n

A personal computer, a small computer designed for use by one person at a time.

[ˌpiː ˈsiː]

PDA

n

A small handheld computer that functions as a personal organizer, typically including features such as a calendar, address book, and note-taking capability.

[ˌpiː.diːˈeɪ]

pe

n

The 17th letter of the modern English alphabet.

[piː]

pea

n

a small, round, green seed that grows in a pod and is eaten as a vegetable

[piː]

pea-green

adj

Of a bright yellowish-green color like that of a fresh pea.

[ˌpiː ˈɡriːn]

pea-size

adj

Very small; of a size comparable to that of a pea.

[ˈpiː saɪz]

pea-sized

adj

Very small; about the size of a pea.

[ˈpiː saɪzd]

peace

n

a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended

[piːs]

peace-building

n

The process of promoting peace, reconciliation, and stability in a region or society, especially after a conflict.

[ˈpiːsˌbɪldɪŋ]

peace-loving

adj

Having or showing a desire to avoid conflict and to live in peace; not aggressive or warlike.

[ˈpiːsˌlʌvɪŋ]

peaceable

adj

inclined to avoid conflict or argument; not quarrelsome.

[ˈpiːsəbl̩]

peaceably

adv

In a peaceful manner; without disturbance or violence.

[ˈpiːsəbli]

peaceful

adj

Free from disturbance; tranquil.

[ˈpiːsf(ə)l]

peacefully

adv

in a quiet and calm way, without violence or disturbance.

[ˈpiːsfəli]

peacefulness

n

the state of being quiet and calm

[ˈpiːsf(ə)lnəs]

peacekeeper

n

a person or group that works to prevent conflict or violence, especially a soldier or police officer serving in an international force.

[ˈpiːsˌkiːpər]
English Words Starting with P – Page 6 | OpenEtymology