Z Set1

	Zany ;adj. (infml ) amusingly ridiculous; eccentric (noun) a man who is a stupid incompetent fool synonyms : bozo , cuckoo , fathead , goof , goofball , goose , jackass , twat (adj.) like a clown Mnemonics :(Zany sounds like Fany, Goa's famous liquor which when drunk in excess ,can drive you crazy so that you start behaving like an incompetent fool..)

	zeal  n. ~ (for sth) (usu intense) energy or enthusiasm; keenness (noun) prompt willingness synonyms : eagerness , forwardness  , readiness Mnemonics :(Zeal which means full of enthusiasm, sounds like meal meaning food .. therefore to earn a meal for your family you need to work with great zeal. ,,,,, you need zeal to earn a meal.
	zealot :n. person who is extremely enthusiastic about sth, esp religion or politics; fanatic , ; (noun) a fervent and even militant proponent of something synonyms  : drumbeater  , partisan Mnemonics : (zealot -- zeal + lot a person possessing a lot of zeal)

	zenith :n. point in the heavens directly above an observer  (noun) the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected Mnemonics :(Zenith, is the opposite of beneath which means something below, while zenith means the highest point or pinnacle beneath refers to something on the ground )

	zephyr : n. soft gentle breeze (noun) (Greek mythology) the Greek god of the west wind synonyms : air , breeze , gentle wind Mnemonic:(Zephyr is like respire...Zephyr means air and respire means to breathe, therefore you breathe in the air..hence relating the words to each other)
	Zest :n. ~ great enjoyment or excitement; gusto (noun) a tart spicy quality Synonyms : gusto , relish , zestfulness Mnemonics :(Zest means enthusiasm, eagerness, energy and interest: Try to link it with best. You can do your best, only if you show interest in something and do it with energy and enthusiasm. )

Y Set1

	yen : n. unit of money in Japan,strong desire; longing; urge; Ex.             yen for travel (noun) a yearning for something or to do something  synonyms : hankering Mnemonic:(yen--It is also the currency of japan , imagine you are having a strong desire of going to japan and get some yen's from there.)

	yeoman : n. (Brit) (esp arch ) farmer who owns and works his land, man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer (noun) in former times was free and cultivated his own land synonyms : beefeater , yeoman of the guard Mnemonic : (Yeoman can be compared to ploughman. A yeoman is someone who owns a piece of land and is free to cultivate it, while a ploughman makes one's way laboriously. They are both, therefore using physical resources.)
	yield : v. bear, produce or provide amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender (noun) production of a certain amount synonyms : output Mnemonic :(Yield sounds similar to field. A field is an area where crop is grown, and yield is the amount of crop produced in it as an outcome of one's effort.)
	yoke : n. shaped piece of wood fixed across the necks of two animals (esp oxen) pulling a cart, plough, etc, join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining two draft animals (noun) stable gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together as a team synonyms : coupling Mnemonic :(Yoke is similar to stoke. Yoke is the harness for oxen and stoke is to tend and fuel a fire, both having a utility.)
	yokel : n. simple-minded country person; bumpkin ;rustic; (noun) a person who is not very intelligent or interested in culture synonyms : bumpkin , chawbacon , hayseed , hick , rube , yahoo Mnemonic :(Yokel sounds like total...a person who is a total fumbler.)
	yore : n. of yore (arch or rhet ) long ago, time long past; Ex. in the days of yore (noun) time long past Mnemonics :(Yore is similar to lore. Yore means, a long time ago and lore means a body of traditions... traditions that have come down through time.

X Set1

xenophobia n. intense dislike or fear of foreigners or strangers

W Set1

	waffle :to talk or write foolishly:BLATHER (noun) pancake batter baked in a waffle iron synonyms : hesitate , waver Mnemonics: (Rhymes with "baffle" which means confused. Waffle also means something similar.)
	wag :WIT, JOKER (noun) causing to move repeatedly from side to side synonyms : shake , waggle Mnemonics :(Tag could be used with wag, as in...The stray dog tagged along with us wagging its excited tail.)
	wan : suggestive of poor health:SICKLY, PALLID (noun) a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network synonyms : wide area network Mnemonics:(Wan is like lan because both terms are related to the internet.)
	wane :to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence (noun) a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number) synonyms : ebb , ebbing Mnemonics:(wane--it sounds like "vain", imagine your tailor has decreased the size of your paint and shirt and now you can't wear it, so your hard work to buy that dress went in vain..)
	want : grave and extreme poverty that deprives one of the necessities of life
	wanton : playfully mean or cruel:MISCHIEVOUS (noun) : lewd or lascivious woman (verb) : behave extremely cruelly and brutally synonyms : luxuriate Mnemonics : ( WANTON..WANTED....Osama has been DECLARED THE MOST WANTED person on the earth because of his cruelity.)
	wardrobe : a room or closet where clothes are kept:CLOTHESPRESS
	warmonger : one who urges or attempts to stir up war:JINGO
	warp : to turn or twist out of or as if out of shape; especially :to twist or bend out of a plane (noun) yarn arranged lengthways on a loom and crossed by the woof synonyms : warping Mnemonics :(when we wrap something. we first twist the paper...)
	warrant : to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate) (noun) a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts synonyms : guarantee , warrantee , warranty Mnemonics :(Warrant and errant sound the same. A warrant stands for a document giving legal authorisation for an action. Errant refers to a wayward person. So, you can say...the warrant is for the errant boys.)
	wary : marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence especially in detecting and escaping danger (adj.) openly distrustful and unwilling to confide synonyms : leery , mistrustful , suspicious , untrusting Mnemonics :(Wary and worry sound the same... you become wary (cautious) if you have too many worries in life.)
	wastrel : one who dissipates resources foolishly and self-indulgently:PROFLIGATE (noun) someone who dissipates resources self-indulgently synonyms : waster Mnemonics :( A wastrel is a person who wastes money on self-indulgence, is a profligate.)
waterproof	impervious to water; especially :covered or treated with a material
watershed	a crucial dividing point, line, or factor:TURNING POINT
	wax :  to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing or stiffening , to increase in phase or intensity ,used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets (noun) any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water (verb) go up or advance synonyms : climb , mount , rise Mnemonics :(If you go for WAXing( A technique to remove hair from your skin..usually ladies go for it) once..next time the hair growth on your skin INCREASES GRADUALLY...)
	waylay : to lie in wait for or attack from ambush (verb) wait in hiding to attack synonyms : ambuscade , ambush , bushwhack , lie in wait , lurk , scupper Mnemonics :(way+lay... imagine a situation where an army LAYs its plan of attacking the militants on their WAY to their destination..)
	weary : tired after long work; V. synonyms : fag , fag out , fatigue , jade , outwear , tire , tire out , wear , wear down , wear out , wear upon Mnemonics :( Weary and Dreary...when you are weary (tired), everything seems dreary(gloomy).)
	weird :eerie; strange; unnatural (noun) fate personified; any one of the three Weird Sisters synonyms : wyrd Mnemonics :(  Weird and feared...most weird things are feared by everyone.)
	well-bred : of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined (adj.) of good upbringing synonyms : well-mannered Mnemonics :(Someone who is very WELL in eating BREAD with a fork and knife is obviously well mannered.)
whet	to make keen or more acute:EXCITE, STIMULATE
whiff	a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray
whimsical	resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially :lightly fanciful
wholesome	promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit
wicked	morally very bad:EVIL
wily	full of wiles:CRAFTY
wince	to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain):FLINCH
windbag	an exhaustively talkative person
windy	VERBOSE, BOMBASTIC
winnow	to remove (as chaff) by a current of air
winsome	generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence
wit	mental capability and resourcefulness:INGENUITY
witch	one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially :a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar:SORCERESS
withdraw	to remove (money) from a place of deposit;to become socially or emotionally detached
wither	to become dry and sapless; especially :to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture
withhold	to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing
wizen	to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality
wobble	to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and clumsily from side to side TREMBLE, QUAVER
woo	to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with:COURT
wordsmith	a person who works with words; especially :a skillful writer
worldly	of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs
worship	extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem
wrangler	a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses; broadly :COWBOY
wretched	(adj.) miserable or unhappy; causing distress
writ	a formal written document; specifically :a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch
wry	cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous also having a bent or twisted shape or condition

V Set2

vignette	n. illustration, esp on the title-page of a book, but not in a definite border
vigor	active bodily or mental strength or force
vile	adj. extremely disgusting
vilify	v. (fml ) say evil or insulting things about (sb); slander
vindicate	v. clear (sb/sth) of blame or suspicion
vindictive	adj. having or showing a desire for revenge; unforgiving
vintner	n. wine-merchant
violate	v. break or be contrary to
viper	n. any of various types of poisonous snake found in Africa, Asia and Europe ,
virile	adj. (of men) having procreative power; sexually potent
virtual	adj. being or acting as what is described, but not accepted as such in name or officially
virtue	n. moral goodness or excellence
virtuoso	n. person who is exceptionally skilled in the techniques of a fine art, esp playing a musical instrument or singing
virulent	adj. extremely harmful or deadly
virus	n. simple organism, smaller than bacteria, and causing infectious disease
visage	n. person'sface
visceral	adj. of the viscera
viscid	adhesive; gluey
viscous	adj. not pouringeasily; thick and sticky
vise	tool for holding work in place
vision	n. power of seeing; sight
visionary	adj. having or showing foresight or wisdom
vital	adj. connected with or essential to life
vitiate	v. weaken or spoil the quality or efficiency of (sth)
vitreous	adj. having a glass-like texture or finish
vitriolic	adj. savagely and bitterlyhostile
vituperative	adj. vituperative debate, criticism, etc
vivacious	adj. (esp of a woman) lively or high-spirited
vivid	adj. strong and bright; intense
vivisection	n. practice of performing surgical experiments on live animals for scientific research
vixen	n. female fox
vociferous	adj. loudor noisy; expressing one's views forcibly and insistently
vogue	n. ~ current or prevailing fashion
volatile	adj. changing rapidly into vapour
volition	n. act of using one's will in choosing, making a decision, etc
volley	n. simultaneous throwing or firing of a number of stones, bullets, etc
voluble	adj. (of a person) speaking a lot; talkative
voluminous	adj. (of clothing etc) using much material; loose-fitting or ample
voluptuous	adj. giving a feeling of luxury or sensual pleasure
voodoo	n. form of religion based on belief in witchcraft and magical rites, practised by blacks in the W Indies, esp in Haiti ,
voracious	adj. very greedy in eating; ravenous
vortex	n. whirling mass of water, air, etc, as in a whirlpool or whirlwind
vouch	v. ~ for sb/sth take responsibility for or express confidence in (a person, his behaviour, etc); guarantee
vouchsafe	v. ~ sth (dated or fml ) grant sth (to sb) as a gift or privilege
voyeur	n. person who gets pleasure from watching in secret others undressing or engaging in sexual activities
vulgar	adj. lacking in good taste or refinement
vulnerable	adj. ~ that can be hurt, wounded or injured
vulpine	adj. of or like a fox
vulture	n. large bird, usu with head and neck almost bare of feathers, that lives on the flesh of dead animals
vying	pres p of vie

V Set1

vacillate	v. ~ (fml usu derog , ) keep changing one's mind; move backwards and forwards between two emotions
vacuous	adj. showing or suggesting absence of thought or intelligence; inane
vagabond	n. wanderer or vagrant, esp an idle or dishonest one
vagary	n. strange,unusual or capricious change; whim
vagrant	n. person without a settled home or regular work; tramp
vain	adj. having too high an opinion of one's looks, abilities, etc; conceited ;
vainglorious	adj. full of vainglory; conceited and boastful ;
valediction	n. (words used in) saying farewell, esp on serious occasions
valedictory	adj. serving as or accompanying a farewell
valid	adj. legally effective because made or done with the correct formalities
validate	v. make legally valid; ratify
valor	bravery
vampire	n. reanimated corpsebelieved by some to leave its grave at night and suck the blood of living people
vanguard	n. the vanguard leading part of an advancing army or fleet
vantage	n. position,etc that gives sb superiority or advantage
vapid	adj. dull or uninteresting
vaporize	to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
variegate	To mark with different shades or colors.
variegated	adj. marked irregularlywith differently coloured patches, streaks, spots, etc
varnish	n. hard shiny transparent coating applied to the surface of esp woodwork or metalwork
vassal	n. man promising to fight for and be loyal to a king or lord in return for the right to hold land
vaunted	[ vaunt: ] vt. to describe, praise, or display (one's success, possessions, etc.) boastfully
veer	v. (esp of a vehicle) change direction or course
vegetate	v. live a dull life with little activity or interest
vehement	adj. showing or caused by strong feeling; passionate
velocity	n. (usu of inanimate things ) speed, esp in a given direction
venal	adj. ready to accept money for doing sth dishonest
vendetta	n. hereditary feud between families in which murders are committed in revenge for previous murders
vendor	n. person who sells food or other small items from a stall in the open air
veneer	n. decorative wood or plastic glued to the surface of cheaper wood (for furniture, etc) ,
venerable	adj. deserving respect because of age, character, associations, etc
venerate	v. respect (sb/sth) deeply; regard as sacred
venial	adj. not serious; excusable
venison	n. flesh of a deer used as meat
venom	n. poisonous fluid of certain snakes, scorpions, etc, injected by a bite or sting
vent	n. opening that allows air, gas, liquid, etc to pass out of or into a confined space ,
ventilate	v. cause air to enter and move freely through
ventral	adj. of or on the abdomen
ventriloquist	n. person skilled in this
venture	n. project or undertaking,esp a commercial one where there is a risk of failure
venturesome	adj. (of people) ready to take risks; daring
venue	n. place where people agree to meet, esp for a sports contest or match
veracious	adj. (of a person) truthful
veracity	n. truthfulness; truth
verbalize	put into words
verbatim	adj. adv exactly as spoken or written; word for word
verbiage	n. (use of) too many words, or unnecessarily difficult words,to express an idea, etc
verbose	adj. using or containing more words than are needed
verdant	adj. (of grass, vegetation, fields, etc) fresh and green
verdigris	n. greenish-blue substance that forms on copper, brass and bronze surfaces
verge	n. = soft shoulder (soft)
verisimilar	having the appearance of truth probable
verisimilitude	n. appearance or semblance ofbeing true or real
veritable	adj. rightly named or called; real
verity	n. truth (of a statement, etc)
vernacular	n. language or dialect spoken in a particular country or region, as compared with a formal or written language
vernal	adj. of, in or appropriate to the season of spring
versatile	adj. turning easily or readily from one subject, skill or occupation to another
vertebrate	n, adj having a backbone
vertex	n. (fml) highest point or top; apex
vertigo	n. feeling of losing one's balance, caused esp by looking down from a great height; dizziness
verve	n. enthusiasm, spirit or vigour, esp in artistic or literary work
vestige	n. small remaining part of what once existed; trace
veto	n. constitutional right to reject or forbid a legislative proposal or action
vex	v. anger or annoy (sb), esp with trivial matters
viable	adj. sound and workable; feasible
viand	food
vibrant	adj. vibrating strongly; resonant
vicar	n. clergyman in charge of a parish where tithes formerly belonged to another person or an institution
vicarious	adj. felt or experienced indirectly, by sharing imaginatively in the feelings, activities, etc of another person
vicissitude	n. (fml ) change in one's circumstances,esp for the worse
victuals	n. food and drink; provisions ;
vie	v. ~ with sb (for sth/to do sth); ~ for sth (fml ) compete keenly with sb (for sth); rival sb for sth
vigil	n. staying awake, esp at night, to keep watch or to pray
vigilance	watchfulness
vigilant	adj. looking out for possible danger, trouble, etc; watchful or alert
vigilante	n. member of a self-appointed group of people who try to prevent crime and disorder in a community

U Set1

ubiquitous	adj. (seeming to be) present everywhere or in several places at the same time
ulcer	n. open sore containing poisonous matter on the outside of the body or on the surface of an internal organ
ulterior	adj. beyond what is obvious or admitted
ultimate	adj. beyond which no other exists or is possible; last or final
ultimatum	n. final demand or statement of terms to be accepted without discussion, eg one sent to a foreign government and threatening war if the conditions are not accepted
umbrage	n. give `umbrage; take `umbrage (at sth) (fml or joc ) (make sb) feel offended or slighted
unaccountable	adj. that cannot be explained or accounted for
unanimity	n. complete agreement or unity
unassailable	adj. that cannot be attacked or conquered
unassuaged
unassuming	adj. not drawing attention to oneself or to one's merits or rank; modest
unbridled	adj. not controlled or checked
uncanny	adj. unnatural
unceremonious	adj. without proper formality or dignity
unconscionable	adj. unreasonable or excessive
uncouth	adj. rough, awkward or ill-mannered; not refined ,
unction	n. action of anointing with oil as a religious rite
unctuous	adj. insincerelyearnest or flattering, esp in an oily way
undergird	strengthen the base of
underhand	adj. done or doing things in a sly or secret way; deceitful
undermine	v. make a hollow or tunnel beneath (sth); weaken at the base
underscore	v. = underline
understate	v. state or express in a very controlled way
undertaker	n. person whose business is to prepare the dead for burial or cremation and arrange funerals
undulate	v. have a wave-like movement or appearance
undulating	[ undulate: ] to move or cause to move in waves or as if in waves
unearth	v. ~ sth uncover or obtain sth from the ground by digging
unearthly	adj. supernatural or mysterious or frightening
unequivocal	adj. having only one possible meaning; clear and unmistakeable
unerringly	adv.
unexceptionable	adj. that cannot be criticized; entirely satisfactory
unfaltering	steadfast
unfeigned	adj. not pretended; genuine or sincere
unfetter	to release from fetters, bonds, etc.
unfledged	immature
unfrock	v. dismiss from the priesthood
ungainly	adj. clumsy or awkward; not graceful
unguent	ointment
uniformity	sameness; consistency; monotony
unilateral	adj. done by or affecting one person, group, country, etc and not another; one-sided
unimpeachable	adj. that cannot be doubted or questioned; trustworthy
uninhibited	unrepressed
unintimating
unique	adj. being the only one of its type
unison	n. in unison (with sb/sth) sounding or singing together the same musical note (or the same note in different octaves)
universal	adj. of, belonging to, affecting or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group
unkempt	adj. not kept tidy; looking dishevelled or neglected
unmitigated	adj. having no accompanying advantages whatever; complete; absolute
unobtrusive	adj. not too obvious or easily noticeable; not drawing attention to itself or himself; discreet
unprecedented	adj. without precedent; never having happened, been done or been known before
unprepossessing	adj. not attractive or appealing in appearance
unravel	v. (cause sth woven, knotted or tangled to) separate into strands
unregenerate	unrepentant; unreformed
unrequited	adj. (esp of love) not returned or rewarded
unruly	adj. not easy to control or discipline; disorderly
unsavory	distasteful; morally offensive
unscathed	adj. not injured or hurt; unharmed
unseemly	adj. (of behaviour,etc) not proper or seemly; unbecoming
unsightly	adj. not pleasant to look at; ugly
unsullied
untenable	adj. that cannot be defended
untoward	adj. inconvenient or unfortunate; awkward
unwarranted	adj. unjustified or unauthorized
unwieldy	adj. awkward to move or control because of its shape, size or weight
unwitting	adj. not knowing or aware
unwonted	adj. not customary or usual
upbraid	v. ~ sb (dated or fml ) scold or reproach sb
upright	adj. in a vertical position; erect
uproar	n. noise and excitement or anger; tumult
uproarious	adj. very noisy or high-spirited
upshot	n. the ~ the final result or outcome
urbane	adj. having or showing refined manners, smooth elegance and sophistication
urchin	n. (esp dated ) mischievous or naughty child, esp a boy
urge	v. drive forcibly or hurry in a certain direction
urgent	adj. needing immediate attention, action or decision
ursine	bearlike; pertaining to a bear
usage	n. manner of using sth; treatment
usurp	v. take (sb's power, right, position) wrongfully or by force
usury	n. (lending of money at) excessively high interest
utopia	n. imaginary place or state of things in which everything is perfect
uxorious	adj. excessively fond of one's wife

T Set2

torpedo	n. tube-shaped explosive underwater missile launched against ships by submarines, aircraft or surface ships
torpor	n. torpid condition
torque	n. twisting force causing rotation in machinery
torrent	n. violently rushing stream of water, lava, etc
torrid	adj. very hot and dry
torso	n. main part of the human body, not including the head, arms and legs; trunk
tortuous	adj. full of twists and turns
toss	v. ~ sth (to sb) throw sth lightly or carelessly or easily
totem	n. natural object, esp an animal, considered by N American Indians as the emblem of a clan or family
totter	v. walk or move unsteadily; stagger
touching	adj. arousing pity or sympathy
touchstone	stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion
touchy	adj. easily offended
tout	v. ~ try to get people to buy (one's goods or services), esp in an annoyingly insistent way
toxic	adj. poisonous
tract	n. large stretch or area of land
tractable	adj. easily guided, handled or controlled; docile ;
traduce	v. saydamaging untrue things about (sb/sth); slander or defame;
trajectory	n. curved path of sth that has been fired, hit or thrown into the air, eg a missile
tramp	v. walk with heavy or noisy steps
trample	v. ~ sth/sb (down) tread heavily on sth/sb so as to cause damage or destruction
trance	n. sleep-like state, caused eg by being hypnotized
tranquillity	n. tranquil condition
transcend	v. be or go beyond the range of (human experience, belief, powers of description, etc)
transcendent	adj. extremely great; supreme
transcendental	adjgoing beyond the limits of humanknowledge, experience or reason, esp in a mystical or religious way
transcribe	v. ~ sth copy sth in writing
transgression	n. transgressing
transient	adj. lasting for only a short time; brief; fleeting
transition	n. ~ (to sth) (instance of) changing from one state or condition to another
transitory	adj. lasting for only a short time; transient
translucent	adj. allowinglight to pass through but not transparent
transmute	v. ~sth change sth (into sth completely different)
transparent	adj. allowinglight to pass through so that objects behind can be seen clearly
transpire	v. (of an event, a secret, etc) become known
transport	v. ~ sth/sb (to...) take sth/sb from one place to another in a vehicle
transpose	v. cause to change places
trappings	n. outward signs of prestige, wealth, etc
traumatic	adj. of or causing trauma
travail	n. painful effort
traverse	v. travel, lie or extendacross
travesty	n. ~ absurd imitation of or inferior substitute for sth
tread	v. ~ (on, etc sth/sb) set one's foot down; walk or step
treasure	n. gold, silver, jewels, etc
treatise	n. ~ long written work dealing systematically with one subject
trek	n. long hard journey, esp on foot
tremor	n. slight shaking or trembling
tremulous	adj. tremblingfrom nervousness or weakness
trenchant	adj. strongly and effectively expressed; penetrating
trepidation	n. great worry or fear about sth unpleasant that may happen
tribulation	n. (sad event, accident, illness, etc that causes) great trouble or suffering
tribunal	n. group of officials with the authority to settle certain types of dispute
tribune	Any champion of the rights and liberties of the people: often used as the name for a newspaper.
tribute	n. action, statement or gift that is meant to show one's respect or admiration
trickle	v. flow in a thin stream
trickster	n. person who tricks or cheats people; swindler ;
trident	n. spear with three points
trifle	n. thing, question or activity that has little value or importance
trifling	adj. unimportant; trivial
trigger	n. lever that releases a spring, esp so as to fire a gun
trilogy	n. group of three related works, esp three novels or operas
trim	v. make (sth) neat or smooth by cutting away irregular parts
trinket	n. small ornament, piece of jewellery, etc of little value
trite	adj. not new or original, because often used; hackneyed; commonplace ,
trivia	n. unimportant things, details or pieces of information
troth	n. (idm ) plight one's troth
trough	n. long narrow open box for animals to feed or drink from
truculence	agressiveness; ferocity
truism	n. statement that is obviouslytrue, esp one that does not say anything important, eg Nothing lasts for ever ,
truncate	v. shorten by cutting off the top or end
trunk	n. main stem of a tree, from which the branches grow .
tryst	meeting
tumid	adj. (of parts of the body) swollen
tumult	n. disturbance or confusion, esp of a large mass of people
tundra	n. vast flat treeless Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and N America where the subsoil is permanently frozen
turbid	adj. (of liquids) opaque or muddy; not clear
turbulence	n. unrest or disturbance
tureen	n. deep dish with a lid from which soup, vegetables, etc are served at table
turgid	adj. (of language, style, etc) pompous and difficult to follow; boring
turmoil	n. great disturbance, agitation or confusion
turncoat	n. person who changes from one side, party, etc to another
turpitude	n. state or quality of being wicked; depravity ;
tutelage	n. protection of and authority over a person, country, etc; guardianship
tutelary	adj. acting as a guardian or protector
tycoon	n. wealthy and powerful businessman or industrialist; magnate
typhoon	n. violent tropical hurricane that occurs in the western Pacific
tyranny	n. cruel, unjust or oppressive use of power or authority
tyro	beginner; novice

T Set1

tablet	n. slab or panel with words cut or written on it, esp one fixed to a wall as a memorial ,
tacit	adj. understoodwithout being put into words; implied
taciturn	adj. saying very little; uncommunicative ;
tact	n. skill at not offending people or at gaining goodwill by saying or doing the right thing
tactful	adj. having or showing tact
tactile	adj. of or using the sense of touch
taint	n. trace of some bad quality or decay or infection
takeoff
talisman	n. object that is thought to bring good luck, eg a ring or locket
talon	n. claw, esp of a bird of prey
tan	v. convert (animal skin) into leather by treating it with tannic acid, etc
tangential	peripheral; only slightly connected; digressing
tangible	adj. that can be perceived by touch
tanner	n. person who tans skins to make leather
tantalize	to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach
tantamount	adj. ~ to sth equal in effect to sth; as good as sth
tantrum	n. outburst of bad temper, esp in a child
taper	n. length of wax-covered thread like a very thin candle burned to give light or to light other candles, etc
tarantula	n. any of several types of large spider, many of them hairy and some of them poisonous ,
tardy	adj. (fml ) slow to act, move or happen
tarnish	v. lose its brightness by being exposed to air or damp
tarry	v. (arch or rhet ) delay in coming to or going from a place; linger
tart	adj. sharp-tasting; acid
tatter	to make or become ragged or worn to shreds
taunt	v. ~ sb try to provoke sb with scornful or critical remarks; jeer at sb
taut	adj. tightly stretched; not slack
tautological	tautologous / tR
tawdry	adj. showy or gaudy but without real value
tawny	adj. brownish-yellow
taxonomist	one who study the general principles of scientific classification
tedium	n. tediousness; boredom
teetotalism	the principle or practice of complete abstinence from alcoholic drinks
temerity	n. audacity; rashness
temper	n. state of the mind as regards anger or calmness
temperament	n. person's nature as it affects the way he thinks, feels and behaves
temperate	adj. behaving with temperance(1); showing self-control
tempestuous	adj. stormy; violently agitated; turbulent
tempo	n. speed or rhythm of a piece of music
temporal	adj. of worldly affairs, ie not spiritual; secular
temporize	avoid committing oneself; gain time
tenacious	adj. sticking or clinging firmly together or to an object
tenacity	firmness; persistency; adhesiveness
tenancy	use of land or buildings as a tenant(1)
tenant	n. person who pays rent to a landlord for the use of a room, a building, land, etc
tend	v. take care of or look after
tendentious	adj. (of a speech, a piece of writing, etc) aimed at helping a cause; not impartial
tender	adj. easily damaged or hurt; delicate
tenet	n. principle; belief; doctrine
tensile	adj. of tension
tension	n. state or degree of stretching or being stretched
tentative	adj. done, said, etc to test sth; hesitant or exploratory; not definite or decisive
tenuous	adj. thin; slender
tenure	n. holding of office or land or other property, etc ,
tepid	adj. lukewarm
terminal	adj. of the last stage in a fatal disease
terminate	v. come to an end or bring (sth) to an end
termination	n. point at which or way in which sth ends
terminology	n. technical terms of a particular subject
terminus	n. station at the end of a railway line
terrestrial	adj. of or living on land
terse	adj. using few words; concise; curt
tertiary	adj. third in order, rank, importance, etc; next after secondary
tessellated	adj. made from small flat pieces of stone of various colours arranged in a pattern
testator	n. person who has made a will4(4)
testy	adj. easily annoyed; irritable
tether	n. rope or chain by which an animal is fastened while it is grazing
thematic	adj. of or related to a theme
theocracy	n. system of government by priests or a priestly class in which the laws of the State are believed to be the laws of God
theoretical	adj. concerned with the theory of a subject
therapeutic	adj. of the art of healing or the curing of disease
thermal	adj. ofheat
thesis	n. statement or theory put forward and supported by arguments
thespian	adj. of acting or the theatre
thrall	slave; bondage
thrash	v. beat with a stick or whip, esp as a punishment
threadbare	adj. worn thin; shabby
threat	n. expression of one's intention to punish or harm sb, esp if he does not obey
thresh	v. beat out or separate from husks of wheat, etc using a machine or (esp formerly) an implement held in the hand
thrifty	adj. showing thrift; economical ;
thrive	v. ~ (on sth) grow or develop well and vigorously; prosper
throb	v. ~ (with sth) (of the heart, pulse, etc) beat, esp faster or stronger thanusual
throes	n. severe pains
throng	n. crowded mass of people or things
throttle	v. seize by the throat and stop him breathing; choke; strangle
thwart	v. prevent doing what he intends; oppose (a plan, etc) successfully
tickle	v. touch or stroke lightly, esp at sensitive parts, so as to cause a slight tingling sensation, often with twitching movements and laughter
tightwad	excessively frugal person; miser
tiller	n. person who tills
tiltable
timbre	n. characteristicquality of sound produced by a particular voice or instrument
timid	adj. easily frightened; shy
timidity	timidness ns
timorous	adj. timid
tinge	v. ~ sth colour sth slightly
tint	n. shade or variety of a colour
tipple	v. be in the habit of drinking alcoholic drinks, esp too often or too much
tirade	n. long angry speech of criticism or accusation
titanic	adj. gigantic; immense
tithe	n. one tenth of the annual produce of a farm, etc formerly paid as a tax to support the clergy and the church
titillate	v. stimulate or excite (sb), esp sexually
title	n. name of a book, poem, picture, etc ,
titter	n. short nervous laugh
titular	adj. having a certain title(
toady	n. person who flatters another or treats him with excessive respect in the hope of gain or advantage
toga	n. loose outer garment worn by men in ancient Rome
toil	v. ~ away (at/over sth) work long or hard
token	n. sign, symbol or evidence of sth
toll	n. money paid for the use of a road, bridge, harbour, etc ,
tome	n. large heavy book, esp a scholarly or serious one ,
tonic	n. medicine that gives strength or energy, taken after illness or when tired
tonsure	n. shaving the top or all of the head of a person about to become a priest ormonk
topography	n. features of a place or district, esp the position of its rivers, mountains, roads, buildings, etc
topple	v. ~ (over) be unsteady and fall

S Set5

substantial	adj. large in amount; considerable
substantiate	v. give facts to support (a claim, statement, etc); prove
substantive	adj. genuine or actual; real
subsume	v. ~ sth (fml ) include sth in a particular group, class, etc or under a rule
subterfuge	n. trick or excuse, esp one used to avoid difficulties, blame, failure, etc
subtlety	n. quality of being subtle
subversive	adj. ~ trying or likely to weaken or destroy a political system, an accepted belief, etc
succinct	adj. expressedbriefly and clearly; concise
succor	to go to the aid of:RELIEVE
succulent	adj. (of fruit and meat) juicy and delicious
succumb	v. ~ (fml ) stop resisting (temptation, illness, attack, etc); yield
suckle	v. feed with milk from the breast or udder
suffocate	v. die as a result of not being able to breathe
suffragist	advocate of voting rights (for women)
suffuse	v. ~ sth (esp of colour or moisture) spread all over sth
suitor	n. man courting a woman
sullen	adj. silent, bad-tempered and gloomy
sully	v. (fml or rhet usu fig , ) make (sth) dirty; stain; ruin or destroy (sb's reputation, etc)
sultry	adj. (of the weather, air, etc) oppressively hot and humid
summation	n. summing-up; summary
sumptuous	adj. looking expensive and splendid
sunder	v. ~ sth/sb (fml or rhet ) separate sth/sb, esp by force or for ever
sundry	adj. various
superannuated	adj. old and barely fit for work or use
supercilious	adj. thinking or showing that one thinks one is better than other people; arrogant and disdainful
supererogatory	superfluous; more than needed or demanded
superficial	adj. of or on the surface only
superfluous	adj. more than is needed or wanted
superimpose	v. ~ sth put sth on top of sth else, esp so that what is underneath can still be seen, heard, etc
supernumerary	adj. in excess of the normal number; extra
supersede	v. take the place of be introduced so as to be used instead of (sth/sb)
supine	adj. lying flat on the back,face upwards
supplant	v. take the place of (sb/sth); replace
supple	adj. bent or bending easily; not stiff; flexible
suppliant	n, adj (person) asking humbly for sth
supplicant	n. person who supplicates; suppliant
supplicate	v. ~ sth (fml ) ask (sb) humbly or pleadingly for sth
supposition	n. supposing
supposititious	assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical
suppress	v. put an end to (sth), esp by force; crush
surfeit	n. ~ (of sth) too much of sth, esp of food and drink
surge	v. move forward in or like waves
surly	adj. bad-tempered and unfriendly
surmise	v. suppose (sth) without having evidence that makes it certain; guess
surmount	v. deal with (a difficulty, etc); overcome
surpass	v. ~ sb/sth (in sth) (fml ) do or be better than sb/sth; exceed sb/sth
surreptitious	adj. done or acting secretly or stealthily
surrogate	n. ~ (fml ) person or thing that acts or is used instead of another; substitute
surveillance	n. careful watch kept on sb suspected of doing wrong
susceptible	adj. ~ to sth easily influenced or harmed by sth
suspend	v. ~ sth (fml ) hang sth up
suspense	n. feeling of tenseness, worry, etc about what may happen
sustain	v. bear (weight) without breaking or falling
sustenance	n. food and drink; nourishment
suture	n. stitch or stitches made in sewing up a wound, esp following an operation ,
swagger	v. walk or behave in a proud or boastful way
swamp	n. soft wet land; marsh ;
swarm	n. large number of insects, birds, etc moving around together, esp bees following a queen bee
swarthy	adj. dark or dark-skinned
swathe	n. strip of grass or other plants cut by a mower, scythe, etc
sway	v. move or lean slowly from side to side
swear	v. ~ (at sb/sth) use rude or blasphemous words in anger, surprise, etc; curse
swear-word	n. rude or blasphemous word
swell	v. ~(to sth); ~ (sth) (up) (with sth) (cause sth to) becomelarger or bulge outwards, eg because of pressure from inside
swelter	v. be uncomfortably hot; suffer from the heat
swerve	v. change direction suddenly
swill	v. ~ sth (out/down) (esp Brit) rinse or flush sth by pouring large amounts of water, etc into, over or through it
swindler	n. person who swindles
swipe	v. (infml ) ~ (at) sth/sb (try to) hit sth/sb with a swinging or reckless blow
sybarite	n. person who is very fond of luxury and comfort
sycophant	n. person who tries to gain people's favour by insincerely flattering them and always agreeing with them
syllogism	n. form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two statements, eg All men must die; I am a man; therefore I must die
sylvan	=> silvan
symbiosis	n. relationship between two species, organisms,etc that live close together and depend on each other in various ways
symmetry	n. exact match in size and shape between the two halves of sth
synchronous	similary timed; simultaneous with
synoptic	adj. of or forming a synopsis
synthesis	n. combining of separate parts, elements, etc to form a complex whole
synthetic	adj. made by synthesis(

S Set4

sporadic	adj. happening or seen only occasionally or in a few places; occurring irregularly
sportive	adj. playful
sprightly	adj. lively and full of energy
sprout	v. ~ (from sth) begin to grow or appear; put out leaves, shoots, etc
spruce	adj. tidy and clean in appearance; smart ;
spry	adj. lively and active
spurious	adj. not genuine or authentic; false or fake
spurn	v. reject or refuse scornfully or contemptuously
squabble	v. ~ (about/over sth) quarrel noisily (as children do), esp over unimportant matters
squalid	adj. very dirty and unpleasant (esp because of neglect or poverty)
squalor	n. squalid state
squander	v. ~ sth waste (time, money, etc); use sth wastefully
squash	v. press or squeeze (sb/sth) flat or into a pulp; crush
squat	v. ~ (down) (of people) sit on one's heels or on the ground with the knees drawn up under or close to the body; crouch
squeamish	adj. having a delicate stomach and easily made sick
squelch	v. make a sucking sound as when feet are lifted from thick sticky mud
staccato	adj. adv (to be played) with each successive note short, clear anddetached; not smooth(ly)
stagnant	adj. not flowing and therefore dirty and smelling unpleasant; still and stale
staid	adj. (of people, their appearance, behaviour, tastes, etc) serious, dull and old-fashioned; conservative
stalemate	n. position of the pieces in the game of chess in which the player whose move it is cannot move without putting his king in check
stalwart	adj. (of a person) strong and sturdy
stamina	n. ability to endure much physical or mental strain; long-lasting energy and resilience; staying-power
stammer	v. speak with sudden pauses and a tendency to repeat rapidly the same sound or syllable (because of a speech defect or from fear, excitement, etc)
stamp	v. ~ sth put (one's foot) down heavily on (the ground, etc); flatten (sth) by doing this
stampede	n. sudden rush of frightened animals
stanch	v. stop the flow of (esp blood)
standstill	n. halt; stop
stanza	n. group of lines forming a unit in some types of poem; verse of poetry
start	n. beginning of a journey, an activity, a plan, a race, etc; process or act of starting
stately	adj. dignified; imposing; grand
static	adj. not moving or changing; stationary
statute	n. law passed by Parliament or a similar law-making body and written down formally
statutory	adjfixed, done or required by statute
steadfast	adj. ~ (fml usu approv , ) firm and not changing or yielding; constant
stealth	n. acting or behaving in a quiet or secret way
steep	adj. (of a slope, stairs, etc) rising or falling sharply, not gradually
stellar	adj. of a star or stars
stem	n. main central part of a plant, bush or tree coming up from the roots, from which the leaves or flowers grow
stench	n. very unpleasant smell
stentorian	adj. (of a voice) loud and powerful
stereotype	n. image,idea, character, etc that has become fixed or standardizedin a conventional form without individuality
sterile	adj. not producing or not able to produce seeds, young or children
stickler	n. ~ for sth person who thinks that a certain goal is very important and tries to make other people aim at it
stifle	v. feel or make unable to breathe (easily) because of lack of fresh air; suffocate
stigma	n. mark of shame or disgrace; shameful feeling or reputation
stilted	adj. (of a manner of talking, writing, behaving, etc) stiff and unnatural; artificial
stink	v. (infml ) ~ (of sth) have a very unpleasant and offensive smell
stint	v. ~ on sth; ~ sb/oneself (usu in negative sentences ) restrict, limit sb/oneself to a small amount of (esp food)
stipend	n. official income (esp of a clergyman); salary ;
stipple	v. paint, draw or engrave in small dots (not in lines, etc)
stipulate	v. state (sth) clearly and firmly as a requirement
stock	n. store of goods available for sale, distribution or use, in a shop, warehouse, etc
stockade	n. line or wall of strong upright posts, built as a defence
stodgy	adj. (infml derog , ) (of food) heavy, solid and difficult to digest
stoic	n. person who has great self-control and who endures pain, discomfort or misfortune without complaining or showing signs of feeling it ,
stoke	v. ~ sth (with sth) put (coal or some other fuel) on the fire of a furnace, an engine, etc
stolid	adj. (of a person) not easily excited; showing little or no emotion or interest
stoop	v. ~ (down) bend forward and down
stout	adj. strong and thick
straggle	v. grow or spread in an irregular or untidy manner
strangle	v. kill by squeezing or gripping the throat tightly; throttle
stratagem	n. trick, plan or scheme to deceive sb (esp an enemy)
stratified	[ stratify: ] to form or be formed in layers or strata
stratum	n. any of a series of horizontal layers, esp of rock in the earth's crust
strew	v. ~ A (on/over B); ~ B with A scatter sth (over a surface); cover (a surface) with scattered things; sprinkle
striated	adj. marked with stripes, lines or furrows
stricture	n. (fml ) severe criticism or condemnation
strident	adj. loud and harsh; shrill
stringent	adj. that must be obeyed; strict or severe
strut	n. rod or bar placed in a framework to strengthen and brace it
studied	adj. carefully considered; intentional; deliberate
studious	adj. spending a lot of time studying
stultify	v. (fml ) cause (sth) to be ineffective or seem absurd; negate
stumble	v. ~ strike one's foot against sth and almost fall
stump	n. part of a tree left in the ground after the rest has fallen or been cut down
stun	v. make (a person or an animal) unconscious by a blow, esp to the head
stupefy	make numb; stun; amaze
stupor	n. condition of being dazed or nearly unconscious caused by shock, drugs, alcohol, etc
sturdy	adj. strong and solid
stygian	adj. very dark; gloomy
stymie	n. situation on the green in which an opponent's ball is between one's own ball and the hole
suavity	[ suave: ]
subaltern	n. any officer in the army below the rank of captain
subdue	v. bring under control by force; defeat
subjective	adj. existing in the mind and not produced by things outside the mind
subjugate	v. gain controlof (a country, etc); subdue; conquer ;
sublimate	v. express (instinctual urges, esp sexual ones) in more socially acceptable ways
sublime	adj. of the greatest, most admirable kind; causing awe and reverence
subliminal	adj. being perceivedor affecting the mind without one being aware of it
submerge	v. go under the surface of a liquid, the sea, etc
submissive	adj. willing to yield to the authority of others; obedient
subordinate	adj. ~ (to sb) lower in rank or position
suborn	v. use bribery or some other means to persuade (sb) to do sth illegal, esp tell lies in a court of law
subpoena	n. written order requiring a person to appear in a lawcourt
subsequent	adj. later; following
subservient	adj. ~ (often derog ) giving too much respect, obedience, etc; submissive
subside	v. sink to a lower or to the normal level
subsidiary	adj. 1~ connected to but smaller, of less importance,etc than sth else; subordinate
subsidy	n. money paid, esp by a government, to help an industry, to support the arts, to keep prices down, etc
subsistence	n. subsisting

S Set3

skittish	adj. lively and playful; difficult to control
skulduggery	n. deception and planning of evil acts; trickery
skulk	v. hide or move around as if one is ashamed or trying to hide, esp when one is planning sth bad
slack	adj. not tight or tense; loose
slacken	v. become slack
slag	n. waste matter that remains after metal has been extracted from ore by smelting
slake	v. satisfy
slander	n. false statement intended to damage sb's reputation
slap	v. strike (sb/sth) with the palm of the hand or with sth flat; smack
slapdash	adj. adv in a careless and hasty way
slaughter	n. the killing of animals, esp for food
slavish	adj. lacking in independence or originality
sleazy	adj. (infml ) (esp of a place) dirty and not respectable; sordid
sledge	n. vehicle with long narrow strips of wood, metal, etc instead of wheels, for travelling over ice and snow
sleek	adj. smooth and glossy
sleeper	n. person who sleeps in the specified way
sleigh	n. sledge, esp one drawn by a horse
sleight	n. ,sleight of `hand great skill in using the hands in performing conjuring tricks, etc
slew	pt of slay
slick	adj. done smoothly and efficiently, apparently without effort
slight	adj. not serious or important; small
slink	v. move as if one feels guilty or ashamed, or does not want to be seen
slipshod	adj. not done or not doing things carefully; careless
slither	v. slide or slip unsteadily
sloth	n. laziness; idleness ;
slough	n. swamp; marsh ;
slovenly	adj. careless, untidy, dirty, etc in appearance, dress or habits
sluggard	n. lazy slow-moving person
sluggish	adj. slow-moving; not alert or lively; lethargic
sluice	n. sliding gate or other device for controlling the flow of water out of or into a canal, lake, lock, etc
slur	v. run (sounds, words) into each other so that they are indistinct
sly	adj. (often derog ) acting or done in a secret, often cunning and deceitful, way
smart	adj. bright and new-looking; well-dressed; neat
smattering	n. ~ slight knowledge, esp of a language
smear	v. ~ sth on/over sth/sb; ~ sth/sb with sth spread a greasy or sticky substance, eg paint, on sth/sb
smelt	v. heat and melt in order to obtain the metal it contains
smirk	n. silly or self-satisfied smile
smolder	= smoulder
smother	v. die from lack of air, or from not being able to breathe; suffocate
smudge	n. dirty or blurred mark, oftencaused by rubbing
smug	adj. (usu derog ) too pleased with or proud of oneself, one's achievements, etc; self-satisfied
sneak	v. ~ (to sb) (Brit infml derog , ) (used esp by children ) tell an adult about the faults, wrongdoings, etc of another child
snicker	v. laugh in a suppressed, esp unpleasant, way; snigger
snip	v. ~ (at) sth cut sth sharply (esp with scissors or shears) in short quick strokes
snivel	v. (derog ) cry and sniff in a miserable, usu self-pitying, way
snub	v. treat (sb) coldly, rudely or with contempt, esp by paying no attention (to him)
snuffle	v. make sniffing noises
soar	v. go up high in the air quickly
sober	adj. with one's actions and thoughts not affected by alcohol
sobriety	n. quality or state of being sober
sodden	adj. soaked through; very wet
sojourn	v. stay (with sb) in a place for a time
solace	n. (thing that gives) comfort or relief (from pain, trouble, distress, etc)
solder	n. soft mixture of metals used, when melted, for joining harder metals, wires, etc together
solecism	n. mistake in the use of language, esp one that shows sb to be foreign or of low social class ,
solemnity	n. state or quality of being solemn; seriousness
solicit	v. ~ (for sth); ~ (sth) (from sb) (fml ) ask (sb) for (eg money, help, votes) earnestly; try to obtain (sth)
solicitor	n. lawyer who prepares legal documents (eg for the sale of land or buildings), advises clients on legal matters, and speaks for them in the lower courts
solicitous	adj. ~ (fml ) very concerned and anxious about (sb's welfare, comfort, etc)
soliloquy	n. speaking one's thoughts aloud, esp in a play when a character does this without another character being present on stage
solitude	n. being alone without companions; solitary state
solstice	n. either of the two times of the year at which the sun is furthest North or South of the equator
soluble	adj. ~ that can be dissolved
solvent	adj. having enough money to pay one's debts; not in debt
somatic	pertaining to the body; physical
somber	of a dismal or depressing character:MELANCHOLY
somnambulist	n. person who does this; sleep-walker ;
somnolent	adj. almost asleep; sleepy; drowsy
sonic	adj. relating to sound, sound-waves or the speed of sound
sonnet	n. type of poem containing 14 lines, each of 10 syllables, and with a formal pattern of rhymes
sonorous	adj. having a full deep sound
soothsayer	n. fortune-teller; prophet
sophist	n. person who uses clever but false arguments intended to deceive
sophisticated	adj. having or showing much worldly experience and knowledge of fashionable life
sophistication	n. quality of being sophisticated
sophistry	n. use of sophisms
sophomoric	conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature
soporific	n, adj causing sleep
sordid	adj. (of conditions, places, etc) dirty and unpleasant; squalid
sound	adj. in good condition; not hurt, diseased, injured or damaged
sour	adj. having a sharp taste (like that of vinegar, a lemon or unripe fruit)
sovereign	adj. (of power) without limit; highest
sovereignty	n. independent sovereign power
sow	n. fully grown female pig .
spangle	n. tiny piece of shining metal or plastic used for decoration on a dress, etc, esp in large numbers
spare	adj. in addition to what is usu needed or used; kept in reserve for use when needed
sparse	adj. not dense, thick or crowded; thinly scattered
Spartan	adj. (of conditions) simple and harsh; without luxury or comforts
spasmodic	adj. occurring or done at irregular intervals (usu for short periods at a time); not continuous or regular
spat	pt, pp of spit1
spate	n. sudden fast rush
spatial	adj. of, concerning or existing in space
spatula	n. tool with a wide flat blunt blade used for mixing and spreading, esp in cooking and painting
spawn	n. eggs of fish, shellfish and frogs, toads, etc
specious	adj. seeming rightor true but actually wrong or false
speck	n. very small spot or stain; tiny particle
spectral	adj. of or like a spectre(1)
spectrum	n. (usu sing ) image of a band of colours as seen in a rainbow (and usu described as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet), formed by a ray of light that has passed through a prism
speechless	adj. unable to speak, esp because of strong feeling
spendthrift	n. person who spends money extravagantly and wastefully
sphinx-like
spin	v. ~ sth (round) make sth turn round and round rapidly
splice	v. join (two ends of rope) by weaving the strands of one into the strands of the other
spoilsport	(informal)
spontaneity	impulsiveness; absence of premeditation
spoof	n. ~ (of/on sth) humorous imitation or parody
spoonerism	n. result of changing round, esp accidentally, the initial sounds of two or more words when speaking, eg well-boiled icicle for well-oiled bicycle well-oiled bicycle well-boiled icicle