Browse dictionary
Showing 1-20 of 1041 results in 1041 entries
1. ABD, n. View full entry 1954
...A student who has completed all the work required for the award of a doctorate, except for the dissertation; an unofficial qualification recognizing this status; also in PhD (ABD)....
2. ackamarackus, n. View full entry 1933
...Something regarded as pretentious nonsense; something intended to deceive; humbug. Freq. in the old ackamarackus....
3. Adam and Eve, n. View full entry 1789
...N. Amer. Any of several similar North American orchids, esp. the putty-root, Aplectrum hyemale, with a tuber formerly (and sometimes still) used medicinally or carried to protect...
4. adze | adz, n. View full entry eOE
...A tool similar to an axe, with a blade set at right angles to the shaft and curving inwards towards it, used for cutting or slicing away the surface of wood. Also:...
5. Afghanistanism, n. View full entry 1948
...Preoccupation (esp. on the part of journalists) with distant events, as a diversion from controversial domestic issues (see quot. 1950)....
6. aka, adv. View full entry 1948
...‘Also known as’: introducing an alternative name for a person (esp. an alias or nickname)....
7. Alaska, n. View full entry 1867
...the purchase by the United States from Russia, in 1867, of the territory now constituting the state of Alaska. Cf. purchase13c....
8. Albanian, n.4 View full entry 1689
...A native or inhabitant of Albany, New York State....
9. Albany beef, n. View full entry 1779
...The flesh of the sturgeon, used as food....
10. Aleppine, adj. and n. View full entry 1584
...Of or relating to Aleppo, a city in northern Syria, or its inhabitants....
11. alexanders, n. View full entry eOE
...A tall biennial plant, Smyrnium olusatrum (family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), native to southern Europe, with large, glossy compound leaves and clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers, formerly commonly...
12. Algerine, n. and adj. View full entry 1657
...A native or inhabitant of Algeria or Algiers, an Algerian; esp. a pirate from Algiers. Now hist....
13. Alibi Ike, n. View full entry 1915
...A person who continually makes excuses for his or her actions....
14. Alice blue, n. and adj. View full entry 1905
...A light greenish-blue colour....
15. American, n. and adj. View full entry 1568
...An indigenous inhabitant of (any part of) the Americas; an American Indian. Now only with modifying word, as indigenous American, original American, etc.; see also Native American...
16. Amerika, n. View full entry 1969
...American society viewed as racist, fascist, or oppressive, esp. by African-Americans....
17. Ameslan, n. View full entry 1972
...= American Sign LanguageAmerican3a. Cf. ASLA....
18. ARVN | Arvin, n. View full entry 1966
...The Army of the Republic of (South) Vietnam; a member of this army....
19. Babbitry, n. View full entry 1920
...Behaviour and attitudes characteristic of or associated with the character George Babbitt (see Babbitt); esp. materialistic complacency and unthinking conformity....
20. Babbitt, n.2 View full entry 1921
...A person likened to the character George Babbitt, esp. a materialistic, complacent businessman who conforms unthinkingly to the views and standards of his social set. Usu. in pl....
