backstroke |
the arm motion of a swimmer moving along on his or her back. |
backward |
in the direction of or toward the back. [4 definitions] |
backward and forward |
in depth; completely; thoroughly. |
backyard |
an open area behind a house that is part of the homeowner's property. |
bacon |
salted and smoked meat taken from the back and side of the pig. |
bacteria |
microscopic organisms that often play a role in the decay of living things, the process of fermentation, and sometimes in causing disease. Bacteria are each made up of only one cell, but different kinds of bacteria can take different shapes. These organisms live in all parts of the earth including oceans, deserts, glaciers, hot springs, and in the bodies of most living things. While some kinds of bacteria are dangerous, most kinds are useful because they help in the digestion of food, in the making of soil, in the creation of medicines, and in many other natural processes. |
bacterium |
singular form of "bacteria." Bacteria are tiny living things made up of one cell each. Bacteria live in most living things and in all parts of the earth. Most bacteria are useful to people, but some are harmful because they can cause disease. |
bad |
not giving what is desired or required. [10 definitions] |
badge |
a pin, patch, or ribbon people wear to show that they belong to a group, have a particular job, or have done something special. |
badger |
a furry mammal with short legs and a long body. The American badger has a white stripe on its forehead that runs down its back, and it has long dark marks on its face also. Badgers eat worms, rodents, rabbits, and plants. Different kinds of badgers live in Europe, Asia, and North America. They are related to skunks, otters, and other kinds of weasels. [2 definitions] |
badly |
not well; in a bad way. [3 definitions] |
badminton |
a sport in which players use rackets to hit a small rubber object back and forth across a high net. |
badmouth |
(informal) to speak of in a way that is not kind or fair. |
baffle |
to confuse; puzzle. |
bag |
a soft container made of cloth, paper, or leather, used to hold things; sack; pouch. [4 definitions] |
bagel |
a kind of bread roll that is shaped like a ring. Bagel dough is boiled in water before it is baked. |
baggage |
suitcases, bags, or trunks used to carry things during travel; luggage. |
baggy |
hanging in a loose way; puffed out. |
Baghdad |
the capital city of Iraq. |
bagpipe |
a wind instrument made of a leather bag and pipes. It is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing the bag to force air through pipes that produce musical tones. |
Bahamas |
(used with a plural verb) a chain of islands southeast of Florida. [2 definitions] |