| a1 |
the first letter of the English alphabet. [3 definitions] |
| a2 |
any one of a group or kind. [3 definitions] |
| a3 |
in every or in each; for every or for each. |
| a-1 |
a prefix that means "on," "at," "into," or "to." |
| a-2 |
a prefix that means "away," "from," or "off." [2 definitions] |
| aardvark |
a large mammal with a long snout, long ears, a long tail, and with long fur mostly around its legs. Aardvarks are active at night, when they use their powerful claws to dig open ant or termite nests. They catch their food with their long, sticky tongue. Aardvarks live in southern and central Africa. Although they are sometimes called anteaters, aardvarks are not closely related to any other kind of mammal. |
| abacus |
a device used for counting or calculating. An abacus has beads or other counters that slide along rods or in grooves. |
| abalone |
a large sea snail that has several shiny colors on the inside of its shell. Abalone are mollusks. People eat abalone meat and make decorations from the shells. |
| abandon |
to leave behind with no plan to return or take possession of again; desert. [3 definitions] |
| abandoned |
left forever; deserted. |
| abate |
to make less in amount or intensity. [2 definitions] |
| abbey |
a religious place or building where monks or nuns live. |
| abbreviate |
to shorten the time or length of. [2 definitions] |
| abbreviation |
a shortened form of a word or phrase used in writing. |
| abdicate |
to officially give up a position of power or a right. |
| abdomen |
the part of the body between the chest and the hips. The abdomen contains the stomach, intestines, and liver. [2 definitions] |
| abduct |
to carry off or lead away by force; kidnap. |
| abide |
to continue. [3 definitions] |
| abide by |
to obey; agree to. |
| ability |
the power to do something; the quality of being able. [2 definitions] |
| ablaze |
on fire. [2 definitions] |