| a1 |
the first letter of the English alphabet. [2/3 definitions] |
| a2 |
any one of a group or kind. [2/3 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. |
| 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. [1/3 definitions] |
| abbreviate |
to shorten the time or length of. [1/2 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] |
| ability |
the power to do something; the quality of being able. [1/2 definitions] |
| -able |
a suffix that means capable or worthy of being the object of a certain action. [1/3 definitions] |
| abolish |
to get rid of or do away with; end. |
| abolition |
the act of doing away with or putting an end to; the act of abolishing. [2 definitions] |
| abolitionist |
a person who supported Abolition, or the ending of slavery, before the Civil War. |
| aborigine |
one of the first people to live in an area. |
| about |
near; in the area of. [2/8 definitions] |
| abscess |
a sore that forms within the tissues of the body and is filled with pus. Abscesses can be caused by an infection. |
| absence |
the fact or condition of being away or not present. [3 definitions] |
| absorb |
to hold the full attention of. [1/2 definitions] |
| absorption |
the act of soaking up or absorbing. [2 definitions] |
| abstract |
hard to understand because not based on one's experience of the world. [1/3 definitions] |