| abacus |
a device used for counting or calculating. An abacus has beads or other counters that slide along rods or in grooves. |
| abate |
to make less in amount or intensity. [2 definitions] |
| abbreviation |
a shortened form of a word or phrase used in writing. |
| ablaze |
like fire in color. [1/2 definitions] |
| aboard |
on; in; on board. [1/2 definitions] |
| abolition |
(capitalized) the end of slavery in the United States. [1/2 definitions] |
| abolitionism |
a movement in the United States in the 1800s whose goal was to free the people who were slaves and make slavery against the law. |
| aborigine |
one of the first people to live in an area. |
| abound |
to be found in large numbers or amounts. |
| about |
near; in the area of. [2/8 definitions] |
| above |
higher in rank, level, or quality than. [2/5 definitions] |
| abroad |
in or to a country that is not one's own. |
| absorb |
to take in or soak up. [1/2 definitions] |
| abstain |
to choose not to take part in a decision. [1/2 definitions] |
| abstract |
formed in the mind or in thought, with little connection to what actually exists or is proven. [1/3 definitions] |
| absurd |
of, showing, or having to do with the belief that there is no meaning or order in life or in the universe. [1/2 definitions] |
| absurdity |
something that makes no sense or is not at all in the normal order of things. [1/2 definitions] |
| abundant |
large in amount or number; more than enough. |
| abuse |
to use in a way that is wrong or bad; misuse. [2/6 definitions] |
| acacia |
a tree that grows in tropical areas of the world, especially in parts of Africa and Australia. The branches of an acacia spread out very wide and evenly across the top. Sometimes the top of the tree looks almost flat. |
| accent |
the stress a speaker gives to one syllable in a word. [1/5 definitions] |