| lantern slide |
an early type of photographic transparency for projection. |
| lanthanide |
any of the lanthanide series of chemical elements. |
| lanthanide series |
a series of chemical elements having from fifty-seven to seventy-one protons in each nucleus; rare-earth elements. |
| lanthanum |
a chemical element of the rare-earth group that has fifty-seven protons in each nucleus and that occurs as a soft, highly reactive, solid metal or as a trivalent ion. (symbol: La) |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, esp. that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| lanyard |
a short rope or wire used to fasten or tauten gear or rigging on a ship. [4 definitions] |
| Laos |
a Southeast Asian country between Vietnam and Thailand. |
| Lao Tzu |
a Chinese philosopher considered to be the founder of Taoism (about the sixth century B.C.). |
| lap1 |
the front of the human body from the waist to the knees when one is in a sitting position, or the portion of one's clothing that covers this part of the body. [2 definitions] |
| lap2 |
to fold over, or enfold in. [10 definitions] |
| lap3 |
to lightly splash or slap against. [6 definitions] |
| laparoscope |
a medical instrument, inserted in the abdomen by surgery, that is used for viewing the abdominal or pelvic organs. |
| La Paz |
the seat of the Bolivian government. (Cf. Sucre.) |
| lapboard |
a thin board held on the lap for use as a writing surface. |
| lap dissolve |
a film and television technique in which one image fades away at the same time as another becomes stronger. |
| lap dog |
a small dog kept as a pet. |
| lapel |
an extension of a collar down the front of the chest and folded back toward it over the front of the garment. |
| lapful |
as much or many as can be held on a lap. |
| lapidary |
one whose work is to cut, polish, or engrave gemstones, or the work itself. [5 definitions] |
| lapin |
a rabbit or its fur, esp. as prepared for wear as clothing. |
| lapis lazuli |
an opaque blue stone used as a semiprecious gem and in pigment. [2 definitions] |