browse search

Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z
synchrotron radiation electromagnetic radiation that is given off by high-energy particles as they are accelerated to nearly the speed of light in a magnetic field.
syncline a formation of rock layers that incline upward from the median line or axis. (Cf. anticline.)
syncopate in music, to make (a rhythm) more complex as by accenting beats that are not normally accented or employing rests where accented beats would be expected. [2 definitions]
syncopation in music or poetry, a shifting of stress from normally accented beats to normally unaccented beats. [2 definitions]
syncope the shortening of a word by dropping one or more sounds from its center, as in shortening "ever" to "e'er". [2 definitions]
syncretism an attempted combination or reconciliation of opposing principles, beliefs, or practices, esp. in religion or philosophy. [2 definitions]
syncretize to try to bring together or make (ideas or philosophies) compatible.
syndic one who represents and does business on behalf of an institution, esp. a university. [2 definitions]
syndicalism a radical political movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries supporting labor union control of all industry and the dissolving of governmental authority.
syndicate a group of individuals, organizations, or corporations making some joint effort or undertaking joint negotiations or transactions. [5 definitions]
syndrome a group or pattern of symptoms that together are indicative of a particular disease, disorder, or condition. [2 definitions]
synecdoche a figure of speech in which one term is used representatively for another by substituting a part for the whole or the specific for the general, or the reverse of these, such as "wheels" for "car" or "the police" for "a policeman".
syneresis the contraction of two syllables or vowels into one syllable, esp. to form a diphthong. [3 definitions]
synergetic working together or cooperatively.
synergism the joint effect of agents that is increased beyond the effects of each agent separately.
synergy the combined action or power of two or more things. [2 definitions]
synesthesia a phenomenon in which a stimulus applied to one part of the body causes a sensation in another, as when a smell produces the visualization of a prior experience.
synfuel see "synthetic fuel."
syngas a synthetic gas, produced from the combustion of fossil fuels or biomass, that contains hydrogen and can be used as a fuel.
synod an assembly of the officers of a given church or denomination for the discussion of church affairs; ecclesiastical council. [2 definitions]
synodical of or pertaining to a synod; synodal. [2 definitions]