| abaca |
a Philippine plant of the banana family that yields a fiber used in making rope. |
| aback |
so that the wind catches the front side of an open sail. [2 definitions] |
| abacus |
a device used to make arithmetic calculations, consisting of a frame with parallel rods or grooves that hold movable counters such as beads. |
| Abaddon |
in the Old Testament, a place of destruction; abode of the wicked dead; hell. [2 definitions] |
| abaft |
in nautical terminology, toward the stern from; behind. [2 definitions] |
| abalone |
a large edible marine snail, the shell of which is lined with mother-of-pearl. |
| abandon |
to leave (someone or something) with no intention of returning or taking up possession again. [6 definitions] |
| abandoned |
left forever; deserted. [2 definitions] |
| abandon ship |
to leave a ship that is in danger of sinking. [2 definitions] |
| abase |
to diminish (something of value) or to place (esp. oneself) in a lower position than another or others; lower; demean. |
| abasement |
the act of bringing down or the state of being brought down in rank, status, or reputation. |
| abash |
to cause to feel embarrassed, uneasy, or ashamed. |
| abate |
to become less in amount, degree, or intensity; subside. [3 definitions] |
| abatement |
the act of lessening or reducing, or the condition of being lessened or reduced. [2 definitions] |
| abatis |
an obstacle constructed by bending and sharpening the branches of trees or implanting sharpened limbs in a soil barricade, sometimes interlaced with barbed wire. |
| abattoir |
a place where animals are killed and cut up for food; slaughterhouse. |
| abbacy |
the authority, term of office, or rights of an abbot. |
| abbé |
a title of respect for any clergyman, esp. in France. |
| abbess |
the female superior of a convent of nuns. |
| abbey |
a monastery or convent, or the buildings that compose it. |
| abbot |
the male superior of a monastery. |