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A2 |
abbreviation of "ampere" or "amperes," a unit of electrical current that refers to the quantity of current that passes through a resistor of one ohm when a potential of one volt is applied, equal to one coulomb per second. |
account |
an arrangement that allows one to gain access to a computer, a computer application, or website when one enters a username and password that one has established. [1/16 definitions] |
achene |
a small, dry, hard seed that is attached at a single point and that does not split open when it is mature. |
acrylic resin |
any of a group of transparent synthetic resins that become pliable or set when heated and are used in acrylic fibers, plastics, and synthetic rubbers. |
add up to |
equal (a certain sum) or point to (a logical conclusion) when looked at together. |
adenoid |
(usu. pl.) a mass of tissue between the nose and the throat that, when swollen, can hinder breathing. [1/2 definitions] |
adulterant |
something that, when added to a substance, makes the substance impure or inferior. [1/2 definitions] |
aeolian harp |
a musical instrument consisting of an open box with gut strings stretched across it that produce rising and falling sounds when wind passes over them. |
aerodynamic |
of a contour or surface, offering the minimum of resistance when moving through air. [1/2 definitions] |
affix |
in grammar, a word element that, when added to a word, modifies its meaning or function; prefix, infix, or suffix. [1/5 definitions] |
airlift |
the systematic transportation of people or supplies by air when ground routes are impossible or dangerous to use, esp. in a battle zone or during an emergency. [1/2 definitions] |
Albigenses |
the members of a Christian sect that flourished in southern France from the eleventh to the thirteenth century, when it was exterminated for heresy. |
alcohol |
one of a class of colorless, flammable, and volatile liquids that in pure form is contained in beverages such as beer, wine, and whiskey, and causes intoxication when drunk to excess; ethanol. [1/3 definitions] |
alcoholism |
a pathological condition resulting from habitual overuse of alcoholic beverages, characterized by dependence on alcohol, difficulty in functioning properly, and severe withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped. |
Algonkian |
of, relating to, or designating the later of two geological periods of the Precambrian Era, from approximately 2.5 billion to 600 million years ago, when the first evidence of life appeared; Late Precambrian; Proterozoic. [1/4 definitions] |
a little |
a small amount of something (used when the amount, though small, is nonetheless significant). [1/5 definitions] |
amber |
a hard, translucent fossil resin that will develop an electric charge when rubbed. [1/4 definitions] |
ampere |
a unit of electrical current that refers to the quantity of current that passes through a resistor of one ohm when a potential of one volt is applied, equal to one coulomb per second. (abbr.: A, amp) |
anachronism |
the representation of something as existing or happening at a time when that thing did not exist or happen, or a similar presentation done in error. [1/2 definitions] |
anacoluthon |
a sudden shift within a sentence from one grammatical structure to another, esp. when done for rhetorical effect. |
animated cartoon |
a motion picture made by photographing a sequence of drawings showing stages of movement, so as to create the illusion of motion when the images are projected in quick succession. |
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