| afferent |
bearing or leading toward a central organ or part, as nerves that conduct impulses to the spinal column or as veins that carry blood to the heart. |
| Alzheimer's disease |
a severe, progressive disease that causes the brain cells to degenerate, often leading to dementia. |
| background |
historical or social conditions or events leading up to, or being present during, a given situation or event. [1/5 definitions] |
| backward |
with the back part or back side foremost or leading. [1/8 definitions] |
| baneful |
causing or leading to death, destruction, or ruin; harmful or deadly. |
| baton |
a thin rod or stick used by a conductor in leading an orchestra. [1/4 definitions] |
| billet2 |
the part of a strap that passes through a buckle, or the loop or pocket that secures the leading edge of the strap. [1/4 definitions] |
| bracket creep |
(informal) an increase in income leading to one's placement in a higher tax bracket, sometimes resulting in a net decrease in income as a result of higher tax rates and inflation. |
| cassette |
a compact case for film, or audio or video tape, used to facilitate leading a camera or recorder. |
| commanding |
leading or dominating in size or position. [1/3 definitions] |
| companionway |
a stairway or ladder leading from one deck of a ship to another. |
| conditioned response |
a response elicited by repeated presentation of a stimulus not normally connected with the response together with one that is, leading the subject eventually to respond to the first stimulus when it is presented alone. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| cutting edge |
the leading position; forefront; vanguard. [1/2 definitions] |
| dean |
the senior or leading member of some group. [1/4 definitions] |
| demerit |
a mark made on a person's record because of some fault, misconduct, offense, or failure, often leading to punishment or a loss of privileges. [1/2 definitions] |
| diagnosis |
in biology, an exact description leading to a classification. [1/4 definitions] |
| divergence |
the act of separating and moving or leading in different directions. [1/2 definitions] |
| dominant |
most in control; ruling; leading. [1/4 definitions] |
| doorstep |
a step or series of steps leading up to an outside door. |
| echelon |
a formation of troops, planes, or ships in a stairstep pattern behind and to the right or left of the leading unit or craft. [1/3 definitions] |