| aquiculture |
the growing of plants, often for their edible fruits, in nutrient water or water-soaked inert material rather than in soil; hydroponics. [1/2 definitions] |
| arc furnace |
an electric furnace in which heat is produced by an arc formed between the material being heated and an electrode, or between two electrodes. |
| asbestos |
the material made from this mineral. [1/2 definitions] |
| ascetic |
one who practices extreme self-denial, esp. of material comforts and pleasures, and esp. for religious reasons. [1/3 definitions] |
| atomic theory |
a former theory that all material objects and substances are composed of irreducible units of matter. [1/2 definitions] |
| backfill |
the material that is used to refill an excavation. [1/2 definitions] |
| badge |
a piece of metal, cloth, or other material worn to signify a particular membership, rank, occupation, or accomplishment. [1/3 definitions] |
| ballast |
heavy material placed in the hold of a boat or ship to make it more stable. [2/4 definitions] |
| balloon |
a large bag made of thin material designed to inflate and be lifted off the ground when filled with hot air or a gas that is lighter than air. [2/8 definitions] |
| bamboo |
the stems of such a plant, used as a building material for such things as houses and fences, and for a wide variety of products such as hats, furniture, musical instruments, and chopsticks. [1/2 definitions] |
| band2 |
a thin strip of flexible material that binds several objects together. [4 definitions] |
| bar1 |
a length of rigid, solid material, often cylindrical in shape, generally used as a barrier or support. [1/13 definitions] |
| basting |
sewing done by stitching loosely to temporarily hold material in place. [1/2 definitions] |
| bath mat |
a rug or mat of absorbent or rubberized material used next to, or in, a bathtub. |
| batt |
natural or synthetic pieces of material used as filler for quilts and the like; batting. |
| batten2 |
a thin, flexible length of wood or other material used to maintain flatness in a sail. [1/4 definitions] |
| bedding |
material such as straw or sawdust that is used as a bed for animals. [1/3 definitions] |
| beholden |
indebted for favors or material aid; obligated. |
| belch |
to emit material violently; gush forth; erupt. [1/4 definitions] |
| belt |
a strip of cloth, leather, or other material worn around the waist. [3/11 definitions] |
| belting |
material used for making belts. [1/3 definitions] |