dict4b Flashcards
sheaf
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping.
sheathe
put (a weapon such as a knife or sword) into a sheath.
encase (something) in a close-fitting or protective covering.
sharkskin
the rough scaly skin of a shark, sometimes used as shagreen.
a stiff, slightly lustrous synthetic fabric.
sharia
the code of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Mohammed; “sharia is only applicable to Muslims”; “under Islamic law there is no separation of church and state”
snarl
to cause to become knotted and intertwined : tangle
2
: to make excessively complicated
signified
the meaning expressed by a sign rather than the physical form it is expressed in red light=signifier STOP=signified
signifier
a sign’s physical form (such as a sound, printed word, or image) as distinct from its meaning. “red light” not “stop”
skag
A slang term for the drug Heroin
silkscreen
a printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil to receive a desired image. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink or other printable materials which can be pressed through the mesh as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate
silt
granular material of a size somewhere between sand and clay whose mineral origin is quartz and feldspar. It may occur as a soil or as sediment mixed in suspension with water (also known as a suspended load) in a body of water such as a river. It may also exist as soil deposited at the bottom of a water body.
silverback
an adult male gorilla // A term used to describe the larger “buck” or bigger undomesticated black male. Usually a parolee because his larger size from regular meals and lifting weights.
simoom
a hot dry violent dust-laden wind from Asian and African deserts.
singe
burn (something) superficially or lightly.
smut
Highly developed stories with love lines and other things that appeal to women that also include alot of sexually explicit scenes. language, pictures, or stories that deal with sex in a way that is offensive
simplex
pertaining to or noting a telecommunications system permitting communication in only one direction at a time.
sinecure
a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit.
sine qua non
an essential condition; a thing that is absolutely necessary.
single lens reflex
typically uses a mirror and prism system (hence “reflex”, from the mirror’s reflection) that permits the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured, contrary to viewfinder cameras where the image could be significantly different from what will be captured.
singlet
a sleeveless garment worn under or instead of a shirt.
sinistral
of or on the left side or the left hand (the opposite of dextral), in particular.
sinoatrial node
a group of cells positioned in the wall of the right atrium just lateral to the junction where the superior vena cava enters the right atrium. the impulse-generating (pacemaker) tissue located in the right atrium of the heart, and thus the generator of normal sinus rhythm.
sitrep
a report on the current military situation in a particular area.
sistrom
a musical instrument of ancient Egypt consisting of a metal frame with transverse metal rods that rattled when the instrument was shaken.
situation ethics
takes into account the particular context of an act when evaluating it ethically, rather than judging it according to absolute standards
snide
derogatory or mocking in an indirect way.
slaver
a person dealing in or owning slaves.
a ship used for transporting slaves.
slip ring
an electrical connector designed to carry current or signals from a stationary wire into a rotating device. Typically, it consists of a stationary graphite or metal contact (brush) which rubs on the outside diameter of a rotating metal ring. As the metal ring turns, the electrical current or signal is conducted through the stationary brush to the metal ring making the connection.
slingback
A shoe with a strap that wraps around the back of the heel.
skittish
(of an animal, especially of a horse) excitable or easily scared.
slalom
The act or sport of moving or racing in a zigzag course, as in skiing or kayaking. 2. A race that follows a zigzag course, laid out with markers such as flags
slumgullion
a meat stew
smarm
behave in an ingratiating way in order to gain favor.
smooth down (one’s hair), especially with water, oil, or gel.
smock
a loose dress or blouse, with the upper part closely gathered in smocking.
sociolect
a variety of a language used by a particular social group; a social dialect.
solander
a book-form case used for storing manuscripts, maps, prints, documents, old and precious books, etc. It is commonly used in archives, print rooms and libraries.
solarium
a room fitted with extensive areas of glass to admit sunlight.
a room equipped with sunlamps or tanning beds that can be used to acquire an artificial suntan.
solvent
As a noun, it is either a certain kind of chemical or an idea that solves a problem. As an adjective, it describes someone who’s got cash on hand.
sonar
a system for the detection of objects under water and for measuring the water’s depth by emitting sound pulses and detecting or measuring their return after being reflected.
the method of echolocation used in air or water by animals such as bats or whales
sophistry
the use of reasoning or arguments that sound correct but are actually false. : a reason or argument that sounds correct but is actually false.
sorbet
a frozen sweet dessert that is made usually from fruit or fruit juices
sorghum
A cultivated grass (Sorghum bicolor) native to sub-Saharan Africa, several varieties of which are widely grown for their grain, as forage, or as a source of syrup.
soima
the entire body of an organism // an intoxicating juice from a plant of disputed identity that was used in ancient India as an offering to the gods and as a drink of immortality by worshippers in Vedic ritual and worshipped in personified form as a Vedic god
solder
a low-melting alloy, especially one based on lead and tin or (for higher temperatures) on brass or silver, used for joining less fusible metals.
snigger
to laugh quietly
snick
a glancing blow given to the ball. the ball so hit
snell
allows the leader, or tippet, to be directly tied to a baited hook. It was originally invented for use with eyeless hooks but it is still widely used today. It aligns the fishing line or leader with the shank of the hook.
smegma
a thick, cheeselike, sebaceous secretion that collects beneath the foreskin or around the clitoris
sluice
an artificial passage for water to flow through with a gate for controlling the flow. allowing liquid to flow through
nom de guerre
an assumed name, as one under which a person fights, paints, writes, etc.; pseudonym
nominalism
a theory that there are no universal essences in reality and that the mind can frame no single concept or image corresponding to any universal or general term
2
: the theory that only individuals and no abstract entities (as essences, classes, or propositions) exist — compare
nonpareil
without equal // decorative confectionery of tiny balls made with sugar and starch, traditionally an opaque white but now available in many colors
nonplus
surprise and confuse (someone) so much that they are unsure how to react.
non sequitur
a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement.
norepinepherine
It is the hormone and neurotransmitter most responsible for vigilant concentration in contrast to its most chemically similar hormone, dopamine, which is most responsible for cognitive alertness.[2]
Medically it is used in those with severe hypotension. It does this by increasing vascular tone (tension of vascular smooth muscle)
nori
dried laver seaweed pressed into thin sheets and used especially as a seasoning or as a wrapper for sushi.
nosh
To eat a snack or light meal
nostrum
a pet scheme; a medicine, especially one that is not considered effective, prepared by an unqualified person.
notch
a small cut that is shaped like a V and that is made on an edge or a surface. : a narrow passage between mountains. :
nougat
a family of confectioneries made with sugar and/or honey, roasted nuts, whipped egg whites, and sometimes chopped candied fruit
noumenon
a posited object or event that is known (if at all) without the use of the senses // this world may exist, but it is completely unknowable to humans.
nova
a star showing a sudden large increase in brightness and then slowly returning to its original state over a few months.
noyade
destruction or execution by drowning, especially as practiced at Nantes, France, in 1793–94, during the Reign of Terror.
nubbin
something (as an ear of Indian corn) that is small for its kind, stunted, undeveloped, or imperfect. 2. : a small usually projecting part or bit // Supernumerary nipples is the presence of extra nipples.
nubian
a member of one of the group of dark-skinned peoples that formed a powerful empire between Egypt and Ethiopia from the 6th to the 14th centuries
nubuck
top-grain cattle leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a velvet-like surface. It is resistant to wear, and may be white or coloured.[1]
nubile
(of a girl or young woman) sexually mature; suitable for marriage.
nudnik
a pestering, nagging, or irritating person; a bore.
neuces river
drains a region in central and southern Texas southeastward into the Gulf of Mexico. It is the southernmost major river in Texas northeast of the Rio Grande. It is Spanish for nuts;[2] early settlers named the river after the numerous pecan trees along its banks.
nugatory
useless; of no value or importance.
nuisance value
a suit in which the plaintiff is able to
obtain a positive settlement from the defendant even though the defendant knows the
plaintiff’s case is sufficiently weak that he would be unwilling or unlikely actually to
pursue his case to trial.
numen
a spiritual force or influence often identified with a natural object, phenomenon, or place.
numinous
surpassing comprehension or understanding; mysterious:
arousing one’s elevated feelings of duty, honor, loyalty, etc.:
numismatic
he study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects.
nutation
an act or instance of nodding one’s head, especially involuntarily or spasmodically. A wobble in a spinning gyroscope or other rotating body.
nutria
A large semiaquatic rodent (Myocastor coypus) native to South America, having webbed feet and a long tail. It is widely raised for fur and has formed wild populations especially in the southern United States.
nux vomica
a major source of the highly poisonous, intensely bitter alkaloids strychnine and brucine, derived from the seeds inside the tree’s round, green to orange fruit.[2] The seeds contain approximately 1.5% strychnine, and the dried blossoms contain 1.0%.[1] However, the tree’s bark also contains brucine and other poisonous compounds.
The use of strychnine is highly regulated in many countries, and is mostly used in baits to kill feral mammals, including wild dogs, foxes, and rodents
nympholepsy
rigid arms, legs, genitals, fingers and toes, as well as bent wrists, ear to ear grin, rapid convulsions of the hips, followed by sounds not found in any language on earth. Nearby, there is usually a woman with goddess like features, curled up naked in a fetal position in the corner unsure of what is happening. When this syndrome has been found in women, they are usually perched frozen upon a male companion’s genitals as her seizure has
apace
swiftly; quickly.
quipu
“talking knots” a series of colored, knotted strings. The type of knot indicated a number, and the knot’s placement signified units of 1, 10, 100, or more. All the cords hung from a main string, and their positions and colors likely signaled what was being counted—gold, corn, or other goods
onager
an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles.
sledge
a vehicle on runners for conveying loads or passengers especially over snow or ice, often pulled by draft animals.
malachite
its beautiful, rich green color, leaves no doubt of its importance as a jewel. Its opaque strength and power demands respect, mesmerizing the viewer. Yet the movement, flow and energy in its lines, circles and designs soothe and welcome. It is spiritually inviting.
manioc
a shrub. It belongs to the Spurge family of plants and it grows in tropical climates. It is cultivated for its edible root and must be cooked properly to detoxify it before it is eaten and can be used in dumplings, soups, stews and gravies.
bushbuck
the most widespread antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is found in rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaics and bush savannaforest and woodland.
prosimian
characterized by nocturnal habits, a long face with a moist snout, prominent whiskers, large mobile ears, and large, slightly sideways-facing eyes, comprising the lemur, loris, potto, bush baby, and aye-aye.
brachiated
(of certain apes) move by using the arms to swing from branch to branch.
chordate
consist of a body wall encasing a gut, with a space between called the coelom. The body is usually long and bilaterally symmetrical, with the mouth and sense organs at the front end.
fretwork
an interlaced decorative design that is either carved in low relief on a solid background, or cut out with a fretsaw, coping saw, jigsaw or scroll saw. Most patterns are geometric in design. The materials most commonly used are wood and metal.[1] It is used to adorn furniture and musical instruments. The term is also used for tracery on glazed windows and doors.
fluke
A whale’s tail is composed of two lobes, each of which move up and down to propel the whale through the water.
catarrhini
It contains the Old World monkeys and the apes; the latter of which are in turn further divided into the lesser apes or gibbons and the great apes, consisting of the orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans. They are all native to Africa and Asia
notochord
the first “backbones” serving as support structures in chordates such as Haikouichthys.[1] They were advantageous to primitive fish-ancestors because they were a rigid structure for muscle attachment, yet flexible enough to allow more movement than, for example, the exoskeleton of the dominant animals of that time.[2] Embryos of vertebrates have them today, as it retained a key role in signalling and coordinating development even as it was lost in most adults
byre
a cow barn
