CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS DE LAS AMÉRICAS A.C. 
“APRENDER PARA EMPRENDER”
SPELLING BEE 2008
Note: Many words have more than one meaning; in such a case, the first or most common is given.
A
| 1. abominable adj | extremely repugnant or offensive |
| 2. accost v | to approach and stop somebody in order to speak, especially in an aggressive manner |
| 3. actuary n | a statistician who calculates insurance premiums, risks, dividends, and annuity rates |
| 4. anaerobic adj | lacking oxygen: having or providing no oxygen |
| 5. adjacent adj | next to |
| 6. anosmia n | absence or loss of the sense of smell |
| 7. amoxicillin n | broad-spectrum synthetic penicillin: a synthetic penicillin |
| 8. arboreous adj | with many trees: covered with trees |
| 9. archaeobotany n | the scientific study of excavated plant remains from ancient times |
| 10. ambiguity n | the state of being indefinite or vague |
| 11. arcuate adj | curved: in the shape of an arc or a bow |
| 12. armiger n | somebody entitled to have a coat of arms |
| 13. ascending adj | moving upward, especially on a scale |
| 14. aspersion n | the making of defamatory remarks |
| 15. asphalt n | paving material composed mainly of petroleum and gravel or crushed rock |
| 16. auctioneer n | somebody who is in charge of and announces the bids at an auction |
| 17. assail v | to attack somebody vigorously with words or actions |
| 18. assay n | an examination and analysis of something |
| 19. aureole. n | halo: a painted or carved representation of a circle of light around the head of a divine being or a saint |
| 20. axiom n | a statement or idea that people accept as self-evidently true |
B
| 21. balk v | to stop suddenly and refuse to go on, especially when faced with an obstacle |
| 22. ballistics n | the study of the movements and forces involved in the propulsion of objects through the air |
| 23. bamboozle v | to trick or deceive somebody through misleading statements or falsehoods |
| 24. banausic adj | uncreative: with no art, creativity, or imagination |
| 25. bedew v | make something wet: to wet or cover something with dew or drops of liquid |
| 26. bedim v | to make the eyes or mind less able to perceive things clearly |
| 27. biathlon n | a competition that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting |
| 28. bibliomania n | an extreme fondness for books, or an obsessive urge to collect them |
| 29. bicentennial n | an anniversary on which something is 200 years old |
| 30. blissful adj | perfectly happy: characterized by perfect happiness |
| 31. bloated adj | swollen with liquid, air, or gas |
| 32. blunder n | serious or embarrassing mistake, usually the result of carelessness |
| 33. bonesetter n | somebody who sets broken or dislocated bones |
| 34. baritone n | a man’s singing voice with a range lower than a tenor and higher than a bass, or a singer with this voice |
| 35.boogie-woogie n | jazz piano style derived from the blues. |
| 36. bounteous adj | generous: giving generously |
| 37. bowdlerize v | to remove parts of a work of literature that are considered indecent |
| 38. bowlegged adj | having legs that curve outward around or below the knee area |
| 39. bowknot n | a decorative knot in the form of a bow |
| 40. bystander n | somebody who observes an activity but is not involved in it |
C
| 41. cacophony n | an unpleasant combination of loud, often jarring, sounds |
| 42. cadge v | to scrounge or beg something from somebody |
| 43. calamitous adj | extremely unfortunate: causing great trouble, tragedy, or disaster |
| 44. cellophane n | a thin, transparent waterproof material made from wood pulp and used for wrapping and covering |
| 45.censorious adj | expressing strong disapproval or harsh criticism |
| 46.cephalometer n | instrument used to measure the size of the human head |
| 47.cinematheque n | a small movie theater, especially one showing artistic or classic films |
| 48. circularize v | to publicize something by distributing leaflets or notices widely |
| 49. circumscribe v | to limit the power of something or somebody to act independently |
| 50. cleavable adj | splitable: able to be split or divided |
| 51. colloquial adj | used in everyday conversation; not formal |
| 52. climacteric n | a period in which critically important changes take place |
| 53. crescendo n | a gradual increase in loudness |
| 54. coadjutor n | assistant: a helper for somebody |
| 55. | a thin fabric made of wool and cotton or silk, twilled on one surface, and used as a dress fabric or lining cloth |
| 56. crabmeat n | the flesh of a crab when used as food |
| 57. crematorium n | a building or furnace where bodies are incinerated |
| 58. coerce v | to force somebody to do something that he or she does not want to do |
| 59. coessential adj | with the same essence or nature |
| 60. cuisine n | a specified style of cooking |
D
| 61. darksome adj | without light and gloomy or unpleasant |
| 62. dartboard n | a round target used in darts |
| 63. dashboard n | a panel in front of the driver of a vehicle or the pilot of a small aircraft or boat |
| 64. deadfall n | simple trap consisting of a heavy weight that falls on and crushes |
| 65. delegitimize v | to take away the legitimacy or legal status of somebody or something |
| 66. demean v | humiliate and degrade: to reduce somebody to a much lower status in a humiliating way |
| 67. diagnose v | to identify an illness or disorder in a patient through an interview and physical examination |
| 68. diamantine adj | looking like diamonds: resembling diamonds |
| 69. diffuse v | to spread something throughout something else, or to become spread throughout something else |
| 70. digitate adj | having fingers or toes, or having parts that are like fingers or toes |
| 71. dilatant adj | able or likely to expand |
| 72. dilute v | to make something thinner or weaker by adding water or another liquid |
| 73. dobsonfly n | very large winged North American insect that has long slender mouthparts in the male |
| 74. doctorate n | the highest level of university degree |
| 75. dogmatize v | to express strongly held opinions in a way that suggests they should be accepted without question |
| 76. dudette n | (slang) a young woman or girl who is very popular or admired by her peers |
| 77. dulcify v | to make something agreeable, especially to the senses |
| 78. dumbbell n | somebody regarded as lacking in intelligence and common sense |
| 79. dumpling n | a small dough ball cooked and served with a stew or soup |
| 80. dungheap n | a pile of solid animal excrement |
E
| 81. earbash v | to talk non-stop |
| 82. earlobe n | the soft fleshy lower part of the outer ear |
| 83. edging n | something used as a border or trim, usually for decoration or protection |
| 84. educable adj | capable of being educated |
| 85. eelgrass n | marine plant resembling grass |
| 86. effectuate v | to do, cause, or accomplish something |
| 87. eggbeater n | a kitchen utensil used for beating or blending such ingredients as raw eggs or cream |
| 88. egomania n | obsessive self-preoccupation |
| 89. elasticity n | ability to return to shape |
| 90. electioneer v | to take an active part in an election campaign |
| 91. embank v | to surround or line a road, canal, or other area with an embankment |
| 92. enamel n | a glassy decorative or protective coating, usually colored and opaque |
| 93. encamp v | stay in camp |
| 94. epidemic n | fast-spreading disease |
| 95. eradicate v | get rid of something completely |
| 96. eremite n | somebody who lives in solitude |
| 97. escalade v | climb walls with ladders |
| 98. esplanade n | open walkway |
| 99. evacuee n | somebody moved to safety |
| 100.evenhanded adj | fair and impartial |
F
| 101. fabulist n | fable writer |
| 102. facedown n | confrontation |
| 103. facsimile n | copy of something |
| 104. factotum n | somebody who does many jobs |
| 105. fiery adj | glowing hot |
| 106. firebomb n | bomb starting a fire |
| 107. flexography n | printing technique resembling letterpress |
| 108. flexure n | a bending or being flexed |
| 109. focalize v | to focus something or bring something into focus |
| 110. folkie n | folk singer |
| 111. follower n | somebody led by another |
| 112. fomites n | objects carrying infection |
| 113. fontanel n | soft spot on baby’s head |
| 114. foodie n | somebody who enjoys good food |
| 115. frostbound adj | confined by frost |
| 116. frou-frou n | unnecessary ornamentation especially of clothing |
| 117.frumentaceous adj | made from wheat |
| 118. frumpish adj | unattractive, drab, or dowdy |
| 119. fuelwood n | wood that is used as fuel |
| 120. fugacious n | fleeting or passing away quickly |
G
| 121. gadgeteer n | someone who enjoys inventing and using gadgets |
| 122. gadolinium n | a silvery white metallic element |
| 123. galligaskins n | loose-fitting stockings that were worn by men 400 years ago |
| 124. gaiety n | joyfulness |
| 125. geanticline n | a raised area of the earth’s crust |
| 126. guillotine n | a machine for beheading persons |
| 127. gelatinous adj | having a semisolid form resembling gelatin |
| 128. gentlemanliness n | the quality of being a polite and cultured man |
| 129. ghaut n | a small valley that has water in it that runs to the sea |
| 130. ghillies n | light shoes with long laces |
| 131. ghoulishly adv | terrifyingly hideously, cruelly or morbidly |
| 132. gigantesque adj | giant-sized |
| 133. girandole n | a wall mounted candleholder |
| 134. glabella n | part of the human forehead |
| 135. glabrescent adj | becoming hairless over time |
| 136. glaciology n | the study of glaciers |
| 137. gnathion n | the lowest point on one's jaw |
| 138. gombroon n | white Iranian pottery |
| 139. guaiacum n | a tropical American tree |
| 140. gymkhana n | a sporting event or contest |
H
| 141. habitable adj | considered fit to be lived in |
| 142. habitual adj | done or acquired by habit |
| 143. hacksaw n | a saw for cutting metal |
| 144. headshrinker n | (informal insult) psychiatrist |
| 145. hectoliter n | a unit of capacity |
| 146. hedgerow n | a row of hedges or bushes or small trees |
| 147. heehaw n | the natural sound made by a donkey |
| 148. heinous adj | utterly evil |
| 149. heliculture n | snail farming |
| 150. heliometer n | a telescope for measuring angular distance |
| 151. hieroglyph n | a picture writing symbol |
| 152. hierocracy n | a government by clergy |
| 153. highlighter n | a marking pen to make text stand out |
| 154. hustle v | jostle or shove |
| 155. hodgepodge n | a jumble, a mixture of several unrelated things |
| 156. hollowly adv | In a hollow way |
| 157. holohedral adj | absolutely symmetrical |
| 158. hullaballoo n | a noisy excitement or fuss |
| 159. humidification n | the process of making something moist |
| 160. hyaloid adj | clear and glassy in appearance |
I
| 161. icebound adj | unable to move because of being covered by ice |
| 162. impetuous adj | marked by impulsive vehemence |
| 163. ichnology n | the study of fossil footprints |
| 164. ichthyology n | a branch of zoology that deals with the study of fish |
| 165. ickiness n | the state of being sticky |
| 166. ideation n | the formation of the idea of something |
| 167. idiopathic adj | describes a disease or disorder that has no known cause |
| 168. idyllic adj | serenely beautiful and happy |
| 169. ignoble adj | of low birth or not honorable |
| 170. ignominious adj | shameful, a total loss of dignity |
| 171. illegitimate adj | against laws or rules; born out of wedlock |
| 172. imbroglio n | a complicated situation |
| 173. immaculate adj | absolutely clean and neat |
| 174. immeasurable adj | too large or too big to be measured |
| 175. irascible adj | quick-tempered, easily provoked |
| 176. isochronous adj | with equal frequency |
| 177. isogenous adj | with the same origin |
| 178. itchiness n | the feeling of wanting to scratch an area |
| 179. itinerary n | a list of places to visit |
| 180. ivied adj | covered with ivy |
J
| 181. jackanapes n | somebody who behaves in an impudent and self-centered way |
| 182. jaguarondi n | a small wild cat |
| 183. jargonization n | the process of turning ordinary language into jargon |
| 184. jejune adj | boring |
| 185. juggernaut n | a Hindu god; lord of the world |
| 186. jitterbug n | a fast energetic jazz dance |
| 187. jobholder n | someone with a regular job |
| 188. jocose adj | Found of joking |
| 189. jocund adj | cheerful and full of good humor |
| 190. joggle n | a gentle shaking or moving action |
| 191. jointworm n | larva that attacks grain crops |
| 192. jubilation n | rejoicing and celebration |
| 193. judgeship n | the condition of being a judge |
| 194. juicehead n | (slang) a heavy drinker or an alcoholic |
| 195. jumboize v | to increase or enlarge a ship |
| 196. juridical adj | related to judges and the law |
| 197. justificative adj | serving or acting to justify something |
| 198. jutting adj | sticking out in some way |
| 199. juvenescent adj | youthful, or young looking |
| 200. juxtapose v | to put side by side or close to each other |
K
| 201. karaoke n | singing to prerecorded music |
| 202. kazoo n | a toy instrument that makes a buzzing sound |
| 203. kedge v | move a vessel |
| 204. keelage n | a docking fee, a charge to use a port for boats |
| 205. keepnet n | a net placed in water, used to keep caught fish alive |
| 206. kenspeckle adj | (Scottish) well known or easily recognized |
| 207. kickabout n | (British) an informal soccer game |
| 208. kickup n | a commotion, a noisy protest |
| 209. kindred adj | similar to someone or something, related by blood |
| 210. kleptomania n | an obsessive desire to steal things |
| 211. knack n | a clever way of doing something |
| 212. knar n | a knot in wood |
| 213. knead v | to work dough until it is smooth and soft |
| 214. kohl n | eye makeup in |
| 215. kolinsky n | a weasel, a small animal |
| 216. komondor n | a large white sheepdog |
| 217. krimmer n | fur from lambs' wool |
| 218. kuchen n | (German) a cake that has been raised with yeast |
| 219. kyack n | a double packsack, one on each side of a saddle |
| 220. kyphosis n | curving of the spine |
L
| 221. lassitude n | tiredness or lack of energy |
| 222. laudable adj | deserving of praise |
| 223. labialize v | to pronounce with rounded lips |
| 224. leaderboard n | a board showing leading golfer’s scores |
| 225. leafcutter ant n | a tropical ant |
| 226. leaflet n | a sheet of folded printed paper with advertising on it |
| 227. leakage n | escape or entrance of a liquid |
| 228. liaise v | to cooperate closely with somebody |
| 229. liberalize v | to reform and become less strict |
| 230. lickspittle n | (British) someone who shows deference to superior people |
| 231. lieutenant n | an army officer |
| 232. liftoff n | the moment when a rocket leaves the ground into the air |
| 233. loach n | a freshwater fish |
| 234. loafer n | a lazy person |
| 235. localism n | a local idiom or tradition |
| 236. lubber n | lout |
| 237. lucent adj | luminous, shining with a glowing light |
| 238. lyase n | an enzyme |
| 239. lyre n | string instrument |
| 240. lyric adj | expressing personal feelings |
M
| 241. macchiato n | espresso with steamed milk |
| 242. macerate v | soften by soaking |
| 243. machinist n | somebody who machines something |
| 244. malaria n | recurring illness transmitted by mosquitoes |
| 245. malcontent n | discontented person |
| 246. maldistribution n | unequal distribution |
| 247. meadowland n | area of meadow |
| 248. microanalysis n | analysis of a tiny sample |
| 249. midcontinent adj | in the middle of continent |
| 250. midfielder n | soccer player active in midfield |
| 251. midrange n | middle of series |
| 252. miking n | arrangement of microphones |
| 253. milepost n | post showing distance to place |
| 254. milestone n | stone showing distance to place |
| 255. molasses n | syrup from sugar refining |
| 256. moloch n | lizard with large spiny scales |
| 257. momentous adj | extremely important or crucial |
| 258. mucklucks n | large waterproof boots made of animal skin |
| 259. muleteer n | mule driver |
| 260. mulishly adv | stubbornly |
N
| 261. naphtha n | a product of distillation, obtained from petroleum |
| 262. narrowcast v | to aim a radio or TV commercial at a specialized audience |
| 263. nasalize v | to make a sound nasal |
| 264. nauseous adj | feeling sick in the stomach |
| 265. neocolonialism n | economic domination by a powerful nation |
| 266. neuralgia n | nerve pain |
| 267. nickelodeon n | an early version of a coin-operated jukebox |
| 268. nightingale n | a night-singing songbird |
| 269. nincompoop n | a offensive word to insult someone’s intelligence |
| 270. nitty-gritty n | the basic and most important details or parts |
| 271. nitroglycerin n | an explosive liquid |
| 272. noggin n | one-quarter of a pint of liquor; or the human head |
| 273. non-fluctuating adj | does not change in degree or level |
| 274. nonoccurrence n | something that didn’t happen, a non-event |
| 275. notarize v | to certify legally |
| 276. nuisance n | somebody or something irritating |
| 277. numismatics n | the study or collection of coins |
| 278. nuthatch n | a small bird that climbs trees |
| 279. nymph n | mythology: a spirit of nature |
| 280. nyctophobia n | the fear of the dark |
O
| 281. obituary n | an announcement of death, usually in a newspaper |
| 282. oblivious adj | unaware |
| 283. obtrude v | to impose something onto others, such as your opinion or yourself |
| 284. octet n | a group of eight, usually musicians |
| 285. ointment n | a greasy substance used on the skin as medicine |
| 286. omnipotent adj | all-powerful |
| 287. operational adj | in proper working order and able to be used |
| 288. opportunism n | the practice of taking advantage of situations |
| 289. orangutan n | a large reddish-brown ape |
| 290. orphanage n | a home for children without parents |
| 291. orthography n | the relationship between sounds and letters, correct spelling |
| 292. outmatch v | to prove stronger and better than someone else |
| 293. overabundance n | an amount greater than what is needed or appropriate |
| 294. overestimate v | calculate something too highly |
| 295. overlap v | to place or be over something else |
| 296. overqualified adj | too highly qualified for a specific job |
| 297. overseas adj | across or beyond the sea or ocean |
| 298. oxidation n | the addition of oxygen in a chemical reaction |
| 299. oxygenate v | to combine with oxygen |
| 300. ozone n | a form of oxygen |
P
| 301. pacifism n | the belief in peaceful resolution of conflicts |
| 302. pageantry n | a magnificent ceremonial display |
| 303. pagination n | page numbers |
| 304. pallbearer n | someone who carriers a casket |
| 305. palpitate v | to beat irregularly |
| 306. pebble n | a small round stone |
| 307. pedology n | the scientific study of children |
| 308. pedestrian n | someone walking, especially in an area where there are cars |
| 309. petulant adj | sulky, crabby, grumpy |
| 310. phenomenon n | a fact or occurrence that can be observed |
| 311. philosophize v | to discuss the nature of reality |
| 312. pigeonhole n | a small place to put messages with small compartments |
| 313. pigmentation n | the natural color of plants and animals |
| 314. pinstripe n | one of many narrow lines in cloth or fabric |
| 315. pistachio n | a hard shelled nut or a tree that produces them |
| 316. plaque n | an inscribed metal or stone that has words on its surface |
| 317. plebeian n | an ordinary citizen of ancient |
| 318. plurality n | the condition of being plural |
| 319. polysyllabic adj | having several syllables |
| 320. predominant adj | the most common, the most important |
Q
| 321. quadrant n | geometry: quarter of the circumference of a circle |
| 322. quadrennial adj | happening every four years |
| 323. quarterfinal n | match before the semifinal |
| 324. queasy adj | feeling ill in the stomach, nauseated |
| 325. quartz n | a crystalline mineral |
| 326. quaver v | to tremble slightly |
| 327. quell v | to bring something to an end, put a stop to |
| 328. querulous adj | tending to complain |
| 329. questionnaire n | a list of questions usually for a survey |
| 330. quiche n | a pie with vegetables, eggs and cream |
| 331. quiescent adj | inactive or at rest |
| 332. quietude n | calmness or tranquillity |
| 333. quinella n | a bet on the first two finishers |
| 334. quintessence n | the purest or most perfect example of something |
| 335. quirky adj | something strange or odd |
| 336. quittance n | release from debt or obligation, exemption |
| 337. quizzical adj | questioning |
| 338. quondam adj | former, of an earlier time |
| 339. quorum n | a minimum number of participants needed for a formal meeting |
| 340. quotient n | math: a result of division |
R
| 341. rabble-rouser n | one who tries to arouse people to violent action |
| 342. rabies n | an infectious disease |
| 343. raglan n | a loose coat with sleeves that continue in one piece to collar |
| 344. randomize v | to arrange or select items so that no specific pattern or order determines the resulting arrangement |
| 345. ravishing adj | extremely delightful or beautiful |
| 346. rebound v | to spring back, as upon impact |
| 347. reckon v | to consider somebody or something to be something |
| 348. recumbent adj | lying down, reclining |
| 349. reimburse v | to pay back |
| 350. rheumatism n | a painful condition of the joints and muscles |
| 351. rhinoceros n | massive horned mammal |
| 352. recalcitrant adj | stubbornly disobedient |
| 353. ripsaw n | a saw with coarse teeth |
| 354. rivulet n | little stream |
| 355. robotics n | the science or technology relating to computer–controlled mechanical devices |
| 356. romanticize v | to make something seem, or believe something to be, more glamorous or ideal than it really is |
| 357. rotisserie n | a grill with an electrically turned spit |
| 358. routinize v | to make routine |
| 359. rupture n | a breaking apart of something |
| 360. rusticate v | to become or make rustic |
S
| 361. salacious adj | lustful, obscene |
| 362. salutary adj | healthful, beneficial |
| 363. sapphire n | precious stone of a clear, deep blue color |
| 364. sarcophagus n | limestone coffins exposed to view as a tomb |
| 365. scandalous adj | causing scandal |
| 366. schizophrenia n | a mental disorder characterized by separation between thoughts |
| 367. seismograph n | an instrument that records the intensity and duration of an earthquake |
| 368.self-determination n | determination according to one’s own mind |
| 369. sentimentalize v | be sentimental or treat in a sentimental way |
| 370. sepulcher n | a vault for burial or tomb |
| 371. servomechanism n | an automatic control system of low power |
| 372. shantung n | a silk or silky fabric with an uneven surface |
| 373. shenanigan n | trickery, mischief |
| 374. soliloquy n | the act of speaking while alone |
| 375. skirmish n | a brief fight between small groups |
| 376. slaughter n | a brutal killing |
| 377. snooze n | a brief sleep |
| 378. spaghetti n | pasta in long thin strings |
| 379. squeamish adj | easily nauseated |
| 380. squiggle n | a short, wavy line |
T
| 381. tabernacle n | a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus |
| 382. taboo adj | socially or culturally proscribed: forbidden to be used |
| 383. teakettle n | kettle used for boiling water for making tea |
| 384. tearful adj | about to cry, or feeling like crying |
| 385. tearjerker n | sentimental artistic work |
| 386. technologize v | to modernize something by introducing technology |
| 387. ticklish n | sensitive to being tickled |
| 388. tiddling n | smallest piglet |
| 389. tiebreaker n | method of deciding the winner in a tie |
| 390. tightened v | became or made tighter |
| 391. timeserver n | opportunist |
| 392. thalassotherapy n | sea-water therapy |
| 393. theatricalism n | relating to or typical of the theater or dramatic performance |
| 394. toboggan n | long narrow runnerless sled |
| 395. toiletry n | article used in grooming |
| 396. tolerability n | capable of being tolerated |
| 397. tubbiness n | state of being overweight |
| 398. tumescence n | state of being swollen or showing signs of swelling |
| 399. turbocharger n | supercharger using gas |
| 400. turnbuckle n | tension-adjusting device |
U
| 401. ubiquitous adj | existing everywhere |
| 402. ufology n | study of UFOs |
| 403. ukulele n | stringed instrument |
| 404. ulotrichous adj | with tightly-curled hair |
| 405. unaccountable adj | impossible to explain or give a reason for |
| 406. unadulterated adj | not mixed or diluted with something else |
| 407. upbraid v | to correct or criticize somebody in a harsh manner |
| 408. upheaval n | violent agitation or change |
| 409. upshift v | shift up gear |
| 410. utterance n | something said or emitted as a vocal sound |
V
| 411. vacancy n | the state of being without an occupant |
| 412. vacuity n | emptiness |
| 413. vagabond n | a homeless wanderer |
| 414. vegetarian n | somebody not eating meat or fish |
| 415. velodrome n | stadium for bicycle races |
| 416. vibraphone n | percussion instrument with metal bars |
| 417. villainy n | evil conduct |
| 418. viperishly adv | maliciously or spitefuly |
| 419. virtuous adj | with moral integrity |
| 420. viscid adj | thick and sticky |
W
| 421. wackiness n | the state of being entertainingly silly |
| 422. wagonload n | the amount that a wagon does or can hold |
| 423. wailfully adv | mournfully cried |
| 424. wainwright n | wagon maker |
| 425. waive v | to give something up voluntarily |
| 426. wakeboard v | sport of jumping a boat’s wake |
| 427. wean v | to free from a cause of dependence |
| 428. weaponry n | the science of designing and making weapons |
| 429. wacky adj | crazy or eccentric |
| 430. whup v | (informal) defeat somebody |
X
| 431. Xanadu n | beautiful place |
| 432. xebec n | small three-masted ship |
| 433. xenophile n | somebody who likes foreigners |
| 434. xerography n | photocopying method |
| 435. X chromosome n | a sex chromosome |
| 436. xerothermic adj | hot and dry |
| 437. xylophone n | a musical instrument |
| 438. xylogenous adj | living on wood |
| 439. xylograph n | wood engraving |
| 440. xylophagous adj | wood-eating |
Y
| 441. yabber v | talk very fast |
| 442. yachtsman n | yacht owner or sailor |
| 443. yammer v | talk loudly and at length |
| 444. yearling n | one that is a year old |
| 445. yellowbelly n | (informal insult) coward |
| 446. Yom Kippur n | a Jewish holiday which is a day of atonement |
| 447. yokozuna n | champion sumo wrestler |
| 448. yuckiness n | unpleasantness |
| 449. yummy adj | (informal) delicious |
| 450. yuppification n | (disapproving) the population of a place with yuppies |
Z
| 451. zapper n | remote control for TV |
| 452. zealot n | zealous follower |
| 453. zebrawood n | hardwood tree with striped wood |
| 454. zucchini n | a summer squash |
| 455. zizz n | a nap |
| 456. zombie n | somebody unresponsive or unthinking |
| 457. zonation n | division into zones |
| 458. zoography n | science of describing animals |
| 459. zygomorphic adj | with identical halves |
| 460. zymometer n | instrument for measuring fermentation |
