Magnanimity (noun)
the quality or state of being generous.
Always known for his magnanimity, John Fenson left his family with a sizeable inheritance after his death.
Always known for his magnanimity, John Fenson left his family with a sizeable inheritance after his death.
Magnification (noun)
enlargement; the act of making something bigger.
Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent.
Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent.
Magnitude (noun)
the quality of being enormous.
No could have predicted beforehand the magnitude of the earthquake which was to occur in Alaska.
No could have predicted beforehand the magnitude of the earthquake which was to occur in Alaska.
Mainstream (noun)
the prevailing trend, fashion, etc.
Following Thriller, Quincy Jones worked on fewer mainstream dance projects outside of Michael Jackson's Bad.
Following Thriller, Quincy Jones worked on fewer mainstream dance projects outside of Michael Jackson's Bad.
Majestic (adjective)
large and impressive in size, scope, or extent.
A majestic movie theater built in Hollywood fifty years ago has finally been torn down.
A majestic movie theater built in Hollywood fifty years ago has finally been torn down.
Makeshift (adjective)
characterized as an usually crude and temporary substitute for something: resource.
“We want to make people aware that the captive-bred seahorse is a much better buy," said production manager Ken Maher, from the makeshift laboratory in Connemara,west Ireland.
“We want to make people aware that the captive-bred seahorse is a much better buy," said production manager Ken Maher, from the makeshift laboratory in Connemara,west Ireland.
Malfunction (noun)
to work improperly due to mechanical difficulties.
At the lower end of the esophagus, a one way valve (the esophageal sphincter) prevents the backsplash of stomach contents upward into the esophagus. A malfunction of this valve is the most common cause of heartburn.
At the lower end of the esophagus, a one way valve (the esophageal sphincter) prevents the backsplash of stomach contents upward into the esophagus. A malfunction of this valve is the most common cause of heartburn.
Malice (noun)
a desire to harm others or to see others suffer.
The way the argument played out proved that the customer had convincingly showed malice toward the worker.
The way the argument played out proved that the customer had convincingly showed malice toward the worker.
Malnutrition (noun)
faulty or inadequate nourishment needed to sustain life.
An anorexic person, with protruding ribs and resembling a skeleton, often has to be hospitalized for malnutrition and forced to eat.
An anorexic person, with protruding ribs and resembling a skeleton, often has to be hospitalized for malnutrition and forced to eat.
Manageable (adjective)
capable of being governed.
Because enrollment must be kept to a manageable level, early application at a university of your choice is recommended.
Because enrollment must be kept to a manageable level, early application at a university of your choice is recommended.
Mandate (verb)
an authoritative indication to be obeyed.
On December 5, 1955, five days after Montgomery civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to obey the city's rules mandating segregation on buses, black residents launched a bus boycott and elected King as president of the newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association.
On December 5, 1955, five days after Montgomery civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to obey the city's rules mandating segregation on buses, black residents launched a bus boycott and elected King as president of the newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association.
Maneuver (noun)
an action calculated to achieve an end.
Before the invention of the Heimlich maneuver, choking on food was a common cause of accidental death in humans, causing 6,000 deaths a year in the United States.
Before the invention of the Heimlich maneuver, choking on food was a common cause of accidental death in humans, causing 6,000 deaths a year in the United States.
Mangle (verb)
to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude; characterized as being injured with deep disfiguring wounds by cutting, tearing, or crushing.
He saw a man's mangled body almost completely inside his car -- head on the floorboard, torso in the air and a severed leg on the center console.
He saw a man's mangled body almost completely inside his car -- head on the floorboard, torso in the air and a severed leg on the center console.
Manifestation (noun)
an act of showing or displaying.
However, better of the disorder has led to the development of better coping mechanisms and strategies for the various manifestations of the disability.
However, better of the disorder has led to the development of better coping mechanisms and strategies for the various manifestations of the disability.
Manipulate (verb)
to control one’s own advantage by artful or indirect means.
Chimpanzees have been taught some hand signs based on American Sign Language, to manipulate colored switches or tokens, and to understand some spoken commands.
Chimpanzees have been taught some hand signs based on American Sign Language, to manipulate colored switches or tokens, and to understand some spoken commands.
Manual (noun)
a book of instructions.
A manual on how to repair a slipping transmission has been sent to auto repair shops all over the country.
A manual on how to repair a slipping transmission has been sent to auto repair shops all over the country.
Manufacture (noun)
to create by forming, combining, or altering materials.
Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert the light energy into stored energy.
Because green plants can manufacture their own food, plants are called autographs or self-nourishing.
Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert the light energy into stored energy.
Because green plants can manufacture their own food, plants are called autographs or self-nourishing.
Manure (noun)
material that fertilizes land; especially: refuse of stables and barnyards consisting of livestock excreta with or without litter.
Leaving germs behind, the housefly is a common pest and disease carrier that lays eggs in garbage and manure.
Leaving germs behind, the housefly is a common pest and disease carrier that lays eggs in garbage and manure.
Map out (verb)
to show graphically the direction or location of, as by using coordinates.
At least thirteen acres of a large underground body of water known as the Lost Sea have been mapped out, and still divers have found no end to the lake.
At least thirteen acres of a large underground body of water known as the Lost Sea have been mapped out, and still divers have found no end to the lake.
Margin (noun)
a fairly narrow line or space forming a boundary.
If your method of recitation included note taking in the left hand margins of your notebook, write questions for the notes you have taken.
If your method of recitation included note taking in the left hand margins of your notebook, write questions for the notes you have taken.
Marine (adjective)
of or relating to the seas or oceans.
Seals move more efficiently in a marine environment.
Seals move more efficiently in a marine environment.
Marketplace (noun)
an open space in a town where goods are offered for sale.
Because to compete in the emerging global economy, city-states have no choice: they must mobilize all their skills to protect their center cities, grow smarter, protect their air and water, achieve more social equity, and train their workforce to excel in an increasingly competitive world marketplace.
Because to compete in the emerging global economy, city-states have no choice: they must mobilize all their skills to protect their center cities, grow smarter, protect their air and water, achieve more social equity, and train their workforce to excel in an increasingly competitive world marketplace.
Marsh (noun)
a usually low-lying area of waterlogged ground and standing water.
Although fires are thought to be destructive and dangerous, many plants, such as scrub, marshes and pine flat woods depend on fire in order to survive.
Although fires are thought to be destructive and dangerous, many plants, such as scrub, marshes and pine flat woods depend on fire in order to survive.
Massacre (noun)
the savage killing of many victims.
Adams's innate conservatism made him determined in 1770 that the British soldier accused of the Boston Massacre was to receive a fair hearing.
Adams's innate conservatism made him determined in 1770 that the British soldier accused of the Boston Massacre was to receive a fair hearing.
Masterpiece (noun)
a work done with extraordinary skill.
For thousands of years, mythology has provided material for much of the world's great art. Myths and mythological characters have inspired masterpieces of architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.
For thousands of years, mythology has provided material for much of the world's great art. Myths and mythological characters have inspired masterpieces of architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.
Maternity (noun)
relating to being a mother, or motherhood.
Two months before the birth of her cubs, a mother polar bear instinctively begins to dig a maternity den.
Two months before the birth of her cubs, a mother polar bear instinctively begins to dig a maternity den.
Mate (verb)
to engage in sexual intercourse; to copulate
After the black widow mates, she devours her partner.
Maturity (noun)
adulthood; ripeness
In many countries, there is discrepancy as to what age children reach maturity.
Measure (noun)
the formal product of a legislative or judicial body.
In 1761, John Adams began to think and write and act against British measures that he believed infringed on colonial liberties and the right of Massachusetts and the other colonies to self-government.
In 1761, John Adams began to think and write and act against British measures that he believed infringed on colonial liberties and the right of Massachusetts and the other colonies to self-government.
Medial (adjective)
situated in the middle; at, near, or being the center.
The anterior cruciate ligament, located in the medial part of the knee structure, helps to stabilize the knee when a person is in an upright position.
The anterior cruciate ligament, located in the medial part of the knee structure, helps to stabilize the knee when a person is in an upright position.
Median (noun)
something, as a type, number, quantity, or degree, that represents a midpoint between extremes on a scale of valuation.
Stated more precisely, the median is a number that neither exceeds nor is exceeded by more than half of the bservations.
Stated more precisely, the median is a number that neither exceeds nor is exceeded by more than half of the bservations.
Meditation (noun)
the act or process of thinking.
Don Quixote is an Aristotelian meditation on the nature of literature and the role of the writer in society.
Don Quixote is an Aristotelian meditation on the nature of literature and the role of the writer in society.
Menace (noun)
regarded as a danger to someone or something.
Causing many respiratory illnesses, automobile exhaust is a menace to human health.
Causing many respiratory illnesses, automobile exhaust is a menace to human health.
Menstrual (adjective)
process of ovulation and menstruation in female primates.
An anorexic girl weighs at least 15 percent less than her ideal weight, has an extreme fear of gaining weight, and has missed at least three consecutive menstrual periods.
An anorexic girl weighs at least 15 percent less than her ideal weight, has an extreme fear of gaining weight, and has missed at least three consecutive menstrual periods.
Merely (adverb)
and nothing else or nothing more.
Bats' wings are modifications of the hands of the common mammalian ancestor; flying squirrels' wings are modifications of its rib cage. The two structures are merely analogous: similar in function.
Merry-making(noun)Bats' wings are modifications of the hands of the common mammalian ancestor; flying squirrels' wings are modifications of its rib cage. The two structures are merely analogous: similar in function.
the act of showing happy satisfaction in an event; joyful, exuberant activity.
Meanwhile, at the Union camp at Shiloh, the Federal troops spent a day drilling and merry-making. Hundreds went for a swim in Owl Creek. Others rested.
Meanwhile, at the Union camp at Shiloh, the Federal troops spent a day drilling and merry-making. Hundreds went for a swim in Owl Creek. Others rested.
Metabolize (verb)
to change a substance, i.e., food, and its chemical nature so that it can be used for another purpose.
When Starch is digested, our body hydrolyzes it to glucose. The glucose is then metabolized and used for energy.
When Starch is digested, our body hydrolyzes it to glucose. The glucose is then metabolized and used for energy.
Metallic (adjective)
consisting or characteristic of metal; having the sheen or luster of metals.
To make the appearance of his automobile more attractive, the owner had his car painted a metallic green.
To make the appearance of his automobile more attractive, the owner had his car painted a metallic green.
Meticulous (adjective)
showing or marked by attentiveness to all aspects or details.
Professor Brown, known for meticulous attention to detail, gives exams consisting of more than 250 questions.
Professor Brown, known for meticulous attention to detail, gives exams consisting of more than 250 questions.
Metropolis (noun)
a large and important town.
The world’s lead city-states are its greatest metropolises – New York, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and their global "command and control" competitors, spread from Chicago to Singapore.
The world’s lead city-states are its greatest metropolises – New York, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and their global "command and control" competitors, spread from Chicago to Singapore.
Migrate (verb)
an object which travels from one place to a new place; to leave one’s native land and to settle in another.
The lunar surface is bombarded with water rich objects such as comets, and scientists have suspected that some of the water in these objects could migrate to permanently dark areas at the lunar poles, perhaps accumulating to useable quantities.
The lunar surface is bombarded with water rich objects such as comets, and scientists have suspected that some of the water in these objects could migrate to permanently dark areas at the lunar poles, perhaps accumulating to useable quantities.
Mild (adjective)
free from extremes in temperature; free from severity or violence, as in movement.
Most people have observed mild dissociative episodes in which they lose touch with their surroundings. Examples include daydreaming, highway hypnosis, or losing oneself in a movie or book.
Most people have observed mild dissociative episodes in which they lose touch with their surroundings. Examples include daydreaming, highway hypnosis, or losing oneself in a movie or book.
Milestone (noun)
significant event or stage in a person’s life.
Since the ability to achieve competency varies to a great degree in adults and less so in children (who possess the same high proficiency capabilities), does this not in itself suggest an overall pattern of ability set on by age? Perhaps, the onset of a sensitive period changes according to the individual just as growth patterns and personal milestones are reached at different times in one’s life.
Since the ability to achieve competency varies to a great degree in adults and less so in children (who possess the same high proficiency capabilities), does this not in itself suggest an overall pattern of ability set on by age? Perhaps, the onset of a sensitive period changes according to the individual just as growth patterns and personal milestones are reached at different times in one’s life.
Millennium (noun)
a period of 1,000 years.
Indeed, fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident has turned up in ice cores, as has dust from violent desert storms countless millennia ago.
Indeed, fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident has turned up in ice cores, as has dust from violent desert storms countless millennia ago.
Mingle (noun)
to take part in social activities.
From time to time, a worker should mingle with other co-workers at Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s parties.
From time to time, a worker should mingle with other co-workers at Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s parties.
Misconception (noun)
to be mistaken in judgment.
One of the common misconceptions many job seekers have, especially recent graduates, is that a degree automatically means more money or a certain amount of it.
One of the common misconceptions many job seekers have, especially recent graduates, is that a degree automatically means more money or a certain amount of it.
Misnomer (noun)
a wrong name or designation.
Fixed-rate cards, meanwhile, are something of a misnomer, since their rates aren't actually fixed.
Fixed-rate cards, meanwhile, are something of a misnomer, since their rates aren't actually fixed.
Mnemonic (adjective)
a technique or system of improving the memory by the use of certain formulas.
Develop mnemonic devices for material which needs to be memorized.
Develop mnemonic devices for material which needs to be memorized.
Mobilize (verb)
to assemble, prepare, or put into operation, as for war or a similar emergency.
Although increasingly portrayed as the pre-eminent black spokesperson, King did not mobilize mass protest activity during the first five years after the Montgomery boycott ended.
Although increasingly portrayed as the pre-eminent black spokesperson, King did not mobilize mass protest activity during the first five years after the Montgomery boycott ended.
Moderate (verb)
to make or become less severe; to become less active or intense.
The union has hired someone to moderate the arguments between the faculty and the administration.
The union has hired someone to moderate the arguments between the faculty and the administration.
Moisture (noun)
water or other liquid causing a slight dampness or wetness.
The child sleeps on a pad that buzzes loudly the moment it detects moisture.
The child sleeps on a pad that buzzes loudly the moment it detects moisture.
Molecule (noun)
the smallest particle of an element or compound.
This process of breaking down large molecules into their smallest parts so our body can use them is termed digestion.
This process of breaking down large molecules into their smallest parts so our body can use them is termed digestion.
Molest (verb)
to make annoying sexual advances to; especially: to force physical and sexual contact.
A California man was charged with molesting his daughters almost 50 years ago.
A California man was charged with molesting his daughters almost 50 years ago.
Momentum (noun)
a strength or force that keeps growing.
If it impacted the earth with enough momentum and if it was large enough, a meteorite could cause the extinction of the human species.
If it impacted the earth with enough momentum and if it was large enough, a meteorite could cause the extinction of the human species.
Monopoly (noun)
exclusive control or possession.
Even though Thomas Jefferson was against most forms of monopoly, he believed that an invention should be protected from attempts to copy it.
Even though Thomas Jefferson was against most forms of monopoly, he believed that an invention should be protected from attempts to copy it.
Morale (noun)
mental attitudes of a person, especially with regards to confidence and discipline.
It is important to have high morale in a company so that productivity remains high.
It is important to have high morale in a company so that productivity remains high.
Morpheme (noun)
the smallest meaningful unit of speech.
A word may contain more than one morpheme, as in antiestablishment, in which there are three morphemes.
A word may contain more than one morpheme, as in antiestablishment, in which there are three morphemes.
Mortality (noun)
the condition of being mortal; especially the nature of man, as having the nature to die.
Of 14 studies on the mortality of firefighters, 11 found excess risk for brain cancer.
Of 14 studies on the mortality of firefighters, 11 found excess risk for brain cancer.
Mortar (noun)
a mixture of cement, lime, or gypsum plaster with sand and water that hardens and is used in masonry or plastering.
From a physicist’s point of view, the fermions are the bricks on which the world is built, and the bosons are the mortar that binds them together.
From a physicist’s point of view, the fermions are the bricks on which the world is built, and the bosons are the mortar that binds them together.
Mount (verb)
to set on something that elevates.
Wheels mounted on a frame over a river were the first devices used to harness water power.
Wheels mounted on a frame over a river were the first devices used to harness water power.
Movingly (adverb)
so as a general arousing or stirring of the emotions or feelings.
Talking movingly to her father upon departure, Karen told him that she would return in two years.
Talking movingly to her father upon departure, Karen told him that she would return in two years.
Multiethnic (adjective)
having to do with people in a society or community of many different nationalities.
The sociological perspective is crucial for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environment.
The sociological perspective is crucial for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environment.
Municipal (adjective)
belonging to a city.
Although aluminum is less than one percent of the nation's municipal solid waste stream, it remains one of the most valuable recyclable materials.
Although aluminum is less than one percent of the nation's municipal solid waste stream, it remains one of the most valuable recyclable materials.
Murkiness (noun)
a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke; the act of being darkly vague or obscure.
But the idea of securing a "critical mass" of underrepresented students, which the court endorsed, may create more murkiness about limits of race-based school policies, critics say.
But the idea of securing a "critical mass" of underrepresented students, which the court endorsed, may create more murkiness about limits of race-based school policies, critics say.
Mushroom (verb)
to well up and spread out laterally from a central source; to become enlarged or extended; to spring up suddenly or multiply rapidly.
As the Earth’s population continues to mushroom, can ways be found to manage natural resources without causing ecological collapse?
As the Earth’s population continues to mushroom, can ways be found to manage natural resources without causing ecological collapse?
Muster (verb)
to come together; to assemble, prepare, or put into operation.
While in France, he would sometimes go to the café that James Joyce would frequent, but the interminably shy Faulkner never mustered the nerve to speak to him.
While in France, he would sometimes go to the café that James Joyce would frequent, but the interminably shy Faulkner never mustered the nerve to speak to him.
Mutation (noun)
the process or result of making or becoming different.
Driven by dizzying mutations in medical costs, program directors and staff ponder the disruptive dynamism of these new reforms.
Driven by dizzying mutations in medical costs, program directors and staff ponder the disruptive dynamism of these new reforms.
Muzzle (noun)
a device, as of straps, fastened over the mouth of an animal to prevent its biting or eating.
Dogs should wear muzzles when they are certain to have contact with other dogs and children.
Dogs should wear muzzles when they are certain to have contact with other dogs and children.
Mystical (adjective)
difficult to explain or understand.
Coconut trees possess the mystical ability to conjure up a tropical paradise atmosphere wherever they may be found.
Coconut trees possess the mystical ability to conjure up a tropical paradise atmosphere wherever they may be found.
Mythology (noun)
a body of traditional beliefs and notions accumulated about a particular subject.
In Roman mythology, Mercury is the god of commerce, travel and thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the Gods.
In Roman mythology, Mercury is the god of commerce, travel and thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the Gods.