Uncover Words
  • Home
  • words
  • why we say that
  • language in culture
  • how to sound smarter
  • weird words
  • tricky grammar

words

idiosyncrasy

idiosyncrasy

noun A characteristic, habit, or mannerism that is peculiar to an individual.

abstemious

abstemious

adjective Characterized by self-denial or moderation, especially with respect to eating and drinking.

languid

languid

adjective Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.

petrichor

petrichor

noun The pleasant, earthy smell that arises when rain falls on dry soil.

coherent

coherent

adjective Logically connected; consistent and understandable.

resilient

resilient

adjective Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

mendacious

mendacious

adjective not telling the truth; lying.

pulchritudinous

pulchritudinous

adjective Physically beautiful; comely.

bibliopole

bibliopole

noun A person who buys and sells books, especially rare or valuable ones.

saudade

saudade

noun A profound emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves, often with a sense of loss.

ethnography

ethnography

noun The scientific description of the customs of individual peoples and cultures.

iconoclast

iconoclast

noun A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs or institutions.

teleological

teleological

adjective Relating to the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes.

anesthesia

anesthesia

noun A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical purposes, typically during surgical procedures.

exuberant

exuberant

adjective filled with or characterized by lively energy and excitement.

diligent

diligent

adjective Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.

evanescent

evanescent

adjective Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.

ontology

ontology

noun The branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being.

paleontology

paleontology

noun The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

colitis

colitis

noun Inflammation of the inner lining of the colon.

hypotension

hypotension

noun A condition in which blood pressure is abnormally low.

abundant

abundant

adjective existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.

protean

protean

adjective Able to change or adapt frequently and easily.

heuristic

heuristic

adjective Enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves.

cardiology

cardiology

noun the branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.

brisk

brisk

adjective Quick and active; lively.

hemorrhage

hemorrhage

noun/verb An escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, which can occur either internally or externally.

apathetic

apathetic

adjective showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

obloquy

obloquy

noun Abusive language or slander; a state of disgrace resulting from public criticism.

diabetes

diabetes

noun A metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) due to inadequate insulin production, insulin action, or both.

palliate

palliate

verb To alleviate or lessen the severity of something, especially without curing it.

effulgent

effulgent

adjective Shining brightly; radiant.

ubiquitin

ubiquitin

noun A small protein that plays a key role in regulating the degradation of other proteins within cells.

nadir

nadir

noun The lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization.

frisson

frisson

noun A sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill.

eclectic

eclectic

adjective Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

weltschmerz

weltschmerz

noun A feeling of melancholy and world-weariness.

perspicuity

perspicuity

noun The quality of being clear and easily understood.

witty

witty

adjective Possessing or demonstrating quick and inventive verbal humor.

pragmatic

pragmatic

adjective Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

lagniappe

lagniappe

noun A little gift or bonus given to a customer by a seller, especially in certain regions of the United States.

obdurate

obdurate

adjective Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

sincere

sincere

adjective Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.

antedate

antedate

verb To precede in time; to have an earlier date than something else.

adroit

adroit

adjective Skillful and adept in the use of the hands or mind.

endoscopy

endoscopy

noun A medical procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity in the body.

delicate

delicate

adjective Easily broken or damaged; fragile.

gynecology

gynecology

noun A branch of medicine that deals with the functions and diseases specific to women and girls, particularly those affecting the reproductive system.

dermatology

dermatology

noun The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.

abhor

abhor

verb To regard with disgust and hatred.

efficient

efficient

adjective Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.

persnickety

persnickety

adjective Finicky or particular about details; hard to please.

affluent

affluent

adjective Having a great deal of money; wealthy.

cartography

cartography

noun The science or practice of drawing maps.

vexatious

vexatious

adjective Causing or likely to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry.

anodyne

anodyne

adjective Not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so.

juxtapose

juxtapose

verb To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.

hiraeth

hiraeth

noun A deep, wistful longing for a home or place that may never have existed or may never be returned to.

erudite

erudite

adjective Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

superfluous

superfluous

adjective Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.

ambivalent

ambivalent

adjective having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

quixotic

quixotic

adjective Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

perspicacious

perspicacious

adjective Having a ready insight into and understanding of things; keenly perceptive.

quintessential

quintessential

adjective Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

jocund

jocund

adjective Cheerful and lighthearted; characterized by a happy disposition.

mellifluous

mellifluous

adjective Having a smooth, rich flow; pleasing to the ear.

frivolous

frivolous

adjective Not having any serious purpose or value.

fastidious

fastidious

adjective Showing or demanding excessive care or attention to detail.

ascetic

ascetic

adjective characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

veracity

veracity

noun Conformity to facts; accuracy or truthfulness.

ameliorate

ameliorate

verb To make something better or improve a situation.

arduous

arduous

adjective Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

anachronism

anachronism

noun A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists.

algorithm

algorithm

noun A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or problem-solving operations, often by a computer.

zeitgeist

zeitgeist

noun The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

oncology

oncology

noun The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

congenial

congenial

adjective Pleasant and agreeable because suited to one's taste or inclination.

ephemeral

ephemeral

adjective lasting for a very short time

pellucid

pellucid

adjective transmitting light; able to be seen through; clear.

procrastinate

procrastinate

verb To delay or postpone action; to put off doing something.

cathartic

cathartic

adjective Providing psychological relief through the expression of strong emotions.

insipid

insipid

adjective Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest.

homogeneous

homogeneous

adjective Consisting of parts or elements that are all of the same kind.

chiaroscuro

chiaroscuro

noun The treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting.

geotag

geotag

verb To attach geographical identification metadata to various media such as photographs, videos, or websites.

eldritch

eldritch

adjective Weird and sinister or ghostly.

prognosis

prognosis

noun A forecast or prediction, especially concerning the outcome of a disease or medical condition.

excoriate

excoriate

verb To criticize severely and publicly.

gossamer

gossamer

adjective A fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders, often seen in the early morning dew.

myopic

myopic

adjective Lacking foresight or discernment; narrow-minded.

flibbertigibbet

flibbertigibbet

noun A frivolous, flighty, or excessively talkative person.

effulgence

effulgence

noun A brilliant radiance; a shining forth.

resplendent

resplendent

adjective Shining brilliantly; radiant.

incognito

incognito

adverb / adjective In disguise or using a false identity.

nebulous

nebulous

adjective Vague or ill-defined; lacking a definite form or limits.

anfractuous

anfractuous

adjective having many twists and turns; winding.

gastroenteritis

gastroenteritis

noun Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

xenization

xenization

noun The process of becoming a stranger or feeling alienated in a new environment.

inchoate

inchoate

adjective Just begun and not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.

versatile

versatile

adjective able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.

arthroscopy

arthroscopy

noun A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems.

cabal

cabal

noun A secret political faction or a group of conspirators.

efflorescence

efflorescence

noun the state or period of flowering; a crystalline deposit of salts that can occur on the surface of concrete, brick, or stone.

staid

staid

adjective sedate, respectable, and unadventurous

oleaginous

oleaginous

adjective Rich in, covered with, or producing oil; also, insincerely suave or ingratiating.

plethora

plethora

noun A large or excessive amount of something.

obsequious

obsequious

adjective Excessively eager to please or obey; overly submissive.

abstain

abstain

verb To deliberately choose not to do something.

sciamachy

sciamachy

noun The act of fighting with shadows or imaginary enemies.

quiescent

quiescent

adjective In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.

bibliophile

bibliophile

noun A person who loves or collects books, especially as examples of fine or unique printing, binding, or the arts.

peregrinate

peregrinate

verb to travel or wander around, especially in a foreign country.

ambiguous

ambiguous

adjective Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

synchrony

synchrony

noun The state of occurring at the same time or rate.

avarice

avarice

noun Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

pensive

pensive

adjective Engaged in deep or serious thought, often marked by a wistful or reflective quality.

xenodochial

xenodochial

adjective hospitable, especially to strangers or newcomers

quell

quell

verb To put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force.

effervescent

effervescent

adjective Bubbling with high spirits; vivacious.

conundrum

conundrum

noun A confusing and difficult problem or question.

querulous

querulous

adjective Characterized by a complaining or whining demeanor.

ephemeron

ephemeron

noun A short-lived organism or entity, especially one that exists for a very brief period.

malware

malware

noun Malware is software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

tachycardia

tachycardia

noun An abnormally rapid heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate of over 100 beats per minute.

expedite

expedite

verb To make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.

hegemony

hegemony

noun Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.

benevolent

benevolent

adjective well-meaning and kindly; characterized by a desire to help others.

imbroglio

imbroglio

noun A complicated and confusing situation or a misunderstanding.

extol

extol

verb To praise enthusiastically.

flabbergasted

flabbergasted

adjective Extremely surprised or shocked.

dysphagia

dysphagia

noun Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.

ophthalmologist

ophthalmologist

noun A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.

epiphany

epiphany

noun A moment of sudden revelation or insight.

scintilla

scintilla

noun A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.

dyspnea

dyspnea

noun Difficult or labored breathing.

pulmonology

pulmonology

noun the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the respiratory system.

catharsis

catharsis

noun The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

bronchitis

bronchitis

noun Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.

ontogeny

ontogeny

noun the development of an individual organism from the earliest stage to maturity.

visceral

visceral

adjective Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect.

enervate

enervate

verb To weaken or drain of energy or vitality.

arrhythmia

arrhythmia

noun A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

garrulity

garrulity

noun excessive talkativeness, especially on trivial matters

panacea

panacea

noun A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.

cacophony

cacophony

noun A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

mercurial

mercurial

adjective Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

anomaly

anomaly

noun something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

paragon

paragon

noun A model of excellence or perfection of a kind; a perfect example.

eschatology

eschatology

noun The study of the end of the world, particularly in a religious context, focusing on ultimate events and the destiny of humanity.

auspicious

auspicious

adjective Conducive to success; favorable.

uliginous

uliginous

adjective Relating to or characterized by swampy or marshy conditions; muddy.

inveigle

inveigle

verb To persuade someone to do something by means of deception or flattery.

fortuitous

fortuitous

adjective happening by accident or chance rather than by design.

buoyant

buoyant

adjective Able to float in a liquid or rise in the air.

ineffable

ineffable

adjective Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

hacktivist

hacktivist

noun A person who uses technology, particularly hacking, to promote political ends or social change.

efficacious

efficacious

adjective Having the ability to produce a desired or intended result.

misanthrope

misanthrope

noun A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.

affable

affable

adjective Friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to.

equanimity

equanimity

noun Mental calmness, stability, or composure, especially in a difficult situation.

intransigent

intransigent

adjective Refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.

alacrity

alacrity

noun Brisk and cheerful readiness to do something.

chicanery

chicanery

noun The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.

tolerant

tolerant

adjective Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.

acrimony

acrimony

noun Bitterness or ill feeling.

ubiquitous

ubiquitous

adjective present, appearing, or found everywhere

apoplectic

apoplectic

adjective overcome with anger; extremely indignant.

heliocentric

heliocentric

adjective Relating to or measured from the sun as the center.

pneumothorax

pneumothorax

noun A pneumothorax is a medical condition that occurs when air enters the pleural cavity, causing the lung to collapse.

nonplussed

nonplussed

adjective Surprised and confused so much that one is unsure how to react.

mawkish

mawkish

adjective Characterized by sickly sentimentality; overly sentimental.

nepotism

nepotism

noun The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

diachronic

diachronic

adjective relating to the changes in language or culture over time.

sesquipedalian

sesquipedalian

adjective Characterized by the use of long words; often used to describe a person who uses long words.

neurology

neurology

noun The branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.

meticulous

meticulous

adjective Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

myriad

myriad

noun/adjective A countless or extremely great number.

malfeasance

malfeasance

noun The performance of a wrongful or unlawful act, particularly by a public official.

symbiosis

symbiosis

noun A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.

nephrology

nephrology

noun The branch of medicine that deals with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys.

susurrus

susurrus

noun A soft, murmuring, or rustling sound.

vlog

vlog

noun/verb A video blog or a blog that includes video content.

ischemia

ischemia

noun A condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to a part of the body, often resulting in tissue damage.

quidnunc

quidnunc

noun A person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip.

bucolic

bucolic

adjective Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.

phishing

phishing

noun The act of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications.

eloquent

eloquent

adjective Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.

obfuscation

obfuscation

noun The act of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

disingenuous

disingenuous

adjective Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

garrulous

garrulous

adjective Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

grandiose

grandiose

adjective Impressive and imposing in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so.

extemporaneous

extemporaneous

adjective Done without preparation or forethought; impromptu.

antediluvian

antediluvian

adjective Of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood.

disparate

disparate

adjective essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

pulchritude

pulchritude

noun Physical beauty; comeliness.

orthopedics

orthopedics

noun A branch of medicine concerned with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.

hermeneutics

hermeneutics

noun The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of the Bible or literary texts.

ophthalmology

ophthalmology

noun The branch of medicine and surgery that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.

abstruse

abstruse

adjective Difficult to understand; obscure.

acerbic

acerbic

adjective sharp and forthright in tone or manner; bitter or sarcastic.

cosmogony

cosmogony

noun a theory or story of the origin and development of the universe.

ennui

ennui

noun A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

endocrinologist

endocrinologist

noun A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system, which includes glands that produce hormones.

reliable

reliable

adjective Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.

enigma

enigma

noun A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

psychiatry

psychiatry

noun The branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

inane

inane

adjective Silly or stupid; lacking sense or meaning.

paragenesis

paragenesis

noun The process of the formation of minerals in a rock, particularly in relation to the effects of temperature, pressure, and chemical composition.

dichotomy

dichotomy

noun A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

hypertension

hypertension

noun A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, often referred to as high blood pressure.

pulmonary

pulmonary

adjective Relating to the lungs.

pneumonia

pneumonia

noun A serious illness that affects the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid accumulation, which leads to difficulty in breathing.

pervasive

pervasive

adjective Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.

cryptic

cryptic

adjective having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

precipice

precipice

noun A very steep rock face or cliff.

vituperate

vituperate

verb To criticize someone or something very harshly or with great anger.

runcible

runcible

adjective An often whimsical term used to describe a type of fork or spoon that is not a standard utensil, typically associated with a playful or nonsensical context.

epistemology

epistemology

noun The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and limits of knowledge.

inoculate

inoculate

verb To introduce a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease.

capitulate

capitulate

verb To cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to surrender.

altruistic

altruistic

adjective Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

bellicose

bellicose

adjective Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.

quandary

quandary

noun A state of perplexity or doubt; a situation in which one must choose between equally unfavorable options.

tenebrous

tenebrous

adjective dark, shadowy, or obscure; characterized by darkness or gloom.

heinous

heinous

adjective Utterly odious or wicked; shockingly evil.

migraine

migraine

noun A recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision.

impetuous

impetuous

adjective acting or done quickly and without thought or care.

prosaic

prosaic

adjective Having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty.

vicarious

vicarious

adjective experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.

amiable

amiable

adjective Having a friendly and pleasant manner.

acrimonious

acrimonious

adjective Angry and bitter in tone or behavior.

syllogism

syllogism

noun A form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises).

juxtaposition

juxtaposition

noun The act or placement of two things (usually abstract concepts, though it can also refer to physical objects) near each other.

insouciant

insouciant

adjective Showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent.

peripatetic

peripatetic

adjective traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods.

inquisitive

inquisitive

adjective having or showing an eager desire to know or learn.

ostentatious

ostentatious

adjective Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.

belligerent

belligerent

adjective hostile and aggressive

soliloquy

soliloquy

noun An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone or regardless of any hearers, especially in a play.

elision

elision

noun The omission of a sound or syllable when speaking.

wheedle

wheedle

verb To persuade someone to do something or give one something by flattery or coaxing.

intrepid

intrepid

adjective Fearless and adventurous; showing great bravery.

abrogate

abrogate

verb To repeal or do away with a law, right, or formal agreement.

fledgling

fledgling

noun A young bird that has just acquired its feathers and is learning to fly.

plausible

plausible

adjective Seemingly reasonable or probable; appearing to be true or valid.

resolute

resolute

adjective Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

defenestrate

defenestrate

verb To throw someone or something out of a window.

halcyon

halcyon

adjective denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.

vibrant

vibrant

adjective Full of energy and enthusiasm; bright and striking in color.

exonerate

exonerate

verb To clear someone from blame or fault; to absolve.

Uncover Words is where curiosity about language comes to life. Explore thousands of word definitions, get your daily dose of vocabulary with our Word of the Day email, and dive into fascinating articles across topics like Why We Say That, Language in Culture, How To Sound Smarter, Weird Words, and Tricky Grammar. Whether you're here to learn, laugh, or level up your language, there's always something worth uncovering.

Subscribe

Subscribe to Uncover Words's daily email:

By subscribing to Uncover Words you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Pages
  • About
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Email Preferences
  • Unsubscribe

Copyright © All rights reserved | This template is made with by Colorlib